Some researchers of old see a strong link between the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, the Lancaster family, and the family of John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1. Richard Harris, m. Eleanor Bennett, Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe; the sister of Edward Bennett, business partner of Edward Robins (whose attorney was Thomas Joyner, whose son was the guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and father of Silvestra Bennett, who m. Nicholas Hill, who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1. Richard Harris. 1.1.1. John Harris bapt. Feb. 18, 1624. 1.2. Edward Harris of St. Dunstan in the East, London, merchant, aged 45, named in the Hubberday v. Penniston court case of 1641, which stated he received tobacco from Virginia with Captain Thomas Cornwallis, associate of Richard Bennett. Edward held land patented by his cousin, Richard Bennett, on Nov. 4, 1642. This was adj. land held by Wm. Newsome, April 6, 1653, p. 51. 1.2.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677, m. Martha Hardy, probable niece of John Hardy.

1.3. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe. His second-cousin, Richard Bennett Sr., m. a sister of Charles Barham, who was exec. of the Will of William Ridley, who was probably the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife. Thomas Harris and Thomas Tuke were overseers. (1. Charles Barham. 1.1. Robert Barham. 1.1.1. Charles Barham. 1.1.1.1. James Barham. 1.1.1.1.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris).

1.3.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688. 1.3.1.1. Edward Harris.* 1.3.1.2. Robert Harris, d. 1740. On April 20, 1715, he aquired 150 ac. from his br. Edward Harris, on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp, beginning at the fork of Warrick Branch. 1.3.1.2.1. John Harris, m. Avis, dau. of Thomas White,* and grandau. of George Moore, of Bristol. 1771: “I give and bequeath to my loving wife Avis Harris … my six children namely Harmon Harris, Howel Harris, Lucy Harris, Elizab. Harris, Joel Harris and Benjamin Harris. Harmon Harris appraised the estate of (1) James Lancaster, with John Williamson, rec. Oct. 16, 1797, p. 15; (2) Arthur Crocker, rec. Oct. 10, 1703, p. 574. Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham . 1.3.1.2.2. Robert Harris Jr., d. 1772/3, received with his br.. John, a patent from their father of 150 ac. south of the main Blackwater Swamp, on Barbeque Swamp, IOW. next to the lands of Arthur and Joseph Williamson. February 28, 1759. Southampton Co.: ‘Robert Harris & wife Ann of North Carolina to Burwell Williamson of Southampton Co.’. Deed of Bargain & Sale, proved October 11, 1759, ‘125 acres adj. John Harris, Thomas Holloman, Banbergan Branch, and Joseph Williams, a certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred & twenty five Acres S: Robert Harris and Ann Harris, Witnesses James Harris,* John Kitchen, Matthew Harris, and Mary Harris‘ (D.B.2, 1753-1760, pp. 289-290).

*1. Thomas Joyner. 1.1. Thomas Joyner, d. December 10, 1694. 1.1.1. Elizabeth Joyner, m. William Kinchen. 1.1.2. Thomas Joyner. 1.1.2.1. Martha Joyner, m. Thomas Turner, br. of Mary Turner, wife of Edward Harris. Thomas and Mary Turner were grandchildren of John Turner, bapt. May 14, 1618, in Wedmore, a neighbour and contemporary of Thomas Pittman, and the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. 1.1.2.2. *Thomas Joyner. 1.1.2.2.1. … Joyner, m. John Dunkley. 1.1.2.2.2. Benjamin Joyner, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Samuel Pittman (October 6, 1736 – April 24, 1812), son of Robert Pittman, son of Thomas Pittman and Elizabeth Lancaster, son of Thomas Pittman Jr. 1.1.2.2.2.1. John Joyner. James Joyner. 1.1.2.2.2.2. Bridget Joyner, m. Anthony Herring. 1.1.3. Bridgeman Joyner.

George Moore. 1.1. George Moore, of Bristol, b. ca. 1630. 1.1.1. Ann Moore, m. Thomas White. 1.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. 1.2. Eleanor Moore, m. Richard Piland, the son of James Piland, bapt. on Aug. 30, 1604, in St Mary’s Le Porte, Bristol, headright of Francis England, in 1642. 1.2. Katherine Moore, m. (1) … 1.2.1. Joyce … m. . (1) Francis England. 1.2.1.1. Katherine Moore, m. (2) Robert Flake.

Katherine Flake, m. William Brady,* 1718. (Chapman Marriages). B. 6, p. 240, Apr. 23, 1743: Willam Brady to Benjamin Ward …. 50 acres on Blackwater (being land given on 21 Jul 1718 by Robert Flake to his dau., Katherine Brady. 1.2.2.1. William Brady, m. (2) Olive Pittman. Brady, William. Account estate, to maintaining four small children. Signed Olive Brady. Examined by Jordan Thomas, James Bridger. R. June 9, 1748, p. 120.

Robert Flake, d. 1697, m. Katherine Moore. 1.1. Elizabeth Flake, m. Thomas Hayes. 1.1.1. Arthur Hayes, d. 1776. 1.1.1.1. Mary Hayes, m. James Pitman Jr. 1.2. Robert Flake Jr., m. Margaret Marriott. 1.2.1. Alice Flake, m. William Gwaltney. 1.2.1.1. Ann Gwaltney, b, ca. 1690, m. John Boykin, whose estate was appraised by (uncle) Francis Williamson , John Dunkley, and Edward Harris, and recorded Feb. 23, 1729 (B. 3, p. 255).

Arthur Allen, m. Alice Tucker. 1.1. Joan Allen, m. Robert Williamson. 1.1.1. Ann Williamson, m. Edward Boykin, d. 1728. 1.1.1.1. John Boykin, m. Ann Gwaltney. 1.1.1.2. Edward Boykin, d. 1745. IOW. D. B. 5, p. 252, 1737-1738: ‘Edward Boykin of NC to Robert Harris Jr. of IOW for 5lbs about 50 acres on ss Balckwater and bounded on east side by Berbeckew branch, line between Robert Harris Jr. and part of patent of 325 acres granted to he said Boykin, Aug 1731; witness: John Washington, Arthur Williamson, Joseph Williamson. 1.1.2. Francis Williamson. 1.1.2.1. Arthur Williamson. 1.1.2.2. Joseph Williamson.

Alice Tucker m. (2) John Hardy, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. March 2, 1658 – Thomas Harris, 1000 ac., IOW Co., upon a swamp running into the W. branch of Nansamond Riv., including 2 Indian fields. Trans. of 20 persons: John Hardy … (B.4., p. 256).

Ruth Gwaltney, half-sister of Ann, by ist wife, m. Robert Pitway. 1.1. Robert Pitway. 1.1.1. Ann Pitway, m. (2) Richard Lanier Jr., son of Sampson Lanier and Elizabeth (Washington) Lanier (Tyler’s Quarterly, v. i., p. 572). 1.1.1. John Lanier, m. (1) Katherine Sampson, in Charles City County, dau. of John Sampson. 1.1.1.1. Sampson Lanier Sr., b. 1682, Charles City, obit. May 5, 1743, Brunswick County, VA., m. Elizabeth Washington, dau. of Richard Washington and Elizabeth Jordan. 1.1.1.1.1. Sampson Lanier, d. Sept. 2, 1757, Brunswick Co., m. Elizabeth Chamberlain. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Rebecca Lanier, b. Dec. 16, 1744, d. Jul. 1818 in Green Co., Georgia, m. Walton Harris, great-grandson (it is claimed) of Thomas Harris, obit. 1688.

Robert Pitway, m. Mary Chamberlin, on July 7, 1629, in Shipston-on-Stour. Mary is claimed as a headright of her husband in 1638, in Charles River territory. 1.1.2.1. Edward Pitway, claimed as a headright of his father, same year and location. Robert Pitway was claimed as a headright in 1637 by Edward Travis (in James City territory), father of Edward Travis. Jr. 1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Pitway, m. Samuel judkins. 1.1.2.1.1.1. Mary Judkins, m. Charles Champion, son of Benjamin Champion Jr., son of Benjamin Champion Sr., son of Edward Champion and Priscilla Moore . 1.1.2.1.2. *Robert Pitway, m. Ruth Gwaltney.

Patrick Brady, appointed Eliazabeth Braddy, his relict, Extx. April 10, 1665. R. June 21, 1665. Security, Mr. Taberer, George Moore, p. 9. 1.1. Patrick Braddy. Robert Hodges and wife, Ann Hodges, of Isle of Wight to Patrick Bradys of Surry County …. 50 acres in the upper parish between the swamp (being land taken up by John Oliver who willed it to his two daughters who sold it to Gearge Branch, the father of the said Ann Hodges. Oct. 25, 1725, p. 719. 1.1.1. Elias Brady. Chapman, p. 173: Elias Brady: Leg. – daughter Elizabeth, my land in North Carolina; daughter Mary; son Elias; wife Margaret. Exs., son Elias and son-in-law Henry Crafford. R. July 25, 1737. Wit: John Joyner, James Joyner. 1.1.2. William Brady, m. Katherine Flake. 1.1.2.1. William Brady. 1.1.2.2. Patrick Brady. 1.1.2.3. Joseph Brady. June 11, 1661: Joseph Dixon of Halifax Co., NC to Patrick Brady of Edgecombe Co., planter, for £4 Proc. money a tract of 175 acres on the north side of Fishing Creek adjoining William Kinchen, p. 231.

Thomas Pittman. 1.1. Thomas Pittman, d. 1730, in the Meherrin River area, aged 75. He m. (1) unknown; (2) Mary (Chambers) Holman, widow; (3) Elizabeth Lancaster, d. 1728 (See Chapman, p. 37). On July 6, 1680, Thomas Pittman Sr. made a deed of gift to William Pittman, son of Thomas Pittman Jr. (B. 4, p. 107). Alexander Irvine’s Survey of the North Carolina/Virginia boundary, March 5, 1728 – October 26, 1728, vol. 2, p. 808. From this Line Tree 35 chains and Tho: Pitman’s bore north ⅛ of a mile. At 139 chains and 50 links is a path leading to Willm Kinchen’s which crossed the line. 1.1.1. William Pittman. 1.1.1.1. Olive Pittman. 1.1.1.2. James Pittman.

1.2. John Pittman. “John Pitman of Southampton Co. VA to Harmon Taylor of Northampton Co. 14 May 1765. 28 pounds VA money for 200 ac. which was part of 3 patents (50 acres part of a patent to Benjamin Joyner Apr 1723; the other 150 ac. part of 2 patents to Robert Smelly, 1 for 520 acres 1745, the other for 600 acres 1749, on west side of Kirbys Creek, joining Roanoak Branch, John Adkinson, John Smelly, School House Branch, John Pitman, Elizabeth Pitman. Wit: Joseph Pope, Theopus. Tharp, Wm. Strickland. May Ct. 1765.” 1.2.1. William Pittman. Oct. 8, 1765. William Pittman of Edgecombe Co. to Nathan Harris, for 46/13/4 current money a tract of 210 ac. on the north bank of White Oak Swamp in two patents: (1) 150 ac. granted to Joseph Wall; (2) 60 ac. granted to Wright McLemore by a patent dated June 28, 1760. Wit: Arthur Philips, Mark Mason. B. C, p. 360: Estate records of Edgecombe Co. NC, 1820-1850, v. ii., pp 109-110: Harris, Nathan, division of negroes agreeable to the Will into five lots for his grandchildren to wit: 1. Frances Dicken who is of age 2., etc. May Ct. 1821.

Lancasters of Bruton, Somerset:

Richard Lancaster, Margarett Barber, June 22, 1573. 1.1. John Langcaster, m. Susan Mogg, Oct. 30, 1609. 1.1.1. Robert Langcaster, m. Susannah Penny, Oct. 1, 1632; he bur. Oct. 3, 1674. 1.1.1.1. Robert Lankester, bapt. Jan. 26, 1634. 1.1.1.2. John Lanchaster, bapt. Nov. 17, 1639. 1.1.1.3. Thomas Langcaster, bapt. April 14, 1643. 1.1.1.4. Richard Lancaster, bapt. Feb. 26, 1646. 1.1.1.5. Susanna Lancaster, bapt. April 14, 1649.

1.3.2. John Harris. On Nov. 9, 1708, Samuel Lancaster was granted the administration of the estate of John Harris, his probable father-in-law. 1.3.2.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710. 1.3.2.1.1. Catherine Lancaster, m. Joseph Crocker; Will R. Feb. 5, 1761, appraised by Thomas Holleman. 1.3.2.1.2. Henry Lancaster, m. Martha. John Holloman, and Jesse Crocker witnessed his Will. 1.3.2.1.3. Martha Lancaster, m .John Holliman, son of Christopher Holliman, Jr. Sept. 25, 1739: From Christopher Holliman of Bartee precinct, North Carolina, and John Holliman of Newport parish in IOW, to Arthur Crocker of Newport Parish in IOW … 300 ac. on the E. side the main Swamp in Newport Parish … bounded by the mouth of the Fishing Branch, the head of the Miery Branch, John Holliman, Samuel Taylor. S. Christopher Holliman, John Holliman. Wit. Arthur Hayes, p. 413.

Robert Lancaster Sr. 1.1. Robert Lancaster, Will rec. June 27, 1720. Witnesses: James Piland, Benjamin Hodges, appraisal by John Brantley, and Benjamin Hodges. 1.1.1. Robert Lancaster, d. 1783, m. Judith Pitt (maternally Clary). Thomas Clary: Leg.- niece Judith, wife of Robert Lancaster Jr., pewter dishes. 1.1.1.1. William Lancaster, m. (1) … Moreland, (2) … Wombwell. 1.1.1.1.1. Lawrence Lancaster, d. 1792, Warren Co., m. Mary Williams. May 9, 1751, Lawrence Lancaster of IOW in Nottoway Parish and Solomon Delke of same to divide land that formerly did belong to Edward Moreland, decd … wit: Robert Lancaster, Samuel Lancaster, Joseph Pittman, Arthur Williams. Robert Lancaster Jr’s sister m. Thomas Pittman. Wiliam Lancaster was willed his grandfather’s plantation on Blackwater Swamp. His wife, Mary, was given the administration of his estate on Jan. 21, 1740. D.B. 3, p. 10: To Joseph Holloman … ac. bounded by Blackwater Swamp, Thomas White, and John Champion, being land sold on Aug. 20, 1712 by John Allen, Gent., to Robert Lancaster, the grandfather of the sd. William. 1.2. Samuel Lancaster, m. Elizabeth Harris. *

*Bute (Warren) Co., NC. Book A, p. 77. R. Jan. 23, 1765: *Lawrence Lancaster to Len Henley … sold 330 ac. on Fishing Creek, Elbe’s Branch, where I now live adj. West Harris, Lewis Patterson, William Rowland, John Burch. Wit: Samuel Lancaster, Briton Harris, and John Lancaster. Proved by Briton Harris.

Warren Co. Court Minutes, 17 Feb. 1780, p. 16: Ordered that Matthew Harris be overseer of the road form the Fork of Bobbitt’s Road to the Creek below Nathaniel Harris, and the land of Lawrence Lancaster, Joseph Harris, Charles Harris, James Harris, John Lancaster, Nathaniel Harris, Lawrence Lancaster Jr., Joel Lancaster, and Sterling Harris. Clear and keep the same in repair.

28 Aug. 1792, ibid., p. 230: The last will and testament of Lawrence Lancaster, deceased was proved in open Court by the oath of James Harris, Morris Harris, and Lawrence Lancaster Jr.; William Lancaster and John Lancaster Executors.

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

Major Lancaster connections.

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