We can look back in time through different prisms, each giving a slightly different perspective. One such perspective can be gained through John Seward, a Bristol-born merchant, who held land in Somerset, and who was involved in the headright trade in Virginia, where he patented land in 1638: Upon Warresquioke River. Beginning at a pynie pint by a little gutt running into the woods right over against the land of Nathaniell Floyd* and near his former pattent. “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, who died in 1672. Francis Hobbs Jr. left a legacy to “cousin John Davis”, and “brother John Harris”; his Will being recorded 9 June 1688.

Nathaniel Floyd, 850 acres, 20 November 1637. 600 acres being a neck about 4 miles up the main creek and lying between 2 creeks, and 250 up near the head of the main creek, for the trans. of 17 persons among whom was Ambrose Proctor and Mathew Tomlin.

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 Fulgham, of Pitminster, Somerset, 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, who m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy. In IOW Court, January 11, 1672, Thomas Tooke (associated with Thomas Harris, who died in 1672), as attorney, calls John Davis “his loving brother”.

THE DAVIES FAMILY:

1. Samuel Davis, “A griffin segreant”; friend of Thomas Pitt, father of William Pitt, as follows.
1.1. Rice Davis, Esquire, of Tickenham, Somerset, married: (1) Dorothy, daughter of Maurice Rodney Esq. thus becoming a kinsman of the Hodges family of Wedmore. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married to Roger Williams, of Monmouthshire. (2) Isabel, daughter of Henry Lygon of Colne, Gloucestershire, widow of Edward Basset. (3) Mary Pitt, sister of William Pitt, and widow of Robert Owen of Bristol, merchant, by whom a daughter married Nicholas Poyntz. Their daughter, Eleanor, married Major William Goodriche.
1.2. John Davis.
1.2.1. John Davis, m. Alice Knight, 9 October 1606.
1.2.1.1. William Davis, bapt. 12 April 1607. Thomas Floyd headright of William Davis, James City, 1639.
1.3. Abraham Davies.
1.3.1. Richard Davis esq, of Tickenham, bapt. 8 Nov 1587, m. Mary Owen, da. of Robert Owen, of Bristol and n.b. Carmarthanshire.
1.3.1.1. Robert Davis (involved in various litigations concerning the Owen estate).
1.3.1.1.1. John Davis, bapt. 17 April 1637; d. bef. 28 June 1714, m. Mary Green. 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. Thomas Harris (d. 1672) 40 acres, 14 Aug. 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.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Sarah Davis, d. ob. ante 6 January 1720, m. Nicholas Fulgham, son of Anthony Fulgham and Martha Green.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Nicholas Fulgham, m. Martha Pitt.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Fulgham, m. Thomas Applewhaite, son of Henry Applewhaite, who moved from Barbados to IOW Co., before 1668, when he purchased 100 acres from Roger Davis. Henry Applewhaite is mentioned in the Will of George Williams, R. 9 Oct. 1672, as is “Mr. William Bressie and his wife Susanna, if it shall please God to send them back to Virginia”. This Indenture made the Eleaventh day of October, in the four & twentieth Year of the reigne of our Sov’eigneLord 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”.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. 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. Edward Brantley was a headright of John Seward, as given elsewhere,
1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Applewhaite, 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
1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. 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.
1.3.1.2. Samuel Davis. 4 Oct. 1640: Sir Francis Wyatt granted to Samuel Davis 100 ac.on a branch of Pagan Creek, adj. Nathaniel Floyd. He m. Isabell Wallis, 27 Oct. 1624. (*Thomas Wallis headright of Thomas Davis, James city, 1638. Samuell Hudson, headright of Mr. Thomas Wallis, James City Co, 1638).

Wrington (Somerset) was near to the main abodes of the Davis family. In this regard, it can not be discounted that Edward Harris, d. 1677, was of Wrington; especially as his family were intermarried with ones of Wallis and Andrews, as the Davis family.

There may be little point in assuming a very close relationship between Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and Edward Harris, d. 1677, as the family they came from was so exremely interbred with families in their kinship group that what appears in analysis of DNA to be a close connection is usually much more distant.

1. Robert Harris, bur. 20 Mar. 1579.
1.1. John Harris, b. 25 Mar. 1545; bur. 27 Jan. 1596.
1.1.1. John Harris, m. (1) Alice Rumney 20 May 1572; (2) Anne Batten, 22 Sept. 1576, who may have been of the family related to the Pitts.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. 30 Mar. 1577 (the elder; bur. 4 Dec 1635) m. Isabell Longe, 23 Oct. 1614).
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris (the younger); bur. 20 May 1636.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Harris, bapt. 22 Jul. 1629.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Harris, bapt. 4 Aug. 1633; bur. 30 Oct. 1661.
1.1.1.1.2. Edward Harris, bapt. 1 Oct. 1619.
1.2. William Harris, m. Agnes Heale, 22 Apr. 1559.
1.2.1. Edward Harris, m. Jone Young, 17 Feb. 1584.
1.2.2. William Harris, m. (1) Agnes Wallis, 20 Jun. 1587; (2) Jone Andrewes, 7 Nov. 1595.

John Seward was a headright of John Moone, in Warrasquinoake, in 1635, kin of the Fulghams: Anthony Fulgham’s brother, Thomas, having married Mary (Moone) Green, half-sister of Sarah Moone, wife of John Pitt, of Bristol, grandson of William and Mary Pitt:

“Mary Pitt of the parish of St. Thomas within the city of Bristol, widow”, Will proved 25 November 1634. “To my daughter Anne Edwardes sixty pounds &c. and my ring with a “Turkie” stone therein … To my son Robert Pitt* all that my lands and grounds,with the appurtenances &c, which I lately purchased of one Thomas Cowdry, being part of the manor of Compton Magna in the County of Somerset … To William Edwards my grandchild one silver and gilt beaker. Another to John Pitt my grandchild. To my grandchild Robert Pitt one silver and gilt salt cellar and to my grandchild John Edwards a silver beer bowl”. (Seager, 97). *Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. 9 January 1674, Isle of Wight, VA. He was Captain of the Thunder, a merchant ship out of Bristol and a Colonel in the Virginia Militia. His son, John Pitt, married Olive, dau. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett. She married 1. Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Seaward’s daughter, Margaret, m. John Edwards, 28 January 1633, Temple Church, Bristol.

The Pitts of Bristol, and their familial relationships, almost certainly provide many ‘continuations of association’ in Virginia.

PITT/PYKE/KITCHEN

William Pitt of the city of Bristol merchant, Will proved 4 February 1624. “To my loving wife Mary (Owen) five hundred pounds. To my son William two hundred and fifty pounds. To my son Robert three score and ten pounds. To my son Henry* two hundred and fifty pounds. To my son Thomas two hundred and fifty pounds. 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 … and do appoint my well beloved cousins Mr. William Pitt, draper, and (n.b.) Mr Nicholas Pikes, gent, overseers. Witnessed by Richard Marlowe, Nicholas Pike and Richard Griffeth. Published (after alterations made) 30 October 1624, in presence of William Pitt, Edward Batten, Abraham Edwards. *Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, who married 2. Ann, widow of Robert Watson. His son, Thomas, married Col. Athur Smith’s daughter, Mary.

Nicholas Pikes was the son of John Pyke of Bristol, and Alice Thorne, filia prima of Nicholas Thorne of Bristol. Their son, Nicholas Pyke, married Margaret, da. of John Poulton, draper of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (PROB 11/121/769 28 June 1613). Their son, Walter Pyke, born 1619, is mentioned in the will (dated 24 May 1651) of Robert Guy, of Doynton, Gloucestershire, as his “brother”; the will naming Walter’s sons as John, Walter, William, and Thomas.

The Bristol Charities: Commissioners’ report: “In an old parish book, containing abstracts of various instruments of conveyances, leases, and other writings (page 103), a deed is in substance set forth, dated 20th January, 20 James I, whereby Abel Kitchen the elder, and John Rowberow, of Bristol, two of the surviving executors of Robert Kitchen, late Alderman of the said city, did grant unto Robert Kitchen, Abel Kitchen the younger, Humfrie Read, and others, for ever, one annuity or yearly rent of 31.2s. to be issuing out of the two several messuages or tenements situate in Broad-street, within the parish of Christ-Church, in the said city, being part of the messuages or tenements called the New Market; to hold to them, their heirs, and assigns.

An ancient copy of the will of Abel Kitchen was produced, dated 19th January, 1639, containing the following clauses:– “Item.—Igive, devise, and bequeath, to the poor people of the parish of Christ-Church, in the said city, the annuity of 20s. and 6s. a year, which I late purchased of Walter Gilson, of Bedminster, to be paid to the churchwardens of the said parish, for the time being, to be distributed in bread, by sixpence a week for ever, to three poor people of that parish, every Sunday, in such manner as the gift of Mr. Robert Kitchen, alderman, deceased, is now given and distributed”.

Robert Kitchen. June 19 1594: Robert Kitchen, Alderman of Bristol. To be buried at St. Stephen`s near Johan my 1st wife. Land and houses to Robert, son of Matthew Haviland of Bristol, Merchant. William and John sons of Matthew Haviland. My wife Justine. My brother Matthew Kitchin. His son (Abel) my nephew £30. Agnes and Margaret daughters of my said brother Matthew Kitchin. To my sister Agnes £10. To Robert Kitchin son of my brother Richard Kitchin of London,£100 and an annuity of £2 13 4d. To my brother Thomas Kitchin 40s. Elizabeth and Jane daughters of my brother John Kitchin. Proved 10 January 10 1594 by John Barker, Matthew Haviland, John Rowberrough, and Abel Kitchin. 11 Jly. A Richard Kitchen m. Alice Pittes, 10 January 1594, Temple Church, Bristol. In July 1646, Thomas Derick, of the famiy associated with Sergeant John Harris, m. Austen Kitchin, Temple Church, Bristol.

William Morecombe v. Roger Ley, John Seller: “Impost of Spanish and French wines brought into England, particularly into the port of Barnstaple (Devon),” granted by Queen Elizabeth to Robt., late Earl of Leicester, and grant by him to Wm. Newce and Robt. Kitchen, of Bristol of the “custom, subsidy, and impost of all Spanish wines brought into “the ports of Bristol. (E 134/40Eliz/Hil5).

Copy deed of settlement. (1) Mayor and commonalty of Bristol. (2) Mayor,Aldermen and citizens of Bath. (3) Abel Kitchen and John Rowberowe, merchants, exors of will of Robert Kitchen, decd. Of annuity of £32 and sum of £400, to be laid out in several sums for charitable purposes within each of the 17 parishes. 27 March 1630. (P/St.Aug/Ch/2).

Doynton deeds. Moiety of manor of Doynton and property in Doynton, Southwood, Dyrham, Cold Ashton, Bitton, Wick & Abson and Pucklechurch: feoffment from Abell Kitchen of Bristol, merchant, to John Guy of the same, merchant. (DD\GL/86. 1614).
Mess. and farm, approx. 80a., partitioned between Abell Kitchen and John Guy, both of Bristol, merchants, being tenants in common, 1626. (DD\GL/89).

Leases and counterparts, mostly for terms of 99 years on lives, concerning various premises including messuage, grist mill and tucking mill, 1598; wood grounds formerly part of Lordswood (3 docts.) 1602-1623; messuage late Murford’s, 1626, and capital messuage and farm, 1632. Lessors are: Arthur Player of Siston, gent. 1598; John Jones the elder and younger of Marshfield, 1602; John Guy of Bristol, merchant, 1608-1638; Christopher Mills als. Butler of Doynton, yeo., 1614; Abell Kitchen of Bristol, merchant, 1614-1626; Michael Meredith of Marshfield, gent., 1627, and John Langton of Bristol, alderman, 1633-1649. (DD\GL/153).

PROB 11/183/731. Will of Abell Kitchen, Merchant of Bristol, Gloucestershire. 26 August 1640. Admin. to son John Kitchin.

PROB 11/228/2. Will of Robert Kitchen, Merchant of Bristol, Gloucestershire. 4 May 1653.

Covenant to levy a fine between John Carpenter and wife Elizabeth, Thomas Iles and wife Dorothy and Sarah Kitchen, spinster (daughters of Robert Kitchen descd and co-heirs of Mary, dau. of Abel Kitchen descd) to Samuel Franckome, Richard Davis al. Taylor and Thomas Tucker : messuage called the Splotts, situated under Toghill at Doynton, with lands. 2 January 1654. (HA/D/295).

In Virginia: John Harris, to wife sarah … to daughter Mary. Prob. 15 June 1720. Wit: John Kitchen, Robt. Ruffin. (B. 7, p. 523).

John Kitchen, son Benjamin, wife Sarah. Wit. John Edwards, Robert Ruffin.
15 June 1720

William Pitt was married to Mary Owen, sister of Robert Owen “of the city of Bristol, merchant, now bound on a voyage into the parts beyond the seas”, his Will 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 … 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 … My brother Griffeth Owen … My brother George 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”. Cope, 8. *As given heretofore, he was a kinsman of Thomas Hodges, Esquire, of Wedmore, Somerset; his family’s tenants being the Council family.

Defendants: Robert Owen, James Owen, Thomas Wall gent, Mary Wall his wife, 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 John Harris, Mary Davis (alias Mary Owen) wife of Richard Davis and William Pitt merchant, of Bristol, Gloucestershire: property in Portbury, Somerset and the Quay, Bristol, Gloucestershire.

The ancestry of Bartholomew Owen may have to be reconsidered.

Edward Batten of Bristol gentleman, Will proved 16 November 1638. The poor of Temple parish in Bristol. Wife Mary Batten. My three tankards which I bought of my cousin Pitt I give to my three grandchildren and godsons Edward Hobbs, son of Thomas Hobbs, My son in law Mr Thomas Hobbes I appoint executor and do desire my cousin Mr Edward Pitt* and Mr Richard Meredith, vicar of Stogarsey, to be the overseers, dated 16 September 1638. Lee, 156. *Son of John Pitt, brother of William Pitt, aforementioned. The earliest records I can find of this Hobbes family is of Robert Hobbes marrying Elizabeth Jones, 15 October 1580, and Thomas Hobbes marrying Mary Batten, 10 September 1620, Temple Church, Bristol. A John Harris married Jane Hobbes in 1624, same venue.

Sarah Nethway of Bristol, widow of Thomas Nethway merchant deceased, her will proved 18 June 1641. My brother in law William Holman. Certain friends and servants and poor householders. Whereas my brother in law Mr Edward Pitt, now one of the Sheriffs of the said city of Bristol.

John Seward held land on the Blackwater, where Thomas Harris, who died in 1688, settled: 27 April 1686, Matthew Tomlin 1227 acres, lower par. Isle of Wight co. on borders of Blackwater, 781 acres being part of 1200 acres granted to Mr. John Seward 16 April 1648l 448 acres being waste adj.; beg. at a br. dividing land of John Turner and his daughter Marie’s, by William Westray, adj. Mary Turner, and Thomas Harris, to the bottom of Pig Neck; transp. of 9 persons. (B 7, p. 510).

Mathew Tomlin sells to John Johnson 225 ac. called “Pigneck”, 13 August 1687. Witness, John Davis.

James Pyland married the widow of Thomas Greenwood. She next married Thomas Edwards, who claimed Greenwood’s land, and sold 150 acres of it to John Jennings (overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). 4 March 1674. Witness, John Davis. Thomas Greenwood, 150 acres July 28, 1641. Upon a branch of Seward’s Creek adj. John Seaward and John Upton.* Due for his own per. adv. and for trans. of Mary, his wife and Dorothy Greenwood. *His headright was Christopher Lewis, associate of Bartholomew Owen. John Upton, 3289 acres, 10 July 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. 139 acres for trans. 3 pers. and the remainder by several former pats. Robert Byrd, 150 acres 4 March 1646. Upon a branch of the lower bay called Sewards Cr. beg. at mouth of Goose Hill Cr., Hugh Winn and John Seward. Formerly granted to William Yarrett and by him and Hugh Wynn assigned to Byrd 20 October 1641.

Jennings, John: Leg.-son John; daughter Martha; daughter Mary my land on Lyon’s Creek; Daughter Sarah the land bought of Valentine Chitty; son-in-law William Seward; George Seward, wife Mary. (children under 17); Overseers, Capt. Edmund Wickins, Lt. George Moore, Thomas Moore, William Seward. Date. Oct. 19, 1678. Wit: George Lewer, Mathew Wood. Security was provided by Robert Flake and George Moore.

George Moore (brother of Thomas Moore), m. Jane Barcroft, da. of Charles Barcroft, a London vintner. George Moore (son of John Moore, mariner and merchant of Bristol), stated to be “age 78 years” when he made his will in 1710 (Chapman, IOW Wills, p. 54).

Sister to George and Thomas was Katherine Moore, who married (2) Robert Flake, a tobacco factor for Bristol merchants. Robert Flake and Samuel Eldridge, 560 acres, 20 August 1650. Lying upon the third swamp from Henry White’s plantation, due for trans. 11 pers. Christopher Lewis, 750 acres, 26 July 1652. About a mile to the Swd. of Henry White’s plantation at the Blackwater for trans. of 15 pers. Francis England, 946 acres, 26 July 1652. 746 by former pat. 20 June 1642 and 200 by assignment of a pat. from John White dated 4 July 1649.

By her first husband, she had issue:

Joyce, who married (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. Francis England, George Cripps. William Jennings of Bristol, surgeon, appts. Thomas Moore of Pagan Creek his atty. to collect from Arthur Skynner, Gyles Dryver (headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and Joseph Whitson, and by virtue of a letter of atty. from John Hardiman of Bristol, taylor, to collect from William Hoodson in Nansemond. 29 June 1667. (Bodie, vol. 2, p. 550). Francis England was probably closely related to John England: Surrender of lease, John England of Bristol, merchant to John Seymour. (Bristol Archives, 8017/24. 20 April 1676). Edward Brantley, 30 October 1669, 675 acres adj. land of Mr. England and Mr. Tooke (associate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).

George Moore had issue: Eleanor Moore, who married Richard Piland, the son of James Piland, bapt. on 30 August 1604, in St Mary’s Le Porte, Bristol, headright of Francis England, in 1642. In the Will of John Oliver, written 19 April 1652, he wrote, “I do appoint my loving friends James Piland and Robert Bird”. Ann Moore, who married Thomas White. The estates of Ann Moore and her husband Thomas White were appraised between 22 March 1741 and 26 July 1742 by Thomas Day, John Goodrich, and Edward Brantley. (Chapman, Wills, p. 142). Edward Brantley was security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672

HARRIS

1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, 31 Aug. 1562, in Wiveliscombe; kin of a family of Forte.
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.
1.1.1. William Harris, bapt. 28 Jan. 1595. He may have been the William Harris, headright of John Moone in IOW, in 1637 – the Fulgham connection.
1.1.2. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 20 Nov. 1623, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, probably he who d. in Virginia in 1672. Thomas Harris was the cousin of Richard Bennett, whose 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. Thomas Harris, Will recorded 13 Nov. 1672. Security: John Newman and Edward Brantley. Thomas Harris was also the nephew of 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”.
1.1.2.1. John Harris. William Groves, appraisal by John Harris, Edward Brantley, Elias Fort and Edward Grantham; 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.
1.1.2.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Probably he bapt. 31 Dec. 1637, in Cheddar (the domain of the Lancasters, who also held land in Wiveliscombe), ‘son of Thomas’. He placed his orphan son under the care of Hodges Council.
1.1.2.2.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1730: Thomas Harris 290 ac. IOW, on the Maherin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch adj. Edward Brantley (son of Phillip and Joyce Lewis), and William Simmons line, 24 March 1725. Edward Brantley, John Thorpe, and Thomas Purcell appraisers.
1.1.3. Richard Harris.
1.1.3.1. 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.
1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710.
1.1.4. Robert Harris. Lawne’s Creek; 26 October 1646, James Tooke to Robert Harris, all my right and title to this lease.
1.1.4.1. Edward Harris, bapt. 8 Aug. 1624, Wedmore (juxta Cheddar), ‘son of Robert; he who may have died d. in 1677, in Virginia.

COUNSELL

1. John Cownsell, bapt. 1573.
1.1. John Cownsell, 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. Their granddau. m. a member of the Hix family, stewards of the Lancasters. The vastly intertwined nature of family associations is evidenced through the Coomers. Mary and Agnes Coomer were daughters of a John Coomer, sisters of John Coomer, and aunt of his issue: John Coomer (father of another John), William Coomer Sr., Thomas Coomer, and Mary Coomer, who m. John Gardner, 24 Oct. 1664, in Cheddar; br. of Joel Gardner, father of Jane Gardner, who m. James Counsell, likely br. of Hodges Counsell, 12 Jun. 1682, in Cheddar. (See Presentments of churchwardens, etc. Cheddar (Peculiar, etc.). 1662-1701. Marriage Bond: James Counsell of Burrington, husbandman, and Jane Gardner, daughter of Joel Gardner of Cheddar. (S.H.C./ DD\SAS/C795/PR/150).
1.1.1. Richard Cownsell, bapt. 3 Sept. 1613 (Blackford vill. par. Wedmore), 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. Lease: Margery Hodges of Heathhouse, Wedmore, widow, to Richard Counsell of Wedmore, husbandman and Joan his wife. Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. ref. 2667/1/36/2. 1648.
1.1.1.1. Hodges Council, the very likely son of Richard Council, 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.
1.1.1.1.1. Hodges Council, inherited land on Blackwater. IOW, B 10, p. 205: John Council of Isle of Wight County and Province of Virginia sold to James Council of said county and his heirs forever, “my plantation whereon I now dwell only excepting my life in plantation” on Blackwater (River) 100 acres more or less joining Benjamin Darden and Samuel Vaughn. Part of “Patien” granted Hodges Council (the 2d) and by his will to his son John Councill and now by said John Councill to his son James Councill, to him & his heirs forever to have & hold. Sig. John Council. Wit. John Benteen, Nathan Council. Rec. 2 May 1756.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Council, inherited from his father ‘the land I bought of Robert Lawrence’; likely the son of Philip Lawrence, who m. Joan Council, 20 Aug. 1618, Wedmore, the probable great- aunt of Hodges Council Sr. John Council d. bef. 1747, m. Josie Willis. John Council of Newport Parish to John Mackall of the same, 300 acres in Newport Parish (being land John Hardy of the lower parish willed to his dau. Lucy Council, who was the mother of the said John Council), on the southeast side of John Fulgram’s Swamp, adjoining William Westray and William Joyner. Wit. William Greene, Henry Pitt and John Council. Rec. 26 Feb. 1710.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Nathan Council. Richard Worrell and wife Patience to James Kitching, dated 8 Apr. 1756, 174 acres on the south side of the Blackwater Swamp adj. William Harris, Thomas Gray, and John Barnes. W: Joseph Denson, John Johnson, and Nathan Council. (Southampton Co., B. 2, 1753-1760, p. 97). William Harris to Nathan Council of IOW Co., dated 8 Apr. 1756, 100 acres adj. Bridgman Joyner Jr. S: William Harris, W: Jesse Jones, Sarah King, and James Kitchen. (ibid. pp. 97-98).
1.1.1.1.1.3. Hardy Council, d. 1750, m. Susannah Pope. Executor: son, Charles; Witnesses: Robert Johnson, Hardy Lawrence, and Jacob Dickinson. Hardy Council, Gent. to Richard Wooten and wife, Lucy Wooten, and their son, William Wooten, as consideation of a law suit over trepass, 500 acres on Beaver Dam Swamp. Wit: Barnaby Kearney, Christopher Reynolds, Hardy Council, John Pitt. (B. 4, p. 98. Rec. 22 Mar. 1730).
1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Mary Council, m. Phillip Brantley.

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