A Harris family of Somerset, intermarried with such families as Bennett, Blake and Westbrooke, settled in 17th century colonial Virginia, and continued to be associated with them. As I have stated many times, this ‘continuation of association’ was a centuries-old staple of the English kinship system, and is the main indicator of the origins of English settlers.

1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset.

1. John Westbrooke.
1.1. John Westbrooke, m. Margarett Davy, Sept. 19, 1573, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1. John Westbrooke, m. Christian Gille, June 9, 1600.
1.1.1.1. John Westbrooke, b. 1601.
1.1.1.1.1. John Westbrooke, bapt. Feb. 16, 1623.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Westbrooke (b. ca. 1660); estate appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley Jr., Edward Brantley (security for the estate estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Westbrooke, Will probated May 8, 1777. Wife Helen, sons, Henry and Thomas. daus. Lucy Hunt, Helen Speed, Martha Judkins, who m Charles Judkins, Nov. 9, 1768, grandson of John Judkins and Martha Holt, whose dau., Mary, m. Benjamin Barham, d. June 10, 1769, aged 67; grandson of Charles Barham and Elizabeth Ridley.

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

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Samuel Westbrooke Sr. Joshua Claud,* estate appraised Dec. 14, 1775, by Samuel Westbrooke Sr., Samuel Westbrooke Jr., John Westbrooke (estate appraised by William Person). Joshua Claud was the son of Philip Claud, whose exor. (1773) was Jeremiah Drew, and br. of Newitt Claud. Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, estate appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day, and Samuel Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. William Westbrooke, of Dobbs Co. N.C. “sells to Samuel Westbrooke of Southampton Co.”, 110 ac. on the N. side of the Meherrin River, being one third of the manor plantation of John Westbrooke deceased, the father of the said William Westbrooke, adjoining the land of his brother, John Westbrooke”. Wit. Joshua Nicholson, Joshua Claud Jr. (R. May 10, 1770).
1.2. Dorothy Westbrooke, m. William Harris.

1.1. Richard Harris m. Elianor Bennett, on Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe; sister of Edward Bennett, the Virginia coloniser (bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia; father of Silvestra Bennett, who m. Nicholas Hill (appraisee of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, on Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.

BLAKE revised

1. William Blake, d. 1636, bought land in Pitminster, and lived there as a neighbour of the Fulgham family.
1.1. William Blake, bapt. July 9, 1594, in Pitminster, m. Agnes Bond, Sept. 23, 1617, in Pitminster, dau. of Hugh Thorne, and relict of Richard Bond.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Blake, m. Thomas Culmore.
1.1.1.1. Hannah Culmore, m. Nicholas Sessums.*
1.2. John Blake, bapt. June 15, 1597, in Pitminster.
1.2.1. William Blake, bapt. Feb. 24, 1626/27, in Pitminster, d. 1641.
1.2.2. John Blake, bapt. Sept. 1, 1629, in Pitminster.
1.2.2.1. Mary Blake, m. Henry Baker; security for Sarah Bennett, wife of Richard Bennett (Will rec. Feb. 6, 1710), second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; another so related being Silvestra Hill, leg. Mary, the wife of Henry Baker; rec. Jan. 9, 1706. Col. Joseph Bridger, business associate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, estate appraised by Henry Baker, June 28, 1686, p. 255. George Moore, Will dated Nov. 30, 1710; wit. Henry Baker. (See as follows).
1.2.2.1.1. Mary Baker, m. John Alston.
1.22.1.1.1. Mary Alston, m. Thomas Kearney, June 1, 1732. (See as follows for Bobbett connection).

1.2.3. Thomas Blake, m. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare, sister of Mary Champion, bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, who, some have speculated, m. Edward Brantley Sr. Thomas Blake’s land in Virginia was immediately S. of Edward Brantley’s land, which was E. of Francis England’s land, having a contiguous border. Alice and Mary Champion were sisters of (1) Phyllis Champion, who m. Elias Fort Sr. (of Wiveliscombe). Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, secured by Thomas Moore (first-cousin of George Moore, grandfather of Avis White, who m. a grandson* of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and John Newman (br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); appraised by Edward Brantley Sr., who was also security for the estate of the said Thomas Harris. (The Champion family of Virginia were those of Meare, Somerset, and not those of Mr. Boddie’s amalgamated composition). (2) Edward Champion Jr., father of John Champion.

The marriage of a Harris to a granddau. of George Moore would be dated to ca. 1715, some 37 years after the Moores’ association with the Blake/Champion/Forte families who were familial of the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. The earlier association of one branch of this Harris family led to the later association of the other branch.

1.2.3.1. Thomas Blake, bapt. Feb. 2, 1649, in Wiveliscombe, d. 1709, IOW.
1.2.3.1. William Blake, d. March 26, 1746, m. Mary, dau. of *Nicholas Sessums and Hannah, dau. of Thomas Culmore.*
1.2.3.1.1. Thomas Blake, Will R. Feb. 12, 1789. Wit. Burwell Westbrooke, p. 296. 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).
1.2.3.1.2. Mary Blake, m. William Pope, son of Henry Pope, and br. of Jane Braswell. William Pope, of the Parish of St. Luke … exs. wife, and friend, Simon Harris. Wit. Rebecca Harris. R. Feb. 12, 1789, p. 294.
1.2.3.1.3. Hannah Blake, m. Joshua Claud. (Clowde, Somerset, therein lies much).
1.3. Judith Blake, m. Thomas Harris, in 1623, in Wiveliscombe.
1.3.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Virginia.
1.4. Johanne Blake, m. Simon Hill, Sept. 6, 1623, in Wiveliscombe, possible br. of Elizabeth Hill, who m. Laurence Colmer (Culmore), Feb. 3, 1620, in Wiveliscombe, and they the parents of “Thomas Culmore” – ‘Know all men present that I Thomas Harris* (d. 1672) in the county of IOW for many considerable caused me thereunto moving have and do by the srest constitie and ordeyne my be beloved friend Mr. Thomas Culmore of the county of Surry my true and lawfully attorney for me and to my ame and use to ask leavy recover of receive of Robert Spencer of the County of Surry all such somes of tobacco as shall appear due unto me within the county aforesaid. (B. 1, p. 149).

EDWARD BENNETT

1 ……
1.1. Edward Bennett, bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia, m. Elizabeth Bourne.
1.1.1. Sylvestra Bennett, bapt. Oct. 25, 1630, in St Olave, London, d. Jan. 9, 1707, m. Nicholas Hill, d. bef. Oct. 20, 1675. The Will of Nicholas Hill, dated April 19, 1675, named legatees: wife Silvestra; son Richard; son Ralph; daughter Agnes (a mantle that was her mother’s and her wedding ring): da. Martha; son George; da. Mary; son Nicholas; da. Anna; da. Elizabeth; my wife and her six children to have the legacy given her by Major General Bennett; my three children by a former wife. Overseers: Major James Powell, Mr. Thomas Taberer, Mr. William Bressie & John Jennings. Witnessess: John Graham, John Newman, and Mary Davis. R. Oct. 20, 1675. Nicholas Hill was security, with Edward Brantley Sr., for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672
1.1.1.1. Mary Hill, d. bef. Dec. 31, 1695, m. John Jennings, d. bef. June 9, 1698.

1.1.2. Mary Bennett, m. (1) John Day.
1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Day, m. Nathaniel Ridley, br. 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 (kinsman of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
1.1.2.2. James Day. His Will, proved Jan. 9, 1701, named children: Elizabeth, James, Thomas, and William Day, to each of them £300 sterl.; to be paid to dau. Elizabeth at 18 or marriage, and sons at 21. “I give and bequeath to my sonne James Day my watch, my silver headed cane, my seal and coat of arms and my rapier
1.1.2.2.1. James Day.
1.1.2.2.1.1. Thomas Day.
1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Thomas Day, appraisee of the estate of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1. Peter Ridley. He was probably of a Ridley family of Kent, as the Barhams; neighbours.
1.1. Nathaniel Ridley, m. Elizabeth Day (Oct. 7, 1706), dau. of James Day and Mary Bland, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Bennett) Bland.
1.1.1. Nathaniel Ridley Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Nathaniel Ridley appraised the estate of John Westbrooke.
1.1.1.1. Daniel Ridley, m. Martha Thorpe.
1.1.2. James Ridley, d. 1781, m. Jane Smith, dau. of Arthur Smith and Mary, dau. of John Bromfield and Olive, dau. of John Hardy, relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2. William Ridley. Mr. Charles Barham* Exor, Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and Thomas Tooke overseers, witnessed the Will of William Ridley, who was the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife. Charles Barham’s sister m. Richard Bennett, d. 1709 (second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).

1. *Charles Barham, gent, m. Elizabeth Ridley.
1.1. Robert Barham, m. Elizabeth Clarke.
1.1.1. John Barham, b. bef. 1711 in Surry Co., m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Edwards and his second wife, Elizabeth Newsom. His Will was probated on July 16, 1771.
1.1.2. Robert Barham, Will probated on July 17, 1770, in Surry Co.
1.1.3. Thomas Barham, d. 1784, m. Sarah Newsom.
1.1.4. *Charles Barham, b. 1706. In 1738, he was deeded land by Thomas Holt Jr. (B. 5, p. 239). His Will was probated on June 9, 1791.
1.1.4.1. James Barham, b. 1730, d. June 1, 1791, m. Mary, dau. of Joseph Thorpe, son of Timothy Thorpe Jr., son of Timothy Thorpe Sr.
1.1.4.1.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris,* descendant of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

CONNECTIONS OF BRISTOL FAMILIES IN VIRGINIA

1. Robert Kae Sr., may have m. Ann, dau. of Francis England (and step-dau. of George Cripps), who m. (2) John Goodrich Sr. George Moore (stated to be “age 78 years” when he made his Will in 1710 (Chapman, IOW Wills, p. 54). He was also the br. of Katherine Moore, who m. (2) Robert Flake, a tobacco factor for Bristol merchants. By her first husband, she had issue:

(1) Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps. Francis England, George Cripps. William Jennings of Bristol, surgeon, appts. Thomas Moore (ist cousin of George) of Pagan Creek his atty. to collect from Arthur Skynner, Gyles Dryver (headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and Joseph Whitson, and by virtue of a letter of atty. from John Hardiman of Bristol, taylor, to collect from William Hudson in Nansemond. June 29, 1667.

George Cripps, servant Henry Luter, land adj. George Hardy.
Edward, son of George Bechinoe and his wife, Mary.
Elizabeth Gutridge, the dau.of Captain John Gutridge and Ann his wife.
Suit dropped against Mr. George Moore.
Overseers, “loveinge freinds”, Captain John Gutridge, William Evans.

(2) Katherine, who m. (1) William Evans, who witnessed the Will of Edward Brantley Sr., with John Whitson. John Corsy, appraised by Thomas Thorpe*, Peter Deberry, John Whitson; May 21, 1700, p. 428. Richard Bennett, leg. Mary Thorpe, the dau. of Daniel Lewis; sons Richard and James; wife Sarah, land on the Blackwater, with reversion to James Bennett the son of Richard Bennett. Estate to be divided by Thomas Thorpe, Peter Deberry. Rec. Feb. 6, 1710. Wit. William George, John Mangum. Henry Baker security for Sarah Bennett, p. 515. Silvestra Hill, leg. Mary, the wife of Henry Baker; Elizabeth, the wife of Nathaniel Ridley; James, Thomas, and William Day. rec. Jan. 9, 1706. Col. Joseph Bridger, appraised by Henry Baker, June 28, 1686, p. 255. George Moore, Will dated Nov. 30, 1710; wit. Henry Baker.

1.1. Robert Kae, appraised the estate of John Wilson (with John Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr., who m. Katherine Wilson, the relict), rec. Aug. 9. 1694, p. 348. Robert Kae; with George Moore, divided the estate of Alice Collins, April 8, 1700, p. 442.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Kae, bequested in the Will of John Goodrich (rec. June 9, 1696, p. 369), “the land given to her by her grandfather-in-law, George Cripps”.
1.2. Elizabeth Kae, m. Timothy Fenn.

1.2.1. Dorothy Fenn, m. Joseph Thorpe, Sr.
1.2.1.1. *Thomas Thorpe Sr. (d. 1711), m. (1) Martha Jennings (d. 1702), sister of John Jennings, husband of Mary Hill, dau. of Sylvester Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.1.1. Sarah Thorpe, m. (1) William George, son of John George, and nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.1.2. John Thorpe, appraisee of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.2.1.2. Timothy Thorpe Sr., m. (2) Mary Lewis, n.b., granddau. of Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.2.1. Timothy Thorpe Jr., witnessed (with Nathaniel Ridley Jr.), the Will of Edward Harris Jr., son of Edward Harris, and grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, rec. Sept. 22, 1740,
1.2.1.2.1.1. Joseph Thorpe, d. May 1762. Southampton Co. Court Order Book 1768-1772: John Ferguson was appointed guardian to orphans of Joseph Thorpe: John, Ann, Mary Harris. Nathaniel, p. 307. W.B 3, p. 240: John Ferguson (Quaker), Will proved Nov. 12, 1778. Wife Ann. Sons William and Josiah. Bequest to Ann Thorpe. Joseph Thorpe m. Ann West, who m. (2) John Ferguson (July 3, 1778).
1.2.1.2.1.1.1. John Thorpe, m. Charity Barratt, sister of Betsy Barratt (who m. Keeton Everitt), and half-sister of Jesse and Burrell Barrett, who m. John Thorpe’s sister, Lucy.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2. Mary Thorpe, m. James Barham; b. 1730, d. June 1, 1791.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris, who settled in Guilford Co. NC, and died there before 1824, leaving a will naming all of his children.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Sarah Harris, m. William Middleton Jr. They moved to Tennessee, then, in 1831, to Marion Co. Illinois.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.2. Charles Barham Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.3. Howell Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.4. Harmon Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.5. Martin Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.6. Arthur Harris
1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1.7. Joel Harris.

1.2.1.2.1.2. Martha Thorpe, m. Daniel Ridley, son of Nathaniel Ridley Jr.
1.2.1.2.2. Mary Thorpe, m. Edward Harris Jr., son of Edward Harris, Sr., son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.2.3. William Thorpe, Will proved May 7, 1727, in Surry Co. Leg. my mother Mary Thorpe (as heretofore given, Mary Lewis, granddau. of Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; br. Joseph Thorpe, not yet 21 yrears of age; sisters Elizabeth EsselL, Sarah Thorpe, Olive Thorpe, Margaret Thorpe, Hannah Thorpe*. My father, Timothy Thorpe, Exec. Wit. William Seward, Simon Wilson. Dated Feb. 24, 1726. William Seward m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Holt. (B. 2, p. 260).
1.2.1.2.4. *Hannah Thorpe, m. (aft. May 7, 1727), Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. She m. (2) John Brantley (great-grandson of Edward Brantley Sr., security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), their son being William Brantley, who m. Hester Blake, parents of Blake Brantley. On chronological grounds, Hester Blake was almost certainly a dau. of Thomas Blake, d1789; see heretofore mentioned.

ELEANOR BENNETT

1.2. Eleanor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe. He was the son of William Harris, who m. Dorothy Westbrooke, Aug. 31, 1562.
1.2.1. Thomas Harris, who m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, business partner of Joseph Bridger, in Bristol. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions). He m. (1) Eleanor George, cousin of Rebecca George, mother of Joyce Lewis, who m. Philip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr., who stood security for the estate of the said Thomas Harris, grandfather of John Brantley, who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, whose Will was recorded Feb. 22, 1730. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, held 1,000 ac. in Nansemond in 1658, which was “by him deserted”, and granted anew on July 6, 1668, to Joseph Bridger.

Thomas Harris, d. 1672, is witnessed here: Mr. Jno. Marshall, 700 ac. in IOW, July 12, 1665, p. 252. W. side of the Wester Sw., beg. at lower cor. tree of Capt. (John) Fulgham’s land, extending down Sw. to land of Tho. Harris. John Fulgham was overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, 1688, who beq. Robert Harris (his son) “may dwell with John Fulgham three years”; “my dau. Anne to live with Mis. Anne Sharpe seven years”, probable sister of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

The closely related families of Thomas Harris, d. 1672 and Thomas Harris, d. 1688, shared common associations, which influenced were thet settled.

1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1658, d. 1712, m. (1) … 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. Consequently, it would be rational to believe he a 1st wife before marrying Judith Edwards, after 1701. By a ist wife:

1.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1690, d. 1729/30 (the supposition of Mr. Boddie). Thomas Harris, 290 ac. IOW, on the Maherrin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch adj. Edward Brantley and William Simmons line, March 24, 1725. In his Will, Thomas names a brother, Henry Harris, son Joshua, and also an “unborn child wife now goes with”. (Thomas). William Simmons was the son of John Simmons:

1. William Simmons Sr., age about 29, in a deposition in Surry Co. March 5, 1677/8. Will Prob. Oct. 21, 1693. (B. 4, p. 340).
1.1. John Simmons, b. ca. 1675, Will prob. April 19, 1738; names sons, William and John; Christopher Mooring appointed guardian. (Surry Court Orders, Lib. of VA, Reel 30, p. 33).
1.1.1. *William Simmons d. 1749; Thomas Westbrooke and Charles Barham were appraisers of his estate. (Southampton, B. 1, p. 22).
1.2. Edward Simmons, as per mother’s Will (Eliza Timberlake Davis, p. 120). He was first witness of the Will of John Westbrooke (proved July 23, 1733; W.B. 3, p. 357), father of *Thomas Westbrooke, as follows. John Westbrooke’s Will mentioned sons: John,* Thomas, William, and James. *John Westbrooke’s Will was rec. Jan. 22, 1770 (B.4., p. 272, Southampton Co.), which left a tract of land to (nephew) Samuel Westbrooke, on the N. side of the Meherrin River, bequeathed to him by his father, being a patent formerly granted to James Ramsey about 1725. Wit. Joshua Nicholson, Joshua Claud Jr.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. 1730, m. Elizabeth Goodwin.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Solomon Harris, lived in Mecklenburg Co. Mecklenburg and Union were adjoined counties. He m. Millie Watkins, on March 11, 1778, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Harris, of Union Co., NC, m. the dau. of Frederick and Mary Fisher Starnes of Mecklenburg, NC. (1765-1816), the son of Frederick Starnes, Jr, who was killed in an Indian attack on his scouting party in 1779 in an event known in history as “Starnes Defeat”. Recorded in Union Co. D. B. 2, p. 29 is a deed of gift from Henry Harris to Hugh B. McCain. “I Henry Harris for the natural love and affection which I have for my well beloved son in Law H. B. McCain and daughter Eleonor his wife do hereby grant to be delivered at my death” two Negros. Dated Jan. 28, 1848.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Zachariah Harris. Union Co. D. B. 2, p. 323: Zachariah Harris of Pike County, Georgia, (which is where Zachariah was a minister of the Gospel at that time) appointed Hugh B. McCain of Union County to be his power of attorney. This document states that Hugh B. McCain was the administrator “in the Estate of my father Henry Harris late of said Union County.” Dated 16 April 1850, signed Zachariah Harris. In Union Co. D.B. 2, p. 78, a deed of gift recorded from Henry Harris to Mary C. Harris, “I Henry Harris of the County of Union and State of North Carolina for natural love and affection which I have for my well beloved daughter Mary C. Harris do hereby give grant and to be delivered” his Negro girl Harriet. Dated 28 September 1848. Henry Harris, his mark. Zachariah 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.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. James Harris (1842-1924), m. Mary Jane Dowling.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.  James Harris of the Union Community near Slocomb. His test results with Family Tree DNA are a perfect match of those of 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.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Zachariah Harris, b. 1873.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Fletcher Harris, b. 1875, m. Lena Saphronie Peters.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.4. Elizabeth Harris, b, 1878, m. James Irving. Hagler.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5. Nora Pearl Harris, b, 1884, m. Mowbria A. Anderson.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5.1. Marius Lumon Anderson, m. Wynunnee McCamie, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, both buried there.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5.2. Cosette Anderson, m. Royce D. Myers.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5.2.1. Marjorie Ann Myers Reagan, Hartford, Ala. To whom many thanks are extended for her substantial contribution about Solomon Harris and his descendants.

1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Joshua Harris. His estate was appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, on June 14, 1770, p. 324.

THOMAS HARRIS AND A SECOND WIFE

1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. (2) Judith Edwards, who 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.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Benjamin Harris.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. *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.), and the half-brother of James Bridger, who m. Susan, dau. of Thomas Tynes, br. of Robert Tynes. (2) Thomas Goodwin, son of Theophilus Goodwin, and br. of Elizabeth Goodwin, wife of Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, aforementioned.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1690, d. 1729/30 (the supposition of Mr. Boddie). Thomas Harris, 290 ac. IOW, on the Maherrin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch adj. Edward Brantley and William Simmons line, March 24, 1725. In his Will, Thomas names wife Hannah,* brother, Henry Harris, son Joshua, and also an “unborn child wife now goes with”. (Thomas). * She m. (2) John Brantley (great-grandson of Edward Brantley Sr., security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), their son being William Brantley, who m. Hester Blake, parents of Blake Brantley. 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.

THOMAS BENNETT

1.3. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April 2, 1570.
1.3.1. Thomas Bennett, bapt. Nov. 5, 1603; listed in the 1624 census on the south of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek. Elizabeth Pierce, dau. of his wife, Alice, chose him as her guardian.
Thomas Bennett was the brother of Governor Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequested two thousand pounds of tobacco to the wife of “Mr. Thomas Taberer”, whose dau., Ruth, m. John Newman, br-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3.1.1. Richard Bennett, b. ca. 1625, d. 1709. His first wife was Anne, 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.
1.3.1.1.1. Richard Bennett Jr., b, ca, 1665.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Frances Bennett, m. John Mangum. His estate was appraised on Nov. 28, 1737 by John Davis, Edward Brantly (that is, the father of John Brantley, who m. the relict of Thomas Harris,* d. 1729/30), and Joseph Ward.

1.3.1.1.1.2. Anne Bennett, m. John Bell.
1.3.1.1.1.2.1. William Bell, m. Ann Jones, dau. of Richard: Richard Jones: Of the Upper Parish – Leg. daughter Ann Bell the land on which she and her husband William Bell live. Wife Extx. Friends William Bell and *Thomas Harris to see my will performed. Dated May 22, 1721.

1.3.1.1.1.3. Amy Bennett, m. William Bobbett.
1.3.1.1.1.3.1. John Bobbett, m. Amy, dau. of John Alston, and Amy (dau. of Joseph Shearin), and sister of Lucy Shearin, who m. Benjamin Kimball Sr.*
1.3.1.1.1.3.1.1. Sarah Bobbitt, m. John Harris, b, Nov. 13, 1769, in Bute Co.; son of Isham Harris, b. Oct. 25, 1741, son of West Harris Sr. and Mary Turner.
1.3.1.1.1.3.1.2. Isham Bobbett, b. May 3, 1754 (in Granville Co., now Warren Co.); d. March 1836 in Morgan Co., Illinois. He m. Elizabeth James (Oct. 13, 1775, “25 miles from Halifax”), perhaps in Fishing Creek. His military record included volunteering for Captain Harris and Colonel Reed from April 1, 1781 until July 1, 1781.
1.3.1.1.1.3.2. William Bobbett Jr.

1.3.1.1.1.4. William Bennett. May 19, 1742. Thomas Kearney of Edge to William Bennett, 200 ac. on both sides of Peach Tree Crk. Swamp, part of a patent to sd. Kearney May 6, 1742. Wit: William Boddie, Phillip Marsh. Edge. May Crt., 1743. (D.B. 5, p. 60).
1.3.1.1.1.4.1. Mary Bennett, m. William Boddie. (His family were of Wiveliscombe, see previous notes).
1.3.1.1.1.4.2. Richard Bennett. Thomas Kearney to Joseph Regan, 100 ac. on Peach Tree Swamp, part of patent to Richard Bennett and William Boddie. Wts: Samuel Williams, W. Alston. Thomas Kearney to Joseph Regan, 100 ac. on Peach Tree Swamp, part of patent to Richard Bennett and William Boddie. Dec. 30, 1742. (D.B. 5 p. 129). John Tomkins of S.C. to Richard Bennett of Edge. Co., 180 ac. on the N. fork of Buffalo branch, a grant to the sd. Thomkins on July 9, 1738 Wit: William Bobbitt Jr. Charles Thomson. Aug. 2, 1744. Will of Richard Bennett, Bute Co., proved Aug Crt, 1764. (B. l. p. 3). Wife, Ann sons: Richard, Mark William, Moses, and James Bennett.

1.3.1.1.1.4.2.1. James Bennett, on March 15, 1741, patented 190 ac. in IOW Co., on the S. side of Nottoway River, bounded by Ridley’s Branch*. (B. 20, p. 199). In 1748, he received a grant of 404 ac. in Brunswick Co., on both sides of Rocky Run. He witnessed an indenture (Sept. 18, 1752), between John Irby (and Joseph Carter), conveying 250 ac. lying on Licking Hole Branch to the Otterdam Swamp, conveyed from Nathaniel Edwards to John Irby. (B. 5, p. 269). James Bennett’s Will was probated on March 1, 1752/3, naming: dau. Mary Proctor, wife of Nicholas Proctor, of Saint Andrews Parish, Brunswick, son of Joshua Proctor, and Katherine, dau. of Bartolomew Owen; son Reuben Bennett (bequested “all the lower part from said Honey Bottom and plantation”); son James. The Camden Journal, Jan. 26, 1848: “Mr. Reuben Bennett, the last Revoluntionary Soldier in Lancaster District, died at his residence on the 14th of November last, aged 87 years. He was a native of Virginia, and after serving his country, first as a volunteer and then as a regular soldier, at the close of the war, settled in Lancaster, where he resided till the day of his death”.

1.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.1. James Bennett. Robert S. Harris, m. Rachel Hollens, Feb. 23, 1781; James Bennett, bm. Henry Jackson to Drury Kimball. Bill of Sale, dated Dec. 30 1774, for a negro boy. Wit: Jno. Bell, James Bennett. Rec. Feb. Court, 1775.
1.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.1.1. Susannah Bennett, m. Sion Kimbrall/Kimball, Jan. 1800; Thomas Ricks Junr., bm. Granville Co. May Ct., 1811 – Drury Kimball Sr., in account with his son and guardian, Sion Kimball (Drury is non compos mentis), lists provisions, tools, crop, in inventory from 1809. (Guardian Accounts, Granville Co.). Sion was the br. of Drury Kimball Jr., who m. Polly Riggins, May 11, 1805, in Granville.
1.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.1.2. Prudence Bennett, m. William Lancaster, Jan. 9, 1799, Warren Co.; Jeremiah Stephenson, bm.
1.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.1.3. Polly Bennett, m. John Lancaster (Dec. 23, 1813, John Mealor, bm.), br. of Priscilla Lancaster, who m. Bedford Harris, on Dec. 5, 1811; Joel Harris, bm. John Lancaster was the nephew of Moses Lancaster, who m. Martha, dau. of Joseph Harris, and possible sister of Robert S. Harris.
1.3.1.1.1.4.2.2. Richard Bennett.

1.3.1.1.1.5. Elizabeth Bennett, m. James Bobbett.
1.3.1.1.1.6. Richard Bennett, was bequeathed land on the N. side of the Pigg River, in 1761, by his br.-in-law, James Bobbett.

1.3.1.1.2. Ann Bennett, a beneficiary in the Will, rec. August 9, 1704) of Mathew Fones (“Ann Bennett daughter of William Bennett”), witnessed by Philip Pardoe. Mathew Fones witnessed the Will of George Hardy Jr., rec. June 9, 1696, p. 374. Philip Pardoe’s wife was Jane, dau. of John George, and cousin of the first wife wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3.1.1.3. Susan Bennett, m. Daniel Lewis, son of Daniel Lewis and Sarah, second wife of Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3.1.1.3.1. Mary Lewis, m. Timothy Thorpe Sr.
1.3.1.1.3.1.1. Joseph Thorpe.
1.3.1.1.3.1.1.1. Mary Thorpe, m. James Barham.
1.3.1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris.
1.3.1.1.4. 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″. James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger. Prob. Apr. 9, 1685: ‘Son: William land granted to me by escheat of 850 ac. formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorothy Bond, and William Blount. Francis Hobbs was the br. of Margaret Hobbs, first wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and first wife, Eleanor George.
1.3.2. Governor Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequested two thousand pounds of tobacco to the wife of “Mr. Thomas Taberer”, whose dau., Ruth, m. John Newman, br-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

The central characters of this account originated in and around Wiveliscombe in Somerset. They invariably intermarried with those they knew, In this regard, the Gillam/Gilham family of Stogumber, adjoining Wiveliscombe, was most probably they of Virginia, associated with the Harris family. The parish registers are very sparse, and only the following can be gleaned:

1. William Gillham (bur. Oct. 26, 1679, m. Ann Smale, Nov. 28, 1641, in Stogumber. She was bapt. Aug. 19, 1618, and was probably a sister of Joan Smale, who m. Henry Stevens, Sept. 29, 1638, in Stogumber; he bapt. Aug. 24, 1617.

Stogumber is ca. 7 miles N. of Wiveliscombe, and 15 miles N.W. of Creech St. Michael, from whence a family of Bobbett, of an equal yeoman/merchant class as the Harris. The account of the early Bobbett family in Virginia is not plausible, and is one copied without question, complete with assumed dates of birth, etc. The Bennett, Bobett, Gilliam, and Harris were near neighbours in Somerset, and are very likely to be the same families as found to be associated in Virginia.

1. William Bobbett, bur. June 30, 1639.
1.1. John Bobbett, yeoman, bapt. April 19, 1621, Will probated July 1686.
1.1.1. Richard Bobbett, b, ca, 1650, m. Jane Brownsford (alias Brownshay), sister of Rachel, wife of “Richard Coggan cooper, of North Curry, Somerset”. (See court case regarding: “Possession of several copyhold estates leased from the dean and chapter of Wells by the plaintiffs Mary, Rachel, Jane and Christian’s late father for the benefit of his daughters”, 1683, C 6/399/66).
1.1.1.1. William Bobbett, bapt. Jan. 25, 1682, m. Amy Bennett, dau. of Richard Bennet Jr.
1.1.1.2. John Bobbett, bapt. Sept. 17, 1689.
1.1.2. William Bobbett, m. Hannah …
1.1.2.1. James Bobbett, bapt. Sept. 23, 1682, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Bennet Jr.
1.1.2.2. William Bobbett.
1.1.3. Edmond Bobbett, merchant, d. 1693. m. Sarah … .
1.1.3.1. Richard Bobbett, bapt. Feb. 25, 1685/6.

William Gilliam’s Will of Oct. 1778, named wife Agnes; son Harris, son William* “all my carpenter’s and cooper’s tools”; grandson Drury Kimball. William Gilliam Sr. deed to son William Gilliam Jr. for land in which reserves a lifetime right for himself and wife Agnes. Wit: Isham Harris. (Granville Co. August Court, 1766. D.B. H, p. 432). Harris Gilliam and wife, Elizabeth, deed to Bartholemew Kimball for land adj. William Gilliam. Jan. 16, 1765. (D.B. H, p. 218). *Will of William Gilliam (June 1 1803), names wife Elizabeth: all land on roads leading from Gilliam’s Meeting House to Joseph Daniels’ gate; son Lesley,* daus. Amy Harrison, Priscilla Harris,* Elizabeth Harris, Lundy Sims, Exrs: my wife and son Lesley Gilliam,* and son-in-law Ransom Harris. (Son of Isham Harris; Son of West Harris Sr. and Mary Turner) br. of Turner Harris, etc. *Leslie Gilliam, admr. of John Ballard, decd., bill of sale to William Murphey; Martha E. Ballard relinquished all her right in the property, Jan. 29, 1804. (Granville Co. D.B. R, p. 281.). *Priscilla Gilliam, m. Ransom Harris. William Gilliam Sr. – br. of Winifred Gilliam, who m. Peter Kimball, having issue: Buckner Kimball, m. Martha (dau. of West Harris Sr. and Mary Turner). sister of Isham Harris, father of Ransom Harris, m. Priscilla Gilliam, aunt of Robert Ballard Gilliam, who m. Mellisa Kittrell, great-niece of Rachel Milly Kittrell, who m. John Harris, son of Richard Harris. Peter Kimball’s br. was *Benjamin Kimball Sr.

WILLIAM HARRIS

1.2. William Harris.
1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. Feb. 18, 1624, “son of Richard”.
1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, b. ca. 1662, who m. Samuel Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster Sr, bapt. Jan. 26, 1634, in Bruton, Somerset, 40 miles E. of Wiveliscombe.
1.2.2. Thomas Harris, who died in 1688. His descendants of his son, Robert Harris, had strong links to the the descendants of the said Robert Lancaster, suggestive of a close kinship relationship in England.
1.2.2.1. Robert Harris, b. ca. 1665, d. 1740, whose father beq. “my dau. Anne to live with Mis. Anne Sharpe seven years”, who was probably the sister of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.1.2.2.1.1. Robert Harris (b. ca. 1695); he and his br., John, patented land before their father died (B. 13, p. 516, dated Sept. 28, 1730). Robert Harris of Granville Co., NC., received a grant of 488 ac. on Little Fishing Creek on April 27, 1753; and a grant of 310 ac. on Stonehouse Creek, adjacent to Nicholson land, on March 11, 1760.

1.2.2.1.1. John Harris, b. ca. 1695, m. Avis, dau. of Thomas White, and grandau. of George Moore, of Bristol.

1.2.2.1.1. Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham, in Southampton Co.; great-great granddau. of Charles Barham, whose sister was the first wife of Richard Bennett, close kinsman of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe and Virginia.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon, 2023