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.

For Harris read Newman and Council of Wedmore.

The principle of “continuation of associations” within kinship groups is paramount in understanding the social method by which early Virginia was colonised. Centuries of associations in England were repeated in Virginia; of necessity. In the bleak harshness of a Virginia winter, individuals strove to survive by calling on the combined strength of their kin. In a Darwinian sense, each kinship group was a “species” in which individuals combined to adapt and survive. It was not the stark individualism of Hollywood propaganda.

1. …
   1.1. Walter Newman, m. Alice Fisher, Jan. 31, 1564. Sachell v Newman. Plaintiffs: John Sachell alias John Overton and another. Defendants: Walter Newman. Subject: bequest of cattle from the deceased Robert Barbor of Theale, Somerset.1558-1579. (C 3/174/95).
   1.1.1. Henry Newman, bapt. Jan. 5, 1566.
   1.1.2. John Newman, bapt. Aug. 24, 1571; d. 1641, m. Elizabeth Rawdon, Feb. 7, 1601.
   1.1.2.1. John Newman Sr, bapt. April 21, 1605.
   1.1.2.2. Richard Newman, m. (2) Ester Brooke, Feb. 12, 1644.
   1.1.2.2.1. William Newman, bapt. Jan. 18, 1646.
   1.1.3. Joan Newman, m. Christopher Boulting, Nov. 18, 1605, probably the nephew of Antonia Boulting, who m. John Turner, May 6, 1574, in Wedmore.
   1.1.4. William Newman, bapt. Jan. 2, 1583, m. Mary Stone, Oct. 2, 1606.
   1.1.4.1. William Newman, b. ca. 1610, Will rec. Oct. 9. 1680, IOW, nuncupative, “a mare he owned at Mr. Thomas Taberer’s to be given to Mr. Henry Baker to whom he was indebted”, proven by James Riddick, p. 213. Henry Baker was the husband of Mary, dau. of John Blake.

THE BLAKE FAMILY – a key ‘genealogical bridge’ between various Somerset families in early Virginia.

1. William Blake. He bought land in Pitminster in 1586. and lived there as a neighbour of the Fulgham family.
   1.1. Robert Blake, m. Sara Wicham, March 3, 1617, in Pitminster, 10 miles E. of Wiveliscombe; 25 miles S. of Wedmore/Meare.
   1.2. William Blake, bapt. July 10, 1594, in Pitminster, m. Agnes, dau. of Hugh Thorne, and relict of Richard Bond, Sept. 23, 1617.
   1.3. John Blake, bapt. June 15, 1597, d. Sept. 30, 1664, IOW.
   1.3.1. John Blake, bapt. Sept. 1, 1629, in Pitminster, m. Mary Wilkens, June 20, 1648, she was bur. Nov. 22, 1664, in Pitminster.
   1.3.1.1. Mary Blake, bapt. Dec. 3, 1661, in Pitminster m. Henry Baker, gent, to whom William Newman was indebted. Mary Baker is named in the Will of Sylvestra Hill as “friend”, dau. of Edward Bennett, wife of Nicholas Hill (appraiser of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and cousin of the said Thomas Harris. Rec. Jan. 9, 1707. Exec. Henry Baker. Will of Mary Baker, names sons: William, Lawrence, James, and Henry. R. Sept. 23, 1734, p. 22. He left his estate of “Wickam” to his son, William. it can be assumed that John Blake was the inheritor of his brother, Robert.
   1.3.1.1.1. Col. Henry Baker, b. 1684, d. May 1, 1739 Buckland, Chowan Co.
   1.3.1.1.1.1. Henry Baker, b. ca. 1715, sold land to the great-grandson of William Newman of IOW, heretofore mentioned.
   1.3.2. Thomas Blake, bapt. ca. 1625, m. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare.
   1.4. Judith Blake, m. Thomas Harris, 1624, in Wiveliscombe.
   1.4.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.1.4.1.1. John Newman, b. ca. 1635:

He served on a Jury in 1667, and was a signer, with Joseph Bridger (business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672) and others, of the “Petition of the Loyalists” in 1677.
He m. Ruth, dau. of Thomas Taberer and Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, close kin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
He patented land adj. Francis England in 1652.
He witnessed a land deed in 1658 between “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks (d. 1672) in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn.
He was the future br.-in-law of the said Thomas Harris, who m. his sister, Alice.
He was security for the estate of Elias Forte, rec. April 9, 1679, with Thomas Moore, cousin of George Moore, grandf. of Avis White, wife of John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Elias Forte was the husband of Phyllis Champion, whose sister, Alice, m. Thomas Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Thomas Blake’s land in Virginia was immediately S. of Edward Brantley’s land, which was E. of Francis England’s land, having a contiguous border.
His estate was appraised by Edward Brantley, who had probably m. a sister of George Moore. Edward Brantley was security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
He appraised the estate of Richard Jeffries, rec. Sept. 10, 1666, who, “dying intestate, administration requested by John Council, who married the relict of the said Jeffries”, Aug. 9, 1666. Security, Mr. (Francis) England. Francis England was the first husband of Joyce, niece of George Moore.

THE COUNCIL FAMILY – another ‘genealogical bridge’.

1. John Council, m. (2). Joan Thurston, in Wedmore.
   1.1. Margery Counsell, m. Thomas Boulting, June 15, 1584, br. of Antonia Boulting, who m. John Turner,* May 6, 1574, ancestor of: John Turner, bapt. May 14, 1618 in Wedmore, was a headright of Richard Tye (in 1650), whose relict, Joyce Bland, m. John Cogan. His son, John Turner, b. ca. 1650, was the guardian of George Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. John Cogan witnessed the Will of the said Thomas Harris. John Turner’s dau., Mary Turner, b. ca. 1690, m. Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
   1.2. John Counsell, bapt. Dec. 25, 1569
   1.2.1. John Counsell, bapt Nov. 28, 1601, in Wedmore, ‘f. Joannis Counsell’, m. Mary Coomer, Nov. 26, 1631; aunt of Mary Coomer, who m. John Gardner, on Oct. 24, 1664. 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. Boddie, p. 562); step-mother of Ann Izard, who m. (2) Michael Fulgham; their issue: Susannah Fulgham, who m. Hardy Counsell, son of Hodges Counsell Jr.
   1.2.1.1. John Counsell, m. the relict of the Richard Jeffries. Deborah Joyner, wife of Bridgman Joyner (guardian of William Harris, orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), gave ‘cozin’ (cousin of sister’s husband), John Counsell, a young heifer.
   1.2.2. Hodges Counsell Sr.
   1.2.2.1. Hodges Counsell Jr. Daniel Boucher (of Bristol), Will rec. May 1, 1668. To Hodges Counsell the younger …. Friends John Hardy and Thomas Taberer overseers. Witnesses: Hodges Counsell, and William Bacon. John Hardy was the likely father of (1) Debora Hardy, wife of Bridgeman Joyner; (2) Lucy Hardy, wife of Hodges Counsell, Jr.
   1.3. Richard Counsell, bapt. Apr. 4, 1568, d. 1604. Held one third of the manor of Mudgley.
   1.3.1. Margery Counsell, m. John Hodges, 1610. (‘1590, Margeria f. Richardi Cownsell jun. de Muddeslei’).

NEWMAN cont.
1.1.4.1.1.1. Thomas Newman, b. ca. 1665, named in Will of grandfather, Thomas Taberer, with cousin, Christian Jordan.
1.1.4.1.1.1.1. John Newman, b. ca. 1700; estate appraised by James Jordan and Robert Driver. R. Aug. 7, 1783. John Newman, Leg. wife Elizabeth, grandson John Newman, son Josiah … one half of the land I bought of Henry Baker in Nansemond Co., etc. Excs. wife and son Thomas Newman. Security: Thomas Pitt.
1.1.4.1.2. Alice Newman, b. ca. 1640, 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, b. ca. 1625-30.

NEWMAN IN THEIR SOCIAL CONTEXT

HARDY

1. John Hardy, m. Alice Tucker.
   John Hardy, 1150 acs. IOW Co., June 5, 1666, p. 545. Beg. at upper cor. tree of Mathew Tomlin’s old land, running S.S.E. by Wm. Westwrayes land and S.W. on Mathew Tomlin’s new land.
   1.1. Olive Hardy, m. Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Bridgman Joyner: Appraised by Thomas Mandew, Giles Driver, Andrew Griffin. Ordered in October Last past. R. Dec. 4, 1719. Signed Ann Joyner. (G.B. 23)
   1.2. Deborah Hardy, m. Bridgeman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688; 2nd cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
   1.3. Lucy Hardy, m. Hodges Council, of Wedmore, Somerset, where the Hodges and Councils had intermarried.

BENNETT

1. Robert Bennett.
   1.1. Edward Bennett.
   1.2. Thomas Bennett.
   1.2.1. Alice Bennett, m. Richard Jackson.
   1.2.1.1. Mary Jackson, m. Capt. George Hard (probably closely related to John Hardy), father-in-law of Edward Harris, d. 1677, 2nd cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, claimed the headright of Giles Driver:
   1.2.2. Governor Richard Bennett.
   1.3. John Bennett.
   1.3.1. Thomas Bennett, stepfather of Elizabeth Pierce (dau. of his wife Alice), who m. (2) Richard Jackson; having issue: Mary, wife of George Hardy, and mother-in-law of Edward Harris, d. 1677.
   1.3.1.1. Richard Bennett Sr., m. (1) Charles Barham’s sister.
   1.3.1.1.1. James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger, business partner of Thomas Harris. d. 1672, see previous notes.
   1.3.1.1.1.1. Richard Bennett Jr.*
   1.4. Elianor Bennett, m. (1594) Richard Harris, grandparents of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Richard Harris was the br. of William Harris, father of Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, “son of William” (“Harries”), father of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, had issue: Thomas Harris, d. 1712, the most likely father (by a 1st wife) of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
   Thomas Taberer’s sister, Ann, m. Col. Thomas Goodwin (gent, of Somerset), having issue: Theophilus Goodwin, who m. Elizabeth Wyche; their dau., Sarah, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris,* d. 1729/30. Thomas Taberer’s dau. m. William Scott, br. of John Scott, b. in 1682, who m. Joan, dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke. John Scott’s Will names children and gift to them by uncle James Tooke. (R. July 28, 1729. Wit. *Thomas Harris, p. 171). The Scotts were grandsons of the business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Joseph Bridger, in Bristol, see previous notes.

DRIVER

1. Giles Driver, Sr.. m. (1) Elizabeth, d. June 1, 1671 dau. of Richard Reynolds and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Sharpe and Ann (Harris?), br. of Elizabeth Jordan; wife of Richard Jordan, of IOW.
   (2) Olive, dau. of John Hardy.
   1.1. Hardy Driver, d. June 1, 1734, IOW.
   1.2. John Driver, b. June 1, 1675, d. June 1, 1722.
   1.2.1. Edward Driver, m. Sarah, dau. of James Bragg, and sister of Diana Bragg, who m. (1) Thomas Barnes, (2) John Champion, in 1683. Edward Driver, appraised by Joseph Bridger Jr., John Applewhaite, Robert Driver. R. April 27, 1740.
   1.2.1.1. Thomas Driver.
   1.2.1.2. Charles Driver, Dec. 26, 1731 – 1806, Nash, NC.
   1.2.1.2.1. Giles Driver, 1774 – April 11, 1872, DeKalb County, Tennessee; m. Matilda, dau. of William Lawrence.
   1.2.2. Robert Driver, mentioned in Will of grandfather.

CHAMPION

1. John Champion, m. Christian Tutton, Jan. 24, 1585, in Meare, 5 miles S. of Wedmore
   1.1. John Champion, bapt. June 6, 1595, m. Agnes Rowley, April 23, 1627. John Champion was a headright of Richard Jackson (in IOW in 1637); the father of Mary Jackson, wife of George Hardy, and mother-in-law of Edward Harris, d. 1677.
   1.2. Edward Champion, bapt. Apr. 27, 1601, m. Elizabeth Rowley, Jan. 15, 1623.
   1.2.1. Alice Champion, m. Thomas Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
   1.2.2. Edward Champion, bapt. Nov. 4, 1633, m. Priscilla Moore, sister of Thomas Moore.
   1.2.2.1. Benjamin Champion.
   1.2.2.1.1. Benjamin Champion.
   1.2.2.1.1.1. Charles Champion, m. Mary, dau. of Samuel Judkins and Elizabeth Pitway; son of Samuel Judkins and Lydia … who m. (2) Thomas Pittman, Sr., of Wedmore.
   1.2.2.1.1.2. Ann Champion, Will probated Sept. 23, 1777, m. Benjamin Bell, son of John Bell, b. 1696 in Spring Swamp IOW, and Hannah, sister of Peter Jefferson; son of John Bell, and Ann, dau. of *Richard Bennett Jr.
   1.2.3. Phyllis Champion, m. Elias Forte. Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, secured by Thomas Moore and John Newman, br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

COUNCIL expanded

1. John Council, m. (2). Joan Thurston, in Wedmore.
   1.1. Margery Council, m. Thomas Boulting, June 15, 1584, br. of Antonia Boulting, who m. John Turner,* May 6, 1574, ancestor of: John Turner, bapt. May 14, 1618 in Wedmore, was a headright of Richard Tye (in 1650), whose relict, Joyce Bland, m. John Cogan. His son, John Turner, b. ca. 1650, was the guardian of George Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. John Cogan witnessed the Will of the said Thomas Harris. John Turner’s dau., Mary Turner, b. ca. 1690, m. Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
   1.2. John Counsell, bapt. Dec. 25, 1569, br. of Richard Council, bapt. Apr. 4, 1568, d. 1604. Held one third of the manor of Mudgley. His dau, Margery, m. John Hodges, 1610. (‘1590, Margeria f. Richardi Cownsell de Muddeslei’).
   1.2.1. John Council, bapt Nov. 28, 1601, in Wedmore, ‘f. Joannis Counsell’, m. Mary Coomer, Nov. 26, 1631; aunt of Mary Coomer, who m. John Gardner, on Oct. 24, 1664. 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. Boddie, p. 562); step-mother of Ann Izard, who m. (2) Michael Fulgham; their issue: Susannah Fulgham, who m. Hardy Counsell, son of Hodges Counsell Jr.
   1.2.1.1. John Council, m. the relict of the Richard Jeffries. Deborah Joyner, wife of Bridgman Joyner (guardian of William Harris, orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), gave ‘cozin’ (cousin of sister’s husband), John Counsell, a young heifer.

1.2.2. Hodges Council Sr.
1.2.2.1. Hodges Council Jr. Daniel Boucher (of Bristol), Will rec. May 1, 1668. To Hodges Counsell the younger …. Friends John Hardy and Thomas Taberer overseers. Witnesses: Hodges Counsell, and William Bacon. John Hardy was the likely father of (1) Debora Hardy, wife of Bridgeman Joyner; (2) Lucy Hardy, wife of Hodges Counsell, Jr.
1.2.2.1.1. 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 2nd) and by his will to his son John Council and now by said John Councill to his son James Council, to him & his heirs forever to have & hold. Sig. John Council. Wit. John Benteen, Nathan Council. Rec. 2 May 1756. Richard Worrell and wife Patience to James Kitching, dated April 8, 1756, 174 acres on the south side of the Blackwater Swamp adj. William Harris, Thomas Gray, and John Barnes (part of a patent to Lewis Bryan for 345 acres who sold to Robert Tayler and was sold to sd. Richard), S: Richard Worrell and Patience Worrell. 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 Apr. 8. 1756, 100 acres adj. Bridgman Joyner Jr. S: William Harris, W: Jesse Jones, Sarah King, and James Kitchen. (ibid. pp. 97-98). Hodges Council m. 2. Rebecca Pope.
1.2.2.1.2. John Council, d. bef. 1747, m. Josie Willis, dau. of Benjamin 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. This land adjoined that of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2.2.1.3. Hardy Council, d. 1750, m. Susannah. 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).
1.2.2.1.3.1. Mary Council, m. Phillip Brantley, b. 1709 in IOW, Virginia, d. 1775 in Halifax Co., N.C. She m. (2) Henry Applewhaite, having issue: Henry Applewhite, who m. (May 1756 in Southampton Co.), Anne Harris, dau. of Edward Harris, Jr. and Mary Thorpe.
1.2.2.1.3.1.1. John Brantley, b. March 15, 1729.Pages 304-306: William Harris and wife Charity of Halifax County, North Carolina to John Council dated 11 Oct 1764, (1) 100 acres on the north side of Black Creek adj. Capt. Joseph Godwin’s old line and Gum Branch (patent to Barnaby McKinnie who sold it to George Harris who gave it to his son William), (2) 113 acres adj. Long Branch (part of patent to Joseph Godwin on 25 Jul 1746 who sold to John Bowin who sold to sd. William. S: William Harris and Charity Harris, W: Henry Pope, Simon Harris, and William Kitchen. George Harris was probably the son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.2.1.3.1.2. William Brantley, b. March 20, 1735.
1.2.2.1.3.1.3. Joseph Brantley, b. Sept. 26, 1737.

1.2.2.2. Robert Council, d. 1 June 1730, IOW, m. Katherine, dau. of Robert Johnson.
1.2.2.2.1. John Council, m. Selah Worrell.
1.2.2.2.1.1. Nathan Council.
1.2.2.2.1.2. James Council.
1.2.2.2.1.3. Amos Council.
1.2.2.3. Lucy Council, m Riichard Wooten, son of Richard Wooten and Joyce Albrighton.

APPLEWHAITE

1. Sarah Davis, d. bef. Jan. 6, 1720, m. (1) Joseph Bridger III. (2) Nicholas Fulgham, son of Anthony Fulgham. Anthony Fulgham’s son, Michael Fulgham, m. Anne Izzard; having issue Susannah Fulgham, who m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy, in 1705.
   1.1. Nicholas Fulgham, m. Martha Pitt.
   1.1.1. Nicholas Fulgham, m. Isabel Harris.
   1.1.2. Elizabeth Fulgham, m. Thomas Applewhaite, br.-in-law of Nicholas Fulgham, husb. of Isabella Harris, granddau. of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
   1.1.2.1. Henry Applewhaite, d. 1739, m. Mary Council, dau. 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 dau. Mary Brantley. Halifax Co NC. R. Oct. 6, 1757.
   1.1.2.1.1. 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 dau. of Edward Harris Jr. and Mary Thorpe (grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and sister of Amos Harris, and Hardy Harris.*
   Pages 75-76: Henry Applewhaite and wife Ann to William Hines of Sussex Co., dated July 9, 1761, 100 acres on the north side of the Nottoway River adj. the mouth of Deep Run, John Drew, John Bryan, and Phenea Whitaker (part of a patent for 420 acres to John Drew on Nov. 13, 1713). Witnessed by Amos Harris.
   1.1.2.1.1.1. Mary Applewhite, m. John Barham, son of Benjamin Barham (grandson of Charles Barham, connected to Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
   1.1.2.1.1.2. Hardy Applewhaite, m. Charlotte Clifton, Oct. 9, 1783 in Southampton Co., dau. of Thomas Clifton and Sarah, dau. of John MacLemore.
   1.1.2.1.1.3. Henry Applewhaite, m. Sarah Jane Harris, Jan. 13, 1812 in Southampton. She may have been the dau. of *Hardy Harris, son of Edward Harris Jr. and Mary Thorpe; and sister of Michael Harris.

With hindsight, it becomes so simple.

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