Walter FitzGilbert de Hamilton

INTRODUCTION

This article aims to make certain the strong suggestion, made in previous posts, that Michael Holland of Goochland was the son of Thomas Holland and Elizabeth Kettleby.

1. Michael Holland, of Pickthorne, b. ca. 1581, d. 1655, m. (1) July 30, 1611 at Chelmarsh, Jane Detton, d. 1632.
1.1. John Holland, m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Hill, of Bickley, and Katherine (b. ca. 1582), dau. of John Purslowe, of Sudbury, and his second wife (m. Feb. 1576/7), Dorothy, dau. of George Blount, of Kinlet, and Constance Talbot, sister of Margaret Talbot, who m. (1) Sir Richard Ligon, of Arle, Madresfield, Worcestershire, son of William Ligon and Eleanor Dennis. A branch of the Cocke family of Stottesdon, and families of Meek and Nash, were tenants of the Scudamores in Herefordshire, in places ca. 20-30 miles from Stottesdon. John Viscount Scudamore, 1601-1671, m. Elizabeth Porter, who was a heiress of Sir Arthur Porter* (ca. 1565–1630) of Llantony Abbey. Elizabeth was the sister of Sir Thomas Porter, who m. Ann, dau. of Richard Denys of Dyrham, whose family were extensively connected to the Ligon family through multiple marriages in the 16th century, details as follows.
When Virginia records show Major William Harris as a neighbour of William Baugh it was not happenchance. He was the second-cousin of Henry Baugh, of Aldon Court, bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, who m. Alice Holland, in 1602, dau. of Francis Holland, and Thomasin Russell, brother of Thomas Holland, who married Alice, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of Bremo; they the parents of Michael Holland, aforesaid.
1.1.1. Thomas Holland, bapt. May 15, 1648, bur. Dec. 29, 1694, in Nene Savage, m. Elizabeth Kettleby, in Stottesdon, April 9, 1678, dau. of Thomas Kettleby and Ann Littleton, who was, thus, the sister of Thomas Kettleby clerk, and Littleton Kettleby. The former was the rector of Avenbury, Herefordshire (ca. 25 miles from Sottesdon), recorded in the case of Kettleby v Corbett, in which depositions were taken on Qctober 14, 1681, at Bromyard, Herefordshire. Henry Meek and other deponents were brought in to prove the “immemorial custom” of the parish; essentially testifying about what their fathers and grandfathers had paid to previous rectors. Henry Meek was the cousin of William Meek, whose son, John Meek, was bapt. Feb. 28, 1685/6, son of William and Ann, who was almost certainly the father of Martha Meek, who m. John Holland*. Henry Meek was the son of Edward Meek, recorded here: Meeke v Nash. Plaintiffs: Edward Meeke. Defendants: Henry Wright, (John) Nash and others.Place or subject: property in Stretton and Ashperton, Herefordshire.
1.1.1.1. Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1.1.1. *John Holland, m. Martha Meek/s
1.1.1.1.1.2. Alice Hollnd, m. Henry Nash, identified hereinafter.
Essentially, familial bonds in Shropshire were mirrored over the border in Herefordshire. At this time, demarcation of counties was of little meaning to people, of more importance was the geographical vicinity in which families interacted. These familes included that of Baugh, recorded here: 1691, Baugh v Price. Plaintiffs: Rowland Baugh. Defendants: Mary Price widow and Margaret Muscote widow. Subject: personal estate of the deceased John Baugh, and manors of Nash and Little Brampton, and lands in Presteigne, Kington, Herefordshire, and in Onibury, Shropshire. This suggests he was a significant property owner whose death occurred shortly before or during this year, necessitating the probate or lawsuit. He may have been the son or grandson of Henry Baugh* and Alice Holland, who had several children in the early 17th century, including a son named John.
picture.

These people left behind a Rosetta stone by which to unravel lineage myths, which thrive on repetition, as distinct from genealogical deduction from continual intermarriages within kinship networks, which thrive on documentation. The continuation of associations between the families of English settlers in early Virginia decypher reality from myth.

What immediately follows is research data from which patterns of repeated associations can be identified, allowing genealogical deduction. This approach falls generally within what is termed the “naturalistic enquiry” method of research, in which the writer of this article obtained a higher degree. It is based, in part, on these criteria:

Human behavior cannot be understood if separated from its surrounding context. (Families othis period lived with an economic model based on mutual support from within their kinship network).
Rather than relying on pre-existing theory, researchers observe patterns to build theory from the ground up. (The majority of genealogical constructions of English settlers in early Virginia are built on old, untrustworthy ideas, which continue as narratives through the process of repetition (facilitated by internet search engines which amalgamate search results to provide the most numerically represented “answer”, not one that is conceptually sound).

The research data will then be synthesised to combine its elements into a unified theory of the genealogies of the families under consideration.

THE FAMILY OF MEEK/MEEKS/MEEKE

1. Henry Meek, b. ca. 1515, in Ledbury, Herefordshire. Browne v Meek. Plaintiffs: Eleanor Browne. Defendants: Henry Meeke the elder and his wife, Henry Meeke the younger, Thomas Jenings, John Keyse, John Beale the elder, John Beale the younger and others. County: Herefordshire (Marches of Wales). 1599. (STAC 5/B2/4).

(The wife of Richard Meek, grandfather of John Meek of Virginia: At Upton Bishop, Richard Meeke m. Margery Keyse 16 Apr. 1631. On 16 July 1631 Richard Meeke son of Richard Meeke and Margery was bap. at Upton Bishop. Other children of these parents bap. there are William, Margaret, Mary and John Meeke.A Keyse/Keys family, Scudamore tenants: C 115/15/583, Parties: John Keyse (Keys) the elder, Ursula his wife and John Keyse (Keys) the younger of the first part; Elizabeth Scudamore, spinster, of the second part; and John Furney and Richard Sill of the third part. Type of Document: Deed of covenant to levy and lead the uses of a fine. Places or Subject: Divers messuages and lands in Upton Bishopp (Upton Bishop) otherwise Bishopps Upton and Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire. Dates: 15 June 33 Chas II. – B.T. Shannon).

1.1. Henry Meek, b. ca. 1540.
1.2. Richard Meek, b. ca. 1540, br. also of (1) “Francis Meke, who m. Margaret Bronyng, Aug. 27, 1561, in Ledbury. (2) William Meke, whose son, William, was bapt. on March 25, 1564. Parties: William Meeks v Rowland Scudamore Esquire and William Scudamore Gentleman. Process out of the Court of Marches of Wales. 7 February 1 Chas I. 1631. (C 115/58/3980). (3) Margery Meke, who m. Robart Hope, Dec. 1, 1571 . (4) Kateren Meke, m. Rychard Gwill’um on Oct. 5, 1573, in Ledbury. (5) Thomas Meke, who m. Ann Hall, on Feb. 20, 1573/4, in Ledbury, having issue: John Meke, bapt. Jan. 1, 1574; John Watts and John Bond Godfathers, and “Marget Hall” Godmother.
1.2.1. “Syslye Meeke”, bapt.April 6, 1561, dau. of “Richard Meeke” of Ledbury. “Jhamys Raulens Godfather”, “Elzabethe Buckenell” Godmother.

1.2.2. Edward Meke, bapt. May 30, 1563, in Ledbury, Edward Threlkeld gent, William Meke Godfathers, Grace Bukley, Godmother. Edward Threlkeld (1526–1588) was a prominent clergyman and landowner who established a significant family presence in Herefordshire during the late 16th century. He held several “livings” (ecclesiastical positions) in the region, including at Tenbury and Much Marcle, which is is located ca.7 miles from Upton Bishop and 5 miles from Ledbury.

Like the Leightons and Scudamores, high-ranking church officials like Threlkeld often interacted with the Council of Wales and the Marches on matters of regional administration. Following his death in 1588, his family remained in the Herefordshire/Gloucestershire border area. A later Edward Threlkeld (1620–1689), likely a grandson, continued the family’s presence in the region of Ledbury/Upton Bishop, which made him a contemporary neighbour to the Meeke family of Ledbury and the episcopal lands of the Bishops of Hereford.
1.2.3. John Meke, bapt. June 20, 1565, “son of Rychard”. “John Stone and Henry Clarke Godfathers, Margery Threlkeld, gentlw. godmother

MEEK AND COCKE AS TENANTS OF THE SCUDAMORES.

1.2.4. Richard Meeke, b. ca. 1570. Parties: Sir John Scudamore of Holme Lacy, knight, to Richard Meeke (Meek): Lease for 21 years and counterpart thereof. Places or Subject: The manor or capital messuage called Coldborough in Upton Bishop and all lands, etc, thereto belonging, etc (except as therein excepted), Herefordshire. October 1, 2 Jas I. 1604. (C 115/33/1553-1554) . Parties: William Scudamore, John Scudamore, gent, his son and heir apparent, and Richard Meeke (Meek), to Rowland Scudamore of Treworgan, gent. Lease. Places or Subject: A messuage, lands, and hereditaments in Tretire, Michaelchurch, and St Weonards, some or one of them, Herefordshire. July 16, 12 Chas I. 1636. (C 115/36/2187 ). Parties: Richard Meeke (Meek) on behalf of John Viscount Scudamore and Richard Jones: Agreement concerning erecting a new mill at Llanthony, Gloucesrshire September 5, 10 Chas I., 1634. (C 115/26/1146).

Cockes v Scudamore. Plaintiffs: John Cockes*. Defendants: William Scudamore and Richard Meeke. Subject: property in Fawley, Herefordshire. 1631. (C 8/67/169). John Cockes (also recorded as John Cox or Cocks) was a local landowner or legal official in Herefordshire who was involved in a dispute over a mill with William Scudamore. He is likely the same John Cockes associated with the family’s holdings in areas like Crowle or the parish of Fownhope, where the Gwillim and Scudamore families also held significant land.

SCUDAMORE. PORTER, LIGON, AND HARRIS

John Viscount Scudamore, 1601-1671, m. Elizabeth Porter, who was a heiress of Sir Arthur Porter* (ca. 1565–1630) of Llantony Abbey (Llanthony Secunda), Gloucestershire, and Ann Danvers, dau. of John Danvers of Dauntsey. Elizabeth was the sister of Sir Thomas Porter, who m. Ann, dau. of Richard Denys of Dyrham, whose family were extensively connected to the Ligon family through multiple marriages in the 16th century. The sisters of Sir Walter Denys (father of Richard Denys) established major links between the two houses: Eleanor Denys (ca. 1515–1586), m.William Ligon of Madresfield in 1529. This marriage is genealogically significant as they are ancestors of the prominent “Ligon” family of Virginia). Katherine Denys (d. 1560), m. Roger Ligon (her third husband), the 8th son of Richard Ligon and Anne Beauchamp. Frances Dennis (b. 1560), a niece of Sir Walter Denys (daughter of his brother Hugh), m. Thomas Ligon in 1576, further reinforcing the bond between the families in the next generation. Their son was Thomas Ligon, who m. Elizabeth Pratt, having issue: Colonel Thomas Ligon, who m. Mary Harris, b. 1625 in Ludlow, who deposed to be 64 years of age in 1689 in Virginia, sister of Major William Harris, b. in 1627 in Ludlow, whose land there bordered that of Richard Cocke, secon-cousin of Alice Cock, ancestress of the Holland family of Burwarton, and, thus, of Michael Holland of Goochland.

John Scudamore was a member of the Council of Wales and the Marches from 1623, and would have had strong political and social connections to other members, such as the Leighton family of Shropshire (specifically from Plash and Wattlesborough) were also active in the administration of the Council of the Marches during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. William Leighton (d. 1607) of Plash. Sir William Leighton (fl. 1603–1614) of Plash, his eldest son, was a poet, composer, and a gentleman-pensioner at the accession of James I (1603). Sir Edward Leighton (1525–1593) of Wattlesborough, he was a key member of the Council of the Marches from 1570 until his death, serving as a prominent administrator, sheriff, and deputy lieutenant for Shropshire. Thomas Leighton* (d. 1600) of Wattlesborough, his son, was active in Shropshire local government as a captain of the trained bands and JP. Given their overlapping service on the same governing body for the region, the families of Leighton and Scudamore would have been directly aware of each other and interacted professionally. Both were powerful families with significant landholdings in neighboring counties (Shropshire and Herefordshire) and moved in the same social and political circles. Thomas Leighton, via an illigitimate daughter, was an ancestor of Major William Harris, and Mary (Harris) Ligon, his sister. An important genealogical principle is evidenced here: connected families of the upper echelons of English society (Leighton/Scudamor) acted as a link through which families associated with them became able to acquire new tenureships, in Herefordshire, from Shropshire, and vice versa.

Many members of the Cocke family resided in the Parish of Stottesdon (including the hamlets of Pickthorn and Walfurlong) in Shropshire. Although located in Shropshire, this parish fell under the County of Hereford: Thomas Cocke (ca. –1587) of Pickthorn is frequently referred to in historical records as “Cox of County Hereford”. He was a prominent figure in the family line that produced Richard Cocke, the notable settler of Henrico County, Virginia. They lived in the diocese of Hereford. Consequently, many of their legal and religious records, such as wills and baptisms, were processed or stored in Herefordshire. The Will of John Cocke (1569–1630), a member of the Stottesdon branch, is held at the Herefordshire Record Office. His Will was proved at the Church Court in Ludlow, a Shropshire town that historically served as a central administrative point for the border region near Herefordshire.

THE COCKE FAMILY OF SHROPSHIRE, HEREFORDSHIRE, AND VIRGINIA

1 … Cocke.
1.1. William Cocke, Will 1582. Indenture dated Oct. 20, 1614, 12 Jas. I. Between (1) Sir George Hayward of Acton Burnell Kt.; (2) John Lutley of Bromscroft, gent. Reciting (i) Lease (4 Eliz) by Sir Rowland Hayward to Robert Purslowe of Sidbury Esq & Nicholas Purslowe of the Inner Temple gent., of the Heath Park in Heath (Stoke S. Milburgh – late in tenure of Sir Adam Mytton for the lives of John, Richard & Thomas sons of William Cocke of Pickthorne; and (ii) Assignment (9 Eliz.) by Nicholas Purslowe (see as follows), & Jo. Wheler of Droitwich to Adam Lutley of Bromscroft gent. of the said Lease; and (iii) Assignment (32 Eliz.) by Adam Lutley to John Lutley of the premises, – on surrender by Lutley, Lease to him of those premises for 99 years for the lives of Humphrey, John & Philip sons of John Lutley, at a rent & suit of court at the Heath. 1614. (Shrop. Arch., 6000/8429).
1.1.1. Richard Cocke, buried December 4, 1583. His father’s Will names unmarried children:
Thomas, William,* Margery, and John, and also mentions his granddaughter Ursula, who is identified as the “daughter of his son Richard”.

1.1.2. John Cocke. Indentures between: 1. John Cocke of Lusshcote, yeoman. 2. Edward Lutwyche of Lutwyche, gent, and Edward his son and heir. Conveyance for 250 of a farm etc. in Lushcot and Lonveld, alias Longfild, in Eaton alias Eyton, with the tithes – to hold of the Chief Lord of the Fee by the accustomed services. Elizabeth, wife of John Cocke, mentioned. Oct, 7, 1596. (Shrop. Arch, 6000/1092). Many members of the Cocke family resided in the Parish of Stottesdon (including the hamlets of Pickthorn and Walfurlong) in Shropshire. Although located in Shropshire, this parish fell under the diocese of Hereford. Consequently, many of their legal and religious records, such as wills and baptisms, were processed or stored in Herefordshire. 1.1.3. Thomas Cocke, d. 1587. The Will of Thomas Cocke, yeoman of Stotesdon. In the name of God Amen on the twentyeth day of Julye in the yeare of our our lord god one thousand five hundred and eighty seven I thomas Cocke of Pickthorne within the parish of Stottesdon and dioc. Lichfield being sick in bodye but of good and perfect remembrance praise be to God make this my last will and testament in the manner and forme following. Bequests to: The repairing of the Cathedral church of Lichfield five pounds. The poore of the town of Bewdley twenty shillings. Deeds relating to the Dudmanston estate of the Wolryche family record Bewdley being on of their main holdings, with Nordley Regis. see deed of April 16, 1528 (Shrop.Arch., 2922/11/10/1). In Nordley Regis, a deed records Francis Wolryche, of Dudmaston, conveying Scotts farm to John Gravener of Enfield, tenants of which included Thomas Coxe. June 3, 1598. (Shrop.Arch., 2922/6/4). He is recorded here with his probable brother, John: Coxe v Coxe. Plaintiffs: Thomas Coxe. Defendants: John Coxe. Subject: deeds; land in parish of (unknown), Staffordshire, and land in ‘Morfe’ (Morville) and ‘Nordelly’ (Nordley), Shropshire. Similar date. (C 2/Eliz/C21/28). The aforesaid Thomas and John Coxe were probably nephews of the Testator. The overlordsip of these lands was of the family of Blount:

1. John Stanley (d. 1476), m. (1) Cecilia, dau. of Sir Ralph Arderne, and Katherine, dau. of Sir William Stanley. military commander of Richard Corbet and William Holland at Bosworth in 1485. 1.1. Isabel Stanley, m. Hugh Peshall. (C 1/222/94). 1.1.1. Katherine Peshale, m. Sir John Blount,* Steward of Bewdley and member of Henry VIII’s royal household. 1.1.1.1. Sir George Blount (1513–1581) long-serving Steward of Bewdley and High Sheriff of Staffordshire, m. Constance Talbot. In the preamble to his will (made Dec. 30 1580), Blount hoped for ‘rest in perpetual joy and felicity with the blessed company of God’s faithful people and holy angels’. *John Blount was a grandson of Humphrey Blount, as follows.

The Blounts intermarried with the Woolryches: 1. Humphrey Wolryche, of Quatt, Shropshire, and Dudmaston, Herefordshire, m. Eleanor, dau. of Humphrey Peshall/Pershale. 1.1.John Wolryche (1500 – 1540), m. Mary, dau. of John Gatacre, of Gatacre. The Gateacres intermarried with the Kettlebys. The said John Gateacre was the brother of Robert Gateacre, whose great-granddau, Catherine Gateacre, m. Richard Kettleby, b. ca. 1530 (inquis. betw. Nov. 17, 1598 (C 142/258/25), whose son George Kettleby, of Stepple, b. ca. 1565, had issue:

KETTLEBY AND HOLLAND

1.George Kettleby, of Stepple, in Neen Savage, m. Elizabeth Coningsby. 1.1. Walter Kettleby, inherited the manor of Neen Savage and the Stepple estates following his father’s death in 1647. 1.2. Thomas Kettleby, m. (1) Ann, dau. of Sir Edward Littleton of Henley, Shropshire. In his Will of 1644, Thomas Kettleby also mentions a “now wife” named Elizabeth, suggesting he may have had a second marriage later in life. By Ann Littleton: 1.2.1. Thomas Kettleby (1618–bur. March 29, 1681), the son of the elder Thomas. He inherited the manor of Neen Savage and the Stepple estates following his father’s death. He left a Will which was proved in the Hereford Diocesan Court, which was narrow in focus, and concentrated on his son and successor. His daughter, Elizabeth, would not be mentioned by reason of having received her dower; and grandchildren were not mentioned as they were born after his death. Elizabeth Kettleby was the sister of Thomas Kettleby clerk, and Littleton Kettleby, as above given (intro).
1.2.1.1. Thomas Kettleby (baptized on May 15, 1648, and bur. Dec. 29, 1694, at Neen Savage), the next heir to the Stepple and Neen Savage estates. There is no surviving will or probate record for him.
1.2.1.2. Elizabeth Kettleby, b. ca. 1655, m. Thomas Holland* (grandson of Michael Holland of Pickthorne) in 1678. (Trans. Shrop. Arch., p. 83, 1915).The said Michael Holland was the son of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke (second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo), who married on Dec. 27, 1573, in Wheathill, the abode of the Dettons (of which was an ancestress of the Hollands), where Richard Detton, baptized in 1633, was Rector of Neenton in 1661. He married, at Munslow in 1665, Isabel, dau. of Rev. George Littleton, Rector of Munslow,* by Mary, dau. of Rev. Roger Tydder, Rector of Pitchford and Isabel his wife. Richard Detton was buried at Munslow in 1668, leaving a daughter and heir Mary (bapt. at Munslow 1666), wife of George Crump of Bouldon. As Mary Crump, widow,” she presented to the Rectory of Wheathill (with Thomas Holland*) in 1714. (Trans. Shrop. Arch., p. 107, 1927). *Elizabeth Kettleby’s great-uncle, who is also recorded here: Littleton v Merrick. Plaintiff(s): George Littleton, clerk. Defendant(s): Edward Merrick, clerk, Mary Birt, Winifred Birt. Subject of depositions: Lease of the prebend of Llandugwy, in Cardigan, Wales. Place of Commision: Shropshire. Date of commission: June 18, 1673. Additional information: interrogatories and depositions taken September 3, 1673 at Mounslowe.Deponent(s): Elias Greaves; *John Holland; Richard Powell; John Tarleton; John Stedman (2); Richard Baldwyn; Francis Higgins. (E 134/25Chas2/Mich22).
1.2.1.2.1. Benjamin Holland, bapt. May 17, 1681, “son of Thomas and Elizabeth”, buried next day.
1.2.1.2.2. Martha Holland, bapt. Sept. 10, 1682, “daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth”.
1.2.1.2.3. *Thomas Holland, bapt. July 18, 1686, m. (a Hill) kinswoman, Mary Cheese, on February 14, 1709, in Richard’s Castle, Shropshire. She was the daughter of Richard Cheese, bapt. March 12, 1656/7 in Stottesdon, son of Richard Cheese, of Stottesdon, and Joyce Hill , of Chetton , wid. This further anchors this family within a Shropshire context. This Thomas Holland is commonly given a Cheshire antecedent, which, to repeat, people are directed toward in searches that aggregate the loudest confounded tree, without weighing context. The opposite of this is to follow land, marriage strategy, patronage, and clerical presentation rights – separating real lines from internet mush. Chetton, Stottesdon, Wheathill, Richard’s Castle — these places form a tight local cluster. People married within this web, and the reference to Mary as a Hill kinswoman is very typical of how these families tracked relationships.

1.2.1.2.4. Michael Holland of Goochland. He was probably born between 1683 and 1685, as elder brother of Thomas, who attained a church living, commensurate with being a second son. Michael Holland’s patrimony enabled him to purchase large estates in Virginia. The Neen Savage records, as many of this time, are incomplete, and it is certain that Michael Holland of Goochland was a son of Thomas Holland and Elizabeth Kettleby. As such, he would have been a nephew of Thomas Kettleby clerk, who was associated with the Meek (and they with the Nash) family of Herefordshire; tenants of the Scudamores (of strong Ligon association), as the Cockes.
1.2.1.2.4.1. John Holland, m. Martha Meek.
1.2.1.2.4.1.1. Alice Holland, m. Henry Nash.

THE LITTLETON ANCESTRY OF MICHAEL HOLLAND OF GOOCHLAND

1. Rev. John Littleton,* died after Nov. 30, 1560, in Munslow, married Alice Thornes, died bef. March 21, 1597, in Rushbury, Munslow, dau. of Richard Thornes (son of John Thornes and Elizabeth Astley), and Joan ferch Ieuan Llwyd, dau. of Ieuan Fychan ap Ieuan ap Ieuan Llwyd. Ieuan Llwyd Fychan of Glan Tanad, Lord of half Broniarth, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Roger Thornes of Shelvog, co. Salop, and Jane, his wife, dau. of Sir Roger Kynaston of Hordley, Knt , ap Grutfydd Kynaston of Stocks. (Jacob Lloyd, The history of the princes, the lords marcher, and the ancient nobility of Powys Fadog, and the ancient lords of Arwystli, Cedewen and Meirionydd, p. 195, 1881).
picture

1. Gruffydd, third son of Ieuan Fychan1 of Moel Iwrch, ap Ieuan Gethin ap Madog Cyffin ab Madog Goch of Lloran Uchaf ap leuaf ap Cuhelyn ap Rhun ap Einion Efell, Lord of Cynllaith. Party per fess sable and argent, a lion rampant counterchanged.
1.1. David Llwyd of Glan Tanad, m. Catherine ferch Maredydd of Celynennau and Ystym Cegid. Vert, three eagles displayed in fess or.
1.1.1. Ieuan Llwyd of Glan Tanad, m. Margaret or Maude, dau. and heiress of David Llwyd, Lord of half the lordship of Broniarth, ap Ieuan ap Gruffydd ap Ieuan ap Madog ab Gwenwis. Sable, three horse’s heads erased argent. By a second wife, Alice, dau. of Cadwaladr ap Sir Gruffydd Fychan Knight Banneret, Ieuan Llwyd of Glan Tanad had issue: John Tanad of Brocton.
1.1.1.1. Ieuan Llwyd Fychan of Glan Tanad, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Roger Thornes of Shelvog,
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Tanat of Glan Tanad, Catherine verch Matthew Goch Pryse of Newport ap Thomas ap Rhys ap David Llywd.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Rhys Tanat of Glan Tanad, m. Margaret, dau. of Edward Kynaston of Hordley.
1.1. Edward Littleton, born bef. March 23, 1551, in Munslow, Shropshire, died Sept. 25, 1622, in Llanfaire, Denbighshire, Wales. He m. Mary Walter, born Nov. 1, 1565 in Ludlow, and died there Oct. 23, 1633. She was the dau. of Edmund Walter of Ludlow (ca. 1518 – 1593), and Mary, dau. of Thomas Hackluit, Esq. (ca. 1492–1543) of Eyton, Herefordshire; who served as the Clerk to the Council of the Marches in Wales at Ludlow Castle between 1527 and 1544. He m. Katherine Trentham, dau. of Thomas Trentham, and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Corbet and Elizabeth Devereux, who m. (2) Sir Thomas Leighton*.

Those of the same weave:

1. Roger Baker.
1.1. Ann Baker, b. ca. 1460, the mistress of Thomas Leighton, and neither his 1st or 2nd wife. Ann Baker was the mistress of Sir Thomas Leighton before he married Elizabeth Devereux, and, almost certainly, afterwards. As his Will provides for nine children by Anne Baker, he clearly did not form a liason with her at the age of 64, after Elizabeth Devereux died in 1516 1.1.1. Margaret Leighton, m. John Parry (ap Harri), b. ca. 1435, d.1488), old enough to participate in armed conflict by 1456. “The earliest mention of a Harris of Cruckton is in 1463, when it was held by John Harries, who died about 1488. He was succeeded by his son John, who resided there in 1520, and died about 1530. His great grandson John, who inherited the Cruckton estate – had issue: Rowland Harris of Ludlow (Salopian Shreds and Patches, vol. 1 p. 81, 1875); b. ca. 1566, 2nd son, d. 1605), of Ludlow, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567, dau. of Thomas Langford, gent. They had issue: John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, in Ludlow, who m. Margaret Holland, having issue: (1) Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition in Henrico stating her age to be 64. She m. Thomas Ligon. (2) William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627/8, in Ludlow.

On June 22, 1663, Major William Harris acquired 450 ac. in Henrico Co., on the N. side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, E. upon the “Malverne Hills” plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304. His Will was made 20 Apr 1678 and pr. 1 Feb 1678/9 in Henrico. He was the father of William Harris, b. ca. 1670; the father of George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish; a Vestry meeting there in 1719 connecting him to the lands of George Alvis, who had married the widow of Major William Harris. George Harris had issue: William Harris, of Wolf Swamp, probably m. a dau. of John Graves and Lucy, dau of Robert Adams and Mourning Lewis, or his brother Mathew Graves, who m. Lucy’s sister Susannah. This William Harris had issue: George Harris (b. ca. 1750), who m. Sarah, dau. of William Hudson, of Prince Edward. Their son Graves Harris m. Elizabeth Wheeler; three of their children married Hollands, descendants of Michael Holland of Goochland*.
The “aspiring class” sought intermarriages to “peripherals” of the elite, by which process a degree of patronage was obtained, and a vicarious social status, which brought about the possibility of further advantageous marriages. A continuous process, and one which identifies families of this period when primary sources atre absent.

1.1.1. George Littleton, rector, was a grandson of *Reverend John Littleton, supra. (Walter Page, A History of Shropshire, vol. 10, p. 164).
1.1.2. Ann Littleton, bapt. April 22, 1593, in Munslow, m. Thomas Kettleby on September 13 1613, in Ludlow.
1.1.2.1. *Thomas Kettleby, bapt. April 26, 1618, in Neen Savage, d. 1681. He left a Will which was proved in the Hereford Diocesan Court, which was narrow in focus, concentarting on his son and heir.
1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Kettleby, b. ca. 1655, m. Thomas Holland (grandson of Michael Holland of Pickthorne), on April 19, 1678.
1.1.2.1.1.1. *Michael Holland of Goochland.
The repetetive nature of association in common over successive generations creates an obvious genealogical pattern that identifies those of the same weave. Without such patterns, any suggestion of genealogies is most likely false.

The Will of Thomas Cocke continued:

Further bequests were made the poor people of: Bridgenorth (20s.), the parish of Cresset (10s.); the parishe of Muche Wenlock (5s. 8d.)
To: sister Elizabeth Dolman (£20), kinsman Thomas Corf(ield) (10s.). See lease of Edward More of Larden, Salop, gent. to John Blakeway of Brocton, Salop, husbandman. land included in the tenure of Edward Blakeway of Brocton, between the tenements of John Spraggs, Thomas Corfield and a pasture called More. (Shrop.Arch, 1037/9/84). The Corfield family has a long and documented history in Shropshire, particularly in the areas of Shipton and Brocton, much like the Blakeway family. Historical records frequently show Corfe, Corve, and Corffe as early shortened versions of Corfield. To my sister in lawe Elizabeth Corf(ield
To Alice Holland my daughter my best featherbed, and £5. To son -n-law Thomas Holland of Burwarton gentleman (£5).

Indentures dated Sep. 20th 40 Eliz. Between (1) Robert Purslowe of Sudbury Esq. (2) Thomas Holland of Pyckthorne gent. & Ales his wife. Covenant to levy a Fine & Recovery of the capital messuage or farm in Pickthorne called the farm of Pickthorne, with the motte or pool adjoining & all lands etc. & tithes of corn and grain – being – 1 messuage, 1 garden, 1 orchard, 50 acres of land, 20 meadow,120 of pasture, 24 of wood – to the use of Thomas Holland for the lives if Ales, Michael H, & John H. (sons). Sept. 20, 1592. (Shrop. Arch., 6000/1918).

To my kinsman Robert Cocke. To my daughter Elizabeth Backhouse the wife of John Bachouse of Shipton (£5) and tenements in Stottesdon. To Thomas Bachouse the sonne of John Bachouse. To .John, Jane, Elyn, Margaret, Alice, and Margery Bachouse children of John Bachous. Branches of the Backhouse, Cocke and Holland families were established in Ludlow, where William Backhouse m. Julyan Mason, Oct. 11, 1574. In this regard, it may be worthy of consideration that this family of Cocke were originally of Ludlow, i.e. “Thomas Cokes of Ludlowe, squier”* (b. ca. 1470), being the father of “William Cox of Ludlowe corviser”* (b. ca. 1500); he perhaps the father of William Cocke whose Will was of 1582, above given.

Indenture between *Thomas Cokes of Ludlowe, squier, and Thomas Penson of Clyfton on Temede and Johane his wife; to deliver to Thomas Penson and Johan at Ludlow on Invention of the Holy Cross three brode wollen clothes coloured and merchant whereas Thomas Cokes has of the gift of Thomas Penson and Johan by deed of 8 April last all that principall tenement with house and buildings in Clifton with barn gardyns and half the Old Halle there and lands that William Swalowe fermour has and now occupies of the lease of Thomas and Johan by indenture; if Thomas Penson etc. pays Thomas Cokes or the Warden of the Palmers Gild of Ludlowe on the invention of the Holy Cross 1504 in the parish church of St. Lawrence 16 7s 8d the transfer will be void; April 15 Henry VIII. 1524 (LB/5/2/1407).
Indenture Michaelmas A.R. 31 Henry VIII: Between William Langford and John Passie … and the council of the town and *William Cox of Ludlowe corviser; … demised to William Cox one close or pasture next to the Colverhouse Close … to have and to hold to him his executors and assigns for 21 years paying yearly to the bailiffs 8s at Lady Day and Michaelmas in equal portions; distraint for arrears; no alienation without licence; Endorsed: William Cox lease. Sept. 29, 1539. (Shrop. Arch., LB/5/2/878).

The Will of Thomas Cocke continued:

To Elyn Blakeway my daughter (£5). She m. William Blakeway of Shipton. Lease. 1. Jasper More of Larden, Salop, gent. 2. Wm. Blakeway of Shypton, Salop, husbandman. Land:- the meadow in Shipton called Mr. Mores meadow, lying beneath Shyptons Mill, adjoining the river called Corve, lately in the tenure of Wm. Blakeway. 1570. (Shrop. Arch, 1037/9/81). Edwardus Blakeway, bur. April 27, 1569, Shipton, Jane Blakeway, m. John Cadwallader, June 6, 1572, Shipton. Willielmus Blakway, bur. Aug 26, 1575, Shipton. Thomas Cocke’s Will bequests to Cadwallader Blakeway . To John and Elizabeth, their children.

To my sister Margery Barker (5s. 8d). To Agnes Corf(ield) my wife all my goods an chattels, and appoint her principal executrix of this my last will and testament. Wit. John Barker clerk, Walter Dolman. In the late 1500s,Walter Dolman was a figure associated with the local gentry or administrative class in Shropshire, England. Historical records from this era suggest he was part of a family with established roots in the region, particularly around Claverley and Bridgnorth. is noted in contemporary legal and land transactions, typical of the “yeoman” or “gentleman” class of the period. Thomas Cocke’s Will does not mention a son, or a grandson Cocke. Alice Cocke was not the aunt of Richard Cocke of Bremo; she was a second-cousin.

“Sciant presentes etc” Robert Purslowe of Sudbury Esq – for a marriage between his son John Purslowe with Constance, daughter of Richard Newport Esq of Honnyngton ( Warks) deceased and in fulfilment of Indentures between a) himself; b) Edward Ferrers of Bebington Esq & William Dethyck of Abdon (Worcs) gent – gives etc to Francis Brace Esq, William Naishe, George Ferrers & Richard Towneshende gents, all that messuage etc in Pyckthorn (tenant Thomas Cocke) and lands there, a messuage etc under the manor of Walton (in Neen Savage) & a rent there – to have etc to the use of John Purslowe & Constance. Dated May 2nd 8 Elizabeth 1566 (Shrop. Arch., 6000/2591

COCKE continued:

1.1.4. William Cocke, d. Nov. 1582, in Stottesdon, m. Elizabeth. 1.1.4.1. Thomas Cocke, b. Oct. 9, 1569, d. 1632. To Repeat: Coxe v Coxe. Plaintiffs: *Thomas Coxe. Defendants: John Coxe. Subject: deeds; land in parish of … Staffordshire and land in Morville and Nordley, Shropshire. (C 2/Eliz/C21/28).
1.1.4.1.1. Richard Cocke, baptised on December 13, 1597 in the Parish of Sidbury, died in Virginia in 1665. At the time of the Survey Sudberie (with Eudon George, Chelmarsh and Burwarton) formed a detached portion of the Hundred of Baschurch, but soon afterwards these five manors became part of the newly constituted Hundred of Stottesden. In 1412, John lord Talbot levied a fine of the manors and advowson of Sidbury and Neenton. (Pedes Finiuni). The Purslows earliest recorded connection with Sidbury is in 1469, when Robert Purselowe of Sudbury appears as joint witness to a deed with *Humphrey Blount, Esq.

Robert Purslow’s descendants:

1. Thomas Purslowe of Sidbury, m. Laura (or Ursula) verch William ap David. 1.1. Robert Purslowe, armiger (ca. 1505–1571), m. Margaret, dau. of William Sparke. 1.1.1. John Purslowe (d. 1594), m. (1) Constance Newport, (2) Dorothy Blount, desc. of the said *Humphrey Blount. William Gratewood, m. Mary, dau. of Sir Richard Newport, sister of Constance Newport, who m. John Purslowe Esq., of Sidbury (bur. 1593-4), who m. (2) (1576-7), Dorothy, dau. of Sir George Blount of Kinlet, and Constance Talbot, supra, sister of Margaret Talbot, who m. (1) Sir Richard Ligon, of Arle, Madresfield.

1. William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire, m. Eleanor Dennis. 1.1. Sir Richard Ligon. 1.2. Thomas ligon, m. Frances Dennys (cousin). 1.2.1. Thomas Ligon, m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt. 1.2.1.1. Col. Thomas Ligon, m. Mary Harris, born in 1625 in Ludlow, by deposition, sister of Major William Harris, of Virginia. By his first wife, Mary Russell, Richard Ligon had issue: Katharine Ligon, who m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, cousin of the said Mary and William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer, b. May 21, 1616, son of Sir Fleetwood Dormer (obit. February 1, 1638), and Mary Isham, aunt of Henry Isham, who resided at Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co., who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royal; their issue being: (1) Henry Isham (obit. 1678), (2) Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, (3) Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a ‘friend’ in the Will of Major William Harris, as was Thomas Cocke, son of Richard Cocke of Bremo. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake married Mary Harris.

1.1.1.1. Sir Robert Purslowe (1568–c.1629), Sheriff of Shropshire, inherited the family estates at Sidbury. 1 1.1.2. Joyce Purslowe, m. William Nash. 1.1.1.3. Anne Purslowe, m. John Wheeler. The earliest records of this family of Wheeler are of Ludlow. A branch of the family settled 10 miles away in Stottesden (and were neighbours of Richard Cocke of Bremo, Virginia), and, 3-4 miles from Sottesden, in Kinlet/Neen Savage. 1. Edward Wheeler, bur. June 12, 1589, in Ludlow. 1.1. Jane Wheeler, m. John Holland, Nov. 23, 1590, probably the brother of Roger Holland, (b. ca. 1570), who m. Eleanor Lewis, Jan. 13, 1598, in Ludlow, the parents of (1) Margaret Holland, bapt. Sept. 29, 1603, who m. John Harris, the parents of Mary (Harris) Ligon and Major William Harris. (2) William Holland, who m. Clementia Reynolds, Nov. 20, 1635, in Ludlow: 1.1.1.4. Eleanor Purslowe, m. Humphrey Jennyns. 1.1.1. John Purslowe (d. 1594), m. (2) Dorothy Blount, desc. of the said Humphrey Blount. 1.1.1.1. Katherine Purslowe, m. Richard Hill, son of William Hill, of Bickley, Staffs. 1.1.1.1.1. Dorothy Hill, m. John Holland, of Pickthorne, son of Michael Holland, of Pickthorne, son of Thomas Holland, of Burwarton, and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of Bremo, Virginia, whose son, Thomas Cocke was named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Holland, bapt. May 15, 1648, m. (April 9, 1678), Elizabeth Kettleby. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Michael Holland, of Goochland. 1.1.1.2. Roland Purslowe, m. Richard Hill’s sister. (Vis. Shrop. 1623, p. 416).

1.2. Nicholas Purslowe, died 1563; eldest son of Robert Purslow of Sidbury and Margery Sparke.
He m. Margaret, dau. of Thomas Williams of Willaston, but died without issue. See as given supra: William Cocke, Will 1582. Indenture dated Oct. 20, 1614, between (1) Sir George Hayward of Acton Burnell; (2) John Lutley of Bromscroft, gent. Reciting (i) Lease (4 Eliz) by Sir Rowland Hayward to Robert Purslowe of Sidbury Esq & Nicholas Purslowe of the Inner Temple gent., for the lives of John, Richard & Thomas sons of William Cocke of Pickthorne; and (ii) Assignment (9 Eliz.) by Nicholas Purslowe & Jo. Wheler of Droitwich to Adam Lutley of Bromscroft gent.

1.1.4.1.2. Eleanor Cocke, bapt. December 1591. Cocke v Harris. Plaintiffs: Eleanor Cocke. Defendants: William Harris, Joan Harris his wife and Mary Harris. Subject: property in Aston Botterell, Shropshire. 1656.. ( C 6/11/72). This suggests the siblings may have been back in England or finalizing their Shropshire estates just before or during their early years of establishment in Virginia. This record bridges the gap between their Ludlow baptisms and their emergence as the “Harris of Henrico” family. As previously posted, Major William Harris (baptized 1627, Ludlow), may have firstly married a sister (Jane?) of Joseph Tanner, explaining a central connection in the Harris/Ligon/Holland/Cocke kinship grouping. Tanners of Bishop’s Castle.
1.1.4.2. John Cocke.

THE TANNER CONNECTION

1 … 1.1. Joseph Tanner, b. ca. 1635, whose Will was dated Oct. 7, 1668; and who witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke Sr., in 1665, of Stottesdon, Shrop.; ca. 15 miles from Bishop’s Castle. 1.1.1. Mary Tanner, m. William Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, and brother of Richard Ligon, named as ‘cousin’ in the Will of Thomas Harris, son of Major William Harris. In 1678, Thomas Ligon, Henry Watkins, and Richard Cocke Jr. surveyed the “Mawburne Hills” area on the N. of the James River, where Thomas Ligon had patented 300 ac. in 1668. (James Edmonds Saunders, et. al., Early settlers of Alabama, 1969, p. 484). 1.2. Jane Tanner, for the purpose of conjecture), m. Major William Harris, who held land in Aston Botterell from Richard Cocke Sr’s sister in 1656, and who was a neighbour of the said Richard Cocke in the “Mawburne Hills” area. Aston Botterell was the habitation of John Holland: Will of John Holland of Aston Botterell, Shropshire, dated May 2, 1600. He was a cousin of some degree of the Hollands of Burwarton and Pickthorne, both longstanding landed families in south Shropshire, where Michael Holland witnessed the Will of John Cocke, the great-uncle of Richard Cocke Sr., whose second-cousin was Michael Holland’s mother. 1.2.1.Thomas Harris, named Richard Ligon as “cousin” in his Will, that is, as a son of Mary Harris, sister of his father.

COCKE, NASH, AND SCUDAMORE

1.2. John Cocke. John Cox (attorney, Richard Heywood) v. Henry Russell (attorney, Richard Hall). On an action in the court of Leominster, Herefordshire. Trinity term, 1536. John Cox complains against Henry Russell in a plea of trespass to the damage of 6s 8d, and the said plaintiff by Richard Hall his attorney declared against the defendant how and when etc., and at the next court following the aforementioned defendant came in his proper person and defends force and injury etc. And he says that he did him no trespass. And thereon he put himself on the judgment of the court. And thus he was exacted at the next court then following with 2 hands to wage law. At which day the abovesaid defendant defaulted of his law. Therefore he was condemned in the sum abovesaid together with 11d for damages, outlays and expenses adjudicated to the aforementioned plaintiff, which it is ordered to the bailiffs to levy from the goods and chattels of the same defendant to the work and use of the aforementioned plaintiff before the court next following etc., according to the custom of the court abovesaid. And then the abovesaid defendant proffered the lord king’s writ of error as here afterwards it more fully appears. Leominster, 20 miles S. of Ludlow.

1.2.1. John Cockes, b. ca. 1550, one of several brothers, including Richard and Roger Cockes. The Cockes of Pickthorne, Shropshire, and the Cocks of Herefordshire, were branches of the same family. In the 16th and 17th centuries, members of both branches frequently appeared in legal and land records across the Shropshire and Herefordshire borders. Both branches used similar armorial bearings, featuring a chevron between three stags’ heads.
1.2.1.1. John Cockes, kinsman of Richard Cocke of Bremo. 1.2.1.1.1. Francis Cocke. Cocke v Wilkes. Plaintiffs: Francis Cocke, Henry Nash and Walter Morgan. Defendants: Francis Wilkes and Edward Quick. Subject: property in Stretford, Herefordshire. 1674. (C 10/475/73).
1.2.1.2. Richard Cockes. Morton v Cockes. Plaintiffs: Thomas Morton. Defendants: Richard Cockes. Subject: manor of Massington and property in Ledbury, Colwall and Eastnor, Herefordshire. 1607. (C 3/281/44). Wallwen v Cockes. Plaintiffs: John Wallwen and others. Defendants: Richard Cockes. Subject: money matters, Herefordshire. 1619. (C 3/328/55). Richard Cockes to Sir John Scudamore reporting what he has done (as steward) regarding his estate in Llandinabo, Herefordshire. 1614. (C 115/100/7523). John Gwillim v. Richard Cockes, plaintiffs; and John Gwatkins (Watkins), and Katherine, his wife, deforciants. Exemplification of fine in the court of the manor or hundred of Wormelow, Herefordshire: One messuage and lands in Baysham and Sellack, Herefordshire. 1574. (C 115/3/65).
1.2.1.3. Roger Cockes, b. ca. 1570. Parties: William Scudamore of Ballingham, esq, and Richard Cockes (Cox) and Roger Cockes (Cox) and Margery, his wife. Places or Subject: Lands in Ballingham, Herefordshire. 1607. (C 115/32/1463). Parties: Richard Cockes and Roger Cockes to James Scudamore of Ballingham: Unexecuted deed of covenant with a memorandum endorsed. Places or Subject: A barn in Ballingham, Herefordshire and certain lands and tithes. 1605. (C 115/35/2039). Scudamore v Cockes. Plaintiffs: William Scudamore, gent. Defendants: Roger Cockes, gent of Little Fawley, Francis Tyler, Juliana Tyler late the wife of John Tyler, and others. Subject: Forcible entry and assault on the tenant of plaintiff William Scudamore at Bullingham, maintenance at Hereford assizes, etc. Herefordshire. 1610. (STAC 8/272/11). William Scudamore was a degree of cousin of Sir John (1601-1671), who maintained a close political and social connection. In 1625, William wrote to John (then a Baronet) to advise him on local parliamentary elections.

MEEK continued:

1.2.4.1. Richard Meek, b. ca. 1630. Parties: John Scudamore of Ballingham, esq, son and heir of Sir John Scudamore of Ballingham, knight and baronet, to Thomas Conyers and Richard Meeke: Counterpart of demise for 80 years if 2 persons therein named should so long live upon trusts.Places or Subject: The rectory of Ross and all lands, tithes, etc, thereto and to the chapels of Weston under Penyard and Brampton Abbotts belonging, etc (except as is excepted), Herefordshire. June 2, 1656. (C 115/37/2267). Will of Richard Meeke, Yeoman of Upton Bishop, Herefordshire, probated July 12, 1671; to wife Elizabeth, his estate, afterwards to son William.
1.2.4.1.1. William Meek, b. ca. 1660.
1.2.4.1.1.1. John Meek,* bapt. Feb. 28, 1685/6, son of William and Ann. William was the first cousin of Henry Meek Sr., as follows, who supported the claim of Thomas Kettleby clerk, to the tithes of Avenbury, who was the brother-in-law of Thomas Holland, who had m. his sister, Elizabeth; they being the almost certain parents of Michael Holland of Goochland, father of John Holland*. John Meeks witnessed the 1718 will of Paul Harrelson, father-in-law of Henry Chiles, Jr., whose dau. Susannah Chiles m. James Walker, parents of Mary Walker wife of Hezekiah Holland, son of John Holland and Martha Meeks.
1.2.4.1.1.1.1. Martha Meek b, ca. 1715, m. *John Holland.
1.2.4.1.1.1.1.1. Alice Holland,* m. Henry Nash.
1.2.4.1.1.1. 2. John Meek, b. ca. 1720-1725. 1.2.4.1.1.1.1.3. William Nash.

Rev. Littleton Meek, related to both. Land records dated 7 Nov. 1783 and 2 Oct 1788 state that John Meeks had willed land on Allens Creek, Hanover, to Martin Meeks of Hanover (adjoining Joseph Watson) and Littleton Meeks of Surry Co, North Carolina. Adjoining these tracts was land owned by a living John Meeks with wife Elizabeth. 2 October 1788: Littleton Meeks and Elizabeth his wife of North Carolina, Surry County, to Frederick Bartlett of Virginia, Hanover County, 117 pounds for 117 acres in St. Martins Parish on south side of Pamunkey River on both sides of one of the branches of Allens Creek which land conveyed to said Littleton by John Meeks by will of said John Meeks of record in court of Hanover. Signed Littleton (X) Meeks. Wit. Thomas Pollard, Walter Coles, Thomas Rogers. 1 January 1789 proved by oath of Thomas Pollard, Thomas Rogers and Walter Coles.

John Holland (b. ca. 1710, son of Michael Holland of Hanover/Goochland) married Martha Meeks, b. ca. 1716, at least by 1734/5, since parish baptisms for their children begin in 1735. Their children include: John Holland (b. June 16, 1735) Michael Holland (b. Dec. 29, 1737); judith Holland (b. Nov.4, 1739); Hezekiah Holland (b. June 14, 1742); Richard Holland (b. Feb. 3, 1743/4); Martha Holland (b. April 8, 1745); Nathaniel Holland (b. April 1, 1748)Alice) Holland (b. Dec. 12, 1752); Mary Holland (b. July 27, 1756); Lucy Holland (b. March 31, 1758). Will and probate for John Holland of Goochland County (d. 1773) names his wife Martha and children including Martha Graves, which directly ties the Holland family to the Graves line: Children listed: John, Judith Parish, Hezekiah, Martha Graves, Nathaniel, Lucy, and Alice Nash. His will is a primary probate document recorded in Goochland County records which explicitly identifies Martha Graves as a daughter of John & Martha Holland. Robert Adams (often cited as of Henrico Co., later Goochland Co.) married Mourning Lewis on February 4, 1712 in Henrico County, having daughters named Lucy Adams and Susannah Adams.These daughters married into the Graves family: Lucy Adams married John Graves, Jr. (son of a John Graves Sr. of Goochland/St. Peter’s Parish). Susannah Adams married Matthew Graves (another son of John Graves Sr.). Records show that land and Wills of the period reflect these relationships: property left by Robert Adams was transferred via deeds involving his daughters and their Graves husbands. Mourning Lewis Adams’s will (proven 1764/65) mentions daughters including Lucy and Susannah Graves, reinforcing their identities and connections.Children of John Graves, Jr. & Lucy Adams: Adam Graves (b. c.1745) married Mary Holland, 4 May 1769. She appears in the marriage record as Martha Holland. The Douglas Register lists “Holland, Martha & Adam Graves” married 4 May 1769 in St. James Northam PaJohn Meeks is recorded in 1735, 1739, and 1743 in precinct 1, but not in 1751. He first appears in 1711, as follows:

St. Paul’s Parish precincts:

1708. precinct 15: George Alves,* William Harris, * Thomas Harden, Theophilus Watson, George Marr, John Hamilton, Vestry book, p. 213. *William Harris, b. ca. 1670. Associated in Hanover County with George Alves, who had married the widow of his father, Maj. William Harris.rish, Goochland. This suggests her given name on the parish record was likely Martha (not Mary).
1711, precinct 23, William Harris * Adam Rotherford, Thomas Casey; Thomas Hurden; Widdow Watson; George Alvis, John Meeks, Martin Baker, p. 230
1716, precinct 23, William Harris, Adam Rotherford, Thomas Casey, William Staples, Tim Murfield, Richard Watson, George Alvis, Widow Rice, John Meeks, Martin Baker, p. 254.
1716, precinct 2o, Henry Chiles, Paul Harroldson, John Giles, John Ray, Hen: Born , John Snead, John Killcrease, Richard Anderson, Richard Corley, Henry Snead, Thomas Tinsley, p. 253.
1719, precinct 22: William Harris * Adam Rotherford, Robert Mckoy, William Staples, Thomas Wattson, Richard Wattson, John Sym, Widow Rice, John Meeks, Martin Baker, p. 262.
1731, precinct 11, Widdow Chambers, John Tinsley, Ambrose Hundly, James Hooper, John Rea, Thomas Tinsley, Paul Harroldson, Edward Lewis, William Snead, Charles Bostick, Sarah Bourn, John Giles, John Meeks, John Smith, Charity Anderson, Colonel Bird, Michael Holland, William Chambers, Henry Chiles, John Jones, Joseph Gentry. (The Anderson connection will be suggested in a subsequent article).

John Meeks is recorded in 1735, 1739, and 1743 in precinct 1, but not in 1751. He first appears in 1711, when would have been aged 21 at least. He was almost certainly the father of Martha Meeks, who married to John Holland, son of Michael Holland, William Meeks, and John Meeks.

The surnames Weeks and Meeks are not phonetic variants in this case. The surname Meeks appears in parish records of nearby vestries and land records adjacent to the Hollands’ community, suggesting Meeks families were locally present and inter-marrying in that region. Early transcribers of the Douglas Register noted the ambiguity — the original handwritten entries for Martha’s name start with W, but the exact spelling is unclear in the original ink. The Meeks/Meek surname appears in mid-1700s Virginia records, especially in Hanover Co. (formed from New Kent in 1720) and as families living in or near Goochland County by the 1760s. Goochland itself was formed from Henrico in 1728, so earlier records would still appear under Henrico or Hanover jurisdictions before Goochland existed. Researchers have noted that while Weeks as a surname isn’t otherwise known in that part of Virginia at the time, Meeks families are documented on adjacent parish and land records, making it quite certain that Meeks/Meekes was Martha’s correct maiden name. A John Meeks owned land near Allen’s Creek in Hanover/Virginia before and after the creation of Goochland County. Other Meeks (such as Littleton Meeks) appear in deed records selling land in the 1780s, indicating a family presence in Hanover, Louisa, and nearby counties.

MEEK OF HEREFORDSHIRE cont.

1.2.4.2. William Meek. Hooper v Meeke.Plaintiffs: Fulke Hooper. Defendants: John Meeke and William Meeke. Subject: messuage, late of John White and Joan White his wife, in Ledbury, Herefordshire. 1603-1625. (C 2/JasI/H12/6). William Meek was the br. of John and Thomas Meek, father of Thomas Meek. 1.2.4.2.1. Will of William Meeke, Yeoman of Upton Bishop, Herefordshire, probated Feb. 18, 1674; to eldest son Richard, estate aft. death of wife, etc. To youngest son Edward; £200 and silver spoons ,wife Jane Meeke v Philpotts. laintiffs: William Meeke and Jane Meeke his wife. Defendants: Thomas Philpotts. Subject: marriage agreement, Herefordshire. 1656. (C 6/140/92). Meeke v Tovie. Plaintiffs: William Meeke and Jane Meeke his wife. Defendants: John Tovie and Thomas Phillpotts. Subject: marriage contract, Herefordshire. (C 8/134/80). Parties: Jane Meeke to Lord Viscount Scudamore. Assignment: A capital messuage and lands in Upton Bishop, Herefordshire. No date. (C 115/9/403). Sons Richard and Edward probably married into the Phillpots and Tovie families ca. 1656, suggesting birthdates of ca. 1630, and one of ca. 1605 for their father. The Right Honourable Sir John Scudamore, baronet, Lord Viscount Scudamore, to Jane Meeke. Lease: A capital messuage and Lands in Upton Bishop, Herefordshire. September 1, 1678. (C 115/9/400-401). 1.2.4.1.2. Edward Meek. Meeke v Wright.Plaintiffs: Edward Meeke. Defendants: Henry Wright and others. Place or subject: property in Stretton, Herefordshire. 1664. (C 7/241/102). Meeke v Nash. Plaintiffs: Edward Meeke. Defendants: Henry Wright, (John) Nash and others.Place or subject: property in Stretton and Ashperton, Herefordshire. 1664. C 7/241/64). 1.2.4.1.2.1. Henry Meeke. Kettleby v Corbett. Plaintiff(s): Thomas Kettleby, clerk. Defendant(s): Richard Corbett, the younger, William Jones, Thomas Smith. Subject of depositions: Rectory impropriate, vicarage, and manor of Avenbury, and the late monastery of Dora. Tithes. County/place: Herefordshire. Date of commission: June 22, 1681. Additional information: interrogatories and depositions taken October 14, 1681 at Bromyard. Deponent(s): Thomas Smyth (2); James Sheppard; Francis Blew; Henry Meeke; William Good; William Cowper; Robert Charlett; Richard Corbett; John Braye; John Pembridge; Charles Wedmester; James Jancey. Oct 24, 1681. (E 134/33Chas2/Mich2). Henry Meeke and other deponents were brought in to prove the “immemorial custom” of the parish—essentially testifying about what their fathers and grandfathers had paid to previous rectors.

*Born in 1618 in Neen Savage, Shropshire, he was the son of Thomas Kettleby and Anne Littleton, and the brother of Elizabeth Kettleby who m. Thomas Holland. Their niece, Francisca Littleton, bapt. July 13, 1630, m. John Holland, April 21, 1659, in Munslow. She bur. Sept. 15, 1677, in Bitterley. This John Holland was the grandson of “Mr. William Holland”, a brother of Thomas Holland, who m. Alice Cocke.

Members of the Baugh family married into the Kettleby family of Stepple Hall and Ludlow. The Kettleby (Kettelby) and Holland families were closely interlinked in the Shropshire and Herefordshire region through multiple marriages that mirrored the Baugh family’s own connections. Marriages to Hollands: The Kettleby family had several ties to the Hollands of Burwarton and Neen Savage. For example, Elizabeth Kettleby married Thomas Holland on 19 April 1678 in Neen Savage. The Baugh-Holland Link: This is significant because Alice Holland (daughter of Francis Holland of Burwarton) married Henry Baugh of Aldon Court in 1602. Wider Kinship: These families were part of a tight-knit “gentleman” class in the Welsh Marches. Records show Mary Kettleby married Robert Detton, whose sister Alice Detton married William Holland, having issue: (1) Thomas Holland (c. 1549–1612): who m. Alice Cocke (second-cousin, not aunt, of the Virginia settler Richard Cocke, (2) Alice Holland (1570–1645): her marriage to Henry Baugh of Aldon Court in 1602 thus linked. the Holland and Baugh families.

BAUGH

The Baughs were a gentry family, often appearing in the Visitation of Shropshire and holding land in parishes such as Onibury and Ludlow, which border Herefordshire. John Baugh was central to a legal dispute involving Margaret (Baugh) Baugh over land in Onibury and other estates. This suggests he was a significant property owner whose death occurred shortly before or during this year, necessitating the probate or lawsuit. He may have been the son or grandson of Henry Baugh* and Alice Holland, who had several children in the early 17th century, including a son named John.

The Baugh family were long-time residents of Aldon Court in Shropshire, but their influence extended into Herefordshire. Rowland Baugh, John’s relative, is recorded in legal papers regarding the manors of Nash and Little Brampton in the areas of Presteigne and Kington, Herefordshire.The Nash family in Goochland likely derived their name or initial status from these specific English manors. Furthermore, descendants of the Baugh family did eventually migrate to Virginia, where they appear in records alongside the Nash, Holland, and Daniel families in the late 18th century.

1. Edward Baugh, m. Margaret Stratford. 1.1. Rowland Baugh, of Twining, Gloustershire. 1.1.1. Edward Baugh, m. Constance, dau. of Thomas Foliot, Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Katherine Ligon, dau. of William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Eleanor Dennis. 1.1.2. William Baugh, m. Mary, dau. of William Wakeman, of Glouc. 1.1.2.1. William Baugh, of Virginia, received a grant of 577 ac. for the transportation of 12 persons, including his son, William Baugh, Jr., on the N. side of the Appomattox River. William Baugh, as given herein, had land adjacent that of Major William Harris. 1.1.3. John Baugh, gent of Twining Will proved in March 1641. “Loving Brother,” Richard Baughe, was named as the executor.1.1.3.1. Thomas Baugh, noted as being absent in Virginia by 1634. 1.1.3.2. Rowland Baugh, primary heir to his father’s estate, d. 1691. Baugh v Price. Plaintiffs: Rowland Baugh. Defendants: Mary Price widow and Margaret Muscote widow. Subject: personal estate of the deceased John Baugh, and manors of Nash and Little Brampton, and lands in Presteigne, Kington, Herefordshire, and in Onibury, Shropshire. 1691. (C 6/308/17). estate was administered by his sister, Margaret Muscote. 1.2. John Baugh, of Aldon Court, Shropshire, bur. Aug 1577, in Bromfield. 1.2.1. Thomas Baugh, m. Dorothy, dau. of George Parkes, of Bromfield, on Nov. 26, 1576. 1.2.1.1. *Henry Baugh, bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, m. Alice Holland, in 1602, dau. of Francis Holland, of Burwarton; etc.

NASH AND MEEK

The Nash family of the Welsh Marches are recorded in Pembrokeshire and Monmouthshire, but they maintained land and social ties across the border in Herefordshire. James Nash (d. 1400) , a lawyer and MP for Hereford, was a Nash progenitor. They had ties to the Meek family: Nash v Skynner. Plaintiffs: John Nash*. Defendants: Joseph Skynner, … Gwillen and …Barrett. Subject: property in Aylton, Herefordshire. 1662. (C 8/151/103). 1. John Skinner of Bickerton, Much Marcle, Peter Nash of Yatton, Much Marcle, gent. 2 John Watts vicar of Much Marcle. Wm. Skinner of Bickerton. Thos. Smith of Huntleys, gent. Wm. Nash of Yatton township, gent. Francis Hill Yatton township, gent. Henry Poole of Whittox-end gent. Terms of indenture made, in 1/2/16 yr.Charles II, between Wm. Whooper and 1 transferred to 6 more trustees as 4 are deceased. Consideration £36 as before (q.v.) Grant of yearly rent charge of 36/- issuing out of parcel of meadow in Woulton etc.as before. Upon trust for the use of the poor of Much Marcle. 1693. (Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, E 69/310). Skipp v Skinner. Plaintiff(s): John Skipp. Defendant(s): William Skinner, Stephen Skinner, *Thomas Meeke, Richard Hill, four of the defendants. Subject of depositions: Two parsonages or portions in the parish of Ledbury (Herefordshire), called “The Upper Hall Parsonage or Portion” and “The Lower Hall Parsonage or Portion” late of Ambrose Elton, of Ledbury, and Edward Elton (father of John Elton), of Monesley (Herefordshire), and farms in Ledbury called “Hillhouse”, “Lillies Hall “, “The Rhea “, “Peggs Farm”, etc. Tithes. County/place: Herefordshire.ate of commission: November 29, 1675. (E 134/27and28Chas2/Hil5).

(A William Naishe (Nash) was involved in land transactions in the Shropshire area. He is specifically linked to Pickthorne, a small hamlet in south Shropshire near Stottesdon. In a legal document dated May 2, 1566, William Naishe was one of several “gents” (alongside Francis Brace, George Ferrers, and Richard Towneshende) to whom Robert Purslowe of Sudbury granted a messuage (dwelling house) and lands in Pyckthorn. This grant was made as part of a marriage settlement for Robert’s son, John Purslowe, who married Constance Newport, the daughter of Richard Newport of Warwickshire. At the time, the lands in Pickthorne were occupied by a tenant, Thomas Cocke. William Naishe’s role in Pickthorne was primarily as a legal representative or trustee for the Purslowe family. By acting as a “grantee” for the Purslowes (who were major Shropshire landowners), Naishe was operating as part of a professional class of “gentlemen” who managed the complex web of border-county estates for the regional elite).

A NASH GENEALOGY

1.*John Nash, b. ca. 1610.
1.1. John Nash, b. ca. 1640. Workeman v Nash. Plaintiffs: Charles Workeman. Defendants: John Nash. Subject: money matters, Herefordshire. 1698. (C 5/639/65). Meeke v Nash. Plaintiffs: Edward Meeke. Defendants: Henry Wright, … Nash and others. Place or subject: property in Stretton and Ashperton, Herefordshire. 1664. (C 7/241/64). The family of Baugh were connected to this area: Baugh v Price. Plaintiffs: Rowland Baugh. Defendants: Mary Price widow and Margaret Muscote widow. Subject: personal estate of the deceased John Baugh, and manors of Nash and Little Brampton, and lands in Presteigne, Kington, Herefordshire, and in Onibury, Shropshire. 1691. (C 6/308/17).
1.1.1. John Nash, b. ca. 1670, of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co., Virginia.
1.1.1.1. Henry Nash, b. ca. 1700. he is recorded from 1744 on Little Byrd Creek, where his property boundary directly joined Michael Holland’s line. He m. Jochabed Moseley (1712–c. 1780), dau. of : Marvell Moseley (1682–1753). In his 1752 Will, he specifically mentions “Joshabed Nash” as a daughter who had already received her “full part” of his estate.
1.1.1.1.1. Henry Nash, m. Alice Holland, dau. of John Holland and Martha Meeks (not Weeks). A John Meeks is recorded in 1735, 1739, and 1743 in precinct 1, but not in 1751. He first appears in 1711, when would have been aged 21 at least, so putting his. d.o.b. as ca. 1685. He was a neighbour of Michael Holland in 1731 in precinct 11.

John Holland (b. ca. 1710, son of Michael Holland of Hanover/Goochland) married Martha Meeks, b. ca. 1716, on Jan 16, 1734/35 (Douglas Register). Their children include: John Holland (b. 16 June 1735), Michael Holland (b. 29 Dec 1737) Judith Holland (b. 4 Nov 1739), Hezekiah Holland (b. 14 Jun 1742), Richard Holland (b. 3 Feb 1743/4); Martha Holland (b. 8 Apr 1745); Nathaniel Holland (b. 1 Apr 1748); Alie (Alice) Holland (b. 12 Dec 1752); Mary Holland (b. 27 Jul 1756); Lucy Holland (b. 31 Mar 1758).

Addendum

1. The Ancestry of Graves Harris — Was he Named for a Graves Family?

A. The Core Genealogical Fact: Genealogical records consistently show: William Harris of Wolf Swamp (Hanover Co., VA) was the father of: George Harris (b. c. 1750), who married Sarah Hudson; and Graves Harris (b. c. 1760–1775 depending on source), who married Elizabeth Baldwin. In the next generation, George (b. c. 1750) and Sarah Hudson’s children included: Graves Harris (b. c. 1773) who m. his first cousin Elizabeth Wheeler, daughter of Mark Wheeler and Frances Hudson, William Hudson Harris, Elizabeth Dickson Harris, Frances Harris, Sarah Harris, George Overton Harris Jr., Mary Graves Harris, and Lucy Overton Harris. The presence of Mary Graves Harris as a daughter strongly echoes the use of Graves as a middle/given name in the family; a significant onomastic clue. Graves Harris (b. c. 1773) married Elizabeth Wheeler, daughter of Mark Higgason Wheeler and Frances Hudson, sister of Sarah Hudson Harris, grandchildren of John Hudson and his wife Elizabeth Harris of the same Harris family.

B. Why “Graves”? It is likely a family name and not random. There are two competing theories floated by earlier researchers: Graves Harris was named for a maternal or ancestral Graves link; either because his father William Harris married a daughter of John Graves or his brother Matthew Graves; OR It was merely a popular or coincidental name, without substantive kinship meaning. However, the deeper Shropshire-to-Virginia network, involving Harris, Graves, Hudson, Cocke, Lewis, and Holland families, strongly supports the first interpretation: Independent research into the broader kinship group shows that the radically interconnected Lewis-Hudson-Harris-Holland network in Shropshire carried over into Virginia; families repeatedly intermarried and migrated together.
The specific family tree reconstruction shows a line of:
Major William Harris (bapt. 1627/8 in Ludlow, Shropshire).
William Harris of Wolf Swamp (probable great-grandson).
George Harris (b. c. 1750) m. Sarah Hudson.
Graves Harris (b. c. 1760/1773), m. Elizabeth Baldwin, and that technical notes from detailed genealogies estimate that this Wolf Swamp Harris likely married a daughter of either John Graves or his brother Matthew Graves.
The weight of evidence favours the interpretation that the given name “Graves” is a patronymic or maternal surname, and not coincidental. This is supported by: Repeated use of Graves as a family name in that branch, including in the next generation. Onomastic norms in Virginia at the time (maternal surnames passed as given names); and specific genealogical reconstructions placing the Harris family amid Graves kin in the same community networks. The most plausible scenario, given the current documentary evidence, is: William Harris of Wolf Swamp married a daughter of John Graves (or possibly Matthew Graves), but either way, a close relative of the Graves family into which John Holland’s daughter married, and the firstborn son was given the maternal surname “Graves” as a given name.
This explains naming patterns better than the alternate hypothesis of coincidence.

1. William Hudson’s children and the Holland marriages.
A. The Core Line
Research into the descendants of George Harris and Sarah Hudson — thus the Harris children in Kentucky — corroborates:
George & Sarah Harris’s children included:
Elizabeth Dickson Harris (b. c. 1782), married Major William Holland on 9 October 1802.
Frances Harris, married Hezekiah Holland (precise marriage date varies by source, but the association is consistent).
George Overton Harris (b. 1790), married Elizabeth Holland on 5 April 1813 in Warren Co., KY.
Thus, three Harris siblings married Holland spouses.
How This Connects to the Broader Shropshire Virginia Network:
The Holland family in Virginia can be traced back to Michael Holland of Goochland and his descendants, whose kinship ties (through the Lewis, Hudson, Cocke web) overlapped with the Harris and Graves families in Virginia. This strengthens the case that the Harrises and Hollands were not merely geographically proximatey in early colonial Virginia, , but that they shared deep familial roots — consistent with intermarriage patterns migrating westward from Virginia into Kentucky.

A BROAD SYSTHESIS

This article seeks to corroborate the strong and previously suggested conclusion that Michael Holland of Goochland County, Virginia was the son—through well-documented kinship networks—of Thomas Holland and Elizabeth Kettleby of Herefordshire/Shropshire. Rather than relying on isolated name matches, this study reconstructs interlocking family, tenancy, ecclesiastical, and legal associations across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and early Virginia. These associations—particularly among the Holland, Meek, Nash, Cocke, Baugh, Scudamore, Ligon, and Harris families—form a continuous documentary and social fabric that survives migration across the Atlantic.

I. The Holland Line: From Shropshire to Goochland. Michael Holland, of Pickthorn, Shropshire, born ca. 1581; died 1655, married (1) Jane Detton (d. 1632). John Holland, son of Michael, married Dorothy, daughter of Richard Hill of Bickley and Katherine, daughter of John Purslowe of Sudbury and Dorothy Blount of Kinlet, linking the Hollands to the Blount–Talbot–Ligon kinship network. These marriages situate the Holland family firmly within the border gentry milieu of Shropshire and Herefordshire. Holland intermarriages with the Baugh and Cocke Families =Alice Holland, daughter of Francis Holland and Thomasin Russell, married Henry Baugh of Aldon Court (1602). The Baughs later appear as significant landholders in both Herefordshire and Shropshire (e.g., Baugh v Price, 1691). These same networks reappear in Virginia, where: Major William Harris, neighbour of William Baugh in Virginia, was a second-cousin to Henry Baugh. Harris’s land bordered that of Richard Cocke, whose family was closely allied to the Hollands. These are not coincidences, but persistent kinship clusters.
II. Thomas Holland and the Kettleby marriage: Thomas Holland of Nene Savage, bapt. 15 May 1648; buried 29 Dec. 1694, married Elizabeth Kettleby in 1678. Elizabeth was the daughter of: Thomas Kettleby and Ann Littleton. Her brothers included: Thomas Kettleby, clerk and rector of Avenbury, Herefordshire, and Littleton Kettleby. Legal Evidence: Kettleby v. Corbett (1681). In the 1681 Avenbury case (Kettleby v Corbett), depositions were taken to establish the “immemorial custom” of parish payments. Among the deponents was Henry Meek, whose testimony relied on inherited local knowledge—precisely the kind of evidence that anchors families across generations.

This brings us directly to the Meek family.
III. The Meek Family of Ledbury and their role. Early Meek generations. Henry Meek, born ca. 1515, Ledbury, appears in Browne v Meek (1599) His sons included: Henry Meek (b. ca. 1540). Richard Meek (b. ca. 1540), with extensive documented issue. Richard Meek’s children and associates. Richard Meek’s children include: Edward Meek (bapt. 1563) John Meek (bapt. 1565). Edward Meek later appears in Meeke v Nash, tying the Meeks directly to the Nash family. The Meeks as tenants of the Scudamores. Multiple leases and agreements (1604–1636) document the Meeks as tenants and agents of the Scudamore family, including: lands in Upton Bishop, Tretire, Michaelchurch, and St Weonards; mill agreement at Llanthony. These records place the Meeks in sustained contact with the highest regional landholders.
IV. The Nash Connection. Alice Holland, granddaughter of Michael Holland of Goochland, married Henry Nash. The Nash family appears repeatedly in Herefordshire litigation alongside the Meek. Thus, Holland–Meek–Nash relationships form a closed triangle both before and after migration.
V. The Scudamore–Ligon–Denys Axis. John Scudamore, Viscount Scudamore (1601–1671) married Elizabeth Porter, heiress of Sir Arthur Porter of Llanthony Abbey. The Ligon and Denys Families Elizabeth Porter’s brother, Sir Thomas Porter, married into the Denys family, whose women repeatedly married into the Ligon family of Madresfield. Key outcomes: Colonel Thomas Ligon, ancestor of the Virginia Ligons, married Mary Harris, sister of Major William Harris of Virginia. Thus, the Virginia settlers: Harris Ligon Cocke Holland are all traceable to the same border-county kinship system
VI. The Cocke Family of Stottesdon and Pickthorn. Although geographically in Shropshire, Stottesdon parish fell ecclesiastically under Herefordshire. Thomas Cocke of Pickthorn is repeatedly styled “of County Hereford”. Wills and ecclesiastical records were proved in Ludlow, the administrative hub of the Marches. This explains why Cocke records appear in Herefordshire archives and aligns them with Holland and Meek documentation.

VII. Conclusion: Kinship Networks as Genealogical Proof. The families discussed here did not operate as isolated surnames, but as durable kinship networks, reinforced by: Intermarriage, shared tenancies, legal disputes, ecclesiastical patronage; coordinated migration to Virginia. These networks persisted across counties where borders were socially irrelevant and continued intact across the Atlantic. The sustained association of the Holland, Meek, Nash, Cocke, Baugh, Harris, and Ligon families provides compelling documentary corroboration that: Michael Holland of Goochland descended directly from the Holland–Kettleby line of Herefordshire and Shropshire. Not myth, but method; not repetition, but record.

Origins in Ludlow and Early Sixteenth-Century Shropshire.
The Cocke family of Pickthorne and Stottesdon emerges from the urban–rural fringe of Ludlow, a regional centre whose artisan and mercantile families frequently transitioned into yeoman and minor gentry status in the surrounding countryside. Documentary evidence points to Thomas Cokes of Ludlowe, esquire (b. c. 1470) as an early representative of the line, appearing in property transactions in Clifton-on-Teme in the early sixteenth century. His apparent son, William Cox of Ludlow, corviser (b. c. 1500), held leasehold land from the borough in 1539, indicating both urban residence and economic stability. By the mid-sixteenth century, the family had established itself in Pickthorne, within the parish of Stottesdon, a Shropshire parish ecclesiastically under the diocese of Hereford. This jurisdictional peculiarity explains the dispersal of Cocke wills, baptisms, and legal proceedings across Shropshire and Herefordshire record series.

William Cocke (d. 1582) and the Pickthorne Establishment. The first firmly documented patriarch of the Pickthorne branch is William Cocke, whose will was proved in 1582. He appears repeatedly in land records connected with the Purslowe estates of Sidbury, notably in leases involving Heath Park and Pickthorne, granted for the lives of his sons John, Richard, and Thomas. These arrangements, preserved in later recitals (notably the 1614 Lutley–Hayward indenture), place the Cockes squarely within the orbit of the regional landed elite. William’s children included: Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne (d. 1587). The will of Thomas Cocke, dated 20 July 1587, is a cornerstone document for reconstructing Cocke kinship networks. Styled yeoman of Pickthorne, Thomas distributed modest charitable bequests across south Shropshire and the Severn valley (Bewdley, Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, Cressage), reflecting both geographic mobility and social integration. More revealing are his familial bequests. Thomas named no surviving sons, but left legacies to daughters Alice Holland, Elizabeth Backhouse, and Elyn Blakeway, thereby linking the Cockes to three significant regional families. His wife, Agnes Corfield, was appointed executrix, connecting the Cockes to the long-established Corfield family of Shipton and Brocton. Through these marriages, the Cockes entered an interlocking kinship network that included the Hollands of Burwarton and Pickthorne, the Backhouses of Shipton, and the Blakeways, all of whom appear repeatedly as tenants, witnesses, and litigants in local deeds.

The Holland Connection and Regional Gentry Networks.
The marriage of Alice Cocke to Thomas Holland of Burwarton, father of Michael Holland of Pickthorne, proved genealogically consequential. The Hollands were a longstanding south Shropshire family with connections to the Wolryches, Gatacres, Peshalls, and Blounts – families who held overlordship of lands at Bewdley, Nordley Regis, and Dudmaston.
Through these ties, the Cockes became indirectly connected to: the Blounts of Kinlet, hereditary stewards of Bewdley; the Wolryches of Dudmaston; and the Purslowes of Sidbury, whose estates repeatedly intersected with Cocke tenancies. These associations were not merely social. They manifested in legal actions (notably Coxe v. Coxe), land conveyances, and trusteeships, demonstrating that the Cockes operated within the legal culture of the minor gentry, even when styled as yeomen.
William Cocke (d. 1582) and the next generation:

Another son of the elder William Cocke was William Cocke of Stottesdon (d. November 1582), who married Elizabeth ——. Their son: Thomas Cocke, baptised 9 October 1569, died 1632, appears in Chancery proceedings concerning land in Morville and Nordley, suggesting continuity of property interests across generations. Thomas Cocke’s children included: Richard Cocke, baptised 13 December 1597 at Sidbury; Eleanor Cocke, baptised December 1591; John Cocke. It is this generation that marks the transition from Shropshire to Virginia.

Richard Cocke of Bremo and Transatlantic Migration:
Richard Cocke, baptised at Sidbury in 1597, emigrated to Virginia and died there in 1665. His English origins are firmly anchored in the Pickthorne–Stottesdon milieu, and his kinship ties link him to the Harris, Ligon, Holland, and Purslowe families—many of whom likewise established transatlantic branches. Chancery proceedings involving Eleanor Cocke v. Harris (1656), concerning property in Aston Botterell, indicate that members of the Cocke sibling group were still disentangling English estates during or after the establishment of their Virginia interests. This litigation provides a rare documentary bridge between Ludlow-area baptisms and the emergence of the Cockes among the planter elite of Henrico and Goochland Counties.

Associated Families: Purslowe, Ligon, Harris, Nash, and Meek.
The Cocke migration cannot be understood in isolation. Their fortunes were entwined with an extended kinship web: The Purslowes of Sidbury, whose marriage alliances with the Blounts and Newports positioned them as central brokers of land and patronage; the Ligons, intermarried with the Harrises and Dormers, whose Virginia descendants married into the Randolph and Eppes families; the Harrises, notably Major William Harris, whose English roots in Ludlow and Aston Botterell align closely with Cocke associations; the Nash and Meek families, whose presence in Herefordshire and later Goochland County reveals continuity of neighbourhood as well as kinship. The recurrence of these surnames in vestry lists, land patents, wills, and marriage settlements in Virginia strongly suggests chain migration, reinforced by cousinship and shared parish origins.

Conclusion.
The Cocke family of Pickthorne exemplifies the mobility of late Tudor and early Stuart yeoman families who, through advantageous marriages and service within gentry networks, positioned themselves for colonial opportunity. Their deep entanglement with the Hollands, Purslowes, Blounts, and related families created a durable kinship framework that extended from the Welsh Marches to the James River. Far from being an isolated emigrant lineage, the Cockes of Virginia were the transatlantic continuation of a cohesive Shropshire–Herefordshire social world, one whose documentary footprint survives in wills, leases, Chancery suits, and parish registers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Genealogical Table.
The Cocke Family of Ludlow, Pickthorne (Stottesdon), and Virginia:
Generation I — Ludlow Origins.

1. Thomas Cokes of Ludlow, esquire. Born c. 1470; living 1504–1524. Known from property transactions in Clifton-on-Teme (Shropshire/Worcestershire border). Probably the progenitor of the Pickthorne Cocke family. Issue (probable):

2.William Cox of Ludlow, corviser (shoemaker). Born c. 1500; living 1539. Held leasehold land from the borough of Ludlow (1539). 1ssue (probable):

3. William Cocke of Pickthorne, yeoman. Died 1582; will proved 1582. Tenant of lands associated with the Purslowe estates of Sidbury; sons named as life-lessees in mid-Elizabethan leases. Children (named in will and related records):
3.1. Richard Cocke. Buried 4 Dec. 1583. Issue: Ursula Cocke, granddaughter named in William Cocke’s Will
3.2. Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne, yeoman. Died 1587; will dated 20 July 1587. Married Agnes Corfield. Children: Alice Cocke, married Thomas Holland of Burwarton, gent. Elizabeth Cocke, married John Backhouse of Shipton. Elyn Cocke, married William Blakeway of Shipton. (No surviving sons or grandsons named).
3.3 John Cocke of Lushcott, yeoman. Living 1596; m. Elizabeth —— Purchased land in Lushcott and Longfield, parish of Eaton/Eyton.
3.3.1. Thomas Cocke. Baptised 9 Oct. 1569; died 1632. Litigant in Coxe v. Coxe concerning lands in Morville and Nordley. Children:
3.3.1.1. Richard Cocke, bapt. 13 Dec. 1597, Sidbury. Died 1665, in Virginia.
3.3.1.2. Eleanor Cocke, bapt. Dec. 1591. Living 1656; plaintiff in Cocke v. Harris* (Aston Botterell property); Mary and William Harris.

Virginia Line
Richard Cocke, bapt. 13 Dec. 1597; his son:
Thomas Cocke, gent.Named as “friend” in the Will of *Major William Harris. Established planter family in Virginia.

by m stanhope
I am grateful for the assistance of an AI-based research and drafting tool (ChatGPT, OpenAI), used to synthesise, reorganise, and clarify existing research materials. All documentary evidence, interpretations, and conclusions remain my own responsibility.
copyright B.T. Shannon 2026