What is seen between ca. 1630-1770 in Virginia and Carolina, etc., is colonisation by closely connected families from the same English regions. If a Somerset family of Harris, intermarried by the 1630’s with Blakes and Westbrookes (all of the same village, Wiveliscombe), it is an immutable fact of the English kinship system that families of Harris, Blake, and Westbrooke, which were closely associated in Virginia in 1770, were the same English families, underpinned by the fact of associations with other families that ‘originated’ in Wiveliscombe, such as the Forts.

By this criteria, the family of Solomon Harris were originally of Wiveliscombe. They evidence a clear ‘continuation of association’ between the same Somerset families. Of a Harris family of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, a proven member of which (fifth in descent from Solomon Harris), was tested by Family Tree DNA; his results being:

13 23 14 11 13 14 11 14 11 12 11 28 16 7 9 8 11 23 16 20 29 12 14 15 15 10 10 19 21 14 14 16 20 35 37 12 10

I am assured that such results indicate him to be a member of Harris Group 4. Therefore, all men living today with the same Harris Group 4 Y-DNA profile presumably share a common male-line ancestor with him in Somerset and/or early Virginia.

Wiveliscombe abuts Taunton, from whence a family of Herring, intermarried with that of Harris, making this observation by Nick Wormley of some relevance:
“On Family Tree DNA’s chart of Harris Group 4 testees, who all appear to be descended through a male line/lines from Harris ancestors in Somerset, is a man with the surname Herring. He says his earliest-traced ancestor was Jehu Herring, born Feb. 25th 1830 in North Carolina.

Mr Herring has been tested as far as 111 STR markers. Genetically, he is a perfect Group 4 Harris, with no differences at all to the Harris Group 4 mode (ie. average STR result among 52 testees).

His test result numbers are identical to those of a descendant of Solomon Harris, which only go as far as 37 markers, but that is quite sufficient to show that they both stem from a shared family root within a timescale relevant to genealogy, and very probably post-medieval”.

(Test results for a descendant of Jehu Herring:
13 23 14 11 13 14 11 14 11 12 11 28 16 7 9 8 11 23 16 20 29 12 14 15 15 10 10 19 21 14 14 16 20 35 37 12 10).

“All of the Harris Group 4 testees’ results are very closely similar indeed, and in a number of cases identical. The greatest variation amongst this DNA grouping is that a few men have three markers where a random natural mutation has occurred.
There is no honestly-realistic method of using this knowledge to gauge, scientifically, exactly when a Harris-Herring relationship came about, as, sadly, whatever is claimed to the contrary, DNA cannot be that specific in terms of date when two families merged, because the key word is “random”.

More advanced DNA tests, analysing SNPs instead of STRs, currently lead to the same generalised conclusion that every man who has Harris Group 4 DNA shares a mutual, male-lineage ancestor, not all that long ago in historical terms. Ten Group 4s, so far, have been SNP tested and slightly surprisingly, their results are all the same; no significant natural random mutations have happened since they were one family.
This closeness of group results, without any aberrations found to date, suggests to me that all tested Group 4s’ common ancestor might well have lived in Virginia in the 17th century. It is quite possible, I think, that perhaps he lived a little earlier, maybe in 16th century Somerset, but I feel it would be pretty surprising if it was any earlier than 1460.

There are four other non-Harris surnames who also have Harris of Somerset” DNA.
A Mr. Allen believes his earliest-traced ancestor was Harris Allen, born 1760 in Charles City County, Virginia. He is a perfect Harris 4 genetic match.
A Mr. Tyner, almost-perfect 1@ 37 match, thinks his earliest known ancestor was William Henry Tiner, 1847, MS.

The others are a Mr. Willits and Mr Whiteside, unknown origin, but very close matches indeed to Harris Group 4 generally. Their male Harris ancestry might possibly lie anywhere in the past several centuries, although any of these people’s Harris connections might be as recent as 100 years ago, or even less”.

(For the Herring branch of Harris, see appendix 1).

The epicentre which this Harris family circled was that of Bennett – the family of Governor Richard Bennett of Virginia, which I have detailed many times. Essentially, an up-and-coming tanner from a small Somerset village advantageeously married into the influential Edney family. Four of their offspring (Thomas, John, Edward, and Eleanor) had descendants that significantly impacted on the colonisation of Virginia. From Eleanor Bennett, and her husband, Richard Harris, descended all Harris Group 4 males; which is to say that all Harris Group 4 males descend from Richard’s father William Harris, who m. Dorothy Westbrooke, Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe.

William may be presumed to have been born ca. 1535, and his noted connection to Glastonbury (per register) suggests him to have been of the family of Thomas Harris, of Mells (born 1494, per deposition); a tenant of the Dyer family’s estates once held by Glastonbury Abbey. (Harreis v Dyer. Plaintiffs: Thomas Harreis. Defendants: Sir Thomas Dyer. Subject of decree: Customary land in the manor of Greinton, Somerset, involving alleged conventual lease by abbot of Glastonbury; dismission. Nov 19, 1554. (C 78/13/43).

A contemporary of this Thomas Harris was a John Harris, ancestor of those Harris of Cheddar/Wedmore (directly 25 mls S.W. of Wiveliscombe), much connected to the Counsell family. The question becomes: What, if any, relation was Thomas Harris, b. 1494, to John Harris, ancestor of the Harris of Cheddar/Wedmore? The circumstantiality of shared associations to Glastonbury, reinforced by descendants close affinity in Virginia, suggests a reasonably close relationship.
(For this particular branch of Harris, see appendix 2).

ANCESTRY OF SOLOMON HARRIS

I include in this account another notice of the Bennetts, in that relationships to them defined who the Harris were. The Bennetts intermarried with the Blands, and this combination accounted for much of the trade in Virginia tobacco. Families perceived much advantage in marrying into these families, and, by their association with them, to the Harris; and those familial with them – the Blakes and Westbrooks. Such associations, commencing in 16th century Somerset, flowed ‘downstream’ to 18th century Virginia, surrounding those associated with Solomon Harris, as will clearly be shown hereinafter.

For those familiar with my accounts of the Bennetts, it is only necessary to commence reading at the notice of Eleanor Bennett (notation 1.5).
(For her siblings (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4), and their central importance to the shaping of the Bennett/Harris kinship group in Virginia, see appendix 3).

1.5. Eleanor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe, son of William Harris, who m. Dorothy Westbrooke, Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe. The Westbrookes had a continuous association in Virginia with their Wiveliscombe kin, the Blakes, Harris, and Forts.

Suffice it to say that Dorothy Westbrooke’s br. was the ancestor John Westbrooke, who m. Amy Foster, dau. of Christopher Foster, and Alice Forte (desc. of Elias Forte, of Wiveliscombe, who witnessed the Will of William Groves, with John Harris, son of Thomas, d. 1672); son of Christopher Foster and Elizabeth Barker, whose eldest son, John, was the father of Sarah Foster, who m. Walter Gilliam; their dau., Lydia Gilliam, m. John Watkins; their dau., Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris.

He was the son of Thomas Harris and Sarah Goodwin (granddau. of Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger (business partner of Thomas, d. 1672, and his br., Richard Harris), and Hester Pitt; she of the family associated with Bartholomew Owen. Thomas Harris, husband of Sarah Goodwin, was the son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

(For an account of the Westbrooke association with a family of Barker ( which traded in tobacco with “Mr. John Bland & Company”, as Thomas Harris, d. 1677), and Foster, see appendix 4).

1.5.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe. He and Thomas Tooke were overseers of the Will of William Ridley, with Charles Barham (William Ridley’s br-in-law) being the executor, whose sister was the wife of Richard Bennett, d. 1709/10, kinsman of Thomas Harris.

Judith Blake was the sister of William Blake; he the ancestor of Thomas Blake. Thomas Blake to (br.-in-law) Joshua Claud, March 8, 1753, 290 ac. adj. the north side of Cocklins Pocoson and sd. Claud. Wit. Thomas Blake, John Person, Thomas Day (familial to the Bennetts), and Joshua Harris. (pp. 463-466). Joshua Harris was the brother of Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, grandfather of Solomon Harris.

Thomas Blake, Will R. Feb. 12, 1789. Wit. Burwell Westbrooke, p. 296. The family of Person most likely descended from James Persons of Wiveliscombe, Will probated Jan. 15, 1589 (Nat. Arch. 11/73/206).

The same derivation probably applies to the families of Body (Nat. Arch. C 1/1331/39-40), Bond: Assignment of the remainder of a 99 year lease by Elizabeth I to George Bond, citizen and alderman of London, of the manor of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, and its attached lands, paying £80 yearly to Thomas Godwin, bishop of Bath and Wells. Aug 2, 1586. Nat. Arch. E 355/129); Dyer: Will of Robert Dyer of Wiveliscombe. 1641, Nat. Arch. 11/185/170); Hill (Nat. Arch. C 3/93/16); Lancaster (Nat. Arch. E 178/1979); and Vinson (Will of Mary Vinson of Wiveliscombe, Nat. Arch. 11/197/233).

(For a continuation of association between the families of Blake, Fort, Harris, and Westbrooke, see appendix 5).

1.5.1.1. John Harris.
1.5.1.1.1. John Harris, m. (April 13, 1689), Elizabeth Church.
1.5.1.1.1.1. Isabella Harris, b. April 17, 1695, m. Nicholas Fulgham, son of Nicholas Fulgham, d. 1736, and Martha Pitt. (Of the family interm. with that of Robert Owen, merchant of Bristol).
1.5.1.1.1.2. (Half sister) Alice Harris, m. Thomas Fiveash. Edward Symes (of the family of the Fulgham landlords), m. (2) Susannah Champion, widow, Oct. 12, 1676, in Bath. Edward’s br., James Symes, was the grandfather of Robert Symes, who m. (1719) Phillis Fort, in Virginia, her first husband being Francis Fiveash, whose nephew, Thomas Fiveash, m. (1712) Alice Harris, dau. of John Harris. (B. 7, p. 288).

This Phillis Fort was the dau. of Elias Fort Sr., sister of Elias Fort Jr., whose estate was appraised by Edward Brantley, John Britt, William Baldwin, and Edward Champion. R. April 9, 1679. Elias Fort Jr. had issue: (1) Alice Fort, who m. Christopher Foster. (2) Holiday Fort, who m. Mary Flake.

1.5.1.2. Thomas Harris. There is no proof that it was his line ending in heirs female. Some Harris researchers believe him to be the Thomas Harris who d. in 1688.

1.5.2. Edward Harris, held land of Governor Richard Bennett’s patent of Nov. 4, 1642. This was adj. land held by Wm. Newsome, April 6, 1653, p. 51.
1.5.2.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677. Edward Bechinoe appraised the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677; his dau., Alice, m. Robert Kae, of Bristol. She m. (2) John Goodrich.
1.5.2.1.1. Edward Harris (possibly). It is not known whether Edward, d. 1677, had any male issue, but, if so, a son and namesake may have been a neighbour of his second-cousins, Henry and Thomas Harris: Edward Harris, 180 acs., Is. of Wight Co; N. side of Maherin Riv; on W. side the Flat Sw; cor. of Henry Harris; Sept. 17, 1731, p. 352. There is no written record in the public domain that shows this (possible) Edward to be a br. of the said Henry and Thomas.

1.5.2.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1677. “At a Court at Westover, Feb. 7, 1789: ‘Mrs. Sarah Bland proves her letter of atty. from her husband, Mr. Jno. Bland of London. John Hardeway John Ekoll on behalf of the orphans of Thos. Harris, dec’d., agst. Mr. Jno. Bland for 700 lbs. tob. owed for an ox which debt Mrs. Sarah Bland (aforementioned) confesses to’. (The Blands, as hereinafter fully given, to repeat, were kin of the Harris of Wiveliscombe).

1.5.3. John Harris. (Thos. Crosby his servts, Wm. Rider, Wm. Ridly, Rich. Childs, Robt. Phelps, Edward Evans, Jon. Bennett (cousin of the Harris brothers), Wm. Barker, Charles White.

I Sir John Harvey Knight doe give and grount unto Arthur Bayly and Thomas Crosby Eight hundred acres in the Countie of Henrico, bounded S. upon the land of Samuell Allmond, W. upon the river, N. towards the Falls, and E. into the woods The said land being due unto them for the transportacon of sixteen persons into this Colony whose names are in the records, dated the 16th of January 1637. Arthur Bayly his servants, Jonas Bowers, Wm. Calfe, Jon. Duch (Duke), Wm. Greene, Mary Doubly, Tho. Busby, Jon. Harris.

(Arthur Bayly m. Mary Jordan, who m. (2) Christopher Foster Sr. By Mary Jordan he had issue, Edward Bayley (by deposition, b. 1655, and a legatee in the Will of his uncle, George Jordan), who, on July 6, 1680, acted as surety for Ann, widow of James Sowerby, who m. (2) James Jordan, p. 110; son of Thomas Jordan, as follows.

His Will was probated Dec. 13, 1736, naming daus., Mary, the wife of Samuell Briggs, and Sarah, wife of Benjamin Andrews, whose “friend”, John Simmons Jr., (son of William Simmons; neighbour of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30) was exor. of his will in 1736, and his son, Edward Bayly Jr., who was exor. of Joseph Seat, in 1738, p. 90 (probably in the capacity of br.-in-law); his Will naming dau., Mary Rose, wife of Henry Rose, son of William Rose and the relict of Thomas Jordan, who appraised the estate of Elias Fort Jr., with John Sowerby, and Nicholas Proctor, p. 593.

Samuell Briggs was the son of Henry Briggs and Mary Flood, relict of (1) Thomas Blunt, and mother of Richard Blunt, d. 1709, (2) John Washington. In 1662, George Jordan and Mary (Flood) Washington, witnessed James Mills’ bond to Robert Spencer (“friend of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). Mary (Flood) Briggs and Nathaniel Knight witnessed (in 1664) James Mills’ bond that relinquished his rights to the property of his wife, Fortune. Richard Blunt’s son, Thomas, deeded (1667) to Edward Drew land held by his father, which had been held by Richard Harris, until Thomas came of age.

(1. Simmons, John, Jr. of Surry. Land grant Oct. 13, 1727. Brunswick Co.: 312 ac. on the north side of the Great Creek. Near a branch of Roses brook…. corner of John Rose’s land, p. 178.
1.1. Ann Simmons, m. Edmund Ruffin, son of Robert Ruffin jr. and a dau. of John Watkins, whose sister m. William Kinchin, br.-in-law of Philip Raiford, and br. of (1) Mathew Kinchen; (2) Sarah Kinchen, wife of James Goodwin, son of Thomas Goodwin Jr., son of Thomas Goodwin and Marther Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger, business partner of Thomas (d. 1672) and his br., Richard Harris. Thomas Goodwin Jr., as given, was the father of Sarah Goodwin, wife of Thomas Harris, father of Solomon Harris).

An account of the aforementioned (the Harris kinship network), is to show what appears to be a mass of unexplicably connected families is anything but that; it was, very sinply, a consequence of ‘up-river’ connections to the Bennett/Bland family that flowed ‘downstream’, as this ‘continuation of association’ shows:

(3) Elizabeth Kinchen, who m. Jacob Norfleet. Edmund Ruffin’s mother m. (2) Richard Cocke, having issue: Lucy Cocke, who m. William Ruffin, of Rich Neck, Surrey Co., whose first wife was Jane Bland, dau. of Theodoric Bland (and Ann Bennett, kinswoman of the Wiveliscombe Harris brothers), br. of John Bland, trading partner (in tobacco) of Thomas Harris, d. 1677, in Virginia, father of Giles Bland, d. 1677, whose attorney was Robert Kae, of Bristol, son-in-law of George Bechinoe, whose father, Edward, appraised the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677.

William Kinchin, m. Elizabeth Ruffin, dau. of Robert Ruffin and Elizabeth Prime, dau. of Edward Prime and Ann, relict of Peter Ridley. Elizabeth Prime was the half-sister, thus, of (1) Elizabeth Ridley, who m. Charles Barham, whose sister, Ann, m. Richard Bennett, d. 1709/10, kinsman of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; (2) William Ridley. Mr. Charles Barham Exor, Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and Thomas Tooke overseers, witnessed the Will of William Ridley, who was the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife.

Nathaniel Ridley Sr. was probably the br. of Elizabeth and William. His son, Nathaniel Ridley Jr., m. Priscilla Applewhaite, sister of Thomas Applewhaite, who m. Elizabeth Fulgham. John Westbrook – appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley Jr., Edward Brantley and Thomas Cook; signed by John Person. R. Oct. 28, 1734. John Westbrooke m. Amy Foster, dau. of Christopher Foster, and Alice Forte, desc. of Elias Forte.

William Kinchin was the exor. of the Will of John Gibbins, proved Sept. 25, 1721, IOW, in which a number of Harris are named: Henry Harris, Matthew Harris, Thomas Harris, the son of Edward Harris, Robert Harris. The Thomas of the Gibbin Will was most likely to be the son of Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and br. of Edward Harris Jr., whose Will was proved Sept. 22, 1740, witnessed by Nathaniel Ridley Jr).

William Barker aforesaid has been confounded with a namesake. He was likely related to the John Barker, of Bristol, mariner, who m. (2) Mary, dau. of John Fownes (Fones), merchant, of Bristol. Richard Bennett, d. 1709/10, kinsman of the Harris brothers, had issue, Richard Bennett, whose son, William, was the father of Ann Bennett, a beneficiary in the Will of Mathew Fones (1704), witnessed by Philip Pardoe, who witnessed the Will of Martha, wife of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Philip Pardoe’s estate was appraised by John Brantley. Mathew Fones witnessed the Will of George Hardy (1704). Richard Bennett’s son, James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger (prob. Apr. 9, 1685), business partner of Thomas and Richard Harris.

1.5.4. Richard Harris. Richard Drew, d. after Apr. 4, 1679, Surry Co., bequeathed to son Edward 400 ac. next to Capt Ba(r)ker, to son John land at Blount’s Corner, to son Richard home plantation; to wife Mabel the rest of estate with housing for life, then at her death to dau. Mabel Drew. To my son, Edward Drew, 400 ac. bounding upon Richard Harris and Captain Ba(r)ker. Son, Thomas, executor. Edward Drew, m. Frances Newett, da. of William Newitt and Elizabeth Jones. Mar. 3, 1672, Surry Co.

Rich’d Harris of Lawnes Creek Parish, Surry Co., planter, in consideration of marriage formerly had between Walter Taylor & Mary s’d wife of s’d Walter one of my daus. etc. grants to Walter Taylor 100 ac. now in possession of Walter of Lawnes Creek Parish, part of a tract formerly patented by me Richard Harris and Rich’d Drew bounding E. on Rich’d Drew, N on Mr. Arthur Allen (of Bristol), formerly belonging to one Rich’d Blunt dec’d. Wit. Geo. Proctor, Wm. Sherwood. The Will of Nathaniel Knight, “Chirugeon”, named his Goddaughter, Mary Proctor, dau. of “Mr. George Proctor”. This George Proctor had issue: George Proctor, bapt. April 14, 1634, in Pitminster; 10 miles from Wiveliscombe, who had issue: Joshua Proctor, b. ca. 1658, who m. Katherine Owen, dau. of Bartholomew Owen, whose mother was of a family of Knight, as given by me elsewhere.

A survey of the land of Capt. Thomas Adams and Roger Delk decd., wit. Thomas Culmer (associate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), Richard Harris, Richard Drew. Dec. 22, 1662, p. 205.

Walter Taylor appraised the estate of Mary Long, July 4, 1682, mother of George Long, p. 309, and Arthur Long, who m. Mary , probable da. of ‘Arthur Allen of Bristol, planter’; their issue being Arthur Long, whose estate was appraised by William and John Blunt, and Cordall Norfleet. R. June 8, 1769.

Arthur Long Jr. appraised the estate of John Harris, with Cordall Norfleet and Henry Crafford. R. 10 Jan. 1765. John Harris, Arthur Long, and William Bynum appraised the estate of Robert Crocker. R. Jan. 10, 1750. William Bynum was the son of a namesake, who witnessed the will of his father-in-law, John Fort, on Oct. 21, 1724, in Surry Co. In 1730, he witnessed Mary Fort’s discharge of dower in land conveyed by her husband, John Fort, Jr. to Davis Hopper on the Moratock in Bertie Precinct. (Bertie Co. D.B. C, p. 252).

Thomas Norfleet, m. Ruth Blunt, dau. of John Blunt and Ann … Their dau., Elizabeth, m. James Harris, in Halifax Co. NC. Thomas Norfleet’s nephew, Joseph, was the father of Cordall Norfleet, b. ca. 1735 in Nansemond Co.; d. 1788 in Southampton Co. His mistress was Ann Bynum, dau. of William Bynum, whose exors were William and John Blunt. R. Jan. 10, 1774. Wit. James Day Ridley (of Bennett ancestry). William and John Blunt were named as “friends” of Benjamin Harris; Will rec. April 10, 1774, naming son Benjamin, his son, West, sons Absolom and Hardy (bequest tract bought from John Person. Wit. William Blunt, William Harris. The estate account of Joshua Harris was administered by Jesse Harris, and audited by Hardy Harris. R. Sept. 9, 1779, p. 286.

Benjamin Harris, d. 1774, was a son of Henry Harris (and Mary Drew, granddau of Edward Drew); br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, father of Joshua and Thomas Harris, father of Solomon Harris. The John Harris associated with Cordall Norfleet may have been Benjamin’s brother.

1. John Crews, d. bef. 1684, IOW. 1.1. … Crews, m. Mary Tooke. 1.2. Susannah Crews, d. aft. 1704, m. Richard Blunt, Sr. 1.2.1. Richard Blunt, Jr. m. Mary Browne, dau. of Wm. Brown and … Briggs. 1.2.1.1. John Blunt, Sr. b. 1712 IOW, d. 1751, m. Ann …1.2.1.1.1. John Blunt. 1.2.1.1.2. William Blunt. 1.2.1.1.3. Alice Blunt, m. Thomas Joyner, 1756, in NC.

1.5.4.1. John Harris, bapt. Feb. 18, 1624 (nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; uncle of Edward Harris, d. 1677, and Thomas Harris, d. 1677). He m. Unity … Security by Samuel Lancaster, William Chambers and John Harris (her son) on the estate of Unity Harris, deceased. John Harris was a headright of Thomas Busby. Thomas Busby, 475 ac. Upper Chippoakes Cr. Sept. 22, 1682; trans. Robert Atkins, Elizabeth Bond; John Harris, Robert West, (n.b.) William West. Thomas Busby was b. in 1632. He m. Sussanah Grey, dau. of Francis Grey, granted 750 ac. in Charles City Co. Nov. 24,1653, p. 231. He was probably the son of his namesake, associated with Richard Harris, as given.

Thomas Busby’s son and namesake m. Mary Simmons (William Simmon’s sister), by 1688, and d. in 1723 (executor, Henry Peebles, witness William Peebles). John Harris probably m. either (1) a dau. of Thomas Busby; a sister of Grace Busby, who. m. John Barker Jr.; their dau., Elizabeth Barker, m. Christopher Foster, br. of George Foster. (2) A sister of John Barker Jr. On April 20,1680. John Barker was the br. of Joell and Jethro Barker, the father of (1) George Barker.

George Barker, John Peebles and wf. Agnis Peebles of Brunswick Co. to William Scarbrough of Surry Co. … 245 acs. on north side of Otterdam Sw. and bounded by Thomas Cotten and Jethro Barker (being land given to Agnis Peebles, wf. of the sd John Peebles, Mary Peebles, and Elizabeth Barker, the daus. of George Barker, by the will of Jethro Barker, decd. R. Oct. 17, 1750. (B. 6, p. 124).

(2) Henry Barker. Joseph Ford and wife, Mary Ford, to Henry Barker of Isle of Wight Co. … 80 ac. Wit: Henry Tooker and Thomas Drew. Rec. 6 March 6, 1701, p. 224. Thomas Blunt, “only son of Richard Blunt being of age deeded” 300 ac. to Thomas Drew, March 1, 1677. The Will of William Newitt, probated Oct. 21, 1713, mentioned wife Elizabeth; Frances, mother of Newitt Drew, and grandsons Newitt Edwards, Wm Edwards, Newitt Drew and Thomas Drew (br. of Edward).

“Thomas George the son of Isaac George (cousin of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672) decd. is bound to Mr. Thomas Drew till hee shall arrive to the age of twenty one years”. Isaac George was the br. of Rebecca Pardoe, wife of Philip Pardoe. To repeat: Richard Bennett, d. 1709/10 (see app. 3), kinsman of the Harris brothers, had issue, Richard Bennett, whose son, William, was the father of Ann Bennett, a beneficiary in the Will of Mathew Fones (1704), witnessed by Philip Pardoe, who witnessed the Will of Martha, wife of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Philip Pardoe’s estate was appraised by John Brantley. Mathew Fones witnessed the Will of George Hardy (1704). Richard Bennett’s son, James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger (prob. Apr. 9, 1685), business partner of Thomas and Richard Harris. Edward Drew, m. Frances Newett, da. of William Newitt and Elizabeth Jones. Mar. 3, 1672, Surry Co.; his granddau. m. Joshua Harris, as follows.

1.5.4.1.1. John Harris, estate admon, John Barker and Patrick Lashley. Feb. 11, 1698. (B. 5. p. 165). Sept. 19, 1744. Jethro Barker to Jethro Barker, Jr. for 5 pds. current money, two tracts of land on north side of Otterdam Sw. being 270 acs. bounded by Harises Branch, p. 76.
1.5.4.1.2. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1709/10. (B. 5, p. 224). Robert Lancaster Sr. and Nicholas Sessums witnessed the Will of Henry Ba(r)ker, dated April 27, 1701. Nicholas Sessom’s dau. was Mary Blake, wife of William Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.5.4.1.3. William Harris, m. Elizabeth … Elizabeth Harris, widow, estate admon. by (eldest son) Henry Harris. R. June 16, 1711. Wit. John Barker, Thomas Cotton. (B. 6, p. 52).
1.5.4.1.3.1. Henry Harris, 280 acs., Is. of Wight Co; on S. side of the Flatt Swamp; June 16, 1727, p. 77. 30 Shill. Edward Drew of Nottoway Parish. “Leg. granddaughter Mary Harris, wife of Henry Harris”.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1. Benjamin Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.1. Benjamin Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.1.1. West Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2. Absolom Harris, m. Elizabeth Tarver, dau. of Andrew Tarver and Elizabeth Jordan, desc. of George Jordan Sr. and Mary Browne, the sister of Priscilla Browne, who m. (2) Thomas Blunt, whose first wife was Mary Gilliam, by whom they had a dau. m. to Joel Barker, br. of John Barker and Jethro Barker of this account.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Wiley Blount.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2. Henry Harris, b. May 15, 1781, Greenville Co., VA; d. Dec. 24, 1858.; bur. Greenville City Cemetery Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia. He m. Mary Harris, b. Feb. 18, 1792, Hancock Co., Georgia; d. there Sept. 6, 1817; dau. of Samuel Harris, b. 1754, Frederick Co., Maryland, d. November 29, 1829, Shoulderbone, Hancock Co., Georgia (Harris Cemetery on Jeter Place).
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1. Benjamin Tarpley Harris, b. March 18, 1813, Sparta, Hancock, Georgia, d. there Feb. 28, 1872; m. Judith …
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1.1. Henry Harris, b. October 20, 1841, Sparta, Georgia; d. there July 29, 1909; m. Amelia, b. June 22, 1849; Jan. 20, 1923
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Benjamin Tarpley Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1.1.2. Charles Henry Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1.1.3. Emory Harris.

1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.1.2. Claudia Harris, b. Sept. 8, 1847, d. August 1, 1873, m. (n.b.) David Dickson, b. July 6, 1809, Hancock Ga; d. there Feb. 18, 1885.
1.5.4.1.3.1.1.2.2.2. William Terrel Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.1.3. Hardy Harris, audited estate of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.5.4.1.3.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. As given, his estate was appraised by Edward Brantley (nephew of Edward Brantley Sr.), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris. 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, March 24, 1725. In his Will, Thomas names a brother, Henry Harris, son Joshua, and also an ‘unborn child wife now goes with’. (Thomas).

(1. Thomas Thorpe, d. 1711 in IOW Co. m. (1) bef. 1686, Martha Jennings, d. 1702, dau. of John Jennings, Clerk of Court of IOW Co. and Mary Seward. The son and namesake of John Jennings m. Mary, dau. of Silvestra Hill (dau. of Edward Bennett), cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1. Sarah Thorpe (by first wife), m. (1) William George, son of John George, thus kin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.2. John Thorpe, apraisee of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/1730).

William Simmons was a son of William Simmons, d. Oct. 21, 1693, and Elizabeth: Will of Elizabeth Simmons: I give & bequeath unto my son Wm Simons my two old negroes named Cane & Bess his wife but their labour for the keeping of Mary Haviland until my son Wm. Simmons be of full age & then to be delivered unto him & all their increase since my Husband dyed. I give & bequeath unto my loveing friend Mr. George ffoster my two daughters Eliza & Sarah Simmons whereof I do make my hole & Sole Excrof this my last Will & Testament. Proved March 2, 1697. B. 5, p. 119.

1.5.4.1.3.2.1. Thomas Harris, m. Sara Goodwin, dau. of Theophilus Goodwin and Elizabeth Wyche, and granddau. of Col. Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger (to repeat again, business partner of Richard and Thomas Harris), and Hester Pitt (the Bartholomew Owen connection). This Thomas Harris d. in 1761, and has been confused with a namesake, who d. in 1770, as a result of a shared connection to Abraham Greene, which was coincidental to Abraham marrying into the kinship group of Thomas Harris, d. 1761:

Surry Co., B. 2., p. 168: Indenture between Thomas Blunt, only son of Richard Blunt of Surry Co., deceased, and Thos. Drew, son of Richard Drew, both of said county. Whereas 3000 ac. was granted to Robert Warren, dec., a patent dated August 6, 1649, Robert Warren sold to Richard Blunt, by assignment of patent April 2,1650. It went to Thomas Blunt, who, at the death of his father, was under age, and Richard Harris held the same (as guardian), and now sells 300 ac. to Thos. Drew. Thomas Blunt’s son, Richard Blunt, d. April 17, 1747, in Surry Co., m. Anne Edwards, bef. 1727. Their son’s widow m. (2) Abraham Greene; the stepfather of Sara Blunt (1759-1835), who m. Mills Goodwin, of Cherry Grove, Nansemond, in 1786; the son of Thomas Goodwin, and descended from Col. Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger. Richard Harris may have been the br.-in-law of Richard Blunt.

1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1. Solomon Harris, m. Millie Watkins, on March 11, 1778, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam, dau. of Walter Gilliam and Sarah Foster, dau. of John Foster:

(1. Philip Foster, d. bef. Nov. 23, 1672. 1.1. Philip Foster; gave power of attorney to William Sherwood in 1682. 1.2. Christopher Foster, m. Mary, dau. of George Jordan and Mary Bailey, bef. 1649. (The Jordan association was through Edward Bennett). 1.2.1. Christopher Foster (Will probated July 18, 1718)), m. Elizabeth Barker, dau. of John Barker and Grace Busby. He was the son of John Barker (and Letitia Drew), who patented 600 ac. on Chippokee Creek, Oct. 5, 1657. Rec’d of Mr. Jno Barker in acct of what he oweth to Mr. John Bland & Company for the plantation of Chippoakes I sould him the some of 5000 pounds of tobacco with caske, this 13 Jany 1653, signed Theoderick Blande, Wit: Frances Blande. R. Oct. 26, 1658.

(In essence, most of this kinship group traded in tobacco with the Blands, kin of the Bennetts and Harris).

1.2.1.1. John Foster, eldest son (B. 6, p. 72), m. Mary Fort. John Foster: Leg – eldest son Christopher, son John, land adj. Charles Barham, p. 141. 1.2.1.1.1. Sarah Foster, m. Walter Gilliam. 1.2.1.1.1.1. Lydia Gilliam, m. (n.b.) John Watkins. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris. 1.2.1.2. Christopher Foster, m. Alice Fort, Mary’s sister. 1.2.1.2.1. Amy Foster, m. John Westbrooke, whose Will is rec. in Southamton Co. W.B. 1, p. 391, Aug. 13, 1761. 1.2.1.3. Elizabeth Foster, m. John Watts. 1.2.1.3.1. Agatha Watts, m. James George, great-grandson of John George, uncle of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.2.2. George Foster).

1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1. Henry Harris, b. ca. 1780, d. 1850, m. Nancy Nichols.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1. Zachariah Harris, b. 1806, lived in Pike Co., Georgia, where he was ordained for the ministry in 1848, d. near Ozark, Dale Co. AL., Jan. 15, 1888. He m. Mary Elizabeth Carricker, d. Dec. 23, 1891. (See 1850 Census of Pike Co., GA; 1860 Census of Dale Co., AL.; Death Certificate of James Harris, son.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1. James Harris (1842-1924), Mary Jane Dowling.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. … Harris.
His test results with Family Tree DNA:

13 23 14 11 13 14 11 14 11 12 11 28 16 7 9 8 11 23 16 20 29 12 14 15 15 10 10 19 21 14
14 16 20 35 37 12 10

1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Zachariah Harris, b. 1873.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.3. Fletcher Harris born 1875, m. … Peters.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.4. Elizabeth Harris, b, 1878, m. James Irving. Hagler.

1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.5. Nora Pearl Harris, b, 1884, m. Mowbria A. Anderson.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.1. Marius Lumon Anderson, m. Wynunnee McCamie, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, both buried there.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.1.1. Cosette Anderson, m. Royce D. Myers.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.1.1.1. Marjorie Ann Myers Reagan, Hartford, Ala. To whom many thanks are extended for her substantial contribution about Solomon Harris and his descendants.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.1.2. Geraldine Eveline Anderson, m. Hubert Brannon, Hartford Ala.

1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.2. John Harris, what of his male line descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.3. Henry Harris, what of his male line descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.4. Joseph Harris, what of his male line descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.5. William Harris, what of his male line descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.6. Elizabeth Harris, what of her descendants, and those of her sisters?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.7. Elinor Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.8. Martha Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.9. Mary Harris.
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.2. John Fletcher Harris, b. ca.1820, in Mecklenburg Co., NC; d. ca. 1884, in Falls Co., Texas. He m. Elizabeth Arabella McCain, ca. 1845, in Union Co., NC. What of his descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.3. John F. Harris, lived in Marshall Co., Mississippi, at the time of Henry’s deeds of gift, 1848. (Union County, NC, Deed Book 2). What of his descendants?
1.5.4.1.3.2.1.1.1.4. Eleanor Harris, b. ca. 1810 in Mecklenburg Co., NC.; m. Hugh Baskin McCain, ca. 1830, in Mecklenburg Co. What of her descendants?

APPENDICES

1.

TAUNTON HARRIS GROUP 4
1. Phillip Clarke. 1.1. Phillip Clarke, m. Rebecca Hill, Oct. 7, 1633. 1.1.1. Phillip Clarke, m. Joan Harris, Nov. 5, 1664. Her parentage can not be known, but she was almost certainly a descendant of John Harris and Agnes White, who m. Sept. 1, 1560, in Taunton; their son, William Harris, m. (n.b.) Alice Christmas, Oct. 3, 1598; their son, Christopher Harris, m. Joan Parsons, Jan. 19, 1623. A John Christmas was bapt. Nov. 22, 1640, in Taunton; son of John.

John Harris, husband of Agnes White, was very likely closely related to William Harris, who m. Dorothy Westbroke on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, 10 mls from Taunton. Thus, the boundaries of one adjoined the other – making for ‘neighbours either side of the hedge’.

1.1.2. Thomas Clarke, bapt. Dec. 3, 1637.
1.1.3. Mary Clarke, bapt. Aug. 30, 1640, m. Richard Tucker, Sept. 7, 1658.
1.2. John Clarke, m. Elizabeth Gillett, Feb. 1638. 1.2.1. John Clarke, m. Elizabeth Herring, Dec. 25, 1663, she bapt. June 30, 1650, in Taunton, dau. of Henry, son of John Herring and Eleanor Parsons, who m. Nov. 25, 1626, in Bishops Hull, 1½ mile W. of Taunton. Henry was probably closely related to William Herring, who m. (n.b.) Mary Proctor, April 25, 1655, in Bishops Hull. John Herring was probably the son of John Herring and Tamsin Harris, who m. April 11, 1608, in Bishops Hull.
I suggest that Anthony Herring was of this family:

1. Anthony Herring, d. 1744 in Bertie Co.; in 1718 bought 150 ac. from Benjamin Joyner on Blackwater Swamp, br. of Martha Joyner who m. Thomas Turner. He m. Rebecca West, dau. of William West* (fellow transportee of Thomas Busby, with john Harris, as given), and Rebecca Bracewell. 1.1. John Herring B. 3, p. 19. April 5, 1720, Chowan Pct.: held land. adj. Wm. West and Robert Turner. 1.1.1. Simon Herring. Granted 200 ac. in Johnston Co. NC (B. 4, p. 1043). October 2, 1751, Granted 600 ac. in Duplin Co. NC. 1.1.1.1. Captain Simon Herring, listed in the Johnston Regiment of Foot; m. his cousin, Rachel. 1.1.1.1.1. Susanna Herring, m. John Harris, in Wayne Co., NC., his Will pr. Nov. 1824. *The general ‘West’ connection to the Harris family, for him see previous notes.

William Harriss of Wayne Co, NC, for 16 pounds, to Simon Herring of Wayne, for L150 on the south side of the Neuse River, betw. Sleepy Creek head, and Horsepen Branch, adj. Samuel Herring, (n.b.) … Dickson, which was patented to Enoch Price on Nov. 18, 1802, and transferred by deed to Wm. Harriss on Jan. 12, 1805. Witnesses: James Herring and Joseph Herring. In 1823/24, James Herring was executor of the Will of John Harris Sr., and was appointed guardian of his daughters in 1835.
1.1.1.1.1.1. William Harris. Wayne Co, B. 12, p. 536: John Harris, Sr., deed of gift to son William Harris, excepting a lifetime estate for self and after his death, for the support of all his children except son John, and for the support of his wife Sukey, during her widowhood, Jan. 9, 1823. In 1805, James Herring and Joseph Herring witnessed a deed of William Harris to Simon Herring.

(1. William Harris, b. ca. 1745, d. 1817.
1.1. William Harris.
1.2. John Harris, m. Susanah Herring.
1.2.1. John Harris, m. (cousin) Elizabeth Herring, probable aunt of Jehu Herring, the adoptee.
1.3. Daniel Harris, m. Abbe Sanders, in Duplin Co., Apr. 21, 1801).

1.2. Abraham Herring, m. Mary Williams. B. D., p. 276: John Herring to Abraham Herring, May 10 1736, L100 for 380 ac. on s side of ‘Bear Swamp’, part of patent granted to John Herring on Aug. 10, 1720, witnessed by Robert Warren and Simon Herring.
1.2.1. Daniel Herring. The Will of John Tomlin (son of Mathew Tomlin*) was witnessed by Daniel Herring, John Harris, & Martha Tomlin. R. Feb. 6, 1752. Mary Fulgham’s Will, recorded Feb. 7, 1760, mentioned her br. John Fulgham, cousin Anthony Fulgham Jr., and was witnessed by Daniel Herring and Ann Harris (see previous notes). *Of a family that m. into the Harris family of Mells.
1.3. Samuel Herring.
1.3.1. Anthony Herring.
1.3.1.1. Phereby Herring; d. 1817 in Wayne Co., m. Joshua Grantham (b. Aug. 21, 1740 in Surry Co.; d. Nov. 6, 1781, in Wayne Co.), son of Edward Grantham, d. in Dobbs Co., ca. 1760, and Catherine Proctor, dau. of Joshua Proctor and Katherine Owen, dau. of Bartholomew Owen.

2.

A contemporary of this Thomas Harris was a John Harris, who m. Jone … Jone Harrys of Badgworth. May, 10, 1541. To be bur. in churchyard of Bagworth (5 mls Cheddar/juxta Wedmore). Ch. of Wellys 4d. Ch. of B. I2d. Izabell Stebbes a cow, my second kyrtell, my best neck kerchyff, a wovyng (woven) apron; Thomas Stebbis her son a calff. Edyth my dau. my best kyrtell. Crystyan Taber a flaning petycote and a smocke.

Their son, Richard, was the father of John Harris, of Wedmore, who m. Joan Stubbs, Feb. 10, 1569, in Wedmore. Their grandson, Thomas Harris, m. Joan Gardner, bapt Apr. 6, 1617, in Cheddar, sister of John Gardner bapt. there on Nov. 1, 1621, whose son. John Gardner Jr., m. Mary Coomer* (Oct. 24, 1664, in Cheddar), niece of Mary Coomer, who m. John Counsell Sr. (bapt Nov. 28, 1601, in Wedmore), on Nov. 26, 1631.

John Counsell and Mary Coomer had issue: John Counsell Jr., who m. Alice, the relict of Richard Jeffries. Richard Jeffries, dying intestate, administration requested by John Counsell, who married the relict of the said Jeffries, Aug. 9, 1666. Security, Mr. (Francis) England. (B. 2, p. 13). Deborah Joyner, wife of Bridgeman Joyner (guardian of William Harris, orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), gave ‘cozin’ (cousin of sister’s husband), John Counsell, a young heifer.

John Counsell Sr. was the br. of Robert Counsell, whose dau., Margery, m. John Hodges, ca. 1610, parents of Hodges Counsell Sr. His son, Hodges Counsell Jr., witnessed the will of Daniel Boucher (of Bristol), rec. May 1, 1668, which named his “friends” John Hardy and Thomas Taberer as overseers. John Hardy was the likely father of (1) Deborah Hardy, wife of Bridgeman Joyner; (2) Lucy Hardy, wife of Hodges Counsell, Jr. Hodges Counsell Jr. had issue: John Counsell, who sold, on May 2, 1756, to James Counsell, his son (witnessed by Nathan Counsell, br. of James), 174 ac. on the south side of the Blackwater Swamp, adj. William Harris (Southampton Co., B. 2, p. 97). William Harris sold to Nathan Counsell of IOW Co. (on Apr. 8, 1756), 100 ac. adj. Bridgman Joyner Jr.

*Husband of Mary Coomer, ‘John Gardner, dying intestate admin. requested by relict, Mary. Security Thomas Joyner, James Gardner, 1684‘, p. 56. ‘Thomas Taberer assigned a bill to John Gardner against Rebecca Izard’ (Mr. Bodie, p. 562); step-mother of Ann Izard, who m. (2) Michael Fulgham; their issue: Michael Fulgham, who m. Mary Pitt (of the Bristol Pitts); Susannah Fulgham, who m. Hardy Counsell (son of Hodges Counsell Jr.); Ann Fulgham. who m. (Mr. Bodie conjectured), Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

This John Gardner was the uncle of Elizabeth Gardner, who m. George Tibbits/Tibbot, May 1678, in Cheddar, sister of Hester Tibbits, who m. Thomas Harris (as second wife), Apr. 24, 1679, in Cheddar; Hester Harris d. 1680, probably in childbed. Thomas Harris, d. 1688 in Virginia, is not recorded there before 1681.

A Richard Tibbot (certainly of the same family of George Tibbits/Tibbot (both branches having connections to the family of Counsell), m. Mary Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger, and sister of Martha Bridger, who m. Col. Thomas Goodwin, whose granddau., Sara Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

These very close shered connections between the Thomas Harris, b. 1637 in Cheddar, and the Thomas Harris who d. in 1672 in Virginia, suggests a common ancestry of the not too distant past, augmented by inermarriages into the same families.

Joan Gardner, bapt Apr. 6, 1617, and her husband,Thomas Harris Sr., are witnessed here: Boultinge v Harris. Plaintiffs: John Boultinge.* Defendants: Joan Harris, Thomas Harris and Thomas Hill. Subject: property in Blackford (juxta Wedmore), Somerset. 1658. (C 10/48/20). *Husband of Hannah Counsell; fairly presumed to be close kin of Hodges Counsell Sr.

1. John Turner, m. Antonia Boulting (May 6, 1574) in Wedmore. 2. William Turner, bapt. March 11, 1579 in Wedmore, m. (May 28, 1612), Jane Rodney. 3. John Turner, bapt. May 14, 1618 in Wedmore. Thomas Harris, d. 1688, placed his son George with John Turner and his wife, a dau. of Mathew Tomlin. 4. Mary Turner, m. Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. 4. Joseph Turner. 5. Mary Turner, m. West Harris.

3.

1. Robert Bennett, a tanner, in Wivelscombe, Somerset, m. Elizabeth Edney. This simple statement conceals the fact of their respective family’s ‘rising status’.
1.1. Thomas Bennett, d. 1616, Wivelscombe, m. Ann Spicer, of the Bristol family, connected to the Barkers.
1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, b. Nov. 11, 1603, in Wiveliscombe; m. Agnes Beard, July 17, 1623. 1.1.1.1. Alice Bennett, m. John Hardy. Nugent, C&P vol. 1, p. 569: Mr. John Hardie 1150 ac. IOW Co., June 5, 1666. Beginning at upper corner tree of Mathew Tomlin’s old land, running SSE by Wm. Westwrayer’s land. SW on Mathew Tomlin’s new land. Mathew Tomlin Sr. was the headright (in 1637) of Nathaniel Floyd (IOW), whose relict m. Francis Hobbs, father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.1.1.1. Lucy Hardy, m. Hodges Councell. 1.1.1.1.2. Deborah Hardy, m. Bridgman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.1.2. … Bennett, m. Richard Jackson, who patented 450 ac. in IOW adjacent to Justinian Cooper. 1.1.1.2.1. Mary Jackson, m. George Hardy (The Hardys were a Dorset family, connected to the port of Bristol by the (Bennett/Bland) Virginia tobacco trade), who patented 500 ac. on July 17, 1648, ‘lying on east side of Lawne’s Creek extending to main river and along the great river to the creek dividing the same from land of Alice Bennett’. On June 19, 1666, he made a deed of land which belonged to his wife Mary, whom he refers to as the ‘daughter of Richard Jackson, dec.’. George Hardy was an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677, as his son-in-law.

1.1.2. Governor Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequesting: To William Yearret (the Quaker, of Bristol), of Pagan Creek and to the wife of Mr. Thomas Taberer,* to each of them two thousand pounds of tobacco’. *His dau., Ruth, m. John Newman, br-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Richard Bennett’s bequest to “the wife of Mr. Thomas Taberer” was probably to a sister or cousin.

1.1.2.1. Ann Bennett, m. (of central importance) (2) Theoderick Bland, br. of John Bland, trading partner (in tobacco) of Thomas Harris, d. 1677, in Virginia, father of Giles Bland, d. 1677, whose attorney was Robert Kae, of Bristol, son-in-law of George Bechinoe, whose father, Edward, appraised the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677.

1.2. John Bennett, b. March 1, 1566, d. 1601.
1.2.1. Thomas Bennett, b. ca. 1590, listed in the 1624 census on the south of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek. 1.2.1.1. Richard Bennett, d. 170910. His first wife was (circumstantially) 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 (transportee of Thomas Busby, as John Harris), who was probably the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife.

1.2.1.1.1. Richard Bennett. 1.2.1.1.1.1. William Bennett, b. ca. 1695, m. Grace van Courtland. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Grace Bennett, b. 1726, m. Green Hill, b. 1714, IOW., witnessed by Richard Hill. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Hill, b. April 27, 1756 in Northampton Co., NC., m. Lewis Hicks. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2. William Bennett, m. (2) Mary Hardy. 1.2.1.1.2. James Bennett. 1.2.1.1.2.1. William Bennett, d. Apr 21, 1761, m. Mildred …
1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Nathaniel Bennett: ‘I, Nathaniel Bennett of Surry County, now in camp at Portsmouth; to my mother Mildred Williams my negro for life and after her death to my brother William Bennett; to my brother William 90 ac. in Surry near Bennett Ridge; remainder of estate to sister Elizabeth Bennett’. Thomas Davis, exr., Sept. 28, 1776. Test: (n.b.) John Watkins, Jr., John Davis, John Judkin, Jr., p. 2. For Judkins, see previous notes.

(The five and twentieth of November 1654 John Watkins, sonne of Richard Watkins ‘late of Brotherden in the County of Herefford, bound to John Vaughan of Bristol merchant* for fower yeeres to the Barbadoes’ (McGrath, v. 19, p. 237, 1955). *Apprentice of Henry Hazard, which informs much.

1.3. Edward Bennett, bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, m. Mary Bourne. He received a patent on condition that he settled 200 persons, in association with his brother, Robert Bennett, and his nephew, Richard Bennett.
1.3.1. Silvestra Bennett, m. Nicholas Hill (as his second wife and her second husband) when he was advanced in age. Nicholas Hill witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.4. Richard Bennett, bapt. Oct. 9, 1573, d. Aug. 28, 1626, in VA, m. Judith … ‘The will of Judith Bennett of St. Dunstans in the East, London, widow was proven by Edward Harris, executor, Nov. 23, 1638. (P.C.C. 164 Lee); grandfather of Edward Harris, d. 1677.

4.

1. John Westbrooke.
1.1. John Westbrooke, m. Margarett Davie, Sept. 19, 1573. The Davie family intermarriages linked into the kinship network of the Harris, Person, and Forte families of Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1. John Westbrooke( the recalcitrant), m. Christian Gille, June 9, 1600.
1.1.1.1. John Westbrook, born 1601.
1.1.1.1.1. John Westbrooke, bapt. Feb. 16, 1623.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Westbrook, estate appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley Jr. (husband of Priscilla Applewhaite), Edward Brantley and Thomas Cook, of the Bristol merchant family. Wit. (n.b. Edmund Simmons, grandson of William), John Person. R. Oct. 28, 1734. He m. Amy Foster, dau. of Christopher Foster, and Alice Forte (desc. of Elias Forte, of Wiveliscombe, who witnessed the Will of William Groves, with John Harris, son of Thomas, d. 1672), son of Christopher Foster and Elizabeth Barker, whose eldest son, John, was the father of Sarah Foster, who m. Walter Gilliam; their dau., Lydia Gilliam, m. John Watkins; their dau., Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris.

(Rowland Searchfield released Col. Joseph Bridger of Virginia from all claims of three-eighths of a cargo of wines etc. shipped on the Success of London (master William Goodland) in 1654, to Virginia, in the presence of (n.b.b.) William Scott, Thomas Harris, Christopher Pitt, James Bridger. William Reaper. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions). Thus, the witnesses, as partners, accounted for the remaining five eighths). The Bristol merchant’s accounts provide further evidence.

John Westbrook, son of John Westbrook, m. Honour Gray, who m. (2) (n.b.b.) Groves Sharp, who was appointed guardian “to Gray Westbrook and Burwell Westbrook, orphans of John Westbrook.

5.

Some additions to the text:

1. Philip Foster, d. bef. Nov. 23, 1672. 1.1. Philip Foster; gave power of attorney to William Sherwood in 1682. 1.2. Christopher Foster, m. Mary, dau. of George Jordan and Mary Bailey, bef. 1649. (The Jordan association was through Edward Bennett, see previous notes). 1.2.1. Christopher Foster (Will probated July 18, 1718)), m. Elizabeth Barker, dau. of John Barker and Grace Busby. He was the son of John Barker (and Letitia Drew), who patented 600 ac. on Chippokee Creek, Oct. 5, 1657. “Rec’d of Mr. Jno Barker in acct of what he oweth to Mr. John Bland & Company for the plantation of Chippoakes I sould him the some of 5000 pounds of tobacco with caske, this 13 Jany 1653, signed Theoderick Blande, Wit: Frances Blande”. R. Oct. 26, 1658.
1.2.1.1. John Foster, eldest son (B. 6, p. 72), m. Mary Fort. John Foster: Leg – eldest son Christopher, son John, land adj. Charles Barham, p. 141. 1.2.1.1.1. Sarah Foster, m. Walter Gilliam. 1.2.1.1.1.1. Lydia Gilliam, m. John Watkins. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris. The Watkins were Bristol merchants.

1.2.1.2. Christopher Foster, m. Alice Fort, Mary’s sister. 1.2.1.2.1. Amy Foster, m. John Westbrooke, whose Will is rec. in Southamton Co. W.B. 1, p. 391, Aug. 13, 1761. 1.2.1.3. Elizabeth Foster, m. John Watts. 1.2.1.3.1. Agatha Watts, m. James George, great-grandson of John George, uncle of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.2.2. George Foster.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Westbrooke (per will).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Westbrook, Will probated May 8, 1777. Wife – Helen, sons, Henry and Thomas. daus. Lucy Hunt, Helen Speed, Martha Judkins, who m Charles Judkins, Nov. 9, 1768, grandson of John Judkins and Martha Holt, whose dau., Mary, m. Benjamin Barham, d. June 10, 1769, aged 67; grandson of Charles Barham and Elizabth Ridley.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Samuel Westbrooke Sr. Joshua Claud, estate appraised Dec. 14, 1775, by Samuel Westbrooke Sr., Samuel Westbrooke Jr., John Westbrooke (estate appraised by William Person). Joshua Claud was the son of Philip Claud, whose exor. (1773) was Jeremiah Drew, and br. of Newitt Claud. Joshua Harris. Estate appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day, and Samuel Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324. Joshua Harris m. Mary Drew, as given.

Samuel Westbrooke. Estate appraised by Samuel Blake (son of Thomas Blake, per estate appraisal, rec. Feb. 12, 1789), who appraised the estate of John Foster, in 1773.
Transaction of Joshua Claud, dated Nov. 4, 1775, witnessed by John Pierce, Britain Brantley, and John Blake. R. Dec. 22, 1775, p. 141. Joshua Claud. Dec. 22, 1775. Estate appraised by Joshua Nicholson, Amos Harris Jan. 11. 1776, p. 141.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. James Westbrooke, estate appraised by Lewis Harris, John Sharpe, Amos Harris. R. Jan. 13, 1776, p. 86.

Joshua Claud’s son was John Claud, whose estate was appraised by Joshua Westbrooke, Feb. 13, 1794, p. 608.

Samuel Wstbrooke, of the par. of St. Luke, estate witnessed by Samuel Blake; son of Thomas Blake, per estate appraisal, rec. Feb. 12, 1789, and who appraised the estate of John Foster, in 1773.

Joshua Claud was the son of Philip Claud (and br. of Newitt Claud) estate exors. wife, John Claud, Jeremiah Drew. R. June 10, 1773. Wit. (n.b. Thomas Gilliam Jr., p. 57).
1. William Blake, bur. Dec. 4, 1636.
1.1. Thomas Blake.1.1.1. Thomas Blake, bapt. Feb. 2, 1649, d. 1709, IOW, m. Alice Champion, dau. of Edward Champion and Elizabeth Atkins, and sister of Phyllis Fort, who m. Elias Forte Sr. Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, secured by (the peripheral Thomas Harris, d. 1688, connection); Thomas Moore (see previous notes), and John Newman (br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); appraised by Edward Brantley Sr. (br. of Phillip), who was also security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (I realise full-well that such ‘connections’ lead to the thought that Thomas Harris, d. 1672, was the father of a namesake, who d. 1688; yet this conclusion does not comprehend the shared associations of those more distantly (though not by much) connected).

1.1.1.1. William Blake, Will probated 1746 in IOW, m. Mary Sessums, dau. of Nicholas Sessums and Hannah Culmer, dau. of Thomas Culmer (reasonably supposed to be a son of Laurence Culmer, as follows). ‘Know all men present that I Thomas Harris (d. 1672) in the county of IOW for many considerable caused me thereunto moving have and do by the srest constitie and ordeyne my be beloved friend Mr. Thomas Culmore of the county of Surry my true and lawfully attorney for me and to my ame and use to ask leavy recover of receive of Robert Spencer of the County of Surry all such somes of tobacco as shall appear due unto me within the county aforesaid. (B. 1, p. 149). The Robert Spencer connection leads to those of ‘Sergeant Harris’ (see previous notes), yet this is as relevant as it is peripheral).

1.1.1.2. Thomas Blake. Thomas Blake to (br.-in-law) Joshua Claud, March 8, 1753, 290 ac. adj. the north side of Cocklins Pocoson and sd. Claud. Wit. Thomas Blake, John Person, Thomas Day, and Joshua Harris. (pp. 463-466). Thomas Blake, Will R. Feb. 12, 1789. Wit. Burwell Westbrooke, p. 296. Thomas Day was the son of a namesake, son of James Day and Mary Bland, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Bennett) Bland; and nephew of Silvestra Hill, for her, see herein.
1.1.1.2.1. John Blake, died 1802.
1.1.1.2.2. Benjamin Blake, m. Priscilla Day.

Joshua Harris was the brother of Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, grandfather of Solomon Harris.

1.1.1.3. Hannah Blake, m. Joshua Claud.

1.2. Johann Blake, m. Simon Hill, Sept. 6, 1623, possible br. of Elizabeth Hill, m. to Laurence Colmer (Culmer), Feb. 3, 1620, in Wiveliscombe).

It is not complicated, it is very simple. As a matter of survival, English settlers of Virginia continued their associations, and, by doing so, identified their ancestry.

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