It is impossible to understand settler families of America without understanding their origins, and their kinship associations in England, which were invariably repeated in America.

These notes commence with ‘trimmed’ versions of the genealogies of those families of Somerset, England, which were connected to the Harris family of Somerset and Virginia. They only skim the complexity of relationships. It would be easy to show marriages in Somerset between familes of Browne/Wall; Coomer/Wall; Reeve/Wall; Council/Wall; Harris/Wall; Hix/Wall; Marshall/Wall; Hickes/Howe; Hodges/Howe, and to account for families of Peterson and Parham.

The degree of intermarriages between families of this kinship group was bewildering to a modern persective, as any study of relevant parish registers will attest.

I have constructed the Harris pedigree herein given by taking into account a fact and a principle; the former being that the Somerset elite held land in various parishes (the Symes in Nunney and Wedmore, for example), and this gave tenant families (Harris, etc.) a geographical freedom of tenure, so what appear to be seperate families of Harris are, in fact, the same. The genealogical principle is one of retrospective analysis – how can family relationships of one generation be understood by reference to relationships of previous ones? That is, adjoining land owners in England of the same generation and of different names were almost invariably br.-in-law or cousins; those of a differnt generation, either uncles or nephews. It could not have been any different in Virginia. When the same ‘collection of names’ appear in previous generations, as neighbors, there is a clear continuation of association, in which relationships between a former and latter generations can be assumed with a high degree of accuracy.

The answer is in the soil, as a famous historian once remarked.

There was clearly a closer degree of association between the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and that of the Bennetts (and Harris) of Wivelscommbe than I have previously supposed.

These notes suggest that conventional constructions of some Harris pedigrees may be off-target.

WALTON
The Walton family of Brunswick Co., Virginia, resided in the Glastonbury area of Somerset, England. They took their name from the village of Walton, which is 3¼ miles (N. W. by W.) from Glastonbury. Immediately west of Glastonbury are the villages of High Ham, Shapwick, and Meare, the first being 9 miles from the last, with Shapwick being between them, on a north/south axis. The Waltons lived at Low Ham Court, being present there until 1666. ).

They were of the upper echelons of the Somerset landed gentry, alongside such as the Hodges, Lancasters, Symes (Simms) and Wiches. A lesser member of the latter family, Edward Wiche, who married Sara Chapman, 9 Feb. 1640, in Bridgwater, 10 miles from High Ham, was the ancestor of Abigail Wyche, as I have shown elsewhere, who 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.

The connection to these families of such as the Harris family of Cheddar (15 miles from High Ham) was based on a shared locality, and a desire of the tenants of the landed gentry to marry into their families. As it was in England, so it continued in colonial America. As given elsewhere, George Walton, bapt. 9 Mar. 1657, in Meare, ‘f. Edward and Mary’, was almost certainly the father of George Walton, gent, b. c. 1682, d. 31 Oct. 1766, who m. Elizabeth Rowe, d. 1785, in Brunswick Co.; their son being Isaac Rowe Walton, d. 22 Oct. 1770, in Menherrin Parish, Brunswick Co., who m. Elizabeth Ledbetter. Their son, David Walton, born in 1760 in Brunswick Co. died 9 May 1848, m. (28 Feb. 1778) Rebecca Wyche having issue: Henry Walton, who m. (1775), Rebecca Brewer.

CHAPMAN/HICKS
Bath is abt. 25 mls fr. Wedmore/Cheddar, where the Hickes interm. with the likes of the Cowncell family, and were, thus, of some status. The Chapmans were an influential and long established family of Bath. (See Transcript of indenture of lease between (1) Henry VIII and (2) Richard Chapman of Bathe, Somerset, clothier: of property in Somerset. (Nat. Arch. ref. LR 15/136).

Bath, Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, i.e. Bath Abbey:
1. Thomas Chapman/Elizabeth Kinge, 28 Jul. 1573.
1.1. William Chapman, bapt. 28 Sept. 1577.
1.1.1. William Chapman, Glover, m. Margaret …
1.1.1.1. John Chapman, bapt. 4 Feb. 1615, m. Edith Hickes, 14 Apr. 1645.
1.1.1.2. Katherine Chapman, bapt. 17 Nov. 1611, m. Richard Mayo, 19 Oct. 1640.
1.1.1.3. William Chapman, bapt. 7 Sept. 1609.
1.1.1.3.1. Anne Chapman, bapt. 27 Jul. 1647, m. Walter Hickes, 4 Feb. 1676.
1.1.1.3.1.1. Robert Hickes, bapt.13 Mar. 1683. 6 March 1738.
1.1.1.3.1.2. Mr. John Hickes, b. c. 1684, m. 1. Mary. Will of John Hicks, dated the 30th day of September, 1728, and proved 20 Aug.1729 … ‘& my will & desire is that my son John Hicks go and live with my son-in-law John Rose’. The Rose family were intermarried with the Lancasters, squires of Cheddar.
1.1.1.3.1.2.1. John Hickes, bapt. 24 Jan. 1706.
1.1.1.3.1.2.2. James Hickes, bapt. 17 Feb. 1713.
1.1.1.3.1.2. Mr. John Hickes, m. 2. …
1.1.1.3.1.2.1. Daniel Hickes, b. c. 1720. Indenture made 25 Jan. 1745, between Thomas Hicks of the Province of North Carolina and Nathaniel Edwards of Brunswick Co … Witnesses: John Wall, Jr., George Hicks, James Hicks, Jr. (son of George), John Irby, Jr. Henry Bedingfield, Francis Price. Court 6 Feb. 1745. (ibid. p. 141)
1.1.1.3.1.2.2. Abigail Hickes, m. John Rose.

HOUSE
1.
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.
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 betw. Isaac House of St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick Co., and Richard Ransom of same, £35, North side of the three Creeks, 84a. Signed Isaac House. Witnesses: John Wall, Junr., James Maclin, son of William Maclin.

WALL TIMELINE
1.John Wall, m. Elizabeth Rowe, 5 Apr. 1627, Wedmore (St Mary). 4 Feb. 1664. Prob. of will of Capt Jno. Wall decd. to Elizabeth Wall the relict. Will proved by oaths of Capt Fran. Grey & Richard Price.
2.Feb. 1694. Ordered that Henry Wyche and John Wall view a tobacco house built by John King for Edward Chilton and report how they find it at next court.
3. Mar. 1694. Order of last court for Henry Wyche and John Wall to view a house built by Henry King for Edward Chilton is recorded.
4.Sarah Wall m. George Wyche, of Sussex Co.
5. John Wall, 970 acs., Brunswick Co.; on S. side of Maherin River; adj. John Carrell; Leadbetter’s Path; David Crawley; & George Walton’s land; 31 Oct. 1726. 200 acs. part granted him, 11 July 1719.
6. June 1744. To John Wall & William Macklin three thousand acres lying on Terrible Creek being a Branch of Staunton River in Brunswick beginning at John Wall’s upper Camp on the said Creek thence up & down for quantity.
7. Will. 7 May 1744. I, Frances Hicks of B., being sick and weak but in perfect senses I order that no appraisement be made of my estate. Signed Frances Hicks. Wit. John Wall, Henry Beddingfeild, William Beddingfeild.

COUNCIL
1.
1.1. John Cowncell, bapt. 1573.
1.1.1. John Cowncell, bapt 28 Nov. 1601, f. Joannis Counsell, m. Mary Coomer, 26 Nov 1631; the sister of Agnes Coomer, who m. John Harris in the adj. parish of Cheddar, 4. Feb. 1635.
1.1.1.1. Johanna Cowncell, bapt. 28 Nov. 1601 (twin), m. (1) Philip Lawrence, 20 Aug. 1618, (2) John Chapman, 26 April 1624.
1.1.1.2. William Cowncell, bapt. 5 Aug. 1610, m. Mary Hayne.
1.4.4. Richard Cowncell, bapt. 3 Sept. 1613 (Blackford), m. (1) Joan Taylor, 12 Aug. 1640, (2) Elizabeth Hix, 12 Aug. 1647, dau. of William Hix and Grace Morton, m. 23 Jan. 1625, and niece of Margaret Hix, who m. Simon Day, 14 Jan. 1632.
1.4.4.1. Hodges Counsell. Hodges Counsell was the very likely son of Richard Counsell, by either his first or second wife. Richard Counsell was the br.-in-law of Susan Lancaster, and Hodges Counsell may have received his Christian name after her husband, William Hodges (a member of the very influential Hodges family, squires of Wedmore), who was probably his Godfather. Hodges Council d. bef. 9 Aug. 1699, named as husband of Lucy Hardy in the Will of John Hardy, (B. 2, p. 419), m Alice Bennett. Hodges Council. Leg. eldest son Hodges land on Blackwater, son John the land I bought of Robert Lawrence (ibid. p. 409). Robert Lawrence Sr. was very likely the son of Philip Lawrence, who m. Joan Counsell, 20 Aug. 1618, Wedmore, the probable aunt of Richard Counsell. Hodges Council’s son, Hardy, m. Susannah Fulgham, dau. of Michael Fulgham, of Pitminster, Somerset. Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, m. Anne Fulgham, Susannah’s sister.

BENNETT
1. Robert Bennett, a tanner, of Wivelscombe, m. Elizabeth Edney.
1.1. Thomas Bennett, d. 1616, Wivelscombe.
1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, claimed in 1635 as a headright by his uncle, Governor Richard Bennett.
1.2. Edward Bennett, baptised February 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia.
1.2.1. Alice Bennett, 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 Tomlin’s old land, running SSE by Wm. Westwrayers land &c. SW on Mathew Tomlins new land. John Hardy m. 2. Alice Tucker, widow of Arthur Allen. Her daus. were Katherine Allen, who m. Robert Johnson, and Joan Allen, who m. Dr Robert Williamson, John Burnett, and Reuben Proctor.
1.2.1.1. Lucy Hardy, m. Hodges Council.
1.1.2. … Bennett, m. Richard Jackson, who patented 450 acres in IOW adjacent to Justinian Cooper.
1.1.2.1. 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 II. George Hardy was an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677.
1.1.3. Richard Bennett. He lived at Blackwater, in the vicinity of the plantation of Justinian Cooper. 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.
1.3. Elianor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, son of William Harris, who m. Dorothy West, Aug. 31, 1562, at Wivelscombe, Somerset.
1.3.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, November 20, 1623, at Wivelscombe.
1.3.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3.1.1.1. Thomas Harris. Deborah Portis Widow of John Portis, appoints Richard Bennett, son of Richard Bennett, Sr. and Thomas Harris, her attorneys. Wits: Francis Floyd, Thos. Wilson, Benj. Drewit. Rec. Nov 21, 1704. IOW B. 2, pp. 16-17.

HARRIS
1.Thomas Harrys of Mells, carpenter, b. 1494.
1.1. John Harris. ‘Joannes Harries de Alverton’ (juxta Wedmore) d. 1585, m. 1. Joanna, d. 1579, 2. Alicia, d. 1585.
1.1.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy West, 31 Aug. 1562, at Wivelscombe.
1.1.1.1. Richard Harris, m. Elianor Bennett, sister of Edward Bennett, of Lawne’s Creek.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623, Wivelscombe. This Thomas Harris was probably he who d. in 1672, in Virginia. Judith may have been the da. of Richard Blake and Edith Pitt, m. 4 Nov. 1598, Wedmore, and sister of Joan Blake, who m. Robert Pope, 6 Feb. 1622, Wedmore.
1.1.1.1.2. Richard Harris.
1.1.1.1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. 18 Feb. 1624, Wivelscombe, ‘son of Richard’, probably he who d. in 1687, in Virginia.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of 2nd husband Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710.
1.1.1.1.3. Elizabeth Harris, m. George Hill, 27 Jan. 1619, in Mells.
1.1.1.1.3.1. Nicholas Hill, who, on 30 Sept. 1664, patented 750 ac. in the Upper Parish, part of the estate of Edward Bennett.
1.1.1.1.4. John Harris, bapt. 17 Feb 1587, in Mells (St Andrew), m. (1) Grace Haine, in 1608, in Mells. If this is Sergeant John Harris of Virginia, he had remarried before emigrating. If he had a son by Grace Haine, (Thomas) born c. 1609-1612, it is possible that he was apprenticed at the time of his father’s arrival in Virginia, and did not accompany him, and this apprenticeship was in St Olave, Southwark, London, where an influential kinsman, Edward Bennett, of Wivelscombe, Somerset, and Virginia, had established himself; alongside such families as the Feltons, and Hodges (of Wedmore). Furthermore, if Grace Haine was of the Haine family of Wedmore, then a kinship connection to the Council and Hodges families of that place is established. (2) Mary Tomlin, 9 Nov. 1620, in Mells. Matthew Tomlin of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County to John Johnson of the same parish, ‘for a valuable consideration’, a 225-acre tract ‘commonly called Pigneck’, bounded by Thomas Harris’s corner tree, pp. 570-571. (3) A third wife, in Virginia.
1.1.1.1.4.1. Thomas Harris, m. Alice West, October 1635, in Nunney (juxta Mells), d. in Charles City in 1677. At a court held Sept. 13, 1677, administration of the estate of Thomas Harris, deceased, was granted to John Echols and John Hardaway, probable brs.-in-law of the said Thomas Harris. Alice West was probably she who was bapt. 16 Sept., in Bath (St Michael), 12 miles from Nunney, and probable dau. of William West, who m. Katharine Pearce, 23 May 1608, in Bath (St Michael).
1.1.1.1.4.1.1. Thomas Harris, bapt. 14 Aug. 1636, in Nunney.
1.1.1.1.4.1.1.1. William Harris, m. Mary Short, granddau. of William Short (and Mary Rookings,* da. of William Rookings Sr.), who originally lived in Charles City Co., on the south side of the James River (later Prince George Co.); he repatented 1100 acres of land ‘above the head of Chippokes Creek about one and one-half miles up the western most branche’, identifying himself as ‘the son and heir of William Shorts’. The land had been granted to Robert Moseley on Jan. 7, 1649, and then assigned to William Short Sr., on 28 Oct. 1657. (See Tidewater Families of Virginia, p. 544). This was the land identified as adjoining that of Sergeant John Harris: ‘William Lea and Alice (Feltham), his wife, to William Heath (Mary’s maternal grandfather), 150 acres … formerly Thomas Felton’s (son of Robert Feltham, vintner, of St. Olave, Southwark, London), deceased, and lyeing and being in Southwarke Parish in the County of Surry in Virginia commonly called Upper Chippoakes in the woodes joyneing upon the lands which was John Harryes and neere unto the plantation which was formerly Robert Moseleys, adjoining to a great swamp which divides Surry Co. from Charles Cittie County … one hundred and fifteen acres of said land lyeth in Charles Cittie County adjoining unto the rest of the divident which lyeth in said surry County … Witnesses: Robert Spencer, John Gittings’. (Dated 4 Oct. 1660. Surry Co. Court Records, R. 10 November 1660). *Mary Rookings was the sister of Maj. William Rookings, who was sentenced to death in 1677. His Will mentions his cousin, Mary Short’s children. Overseers and guardians were his brother-in-law, Capt. Nicholas Wyatt, of Charles City, and neighbours William Simmons and John King, of Upper Chippokes, all Bacon’s supporters.
1.1.1.1.4.1.1.2. Thomas Harris. On 3 March 1690, he petitioned that John Echols be summoned to the next court, perhaps to claim against the surviving executor of his grandfather’s estate.
1.1.1.2.1.2. John Harris, bapt. 1640, in Nunney (record faint).
1.1.2. John Harris, m. Joan Stubbs, 10 Feb. 1569, Wedmore. She was the da. of John Stubbs, and the aunt of John Stubbs, who m. Alice Vowles (the relict of William Giles), 30 June 1606, in Wedmore. Alice Vowles was the da. of Walter Vowles, d. 17 Feb. 1612. and his first wife, Johanna Chalcroft, m. 8. Nov. 1571. The Vowles family were much intermarried with the Browne family of Wedmore, and with those of Lawrence, Webb and Millard; the Webbs intermarried with the Harris; the Millards with the Councils and Hodges.
1.1.2.1. John Harris, d. 1625.
1.1.2.1.1. Robert Harris. He was probably this Robert Harris: 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.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Edward Harris, bapt. 8 Aug. 1624, Wedmore, ‘son of Robert’; probably he who d. in 1677, in Virginia.
1.1.2.2. Thomas Harris.
1.1.2.2.1. Thomas Harris, bapt. 31 Dec. 1637, Cheddar, ‘son of Thomas’, probably he who d. in 1688, in Virginia, rather than his kinsman and namesake, bapt. 14 Aug. 1636, in Nunney. (However, please refer to footnote 1).
1.1.2.2. John Harris, m. Agnes Coomer, and their descendants may have settled in Virginia alongside their cousins.

BENNETT/BLAND
1. Robert Bennett, m. a dau. of Richarde Edneye, of Wivelscombe, Somerset, Vintner.
1.1. Thomas Bennett.
1.1.1. Richard Bennett. PROB 11/351/440: Will of Richard Bennett of Nansemond River, Virginia. 3 Aug. 1676.
1.1.1.1. Anne Bennett, b. 1641, m. (1) Theodorick Bland, of Westover, (2) Col. St. Leger Codd, of Northumberland Co. Anne Bennett was the da. of Richard Bennett and Maryann Utie (relict of John Utie), who was governor of Virginia from 1652 to 1655.
1.1.1.1.1. Theodorick Bland (born 1663); m. Margaret Mann, who was highly likely to be of the same family as Thomas Mann: Thomas Joyner, br. of Bridgeman Joyner, a guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, bequested in his Will, R. 9 Aug. 1708, ‘to wife Elizabeth the plantation where she now lives, at her death to son Thomas Joyner; Henry Turner – 200 acres’. Was his wife Elizabeth Mann?, dau. of Thomas: ‘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. Sig. Thomas Man and Elizabeth Man.
1.1.1.1.1.1. James Bland, of Prince William Co., m. Mary Gwatkins, who was probably of the Gwatkins family of Thornbury, 11 mls fr. Bristol, and 40 mls fr. Wedmore, connected by a road that ran parallel to the Bristol estuary.

PITT
1. George Rodney.
1.1. Maurice Rodney, Esq., m. Joan, da. of Sir Thomas Dyer of Somerford, Co., Wilts.
1.1.1. Dorothy wife of Rice Davis* of the Middle Temple, and of Tickenham, Esq.
1.2. Agatha Rodney, m. Thomas Hodges, Esquire, of Wedmore, d. 1583.
William Pitt m. Mary Owen: Robert Owen, of Bristol, Merchant, whose Will was pr. Feb. 16, 1615 (8 Cope), and mentioned ‘cousin *Rice Davies, Esq.’ and ‘my brother in law William Pitt‘, who was his overseer. Rice Davies m. (1) Dorothy, da. of Maurice Rodney, Esq., and sister of Sir George Rodney. William Pitt’s son, Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. 9 January 1674, IOW, was the father of John Pitt, who m. Olive, da. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett. She m. (1) Giles Driver; 2.John Bromfield, and 3. Lt. Col. John Pitt. It can not be known what relation Jane Rodney was to the aforementioned; she m. William Turner, on 28 May 1612, at Wedmore ; their son being John Turner, bapt. 14 May 1618. It was almost certainly he who d. aft. 25 Mar. 1705 in IOW Co., and who had m. Mary Tomlin. Thomas Harris, d. 1688, placed his son George with John Turner, whose spoken Will named named sons John, James, William, Joseph, Simon and grandd. Ann Everett; witnessed by Edward Harris, John Johnson, Jenkins Dorman, Wm Westray, and Mary Tomlin.

1. Thomas Pitt 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; m. Mary Owen: Robert Owen, of Bristol, Merchant. Will dated Sep. 5, 1614, Codicil Sep. 4, 1615, pr. Feb. 16, 1615-16. (8 Cope). My cousin *Rice Davies, esq. My brother in law William Pitt, overseer.
1.1.1. Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. 9 January 1674, IOW.
1.1.1.1. Col. John Pitt, m. Olive, dau. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett. She m. 1. Giles Driver; 2.John Bromfield.
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.
1.1.3. Thomas Pitt.
1.1.3.1. *Thomas Pitt.

DRIVER
1. Robert Driver.
1.1. Robert Driver, of Avening, (30 mls from Bristol), which 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 Bristol trade location.
1.1.1. Giles Driver (pale indented argent & azure, 2 lions rampant combatant countercharged), m. Dorothy Bayley, of Wheatenhurst, dau. of John Bayley. Giles Driver’s Will was probated 2 July 1639 (PROB 11/180/571).
1.1.1.1. 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. One of the tenants of Woodmanscote was *Thomas Pitt, who may have been he who was transported to Virginia, in 1666, by Joseph Bridger.
1.1.1.2. Robert Driver.
1.1.1.2.1. Giles Driver, m. Elizabeth (Sharp) Reynolds.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Giles Driver, m. Mary Reynolds, whose will, R. 24 April 1721, named da. Mary House.

SYMES
1. …
1.1. Sir Thomas Horner, purchased the manor of Mells in 1544.
1.2. John Horner, gent., of Stoke St Michael, Somerset. The Horners were landlords of the Peace family:
1. … Peace.
1.1. John Peace, bur. 19 Oct. 1677.
1.2. Joseph Peace, bur. 8 Nov. 1672, a tenant of the Horner family of Stoke St Michael, Somerset
1.2.1. Joseph Peace.
1.2.1.1. James Peace, bapt. 2 Jul. 1682, Stoke St Michael. The Peace name was quite rare, but there are examples of Peace intermarriages with families of Selleck (1628), Randle (1650), Thomas (1658), Earle (1662), Mathewes (1672), Lewis (1682).
1.2.1.1. John Peace, bapt. 27 Mar. 1679, Stoke St Michael. He held 900 acs. on Tabbs Creek, Granville Co.
1.2.1.3.Joseph Peace, bapt. 27 Dec. 1675, Stoke St Michael.
1.2.1.3.1. Joseph Peace, b. c. 1700, a carpenter, paid William Smith £100 for 200 acs. at Ezekiel Fuller’s line on Tabb’s Creek, in June 1756 (B. 6, p. 59). Wit. Thos. Smith, Saml. Smith. On 2 May 1734. In May 1761, he purchased 420 acs. on Tabb’s Creek from Darwin Elwick (Gran. Co. B. d., pp. 250-251). On 11 April 1763, he sold his original 200 acres on Ezekiel Fuller’s line to John Mask, witnesses to were Robert Blackwell, his son Joseph Peace, and John Mask Jr. (Gran. Co. B. f., pp. 199-200). Joseph Peace of Granville Co. to John Dickerson. Power of Atty to collect debts, etc. Wit: John Smith, John Peace. (ibid.).
1.2.1. John Horner (Jack of the nursery rhyme), m. Muriell Malte, and after 1554 united the properties of his father and uncle. He was sheriff of Somerset in 1564 and 1573.
1.2.1.1. Dorothy Horner, m. John Hippisley, d. 1608; their great-great-grandson was associated with the Dickersons:
(1. Thomas Dickerson – a name particular to these parts.
1.1. Mary Dickerson, bapt. 19 Oct. 1623. Cheddar (St Andrew)
1.2. Thomas Dickerson.
1.2.1. Thomas Dickerson, bapt. 17 Jan. 1629, f.Thomas.
1.3.1.1. George Dickerson Jr. Hippisley v Dickerson. 1681. (Nat. Arch. ref. C 7/147/42).
1.2.2. Thomas Horner, of Cloford; inherited the manor of Mells; m. 2. Jane Popham. LWT proved 20 Sept. 1612.
1.2.2.1. Amy Horner. m. John Symes.
1.2.2.2. Henry Symes, 1609-1682, m. Anne Seymour, d. 1685.
1.2.2.3. Thomas Symes, 1621-1670, m. (3 June 1640) Amy Bridges, 1621-1662, dau. of Edward Bridges (d. 1639), esquire, of
1.2.2.4. Capt John Symes, member of the Council of Antigua, d. by 1687.
1.2.2.4.1. 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).
1.2.2.4.1.1. ‘John Symes late of Montserrat, West Indies’. John Symes of Montserrat, in his will, dated 4 Feb. 1709, abstracted in Brown’s Abstracts of Somerset Wills, 1st. Series, p. 55, gives to his uncle, ‘Charles Symes of Compton-Martin, Somerset, Clerk, £1000; and provided further, ‘His son, William Symes, to be presented to the vicarage of Barwick’.
1.2.2.4.1.1.1. Elizabeth Symes (da., not sister), m. a kinsman, Samuel Perry. (See Nat. Arch., ref. C 11/750/12, 1714).
1.2.2.4.1.2. Richard Symes (See N&Q, 1890).
1.2.2.4.1.2.1. Adam Symes. (ibid.).
1.2.2.4.1.2.1.1. 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.
1.2.2.4.1.2.1.1.1. 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.

FULGHAM
1. William Fuljames, b. c. 1490 at Ing’s Manor, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, settled in Somerset; great-grandfather of:
1.1. John Fuljames, of Angersleigh, Somerset, m. (1603) Sarah Hole, of Barnstaple, Devon. He acquired Woodbrook Farm in Pitminster, an adjacent parish to Angersleigh, and became known as John Fuljames of Woodbrooke, Gent. The Hole family were intermarried with that of Norris: Thomas Hole & Edith Norris, 17 Jan 1602, Dulverton (All Saints).
1.1.1. Anthony Fuljames, born c. 1615 in Pitminster, married, first, in 1638 at Pitminster, Elizabeth Norris, b. 1623 in Bridgwater, Somerset.
1.1.1.1. John Fulgham, b. 1639, at Pitminster.
1.1.1. Anthony Fuljames, m. (2) Martha Greene.
1.1.1.2. Michael Fulgham, m. Anne Izzard.
1.1.1.2.1. Anne Fulgham, m. Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.1.2.2. Susannah Fulgham, m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy, in 1705. Her will was recorded October 6, 1757, naming daus. Susannah, Christian Daughtery, Mary Brantley, Martha Fowler, Lucy Johnson, and Ann Lawrence; sons Charles, Michael, Hardy, and Joshua; grandson Willis Council; and grandaus. Selah Council and Sarah Lawrence. Sons Charles and Joshua were named executors. The Will was witnessed by William Murphree and Robert Johnson.

BRANTLEY
The Brantley connection to a number of Somerset families stems from an early period: Edward Brantley, 675 ac. adj. land of Mr. England and Mr. Tooke, IOW., 30 Oct. 1669. Phillip Brantley: ‘tract of land and plantation situated lying and being in Isle of Wight County whereon the said Phillip Brantley dewleth 100 acres being part of a rant of 675 acres dated Oct 20, 1669 to Edward Brantley by the last will & testament and devised to said Phillip. 22 Feb. 1724. Witness: Joseph Chapman. Benjamin Brantley to John Davis, ‘tract of land lying in the upper parish on Lyons Creek 150 acres beginning at Smallock’s Gull and bounded on William Drew’s line to the River and so along the River to Barlow’s line and down the said line to the Crook and so up to 1st station. Witness: John Hodges. John Brantley to Joseph Atkinson, track of land lying and being on the East Side of the first Swamp of the Black Water containing by examination 100 acres of land which was by the last and will and testament of Edward Brantley deceased devised to his grandson Edward deceased, father of the said John Brantley, beginning at James Tooke Scott’s line thence along that line to John Miller’s line thence along the said Miller’s line to John Wrenn’s line and along his line to the line of land purchased by James Ingles of John Davis along the said Ingles’s line to the beginning’. Witness: John Person, John Dunkley, John Eley, James Holt.

PARKER
1. William Parker, m. Antonia Gibbs, 3 July 1589., br. of *Joan Parker, who, as stated, m. Richard Algar, 1 May 1577 br. of Flora Algar who m. John Turner, 26 Nov 1576.
1.1. William Parker: Edward Cook, 100 acs. in W. branch of Nanzemum Riv., adj. his own and land of William Parker. 17 Mar. 1654, p. 316. Trans, of 2 pers: James Cany, George Gourdon. 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.
1.2. Thomas Parker, m. Margaret Cooke, 9 March 1612, da. of the said Edward and Diana.
1.2.1. Richard Parker; d. bef. 23 Apr. 1681 in Nansemond Co.
1.2.1.1. Richard Parker, d. 1698-1704.
1.2.1.1.1. Richard Parker: Granted 304 acres near the head of Bennett’s Creek.
1.2.1.1.1. Peter Parker, named in the Will of his father (1749), as was his br., Jonathon Parker, who was a jurist in a trial concerning James Bland, as follows.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Parker, d. 1782.
1.2.1.2. Thomas Parker: 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 , Tho. Duke, Fra. Marr, Jno. Deverett, Wm Harring. (B.2, p. 221).
1.2.1.2.1. Thomas Parker, m. Sarah Norfleet; first-cousin of:
1. Thomas Norfleet (m. Ruth Blount) 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 (J. Bryan Grimes, Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, p. 17).
1.1. Marmaduke Norfleet.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Norfleet, m. James Harris in Halifax Co, NC., son of: James Harris, Will pr. 10 Jan. 1749, as follows.

BROWN
1.
1.1. Richard Brown, m. Elizabeth Hicks, 23 Dec. 1690, Compton Martin. (The Brown family were also established at Wedmore, as given).
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).
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.
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 … 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 … thence up the branch to Henry Maclins corner poplar on the same thence along his line … to his corner Hickory on Little Cedar Creek. Signed by Freeman Jordan and Ann Jordan, and witnessed by Jesse Turner, Arthur Smith, John Brown, and William Barrow. 25 July 1791. (B. 15, p. 110).
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 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).
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 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).

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 da., 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, da. of William Maclin, as per will of 1751. Thomas Lanier was the uncle of Rebecca Lanier, wife of Walton Harris. Thomas Harris was a neighbour of Isham Trotter: This Indenture made the twentieth Day of April 1787 between William Buckhannon of the Co. 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 … 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. (B. 14, p. 294).

The Maclins of Brunswick were closely associated with families originating in Somerset, England, as these marriages attest:

William Maclin, Jr., to Sally Clack (da. of James Clack), 25 Sept. 1754.
James Wyche to Leah Maclin, 23 Jan. 1755.
Matthew Parham to Rebecca Maclin, 25 Nov. 1755.
William Sims to Elizabeth Wall, 23 April 1770.
Thomas Clements to Ann Maclin (da. of John Maclin), 2 Dec. 1772.
Col. John Maclin to Anne Cryer, 29 March 1773.
Henry Robinson to Mary Clack, 30 Sept. 1772.
John Hardaway to Elizabeth Maclin (da. of Col. Frederick Maclin), 21 Feb. 1788.
Joseph Maclin to Nancy Walker (da. of David Walker), 14 March 1796.
Edmund Collier to Judith Hicks, 6 Jan. 1796.

Mary Maclin late relict of Wm. Mattox deceased bequested to grandson William House, granddaughter Mary House. 5 Feb. 1746.
Witness: John Maclin.

MARSHALL
Elizabeth Lawrence/Willyam Marshal, 25 Jan. 1586, Chedzoy, St Mary.
Elizabeth Hobbes/John Marshall, 14 Jul. 1586, Meare, St Mary. ***
Joane Marshall/Thomas Turner, 31 Mar. 1600, Taunton, St Mary.
Katherin Marshall/Walter Browne, 3 Nov. 1604, Taunton, St Mary. ***
Elizabeth Cooke/Roger Marshall, 29 Jun. 1608, Frome, St John the Baptist.
Ann Marshall/Edward Gilham, 16 Nov. 1608, Stogursey, St Andrew.
Mary Marshall/John Cary, 21 Sep. 1612, Othery, St Michael.
Joan Parker/Justinian Marshall, 30 Jan. 1636, Shepton Montague, St Peter.
Jane Marshall/Robert Goff, 14 Nov. 1664, Cheddar, St Andrew. ***
Francis Marshall/Thomas Hodges, 18 May 1675, Milton Clevedon, St James.***
Elizabeth Day/John Marshall, 28 Oct. 1681, Pawlett, St John the Baptist.
Sarah Penny/Abraham Marshall, 18 July 1683, Keynsham, St John.
Sarah England/George Marshall, 7 Dec. 1688, Trull, All Saints.
Elizabeth Hutchins/Nicholas Marshall, 27 Dec. 1698, Ilminster, St Mary. ***
Mary Marshall/Edward Wall, 1700, East Brent, St Mary the Virgin. ******

BURT
Joan Wiche/Thomas Burt, 12 May 1614, Beckington, St George. ******
Alice Couch/Robert Burt, 2 May 1627, Beckington, St George.
Magdalen Burt/Nathaniel Cooper, 14 Aug. 1630, Beckington, St George.
Katerne Turner/Edward Burt, 11 Mar. 1631, Ditcheat, St Mary Magdalene.
Marie Burt/Giles Edney, 29 Jun. 1637, Wiveliscombe, St Andrew. ******
Elizabeth Burt/Robert Gunn, 15 Oct. 1642, Wiveliscombe, St Andrew.
Joan Brewer/Nicholas Burt, 14 Aug. 1652, Bicknoller, St George. ******
Jane Burt/Francis Reede, 1 Jan. 1654, Wedmore, St Mary.
Eleanor Burt/George Wiche, 4 Jul. 1667, High Ham, St Andrew. ******
Elizabeth Burt/Samuell Garlish (n.b. Garish), 5 Nov. 1669, Taunton, St Mary.
Mary Godwin/Giles Burt, 16 Oct. 1671, Stoke St Gregory, St Gregory.
Frances Burt/William Perry, 12 Nov. 1683, Wellington, St John. ***
Elizabeth Row/Tobyas Burt, 17 May 1687, Martock, All Saints. ******
Joane Burt/John Harris, 17 Sep. 1691, Milborne Port, St John the Evangelist. ***
Joane Burt/Edward Bennett, 2 Oct. 1694, West Buckland, St Mary. ***
Fortune Burt/William Martin, 22 Sep. 1696, Northover, Ilchester. ******
Mary Burt/John Ballard, 19 Aug. 1700, Ditcheat, St Mary Magdalene. *********

 

DESCENDANTS OF THOMAS HARRIS

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.1. Edward Harris, m. Mary Turner. His Will was pr. 25 March 1734, in IOW Co., witnessed by Thomas Atkinson and John Harris. He gave to his son, Edward, ‘land adj. John Johnson and John Turner, being land which was granted to my father, Thomas Harris’; son Jacob, land on the Flatt Swamp of the Meherrin River; sons Nathan (m. Catherine Walton, da. of Col. George Walton) and West Harris, the land granted me on the north side of Warwick Branch; son Daniel, da. Ann; da. Martha Williamson; son James.

1.1.1. West Harris.

1.1.1.1. Turner Harris.

1.1.1.1.1. Nathan Harris.

(1. James Jones.
1.1. Mary Jones, mentioned in Will of Christopher Lewis, 1673; m. (1) John Williams.
1.1.1. James, Charles. and John Williams; granted land in Prince George Co., 25 April 1702 (B. 9., p. 451). Charles was left land by his uncle-in-law, Thomas Chappell, in Surry Co.
1.1. Mary Jones m. (2) Richard Darden (Prince George, D&W, 1713-1728, p. 864).
1.2. Elizabeth Jones, m. (1) Thomas Chappell.
1.2.1. Samuel Chappell, b. 1696.
1.2.1.1. Christopher Columbus Chappell.
1.2.1.1.1. Samuel Chappell.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Rebecca Chappell, m. Nathan Harris.
1.2.1.1.2. Elizabeth Chappell, d. 1786 in Halifax Co, NC., m. John Heath, son of William Heath, d. 8 Nov. 1745 in Surry Co., br. of Susanne Short: The Will of William Short, probated Sept., 1741 in Surry County. The will mentions his wife, Susannah, his sons William and Thomas Short, da. Mary Harris, grandchildren William, Sarah, Martha (children of William Short); granddaughter Susanne (child of Thomas Short); son-in-law William Harris; William and Thomas Harris (grandsons). He also notes, kinsman Benjamin Heath, to whom he left two cows and calves. The witnesses were William Heath, Richard Jones and n.b Richard Bullock. The appraisers included John Mason, Christopher Tatum and William Heath).

Mary Turner’s siblings inc. (1) Thomas Turner Sr., who sold to Robert Council, 100 ac. on the south side of the Meherrin River. (NC. B.1 p. 17). He was granted land on Cypress Swamp, 13 Feb. 1724, witnessed by James Turner, and Joseph Wall. Thomas Turner Sr. was the father of Henry Turner. (2) James Turner, Will R. 1 Mar. 1743, names wife Hannah, and (son) Thomas Turner, daus. Charlet Turner, Penelope Turner; sisters Sarah Turner, Elizabeth Jordan, bro. (in-law) Burchet Green. Legatees: West Harris, Anne Turner. Thomas Turner, son of (br.) William, ex. Wit: John Betty, Batt Peterson, Francis Harris. (3) Joseph Turner, father of Simon Turner, who presented the Will of the said Francis Harris to Court. Simon Turner appr. estate of n.b. Richard Sikes, 7 March 1733, and witnessed the will of Robert Hicks, 7 Oct. 1736. Richard Sikes was probably related to Thomas Sikes, Will R. 9 Aug. 1708, witnessed by Robert Lawrence. Simon Turner m. 2. Ann Person. Francis Harris was the father of Mary (Harris) Person, wife of Henry Person , of Southampton Co.; son of John Person, Will R. 13 Feb. 1752, stating that he bought land from John Ledbetter in Granville Co., witnessed by Amos (sic) Garris. (Garlish

1.1.2. James Harris, d. 1749, br.-in-law of Matthew Joyner. 10 Jan. 1749. Feb. Court, 1749. Sons: James (‘my plantation’), Eli (Elias). Wife and Executrix: Cheary (sister of Mathew Joyner). Executor: Mathew Joyner. Witnesses: Wm. Skinner, John Blount, John Crumpton. (J. Bryan Grimes, Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, p. 153). Henry Turner: Feb. Court, 1748: Executor: Matthew Joyner. Witnesses: Matthew Joyner, James Harris, Marmaduke Norfleet. (ibid. p. 382). *Son of Thomas Joyner, Will dated 13 April 1740; the son of Thomas Joyner (br. of Bridgeman Joyner, the guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688).

1.1.2.1. James Harris, m. Elizabeth Norfleet, in Halifax Co, NC, the da. Marmaduke Norfleet, son of Thomas Norfleet (m. Ruth Blount) who 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 (Grimes, p. 17).

James and Elizabeth Harris are recorded (Halifax, May Court, 1771) as selling land to Charles Savage, witnessed by John Branch and Henry Eelbeck. 4 Apr. 1759: John and Ann Branch of Halifax Co. bought from Nathan Barrett 157 acres which was part of a grant to William Branch on 13 Oct. 1754, on the north side of Beaver Dam Swamp, joining John Alston.

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.

The said William Branch, born 1719, was John’s father, and was Deputy Sheriff of Halifax Co., who, in July 1763, with William Hargrave, was an executor that gave bond with George Bristow for the will of Roger Taylor. The Will of William Hargrave, proved Feb. 1777, names wife Sarah all estate and at her death or marriage to all my children, exec. wife Sarah and sons John and Thomas. On 7 Oct. 1796, John Hargrove of Halifax Co. the only surviving exec. of William Hargrove dec’d. sells to William Hargrove 500 ac. which sd. William dec’d acquired from James Edmondson on Elk Marsh, Cade’s Branch, … ac. acquired from John Morris. Son John Hargrove m. (1) Judith, (2) Silvey Harris, widow of Elias Harris. Children of his first marriage inc. Brittain Hargrove, born 30 Nov. 1746 (Albemarle Parish Register), and Burrell Hargrove. In 1758, John Hargrove was granted lands in Halifax Co. on Gum Branch, adj. Wiggins Killibrew.

1753. James Reeves and his wife Millicent of Edgecombe Co., N.C. deeded to Bryant Edmondson of Edgecombe County, N.C. for 25 pounds current money of Virginia 200 on the south side of Great Quankey Creek. (Edgecombe Co. D.B. 4, p. 448). Bryant Edmondson was chain carrier for survey of a Granville grant to John Eelbeck, in Halifax Co., par. of Edgecombe, joining James Reeves, McCullock’s Corner and little Quankey Creek, 10 March 1760.

10 Dec. 1760: John Edmondson, planter, received a grant to 280 ac. in the par. of Edgecombe, joining the land of Marmaduke Norfleet and John Royal.James Edmondson was surveyor’s helper. (D.B. 8, p. 35).

9 March 1761: Joseph Edmondson and wife Marrianah deeded to William Hargrave of Hanover Co. 317 acres, which had been a grant to Joseph Edmondson dated 29 June 1760. (D.B. 7, p. 225).

A grant to John Edmondson was surveyed as 280 acres adjoining Marmaduke Norfleet and John Royal. James Edmonson was a chain carrier. R. in Halifax Court, March 1762. (D.B. 8, p. 35).

Thomas Edmondson was deeded 200 ac. by John Eelbeck, 25 May 1763, between the two Quankey Creeks and adjacent to John Eelbeck. Witnessed by David Crawley and Richard Thompson. (D.B. 8, p. 376).

8 Dec. 1764: Joseph Edmondson was an adjacent landowner of Stephen Hargrave, ‘taylor’, of Halifax Co. (D.B. 9, p. 203).

1.1.1.1.1. James Harris, m. (1) Temperance Williams: Martha Joyner witnessed the will of Temperance Williams, wife of James. 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 Harris.

1. …
1.1. Elisha Williams. 13 Aug. 1751: LWT, probated Feb. 1755 in Edgecombe, now Halifax; names brothers: Solomon Williams, George Williams, Daniel Williams, Joshua Williams, John Williams. Nephew: Richard Williams (son of John Williams) Sisters: Mary Carr, Elizabeth Daughtry. Executor: Joshua Williams. Witnesses: James Smith, Drew Smith, George Bell.
1.2. Joshua Williams, inherited land on Cypress Swamp from his brother, Elisha
1.2.1. Temperance Williams, m. James Harris.
1.2.2. Elisha Williams. 10 Nov. 1769: Wm. Richardson of Johnson Co. to Ely (Elias) Harris of Halifax Co., 133 pounds VA money, 155 acres which was part of land Joseph Richardson purchased from John Drew, joining John Blunt. Wm Richardson. Witnesses: Elisha Williams, John Young, James Harriss.
27 Jan. 1770: Isham Webb of Halifax Co. to John Young and James Harris of same. 280 pounds proc money. 6 negroes: Sisane, Ezekiah, Abram, Alice, Hannah, Jack. Isam Webb. Witness: Elisha Williams, Marmaduke Young. 24 Feb. 1772: John Whitney of Halifax Co to James Harris of same. 100 pounds proc. money. 75 acres “lying in Scotland Neck,” joining Pierce, John Drew. Sig: John Whitney. Wit: Elisha Williams, Thomas Hodges. May Ct. 1772.
1.2.3. Martha Williams, m. John Joyner. William Jarvis, Will R. Feb. Ct. 1785; mention is made of Nancy Hicks, in Maryland, and residue estate to da. Lucy Williams, and son-in-law John Joyner, son of Martha Joyner. Wit: Alexander Comb, Henry Sherrod, William Boykin, John Dawson, Sr. Extrs: Jeremiah Nelms, Thomas Boykin and Elisha Williams.

Nov. Ct. 1784: Ordered that James Smith, Jery Nelms, Elisha Williams and Thomas Blount Whitmell or any Two of them Sette & divide the Estate of Thomas Edwards dec’d., & report &c.

13 Feb. 1788: James Smith of Halifax Co. to Thomas Blount Whitmill and Jacob Barrow. 50 pounds proclamation money. 100 acres on south side of Roanoke River, joining Drew Smith, Arthur Smith, Elisha Williams. Sig: James Smith. Wit: Marmaduke Norfleet, Elisha Williams.

24 Mar. 1788: Philip Alston and his wife Temperance of Moore Co. to Elisha Williams of Halifax Co., 2721 pounds specie. 567 acres, joining Roanoke River, Arther Smith, David Smith, John Bell. Sigs: Philip Alston, Temperance Alston. Wit: Lawrence Williams, Jacob B. Brazill.

13 Aug. 1788: Elisha Williams of Halifax Co. to Phillip Alston of Moore Co. 2800 pounds specie. 570 acres, joining Drew Smith, Widdow Bell, Cypress Swamp, Arthur Smith, Gray, Bryant, Brewer. Sig: Elisha Williams. Wit: John Carrell, James Alston, Joab Cotton.

20 Dec. 1791: To Thomas Blount Whitmill, 290 ac. on south side of Roanoke River, joining Brunson, Robert Ruffin Smith, Elisha Williams. Alex. Martin.

10 Feb. 1796: Thomas B. Whitmill of Halifax Co. to Thomas Barrow of same. 10 Feb 1796. 900 pounds. 145 acres on south side of Roanoke River known as Whitmill Island, joining Whitmill, Asahel Brunson, Robert R. Smith, Elisha Williams. Sig: Thos. B. Whitmall. Wit: Marcus Bishop, Drew Smith.

1.2. John Harris, in the context of Burt:

1. Richard Burt, d. bef. 1745, m. Elizabeth Hansford.
1.1. John Burt, d. bef. 1752, m. Sarah (Marshall?), d. bef. 1784, whose second husband, William Pass, is shown as guardian pf ‘Burt’s Orphans’. A John Marshall (probably her br.) is named with her in a suit by her son, John Burt. William Pass is named with John Marshall, Jr. in several estate appraisals in IoW, including the estate of James Marshall, dated 1774, which states that Sarah is no longer a resident of the county.
1.1.1. John Burt, d. 1774. Charles Darden of Pitt. Co., NC to Jno. Lawrence of IOW, £5 for 40 ac. being the land left me by my father Jacob Darden in the pocosson … adj. John Lawrence, John Burt, William Burt, Jethro Gale. Wit: John Hay, Josiah Jordan. Receipt witnessed by John Hay, Josiah Jordan, John Lawrence Jr. (Unrecorded Deeds from IOW Co., 1770-1797, Lyndon H. Hart). 1 March 1769: Godfrey Powell of Newport Par. to Thomas Powell of the same … 150 ac. adj. Moses Eley, the Indian Swamp, William Bullock, John Marshall, and John Burt (being all of the land of Godfrey Powell). Wit: Jethro Gale, Martha Tomlin, John Marshall, and James Hall. Rec: 7 Sept. 1769. Godfrey Powell brought suit against his mother and John Marshall, who appears to be his mother’s uncle. (ibid. p. 305). The said Martha Tomlin was the wife of John Tomlin Sr., whose Will, rec. 6 Feb 1752, names sons, John, Joseph, and James; wife Martha; witnesses Daniel Herring and Daniel’s cousin, John Harris, and Martha Tomlins. John Harris appraised the estate of John Tomlin Jr., rec. 1 Feb. 1759. John Tomlin Sr. was the son of Matthew Tomlin Jr., br. of Mary (Tomlin) Turner, wife of Edward Harris Sr.
1.1.1.1. John Burt. John Burt, eldest son and heir of John Burt, dec’d., of Newport Parish in Isle of Wight to Frederick George of the upper parish of Nansemond County … 125 acres in Newport Parish (being part of a tract of land of 500 acres which Anthony Holliday, the Elder, was seized of and which he willed to Anthony Covington Holliday and Joseph Holliday and the land was sold to John Coggan who then sold it to the late John Burt, dec’d. and it descended to the present John Burt, adjoining John Nevil, Beaverdam Branch, West, Jacob Dardon, and the Western Branch of Nansemond River. Wit: Josiah Cowling, Peter Green, and Robert Smelley, John Burt. Rec: 7 Apr. 1774.
1.1.2. William Burt Sr.
1.1.2.1. Mary Burt, m. John Tooke. (See footnote 2).
1.1.2.2. William Burt. By 1790 he was listed in Warren Co., NC. Warren County List of Taxables, 1781-1801; 1790: (taken by William Alston) William Burt 1000 ac. William Burt for Alsey Harris’ orphans 228 ac. William Burt was appointed guardian of Amos Harris’ son, Alsa Harris. ‘I find the James Arrington who administered Amos Harris’ estate, and the William Burt who was appointed guardian of Amos’ son Alsa Harris, showing up in a 1791 deed to Catherine Marshall Harris, widow of Amos Harris’ brother Joel, in which a Sikes of Halifax County sells to Caty Harris of Warren 40 acres adjoining Green’s Branch, Samuel Davis, the county line, Ann Harris, Elisha Harrison, Joel Harris’ line, and the Gum Branch, with James Arrington and William Burt witnessing. William Burt was also guardian of Joel’s son Henry, and Burt’s sister Elizabeth married Stephen Marshall, a brother to Catherine Marshall Harris’. (William Lindsey).

Halifax. Co. D.B. 17, p. 994: David Moore of Halifax Co. to Thomas Gibbs of Warren Co. 25 June 1792. 161 acs. which was part of land sold by Goodorum Davis attorney for Dolphin Davis, joining James Arrington, Davis, Ballard (William Burt’s probable br.-in-law), David Moore. Wit: S. Davis, William Burt. Aug. Ct. 1792. 24 Oct. 1796: Devereux Ballard of Halifax Co. to Edmond Jones. 383 ac. where sd Ballard now lives, joining Ransom’s Bridge, Great Fishing Creek, Enoch Davis; also 30 ac. now in possession of William and Enoch Davis. Devereux Ballard. Wit: David Moore, William Burt. Aug Ct. 1797. (D.B. 18, P. 230). 11 June 1794: Caty Gibbs admin. of Thomas Gibbs dec’d of Halifax Co. to William Burt of Warren Co. 40 acres in Halifax and Warren Counties, joining Green’s Branch, Jones, the county line, Amos Harris, Elisha Harrison. Caty Gibbs. Wit: Edmd. Jones, Lawrence Gibbons Jr. Aug. Ct. 1797 (ibid., p. 232). 10 June 1803: Willis Arrington of Halifax Co. to Edmund Jones of same. 10 June 1803. 230 acres which David Moore conveyed to James Arrington Sr. and from him to Willis Arrington, in Halifax and Warren counties where sd Arrington now lives, joining Thomas Gibbs’ orphan, Edmund Jones, Great Fishing Creek, Green’s Branch. Wit: William Burt Jr., Luke Matthews. R. 1 July 1803. (D.B. 19, p. 190). 11 May 1812: Edmund Jones of Halifax Co. to Prissila Hilliard of Northampton Co. 506 ac. in Halifax and Warren counties on the north side of Great Fishing Creek which had been purchased from Willis Arrington, joining Greens Branch, Arrington, the old road, Gibbs, the old race paths, Orren Harriss’ former line; also 398 acres in Halifax Co. where sd Jones now lives and which sd Jones purchased from Devereux Ballard, joining the old road, sd Jones, the Giddy tract, Great Fishing, Ransoms Bridge, Enoch Davis; also his mill and 2 acres on Great Fishing Creek conveyed to him by Enoch Davis. Wit: Edmund Peeble, Thomas Peeble, John Barnes. May Ct. 1812. (D.B. 22, p. 186). Warren Co. B. 15, p. 208: Will of James Aarrington, 21 Dec. 1807. Names wife Ann; daus.: Elizabeth Marshall, Martha Smith, (and her da. Mary Anne Blount, da. Of Joseph Blount dec’d) Mary Southall, and Nancy Culpepper; Sons: Willis, James, and Henry. Wit: William Burt.

Will of Philip Alston, rec. July Ct. 1784, wit. by Stephen and Samuel Alston. Will of Joseph Harris, rec. Jan. Ct. 1785, wit. by Stephen and Samuel Alston. Philip Alston m. Winifred Whitmel, da. of Col. Thomas Whitmel and Elizabeth Blount. Warren Co. ct. minutes, 2 Jan. 1785, Stephen and Samuel Marshall pr. the will of Joseph Harris, and Joel and Amos Harris were granted letters testamentary to admr. Alsa Harris was theeldest son of Amos Harris. William Burt was made Alsa’s guardian when Amos died, giving bond with Stephen Marshall.

(As follows, James Harris. b. 2 Nov. 1775, Halifax Co., d. 5 Oct. 1828, Halifax Co., m. Winifred Whitmell Williams, da. of Col. Joseph John Williams, son of Samuel Williams* and Elizabeth Alston, da. of Philip Alston and Winifred Whitmel, b. 5 Dec. 1729).

Thus:

I. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. John Harris, m. Mary Herring (probably), da. of Anthony Herring and Rebecca West.
1.1.1. Martha Harris, m. John Batten, son of Daniel Batten, Jr. and Sarah Best. On 2 May 1750, John Batten sold to Thomas Bracey and wife, Hester, 100 ac. (being part of a patent to Thomas Harris on 27 April 1686, and inherited by John Batten. (IOW D.B 8, p. 342). On 12 Sept. 1754, John Batten and wife, Martha, sold to George Hall 20 ac. (being part of the patent granted Thomas Harris on 27 April 1686 for 240 acres, and by Edward Harris, sold to said Batten on 10 June 1746), adjoining Daniel Batten, the Blackwater Road and Thomas Bracey. (IOW D.B 9, p. 279).
1.1.2. John Harris, probably m. a da. of John Burt (and Sarah Marshall), thus a cousin of William Burt Jr., who was appointed guardian of Amos Harris’ son, Alsa Harris.
1.1.3. Joseph Harris.
1.1.3.1. Amos Harris.
1.1.3.1.1. Alsa Harris.
1.1.3.2. Joel Harris, m. Catherine, da. of David Marshall and Mary Davis.
1.1.4. Thomas Harris, d. 1770.
1.1.5. Moses Harris, m. Sarah, da. of Samuel Despain and Anna Marshall.
1.1.6. John Harris.
1.1.6.1. Orrin Harris. To repeat: 11 May 1812: Edmund Jones of Halifax Co. to Prissila Hilliard of Northampton Co. 506 ac. in Halifax and Warren counties on the north side of Great Fishing Creek which had been purchased from Willis Arrington, joining Greens Branch, Arrington, the old road, Gibbs, the old race paths, Orren Harriss’ former line; also 398 acs. in Halifax Co. where sd Jones now lives and which sd Jones purchased from Devereux Ballard, joining the old road, sd Jones, the Giddy tract, Great Fishing, Ransoms Bridge, Enoch Davis; also his mill and 2 ac. on Great Fishing Creek conveyed to him by Enoch Davis. Wit: Edmund Peeble, Thomas Peeble, John Barnes. May Ct. 1812.

These relationships are reflected in the Newport Parish Vestry Book, 1752-1760, p. 231, by order of Vestry dated 17 Oct. 1755, the following lines processioned:
John Marshall and William Bullock.
John Marshall and Godfrey Powell.
William Pass for Burt’s Orphans and Godfrey Powell.
William Bullock and Godfrey Powell.
William Bullock and Elizabeth Darden.
Matthew Jordan and Eliza Darden.
William Burt and William Pass for Burt’s Orphans.
William Burt and John Marshall.
William Pass for Burt’s Orphans and Eliza Darden.
Charles Darden and Orphans of Jacob Pope.
William Burt and Orphans of Jacob Pope.

Processions, 2 March 1760, ibid., p. 272:
John Westry and Robert Johnson. Martha Westray’s Orphans Account was returned into Court by Daniel Herring, Gent, Guardian.
John Tomlin (III.) and Robert Johnson, desc. of John Johnson: Matthew Tomlin of the Lower Parish of Isle of Wight County to John Johnson of the same parish, ‘for a valuable consideration’, a 225 ac. tract ‘commonly called Pigneck’, bounded by ‘Thomas Harris’ Corner Tree’. (Perhaps he who d. 1677). Rob. Johnson’s estate: leg. wife, Martha; da. Rebecca Tomlin. Wit. William Marshall, Matthew Tomlin. R. 6 Jan. 1785.
Arthur Applewhite and Benjamin Westry.
Arthur Applewhite and William Burt.
Arthur Applewhite and Richard Pope.
Arthur Applewhite and William Eley.
William Pass and William Eley.
Edmond Westry and William Eley.
Edmond Westry and William Pass.

To repeat: Adjoining land owners in England of the same generation and of different names were almost invariably br.-in-law or cousins; those of a differnt generation, either uncles or nephews. It could not have been any different in Virginia.

The connection to Lawrence stems from the intermarried families of Council and Lawrence, of Wedmore, Somerset, as given heretofore. William Lawrence, Will prob. 2 June 1757, names son John, bequesting him Currawaugh land bought from Colonel Joseph Bridger; brother-in-law and executor Arthur Applewhite. Witnessed: John Darden, Jesse Watkins, and Joshua Council. On 7 September 1758, the estate of the late William Lawrence was appraised by Daniel Herring, Michael Eley, and Joshua Council. On 28 April 1742, William Lawrence, William Moore, and Jesse Brown appraised the property of John Daughtry.

1.3. Robert Harris.
1.3.1. Francis Harris. Francis Harris. Will R. June 5. 1746, naming wife Julyana (who later m. William Womack), Nathaniel Hicks, and Simon Turner, exs. da. Mary Harris (not of age); br. Semore Harris’s son Simon; sister Patience Cato and her da. Lucresha. Legatee: Simon Harris’ son James; bro. Simon Harris and his son Jacob. Wit. Burrell Brown, George Rives, Nathaniel Hicks. Inv. R. 6 Nov. 1746. Juliana Womack returned. Appr. George Wyche, Henry Cooke, Peter Wyche.
1.3.1. Seymour Harris.
1.3.1.1. Simon Harris.
1.3.1.1.1. James Harris.
1.3.1.1.2. Jacob Harris.
1.3.2. Patience Harris, m. Daniel Cato (son of Burwell), d. 3 March 1794. Daniel Cato’s inventory of the estate of Henry Cooke, deceased – Brunswick Co. W.B 4, p. 457 – the list of persons paying to estate: David Peebles, Ephraim Peebles, Sterling Cato, Daniel Cato. Returned to court 25 Sept. 1775.

Burwell Cato: ‘In the name of God, amen: I, Burwell Cato of Brunswick Co. in Meherrin Parish, being in perfect mind & disposin memory, do make & ordain this my ast Will & Testament, in a manner & form following: Impremis: I give & bequeath unto my son, Daniel Cato, after the death or widowhood of my wife, all my lands … I desire that no part of my estate shall be appraised nor my executors give no security, but to be disposed as I have aforementioned, and I do appoint John Walton & George Walton my Executors of this my last Will & Testiment. Witness my hand this 11th day of February, 1769. Signed Burwell Cato Witness: Angelica Walton, and Elizabeth Sargent.

Norwood/Harris cont.
1.1.2. Elias Harris, d. 1788, Halifax Co., m. Silva ... Abner Harris (son) executor.
1.1.2.1. Abner Harris, moved to Montgomery Co., Tennessee c. 1798 accompanied by his mother and her second husband, Col.John Hargrove. (See heretofore notes on his father’s connections to families of Branch/Edmundsen/Norfleet). He purchased land on Hurricane creek. In 1802, John Duke, Josiah Duke and Abner Harris were adninistrators for John Duke, adminlstrator of the estate of Rlchard Myrick. At July Court, 1803, he was named guardian of the orphans of Richard Blanton, chlldren of his sister, Lucy, Nancy and Sally Blanton. Abner Harris was co-executor with his slster, Francis, of the will of her husband, Joseph McCorkle, which was Proved in 1806. With Sterllng Neblett, he was appointed by the court to examine the account of Isham Trotter against the estate of Robert Trotter, deceased. In 1814 he, Stephen Cocke, and Thomas Smith made $10,000 bond for Sterling Neblett, administrator of the estate of Williarn B. Whitehead. Abner Harris’ will was proved at January Court 1826. Abner’s da. Mary H. Harris married John Duke of Montgomery Co., Tennessee, on 6 July 1818. Samuel Duke, Elva Duke, and John Read executed a deed to John Duke for 250 acres on Hurricane Creek. On 20 Dec. 1828, John Duke of Wayne Co., Tennessee, executed a deed to Arthur Harris of Montgomery Co., witnessed by John Bumpass and Tompkins Bumpass.
1.1.2.2. Hugh Harris.
1.1.2.3. Arthur Harris.
1.1.2.4. Frances Harris.
1.1.2.5. Lucy Harris, m. Richard Blanton, who d. in 1803, in Montgomery Co., br. of William Blanton, the father of Jeremiah Blanton, who m. Sarah Womack, b. 10 Aug. 1782, in Rutherford Co, NC, on 22 Feb. 1799. Jeremiah was the br. of Ruth Hicks.
1.1.2.6. Sally Harris, m. Samuel Pope. Montgomery Co., Tn. W.B. D, p 203, shows Elias F. Pope and Harris Pope making an agreement for the “love and affection” for their parents, Samuel and Sally Pope, 21 July 1823.
1.1.2.7. James Harris. b. 2 Nov. 1775, Halifax Co., d. 5 Oct. 1828, Halifax Co., m. Winifred Whitmell Williams, da. of Col. Joseph John Williams, son of Samuel Williams* and Elizabeth Alston, da. of Philip Alston and Winifred Whitmel, b. 5 Dec. 1729.
1.1.2.6.1. Thomas Whitmell Harris, b. 30 Dec. 1810, m. Martha Helen Hardee Kearney, b. 1817, da. of William Kinchen Kearney, b. 1 Aug. 1785, and Maria Alston b. 25 Dec. 1791, da. of Lt. Col. William Alston, b. 7 Oct. 1747, and Martha Hardee. William Kinchen Kearney was the son of Philip Kearney and Elizabeth Kinchen, da. of William Kinchen, b. 1 June 1696. Thomas Whitmell Harris and Martha had 11 children. They lived near Panacea Springs, Warren Co.
1.1.2.6.1.1. James Norfleet Harris, m. Linda Roach; lived MO, Oregon Co, Thayer.

Samuel Williams, the son of William Williams and Mary Moore of Chowan Co., m. Elizabeth Alston , da. of John Alston . Their issue: William Williams, m.  Elizabeth Whitmell-Blount-Pollock (twice widowed). Solomon Williams, m.  Temperance Boddie (d.1784). Joseph John Williams, m. (2) Elizabeth Alston (1st cousin, da. of Philip Alston and Winifred Whitmell.

After the death of Samuel, Elizabeth remarried  (17 Sept. 1765) Richard Burt.

In the name of God Amen. The twenty-fourth day of October One thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, I, Samuel Williams of the county of Edgecomb …  Item. I give divise and bequeath to son John Williams his heirs and assigns forever the plantation whereon I now live and all the land thereunto belonging and the plantation which I bought of John Burt and all the land thereunto belonging, and also one hundred and fifty acres which I bought of John Egerton.

Footnote 1

If the William Harris who m. Mary Short was a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, then he and any brothers had close associations to the land owned by Sergeant John Harris, which at least makes a feasible case for a descent of:

1. William Short.
1.1. William Short, d. bef. 28 March 1676, m. Mary Rookings, da. of William Rookings Sr.
1.1.1. William Short, d. bef. 16 Sept. 1741, m. (1692) Susanna Heath, d. 21 March 1744, da. of William Heath.
1.1.1.1. Mary Short, William Harris.
1.2. Thomas Short, m. Elizabeth …
1.2.1. Robert Short, d. bef. 7 Dec. 1760, m. Amy …
1.2.1.1. William Short, d. 12 Oct. 1769, m. Mary Birch.
1.2.1.1. William Short Jr., d. bef. 27 Nov. 1769, m. Sarah Robinson, d. bef. 30 Oct. 1776. William Short Sr. and William Short Jr. witnessed the Will of William Merritt, recorded in 1788; his da., Mary Merritt, m. (1746) Isaac House; their son, Miles House, m. Sarah Short; their son, Merritt House, m. Mary Short; Merritt House’ sisters, Rebecca House, m. Griffin Short; and Frances House, m. Benjamin Short.
1.2.2. William Short, d. bef. 1737, m. (1694) Elizabeth Griffith.
1.2.2.1. Cornelius Short, d. bef. 1 Jan. 1764, m. (1728) Elizabeth Griffith Tynes.
1.2.2.1.1. William Short (4 Aug. 1730-10 Feb. 1805) m. Winifred Echols (2 Dec. 1733-10 July 1800).
1.2.2.1.2. Cornelius Short (4 Aug. 1732-1762) m. (1730) … Echols.
1.2.2.1.3. John Short (1736-1796) m. (17990 Elizabeth Echols (1736-1796), a da. of Abraham Echols (Will R. 3 Oct. 1749). and Sarah Hubbard

There is no known association between Abraham Echolls and the Echolls family associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1677.

The William Harris who m. Mary Short could have been the son of John Harris, bapt. 1640, in Nunney, br. of Thomas, bapt. 1636; or indeed, a descendant of John Harris and Agnes Coomer. Whatever the case, it seems reasonable to suggest that Thomas Harris, d. 1688, was of the family of Sergeant John Harris.

 

Footnote 2.

John Tooke was of the Tooke family of Barwick, Somerset, 27 mls fr. Wedmore, descended from William Tucke, who m. Christian Holman, 18 July 1571, and associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672. In terms of the English kinship system, it is invariably ‘the wider’ associations of any one person that provides their antescedance: John Tooke was the grandson of John Tooke (Will probated 23 June 1752; witnessed by James Parham, and Elizabeth Skelton. 24 Jan. 1758: Appraisal of estate of Matthew Parham; estate sold by James Parham of Northampton Co. N.C. being person who obtained administration on estate. Items sold to Batt Peterson, John Peterson, James Parham, Joseph Wright, Thomas Jefferson, Burwell Brown, James Luncy, Charles Hicks, William Collier, Robert Barlow, John Swett, Wm. Richardson, value 33 pounds. Brunswick W.B 3, p. 23. Marriages of Granville Co. N.C: Thomas Parham & Agnes Hicks 19 Apr. 1785.

(1. William Tucke, m. Christian Holman, 18 July 1571, at Barwick, St Mary Magdalene, 27 mls fr. Wedmore.
1.1. Thomas Tucke, m. Mary Collins, 26 Jan. 1604, Barwick.
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. (I suggest that this Robert Harris was the father of Edward Harris, d. 1677).
1.1.1.1. William Tooke. On 29 November 1672, he testified that his age was 46. He 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. 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. John Tooke: 4 July 1745, Brunswick Co. Indenture: Between John Tooke of Brunswick, Black Smith, and Absalom Atkinson of IOW, school master, 50 pounds, beginning at a Live Oak on the north side of Fountain’s Creek in the Co. of Brunswick. (B. 3, p. 39).

George Rives of Northampton Co., NC., for £50 paid by James Parham of Brunswick Co., St. Andrews Parish, 50a, being a tract of land granted to the sd. George Rives by a deed of gift dated 29 Nov. 1746 by Thomas Rives his father, dated 5 May 1748. Signed George Rives. Witnesses: Absalom Atkinson,John Atkinson, William Ezell, Junr. Court 5 May 1748. Deed acknowledged by George Rives and Mary the wife of the said George appeared and relinquished her right of Dower. (D.B 3, p. 411).

On 9 May 1738, Thomas Rives purchased from John and Batte Peterson, ‘of Prince George county’, 100 ac. in Brunswick which was described as part of a larger tract of 385 acres taken up by John Peterson on 20 Feb. 1719, being defined as up the Fork next to Rives little old field to Mathew Parham’s line and along Parham’s line to Jeremiah Brown’s land. Witnesses: Burwell Brown, Thomas Rives, Jr., and Robert Douglas. One half of this land he deeded on 29 Nov. 1746, to his son George Rives. The second half was deeded by him to his son, Harmon, in 1757, witnessed by Tho. Person, Wm. Parham, Nathaniel Perry, and Nathaniel Hicks.

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