Some Harris families of Virginia came from Western England, as did families of Bond, Bridger, Council, Driver, Fulgham, Hobbs, Pitt, Sharpe, and Tucke, particularly from the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire. They were minor land holders and mariners, who all lived within a very short distance of each other, in an area served by the port of Bristol. Their kinship group contained the very influential family of Bennett, of Wivelscombe (later of Bristol), and Virginia. Another influential family within this group were the Pitts, of Avening, Gloucestershire:

Avening (30 mls from Bristol) is the next parish to Cherington, less than 2 mls distant. Cherington is 4 mls from Tetbury, and 6 mls from Kingscote. English county delineations can be misleading to American researchers. For instance, Avening is 65 mls from Wedmore, Somerset, and 90 mls from Wivelscombe, Somerset, on the main coastal route. They share the same regional and trade location.

1. Robert Driver.
1.1. Alice Driver, m. John Winstone, 10 Nov. 1557, in Avening, nr. Bristol.
1.2. Joanne Driver, William Mundon, 9 Oct. 1557, in Avening.
1.3. Robert Driver.
1.3.1. Giles Driver, m. Dorothy Bayley, of wheatenhurst, dau. of John Bayley. His armorial: pale indented argent & azure, 2 lions rampant combatant countercharged. Crest: a dexter arm embowed in armour proper purfle or, a hand grasping a wreath of laurel vert. Will of Giles Driver of Avening, Gloucestershire (30 mls from Bristol), 2 July 1639 (PROB 11/180/571).
1.3.1.1. Elizabeth Driver, m. John Gillman, 16 Oct. 1608, in Avening (St Mary the Virgin).
1.3.1.2. Joan Driver, m. William Say, 13 July 1617, in Avening (St Mary).
1.3.1.3. John Driver, bur. 12 June 1681, in Avening, m. Elizabeth Bridger, bapt. Slimridge 5 Aug. 1638, bur. 28 Jan 1675; cousin of Joseph Bridger, of Woodmanscote, in Dursley, 10 mls from Avening, who m. Hester Pitt. Joseph Bridger of Virginia made a bequest to his mother, Mary, still living in Dursley. He was the son of Samuel Bridger, d. 1650, Sub-Dean of the College of Gloucester, who held the lease of woodmanscote, second son of Lawrence Bridger, rector of Slimridge, fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, 1568; Canon of Gloucester, 1586 (Foster’s Alumni), whose Will was probated 30 June 1631. One of the tenants of Woodmanscote was *Thomas Pitt, who may have been he who was transported to Virginia, in 1666, by Joseph Bridger, thus:

(1. Thomas Pitt of Blandford, of Blandford Forum, North Dorset
1.1. William Pitt, b. 1578, Bristol (encompasses North Somerset and South Gloucestershire); d. 25 Oct. 1624, in Bristol, Will pr. 3 Feb. 1625.
1.1.1. Thomas Pitt, probably he who patented 872 ac. in Charles City, 7 Dec, 1641.
1.1.1.1. *Thomas Pitt.
1.1.2. Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, who m. 2. Anne, widow of Robert Watson. He d. c. 1666, as that year his widow m. Captain James Powell.
1.1.2.1. Thomas Pitt, d. 1688, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, and Sarah Jackson.
1.1.2.1.1. Mary Pitt, m. Nicholas Boone, first-cousin of Joseph Boone, who d. 19 Feb. 1728, in Edenton, Chowan, father of Ratcliffe Boone, who m. (in 1734) Ruth Atkinson, dau. of John Atkinson and Ann Holliman, dau. of Christopher Holliman. His Will was prob. 1787 (W.B. II, p. 72); witnessed by Robert Harris).

(1. William Tucke, m. Christian Holman, 18 July 1571, at Barwick, St Mary Magdalene, Som.; 19 mls fr. West Pennard, Som.; 22 mls fr. Othery, Som.; 27 mls fr. Wedmore, Som.; 40 mls fr. Wivelscombe, Som.
1.1. Margery Holman m. John Carter, 13 Aug. 1573, at West Pennard.
1.2. Thomas Tucke, who m. Mary Collins, 26 Jan. 1604, Barwick. The Collins were intermarried with the Newmans: Ann Newman m. Richard Collins, 25 Jan. 1566, Barwick; the Raulins (interm. with the Fryes of West Pennard, and the Bennetts of Othery (Joane Rawlins m. Richard Bennett, 8 Nov. 1618, Othery), 21 mls fr. Wivelscombe, suggesting a very close familial link to the Bennett/Harris family of that place, from whence Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Edward Harris, d. 1677, in Virginia): Elizabeth Collins m. John Raulins, 23 Feb. 1574, Barwick; the Gyles: Margery Collins m. Edward Gyles, 6 Feb. 1578, Barwick; the Barnes: Elizabeth Collins m. Thomas Barnes, 28 Nov. 1590, Barwick; the Warrens: Edith Collins m. John Warren, 5 Oct. 1592, Barwick; the Sellyes (a familial link to the Blake/Harris family of Wivelscombe), William Collins m. Mary Sellye, 24 Jul 1598, Barwick; the Kynges: Mary Collins m. William Kynge, 30 Apr. 1599, Barwick; the Fryes (a familial link to the Wedmore families of Harris/Hodges/Council), Ceselye Collins m. John Frye, 26 Jan. 1603, Barwick; n.b. the Holloways (originally of Nunney): Elizabeth Collins m. William Holwaie, 7 Jun. 1604, Barwick.
1.2.1. James Tooke. December 1634, William Lacey leased James Tooke 500 acres on the east side of Lawne’s Creek; 26 October 1646, James Tooke to Robert Harris,* all my right and title to this lease. Will of James Tooke: Leg: Son Thomas, the tract on which I live being a Patent of 800 acres, also a Patent called White Marsh and my seal signet ring to daughter Dorothy, the wife of John Harvey (Gov. NC) who are now at Southward; son William. Executor: Son Thomas. R. 2 Feb. 1662. Witnesses: Thomas Carter, Thomas Gwaltney. *It is possible that he was the Robt. Harris who was bapt. 24 Feb 1613 in Othery (St Michael), 21 mls fr. Wivelscombe.
1.2.2. Thomas Tooke, b. c. 1610, m. 1. Avis Mascoll, 7 June 1634, Barwick; 2. Mary … He witnessed the Will of William Ridley, with Thomas Harris, d. 1672, as follows. His children:
1. James (Will in Pasquotank, 1719).
2. Thomas (Will in Middlesex, 1720).
3. Dorothy (m. Joseph Commander, in NC).
4. John (Will in Surry, 1675).
5. Joan (m. John Scott).
7. William (Will in Surry, 1675).
8. Mary (m. 1. …Crew, 2. Edmond Bellson).
1.2.3. William Tooke.
1.2.3. Elizabeth Tooke, m. Michael Ezell.
1.2.3.1. Elizabeth Ezell, m. John Atkinson Jr, son of John Atkinson and Ann Holliman.

*He was probably the br. of Robert Tucke who m. Emma Morrys 13 Apr. 1572, Barwick; with either of them being the father of Joane Tucke, who. m. William Penny, 22 Sept. 1588, Barwick; Richard Tucke, who m. Elizabeth Wiggot, 8 Oct. 1594, Barwick.; Joane Tucke, who m. William Appleby, 28 Dec. 1595, Barwick; Thomas Tucke, who m. Mary Collins, 26 Jan. 1604, Barwick.

There was an established family of Holman at Barwick and West Pennard:

Isabell Holman, bapt. 11 Mar. 1550, in West Pennard (St Nicholas).
John Holman, bapt. 3 Apr. 1554, West Pennard.
Henry Holman, bapt. 10 Jun. 1564, Barwick (St Mary Magdalene).
Margaret Holman, bapt. 16 Feb. 1566, Barwick.

At a later period:

William Holman m. Ann Hill, 12 Oct, 1620, at Puriton (St Michael), 27 mls fr. Barwick
William Holman m. Elenor Owsley, 22 Aug 1625, Cricket St Thomas (St Thomas), 15 mls fr. Barwick; parents of John Holman, bapt. 14 Feb 1626, Cricket St Thomas, 24 mls fr. Milverton, where Richard Holman m. Margaret Owen, 24 Feb. 1655,and were probable parents of James Holman, bapt. 3 Jan. 1664, Milverton, St Michael).

1.1.3. Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. 9 January 1674, IOW.
1.1.3.1. John Pitt, m. Olive Hardy, widow of Giles Driver, uncle of John Council (of the family from Wedmore, Somerset).
1.1.3.2. Hester Pitt, m. Joseph Bridger.
1.1.2.2.1. Hester Bridger, m. George Williamson, son of Dr. Robert Williamson, and Joan Allen.

On 21 March 1666, Joseph Bridger, patented, with his father-in-law Colonel Robert Pitt and William Burgh, 3000 acres of land on a branch of the Blackwater River. His portion of the land was claimed through his having transported 24 persons to the colony.

1.3.1.3.1. Elizabeth Driver, m. Thomas Yates, 28 Dec. 1647. in Avening (St Mary)
1.3.1.3.2. John Driver, m. Elizabeth Chapman, 5 Nov. 1663, in Tetbury (St Mary) He was mentioned in Henry Chapman’s Will his father-in-law, proved 4 Mar 1685, and was named Trustee for the children of Henry Blake, whose Will was dated 20 Aug. 1662.
1.3.1.4. Robert Driver, m. Joan Baker, 26 Oct. 1615, in Cherington (St Nicholas).
1.3.1.4.1. John Driver, m. Hannah Hobbs, 25 Jan. 1651 Tetbury (St Mary), dau. of John Hobbs and Joane Alloway, who m. 24 Aug 1631, in Tetbury (St Mary). It would not be unreasonable to suppose Hannah Hobbs to be the sister of Francis Hobbs, as follows.
1.3.1.4.1.1. Anne Driver, m. Samuell Millard, 23 Nov. 1668, in Tetbury. The Millards were kin of the Council, Hodges, Harris, and Webb families of Wedmore, Somerset.
1.3.1.4.1.2. Hester Driver, m. Christopher Webb, 6 Apr 1675, in Cherington (St Nicholas).
1.3.1.4.2. Giles Driver, m. 1. Elizabeth: Driver v Cole. Plaintiffs: Giles Driver and Elizabeth Driver his wife. Defendants: John Holgate, [unknown] Cole and others. Place or subject: money, Gloucestershire. Nat. Arch. ref. C 7/450/27. 1662. Thomas Harris, 650 acs. on the N. side of the head of Puscaticon Cr., Lancaster Co., 23 Aug., 1656, p. 392. Adj. land of Oliver Seger, & opposite an Indian Field, Trans. of 13 pers. inc. Giles Driver. 23 Aug. 1656. He m. (1) Elizabeth (Sharpe/Reynolds), (2) Olive Hardy.
1.3.1.4.2.1. Charles Driver, m. Prudence Pitt, dau. of John Pitt and Olive Hardy, probable sister of George Hardy, who witnessed the Will of Edward Harris, d. 1677. The will of John Pitt ‘of ye City of Bristol’, named legatees: father Colonel Robert Pitt; son John land at Chuckatuck, whereon he now lives; son James; son Henry; grandson Robert Pitt; dau. Sarah Norsworthy; dau. Martha Norsworthy; dau. Prudence Driver; dau. Mary Drury; dau.-in-law Ann Bromfield. Recorded 9 Jan. 1703. John and Olive had issue: Martha Pitt, who m. George Norsworthy. Mary Pitt, who m. … Drury. Robert Pitt, who m. Sarah Smith, dau. of Arthur Smith.  Sarah Pitt, who m. Tristam Norsworthy. (Their dau., Sarah Norsworthy, m. John Pitt III, son of Sarah’s brother,John Pitt, Jr.). William Pitt. Prudence Pitt, who m. Charles Driver.
1.3.1.4.2.2. Giles Driver, Mary Reynolds.
1.3.1.4.2.3. Robert Driver, m. Prudence Richards. William Sharpe m. Sarah Richards, 1 Nov. 1658, in Tetbury (St Mary). He was the br. of Thomas Sharpe Jr., who m. Dorothy Chandler, 14 June 1655, in Tetbury, sons of Thomas Sharp Sr., whose sister Elianor, m. William Webb, 28 Aug. 1628, in Tetbury, and who was contemporary to Richard Sharpe, whose dau., Mary, was bapt. 11 Feb. 1625, in Tetbury, and who was most likely the father of Richard Sharpe of Virginia. Sarah Richards was the granddau. of Henry Richards, who m. Katherine Dene, 19 Apr 1610, in Avening (St Mary). She may have been related to Elizabeth Richards, who m. Francis Pitt, 14 Jan. 1632, at Olveston (St Mary the Virgin), 30 mls from Avening, 40 from Wedmore.
1.3.1.4.2.3.1. Prudence Driver, m. Richard Jordan.

1. Thomas Bennett, d. 1616, Wivelscombe, Somerset. 1.1. … Bennett, m. Richard Jackson, who patented 450 acres in IOW adjacent to Justinian Cooper. 1.1.1. Mary Jackson, m. Capt. George Hardy, who patented 500 acres on July 17, 1648 ‘lying on east side of Lawne’s Creek extending to main river and along the great river to the creek dividing the same from land of Alice Bennett’. On 19 June 1666, he made a deed to land which belonged to his wife Mary whom he refers to as the ‘daughter of Richard Jackson, dec.’. Her sister, Sarah Jackson, m. Col. Arthur Smith, aforementioned.

Richard Harris of Wivelscombe, son of William Harris and Dorothy West, who m. 31 Aug. 1562, at Wivelscombe, Somerset, m. Thomas Bennett’s sister, Elianor Bennett, and was the father of Thomas Harris, cousin of Governor Bennett of Virginia, who m. Judith Blake, November 20, 1623, at Wivelscombe; the very likely the father of  Thomas Harris, d. 1672 (whose son, John, m. Margaret Hobbs, sister of Francis Hobbs), and Edward Harris, d. 1677.

Richard Harris was also the br.-in-law of Richard Bennett. In 1669, Thomas Wood, son of Arthur Wood and Sarah Wooten, his mother, ‘relict of Arthur deceased’, deeded him land as ‘Richard Bennett of Blackwater’. In 1666, Colonel Arthur Smith made a deed to land at ‘Blackwater’ inherited by his wife, Sarah Jackson, from her ‘grandmother Alice Bennett’.

Richard Bennett’s first wife was Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’). Mr. Charles Barham Ex., Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and Thomas Tuke overseers, were officers of the Will of William Ridley, who was probably the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife.

Richard Bennett’s son, James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger. Prob. 9 April 1685: ‘Son: William land granted to me by escheat of 850 acres formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorothy Bond, and William Blount … To my wife the land on which I now dwell of 850 acres formerly belonging to Capt. Upton Daus: Martha Godwin, Mary, Elizabeth, and Hester. Wit: James Bennett, Robert Pitt, Samuel Luck, Richard Glover. (B. 2, p. 242).

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1. Robert Hathaway, of Kingscote, Gloucestershire.
1.1. William Hathaway, m. Margaret Hutchins, 29 Nov. 1578, in Kingscote.
1.2. Thomas Hathaway, of Kingscote; 6 mls from both Avening and Tutbury, abodes of the Pitt family. He d. 18 April 1588, in Tutbury.
1.2.1. Thomas Hathaway, d. 1609.
1.2.1.1. Nicholas Hathaway, emigrated to Taunton, MA, in 1640.
1.2.1.1.1. John Hathaway, m. 1. Martha; m. 2. Ruth Dyer.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Isaac Hathaway, m. Mary Pitt, dau. of Peter Pitt and Mary Andrews, first wife of William Hodges, who was very likely to have been the son of William Hodges, churchwarden of Tutbury, in 1655.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Hopestill Hathaway, m. Richard Wood.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Woods, blacksmith, m. 2., at Morristown, NJ. Rebecca …
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Wood, bap. 21 April 1751, Morristown, NJ., m. Thomas Highsmith.

Although it is impossible to exactly identify the ancestry of this Peter Pitt, a statement that he was of the Pitt family associated with Drivers of Tutbury and Avening would seem a reasonable one.

copyright m stanhope 2016