Walter FitzGilbert de Hamilton

The following notes concern a group of families (from whence Thomas Owen of Henrico), that had intermarried over successive generations, to a degree that the thread that ran through them was based on an intricate, and vast, network of various degrees of cousin. Put simply, this was the English kinship system, through which families arranged marriages to further mutual support and enhance their social and economic wellbeing.

It was such kinship systems of the “upwardly mobile” seeking to attach themselves to more prosperous and influential families, that colonised Ireland and Wales in the 16th century, and Virginia in the 17th, leading to the displacent of their native populations, fostering a resentment that is still apparent.

These notes are underpinned by a pronounced political element. The interconnections between the families of Bagnall (the military commanders of the English colonisers of Anglesey, in North Wales), the Breretons; the Cholmleys; the Kynastons (the stewards of the Bagnalls), and the Salusburys, was the basis for a host of (“satelite”) cousins to join their colonial enterprise; either in person, as soldiers or administrators, hoping to acquire land, or as merchants, trading between the port of Chester and Wales.

Anyone caring to select, say, ten people from those given hereinafter, and make a list of their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousins, would be amazed at the complexity of the associations they had in common, for the “modern mind” is alienated from the social structures of the past; yet, without a knowledge of the same, little progress can be made in genealogical enquiry. It remains a static enterprise, based on the (Hollywood) notion that people of the distant past married after meetings of chance, leading to romantic attachments. Life was too precarious for such flimsy arrangements. Marriages were arranged with all the forethought given by accomplished chess players, playing for high stakes in a game of life.

OWEN

1. …
1.1. Howel ap Owen, of Machynlleth.
1.1.1. Richard Owen, of Shrewsbury, m. Alicia, dau. of David Ireland, of Shrewsbury.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Owen, b. ca. 1560), of London, merchant, m. Cecilia, dau. of John Newton (i.p.m. 1576, of Heyghley, Shrop., and Elizabeth, dau. of Griffith Hinton and Margaret Dodd, sister of Jane Dodd, who m. Hugh Sandford, of Sandford, d. 1530; daus. of John Dodd, and Alicia, dau. of Robert Aston, of Tixhall.

John Newton was a tenant of William Albany, citizen and mercer of London, in Whittington parish, wherein Fernhill. (Shrop. Arch. 103/1/6/1). He was also a tenant of Sir Hugh Cholmondley (Cholmley), in Heyghley, etc., in 1564. (Shrop. Arch., 2028/1/2/52). Cecilia Hinton was a sister of Beatrice Hinton, who m. (2) Thomas Lawley, second son of John Lawley of Wenlock, and Mary, dau. of Thos. Cresset, of Upton Cresset.

1. Roger Corbet (d. 1468), Sheriff of Shropshire, m. Elizabeth Hopton. 1.1. Richard Corbet, m. Elizabeth Devereux. 1.2. Jane Corbet, m. (2) Thomas Cressett, Esq. 1.2.1. Elizabeth Cressett, m. Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent; ancestor of Michael Holland, of Goochland. 1.3. Maria Corbet, m. Thomas Lacon. 1.3.1. Jane Lacon, m. William Egerton. 1.3.1.1. Isabel Egerton, m. Robert Sandford. 1.3.1.1.1. Catherine Sandford, m. Arthur Chambres. 1.3.1.1.1.1. Priscilla Chambres, m. Thomas Owen, esq. 1.3.1.1.1.1.1. William Owen (it is almose certain).
1.1.1.1.1. Henry Owen,* b. ca. 1590, Grocer, of London, Will probated Aug. 11, 1660.
1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Owen.
1.1.1.1.3. John Owen.

1.1.1.2. Edward Owen, b. ca. 1555, bailiff of Shrewsbury, in 1582, m. Johanna, dau. of Richard Purcell, of Dinthill, Salop. Bargain and sale, Arthur Chambre of Petton gentleman, and Catherine his wife to Edward Owen of Shrewsbury, gentleman, a capital messuage and lands in Sweeny. in fee simple. 1591. (Shrop. Arch., 2868/252).

Arthur Chambre Sr. was the br. of Michael Chambres, who m. Mary, dau of James (Jacob) Barker, of Haghmond, parents of Judith Chambres, who m. Arthur Kynaston.
Their dau., Mary, m. Francis Albany, sheriff of Shropshire in 1595, who inherited the Fernhill estate (in Whittington) from his father, the London merchant, William Albany, who had purchased it from Henry FitzAlan.

Judith Chambres was the cousin of Priscilla Chambres, wife of Thomas Owen, whose probable son, William Owen,* m. Judith Higgins, cousin of Richard Sherer.

1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Owen, esq., b. ca. 1580, bur. May 25, 1661. No Will or letters of administration survive. He was Shrewsbury town clerk and M.P.; and m. Priscilla, dau. of Arthur Chambre, of Petton (and Catherine, dau of Robert Sandford); son of Arthur Chambres, and Margaret, dau. of Francis Charlton, of Apley, Salop.

In 1645, Thomas Owen was dismissed as an M.P. ‘for delinquency’. His replacement was William Spurstow, one of his father’s apprentices during the 1590s.

Margaret Charlton m. (2) Francis Kynaston, of Otteley, Shrop., kinsman of Arthur Kynaston.

CHARLTON: 1. Francis Charlton, of Apley Castle (d. 1562), m. Cecilia, dau. of John Fitton, of Gawsworth, Cheshire, and Ann Brereton (dau. of Andrew Brereton and Agnes Lee), and sister of Sir William Brereton, d. 1541, Lord High Marshal of Ireland, who m. Alice dau. of Sir John Savage, of Clifton, sister of Margaret Savage, who m. Richard Bulkeley, of Beaumaris. 1.1. Margaret Charlton, m. Arthur Chambres Sr., br. of Michael Chambres, who m. Mary, dau. of James Barker, of Haghmond. 1.1.1. Arthur Chambres, m. Catherine Sandford. 1.1.1.1. Priscilla Chambres, m. Thomas Owen. 1.1.1.1.1. William Owen? 1.1.1.1. Arthur Chambres, m. Eleanor, dau. of Richard Grosvenor, of Eaton, Cheshire,* and Lettice, dau of Sir Hugh Cholmondeley, and Mary Holford. 1.1.2. William Chambre, gent., of London. 1.2. Andrew Charlton of Apley (d. 1617), m. Margaret, dau. of Jacob Barker, of Haghmond. 1.2.1. Francis Charlton, of Apley, Sheriff of Shropshire (d. 1642), m. Mary, dau. of Osmary Hill, of Bilmarsh. 1.2.2. Andrew Charlton, of Bristol, m. Joyce, dau. of John Barker, of Bristol. 1.2.3. Sara Charlton, m. John Studley, of Shrewsbury. Studley v Sherrer. Plaintiffs: Judith Studley, widow. Defendants: John Studley, Simon Weston, Thomas Betton and Richard Sherer. Subject: money, Shropshire. 1647. (C 8/314/103). Studley v Sherrer. Plaintiffs: Judith Studley, Mary Studley and Thomas Betton. Defendants: Richard Sherer. Subject: money, Middlesex. 1661. (C 8/192/111). 1.3. Cecily Charlton, m. Rowland Barker, of Haghmond, Sheriff of Salop.

BARKER. 1. John Barker, of Coulshurst, m. Joyce, dau. of Edward Burton, of Longnor. 1.1. John Barker, of Wolverton, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Hill, and sister of Sir Rowland Hill, of Haghmond, Salop, Lord Mayor.1.1.1. *James (‘Jacob’) Barker, of Haghmond, m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Clive, of Styche. 1.1.1.1. Rowland Barker, of Haghmond, Sheriff of Salop, m. Cicely, sister of Andrew Charleton, of Apley. 1.2. William Barker of Coulshurst, m. Joane Horne. 1.2.1. William Barker, of Hopton Castle, m. (1579), Edith, dau. of John Blanchard. 1.2.1.1. John Barker, of Bristol. 1.2.1.1.1. Joyce Barker, m. Andrew Charlton, of Bristol. 1.2.1.1.1. Andrew Barker. 1.2.1.1. Andrew Barker. 1.2.1.2. John Barker, of Coulshurst, m. a. dau. of Hugh Sandford, aunt of Catherine Sandford, who m. Arthur Chambres, having issue: Priscilla Chambres, who m. Thomas Owen, esq. 1.2.2. Dorothy Barker, m. Francis Holland, of Burwarton.

CHOMLEY: 1. Richard Cholmley (d. 1518) of Cholmondeley, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Randle Brereton Sr., of Malpas.* 1.1. Sir Hugh Cholmley, m. (1) Amy (d. 1571), dau. of Sir George Darman, of Malpas, (2) Mary, dau. of Sir William Gruffydd of Penrhyn, Caern., wid. of Sir Randle Brereton Jr., of Malpas. 1.1.1. Sir Hugh Cholmley (by Amy Darman), m. Mary (d. Aug. 15, 1625), dau. of Christopher Holford, of Holford. He was five times sheriff of Cheshire, once of Flintshire; and was vice-president of the council in the marches of Wales. 1.1.1.1. Lettice Cholmley (bur. Jan. 20, 1611, m. (1600) Richard Grosvenor, who m. (2, in 1614), Elizabeth (bur. June 26, 1621), dau. of Sir Thomas Wilbraham,* of Woodhey, Cheshire. (3) Elizabeth (d. March 12, 1628), dau. of Sir Peter Warburton, of Grafton, Cheshire, relict of Sir Thomas Stanley, of Alderley, Cheshire. The Grosvenors could trace their lineage back to a nephew of Hugh Lupus, 1st earl of Chester. 1.1.1.1.1. Eleanor Grosvenor, m. Arthur Chambres, br. of Priscilla Chambres, wife of Thomas Owen, supra.

WILBRAHAM: 1. Thomas de Wilburgham, of Radnor, m. Margaret, dau. of John Golborne, of Woodhey. 1.1. Thomas Wilbraham, of Woodhey, d. bef. 1494, m. Margaret, dau. of Thomas de Swettenham, and Alice de Overton. 1.1.1. William Wilbraham, of Woodhey, d. 1536, m. Helena, dau. of Philip Egerton, of Egerton. 1.1.1.1. Thomas Wilbraham, of Woodhey (d. 1559), m. Margaret, dau. of Sir John Mainwaring, of Peover. 1.1.1.2. Richard Wilbraham, of Woodhey (d. 1558), m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Grosvenor, of Eaton. 1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Wilbraham, of Woodhey, d. 1610, m. (1), Frances, dau. of Sir Hugh Cholmondeley (Cholmley). 1.2. Randulph (Ralph) Wilbraham. 1.2.1. Humphrey Wilbraham. 1.2.1.1. Margery Wilbraham, m. Owen Clutton, son of Ralph Clutton (and Maud, dau. of Owen Dodd, of Broxton), son of Hugh Clutton. 1.2.1.1.1. Katherine Clutton, m. Robert Johnson. 1.2.1.1.2. Margaret Clutton, m. Thomas Johnson.

ARTHUR KYNASTON

1. Francis Albany of Whittington, esq. 2. Arthur Kynaston of Shrewsbury gentleman. To raise money for payment of his debts. Albany and his wife Mary have conveyed by indentures of even date the following properties in Whittington (wherein Fernhill): (1) To Arthur Kynaston and Samuel Kynaston gentleman his son the waste and wood ground called Babies Wood. 1623. (Shrop. Arch. 2171/88).
1. Thomas Niccolls of Alott, esq., and Samuell Kynaston of Shrewsbury, gent., son and heir of Arthur Kynaston of the same, dec.;. 2. Thomas Lloyd of Fernhill, p. Whittington, esq., son and heir apparent of Andrew Lloyd of Aston, esq., and Sarah his wife, sole daughter and heir of Francis Albany, esq., dec. Grant of the moiety of the soil of the forest of Babies Wood otherwise Banbinche Woode in p. of Whittington … and other lands and tmt’s which descended to the said Sarah from her father (National Library of Wales).

KYNASTON

1. Humphrey Kinaston, of Stocks (d. aft.1520), m.Elizabeth, dau. of William Oteley, of Oteley.
1.1. Thomas Kynaston, of Eastwick, m. Margaret, dau. of Randolph Brereton, of Malpas.
1.1.1. Margaret Kynaston, m. (as 4th wife) Edward Dymock, of Penley. He was the brother of Humphrey Dymock, b. ca. 1490, who is commonly accredited has being the father of Eleanor Dymock, who m. (1) Edward Broughton, (2) Thomas Sherer.
In that this Thomas Sherer was b. ca. 1545 and Eleanor Dymock was b. ca. 1550 (they being the parents of Ann Sherer (bapt. 1577), who m. Edward Higgons, parents of Judith Higgins, b. ca. 1603-1605, who m. William Owen, in 1628); it is clearly the case that Eleanor Dymock was the dau. of Edward Dymock’s son Humphrey, with ‘Visitation’ constructs confusing ancestries dating back many generations.

DYMOCK

1. Edward Dymock (b. ca. 1495, d. ca. 1565), m. 1. Catherine, dau. of Richard Conwy, by whom:
1.1. Humphrey Dymock (b. ca. 1520, d. ca. 1560).
1.1.1. Eleanor Dymock, b. ca. 1550, m. (2, ca. 1580), as his second wife, Thomas Sherer, b. ca. 1545.
1.1.2. Catherine Dymock, m. William Knight, of Chester.
1.1.3. Anne Dymock, m. (2) Robert Turbridge, of Ruthin.
1.1.3.1. John Turbridge: Knight v Jones. Plaintiffs: Thomas Knight, gent of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Defendants: *Henry Owen, gent, John Jones and Anne Jones his wife, JohnTurbridge, Edward Eyton, Jeffrey Eyton, Hugh Page, and *William Owens. 1629.* (C 2/ChasI/K24/60).
1.1.3.2. Robert Turbridge. Sandford v Kerry. Plaintiffs: Francis Sandford and Margaret Sandford his wife. Defendants: George Kerry, Edward Kerry, George Cooke, Robert Turbridge, Thomas Evans and John Mathewes. Subject: property in Benweston, Shropshire. 1663. (C 6/164/119).
1.2. Elen Dymock, b. ca. 1525, m. (1) Piers Salusbury, b. ca. 1520.

SHERER. 1. Thomas Sherer, m. (1) , Elizabeth, dau. of William Adams, of Longdon, and Eleonor Jennyns, dau. of Rowland Jennyns. 1.1. Robert Sherrer. Gibbons v Hill. Plaintiffs: Nicholas Gibbons. Defendants: Thomas Hill, John Browne, Robert Sherer, and John Vawre. Subject: property in Frankwell (in Whittington parsh, as Fernhill). 1610. (C 8/25/68). 1.1.1. William Sherer, draper of Shrewsbury, Will probated June 8, 1627. 1.1.1. Richard Sherer (father’s executor, m. Susanna Parkhurst), cousin of Judith Higgons, wife of William Owen, the probable father of Thomas Owen of Henrico.

PARKHURST. 1. Henry Parkhurst of Guildford, Surrey m. Alice, dau. of James Hills, of Guildford. 1.1. Sir Robert Parkhurst, of Pirford, Surrey, Lord Mayor of London (b. ca. 1570, d. 1636), m. Eleanor, dau. of William Babington, of Chorley, and Ellen, dau of John Aldersey, of Spurstowe, son of John Aldersley and Ann, dau. of Thomas Bird, of Clutton, Cheshire. 1.2. Damaris Parkhurst, m. *William Spurstowe, merchant of London (and parishioner of St. Chad’s parish, Shrewsbury, apprentice of Thomas Owen, probable father of the said William Owen); the brother of Alice, who m. Richard Wynne, of Shrewsbury. 1.3. Susanna Parkhurst m. (1) Richard Sherer, (2) James Lancashire, of London. The Will of Richard Sherer, merchant, of London, was proved March 1665, and mentioned his cousin, Richard Wynne. The Will of Sir Robert Parkhurst, proved Feb. 22, 1636, bequests to: “my niece, Susan Sherer, the dau. of my sister Susan Lancashire by her first husband” … “cousin Margery Johnson “… “my aunt Aldersey” … “brother-in-law William Spurstowe” (overseer). Sir Richard Parkhurst was names as a cousin of Henry Parkhurst, citizen and grocer of London, Will proved Nov. 28, 1640, which bequested to (overseer) “cousin Richard Sherer and his wife”. 1.3.1. Richard Sherer. Cary v Sherer. Plaintiffs: Damaris Cary. Defendants: Susannah Sherer, widow, and Richard Sherer. Subject: property in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, etc. 1674. (C 5/459/96). Heydon v Spurstow. Plaintiffs: John Heydon. Defendants: William Spurstowe and Henry Spurstowe and Richard Sherrer. Subject: personal estate of William Spurstowe, of London. 1652. (C 10/83/33). 1.3.2. William Sherer, bapt. Oct. 1, 1637, Shrewsbury, St Chad, son of “Richard and Sussana”.

ALDERSLEY AND CLUTTON. 1. Robert de Aldersey, of Middle Aldersey, m. Johanna dau of Randle Bird, of Clutton. 1.1. John Aldersey of Middle Aldersey, d. ca. 1450, m. Cicely, dau. of Hugh de Clutton. 1.2. Ralph de Aldersey, d. 1327, m. Margaret, dau. of Ralph de Handley. 1.2.1. Hugh de Aldersey., d. 1350, m. Margaret, dau. of William de Rosingreve. 1.2.1.1. Hugh Aldersey, d 1403, m. Margaret, dau. of Richard de Barton. 1.2.1.1.1. William Aldersey, m. Margaret Stalker, dau. of John Stalker, of Lower Spurstow. 1.2.1.1.1. Henry Aldersey, of Spurstow, m. Jane, dau. of John Hockenhull. 1.2.1.1.1.1. John Aldersey of Aldersey (d. 1528), m. Anne, dau. of Thomas Bird, of Clutton, the sister of Ellen, who m. William Babington; their dau., Eleanor. m. Sir Robert Parkhurst, whose sister, Susanna, m. Richard Sherer, first-cousin of Judith Higgons, who m. William Owen, April 30, 1628, in St. Chad’s, Shrewsbury.

SALUSBURY

1. Robert Salusbury, b. ca. 1490 (sheriff of Merionethshire in 1544 and 1549, and of Denbighshire in 1546), m. Catrin, dau. of John ap Madog, of Bodvel.
1.1.1. John Salusbury, b. ca. 1515 (d. 1580), M.P. Merioneth in 1553; sheriff of the same in 1559, and 1578.
1.1.1. Sir Robert Salusbury, b. ca. 1540 (d. 1599), m. Elinor, dau. of Sir Henry Bagnall, of Plas Newydd, Anglesey. He was M.P. of Denbigh in 1586-7, and of Merioneth, in 1588-89. He went to Ireland as a captain in the English army.
1.2. Piers Salusbury, b. ca. 1520, m. Ellen Dymock, b. ca. 1525.

BAGNALL

1. John Bagnall, Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, m. Elinor, dau. of Thomas Whittingham, of Middlewich.
1.1. Sir Nicholas Bagnall,* of Newry Castle, and Plas Newydd, Knight Marshal in Ireland, m. (in 1553) Eleanor Griffith (d. 1573), dau. of Sir Edward Griffith, of Penrhyn, and Jane Puleston.
His constable in Newry was Randolph Brereton, of Malpas, see as follows, whose family had close ties with the gentry of North Wales.
1.1.1. Sir Henry Bagnall, of Newry Castle, and Plas Newydd (b. ca.1 555, d. 1598), Knight Marshal in Ireland, m. Eleanor, dau. of Sir John Savage, of Rock Savage, Cheshire.
1.1.1.1. Elenor Bagnal, m. Sir Robert Salusbury.
1.1.2. Isabel Bagnall, m. Sir Edward Kynaston, of Oteley (d. 1641), br. -in-law of Sir Henry Bagnall, br.-in-law of Margaret, eldest dau. of Sir John Savage, of Rock Savage, wife of Sir Richard Bulkeley, 2nd Kt. of Beaumaris.

KYNASTON cont.

1.2. George Kynaston, of Oteley, m. Jane, dau. of Sir John Gray.
1.2.1. Francis Kynaston, m. Margaret, dau. of Francis Charlton, relict of Arthur Chambre.
1.2.1.1. Anne Kynaston, m. Arthur Sandford, br. of Catherine Sandford, who m. Arthur Chambre, parents of Priscilla Chambre, who m. Thomas Owen, esq., probable father of William Owen.
Arthur and Katherine Sanders were children of Robert Sandford, and Isabell, dau. of William Egerton, and Jane Lacon, dau, of Thomas Lacon and Maria Corbett, dau. of Richard Corbet, and Elizabeth Devereux.
1.2.1.1.1. Francis Sandford, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Chambre, gent., of London.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Francis Sandford (1630 – 1693, 3rd son, m. Margaret, dau. of William Jukes,* of Buttington.

JUCKES. 1. Roger Juckes of Dorrington, Salop, m. Alicia, dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton of Wattlesborough, and Anne, dau of Roger Barker. 1.1. Thomas Juckes of Buttington, Sheriff of Montgomeryshire, d. 1636, m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Sandford, of Upper Rossall, and Margaret, dau of Humphrey Plowden. 1.1.1 George Juckes, of Buttington, m. Mary, sister of Thomas Kerry, Sheriff of Montgomeryshire. 1.1.1.1. William Juckes, of Buttington (3rd son). 1.1.1.1.1. Margaret Juckes, m. (2) Francis Sandford.

1.2.1.2. Sir Edward Kynaston, of Oteley, son of Francis Kynaston, m. Isabel, dau. of *Sir Nicholas Bagnall, Marshal in Ireland.1.2.2. William Kynaston.
1.2.2.1. Richard Kynaston, of Ryton
1.2.2.1.1. Thomas Kynaston, of Ryton, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Lee, of Langley.
1.2.2.1.1.1. Arthur Kynaston: April 19, 1593: Arthur Kynaston, son of Thomas of Ryton, gent., and apprentice (draper) with “Mr. Mychell Chambres” (Shrop. Arch, p. 146, 1927). He m. his master’s dau., Judith.
1.2.2.1.1.1.1. Samuel Kynaston, supra.

BRERETON

1. Sir Randle Brereton of Ipstones and Malpas, b. ca.. 1450, Chamberlain of Chester, m. Eleanor, dau of Piers Dutton, of Hatton.

Pre-nuptial settlement, between Sir Rondulph of Brereton Kt., and Thomas Domok, gentleman. It is agreed that Thomas Vachr.son of the said Thomas shall wed Anne daughter of the said Randle; that the said Randle shall pay to the said Thomas 40 marks – 10 on the day of the espousal, 5 at the feast of the Annunciation next coming, 5 at Michaelmas, and 10 marks yearly until the said sum is fully paid; that if Thomas Vachr. shall predecease his father, the said Thomas Domok shall pay to the said Ann yearly, 5 marks rent; and that if the said Thomas Vachr. does not wish to live with his father but “rather goo to his owne house”, the said father shall give him lands to the value of 10 marks. July 24, 1466. (Cheshire Arch., DCH/C/425).

1.1. Ann Brereton, m. Thomas Dymock Jr.
1.1.1. Mary Dymock, m. Jenkin Hanmer of Ffens, ap Gruffydd Fychan Hanmer ap Edward Hanmer of Ffens.
1.1.2. Randal Dymock, of Penley and Willington, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Gruffydd Hanmer of Ffens, ap Edward Hanmer of Ffens.
1.1.2.1. Humphrey Dymock.
1.1.2.2. Edward Dymock.
1.1.2.2.1. Humphrey Dymock.
1.1.2.2.1.1. Eleanor Dymock, m. Thomas Sherer
1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Ann Sherer (bapt. 1577), m. Edward Higgons
1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1. Judith Higgins, m. William Owen, in 1628.
1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1.1. Edward Owen, bapt. Feb. 5, 1629, perhaps named after Judith’s father, or William’s brother.
1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Owen of Henrico, bapt. July 16, 1635, perhaps named after William’s father, or brother.
1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1.3. William Owen, bapt. Feb. 2, 1637.

1.2. Sir Randle Brereton of Malpas, m. (1), Elenor, dau. of Phillip Egerton, of Olton.
1.2.1. Anne Brereton, m. (it is strongly suggested), Robert Johnson (b. ca. 1475), son of William Johnson , and brother of Thomas Johnson (b. ca. 1475). Grant to uses by Roger Brereton esq., to Randle Brereton his brother, of the Manor of Wyghland, with a messuage in Egge in the tenure of Thomas Johnson.
1.2.1.1. James Johnson.
1.2.1.1.1. Richard Johnson
1.2.1.1.1.1. “Richard ap Richard ap James ap Robert Johnson”.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Judith Johnson, m. Edward Holland of Conway.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Judith Holland, m. Robert Owen.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Margaret Johnson, m. (1) Lewis Roberts.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. . Gabriel Roberts, m. (1593), Dorothy, dau. of Robert Turbridge, of Ruthin.
1.2. Sir Randle Brereton, m. (2) Isabel, dau of Thomas Butler, of Bewsey. William Johnson,, b. ca. 1450, of Egge and Bickerton. Grant in fee by William Johnson de Egge to Randle Brereton son and heir of Randle Brereton de Malpas, chamberlain of Chester.
1.1.1. Sir Randle Brereton of Malpas, m. Mary (dau. of Sir William Griffith, Chamberlain of North Wales), and sister of Katherine, wife of Richard Bulkeley, ist Knight, of Beaumaris.
1.1.1.1. Randolph Brereton, of Malpas.

BULKELEY

1. Sir Richard Bulkeley, of Beaumaris, Anglesey, and Cheadle (Cheshire), Sheriff of Anglesey, 1542; m. Katherine, dau. of Sir William Griffith, of Penrhyn.
1.1. Richard Bulkeley.
1.1.1. Sir Richard Bulkeley, 2nd Kt. of Beaumaris, Chamberlain of North Wales, knighted at Berwick by the Earl of Warwick in 1547; M.P. for Anglesey 1554-5 and 1562-3; also Sheriff in 1547, 1552, and 1561; and for Carnarvonshire 1550 and 1558. He m. Margaret, eldest dau. of Sir John Savage, of Rock Savage, Cheshire.
1.1.2. Jenkin Bulkeley.
1.1.2.1. Ellen Bulkeley, m. Hugh Holland.
1.1.2.1.1. Hugh Gwyn Holland.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Edward Holland, of Conway, (d 1601), m. Judith, dau of Richard Johnson Sr., of Beaumaris.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Judith Holland, m. Robert Owen, of Bodsilin.
1.1.2.1.2. Ellen Holland, m. Richard Johnson , of Beaumaris.

More than enough to bewilder the modern mind.

copyright m stanhope 2020

Genealogical interconnections always went back deeper in time – a countless succession of intermarriages between the same families over centuries. This was the general pattern. All that is left to do is the discernment of threads within.

1. William Johnson, of Egge and Bickerton. Grant in fee by William Johnson de Egge to Randle Brereton son and heir of Randle Brereton de Malpas, chamberlain of Chester. 1.2. Thomas Johnson (b. ca. 1475). Grant to uses by Roger Brereton esq., to Randle Brereton his brother, of the Manor of Wyghland with a messuage in Egge in the tenure of Thomas Johnson.
1.2.1. Randle Johnson (b. ca. 1500). Grant in fee by Robert Bulkeley of Preece (Co. Salop) to Randle Johnson of Edge. 1.3. Robert Johnson Sr. 1.3.1. Robert Johnson, m. Katherine Clutton. Aldersey v Horton. Plaintiffs: John Aldersley,* servant to Lord Grey of Wilton. Defendants: John Horton and Robert Johnson. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to a messuage and land in Middle Aldersey. Cheshire. 1544-1551. (C 1/1188/20). 1.3.2. Thomas Johnson, m. Margaret Clutton, sister of Katherine. 1.3.3. John Johnson. Hare v Johnson. Plaintiffs: Roger Hare of Mucknell (Worc.), nephew of John Hare, son and heir of Johan Bradley. Defendants: John Johnson of Frodsham. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to messuages and land in Frodsham, late of John Richardson and Elizabeth, his wife, to them demised by James Johnson and Hamond Denwall, chaplains. 1529-1532. C 1/646/3. Johnson v Grosvener. Plaintiff: John Johnson. Defendant: Richard Grosvener. Subject: Tithes in Frodsham, Cheshire 1536-1544. (E 321/16/6). Richard Grosvener was a juryman on the i.p.m. (May 19, 1527) of Sir John Savage, who died seized of half the manor of Cheadle. 1.3.4. James Johnson, lay chaplain. 1.1.3.1. Richard Johnson. 1.1.3.1.1. “Richard ap Richard ap James ap Robert Johnson, senior.”

1. Thomas de Wilburgham, of Radnor, m. Margaret, dau of John Golborne, of Woodley. 1.1. Helen Wilbraham, m. Hugh Bulkeley. 1.2. Randulph (Ralph) Wilbraham. 1.2.1. Humphrey Wilbraham, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Golborne. 1.2.1.1. Margery Wilbraham, m. Owen Clutton, son of Ralph Clutton (and Maud, dau. of Owen Dodd, of Broxton), son of Hugh Clutton.
1.2.1.1.1. Katherine Clutton, m. Robert Johnson. 1.2.1.1.2. Margaret Clutton, m. Thomas Johnson. 1.2.1.1.3. Thomas Clutton, m. Margery Wilbraham.* 1.2.2. Ralph Wilbraham. 1.2.2.1.*Margery Wilbraham. 1.2.1.1.4. Jane Clutton, wife of Edmund Bickerton. 1.2.2.2.5. Henry Clutton, of Edge (Egge). (Vis. Worcester).

The Dodds of Broxton and Edge (Egge) were the same family, and intermarried. The Ams of the Dodds of Broxton quartered those of the Dodds of Edge: sable and gules, an eagle displayed argent. 1. John Dodd of Broxton, Cheshire m. Margery, dau. of Hugo le Bird, she m. (2) William de Bickerton. 1.1. David Dodd, of Broxton. 1.1.1. Owen Dodd, of Broxton m. Margaret, dau. of Richard Bulkeley, of Cheadle and Over Peover, the latter, the fief of his stepfather, Randle Mainwaring. Richard de Bulkeley came of age in 1412 He died in 1454, when his heir was declared as William, his son, who, in 1488–9, is described as “William de Bulkeley, senior, deputy of Sir William Stanley, Knt., Constable of the castles of Carnarvon and Beaumaris”. (See John Parsons Earwaker, ‘East Cheshire’, vol. 1. , pp. 172-174, 1878). 1.1.1.1. John Dodd of Broxton, m. Katherine, dau. of Randle Cotgrave. He was a juryman on the i.p.m. of Richard Bulkeley.
1.1.1.1.1. Peter Dodd of Broxton (d 1611) m. Anne, dau of Hugh Carington, of Over, son of Nicholas of Carington. 1.1.1.2. Margaret Dodd, m. Ralph Clutton, of Clutton.

Dodd, of Edge/Egge. 1. Stephen Dodd. 1.1. David Dodd, m. a dau. of Massy, of Coddington. 1.1.1. John Dodd, of Edge, Emma, dau. of Humphrey Brereton, of Malpas. 1.1.1.1. David Dodd, m. a dau. of Nicholas Manley, of Pulton. 1.1.1.1.1. Randle Dodd, of Edge, m. (1) Ann, dau. of Sir Randle Brereton, of Malpas. 1.1.1.2. Jane Dodd, m. Thomas Calcott.

1. Adam de Aldersey of Aldersey. 1.1. Robert de Aldersey of Middle Aldersey, m. Margaret, dau of William de Aldford. 1.1.1. Robert de Aldersey, of Middle Aldersey, m. Johanna, dau. of Randle Bird, of Clutton. 1.1.1.1. John Aldersey of Middle Aldersey, d. ca. 1450, m. Cicely, dau of Hugh de Clutton.1.1.1.1.1. Philip Aldersey, of Middle Aldersey, m. Margaret, dau of Hugh Massie, of Coddington. 1.2. Ralph de Aldersey. 1.2.1. Hugh de Aldersey. 1.2.1.1. William Aldersey. 1.2.1.1.1. Henry Aldersey. 1.2.1.1.1.1. John Aldersey of Aldersey (d 1528), m. Anne, dau of Thomas Bird, of Clutton. 1.2.1.1.1.1.1. *John Aldersey, d. 1582. Aldersey v Horton. Plaintiffs: John Aldersley,* servant to Lord Grey of Wilton. Defendants: John Horton and Robert Johnson. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to a messuage and land in Middle Aldersey. Cheshire. 1544-1551. (C 1/1188/20). Waryne v Aldersey. Plaintiffs: Ralph Waryne, gentleman and William Bagh and John Golborne, his tenants. Defendants: John alias Jenkyn Aldersey, Roger Massy, gentleman, and others. Subject: Pasture in Middle Aldersey. Cheshire. 1538-1544. (C 1/1086/21).
1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Richard Aldersey of Picton, m. Margaret, dau of James Cotgreave. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1. Ralph Aldersey. 1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. William Aldersey, Mayor of Chester (b 15.12.1543, d 1616, m. Mary, dau of John Brereton.

It really is so easy.

copyright m stanhope 2021

I ponder this – If a statue of WILLIAM WEST THE REBEL had have been raised, would it now be torn down?

1. Robert Bennett, m. a dau. of Richarde Edneye, of Wivelscombe, Som., Vintner. 1.1. Thomas Bennett. 1.1.1. Richard Bennett, of Nansemond River, Virginia, Will proved, August 3, 1676.
1.1.1.1. Anne Bennett, b. 1641, m. (1) Theodorick Bland of Westover. 1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Bennett, b. 1645, m. Col. Charles Scarborough, of Accomac county, br. of Matilda, who m. Lt. Col. John West, on Oct. 20, 1661, in Northampton Co. He d. May 27, 1703. As a carpenter and shipbuilder, he was not of an aristocratic background, nor of a known one. 1.2. Elianor Bennett, m. Richard Harris, hence a connection to such as Thomas Harris, d. 1672, Edward Harris, d. 1677, and Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

That is, one connection between West and Harris.

FULGHAM OF PITMINSTER – 1. Anthony Fuljames, of Pitminster, m. (2) Martha Greene. 1.1. John Fulgham, b. 1639, in Pitminster, appraised estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2. Michael Fulgham Sr. (d. 1691), m. Anne Izzard. 1.2.1. Michael Fulgham, m. Mary Pitt. 1.2.1.1. Sussanah Fulgham, m. Henry West, d. August 13, 1745, in Edgecombe Co., son of Robert West, d. June 7, 1712, son of William West ‘the rebel’. 1.3. Nicholas Fulgham. 1.3.1. Nicholas Fulgham. 1.3.1.1. Nicholas Fulgham, m. Isabel Harris, granddau. of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

WEST OF MILVERTON, 5 mls from Pitminster, 3 miles from Wiveliscombe – 1. William West, m. Ellnor Browne, Feb. 11, 1579. 1.1. Edwarde West, bapt. March 28, 1585, bur. Dec. 24, 1657.
1.1.1. Thomas West, m. Tomasine Shepheard, Nov. 5, 1642. 1.1.1.1. WILLIAM WEST THE REBEL, bapt. April 3, 1643. 1.1.1.1.1. Robert West. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Henry West, m. Sussanah Fulgham. 1.1.1.1.2. William West, appraised the estate of Robert Driver, May 19, 1699 p. 149.

My best wishes to everyone.

God bless everyone.

Michael

HOLLAND

1. William Holland, of Conway.
1.1. Thomas Holland (fl.1477).
1.1.1. William Holland.
1.1.1.1. Humphrey Holland (fl. 1527), m. Grace, dau. of John Conwey, of Bodrhyddan.
1.1.1.1.1. Hugh Holland, m. Ellen, dau. of Jenkin, son of Sir Richard Bulkeley.*
1.1.1.1.1.1. Hugh Gwyn Holland ‘of Aberconway’ (d. 1548), m. (1543) Jane, dau. of Hugh Conwy, of Bryneuryn, and Ellen, dau of Sir William Griffith, of Penrhyn.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Edward Holland, of Conway, (d 1601), m. Judith, dau of Richard Johnson Sr., of Beaumaris. (Arch. Camb., 3rd Series, vol. xii, p. 188).
1.1.1.1.1.2. Ellen Holland, m. Richard Johnson Sr., see as follows.

Richard Johnson was probably closely related to Thomas Johnson: Bulkeley v Johnson. Plaintiffs: Hugh Bulkeley.* Defendants: *Sir Richard Bulkeley and Thomas Johnson. Subject: claim be descent. Divers lands and tenements in the town of Beaumaris or elsewhere in the county of Anglesey. 1558-1603. (C 2/Eliz/B11/19). Thomas Johnson’s wife was the granddau. of a Wilbraham heiress, a family intermarried to that of Bulkeley.

Richard Johnson is recorded here: Letter of attorney by the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of Beaumaris to Roland Kenrike and Richard Thomas to deliver lands, tenements, pastures, called ‘Maes Brumeriz’ in Bryn Eryr in Llanvaes, Beaumaris, Anglesey … signatures of Hugh Goodman, mayor, and Richard Johnson and William Sharrowe, bailiffs. 1568 May 11, 1568. (WARD 2/16/53I/28). Will of Richarde Johnson of Beaumaris, prob. Oct. 21, 1601.

WILBRAHAM

1. Sir Richard de Wilburgham, Sheriff of Cheshire (d 1273-4), m. (2) Letitia, dau. of Sir William Venables, of Wycham, Cheshire.
1.1. William de Wilburgham, of Radnor, m. (1) Christiana Crosley, sister of Richard Crosley.
1.1.1. William de Wilburgham, of Radnor (d. 1353-4).
1.1.1.1. Ralph de Wilburgham, of Radnor, (d 1388) m. (1) Felicia, dau of John de Hulme.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas de Wilburgham, of Radnor (b. by 1366, d. 1410-1), m. Margery, dau of Thomas de Leighes.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas de Wilburgham, of Radnor, m. Margaret, dau of John Golborne, of Woodley.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Wilbraham, of Radnor and Woodley (d. 1491-3), m. Margaret, dau. of Thomas de Swettenham, and Alice de Overton.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Helen Wilbraham, m. *Hugh Bulkeley.

1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Randulph Wilbraham (d. March 2, 1548).
1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Humphrey Wilbraham, m. Elizabeth Golborne. Aug. 7, 1464, Richard Clyve, Thomas Bulkeley, of Broxon, Ralph Maynwaryng, and Hugh Bulkeley, of Broxon, to the King, recognizance for 401. that John de Goldburn keep the peace towards Philip Fylkyn.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1. Margery Wilbraham, m. Owen Clutton.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.1. Katherine Clutton, m. Robert Johnson.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.2. Margaret Clutton, m. Thomas Johnson.

BULKELEY

Thomas Nicholas, Annals and Antiquities of the Counties and County Families of Wales, vol. 2, p. 38, 1872: The following pedigree of this distinguished family has been drawn from deeds and other documents in the archives of Baron Hill, expressly for the present work. It differs in many important points from pedigrees of the Bulkeley family already published, but may be relied upon as correct and authorized. The ancient family of Bulkeley were not of Welsh origin. They traced their descent from Robert de Bulkylegh, Lord of the Manor of Bulkylegh, Eaton, &c., in the co. of Chester, in the time of King Jolin. The first who came to Anglesey was:

1. William Bulkeley, Esq, Constable of Beaumaris Castle in 1440, m. Ellen, the dau. of Gwilym ap Gruffydd, Esq., of Penrhyn, Carnarvon.
1.1. William Bulkeley.
1.1.1. Hugh Bulkeley, Deputy Constable of Conway.
1.1.2. Sir Richard Bulkeley, m. Alice, dau. and hrs. of Sir W. Beconsal, of Beconsal, co. of Lancaster,
1.1.2.1. Sir R. Bulkeley, his successor.
1.1.2.1.1. Sir R. Bulkeley, Kt. of Beaumaris and Cheadle (Cheshire), Sheriff of Anglesey, 1542; m. Katherine, dau. of Sir W. Gruffydd, of Penrhyn.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Sir R. Bulkeley, his heir.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Sir R. Bulkeley, 2nd Kt. of Beaumaris and Cheadle, Chamberlain of North Wales, knighted at Berwick by the Earl of Warwick in 1547; M.P. for Anglesey 1554-5 and 1562-3; also Sheriff in 1547, 1552, and 1561; and for Carnarvonshire 1550 and 1558. He m. Margaret, eldest dau. of Sir John Savage, of Rock Savage, Cheshire.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Sir R. Bulkeley, 3rd Kt., called the elder, b. in 1533; appointed Constable of Beaumaris Castle in 1561; knighted at Whitehall in 1576; M.P. for Anglesey 1571, 1603-11, and 1614; also Sheriff in 1570; was the first Mayor of Beaumaris under the new Charter of Queen Elizabeth, 1562.He m. (1) Mary, dau. of William, Lord Burgh, or Borough, of Gainsborough, by whom he was father, with other issue:
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Bulkeley, of Baronhill, 1st Viscount Bulkeley of Cashel (bapt. Aug. 10, 1585, d. by 1659), m. (1) Blanche, dau of Robert Coytmore, of Coytmore.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Ann Bulkeley, m. (1) Harri Whyte, of Friars.* He was a grandson of Richard Whyte* and a dau. of Richard Johnson of Beaumaris, aforementioned.
Sir R. Bulkeley m. (2) Katherine, dau. of Sir William Davenport, of Brome Hall, co. of Chester. She m. (2) *Sir Richard Whyte, of Fryars. 
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.3. Sir R. Bulkeley, 4th Knight, called the younger, who s. to the estates of Sir Richard, 3rd Knight, and m., about 1605, Anne, dau. of Sir Thomas Wilford, of Idington, Kent, and had, with other issue:
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Richard Bulkeley, Esq., of Beaumaris. He d. in Carnarvon, 5th March, 1639-40, without issue, and was succeeded by his uncle, whom he appointed sole executor.
1.1.2.1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Bulkeley, m. (1578) Owen Holland of Berw.*

1.1.2.1.1.2. Jenkin Bulkeley.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1. Ellen Bulkeley, m. Hugh Holland.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Hugh Gwyn Holland.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1. Edward Holland, of Conway, (d 1601), m. Judith, dau of Richard Johnson Sr., of Beaumaris.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Judith Holland, m. Robert Owen, of Bodsilin.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1.2. Ellen Holland, m. Richard Johnson Sr., of Beaumaris.
1.1.2.1.1.3. Thomas Bulkeley, Esq., of Plasgronw, and Beaumaris.

1.2. Peter Bulkeley, m. Nicola, dau. of … Bird, of Wore, Shropshire.
1.2.1. John Bulkeley of Wore and Haughton, m. Awdry, dau. of Sir John Audley, of Wirral.
1.2.1.1. Hugh Bulkeley of Wore, m. Ellen, dau. of Thomas Wilbraham, of Woodley.
1.3. Richard Bulkeley of Cheadle, m. Alice, dau of Sir Ralph Bostock.
1.3.1. William Bulkeley of Cheadle (d. 1484), Constable of Beaumaris Castle, m. Ellen, dau. of Gwylim ap Griffith, of Penrhyn.

GRIFFITH

1. Gwilym ap Griffith, of Penrhyn (d 1431), m. (2), Jane (d 1466), dau of Sir William Stanley, of Hooton.
1.1. Gwilym Griffith of Penrhyn, Chamberlain of North Wales (b. 1415, d 1483), m (1) Alice, dau. of Sir Richard Dalton, of Apethorpe.
1.1.1. Sir William Griffith of Penrhyn, Chamberlain of North Wales (b. 1445, d 1506), m. Jane (d. 1458-9), dau of Sir William Troutbeck, and Margaret, dau of Sir Thomas Stanley.
1.1.1.1. Sir William Griffith of Penrhyn, Chamberlain of North Wales (b 1478, d 1531) m. (1, by 1494) Jane, dau. of Thomas Stradling.
1.1.1.1.1. Catherine Griffith, m. Sir Richard Bulkeley, Chamberlain of North Wales.
1.1.1.1.2. Ellen Griffith, m. Hugh Conway, of Bryneuryn.
1.2. Ellen Griffith, m. William Bulkeley, Constable of Beaumaris Castle.

WHYTE OF LLANVAES/LLANFAES, near Beaumaris.

1. John Wynn, alias Whyte, of Tryvan, m. (1) Angharad, dau. of Pierce Stanley and Constance Salesbury.
1.1. Robert Wynn of Tryvan, m. Catherine, dau. of Owen ap John Owen, of Ystumcegig.
1.1.1. Cadwaladr Owen.
1.1.2. Grace Owen, m. John Owen (Captain).
1.1.3. Elizabeth Owen, m. Robert ap Richard ap Gruffydd, of Glynddwyfach.

1.2. Richard Whyte, Sheriff of Anglesea in 1568, 1582, 1589, 1594. He purchased “the Friars” in Llanvaes in 1563. He m. Douce, dau. of Richard Johnson of Beaumaris, gent. and Elin Holland of Conway. (Griffith’s Pedigrees (Trefan (p. 163) & Neugwl ucha (p. 288), and Friars (p. 130)).
1.2.1. Rowland Whyte, Constable of Carnarvon Castle, m. Lettice Besbets.
1.2.1.1. Harri (Henry) Whyte, of Friars, m. Ann, dau. of Sir Richard Bulkeley, of Beaumaris. Their granddau, Jane, m. John Holland, of Berw, son of Thomas Holland, rector of Llangeinwen, ob. 1746.

“Llanvaes was a house of Franciscan or minor friars, founded by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, Prince of North Wales, before 1240. It was dedicated to St. Francis, and was the burial-place of Joan, daughter of John, King of England, the son of the King of Denmark, the Lord Clifford, and many barons and knights slain in the Welsh wars; and when it was almost ruined, was restored by King Henry V, who provided that there should be always eight friars in it.” (Jacob Youde William Lloyd, The History of the Princes, the Lords Marcher, vol. 6, p. 195, 1887).

HOLLAND

1. John Holland, m. Elinor, dau of Ithel ap Howell ap Llewelyn, a descendant of Llywarch ap Bran, lord of Menai at the end of the 12th century.
1.1. Owen Holland, sheriff of Anglesey, March 1504/5, m. Ethelrede, dau. of Richard Hampdene, of Kimble, Berks.
1.1.1. Edward Owen, d. bef. 1561, m. Elin, dau. of Rowland Griffith, of Plas Newydd, Anglesey.
1.1.1.1. *Owen Holland, d. Feb. 1, 1601, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Richard Bulkeley. He was sheriff in 1591 and 1599.
1.1.1.1.1. ‘Thomas Holland, of co. Anglesey, gent., S. Edmund Hall, matric. Nov. 3, 1593, aged 16’. (Foster, Alumni Oxon). He was sheriff in 1609, 1622, and 1640.
1.1.1.1.2. Owen Holland, m. Mary, dau. of Michael Evans, of Plas Llandyfrydog.
1.1.1.1.2.1. Owen Holland, m. Jane, dau. of Pearce Lloyd, of Llugwy, in 1642/3.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.Thomas Holland, m. (1) his cousin Catherine, dau. of Pearce Lloyd of Llugwy, and (2) Lumley, dau. of Thomas, lord Bulkeley.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2. John Holland, m. Elizabeth Levitt.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Thomas Holland, inherited the Berw estate in 1708, and in the same year was appointed rector of Llangeinwen, Anglesey.

BRERETON

(Indenture between William Brereton* of Brereton, Cheshire, esquire, and Sir Richard Bulkeley of Beaumaris, Anglesey (3rd Knight, supra), by which Brereton grants to Richard Bulkeley a yearly revenue of 2s. from 1 acre of land and wood with appurtenances called Bulkeley Banke in Stanthorne, Cheshire, according to an indenture between them dated August 20, 1577. Witnesses: Edward Brereton, William Sniethwik and Edmund Gamage. Seal and signature of William Brereton. July 24, 1578. (WARD 2/16/53I/29).

1. Sir William Brereton, of Brereton, m. Ellen, dau of Philip Egerton, of Malpas, and Matilda, dau. of David de Malpas, of Bickerton, and Katherine (d. 1393), dau. of Hugh de Bickerton.
1.1. Sir William Brereton,* of Brereton (b. 1349, d. 1426) m. (1386) Anilla, dau. of Hugh Venables.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Brereton m. Sir John Savage.
1.2. Randle Brereton of Malpas, m. Alice, dau. of William de Ipstones.
1.2.1. Randle Brereton, of Ipstones and Malpas, m. Katherine, dau. of William Bulkeley, of Eaton.
1.2.1.1. Randle Brereton, m. Emma, dau. of John Carrington, of Carrington.
1.2.1.1.1. Sir Randle Brereton (Chamberlain of Chester), m. Eleanor, dau of Piers Dutton, of Hatton.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Sir Randle Brereton, m (2), Isabel, dau. of Thomas Butler, of Bewsey.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Sir Randle Brereton of Malpas,* m. Mary (dau. of Sir William Griffith, Chamberlain of North Wales), and sister of Katherine, wife of Richard Bulkeley, ist Knight, of Beaumaris, supra.
1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Roger Brereton.*
1.2.1.1.2. William Brereton, Chamberlain to Henry VIII.
1.2.1.1.2.1. Henry Brereton. Quitclaim by Henry Brereton, gentleman, son of William Brereton esq., deceased, and of Lady Elizabeth, late his wife and late wife of Sir John Savage, also deceased, to Sir John Savage, son and administrator of the said Lady Elizabeth, of all suits and actions etc. which he has or may have against the said Sir John as such administrator, and of his share of the goods, chattels etc: of the said Lady Elizabeth, in consideration of an annuity of 20 marks. Oct. 3, 1558. (DCH/E/298).
1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Brereton of Barrow, Cheshire, m. Jane, dau of … Baggott, of Brethill.
1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1. *William Brereton, m. a. dau of Arthur Chantrell, of Chester.

JOHNSON

1. William Johnson de Egge (b. ca. 1450). Grant in fee by William Johnson de Egge to *Randle Brereton son and heir of Randle Brereton de Malpas, chamberlain of Chester, Thomas Bowker, clerk, William Brayn de Aston Grene, and Nicholas Wyswall, of all his messuages, lands etc: in the townships of Egge and Bykerton. Aug 1, 1497. (Chesh. Arch., DCH/C/55).

1.1. Joan Johnson. Quitclaim by Margaret Johnson, late wife of William Johnson formerly of Hege, to Randle Whight of Reymerston (Co. Norfolk) and Joan Johnson of the same, daughter of the said William Johnson, of her claim to lands, tenements etc: in Hege and Bekyrton. Apr. 14, 1514. (DCH/C/63). The connection to Reymerston was the family of Savage.

1.2. Thomas Johnson (b. ca. 1475). Grant to uses by *Roger Brereton esq., to Randle Brereton his brother, of the Manor of Wyghland with a messuage in Egge in the tenure of Thomas Johnson, a messuage in Bykerton in the occupation of Richard Whetenall, a pasture in Egge called Hobfeld in the tenure of Oliver Davenport and a messuage in Horton in the tenure of John Meyr, all which premises formerly belonged to Randle Brereton his father, deceased, to the uses expressed in an indenture of Feb. 14, 1532/3. (DCH/C/68). Grant in fee by Sir Randle Brerton, chamberlain of Chester, to Nicholas Wyreswall, of an annual rent of 13/10 issuing from messuages etc: in the townships of Egge and Bykerton, which he has by gift of John Whyte of Remerston (Co. Norfolk) and Margaret his wife: for the life of Margaret, widow of William Johnson of Remerston. Feb. 15, 1534. (DCH/C/62).

1.2.1. Randle Johnson (b. ca. 1500). Grant in fee by Robert Bulkeley of Preece (Co. Salop) to Randle Johnson of Edge, of all his lands and tenements in the township of Edge, that is to say a close called the Hoole lands now in the tenure of the said Randle and 2 butts, of which 1 lies between the lands of Sir Philip Egerton on the East and the land of Sir William Brerton on the West, in a field called the townefeld, and the other in the green called Hursoed in Edge, at an annual rent of a red rose at the feast of St. John the Baptist for a term of 18 years, then at an annual rent of 6/8½.. Jan. 29, 1545/6. (DCH/C/69). Grant by Randle Johnson of Egge to Richard Blethen and Isabella his wife, dau. of the said Randle, of a close called the hoolelands in Egge and 2 butts, of which 1 lies between the lands of Sir Philip Egerton on the East and the lands of Sir William Brereton on the West … to the said Richard and Isabella for life, on the death of the said Randle, remainder to Robert son of Randle Blethen of Malpas and his heirs, remainder in default to Richard Blethen another son of the said Randle and his heirs, remainder to Thomas Blethen another son and his heirs, remainder to his own heirs. Oct. 31, 1551. (DCH/C/73).

1.2.2. Edward Johnson. Lease for 2 lives by Sir Hugh Cholmundeley of Cholmundeley, knight, to Edwarde Johnson of Egge and Johan his wife, of 2 closes in Egge now in the occupation of the said Edwarde, called the higher hethe and the lower heth or Johnsons heth, for the lives of the said Edwarde and Johan, at an annual rent of 6/8. Cons. £12-0-0. 2 seals. March 22, 1551. (DCH/C/72).

1.2.3. Richard Johnson (b. ca. 1500). Grant in fee, by Robert Chauntrell of Bache Esq., and Richard Holland of Denton (Co. Lanc.), John Brereton of Lake (Co. Staff), William Manley of Manley, Esq., John Bower of Sidwey and Christopher Trafford, gentleman, feofees to the use of the said Robert, and Thomas Davenport of Henbury, Esq., and William Fiton son of John Fiton Esq., deceased, feoffees to the use of Elen Chauntrell, widow, late wife of William Chauntrell, deceased, at the special request of the said Robert, to Henry Brereton son of Sir William Brereton Kt., John Fiton, Randle Fiton son of John Fiton, Esq., deceased, and William Goodyer, chaplain — their messuages in the vills of Castle Hill and Meanewood, now in the tenures of Agnes Smyth, widow, late wife of George Smyth deceased, of the annual value of 24/, Richard Johnson, of the annual value of 25/, and Thomas Gibbon, of the annual value of 10/ – to hold to the use of Jane daughter of Elen Fiton, widow, for life, in name of her jointure. Oct. 28, 1535. (DWN/2/65).

Sir Richard Holland of Denton, co. Lancaster (son of Thurstan Holland and Joan Arderne)), m. Anne, dau. of John Phiton (Fitton), of Gawsworth, co. Chester, ar., their son, Edward Holland of Denton, co. Lancaster, ar., m. (1), Jane, dau. of John Carrington, of Carrington, co. Chester, and thus was brother-in-law of Randle Brereton, supra.

1.2.3.1. Thomas Johnson, b. ca, 1525.
1.2.3.2. Richard Johnson?, b. ca. 1525. 

ROTER/RUTTER OF KINGSLEY

1. David Le Clerc, lord of villam totam de Thorneton et moiety of the Barony of Malpas.
I.1. Peter the Clerk, Secretary of Randle Blundeville (ca. 1172- 1218), sixth earl: in hominibus et nativis, et in omnibus rebus, locis et of Chester, by deed without date, granted to this Peter libertatibus eidem villæ de Thorneton pertinentibus, a boat, and the right of fishing on the Dee from Chester habendam et tenendam, &c. reddendo inde annuatim to Eaton.
1.1.1. Randle le Roter, lord of Thornton (b. ca. 1295) d. bef. 28 Edward 111. (1365), m. Amicia, dau. of Richard de Kingsley.
1.1.1.1. Randle le Roter, b. ca. 1320.
1.1.1.1.1. John le Roter, (Harl. MS. 1535), brother of Peter de Frodsham, (Harl. MS., 2119).
1.1.1.2. Cecilia le Roter, m. David de Malpas, lord of Bickerton.
1.1.1.2.1. Matilda de Malpas, m. Philip Egerton.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Ellen Egerton, m. Sir William Brereton.*
1.1.1.3. It is suggested: John le Roter, b. ca. 1320.
1.1.1.3.1. Thomas son of John (Thomas Johnson) le Roter, b. ca. 1350.

Grant in fee by Thomas Johnson le Roter de Astmor to Richard son of William le Marschall, his heirs and assigns, of his 2 burgages with appurtenances in Halton (boundaries), and 3d. rent which John de Neuton used to pay to the said Thomas annually. Witnesses: William del Mersch, Peter Jannesson, *William de Bort(er)ton (Brereton), Robert le Dauber, Thomas le Roter. Given at Halton, the Sunday next before the feast of St. Lucy the virgin, Dec. 9, 1380. (DCH/E/99).

1.1.1.2.1.1.1. David Jonson. Release by Joan del Lache widow of Robert del Lache to Thomas her son, of her right of dower in all the messuages, lands etc: which came to her after the death of David Jonson her late husband, father of the said Thomas, in Egge, Bykerton and Aldresey, and also of all her goods and chattels, rents, debts and possessions within the County of Chester. Witnesses: Sir John del Maynwaryng, knight, William de Brescy, William de Brundeley, Philip de Aldresey, Richard Brayn de Aston and John de Brundeley. Given at Egge, the Monday next after the feast of the Epiphany, 25 Henry VI. Jan. 9, 1446/7. (DCH/C/45).

1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Jonson Letter of Attorney by Agnes Laughton de Burgo Sancti Petri (Co. Northants.) to Thomas Jonson de Ege in the parish of Malpas, to receive from John Egeley 47/6, which he owes her for her dowry, and to collect the said dowry annually in Bykriton. July 7, 1458. (DCH/D/196). Indenture. 1. Robert Downes. 2. Emma daughter of Roger de Bothe. Lease; with Warranty contra omnes gentes; for term of lives of both parties at 12d. silver per annum; in all Robert Downes’ lands etc., that are held by John Crene, Nicholas Maykin, Philipp Bryne, Thomas Leghes, Richard Wherneby, Hugh Rowe, Peter Rossyndale, Robert Walker, Roger Dale and Thomas Jonson, by terms of years or during pleasure, in Bolynton’ Ponynton’ Adlyngton’ and Macclesfeld; and in a certain parcel of land lately held by Robert Leghew in Ponynton’ and another called Cokeshote heye. Witnesses. John Savage junior, Hugh Davenport of Henbury, Esqs. Thomas Worth. May 16, 1464. (DDS 5/38).

1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. William Johnson de Egge (b. ca. 1450). His family held land in Egge, of the Egertons, and Bickerton, of the Breretons. William Johnson was also a grantor of land in Egge, to the Breretons, which was probably inheritance.

copyright m stanhope 2021

It is a relatively simple matter to outline the ancestry of Colonel Richard Lee, of Virginia, as much has been previously researched. It is only a matter of suggesting extra detail. Such detail gives an insight into the extreme complexity of the English kinship system, with its repeated intermarriages between the same families over succeeding generations. In the case of Richard Lee’s family, these marriages pivoted around the Bests and Hancocks, with such as the Machyns and Romneys providing a subsiduary role in the prime aim of securing a familial link to the most influential family in their sphere – the Corbetts. Connections of enhancement and survival.

The familial framework within which the family of Colonel Richard Lee, of Virginia existed is matched in complexity by that which the Bennett family of Wiveliscombe (from whence Governor Richard Bennett, of Virginia) was attached – by those seeking advantageous intermarriage, such as the Blands.

As I wrote in a recent article: ‘Robert E. Lee’s great-grandmother, and her relations, strongly suggest his ancestry; a product of inter-related families from a small area of Somerset, England’. This brings forth an all too common feature of American genealogical constructs – the welding together of those families of the same surname as if they were synonomous. As much as Colonel Richard Lee’s family were of their distinct kinship circle, so was Robert E. Lee’s family the product of another. Such ‘circles’ were generally mutually exclusive in England, and not much less so in the early period of Virginia colonisation.

In the addendum which follows the brief notice of the suggested ancestry of Richard Lee, an excerpt is given from my recent post – GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE – his probable ancestry.

LEE

1. John Lee, of Alvely (1398-1465), m. Joyce Pakington. John Lee lord of Coton grants to Richard Blike jnr and Margerie, John Lee’s daughter 3 fields called the Chetoresnewelond with moors, underwood adjoining. To hold to Richard and Margerie and their corporeal heirs, of the chief lord of the fee. In default of such heirs the property is to revert to the grantor and his heirs forever, of the chief lords of the fee. Aug. 9, 1432. (Shrop. Arch., 3950/23).
1.1. John Lee, of Nordley, m. Elizabeth Corbin, heiress of Thomas Corbin. “The family (of Corbyn) was connected with Shropshire by the marriage of John Luttley with Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Thomas Corbyn and Elizabeth, coheir of Giles Filylode. John Lee of Nordley, Co. Salop, also married Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Thomas Corbyn. The families of Lee and Corbyn were related through the Astleys, of Astley, near Bridgnorth”. (Shrop. Arch. Soc., p. 224, 1894).
1.1.1. Thomas Lee, of Nordley, d. March 16, 1526 (Inq. p.m., 1526), m. Johanna, dau. of Robert Morton, of Houghton, and Jane, dau. of Sir Robert Corbett. Robert Morton was also father of Robert Morton, who m. Joyce, dau. of Thomas Lee, of Langley, by whom: Jane, who m. (in 1558) Thomas Corbett, of Longnor. (Vis. Shrop., 1623). Morton of Haughton. ARMS: Harl. 1241.- Quarterly: 1, Argent, a chevron between three trefoils sable.

1.1.1.1. Humphrey Lee, of Coton (in Alveley parish), m. Katharine (bur. Aug. 20, 1591), dau. of John Blount, of Eye (Yeo). Blount v Abyngton. Plaintiffs: John, son and heir of John Blount of Butterley, and of Elizabeth, his wife, daughter and heir of John Eye (Yeo), and of Eleanor, his wife. Defendants: George Abyngton, fourth husband of the said Elizabeth, and Richard, his brother. Subject: Forgery of a conveyance, in the name of the said Elizabeth, of the manors of Eye and Marsh, in Wistanstow. 1532-1538. (C 1/751/1). Writ precipe to Sheriff of Shropshire ordering George Habyngton to give seizin without delay to John Blount son and heir of Eliz. Blount formerly wife of John Blount esq. decd. son and heir of John de Eye (Yeo) according to the agreement made between them of the manor of Marsh. 1542. (Shrop. Arch., 4229/1/5). Habyngton v Lee. Plaintiffs: George Habyngton (Abynton) of Brockhampton and Elizabeth, his wife, daughter and heir of John of Eye (sic). Defendants: Humphrey Lee of Cotton, co. Salop, gentleman. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to the manor of Eye and of other goods (list given by defendant. Herefordshire. 1533-1538. (C 1/827/49-50).

(1. John Blount of Kynlet (d 1442), m. Alice, dau of Kinard Delabere, d.1402, of Kinnersley in Herefordshire. “He was son of one of the Prince of Wales’ chamberlains and came early to the household of Richard II, being retained as king’s knight 1386. He was also a retainer of the Earl of March, active in war and local administration, serving as MP 4 times from 1384 to 1399 and as JP 1382-90 and sheriff 5 times on many commissions and summoned to Great Council 1401, all from Herefordshire. His arms are derived from the Bohun Earls of Hereford: Coat of arms: azure a bend argent cotised or between six martlets”. (Clemmensen, Willement’s roll of arms. p. 42).
1.1. Humphrey Blount of Kinlet, Sheriff of Shropshire (d 1477), m. Elizabeth, dau of Robert Winnington, and the widow of John Delves, of Cheshire.
1.1.1. Sir Thomas Blount of Kinlet, Sheriff of Shropshire (b. by 1456, d 1525), m. Ann, dau of Sir Richard Croft, of Croft Castle.
1.1.2. John Blount of Eye (Yeo), Herefordshire, m. Elizabeth, dau of John Yeo.
1.1.2.1. John Blount of Eye, m. 1. Anna, dau of Sir Richard Smith, of Bromyard, Heref.
1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Blount, m. William Berington.
1.1.2.2. Katherine Blount, m. Humphrey Lee).

1.1.1.1.1. John Lee, of Coton, b. 1628 (father’s i.p.m); Will proved June 14, 1605, m. (1553), Joyce, dau. of John Romney, of Worcestershire, and Ann Berington. Settlement, June 24, 1553, Joyce Romney, only dau. of John Romney, gent, of Lulsley, co. Worcester. She was bur. at Alveley, Dec. 4, 1609; her mother was the dau. of John Berington of Stoke Lacy, Heref.

1.1.1.1.1.1 “Elienor Leye”, b. ca. 1555. m. Thomas Hancocke (d. 1616), Oct. 3, 1573, in Halesowen – formerly a part of Shropshire, but was incorporated into Worcestershire in 1844. Its road was on the trade route that ran through Worcester (25 miles distant) to Twyning (35 miles distant). People lived in localities, rather than within modern concepts of borders. Thomas Hancocke was a brother of William Hancocke, b. ca. 1545, mentioned as “William Hancocke the elder of the city of london“, with his son, “William Hancocke, the younger” in a deed of sale of the manor of Halls Court in Bredon, adjoining Twyning by William Copely, in which “William Hancocke the elder” is decribed as a brother-in-law of “John Best of Twyning“. (Worc. Rec. Office, 705, 397-8/30). William Hancocke the elder was a very rich vintner in London. According to the Worcestershire ‘Visitation’, he m. “a dau. of … Ley of com. Glouc.”, probably referring to the Lee family intermarried with a family from Twyning, Glouc., i.e. Hancocke.
1.1.1.1.1.2. … Lee, m. William Hancocke, b. ca. 1545.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Edward Hancock, of Twyning, b. ca. 1570; d. Jan. 26, 1621; Will probated April, 3, 1622, bequesting twenty shillings to “John Lyes his three sonns then under twenty-one“. Jane Hancock’s Will, prob. March 26, 1639, named sons John, Richard and Thomas, and uncle, Thomas Hancocke, as executor.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. William Hancocke*, b. 1594, father’s exec., of Worcester, sheriff thereof in 1665, d. 1n 1676, aet. 82.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2. John Hancocke, of Twyning b. ca. 1597, m. “Margaret, dau. of … Best“. This statement from the ‘Visitation’ is (chronologically) referring to a sister of John Best*.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Anne Hancocke, bapt. Dec. 27, 1627, in King’s Norton, m. Richard Lee. Their children were born from ca. 1646 onwards.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3. Jane Hancock,* b. ca. 1600, m. John Lee, b. ca. 1586-1590. She m. (2) John Manning, in Worcester St. Martin, on July 29, 1632; he dying in 1633. Her Will, dated May 31, 1635, named “eldest son, John Lee, son Richard, and youngest son, Thomas”, and her uncle, Thomas Hancocke, as executor. (Probatum 1639, Worcester Consistory Court, no. 1470).
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1. Richard Lee, he aged 34 in 1652 by deposition, completed his apprenticeship (clothier) under his uncle, *William Hancocke in 1640, henceforth emigrating to Virginia, having married his cousin, Anne Hancocke.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1.1. John Lee, not 18 in 1664.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1.2. Richard Lee.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1.3. Francis Lee.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1.4. William Lee.
1.1.1.1.1.2.1.3.1.5. Hancock Lee.
1.1.1.1.1.2.2. Thomas Hancock, b. ca. 1575.
1.1.1.1.1.2.2.1. Thomas Hancock, b. ca. 1600, clothier, of Worcester.
1.1.1.1.1.2.2.1.1. William Hancocke, mentioned in the Will of John Best, as **Richard and Francis Lea, sons of “Colonell Richard Lea“.

1.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Lee, b. 1561, d. Jan. 14, 1620, m. Dorothy, dau. of Richard Oteley.

1.1.1.1.1.3. Richard Lee, bapt. Oct. 6, 1563 in Alveley Parish, m. (as his 2nd wife), Elizabeth Bendy, on Oct. 21, 1599.
1.1.1.1.1.3.1. John Lee (by his father’s first wife), m. Jane Hancock, bur. Worcester, Feb. 24, 1638, dau. of Edward Hancock, of Twyning, co. Gloucester.
1.1.1.1.1.3.1. John Lee, eldest son.
1.1.1.1.1.3.2. Richard Lee, who described himself as “lately of *Stratford Langton” in his Will of 1663/1664. The operative word being “lately”; he had probably either bought or inherited property in the environs of London from the Hancockes, and would have travelled between London and Virginia in the 1650’s – 1660’s.
1.1.1.1.1.3.3. Thomas Lee, youngest son.
1.1.1.1.1.3.2. Richard Lee. Lacon v Lee. Plaintiffs: Rowland Lacon. Defendants: John Lee and Richard Lee. Subject: messuage and land in Nordley Regis, Shropshire {juxta Coton}, ca. 1615. (C 2/JasI/L11/14).

ROMNEY

1. Sir John Romney, of Lulsley, Worcestershire, b. ca. 1512. Will of John Romney, Gentleman of Lulsley, probate July 14, 1570.
1.1. Joyce Romney, b. ca. 1535, d. Dec. 4, 1609, in Coton, m. John Lee.
1.2. Thomas Romney, Gentleman, of Lulsley, Will prob. Nov. 11, 1590, m. Elizabeth Machyn (Will prob. Nov. 6, 1587), who m. (2) Thomas Best* (variant surname: Beaste, Beste). The Mayor and Burgesses of the cyttie of Glouc. To Thomas Best, one of the aldermen and sherife of the said cyttie of Glouc. Lease of lands in Rodley and Chaxhill formerly in the possession of Christopher Younge and Robert Crompe or one of them, for 31 years. Rent 13s 10d. Jan. 6, 1580. (Glouc. Arch., D3270/140). Will of Thomas Beste, Alderman of Gloucester, May 4, 1587, mentions Thomas, son of his brother, John Best,* and his Romney step-children.
1.2.1. Richard Romney. Rumney v Garnons. Plaintiffs: Richard Rumney of the University of Oxford, gent, son of Elizabeth Rumney who later married Thomas Best late of Gloucester, gent, deceased. Defendants: Luke Garnons gent, Thomas Machin gent, both aldermen of Gloucester and executors of Elizabeth Rumney, and Ancell Sanforde, gent. Subject of decree: Possession of a lease of the rectory of Twyning, Gloucestershire, made by Christ Church Oxford, the term of which was bequeathed to Elizabeth Rumney by Thomas Best. June 6, 1594. (C 78/88/2).
1.2.2. Peter Romney, m. Elizabeth Machyn; she m. (2), Thomas Best.*

Romney Arms : Or , on a fesse per pale azure and gules , three roses or , a mullet for cadency).

BEST

1. …
1.1. *Thomas Best, b. ca. 1530, m. (as 2nd wife), Elizabeth Machyn, on Aug. 25, 1576, sister-in-law of Joyce Romney, wife of John Lee, whose dau., Eleanor, m. Thomas Hancocke. Thomas Best was of Twyning: Thos. Best v. Robt. Treyte, Thos. Pryckett: tithe. 1555. (GDR/B4/3/1229).
1.2. *John Best, b. ca. 1530, brother-in-law of William Hancocke, supra, having m. his sister, Elizabeth, father of Edward Hancocke, whose dau., Jane, was the grandmother of Richard Lee, of Virginia, d. 1663/4.
1.2.1. Thomas Best, b. ca. 1555.
1.2.1.1. Rowland Best, b. ca. 1580.
1.2.1.1.1. John Best, b. ca. 1605, Will proved May 4, 1667. “Item. I give bequeath unto Richard Lea, the sonne of Collonel Richard Lea, tenn pounds“. “Item. I give bequeath unto Ffrancis Lea, another sonne of Collonel Richard Lea tenn pounds and my silver tankard“.
1.2.1.1.2. Margaret Best, m. John Hancocke, br. of Jane Hancocke, who m. John Lee, b. ca. 1586-1590. Their son, Richard Lee, aged 34 in 1652, completed his apprenticeship (clothier) under his uncle, *William Hancocke in 1640/1, henceforth emigrating to Virginia, having married his cousin, Anne Hancocke.

BERINGTON OF WINSLEY

“The name is derived from Berington, in the hundred of Condover, and county of Salop, where Thomas and Roger de Berington were living in the reigns of Edward I. and II. Another Thomas, living in the time of Edward III., married Alice, daughter of Sir John Draycot, Knight, and was ancestor of John Berington, of Stoke-Lacy, in this county, who about the reign of Henry VII. married Eleanor, daughter and heir of Rowland Winsley, of Winsley, Esq. ARMS. – Sable, three greyhounds courant in pale argent, collared gules, within a border of the last”. (Evelyn Philip Shirley, The Noble and Gentle Men of England, p. 92, 1859).

1. John Berington, of Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire, m. Eleanor, dau. of Rowland Winsley.
1.1. William Berington, of Stoke Lacy and Winsley, m a dau. of Sir Edward Lacon, son of Sir Thomas Lacon of Willey and Mary, dau. of Sir Richard Corbet, of Moreton Corbet.
1.1.1. Simon Berington, of Winsley, m (2), Elizabeth, dau. of John Blount, of Eye.  Elizabeth Blount was the sister-in-law of Humphrey Lee, and aunt of John Lee.*
1.2. Anne Berington, m. John Romney.
1.2.1. Joyce Romney, m. *John Lee.

MACHYN

The Will of Henry Machyn of com. Gloucester; prob. May 9, 1567, names s. Thomas* and his wife Christian, s. Henry, d. Mary, d. Margaret, d. Elizabeth and her husband Peter Romney, kinsman John Lawnson, sister Katherine, brother-in-law Mr. Purye, and wife Elizabeth. (Harl. MSS. 1041, fo. 88; 1543, fo. 916). Elizabeth and Peter had issue: Peter, bapt. at St Nicholas, Gloucester on May 28, 1577. On Aug. 25, 1576, Elizabeth, a widow, m. Thomas Best, alderman of the City of Gloucester, at St Nicholas, Gloucester.

*”Thomas Machen, esq., alderman of Gloucester, and thrice mayor of the same, died 1614. Christian his wife, with whom he lived in the state of marriage 50 years, died 1615. There is a plate of this monument, engraved by Bonner, in Fosbroke’s History of the city of Gloucester, but in that engraving the arms of the city are erroneously repeated instead of those of the alderman, viz. Or, a chevron engrailed gules, between three (holly) leaves stalked vert; quartering, azure, a branch of columbine proper, flowered and tied with a ribbon or”. (John Gough Nichols, ed., The Diary of Henry Machyn, Camden Society, 1847/8).

Henry Machyn who d. in 1567 was very likely the diaryst of the same name, b. 1492/3.

“The Diary, in fact, originated from the nature of the writer’s business as a furnisher (merchant taylor) of funeral trappings; and it is at first a mere record of the principal funerals for which he was employed to provide. Commencing in August 1550, he describes two funerals in that and one in the following month, one in October, and several in November, the last of which belongs to Christopher Machyn, his own brother. Henry Machyn has twice noticed the occurrence of his birthday, from which we learn that he was more than fifty years of age at the time the Diary commences, and approaching seventy at the period of its close (1563). His parish, from several passages, is shown to have been that of Trinity the Little, by Queenhithe; and in Trinity-lane adjoining the Painter-Stainers’ hall, in the vicinity of which would live many of the workmen with whom he had so much to do” (ibid.). Thus, he lived ca. 5 miles from Stratford Langton.

ADDENDUM

BENNETT AND LEE

1. John Bennett.
1.1. John Bennett, bapt. March 1, 1567; d Oct. 17, 1601.
1.1.1. John Bennett, b. ca. 1600.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April 2, 1637, in Wellington. The Bennetts held property in Wellington from 1572. Deeds of properties in Wellington (DD\DP/67/4), incl. close near Sheeplands later called “Bennetts Close” in Westford tithing. Wellington is 6 miles S.E. of Wiveliscombe, those living on its northern boundary were very close neighbours of those living on the southern border of Wiveliscombe; Cousins divided by a hedgerow.
1.1.1.2. John Bennett, b. ca. 1640.
1.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Bennett, m. Henry Lee, Sept. 10, 1692, in Wellington, St John.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Henry Ley,* bapt. April 23, 1693, in Wellington, son of “Henry and Elizabeth”, m. Mary Bland.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1. John Lee (1724-1767), m. Mary Smith.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2. Col. Henry Lee II (1730-1787) of “Leesylvania”, who m. Lucy Grymes (1734-1792), dau. of Charles Grymes (1693-1743) and Frances Jennings.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Lee (1756-1818), Governor of Virginia, m. (June 18 1793) Ann, dau. of Hon. Charles Carter, Sr. (1737–1802) of “Shirley”.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Robert Edward Lee, b. Jan. 19, 1807 at “Stratford”in Westmoreland Co. VA; d: Oct 12, 1870, in Lexington, VA. Robert E. Lee was commander of”The Army of Northern Virginia” during the Civil War.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2. Richard Lee.
1.1.1.2.1.2. Edward Lee, son of “Henry and Elizabeth” (Bennett).
1.1.1.2.2. Edward Bennett, the Virginia coloniser, and major tobacco trader.

1.2. Eleanor Bennett, bapt. March 5, 1568, m. Richard Harris, Oct. 17, 1594, in Wiveliscombe.
1.3. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April, 2, 1570; d. Sept. 26, 1616.
1.3.1. Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609; d. bef. April 12, 1675; elected Governor of the Virginia General Assembley, March 30, 1652.
1.3.1.1. Anne Bennett, bapt. Jan 16 1629, in St. Antholin Parish, London; m. (1660) Theodorick Bland; d Apr 23 1671 “Westover”, Charles City Co. She d Apr 23, 1671, in “Westover”, Charles City Co.
1.3.1.1.1. Richard Bland Sr. b. Aug. 11, 1665 in Westover, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Randolph, and Mary Isham.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Theodorick Bland.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Jane Bland, m. William Ruffin, son of John Ruffin and Martha Hamlin, dau. of Richard Hamlin, son of Capt John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor, dau. of Richard Taylor and Sarah Barker. John Hamlin was involved in England-Virginia trade, being a partner in 1698 of Richard Bland, John Taylor, and John Hardiman. (Louis des Cognets, Jr., English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records 1958, p. 224). John Hamlin was the son of Stephen Hamlin, who m. Agnes, she being recorded in a Court at Westover, on Aug. 3, 1665, p. 556: Present: Theoderick Bland, Esq.; Lt Coll. Tho. Drew; Mr John Holmwood; Mr Anthony Wyatt; Capt Otho Southcott; Capt Robert Wynne; Mr Willm Bird.
1.3.1.1.1.2. Mary Bland (b. 1704), m. *Henry Lee,
1.3.1.1.1.2.1. John Lee (1724-1767), m. Mary Smith.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2. Col. Henry Lee II (1730-1787) of “Leesylvania”, m. Lucy Grymes (1734-1792), dau. of Charles Grymes (1693-1743) and Frances Jennings.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2.1. Henry Lee (1756-1818), Governor of Virginia, m. (June 18 1793) Ann, dau. of Hon. Charles Carter, Sr. (1737–1802) of “Shirley”.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2.1.1. Robert Edward Lee, b. Jan. 19, 1807 at “Stratford”in Westmoreland Co. VA; d: Oct 12, 1870, in Lexington, VA. Robert E. Lee was commander of”The Army of Northern Virginia” during the Civil War. “The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it“. (Robert E. Lee).
1.3.1.1.1.2.3. Richard Lee.
1.3.2. Robert Bennett, bapt. Feb. 1, 1602. Robert Benett, of Wellington. Will pr. 1634. (Wells , B. 46 , f . 15).
1.4. Edward Bennett, bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia.

Robert E. Lee’s great-grandmother, and her relations, strongly suggest his ancestry; a product of inter-related families from a small area of Somerset, England; as much as Richard Lee’s suggest his.

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“The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it”. (Robert E. Lee).

To recognise the very probable ancestry of General Robert E. Lee it is necessary to understand the cornerstone of the English kinship system: English families generally intermarried with other families living within 10 miles of them (a walking distance). English settlers intermarried in Virginia (and sesettled next to) families they had intermarried to in England – a Darwinian game of survival, with families making a careful choice as to affiliations, so as to enhance their social and economic prospects. People married into their own social class.

General Robert E. Lee was very probably from the parish of Wellington, Somerset, on the borders of the county of Devon, much associated with the manor of West-Buckland, some 30 miles distant, which was bestowed, as Wellington, as the property of the bishops of Wells. Wiveliscombe is seven northwest from Wellington, and its church was a prebend belonging to the cathedral of Wells. In the south aisle of St Andrew Wiveliscombe church is a memorial tablet inscribed thus: “Heere rest in asured hope of a joiefull resurrection, through Christ Jesus, the bodies of Humphrey Windham, of Golden-Hill in the parish of Wiveliscombe in the county of Somerset, esq.”Humphrey Windham was the “Lord Farmer” of the manor of Wiveliscombe in 1602, and, as such, his tenants included the family of Bennett, from which came Richard Bennett; elected Governor of the Virginia General Assembley, March 30, 1652; whose great-granddaughter (Mary Bland) married Henry Lee. Richard Bennett’s grandmother, Eleanor Bennett, was the brother of John Bennett, the great-grandfather of Elizabeth Bennett, who married Henry Lee, Sept. 10, 1692, in Wellington, St John; they the parents of Henry Ley, bapt. April 23, 1693, in Wellington, husband of the said Mary Bland.

The Windhams also held land in the manor of Wellington: “John Rosewell v. Humfrey Windham, Thos. Frauncis, Geo. Prowse, Robt. Pirrie, Wm. Budd, Alexr. Walker, Chas. Holway, SymonSaunders, Anty. and Peter Rowsewell, Peter Hite: Meadow and pasture grounds called Langhams, in the parish of West Buckland, and parcel of the manor of Wellington. 1608. (E 134/6Jas1/East11). Many intermarried families shared affiliations to the same overlord, about who they ‘circled’, contriving to marry a son or daughter into his family.

For the purpose of accounts, Wellington and west Buckland were treated as “Wellington and West Buckland Manor”.

A patriarch of the family of Ley was Peter Ley of Buckland, whose Will was probated Nov. 14, 1575; who married Alice Bowerman, sister of William Bowerman, vicar of St. Andrew, Wiveliscombe, in 1562, as follows, who would have officiated at the weddings, baptisms, and funerals of the Bennett family.

The following notice of this family of Lee is not as extensive as could be, but should contain enough material to enable most readers to be confident of its general suggestion as to the origin of Robert E. Lee. These Lees were a substantial family of yeoman farmers, involved in the woollen industry, and who were peripherally connected to the upper echelons of English society. The economic success of such farmers enabled them to provide a good education to their sons, many of which emigrated to Virginia to escape the restrictions imposed on them by the English ‘class system’, and to to forge their own destiny. They were obviously of independent spirit, a quality inherited in full measure by their descendants in Virginia.

LEY (LEE) OF WELLINGTON AND WEST BUCKLAND, SOMERSET

1. John Ley, either he or his son presumably m. a heiress of the family of Farthinge.
1.1. John Ley.
1.1.1. Peter Ley. Will of Peter Ley of Buckland, Somerset, probated Nov. 14, 1575: sons: John, exec., Richard, Thomas, William. Peter Ley alias Farthinge, m. Alice, July 18, 1546, in West Buckland. Farthinge v Cordwent. Plaintiffs: Peter Farthinge alias Peter Ley. Defendants: Henry Cordwent. Subject: oppressive distraints in the manor of Buckland, Somerset.1558-1579. (E 134/39Eliz/Hil20). Alice was Alice Bowerman; see The Visitation of the County of Devon in the Year 1564, p. 25. She was the sister of Cecily Bowerman, who m. Peter Leys’s brother, John; daus. of James Bowerman, and Isabella, dau. of William Carbonell, of Taunton, Somerset. James Bowerman was the son of John Bowerman, of Hemyock, Devon. Bowerman armorial: Ermine on a bend double cotised sable three boars’ heads couped or. Crest: A bulls’ head cotised or attired barry or, and sable. “Bowerman, of Hemyock, Devon. John Bowerman married Joan, daughter of Kirkham, and had issue James; who married Sabel, daughter of William Carbonel of Taunton, Somerset, and had issue Andrew, Lawrence, William,* Henry, Christopher, Hugh, Simon, Joan, (married to Simon Welling); Alice, (to Peter Ley); Cecily, (to John Ley); Melony, (to Robert Webber); Lawrence married Katharine of Cardwell, a Spaniard’s daughter”. (Thomas Westcote, A View of Devonshire, p. 518, 1845). Hemyock is 7 miles from Wellington, and the chief lords of both fees were the Pophams.

*”William Bowerman Bowerman, the nephew of a sub-dean of Wells, was associated with the family of Bishop Thomas Godwyn. He leased land in Westbury and the rectory of Northlode from the bishopric, and his daughter married the bishop’s eldest son. He was admitted a freeman of Wells through his marriage with a freeman’s widow, and was thenceforth active in local affairs. His post of recorder suggests he may have been a lawyer, though no legal education has been found for him. Returned to Parliament by the borough, he served on Commons committees concerning presentations” (May 19, 1572).

“He died between Sept. 18, 1590, when he made his will, and Feb. 23, 1591 when it was proved. He left leases of his property to his wife with reversion to his son Andrew, made bequests to a number of servants, towards the repair of Wells cathedral and St. Cuthbert’s, Wells, and to the poor of three parishes, and made provision for the inmates of the Wells almshouses. To the corporation he left £10 to buy and store coal in summer to be sold at a low price to the poor in winter”. (P.W. Hasler, 1981, ed., The History of Parliament, 1981).

From the reign of King Edward III (1327–1377), the manor of Cumbe in Devon was held by John Bourman/Bowerman. His descendants lived there for seven generations The Bowerman family of Hemyock was descended from Nicholas Bourman of Brooke in the Isle of Wight, by his wife Elizabeth Russell, a sister of John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford (Vivian, pp. 108–9).
Elizabeth Russell was the sister of Ann, wife of John Napier, of Swire, son of Archibald Napier, of Merchistoun, Midlothian, Scotland, and Catherine Douglas, dau. Sir William Douglas, 3rd Baron of Drumlanrig.

1.1.2. John Ley, m. Cecily Bowerman, August 2, 1551, in West Buckland.
1.1.2.1. John Ley, alias Farthing, m. Johane, Nov. 30, 1574.
1.1.2.1.1. William Ley, m. Joan Burchell, Nov. 13, 1615, in West Buckland. Ley v Farthing. Plaintiffs: John Ley alias John Farthing. Defendants: William Farthing alias William Ley. Subject: property in Milverton, Somerset. 1616. ( C 8/14/65).
1.1.2.1.1.1. John Ley, bapt. Aug. 30, 1616.

1.1.2.2. William Ley. Ley v Windham. Plaintiffs: William Ley, yeoman, Alexander Ley his son, Robert Winter of Fitzhead, yeoman and Alexander Ley* of Willington, weaver. Defendants: Humphrey Windham, esq of Wiveliscomb, JP, Francis Norman, yeoman, his servant, John Greedy of Samford Arundell, yeoman, Christopher Upham, James Beard, yeoman, Augustine Norman, servant of John Rolles, esq. of Wiveliscombe, Robert Coram, constable of Buckland, and others. Subject: Assault at Bradford, refusal to arrest the said *Alexander Ley at Buckland, escape from arrest at Wiveliscombe, etc. Somerset. April 1611. (STAC 8/202/11).

1.1.2.2.1. Alexander Ley, m. Emett Thomas, Oct. 25, 1607, in West Buckland. Cade v Drewe. Plaintiffs: John Cade gent of Minehead and Alexander Ley of Wellington, yeoman. Defendants: Edward Drewe gent of Hangford, Walter Sydenham gent of Bampton, George Sydenham his son, Robert Peeson, John Stradlinge, and others. Subject: Carrying pocket weapons contrary to law and rescue of John Pyne esq. and George Pyne gent, from arrest at Curry Mallett. Somerset. June 1621. (STAC 8/107/4).
1.1.2.2.1.1. Robert Ley, bapt. Nov. 8, 1616, in Wellington.

1.1.2.2.1.2. Philip Ley, bapt. Aug. 5, 1621, in West Buckland.

1.1.2.2.1.3. William Ley, bapt. April 18, 1629, in West Buckland.

1.1.2.3. Charles Ley, gent of West Hatch, clerk in the Fine Office. Ley v Frauncys. Plaintiffs: Charles Ley, gent of West Hatch, clerk in the Fine Office, son of John Ley and Cecily Ley his wife and great-grandson of John Ley. Defendants: John Frauncys, esq. Oct. 1611. (STAC 8/196/20).

Humfrey Walrond and his wife Elizabeth. v. Walter Andrews, George Prowse, Charles Lee, “and others.”: Manor of Wellington (Somerset). Touching articles of agreement between the lessees (under the Crown) and the tenants of such manor, particularly as regards right and title to a copyhold tenement of “Old Austre land” in the manor, called “Farthings.” Customs of manor. (The names and possessions of Peter Lee alias Farthing, William Ritherdon, and a grant of the manor by the Crown to William Jefford, and others, are mentioned). Somerset. 39 Eliz.

Francis v Ley alias Farthing. Plaintiffs: Thomas Francis esq. Defendants: Charles Ley alias Charles Farthing of Westhatche, Henry Ley his brother, weaver, Joan Ley wife of the latter, Laomedon Folwer, curate of Wellington, Robert Bowring, Alexander Ley of Bradford and Jervis Stephens of Wellington, weavers, and others. Subject: Destruction during an unlawful church-ale, of glass in the aisle of West Buckland church, claimed by plaintiff Thomas Francis in right of his manor of Gaverston, unlicensed burial there of Cecily Bowerman daughter of James Bowerman of Columb David, Devon, tanner, etc. Somerset. Barnes category: offence against religion; destruction of property; unlawful assembly; assault; conspiracy. New category: religious differences. Sept. 1611. (STAC 8/141/13).

Thomas Frauncys, esq, his son and Henry Cordinge, Edward Harris, Thomas Wescombe, William Pearse, and others, his servants. Subject: Removal of stained glass window and other monuments from an aisle in Buckland church claimed by the said Thomas Frauncys in right of the manor of Garbeston, and riot at the funeral of plaintiff Charles Ley’s mother there. Somerset. Barnes category: offence against religion; destruction of property; unlawful assembly. Oct. 1611. STAC 8/196/20.

Every v Dyer. Plaintiffs: William Every, James Prowse and William Rytherdon. Defendants: James Dyer, Abel Lovering, George Bodington, Edward Clarke, Charles Clevenger, Roger Mallacke, Edward Thrustone, Alexander How, John Vursey, Thomas Vursey, Francis Vursey, James Dye, John Cape, Charles Ley, Richard Troode and others, tenants of Buckland manor alias Bockland manor. Subject: property in Buckland manor, Somerset. 1635. (C 8/39/58).

1.1.2.4. Henry Ley, weaver, m. Joan … Howe v Tristram. Plaintiffs: Alexander Howe, Edward Thruston, James Chamber, Thomas Greedy, Richard Perry and Francis Thomas. Defendants: William Tristram, Henry Barber, Charles Ley, Henry Ley, William Michell, Thomas Foweracre and William Rutter. Subject: property in West Buckland manor, Somerset. 1622. C 8/20/65 . Henry Ley, m. (2) Marye Carpenter, March 11, 1616.

1.1.2.4.1. William Ley, m. Agnes Capell, July 19, 1637.

1.1.2.4.1.1. Thomas Ley, b. ca. 1640. Assignment Alice Wyatt, widow, one of the daus. & surviving adminx. of the goods of Edw. Thruston, decd. (by direction of Edw. Thruston, gent., eldest s. of decd. & with consent of Thos. Ley & w. Thomazine, John Cooke & John Cholwich, & Malchi, Jas., Anne, & Grace Thruston (sons & daus. of sd. Edw. Thruston) to Henry Prockter, merchant. Description: 7 closes called Blackemoore (29a.) and mdw. called Footlandes Meadow (3a.), in Wellington, 1693. (Somerset Arch., DD\SF/1124). May 10, 1683: Thomas Ley & Mrs. Thomazin Thruston. (Somerset Parish Registers, vol. 8, p. 58, 1906).

Edward Thurston, born in Bristol, Jan. 30, 1638 (styled in deeds and probate “Edward Thrustone of West Buckland, Somerset, gentleman”); m. (1) in Va. Oct. 28 1666. Anne, da. of Thomas Loveing, of Martin’s Hundred.“I was married to Ann Loving, the daughter of Mr. Thomas Loving, merchant, the 28th day of October, 1666, at Martin’s Hundred in Virginia, but ye celebration of ye wedding was at ye ch(urch) of Chipoacks in ye same country (Virginia) by Wm. Murray, ye minister”.

1.1.2.4.1.1.1. Henry Lee (by a first wife), m. Elizabeth Bennett, Sept. 10, 1692, in Wellington, St John.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.1. Henry Ley,* bapt. April 23, 1693, in Wellington, son of “Henry and Elizabeth”. He m. Mary Bland.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.1.1. John Lee (1724-1767), m. Mary Smith.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.1.2. Col. Henry Lee II (1730-1787) of “Leesylvania”, who m. Lucy Grymes (1734-1792), dau. of Charles Grymes (1693-1743) and Frances Jennings.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.1.2.1. Henry Lee (1756-1818), Governor of Virginia, m. (June 18 1793) Ann, dau. of Hon. Charles Carter, Sr. (1737–1802) of “Shirley”.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Robert Edward Lee, b. Jan. 19, 1807 at “Stratford”in Westmoreland Co. VA; d: Oct 12, 1870, in Lexington, VA. Robert E. Lee was commander of”The Army of Northern Virginia” during the Civil War.
1.1.2.4.1.1.1.2. Edward Lee, son of “Henry and Elizabeth”.

1.1.3. (Will of Alexander Leye, Clothier of Wellington, provedNov. 28, 1581, naming children: William exec., Robert, James, Thomas, Edward, Prudence, and Mary.

BENNETT AND LEE

1. John Bennett.
1.1. John Bennett, bapt. March 1, 1567; d Oct. 17, 1601.
1.1.1. John Bennett, b. ca. 1600.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April 2, 1637, in Wellington. The Bennetts held property in Wellington from 1572. Deeds of properties in Wellington (DD\DP/67/4), incl. close near Sheeplands later called Bennetts close in Westford tithing.
1.1.1.2. John Bennett, b. ca. 1640.
1.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Bennett, m. Henry Lee, Sept. 10, 1692, in Wellington, St John.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Henry Ley,* bapt. April 23, 1693, in Wellington, son of “Henry and Elizabeth”, m. Mary Bland.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1. John Lee (1724-1767), m. Mary Smith.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2 Col. Henry Lee II (1730-1787) of “Leesylvania”, who m. Lucy Grymes (1734-1792), dau. of Charles Grymes (1693-1743) and Frances Jennings.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1.Henry Lee (1756-1818), Governor of Virginia, m. (June 18 1793) Ann, dau. of Hon. Charles Carter, Sr. (1737–1802) of “Shirley”.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Robert Edward Lee, b. Jan. 19, 1807 at “Stratford”in Westmoreland Co. VA; d: Oct 12, 1870, in Lexington, VA. Robert E. Lee was commander of”The Army of Northern Virginia” during the Civil War.
1.1.1.2.1.2. Edward Lee, son of “Henry and Elizabeth” (Bennett).
1.1.1.2.2. Edward Bennett, bapt. Oct. 10, 1682, the Virginia coloniser and major tobacco trader.

1.2. Eleanor Bennett, bapt. March 5, 1568, m. Richard Harris, Oct. 17, 1594, in Wiveliscombe.
1.3. Thomas Bennett, bapt. April, 2, 1570; d. Sept. 26, 1616.
1.3.1. Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609; d. bef. April 12, 1675; elected Governor of the Virginia General Assembley, March 30, 1652. His first wife was Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’). He was associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3.1.1. Anne Bennett, bapt. Jan 16 1629, in St. Antholin Parish, London; m. (1660) Theodorick Bland; d Apr 23 1671 “Westover”, Charles City Co. She d Apr 23, 1671, in “Westover”, Charles City Co.
1.3.1.1.1. Richard Bland Sr. b. Aug. 11, 1665 in Westover, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Randolph, and Mary Isham.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Theodorick Bland.
1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Jane Bland, m. William Ruffin, son of John Ruffin and Martha Hamlin, dau. of Richard Hamlin, son of Capt John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor, dau. of Richard Taylor and Sarah Barker. John Hamlin was involved in England-Virginia trade, being a partner in 1698 of Richard Bland, John Taylor, and John Hardiman. (Louis des Cognets, Jr., English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records 1958, p. 224). John Hamlin was the son of Stephen Hamlin, who m. Agnes, she being recorded in a Court at Westover, on Aug. 3, 1665, p. 556: Present: Theoderick Bland, Esq.; Lt Coll. Tho. Drew; Mr John Holmwood; Mr Anthony Wyatt; Capt Otho Southcott; Capt Robert Wynne; Mr Willm Bird.
1.3.1.1.1.2. Mary Bland (b. 1704),m. *Henry Lee,
1.3.1.1.1.2.1. John Lee (1724-1767), m. Mary Smith.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2. Col. Henry Lee II (1730-1787) of “Leesylvania”, who m. Lucy Grymes (1734-1792), dau. of Charles Grymes (1693-1743) and Frances Jennings.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2.1. Henry Lee (1756-1818), Governor of Virginia, m. (June 18 1793) Ann, dau. of Hon. Charles Carter, Sr. (1737–1802) of “Shirley”.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2.1.1. Robert Edward Lee, b. Jan. 19, 1807 at “Stratford”in Westmoreland Co. VA; d: Oct 12, 1870, in Lexington, VA. Robert E. Lee was commander of”The Army of Northern Virginia” during the Civil War.
1.3.1.1.1.2.3. Richard Lee.
1.3.2. Robert Bennett, bapt. Feb. 1, 1602. Robert Benett, of Wellington. Will pr.1634. (Wells , B. 46 , f . 15.
1.4. Edward Bennett, bapt. 2 Feb. 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia.

Robert E. Lee’s Bennett ancestry strongly suggest his own; a product of inter-related families from a small area of Somerset, England.

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One thing most evident in constructions of genealogies of English settlers in Virginia is that their base almost invariably derives from ‘Burke’s Landed Gentry’, or suchlike, and because of that are almost invariably without any foundation. This is an easily understood speculation – an attraction to an aristocratic background, coupled with a lack of knowledge about the kinship system of English settlers in Virginia: They intermarried in Virginia, and settled next to, families they had intermarried to in England for centuries, living as neighbours.

An example of a parochial ancestry is that of Flood. There was obviously more than one family of that name in Virginia, yet they have been combined to form a seamless narrative of claimed ancestry. Such narratives, when repeated often enough without question, take on a life of their own. There is little point in expecting most adherents of a particular narrative to consider its validity, for it has become intigrated in their beliefs, as a religion, almost.

A family of Flood, Floude, Flude, Fludd, etc. almost certainly came from Bridgwater, Somerset, which is ca. 25 miles S. of Bristol, with Blagdon being roughly equidistant between the two. Bristol was the epicentre of trade between the Bristol Basin, encompassing Gloucestershire and Somerset, and Virginia. It was the place of trade of the Barker and Derick familes, and of a family of Harris intermarried with the family of Edward Bennett, the tobacco trader and Virginia coloniser. Blagdon was the home of a Harris family intermarried with the Derricks, one of whom purchased land from the daughter of Sergeant John Harris, who was he probably b. in Blagdon in 1589/90.

A considerable obstacle in any construction of Virginia ancestries is that of disambiguation between seperate families of the same name and region. In the account following it would be a simple matter to ‘connect’ the aforementioned families of Harris through mutual acquaintances. Hannah Barker’s sister will ‘connect’ to Solomon Harris, of the Bennett/Harris line, wherehas she was of the Barker family intermarried to the Harris family of Blagdon. In the same instance, a witness to the estate inventory of Joseph Harris, John Mason, was the stepson of Ethelred Taylor. And so on and so forth.

In what follows I have deliberately omitted such links, which were mostly of a commercial nature, linked to the Bristol-Virginia tobacco trade, so as to clarify ‘seperate strands of Harris’. The strand of which these notes concentrate on is that of Sergeant John Harris, with the proposition that he was of Blagdon. He has long since been an iconic figure who has attracted a host of theories as to his ancestry, by those seeking to claim their ancestry from him.

What is a logical first point of enquiry is the Chippokes region of Surry County, Virginia, where Sergeant Harris lived. It follows that the John Harris who witnessed a bond of Robert Mosley to John Felton in 1654, concerning land “joyneing upon the lands which was John Harryes lyeing in the County of Surry in Virginia commonly called Upper Chippoakes” (V.C.R, v. xi, p. 31), may have been an infant son of Sergeant Harris in the 1624/5 Muster. This land adjoined that of John Barker, and his son, John Barker Jr., who witnessed the Wills of a John Harris* and William Harris, as follows. It also bounded that of Thomas Cotten* (“335 ac. Upper Par. of Surry Co on NE side of the Otter Dam swamp, adj. Mr John Barker”), witnessed here: “Jethro Barker of upper parish to John Harris of the same 120 ac. adj. sd Jethro Barker. Wit: John Barker and Thomas Cotten. Jethro Barker and Joell Barker entring themselves securities for Mary Harris due and faithfull admon. on the estate of *John Harris her late father deced are accepted and ordered to give bond accordingly”. Joel and Jethro Barker were brothers of John Barker Jr.

The associations between these families of the Bristol Basin were of a continuos nature: a William Harris was a neighbour of Thomas Cotton, as shown by Joseph Moody’s patent of Sept. 28, 1723 (Surry, B. 14, p. 500).

At least a feasible case can be made for the John Harris who witnessed a deed “joyneing upon the lands which was John Harryes” having issue. It is not improbable, therefore, that the following of this account were descendants of Sergeant John Harris, yet who today could prove a descendancy from any of them?

1.1.3.1. Joseph (sig. Josh.) Harris.
1.2.2.2.2. Thomas Harris.
1.2.2.2.1.1.1.Captain James Belsches Harris.

1.1.3.2. Mary Harris.
1.1.3.3. Jane Harris.
1.2.2.2.3. Elizabeth Harris.
1.2.2.2.4. Sallie Harris.
1.2.2.2.5. Susan Harris.

FLOOD OF BRIDGWATER, SOMERSET

1. Edward FLood m. .. Aug. 4, 1567.
1.1. Robert FLoude, m. Julian Berram, Oct. 25, 1595, dau. of William Berram and Margaret Quicke, m. Aug. 24, 1579.
1.1.1.Mary Flude, bapt. Dec. 10, 1597.
1.1.2. John Floud, bapt. July 6, 1599, m. Margaret Sidenham, April 9, 1630.
1.1.3. Henry Floude, bapt. May 22, 1601.
1.2. Christopher Floude, m. Joane Castlebrooke, Feb. 11, 1609.
1.2.1. Johannes Fludd, bapt. Dec. 21, 1621 (“son of Xpofori”), made a deposition in 1652 stating that he was 30 years old, or thereabouts. He m. Mary Creede in Surry Co., Virginia, dau. of Ralph Creede. She m. (2) David Andrews, July 1, 1679. Raphael Creed was the son of Edward Creed, of Shirehampton (a tithing of Westbury-upon-Trim) Gloucestershire, Clerk, whose Will was proved in Bristol, in 1649: “To Raphell, my disobedient sonn twelve pence in money (and prayer that he may reform his life”). As Ralph Creed, carpenter, he was deeded 150 ac. by Thomas Flood*, on August 27, 1661.
1.2.1.1. John Flood, m. Ann, dau. of Thomas Blount, sister of … Blount, wife of Joel Barker.*

1.2.2. *Thomae Fludde, bapt. April 19 1612 (“son of Christopher and Joan”).
1.2.2.1. Thomas Flood, b. ca. 1637-1642, m. Ann Rose, b. ca. 1650-1655.
1.2.2.1.1. Jane Flood, m. …Watkins
1.2.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Watkins, m. John, son of Robert Nicholson. She was named in her grandmother’s Will, proved March 19, 1729. (“Tylers”, 1981, pp. 769-770).
1.2.2.1.2. Harry (Henry) Flood, m. (1) … His dau. from his first marriage, m. his stepson from his second marriage, Elizabeth and Robert Nicholson.
1.2.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Flood, m. Robert Nicholson.
1.2.2.1.2. Harry (Henry) Flood, m. (2) Mrs. Joanna Nicholson, widow of Robert Nicholson.

NICHOLSON

1. …
1.1. Robert Nicholson, d. 1719,
1.1.1. Robert Nicholson, d. bef. July 17, 1732, m. Elizabeth Flood.
1.1.2. John Nicholson,* d. bef. March 11, 1754, m. Elizabeth Watkins.
1.1.3. Elizabeth Nicholson (Boddie, xvi, pp. 203-208). It is suggested that she m. John Harris. Harris. Elizabeth: Leg.- Son, Joseph Harris, cow, pewter dishes, etc., and daughter, Mary Horne, pewter dishes, etc. Daughter, Jane Harris,* 300 lbs. of tobacco at *John Nicholson’s, pewter, chest, etc. To daughter, Elizabeth Harris, all the remaining part of my estate and makes her Exerx. Dated Mar. 23, 1710. Prob. May 16, 1711. Wit: Jethro Barker, John Cooke, “John Averiss”. Book 6, p. 55. John Averis 300 ac. in Surry Co. on N. side of Otterdam Swamp, adj. Jethro Barker. (1704, p. 622). John Avery’s dau. m. John Lashley, son of Walter Lashley and Hannah Barker, sister of John Barker Jr.
1.1.3.1. Joseph (sig. Josh.) Harris, m. Jane Horne. He, John Barker Jr., and Mary Underwood witnessed the Will of Avis Cooke, rec. June 9, 1711, relict of John Cooke. Joseph Harris, estate inv. sept. 5, 1719, signed John Mason, Giles Underhill, John Wilkinson. (B. 7, p. 218). John Mason was the stepson of Ethelred Taylor:
1.1.3.2. Mary Harris, m. … Horne. “Jethro Barker of upper parish to John Harris of the same 120 ac. adj. sd Jethro Barker. Wit: John Barker and Thomas Cotten. Jethro Barker and Joell Barker entring themselves securities for Mary Harris due and faithfull admon. on the estate of John Harris her late father deced are accepted and ordered to give bond accordingly”.
1.1.3.3. *Jane Harris.

April 16, 1683, “Thomas Cotten 335 ac. Upper Par. of Surry Co on NE side of the Otter Dam swamp, adj. Mr John Barker, neere his cart path, & trans. of 7 pers”. The land that Silvanus Stokes Jr. came to occupy bordered that of Thomas Cotton: Silvanus Stokes Jr., patent for 244 acs N. side of James Riv; Beg. on E. side of Matchcoates Cr; to where Thomas Cotton, late of sd, Co., lived”. (Nugent III, p. 121). Sept. 5, 1723, Silvanus Stokes, patent for 380 acs. Surry Co; S. side of Nottoway River, & on both sides of Racoon Sw;. 40 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 254). This land is on Chippokes, and was bounded by that of William Harris.* (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. vol. 26 No. 2, p. 143).

SERGEANT JOHN HARRIS – it is suggested:

1. John Harris, bapt. 1589/90, in Blagdon, Somerset, br. of Joan Harris, bapt. May I, 1603, who m. (2) John Oson, bapt. Apr. 22, 1604, the father of Ann Ozen (bapt. June 19, 1625), who m. James Derrick, July 20, 1648, cousin of Francis Derick Jr., bapt. March 10, 1607, in Long Ashton. Blagdon is ca. 20 miles N. of Bridgwater, and ca. 10 miles S. of Bristol, from whence the Barkers and Derricks.
1.1. Dorothy Harris. Sold land to Francis Derrick Jr., inherited from George Cockett (her probable uncle), a reasonably common name around Blagdon, and, in the Bristol basin patois of the time, similar to Caucot, etc.
1.2. John Harris, infant in 1624, witnessed a bond of Robert Mosley to John Felton in 1654, concerning land “joyneing upon the lands which was John Harryes lyeing in the County of Surry in Virginia commonly called Upper Chippoakes”. (V.C.R, v. xi, p. 31). He may have m. a sister of John Barker Sr.*
1.2.1. John Harris, m. Elizabeth Nicholson. He d. bef. Feb. 11, 1699, when his estate was appraised by John Barker Jr. and Patrick Lashley Sr. (B.5, p. 165), Mary Harris (dau.) admin.*
1.2.1.1. Joseph, Mary, and Jane Harris, supra.
1.2.2. William Harris, m. Elizabeth, her widow’s estate admon. by her son, (probably eldest) Henry Harris. R. June 16, 1711. Wit. John Barker Jr., Thomas Cotton. (B. 6, p. 620).
1.2.2.1. Henry Harris.
1.2.2.2. *William Harris? William Harris, a neighbour of Thomas Cotton, as shown by Joseph Moody’s patent of Sept. 28, 1723 (Surry, B. 14, p. 500), “on the south side of Nottoway River, beginning on the South side of Racoon Swamp, a corner of said Moody’s other land to Sylvanus Stokes land, to Charles Judkins’ land, to Wm. Harris’s land”.
1.2.2.2.1. William Harris, b. 1724. Will of William Harris of Co. of Surry: “To son Hamlin, all lands in Nottoway, Dinwiddie, and Surry Co.” … mentions dau. Elizabeth Campbell; son-in-law Francis Ruffin. Exor: son, Hamlin Harris, prob. Nov. 28, 1797, p. 246.
1.2.2.2.1.1. Hamlin Harris, 1758-1801, of “Turkey Island”, Nottoway, m. Margaret Belsches, dau. of James Belsches, “one of the leading merchants in the sale of European goods at his store in Cabin Point from 1748 until his death around 1800. In the 18th century Cabin Point surpassed Norfolk in commercial importance, due to the quantity of tobacco received for export at the Low Point Landing warehouses on Chippokes Creek near Cabin Point”. His Will was proved by Thomas Harris,* James Belsches, senior, William Simmons, and David Cocke. “He was probably grandson of William Harris, the first. Their daughter married Capt. Roland Ward, of Lynchburg, soldier of the War of 1812. Their son, Captain James Belsches Harris, of “Invermay”, Mecklenburg Co., married Alice Goode”. (William and Joseph Belcher,The Belcher Family in England and America, p. 19, 1941).
1.2.2.2.1.1.1. Captain James Belsches Harris.
1.2.2.2.2. *Thomas Harris.
1.2.2.2.3. Elizabeth Harris, m. (2) Sept. 10, 1797 in Surry, as his 3rd wife, Major Richard Jones “Of the Poplars”. His 2nd wife was “the widow Nicholson”, nee Fletcher, a sister of Captain James Fletcher, of Somerset Co., b. Amelia on March 4, 1772 (to Nathan Fletcher and Sarah Robertson); d. June 27, 1845, in Nottoway; m. Sarah Sallie Harris
1.2.2.2.4. Sallie Harris.
1.2.2.2.5. Susan Harris, m. Francis Ruffin, son of John Ruffin and Patty Hamlin, of Mecklenburg Co.

BARKER

1. William Barker, bapt. on May 7, 1592, in St. Werburgh’s, Bristol; merchant and mariner, partner of Francis Derrick Sr. (Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, of the Reign of Charles I, vol. 10). William Barker’s cousin, John Barker, was the father of John Barker, b. 1613, who, as John Baker, probably m. Dorothy Harris. The “Barkers” were also “Bakers” in Bristol ship’s manifests.
1.1. *John Barker Sr., patented for 300 ac. in James City Co. at the very head of the main branch of Lower Chipoaks Creek”, near the land of William Rooking Sr., and Thomas Busby.
1.1.1. John Barker Jr., m. Grace, dau. of Thomas Busby. Thomas Busby, Gent, to Roger Potter, 100 ac. on the head of Upper Chipeokes Creeke and bounded by John Barker and the path to Mr. Stevens’ mill. Wit. William Rooking. R. May 7, 1689.
1.1.1.1. Hannah Barker, m. Walter Lashley, son of Patrick Lashley Sr.
1.1.2. … Barker, m. John Harris, son of Sergeant John Harris?
1.1.3. Joel Barker, m. … Blount, sister of Anne Blount, wife of John Flood.
1.1.4. Jethro Barker, d. 1740, of Chippokes Creek.
1.1.4.1. Agnes Barker, m. John Peebles, son of John Peebles Sr., son of William Peebles and Martha, dau. of John Hamlin* and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Taylor and Sarah Barker.
1.2. Sarah Barker, m. Richard Taylor, Oct. 27, 1646, in Rappahannock.
1.2.1. Elizabeth Taylor, m. *John Hamlin Sr., son of Stephen Hamlin Jr., thus, John Hamlin was the br.-in-law of Silvanus Stokes Jr. (neighbour of William Harris), who was also the br.-in-law of John Cooke Sr., see supra; associated with Joseph Harris.
1.2.1.1. Richard Hamlin.
1.2.1.1.1. Martha Hamlin, m. John Ruffin, son of Robert Ruffin and Elizabeth Watkins.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Francis Ruffin, m. Susan Harris, dau. of the said William Harris, and sister of Hamlin Harris, d. 1801.

HARRIS AS SALMON

1…
1.1. William and John Harry, tenants of Waltham Holy Cross. 1413. (SC 8/149/7449).
1.1.1. “Thomas Harry of Spryngefeld“. Mar 20, 1436. (E 40/7734).
1.1.1.1. … Harry, b. ca. 1420, m. Thomas Salmon/Salman, br. of Robert Salmon, d. 1472.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harry, b. ca. 1440, alias Thomas Salmon, of Spryngefeld, m. a dau. of William Smyth.* Inquisition returned June 13, 1479, taken at Barking in Essex. William Smyth was seized in demesne on the day of the recognisance of a messuage and 60 acres of land in Waltham Holy Cross. Memorandum: on May 1, 1479 he handed it over to Richard Bull. (His grandson). Another dau. of William Smyth m. Thomas Bull; they the parents of Elizabeth Bull* and Richard Bull.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Salmon (alias Harris, of Prittlewell) m. (1) his cousin, *Elizabeth Bull, (2) Jane …
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. William Harris (The Crixe line), by Jane. “John Smyth, sheriff of the counties of Essex, and Hertford in 1539 purchased a chantry in the church of Long-Ashton, in Somerset …also all the guild, or fraternity, in Great-Walden, lately dissolved, with divers other lands and tenements, in Essex, and London. He m. Agnes, dau. of — Charnock, of Lancashire, Esq. (English Baronatage, 1721). His dau., Joan Smyth, m. her kinsman, William Harris, b. ca. 1495, a son of John Harris of Prittlewell (others being Richard and Henry).
1.1.1.1.1.1.2. John Harris, by Elizabeth Bull. Harrys v Bele. Plaintiff: John Harrys, of Bristol, grocer, son of John Harrys, of London. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to a messuage and barn in Ware (Hertford), late of complainant’s father, in right of Elizabeth), his wife, dau. of Thomas Bull, of Roydon. 1504-1515. (C 1/320/92)
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. David Harris, b. by 1511, s. of John Harris of Bristol by Alice. m. (1) Margery, wid. of Thomas Browne of Bristol. (Bindoff, Hist. Parl.).
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. David Harris, presumably married into the family of Thurston, alias Tristram.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Thurston Harris. Inquisition taken at Thornbury, Sept. 27, 1638.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. William Harris. Marriage settlement of William Harris and Margaret Derrick, of a tenement known as the Rose and Crown in Redcliffe street and tenements in Marsh and Wine streets. Parties: (1) Thurston Harris of Bristol, baker. (2) Francis Derrick Jr, Margaret’s br., and Edward Boulashe of Bristol, merchants. Nov. 2, 1628. (B.A., 19835/2f). Francis Derrick Jr. purchased land from the dau. of John Harris of Blagdon (Sergeant John Harris).
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2. John Harris, bapt. April 7, 1558, d. 1633. (Blagdon). He and his elder (half) br., David, witnessed a deed of Walter Kelke and his wife, dau. and heiress of Robert Woodward … late bookebynder; and Robert Smyth and Elizabeth his wife, late wife of Woodward. Oct. 3, 1582. (B.A., P.AS/D/CS/B/8). The Smyth(es) family held land in Blagdon, 10 mls fr. Long Ashton.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Joan Harris, bapt. May I, 1603, m. (as second wife and her second husband) John Oson, bapt. Apr. 22, 1604, the father of Ann Ozen (bapt. June 19, 1625), who m. James Derrick, July 20, 1648, cousin of Francis Derick Jr., bapt. March 10, 1607, in Long Ashton, who bought land from Dorothy, “daughter of the late deceased Sergeant John Harris”, p. 113.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.2. John Harris, bapt. 1589/90, in Blagdon. He was very probably Sergeant John Harris of Virginia, cousin of Thurston Harris, whose son, William, m. a sister of Francis Derrick Jr., b. 1607 (son of Francis Derrick Sr. of Long Ashton), cousin of James Derrick, who m. a stepdau. of Joan Harris, sister of John Harris.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.2.1. John Harris, infant in 1624?, witnessed a bond of Robert Mosley to John Felton in 1654. (“William Lea and Alice (Feltham), his wife, to William Heath, 150 ac., formerly Thomas Felton’s, formerly (Robert) Moseleys, “joyneing upon the lands which was John Harryes lyeing in the County of Surry in Virginia commonly called Upper Chippoakes”). In 1663, William Heath transferred William Lea’s patent to William Simmons Sr. May 2, 1654. Bond of Robt. Mosley to Jno. Felton. Wit. John Harris, Sack. Brewster. (V.C.R, v. xi, p. 31).

SALMON/SALMAN

The name was not confined to any particular group of people, being used by both Christians and Jews; several Christian priests and abbots bore the name, it denoting wisdom; a biblical name brought over by the Normans.

The antiquarian sources quoted hereinafter, when refering to the antiquity of the Salmons around Prittlewell, are alluding to a deed of 1347, preserved here: Parties: John son of John Salman of Great Sutton & William de Hertecoumbe and Alice his wife. Place or Subject: Great Sutton (1 ml. fr. Prittlewell). 1347. (E 326/8460). There are several generations between John Salmon the younger and Robert and Thomas Salmon, heretofore given, that can not be accounted for, yet the John Salmon who fought at Agincourt (1415) may have been a link.

Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society, vol. 3, p. 192, 1865: The Will of Thomas Cock (Cooke), “yeman of the Kings Majestys most honorable Guard, late of Prittlewell, in the county of Essex”, proved Feb. 12, 1545, read in the presence of John Smith and Thomas Byrch, yeomen of the Kings Majestys honorable Guard, Thomas Salmon of Lye (Leigh)*, and Wyllyam Salmon of Prittlewell, and others”.

Thomas Cocke held the lease of the farm called Shelford and Bredworth in Foulness, well stocked with sheep and oxen; owned a farm called Reynolds in Shopland; oyster layings in Little Wakering; many houses and shops in the town of Prittlewell; and other houses, woods, crofts, and the son of John Cocke the elder, and anciently descended by proof of sundry evidences (from one Ranulphus Cocus) dated in reign of Hen. III., Edw. III., Hen. IV., Hen. I., &c.” Then follows the blazon: “Sables and gould indented per pale. Crest a unicorn’s head coupé per pale, gould and sables upon a chapeau Royall gules, lined ermine”. (Harl. M.S., 1507).

“Thomas Salmon, of an ancient family, resident there for three centuries. He died Aug. 5, 1576, aged 70, and was interred in the Church with an inscription in brass, now lost. Other sepulchral memorials of the family, however, remain, including a mural monument of Robert Salmon, Esq., Master of the Trinity House in 1617; one of his sons, Peter Salmon, was an eminent physician in the 17th century; educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge; and a graduate in Arts and Medicine of the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Padua”. (Ped. penes me. Dr. Monk’s “Hist. of the Coll. of Physicians”).

The Salmons are also recorded by Mr. Benton, Hist. Rochford Hundred, vol. 1., 1867:

“There are several monuments and inscriptions in this church to the Salmon family, who resided here for three centuries, and were an opulent mercantile and maritime family. The first notice of them was on a stone in the north chapel, which contained a brass having the effigies of a man, and this:— “Hic jacet Robertus Salman, Alicia, & Johana uxor ejus. Robertus, ob. 15 Sept. 1472″. This historic relic is supposed to have disappeared at or about the restoration in 1837–8. The next is for Thomas Saman, who was churchwarden in 1552. It was formerly in the north chapel, but is now on the pavement of the south aisle, and on a brass plate is inscribed, “Thomas Saman, of the age of 70 years, a man worthy of praise, Frende unto the Frendles, a Father to this Town, Styll maintain good things and evill to throwe downe; Grandfather unto Thomas Saman, of the age of fourteen yeres, who both in one Day departed this Life 5 Aug., 1576”.

On the floor of the north chapel is a blackstone, upon which is engraven on a brass plate, “Here lyeth Robert Salman, who took to wife Agnes, with whom he lived thirty-two years, and had issue by her, sixe Sonnes and foure Daughters. Ob. 6 Sept. 1591, aet. 58”. Upon the wall of this chapel is a black mural monument with a finely executed bust of Robert Salmon, Esq.”. This monument has been moved a few feet further to the east than it was originally erected. A stone on the floor below shows the place of his sepulture, and records he was born in this town in 1566, and buried 18th June, 1641. Upon the monument are his arms:— Sa. 3 Salmons haurient in fess Or.; impaling Or., on a bend engrailed between 2 cottises sa., three mullets of the field — Andrews”.

“To ye Memory of ye Right Worthy & Worll. Robert Salmon, Esquire, That great instrument of God’s glory and ye commonwealths good, ye restorer of Navigation almost lost 1614. Mr. of ye Trinity house 1617 & the glory of it 24 yeares, chosen Sheriff of London 1640 whose solid Judgement, Acute Witt, Uprightness to all, true piety to God, require Admiration & Imitation. Hee died to ye loss of all but his great comfort, June 18th, 1641 in his 74 yeare; was interred with his ancestors of above 300 years continuance in ye grave of his Father in this Chancell, where hee expecteth a joyfull Resurrection. One of his sons died during the life-time of his father, and his grand. son Robert, of Leigh, was amerced by the parliament committee in the sum of £120 for his loyalty to Charles I. Another son, Peter Salmon, was an eminent physician in the 17th century; educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge, and a graduate in arts and medicine of the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Padua”.

Further elaboration is given in Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society, p. 50, 1878:

The tower of the Church of S. Peter, South Weald, is justly described by Mr. Buckler as “noble in design and a master-piece of masonry in the Perpendicular style of Henry the Seventh’s period”. Morant, citing Dr. Bridge’s MS. collections, has already told us that this tower was built in the beginning of that reign and for that purpose a rate was granted for five years on which were collected £289 5s. 10d. In addition. I subjoin the following evidence that William Salmon of Brentwood, who by Will proved March 5, 1506, desired to be buried “in the pysshe church of Southwold in the small south dore of the same church in the aleye before the Roode,” gave “to the werke of the steeple v mres to be paid yerely as the werke of the said steple is areysed and goeth forward”. Farther he says “I wyll do make and glase the wyndowe of the steple at myn own charge, reasonably, whatsoev’ the said wyndow coste”.

Transactions, v. 4, p. 169:

“When Samuel Purchas took up his residence at Eastwood (2 ml. W. of Prittlewell), it threw him into the society and into the very midst of a set of remarkable men, great voyagers and travellers … mariners and seamen were visiting France, Spain, Portugal and the Canaries, the Mediterranean, the Coast of Barbary, the River Plate, the East and West Indies, and the Greenland Sea. Cotemporary with Purchas, and living there, were the Moyers, the Salmons, the Goodlads, the Haddocks, the Bonners, the Harrises; the Hares, the Cockes: and many others, some of whose names as well as their letters and journals, are mentioned in the “Pilgrimage”. And it was there that he obtained from the lips of the narrator, one very remarkable and interesting narrative, entitled “The Strange Adventures of Andrew Battell, of Leigh, in Essex, sent by the Portugals prisoner to Angola, who lived there, and in the adjoining regions, neer 19 yeares”. “This narrative” says Purchas, “is out of his own reports to myself; other like things you may find from his relation scattered in my ‘ Pilgrimage’. The cotemporary of Purchas was Robert Salmon, a wealthy Merchant and Mariner, afterwards Master of the Trinity House. Died 18th June, 1641, and was buried at Leigh. Purchas refers to his letters. Robert Bonner, Master of the Dragon, whose Journal is mentioned by Purchas, was, at the time of his death, of Bristol. The Bonners were a maritime family at Leigh in the time of Purchas, and continued so for several generations. Richard Harris of Leigh, an Elder Brother of the Trinity House, died and was buried at Leigh in 1628, bequesting “To my sons Richard and William all my apparel, sea-plots, books, and instruments, with my rings and whistle and silver plate belonging to the sea”.

copyright m stanhope 2021

The surest way of determining lines of ancestry within the same family is to trace successive relationships to another family which are specific to them. As I once wrote: ‘The Norman elite can be identified when the method by which they formed familial associations is understood – “Foedus inter consobinos heredes” – inheritance (and close tenurial association) passing down non-consanguineous lines of cousins; a necessary element of colonisation in a hostile environment’. The same principle applied to English families in early Virginia, though, by this time, inheritance was also passed down consanguineous lines of cousins.

Any insight into the ancestry of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30 can only be gained by understanding his relationship to the families of George and Scott. This would have been obvious to English antiquarians of old, who would have placed neighbours as intermarried families, who witnessed the Wills of the other. They would ask: who were the respective grandparents of testators and their witnesses. In the case of the said Thomas Harris, the following points can be made:

1. He witnessed the Will of John Scott (rec. July 28, 1729, p. 171), whose father was the br.-in-law of Ruth Taberer (sister-in-law of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and whose grandfather was a business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

2. John Brantly, who m. his widow, was the great-grandson of of Rebecca George.

3. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was the grandson of her cousin.

4. John Brantley’s great-grandfather witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Brantley and his father, Edward, farmed land adjacent to that of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

5. John Thorpe appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. His grandf. m. a cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

6. Etc., etc.

HARRIS

The single, most important point, about a family of Harris of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, and Virginia, was their intermarriage to the Bennett family, of the same places. A secondary point is this: It was they which circled around other families, hoping for advantageous intermarriages, not the reverse. A third point is what many know but are unwilling to say publicly: Within Harris family ‘research’, it was they with the loudest voices (and the most contrived of genealogical constructions), who got to ‘call the shots’ (justifying their imagined ancestry). The Harris families of Thomas, d. 1672, and Thomas, d. 1688, were totally distinct – the most absolute of absurdities.

1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe, sister of Edward Bennett.*
1.1.1. Robert Harris, m. Mary Crumpe.
1.1.1.1. Martha Harris (cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), m. John Jennings, of Bristol, merchant, d. 1679. The overseers of his Will were George Moore and his cousin, Thomas Moore.
1.1.1.1.1. John Jennings, m. Mary Hill, dau. of Sylvester Bennett (dau. of *Edward Bennett), and Nicholas Hill.
1.1.1.1.2. Martha Jennings, d. 1702, m. Thomas Thorpe Sr., br. of Timothy Thorpe Sr., who had issue (1) Joseph Thorpe, who had issue: Mary, who m. James Barham; their dau., Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris, son of John Harris and Avis White (granddau. of George Moore); son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Another dau. of Edward Bennett, Mary, m. Thomas Bland, br. of Theoderic Bland. Thomas Thorpe Sr. and Timothy Thorpe Sr. were sons of Joseph Thorpe, Sr. and Dorothy Fenn, dau. of Timothy Fenn and Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Kae, of Bristol, atty. of Theoderic Bland, whose second-cousin, Jane Bland, m. (2) John Holmwood, also atty. for “Mr. Theodorick Bland”.
1.1.2.1.2.1. Sarah Thorpe (by first wife), m. (1) William George, son of John George, and nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.
1.1.2.1.2.2. John Thorpe, appraisee of estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. His grandf. m. a cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.1.2. Edward Harris, held land patented by his cousin, (Governor) Richard Bennett, on Nov. 4, 1642. This was adj. land held by Wm. Newsome, April 6, 1653, p. 51.
1.1.2.1. Edward Harris (cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), d. 1677. His estate accounts inc. “100. Payd Coll. Bacon for rent”, land bought from Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Edward Harris was a son-in-law of George Hardy, whose wife, Mary Jackson, was a great-granddau. of *Edward Bennett. George Hardy’s land bounded that of Nicholas Hill, who m. a dau. of the said Edward Bennett.

1.1.3. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, on Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.
1.1.3.1. Thomas Harris (cousin of Martha Jennings and Edward Harris, supra), b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia. He was a business partner of Joseph Bridger and John Scott, in Bristol. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions). He m. (1), Eleanor George, cousin of Rebecca George, mother of Joyce, who m. Philip Brantley. Their son, Edward Brantley, farmed land adj. to that of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, adj. the Maherin River, and on both sides of Herbert’s Branch. Philip Brantley was the son of Edward Brantley Sr., who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Thomas Harris was the cousin of Thomas Blake, whose lands in Virginia were adj. those of Edward Brantley Sr., Francis England, and the sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.  (B. 2, p. 73).

(George Moore, b. 1632 (Chapman, IOW Wills, p. 54), m. Jane Barcroft, da. of Charles Barcroft, whose family held land in Chard, 12 mls fr. Taunton. Jane was the sister of Elizabeth, wife of James Sampson, parents of Sarah, wife of Richard Braswell Sr.; their dau., Ann, m. (1) Mathew Strickland Jr., (2) John Edwards. George Moore and Jane Barcroft had issue: Ann Moore, who m. Thomas White; their dau., Avis White, m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. Richard Braswell Sr. had issue: (1) Robert Braswell Jr., who m. Susan Burgess, dau. of Katherine Moore (sister of George Moore), and 2nd husband, John Burgess. By her first husband, Katherine Moore had issue: Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England).

GEORGE, SCOTT, AND TABERER

GEORGE

1. … George.
1.1. John George gave his age as 50 in a 1653 deposition. His Will of 1678 (D.B. 2, p. 170), named his friends, James Powell and Thomas Taberer, as executors. John and Nicholas George of IOW sold their headrights to Capt. Francis Potts who obtained a patent of 1,000 ac. on Jan 24, 1653, in Northampton Co. for the transportation of 20 persons among whom were John and Nicholas George. Thomas Taberer, m. Ann Bennett, probable sister of Governor Richard Bennett, close kin 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. He was the father of Christian Taberer, who m. (Dec. 9, 1687), Robert Jordan (Quaker minister), p. 213. The sons of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, attended his Quaker meetings at Chuckatuck. Christian Jordan, dau. of Robert Jordan and Christian Taberer, m. William Scott.

John George, was probably he bapt. Nov. 6, 1603, in Pilton, Somerset, a manor of the Abbots of Glastonbury (son of John George and Mary Kynman, m. Jan. 27, 1603), tenants, likewise, being the Harris of Glastonbury and Wiveliscombe. Pilton is ca. 4 miles E. of Glastonbury and the same distance from West Cranmore, where, In 1549, Amye Kynman and the execs. of John Haryes, both endowed a chantry chapel, for the maintenance of one or more priests to say a daily mass for the good estate of the founder during life and for the benefit of his soul after death.

SCOTT

1. William Scott, mariner, d. in 1686. He had m. Hester Jones, dau. of Henry Jones, of Gloucester (C 6/133/202/C 8/58/119), and held property in Westbury upon Trym in 1662 (C 8/318/237), and Thornbury in 1649 (C 10/36/87). Joseph Bridger and William Scott were noted as being engaged in the Virginia trade here: Shippers by the Unicorn bound from Bristol for Virginia: Richard Finch, Roger Nevill, David Parry, James Millard, Richard Harris, Richard Bickham, John Boucher, William Scott, Joseph Bridger. (PRO E190/829/9).
1.1. William Scott, m. Christian Jordan, dau. of Robert Jordan and Christian Taberer, 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.
1.1.1. John Scott, m. Joan Tooke (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, probable br. of George Hardy, the father-in-law of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Olive Hardy was the relict of Giles Driver, headright of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Scott, son of William Jr., 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.

TABERER

1. … Taberer.
1.1. Thomas Taberer. His Will, proved Feb. 9, 1694, mentions his plantation of “Basses Choice”, bought from John Bland, br. of Theoderick Bland, husband of Governor Bennett’s dau., Ann.
1.1.1. Christian Jordan, m. William Scott, son of a business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, with Joseph Bridger.
1.1.2. Ruth Taberer, m. John Newman, 1692, p. 350, br. of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1. Rebecca George, m. John Lewis.
1.1.1.1. Joyce Lewis, m. Philip Brantley, son of Edward Brantley, who witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.1.1.1.1. Edward Brantley, farmed land adjacent to Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Brantley, m. the widow of this Thomas Harris.

GEORGE cont.

1.2. Nicholas George. He, Thomas Taberer, and Humhrey Clarke were granted 900 ac., on Aug. 14, 1652. Beg. at the mouth on N. side of a branch where Francis England’s land endeth, cross the branch to the great swamp, being the first branch of the black water”, p. 52. His Will was Rec. June 1 1661, and granted to his son, Nicholas, land adjoining John Edwards. Wit. John Sharp. As given, John Edwards m. Ann, dau. of Richard Braswell Sr. and Sarah, dau. of James Sampson and Elizabeth Barcroft, the sister of Jane Barcroft, wife of George Moore, etc.
1.2.1. Eleanor George (d.v.p. cousin of Rebecca George), m. Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, second-cousin of Joyce Lewis, grandmother of John Brantley.
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, whose widow m. the said John Brantley.

To repeat:

1. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, witnessed the Will of John Scott (rec. July 28, 1729, p. 171), whose father was the br.-in-law of Ruth Taberer (sister-in-law of the 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), and whose grandfather was a business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

2. John Brantly, who m. his widow, was the great-grandson of of Rebecca George.

3. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, was the grandson of her cousin.

4. John Brantley’s great-grandfather witnessed the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. John Brantley and his father, Edward, farmed land adjacent to that of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

5. John Thorpe appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. His grandf. m. a cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

6. Etc., etc.

To add:

7. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, m. a descendant of Joseph Bridger, business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; she being the daughter of Elizabeth Wyche, the dau. of George Wyche, son of Henry Wyche, who m. Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

HARRIS cont.

1.1.3.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1655/60, d. 1712., m. istly …
1.1.3.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1690/95. Will dated Dec. 25, 1729, rec. March 23, 1730.
1.1.3.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1730, d. in 1761, m. Sarah Goodwin, dau. of Theophilus Goodwin and Elizabeth Wyche, granddau. of Col. Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of Joseph Bridger. Elizabeth Wyche was the dau. of George Wyche, son of Henry Wyche, who m. Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.
1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Solomon Harris, b. ca. 1758, d. 1837, in Mecklenburg NC. Solomon Harris m. Millie Watkins, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam.

The test results for a descendant (Family Tree DNA) are a perfect match with Harris Group 4 males.

1.2. William Harris.
1.2.1. Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, “son of William Harries”. Thomas Hampton granted land on May 9, 1637: “In Nansamund Riv., E upon same, W into the woods, S. upon two small Indian feilds”, for transp. of Richard Harris, Elizabeth Harris, Elizabeth White, John White, et. al., p. 56. Thomas Harris, d. 1672: March 2, 1658: “Thomas Harris, 1000 ac., IOW Co. upon a swamp running into the W. branch of Nansamond Riv., including 2 Indian fields”. This John White was probably he who, on July 4, 1649, patented land in IOW Co., “on a swamp running on to black water”, “on the easternmost branch pointing to Chipoaks”, later assigned to Francis England, July 26, 1652, p. 110.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.1.1. Ann Harris, probably m. John Cogan Jr., exec. of the Will of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

We are all given the potential to only die once, however hard that may be.

copyright m stanhope

Time moves on, but it seems as if yesterday I was contacted by a member of ‘Harris Group 4’ regarding ongoing research about the origins of Harris families of Virginia. A concensus at this time was that one such family stemmed from a Captain Thomas Harris of “Longfield” on the S. of the James River; with him being from the Aylesbury district of Buckinghamshire, England. Another such assumed progenitor was Sergeant John Harris, believed to be of the Harris family of Crixse, Essex, with their link to Virginia being a supposed close familial connection to Sir Thomas Smythe (Smith), treasurer of the Virginia Company (1609-1620). This was the basis of much painstaking research into the Crixse Harris, with Harris researchers visiting England to examine records. At one point, the “Captain”, and the “Sergeant” were proposed as brothers from Crixse, who lived on the opposite side of the James River.

Constructs move on. Captain Thomas Harris of ‘Longfield’ was deceased by 1646 when his Crown lease of was placed for sale, with a later escheat record showing him not to have had heirs. His supposed son, Major William Harris, was almost certainly of Ludlow, Shropshire, where he was bapt. in 1627, and his sister, Mary, in 1625; the date given by Mary (Harris) Ligon in a deosition. This family had connections to the Ligons, and Mary and William were probably step-children of their uncle, Thomas Harris, and lived on Curles Swamp, on the N. side of the James River. Neither had inherited “Longfield”. Claimed ancestries from Major William Harris are more numerous than certain.

In the case of Sergeant John Harris, the clue to his ancestry was his daughter’s sale of land to Francis Derrick, who had familial connections to a Harris family from Blagdon, Somerset. As previous notes have detailed, this family were probably of the same ancestry as the Crixse Harris, that is, their earliest recorded ancestor was surnamed Salman/Salmon. Although it can be suggested he had male issue (see previous notes), a suggested line of continuation seems to come to a terminus.

The case for the ancestry of Thomas Harris, who died in 1729/30, is made hereinafter. He was a member of what is known as ‘Harris Group 4’, defined by DNA results: Men of this are members of the haplogroup I-Y23686, and, as Nick Wormley has pointed out, ‘there is so little variation among Harris 4 testees’ STR and SNP results suggests that their most recent common ancestor seems unlikely to have lived much earlier than about the 1500s‘.

There are a number of reasons why ‘John Harreys of Taunton’ was the most likely recent common ancestor of Harris Group 4 –

1. His d.o.b. matches the estimate given by recent developments in DNA analysis.
2. His place of residence was Taunton, ca. 8 mls from Wiveliscombe.
3. His family held lands in Glastonbury, the abode given for Richard Harris, who m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe.
4. His family were of the same social class as the families they intermarried with; a prerequisite for such marriages.
5. His family’s wider connections (Alford/Bourne) were shared by the Harris family of Wiveliscombe, an example of a ‘continuation of association’, that underpinned the English kinship system.

1. ‘John Harreys of Taunton‘, clothier, b. ca. 1475, bur. Nov. 1, 1558. Taunton. Carter v Harreis. Plaintiffs: John Carter. Defendants: John Harreis, Elizabeth, his wife. Subject: A tenement called `Suthome,’ in Glastonbury, held on lease from defendants by plaintiff, Isabel, his wife, and John, their son, for their lives. 1515-1518. (C 1/400/2).
1.1. Thomas Harreis, leased lands in Greinton (juxta Glasonbury) of Glastonbury Abbey, in 1554. (C 78/13/43).
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, m. Johanne Gooch, Sept. 18, 1558, in Taunton.
1.1.2. John Harris, m. Agnes White, Sept. 1, 1560, in Taunton.
1.1.2.1. William Harris, m. Alice Christmas, Oct. 23, 1598, in Taunton.
1.2. Robert Harreys, b. ca. 1505. Harreys v The Mayor of London. Plaintiffs: Robert, son of ‘John Harreys of Taunton’. Defendants: The mayor, aldermen and sheriffs of London. Subject: Actions of debt by Robert Alford of London, draper, to whom complainant was apprentice, on bonds given by his father upon his apprenticeship and to secure his becoming a freeman of the City. Certiorari. London, Somerset. 1529-1532. (C 1/645/20). Robert Alford was originally from Aldford, Cheshire. He m. Anne, dau. and coh. of Edmund Brydges. Their sons were highly educated and held high office. One of whom, Roger Alford, b. by 1530, m. ca. 1560, Elizabeth, dau. and h. of Thomas Ramsey of Hitcham, Bucks., wid. of Nicholas Clerke, of North Weston, Oxon. Roger Alford’s stepson (Sir William Clerke) m. a dau. of Sir John Bourne, b. by 1518, prob. s. of Walter Bourne of Wick, Worcs. m. by 1546, Dorothy, dau. of Richard Ligon of Madresfield, Worcs., 2s. 3da. educ. L. Inn. Kntd. 2 Oct. 1553. ( P.W. Hasler, ‘Hist. Parl.’, 1981). The other coh. of Edmund Brydges, Katherine, m. William Sandys, 3rd Lord of The Vyne (d 1623).

BOURNE/HARREYS

1. …
1.1. Philip Bourne of Worcester.
1.1.1. Richard Bourne, merchant taylor of London and Wells, Somerset. He m. Sylvester Tybolde, who d. bef. Feb. 9, 1593, in Wells. Richard Bourne, Will pr. March, 1594. (23 Dixy). To be buried near my wife in the Cathedral of Wells. Gilbert Bourne (eldest son) to be Exr. To him the Demesnes of Wrodiscombe (Wiveliscombe), with the custody of the great house demised to me by my Reverend brother, Bishop Bourne.
1.1.2. Gilbert Bourne. Will proved Feb. 3, 1596: To be buried in Wells Cathedral near is wife. Son John Bourne; daus. Mary, Jane, Philippa; brothers John Bourne (Treasurer of Wells Cathedral) and Roger Bourne. He m. Eleanor Smith.
1.1.2.1. John Bourne, born in Wiveliscombe. Will proved Oct. 21, 1656. To be buried in Wells Cathedral near his ancestors. Eldest s. Roger, s. Henry, s. Gilbert, s. Thomas, younger sons under 16 years of age; daus. Mary, Phillippa, Silvestre, Jane, and Frances; sons in law Mr. Stanhope and Mr. Fleming; nephew Mr. William Wyke; sister Godwin.
1.1.2.1.1. Jasper Bourne, of Stanmore Magna, Midd., gent. Will Proved by John Bennett, May 4, 1636, naming son (in-law) “John Bennett of London, merchant” … “grandchildren, children of my daughter Elizabeth Bennett” … “my dau. Mary, wife of Edward Bennett, merchant”.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Bourne, m. John Bennett (br. of Edward).
1.1.2.1.1.2. Sylvester Bourne, m. William Hutchinson.
1.1.2.1.1.3. Mary Bourne, m. Edward Bennett, b. Feb. 2, 1578, in Wiveliscombe, d. bef. Sept. 30, 1664. Eleanor Bennett, sister of Edward, m. Richard Harris (Oct. 8, 1594), in Wiveliscombe.
1.2. Walter Bourne, of Wick, Worcs.
1.2.1. Sir John Bourne, escheator, Worcs. 1546-7; m. by 1546, Dorothy, dau. of Richard LIgon of Madresfield.
1.2.1.1. … Bourne, m. Sir William Clerke, stepson of Roger Alford, whose father’s apprentice was Robert Harreys, aforementioned.

EDWARD HARRIS, d. 1677.

1.2.1.William Harris, b. ca. 1535, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
1.2.1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, sister of Edward Bennett,* the Virginia coloniser.
1.2.1.1.1. Edward Harris, held land patented by his cousin, (Governor) Richard Bennett, on Nov. 4, 1642. This was adj. land held by Wm. Newsome, April 6, 1653, p. 51.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677. The estate accounts of Edward Harris Jr. inc. “100. Payd Coll. Bacon for rent”, land bought from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, Edward’s second-cousin. Edward Harris was a son-in-law of George Hardy, whose wife, Mary Jackson, was a great-granddau. of Edward Bennett. George Hardy’s land bounded that of Nicholas Hill, who m. a dau. of the said Edward Bennett.

MARTHA HARRIS, m. John Jennings.

1.2.1.1.2. Robert Harris, m. Mary Crumpe, cousin of Richard Crump, b. 1628, sheriff of Bristol, merchant.
1.2.1.1.2.1. Martha Harris, m. John Jennings, of Bristol, merchant. His Will, rec. March 10, 1679, mentions daus. Martha and Mary, son John. Overseers, George Moore (probable br.-in-law of Edward Brantley Sr.), and George Moore’s cousin, Thomas Moore. John Grove of the cittye of Bristol, merchant, makes John Jennings of Isle of Wight County, Va., gent., his attorney to take possession of all his land and plantations in Virginia. (Davis, Surry Co. Records).
1.2.1.1.2.1.1. John Jennings, m. Mary Hill, dau. of Sylvester Bennett (dau. of Edward Bennett), and *Nicholas Hill. Claimed as a headright of Valentine Allen in Rappahannock, 1662. Their lands adjoined.
1.2.1.1.2.1.2. Martha Jennings, d. 1702, m. Thomas Thorpe Sr. (d. 1711, in IOW Co.), br. of Timothy Thorpe Sr., who had issue (1) Joseph Thorpe, father of Mary Thorpe, who m. James Barham. Their dau., Martha Barham, m. Joel Harris, son of John Harris and Avis White (granddau. of George Moore); son of Robert Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.1.2.1.2.1. Sarah Thorpe (by first wife), m. (1) William George. He was the son of John George (nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672), cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1712; and (almost) certainly second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.2.1.1.2.1.2.2. John Thorpe, br.-in-law of William George, appraised of estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, with Edward Brantley, whose son, John, m. the relict.

THOMAS HARRIS, d. 1729/30.

1.2.1.1.3. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, on Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.
1.2.1.1.3.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia, cousin of Edward Harris, d. 1677; second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1688. He was a business partner of Joseph Bridger and John Scott, in Bristol. (Bristol Record Office, Depositions*). He m. 1stly, Eleanor George, cousin of Rebecca George, mother of Joyce (2nd cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1712), who m. Philip Brantley (son of Edward Brantley Sr.), grandfather of John Brantley, who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Thomas Harris held 1,000 ac. in Nansemond in 1658, which was “by him deserted” and granted anew on July 6, 1668 to Joseph Bridger. (W&MQ, vol. 7, no. 4, 1899).
1.2.1.1.3.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1655/60, d. 1712., m. istly …
1.2.1.1.3.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1690/95. Will dated Dec. 25, 1729, rec. March 23, 1730, mentions son, Joshua, bequesting him “my plantation and all my land being 400 acres”; unborn child wife now goes with; wife Hannah Harris one half of balance of estate; brother Henry Harris; dau. Mary Harris.* Hannah Harris, m. (2) John Brantley, son of Edward Brantley.* On March 24, 1725, he is recorded as farming 290 ac. in IOW, adj. the Maherin River, and on both sides of Herbert’s Branch, adj. *Edward Brantley and Wm. Simmons. He witnessed the Will of John Scott, grandson of the business partner of Thomas Harris (d. 1672), and Joseph Bridger. (R. July 28, 1729, p. 171.

(*Rowland Searchfield released Col. Joseph Bridger of Virginia from all claims of three-eighths of a cargo of wines etc. shipped on the Success of London (master William Goodland) in 1654, to Virginia, in the presence of William Scott, Thomas Harris, Christopher Pitt, James Bridger. William Reaper. Thus, the witnesses, as partners, accounted for the remaining five eighths. William Scott was the father of a namesake, the father of John Scott, who m. Joan Tooke; dau. of James Tooke, son of Thomas Tooke).

1.2.1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1730, d. in 1761, m. Sarah Goodwin, dau. of Theophilus Goodwin and Elizabeth Wyche, granddau. of Col. Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of the said Joseph Bridger. Elizabeth Wyche was the dau. of George Wyche, son of Henry Wyche, who m. Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712.

On Jan. 27, 1753, Thomas Harris of Granville Co. sold to his brother, Joshua Harris, of Southampton Co., “one certain tract or parcel of land of 290 ac. granted to Thomas Harris the elder by a patent dated March 24, 1725, and by the said Thomas Harris in his Will, dated Dec. 25, 1729, given unto the said Thomas Harris” (paraphrased), who died intestate bef. Feb. 1761 in Granville, Co. On which date an administrators bond was issued for the estate of Thomas Harris, which bound Theophilus Goodwin to make an inventory of the estate of Thomas Harris. Thomas Harris had lived with his step-father, John Brantley (Granville Co. Tax Lists, 1750). In the settlement his estate, his widow inherited 1/3, and his son, Solomon, inherited 2/3. The guardianship of Solomon Harris was confirmed on Aug. 13, 1772, when Bute Co. Court appointed Peter Goodwin, his uncle, and Theophilus Goodwin, his grandf.

1.2.1.1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Solomon Harris, b. ca. 1758, d. 1837, in Mecklenburg NC. Solomon Harris m. Millie Watkins, dau. of John Watkins and Lydia Gilliam.

The test results for a descendant (Family Tree DNA) are a perfect match with Harris Group 4 males.

13 23 14 11 13 14 11 14 11 12 11 28 16 7 9 8 11 23 16 20 29 12 14 15 15 10 10 19 21 14 14 16 20 35 37 12 10

GILLIAM

1. …
1.1.1. Hinchea Gilliam, b. ca. 1685, d. 1734, in Sussex Co., m. Fortune, dau. of Walter Flood.
1.1.2. Walter Gilliam, m. Sarah Foster.
1.1.2.1. Lydia Gilliam, b. ca. 1725, 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). Thomas Petty and wife *Mary (Harris) sold 235 ac. in St. John Parish, Bute Co., on the N. of Sandy Creek, adj. Lewis Brantley, part of a grant to Petty, of 470 ac. on Aug. 20, 1760. Wit. John Macklemore. (Bute Court, 1765).
1.1.2.1.1. Millie Watkins, b. ca. 1750, m. Solomon Harris, on March 11, 1778.
1.1.3. Fortune Gilliam, m. James Macklemore.
1.1.3.1. John Macklemore, m. a dau. of William Spence.*

1.2.1.1.3.1.1.1.2. Joshua Harris. His estate was appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day* (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, on June 14, 1770, p. 324. Joshua Harris witnessed the Will of Samuel Westbrooke, rec. Aug. 13, 1761, p. 390.

Joshua and Henry Harris appraised the estate of *William Spence, rec. July 12, 1759, p. 307, father-in-law of John Macklemore, pp. 215, 266, the son of James Macklemore, d. bef Feb. 13, 1732, in Bertie Co., and Fortune Gilliam.

The Gilliams were a Bristol family, as the Edwards, Hunts, and Harris (in a trading sense).

1.2.1.1.3.1.1.2. *Henry Harris, witnessed the Will of John Edwards (from IOW Co.), a Justice in Bertie Co. in 1739. N.C. R. March 7, 1750, p. 306. He was the grandson of Thomas Edwards, br. of Robert Edwards, father of Judith Edwards, who m. Thomas Harris, almost certainly as 2nd wife; step-mother of Thomas and Henry Harris.

This was the Henry Harris associated with the Brantley/Norwood families: 1. Henry Norwood, bur. April 10, 1618, Dunster, Somerset, 10 mls N. of Wiveliscombe, abode of the Bennett/Harris families. 1.2. Richard Norwood. 1.2.1. William Norwood, bapt. Sept. 6, 1619, in Dunster, d. 1702, in Virginia. 1.2.1.1. Richard Norwood (4th son) – appraisal by Edward Brantley, Oct. 25, 1731). Richard Norwood was the husb. of Elizabeth, whose estate was appraised by by Henry Harris and Thomas Cook (rec. Jan. 28, 1733, p. 386); the latter’s Will was witnessed by John Brantley (rec. Nov. 22, 1736, p. 186); who m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and the son of the said Edward Brantley. The Brantleys were tenants of the Norwoods in Gloucestershire. (Manor of Cheltenham estate accounts).

1.2.1.1.3.1.2. John Harris, b. ca. 1665, d. 1713. John Scott, son of William Jr., 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.
John Harris had m. a dau. of Francis Hobbs. Thomas Harris, d. 1688, held land in lower par. IOW Co. on borders of Blackwater to the bottom of Pig Neck (B. 7, p. 510), which had been granted to Mr. John Seward, on April 16, 1648, who had patented land in 1638 “upon Warresquioke River”, against the land of Nathaniell Floyd, whose widow m. Francis Hobbs, whose dau. m. John Harris. His Will, rec. May 25, 1713, was witnessed by his sister-in-law, Judith; his overseers were the said John Scott, and Mathew Jordan,* the stepson of William Rose Jr.

1.2.1.1.3.1.2.1. Isabel Harris, b. 1696, m. Nicholas Fulgham, grandson of a br. of John Fulgham: Mr. Jno. Marshall, 700 ac. IOW, July 12, 1665, p. 252 … beg. at lower cor. tree of Capt. (John) Fulgham’s land, extending down Sw. to land of Tho. Harris (d. 1672). John Fulgham was overseer of the Will of Thomas Harris, 1688.

JORDAN

1.Thomas Jordan Sr. m. Lucy (Corker) Rose. She m. (2) William Rose Jr., brother of (1) Jane Rose, who m. (1) Richard Avery; who departed from Bristol, in 1665. Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, vol. 1, p. 56: Capt. Anthony Fulgham, 1600 ac. IOW, July 12, 1665, for transportation of 30 people, inc. Richd. Avery. (B. 5, p. 253; (2), after 1685, Edward Booky. (2) Ann Rose, m. Thomas Flood Jr., the first-cousin of Fortune Flood, wife of Hinchea Gilliam, whose br., Walter, m. Sarah, dau. of John Foster; their dau., Lydia, m. John Watkins; their dau., Millie, m. Solomon Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.
1.1. Thomas Jordan Jr., m. Margaret Brasseur.
1.1.1. *Mathew Jordan, b. Jan. 1, 1676, in Chuckatuck, d. Sept. 2, 1747, in IOW.
1.1.2. Richard Jordan, b. Aug. 6, 1670, in Chuckatuck, d. Oct. 29, 1723, in IOW.
1.1.2.1. Richard Jordan, b. 1710, in Chuckatuck, d. Feb. 3, 1781, in IOW.
1.1.2.1.1. William Jordan (by second wife, Elizabeth), b. ca. 1745, m. Sarah, dau. of William Chapman and Mary Crocker, relict of Henry Tynes (son of Robert Tynes, and Mary, dau. of Theophilus Joyner,* and sister of Elizabeth Tynes, m. Thomas Day,* who appraised the estate of Joshua Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. As follows, Mary Harris, granddau. of Thomas Harris and Judith Edwards, sold her inheritance (from her great-grandfather) to Robert Tynes.*

That Thomas Harris and Judith Edwards had issue, Benjamin Harris, who had issue, Mary Harris, is not in doubt. However, to use her inheritance from her great-grandfather, Robert Edwards, as ‘proof’ that Thomas Harris had no sons, by a marriage prior to that with Judith Edwards, is without basis. On Dec. 7, 1758, Mary Harris of Newport Parish, Isle of Wight Co. deeds all her interest in some land to Robert Tynes,* of the same parish and county. Witnesses: Joseph Bridger IV., great-grandson of Joseph Bridger I., business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Joseph Bridger was the half-brother of James Bridger,* who m. Susan, dau. of Thomas Tynes, br. of *Robert Tynes. Brewer Godwin, great-grandson of Thomas Goodwin and Martha, dau. of Joseph Bridger I.

Essentially, the familial ‘connections’ of Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, stemmed from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and his son, Thomas Harris, d. 1712. Judith Edwards would not necessarily devise lands to (of age) stepsons, but, rather, to a ‘son and heir at law’, following the English custom. Her ‘heir at law’ (by Thomas Harris), was Benjamin, who was in receipt of his maternal grandfather’s lands, which devolved to his ‘heir at law’, Mary. They were not the lands of Thomas Harris, Judith’s husband. His lands, in part, devolved to his son, Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, who farmed 290 ac. in IOW, on the Maherin River and both sides of Herbert’s Branch, adj. William Simmon’s line, on March 24, 1725.

TYNES/JOYNER/HUNT/EDWARDS

1. Timothy Tynes.
1.1. *Robert Tynes, b. ca. 1720 in IOW, d. bef. 1794, m. (ca.. 1745) Mary, dau. of Theophilus Joyner and his 2nd wife, Henrietta Griffen.
1.1.1. Elizabeth Tynes, m. *Thomas Day, whose Will was proved Oct. 1. 1772, witnessed by his brother, John Day. Thomas Day appraised the estate of Joshua Harris, as given, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Thomas Day sold land to John Westbrooke, d. 1761, p. 391, br. of Samuel, aforementioned.
1.1.1.1. James Bennett Day, b. ca. 1763.
1.1.2. Jean Tynes, m. Charles Fulgham Jr., ca. 1773.
1.1.3. Henry Tynes, d. bef. Sept. 2, 1779, m. Sarah, dau. of William Chapman and Mary Crocker, after Feb. 15, 1774. He was still alive in 1776, when he witnessed a deed of sale from John Bennett to his brother, Timothy Tynes. Sarah m. (2) William Jordan.
1.2. Thomas Tynes, m. Susanna, widow of *James Bridger, Dec. 6, 1784.

JOYNER

1. Thomas Joyner,* “late servant and attorney unto Edward Robins, merchant, deceased” – Affidavit of Edward Bennett, who owned lands in IOW, gave affidavit in High Court of Admiralty, London August 24, 1635, asserting that goods returned from Virginia on the “Revenge” belonged 1/2 to Edward Robins and 1/2 to Edward Bennett. Thomas Joyner m. Sarah, dau. of Robert Edwards (and Mary Hunt), and sister of Judith Edwards, who m.Thomas Harris, d. 1712, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and half-sister of Frances Edwards, who m. Henry Wyche, great-grandparents of Sarah Goodwin, who m. Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/1730.
1.1. Bridgeman Joyner – guardian of an orphan of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2. Theophilus Joyner.*

HUNT/EDWARDS

1. William Hunt.
1.1. Michael Hunt, soapmaker, of Bristol.
1.2. Joseph Hunt, he and br. Michael held land in Jamaica. Abstract of the title of Joseph Hunt of Port Royal, Jamaica, merchant, to lands in Jamaica, Nov. 21, 1662. (Brist. Arch., AC/WO/16/1). These lands were part of the “Spring Plantation”, owned by John Elbridge, br.-in-law of Thomas Moore.
1.3. Mary Hunt, m. Robert Edwards, as his 2nd wife. She m. (2) (Owen Griffin, having issue: Ann Griffin, who m. Thomas Drake. Her Will of 1727 gave her son-in-law, Thomas Drake, her whole estate. She m. (3) William Boddie (d. 1712), who, by a 1st wife, Anna, had issue: Mary Boddie, who m. John Browne.
1.3.1. Judith Edwards, m. (1) Thomas Harris, as his 2nd wife. (2) John Clarke. Thomas Harris was the son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, and Eleanor George.
1.3.2. Sarah Edwards, m. *Thomas Joyner.

 Robert Edwards, m. istly, Judith Burton. “Robert Edwards who died intestate leaving three daughters to whom the said land descended, one of which said daughters intermarried with Thomas Harris and departed this life leaving issue, Benjamin Harris her son and heir at law, who also departed this life leaving issue, the said Mary Harris, party of these presents, his daughter and heir who inherited one third part of this land.” (D.B. 10, pp. 31-32). One third devised to Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, who m. Henry Wyche, the br. of George Wyche, whose dau., Elizabeth, m. Theophilus Goodwin; their dau., Sarah, being the wife of Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30.

WYKE

1. Henry Wyke.
1.1. Henry Wyke, bapt. July 16, 1664, in Bridgewater, Somerset (ca. 12 miles fr. Wiveliscombe), m. Frances Edwards, sister-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and step-aunt of his children by a first wife.
1.1.1. George Wyke, b. ca. 1685, step-cousin of such children.
1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Wyke, m. Theophilus Goodwin.
1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Goodwin, m. (her kinsman), Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/1730, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, and a first wife. Thomas Harris m. Judith Edwards after 1701, when he would have been ca. 45 years of age, making him an exception of this time if not having married a first wife by the age of 30.

ELIZABETH HARRIS, dau.-in-law of Robert Lancaster Sr.

1.2.1.2. William Harris.
1.2.1.2.1. Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, “son of William”. (“Harries”). Richard Harris. May 9, 1637: Thomas Hampton 700 acs. Up. Co. of New Norf. “In Nansamund Riv., E upon same , W into the woods, S. upon two small Indian feilds near adj. unto Powell’s Cr. & Nly. downward the sd. river” (p. 56), for transp. of Richard Harris, Elizabeth Harris, Elizabet White, John White,* et al. Thomas Harris, obit. 1672: March 2, 1658: ‘Thomas Harris, 1000 ac., IOW Co. Upon a swamp running into the W. branch of Nansamond Riv., including 2 Indian fields.
1.2.1.2.1.1. John Harris,* bapt. Feb. 18, 1624, “son of Richard”.
1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, b. ca. 1662, m. Samuel Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr. (second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

THOMAS HARRIS, d. 1688.

1.2.1.2.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1688, second-cousin of (1) Edward Harris, d. 1677, (2) Martha Harris/Jennings, mother of Martha Jennings/Thorpe; great-aunt of Mary Thorpe, who m. James Barham;* (3) Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose family were Quakers, attending meetings at Chuckatuck in Nansemond Co. Thomas Harris was also the cousin of John Harris, whose dau. m. Samuel Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710; second-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Richard Bennett’s first wife was Anne, who was, circumstantially, Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’).
1.2.1.2.1.2.1. Robert Harris. His descendants had strong links to the Lancasters. Rec. March 14, 1760: Charles Harris, warrant of 450 ac. in Granville Co., adj. Jones Corner and Wades line. Witnesses: William Hurst, Lawrence Lancaster; one of many examples.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.1. John Harris, m. Avis White, dau. of Thomas White and Ann (dau. of *George Moore), and cousin of the wife of Francis England.
Thomas White was almost certainly of the family of *John White, who, on July 4, 1649, patented land in IOW Co., “on a swamp running on to black water”, “on the easternmost branch pointing to Chipoaks”, later assigned to Francis England, July 26, 1652, p. 110.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Harmon Harris, appraised the estate of James Lancaster, with John Williamson, rec. Oct. 16, 1797, p. 15.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.1.2. Joel Harris, m. Martha Barham, in Southampton Co.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.2. Robert Harris, Jr., d. 1772/3, lived on the south of the main Blackwater Swamp, next to the lands of Arthur and Joseph Williamson.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.3. Joseph Harris.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.3.1. Martha Harris, d 1797, m. Moses Lancaster, son of Lawrence Lancaster.
1.2.1.2.1.2.1.4. Ann Harris, d. 1839, m. Francis Riggan, b. March 7, 1764 in Bute, NC.

THOMAS HARRIS, d. 1668.

1.2.1.2.2. William Harris, headright of John Moone (IOW, in 1637), whose dau. Mary Moone, m. Thomas Greene;* his sister m. Anthony Fulgham, of Pitminster, Somerset; their son, Nicholas Fulgham, was the grandf. of a namesake, who m. Isabel Harris, b. April 17, 1695, dau. of John Harris (by his 2nd wife), son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Nicholas Fulgham Sr. was the br. of John Fulgham, who appraised the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.2.2.1. Thomas Harris, ca. 1630-1668. Thomas Harris to wife Alice Harris. May 1, 1668. Power of Attorney. These p’sents witnesseth that I Thomas Harris planter in the Isle of Wight doe appoint and authorize my well beloved wife Alce Harris my true and lawfull attorney. Wit. John Flower, and John Harris* (his second-cousin), father of Elizabeth Harris, supra.
1.2.1.2.2.1.1. William Harris. On Jan. 4, 1685, he and wife Mary Harris sold William Newsum 220 ac. now in the tenure of *Mr. John Harris, being part of his father’s grant of 850 acs. in Surry Co., Feb. 13, 1657 (p. 168), on the south side of James River and N.W. & S.E. sides of the head of the Sunken Marsh, above and below the mill, northerly on the Rich Neck and land of Robert Webb and Mr. Edward’s lands (Thomas Edwards, supra), Easterly on William Carter, Southerly on Chipoaks Path to the mill and on *Mr. Green’s land. 300 ac. granted unto Mr. Jno. Holmwood, on Oct. 1650, and by Holmwood assigned to said Harris, and 550 ac. for transportstion of 11 persons. John Holmwood’s wife was the second-cousin of Theoderck Bland, whose br., Thomas, was the br.-in-law of Sylvester Bennett, mother of Mary Hill, mother of Martha Jennings, wife of Thomas Thorpe Sr., etc.

Time and constructs move on.

My pleasure has been the very many Harris researchers who share this view.

copyright m stanhope 2021

As with any group of males who share close DNA matches, it is the case that they had a ‘recent’ ancestor in common. In regards to those claiming descent from Major William Harris the most recent common ancestor probably lived about 500 years ago, as Nick Wormley comments:

“I have had a look at FTDNA’s chart of male DNA testees who they have classified as being in Harris Group 8. There are quite a number of them and they all have closely similar readings, suggesting that in age this group is very like Harris Group 4. I can only guess, but from the small number of DNA variations between any of these men, it feels likely that they all shared a single patriarch perhaps around four or five centuries ago”.

Nick further comments:

“There are 81 test results shown on the Harris Group 8 chart. In every case, their STR numbers are shown. These are all so similar that it is sufficient to place them all under the label Group 8, meaning that they all share a Harris patriarch probably several centuries ago. Since then they must have evolved into a number of different family lines, still in most cases surnamed Harris and thus cousins to each other. However these STR comparisons (the earlier, simpler method of testing) cannot show any sequence order or prove exact family relationships.

Some indication of whether they are close cousins or more distant cousins is revealed by the newer method, SNP testing. Unfortunately, only 11 testees have gone on to the further stage of having their SNPs tested, so as we only have a few SNP results available, the information that can currently be gleaned is limited.

Each of these 11 men is identified by their most recent (terminal) SNP number. Unfortunately, no further information is revealed on the chart about them apart from their surname and who they think was their earliest traced ancestor.

Such as it is, this is the limited sequence information currently known: (On its own it is simply scientific data, but it might possibly reveal something of genealogical interest if any historical knowledge can be tied to it).

As you can see, if you look at the FTDNA Group 8 chart, three of these testees are not named Harris, but they definitely share the same original patriarch. They might possibly have acquired these surnames through adoption of a Harris boy, being born out of wedlock, or maybe a young Harris widow remarrying and her children taking the name of her new husband, etc.

Think of each of the terminal SNP numbers as family sub-branches within Harris DNA Group 8.
The earliest is I-FGC6503.
A family branched from FGC6503 by developing the mutation FGC68522.
Later, a family branched from FGC68522 to become FGC68500.
The next mutation in sequence order was FGC68520.
Somebody in the 68520 family subsequently became the first man to have the terminal SNP FGC68511.
In a later generation, a son of a 68511 man developed a new SNP labled I-FT224751. This is shown on the haplotree but the testee with that number is not a member of the Harris DNA Project and so he is not named on their chart.
The two most recent branches, both descended from FT224751 are I-FT249079 and I-FT223821.

So the sequence order is:
I-FGC68503
I-FGC68522
I-FGC68500
I-FGC68520
I-FGC68511 and I-FT224751
I-FT249079 and FT223821.

Oddly, following three different surnames, the name Harris doesn’t appear in this lineage before the fourth family line in the sequence, the first to have the SNP mutation FGC68520.

It isn’t totally impossible that today’s Harris Group 8 families only started to be called Harris at that point, with all tested Harris families being descendants of that FGC68520 man. It might conceivably be that the label HARRIS Group 8 is a misnomer, with their previous ancestors having been surnamed Jordan. It looks as though something a bit strange was going on over a few generations.

However, that little side-thought is unlikely, because we can only see the results of these 11 men, which is a tiny sample and that might be distorting the picture. If more were SNP tested I expect we would soon see the name Harris occurring in the earlier sub-groups.

The SNP testees who think they are descended from Sherwood Harris, Andrew F Harris, Capt Thomas Harris and the other Harris with terminal SNP FT223821 belong to the youngest families in the sequence. They are descended from most of the others’ ancestral lines but none of the others can be descended from their families.

I don’t think it is realistic to talk about dates. Only one SNP mutation has occurred between each of the branchings, so the time between each of them could be up to several generations, but it also feels likely that the whole scientific sequence shown on the chart could have happened in North America during the past four centuries or so.

It might be that all of the testees on the Harris Group 8 DNA chart are Americans, but I cannot tell. If any Group 8 people have traced their descent from an identified ancestor living in Britain, and/or they are themselves British, then making that trans-Atlantic link public knowledge could lead to a better understanding of the origin of the entire group. Confirming the identity of a Group 8 progenitor would be revealing the early family tree of everybody who has this DNA profile. Sharing information is the only way to increase genealogical knowledge, and this can be done in a way that would not compromise anybody’s confidentiality or privacy. I know that Mr Stanhope respects those concerns fully”.

Thank you, Nick.

The grandfather of Major William Harris was almost certainly Rowland Harris, b. ca. 1560, who m. Jane Langford, in 1595, in Ludlow, Shropshire. It is of no matter if others choose to think differently, however that flies in the face of a number of facts – that is their right.

My questions are –
How many of the ancestries attached to Harris Group 8 DNA profiles have paper trails that are in the public domain and verified?

What is an example of such a proven ancestry?

ROWLAND HARRIS, b. ca. 1560.

1. Rowland Harris,* m. Jane Langford.
1.1. Thomas Harris, b. 1603, m. Alice Evans. He was the Captain Thomas Harris of Curles Neck Swamp.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, bapt. July 24, 1627, step-br. of William and Mary Harris.
1.2. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, m. Margaret Holland.
1.2.1. Mary Harris, bapt. Apr. 3. 1625. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon deposed her age to be 64.
1.2.2. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1628, m. (1) Lucy Morris, (2) Alice Williams. His widow (Alice) m. George Alves.

(1. Thomas Adams, and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Higgons, of Longdon. (Treswell, Vincent: The Visitation of Shropshire, 1623, vol. 1, pp. 12-13).
1.1. John Adams. Recovery: 1. Richard Lane, Thomas Brocton, gentilman, John Adams, gentilman, William Langford, Thomas Barrett, and William Lane. 2. Richard Dodmore. 7 messuages etc. in Ludlow, Diddlesbury and Halton. 1514. (Shrop. Arch., 20/6/150).
1.2. William Adams, of Longdon, m. Eleanor Jennyns, cousin of Eleanor Jennyns, b. ca. 1500, who m. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1495, grandf. of *Rowland Harris.
1.2.1. Thomas Adams ((b. ca. 1520, d. 1580), m. Ursula, dau. of Thomas Newport, of High Ercall.
1.2.1.1. William Adams, bur. July 13, 1576, in Ludlow, m. Ann Newton, May 30,. 1567.
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Adams, gent, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1575.
1.2.1.1.1.1. William Adams, bapt. Jan. 26, 1616.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Adams, bapt. April 19, 1642, in Ludlow.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Robert Adams, b. ca. 1680, d. 1740, in Goochland, m. Mourning Lewis,* in 1712.
1.2.1.2.. Elizabeth Adams, m. John Morris, July 6, 1562.

1.2.1.2.1. Thomas Morris.
1.2.1.2.1.1. William Morris, bapt. June 16, 1588, ‘son of Thomas’, m. Margaret Doe, Feb. 7, 1626. Moris v Doe. Plaintiffs: William Moris and Margaret Moris his wife. Defendants: Jonas Doe. Subject: property in Ludlow. 1628. (C 8/36/124). Will of Jonas Doe, Gentleman of Ludlow, Shropshire, May 6, 1631. Margaret Doe was the dau. of Jonas, and sister of Charles Doe, Esq., of Ludlow, b. ca. 1605, knighted in 1665, sheriff of London; azure a doe trippant or between three besants on a chapeau B. turned up ermine a doe trippant or holding in mouth an oak branch p’per. Charles Doe m. a dau. of … Maplesden, of Kent. (Harl. Soc. 8, fo. 75). She was almost certainly one of the three daughters of Peter Maplesden and Katherine Eppes, married Nov. 18, 1606, sister of Captain Francis Eppes Sr., whose son and namesake (with John Worsham) valued the estate of Major William Harris, on Oct. 7, 1678.
1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Lucy Morris, bapt. Aug. 24, 1630, m. Major William Harris.

1.2.1.2.2. Jane Morris, m. Thomas Williams, Jan. 6, 1588.
1.2.1.2.2.1. Richard Williams, bapt. May 1, 1591.
1.2.1.2.2.2. Job Williams, b. ca. 1598.
1.2.1.2.2.2.1. Alice Williams, bapt. Jan. 27 1635, m. Major William Harris.
1.2.1.2.2.2.2. John Williams, bapt. Dec. 16, 1637, uncle of William Harris.*
1.2.1.2.2.2.2.1. John Williams, Jan. 26, 1679 (Surry) – Sept. 6, 1755, cousin of William Harris.*
1.2.1.2.2.2.2.1.1. Mary Williams (second-cousin of George Harris), m. Henry Graves, son of John Graves Jr., b. ca. 1675, son of “Joachim f. of Samuel Greaves and Jane”, bapt. April 7, 1642 – als John Greaves; patented land at “White Oak Landing”, adj. to Robert Cocke’s plantation. His father had given him a Hebrew name, and Johannes (medieval latin) was used as a diminuitive of such as John and Joachim, and Joachim Greaves probably chose to be called John. Henry Graves m. Mary Williams in 1726, dau. of John Williams, and sister of John Williams (b. July 25, 1704, in Hanover), husband of Mary Womack, sister of Sarah, wife of Robert Woodson, and Judith, who m. Ralph Graves, br. of Henry. (See my notes re Greaves family of Culmington and Berrington, Shropshire).
1.2.1.2.2.3. Alice Williams, bapt. March 18, 1599, m. (almost certainly as 2nd husband) Edward Giles, on Sept. 3, 1636).

1.2.2.1. *William Harris, named in father’s Will of 1678 as an infant son. He moved to New Kent Co., as evidenced on Aug. 1, 1694, when Hugh Ligon, son of Mary Harris, witnessed an acknowledgment of debt by William Harris, son of Major William Harris, decd. of New Kent Co., to Sarah Knibb of Henrico. He was involved in the determination of the lands of Thomas Langford, deceased, in 1731.
1.2.2.1.1. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish. “The confusion between two distinct lines of Harris arose from the widow of Major William Harris marrying George Alvis, who subsequently, had a son, David Alvis, who married Elizabeth Stanley, da. either of John Stanley or his brother Thomas Stanley. Two seperate groups of Harris held nearby lands; one on the upper Pamunkey River, the other to the east of along Cedar Creek, Taylor’s Branch, and Wolf Swamp. When George Harris witnesses a deed from John Stanley to William Hicks, on Sept. 6, 1734, he did so as a neighbour and peripheral kinsman (through his step-grandfather’s second marriage), and not as a member of the family of the Cedar Creek Harris”. (B.T. Shannon).
1.2.2.1.1.1. William Harris, who lived along Wolf Swamp, St. Martins Parish, Hanover Co., first appeared in the land tax list in 1762. Property taxes of William Harris in 1799 and 1800 were listed as ‘William Harris estate on Buffelow‘. This estate was last mentioned in 1805, when Graves Harris and George Harris were involved as executors of the estate.
1.2.2.1.1.1.1. George Harris, m. Sarah Hudson.
1.2.2.1.1.1.2. Ralph Harris, m. (1) Mary McCaul, (2) Agnes Baldwin, Dec. 16, 1790.
1.2.2.1.1.1.3. Graves Harris, m. Elizabeth Baldwin, sister of Agnes, Nov. 20, 1787.
1.2.2.1.2. John Harris, bapt. March 28, 1703, in in St Pauls Parish; land processioned with Paul Thilman, Mazy Wingfield, George Hudson, Daniel Fitzpatrick.

JANE LANGFORD

1. Jane Langford, m. (2) Edward Lewis, gent (bur. June 12, 1632, in Ludlow; the father by a first wife (Anna, dau. of Thomas Blashfield) of:
1.1. Thomas Lewis, b. 1600, who m. Ursula Wellings, Jan. 16, 1632, in Bromfield, the adjoining parish to Ludlow.
1.1.1. Thomas Lewis, b. ca. 1630.
1.1.2. Edward Lewis, d.v.p., bur. May 16, 1665, in Diddlesbury, m. Elizabeth …
1.1.2.1. William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1662, in Diddlebury, probably he who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co.
1.1.2.1.1. *Mourning Lewis, m. Robert Adams.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Sussanah Adams, m. Mathew Graves (bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish. (D.B. 4, p. 118), on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co.; probably brother of Ralph Graves, who m. Judith Womack, supra.

copyright m stanhope 2021

The reality of life in 17th century England was one of living within a closely-meshed kinship system, under the umbrella of its dominant families, to which all others aimed to be closer through the strategy of intermarriage. At first, to those of the ‘lower rungs’ of association – those intermarried to those intermarried to those intermarried to the dominant families. It was a strategy of climbing the ladder of social and economic advantage – in Darwinian term, the ‘ladder of survival’. The same imperative is mirrored in the novels of Jane Austen, in which her heroines are engaged in battles to secure a ‘good marriage’ – one advantageous to her family, especially to a “beloved sister”. All ‘good marriages’ also benefited the family in general, with upwardly mobile families, themselves, becoming attractive marriage propositions.

A considerable advantage of researching 17th century Shropshire is the existence of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (Shrop. Arch.), which produced copious notes on the county families in their 19th century works. One instance of which (Srop. Arch., vol. 3. pp. 358-364, 1880), gives account of a branch of the Herbert family, perched at the top of the social and economic system. It informs of their connection to such families of Adams, Corbet, Leighton, and Walker (and theirs to Baldwin and Foliot, the latter to the Ligons and Baughs). In essence, their account is also of the kinship network of a Harris family of Ludlow. Their association with Adams, Baldwin, Baugh, Ligon, and Walker continued in early Virginia; the settling of which was achieved by English kinship networks which drew from within their ranks the co-operation and support necessary to survive the harshest of tests, lessons learnt over English. centuries of turmoil.

When Virginia records record Major William Harris as a neighbour of William Baugh it was not happenchance. He was the second-cousin of Henry Baugh, of Aldon Court, bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, who m. Alice Holland, in 1602. This takes us to the very heart of the Harris kinship network. Henry Baugh was also the second-cousin of Edward Baugh, who m. Constance Foliot, as follows, dau. of Thomas Foliot, Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Katherine Ligon, dau. of William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Eleanor Dennis, and sister of (1) Richard Ligon, (2) Thomas Ligon, who m. Frances Dennys (cousin), having issue: Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt. Their son, Col. Thomas Ligon, m. a Mary Harris, born in 1625, by deposition. (3) Katherine Ligon, who m. Thomas Foliot, parents of Henry Foliot, bapt. at Pirton on Dec. 18, 1569, Baron Ballyshannon.

The said Richard Ligon m. (2) Margaret, dau. of Sir John Talbot, of Albrighton, Shropshire, and Elizabeth Wrottesley, by whom: John Ligon, of Arle, co. Gloucester, who, m. his cousin, Elizabeth Ligon, dau. of Arnold Lygon. Their dau., Katharine Ligon, m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq., who m. (2) Mary Harris, niece of Rowland Harris, and first-cousin of John Harris, infra, who m. Margaret Holland, bapt. Sept. 29, 1603, dau. of Roger Holland and Eleanor Lewis, who m. Jan. 13, 1598, in Ludlow, and sister of a Richard Holland, bapt. Feb. 3, 1600. John Harris and Margaret Holland had issue: Mary Harris, born in 1625, and William Harris, born in 1627.

It is probable that Roger Holland was the son of Richard Holland, who m. Joan Ward on Oct. 19, 1565, in Ludlow, and that he was the Richard Holland who had a lease of a messuage for lives in Burwarton in 1600, whose son, John, held the same in 1640 (John Holland, m. Mary Baldwin, Oct. 14, 1601, in Ludlow), see Shrop. Arch. 4th series, pp. 84-86, 1877). As such, he would have been the uncle of Thomas Holland, the theologian, a native of Ludlow; and a nephew of Francis Holland (husband of Thomasine, dau. of Robert Russell), and, thus, a cousin of Thomas Holland, who m. (in 1573), Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo, whose son was a “friend” of Major William Harris. He, on June 22, 1663, acquired 450 ac. in Henrico Co., on the N. side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304.

Roger Holland bought lands in Dodmore, Shropshire, from Henry Vernon in 1586, nephew of John Vernon who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Richard Devereux (in 1564); grandson of Sir John Devereux, brother of Elizabeth, who m. (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, of Wattlesborough, who, by a first wife, was the father-in-law of John Harris, grandfather of the said Rowland Harris. It is also very feasible that Roger Holland was the brother of Alice Holland, who m. Henry Baugh, of Aldon Court, bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, in 1602.

The very great depth of ‘connections’ between families of this account means that no one association was totally pivotal to genealogical outcomes, instead, a series of choices were made about marriages on the basis of a likely best outcome to the families concerned. The English kinship system, as that which colonised Virginia, was not one part of that process; it was by far the major part, and a failure to understand this is to not understand anything. The contention that the Mary Harris who was born in Ludlow in 1625 was synonomous with the wife of Thomas Ligon, who deposed that she was born in 1625, is made certain by the sheer weight of their family’s shared associations, the conduit through which their marriage was made possible. This concept is alien to ‘Holywood history’, which promotes the cult of the rugged individual (John Wayne) meeting his bride-to-be by chance. However, the aim of any genealogical enquiry is not to convert people away from their belief system, whether that belief is in a haphazard system of marriages (anathema in England), or a construct that places the said Mary Harris as a daughter of someone that the English legal system recorded as dying without heirs. What has been gratifying over the years has been the number of individuals, claiming descent from such as Graves Harris (as members of Harris Group 8), who have come to believe a realistic account of her ancestry, and that of her brother, William.

What follows are excerpts from ‘Shrop. Arch.’, interspersed with my notes, so as to make connection to English ancestors of Virginia settlers.

Shrop. Arch., vol. 3. pp. 358-364, 1880:

“The eldest son and heir of Sir Edward, Richard Herbert of Montgomery Castle, has been portrayed by his son in the following words “I remember (him) to have been black-haired and bearded as all my ancestors of his side are said to have been, of a manly or somewhat stern look but withal very handsome and well compact in his limbs and of a great courage. He was Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenant, and Custos Rotulorum of the county as his father before him had been. He understood well the Latin Tongue and was well versed in history … He married Magdalen the youngest daughter of Sir Richard Newport of Ercal, by Margaret daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Bromley, a Privy Councillor and executor of Henry VIII., who brought with her a very great estate. Lord Herbert of Cherbury (Edward) observes “By these ancestors I am descended of Talbot, Devereux, Grey, Corbet and many other noble families”.

(1. John Newport, Esquire (d. Oct. 1512), of High Ercall, Salop, m. Alice, dau. of Sir Thomas Swynnerton (d. 1542).
1.1. Thomas Newport, Esq. of High Ercall, sheriff of Shropshire in 1542. His Will was proved June 11, 1551 (TNA PROB 11/34/176). He m. Ånn, dau. of Sir Robert Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, and Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Henry Vernon (d. 1515), of Haddon, Derbys.
1.1.1. Sir Richard Newport, of High Ercall, sheriff of Shropshire, Will proved October 12, 1571; m. Margaret, dau. and heir of Sir Thomas Bromley (d. May 15, 1555), Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Isabel, dau. of Richard Lyster, of Rowton. Margaret Bromley’s grandfather, Roger Bromley, was a brother of William Bromley, Esquire, of Mitley, father of George Bromley (d.1545), of Hodnet, father of Sir Thomas Bromley (ca.1530-1587), Lord Chancellor; whom Sir Richard Newport appointed overseer of his Will, which bequested: “Item, I give to my godsons, Francis Adams and John Leighton, to either of them forty shillings”. “Item, I give to my cousin, John Leighton of Leighton, my gelding called Young Leighton”.
1.1.1.1. Magdalen Newport, m. Richard Herbert d. 1596), Esquire, of Blackhall, and Montgomery.
1.1.1.1.1. George Herbert, poet.
1.1.2. Ursula Newport, m. Thomas Adams.
1.1.3. Katherine Newport, m. John Leighton, of Wattlesborough).

“The Newports are a very old Shropshire family, and their ancestor William, who was of High Ercall temp. Ed. IV., married Elizabeth the eldest of the four daughters and coheirs of Sir John Burgh Knight of Mowddwy. Their son John Newport who died Oct. 31st 1512 (vide Bridgman’s Princes of S. Wales), married Alice daughter of Sir Thomas Swinnerton (arg. a cross flory sa.), and had issue Thomas Newport who died circa 1549, having married Agnes (or Anne) daughter of Sir Robert Corbet Kt. of Moreton Corbet’ (whose wife was Elizabeth daughter of Sir Henry Vernon of Tong Castle, Salop, and Haddon Hall Co. Derby, by Lady Anne Talbot daughter of the second Earl of Shrewsbury, Sir Robert Corbet’s father being Sir Richard, who married Elizabeth daughter of Walter Devereux, Lord Ferrers of Chartley”.

“But to return to the issue of Sir Henry Herbert. His daughter Mary (the sister of Henry who was created Lord Herbert of Cherbury in 1694) married Richard Walker of Wooton in the Parish of Onibury, Co. Salop, and both were interred in the Parish Church there; Richard Walker on 18 Jan., 1666, and Mary his wife on the 13th June, 1673. This Richard Walker was son of Francis Walker of Wooton Hall, and Stanton Lacy, baptized at Onibury, 21 Dec., 1608, who died at Ferney Hall, in the parish of Clungunford, 9th Jan., 1663, and whose wife, Rebecca, was buried at Onibury, 14th Dec., 1688.

“Francis was the son of John Walker of Bringewood, in the parish of Berrington, Co. Hereford, in 1608, whose wife, Jane, was buried on the 1st day of that year. This family of Walker was much connected with South Shropshire; Gwillim says “He beareth gules a cross ragulé between four lions heads, erased argent crowned or by the name of Walker. This coat was granted by Sir Edward Walker, Garter the 20th Dec., 1660, in the 12th year of King Charles II., to Francis Walker of Bringwood, in the County of Hereford, gent., because from the beginning of the rebellion, with great courage, fidelity, and activity, he asserted the cause and interest of King Charles I. … In Blakeway’s Sheriffs of Shropshire the arms are given somewhat differently, viz, gules a cross fleury between four lions heads erased argent. This cast seems to be virtually the same as that confirmed to Sir Thomas Leigh or Lee, Lord Mayor of London in 1588, son of Roger Lee or Leigh, of Wellington, Co. Salop, which was gules on a cross between 4 unicorns heads erased or five roundels azure”.

“In Harleian MS., 1396, Joan, dau. of John Baldwyn, is said to have married John Walker, alias Leigh, of Stretton, and from another place we learn that this family of Walker, alias Leigh, were the descendants of the Lees or Leighs of Wellington, who themselves descended from the family of High Leigh, in Cheshire, Roger Leigh, of Wellington, being son of Richard, son of John, son of Peter, son of Robert Leigh”.

“Richard Walker had issue by his wife, Mary (née Herbert), Martha, bap. at Onibury, 18 July, 1652, Richard, bap. 30 Oct., 1653, Margaret, bap. 14 Septus 1654, Anne, interred 16 Jan., 1671, and Job, bap. 25 Dec., 1656. Job Walker was of Stildon, in the parish of Rock, near Bewdley, but afterwards was of Ferney Hall, and was interred at Onibury, 15 Nov, 1713, having married Rebecca, daughter and co-heir of Thomas, second Lord Folliott, 23 Aug., 1683, at Dowles, near Bowdley; she was also buried at Onibury, 3rd April, 1726. By this match many relics of the Folliotts came to the Walkers, and are still preserved among their descendants”.

“This family of Foliott was much connected with Worcestershire, and a rather elaborate pedigree of them is given in the Heralds’ Visitations of that county (abbreviated as follows).
Francis Folliott, married Avice, daughter and sole heir of Thomas Tracey, of North Piddle, Co. Worcester, by whom he was father of John Foliott, who married twice, firstly, Barbara Littleton, and secondly, Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of John Moore, of Dunclent; by the second wife he had issue Thomas Folliott, of Pirton, Co. Worcester, who married Katherine, daughter of Sir William Lygon, of Madresfield, Co. Worcester. She died in 1660, and was buried at Upton on Severn”.

“The ancient family of Lygon of Madresfield much increased their estate by the marriage of Thomas Lygon with Anne daughter and coheir of Sir Richard Beauchamp of Powyc or Powick, who bore gules a feiss between 6 martlets or to distinguish his line from that of the Earls of Warwick his kinsmen … Sir Richard Lygon, son of Thomas and Ann, (née Beauchamp) married Margaret, daughter and heir of William Grevill, and their son William, who died 8 Sep. 1567 and was buried at Malvern, married Eleanor, daughter of Sir William Denys of Dynham Co. Gloucester, whose wife Anne was the daughter of Maurice (Harl. MS. 1543), son of James Lord Berkeley by Isabel, daughter of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and representative of a branch of the family of Plantagenet. The son of William Lygon and Eleanor his wife, Richard Lygon of Madresfield married Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Russell of Strensham, (she died 1576) and was by her father of Sir William who gained the unenviable notoriety of having sold many manors, and who by Elizabeth daughter of Edmund Knightley of Grandborough Co. Warwick (who was bur. at Malvern 28 March 1631) was father of Katherine the wife of Thomas Foliott”.

(1. Robert Russell of Strensham. His Will was proved on Dec. 1, 1502, mentioning: “my 3 younger sons and the child now being in my wife’s belly, whereof I beseech Jesus send her good deliverance”. Robert Russell’s eldest son and heir, John Russell, was born in 1493/4, with his younger sons being born betw. 1495-1498. The said John Russell m. Edith, dau of Sir Thomas Unpton, having issue: Thomas Russell, father of Mary (d. 1576), who m. Richard Ligon, of Madresfield (d. 1584). Strensham is ca. 40 miles from Burwarton/Ludlow, and part of the Malvern Hills district, after which Richard Cocke named his Virginia plantation.
1.1. John Russell.
1.1.1. Thomas Russell.
1.1.1.1. Mary Russell, m. Richard Ligon, of Madresfield (d. 1584). Richard Ligon, m. (2) Margaret, dau. of Sir John Talbot, of Albrighton in Shropshire, and his wife, Elizabeth Wrottesley, by whom:
1.1.1.1.1. John Ligon, of Arle, co. Gloucester, b. 1581, d. Sept. 21, 1644, m. his cousin, Elizabeth Ligon, dau. of Arnold Lygon.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Katharine Ligon, m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, niece of Rowland Harris, and first-cousin of Thomas Harris and John Harris, infra, the father of a Mary and William Harris, supra. Richard Ligon was the brother of (1) Thomas Ligon, who, as given, m. Frances Dennys (cousin), having issue: Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt. Their son, Col. Thomas Ligon, m. a Mary Harris, born in 1625, by deposition. (2) Katherine Ligon, who m. Thomas Foliot, parents of Henry Foliot, bapt. at Pirton on Dec. 18, 1569, Baron Ballyshannon.
1.2. Robert Russell.
1.2.1. Thomasine Russell, m. Francis Holland, of Burwarton. His sister, Anne, m. (at Burwarton in 1634) William Lewis of Sutton (Diddlebury), the half-brother of Thomas Harris, b. 1603, and John Harris, b. 1604, his father, Edward Lewis of Sutton Magna having m. Jane Langford, the relict of Rowland Harris, see recent posts).

“Henry first Lord Foliott had by his wife Anne a son and successor Henry on the death of his father second Lord Foliott, born 1613, who married. Rebecca French. There are several portraits of himself and his lady in existence and also of his son; some are now in the possession of his descendant Humphrey Sandford esq of the Isle of Up Rossall near Shrewsbury. The second Lord Folliott left issue by his wife Rebecca, Henry third Lord Foliott, who died without issue, when his three aunts became his coheirs … Of these the eldest Rebecca married Job Walker of Ferney Hall of whose issue presently; the second coheir Mary married Rowland Baugh and had issue Thomas Folliott-Baugh and a daughter Mary, wife of Francis Herbert, son of George Herbert of Oakley Park, who married Martha, daughter of John Newton of Heightley in 1693, and grandson of Richard Herbert of Oakley Park, by Florentia, granddaughter and heiress of the celebrated Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbury”.

“Francis Herbert and Mary Baugh had issue George, Henry, Foliott bap 12 Jan. 1728 at Ludlow, and Mary, wife of Captain Frederick Cornewall of Delbury Co. Hereford, by whom she was mother of Herbert Walker Cornewall, late Bishop of Worcester. The third coheir Elizabeth married twice, firstly Samuel Powell of Stanedge Co. Radnor who died 1700, and secondly Rev. Thomas Jones of Combe Co. Flint. By the first husband she had issue Foliott, Samuel, and Elizabeth, wife of Richard Knight of Ludlow, eldest son of Richard Knight of Downton Castle Co. Hereford; their only child Elizabeth married Thomas Johnes of Llanvairclydog, M.P. for Radnorshire, and had issue, Thomas, Rev. Samuel, Elizabeth married Hanbury Williams, 1770, and Anne who died unmarried”.

(1. William Holland, b. ca. 1460.
1.1. Thomas Holland, b. ca. 1490.
1.1.1. William Holland, of Burwarton, b. ca. 1520, bur. 1590, in Burwarton; m. Alice Detton.
1.1.1.1. John Holland, of Lamberhurst, m. Joyce Lutley.
1.1.1.2. Francis Holland, of Burwarton, b. ca. 1550, m. (Feb. 20, 1582), (1) Dorothy Barker, bapt. at Hopton Castle, July 27, 1555.
1.1.1.2.1. Mary Holland, bapt. Nov. 18, 1582, m. (1) Robert Lutley, son of Adam Lutley and Elizabeth Cresset. (2) Charles Baldwin.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Ann Lutley, m. William Lewis, son of Edward Lewis and Jane Langford, relict of Rowland Harris.*
1.1.1.2.2. Alice Holland, bapt. Oct. 13, 1583, m. Henry Baugh,* of Aldon Court, in 1602.
1.1.1.2.3. Elizabeth Holland, bapt. Nov. 2, 1584.
1.1.1.2.4. Francis Holland, bapt. Jan. 15, 1586.
1.1.1.2. Francis Holland m. (2) Thomasine Cresset, b. ca. 1555, relict of Richard Draper, d. 1587. Thomasine Cresset was the sister of Elizabeth Cresset, who m. Adam Lutley, br. of Joyce Lutley, sister of Adam Lutley.
1.1.1.3. Thomas Holland, of Pickthorne, m. (Dec. 27, 1573, in Wheathill), Alice Cocke (second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Pickthorne (in Stottesdon), Shropshire, and Bremo, Virginia.
1.1.2. Richard Holland,* see as follows).

BAUGH

(1. Edward Baugh, m. Margarett Stratford
1.1. Rowland Baugh, of Twining, Gloustershire. The Baugh arms and crest were confirmed by Cooke, Clarenceux, in 1579, to Rowland Baugh of Twining, co. Gloucestershire, and Bredon’s Norton, Worcestershire. They were confirmed to the Aldon Court Baughs of Shropshire, in 1588.
1.1.1. Edward Baugh, m. Constance Foliot (of the family into which the Shropshire Baughs married), dau. of Thomas Foliot, Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Katherine Ligon, dau. of William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire and Eleanor Dennis.
1.1.2. William Baugh, m. Mary Wakeman, dau. of William Wakeman, of Glouc.
1.1.2.1. William Baugh, of Virginia, received a grant of 577 ac. for the transportation of 12 persons, including his son, William Baugh, Jr., on the N. side of the Appomattox River. William Baugh, Sr., was justice of Henrico 1656, 1669, &c. He was born not later than 1612, and died in 1687. William Baugh held land next to Major William Harris, on ‘Ware Run’. The specific location of ‘Ware Run’ is give in Richard Womack’s grant: ‘Now know yee that I ye sd Sir Will Berkeley knt. give and graunt unto Richard Womack foure hundred and fivety acres, three rood eight po: of land on ye North side of Appomatock River in Henrico Co. extending as followeth beginning at a small branch of ye Ashen Swampe … No: by We: 34 po: No: We: 60 po: to Mr. Baugh his line neigh ye Round Slash No: No: We: 15 po: to Major Harris his cornor We: by So: 380 po: to ye place aforementioned the sd land being due unto ye sd Richard Womack by and for ye transportacon of nine persons into this Collony’. Dated March 15, 1672.
1.1.2.1.1. William Baugh Jr., m. Jane Hatcher, dau. of William Hatcher Jr., br. of Henry Hatcher, father of Mary Hatcher, who m. Edward Tanner; the br. of Mary Tanner, who m. (1) William Ligon (son of Mary Harris (born in 1625), and Thomas Ligon.
1.2. John Baugh, of Aldon Court, bur. Aug 1577, in Bromfield.
1.2.1. Thomas Baugh, of Aldon Court, Shropshire, m. Dorothy, dau. of George Parkes, of Bromfield, Nov. 26, 1576.
1.2.1.1. *Henry Baugh, of Aldon Court, bapt. Sept. 14, 1578, in Ludlow, m. Alice Holland, in 1602.
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Baugh, b. ca. 1605-1610.
1.2.1.1.1.1. Rowland Baugh, m. Mary, dau of Thomas Foliott, 2nd Lord of Ballyshannon. Baugh v Abergavenny. Plaintiffs: Rowland Baugh, esq of Stonehouse, Shropshire, and Mary Baugh his wife (one of the sisters and co heirs of Henry [Foliott] Lord Foliott, Baron of Bellyshannon, Ireland, deceased) and Arthur Lugg, gent of Worcester, Worcestershire and Rebecca Lugg his wife (only daughter and heir of John Solely and Ann Solely his wife, deceased, another sister of said Henry [Folliott] Lord Folliott). Defendants: George [Neville] Lord Abergevenny. 1717. (C 11/2628/71).

1. *Richard Holland, m. Joan Ward on Oct. 19, 1565, in Ludlow.
1.1. John Holland, m. Mary Baldwin, Oct. 14, 1601, in Ludlow.
1.2. Roger Holland, m. Eleanor Lewis, Jan. 13, 1598, in Ludlow.
1.2.1. Margaret Holland, bapt. Sept. 29, 1603, m. John Harris.
1.2.1.1. Mary Harris, born 1625. If the Mary Harris who deposed to be born in 1625 in Virginia, she m. Thomas Ligon.
1.2.1.2. William Harris, b. 1627.
1.2.2. Richard Holland, bapt. Feb. 3, 1600.
1.3. Alice Holland, m. Henry Baugh, 1602, in Ludlow,  to repeat: second-cousin of (1) William Baugh (neighbour of Major William Harris in Virginia), (2) Edward Baugh, who m. Constance Foliot, dau. of Thomas Foliot, Sheriff of Worcestershire, and Katherine Ligon, dau. of William Ligon, Esq., Sheriff of Worcestershire and Eleanor Dennis, and sister of Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt. Their son, Col. Thomas Ligon, m. a Mary Harris, born in 1625.

Herbert v Salwey. Plaintiffs: Richard Herbert, Francis Herbert, Robert Herbert and Dorothy Herbert (the younger sons and daughter of Francis Herbert, esq of Oakley Park, Shropshire and Dorothy Herbert his late wife) infants (by Rowland Baugh, esq of Stonehouse, Shropshire). Defendants: Richard Salwey, esq, Francis Herbert, esq, Alexander Pitfield, esq, Mary Crump, widow, Henry Arthur Herbert and Cornelius Hinton, farrier. 1718. (C 11/1171/27).

The ‘continuation of association’ between families aforementioned was recorded in this instance, as an example of many:

Copy release. 1. Jn Smallman of Feversham, Kent, gent., son and heir apparent of Edw. Smallman of Ludlow, gent. 2. Edw. Cressett of Cound, esq. Row. Baughe of Aldon, esq. 3. sd Edw. Smalman and Catherine his wife, sister of Edw. Cressett. Whereas Edw. and Cath. Smalman (1) have released the same day to Jn Smalman (2) all right (1) have in a house called the Fryth in Little Hereford, Herefs, and lands belonging, and several houses and lands in Dolley and Presteigne, Radnor. in the occ. of Stephen Willott and – Sandford, and all title Edw. Smalman has after the death of Rd Hyde, gent. and Dorothy Kennett, widow, for the term of his life in all the houses late of Jn Kennett, gent., decd, in Cainham, and in all other the late messuages and lands of Jn Kennett and Dorothy his wife in the Cos of Salop and Montgomery, and has delivered to him or Jn Baldwyn, gent., to his use, all such deeds belonging to the property, in performance of covenants in a deed dated 17 May last between Edw. Smalman and Jn Smalman to be performed by 1. 1. grants and releases to 2. (in their possn) all his right in the messuages, burgages and lands of Edw. Smalman in Ludlow and in the p. of Ludford or in the tithes of Edw. S. arising in Stanton Lacy. To hold to 2. to the uses in the indentures on the marriage between Edw. Smalman and Catherine, made between Edw. Smalman (1) Edw. Cressett and Row. Baugh (2) Catherine, then Catherine Cressett July 9, 1708. (Shrop. Arch. 5460/3/27).

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Any theory as to the English ancestry of Virginia settlers cannot be based of a single coincidence.

The proposition that Major William Harris was the son of John Harris of Ludlow is based on multiple coincidences:

1. His land was adjacent that of Richard Cocke’s ‘Malvern Hills’ plantation, on the N. side of the James River, both Richard Cocke (of Stottesdon, 10 mls fr. Ludlow), were of the Malvern Hills District of England. Their families married into the same families, the Hollands, as an example. They were collateral kin. It was an invariable of the English kinship system that neighbours were kin.
2. If Major William Harris was the William Harris bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, in Ludlow, then his sister was Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64.
3. William and Mary Harris of Ludlow were second-cousins of Mary Harris who m. Fleetwood Dormer, cousin of Henry Isham, of Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co., father of Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was, Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. Mary Harris, b. 1625. Col. William Randolph was the son of Henry Randolph, who, with Henry Isham, witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke, Sr., dated Oct. 4, 1663, whose son, Thomas was also named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris.
4. William and Mary Harris of Ludlow were kin of a Lewis family of that place, see as follows. A William Lewis m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson in Virginia, a patentee of 450 ac., with William Harris (son of Major William Harris), etc., on “White Oak Swamp”. Rec. May 1, 1707.
5. This William Harris (b. ca. 1675), was involved in the determination of the lands of ‘Thomas Langford, orphan’, Feb. 26, 1731. (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 214-215). William and Mary Harris of Ludlow were grandchildren of Jane Langford; ‘Thomas Langford, orphan’, was a descendant of her brother.

There are numerous other examples of ‘coincidences’ associating William and Mary Harris of Ludlow with their namesakes in Virginia, so many that for them not to be synonomous is to ignore all sense of how families operated as ‘kinship entities at this time.

What is not in doubt is that Major William Harris was not a son of Captain Thomas Harris of the 1624/25 Muster, who was deceased by 1646, when an act of the Assembly of Virginia of that year ordered a fort to be erected at the Falls of James River, to be called Fort Charles; an abstract being: “And, whereas, there Is no plantable land adjoynlng to fort Charles, and therefore no encouragement for any undertaker to maintnaine the same, lt is therefore, thought fitt and inacted, that if any person or persons purchasing the right of Capt. Thomas Harris shall or will settle or inhabit on the south side of James River right opposite to the said fort, soe it be done this or the ensueing yeare”. (Act of the Assembly of Virginia, 1646).

His “Longfield” was for sale; he dying without heirs. Thomas Harris held land on the S. of the James river called “Longfield”, a distinct entity from the 300 ac. acquired on August 15, 1637, N. of the river, by Robert Craddock and John Davis, also called “Longfield”, a common enough English name concerning long strips of land. William Randolph (named as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris) purchased, from the colonial government, the escheated lands of Nathaniel Bacon in this locality. This land, on Curles Swamp, was adj. to that of Major William Harris, p. 386: The Broadnax versus Soane case of 1700 shows the “Longfield” of Captain Thomas Harris to be Crown property, to be re-granted as an escheat, its last owner having died without issue, hence allowing “person or persons purchasing the right of Capt. Thomas Harris”.

Property law in England at this time was based on the doctrine of estates – that all land in England (and Virginia) was owned by the Crown, so that any subject held only an ‘estate’ in that land. Such tenures were of two main types: a “fee simple”, in which land could be inherited by the owner’s heirs – whether under a Will or the statutory rules of intestacy. A “fee tail” – a form of trust established by a settlement deed, causing it to pass automatically to an heir determined by the deed – almost invariably to an oldest son.

If but a few males now living can prove (rather than claim) descent from such as Graves Harris, as follows, then the results of their DNA tests validate claims of such descent by all others sharing their DNA profile. A major goal is to locate an English DNA testee who can prove descent from the Harris family of Ludlow, and who shares the Harris Group 8 DNA profile. This will be difficult. DNA testing is not as common in England as it is in America. There were other Harris families in the Ludlow area, and they were not all related. The family of Rowland Harris, as follows, were a very specific family, which were possibly ”de Erdingtons’.

ERDINGTON

1. Peter, a knight of William FitAsculph. m. a dau. of Almar, the Saxon thane. The Survey states that Almar held two hides in Pendeford of William fitz Ansculph. In Warwicks, William FitzAnsculf held villages around Birmingham: at Aston juxta Birmingham of the king, otherwise with his own vassals: “Peter holds of William, 3 hides in Hardintone (Erdington). Between 1135 and 1166, Gervase Paynel, lord of Erdington, confirmed the manorial rights to Henry de Erdington, who may well have been a descendant of Peter. It would seem that William fitzAnsculph’s dau, Beatrix, m. Fulk Paynel, grandfather of Gervase, whose sister, Hawise, m. John de Someri.
1.1. Henry de Erdington (Erdinton) (fl.1145), b. ca. 1085.
1.1.1. William de Erdington, b. ca 1120.
1.1.1.1. “Willielmo de Erdington”, a witness of the foundation charter of the Abbey of Hulton in 1223 (founded by “Henricus de Auditheley”), with “Willielmo de Bromlegg”. (John Ward, The Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent, app. ii., 1843).
1.1.1.1.1. Roger de Erdington.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Alan de Erdington. “The Seisdon Hundred Roll, of 39 Henry III. (1266) gives the following account of the Manor of Pendefords: “Robert de Pendeford holds two hides of land in the same, of Alan de Erdenton, of the fee of Roger de Someri, and renders for frankpledge 2s., for the Sheriff’s aid 2s., Hundred aid 8d., and he does suit to County and Hundred Courts, and it is ge!dable”. “Alan de Erdington, held a mesne tenure in Pendeford, and it is probable that the family styled de Pendeford had been enfeoffed by the ancestors of this Alan, who seems to be identical with an Alan de Haye or de Erdinton, who held Eardington, in com. Salop, under the Canons of Alveley … The Saxon thane Almar, who was William FitzAnsculph’s tenant, must have been the antecessor of the family of de Erdington, for on no other grounds can I account for Alan de Erdington’s interest in Pendeford”. (James P. Jones, A History of the Parish of Tettenhall, in the County of Stafford, p. 92, 1894).

1.1.1.2. Thomas de Erdington, b. ca. 1160, m. Rohesia de Cokefield, a widow. The manor of Erdington in Warwickshire was given by William the Conqueror to the Fitz Ausculphs and passed to the Erdingtons. From 1194 to 1210, the manor of Wellington, Shropshire (10 miles from Cruckton), was granted in fee farm to Thomas of Erdington, the sheriff. (V.C.H. Salop. iii. 13). From 1211, Thomas held by serjeanty, and, from 1212, by the service of one knight. In 1200, Ralph de Someri granted Ashton manor to Thomas de Erdington. (A Topographical Dictionary of England, 1848, pp. 100-4). In 1207, Thomas de Erdington was made Sheriff of Shropshire and Staffordshire by King John. (Mr. Eyton, 3-4, p. 79, 1856). By 1216, Thomas became a monk; dying as such in 1218.
1.1.1.2.1. Mary de Erdington, m. William FitzAlan.
1.1.1.2.2. Giles de Erdington, b. ca. 1200, succeeded to his father’s lands in 1221.
1.1.1.2.2.1. Henry de Erdington, d. 1282 (Mr. Eyton, ix. 41–3). He m. Maud de Someri (great-granddau. of Hawise Paynel and John de Someri), and coheir of Roger de Someri (Knights of Edw. I, Harl. Soc. lxxx, 1929, 310). “Robert le Estrange to Henry, heir of Sir Giles de Erdinton: Confirmation of the gift he had made to Sir Giles of his land in Rowton, in High Ercall.(Shropshire). (E 210/7022). Thus, the Erdingtons were the lords of Rowton, and landlords of William de Roughton (Bromeley).
1.1.1.2.2.1.1. Henry de Erdington bore for arms: O. two lions passant az. An entry in N&Q, vol. v., Jan.-June, 1870, concerning the Hawise, Lady of Cyveiloc, throws light on the relationship between the Erdingtons and their in-laws: “The arms in the first quarter of the first and fourth grand quarters, belonged successively to three families Paganel, Someri, and Erdinton. Hawyse Paganel, daughter* of Gervase Paganel temp. Rich. I., was married to John de Someri. Their great-granddau, Maud de Someri, was the wife of Henry de Erdinton, or Erdington, who died 10 Edw. I. I believe that this descent discloses one of the numerous instances of the assumption of the mother’s arms without change of name. Here is another instance: Paganel bore the coat: Or two lions passant. De Someri marries the heir of Paganel, and takes the Paganel coat, retaining his own name. Erdinton marries the co-heir of De Someri, and does the same thing”. *She was his sister, a dau. of Ralph Paynel.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Giles de Erdington, b. 1272, who died young; his heir being his brother, Henry, who receiving his father’s lands in 1295, on coming of age, and those of his mother on her death in 1302.

1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2. Henry de Erdington, b. 1274.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1. Giles de Erdington, b. ca. 1310.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1. Margaret de Erdington, m. Roger Corbet (d. 1396), son of Sir Robert Corbet, and Elizabeth le Strange.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1. Robert Corbet, m. Margaret, dau. of William Mallory.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Roger Corbet (d. 1468), Sheriff of Shropshire, m. Elizabeth Hopton.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Corbet, m. Elizabeth Devereux, dau. of Sir Walter Devereux, 1st Lord Ferrers of Chartley, who m., in 1494, (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, Sheriff of Shropshire, son of John Leighton, Esq. (Sheriff and Escheater of Shropshire, Steward of Bishop’s Castle, Constable of Oswestry Castle), and Ankaret Burgh. Sir Thomas Leighton m. (1) Ann, dau. of Roger Barker; having issue: Margaret Leighton, who m. John Harris.

1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Jane Corbet, m. (2) Thomas Cressett, Esq.; his estate probated on April 12, 1524.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1. Cecily Cressett, m. Thomas Leighton.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Cressett, m. Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son, John Holland (PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Robert Lutley, of Burwarton, m. Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland, whose br., Thomas Holland of Burwarton, was the husband of Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo, bapt. Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury, Shropshire; obit. Bremo Bluff, Henrico, 1665, whose son, Thomas, was named as a friend in the Will of Major William Harris. (‘Colonial Wills’, 1677-92, p. 68).

1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.2. Henry de Erdington, had built the south aisle, m. Joan Wolvey. 35 Ed. 3. She was the dau. of Sir Thomas de Wolvey (of Wolvey, in com. Warwick), and Alice, dau. of James de Clinton. The overlords of Wolvey were the Earls of Warwick. Earl William in 1166 stated that Ivo de Harecurt held 7 fees de vetero feffamento, but that his father (Earl Roger) had transferred (the overlordship of) 3½ fees to the Earl of Leicester (Red Book of Exch., Rolls Ser., 325) — from whom it descended to the Earls of Winchester, so that the overlordship was shared by the two earls.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.2.1. Thomas de Erdington, m. (in 1363) Margaret, dau. of Thomas Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, leaving a son, Thomas, aged 23 1n 1395. (G.F. Farnham, Charnwood Manors, Leic. Arch. Soc. p. 141).
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.2.1.1. Thomas de Erdington, m. Ann, dau. of Thomas Harcourt. 18 R. 2. On the S. wall of the chancery was an altar tomb, are two alabaster figures, a man and a woman. He has cropt hair; a gorget of mail, plated armour, mitten gauntlets, studs on the knuckles; a lion looking uo at his feet; under his head a helmet with a lion’s head as crest. She rests her head on a double cushion supported by angels, is habited in a surcoat, belt, pointed headress and veil, long sleeves to wrist. At the N. side of the tomb six angels hold shields. In Dugdale’s time, on these shields were painted: 2 lions passant guardant (Erdington); 2 bars (Harcourt).

1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1315. (Thomas, son of Henry (de Erdington). By 1363, Thomas Henr’ held two messuages and a noke of land and a quarter of a noke at Condover at the rent of 2s. 3d., and a messuage and a noke of land at Wheatehall at the rent of 2s. Wheathill was a township of Condover, given on June 11,, 1238, by Edward III. to Henry de Hastings and Ada his wife, in lieu of Ada’s share in the inheritance of her brother, John le Scot, the late Earl of Chester, whose mother was Maude, the eldest child of Hugh de Kevelioc. Hastings therefore became seignural lord of the manor, and he transmitted it to his descendants. In 1306, Henry de Erdington had been in the retinue of John de Hastings, who had familial links to the Erdingtons, through associations in common to the Earls of Chester: John de Hastings. Addressees: King and Council. Hastings requests that the rolls of Chancery be examined regarding grants made to Henry de Hastings in the twenty-second year of the reign of Henry III, regarding various manors in the Midlands, and later exchanges made of them. People mentioned: Henry de Hastings, great-grandfather of the petitioner; Ada de Hastings, wife of Henry de Hastings, co-heir of the Earls of Chester. (SC, 8/117/5803). 1318-1325. Thomas Henr’ was probably a tenant of the Hastings family at a nominal rent.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1. Thomas Harrys, b, ca. 1345.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1. “Thomas Harrys, the younger of Wheatehal”, b. ca. 1375. (Shrop. Arch. Soc. 4th Series, vol. 7, pp. 51-2).
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1. Thomas Harrys, b. ca. 1410. “In 1453, the township of Wheathill presented that Thomas Harris, who held a messuage and half a yard land there, was dead. Eight years later (1461) his lands were surrendered to his son, William”. He would appear to have been the brother of John Harrys, “aleseller”, ancestor of Sir Thomas Harris, of Boreatton, being father of Sir Thomas’s great-grandfather, Richard. (Transactions, 2nd Series, vol. x., pp. 77-92).
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.1. John Harrys. In 1462, “John Harrys of Wheathall” had a grant from Sir Thomas Leighton of waste there called Woodlands. John Harrys d. in 1512, having nephews, Robert and John Harris* (who d. in 1525).

1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2. “William Harrys, of Wheatehall”. Wheathill had various spellings, Wheatehall, Wheathull, etc., of which “Wahul” is a contraction. William Harrys, given the subsequent close affinity between the Harris and Holland families of this account, was probably the father of Elizabeth, dau. of William de Wahull/Wheathill, who m. Thomas Holland. Wheathill was connected to the Devereux’s: John Deveros (Devereux) and Joan Deverois (Devereux) his wife addressees King. They state that Joan’s father, Roger de Bromdon, was disseised of the manor of The Lowe (de La Lowe) by John de Bromdon, in the time of King Edward III, who then alienated it, and other lands in Wigmore (Herefordshire); Wethull (Wheathill) (Shropshire); and Ledwyche (Shropshire). Nov. 20, 1409. (CPR 1408-13 p. 176). John Deveros (Devereux) was the brother of Walter Devereux or Deverois (b 1387, d 1420); great-grandfather of Elizabeth Devereux, who m. (1) Sir Richard Corbet, of Morton Corbet; (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, of Watlesborough. As given, John Harris m. a dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton and his first wife. The family of Bromdon were of Bromdon, a parish of Wheathill. “Wheathill lies a few miles north-west of Dodington or Detton, the original home of the Dettons, and close to Ingardine, where the family held lands. The parish includes two small hamlets, Egerton and Bromdon, — the latter reputed a manor” … By 1545, “the manor with the advowson was held in two moieties by the Detton and Holland families, and this joint tenure continued till the eighteenth century”. (Rev. R.C. Purton, Shrop. Arch. Soc., p. 105, 1927). Bromdon is ca. 30 miles W. of Erdington.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2.1. *John Harrys, d. 1525. John Harris, b. ca. 1475, m. Margaret Leighton, b. ca. 1491, dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton and his first wife, Anne Barker; his second being Elizabeth Devereux.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2.1.1. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1508, m. Eleanor Jennyns, dau. of Thomas Jennyns, of Wallybone, Salop.
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. John Harris, esq. (of Cruckton), b. ca. 1532, m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde/Pryde, of Shrewsbury, desc. of Roger Pryde: “Roger Pryde, a Burgess of Salop, holds Besford, a member of Schawbere, in Pymhull Hundred, under Matilda de Erdinton”. At the Assizes of October 1292, the Pimhill Jurors presented that “Henry de Erdinton, having been Tenant-incapite of the vill of Basseford, had sold it to Roger Pryde, to hold under himself” (and that) “Robert Corbet now held the vill.” (Mr. Eyton, 10, pp. 177-9).
1.1.1.2.2.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1560, d. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567. She m. 2. Edward Lewis, as follows.

LANGFORD AND LEWIS

1. William Langford, b. ca. 1485, d. 1554. Recovery: 1. Richard Lane, Thomas Brocton, gentilman, John Adams, gentilman, William Langford, Thomas Barrett, and William Lane. 2. Richard Dodmore. 7 messuages, 6 gardens, 60 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow, and 14 acres of pasture with the appurtenances in Ludlow, Diddlebury and Halton. Great Seal of Henry VIII. Nov. 15, 1514. 20/6/150.William Langford was bailiff of Ludlow in 1536, with Richard Langford, his probable brother. (See M A Faraday Deeds of the Palmers’ Gild of Ludlow, p. 50, 2013). He was Warden of the Palmers’ Gild of our Blessed Lady and St. John the Evangelist of Ludlow. His son, Richard, was the Gild rent collector, and High Bailiff of Ludlow in 1549 – “another reflexion of the family’s dominance over Corporation and Gild affairs at the time”, ibid. xix. He is recorded here with other prominent Gild members: Indentue Jan. 8, 1551, betw. William Langford Warden of the Palmers’ Gild with the consent of Thomas Blashfield and John Cockes, bailiffs of the town, ibid., p. 117. His Will of 1554 (PROB 11/36/35, Will of William Langforde, Mercer of Ludlow, Shropshire, dated March 2, 1554), left extensive properties to his son, Richard, and mentioned William Langford (co-exec.) as Godson; his probable nephew.
1.1. Richard Langford, gent, b. ca. 1510, bur. Oct. 2, 1562, in Ludlow; bailiff of Ludlow in 1544, and 1549. (He was the probable cousin of (1) Walter Langford, son of his uncle, Richard: Memorandum, witnessed by Thomas Hunt, Walter Langford and George Holland, that fifty-eight deeds remain in Brasier’s custody for the use of William Norton of the Sette and Richard Blosffeld of Ludlow. April 3, 1568. (SP 46/14/fo86).
1.1.1. Charles Langford, Dean of Hereford, whose bequest in his Will of 1607 founded the ‘Langfordian Scholarships’, to sponsor four “poor boys” at Ludlow Grammar School. Langford v Eldred. Plaintiffs: Charles Langford. Defendants: John Eldred and Henry Browning. Subject: To recover plaintiff’s title deeds. Certain mills in Ludlow, Shropshire, held under a lease from the Crown to John Browning, who assigned it to plaintiff, bef. 1603. (C 2/Eliz/L8/8).

1.1.2. Thomas Langford, gent., b. ca. 1535, bur. April 1, 1610, in Ludlow, who inherited a substantial portion of his grandfather’s estate. John Bradfield, Henry Morton, Thomas Blashfield, “and others.” v. Thomas Evans, Richard Baylie, Thomas Langford, Robert Berry.: Town of Ludlow (Shropshire), incorporated by Edward 4., and the land granted by the King to the burgesses of such town in fee-farm in the parish of Staunton Lacy, and all the lands lately belonging to the dissolved Guild, Palmers of Ludlow (Shropshire). Touching a new charter obtained by defendants. Alleged appropriation by defendants of lands belonging to the corporation. Touching also the rules governing and the privileges belonging to such corporation. Nov. 1596 – Nov.1598. (E 134/39and40Eliz/Mich37).
1.1.2.1. John Langford, bur. Jan. 11, 1596, in Diddlesbury.
1.1.2.2. William Langford, bapt. June 1, 1562, in Ludlow.
1.1.2.2.1. Richard Langford, bapt May 23, 1596, in Diddlebury.

1.1.2.2.2. Charles Langford, bapt. Feb. 22, 1600, in Ludlow
1.1.2.2.3. Thomas Langford, bapt. Sept. 29, 1602, in Ludlow.
1.1.2.2.4. William Langford, m. m. Alice …
1.1.2.2.4.1. Edward Langford, bapt Aug. 25, 1644.
1.1.2.2.4.2. Alice Langford, m. Richard Duke, Sept. 17, 1664, probable brother of Elizabeth Duke, who m. Thomas Farmer, Oct. 19, 1669.
1.1.2.2.5. George Langford, m. Jane Howells, Dec. 17, 1631.
1.1.2.2.5.1. George Langford, bapt. Dec. 2, 1632.
1.1.2.2.6. Elizabeth Langford, m. William Collier, Oct. 7, 1633.

1.1.2.3. Thomas Langford.
1.1.2.3.1. William Langford, m. Jane Jordan, of Stone Acton, Shropshire. The Jordans are well recorded in the Diddlesbury registers. William Langford was a neighbour of Henry and John Fleming (S.A., C 5/482/9), benefactors of Diddlesbury Church. Henry Fleming’s Will was proved in 1656 (P.C.C. Wootton 124, 294), mentioning his “brother (in-law) Bassett”. John Fleming was probably he who died in New Kent Co., on April 27, 1686, whose son, Charles Fleming, owned land land next to his cousin, William Basset, whose Will was proved May 14, 1724. Samuel Jordan of New Kent Co. (Will probated June 11, 1719) was likely to be of the family Stone Acton. He bequeathed to his “beloved friend (br.-in-law) John Fleming … the plantation of Thomas Langford dec’d, & the management of his estate & the bringing up of his son Thomas Langford as wholely to himself”. His Will was witnessed by Tarleton Woodson, grandson of Robert Woodson, supra.
1.1.2.3.1.1. Thomas Langford, of New Kent Co., who appears in this land grant: ‘Robinson, John. September 22, 1682. New Kent Co., granted 1,252 ac. on the Dragon Swamp and branches thereof. Beginning &c. belonging to the land of Thomas Langford; thence &c. over certain branches of Arracxicoe to a Corner Red Oak by the Mill Path’. He and his wife, Katherine (probably Watkins), sold land to John Watkins in Rappahannock Co. on Nov. 3. 1690. Katherine Langford appointed Mr. Robert Coleman to acknowledge sale of her dower part of land to Thomas Watkins, Nov. 10, 1690. (See as follows)
1.1.2.3.1.1.1. Thomas Langford.
1.1.2.3.1.1.1.1. Thomas Langford, orphan.

1.1.2.4. Richard Langford, gent, bur. March 19, 1630, in Ludlow.
1.1.2.5. Walter Langford.* Adams v Langforde. Plaintiffs: John Adams. Defendants: Walter Langforde, William Woodhouse and Evan Williams. Subject: the house of the Leaden Porch in Castle Street, Ludlow, and other buildings, etc in Ludlow, Shropshire. 1603-1625. (C 2/JasI/A4/50).

JANE LANGFORD

1.1.2.6. Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567, m. Rowland Harris,* Sept. 14, 1595.
1.1.2.6.1.Thomas Harris, bapt. Sept. 4, 1603, Ludlow), removed to Virginia, ca. 1650, having land on Curles Swamp, m. Alice, dau. of Evan Lewis, bapt. Nov. 20, 1603. Harries v Heath. Plaintiffs: Thomas Harries an infant, by his guardian and Edward Lewis. Defendants: Richard Heath and Edward Powis. Subject: messuage in Ludlow. (C 2/JasI/H5/38). This Thomas Harris was almost certainly the stepfather of his niece and nephew, Mary and William Harris.
1.1.2.6.2. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604.
1.1.2.6.2.1. Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64. “John Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co.* to Edward Lester, land next to Richard Cocke, next to land formerly William Harris’s on Curles Swamp. *Br. of Robert, supra.
1.1.2.6.2.2. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, he acquired 450 ac. in Henrico County, on the N. side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304.
1.1.2.6.2.2.1. William Harris (b. ca. 1675), was involved in the determination of the lands of Thomas Langford, Feb. 26, 1731. (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 214-215), descended from his great-grandmother’s brother.
1.1.2.6.2.2.1.1. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish; a Vestry meeting there in 1719 connecting him to the lands of George Alvis, who had married the widow of Major William Harris.
1.1.2.6.2.2.1.1.1. William Harris, b. ca. 1725, of Wolf Swamp.
1.1.2.6.2.2.1.1.1.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson.
1.1.2.6.2.2.1.1.1.1.1. Graves Harris (b. ca. 1775)), m. Elizabeth Baldwin, dau. of John Baldwin Jr.* July 22, 1797: Indenture betw. Thomas Elmore, Efford Bentley, William Wood, James Gills, Thomas Ligon, etc., of Amelia Co., trustees of Ligons Town, sell to Levy Wright one lot situate in the above mentioned town. Wit. Richard Ligon, Thomas Ligon, *John Baldwin. (Amelia co., D.B. 20, pp. 303-4). These Ligons were sons of William Ligon III., d. bef. Oct. 27, 1796, in Amelia Co., son of Wiliam Ligon II, d. 1764, in Amelia Co; son of Maj. William Ligon and Mary Tanner; son of Colonel Thomas Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, almost certainly she bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. John Baldwin was a descendant of Charles Baldwyn, of Stokesay Castle (b. 1593), who m. (1617) a sister of Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland of Burwarton (fl. 1606) and Thomasine Cressett, sister of Elizabeth Cressett, wife of Adam Lutley, supra.
1.1.2.7. John Langford, m. Maud Vaughn, Feb. 14, 1608.

1.1.3. Alice Langford, m. Thomas Amyes of co. Lincoln, having issue: John Amyes of Stottesdon, co. Salop, who m. Christian, dau. of Peter Wentworth of Lillingston Lovell, co. Oxford, by whom he had Thomas Amyes of Stottesdon, who m. Martha, dau. of Christopher Diston, of the City of Worcester, who d. March 11, 1663. Gift: (1) John Partriche of Webley, gent. and James Partrich, s, & h. of John. (2) John Amyas of Stodesdon, co. Salop gent., Thomas Langford of Ludlow co. Salop. gent., William Tomkyns of Monyngton, co. Herefs. esq., and George Vaughan of Canon Pewne co. Herefs. gent. All messuages, lands etc. in Webley and in Bradeley near Webley and Burton, Weobley. Also all lands in Daneswood, Dilwyn, and tenement in Webley where (1) live. To hold to use of James Partriche, with life interest to John. March 21, 1576. (Herefordshire Arch., F 78/II/26).

“The names Amyes and Langford are found in the Registers of Eastham in Worcestershire, a parish not many miles distant from Stottesdon. It is therefore probable that the families were connected. The following entries are from the Eastham Register: 1588: *Richardus Langford duxit uxorem Margeriam Ambler, 9 April. 1591: Walterus Langford sepultus, 16 June. 1604: *Walterus Langford et Margareta Sonybancke de Ludlowe, married 23 Sept”. (See Genealogist, vol. ii., p. 271, 1878).

The Manor of Webley (Weobley) was held by Walter Devereux:
1. Walter Devereux, IV, 7th Baron Ferrers and Anne, dau. of Sir William Ferrers, 6th Baron of Ferrers of Chartley.
1.1. Elizabeth Devereux, m. (1) Sir Richard Corbet, (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, of Wattlesborough, Shrop. Sir Thomas Leighton m. (1) Ann, dau. of Roger Barker; having issue: Margaret Leighton, who m. John Harris, grandfather of *Rowland Harris.

THE LEWIS CONNECTION

1.1.2.6. Jane Langford, m. (2) Edward Lewis, gent (bur. June 12, 1632, in Ludlow). Edward Lewis was the br.-in-law of Thomas Garbutt, who had m. Edward’s sister, Fransisca. Newton v Garbett. Plaintiffs: John Newton of St Botolphs without Aldgate, brewer, great-grandson and heir of Thomas Smalbatch. Defendants: Thomas Garbett, Edward Lewis, his brother-in-law, and Ralph Harris, gent. Subject: Purchasing a disputed title of Francis Wellins to lands in Clungunford and Diddlebury, and arbitration without notice to the plaintiff John Newton. June 1619. (STAC 8/222/20).

Edward Lewis was the father by a first wife (Anna, dau. of Thomas Blashfield) of Thomas Lewis,* b. 1600, who m. Ursula Wellings, Jan. 16, 1632, in Bromfield, the adjoining parish to Ludlow. Thomas Lewis deceased prior to March 25, 1669, as this transaction records: Assignment of a lease on Francis Watts’ tenement at Downton. Robert Smith of Burton, Shropshire, gent, Anne (Lewis) his wife, and Ursula Lewis widow, and Thomas Lewis* her son, of Great Sutton, to Richard Wredenhall of Sidbury, Shropshire, gent. Consideration 370, rent peppercorn. Original lease granted by Somerset Fox senior to the late Thomas Lewis. March 25, 1669. (Shrop. Arch.,6683/1/77).

Thomas Lewis was the father of *Thomas Lewis, b. ca. 1630, and, probably, a younger son, Edward Lewis, d.v.p., bur. May 16, 1665, in Diddlesbury, who m. Elizabeth …, having issue: William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1661/2, in Diddlebury, probably he who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co., having issue, Mourning Lewis, who m. Robert Adams; their dau., Sussanah, m. Mathew Graves (bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish. (D.B. 4, p. 118), on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co.; probably brother of Ralph Graves, who m. Judith Womack.

GRAVES

1. Ralph Greaves, 1552-1630. SA-IMG41: Monumental inscription, at Culmington (5 miles from Ludlow), of Ralph Greaves (d. 1631), rector of Culmington, and his wife Margaret Greaves (d. 1638), daughter of John Watts; their children were Samuel Greaves, Hierome Greaves, Tobias Greaves, John Greaves, Elias Greaves, Susanne Greaves, Sarah Greaves, Judith Greaves, Arbella Greaves, Priscilla Greaves, Barbara Greaves, Anne Greaves, Marie Greaves, and Rebecca Greaves. S.A. MI6133/20/3: The Rev. Ralph Greaves, who died in 1630 aged 78, was the rector of Culmimgton 53 years. March 24, 1578, Culmington.Ralph Greaves, sponsor, George Talbot, 6th earl of Shrewsbury.
1.1. Samuel Greaves, 1588 – bur. Sept. 9, 1653., rector .of Berrington. M.A. at Broadgates Hall, Oxford, June 23, 1609. He m. (4) Jane … His sponsor was Edward Sackville, 4th Earl of Dorset (1591–July 17, 1652); who was awarded MA at Cambridge University and was incorporated at Oxford from Cambridge on July 9, 1616 (Cambridge Alumni Database). He was governor of the Bermuda Islands Company in 1623, and a commissioner for planting Virginia in 1631 and 1634. (Dictionary of National Biography). Berrington is ca. 12 miles from Culmington, both 6 miles equidistant from Ludlow, birthplace of Major William Harris.
1.1.1. “Joachim f. of Samuel Greaves and Jane”, bapt. April 7, 1642 – als John Greaves; patented land at “White Oak Landing”, adj. to Robert Cocke’s plantation. His father had given him a Hebrew name, and Johannes (medieval latin) was used as a diminuitive of such as John and Joachim, and Joachim Greaves probably chose to be called John.
1.1.1.1. John Graves Jr., b. ca. 1675.
1.1.1.1.1. Joseph Graves, b. ca. 1698.
1.1.1.1.2. Henry Graves, b. ca. 1703, who m. Mary Williams in 1726, dau. of John Williams Sr., and sister of John Williams Jr. (b. July 25, 1704, in Hanover), husband of Mary Womack, sister of Sarah, wife of Robert Woodson, and Judith, who m. Ralph Graves.*
1.1.1.1.3. Mathew Graves (bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish. (D.B. 4, p. 118), m. Sussanah Adams, dau. of Robert Adam, who m. Mourning Lewis (b. ca. 1692), on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co. Her Will was proven on July 24, 1764, making bequests to daus.: Susssanah and Lucy Graves. Lucy Adams, m. John Graves, Matthew’s brother. Mourning Lewis was the dau. of William Lewis, and Elizabeth Woodson, supra.
1.1.1.1.4. *Ralph Graves.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Graves, b. ca. 1685, whose Will of 1768 mentions his nephew, Joseph Graves, son of John Graves, Jr.
1.2. John Greaves, b. ca. 1590.
1.2.1. Ralph Graves?, b. ca. 1520, d. May 9, 1667, in York Co., m. Rachel Croshaw, April 22, 1656.

Edward Lewis, gent and Jane Langford had issue:

1.1.2.6.1. 1608. Sept. 1. Edward, s. Edward Lewis. The Will of Edward Lewis, Yeoman of Stottesden, proved Feb. 3, 1668, mentions his dau., Ann Smith,* wife of Robert Smith; his (half) brother, *Thomas Lewis, and his daus., Margery and Elizabeth; his brother, William, and his dau., Joan. He was this Edward Lewis, recorded here: Edward Lewis of London merchant, acknowledges receipt of £22 for the use of Jane Warham spinster from Sir Job Charlton,* paid by direction of John Aston gentleman, it being his father’s debt due to Edward Lewis and (his sister) Jane Warham by bond. Witness: William Biggs. Dec. 4, 1667. (Shrop. Arch., 11/208). *Father of Dorothy Charlton, who m. Sir Edward Leighton, of Wattlesborough.
1.1.2.6.1.1. Edward Lewis, d.v.p. Carre v Warham. Plaintiffs: Nicholas Carre and Anne Carre his wife. Defendants: John Warham, Jane Warham, Thomas Hopton, *Anne Smith and Edward Twiford. Subject: personal estate of Edward Lewis, Sutton, Shropshire. 1650. (C 8/104/38).
1.1.2.6.2. 1609. Oct. 17. William, s. Edward Lewis, m. Anne Lutley in 1634, d. 1635, issue, a dau.

Edward Lewis and Anna Blashfield also had issue: Harry Lewis, bapt. Jan. 5, 1593, and Edmond Lewis, bapt. May 19, 1594. It is also possible that another son of Edward Lewis and Anna Blasfield was a Richard Lewis, who had issue John Lewis, bapt. May 17, 1618. Any of whom may reasonably be presumed to be the father of Richard Lewis, b. ca. 1620, who m. Mary Watkins:

1. Thomas Watkins.
1.1. Thomas Watkins, b. ca. 1600. Thomas and Ann Watkins v Williams. Plaintiffs: Thomas Watkins and others. Defendants: Jane Williams widow and others. Subject: property in Ludlow. 1648. (C 6/9/188)
1.1.1. Mary Watkins,, b. ca. 1628, m. Richard Lewis, Feb. 10, 1645, in Ludlow.
1.1.2. Thomas Watkins, bapt.July 4, 1633, in Ludlow, and who is recorded as a neighbour of his cousin, William Covington, in Rappahanock, Virginia, supra.
1.1.2.1. Katherine Watkins, m. Thomas Langford, son of William Langford and (m. 1632) Jane Jordan, supra.
1.1.3. John Watkins.
1.2. Margarett Watkins, m. Thomas Covington, May 26, 1631, in Bromfield, the adjoining parish to Ludlow.
1.2.1. William Covington.

copyright m stanhope 2021

Geneological enquiry of ancient English families necessarily requires consideration of related families, as the invariable mode of survival was through a safety net of kinship, with its obligations of mutual support. The level of enquiry has to be at least three generations deep, which informs as to the wide network of second-cousins, a potent source of support then, that has now become redundant. That is, enquiry as to be of an anthropological nature, taking account of how humans lived then, how they adapted to and survived in their environment. It is of little use to simply quote references, which, no matter how many times repeated, do not turn claims into fact. (I hope to write, in the near future, in more depth, of research methodologies most relevant (I would suggest) to geneological enquiry of ancient English families).

What follows concerns a family of Whitton, which becomes ‘suddenly’ intermarried into the Cresset family of Shropshire, and, of which, Mary Whitton, m. (Jan. 13, 1606), William Fowle, of Riverhall, an ironworks in Wadhurst, East Sussex. By his first wife, Elizabeth Pankhurst, William Fowle had issue: Helen Fowle, who m. (1622) David Barham of Wadhurst, youngest on of John Barham and Mary Courthope, and br. of Mary Barham, who m. (1) John Holland Jr. of Lamberhurst, on June 20, 1603, in Tonbridge, see recent notes.

This was not a random association. These Hollands and Whittons had been part of a vastly intertwined network of families in Shropshire, as is evident when looking past the surface skin of associations to the bones below.

RUSSELL

1. Sir John Russell, of Strensham (d. 1405) m. Anne Planches.
1.1. William Russell of Strensham (d 1428), m. Agnes Haddington.
1.1.1. Robert Russell of Strensham (b. 1422), m. Elizabeth, dau of Sir John Throckmorton.
1.1.1.1. Robert Russell of Strensham. His Will was proved on Dec. 1, 1502, mentioning: “my 3 younger sons and the child now being in my wife’s belly, whereof I beseech Jesus send her good deliverance”. Robert Russell’s eldest son and heir, John Russell, was born in 1493/4, with his younger sons being born betw. 1495-1498. The said John Russell m. Edith, dau of Sir Thomas Unpton, having issue: Thomas Russell, father of Mary (d. 1576), who m. Richard Ligon, of Madresfield (d. 1584). Strensham is ca. 40 miles from Burwarton/Ludlow, and part of the Malvern Hills district, after which Richard Cocke named his Virginia plantation.
1.1.1.1.1. John Russell, m. Edith, dau of Sir Thomas Unpton.* Victoria County History: King’s Langley (Heref.), pp. 234-245, 1908: A lease for twenty-one years of the agistment and pannage, and of the ‘little hunt, called small game, of coneys,’ had been granted in 1543 to John Lord Russell. In the following year he was made keeper of the park. (L. and P. Hen. VIII, xix (1), 812 (11)). The farm of the priory was granted in 1546 to John Lord Russell, who still held it in 1556. (Aug. Off. Misc. Bks. 391, fol. 40).
1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Russell.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Russell, m. Richard Ligon, of Madresfield (d. 1584); see recent posts.
1.1.1.1.2. Robert Russell.
1.1.1.1.2.1. Thomasine Russell, m. Francis Holland, of Burwarton. His sister, Anne, m. (at Burwarton in 1634) William Lewis of Sutton (Diddlebury), the half-brother of Thomas Harris, b. 1603, and John Harris, b. 1604, his father, Edward Lewis of Sutton Magna having m. Jane Langford, the relict of Rowland Harris, see recent posts.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. John Holland., enfeoffed at Lamberhurst, b. ca. 1545, m. Joyce Lutley, sister of Adam Lutley, whose sister, Anne, m. (at Burwarton in 1634) William Lewis of Sutton (Diddlebury), the half-brother of Thomas Harris, b. 1603, and John Harris, b. 1604, his father, Edward Lewis of Sutton Magna having m. Jane Langford, the relict of Rowland Harris; see recent posts.

*Son of Hugh Unton, and Anne, dau. and of William Fettiplace of Stokenchurch. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Yonge (d. 1487) of Southbury. He m. (2) Elizabeth, dau. of Oliver Hyde, and Agnes, dau. of Thomas Lovingcott. Sir Thomas Unton was Sheriff of Berkshire and Oxfordshire in 1531. He held the lease of the manor of Wadley in Faringdon from Oriel College, Oxford, and held land in Minster Lovell and Aston Rowant (Oxfordshire). Sir Thomas had issue, two sons and two daus. Thomas, his second son, m. Ann Cottysmore. Edith (d. 1562), the elder dau., m. Sir John Russell (d. 1536), of Strensham (Worcestershire); Anne, the younger dau., m. John Vampage, of Wollashall, in Eckington (Worcestershire).

A salient point is: The Russells had strong associations to Oxfordshire, as did the family of Roger Whitton,* also noted as of Kings Langly, certainly by the time of 1543 grant to John Lord Russell, and almost certainly of his kinship circle, so probably his tenant.

DRAYCOT AND WHITTON

1. Robert Hill of Houndhill.
1.1. Isabel Hill, m. (1) Ralph Egerton.
1.1.1. William Egerton, m. Jane Lacon (b. ca. 1505, bur. Oct. 22, 1578), dau. of Sir Thomas Lacon (d. 1536), of Willey, Shrop. Jane Lacon was the relict of George Bromley (d.1545).
1.1.1.1. Ralph Egerton (d. April 17, 1610), of Betley, Staffordshire; half brother of Sir Thomas Bromley (c. 1530-1587).
1.1. Isabel Hill, m. (2) Sir John Draycot (d. May 5, 1514), who had m. (1) Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Eyre of Padley. Their son, Sir Philip Draycott* (over 30 in 1522), m. Elizabeth, dau. of John FitzHerbet, of Norbury. Robert Eyre of Padley was b. ca. 1430, and m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas FitzWilliam and Margaret Dymoke. *’Philip Draycott’s family took its name from the village in north Staffordshire where it had been settled for over four centuries; although not wealthy it was connected by marriage and descent with more important families. Draycott was brought up by George, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury to be a lawyer … George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, 13th Baron Strange of Blackmere, was born at Shifnal, Shropshire, in 1468′. (S.T. Bindoff, Hist. Parl., 1982). Sir John Draycott and his first wife also had issue: Maud Draycott, who m. *Roger Whitton, of Kings Langley, Herts., b. ca. 1470, see as follows.
1.1. Isabel Hill m. (3) Sir Edward Littleton, sans issue. By his first wife, Sir Edward Littleton, was father of a namesake, sheriff of Staffordshire, who m. Margaret, dau. and co-heir of Sir William Devereux:

THE DEVEREUX CONNECTION

1. Walter Devereux, IV, 7th Baron Ferrers and Anne, dau. of Sir William Ferrers, 6th Baron of Ferrers of Chartley.
1.1. John Devereux, 8th Baron Ferrers of Chartley, m. Mary, dau. of Thomas Grey.
1.1.1. Walter Devereux, 1st Visct. Hereford.
1.1.1.1. Sir William Devereux (1525 – 1579), of Merevale, Warwickshire.
1.2. Elizabeth Devereux, m. (1) Sir Richard Corbet, (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, of Wattlesborough, Shrop. Sir Thomas Leighton m. (1) Ann, dau. of Roger Barker; having issue: Margaret Leighton, who m. John Harris, see recent notes.
1.2.1. Ann Corbet, m. Thomas Cornwall, 8th Baron of Burford.
1.2.1.1. Maud Cornwall, m. John Nanfan).

THE OTHER RUSSELLS

1.2. John Russell (d. 1437). Sheriff, Herefs. 1417/1418. “Despite his later prominence as a lawyer, 13 times an MP and twice Speaker of the Commons, Russell’s origins are obscure. There is no doubt, however, that he lived in Herefordshire, by 1428 holding lands at Aymestry, Upper and Lower Lye and Lingen, in the north-western corner of the county. His parentage is unknown, but he was doubtless kin to Sir John Russell* of Strensham, a knight of the chamber and master of the horse to Richard II, and it is quite possible that he was even the elder (probably illegitimate) of Sir John’s two sons named John”. (Hist. Parl).

1.2.1. Jane Russell, m. Sir Ralph Lingen, Will dated 1452. (L. G. Pine, The New Extinct Peerage, p. 179, 1972). He can be summised to have been born ca. 1380, based on the fact of his second son, Thomas, being Steward of Tonge by 1437. He was a contemporary (perhaps brother) of William Lingen,* of com. Heref., who m. a dau. of John Whitton, who, on chronological grounds, can be taken as a son (b. ca. 1370) of either John or Thomas Whitton: Quitclaim. 1. Burgia widow of John de Whitton. 2. John Ronthale of Ludlow and Margt, his wife. 1 to 2 all her right and claim to the tenement in Old St. between the tenement of Thos. Orleton and the tenement of Wm. Forbor. Witnesses: Wm. de Orlton, Rich. Scot, Philip Lyngeun then Bailiff, John Parys, Thos. de la Sete. Dec. 25, 1382. (Shrop. Arch., 20/7/21). Grant. 1. John Body, rector of Hopton Wafers, and William Haukoc rector of Silvington. 2. John of Ludelowe, knight, Thomas of Whytton, John de la More, John Tuppa of Steventon. Property, the reversion of all land and tenements in Scirrenes Ledewyche with advowson of the church which Margaret widow of John Bryse holds for life by gift of 1. (Shrop. Arch. 5075/15). *’William Lingeyn, a younger son of the ancient Herefordshire family long seated at the castle of their name in the neighbourhood of Wigmore, obtained Whitton in the parish of Westbury, by the marriage of its heiress, daughter of John Whitton’. (Hugh Owen, John Brickdale Blakeway. A History of Shrewsbury, vol. 1, p. 295).
1.2.1.1. Sir John Lingen, m. Elizabeth Burgh.
1.2.1.1.1. Sir John Lingen, Sheriff of Herts. in 1506; d. 1530, m. Eleanor Milewater, dau. of Thomas Milewater,* in 1512, ibid.

THE CRESSET CONNECTION

1. …
1.1. Robert Cresset, of Upton Cresset, Sheriff of Salop (a 1469) m. Christiana, granddau. of John Stapleton.
1.1.1. Thomas Cresset, m. Jane, dau of Sir Roger Corbet, of Morton, and Elizabeth Hopton (descended from Edward I). Sir Roger Corbet was the grandson of Roger Corbet, d. 1396 (son of Sir Robert Corbet, and Elizabeth le Strange), and Margaret de Erdington
1.1.1.1. Thomas Cresset, will dated Aug. 26, 1520), m. (2) Eleanor, dau. of *Thomas Milewater of Stoke Edith, Herefordshire,
1.1.1.1.1. Richard Cresset, m. Jane, dau of Richard Wrottesley, and Dorothy Dudley (descended from Edward III).
1.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Cresset. His Will, dated Jan. 23, 1562, names: “my nephews Richard Cressett and John Cressett of Upton … my three godchildren: Harrie Bawdewyne, Harry Fewtrell of Holgate, and Anne Leighton … the children of my sister Smithe … the children of my sister Moore … the son of my sister Fraunces Acton … Mary daughter of my sister Moore … my cousin Fraunces Cressett … Thomas Fewtrell and Sir Edward Fewtrell, parson of Holgate … Harrie Price … Anne Brugge … John Russell & his wife Johan.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Frances Cresset, bur. Jan. 11, 1581, at Morville, Shrop., m. William Acton, of Longnor.
1.1.1.1.1.3. John Cresset, esq.
1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Robert Cresset, b. by 1524, m. Katherine Charlton. His Will was made Jan. 1, 1565 … my two brothers in law Adam Lutley & Richard Leighton & my cousin Anne Boterell & my four aunts: Dorothy Mynde, Cicely Acton, Frances Hopton, Mary Cressett … my four sisters: Elizabeth Lutley, Cycely Leighton, Johan Witton, Thomason Draper, who m. (2) Francis Holland.
1.1.1.1.1.3.2. Elizabeth Cresset, m. Adam Lutley. His sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland, enfeoffed in Lamberhurst. Adam Lutley’s dau. m. George Holland of Purslow.
1.1.1.1.1.3.3. Cicely Cresset, m. Richard Leighton, of Cotes.
1.1.1.1.1.3.4. Johan Cresset (b. ca. 1560), m. Thomas Whitton (b. ca. 1555). William Berry (‘Pedigrees of the Families in the Co. of Kent’, p. 387, 1830), names Jane Cresset’s husband was Thomas Whitton, of Lamberhurst, Kent, second son of Owen Whitton, of Woodstock Park, Oxfordshire.
1.1.1.1.1.3.4.1. Henry Whitton of Lamberhurst (d. 1627), m. Camelia, dau of Arthur Bassano, of London, br. of Lucretia, who m. Nicholas Lanier, Sr.
1.1.1.1.1.3.4.2. Elizabeth Whitton, m. Thomas Isted.
1.1.1.1.1.3.4.3. Mary Whitton, m. (Jan. 13, 1606), William Fowle, of Riverhall, an ironworks in Wadhurst. By his first wife, Elizabeth Pankhurst, William Fowle had issue: Helen Fowle, who m. (1622) David Barham of Wadhurst, youngest on of John Barham and Mary Courthope, and br. of Mary Barham, who m. (1) John Holland Jr. of Lamberhurst, on Jun. 20, 1603, in Tonbridge, Kent. Fowle of Riverhall in Wadhurst – Arms: gules, a lion passant guardant between three roses.
1.1.1.1.1.3.5. Thomasin Cresset, m. (1) Richard Draper, (2) Francis Holland.

WHITTON

Whitton was originally part of the holdings of the powerful Corbet family of Caus, which passed to tenant families that took their name from it. In 1366 James de Pipe was lord of Faintree (Inquis. p. mort., No. 48), and in an entry for next year the name of Margaret, wife of John de Pipe, occurs in connection with the manor-mother perhaps of James, in which case John de Pipe probably succeeded the Knockyns here. James de Pipe, who died 1372, had a daughter and heir Margaret, who held a messuage and one carucate of land here in 1386 (Inquis. p. m. 33). Before 1430, Faintree had passed to the Whittons, whether by marriage or purchase, I do not know, nor did Blakeway, who says:- “Whether they were descended from the Pipes or Knockins, the ancient possessors of Faintre, I have not discovered”.

‘Corbet’s original Feoffees at Whitton seem to have been of two families, one taking a name from the place, the other a Cadet of that family of Burnel which held Acton Burnel under the Lords of Caus. First, in 1209, we have Richard de Witon, acting as a Surety in a Forest-plea … Soon after we have Simon de Witton (perhaps Richard’s successor) following Roger Burnel as a witness of Robert Corbet’s grant of Hulemore to Buildwas Abbey. The said Simon and Roger I take to have been joint lords of Whitton. Robert de Wudeton …may have been Simon de Witton’s successor; and if so, there were two persons named Robert de Wudeton, cotemporary in Shropshire. A list of Thomas Corbet’s Barony, drawn up about 1240, gives Robert and Roger de Witton as holding one fee in Witton and its appurtenances. Roger de Witton’s real name I take to have been Burnel, while Robert de Witton is elsewhere called Robert Lowys … In the Ford Hundred-Roll of 1255, Robert de Wytton and Roger Burnel (both Jurors) are said to hold 11 hides in Wytton of the fee of Caus. … In 1263 we have had Robert de Wytton and Robert Burnel consecutively named among the Retainers of Thomas Corbet of Caus. Possibly for Robert Burnel we should read Roger Burnel … In the Feodary, drawn upon Thomas Corbet’s death in 1274, Robert de Witdon and Roger Burnel appear as Tenants of half a fee each, and the former as owing suit to the Court of Caus … At the Assizes of 1292, Simon Lowys de Wytton was a Juror for Ford Hundred. This same Simon (called Simon de Whitton) and Hugh Burnel stand as Lords of Whitton in the Nomina Villarum of 1316’. (Mr. Eyton, Antiquities of Shropshire, vols 7-8, pp. 65-66, 1858).

THE WHITTONS

1. John de Whitton, b. ca. 1330; or on a chevron sable.
1.1. Edward Whitton, enfeoffed John Whitton of lands in 1430.
1.1. John Whitton, b. ca. 1370, s.l. 1450; or on a chevron sable, 5 bezants.
1.1.1. … de Whitton (b. ca. 1400), m. William Lingen.
1.1.2. … de Whitton, b. ca. 1400.
1.1.2.1. … de Whitton, b. ca. 1430.
1.1.2.1.1. William de Whitton, b. ca. 1460. Inquisition post mortem held at Ludlow on the death of William Whitton, who died seized of the manor of Whitton held of Thomas Cornewall by knight service of his Barony of Burford, value 4 marks p.a., and of 2 burgages in Ludlow held in free burgage of the Earl of March, value 13s 4d p.a. He died 20 January 14 Henry VII (1498/9). John Whitton aged 11 is his heir. Nov. 17, 1507. (Shrop. Arch. 11/7).
1.1.2.1.1.1. John Whitton, b. 1496. Inquisition post mortem on the death of John Whitton esq. Francis Whitton is his son and heir, aged 13 at Whitsun last, holding the capital messuage at Whitton of the king for knight’s service. 1546. (Shrop Arch. 11/8). John Whitton m. Johanna Gattacre, April 25, 1533. ‘About 1550, John Whitton of Whitton, held Faintree, and two of his daughters (by Jane, daughter of Robert Gatacre of Gatacre), were married at Chetton – Joyce, the fourth, to John Bullen, April 6th, 1562; and Elizabeth, the eldest, to William Roberts of Ashford, Jan. 27th, 1570 (Chetton Register, Cp. Salop Visitation, sn. Whitton). The eldest son Francis entered his pedigree in 1623: Arms : or. on a chevron sa. 5 bezants’. (Trans. Shrop. Arch., p. 214, 1893).
1.1.2.1.1.1 Francis Whitton, b. 1533. 1. Fraunces Whitton of Whitton gentleman. 2. Richard Farre of Ludlowe mercer. Demise of a parcel of void ground in the town of Ludlowe in a street called the Corvestrete near unto the Beastes-markett. 1588. (Shrop. Arch. 1623/7).
1.1.2.1.2. Roger Whitton, of Kings Langley, Herts., b. ca. 1470, m. Maud Draycott, dau of Sir John Draycott and his first wife.
1.1.2.1.2.1. John Whitton, b. ca. 1495, of Sarrott (3 miles from Kings Langley), m. Eleanor …
1.1.2.1.2.1.1. Owen Whitton, b. ca. 1425.
1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Whitton, b. ca. 1555.

copyright m stanhope 2021

The usual result of a family dividing into ‘branches’ in medieval and post-medieval England was that they maintained close contact despite their geographical divide. In the case of the Holland family of Shropshire, their associations there to families of Cocke and Harris (and theirs to Ligon) seemingly paved the way for their Sussex cousins to share the same associations a hundred years later in Virginia. This was not the case. The Sussex ‘branch’ of the Hollands had their own connections to early Virginia at the same time as Richar Cocke was established at Bremo: When David Holland m. Ann Burton, in Wadhurst, on Sept. 27, 1636, her brother, John, had m. Mary, stepmother of Elizabeth, the niece of William Eppes, bapt. March 7, 1595, in Ashurst (ca. 8 miles from Wadhurst), brother of Captain Francis Eppes, father of Lt. Col. Francis Eppes II., who m. (2) Elizabeth, relict of William Worsham, by whom she had issue: Mary Worsham, wife of Richard Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, as follows.

It was, therefore, a case of two branches of one family having associations with ‘significant colonisers’ of early Virginia. The Hollands of Shropshire and Sussex would have been aware of their own association, and of the associations of both. Genealogical constructions concerning early Virginia are often portrayed as the result of random events; as happenchance, where ‘boy meets girl’ in Hollywood productions. Conversely, as in England for centuries past, marriages were arranged between parents so as to confer the maximum economic (survival) benefit) to both families. It was a Darwinian game of manouvres designed to mary offspring to the offspring of a socially ‘superior’ family, which, once achieved, raised the status of the family, with other families now vying to marry into it.

When, as follows, Francis Holland, of Burwarton, m. Thomasine, dau. of Robert Russell, he was enhancing his family’s status. This Robert Russell was a younger son of Robert Russell of Strensham, Worcestershire, whose Will was proved on Dec. 1, 1502, mentioning: “my 3 younger sons and the child now being in my wife’s belly, whereof I beseech Jesus send her good deliverance”. Robert Russell’s eldest son and heir, John Russell, was born in 1493/4, with his younger sons being born betw. 1495-1498. The said John Russell m. Edith, dau of Sir Thomas Umpton, having issue: Thomas Russell, father of Mary (d. 1576), who m. Richard Ligon, of Madresfield (d. 1584). Strensham is ca. 40 miles from Burwarton/Ludlow, and part of the Malvern Hills district, after which Richard Cocke named his Virginia plantation.

1.Richard Ligon, m. Margaret Greville.
1.1. William Ligon, m. Eleanor Dennys.
1.1.1. Richard Ligon, m. (1) Mary, dau. of Sir Thomas Russell, and second-cousin of Thomasine Holland.*
1.1.1. Richard Ligon, m. (2) Margaret, dau. of Sir John Talbot, of Salwerpe and Grafton.
1.1.1.1. John Ligon, of Arle, co. Gloucester, b. 1581, d. Sept. 21, 1644, m. his cous., Elizabeth Ligon, dau. of Arnold Lygon.
1.1.1.1.1. Katharine Ligon, m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq. He m. (2) Mary Harris, niece of Rowland Harris, and first-cousin of Thomas Harris and John Harris, the father of Major William Harris.
1.1.2. Thomas Ligon, m. Frances Dennys (cousin).
1.1.2.1. Thomas Ligon, m. Oct. 10, 1602, Elizabeth Pratt.
1.1.2.1.1. Col. Thomas Ligon, m. Mary Harris.

It is not strictly necessary to read through what immediately follows, which just plots the paths that families took toward their enhancement. For those specifically interested in the English ancestries of Virginia settlers, it may suffice to commence at ‘HOLLAND cont. again’, infra.

HOLLANDS, etc.

1. William Holland (b. ca. 1440), who: ‘serv’d Sir Richard Corbet* at the Battle of Bosworth field in 1485, in which Battle Wm. Holland gained so much honor yt ye sd. Sir Richd. Corbet gave him a messuage and yard land in Burwarton in Com. Salop. And his Capital Messuage and Demeasne in Lease; all amounting to half ye manor’. (Trans, Shrop. Arch. Soc., p. 82, 1915).
1.1. Thomas Holland (b. ca. 1470), m. Elizabeth, dau. of ‘William de Wahull – Whethull – Wheathill. Given the close association betw. Harris and Holland of Shropshire, it is not improbable that William de Wahull was synonomous with William Harris de Wheathill.

1.1.2.2.1.2. Henry de Erdington, b. 1274.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1 Giles de Erdington, b. ca. 1310.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1. Margaret de Erdington, m. Roger Corbet (d. 1396), son of Sir Robert Corbet, and Elizabeth le Strange.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1. Robert Corbet, m. Margaret, dau. of William Mallory.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1. Roger Corbet (d. 1468), Sheriff of Shropshire, m. Elizabeth Hopton.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.1. *Richard Corbet, m. Elizabeth Devereux.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1..2. Jane Corbet, m. (2) Thomas Cressett, Esq.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Cressett, m. Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son, John Holland (PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.

Lamberhurst was on the boundary of Kent and East Sussex, wherein was Wadhurst, four miles distant. Of course, David Holland did not acquire land there as a random event. Elizabeth Cresset’s sister, Jane, m., before 1565, Thomas Whitton of Lamberhurst, Kent, younger son of Owen Whitton of Hensington, Oxfordshire and Joan Whitehill, and had issue: Henry Whitton,* husband of Camelia Bassano. Thus, John Holland’s wife was the sister-in-law of Elizabeth Cressett, sister-in-law of Thomas Whitton. The financial magnet attracting Shropshire families to those of the Kent borderlands was the latter’s interests in ironworks.

(‘1. Jn. Lutley of Bromecroft, gent., Nich. Leighton of the Cotes, gent., Hen. Whitton of Lamberhurst, Kent, gent., Fras. Holland of Burwardyne, gent. and Thomasyn his wife 2. Fras. Cressett of Upton Cressett, esq., and Edw. Cressett, gent., son and heir apparent of Fras. Cressett. A fine was levied (5460/3/10) for settling the manors and property to Fras. Cressett for his life, remainder to Edw. Cressett and his heirs forever, i. e. – the Manor of Upton alias Upton Cressett and lands and houses, etc. and the patronages in Upton Cressett, and all rights, etc. belonging to the Manor, late the property of Rd. Cressett, esq. decd. The capital messuage in Upton Cressett in which Fras. Cressett now lives, with lands belonging; Signed: John Lutley, Nycholas Leyghton, *Henry Whitton, F. Holland, mark of *Tomasin Holland. Jan. 23, 1605. 5460/3/11).

1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1. Robert Lutley, of Burwarton, m. Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland, whose br., Thomas Holland of Burwarton, was the husband of Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo, bapt. Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury, Shropshire; obit. Bremo Bluff, Henrico, 1665, whose son, Thomas, was named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. (‘Colonial Wills’, 1677-92, p. 68).
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Anne Lutley, m. William Lewis, son of Jane Langford,* and step-uncle of Major William Harris.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Edward Lewis.
1.1.2.2.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. William Lewis, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, a fellow patentee with William, son of Major William Harris.

1.1.2.2.1.2.2. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1315. (Thomas, son of Henry (de Erdington). By 1363, he held a messuage and a noke of land at Wheatehall at the rent of 2s.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1. Thomas Harrys, b, ca. 1345.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1. “Thomas Harrys, the younger of Wheatehal”, b. ca. 1375.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1. Thomas Harrys, b. ca. 1410. “In 1453, the township of Wheathill presented that Thomas Harris, who held a messuage and half a yard land there, was dead. Eight years later (1461) his lands were surrendered to his son, William”.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.1. John Harrys. In 1462, “John Harrys of Wheathall” had a grant from Sir Thomas Leighton of waste there called Woodlands
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2. “William Harrys (b. ca. 1445), of Wheatehall”.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.1. Elizabeth Harris, m. Thomas Holland.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2. John Harrys, d. 1525. John Harris, b. ca. 1475, m. Margaret Leighton, b. ca. 1491, dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton and his first wife, Anne Barker; his second being Elizabeth Devereux.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1508, m. Eleanor Jennyns, dau. of Thomas Jennyns, of Wallybone, Salop.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1. John Harris, esq. (of Cruckton), b. ca. 1532, m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde/Pryde, of Shrewsbury, desc. of Roger Pryde: “Roger Pryde, a Burgess of Salop, holds Besford, a member of Schawbere, in Pymhull Hundred, under Matilda de Erdinton”. At the Assizes of October 1292, the Pimhill Jurors presented that “Henry de Erdinton, having been Tenant-incapite of the vill of Basseford, had sold it to Roger Pryde, to hold under himself” (and that) “Robert Corbet now held the vill.” (Mr. Eyton, 10, pp. 177-9).
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1560, d. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), *Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567. She m. 2. Edward Lewis.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Harris* (bapt. Sept. 4, 1603, Ludlow), removed to Virginia, ca. 1650, having land on Curles Swamp, m. Alice, dau. of Evan Lewis, bapt. Nov. 20, 1603. July 24, 1627: Thomas, s. Thomas Harris & Alice. It was this younger Thomas who his cousin and step-sister, Mary Harris Ligon, gave ‘the whole profits of the surveyor’s place’ in 1679.
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1.2. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, Ludlow. John Harris m. (1) Margaret Holland, in Ludlow, dau. of Roger Holland and Eleanor Lewis, who m. Jan. 13, 1598, in Ludlow. Roger Holland was probably a younger son of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo (whose son was another “friend” of Major William Harris.

(Thomas and John Harris were first-cousins of Mary Harris (b. ca. 1615), who m. Fleetwood Dormer, b. May 21, 1616, son of Sir Fleetwood Dormer (obit. Feb. 1, 1638), and Mary Isham, aunt of Henry Isham, of Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co. (who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royal); their issue being: (1) Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, (2) Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife, to repeat, was Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. Mary Harris*).

1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.1. *Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64. “John Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co. to Edward Lester, land next to Richard Cocke, next to land formerly William Harris’s on Curles Swamp, next to land given by *Thomas Harris to his (step) dau. Mary Ligon
1.1.2.2.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1.2.2 .Major William Harris, bapt. January 13, 1627/8, in Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, he acquired 450 ac. in Henrico County, on the north side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, adj. to Daniel Llewellin, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304).

HOLLAND cont.

1.1.1. William Holland (b. ca. 1510), m. 1538, Alice Ditton, b. 1523, dau. of John Ditton, of Doddington (and Anna Broughton), son of Robert Ditton and Benedicta, dau. of William Morgan of Shropshire (Vis. Shrop. 1623, p. 250)
1.1.1.1. Francis Holland, b. 1544, in Burwarton, m. Thomasine, dau. of Robert Russell. The estate of Francis Holland, at Burwarton, was inherited by Thomas, son of Robert Lutley. His sister, Anne, m. (at Burwarton in 1634) William Lewis of Sutton (Diddlebury), the half-brother of Thomas Harris, b. 1603, and John Harris, b. 1604, his father, Edward Lewis of Sutton Magna having m. Jane Langford, the relict of Rowland Harris.
1.1.1.1.1. Mary Holland, m. (1), at Burwarton in 1605), Robert Lutley (fourth son of Adam Lutley of Bromcroft), who was buried at Burwarton in 1613, leaving a son and a dau. (2) At Burwarton in 1617, Charles Baldwin of Elsich.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Edward Baldwyn (b. ca. 1620), of Diddlesbury, d. 1683.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Charles Baldwin (b. ca. 1645), m. July 28, 1669, in Diddlesbury, Mary Baldwin.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Edward Baldwin Esq
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Baldwin, bapt. Dec. 31, 1713, in Diddlesbury, d. bef. Oct. 21. 1767, Prince Edward Co., VA.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Caleb Baldwin.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. William Baldwin, bapt. Jan. 10, 1719, in Diddlesbury. 1745: William Baldwin sells to John Baldwin, both of Amelia Co. Baldwin, William, Will 1760, Amelia Co.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3. John Baldwin,* bapt. Feb. 28, 1720, in Diddlesbury. He, as his brothers, do not appear in any known subsequent record. his. Will was proved in Amelia Co., VA, Sept.. 27, 1770. He names his wife, Elizabeth; his sons: William Baldwin (eldest), John Baldwin; * George Baldwin, daus. Sarah Farley, Elizabeth Whitworth, Mary Smith, Martha Atkins, Edith, Prudence, and Lucy Baldwin. *July 22, 1797: Indenture betw. Thomas Elmore, Efford Bentley, William Wood, James Gills, Thomas Ligon, etc., of Amelia County, trustees of Ligons Town, sell to Levy Wright one lot situate in the above mentioned town. Wit. Richard Ligon, Thomas Ligon, *John Baldwin. (Amelia co., D.B. 20, pp. 303-4). These Ligons were sons of William Ligon III., d. bef. October 27, 1796, in Amelia County, son of Wiliam Ligon II, d. 1764, in Amelia County; son of Maj. William Ligon and Mary Tanner; son of *Colonel Thomas Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1. *John Baldwin. John Baldwin, Jr., P. vs. Edward Stuart, D. Upon an attachment obtained by the P against the D’s estate for five barrels of corn, to be settled at 18/ per barrel and his costs, the said D having privately absconded, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon him – As above, except Sheriff served the attachment to John Farley, and summoned him to court. Farley’s debt to D was 26/. Court awards judgment to the P, and rules that the P recover the 26/ from Farley, towards satisfying this judgment (Amelia County Order Book, 38b, 1785).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1. Agnes Baldwin, m. Ralph Harris, Dec. 16, 1790.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.2. Elizabeth Baldwin, sister of Agnes, m. Graves Harris, Nov. 20, 1787.

HOLLAND cont. again.

1.1.1.2 John Holland., enfeoffed at Lamberhurst, b. ca. 1545, m. Joyce Lutley, sister of Adam Lutley. Her Will was probated July 3, 1617: ‘Unto the poore people of the parish of Lamberhurst 10 shillings to be distibuted among them at the discretion of my executor on the daye of my buryall, unto John, David & Mary Holland, the sonnes & daughter of John Holland my sonne, 5 pounds each, when 21’.
1.1.2.1.1. John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, b. ca. 1570, m. Mary Barham. His Will was probated June 5, 1610.
1.1.2.1.1.1. David Holland,* b. ca. 1600, m. Ann Butcher: Thomas Butcher of Wadhurst, County Sussex, gent. Will pr. Sep. 15, 1646: ‘To my neices Marie and Elizabeth Butcher, daughters of my deceased brother John Butcher … To Marie, wife of William Lucke of Durgates … then to Thomas Luck her second son; if he should die before my neice, then to Marie his mother, then to his brother Richard,* then to his brother Edward, then to his sister Mary. To my neice Ann, wife of David Holland. (‘David Holland of Wadhurst, mercer, & Anne Burton of same, maiden: sureties, said D. H. and William Lucke of same, husbandman, Wadhurst”. To Anne and Elizabeth Delton, daughters of my uncle William Delton … To Margaret their sister, wife of Mr. Thomas Swanne, now resident in Virginia.

Assignment: By Courtesse Coell of London, gent., to Alexander Butcher of Wadhurst, yeoman, and Mary Burton of Wadhurst, widow,*Reciting that Nicholas Burton of East Bourne, gent., by virtue of a Lease dated 20 July, 39 Eliz. by Henry Blaxton, D.D., Chancellor of the Cathedral Church of Chichester and Parson of the parish church of Pevensey, to the said Nicholas Burton, was seised for the lives of the said Courtesse Coell, Thomas Burton and James Burton (sons of the said Nicholas) of all the Parsonage of Pevensey belonging to the said Chancellorship of Chichester, with all glebelands, tithes, fruits, oblations, &c. to the said parsonage belonging And the said Nicholas Burton by Lease dated the 25th July, 39 Eliz. – for £120 – leased to the said Courtesse Coell all the tithes, fruits, oblations &c. of the said parsonage for the term of 80 years, if the said Courtesse Coell, Thos. Burton and James Burton or any of them should so long live for the rent of £15 yearly. It was witnessed that the said Courtesse Coell – for £20 – assigned the last mentioned Lease to the said Alexander Butcher and Mary Burton
Witnesses:- Tho. Aynscombe, Tho. Houghton, Tho. Butcher, Roger Pettiward. Nov. 18, 1619. (E.S.R.O., SAS-B/323).

THE BURTON CONNECTION

1. Nicholas Burton of Eastbourne, gent. (He was a descendant of John Burton, of whom: John Burton, who m. Alice, dau. of James Tanke, of whom, two sons: (1) James Burton, of Eastbourne, in co. Sussex, who m. Alice Palmer, of Angmering, Sussex, parents of John Burton, of Eastbourne (d. 1586), who m. Grace, dau. of Sir Edward Capel. (2) Thomas Burton, father of the said Nicholas Burton. Arms: quarterly ar. and gu. four escallops, counterchanged. Quartering: ar. a cross tau. gu., in chief three chaplets vert. See Berry’s ‘County Genealogies’, p. 333, 1830).

1.1. James Burton.
1.2. Thomas Burton (b. ca. 1585), m. Mary Butcher (dau. of Alexander Butcher, June 12, 1610, in Wadhurst. She m. (2) Thomas Hudson, Sept. 25, 1628, in Wadhurst.
1.2.1. Elizabeth Burton (b, ca. 1611), m. Thomas Russell (b. ca. 1600), April 11, 1626, in Wadhurst. He was probably a brother of Richard Russell (probable sons of Thomas Russell, bur. in Wadhurst on Sept. 2, 1609), who m. Mary, who m. (2) John Burton*, recorded here: Thomas Wilding v. John Burton and his wife Mary, late wife of Richard Russell: Marriage portion of Elizabeth, natural daughter of Richard Russell, and late wife of the plaintiff; and a legacy left her by William Epps, her uncle. Sussex. 15 Chas 1. (E 134/15Chas1/Mich25).
1.2.1.1. Thomas Russell, bapt. March 9, 1628, in Wadhurst. (It is far from improbable that these Russells were of the Russell family, noted supra.).

1.2.1.2. Mary Burton (b. ca. 1612) , m. *Richard Luck, Nov. 8, 1631, in Wadhurst.
1.2.1.2.1. Edward Luck. Marriage settlement Edward Luck of Wadhurst, gent, to John Wells* otherwise Atwells of Wadhurst, butcher, and his daughter Elizabeth Wells of Wadhurst, spinster; EL to marry EW … lands formerly Anthony Reeve, gent), the moiety of which was purchased by EL’s father Richard Luck from Ann Burton … EL covenants to bequeath £100 to EW as jointure, and her father JW covenants to bequeath £100 to EW after the death of his wife Mary Wells. W: Richard Playsted, Edward Holland, Thomas Shorte. 1682. (E.S.R.O., AMS 1994).

1.2.1.3. Anne Burton (b. ca. 1616), m. *David Holland, Sept. 27, 1636, in Wadhurst.

1.2.1.4. *John Burton (b. ca. 1614), m. Mary, stepmother of Elizabeth, the niece of William Eppes, bapt. March 7, 1595, in Ashurst (ca. 8 miles from Wadhurst), brother of Captain Francis Eppes, father of Lt. Col. Francis Eppes II., who m. (2) Elizabeth, relict of William Worsham, by whom she had issue: Mary Worsham, wife of Richard Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris.* By a first wife, Lt. Col. Francis Eppes II was the father of Colonel Francis Eppes III, who m. Ann, dau. of Henry Isham, supra, cousin of Fleetwood Dormer, whose second wife was the second-cousin of the said Mary Harris; and whose first wife was a second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. the said Mary Harris.
1.2.1.4.1. John Burton, b. ca. 1637; d. April 1, 1690, in Henrico. He became known as ‘John Burton of Longfield‘; the locale of which is shown in the Perrin patent: ‘Richard Perrin, 740 ac., 1 R., 24 P., Henrico Co., N. side James Riv., May 13, 1673; 474 acs. called the ‘Worlds End’; from John Burton’s house down the riv. 12 poles below Cornelius’ Cr.’ This was not the ‘Longfield’ on the S. side of the James River, abode of a (first) Captain Thomas Harris, which was placed for sale in 1646 (see previous notes); he dying without issue, and which was sold as an escheat in 1700.

William Randolph (named as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris), purchased, from the colonial government, the escheated lands of Nathaniel Bacon near John Burton’s ‘Longfield’, as shown in this deed: ‘Richard Ligon, of Bristol Parish, Henrico Co., is indebted to William Ligon, of Henrico Parish, and bound for 200 pounds Nov. 1, 1707 … The condition is that there is a parcel of land on north side of James River, between plantation called ‘Curles’ belonging to Col. William Randolph, and plantation of John Woodson where he lives, containing 200 ac. left to Mary Ligon by her (step) father Capt. Thomas Harris, dec’d.’ (B. 4, p. 4). This land, on Curles Swamp, was adjacent to that of Major William Harris: Henrico Co Wills & Dds. 1688-1697, p. 386: ‘John Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co to Edward Lester, land next to Richard Cocke, next to land formerly William Harris’s on Curles Swamp, next to land given by Thomas Harris to his (step) da. Mary Lygon’. The Burtons continued to be involved in land transactions on the north side of the James River: Henrico Co. Will B. 6, p. 1777, Will of Benjamin Burton of Henrico Parish: To son John, and son Jesse, land I live on, 300 ac., divided between them on line from Col. William Randolph to Col. Eppes’ line.

1.2.1.4.1.1. Robert Burton, b. ca. 1660, d. 1724.
1.2.1.4.1.1.1. Robert Burton, 1688-March 30, 1748, in Goochland, m. Priscilla Farrar, as follows.

HOLLAND cont.

1.1.2.1.1.1.1. John Holland, b. ca. 1637, m. Anne Burton. Oct. 23, 1654: ‘John Baker of Mayfield, Esq., lord of the manor of Mayfield, to Gregory Dyne, Joseph Dunmoll, gent, Richard Lucke yeoman, David Holland mercer, John Barham of Shoesmiths gent, John Lucke, son and heir apparent of Richard Lucke; John Holland, son and heir apparent of David Holland’. (PAR/498/37/14). John Holland’s Will, proved May 17, 1675, mentions sons John and Edward. The overseers of his Will were Edward Burton, his br.-in-law, and Gregory Dyne (Dene).

1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Holland, b. ca. 1660, m. Ann Mercer, Nov. 3, 1685, in Wadhurst. Mercer v Wells. Plaintiffs: Thomas Mercer. Defendants: *John Wells, supra, and Ann Wells his wife. Subject: personal estate of William Mercer, Farleigh, Sussex. 1654. (C 9/15/101). John Wells seems to have m. Ann Mercer, dau. of William Mercer, of Farleigh. Their dau., Elizabeth, bapt. July 4, 1654, in Wadhurst, m. Edward Luck, John Holland’s cousin. The estate of William Mercer seems to have been contested by his son, Thomas Mercer.

(Mr. Thomas Cocke,* 296 ac. on N. side of James River, April 20, 1687, p. 557, near Cedar br. and New Kent Road, etc. Granted Thomas Wells, Jan. 3, 1677, deserted. *He was named as a friend in the Will of Major William Harris.*

1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Michael Holland, gent. (b. ca. 1686-7), of Goochland. Sept. 28, 1732 Michael Holland of Hanover Co to James Breton of Henrico Co, for £20, 200a, part of 400 granted said Michael and William Ford by patent and divided by them. Land is bounded by Capt. John Woodson. Wit: Jno. Bowie, James Brewer, John Wheeler. Judith Holland, wife of Michael, appoints Francis Eppes of Henrico co., Gent. her attorney to relinquish her dower right, he being the son of Colonel Francis Eppes III, supra, and who m. Sarah, dau. of Richard Kennon and Elizabeth, dau. of William Worsham, supra.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. George Holland.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Holland, m. Charles Burton. Marriages of Goochland Co., 1733-1815 (Williams), p. 12, Nov. 2, 1763: ‘Charles Burton and Mary Holland, dau. of George Holland. Sur. George Holland.

Charles Burton was b. in 1740, son of Robert Burton. Judith Payne dau. of Robert Burton, wife of George Payne,* makes affadavit as to his age, p. 11. *He was the son of a namesake and Mary, dau. of Robert Woodson, and sister of Elizabeth (Woodson) Lewis, kinswoman of *Major William Harris. Robert Burton m. (2) Priscilla, dau. of William Farrar III by his first wife, Priscilla Baugh. William Farrar’s second wife was Mary, dau. of Joseph Tanner, and relict of William Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, sister of Major William Harris.

SHROPSHIRE HOLLAND COUSINS

1.1.1.3. Thomas Holland, m. (in 1573), Alice, dau. of Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo. The tustees of his marriage settlement were: John Purslowe, Esq., Robert Detton gent., John Doughty, and Robert Cocke gents, concerning the moiety of the Manor of Wheathill, etc. In 1598, he made a settlement of Pickthorne, leased under Purslowe of Sidbury, on his wife and sons Michael and John
1.1.1.3.1. Michael Holland, bapt. at Burwarton in 1584-5, of Pickthorne, m. (1), in 1611, Jane, dau. of Adam Detton.
1.1.1.3.1.1. John Holland, of Pickthorne, m. Dorothy Hill, of Bickley.
1.1.1.3.1.1.1. William Holland.
1.1.1.3.1.1.2. Thomas Holland.
1.1.1.3.1.1.3. Alice Holland (bapt. 1612-3), m. Francis Overton.
1.1.1.3.1. Michael Holland, m. (2) Ann …
1.1.1.3.1.1. Francis Holland (bapt. in 1633).
1.1.1.3.1.1.1. John Holland (bapt. in 1660).

1.1.1.3.2. Willam Holland (b. ca. 1575), m. Margaret, dau. of Thos. Smalman of Wildertop in Com. Salop Esq., reader ‘reader of the Inner Temple, and one of the Justices of the Council of the Marches of Wales.
1.1.1.3.2.1. Alice Holland, bapt. at Burwarton in 1607, m. there, in 1632, Thomas Harris, of Prescott (Baschurch).
1.1.1.32.2. Thomas Holland, aet. 21, 1623.
1.1.1.3.2.1. William Holland, ‘a Student in ye University & in ye Inns of Court’. He m. Elizabeth, a sister of Sir Edward Lutwich, Chief Justice of Chester & of the Councill in the Marches of Wales, and afterwards one of the 12 Judges of England.
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.1. Thomas Holland.
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.2. Lutwich Holland, bapt. at Ludlow in 1670; afterwards of Crotte (Co. Heref.).
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.3. Edward Holland, bapt. at Ludlow in 1672-3.
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.4. Elizabeth Holland, m. Thomas Frewen, of Brackley (Northants).
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.5. Lettice Holland, bapt. at Ludlow in 1664, m. John Harding, of Halse.
1.1.1.3.2.2.1.6. Mary Holland.

1.1.1.3.2.3. Rowland Holland, m. Margaret Walker, Sept. 29, 1636, in Ludlow. Smalman v Hill. Plaintiffs: Robert Smalman. Defendants: Thomas Hill, John Andros, Arthur Tully, Richard Skirme, John Davies, and Rowland Holland. Subject: money matters, Herefordshire. 1649. (C 10/3/140).
1.1.1.3.2.4. William Holland, m. Clemencia Reynolds, Nov. 20, 1635, in Ludlow.
1.1.1.3.2.4.1. William Holland, m. Joan Harris, Dec. 8, 1669, in Ludlow. She was undoubtedly of the same family as Major William Harris.
1.1.1.3.3. John Holland, m. (1) Mary Baldwin, Oct. 14, 1601.
1.1.1.4. George Holland, of Purslow, of Bal. Coll. Oxon, in 1583, aged 20, and of Clement’s Inn in 1595. He held an estate in Purslow (Clunbury), and was bur. at Clunbury in 1645, his Will being proved the following year (P.C.C. Twisse 41). He m. (at Tugford in 1595) Cecily, dau. of Adam Lutley, of Bromcroft, br. of Joyce Lutley.
1.1.1.4.1. Walter Holland, of Purslow, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Edward Lutwyche, and was bur. at Clunbury in 1649.
1.1.1.4.2. Sara Holland (bapt. in 1616), m. in 1643, Richard Higgins.

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES concerning associated families

IN LUDLOW

1. William Walker, m. Elnor Pyke, Jan. 20, 1565.
1.1. Thomas Walker, bapt. Jan. 1, 1566 , m. Elisabeth Meredith, June 4, 1603.
1.2. Richard Walker, bapt. Sept. 20, 1578.
1.3. Henry Walker
1.3.1. William Walker, bapt. June 8, 1600. Plaintiffs: Anthony Cotterrell and William Ludlow. Defendants: Thomas Allen and Thomas Walker, and William Walker.
Subject: Lands called “Tersall Groves”. 1640. (C 10/40/82).
1.4. Roger Walker
1.4.1. Thomas Walker, m. Anne Geers, Dec. 20, 1641
1.4.2. John Walker, bapt. Dec. 3, 1608, m. Elizabeth Harman, Feb. 18, 1635.
1.4.2.1. John Walker.
1.4.2.1.1. William Walker, bapt. June 2, 1667, recorded in St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent Co. by 1698. His will was proved in 1723, with William Woodson and John Walker securities for Elizabeth Walker, executrix.
1.4.3. Margaret Walker, m. Rowland Holland, Sept. 29, 1636,

1. Richard ap Meredith.
1.1. Ales Meredith, m. John Tanner, Sept. 26, 1566.
1.2. Evan Meredith, m. Margaret Ellis, Feb. 2, 1572.
1.2.1. Elisabeth Meredith, m. Thomas Walker, June 4, 1603.
1.3. John Meredith, m. Elizabeth Lewis, Feb. 6, 1585.
1.3.1. Francis Meredith, bapt. May 24, 1595.
1.3.2. Evan Meredith, m. Margery Lewis, Nov. 19, 1624. She was bapt. July 7, 1594, dau. of Edward Lewis by his first wife. Her stepmother was Jane Langford, and she was the step-sister of John Harris, father of Major William Harris, and Mary (Ligon) Harris.
1.3.2.1. Thomas Meredith, b. ca. 1625. April 27, 1661: Thomas Meredith. 1370 ac. on the N. side of Chickahominy main swamp.
1.3.2.1. Thomas Meredith, b. ca. 1665. June 1733: Michael Holland ‘of Hanover’ 3450 ac. in Henrico on S. side Chickahominy Sw, crossing John Martin’s path and John Watson’s path; crossing Thompson’s lower & upper brs E side Merideth’s Br adj. Holland, Col. R. Thompson, Conway, Smith, Thos Merideth, and John Johnston. Part of grant to sd Holland 1727. 1689-1695: Thomas Cock*: Henrico Co: 816 ac. in the Parish of Varina S. side of Chickahominy main swamp, beg. At a corner oak belonging to the land known by the name of Oposum, now in possession of John Baxter. (Land Patents 8). *Thomas Cocke – named as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris.

People can be identified from the genealogical ‘fog’ of early Virginia as children of repeated patterns of association. One perspective of this is to see this as a pyramid of association.

copyright m stanhope 2021

Most associations in early Virginia of English settlers were of an ancient nature, whether known or not, reaching back to early medieval times, when land was held of the Crown in exchange for military service, and the vassals of the major lords, in their turn, swore fealty to them: “I promise on my faith that I will in the future be faithful to the lord, never cause him harm and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit”. These vassals were mostly, in some way, ‘related’ to their lord’s family. For them, to have a son or daughter marrying a younger son or daughter of their lord was a great advance up the ladder of enhancement and survival. In latter times, an example of this was the family of Sir Peter Newton, sheriff of Shropshire, intermarrying with the Corbets and Cornwalls, with collateral advantage following to William Adams when marrying an heiress of the Newtons.

These notes mostly concern his family, and their ongoing relationship, from Ludlow to Virginia, with a family of Harris, both being very well ‘connected’ to the lordship class.

ADAMS

1. William Adams, of Longdon, Shropshire, m. Margaret, dau of Urian St. Pier, of Cheshire.
1.1. John Adams of Pontesbury, Shropshire, m. Jane, dau. of Hugh Mascott, of Pontesbury, Salop.
1.1.1.William Adams of Pontesbury and Longdon (20 mls fr. Ludlow), m. a dau of Francis Worley, of Dodford, Northants.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Adams, and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Higgons, of Longdon. (Treswell, Vincent: The Visitation of Shropshire, 1623, vol. 1, pp. 12-13.).
1.1.1.1.1. John Adams. Recovery: 1. Richard Lane, Thomas Brocton, gentilman, John Adams, gentilman, William Langford, Thomas Barrett, and William Lane. 2. Richard Dodmore. 7 messuages, 6 gardens, 60 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow, and 14 acres of pasture with the appurtenances in Ludlow, Diddlesbury and Halton. 1514. (Shrop. Arch., 20/6/150).
1.1.1.1.2. William Adams, of Longdon, m. Eleanor Jennyns, cousin of Eleanor Jennyns, b. ca. 1500, who m. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1495. (See as follows).
1.1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Adams ((b. ca. 1520, d. 1580), m. Ursula, dau. of Thomas Newport, of High Ercall.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. Francis Adams.
1.1.1.1.2.1.2. Thomas Adams, d.s.p. Bond. Fras Cressett* of Stanton Lacy, gent., is bound to Thos Canlande of Ludlow, mercer, in 40 marks conditioned on Fras’ paying Thos £17 9s. S.: F. Cressett. Witnesses: Thomas Adams, John Candland. 1583. (Shrop. Arch. 5460/8/1/1).
1.1.1.1.2.1.3. William Adams, m. Ann Newton,* as follows.

CORBET

1. Roger Corbet (d. 1468), Sheriff of Shropshire, m. Elizabeth Hopton.
1.1. Richard Corbet (d. 1493), m. Elizabeth Devereux , dau. of Sir Walter Devereux, 1st Lord Ferrers of Chartley, who m., in 1494, (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, Sheriff of Shropshire. . Sir Thomas Leighton m. (1) Ann, dau. of Roger Barker; having issue: Margaret Leighton, who m. John Harris. (See as follows).
1.2. Jane Corbet (aunt of Maud Chalmondly), m. (2) Thomas Cressett, Esq.; estate probated on April 12, 1524.
1.2.1. Elizabeth Cressett, m. Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son, John Holland (PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland of Nansemund, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.2.1.1. Robert Lutley, of Burwarton, m. Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland, whose br., Thomas Holland of Burwarton, was the husband of Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo, bapt. Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury, Shropshire; obit. Bremo Bluff, Henrico, 1665, whose son, Thomas, was named as a friend in the Will of Major William Harris. (‘Colonial Wills’, 1677-92, p. 68).
1.2.2. Thomas Cressett, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Edmund Cornwall.
1.2.2.1. *Francis Cressett.

1.3. Sir Robert Corbet (d. April 11, 1513), m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Henry Vernon and Ann, dau. of John Talbot, 2nd Earl Shrewsbury and Elizabeth, dau. of James ‘the White Earl’ Butler, 4th Earl of Ormond and Elizabeth Beauchamp.
1.3.1. Sir Reginald Corbet (b. ca. 1512 – Nov. 19, 1566), m. Alice, dau. of John Gratewood, of Wollerton, and Jane (dau. of Thomas Hill, of Malpas), sister of Elizabeth, wife of John Barker, of Wollerton.
1.3.1.1. Richard Corbet, m. Ann, dau. of Sir Thomas Bromley, Lord Chancellor.
1.3.1.2. Margaret Corbet, m. Sir Humphrey Lee, 1st Baronet of Langley.
1.3.1.3. Mary Corbett (b. ca. 1550), m. Francis Newton.*

CORBET AND NEWTON

1.4. Elizabeth Corbet (aunt of Elizabeth Cresset), m. Sir Richard Cholmondeley.
1.4.1. Maud Cholmondeley (cousin of Elizabeth Cresset, sister-n-law of Joyce Lutley), m. Sir Peter Newton, b. ca. 1470, sheriff of Shropshire in 1523, bur. under an altar tomb within St. Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury.
1.4.1.1. Arthur Newton, m. Eliza, dau. of Sir Thomas Cornwall, Baron of Burford.
1.4.1.2. Thomas Newton, b. ca. 1500.
1.4.1.3. John Newton (b. ca. 1510), m. Eliza, dau. of Gruff. Hinton.
1.4.1.3.1. *Francis Newton (b. ca. 1540), sheriff of Shropshire in 1602, m. Mary, dau. of Reginald Corbet, third son of Sir Robert Corbet, of Moreton. Reginald Corbet’s sister, Anne, m. William Leighton, of Plash, Chief Justice of North Wales.

NEWTON AND ADAMS

1.4.1.3.2. *Ann Newton (b. ca. 1550), third dau., m. William Adams (bur. July 13, 1576, in Ludlow), son of Thomas Adams (b. ca. 1520, d. 1580, and Ursula, dau. of Thomas Newport, of High Ercall.Thomas Adams was a son of William Adams, of Longdon, and Eleanor Jennyns; son of Thomas Adams, and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Higgons, of Longdon; br.of Elizabeth Adams, wife of Thomas Sherer.
1.4.1.3.2.1. Thomas Adams, gent, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1575.
1.4.1.3.2.1.1. Thomas Adams, b. ca. 1610, m. Jane ..
1.4.1.3.2.1.1.1. Francis Adams, ‘s. Thomas Adams and Jane’, bapt. May 22, 1636, in Ludlow. Edward Scott of Richards Castle gent., Jane his wife, Thomas Pyngle of Ludlow gent and Joyce his wife TO Richard Scott of Shrewsbury draper. Witnesses to Thomas Pyngle: William Adams, Francis Adams, William Adams, Margaret Adams. 1656. (Shrop. Arch., 484/230).
1.4.1.3.2.1.2. William Adams, bapt. Jan. 26, 1616.
1.4.1.3.2.1.2.1. Thomas Adams , bapt. April 19, 1642, in Ludlow.
1.4.1.3.2.1.2.1.1. Robert Adams,* b. ca. 1680, d. 1740, in Fredericksville, Goochland, m. Mourning Lewis,* in 1712.
1.4.1.4. Charles Newton.
1.4.1.4.1. Jane, third dau., m. Roger Bromley, brother of Chief Justice Bromley. (See William Valentine Lloyd, sheriffs of Montgomeryshire, pp. 264-265, 1876).

continued:

ADAMS AND HARRIS

1.1.1.1.2. William Adams, of Longdon, m. Eleanor Jennyns, cousin of Eleanor Jennyns, b. ca. 1500, who m. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1495.

(1. John Harris,* b. ca. 1475, m. Margaret Leighton, b. ca. 1491, dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton and his first wife, Anne Barker; his second being Elizabeth Devereux.
2. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1508, m. Eleanor Jennyns, dau. of Thomas Jennyns, of Wallybone, Shropshire.
3. John Harris, esq. (of Cruckton), b. ca. 1532, m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde, of Shrewsbury.
4. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1560, d. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567.

1. She m. (2) Edward Lewis.
1.1. William Lewis, m. (Aug. 21, 1634), Anne Lutley, of Burwarton, dau. of Robert Lutley and Mary Holland. Robert Lutley was the nephew of Joyce Lutley, who m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son, John Holland (see PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland of Nansemund, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1. William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1661, in Diddlebury, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co.
1.1.1.1. *Mourning Lewis, m. *Robert Adams.

5. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, m. (Mary Holland, bapt. Sept. 11, 1608, Ludlow, dau. of Roger Holland and Eleanor Lewis, who m. Jan. 13, 1598, Ludlow. Roger Holland was probably a younger son of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo (whose son was a “friend” of Major William Harris
6. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, acquired 450 ac. in Henrico County, on the north side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, adj. to Daniel Llewellin, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304.
7. William Harris (b. ca. 1675), was involved in the determination of the lands of Thomas Langford, descendant of Jane Langford’s br., Feb. 26, 1731. (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 214-215).
8. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish; a Vestry meeting there in 1719 connecting him to the lands of George Alvis, who had married the widow of Major William Harris.
9. William Harris (b. ca. 1725), of Wolf Swamp, St. Martins Parish, Hanover Co., probably m. a dau. of Mathew or John Graves.
10. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson. He was the cousin of Adam Graves, who m. a granddau. of Michael Holland.

1. John Graves Sr., m. Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth Graves, of Goochland, sell 400 ac. on Ballenger’s Creek to William Barnett, May 28, 1737.
1.1. Matthew Graves, bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish, m. Sussanah, dau. of *Robert Adams (D.B. 4, p. 118).
1.2. John Graves, m. Lucy, dau. of Robert Adams (ibid. p. 248) and Mourning Lewis.
1.2.1. Adam Graves, m. Martha Holland, dau of John Holland, son of Michael Holland, and was born April 8, 1745, in St. James Northam Parish, Goochland Co.
1.2.2. … Graves, b. ca. 1735, m. William Harris of Wolf Swamp, it is suggested.
1.2.2.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson. He was the probable cousin of Adam Graves, who m. a granddau. of Michael Holland.
1.2.2.1.1. Graves Harris (b. ca. 1775)), m. Elizabeth Baldwin, dau. of John Baldwin Jr. July 22, 1797. (See previous notes).

These Harris were not the only descendants of the Shropshire Harris in such as Hanover Co., but such a view opposes that which makes the Thomas Harris who d. in 1688 in Virginia the ‘Moses’ of all Harris in America – an absurdity.

It was about relationships in A being continued in relationships in B.

Survival through allegiance.

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HARRIS

1. …
1.1. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1560, d. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567. She m. 2. Edward Lewis, who by a first wife was the father of Thomas Lewis, (aged 23 in 1623), recorded in a patent of Hannah Boyse, Nov., 1635, concerning land of her mother Alice Edlowe; 200 ac. for transportation of servants, viz.: “Thomas Lewis, Robert Hollum, Joseph Royall, Edward Holland, and Oliver Allen”. (Virginia Magazine, v., p. 97). By Edward Lewis, Jane Langford had issue: William Lewis, who m. (Aug. 21, 1634), Anne Lutley, of Burwarton (dau. of Robert Lutley and Mary Holland), having issue: Edward Lewis, probable father of William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1661, in Diddlebury, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co., who was a patentee of 450 ac., with Richard Farris, Giles Carter, William Harris (son of Major William Harris), and Roger Cummings, on “White Oak Swamp”. Rec. May 1, 1707. *Mary Holland’s husband was the nephew of Joyce Lutley, who m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son, John Holland (see PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland of Nansemund, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1. Thomas Harris, (bapt. Sept. 4, 1603, Ludlow), removed to Virginia, ca. 1650, having land on Curles Swamp, m. Alice, dau. of Evan Lewis, bapt. Nov. 20, 1603.

1.1.2. John Harris., bapt. March 5, 1604, Ludlow. John Harris m. (1) Mary Holland, bapt. Sept. 11, 1608, Ludlow, dau. of Roger Holland and Eleanor Lewis, who m. Jan. 13, 1598, Ludlow. Roger Holland was probably a younger son of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo (whose son was another “friend” of Major William Harris), and uncle of Alice Holland, who m., in 1632, Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot, first-cousin of John and Thomas Harris.
1.1.2.1. Major William Harris, uterine half-br. of William Lewis, who m. (Aug. 21, 1634), Anne Lutley, of Burwarton (dau. of Robert Lutley and Mary Holland), having issue: Edward Lewis, probable father of William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1661, in Diddlebury, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co., a patentee of 450 ac., with William Harris* (son of Major William Harris), etc., on “White Oak Swamp”. Rec. May 1, 1707. William Lewis and Elizabeth Woodson had issue: Mourning Lewis (b. ca. 1692), who m. Robert Adams, on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co. Her Will was proven on July 24, 1764, making bequests to daus.: Mary and Elizabeth Moorman, Susssanah and Lucy Graves; and Sally Harris.* (D.B. 4, p. 126).

1.1.2.1.1. *William Harris, b. ca. 1675.
1.1.2.1.1. Elizabeth Harris,* bapt. Nov. 27, 1698, in St Pauls Parish, m. John Hudson,* b. ca. 1690.
1.1.2.1.2. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish; a Vestry meeting there in 1719 connecting him to the lands of George Alvis, who had married the widow of Major William Harris.
1.1.2.1.2.1. William Harris, b. ca. 1725, of Wolf Swamp, probably m. a dau. of Mathew or John Graves, as follow.
1.1.2.1.2.1.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson. He was the cousin of Adam Graves, who m. a granddau. of Michael Holland.
1.1.2.1.2.1.1.1. Graves Harris (b. ca. 1775)), m. Elizabeth Baldwin, dau. of John Baldwin Jr.* July 22, 1797: Indenture betw. Thomas Elmore, Efford Bentley, William Wood, James Gills, Thomas Ligon, etc., of Amelia Co., trustees of Ligons Town, sell to Levy Wright one lot situate in the above mentioned town. Wit. Richard Ligon, Thomas Ligon, *John Baldwin. (Amelia co., D.B. 20, pp. 303-4). These Ligons were sons of William Ligon III., d. bef. Oct. 27, 1796, in Amelia Co., son of Wiliam Ligon II, d. 1764, in Amelia Co; son of Maj. William Ligon and Mary Tanner; son of Colonel Thomas Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. John Baldwin was a descendant of Charles Baldwyn, of Stokesay Castle (b. 1593), who m. (1617) a sister of Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland of Burwarton (fl. 1606) and Thomasine Cressett, sister of Elizabeth Cressett, wife of Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son John Holland (PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland of Nansemund, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1.2.2.3. William Harris (b. ca. 1700, m. (March 23, 1723), Judith Hudson.

1.1.2.2. Mary Harris,* bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64. “John Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co. to Edward Lester, land next to Richard Cocke, next to land formerly William Harris’s on Curles Swamp. She m.Thomas Ligon. Mary Harris was the second-cousin of Mary Harris, who m. (in 1673, as second wife), Fleetwood Dormer, b. May 21, 1616, cousin of Henry Isham, who resided at Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co. (who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royall); their issue included Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was, Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. Mary Harris. Col. William Randolph was the son of Henry Randolph, who, with Joseph Tanner and Henry Isham, witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke, Sr., dated Oct. 4, 1663, whose son, Thomas was also named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris.
1.1.2.2.1. Joan Ligon, m. Robert Hancock.
1.1.2.2.1.1. Martha Hancock, m. Robert Hudson Jr., br. of John Hudson, who m. *Elizabeth Harris.

1.2. Richard Harris, obit. 1631, m. Anna Smallman, d. 1650, dau. of Thomas Smallman of Wilderhope.
1.2.1. Mary Harris, m. (in 1673, as second wife), Fleetwood Dormer, b. May 21, 1616, cousin of Henry Isham, of Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co. (who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royal); their issue including: (Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a “friend in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. *Mary Harris.

1.3. Arthur Harris, of Prescot, m. Jane Newton. (Thus, a familial connection to the family of Adams).
1.3.1. Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot (b. ca. 1607), m. (1632), Alice Holland, dau. of William Holland, bapt. (1574) at Burwarton, and buried there in 1642 (Will proved P.C.C. 94 Campbell), son of Thomas Holland, bur. (1612) at Stottesden, and Alicia, ‘fil. Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne’, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of Bremo, whose Will was witnesse by Joseph Royal and Robert Woodson.
1.3.2. Peter Harris, b. 1617, by deposition, of Henrico; Will rec. June 1, 1689, mentioned wife Michall, dau. Anne Bass (wife of Edward Bass, d. 1695, in Goochland), and sons Peter and John. Wit: Thomas Cocke* (son of the said Richard Cocke), Robert Woodson.

Peter Harris of historical record is not recorded as a younger son of Arthur Harris, but falls into the category of a ‘known unknown’, in that he and his decendant’s associations exactly match those of his probable cousins, which was the norm for those closely related.

1.3.2.1. Peter Harris m. Mary, dau. of Lt. Colonel John Smith, of Turkey Island, and sister of Lt. Obadiah Smith, Sr. who m. Mary (d. June 3, 1753), dau. of William Cocke of Malvern Hills, Henrico, son of Richard Cocke, of Bremo, and br. of *Thomas Cocke, named as a friend in he Will of Major William Harris. Mary Smith was the half-sister of Anne Smith, wife of Richard Woodson, son Col. Robert Woodson, and br. of of Elizabeth Lewis.
1.3.2.1.1. John Harris.
1.3.2.1.1.1. Benjamin Harris.
1.3.2.1.1.1.1. Henry Harris, b. 1733, d. Oct. 30, 1775 (41-42) Goochland, m. Sally, dau. of Capt. Robert Adams, Sr.* and Mourning Adams,* His Will appointed Matthew Woodson, Joseph Woodson, and John Woodson as executors. *Mourning Adams was dau. of William Lewis and Elizabeth Woodson. Mourning Lewis m. Robert Adams on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co.
1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1. James Harris, b. ca. 1760, in Goochland Co., d. aft. Sept. 7, 1803, Lincoln Co. GA.

1. John Graves Sr., m. Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth Graves, of Goochland, sell 400 ac. on Ballenger’s Creek to William Barnett, May 28, 1737.
1.1. Matthew Graves, bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish, m. Sussanah, dau. of *Robert Adams (D.B. 4, p. 118).
1.2. John Graves, m. Lucy, dau. of Robert Adams (ibid. p. 248) and Mourning Lewis, whose Will, proven, July 24, 1764, makes bequests to daus.: Mary and Elizabeth Moorman, Susssanah and Lucy Graves; *Sally Harris, ibid., p. 126). “John Graves Jr. & Lucy his wife of Goochland” sold “land left by Robert Adams deceased to his dau., Lucy, by his Will”.
1.2.1. Adam Graves, m. Martha Holland, dau of John Holland, son of Michael Holland, and was born April 8, 1745, in St. James Northam Parish, Goochland Co.
1.2.2. … Graves, b. ca. 1735, m. William Harris of Wolf Swamp.
1.2.2.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson. He was the cousin of Adam Graves, who m. a granddau. of Michael Holland.
1.2.2.1.1. Graves Harris (b. ca. 1775)), m. Elizabeth Baldwin, dau. of John Baldwin Jr. July 22, 1797. (See previous notes).

HUDSON

1. Richard Hudson, m. Mary Bowman, in 1658.

1.1. Richard Hudson, b. March 2, 1659, in Henrico Co.; moved to Amelia Co.; 21 years old on May 25, 1681. Dec. 1, 1688: ‘I Richard Hudson, son and heir of Richard Hudson, decd. late of Roxdale in Henrico Co. state that the will of my father, dated Oct. 25, 1669, gave to my two brothers Robert and William Hudson, a plantation at Roxdale: “My will is that land given me by my (grand) father Bowman be devised between my three sons … I therefore for 1600 lbs of tobacco sell to my brother Robert Hudson my share in said land. Wit: Thomas Cock,* Wm. Cock Jr. S: Richard Hudson. Mary, wife of Richard, relinquished her dower right, p. 29-30. *Thomas Cocke was mentioned as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris, br. of Mary (Harris) Ligon.*

1.2. Robert Hudson, b. in 1662 (19 years old on May 25, 1681), m. Martha. He d. Jan. 25, 1757. Feb. 1, 1712: Nuncupative Will of *Mary Ligon: “Martha Hudson to have charge of daughter Martha“. Wit: James Cox (Cocke), Edward Heathcott, and Martha Hudson, p. 138. Varina Parish, 1685: Richard Hudson and Robert Hudson, two of the orphans of Richard Hudson, decd., being at lawful age do appear and in open court acknowledge that they have each of them received their full estate of their guardian Tho. Pouldon and there therewith fully satisfied; upon which the said Pouldon is by the court released, acquitted, and discharged from the estate to the said two orphans belonging (Orphans’ Court Book 16). Varina Parish, Aug. 20, 1685: Tho. Pouldon, guardian to the orphans of Richard Hudson, decd., his security being dead, he is ordered to provide a new security, on which in Open Court Philemon Childers enters himself security for the estate of the said orphans belonging (Orphans’ Court Book 15).

Nov. 2, 1707: William Byrd of Charles City Co., esq., to Robert Hudson of Henrico Co. planter, for £250, 46 ac. near a place called Rocksdale, where said Hudson lives. Wit: Wm Randolph,* Rene Laforce, William Randolph, Jr. Thomas Eldridge. Rec. Dec. 1, 1707, p. 68. *William Randolph (mentioned as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris), son of Henry Randolph, who, with Joseph Tanner and Henry Isham, witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke, Sr., dated Oct. 4, 1663.

March 5, 1708. Robert Hudson of Co. and Parish of Henrico, planter, to Thomas Powland, Jr.; said Hudson and Powland took up by patent 940 ac. on N. side of Swift Cr., AprIL 17, 1705; they have agreed to divide land in two equal parts. Wit. Elizabeth Cocke, etc. (sister of Thomas Cocke, aforementioned), p. 160.

May 19, 1730: Robert Hudson, Sr. of Co. and Parish of Henrco to his son John Hudson* of same, for £30, plantation at Rocksdale where said Hudson lives, 46 ac. as by deed from Col. Wm. Byrd, Nov. 22, 1710. Wit: John Green, p. 270. Jan. 25. 1757. Will of Robert Hudson, names: Robert Hudson, Joel Hudson, Martha Cooke (Cocke), Mary Jones, Frances Newby, Margaret Gregory, Dinah Ammonet, Tabitha Hudson, 1 shilling each, as I have already given to them as far as my circumstances will well permit; To my son George,* plantation where I live and all my lands, and if he die under 21 to my son Simon; to son Simon, horse named Darrick; to wife Martha, plantation for life; executors, sons Simon and George. Wit: Henry Hudson, Abraham Hudson, Joel Hudson, John Hancock, p. 259. *Robert Hudson, d. Jan. 25, 1757, Swift Creek, Chesterfield Co., m. Martha Hancock (b. June 6, 1688, Chesterfield, d. April 2, 1758, Swift Creek), dau. of Robert Hancock (1650-1709), and Joan Ligon, dau. of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris.

1.2.1. John Hudson, ca. 1690-1732., m. Elizabeth Harris. Oct. 9, 1731: John Hudson to Samuel Hudson, for £50, 46 ac. at Roxdale, where Robert Hudson now lives. Wit: William Robinson, Joseph Russell, John Green. Signed: John Hudson; Ann, wife of John relinquishes her dower rights. Rec. May 1732, p. 341. Oct. 21, 1734: Will of Jeffrey Robinson: To son-in-law John Hudson and his wife Anne, ½ of a survey of 400 ac. joining William Bass and Thomas Bass, Wit: John Green, William Baugh, Peter Baugh, pp. 455-56.
1.2.1.1. George Hudson, b. ca. 1712, in St Pauls Parish.
1.2.1.2. Charles Hudson. June 10, 1737: Charles Hudson of Hanover Co., Gent., to Michael Woods of Goochland Co., for £90, 2000 ac. on branches of Joy Cr. on Rivanna R., bounded by Michael Holland, and granted to said Hudson on 26 July 1735. Signed: Charles Hudson. Rec. Sept. 1737, p. 52.
1.2.1.3. Sarah Hudson, m. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish.
1.2.1.3.1. William Harris of Wolf Swamp, m. a dau. of John or Mathew Graves
1.2.1.3.1.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah Hudson. He was the cousin of Adam Graves, who m. a granddau. of Michael Holland.
1.2.1.4. David Hudson. Jan. 4, 1754: David Hudson and *George Hudson witness mortgage from Richard Holland (son of Michael Holland), and Sarah his wife to Andrew Cockran and James Donald of Glasgow, Scotland, merchants to secure indebtness of 235 pounds, 8 pence, being 372 ac. on Ruckahoe Cr., acquired by deed (of May 9, 1751), from Joseph and Jane Freeman. Signed: Richard Holland, Sarah Holland. Rec. April 1, 1754, p. 307).

1.2.2. Robert Hudson Jr., b. June 6, 1685, in Chesterfield Co., m. Martha Hancock, b. June 6, 1688, Chesterfield Co, d. April 2, 1758, Swift Creek, dau. of Robert Hancock (1650-1709), and Joan Ligon, dau. of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris. Sept. 1746: Robert Hudson for love and affection to my son Robert Hudson, 100 ac. bounded by the millpond next to Henry Hatcher, Henry Hudson, William Hancock, Swift Cr., being part of 400 ac. granted Robert Hudson and John Farguson by patent Aug 14, 1725. Wit: Jacob Ashurst, Francis Flournoy, Abraham Hay. Signed: Robert Hudson , p. 200.
1.2.3. Samuel Hudson, d.v.p. May 27, 1729: Samuel Hudson witnesses a deed from Robert Hancock to Gilbert Bowman for £50, 250 ac. on N. side of Appomattox R. on Skin Quarter Cr., as grant to me March 23, 1715, for 500 ac. and is ½ patent and where said Hancock now lives. Wit: John Green, Samuel Hudson, Edward Lester. S. Robert Hancock. Rec. June 1729. Margaret, wife of Robert, relinquishes dower rights, p. 234. Oct. 6, 1735: Samuel Hudson and Drusilla his wife of Amelia Co. to Joseph Ligon of Henrico Co. for £100, 119 acres on S. side of James R., known as Roxdale, bounded by Roxdale Swamp, land of Robert Hancock, formerly Edward Bowman’s, Tarlton Woodson, p. 505.
1.2.4. Peter Hudson, b. ca. 1695-1700, Henrico Co., m. Martha Woodson, relict of Holcoat Pride, on Aug. 23, 1723. (Virginia Genealogist, vol. 27, p. 169, 1983). He d. betw. Oct. 7, 1752 and March 20, 1753, in Halifax Co. Oct. 31, 1728: Peter Hudson, Richard Wells, and John Green witness a deed from Matthew Ligon to William Pride for £25, a plantation of 100 ac. on Swift Cr., being part of land he purchased of Richard Grills, next to said Matthew and Henry Ligon. S. Matt. Ligon. Rec. Nov. 1728, p. 219.
1.2.4.1. William Hudson. On April 10, 1782, in Mecklenburg Co., he and wife, Sarah, contributed 350 cwt of beef on the hoof during the Revolutionary War, for Continental use (Order Book 5, p. 134).
1.2.5. Judith Hudson, m William Harris. She contributed beef to the Revolutionary War effort, April 10, 1782 (Mecklenburg Co. Court Order Book 5, p. 136).

1.3. William Hudson, b. ca. 1668, in Henrico Co.; he moved to Hanover Co. William Hudson, rec. in account of the stock belonging to the orphans of Richard Hudson presented by Thomas Pouldon, Aug. 20, 1678. Lt. Col. John Farrar enters himself the said Pouldon’s security, presented Thomas Pouldon (Orphans’ Court Book 4). Lt. Col. John Farrar … Feb. 1, 1700: Wm Hudson and Mel Richardson witness deed from Amos Lead to John Pleasants, 30 ac. on N. side of Four Mile Cr. … being land formerly Solomon Knibb’s, being part of a patent taken up by my father John Lead, decd. Sept. 24, 1667, p. 159. Nov. 1, 1701, Elizabeth Hudson granted admin. of estate of husband William Hudson; security Phil. Jones, and Robert Hudson, p. 270.

copyright m stanhope 2021

It is not the case that all 18th century people in Virginia were descended from colonists of old, for, English settlers followed in the footsteps of earlier family members, in a process of continuous settlement. An ingrained habit of enquirers is to only look for an ancestor born in Virginia, preferably reaching back to someone with ‘ancient settler’ status; as futile a project as attempting to ‘attach’ a medieval ancestor to ‘a companion of the Conqueror’, of which only 6-8 instances reliably exist.

An example of later immigration probably concerns the Baldwin family of Diddlesborough, Shropshire, from which John Baldwin,bapt. Feb. 28, 1720, in Diddlesbury, was probably he who d. in 1770 in Amelia County, and very likely the grandfather of Agnes and Elizabeth Balwin, who m. Ralph and Graves Harris.

What is seen in his example is the process of the continuation of association between closely connected (kinship) families, in his case these included those of Adams, Harris, Holland, and Lewis. Associations in 18th century Virginia between families of English origin identify the ancestry of those concerned, as they replicate their original (recorded) connections. As the sheer number of such connections increase, so does the certainty of family identities.

Without such underpinning of identity, the only thing left is a ‘genealogical darkness’; a void into which assumed ancestors are welded to those of recorded history. Almost the entirety of genealogical reconstructions of this time are this – desperate shots into the dark, that, if repeated often enough, form the basis of enduring (though sand-castle) belief.

Ancestry of this time is absolutely nothing more than a method of survival based on arranged marriages that brought about best advantage. When looking at associations in Virginia, ask what previous associations could have best brought about such best advantage. This is the first principle.

THE BALDWINS WERE CORBETTS AND LEIGHTONS

1. William Bawdewyn, of Diddlebury, fl. 1458, Matilda, da. of Thomas Corbett, of Longnor.
2. John Bawdewyn, of Diddlebury, b. bef. 1418, m. Elizabeth, da. of John Leighton of Wattlesborough.
3. John Bawdewyn, of Diddlebury, fl. 1473, m. a da. of Robert Parker, of Norton Lacy.
4. John Bawdewyn, of Diddlebury, fl. 1495, m. Alice, da. of John Botterell, of Aston Botterell.
5. Richard Baldwyn, of Diddlebury, m. (1545), Margery, da. of Lawrence Ludlowe, of Stokesay Castle.
6. William Baldwyn, of Elsich, in Diddlesbury, m. Barbara, da. of Richard Brooke, of Whitchurch.
7. Charles Baldwyn, of Stokesay Castle (b. 1593), m. (1617) a sister of Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland of Burwarton (fl. 1606) and Thomasine Cressett, sister of Elizabeth Cressett, wife of Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, who m. Mary Barham; having issue: David Holland, who m. Anne Burton; their elder son John Holland (PAR/498/37/14. Oct. 23, 1654), being John Holland of Nansemund, father of Michael Holland of Goochland.
8. Edward Baldwyn (b. ca. 1620), of Diddlesbury, d. 1683.
9. Gertrude Baldwin, m. Robert Leighton, M.P., of Wattlesborough, d. 1689, son of Edward Leighton, d. 1636; son of Robert Leighton, of Wattlesborough (and Ann, dau. of Sir Edward Devereux, of Castle Bromwich; son of Thomas Leighton; son of Sir Edward Leighton, Sheriff; son of Sir John Leighton, son of Sir John Leighton, of Wattlesborough, M.P., d. 1532; son of Sir Thomas Leighton, of Wattlesborough, Sheriff, and his second wife, Elizabeth Devereux ….

THE HARRIS WERE CORBETTS AND LEIGHTONS

(1. John Harris,* b. ca. 1475, m. Margaret Leighton, b. ca. 1491, dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton and his first wife, Anne Barker; his second being Elizabeth Devereux.
2. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1508, m. Eleanor Jennyns, dau. of Thomas Jennyns, of Wallybone, Salop.
3. John Harris, esq. (of Cruckton), b. ca. 1532, m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde, of Shrewsbury.
4. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, b. ca. 1560, d. 1605, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567. She m. 2. Edward Lewis, by whom: William Lewis, who m. (Aug. 21, 1634), Anne Lutley, of Burwarton (dau. of Robert Lutley and Mary Holland), having issue: Edward Lewis, probable father of William Lewis, bapt. March 16, 1661, in Diddlebury, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co., who was a patentee of 450 ac., with William Harris (son of Major William Harris), etc., on “White Oak Swamp”. Rec. May 1, 1707.

(1. William Lewis, m. Elizabeth Woodson, b. ca. 1670.
1.1. Mourning Lewis (b. ca. 1692), m. Robert Adams,* on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co. Her Will was proven on July 24, 1764, making bequests to daus.: Mary and Elizabeth Moorman, Susssanah and Lucy Graves; *Sally Harris. (D.B. 4, p. 126).
1.1.1. Sussanah Adams, m. Matthew Graves, bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish. (D.B. 4, p. 118).
1.1.2. Lucy Adams, m. John Graves, Matthew’s brother.
1.1.3. Sally Adams, m. William Harris, of Wolf Creek.
1.1.3.1. George Harris, m. Sarah Hudson.
1.1.3.1. Graves Harris, m. Elizabeth Baldwin, see anon.

By way of the briefest of ‘connective’ sketches:

1. Thomas Adams, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Higgons, of Longdon, and sister of Peter Higgons, who m. Catherine Barker (sister of Ann Barker, wife of John Harris), having issue: George Higgons, who m. Eliz. Farmer, parents of: (1) Richard Higgons, bur. 1626, St. Alkmand’s, Shrews., who m. Eliz., dau. of Richard Baldwyn, of Diddlesbury, bur. Pontesbury, 1638. (2) Edward Higgons, b. 1562, bur. 1614, St. Julian’s, Shrews., m. Ann Sherar, parents of Judith Higgons, b. ca. 1603-1605, who m. William Owen,* April 30, 1628, St. Chad; having issue: Edward Owen, bapt. Feb. 5, 1629, likely named after Judith’s father; Thomas Owen, bapt. July 16, 1635; William Owen, bapt. Feb. 2, 1637. *Obviously Cotymore variety.
2. William Adams, of Longdon, m. Eleanor Jennyns, second-cousin of Eleanor Jennyns, b. ca. 1500, whom. Richard Harris, b. ca. 1495, son of *John Harris and Margaret Leig
3. Thomas Adams, d. 1580, m. Ursula Newton.
4. William Adams, m. Ann Newton, May 30, 1567, in Ludlow, presumably, a degree of cousin.
5. Richard Adams, of Ludlow.
6. Thomas Adams, bapt. Dec. 18, 1603, in Ludlow, m. Jane …
7. William Adams, bapt. Feb. 18, 1638, in Ludlow; probably he who d. Nov. 18, 1690, in James City, and who m. Mary Walker; of the family of William Walker, a tithable in St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent Co. in 1698, who owned 650 ac. in New Kent Co., and 500 ac. in Henrico Co. in 1704. His son, William Walker of St. James Parish, Goochland Co., granted to John Bibey – on N. side of James River & N. side of Castle Branch, 300 acres, bounded by John Curd, Nicholas Parkins, Meadowy Creek, William Harris (of Wolf Swamp), and Phillip Walker. Wit. Robert Woodson, May 16, 1741.
8. Robert Adams, b. ca. 1680. patented 400 ac. in Goochland County on br. of Licking Hole Creek, adj. Hollon’s (Michael Holland’s) land, Aug. 25, 1731, p. 264. His Will was proved June 17, 1740, in Goochland. He m. Mourning Lewis, the dau. of William and Elizabeth (Woodson) Lewis – the probable great-grandson of Jane Langford, grandmother of Major William Harris.

THE CORBETTS WERE CRESSETTS AND HOLLANDS

1. Roger Corbet (d. 1468), Sheriff of Shropshire, m. Elizabeth Hopton
1.1. Richard Corbet (d. 1493), m. Elizabeth Devereux , dau. of Sir Walter Devereux, 1st Lord Ferrers of Chartley, who m., in 1494, (2) Sir Thomas Leighton, Sheriff of Shropshire
1.2. Jane Corbet (aunt of Maud Chalmondly), m. (2) Thomas Cressett, Esq.; estate probated on April 12, 1524. Sir Thomas Leighton m. (1) Ann, dau. of Roger Barker; having issue: Margaret Leighton, who m. John Harris, ancestor of Major William Harris, etc.
1.2.1. Elizabeth Cressett, m. Adam Lutley, whose sister, Joyce Lutley, m. John Holland Sr., enfeoffed in Lamberhurst, Kent, father of John Holland Jr., of Lamberhurst, ancestor of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.2.1.1. Robert Lutley, of Burwarton, m. Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland, whose br., Thomas Holland of Burwarton, was the husband of Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo, bapt. Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury, Shropshire; obit. Bremo Bluff, Henrico, 1665, whose son, Thomas, was named as a friend in the Will of Major William Harris. (‘Colonial Wills’, 1677-92, p. 68).
1.3. Elizabeth Corbet (aunt of Elizabeth Cresset), m. Sir Richard Cholmondeley.
1.3.1. Maud Cholmondeley (cousin of Elizabeth Cresset, sister-n-law of Joyce Lutley), m. Sir Peter Newton.
1.3.1.1. Thomas Newton.
1.3.1.1.1. Ursula Newton, m. Thomas Adams).

5. (Captain, the second so called), Thomas Harris (bapt. Sept. 4, 1603, in Ludlow), removed to Virginia, ca. 1650, having land on Curles Swamp, m. Alice, dau. of Evan Lewis, bapt. Nov. 20, 1603.
5. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, in Ludlow, m. (1) Mary Holland, bapt. Sept. 11, 1608, Ludlow, dau. of Roger Holland and Eleanor Lewis, who m. Jan. 13, 1598, Ludlow. Roger Holland was probably a younger son of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke, second-cousin of Richard Cocke of Bremo (whose son was another “friend” of Major William Harris), and uncle of Alice Holland, who m., in 1632, Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot, first-cousin of John and Thomas Harris, and of Mary Harris, who m. (in 1673, as second wife), Fleetwood Dormer, b. May 21, 1616, son of Sir Fleetwood Dormer (d. Feb. 1, 1638), and Mary Isham, aunt of Henry Isham, who resided at Bermuda Hundred, Henrico Co. (who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royall); their issue being: (1) Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, father of Francis Eppes II.*, (2) Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was, to repeat, Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. Mary Harris.

6. Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64. “John Woodson, Sr. of Henrico Co. to Edward Lester, land next to Richard Cocke, next to land formerly William Harris’s on Curles Swamp, next to land given by *Thomas Harris to his (step) dau. Mary Ligon. Thomas Harris being Mary’s uncle.

Captain Thomas Harris, of the 1624/25 Muster, deceased by 1646, when an act of the Assembly of Virginia of that year ordered a fort to be erected at the Falls of James River, to be called Fort Charles; an abstract being: “And, whereas, there Is no plantable land adjoynlng to fort Charles, and therefore no encouragement for any undertaker to maintnaine the same, lt is therefore, thought fitt and inacted, that if any person or persons purchasing the right of Capt. Thomas Harris* shall or will settle or inhabit on the south side of James River right opposite to the said fort, soe it be done this or the ensueing yeare”. (Act of the Assembly of Virginia, 1646). *His “Longfield” was for sale; he dying without heirs. Thomas Harris held land on the south of the James river called “Longfield”, a distinct entity from the 300 ac. acquired on August 15, 1637, north of the river, by Robert Craddock and John Davis. John Davis also called his land “Longfield”, a common enough English practice concerning long strips of land. William Randolph (named as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris) purchased, from the colonial government, the escheated lands of Nathaniel Bacon in this locality. This land, on Curles Swamp, was adj. to that of Major William Harris, p. 386: The Broadnax versus Soane case of 1700 shows the “Longfield” of Captain Thomas Harris to be Crown property, to be re-granted as an escheat, its last owner having died without issue, hence allowing “person or persons purchasing the right of Capt. Thomas Harris”. Property law in England at this time was based on the doctrine of estates – that all land in England (and Virginia) was owned by the Crown, so that any subject held only an ‘estate’ in that land. Such tenures were of two main types; a “fee simple”, in which land is completely owned and, therefore, is capable of being inherited by the owner’s heirs – whether under a will or the statutory rules of intestacy. A “fee tail” was a form of trust established by a settlement deed which restricted the sale or inheritance of an estate by the tenant-in-possession, causing it to pass automatically to an heir determined by the settlement deed – almost invariably to an oldest son.

7. Richard Ligon, m. Mary, dau. of William Worsham, and Elizabeth …, who m. (2) *Francis Eppes II.
7. Col. Thomas Ligon.*

6. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, in Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, acquired 450 ac. in Henrico County, on the north side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, adj. to Daniel Llewellin, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304.

7. William Harris, named in father’s Will of 1678 as an infant. He was involved in the determination of the lands of Thomas Langford, deceased, in a report dated February 26, 1731: ‘the line between Wm Bird esq. & Alex Cock cannot be found, Edward Hundley present for Wm. Bird, present Henry Hix for Mr. Sam’l Welden, Daniel Patrick, William Harris, Jr. … William Ford hath got ye Lands of Langford’s Orphans’. He is also mentioned in a deed of his stepfather, George Alves, to George Dabney, c. 1716, New Kent Co.: ‘As also Another Certain tract of land lyeing upon the North … line of … said George Alves’s Tract containing 300 acres lyeing in the Parish of Saint Paul bounded beginning at several marked trees of William Harris’s line … to a corner of several mark’d trees in the said William Harris’s Upper Line, thence along said William Harris’s Line to the beginning. Two tracts of land are part of a greater tract of land George Alves by patent 16 Dec 1714’ (2).

8. Elizabeth Harris, bapt. Nov. 27, 1698, in St. Peters Parish, New Kent Co., m. John Hudson,* br. of Robert Hudson.* Admin. bond, 1734, ‘We Elizabeth (Harris) Hudson, William Harris and Daniel Patrick are held and firmly bound unto Nicholas Meriwether, Gent., Justice in the Commission of the Peace for Hanover Co. in the sum of L200 sterling. March 1, 1733. Condition: above bound Elizabeth Hudson Adminr. of John Hudson, dec’d., do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all goods, chattels and credits of the sd dec’d and if it shall hereafter appear that any last Will and Testament was made by the dec’d shall request to have it allowed and if required deliver up her Letters of Admin then this obligation to be void. Elizabeth Hudson, William Harris, Daniel Patrick; ack. by Elizabeth Hudson, William Harris, and Daniel Patrick. This William Harris is Elizabeth’s father, still living in 1735. John Hudson held land adj. the 1,000 ac. patented by Charles Fleming, 0ct. 26, 1690, on Mattadequin Creek, husband of Susanna Tarleton, dau. of Stephen Tarleton. His estate was settled by his son and executor, John Fleming,* the br. of (1) Ursula Flemming, who m. (April 3, 1710), m. her cousin, Tarleton Woodson, and (2), Judith Fleming, who m. (Oct. 16, 1712), Col. Thomas Randolph, second son of William Randolph of ‘Turkey Island’, named as ‘friend’ in the Will of Major William Harris. *John Fleming was the son-in-law of Samuel Jordan of New Kent Co., whose Will was probated June 11, 1719, bequesting: It is my will that my beloved friend (br.-in-law) John Fleming have the plantation of Thomas Langford, dec’d & the management of his estate & the bringing up of his son Thomas Langford as wholely to himself.

These Langfords descended from a brother of Jane Langford (wife of Rowland Harris, as herein given), whose grandson, William Langford, m. Jane Jordan, of Stone Acton, Shropshire, (6), neighbour of Henry and John Fleming. Shropshire Archives, 5001/4/1/4). The Flemmings were benefactors of Diddlesbury Church. Henry Fleming was born in 1624. His Will was proved in 1656 (P.C.C. Wootton 124, 294), which mentioned his “brother Fleming” and “brother (in-law) Bassett”. The salient point is that Henry Fleming’s brother was probably the John Fleming who died in New Kent County, April 27, 1686, whose son, Charles Fleming, owned land land next to his cousin, William Basset, whose Will was proved May 14, 1724. Samuel Jordan was likely to be of the family Stone Acton.

8. John Harris, bapt. March 28, 1703, in in St Pauls Parish; land processioned with Paul Thilman , Mazy Wingfield, George Hudson, Daniel Fitzpatrick.
8. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish. At a Vestry held for St. Pauls Parish, 1719, it was recorded that: ‘The Lands of Mr. Geo Alves, Thos. Harris, Geo. Harris, Rich’d Clough, Geo. Dabney Junr., John Crenshaw & David Crenshaw, of which Mr. Geo. Alves and Thos. Harris were Overseers who made this return, the above Order perform’d. Geo. Alves, Tho. Harris’.

Thomas Harris was the likely br. of George Harris, and, as him, would have been peripheral kin of the Stanley/Harris family. The confusion between two distinct lines of Harris arose from the widow of Major William Harris marrying George Alvis, who subsequently, had a son, David Alvis, who married Elizabeth Stanley, da. either of John Stanley or his brother Thomas Stanley. Two seperate groups of Harris held nearby lands; one on the upper Pamunkey River, the other to the east of along Cedar Creek, Taylor’s Branch, and Wolf Swamp. When George Harris witnesses a deed from John Stanley to William Hicks, on Sept. 6, 1734, he did so as a neighbour and peripheral kinsman (through his step-grandfather’s second marriage), and not as a member of the family of the Cedar Creek Harris.

9. William Harris, lived along Wolf Swamp, St. Martins Parish, Hanover Co., first appeared in the land tax list in 1762. Property taxes of William Harris in 1799 and 1800 were listed as ‘William Harris estate on Buffelow‘. His estate was last mentioned in 1805, when Graves Harris and George Harris were involved as executors of the estate. William Harris probably m. a dau. of Mathew or John Graves, as follow.
10. George Harris, m. Sarah Hudson.
11. Ralph Harris, m. (1) Mary McCaul, (2) Agnes Baldwin, Dec. 16, 1790. George Dabney’s Will, of 24 Oct 1729, names a son George Dabney, who was very likely he who witnessed Ralph Harris’ marriage to Mary McCaul, in Goochland Co., December 18, 1785, ‘Ralph Harris to Mary McCaul, daughter of Stokes McCaul. Security William McCaul. Witnesses: Redford Whitlow, Susanah Lacy, Thomas Williams, George Dabney, and Claborne Duval’. Mary McCaul was the daughter of Stokes McCaul and Agnes Williamson. Taxes were paid on 507 acres of land in Prince Edward Co. in the name of William Harris, 1782-1801. This is probably the land bought in 1767 from Caleb Baldwin (who was the second-cousin of the Baldwin sisters the Harris brothers married – M.S), on the Buffalo River (with H. Caldwell as witness) and the 6 ½ acres bought in 1771 from Andrew Wallace on Falling Creek. In 1780, William and Graves Harris petitioned the court to let them repair the water grist mill built by Caleb Baldwin. Henry Caldwell sued William and Graves Harris about the mill damaging his orchard. The mill was ordered to stay in service and William and Graves to pay damages to Henry Caldwell. In 1805, Ralph and Graves Harris and their wives sold 539 acres of land on the Buffalo River to Samuel Carter’ (Carol E. Barron, 2005.).
11. Graves Harris, m. Elizabeth Baldwin, sister of Agnes, Nov. 20, 1787. John Graves Sr. was the surveyor of the road from the mouth of the Tye River to the branches of Harris Creek, and all the titheables betweem Buffalo and Fluvanna Rivers were to assist him. The Adam Graves who m. Martha Holland (b. April 8, 1745), on May 4, 1769 (Douglas Register), may have been a son of John Graves Jr., or his br., Matthew. (Tyler’s Quarterly, vol. 1, p. 81, 1981). She was a granddau. of Michael Holland of Goochland.

(1. John Graves Sr., m. Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth Graves, of Goochland, sell 400 ac. on Ballenger’s Creek to William Barnett, May 28, 1737.
1.1. Matthew Graves, bapt. Oct. 23, 1710, St. Peter’s Parish, m. Sussanah, dau. of Robert Adams (D.B. 4, p. 118).
1.2. John Graves, m. Lucy, dau. of Robert Adams (ibid. p. 248) and Mourning* … whose Will, proven, July 24, 1764, makes bequests to daus.: Mary and Elizabeth Moorman, Susssanah and Lucy Graves; *Sally Harris, ibid., p. 126). *The dau. of William Lewis and Elizabeth Woodson. Mourning Lewis m. Robert Adams on Feb. 4, 1712, in Henrico Co.

Goochland County Virginia Wills: Will of Mourning Lewis Adams, proved Aug. 8, 1765 – “To all to whome these presents shall come, I Mourning Adams, send greeting. Know ye that the said Mourning Adams in pursuance of the last will and testament of my well beloved husband, Robert Adams, deceased, as well as to requite the dutifull and tender of my sons Robert and James Adams likewise for diverse good cause and consideration and in consideration of the sum of five shilling to me in hand paid by each of my said sons Robert and James Adams at and before the sealing and delivery hereof have given and granted and by these presents do give and grant my sons Robert Adams and James Adams to be the heirs forever … and provided likewise that my said sons Robert and James Adams their heirs to do after my decease pay or cause to be paid until each of my Daughters to Witt: Anne Sanders 40 shillings; Judith Clarke 40 shillings; Mary Moreman 20 pounds; Elizabeth Moreman 20 pounds; Aggey Fergerson 20 pounds; to the children of Susanah Graves 20 pounds to be equally divided. To Lucy Graves 20 pounds; Anna Douglas 40 shillings; Sally Harris 40 shillings which said is given in full of any demands that they or either of them might or could have against the estate in my possessions. Witnesses: John Bell, William Carrell, Lewis Cradock, Charles Cox.

D. B. 2, p.114. Jul. 15, 1735: ‘To William Adkinson for 200 ac. N. side James River on branch of Licking Hole Creek, being part of survey by Adams, the other to Michael Holland bounded by Thomas Sanders, Francis Coley, Robert Adams and Michael Holland wit: Thomas Sanders, Richard Parke, Jno Bowie.’

BALDWIN cont.

8. Thomas Baldwyn, Recorder of Shrewsbury, 1677 to 1685.
8. Charles Baldwin (b. ca. 1645), m. July 28, 1669, in Diddlesbury, Mary Baldwin.
9. Edward Baldwin Esq. Bawdewin v Bawdewin. Edward Baldwin gent, of Diddlebury, Shropshire. Defendants: Richard Baldwin (alias Richard Baldewyn). Subject: The plaintiff agreed to provide his younger brother with £30 pa, minus a sum to cover board and lodging whilst living at his house. 1712. (C 6/374/26).
10. Ann Baldwin, bapt. June 22, 1712, in Diddlebury.
10. Thomas Baldwin, bapt. Dec. 31, 1713, in Diddlesbury, d. bef. Oct. 21. 1767, Prince Edward Co., VA.
11. Caleb Baldwin.
10. Devereux Baldwin, bapt. Sept. 26, 1716, in Diddlesbury.
10. William Baldwin, bapt. Jan. 10, 1719, in Diddlesbury. 1745: William Baldwin sells to John Baldwin , both of Amelia Co. Baldwin, William, Will 1760, Amelia Co.
10. John Baldwin,* bapt. Feb. 28, 1720, in Diddlesbury. He, as his brothers, do not appear in any known subsequent record. his. Will was proved in Amelia Co., VA, Sept.. 27, 1770. He names his wife, Elizabeth; his sons: William Baldwin (eldest), John Baldwin; * George Baldwin, daus. Sarah Farley, Elizabeth Whitworth, Mary Smith, Martha Atkins, Edith, Prudence, and Lucy Baldwin. This fits perfectly with the notion that someone b. 1720 would have three daus. b, after 1755 who would not be m. in 1770. *July 22, 1797: Indenture betw. Thomas Elmore, Efford Bentley, William Wood, James Gills, Thomas Ligon, etc., of Amelia County, trustees of Ligons Town, sell to Levy Wright one lot situate in the above mentioned town. Wit. Richard Ligon, Thomas Ligon, *John Baldwin. (Amelia co., D.B. 20, pp. 303-4). These Ligons were sons of William Ligon III., d. bef. October 27, 1796, in Amelia County, son of Wiliam Ligon II, d. 1764, in Amelia County; son of Maj. William Ligon and Mary Tanner; son of *Colonel Thomas Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow.
11. *John Baldwin. John Baldwin, Jr., P. vs. Edward Stuart, D. Upon an attachment obtained by the P against the D’s estate for five barrels of corn, to be settled at 18/ per barrel and his costs, the said D having privately absconded, so that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon him – As above, except Sheriff served the attachment to John Farley, and summoned him to court. Farley’s debt to D was 26/. Court awards judgment to the P, and rules that the P recover the 26/ from Farley, towards satisfying this judgment (Amelia County Order Book, 38b, 1785).
12. Agnes Baldwin, m. Ralph Harris, Dec. 16, 1790.
12. Elizabeth Baldwin, sister of Agnes, m. Graves Harris, Nov. 20, 1787, surety: John Baldwin.

Continuation of settlement.

Continuation of association.

Survival of your branch (species) of a family.

This species of Harris were represented by a branch in Hanover.

copyright m stanhope 2021

p.s.

Thanks to several enquirers of my health: it’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there.

1. John Brantley, bur. Oct. 5, 1592, m. a sister of Thomas Haye, June 26, 1563, in Bengeworth, Worcestershire. The Haye family were frequently Godparents of Brantley children.
1.1. John Brantley, bapt. Oct. 1, 1566.
1.1.1. Robert Brantley,* m. Joan Goodrich, Oct. 16, 1589, in St. Mary, Cheltenham, 15 mls fr. Evesham, dau. of Robert Goodrich, whose family are recorded in Cheltenham Manorial Court records, as tenants of the Norwoods.

There were strong connections between the Brantleys and Goodrichs in Virginia, see previous notes.

ABSTRACT OF THE FIRST CHARTER OF INCORPORATION.

Dated at Westminster, 2d March, 1st James I. A.D. 1603. Abrogated by the issue of a Second Charter, in the 3d of the same reign. After reciting that the borough of Evesham is an ancient and populous borough; and that the burgesses thereof have, from time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, enjoyed divers franchises, as well by divers charters and letters patent, as by divers prescriptions, usages and customs; also that two maces had been accustomed to be borne before the bailiffs of the said borough-the king, at the request of his eldest son, Prince Henry, incorporates the said borough, by the name of the bailiffs aldermen and burgesses of the borough of Evesham in the county of Worcester; to whom he grants a common seal.

Sir Philip Keighley, kt. Philip Gardner, sen. William Byddle, sen, James Michell, Bartholomew Mountford, Edward Walker, Hugh Lyngard, *Robert Brantley, John Wynnall, Edward Bowland, the aforesaid David Sansom and Robert Allen, to be the first twelve aldermen, during life.

There were strong connections between the Brantleys and Norwoods in Virginia:

(1. William Norwood, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Lygon, esq.
1.1. Richard Norwood, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Nicholas Stuard.
1.1.1. William Norwood, bapt. Sept. 6, 1619, Dunster, d. 1702, in Virginia, who bequested to his dau, Elizabeth, wife of Francis Branch, son of George Branch Sr., and Ann, dau. of Francis England, on adjacent land to whom settled Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1.1.1. Richard Norwood (4th son) – appraisal by Edward Brantley, Oct. 25, 1731).
1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Norwood, m. Francis Branch.
1.1.2. John Norwood.
1.2. Henry Norwood, bur. April 10, 1618, Dunster, Somerset, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir John Rodney.
1.2.1. Charles Norwood, Clerk of Virginia Assembly.
1.2.2. Henry Norwood, Treasurer of Virginia, who held an estate in Bishampton, Worcestershire. (7 miles fr. Bengeworth).

1.1.1.1. Edward Brantley, b. ca. 1590. Tickeridge v Staples. Plaintiffs: Thomas Tickeridge, younger son of Thomas Tickeridge, son and executor of Nicholas Tickeridge, gent. Defendants: … Robert Brantly, yeoman, Edward Brantly, his son. 1607. (STAC 8/283/22).

This Edward Brantly may have been he who m. Ann Graveson, in 1615, and whose headright was claimed by John Seward in IOW, in 1638.

1.1.2. Thomas Brantley, m. (1587) Christian Burley, dau. of Giles Burley, bapt. July 16, 1542, in Bengeworth. Francis Burley, headright of Robert Pitt in IOW, in 1638
1.1.2.1. Robert Brantley, “of the parish of All Saints in the town of Evesham”, Will probated April 10, 1659, naming wife, Johan, sons Edward, Robert, JAMES, PHILLIP, and JOHN, and daughter, Ellinor. Robert was deceased at the date of probate, per codicil. Edward is his eldest son and executor, and inherits his father’s tenements and appurtanances in Evesham, with such devolving in the case of his decease to his brothers, in turn.
1.1.2.1.1. EDWARD BRANTLEY, b. ca. 1625, of Virginia, who probably named his sons after his brothers.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Edward Brantley Jr.
1.1.2.1.1.2. Phillip Brantley Sr.
1.1.2.1.1.3. James Brantley.
1.1.2.1.1.4. John Brantley.

See also:

https://tinyurl.com/unsu43pf

copyright m stanhope 2021

Just as important as genealogical tables would be those showing connections between various families which provided the ‘passageways’ by which people from various English areas came together (for mutual advantage) and intermarried. The connections between the Bourne family of Somerset and Worcestershire, and those of Bennett and Pardoe, gave rise to future associations in Virginia, encompassing the families of Brantley and Harris. To understand this is to understand all.

BOURNE

1. …
1.1. Philip Bourne of Worcester.
1.1.1. Richard Bourne, merchant taylor of London and Wells, Somerset. He m. Sylvester Tybolde, who d. bef. Feb. 9, 1593, in Wells. Richard Bourne, Will pr. March, 1594. (23 Dixy). To be buried near my wife in the Cathedral of Wells. Gilbert Bourne (eldest son) to be Exr. To him the Demesnes of Wrodiscombe (Wiveliscombe), with the custody of the great house demised to me by my Reverend brother, Bishop Bourne. My eldest da. Mary. My second son John. My sons William, Roger, Thomas, now detained in a foreign country. To Richard, 100 marks, & Jasper Bourne. A piece of plate to the Chamber of Worcester. To Jane Bourne, my best brasse pott.
1.1.2. Gilbert Bourne. Will proved Feb. 3, 1596: To be buried in Wells Cathedral near is wife. Son John Bourne; daus. Mary, Jane, Philippa; brothers John Bourne (Treasurer of Wells Cathedral) and Roger Bourne. He m. Eleanor Smith.
1.1.2.1. John Bourne, born in Wiveliscombe. Will proved Oct. 21, 1656. To be buried in Wells Cathedral near his ancestors. Eldest s. Roger, s. Henry, s. Gilbert, s. Thomas, younger sons under 16 years of age; daus. Mary, Phillippa, Silvestre, Jane, and Frances; sons in law Mr. Stanhope and Mr. Fleming; nephew Mr. William Wyke; sister Godwin. He m. Elizabeth Weare, d. bef. Aug. 16, 1660, in Halberton, Devon. Elisabeth Bourne, of Gothelney, Som., widow. Will proved by Jane Bourne, Aug. 16, 1660. (163 Nabbs). To be buried at Charlinch. To my eldest son Roger Bourne, my salt that was my cousin Bourne’s, the ring that was my Uncle Jasper’s. Ann, wife of my son Roger. My da. Frances. Roger to have the mortgage of the Manor of Curripole, Tuxwell, & Radlett. My daus. Mary, Sylvestre, & Frances. Richard Cross, gent., my son-in-law. My da. Philippa, deceased. My son Humphry Bourne, & his wife Margaret. His Aunt Stephens. To my son Gilbert, £150. My sons Henry, Thomas (Bourne Thomas, 1638 John Moone – Greer; hence associated with the Fulghams), John, Edward, William, who is under 21. My estates in Huish & Langport, to be sould by my son-in-law, Mr Robert Fleming, & my brother-in-law, Mr John Stephens. My son-in-law, John Stanope. My da. Ellinor, wife of Mr Robert Fleming. Their children Ellinor & Mary Fleminge. My house at Wells. My da. Jane Bourne, Ex. She not to dispose of herself in marriage until she hath discharged or secured all the legacies given by her Father, yet unpaid. Francis Carleil, a witness.
1.1.2.1.1. Roger Bourne, m. Jane Tothill. Roger Bourne, of Wells, Som., Esqr. Will proved May 5, 1624. To be buried in the Cathedral of S. Andrew’s, Wells, where my father & mother lie interred. My wife Jane Bourne. My brother Jasper Bourne, of London, gent, & my cousin John Bourne, son of my brother, Mr John Bourne, decd. To my niece Jane, £400 paid her & her husband. My niece Philippa, £400. To my nephew John Bourne, their brother, the Farm of Wilscombe (Wiveliscombe), left by my father to his father, & by him to my nephew, John Bourne, his son. My cousin Adams. My cousin Weekes. Arthur Duck (Duke), D. of Laws, Robert Eyre, Esqr., & my cousin Edward Wykes, gent., to be overseers.
1.1.2.1.2. Jasper Bourne, m. Joan. Jasper Bourne, of Stanmore Magna, Midd., gent. Will Proved by JOHN BENNETT, May 4, 1636. (67 Pile). My wife Joan. My son (in-law) JOHN BENNETT OF LONDON, MERCHANT, standeth bound to my nephew John Bourne, of Lincoln’s Inn, in £100. My grandchildren, children of my daughter ELIZABETH BENNETT, pictures of my late brothers William and Thomas Bourne, decd. My da. Sylvestre, wife of my son William Hutchinson, clerke. My grandson Jasper Fell, son of Henry Fell, late of Hampsted, Midd., gent., & of my da. Sylvestre, now wife of William Hutchinson. My da. Mary, wife of EDWARD BENNETT, MERCHANT. The children of Benett & Hutchinson. My cosin John Cayne, the elder, of North Petherton, Som.

My wife’s grandson, JOHN NORWOOD OF LONDON.*

1. William Norwood, m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Lygon, esq.
1.1. Richard Norwood, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Nicholas Stuard
1.1.1. William Norwood, bapt. Sept. 6, 1619, Dunster, d. 1702, in Virginia, who bequested to his dau, Elizabeth, wife of Francis Branch, son of George Branch Sr., and Ann, dau. of Francis England, on adjacent land to whom settled Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1.1.1. Richard Norwood (4th son) – appraisal by Edward Brantley Jr., Oct. 25, 1731)
1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Norwood, m. Francis Branch, son of George Branch Sr., and Ann, dau. of Francis England, on adjacent land to whom settled Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1.2. *John Norwood.
1.2. Henry Norwood, bur. April 10, 1618, Dunster, Somerset, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir John Rodney.
1.2.1. Charles Norwood, Clerk of Virginia Assembly.
1.2.2. Henry Norwood, Treasurer of Virginia, who held an estate in Bishampton, Worcestershire. (7 miles fr. Bengeworth).
1.3. Eleanor Norwood, m. George Blount, of Wellington, Worcestershire.
1.4. Elizabeth Norwood, m. Richard Moore, esq.

JASPER BOURNE’S WILL. cont.

My wife’s dau., Elisabeth Ireland, alias Norwood. My sister Jane Bourne, late wife of Roger Bourne, of Wells, Som. My brother deceased. My niece Mrs Elizabeth Bishop, wife of Thomas Bishop, of Minehead. My niece Susan, widow of Mr John Cross, Master of Arts, deceased. My niece Mrs Ellinor Carliel, widow of Francis Carliel, gent., decd. My nephew Jasper Bourne, son of my nephew John Bourne, of Gothelney. My nephews John Bourne, of Gothelney, & John Bourne, of Durleigh, Overseers. My son John Benitt, Residuary Legatee & Exr.

1.1.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Bourne, m. JOHN BENNETT.
1.1.2.1.2.2. Sylvester Bourne, m. William Hutchinson.
1.1.2.1.2.3. Mary Bourne, m. EDWARD BENNETT, b. Feb. 2, 1578, in Wiveliscombe, d. bef. Sept. 30, 1664. Eleanor Bennett, sister of Edward, m. Richard Harris (Oct. 8, 1594), in Wiveliscombe, having issue (1) Thomas Harris, who m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wiveliscombe, parents of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Virginia, business partner of JOHN SCOTT and Joseph Bridger, in Bristol. (2) Edward Harris, b. 1597 (who settled on the land patented by his kinsman, Governor Richard Bennett), father of Edward Harris, d. 1677, whose land adjoined that of NICHOLAS HILL.* The said Richard Harris was the brother of William Harris, father of (1) John Harris ( ), father of Elizabeth Harris, wife of … Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster and the relict of Richard Bennett, another Harris kinsman. (2) Thomas Harris, d. 1688, in Virginia, whose descendants had strong links to the Lancasters. Security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, was given by JOHN NEWMAN, br.-in-law by his second wife, and EDWARD BRANTLEY SR.
1.1.2.1.2.3.1. Sylvestra Bennett, bapt. Oct. 25, 1630, in St Olave, London, d. Jan. 9, 1707, m. *NICHOLAS HILL, d. bef. Oct. 20, 1675. The will of Nicholas Hill, dated April 19, 1675, named legatees: wife Silvestra; son Richard; son Ralph; dau. Agnes (a mantle that was her Mother’s and her wedding ring): dau. Martha; son George; dau. Mary; son Nicholas; dau. Anna; dau. Elizabeth; my wife and her six children to have the legacy given her by Major General Bennett; my three children by a former wife. Overseers: Major James Powell, Mr. Thomas Taberer, Mr. William Bressie & JOHN JENNINGS. Witnessess: JOHN NEWMAN, & Mary Davis. Rec. Oct. 20, 1675. The estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677, owed money to Mary Davis.
1.1.2.1.2.3.1.1. Mary Hill, d. bef. Dec. 31, 1695, m. JOHN JENNINGS, d. bef. June 9, 1698.
1.1.2.1.2.3.1.2. Elizabeth Hill, d. aft. 1700, m. William Thomas, d. aft. Aug. 18, 1710.
1.1.2.1.2.3.1.2.1.

1.4.1. Elizabeth Bourne, m. JOHN BENNETT.
1.4.2. Sylvester Bourne, m. William Hutchinson.
1.4.3. Mary Bourne, m. EDWARD BENNETT, b. Feb. 2, 1578, in Wiveliscombe, d. bef. Sept. 30, 1664. Eleanor Bennett, sister of Edward, m. Richard Harris (Oct. 8, 1594), in Wiveliscombe, having issue (1) Thomas Harris, who m. Judith Blake, Nov. 20, 1623, in Wiveliscombe, parents of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, in Virginia, business partner of JOHN SCOTT and Joseph Bridger, in Bristol. (2) Edward Harris, b. 1597 (who settled on the land patented by his kinsman, Governor Richard Bennett), father of Edward Harris, d. 1677, whose land adjoined that of NICHOLAS HILL.* The said Richard Harris was the brother of William Harris, father of (1) John Harris ( ), father of Elizabeth Harris, wife of … Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster and the relict of Richard Bennett, another Harris kinsman. (2) Thomas Harris, d. 1688, in Virginia, whose descendants had strong links to the Lancasters. Security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, was given by JOHN NEWMAN, br.-in-law by his second wife, and EDWARD BRANTLEY SR.

1.4.3.1. Sylvestra Bennett, bapt. Oct. 25, 1630, in St Olave, London, d. Jan. 9, 1707, m. *NICHOLAS HILL, d. bef. Oct. 20, 1675. The will of Nicholas Hill, dated April 19, 1675, named legatees: wife Silvestra; son Richard; son Ralph; dau. Agnes (a mantle that was her Mother’s and her wedding ring): dau. Martha; son George; dau. Mary; son Nicholas; dau. Anna; dau. Elizabeth; my wife and her six children to have the legacy given her by Major General Bennett; my three children by a former wife. Overseers: Major James Powell, Mr. Thomas Taberer, Mr. William Bressie & JOHN JENNINGS. Witnessess: JOHN NEWMAN, & Mary Davis. Rec. Oct. 20, 1675. The estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677, owed money to Mary Davis.

1.4.3.1.1. Mary Hill, d. bef. Dec. 31, 1695, m. JOHN JENNINGS, d. bef. June 9, 1698.
1.4.3.1.2. Elizabeth Hill, d. aft. 1700, m. William Thomas, d. aft. Aug. 18, 1710.
1.4.3.1.2.1. William Thomas. The will of William Thomas named legatees: wife Mary; son Richard, land on the Meherrin river, adj. Samuel Smith; son Samuel, the plantation on which I live. Wife Executrix. Witnesses: LEWIS BRANTLEY, Nathaniel Morrell, & Ann Gray. Rec. July 27, 1741.

BOURNE KIN, the connective thread.

1.2. Walter Bourne, of Wick, Worcs.
1.2.1. Sir John Bourne, escheator, Worcs. 1546-7; m. by 1546, Dorothy, dau. of Richard Lygon of Madresfield.

(1. Richard Lygon.
1.1. Dorothy Lygon, m. Sir John Bourne.
1.2. William Lygon.
1.2.1. Elizabeth Lygon m. William Norwood, Oct. 18, 1569.
1.2.2. Margaret Lygon, m. Thomas Russel, of Strensham, Worcestershire).

The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1509-1558, ed. S.T. Bindoff, 1982: A thirty-one years’ lease of the manor of Ombersley was granted, probably by Queen Mary in 1554, to Sir John Bourne. (Exch. Spec. Com. 26 Eliz. no. 129; Pat. 17 Eliz. pt. i, m. 19). By the Will which he made on 18 May 1563 Bourne provided for his wife, son, the poor of St. James in Bredwardine, Worcester, and servants, and left a ring of gold to Francis Allen. John Barneby sold the manor in 1649 to Richard Bourne the elder. (Feet of F. Worcs. Mich. 1649; Metcalfe, loc. cit.)

THE PARDOE FAMILY were tenants of Sir John Bourne, in Ombersley, ca. 20 miles fr. Bengeworth/Evesham.

John Pardoe v. Robt. Pardoe, John Bourne.: Manor of Ombersley. Touching right and title to lands in Ombersley, late of Thomas Pardoe, and to lands in Ombersley and Uphampton, late of Agnes Pardoe. Customs of manor. The Agnes’ lands called “Jerves,” Redenhurst, and Puckfurlonge, Cutnull, Conyngree, Cole, Orchard, and Lady Acre. (The names of Philip Pardoe and Richard Pardoe* are mentioned). Worcester, 1606-7. (E 134/5Jas1/East9).

The following reconstruction of a Pardoe family is (reasonably) ventured:

1. *Richard Pardoe, m. Anna Hemming, June 7, 1574. Probably closely related to Walter Pardoe, who m. Johanna Russel, Nov. 23, 1578; William Pardoe, who m. Ann Hay, May 18, 1579. It cannot be known if Ann Hay was of the family of Thomas Haye of Bengeworth, although readily assumed:

(1. John Brantley, bur. Oct. 5, 1592, m. a sister of Thomas Haye, June 26, 1563, in Bengeworth, Worcestershire. The Haye family were frequently Godparents of Brantley children.
1.1. John Brantley, bapt. Oct. 1, 1566.
1.1.1. Robert Brantley,* m. Joan Goodrich, Oct. 16, 1589, in St. Mary, Cheltenham, 15 mls fr. Evesham, dau. of Robert Goodrich, whose family are recorded in Cheltenham Manorial Court records, as tenants of the Norwoods. There was an ongoing association between a Brantley and Goodrich family in Virginia.
1.1.1.1. Edward Brantley, b. ca. 1590. Tickeridge v Staples. Plaintiffs: Thomas Tickeridge, younger son of Thomas Tickeridge, son and executor of Nicholas Tickeridge, gent. Defendants: … Robert Brantly, yeoman, Edward Brantly, his son. 1607. (STAC 8/283/22). It was probably this Edward Brantley who m. Ann Graveson.
1.1.2. Thomas Brantley, m. (1587) Christian Burley, dau. of “Gyles Byrleye”, bapt. July 16, 1542, in Bengeworth.
1.1.2.1. Robert Brantley, “of the parish of All Saints in the town of Evesham”, Will probated April 10, 1659, naming wife, Johan, sons Edward, Robert, James, Phillip, and John; and daughter, Ellinor.He requests to be buried in the Church of All Saints, which points to him having a high social status. Edward is his eldest son and executor, and inherits his father’s tenements and appurtanances in Evesham, with such devolving in the case of his decease to his brothers, in reversionary turn.
1.1.2.1.1. Edward Brantley, of Virginia, d. 1688, it is strongly suggested. It may also be reasonable to suggest that he m. Katherine Moore, sister of George Moore, and was the father of Joyce, b. ca. 1646, d. June 09, 1679, who m. FRANCIS ENGLAND, and Katherine, d.v.p., who m. (2) Robert Flake. On Oct. 18, 1669, they deeded land to George Moore in IOW, p. 201, probably Katherine’s uncle. Katherine Flake, dau. of Robert Flake and Katherine, m. (1) William Evans, who witnessed the Will of Edward Brantley Sr. George Moore was the first-cousin of Thomas Moore, who m. Elizabeth, dau. of Giles Elbridge, security given by George Moore and Mr. Edward Brantley. George Moore was also the grandfather of Avis White, who m. John Harris, grandson of Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Edward Brantley Jr.
1.1.2.1.1.2. Phillip Brantley Sr.
1.1.2.1.1.3. James Brantley.
1.1.2.1.1.4. John Brantley).

1.1. Phillip Pardoe m. Margareta Barber, Nov. 20, 1598.
1.1.1. Phillip Pardoe.
1.1.1. PHILLIP PARDOE, bapt. June 3, 1622. He was claimed as a headright of John Scott, of Bristol, business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, on October 9, 1665. As with EDWARD BRANTLY SR., Phillip Pardoe was of a land-owning family, and was not indentured to labour. Such as he and “Mr. Brantley” were part of a widespread manipulation of the headright system. Philip Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr., m. Joyce Lewis, dau. of Rebecca (George) Pardoe, half-sister of Phillip Pardoe, security for the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Rebecca was the dau. of John George, the probable br. of Nicholas George, father-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672, whose estate was appraised by Edward Brantley Sr. John George’s Will was witnessed by George Branch, husband, as given, of Ann, dau. of FRANCIS ENGLAND, on adjacent land to whom settled Edward Brantley Sr.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Pardoe, bapt. Feb. 7, 1624.
1.1.1.3. Margareta Pardoe, bapt. Aug. 26, 1627.
1.1.1.4. Richard Pardoe, bapt. Apr. 20, 1628.
1.1.1.5. Edvard Pardoe, bapt. Mar. 7, 1631.
1.1.2. Robert Pardoe, bapt. Aug. 11, 1596.

An understanding of how English (kinship) families associated in England is to understand who they were in Virginia. An understanding of the connection of FRANCIS ENGLAND to a Harris family (and others) of Virginia reveals much. This was always the real task. It is a shame that it took myself and others so long to realise this.

copyright m stanhope 2021

In notes to myself, I have explored the possibility of the Heriz family of Notts. and Derbys. being antecedant to th Harris family ‘of Radford’, so called, and they to a Harris family of Somerset; and they to one of Virginia. This possibility is simply that, and it is for those reading this note to make their own judgement. What may have been the case is that a number of Devonshire familes established themselves in nearby Somerset by buying the confiscated lands of Glastonbury Abbey. All inquest post mortems concerning all branches of the Heriz family
show them ending in heirs female, so the proposition of a link between the Heriz and Somerset/Virginia is a possibility without comparison, it is suggested. What may be advised, in making a judgement, is not to rely on the claims of those living now as to whom was their ancestor, for, without proof, such claims are but that. Several people living now may share a similar DNA profile, but this is entirely seperate from their claim to an unsubstantiated, common ancestor.

HERIZ

Mr. Blore (An History of the Manor, and Manor-house, of South Winfield, in Derbyshire) gives a cogent account of the Heriz family of Notts., and demarcates between the William de Heriz who m. Matilda, dau. of Ralph Lord Basset, and his nephew of the same name, who m. Adeline, dau. and heir of Robert de Whatton. He also records that Robert de Heriz, as follows, was a man of king John, and was rewarded with lands in Devon:

1. Ivo I. de Heriz, Sheriff of Notts. and Derbys., 1128-30.
1.1. Robert de Heriz, the Sheriff,* .m. Agnes Alcher.
1.1.1. Robert de Heriz.* “To this Robert de Heriz, (Herice) John Earl of Moreton (King John), before he came to the Crown (in 1199), granted that he should have hunting, an huntsman, and all other liberties and free customs in his wood, and in his land of Winefeld, without vexation and without regard of the Earl’s foresters”. At the 1201 Launceston eyre, Robert was a plaintiff for seizin of land taken “by reason of the king’s service” in 1199. He held land in Landegai (Caerhays) and Ebbeford (Efford), Cornwall (Pipe Roll, 1201).
1.1.2. Ivo II. de Heriz, ob. 1225, m. Hawise Briwiere, very probably related (perhaps sister), to William Briwiere, ob. Nov. 24, 1226, sheriff of Devon, Justice Itinerant in 1189, and administrator under King John, witnessing the majority of his charters. This Ivo gave to the canons of Lenton 10 s. yearly, at the same time that Robert his father gave to them his mill at Wystandon.
1.1.3. William de Heriz, m. Adeline, dau. and heir of Robert de Whatton. This William de Hériz, for the health of his soul, and of the soul of Adeline his wife, and for the soul of Robert de Heriz, his brother, gave various lands and possessions to the church of Lenton; he and his wife there offering them in the presence of many witnesses; amongst whom were *Robert de Heriz, William his uncle,* and *Robert the Sheriff.

1.2. *William de Heriz, m. Matilda, dau. of Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton, in Staffordshire, had issue; which issue enjoyed, under an intail, part of the lands of the last Ralph, Lord Basset of Drayton.
1.2.1. Henry de Heriz, listed as a Crusader of Richard I. Assise Roll, Launceston, 1201: “The assize of novel disseisin betweeen Robert de Heriz, complainant, and Henry (de Heriz) son of William stands over because Robert has had seisen by fine which he has had made with the King (John). Robert and Henry de Heriz were retainers of King John (br. of Richard I.), in Notts. and Devon, and their grants of land in Devon would, almost invariably, be witnessed by William de Briwiere. Between 1221 and 1242 Henry de Heriz donated land in Bradford Heriz to Launceston Priory for his soul and that of his wife and his ancestors. Richard Carew’s survey of Cornwall states that the Herys family of Caerhays were of his stock. Bradford Heriz is in the parish of Pyworthy, juxta Holsworthy. Launceston is roughly (20 miles) equidistant on the road from Pyworthy to Plympton, the principal residence of the Harris family of Radford.
1.2.1.1. Henry de Heriz. In 1257, Henry de Herice and John Tyrell of Devon were granted protection for being summoned to travel to Wales to quell a rebellion.
1.2.1.1.1. John de Herice, (became ‘Harry’, ‘son of Henry’), recorded at Loswithiel, ca. 1280. Loswithiel is ca. 25 miles W. of Plympton, which is 3 miles from Radford/Plymstoke.

Bradford Heriz in Pyworthy, Virginstow, in Lifton hundred. Virginstow is a village and civil parish in the Torridge district of Devon, It is situated about 7 miles N. of Launceston in Cornwall. Torridge, Torigge (in Plympton St. Mary parish), co. Devon. Clearly, the Harris family of Radford/Plympton/Plymstoke territorally followed in the ‘footsteps of the Heriz’.

1.2.1.1.1.1. John Harry.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Harry, recorded in Loswithiel in 1371, and Launceston, in 1375; perhaps he commonly given as “ist. of Radford”. He supposedly m. the heiress, Alice le Abbe, thus gaining land in Radford, but his holding here may just as likely have been a purchase.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harry. Debtor: John Harry of Exford in Devon (Carhampton Hundred, Somerset). Creditor: John More, citizen and mercer of London. Amount: £40. 1398. (C 131/214/9). Exford is Efford, where Robert de Heriz is recorded as owning land, as given. Colby, Vis. Devon, 1564: Whitley of Efford. (Exford – Rawl . MS.). Perhaps he commonly given as “2nd. of Radford”.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris, perhaps he he commonly given as “3rd. of Radford”.

RADFORD

1. John Harris, 1st at Radford.
1.1. John Harris, 2nd at Radford.
1.1.1. John Harris, 3rd at Radford, ob. ante 1430, m. Katherine Hanchford, also known as Hansford, the sister of Jane Hanchford, who m. Sir Theobald Gorges, of Wraxall, Somerset, and Braunton Gorges, co. Devon. Their dau. Elizabeth Gorges, m. (1447), Thomas Grenville, who had m. (1) Anne Courtenay, mother of Elizabeth Courtenay, wife of William Hyndeston. Thomas Grenville and Elizabeth Gorges had issue: (1) Mary Grenville, who m. Richard Bluett, of Holcombe Rogus, in Devon, later of Kittisford, Somerset, sister of Philipa Grenville (d. 1524), who m. (1) Francis Harris (1475–1509), of Radford. (2) Sir Thomas Grenville, father of Roger Grenville,* father of (1) Agnes Grenville, wife of John Fitz Jr., grandson of John Fitz Sr.* (2) Amy Grenville, b. 1513, wife of John Drake, Sheriff of Devon, d, 1558; br. of Edmund Drake, father of Sir Francis Drake. (3) Christiana Grenville, m. James Erisey, d. May 2, 1543.

The marriage to a Hanchford heiress is highly probable. The connections it gave are reflected in future, familial contexts, and the Harris armorial of gules, a fesse betw. 3 crescents, arg. is a quartering of the Carey family, bore by Sir John Carey, who m. a ‘d. of Hanckford’. (Harvey, Vis. Devon, 1564).

1.1.1.1.1. John Harris, esq., 4th at Radford, ob. ante Oct. 16, 1485. John Harry, June 7, 1450: Parties: William Hyndeston and *John Fitz Sr. (of Tavistock), querents, and John Harry, esquire, deforciant. Property: The manor of Radford and 1 messuage and 40 acres of land in Plympstoke and Plymphone. Action: Plea of covenant. Agreement: John Harry has acknowledged the manor and tenements to be the right of William, as those which William and John Fitz have of his gift, and has remised and quitclaimed them from himself and his heirs to William and John Fitz and the heirs of William for ever. Warranty: For this: William and John Fitz have given him 100 pounds sterling.

1.1.1.1.1.1. Francis Harrys (d. 1509), son and heir of John Harrys, esquire. Writ, April 22, 1497, recites that the said John lately held of the king, as of the honor of Plympton, late in the king’s hands, by knight-service; that afterwards, viz. October 26, 1486, the king by charter gave the said honor to Edward, earl of Devon, in tail male, with knights’ fees, advowsons, &c.; and that the lands of the inheritance of the said Francis are in the custody of Roger Holand, esquire, by the king’s grant. He was born at Plympstoke, and baptized in the parish church there, and was of the age of 21 years and more on October 16 last (born 1475), as John Speccot, Thomas Tregarthyn, John Arundell Trereys and Nicholas Yeo, esquires, Alexander Arundell, Richard Upcote and Henry Thorne well know, inasmuch as they were present in church at his baptism, and then were there David, the prior of the house and church of Plympton, and David Blakhede, his fellow-monk, godfathers of the same Francis, and Katharine Spicer, his godmother. WILLIAM HARRYS, aged 50 and more (his uncle), held the salt at the child’s baptism.

Francis Harrys m. Philippa Greville; born 1489, sister of Katherine Grenville, 1487-1545., the wife of John Arundel, b. 1474, in Lanherne, son of Sir Thomas Arundel of Lanherne, b. 1452, who m. (1473), Katherine Dinham (d. 1501), of Nutwell, Devon. John Aundel was the br. of Alice Arundell, who m. Sir John Speke of White Lackington; Humphrey Arundel, who m. Philippa Greville, relict of Francis Harris; Roger Arundell, who m. Johanna Calwoodleigh. The Speke family acquired considerable lands in Somerset during the 15th century. (Linked to the Symes of Somerset).
*Thomas Tregarthyn’s dau., Mary, m. Richard Whitleigh; their dau., Margaret, m. *Roger Grenville.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1. William Harris, b. ca. 1506 (see Mr. Westcote, ‘A View of Devonshire’, p. 553, 1845); m. Catherine Esse, dau. and coheir of Henry Esse, (alias Trecarrell,) of Trecarrel in Cornwall. He leased land in Radford of the Killigrews.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Christopher Harris, joint deputy vice-admiral of Devon during the 1590, m. (2), a dau. of Sir John Sydenham (relict of John Fitz, son of John Fitz Jr), of Brinton, Somerset, and Alice Hoby, the relict of Sir Henry Knyvet, of Chotleton, in Wiltshire.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Jane Harris, m. John Harris, of Lanrest* (a cadet branch of this Harris family, see as follows), son of John Harris M.P.; stepson of Dorothy, dau. of William Waldegrave and Julyana, dau. of Sir John Raynsford. Dorothy Waldegrave m. (2) Arthur Harris, Esq., of Woodham, Mortimer, d. July 7, 1597.

1.1.1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Harris,* m. Thomas Gawdy: “A daughter married to Gawdy, of Gawdys-Hall, in the parish of Harleston” (ibid.). *Widow of Walter Steyning, of Holnicote.
1.1.1.1.1.3. Jane Harris, m. Thomas Killigrew Jr. (- Sept. 20, 1513); mortgagors of a ‘John Harris’ and —– Cavendish of land in Dunmowe, Essex. Aother messuage leased to this John Harris* was one held in mesne by the Arundel family, to which Thomas Killigrew Jr. was an atorney.
1.1.1.1.1.4. Isabel Harris, m. John More.
1.1.1.1.1.4.1. “John More, gentleman”. More v Osborne. Plaintiffs: John More and Isabel, his wife, Richard Beryman and Margaret, his wife, John Bilcheford and Johane, his wife, William Cornysse and Elizabeth, his wife, and John Ferys and Catherine, his wife, daughters of John Harrys, the younger, son of John Harrys, of Monkelegh, the elder. Defendants: Hugh, son of John Osborne. Subject: Land at Tokkeslond in Abbotsham. Devon. 1475-1480, or 1483-1485. (C 1/52/198).

1.1.1.1.2. William Harris.
1.1.1.1.2.1. ‘John Harreys of Taunton‘?*

MORE

1. John Moore, of Moor Hayes (d. 1509), m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Clivedon, of Willond. MORE. Cullompton.—“Moorehayes,” says Pole, “lyeth in the parish of Columpton the dwelling of ancient famylye,” from the time of Henry III. At the east end of the north aisle of Cullompton Church is the chantry of More of Morehayes in that parish, and where numerous members of the family are buried. A screen of late date, dividing the chantry from the chancel, has on the cornice a series of eight shields illustrative of the descent of More. 1. (Ermine) on a chevron (azure) three cinquefoils (or) (More). (William Henry Hamilton Rogers, The Ancient Sepulchral Effigies and Monumental and Memorial Sculpture of Devon, pp. 215-9, 1877).
1.1. Margaret More, m. John Walrond, of Bradfield.
1.2. Maurice More, m. Cicely, dau. of JOHN BONVILLE, of Combe-Raleigh; his family originally from Chewton, Somerset.
1.3. John More of Cullompton, 3rd son, co-ex. of father’s Will, m. ISABELL HARRIS.

HANKEFORD

1. Sir William Hankford, Kt. of Monkelegh, Devon, Henry V’s chief justice, d. Dec. 12, 1423, bur. Monkleigh; possessed lands in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, etc. Grantor: William Hankeford, knight, John Stourton, the elder, John Paseware and William Walkeden. Recipient: John Brome and Joan, his wife. Place or Subject: North Perrot. Somerset. 1422. (E 326/7621). North Perrot is on the road which passes through Taunton, on to Wiveliscombe.
1.1. Richard Hankford, the king’s writ for taking on his death being dated May 23, 1419, when Richard the son was found his heir and of full age. He m. Thomasina Stapleton, whose dower brought him Norton and Nonnington, in Somerset.
1.1.1. Sir Richard Hankford, Sheriff of Devon on Nov. 13, 1423; styled “Ricardus Hankeford, miles,” in the inquisition after his death, dated Feb. 28, 1431.
1.1.1.1. Thomasine Hankeford, m. William Bourchier.

Carter v Harreis. Plaintiffs: John Carter. Defendants: JOHN HARREIS, Elizabeth, his wife, William Andrew and Margaret, his wife, and Alice Trymlet, single woman. Subject: A tenement called `Southome,’ in Glastonbury, held on lease from defendants by plaintiff, Isabel, his wife, and John, their son, for their lives. Somerset. 1515-1518. (C 1/400/2). John Carter was the plaintiff against JOHN BONVYLD, Henry Cate, Thomas Crekehaye, John Cowde, John Hamme, and others), concerning land in Colyton, Devon. (STAC 2/24/217). John Bonvyld’s dau., Florence, was the wife of John Bourchier, lord Fizwarren, the son of Fulk Bourchier (who m. Elizabeth Dynham (d. 1516), the dau. of Sir John Dinham (1406–1458) of Nutwell, Devon), the son of William Bourchier and Thomasine Hankford, a dau. and coheiress of SIR RICHARD HANKEFORD of Annery, Devon, nephew of Katherine Harris, wife of JOHN HARRIS OF RADFORD. John Bonvyld held land (of Glaston. Abbey) in Lydeard St. Lawrence, Somerset: Feoffment: John House of ‘Ylmester’ to John Trevelian, knt., JOHN SYDENHAM OF ORCHARD ESQ., John Bonvild, esq., and Will Huett, gent: all mess. etc. in Westow in Lydeard St. Lawrence. (Somerset Arch., DD\SAS\C/795/PR/143, 1517).

1.2. Katherine Hankford, m. John Harry, d. ca. 1430.
1.2.1. John Harris.
1.2.1.1. Francis Harris.
1.3. Jane Hankford, m. Sir Theobald Gorges, of Wraxall, Somerset, and Braunton Gorges, co. Devon.
1.3.1. Elizabeth Gorges, m. Thomas Grenville, who had m. (1) Anne Courtenay, mother of Elizabeth Courtenay, wife of William Hyndeston, and …. Courtenay, the wife of John Fitz.
1.3.1.1. Mary Grenville, m. Richard Bluett (1479 – c. 1523), of Holcombe Rogus, in Devon, later of Kittisford, Somerset, 4 miles fr. Wiveliscombe, 8 miles fr. Nettlecombe.
1.3.1.2. Philipa Grenville (d. 1524), m. (1) Francis Harris (1475–1509) of Radford.

GRENVILLE

1. Sir Thomas Grenville of Stow, Sheriff of Cornwall (d. 1513), m Isabella, dau. of Otho Gilbert, of Compton.
1.1. Roger Grenville.
1.2. Honora Grenville, m. (2) Arthur Plantagenet.
1.3. Jane Grenville, m. (1) *John Arundell, of Trerest.
1.4. Catherine Grenville, Sir John Arundell, of Lanherne.
1.5. Philippa Grenville, m (1) Francis Harris.
1.6. Mary Granville, m (1) Richard Bluet.
1.6.1. Roger Bluett.
1.6.1.1. Catherine Bluett, m. Richard Warre, of Milverton, Somerset, br. of Mary Warre, wife of George Sydenham, of Chelworthy, Somerset, br. of JOHN SYDENHAM OF ORCHARD, ESQ.*

HARRIS cont.

1.1.1.1.2. John Harris, half-brother (it is supposed) of John Harris of Radford, m. ‘a daughter and heiress of Stone of Lifton,’ and had issue William, and four daus., m. to Piper, Jackman, Cole, Allen.
1.1.1.1.2.1. William Harris, d. Jan. 12, 1547, of Stone, m. Thomasin, dau. and co-heir of Walter Hayne, of Hayne, and had issue John, and Wilmot, m. to William Foster, of Hole, in Devon. Walter Hayne was very likely to have been enfeoffed in Hayne as a result of marrying into the family of Drew, lords of that place. He was the progenitor of the Haynie family of Northumberland Co., Virginia.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1. John Harris, aged 40 or more at father’s death (inq. 5 Edward VI., pt. 1, no. 16.), king’s sergeant-at-law.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. William Harris, of Hayne, m. Mary Greville (d. o. Sir Fulk Greville, of Beauchamp-Court, Warwick); her niece m. Nathaniel West of Virginia.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.2. Wilmot Harris, m. John Trevelyan, of Nettlecomb, in Somerset, esq.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1. John Trevelyan, sheriff of Somerset, m. Urith (dau. of Sir John Chichester, of Ralegh, in Devon), bur. May 15, 1591.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. John Trevelyan, m. Margaret dau. of George Luttrell, esq. of Dunster Castle, Somerset.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1. George Trevelyan, m. Margaret, dau. of Sir Robert Strode, of Parnham, Dorset.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.3. John Harris, 2nd. son, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Michael Kelly, of Redcliffe, Devon.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.3.1. John Harris, of Barnstaple, d. Feb. 23, 1591, m. (1) Ann, dau. of Sir John Beckett, of Cartuther. He m. (3) Dorothy, dau. of William Waldegrave and Julyana, dau. of Sir John Raynsford. Dorothy Waldegrave m. (2) Arthur Harris, Esq., of Woodham Mortimer, d. July 7, 1597.
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.3.1. Sir John Harris, M.P., m. (2) Jane, dau. of William Harris and Catherine Esse (as given).
1.1.1.1.2.1.1.3.1.1. *John Harris, of Lanrest.

Mr. Prince: ‘Harris, John, Serjeant at Law to K. Hen. 8, was a native of this county: born either at Stone, or at Hayne, neighbour dwellings, and both his fathers, standing in the parish of Stowford, near Lifton, on the edge of Cornwall, north-west from Exeter about thirty miles. His father was William Harris, of Stone, aforesaid, by Thomasin his wife, daughter and heir of Walter Hayne, of Hayne. His grandfather was John Harris, a younger (half) brother of John Harris, of Radford, in the parish of Plimstock, near Plymouth, Esq. His grandmother was the daughter and heir of Stone, of Stone; at which last place this family resided, until Serjeant Harris, having fairly rebuilded his house at Hayne, made that a gentile and commodious dwelling for himself and his posterity; which hath flourished there ever since in worshipful degree. Serjeant Harris (to carry on the pedigree of this family in this place) by his wife, daughter of Michael Kelley, of Ratcliffe and Southwyke in Devon, had issue five sons, William, John, Oliver, Anthony, and Arthur; and two daughters, Alice married to John Wise, of Sydenham in Devon, Esq; and Wilmot, married unto John Trevillian, of Nettlecombe in Somerset, Esq. William Harris, Esq; married Mary, daughter to Sir Fulk Grevil, of Beachamps-Court in the county of Warwick, Kt. by whom he had issue Arthur, and four daughters’.

QUESTIONS.

1.
Is it reasonable to conjecture that the Harris family of Radford descended from that of Heriz?

2.
Is it reasonable to conjecture that ‘John Harreys of Taunton‘ was of the Harris family of Radford, given some connection to JOHN BONVILLE/Bonvyld, and John Carter, who, to repeat, was the plaintiff against John Bonvyld and others, concerning land in Colyton, Devon. (STAC 2/24/217). John Bonvyld’s dau., Florence, was the wife of John Bourchier lord Fizwarren, the son of Fulk Bourchier (who m. Elizabeth Dynham (d. 1516), the dau. of Sir John Dinham (1406–1458) of Nutwell, Devon), the son of William Bourchier and THOMASINE HANKFORD, a dau. and coheiress of Sir Richard Hankford of Annery, Devon (nephew of the wife of John Harry/Harris of Radford). John Bonvyld held land (of Glaston. Abbey) in Lydeard St. Lawrence, Somerset: Feoffment: John House of ‘Ylmester’ to John Trevelian, knt., *JOHN SYDENHAM OF ORCHARD, ESQ., John Bonvild, esq. and Will Huett, gent: all mess. etc. in Westow in Lydeard St. Lawrence. (Somerset Arch., DD\SAS\C/795/PR/143, 1517).

It may be recounted that John Bonville was the br.-in-law of Isabel Harris, sister Francis Harrys (d. 1509), son and heir of John Harrys, esquire, whose br., William, was b. ca. 1435, and who may have been the father of ‘John Harreys of Taunton‘, who, in this event, would be the 1st-cousin of Isabel Harris, sister-in-law of John Bonville/Bonvyld.

1. John Moore, of Moor Hayes (d. 1509), m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Clivedon, of Willond.
1.1. Margaret More, m. John Walrond, of Bradfield.
1.2. Maurice More, m. Cicely, dau. of JOHN BONVILLE, of Combe-Raleigh; his family originally from Chewton, Somerset.
1.3. John More of Cullompton, 3rd son, co-ex. of father’s Will, m. Isabell Harrys.

1. *‘John Harreys of Taunton‘, clothier, b. ca. 1475, bur. Nov. 1, 1558. Taunton. Carter v Harreis. Plaintiffs: John Carter. Defendants: John Harreis, Elizabeth, his wife. Subject: A tenement called `Suthome,’ in Glastonbury, held on lease from defendants by plaintiff, Isabel, his wife, and John, their son, for their lives. 1515-1518. (C 1/400/2).
1.1. Thomas Harreis, leased lands in Greinton (juxta Glasonbury) of Glastonbury Abbey, in 1554. (C 78/13/43)
1.2. Robert Harreys, b. ca. 1505. Harreys v The Mayor of London. Plaintiffs: Robert, son of ‘John Harreys of Taunton’. Defendants: The mayor, aldermen and sheriffs of London. Subject: Actions of debt by Robert Alford of London, draper, to whom complainant was apprentice, on bonds given by his father upon his apprenticeship and to secure his becoming a freeman of the City. Certiorari. London, Somerset. 1529-1532. C 1/645/20
1.2.1. William Harris, m. Dorothy Westbrooke, Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, 9 miles from Taunton. That is, living on the W. boundary of Taunton and the E. boundary of Wiveliscombe resulted in neighbours seperated by no more than a hedge.
1.2.1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, sister of Edward Bennett, the Virginia coloniser. Richard Harris is named in the register as ‘of Glastonbury’, relating to his family’s land in that place.

3.
Were the John Harris who m. Joan Woolcot, Feb. 6, 1562, in Nettlecombe, the Trevelyan manor ( 7 mls N. of Wiveliscombe), and William Harris, who m. Aug. 31, 1562, Dorothy Westbrooke, in Wiveliscombe, related? That both their families married to the same family Woolcots indicates that they were, as such inter-family marriages were a common feature of this time.

John Harris m. Joan Woolcott, Feb. 6, 1562, in Nettlecombe, presumably sibling of Joan Harris, who m. John Woolcot (alias Collye), May 16, 1568, in. Nettlecombe. In nearby Wiveliscombe, Robert Woolcott, m. Anstis Harris, on Sept. 8, 1569, who, it may reasonably be presumed, was a sister of William Harris, who m. Aug. 31, 1562, Dorothy Westbrooke, in Wiveliscombe. John Woolcot (alias Collye) and Joan Harris, had issue: John Woolcot, churchwarden at Nettlecombe in 1623 and 1632, whose son John Wolcott, husbandman, leased 2 messuages and 30acres in the manor of Woodadvent, Nettlecombe, from George Trevelyan.

As said, it is for each individual to decide if there are reasonable grounds for these Harris being Heriz.

HARRIS IN VIRGINIA

1. William Harris, m. DOROTHY WESTBROKE, on Aug. 31, 1562, in Wiveliscombe, Somerset
1.1. Richard Harris, m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe. She was the sister of Edward Bennett, the Virginia coloniser, and aunt of Thomas Bennett, father of Richard Bennett, d. 1710.
1.1.1. Edward Harris, held land patented by his cousin, (Governor) Richard Bennett, on Nov. 4, 1642.
1.1.1.1. Edward Harris,* d. 1677. The estate accounts of Edward Harris inc. “100. Payd Coll. Bacon for rent”, land bought from Thomas Harris, d. 1672, Edward’s second-cousin. Phillip Pardoe was security for the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. His wife was Jane George (dau. of John George), cousin the first wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. Their dau., Joyce Pardoe, m. Phillip Brantley, whose grandson, John, m. the relict of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. Jane George was the sister of William George, nephew of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. He m. Sarah Thorpe, sister of John Thorpe, appraisee of estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/3, who was, most likely, a son (by a first wife) of Thomas Harris, d. 1712, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

1.1.2. Thomas Harris, m. JUDITH BLAKE, on Nov. 20, 1623, in Wivelscombe.
1.1.2.1. Thomas Harris, b. ca. 1625, d. 1672, in Virginia.
1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, m. (1) Hannah Browne.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Henry Harris, witnessed the Will of John Edwards (N.C. R. March 7, 1750, p. 306, the grandson of Thomas Edwards, br. of Robert Edwards, father of Judith Edwards.
1.1.2.1.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30. His Will was appraised by John Thorpe, br.-in-law of William George, cousin of THOMAS HARRIS, d. 1712. Thomas Harris witnessed the Will of John Scott, grandson of the business partner of THOMAS HARRIS (d. 1672), and Joseph Bridger. (R. July 28, 1729, p. 171).
1.1.2.1.1.2.1. Thomas Harris, m. Sarah Goodwin, dau. of Theophilus Goodwin and Elizabeth Wyche, granddau. of Col. Thomas Goodwin and Martha Bridger, dau. of the said Joseph Bridger.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1.1. Solomon Harris.

The test results for a descendant with Family Tree DNA are a perfect match with Harris Group 4 males.

13 23 14 11 13 14 11 14 11 12 11 28 16 7 9 8 11 23 16 20 29 12 14 15 15 10 10 19 21 14 14 16 20 35 37 12 10

Nick Wormley: More advanced DNA tests, analysing SNPs instead of STRs, currently lead to the same generalised conclusion that every man who has Harris Group 4 DNA shares a mutual, male-lineage ancestor, NOT ALL THAT LONG AGO in historical terms. Ten Group 4s, so far, have been SNP tested and slightly surprisingly, their results are all the same; NO SIGNIFICANT NATURAL RANDOM MUTATIONS HAVE HAPPENED SINCE THEY WERE ONE FAMILY.This closeness of group results, without any aberrations found to date, suggests to me that all tested Group 4s’ common ancestor might well have lived in Virginia in the 17th century. It is quite possible, I think, that perhaps he lived a little earlier, maybe in 16th century Somerset, but I feel it would be pretty surprising if it was any earlier than 1460.

1.1.2.1.1.2.2. Joshua Harris. His estate was appraised by Joshua Claud, Thomas Day (of Bennett association), and Samuel Westbrooke, on June 14, 1770, p. 324. Joshua Claud’s estate was appraised on Dec. 14, 1775, by SAMUEL WESTBROKE, whose estate was appraised by SAMUEL BLAKE, son of Thomas Blake (per estate appraisal), on Feb. 12, 1789. Joshua Claud m. Ann, dau. of William Blake.

1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1712, m. (2). Judith Edwards.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Benjamin Harris, ‘son and heir at law’, of the inheritance from his grandfather, Robert Edwards. Judith Edwards would not legally have had to devise lands to (of age) stepsons, and certainly not lands of paternal inheritance, which would go to a son of hers.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Mary Harris, of Newport Parish, Isle of Wight, deeds her inheritance to Robert Tynes, Dec. 7, 1758. (D.B. 10, pp. 31-32). Wit. Joseph Bridger IV. (great-grandson of Joseph Bridger I., business partner of Thomas Harris, d. 1672; Brewer Goodwin (great-grandson of Thomas Goodwin and Martha, dau. of Joseph Bridger I.), and kinsman of Theophilus Goodwin. Robert Edwards devised his land to three daus., one third of his estate being given to Frances Edwards, half-sister of Judith Edwards, 2nd wife of Thomas Harris, d. 1712. Frances Edwards m. Henry Wyche, br. of George Wyche, whose dau., Elizabeth, m. Theophilus Goodwin; their dau., Sarah, being the wife of Thomas Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1729/30, and nephew of Henry Harris.

1.2. WILLIAM HARRIS.
1.2.1. Richard Harris, bapt. Jan. 28, 1595, “son of William”. (“Harries”).
1.2.1.1. John Harris, bapt. Feb. 18, 1624, “son of Richard”.
1.2.1.1.1. Elizabeth Harris, b. ca. 1662, m. Samuel Lancaster, son of Robert Lancaster Sr. and Sarah, the widow of her 2nd husband, Richard Bennett Sr., d. 1710.
1.2.1.2. Thomas Harris, d. 1688.
1.2.1.2.1. Robert Harris. His descendants had strong links to the Lancasters.
1.2.1.2.1.1. John Harris, m. Avis White, dau. of Thomas White and Ann Moore, dau. of George Moore, br. of Katherine Moore, mother of Joyce, who m. (1) Francis England.

BENNETT.

1.
1.1.Thomas Bennett, bapt. April 2, 1570.
1.1.1.Thomas Bennett, bapt. Nov. 5, 1603, who. m. Agnes Bearde, July 17, 1623
1.1.1.1. Richard Bennett, d. 1709, whose first wife was Anne, who was Charles Barham’s sister (see Douglas Richardson, ‘Plantagenet Ancestry’).
1.1.1.1.1. James Bennett, witnessed the Will of Joseph Bridger. Prob. Apr. 9, 1685: ‘Son: William land granted to me by escheat of 850 ac. formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorothy Bond, and William Blount. Francis Hobbs was the br. of Margaret Hobbs, first wife of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris (d. 1672) and first wife, Eleanor George.
1.1.2. Governor Richard Bennett, bapt. Aug. 6, 1609, d. 1675, in Virginia; his Will bequested two thousand pounds of tobacco to the wife (probably his sister) of “Mr. Thomas Taberer”, whose dau., Ruth, m. John Newman, br-in-law of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2. Elianor Bennett, m. Richard Harris.
1.2.1. Thomas Harris, m. Judith Blake, 1623.
1.2.1.1. Thomas Harris, d. 1672, m. (1) Eleanor George, dau. of Nicholas George, and cousin of Rebecca (George) Pardoe, half-sister of Phillip Pardoe, security for the estate of Edward Harris, d. 1677. Rebecca George was the mother of Joyce Lewis, wife of Philip Brantley, son of Edward Brantley Sr., who gave security for the estate of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.2.2. Edward Harris, settled on the land of his cousin, Governor Richard Bennett, patented in 1642.
1.2.2.1. Edward Harris, d. 1677, 2nd-cousin of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.
1.3. Edward Bennett, bapt. Feb. 2, 1577, in Wivelscombe; later of of St Olave, Southwark, London, and Lawn’s Creek, Virginia. His great- granddau., Mary Jackson, m. George Hardy, whose dau. m. *Edward Harris.

The MRCA of this Harris family was:

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

The diverging lines of descent from him were:

1.1. GROUP A – stemming from RICHARD HARRIS, who m. (1594) Elianor Bennett, in Wiveliscombe. This group includes Thomas Harris, d. 1688.

1.2. GROUP B. – stemming fron Richard’s brother, WILLIAM HARRIS. This group includes Thomas Harris, d. 1672. there is no proof that his line ended in heirs female.

Variations in DNA results would be very minor between these groups.

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