HOUSE

i.
1. Thomas Howse, m. ‘Susana Hixe‘, 28 May 1638, in Compton Martin, Somerset (St Michael the Archangel).
1.1. Thomas House, m. Francis Millard on 29 May 1664, in Compton Martin, she bapt. 10 June 1628, da. of Henry Millard and ‘Alison Hickes‘, who m. on 16 Apr. 1621. The Millard and Hix families were of the many threads that bound a densely-woven kinship network, including those of Harris, Hodges and Cowncell, which inhabited the swampy lands near Wedmore, Somerset. It is not an exaggeration to state that everyone was a cousin of sorts of everyone else.

ii.
What is witnessed in many Virginia land deeds is a continuation of English associations, which were of a paticular importance that is rarely considered, that being one of continuing deference to a social and economic elite. For instance, anyone marrying into the Hodges/Cowncell family in Virginia were associating themselves with the squirearchy of Wedmore, and this would have been of great advantage to those relatives still living in Wedmore. When Thomas Harris, who d. 1688, made provision for his orphan to be placed with Hodges Cowncell, it was similar to asking the local squire to be his Godfather. Many English settlers had not gained any type of freedom by one fell swoop of migration, as their families were still tenants in England of the families they courted in Virginia. Wrong moves brought about repercussions back home as much as good ones.

iii.
The Howse family were primarily of North Curry, with Thomas Howse marrying at the abode of influential (Hix) in-laws, a very common practice. He was almost certainly related to ‘Mary House’, bapt. 8 April 1638, in Compton Martin, dau. of Edward, who may have been she who supposedly m. Henry Ledbetter, who m., secondly, Sarah Tomlin.

iv.
On 29 April 1668, a patent was issued by Sir William Berkeley to Henry Ledbetter for 224 acres of land in Charles City Co., reciting that 125 acres had been sold to Henry’s unnamed father. On 29 Oct. 1668, a patent was issued to Robert Coleman for 283 acres adj. Henry Ledbetter (B. 6, p. 189). This may have been the Robert Coleman who was involved in a court case of 30 Jan. 1688 in Westmoreland Co. (Robert Coleman vs. Thomas Stone), recounting that Robert bought a horse from John Wright, but the horse was found in the possession of Thomas Stone. It may be of relevance that Richard Coleman m. Grace Stone, 23 Sept. 1626, in Taunton, 8 mls fr. North Curry.

v.
1.1.1. James House, bapt. 1 Sept. 1666, Compton Martin. John Duke and John Taylor Duke witnessed the will of James House in Brunswick, 9 Feb. 1735.
1.1.1.1. Thomas House, bapt. 19 Mar. 1692, Compton Martin; f. James & Sarah.
1.1.1.2. James House, bapt. 13 Mar. 1697, in Compton Martin, f. James & Sarah.
1.1.1.2.1. Isaac House. Indenture made 5 June 1746 between Isaac House of St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick Co., and Richard Ramsom of same, £35, North side of the three Creeks, 84a. Signed Isaac House. Witnesses: John Wall, Junr., James Maclin, son of William Maclin.

vi.
The connection of the Maclins to Somerset is this:
1. …
1.1. Edward Wiche, m. Sara Chapman, 9 Feb. 1640, Bridgwater (St Mary). 16 mls fr. Wedmore.
1.2. Henry Wiche, m. Joanna Craftman, 5 Jun. 1645, Bridgwater.
1.2.1. Henry Wiche, bapt. 16 Jul 1664, Bridgwater (f. Henry and Joan).
1.2.1.1. Henry Wyche.
1.1.1.1.1. Abigail Wyche, m. George Brewer (4 March 1734), son of George Brewer and Sarah Lanier, half-sister of Sampson Lanier Sr., who m. Elizabeth Washington; their son, Thomas Lanier, m. Anne Maclin, dau. of William Maclin Sr. and Katherine Brewer.

vii.
Indenture and Memroandum ackn. by Isaac House. Court, 4 June 1747, Mary the wife of the within named Isaac House personally appeared and relinquished her right of dower. (B. 3, p. 190). Indenture made 8 Dec. 1746 between Peter Daniel of St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick Co., and Isaac Howze of same, £6 10 Shillings, 532a, near Crabhouse Run, beginning at a pine where Howzes now line touch mine North twenty six degrees East four hundred poles to Howzes old line Which Includes by the surveyors account two hundred sixty acres. Signed Peter Daniel. Witnesses: Lewis Parham, Roger Tillman, Richard Lanier.* Indenture ackn. by Peter Daniel. (ibid, p. 257). *Richard Lanier was the son of Richard Lanier, uncle of Rebecca Lanier, wife of Walton Harris. A dau. of Isaac House married a Lanier; possibly Buckner Lanier, br. of Rebecca.

viii.
Peter Daniel’s son, William, probably m. Sarah Brown, d. 1795, dau. of Richard Brown and Frances Sexton, dau. of Archibald Sexton. William was the br. of Randle Daniel, husband of Lucy Lanier (relict of Shepherd Lanier, desc. of Sampson Lanier Sr’s br., Nicholas.

ix.
1. Sampson Lanier, born 1682, Will pr. 1743, Brunswick, m. Elizabeth Washington.
1.1. Thomas Lanier, m. Ann Maclin, dau. of William.
1.1.1. William Lanier, d. 1802, m. Elizabeth Burch, sister of Jenny Burch, d. 1798, in Brunswick, wife of Isham Trotter, the neighbour of Thomas Harris, of Little Cedar Creek (see para. xxxiii.).
1.2. Sampson Lanier Jr.
1.2.1. Rebecca Lanier, m. Walton Harris.
1.2.2. Winifred Lanier, m. Drury Ledbetter.
1.2.3. Major Lewis Lanier, b. 1750, m. Rebecca Duke; she m. 2. Capt. John Washington, of Walnut Grove, Granville Co., NC . Rebecca Duke was the dau. of William Duke, born c. 1732; her sister Mary, m. Isaac House Jr.; their br. was William Duke, b. c. 1757, who moved to Hardeman Co., and may have been the father of Merrit Duke of that place, who m. 1. Winifred Brown, dau. of John Brown.

x.
1.Thomas Ducke, m. a sister of Dunston Walton; one of the largest exporters of broadcloths. (See Dunston Walton. P.C.C., last will and testament, pr. 29 March 1572).
1.1. …
1.1.1. Thomas Ducke of Hambridge was bound over to this Sessions for refusinge to give any maintenance unto fower poore children of one George Ducke sonne of the said Thomas Ducke. General Sessions Of the Peace held at Wells, the 8th, 9th, l0th, and 11th days of January, 8 Charles (1632-3).
1.1. George Ducke, m. Margery Cooke. She was probably a cousin of the Parkers: William Parker, m. Antonia Gibbs, 3 July 1589, in wedmore; their son, William Parker, was associated with ‘Edward Cook, 100 acs. in W. branch of Nanzemum Riv., adj. his own and land of William Parker. 17 Mar. 1654 (B.1. p. 316). Edward Cooke was bapt. 9 Sept. 1610, in Wedmore, son of Edward Cooke, bapt. 28 Oct. 1565 and Diana Hutchins, who m. 1 Aug. 1594. William Parker’s br., Thomas, m. Margaret Cooke, 9 March 1612, dau. of the said Edward and Diana. Thomas Parker was the great-grandfather of Richard Parker. 15 Oct. 1698: Richard Parker 48 acs. Nansamond Co.; E. side of the S. br. of Nansamond River; adj. Thomas Parker; Thomas Harrell; Thomas Duke; and Rich’d Parker’s Cross Sw. patent. (B.3. p. 24).
1.2. John Ducke, born 1607, Curry Rivel, this being a manor in which his Walton relations held land. In that the name John was used in the Duke family, and this John Duke is as likely to be the father of Thomas Duke of Virginia as is br., George, he is tentatively suggested as the Duke ancestor.
1.2.1. Thomas Duke, b. c. 1632. 23 Apr. 1681: Thomas Duke 430 acs. Up Par. of Nazemond ‘Neare Thomas Harrell: adj. Thomas Parker: the Cross Sw.; & 200 acs. formely belonging to William Wright & 200 acs. granted sa. Wright 18 Mar. 1662 who conveyed to sd. Duke; 230 acs. for trans. of 5 pers. Tho. Duke (himself), Tho. Duke (his son), Fra. Marr, Jno. Deverett, Wm Harring. (B.2, p. 221). Thomas Duke Jr. & John Duke, his brother, 49 acs (N.L.) Up. Par. of Nansemond Co.; on the W’wd side of the S’n br. of Nansemond Riv; Beg. in line of Thomas Duke, their father, near land of Francis Mace. (B.3, p. 119).
1.2.1.1. Thomas Ducke Jr.. b. c. 1657, may have m. a dau. of Richard Taylor of Nansemond, who, on 20 April 1694, patented 293 acs. on the head of the branches that runs into Kingsale Swamp, adj. his own land, and that of Robert Brewer. (B 8, p. 344). 5 June 1747: Mary Brewer, 46 acs. on s. side of Nansemond river, adj. Thomas Duke, John Duke, and Paul Brewer decd. (B. 5, p. 239).
1.2.1.1.1. John Taylor Duke, b. c. 1682. What follows is not the traditional attempt to amalgamate this particular family of Duke with that of Byrd, but is likely to be more authentic.
1.2.1.1.1.1. William Duke, of Rocky Creek, Brunswick Co., b. c. 1707, d. 1675, m. 1. Thamar Taylor, a probable kinswoman.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. William Duke, m. Mary Green, dau. of Edward Green, of Brunswick; a widow, with a dau. named Winifred, of (it seems likely) John Brown. (See para xxxvi.). Isaac Howze to Edward Green, both of Bute Co. 5 pds. for 100 A. on S. Prong of Redy Creek at mouth of Pon Branch adj. Wm. Howze, part of a Granville grant to William Howze. Wit: James Harrison, Obed. Green, William Green. (Warren Co., B. 2, p. 314).
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Merrit Duke, m. his step-sister, Winifred Brown.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Green Duke, m. Mary Parham.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.3. Sarah Duke, m. Thomas Christmas.
1.2.1.1.1.2. Robert Duke.
1.2.1.2. John Duke, b. c. 1657, m. Ann Pugh.
1.2.1.2.1. John Duke, b. c. 1682. Daniel Pugh willed 250 acs. adj. Cross Swamp to his grandson, John Duke ‘being the son & heir of his daughter Ann’, 26 Apr. 1711. John Duke and John Taylor Duke witnessed the will of James House in Brunswick, 9 Feb. 1735, grandfather of Isaac House. In that Isaac House was associated with William Merritt, the wife of Edward Green may be suggested.

xi.
The Last Will and Testament of Isaac House, dated 26 Oct. 1775: In the name of God amen, I Isaac House of the Co. of Brunswick being in perfect health but as it is allotted once and for all to die for what Estate it hath pleased God to bestow on me I dispose of in form and manner following. Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Amy Lanier one shilling & her heirs for ever Item, I give & bequeath to my da. Elizabeth Tillman one Shilling & her heirs Item, I give & bequeath to my da. Frances Robertson one shilling & her heirs. Item, I give & bequeath to my da. Mary Robertson’s children one shilling and their heirs. Item, I give & bequeath to my da. Tabitha Brinkleys children one shilling & their heirs. Item, I give & bequeath to my five Sons, William, John, Isaac, Isham, James the Legacies that was given in their possession to them and their heirs forever and likewise the Legacies given to my daus. & had in possession to them and their Heirs for ever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son James the plantation I now live on by estimation Three hundred & forty eight acres to him and his heirs forever. Item, I Likewise, give all the remaining part of my estate after my debts and funeral charges and legacies are all paid I desire may be equally divided between my four sons & my son Johns Children, the children to have a fifth part to them & their heirs forever. I also do make Constitute and appoint my four son’s William, Isaac, Isham, & James to be my whole and sole executors of this my last Will and Testament desiring my said estate may not come to an appraisment. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy Five. Isaac House seal, in the presence of Mark W. Edwards, George Tatum, John Avery, Meritt Birdsong, Jurate.

xii.
1.1.1.2.1.1. John House. Isaac House of Brunswick Co., for love and affection which I have &; do bear to my loving son John House of same, 200a, on n. side of Stoney Hill Run, being part of 288a purchased by me of one Michael O’Donolley to whom the same was granted by letters patent dated 20 Setpember 1742 and by the said Michael O’Donalley sold &; conveyed to me the said Isaac House by deed acknowledged 2 Jan. 1745, which said 200a is the whole of the said 288a that lies on the n. side of the said run. Signed Isaac House. Court, 3 Sept. 1747, deed ackn. by Isaac House. (B. 3, p. 341).

xiii.
1.1.1.2.1.1. William House. Isaac House of Brunswick Co. for love and affection which I have &; do bear to my Loving son William House Junr. of same, 200a, being all the Land I hold on the north side of Stoney Hill Run by me not heretofore given to my son John (ibid.). Bute Co., NC., Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (BCQS), 1767-1779. Wednesday after the second Tuesday in February 1768. Ordered that the following persons lay off a Road, leading from Capt Hawkins into the Cross Road, coming into the Shocko Road, near the piney Meadow agreeable to a former order, (to wit) Philemon Hawkins, Jno. Hawkins, William House, Willm House, Peter Green, Peter Kimball, Jn’o Jackson, Richd Moore, James Moore, Jno Moore, Thos. Green, Jno. Bell, Isaac House, Ellis Marquis, Benj. Kimball, Will’m Moore, Jno Purdie, Jonathan Johnston, Charles Allen, Joseph Purdie, & the Hands who were formerly were appointed, are still cont’d to open & work on the Road hereby appointed to be laid off, Jno Moore to be added to the former list of Hands. BCQS, 11 May 1768: Petit Jurors to wit. William Duke,* Young McLemore, Joseph Duke, Isaac House, James Ransom, Nathaniel Bullock, Thos Roberson, Joseph Person, Rich’d Proctor, Philip Burford, Drury Bobbitt, William Cheek.

xiv.
On 4 Feb. 1733, John Taylor Duke of Brunswick Co. purchased of Burrel Brown and his wife Mary 100 acres of land in Brunswick Co. on the s. side of the Meherrin River ‘Beginning at a Red Oak on the South Side of Rocky Run’. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Duke, Charles Stewart, Thomas Tapley, and Lawrence House (B. 1, p. 106). John Duke, the witness, was John Duke, Gent., probable cousin of John Taylor Duke, neighbour of Lawrence House in Brunswick Co.

xv.
BCQS 15 Nov. 1769: Isaac House, Joseph Edwards, James House, Parsons Rackley, John Dinkis, James Harrison, Robert Allen, Drury Bobbett, Britain Harris,* Richard White, John Pardue, John Hudson. BCQS, 16 Feb. 1775: The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for a road to be opened from William Dukes mill on Fishing Creek crossing the South Fork of the said Creek at Dentons Ford, thence the near & most convenient way into Col’o Hawkins road near Mr Bullocks old Field, Ordered that the said Way be viewed by William Duke, Green Duke, William Brown, John Brown, John Bowdon, James Riggin, William Walker, Ellis Marcus, James Cauthorn, John Christmas Jr., Thomas Christmas, Isaac House, William Green, Peter Green, John Bayley, William Merritt, Young McLamore, Nathaniel Peebles & Joseph Duke, and it is also Ordered that Green Duke be Overseer of the said Road & That he open the same with the hands of William Merritt, James Denton, Charles & John Wortham & John Jenkins.

xvi.
*Son of Daniel Harris, br.of Nathan and West Harris. On 8 Dec. 1743 Daniel Harris purchased 290 acs. of land on the n. side of Little Fishing Creek, located in what subsequently became Granville, Bute, and Warren Counties.

xvii.
This Indenture made the eleventh Day of July 1787 between William Merritt Senior of Brunswick Co. of the one part and Merritt Birdsong of the same County his grandson of the other part … for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and beareth unto the said Merritt Birdsong his grandson and for his better maintenance and support in the world …doth give grant alien enfeoff and confirm unto the said Merritt Birdsong … a tract or parcel of land whereon the said Merritt Birdsong and his father James Birdsong now live containing by estimation two hundred and sixty acres …situate in the Co. on the n. side of Sturgeon Creek and bounded as follows, beg. at Edmunds Stith’s corner hickory on the said Creek thence along his lines North three degrees West one hundred and sixty eight poles to a great white oake North seventy eight degrees East eighty eight poles to a great red oak North twenty one degrees West one hundred and eight poles to Merritt Cely corner small black jack thence along his lines East sixty six poles to a small red oak South one and an half degrees West eighty poles to a small red oak South forty eight degrees East ninety four poles to a stone near a small branch North forty four degrees East forty two and an half poles to a small hickory South sixty two and an half degrees East thirty one poles to a white oak on the Long Branch thence down the said branch as it meanders to Nathaniel Harrison’s line thence along the said Harrison’s line s. eighty nine degrees West one hundred poles to a dead hickory South sixteen degrees West twenty poles to a white oak on Sturgeon Creek aforesaid thence up the said Creek as it meanders to the beg. … Signed by William Merritt and witnessed by Arad Welton, William Short, William Cely, Merritt Cely, and Merritt House. Brunswick Co. Court 23 July 1787. (B. 14, p. 297).

xviii.
1.1.2. Thomas House, bapt. 12 Aug. 1677, in Compton Martin. Capt. John Duke was named executor and Katherine House as executrix in the will of Thomas House in Brunswick, dated 16 Feb. 1734: Thomas House of the Co. of Brunswick, planter, being weak in body … I give my wife my land I now live on as long as she lives and after her decease to my son Thomas House; my wife seven pounds in money. My aforesaid son sixteen pounds cash. My da. Hanah House one hundred acres of land joining to James House’s land that is now John Bates.* The remainder part of my estate is to be equally divided among my children. My wife executrix and Capt. John Duke executor. Wit: John Taylor Duke, David Case.  On 3 July 1731, Thomas Howse of the Co. of Surry, Planter, deeded to John Davis of same county, in consideration of the naturel love and effection which he beareth for his son James Howse (Surry Co. Deeds, 1730-1733, pp. 114-115). On 7 Oct. 1733, John Davis appointed surveyor of highway from Thomas Howse’s to Harrison Quarter, called Sweeds, that all male laboring tythes belonging to Thomas Howse – Thomas Howse Jr., James Howse and William Howse & others – assist in clearning same. (Brunswick Order, B. 1, p. 37).
1.1.2.1. Thomas House Jr. to William House, 175 acres, recorded 17 May 1727, a portion of 350 A granted to said Thomas House by patent dated at Williamsburg. 22 Feb. 1724. (ibid.).
1.1.2.2. William Howse.
1.1.2.3. James Howse. Indenture made the 26th day of April, 1762, between James House and Joshua Hix, for 20 pounds, conveying 50 acres on North side of the Otterdam Swamp. Signed by James House and Mary House. Names of witnesses not given. Indenture and Memorandum of Livery of Seizin were acknowledged in Court by James House and Mary, his wife, relinquished her right of dower. (B. 7, p. 105).
1.1.2.4. Lawrence Howse, d.v.p., petitions under oath to become administrator of Thomas Howse, decd.
1.1.2.5. Isham Howse.
1.1.2.6. Isaac House.

xix.
1. John Bates, m. Deborah Wilkins, 31 Oct 1679, Compton Martin. He was probably the grandson of John Bates and Agnes Wikes, m. 19 May 1597, Compton Martin, son of his son, John Bates, bapt. 4 Mar. 1598.
1.1. *John Bates, bapt. 18 Nov. 1682.
1.2. William Bates, bapt. 30 Nov. 1684.
1.3. Thomas Bates, bapt. May 1687.
1.4. James Bates, bapt. 18 Aug. 1689.

BROWNE

xx.
1.
1.1. Richard Brown, m. Elizabeth Hicks, 23 Dec. 1690, Compton Martin.
1.1.1. Richard Brown, bapt. 10 Jan 1692.
1.2. John Brown, m. Jane, Compton Martin Reg.
1.2.1. John Brown, bapt. 14 Jul. 1681, Compton Martin. John Brown, the elder of Surry Co. conveyed land to Robert Hix the younger, 1735. (ibid., p. 191). Noah Brown fr. Wm. Moore land granted Thomas Cook 23 March 1715, 200 acres. Wit. John Duke, John Brown, Wm. Kimball, 13 Jul. 1735. (ibid. 224).

xxi.
1.2.2.1. Richard Browne (probably m. Frances Sexton), and Wm. Eaton of Prince Georges Co., 455 a., adj. Henry Bates, John Duke, Adam Tapley, Wm. Hough, John Brown. Wit: John Brown, Noah Browne, Frances Brown, wife of Richard, concurs to sale. Apr. 4, 1737. B. I, p. 325. Major Pryor and Anne, his wife of Brunswick Co., VA to Richard Brown of Northampton County, N.C. 350 acres on south side of Nottoway River southside of Rocky Run on lines of John Taylor Duke, James Loftin and others. (B. 3, pp. 615-617).

xxii.
Indenture made 13 January 1747, between Richard Brown of Brunswick Co. and Major Pryor of same, £150, 350a, on South side of Nottaway River. Signed Richard Brown. Witnesses: Charles Royall, Titus Singleton, John Collier. Court Feburary 4, 1747, Indenture &; Memorandum proved by oaths of Charles Royall Titus Singleton &; John Collier. (B.3, p. 378). 13 Oct. 1727: John & Richard Brown, of Surry Co.: 230a, (N.L.), Brunswick Co., on S. side of Roanoak River; adj. Charles Kimball’s land. (C&P 2, p. 181).

xxiii.
29 Dec. 1762: Richard Brown of Brunswick Co. to his son William Brown of Prince George Co.: 420a which was a patent to sd Richard Brown 20 Sept. 1758. Wit: Richard Brown Jr., Martha Atkison, William Atkison, Daniel Jackson. Richard Brown, LWT pr. 26 April 1773: my son Richard Brown my son, William Brown, my son, Lewis Brown, my son John Brown, my dau. Sarah Daniel.

xxiv.
1.2.2.1.1. John Brown. Indenture made the 24th day of November, 1760, between John Brown and Olive, his wife, of Nottoway Parrish, Southampton Co., parties of the first part, and Thomas Harrison, for 42 pounds 10 shillings, conveying 143 acres of which lower part of land bounded by land of Peter Simmons and upper part of land bounded by lands of John Butts and John Jackson, and being part of a larger tract formerly belonging to John Denton, deceased, and by John Denton devised to Elizabeth Harper, wife of George Harper, and by them sold to William Lindsey by deed recorded in Williamsburgh and by William Lindsey conveyed unto the said John Brown by deed dated 26 Feb. 1754. Signed by John Brown and Olive Brown. Wit. Jas. Stewart, James Harrison. (B. 6, p. 600).

xxv.
The will of William Collier, proved 26 Nov. 1759, named son-in-law David Lucas and wife Elizabeth; son Howell Collier; son Nathaniel Collier; son-in-law James Harrison and wife Sarah; sons Moses Collier, Frederick Collier, Drury Collier and William Collier (under age 18). Sons Howell, Nathaniel and Moses named executors. Witnesses Robert Lanier, Wm. Green and Mary Collier.

xxvi.
One of william Collier’s sons left a Will pr. in Northampton Co. Dec. Court 1793, naming Wife Susannah, dau. Nancy, son Jonathan, son Green, son James, daughs Sarah and Jane. Extrs: Joshua Collier, William Horton, William Brewer. Wits: William Collier, Drury Collier. Edward Walton of Chatham Co. NC was named guardian of his minor children, Sarah, Jane, and Jonathan. (NC B. 2, p. 37).

xxvii.
6 March 1739. O. S., p. 298. William Collier is appointed Overseer of the Road from Benjamin Harrison’s Mill the most Convenient Way to the Court House Road the nearest way towards the Cut Bank Bridge and that Ambrose Jackson, Thomas Jackson, Edward Goodrich, Thomas Denton, Edward Denton, Stephen Sissons, William Sissons, Joseph Shearing, John Shearing, John Peoples, Peter Simmons, William Gower, George Harper and their tyths assist in clearing the same.

xxviii.
Peter Simmons Sr. of Brunswick Co. His Will mentions grandsons Peter & Littleberry Simmons, both under age. granddau. Charity Harwell, grandson James Vaughn, dau. Sarah Harwell, Merritt & Sarah Harwell. Wit. Alexander Watson, Wm. Cook, Wm. Harrison. Pr. 27 Jun. 1768. (B. 10, p. 513). App. of slaves & personal est., by Frederick Maclin, Benja. Seawell and Valentine Owen. Rec. 26 Sept. 1768. (B. 3, p. 497).

xxix.
30 Jan. 1740: John Taylor Duke, 273 ac in Brunswick Co. on both sides of the Old Field Br on the N. side of the Old Co. line, adj. Sisum & Peter Simmons. (B. 20, p. 135). John Taylor Duke & his wife Jane of Brunswick Co. to Richard Lanier of same. 5 May 1743. 213 acres which was part of a patent to the said John Taylor Duke dated 30 Jan. 1741, joining Old Field Branch or Back Branch, Peter Simmons. Wit: Thomas Lanier, Sampson Lanier, John Maclin. Proved 6 May 1743. On 26 March 1751, John and Susanna Maclin of St. Andrews Psh., Brunswick Co., sold to William Lindsey of same 143 acres adj. Peter Simmons, John Butts, John Jackson, and the Little Meadow. The deed was wit. by Henry Duke, James Cook, and *Micajah Perry (kinsman of Adam Simmes). (B. 5, p. 443).

xxx.
27 Apr. 1759. Brunswick Co. Peter Simmons Sr. & Peter Simmons Jr. named executors in Will of Thos. Harwell. Probated 29 July 1760. (B. 3., p. 443). 20 Dec. 1755: Peter Simmons, Planter, of Brunswick Deed to Geo. Woodroof £50, orig. gtd John Ledbetter by patent 25 Nov. 1753, rec’d at Williamsburg. Deed recorded 5 July 1754 to Joseph Fisher. 199 ac. in Brunswick of n. side Meherrin R., adj former Ralph Jackson’s now Adam Simme’s line, on a br of Meherrin incl. all the islands below the sd cor. /s/ Peter & Elizabeth Simmons. (B. 4., p. 117).

xxxi.
1. Sir John Symes, lived at Mells, Somerset, m. Amy, da. of Thomas Horner esq., of Mells.
1.1. John Symes.
1.1.1. Thomas Symes Jr., evidenced here: Symes v Horner. Plaintiffs, Thomas Symes and Merrill Symes his wife. Defendants, Samuel Horner and Philip Horner. Subject: property in Mells, Somerset. (Nat. Arch., ref. C 5/64/111 1672).
1.1.1.1. ‘John Symes late of Montserrat, West Indies’.
1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Symes (da.,not sister), m. a kinsman, Samuel Perry. (See Nat. Arch., ref. C 11/750/12, 1714). 1.1.1.1.1.1. Symes Perry.
1.1.2. Richard Symes (See N&Q, 1890).
1.1.2.1. Adam Symes.
1.1.2.1.1. George Sims, of Brunswick Co.; d. Sept. 1763. He bought land from his br. John Sims, on 5 Nov. 1747, witnessed by *Micajah Perry, a cousin.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Adam Sims, m. Elizabeth Walton, da. of George Walton of Brunswick Co., and who was, thus, the br.-in-law of Nathan Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and br. of West Harris.

xxxii.
1.2.2.1.1. John Brown. This Indenture made this 21st Day of October 1790 between Freeman Jordan of the Co. of Brunswick of the one part & Randall Rhodes of the Co. aforesaid of the other part … for and in consideration of the sum of forty four pounds ten shillings … hath bargained sold and confirmed and said Freeman Jordan for himself and his wife Anne . . . doth by these presents grant bargain sell & confirm unto the said Randall Rhodes … one tract of land containing one hundred & seventy eight acres …situate lying and being the Co. of Brunswick in the Parish of Saint Andrews on the South side of Little Cedar Creek and bounded as follows beginning at Thomas Harriss corner white oak on the creek thence along his line North seventy four degrees West twelve poles to his corner white oak on Middle Cedar Creek thence up the sd. creek to the mouth of a branch just above a large rock thence up the said branch to Henry Maclins corner poplar on the same thence along his line North eighty degrees East one hundred and ninety poles to his corner Hickory on Little Cedar Creek thence down the sd. creek as it meanders to the beginning … Signed by Freeman Jordan and Ann Jordan, and witnessed by Jesse Turner, Arthur Smith, John Brown, and William Barrow. Witnessed by Jesse Turner, Arthur Smith, John Brown, and William Barrow. 25 July 1791. (B. 15, p. 110).

xxxiii.
1.2.2.1.1.1. Thomas Brown. The Thomas Harris of Little Cedar Creek was very probably a kinsman of Isham Trotter, who m. Jenny Burch, 22 Nov. 1773, in Brunswick; their dau., Martha, m. Thomas Brown, 24 Oct. 1803. Jenny Burch was the sister of Elizabeth Burch, wife of William Lanier, son of Thomas Lanier and Ann Maclin, dau. of William Maclin, as per will of 1751. Thomas Lanier was the uncle of Rebecca Lanier, wife of Walton Harris. Thomas Harris of Little Cedar Creek was very likely of this Harris family. Rebecca Lanier’s br., Burwell, deeded Thomas Brown 100 acs. in Anson Co. on 14 May 1797. The connection of the Brown and Harris families and those associated with them to Somerset is never far away:

xxxiv.
Thomas Harris was a neighbour of Isham Trotter: This Indenture made the twentieth Day of April 1787 between William Buckhannon of the County of Dinwiddie and Edward Holloway and his wife of the County of Meclinburg of the one part and Isham Trotter of the Co. of Brunswick and parish of Saint Andrews of the other part … for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred forty one pounds … do grant bargain and sell unto the said Isham Trotter … One certain tract and parcel of land lying in the Co. of Brunswick and Parish of Saint Andrews and adjoining the lands of Isham Trotter, Thomas Harris and the lands of James Crook and James McKenny and Isaac Jones old tract now the property of his wife Hannah Jones and also the lands of Rubin Allen and containing by survey two hundred and fifty four acres … Signed by William Buckhannon, Edward Holloway and Nancy Holloway and witnessed by John Edmundson, Mason Hardiway and William Hardiway, Jr. Brunswick Co. Court the 25th Day of June 1787. This Indenture was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. (B. 14, p. 294). W. Jr. [Cpt] Hardaway, m. Elizabeth Hicks, 25 Oct. 1784.

xxxv.
As I have shown elsewhere, the mother of Hodges Cowncell was very likely to have been Elizabeth Hix of Wedmore. John Harris of Cheddar, Somerset (br. of Thomas Harris, bapt. 31 Dec. 1637, Cheddar, probably he who d. in 1688, in Virginia), was the grandfather of Alice Harris, who married into the Hix family. This John Harris was also the father of Arthur Harris, etc, and it would be surprising if the descendants of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, were not accompanied by a number of Somerset cousins. The tendency has been to assign almost every Harris to either Nathan or West Harris, which is certainly not the case.

xxxvi.
1.2.2.1.1.1. John Brown, m. Mary Green, dau. of Edward Green, of Brunswick, who subsequently m. William Duke.
1.2.2.1.1.1.1. Winifred Brown, m. Merrit Duke, son of William Duke and Mary (Green) Brown. Isaac Howze to Edward Green, both of Bute Co. 5 Pds. for 100 A. on S. Prong of Redy Creek at mouth of Pon Branch adj. Wm. Howze, part of a Granville grant to William Howze. Wit: James Harrison, Obed. Green, William Green. (Warren Co., B. 2, p. 314). John Duke and John Taylor Duke witnessed the Will of James House in Brunswick, 9 Feb. 1735. John Taylor Duke was the probable grandfather of William Duke, who  m. Mary (Green) Brown. James House was the grandfather of Isaac House. This is an example of the continuation of a Somerset kinship group.

xxxvi.
1.2.2.2. Burwell Brown, LWT pr. 27 Mar. 1756. 1732-1737, Brunswick Court Orders: Robert Hicks Jr., Burrell Brown, Batt Peterson, and Matthew Parham ordered to appraise the estate of John Smith dec’d. 7 Aug. 1740: He was security for Burchet Turner, administratrix of Joseph Turner dec’d. The Court ordered her, the now Mrs. Edward Green and her husband, to make up an account of her Admin. of the Estate and return to the same court. 1748, Bruns. Co. Court Records: Burrell Brown Gent. took a list of tithtables in the lower eastern part on the SS of the Meherrin.
1.2.2.2.1. Irvin Brown, not 21 years of age in 1756.
1.2.2.3. Jeremiah Brown. To repeat: 1 July 1740: Indenture between James Parham to Bertie Province NC and John Tooke of Surry Co. for 5 shillings, a tract of 440 acres on the N. side of Fountaine Creek; Brunswick Co., except 100 acres to Jeremiah Brown granted by patent 2 Feb. 1724 to said James Parham. Wit. Batt Peterson, John Peterson, Burwell Brown.

JACKSON

xxxvii.
It would be worth persuing the suggestion that these Jacksons were of Combe Hay, Somerset, where, on 23 Apr. 1604, Miles Jackson gent m. Elinor Damijon, and John Millard m. Elizabeth Tucke on 11 Feb. 1604. Combe Hay is only 12 mls fr. where the Symes family held land in Nunney.

xxxviii.
Ambrose Jackson Jr. – To my son Henry – £10 cash after his mother’s death. To my dau. Anne Harwell – £10 cash after her mother’s death. To my dau. Tabitha Simms – £10 cash after her mother’s death. To my son John – the plantation where I now live & all its land, but my wife to have her lifetime on it. Wit: Thomas Lanier, Ralph Jackson, Daniel Jackson, John Ogburn. Returned to Court 1 May 1746. (Brunswick, B. 2, p. 93). Ambrose Jackson’s mother m. secondly Hinchea Mabry, 22 June 1747. Ambrose Jackson Jr’s uncle, Ralph Jackson of Surry co., was granted, on 11 July 1719, 25 acres on n. side of the Meherrin River in Surry on Hix’s line by Wyche’s line. This land was sold to Hix in 1728. Ralph Jackson of Surry Co. bought from William Kimball of Brunswick Co. 125 acres on the n. side of Little Creek of Three Creeks, 13-14 Jan. 1728. Another uncle was John Jackson: John Jackson planter of Brunswick Co. to Adams Sims planter of same. 22 Feb. 1739, £7s 10. 50 acs. which was part of a 200 acre patent to sd John Jackson, dated 22 Feb. 1724. Wit. Mary Jackson, Margaret Jackson, Esther Jackson, John Chapman. 3 July 1740. (B. 2, p. 444). Indenture made the 4th day of June, 1747, between Margaret Jackson and Sampson Lanier, for 10 pounds and 15 shillings, conveying 50 acres, being that certain tract given the said Margaret Jackson, by her father, John Jackson, located on n. side of Meherrin River, and bounded by the lands of John Jackson, Adam Sims and M. Chamberlin. Acknowledged in Court on 4 June 1747. (B. 3, p. 326). John Jackson & his wife Rebecca of Brunswick Co. to Robert Hicks of Surry Co. 4 Nov 1742. £50 VA. Hicks’ release from Jackson for 425 acres which was part of a patent to sd John Jackson dated Sept. 1728, on the n. side of Ready Creek, joining James Parham. Wit. Edward Tatum, Jesse Tatum. (ibid., p. 536).

xxxix.
Adam Sims witnessed the Will of John Jackson, proved 1 Jan. 1746. John Jackson, son of Ambrose Jackson Jr., was associated with John Harris, William Duke, and Joshua Mabry: 12 Nov. 1774, Bute Co. NC Court Minutes.The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for a road to be opened from Houses road at or near John Jacksons’s path the nearest & best way into the road leading to Blacks ferry, at or near John Harriss,* Ordered that William Duke … John Jackson … etc. Ambrose Jackson Jr’s son, Henry, m. 1. Ann Mabry, dau. of Hinchia Mabry, 2. On 21 Dec. 1783, at age 43, Ann Broadnax, dau. of William Broadnax. Henry Jackson witnessed the deed on 18 Jan. 1764 of William Duke to John Jackson, his father, for 300 acres on Owens Creek in Granville Co., NC. On 30 Jan. 1774, William Cheek sold to Henry Jackson, both of Bute Co., NC, for £20 200 acres in Bute County on Pore Creek to Poplar Springs Branch down the Meadow Spring to Barren Lick Branch, adjoining Solomon Alston. Witness Samuel Magnum. August Court 1774. Henry Jackson with his brother James was in the list of taxables, 1771, in Philemon Hawkins’ District of Bute Co. Court minutes of Bute Co. show that in 1769 Green Duke, William Duke, James House, James Harrison and Henry Jackson were ordered to work on a road. Henry’s dau, Abigail, m. John Duncan. Land grant: 2 Sept. 1793, to John Dunkin, 11 shillings 7d, 249 acres surveyed 19 Jan. 1790 in Dist. 96, Edgefield Co., on waters of Clouds Creek, bounded by line running SE by John Dunkins land, SW by Thomas Harris land, other sides vacant. Abigail’s br’s. were James Jackson and John Jackson, who witnessed a deed of his brother James in Greene Co., GA, in 1792 and on 5 Oct. 1795 purchased land there from John Johnson. John Jackson’s son was Greenberry Jackson. *Who was this John Harris?

TUCKE

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1.
1.1. William Tucke, m. Christian Holman, 18 July 1571, at Barwick, St Mary Magdalene, 27 mls fr. Wedmore
1.1.1. Thomas Tucke, m. Mary Collins, 26 Jan. 1604, Barwick.
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.
1.1.1.1.1. William Tooke. On 29 November 1672, he testified that his age was 46. William Tooke sold 900 acres of land in IOW Co. on 3 Jan. 1661; land patented by James Tooke, 11 Nov. 1640.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Tooke of Surry Co., left a will proved 15 Feb. 1720. He appointed John Parson and William Ezell executors and John Parson, Samuel Sebrell, and James Pyland as trustees. A codicil named William Ezell as guardian of his son, John.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. 4 July 1745, Brunswick Co. Indenture: Between John Tooke of Brunswick, Black Smith, and Absalom Atkinson of Isle of Wight, school master, 50 pounds, beginning at a Live Oak on the north side of Fountain’s Creek in the County of Brunswick aforesaid thence North East one hundred pole to a white oak thence north northwest sixty four pole to a gum thence along a line of markt trees to a red oak standing above the head of a branch call’d Jerry’s Branch and so down the said branch to the said Fountain’s Creek and down the said Creek to the first station it being part of a tract of land granted to James Parham by patent bearing date the twenty second day of February in the Year of Lord one thousand Seven hundred and twenty four when belonging to the IOW Co. and so granted to the said John Tooke by the said James Parham by deeds the whole tract by patent containing four hundred and forty acres and this part purchased by the said Absalom Atkinson containing by estimation two hundred acres. Signed John Tooke. Witnesses: Theophilus Feild, William Embry, Thomas Embry. Indenture and Memorandum acknowledged by John Tooke. (B. 3, p. 39).

xxxxi.
2 April 1747, Brunswick Co. We, William Southerland and Robert Southerland Brunswick Co., VA, 30 pounds, paid by Absalom Atkinson of IOW Co., 186 acs. on south side of Fountain’s Creek, patent dated Sept. 22, 1739 granted to John New & by the said John New conveyed to the aforesaid William Southerland and Robert Southerland, dated 1 Mar. 1743. Signed William Southerland and Robert Southerland. Witnessess: William Ezel Jr., John Batt, and William Ezell. Memorandum 1 Mar. 1743. Witnesses: Peter Wych, William Ezell Jr, John Batt. Court June 7, 1744, Indenture and Memorandum proved by the oaths of Peter Wych and William Ezell Jr. Court Apr. 2, 1747, proved by oath of John Batt. (B. 3, p. 281).

xxxxii.
1 July 1740: Indenture between James Parham to Bertie Province NC. and John Tooke of Surry Co. for 5 shillings a tract of 440 acres on the N. side of Fountaine Creek; Brunswick Co., except 100 acres to Jeremiah Brown granted by patent 2 Feb. 1724 to said James Parham. Wit: Batt Peterson, John Peterson, Burwell Brown, Edward Green, John Bishop, James Judkins. (B. 2, p. 63).

xxxxiii.
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. (The proposition that this Thomas Harris was not closely associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1688 was always less than credible.
1.1.1.3. Elizabeth Tooke, m. Michael Ezell.
1.1.1.3.1. Elizabeth Ezell, m. John Atkinson Jr., son of John Atkinson, br. of Aaron and Absolem Atkinson, and Ann Holman.
1.1.1.3.1.1. William Atkinson. Indenture made 4 July 1745, between William Atkinson of Southwark Parish, Surry Co., and John Parker of St. Andrew Parish, Brunswick Co., for £22, for land on both side of Stoney Creek, the same being granted to William Atkinson by Letters Patent dated 25 Nov. 1733. Signed: William Atkinson. Witnesses: John Twitty, William Irby, Benjamin Lanier. (B. 3, p. 43).

xxxxiv.
West Harris &  Joseph Green of Granville Co., North Carolina for £40, paid by John Atkinson & Aaron Atkinson of Brunswick Co., Virginia, on s. side of Fountains Creek, 300 ac., and is part of 900a granted to John Bradford by Patent dated 13 Oct. 1727 & afterwards granted to Joseph Turner of Brunswick Co., St. Andrew Parish, by Deeds of Lease & release, dated 2 April 1735, and afterwards given by Will to the daus. of the said Joseph, Mary, and Ann, which are now the wives of the said West Harris and Joseph Green, dated 5 May 1748. Signed West Harris, Joseph Green, Mary Harris, Anne Green. Witnesses: Absalom Atkinson, William Ezell Jr., James Parham. Court May 5, 1748, deed and memorandum were acknowledged by West Harris & Joseph Green and Mary the wife of the said West, and Anne the wife of the said Joseph appeared and relinquished their Right of Dower. (ibid.. p. 414).
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.

Ad.

Thr first record of the Howse family specifically connected to North Curry was a purchase of the Chantry house in North Curry: Bargain and sale. 1. Executors of the will of William Lyle, esq. 2 Robert Howse of London, clothworker, Thomas Howse of Gregorie Stoke, Somerset, yeoman and Philip Cawse of Cowne, Somerset, gent. Chantrie House, North Corie, Somerset. 1560. (Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, ref. 372/3/3/10).

The relationship between Robert and Thomas Howse is not known, but it seems likely that they were brothers, with the property in North Curry decending to the sons of Thomas.

Robert Howse, Clothworker, was sheriff of London, August 10, 1587. His daughter married Sir Thomas Hayes, d. 1617, Lord Mayor of London in 1614. Their dau. m. Sir Henry Boothby, 1st Baronet.

The sons of Thomas Howse appear to be:

(1) William House, who m. Elizabeth White on 30 Apr. 1564, in North Curry (St Peter and Paul).

(2) John Howse, who m. Margaret Hobbs on 30 January 1570, in Stoke Gregory. He is a defendant in several court cases: Babbe v Howse. Plaintiffs: Nicholas Babbe. Defendants: John Howse. Subject: Charge of fraud; copy of court roll of the manor of North Curry, Somerset, the inheritance of the dean and chapter of Wells. 1558-1603. National Archives (N.A), reference C 2/Eliz/B27/21). Dean of Wells v Howse. Plaintiffs: Dean and Chapter of Wells Cathedral. Defendants: John Howse, John Martyne, Anthony Kinglake, Richard Barker, Richard Stevens and John Dure. Subject: common of pasture of the manor of North Curry, Somerset. 1603-1625. (N.A. ref. C 2/JasI/W3/3).

(3) Thomas Howse, who m. Agnes Tullyot on 27 Jan. 1571, in Stoke Gregory. He died in 1629: PROB 11/155/657: Will of Thomas Howse of North Curry, Somerset, 6 June 1629.

(4) Jerome House, who m. Alice Powell on 6 Jun. 1573, in Stoke Gregory. PROB 11/276/226: Will of Alice Howse, Widow of North Curry, Somerset 6 May 1658. Their son was Edward Howse, defendant in a case brought by his probable cousin: Howse v Howse. Plaintiffs: William Howse. Defendants: Alice Howse, widow, and Edward Howse. Subject: copyhold held of the manor of North Curry, Somerset. 1648. (N.A. ref. C 5/612/204).

Either John, Thomas, or Jerome Howse was the father of Christopher Howse, who m. Elizabeth Trapnell on 4 May 1601, in North Curry; their grandson was Christopher House jun., who m. Mary Gully on 1 June 1646, in North Curry. They were probably ancestors of the following Howse of North Curry: Christopher House who m. Radiyan Bray on 27 April 1674; Christopher House who m. Mary Bond on 21 February 1723; and ‘Christopher House of the parish of Stoke St Gregory widower’ who m. ‘Eleanor Morgan of the same parish spinster’ on 12 August 1767.

John Howse was the father of (1) Nicholas Howse, who m. Jane Butcher in 1615, parents of John Howse, bapt. 23 June 1618, in North Curry. (2) Edward Howse.
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