English settlement of early Virginia is a deep-rooted subject, which cannot be understood by simply observing, as a forrest, the visible branches of ‘genealogical trees’. It is necessary to delve into the vast and interconnected kinship network that lays beneath the surface. As I once wrote:

The vital importance of kinship support in England and colonial America is well documented. Neel stated: ‘Marriage is not simply the union of two persons; rather, it binds together two kin groups. It reunites human society, which time and the divergence of family lines relentlessly pull asunder’ (Carol Neel, Medieval Families, Perspectives on Marriage, Household, and Children, p. 200, 2004), a point elucidated by Pounds: ‘Even the state in medieval England required people to be linked in small groups or tithings, so that each could vouch for the others’ good behaviour. Almost everyone is, by the accident of birth, a member of a family, of a more extended kinship group (J. G. Pounds, The Culture of the English People, p. 255, 1994).

Such social-dependency arrangements were repeated by American settler families, as exampled by Doyle: “The listing of people, their names and birthplaces in the census rolls, shows clusters of fellow North or South Carolinians, Virginians, and Tennesseans living next to one another … The family names listed in the census suggest that kinship groups were being transplanted, either at once or in stages … letters and diaries reveal brief glimpses of the vast undergrowth of siblings, cousins and in-laws that existed beneath the moving population … These kinship networks among the elite were only the more visible of a much larger complex of relations that pulled kin and family across vast American distances to be with one another”. (Don Harrison Doyle, ‘Faulkner’s County’, p. 255, 1994).

The English ‘middling order’ were subject to a State religion that proclaimed social rank as a design of God – a system of strict boundary delineation. Pythian-Adams commented: ‘There were wide boundaries between socio-economic groups. These boundaries were rarely crossed. Marriages almost invariably took place between members of the same common interest group. These networks crossed geographical boundaries but not social borders. (Charles Pythian-Adams, ed., Societies, Cultures and Kinship 1580-1850: Cultural Provinces and English, p. 162, 2010).

The ‘middling order’ being considered in this notice includes the intricately linked families of Tanner and Morris, who owned property in Bishop’s castle, a town in the south west of Shropshire, less than 2 miles from the Wales-England border, and 20 miles north-west of Ludlow, from whence families of Baugh and Harris.

NOTICES OF THE TANNER FAMILY OF BISHOP’S CASTLE AND VIRGINIA

This account will treat this family of Tanner as a genus, that is, as part of a group marked by the common characteristic of intermarriages and associations being largely confined within its boundaries. This is the only way to understand more completely families of English settlers in early Virginia – within their wider social context. Thus, the Tanners of Bishop’s Castle are considered alongside families of Baugh, Cocke, Harris, Langford, Lewis, Morrys, and Okely, et al.

Records do not reveal the parents of Joseph Tanner of Virginia, who witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke in 1665, however, his parentage can be suggested. It is certain that he was of the Tanner family of Bishop’s Castle, situate within 20 miles of families associated with him in Virginia.

The first recording I can find of a Tanner family of this area are from the parish registers of St Laurance, Ludlow, where a Robert Tanner was baptised on March 11, 1558/9, and Robert Tanner
married Alice Meredith, on Sept. 26, 1566. She was probably the dau. of Richard ap Meredith, buried in St Laurance on Feb. 15, 1561/2. What, if any, relation they may have been to their namesakes of Bishop’s Castle is not known.

The first recording I can find of a Tanner family of Bishop’s Castle is in a deed of 1575:

1. … Tanner.
1.1. John Tanner, b. ca. 1530, “the elder”, br. of Robert Tanner, father of John Tanner.
1.1.1. John Tanner, “the younger”.
1.1.2. Moris Tanner Sr., b. ca. 1560, bailiff of Bishop’s Castle in 1613, and 1623; bur. there, Feb. 27, 1640/1. He m. (in 1590), Ann (bur. June 23, 1638), dau. of John James, of Mainstone, Shrop.; Will proved Oct. 1606; Morrys Tanner, exec.

It is probably the case that Morrys Tanner’s father had m. a sister of Morgan Morris*.

Lease. 1. Andrew Blunden of Bushopscastell gentleman. 2. John Tanner the elder of the same and John and Moris Tanner his sons, of a house and building in Henley wood in Bushopscastell and a little close adjoining the house (now in occupation of John Tanner the father) for 70 years or life of John Tanner the elder; remainder to John the son for a term of 70 years or life; remainder to Moris for a term of 70 years or life. John Tanner the father agrees that before Ladyday next he will ditch, hedge and inclose at his own cost a parcel of Henley’s wood between a way next above the house and the fild of Colbach, in breadth between the fildes of Widbach and commons or woode. Witnesses: Thomas Benbowe, David ap Walter, John Tanner son of Robert Tanner. Sept. 1, 1575. (Shrop. Arch., 11/638-9).

Lease. 1. Andrewe Blunden of Busshopscastle gentleman. 2. John Longwell of Widbach y Koyd yeoman, Katherine his wife and Richard Longwell their son. Consideration: 20 marks, of a messuage in Wodbach Y Koyd, containing by estimation a third part of Wodbach y Koyd (John Longwell) for 3 lives. Tenant not to cut or destroy any timber without licence of Blunden or his heirs, or in his absence of his bailiff or rent gatherer. Witnesses: John Bright, John Okley, Edward Mason. Witnesses to seizin, March 18, 1586, Richard Moris,* John Tanner the elder, David ap Walter, John Tanner the younger. (Shrop. Arch., 11/539). *Brother of Hugh Morris, as follows.

Demise of a tenement or howse with a close adjoining in the towne of Bushops Castle: 1. Edward Thomas gentleman new bailiff of Bishop’s Castle. 2. John Lloid* of Bushops Castle. Witnesses: John Tomas, Morrys Tanner, Rowland Oakley, Edward Mason, Robert Oakeley. Philip James, Richard Norton, Edward Thomas, Richard Okley. June 23, 1621. (Shrop. Arch., 1037/8/3).

Appointment as attorney to pay to Richard Longwell £20 due on a mortgage of a messuage in Wodbach Ganel and Widbach Coid (tenant Lewes Gwalter) which Hugh Morris mortgaged to John and Richard Longwell, and on which there is a rent of 40s due to Richard Longwell. 1. *Hugh Morris of Churchstock gentleman and Nathanael Morris gentleman and Charles Morris gentleman, sons of Hugh. 2. Richard Blunden of Bushopes Castle esq. Blunden is to hold this power without interruption from the Morrises, they covenant not to revoke this power or to grant the property to Richard Longwell or any other person, except as Hugh has done already. Signatures of Hughe Moryce, Nathaniell Morris. Witnesses: Morrys Tanner, baylif of Bishops Castle, Edward Mason, Edward Hanmar, Arthue Powel. Dec. 6, 1613. (Shrop. Arch., 11/277).

EARLY CONNECTIONS OF COCKE/HARRIS,HOLLAND, AND TANNER

1.1.2.1. John Tanner, m. (Feb. 28, 1613), Judith, dau. of Rowland Oakley, and Mary, dau. of “William Crowther of Betson” (Bedstone?), 10 miles W. of Ludlow. Thus, there is a distinct probability that Mary Crowther was a sister of “Richard Crowther of Bedstone”, who m. Mary, dau. of Thomas Holland (in Burwarton, in 1609), and Alice, second-cousin of Richard Cocke Sr. of Virginia. This probability underscores the associations in Virginia of the Tanners to associates of the Cocke family – Ligon, Harris, et al. The connection of this latter family (of Ludlow) to these Hollands came about through William Holland* (br. of the said Mary Holland), being a br.-in-law of Richard Harris*, and Alice, a dau. of the said William Holland and Margaret, dau. of Thomas Smalman of Wilderhope , marrying Thomas Harris of Prescot* in 1632.

1. John Harris, esq. (of Cruckton). m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde/Pryde of Sutton.
1.1. *Richard Harris, obit. 1631, m. Anna Smallman, obit. 1650, dau. of Thomas Smalman, of Wilderhope; br.-in-law of *William Holland.
1.1.1. Mary Harris, second wife of Fleetwood Dormer, son of Sir Fleetwood Dormer, and Mary Isham, aunt of Henry Isham, of Bermuda Hundred, who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royal; their issue being: (1) Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, (2) Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a ‘friend’ in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. Mary Harris* (second-cousin of Mary Harris Dormer, contemporaries, and undoubtedly close acquaintances); her marriage leading to the later Dormer association.
1.2. Arthur Harris, m. Jane Newton, of Prescot, Shropshire.
1.2.1. *Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot, m. (1632), Alice Holland, dau. of William Holland, bapt. (1574) at Burwarton, and buried there in 1642.
1.3. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, ob. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567. She m. 2. Edward Lewis, as hereinafter given.
1.3.1. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, Ludlow, d. 1638. He m. (1) Mary Holland, bapt. Sept. 11, 1608, Ludlow.
1.3.1.1. *Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64.
1.3.1.2. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, Ludlow; held land on Curles Swamp, next to his sister, and John Woodson, br. of Robert Woodson.

The close association between the Oakleys and Tanners also gave them a shared connection to the family of Marston, and, through them, to the family of Baugh, as given hereinafter.

1. Lewis Griffith of Castlewright gentleman. 2. John Tanner of Bushops Castle mercer and John James of Mainston yeoman. Consideration, a marriage already had between Lewis Griffith and Anne his wife, daughter of Gabriell James (uncle of John Tanner), and of £210 paid by Gabriell to Lewis for marriage portion in part performance of articles of agreement between Lewis and Anne dated 24 June 1 Charles (1624) Feoffment in several messuages and lands called Noyath, Maes yr hendre or Maise yr hendre alias Noath Maies yr Rhywdre and Com yr Eueth and all that water corn mill called Melin Coom yr hodrey, in the townships of Estergiliog and Garthilyn in the parishes of Llannyhongell yr Kerry and Moughtret co Mont. Counterpart signed by John James, John Tanner. Witnesses: Lewis David Llwyd, Owen Rees, John Doughty, Richard Shringer, Gabriel Myddelton. July 11, 1628. (Shrop. Arch., 445/111).

ROBERT TANNER

1.2. Robert Tanner.
1.2.1. John Tanner, b. ca. 1560.
1.2.1.1. William Tanner,* b. ca. 1585, d. 1648.
1.2.1.1.1. Richard Tanner,* eldest son.
1.2.1.1.2. William Tanner.
1.2.1.1.3. Evan Tanner.

1.2.1.2. Robert Tanner.
1.2.1.2.1. Robert Tanner, gent., of Hendon, Middlesex, Will probated Oct. 10, 1657: “brother John Tanner”; “brother Joseph Tanner”.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Thomas Tanner, a legatee in the Will of his uncle, Joseph Tanner.
1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Joseph Tanner, a legatee in the Will of his great-uncle, Joseph Tanner, and probably named for him.

1.2.1.2.2. John Tanner, d. ca. 1645. Parish of Montgomery benefaction table, 1649. “John Tanner, born at Bishop’s Castle, 2nd June, 1612, married Mary Lloyd (daughter of *John Lloyd, of Montgomery), who died 11th March, 1649; she was the occasion of £5 a year being left to the use of the póor of the said parish for ever, charged upon an estate at Mile End, in the parish of Stepney, Middlesex (10 miles S.E. of Hendon), then in the possession of John Montgomery, Esq.” The following entry relating to this is found in a book at the Rectory: “This money is directed by Tanner’s Will to be paid quarterly in the Booth Hall of this town, part to be laid out in twelve white penny loaves, and one to the clerk for distributing them on every Lord’s day to twelve persons of good fame, such as the minister, bailiffs, and wardens, shall appoint, and the remainder to be distributed in money every 2nd July, at their like discretion”. (Bye-gones, Relating to Wales and the Border Counties, p. 100, 1874).
1.2.1.2.2.1. Joseph Tanner, I suppose (probably named for his uncle, Joseph); b. ca. 1635, probably he of Virginia, whose Will was dated Oct. 7, 1668; who witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke Sr., in 1665, of Stottesdon, Shrop.; ca. 15 miles from Bishop’s Castle.

1.2.1.2.2.1.1. Mary Tanner, m. William Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, and brother of Richard Ligon, named as ‘cousin’ in the Will of Thomas Harris, son of Major William Harris.
Mary Tanner m. (2) William Farrar Jr., son of William Farrar and Mary Baugh; see as follows.

In 1678, Thomas Ligon, Henry Watkins, and Richard Cocke Jr. surveyed the “Mawburne Hills” area on the N. of the James River, where Thomas Ligon had patented 300 ac. in 1668. (James Edmonds Saunders, et. al., Early settlers of Alabama, p. 484, 1969). Thus, it is established that Richard Cocke Jr. was closely associated with Thomas Ligon, and, by association with his wife, Mary (Harris). These relationships, founded on their Shropshire kinship ties, led to Richard Cocke Jr. claiming that his estate was larger than was supposed by the Woodsons, of whom Mary Harris testified: ‘I the subscriber do declare in the presence of God that I have wth in two months last past seen John Woodson Jr., go into Curle Swamp & hath heard him say that he shott in ye sd. Swamp severall times, & see him shoot at ducks out of his canoe as he was in the Main Creek of ye sd. Curles & hath seen him wth his dogg & gun in ye marsh of ye sd. swamp. And to my remembrance saith not: 1st day of mo, 1692. John Woodson, Sr. Recd. &c. 1 Xbr. 1692′. The basis of Richard Cocke’s case was that his land on the N. of the James River had been part of an ancient patent, on the S. of the James River, to Captain Thomas Harris. In Nov. 1679, *Henry Watkins, received a patent for 170 ac. on north side James River in Henrico County, adj. John Lewis,* and *Richard Cocke Jr.

The English custom of claiming land on the basis of fraudulent deeds was an ancient and well-perfected one, and it continued in early Virginia. “Headright claims could be sold to someone else. in this case the original recipient’s name appears in the headright list as the basis of the claim of the other person … these headright lists were notoriously fraudulent and were sold and re-sold, and sometimes completely fabricated”. (Loretto Dennis Szucs, Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, eds., The Source, A Guidebook to American Genealogy, p. 486, 2006). “In addition to obtaining tracts using fraudulent or duplicate headrights, later-seventeenth-century elite planters devised a number of ways of engrossing land, including … bribing county clerks and provincial office clerks and surveyors to certify fake headright claims and false boundaries”. (Lorena S. Walsh Motives of Honor, Pleasure, and Profit, p. 369, 2012).

1.2.1.2.3. Joseph Tanner, gent., of Hendon, Middlesex, Will probated Sept. 30, 1679, bequesting to: “my cousin Joseph Tanner*, son of my cousin, Thomas Tanner”.
1.2.1.2.4. Judith Tanner, m. William Chalkhill, of Fulham, husbandman; Will proved Nov. 21, 1654.

Joseph Tanner probably m. Mary Browne, who m. (2) Gilbert Platt, who bequested in his Will, rec. June 1, 1692, to his son-in-law, Edward Osborne, of Henrico, who had m. Tabitha Platt, his dau. by Joseph Tanner’s relict. in 1699, William and Mary College brought a suit against Benjamin Branch, “as the executor of Edward Osborne, who married the executor of John Brown, presumably the father of Gilbert Platt’s wife, and of Martha (2nd wife of Edward Stratton, of Henrico), whose Will, rec. April 1, 1696, mentions sister Mary Platt. and her dau., Mary Ligon (wife of William Ligon*). Mary Platt, by deposition on qualifying as her sister’s executrix, was born in 1638. John Brown was likely he whose relict m. Richard Cocke Sr.; by John Brown she had issue: John Brown, half-brother of Thomas Cocke Sr., member of Henrico county court, d. bef. Dec. 10, 1696 (named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris), and *Richard Cocke. Jan. 1, 1687, Thomas Cocke Sr. of county and parish of Henrico to his son Thomas Cocke Jr. of same. Love and affection, 200 ac. part of a dividend at Malvern Hills, where sd Thomas Jr. now lives, next to Turkey Island Crk, sd Thomas Jr, Stephen Cocke, second son of Thomas Jr, next to John Lewis and Thomas Cocke Sr. (Weisiger, p. 42).

The family of Mary Harris and her brother, Major William Harris, and their disambiguation from Captain Thomas Harris, and the fraudulent claims of association with him, will be addressed in a subsequent article.

1.2.1.2.2.1.1.1. Thomas Ligon, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Worsham, br. of Sarah Worsham, who m. Abrahan Womack, having issue: Richard Womack and William Womack, who m. Mary, dau. of Joseph Woodson, son of Robert Woodson, and br. of Elizabeth Woodson, who m. William Lewis; as herein noted, close kin of Major William Harris.
1.2.1.2.2.1.2. Joseph Tanner, m. (2) Sarah Hatcher (d. 1704), relict of Matthew Turpin; and dau. of Edward Hatcher

BAUGH, HATCHER, AND TANNER

1. William Hatcher.
1.1. Edward Hatcher Sr. Edward Hatcher of the Parish & County of Henrico Planter for & in consideracon of eleven thousand pds of tobo & casq in hand recd of Nathaniell Bacon late of Curles in the pish & County aforesd Esqr decd … doth freely … sell unto Tho. Jarvis of Kiquotan Gent who marryed the relict of the sd Bacon decd, one tract of land containing fifty acres* scituate in Varina in the County & Parish aforesd, adjoyning to the land formerly belonging to ye Widdow Packer (now in the tenure & occupacon of Will Byrd Esqr), and is part of of a dividend of two hund. acres formerly belonging to Will. Dawkes, being purchased by Will Hatcher Jun., and Hen Hatcher of Robert Bullington & Hen Rowing by two conveyances bearing date the first of Feb. 1661. Edward Hatcher owned 1300 ac. on the N. side of the James River, beginning next to Lilly Valley. Edward Hatcher may have m. a sister of Nathaniel Bacon. *William Dawkes patent of 1632, p. 115.

This is probably the land which came to be possessed by Mary Harris Ligon. (William Dawkes later patented another *50 ac.).

1.1.1. Sarah Hatcher, m. Joseph Tanner Jr.
1.2. *William Hatcher Jr.
1.2.1. Jane Hatcher, m. William Baugh Jr.
1.2.1.1. Mary Baugh, m. John Cocke: Oct. 1, 1696, son of *Richard Cocke Sr., and br. of Richard Cocke, and Thomas Cocke, “friend” of Major William Harris. The term “friend” was widely used in Wills of this time to denote a kinsman, sometimes a peripheral one.

“Mrs. Mary Ligon being possessed of two hundred acres of land lying in Curles included in the pattent for ye Land late belonging to Nathll Bacon Esqr decd, the bounds whereof towards Mr Richd Cocke being incertain for the settling whereof It is wth consent of ye sd Cocke & Ligon order’d that th sd whole pattent be survey’d by Mr Theo Blande some time between this & next court; and that Ms Ligon’s part be then lay’d out & yt return thereof be to ye sd court”, p. 347.

The orphans of Joseph Tanner received (on Oct. 30, 1673), a patent for 650 ac., on the S. side of the James River, beginning at the middle spring bottome at the river side near Mr. Baugh’s line, nighe blind slash, along the river to mouth of Hell Garden bottome at the landing; 450 ac. part thereof formerly granted Joseph Tanner, decd., by patent March 24, 1662, and by said Tanner given to his children. 

Major Wm. Harris, patented 1202 ac. on the N. side of James River, Sept. 7, 1671, p. 496. Beg. at the Middle Spring bottom adj. “orphants of Tanner”, Mr. Wm. Baugh’s line, to Ashen Swamp, S.W to the head of the Red water, to the head of the Dry bottome, adj. Tho. Liggon and Wm. Farrar, then over the mouth of the Ware Bottome, for trans. of 24 pers. Will of Mary Harris Ligon, proved Feb. 1, 1703/4: to son Richard Lygon (m. Mary Worsham), 100 ac. in Henrico County, known by the name of “Curles”, joining the land of Richard Cocke; to son William Ligon (m. Mary Tanner); to grandson Thomas Farrar; to son-in-law Thomas Farrar. “Curles” was not Curles Plantation, it was an area of land on Curles Swamp.

Major William Harris, and his sister, Mary, can be placed within the context of the family of Richard Cocke Sr.* of the “Malvern Hills” plantation.

COCKE AND HARRIS (the pivotal link).

1. …
1.1. William Cocke, Will 1582. Indenture dated Oct. 2O, 1614 12 Jas. I. Between (1) Sir George Hayward of Acton Burnell Kt.; (2) John Lutley of Bromscroft, gent. Reciting (i) Lease (4 Eliz.) by Sir Rowland Hayward to Robert Purslowe of Sidbury Esq & Nicholas Purslowe of the Inner Temple gent., of the Heath Park in Heath (Stoke S. Milburgh – late in tenure of Sir Adam Mytton for the lives of John, Richard & Thomas sons of William Cocke of Pickthorne; and (ii) Assignment (9 Eliz.) by Nicholas Purslowe & Jo. Wheler of Droitwich to Adam Lutley of Bromscroft gent. of the said Lease; and (iii) Assignment (32 Eliz.) by Adam Lutley to John Lutley of the premises, – on surrender by Lutley, Lease to him of those premises for 99 years for the lives of Humphrey, John & Philip sons of John Lutley, at a rent & suit of court at the Heath. 1614. (Shrop. Arch., 6000/8429).
1.1.1. Richard Cocke Sr..
1.1.1.1. Thomas Cocke, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris (1678). Thomas Cocke m. Margaret (probably) Powell, Having issue: James Powell Cocke; but, in this, it is not probable that she was of a grandiose pedigree of Powell, as naturally, that is, imaginatively, assumed.

1.1.1.2. Richard Cocke, surveyor; of him, more in a subsequent article.

1.2. Thomas Cocke. Will 1587. Robert Purslowe of Sudbury Esq – for a marriage between his son John Purslowe with Constance, dau. of Richard Newport Esq of Honnyngton (Warks) deceased and in fulfilment of Indentures between (a) himself; (b) Edward Ferrers of Bebington Esq., & William Dethyck of Abdon (Worcs) gent – gives etc to Francis Brace Esq, William Naishe, George Ferrers & Richard Towneshende gents, all that messuage etc in Pyckthorn (tenant Thomas Cocke) and lands there, a messuage etc under the manor of Walton (Neen Savage) & a rent there – to have etc to the use of John Purslowe & Constance. May 2, 1566. (S.A., 6000/2591)
1.2.1. *Alice Cocke, m. Thomas Holland. Indenture dated Sept. 20, 1598. Between (1) Robert Purslowe of Sudbury, Esq., (2) Thomas Holland of Pyckthorne gent. & Ales his wife. Covenant to levy a Fine & Recovery of the capital messuage or farm in Pickthorne called the farm of Pickthorne, with the motte or pool adjoining & all lands etc. … to the use of Thomas Holland for the lives of Ales, Michael H, & John H. (son). (S.A., 6000/1918).
1.2.1.1. William Holland, bapt. at Burwarton (3 miles from Pickthorne) in 1574, and bur. there in 1642 (Will proved P.C.C. 94 Campbell).
1.2.1.1.1. Alice Holland, m., in 1632, Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot, first-cousin of 1. Thomas Harris, bapt. Sep. 4, 1603, St. Lawrence, Ludlow, 2. his brother, John Harris, bapt. March. 16, 1604, St Lawrence, Ludlow; father of 1. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627/8, in St. Lawrence, Ludlow; 3. Mary Harris, who m. Fleetwood Dormer, whose cousin, Henry Isham, was the father-in-law of William Randolph, named as ‘friend’ in the Will of Major William Harris.
1.2.1.2. *Michael Holland, of Pickthorne.
1.2.1.2.1. John Holland, m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Hill, of Bickley, and Katherine (b. ca. 1582), dau. of John Purslowe, of Sudbury, and his second wife (m. Feb. 1576/7), Dorothy, dau. of George Blount, of Kinlet, and Constance Talbot, sister of Margaret Talbot, who m. (1) Sir Richard Ligon, of Arle, Madresfield, Worcestershire (son of William Ligon, Sherriff of Worcestershire, and Eleanor Dennis); brother of Thomas Ligon, who m. Frances Dennys (cousin), having issue: Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt. Their son, Col. Thomas Ligon, m. Mary Harris, born in 1625, by deposition, sister of Major William Harris, of Virginia. By his first wife, Mary Russell, Richard Ligon had issue: Katharine Ligon, who m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, second-cousin of the said Mary and William Harris.

MORRIS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE, MONTGOMERYSHIRE, AND BISHOP’S CASTLE

1. Morgan Morris, b. ca. 1525, m. Johan verch David, b. ca. 1535.

Hugh Morris of London gentleman, son and heir of Morgan Morris late of Montgomery in co Mont. gentleman deceased, quitclaims to John Bradley gentleman all right to a meadow or parcel of land called y pyn errowe in Mellington. to use of John his heirs and assigns. Witnesses: William Maunsell, Robert Sheriff. Nov. 29, 1612. (Shrop. Arch., 445/75).
Morris v Thomas. Plaintiffs: Morgan Morris. Defendants: Edward Thomas alias Edward Bona. Subject: property in Llangibby, Monmouthshire. (C 3/123/36).

Bargain and sale: 1. Johan verch David the late wife of Morgan Morris of Mountgomery gentleman deceased. 2. John Bradley of Hoggestowe co Salop gentleman, consideration £36, of a moiety of a meadowe called y pyme errowe in Mellington, in length from the brooke called Kemlett to lands of Hughe Morris gentleman, and in breadth between lands of the said Hughe Morris on one side and lands of John Middleton gentleman* on the other, now in the joint or several tenures of Hoell Cadwalader and Thomas Gwilt. Witnesses: Thomas Stedman. Humffrey Morgan, Thomas ap Edmond, William Morgan, William Maunsell. Sept. 2, 1611. (Shrop. Arch., 445/71). Nathaniell Moris of Mellington gentleman son and heir of Hughe Moris of Mellington, in consideration of £10 paid by Lodowicke Lewis of Castellwright gentleman quitclaims to him all title to a several parcel and inclosure of pasture and medowe ground called the longe medowe alias the slange (4a) in Mellington als Mellinton in the lordship of three townes alias Teirtreff Escobb. Witnesses to sealing and delivery: John Middelton, Rowland Thomas, John Richard. July 30, 1619. (Shrop. Arch., 445/98). 1. Sir Edward Foxe of Ludlowe knight, Somersett Foxe of Ludlowe esq, his son and heir, and Edward Langford of Mellington yeoman, 2. William Mathewes of Mellington gentleman. Conveyance of 2 parcels of lands arable in the township of Mellington in a place called Mellington filde, one parcel of them (2 acres) between lands of Hughe Moris, Nathaniell Moris and – Hunt gentlemen on the east side and lands of Richard ap David Cadwalader on the west side, extending in length from lands of William Mathewes at the north end to lands of Richard ap David Cadwalader at the south end … extending in length from lands of Hugh Moris, Nathaniell Moris and … Hunt at the north end to a certain way leading from Pentrey goz y gwenyth towards Mountgomery at the south end; in occupation of Edward Langford … to hold to Edward Langford and his assigns for the remainder of a term granted by Sir Edward Foxe by indenture of lease to Richard Langford of Mellington father of Edward of land including the parcels of arable. March 11, 1617/8. (Shrop. Arch., 445/93).

It cannot be determined what, if any, relationship existed between Edward Langford* and his namesakes of Ludlow. * He was named in the Will of his brother, Thomas Langford of Churchstoke; proved Nov. 30, 1613, witnessed by Richard Langford, “my ffather”; Thomas Langford, “my Unkell”, and Rowland Langford. (Powys-land Club p. 230, 1888).

THE COCKE, HARRIS, LANGFORD, AND LEWIS KINSHIP GROUP

1. William Langford, b. ca. 1485, d. 1554, bailiff of Ludlow in 1536, with Richard Langford, his probable brother. (See M A Faraday Deeds of the Palmers’ Gild of Ludlow, p. 50, 2013). He was Warden of the Palmers’ Gild of our Blessed Lady and St. John the Evangelist of Ludlow. His son, Richard, was the Gild rent collector, and High Bailiff of Ludlow in 1549. He is recorded here with other prominent Gild members: Indentue Jan. 8, 1551, betw. William Langford Warden of the Palmers’ Gild with the consent of Thomas Blashfield and John Cockes, bailiffs of the town, ibid., p. 117.
1.1. Richard Langford, gent, b. ca. 1510, bur. Oct. 2, 1562, in Ludlow.
1.1.1. Thomas Langford, gent, attorney of the Foxe family, b. ca. 1535, bur. April 1, 1610, in Ludlow, who inherited a substantial portion of his grandfather’s estate.
1.1.1.1. Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Rowland Harris of Ludlow, d. 1605. She m. (2) Edward Lewis, of Diddlesbury

 LEWIS – HUDSON – HARRIS – C0CKE -TANNER- HOLLAND

 THE DENBIGHSHIRE MIDDLETONS

1. Sir Alexander Middleton, governor of Montgomery castle.
1.1. Sir Thomas Middleton.
1.1.1. Robert Middleton.
1.1.1.1. Philip Middleton.
1.1.1.1.1. Cecelia Middleton, m. (1393/4), Ririd ap David ap Y Pothan ap Ririd Vaughan ap Ririd Flaid, lord of Pennlyn, Merionshire. (Mont. Coll., vol. 6, p. 68; vol. 5, p. 256).
1.1.1.1.1.1. Philip Middleton (b. ca. 1395), of Middleton, m. Ankaret, dau. of Gruffydd D’do ap Phillip Dordwy.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Robert Middleton (b. ca. 1420), m. Agnes, dau. of Nicholas Forde, of Montgomeryshire.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Middleton (b. ca. 1450), m. Elizabeth, dau. of Reginald ap Griffith.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Edmund Middleton (b. ca. 1475), m. Margaret, dau. of Piers (Peter) Corbet, of Lee.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Robert Middleton (b. ca. 1505), m. Margaret, dau. of Hugh Powell.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Hugh Middleton (b. ca. 1530), m. Alice, dau. of *Richard Purcell, of Onslow, son of *Nicholas Purcell, Esq.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Roland Middleton (b. ca. 1560), m. Jane, dau. of “John Thomas, of Bishopscastell”.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. *John Middleton (b. ca. 1585).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Katherine Middleton (b. ca. 1590), m. John Lloyd, son of Thomas ap David Lloyd.*
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Mary Lloyd (b. ca. 1615), m. John Tanner (b. 1612, d. ca, 1645).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Joseph Tanner of Virginia, b. ca. 1635, it is suggested.

MOCHDRE, per Lewys Dwnn, with additions.

1. Maurice ap Madock ap Einion ap Howel ap Tudur, m. Tanglwst verch. Griffith ap Jenkin, lord of Broughton.
1.1. Evan Lloyd, m. Gwenhwyvar, verch. Howell Phillip ap Cadwgan ap Phillip Dorddu ap Howell ap Madock.
1.1.1. Morgan ap Evan, m. Elen Lloyd verch Howell ap Griffith Derwas
1.1.1.1. Evan ap Morgan, m. Lowry verch David Lloyd ap Griffith ap Meredith ap Llewelyn Vaughan ap Llewelyn ap Griffith ap Owen.
1.1.1.1.1. Morgan ap Evan, m. Jane verch Morris ap John Lloyd, of Gwenygo.
1.1.1.1.1.1. David Lloyd Morgan (b. ca. 1525), m. (2) a dau. of Hugh Middleton, of Middleton, Shropshire, in the parish of Chirbury, son of Robert Middleton, coroner, 4 Eliz., escheator 9 Eliz., and a magistrate of the county, 12 Eliz.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas ap David Lloyd (b. ca. 1555).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. *John Lloyd (b. ca. 1585), m. Katherine Middleton.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Lloyd (b. ca. 1615), m. John Tanner (b. 1612).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Joseph Tanner, of Virginia.
1.1.1.1.2. David Lloyd ap Evan.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Robert ap David Lloyd.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. John Lloyd.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. John Lloyd (John ap John Lloyd of Colbach yeoman*, as follows.

1.1. Hugh Morris of Mellington gentleman, Nathaniell Moris, and Charles Moris, sons of Hugh. 2. Richard Hunt of Longnor co Salop gentleman. Consideration £200. Mortgage of a capital messuage in Mellinton alias Mellington within the lordship of the three townes alias Tirtreff Escobb now in tenure of Hugh, Nathaniell and Charles; another parcel of pasture and meadow ground in Mellinton (12a) in tenure of Arthur Powell. Signatures of Hughe Maurice, Nathaniel Morris. June 4, 1616. (Shrop. Arch., 445/850).

Hugh Moris of Mellinton gentleman, Nathaniel Moris of Mellinton gentleman his son and heir and Charles Moris of Mellinton gentleman are bound to William Mathewes of Mellinton gentleman in £100 for performance of covenants in indentures of even date, June 20, 1615. (Shrop. Arch., 445/82). (There has always been speculation that Captain Samuel Mathews of Virginia was of this stock).

Feoffment and counterpart, one several leasowe and pasture called The Moore (8a) in the township of Mellinton als Mellington in the lordship of the Three Townes als Tirtreff Escobb (Montgomeryshire), between lands of Hughe Moris, Nathanyel Moris and Charles Moris called Speakes Leasowes on the east side and a lane from the new mansion huge of Hughe Moris towards Churchstokke on the south and west sides, and a certain brook called Nanty Patty on the north, lands of Hughe, Nathanyel and Charles on the SE now in yenure of Hughe and Nathanyel; to hold to use of William Mathewes his heirs and assigns of the chief lords. Witnesses: Arthur Powell, Lewis Howell, Rerid Thomas, Joyce Moris, Richard ap John Cadwalader ap Owen ap John. May 27, 1615. (Shrop. Arch., 445/79).

OKELY

1. John ap Roger ap Jenkin,* of Okely, m. ( B.P. 1934), Johan verch William ap Reynald (of Colbach), ap Griffith Vychan (Gruffudd Fychan in standard Welsh orthography), alias Vaughn, second son of Gruffudd ap Ieuan ap Madoc ap Wenwys, by Maud verch Griffri ap Rhys Fongam. (Evan David Jones, “Vaughan, Sir Gruffudd (died 1447), soldier”. Dictionary of Welsh Biography. National Library of Wales, 1959). Gruffudd Fychan was Lord of Burgedin, Treflydan, Garth and Gearfawr, ibid. He supported the rebellion of Prince Owain Glyndŵr. On August 10, 1443, at Caus Castle, he killed, in a lance duel, Sir Christopher Talbot, son of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, and the champion “tilter” of England, thus being outlawed, ibid. On July 18, 1444, his estates and those of his eldest son, Reynald, were given to John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley. Gruffudd Fychan was executed by Henry Grey, 2nd Earl, at Powis Castle in 1447, in violation of a safe conduct given, ibid., whether for suspected Yorkist sympathies, retribution for the death of Sir Christopher Talbot, or to eliminate his claim to Powis. (H.F.J. Vaughan, “Some Account of the Ruckley Grange Estate, Salop, and the Families Connected Therewith”, in Trans. Shrop. Arch, ii., 1879, p. 226). *Jenkin was the son of William, son of Roger de Okely/Ockley. (Harl. MS. 1982, fo. 38b.). The pedigree commences with John de Ockley, ca. 1260.
1.1. William Okely, m. Ellen, dau. of Edward Mason, of “the Castell”.
1.1.1. Rowland Okely, m. a dau. of Hotchkiss, of Ledbury. He was the br. of Robert Okely, and, in his Will, he bequeathed: “To Thomas Tanner* my godson one cow in the keeping of Robert Oakley of Bishop’s Castle”.
1.1.1.1. John Okely, m. a dau. of Ralph Marston, and relict of Humfrey Baker.
1.1.1.2. Judith Okely, m. John Tanner.

(1. Ralph Marston, d. 1561, m. Cecilia Adye.
1.1. John Marston, of Heyton, Shropshire, m. Maria Baugh,* of Aldencourt, Shropshire.
1.1.1. Thomas Marston, of Myddelton, in the parish of Bitterly, d. 1584, m. Margaret, dau. of William Lucy, “Captain of Calais”.
1.1.1.1. William Marston, m. Katherine, dau. of Thomas Blashfield, of Ludlow).

1. Edward Baugh, m. Margaret Stratford.
1.1. Rowland Baugh, of Twining, Gloustershire.
1.1.1. Edward Baugh, m. Constance, dau. of Thomas Foliot, Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Katherine Ligon, dau. of William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Eleanor Dennis.
1.1.2. William Baugh, m. Mary, dau. of William Wakeman, of Glouc.
1.1.2.1. William Baugh, of Virginia, received a grant of 577 ac. for the transportation of 12 persons, including his son, William Baugh, Jr., on the N. side of the Appomattox River.
1.1.2.1.1. William Baugh Jr. (d. 1676), m. Jane Hatcher, dau. of William Hatcher Jr., br. of Henry Hatcher, father of Mary Hatcher, who m. Edward Tanner; the br. of Mary Tanner, who m. (1) William Ligon, son of Mary Harris (born in 1625), and Thomas Ligon. Edward and Mary Tanner were issue of Joseph Tanner*.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Mary Baugh, b. ca. 1662, in Henrico Co., m. John Cocke: Oct. 1, 1696: “John Cocke Jr, son of Richard Cocke Sr, of County & Parish of Henrico”. John Cocke Jr. was the br. of Thomas Cocke, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris, as given heretofore.

1.2. John Baugh, of Aldon Court, Shropshire, bur. Aug 1577, in Bromfield.
1.2.1. Thomas Baugh, m. Dorothy, dau. of George Parkes, of Bromfield, on Nov. 26, 1576.
1.2.1.1. Henry Baugh,* bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, m. Alice Holland, in 1602, dau. of Francis Holland, of Burwarton; br. of Thomas Holland, of Pickthorne, who m. (Dec. 27, 1573, in Wheathill), Alice Cocke (second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Pickthorne (in Stottesdon), Shropshire, and Bremo, Virginia, having issue: Michael Holland, of Pickthorne.
1.3. *Maria Baugh, m. John Marston, brother-in-law of John Okely).

1.1.1.1.1. Rowland Okely, m. Mary, dau. of John Crowther, of Bedstone.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Okely: “hath a reversion after a lease of 27 yeeres yet to come, for which tyme there is noe rent reserved of and in a certaine ffarme lyinge in the parish of Kerry, in the county of Mountgomery, of the cleere yearly value before theis troubles £91 13s. 4d., which his ffine is £91 13s. 4d”; fo. 52, Richard Oakley “maketh oath that in the yeere 1621, hee beinge then Secretary to the Lord Keeper of the greate seale of England, was for favor called to the barre in the middle Temple, London, butt that ever since he hath followed other implmoyents, and hath not made that his profession”. (Collections Historical and Archeological Relating to Montgomeryshire and Its Borders, vol. 18, p. 260, 1885).
1.1.1.1.1.2. Martha Okely, m. John Ambler.
1.1.1.1.1.3. Judith Okely, m. John Tanner, son of, Morrys Tanner, bailiff of Bishop’s Castle, in 1623. John Tanner’s Will (probated March 5, 1649), clearly makes bequest to “Richard Oakley brother of Judith Tanner my first wife”. Morris Tanner (bailiff of Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, in 1623); and his son, John Tanner, were cousins of William Tanner, recorded as a tenant in a bargain and sale between Sir Robert Howard of Clone, et al., and “Richard Oakeley of Oakeley, esq.”, of farms, messuages, cottages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Hopesay and Aston. Wit: Geo Hotchkis, Saml. Ambler, et al. April 20, 1652. (Shrop. Arch., 2589/G/15).

William Tanner was also recorded in a conveyance between *John ap John Lloyd of Colbach yeoman, son and heir of Robert (ap John Lloyd) late deceased and Isabell his wife, and William Lowe of Brockton, yeoman, of land in Colbach. Witnesses: Morris Tanner, John Rusbach clerk, Ambros Kinge, William Tanner. Jan. 5, 1626/7. (Shrop. Arch., 11/264). Tanner v Dobles. Plaintiffs: Richard Tanner. Defendants: William Dobles. Subject: personal estate of the deceased William Tanner, Shropshire. 1648. (C 5/433/5).

AD.

Before Virginia colonisation, the Ligons were associated with Shropshire families, including those, such as the Holland family, a member of which was the mother of Mary Harris and Major William Harris, suggesting that she was of the family of Thomas Holland, of Pickthorne, and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke Sr., of Bremo.

1. Richard Ligon, m. Margaret Greville.
1.1. William Ligon, m. Eleanor Dennys.
1.1.1. Richard Ligon, m. (1) Mary, dau. of Sir Thomas Russell.
1.1.1.1. William Ligon, m. Elizabeth Harwell, dau. of Edward Harwell of Besford.
1.1.1.1.1. William Ligon, the younger, of Madresfield, m. Elizabeth, da. and coheiress of John Pleydell, Esq.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Margaret Ligon, b. 1614, m. Thomas Moore, son of Richard More of Linley and Larden, d. 1643, Sheriff Shrop. 1619, and Sarah Harris, sister of Sir Thomas Harris, Bart of Boreatton.

1. William More of Larden, m. (1491) Elizabeth, dau of John Berkeley.
1.1. Thomas More of Cookham (d 1550)
1.1.1. Robert More (bur. March 20, 1603-4), m. Susan, sister of Humphrey Davenport, of Weston, Warwick.
1.1.1.1. Richard More, m. Sarah Harris.
1.1.1.1.1. Samuel More of More, Linley and Larden, Governor of Monmouth, Ludlow, and Montgomery Castles
1.2. Edward More, of Larden
1.2.1. Thomas Moore of Larden (d. 1566), m. Margaret, dau of Richard Cresset, of Upton Cresset, and Joan Wrottesley.

1. Richard Cresset, b. ca. 1480, “son and heir of Thomas Cresset of Upton co. Salop, esquire, to Richard Page, Nicholas Hardyng and John Trelawny clerk, their heirs and assigns. Release and quitclaim with warranty of a fourth part of Degembre, Tremollegh, and Corvagh manors, 1507/8 (Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1494-1509). He m. Jane Wrottesley (b. ca. 1480), dau. of Richard Wrottesley Esq., (b. 1457, d. bef. June 3, 1524), sherrif of Staffs, latterly in 1516/17, and Dorothy Sutton, d. 1517.
1.1. Henry Cressett. His Will, dated Jan. 23, 1562, named is nephew, Francis Acton.
1.1.1. Cecily Cressett, bur. Jan. 11, 1581, at Morville, Shrop., m. William Acton, of Longnor.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Acton m. Adam Detton.
1.1.1.1.1. Jane Detton m., Jul 30, 1611, Michael Holland of Pickthorne.*
1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Holland, m. Elizabeth Kettleby.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Michael Holland of Goochland?
1.2. Margaret Cressett, m. Thomas More.

1.1.1. Richard Ligon, m. (2) Margaret, dau. of Sir John Talbot.

1. Sir John Talbot, m. (1) Margaret, dau. of Adam Troutbeck, of Mobberley, Cheshire.
1.1. Constance Talbot, m. Sir George Blount, of Kinlet.
1.1.1. Dorothy Blount, m. (Feb. 1576/7), John Purslowe, of Sidbury.
1.1.1.1. Katherine Purslowe, m. Richard Hill, of Bickley.
1.1.1.1.1. Dorothy Hill, m. John Holland, son of *Michael Holland of Pickthorne, the son of Thomas Holland, of Pickthorne, and Alice Cocke (m. Dec. 27, 1573), second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Pickthorne, Shropshire, and Bremo, Virginia, whose son, Thomas, as given heretofore, was a “friend” of Major William Harris.
1. Sir John Talbot, of Albrighton m. (2) Elizabeth, dau. of Walter Wrottesley.
1.1. Margaret Talbot, m. Richard Ligon.

1.1.1.1. John Ligon, of Arle, co. Gloucester, b. 1581, d. Sept. 21, 1644, m. his cous., Elizabeth Ligon, dau. of Arnold Lygon.
1.1.1.1.1. Katharine Ligon, m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, niece of Rowland Harris, and first-cousin of Thomas Harris and John Harris; the latter, the father of Mary Harris, and Major William Harris, as given heretofore.
1.1.2. Thomas Ligon, m. Frances Dennys (cousin).
1.1.2.1. Thomas Ligon, m. Oct. 10, 1602, Elizabeth Pratt.
1.1.2.1.1. Col. Thomas Ligon, m. Mary Harris.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon 2923