Migration to early Virginia by English colonists of close kinship ties makes unraveling clear lines of descent almost impossible, as kin in Virginia continued to intermarry and conducted business within the same circle. A Harris family of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, provide an example of the difficulty of disentanglement. As best as can be determined, their most recent common ancestor was born ca, 1475, and DNA analysis of descendants supports this.

The great majority of those of this account were not of the “indentured 4 years category”; they were of a higher (Mr.) or middle class, in which headrights were traded between them on a repeated basis; the aim being to exploit the system. This great majority were also of the Bristol basin, with them emigrating from areas around Bristol, in both Gloucestershire and Somerset. Such families included those of: Bennett,Browne, Bourne, Cooke, Edwards, England, George, Griffin, Harris, Harvey, Jordan, Knight, Lancaster, Moore, Piland, Scott, Seward, Scriven (Commander), Watson. Many had trading links to Wales (from whence Samuel Mathews); a short distance westerly from Bristol, and some of this account may originally been of Welsh derivation.

The following notes are of major headright claimers within their kinship group. It is not true to claim that all “headrights” were of a random nature, from all areas and classes of England; a little digging reveals that those of this account came from the same localities (some from the same vilages, and many from within 5-20 miles of each other); and were of a merchant/ yeomanry class.

MR JOHN EDWARDS.

“John Edwards, Chirurgeon”. Edwards; John, 1653, by James Watson, Isle of Wight Co.

He claimed the headrights of the following in Lancaster Co. in 1653:

Brice, John. Brice, James, 1653, by Abraham Moon,* Lancaster Co. Brice, Robt., 1648, by John Seward, Isle of Wight Co.
Clarke, Wm.
Clarke, Mary. Clarke, Wm., 1653, by Abraham Moon, Lancaster Co. William Clarke was possibly the son of a namesake, who m. (2) Dorothy Garner, “late widow of Edward Garner”. He conveyed 450 ac. to William Hatcher in Henrico Co., 1638/9.
Hatcher, James.
Gower, John. He was probably closely related to Francis Gower, who m. Margaret, dau. of William Pierce and Mary (dau. of Jasper Bourne and Joan Norwood), who m. (2) Edward Bennett, great-uncle of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and sister of Sarah, wife of Samuel Bayley*.

PIERCE, of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, and Virginia.

1. Richard Pierce*.
1.1. Alice Pierce. m. Joseph Phippen.
1.1.1. Robert Phippen,* m. Cecily Jordan, Sept. 18, 1580.
1.1.1.1. Cecily Phippen, m. Thomas Reynolds.
1.1.1.1.1. Cecily Reynolds, m. (1) Thomas Baily, (2) Samuel Jordan; (3) William Farrar.
1.2. William Pierce, m. Joan, dau. of William Phippen, br. of Robert Phippen. The Will of Anthony Barham, gent., of Mulberry Island, Virginia: “To Mrs Joan Pierce wife of Mr William Pierce”
1.2.1. “William Pearce”, of Wiveliscombe.
1.2.1.1. William Pierce, bapt. March 2, 1590, in Wiveliscombe, m. Mary Bourne, of Wiveliscombe, who m. (2) Edward Bennett, of Wiveliscombe; the great-uncle of Thomas Harris, of Wiveliscombe, d. 1672, in Virginia; and parents of Silvestra Bennett, who m. Nicholas Hill, who appraised the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Nicholas Hill’s land adjoined that of George Hardy, father-in-law of Edward Harris, as follows.
1.2.1.1.1. Margaret Pierce, m. Francis Gower.
1.2.1.1.2. Sarah Pierce, m. *Samuel Bayley.
1.2.1.2. Alice Pierce, m. (2) Thomas Bennett, b. ca. 1590, nephew of the said Edward Bennett. He was listed in the 1624 census on the S. of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek. In that year, Elizabeth Pierce, dau. of his wife *Alice, chose her stepfather, Thomas Bennett, as her guardian.
1.2.1.2.1. Richard Bennett, d. 1709, as follows.

Vivian 1847: Harl. MS 1162; cit. Genealogical Gleanings in England, vol II, 1907). From a copy of the original Visitation, signed by Geo. Fitzpen, als. Phippen:

1. Hen. Fitzpen, of St. Mary Overy, Devon, m. Alice “dau. of Pierce of Ireland”.
1.1. John Fitzpen.
1.1.1. Robert Fitzpen als. Phippen of Wamouth (Weymouth) in Com. Dorset, m. Cicilie, “dau. of Tho. Jordan of Dorsetsh”.
1.1.1.1. George Fitzpen, of Truro, Cornwall. The Will of George Fitzpen als Phippen, proved in London, March 1, 1651, by Mary Phippen, relict and executrix, in which George devises “To my sister, Cicely Reignolds my two biggest silver spoons, my ring with Death’s head unto her husband”.
1.1.1.2. David Fitzpen, 2nd son.
1.1.1.3. Owen Fitzpen, of Ireland, 1st son.
1.1.1.4. “Cicilie a daughter”, m. (1) *Thomas Baily.
1.1.1.4.1. Temperance Bailey.
1.1.1.4. Cicilie m. (2) Samuel Jordan.
1.1.1.4. Cicilie m. (3) William Farrar.
1.1.1.4.1. John Farrar.
1.1.1.4.2. William Farrar.

1.1.2. William Fitzpen.
1.1.2.1. Joan Fitzpen, m. William Pierce.
1.1.2.1.1. William Pearce, of Wiveliscombe, br. of Richard.
1.1.2.1.1.1. William Pierce, bapt. March 2, 1590, in Wiveliscombe, m. Mary Bourne, of Wiveliscombe, who m. (2) Edward Bennett, of Wiveliscombe.

1. Henry Pierce b. ca 1475, in Somerset, m. Ann …
1.1. *Richard Pierce, b. ca. 1500.
1.1.1. Alice Pierce, b. ca. 1525, m. Joseph Phippen
1.1.2. William Pierce, b. ca. 1530, m. Joan Phippen.
1.1.2.1. “William Pearce”.
1.1.2.1. William Pierce, m. Mary Bourne.

John Edwards. “Whereas Susan Carter,* daughter of Will. Carter, deced., was by order of this Cort., putt unto John Edwards till she should attaine her age of one & twentie yeres. & by the sde. Edwards assigned unto Thos. Marshall,* & by the sde. Marshall assigned unto Richd. Merryman. It is ordered by this Cort., that the sde. Susan doe continue with: the sde. Richd. Merryman till she attaine to the age of 21 yeres, accordinge to the tenor of the order granted to Edwards”. John Edwards is mentioned in the Will of Thomas Roots, probated March 14, 1660, pp. 386/7: “I give & bequeath unto my Godson, Thos. Edwards,* son of John Edwards, Chirurgeon, one Cow, etc. Lastly, it is my wil & desire that my loving friend John Edwards, Chirurgeon, shall be my ful & whole Exr. Wit. John Flower, Nicholas George*”. *Mr. Thomas Edwards, m. (1) a dau. of Michael Hunt, in whose Will, probated June 12, 1684, he is designated as “cousin”, and overseer. Thomas Edwards was a business partner of John Clarke in Bristol. (Bristol Arch., ref. 046, 1684). (2) The widow of Thomas White, brother-in-law of Robert Lancaster Sr.

CARTER
1. …
1.1. Will. Carter Sr., claimed the London merchant Edward Bland* as a headright in 1636. In the same year, Edward Drew claimed William Carter as a headright. In 1650, Thomas Goodwin claimed him as a headright.
1.1.1. Thomas Carter, m. Elinor, dau. of William Cooke, of Bristol, mariner, who m. (2) William Groves. The estate of Elinor Groves was appraised by John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Carter,* m. Magdalen Moore*, dau. of George Moore, and aunt of Avis White, who m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.2. *Susan Carter; her guardian, John Edwards.
1.2. Thomas Carter, claimed as a headright by Arthur Smith in 1637, who also claimed John Barcroft, the br. of Charles Barcroft, a dau. of whom m. George Moore; they the grandparents (by their dau. Ann) of Avis White.
1.2.1. Thomas Carter, of “Barford”, m. Katherine Dale. (See previous notes).
1.3. John Carter. He and Thomas Carter witnessed a coveyance of land by Justinian Cooper to John George*, uncle of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

GEORGE
1. …
1.1. *Nicholas George.
1.1.1. Eleanor George (d.v.p.), m. Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.2. Nicholas George, d. March 9, 1699, in Lancaster Co.
1.1.2.1. William George, m. Elizabeth Carter, on June 15, 1698, in Lancaster Co., dau. of Thomas Carter, of “Barford” and Eleanor Cooke, who m. (2) William Grove, son of “John Grove, merchant, of Bristoll”, who purchased 700 ac. “easterly by Chippoaks Creek” on Jan. 12, 1656, atty John Jennings, p. 97. John George makes William Sherwood atty for the estate of John Grove, deceased, April 22, 1671, p. 383. John George was the uncle of Eleanor George, the ist wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. The estate of Elinor Groves was appraised by *John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.1.3.Sarah George, m. Richard Marshall, son of *Thomas Marshall. Rappa, B. 1, pp. 151-152: “Know all men that we Richard Bennet and Mary Benet of Nansamin do hereby acknowledge to have sold all our right that we our selves or heirs have in a parcel of land called Keinmore in Rapphanock being … thousand acres as by the pattent and assignment therreof may appear the said land being sould some years past unto Richard Loe, Rice Jones & some others … 22 day of January 1660 in presence of Edw. Carter, Richard Bennet, Richard Marshall, Mary Bennett.
1.2. *John George.
1.2.1. Rebecca George.

MOORE, of Bristol.

1. George Moore, d. Aug. 11, 1643; m. Magdalena …
1.1. George Moore, of Bristol, b. 1632 (Chapman, IOW Wills, p. 54), m. Jane Barcroft, dau. of Charles Barcroft, and sister of Elizabeth, wife of James Sampson, parents of Sarah, wife of Richard Braswell Sr.; their dau., Ann,* m. (1) Mathew Strickland Jr., (2) John Edwards*. George Moore and Jane Barcroft had issue: Ann Moore, who m. Thomas White; their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Richard Braswell Sr. had issue: (1) Robert Braswell Jr., who m. Susan Burgess, dau. of Katherine Moore (sister of George Moore), and 2nd husband, John Burgess. By her first husband, Katherine Moore had issue: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. The Will of Joyce Cripps (1679) bequested “the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England; to *the son of Francis England’s brother, if he comes to Virginia to make a claim”. As follows, James Bennett, Mr. Boddie, chpt. xvi. – “James, who is mentioned as “godson” in the will of Joyce Cripps, wife of George Cripps and former wife of Francis England, the 8th of April 1679″.
1.1.1. Ann Moore, m. Thomas White, (son of Thomas White, and the sister of Robert Lancaster), whose son, Samuel Lancaster. m. Elizabeth Harris, niece of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, accounting for the strong and continuous
1.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.1.2. 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.
1.1.2.1. James Piland, witnessed the will of Robert Lancaster,* on April 28, 1720, and appraised the estate of John Brantley, on April 26, 1725.
1.1.2.1.1. James Piland, m. Elizabeth Brantley, dau. of Phillip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr.), and Joyce Lewis; dau. of Rebecca George* (cousin of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672) and Thomas Lewis.
1.1.3. Magdalen Moore. George Moore, in consideration of marriage betw. Thomas Carter and Magdalen, dau. of said George Moore, gives Thomas Carter 400 ac. out of my dividend of 1400 ac. on Blackwater Swamp, patent to Moore, May 12, 1669.

1.2. Katherine Moore, b. ca. 1630, m. (1) …
1.2.1. Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps.
1.2.2. Katherine, b. ca. 1646, d. aft. 1679, m. (2) Robert Flake. On Oct. 18, 1669, they deeded land to George Moore in IOW, p. 201, Katherine’s uncle.
1.2. Katherine Moore, m. (2) John Burgess.
1.2.1. Susan Burges, m. Robert Braswell Jr., son of Richard Braswell Sr. and Sarah, dau. of James Sampson and Elizabeth Barcroft, sister of Jane Barcroft, grandmother of Avis White, wife of a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Robert Braswell Jr. was the br. of Ann, who m. (2) John Edwards.*

SAMPSON

1. James Sampson, m. Elizabeth Barcroft. (“James Sampson of Stevenheath Parish in County Middlesex, Shipwright”. (D&W 1, p. 21); Will probated April 9, 1689.
1.1. Elizabeth Sampson, m. (1) Edward Browne Jr.* (2) Thomas Clarke Jr.
1.2. Margaret Sampson, m. Nicholas Wilson.
1.2.1. James Wilson br. of Sampson Wilson, m. (2) Honour (dau. of John Goodrich Jr. and Anne, dau. of Edward Bechinoe); she m. (2) Thomas Pierce, having issue, Honour Pierce, who m. John Symes.
1.3. Sarah Sampson, m. Richard Braswell Sr.
1.3.1. Ann Braswell, m. (2) *John Edwards, his joint exec., Henry Harris, as follows.
1.3.2. Martha Braswell, m. William Browne.

BROWNE (of Bristol).

1. Edward Browne, Will proved Dec. 9, 1669 (Davis, Surry Wills, p. 8); wife Elinor Atkinson? (her bondsman, Thomas Atkinson, and John Clarke); overseers, his friends Robert Flake and Richard Bennett.
1.1. *Edward Browne, m. Elizabeth Sampson; her sister, Sarah Sampson, m. Richard Braswell Sr., whose dau. m. (2) John Edwards; his exec., Henry Harris.
1.1.1. John Browne, d. by 1714.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Browne, m. (2) John Joyner. Bertie Co., D.B, F, p. 344: Solomon Joyner of Edgecombe Co., NC, John Joyner and Elizabeth Joyner of Isle of Wight Co, convey land to William Brown, 1740.
1.1.1.2. Grace Browne, m. John Warren.
1.1.1.3. William Browne m. Martha Braswell. William Browne was the br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, br. of Henry Harris.
1.1.1.4. Hester Browne, m. (1) Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, br. of Henry Harris. (2) John Brantley (son of Edward Brantley, grandson of Edward Brantley, who was security of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); whose estate was appraised by Simon Turner,* Henry Harris, and Thomas Barrow (of Brantley intermarriage). R. July 25, 1737, p. 176.
1.1.2. Samuel Browne, m. Mary, probable sister of Mathew Jones. Will proved June 23, 1740, witnessed by Hardy Council Jr.
1.1.2.1. Jesse Browne, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Nathaniel Ridley.
1.1.2.2. Mary Browne, m. John Drake.
1.1.2.2.1. Mary Drake, m. Robert Grimes.
1.1.2.2.2. Penelope Drake, m. James Barrow.
1.1.2.3. Sarah Browne, m. (2) Isaac Carter.
1.1.2.4. Martha Browne, m. Henry King.
1.1.2.5. Penelope Browne, m. William Lawrence, who m. (2) Sarah Applewhite.

*Simon Turner and Henry Harris (with Jacob Harris), appraised the estate of Thomas Cooke (of the Cooke family of Bristol). R. Feb. 27, 1737, p. 198. Simon Turner was the probable br.-in-law of Edward Harris (son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and father of Jacob Harris.

This is one of the numerous and expected connections between two branches of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, where cousins married into the same families, creating “connective tissues” to such as the families of Browne and EdwardsIn the case of the vast majority of families of this account, kinship bonds were reinforced by religious ones – they were mostly Quakers.

Thomas Cooke* and Henry Harris appraised the estate of John White (R. March 22, 1730, p. 251), son of John White (Will dated March 14, 1718), and br. of Elizabeth White,* who m. William Scott* (in 1718, in IOW Co.), exec. of the Will of John White, Sr.* In that Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30., witnessed the Will of John Scott, br. of William Scott, the br.-in-law of John White, surely, Henry Harris is most securely connected to the lineage of Thomas Harris, d. 1672?

BARCROFT/COMMANDER/HARVEY/JORDAN/MOORE/SCOTT/TABERER

1. Thomas Taberer.
1.1. Christian Taberer, m. Robert Jordan, son of Thomas (“the Quaker”) Jordan, and Margaret Brasseur, and br. of (1) Mathew Jordan, b. Jan. 1, 1676, in Chuckatuck, d. Sept. 2, 1747, who appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Eleanor George. (2) Joshua Jordan, whose dau., Mary Jordan, m. John George, thus being the aunt of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (Robert Jordan m. (3) Dorothy, dau. of Maj. Thomas Cary, of a Bristol family).
1.1.2. Christian Jordan, m. William Scott, son of *John Scott.
1.1.2.1. John Scott, m. Joan (dau. of Thomas Tooke*), and sister of Dorothy, wife of Joseph Commander, the parents of Thomas Commander*, who m. Ellen Harvey*.

GOVERNOR JOHN HARVEY

1. …
1.1. John Harvey, b. ca. 1495.
1.1.1. John Harvey.
1.2. Richard Harvey*. Rose v Harvey. Plaintiffs: Richard Rose. Defendants: Richard Harvey. Subject: manor of Broadmayne, Dorset.1640-1642. (C 3/428/66). Barcroft v Opie. Plaintiffs: John Barcroft. Defendants: Nicholas Opie, *Richard Harvey, Richard Harvey*, and Abraham Holditch. Subject: personal estate of John Harvey, Chard, Somerset. 1662.
1.2.1. *Richard Harvey.
1.3. Francis Harvey. Rose v Barcroft. Plaintiffs: Richard Rose and Francis Harvey. Defendants: John Barcroft, Robert Barcroft and Thomas Colwell. Subject: manor of Broadmayne, Dorset. 1653. (C 6/119/1220.
1.4. Thomas Harvey, youngest son, b. ca. 1605, m. Mary; granted land on the Chicahominy River in 1640 in lieu of claiming 18 headrights, including his son, John Harvey, Thomas Causey, and Robert Flake*. Robert Flake m. Katherine, dau. of Katherine Moore, sister of George Moore, who m. Jane, dau. of Charles Barcroft, br. of John and Robert Barcroft.
1.4.1. Governor John Harvey, m. Dorothy, dau of James Tooke, and sister of *Thomas Tooke.
1.4.1.1. *Ellen Harvey, m. *Thomas Commander.
1.4.1.1.1. Samuel Commander, b. ca. 1680, d. Sept. 17, 1733, in Black River, Prince George Parish, NC. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Screven/Scriven, of Somerton, Somerset, who signed the Somerset Baptist Confession, of 1656; a document clarifying Baptist beliefs, so as to guard against congregants conversion to Quakerism.

John Scott’s Will (rec. July 28, 1729), was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.1.2.2. *William Scott (b. Dec. 27, 1678), m. *Elizabeth White.
1.2. Ruth Taberer, m. John Newman, whose sister, Alice, was the second wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and mother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, almost certainly the father by a first wife of Henry and Thomas Harris.

*Thomas Cooke was the br. of Reuben Cooke, who m. Hannah, dau. of John Atkinson, son of Thomas Atkinson.

ATKINSON

1. Thomas Atkinson, m. Mary, who m. (2) Thomas Gwaltney, by whom: William Gwaltney, and (3) Thomas Pitman, bapt. in 1613, in Wedmore, Somerset.
1.1. Thomas Atkinson Jr. As given, Thomas Atkinson may have been the br. of Elinor, wife of Edward Browne, d. 1669, whose son’s sister-in-law m. Richard Braswell Sr., their dau. m. (2) John Edwards;* his exec., Henry Harris. William Gwaltney m. Alice, on chronological grounds, a sister of *Robert Flake (b. ca. 1640), who m. Sussanah, a dau. of George Moore’s sister.
1.1.1. John Atkinson.
1.1.1.1. Hannah Atkinson, m. Reuben Cooke.

1.2. James Atkinson Sr.
1.2.1. James Atkinson Jr., m. Martha Williamson, dau. of Francis Williamson, and Ann Exum, son of Robert Williamson and Joan Proctor; who m. (3) Reuben Proctor; who appraised the estates of John and Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Francis Williamson was the br. of Ann Williamson, who m. John Boykin; a dau. may have m. Robert Harris, d. 1740, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and br. of Edward Harris, etc.
1.2.2. Thomas Atkinson witnessed the Wills of:
(1) Edward Harris, rec. March 25, 1734, p. 301.
(2) Thomas Harris: Leg. son Joshua, dau. Mary; to my unborn child. Excs, wife Hannah and brother, Henry Harris. Dated Dec. 25, 1729, rec. March 23, 1730. Thomas Atkinson’s estate was appraised by Robert Tynes, James Simmons, and Richard Thomas. S. Joseph Atkinson, son. Rec. Jan. 28, 1744, p. 524, who, as herein recorded, bought land from Mary Harris, granddau. of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and his second wife, Judith Edwards, second-cousin of *John Edwards.

*John Edwards, Will rec. Aug. 11, 1748, John Edwards, son, and Henry Harris, joint execs., witnessed by Thomas Taylor and Harris Taylor,* p. 121. Legatees: Son John; daughter Ann, the cattle bought at the widow Hart’s and widow Culpepper’s sale; daughter Mary; wife *Ann. Brother Nathaniel Edwards, trustee. Estate appraised by Joseph Cobb, Jr., John Pope. The former was a son of Joseph Cobb and Susannah Braswell; the latter was a son of Henry Pope, Will recorded October 28, 1728, naming him and sister, Jane Braswell. * “Harris Taylor, grandson”, named in Will of William Harris,* pr. April 19, 1721, which named Thomas Holt* as “friend”.

EDWARDS

1. …
1.1. Robert Edwards, b. ca. 1615.
1.1.1. Robert Edwards (b. ca. 1640), m. Mary,* sister of Michael Hunt, soapmaker. Ancient lease: Corporation of Bristol to Michael Hunt. March 30, 1678. (Bristol Arch., 13461/1).
1.1.1.1. Judith Edwards (b. ca. 1670), m. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, almost certainly as 2nd wife. He would have been of full age when he and his half-br., John, bought land from Joseph Bridger (in 1679) that had been that of their father, i.e. born no later than 1658, and at least 43 years of age when marrying Judith Edwards. Thomas and John were sons of Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia. He was a business partner of Joseph Bridger and William Scott, in Bristol. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions). To repeat: William Scott’s son, William Scott, m. Christian Jordan, dau. of Robert Jordan and Christian Taberer, dau. of Thomas Taberer, and sister of Ruth Taberer, who m. John Newman, whose sister, Alice, was the second wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. William Scott and Christian Jordan had issue: John Scott, who m. Joan Tooke, dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke. John Scott witnessed a deed of March 26, 1711 (with William Bridger, son of Joseph Bridger Sr.), whereby John and Thomas Harris of the Upper Parish, sons of Thomas, d. 1672, divided the land they held in jointure, that being 250 ac. inherited from their father, and 115 ac. they had acquired from Joseph Bridger. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, witnessed the Will of John Scott (rec. July 28, 1729, p. 171), whose father was the br.-in-law of Ruth Taberer (sister-in-law of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and whose grandfather was a business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

OWEN GRIFFIN, in no way Grithiffs.

*Mary Hunt, m. (2) Owen Griffin, having issue: (1) Sarah, wife of John Joyner, br. of Bridgman Joyner Sr., guardian of William Harris, orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. (2) Ann Griffin, who m. Thomas Drake Sr., having issue: John Drake, husband of Mary, dau. of John Browne, as herein given. Owen Griffin was probably of the Griffen family of Bruton, Somerset, and perhaps the great-grandson of Owen Griffen (b. ca. 1540), bur. Bruton, Jan. 4. 1600/1, and a grandson of John Griffin (b. ca. 1570), who m. Joan Penny, Sept. 10, 1593, in Bruton, and a son of Thomas Griffin (bur. Jan. 2 1630/1); making the Griffins close kin of Robert Lancaster, of Virginia. The close association of descendants of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and Robert Lancaster have been recorded in earlier notes.

1. 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).

HARRIS cont.

1.1.1.1.1. Benjamin Harris. Judith Edwards would not necessarily devise lands to (of age) stepsons, but, rather, to a ‘son and heir at law’, following the English custom. Her ‘heir at law’ (by Thomas Harris), was Benjamin, who was in receipt of his maternal grandfather’s lands, which devolved to his ‘heir at law’, Mary. They were not the lands of Thomas Harris, Judith’s husband. His lands, in part, devolved to his son, Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, who farmed 290 ac. in IOW, on the Maherin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch, adj. William Simmon’s line, on March 24, 1725.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Harris. On Dec. 7, 1758, Mary Harris of Newport Parish, Isle of Wight Co. deeds all her interest in some land to Robert Tynes, of the same parish and county. Witnesses: (1) Joseph Bridger IV., great-grandson of Joseph Bridger I., business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Joseph Bridger was the half-brother of James Bridger, who m. Susan, dau. of Thomas Tynes, br. of Robert Tynes.

EDWARDS cont.

1.1.2. Sarah Edwards (b. ca. 1640) m. John Sampson.
1.1.2.1. Katherine Sampson, m. John Lanier Jr.
1.1.2.1.1. Sampson Lanier Sr.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Sampson Lanier Jr.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Rebecca Lanier, m. Walton Harris, descendant of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.1.3. Mr. William Edwards (b. ca. 1640). “William Edwards, Bristol merchant, destination Virginia”, was granted granted 290 ac. in Lower Par. of Surry Co., on heads of Blackwater branches … adj. Mr. Richard Bennett (April 23, 1688, p. 214), 2nd cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Mr. William Edwards, granted 410 ac., in Lower Par. of Surry Co., on E. of Greene’s Swamp, on Oct. 20, 1691, p. 204. Granted John Clarke, April 24, 1684, by him deserted. William Edwards claimed the headright of Thomas Harris (d. 1712, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), husband of Judith Edwards (after 1701), his niece.
1.1.3.1. John Edwards (b. ca. 1670; Will rec. Aug. 11, 1748, supra.
1.1.3.1.1. John Edwards, m. Ann Braswell, supra. The joint exec. of his Will, Henry Harris, was most likely a son of the said Thomas Harris (born by 1657) and a first wife; and br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.2. Sara Edwards, b. ca. 1620, m. Thomas Joyner; uterine half-sister of Ann Griffin, wife of Thomas Drake (headright of Henry Turner), whose son, John, m. Mary Browne.
1.2.1. Bridgman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas, d. 1688.
1.3. John Edwards.
1.3.1. Thomas Edwards.

What is clearly evidenced here, and countless other times, is the fact of two divisions of of an English Harris family in Virginia sharing the same associations as a result of them being of the same family, of Wiveliscombe, Somerset.

MR PETER KNIGHT, of Wiveliscombe

1. … Berde; alias Burd, Byrd, etc.
1.1. Alice Berde, m. Thomas Knight, of Milverton, May 13, 1563, in Wiveliscombe, the abode of the Bennett/Harris family.
1.1.1. William Knight, bapt. Oct. 27 1570.
1.1.2. Sara Knight, m. Nicholas Harwood, May 2, 1614; security for Thomas Joyner in a suit against William Stone in James City in 1637, p. 122. This Thomas was almost certainly the grandfather of Bridgman Joyner, the guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.3. Peter Knight Sr., merchant, 400 acs. Up. Co. of New Norf., Nov. 18, 1638 p. 543, On S.E. side of Nansamund Riv., & about 3 mi. up the E. side of a Cr., lying over against land of Richard Bennett* & adj. Land of Robert Bennett* (p. 85).
1.1.3.1. Peter Knight Jr., b. 1620, d. 1674. Mr. Peter Knight, 700 acs. Gloster Co., Aug. 25, 1652. Upon Easternmost side of Poropotank Cr. towards the head of same, beg. At a branch dividing this and land of Mr. Blunt &c. Trans. of 14 pers: Tho. Taberer,* James Clarke, and Saml. Clarke, p. 197. Mr. Peter Knight to have attachment agt. estate of Wm. Jones for 1500 lbs tobacco due to Mr. Edward Bland in the hands of Hugh Lee. This Peter Knight m. Ann Hawley (Northumberland Co. R.B., p. 56), and she was almost certainly of the titled family of Hawley, of Wiveliscombe; thus, as the Harris to the Bennetts, the Knights became enhanced through advantageous marriage. *Major Tho. Taberer, 400 acs., Up. Par. of I0W. Co., and commonly called Bassett’s Choice, near mouth of Pagan Cr., Apr. 23, 1681, p. 71. 150 acs. granted Mr. Peter Knight (Sr.) in 1640, who sold to Mr. John Bland, merchant of London, and by Mr. Giles Bland, his sonn and Atty., conveyed to sd. Taberer Dec. 4, 1675, together with confirmation of the sale and a relinquishment of dower by Mrs. Sar. Bland, wife & Genl. Atty. of sd. John, Oct. 6, 1679, p. 217.
1.1.3.2. William knight. May 24, 1650: According to sufficient proofe made to this Court, there is due to Mr. Peter Knight 150 ac. of Land for the transportation of these persons into this Colony, viz., his own transportation, Wm. Knight, John Cloberry. (Deeds, Orders 1650-52, p. 43). Knight, William: Dying intestate, administration requested by Frances Knight. R. Nov. 13, 1672. Security, Captain Arthur Smith, Mr. George Moore (p. 69), the grandfather of Avis White, wife of John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2. John Berde
1.2.1. Thomas Berde, bapt. March 20, 1580.
1.2.1.1. Agnes Berde, m. Thomas Bennett, June 17, 1623, he bapt. Nov. 5, 1603, son of Thomas Bennett,* bapt. April 2, 1570.

BENNETT, of Wiveliscombe

1. …
1.1. *Thomas Bennett
1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, bapt. Nov. 5, 1603, m. Agnes Berde, and who was the headright of his br., Richard, in 1636.
1.1.2. *Governor Richard Bennett,* bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequesting: “To William Yearret 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.
1.1.2.1. Ann Bennett, who m. (2) Theoderick Bland.
1.1.3. *Robert Bennett.

1.2. John Bennett,* b. March 1, 1566, d. 1601, m. Elizabeth Bourne.
1.2.1. Thomas Bennett, b. ca. 1590, listed in the 1624 census on the south of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek. In that year, Elizabeth Pierce, dau. of his wife, Alice, chose her stepfather, Thomas Bennett, as her guardian.
1.2.1.1. *Richard Bennett, d. 1709. His first wife was (circumstantially) Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’). His second wife, Sarah,* relict of Daniel Lewis, m. Robert Lancaster Sr., who, by a ist wife, was the father of Samuel Lancaster, husband of Elizabeth Harris*.
1.2.1.1.1. *”Richard Bennett the younger”.
1.2.1.1.1.1. William Bennett, m. Mary Hardy, dau. of George Hardy.
1.2.1.1.1.2. 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. Mathew Fones witnessed the Will of George Hardy (1704). Philip Pardoe’s wife was Jane, dau. of John George, and cousin of the first wife wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.1.2. Susan Bennett, m. Daniel Lewis, son of Daniel Lewis and *Sarah …
1.2.1.1.2.1. Mary Lewis, m. Timothy Thorpe.
1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Mary Thorpe, m. Edward Harris Jr., br. of Nathan Harris, and Daniel Harris, grandsons of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.1.3. James Bennett. Mr. Boddie, chpt. xvi. – “James, who is mentioned as “godson” in the will of Joyce Cripps, wife of George Cripps and former wife of Francis England, the 8th of April 1679″.

1.3. Edward Bennett, bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, m. (2) *Mary Bourne.
1.3.1 Silvestra Bennett, m. Nicholas Hill, who appraised the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Nicholas Hill’s land adjoined that of George Hardy.
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).
1.5. Eleanor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe.
1.5.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623.
1.5.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.5.2. Edward Harris, held land of *Governor Richard Bennett’s patent of Nov. 4, 1642.
1.5.2.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677.
1.5.2.1.1. Edward Harris, b. 1664.

Within the sheer density of kinship group intermarriages, it is possible to gain an insight into a particular family by focusing on another, so as to view through a different prism. In the case of many families of the Somerset/Gloucestershire borderlands, there is no better prism as the family of Bourne, which, because of a wealth of extant Wills, allows an insight into the complexity of relationships which assisted in the settling of Virginia, by supplying financial and physical support to those within its circle.

BOURNE, of Wiveliscombe

1. Richard Bourne, of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, m. Sylvester Tybolde, who d. bef. Feb. 9, 1593, in Wells, Somerset. Richard Bourne, Will pr. March, 1594. (23 Dixy).
1.1. Gilbert Bourne. Will proved Feb. 3, 1596, m. Eleanor Smith.
1.1.1. John Bourne, born in Wiveliscombe. Will proved Oct. 21, 1656.
1.2. Jasper Bourne, of Stanmore Magna, Midd., gent. Will Proved by *John Benitt, May 4, 1636. (67 Pile). My wife Joan. My son (in-law) John Benett, of London, merchant, standeth bound to my nephew John Bourne, of Lincoln’s Inn, in £100. My grandchildren, children of my daughter Elizabeth Benitt. My da. Sylvestre, wife of my son William Hutchinson, clerke. My grandson Jasper Fell, son of Henry Fell, late of Hampsted, Midd., gent., & of my da. Sylvestre, now wife of William Hutchinson. My da. Mary, wife of *Edward Benett, merchant. My wife’s grandson, John Norwood, of London.
1.2.1. Mary Bourne, m. (1) William Pierce, (2) Edward Bennett, as given.

Mr. Peter Knight claimed the headrights of:

(1) Harris, Thomas,* 1643, Isle of Wight Co.

1. William Harris, b. ca. 1535, m. Dorothy Westbrooke,* on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1. William Harris.
1.1.1. Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, , “son of William Harries”. Thomas Hampton granted land on May 9, 1637: “In Nansamund Riv., E upon same, W into the woods, S. upon two small Indian feilds”, for transp. of Richard Harris, Elizabeth Harris, Elizabeth White, John White, et. al., p. 56. This John White was probably he who, on July 4, 1649, patented land in IOW Co., “on a swamp running on to black water”, “on the easternmost branch pointing to Chipoaks”, later assigned to Francis England, July 26, 1652, p. 110.

It was probably his son who d. in 1718; to recall:
Thomas Cooke and Henry Harris appraised the estate of John White (R. March 22, 1730, p. 251), son of John White (Will dated March 14, 1718), and br. of Elizabeth White, who m. William Scott (in 1718 in IOW Co.), exec. of the Will of John White, Sr., whose land was adj. that of Francis England. Francis England, 2366 ac., Sept. 29, 1664. 946 ac. by a former patent and 120 ac. by another pat. both dated Jan. 13, 1661. 400 ac. of the residue beg. at his own land and running S. adj. to 200 he purchased of John White, both of these beginning at the mount of (Nicholas) Hills Branch. 700 ac. beg. at his 120 ac. pat. running NE. to Robert Eleys, to the head of Taberer’s branch and down the same to Chris. Lewis. For trans. 26 pers. including himself, Joyce, his wife, and George Cripps.

1.1.1.1. John Harris, bapt. Feb. 18, 1624.
1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel Lancaster, son of *Robert Lancaster Sr.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1627-1688, held land in lower par. IOW Co. on borders of Blackwater to the bottom of Pig Neck (B. 7, p. 510), which had been granted to Mr. John Seward on April 16, 1648, who had patented land in 1638 “upon Warresquioke River”, against the land of Nathaniell Floyd, whose widow m. Francis Hobbs, whose dau. m. John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.3. William Harris,* headright claimed by John Seward, in 1648.

1.2. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, sister of Edward Bennett, the Virginia coloniser,
1.2.1. *Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, on Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia. He was a business partner of Joseph Bridger and John Scott,* in Bristol. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions).
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris. Appraisal by Reuben Proctor, John Harrison, Philip Wheadon, James Wilson. Signed: Judith (Edwards) Harris (wife). March 23, 1712.
1.2.2. Edward Harris.
1.2.2.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677.
1.2.2.1.1. Edward Harris, b. 1664.

(2) Taberer, Tho., 1652, Gloucester Co .

To repeat:

1. Thomas Taberer.
1.1. Christian Taberer, m. Robert Jordan, son of Thomas Jordan and Margaret Brasseur, and br.of Mathew Jordan, who witnessed the will of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. Christian Jordan, m. William Scott, son of *John Scott.
1.1.1.1. John Scott; his Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2. Ruth Taberer, m. John Newman, whose sister, Alice, was the second wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and mother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.

(3) Westbrooke, James, 1653, great-nephew of *Dorothy Westbrooke, of Wiveliscombe.

MR JOHN SEWARD, of Bristol, and Hemmington, Somerset

He claimed the headrights of the following, in IOW, IN 1648:

Brice, Robt.
Duke, Geo.
Edwards, Alice.
*Harris, Wm.
Jackson, Wm.
Jones, John.
Reynolds, Wm.
Williams, Tho.

JOHN TAYLOR

He claimed the following headrights:

Harris, John, 1652, Lancaster Co.
Carter, Wm., 1648.

OLIVER SEGAR

He claimed the headrights of the following in Lancaster Co. in 1653:
Harris, Tho.
Bryant, John.

RANDALL CREW

He claimed the headrights of the following in Nansemond Co. in 1648:

Barlow, John.
Davis, Richard.
Harris, Thomas.
Hawkins, Hen.
Johnson, John.
Long, Wm.
Philpot, Rich.

SAMUEL MATHEWS

He claimed the headrights of the following in 1642.

Harris, John.
Crafford, Dorothy.
Edwards, Sam.
Jenings, Mathew.
Jones, Jon.. Jones, John, 1648, by John Seward, Isle of Wight Co.
Jones, Hen.
Jones, Howell.
Jones, Thomas.
Jordan, George.
Lewis, John.
Reeves, John.
King, Wm.

He claimed the headrights of the following in 1643:

Loyd, John.
King, Jon.
Moore, Jon.
Robins, Jon.
Seager, Jon.
Turner, John.
Williams, Jon.
Williamson, Jon.

JEREMIAH GREY

He claimed the headrights of the following in James City Co:

Harris, Richard, 1642.
John White. White, Tho., 1648, by Wm. Edwards, James City Co.
Harris, Jane, 1639.
Moore, Richard, 1639.

RANDALL HOLT

He claimed the headrights of the following in James City Co:

Harris, John, 1639. Harris, Wm., 1637, by John Moon, Isle of Wight Co.
Holt, Francis, 1639.
Robert Holt. Keyes, Tho., 1638, by Robt. Holt; and Richard Bell, James City Co.
Allen, Wm., 1640. Allen, Wm., 1638, by Robt. Holt and Richard Bell, James City Co.
Bradford, Thos., 1640.
Brown, Jon., 1654.
Burgis, Richard, 1640.
Burgis, John, 1650.
Holt, Alice, 1651.
House, John, 1638, by Robt. Holt; and Richard Bell.
Keys (Kaes), Tho., 1654. Keyes, Daniell, 1638, by Joseph Bourne, Charles City Co.
Moore, Tho., 1654.
Watson, Joane, 1651.
Williams, Henry, 1654.
Williams, Tho., 1654. Williams, Ellinor, 1653, by Mathew Tomlin.
Wilson, Jon., 1654, James City Co.

JOHN MOONE … Moone, John, 1649, by Joseph Croshawe, Yorke Co.

Harris, Wm., 1637, Isle of Wight Co.
Bourne, Thomas, 1638.
Petway, Rich., 1635, Warrasquinoake Co. (which became Isle of Wight Co.).
Prise, Jon., 1635, Warrasquinoake Co.
Sillward, Jon. (Seward) 1635, Warrasquinoake Co.
Small, Margaret (Smale), 1637, Isle of Wight Co. Small, Wm., 1651, by Joseph Croshaw, Yorke Co
Vaughan, John, 1637, Isle of Wight Co.
White, Jon., 1635, Warrasquinoake Co.

ABRAHAM MOONE Moone, Abraham, 1638, by Epaphroditus Lawson, Upper Norfolk Co.

He claimed the headrights of the following in Lancaster Co:

Barnes, Henry, 1653
Brice, James, 1653.
Bryan, Wm., 1654.
Church, Wm., 1653.
Cooke, Henry, 1651, by Abraham Moone and Thomas Griffin.
Death, Francis, 1651, by Abraham Moone and Thomas Griffin, Lancaster Co. Death, Susan, 1641, by Ambrose Bennett, Isle of Wight Co.
Floyd, Nich., 1654.
Hunt, Mary, 1651, by Abraham Moone; and Thomas Griffen.
Groves, Richard, 1653.
Scott, Joane, 1653. Scott, Wm., 1653, by Tho. Hampton.

Mr. JAMES WILLIAMSON

He claimed the following headrights in 1650:

Baker, Mary, 1650.
Cartwright, Tho., 1650.
Cripps, Mary, 1650. … Cripps, Wm. by Tho. Lucas.
Davis, John, 1650.
Dickinson, John, 1650.
England, Ralph, 1650. … England, Sarah, 1642, by Francis England, Isle of Wight Co.
Hudson, Mary, 1650 … Hudson, Wm., 1654, by Robert Holt, James City Co.
Hurt (Hart) Edward, 1650, … Hurt, Wm., 1650, by Mr. Stephen Hamelin, Charles City Co.
Jones, Wm., 1650
Peirce, Kath., 1650, … Peirce, John, 1649, by Joseph Croshawe, Yorke Co. Peirce, John, 1648, by Georg Read, Gent, Co. Peirce, Wm., 1648, by Thomas Hart, James City Co.
Thacker, Silvester, 1650.
Thomas, Richard, 1650.

JOHN ROBINS. Robins;, John, 1643, by Capt. Samuell Mathews, Esq.,

He claimed the headrights of the following in 1638:

Bayly, Richard, James City Co.
Davis, Jane, Elizabeth City Co.
Drew, Symon, James City Co
Harris, Jane.
Lawrance, John.
Loyd, David.
Robins, Dorothy, (first wife). Robins, Judith. 1650, by Francis Hobbs.
Wakins, Edward.
Williams, Alice.
Wrenn, Thom.

He claimed the headrights of the following in 1642:

Harris, Jane.
Huett, Francis.
Jenkins, Tho.
Jones, Wm.

He claimed the headrights of:

Robins, Dorothy, (first wife) (her husband), James City Co. Robins, Judith ( second wife) 1650, by Francis Hobbs.
Thomas, Wm., 1654, by Capt. Augustine Warner and Mr. John Robins.
Wakins, Edward, 1638, James City Co. Watkins, John, 1653, by Charles Grymes, Lancaster Co.
.

THOMAS HAMPTON

He claimed the following headrights in 1637 in New Norfolk Co:
Harris, Richard.
Browne, Jon.
Hampton, Thos., 1637, by Thomas Hampton; Clarke, New Norfolk Co.
Scott, James. Scott, Wm., 1653, by Thomas Hampton.
White, John.
White, Eliza.
White, Edward
Williamson, Isaac, 1653, by Thomas Hampton.

RICHARD BENNETT

Bennett;, Rich., 1642, by Hugh Gwyn, Gent. Bennett;, Ri., 1650, by Mr. Epaphroditus Lawson. Bennett, Eliza, 1652, by Daniell Welch, Lancaster Co. Bennett, Robt., 1637, by Capt. Adam Thoroughgood, New Norfolk Co. Bennett, Jno., 1637, by David Mansell, James City Co. Bennett, Jon., Thos. Crosby’s servant, 1637, by Arthur Bayly and Tho. Crosby. Bennett;, Sarah, 1642, by Stephen Hamblyn, York Co. Bennett, Ambrose, by Richard Bennett, New Norfolk Co.
Atwood, An., 1635, New Norfolk Co.

He claimed the headright of:

Williams, Thomas, 1635. Williams, Evan, 1635, by William Spencer, Co. Williams, John, 1635, by Walter Hacker. Nicholson;, Eliz., 1635, by William Spencer. Nicholson;, Eliz., 1635, by William Spencer. Nicholson, Wm., 1655, by John Lawson, Lancaster Co. Noble, George, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson, Charles City Co. Slater, Arthur, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson, Charles City Co. Tanner, Abram., 1655, by Robt. Nicholson; Charles City Co. Warner, Henry, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson, Charles City Co.

He claimed the following headrights in 1637 in New Norfolk Co:

Bayly, Peter. Sarah Bayley, 1642, by Stephen Hamblyn, York Co. Bayly, Henry, 1650, by Lewis Burwell, Gent. Bayly, Richard, 1650, by Lewis Burwell, Gent. Bayly, Jove, 1639, by Edward Drew, Accomack. Bayly, Margarett, 1639, by Capt. Rich. Townsend, Charles River Co.
Bennett, Thomas.
Bennett, Richard.
Bennett, Ambrose.
Bird, Rich.
Jeffries, Thomas.
Moore, Robt.

He claimed the headright of:

Whitlock, Tho., 1638. Whitlock, Tho., 1650, by Mr. James Williamson. Nicolson, Ricd. 1650, by Silvester Thatcher and Tho. Whitlocke. Nicholson, Eliz., 1635, by William Spencer. Nicholson;, George, 1635, by Stephen Webb, Co. Nicolson, Ricd. 1650, by Silvester Thatcher and Tho. Whitlocke. Nicholson, Wm., 1655, by John Lawson, Lancaster Co. Noble, George, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson;, Charles City Co. Slater, Arthur, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson, Charles City Co. Tanner, Abram., 1655, by Robt. Nicholson; Charles City Co. Warner, Henry, 1655, by Robt. Nicholson, Charles City Co.

AMBROSE BENNETT

He claimed the headrights of the following in 1641 in Isle of Wight Co:

Avery, Eliz. Avery, Marke, 1643, by Capt. Wm. Peirce, Esq.
Carter, Hester. Carter, Rich., 1637, by Nathaniel Floyd, Isle of Wight Co.
Death, Eliz.
Death, Richard.
Harwood, Peter. Harwood, Tho., 1643, by Mr. Phillipp Bennett, Upper Norfolk.
Hodges, Joane. Hodges, Tho. (the Councill connection) 1650, by Silvester Thatcher and Tho. Whitlocke. Hodges, Jane, 1654, by Mr. Francis Hamond, York Co. Hodges, Charles, 1655, by
Jones, Rich., 1638, by Ambrose Bennett. Jones, John, 1638, by Percivall Champion, Upper New Norfolk Co. Jones, John, 1638, by Randall Crew, Upper New Norfolk Co.
Newman, Alice, 1641.

PHILIP BENNETT

He claimed the headright in 1643 in Upper Norfolk Co. (became Nansemond) of:

Harris, Wm. Harris, Israell, 1643, by John Carter. Harris, Eliz., 1638, by William Cotton, Accomack Co. Graves, Ann, 1637, by Wm. Cotton. Hill, Richard, 1637, by Wm. Cotton. Harris, Elin., 1656, by Tho. Harris, d. 1672, Lancaster Co.

There are clear patterns in the data which could lead to the confirmation/discovery of the English origins of early Virginia settlers of the middle class.

In as much as the Harris family of Wiveliscombe and Virginia cannot be understood without their connection to the Moores, neither can it be understood without their connection to the Bennetts.

by m stanhope copyright B.T. Shannon 2022