This post is dedicated to a renowned Harris researcher of old,  Marjorie Reagan, who kindly suggested a central link between families of Davis and Harris.

Almost the entirety of the associations of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Virginia, can be traced to the family of Hodges, of Wedmore, Somerset.

1. From this family almost cerainly came Hodges Council, son of Richard Council, the br.-in-law of Susan Lancaster, with Hodges Counsell having received his Christian name after her husband, William Hodges.
2. Hodges Council bought land from Robert Lawrence.
3. Robert Lawrence was almost certainly the son of Philip Lawrence, who m. Joan Council, 20 Aug. 1618, Wedmore, the aunt of Richard Council.
4. Hodges Council’s son, Hardy Council, had a da., Mary, the wife of William Brantley, son of Edward Brantley.
5. Henry Applewhaite, d. 1739, m. Mary Council, da. of Hardy Council and Susannah Fulgham. Henry Applewhite’s estate was returned by Philip and Mary Brantley. R. Sept. 23, 1745. Susannah Council’s legatee was da. Mary Brantley. Halifax Co NC. R. 6 Oct. 1757.
7. Henry Applewhaite’s son, Henry Applewhite, m. Ann Harris, the da. of Edward Harris (grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688) and Mary Thorpe. Their da., Mary Applewhite, m. John Barham, son of Benjamin Barham (grandson of Charles Barham, connected to Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
8. The Hodges family of Wedmore stemmed from Captain Thomas Hodges, d. 1583, who m. Agatha Rodney, aunt of Dorothy Rodney, wife of Rice Davis, Esquire, of Tickenham, Somerset who had m. (3) Mary Pitt, sister of William Pitt, b. 1578, Bristol, d. Oct. 25, 1624, in Bristol, and relict of Robert Owen, of Bristol, Merchant, whose Will pr. Feb. 16, 1615 (8 Cope) mentions “my cousin Rice Davies, Esq. My brother in law William Pitt, overseer”. Robert Owen’s da. Mary, m. Richard Davis, Esq, of Tickenham, Somerset; heir as nephew in tail-male of Rice (Rhys) Davis. (See Davis v Owen. Plaintiffs: Richard Davis esq, of Tickenham, Somerset. Defendants: Robert Owen, James Owen (sons of Robert Owen, d. 1615), Thomas Wall gent, Mary Wall his wife (of Wedmore), Thomas Woodward and Walter Holbrooke. Subject: Settlement of the will of Robert Owen merchant, of Bristol, Gloucestershire, deceased, payment of legacies and the possession of certain messuages: mentions Mary Davis (alias Mary Owen, his sister) wife of Richard Davis and William Pitt merchant (son of William Pitt, d. 25 Oct. 1624), of Bristol, Gloucestershire: property in Portbury, Somerset and the Quay, Bristol, Gloucestershire. (N.A., C 6/400/16, 1628).
Cousins of the family of Captain Thomas Hodges intermarried with the Horners and Hippisleys, thus were kin of the Symes family, whose tenants were the Tookes, and, probably, the Fulghams. Eleanor, da. of Rice Davis, by Dorothy Rodney, was the mother of Eleanor Glanville, whose son, Richard, settled at Wedmore; his family intermarrying with that of Wall of that place.
9. Tickenham is 17 miles from Cheddar juxta Wedmore, and the Harris family of those places would have been well acquainted with the Davis family. Emborough, as follows, is 11 miles from Cheddar; 13 from Wedmore.
10. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, received a grant of 40 ac. in Iow, Aug. 14, 1652, at the head of Pagan Creek, bounded by John Davis on the northeast’
11. The inventory of Edward Harris, d. 1677, states that he owed money to “Mrs Davis”; almost cartainly the wife of John Davis, i.e. Mary Greene; da. of Thomas Greene and Mary Moone, and cousin of Martha Greene, who m. Anthony Fuljames (Fulgham), of Pitminster. whose son, Michael Fulgham, m. Anne Izzard; having issue (1) Anne Fulgham, who m. Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. (2) Susannah Fulgham, m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy. In IOW Court, January 11, 1672, Thomas Tooke (associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1677), as attorney, calls John Davis “his loving brother”.

The links between Thomas Harris, d. 1672, Edward Harris, d. 1677, and Thomas Harris, d. 1688, are numerous, as will be expanded on anon; and any reading of such connections in an English sense of these times would suggest a certainty of a close common origin; any different reading would make mockery of sense.

THE DAVIS LINK

1. Samuel Davis, “A griffin segreant”; friend of Thomas Pitt.

1.1. Rice Davis.

1.2. John Davis, of Westminster, gent. Plaintiffs: John Davis. Defendants: Richard Hippisley (son of John Hippisley and Dorothy Horner, born c. 1570/1580) and others. Subject: property in Whitmell in Emborough, Somerset (see N.A. C 3/344/16, 1625); Richard being the father of William Hippisley: Bond in £80. Description: From (a) William Hippisley of Westminster, co. Middx., esq., John Davis of Westminster, gent., and Thomas Nevett, citizen and goldsmith of London, to (b) John Greene of London, gent., for the payment of £520 by (a) to (b) on 29 Nov. 1642. (ESRO, DAN/279).

The Nevetts, as the Newsoms, were money lenders, who bought the debt of the wealthy, selling it on to “investors”, and financiers of business loans, enabling the purchasing of land in Virginia.

The said John Greene was born in 1592, in St Giles Cripplegate. His son, John Greene was a headright in the land patent of John Weare of Silverton, Devon, dated 7 Sept., 1654. John Greene, b. 1592, was the br. of Robert Greene, b. 1598, who first appeared in Virginia records in a census taken in 1619. his da. was Martha Greene, who m. Anthony Fuljames (Fulgham), of Pitminster, Somerset. Anthony Fulgham’s sister, Sarah Fuljames, b. 21 December, 1624 at Pitminster, m. John Cotton of Silverton, Devon, in 1642, at Pitminster. The Reverend William Cotton, Sarah Fuljames’s father-in-law, was Rector of the Were Family’s church in Silverton. The estates of Counselor John Weare, the head of the Were family in Silverton, and his eldest son, John, Jr., were sequestered in 1648 by Parliament. By 1650, Counsellor John Weare, his wife Margaret (Dart) Were, John, Jr., Francis, and Katherine had emigrated to the south side of the eastern branch of the Corotoman River, in Virginia, next to Anthony Fulgham.

(Anthony Fulgham’s son, Michael Fulgham, m. Anne Izzard; having issue (1) Anne Fulgham, who m. Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. (2) Susannah Fulgham, m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy, in 1705. Her will was recorded October 6, 1757, naming granddaus. Selah Council and Sarah Lawrence. 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, the br.-in-law of Susan Lancaster, with Hodges Counsell having 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. (3) Nicholas Fulgham.

William Lawrence, Will prob. 2 June 1757, names son John, bequesting him land bought from Colonel Joseph Bridger at Currawaugh; brother-in-law and executor Arthur Applewhite. Witnessed: John Darden, Jesse Watkins, and Joshua Council. On 7 Sept. 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).

1.2.1. Richard Davis esq, of Tickenham, Somerset, as follows.

1.2.1.1. Samuel Davis. 4 Oct. 1640: Sir Francis Wyatt granted to Samuel Davis 100 ac. on a branch of Pagan Creek, adj. Nathaniel Floyd. “Francis Hobbs’now wife Mary was former wife of Nathaniel Floyd deceased“. Francis Hobbs’ da. was the wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Francis Hobbs. Leg.- Alice Davis; cousin John Davis (as follows); cousin Margaret Harris the da. of John Harris. Ex., brother John Harris. R. June 9, 1688. Samuel Davis, sold this plot to John Bond. (His family, of Pitminster, Somerset).

(John Moore m. Anne Rogers; who m. (2) John Baron; (3) Anthony Matthews; (4) Thomas Davis. (See Chapman, Wills, p. 22). IOW Court Orders, 9 Oct. 1693: “Anne Davis late Anne Matthews,” her husband now being Thomas Davis”. In the 1670’s, William Rogers of Bristol led a Quaker schism that disagreed with the growing influence of women and centralizing authority among Friends closer to London. On May 14, 1666: Governor William Berkeley granted John Rogers, 200 ac. in Surry Co., on South side of Cyprus Swamp, South-South West along Daniell Regan’s land. In 1668, Edward Collier of Charles City names John Collier as Attorney in Account for a bill of sale to Richard Rogers of 200 ac. on Chippoakes Creek and refers to him as his “loving cousin” (Surry Co. B. 1, p. 143). The Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, was proved by the oaths of Capt. Frances Hobbs and Lewis Rogers. In 1687, Robert Webb, John and Joan Rogers were imported by Thomas Moore. Mr. Thomas Moore, 1150 ac. Upper parish of IOW Co., on the maine Blackwater Swamp; adj. Mr. Christopher Holeman; p. 576. (The Tookes of Barwick, Somerset, descended from a Holman heiress). Francis Hobbs and wife Mary sold to Edward Brantly 675 ac. betwixt land of Thomas Tooke, Francis England, Col. Nathaniel Bacon and the orphans of Thomas Murray. Feb. 8, 1667. William Groves: appraisal by John Harris, Edward Brantley, Elias Fort, Edward Grantham. Presented by Mrs. Elinor Groves. R. Feb 9, 1678. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, received a grant of 40 ac. in Iow, Aug. 14, 1652, at the head of Pagan Creek, bounded with his own land on the northeast, Francis Smith on the southwest, Thomas Pritchard on the southeast, and John Davis, as follows, on the northeast).

1.2.1.2. John Davis, ob. ante 28 June 1714, m. Mary Green (da. of Thomas Greene and Mary Moone); ob. ante 23 Jan. The inventory of Edward Harris, d. 1677, shows him to owe money to a “Mrs. Davis”. John Davis, with wife Mary, sold to William Exum, 150 ac. in IOW (May 1659), witnessed by Thomas Moone and John Burwell. In IOW Court, January 11, 1672, Thomas Tooke, as attorney, calls him “his loving brother” – either a religious or a lineage relationship. The Will of John Davis of the Upper Parish, dated Dec. 31, 1712, names da. Mary the wife of William Murray, brother William Green, friends Nathaniel Ridley (associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and James Day to make the division of my estate.

1.2.1.2.1. Sarah Davis, d. ob. ante 6 Jan. 1720, m. Nicholas Fulgham. The Tookes (associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672) were tenants of the Symes family, as probably were the Fulghams, who held land in Pitminster – see Cooper v Symes. Plaintiffs: John Cooper and Grace Cooper his wife. Defendants: William Symes, Henry Symes and Thomas Symes. Subject: property in Pitminster, Somerset. 1662. (C 6/161/21). They were uncles of Richard Symes (See N&Q, 1890); probable father of Adam Symes (ibid.), father of George Sims, of Brunswick Co.; d. Sept. 1763; whose son, 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.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Nicholas Fulgham, m. Martha Pitt.

(1. William Pitt, b. 1578, Bristol, d. 25 Oct. 1624, in Bristol, Will pr. 3 Feb. 1625; m. Mary Owen, sister of Robert Owen, of Bristol, Merchant.  1.1. Thomas Pitt patented lands previous to 1646 on the Appomattox. Will of Thomas Pitt, Merchant of Bristol, Gloucestershire
R. March 26, 1657.  1.2.1. Martha Pitt. 1.2. Robert Pitt, m. Martha, sister of Col. John Lear, having issue: (1) Lt. Col. John Pitt; (2) Hester Pitt m. Col. Joseph Bridger, Esq.; (3) Elizabeth, m. Nosworthy; (4) Mary m. John Brassuer. His son, Lt. Col. John Pitt, m., after 1677, Olive Hardy, having issue: (1) Robert Pitt (d.v.p), who m. Sarah, da. of Col Arthur Smith; (2) Sarah Pitt, m. Nosworthy, (3) Prudence Pitt m. Driver). Robert Pitt received “part of the manor of Compton Magna in the County of Somerset” in his mother’s Will). (23 miles from Wedmore). 1.3. Henry Pitt. Quit claim. 1. Henry Pitt, late of Bristol, now of Virginia, U.S.A. 2. Thomas Pitt, his son. Premises: Messuage in Redcliffe Street, St. Thomas. Jan. 28, 1662. Bristol Archives, 33072/6. Grant of mess. newly built by John Yeamans, being a brewhouse in Redcliffe Street. Consideration: £34. (1) Henry Pitt, merchant son of William Pitt, merchant, (2) John Yeaman, brewer. March 28, 1636. Bristol Archives, 30631/7). Henry Pitt m. Margaret Dale, da. of “Thomas Dale of Wrington, Somerset, gent.” (See Bristol Archives, 33072/2). Wrington is in Portbury Hundred). Wrington is 8 miles from Cheddar, and 11 from Wedmore).

(Brown v Davys. Plaintiffs: Richard Brown and Joan Brown his wife (da. of defendant). Defendants: Rice Davys. Subject: marriage contract relating to messuages and lands in Calne, Wiltshire, and part of a messuage called Mouncrost, Somerset. (C 2/JasI/B26/30. 1603-1625). Goodenowe v Davis. Plaintiffs: John Goodenowe and Alice Goodenowe his wife. Defendants: Rice Davis, Richard Gibbins and Joan Gibbins his wife. Subject: tenement and land within manor of Winford, Somerset, held under lease from Sir George Rodney. (C 2/JasI/G2/18. 1603-1625).

Rice Davis married secondly Isabel, da. of Henry Lygon of Colne Rogers, co. Gloucester, widow of Edward Basset, who through his mother, Joan, only child of John Ashe had inherited Tickenham Court. By his third wife, Rice Davis had a da. who m. Nicholas Poyntz.

The ancient mansion, called “Tickenbam-Court, stands adjoining to the churchyard, and with its ruined walls and Gothick windows make a very venerable appearance. In awing of the building eastward stands the chapel, now used as a brew-house and in an old parlour over the chimney, carved in the oak wainscot, were three shields of arms, the first of which is gone; the second is, Quarterly, first and fourth a griffin segreant, Davis. Second and third, a chevron between three spears’ heads; Rice, impaling two lions passant. The second coat impales three eagles displayed, Rodney. Rice Davis, whose arms are here quartered, sometime resided at Tickenham, and married Dorothy daughter of Maurice Rodney, esq; and sister and coheir of Sir George Rodney, knt. (John Collinson, ‘Antiq. Som.’).

The Hodges family Wedmore were cousins of Anthony Hodges, of Clifton, co. Glouc, gent. Will (77 Seager) pr. Aug. 13, 1633. To be buried in the chancel of Clifton Church near my wife. My da. Margaret £500. My daughter Mary Horner £100, until paid convenient meat, drink and lodging fit for one of her degree. My da. Alice Hipsley £150. Thus, they had married into the same families as the Symes).

1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Fulgham, m. Thomas Applewhaite, son of Henry Applewhaite, who moved from Barbados to IOW Co., before 1668 when he purchased 100 ac. of land from Roger Davis (as follows); probably the same who moved to IOW Co. after receiving a patent of land in Charles City Co., in 1638 for “five hundred and fiftie acres of land being due unto him the said Roger Davis for the transportacon of three servants by himselfe and for the Adventure of John Pasmore and Mary his wife and the transportacon of six persons into this Colony which said Mary is now wife to the said Roger Davis. He is mentioned in the Will of George Williams, R. 9 Oct. 1672: “Leg. son William to Mr. Pharoah Cobb; son George to Mr. Henry Applewhaite; da. Elizabeth to Mr. William Bressie and his wife Susanna, if it shall please God to send them back to Virginia. Mr. Arthur Smith, Pharoah Cobb, and Henry Applewhaite, overseers. Witnesses: Giles Limscott, Richard Lewis.

William Bressie: This Indenture made the Eleaventh day of October, in the four & twentieth Year of the reigne of our Sov’eigne Lord Charles the second … in ye year of our Lord God 1672. Between James Seward of the Citty of Bristoll in England merchant Sonne of John Seward late of the said Citty m’chant deceased (who dyed in Virginia) of the one part And William Bressie m’chant now resident in ye said Citty of Bristoll, of the other part”. Deed to Major Samuel Swan, 1678. Be it known unto all men by these prsents that I Wm Bressie of ye Vpper parrish of ye Isle of Wight County in Virginia planter with Susannah my wife have given granted enfeoffed from us or heires and doe by these prsents ffor evermore give and grant and enfeofe unto Wm Yarrett, John Grove, Ffrancis Wrenn, Edward Jones, Thomas Tooke and Henry Wigge and the rest of the sevts of God frequently called Quakers, one house built by ye sd people in ye place called ye Levy Neck Ould feilds”.

As the Symes and Applewhaite families, the Bressies were established in Barbados: see Will of Thomas Bressie, Chirurgeon of Barbados, West Indies, 1675. PROB 11/348/323.

A Capt. John Grove or Groves (who came from Bristol) was Justice of Surry Co., and d. circa 1673. Will of John Grove: John Murrey exor., and the 20 pds. sterling obligation of Arthur Allen I give out of the same to the aforesaid John Murrey 10 pds. and to Thomas Proud five pds. June 9th, 1691.

Edward Newley by nuncupative will appointed William Yarrett, Extx. R. Sept. 23, 1669. William Bressie and Thomas Harris, d. 1672, were sureties.

Will of Thomas Harris: Names 2 sons John and Thomas, n.b. wife Alice; names Major Nicholas Hill and John Jennings, da. Mary and other children. Dated 30 March, 1672; proved 24 Oct., 1672. His first wife was Eleonor George.

The following wills answering to the name of George are recorded at Bristol, viz.: Julian George (1616), Robert (1628), Edward (1633), Richard (1654), Eleanor (1665).

In the Surry records there is a suit: Col. John Lear as marrying exx of Col. John George, plt., vs. Thomas Jordan as marrying exx (Jane) of Capt. Robert Spencer.

Will of John Jennings: 2 daus. Mary and Martha Jennings; to Mary one small cupp, and one silver tumbler and half a dozen of silver spoones marked, and one salt seller and one silver sugar dish; son-in-law William Seward a sword and belt which was formerly his Father’s; legacy to George Seward; wife Mary Jennings; son and three daus. Capt. Edward Wickens, Lt. George Moore, Thomas Moore, and William Seward to see my will performed. Pr. March 10, 1679.

John Seward of Bristol mrchant, his power to Thomas Milner of Nansemond and Mr. Edward Wickins of IOW, April 14, 1672. Will of John Seward: To eldest son John my plantation called Levy Necke, 1350 a. to Son James, Blackwater plantation; wife Sarah “and this will be be disposed of according to my will at home in Bristol.” Item, I give and bequeath unto ye poore of ye sd parish where ye Levy Neck doth lye, my two cowes to be disposed of as ye overseers of ye sd parish shall think fitt. My overseers Mr. Stephen Warren, Thom. Walter and Richard Nelson 40 shill. apiece. To Sarah Groves wife of John Groves 2 cows. Dated 30 Nov., 1650; proved 9 feb., 1650. John Seward’s da. Mary Seward, m. John Jennings, Clerk of IOW cO., 1662-1677, who had probably m., firstly, Martha Harris.

Deed stating that Anthony Spiltimber,(1) of Surry, formerly commences suit against John Jennings before the Gov. and Council in Sept. 1665, in right of Mary his wife, da. of Mr. Robert Harris, formerly of the IOW, deceased, and sister unto Martha, daughter of the said Robert Harris and late wife to John Jennings, concerning an interest in land which I suppose fell to me by right of marrying the said Mary youngest sister to the said Martha, which the said Jennings in his right to the part of the Land altogeather defended; which suit &c. John Spiltimber was father of Anthony &c. Bill of exchange of Henry Filmer in favor of Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant of Bristol, for 17L 10s, for value received of John Scott, mariner, of Bristol. Addressed to “Mr. Robt ffilmer Esqr., living near ye Talbott at ye sign of ye Goat, London.” “Your loving Uncle Henry Filmer”. R. June 16, 1668.

1.2.1.1.1.1. Henry Applewhaite, d. 1739, m. Mary Council, da. of Hardy Council and Susannah Fulgham. Henry Applewhite’s estate was returned by Philip and Mary Brantley. R. Sept. 23, 1745. Susannah Council’s legatee was da. Mary Brantley. Halifax Co NC. R. 6 Oct. 1757. The kinship connection of the Brantleys to such as the Councils was based on Hardy Council’s da., Mary, being the wife of William Brantley, son of Edward Brantley.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Applewhite, of the parish of St Luke, d. 1783, m. Ann Harris. Marriage bonds of Henry Applewhite and Ann Harris, Nov. 7, 1756. Ann Harris was the da. of Edward Harris (grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688) and Mary Thorpe.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Applewhite, m. John Barham, son of Benjamin Barham (grandson of Charles Barham, connected to Thomas Harris, d. 1672), of the parish of St Luke, Will R. 10 June 1779, witnessed by James Ridley, son of Nathaniel Ridley (half brother of William Ridley and Elizabeth Day, the relict of Matthew Jones, and da. of John Day and Mary Bennett, da. of Edward Bennett, br.-in-law of Richard Harris, of Wivelscombe, Somerset. John and Mary (Bennett) Day had issue: Elizabeth Day, who m. firstly (17 Oct. 1706) Capt. Nathaniel Ridley; secondly Matthew Jones; their son, James Ridley, m. Jane Smith, da. of Col. Arthur Smith, whose son, Arthur Smith II., m. Sarah Jackson, sister of Mary, wife of George Hardy, an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677.
1.2.2. Samuel Davis, m. Amy Applewhaite. The will of Samuel Davis, dated 16 Nov. 1738 Witnesses: John Davis, John Gemmill, N. Bourden, Thomas Murray.
1.2.2.1. John Davis, ob. ante 5 Jul. 1753.
1.2.2.1.1. Sarah Davis, m. (1) Nicholas Fulgham, (2) Joseph Bridger.* Giles Driver’s Will was probated 2 July 1639 (PROB 11/180/571). His son, John Driver, bur. 12 June 1681, in Avening, Glouc. (30 miles from Bristol), 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. On 25 Jan 1651, Hannah Hobbs m. John Driver, at Tetbury, Glouc.; and she ….
1.2.3. Elizabeth Davis, m. John Gray. The will of John Gray, dated 13 Dec. 1737, named legatees: son William; son Richard; son John; son Mathew; son Henry; da. Margaret; da. Patience; wife Elizabeth. Wife Executrix. Witnesses: Richard Hardy & Elias Wills. Recorded 27 March 1738.
1.3. Martha Davis, m. John Mayo, 1659, Bitton, Glouc; his br. William Mayo m. Mary Hobbes, d. of Francis Hobbes, both of Tedbury, Glouc., 1668.
1.4. Roger Davis.
AD.
John Seward, 400 acres, June 18, 1638, upon N. side of a S.W. creek setting out of the main creek commonly called Caryes Neck. Due for trans. of 8 persons, including John Seward, Edward Brantly, Anthony Matthews, Gerson Cromwell.

John Seward, 400 ac. June 18, 1638. Upon New Town Haven River against land of Nathaniel Floyd and near his former patent. Due for trans of 4 persons. (Same names given here as were shown in his former patent).

John Moone, gent., 400 acres upon land of Thomas Davis and his own land, 2 Nov. 1638 for trans. 8 persons.

Robert Lawrence, 100 ac. Aug. 25, 1642. On Lawne’s Creek adj. his own and land and Mr. Tookes for trans. 2 pers.

Robert Lawrence, 150 ac. Sept. 28, 1643. Near mouth of Lawne’s Creek adj. John Stocker, George Hardie and Thomas Gyer for trans. of 3 pers.

Lt. Col. John George, April 17, 1667, 350 ac. lying at Castel Creek adj. the land of Francis Place, Robert Lawrence.

Capt. John Upton, 3289 ac. July 10, 1643. Lying upon the branches of Pagan Point Creek and New Town Haven adj. Mr. Sparkes, Anthony Jones, Mr. Nevill, Robert Pitt, Mr. Seward, Ambrose Bennett and Mr. Moone.

Thomas Harris 40 acres, Aug. 14, 1652. At the head of one of the branches of the Pagan Cr., bounded with his own land on N.E. Fran. Smith on S.W., Thomas Prichard on S.E. and John Davis on N.W. for trans. Peter Bell.

Nicholas Cobb, 900 ac. June 17, 1664. Upon a branch issuing from Pagan Cr. which branch runs through land of Mr. Nathaniel Floyd, adj. to Mr. Nicholas Smith. Granted to James Tuke Nov. 11, 1640 and assigned by Wm. Tuke, his son and heir, to sd. Cobb 3 Jan. 1661.

Thomas Bland and Mary, his wife, and to the heirs of the said Mary, May 20, 1668, 750 ac. near the James River side on the land now in tenure of Wm. Lewer* and running down the river to Filgate’s Island. *Witnessed Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

Capt. Anthony Fulgham, Mar. 18, 1688, 150 ac. adjoining the land of Thomas Davis and John Mahoon.

Edward Brantley, Oct. 30, 1669, 675 ac. adj. land of Mr. England and Mr. Tooke.

Robert Owen of the city of Bristol, merchant, now bound on a voyage into the parts beyond the seas, 5 September 1614, with a codicil dated 4 September 1615, proved 16 February 1615. To wife Mary four hundred pounds and the messuage wherein I now dwell situate upon the “Kaye” within the said city, to hold for life; and after her decease I give the said messuage to my son Robert Owen. I give my said son all my lands, messuages &c. in Bristol and in Portbury, Somerset, or elsewhere, and also two hundred pounds. To my daughter Mary Owen three hundred pounds. The same to daughter Johane Owen and the child wherewith my wife now goeth, yet unborn. … My brother Griffeth Owen. My sister Mary Owen. My brother George Owen. My sister Ellinor Owen. My brother Griffeth Owen to pay his brother and sisters at the town of Carmarthen. Wife Mary and son Robert to be executors and loving cousin Rice Davies Esquire and loving brother in law William Pitt, merchant, and good friend William Baldwyn, brewer, to be overseers. In the codicil he ncreases the legacies to his daughters Mary and Johane by two hundred
pounds apiece more. Probate was granted to the widow as above but was not granted to the son, Robert Owen, until 24 April 1627. Cope, 8.

William Pitt of the city of Bristol merchant, 13 May 1622, proved 4 February 1624. To my loving wife Mary five hundred pounds. Sons William, Robert, Henry and Thomas to have their portions on arriving at age of one and twenty and daughters Mary, Anne, Maude and Martha at times of marriage or at twenty one, and so one after the other. I give to my brother in law Mr Richard Davis twenty shillings to make him a ring for a token and to sister Mary Davis a double Harry sovereign of gold.

THE HARRIS ENTITY

1.. John Harris, of Wedmore (Allerton), m. 1. Joanna, d. 1579, 2. Alicia, d. 1585.
1.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy West, 31 Aug. 1562, Wivelscombe.
1.1.1. Richard Harris, m. Elianor Bennett, at Wivelscombe, sister of Edward Bennett, of Lawne’s Creek.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623, Wivelscombe. He was the second-cousin of (1) Anne Bennett, b. 1641, who m., 1st, Theodorick Bland of Westover; their grandson, John Bland (born Dec. 8, 1698), m. Ann West.
1.1.1.1.1. John Harris, d. 1687, m. Unity …
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of 2nd husband Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710. Henry Baker deceased, estate dated 27 April 1701. Witnesses: Robert Lancaster Sr., Nicholas Sessoms, whose da. was Mary Blake, wife of William Blake; the Lancasters being intermarried with the Counsell family, of Wedmore.
1.2. John Harris, m. Joan Stubbs, 10 Feb. 1569, Wedmore (Blackford), bur. 27 Jan 1596, Servant of Robert Sherwell.
1.2.1. John Harris, of Wedmore (Allerton), bur. 31 Jul. 1599.
1.2.1.1. George Harris, m. Joan Webb, 28 Apr 1623, Wedmore
1.2.1.2. 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 Oct. 1646, James Tooke to Robert Harris, all my right and title to this lease.
1.2.1.2.1. Robert Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Martha Harris. Deed stating that Anthony Spiltimber,(1) of Surry, formerly commences suit against John Jennings before the Gov. and Council in Sept. 1665, in right of Mary his wife, da. of Mr. Robert Harris, formerly of the IOW, deceased, and sister unto Martha, daughter of the said Robert Harris and late wife to John Jennings, concerning an interest in land which I suppose fell to me by right of marrying the said Mary youngest sister to the said Martha, which the said Jennings in his right to the part of the Land altogeather defended; which suit &c. John Spiltimber was father of Anthony &c. Bill of exchange of Henry Filmer in favor of Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant of Bristol, for 17L 10s, for value received of John Scott, mariner, of Bristol. Addressed to “Mr. Robt Ffilmer Esqr., living near ye Talbott at ye sign of ye Goat, London.” “Your loving Uncle Henry Filmer”. R. June 16, 1668. The Filmers connect to the Barhams, thus to Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.2.1.2. Robert Harris?
1.2.1.2.2. Edward Harris, bapt. 8 Aug. 1624, probably he who d. in 1677, in Virginia. Owed money to John Davis.
1.2.1.3. Thomas Harris; probably he who d. in 1672, in Virginia. Will of Thomas Harris names John Jennings as exec., who was married John Seward’s da., Mary Seward, who had probably m., firstly, Martha Harris. Thomas Harris settled near John Davis in Virginia, in 1652.
1.2.1.3.1. Thomas Harris, bapt. Dec. 31, 1637, Cheddar; probably he who d. in 1688, in Virginia.
1.2.1.3.2. John Harris. Samuel Davis (br. of John). 4 Oct. 1640: Sir Francis Wyatt granted to Samuel Davis 100 ac. on a branch of Pagan Creek, adj. Nathaniel Floyd. “Francis Hobbs’now wife Mary was former wife of Nathaniel Floyd deceased”. Francis Hobbs’ da. was the wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Francis Hobbs. Leg.- Alice Davis; cousin John Davis (as follows); cousin Margaret Harris the da. of John Harris. Ex., brother John Harris. R. June 9, 1688. Samuel Davis, sold this plot to John Bond. (His family, of Pitminster, Somerset).
1.2.1.4. John Harris, m. Agnes Coomer, Feb. 4, 1635, Cheddar. 1. John Counsell, bapt. 1573. 1.1. John Counsell, bapt. 28 Nov. 28, 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, Feb. 4, 1635; uncle of Thomas Harris, bapt. 31 Dec. 1637, Cheddar. 1.2. Richard Counsell, bapt. 3 Sept. 1613 (fr. Blackford), m. (1) Joan Taylor, 12 Aug. 1640, (2) Elizabeth Hix, 12 Aug. 1647, da. of William Hix and Grace Morton, m. 23 Jan. 1625, and niece of Margaret Hix, who m. Simon Day, Jan. 14, 1632. 1.3.1. Hodges Counsell. The grandda. of John Harris m. a Hix, steward of the Lancaster’s estate at Cheddar.

They all knew the Davis family. They all were close cousins of other Harris, and in that sense, should be seen as a ‘Harris entity’, which is difficult to unravel, but it is certain that the Thomas Harris who d. in 1688 would not have left his orphan in the care of Hodges Council without their being the strongest bond between them.

The above is a reasonable guess; for obvious reasons it can not be disproved by a living person referring to DNA ‘evidence’.

copyright m stanhope 2017