Craven County NcArchives Biographies.....Family, Willis ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Homer Willis homer1941@gmail.com April 3, 2012, 10:37 am Source: www.VirginiaFamilyResearch.com Author: James & Karen Ward James E. Ward, Sr., CGSM Karen B. Ward, M.A. www.VirginiaFamilyResearch.com 9906 Warson Court North Chesterfield, Virginia 23237-3908 804-796-5042 09 January 2012 Homer Willis 3249 Midnight Star CT Kissimmee Fl 32744 Dear Mr. Willis: I have enclosed the results of our research on the Willis family of Middlesex County, Virginia. Specifically, your goal was to learn how the Richard Willis who was married to Martha and who eventually moved to Craven County, North Carolina connected to the Willis family of Middlesex County. Although we have gained some insights on this question, his family link has not been firmly documented. I will begin my discussion of our "findings" with the immigrant ancestor, Thomas Willis. I have enclosed notes on the origin of the record of Thomas Willis being transported to Virginia on the Speedwell. This record comes from the Public Record Office in London and is part of ship departure records from 1635. This record only establishes that a Thomas Willis, age 19, was among the passengers bound for Virginia on the ship Speedwell of London which was Mastered by John Chappell. This record does not reveal any specific destination in Virginia. During this project, I have found documents which lead me to believe that "your" Thomas Willis of Middlesex County arrived in Virginia at a later date. In Patent Book 3 of the Virginia State Land Office, there is a record of Thomas Willis receiving a patent in 1653 for 170 acres in York County. This patent was due for the transportation of five persons into the Colony including himself and Mary Willis. This means that Thomas Willis paid for the transportation of himself and his wife. As it took some time for a land survey to be made and a patent granted, Thomas and Mary Willis likely arrived in Virginia several years prior to the 1653 patent date. In the Court Order Books of Lancaster County, there is a 1658 record of Thomas Willys receiving a Certificate for the transportation of himself, Mary his wife, and ten others. A number of the names on this list are the same as on the 1653 patent record. Note that York County was formed in 1634 as one of the original shires. Lancaster County was formed in 1651 from portions of Northumberland and York Counties, and Middlesex County was formed in 1669 from the southwestern portion of Lancaster County. In 1667, Thomas Willys and Mary, his wife, of Lancaster County sold a tract of land on the south side of the Rappahannock River to Abraham Weeks. The part of Lancaster County south of the Rappahannock River became Middlesex County after 1669. It therefore appears that Thomas Willis and his wife of Middlesex County were the same Thomas and Mary who arrived in Virginia several years prior to their 1653 patent. Thomas and Mary Willis had five children recorded in the Parish Register of Christ Church Parish between 1655 and 1660. (Eleanor, Richard, John, Mary & Thomas) All of these children were born in what was then Lancaster County. As you know, Thomas Willis died sometime prior to 1670 when his widow entered into a marriage contract with Mathew Bentley. In this agreement Richard, John and Ellinor, the three oldest children of Mary Willis, are provided for by Mathew Bentley. It appears that Thomas and Mary, the two youngest children, may have died before 1670. During our research, I did not find any additional reference to these younger children. Thomas Kidd, a neighbor to the Willis, wrote his will in 1680 and named his wife, Jane, to be his whole executrix. He appointed his son, Thomas, to be guardian of his younger children should his wife decease before they came of age. Richard and John Willis were appointed to be overseers. There may have been a family relationship between the Kidd and Willis families. In 1681, Mathew Bentley wrote his will and mentioned Mary Allden, Robert Allden, John Willis and Matthew Perry. He named his "loving Son, Rich'd Willis" as the executor of his estate. There is further evidence of John and Richard Willis being the sons of Thomas Willis in Patent Book No. 7. John Willis received a patent in 1684 and Richard Willis received a patent in 1685 in which each are identified as sons of Thomas Willis. John Willis became ill in the spring of 1688 and wrote his will dated 20 April 1688. John Willis died on May 4, 1688 according to the Register of Christ Church Parish. His will was proved in Middlesex County Court in July of 1688. The surviving copy of this will is very poor and cannot be read in its entirety. However, it is possible to decipher that he left bequests to his sister, Elenor Allden, and her children John and Mary. He also mentioned John Barlow and his brother, Richard Willis who was his executor. John Willis died without a wife or children. Also in 1688, Ellenor (Willis) Allden was in Court for having an illegitimate child. In the Court records we learn that the father was Henry Thacker. Land records indicate that the Thackers were neighbors to the Willis and Alden families. In 1693, Lettice Aldin, the daughter of Elenor Aldin, was bound to Mr. Marvell Moseley until she arrives at legal age. This certainly appears to have been the child which Elenore Aldin had with Henry Thacker. Richard Willis received at least a portion of the land of his brother, John Willis. In March of 1688/89, Richard Willis took John Barlow to court to collect 3100 pounds of tobacco which Barlow owed him. John Barlow testified that he had a "crop of tobacco upon the plantation late of John Willis now in ye possession of Mr. Richard Willis." This suit was dismissed after Richard Willis received his share of this crop. Eleanor (Willis) Alden was later married to a Kemp. In 1714, Eleanor Kemp, widow of Essex County, sold to her son, John Alldin of Middlesex County, the plantation which had belonged to her brother, Richard Willis. This land was sold for the "love which I have for my son," and for the further consideration of a bond given by her son payable to her two daughters Mary Nalle and Catherine Torbett. Since Eleanor Kemp had legal right to the plantation of her brother, Richard Willis, and was therefore able to sell the plantation by deed of gift to her son, John Alldin, we can surmise that Richard Willis died without legal heirs of his body. Richard Willis was referred to as both "Capt." and "Gent." in the county records. In 1699 when he received his Certificate for the importation of eighteen persons into the Colony he was referred to as "Capt." As you know, a Richard Willis was among the eighteen persons transported. Elizabeth (Betty) Landon was briefly the third wife of Richard Willis. In his 1700 Middlesex County will, Thomas Landon referred to "Capt. Richard Willis" as his son-in- law. Richard Willis, Gent. died without a will and on the 3rd of February, 1700, Betty (Landon) Willis, his widow, was granted Administration of his estate. Betty Willis was married to Robert Carter by January of 1700(01) when he requested Richard Bayley to appear as his Attorney in Middlesex County to collect debts owed to him and his wife. At the Library of Virginia, we have the original Middlesex County inventory and appraisement of the estate of Richard Willis, Gent. dated February 4, 1700. I took digital photographs of this record and copied the images to a CD for you to review. The inventory includes 38 slaves, detailed lists of clothing, and a room by room list of furniture, livestock, and a list of outstanding debts. Our research has shown that the immigrant, Thomas Willis, had two sons, John and Richard, who survived into adulthood. However, there is no evidence that either John or Richard had any children. They certainly did not have any sons alive at the time of their deaths. Thomas Willis also had a daughter, Eleanor, who survived into adulthood and was married to Robert Alden and to Mr. Kemp. She had children named John, Mary and Catherine by her marriages. She also appears to have had an illegitimate daughter named Lettice with a neighbor, Henry Thacker. It does not appear that the younger Richard Willis of Middlesex County, who was married to Martha, was a direct descendant of Thomas Willis or his sons John and Richard. It does appear reasonable to suspect that he was the Richard Willis transported into the Colony in 1699 by Capt. Richard Willis. It may be that the Richard Willis transported in 1699 shared common ancestors in England with the Willis family of Thomas Willis. I believe it would also be reasonable to suspect that Thomas Willis, who arrived in Lancaster County in the 1650s, may have shared common ancestors with the Willis family of Gloucester County. If you have not done so, I would suggest comparing the DNA of the Willis family of Craven County, North Carolina to that of the Willis family of Gloucester, Virginia. If Richard Willis of Craven County, NC shares markers with the Willis Family of Gloucester County, Virginia, we will know that he intentionally migrated to Middlesex County to live with or near family members. Thank you for allowing me to investigate the Willis Family of Middlesex County for you. Although we have not been able to identify the link of Richard Willis of Carven County to the Middlesex County Willis family, I do believe we have been able to eliminate some apparently false claims by other researchers. If I can help you further with your Willis family research or with another family line, just let me know. Thank you: James E. Ward, Sr., CG *************** Willis Family Research Middlesex County, Virginia December2011/January 2012 The Original Lists of Persons of Quality…1600-1700… From MSS Preserved in the State Papers Department Of Her Majesty's Public Record Office, England Edited by: John Camden Hotten Published London, 1874 Reprint: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1983 Page 82-83: 28 Maij 1635 Theis under-written names are to be transported to Virginea imbarqued in the Speedwell of London Jo: Chappell Master being examined by the Minister of Gravesend of their conformitie to orders & discipline of the Church of England & have taken the oath of Allegiance (Among those listed) Tho: Willis …. 19 (age) Virginia State Land Office LVA Reel No. 2 Patent Book No. 3 (1652-1655) Page 33: (See entry at bottom of page) 14 April 1653 - Thomas Willis, 170 acres (acreage visible in the margin) Yorke County, commonly called Yorke Ridge, bounded on the east by the land of Thomas Jackson, deceased, thence parallel to Dead Man's Brooke & adjacent to the land of Wm. Clarke, deceased and the land of Edward Wright. Tho. Willis, Mary Willis, Ed Peirce, Eliz Costen and Christian Bartlow land due for Image file: PtBk_3_p33.jpg Lancaster County, Virginia Orders, 1656-1666 Page 48: Date: Court Held 27 May 1658 Page 50: Certificate to Thomas Willys for transportation of himself, Mary his wife, Edward Peiste, Ralph Syndland, Batholomew Underwood, John Stimpson, Isabell Coster, Xtian Bartlow, James Wiggons, George Hurst, Eliz. White & Anne Lorkey. Image files: Lancaster_OB(1656-1666)_p48.jpg; Lancaster_OB(1656-1666)_p50.jpg Lancaster County, Virginia Deeds, 1666-1680 Page 28: 21 October 1667 - Thomas Willys and Mary his wife to Abraham Weekes, tract of land on the south side of the Rappahannock River adjacent to Rice Jones Wit: Rich. Hughes, Stephen Rudnell Recogn: 23 Sept 1666 Mary Willys' consent 22 Oct 1667 Wit: Rich. Lewys and William Pell 23 Oct 1667 Image file: Lancaster_DB(1666-1680)_p28.jpg Note on County formation: York County was formed in 1634 as one of the eight original shires or counties. Gloucester County was formed in about 1651 from the northeastern portion of York County. Lancaster County was formed in about 1651 from portions of Northumberland and York Counties. Middlesex County was formed in 1669 from the southwestern portion of Lancaster County. Parish Register of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia From 1653-1812 Published by the National Society of the Colonial Dames In the Commonwealth of Virginia Births: 18 April 1655 - Ellianor Willis daughter of Tho. Willis and Mary Willis 29 August 1656 - Richard Willis son of Tho. Willis and Mary Willis 24 November 1658 - John Willis son of Tho. Willis and Mary Willis 23 February 1660 - Mary Willis daughter of Tho. Willis and Mary Willis 8 September 1660 - Thomas Willis son of Tho. Willis and Mary Willis Middlesex County, Virginia Order Book No. 1 (1673-1680) Page 115: Know all Men by these presents that I Mary Willis of Rappa. River in ye County of Middx. Widdow, by and with ye consent of Mathew Bentley of ye River & County aforesd Shoemaker mine intended Husband doe now in ye time of my Widdowhood give & dispose of unto my three Children Richard, John & Ellinor Willis by these presents as followeth that is to say that if it please God that the said Mary Willis die before my said Three children come at age that then Tenn Dicker of Tan and Leather be made good by the said Mathew Bentley and to be equally divided amongst my said Three children when they come of age or to ye survivor or survivors of them as likewise that ye Negro man if he live soe long with: ye stock of Cattle equally to be devided amongst my said Three Children or ye Survivors of them Provided always that if ye said Mathew Bentley be ye survivor of me the said Mary Willis that the he shall have ye use of ye said Leather Negro and Cattle as Guardian of ye said Children until they come of age and if it shall happen that all my children die before age and that then ye said Mathew Bentley enjoy ye said Estate wholly unto him and his heires for ever. In Witness whereof Wee ye Mary Willis and Mathew Bentley have sett or hands and Seales ye 6th day of February Ano. Mom 1670 In ye presence of us - Jeremiah Tailer, John Risdon Signed: Mathen Bentley Mary Willis P. 115a: Know all men by these presents that I Mathew Bentley doe stand indebted unto ye Estate of Mary Willis Widdow & her three children Richard, John & Ellinor in ye quantity of Thirty Thousand of sound merchantable tobacco & Caske to be paid convenient as to ye place where is shall be demanded I bind me my heires this 6th day of February 1670 The Condition of this obligation is such that if ye above sd Mathew Bentley doe perform the Covenants made by his owne consent in a Deed of Gift of ye Mary Willis unto her Children bearing the date with these presents that then this present obligation in presence of us Jeremiah Tailor, John Risdon Signed: Mathew Bentley Image Files: Mddlsx_OB-1_p115.jpg; Mddlsx_OB-1_p115a.jpg Virginia State Land Office Patent Book No. 7 Page 402: 21 October 1684 - Mr. John Willis - 1150 acres Middlesex County near the plantation of Thomas Tuggle and adjacent the plantation of Edmund Mickleburrough, John Nash and Henry Thatcher on the head of Indian Cabbin Branch - 600 acres granted Thomas Willis, his father, and Robert Middleton on 15 September 1658 (Middleton assigned to sd. Willis); and 550 acres due for the transportation of 11 persons. Image File: PtBk_7_p402.jpg Page 471: 20 April 1685 - Mr. Richard Willis - 300 acres in the Draggon Swamp adjacent to Thomas Kidd and the White Oak Swamp - Granted to Thomas Willis, his father, 22 October 1661, & renewed last of Aug. 1664. Due for the transportation of 6 Persons. Image File: PtBk_7_p471.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Order Book No. 2 (1680-1694) Page 354: Court Held 4 July 1688 Mr. Richard Willis humbly praying that the Estate of his Brother John Willis might not be Inventoried, for the said Estate was but very inconsiderable indebted. And in Court promising and obligating himselfe, his heirs, Executors and Administrators to pay and Satisfie all such debts as shall be made appear to be due from the said Estate for any person or persons whatsoever And the said Willis further doth further oblidge himselfe his heirs … Image file: Mddlsx_OB-2_p354.jpg Page 363: Court Held 3 Sept 1688 Ellenor Alding vs Henry Thacker Ellenor Alding Bringing a motion to this Court against Mr. Henry Thacker - and after a full hearing of ye matter it is referred to Mr. Morris Carter - difference between Ellenor Alding Plaintif and Mr. Henry Thacker Deft doe find for the Deft which verdict it by this Court confirmed & a nonsuit is granted to ye Deft with Costs Ordered that Ellenor Alding pay to Nicho. Ffowkes and his wife for 4 days attendance as Evidence according to Law Image file: Mddlsx_OB-2_p363.jpg Page 390: Court Held 4 Feb 1688/89 The suit of Elenor Alding agt Henry Thacker is dismist Elenor Alding comes into Court & declares upon her Oath that Mr. Henry Thacker hath had carnal knowledge of her & upon her body did begot a Child of which She was delivered in April last & ye said Elenor further declaring that she is not able to Keep ye sd Child, but that ye pish (parish) must take care of the same, It is therefore ordered that Mr. Henry, the reputed father of ye sd Child doe Keepe And mainteyne the sd Child for Ever Same the pish (parish) harmeless … Image file: Mddlsx_OB-2_p390.jpg Page 399: Court Held 4 March 1688/89 Judgmt is granted to Mr. Richard Willis agt John Barloe for "thirt" one hundred pounds of good Scented tobacco in Cask with costs - Execution to issue upon this Judgmt until the 20th day of this Instant the sd Barloe pleading that he hath a crop of tobacco upon the plantation Late of John Willis now in ye possession of Mr. Rich. Willis which is not yet shared, it is therefore furthered ordered that the Sher. Doe somons Mr. Alexander Smith, Mr. Robert Price & Mr. Nicholas Land or any two of them to goe to ye house Late of John Willis upon the 25 day of this Instant & after there being Sworne before ye Justice of Peace they weight & Share the cropp there made by John Barloe & the hands there with him & if they find the tobacco merchantable that they deliver the sd Barloe's Share to Mr. Richard Willis toward Satisfieing this Judgmnt & make Report to ye next Court of the same. Who accordingly doe report that they delivered Eight Hundred & Eighty pounds of merchantable tobacfo to Mr. Rich Willis it being ye full share of ye sd John Barloe. The suit of Mr. Rich. Willis dismissed. Image file: Mddlsx_OB-2_p399.jpg Page 492: 2 Feb 1690 - Mr. Edwin Thacker, Mr. Thomas Stapleton are ordered & appointed to audit & settle ye same in the difference between Elenor Alden & Mr. Rich'd Willis whoe Returned the balance due to Mr. Rich'd Willis to be five thousand seven hundred forty four pounds of tobacco & cast Ordered that Mr. Richard Willis ye Executor of the Last Will & Testament of John Willis doe deliver to Elenor Alden for the use of John & Mary son & daughter of ye sd Elenor Alden two cows & calves & a young mare which was bequeathed to the sd children by the sd John Willis & hath formerly acknowledged in Court for the use by the sd Mr. Richard Willis Image file: Mddlsx_OB-2_p492.jpg Page 578: 2 January 1692/93 - Lettice Aldin, ye Daughter of Elenor Aldin, becomes bound by the Court to Mr. Marvell Moseley untell shee comes of age according to the Custome of this Countey & that ye Clerke of this Court write her Indenture. Image File: Mddlsx_OB-2_p578 Middlesex County, Virginia Order Book No. 3 (1694-1705) Page 141: (Faded areas) Court Held 3 Aug 1696 Upon an Action of Detinue brot By Robert Scholfield the Executor of Michaell Griggs dec'd plt against Capt Richard Willis, Deft ye plt declaring for the Sum of one thousand pounds Sterling damages & costs and all and singular the goods & chattels, negroes money &c of the estate of the said dec'd and the deft appeared and pleaded to the said Court for the said case was … this County court before which plea the Court…that ye minutes of the case was not entered into the deft then pleaded to an … of the action for that … made a miss_____ of the will for that the words to his and his heirs forever was not restated in the said declaration and the Court was of opinion that they are not … words to ye cause now at Barr and the deft…our and said that the ___ or inventory awarded to the said Michaell Griggs dec'd and the … same appear to be the Inventory of ye Estate of ye said deceased by a copy from a Record or otherwise …is thereupon dismissed this court The second wife of Capt. Richard Willis was Ann the daughter of Michaell Griggs. The Executor of the Estate of Michaell Griggs evidently felt that Capt. Richard Willis held items belonging to the estate which should have been inventoried. Image file: Mddlsx_OB-3_p141.jpg Page 257: Court Held 14 Nov 1698 Richard Willis Gent is appointed guardian to William Carter and Daniell Carter, orphans of William Carter, deceased. Gawin Corbin Gent: Security Image file: Mddlsx_OB-3_p257.jpg Page 280: Att a Court held for the County of Middlesex the 8th day of May 1699 Certificate according to Law is granted Capt. Richard Willis for the Importation of eighteene person into this Collony, by name Phillip Colbert, Martin Naul, Robert Lorton, Edward Maning, Patrick Maning, William Humpreys, William Humpreys, Junr., Edwd. Gill, Richard Willis, Richard Sammon, Ann Gibbins, Mary Almon, John Cuck, John Cary, Jno: Bone, Thomas Smith, John Zachery, William Evans - having proved the same by his Oath. Image file: Mddlsx_OB-3_p280.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Wills 1675-1798, parts 1 & 2 Loose Wills Number 12: Original Page No. 89 Will of Thomas Kidd of Rappahannock River in the County of Middlesex Dated: May 28, 1680 In the name of God Amen, I Thomas Kid of Rapahanack River in the county of Middlesex being sick of body butt in perfect health of memory praised be to God for it att the making of this my Will and Testament. First I bequeath my soule to God my maker, that gave it to me and my body the ground.; to bee burried in a decent manor. Second my will and pleasure is that my son Thomas Kid shall have my dwelling house & plantation after his mothers decease with foe hundred and fifty acors of land ajoying theirto; Lirkewise my will and pleasure is, that noe parte nor parcell of the estate shall bee alienated or disposed of; but it shall remaine to him and his heires lawfully begotten or to my sonne William or his heires lawfully begotten and in case of mortallity that niither of my sonns enjoy it; then the whole tract of land, that is now undivided between my sonns, to be equally devided between my toe datterss, Elizabeth and Jane, further my will and pleasure is that my sonne William Kid have my other plantation with two hundred acores theirto ajoining; further my will is that my son William have the first increase of the mare called gemo and then she and her increase be equally devided between my three children, William, Elizabeth & Jane, at their coming of age; further my will and pleasure is that my sonn Thomas; have that horse colte that sires one my other mare called bonny; further my will is that my datter Elizabeth have a cow called brandy, with hur increase and my sonn William to have one yearline heafer called by the name of brandy's heafer with her increase, further I will and bequeath to my wife Jane Kidd all the rest of my estate and my wife Jane Kid bee whole executrixe and adminisstrative and after my wife's decease if he be alive, I appointe my sonn Thomas Kid to be gardian to the rest of my children; and Richard Willis and John Willis to be oversseres. All the aforesd articles is the will and desire of me Thomas Kid as witness my hand and seale this 28th day of May 1680. Testes; JOHN WILLIS Edward Docker Image file: Mddlsx_Wills-1675-1798_#12.jpg Number 29: (Poor Copy) The will of Mathew Bentley Dated: 30 June 1681; Recorded: 4 Jan 1684 Mentions Mary Allden, Robert Allden, John Willis and Matthew Perry. "loving Son, Rich'd Willis" was named executor. Image file: Mddlsx_Wills-1675-1798_#29.jpg Number 56: The will of John Willis (Poor Copy) Dated: 20 April 1688; Proven: July Court 1688 Includes bequests to Elenor, John and Mary Allden, John Barlow and brother, Richard Willis. The executor was his brother, Richard Willis Mddlsx_Wills-1675-1798_#56_p1.jpg; Mddlsx_Wills-1675-1798_#56_p2.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Will Book A (1698-1713) Page 49: Thomas Landon will dated 9 Nov 1700 / recorded: 3 Feb 1700 Son in law Capt. Richard Willis and his wife Betty Willis Daughter Mary Jones Son St. Ledger Landon Exor.: Wife Mary Landon Image File: Mddlsx_WB-A_p49.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Will Book B (1713-1734), part 2 Page 315: Will of John Aldin 23 Feb 1726 Wife Frances Alldin my plantation and land for life. Son John Alldin Daughter Elizabeth Smith wife of John Smith Daughters Frances Alldin and Martha Alldin Land adjoining Edwin Thacker, Mr. Richard Willis and John Burcks Exors: Wife, son in law John Smith and John Alldin Wit: Robt Wmson, William (W) Mansfield, Thomas Southworth Signed: John Alldin Recorded: 2 May 1727 The 1726 will of John Alldin mentions land adjoining that of Mr. Richard Willis. This reference could reference land of the estate of Mr. Richard Willis, deceased. It may also reference land of the younger Richard Willis who migrated to Craven County, North Carolina. At the Library of Virginia, I was not able to determine when Richard Willis settled in Craven County. This date may already be know to you. Image File: Mddlsx_WB-B_315.jpg; Mddlsx_WB-B_316.jpg The Library of Virginia Barcode No. 1153249 Middlesex County (VA) Circuit Court Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Richard Willis February 4, 1700 (32 pages - including blank pages) Page 1: A true and perfect Inventory and appraisement of all and Singular the Estate of Richard Willis Gent dec. appraised by William Churchill, Gent, John Smith & John Hopkings by Virtue of an order of Middlesex County Court dated the third day of February 1700 being first sworne before Tobias Middleburrough Gent one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace of the said County Vitz- Pages 1- 21: Inventory of 38 slaves, detailed lists of clothing, a room by room list of furniture, livestock. Page 21: Signed by William Churchill, John Smith and John Hipkings March 3rd 1700 - Returned in open Court held for the County of Middlesex and Admitted to Record by order of the Court. Edwin Hacket - Clerk of Court Page 22: A list Debts due to the Estate of Richard Willis Gent deceased taken his ledger being a large new Book dated May the 25th Anno Dom 1700 taken by William Churchill Gent, John Smith and John Hipkings by virtue of an order of Middlesex County Court dated the 3rd day of ffebruary 1700 being first sworne before Tobias Middleburrough Gent one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County Vitz Pages 22 - 26: List of those owing debts to the estate Page 26: February the 7th 1700 The above list by the Subscribers amounting to two hundred ninety three pounds fourteen shillings and seven pence and thirty eight thousand nine hundred and eighty three pounds of tobacco. William Churchill, John Smith, John Hipkings March ye 3rd 1700 Returned in open Court & admitted to record by order of ye said court Edwin Thacker Clerk of Court Images made by digital camera from original document: RichWillis_estate_001.jpg through RichWillis_estate_026.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book No. 2 (1694-1703) Pages 182: Know all men by these presents that Whereas Michaell Griggs late of Lancaster County in Virginia by his Last Will in Writeing dated ye 22d day of March 1687/8 did give to his Wife Anne Griggs all and singular his personall Estate of which devise after the death of said Michaell Griggs the same Ann became lawfully possest in her own right of severall negroes, horses, cattle, household stuff & other chattels and Whereas the sd Ann being so possest hath since Entermarried with Richd. Willis now of the said County of Lancaster by force whereof ye sd Richard Willis is become rightfully possext of all and singular the said chattels Now Know Yee that the said Richard Willis & Ann Willis for the sum of Ten Shillings Sterling to be paid before the sealing thereof by Edwin Conway of the County of Northumberland Gent doe hereby selle to the said Edwin Conway & his heires forever Nine Negroe men slaves and seaven Negroe Women & three Negroe girles & also Fifty head of Cattle old & young all of ye proper markes formerly used by Michaell Griggs & Robert Griggs & running upon the land and plantations formerly to them belonging and also twelve horses and mares formerly belonging to the said Robt. And Michaell and runing upon the plantations aforesaid and also one Silver Tankard & all the household stuff & other goods & chattels of what nature or quality formerly belonging to the said Michaell Griggs and by force of the said device come to the hands & possession of the said Richd Willis & Ann Willis. In Witness whereof wee have sett our hands & seales this 7th day of July 1696. In presence of us: Will Todd, Thomas Tompson Signed: Richd Willis Ann (her R mark) Willis Recorded: 10 May 1697 As of the 1696 date of this agreement, Richard Willis was still married to Ann, the daughter of Michaell Griggs. Since Richard Willis was married to Betty, the daughter of Thomas Landon, by the time of his death in 1700. It is evident that his marriage to Betty Landon was of short duration. Image File: Mddlsx_DB-B_p182.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 2 (1694-1703) Page 280-281: (Damaged document) 6 February 1698 - Mr. Richard Willis of Middlesex County to John Kelley, Cooper, of the same county, for valuable consideration, 34 acres of land at Corner Hickory at Green Swamp at the Mouth of ye branch which issueth out of ye Swamp - being part of the land containing 1340 acres patented by Mr. Richard Willis dated 6 November 1663. Wit: Augt: Williamson, Adam Batchelder Signed: Richard Willis Recorded: 4 Nov 1695 Image File: Mddlsx_DB-2_p280.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-2_p281.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 2 (1694-1703) Page 385-386: (Damaged document) Know all men by these presents that Wee Betty Willis, William Skipwith, and Gawin Corbin of County of Middlesex are bound unto Mathew Kemp, Francis Weekes, Henry Thacker, John Smith, John Grymes and Harry Beverley Gent his Justices of the said County in sume of six thousand pounds Sterling money of England this 3d day of 1700. The condition of this obligation is such that Whereas Administration of the Estate of Richard Willis deced is by said Justices granted unto Betty Willis, now if Betty Willis shall returned a perfect Inventory and lawfull Appraisement of all the Estate of the said Deceased to next County held for the County and likewise render full account of all part and pay the same unto whom of right it shall belong and that Justices be saved from all Lawsuits concerning said Estate that then this obligation to be voyd otherwise to stand. In presence of Robert Dudley, Paul Thilman, Garrett Minor, Edwin Thacker Signed: Betty Willis, Wm. Skipwith, G: Corbin Recorded: 3d February 1700 Image File: Mddlsx_DB-2_p385.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-2_p386.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 2 (1694-1703) Page 447: (Middle of page) Mr. Richard Bayley - January 31st 1700 There are severall persons in Middlesex that are indebted to me and my Wife Administratrix of Mr. Richard Willis deceased I have ordered Mr. Kemp to propose to them comeing to Court to acknowledge there debts that I may have Judgment for them I must of necessity be at Richmond Court on Wednesday next: so that desire you to appeare as my Attorney at Middlesex and in my name to take Judgments of those that confess them and I doe hereby ratifie and confirme what you shall doe therein Wittness my hand the date above Robert Carter (Signature torn) Wit: Will: Oastlar, John Babe Image File: Mddlsx_DB-2_p447.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 2 (1694-1703) Page 473-474: 2 Nov 1702 - Edwin Thacker to John Davis, consideration of Fifty pounds Sterling money and120 acres of land, hath conveyed 150 acres of land at the head of Esqr. Wormeleys Creek on the North side of the Main Swamp on the lower side of the mouth of a branch in the land of Richard Willis, deceased… Wit: Samuel Fox, Paul Thilman, Henry Tugel Signed: Edwin Thacker Recorded: 2 Nov 1702 Image File: Mddlsx_DB-2_p473.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-2_p474.jpg Virginia State Land Office Patent Book No. 9 Page 427: 12 November 1701/02 - Chicheley Corbin Thacker - 3080 acres of land in King & Queen County in Pamunkey Neck - Due for the transportation of 62 persons. (Including Phillip Colbert, Martin Naul, Robert Lorton, Edward Maning, Patrick Maning, William Humpreys, William Humpreys, Junr., Edwd. Gill, Richard Willis, Richard Sammon, Ann Gibbins who also appear on the 1699 certificate of Capt. Richard Willis.) Image file: PtBk_9_p427.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 3 (1703-1709) Page 142-144: 4 August 1707 - John Alldin of the county of Middlesex, Planter, to Robert Norman of the same, Planter, for the consideration of 65 pounds Sterling, granted 200 acres in Middlesex County being part of a Patent granted unto Mr. Thomas Willis 22 October 1661 and since granted unto Richard Willis, son to said Thomas Willis by patent dated 20 April 1685 and bounded by the north course of the Dragon Swamp… Wit: Paul Thilman, James Beckham, Nat. Underwood Signed: John Alldin Frances (X) Alldin Recorded: same day Image files: Mddlsx_DB-3_p142.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-3_p143.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-3_p144.jpg Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 3 (1709-1720) Page 351-353: This Indenture made this 5th day of October in ye year of our Lord God according to the Account used in England 1714 between Eleanor Kemp of County of Essex Widow of one part and John Alldin of County of Middlesex Whereas the said Eleanor Kemp by Indenture bearing date the 5th of October in said 1714 for consideration did sell unto John Alldin Son of said Eleanor Kemp for the love I have to my son in consideration of a bond given by my sade Son John Alldin payable to my two Daughters in Essex Mary Nalle and Catherine Torbett hath sold unto sade John Alldin that is to say the land which he now lives on calld by name of Basenin and all that land belonging to ye Plantation where my Brother Richard Wills lived and a parcel of land which did belong to my Brother Richard Willis lying on the South side of the White Oak Swamp with its share of ye Dragon Swamp the plantation called the White Oak Plantation together with all my right of a parcel of land lying between the Green Branch and the Bryery Swamp being the remainder of a Patytent whereof part was sold to Abraham Weekes deceased and all other land wherein I have any right which sade lands are being in the County of Middlesex and it is agreed upon betwixt the above said parties that she shall not be hindred from living upon the said plantation and working with hands she hath with the use of what timber she hath occasion for and during her naturall life and at her decease the said plantation and appurtenances shall remain with said John Alldin and heirs forever. Wit: Jos. Hardee, Garritt Minor, John Bristow Signed: Eleanor Kemp At a Court held for Middx County the 5th day of October 1714 Eleanor Kemp came into Court & Acknowledged this lease and release to her Son John Alldin which is admitted to Court Know all men by these presents that I Eleanor Kemp of Essex County am bound unto my Son John Alldin of County of Middlesex in sum of one thousand pounds Sterling money of England this 5th day of October 1714 The condition of this obiligation is such that if Eleanor Kemp shall keep all things mentioned in Indenture and shall not lay any clame to the sade lands that then this bond to be void otherwise to stand In presents of us Jos. Hardee, Garitt Minor, John Bristow Signed: Eleanor Kemp Recorded: 5th Oct 1714 Image File: Mddlsx_DB-3_p351.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-3_p352.jpg; Mddlsx_DB-3_p353.jpg The Quit Rents of Virginia, 1704 Compiled by Annie Laurie Wright Smith Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1975 F225 .S64 1975 Willis Alexander Princess Anne County, 1704 Willis Fran Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704 Willis Francis Capt. Glocester, Ware Parish Willis Jno Junr Accomack Willis Jno Senr Accomack Willis John Norfolk County, 1704 Willis Stephen Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704 Willis Wm King William County Note - No Willis landowners in Middlesex or Lancaster County in 1704 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/craven/bios/family113gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ncfiles/ File size: 37.4 Kb