INTRODUCTION
i.
How is it possible to deduce the ancestry of “Mr.” Edward Brantley, who died between March 30, 1688 and January 1689 in the Upper Parish, Isle of Wight Co., Virginia? It can only be done by applying the methods of “naturalistic” research to genealogy. Put simply, this method studies the subject of interest in its own social environment.
ii.
The “social environment” that Edward Brantley lived in was of post-medieval England, where families clung to (medieval) norms of the past when deciding on marriage plans for their offspring. Such planning were seen as a vital measure of security in a turbulent world, and almost invariably involved arranging marriages between kinfolk – those related by blood (marriages between first cousins, and between second cousins, were commonplace); and those who were kin through marriage, either directly into a family, or into a family intermarried into that family. It was a matrix of survival, which provided co-operation between elements within the kinship circle, often underpinning joint business ventures.
iii.
Edward Brantley’s social circle is recorded here: Samuel Elbridge, merchant of Bristol. Dying intestate, adm. requested by Thomas Moore who m. the relict. Security: George Moore (first-cousin of Thomas Moore); and Mr. (Edward) Brantlie, June 21, 1665, p. 10.
iv.
Samuel Elbridge was a partner of Robert Flake Sr., the second husband of Katherine Moore, sister of Thomas Moore. This informs much of Edward Brantley’s “social environment”. He was: (1) a person (designated “Mr.”) of high social standing, on par with the Moore family of Bristol, which, themselves, were intermarried into the elite merchant class of that city. (2) He was almost certainly involved in the Bristol-Virginia tobacco trade, as the Moores. (3) He was almost certainly of some familial connection to the Moores, as it an integral part of the social environment of his time was that “security” was the reserved province of “kin”.
v.
In that records do not exist of any direct marriage between Edward Brantley and the Moores, it is most likely that he was “kin through marriage, either directly into a family, or into a family intermarried into that family”. In this respect, it seems pertinent that he and his descentants were associated with the descendants of Thomas Harris, who d. in 1672, in Virginia.
vi.
The following paragraph is a synopsis of the data given in more detail hereinafter, given so as to give a “snapshot”; an immediate sense of Edward Brantley’s “social environment”: 1. … Blake. 1.1. Judith Blake, m. Thomas Harris, nephew of Edward Bennett, who was: (1) father of Silvestra Bennett, who m. Nicholas Hill, who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, rec. Nov. 13, 1672, the security of the estate being given by John Newman, br.-in-law of Thomas Harris, and Edward Brantley; he acting in the capacity of “peripheral” kin. (2) Business partner of Edward Robins, whose attorney was Thomas Joyner, father of Bridgeman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, who. d. in 1688. 1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. in 1672. 1.1.1.1. John Harris, appraised the estate of William Groves, with Edward Brantley, and Elias Fort. Rec. Feb. 9, 1678. (B. 2, p. 172). 1.2. … Blake. 1.2.1. Thomas Blake, m. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare, Somerset, sister of Mary Champion, bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, who very likely m. Edward Brantley. Their brother, Edward Champion, m. Priscilla Moore, sister (n.b.) of Thomas Moore. Another sister, Phyllis, m. Elias Forte. Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, “secured” by Thomas Moore and John Newman, the estate being appraised by Edward Brantley, whose family were of Bengeworth/Evesham, Worcestershire, and which intermarried with the Tandy family of that place. The Brantleys had very influential Godparents, including a member of the Watson family. In Virginia, we find a John Watson whose relict m. Henry Tandy; John Watson having previously m. Sarah, relict of Nicholas West. Their son, William West, m. Sarah Hill, dau. of Sylvestra Bennett and Nicholas Hill, aforementioned. What is evidenced here is a “continuation of associations”; an English “social environment” being transferred to Virginia.
vii.
In Elizabethan England, Godparents became “relatives” in a very real sense, with children being named in their honour. They were often called on to mediate in disputes, especially involving money matters. People were asked to be Godparents, and it was a case for celebration if a eminent person consented. The Brantleys, in this regard, had much to celebrate.
viii.
This account gives a notion of Edward Brantley’s association with two seperate families of Harris, both eminating from within the Bristol basin, Edward Brantley’s “catchment area”. They were integral to his “social environment”, and assist in explaining his relationship to those he was involved with in Virginia land transacions and Wills – a relationship based largely on shared associations with the Blake family; neighbours and “kinsman” of Edward Brantley in Virginia.
ix.
THE BRANTLEY FAMILY OF BENGEWORTH/EVESHAM (amalgamated in civic terms in 1603).
1. … 1.1. John Brantley, bur. Oct. 5, 1592, m. a sister of Thomas Haye, June 26, 1563, in Bengeworth, Worcestershire. (All records from Bengeworth, other than stated). 1.1.1. Alice Brantley, bapt. July 17, 1564 Godmothers: Marrian Dacle, Elnor Byshop. Godfather: Thomas Haye. 1.1.2. Margaret Brantley, bapt. Sept. 27, 1565, d. inf. 1.1.3. John Brantley, bapt. Oct. 1, 1566 (Godfather: Richard Haye, br. of Thomas, husband of Margaret Haye*); bur. Dec. 10, 1584. 1.1.4. Margaret Brantley, bapt. April 25, 1568. 1.1.5. Elizabeth Brantley, bapt. Sept. 21, 1574. Godfather: Richard Haye. Godmother: Margarett Baylis. 1.1.6. George Brantley, bapt. March 6, 1576. 1.1.7. Ann Brantley, bapt. Dec. 6, 1579. Godmothers: Anne Dacle, Anne James. Godfather: John Dacle.** 1.1.8. Richard Brantley, bapt. Dec. 1. 1585.1.1.9. Thomas Brantley, bapt. Dec. 31, 1587. Godfather: (n.b.)Thomas Watson. Godmother: Mrs. Elizabeth Egioke. (She was the wife of Richard Egioke, br. of John Egioke, the father of Sir Francis Egioke;*** the father of Mary Egioke, wife of William Ligon, of Madresfield, ob. 1680. The Egiokes took their name from their manor in Inkberrow, Worc.
x.
*MARGRET HAY, LATE OF THIS PARISH OF SAINT LARONS, DESESED, HEARE HATH PRESENTED AND GEVEN THIS COMMVNION TABLE AS HER WIDOWES MITE- DESIRING ALL GOOD CHRISTIANES TO IMETATE THIS HER GODLY DEVOCION AND LOVE TOWARDES THE CHVRCH, BOTH IN LIF AND DETH, 1610. (St. Lawrence, Evesham).
xi.
** His descendant was: “To the memory of John Deacle, Esq., native of this Parish, who tho’ of obscure extraction, yet by the Divine Blessing on his industry acquired an ample fortune, was made an Alderman of London, left a monument of his benevolence & gratitude to the place of his birth”. (Evesham, St, Lawrence). John deacle, Esq., by his last will, dated July 24, 1706, gave two thousand pounds to settle a Free-School in Bengworth, for teaching, cloathing, and setting out of thirty poor boys apprentices, which school is settled by his nephew and executor of the same name”.
xii.
*** “The epitaph of the most pious and excellent of men, Francis Egioke of Egioke in the county of Worcestershire, Gent., his life and reputation entirely blameless, most excellent champion of the muses, of the soldiery, of the poor; who, setting out from London on a journey to Worcestershire departed this life in Uxbridge on the 21st day of November 1622: his ashes are laid here. His most beloved and deeply sorrowing wife, Eleanor, daughter of Francis Dingley, Gent., in the same county of Worcestershire, placed this monument here as a token of her love and obedience”. (St. Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey).
xiii.
BRANTLEY AND TANDY
1.2. William Brantley, bailiff of Evesham, m. Julyan Woode, 1547, in Offenham, juxta Bengeworth. 1.2.1. Thomas Brantley, m. (1587) Christian Burley, dau. of “Gyles Byrleye”, bapt. July 16, 1542, in Bengeworth. 1.2.1.1. Thomas Brantley, bapt. Dec. 31, 1587. (His Godfather was Thomas Watson, son of Thomas Watson.* 1.2.1.2. Edward Brantley, d. inf. 1.2.1.3. John Brantley, m. Ann Tandy, dau. of Robert Tandy Sr. Boswood v Horne. Plaintiffs: John Boswood. Defendants: John Horne, Elizabeth Horne his wife, Robert Francklyn, John Brantly, and Edward Field. Subject: personal estate of the deceased Robert Tandy, of Worcestershire. 1657. (C 6/137/7 ). This Robert Tandy (Jr.) was very likely the brother-in-law of John Brantley, and the husband of Anne … whose Will was probated on May 10, 1654. Will of Anne Tandy or Tandey, Widow of Abbots Morton, Worcestershire. (PROB 11/235/269). She named sons, Edward Tandy and Roger Tandy; her witness being David Powell. 1.2.1.4. Robert Brantley. 1.2.1.4.1. John Brantley. 1.2.1.4.1.1. William Brantley, bapt. Jan. 17, 1640. 1.2.1.5. William Brantley. 1.2.1.5.1. William Brantley, bapt. Nov. 1, 1613, in All Saints, Evesham.
xiv.
*Epitaph in St. Peter’s, Bengeworth: THOMAS WATSON BORN IN EVESHAM & FREE HOLDER OF THIS TOWN IN HIS LYFE THARE A GOOD BENEFACTOR TO THE POORE AND CAREFULL FOR THE GOOD QUIET & REPOSE OF HIS NEIGHBOURS. RESTETH HEERE IN THE ASSURED HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION AND LEFT ISSEW BY AGNES HIS FIRSTE WYFE. V. SONNS AND. V. DAUGHTERS AND BY ELIZABETH HIS SECOND WIFE ONESONN AND THRE DAUGHTERS. HE DIED IN THE YERE OF OUR LORDE 1561 & OF HIS AGE LXX.
xv.
THE GOODRICH ASSOCIATION
1.2.2. Robert Brantley, m. Joan Goodrich, Oct. 16, 1589, in St. Mary, Cheltenham, 15 mls fr. Evesham, dau. of Robert Goodrich, whose family are recorded in Cheltenham Manorial Court records: On Sept. 8, 1610, before Henry Norwood, a record was made if the death of “Elianor Gooderich relict of Walter Gooderich late tenant in base tenure of 2 messuages with appurtenances lying in Ham in Charlton Kings has died since the last court”.
xvi.
(1. Henry Norwood, bur. April 10, 1618, 12 miles from Wiveliscombe. 1.2. Richard Norwood. 1.2.1. William Norwood, bapt. Sept. 6, 1619, Dunster, d. 1702, in Virginia. “Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Branch one large pewter dish”. Elizabeth Branch (her Will was probated on March 7, 1703), was the dau. of George Branch, son-in-law of Francis England. 1.2.1.1. Richard Norwood (4th son) – appraisal by Edward Brantley, Oct. 25, 1731).
xvii.
Joan Goodrich was certainly closely related to Richard Goodrich, father of Roger Goodrich, bapt. Feb. 9, 1606, and Richard Goodrich, bapt. Jan. 24, 1608, in Charlton Kings, the incomplete records of which probably hide: John Goodrich, 1616-1698, by deposition. He witnessed the Will of Joyce Cripps, recorded June 9, 1679 (W&D B. 2, p. 202), which mentioned: “the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England … Godson James Bennett”. (1). He was also an overseer named in the Will of Francis England; a witness being Richard Bennett (2). He was the father of Capt. John Goodrich (Will recorded June 9, 1696), who m. Anne, dau. of Edward Bechinoe, of Bristol; an appraiser of the estate of Edward Harris, who d. in 1677. (3) Edward Bechinoe’s estate was appraised, on June 9, 1679, by Richard Bennett. (2). Captain John Goodrich was the father of John Goodrich Jr. (neighbour of Edward and James Brantley. Newport Parish, IOW Co., Vestry Book, Feb. 12, 1727), whose Will named Robert Kae, of Bristol, as overseer; who had witnessed the Will of George Bechinoe ; the admin. being George Moore (4) of Bristol.
xviii.
Essentially, the Goodrich family were of Charlton Kings, and were neighbours of William Driver, recorded in Cheltenham Manorial Court Records, of April 29, 1650 (f. 56), in which Walter Currier and John Holder gave witness that William Driver, clerk, granted to Giles Driver, of Rendcombe Glos. gent., his homestead in Charlton Kings. William and Giles were brothers; the latter being claimed as an headright by Thomas Harris, who d. in 1672, in Virginia (5) whose Will was witnessed by Edward Brantley Sr. Giles Driver appraised the estate of Bridgman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688 (6), which was recorded Dec. 4, 1719. (G.B. 23).
xix.
EDWARD AND BRANTLEY AND THOMAS HARRIS, D. 1672.
Thomas Harris (5) was the son of Judith Blake, bapt. ca. 1604, who m. Thomas Harris, in 1624, in Wiveliscombe, Somerse (b. ca. 1600), son of Richard Harris,* who m. Eleanor Bennett, Oct. 8, 1594, in Wiveliscombe; the sister of (1) Edward Bennett, business partner of Edward Robins (whose attorney was Thomas Joyner, whose son was the guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and father of Silvestra Bennett, who m. Nicholas Hill, who (with Edward Brantley Sr.) witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris (5). Judith Blake was the aunt of Thomas Blake, bapt. ca. 1625, who m. Alice Champion, bapt. March 17, 1632, in Meare, sister of Mary Champion, bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, who, it is proposed, m. Edward Brantley Sr. Thomas Blake’s land in Virginia was immediately S. of (his br.-in-law) Edward Brantley’s land, which was E. of Francis England’s land, having a contiguous border.
xx.
(2) Richard Bennett, bapt. March 1, 1566, d. 1601; to whom: Thomas Bennett, b. ca. 1590, listed in the 1624 census on the south of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek; to whom: Richard Bennett (2), d. 1709; to whom: James Bennett (1), and 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. Mathew Fones witnessed the Will of George Hardy (1704), Martha’s father. Philip Pardoe’s wife was Jane George, dau. of John George (and cousin of the first wife of Thomas Harris (4). Their dau., Joyce Pardoe, m. Phillip Brantley, grandson of Edward Brantley Sr.
xxi.
(*Another son of Richard Harris was almost certainly Edward Harris, who settled on the land patented by Richard Harris (2), patented on Nov. 4, 1642; a neighbour being Rice Jones, to whom Richard Bennett sold land: 88 ac. in Lanc. Co., on N. Side Rappa, adj. land of Edward Harris (deceased) Sept. 2, 1652. He was almost certainly the father of Edward Harris, d. 1677, husb. of Martha, dau. of George Hardy).
xxii.
John Harris, son of Thomas Harris (4) m. a dau. of Francis Hobbes, who sold Edward Brantley Sr. 675 ac. (between Francis England and Thomas Took) on Feb. 8, 1667; wit. Thomas Moore, John Davis. Joseph Bridger, esq. (on July 22, 1678), sold to John and Thomas Harris the tract of land he formerly sold Thomas Harris, their father, by Capt. Frances Hobbs and his wife, formerly belonging to Nathaniel Floyd and to Bridger (business partner of the father of Thomas Harris (4) in Bristol. (see previos notes). John Harris appraised the estate of William Groves, with Edward Brantley Sr. and Elias Fort. Rec. Feb. 9, 1678. (B. 2, p. 172)
xxiii.
EDWARD BRANTLEY AND THOMAS HARRIS, D. 1688.
The Brantley connection to Thomas Harris, d. 1688: 1. John Champion, m. Christian Tutton, Jan. 24, 1585. 1.1. John Champion, bapt. June 6, 1595, m. Agnes Rowley, April 23, 1627. John Champion was a headright of Richard Jackson (in IOW in 1637); the father of Mary Jackson, wife of George Hardy, and mother-in-law of Edward Harris, d. 1677. 1.2. Edward Champion, bapt. Apr. 27, 1601, m. Elizabeth Rowley, Jan. 15, 1623. 1.2.1. Mary Champion bapt. Nov. 18, 1627, m. Edward Brantley Sr. 1.2.2. Alice Champion, m. Thomas Blake, cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.2.3. Edward Champion, bapt. Nov. 4, 1633, m. Priscilla Moore, sister of Thomas Moore*, b. 1632, whose surety for his marriage to Elizabeth Elbridge was given by the said Edward Brantley (Mr.). 1.2.4. Phyllis Champion, m. Elias Forte. Phillis Fort was granted administration of her husband’s estate on March 10, 1678, secured by Thomas Moore and John Newman, br.-in-law of Thomas Harris (4), the estate being appraised by Edward Brantley Sr. Thomas Moore was the first-cousin of George Moore, who had issue: (1) Ann, who m. Thomas White. Their estate was appraised between March 22, 1741 and July 26, 1742 by Thomas Day, John Goodrich Jr., and Edward Brantley.* (Chapman, Wills, p. 142). Their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. (2) Eleanor Moore, who m. Richard Piland, the son of James Piland, bapt. on Aug. 30, 1604, in St Mary’s Le Porte, Bristol, headright of Francis England, in 1642. Thomas Moore was the br. of Katherine Moore, who m. (2) Robert Flake, a tobacco factor for Bristol merchants. By her first husband, she had issue: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England, (2) George Cripps.* This Edward Brantley appears to be the son of James Brantley, son of Edward Brantley, son of Phillip Brantley (and Joyce Lewis), son of Edward Brantley Sr. Evidently, Francis England was a link in common to several families involved in the Virginia/Bristol tobacco trade.
xxiv.
TWO DISTINCT FAMILIES OF HARRIS
Thomas Harris, d. 1688, was not a son of his namesake, d. 1672. Two distinct families of Harris, living 30 miles apart, were deeply connected by the marriages of those they married, which leads to the apparent “continuation of association” (by blood) between these families. Their bonds were deep but thinner than blood. They were tightened by self interest; an instinct to survive. Most families of the emigrant tobacco-growing class of south Somerset would have wished some connection to the Bennetts (of political advantage, and economic advantage, through their intermarriage with the tobacco-exporting Blands); and with important merchant families of Bristol, such as the Moores and Barkers, the controllers of much of the tobacco trade. It made for genealogy being a “stew”; once mixed and cooked it is hard to seperate the peas from the carrots.
xxv.
THOMAS HARRIS, D. 1688
Thomas Harris, who d. in 1688, in Virginia: 1. John Gardner, d. 1677. 1.1. John Gardner, m. Mary Coomer, Oct. 24, 1664, in Cheddar. John Gardner, dying intestate admin. requested by relict, Mary. Security Thomas Joyner (br. of Bridgeman Joyner), James Gardner,* 1684, p. 56. 1.2. Joel Gardner. 1.2.1. Jane Gardner, m. James Counsell, June 12, 1682, in Cheddar, cousin of John Counsell, who m. Alice, the relict of Richard Jeffries. Richard Jeffries, dying intestate, administration requested by John Counsell, who married the relict of the said Jeffries, Aug. 9, 1666. Security, Mr. (Francis) England, husband of Joyce, niece of George Moore, and cousin of Ann Moore, mother of Avis White, wife of a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. 1.2.2. Elizabeth Gardner, who m. George Tibbits, May 1678, in Cheddar, sister of Hester Tibbits, who m. Thomas Harris (b. 1637) (as second wife), Apr. 24, 1679, in Cheddar; Hester Harris d. 1680, probably in childbed. Thomas Harris, d. 1688 in Virginia, is not recorded there before 1681. 1.2.3. *James Gardner.
xxvi.
BENNETT, CARTER, ROBINS, AND PITWAY
An essential connection between the Brantleys and family of Thomas Harris (4) was that of Robins, of Shipston-on-Stour; ca. 12 mls. fr. Evesham/Bengeworth. 1 … Robins. 1.1. Anne Robins, m. John Pitway, Nov. 25 1583. He was the br. of Edward Pitway, who m. Elizabeth Cotterel, Nov. 30, 1587, having issue: (1) Stephen Pitway, who m. (1) Elizabeth Robins,* (2) Ann Carter, on Oct. 24, 1641, in Shipston-on-Sour. (2) Edward Pitway, who m. Bridget Carter, May 2, 1629, in Shipston-on-Stour. These Carters were desc. of William Carter, who m. Joan Lockley, Oct. 14, 1576, in Shipston-on-Stour.
xxvii.
Edward Pitway’s son, Edward Pitway, m. his cousin, Elizabeth Carter, dau. of “Mrs. Alice Carter”. Their dau, Elizabeth, m. Samuel Judkin Jr. 1.2. Edward Robins, m. Joan Pitway, sister of John and Edward, on Nov. 25, 1583; he m. (2) Christian Hosier, May 1, 1587. 1.2.1. Edward Robins, business partner of Edward Bennett (great-uncle of Thomas Harris, d. 1672) removed to London. Bridgman Joyner, guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, was a son of Thomas Joyner, the immigrant; transportee and “late servant and attorney unto Edward Robins, merchant, deceased”. Edward Bennett gave affidavit in the High Court of Admiralty, London Aug. 24 1635, stating that goods returned from Virginia on the “Revenge” belonged equally to Edward Robins and himself. 1.2.2. Elizabeth Robins, m. *Stephen Pitway, April 23, 1619. He m. (2), his cousin, Ann Carter, on Oct. 24, 1641.
xxviii.
QUAKER SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA
“During the Heat of this Persecution (against Quakers) at Worcester, the Mayor and other Magistrates of the Borough of Evesham proceeded with like Severity, for on the 16th of the Month called January 1660, Joshua Frensham, Edward Pitway the Elder, and James Wall, were taken out of their own Houses, and for refusing to Swear, committed to Prison; as were on the next Day twenty others, who were taken at a Meeting there, (inc. John Tandy, Joseph Tandy) … On the 20th of the same Month were taken out of the Meeting at Evesham forty five Persons, and by the Mayor and Recorder committed to Prison (inc. Francis Pitway, Joane Tandy, Anne (Tandy) Brantly, wife of John Brantley, Edward Pitway jun., and Elizabeth Pitway … And on the 27th, the following fourteen were taken out of a Meeting, and also committed, (inc. Anne Brantly, Francis Pitway, Elizabeth Pitway, and Margaret Tandy). (Joseph Besse, A Collection of the Sufferings of the People Called Quakers, v. ii., p. 62, 1752).
xxix.
BRANTLEY AND GRAVISON
1.2.2.1. Edward Brantley. Tickeridge v Staples. Plaintiffs: Thomas Tickeridge, younger son of Thomas Tickeridge, son and executor of Nicholas Tickeridge, gent. Defendants: Alexander Staples, gent, William Byddell, yeoman, William Byddell, his son, and Robert Brantly, yeoman, Edward Brantly, his son, and Edward Bickerson, his servant. Subject: Forcible entry and damage at Evesham by colour of a sham Chancery injunction. 1607. (STAC 8/283/22). 1.2.2.1.1. Edward Brantley, m. (Aug 1, 1610), “Ann Graveston”,* in Saint Swithin, Worcester, 13 mls. fr. Evesham 1.2.2.1.1.1. Edward Brantley, of Virginia, b. ca, 1615; this being one conjecture, and probably the most realistic one, given that this (conjectured) Edward Brantley’s great-grandmother would have been Joan Goodrich. Iwould, howver, suggest that Thomas Brantley (bapt. Dec. 31, 1587, Godson of Thomas Watson), heretofore given, should be considered as a possible father of Edward Brantley, of Virginia.
xxx.
Ann Gravison was the dau. of John Gravison: Writ to the Sheriff to arrest Thomas Price of Ribbesford, Andrew Dallowe, John Gravison of Evesham, and Robert Dylworth, of Hanbury. June 1, 1602 . (Worc. Archive, 1/1/15). They probably fell foul of the law for “keeping an alehouse without license”, as charged against “Andrew Dallowe of Rocke Husbandman”. (1609, ibid. 1/1/73). John Gravison was a witness of the Will of Anthony Langston, proven Dec. 2 8, 1633, burgess, Evesham, 1610; 3rd s. of Henry Langston (d. 1591) of Sedgeberrow, Worcs. and Anne dau. of Thomas Darston of Hinton, Glos. He m. by 1597, Judith, dau. of Richard Bayly, bailiff of Ludlow, 1581.* Anthony Langston was the br. of “Thomas Langston at Evesham”, who brought a suit of law against Francis Dyngeley (Dyneley), Esq., father-in-law of Sir Francis Egioke. (STAC 8/205/17). *Fellow bailiff of Thomas Blashfield, and Thomas Langford; these being familial to the Harris family of Ludlow, which is ca. 45 miles N.W. of Evesham, on the road passing through Worcester.
xxxi.
HAYE AND WATSON GODPARENTS
1. John Watson, m. Agnes Yonge. 1.1. Thomas Watson, d. 1561, m. Agnes Weekes, in 1544. He purchased part of the former Evesham Abbey estate and the lordship of Bengeworth, across the River Avon from Evesham. 1.1.1. Thomas Watson, m. (1) Elizabeth Gotesley, Nov. 26, 1547. Bengeworth, release from Thomas Watson, the younger (Godparent of Thomas Brantley, bapt. Dec. 31, 1587, as given), of the Inner Temple, to Thomas Watson, the elder, of Bengeworth, of property in Bengeworth, lately belonging to Evesham Abbey. March 1, 1545 (Warwickshire Record Office, L3/391-2). 1.1.1.1. John Watson, bapt. Dec. 20, 1551; br. of Elizabeth Watson (b. ca. 1545), who m. Robert Haye, Dec. 9, 1561, br. of Thomas Haye, whose sister (a Brantley matriarch) m. John Brantley, bur. Oct. 5, 1592, as given.
xxxii.
1.1.2. John Watson, Bishop of Winchester. His memorial stone (in Winchester Cathedral), reads: “John Watson, Dean and then Bishop, a very wise father, a very good man, tender especially towards the needy. He died in the Lord January 23rd. In the 63rd, year of his age, the 4th of his Bishopric, 1583. Sir Francis Walsingham was his overseer. 1.1.3. William Watson, of Aldington, Worc., m. Alice Egioke. (see 1.1.9). Order by Sir Foulke Greville Knight a Justice of the Peace for the Counties of Warwick and Worcester to the Sheriff and others to forbear the arrest of John Egioke of Bendgworth Gentleman who has found as his sureties Thomas Watson and John Nash Gentleman for his appearance and for his keeping the peace towards John Robinson of Alcester Yeoman. 3 June 1602. (Worc. Arch., 1/1/15/57).
xxxiii.
BRANTLEY AND PITWAY
1.1.3.1. John Watson, officer of arms at the College of Arms; m. Anne, the dau. of George Dethick, the Registrar of the Court of Chivalry. When Evesham was stormed by Colonel Massey, he secured himself amongst his friends until he found opportunity to escape. Before Evesham was taken, Mr. Pitway,* refusing to drink health to the confusion of Parliament, Watson ran at Pitway with sword drawn, and being stopped by a person in the room, he fell down and broke his leg. (Committee For the Advance of Money: p. 2, 1645-50). His armorial: Azure, with a fesse ermine between three Suns in splender Proper. (*Edward Pitway, the Innkeeper of the Red Lion in Evesham, and supporter of the Parliament side in the Civil war; explaining the dispute with John Watson, a royalist. Pitway was a Burgess of Evesham and later (1648) the Mayor). 1.1.3.2. Thomas Watson, died Feb. 27, 1687, aged 77, per inscription, St. Lawrence, Evesham. Richard Ligon. Defendants: Thomas Watson and Thomas Watson (his son), Henry Jackson, Mary Jackson his wife, Elizabeth Russell, widow and others. Subject: personal estate of John Egiock, Feckenham, Worcestershire. 1666. (C 10/82/70).
xxxiv.
DORMER, LIGON, NORWOOD, AND WALKER
The families of this account, holding land of the Norwoods of Cheltenham Manor, would have been familiar with such distinguished members of that Manor as the Ligons and Fleetwood Dormer: Cheltenham Manorial Court, held March 29, 1654: Fleetwood Dormer esq. and his wife Katherine in person surrender for themselves for their lifetimes, remander to joint heirs and if no issue to heirs of Fleetwood, all their customary lands in Arle (details given). [f. 116]. These lands all in Arle being heretofore of John Ligon esq., the late father of Katherine Fleetwood, and surrendered to Katherine his eldest daughter; also all other holdings of Fleetwood Dormer in Cheltenham (f. 134). Katharine Ligon, m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, niece of Rowland Harris, and first-cousin of John Harris (b. Ludlow, Shropshire, 1604, father of Major William Harris, of Virginia), son of Rowland Harris and Judith Langford. A descendant of her br., also Judith Langford, m. Tandy Walker, b. Dec. 13, 1714 in St. Peter’s Parish, son of Sylvanus Walker,* as follows.
xxxv.
WATSON AND TANDY IN VIRGINIA
Thomas Watson (the son of Thomas Watson, d. 1677), was very likely the elder br. of John Watson, b. ca. 1637, of Virginia, who m. Priscilla … who m. (2) Henry Tandy, as follows: 1. Richard Tandy, of Abbot’s Morton, whose Will was proved on Sept. 5, 1550. 1.1. Robert Tandy, recorded in a licence of 1586 for Edward Hoby to alienate lands in Abbots Morton , Worcestershire, to Henry Ballarde , Robert Tandy , William Godfrey, Henry Tandy. 1.1.1. Robert Tandy Jr. 1.1.2. John Tandy. Indictment of John Webber, Thomas Hemeing, and John Beard of Dunnington, husbandmen, for stealing a white sheep of the value of 2s; the goods of John Tandy at Abbotts Morton. 1643. (Worcestershire Arcives, 1/1/78/49). 1.1.3. Henry Tandy Jr., b. ca. 1610. Last will and testament of John Tandy, of Dunnington, and the estates of said John and his brother Henry Tandy, situate in Abbots Morton (Worcester), &c, &c. 1684). 1.1.3.1. Henry Tandy, b. ca. 1635, d. 1691, in Virginia. 1.1.3.1.1. Henry Tandy, b. 1660, by deposition, m. Priscilla,* last relict of John Watson (d. 1684), thus, stepfather of Mary Watson, who m. (1685) Matthew Tomlin, Jr. ( B. 2, p. 243), parents of Mary, wife of Edward Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. John Watson had previously m. Sarah …, relict of Nicholas West, whose Will was probated Feb. 9, 1702, naming a son, William, who m. Sarah Hill, dau. of Sylvestra Bennett (and Col. Nicholas Hill); she being a cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose Will was witnessed by Nicholas Hill, Edward Brantley Sr. giving security. *Henry Tandy and Priscilla had issue: Susannah, who m. *Sylvanus Walker.
xxxvi.
It is as certain as can be that Edward Brantley of Virginia was from a Worcestershire family, situate at Bengeworth/Evesham; a family of substance, holding civic office, and connected to a number of very influential families. Mr. Edward Brantley was not an indentured servant. His conjectured marriage to a member of the Champion family was propsed some years ago by a researcher, now deceased, studying that family. This proposition seems eminently viable, and would explain much about Edward Brantley’s “social environment” in Virginia. However the case, Brantley matriarchs were Goodrich, and (probably) Gravison.
copyright m stanhope 2020
FONT, ST.LAWRENCE, EVESHAM
Walter FitzGilbert de Hamilton 