ALLERTON CHURCH

COBB/BOND/COUNCIL/LAWRENCE/TOOKE

1. Nicholas Cobb, mariner, m. Susanna Byrd. William Tooke assigned 900 acres of land to Nicholas Cobb on 3 Jan. 1661.
1.1. Edward Cobb, d. 1731, aged 67, m. (1687) Dorothy Bond, dau. of John Bond, son of Thomas Bond, of Wivelscombe, Somerset. Nicholas Cobb appraised the estate of John Bond. Edward Cobb was an executor of his mother-in-law’s Will (D.B. 1, P. 42).
1.1.1. Elizabeth Cobb, m. Robert Lawrence, d. 1739 (almost certainly of the family from Wedmore, Somerset). Robert Lawrence of the Lower Parish of IOW Co. sold Edward Cobb, Jr. 90 acs. from a patent to the said Robert Lawrence on 16 June 1727, south of Blackwater and southwest of Cypress Swamp. On 10 Nov. 1730, Robert Lawrence of Bertie Precinct, NC, sold William Fowler 250 acres on Beaver Dam Swamp in the Lower Parish from a patent dated 28 May 1673, witnessed by Hardy Council, Sr. (son of Hodges Council and Lucy Hardy; the Hodges/Council families being of Wedmore, 27 mls fr. Wivelscombe); Hardy Council, Jr., part of a patent of Robert Lawrence, Sr., who made his Will in Nansemond Co., 2 Jan. 1696. His wife, Mary, signed her name at quaker meetings as ‘Mary Lawrece North Carolina, Widow’. His Will names two son-in laws, Henry Sanders and Richard Taylor. Robert Sr’s dau. Anne, m. Jeremiah Exum; their dau., Mary, m. Jacob Ricks;  William Murphey, and Col. Barnabas McKinnie. Robert Lawrence Sr. received two patents on 25 Aug. 1642, 200 acs. in Lawne’s Creek, adj. the lands of Mr. Harding and the widow Bennett (she being of Wivelscombe, and closely related to the Harris family of that place, see as follows), and 100 acs. in Lawnes Creek, adj. the land of ‘Mr. Tooke‘(see as follows, fr. Barwick, 40 mls fr. Wivelscombe).

On September 28, 1643, he received a patent for 150 acres near the mouth of Lawnes Creek adjoining John Stocker, (n.b.) George Hardie (appraised estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677), and Thomas Gyer for the importation of Thomas Merrick, (n.b.) and Wm. Penny (his family interm. with the Virginia Tuckes and Pitmans of Barwick and Horsington, 15 mls fr. Barwick). His commonly proposed ancestry typifies the ‘straight from Burke’ fictions of many English/American pedigrees.

1.1.1.1. Martha Lawrence, m. Joseph Parker; probable br. of Thomas Parker, d. 1782, as follows.  June 1771: Frances Lawrence, orphan of George Lawrence dec., came into the court and chose James Perry to be her guardian. Bond: Joseph Parker and Humphrey Lawrence. On 2 February 1760, George Lawrence’s lines adjoined those of James Norfleet,  John Lawrence, and Paul Lawrence, and were processioned. He was the son of Robert Lawrence Jr., aforesaid, as per Will, 1744.
1.1.2. Henry Cobb, m. Mary Hardy, 1729. Her true ancestry is easily adduced.
1.1.2.1. William Cobb, m. Elizabeth Lawrence.

On 19 Aug. 1748, Thomas Parker purchased a tract of land 100 acres in size on the south side of the Meherrin River from William Ricks. It was witnessed by Jacob Ricks and John Colson. Thomas Parker bought 50 acres of Land from Thomas Ward, witnessed by William Mufree and Joseph Moore, dated 1763. This tract of land was sold to to William Murphy the deed being signed by Thomas Parker and his wife, Mary Parker, dated 15 Oct 1773, and witnessed by Samuel Cryer and John Parker. (See Parker notes, as follow).

NORFLEET/COUNCIL/HARRIS/TURNER

1. Thomas Norfleet.
1.1. Thomas Norfleet.
1.1.1. Thomas Norfleet,  m. Ruth Blount, dau. of John Blount. Thomas Norfleet. 23 Jan. 1745. August Court, 1746. Sons: Thomas and Marmaduke. Daughters: Sarah, Farby, Susanah, Mary, Elisbeth. Wife and Executrix: Ruth. Executor: Marmaduke Norfleet (brother). Witnesses: Robert Hilliard, John Blount. (J. Bryan Grimes, Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, p. 270, 1910). Thomas Norfleet bought adjoining land from Robert Council (NC. Edg. Co. D.B. 1., p. 204), and was mentioned as a neighbour of Robert Council and Thomas Turner (ibid., p. 17).
1.1.1.1. Ferebee Norfleet, m. Joshua Joseph Bell, who d. 1793, in Edgecomb Co. NC.
1.1.1.2. Marmaduke Norfleet.
1.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Norfleet, m. James Harris in Halifax Co, NC., son of: James Harris. 10 Jan. 1749. Feb. Court, 1749. Sons: James (‘my plantation’), Eli. Wife and Executrix: Cheary. Executor: Mathew Joyner. Witnesses: Wm. Skinner,  John Blount, John Crumpton. (ibid, p. 153).

2 Apr. 1765: Division of the lands of Marmaduke Norfleet Jr., dec’d, son of Mr. Thomas Norfleet, dec’d. To John Young and Sarah his wife a tract of land where James Hogun now lives on Beaverdam Swamp and Cypress Swamp and 38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam and Blount. To James Harris and Elizabeth his wife her part of the estate, being part of a tract where James Hogun now lives (graves mentioned in the bounds) and 38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam Swamp, Blount, Joshua Bell. To Joshua Bell and Pheriby his wife her part of the estate a part of a tract where James Hogun lives joining Cypress Swamp, Wyatt and 38 acres which was part of 114 acres joining Beaverdam Swamp and Blount. 2 Apr 1765. Signed by William Williams, Moses Horne, Xpher Haynes, James Smith, Michl. Smalley, Oct. Ct. 1765.

12 May 1758: Thomas Turner of Edge Co. to James Smith of same 30 pounds curr money of VA 90 acres joining Cattail Marsh and Marmaduke Norfleet. Wit: Drew Smith, Joshua Williams, Jordan Thomas. Reg. Edge Co. June Ct., 1748. Drew Smith was the br. of Mary Smith, who m. Arthur Bryan, son of John Bryan of Cypress Swamp, and Sarah Smith, who m. William Bryan (Will dated 1761 Edgecombe Co.) of Fishing Creek, br. of Arthur: 3 Aug. 1757: John Fort of Edge Co to Jordan Thomas of Edge Co. 50 pounds VA money 100 acres joining Marmaduke Norfleet, Cane marsh, James Smith and the said Jordan Thomas, land John Richardson transferred to the said Fort all houses buildings, orchards etc part of a grant to John Nairn for 640 acres 5 Apr 1720. Wit: Drew Smith, Williams Waller, Arthur Smith. Reg. Edge Co. Aug. Ct 1757.

1.1.1.2.1.1. James Harris m. 1. Temperance Williams: Martha Joyner witnessed the will of Temperance Williams, wife of James Harris. 1783: Halifax NC. Will of Temperance Harris names daus: Pharaby Harris, Mary Harris, Sally Harris, Elizabeth Harris; son James Harris; son-in-law Norfleet Harriss (step-son). Witnesses: Elisha Dixon, Martha Joyner. Pheraby (sic) Harriss. Martha Joyner was the wife of John Joyner, and likely sister of Temperance Williams, and Elisha Williams, children of Joshua Williams. Elisha Williams witnessed the Wills of Martha Joyner and Temperance (Williams) Harris.

12 Feb. 1785: William Gainer of Halifax Co. to John Drew of same For 333 pounds, 6 shillings, 8 pence. 100 acres in Scotland Neck on South side of Roanoke River, adj. Benjamin Fourman. Wit. Elisha Williams, Thomas Gray, Thomas Boykin. 13 Feb. 1788: James Smith of Halifax Co. to Thomas Blount Whitmal and Jacob Barrow, 50 pounds proclamation money 10 acres on south side of Roanoke River, joining Drew Smith, Arthur Smith, Elisha Williams. James Smith. Wit: Marmaduke Norfleet, Elisha Williams. Aug. Ct. 1788. CC: Wm. Wooten. (Abstracts of Deeds, Halifax Co., NC, 1786-1796).

James Harris was the uncle of William Williams: Elisha Dixon. 21 May 1796 Nov. Ct. 1798 Friend William Williams son of Elisha Williams of Franklin Co., horse, saddle etc. Wit: Hen Baker, Robert Ricks. William Williams witnessed a deed of Abner Harris: D. B. 21 p. 294 Abner Harris of Montgomery Co Tennessee, surviving executor of Elias Harris dec’d to James & B. Harris executors of Isaac Harris dec’d who was executor of Elias Harris dec’d. 26 Aug. 1808. Received 819L 2s 11p; also received was 16L 4s 8p due from the estate of Elias Harris to Benj Whitehead & wife; also received from James & Benj Harris executors a receipt from Oliver Fitts 17 Apr. 1808 for 407L 11s 2; to discharge a judgment obtained by Benj Whitehead & wife against the executors of Elias Harris dec’d. Wit: John Patrick, William Williams. May Ct 1809.

1.1.1.2.1.2. Eli (Elias) Harris.

The said Isaac Harris is commonly taken to be the son of Nathan Harris, whose sons, named in his Will of 1793, included an Isaac but not an Elias. It may be that two groups of close Harris cousins intermarried into the same Williams family, and terms used in Wills, such as ‘brother’ actually signified br.-in-law.

*Elias Harris m. Silvia … D.B.19, p. 445: Benjamin Whitehead & his wife Silvia to Thomas Turner. 25 Jun. 1804. Elias Harriss late of Halifax Co., who was the former husband of sd Silvia, willed to her a life estate to land on Marsh Swamp, joining Isaac Harriss & others, being the land where sd Elias Harriss died. Sd Silvia later married John Hargrove. On 2 Sept. 1797, she & sd Hargrove made an agreement with Isaac Harriss & Abner Harriss (br. and son of Elias) executors of sd Elias Harriss; now sd land to be sold in conformity with the agreement. This deed to make legal the transfer to sd Thomas Turner. 5 shillings. Wit: Benjamin Williams (son of Richard Williams), William Killingsworth. Thomas Turner, as noted, was a neighbour of Marmaduke Norfleet. Richard Williams. Bertie Co. Nov. Term 1782. Nephew Drury Williams. Exec. Benjamin Williams. Test. Marmaduke Norfleet. (See James Robert Bent Hathaway, The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, vols. 1-3, p. 359, 1998). Richard Williams was a nephew of Joshua Williams, as given in the probate of Elisha Williams. Edgecombe County. August 13, 1751. February Court, 1755: Brothers: Solomon Williams, George Williams (bought land fr. Mathew Kinchen, May Court, 1750), Daniel Williams, Joshua Williams, John Williams. Nephew: Richard Williams (son of John). Sisters: Mary Car, Elizabeth Daughtry. Executor: Joshua Williams. Witnesses: James Smith, Drew Smith, George Bell.

1.2. James Norfleet, m. Mary Gordon.
1.2.1. Sarah Norfleet, m. Thomas Parker,  who d. in 1762 in Chowan Co. NC., very likely the son of Joseph Parker, aforsaid.

On 15 Oct. 1763, George Washington passed through the Corapeak area and made the following note in his diary: ‘The main swamp of Oropeake is about ½ a mile onwards from this, where stands the Widow Norfleet’s Mill and Luke Sumner’s plantations … At the mouth of this swamp is a very large meadow of 2 or 3000 acres held by Sumner, Widow Norfleet, Marmaduke Norfleet, Powell and others, and valuable ground it is’.

TURNER/JOYNER/HARRIS

Henry Turner. Jan. 20, 1748. Feb. Court, 1748. Sons: Joseph and Thomas Turner (land on the ‘Cattale Marsh’), Solomon (land on Deep Creek). Daughters: Sarah, Mary and Ollif (negro to each). Wife and Executrix: Mary (three negroes). To sons is also bequeathed negroes. Executor: Matthew Joyner. Witnesses: Matthew Joyner, James Harris, Marmaduke Norfleet. (ibid. p. 382).

Edgecombe Co. D.B. 3, p. 203 (In Halifax Records): Richard Wills and Priscilla his wife of Northampton Co. to James Harris of IOW Co., Va. 8 Feb. 1747 46 pounds current money of Va. 200 acres, joining Cattail marsh, John Nairn, William Gray, William Spier, Henry Walker and High Hill marsh part of a grant to James Turner 5 Apr. 1720 and conveyed by the sd. Turner to John Speir Wit: Thomas Wills, Matthew Joyner Reg. Edg. Co. May Ct. 1748. Matthew Joyner was the br. of Cherry Harris.

Southampton Co. D.B. 3, pp. 208-209, dated 12 May 1763: James Harris and Cherry Boykin (after the death of James Harris Sr., his widow m. John Boykin), both of Halifax Co., to Benjamin Arrington. 160 acs. on the east side of Assomosock Swamp (conveyed to James Harris, decd., by the Nottoway indians on 7 Aug. 1735. Signed James Harris and Cherry Boykin. Wit: Charles Buggs, Charles Simmons and David Herring.

Edgecombe Co. Wills: James Harris, dated 10 Jan. 1749. Feb. Ct. 1749 – Son James Harris, My plantation while I now live and 100 acres on the east side of Deep Creek. Wife Cheary – my plantation in Southampton County on the east side of Assomusuk (She sold this land on 12 May 1763). Son James Harris – Negro Garomy. Son Eli Harris – Negroes Jack, Bess and Stephen – To Matthew Joyner – mare. Three of my mares are to be sold to school my two children. Remaining Estate to my wife.

Edgecombe Co. Estate Records, 1750: Matthew Joyner administrator of James Harris Estate. Cherry Harris gave inventory. IOW W.B 3, p. 97: Will of brother Thomas Joyner, dated 8 April 1728. R. 27 May 1728 … ‘sister Cherry one guinea’ … … ‘brother Mathew one guinea’. They were children of Thomas Joyner, Will dated 13 April 1740.  R. 28 April 1740: ‘I give and bequeath unto my daughter Cherry Harris … one chest and one feather Bed and furniture which she has in her possession already … I give unto my son Mathew Joyner … the plantation whereon I now live with two hundred and forty acres of Land thereunto belonging, one pair of English hand millstones, one iron pott, and one gun’.

Thomas Joyner was the son of Thomas Joyner (br. of *Bridgeman Joyner), his Will dated 21 April. R. 9 Aug. 1708: To wife Elizabeth** plantation where she now lives, at her death to son Thomas Joyner; Henry Turner – 200 acres. To eldest dau. Christian plantation where she now lives; to son Benjamin land between (n.b) William Kinchen and Arthur Purcell; to son James land where Charles Berkett lives; to youngest dau. Martha Joyner, land where the widow Luther lives; to son John, plantation where he lives; to son Nemiah, land; to grandson Thomas Joyner a horse; to cousin (niece) Lucy Joyner, a heifer; to daus. Christian, Elizabeth and Deborah 5 sh. apiece; James, Nemiah, Benjamin and Martin to have their parts at 16. Wits. Wm. West, Jenkins Forman, James Barnes (B. 4, p. 486). *He was a guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. **Was she Elizabeth Mann? IOW D.B 1, p. 303, dated 9 June 1683: Thomas Man and wife Elizabeth Man to Theophilus Joyner (neph. of Bridgeman), 150 acres on Blackwater River and bounded by William Mayo, Bridgeman Joyner and Hodges Counsell, Wit: William Mayo and Richard Booth. Rec: 9 June 1683. Signed: Thomas Man and Elizabeth Man.

Mathew Joyner had connection to the Holman family: Samuel Holliman and Elizabeth his wife of Edge. Co. to Matthew Joyner of IOW Co., VA. … 25 pounds current money of Va. 210 acres on Cypress swamp, joining Whitmill, Daniel McDaniel, Thomas Turner and the swamp Wit: Joseph Sumner, Joseph Boykin (his br.-in-law). Reg. Edge. Co. Aug Ct. 1747. Halifax Co., NC D.B. 3, p. 158, dated 19 May 1747.

Henry Turner was a neighbour of Thomas Joyner Sr.: ‘Bridgeman Joyner and wife Ann Joyner to Henry Turner … 50 acres on the north side of Beaver Dam Branch adjoining Thomas Joyner, Sr. and Cypress Swamp’, dated 9 Dec 1699. (IOW D.B 1, p. 305).
Henry Turner of Newport Parish to Jonathan Jones … 200 acres at the Dirty Branch (being land willed him by Thomas Joyner, decd.). Wit: Joseph Turner and Henry Wheeler. Rec. 22 March 1730. (IOW D.B 4, p. 102).

Joseph Powell (of Edgecomb Co., aforsaid) and Thomas Pope to Mathew Powell of IOW … 200 acres on the east side of the main Blackwater (being part of a patent granted to Thomas Joyner, decd., who willed it to Henry Turner, who sold it to Jonathan Jones; his son, George Jones, transferred it to Joseph Powell) adj. Durty Branch, Col. Bridger, Thomas Pope, Blackwater Swamp and Burks Swamp. Signed Joseph Powell and Thomas Pope. Wit: Ratcliffe Boon, Joshua Powell, James Boon and Joseph Wheeler. R. 1 March 1753. (IOW D.B. 7, p. 89).

Ratcliffe Boone, m. Ruth Atkinson, dau. of John Atkinson and Ann Holman, in 1734. His Will was prob. 1787 (W.B. II, p. 72); witnessed by Robert Harris. His son, Daniel Boone, m. Mary Harris, born Surry Co., d. 1814, Pendleton, NC. He was the son of Joseph Boone, d. 19 Feb.. 1728. in Edenton, Chowan, cousin of Nicholas Boone, who m. Mary Pitt, 1709, IOW, dau. of Thomas Pitt, and Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, and Sarah Jackson.

A BRIEF SUMMARY

1.Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Edward Harris, d. 25 March 1734, in IOW, m. Mary Turner, dau. of John Turner, who d. aft 25 March 1705; aunt of John Turner, b. 1687, d. bef. 3 Dec 1761, who m. Priscilla Blount*; their son being Henry Turner, d. 1748, whose Will was witnessed by Matthew Joyner and his br.-in-law, James Harris. Mathew Joyner was the grandson of Thomas Joyner, d. 1708, whose Will bequested Henry Turner 200 acs. Thomas Joyner was the br. of Bridgeman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. *Dau. of Benjamin Blount (uncle of John Blount, f.-in-law of Thomas Norfleet); son of Thomas Blount, half br. of Richard Washington of Surry Co., who m. (1681) Elisabeth Jordan, dau. of Arthur Jordan and Elizabeth Bavin. Their dau., Elizabeth, m. Sampson Lanier. Their son, Sampson Lanier Jr. was the father of Rebecca Lanier, who m. Walton Harris.
1.1.1. West Harris.
1.1.2 Nathan Harris, m. Catherine Walton. Nathan’s Will, probated 30 April 1793 names sons, Nathan, Walton, Howell, and Isaac; grandchild Catherine Coleman.
1.1.2.1. Walton Harris, m. Rebecca Lanier.
1.1.3. James Harris, d. 1749, m. Elizabeth Norfleet; br.-in-law of Mathew Joyner.
1.1.3.1. James Harris. Halifax Co. D.B 8, p. 43, dated 20 Feb. 1762: Nicholas Bynum of Halifax Co. to James Harris of same. 8 pounds Virginia money. 50 acres, joining Bird’s Swamp, Bird’s Branch. Nicholas Bynum. Wit: Jess Cooper, Jacob Strickland, Cherry Boykin (his mother). March Ct. 1762. James m. 1. Temperance Williams; 2. Elizabeth Knox: NC D.B 14, p. 437, dated 24 Dec 1813: Elizabeth Harriss, wife of James Harriss, was daughter of Robert Knox, dec’d. (Daniel Highsmith and Lucretia Parker had issue: James, father of Allen, who m. Elizabeth Knox).
1.1.3.1.1. James Harris. Halifax Co. D.B. 19, p. 18, 27 July 1801: James Harris to Richard Jones £100 for 208 acs. ‘Bookers Ferry road below the place cawl’d the old Church on the plumb tree branch of Buffalo Creek and on both sids of Hickies road. Bounded by William Dews line … to Benjamin Chathams line … crossing Hickis road to Olivers Prindill line …James Glass line … to the beginning’. No wit.Signed: James Harris. Rec. 27 July 1801.
1.1.3.2. Eli (Elias) Harris. Hal. D.B., 10 Nov. 1769: Wm. Richardson of Johnson Co to Ely (Elias) Harris of Halifax Co, 10 Nov 1769, 133 pounds VA money, 155 acres which was part of land Joseph Richardson purchased from John Drew, joining John Blunt. Wm Richardson (x). Witnesses: Elisha Williams, John Young, James Harris. Nov. Ct. 1769.

TUCKE

1.
1.1. William Tucke, m. Christian Holman, 18 July 1571, at Barwick, St Mary Magdalene, Som.; 22 mls fr. West Pennard, 27 mls fr. Wedmore; 40 mls fr. Wivelscombe. Margery Holman m. John Carter, 13 Aug. 1573, at West Pennard.
1.1.1. Thomas Tucke, m. Mary Collins, 26 Jan. 1604, Barwick. (I have given elsewhere the intermarriages of the Collins, which connected them to the likes of the Blake/Harris family of Wivelscombe, who intermarried with the Bennetts of that place).
1.1.1.1. 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.
1.1.1.2. 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.
1.1.1.3. William Tooke.
1.1.1.3. Elizabeth Tooke, m. Michael Ezell.
1.1.1.3.1. Elizabeth Ezell, m. John Atkinson Jr, son of John Atkinson and Ann Holliman. John Atkinson was the br. of James Atkinson, d. in IOW after 28 July 1723, who m. Mary Holliman. John and James Atkinson were stepsons of Thomas Pitman, born of his third wife, Martha … by her first husb., Thomas Atkinson. Thomas Pitman’s dau, Elizabeth Pitman, m. Robert Lancaster Jr.* In the list of tithables in 1702, Thomas was listed on the plantation of Richard Holliman, who may have been his father-in-law, he having firstly m. Mary Holliman. *The Lancaster family of Wedmore, Somerset.
1.1.2. Joane Tucke, m. William Penny, 22 Sept. 1588, Barwick.
1.1.2.1. Dorothy Penny, m. William Pitman, 10 Sep 1609 Horsington (St John); 15 mls fr. Barwick.
1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Pitman, of Virginia, b. c. 1614, by his deposition.

To repeat: Robert Lawrence Sr. received a patent for 150 acres near the mouth of Lawne.s Creek adj. John Stocker, George Hardie, and Thomas Gyer for the importation of Thomas Merrick and Wm. Penny.

POWELL

1. … Powell.
1.1. John Powell. Capt. William Tucker, Elizabeth City Co., 20 Sept. 1624, 150 acs. upon land of Richard Bolton, made up a great SW parting it from land of John Powell & Co, (C&P, p. 29). This land was on Hog Island. In 1612, Capt William Tucker & br., Thomas. each received a bequest of £10 from Henry Stevens, Citizen & Haberdasher of London (husband of Mary Harmor, dau. of Ralph Harmor).
1.2. Thomas Powell. He appears in the Muster taken after the 1622 massacre, listed as a servant of Capt. Ralph Harmor, then living at Hog Island. On 10 June 1637, Thomas patented 100 acs. on the south side of the Nansemond River. Francis Hutchins held adjacent land, and proved the Will of Thomas Powell; most likely as br.-in-law.
1.2.1. William Powell, of IOW, was granted 257 acres on the Western Branch of the Nansemond River adjacent Thomas Pitt (B. 7, p. 16). His will was dated 12 Nov. 1695, and mentioned his wife, Elizabeth (Lawrence?); sons, Nathaniel, Jacob, William, and Thomas; and dau., Elizabeth. Witnesses: Thomas Powell, Thomas Gale, and Richard Hutchins.
1.2.1.1. William Powell, gifted (1733) to ‘my loving kinsman John Speight’, 50 acres adj. Richard Hutchins & Jacob Powell. (ibid., p. 230).
1.3. Richard Powell, m. Elizabeth Bolling (her sister, Dorothy, m. (by 1673) Roger Bryant, who m. 2. Susannah Clement Powell.
1.3.1. Richard Powell, d. bef. 16 June 1673, in Norfolk Co., m. Susannah Clements, dau. of William Clements, mariner; she m. 2. William Ellis, 3. John Ferrabee.
1.3.1.1. William Powell, Will probated Jan. 20, 1715, Norfolk Co.
1.3.1.1.1. Eleonor Powell, m. Bartholomew Highsmith.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Daniel Highsmith, m. Ann Beck.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Daniel Highsmith, m. Lucretia Parker; their granddau., Elizabeth Highsmith, m. Asa Kirby.

HUTCHINS

1. John Hutchins. Yeo v Hutchins. Plaintiffs: John Yeo. Defendants: John Hutchins and Mary (probably Lawrence) Hutchins his wife. Subject: property in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. (Nat. Arch. ref. C 3/201/21 1558-1579). Hammond v Hutchins. Plaintiffs: William Hammond, clerk. Defendants: John Hutchins of Wiveliscombe. Subject: Deeds entrusted to defendant, including a bond by Thomas Cappes, esquire, and Richard Fitzjames, gentleman. Somerset. (Nat. Arch. ref. C 1/1357/13. 1553-1555). John Hutchins deposed to be 65 years of age in 1574 (Wells City Government records, ref.DD\SAS\C/795/SE/5).
1.1. John Lawrence, alias Hutchins, of St. James Parish, Taunton, m. Alice (Stone?). His Will, proved 12 Sept. 1579, had Robert and George Stone as overseers.
1.1.1. Joan Lawrence, alias Hutchins/Thomas Trowbridge.
1.1.1.1. John Trowbridge/Agnes Prowse, dau. of John Prowse/Elizabeth Colwick. The Prowse family were of Tiverton, Devon. John Trowbridge was bapt. 25 March 1570, Taunton (St Mary); he m. Agnes (31 July 1597) in Tiverton.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Trowbridge/ Elizabeth Marshall. He was bapt. in April 1598, Taunton (St Mary), and m. Elizabeth, 24 March 1626, in St. Mary’s Arches, Exeter, Devon.
1.1.1.1.1.1. James Trowbridge/Margaret Atherton, 30 Jan. 1659, Dorchester, MA
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Margaret Trowbridge/Ebenezer Stone. She was bapt. 30 Apr. 1666, Newton, Middlesex Co, MA, and m. 18 March 1686.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Mindwell Stone/Ebenezer Woodward; m. 25 Jan. 1716; d. 26 Feb. 1774.
1.1.2. John Hutchins. PROB 11/75/122: Will of John Hutchines or Hutchins of Wiveliscombe, Somerset. 11 February 1590.
1.1.2.1 John Hutchins: Hutchins v Edny. Plaintiffs: John Hutchins alias John Laurence. Defendants: William Edny. Subject: money matters, Somerset. (Nat. Arch. ref. C 3/274/96. 1607). William Edney was the cousin of Eleanor Bennett (wife of Richard Harris), and Thomas Bennett, of Wivelscombe, as follows.
1.1.2.2. Thomas Hutchins, alias Lawrence, St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Taunton.
1.1.2.2.1. Mary Hutchins, m. Hugh Parker, in Over Stowey, Somerset, in 1605.
1.1.2.2.2. (I suggest) Francis Hutchins, who held land adj. Thomas Powell.
1.1.2.2.2.1. Richard Hutchins, witnessed land grants of his probable cousin, William Powell, son of Thomas Powell. Richard was also kin, therefore, of William Powell’s ‘loving kinsman John Speight’. William m. Mary Page, on 14 Feb. 1700 (Chapman’s IOW Marriage records), dau. of Thomas Page, whose Will, dated 20 Feb. 1719, named legatees: wife Alice; son Thomas; dau. Rebecka; dau. Mary; dau. Alice. Executor, son John Page. Witnessess: Mary Ricks, Abraham Ricks, and William Powell.

John Page was the son-in-law of Roger Hodges, who granted him 50 acres on the Southern branch of Elizabeth River, Norfolk Co. Recorded: 16 Sept 1696. (The Hodges family of Wedmore, Somerset, will be the subject of another article; their roots are indicated in the data which follows). I suggest that Roger Hodges was the son of John Hodges, who, in 1648, held land adj. Philip Bennett, in Upper Norfolk Co.; C&P, p. 447. Philip Bennett was the br. of Governor Richard Bennett (who, with him, recruited Puritan ministers to serve the Calvinists of Upper Norfolk Co.), and cousin of Thomas Harris, who m. Judith Blake, November 20, 1623, at Wivelscombe; who may have been he who d. in 1672, in Virginia, son of Richard Harris and Elianor Bennett, sister of Edward Bennett of Wivelscombe, later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia.

His dau. Alice Bennett, bapt. in St Olave, m. John Hardy; their dau., Lucy Hardy, m.  Hodges Council (almost certainly of wedmore, Somerset). Elianor Bennett and Edward Bennett were siblings of Thomas Bennett, d. 1616, at Wivelscombe, father of (1) … Bennett, who m. Richard Jackson. Their dau., 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’. George Hardy was an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. (2) Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710. 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. Apr. 9, 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. Francis Hobbs was the br. of Margaret Hobbs, first wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and first wife, Eleanor George.

PARKER

1. Thomas Parker, Esq. of Holbeton, 9 miles south east of Plymouth, Devon.
1.1. William Parker, of Holbeton, and of Shoreditch, in Middlesex, m. Dorothy, dau. of … Muttlebury, of Jordans, near Ilminster, Somerset (25 mls fr. Wivelscombe).
1.1.1. Hugh Parker, of Taunton, Somerset, and Shoreditch, sixth son, fl. 1623, m. (in Over Stowey, Somerset, in 1605) Mary, dau. of Thomas Hutchins, alias Lawrence, of Holway, 12 mls fr. Wivelscombe.
1.1.1.1. Hugh Parker, b. 1607, ‘his third son (his two elder brothers dec.) was heir to his father, and was an alderman of the city of London and paid his fine for sheriff of the said city. He was advanced to the title of Baronet, 12, Car. II. and had the patent limited to himself, and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his nephew, Henry Parker, Esq., of Honington. Hugh m. Rachel, dau. of … Brown, of Louth, in Lincolnshire, by whom he had no issue; and dying 5 March 1696, aged eighty-nine, was bur. in the chancel, at St. Bride’s church, in Fleet-street, London; and was succeeded in the title, and part of the estate by his said nephew, Sir Henry Parker, son of his brother, Henry (who d. 1670), by Margaret, dau. of John White, of London’ (Mr. Betham)
1.1.1.2. Henry Parker, Painter-Stainer, of Fleet Street, London, and Little Grove, East Barnet, Herts., d. 1670, m. Margaret, dau. of John White, of London.
1.1.1.2.1. Henry Parker, Esq., of Honington, d. 25 Oct. 1713, aged 74. m. Mary (d. 1729), da. of Alexander Hyde, bp. of Salisbury.
1.1.1.2.2. … Parker.
1.1.1.2.2.1. Lawrence Parker (of Edmonton, Middlesex, PROB 11/768/4. 1 February 1749), bequested to his niece, Mary Stafford, dau. of his sister, Mary Stafford, wife of ‘John Stafford, merchant’. John Stafford, nephew of Lawrence Parker: Edge. Co (Halifax) D.B. 3, p. 350, deed dated 17 May 1748, recorded May Ct 1749: William Speight, Edge. Co in the Parish of Edgecombe to William Taylor, parish & county aforesaid, for 28 pds, 10 shillings VA, a tract of 100 acres which was conveyed to said Speight by Anthony Stafford being true and lawful attorney to of John Stafford of London (PA dated 29 May 1746), which said land was bequeathed by the Last Will and Testament of Wm. Murphey, late of Edge. Co aforesaid to Wm. Hurst and was formerly laid out and surveyed for Wm. Opie, signed William Speight,* wit. Saml Williams, Jr., John Bradford, Thomas Parker; whose dau., Rachel, m. Jacob Powell, exec. of his father-in-law’s Will. *As noted, William Powell gifted (1733) to ‘my loving kinsman John Speight’, 50 acres adj. Richard Hutchins & Jacob Powell.
1.1.1.2.2.2. Thomas Parker, d. 1782.
1.1.1.2.2.3. Joseph Parker. d. 1762.
1.1.1.2.2.3.1. Thomas Parker, m. Sarah Norfleet, kinswoman of James Harris, of Halifax Co.

John Comer’s diary (Boston, 1729) mentions that he received a letter in 1727 from a Thomas and Joseph Parker. I suggest that the connection to the Comers is significant.

It is wrong to attach too much importance to the specific English village from which an ancestor came. An example of this concerns the Harris family of Wedmore and Wivelscombe, Somerset. The Harris family intermarried with the Bennetts of Wivelscombe, which accounts for their tenure there. Also, place of marriage was determined by the relative status of the families involved, and whether the bride was a heiress.

The following raw data shows families which lived within 20 mls or so of each other, and which intermarried to a degree unknown in modern times. It can be seen that the Powells of Wedmore were intermarried with the Comers, the Comers with the Webbs, Councells, and Harris; the Webbs with the Millards and Harris; the Millards with the Lawrence; the Lawrence with the Hodges (the local squirearchy), Turners, Blakes, Millards, and Lides (these latter three with the Harris); the Hodges with the Councells and Lancasters, etc.; an almost infinite permutation of cousinships, it seems.

In essence, a closely-knit Englsh kinship group settled in Virginia, then in NC and beyond. The same families had intermarried for centuries (occassionally and advantageously letting in new blood), which, in Darwinian terms, enabled them to survive as a ‘species’in a harsh world. They inhabited a world of villages with 200 or so houses, connected by farm tracks, and centred around the parish church, where they attended, as degrees of cousin, the baptisms, marriages, and funerals which punctuated their everyday farming life, of cattle herding and milking, of crop planting and cider making. Some of the wealthier yeoman families afforded an education for their sons (and, sometimes, daughters), and would host ‘country’ dances, where possible marriages were mulled over by plotting parents. They were quintisentially the English ‘hearts of oak’.

RAW DATA

Edith French/George Marten, 14 Oct. 1588; Taunton (St Mary), 10 mls fr. Wivelscombe, 25 mls fr. Wedmore.
John Lawrence/Joan Coggan, 18 Jun. 1564; Chedzoy (St Mary), 16 mls fr. Wedmore, 18 mls fr. Taunton, 30 mls fr. Wivelscombe.
Joan Frye/Thomas Lawrence, 19 Apr. 1567; Congresbury (St Andrew), 11 mls fr. Wedmore.
Agnes Lawrence/John Prior, 8 May 1570; Over Stowey (St Peter and Paul), 12 mls fr. Wivelscombe; 24 mls fr. Wedmore.
Agnes Lawrence/John Ball, 26 Jun. 1572; Over Stowey.
Edith Lawrence/John Bishopp, 20 Oct. 1572; Over Stowey.
Alice Vowles/John Lawrence, 30 Jan. 1574; Wedmore (St Mary)
Maud Bryant/Henry Lawrence, 9 Sept. 1577; Over Stowey. On 6 August 1752, John Lawrence , Jacob Butler, and James Bryant appraised the estate of William Daughtry.
Tamzin Lawrence/William Savidge, 1 Jul. 1588; Taunton (St Mary).
1. William West/Elinor Browne, 11 Feb. 1579; Milverton, 3mls fr. Wivelscombe.
1.1. Edwarde West, bapt. 28 Mar. 1585.
1.1.1. Thomas West/Tomasine Shepheard, 5 Nov. 1642
1.1.1.1. William West, bapt. 3 Apr. 1643, ‘son of Thomas’.
Mariam Boulgyn/William Lawrence, 29 Jan 1598; Wedmore.
Joan Lawrence/John Frenche, 11 Jul. 1603; Over Stowey.
Joan Turner/Richard Collins, 29 Oct. 1607; Wedmore.
Alice Pryor/Richard Lawrence, 16 Oct. 1609; Over Stowey.
Johane Cruse/John Penney, 2 Jul. 1610; Dulverton (All Saints), 15 mls fr. Wivelscombe.
Susanna Williams/Edward Lawrence, 6 Oct 1610; Wedmore.
Agnes Millard/Thomas Webb, 22 Feb. 1611; Wedmore.
Agnes Bradford/Chr. Frenche, 29 Aug. 1614; Wedmore.
Mary Powell/Francis Frenche, 26 Jun. 1615; Taunton (St Mary).
Margaret Lawrence/William Boulgin, 5 Jun. 1615; Wedmore.
Elizabeth Comer/Thomas Powell, 7 Sep 1615; Wedmore (Perhaps he who settled in Virginia).
Alice Hooper/Richard Powell, Feb. 1616; Taunton.
Elizabeth Daye/John Frenche, 19 Nov. 1616; Stogursey, 14 mls fr. Taunton, 15 mls fr. Wivelscombe, 25 mls fr. Wedmore
Florence Cross/John Frenche, 8 May 1620; Over Stowey.
Elizabeth Lawrence/John Dyer, 11 Jan. 1623; Uphill (St Nicholas).
Joan Webb/George Harris, 28 Apr. 1623; Wedmore.
Mary Webb/ Richard Coomer, 22 Sept. 1625; Wedmore.
Dorothy Lawrence/Henry Hodges, 13 May 1626; Stogursey (St Andrew).
Jane Lawrence/John Millard, 23 Jul. 1628; Stogursey.
Joan Lide/Edward Lawrence, 27 Nov. 1628; Wedmore.
Mary Turner/John Hill, 29 Nov. 1629; Wedmore.
Phillipp Lawrence/Josias Andrews, 22 Jan. 1631; Stogumber (St Mary), 7 mls fr. Wivelscombe, 13 mls fr. Taunton.
Mary Comer/John Councell, 26 Nov. 1631; Wedmore.
Mary Blake/Thomas Lawrence, 24 Oct. 1633; Over Stowey.
John Harris/Agnes Comer, 4 Feb. 1635; Cheddar (St Andrew) 4 mls fr. Wedmore.
Christian Harris/James Collins, 9 Oct. 1637; Cheddar.
Susanna Lancaster/ William Hodges, 5 Apr 1638; Wedmore.
Elizabeth Barber/Thomas Powell, 26 Aug. 1639; Wedmore.
Sarah Hodges/Henry Lawrence, 12 Jan. 1640; Over Stowey.
Mary Lawrence/James Pitt, 11 Feb. 1640; Wedmore.
Mary Hayne/ William Councell, 28 Apr 1646; Wedmore.
Jane Turner/John Lawrence, 20 Oct. 1649; Wedmore.
Joane Harris/Robert Lide, 4 May 1652; Wedmore.
Mary Harris/Thomas Hayne 13 Oct 1655; Wedmore.
Anstice Kirby/William Harris, 20 Jun. 1660; Wedmore.
Alice Webb/Robert Thatcher, 9 Aug 1660; Wedmore.

RAW DATA 2

Some of the most useful genealogical data is derived from burial records. These allow us to ‘reach back in time’, and, when the priest recorded the place of origin of the deceased, it allows for the grouping together on families on a ‘hamlet’ scale.

A number of facts can be deduced from the data which follows:

1. Families of Lancaster and Pitte were established in Wedmore at early times. (The Pittes of Bristol and Virginia probably originated here).
2. The families of Harris and Hodges were neighbors in the small village of ‘Alverton’, i.e Allerton, immediately SW of Chard.
3. The Hutchings were established in Allerton. They were very likely a branch of those intermarried with the Parkers; other families of Allerton were Collins, Edwards, and George.
4. A family of Parker were established in Wedmore. They were probably a branch of those intermarried with the Hutchins (alias Lawrence) at Over Stowey.
5. A family of Jennings were established at Wedmore, also, as the Hutchins, known as ‘alias Lawrence’. The Jennings intermarried with the Kirbys.
7. Families of Bennett, Blake, Counsell, Hobbs, Hodges, Lancaster, Pitte, and Turner were established in Wedmore.

WEDMORE BURIAL RECORDS

1563. Richardus Cowncell de Westham. Joannes Cowncell de Westham.
1565. Thomas f. Richardi Lancaster. Joannes f. Joannis Pitte. Joannes f. Thomae Cowncell. Agnes Hobbes.
1568. Richardus f. Gulielmi Vowles. Gulielmus f. Petri Pitte. Margarita uxor Gulielmi Morris.
1569. Agnes f. Thomae Hodges de Alverton.  Margarita uxor Joannis Hitchinges. *** Ruth et Agnes f. Joannis Hobbes.
Robertus Pitte. Edvardus f. Thomae Blake. Alicia Turner, famula Gulielmi Cowncell. Thomas f. Richardi Webbe,
1570. Rodulphus Parkar. Thomas f. Joannis Cowncell. Rebecca f. Gualteri Voules. Joannes f . Richardi Cowncell. Gulielmus f. Thomae Haine. Joannes f. Thomae Hodges. Gulielmus f. Richardi Lancastle. (Lancaster)
1571. Thomas Hitchinges apprenticius Richardi Martyn fabri ferrari. Johanna f. Henrici Harries de Alverton. Joannes f. Joannis Morrice. Andreas f. Joannis Harries.
1572. Joannes Voules sen. de Wedmore. Robertus f. praedicti Richardi Webbe.
Johanna f. Gulielmi Hitchinges.
1573. Ellina f. Thomae Webbe. Hester f. Thomae Webbe. Gulielmus Voules de Cocklake. Richardus Lancastle (Lancaster) de Blackforde.
1574. Issebella f. Gualteri Voules. Thomas f. Richardi Hobbes. Joannes f. Joannis Harries. Mariana f. Gualteri Voules.
1575. Suzanna f. Gulielmi Kirbie.  Margarita f, Nicolai Morris. Joannes Voules de Wedmore.
1576. Maria f. Joannis Bunne. Edwardus f. Thomae Blake. Andreas f. Walteri Pitte.
1578. Margarita uxor Joannis Cowncell. Editha f. Gulielmi Hitchinges de Alverton.  Agnes f. Thomae Morrise. Isabella uxor Richardi Cowncell de Theale. Agnes uxor Henrici Harries.
1579. Joannes f. Joannis Hitchinges .  Editha uxor Gulielmi Boucher. Mariana f. Gualteri Pitte. Johanna uxor Walteri Pitt.
Joannes f. Walteri Voules. Johanna uxor Walteri Voules. Johanna uxor Joannis Harries de Alverton. Alicia uxor Joannis Cowncell sen. de Theale.
1580. Sept. I. Johanna f. Ellis Lide, quae domi baptizata. Gulielmus f. Joannis Hitchinges. Edvardus Hobbes famulus Joannis Pennarde. Thomas Blake. Jana f. Petri Pitte. Johanna Haine vidua de Cluar.
1581. Issebella f. Richardi Lancastle (Lancaster) Juliana Perie vidua. Edvardus f. Petri Pitte. Agnes uxor Walteri Jeninges alias Lawrence.  Thomas Hitchinges de Sande.
1582. Joannes Cowncell de West Theale.
1583. Joannes f. Joannis Cowncell de Wedmore. Alicia f. Gulielmi Cowncell de Cocklake. Gulielmus Haine frater Thomae Haine.
1584. Joannes Cowncell de Muddeslei. Hannibal f. Thomae Hodges jun.
1585. Joannes Harries de Alverton. Joannes Hitchinges de Sande. Margeria f. Richardi Cowncell de Westham.
1587. Edvardus f. Richardi Cownsell de Theale. Alicia f, Johannae Cownsell viduae de Theale. Alicia f. Joannis Jeninges alias Lawrence.
1588. Jacobus f. Edvardi Frye alias Urche.
1589. Gulielmus f. Richardi Cownsell de Muddeslei. Jana f. Edvardi Frye alias Urche.
Christiana Hitchinges vidua.  Editha Adam famula Magistri Thomae Hodges. Joannes f. Henrici Harrries de Alverton. Alicia f. Gulielmi Millarde. Henricus Harries de Alverton. Elizabetha f. Thomae Blake.
1590. Editha Pitte vidua. Joannes f. Gulielmi Parker. Jane f. Nicolai Powell.  Joannes f. Walter Voules. Richardus Cownsell. Maria f,  Joannis Jeninges alias Lawrence.
1591. Johanna uxor Gulielmi Hitchinges.  Alicia uxor Joannis Harries de Alverton.  Joannes f. Johannse Batte inconjugatae. Johanna uxor Joannis Morrise. Joannes Teeke de Wedmore. Joannes Cownsell de Stowghton. Johanna uxor Thomas Morrise.
1592. Richardus f. Gulielmi Parker. Johanna f. Joannis Cownsell de Crickham. Jasperus f. Joannis Cownsell de Wedmore. Joannes Hutchinges de Sande. Henricus f. Gulielmi Webb. Johanna Cownsell. Rosa f. Gulielmi Morrice. Elizabecha f. Gulielmi Webb.
1593. Johanna uxor Gulielmi Kirbye.  Juliana f. Thomae Kerby.  Elizabetha Pitt. Alicia uxor Joannis Lawrence alias Jeninges.
1594. Joannes Bunne de Muddeslei. Thomas Hayne de Cluar. Gulielmus f. Gulielmi Pitt de Wedmore. Joannes Bunn de Burroughe.
1595. Richardus Hobbes de Wedmore. Johannes Cownsell de Wedmore. Johanna uxor Thomae Kyrbye de Wedmore. Thomas Kirbye de Wedmore.
1597. Johannes Harris famulus Roberti Sherwell de Blackford. Alicia uxor Richardi Langcastle (Lancaster) de Blackford. Margeria f. Willmi Webbe de Sond.
1598. Gulielmus f. Edvardi Fry de Stoughton. Thomas Webb. Isabella Hobbs. Johanna uxor Gulielmi Bunn. Gulielmus Bunn.
1599. Joannes Harris de Alston parochiae de Allerton. Johanna uxor Joannis Lancastle de Blackford. Christiana f. Joannis Jenings alias Lawrence.  Margeria f. Walteri Lawrence alias Jenings.
1600. Alicia uxor Gulielmi Cownsell de Cockelake. Mr. Thomas Hodges. Margeria uxor Gulielmi Bennett.
1601. … uxor Joannis Kerbie.   Amitia Cownsell de Theale. Anthonia uxor Joannis Turner.
1602. Walterus Lawrence alias Jenings senex.
1603. Mable uxor Joannis Pitt de Creickham. Thomas f. Edvardi Webb. Christiana Harris peregrina. Joannes f. Richardi Voules.
1604. Maria f. Joannis Cownsell. Richardus f. Edvardi Webb. Maria uxor Joannis Turner sen.
1605. Joanna f. Joannes Pitt de Crickham. Joannas Pitt de Crickham. Richardus Lancastell (Lancaster). Walterus Collens de Allerton.
1606. Joanna f. Richardi Blake. Alicia Bennett de Blackford, Joanna uxor Joannis Hobbes. Thomae Hayne de Cluar.  Agneta Myllard de Allererton.
1607. Agneta f. Gulielmi Lawrence alias Jennings de Zonde. Maria f. Joannis Kerbie. Joanna uxor Gulielmi Webb.
1608. Gulielmus Huchens de Allerton senex.  Joannes Blake senex. Alicia f. Thomae Webb de Stoughton. Georgius Cownsell de Heathhouse.
1609. Gulielmus Kerbie.  Gulielmus f. Edvardi Morrice. Agneta uxor Roberti Bunn de Mudsley. Joanna Morris de Sond.
1610. Thomas Hodges. Joanna Edwards de Allerton. Gulielmus f. Joannis Turner. Editha Huchens. Joanna f. Richard George de Allerton.
1611. Brigete uxor Thomas Webb de Sond. Nicolaus Millard. Richardus f. praedicti Joannis Genings. (de Heathhouse). Elizabeth uxor Johannis Counsell de Cocklake. Margareta uxor Nicholai Bunne. Joanna uxor Richardi Brooke alias Hodges. Richardus f. praedicti Johannis Webb. Christiana f. Willmi Pitt de Cluar. Avis uxor Richardi Counsell. Walterus Voules senex.
1612. Georgius Voules. Willmus f. Willmi Pitt de Wedmore. Franciscus Jennings senex.  Johanna Haine vidua et senex. Richard us Counsell de Westham. Johannes Turner senex. Agneta Pitt senex et vidua.

Margerie Jennings, m. John Kirby, 18 Apr. 1631.

What is witnessed here is the multiple layers of kinship which bound families together, like an invisible glue. What is witnessed in Virginia is the surface layer of families, ‘the skin of the onion’ of kinship, with deeper layers often being unseen.

A PROPOSED ANCESTRY

1.
1.1. Henry Harris. Henricus Harries de Alverton, d. 1585
1.2. John Harris. Joannes Harries de Alverton. d. 1585, m. 1. Joanna, d. 1579, 2. Alicia, d. 1585.
1.2.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy West, Aug. 31, 1562, at Wivelscombe.
1.2.1.1. Richard Harris, m. Elianor Bennett, sister of Edward Bennett, of Lawne’s Creek.
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, cousin of Governor Bennett of Virginia, m. Judith Blake, November 20, 1623, at Wivelscombe, and second-cousin of (1) Anne Bennett, b. 1641, who m., 1st, Theodorick Bland of Westover; their son, Theodorick Bland (born 1663) m. Margaret Mann; their son, John Bland (b. 8 Dec. 1698), m. Ann West; (2) Elizabeth Bennett, sister-in-law of Matilda Scarborough, who m. Lt. Col. John West. Margaret Mann was probably a da. of Thomas Mann, who, with his wife, Elizabeth, sold 150 acres on Blackwater River to Theophilus Joyner, adjoining property owned by William Mayo and (his br.-in-law) Bridgeman Joyner. (Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688: ‘my sonne William Harris to live with Bridgeman Joyner seven years). This Thomas Harris was probably he who d. in 1672, in Virginia.
1.2.1.1.2. Richard Harris.
1.2.1.1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. 18 Feb 1624, Wivelscombe, ‘son of Richard’, probably he who d. in 1687, in Virginia.
1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of 2nd husband Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710. B. 5, p. 224: Henry Baker deceased, estate dated 27 April 1701. Witnesses: Robert Lancaster Sr., Nicholas Sessoms, whose da. was Mary Blake, wife of William Blake; the Lancasters being intermarried with the Council family, of Wedmore, Somerset. A br. of the afors. Elianor and Edward Bennett, Thomas Bennett, was bur. on 26 Sept. 1616, at Wivelscombe Church. his grandchildren being (1) Alice Bennett, who m. John Hardy. Nugent, C&P vol. 1, p. 569: Mr. John Hardie 1150 acres IOW Co., 5 June 1666. Beginning at upper corner tree of Mathew Tomlins old land, running SSE by Wm. Westwrayers land &c. SW on Mathew Tomlins new land. Their dau., Lucy Hardy, m. Hodges Council. (2) Their dau., 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 II. George Hardy was an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. (3) 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. Apr. 9, 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). Francis Hobbs was the br. of Margaret Hobbs, first wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and first wife, Eleanor George.
1.2.1.1.3. George Harris, m. Joan Webb, 28 Apr 1623, Wedmore.
1.2.1.1.4. Robert Harris.
1.2.1.1.4.1. Edward Harris, bapt. 8 Aug. 1624, Cheddar, ‘son of Robert’; probably he who d. in 1677, in Virginia.
1.2.1.1.5. Thomas Harris.
1.2.1.1.5.1. Thomas Harris, bapt. 31 Dec. 1637, Cheddar, ‘son of Thomas’, probably he who d. in 1688, in Virginia.
1.2.1.1.6. John Harris m. Agnes Comer, 4 Feb. 1635, Cheddar.
1.2.1.1.7. Christain Harris, m. James Collins, 9 Oct. 1637, Cheddar.

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