The ancestry of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe, intermarried with the family of Governor Bennett of Virginia takes on a new understanding when an accurate transcription of the name of the wife of William Harris is given; instead of West it should read Westbrooke. Immediately, the kinship network of his family is revealed, which exhibits a very close and repeated affinity to the Bennett family through kin intermarrying into such families as the Stevens. Other members of this kinship group include the Hill family (thus a familial connection is established to the Symes family of Mells), and a family of Forte, which was probably the same one connected to the son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, as I have previously shown.

The Symes family were kin of the Hodges through intermarriage with the Bluets, and the Lancaster family, Squires of Cheddar, who also held land in Wiveliscombe, were kin of the Hodges through intermarriage with with the family of Rose. Hodges Council, the very likely son of Richard Council, the br.-in-law of Susan Lancaster, 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.

Robert Lancaster of Virginia was probably a son of his namesake, of Bruton, 20 mls. from Cheddar, and a member of the Lancaster family of that place.

The Brantleys, as follow, married into the family of Hodges Council.

WIVELISCOMBE

1.
1.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, 31 Aug. 1562. Her br., Henry, m. Joan Upham, of one of the major families of Wiveliscombe, intermarried with such as the Boddys (they with the Briantes), Newtons, and Hills. Her sister, Joan Westbroke, m. John Clowter, 23 Sep. 1559, who m. (2) Agnes Lovell, 7 Feb. 1568, whose niece, Alice, m. Robert Forte, 8 Aug. 1605.

The Lovells intermarried with the Dales, and they with the Persons; and so on in a repetitive cycle of marriages within a densely interbred kinship group.

Nynehead (Somerset) deeds (Somerset Heritage Centre, ref. DD\SF/1767), show the Clowters associates: Lease for 90 yrs. & 3 lives: Francis Drewe of Holcombe Rogus, Devon, esq., Henry Worth of Worth in Washfield, Devon & John Ayshford of Ayshford, yeoman, to Edward Bickley, Humphrey Wyott, John Prowse, John Clowter & Will Weeks, Church house in Nynehead, to hold in trust for parishioners of N., 1649.

These Westbrookes probably migrated to Virginia: Westbrook, John – appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley, Edward Brantley and Thomas Cook; signed by John Person, 28 Oct. 1734. (B. 4, p. 25). He m. Amy Foster, da. of Christopher Foster and Alice Forte.

1.1.1. Richard Harris, m. (8 Oct. 1594), Eleanor Bennet, sister of (1) Thomas Bennett, who had issue: (1) Thomas Bennett, b. Nov. 11, 1603 at Wiveliscombe, father of Alice Bennett, who m. John Hardy. Nugent, C&P vol. 1, p. 569; their da., Lucy, m. Hodges Council; her sister m. Richard Jackson, their da., Mary Jackson, m. Capt. George Hardy, appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. (2) Richard Bennett, bapt. 6 Aug. 1609, Governor of Virginia. (2) Edward Bennett. Christopher Reynolds Sr. emigrated to Virginia as an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. Bk. 1, pp. 46-8, “Imprimis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds Jr. all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan (his son-in-law who m. da. Elizabeth Reynolds) now liveth upon”, see as follows.
1.1.1.1. William Harris, bapt. 28 Jan. 1595. Peter Bell was a headright of Thomas Harris in IOW in 1652 (for land adj. John Davis (of the family of Rice Davis, as follows), to whom Edward Harris (d. 1677), was in debt, and Richard Bell was a headright, in 1648, of George Hardy and Thomas Wombwell in IOW. It was very probably this family of Wombwell which intermarried with the Lancasters.
1.1.1.2. Richard Harris.
1.1.1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. 18 Feb. 1624; probably d. 1687, Virginia, m. Unity. He was the second-cousin of Richard Bennett, Governor of Virginia, whose first wife, Anne, was Charles Barham’s sister, see as follows.
1.1.1.2.1.1. John Harris. On 9 Nov. 1708, Samuel Lancaster was granted the administration of the estate of John Harris, his probable brother-in-law.

(A circumstantial case could be made for the following John Harris to be a son of John Harris, d. 1708, and he the father of the John Harris who m. Avis Holloman:
1.1.1.2.1.1.1. John Harris. B. 4 p. 459. R. 25 April 1743: John Moreland: Estate appraised by Thomas Day, Thomas Shelly, Thomas Barlow. John Shelly of the Upper Parish. Will recorded 27 June 1720. Legatee brother Thomas Shelly exce; Elizabeth Ogburne; dishes at John Harris’; son John Phillips Shelly. Witness George Riddick and John Brantley. (G.B. 35).
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. John Harris, d. 1772 in Southampton Co., m. Avis Holloman.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham, da. of James Barham and Mary Thorpe, and granddau. of Charles Barham and Sarah Judkins. Yet, Elizabeth Harris, sister of John, d. 1708, was the aunt of William Lancaster, whose son was closely associated with the sons of Robert Harris, d. 1639 (son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), whose will named his sons – Robert, John, Michael, Charles, Joseph, James and Mathew; and the John Harris who m. Avis Holloman may have been Robert’s son, John. There was clearly a very close association between the families of John Harris, d. 1687, and of Thomas Harris, d. 1688).

1.1.1.2.1.2. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710. Robert Lancaster Sr’s son, Robert Jr., was the father of William Lancaster, who m. (1) … Moreland, (2) … Wombwell. William Lancaster was the father of Lawrence Lancaster, d. 1792, Warren Co., who m. Mary Williams. 9 May 1751, Lawrence Lancaster of IOW in Nottoway Parish and Solomon Delke of same place to divide sd. land that formerly did belong to Edward Moreland, decd; we pledge in sum of 50 pounds … quanity of land falling to Solomon Delke is 85 ac.; wit: Thomas Pretlow, Robert Lancaster, Samuel Lancaster, Joseph Pittman, Arthur Williams. Robert Lancaster Jr’s sister m. Thomas Pittman.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Robert Lancaster, m. Martha.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1. Benjamin Lancaster 1724-1793, m. Lucinda Delke, da. of Roger Delke and Patsy Moorland. Will of Roger Delke of Surry Co., recorded April 27 1773: Richard Hardy, Charles Cary executor., names daus. Ann Allan, Lucy Lancaster, son William Delke.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.2. Catherine Lancaster, m. Joseph Crocker; Will R. 5 Feb. 1761, appraised by Thomas Holleman whose da. Mary, m. William Williford – Meglohon, James, Bertie, July 4th, 1750 ; Sept. 4th, 1750. Wife Margaret, her former husband Jonathan Kittrell, son James, son-in- law William Roads, son-in-law Christopher Holloman, son-in-law Samuel Holloman, da. Alice Meglohon. In 1784, Belah Williford, Jesse Holloman, John Holloman, and Jesse Crocker witnessed the will of Henry Lancaster, of IOW.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.3. Henry Lancaster, m. Martha.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.4. Martha Lancaster, m .John Holliman, son of Christopher  Holliman, Jr. IOW, D. B. 5, p. 347. 20 July 1739: From Mary Procter and Peter Procter of IOW to Arthur Crocker … about 300 ac. on the N. side of the main Swamp in IOW, bounded by the mouth of the Fishing Branch, John Holiman, Sam’ll Taylor. Wit. Thos Atkinson, John Holliman, Peter Stephenson, William Crocker. 25 Sept. 1739: From Christopher Holliman of Bartee precinct, North Carolina, and John Holliman of Newport parish in IOW, to Arthur Crocker of Newport Parish in IOW … 300 ac. on the E. side the main Swamp in Newport Parish … bounded by the mouth of the Fishing Branch, the head of the Miery Branch, John Holliman, Samuel Taylor. S. Christopher Holliman, John Holliman. Wit. Arthur Hayes, Mathew Jones, John Wombell, Chris. Atkinson. (ibid., p. 413). D. B. 7, p.13, 28 Jan. 1744: John Proctor of IOW to Roger Delk of Surry Co. 140 ac. on the S. side of the main Blackwater Swamp (being land taken up by said Proctor on 12 Feb. 1742) adj. John Holliman, Thomas Holliman, Benjamin Pitman, Joseph Griffin, and Robert Mercer. Wit. Lawrence Lancaster, Solomon Delk, and Joseph Griffin. D. B. 8, p. 64, 10 March 1747: Arthur Crocker to William Parker 100 ac. on the North side of Blackwater Swamp adj. Proctors Ferry, John Holliman and Taylor. Wit. John Woodward, Thomas Betts, and Benjamin Lancaster. John Holliman: Leg. son Jesse; son Jeddia; son Christopher; daughter Mary. Wife: Elizabeth, Extx. R. June 6, 1751. Wit: William Gwaltney. Could Martha Lancaster and John Holloman be the parents of Avis Holloman?
1.1.1.2.1.2.2. Unity Lancaster, m. Thomas Betts, whose estate was appraised by Henry Lancaster, Abraham Jones, and William Harris, and recorded 6 May 1773. John Jones, estate xamined by Thomas Pearce and James Watson. R. 2 Aug. 1770. Wit: Thomas Betts, Mathew Harris, Robert Wall. Ex. Benjamin Bailey.
1.1.1.2.1.2.3. Mary Lancaster, m. William Drake.

LANCASTER AND HARRIS IN MORE DEPTH

1. Robert Lancaster, Will registered 23 May 1720. Witnesses: James Piland, Benjamin Hodges, and Roger Ingram, appraisal by John Brantley, Richard Gray, and Benjamin Hodges, recorded 27 June 1720.
1.1. Robert Lancaster, d. 1783, m. Judith Pitt (maternally Clary). Thomas Clary: Leg.- niece Judith, wife of Robert Lancaster, Jr., pewter dishes.To Charles Pitt, 20 shillings.To Charles Williams, 530 lbs. tobacco. All rest of estate to brother, Wm. Clary and sister, Ann Pitt. Nephew, Edward Brown, Exer. 25 Sept. 1707. Wit:Thomas Holt, Joseph John Jackman. (B. 5, p. 378). Ann Pitt, a sister in the Will of Thomas Clary (1687), had a da. named Judith who was a servant to Charles Jarrett until she was 18 years of age.
1.1.1. Joseph Lancaster, m. Mary Cox before 16 Sept. 1745, when they sold the 150 ac. platation left to him by his father to Richard Presson of York Co., being a larger tract bought of Robert Lancaster, dec’d, father of the said Joseph Lancaster, from John Allen, dec’d, on 19 August 1712, and willed to the said Joseph, 16 September 1746. (D.B. 2, p. 90).
1.1.2. William Lancaster was willed his grandfather Lancaster’s plantation on Blackwater Swamp. His wife, Mary, was given the administration of his estate on 21 Jan.1740. D.B. 2, p. 8: To Joseph Delke, 100 ac. bounded by the Green Swamp, Thomas Moreland, Thomas Holt, and John Kea, being a tract of land given to said Lancaster by his grandfather Robert Lancaster, dated 13 October 1735. W: William Seward and John Edwards. D.B. 3, p. 10: To Joseph Holloman … ac. bounded by Blackwater Swamp, Thomas White, and John Champion, being land sold on 20 August 1712 by John Allen, Gent., to Robert Lancaster, the grandfather of the sd. William and has an incombrence on the said moiety of the said dower of Elizabeth Moring now the wife of John Moring, dated 17 January 1758. W. Charles Holt, Thomas Wilson, Joseph Lancaster, and Arthur Holloman. William Lancaster (nephew of Elizabeth Harris), m. 1. (I suggest) … Moorland, 2. Mary Wombwell. Inventory: recorded 21 Jan. 1740. Appraised by William Rose.
1.1.2.1. Lawrence Lancaster, d. 1792 in Warren Co., NC., m. Mary Williams. He was associated with the children of Robert Harris (and Anne Fulgham), and Daniel Harris (and Jane Jordan), descendants of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

Daniel Harris bought 150 ac. on the south side of Little Fishing Creek from William Bobbitt in 1754.
Granville District, NC, vol. 2, p. 378: R. 14 March 1760: Charles Harris 450 ac. in Granville Co. in the Parish of St. John on the branches of Aaron’s Creek, joining Jones Corner and Wades line or: Signed, Charles Harris. Wit. William Hurst, Lawrence Lancaster, James Yancey.
Bute [Warren] Co., NC. Abstracts. Book A, p. 77. R. 23 Jan. 1765: Lawrence Lancaster to Len Henley … sold 330 ac. on Fishing Creek, Elbe’s Branch, where I now live adj. West Harris, Lewis Patterson, William Rowland, John Burch. Wit: Samuel Lancaster, Briton Harris, and John Lancaster. Proved by Briton Harris.
Warren Co. Court Minutes, 17 Feb. 1780, p. 16: Ordered that Matthew Harris be overseer of the road form the Fork of Bobbitt’s Road to the Creek below Nathaniel Harris, and the hand of Lawrence Lancaster, Joseph Harris, Charles Harris, James Harris, John Lancaster, Nathaniel Harris, Lawrence Lancaster Jr., Joel Lancaster, and Sterling Harris. Clear and keep the same in repair.
28 Aug. 1792, ibid., p. 230: The last will and testament of Lawrence Lancaster, deceased was proved in open Court by the oath of James Harris, Morris Harris, and Lawrence Lancaster Jr.; William Lancaster and John Lancaster Executors.
November Court 1792, Warren Co., p. 183: Lawrence Lancaster, estate proved on oaths of James Harris and Morris Harris: Lawrence Lancaster, Jr. William Lancaster and John Lancaster qualified as executors … Sale of estate Laurence Lancaster, deceased, by James Moss, deputy sheriff. Buyers: Mrs. Lancaster, widow; Caleb Capps, John Davis, Reaps Duke, Hardy Duke, Benjamin E. Person, Aaron Lancaster, Mathew Harris, Samuel Williford, Isham Patterson, Philemon Bonnet, Leonard Kimball, Jesse Person, Randolph Bobbitt, Hezekiah Brier, Edward Worsham, William Kemp, Col. William Johnson, William Lancaster Jr., John Lancaster, James Lealer, Laurence Lancaster, William Rowland, Moses Bennett, Josiah Green, Lewis Bartholomew, Samuel Williams, Joshua Bobbitt, James Harris, Brittain Williford, Honorius Powell, James Johnson, Simon Harris, Clairborne Harris, Richard Madera, Joel Lancaster, Daniel Harris.

Will of James Harris, Sr., 10 April 1800, proved in November Court, named sons Claiborn and James Extrs; Book 11, p. 44. To son Claiborne, half my land, to be laid off on the upper part of the tract next to John Egerton, and part of which he has sold by my consent to his brother James … To son James Harris – the other half of my land … Daughter Celah Bobbitt. Wit: James Frame, William Miller. 20 March 1801; Aug. Ct. Henry Harris to William Malone. Mortgage on a negro to secure debt to James Frame & Co. of 40 Pds. Va. money.
James Harris Sr., son of Robert Harris, m. Mary Cole Claiborne in 1753, in Granville, NC. Their son was James Henry Harris, born 1758, who m. Mary Smilley, born in 1767, in Warren County, NC.

1.1.3. Joseph lancaster. Elizabeth Ellis (da. of Benjamin Ellis and Elizabeth Rogers, da. of William Rogers, whose Will was probated in Surry Co. on 17 May 1727, mentioning William, “son of my former wife”, and children: Benjamin, Robert, Elizabeth Ellis, Mary Bennett, Sarah Bennett (wife of Robert Lancaster?), and Priscilla Proctor.
1.2. Samuel Lancaster, m. Elizabet Harris.

THOMAS OF 1672

1.1.1.3. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623. Cousin of Richard Bennett, Governor of Virginia, and probably he who d. in Virginia in 1672. B. 5, p. 224: Henry Baker deceased, estate dated 27 April 1701. Witnesses: Robert Lancaster Sr., Nicholas Sessoms, whose da. was Mary Blake, wife of William Blake. 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. The Tukes descended from a Holleman heiress. Thomas Harris, Will recorded 13 Nov. 1672, appointed relict Alice as exc. Security John Newman and *Edward Brantley.

Edward Brantley Sr. came to America as an indentured servant under John Seaward of Bristol who received a land patent on 18 June 1638 for 400 ac. in IOW. His son, Phillip Brantley, m. Joyce Lewis, da. of Thomas Lewis and Rebecca George, da. of John George. John George, appraisal by John Brantley, Thomas Hardy, George Riddick, and George Barlow, c. 1711. (B. 2, p. 527).
1.1.1.3.1. John Harris. William Groves, appraisal by John Harris, *Edward Brantley, Elias Fort and Edward Grantham; presented by Mrs Elinor Groves,; recorded 9 Feb. 1678. (B. 2, p. 172). John Harris m. a da. of Francis Hobbs, who sold Edward Brantley 675 ac. adj. Thomas Tuke, in 1669.
1.1.1.3.2. Thomas Harris.
1.1.1.3.2.1. Thomas Harris, appraisal by Edward Brantley (son of Phillip Brantley), John Thorpe, and Thomas Purcell, 22 Feb. 1730; m. Hannah Judkins, whose mother remar. to William Harris before 1721, see as follows.

TUKE/PITTMAN/JUDKINS

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 ac. on the east side of Lawne’s Creek; 26 October 1646, James Tooke to Robert Harris, all my right and title to this lease.
1.1.1.1. William Tooke. On 29 November 1672, he testified that his age was 46. William Tooke sold 900 acres of land in IOW Co. on 3 Jan. 1661; land patented by James Tooke, 11 Nov. 1640.
1.1.1.1.1. 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.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Tooke, b. c. 1610, m. 1. Avis Mascoll, 7 June 1634, Barwick; 2. Mary. He witnessed the Will of William Ridley, with Thomas Harris, d. 1672
1.1.1.3. Elizabeth Tooke, m. Michael Ezell.
1.1.1.3.1. Elizabeth Ezell, m. John Atkinson Jr., son of John Atkinson and Ann Holman.
1.1.2. Joane Tucke, m. William Penny, 22 Sept. 1588, Barwick.
1.1.2.1. Dorothy Penny, m. William Pitman, 10 Sep 1609 Horsington (St John); 15 mls fr. Barwick.
1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Pitman, of Virginia, b. c. 1614, by his deposition. Thomas Pittman gave his age as “about 70” in a deposition of Nov. 4, 1684. He had at least two sons, Thomas and William, by previous marriages. His first wife was named Frances (cf. D. & W. 1645-71, p. 180); his second, whom he married prior to Oct. 4, 1666, was Mrs. Martha Gwaltney, widow of Thomas Gwaltney, whose first husband was Thomas Atkinson, and who had a son James Atkinson by her first marriage, and at least one son William Gwaltney by the second (cf. D.& W. 1645-71, pp. 281, 299).” apparently had a da. who m. Joseph Wall.  In 1666 Roger Potter of Surry sold “to Thomas Pitman for the use of Joseph Wall, his son in law, 1 black heifer.” In 1671 Joseph and Susan Wall of Surry sold land to Richard Jordan Jr., witnessed Christopher Holliman and Thomas Pittman Jr.

John Wall m. Elizabeth Rowe, 5 Apr. 1627, in Wedmore (St Mary), as a tenant of the Hodges family. 4 Feb. 1664. Prob. of will of Capt Jno. Wall decd. to Elizabeth Wall the relict. Will proved by oaths of Capt. Francis Grey* & Richard Price. *His da., Mary, m. Edward Moreland. She m., secondly, Edward Taylor, Sr., having issue: (a) Hannah Taylor (m. Christopher Clinch). (b) Margaret Taylor (m. 1st., William Judkins and 2nd., Bartlett Moreland). (c) Mary Taylor (m. James Vaughan). In Jan. 1708, administration of Edward Taylor’s estate was granted to Margaret Taylor; witnesses William Gray, Timothy Thorp, William Harris. (Davis, 127). Margaret Taylor and William Judkins had issue: 1. Elizabeth Judkins (m. John Berryman) 2. Hannah Judkins (m. Thomas Harris, d. 1730, IOW Co., son of Thomas, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Alice Newman. Margaret m. William Harris before 1721, her son Thomas Taylor m. his granddau., Mary Harris. William Harris died in Apr. 1721 in Surry Co.; his Will was probated 19 April 1721. To wife Margaret. To grandson Harris Taylor. To granddau. Mary, wife of Thomas Taylor. To grandson Harris Taylor, land purchased of Robert Girly. To granddaughter Mary, land at her death to her husband Thomas Taylor. At their deaths, to their son Thomas Taylor. Friends Capt. Thomas Holt and William Gray to divide property and overseers of the will. Executor, Thomas Taylor. (W.B 7, p. 325).
1.1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Pittman Jr. m. 3. Elizabeth Lancaster, da. of Robert Lancaster, d. 1720 His second wife was Mary Chambers, da. of William Chambers, and relict of William Holliman. Her mother’s first husband was Richard Jarrett, who d. in 1672, in Surry Co. In 1704, William Holliman’s estate was settled in Surry Co. Mary was called “widow of William Holliman” in court on 2 Jan. 1704. She had at least one son, William Holliman.

THOMAS OF 1688?
1.
1.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, 31 Aug. 1562, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1. Richard Harris, m. 8 Oct. 1594, Eleanor Bennet.
1.1.1.1. William Harris, bapt. 28 Jan. 1595.
1.1.1.2. Richard Harris.
1.1.1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. 18 Feb. 1624; probably d. 1687, Virginia, m. Unity. He was the second-cousin of Richard Bennett, Governor of Virginia, whose first wife, Anne, was Charles Barham’s sister.
1.1.1.2.1.1. John Harris. Nov. 9 1708 – Samuel Lancaster was granted the administration of the estate of John Harris, his probable brother-in-law.
1.1.1.2.1.2. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of 2nd husband Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Robert Lancaster, m. Martha.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1. Benjamin Lancaster 1724-1793, m. Lucinda Delke, da. of Roger Delke and Patsy Moorland. Will of Roger Delke of Surry Co., recorded April 27 1773: Richard Hardy, Charles Cary executors.
1.1.1.2.1.2.1.2. Catherine Lancaster, m. Joseph Crocker; Will R. 5 Feb. 1761, appraised by Thomas Holleman whose da. Mary, m. William Williford – Meglohon, James, Bertie, July 4th, 1750 ; Sept. 4th, 1750. Wife Margaret, her former husband Jonathan Kittrell, son James, son-in- law William Roads, son-in-law Christopher Holloman, son-in-law Samuel Holloman, da. Alice Meglohon. In 1784, Belah Williford, Jesse Holloman, John Holloman, and Jesse Crocker witnessed the will of Henry Lancaster, of IOW.
1.1.1.2.1.2.2. Unity Lancaster, m. Thomas Betts, whose estate was appraised by Henry Lancaster, Abraham Jones, and William Harris, and registered 6 May 1773. John Jones Examined by Thomas Pearce and James Watson. R. 2 Aug. 1770. Wit: Thomas Betts, Mathew Harris, Robert Wall. Ex. Benjamin Bailey.
1.1.1.3. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623. Cousin of Richard Bennett, Governor of Virginia, and probably he who d. in Virginia in 1672. B. 5, p. 224: Henry Baker deceased, estate dated 27 April 1701. Witnesses: Robert Lancaster Sr., Nicholas Sessoms, whose da. was Mary Blake, wife of William Blake. 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. The Tukes descended from a Holleman heiress. Harris, Thomas – dated 10 Jun 1672 recorded 13 Nov 1672. By will appointed relict Alice as exc. Security John Newman and Edward Brantley.
1.1.1.3.1. John Harris. Groves, William – appraisal by John Harris, *Edward Brantley, Elias Fort and Edward Grantham; presented by Mrs Elinor Groves, ordered 21 Nov. 1677; recorded 9 Feb. 1678. (B. 2, p. 172). John Harris m. a da. of Francis Hobbs, who sold Edward Brantley 675 ac. adj. Thomas Tuke, in 1669.
1.1.1.3.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1688?
1.1.1.3.2.1. Robert Harris.
1.1.1.3.2.2.1. John Harris, m. Avis Holloman?

(Such need not be so. I have documented a Harris family of Wedmore/Cheddar, tenants of the Hodges and Lancaster families, who would have been kin of the Counsell family of Wedmore through intermarriage with the Comers, and very close cousins of the Harris herein given. There remains a possibility that the Thomas Harris who married in Wiveliscombe in 1624 was the father of the Thomas Harris who was bapt. in Cheddar in 1637, and he was the Thomas who d. in 1688. The Lancasters, Squires of Cheddar, and holders of land in Wiveliscombe, may have been the tenurial link).

REYNOLDS/JORDAN

1. Christopher Reynolds Sr. emigrated to Virginia as an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. Bk. 1, pp. 46-8, Imprimis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds Jr. all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan (his son-in-law who m. da. Elizabeth Reynolds) now liveth upon.
1.1. Richard Reynolds.
1.1.1. Richard Reynolds, m. Elizabeth Sharpe, the da. of Richard Sharpe Sr. Richard Reynolds was the br. of John Reynolds: 11 Mar. 1668, IOW Admin., B. 1, p. 62 – Will of John Reynolds, Legacy: my brother George Rivers; brother Richard; sister Jane; sister Elizabeth Rivers; to Robert Driver; to Elizabeth Rivers’ da. Mary; to my sister Elizabeth Jordan a bill of Robert Clothiers, at her decease to her son Richard Jordan. R. 3 May 1669. Robert Driver: To da. Prudence Jordan … To da. Elizabeth* … grandson William Jordan. Exec: Giles Driver. *Thomas Harris, 650 acs. on the N. side of the head of Puscaticon Cr., Lancaster Co., 23 Aug., 1656, p. 392. Adj. land of Oliver Seger, & opposite an Indian Field, Trans. of 13 pers. inc. Giles Driver. 23 Aug. 1656. Giles Driver m. (1) *Elizabeth Reynolds, (2) Olive Hardy, da. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett, da. of Edward Bennett, baptised February 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia; brother-in-law of Richard Harris, whose grandson, John Harris, bapt. 18 Feb. 1624; probably d. 1687, Virginia, m. Unity; and whose nephew Thomas Harris,* m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623. Cousin of Richard Bennett, Governor of Virginia, and probably he who d. in Virginia in 1672. Giles Driver’s mother was a Baynham (Bynum), and his grandmother was a Bailey. Giles Driver’s son, Charles Driver m. Prudence Pitt, da. of John Pitt and Olive Hardy, probable sister of George Hardy, who witnessed the Will of Edward Harris, d. 1677. John Hardy m. 2. Alice Tucker, widow of Arthur Allen. Richard Reynolds and Will Bradshaw witnesses to will of Giles Driver (son-in-law of John Hardy), proved 28 December 1676. ( D.B. 2, p. 147)
1.1.1.1. William Jordan. IOW marriages, 1628-1800: William Jordan and Mary Exum, sister of Francis Exum. 1753.
Brantley, James – estate appraised by Francis Exum, Simon Turner and Thomas Clark; signed Ruth Brantley; recorded 1 Jun. 1756.

.THE HODGES CONNECTION

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. Rice Davies m. (1) Dorothy, da. of Maurice Rodney, Esq.; and niece of Agatha Rodney, who m. Thomas Hodges, Esquire, of Wedmore, d. 1583.
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
1.1.2. Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, who m. 2. Anne, widow of Robert Watson. He d. c. 1666, as that year his widow m. Captain James Powell.
1.1.2.1. Thomas Pitt, d. 1688, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, and Sarah Jackson.
1.1.2. 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.*
1. Robert Driver.
1.1. Robert Driver, of Avening, (30 mls from Bristol),
1.1.1. Giles Driver 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 Joseph Bridgers tenants of Woodmanscote was *Thomas Pitt, who may have been he who was transported to Virginia, in 1666.

Whatever the case, the relationships outlined above serve to illustrate that early Virginia was colonised by the lesser children of the English squirearchy and the children of their aspiring tenants, who sought to intermarry with them; both carving out a new life in a new world. They acted in unison in order to survive; lack of mutual co-operation would have brought about extinction. They were not the creation of Hollywood, but of the English kinship system; a mind-boggling warren of interconnections of blood, intermarriage, and money.

copyright m stanhope 2017