The original kinship groups that colonised early Virginia had intermarried in the eighteenth century, leading people to trace those associated with them to one strand or other of an original group. An example of this is the Kennon and Eppes intermarriages, which gave birth to a Harris family being assigned to those associated with Eppes, rather than the Kennons; almost certainly the reverse of reality.

The Harris family in question were linked to such families as those of Coffee, Kitrell, Rasberry, and Williams, and they were undoubtedly of the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Those Harris of a later period, who had links to these families, were also undoubtedly descended from this Thomas, by the binding imperative of the English kinship system – that of ‘continuation of association’.

Such later Harris may have been placed in a ‘house of many rooms’, and given a particular number of room, being told that they must share it with other descendants of a common ancestor (as determined by DNA testing). Yet, another feature of the English kinship system ( particularly applicable to those originating in remote areas, punctuated by a sparse number of villages, as in the marshy lands of South Somerset), was the incredulous amount of repetitive inbreeding between families. This makes for closer ‘DNA associations’ than was likely the case. Thus, assumed close kin may be of a different ‘room’, or even of a different ‘floor’; albeit of the same ‘house’.

Descendants of Thomas Harris are normally claimed to have derived from a small number of his sons, with their ‘heroic’ wives being given a phenomenal number of children that survived into adulthood. Such means to claims of ancestry are inevitably contrived, at least for the most part. What is needed is a new start, one not chained to what has been handed down as fact, but, is, rather, a fiction.

1. Edward Cannon/Kenion, of Greenwich, 20 mls fr. Rochester.
2. Robert Cannon, m. Mary Mumford, July 3, 1628, in St Alphage, Greenwich, Kent
3. Robert Cannon, bapt. March 6, 1629. (St Alphage).
3. Edward Cannon, bapt. March 9, 1635 (St Alphage).
2. William Cannon.
2. ‘John Kennon, Brazier of Rochester’, bapt. (St Alphage), July 5, 1620 (PROB 11/286/500, Feb. 4, 1659), names wife, Judith, who was bequested lands in Weymouth, Dorset.
2. Richard Cannon, b. ca. 1625.
3. Richard Cannon; a tobacco factor of William Paggen, in Virginia, who was involved in various litigations against John Claphamson, probably of a familial context: Claphamson v Paggen. Plaintiffs: John Claphamson. Defendants: Daniel Claphamson, William Paggen, and John Mumford. He m. Elizabeth Worsham, dau. of William Worsham. His mother-in-law married (2) Lt. Col. Francis Eppes (son of Lt. Col. Francis Eppes, the immigrant).
Richard appears in this English record:
Holman v Cannon. Plaintiffs: Samuel Holman. Defendants: Richard Cannon. Subject: money matters, Dorset. 1687. (C 5/165/16).
4. Martha Kennon, m. (1701) Robert Munford/Mumford, son of James Munford of Prince George Co.
4. Judith Kennon, m. Thomas Eldridge, of Surry. “The first of the Eldridge family from whom descent can be traced was “Mr. Thomas Eldridge,” who in 1709 was practicing law in Henrico and in 1716 was deputy clerk of that county. He married Judith, daughter of Richard Kennon, of “Conjurer’s Neck.” In June, 1711, Thomas and Judith Eldridge were witnesses to a deed from William Kennon to his brother Richard Kennon (Jr.); and in the same year William Kennon deeded to Thomas Eldridge a tract of land in Henrico.

Thomas Eldridge was very likely of the Bristol family of his name:
June 21, 1665. Samuel Eldridge, of Bristol. Dying intestate, adm. requested by Thomas Moore, of Bristol, who m. the relict. Security George Moore (br. of Thomas), and Mr Brantlie. (AP,10). George Moore, of Bristol, aged 78 in 1710, m. Jane Barcroft, dau. of Charles Barcroft, of Chard, Somerset. His sister, Katherine Moore, m. (2) Robert Flake (partner of Samuel Eldridge). By her first husband, she had issue: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. George Moore’s dau., Ann Moore, m. Thomas White. Their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

5. Martha Eldridge (named if father’s will – sister of Sarah, who m. (1762), George Rives, of Sussex Co.; Mary, b. March 11, 1743, m. Thomas Branch), m. John Harris (Vestryman, Southwark Parish, Surry), whose Will was proved March 19, 1771. He desired to be buried by his wife and parents. To dau. Pamela McRae, two negroes. Legacies to son Richard Harris, dau. Mary Harris, dau. Anne Harris, and sons Kennon and Eldridge Harris. Commits his dau., Ann, to the care of his son-in-law, Rev. Christopher McRae. Directs his lands at Ware Neck and Foster’s to be sold and the proceeds divided between his three sons. Appoints his particular friends Rev. Christopher McRae, rector of Southwark Parish, Michael Nicholson of Surry and William Eldridge, of Surry. John Harris is recorded here: ‘Drury Warren and wife Elizabeth Warren to Frederick Warren … 100 ac. bdd. by John Harris, William Pyland, Thomas Carrel, John Wesson, Gum Branch, Hog Pen Swamp. Joseph Warren and John Harris, Wareneck Mill Swamp, Cannon’s Spring. May 21, 1771’. William Pyland was the son of James Piland Jr. and Elizabeth Piland (born Brantley).

6. Kennon, Eldridge, and Richard Harris.
4. Sara Kennon, m. Francis Eppes.
5. Ann Eppes, m. Benjamin Harris, bef. Oct. 31, 1745.
6. Francis Eppes Harris, d. December 23, 1828 (80) Madison Co., Alabama. He m. Ann Macon, dau. of Henry Macon.
7. Daniel, Kennon, and Henry Harris.
5. Richard Eppes, m. Martha Bolling, dau. of Robert Bolling Jr. and Mary Ann Cocke.
5. Martha Eppes, m. (secondly), John Wayles, a security for the Will of Benjamin Harris, with Thomas Moody.
4. Richard Kennon, m. Agnes Bolling (who left property in 1762 to “friend Theoderick Bland”), dau. of Robert Bolling and Anne Stith. Theoderick Bland (b. Dec. 2, 1719, Prince George Co., d. July 16, 1783, Amelia Co.), was the grandson of his namesake and Ann Bennett, thus a kinsman of the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; Edward Harris, d. 1677, and Thomas Harris, d. 1677 (kin of the Thomas who d. 1688). He m. Frances Elizabeth Bolling, dau. of Drury Bolling and Elizabeth Meriwether, granddau. of Nicholas Meriwether. Agnes Bolling’s niece, Martha Bolling, m. Richard Eppes, aforesaid.

That the family of Kennon intermarried with the Eppes, so opening the way for other inter-dynastic intermarriages between associated families – Graves and a Harris family of Wolf Swamp, etc. – does not really make for confusion. The Harris family connected to the Kennons were totally distinct from those of Wolf Swamp, it just so happened their names were the same, not an unusual factor concerning families of such common surname. Any study of such families (Davis, Thomas, Price, Smith, etc.) would provide numerous examples of connections held in common by them, though they were of different paternal ines.

A WILLIAMS PROJECTION

1. John Williams (Will recorded May 1, 1708, appraised by Peter Deberry (m. Mary, dau. of Edward Brantley, security for the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and James Piland, his Godson, who was a great-nephew of Thomas Moore, grandfather of Avis white, wife of John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), m. Margaret Moore, dau. of George Moore, James Piland’s aunt. In this example (one of numerous), the close familial connection of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his namesake, d. 1688, is exhibited. Research into this Harris family has been stymied by attempts of ‘ancestor claimants’ to refute such connections; the ‘curtain of charity’ being drawn over their reasons. James Poland – appraiser of Edward Harris (titheable John Williams, 1, Lawnes Creek, June 9, 1694).
2. John Williams, m. Mary …. John Williams Sr. of Hanover Co to John Williams Jr. of Goochland, his son. Land on North Side James River on branches of Tuckahoe Creek. 425 acres patented 31 Oct 1716. Witnesses: Henry & Ralph Graves. Rec. March 21, 1737.
3. John Williams (m. Frances, relict of Samuel Hicks Jr.).
4. Wyatt Williams, Sr., d. Nov. 7, 1820, aged 75, Warren County; Half brother of David and Absolom Hicks. At a court held for Cumberland Co. May 28, 1759. “This last Will & Testament of Benjamin Harris decd was presented in Court by Richard Eppes the Executor therein named, and the same was proved by the oath of Thomas Moody a witness thereto”. Thomas Moody was the father of Elizabeth, wife of Wyatt Williams.
3. Ann Williams, m. William Rasberry, who d. 1779 (aged 71), in Bertie Co., son of: “John Raspberry, and wife Bridget, to Andrew Barron. 635 ac. on Meherrin Creek; Oct. 20, 1713. Witnessed by George Smith, and Arthur Dugall. William Rasberry witnessed the Will of James Meglohon, of Bertie Co., July 4, 1750, which named Samuel and Christopher Hollman* as sons-in-law. It also named “wife Margaret, all the estate she was posseded of from when I married her by her deceased husband, Jonathan Kitterill”. James Meglohon was, thus, the stepfather of John Kittrell, b. 1719, Chowan Co., N.C, d. 1792, Bertie Co., N.C., and Jonathan Kittrell Jr., b. 1720, d. 1812, in Granville Co. N.C.
3. Mary Williams, b. Sept. 1, 1706 in Hanover Co., m. Henry White Graves. (1692-1745), son of Ralph Graves and Unity White.
4. Mary Graves, m. John Christmas.
4. Elizabeth Graves, m. Joshua Coffee, whose br., Peter Coffee Jr., was the father of Sarah, wife of William Harris.
3. Nathaniel Williams, b. Dec. 2, 1712, Hanover Co., m. (1) Mary …
4. Elizabeth Williams, b. ca. 1739, m. … Hicks.
4. John Williams, b. July 7, 1740, Hanover Co., moved to Goochland Co in 1735, d. 1804, in Orange Co. (now Caswell). Jan. 1, 1786: ‘John Williams to Jeremiah Williamson, 200 ac. on east side of Hart’s road adj. Hart, Jouett, Matlet’s corner’ (D.B. E, p. 24). Feb. 6, 1797: ‘Hall Williamson of Rockingham to Azariah Graves, 231 ac. on Horsely Cr. adj Col. J. Williams’ (D.B K, p. 10). Jan. 10, 1799: ‘John Lenox of Rockingham Co. NC to Richard Simpson (son-in-law of Col. John Williams*), 167 ac. on a side road from the Chapel to Mrs. Brown’s, adj Cobb old line, still pond of Col. Williams. Wit: John Williams, Jr.’ (nephew). (D.B L, p. 53). March 4, 1800: ‘John Williams to William Simpson of Fairfax Co VA for 662 Spanish dollars, 662 ac. adj William Dickson, Atkinson, & Capt. Simpson. Wit: Richd Simpson, Thos. Jouett’ (ibid., p. 238). *He m. Henritta Williams, Dec. 19, 1787. in Caswell Co. He was the brother of Mary Simpson, wife of Tyrree Harris, and Sarah Simpson, who m. Nathaniel Hart.
5. Marmaduke “Duke” Williams, b. Feb. 14, 1768, Hillsboro, Orange Co., NC, d. 1834. He m. (Nov. 4, 1790), Edith Harris (Sept. 6, 1775-Nov. 26, 1816), dau. of Tyree Harris. (Louisa Co., D.B. A, p. 452. Jan. 31, 1751). Oct. 20 1816: ‘Elizabeth Williams to daughter in law Edy Williams, wife of Duke Williams, for love & affection, loan of two negroes Philiis & Simon now in her possession in the state of TN; these to go to her children by Duke Williams; also negro girl Barbary now in possession of grantor. Wit: B. Yancey, Jno W. Graves. R. Nov. 5, 1816′ (D.B R, p. 370). Edy’s brother was her guardian after the death of her father: July Court 1790, Acct of Ede Harris with Tyree Harriss, guardian.
4. Joseph Williams, b. March 27, 1748. d. 1827, Surry Co., N.C., m. Rebecca Lanier, dau of Thomas Lanier and sister to Sarah who m. Joseph’s br., Robert. Surry Co., Nov. Sessions, 1827, Henry Poindexter gave witness at probate.
4. Robert Williams, b. Aug. 4, 1744, Hanover Co., d.. Oct. 10, 1774 Orange/Granville Co., NC; m. to Sarah Lanier, b. Dec. 12, 1748, Lunenburg Co., Va, d. aft 1804, dau. of Thos. Lanier and Eliz. Hicks; son of Nicholas Lanier, half-br. of Sampson Lanier, Sr., whose son and namesake was the father of Rebecca Lanier, wife of Walton Harris, desc. of Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688

(1. Thomas Christmas, m. Ann Duke, dau. of James Duke and Elizabeth Byrd, dau. of William Byrd (d. 1704). and Mary Horsmanden.
2. John Christmas, m. Mary Graves.
3. Thomas Christmas, m. (Nov. 26, 1764 in Warren Co.), Sarah Duke, dau. of William Raleigh Duke Jr. (and Mary Green), son of his namesake, son of James Duke and Elizabeth Byrd. Mary Green was the dau. of Thomas Edward Green, half brother of Ann Turner, wife of West Harris Sr., who had issue, inc. Turner Harris (b. June 25, 1745 in IOW, d. Feb. 25, 1819 in Montgomery, N.C. Ann Turner was the dau. of Joseph Edward Turner, son of John Turner and Mary Tomlin; John Turner being the br. of Mary Turner, wife of Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
3. John Christmas, m. Nancy Duke, sister of Sarah Duke).

(A summary of the work of J. C. Harris, ‘Charles Hooks and Margaret Monk Harris’, 1911:
1. John Harris, of New Bern, Craven Co., N.C, d. there Oct. 31, 1801, aged 71. Mary Harris, wife of John Harris, d. March 11, 1792, aged 47 years, at New Bern, N.C. (She was the dau. of John Gatlin).
2. William Harris, b. June 2, 1774, moved to Hancock county, Georgia, where he m. Sarah Coffee.
3. Peter Coffee Harris, b. May 21, 1807, “and on Oct. 18, 1827, he m. Narcissa Ann Hooks, the dau. of Charles Hooks, who had been a member of congress from N.C. before his removal from there with his family to a plantation near Montgomery, where the marriage of his dau. took place”.
4. William Harris.
4. Peter Harris.
4. Charles Hooks Harris, m. Margaret Ann Monk, of Magnolia, Duplin Co., N.C., to whom were born:
5. James Coffee Harris, b. April 28, 1858, Magnolia, N.C.
5. Peter Charles Harris, b. Nov. 10, 1865, near Kingston, Ga.
5. William Julius Harris, b. Feb. 3, 1868, in Cedartown, Ga.
5. Seale Harris, b. March 13,1870, in Cedartown, Ga.
5. Hunter Harris, b. April 21, 1877, in Cedartown, Ga.
2. Stephen Harris, b. May 31, 1763, d. March 10, 1813.
2. Enoch Harris, b. Aug. 23, 1771, d. Oct. 20, 1806.
2. William Harris.
2. John Harris, b. April 23, 1782, d. March 8, 1843.
3. Stephen Harris, b. 1817, d. 1846; m. Mary White in 1843).

(1. Christopher Holliman was his granting a power of attorney to Thomas Pittman (of Wedmore, Somerset), on June 30, 1660.
1.1. Christopher Hollyman, Jr., bought 400 ac. on Wiccacon Creek adj. James Foyle from John Early.
1.1.1. John Holliman. B. 7, p. 13, Jan. 28, 1744: John Proctor of IOW to Roger Delk of Surry Co., 140 ac. on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp (being land taken up by said Proctor on Feb. 12, 1742); adj. John Holliman.
1.1.2. William Holliman, m. Mary Chambers.
1.1.2.1. Josiah Holliman, m, Ann White, niece of Avis White, who m. John Harris (son of Robert Harris, d. 1740, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688). Josiah Holliman witnessed the Will of Robert Harris, d. 1740.
1.1.3. *Samuel Holliman.
1.1.4. *Christopher Holliman).

Robert Harris of Fredericksville Par., Louisa Co., Gent., to Tyree Harris of same, son of Robert Harris. For natural love and affection and for 5 shillings currt. money. 400 ac. and plantation in Fredericksville Par., whereon sd. Robert Harris now lives … Thomas Poindexter’s corner … head of Rocky branch in John Street’s line … along sd. Street’s and John Matlock’s line … Samuel Waddy’s line by the main branch of Hiccory Bear Creek … Thomas Thompson’s corner … Thompson’s and John William’s line; part of a tract granted to John Blair of the City of Williamsburg, Esq., by patent March 17 1736; by indenture, of Oct. 23, 1742. William Graves, later of Granville Co., NC, in his deeds in Louisa Co., makes reference to land of Nathaniel Williams.

(Thomas Moody, in context. Court Records of Charles City Co., 1655- 1658, transcribed by Fleet: “Sept. 17, 1655, Commanders of the Several Companies of Militia: Capt. John Epes from Cittie Creek to lower end of Jordan’s except the back plantations; Capt. Daniell Lewellin for Essex the rest of Buckland, Windsor, Weynoke to Thomas Moodyes” (p. 16). “At a Court held at Merchant’s Hope 9 br. 1657, Howell Pryse hath proved right by testimony to 3850 ac. of land for the charge of importation of . . . Mr. War. Horsmanden, Jo. Turner, Tho. Moody” (p. 91). “At a Court Held at Westover Oct. 3, 1656: A probat of the nun-cupative Will of Tho. Moody dec’d this day proved in court graunted to ffrancis Redford who married the extrix of the sd will” (p. 55). “Francis Redford is ordered to pay all costs for trespass on Sara Hoe’s land” (p. 75). “Sara Hoe, widow of Rice Hoe, was given administration of his estate in 1655, with John Epes sitting as one of the Justices” (p. 16). “Frances Epes, Clark, says that Isham Eppes and John Redford had a survey of 531 ac. of land March 8, 1710, in Henrico County” (p.118). That is, John, Jr. son of Ann Moody Redford. Isham was brother of Col. Francis Eppes of Henrico; the dau. of Francis Ann Eppes, who m. Benjamin Harris, whose will was witnessed in 1759 in Cumberland Co. by Thomas Moody, where the Redfords also moved).

RECONSTRUCTED HARRIS

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Robert Harris, d. 1740. (Brother of Edward Harris – titheable John Williams, 1694).
1.1.1. Robert Harris Jr. – indenture of Feb. 1733 between Robert Harris and (cousin) Benjamin Harris.
1.1.1.1. Tyree Harris, m. (2) Mary Simpson.
1.1.1.1.1. Simpson Harris (Nov. 21, 1768 – May 8, 1833), m. (Dec. 28, 1792), Mary Coffee, sister of Gen. John Coffee, son of Joshua Coffee and Elizabeth Graves.
1.1.1.2. Mary Harris.
1.1.1.3. … Harris, m. John Jouett, see Robert Harris’s gift to son-in-law, John Jouett, in 1751. (D.B A, pp. 442-443).
1.1.2. James Harris. ‘Edward Lillington of Neuse River, Craven, will executed July 9, 1736. Son George, daughter Mary Sherlock, son Edward, son-in-law Dennis Sherlock, God-son Francis Sherlock, daughters Christian and Mary, James Harris and Dennis Sherlock Executors. Test, Katharine Harris, Ann Dupertall, Jasper Violow. ((N.C. Historical and Genealogical Register, issue 1, p. 478, 1998).
1.1.2.1. James Harris (ibid.), m. (cousin), Mary Harris.
1.1.2.2. John Harris, d. Oct. 31, 1801.
1.1.2.2.1. William Harris, b. June 2, 1774, moved to Hancock county, Georgia, where he m. Sarah Coffee, cousin of Mary Coffee, aforesaid. This demonstrates a feature of kinship groups – the second-cousins, Simpson and William Harris, m. cousins.
1.1.3. John Harris, m. Avis White. (This family associated with the Hollimans).
1.2. William Harris.
1.2.1. Benjamin Harris (cousin of Robert Harris Jr.); m. Ann Eppes. In an indenture of 1733, Benjamin refers to 256 ac. left him by the Will of his father, William Harris.
1.2.1.1. Francis Eppes Harris. “I appoint my sons, Daniel, Henry and Kennon Harris my executors to this my last fill end Testament, revoking dll other Fills ty me heretofore made, whereunto I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of April, 1828”.
1.2.1.1.1. Daniel, Henry and Kennon Harris.
1.2.1.2. Joseph Harris.
1.2.1.3. Captain Richard Harris. The Southern Advocate, Huntsville, Feb. 9, 1853. “ANOTHER REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER GONE. Died, in Madison county, Ala., January 23d, 1853: The deceased was born in Powhatan county, Va., on the 20th November, 1758. When but a youth, at the age of 17, he entered the army, and with that veteran band of soldiers, fighting for liberty and truth, devoted himself to his country’s interests till the close of the war. He was an eye-witness of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Little York. After having shared with his countrymen the hardships of war, he returned to his home and friends to enjoy that glorious boon, liberty, for which he had so earnestly contended. “Soon after the war, he devoted himself to the service of God and the good of his fellow men. He professed religion in Powhatan county, Va., and soon after united himself with the M. E. church, where he remained, for more than half a century, a consistent, useful, and much loved member. Hospitable, kind, generous, you had only to look upon his noble face to behold all those commanding and ennobling virtues which adorn human nature. He removed from Virginia to Madison county, Ala., in 1809, and resided near Blue Spring till the day of his death. We do not say he was without fault, but we do say that few men have lived as long as he did with as few censurers and with as few enemies. He closed his earthly warfare as he closed the revolutionary war, in triumph and glory. He has left many friends to mourn his loss”.
1.2.1.3.1. Willaim K. Harris, b. June 11, 1796, Greenville, Greenville County, S.C.
1.2.1.3.1.1. Asher K. Harris, b. August 7, 1813, Marion County, Tennessee; d. May 20, 1907
1.2.2. William Harris (cousin of James Harris Sr.). B. 3. Patent 1943, p. 415, Thomas Graves, November 18, 1738, 220 ac. in Craven Co. on the S. side of Neuse River, joining Mr. Harris and James Green. Thomas Graves was the nephew of John Graves, father of Jane, who m. John Coffey, son of Edward Coffey, d. 1716. ‘The earliest known ancestor of these Coffeys was Edward Coffey, who went … to Essex County, Virginia, about the year 1690, where his son John was born sometime between 1700 and 1710. Another son was Joshua, who was the grandfather of Gen. James Coffey, friend and Military Lieut, of Gen. Andrew Jackson. Edward Coffey’s wife was Ann Powell. John Coffey was married before 1729, to Jane Graves, daughter of John Graves of Spotsylvania County, where they lived for a time. The only infomation on the background of this Graves family is that they came from England, and were members of the Establishto Church. John and Jane Coffey moved to Albemarle County, Va., where he died in 1774′. (‘Coffey Genealogy’, p. 147, 1983).
1.2.2.1. John Harris, m. Martha Eldridge, dau. of Judith Kennon, who m. Thomas Eldridge, of Surry. Judith Kennon was the sister of (1) Sara Kennon, who m. Francis Eppes; parents of Ann Eppes, who m. Benjamin Harris (second-cousin of John Harris), bef. Oct. 31, 1745. (2) Richard Kennon, who m. Agnes Bolling (who left property in 1762 to “friend Theoderick Bland”).
1.2.2.1.1. Richard, Kennon, and Eldridge Harris.
1.3. Martin Harris, Will proved, Apr. 14, 1750, bequests to “James Harris son of James Harris” (Southampton Co., W.B. 1, pp. 10-11).

It is a simple matter, cut the peripheral from the distinct.

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