INTRODUCTION
QUAKER POWELLS OF SOMERSET – Among the converts to Quakerism who suffered therefore were the following:
“Gregory, Jerome and Thomas Powell, all arrested at Gregory Stoke, in the year 1662; Thomas Powell, of Middlezoy, arrested at Bridgewater, 1670; Samuel Powell distrained, same year, for attending Gregory Stoke Meeting; Jeremy Powell, of Michael’s Creek, imprisoned, 1674; Thomas Powell, of Greinton, arrested in 1676 and imprisoned over nine years at Ilchester; Eleanor, his wife, whom he had married after the death of her first husband — Watts, also imprisoned. John Powell, of North Curry, arrested in 1683.
A Gregory Powell, likely the same first mentioned in this list, was imprisoned at Exeter, in 1657 for refusing the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy.
All of these Powells lived in or near the Hundred of North Curry, and all seem to have been kinsmen”. (William Henry Kearley Wright, The Western Antiquary, vol. 5, p. 18, 1886).
The popular conception of Quakers was that they were comparable to witches and Catholic recusants. (D. Underdown, Revel, Riot and Rebellion, p. 254). The point is made that the “new regime” of monarchy, installed after the Commonwealth period (1649-1660) was intolerant of any dissent to its rule. Quakers were accused of being in league with the devil, by people with vindictive imaginations, without “proof”. “Sadly, there were plenty of witnesses who were only too willing to provide it”, ibid. Such fear-manipulation by a ruling hierarchy is, of course, present in any time period. It was very much a political priority in 17th century England, and extended to other dissenting faiths – Presbyterians and recusant Catholics were also brutally suppressed. The torture chambers of history bled with dissenters blood; in an English perspective, whether those of Henry VIII. or Elizabeth I., equated to a small difference, notwithstanding Hollywood’s blindfolding of history as a servant of a ruling hierarchy.
Naomi Pullin describes a “transatlantic Quakerism” in which “female Friends” were an integral part, and who were overseers of the Quaker marriage procedure. Marriage to a a non-Quaker may have brought expulsion from the fold, and consequent economic loss. The concept of the family, in the Quaker case, was that “the blood family was overshadowed by the mataphorical religious family”. (Pullin, Female Friends and the Making of Transatlantic Quakerism, 1650-1750, p. 36). In this regard, kinship ties of blood were either reinforced by kin being fellow Quakers, or considerably weakened if they were not. The concept of “contiuation of associations” between families within a kinship group was an ancient English custom, and it became moderated by “contiuation of associations” between “religious families” of the same faith.
In the notes which follow, Quaker families in Virginia of Harris and White are recorded, members of a “mataphorical religious family”, which, certainly, in the case of Harris, demarcated between branches of that family – witnesses to the Will of the Chuckatuck Quaker, John Scott, Thomas Harris (1729/30), and William Wilson, would have been of his “religious kin”, invarably so. William Wilson was the son of John Wilson, who witnessed the Will of his fellow Chuckatuck Quaker, John Harris, d. 1713, brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, also of the Chuckatuck congregation. (See ch. xi., xiii., xv.).
Chuckatuck Quaker records quoted herein are from the compilation of Miles White Jr. (Early Quaker Records In Virginia), reprint of 2008, exracted from vol. vi. of William Wade Hinshaw’s Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, pub. 1950.
This blog recently received this request: “Does anyone have any addition information regarding the White family migration to Isle of Wight Virginia. My documented line (Y-DNA supported by Quaker records) ends with John White d.1719 in IOW. The Y-DNA tells us he has very strong and close connections (possible son) to the John White b. 1601 d. 1673 who married Joan West and immigrated to Lancaster, MA. The family comes from South Petherton, Somerset, England. I’m struggling to fill the gap (I think one generation) between John of Lancaster and my John d. 1719 in IOW. We have reviewed and excluded many possibilities. As the family eventually become mostly Quakers and immigrated into NC, I’m looking for the John Whites that may have had Quaker connections in IOW/Nanesmond VA. Particularly interested in the merchant trade out of Bristol to the Colony. Any help would be greatly appreciated”. Charles Patrick White.
The White family of South Petherton are also considered candidates for the origins of Thomas White, husband of Ann Moore, whose dau., Avis, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. On what data can we make conjectures? That is, which vastly intertwined families of South Somerset were those to be found as English colonists in Virginia? The White family of South Petherton intermarried with a West family of nearby Drayton, and there is a strong case for these families being found in early Virginia, alongside a Harris family of nearby Wiveliscombe.
i. WEST FAMILY OF DRAYTON, SOMERSET (2o MILES E. OF WIVELISCOMBE) AND PROBABLY OF VIRGINIA.
1. Nicholas West, bur. Oct. 21, 1601.
1.1 . William West, b. ca. 1577.
1.1.1. John West, bapt. April 24, 1602, m. Alice Williams, July 5, 1622.
1.1.2. William West, bapt. Sept. 4, 1606.
1.1.2.1. William West, “the rebel”? Leg. Son Henry, wife Isabella; son Arthur; son Robert; son William. He had m. a dau. of Robert Bracewell, Sr.,* and Sarah, dau. of James Sampson and Elizabeth Barcroft, sister of Jane Barcroft, grandmother of Avis White, wife of a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688; and sister of Robert Braswell Jr., who m. Susan Burges, the br. of Ann, who m. (2) John Edwards, whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
ii. EDWARDS AND BRASWELL
I have recently suggested that the family of John Edwards originated in North Petherton, 12 miles E. of Wiveliscombe; a synopsis being: 1. … Edwards. 1.1. Robert Edwards. 1.1.1. Robert Edwards, bapt. March 6, 1607/8, “s.o. Robert”. 1.1.1.1. Robert Edwards,* bapt. Jan. 1635/36, “s.o. Robert and Mary”, possibly he who m. Mary Hunt, in 1672. She was the dau. of William Hunt, granted 800 ac. on the head of Beverdam branch, a branch of the Nansemond, on Dec. 16, 1635, for the transp. of 16 persons, including members of the Scott family of Bristol, much associated with the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. William Hunt d. by May 18, 1669, when James Clark calls William Hunt, decd., father-in-law, in William Hunt’s estate inventory. Signed, John Clarke; witnessed by Thomas Taberer, and Robert Kae. (IOW, B. 1, p. 110). 1.1.1.1.1. Judith Edwards (b. ca. 1673), m. (1) Thomas Harris, (b. ca 1660, d. 1712), probably as his 2nd wife; son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his 2nd wife, Alice Newman. Judith Edwards and her sister, Margaret, witnessed the Will of William Thomas (a transportee of William Hunt in 1635), probated Feb. 9, 1702/3, evidently, Judith Edwards m. Thomas Harris after the former date, which supports a notion that he was her 2nd husband. William Thomas was the father of a namesake, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Nicholas Hill and Sylvestra Bennett, 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.1.2. John Edwards, bapt. May 21, 1637, “s.o. Robert and Mary”. 1.1.1.2.1. James Edwards,* b. ca. 1670, Will rec. May 23, 1743, in IOW. 1.1.1.2.1.1. John Edwards, m. Ann Braswell. His estate was appraised br Arthur Whitehead, Chaplain Williams, and (son) John Edwards. Witnesses, the said John Edwards, and Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (Ordered Aug. 11, 1748, p. 304).
iii. GOODWIN, BRIDGER, PITT, AND POPE
*James Edwards: Leg. friend, William Pope; friend Nathan Godwin; sons David, James, John, William, Jonas, Nathan, Albridgeton. Wit. Benjamin Johnson.
1. Thomas Godwin, b. ca. 1618 (d. in IOW Co., Feb 1665), m. Ann Taberer – Thomas Taberer (brother) and Robert Kea were her bondsmen, p. 63. (He patented land in Nansemond in 1655, assigning this to William Pope (Nugent, p. 327), father of (1) William Pope (who witnessed the Will of William Godwin),* (2) Henry Pope (b. Nov. 30, 1663), who m. (1) Mary, dau. of Joseph Bridger Sr., business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1. Thomas Taberer, m. Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He patented land adj. Francis England in 1652. He witnessed a land deed in 1658 between “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks (d. 1672) in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn. He 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.
1.1. Thomas Godwin, b, ca, 1645, m. Martha, dau. of Joseph Bridger Sr.*, of Bristol. His estate was called “Old Castle”, named after a district in Bristol. (Karl Baedeker, Great Britain: Handbook for Travellers, pp. 113/114, 1890). 1.3.2.1.1. Elizabeth Goodwin, m. William Bridger, the son of Joseph Bridger Jr. who witnessed a deed in which John and Thomas Harris divided their estates.; another witness being John Scott, whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30; see hereinafter.
1.3.2.1.2. *William Godwin, m. a dau.of John Pitt. 1.3.2.1.3. Theophilus Godwin, b. ca. 1680. 1.3.2.1.3.1. Sarah Godwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, who lived adj. William Simmons Jr. (See para. vii.). 1.3.2.1.3.1.1. Joshua Harris, estate appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324. Joshua Claud, estate appraised Dec. 14, 1775, by Samuel Westbrooke Sr., Samuel Westbrooke Jr., John Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324. Joshua Claud had m. Hannah Blake, see hereinafter, but suffice it to say, Thomas Harris, d. 1672, was a descendant of Westbrooke and Blake ancestresses.
iv. PITT TO WATKINS
1. 1.1. Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. Jan. 9, 1674, IOW.
1.1.1. John Pitt, d. Nov. 20, 1702, m. Olive, dau. of John Hardy (and Alice, dau. of Thomas Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Pitt, Will probated Jan. 1703, leaves property to sons James and John Pitt, part Robert Pitt’s 1,200 ac. pat. of 1654.
1.1.1.1. John Pitt, m. Sarah, dau. of John Moone.
1.1.1.1.1. Ann Pitt, m. William Godwin.
1.1.2. Hester Pitt, m. Col. Joseph Bridger , business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions).
1.2. . Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, m. (2), Anne, widow of Robert Watson.
1..2.1. Thomas Pitt, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, and Sarah Jackson, dau. of Richard Jackson and Elizabeth Pierce, stepdau. of Thomas Bennett.
1.2.1.1. Martha Pitt, m. James Watkins.
1.2.1.1.1. John Watkins, m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Milly Watkins, b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837, Mecklenburg/Union Co. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
v. BODDIE AND BRASWELL
A revised Boddie pedigree, taking stock of death registers and chronologies is: 1. John Boddie, bur. Jan. 6, 1581, in Wiveliscombe. 1.1. Robert Boddie, bur. Apr. 13, 1608, m. Elizabeth Skinner, on Oct. 20, 1586. 1.1.1. Robert Body, bapt. June 1596 (son of Robert), m. Joan Taylor, Sept. 8, 1617. 1.1.1.1. Robert Body, m. Agnes … 1.1.1.1.1. (William?) Boddie, “son of Robert”, bapt. Oct. 10, 1641. William Body. On July 12, 1665, John Marshall received a grant of 700 ac. next to Capt. Anthony Fulgham’s grant and six of his headrights were assigned to him by William Boddie, who, on that same day, was granted 3350 ac. lying next to Fulgham’s and Marshall’s grants. The Fulghams of Pitminster lived ca. 10 miles S.E. from the Boddies of Wiveliscombe. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, is witnessed here: Mr. Jno. Marshall, 700 ac. IOW, July 12, 1665, p. 252. W. side of the Wester Sw., beg. at lower cor. tree of Capt. (John) Fulgham’s land, extending down Sw. to land of Tho. Harris. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Boddie, m. John Browne. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1. William Browne, m. Martha, dau. of Richard Braswell Jr. and Sarah Sampson (son of *Robert Bracewll Sr.).
vi. WEST FAMILY cont.
1.1.2.1.1. Robert West.
1.1.2.1.2. Mary West, m. William Green, br. of Mary (Greene) Davis. Mary is named as “Mary Green” in her father’s Will, probated Feb. 9, 1708/9 in IOW; son of Thomas Green and Mary Moone; half-sister Sarah Moone, wife of Colonel John Pitt, see hereinafter.
1.1.2.1.3. Henry West, d. Aug. 13, 1745, m. Susannah Fulgham.
1.1.2.1.3.1. Robert West, d. bef, June 1790, in Johnston Co., NC.
1.1.2.1.3.1.1. Patience West, d. 1803, in Button Branch, Wayne Co., NC.; m. Burwell Mooring, son of John Mooring, and Elizabeth, relict of Samuel Lancaster, and sister of Mary (Ellis), wife of Joshua Proctor. John Mooring was the son of Christopher Mooring, and Rebecca, relict of John Simmons, b. ca. 1675, Will prob. April 19, 1738; names sons, William and John; Christopher Mooring appointed guardian. (Surry Court Orders, Lib. of VA, Reel 30, p. 33). (See chap. vii.).
1.1.2.1.3.1.2. James West.
1.1.2.1.3.1.3. Nathaniel West.
1.1.2.1.4. William West,* appraised the estate of Robert Driver.* As follows, Elizabeth White, m. William Scott in 1718 in IOW Co. William Scott was the cousin of John Scott, associated with John and Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. John White appointed his son-in-law William Scott as executor. Witnesses: Thomas Copeland, and Humphrey Marshall (Quakers). His estate inventory was conducted on April 27, 1719, and lists: Thomas Copeland, Henry Pitt,* Humphrey Marshall, and *William West as appraisers. (1. Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, m. (2), Anne, widow of Robert Watson. 1.1. Thomas Pitt, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith and Sarah Jackson. 1.1.1. Martha Pitt, m. James Watkins. 1.1.1.1. John Watkins, m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam. 1.1.1.1.1. Milly Watkins, b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837, Mecklenburg/Union Co. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. 1.2. *Henry Pitt Jr. These connections are given in more detail, as follows.
Driver. 1. Giles Driver, Sr., headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, 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. 1672, (2) Olive, dau. of John Hardy. (*Brayton, The Five Thomas Harrises of Isle of Wight County, 1995). 1.1. Hardy Driver, d. June 1, 1734, IOW. 1.2. John Driver, b. June 1, 1675, d. June 1, 1722. 1.2.1. Edward Driver, m. Sarah, dau. of James Bragg, and sister of Diana Bragg, who m. (1) Thomas Barnes, (2) John Champion, in 1683. Edward Driver, appraised by Joseph Bridger II., John Applewhaite, *Robert Driver. R. April 27, 1740. 1.3. *Robert Driver.
1.2. Richard West, bapt. Feb. 6, 1578/9, m. Madelin …, Nov. 19, 1601.
1.3. Nicholas West, bapt. March 1582. (It is not improbable that Nicholas West of Virginia, whose relict m. John Watson, was the son of this Nicholas West).
1.4. Robert West. His Will, dated March 1642, as “Robert West, of the parish of Drayton in the county of Somerset yeoman”, bequested to John White my daughter’s sonne my young Bay mare, to my daughter Joane White mother of the aforenamed John White one shilling. Wit. Henry Edwards. proved April 11, 1643. Drayton bordered South Petherton. Joan West, m. John White, May 28, 1627, in Drayton.
1.4.1. Joan West, m. John White, in 1627. 1.3.1.1. John White, named in grandfather’s Will of 1642, birth year unknown. 1.4. John West, bapt. March 1583, m. Alice Forte, July 1622. She was bapt. Aug. 16, 1607, in Drayton, dau. of Henry. On this slither of connection between families of West and Forte, is it feasible to propose that these families were of the kinship circle of the Boddie/Forte/Harris families of nearby Wiveliscombe? This can be considered within a general fact, that a kinship circle from South Somerset/Dorset settled as a group in early Virginia.
vii. SIMMONS AND HARRIS
The neighbour of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was the brother of a witness of the marriage of John Harris, brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.
1. Thomas Harris, 290 ac. IOW, on the Maherrin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch adj. Edward Brantley and William Simmons line, March 24, 1725. 1.1. Joshua Harris. His estate was appraised by *Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, on June 14, 1770, p. 324. This suggests a “continuation of association” between the family of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and the Harris family of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, descendants of William Harris, b. ca. 1535, who m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe. These Westbrookes in Virginia have previously been documented in this blog. Thus, Thomas Harris was a neighbour of the Chuckatuck Quaker family of Simmons, John Simmons was a witness to the 2nd marriage of fellow congregant, John Harris, the 1st witness being Thomas Harris, John’s brother; sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1. William Simmons Sr., age about 29, in a deposition in Surry Co., March 5, 1677/8. Will Prob. Oct. 21, 1693. (B. 4, p. 340).
1.1. John Simmons, b. ca. 1675, Will prob. April 19, 1738 (B. 8, p. 836), names sons, William and John; Christopher Mooring appointed guardian. (Surry Court Orders, Lib. of VA, Reel 30, p. 33). (See chap. vi.).
“William Powel* the son of Elizabeth Powel widow and Mary Page the daughter of Thomas Page were married in her fathers Thomas Pages house this 14 day of the 2 mo in yeare 1700”. Wit. Thomas Page, Isaac Rickesis (John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, of Wiveliscombe, and his 2nd wife, Elizabeth Church, were married at “Isaac Reekesis howse on ye eleventh of this second month last, 1689”, the 1st witness being John’s brother, Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and John Rickesis; Jacob Rickesis, and John Simmons.
John Simmons was the 10th witness to the marriage of: “John Page and Ffelicia Hall daughter of Thomas Hall att the close of a Publick meeting for Divine worship held at our meeting house w Branch of Nansem”. The first two witnesses were Moses Hall and William Scott. (No date). “William Wilkinson the son of Henry Wilkinson of Nansem Deceased and Rebecca Powel daughter of Wm Powell of Ileofw were married on the 21 Day of the 9 mo in the year according to the English acct 1723 at West Branch”. Witnesses: John Denson; John Page; William Denson, Robert Scott,* Eliz Scott. ** Robert Jordan Jun. William Scott. ** William Scott. **** Abraham Rix.
1.1.1. William Simmons, d. 1749; Thomas Westbrooke and Charles Barham were appraisers of his estate. (Southampton, B. 1, p. 22). Charles Barham was the grandson of Charles Barham, who, as explained hereinafter, was George Watkins’ wife’s uncle, i.e., the husband of the sister of Elizabeth Prime’s mother, who married Edmund Prime. George Watkins relict m. Robert Ruffin, having issue: Robert Ruffin, b. 1681, in Surry Co, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Watkins, and Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Spencer, “friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). Robert Ruffin and Elizabeth Watkins had issue: Elizabeth Ruffin, who m. William Kinchen Sr., having issue: William Kinchen, heir in the Will of John Gibbins: Prob. rec. Sept. 25, 1721, IOW. Charles Barham, who appraised the estate of William Simmons, m. Elizabeth Ridley bef. Feb. 2, 1666/67 in Surry Co., dau. of Peter Ridley. That is, the neighbour of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was associated with families strongly connected to Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his son, Thomas Harris, d. 1712. The inference is self evident. 1.2. Edward Simmons, as per mother’s Will (Eliza Timberlake Davis, p. 120). He was first witness of the Will of John Westbrooke, proved July 23, 1733 (W.B. 3, p. 357), which mentions sons: John, Thomas, William, and James. *John Westbrooke’s Will was rec. Jan. 22, 1770 (B.4., p. 272, Southampton Co.), which left a tract of land to (nephew) Samuel Westbrooke, on the N. side of the Meherrin River (bequeathed to him by his father, being a patent formerly granted to James Ramsey about 1725). Wit. Joshua Nicholson, Joshua Claud.
viii. SCOTT AND HARRIS.
1. William Scott, mariner,* d. in 1685.
1.1. “William Scott Senior (b. ca. 1650, d. 1717), and **Elizabeth his wife, their Childrens Nativities Recorded”.
1.1.1. William Scott Junior, born on the 27 of Decembr in year 1678″, m. Christian, dau. of Christian Taberer and Robert Jordan. Christian Taberer was the dau. of Thomas Taberer, and sister of Ruth Taberer, who m. John Newman, whose sister, Alice, was the second wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose sons John and Thomas were members of the Chuckatuck Quaker congregation.
1.1.2. John Scott,* born “on the 3 day of the 2 mo in the year 1682”; d. May 3, 1728 in IOW; m. Joan, dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke. Their son, James Tooke Scott, m. Christian Norsworthy, dau. of Col. George Norsworthy, son of Tristram Norsworthy, of Newport Parish, and Sarah Pitt, dau. of Lt. Colonel John Pitt, and Olive Hardy, dau. of John Hardy, and relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.3. Robert Scott born on the 19 day of the 4 month called June in the year 1685.
1.2. John Scott (b. ca. 1655), m. Elizabeth Belson*, p. 64.; bapt. Aug. 31, 1666, in Chuckatuck; dau. of Edmund Belson, and sister of Mary Belson, who m. Robert Jordan, May 10, 1690 in Chuckatuck. He was the son of Thomas Jordan Jr. and Margaret Brasseur, and brother of Mathew Jordan, who witnessed the Will of the following John Harris. *John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, of Wiveliscombe, and his 2nd wife, Elizabeth Church, were married at “Isaac Reekesis howse on ye eleventh of this second month last, 1689”. The said John Harris witnessed the marriage of Joseph Meredith and Sarah Denson, on the 11th day of ye 4th month, 1696, with William Cooke, Thomas, James, John, and Joseph Jordan. “Abraham Rickesis the sonn of Isaac Rickesis of the western Branch of the Nanszemond River and Mary Bellson the daughter of Edmond Bellson were married at our Publick meetin House on the 16 day of the 3 mo. in the year 1703. Wit: father Isaac Rickesis; brother John Rickesis; brother Robert Rickesis; brother Jacob Rickesis; uncell William Scott Senior; uncell Benmin. Small … John Simons … Elizabeth Scot Senior … Elizabeth Scot Junior. 1.2.1. William Scott, born March 8, 1683, in Chuckatuck, m. *Elizabeth White, as given heretofore.
1.2.1. **** William Scott, m. Elizabeth White, sister of (1) Thomas White, who m. Rachel Jordan, on Sept. 13, 1719, at the Chuckatuck Meeting House. (2) . John White, whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris, brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1629/30, and Thomas Cooke, rec. March 27, 1730, p. 251.
William Scott (d. 1685), held land in Ridgeway Farm: Brown’s tenement (c. 40 a.), part of Ridgeway Farm. Includes conveyance of a moiety of the manor of Ridgeway, 1564, and arbitration award, 1581; conveyances of the manor house of Ridgeway, 1567/8-1652; copy will of Jn Cottrell, Winford, Somerset, gent, proved 1640/1. Will of Jn Thruston, Bristol, soap-maker, dated 1675; post-nuptial settlement of Wm Scott, Bristol, mariner, and Anne Garland als Tovey, Long Ashton, Somerset, 1677; probate of will of Wm Scott, Bristol, mariner, 1685; settlement before marriage of Ric. Chinn, Newnham, yeoman, and Ann Scott (William’s daughter), 1697/8. Schedule of title deeds (1662-1698 (compiled 1750) concerning: “Jn White; Matt. Smith; Moore family; Berkeley family; Cottrell family;* Jn Wyatt; Jn Thruston; Wm Scott; Chinn family; Jn Berkeley”. (Glouc. Arch., D2700/NR1/19). *Kiterell. Bargain and Sale: (1) John Cottrell of Wynforde als. Wynfrithe, Som. (2) Hewgh Smithe of Longaishton esq., gent. Messuage in tenure of Thomas Phillippes als. Phelps, etc. Consid. 100 marks. John Toveye and Thomas Everatt appointed attorneys. 1568. (Brist. Arch., AC/D/1/162). Anne Garland was a dau. of: “John Garland alias Tovey gentleman” (d. 1670), and Tamasin, and was bapt. March 8, 1652/3. William Scott’s son, William, was by a 1st wife, per Will of father.
ix. JORDAN – integral to the familial connection of Quaker families.
1. Thomas Jordan Sr. 1.1 Thomas Jordan. 1.1.1. James Jordan, m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer and John Newman, as given, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.2. Mathew Jordan, overseer of the Will of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Harris was the 1st witness to the wedding of Mathew Jordan; what was their relationship? 1.1.3. Joshua Jordan. 1.1.3.1. Rachel Jordan, m. John White. Henry Harris (brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), Thomas Cooke, and William Lee, appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 22, 1730, p. 251. 1.1.3.1.1. Thomas White. “Thomas White of the Ileofwhite county son of Jno White and Rachel Jordan, dau.; of Joshua Jordan of the sd county having declared their intention of taking each other in marriage before several publick meetings of the people called Quakers in Virginia were married in a publick meeting os friendes in the sd county in this thirteenth day of the seventh month in the year one thousand seven hundred and nineteen”. William Scott, m. Elizabeth White, sister of (1) Thomas White, who m. Rachel Jordan, on Sept. 13, 1719, at the Chuckatuck Meeting House. (2) . John White, whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris, brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1629/30, and Thomas Cooke, rec. March 27, 1730, p. 251.
1.1 Thomas Jordan. 1.1.1. James Jordan, m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer and John Newman, as given, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.2. Mathew Jordan, overseer of the Will of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Harris was the 1st witness to the wedding of Mathew Jordan; what was their relationship? 1.1.3. Joshua Jordan. 1.1.3.1. Rachel Jordan, m. John White. Henry Harris (brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), Thomas Cooke, and William Lee, appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 22, 1730, p. 251. 1.1.3.1.1. Thomas White. “Thomas White of the Ileofwhite county son of Jno White and Rachel Jordan, dau.; of Joshua Jordan of the sd county having declared their intention of taking each other in marriage before several publick meetings of the people called Quakers in Virginia were married in a publick meeting os friendes in the sd county in this thirteenth day of the seventh month in the year one thousand seven hundred and nineteen”.
x. *John Scott’s wife was a niece of Wiiliam Tooke, who m. a step-dau. of William Ridley.
1. John Day, m. Mary, b. April 3, 1624, d. aft, 1701, dau. of Edward Bennett and Mary Bourne, and 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1. John Day, bapt. Nov. 17, 1651, in Wiveliscombe. 1.2. James Day, Will made 1726, m. Juliana … 1.2.1. Thomas Day, Will made 1752, naming wife Mary and son, Thomas Day. 1.2.1.1. Thomas Day, m. Elizabeth Tynes. 1.2.2. Elizabeth Day, m. Nathaniel Ridley, son of Peter Ridley, and br. of (1) 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 (2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (2) Elizabeth Ridley, who m. Charles Barham Jr., whose son, Robert Barham, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Clarke and Mary Flake. 1.2.2.1. Nathaniel Ridley Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Nathaniel Ridley appraised the estate of John Westbrooke. 1.2.2.1.1. Daniel Ridley, m. Martha Thorpe, sister of Mary Thorpe, who m. James Barham, having issue: Martha Barham, who m. Joel Harris (desc. of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), who settled in Guilford Co. NC, and died there before 1824. Descended from a brother of Dorothy Westbrooke, who m. William Harris on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, great-grandparents of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Westbrook, John – appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley Jr. (husband of Priscilla Applewhaite), Edward Brantley and Thomas Cook. R. Oct. 28, 1734. He m. Amy Foster, dau. of Christopher Foster, and Alice Forte, desc. of Elias Forte.
John Scott witnessed a deed of March 26, 1711 (with William Bridger, son of Joseph Bridger Sr.), whereby John and Thomas Harris of the Upper Parish, sons of Thomas, d. 1672, divided the land they held in jointure, that being 250 ac. inherited from their father, and 115 ac. they had acquired from Joseph Bridger, p. 181.
John Scott was an overseer (with Mathew Jordan), of the estate of John Harris of the Upper Parish, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Rec. May 25, 1713.
John Scott’s Will was recorded July 28, 1729, p. 171. Leg. Wife Joan, daus. Mary, Sarah, and Elizabeth, sons Thomas and James Tooke Scott; to cousin William Hollowell, “200 ac. upon Kingsale swamp given to me by my deceased father, William Scott”.
xi. WITNESSES:
- 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.
Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1. Phillip Brantley b. ca. 1648-50, m. Joyce, dau. of Thomas Lewis, and Rebecca George, dau. of John George, the probable br. of Nicholas George, father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. *Edward Brantley.
1.1.1.1. John Brantley, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2. John Brantley Sr.
xii. GEORGE
1. 1.1. *Nicholas George. Nicholas and John George of IOW Co. were probably brothers, who sold their headrights to Capt. Francis Potts on Jan 24, 1653, who was granted 1,000 ac. in Northampton Co. Any claim that they were not closely related, based on people claiming descent from them having different DNA results, is entirely based on the validity of the claims. The families of John and Nicholas George shared the same asociations in Virginia, notably with the family of Brantley, and were part of a particular English kinship group, originating from the Bristol basin (Dorset/Gloucestershire/Somerset) area of England. John George’s Will was probated Jan 9, 1678-79, an overseer being Thomas Taberer, who m. Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He witnessed a land deed in 1658 between “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks (d. 1672) in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn. He 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. Governor Bennett was closely associated with Thomas Godwin, a prominent Quaker of the Chuckatuck congregation; they jointly writing to Sir Peter Colleton, Governor of Albemarle Co., explaining the difficulties experienced b English settlers. (PRO 30/24/48/21: (Richard Bennett and Thomas Godwin to Sir Peter Colleton, from Nansamund River, in Virginia. April 28, 1670). The connections between the families of John and Nicholas George are of an ad infinitum nature.
1.1.1. Eleanor George (d.v.p.), m. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose estate was appraised by Edward Brantley Sr., et al.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, estate appraised by James Wilson.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, witness to the Will of John Scott, with John Wilson, son of the said James Wilson.
1.1.2. Nicholas George, d. March 9, 1699, in Lancaster Co.
1.1.2.1. William George, m. Elizabeth Carter, on June 15, 1698, in Lancaster Co., dau. of Thomas Carter, of “Barford” and Eleanor Cooke, who m. (2) William Grove, son of “John Grove, merchant, of Bristoll”, who purchased 700 ac. “easterly by Chippoaks Creek” on Jan. 12, 1656, atty John Jennings, p. 97. John George* makes William Sherwood atty for the estate of John Grove, deceased, April 22, 1671, p. 383. The estate of Elinor Groves, relict, was appraised by John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2. *John George. The mythical ancestries variously given to him can be charitably dismised, and, as he deposed to be 50 years of age in 1653, the John George, bapt. Nov. 6, 1603, in Pilton, Somerset, 20 miles S. of Bristol, may be a feasible suggestion, so much so in that the majority of those associated with the George family in Virginia had strong associations with Bristol.
1.2.1. Rebecca George, m. (i) Phillip Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr.
1.2.1.1. Edward Brantley, witnessed the Will of Ann White, dau. of George Moore.
1.2.1.1.1. John Brantley, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1.2. James Brantley.
xiii. WITNESSES cont.
2. WILLIAM WILSON, who, with Thomas Taberer and John Carrell, witnessed the Will of John Groves Jr., rec. June 9, 1691. He appraised the estate of James Jordan, rec. Sept. 24, 1733, p. 362, who m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer and John Newman, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. William Wilson was the son of James Wilson, who appraised the estate Thomas Harris, d. 1712 (son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); with Reuben Proctor, John Harrison, Philip Wheadon (about whom, see previous notes). Rec. March 23, 1712/13. James Wilson: Leg. – sons William, John,* George, James, Guttridge; Joseph, Samuel, and Benjamin. Extx. wife. Wit. George and John Goodrich*. Rec. Feb. 27, 1720, p. 64. *John Wilson’s estate was appraised by George Goodrich, rec. June 27, 1720, p. 33.
xiv. GOODRICH AND FLAKE
1. Flake.
1.1. Robert Flake, m., as her 2nd husband, Katherine Moore, sister 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, wife of Sylvestra Bennett, 2nd cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Rec. Nov. 15, 1675, p. 38. Robert Kae and John Brantley appraised the estate of John Wilson, rec. Aug.9, 1694, p. 348. George Moore’s dau., Ann, m. Thomas White; their dau., Avis, m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.1. Mary Flake, m. John Clarke. Her father gifted her a mare on Oct. 25, 1760, as wife of John Clarke. (B. 2, p. 89).
1.1.2. Katherine, who m. (1) William Evans, who witnessed the Will of Edward Brantley Sr. (B. 1, p. 38).
1.1.3. Elizabeth Flake, m. Thomas Hayes. (Chapman’s Marriages, p. 26).
1.1.4. Robert Flake Jr. Received a gift of 200 ac. in Surry from his father, on March 13, 1695/6, p. 103.
1.1.4.1. … Flake, m. William Gwaltney Jr.
1.2. Rebecca Flake (m. John Goodrich Sr.), aunt of Katherine, who m. (1) William Evans, who witnessed the Will of Edward Brantley Sr.
1.2.1. John Goodrich, m. Ann, dau. of Edward Bechinoe, the relict of Robert Kae, whose estate appraisal was by John Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr.
1.2.1.1. *John Goodrich. 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). The Newport Parish, IOW Co., Vestry Book, Feb. 12, 1727, shows John Goodrich as a neighbour of Edward and James Brantley, sons of Phillip Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr.
*Ann, dau. of George Moore, and wife of Thomas White; their dau., Avis, m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. These connections reflect the close association of the families of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Thomas Harris, d. 1688; probable 2nd cousins, as detailed in previous posts; and the principle of “continuation of associations” within kinship groups. Centuries of associations in England were repeated in Virginia; of necessity. In the bleak harshness of a Virginia winter, individuals strove to survive by calling on the combined strength of their kin.
*1.2.1.2. George Goodrich.
1.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Goodrich, m. Joseph Clinch. “Goodrich, George: settlement of estate, to balance due to the widow, to Mary Goodrich, orphan; to Joseph Clinch in the right of his wife Elizabeth. Signed Hugh Giles and Thomas Hill. Rec. Feb. 25, 1733. The receipt of Joseph Clinch was witnessed by William Seward. (W.B. 3, p. 389).
1.2.1.3. Honour Goodrich, m. (1) James Wilson, (2) Thomas Pierce.
1.1.2.1. Honour Pierce, m. (1) Henry Lightfoot, son of a namesake, and Patience Pitt, dau. Thomas Pitt and Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith, thus, sister of Martha Pitt, the wife of James Watkins. Thomas Pitt’s Will, probated Aug. 9, 1688: “to wife Mary first choice of two of my negroes, 2 diamond rings, her wedding ring and enamelled ring and necklace of pearls”. Legacies to children Thomas, Henry, Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Anne, and Patience Pitt. “To wife Mary the plantation I live on as far as the cart path that goeth from John Champion’s to Col. Bacon’s plantation up toward the church and so joining on Thomas Gross’. To each of my daughters 5000 lbs. tobacco. Wife Mary executrix”. Thomas Pitt deposed on Feb. 9, 1664 that he was 28 years of age.
xv. WITNESSES cont.
- WILLIAM DIXON, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger Jr., rec. Jan. 25, 1713, p. 574. He was admon, of the estate of Reuben Proctor (who appraised the estates of John and Thomas Harris Jr.*, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), rec. June 28, 1731, p. 278.
- GEORGE BELL. The Will of Francis Hobbs (rec. June 9, 1688, p. 279), mentions brother-in-law, John Harris, and was witnessed by John’s brother, Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and George Bell Sr. The estate of Charles Chapman, was appraised by George Bell Jr. and John Bell, the said Thomas Harris, and Jeremy Proctor, rec. June 25, 1711, p. 526. *Thomas Harris, estate appraised by Reuben Proctor and James Wilson, rec. March 23, 1712.
The continuation of associations between families, bound within Quaker practice, does make it probable that Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1712. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, associate of Joseph Bridger Sr. and William Scott, in Bristol. His estate security was Edward Brantley Sr. 1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712. He and br. *John divided lands in 1711; witnessed by John Scott (grandson of the said William Scott), and William Bridger, son of Joseph Bridger Sr.. 1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, witnessed the Will of the said John Scott (who was a member of the same Quaker congregation as the said Thomas and John Harris), the husband of Joan Tooke, niece of William Tooke, whose Will names wife Jane, step-dau. of William Ridley. “Mr. Charles Barham” Exor, Thomas Harris (d. 1672), and Thomas Tooke overseers, witnessed the Will of William Ridley, who was the br. of Elizabeth Ridley, Charles Barham’s wife. Charles Barham’s sister m. Richard Bennett, d. 1709 (second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
An almost certainty is that the witnesses of a Will of a senior Quaker, such as John Scott, were of other senior Quaker families. The connections of William Wilson. William Dixon, and George Bell, to Thomas Harris, d. 1672, are quite distinct, and to any English genealogist “of old” (Mr. Banks, Mr. Burke, and Mr. Collins, et al.) would provide the basis for Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, being recorded as a grandson of his namesake who died in 1672. They would have not had any doubt, nor would their large army of genealogical followers, steeped in the English custom (of “time immemorial”) of continuation of association between the same families. In the example of the witnesses of John Scott’s Will, this principle is strengthened by the Quaker practice of faith-bound intermarriages within their congregation. In that many American researchers have not been aware of the kinship nature of English settlers in early Virginia, they have often been claimed to have originated from far-flung English regions, and who had no discernable connection in Virginia with their neighbours; such “non-connection” in England being unimaginable since “time immemorial”. An exception to the “non=connection” perspective was Mr. Phil Harris, who made an important discovery about the Aylesbury (Buckinghamshire) origins of a number of early Jamestown settlers, which is worthy of distinction.
What is being described here is a fundamental principle of English law – Res ipsa loquitur, a Latin phrase that translates as: “the thing that speaks for itself”, even if there’s no direct evidence. The answer to a question is self-evident, and no explanation is needed other than the obvious one, which suggests a factual scenario. Unfortunately, too much enquiry into the genealogies of early English settlers of Virginia is subject to the charge of “no proof”, translating as: the obvious is not true because it conflicts with what is desired to be true.
You do not need a citation from a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
xvi. WHITE FAMILY OF SOUTH PETHERTON (5 miles S. of Drayton) and probably of Virginia.
1. John White. Wells Wills, book 43. Will of John Whit of Southarpe in the parish of South Petherton, c0. Somerset, yeoman. Dated May 12, 1623. Imprimis, I bequeth my soule to Almightie God my maker and redeemer and my body when it shall please God to take me out of this transitory world to be buried in the church yarde of South Petherton. Item, I give and bequeth unto my eight children seaven shillings apeece. All the rest of my goods and debts being paid and my legacies performed Igive unto my wief whom I make my sole executrix. Witnesses, Edward Clarke, Robert Masters. proved at Taunton August 1, 1623 by the executrix. Estate value: £298, 2s., 4d.
Will of Alice White of Southarp in the parish of South Petherton, c0. Somerset, widow. Dated October 26, 1636. To be buried in the churchyard of South Petherton. To my son Robert White my houshold stuff which is now in the parish Aller, with my corn there; also one chase of ground in the parish of Merriot, called Page’s Lease for term of his life. To my son John White all my ploughstuff in Southarp. To my son Hugh White 12d. To my daughter in law Jane Michell 20s.To my daughter Elizabeth Dolwood one of my holland sheets. To my daughter Mary Patch my best holland sheet. To my daughter Joan Glover so much of my goods as amounts to £60. I owe to Pasque England £5, to Henry Dollwood 50s; to Jane Michell 40s., to John Cuminge 20s. Executrix my daughter Joan. To my son Robert White, all my cheese, hogs, geese, and money in Oath in the parish of Aller, he paying to my daughter Joan £5. Witnesses, John Silvester senior, John Silvester junior; Robert Masters. Proved Dec. 9, 1636, by the executrix.
1.1. Robert White, b. ca. 1575. Robert White senior, bur. March 8, 1641. 1.1.1. John White, bapt. March 7, 1601, m. Joan West, in 1627. 1.1.1.1. John White, named in his grandfather’s Will. John White. White v White. Plaintiffs: John White. Defendants: Robert White and others. Subject: property in South Petherton, 1649. (C 5/389/188). Bill of complaint. bout 10 0r 11 years sithence plaintiffs brother agreed to pay unto him the sum of £430 in consideration of a surrender of a copyhold which plaintiff had for his and other lives in a tenement with meadow thereunto belonging, lying at a place called Southart in the parish of South Petherton, to the end that the said Robert might be admitted tenant thereof. Plaintiff accordingly surrended his estate, and Robert White was admitted thereto, but failed to make payment of the greater part of the £439. Further, about 20 years sithence upon the plaintiff’s marriage to his now wife, daughter of Robert West, said West became bound unto plaintiff in the penal sum of £80 to pay unto plaintiff £40 in case his (West’s wife) should happen to die and he (West) should marry again and cause his tenement lying at Burton, co. Somerset, to be witheld from plaintiff and his wife, she having an estate therein expectant on the death of the said West.
The answer of the defendant included the information that the plaintiff departed England, in May of 1639, for New England, returning in 1647/8, to commence Chancery proceedings. He returned to New England in 1651. (J. Henry Lea, New England Historical and Genealogical Society). The Will of Robert West, dated March 1642, of the parish of Drayton in the county of Somerset yeoman bequested to John White my daughter’s sonne my young Bay mare, to my daughter Joane White mother of the aforenamed John White one shilling. Wit. Henry Edwards. Proved April 11, 1643.
1.1.2. *Robert White, bapt. March 25, 1604, m. Joan … March 13, 1630/1.
1.1.2.1. George White, bapt. Nov. 1, 1636.
1.1.2.2. Henry White, bapt. July 20, 1639.
1.1.2.3. John White, bapt. March 28, 1641, d. inf.
1.1.2.4. Andrew White, bapt. Oct. 16, 1642.
1.1.2.5. John White, bapt. Nov. 8, 1644, m. Susanna Weare, Feb. 6, 1663/4. It may be worth considering that South Petherton (Somerset) is ca. 30 miles N.E. of Silverton (Devon); the abode of the Weare/Ware family that intermarried with the Fulghams of Pitminster (Somerset), which is ca. 15 miles N.W. of South Petherton. A granddau. of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. a grandson of Nicholas Fulgham, brother of John Fulgham, who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. It should be noted that there was a family of Weare established in South Petherton: Edith Weare m. John Simes, on May 20, 1611.
1.1.2.5.1. John White, b. ca. 1665, d. 1719?
1.1.2.6. Samuel White, bapt. May 11, 1647. Pulman v Tatchell. Plaintiffs: John Pulman and Avis Pulman his wife. Defendants: John Tatchell, Thomas Tatchell, Samuel White, Samuel Baker, John Willy, John Edmonds, William Edmonds, Joan Fort, William Watts, Nicholas Pitcher, Katherine Westcott, Stephen Horsford and James Small. Subject: lands and personal estate of the deceased Thomas Baker, in South Petherton, Somerset. 1691. (C 6/327/43).
1.1.3. Thomas White, bapt. Sept. 18, 1608, m. Anna Symes, Nov. 16, 1642.
1.1.4. Josias White, bapt. Jan. 13, 1610/11, m. Mary …
1.1.4.1. Josias White, bapt. Feb. 14, 1651.
1.1.5. Richard White. 1.1.5.1. Thomas White, bapt. June 24, 1632. 1.1.5.1.1. Thomas White, born ca. 1660?, m. Ann Moore? 1.1.5.1.2. John White, born ca. 1665?, d. 1719, in Virginia?
1.2. John White, bapt. Sept. 26, 1602, “son of John White”, m. (1) Grace Smith, Oct. 29, 1623.
1.2.1.1. John White, bapt. Oct. 28, 1638, named for a younger sibling, who died in infancy. Because of the incompleteness of records, it is possible to conjecture that this John White had a brother, Charles.
1.2. John White, m. (2) Edith Mark (alias Boddie), on Oct. 21, 1644. Probably a granddau. of Francis Mark and Alice Forte, m. May 18, 1602, both related to John Forte and Elizabeth Mark, m. Jan. 30, 1602.
1.2.1. Robert White, bapt. Oct. 29, 1649.
1.2.1.1. John White, bapt. May 10, 1674, “son of Robert”.
1.2.1.2. Robert White, bapt. Sept. 15, 1679, “son of Robert”.
1.2.1.3. Samuel White, bapt. Nov, 1, 1681, “son of Robert”.
1.2.2. William White.
1.2.2.1. William White, bapt. Feb. 22, 1676, “son of William”.
1.3. Hugh White, bapt. Feb. 17, 1604.
1.4. Joan White, bapt. Dec. 1, 1608, m. Roger Patten, Jan. 14, 1632.
xvii. WIGGS
Paul Luke m. Sarah … , the relict of Thomas Llewellyn, bef. April 23, 1664. On that date, John White of Lower Norfolk Co. appointed Arthur Benford of Chuckatuck his attorney to receive of Paul Luke land held in right of his wife Eady White, the dau. of Thomas Llewellyn. On November 9, 1664, the court ordered Paul Luke to pay an indemnity of tobacco and other goods to John White. Sarah … Llewellyn/Luke m. (2) Nicholas West, (3) John Watson. . On Nov. 9, 1667, John Watson requested administration on the estate of Nicholas West in right of his wife Sarah, who, as “Sarah Watson” made her Will, dated Feb, 22, 1671, recorded on on August 9, 1672; leaving her daughter Katherine Luke in the custody of William Yarrett. She stipulated tha if her dau., Katherine, died before attaining age, her estate was to be divided between William Yarrett, Jr. and Sarah’s unnamed brother living in Solembarech, Gloucestershire, England. Katherine Luke m. William Yarrett’s son-in-law (as his 2nd wife), Henry Wiggs.
Henry Wiggs, a member of the Chuckatuck Quaker community, b. ca. 1650, m. Katherine Yarrett on the 3rd day 12th mo. 1674 (Feb. 3, 1674/5). She was the dau. of William Yarrett, and was b. on the 1st day 3rd mo. 1651 (May 1, 1651). She d. on the 12th day 11th mo. 1675 (Jan. 12, 1675/6), shortly after giving birth to her son, Henry.
Surry Co., B. 7, 1679-1689: Francis, Lord Howard, Gov., give and grant unto Mr. John Mooring, six hundred and ninety seven acres of land lying in Surry county, begining at a saplin, River Jordans corner and running along his line of marked trees, South by West one hundred and twenty charings to Thomas Jordans line, thence along ye sd. Line North eighty eight degrees, West one hundred and sixteen chains to Thomas Jordans corner tree, thence North … to Thomas Gibbons corner … and is due by the importation of fourteen persons, inc. – John Mooring, his wife, Charles and John White, John Isaac, Tho. Fisher, Jno. Attwood, John O’Neal, Thos. James. Oct. 25, 1687.
John Mooring’s son, Christopher, m. the relict of John Simmons in 1744. Christopher Mooring is by the court appointed guardian to the children of John Simmons, to wit: William, John, and Mary, infants under the age of 14. Surry Court Orders, Lib. of VA Reel 30, p. 33. Charles White m. a sister of Christopher Mooring. (For Mooring, it may be pertinent to consider a Mering/Meering family of Crewkerne, Somerset, 25 miles S.W of Wiveliscombe, 5 miles S. of South Petherton. (See ch. vii.)
“White, John: Leg. – To my brother William White, my wearing apparel and a chest. To my cozen John Humphrey, son of my sister, Mary Humphrey, 30 shillings for learning, to the two eldest of my sister Mary’s children, 20 shillings to be for learning. To my sister, Elizabeth White, five pounds money. To my brother, Walter White, a bridle and saddle, and my great coat. To my cozen Chris. Moring, The Whole Duty of Man. To James Moring, a Prayer Book. To my brother, Charles White’s three children, each 20 shillings to put them to school. To Thomas and Mary Wrenn, each a Bible. To brother Walter White’s three children, to each 20 shillings. Brother, Charles White, Exer. Prob. April 17, 1728. Wit: Nicholas. Maget, Matthew Metcalf, Francis Regan. Eliza Timberlake Davis, “Wills and Admins”, p. 141.
Mathew Jordan’s marriage to “Susanna Bressie widow” on “the seaventeenth day of the 3 mo in the year 1792”, at the “Leavyneek Meeting House”, was witnessed by, as the ist two witnesses, John Harris and Henry Wiggs; John Harris being the son of Thomas Harris, d, 1672.
xviii. THE QUAKER FAMILY OF WHITE IN VIRGINIA – from whom: John White, d. in IOW Co., 1719?
The Will of John White, d. 1719 in Virginia (B. 1, p. 649), lists the following children:
- Joseph White, b. ca. 1690, based on his father listing his children in birth order, and working back from Thomas White, who married in 1719, assuming him to be ca. 30 years of age. This presumption would place the birth of John White, d. 1719, to be ca. 1665.
- Sarah White, b. ca. 1691.
- Mary White, b. ca. 1692.
- William White, b. ca. 1693.
- Rachel White, b. ca. 1694.
- Thomas White (d. 1761), m. Rachel Jordan on Sept. 13, 1719, at the Chuckatuck Meeting House, Nansemond Co. He would have been born ca. 1696. Issue: Benjamin White. “Benjamin White and wife, Lucy (Hancocke) White, of Surry Co. to Mark Parish late of Elizabeth City Co. for 45 pounds current money …. 200 ac. bounded by Robert Nicholson (being the land lately bought by said Benjamin White from (brother) Robert White on Nov. 20, 1750. June 16, 1752. Wit: Samuel Blow, Michael Blow, Thomas Wilson, and Richard Blow. John White, m. Mary Cornwell, Jan. 21, 1775, at the Black Water Meeting House. We John White and Jacob Cornwell of Sussex, and Thomas Ricks of Southampton Co. in Virginia, being fully persuaded that Freedom is the natural right of all Mankind and that it is our duty to do unto others as we would desire to be done by in the like situation and having under our care Five Negroes … All of whom we hereby emancipate and set free … in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty two. Jacob Cornwell (Seal) John White (Seal) Thomas Ricks (Seal) Mary Cornwell (Seal). Sealed & delivered in the presence of James Watkins, and John Cornwell. See ch. xxviii.
7. John White d. 1730. His estate was appraised by Henry Harris, brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1629/30, and Thomas Cooke, rec. March 27, 1730, p. 251, see as follows. By a patent of June 16, 1727, John White was granted 285 ac. in IOW Co. on the N. side of Flatt Swamp.
He died by March 23, 1729/30 when his Will was proved. An inventory of his estate was given by Thomas Cook, Henry Harris, and William Lee in Isle of Wight Co. court on March 22 1730/1. It was valued at 20.11.6 pounds. He had issue:
Valentine White of IOW Co. William White sold Valentine White 70 ac. on the N. side of Flat Swamp in IOW Co. on July 29, 1745, land mentioned in John White’s Will. This indenture made this Eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty between Valentine White of Brunswick County and Frances Exum. Witness the said Valentine White doth grant the said Frances Exum forever all that plantation and tract of land in Southampton Co., containing three hundred and ninety ac. on the N. side of Flatt Swamp being the land and plantation where the said Valentine White formerly lived on which said land being granted to John White, father of the said Valentine White by a letter patent bearing date one thousand seven hundred and twenty seven and the remainder part one hundred fifty five acres which by letters patent was granted to Valentine White. Witnesses: Thomas Clifton, Henry Rose, Joshua Claud, John Megarity, Nevitt Drew. Joshua Claud; see ch. xxvi./xxvii.
8. Elizabeth White, m. William Scott in 1718 in IOW Co. John White appointed his son-in-law William Scott as executor. Witnesses: Thomas Copeland, and Humphrey Marshall. His estate inventory was conducted on April 27, 1719 and lists Thomas Copeland, Henry Pitt, Humphrey Marshall, and William West as approvers. Thomas Copeland, with Humphrey Marshall (Quakers), witnessed the Will of Joshua Jordan, dated Feb. 28, 1717, with Cornelius Ratliffe, p. 637, son of Richard Ratliffe, and brother of Mary, who m. Thomas Newman, and Rebecca, who m. Richard Jordan, p. 638. The said William Scottwas the cousin of John Scott, Will witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, et al., as given herein.
xix. A QUAKER FAMILY OF HARRIS
1. William Harris, b. ca. 1535, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe.
1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, sister of E .dward Bennett, father of Sylvester Bennett, wife of Nicholas Hill, appraiser of the estate (with Edward Brantley Sr) of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. (1) Eleanor (dau. of Nicholas George), and, almost certainly, first-cousin of Rebecca George (dau. of John George).
Thomas Taberer, m. Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He patented land adj. Francis England in 1652. He witnessed a land deed in 1658 between “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks (d. 1672) in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn. He 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. Governor Bennett was closely associated with Thomas Godwin, a prominent Quaker of the Chuckatuck congregation; they jointly writing to Sir Peter Colleton, Governor of Albemarle Co., explaining the difficulties experienced b english settlers. (PRO 30/24/48/21: Richard Bennett and Thomas Godwin to Sir Peter Colleton, from Nansamund River, in Virginia. April 28, 1670).
1.1.1.1. John Harris, d. 1713, a member of the Chuckatuck Quaker congregation. His Will was appraised by Mathew Jordan. John Harris was the first witness to the marriage of Mathew Jordan and “Susanna Bresy, widow”, “before a meeting of “Friends” in the Leavyneek meeting house on the seventeenth day of the 3 mo. in the year 1702″. John Harris, m. a dau. of Francis Hobbes. Robbert Kae and Francis Hobbs witnessed a deed between John Sherer (who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), and John Wakefield, for 755 ac., on Feb. 7. 1663. Clearly, John and Thomas Harris, sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, were Quaker associates of William and John Cooke: “John Persons son of John Persons and Mary Padredge daughter of Thomas Padredge were married in Thomas Tookes howse in ye Isle a weight County in this tenth day of the first month in ye year 1691”. Witnessed by: John Parsons (father), Thomas Patredge (father); Thomas Tooke; Thomas Proud; Walter Barklet; John Harris; Peter Greeves; James Tooke; Edmond Prime; James Dickinson; Thomas Wilson; William Page; Ruben Gladwell; William Cooke;* John Cooke;* Thomas Jordan Senior; Mary Tooke; Jone Cooke; Margaret Jordan; Elizabeth Ratliff; Sara Ratliff; Jonas Tooke; Sara Jones.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, a member of the Chuckatuck Quaker congregation. He was the 1st witness to his brother’s 2nd marriage, other witnesses being, in order: John Morry, John Grave; Thomas Tooke; Thomas Page; Edmond Prime,* Walter Barklet; William Cooke*; Isaac Rickesis; Thomas Jordan; Mary Tooke, Eliz Morry; Jane Cooke. Thomas Harris witnessed an indenture between Robert and William Ruffin to William Edwards, on March 1, 1708, cousin of his (very probable) 2nd wife, Judith Edwards. (Surry Co., D&W, p. 408). This William Cooke was the brother of Thomas Cooke (associate of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), who m. Mary, dau. of Arthur Jones Jr. Thomas Cooke. – Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Henry Harris and Thomas Cooke appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 27, 1630.
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1730, m. Elizabeth Goodwin.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Solomon Harris, lived in Mecklenburg Co. Mecklenburg and Union were adjoined counties. He m. Millie Watkins, on March 11, 1778, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Henry Harris, of Union Co., NC, m. the dau. of Frederick and Mary Fisher Starnes of Mecklenburg, NC. (1765-1816), the son of Frederick Starnes, Jr, who was killed in an Indian attack on his scouting party in 1779 in an event known in history as “Starnes Defeat”. Recorded in Union Co. D. B. 2, p. 29 is a deed of gift from Henry Harris to Hugh B. McCain. “I Henry Harris for the natural love and affection which I have for my well beloved son in Law H. B. McCain and daughter Eleonor his wife do hereby grant to be delivered at my death” two Negros. Dated Jan. 28, 1848.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Zachariah Harris. Union Co. D. B. 2, p. 323: Zachariah Harris of Pike County, Georgia, (which is where Zachariah was a minister of the Gospel at that time) appointed Hugh B. McCain of Union County to be his power of attorney. This document states that Hugh B. McCain was the administrator “in the Estate of my father Henry Harris late of said Union County.” Dated 16 April 1850, signed Zachariah Harris. In Union Co. D.B. 2, p. 78, a deed of gift recorded from Henry Harris to Mary C. Harris, “I Henry Harris of the County of Union and State of North Carolina for natural love and affection which I have for my well beloved daughter Mary C. Harris do hereby give grant and to be delivered” his Negro girl Harriet. Dated 28 September 1848. Henry Harris, his mark. Zachariah m. Mary Elizabeth Carricker, d. Dec. 23, 1891. (See 1850 Census of Pike Co., GA; 1860 Census of Dale Co., AL.; Death Certificate of James Harris, son.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. James Harris (1842-1924), m. Mary Jane Dowling.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. James Harris, of the Union Community near Slocomb. His test results with Family Tree DNA are a perfect match of those of Harris (Group 4) males.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Zachariah Harris, b. 1873.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.3. Fletcher Harris, b. 1875, m. Lena Saphronie Peters.
1.1.1.21.1.1.1.1.4. Elizabeth Harris, b, 1878, m. James Irving Hagler.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.5. Nora Pearl Harris, b, 1884, m. Mowbria A. Anderson.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.1. Marius Lumon Anderson, m. Wynunnee McCamie, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, both buried there.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.2. Cosette Anderson, m. Royce D. Myers.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.5.2.1. Marjorie Ann Myers Reagan, Hartford, Ala. To whom many thanks are extended for her substantial contribution about Solomon Harris and his descendants.
1.1.1.2.2. Joshua Harris, estate appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324.
xx. ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE QUAKER FAMILY OF TOOKE
1. Thomas Tooke. 1.1. Mary Tooke, m. Edmund Belson, as 2nd wife. 1.1.1. Mourning Ricks, m. Josiah Jordan, son of Mathew Jordan, who appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Mathew Jordan was the brother of (1) James Jordan,* bapt. “ye 23d day of of the Eleventh month in ye yeare 1665”. He m. Elizabeth Ratliff, sister of Mary Ratliff, who m. Thomas Newman, son of Ruth Taberer (Quaker) and John Newman, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (2) Joshua Jordan, bapt. “ye last day of the 6th month in ye yeare 1681”, father of Rachel Jordan, who m. John White. Henry Harris (brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30), Thomas Cooke, and William Lee, appraised the estate of John White, rec. March 22, 1730, p. 251.
His son was Thomas White. “Thomas White of the Ileofwhite county son of Jno White and Rachel Jordan, dau. of Joshua Jordan of the sd county having declared their intention of taking each other in marriage before several publick meetings of the people called Quakers in Virginia were married in a publick meeting os friendes in the sd county in this thirteenth day of the seventh month in the year one thousand seven hundred and nineteen”. Wit.: *James Jordan. 1.2. Dorothy (Tooke) Commander 1.3. Joan Tooke, m. John Scott, d. May 3, 1728, whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
xxi. ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE QUAKER FAMILY OF PRIME
Edmond Prime – fellow Quaker congregant of John and Thomas Harris at Chuckatuck. George Watkins, m. Elizabeth, dau. of *Edmund Prime and Ann Ridley, sister of Charles Barham’s wife. George Watkin’s Will of 1673 names “Goddaughter, Elizabeth Spensor, dau. of Robert Spensor” (“friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). He bequests 1000 lb. of tobacco to his “loving uncle” Captain Charles Barham. His estate was administered (Feb. 7, 1675) by “Mr. Robert Ruffin, who married ye relict”. That is, Charles Barham was George Watkins’ wife’s uncle, i.e., the husband of the sister of Elizabeth Prime’s mother, who married Edmund Prime.
1. Robert Ruffin, m. Elizabeth Prime. 1.1. Robert Ruffin, b. 1681, in Surry Co, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Watkins, and Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Spencer, “friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672). 1.1.1. Elizabeth Ruffin, m. William Kinchen Sr. 1.1.1.1. William Kinchen, heir in the Will of John Gibbins: Prob. rec. Sept. 25, 1721, IOW. He m. Mary Gibbins, dau. of John Gibbins, and relict of James Adkins. Leg. Mr. William Kinchen, Henry Harris, Matthew Harris, Mary Adkins, the dau. of John Adkins, John Jackson, Thomas Harris, the son of Edward Harris, Robert Harris. Exor. Mr. William Kinchen, see as follows.
xxii. ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE QUAKER FAMILY OF WATKINS, from whence Millie Watkins, wife of Solomon Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1. Thomas Watkins, of Dursley, Gloucestershire, perhaps, b. ca. 1580.
1.1. John Watkins (b. ca. 1606, d. 1655, m. (1) Alice … In 1648, he received a patent for 850 ac. in Surry Co., at the head of Gray’s Creek, for the transportation of 10 persons, including his wife, Alice. John Watkins was associated with George Hardy: April 15, 1646, Edward Prince deeds George Stephens, George Hardy, John Watkins, for 17,500 lbs. tob. one water mill at the head of Lawne’s Creek. Wit: John Hammond, James Brewer, Stephen Web, p. 529. Sept. 1657: Jo. Pauley patent 600 ac. at the head of Lawnes Creek (June 10, 1639), which he sold to Thos. Webb, Aug. 25, 1644, who sold same to George Stephens (Feb. 15, 1644), and by sold by him to George Hardye (May 21, 1653), witnessed by Robert Pitt and George Hardye, p. 23. John Pauley’s sale of land to Richard Wilmot N. upon Thomas Thorpe, E. upon Lawne’s Creek, on May 13, 1644, was witnessed by John George (and James Drake), br. of Nicholas, father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
For Watkins, a subject the deserves returning to, it may be suggested that he was born in Dursley, Glucestershire, and bapt. January 31, 1606/7, in St. James; a son of Thomas Watkins, witnessed here: Bond: William Lewis of Dursley to Thomas Watkins concerning conveyance to latter of three pieces of arable land lying in a field called Whistley, parish of Dursley. 1614. (Glouc. Arch., D3398/3/6/3). This proposal would make John Watkins a neighbour of Joseph Bridger, who was, and his family, strongly associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his family, as herein given.
1. Robert Driver. 1.1. Robert Driver, of Avening, 6 miles fr. Tetbury., m. Elizabeth Browning, Feb. 4, 1604. 1.1.1. Giles Driver (pale indented argent & azure, 2 lions rampant combatant countercharged), m. Dorothy Bayley, of Wheatenhurst, dau. of John Bayley. Giles Driver’s Will was probated 2 July 1639 (PROB 11/180/571). 1.1.1.1. John Driver, bur. June 12, 1681, in Avening, m. Elizabeth Bridger, bapt. Slimridge Aug. 5, 1638, bur. 28 Jan 1675; cousin of Joseph Bridger, of Woodmanscote, in Dursley, 10 mls from Avening, who m. Hester Pitt. One of his tenants in Woodmanscote was Thomas Pitt, probably he who was his headright he in Virginia, in 1666. 1.1.1.1.1. John Driver, m. Hannah Hobbs, Jan. 25, 1651. 1.1.1.2. Robert Driver. 1.1.1.2.1. Giles Driver (headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), husband of Olive Hardy. The close association of Thomas Watkins to Joseph Bridger is recorded here: Lease: (1) Edmond Lambert esq. of Boyton, Wilts. (2) John Snowe of Dursley. Four acres of wood and ‘woody ground’ with appurts. except oaks at Woodmancote in the parish of Dursley adjoining Twllyes Wood, and bordering Little Bowlton. Memo endorsed that on May 1, 1610 (2) assigned remainder of term to Thos. Watkins, clothier of Dursley. Witnesses: George Small, John Purnell. Sept. 23, 1591. (Glouc. Arch., D2957/349/1). It can be noted that the said Thomas Watkins was a contemporary of William Watkins of Dursley. (C2/Jas1/D5/64).
1.1.1. George Watkins (b. ca. 1635); his Will of 1673 names: “Goddaughter, Elizabeth Spensor, dau. of Robert Spensor”. He bequests 1000 lb. of tobacco to his “loving uncle” Captain Charles Barham. His estate was administered (Feb. 7, 1675) by “Mr. Robert Ruffin, who married ye relict”. That is, Charles Barham was George Watkins’ wife’s uncle, i.e., the husband of the sister of Elizabeth Prime’s mother, who m. Edmund Prime.
1.1.2. John Watkins (b. ca, 1630, d. 1694), m. Mary … John Watkins Sr., nuncupative Will, proved by William Crumpler; leg., wife Mary, son John, land that Thomas English lives on; grandson, John Watkins, grandson George English. rec. Jan. 7, 1694, p. 183.
(1. George Rodney. 1.1. Maurice Rodney, Esq., m. Joan, dau. of Sir Thomas Dyer of Somerford, Co., Wilts/ 1.1.1. Dorothy Rodney, wife of Rice Davis of the Middle Temple, and of Tickenham, Esq. (William Pitt m. Mary Owen: Robert Owen, of Bristol, Merchant. Will pr. Feb. 16, 1615-16. (8 Cope). My cousin Rice Davies, esq. My brother in law William Pitt, overseer. Rice Davies, Esq., of Tickenham, married ist, Dorothy, dau. of Maurice Rodney, Esq. William Pitt’s son, Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. Jan. 9, 1674, IOW, was the father of John Pitt, who m. Olive, dau. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett. She was the relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.. Maurice Rodney, Esq., m. Joan, dau. of Sir Thomas Dyer of Somerford, Co., Wilts. 1.2. Agatha Rodney, m. Captain Thomas Hodges, d. 1583. 1.2.1. Thomas Hodges, d. 1600/1601, m. Eleanor, dau. of John Rosse of Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset. 1.2.1.1. John Hodges, m. Margery Counsell, dau. of Robert Counsell. 1.2.1.1.1. Hodges Counsell Sr. (took mother’s surname). 1.2.1.1.1.1. Hodges Counsell Jr., witnessed the will of Daniel Boucher (of Bristol), rec. May 1, 1668. which named his “friends” John Hardy and Thomas Taberer as overseers. John Hardy was the likely father of (1) Debora Hardy, wife of Bridgeman Joyner; (2) Lucy Hardy, wife of Hodges Counsell, Jr.
(1. Michael Fulgham, m. Anne Izzard. 1.1. Susannah Fulgham, m. Hardy Council, son of Hodges Council Jr. and Lucy Hardy, in 1705. 1.2. Anthony Fulgham, m. Sarah Raiford, dau. of Philip Raiford, of Crediton, Devon, whose br.-in-law was William Crumpler (see will of Phillip Raiford, Dec. 8, 1724). William Crumpler witnessed the Will of William Bridger, Nov. 23, 1730, son of Joseph Bridger (business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and associated with the sons of the said Thomas). The Dorset families of Croker, Crumpler, and Hardy will be covered in a subsequent post.
1.1.2.1. Eleanor Watkins , b. ca. 1660, d . bef . 1694, m. Thomas Ingles/English, who was deeded 100 ac. “of the inherited land they lived on”, but if wife Eleanor die without heirs – land to go to Thomas Ingles for life and then to return to estate of John and Mary Watkins. This was land “on Arroces Swamp adjacent Nicholas Tynor”. ” Evidently this land was a wedding gift to Thomas Ingles and wife Eleanor, dau. of John and Mary Watkins.
1.1.2.1.1. George Ingles/English.
1.1.2.2. William Watkins. John Ricks. Leg. “William Watkins, the son of John Watkins, who lives with me”; brothers, Robert, Isaac, James, and Abraham Ricks; sister Jane Ricks. Wit. John Pool, Sarah Watkins, John Watkins*. Dated Sept. 8, 1711, p. 629. John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and a member of the Chuckatuck Quaker congregation, was married to his 2nd wife in the home of Isaac Ricks, see hereinafter, the 1st witness being his brother, Thomas Harris, d. 1712. This will of John Ricks reveals William Watkins and James Watkins are sons of John Watkins , Jr.
1.1.2.3. *John Watkins, b. ca. 1655.
1.1.2.3.1. James Watkins, b. ca, 1680, died intestate in 1720, in IOW Co. (Dorothy Wright Watkins, The Watkins Family of Isle of Wight Co., p. 9, 2007). James Watkins m. Martha, dau. of Thomas Pitt, and Mary, dau. of Arthur Smith. Thomas Pitt’s Will was probated Aug. 9, 1688: Legacies to children Thomas, Henry, Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Anne, and Patience Pitt. ” To wife Mary the plantation I live on as far as the cart path that goeth from John Champion’s to Col. Bacon’s plantation up toward the church and so joining on Thomas Gross”. Thomas Pitt and Mary Smith had issue: Henry Pitt, d. July 2, 1748, IOW, father of Ann Pitt, who m. Edward Driver; Patience Pitt, who m. Michael Fulgham.
James Watkins, estate appraised by *Thomas English (Ingles), Richard Pierce, Nicholas Tynes. Rec. July 25, 1720. Sig. Martha Watkins, p. 40. By deed dated Aug. 8, 1714 : “James Watkins received 14oo lb. of tob. from George English, his cousin, for a parcel of land containing 40 ac., being part of a patent of 400 ac. of my father, John Watkins Jr.”, p. 8. Thomas Pitt and Mary Smith also had issue: Henry Pitt, d. July 2, 1748, IOW, father of Ann Pitt, who m. Edward Driver; Patience Pitt, who m. Michael Fulgham.
1.1.2.3.1.1. John Watkins, (b. ca. 1718, d, 1796, Wayne Co., NC.* ibid. p. 81, m. Lydia,* dau. of John Gilliam, d. Sept. 20, 1738, in Granville Co., NC. Surry Co. Wills, B. 8, p. 902: Gilliam, John: Leg. “To my son, John, my Plantation in Carolina and Roanoke River with land belonging and two negroes. To my son, Hinche, all the land on the North side of the branch that my mill stands on, 150 ac. and one negro. To son, Burrell, all the land I hold on the South side of the Great Branch next to Charles Brebray, 150 ac. and one negro. to my son, Levy, one negro. To my wife, Sarah, the use of my Plantation for her life then to son, John.
To daughters, Sarah, Amy, Mary and Millie (Mildred), each one negro. At death of my wife the rem. of my estate to sons, Isom and Hansille, and my daughters Tabitha and *Ledea”. Wife and son, John, exers. Probated Sept. 20, 1738. Wit: John Dunn, Thomas Dunn, Moses Johnson. John Gilliam was the son of Capt. Hinchea Gilliam, and Fortune, dau. of Walter Flood, son of Col. John Flood. (See previous notes for the true origins of this family). Mildred/Millie Gilliam m. John Hill, as follows.
1.1.2.3.1.1.1. MILLY WATKINS, named after her aunt, and granddau. of Thomas Pitt, and Mary, dau. of Arthur Smith and Sarah Jackson*), b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837 (78-79) Mecklenburg/Union County. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. 1.1.1.1.2. John Watkins, b. ca. 1645, d. ca. 1800, in Wake Co. N.C., ibid.
1.2. Thomas Watkins (b. ca. 1610), witnessed a deed of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. “Know all men by these presents that I John Harris of the County of Isle of Wight in Virg’a planter sonne and heire of Thomas Harris late of the aforesd county planter deed doe make ordain constitute and appoint my loveing uncle Nicholas George of ye county of Lancaster planter my lawfull attorney for mee and in my name to acknowledge in the county Co’rt of Lancaster indenture of bargain and sale by mee to Capt. David Fox of ye aforesd County of Lancaster … on the seventh day of December, 1674. Sig. John Harris. in the presence of: Martha Jones, Thomas Watkins. (B.4, p. 208). (John would have been born ca. 1650). Martha Jones was a Chuckatuck Quaker. She (Martha Rice), m. Robert Jones, 10 day of 5 mo. 1683.
1.2.1. John Watkins (b. ca. 1640, d. 1708), m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Spencer, “loving friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
xxiii. PITT
1. 1.1. Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. Jan. 9, 1674, IOW; captain of the Thunder, a merchant ship out of Bristol, and a Colonel in the Virginia Militia.
1.1.1. John Pitt, d. Nov. 20, 1702, m. Olive, dau. of John Hardy (and Alice, dau. of Thomas Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672); relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Pitt, Will probated Jan. 1703, leaves property to sons James and John Pitt, part of Robert Pitt’s 1,200 ac. pat. of 1654.
1.1.1.1. James Pitt. At a Court held for Nansemond Co. on April 9th, 1750, Thomas Godwin and John Godwin, were named execs. in the LW&T of Thomas Godwin, Gent: deced, refusing to take upon them the bother of the execution thereof; on the motion of Margaret Godwin, relict, certificate is granted for her obtaining letters of admin. Whereupon she with Edmond Godwin, John Reade, James Pitt, and Joshua Godwin, her securities entered into bond for that purpose.
1.1.1.2. John Pitt, m. Sarah, dau. of John Moone.
1.1.1.2.1. Ann Pitt, m. William Godwin.
1.1.1.2.1.1. William Godwin, b. ca. 1705, d. May 4, 1753, in Bertie Co., NC.
1.1.1.2.2. Martha Pitt, m. Joseph Bridger III.
1.1.2. Hester Pitt, born in Dursley, Glouc., ca. 1630, m. Col. Joseph Bridger, business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions).
1.1.2.1. Joseph Bridger. (1656-1713).
1.1.2.1.1. Joseph Bridger III., m. Martha Pitt
1.2. . Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, m. (2), Anne, widow of Robert Watson. He d. ca. 1666, as that year his widow m. Captain James Powell.
1.2.1. Thomas Pitt, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith and Sarah Jackson. “Arthur Smith, gentleman, of Pagan Creek”, who, in June 1666, made a deed to a parcel of land “at Blackwater” in Isle of Wight “which belongs to said Arthur Smith by marriage with Sarah, dau. of Richard Jackson, deceased, and grandchild of Mrs. Alice Benett”. (Boddie, “Seventeenth Century”, p. 250). Arthur Smith’s dau., Jane Smith, m. James Benn, who bought land from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, ibid. “Arthur Smith, gentleman” also had issue: Arthur Smith, who m. Mary, dau. of John Bromfield and Olive Driver, dau. of John Hardy, and relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1668. Arthur Smith 350 ac. land upon Cypress Swamp first granted to John Roe on Dec, 10, 1640 and by him assigned to Christopher Reynolds and from said Reynolds to Arthur Smith, on March 21, 1643. George Smith assigns all right in this patent to Christopher Holliman, except 100 ac. given by father Athur Smith to Arthur Long by Will and 100 ac. sold to Wm Oldis Jan. 11, 1661/2. Wit. – John Jackson, Richard Jordan., Jr. Endorsed by Christopher Hollyman and Anne his wife to Thomas Pitt, on Dec. 9, 1668.
1.2.1.1. Martha Pitt, m. James Watkins.
1.2.1.1.1. John Watkins, m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam.
1.2.1.1.1. Milly Watkins, b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837, Mecklenburg/Union Co. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.2. Pitt, John: Leg. dau. Martha, the land on which Captain Joseph Bridger now lives; grandson Joseph Bridger, the land on which John Turner now lives; dau. Rachel, 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 Croom live; grandson William Bridger. Ex., William Godwin. Wit: Edward Driver, Richard Pilkington. R. February 24, 1734. (W.B. 4, p. 43). *She married William Godwin (son of Thomas Godwin and Martha Bridger ), whose Will, probated in 1736, mentions his wife, Ann Pitt, p. 709.
1. Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, m. (2), Anne, widow of Robert Watson
1.1. Thomas Pitt, m. Mary, dau. of Col. Arthur Smith and Sarah Jackson.
1.1.1. Martha Pitt, m. James Watkins.
1.1.1.1. John Watkins, m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam
1.1.1.1.1. Milly Watkins, b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837, Mecklenburg/Union Co. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
xxiv. PITT ANCESTORS
1. Thomas Pitt of Blandford, m. Priscilla … That is, Blandford Forum, North Dorset. 1.1. William Pitt, b. 1578, Bristol (encompasses North Somerset and South Gloucestershire); d. 25 Oct. 1624, in Bristol, Will pr. 3 Feb. 1625. To my wife Mary £500; to son Robert, three score and ten pounds; to son Henry £250; to son Thomas £250; to dau. Mary Pitt £250. To my wife Mary a lease of the house wherein I now dwell in Redcliffe Street and also house in same street where Samuel Griffith dwells, and my garden in Thomas Lane for life. After her decease I give said house and garden to son William, with remainder to son Henry, then to son Thomas, next to son Robert and lastly to heirs general. To my son Robert Pitt the tenement without Temple Gate called the Saracens Inn and the new house built by my father Thomas Pitt. To my sons Henry and Thomas a lease for two tenements in Redcliffe Street. Brother-in-law Richard Davis 20s for a ring and sister Mary Davis a double Harry gold sovereign of gold. Wife and son William, executors. To dau. Ann Pitt my chain of gold; to dau. Mary Pitt my white silver and gilt tankard which was given them by my father. To dau. Martha the inlaid chest in the great chamber. I give my son William my best Turkey ring, which was my great grandfather’s, Mr. Roger Cooke. My second ring with pearl I give to son Robert. My signet ring I give my son Henry, and my ruby ring to my son Thomas. My books to son William, Sons to have their portion at one and twenty and daus. at twenty or marriage.
1.1.1. William Pitt: Bargain and sale 1. Mathewe Haveland, mayor, and the Burgesses and Cominaltye of Bristol. 2. William Pitt, merchant. Premises: One messuage in the parish of St.Thomas the Apostle extending from Redcliffe Street to the Avon, 25′ front breadth, 29′ at the back. One messuage in the parish of Redcliffe, extending from Redcliffe Street to Avon Back. 1.1.2. Henry Pitt: Marriage settlement by deed to lead the uses of a recovery: 1. Henry Pitt, merchant 2. Thomas Dale of Wrington, Somerset, gent., Walter Stephens, mercer, John Price and William Shute, gent. Premises: One messuage in Redcliffe Street, St.Thomas. One garden near St.Thomas’ Lane, St.Thomas. One messuage in Redcliffe Street, Redcliffe. Consideration: Marriage, already solemnised between Henry Pitt and Margaret, daughter of Thomas Dale and £450 dowry. (Bristol Record Office, 9 June 1635). He was Captain Henry Pitt, of Pagan Creek, who married 2. Ann, widow of Robert Watson. His son, Thomas, married Col. Athur Smith’s daughter, Mary. (Deed to lead the uses of a fine 1. Henry Pitt and Anne his wife, Thomas Pitt (son of Henry) and Sarah Pitt. 2. Edward Moore, cooper. 3. Edmond Heath, merchant. Premises: Messuage in Redcliffe Street, St. Thomas. (Bristol Record Office, ref. 33072/8, 18 May 1663). 1.1.3. Col. Robert Pitt, d. bef. 9 January 1674, Isle of Wight, VA. He was Captain of the Thunder, a merchant ship out of Bristol and a Colonel in the Virginia Militia. 1.1.3.1. John Pitt, married Olive, dau. of John Hardy and Alice Bennett. She married 1. Giles Driver; 2.John Bromfield, and 3. Lt. Col. John Pitt.
xxv. HILL AND GILLIAM
1.
1.1. Edward Bennett.
1.1.1. Silvestra Bennett, m. Nicholas Hill.
1.1.1.1. Richard Hill, m. Hannah, dau. of Henry Briggs (who d. in 1639).
1.1.1.1.1. Green Hill, d. 1769, m. Grace Bennett, d. 1772.
1.1.1.1.2. John Hill, d. 1765, m. Mildred, dau. of John Gilliam, and sister of Lydia Gilliam, who m. John Watkins, having issue: Milly Watkins, niece of John Hill., who m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, as heretofore given.
1.1.1.1.3. Richard Hill, m. Mildred’s cousin, Margery, dau. of William Gilliam (and Susanna, dau.of Lewis Green), who, on Nov. 16, 1642, gave them 200 ac. beg. at a tree betw. John Gilliam and Lewis Green, adj. Col. Bolling and the Misery Marsh. Surry, B. 4., p. 64. The Will of Richard Hill was proved on Aug. 17, 1775; execs., wife Margery, son-in-law, William Ruffin, d. 1781, son Green Hill. (Boddie, Southside Virginia Families, vol. 2., p. 165).
1.2. Eleanor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, in 1594, in Wiveliscombe, son of William Harris and Dorothy Westbrooke,* who m. there in 1563.
1.2.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 1623.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, whose land was near (or part of) the patent granted to James Ramsey, ca. 1725.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Joshua Harris, estate appraised by Joshua Claud, as follows.
xxvi. WESTBROOKE – a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was associated with the Blake/Westbrooke line of Harris:
1. 1.1. Dorothy Westbrooke, m. William Harris. 1.2. John Westbrooke, m. Margaret Davie, Sept. 19, 1573. 1.2.1. John Westbrooke, m. Christian Gille, June 9, 1600. 1.2.1.1. John Westbrooke, b. ca. 1601. 1.2.1.1.1. John Westbrooke, bapt. Feb. 16, 1623. 1.2.1.1.1.1. John Westbrook, b. ca. 1660; appraisal by Nathaniel Ridley Jr., who, with Timothy Thorpe Jr., witnessed the Will of Edward Harris Jr., grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Westbrook, John: Appraised by Nathaniel Ridley, Edward Brantley, Thomas Cook . R. Oct 28, 1734, p. 25. Edward Brantley’s son, John, married the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1. James Westbrooke (b. ca. 1690), and wife Diana to John Thorpe (Jan. 9, 1764, pp. 258-9), 200 ac. adj. Edward Mathews, on Schoolhouse Branch. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2. John Westbrooke. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1. Samuel Westbrook,* b. ca. 1720. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Samuel Westbrooke Jr., b. ca. 1745. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2.2. John Westbrooke.
1.2.1.1.1.1.2.3. William Westbrooke of Dobbs Co., NC, sells to (brother) Samuel Westbrooke of Southampton of Virginia, for £40, a tract of land in said County of Southampton, on the north side of Meherrin River, containing 110 ac., being one third of the manor plantation of John Westbrooke deceased, and father of the said William Westbrooke, who bequeathes the one third or 110 ac. unto his said son William, by his last Will and Testament – adjoining the land of his brother, John Westbrooke. Witnesses: Joshua Nicholson, Joshua Claud, Samuel Westbrooke Jr.
1.2.1.1.1.1.2.4. .John Westbrooke, of Dobbs Co., N.C., sells to (brother) Samuel Westbrooke of county of southamton for £35 a tract of land in said County on Northside of Meherrin River, containining 110 ac., it being one third of the manor plantation of *John Westbrooke, deceased, father of the said John Westbrooke, father of the said John Westbrooke, , bequeathed to him by the last Will of his father, adjoining the land of of the widow of the said descedant which she holds during her widowhhood or life, and the land of his brother, William Westbrooke, which land was formerly granted by patent to James Ramsey, ca. 1725. Wit. Joshua Nicholson, Joshua Claud; Samuel Westbrooke Jr. Rec. May 10, 1770. (B. 4, p. 272).
1.2.1.1.1.1.2.5. James Westbrooke, leg. wife Elizabeth, sons Benjamin and Jesse, brothers John and Thomas, brother-in-law, William Vaughan; friend, Joshua Claud. Wit. – James Ramsey. Rec. April 13, 1749, p. 170.
John White, leg. sons Jonathon, Valentine, and William; daus. – Millicent, Jane, Mary; John Carpenter; wife Elizabeth. Wit., James Ramsey, John Carpenter, Elizabeth Reddish. Rec. March 23, 1729, p. 198.
This John White was granted was 285 ac. in IOW Co. on the N. side of Flatt Swamp by patent dated June 16, 1727, p. 329. An inventory of his estate was given by Thomas Cook, and Henry Harris (on March 22, 1730/1.; B. 3., p. 251); brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. John White was the son of John White, d. 1719, as given heretofore.
xxvii. BLAKE
1. 1.1. Judith Blake, m. Thomas Harris, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wiveliscombe, sister of Johan Blake, who m. Simon Hill, on Sept. 6, 1623, in Wiveliscombe. 1.2. John Blake, bapt. Dec. 3, 1592, in Pitminster, neighbour of the Fulghams. 1.2.1. Thomas Blake. 1.2.1.1. Thomas Blake, bapt. Feb. 2, 1649, in Wiveliscombe, “son of Thomas”, d. 1709, IOW, m. Alice, dau. of Edward Champion and Elizabeth Atkins, and sister of Phyllis Fort, m. to Elias Forte. (The Will of Thomas Moore, dated Sept. 28, 1696 (B. 2, p. 371), ‘imprimis, I give to Edward Champion Jr. (wife of Thomas Moore’s granddau), my land I bought of Edward Cobb to hold to him and his heirs forever’. Wit. Thomas Giles, Phillip Brantly, John Bell (husband of Ann Bennett). April 10, 1704: Deed of Thomas Blake Jr. of Upper Par., to son William Blake and Mary his wife, 100 ac. in Upper Parish, IOW Co. (Alice Blake signs dower) Wit: Thos. Tooke Jr., John Smith, p. 653. 1.2.1.1.1. William Blake. 1.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Blake. Thomas Blake to Joshua Claud, March 8, 1753, 290 ac. adj. on the N. of Cocklin’s Pocoson and sd. Claud. Wit. Thomas Blake, John Person, Thomas Day, and Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 (pp. 463-466). 1.2.1.1.2. Hannah Blake, m. Joshua Claud. Joshua Claud, estate appraised Dec. 14, 1775, by Samuel Westbrooke Sr., Samuel Westbrooke Jr., John Westbrooke (estate appraised by William Parson). Joshua Claud was the son of Philip Claud, whose exor. (1773) was Jeremiah Drew, and br. of Newitt Claud. Joshua Harris: Estate appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, June 14, 1770, p. 324. 1.3.2.1.3.1.2. Thomas Harris, m. Sarah Goodwin, as herein given.
xxviii. THE QUAKER FAMILY OF COOKE
1. Philip Cooke, mariner, b. 1589, of Bristol.
1.1. William Cooke, bapt. March 25, 1613, St. Augustine Parish, Bristol; d. Nov. 10, 1679, in Surry Co., granted land (with William Miles), for 1100 ac. in IOW on the Blackwater River, Sept. 29, 1664; headrights inc. John Harris. William Cooke moved to Surry Co., bef. Aug. 9, 1669, when he and “Mary his now wife” sold 400 ac., in IOW, to Thomas Carter, part of a patent we lived on before moving to Surry”. Adjoinining “Cooke’s lyne”, on April 5, 1668, was the 1050 ac. patent of John Wakefield and John Sherer (who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688), on a branch between land belonging to John Sherer and John Clarke, adj. lands of Mr. Newman (brother of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), Hugh Latimore, Thomas Tooke, Anthony Mathews, Edmund Palmer, John Portis, and Henry West. The patent was for 1200 ac. sold by Woodward by William Cooke, and Sherer, plus 400 ac. for transp. of 8 people. Adj. land (670 ac.) was aquired by Nicholas Hill (who m. a 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and George Moore (grandfather of the wife of a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688). (B. 6., pp. 116, 467, 506). The said Thomas Carter (d. 1699) was probably the son of William Carter of Surry Co., d. May 2, 1654, William Carter stated he was 54 years of age (b. ca 1600), and that his wife Alice Croxon was aged 55. Virginia records ssuggests kinship with John Carter of Corotoman and Captain Thomas Carter, of Isle of Wight, who m. Eleanor Cooke. Their son, Thomas Carter Jr. m. Magdalene Moore. After Thomas died, Elinor m. William Grove of the Upper Parish, in 1574. (Boddie, p. 570).
*William Carter 700 ac. James City County about 3 miles from the James River beginning at a reedy swamp, butting Easterly upon the same, Southerly into the main woods, and Westerly upon the Rich Neck and Sunken Marsh and Northerly upon the James River. May 20, 1636. (B. 1, p. 359). He claimed the headright of Edward Bland, who was baptised in the parish of Saint Stephen Coleman Street on February 5, 1614 (FHL microfilm 375,013), 3-4 mile from Stepney/Limehouse. He was the brother-in-law of Anne Bennett, dau. of Governor Richard Bennett; the cousin of Thomas Harris who m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, having issue: Thomas Harris, d. 1672. The connection is the Bennett/Bland trade in tobacco, from Virginia to Bristol/London.
(The possible origins of these Carters will be elucidated in a subsequent post).
1.1.1. William Cooke Jr., bapt. Aug. 9, 1633 (St. Aug., Bristol). His Will was proved Aug. 9, 1698, naming sons, John, William, Reuben, and Thomas*; a witness being James Atkinson Sr., father of Hannah Atkinson, wife of Reuben Cooke.
1.1.1.1. *William Cooke, b. 1659, d. Nov. 17, 1740. He witnessed the marriage of Joseph Meredith and Sarah Denson, on the 11th day of ye 4th month, 1696, with John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He witnessed the marriage of the said John Harris to his 2nd wife, Elizabeth Church, on ye thirteenth day of ye forth in ye year 1689, the principal witness being John’s brother, Thomas Harris.
1.1.1.2. John Cooke Sr., d. June 20, 1711, m. Hannah, dau. of James Jones, named in his Will, proved May 12, 1719, in Prince George County. 1.1.1.3. Thomas Cooke (associate of Henry Harris, br. of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30). Thomas Cooke. – Will rec, Nov. 22, 1736, exc., sons: Thomas and Jones Cooke, witness: John Brantley (B. 4, p. 149), who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Thomas Cooke and *Henry Harris appraised the estate of ( John White, rec. March 27, 1730, p. 251.
1.1.1.4. Johanna Cooke, m. John Burrow, son of Thomas Burrow, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr., whose estate was appraised by Henry Harris and Thomas Burrow, on July 25, 1737. (B. 4., p. 176). John Burrow was the br. of Fortune Burrow, wife of Richard Avery, whose relict was Sarah, dau. of William Wyche, son of Henry Wyche and Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, the (probable 2nd) wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712. Richard Avery was a transportee (from Bristol) of Captain Robert Pitt, as given in previous posts.
1.1.1.5. Reuben Cooke, m. Hannah Atkinson, sister of Thomas Atkinson,who witnessed the Will of of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.6. Sarah Cooke, m. Samuel Cornwell, Will probated Aug. 18, 1718. B. 7, p. 140. Petition of Samuel Cornwell, to the Court March 18, 1712, on behalf of the ‘People Called Quakers’, a house that he had built ‘in the Lower parish in this County att a place cal’d Billson’s field’ is ‘recorded for a publick meeting house for said People.'” children, John, James, Samuel
1.1.1.6.1. … m. John White, as given.
1.1.2. Eleanor Cooke, m. Thomas Carter.
xxix. What is being witnessed is being witnessed is those associated with the Bennett/Bland tobacco cartel, which contained a number of Bristol-based families, such as Pitt, Thorpe, Fones, and Watkins. There is little understanding of Virginia settler families of the Bristol basin without a knowledge of the Bennett family, and those familial to them; associations indicative of shared origins with the Blakes, Harris, and Westbrookes. To not be guided by such associations is like trying to navigate a maze in a fog.
BENNETT
1. 1.1. John Bennett, b. March 1, 1566, d. 1601. 1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, b. ca. 1590, listed in the 1624 census on the south of the James River, near Lawne’s Creek. In that year, Elizabeth Pierce, dau. of his wife Alice, chose her stepfather, Thomas Bennett, as her guardian. Elizabeth Pierce m. (2) Richard Jackson, by whom she had issue (1) Sarah, who m. Arthur Smith Jr. (who with his wife gave to George Hardy deeds for the land on Blackwater, in 1666, the deed reciting that Sarah and (2) Mary (wife of George Hardy) were daus. of Richard Jackson and granddaus. of Alice Bennett. (B. 1, pp. 69, 70). 1.1.1.1. *Richard Bennett, d. 1709. 1.1.1.1.1. William Bennett, b. ca. 1650. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Ann Bennett, m. John Bell, son of George Bell Sr., who witnessed the Will of Francis Hobbs, br.-in-law of John Harris, the brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712. Ann (Bennett) Bell was a beneficiary in the Will of Mathew Fones (1704), witnessed by Philip Pardoe, who witnessed the Will of Martha, wife of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Philip Pardoe’s wife was Jane, dau. of John George, and cousin of the first wife wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.1.1.1.1. William Bell, named, with Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, as a “friend” in the Will of Richard Jones, father-in-law of William Bell. 1.1.1.1.1.2. Amy Bennett, m. William Bobbett. 1.1.1.1.1.2.1. John Bobbett, m. Amy, dau. of John Alston, and Amy (dau. of Joseph Shearin), and sister of Lucy Shearin, who m. Benjamin Kimball Sr. 1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Sarah Bobbitt, m. John Harris, b, Nov. 13, 1769, in Bute Co.; son of Isham Harris, b. Oct. 25, 1741, son of West Harris Sr. and Mary Turner. 1.1.1.1.1.3. Susan Bennett, m. Daniel Lewis, son of Daniel Lewis and Sarah, second wife of *Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Mary Lewis, m. Timothy Thorpe Sr. 1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1. Joseph Thorpe. 1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.1. Mary Thorpe, m. James Barham. 1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris, descendant of Thomas Harris, d. 1688 (probable 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, as detailed in previous posts.
The central characters of this account originated in and around Wiveliscombe in Somerset.
They invariably intermarried with those they knew. Wiveliscombe is 14 miles W. of Creech St. Michael, from whence a family of Bobbett, of an equal yeoman/merchant class as the Harris. The account of the early Bobbett family in Virginia is not plausible, and is one copied without question, complete with assumed dates of birth, etc. The Bennett, Bobett, Gilliam ( of Stogumber), and Harris were near neighbours in Somerset, and are very likely to be the same families as found to be associated in Virginia.
1. William Bobbett, bur. June 30, 1639. 1.1. John Bobbett, yeoman, bapt. April 19, 1621, Will probated July 1686. 1.1.1. Richard Bobbett, b, ca, 1650, m. Jane Brownsford (alias Brownshay), sister of Rachel, wife of “Richard Coggan cooper, of North Curry, Somerset”. (See court case regarding: “Possession of several copyhold estates leased from the dean and chapter of Wells by the plaintiffs Mary, Rachel, Jane and Christian’s late father for the benefit of his daughters”, 1683, C 6/399/66). 1.1.1.1. William Bobbett, bapt. Jan. 25, 1682, m. Amy Bennett.
1.2. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April 2, 1570. 1.2.1. Thomas Bennett, bapt. Nov. 5, 1603. 1.2.2. Governor Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequested two thousand pounds of tobacco to the wife of “Mr. Thomas Taberer”, whose dau., Ruth, m. John Newman, br-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. 1.2.2.1. Ann Bennett, m. Theoderick Bland. 1.2.2.1. Theoderick Bland, m. Margaret Mann. (John W. Clay (ed.), Familiae Minorum Gentium. vol. ii., Harl. Soc., pp. 421–427). 1.3. Edward Bennett (bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, m. Mary Bourne); a leading Puritan settler, and elder of the Ancient Church at Amsterdam. He received a patent on condition that he settled 200 persons, in association with his brother, Robert Bennett, and his nephew, Richard Bennett. Edward Bennett’s dau., Silvestra (bapt. Oct. 25, 1630, in St Olave, London), m. Nicholas Hill, appraisee of the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672 (with Edward Brantley Sr., who was a neighbour of Edward Harris, d. 1677, probable 2nd cousin of the said Thomas Harris; see previous posts. 1.4. Eleonor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, on Oct. 6, 1594, in Wiveliscombe. 1.4.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wiveliscombe. 1.4.1 Thomas, d. 1672. The Will of Nicholas Hill, dated April 19, 1675, named legatees: wife Silvestra; sons Richard and Ralph, and dau., Mary, et al. Overseer, Thomas Taberer. Mary Hill, d. bef. Dec. 31, 1695, m. John Jennings, d. bef. June 9, 1698. Sylvestra Bennett’s sister, Mary, m. (1) John Day.
xxx. TABERER, an integral Quaker connection.
1. 1.1. Thomas Taberer, m. Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. In his Will, proved Feb. 9, 1694, Thomas Taberer mentions his plantation of “Basses Choice”, bought from John Bland, br. of Theoderick Bland, husband of Governor Bennett’s dau., Ann. He patented land adj. Francis England in 1652. He witnessed a land deed in 1658 between “Thomas Harris of Chipoaks (d. 1672) in the County of Surry” and Christopher Benn. He 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. Ruth Taberer was the sister of Elizabeth Taberer, who m. (2). John Williams, in 1696 (B. 1, p. 223), br. of (1) Bridget Williams, who m. John Brown, their dau. Bridget Browne, m. John Raspberry, who d. in Bertie Co. in 1749.
1.1.1. Ann Taberer, m. Robert Spencer (“friend” of Thomas Harris, d. 1672).
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Spencer, m. John Watkins.
1.1.1.1.1. William Watkins.
1.1.1.1.2. James Watkins, m. Martha Pitt, sister of Patience Pitt
1.1.1.1.2.1. John Watkins, m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Milly Watkins, b. 1758, in Butte, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC; d. 1837 (78-79) Mecklenburg/Union County. She m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, b. 1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.2. Christian Taberer, m. William Scott, brother of John Scott (grandsons of a business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Bristol), whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1629/30, as given herein.
1.2. Ann Taberer, m. Thomas Goodwin.
1.2.1. Thomas Godwin, m. Martha, dau. of Joseph Bridger Sr., business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Goodwin, m. William Bridger, the son of Joseph Bridger Jr., who witnessed a land deed of 1711, with the said John Scott
1.2.1.2. William Godwin, m. a dau. of John Pitt, uncle of Martha Pitt, who m. James Watkins, having issue: John Watkins, who m. Lydia, dau. of John Gilliam
1.2.1.3. Theophilus Godwin Sr,, b. ca. 1680.
1.2.1.3.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
xxxi. FORTE (revised).
1. 1.1. Thomas Fort. 1.1. John Fort, bapt. Feb. 2, 1567, in Wiveliscombe. 1.2. John Forte. 1.2.1. William Fort, bapt. May 24, 1576. 1.2.1.1. Richard Fort, bapt. July 20, 1597, m. Marie Tolmer, Nov. 25, 1622. 1.2.1.1.1. Marie Fort, m. John Deacon, March 24, 1646, probable br. of Thomas Deacon, atty of William Bressie, June 2, 1688. (Boddie, i., p. 553). 1.2.1.2. George Forte, bapt. Feb. 19, 1604. 1.2.1.2.1. Elias Forte Sr. (probably), m. Phillis Champion. “The administration papers on Elias’ estate show his wife’s first name was Phillis; the Will of Joseph Poole, made January 8, 1668 in Isle of Wight County, indicates rather strongly that she was Phillis Champion, and that her widowed mother had married Joseph Poole after bearing a son Edward Champion. Phillis also had sisters: Elizabeth, Sarah, and Priscilla Champion. Elizabeth m. Samuel Eldridge, brother-in-law of Thomas Moore, who appraised Elias Forte’s estate. 1.2.1.2.1.1. Elias Forte, born prior to Jan, 8, 1668, when Joseph Poole left this step-grandson a calf in his Will. He was at least 21 on March, 1686, when he bought land on Cypress Swamp in IOW from William Baldwin, partner of his step-father. 1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Holliday Fort, m. Mary Flake, who, on chronological grounds, was a dau. of Robert Flake Jr. and Margaret Marriot; and sister of Alice Flake, who m. William Gwaltney. Their dau., Anne Gwaltney, m. John, son of Edward Boykin Sr. 1.2.1.2.1.1.2. Mary Fort, m. John Foster Sr. 1.2.1.2.1.1.2.1. Arthur Foster, m. Martha Collier. 1.2.1.2.1.1.2.2. Sarah Foster, m. Walter Gilliam, whose Will was witnessed by Arthur Foster. 1.2.1.2.1.1.2.2.1. Lydia Gilliam, m. John Watkins. On July 11, 1765, “John Watkins, planter, and his wife Lydia”, in Southampton Co., sold 260 ac. to James Speed of the same county. (D.B. A, p. 256). 1.2.1.2.1.1.2.2.1.1. Millie Watkins, m. Solomon Harris, son of Thomas Harris, and grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. 1.2.1.2.1.2. John Fort, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Jordan of Surry Co. She was named in Richard’s Will dated Sept. 24, 1695, receiving “one breeding sow”. Richard Jordan was the br. of (1) Robert Jordan, whose dau., Christian, m. William Scott, br. of John Scott (m. Joan, dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke, associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672), whose Will was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. (2) Mathew Jordan, who witnessed the Will of John Harris,* son of Thomas, d. 1672, and half-brother of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, probably the father of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. 1.2.1.2.1.3. George Forte. 1.2.1.2.1.3.1. Phillis Forte, m. Francis Fiveash, br. of Peter Fiveash; appraisal April 28, 1702, by William Thomas, John Brantley Sr., son of Edward Brantley Sr., security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Peter Fiveash was the father of Thomas Fiveash, who m. (1712) Alice Harris (dau. of John Harris (D.B. 7, p. 288), son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), ), born June 17, 1685 (Chuckatuck Quaker records). James Pyland witnesses the Will of Thomas Fiveash, dated Jan. 4, 1725.
1. George Moore, d. Aug. 11, 1643; m. Magdalena …
1.1. *George Moore, of Bristol, b. 1632, m. Jane Barcroft, dau. of Charles Barcroft.
1.1.1. Ann Moore, m. Thomas White. Their estate was appraised between March 22, 1741 and July 26, 1742 John Goodrich Jr., and Edward Brantley, son of Philip. (Chapman, Wills, p. 142).
1.1.1.1. Avis White, m. (ca. 1690) a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.2. Eleanor Moore, 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.
1.1.2.1. *James Piland, witnessed the will of Robert Lancaster, on April 28, 1720, and appraised the estate of John Brantley, on April 26, 1725.
1.1.2.1.1. James Piland, m. Elizabeth Brantley, dau. of Phillip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr.), and Joyce Lewis; dau. of Rebecca George, cousin of the 1st wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
xxxii. BRESSIE
1. 1.1. Wm. Bressie, b. 1626, appts Robert Flake, Arthur Smyth, and John Carrel attys. (and Quakers – M.S), to collect debts, April 9, 1671. Wm. Bressie was a prominent Quaker and bWilliam Bressie was associated with a number of Bristol-based merchants: George Moore, aged 29 years, said mare bought of Capt. England was marked by Capt. Adams, March 9, 1663. Deposition of William Bressie, aged 37, p. 534. Deed of John Seward of the city of Bristol, merchant, son and heir of John Seward, late of sd City, m’chant, (and whoe died in Virginia) to William Bressie of Va now resident in Bristoll, for land called “Levy Neck” in the Co. of Warwicksquick, 1672. Thomas Deacon revokes power of atty. to James Powell to collect bills due from Elias Fort, Thos. Moore, Geo. Moore, Robert Flake, Wm. Bressie, Thos. Edwards, George Branch, Thos. Darrell, Ed. Grantham. Wm. Miller, Ed. Brantley, George Hardy, Jno. Collins, Jno. Holborne, John Monger. Sept. 7, 1675. Thomas Deacon* of Va. makes William Bressie his atty, June 2, 1668enefactor of the Meeting House at Levy Neck.
1.2. … Bressie.
1.2.1. Hugh Bressie, m. Sarah Champion, dau. of Edward Champion Jr. (Quaker Records).
1.2.1. Francis Bressie, b. Dec. 16, 1689, m. Elizabeth Wiggs, on Sept. 1713, witness, John Scott, whose Will of 1729 was witnessed by Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1.1. Mary Bressie, m. Matthew Jordan, son of Richard Jordan, the br. of Mathew Jordan, who appraise the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, who m. (2) Elizabeth Church, April 13, 1689, “at Henry Wiggs house in Nansemond Co.”, having issue: Isabella, bapt. 4 day of 7 mon., 1695, who m. Nicholas Fulgham III.
What to make of it? Certainly, a branch of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe were connected to a family of White in Virginia, who were probably neighbours of theirs in Somerset; res ipsa loquiter. The father of John White, who died in 1719 in Virginia, is not known; the data suggests several possibilities, as it does concerning the Thomas White who married a dau. of George Moore. These notes have not covered other branches of the Harris family of Wiveliscombe – many previous articles have done so – yet, a salient fact is that George Moore, grandfather of Avis White, who m. a grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688, is first recorded with Edward Brantley Sr. in 1663 (as joint security for the marriage settlement of his cousin, Thomas Moore), and this Edward Brantley provided security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. This latter Thomas was the “gateway” to such connection; he being the probable (very) 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. A knowledge of the wife of Edward Brantley Sr. would be illuminating, perhaps; and if, as I have suggested, she was a sister of George Moore, the “gateway” becomes explicit:
1. George Moore.
1.1. George Moore, who provided security for the marriage settlement of his cousin, Thomas Moore, with Edward Brantley Sr.*
1.1.1. Ann Moore,* m. Thomas White.
1.1.1.1. Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2. … Moore, m. *Edward Brantley?
1.2.1. Phillip Brantley, m. Rebecca George, cousin of the ist wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose sons, John, by Eleanor George, and Thomas, by Alice Newman, were Chuckatuck Quakers. James Wilson, fellow congregant, witnessed the Will of the said John Harris, 1713.
1.2.1.1. Edward Brantley, witnessed the Will of *Ann (Moore) White, dau. of George Moore.
1.2.1.1.1. .John Brantley, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. The said Thomas Harris witnessed the Will of John Scott, grandson of a trading partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Bristol. William Wilson, Chuckatuck Quaker, son of the aforesaid John Wilson, who witnessed the Will of a son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, also witnessed John Scott’s Will.
There are proofs far beyond the defensive claim of “no proof”.
by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon, 2004
Copyright © B. T. Shannon 2023
