There was a Harris family in Virginia from the mid-17th century which was a densley mixed association of peripheral kin, deriving from the several branches that stemmed fom the marriage of William Harris and Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, England. To unravel their various strands is difficult, for they did not leave documents specifying their relationships. These various strands intermarried into the same families, resulting in a vastly entangled web of consanguinious and non-consanguineous cousins. From this collrction of cousins, how is it possible to identify which strand intermarried with the Kittrells and Drewes (as follows); and of which strand was Thomas Harris, who died in 1729/30 in Virginia?

In this latter regard, it is necessary to consider the relationships between the appraisers and witnesses of the Will of the said Thomas Harris, and the deeper connections of Elizabeth Goodwin, his son’s wife.

The results of this exercise strongly point to the conclusion that Harris (DNA Group 4) males descend from Edward and Robert Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, who died in Virginia in 1688.

Edward Harris Sr., son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, and brother of Robert Harris Sr., had two sons that predeceased him, a not unusual occurrence at this time, Thomas and Henry, the former claimed as he who deceased in 1729/30. The latter can be identified in these land grants.

FOLLOW THE LAND

These following land grants concern those connected to the family of Edward Harris Sr.

This Harris “stream” began in Wiveliscombe and its branches flowed to Virginia, where they again divided, carrying the Harris name to a group of males united by common blood.

March 24, 1725. Thorpe, Timothy. 100 a. on the S. side of Nottaway River; adjoining the land of Edward Harris, Junr. (p. 456).

Sept. 17, 1731. Harris, Edward. grantee. 180 a. on the N. side of Meherrin River. Beg. on the W. side of the Flatt swamp, a corner of Henry Harris’s land. (p. 352).

Nov. 3, 1750. Thorpe, Timothy. 950 a. on both sides of the Three Creeks. Adjoining Edward Harris, James Ridley, and his own land. (p. 299). James Ridley was the brother of Nathaniel Ridley Jr., who witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr. He m. Jane Smith, sister of Captain Arthur Smith, who witnessed the Will of Arthur Purcell, whose son, Thomas, appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (Please see SMITH, as follows).

March 10, 1756. Thorpe, Timothy. 240 a. on the S. side of the Three Creeks, adjoining Joshua Nicholson,* Edward Harris. (34, 68). (*Please see under CLAUD AND HARRIS). He was associated with the family of Claud/Cloyde and Amos Harris, son of Edward Harris Jr.

Sept. 22, 1766. Person, John. grantee. 240 a. on the S. side of the Three Creeks adjoining Joshua Nicholson, James Ridley (1.2.2), and Edward Harris. (p. 1023).

Timothy Thorpe was Timothy Thorpe Jr.* (please see under THORPE, as follows). In essence, he was the brother-in-law of Edward Harris Jr., son of Edward Harris Sr., son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

Edward Harris of the above mentioned accounts was Edward Harris Jr., son of Edward Harris Sr., and proposed brother of Henry Harris, and Thomas Harris, both deceased by this date.

Edward Harris Jr. named a son Henry, perhaps after his brother.

Peripheral Harris kin are not involved in these familial land-associations; neither those stemming from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, nor from Edward Harris, d. 1677.

RIDLEY, PRIME, AND HARRIS

1. Peter Ridley.
1.1. Ann Ridley, m. Edmund Prime. (Please see RIDLEY, as follows).
1.1.1. Elizabeth (Prime) Ruffin, m. Robert Ruffin.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Ruffin, m. William Kinchen, per Mr. Boddie; of which I concur.

1.1.2. Phylis Prime, m. Thomas White.
1.1.2.1. Thomas White. 1694. (Surry Co. Wills and Administrations, 5, 31a, 31b). He was the cousin of the wife of William Kinchin.
1.1.2.1.1. Thomas White, m. Ann, dau. of George Moore.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2. Nathaniel Ridley, m. Elizabeth Day, dau. of James Day and Mary Bland, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Bennett) Bland.
1.2.1. Nathaniel Ridley Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Edward Harris Jr. was probably the brother of Thomas Harris, “son of Edward”, who deceased before his father, mentioned in the Will of John Gibbins, the principal beneficiary of which was William Kinchen. (Elizabeth Ruffin, niece of Phylis (Prime) White), m. William Kinchen, per Mr. Boddie).
1.2.1.1. *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. (Please see under SMITH).
1.2.1.2. Daniel Ridley, m. Martha Thorpe, dau. of *Timothy Thorpe Jr., who was the brother of:

(1) Mary Thorpe, who m. (1) *Edward Harris Jr. (Will witnessed by Daniel Ridley’s father), son of Edward Harris and Mary Turner, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688
(2) William Thorpe, Will proved May 7, 1727, in Surry Co. Leg. my mother Mary Thorpe (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.
(3) *Hannah Thorpe, probably the Hannah who 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).
1.2.2. *James Ridley*m. Jane Smith, sister of Captain Arthur Smith, who witnessed the Will of Arthur Purcell, whose son, Thomas, appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (Please see SMITH, as follows).

An objective reading of the above given data leads to the conclusion that Timothy Thorpe Jr. had land that bordered that of his brother-in-law, Edward Harris Jr., whose land bordered that of Henry Harris, his brother.

Was Thomas White, who d. in 1694. related to this Henry White?.

HENRY WHITE AND FRANCIS ENGLAND

July 4, 1649. White, Henry. grantee. James City Co. 200 a. lying at Blackwater, upon the eastermost branch pointing up to Upper Chipoakes; adjoining the land of Francis England. (2, 176). Francis England was the first husband of Joyce,* niece of George Moore, father of Ann Moore, who m. Thomas White; their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
August 20, 1650. Grantee(s): Flake, Robert and Elridge, Samuel. 560 a. upon the third swamp So. Wt. by Wt. from Henry White’s plantation. (p. 240). Robert Flake, m., as her 2nd husband, Katherine Moore (mother of *Joyce); sister (on chronological grounds), of George Moore, who stated to be “age 78 years” when he made his Will in 1710 (Chapman, IOW Wills, p. 54). Robert Flake Sr. and Robert Kae Sr. were security for the estate of Nicholas Hill, husband of Sylvestra Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Robert Flake Jr., received a gift of 200 a. in Surry from his father, on March 13, 1695/6, p. 103. His dau. m. William Gwaltney Jr.
Thomas Moore m. a sister of Samuel Elridge, security given by George Moore (brother), and Edward Brantley Sr.; who was security, with Nicholas Hill, for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Francis England’s land abutted that of Edward Brantley Sr.

ENGLAND AND HARRIS

1. …
1.1. Robert England, m. (1) Joan Harvie, July 17, 1611, in Taunton, which is ca. 9 miles E. of Wiveliscombe, from whence the Bennetts and Harris. He m. (2) Anstice Robbins, on Jan. 18, 1630/31, having issue: Thomas England, bapt. Nov. 14, 1631.
1.2. John England, m. Joan Perham, Feb. 7, 1611/12, in Taunton. Perham, please see notes on phonetic similarity to Prime, as follows, in Wiveliscombe. In Taunton variations: Parrame, Peraham, Periam.
1.3. Francis England m. Anstice Barber, May 5, 1614, in Taunton; he testified in James City, in 1629, p. 194. Taunton is ca. 9 miles E. of Wiveliscombe, from whence the Bennetts and Harris. She was probably closely related to Joan Barber, who m. Edward Heringe, Sept. 9, 1615.
1.3.1. Francis England, b. ca. 1615, d. 1677, m. (1) ca. 1642, Sarah … (2) Joyce, niece of George Moore, and cousin of Ann Moore, who m. Thomas White, above given. Joyce m. (2) George Cripps. The Will of Joyce Cripps (1679) bequested “the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England; to the son* of Francis England’s brother, if he comes to Virginia to make a claim”. “Francis England, George Cripps. William Jennings of Bristol, surgeon, appts. Thomas Moore of Pagan Creek his atty. (br. of George Moore), to collect from Arthur Skynner, Gyles Driver (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.
1.3.1.1. Ann England, m. George Branch.
1.3.1.1.1. George Branch Jr., m. Susanna, dau. of William Corker and his 1st wife; William Corker’s 2nd wife was Lucy, dau. of John White, as follows, by whom he had issue: Judith Corker, who m. William Clay (d. 1675). Their dau., Elizabeth Clay, m. John Brantley Sr., d. 1730, son of Edward Brantley Sr. To repeat, Francis England’s land abutted that of Edward Brantley Sr.
1.3.2. Robert England, bapt. Jan. 27, 1621, in Taunton. Sessions. JPs. Taunton. Petition of the parishioners of Taunton. This petition concerns an alehouse, situated near the Castle in Taunton; which the parishioners consider is not fitting either for travellers or for the market. There is much disorder there. Ask that the alehouse should be suppressed. S. Robert England.
1.3.2.1. * … England.
1.3.2.2. Sarah England, bapt. April 16, 1646.

Was the family of Thomas White, who d. in 1694, related to this John White?

JOHN WHITE AND FRANCIS ENGLAND

July 26, 1642. Francis England, 946 a. 746 along a swamp running to Blackwater along Capt. Pierce’s marked trees. 200 a. on E. branch of Blackwater pointing to Upper Chippoakes in James City, bounded upon land of Francis England. 746 a. by a former patent (June 20, 1642), and 200 a. by assignment of a pat. from John White,* dated July 4, 1649). (Mr. Boddie, 676.). Francis England, same location and date, 120a. adj. Richard Jackson* (ibid). (1. … Bennett, of Wiveliscombe. 1.1. Edward Bennett. 1.1.1. Sylvestra Bennett, m. *Nicholas Hill. 1.2. Thomas Bennett, bapt. June 15, 1580, d. June 19, 1642, Mulberry Island, Warwick Co., VA. 1.2.1. Mary Bennett, m. *Richard Jackson. 1.2.1.1. Mary Jackson, m. Capt. George Hardy (by his testament), probable (chronologically) brother-in-law of Edward Harris. d. 1677. 1.3. Elianore Bennett. 1.3.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, in 1623. 1.3.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia).
Edward Brantley Sr., Oct. 30, 1669, 675 a. adj. land of Mr. England and Mr. Tooke.

1. *John White. 1.1. Lucy White, m. William Corker. 1.1.1. Judith Corker, m. William Clay (d. 1675). 1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Clay, m. John Brantley Sr., d. 1730. 1.2. Elizabeth White, who m. as his 2nd wife, Capt. Robert Spencer (“friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and of familial connection). This John Brantley appraised the estate of John George, uncle of the 1st wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John George – appraisal by John Brantley, Thomas Hardy, George Riddick, and George Barlow, ca. 1711. (2, 527). John Brantley’s estate was appraised by James Piland,* and James Wilson (who witnessed Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, son of the said Thomas Harris). (1. James Piland, bapt. on Aug. 30, 1604, in St Mary’s Le Porte, Bristol, headright of Francis England, in 1642. 1.1. Richard Piland, m. Eleanor Moore, sister of *Ann Moore, wife of Thomas White, aforementioned. 1.1.1. James Piland, witnessed the Will of Robert Lancaster,* on April 28, 1720, and appraised the estate of John Brantley Sr., on April 26, 1725. 1.1.1.1. James Piland, m. Elizabeth Brantley, dau. of Phillip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr.), and Joyce Lewis; dau. of Rebecca George (cousin of the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672) and Thomas Lewis). Robert Lancaster – the father-in-law of Elizabeth Harris.

Was the family of Thomas White, who d. in 1694, related to this Jonathon White?

1. Jonathon White, bought 308 a. on the Roanoke River in Bertie Co., N.C., from John Mackinne, on Feb. 8, 1730/31. He was a commissioners for Granville Co. IN 1748. (Walter Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, p. 297). His Will was proved in Granville Co. court in Aug. 1772. (Granville Co., Loose Will). Jonathon White’s widow m. Benjamin Rush Jr*.
1.1. Mary White, m. Frederick Homes, whose Will, dated Jan. 29, 1749/50, named wife Mary, son John Homes, and dau. Priscilla.
1.1.1. Priscilla Homes, m. Richard Harris. Richard Harris of Granville Co, NC to John Harris son of the abovesaid Richard Harris, Nov. 23, 1766, “in consideration of the natural love & affection which he beareth unto his said son John Harris”,all that seat tract or parcel of land lying in the county aforesaid, beg. at a Hickory in Jonathan White’s line. Wit: Daniel Standard, John Kittrell. Granville Co., Feb. Court, 1767. The 1785 Will of Richard Harris names his children with Priscilla, inc. George Harris, John Harris,* Tyree Harris, Charles Harris, et al.
1.1.1.1. *John Harris, b. ca. 1750, m. Rachel Milly Kittrell, b. ca. 1755.
1.1.2. Mary White, m. Thomas Bradford. (Please see under RUSH/Turner Harris, as follows).

West Harris and Joseph Green of Granville Co., NC, for £40, paid by John Atkinson and Aaron Atkinson of Brunswick Co., on the S. side of Fountains Creek, 300 a., part of 900 a. granted to John Bradford* by Patent dated Oct. 13, 1727; afterwards granted to Joseph Turner of Brunswick Co., St. Andrew Parish, by deed of release dated April 2, 1735, and afterwards given by Will to the daughters of the said Joseph, Mary and Ann,* which are now the wives of West Harris and Joseph Green, dated May 5, 1748. S. West Harris, Joseph Green, Mary Harris, Anne Green*. Wit. Absalom Atkinson, William Ezell Jr., James Parham. (p. 414).

BRADFORD

1. …
1.1. *John Bradford, m. Rebecca* (d. Dec. 16, 1794 Johnston Co., NC.), dau. of Richard Pace and Rebecca, dau. of Francis Poythress. *Rebecca Bradford was the sister of *Ann Green
1.1.1. John Bradford, d. aft. Oct. 5, 1787, in Enfield, Halifax Co., NC.
1.2. Richard Bradford.
1.2.1. Philemon Bradford Sr.
1.2.1. *Thomas Bradford, inventoried and sold the contents of Jonathon White’s estate, in May 1774, his father-in-law.

“Of the aforementioned Thomas, Henry, and John White, it is impossible to say if they were related; however they were all connected to the same kinship members of the Bristol-based merchant class, and, so, a relationship is feasible. The Will of “John White, Merchant of Bristol”, proved April 2, 1639; naming sons John (eldest) and Thomas, may be worth considering.

To repeat:
1.1.2.1.1. Thomas White, m. *Ann, dau. of George Moore. George Moore’s niece (and cousin of Ann White, afors.) was the wife of Thomas Atkinson, see as follows. Thomas Atkinson, witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Sr., and Thomas Harris,d. 1729/30. (Father and son?).

Thomas Moore grantee. (Brother of George Moore). Surry Co. 400 a. in the parish of Lawes Creek bounded viz. E. on the thie swamp of the Black Water, S. upon the branch that’s parts Thomas Atkinson’s land. (5, 647).
Thomas Pittman and wife Elizabeth of IOW Co. to Thomas White of the same for 10-pounds lawful money 200 ac. on S. side of Main Blackwater Swamp adjoining Thomas Holleman (as by a patent granted said Pittman on Dec. 23, 1714). Witnesses: Joseph Holliman and Samuel Lancaster (Rec. Feb. 16, 1720, Surry Co., 7, 297), the husband of Elizabeth Harris, great-niece of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.1.2.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. As is evident, her ancestress was a Ridley.

*White, Ann – Will recorded May 24, 1742. Legatee son John; grandson Thomas White;* granddau. Mary White, with reversion to William and Thomas White, sons of John and Thomas White. Exec., son George Thomas White; witness John Goodrich, and Edward Brantley. (B. 4, p. 401).
March 10, 1756. *White, Thomas. grantee. 120 a. on the S. side of Blackwater Swamp. Beginning and extending between Carter Crafford and himself, also adjoins the land Samuel Lancaster and Arthur Holliman. (34, 54). Will of Samuel Lancaster of Surry Co. Leg: Joseph Holleman (exec), daus: Silvis and Elizabeth Lancaster, wife Elizabeth, and friend, Arthur Holloman. Witnesses: John White and Nathan Williford. (Rec. Jan. 20, 1761).

CLAUD AND HARRIS

*Joshua Nicholson, above mentioned, was associated with the family of Claud/Cloyde and Amos Harris, son of Edward Harris Jr. There a Cloude family in Wiveliscombe, which seemed to die out, and a later one (the same one?) in Kingsbury, 25 miles easterly.

1. Joshua Claud Sr. Exs. Sons, John and William, *Joshua Nicholson. Rec. Dec. 14, 1775. Wit. Samuel Westbrooke Sr., Samuel Westbrooke Jr., John Westbrooke. Estate appraised by Joshua Nicholson, Amos Harris, and John Barrow. (Rec. Jan. 11, 1776, p. 144).

Joshua Claud Sr. had land next to Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30: Joshua Cloyd, 335 a. on the N. side of Meherrin river and on both sides of Herberts branch, a corner of Thomas Harris’s land, “Formerly granted to Harry Floyd Aug. 25, 1731”. (p. 225).

(Amos Harris was the son of Edward Harris Jr., and summised nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and cousin of Joshua Harris*). March 1, 1754. Southampton County. Harris, Amos. grantee. 400 a. on the south side of Three Creeks, and on Berryman’s Branch adjoining land of Thomas Holloway, and his own land, p. 354). Aug.13, 1788. Harris, Amos. grantee. Southampton Co. 674 a. in the Parish of Saint Luke and on the Three Creeks adjoining land of Joshua Nicholson, deceased, Timothy Thorpe, deceased. (p. 642).

1.1. Joshua Claud Jr. Joshus Claud of St. Luke’s Parish. Leg. – “my estate to my sister Phoebe Lundy’s children. Ex. bothers-in-law, Byrd Lundy and Drury Lundy. Wit. Edward Harris, Edward Lundy, and Solomon Harrison. (Rec. Feb. 15, 1777). This was Edward Harris III, son of Edward Harris II, proposed brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and, if so, a cousin of Joshua Harris, son of the said Thomas Harris.

Joshua Claud Jr. witnessed the Will of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Edward Harris III, who d. 1781 in Granville, NC., m. Elizabeth (dau. of Edward Lundy Sr.), sister of: Byrd Lundy (d. bef. July 8, 1779 in Southampton Co.), who m. Phoebe Claud (bef. Oct. 16, 1773), sister of Joshua Claud Jr. That is, to emphasise:

FAMILIES FOLLOWED THE LAND – LAND GRANTS IDENTIFY A SPECIFIC BRANCH OF A FAMILY

In terms of the genealogical associations of English settlers in Virginia, the Thomas Harris who died on the N. side of the Meherrin River in 1729/30, was certainly a son of Edward Harris Sr., son of Thomas harris, d. 1688. This is confirmed by the connections of his son, Joshua Harris, which were almost exlusively those stemming from Edward Harris Sr., and from no other contemporary Harris kinsman.

All Harris Group 4 (DNA tested) males were descendants of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Edward Harris I., b. ca. 1665, Will proved March 25, 1734, which bequested 190 a. to his son, Jacob Harris, on the Flatt Swamp of the Meherrin River.

Jacob’s Will was poved in Southampton Co. on March 10, 1763, p. 29/30. Jacob was a neighbour of Joshua Perry:
June 16, 1744. Perry, Joshua.* grantee. IOW Co. 200 a. on the N. side of Meherren river. Beg. by the side of the Flatt swamp, on the S. side, adjoining the land of Jacob Harris, p. 68.
March 5, 1747. Perry, Joshua. grantee. IOW Co. 115 a. on the N. side of Meherrin River. Beg. by the side of a small branch in Henry Harris’s* line, p. 237. This Henry Harris was the son of Edward Harris II*, and was probably he who married Mary, dau. of John Harris and Mary Dewe, please see as follows.

1.1.1. *Edward Harris II., b. ca. 1690. Sept. 17, 1731. Harris, Edward. grantee. 180 a. on the N. side of Meherrin River. Beg. on the W. side of the Flatt Swamp, a corner of Henry Harris’s* land. (p. 352). March 10, 1756. Thorpe, Timothy. grantee. Southampton Co. 240 a. on the S. side of the Three Creeks, adjoining Joshua Nicholson, Edward Harris, p. 68.
1.1.1.1. Edward Harris III., brother-in-law of Byrd Lundy,* whose wife was sister of Joshua Claud Jr., who witnessed the Will of Joshua Harris. Joshua Claud Sr. had land next to Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30: Joshua Cloyd, 335 a. on the N. side of Meherrin river and on both sides of Herberts branch, a corner of Thomas Harris’s land, p. 225. For Lundy, please see the connection to West Harris Sr., as follows.
1.1.1.2. Amos Harris, witnessed the Will of Joshua Claud Sr.
1.1.1.3. *Henry Harris.
1.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, d.v.p. Thomas Harris 290 ac. IOW, on the Maherin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch adj. Edward Brantley, whose son, John, m. the widow of the said Thomas Harris.
1.1.2.1. Joshua Harris, cousin of Edward Harris III.
1.1.2.2. Thomas Harris.
1.1.2.2.1. Solomon Harris. His descendant’s DNA test results match those of Harris (“Group 4”) males; please see previous notes.
1.1.3. *Henry Harris, d.v.p.; his land adjoined that of Edward Harris II, almost certainly his brother.

1. *Joshua Perry Sr.
1.1. Joshua Perry Jr., m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Rush and Mary Hudson. He was the uncle of Benjamin Rush Jr., who m. (2) the relict of Jonathon White – as above noted , the father of Mary White, who m. Frederick Homes (Holmes), their dau., Priscilla, m. Richard Harris; their son, John Harris, m. Rachel Milly Kittrell. The said Benjamin Rush and his 2nd wife, may have been the parents of Elizabeth Rush, who m. Turner Harris, son of West Harris Sr., son of Edward Harris Sr. (Please see RUSH, as follows).

Thus:

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Edward Harris I.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, d.v.p.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Elizabeth Wyche, aunt of Henry Wyche, whose dau. Rebecca Wyche (cousin of Joshua Harris), m. David Walton, born April 3, 1760, d. May 9, 1848; son of Capt. Isaac Rowe Walton Sr. (and Elizabeth Rawlings), brother of Catherine, wife of Nathan Harris,* son of Edward Harris Sr., and proposed brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.2. Joshua Harris. June 24, 1788. Harris, Joshua. grantee. Southampton Co. 300 a. on Herberts Swamp adjoining John Claud, Benjamin Clifton, and land of Samuel Westbrook, deceased. (17, 236). (The Harris family stemmed from a Westbrooke heiress).
1.1.2. Henry Harris, d.v.p.
1.1.3. Edward Harris II.
1.1.3.1. Edward Harris III., m. Elizabeth Lundy, sister-in-law of Byrd Lundy, who m. Phoebe Claud, sister of Joshua Claud Jr., who witnessed the Will of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.3.1.1. Amos Harris, appraised the estate of Joshua Claud Sr.
1.1.4. *Nathan Harris.

WEST HARRIS SR.

1.1.5. West Harris Sr., m. Mary Turner, on Jan. 9, 1739 in Brunswick Co, dau. of Joseph Turner and Burchett (dau. of James Lundy Sr.), and sister of Edward Lundy Sr. and … Walton, the father of Byrd Lundy, whose sister m. Edward Harris III. (son of Edward Harris II), and almost certainly the nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. and cousin of Joshua and Thomas Harris, sons of the said Thomas Harris. Edward Lundy, of IOW Co., 165a , N. side of Maherin R. Feb. 23, 1733. Joseph Turner, was the son of John Turner, Mary Harris, and brother of William Turner, Simon Turner, and James Turner.

To repeat: West Harris and Joseph Green of Granville Co., NC, for £40, paid by John Atkinson and Aaron Atkinson of Brunswick Co., on the S. side of Fountains Creek, 300 a., part of 900 a. granted to John Bradford* by Patent dated Oct. 13, 1727; afterwards granted to Joseph Turner of Brunswick Co., St. Andrew Parish, by deed of release dated April 2, 1735, and afterwards given by Will to the daughters of the said Joseph, Mary and Ann,* which are now the wives of West Harris and Joseph Green, dated May 5, 1748. S. West Harris, Joseph Green, Mary Harris, Anne Green*. Wit. Absalom Atkinson, William Ezell Jr., James Parham. (3. 414).

(ATKINSON – 1. John Atkinson, half-brother of Thomas and William Gwaltney, m. Anne Holliman. John Atkinson and his wife Ann of Brunswick Co to Aaron Atkinson of same, May 24, 1757. L20 VA. 150 a. which was part of a patent to John Bradford, of Oct. 13, 1727, who sold it by lease & release to Joseph Turner on April 2 1735, who died intestate & the sd land descended to his eldest son James Turner, who willed it to West Harris and Anne Turner, on the S. side of Fountains Creek, joining the old line of Brunswick, the county line, Barters Branch. 1.1. John Atkinson, m. Elizabeth Ezell. His Will was probated May 18, 1737. (Wills and Admins, p. 7). 1.1.1. Absalom Atkinson (8, 686). 1.1.2. Aaron Atkinson, ibid. 1.2. Ruth Atkinson, m. Ratcliff Boon. 1.3. Hannah Atkinson, m. Reuben Cooke. 1.4. Elizabeth Atkinson, m. Valentine White. (Please see ATKINSON, as follows – John Atkinson’s brother, Thomas Atkinson, m. (Sept. 10, 1669), Susannah, dau. of Katherine Moore, sister of George Moore, whose granddau. m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Thomas Atkinson’s son, Thomas Atkinson, witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Sr., and Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (Father and son?).

1.1.5.1. Priscilla Harris, born March 12, 1751, in IOW Co., m. (2) Henry Thorpe, son of Aaron Thorpe, and Pheobe, dau. of Thomas Purcell (son of Arthur Purcell). Aaron Thorpe, b. bef.
May 9. 1757, in Southampton Co., was the son of John Thorpe; son of of Timothy Thorpe Sr.
1.1.5.2. Isham Harris. born Oct. 23, 1741 in Brunswick Co., died onJuly 5, 1822, in Granville Co., NC.
1.1.5.2.1. Isham Green Harris, born on 24 Nov. 24, 1770 in Warren Co, NC, died in 1840, in Henry Co., TN. He m. Lucy, dau. of Major George Washington Davison.
1.1.5.2.1.1. Isham Green Harris Jr.

“The venerable senator of Tennessee, Isham Green Harris, died at his home in Washington, D. C., on July 8. He was born on a farm near Tullahoma, Coffee County, Tenn., on February 10, 1818. When fourteen years old he went to work as a shop boy in Paris, Tenn., and before he was nineteen he had secured a little schooling and had settled in Tippah County, where in partnership with his brother he became a successful merchant. By devoting his spare moments and his evenings to the study of law he was enabled to gain admittance to the bar in 1841. In the same year the Democratic party sent him to the state legislature. He was elected to Congress in 1848 and after serving there two terms he settled down to the practice of law in Memphis. He was elected to the governorship of Tennessee in 1857, 1859, and 1861, being known as one of the southern war governors. Mr. Harris was a stanch supporter of the Southern Confederacy and at various times was on the staffs of Generals Albert S. Johnston, J. E. Johnston, Beauregard, and Bragg. After the surrender of Lee, Mr. Harris escaped to Mexico and thence to England. In 1867 he resumed his law practice in Memphis. He was elected United States senator in 1883, 1889, and 1895, serving continuously as senator for a little more than twenty years. Nearly every post of honor in the Senate has at some time been held by him … Of Senator Harris’ family four sons survive him“. (The Chautauquan, 1897).

1.1.5.3. Turner Harris, born on June 25 1745, in Brunswick Co., died on Feb. 25, 1819. He m. Elizabeth Rush? In this regard, if this is the case, she would have been issue of Benjamin Rush Jr. and his second wife (the widow of Jonathon White), and the half-sister of the Elizabeth Rush who m. Joel Terrell, dau. of the said Benjamin Rush and his 1st wife.

(Please see under WILLIAM HARRIS, in SUMMARY – 1. William Harris. He was an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, placed in the care of Bridgeman Joyner, and, as such was brought up with Bridgeman Joyner Jr. 1.1. John Harris, m. Mary Drewe. His Will was witnessed by his cousin, Simon Harris, and Jesse Jones, associated with Bridgeman Joyner Jr. This identification of John Harris seems reasonable. Their children are named Edward Drew’s Will, Mary’s father, dated Feb. 1, 1747/8. 1.1.1 Mary Harris, m. Henry Harris, son of Edward Harris Jr. 1.1.1.1. John Harris, born May 27, 1741 in Southhampton Co. 1.1.1.1.1. Lucretia Harris, b. ca. 1778, m. Benjamin Rush. 1.1.1.1.2. Arthur Harris, m. Alice, dau. of William Rush and Abigail Terrell. William Rush was the son of Benjamin Rush Jr., and his 1st wife. William Rush and Abigail Terrell also had issue: Benjamin Rush, born June 18, 1776 in Montgomery Co., NC., who m. the said Lucretia Harris.

RUSH

1. William Rush, m. Elizabeth. Will of Elizabeth Rush/Duff: Item: I give and bequeath to my grandson, Benjamin Rush (Jr.), son of Benjamin Rush (Sr.), all the remainder part of my estate and what profits shall arise therefrom from the date of this Will only that he pay his father and sisters the above mentioned money. And I appoint my grandson Benjamin Rush, Executor, and Evan Price. Executor, to this my last Will. “Presented by Benjamin Rush Junior. Proved by Thomas Robeson and Thomas Macey, March 2, 1749/50. (King George Co. W.B, p. 234).
1.1. Benjamin Rush Sr., m. Amy, relict of James Elkins, of King George Co.
1.1.1. Jane Rush, m. George Bledsoe Sr.
1.1.1.1. George Bledsoe Jr.
1.1.1.2. Moses Bledsoe, m. Frances Holloway, sister of Elizabeth Holloway, who m. Jesse Harris on April 3, 1809, in Wake Co., NC. She and her son, Hinton Holloway, were named as an heirs in the Will of John Holloway Sr. of Wake Co., NC., proven in May term, 1826.
1.1.2. Benjamin Rush Jr. (b. Feb. 14, 1718 in Westmoreland Co.), m. (1) Alice Grigsby, on April 1, 1744, in Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co, VA.
1.1.2.1. William Rush, m. Abigail Terrell.
1.1.2.1.1. Benjamin Rush, m. Lucretia Harris.
1.1.2.1.2. Alice Rush, m. Arthur Harris, Lucretia’s brother.
1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Rush, m. Joel Terrell.
1.2.1.1.1. James Terrell, b. Jan. 22, 1772, in Lynchburg, Campbell, VA.
1.1.2. Benjamin Rush Jr. m. (2) the relict of Jonathon White – as above noted, the father of Mary White, who m. Frederick Homes, their dau., Priscilla, m. Richard Harris; their son, John Harris, m. Rachel Milly Kittrell.
1.1.2.1. Elizabeth White, m. Turner Harris.
1.2. William Rush, m. Mary, dau. of John Hudson, who died in 1708.

To anyone interested in the English origins of the Rush family, a consideration of those of that name of Baltonsborough, Somerset, is suggested, where a family of Rush bore the vast majority of that name in Somerset.

“Extract from an ancient family tomb: Sacred to the memory of John Rush, gentleman, who was buried 14th October, 1600. He was descended from John Rush, Esq. of this parish, who was buried here in 1550. They were loyal subjects and friends to the Protestant cause.” On another side of the tomb is inscribed: “Sacred to the memory of John Rush, Esq. who died 10th Oct. 1734, aged 62”. ( Rev. William Phelps (F.S.A.), The History and Antiquities of Somersetshire, p. 589, 1836).

1. Thomas Rushe.
1.1. John Rushe, bapt Aug. 21, 1540
1.1.1. William Rushe, bapt. Oct. 6, 1568
1.1.1.1. John Rush Jr.
1.1.1.1.1. John Rush, bapt. June 6, 1606, m. Mary ..
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Rush, bapt. Jan. 29 1632
1.1.1.1.1.2. William Rush, bapt. May 4, 1634. (d. 1691). William Rush, yeoman, bound to Richard Ward, merchant, to serve 4 years in Virginia,1660. (Mr. Coldham, The Complete Book of Emigrants: 1607-1660, p. 468, 1987). Richard Ward, 1337 a. S. side James River, Henrico Co., upper side of Christopher branch Senior’s dividend, then by various courses to the mouth of Falling Creek. (W&MQ, vol. 2, p. 359, 1982). William Rush m. Dorothy … who petitioned the Court for dower rights on May 27, 1702, after marrying (3) William Bennett: “Upon petition of William Bennett and Dorothy, his wife, late widow of William Rush paying 100 a. of land given by her husband during the coverture betwixt them to his son, William Rush, without the privity or consent of Dorothy, maybe divided into three equal parts and that they may bee possest of 1/3 thereof as her dower. William Bennett died in Feb. 1702/03, and William Rush and his son-in-law, Joshua Hudson, were appointed as appraisers of Bennett’s estate. (For William Bennett. please see BENNETT SIDE OF HARRIS, as follows).
1.1.1.1.1.2.1. William Rush, bapt. ca. 1665, d. 1708. William Rush of Westmore-land Co., son & heir of William Rush dec’d is in possession of 100 a. by Deed of Gift from his father, dated July 22, 1689; land purchased from Robert Howsen. Grant to William Rush, adj. Berryman’s Mill. (Northern Neck Land grants, p. 30). The relict of William Rush, Elizabeth, m. William Duff, uncle of Robert Green, Duff’s atty. and nephew.

GEORGE HARRIS – a much neglected ancestor candidate.

1.2. George Harris, b. ca. 1675, d. 1720. His Will named sons, Robert. (perhaps named for Robert, br. of George), Joseph, and William; wife Martha. A witness was John Bowen Sr., probable br.-in-law of George Harris.
1.2.1. Robert Harris, b. ca. 1700, m. Lemander Smith. Oct. 16, 1742, Robert Harris and wife Lemander sold 230 a. to Stephan Ragland. Robert Harris “late of Hanover County Virgina, now of Bertie”, owned land on Roanoak River, adj to Ragland at Turbevill’s Run.
1.2.1.1. Robert Harris. May 29, 1778, Robert Harris patented 500 a. in Granville Co., NC.
1.2.1.2. Richard Harris, b, ca. 1725, d. 1787, m. Priscilla Homes.
1.2.1.2.1. John Harris, b. ca. 1750, m. Rachel Millie Kitrell.

1. Jonathon White, whose Will was proved in Granville Co. court on Aug. 1772. (Granville Co., Loose Will). His widow, Sarah, m. Benjamin Rush Jr., per marriage bond in Bute Co., N.C., dated March 26, 1773. Her Will, dated Dec, 2, 1790, in Franklin County, NC., made bequests to brothers, John, Moses, and Jacob Bledsoe.
1.1. Mary White, m. Frederick Homes, whose Will, dated Jan. 29, 1749/50, named wife Mary, son John Homes, and dau. Priscilla.
1.1.1. Priscilla White, m. Richard Harris.
1.1.1.1. John Harris, b. ca. 1750, m. Rachel Milly Kittrell, b. ca. 1755.
1.1.1.2. George Harris.
1.1.1.3 Tyree Harris.
1.1.1.4. Charles Harris.
1.1.2. Mary White, m. Thomas Bradford, as heretofore given.

Generally, when researching the “unknown” origins of an English settler family in Virginia, being aware that those who witnessed, executed, and appraised Wills, especially if they had charge of a testator’s orphans, were invariably some form of kin. In the care of orphans, a large percentage of carers were brother/sister-in-laws. It was also almost invariably the case that a testator’s wife was from a family of a witness/executor/appraiser of his Will. Where speculation does not take account of this, it is almost invariably wrong. The witnesses/executors/appraisers of the Wills of the children and grandchildren of a testator can be used as a guide to his origins, if they had familial links to his own. In the example as follows, there is a common link between those associated with the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and those associated with his sons; that of the family of Edward Harris Sr., who d. in 1734.

THOMAS HARRIS, DIED 1729/30, AND THE PURCELLS

Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. His estate was appraised by Edward Brantley, John Thorpe, and Thomas Purcell,* rec. Feb. 22, 1730/31, p. 245. Inventory supplemented by brother, Henry Harris, rec. March 27, 1732.

Thomas Purcell was the son of Arthur Purcell – leg. son Arthur, land on the Blackwater; son *Thomas, the land I bought of Thomas Joyner, dau. Isabella, the wife of Arthur Whitehead Jr.; rec. May 27, 1729. Wit. Arthur Smith,* Joshua Turner,* Mathew Lowry, p. 163. Arthur Purcell Sr. m. Mary, sister of Bridgeman Joyner (guardian of an orphan (William) of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), the son of the said Thomas Joyner.

PURCELL

1. Arthur Purcell, m. Mary, sister of Bridgeman Joyner, guardian of an orphan (William) of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Arthur Purcell – leg. son Arthur, land on the Blackwater; son *Thomas, the land I bought of Thomas Joyner, dau. Isabella, the wife of Arthur Whitehead Jr.; rec. May 27, 1729. Wit. Arthur Smith,* Joshua Turner,* Mathew Lowry, p. 163.
1.1. Isabella Purcell, m. Arthur Whitehead Jr.

(1. John Turner, d. 1705, in IOW.
1.1. Mary Turner, m. Edward Harris Sr.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, according to some Harris researchers, d. 1729/30., and this is almost certainly the case.
1.2. Thomas Turner.
1.2.1. *Joshua Turner, d.v.p.).

1.2. Thomas Purcell, appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1. Pheobe Purcell, m. Aaron Thorpe, son of John Thorpe (son of of Timothy Thorpe Sr.), and brother of Timothy Thorpe Jr.
1.2.1.1. Henry Thorpe, m. Priscilla, dau. of West Harris Sr., and niece of George Harris, et al.

SMITH

1. Col. Arthur Smith, m. Sarah Jackson, sister of the wife of George Hardy, whose sister (on chronological grounds), m. Edward Harris, d. 1677.
Nov. 4, 1685. Smyth, Arthur, Col. grantee. IOW Co.. 500 a. between the lands of James Tullagh, Mr. Hardy, Matt. Tomlin, Colo. Smyth and Mr. Bressie. (p. 489).
1.1. Arthur Smith, m. Mary, dau. of John Bromfield and Olive, dau. of John Hardy, and relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Arthur Smith was a nephew of James Benn, exor. of his father’s Will, rec. June 10, 1697, the son of Christopher: Leg.- son James the plantation which I bought of Thomas Harris on Pagan Creek, rec. Sept. 26, 1659.
April 24, 1703. Smith, Arthur. grantee. IOW Co.. 500 a. between the lands of James Tullagh, Mr. Hardy, Mattw. Tomlin, Colo. Smith and Mr. Bressie. (p. 535)
1.1.1. *Captain Arthur Smith, withessed the Will of Arthur Purcell, as given heretofore.

1.1.2. Jane Smith, m. (by 1730) James Ridley, who d. 1781, brother of Nathaniel Ridley Jr., who witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Edward Harris Jr. was probably, according to the said Harris researchers, the brother of Thomas Harris, “son of Edward”, who deceased before his father, mentioned in the Will of John Gibbins, the principle beneficiary of which was William Kinchen. James and Nathaniel Ridley were nephews 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). She m., as his second wife, Robert Lancaster Sr., father of Samuel Lancaster, who m. Elizabeth Harris, as follows.
1.2. Mary Smith, m. Thomas Pitt.
1.2.1. Mary Pitt, m. Nicholas Boone*. (See “PIVOTAL BOONE”, as follows).

RIDLEY AND RUFFIN IN A WIDER CONTEXT OF KINCHEN AND PRIME

1. Peter Ridley.
1.1. Ann Ridley, m. Edmund Prime.
1.1.1. Elizabeth (Prime) Ruffin, m. Robert Ruffin.

(1. William Ruffin. m. Elizabeth Atwell, Sept. 23, 1614, in Rotterdam. William Ruffin. Edward Chetwin, IOW probate rec., 27 Sept. 1649: Robert Watson and Henry Pitt, exors. William Ruffin m. Elizabeth Atwell, on Sept. 23, 1614, in Rotterdam. The initial connection between th Ruffins and the Harris family was through Edward Bennett, a member of the Dutch Reform Church.
1.1. William Ruffin, d. bef. March 9, 1674, IOW.; m. Elizabeth Pitt, on Jan. 4, 1642, in the Dutch Reform Church of Amsterdam.
1.1.1. Robert Ruffin, b. in 1644, in Amsterdam: ‘Zoon van Robert Ruffin van Heer William Ruffin en zein vrouw Elizabeth Pitt allebei van deize parochie in Amsterdam Nederland doopte 19 Januari 1644’. June 14, 1678. Surry Co. Grantee(s): Ruffin, Robert and Newsam, William. 850 a. (6, 650).
April 20, 1687. Surry Co. 422 a. accordinq to the most ancient and lawful bounds. Formerly granted to George Watkins, 105 a. part thereof being part of a patent granted to him Oct. 19, 1670, and 317 a. the remainder being part of a patent granted him the 1st of Mar 1666 and was lately found to Escheat. (7, 569). Estate inventory, 1693). He m. Elizabeth Prime.
1.1.1.1. Robert Ruffin, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Watkins and Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Spencer and Anne Taberer, thus explaining the close association between Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his “loving friend”, Robert Spencer.

(Ann Taberer was the sister of Thomas Taberer, who was the father-in-law of John Newman, husband of Ruth Taberer, and John Newman was the future br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, who m. (2), Alice, dau. of John Newman Sr.).

John Watson and Elizabeth Spencer also had issue: John Watson Jr. On Nov. 1, 1733, John Jackson* gifted 100 a. on Reedy Creek to his son-in-law John Watson Jr., both of St. Andrew’s Parish (Brunswick Co.Deeds and Wills, B. 1, pp. 83-85). Rebecca Jackson’s Will, proved Oct. 28, 1765, left her estate to her dau., Margaret Jackson. Witnesses: Adam Sims and Lemuel Lanier (Brunswick Co. Will B. 3, p. 429). On June 4, 1747. Margaret Jackson sold 50 a. of her inheritance to Sampson Lanier Jr. (Brunswick Co. D.B. 3, p. 326).

John Jackson was a legatee in the Will of John Gibbins*.

Sampson Lanier Jr. was the father of Rebecca Lanier, who m. Walton Harris, son of Nathan Harris, son of Edward Harris Sr. (Please see WYCHE AND NATHAN HARRIS, as follows).

THE PIVOTAL BOONE CONNECTION TO HARRIS AND THE DUTCH TOBACCO TRADE

1. John Boone, bapt. 10 June 1599, St Margaret Pattens, London, d. 1663, Charles City, Virginia. He received his master mariners certificate from Capt. William Barker, and lived in Charles city, with Barker and associates.* He m. Anna curtis, April 14, 1622, dau. of Robert Curtis, mariner, of London, and Rotterdam.
1.1. Captain Christopher Boone, bapt May 3, 1624, old Flemmish Par., Lion Street, Amsterdam. He m. Mary Radcliffe, Feb. 18, 1646, in the Dutch Reform Church, Amsterdam. She was bapt. Sept. 30, 1637, in St Petroch, Exeter. Zeeman Christopher gehuwde Boone von leeftijd 23 von Rotterdam 18 februari leeftijd von 1646 meisje Mary Radcliffe de dochter von Engeland von schip kapitein Jaspis Radcliffe’.
1.1.1. Thomas Boone, bapt. Dec. 18, 1646, Dutch Reform Church, d. aft. Nov. 25, 1723, Chowan, NC. He m. Elizabeth Strickland. On May, 1706, William and Olive Strickland sold him 360 ac. on Blackwater River, adj. Colonel Pitt’s line, patented by William’s father, April 20, 1680.
1.1.1.1. Joseph Boone, d. Feb. 19, 1728. in Edenton, Chowan.
1.1.1.1.1. Ratcliffe Boone, m. Ruth Atkinson, dau. of John Atkinson, and Ann, dau. of Christopher Holliman, in 1734. His Will was prob. 1787 (W.B. II, p. 72); witnessed by Robert Harris*. (May 29, 1778 – Robert harris (son of Robert Harris and Lemanda Smith) patented 500 a. in Granville Co., N.C., on the line of David Harris, his brother. The “internet” ancestry of this Robert Harris is nothing more than a welding of seperate Harris families; a typical genealogical fairy story of Virginia ancestries.

Clearly, the Robert Harris who witnessed the Will of Ratcliffe Boone, was of the IOW family of Harris associated with the Atkinsons and Hollimans of this account. To repeat:

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. George Harris, b. ca. 1675, d. 1720. His Will named sons, Robert. (perhaps named for Robert, br. of George), Joseph, and William; wife Martha. A witness was John Bowen Sr., probable br.-in-law of George Harris.
1.1.1. Robert Harris, b. ca. 1700, m. Lemander Smith. Oct. 16, 1742, Robert Harris and wife Lemander sold 230 a, to Stephan Ragland. “Robert Harris late of Hanover Co. Virgina, now of Bertie”, owned land on Roanoak River, adj. to Ragland at Turbevill’s Run.
1.1.1.1. *Robert Harris. On May 29, 1778, he patented 500 a. in Granville Co., NC.
1.1.1.2. Richard Harris, b, ca. 1725, d. 1787, m. Priscilla Homes.
1.1.1.2.1. John Harris, b. ca. 1750, m. Rachel Millie Kitrell.

1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Boone, m. Hannah Atkinson, Sept. 14, 1769, in Santee SC.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Boone. Feb. 22, 1724. Boone, Thomas. grantee. 280 a. or the N. side of Meherrin River. (p. 207).
1.1.2. Captain Nicholas Boone, b. 1648, Charles City Co,, d. bef. 1700 in Chowan, m. Geertzke von Hendrikks, 24 Jan. 1675, Dutch Reform Church, Amsterdam.
1.1.2.1. Nicholas Boone, m. Mary Pitt, 1709, IOW, dau. of Thomas Pitt, and Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, and Sarah Jackson.

KINCHEN

1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Ruffin, niece of Phylis (Prime) White), m. William Kinchen, per Mr. Boddie. She was also the niece of Jane Prime*. (Please see under PRIME, cont.)

GIBBINS WILL

“John Gibbins – Leg. Mr. William Kinchen; Henry Harris, Mary Adkins, the daughter of James Adkins, *John Jackson, Thomas Harris the son of Edward Harris”, Robert Harris, Mathew Harris. Ex. Mr. William Kinchen”. Henry and “Thomas Harris the son of Edward Harris”, may have been sons of Edward Harris Sr., who died before 1734, and not mentioned in their father’s Will, as such, a nephews of Robert Harris of the Gibbins Will. The naming of “Thomas Harris the son of Edward Harris”, per English custom, would be to demarcate him from another, related, Thomas, i.e. the son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Robert Harris was the son of the said Thomas Harris, and Mathew Harris, b. ca. 1700 (see previous notes) was his son.

Essentially, the Gibbins Will concerned those of the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. There are no peripheral kin noted.

1.1.1.2.1. William Kinchin Jr., cousin of Thomas White*, and Thomas Wright*, whose dau. m. William Goodwin.
1.1.1.2.2. Sarah Kinchen, b. June 1, 1697, m. James Goodwin. Sarah Godwin is mentioned in her father’s Will: “I Give unto my daughter Sarah Godwin six pounds sterling in goods and two silver spoons”.
1.1.1.2.3. Patience Kinchen, d. April 5, 1765, in Southampton Co., m. Etheldred Taylor Jr.*

TAYLOR AND DUKE

1. Col. Henry Duke, d. 1714. There is no documentary evidence that supports the hypothesis that Henry Duke was the son of the immigrant, Thomas Duke.

A Henry Dooke was bapt. Dec. 20, 1636, in Cannington, 12 miles from Wiveliscombe.

1.1. Elizabeth Duke, m. (1) James Mason, (2) Sheriff Ethelred Taylor.
1.1.1. *Ethelred Taylor, Jr., b. June 1, 1699, Surry Co.; d. June 18, 1755, Nottoway, Southampton Co., m. Patience Kinchen, dau. of William Kinchen, Sr. and Elizabeth Ruffin, dau. of of Robert Ruffin and Elizabeth Prime.
1.1.2. Captain John Mason, of Albemarle Parish, d. Sept. 3, 1755. Half-brother of Ethelred Taylor, Jr., b. June 1, 1699, Surry Co.; d. June 18, 1755, Nottoway, Southampton Co., who m. Patience Kinchen, dau. of William Kinchen, Sr. and Elizabeth Ruffin, dau. of of Robert Ruffin and Elizabeth Prime.
1.1.2.1. John Mason, b. Nov. 1, 1717, d. aft. June 16, 1785.
1.1.2.1.1. John Mason, b. 1741.
1.1.2.1.2. Elizabeth Mason, m. *Benjamin Wyke/Wyche.

WYCHE AND NATHAN HARRIS

*George Wyche, b. ca. 1680. He was not necessarily the son of the immigrant, Henry Wyche, a premiss based on this Henry having a son named George, a very common name. His Will was proved July 15, 1757 in Surry Co., bequesting to wife, Sarah, one half of his estate for life and then to son, Benjamin Wyche, exec. He gave his son, Peter, 200 a. on Fountain Creek in Brunswick Co. “where he now lives”. Peter’s son, Drury Wyche, received 100 a. on Beaver Pond Creek in Brunswick Co., “where Charles Brady now lives”. He mentions sons-in-law, Abraham Greene and Theophilus Goodwynne, dau. Hannah Wyche, and granddau. Elizabeth Woodruff (under 21). He resided in Surry Co. Sussex Co. was formed from Surry Co. in 1753.

A George Wyke was baptised on Dec. 27, 1687, in Taunton, 10 miles from Wiveliscombe.

That groupings of families from this region settled alongside each other in early Virginia is a fact.

1. George Wyche, b. ca. 1687. Nov. 13, 1713. Wyche, George. grantee. Surry Co. 400 a. on the N. side of Nottaway River, beg. and ext. on the N.E. side of Nottaway River; on corner tree of Major William Fu__ land. Source: (10, 471).
July 7, 1726. Wyche, George. grantee. Brunswick Co. 100 a. on the S. side of Maherin River. (12, 521).
Dec. 19, 1711. Hunt, William, Maj. grantee. Surry Co. 190 a. on the S. side of the main Blackwater Swamp. beg. and ext. a corner of the said Hunts old land and a corner twixt the said Hunt and George Wyche. (10, 56).
1.1. Benjamin Wyche, b. ca. 1710.
1.1.1. Benjamin Wyche,* b. ca. 1740, named himself as the only son and heir of his father, Benjamin, in a deed in Surry co. in 1791. His will was proved in Sussex Co. on Jan. 2, 1817, naming his wife as Elizabeth Mason, sister of John Mason.
1.2. Peter Wyche.
1.2.1. Henry Wyche (cousin of *Benjamin Wyche), of Greensville Co,; Will proved in 1806, naming a dau, Rebecca Walton. She had m. David Walton on Feb. 28, 1788. (Virginia Marriage Records, p. 234, 1982).
1.2.1.1. Rebecca Wyche, m. David Walton, born April 3, 1760, d. May 9, 1848; son of Capt. Isaac Rowe Walton Sr. (and Elizabeth Rawlings), brother of Catherine, wife of Nathan Harris, son of Edward Harris Sr., and proposed brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.2.2. George Wyche, “late of Brunswick County and Meherrin Parish”, deeded to William Perterson (in 1761) land left to him on Fountain’s Creek in his father’s Will.
1.2.3. Drury Wyche, m. a sister of Col. Thomas Taylor, of Taylor’s Springs, S.C. (W&M Coll., p. 603, 1982).
1.3. Elizabeth Wyche, m. Theophillus Goodwin.
1.3.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30
1.3.1.1. Solomon Harris (second-cousin of David Walton’s wife). The test results for a descendant with Family Tree DNA are a match with Harris “Group 4” males.

DNA testing can show that a group of men today share a similarity of results that suggest they had a common ancestors in early Virginia, who shared a most recent common ancestor who was born ca. 1530 in England. “There is historical evidence that one family with Harris Group 4 Y-DNA is directly descended from 16th Century ancestors in Somerset, England. As all currently-tested Harris Group 4 men are probably Americans, and there are many known genealogical links between some of their families, this suggests that all Harris 4 men presently identified are likely to be descended from a mutual ancestor in that English county and his descendants who settled in Virginia”. (Nick Wormley). This view is shared by several established Harris researchers.

The accuracy of estimations given by male (YDNA) testing are not shared by female (mtDNA) tests: The mtDNA mutation rate is relatively high, although there is considerable uncertainty about the precise rate.The time gap between mutations in an mtDNA sequence can be 100 generations or more, and so common mtDNA ancestors cannot be dated accurately even with full mtDNA genome data. If you share a full mtDNA sequence with someone, your common matrilineal ancestor could be 1 or 50 generations ago. For example, it is common for participants in genetic genealogy databases to have exact full sequence matches with people with ancestry from a number of different countries. As with the Y-chromosome, as you go further back in time your mtDNA represents a rapidly diminishing proportion of your total ancestry”. (UCL Division of Biosciences).

The link between a group of men today who share a similar DNA profile and a presumed ancestor is, of course, only as strong as the written evidence (in the public domain) supporting the presumtion. Where proof is lacking, circumstantial factors can be used to determine a likelihood of what “seems to be the case” – such as presented in this article.

GOODWIN

The Goodwin name and its variations was common to the Bristol basin, from which the majority of families of this account came, and covered many seperate families. It also seems probable that a number of cousins of this family followed each other to Virginia, and have been confounded. Goodwin is found in ancient documents as Godden, Goddin, Goddinge, Godewyn, Godin, Godwin, Godwyn, Goodden, Gooding, Goodyng, Gooden, Goodwen, Goodinge, Goodwin, Goodwyn, Goodwyne. (Henry Barber, British Family Names, p. 2, 1894).

Martock is 25 miles E. of Wiveliscombe, where a Thomas Goodenn* was bapt. June 25, 1623.

1. *Thomas Goodwin.
1.1. Thomas Goodwin,* m. Martha, dau. of Col. Joseph Bridger Sr., d. 1686, and Hester, dau. of Col Robert Pitt.
1.1.1. Thomas Goodwin, m. Mary, dau. of Henry Pitt, son of Col Robert Pitt.
1.1.2. *James Goodwin.

1.2. William Goodwin, m. Elizabeth Wright, in 1666, dau. of Thomas Wright. Oct. 10, 1638. Wright, John. grantee. Upper Norfolk Co. 200 a. beg. at the miles end of the land of Thomas Dewe. (1, 683). John Wright was the father of the said Thomas Wright. July 1643.
Thomas Dewe. Upper Norfolk Co. 250 a. lying on a branch of the southern branch of Nansamond River opposite to a parcel of land of Thomas Atkinson. (1, 878).

In Aug. 1694, William Goodwin inventoried the estate of Thomas Joyner, the father of a guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2.1. William Goodwin, m. Ann Pitt, b. ca. 1685. 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, also the land on which Elizabeth Shaw lives; dau Esther; dau Prudence, the land on which Edward Driver and Robert Smith live; dau Ann Godwin the land on which William Godwin and Samuel Croome live; grandson William Bridger, d. Dec. 19, 1729. John Pitt was the son of Col. John Pitt, son of *Col Robert Pitt.
1.2.1.1. William Goodwin. On Feb. 1, 1749, William Goodwin and wife, Sarah, of Suffolk Parish, Nansemond, deeded land to Thomas Bullock of Newport Parish, IOW, bounding on the lands of Robert Driver, William Driver, etc., p. 295. William Driver was the father of the wife of William Harris, son of George Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. The Drivers were connected to both branches of the Harris family, and to the Joyners.

1.2.1.2. Theophilus Goodwin. The oft repeated account of his ancestry is completely fictional. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of George Wyche*.
1.2.1.2.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Solomon Harris. The test results for a descendant with Family Tree DNA are a match with Harris Group 4 males.

1.2.2. Mary Goodwin, m. Arthur Whitehead Sr.
1.2.2.1. Arthur Whitehead Jr., m. (1) Isabella, dau. of Arthur Purcell, (2) Ann, dau. of Reuben Cooke. Isabella’s brother, Thomas Purcell, appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.3. Elizabeth Goodwin, m. William Bridger, son of Col. Joseph Bridger (son of Joseph Bridger and Hester Pitt), brother of Martha Bridger, who m. *Thomas Goodwin, on May 27, 1714.

1. William Goodwin, m. Elizabeth Wright.
1.1. William Goodwin, m. Ann Pitt.
1.1.1. Theophilus Goodwin, m. Elizabeth Wyche.
1.1.1.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2. Mary Goodwin, m. Arthur Whitehead Sr.
1.2.1. Arthur Whitehead Jr., m. (1) Isabella, dau. of Arthur Purcell, (2) Ann, dau. of Reuben Cooke. Isabella’s brother, Thomas Purcell, appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

Genealogy of the “not known” can be likened to a Rubik’s cube; so that when an assumption is in alignment with facts, the assumption is validated, and all sides synchronise. In this instance, if Theophilus Goodwin was if as supposed heretofore, then his daughter (Sarah’s) marriage to Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, explains why her aunt’s (Mary’s) marriage to Arthur Whitehead Sr. (whose son, Arthur Whitehead Jr. (Sarah’s cousin), was the brother-in-law of Thomas Purcell, who appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, Sarah’s father-in-law). Another example of “validation” is that of Sarah’s grandmother (Elizabeth Wyche) being the aunt of Henry Wyche, whose dau., Rebecca Wyche, as given heretofore, m. David Walton, brother of Catherine, wife of Nathan Harris, son of Edward Harris Sr., and proposed brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

PRIME cont.

1.1.2. John Prime, “was left William Ridley’s plantation at the expiration of Captain Barham’s lease. John Prime died in IOW Co. in 1726 and left a legacy to his nephew, Robert Ruffin”. (The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, vols. 48-49, 1940).
1.1.3. Mary Prime.

1.1.4. *Jane Prime; “married a Wright (John) and was the mother of Thomas Wright, mentioned as nephew in John Prime’s Will”.
1.1.4.1. *Thomas Wright.
1.1.4.1.1. Elizabeth Wright, m. William Goodwin. William Goodwyn of L.P. acknowledges receipt of legacies left to Eliz. Wright by will of her father Thomas Wright. Sept. 1666. William Goodwin, Leg.- son William; son John; son Joseph; dau. Sarah Goodwin; dau. … Bridger; dau. Mary Whitehead; dau. Martha Cotton; dau. Jane. Wife Elizabeth Extx. (B. 2, p. 52. Rec. Sept 26, 1720). In August 1694, William Goodwin inventoried the estate of Thomas Joyner, father of Bridgeman Joyner.

1.1.5. Phylis Prime m. Thomas White.
1.1.5.1. Thomas White.
1.1.5.1.1. Thomas White, m. Ann, dau. of George Moore.
1.1.5.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. As is evident, her ancestress was a Ridley.

In this instance, Prime/Pryme may have been a phonetic variation of Perram/Perren. In the dialect of “old Somerset”, with its elongated wowels, Perram equated to “Peeraym”. Also, m and n were not as distinct as is now the case, and in some cases, after p, b, f, and v, were interchangeable – aebm (heaven), laebm (eleven); taefm (stiffen), etc. (Frederic Thomas Elworthy, Dialect of West Somerset, p. 17, 1875). There were examples of the name in Wiveliscombe, where James Prime, m. Elianor Mansell, on Nov. 27, 1622. Locally, other examples of this name occur – John Perimye, m. Christian Ware, on Jan. 30, 1579/80, in Crewkerne. Thomas Pryme, m. Marie Sherstone, on April 8, 1594, in Bath. In Martock, 25 miles E. of Wiveliscombe, a Edmond Perren was bapt. in April 1609; brother of John, bapt. March 17, 1604/5, and William Jr., bapt. Nov. 16, 1603; sons of William, bapt. April 8, 1577, son of William. (Also, please see note re Francis England, above given).

The summised parentage of Edmund Prime, of Virginia, son of Sir John Prime, is a typical example of a grandiose type, attached to the-name-is-the-same migrant to Virginia. If Edmond Prime was local to Wiveliscombe, it would suggest that he had some knowledge of the Bennetts of that place, associated with Thomas Harris, d, 1672, and the Ridleys. The Ridleys may have been a branch of those of Doynton/Deynton, Gloucestershire (9 mls fr. Bristol), associated with “Richard Christmas of Bristol, merchant” (Bristol Archives, 8017/22).

RIDLEY AND THORPE cont., and to repeat:

1.2. Nathaniel Ridley, m. Elizabeth Day, dau. of James Day and Mary Bland, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Bennett) Bland.
1.2.1. Nathaniel Ridley Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Edward Harris Jr. was probably the brother of Thomas Harris, “son of Edward”, who deceased before his father, mentioned in the Will of John Gibbons, the principle beneficiary of which was William Kinchen.
1.2.1.1. Daniel Ridley, m. Martha Thorpe, dau. of Timothy Thorpe Jr., who was the brother of Mary Thorpe, who m. (1) Edward Harris Jr. (Will witnessed by Daniel Ridley’s father), son of Edward Harris and Mary Turner, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688
1.2. Nathaniel Ridley, m. Elizabeth Day, dau. of James Day and Mary Bland, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Bennett) Bland.
1.2.1. Nathaniel Ridley Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Edward Harris Jr. was probably the brother of Thomas Harris, “son of Edward”, who deceased before his father, mentioned in the Will of John Gibbons, the principle beneficiary of which was William Kinchen.
1.2.1.1. Daniel Ridley, m. Martha Thorpe.
1.2.2. 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. Arthur Smith was a nephew of James Benn, exor. of his father’s Will, rec. June 10, 1697, witnessed by Henry Applewhaite. James Benn was the son of Christopher: Leg.- son James the plantation which I bought of Thomas Harris on Pagon Creek, rec. Sept. 26, 1659.
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).

THORPE

1. Joseph Thorpe, Sr., m. Dorothy Fenn, dau. of Timothy Fenn and Elizabeth Kae, dau. of Robert Kae, of Bristol (atty. of Theoderic Bland).
1.1. Timothy Thorpe Sr.
1.1.1.*Timothy Thorpe, m Martha.
1.1.1.1. Martha Thorpe, m. Daniel Ridley, son of Nathaniel Ridley Jr.
1.1.1.2. Mary Thorpe, m. James Barham, great-grandson of Charles Barham, associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.2.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris.

1.Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Robert Harris Sr., d. 1740
1.1.1. John Harris, m. Avis, dau. of Thomas White, and grandau. of George Moore, of Bristol.
1.1.1.1. Harmon Harris, appraised the estate of James Lancaster, with John Williamson, rec. Oct. 16, 1797, p. 15.
1.1.1.2.Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham, in Southampton Co.
1.1.2. Mary Thorpe, m. (1) Edward Harris Jr. (Will witnessed by Daniel Ridley’s father), son of Edward Harris and Mary Turner, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

ATKINSON, again

1. Thomas Atkinson, m. Martha … who m. (2) Thomas Pitman, (3) Thomas Gwaltney. July 1643. Wright, John. grantee. Upper Norfolk Co., 250 a. lying on a branch of the southern branch of Nansamond River opposite to a parcel of land of Thomas Atkinson. (1, 878). June 6, 1666. Moore, Thomas. grantee. Surry Co., 400 a. in the parish of Lawes Creek bounded viz. east on the thied swamp of the Black Water, S. upon the branch thats parts Thomas Atkinson’s land. (5, 647).
1.1. John Atkinson Sr., m. Ann, dau. of Christopher Holliman.
1.1.1. Hannah Atkinson, m. (2) Reuben Cooke, brother of (1) Johanna Cooke, who m. John Burrow, son of Thomas Burrow, and Elizabeth, dau. of John Brantley,* son of Edward Brantley. (2) Thomas Cooke, Will rec. Jan. 28, 1733 (p. 386), witnessed by *John Brantley (Will rec. Nov. 22, 1736, p. 186); who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. On July 25, 1737, Thomas Barrow and a Henry Harris* appraised the inventory of Edward Brantley.
1.1.1.1. Ann Cooke, m. (as his second wife) Arthur Whitehead, whose first wife was Isabella Purcell, sister of Thomas Purcell, who appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

1.2. Thomas Atkinson (half-br. of William Gwaltney), m. (Sept. 10, 1669), Susannah, dau. of Katherine Moore, sister of George Moore, whose granddau. m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1. Thomas Atkinson, witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Sr.,* and Thomas Harris,* d. 1729/30. (Father and son?). Aug. 20, 1748.

July 1643. Wright, John. grantee. Upper Norfolk County. 250 a. lying on a branch of the southern branch of Nansamond River, opposite to a parcel of land of Thomas Atkinson. (p. 878).
June 6, 1666. Moore, Thomas. grantee. Surry Co. 400 a. in the parish of Lawes Creek bounded viz. east on the thie swamp of the Black Water, south upon the branch thats parts Thomas Atkinson’s land. (p. 647).
August 20, 1748. Atkinson, Thomas. grantee. 350 a. on the S. side of the main Blackwater swamp. Beg. on the E. side of the meadow branch, a corner tree of Wm. Kitchen’s (Kinchen) and James Atkinson’s lands.

Thus:

THOMAS HARRIS DIED IN 1688 IN VIRGINIA

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1. Edward Harris Sr., m. Mary, dau. of John Turner, and sister of Simon Turner*. Edward Harris of the Upper Parrish, Will rec. March 25, 1734, wit. Thomas Atkinson*, and (son) John Harris, p. 391.
1.1.1. Edward Harris, Jr., b. ca. 1688, d. 1740, m. Mary, dau. of Timothy Thorpe Jr. Edward Harris, Jr’s estate was appraised by Nathaniel Ridley, who also appraised the estate of John Westbrooke. The Harris family stemmed from a Westbrooke heiress.
1.1.1.1. *Henry Harris, b. ca. 1710. It may have been him who appraised the estate Edward Brantley (with *Simon Turner and Thomas Barrow), witnessed by James Brantley, rec. July 25, 1637, p. 176.
1.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, d.v.p. His Will was witnessed by *Thomas Atkinson. His estate was appraised by Thomas Purcell. 1730/31, p. 244. Harris Thomas . Appraised by Edward Brantley, John Thorp, Thomas Purcell. (Wills and Admins).

Harris, Thomas. grantee. 290 a. on the N. side of Meherrin River, and on both sides of Herberts branch. (12, 440).
Aug. 5, 1731. Floyd, Harry. grantee. 335 a. on the N. side of Meherrin River. Beg. on the N. side of Herberts branch, a corner of Thomas Harris’s land. (p. 208).
Dec. 28, 1736. Joshua Cloyd, 335 a. on the N. side of Meherrin river and on both sides of Herberts branch, a corner of Thomas Harris’s land. “Formerly granted to Harry Floyd Augt. 25, 1731”. (17, 225). This is Joshua Claud Sr. His son and namesake witnessed the Will of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
June 24, 1788. Harris, Joshua. grantee. Southampton Co. 300 a. on Herberts Swamp, adjoining John Claud, Benjamin Clifton, and land of Samuel Westbrooke, deceased. (p. 226).
1.1.2.1. Thomas Harris, m. Sarah Goodwin, cousin of Arthur Whitehead Jr., m. who (1) Isabella, dau. of Arthur Purcell, and sister of Thomas Purcell, who appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.2.1.1. Solomon Harris. The test results for a descendant with Family Tree DNA are amatch with Harris Group 4 males.
1.1.3. Henry Harris, d.v.p.
1.1.4. Nathan Harris, m. Catherine Walton; sister of Isaac Rowe Walton Sr., father of David Walton, who m. Rebecca Wyche; second-cousin of *Solomon Harris.
1.2. Robert Harris.

The logical-deductive proposition being that Harris Group 4 males were descendants of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

Of course, nothing is proved, but cannot be disproved by choices based on belief. What always needed to be asked was: what were the recorded connections of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, in terms of the witnesses and appraisers of his Will? Likewise what were the connections of his sons, Joshua and Thomas? Did they provide a link to those of their father? Simply, yes. Everything of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and his family, revolved around the family of Edward Harris Sr., brother of Robert Harris; sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. There was no peripheral kin involved.

HARRIS

1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, sister of Edward Bennett, and Thomas Bennett. The latter was the grandfather of Richard Bennett, d. 1709, whose first wife was Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’).
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, in 1623.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia, a business partner of Joseph Bridger Sr. in Bristol.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712.
1.1.1.1.2. John Harris. With his half-br., Thomas, bought land from Joseph Bridger Sr. (in 1679) that had been that of their father.

1.1.2. Edward Harris, exec. of the Will of Judith Bennett, wife of Richard Bennett, Edward’s uncle. The Will of Judith Bennett of St. Dunstans in the East, London, widow was proven by Edward Harris, executor, Nov. 23, 1638. (P.C.C. 164 Lee). Edward Harris of St. Dunstan in the East, London, merchant, aged 45, named in the Hubberday v. Penniston court case of 1641, which stated he received tobacco from Virginia with Captain Thomas Cornwallis (E.D.N., p. 7), who traded with Richard Bennett in Virginia. This Richard Bennett (Governor) was a nephew of Edward Bennett, as Edward Harris. Rice Jones patented 88 ac. in Lanc. Co., on N. Side Rappa, adj. land of Edward Harris (deceased) Sept. 2, 1652, he subsequently sold this land to Howell Powell, Jan. 22, 1652, p. 53. This land had been sold to Rice Jones by Richard Bennett, as part of his patent of Nov. 4, 1642. It is almost certain that Edward Harris also held land of this patent.
1.1.2.1. Edward Harris,* d. 1677. The estate accounts of Edward Harris Jr. inc. “100. Payd Coll. Bacon for rent”; land bought from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, Edward’s cousin. Edward’s land bordered that of Nicholas Hill (husband of Sylvesra Bennett, second-cousin of the said Thomas Harris), who gave securty for the estate of the said Thomas Harris. Edward Harris, d. 1677, was strongly connected tothe Bennett side of Harris.

BENNETT SIDE OF HARRIS – inc. Rush.

1. … Bennett.
1.1. Edward Bennett.
1.1.1. Sylvestra Bennett, m. *Nicholas Hill.
1.2. Thomas Bennett, bapt. June 15, 1580, d. June 19, 1642, Mulberry Island, Warwick Co., VA.
1.2.1. Mary Bennett, m. Richard Jackson.
1.2.1.1. Mary Jackson, m. Capt. George Hardy (by his testament), probable brother-in-law of Edward Harris. d. 1677.
1.2.2. Thomas Bennett, bapt. Nov. 5, 1603, who. m. Agnes Bearde, on July 17, 1623.
1.2.2.1. Richard Bennett, d. 1709, whose first wife was Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’)
1.2.2.1.1. William Bennett, d. 1702/3, m. (1) …
1.2.2.1.1.1. Ann Bennett, a beneficiary in the Will of Mathew Fones (1704), witnessed by Philip Pardoe, who witnessed the Will of Martha, wife of Edward Harris. Philip Pardoe’s estate was appraised by John Brantley Sr. Mathew Fones (of a Bristol family) witnessed the Will of George Hardy (1704).
1.2.2.1.1.2. Mary Bennett, m. John Hudson.
1.2.2.1.1. William Bennett, m. (2) Dorothy Rush.

1.3. Elianore Bennett.
1.3.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, in 1623.
1.3.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia.

Aug. 14, 1652. 40 a. at the head of one of the branches of Pagan Creek. Adjoining his own land, Fran. Smith, Thomas Prichard. (p. 205).
Feb. 13, 1657. 850 a. on the S. side of James River and on the N.W. and S.E. sides of the head of the sunken marsh above and below the mill. (p. 250).
June 9, 1664. 40 ac. at the head of one of the branches of Pagan Creek, adjoining his own and Francis Smith’s. (p. 273).
May 4., 1666. IOW Co. Ruffin, William. 938 a. adjacent Thomas Harris. Transportation of 19 persons. (p. 336).
May 4, 1666. Ruffin, William, grantee. 758 a. adjacent Ambrose Bennett, the Corne Sw. Transportation of 6 persons: Jonathan Dollattry, Mary Drinkwater, John Moone, Dorothy Davies, Evan Evans, Elenor Murray. (p. 335).
April 5, 1667. Marshall, Humphry. 1300 a. adjacent Mr. Fulgham, Thomas Harris or John Nevell and Mr. Hardy. 700 a. granted to John Marshall on July 12, 1665, assigned to said Humphry, his son; and 600 ac. for the transportation of 12 persons: William Serjeant, John Rice, Susan Ward, John Greenwood, John Warner, Mary Warner, Rachel Simpson, William Gimble, Ann Browne, James Nicholas, Thomas Taylor, Toby Rogers. (p. 336) .
Jan. 6, 1668. Bridger, Joseph, Capt. 1000 a. on a swamp that runs into the west branch of Nanzemond River. Formerly gtd. Thomas Harris on March 2nd 1655, and renewed in his name March, 18, 1662, and by him deserted (p. 207).
Sept. 21, 1674. Driver, Gyles.* grantee. (Headright claimed by Thomas Harris, d. 1672). 930 a., 580 a. part of the said land, was formerly gtd. him by patt. dated Octr. 26, 1662, beg.on the Cypruss swamp being corner tree of a patt. of 750 a. belonging to Ambrose Bennetts heirs. (p. 520).
April 20, 1685. Harris, John and Harris, Thomas. 365 a. on the N. side of the Ashen swamp and on the W. side of Seawards Creek near the head. (p. 441).

LANCASTER SIDE OF HARRIS – a very connected, but distinct branch.

1.2. William Harris.
1.2.1. Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, “son of William”. (“Harries”).
1.2.1.1. John Harris, bapt. Feb. 18, 1624, “son of Richard”.
1.2.1.1.1. John Harris. On Nov. 9, 1708, Samuel Lancaster was granted the administration of the estate of John Harris, his father-in-law.
Feb. 24, 1675/1676. Harris, John. grantee: 300 a. adjoin.g the land of Colo. Blake, Wm. Brin and George Spivey’s. (p. 595). Blake, cousin of the “Bennett Harris”; Spivey associated with Dewe/Kitrell.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Samuel Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. Robert Lankester, bapt. Jan. 26, 1634, in Bruton, Somerset.

1.2.1.2. Susannah Harris, m. Thomas Parnell. March 16, 1663: Georg Bryar and Rich. Lawrence transported 60 persons to Virginia, including: Thomas Harris, Ann Harris, Susan Harris (sisters?), Matthew Tomlin. Thomas Parnell’s Will mentions his “well beloved wife” Susannah. Thomas Parnell, cooper, sons Joseph and Thomas, sister Jemima Drake, wife of John Drake, overseer John Fulgham. Rec. June 9, 1688, p. 278. John Fulgham was the overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Parnell, m. John Sherrer, joint overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688; husband of his niece.
1.2.1.2. Ann Harris, m. Richard Sharpe. Wiveliscombe to Bishops Lydeard – 5 miles. (1. John Sharpe, bur. Jan. 21, 1613/4. 1.1. Richard Sharpe, m. Elizabeth White, Nov. 3, 1623. 1.1.1. Richard Sharpe?, m. Ann, sister of Thomas Harris, d. 1688).

THOMAS HARRIS DIED IN 1688 IN VIRGINIA.

1.2.1.3. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.3.1. Robert Harris, brother of William Harris, et al. Will pro. Apr. 28, 1740, p. 266-267.
1.2.1.3.1.1. Robert Harris Jr. Sept. 28, 1730. Harris, Robert, Jr. grantee. IOW. 150 a. on the S. side of the main Blackwater Swamp. (13, 156). July 25, 1746. IOW Co.. 150 a. on the S. side of the main Blackwater Swamp, and on both sides of the North fork of Black Creek. (24, 302). May 12, 1747. IOW Co.. 200 a. on the N. side of Black creek. Beg. at a corner of Thomas Mark’s land, by the side of Franks branch. (25, 597).
1.2.1.3.1.1.1. Newitt Harris, d. Feb. 1811, in Warren, NC.
1.2.1.3.1.1.2. Burwell Harris.
1.2.1.3.1.1.3. Edmund Harris, m. Mary Nicholson.
1.2.1.3.1.1.3.1. Irby Harris, m. Sally, dau. of Wilmot Egerton, on Jan. 30, 1804.
1.2.1.3.1.1.3.2. Henry Harris, m. his first cousin, Lucretia, dau. of Ann Harris and Francis Riggan, on Dec. 12, 1819.
1.2.1.3.1.1.4. Ann Harris, m. Francis Riggan.
1.2.1.3.1.1.4.1. Lucretia Riggan, m. Henry Harris, Dec. 12, 1819.

1.2.1.3.1.2. John Harris, m. a granddau. of George Moore.
1.2.1.3.1.2.1. Harmon Harris, appraised the estate of James Lancaster, with John Williamson, rec. Oct. 16, 1797, p. 15.
1.2.1.3.1.2.2. Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham, in Southampton Co.

1.2.1.3.1.3. Joseph Harris, enters 250 a. on the waters of Fishing Creek joining the lines of Davis and the County line upon the East Side of Green’s branch. Bute County, June 15, 1778. He m. Jane, dau. of John Egerton and Elizabeth, dau. of James Nicholson.
1.2.1.3.1.3.1. Martha Harris, d. 1797, m. Moses Lancaster, son of Lawrence Lancaster.

THEN WHO WAS? –

John Harris. March 25, 1762. Southampton Co. 95 a. on the N. side of Meherin River, adjoining John Wright, and Simon Harris*. (p. 1013). Will pro. 13. Dec. 13, 1764. p. 110-112. Inv. & Appr. rec. Jan. 10, 1765. March 25, 1762. Harris, Simon*. grantee. 100 a. on the north side of Maherin River adjoining Mary Boykins. (p. 1011).

SIMON HARRIS – who witnessed the Will of John Harris, supra, Will proved Dec. 13, 1764, who m. Mary Drewe. Their dau., Mary, m. Henry Harris*. Another witness of the Will of the said John Harris was Jesse Jones, as follows.

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

EDWARD HARRIS SR.

1.1. Edward Harris Sr.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.2. Edward Harris Jr.
1.1.2.1. *Henry Harris, m. Mary Harris.

ROBERT HARRIS

1.2 Robert Harris, d. 1740.
1.2.1. Robert Harris Jr., cousin of William Harris, who m. Sarah Driver, beneath given.

WILLIAM HARRIS

1.3. William Harris. He was an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, placed in the care of Bridgeman Joyner, and, as such was brought up with Bridgeman Joyner Jr.
1.3.1. John Harris, m. Mary Drewe. His Will was witnessed by his cousin, Simon Harris, and Jesse Jones, associated with Bridgeman Joyner Jr. This identification of John Harris is reasonable.

GEORGE HARRIS

1.4. George Harris, d. 1720. His Will named sons, Robert. (perhaps named for Robert, br. of George), Joseph, and William; wife Martha. A witness was John Bowen Sr., probable br.-in-law of George Harris.
1.4.1. William Harris (cousin of Robert Harris Jr.), m. Sarah Driver, dau. of William Driver, and Martha, dau. of John Bowen; son of Giles Driver, Sr., headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, who m. (1) Elizabeth (d. June 1, 1671), dau. of Richard Reynolds and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Sharpe and Ann, who, it has been claimed, was a sister of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. William Harris witnessed the Will of Joseph Pope, rec. April 13, 1749, with John Bowen Jr. and Henry Pope, p. 177. William Harris, estate appraised by John Bowen, John Dawson, Nicholas Williams; exec. wife Sarah.

William Harris to Nathan Council of IOW Co., dated Apr. 8. 1756, 100 a. adj. Bridgman Joyner Jr. W: Jesse Jones, Sarah King, and James Kitchen/Kinchen, pp. 97-98.
William Harris and (2nd) wife Charity of Halifax Co., NC, to John Council, dated Oct. 11, 1764, (1) 100 a. on the N. side of Black Creek, adj. Captain Joseph Goodwin’s old line and Gum Branch (patent to Barnaby McKinnie who sold it to George Harris who gave it to his son William), (2) 113 a. adj. Long Branch (part of patent to Joseph Godwin on July 25, 1746), who sold to John Bowin who sold to sd. William. S: William Harris and Charity Harris, W: Henry Pope, Simon Harris, and William Kitchen/Kinchen.

1.4.1.1. Prudence Harris, m. William Pope.
1.4.1.2. Simon Harris, second-cousin of John Harris who m. Mary Drewe.
Feb. 14, 1765. William Harris of the parish of Nottoway, Southampton Co., for love and good will to his son Simon Harris, etc., witness: Henry Pope. Southampton Co., B. 3, pp. 23-24: In the name of God Amen I Simon Harris in the Parish of Nottoway and Co. of Southampton, etc., names wife, Rebecca, son Joseph Harris: “my land and plantation which I purchased of Hardy Pope, son William Harris, daus. Patience & Molly Harris. Wit. Henry Pope.
1.4.1.3. Joseph Harris (by Charity Harris).

NOT TO BE CONFOUNDED WITH:

1.2.1.3.1.1. John Harris, m. Avis, dau. of Thomas White, and grandau. of George Moore.

June 6, 1666. Moore, Thomas. grantee. (Brother of George Moore). Surry Co. 400 a. in the parish of Lawes Creek bounded viz. E. on the thie swamp of the Black Water, south upon the branch that’s parts Thomas Atkinson’s land. (5, 647). George Moore’s niece was the wife of Thomas Atkinson, see as follows.
1.2.1.3.1.1.1. Harmon Harris, appraised the estate of James Lancaster, rec. Oct. 16, 1797, p. 15.
1.2.1.3.1.1.2. Joel Harris*, m. Martha Barham, in Southampton Co.
1.2.1.3.2. Edward Harris, d. 1734.
1.2.1.3.2.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, d.v.p.
1.2.1.3.3. Ann Harris, orphan, the “welbeloved daughter … to live with Mis Anne Sharpe seven years if the said Mis Anne Sharpe shall live so long”.

FOOTNOTES

BRYANT

1. Robert Bryant, m. Joan …
1.1. John Bryant, probably he bapt. June 23, 1636, in Carhampton, Somersey, ca. 10 miles from Wiveliscombe.
1.1.1. James Bryant, b. ca. 1660, d. March 11, 1731. On April 16, 1683, James Bryant received a land patent in IOW Co., for 315 ac. between Kingsale swamp and the main Blackwater, adjacent William Mayo, Richard Booth, Hodges Council, and Bridgeman Joyner, for transporting 7 persons. (Library of Virginia). Will – Bertie Precinct, NC, proved: August 9, 1732: I give and bequeath to my son William Bryant my land and plantation on ye north side of Maherrin River. Bequests to sons, James (exec.), and Thomas; Richard Braswell, John Dewe (exec.), Mathew Telar. (Taylor).
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Bryant, m. Richard Braswell. As also follows: Mathew Tomlin Sr. Leg. – John Turner; Mary Turner, my grandchild; son Mathew (Jr.) the plantation whereon Richard Braswell lives; grandson Mathew Tomlin, land adjoining John Fulgham. Ex., son Mathew. Proved Dec. 9, 1686.

1.2. James Bryant, probably he bapt. June 24, 1639, in Carhampton, Somerset, 10 miles N. of Wiveliscombe.
1.2.1. John Bryant, b. ca. 1670, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Bridgeman Joyner Sr. and Ann … (unknown).

“Bridgeman Joyner and wife, Ann Joyner, to his son-in-law John Bryan(t) and my daughter Elizabeth his wife for love and affection, 200 a. bounded by Maple Branch, being part of a patent for 800 a. granted said Joyner on Nov. 16, 1714. Rec. Nov. 26, 1716 (B. 2, p. 39). Bryant, John; Edgecomb Co. May Court, 1735: Wife: Elizabeth. Sons: William Bryant (tract of land known by the name of Ballards), Arthur Bryant, David Hopper. Friend: James Turner. Executors: Wm. Bryant and David Hooper. Witnesses: Robt. Redford. (Abstract of North Carolina Wills, 1690-1760). Bridgeman Joyner Sr. was the guardian of William Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2.1.1. William Bryant, b. ca. 1685. His Will was rec. in Edgecombe Co. May Court, 1749. (Edgecombe Co. formed from part of Bertie Co.). He m. Patience, dau. of John Dewe Jr. (grandson of Thomas Dewe*), and Susanna, dau. of Robert Shearer, son of John Shearer (b. ca. 1630, d. March 10, 1707), who witnessed the the Will of Thomas Harris, rec. Oct. 9, 1688. John Shearer’s wife was Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Parnell, and sister of Ann, who m. John Fulgham, born bef. Oct. 15, 1639, in Pitminster, Somerset, England, son of Anthony Fulgham. John Fulgham was the overseer the Will of the said Thomas Harris, who stipulated that his orphan, Robert Harris, was to live with him for three years. The English habitations of the Fulghams (Pitminster) and Harris (Wiveliscombe) were of 12 miles distant.
1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Bryant, m. Jonathon Kittrell Jr.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Rachel Milly Kittrell, m. John Harris.

DEWE

1. *Thomas Dewe. Aug. 1, 1638, Thomas Dewe was granted 400 a. “in Nansamund River, Up. Norf. Co., near the plantation of Thomas Powell. 200 a. by assignment of Thomas Powell & 200 a. due from Trans. of 4 pers”. (I, 95).
Nov. 7, 1640, Thomas Dewe, 250 a. Up. Norf. Co., “Upon his own land, running E. by S. through a reedy Poquoson etc. 50 acs. fro Trans. of 1 per. & 200 a. by assignment from John Wright“. (1, 118).
Jan. 8, 1643, Thomas Dewe, Gent. 750 a. Up. Norf. Co. “Upon the Ewd. side of the Swd. br. of Nansamund River, beg. at the mouth of Craney Cr. opposite to 2 small islands called Craney & New Haven river, & adj. Mr. Randel Crew”. 300 a. by former patent & 450 a. due for Trans. of 9 pers. His own Per. adv., Georg Speevy (Spivey) and others. (2, 151).
Dec. 2, 1643, John Carter* 300 a. Up. Norf. Co. “Upon Wwd. side of the Southern Br. of Nansamund River over against land of Mr. Thomas Dewe & near William Tucker”. (1, 150). *Father of Robert, “King Carter”.
Feb. 25, 1673/1674. Col. John Blake* 450 a. Nansemond Co and 800 a. on Mathews Cr., a br. of the S. br. of Nazemond Riv., adj. Col. Tho. Dewe & *Geo. Spivey”. (2, 142).
April 3, 1681, Col Thomas Dewe, 450 a. in Uper. Par. of Nazemond, at head of Crany Cr. issuing out of the Southern Br. Beg. in line of Hood’s neck pattent, now Francis Parker’s; to George Spivey, Senr., crossing Beaver Dam, into the maine Pocoson, and granted to Randall Crew on Nov. 12, 1640, which, after severall surrenders & descent, is in possession of sd. Col. Dewe. (2, 221). *Kinsman of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe.
April 16, 1683, Mathew Spivey, 200 a. Up. Par. of Nansimund, “Beg. nigh the Cypress Sw., corner of his brother George Spivey, to a br. called Hawkin’s Hole. (2, 258).

SPIVEY

1. …
1.1. George Spivey Sr.
1.1.1. George Spivey, b. ca. 1645.
1.1.1.1. George Spivey,* b. ca. 1670.
1.1.1.1.1. James Spivey,*
1.1.1.1.2. Jacob Spivey.* Deed of release, William Wright to Jacob Spivey. Sept. 11, 1731. Wit. George Williams, William Wright Jr., *James Spivey, p. 450.
1.1.1.1.3. Joseph Spivey. Deed of release, William Wright to Joseph Spivey, Oct. 12, 1731, same witnesses.

April 20, 1694, Mr. John Wright,* 450 a. Up Par. of Nansemond Co.: “on E. side of Saram Cr. & N. side of Bennett’s Cr. adj. James Cole. (2, 389).
March 1, 1719/20, John Dewe, 620 a. in Chowan Precinct on ye S. side of Maherrin River, joining ye S.E. side of Kerby’s Creek, John Cooper, and ye Roanoke Path.
July 15, 1721, Test: John Dewe Sr., John Dewe Jr., Rt. Hicks*. For deed from Wm. Boon to Thos. Boon Jr., 423 ac. on S. Side Meherrin River. (Hathaway 2, p. 616).

WRIGHT

1. *Mr.John Wright.
1.1. Thomas Wright.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Wright, m. William Goodwin.
1.1.1.1. Theophilus Goodwin.
1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Goodwin.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1720/30.
1.1.4.1.2.1.1. Solomon Harris, second-cousin of David Walton’s wife. He was the brother of Catherine, wife of Nathan Harris.

1.1.2. William Wright. As follows: Jonathon Kittrell to Richard Parker of Nansemond Co., 50 a. part of a patent dated July 4, 1723 to said Kittrell. Wit. *George and *James Spivey, ibid. p. 283.
Deed of release, William Wright to Jacob Spivey. Sept. 11, 1731. Wit. George Williams, William Wright Jr., James Spivey. p. 450. Deed of release, William Wright to Joseph Spivey, Oct. 12, 1731, same witnesses.
1.1.2.1. William Wright Jr.

FROME, SOMERSET

There was probably more than one centre of Somerset families that emigrated to early Virginia.

DEWE

1. John Dewe, bapt. March 16, 1582/3.
1.1. *Thomas Dewe, bapt. Jan. 28, 1609/10; associated with Mr. John Wright*.
1.2. John Dewe Sr., bapt. Oct. 6, 1611.
1.2.1. John Dewe Jr.
1.2.1.1. Sarah Dew (d.v.p.), m. William Bridger.
1.2.1.1.1. Sarah Bridger, m. James Jones, son of John Jones,* and Martha, dau. of Thomas Carter and Magdalen Moore, sister of Ann Moore, who m. Thomas White, parents of Avis White, who m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. *In 1668, his plantation is noted at Blackwater, adj. Thomas Cooke. His son, James, was the br. of Martha Jones, who m. Solomon Delk (d. 1772, IOW), having issue: Moreland Delk, who m. Unity Holliman.
1.2.1.2. Patience Dewe, m. William Bryant, extr. of his brother-in-law’s, William Bridger’s, Will, proved Bertie Co., Nov. Court, 1729.
1.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Bryant, m. Jonathon Kittrell Jr.
1.2.1.2.1.1. Rachel Milly Kittrell, m. John Harris.

WEST

1. …
1.1. Thomas West, bapt, May 17, 1579, m. Grace Lawrence, Nov. 27, 1609.
1.2. Christopher West, m. Maria Smith, Oct. 15, 1607.
1.2.1. Alice West, m. Richard Bond, Sept. 17, 1629.
1.2.1.1. Dorothy Bond?, b. ca. 1630.
1.2.1.1.1. John Bond, b. ca. 1650.
1.2.1.1.2. Frances Bond, m. John Watson (m. a sister of Richard Sharpe?).
1.2.1.1.2.1. William Watson, b. ca. 1675, “to live with Richard Sharpe”, uncle?, in 1684. His nuncupative Will states the following: “Whole estate to brother John, since his sister was unnatural to him”. Rec. June 9, 1688.
1.2.1.1.2.2. Sarah Watson (niece of Richard Sharpe?), m. Nicholas West. If so, the Harris family had connections to this family of West, through Richard Sharpe, if Richard Sharpe had m. a sister of Thomas Harris, whose Will requested that his dau., Ann, live with Mrs Ann Sharpe. May 1, 1668: Arthur Smith, Richard Sharpe, and George Smith, appraised the estate of Nicholas West.
1.2.1.1.2.3. Mary Watson, m. Mathew Tomlin Jr. She was possibly an illigitimate dau. of John Watson. Her grandmother, Dorothy Bond, did not adopt her, and Martha Fulgham, widow, took Mary into her home. Martha Fulgham was the wife of Anthony Fulgham, and mother of the overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, John Fulgham. Mary Watson, who m. (in 1685) Matthew Tomlin, Jr. (B. 2, p. 243); br. of Mary (wife of John Turner, Sr., of Isle of Wight), mother of Mary, wife of Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.1.2.4. John Watson Jr.
1.2.2. Christopher West, bapt. Aug. 25, 1616.
1.2.3. Nicholas West, bapt. Aug. 7, 1621, “son of Christopher”.
1.2.3.1. Nicholas West, bapt. Dec. 7, 1653, “son of Nicholas and Ann”.
1.2.4. Alice West, bapt. May 30, 1626, “dau. of Christopher”.

KITRELL

Old Somerset phonetic – Cohteereel = Kigheereel.

1. Nicholas Cotterill. (Status name from Old French coterel, a diminuitive of Old French cotier; cottager). There is no antecedence of a Cotterill/Cottrell presence in Wiveliscombe before the birth of John Cotterill, son of Nicholas. This is probably explained by Nicholas being of a family living near to Wiveliscombe, and having his son baptised there as a consequence of marrying someone from Wiveliscombe. In this regard, a John Cottrell m. Jane Lucar (Luker/Lokyer) on Aug. 13, 1603, in Cheddon Fitzpaine (10 miles E. of Wiveliscombe); it was their son, John Cottrell, who m. Joan Luker, on Aug. 31, 1637, in Cheddon Fitzpaine. It may be the case that Nicholas Cotterill was a younger brother of this John, or a degree of cousin. There was a Lokyer presence in Wiveliscombe after 1650; William Lokyer, son of John, was buried there on Aug. 12, 1686.

Plaintiffs: John Selleck. Defendants: Robert Lucar. Subject: property in Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset. 1658. (C 5/396/164).
Lucar v Newbrough. Plaintiffs: Emanuel Lucar, John Cotterell and Thomas Cotterell. Defendants: Jeremy Newbrough and Elizabeth Newbrough his wife. Subject: money matters, Somerset. 1652. (C 10/29/2)

1.1. John Cotterill, bapt. July 21, 1650, Wiveliscombe, 10 miles from th abodes of the Bryants and Wykes.
1.1.1. Johnathon Kittrell, b. ca. 1685, Will rec. in Chowan Co., N.C., in 1748. Jonathon Kittrell and wife Ann, to James Farlow, 100 a. on *Bennett’s Creek, Feb. 11, 1718/9. Wit. Robert Hicks, Samuel Guillams. Same to Samuel Guillams, “south end of my land mentioned in my patent”, 50 a., same date. Wit. John Williamson, Robert Hicks, clerk of Court. (James Robert Bent Hathaway, The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, p. 630). James Meglohon married Jonathan Kittrell’s widow. His Will, probated in Bertie Court July 1, 1750, named sons-in- law: William Roads, Samuel Holleyman, Christopher Holleyman. Witness: J. Early, William Rasberry, Wm. Wilford.
Jonathon Kittrell to Richard Parker of Nansemond Co., 50 a. part of a patent dated July 4, 1723 to said Kittrell. Wit. *George and *James Spivey, ibid. p. 283.
Deed of release, William Wright to Jacob Spivey. Sept. 11, 1731. Wit. George Williams, William Wright Jr., James Spivey. p. 450.
Deed of release, William Wright to Joseph Spivey, Oct. 12, 1731, same witnesses.

The Kitterell family came to N. Carolina from Nansemond and IOW Co., and settled on Bennett’s Creek in Bertie Precinct, and moved to Granville Co. in probably about 1745, Jonathon Kittrell and his wife, Ann, sold lands on Bennett’s Creek in 1718. On June 26, 1635, Richard Bennett was granted 2,000 a. on the E. side of the Nansemond River, running to Bennett’s Creek. Robert bennett, Richard’s cousin, was granted land onthe same Creek. (Boddie, “17th Century”, p. 55).

Jonathan Kittrell, of Bertie, to John Arline, of Nansemond Co., Va. 320 a. bought of John King, decd, by the patentee. 320 a. of the 640 a. being land for son John Kittrell (March 19, 1739). Test, John Kittrell, Sarah Kittrell, James Holmes; who was probably related to Edward Holmes: April 29, 1681, land grant, Upper Norfolk Parish, Nansemond Co., Mathew “Spivie”, grant “on the S. side of a branch that runs up behind Edward Holmes his now dwelling house” to “Jericoe” and “George Spivies”. (Please see SPIVEY, above given).

1.1.1.1. John Kittrell, b. ca. 1710. William Wood, to John Kittrell; Jany 5th, 1739. 50 a. on Forty Island. Test: Richard Tayloe. Same, to Samuel Parker; Jany 5th, 1739. 150 a. on Forty Island adjoining land of John Webb. Test, William Luten, William Lewis.
1.1.1.1.1. Jonathon Kittrell II,* b. ca. 1732, Will probated in Granville Co., 1812, mentioning: “My son-in-law, Jno. Harris”. He m. (ca. 1754), Elizabeth Bryant.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Rachel Milly Kittrell, b. ca. 1755, m. John Harris, b. ca. 1750 (“Pvt., 1 Regt. S. C. Continental Line, Rev. War”), son of Richard Harris.

1.1.1.1.2. John Kittrell, b. ca. 1737, m. Jemima Standley, relict of Moses Spivey, and dau. of Jonathon Standley, of Bertie Co., Will proved April 3, 1773: Sons David and Edmund; daus. Elizabeth Roades, and Jemima Kittrell; her youngest son, Joshua Spivey, dau. Esther Spivey. Son-in-law. Thomas Roades, exec. p. 486.

MINUTES OF A CONVENTION OF THE CLERGY AND LAITY OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, HELD IN Tarborough on the 12th and 13th of Nov., A. D. 1790.

Resolved, That the Reverend Doctors Micklejohn and Cutting, the Rev. Messrs. Blount, Pettigrew, McDougal and Wilson, of the Clergy, and Jonathan Kitterell, of Granville; James Mills, of Warren; Henry Hill, of Franklin; William McKinzie, of Martin; Esquires; Doctors Leigh, of Tarborough, and Dickinson, of Edenton; and Colonels Long, of Halifax, and Leech, of Newbern; of the Laity; be appointed a Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in this State. Any two of the Clergy, with two of the Laity, aforesaid, may receive applications from, and give recommendations to, all candidates for Holy Orders, which recommendation shall be a sufficient voucher to said candidate to obtain the signatures of a majority of the whole Committee, agreeably to the sixth Canon agreed to and ratified in General Convention, held in Philadelphia on the 16th of October, 1789. (Sketches of Church History in North Carolina: Episcopal Church. Diocese of North Carolina).

MOORE AND PARNELL

A failing of an understanidng of the Moore family is to not recognise their connections to the Vasser and Parnell families.

1. …
1.1. George Moore, m. Jane Barcroft, ca. 1660, dau. of Charles Barcroft*.
1.1.1. Magdalen Moore, d. aft. 1737, m., ca. 1678, Thomas Carter.
1.1.2. Elinor Moore, m. Richard Piland.
1.1.3. Ann Moore, b. ca. 1665, d. 1742, m. Thomas White.
1.1.3.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, son of Robert Harris, son of *Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2. Katherine Moore, m. (1) …
1.2.1. Joyce, m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps.
1.2.2. Margaret, m. John Vasser, Will dated Jan. 14, 1650, in IOW. (Chapman Wills. p. 1).
1.2.2.1. Peter Vasser, m. Margaret Cripps, dau. of George Cripps, and Joyce, dau. of Katherine Moore (sister of George Moore). 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 a. … 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 a. 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”. (The relationship between Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and his namesake (d. 1688) would have been no more distant than second-cousins, a remark also pertinent to Edward Harris, d. 1677, they having a common ancestor, born ca, 1530).

1.2.2.2. Mildred Vasser, m. Thomas Parnell, cooper, an occupation explaining his association with the vintner, *Chares Barcroft, his son- in-law, James Sampson, and the Carters. His Will was proved June 9, 1688, mentioning a John Parnell (Chapman, p. 28), probably his brother, whose Will was dated Jan. 17, 1715/16, naming sons Thomas, James, Benjamin, and Joseph (Chapman Wills, pp. 56, 75).

Thomas Parnell m. (2) Susannah* …. March 16, 1663: Georg Bryar and Rich. Lawrence transported 60 persons to Virginia, including: Thomas Harris, Ann Harris, *Susan Harris (sisters?), Matthew Tomlin. Thomas Parnell’s Will mentions his “well beloved wife” Susannah. Thomas Parnell, cooper, sons Joseph and Thomas, sister Jemima Drake, wife of John Drake, overseer John Fulgham. (Rec. June 9, 1688, p. 278). John Fulgham was the overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2.2.2.1. Elizabeth Parnell, m. John Sherrer,* joint overseer of the Will of the said Thomas Harris.
1.2.2.2.1.1 Elizabeth Sherrer, m. John Dewe.
1.2.2.2.1.1.1. Patience Dewe, m. William Bryant.
1.2.2.2.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Bryant, great-granddau of *John Sherrer, m. Jonathon Kittrell Jr.
1.2.2.2.2. Ann Parnell, m. John Fulgham, overseer of that Will.

1.2.3. Susannah, m. Thomas Atkinson, on Sept. 10, 1669.
1.2.3.1. Thomas Atkinson, witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Sr., and Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (Father and son?).

July 1643. Wright, John. grantee. Upper Norfolk Co.. 250 a. lying on a branch of the S. branch of Nansamond River opposite to a parcel of land of Thomas Atkinson. (1, 878).
June 6, 1666. Moore, Thomas. grantee. Surry Co. 400 a. in the parish of Lawes Creek bounded viz. east on the thie swamp of the Black Water, south upon the branch thats parts Thomas Atkinson’s land. (5, 647).
August 20, 1748. Atkinson, Thomas. grantee. 350 a. on the S. side of the main Blackwater swamp. Beg. on the E. side of the meadow branch, a corner tree of Wm. Kitchen’s (Kinchen) and James Atkinson’s lands.

SUMMARY

Ancestors are who they are thought to be. For some there is a strong cirumstantial case for a Harris family of Virginia having stemmed from Thomas Harris, who died in 1688. I now agree. As a much younger person, I was taught by a tutor who believed that all associations between families, and between seperate branches of the same family, could be discerned by associations to land. It was invariably the case that those related were neighbours; you did not have strangers at your gate. His tutor, a renowned historian, had taught him this. When I have tried to identify the father of the Thomas Harris who died in 1729/30, the connection to the Bennett side of Harris was given too much weight; that is, the Thomas Harris who died in 1672, and his son, Thomas Harris, who died in 1712, were given as grandfather and father of he who died in 1729/30. Wrongly so, in hindsight, even though the Thomas of 1729/30 witnessed the Will of John Scott, grandson of a business partner of Thomas Harris who died in 1672. This can be viewed as a relationship between the Harris family in general (the branches of the Thomas’s of 1672 and 1688 (second-cousins). The family of Thomas, d. 1672 (and his son, Thomas), did not have any connection to those who witnessed and appraised the Wills and estates of the Thomas of 1729/30, and his son, Joshua. Thus, they were peripheral kin, and like other peripheral kin (the Edward Harris who died in 1677, and his son, Edward), they had no connection to those associated with the witnesses and appraisers of the the family of Thomas Harris of 1729/30. Tellingly, they had no connection to the land grants associated with that family. These associations were totally confined to the family of Edward Harris Sr., son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

Sometimes it is important to remember what we have been taught.

If Marcus Aurelius had have been a genealogist his first principle would have been: “Follow the land” – what need did it really serve? The bonding of familial kin.

It would be a simple thing, from the above-given data, to construct a “Harris chart”, so that is left to others.

Deduce for yourself, and be brave enough to claim your ancestry, even though others have staked a claim.

Understand the historical and social context that shaped the Harris family of Wiveliscombe (extensively given in previous posts), so that ancestors are not presented as a succession of who-begat-who accounts, as dry as old twigs, but, rather, give them the respect of acknowledging their customs, and the immense forces that designed to keep them locked into the lower rungs of the English hierarchial system. Ponder, did their descendants ever escape the lower rungs of a new (American) hierarchial system; a replication of the older one?

I leave this (deliberately) repetitive post with many things worth following up on; perhaps by a younger generation; perhaps not, unfortunately.

At this Festive Season, in a time of conflicting interests of elites,, which is the one central constant of history, I wish for anyone reading this:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace“.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon, 2024.