The following notes concern a group of English families that had intermarried over many successive generations, to a degree that the thread that ran through them was based on an intricate, and vast, network of various degrees of cousin. Put simply, this was the English kinship system, through which families arranged marriages to further mutual support and enhance their social and economic wellbeing. Most ‘modern minds’ are ignorant of the social structures of the past, and, as a result, little progress is made in genealogical enquiry. It remains a static enterprise, based on the (Hollywood) notion that people of long ago married after meetings of chance. Life was too precarious for such flimsy choice. Marriages were arranged with all the forethought of master chess players, playing for high stakes in a game of life. Marriages were strictly within the confines of social class.

In the bleak midwinters of early Virginia (where earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow on snow), 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.

What is seen between ca. 1630-1770 in the “New World”, 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 Boddies, Bynums, Forts.

Most constructed genealogies in early Virginia stand little scrutiny, and follow a general pattern of attaching a perceived ancestor to an “Ancient Planter”. This mirrors claiming an ancestor was a “Companion of the Conqueror”. In both cases, the number of correct claims could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The orthodox mythologies are riddled with impossible chronologies, and intermarriages between families that were total strangers, and/or of a differing social class; an anathema at this time.

It is difficult to differentiate one line of a family from another, as the advantageous associations of one were shared by the other, and they often married into the same families. This is the case with the two branches of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe. As expected, they shared numerous connections, yet a very clear delineation can be adduced through the fact that the branch stemming from Thomas Harris, who died in Virginia in 1672, were invariably Quakers, and ones numerously connected to the most prominent Quaker families, such as the Jordans. This greatly aids research. “Friends” kept meticulous records of births, marriages, and deaths, with witnesses being recorded in a set pattern; fathers and mothers first; sons by order of age, etc. The practice of Quakers became a uniform discipline, with deviants being disowned by their community. Uniformity included only marrying other Quakers, and estates being appraised by other (familial) Quakers; ones which shared associations, usually over a long period; grandfather knew grandfather, father knew father, etc.; often underpinned by business associations. In this way, the almost inpenetrable nature of the English kinship system, in which the same families of a geographical region intermarried over successive generations, was made accessible to same-faith families of other regions; hence a connection to the Taberers.

The example of the Scott family of Bristol will be used in this account to identify those closely associated with them.

A simple system of cross-referencing is used to make for a better understanding of an extremely interwoven, genealogical subject.

BRISTOL/VIRGINIA

The vast majority of families of this account were of the Bristol Basin, from the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire, either side of Bristol, where many families of the ‘upwardly mobile’, yeoman class established themselves in trade, supplying the burgeoning Virginia market. Other families, such as Brantley (of Evesham, Worcestershire, 57 miles N. of Bristol), became ‘attached’ to Bristol-based merchants, probably through marriage, as suggested hereinafter.

The following families – ATKINSON, AVERY, BARHAM, BELL, BLAKE, BRESSIE, BROWNE, BYNUM, CARROL, CHAMPION, COOKE, CORKER, BROWNE, EDWARDS, FORT, GILLIAM, GOODMAN, GWALTNEY, HARRIS, IRBY, JONES, JORDAN, NICHOLSON, SCOTT, TABERER, THORPE, TOOKE, WARREN, WATKINS, WESTBROOKE, WILLIAMSON, WYKE, VASSER – can be seen as ‘rivers’ that ran through Bristol Basin/Virginia genealogies, each connected by interlinking ‘tributories’ to all.

The Bristol families of Watkins, Edwards, and Browne, were a powerful ‘confluence’ within their kinship group:

WATKINS

1. John Watkins, b. ca. 1610, cooper, who d. bef. April 22, 1655, m. Elizabeth …, who m. (2) Sackville Brewster, “in the presence of John Corker, who gave her”. (W&M Quarterly, iv., 42).
1.1. John Watkins, b. ca. 1640, (Will made Nov. 5, 1708), m. Elizabeth Spencer, orphan of Robert Spencer, who chose Thomas Jordan as her guardian, who had m. Robert Spenser’s relict, Jane. (Order Book 1671-1691, p. 265). Elizabeth Spencer was the dau. of Robert Spencer and his first wife, Ann Taberer. Robert Spencer requested in his Will that his daughter, Elizabeth, should be advised by William Edwards when she was of age, and he asked his “good fiends”, the said William Edwards, and William Browne, to be overseers.

BROWNE

1. Edward Browne, Will proved Dec. 9, 1669 (Davis, Surry Wills, p. 8); named wife Elinor (Atkinson?; her bondsman, Thomas Atkinson, and John Clarke); overseers, his friends Robert Flake and Richard Bennett Sr., 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. On May 4 1665, John Clarke and Katherine his wife sold to Edward Browne 200 ac. in IOW, being one-half of a patent for 400 ac. recorded in Surry Co., on May 7, 1666, witnessed by Thomas Gwaltney, Elizabeth Browne (dau.), and George Watkins.
1.1. Edward Browne Jr. On Sept. 12, 1680, Jonathan Case, Captain Charles Barham, and William Seward, are bound to the Court. Jonathan Case is ordered to pay to Edward, orphan of Edward Browne, deceased, his part of his father’s estate. He m. Elizabeth Sampson, dau. of James Sampson, and Elizabeth Barcroft, dau. of Charles Barcroft, whose estate admin. was George Moore, his son-in-law. James Sampson’s Will was probated on April 9, 1689, naming dau., Margaret, wife of Nicholas Wilson. Elizabeth Sampson’s sister, Sarah Sampson, m. Richard Braswell Sr., whose dau. m. (2) John Edwards,*whose estate admin. was Henry Harris (probable son of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, see later); br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1. *John Browne, d. by 1714, m. Mary Boddie. John Browne (the elder) sold 200 ac. to Wm. Scott, 100 ac. to Richard Showell, and 200 ac. to Thomas Reeves, on Feb. 9, 1690. Wit. Robt. Scott, Rich. Scott.

BODDIE

1. Richard Boddy, bur. Oct. 11, 1560, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1. John Boddy Sr., bur. Jan.1, 1576.
1.1.1. John Boddy bur. Jan. 6, 1581.
1.1.1.1. William Body, bapt Jul. 21, 1602.
1.1.1.1.1. William Body. On 12 July 1665 John Marshall received a grant of 700 ac. next to Capt. Anthony Fulgham’s grant and six of his headrights were assigned to him by William Boddie who, on that same day, was granted 3350 ac. lying next to Fulgham’s and Marshall’s grants. The Fulghams of Pitminster lived ca. 10 miles S.E. from the Boddies of Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Boddie, m. John Browne.

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 IOW Co, convey land to William Brown,* 1740.
1.1.1.2. *William Browne (m. Martha, dau. of Richard Braswell Sr.); “friend” and overseer of the Will of Robert Spencer; the “friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.3. Hannah 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, probably the grandfather of the said Thomas Harris.

EDWARDS

1. William Hunt, m. Judith Burton, who m. (2) in 1668, Richard Parker.
1.1. Michael Hunt, soapmaker, of Bristol.
1.2. Joseph Hunt, he and br. Michael held land in Jamaica. Abstract of the title of Joseph Hunt of Port Royal, Jamaica, merchant, to lands in Jamaica, Nov. 21, 1662. (Brist. Arch., AC/WO/16/1).
These lands were part of the “Spring Plantation”, owned by John Elbridge, br.-in-law of Thomas Moore, as hereinafter given.
1.3. Mary Hunt, m. Robert Edwards (b. ca. 1640, d. in 1681). She m. (2) Owen Griffin, having issue: Ann Griffin, who m. Thomas Drake. Her Will of 1727 gave her son-in-law, Thomas Drake, her whole estate. She m. (3) William Boddie (in 1712), who, by a 1st wife, Anna, had issue: Mary Boddie, who m. John Browne, as heretofore given.
1.3.1. Judith Edwards (b. ca. 1672), m. (1) Thomas Harris, d 1712, probably as his 2nd wife; son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his ist wife, Eleanor George.

“Robert Edwards who died intestate leaving three daughters to whom the said land descended, one of which said daughters intermarried with Thomas Harris (d. 1712) and departed this life leaving issue, Benjamin Harris her son and heir at law, who also departed this life leaving issue, the said Mary Harris,* party of these presents, his daughter and heir who inherited one third part of this land.” (D.B. 10, pp. 31-32). One third devised to Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, who m. Henry Wyche, the br. of George Wyche, whose dau., Elizabeth, m. Theophilus Goodwin; their dau., Sarah, being the wife of Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. *Great-great granddau. of Robert Edwards, and his heiress.

By the process of ‘continuation of association within kinship groups’, Robert Edwards seems closely related to:

(1) Thomas Edwards (b. ca. 1648), who m. (1) Elizabeth (b. ca. 1665), dau. of William Newitt (d. 1713), sister of Frances Newitt, who m. Edward Drew (d. bef. March 8, 1746), having issue: Mary Drew, who is named in her father’s Will, of 1745, as the wife of John Harris, with the following Harris grandchildren:

Newitt Harris, father of Nathaniel L. Harris (who m. Mary, dau. of William Pike), sister of Martha Harris, who m. Mary’s brother, Joshua Pike.
Thomas Harris.
Drew Harris.
Nathan Harris.
Ann Harris, m. Francis Riggan, having issue: Lucretia Riggan, who m. Henry Harris, son of Edmund Harris, d. May 24, 1823 (son of Robert Harris Jr.) , and br. of Irby Harris, who m. Sally Egerton, on Jan. 30, 1804.
Martha Harris.

Edward Drew also mentions his granddau., Mary, wife of a Henry Harris. Executor: Newitt Harris. Witnesses: Thomas Purcell, James Ridley. As follows, the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was appraised by Edward Brantley Jr., John Thorpe, and Thomas Purcell, rec. Feb. 22, 1730/31, p. 245. Thomas Purcell ‘bridged’ the two divisions of the Harris family, as the son of Arthur Purcell and Mary Joyner, sister of Bridgeman Joyner (guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and br. of Mary Purcell, who m. John Fulgham III., second-cousin of Nicholas Fulgham III., husband of Isabel, dau. of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. This is the only recorded marriage between the Fulgham and Harris families at this period. The John Harris who m. Mary Drewe may have been the son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

Thomas Edwards was involved in the contestation of the estate of his sister-in-law’s, brother, Michael Hunt: Hunt v Hunt. Plaintiffs: Thomas Hunt, Samuel Hunt, Joseph Hunt, Sarah Hunt and Anne Hunt. Defendants: Judith Hunt, widow, Thomas Day, Francis Phillips, Thomas Edwards, James Millard, Michael Hunt, George Freeman and Mary Freeman his wife. Subject: personal estate of Michael Hunt, Bristol, Gloucestershire. 1691. (C 8/417/55).

The Hunt family had some connection to that of Pitt: Hunt v Pitt. Plaintiffs: Michael Hunt, Mary Pitt and Martha Symons. Defendants: Elizabeth Pitt, John Pitt, John Chock, Thomas Dyke, Edward Arnold, Richard Codrington and others. Subject: property in Bristol. 1681. (C 6/238/61). Bargain and Sale: (1) Wm. Pitt of Westerleigh gent (son & h. of Edw. Pitt late of Bristol, merchant, son & h. of Wm. Pitt late of Bristol, merchant and alderman), and Eliz. his wife (2) Mary Cole of Bristol, widow, (3) Robert Gonning, Edw. Browne and Thomas Edwards, (4) Robert Dring citizen and merchant tailor of London – mess. and closes heretofore called the Greate Leigh als. Lye als. Ligh als. Lee and now Greate Leigh Chambers Leigh and Lye Meadow and close called little Lye (120 ac. in all). Consid. £2,200. July 25, 1672. (Bristol Archives (B.A.), AC/AS/56/25/a).

It would appear that Edward Browne (Jr.) and Thomas Edwards, aforesaid, were business partners in Bristol. Lease and Release. (1) Wm. Pitt of Westerleigh, gent., (2) Robt. Goninge of Coldashton, Edw. Browne and Thomas Edwards both of Bristol – premises upon trusts to sell and pay debts of Wm. Pitt. Schedule of debts. Jan. 10/20, 1671. (B.A., AC/AS/56/24).

Thomas Edwards was connected to the Moore family of Bristol and to the Collins family, intermarried with the Tookes, as follows. John Bressie, estate appraised by Thomas Moore, Thomas Edwards, and John Collins. Rec. Oct. 26, 1675, p. 312.

(2) William Edwards (b. ca. 1655),”friend” and overseer of the Will of Robert Spencer (“friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); another friend and overseer of Robert Spencer’s Will being William Browne, as given, who can be taken to be the brother of Hannah Browne, who m. (1) Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

Richard Bennett* ye elder, of the Upper Par, of IOW Co, and with the free will and consent of my wife Ann, for a valuable consideration to me in hand paid, grant unto George Morrell of Lawnes Crk Par., Surry Co, 150 ac. S.W. of Pokatmick Swamp in Surry co., the same parcel of land being part of 630 ac. granted on Oct. 22, 1682, adj. Hollybush Swamp, and Thomas Binns. Wit: Samuel Swan, Wm. Edwards. *Second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

(Surry B. 3, p. 30: July 17, 1685). (“William Edwards, Bristol merchant, destination Virginia”), granted granted 290 ac. in Lower Par. of Surry Co., on heads of Blackwater branches … adj. *Mr. Richard Bennett (April 23, 1688, p. 214).

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 headrights of Richard Holliman, and Thomas Harris (d. 1712), son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

William Edwards, 80 acs., in Surry Co., betw. lands of Ralph Creed & Col. Jordan. Oct. 23, 1690. Granted to Francis Sowerby. March 1, 1666; deserted, p. 101.

Mr. William Edwards, 750 ac. Surry Co., beg. on E. side of river, adj. George Jordan, to swamp dividing this from plantation whereon Captain Thomas Flood formerly lived; part of a greater dividend granted to Col. John Flood, and by Thomas Flood his lawful heir, sold to Ralph Creed … who sold to said Edwards. Oct. 20, 1691, p. 213.

William Edwards was the father of John Edwards. The exec. of his estate was Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. John Edwards, estate appraised be Arthur Whitehead, Chaplain Williams, John Edwards. S. John Edwards, Henry Harris. R. March 7, 1750, p. 304. John Vasser Jr.*, appraised by Arthur Whitehead. Rec. Aug. 23, 1736, p. 132. (See under BELL, CARROL, JONES, AND VASSER). Arthur Whitehead Sr. (d. Nov. 10, 1710), m. Mary, dau. of William Goodwin, son of Thomas Goodwin, and sister of Elizabeth Goodwin, who m. William Bridger (son of Joseph Bridger Jr.), who witnessed, with John Scott, a deed of March 26, 1711, whereby John and Thomas Harris of the Upper Parish, sons of Thomas, d. 1672, divided the land they held in jointure.

BRESSIE

1. …
1.1. Wm. Bressie, b. 1626, appts Robert Flake, Arthur Smyth, and John Carrel attys. (and Quakers – M.S), to collect debts, April 9, 1671. Wm. Bressie was a prominent Quaker and benefactor of the Meeting House at Levy Neck.

Will of William Bressy of “Levy Neeke”: Leaves his lands to Jno. Harrison my kinsman (son of John H. and Melborrow (his sister) Harrison lately deceased), and to his bro. (in-law) William Harrison; 2000 pds. tob. To Samuel Newton of Lawne’s Creek in Surry; to Thomas Page 2000 pds. of tob. “I give and bequeath unto my Trustees undermenconed two thousand pds of Tob. toward maintaining and upholding of ye meeting House of ye people of God called Quakers lyeing and being att Levy Necke”. … My wife Susannah my copper still with ye utensils and after decease to John and Will Harrison, to my wife my Gold seal ring. “I give and bequeath unto Hugh Bressy and William Bressy, his brother, all my wearing apparell”. … Trustees Daniell Sanborne of ye Lower parish of ye Isle of Wight, Henery Wiggs, carpenter, of ye same, Isaack Reeks, Clerke of ye yearly Meeting, Jno. Jordan the son of Thomas Jordan, lately deee’d, and Robert Lacier of Lawne’s Creek in Surry; to whom I give and grant full power that at the decease of any one of them, they make choice of another amongst the people called Quakers to continue ye number from time to time forever”.

William Bressie was associated with a number of Bristol-based merchants: George Moore, aged 29 years, said mare bought of Capt. England was marked by Capt. Adams, March 9, 1663. Deposition of William Bressie, aged 37, p. 534. Deed of John Seward of the city of Bristol, merchant, son and heir of John Seward, late of sd City, m’chant, (and whoe died in Virginia) to William Bressie of Va now resident in Bristoll, for land called “Levy Neck” in the Co. of Warwicksquick, 1672. Thomas Deacon revokes power of atty. to James Powell to collect bills due from Elias Fort, Thos. Moore, Geo. Moore, Robert Flake, Wm. Bressie, Thos. Edwards, George Branch, Thos. Darrell, Ed. Grantham. Wm. Miller, Ed. Brantley, George Hardy, Jno. Collins, Jno. Holborne, John Monger. Sept. 7, 1675. Thomas Deacon* of Va. makes William Bressie his atty, June 2, 1668. (See FORT).

1.2. … Bressie.
1.2.1. Hugh Bressie, m. Sarah Champion, dau. of Edward Champion Jr. (Quaker Records).
1.2.1. Francis Bressie, b. Dec. 16, 1689, m. Elizabeth Wiggs, on Sept. 1713, witness, John Scott, whose Will of 1729 was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1.1. Mary Bressie, m. Matthew Jordan, son of Richard Jordan, the br. of Mathew Jordan, who appraise the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, who m. (1) Margaret (Jordan?), d. Nov. 16. 1688; (2) Elizabeth Church, April 13, 1689, “at Henry Wiggs house in Nansemond Co.”, having issue: Isabella, bapt. 4 day of 7 mon., 1695. John Harris on the 7 day of the 12 month was a suscriber to the marriage certificate of John Scott and Elixabeth Tooke at Levy Neck. The marriage of John Harris and the nativities of his children are recorded at Chuckatuck, where the Scotts were also congregants.

THE CHAMPION FAMILY OF MEARE, SOMERSET, AND EDWARD BRANTLEY SR. OF VIRGINIA

1. John Champion, m. Christian Tutton, Jan. 24, 1585, in Meare, which is ca. 10 miles E. of Bridgewater (from whence the family of Flood).
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; 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2. Edward Champion, bapt. Apr. 27, 1601, m. Elizabeth Rowley, Jan. 15, 1623.
1.2.1. Mary Champion, bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, m. Edward Brantley Sr.? This was a proposition put to me some years ago, by a researcherof Champion genealogy, a lady now deceased. She made the point that Edward Brantley Sr. was associated in Virginia with the ‘interconnected’ Blake, Champion, and Moore families, and a marriage to Mary Champion would explain these associations: Edward Brantley Sr. would by this means have been the brother-in-law of (1) Elias Forte Sr., (2) Thomas Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, (3) Edward Champion Jr., who probably m. a sister of Thomas Moore; with this explaining Edward Brantley standing security for Thomas Harris and Thomas Moore, and framing the kinship relationships of Edward Brantley’s descendants. She noted that one such, William Brantley, m. Hester Blake; an example of the repetition of marriages between the same families within the English kinship system; an inevitable theme. He could, of course, have m. a sister of Thomas Blake, or Thomas Moore.

1.2.2. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare, m. Thomas Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose estate security was given by Edward Brantley Sr. and (Bennett) kinsman, Nicholas Hill. The Virginia lands of Edward Brantley Sr. and Thomas Blake adjoined.
1.2.3. Edward Champion Jr., bapt. Nov. 4, 1633, probably m. Priscilla Moore, sister of Thomas Moore. The Will of Thomas Moore mentions Priscilla Moore Jr., presumably his niece. On Jan. 28, 1705, Edward Champion Jr. sold land devised to him, by Thomas Moore, to Andrew Woodley, witnessed by Phillip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr.), and John Bell,* p. 28.
1.2.3.1. Benjamin Champion.
1.2.3.1.1. Benjamin Champion.
1.2.3.1.1.1. 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, Somerset.
1.2.3.1.1.2. 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. (2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). (See BELL, CARROL, JONES, AND VASSER).
1.2.3.2. Sarah Champion, m. Hugh Bressie, in 1678.
1.2.3.2.1. William Bressie, d. June 16, 1756.
1.2.3.2.1.1. Elizabeth Bressie, m. William Blunt*. (See under Nicholson).
1.2.4. Elizabeth Champion, bapt. Oct. 1636.
1.2.5. Phillis Champion, m. Elias Fort Sr. 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. Samuel Eldridge dying intestate, administration of his estate requested by Thomas Moore who married his relict. Apr. 10 1665, recorded June 21, 1665. Security: George
Moore, Mr. Brantlie. Robert Flake & Samuell Eldridge, 560 ac. Isle of Wight Co., Aug. 20, 1650 lyeing upon the third swamp S.W. by W. from Henry White’s plantation due unto sd. Flake & Eldridge for trans. of 11 persons: John Clements, Edw. Alchard, Jo. Storrey, Wm. Batts, Eliz. Phillips, John Vasser, Richard Walton, Mary Martin, Martha Cole, Tho. Syer, Wm. Baldwin, p. 189. (See FORT).
1.2.6. Judith Champion, bapt. June, 9, 1639.

Edward Brantley, 675 ac. adj. land of Mr. England and Mr. Tooke, Oct. 30, 1669. (See TOOKE AND COLLINS).
William Groves: Appraisal by John Harris (son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), Edward Brantley Sr., Elias Fort (his br.-in-law)? Rec. Feb. 9, 1678, p. 172.
William Cockins, appraisal by Edward Brantley, John Britt, William Baldwin, Edward Champion. Rec. April 9, 1679, p. 176.
Elias Fort, appraisal by Edward Brantley (br.-in-law?), John Britt, William Baldwin, Edward Champion (br.-in-law?). Rec. April 9, 1679, p. 188.
Joseph Poole, Leg. wife Elizabeth,* to her only son, Edward Champion; to Thomas Blake’s dau.; to Elias Fort Jr. Rec. May 3, 1669. Wit. Thomas Barlow, p. 65. (Elizabeth Atkins m. (1) Edward Champion Sr. (2) Joseph Poole, by whom: Joseph Poole Jr*.
Nov. 10, 1665: William Cooke Jr. sold 300 ac. to Thomas Woodward, adj. to Thomas Blake.
May 3, 1669: Joseph Poole appointed Elizabeth, his relict, Exec. Rec. 23 of 7ber 1669. Security John Britt, Thomas Blake, Chapman, p. 19.

This is John Britt Sr., whose son, John, m. Sussanah, dau. of Hugh Bressie, and dau. of Sarah Champion, niece of Thomas Blake, and, possibly, Edward Brantley. (See under BRESSIE). Apr. 1690: John Shearer, Sr. sells 100 ac. on Blackwater to John Britt. Apr. 1696: John Portis, Sr. sells 350 ac on Blackwater River to John Britt. March 1698/99: John and Susanna Britt sell 100 ac. on Blackwater to John Portis, Jr. Apr. 1701: John Sherrer deeds land to his children adj. John Britt’s property line. Feb. 1702: John Britt witnesses a deed of Thomas Cooke* to Robert Sherrer. John Sherrer witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. “John Portis Sr., father of Susanna Thomas, together with Henry West, patented 900 ac. next to John Sherrer, Sept. 25, 1673”, Mr. Boddie, Virginia Historical Genealogies, p. 212.

*Thomas Cooke, as herein given, was an associate of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

Feb. 17, 1702/03, Thomas Harris, d. 1712/1713, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, witnessed a land deed of Thomas Cooke and Mary Cooke to Robert Sherrer, in IOW.
Nov. 21, 1704, the said Thomas Harris appointed Attorney by Deborah Portis, relict of John Portis Jr., br. of Susanna, who m. (1) John Frizell, (2) John Thomas. John Portis, Sr. deeded land to Sussana … beginning at the house of John Frizell did formerly live in and adjoining Thomas Moore, said Portis, Thomas Tooke,* the Blackwater Road, Oyster Shell Neck and the main swamp. April 6, 1693. The Will of John Frizell, probated Aug. 19, 1692, was witnessed by John Davis. Thomas Harris (d. 1672), “40 ac. at the head of one of the branches of the Pagan Cr., bounded with his own land on N.E. Fran. Smith on S.W., Thomas Prichard on S.E. and John Davis on N.W. for trans. Peter Bell”, Aug. 14, 1652. The estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677, was in debt to John Davis, whose dau., Sarah Davis, d. bef. Jan. 6, 1720, m. (1) Joseph Bridger Jr. (2) Nicholas Fulgham, whose grandson and namesake m. Isabella, dau. of John Harris son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

Oct. 20, 1691: Francis Nicholson granted Maj. Arthur Allen 170 ac. near *Mr. Tooke, Capt. England, Thos. Blake and Ed. Brantley (Jr.), Boddie, p. 639.
June 9, 1702: Thomas Blake and Alice his wife sell to John Prime for 3000 lb. tobo. 100 ac. in IOW Co., part of a patent of 400 ac. granted him on Oct. 20 1670, adj. Thomas Tooke. Wit: Ar. Smith, John Brown,* Boddie, p. 647.
April 10, 1704: Deed of Thomas Blake of Upper Par., to son William Blake and Mary (Sessoms) his wife, 100 ac. in Upper Parish, IOW. Alice Blake relinquishes dower. Wit: Thos. Tooke, John Smith, Boddie, p. 653.
Nicholas Sessoms gave a similar tract to his dau., Mary Blake and son-in-law William Blake, who had issue: William Blake, Christine Blake, who m. … Burgess; Judith Blake, who m. … Smith; Elizabeth Blake, who m. *Joseph Poole Jr.

Will of Edward Brantley: names sons Edward, Phillip, and John; Edward’s son James, John’s son John, dau. Mary Brantley, Phillip’s son Edward. Rec. Jan. 9, 1688-9. The latter’s son, John, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and was father of William Brantley, b. April 19, 1742, who m. Hester (probably Blake), having issue Blake Brantley, who d. June 19, 1823, in Chatham, NC. On chronological grounds, Hester Blake was almost certainly a dau. of Thomas Blake, b. ca. 1710. Thomas Blake to Joshua Claud, March 8, 1753, 290 ac. adj. on the N. of Cocklin’s Pocoson and sd. Claud. Wit. Thomas Blake, John Person, Thomas Day, and Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 (pp. 463-466), and stepson of John Brantley, aforesaid. Thomas Blake was the br. of Hannah Blake, who m. Joshua Claud. (See under BLAKE).

BYNUM

1. John Benham/Bainham (Bynum), bur. Sept. 1, 1601, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, neighbour of the Bennett/Harris/Fort families.
1.1. Phillip Benham, m. Ellinor, July 4, 1560. He was bur. Nov. 16, 1573.
1.1.1. Thomas Benham, bapt. June 7, 1566.
1.1.1.1. Richard Benham, as register entry, the father of:
1.1.1.1.1. James Benham, bapt. Nov. 2, 1639, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1.1.1.1. William Bynum, m. Mary Fort. He witnessed the Will of his father-in-law John Fort (1), 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). Mary Fort was the dau. of John Fort and Elizabeth Jordan, named in her father’s Will of Sept. 24, 1695 as Elizabeth Fort, dau. of Richard Jordan Jr., son of Richard Jordan Sr., who was the br. of (1) Mathew Jordan, who witnessed the Will of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, (2) Joshua Jordan, whose dau, Rachel Jordan, m. John White. Henry Harris (brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), Thomas Cooke, and William Lee, appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 22, 1730, p. 251.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. William Bynum, m. Mary Crocker, Jan. 13, 1762, Southampton Co., dau. of Benjamin Crocker and (n.b.) Sarah Burrow; the son of Robert Crocker, as named in his Will, rec. Jan. 10, 1750, and uncle of Joseph Crocker, whose Will was recorded Feb. 5, 1761, appraised by Thomas Holliman, who m. Catherine Lancaster, dau. of Elizabeth Harris and Samuel Lancaster. Catherine Lancaster was the sister of Martha Lancaster, who m. John Holliman, son of Christopher Holliman Jr., on Sept. 25, 1739.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Luke Bynum.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Amelia Bynum, m. John Farrar*. (See BLAKE AND BRANTLEY).
1.1.1.1.1.2. John Bynum. On Sept. 29, 1679, he sold to Richard Jordan Sr. the land he had purchased from George Blow. (See WATSON).

FORT

1. …
1.1. Thomas Fort.
1.1. John Fort, bapt. Feb. 2, 1567, in Wiveliscombe.
1.2. John Forte.
1.2.1. William Fort, bapt. May 24, 1576.
1.2.1.1. Richard Fort, bapt. July 20, 1597, m. Marie Tolmer, Nov. 25, 1622.
1.2.1.1.1. Francis Fort, bapt. Aug. 26, 1631, m. Mary Payne, May 24, 1655.
1.2.1.2. Agnes Fort, bapt. Apr. 30, 1608.
1.2.1.2.1. Marie Fort, m. John Deacon, March 24, 1646, probable br. of *Thomas Deacon, atty of William Bressie, as given.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Thomas Deacon, m. Mary Bennett, dau. of Richard Bennett Sr. (2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
1.2.1.3. George Fort, bapt. Feb. 19, 1604.
1.2.1.3.1. Elias Fort Sr. (probably).
1.2.1.3.1.1. George Fort, see as follows.

WESTBROOKE

1. …
1.1. John Westbrooke, m. Margarett Davie, Sept. 19, 1573, in Wiveliscombe, whose family intermarriages linked into the kinship network of the Harris, Person, and Fort families of Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1. John Westbrooke, 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 Westbrooke, b. ca. 1660. Westbrook, John – appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley, Edward Brantley Sr., and Thomas Cooke; signed by John Person. R. Oct. 28, 1734. He m. Amy Foster, dau. of Christopher Foster and Alice Forte, desc. of Elias Forte Sr.
1.2. Dorothy Westbrooke, m. William Harris, Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, ancestors of the Harris family of this account.

WARREN, GWALTNEY, AND BOYKIN

1. Thomas Warren, whose estate settlement was witnessed by his wife, Jane, Mathais Marriot, son-in- law; George Watkins, and Gertrude Watkins (mother or stepmother of William Newsum Jr). Rec. Sept. 24, 1670.
1.1. William Warren.
1.2. Alice Warren, m. Mathais Marriot.
1.2.1. Margaret Marriot, m. Robert Flake Jr., son of Robert Flake and Katherine, sister of George Moore, whose granddau. m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.1. Alice Flake, m. William Gwaltney, son of Thomas Gwaltney, and half-br. of Thomas Atkinson Jr*.
1.2.1.1.1. Anne Gwaltney, m. John, son of Edward Boykin Sr.*. A dau., Anne, may have m. Robert Harris (son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and brother of John Harris, who m. Mary Drewe, niece of Elizabeth Newitt, who m. Thomas Edwards, kinsman of (1) Judith Edwards, who m. (after 1701) Thomas Harris, d. 1712, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (2) William Edwards, who claimed the headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, father of John Edwards.The exec. of his estate was Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
*1OW. D.B. 5, p. 252, 1737-1738): ‘Edward Boykin of NC to Robert Harris Jr. of IOW for 5lbs about 50 ac, on S. of Blackwater, and bounded on the E. side by Berbeckew branch and the line between Robert Harris Jr. (grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688); and part of a patent of 325 ac granted to the said Boykin, Aug. 1731.
1.3. Thomas Warren Jr.
1.3.1. Joseph Warren.
1.3.1. Peter Warren, with John Watkins (probably the grandfather of Millie Watkins, wife of Solomon Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), witnessed the Will of Thomas Goodman, rec. Dec. 20, 1748, p. 596, as follows.

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, the abode of the intermarried Hodges/Counsel families.
1.1. *Thomas Atkinson Jr.
1.1.1. John Atkinson.
1.2. James Atkinson Sr. (b. ca. 1660).
1.2.1. James Atkinson Jr. (b. ca. 1685), m. Martha Williamson, dau. of Francis Williamson, and Ann Exum, son of Robert Williamson and Joan, 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. the aforesaid John Boykin.
1.2.2. Hannah Atkinson (b. ca. 1687), m. (1) Charles Gee, (2) Reuben Cooke, after July 5, 1709.
1.2.3. Thomas Atkinson (b. ca. 1690), witnessed the Wills of:
(1) Edward Harris, rec. March 25, 1734, p. 301, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
(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.

WILLIAMSON

1. Gov. Daniel Tucker.
1.1. Alice Tucker, m. (1) Arthur Allen, (2) John Hardy, who, by his ist wife was father-in-law of Hodges Counsell and Bridgman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.1. Joan Allen, m. Dr. Robert Williamson, whose Will was proved May 2, 1670, B. 2, p. 85: Robert Williamson, Doctor in Physic. To be buried as near as maybe to my late deceased father-in-law, Mr. Arthur Allen. Leg.- wife Jone, son Robert land at Blackwater; sons George, Arthur, and Francis. Friends Major Nicholas Hill and Capt. John Grove ex. Mr. Robert Burnett married the relict of Williamson gave bond to the court for 100.00 tobo & cash, to fulfill & see performed Williamsons will the second day of November 1672. His Securitie is Mr. Driver & Mr. Arthur Allen. Deed of Joseph Bridger, Esq., for certain land (left by Dr. Robert Williamson to Joan, his wife, for life, and then to his eldest son Robert, which lands were found to escheat and were then granted in 1678 to said Bridger) to said Joan, now the wife of Mr. Robert Burnett, Aug. 8, 1683. Joan Allen (Williamson/Burnett) m. thirdly Rueben Proctor. Arthur Allen Jr. names in his 1710 Will his sister, Joan Proctor. Arthur and Joan Allen were siblings of Katherine Allen, who m. Robert Johnson; their dau, Priscilla, m. John Counsell, son of Hodges Counsell. Appraisal of estate of Robert Williamson, rec. Dec. 9, 1672 at the house of Mr. Robert Burnett; divided between the relict and four orphans, by Robert Kae, Arthur Smith, Richard Sharpe (br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and Robert Flake.

(The Williamsons were strongly connected to the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). Reuben Proctor appraised the estates of John and Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; the former being a son of his ist wife, Eleanor George).

1.1.1.1. Robert Williamson, b. July 8, 1667.
1.1.1.1.1. Robert Williamson (1695-1764), m. Elizabeth George.
1.1.1.2. Francis Williamson, Will proved Aug. 22, 1743, Isle Of Wight. Wit. James Simmons, and Thomas Williamson. Ann Burnett, of the Upper parish, leg. cousin Joseph Williamson, the father of Burwell Williamson, who was sold land by Robert Harris Jr.
1.1.1.3. George Williamson. Will rec. May 28, 1722: Son: George, son Thomas and dau. Hester, the plantation on which Mr. Reuben Proctor lives, being lands escheated by Col. Joseph Bridger and so made over to my mother and brother, Robert Williamson, by the said Col. Bridger; sons John and Robert, my tract of land on the Blackwater. Wit. Francis Williamson, p. 118. John Fulgham. Leg. – sons John, Anthony, and Michael, wife Ann. D. June 7, 1701. Wit. George and Francis Williamson, p. 553. Anthony Fulgham, Will rec. Jan. 25, 1730/1, appraised by Francis Williamson, Joshua Turner, p. 242. John Turner: Will d. 1705, appraised by John Fulgham, Francis Williamson, and Edward Boykin Sr.
1.1.1.4. Ann Williamson, m. John Boykin, son of Edward Boykin.

COOKE

1. Philip Cooke, mariner, b. 1589, of Bristol.
1.1. William Cooke, bapt. March 25, 1613, St. Augustine Parish, Bristol; d. Nov. 10, 1679, in Surry Co., Virginia.
1.1.1. William Cooke Jr., bapt. Aug. 9, 1633 (St. Aug., Bristol). His Will was proved Aug. 9, 1698, naming sons, John, William, Reuben, and Thomas*; a witness being James Atkinson Sr*, father of Hannah Atkinson, wife of Reuben Cooke*.
1.1.1.1. Johanna Cooke, m. John Burrow, son of Thomas Burrow, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr., whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris and Thomas Burrow, on July 25, 1737. (B. 4., p. 176). John Burrow was the br. of Fortune Burrow, wife of Richard Avery, whose relict was Sarah, dau. of William Wyke, son of Henry Wyche and Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712/13.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Cooke (associate of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), m. Mary, dau. of Arthur Jones Jr. Thomas Cooke. – Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.3. *John Cooke Sr., d. June 20, 1711, m. Hannah, dau. of James Jones.
1.1.1.4. William Cooke. His will was proved in Surry Co. (Aug. 19, 1764, p. 17), and names wife, Elizabeth; sons William, James, Thomas, Foster, and Henry Cooke, and daus: Hannah Goodwin, and Elizabeth.
1.1.1.5. *Reuben Cook, m. Hannah Atkinson, sister of Thomas Atkinson,who witnessed the Will of of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.5.1. William Cooke, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Rives, and sister of Foster Rives.
1.1.1.5.1.1. Elizabeth Cooke, m. Peter Irby.
1.1.2. Eleanor Cooke, m. Thomas Carter Sr.

It is quite probable that a sister of Thomas and Reuben Cooke was the wife of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

IRBY

1. William Irby Sr. M.D.
1.1. Dr. Edmund Irby, Sr., d. Dec. 11, 1733, in St Martin’s Brandon Parish, Prince George Co.; m. Anne, dau. of Thomas Blunt, of Southwark Parish, d. 1709, and Priscilla, dau. of Col. William Brown, and sister of (1) Mary Browne, who m. George Jordan, having issue: (1) George Jordan, d. May 12, 1761, in Granville Co.
1.1.1. John Irby, m. Mary Blunt, b. May 26, 1727 (dau. of Richard Blunt, d. 1747, son of Thomas and Priscilla Browne), and sister of Colonel Richard Blunt*, d. 1774, who m. Jane, “evidently a Nicholson” (Mr. Boddie). Her Will (of 1779) mentions her br., William Nicholson, as an exec.
1.2. Joshua Irby Sr., m. (Oct. 28, 1693), Elizabeth, dau. Thomas Ludson.
1.2.1. Peter Irby, m. Elizabeth Cooke.

NICHOLSON

1. Robert Nicholson, d. Feb. 17, 1719.
1.1. James Nicholson, m. Eliz. Gray
1.1.1. Elizabeth Nicholson, m. John C. Egerton.
1.1.1.1. Rachel Egerton, m. Charles Harris.
1.1.2. Benjamin Nicholson. Account of sales of estate of Daniel Harris, dec’d., Jane (Jordan) Harris, Admrx., dated May 28, 1765, mentions Benjamin Nicholson.
1.1.2.1. Mary Nicholson, m. Edmund Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Robert Harris, Will probated on April 28, 1740.
1.1.3. James Nicholson, had land adj. Robert Harris, son of Robert Harris, Will probated on April 28, 1740.
1.1.3.1. James Nicholson, m. Ann, dau. of James Davis and Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Warren.
1.1.3.1.1. Nathaniel Nicholson, m. Mary Harris, dau. of Daniel Harris and Jane Jordan, as follows.
1.1.3.1.1.1. Brittain Nicholson, m. Mary, dau. of Michael Harris, son of Robert Harris, d. 1740.
1.2. Ann Nicholson, m. Colonel Richard Blunt. “There is in Surry a deed, dated 1724, from Richard Blunt, of Surry, to his sister, Ann, wife of Edmund Irby, of Prince George, conveying
510 ac. on Blackwater (where said Richard lives), which was patented by (his father) Thomas Blunt in 1701. The Will of Richard Blount was proved in Surry, on June 16, 1747: Legatees – son, Richard, the land I live on, 800 ac. … sons, John and Benjamin, dau., Mary Irby, daus, Elizabeth and Lucy Blunt, John Irby, cousin, *William Blunt, wife, Ann”. (‘Godwin Family’).
1.3. William Nicholson.
1.4. Robert Nicholson Jr., m. Elizabeth Flood.
1.4.1. John Nicholson, m. Elizabeth Watkins, sister of John Watkins, who m. Lydia Gilliam, having issue: Millie Watkins, who m. Solomon Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

BRANTLEY AND THORPE

1. Edward Brantley Sr., appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Mr. Edward Brantley, of Virginia, b. ca. 1615-20. He is recorded on June 21, 1665: Samuel Eldridge, dying intestate, adm. requested by Thomas Moore, who m. the relict. Security George Moore and “Mr Brantlie”.
1.1. Philip Brantley, b. ca. 1648-1650, m. Joyce Lewis, dau. of Rebecca (George) Pardoe, half-sister of Phillip Pardoe, security for the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Rebecca was the dau. of John George, the probable br. of Nicholas George Sr., father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. Edward Brantley Jr. appraised the estate of Richard Norwood (Oct. 25, 1731). He appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. He, and his son, John, witnessed the Will of Thomas Cooke*, rec. Nov. 22, 1736, p. 186. Richard Norwood was the husb. of Elizabeth, whose estate was appraised by by Henry Harris and the said Thomas Cooke (rec. Jan. 28, 1733, p. 386), who was probably Elizabeth’s brother.
1.1.1.1. John Brantley, m. Hannah Browne*, the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Brantley, m. James Piland, grandson of Richard Piland, and Eleanor Moore, dau. of George Moore.

BENNETT AND THORPE

1. Richard Bennett, d. Dec. 9, 1709 Surry Co., m. (i) Ann Barham, sister of Charles Barham. (2) Sarah, who m. (2) Robert Lancaster.
1.1. Susannah Bennett, m. Daniel Lewis.
1.1.1. Mary Lewis, m. (as his second wife), Thomas Thorpe Sr.

1. Joseph Thorpe, m. Dorothy, dau. of Timothy Fenn, Sr., and sister of Timothy Fenn Jr., who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Kae, of Bristol, having issue: Kae Fenn, who m. John Fiveash. (Chapman, Marriages of IOW Co., p. 20). Fenn, Timothy: Appraisal by John Goodrich, John Davis, Thomas Thorpe, Charles Edwards. R. May 7, 1689.
1.1. Thomas Thorpe Sr. (d. 1711), m. (1) Martha Jennings, d. 1702, sister of John Jennings, husband of Mary Hill, dau. of Sylvester Bennett, kinswoman of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He m. (2) Mary Lewis, granddau. of Richard Bennett, kinsman of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. Sarah Thorpe (by first wife), m. (1) William George, son of John George, and nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.2. John Thorpe, appraisee of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 (probably a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).

The farm of Thomas Harris who d. in 1729/30 was shown by his patent to have been adj. this latter “William Simmons line”, on March 24, 1725, and “adj. Herbert’s branch”, and on “both sides of the Meherrin river”. Its location is described here:

“Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, That the petition of divers inhabitants of the county of Southampton, praying that all that part of the said county within the following bounds, to wit: by a line beginning at Taylor’s bridge on Meherrin river, including the said bridge; thence along the main road leading to Southampton courthouse, to the Flat Swamp; thence up the meanders of the said swamp to Harris’s old mill-pond; thence up the south fork of the said swamp known by the name of Herbert’s branch, to a black gum; thence along a line of marked trees, to a pine in Thorp’s old mill-run; thence down the said mill-run, to the Three creeks; thence up the said creek, to the Sussex line; thence along the said line, to Meherrin river; thence down the said river to the beginning, may be added to the county of Greensville, be rejected”. (Virginia. General Assembly. House of Delegates, 1828, p. 82). Henry Harris held land on Flat Swamp.

1.2. Timothy Thorpe Sr.
1.2.1. Timothy Thorpe Jr., witnessed (with Nathaniel Ridley Jr.), the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, rec. Sept. 22, 1740, which named sons, Joel, Amos, and Hardy.
1.2.1.1. Joseph Thorpe. Southampton Co. Court Order Book 1768 – 1772: John Ferguson was appointed guardian to orphans of Joseph Thorpe: John, Ann, Mary Harris, Nathaniel, p. 307.
1.2.1.1.1. Mary Thorpe, m. James Barham; b. 1730, d. June 1, 1791.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris.
1.2.2. Mary Thorpe, m. Edward Harris Jr.

WATKINS cont.

1.1.1. Robert Watkins, b. ca. 1670, eldest son, received home plantation on the death of his mother. He also received a plantation on Indian Field, where John Parr lived, and land on the E. side of Colt’s Branch.
1.1.2. Henry Watkins, received the plantation on the Blackwater Swamp. Robert and Henry Watkins, and Robert Judkins, witnessed the Will of William Bell (John Bell, admon.). Rec. Aug. 18, 1725, p. 526.

BELL, CARROL, JONES, AND VASSER

1. John Vasser. Thomas Harris (d. 1672), and Alice his wife, sold to John Bond 190 ac. in 2 pats. at head of Pagan Creek, one in name of John Vasser for 150 ac. dated Nov. 18, 1635, the other for 40 ac. in name of Thomas Harris, dated, Aug. 14. 1652. Witness, Henry King. Deed to John Vasser (Nov. 16, 1635) in IOW for 150 ac. … a neck of land lying upon Warsq. Creek next to the land of Nathaniel Floyd for transporting himself, wife Elizabeth, and one servant. Oct. 9, 1700: Peter Vasser, son of John Vasser, decd. to John Bell 150 ac. now in the possession of John Bell being a neck of land upon the main creek of Warrisquake adj. Nathaniel Floyd. John Vasser’s overseers (1650) were “Mr. James Pyland, and Thomas Walton”.
1.1. Peter Vasser, m. Margaret Cripps, dau. of George Cripps, and Joyce, dau. of Katherine Moore (sister of George Moore), who m. (1) … (2) Robert Flake, having issue by her ist husband: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. George Moore’s dau., Ann Moore, m. Thomas White. Their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Vasser, m. John Carroll.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Carroll, m. Richard Jones “of the Upper Parish”: “Leg. dau. Ann Bell the land on which she and her husband William Bell live; … dau. Martha Davis. Friends (his son-in-law) William Bell, and Thomas Harris (d. 1729/30) to see my will performed”. R. May 22, 1721. Wit. William Gainer, Arthur Davis, William Allen, p. 85. William Bell was the son of John Bell (who m. Ann Bennett, kinswoman of Thomas Harris d. 1672); son of George Bell Sr, whose spoken Will of Nov. 1, 1688 named legatees, George Bell Jr., and John Harris, son of Thomas, d. 1672. In 1687, George Bell Sr. witnessed the Will of Francis Hobbs, br.-in-law of the said John Harris. His son, George Bell Jr., with Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, et al., witnessed the Will of John Scott, as herein noted.
1.1.1.1.1. Joseph Jones, b. 1705, m. Amy (Applewaite) Davis.
1.1.1.1.2. Sarah Jones, m. William Bell, 1721, IOW.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Carrol.

JONES

1. …
1.1. Arthur Jones.
1.1.1. Arthur Jones Jr., m. Susannah, dau. of Henry King.
1.1.1.1. Mary Jones, m. Thomas Cooke, (associate of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30). To repeat: Thomas Cooke Sr. – Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Thomas Cooke was the br. of (1) Reuben Cook, m. Hannah Atkinson, sister of Thomas Atkinson,who witnessed the Will of of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (2) John Cooke. (See COOKE).
1.1.2. Richard Jones, m. Elizabeth Carroll. (See immediately above). Richard Jones leased land from Joseph Bridger (business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

Joseph Bridger: Leg.- wife Hester; son Samuel, land bought of John and William Catlin, whereon John Cooke now lives (see COOKE); also one-half of plantation at Curawoak; son William land granted me by escheat of 850 ac. formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs (sold to John and Thomas Harris Feb. 6, 1679, to be equally divided according to their father’s Will, dated last day of March 1672); Mrs. Dorothy Bond and William Blunt, also two tracts taken up by Col. Pitt, Mr. William Burgh and myself containing 3000 ac., except 600 ac. sold to Lt. Col. John Pitt, part of this tract leased by me to Thomas Mandew, Richard Parker, William Worrell, *Richard Jones, Thomas Reeves, Robert Sturdy. Wit. James Bennett, Robert Pitt, Samuel Luck, Richard Glover. R. April 9, 1685, p. 250.

1.1.2.1. Anne Jones, born Abt. 1690; died aft. 1752, m. William Bell.
1.1.2.2. Joseph Jones, m. Amy (Applewaite) Davis.

Jones, Richard: of the Upper Parish – Leg. daughter Ann Bell the land on which she and her husband William Bell live; son Samuel; son Richard; daughter Elizabeth; daughter Christian; daughter Sarah; daughter Mary; daughter Martha Davis; wife Elizabeth; son Joseph; son Benjamin. Wife Extx. Friends William Bell and Thomas Harris* to see my will performed.
R. May 22, 1721. Wit. William Gainer, Arthur Davis, William Allen. *Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

WATKINS cont.

1.1.3. William Watkins, received land on Cypress Swamp.
1.1.3.1. James Watkins.
1.1.3.2. William Watkins. John Ricks. Leg. William Watkins, the son of John Watkins, who lives with me; brothers, Robert, Isaac, James, and Abraham Ricks;* sister Jane Ricks. Wit. John Pool, Sarah Watkins, John Watkins. Dated Sept. 8, 1711. William Watkins , b. ca. 1696, d. bef. June 28, 1786, in IOW. A good friend of the Watkins family was John Ricks, who was born 30th day of the 10th month in 1672, son of Isaac and Kathern Ricks of IOW.

John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his 2nd wife, Elizabeth Church, were married at “Isaac Reekesis howse on ye eleventh of this second month last, 1689”. The said John Harris witnessed the marriage of Joseph Meredith and Sarah Denson, on the 11th day of ye 4th month, 1696, with William Cooke (see COOKE), Thomas, James, John, and Joseph Jordan.

The Ricks were large land holders and members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). Abraham Ricks, m. Mary Bellson, March 16, 1703; their dau. Mourning Ricks, m. Josiah Jordan, son of Mathew Jordan, who appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Mary Bellson was the dau. of Edmund Bellson and his 2nd wife, Mary Tooke, dau. of Thomas Tooke (associated with the said Thomas Harris); sister of Dorothy (Tooke) Commander, and Joan Tooke, who m. John Scott, d. May 3, 1728 (grandson of a business partner of the said Thomas Harris (and Joseph Bridger) in Bristol); whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 (and others – see as follows); the brother of Henry Harris*.

1.1.3.2.1. James Watkins. We John White,* Mary Cornwell (Jan 21, 1775 John White and Ann Cornwell to marry, Black Water Monthly Meeting), & Jacob Cornwell of Sussex & Thomas Ricks of Southampton County in Virginia being fully persuaded that Freedom is the natural right of all Mankind and that it is our duty to do unto others as we would desire to be done by in the like situation and having under our care Five Negroes … All of whom we hereby emancipate and set free … in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty two. Jacob Cornwell (Seal) John White (Seal) Thomas Ricks (Seal) Mary Cornwell (Seal). Sealed & delivered in the presence of James Watkins, and John Cornwell. *He was the son of Benjamin White: “Benjamin White and wife, Lucy (Hancocke) White, of Surry County to Mark Parish late of Elizabeth City County for 45 pounds current money …. 200 ac. bounded by Robert Nicholson (being the land lately bought by said Benjamin White from (brother) Robert White on Nov. 20, 1750. June 16, 1752. Wit: Samuel Blow, Michael Blow, Thomas Wilson, and Richard Blow. Benjamin White was the son of Thomas White, son of John White (whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris and Thomas Cooke, as follows.

1.1.4. John Watkins III, b. ca. 1670, received the plantation where John Cooke (see COOKE), lived and one where James Davis* lived. John Cooke Sr., to repeat, for it bears it, was the br. of (1) Thomas Cooke, associate of *Henry Harris, Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, as said, br. of the said Henry Harris. (2) Reuben Cooke, who m. Hannah Atkinson, almost certainly on chronological grounds, the sister of Thomas Atkinson (see as follows), who witnessed the Will of the said Thomas Harris. It was probably this John Watkins who m. Jane Flood, dau. of Thomas Flood Jr. and Ann Rose.

Lawrence Fleming: To Robert Watkins my plantation I now live on … To James Davis the plantation John Revell now liveth on … the rest of the estate I give to be equally divided between Mr. John Watkins, his six children, wife, four sons and two daughters. Robert Watkins appointed exec. “To Phillis Fort my riding horse”. Rec. Feb. 25, 1710. Wit. Edward Bayley, Samuel Williams, and Elias Fort. Phillis Fort was the dau. of Elias Fort Sr., sister of Elias Fort Jr., whose estate was appraised by Edward Brantley Sr, 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. Phillis Fort’s first husband was Francis Fiveash, whose nephew, Thomas Fiveash, m. (1712) Alice Harris, dau. of John Harris. (by his first wife), son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (B. 7, p. 288).

FORT

1. “Elias Fort, m. Phillis Champion. “The administration papers on Elias’ estate show his wife’s first name was Phillis; the Will of Joseph Poole, made January 8, 1668 in Isle of Wight County, indicates rather strongly that she was Phillis Champion, and that her widowed mother had married Joseph Poole after bearing a son Edward Champion. Phillis also had sisters: Elizabeth, Sarah, and Priscilla Champion. Elizabeth married Samuel Eldridge, then Thomas Moore.* Moore appraised Elias’ estate”.

(Samuel Elbridge was a partner of Robert Flake Sr., the second husband of Katherine Moore, sister of Thomas Moore, first-cousins of George Moore, of Bristol, aged 78 in 1710, who m. Jane Barcroft, dau. of Charles Barcroft, of Chard, Somerset. Katherine Moore: by her first husband, had issue: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. George Moore’s dau., Ann Moore,* m. Thomas White. Their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. *Ann Moore’s sister, Magdelena Moore, m. Thomas Carter, son of Thomas Carter and Eleanor Cooke (see COOKE), relict of William Groves (of Bristol); whose estate appraisal was by John Harris (son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), Edward Brantley Sr., and Elias Fort).

BLAKE AND BRANTLEY

1. … Blake.
1.1. Judith Blake, m. Thomas Harris, in 1623, in Wiveliscombe (as the families of Boddie, Bynum, and Fort).
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, br.-in-law of John Newman, and associated with Thomas Tooke Sr. They were Quaker kin.
1.2. Thomas Blake.
1.2.1. Thomas Blake, bapt. 1626, m. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare, Somerset, sister of Mary Champion, bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, who may have m. Edward Brantley Sr.. Their brother, Edward Champion, m. Priscilla, sister of Thomas Moore. Another sister, as given, Phyllis Champion, m. Elias Fort. Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, “secured” by Thomas Moore and John Newman Sr. (father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); the estate being appraised by Edward Brantley Sr. Thomas Blake’s land in Virginia was adjacent to that of the said Edward Brantley.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Blake, bapt. Feb. 2, 1649, d. 1709, IOW. April 10, 1704: Deed of Thomas Blake Jr. of Upper Par., to son William Blake and Mary his wife, 100 ac. in Upper Parish, IOW Co. (Alice Blake relinqueshes dower). Wit: Thos. Tooke Jr., p. 653.
1.1.1. William Blake, b. ca. 1680.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Blake, b. ca. 1710. Thomas Blake to Joshua Claud, March 8, 1753, 290 ac. adj. on the N. of Cocklin’s Pocoson and sd. Claud. Wit. Thomas Blake, John Person, Thomas Day, and Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 (pp. 463-466), and stepson of John Brantley, aforesaid.
1.1.1.1.1. Hester Blake (highly probably), m. William Brantley, son of John Brantley, who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Blake Brantley. On Aug 12, 1823, John Brantly was appt admin of the estate of Blake Brantly, dec’d with John Brantly, Thomas Beal, and Thomas Clegg, Chairman, posting bond in the amount of $5,000 – signed John Brantly, Thos. Beal and Jehu Peoples. Twelve months after date we *John Farrar and John W. Bynum as principal, and the under signed as securities promise to pay to John Brantley Administrator of the estate of Blake Brantley, dec’d the sum of $400 for value rec’d. Witness our hands and seal this 4th day of Dec 1823 – Signed J. Farrar, J.W. Bynum, Joseph May, R.C. Cotten. (The more ancient connection of the Evesham Brantleys to their Somerset kin is contained in notices given to me by the researcher of the Champion family, aforementioned; r.i.p., concerning the Moore family’s links to Evesham).
1.1.1.2. Hannah Blake, m. Joshua Claud.
1.1.1.3. Benjamin Blake, m. Martha Jones.
1.1.1.3.1. Martha Blake, m. Elisha Cain, son of William Cain and Sarah Braswell, dau. of (n.b.) James Braswell.

FORT cont.

“Sarah married Hugh Bressie. Priscilla was unmarried in 1694. Much later Phillis the widow marked a document with the initials “PC”adding further substance to the Champion identification. Phillis Champion Fort therefore looked around for a man after her husband’s death and found one -not a cousin, as far as we know – in John Ducie of neighboring Surry County. (While the records seem to give the name as Ducie or Duce, the name more likely was “Dew”, a fairly numerous Surry County family). The marriage took place by 1686. Phillis moved her sons- Elias, John and George- to Surry with her”.

“But not for long. John made her a widow a second time, dying in Surry in 1691, and Phillis again was made executor of a husband’s estate. Phillis evidently came into property as a result of her second husband’s death, for on April 28, 1694 she sold 200 acres of land in Surry to Lawrence Fleming. In return Fleming agreed “to maintain Phillis Ducie with meat, drink, wearing apparel … during her natural life, she to do such woman’s work as reasonable and that she is able to perform”.

1.1. “Elias Fort was certainly born prior to January 8, 1668, when Joseph Poole left this step-grandson a calf in his will. He was certainly 21 or older in March, 1686, when he bought and leased
land on Cypress Swamp in Isle of Wight from William Baldwin, partner of his step-father. John Ducie himself made a gift of 100 ac. at the same time”.

1.1.1. Holliday Fort, m. Mary Flake, who, on chronological grounds, was a dau. of Robert Flake Jr. and Margaret Marriot; and sister of Alice Flake, who m. William Gwaltney. Their dau., Anne Gwaltney, m. John, son of Edward Boykin Sr. To repeat: A dau., Anne, may have m. Robert Harris. IOW. D.B. 5, p. 252: “Edward Boykin of NC to Robert Harris Jr. of IOW for 5lbs about 50 ac, on S. of Balckwater, and bounded on east side by Berbeckew branch, line between Robert Harris Jr. and part of patent of 325 ac granted to he said Boykin, Aug. 1731.

1.1.2. Mary Fort, m. John Foster Sr.
1.1.2.1. Arthur Foster, m. Martha Collier.
1.1.2.2. Sarah Foster, m. Walter Gilliam, whose Will was witnessed by Arthur Foster.
1.1.2.2.1. Lydia Gilliam, m. John Watkins. On July 11, 1765, “John Watkins, planter, and his wife Lydia”, in Southampton Co., sold 260 ac.to James Speed of the same county. (D.B. A, p. 256).
1.1.2.2.1.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.2. “John Fort, another son, appears on the titheable list in Surry in 1694. Had he been the oldest son it seems reasonable to assume that Joseph Poole would have named him rather than Elias; the Virginians held strongly to the rules of English primogeniture until about the beginning of the 19th century”. “John Fort, the second of the brothers, married Elizabeth Jordan, daughter
of Richard Jordan* of Surry County, about 1685-90. She was named in Richard’s will dated Sept. 24, 1695, receiving “one breeding sow.” Richard Jordan was the br. of (1) Robert Jordan, whose dau., Christian, m. William Scott, br. of John Scott (m. Joan, dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke, associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672), whose Will, to repeat, was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (2) Mathew Jordan, who witnessed the Will of John Harris, son of Thomas, d. 1672, and half-brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, probably the father of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Richard Jordan’s grandson, William Jordan (by second wife, Elizabeth), b. ca. 1745, m. Sarah, dau. of William Chapman and Mary Crocker, relict of Henry Tynes (son of Robert Tynes, and Mary, dau. of Theophilus Joyner; brother of Bridgeman Joyner), and sister of Elizabeth Tynes, who m. Thomas Day, who appraised the estate of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. As follows, Mary Harris, granddau. of Thomas Harris and (2nd wife, Judith Edwards), sold her inheritance (from her great-grandfather) to Robert Tynes.
1.3. “George Fort, the other son, joined the Surry titheables list much later, in 1698. A court record shows he had married by March 3, 1695, and we know that teen-age marriages were quite rare in colonial times”. (Précis, in quotation marks, of Homer T. Fort, Jr., Drucilla Stovall Jones, A Family Called Fort. The Descendants of Elias Fort of Virginia, pp. 6-9, 1920).

WATKINS cont.

1.1.4.1. Elizabeth Watkins, m. John Nicholson (son of Robert Nicholson Jr. and Elizabeth Flood, son of Robert Nicholson Sr. (Tyler’s Quarterly, vol. 1, pp. 769-770, 1981), and cousin of James Nicholson, who m. Ann, dau. of *James Davis and Elizabeth Warren (dau. of Elizabeth Gookin and Thomas Warren), and sister of Joseph Warren, father of Peter Warren,* d. Feb.11, 1781, in Northampton Co. James Davis was the son of Thomas Davis Jr. and Margaret Jordan, dau. of Thomas Jordan Sr. and Lucy Corker, and aunt of Richard, Robert, and Mathew Jordan, etc., as follow.

1.1.4.2. John Watkins, b. ca 1700. He and *Peter Warren witnessed the Will of Thomas Goodman, rec. Dec. 20, 1748, p. 596.

GOODMAN

1. William Goodman, and wife Rebecca witnessed the 2nd marriage of John Collins to Mary Tooke, Rebecca being a dau. of John Collins and his first wife. John Barnes was presumably the father of his 1st wife. Oct. 20, 1683: Will of John Collins (d. Jan. 2, 1683): To Wm Goodman, 1000 lb tobacco for keeping his child this year. Rest of estate to children of Rebecca Goodman, Jean Newby, and Elizabeth Izzard (probably daughters). (Surry, B. 4, p. 342). Dec. 20, 1690. Deed: George Blow of Southwarke Parish to William Goodman of Lawnes Creek parish, 2700 lbs tobacco, 100a in Southwarke Parish, part of a tract belonging to my brother, Richard Blow, and given by him to me… adj. Richard Blow and Pidgeon Swamp. Wit: William Newsum, John Collins (ibid. p. 191). Oct. 4, 1685: William Goodman (Quaker) fined for not attending Church of England services. (Surry Court Orders 4, p. 495).

TOOKE AND COLLINS

1. William “Tucke”, m. Christian Holman, July 18, 1571, in Barwick, Somerset; a Symes manor. Collyns v Symes. Plaintiffs: John Collins. Defendants: William Symmes and John Legg.
1.1. Thomas “Tucke”, m. Mary Collins, Jan. 24, 1604, in Barwick; she bapt. Nov. 26, 1581, dau. of Richard Collins, and, possibly, a 2nd wife; he had m. istly Ann Newman, on Jan. 25, 1566/7. Richard was probably closely related to Elizabeth Collins, who m. Edward Pitman, on July 14, 1567; and they to Elizabeth Collins, who m. Thomas Barnes, on Nov. 28, 1590.

It is almost certain that the intermarriage of the Collins and Tooke families continued in Virginia:

John Collins m. Mary Tooke, 14 day, of 12 month, 1682, at Wm Breden’s house, in IOW; Quakers. She was the dau. of William Tooke d. 1675 and Jane, who m. 1st William Tooke d. 1675, 2nd John Barnes d. 1691, and 3rd Thomas Bowman d. 1695. John Collins, estate inventory, Jan, 8, 1694, in the presence of Joseph Thorpe, Timothy Thorpe, Joseph Tooke, B. 5, p. 12.
John Collins and George Moore withessed the Will of John Story, rec. Jan. 9, 1681/2, p. 222. (George Moore, grandfather of Avis White, who m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688).
John Collins Jr., estate presented by George Moore at the house of John Collins Sr., and appraised by John Carrell and Thomas Thorpe. Rec. 1696, p. 200.
The Will of John Barnes: What is due me from my kinsman, Robert Barham, ye son of Charles Barham late of Merch. Hundred, deceased, be paid wife, Jane. Prob. June 2,, 1691. Wit. Arthur Allen, Thomas Binns. John Collins Sr.

1.1.1. Mr. James Tooke. Dec. 1634: William Lacey leased James Tooke 500 ac. on the east side of Lawne’s Creek, on Oct. 1646, James Tooke to Robert Harris,* all my right and title to this lease. *Br. of Thomas Harris, and uncle of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.1. William Tooke, b. 1626, by deposition given on Nov. 29, 1672. His Will (rec. Feb 8, 1675), names wife Jane, step-dau. of 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. Charles Barham’s sister m. Richard Bennett, d. 1709 (second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
1.1.1.1.1. Mary Tooke, m. John Collins, in 1682.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Tooke.
1.1.1.2.1. Joan Tooke , m. John Scott, bef. Sept. 12, 1706.
1.1.1.2.2. *Dorothy Tooke, m. Joseph Commander.
1.1.1.3. Dorothy Tooke, m. Governor John Harvey.

GOODMAN cont.

1.1. William Goodman. Oct. 24, 1727: Will of Rebeccah Goodman. Legatees: son William, dau., Mary Evans, dau, Ann Bell. Son William, exec. Witnesses: Charles Binns, Elizabeth Atkinson. (B. 2, p. 26). (See ATKINSON). Bef. July 5, 1692: Will of Jno. Barnes, dec’d. Wm. Goodman who married one of my daughters to administer estate. Jane Barnes, widow. (Surry Co. Court Orders 5, p. 38). William Goodman declines to administer estate of Jno. Barnes dec’d, John Tooke named administrator in his place. (ibid., p. 45).
1.1.1. Thomas Goodman, Will rec. in Surry Co., Dec. 20, 1748, witnessed by John Watkins.
1.1.2. Martha Goodman. 1737: Marriage of Thomas Gwaltney of North Carolina and Martha Goodman, dau. of William Goodman.
1.1.2.1. John Gwaltney Sr., d. Oct. 29, 1761, in Rowan Co., NC., m. Mary Atkinson, in 1732.

WATKINS cont.

1.1.4.1.2. John Watkins, b. ca. 1730, m. Lydia Gilliam.
1.1.4.1.2.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris, on March 11, 1778, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and brother of Joshua Harris:
1.1.4.1.2.1.1. Henry Harris, b. ca. 1780, d. 1850, m. Nancy Nichols.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1. 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.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.1. James Harris (1842-1924), m. Mary Jane Dowling.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. … Harris.

His test results with Family Tree DNA are a perfect match with Harris Group 4 males: 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.

1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.2. Zachariah Harris, b. 1873.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.3. Nora Pearl Harris, b, 1884, m. Mowbria A. Anderson.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.3.1. Marius Lumon Anderson, m. Wynunnee McCamie, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, both buried there.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1.1.3.1.1. Cosette Anderson, m. Royce D. Myers.
1.1.3.1.2.1.1.1.3.1.1.1. Marjorie Ann Myers Reagan, Hartford, Ala. To whom many thanks are extended for her substantial contribution about Solomon Harris and his descendants.

TABERER

1. …
1.1. William Taberer.
1.1.1. Thomas Taberer. In his Will, proved Feb. 9, 1694, Thomas Taberer mentions his plantation of “Basses Choice”, bought from John Bland, br. of Theoderick Bland, son-in-law of Governor Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Thomas Taberer witnessed a land deed in 1658 between the said “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn. Thomas Taberer was the father-in-law of John Newman, husband of Ruth Taberer, and John Newman was the future br.-in-law of the said Thomas Harris, who m. (2), Alice, dau. of John Newman Sr.
1.1.1.1. Christian Taberer. “Robart Jordan the son of Tho: Jordan of Chucatuck in ye county of Nanzemund and Christian Outland ye daughter of Tho. Taberer of the Isleaweight county did publish their marriage at a meeting of men & women friends at William Sanders his howse in ye county aforesd on ye twelft day of ye eleventh month last past And coming before ye meeting the second time in his fathers house they did publish their marriage againe on ye ninth day of this instant month and were married in the house of his father on this ninth day of ye twelft month in ye yeare 1687. Robert Jordan was a Quaker minister, who m. (2), July 7, 1690, Mary, dau. of of Edmund Belson of Nansemond”.
1.1.1.1.1. Christian Jordan, m. (2) William Scott*.

1.1.1.2. Ruth Taberer, m. John Newman Jr., 1692, p. 350, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Newman was a signer with Joseph Bridger and others, of the “Petition of
the Loyalists” in 1677. He may have been a son of Robert Newman, recorded here: ‘Robert Bennett, 700 acs. about 2 mi. up a cr. neare the mouth of Nansamund Riv., beg. at a pine
marked with the letters of his name and bordering land marked by Robert Newman, etc., 26 June 1635”, p. 188.
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Newman. Thomas Newman to Mary Ratcliffe, dau. of Richard Ratcliffe of Terrascoe Neck “the 13th day of the 12th month 1699”.
1.1.2. Ann Taberer, m. Robert Spencer, who m. (2) Elizabeth*, relict of William Corker; (3) Jane, dau. of Col. William Browne*, who m. (2) Thomas Jordan, who had m. (1) Lucy Corker
In May 1660, Thomas Harris (d. 1672) appointed Thomas Culmore of Surry Co. as his attorney to receive of Robert Spencer all tobacco due him in that county. On Nov. 5, 1666, the said Thomas Harris appointed his “loving friend Robert Spencer” as his attorney in Surry Co., to collect a debt owed by William Corker of that county.

CORKER

1. John Corker. “Corker, John, was burgess for Passbehay in the assembly of September 4, 1632, and for Passbehay, James City and Chickahorniny in that of February, 1633. He was clerk of the house of burgesses in 1645 and was still clerk in 1653. He married Dorcas, born in 1601, and was father of William Corker. (Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography).
1.1. William Corker.
1.1.1. Lucy Corker, m. (1) Thomas Jordan Sr. (2, William Rose Jr., br. of Ann (Rose) Flood); and was mother of (1) Thomas Jordan Jr., father of Mathew Jordan, who appraised appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Eleanor George; Robert Jordan (father of Christian Jordan, wife of William Scott, br. of John Scott, whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2. Elizabeth Corker, m. John Watkins.
1.2.1. John Watkins, m. Elizabeth Spencer, orphan of Robert Spencer annd his first wife, Ann Taberer.
1.2.1.1. John Watkins III, received the plantation where John Cooke lived (see COOKE), and one where James Davis* lived. To repeat: John Cooke Sr. was the br. of (1) Thomas Cooke, associate of Henry Harris, Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, br. of the said Henry Harris. (2) Reuben Cooke, who m. Hannah Atkinson, almost certainly on chronological grounds, the sister of Thomas Atkinson, who witnessed the Will of the said Thomas Harris.
1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Watkins, m. John Nicholson (son of Robert Nicholson Jr. and Elizabeth Flood, son of Robert Nicholson Sr. (Tyler’s Quarterly, vol. 1, pp. 769-770, 1981), and cousin of James Nicholson, who m. Ann, dau. of *James Davis and Elizabeth Warren, and sister of Joseph Warren, father of Peter Warren,* d. Feb.11, 1781, in Northampton Co. James Davis was the son of Thomas Davis Jr. and Margaret Jordan, dau. of Thomas Jordan Sr. and Lucy Corker, and aunt of Mathew Jordan, aforementioned.
1.2.1.1.1.1. John Watkins, b. ca 1700. He and *Peter Warren witnessed the Will of Thomas Goodman, rec. Dec. 20, 1748, p. 596.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Watkins, b. ca. 1730, m. Lydia Gilliam.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris, on March 11, 1778, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

JORDAN

1. Thomas Jordan Sr.* m. Lucy Corker, who m. (2) William Rose Jr., brother of (1) Jane Rose, who m. (1) Richard Avery; who departed from Bristol, in 1665. Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, vol. 1, p. 56: Capt. Anthony Fulgham, 1600 ac. IOW, July 12, 1665, for transportation of 30 people, inc. Richd. Avery. (See as follows).
1.1. Thomas Jordan Jr., m. Margaret Brasseur. Their children’s nativities recorded as follows in Chuckatuck:
1.1.1. Thomas Jordan, “ye 6th day of ye first month in ye yeare 1660”.
1.1.2. John Jordan, “ye 17 day of the sixt month in ye yeare 1663”.
1.1.3. James Jordan, “ye 23d day of of the Eleventh month in ye yeare 1665”. He m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer and John Newman, as given, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.4. Robert Jordan, “ye 11 day of the seventh monthin ye yeare 1668”.
1.1.5. Richard Jordan, “ye 6 day of thr sixt month in ye yeare 1670”.
1.1.5.1. Elizabeth Jordan, m. John Fort, the uncle of Mary Fort, who m. John Foster Sr., grandparents of Sarah Foster, who m. Walter Gilliam. Their dau, Lydia, was the mother of Millie Watkins, who m. Solomon Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.6. Joseph Jordan, “ye 8 day of the seventh month in ye yeare 1672”.
1.1.7. Benjamin Jordan, “ye 18 day of the seventh month in ye yeare 1674”.
1.1.8. Mathew Jordan, “ye i day of the eleventh month in ye yeare 1676”.
1.1.9. Samuel Jordan, “ye 15 day of the 2d month in ye yeare 1679”.
1.1.10. Joshua Jordan, “ye last day of the 6th month in ye yeare 1681”.
1.1.10.1. Rachel Jordan, m. John White. Henry Harris (brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), Thomas Cooke, and William Lee, appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 22, 1730, p. 251.
1.1.10.1.1. Thomas White. “Thomas White of the Ileofwhite county son of Jno White and Rachel Jordan, dau.; of Joshua Jordan of the sd county having declared their intention of taking each other in marriage before several publick meetings of the people called Quakers in Virginia were married in a publick meeting os friendes in the sd county in this thirteenth day of the seventh month in the year one thousand seven hundred and nineteen”. Wit.: James Jordan. Robert Jordan (as given, father of Christian Jordan, wife of William Scott, br. of John Scott, whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30). Joseph Jordan. Mathew Jordan (d. Sept. 2, 1747, as given, appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris and Eleanor George. Eliz Jordan. Eliz Scott. Sarah White. Jacob Barns. Wm Scott.
1.1.10.2. Mary Jordan, m. John George, great-grandson of a namesake, uncle of Eleanor George, ist wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2. Richard Jordan Sr. of Lower Parish of Isle of Wight Co.; planter; to “sonne John Jordan” of said Parish and County, planter, 100 ac. in Maine Cypress Swamp; wit. Thomas Moore, ist cousin of George Moore.
1.2.1. Richard Jordan Jr., m. Cicily, dau. of Thomas Burrow and Mary Blow; 260 ac. Upper Parish of Surry Co on the NE side of John Checokuck Swamp being part of Mr. Owen’s deviant for transportation of 6 persons: inc. John Avery, of Bristol, p. 369, being part of 600 ac. formerly granted to George Blow dec’d. … who sold it to John Bynum who in turn sold it to “my father Richard Jordan” on Nov. 8, 1679; “descended to me as heir of my said father”. Richard Jordan Sr., Will prob. Nov. 7, 1699, in Surry, naming “trusted and well beloved friends Josiah Proctor and John Fort to be overseers”.

TWO ‘RIVERS’ OF JORDAN

1. ..
1.1. Arthur Jordan Sr., emigrated in 1635; his will of 1678, he states he has lived in Virginia for 43 years. It is suggested that he was the Arthur Jorden who m. Marie Smith, on Nov. 25, 1611, in Kelston, 8 miles fiom Bristol, the epicentre of West Country Quakerism.
1.1.1. George Jordan, d. on Oct. 9, 1678 in Southwark Parish, Surry Co.: “I give & bequeath unto my nephew, Thomas Jordan, & to his heirs for ever; he or they performing the above said sermon; and in case of his decease before this will be proved, then all that I have given to him, I give to my brother, Arthur Jordan, to be equally divided amongst my seven nephews”.
1.1.2. Arthur Jordan, d. 1698.
1.1.2.1. George Jordan, m. Mary Browne. His will was probated in Surry Co. on Aug. 20, 1718; mentioning his sons: George Jordan, Arthur Jordan, Thomas Jordan, James, River, and Charles; and his daus.: Mary Anderson, and Elizabeth Bailey.
1.1.2.1.1. “George Jordan Sr.”, Will proved May 12, 1761, Exrs: wife Sarah Jordan, son George Jordan. Wit: *Robt Harris, Lemander Harris, Mary Harris.
1.1.2. Arthur Jordan Jr.
1.1.2.1. George Jordan II., m. Mary (d. bef. 1704), dau. of William Browne. Mary seems to have been the second of that name, an older sibling dying as an infant. Mary was the sister of:
(1) Jane Browne (who m. (1) Robert Spencer, (2) Thomas Jordan), (2) Priscilla Browne, who m. Thomas Blunt, parents of Ann (Blunt) Irby, as herein given. (3) Ann Browne, who m. Walter Flood, son of John Flood and Fortune Jordan (d. July 14, 1669), dau. of Arthur Jordan Sr. Ann Browne and Walter Flood had issue: Fortune Flood, who m. Hinchea Gilliam, having issue: Walter Gilliam, who m. Sarah Foster, grandparents of Millie Watkins, who m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

SCOTT

1. William Scott, b. ca. 1620. Joseph Bridger and William Scott were noted as being engaged in the Virginia trade here: Shippers by the Unicorn bound from Bristol for Virginia: Richard Finch, Roger Nevill, David Parry, James Millard, Richard Harris, Richard Bickham, John Boucher, William Scott, Joseph Bridger. (PRO E190/829/9). William Scott and Joseph Bridger were partners of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 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 William Scott, Thomas Harris, Christopher Pitt, James Bridger. William Reaper (Roper). Thus, the witnesses, as partners, accounted for the remaining five eighths. (Bristol Record Office Depositions).

1.1. William Scott, m. Elizabeth …
“William Scott and Elizabeth his wife their children’s nativities recorded:
1.1.1. Elizabeth Scott dau. of the above sd Wm and Elizabeth was born on the 12 day of December in the year 1675.
1.1.2. *William Scott son to the above sd Wm and Elizabeth was born on the 27 day of December in the year 1678”. (He m. Christian Jordan, dau. of Christian Taberer and Robert Jordan).
1.1.3. *John Scott was born on the 3 day of the 2 mo in the year 1682. He m. Joan (dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke); sister of Mary Tooke, who m. Edmond Belson Jr., br. of (1)
Elizabeth Belson, wife of Henry Hollowell, b. Oct. 16, 1652, Elizabeth River, Nansemond Co.; d. Jan. 12, 1699, in Norfolk Co.; who, by his first wife, Elizabeth Cotching, has issue: Elizabeth, wife of Richard Ratliff, b. July 13, 1672, Terasco Necks, IOW., d. June 17, 1724, Ambermarle Co.; the br. of (1) Elizabeth Ratliff (b. July 21, 1668, Travescore Neck, Nansemond; d. June 30, 1695, Chuckatuck, Nansemond), who m. James Jordan, son of Thomas Jordan Sr. and Margaret Brasseur. Elizabeth Ratliff was the sister of Mary Ratliff (b. Feb. 5, 1679, d. April 18, 1739) who m. Thomas Newman on Dec. 13, 1699, the son of John and Ruth (Taberer) Newman, in the Quaker Meeting House in Chuckatuck.

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: John Harris of the Upper Parish to Thomas Harris of the same, 365 acres (being land they owned jointly by patent dated 20 April 1685) on Seaward’s Creek. For brotherly love, they wish to divide this tract which consists of 250 ac. taken up by their father (Thomas Harris, d. 1672) and 115 ac. which they, John and Thomas Harris, took up. Land adjoins Dry Bridge Branch and the north part is to go to John Harris and the south part is to go to Thomas Harris. Thomas Davis and wife now rent part of the land in the southern part. Witness: William Bridger and John Scott. Signed John Harris, Thomas Harris. March 26, 1711, p. 181.

John Scott’s Will was recorded July 28, 1729, p. 171. Leg. Wife Joan, daus. Mary, Sarah, and Elizabeth, sons Thomas and James Tooke Scott; to cousin William Hollowell, 200 ac. upon Kingsale swamp given to me by my deceased father, William Scott.

Witnesses:

1. William Wilson, who, with Thomas Taberer and John Carrell, witnessed the Will of John Grave, rec. June 9, 1691. He appraised the estate of James Jordan, rec. Sept. 24, 1733, p. 362, who, as given, m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer and John Newman, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

2. William Dixon, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger Jr., rec. Jan. 25, 1713, p. 574. He was admon of the estate of Reuben Proctor (who appraised the estates of John and Thomas Harris Jr., sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), rec. June 28, 1731, p. 278.

3. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30; almost certainly a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1712. His estate was appraised by Edward Brantley Jr., John Thorpe, and Thomas Purcell, rec. Feb. 22, 1730/31, p. 245. Inventory supplemented by brother, Henry Harris, rec. March 27, 1732. Edward Brantley Jr. was the grandson of Edward Brantley Sr. His son, John, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

The continuation of associations between families, bound within Quaker practice, does make it almost certain that Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, associate of Joseph Bridger Sr. and William Scott Sr., in Bristol. His estate security was Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712. He and br. John divided lands in 1711; witnessed by John Scott (grandson of William Scott Sr), and William Bridger, son of Joseph Bridger Sr.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, witnessed the Will of the said John Scott (who was a member of the same Quaker congregation as the said Thomas and John Harris), the husband of Joan Tooke, niece of William Tooke, whose Will names wife Jane, step-dau. of 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. Charles Barham’s sister m. Richard Bennett, d. 1709 (second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).

4. George Bell. The Will of Francis Hobbs (rec. June 9, 1688, p. 279), mentions brother-in-law, John Harris, and was witnessed by John’s brother, Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and George Bell Sr. The estate of Charles Chapman, was appraised by George Bell Jr. and John Bell, the said Thomas Harris, and Jeremy Proctor, rec. June 25, 1711, p. 526. *Thomas Harris, estate appraised by Reuben Proctor and James Wilson, rec. March 23, 1712. (See BELL, CARROL, JONES, AND VASSER).

GODWIN

1. Thomas Godwin, a member of the Chuckatuck Quaker community.
1.1. William Godwin, m. Ann Pitt, b. ca. 1689. John Pitt – leg. dau Martha, the land on which Capt. Joseph Bridger now lives; grandson Joseph Bridger, the land on which Ann Smith now lives,
1.1.1. Theophilus Godwin. On Jan. 27, 1753, Thomas Harris of Granville Co. sold to his brother, Joshua Harris, of Southampton Co., “one certain tract or parcel of land of 290 ac. granted to Thomas Harris the elder by a patent dated March 24, 1725, and by the said Thomas Harris in his Will, dated Dec. 25, 1729, given unto the said Thomas Harris” (paraphrased), who died intestate bef. Feb. 1761 in Granville, Co. On which date an administrators bond was issued for the estate of Thomas Harris, which bound Theophilus Goodwin to make an inventory of the estate of Thomas Harris. Thomas Harris had lived with his step-father, John Brantley (Granville Co. Tax Lists, 1750). In the settlement his estate, his widow inherited 1/3, and his son, Solomon, inherited 2/3. The guardianship of Solomon Harris was confirmed on Aug. 13, 1772, when Bute Co. Court appointed Peter Goodwin, his uncle, and Theophilus Goodwin, his grandf.
1.1.1.1. Sarah Godwin, m. *Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and brother of Joshua Harris.
1.1.1.1.1. Solomon Harris, b. ca. 1758, d. 1837, in Mecklenburg NC. Solomon Harris m. Millie Watkins, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam.

The test results for a descendant (Family Tree DNA) are a perfect match with Harris Group 4 males. 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.

1.2. Elizabeth Godwin, b. ca. 1680 (lived in Bertie Co. by 1716), m. William Bridger; his Will proved May 1730, grandson of Col. Joseph Bridger and Hester Pitt.
1.3. Mary Goodwin, m. Arthur Whitehead.
1.3.1. Arthur Whitehead, m. (1) Isabella, dau. of Arthur Pursell, (2) Ann, dau. of Reuben Cooke and Hannah Atkinson, whose br. witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

The one thing that all must agree on is that all these people were of a hardy breed, who braved the the bleak Midwinters of long ago, as descendants do today.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon, 2022