Pedigree of a Representative Virginia Planter; Qm. and Qrtly., Vol. 1, No. 1 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Pedigree of a Representative Virginia Planter Lyon G. Tyler William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, Vol. 1, No. 2. (Oct., 1892), pp. 80-88. PEDIGREE OF A REPRESENTATIVE VIRGINIA PLANTER. BY THE EDITOR At "Bellfield", York county, Va., stands a monument to the memory of "Edward Diggs, Esq., sonne of Dudley Diggs, of Chilham, in Kent, Knt. and Bart., Master of the Rolls in the reign of King Charles the First"(1). Edward Digges or Digges, as the name is also spelled, was one of a large number of English gentlemen of culture and refinement who composed the society of York county during the 17th century. Beginning at the Back River, which divides the county on the east from the county of Elizabeth city, and following the course of the river York for about twenty-five miles to Skimeno creek, the western ___________________________________ (1) Diggs' Epitaph, "Virginia Historical Papers", XI. p. 107. The spelling of the monument is "Diggs". Page 81. boundary, one met successively, about the middle of the century, with the residences of Co. Christopher Calthorpe(2), grandson of Sir James Calthorpe, of Col. John Chisman, of the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Bermondsea, Surrey county, England, a noted merchant(3); of Col. John Chew(4), another leading merchant, who is supposed to have come from Somersetshire, England; of Captain Ralph Wormeley(5), son of Christopher Wormeley, Esq., and the descendant of Sir John de Wormele, of Hadfield, County York, England; of Col. George Ludlow(6), a descendant __________________________________________ (2) Calthorpe pedigree in "Le Neve", and Blomefield's History of Norfolk, Vol. 1, folio 58. His descendants lived for generations in Poquosin - a name given to the neck of land between Back River and Poquosin River. "Upon the peticon of ye pishioners of new Poquosin in ye County of York", it was ordered by the House of Burgesses "yt from hencefoth forever hereafter ye sd pish Church shall be called, and named Charles Church. And ye River, formerly called new Poquosin River shall from time to time and at all times hereafter be called, named and written Charles River". - York Records, quoting an order of the House of Burgesses dated Decemb. 11, 1692, signed by "Peter Beverley, clerk of ye House of Burgesses." The change, however, only partially prevailed. The parish became known as Charles Parish, but the river is known to-day as Pocosin or Poqosin River. (3) The Chismans resided on Chisman's creek. John Chisman returned to England, but his brother Edmund remained, was father (1) of Major Edmund Chisman of Bacon's Rebellion, who left a son John (died without issue) and (2) of Capt. Thomas Chisman, the ancestor of the Virginia Chismans. (4) The Chew Pedigree and arms are given in the "Richmond Critic". "Too's Point" in York county preserves in a corrupt spelling the site of their ancient settlement. (5) Wormeley lived on the east side of Wormeley's creek. Pedigree in Hayden's "Va. Genealogies", p. 230. (6) Col. George Ludlow lived on the west side of Wormeley's creek. English pedigree in "New England Historic and Genealogic Magazine". His place is now known as "Temple Farm", celebrated as the spot where Cornwallis surrendered. It became the property of Lt. Page 82. of the Ludlows of Hill Deverill, Wiltshire; of Col. George Reade(7), who came to the colony about 1637, and was brother of Robert Reade, private secretary to Windebank, secretary of state to Charles I; of Col. (Dr.) Richard Townsend, whose connections in England were of the best(8); of Maj. Thomas Ballard, clerk of the county, and burges(9); of Col. Edward Digges, of whom _________________________________________ Coll Thomas Ludlow (Nephew of George), whose widow married the minister of York Parish, Rev. Peter Temple, from whom the place's name was probably derived. Spotswood never lived there, contrary to popular tradition. (7) Neill's "Va. Carolorum", p. 142. Reade married Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Nicholas Martian. By his will proved 1657, Martian had 1. Elizabeth married George Reade, Esq. 2. Mary married John Scasbrooke. 3. Sarah married Capt. William Fuller, governor of Maryland. Martian lived on the present site of Yorktown. (8) He came over with Dr. John Pott in 1620, aged 19. Neill seems to have the wrong idea of what servants meant in the 17th century (Va. Carolorum, p. 279). Servant meant any employee, as apprentice, secretary, clerk, etc., and Townsend was a servant in so far as he was according to the custom apprenticed to Pott to study medicine. In this sense, Adam Thoroughgood, the brother of a Knight, wa a servant. "Neill", p. 133. Servant did not mean a menial, as now. At 29, Townsend was recommended to the Council. See "Le Neve" in his use of the word servant. Townsend's family history is given by "Hayden", p. 732. The Doctors stood high in the Colony. (9) The Ballards resided for generations at a spot early known as "Pryor's plantation". "William Pryor, gent." was Justice of York Co. Patented lands next to Capt. Richard Townsend, in 1637 and 1642. The grants show that his wife's name was Margaret. Will proved Jan. 25, 1646, mentions his brother-in- law, Jasper Clayton, probably Sir Jasper knighted in 1660, and grandfather of John Clayton Atty. Gen. of Virginia. Pryor had 2 daughters, Margaret to whom he left Pryor's plantation, and Mary. Margaret married "Thomas Edwards of the Inner Temple", and Dec. 1st 1652, sold to Anna Bernard of Purton in Petsworth Parish, Gloucester Co., "Pryor's plantation", and she sold the same, March 18, 1661, to Robert Baldry, who dying s.p. devised it to Thomas Ballard. - York Records. An Inventory of Mathew Ballard (1720) mentions his "silver seal and silver plate with his arms upon it". The Ballard residence was sub- Page 83. we shall speak more fully presently; of the Felgate family, who gave their name to the creek of that name on which they lived(10); of Col. Nathaniel Bacon(11), grandson of Sir James Bacon, of Friston Hall, Suffolk, England; of Robert Vaulx, who calls himself "brother" of Lewis Burwell, and was, perhaps, son of Robert Vaulx, who married Margaret Ludlow, aunt of Col. George Ludlow; Maj. Joseph Croshaw, whose daughter married Col. John West, son of Lord Delaware's brother, Capt. John West; Capt. Richard Croshaw, his brother(120, and Capt. Arthur Price, who lived at Skimeno creek, and was a burgess. About the same time, there resided in the county Capt. John West, who after- wards removed to West Point; Maj. Lewis ________________________________________ sequently owned by Parson John Bracken, of William and Mary College. (10) Tobias Felgate was a ship captain and patented lands in 1626, adjoining his brother, Capt. Robert Felgate, on the east side of West's or Felgate's creek. A William Felgate was a member of the Virginia Company. Robert was for many years a Justice of York Co. His wife Margaret, son Erasmus and daughter Judith are among his head-rights. He afterwards married Sibella ----, and a bond signed by Henry Lee and Richard Lee, dated 29th of Jan., 1644, to indemnify "Mrs. Sibella Felgate the relict and late wife of Capt. Robert Felgate gentleman deced," refers to Capt. Robert Felgate as "having married the mother of John Adkins, who is the brother of Marah, wife of the above Henry Lee". His will dated the last day of September, 1649 and proved in 1655, and mentions his brother William of the city of London "Skinner", Thomas Newton, his grandchild, and his wife, Sibella, etc. In 1659, William Felgate was living on King's creek, (York Co. Deed). In 1660, his will was proved; devises L20 to his daughter, Mary, "in case she came to Virginia in five years", mentions his son, William Bassett, and wife Mary. (11) Long President of the Va. Council. Epitaph and ARms, "Va. His. Pap,", XI. (12) Probably of the family of Richard Crashaw, the poet. The name being spelt either Crashaw or Croshaw. Major Croshaw's home was "Poplar Spring", and was purchased by Edmund Jenings, son of Sir Edmund, and named "Rippon Hall", after the Jening's place of habitation in England. It is now known as Bigler's Mill tract. Page 84. Burwell, son of Edward Burwell(13), of Harlington, Bedfordshire, and whose mother married Roger Wingate, Esq., treasurer of Virginia; Richard Lee, who was of "Stratford Langton, in Essex Co."(14); Dr. Henry Lee, from whom the Virginia York county Lees are descended(15); Col. John Page(16), son of Francis Page, of Bedfont, Middlesex county, England; Mr. Peter Efford(17); Col. James Bray(18), Mr. George Poindexter(19), George and Edward Wyatt, sons of Rev. Hawte Wyatt(20), brother of Sir Francis Wyatt; John Clarke, son of Sir John Clarke, of Wrotham in Kent county, England(21); Maj. Otho Thorpe, of the ___________________________________________________ (13) Dorothy Wingate, widow of Roger Wingate, Esq., gift of the quit rents, remaiing due to her husband to her "only and well beloved son, Lewis Burwell", dated 21st of July, 1648. Visitation of Bedfordshire (pub. by Harleian Society) shows that Edward Burwell's wife was Dorothy, daughter of William Bedell of Catworth, Huntingdonshire, and married, secondly, Roger Wingate, Esq. (14, 15) Richard and Henry Lee were both justices of York, and unite in a bond together. They were probably brothers. (16) Dr. R. C. M. Pge found epitaph at Bedfont, "A vertuous Life and a good old Age Perfumes the Memory of Francis Page. Ob Oct. 13, Anno Dom. 1678, Et aetatis Suae 84. Ex dono Johannis Page filii ejus de Comitatu Ebor in Virginia Mercatoris". Col. Page was a member of the Council, and found of the Page family in Virginia. (17) Will proved Oct. 2, 1666. His only child, Sarah, was left to the care of "Jno. Welden, minister of the Parish of St. Mary Newington, England" and to "Albertus Skinner, gent." Mentions his kinsman, "Mr. Terrell, the prebend of Winsor". Sarah married Major Samuel Welden, J.P. of James City Co., Va., son doubtless of Jno. Welden. See also deed to Edward Malin, recorded August 24, 1682. (18) Of the Council; arms and epitaph, "Va. Hist. Pap." XI. 79. (19) Efford, Bray, Poindexter, Clarke, Higginson, the Wyatts, Thorpe and Tyler lived at the Middle Plantation. (20) "Boxley Register" and "York Records". (21) Dead before 1644. His admr. was Edw. Wyatt and his widow, Page 85. parish of All Hallowes the Wall, London(22); Capt. Robert Higginson, "of the ancient family of Higginsons"(23); Henry Tyler, gent., J.P. of York county(24); Capt. William Brocas(25), a distinguished member of the council; Mr. John Hayward(26), Maj. Daniel Parke(27), Lt. Col. Thomas Beale(28), Maj. William Gooch(29), Maj. Philip Stevens(30), Maj. James Goodwyn(31), Lt. Col. ______________________ Ann Clarke, was executor of Sir Dudley Wyatt, who was dead in 1652, Sir John Clarke was younger brother of Sir William whose son, John, inherited the estate at the Middle Plantation. See Deed pr. Sept. 19, 1672. (22) Will proved Feb. 18, 1686-7. See epitaphs of his nephew and niece, "Va. Hist. Pap." XI., p. 74. (23) Commander in 1646, and earlier at the Middle Plantation, a pallisadoed settlement. Father of Lucy Bernard-Burwell-Ludwell, whose epitaph inscribed on her tomb at Carter's Creek praises his services to the country in subduing the Indians - Richmond "Critic". For these services he received 100 acres at the Middle Plantation, so stated in a deed by Welden and ux. rec. Aug. 24, 1682. (24) Ancestor of President John Tyler. His son, Henry, married a daughter [Elizabeth] of Lt. Col. Walter Chiles, Page's son-in-law. (25) Brocas Note. - "Hayden", p. 229. March 24, 1645, the court ordered Brocas to appear in a difference "long depending" between Martin Westerling, and Capt. Ralph Wormeley and Mrs. Mary Wormeley, executrix of the estate of Capt. Christopher Wormeley - "the said Brocas", having intermarried with said Mrs. Mary Wormeley". Elinor, another wife of Capt. William Brocas, makes a deed to Eltonhead, the daughter of Edwin and Martha Connaway, "My niece and god- daughter," dated June 7, 1648. (26) The name was pronounced and is now spelt Howard. Will proved 1661. Probably a son of Rev. John Hayward (Brown's Genesis). (27) Of Essex Co., Eng. Epitaph in "Va Hist. Papers", XI., p. 85. (28) Ancestor of Gen. R.L.T. Beale. His son, Capt. Thomas, married Anne, dau. of Maj. Wm. Gooch. (29) Epitaph and Arms "Va. Hist. Papers" XI. 102. His tomb is still on "Temple Farm", where doubtless the old York church stood previous to its building at Yorktown. (30) Died in 1658. An officer in the Civil War in England. Neill's Macallester College contributions, sketch of George Ludlow. (31) J. P. of York Co. called in the records, the brother of Henry Gooch. Page 86. Henry Gooch, Capt. Philip Chesley(32), Mr. John Hansford(33), and numerous others of equally high standing, increasing as we approach the end of the century in swelling numbers, - Edmund Jennings, Esq., secretary of state, son of Sir Edmund Jenings; Martin Gardiner(34), Gent, J.P., who was a leading grocer of London; Samuel Timson, merchant of London (35); Dr. Archibald Blair(36), brother of Commissary Blair; Dr. Henry Power(37), William Munford(38), William Aylett, gent(39), Joseph Ring(40), James Whaley(41), Maj. Lawrence Smith(42), Robert Hyde(43) __________________________________________ (32) Of Welford Parish in Gloucestershire, Eng. Will proved July 24, 1674. He left two nephews, Williama nd Philip Chesley, "to be sent to school in London and afterwards to be sent over to Virginia." (33) Believed to be the sone of John Hansord, merchant talior and brother of Sir Humphrey, grocer of London. See "Va. Hist. Papers", XI., 191. (34) He married Anne Tyler, widow of Henry Tyler. (35) Arms and epitaph on monument at Travis' Point, York Co. (36) Ancestor of the Blair family of Virginia. (37) Se note under Digges pediegree, next number of Quarterly. (38) Brother of John Munford, citizen and grocer of London. (39) J. P. Of York Co. (40) See epitaph and arms "Va Hist. Coll" XI, p. 103. Will proved May 24, 1703. Sons - Edmund, Joseph and Isaack; daughters - Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary; Legacy to Isaac Sedwick; appoints "his loving brothers, Capt. Matthew Page and Mr Edmund Bartlett [Berkeley?]" exors. (41) The Ambler MS. describes him "as a rich man who first lived in England and afterwards emigrated to America". His wife, Mrs. Mary Whaley, who lived at the Parish of St. Margarets, Westminster Co., Middlesex, at the time of her death founded a free school in honor of their only son, Mathew, who died a boy. The Amblers had the boy's protrait till lately. It may yet be found. The school is now connected with the College of William and Mary. See College Historical Catalogue. For Whaley epitaphs, see "Va. Hist. Papers," XI. (42) He was originaly from Gloucester Co. (43) Probably, Robert Hyde, the sone of Dr. James Hyde of Oxford, mentioned in the will of Sir Robert Peake, Knight, citizen and goldsmith of London, who mentions his "cousin and sometimes servant, Page 87. attorney at low; Peter Perry, merchant, brother of Micajah Perry, Lord Mayor of London; William Lee, brother of George Lee, citizen and merchant of London; the two ministers, Rev. Rowland Jones(44) and REv. Edward Foliott(45), and a host of other men who had enjoyed university training, and prided themselves upon their family and pedigree. Colonists are proverbially more conservative than the people in the mother country, and whilst the term "gentleman" assumed a very general meaning in the succeeding century, its signification at this time was perhaps what Sir Edward Coke ascribed to it - qui gerit arma - one who bears arms(46). Merchants stood in high repute in the 17th century, and the prominent Virginia planters were all merchants, who had close connection with English firms. Indeed, it was from this latter class that the English knights were recruited in the 17th century. Taking Edward Digges as a representative of the York county planters, I proceed to trace the pedgree of his family. [English pedigree of Digges.] The Digges family was, according to the "Biographia Britannica"(47), ancient and considerable in the county of Kent, "where they lived for generations". The first of the name admitted in the list "of the most eminent persons who have flourished in Great Britain and Ireland" was I. LEONARD DIGGES, b. at Digges' Court, in co. Kent, second ____________________________________ George Lyddall in Virginia, gentleman", and "Michael Tucker in Virginia, husbandman". Published in Waters' "Gleanings", New England "Hist. and Gen. Register". (44) Rowland Jones, the first minister of Bruton Parish, studied at Oxford. See epitaph in "Va. Hist. Papers", Vol. XI, p. 76. (45) Rev. Edward Foliott was a university graduate. (46) The Herald visitations continued in England till 1682. (47) See also Burke's "Extinct and Dormant Baronetage", Berry's "Kentish genealogies", Brown's "Genesis of the United States", "Beauties of England and Wales". Page 88. son of James Digges, Esq., and Philippa, his second wife, dau. of John Engham, of Chartham in co. Kent; ed. at University College, in Oxford; was an excellent mathematician, a skillful architect, a most expert surveyor, and a considerable author; d. 1574; m. Bridget, dau. of Thomas Wilford, Esq., and sister to James and Thomas Wilford, two brave knights; son and heir. II. THOMAS DIGGES, ed. at Oxford; d. Aug. 24, 1595; became one of the most excellent mathematicians of his time, an author, muster-master-general of the forces sent tot he assistance of the oppressed inhabitants of the Netherlands; buried in the Church of St. Mary, Aldermanbury, London, where a monument was erected to him, afterwards destroyed in the fire of London in 1666; m. Anne, dau. of Sir Warham St. Leger, and Ursula his wife, dau. of George Nevil, Lord of Abergavenny. Issue, two sons and two daughters, namely, Sir Dudley, Leonard (1588-1635), the poet, Margaret, wife of Sir Anthony Palmer, and Ursula. III. SIR DUDLEY, b. 1583; educated at University College, Oxford, ambassador to Russia, M.P., and Master of the Rolls. In the struggle between prvilege and prerogative, he took the part of the people. Constantly interested in Virginia. He married Mary, dau. of Sir Thomas Kemp. of Chilham. Issue, eight sons and three daughters. Thomas, the oldest sone, succeeded to Chilman manor and castle, acquired by his marriage. His fourth son was Edward, who settled in Virginia. [Virginia Pedigree of Digges. See next No.]