Archive for October 2014
John Browne (Indian Trader) c. 1639 – d. 1713?
The hideously long and willy-nilly compilation of my notes is under a “Page” to the right:
I just stumbled upon this map by Edward Moseley he composed in 1708. I found it here:
https://wilsoncountylocalhistorylibrary.wordpress.com/2014/06/
To my amazement… in the upper left portion of the map just above the Thomas Pollock property is noted “Booth” and “Bradly” …also a creek is labeled as “Woodwards”. Damn! I marveled… this is primary proof of where Booth was living at his death in 1714. I mean, hell, how more hilariously accurate can it be that the “drawer” of the map who actually TALKED to the man DREW his name on the map in the same year. In other words he. was. there. (laughing)
Richard Booth and John Browne were deposed in 1707 by Moseley… this was only one year before this map is credited with being composed. It is perhaps not a leap of logic on my part that Moseley may have been making the draft at the same time. Browne was again deposed in 1710 by Philip Ludwell of Virginia.
That part of my research can be found here… along with “my” map that I did before even knowing about this 1708 map by Moseley. My speculations of Booth and Bradly are spot on. (yes I am patting myself on the back).
So the plot thickens…there is no doubt in my mind that John Browne was in this area when he died (I suspect but have not proven in 1713).
Is this Elizabeth Joyner his daughter (or much more likely a granddaughter)? Do these records point to a son also named John Browne who inherited his land (and perhaps HIS daughter Elizabeth… who is living still in 1741)?
Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County, NC, DB A-H, 1720-1757
Bell, C 167(160) Susanah Brown, John Warren & wife Grace, Sylvester Brown and ____ to Elizabeth Joyner
Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d. Patent July 28, 1713. On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith. Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown. Court *. Thomas Crew D. C/C.
(I note that this does not state that their father died in 1713… it merely says the patent is dated 1713)
C 171 Susanna Brown & Sylvester Brown to William Evans Nov 22, 1729. 5 pds for 100 A. On Horse swamp. Adj. John Thomas, Lazarus Thomas. Wit: Richard Williford, Mary Luden (Laden?). Feb Court 1729. Thomas Crew D. C/C.
and again in 1741…
F 344 Soloman Joyner of Edgecombe Co., & John Joyner & wife Elizabeth of Isle of Wight Co, Va. to Joseph Witherington of Surry Co, Va. Feb 7, 1741. 25 pds, for 256 A. A Patent granted John Brown for 256 A. July 28, 1713 on “Bank of the River” adj. James Curlee, John Smyth Wit: James Washington, Henry Crafford, Morning Crafford, John Sherard, William Plyant, John Fort (FOORT). May Court 1742. Thomas Crew C/C.
So the Elizabeth Joyner who received the Brown property by gift in 1727 was the wife of John Joyner… (of Isle of Wight in 1741)
all of which relates to this patent…
Margaret Hoffman, PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA ABSTRACTS OF LAND PATENTS 1663-1729
3313 pg. 285 John Brown date (not given) 256 acres on the W. side of Chowan River, joining the bank of ye river, James Courlee, and John Smith Witnesses: (not given)
The half dozen patents before and after that one are in the date range of 1713-1716… so logic dictates that the date of July 28, 1713 is probably correct and was referenced in the later deeds… my problem with this is a “death” reference for “a” John Brown in 1713 (Hathawy).
” John Browne dead. April 7, 1713.”, p. 34, Vol. 1, The North Carolina historical and genealogical register. If this is the same guy then the patent may have been issued after his death OR it was perhaps re-issued to a son of the same name. My theory is that it was devised to a John Brown Junior. And this is the John Brown that died sometime before 1727 and was the father of the Brown children who gifted the property to their sister Elizabeth who married John Joyner of Isle of Wight.
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My present theory…
John Browne d.1713 m. Bridgett Lewis (likely a later wife)
…John Browne Jr m. Mary ______ (per some IOW deed references)
…Thomas Browne m. Christian Howell (NOT Maule)… they named a son “Howell” which suggests a naming pattern
...William Browne m. Martha Braswell
…Elizabeth Browne m. Willian Boon (Boon was brother-in-law of Wm. Browne per his will)
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John Browne Jr
… Elizabeth m. John Joyner (John Joyner died 1748… which puts this Eliz in the generation of a granddaughter of the Immigrant)
… Susanna (now famous for a bastard son or two… tsk tsk)
………… one son possibly named Charles
… Sylvester
…Grace m. John Warren (purported to later move to Rowan Co., NC)
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William Browne d. 1719, Thomas d. 1718 … it fits my theory for a John Browne Jr. to die at about this time period… sometime after 1713 and before 1727. Hence the disposition of the property to his children.
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A hat tip to my commenter “Danny”… a worthy opponent. A counter theory to mine is that the immigrant William Boddie of Isle of Wight mentioned in his will a Thomas and William Brown… “Danny” is (so far) convinced that the two Brown(e) sons I discuss are those descendants. I thank him for his continued interest.
To him I offer a basis in facts for my several “hunches” which I am unable to prove but keeps me suspicious.
Several BRASWELL connections…
* The first John Browne I discuss worked for William West (the rebel of Bacon’s Rebellion fame) …West married a daughter of Bracewell. The immigrant Rev. Robert Bracewell resided somewhat close to the present town of Smithfield in IOW as did the immigrant William Boddie. This relationship allowed for the initial meeting of the Brownes and Braswells (both to Danny’s theory AND mine). The two immigrants lived somewhat near each other and this lends credibility to the Boddie/Browne theory. Period… that is the extent of my point.
*William Browne married Martha Braswell… this is one of the points I wish to stress. By the span of time involved for this William Brown(e) and Martha Braswell to marry… the two were residing much nearer to the Blackwater River in the county of Isle of Wight . This Martha Braswell was a granddaughter of the immigrant.
Note the “Giles Limscott” property in the upper right of this map….also the next patent to the left of it and the notation I made from the actual patent “Thomas Madue’s Landing”. Richard Bracewell’s property is not shown but it was right about here.
From Cary Bracewell’s book… The Ancestry of David Bracewell… pg 49
*The immigrant John Browne in the 1690s married a “Bridgett____” … I think this is Bridgett Lewis who is associated with a Brasswell perhaps MERELY as a friend but nonetheless associated. Its that SIMPLE… a mere hunch. After the death of the immigrant (old man) John Browne in 1713?… there is a Bridgett Brown dealing with various Lewis children which in several instances also involve various Brown(e) folks.
here is the thrust of my interest and suspicion about this Bridgett Lewis gal… there were SEVERAL “Bridgetts” in IOW and Nansemond by the way; it was a common name… thick as flies:
http://www.nonawilliams.com/names/braswell/burgess_susanna.htm
More of my speculation of a “possible” Bridgett Lewis connection… (good comments from a “Lewis” researcher):
The devil is in the details… this is one of the most difficult research projects I am dealing with. I also think for a Brown descendant this is a good candidate for a “First Family” designation… which is a pretty big deal in genealogy circles.
And as an afterthought…I have HAD IT…. there was no Christian “Maule” … be she a thought, an idea, a favorite relative’s bona fide fact, a myth, or a ghost… I do not care… I have provided a dump truck full of facts to make my case she did not exist. William Maule was too young to have a daughter and was married to Penelope Eden when the opportunity existed to marry the widow of Thomas Browne. There was not a son of either William Maule or his brother … there is no other Maule in ANY records. Sheesh!
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I also have no “smoking gun” proof that any of these proposed descendants of the Indian Trader were his children… but little clues like below keep adding up…
Could this be the Susanna Browne I mention above?
http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr02-0132#p2-264
Minutes of the General Court of North Carolina
North Carolina. General Court
August 02, 1716
Volume 02, Pages 261-264
[Records of General Court.]
At a Generele Court of Oyer & Terminer & Genell Gaol delivery held at the House of Wm Branch in Chowan Precinct the 2d Augst 1716
Prest Christopher Gale esqr Ch Justice
Jno Worley Esqr his Assistant
Thos Harvey Esqr his Assistant
The Grand Sury Impaneled and sworne
Josph Sanderson fforeman
Rd Lewis
Joa Porter
Thos Luten Junr
Jams Ward
Jams Blount
Thos Yates
Wm Yates
Jno Robinson
Thos Rogers
Edwd Howcott
ThosEveritt
ffras Branch
Geor Houghton
Rd Sewell
Davd Jones
Jno Jennet
Martin ffredk Razon
Wm Leary
no Woodhouse
J Walis Bray
Jacob Rightley Bound to appear at ys Court appeard, and is dismissed without day paying costs
Jno Worley esqr is appointed overseer of the Highway from Mr Longs on the South shore to the fflatt swamp and all person within the sd Limits are required to work on the same Roads
Jno Worley esqr desiring a road to be cleared from the Paupan Neck to Kendricks Creek.
——————– page 262 ——————–
Ordered that Jams Long, Thos Long, Jams Hooper Tho Hawkins Thos Stealey Benjm Blount Rd Canaday, Rd Swinson Jno Browney Nicho Brightman Jno Swain & Jno Simpson be appointed a jury to lay out the same being first qualify’d and that they observe the Law in that case made and Provided.
(There were “Browney’s” in Chowan at this time… so this guy is a non-issue)
Upon the Petition of Wm Stephens setting forth that an apprentice of his Jno Rutter deserted his service and is detained by Jams Thickpen and the sd Thickpen appearing and shewing no Lawfull cause for detaining him, Ordered that the sd Apprentice be returned to his sd Master and continue with him according to his Indenture
Upon the hearing of sundry complaints of Wm Wilkison and Sarah his wife, & Jno Hassell.
It is ordered that the sd Jno Hassell give security that he shall not cohabitt. with the sd Sarah Wilkison
And now here at this day Jno Wattson in Custody of the Marshall to the barr here brought in his proper person came and being asked how of the Crime afsd he would acquitt himself, said, that he is not thereof Guilty & of this he putts himself upon the Country and Danll Richardson who on this behalf followeth for the King likewise
Therefore immediately came a Jury thereof, and the Jurors of that Jury by the Marshall Impanneled being called (yt is to say) Henry Bonner Lemll Taylor Tho: Spight, Jno Harlow Xphr Dudley Edwd Jackson ffras Pridgeon, Chas Hopten, Wm Thompson John Goodin, Orlando Champeon, Jno Beverly Appeard, who to speak the truth of and upon the premises chosen, tryed and sworn say upon their oaths
We of the Jury find the Deft not Guilty
Ordered that the sd Wattson be dismissed without day paying his fees
And now here at this day Danl Richardson Esqr Attorney Generall of our Lord the King being prsent here in Court in his proper person and being spoken to and asked if he against the said Mary Lee had any Information or presentment to make that the same might be laid before the Grand Jury answered, No. Whereupon by the Court here the said Mary Lee is dismist without day
To the Honble Christopher Gale Esqr Ch: Justice & to his assistants for holding the Genell: Court for this province
The Jurors for our sovereign Lord the King that now is presents Hugh Davis of the Precinct of Pequimons in the County of Albemarle in the Province afsd ffor that he the sd Hugh Davis on or about twentieth day of Novr 1715 did unlawfully mismark seven pigs belonging unto
——————– page 263 ——————–
Captn John Pettiver Esqr Contrary to an act of assembly in that behalf made and provided.
DANl RICHARDSON Attorney Genll
And upon this at the self same Court before ye afsd Justices the afsd Hugh Davis in Custody of the Marshll to the Barr there brought in his proper person came and being asked how of the crime afs he would acquitt himself said that he is not thereof Guilty and of this he putts himself upon the country and Danl Richardson who in this behalf followeth for the King likewise
Therefore imediately came a jury thereof & the Jurors of that Jury by the Marshall Impanelled being called (that is to say) Henry Bonner Lemll Taylor, Tho. Spight, Jno Harlow Xphr Dudley Edwd Jackson ffras Pridgeon Chas Hopton, Wm Thompson, Jno Goodin, Orlando Champion, Richd Batchelor appear’d who to speak the truth of and upon the premises chosen tryed and sworn say upon their Oaths
We of the Jury find the Deft not Guilty
Ordered that the sd Davis be Dismissd without day paying his fees
To the Honble Christopher Gale Esqr Ch Justice & to his assistants for holding the Genll Court for this Province
The Jurors for our Sovereign Lord the king that now is presents Mr Thos Lee in the Precinct of Chowan in the County of Albemarle in the Province afsd for that he the sd Thos Lee on the tenth day of July 1716 at Chowan afsd maliciously a certain false Libell in writing to the Defaming of Capt Jno Worley Esqr one of the Justices of the afsd Generall Court did issue forth and Publish containing Inter alia these false and scandalous words following Thro’ his ignorance and spight to me (meaning him the sd Thomas Lee) I am like to be a great sufferer in many particulars for he takes opportunity (meaning him the sd John Worley) of giving ill advice to my servants, and to give it to the prejudice of their master, and upon complaints made to him for debts above the Value of Twenty shillings he does not stick (meaning him the sd Jno Worley) to intermeddle without law on his side but grants orders for the same and severely reprimands the Constable and Comands him not to give Copies of the Warrants & Orders he Executes, he exacts more ffees than the law allows which is contrary to the Oath, and when Goods are taken in Execution and the money Tendered he orders the officers not to Deliver them, & yt Instead of doing his duty (meaning him the sd John) he broke the Peace whereby the sd John is Scandalisd &c And is against the Peace of our Lord the King that now is his Crown and Dignity.
——————– page 264 ——————–
Wee the body of the Grand Jury for Albemarle County in the Province of North Carolina do present Charity Brown for that she hath a Bastard Child at the House of Mr Thoss Rogers in this Precinct of Chowan
(I have no idea who “Charity” belonged to)
Also in Currytuck Precinct one Edwd Boune leaving a wife in Virginia and keeps a whore in this Governmt by which it very plain appears that She hath severall Bastards by him the sd Boune.
Also one Susanah Brown living at Petty Shore hath two Bastards
(BINGO! this little lady may be the straw to break the brick wall)
Information of Capt Jno Worley also who keeps in his house the wife of Jno Hawkins she having severall children Contrary to Law.
JOSph SANDERSON
Adjourned to the Court in Course
C. GALE Ch: Just:
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The Susannah Brown “living at Petty Shore” is now on my radar… Petty’s Shore in on modern maps as well as historic documents, particularly the below Cival War map of 1863 or so.
I found another specific reference to her in Hofmann’s Chowan Precinct…1696-1723, pg 218. This record is the minutes of Chowan Court July 1715. This is 2 years after I “suppose” John Brown Sr died. (But per the later records she would fit as a granddaughter and not a daughter)
“Whereas Susannah Brown (?), by her Oath on ye Holy Evangelist, Declared that John M—— is father to a bastard Child born to her, it is Ordered that the Marshall have the bodys of the sd. M—— and the sd. Susannah Brown at the next Court”.
(3 “M” neighbors nearby were Mann, Mayner (Maner Manear) and Merritt… the abstractor left 6 “dashes” because she did not feel confident of the letters to make a judgement… when I do abstracts I try to make the “dashes” relate to the letters I cannot read……. just sayin’)
Which begs the question… is this the same Susannah Brown 12 years later… and still not married? (deed referred to above)
Bell, C 167(160) Susanah Brown, John Warren & wife Grace, Sylvester Brown and ____ to Elizabeth Joyner
Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d. Patent July 28, 1713. On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith. Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown. Court *. Thomas Crew D. C/C.
(I have no idea who this “Charles Brown” is…)
This base map is the Civil War map found under “Pages”…
This is about where I suppose John Browne Sr died perhaps in 1713 (per records of Moseley and Ludwell depositions of 1707 and 1710)…. and further suppose John Browne Jr may have lived.
Restating my theory…
John Browne Sr (the Indian Trader) dies 1713 about the same time his cohort Richard Booth dies. His son John Brown Jr “probably” inherited the land per the law of primogeniture (and hence no record was needed).
This reference may be the death of John Brown Jr in 1719… or not?
Hofmann, Chowan Precinct, 1696-1723, pg 243… again a court minutes entry… 20, Jan 1719.
“The last will and Testament of John Brown is proved by Edward Mosely.”
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an interesting tidbit…
The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 1, Hathaway, pg 119
“Wm. Daws, to Isaac Lewis; 17 January, 1714. 180 acres on Wicacon Creek. Test, John Brown, Jacob Lewis”
Isaac Lewis and Jacob Lewis had co-property at this time within walking distance to the John Brown property on Petty Shore. I also note that he is not designated “Sr” or “Jr”… I propose this could be because the “Sr” had died by 1714 and there was no need to separate the 2 in this deed. The Lewis men also “might” suggest my theory that the “senior” Brown’s wife was Bridgett Lewis… these two men possibly being her sons/relatives from a prior marriage. (also the mystery Anthony Lewis that I discuss elsewhere).
In other words… the 3 men above could be step-brothers? … or not? I would love to see this actual deed! These abstracts do not cut it.
William Daws dies 1719… this John Brown is witness and possibly executor?… it appears to me he is designated as “John Brown Senior”…
This will is dated July 21 1719… which would make the death date of the John Brown I mentioned from the court minutes of Jan 20, 1719 impossible. So I am flummoxed again! But this Brown is still in the game.
DAWS, WILLIAM. Chowan Precinct.
July 21, 1719. October Court, 1719. Sons: WILLIAM and ELYJAH (268 acres of land). Executors: WILLIAM BAKER and JOHN BROWN. Witnesses: JOHN BROWN, JOHN MANEAR, ELIZABETH BAKER. Clerk of the
Court: R. HICKS.
(Source: Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, By: J. Bryan Grimes, Secretary of State, 1910, Page 96)
“Dissirring [desiring] William Baker and John Brown Senor [Senior] to assist them as need shall require” It goes without saying that John Brown would be living nearby to “assist them as need shall require”.
Note that the signature of John Brown is in the same hand as the rest of the will… perhaps he wrote it???
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Here is a John Brown Jr in Chowan… 1721 (which doesn’t help my theory unless this is a grandson of the “Trader”).
http://chowan.lostsoulsgenealogy.com/census/1721.htm
“Good Grief Man!” you might be thinking, “how many John Browns can there be at this time and place”?………. quite a few. Which is why this is still a theory (smiling).
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But back to the jigsaw puzzle…. we have several pieces that need to fit just to create a chunk to add to the “big picture”.
Susannah and her sister Grace “gift” their father’s property to their sister Elizabeth (m. John Joyner) in 1727… this deed is why I insist John Brown Jr must die before 1727. (Do the math… if the Indian Trader b. 1639 was still alive he would be about 88 yrs… entirely possible but unlikely I think)
Bell, C 167(160) Susanah Brown, John Warren & wife Grace, Sylvester Brown and ____ to Elizabeth Joyner
Feb. 12, 1727/28. *. 256 A. “…love… for our sister Elizabeth Joyner…” Land formerly belonging to our father, John Brown dec’d. Patent July 28, 1713. On WS Chowan adj. J. Curlee, J. Smith. Wit: Fincher Hayne, Charles Brown. Court *. Thomas Crew D. C/C.
To re-cap… Susannah may still be unmarried and living near Petty Shore… or wherever… who knows- perhaps with sister Grace? John Warren though, IS still living in the area as can be seen by these records:
…from will of James Peake 1728…
“Item my will is that my executors hereafter mentioned do grant & give to
John Warren of the precinct a good and lawfull deed for one hundred acres of
land that he now lives on he paying at his ens__ling the said deed Tenn
pounds currant mony of North Carolina not withstanding not withstanding
(sic) any thing that is before mentioned to the contrary.”
Who the hell was James Peake you ask?… he was a merchant from Boston… AND he owned property near ALL these guys I mention.
BK B PG. 112
1715 – Elinor Merrett/Meriet to William Nixon/Mixon (melton) 16 Apr 1715 p of atty to act in open Court 130 A for ye said William Merret unto James Peeke. Witnesses: Peter Evens, Rich Barfield.
Ellinor Merritt to Wm. Mixon. Power of Attorney to acknowledge deed to Rich’d Barefield for land sold by my husband Charles Merritt and Peter Evans to said Barefield, 280 acres on Deep Creek branch, Test. Wm. Mixon, Peter Evans.
Same to acknowledge deed to James Peake, of Boston, Executed by my husband Charles Merritt for 130 acres on south side of Chowan River, at ye mouth of Deep Branch; Apl. 16, 1715. Test, Peter Evans, Richard Barefield (NCHGR 138).
Charle Merritt’s property was within walking distance of Petty Shore… James Peake devised it to John Warren and Grace (Browne).
And this… to further complicate the matter of WHEN John Brown died…
1727 Inventory of John Brown, Jr by John Warren -mentioned: John Maines, John Alston, Robert Warren
1727 Inv. of John Brown, SR by John Warren, Adm
1728 John Brown Jr Est-by John Warren, Adm Acctg of sales-held at house of John Warrin/Warren
(This fits my theory… John Browne II and III die at about the same time which brought about the dispensation of the property to the remaining heirs)
I have not found that Inventory. Obviously it may be the key to the missing puzzle pieces, particularly if it lists any “buyers” who might be related. I checked online at Familysearch.org and did not see any record for this John Brown. So… if anyone checks the Bertie records… please report.
The reference is from an obscure web post by Sadie Sparks on a Rootsweb message board where she had compiled some WARREN notes:
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NCBERTIE/2007-11/1194722298
The Merritt property is at “Deep Branch”…he was there in 1707 (he was also deposed by Moseley and Ludwell) but later had other properties elsewhere… but this is where James Peake acquired Merritt’s patent from his widow and “willed” it to John Warren (married Grace Browne) in 1728. (Whew!… a lot to work all this out)
Brown inventory abstract…. slim pickings… I know Mr. Gammon and its not in his nature to leave out any pertinent information.
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An aside … Elizabeth Browne married John Joyner…
What is going on where a gal apparently living south of modern Winton, NC … Wicacon Creek area… would meet and wed a fella from Virginia? John Joyner was the son of Bridgeman Joyner… follow the blue asterisks and see where these folks probably were born and bred…
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Another aside… and another jigsaw puzzle piece…
Note who this property is sold to… one William Evans…
C 171 Susanna Brown & Sylvester Brown to William Evans Nov 22, 1729. 5 pds for 100 A. On Horse swamp. Adj. John Thomas, Lazarus Thomas. Wit: Richard Williford, Mary Luden (Laden?). Feb Court 1729. Thomas Crew D. C/C.
Did this William Evans hail from Kingsale Swamp in Nansemond near the immigrant John Brown? And could there be old family ties?
On July 27, 1682, Robert Lawrence, William Scott, Robert Couger, and Francis Hutchins witnessed the will of Peter Edwards of Isle of Wight Co. On November 6, 1682, Robert Lawrence, Richard Booth, and John Brown, witnessed a deed of Mathew Strickland and his wife Eliz. of Lower Parish to William Evans of Upper Parish 800 acres on the main swamp of King Sale for 4,000 bls. of tobacco.
This Wm Evans “might” be the father of the Wm Evans of North Carolina in 1729? The property referenced above adjoined Brown’s land in Kingsale Swamp.
Some background on the older Evans…
Children Robert Flake:
1. Elizabeth Flake
2. Mary Flake
3. Robert Flake Jr.
4. Katherine Flake ca 1667 – ?
married 1st 1689 William Evans
married 2nd bef. 1692 Thomas Pierce
from 17th Century Isle of Wight by Boddie – p 606 from Deed Book 1 IoW VA
Robert Flake, aged 70, said that Wm. Evans on his death bed said that Mr. James Benn should have a deed of 400 acres out of his 500 acres on Kinsale as Mr. Benn has paid for it. 10 Aug 1692.
Katherine Pierce, exrs of Wm. Evans, aged 25, said that her former husband Wm. Evans said that 400 acres belonged to James Benn.
Thomas Moore said that he wrote Wm. Evan’s will and that he gave his remaining land at Kinsale to his son Thomas Evans.
Thomas Pierce and Kath. his wife deed the said 400 acres to James Benn. John Giles, James Tullaugh, Hen. Applewhaite, Jas. Day.
Law suit between Matthew Strickland Sr. and Catherine Pierce. This occurred on October 10, 1694 IOW, VA.
Plaintiff, Mathew Strickland did not appear, defendant, Katherine Pierce granted non-suit (dismissed).
This involved the sale of the land (800 acres) for 4,000 lbs of Tobacco to her former husband William Evans who died 1692 and the sale also to James Benn. Catherine Evans remarried to Thomas Pierce by then (1694).
Ref:
from 17th Century Isle of Wight by Boddie – p606 from Deed Book 1 IoW VA
Robert Flake, aged 70, said that Wm. Evans on his death bed said that Mr. James Benn should have a deed of 400 acres out of his 500 acres on Kinsale as Mr. Benn has paid for it. 10 Aug 1692.
Katherine Pierce, exrs of Wm. Evans, aged 25, (I think this is her age, not Evans) said that her former husband Wm. Evans said that 400 acres belonged to James Benn.
Thomas Moore said that he wrote Wm. Evan’s will and that he gave his remaining land at Kinsale to his son Thomas Evans.
Thomas Pierce and Kath. his wife deed the said 400 acres to James Benn.
Power of Attorney to John Brown.
And the tantalizing proof of above… the reason for my suspicions…
Isle of Wight Co. VA Deed Bk 1, p. 361:
1 May 1702; William Evans to George Benn…400 acres (being land my father William Evans, dec’d, sold to James Benn, dec’d, the father of said George Benn) was 1/2 of 800 acres bought of Matthew Stricland by said William Evans, dec’d, and called “Capt. Benn’s land” on Beaver Dam Swamp.
Wit: Arthur Smith & William Kerle.
(Note in above you have two sons dealing with a complicated land deal of their fathers… a law suit settled the matter… I suspect that Wm Evans Jr may have simply lost out in the deal and may have said to hell with it and moved to the Wicacon Creek area of NC???)
“Matthew STRICKLAND appears to have settled about 1678 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, where he passed the rest of his life. On June 6, 1687, Matthew (M) STRICKLAND gave a power of attorney to John BROWN to execute a deed to William EVANS “by reason of my nonability to travel to court held for this County the 9th of this Instant June” in Isle of Wight County, witnessed by Richard (RB) BOOTH and Elizabeth (S) STRICKLAND.”
On June 6, 1687, Mathew (x) and Elizabeth (E) STRICKLAND of the Lower Parish deeded to William EVANS of the Upper Parish for 4,000 pounds of tobacco in cask 800 acres in the Lower Parish between the Main Swamp of King Sail and Beaver Dam Branch adjoining William COLLINS (from a tract of 902 acres patented by the said STRICKLAND on September 26, 1678, of which 102 acres had been leased to Thomas JONES for ninety-nine years on November 6, 1682, witnessed by John BROWN, Richard (RB) BOOTH, and Robert (R) LAWRENCE.
There are several EVANS around the area of Chowan/Bertie that I have been discussing… indeed a Robert Evans was at “Petty Shore. However I think they came from Peter Evans of Perquimans Co.
The William Evans I am centered on may be the son of the man that obtained his IOW property from Mathew Strickland and it adjoined the old man John Brown… hence my interest of any possible family ties. Note this reference:
Gammon’s Record of Estates, Bertie Co. pg 9
108 (page 131) FINCHER HAINS (?) (remember him from a prior Brown deed I discussed… and on my map above)
Inventory May Court, 1738 by Anne Hains, admrx. Record includes notes against William Williamson, William Evans, Betty Avers and John Speir. (so he is still in the area by 1738…. this would be age appropriate in my opinion) I don’t think anyone has traced this guy so I would be curious who his wife was? Also the Fincher Hayne Hains above for that matter… Anne _____?