Dousabella Harris is one of those from the distant past whose name, preserved on a grave-slab in St Olave’s, Hart Street, gives a nudge toward wanting to know more of her. She and her husband, John Beare, have been recorded in stark abstraction: ‘Nave. Floor slab: John Beare, merchant, died 29 Jul 1696 aged 77 and Dousabell (Dulcibella) née Harris his wife, died 2 Jun 1688 aged 77; married ca. 1654’ … Burial Register: 1688 June 9: ‘Mrs. Dulcibella, wife of Mr John Beare, Mrch was buried in ye south side chauncell; 1696 Aug. 7 Mr John Beare buried in ye south chancell’ … Arms: (Argent), three bears’ heads erased (sable), muzzled (or) (Beare); impaling: (Sable), three crescents (argent) (Harris). Crest: A bear’s head erased (sable), muzzled (or). Such genealogical shorthand hides a wealth of information, hinted at by Strype in his ‘Worthies’, who commented that they ‘both descended from good Families in the County of Devon’, and he ‘had lived for 42 years at St Olave Hart Street’.

This should be enough to excite enquiry, for it is immediately obvious that Dousabell was of the Harris family of Hayne, whose members had strong connections to Virginia – ‘Sir Fulke Greville of Beauchamp’s Court, m. (1526) Elizabeth Willoughby, b. Apr. 28, 1510, their dau., Mary Geville, m. William Harris of Hayne, Esq., Sept. 11, 1553, at St Dunstan In the West, London. She was the sister of Edward Greville, d. July 27, 1615, who m. Jane Grey, c. 1570, their issue including 1. Frances Greville, 1578-1633, who m. 1. Nathaniel West (Lt. Col.) of Virginia, 2. Abraham Piersey; 3. Samuel Matthews, Gov. of Virginia‘ (M.S); the said William Harris being the ancestor of Major John Harris of Northumberland Co., whose daughter, Sarah, married a member of her Devonshire kinship group, Anthony Haynie; their daughter, Grace Haynie, marrying another probable member, Capt. George Ball, 1683-1746, of ‘Bay View’.

Dousabella not only informs us of the ancestry of Bartholomew Harris, mayor of Barstaple, Devon, 1602, whose descendants established themselves in Hartford, Conn., but also suggests an ancestry of William Harris, who married Elizabeth Arnold, on May 25, 1643, Robert Harris, who married Margaret Newcom (Newsom) on February 2, 1643; Richard Harris, who married Ann Edward(s) on May 21, 1641; all at St Olave’s, and their contemporary, Thomas Harris, of the same place.

A fuller account of Dousabella and her husband would seem apt, and this may commence with what appeared in ‘A New View of London p. 446, 1708’: On a very spacious black marble Grave-stone, at the E. end of the S. Ile, is inscribed as follows: under this stone lye the Bodies of Mr. John Beare, and Mrs. Dousabell Beare his wife: They nere married together 34 years, and he lived in this Parish 42 years; They were both descended from good Families in the County of Devon. He was born at (sic) Tones (Totnes) in the said County, and his wife at Barnstaple, with the name of Harris. She departed this Life, the 2 d of June 1688, in the 78th year of her Age. He followed her the 29th of July 1696. in the 81st year of his Age. They were both Examples of Piety. and Santity, of Justice and Charity, of Temperance and Sobriety; and now they here rest together in Expectation of Mercy at the great Day of ReSurrection’.

The Will of John Beare gives a clear insight into his ancestry, and it is given in full, as a description of the English kinship system, replicated in the American colonies, wherein closely intermarried families sought to preserve and enhance their material wealth.

P.C.C., 86, Bond: John Beare of London, merchant. Will dated 1 April 1693. To be buried in the church of St Olave, Hart Street, as near late wife as may be done. To sister Elizabeth Beare now of Totnes in Devon £1000 and the now £200 belonging to her, also testator’s house in Totnes lying below the Gate and is over against the Cundett in which at present liveth Mr Arthur Rooke, also the house and two closes of land in Dartington called Copperland which belonged to their father being freehold to her and her heirs, together with the profits of Atwills Closes and the two closes at Copperland with a barn testator purchased from Mr William Fell for three lives, with half testator’s stock in the Royal African Company for the benefit of relations in the west, and at her death to remember cousin Winifred Martyn’s children, which testator has not done as they are unknown to him. To kinsman Philip Gamon £150 and the Exchequer Assignment for £175 made over from Gilbert Withall, also testator’s livery gown, hood and mourning cloak with £10 for mourning, having taken him as apprentice. Cousin Haniball Gamon in Cornwall £150, and to his sister £50. To cousin Richard Martyn now living at Clapham £300, also an Exchequer Assignment made over to testator by John Linsey for John Covin’s debt for £511 6s. Or/and if he die first then among his children except Alary Martyn his daughter who is to have £50. To the said Richard Martyn’s three other children, viz., Prudence, Thomas and Samuel Martyn £130 each when of age. To children of cousin Samuel Martyn, deceased, viz., Anthony, Samuel, Margaret and Elizabeth Martyn £75  each, and to their mother Hannah. Cousin Richard Martyn of St Nyotes in Cornwall £125, and if he is dead then among his three children, viz., Charles, Francis and Anna Martyne. Cousin Elizabeth Marsh £125. Cousin Johnson and to her son Edward Johnson each £10. Cousin Stevens £10, and to her two sons Henry and William Stevens each £50. Cousin Dally and his wife £10 each. Cousin John Mayowe of Loughborough in Leicestershire £300, if he is dead then amongst his children, and to his children Peter, Mary and the others whose names testator knows not each £100. Cousin Katherine Chute £110 in consideration her late husband George Baker gave testator’s late wife £100, if she is dead then to her daughter Lady Fane. Cousin Mary Eburns living in testator’s house £250, but if still living with testator another £100, and £100 East India Company’s Stockworth £130, or to be made up to that so that she may be a member of the East India Company as she hath often wished, trusting thus to gratify her desire and her expectations for her care and kindness for testator and his housekeeping. Cousin Francis Butler and his wife each £10, and their daughter £5 for mourning. Sister Jane Harris £…. Cousin Jane Hodges £500. Cousin Elizabeth Sheppard £… for her and her children, and her husband Sir Robert Sheppard not to have any power to touch it, for which purpose it is in the hands of cousin Jane Hodges as trustee for her sister Elizabeth Sheppard. To cousin Philip Mayow of Braytin Cornwall £150, and if he is dead then to his children except John, now apprentice to Capt Wakling in command of the “Princess Anne,” who is to have £50 that he may carry some adventure with him when he goes to sea. Cousin Peter Mayow of Polrewe by Foye in Cornwall £150, if lie is dead then among his children except Elizabeth Mayow now in London, to her £50. Cousin John Martyne, M.D., Mr Caleb Hooke of Pye Alley, Mr Ezekiel Wright, Mr William Metcalf, Capt Humphrey Ayles, Commissioner of the Victualling Office, Mr Christopher Godsalve and Mr Coppine, Minister of St Olave, Hart Street, each £10 for mourning. To Mr Peter Bear, a schoolmaster at Ratcliffe, £25. Mrs Jone Letcher £12. Mrs Anne Cooke, formerly testator’s servant, £10. To Richard and Simon Johnson, both Hospital boys, each £5. Mr Thomas Harris of Bastable (Barnstaple) £10. Mr James Bosley of Wanstead £5, and to his son Robert £5, to his wife, her mother Mrs Shipton, her sons Michael and William Bosley 50s. each. Maidservant Alice Avery £25. Former servant Mary Marvin £3. Cousin Eburns, daughter-in-law Eburns, £3. Mrs Elkins, the packer’s widow, £3. Poor of St Olave, Hart Street, £65 to be invested to give twelve pennyworth of bread every Sunday to the poor, also £10 to be distributed by cousin Mary Eburnes. Poor of Totnes, Devon, where testator was born, £130 to be invested, the interest for the good of the poor there, of which 2s. of bread to be given every Sunday, also £10 to be distributed. Poor of Greenwich £5. To Christ’s Hospital and Bethlem Hospital a bond of £500, viz., £250 each. The Christ’s Hospital boys are not to be at the funeral or any ostentation as the testator never loved popularity. To cousin Elizabeth Prideaux, wife of John Prideaux, and her heirs now living in Barnstaple testator’s house on the key (quay) at Barnstaple, lately purchased by him from his sister Jane Harris and her daughter Elizabeth Harris, and in the occupation of Mr Amos Ford; and to their daughter Elizabeth Prideaux now in London £55, and to their three other children £40 each as a remembrance, particularly for late wife’s sake. Executors, cousin Francis Butler and Mr Caleb Hooke of Pye Alley. Sister Elizabeth Beare of Totnes is testator’s lawful heir.

Codicil, dated 4 April 1693. Increases many of his legacies. To cousin Mary Martyn now Mary Wotton, had £5 for mourning, she is to have £7 more for herself and husband. To children of cousin Samuel Martyn, deceased, viz., To Samuel £80, to his sister Elizabeth Martyn £75, their brother Anthony Martyn £60 only because testator fears he takes ill courses, and to his wicked sister Margaret Martyn or by what other name she is now called which testator knows not, she deserves nothing, but gives her 40s. To their mother £4. Mr John Letcher £3. Mr John Cooke £3 for a remembrance. To cousin Richard Martyn of St Nyotes £25 more and to his sister …. Trehake £20. To my Lady Sheppard a silver trencher plate with a coat-of-arms, and to cousin Jane Hodges the other silver trencher plate To cousin Daily’s son the £10 given to his father, and to her husband Lofield £8 for mourning Michael Boseley and his grandmother are now dead, their legacy to William and Susanna Boseley. To the wife of Richard Martyn of Clapbam £… Proved 5 August 1696′.

Visitation (J. L. Vivian (1895), Devon, 1531 + 1564 + 1620 + additions, ‘Beare of Ash’. Arms: (Argent), three bears’ heads erased (sable), muzzled (or).
1. George Beare, d. 1577, m. Julian Harper.
1.1. John Beare, of Barnstable, Devon, m. Agnes Snidall, dau. of John Snidall.
1.1.1. George Beare of Frankmarsh, Devon, m. 1. Grace Botiler, bur. December 14, 1628, dau. of Balthazar Botiler of Parkham.
1.1.1.1. Baltiser Beare of Ashe, bapt. July 7, 1616.
1.1.1. George Beare, m. 2. Mary Newcourt, dau. of *John Newcourt of Pickwell, widow of William Stone of St. Minver.
1.1.1.1. John Beare, m. Dousabell Harris.

*’John Newcourt bought the manors of Georgeham and Pickwell in 1560. The oldest inscribed tomb in the churchyard is that of John Newcourt, who died in 1602.The monument is dedicated to his son Tobie. The carving represents different aged persons and is thought to represent Tobie, his son William and his four sons John, William Tobie and another John. The two female heads represent the wives of Tobie and his son. The inscription is now nearly illegible but was recorded many years ago as: ‘To the pios memorie of Tobie Newcourt of Pickwell in this parish Esqr who married Mary third daughter of Arthur Harris of Heane Esqr by whom he had one son John and three daughters Elizabeth, Jane and Margaret. John (whose effigiy is here presented) was buried the 6 June 1645 he married Mary the daughter of William Fry of Yeartie Esqr, by whom he had four sonnes John, Tobie, William and John. Jane the daughter of the said Tobie survived her two sisters her brother and all his four sonnes. She married Gregorie the son of Henry Chichester of Bittadon Gent, who erected this monument …’ (Denise Smith, Brian Harris, A Brief History of the Church in Georgeham, 2007).

John Newcourt’s wife was the relict of John Hext of Pickwell.

The familial connection of John Beare to his wife can be given thus:

1. John Harris, Seargeant-at-Law, Recorder of Exeter, 1544.
1.1. William Harris of Hayne, m. (1) Mary Greville, (2) Honor Godolphin. Sir Fulke Greville of Beauchamp’s Court, m. (1526) Elizabeth Willoughby, b. Apr. 28, 1510, their dau., Mary Geville, m. William Harris Esq., Sept. 11, 1553, at St Dunstan In the West, London. She was the sister of Edward Greville, d. July 27, 1615, who m. Jane Grey, c. 1570, their issue including 1. Frances Greville, 1578-1633, who m. 1. Nathaniel West (Lt. Col.) of Virginia, 2. Abraham Piersey; 3. Samuel Matthews, Gov. of Virginia.
1.1.1. Arthur Harris, of Hayne & Kenegie, Sheriff of Cornwall (b. by 1561, d. May 16, 1628), m. Margaret Davils, d. o. John Davils and Mary Malet. John Davils was the nephew of Amy Davils, who m. Richard Dennys, of Exeter; younger br. of Sir Thomas Dennys, who m. Anne Paulet, d. o. William Paulet, 3rd Marquess of Winchester.
1.1.1.1. Mary Harris m. Tobyas Newcourt of Pickwell.
1.2. Anthony Harris, of Marwood, bur. April 10, 1618, 4th son.
1.2.1. Mary Harris, m. John Newcourt of Pickwell.
1.3. John Harris. Probably he who was mayor of Barnstaple 1578 and 1596; his Will dated 1600, probated 1602 (PCC 2 Montague) named Bartholomew Harris as a co-exec. of John Harris’ estate. (Abstract of probate of Bartholomew Harris, dtd. 1615).

1.4. Oliver Harris. Will probated July 10, 1595.

The Brothers, William, Anthony, and John Harris all had an interest in Marwood: (unknown) v Richards. Plaintiffs: Michell (unknown). Defendants: William Richards and William Harris. Subject: property in Marwood, Devon. c. 1558. Harrys v Ap Meredyth. Plaintiffs: William Harrys, Anthony Harrys and John Harrys. Defendants: Gryffith Ap Meredyth. Subject of decree: Farm of lands called The Barton of Marwood in Marwood, Devon, owned by the Earl of Bath; dismission. July 3, 1557.

The Harris interests in Marwood by 1582 were those of Bartholomew and Thomas Harris.

Braunton; Combe Martin; Harwood. Indenture made 14 Oct. 24 Eliz. (1582) between Allexander Burnaby of Bulksworthie, Yeoman, of the one part and Edward Lyell of Frithelstock, Husbandman, and John Browne of Holfardiswourthie, Husbandman, witnessing that whereas certain suits and strifes were moved and stirred between the said parties concerning the right and possession of certain messuages, lands and tenements, in the several parishes of Braunton, Chollacombe and Marwoode, which were the inheritance of one Fowke White, deceased, ancestor to the said Allexander, Edwarde and John, and whereof the said Allexander Burnaby as in his own right is or claims to be seized of an estate of inheritance in one moiety and Edward Lyell and John Browne are or claim to be seized of an estate of inheritance in the other moiety, for the apeasing of such strifes and suits, it is now agreed between the parties as follows:-

Allexander grants that Edward and John shall quietly enjoy their moiety without molestation by him (one lease granted by Allexander to Simon Lange, James Walter and Ewrithe Walter for their lives of the said messuages, land, and tenements, in Braunton, and one other lease made by him to William Harrys and others for their lives of the tenements in Marwoode, excepted) and he promises to make any conveyance that may be thought necessary, provided he is not forced to travel to any other place than to the Manor of Braunton Georges and Braunton Abbot; for this Edward and John agree that Allexander shall enjoy the other moiety three years by Allexander, ratify and confirm a lease already made by Allexander of a tenement parcel of the premises to the said Symon Lange, James Walter and Ewrithe Walter for their lives, or else make to Simon, James, and Ewrithe, a new lease for their lives with the same condition as the former lease, and they will also make any necessary conveyance to Allexander with similar condition as to travel. Allexander agrees that Edward and John may make leases of the tenements in Marwoode and Chollacombe at the ancient rents. Wits:- Thomas Leighe. Thomas Harrys. Bartholomew Harrys. Symon Rogerman. Robert Tucker. October 14, 1582.

Bartholomew and Thomas Harris were most likely the sons of John Harris, brother of Anthony Harris, of Marwood, whose daughter married John Newcourt of Pickwell, and was the grandmother of John Beare, who m. Dousabell Harris, who was the probable grandaughter of the said John Harris. John Beare and Dousabell Harris were, by this account, close kin. Dousabell Harris bore the same armorial as William, Anthony, and John Harris of Hayne.

Bartholomew Harris was mayor of Barnstaple in 1578 and 1596, and the Will of John Harris, probated 1602 (PCC 2 Montague) names Bartholomew Harris as an executor of his estate. Bartholomew married Elizabeth Collamore (her will probated 1649, PCC 9 Fairfax); they having issue Agnes Harris, baptised Apr. 6, 1604, in Barnstaple, who married William Spencer, d. 1640, in Hartford, Conn., deputy to Mass. General Court, 1634-1637. Other issue of Bartholomew Harris and Elizabeth Collamore being: Phillip Harris, born December 1, 1599, Richard Harris, April 30, 1608-1665, Mayor of Barnstaple; John Harris, 1597-1628.

Why, then, would the ancestry of Dousabell Harris suggest that her contempories in St Olaves, William and Thomas Harris, were of her family?, the family from which came John Harris of Northumberland Co. The said John Harris was the father-in-law of Anthony Haynie, of another Devonshire family, and grandfather of Gracie Haynie, the wife of Capt. George Ball, son of Capt. Wm. Ball, and Margaret, granddau. of Col. William Underwood. Capt. Wm. Ball m. 1. Mary or Margaret Williamson, dau. of James Williamson, of Rappahannock Co. David Ball, William Ball’s brother, b. Sept. 26, 1686; d. Dec. 14, 1732; m.2., May 29, 1727, Ellen Heale, dau. of George Heale, of Lancaster Co.; his wid. m. 2., Dec. 20, 1736, Moore Fauntleroy.

George Heale was probably of a prominent Devonshire family, kin of the Harris of Hayne. Margaret Harris, sister of the heretofore mentioned Arthur Harris, husband of Margaret Daville, m. William Crimes/Grimes, gent., bur. Sept. 9, 1621; their daughter, Elizabeth, m. Sir Francis Glanville of Tavistock & Kilworthy, d. 1638, Serjeant-at-law, whose sister, Joan, was the wife of Sampson Heale of Gnaton, Sheriff of Devon, fl. 1621. Likewise, the Ball family were also probably of Devonshire stock. A Ball family were established at Totnes (Will of William Ball, Gentleman of Totnes, Devon November 3, 1602), and at Frithelstock nr. Barnstaple, where William Harris of Hayne held land (Will of William Ball, Yeoman of Frithelstock, Devon, September 15, 1650). The Balls were associated with a family of Washington: Probate lawsuit Washington v Ball, concerning the deceased William Ball esq of Mamhead, Devon. Allegation and interrogatory 1691. The Washington family were those of of Lawrence Washington, evidenced here: Certified copy of a release by Elizabeth Washington and Robert Izacke of Bridgtown in Iddesleigh, Devon, gent., to trustees, of her lands and property in Garsdon, Amesbury, Bulford, Bradon, Lea, Cleverton, Whitchurch, Milbourne, Malmesbury and Farleigh to be held in trust for Sir Robert Shirley of Staunton Harold for life, then in trust for Elizabeth, and then for their heirs (specified in detail). Consid: marriage of Elizabeth Washington to Sir Robert Shirley. She was the daughter of Lawrence Washington. These Washingtons may have been of the same ilk as those established at Bideford, nr. Barnstaple: Post-nuptial settlement (bargain and sale). Hen. Pawle* of Lanteglos-by-Fowey, to Thos. Washington of Bideford, Devon, cordwainer, on marriage between Hen. P. and Ann, dau. of Thos. Washington. Unspecified property in Cornwall. Sept. 20, 1666. A John Chandler was a headright of Major William Ball and Thomas Chetwood,* partners in a patent for 1600 acres in Rappahannock County, April 17, 1667, and he is stated to have arrived in Virginia from Bideford, Devon, c. 1690, with his wife, Phebe. *It may be pertinent that a John Pawle married Judith Chichester, July 17, 1620, South Molton,the daughter of Tristram Chichester and Christian Hanford, and that a Stephen Hansford deposed that he was acquainted with the family of Richard Chichester of Rappahannock River, formerly of Widworthy, Devon, see anon.

As stated, the Chichester family held land in Frithelstock, as did Balthazar Beare, grandfather of John, husband of Dousabell Harris: Devon Record Office, Calendar of Deeds, membrane 17, 17d. May 5, 1565: Frithelstock … Bargain and sale by John Chichester of Frithelstock, esq, to John Dennis of Orleigh, esq, and John Boteler of Parkham, gentleman, of a third part of the manner and rectory of Frithellstocke which he holds for the term of the life of Dame Honor Lisley, widow. Membrane 5. 1269, December 20, 1586: Frithelstock … Demise for 3000 years by Thomas Tytherlay of Frethelstocke, yeoman, to Baltazer Boteler of Parkham, gentleman, for … 1d yearly rent, of a tenement called Swynecott in Frethelstocke in the tenure of Henrye Blynsham, and another in the village of Aish there in the tenure of John Abbott, with the rents and services. To be void if Thomas repays the 30 li on 2 Jan following at the dwelling house of John Botler, gentleman, Balthazar`s father at Stone in Parkham. April 7, 1587.

April 17, 1667. *William Ball and Thomas Chetwood. 1600 acres on North Side of Rappahannock River in Rappahannock County. Due for transportation of 32 persons: William Ball, his son, Hannah Ball (his dau., who m. David Fox*), her daughters, Mary Jones, Martha Jones, Ran. Gwill, Jos. Haseldowne, Joseph Foster, Ralph Gath, George Comes, Yarrett Williams, Henry Scoller, William Higgins, Edward Wagg, Dorothy Wells, William Morris, Joshua Greene, Jno. Chandler, Wm. Harloe, Nath. Freeman, Thomas Harris, George Martin, Jno. Bridgman, Elizabeth Smith, Grace, Edward Salter, RIchard Blackman, Robert Sanders, Thomas Bowles, Thomas Dickins, Robert Ambrose (Nugent, vol. ii., p. 20, citing B. 6, p. 67 (LVA Reel 6). This seems to indicate that Hannah Ball, born March 12, 1650, was a ‘widow Jones‘.

Nov. 12, 1718: Will of William Fox. Written March 22, 1717. Wife Anne; daughter Mary; sisters: Hannah Spellman, Anne Fox, and Catherine Heale. Nieces Frances Spellman and Frances Fox. Nephews: David Fox and Richard Kenner; Elizabeth Vaulx, Hannah Harris, Elizabeth, Sarah and Ellen Heale, daughters of George Heale; Wm Dare; Jas. Reeves; Wm. Attchison; Thos. Frazer; Mr. Geo Hele; Maj Wm Ball; James Ball, Wm Payne. Extrs. Wife Anne and Mr Wm Payne. Wits Nicho. George, Geo Wal, Eliz Diggles (B. 10 p. 275). Inventory above estate recorded Feb. 13, 1718. Proved by Anne Chichester, late Anne Fox and Wm Payne. Hannah Harris was a daughter of Rodham Kenner and Hannah Fox, sister of William Fox. After the death of Rodham Kenner, Hannah Fox married Clement Spelman. Hannah Kenner was the wife of John Harris. After the death of William Fox, his widow married (Marriage bond dated July, 1719). Richard Chichester, 2nd son of John Chichester of Widworthy and Margaret Ware, born at Silverton the 5th of March, baptized the 16th of March, 1657, married Anna; came to Virginia in 1702, bringing with him his son John.

Stephen Hansford. Rec. 8 Jul 1743. Deposition of Stephen Hansford, of town of Abbotsbury in Co. of Dorset now of the Co. of King George in the Colony of VA, 44 Yrs of age. States that he was well acquainted with Mr. John Chichester of the Co. of Devon, son of Richard Chichester of Rappahannock River in Va., and the sd. John Chichester imtermarried with one Mrs. Elizabeth Sims, dau of Mr. Thomas Sims and Mary his wife of Goresol in the Co. of Dorset and sister of Chiliot Sims, Esq., of Exeter in the Co., of Devon. Sd. John Chichester a few yrs. after his marriage shipt himself to Va. leaving his wife & two sons behind and that sometime after his departure Mrs. Chichester and her youngest son Richard Chichester took thier passage to Va. from Weymouth in the ship Brimston, Capt. Giles Russell, Commander. She arrived safely in Va. and lived there several years with her sd. husband John Chichester and about the year 1736 (sic) the sd. Elizabeth & her son Richard went back to England where in the year 1728 the sd. Elizabeth apparently died and Richard Chichester, her son, returned to Va. the summer after the death of his mother and found on his arrival that his father, John Chichester, was also dead.

Some of the Devonshire associations of this Chichester family are given thus:

1. Philip Trenick, m. Margary Hext.
1.1. Philip Trenick, bapt. April 14, 1639, in Ugborough, Devon, d. August 5, 1694, m. Anna Cole, d. October 1683, dau. of William Cole and Thomasina Fox, bapt. November 1, 1605, in Ugborough, d. March 4, 1664, dau. of Richard Fox (bapt. Jan. 31, 1577, in Ugborough, d. Feb. 17, 1615), and Thomasina Baker.

1. Thomas Hext. of Pickwell in psh. of Georgeham, escheater of Devon 1525, bur. Dec. 1, 1555; m. as 2nd husb., Wilmot Poyntz, b. by 1487, d. Apr. 15, 1558, dau. of William Poyntz.
1.1. George Hext, of Pickwell, Devon, m. Mary Parker, dau. of Thomas Parker of North Moulton; she m. 2. John Newcourt; the grandfather of John Beare, husband of Dousabella Harris, by his first wife, Mary, third dau. of Arthur Harris of Hayne Esq., aforementioned. As given, John Newcourt’s son and namesake married Mary, dau. of William Fry of Yeartie Esq.; their son Tobie was the father of Jane, who m. Gregorie, son of Henry Chichester of Bittadon, Gent (b. 1578, Bittadon, Devon, d. 1650, Marwood; son of Henry Chichester of Widworthy,* and Mary Burgoyne, d. 1616, dau. of George Burgoyne of Zeal Monachorum. *Brother of Hugh, ancestor of Richard Chichester, who, as given, married the widow of William Fox of Northumberland Co., Virginia.
1.1.1. Sir Edward Hext of Netherham, Somerset, d. February 22, 1624; m. Dyonisia Stonehouse, d. July 30, 1633, dau. of George Stonehouse of Radley, and widow of Walter Lawson.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Hext, m. 1. Sir Joseph Killigrew, d. April 19, 1616.
1.2. Margery Hext, m. Sir John Collamore, of Pickwell. Harlein MS 1163, fol. 190 identifies John Collamore’s wife as ‘dau.of … Hext of Pickwell in the parish of Georgeham, Devon’.
1.2.1. Henry Collamore, 2nd s., event. h., bpt.Jan. 12, 1541, Braunton, bur. June 15, 1625, Bishop’s Tawton, Devon; m. by 1563, Margaret Blight, d. 1626 (Vis. Devon, pp. 216-217).
1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Collamore, bapt. Sept. 2, 1566, Bishop’s Tawton, bur. Dec. 7. 1647, Barnstaple; m., Jan. 18, 1586, Braunton, Bartholomew Harris, yeo., mayor of Barnstaple.
1.2.1.2. William Collamore, s.l. 1647, m. Jan. 30, 1611, Margaret Chichester, dau. of Tristram Chichester.

I have extensively documented the very close assocations of the Harris family of Southwark, London, to such as James Williamson, of Rappahannock Co.; Moore Fauntleroy; Col. William Underwood; ‘Mr Wm Payne Nicho. George’, mentioned in the Will of William Fox, etc., of which this is a very brief synopsis:

1.’William Harris Fishmonger, of Saint Saviour’, Southwark. The Will of ‘Jeffrey Williamson, of St Saviour, (Southwark) fishmonger’, was proved April 8, 1589 … Overseers: ‘William Harris, fishmonger’. Others named Elizabeth his wife. Thomas Williamson, his brother. William Harris and Edward Griffin both married daus. of John Treherne Sr. … Edward Griffin was the father of Thomas Griffin, father of (1) George Griffin, whose wife was Joan Griffin, as described in her will, proved April 19, 1661: ‘Joan Griffin of the County of High Nockect in the River Ausemund in the Country of Virginia and now being in St. Ollave’s parish near London … (2) Thomas Griffin, father of his namesake, appraiser of the estate of ‘Richard Williamson, Appraisal taken November 16, 1665. Mr. Peter Garland Adm., Appraisers: Francis Ayers, Richard Williamson, Thomas Griffin …’. Reg: August 9, 1666 (B. 2, p. 6). Given the continuous association in Virginia between this family of Griffin and one of Williamson, it seems highly probable that Thomas Williamson, brother of Jeffrey, was the ancestor of the said Richard Williamson, and he the father of Dr. James Williamson and Dr. Robert Williamson. The connection of the Harris family to that of Williamson was probably based on ‘William Harris Fishmonger’ being the brother-in-law of ‘Jeffrey Williamson, fishmonger’, and his brother, Thomas.

1.1. William Harris, the ‘underage son’ named in his father’s Will of 1600, married Elizabeth Stanlie, on February 20, 1602, in St. Olave, Southwark. Their son was William Harris Jr., as follows: ‘Peter Pope, notary public, in Rotterdam, Holland. That John Shepeard of Rotterdam appoints ‘his well beloved brother Wm Harris‘ to receive ac/s from Wm. Underwood or James Williamson, merchants, living in Virginia, particularly for all goods delivered the said Williamson in the absence of Underwood … late end of the year 1648′ (Beverley Fleet, Virginia Colonial Abstracts).

1.1.1. William Harris Jr., married a sister of John Shepeard (TNA, Prob. 11/318/482, Will of John Shepheard, Grocer of Southwark, November 14, 1665 … The intermarried Spencer and Sheppard families of Virginia were of St. Olave’s, Southwark, and are recorded thus: ‘William & Alice Spencer’ (married June 23, 1622), at St. Olave’s, Southwark. William Spencer’s nephew, Nicholas, is recorded in the St. Olave’s registers as being the father of John Spencer: ‘John Spencer 26 September 1641 f. Nicholas Spencer’. William and Alice Spencer had issue: Elizabeth Spencer, who m. (1) Major Robert Sheppard (bef. 1654) of James City, VA. He was very likely a son of ‘Francis Shepheard and Elizabeth Ellis’ (married September 28, 1617), St. Olave’s Southwark. (2) Thomas Warren, of Ripple Court, Kent. Major Robert Sheppard and Elizabeth Spencer had issue: Anne Shephard, who m. (1) Thomas Hart & (2) William Newsome (The Newsam family were established at St. Olave’s. The Will of ‘Francis Newsam, Haberdasher of Saint Olave Southwark’, was proved on August 22, 1625 (TNA, Prob. 11/146/319).
1.1.1.1. William Harris, who, at St. Olave, Southwark, married (May 25, 1643) Elizabeth Arnell. Anthony Arnell was a transportee of Thomas Harris, d. 1672: March 2, 1658: ‘Thomas Harris, 1000 acres, Isle of Wight Co. Upon a swamp running into the W. branch of Nansamond Riv., including 2 Indian fields. Trans. of 20 persons: John Hardy, Alexander Vaughn, Ann Lees, William Todd, Eliz. Jones, Mary Wood, John Davis, John Griffin, Fran. Anderson, Jno. Pew, Ann Greene, Eliza. Nusome, Weltin (Walton) Harris, Anth. Arnold, Sam. Trobury, Alexander Cahill (Nugent, ‘Cavaliers and Pioneers’, vol. 1, p. 386).
1.1.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. (1) Eleanor George (dau. of Nicholas George) and had son, John Harris, obit. 1713, (2) Alice Newman and had several daus., and one son, Thomas Harris, obit 1712, who m. Judith Edwards. Thomas Harris sold to Christopher Benn all the land at Pagan Point, purchased from William Batte and Mrs. Margaret Upton. The families of Benne and Batte were associated with Southwark, as I have described elsewhere.
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688, m. Dorothy Bessana, of S’ Lawrence Jury, Spr, ab’ 19′. ‘George Bryar & Rich. Lawrence, 3000 acs. Rappa. Co. on Ewd. side of Rappa. Cr., 16 Mar. 1663. Beg. on sd. Cr. side adj. land of Col. More Fantleroy* & opposite to the now plantation of Col. Walker, extending along the Cr. side to land of Charles Grimes, dec’d., bounded by same, land of Mr. Jno. Hull & his own to white oak in his Cr. &c. Trans. of 60 pers: … Thomas Harris, Ann Harris, Susan Harris … Mathew Tomlin … Andrew Joyner. *Samuel Griffin’s son-in-law; he being the br. of Thomas Griffin, aforementioned, of Southwark, London. More Fauntleroy Sr. patented land on the N side of the Rappahannock River was on the W side of Bushrod Creek next to the land of William Underwood (the business partner of William Harris Jr., aforementioned).

George Payne, of St Saviour, Southwark, citizen and grocer of London. Asks to be buried in St Saviour parish ‘neare where my Children do lye’. A bequest to the poor of St Saviour parish ‘where I nowe dwell’. Has a house and lands in Brasted, Kent. Has a house in Gracechurch Street, London, occupied by Owen Kynastone. Has two houses in St Saviour, one occupied by Mr Humfrey, the other occupied by John Burbage. Proved August 17, 1625. Family members named: Margaret his wife … George Paine and Edward Payne his sons, and another son John ‘who is nowe beyonde the sea’. William King of Brenchley, Kent, clothier. Others named: Katherine Underwood, daughter of Henry Underwood. George Kynastone his godson. George Payne his grandson, son of George Payne his son, and the testator’s godson. Executor: Margaret his wife; should she be unable, then Edward his son. Overseers: Francis Killingbecke of Twineham, Sussex, clerk, his brother; and Richard Yearwood, citizen and grocer of London. Witnesses: Henry Underwood (TNA, Prob.11/146, ff.193r-194v), to whom William Underwood was undoubtedly related.

John Payne bought land from Francis Hobbs: ‘John Payne, 653 acs. on N. side of Rappa. Riv., beg. at miles end of his land purchased of Fra. Hobbs. 2 June I657. Trans. of 13 pers’. (B. 4, p.362). John Payne was a neighbour of Edward Harris: ‘John Paine, 88 acs. Lancaster Co., 20 Feb. 1662. N. side of Rappa. Riv., abutting N. & by W. upon land of Edward Harris, dec’d., S. by E. upon a Cr. dividing this from land of Richard Coleman. Granted to Rice Jones Sept. 2, 1652, sold to Howell Powell & George Harris, who assigned to Charles Snead & by him assigned to sd. Paine’ (ibid., 5, p. 487). *On 20 Feb. 1638, Nicholas George, with John Grymsditch, received a 300 acre patent of land in Isle of Wight C., on Pagan Creek; 200 acres to Nicholas by assignment from William Clapham to whom it was due for transportation of 4 persons. & 100 acres due sd. Grymsditch for the per. adv. of himself & wife (B. 1, p. 633). John Grymsditch was a transportee of William Newsum, January 29, 1649 ( B. 2, p. 188). It can be noted that ‘Newsam’ was variously written, one version being Newcome (see Sussex N&Q, vol. 11/12, p. 203), and it may be of considerable import that a Robert Harris married ‘Margaret Newcom’ on February 2, 1643, in St. Olave’s. Nicholas George was the father-in-law of Thomas Harris, who died in 1672. A dau of Francis Hobbs married John Harris, son of the said Thomas Harris.

In essence, many of those associated with the Harris and Haynie families of Northumberland Co., Virginia, were also associated with the Harris family of Southwark, London, and with the family of Dousabella Harris; the conclusion, based on the tenets of the English kinship system, wherein families intermarried within their ‘circle’, preserving relationships, wealth and security from one generation to the next, is that the Harris family of Southwark were synonomous with the Harris of Hayne, and Dousabella Harris lived among kinfolk.

Prince (Danmonii Orientales Illustres: Or, The Worthies of Devon, 1810) givesan account of this family in its broadest sense:

The family of Harris has resided without interruption at Radford during a space of nearly four hundred years, from the reign of Henry the fifth to the present time. This work affords many instances, and more might be adduced, of families whose residence in the county has been of longer duration; but they will be found to have occupied various places, often relinquishing their original seats, to establish themselves in others derived from intermarriage with heiresses of other houses. Among those whose residence has been equally stationary, may be mentioned the Courtenays at Powderham, the Bamfyldes at Poltimore, the Edgcombes at Edgcombe, the Fulfords at Fulford, the Kellys at Kelly, the Strodes at Newnham, and the Worths at Worth. To this list, doubtless, some others, but not certainly many, might be added. Before we proceed to continue the descents of the Hayne branch of the Harris family, we shall trace the progress of the elder line. To John Harris, the first of his name, who (in the reign of Henry the fifth) resided at Radford in the parish of Plymstock, which estate had, during some preceding generations, been the seat of a family of its own name, succeeded John his son, and John his grandson, the latter of whom had two sons named John. From the youngest of these descended the family at Hayne. John, the eldest son, had issue Francis, who, by Philippa, the daughter of Sir Thomas Grenville, of Stow, had issue William, who married Katharine, daughter and coheir of Henry Esse, or Trecarrell, of Trecarrell, by whom he had issue Christopher and Jane. Christopher appears to have dwelt in Cornwall, during the lifetime of his father, being mentioned by Carew, among the resident justices of that county, and as one of the deputy lieutenants, an office at that time confined to a few persons. Of him also the same author speaks in the following passage. “In Lezant parish, master Christopher Harris owneth a third part of Trecarrell, as coheir to the last gentleman of that name, but admitteth no partner in the sweetly tempered mixture of bounty and thrift, gravity and pleasantness, kindness and stoutness, which grace all his actions.” He represented Plymouth in parliament in the 26th year of Elizabeth. On the 7th of June, 1607, he was knighted at Whitehall, at which time he is stiled of Radford. He was thrice married; to a daughter of Arscott; of Sidenham; and of Southcote: but left no issue, his only son by the first marriage having died in early youth. Sir Christopher dying in January, 1624, left his estate to the heirs of his sister, who had married a gentleman of her own name, and if the similarity or identity of their armorial ensigns be any proof, of her own family also, John Harris of Lanrest, in the parish of Liskeard, son of John Harris of the same place. Whether this family of Lanrest derived itself originally from Radford, or had given origin to the latter, does not certainly appear; although from their armorial bearings the former may rather be presumed.” It had certainly been seated there for some generations, and by this intermarriage the branches of the family were united and continued. John Harris of Lanrest, who married the sister of Sir Christopher, died in 1579, leaving a son, John, who is mentioned by Carew, as a magistrate, and as provost marshal, in 1599. “Lanrest,” he adds, “is the inheritance of Mr. John Harris, a gentleman employing his sound judgment and other praiseworthyparts to theservice of his prince and country, and the good of his friends and himself.” He died in June, 1623, leaving issue by Jane, coheir of Robert Hart, of Plimston, in Stoke Climsland, Christopher, John, and several other children. Christopher represented West Looe, in the 18th year of James the first, and died a few months after his father, without issue, having married Gertrude, the only sister of the famous Sir Bevil Grenville. John, his brother, succeeded to the Lanrest estate, and shortly after to Radford also, upon the death of his great uncle, sir Christopher Harris.

*The arms of Harris, of Radford, are, and always have been, sable, three crescents argent; those of Hayne, the same, within a bordure argent. The latter coat was also borne by Harris of Lanrest, previously to the union of this family with that of Radford, but after that event was disused, and the former was adopted. As the bordure seems to have been assumed by the Hayne branch, as a mark of cadency, so it probably was by the Lanrest family, and this circumstance would render the descent of the latter family from the house of Radford as probable, as the descent of the Hayne family from it is certain.
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