See Note on Sources on a separate page for an explanation of the attributions. Comments are added in blue italics.
Edward Bennett, a wealthy London merchant, owned a fleet of ships active in early Virginia trade. In early 1621 he joined the Virginia Company, and assumed the first of several Company offices in London a few months later. Later that same year, he and another merchant, Richard Wiseman, along with four associates proposed to settle an area opposite and downstream from Jamestown on the Pagan River in what was later Isle of Wight County. The partnership was awarded a patent on 21 November 1621 on its promise to settle 100 planters on the land, to be followed later by another 100. The following February Bennett’s ship, the Seaflower, arrived with an initial 120 settlers, all of whom were certainly indentured – that is, who had contracted to work for Bennett’s plantation for a few years. The plantation was called "Warrascoyack" (spelled in an amazing variety of ways), as was the general area in which it was located, after the Indian tribe and village already in the area.
The fate of these initial settlers is a striking example of Virginia’s staggering death rate from disease and starvation, not to mention Indians. Just three years after their arrival, the muster of early 1625 shows not a single survivor from that first ship of 120 settlers still at Warrascoyack. Barely a month after the arrival of the first shipload of colonists, the Indian massacre on Good Friday 1622 occurred, leaving a quarter of Virginia’s population dead. Outlying areas were particularly hard hit. A muster counted 46 of Bennett’s men among the dead, and another 7 elsewhere at Warrascoyack. The Governor ordered the plantation abandoned and the survivors removed to Jamestown. More than a year later, in early 1623, the Governor ordered a fort to be built at Warrascoyack and drafted planters from other plantations to do the work. In June 1623 Robert Bennett wrote to his brother Edward in London that the fort was “building apace” and that he hoped to have enough residents to raise a crop the following year. There is no record of Bennett importing a second group of settlers, and the original group must have by then been significantly depleted. The muster of February 1624, the following spring, showed a total of 33 people residing at the plantation and another 25 who had died there “since April last”. The muster taken the following year, in February 1625, showed only 19 people remaining at Edward Bennett’s plantation. Later that year, on May 1625, an inventory of patents was sent to London, showing a total of 1,750 acres allotted in Warrascoyack to ten different persons, effectively demonstrating that Bennett’s venture was defunct. By then, the name “Warrascoyack” had acquired a broader meaning, being applied to all the plantations in the area, and was used in 1634 as the name of the “shire” that included what is now Isle of Wight. (The name was changed to Isle of Wight in 1637.) Bennett and his relatives continued to be active in Virginia affairs, and secured large tracts of land elsewhere, but their initial Warascoyack plantation was effectively abandoned.
We know that Christopher Reynolds arrived in a ship owned by Edward Bennett, the John and Francis, in 1622, was residing in Warrascoyack in 1624, and was listed as a servant of Bennett there in the 1625 muster. But we don’t know whether he arrived alone or as part of a family unit. Nor whether he was imported as one of Bennett’s colonists or as one of the planters from another plantation drafted for Bennett in 1623. The latter is a distinct possibility. At least five of Bennett’s nineteen servants in 1625 were obvious “draftees” from other plantations, as they had arrived two years before Bennett’s association with the colony began. Further, eight of the 19 were not listed in the prior year’s muster, suggesting that Bennett bought their contracts. We will never know the answer to either question, given the lack of surviving records. What we do know is that he beat enormous odds merely by living through his first few years in Virginia.
1618-1622 Members
of the Virginia Company (that is, stockholders in London) in this period
included Henry Reynolds, Richard Reynolds, Humphrey Reynolds,
John Reynolds, and “Mr. Reynolds”, none of whom actually traveled to
Virginia. [The Records of the Virginia Company of London, (US Govt.
Printing Office, 1933), Volumes II and III]
I mention this only to illustrate that Reynolds was
a reasonably common name in early Virginia records.
22 March 1621/2 Good Friday massacre: The resulting muster lists 46 dead at “Edward Bennett’s plantation” and 7 elsewhere in Warrascoyack. [The Records of the Virginia Company of London, (US Govt. Printing Office, 1933), Volume III, p570]
16 Feb 1623/4 A
List of Names of the Living in Virginia …at “Warwick Squrake” shows the
following 33 persons:
John Batt, Henry Pinffe, Wassell Weblin, Anthony Read, Frances Woodson, Henry
Phillips, Peter Collins. Chr. Reinold, Edward Mabin, John Maldman,
Thomas Collins, George Rushmore, Thomas Spencer, George Clarke, Rich. Bartlett,
Francis Banks, John Jenkins. Thomas Jones, William Denham, Peter, Anthony,
Francis and Margaret (the last four negroes), John Bennett, Nicholas Skinner. John
Atkins, John Pollentin, Rachell Pollenttin, Margaret Pollentin, Mary “a Maid”, Henry
Woodward
Thomas
Sawyer, Thomas “a Boye”.
[The Original Lists of Persons of Quality…, John Camden Hotten, ed.
(Reprint by G.A. Baker & Co., 1931) pp181-2]
Of these 33 people, only 11 would be alive a year
later. Note that although one person is
listed as “a boye”, Christopher Reynolds is not so identified, implying he was
an adult or close to it. The ages of most people were given in this muster,
other than those in Warrascoyack. The only other person identified as “a boye”
in other plantations was age 14.
”At the Plantation over against James Cittie” [later Surry County]: Paule
Reinolds
”At James Cittie”: Mr. Reignolds
”A list of the names of the dead in Virginia, since April last…
At the Plantation over against James Cittie” [later Surry County]: Robert
Reynolds
At James Cittie: _____ Reignolds
These five names are surely only a fraction of the
people named Reynolds who actually arrived at Jamestown. These lists total
fewer than 1300 names (not all of the residents were named). The great
majority of those who died between 1620 and 1625 are not recorded, and
certainly some of those were also named Reynolds. For example, between 1619
and 1622 alone more than 3500 people were added to the 700 or so already there,
but more than 70% were dead by the time of the 1622 massacre. Another 1,000
people were added in 1622, half of whom were dead by the end of that year. The
names of these 3,500 dead are not recorded. If the percentages were constant,
about fifteen of these would have been named Reynolds!
It is possible that one of the two living or two dead
persons named Reynolds, or perhaps one of the unidentified dead prior to April
1623, was related to Christopher Reynolds. It’s perfectly plausible that a
father and son, or two brothers (or an entire family) immigrated, with
Christopher the only survivor. Given the roughly 75-80% mortality rate of
colonists within three years, we can’t ignore the possibility that Christopher
did not arrive alone.
7 Feb 1624/5 The
muster at Wariscoyack shows a total of 19 persons in four settlements, one of
which was Edward Bennett’s plantation:
Mr. Edward Bennett’s servants:
Henery Pinke in the London Marchant, 1619
John Bate, Peeter Collins in the Addam, 1621
Wassell Webling, Antonio a negro in the James, 1619
Christopher Reynolds, Luke Chapman, Edward Maybank in the John &
Francis, 1622
John Attkins, William Denum, Francis Banks in the Guifte[of God], 1623
Mary a negro woman in the Margrett & John, 1622
[Adventurers of Purse and Person Virginia 1607-1625, Annie Lash Jester
(Princeton University Press, 1956), which has the most complete version of this
muster.]
In June 1624, after King James I dissolved the
Virginia Company, he ordered a census of the colony's inhabitants and their
provisions. The resulting “muster” listed the colony's inhabitants, where they
lived, particulars of their arrival, their supplies, and their servants. In
most cases their ages were also listed, though not in this particular
household.
The names of some persons who had died during the
prior nine months were also included. Five servants of Edward Bennett
"slayne by the Indians" were listed as “dead since April last” in
this muster, along with seven others at Wariscoyack. All 12 of Bennett’s
living servants were housed in two “dwelling houses in severall pallisadoes.”
They had among them 13 guns and 9 sets of armor, but no livestock and only ten
barrels of corn for food.
Note that none of these people were among the first shipment of 120 colonists
to Bennett’s plantation, all of whom were evidently dead three years later
(with the possible exception of six people living elsewhere). At least five of
these twelve people could not have been original servants of Bennett, as their
arrivals predate Bennett’s association with the Virginia Company. Arrivals in
1619 were almost certainly servants of the Company, whose contracts must have
been transferred to Bennett. They may have been among the Company colonists
who were drafted to Bennett in 1623.
No other arrivals for the ship “John & Francis” in 1622 are listed in the 1624/5 muster. Nor do the records of the Company show an arrival of that ship in 1622. This was evidently one of Edward Bennett’s ships, as Bennett requested and received a commission in November 1622 to transport people and supplies to Virginia in it. The Company records show that the John & Francis arrived on 27 May 1623 with 10 passengers. That is the only voyage recorded in the London Company records.
Living
at Mr. Crowder’s plantation”: Paule Renalles (no age) on the Tryall,
1619
Hugh Crowder’s plantation was located in what
became Surry County. It consisted of himself and five male servants.
13 Mar 1625/6 At
the General Court at Jamestown: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and
examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that by [the
said] indentures he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years." [Minutes
of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia, H. R. McIlwaine, ed.
(1924), p97]
This has been interpreted to mean that Christopher
Reynolds was the secretary of one of the Bennetts, presumably Edward of London
(his brother Robert was dead). But there is nothing in this record suggesting
that he was anything more than someone who knew his fellow servant Peter
Collins. In fact, he was clearly testifying against Bennett’s interests. All
it tells us is that Christopher Reynolds was literate. Bennett had by this
time abandoned his original plantation, and had no relatives or representatives
in Virginia. Note that the muster gives Peter Collins’ arrival in 1621 so,
under a four-year contract, he was presumably free by this court date.
1634 Virginia created its first eight counties. “Warrosquyoake” encompassed essentially the area that became Isle of Wight. To the east (downriver), Elizabeth City County included what was later Nansemond County. To the west (upriver) James City County included what was later Surry County.
21 Dec 1634 Deed:
Robert Sabine [Savin] to Christopher Reynolds of Warwickqueak (sic),
100 acres. Witness: Robert Cramporne and Thomas Coarkman. [Isle of Wight
Deeds & Wills Book A, p103 abstracted by Hopkins]
This sale is also mentioned in a patent to John Mungoe, which describes the
land as being on the west side of the Pagan River near its mouth: “the said
Sabin (sic) conveyed to Christopher Reinolds the 21 December 1634 and by
the sd Reinolds conveyed to Peter Hull the 1 May 1639.” [See entry
below for 21 Oct 1684]
This is the first record of Christopher Reynolds
acquiring land. The land appears (from Mungoe’s patent) to be on the opposite
side of the Pagan river from Reynolds’ later patent. If he was imported in
1622 on a four-year contract (which is suggested by the Peter Collins
contract), he would have been free by 1626. Most freed servants worked as paid
laborers until they acquired the means to rent or buy their own land. A lag of
about eight years or so is typical. “Warwickqueak”
is one of many spellings of “Warrosquyoake”, and is not related to Warwick
County on the north side of the James River. This identification of him as a
resident of the county, and the purchase of land in the same place as Bennett’s
earlier plantation, is a strong argument in favor of Christopher Reynolds being
the same person as the one listed in the 1624 and 1625 musters of Wariscoyack.
The land was located (from later patents) near the mouth of the Pagan River, and
was part of the 150 acres granted in 1619 to Giles Jones in Wariscoyack. This
original patent does not exist in the records, but is mentioned several times
in late patents.
28 May 1635 “Theis
under-written names are to be transported to Virginia imbarqued in the
Speedwell of London Jo: Chappell Mr: [Master] being examined by the Minister
of Gravesend of their conformitie to the orders & discipline of the Church
of England & have taken the oath of Allegeance…”
Kathryn Richards 19
Marie Sedgwick 20
Elizabeth Biggs 10
Dorothie Wyncott 40
Ann Wyncott 16
Phillipp Biggs 6 mo.
Elizabeth Pew 20
Francis Langworth 25
Chri. Reinholds 24
Abram Poore 20
Elizabeth
Tuttell 25
[The Original Lists of Persons of Quality…, John Camden Hotten, ed.
(G.A. Baker & Co.,1931) pp84]
59 passengers are listed, of whom the above 11
appear in Hotten in sequence, which may or may not be significant. I note that
four of the passengers were claimed as headrights by John Upton in his 1638
patent for land in Isle of Wight, and another four passengers were claimed in
1638 by Arthur Bayly for land in Henrico County, so there is reason to believe
that at least some of the passengers on this ship arrived in the Isle of Wight
area. That is evidence that this could be the same Christopher
Reynolds, who presumably would be returning from a trip to England.
However, there is also reason to believe that this might be a different
person. For one thing, this departure date is only five months after his land
purchase above, when we know Christopher Reynolds was in Virginia. Since it
took nearly two months to make the one-way journey, this implies that he bought
the land, then went to England almost immediately in order to be ready to
return by late May. As it happens, a complete list exists [in the Port of
London records, and in Hotten] of all 20 ships leaving London for Virginia
between late 1634 and late 1635 – and no ship left London in time to deliver a
passenger back to England who would have been ready to leave again by 28 May.
Of course, he could have traveled on a ship which arrived from somewhere other
than London, or on one already in transit by late 1634. We should also
consider that, having just bought land, Christopher Reynolds would have been
absent during the crop-sowing season, and would have left his wife and at least
one infant child to fend for themselves for several months in a still-dangerous
environment.
In addition, this Christopher Reynolds, if he was 24 at embarkation, must have
been born in late 1610 or early 1611. If he is the same person who arrived in
1622 in the “John & Francis”, he would have been only 11 or 12 at arrival
and only 14 or 15 when he testified on behalf of Peter Collins. Although that
is possible, the odds are against it. For example, the ages of 378 servants
are given in the Virginia muster of 1624/5, only 29 of whom (5%) were aged 15
or less. Only 4 were aged 14 or 15. The great majority were in their 20s and
30s. Although Christopher Reynolds could have been 14 at the time, the
odds strongly favor his being older. Apart from the coincidence of the name of
the passenger, there is not enough evidence to draw the conclusion that he was
the same person.
Was he born in Gravesend?
A published Reynolds genealogy made the assumption
from this ship’s list that this Christopher Reynolds was probably born in
Gravesend, Kent. But this is based on inadequate research. For one thing, the
Port of London was actually located at the mouth of the Thames, at the town of
Gravesend. So ships leaving the Port of London actually left from Gravesend.
It makes sense that the local minister would administer the oath for ships
leaving London, regardless of where the passengers were from. In fact,
according to Hotten’s lists, the same minister performed this duty for every one
of the 20 ships leaving London in the year 1635. (Not to mention other years.)
It seems ridiculous to me to conclude that every person leaving England was
therefore a resident of Gravesend. His connection with Gravesend was merely
that his trip originated in London. I would also note that there was no reason
for a person who was already a Virginia resident to take this oath a second
time.
15 Sep 1636 Land
Patent: Christopher Reynolds, 450 acres “in the County of Warrasquinoke
(sic) bounded with a back creek running eastwards behinde the Pagan shore some
three miles upwards, the land lying on the south side of the creeke and old
Indian field belonging to the land the said land also running into the woods
southwest and lying on the maine creeke northeast…” for transportation of 9
persons (unnamed). [Virginia Patent Book 1, p382]
The only patent which exists is a copy which was
entered into the patent books in 1683. The original may have listed the headright
names, but the 1683 copy does not. “Warrosquyoake County” had been formed in 1634; the name was
changed to Isle of Wight in 1637. “Behinde the Pagan shore” is surveyor-speak
meaning “the far side of”, or the southern side of, the Pagan River. From
later descriptions, this land is on the west bank of Cypress Creek in the fork
formed by Cypress Creek and the Pagan River, and a few miles south of the land
he purchased two years earlier.
Some researchers have speculated that the nine persons used as headrights may
have been members of the group transported in the “Speedwell” the preceding
year. While that could be, it is highly speculative. One argument against it
is that (technically) at this time a headright could not be claimed until he or
she had been in the colony for three years. Thus the passengers aboard the
“Speedwell” were not legally usable as headrights until 1638 – the same year
Upton and Bayly used eight of the passengers as headrights. I also note that
recent research has shown that about three-fourths of all headrights were sold
or assigned to others before being used for patents – that is, the patentee was
not the importer in most cases. So the odds are that Christopher Reynolds was
not the person who paid their passage anyway. [See also the “Understanding
Headrights” page elsewhere in this website.]
In his will, Christopher Reynolds identified this patent as the land he was not
living on. He gave 241 acres of it to his son Christopher Reynolds and 209
acres of it to his son John Reynolds. The land he was living on is a
mystery, there being no record of its purchase.
Comment: The date on a patent is the date it was signed by the Governor. The
process of claiming the patent could have begun months, even years, earlier.
One first obtained a headright certificate (either from the court or by
purchase from someone else), then staked out the land, then used the headright certificate
to commission the county surveyor to produce a survey. After surveying and
marking the boundaries, the headright certificate and a copy of the survey were
delivered to the Governor’s office for preparation of the patent. Once the
land had been staked out, there was some degree of protection against
subsequent claims to the same land, and therefore some degree of leeway in
completing the process – during which one could actually occupy the land.
Thus, Christopher Reynolds could have begun this process much earlier than the
date on the patent.
1637 Warrosquyoake was renamed as Isle of Wight County. At about the same time, Elizabeth City was renamed New Norfolk County, then almost immediately split into Upper Norfolk and Lower Norfolk. Upper Norfolk would be renamed Nansemond in 1642.
10 Feb 1637/8 Land
Patent: Charles Barcroft, 350a in Isle of Wight County “…being a parcel of
land lyeing behind the Pagan shore and bordering upon Christopher Reynolds
his land running southerly into the woods and soe up along the creeke toward
the Cypress Swamp…” [Virginia Patent Book 1, p517]
These early Isle of Wight patents are very poorly
surveyed, but this clearly appears to border the 1636 patent to Christopher
Reynolds.
8 May 1638 Land
Patent: Ambrose Bennett, 300 acres “bounded between two Creekes the one called
Reynolds his Creeke the other being a branch of the said Creeke.”
[Virginia Patent Book 1, p529]
This land described is in the vicinity of the 1636 Christopher
Reynolds patent. This is the only reference to “Reynolds his Creek”. It may
be the same creek referred to as the “freshet” or “frechat” in other patents.
These early surveys are quite vague, and not reliable enough to accurately plot
and place the lands on modern topographical maps. After staking out the land,
the next step in obtaining a patent was to have the land surveyed. The survey
was then later copied into the patent itself. Surveyors were appointed
officers in each county, and often had no training or aptitude – they received
fees (20 lbs of tobacco per 100 acres plus 12 lbs per day), so the appointment
was often a means of directing income to prominent citizens. In fact, these
imprecise boundaries led the General Assembly in 1662 to institute the practice
of processioning as a means of resolving disputes over poorly identified
boundary lines.
1 May 1639 Deed:
Christopher Reynolds to Peter Hull, the 100 acres purchased in 1634.
Witness: John Spackman, John Oliver. [Isle of Wight Wills & Deeds Book A,
p103 abstracted by Hopkins]
Also mentioned in a patent to John Mungoe, which describes the land as being on
the west side of the Pagan River near its mouth: “the said Sabin (sic)
conveyed to Christopher Reinolds the 21 December 1634 and by the sd Reinolds
conveyed to Peter Hull the 1 May 1639.” [See entry below for 21 Oct 1684]
c1640/1 Inferred Deed: John Roe to Christopher Reynolds. [see 21 Mar 1643/4]
18 Feb 1652/3 Inferred deed: Christopher Reynolds to Henry Snayle [see 23 Feb 1652/3 and 10 May 1653]
21 Mar 1643/4 Inferred
Deed: “Gov. Wm. Berkeley confirms to Arthur Smith 350 acres on main branch of
Bay Creek called Cypress Swamp, first granted to James (sic) Roe by Pat. 10 Dec
1640 and by him assigned to Christopher Reynolds who assigned to Arthur
Smith provided said Smith do not plant or seat for a term of three years. Dated
21 March 1643. (Endorsed on back) George Smith does assign this pat. To Chris.
Hollyman except 100 acres that was given to Arthur Long by my father Arthur
Smith in his will and 100 acres that was sold Wm. Oldis. Assignment dated 11
Jan. 1661. Teste, John Jackson ?, Richard Jordan, Jr. Arthur Smith disclaims
all right to this land which my brother George assigned to Chris. Holliman and
may have by the death of my brother George assignment forever. 11 Jan 1611.
Recorded 9 Aug. 1665. Anne Smith wife of George Smith also assigns. ” [Isle of
Wight Will & Deed Book 1, no page given, abstracted by Boddie on p541]
The patent recorded in the patent books is dated
10 December 1640 to John Roe [VPB 1, p745] with the notation that it was
renewed in the name of Arthur Smith on 6 March 1643/4 (sic) [likewise in VPB 1,
p745]. The three-year delay in planting and seating is odd, since planting and
seating within that timeframe was a requirement to perfect the title. This
implies that Christopher Reynolds had already planted and seated, and was
perhaps delaying Smith’s occupation for three years.
A nearly identical entry in Boddie, p554, (with John Roe substituted for James
Roe) adds the assignment of this land by Christopher Hollyman and wife Anne to
Thomas Pitt on 9 December 1668.
1 Oct 1645 Will
of Arthur Smith devises to daughter Jane the “land adjoining Christopher
Reynolds”. Proved 9 February 1692/3 (sic). [Isle of Wight Will Book 1, p330,
abstracted by Chapman]
This appears to be the 450-acre patent to
Christopher Reynolds.
15 Apr 1648 Land
Patent: John Seward, 1200 acres in Isle of Wight for transportation of 24
persons… Wm. Reynolds [Virginia Patent Book 2, p116]
This is one of only two Reynolds headrights used
for land in Isle of Wight. There is no further record of this person in Isle
of Wight records.
7 Apr 1649 Deed:
Ambrose Bennett to Ambrose Meador, 300 acres, part of patent of 1100 acres to
Ambrose Bennett dated 23 June 1641, bounded by Christopher Reynolds and
Ralph Warriner. [Isle of Wight Wills & Deeds Book A, p111 abstracted by
Hopkins]
Boddie gives this date as 9 April, Hopkins as 7
April. A portion of this patent may have been the home plantation of Christopher
Reynolds, which from later records appears to have been purchased from Ambrose
Bennett.
25 Nov 1652 “The
names of the Burgesses for the several plantations, November 25, 1652... Isle
of Wight County - Mr. Chris. Reynolds” [Thomas Jefferson Collected
Papers]
The original document clearly spells the name as
"Chris. Reynolds". Hening's transcript mis-translates the entry as
"Charles Reynolds", which has led to some confusion among researchers who lacked
access to the original document. [See Statues at Large…,
William Waller Hening, ed. (1819-23) Volume I, p373]
He was probably a substitute
for this session rather than an elected Burgess. He was not among the Burgesses in the April
session earlier that year, nor among the Burgesses in the following year or
thereafter. H. R. McIlwaine’s Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
1619-1658/59 does not mention this person. Nor does Boddie’s Seventeenth
Century Isle of Wight, derived from these sources, include him among the
elected Burgesses.
23 Feb 1652/3 Will
of Robert Fowler devises to his son Robert Fowler 200 acres part of the land
bought of Mr. Christopher Reynolds. Recorded 16 May 1653. [Lower
Norfolk County Minute Book 1637-1646, p47 abstracted in Virginia Colonial
Abstracts, Beverley Fleet, Vol. 31, p60]
See next entry.
10 May 1653 At
a court in Lower Norfolk County “In dif between Mary Fowler, widow, extrx of
Robert Fowler decd, and Henry Snayle, concerning 350 acres a the head fo the
southern branch of the Little Creek, and assigned over by X’pofer Reynolds
to the sd Fowler in his lifetime. The court orders that Henry Westgate, Giles
Collins, Thomas Workeman and Henery Brakes lay out the 350 acres according to
agreement betw Snayle and Reynolds dated 18 Feb 1642 (? - this date
blotted and impossible to read). [Lower Norfolk County Minute Book 1637-1646,
p46 abstracted in Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Beverley Fleet, Vol. 31,
p58]
Is this the same or a different Christopher
Reynolds? Probably the same person, as Henry Snayle had patented land in 1637
in Isle of Wight on Pagan Creek. The location of the land referred to above is
in the modern City of Norfolk. There is no patent to either Reynolds nor
Snayle of that size, although Snayle had a 97acre patent “bounded by his own
land” on Little Creek in 1652, nor is there a patent to anyone on Little Creek
of 350 acres. The case between Mrs. Fowler and Henry Snayle was settled a year
later, but it’s not clear if the 200 acres was part of the 350 acre tract.
Henry Snayle, at the same court, sold 110 acres on Little Creek described as a
part of a patent assigned to him by Robert Hayes, but the referenced patent was
issued in 1648, after the date of the agreement above.
1 May 1654 Will
of Christopher Reynolds: “…unto my son Christopher Reynolds all
my land on the southerly side of the freshet swamp that Richard Jordan now liveth
upon… unto my son John, all my land on the northerly side of the freshet
swamp, and one cow, and he to enjoy the said land at twenty one years of age.
And unto my son Richard, I give all my land I now live upon and one cow,
and he to enjoy the land at twenty one years of age. And my daughter Abbasha,
I have given unto her a portion already, which was two cows and two calves. And
I give unto my daughter Elizabeth, one heifer of two years old, besides
the stock I gave her formerly. And unto my daughter Jane, I give one cow
and one yearling heifer. And I give unto George Rivers one yearling heifer.
And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy
them at three years old.” “…unto Elizabeth, my loving wife, I give all
the rest of my estate... and my two servants… my wife Elizabeth shall have the
ordering and bringing up John and Richard, my sons, until they be sixteen years
of age, and Elizabeth & Jane until they be fifteen years of age.” Wife
Elizabeth named executor. Witness: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. Date
proven is not noted, but clearly was before 1657. [Isle of Wight County Deed Book
A, p46]
Christopher Reynolds Jr. was the eldest son,
according to a later patent [see entry below for 10 May 1679] and was evidently
already of age when this will was written. Note that sons John and Richard
were to receive their land at age 21, but Christopher received his
immediately. The will also tells us that John and Richard Reynolds were under
16, and Elizabeth and Jane were under 15. Abbasha was apparently over 15 but
not yet married. The “child my wife now goeth with” almost certainly refers to
an unborn child. George Rivers, later called “brother” in the will of John
Reynolds, was apparently a stepson.
It seems likely that Elizabeth Reynolds was not the mother of all these
children. For one thing, a childbearing span of more than 20 years was unusual
this early in Virginia’s history. For another, she is apparently the mother of
George Rivers, who (judging from later records) seems to have been younger than
Christopher Reynolds Jr. Thus it appears that Christopher Reynolds had one or
more (perhaps all) of his children by an unknown first wife, and perhaps the
others by the widow of a Rivers. It may be significant in this regard that the
will refers to “my sons”.
One interesting item in this will is that he devises the 450-acre patent to
sons Christopher and John and the “land I now live upon” to his son Richard.
The interesting question is how he acquired the land he was living on. We have
no record of his owning any land in 1654 other than the 450-acre patent.
However, Isle of Wight deeds immediately after 1649 are lost, so he may have
bought the land just prior to making the will. But deeds prior to 1649 may be
incomplete, s he may have owned the land for several years. Either way, the
land left to his son Richard appears from later records to have been a parcel
of 200 acres acquired from Ambrose Bennett..
The phrase “that Richard Jordan now liveth upon” is terminology usually used to
denote a lease. (See several examples of the use of this phrase in later
records below.) It is probably included in the will to clarify which portion of
the patent is left to Christopher Jr. Christopher Reynolds owned far more land
than he could possibly have used, so it makes sense that he would have leased
some of it.
25 Nov 1657 Land
Patent: Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] , 350 acres, assigned to Richard
Jordan sometime before 17 May 1658, which was “renewed in Richard Jordan’s name
the 18 March 1662 to whom it is assigned by the said Reynolds.” [See the entry
below for 18 March 1662/3 and the entry below for 10 May 1679]
This is Christopher Reynolds Jr. His father’s will implies he was of age by 1654, and this
is clear indication that he is 21 or older by this date, as only persons over
21 could obtain patents. (Persons under 21 could obtain patents only via their
guardians.)
It is possible that the assignment to Richard Jordan was in some way designed
to substitute for the land Richard Jordan may have been leasing. Note from the
later entries that this land was adjacent to the land Richard Jordan occupied
at the time of Christopher Reynolds 1654 will.
12 Mar 1657/8 Land
Patent: Giles Driver, 100 acres, “beginning at a marked oake standing in the
[Cypress] swamp which parteth Christopher Reynolds land and John
Reynolds land at the miles end of the said Johns land…” [Virginia Patent
Book 4, p252]
The survey which described this land refers to the dividing
line between Christopher Reynolds (Jr.) and John Reynolds, clearly the two
pieces of the 450 acre patent left to them by the 1654 will of Christopher
Reynolds.
”Miles end” was a surveyor’s term which meant the end point of a 320-pole
boundary line (320 poles being exactly one mile in length). Christopher
Reynolds’ patent had two 320 pole boundaries.
12 Mar 1657/8 Land
Patent: Giles Driver, 200 acres adjacent to above, “beginning at a red oake on
the Cypress Swamp being the corner of a patent of 750 acres belonging to
Ambrose Bennett’s heir”, for transportation of four persons: Elizabeth
Williams, Elizabeth Reynolds, Jno. Goodale, James Crow. [Virginia
Patent Book 4, p169]
The identity of this Elizabeth Reynolds is
unknown. She could have been the wife of Christopher Reynolds Sr., imported perhaps
as a Rivers but claimed as a Reynolds by the time the headright certificate was
obtained. Presumably (for the reason given above) the importation had occurred
at least three years earlier. Whether her name was Reynolds at the time of
arriva, is unknowable, but it was Reynolds at the time the headright
certificate was granted. Whoever she is, the probability is that Giles Driver
was not the importing party but rather had purchased the rights to use the
names. [See analysis of headrights elsewhere for an explanation.]
17 May 1658 Inferred Deed: Richard Jordan Sr. to Christopher Reynolds [Jr.], 100 acres, part of a patent to Reynolds which was assigned to Jordan. [See entry below for 18 March 1662/3 and also the entry for 10 May 1679]
18 Mar 1662/3 Land
Patent: Richard Jordan, 350 acres in Isle of Wight County. A patent dated 25 November
1657 to Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] contains the marginal note: “This
patent renewed in Richard Jordan’s name the 18 March 1662 to whom it is
assigned by the said Reynolds.” The land description states: “…Beginning at a
marked red oak on a hill by the west freshet by the miles end of 450 acres
patented by Christopher Reynolds deceased and running along the said
freshet for length 32 poles and for breadth west southwest 50 poles [totaling
100 acres]… then beginning at the upper side of the forementioned patent on the
Cypress Creek for the other 250 acres and running along the said Cypress to the
marked trees of the land lately in the possession of Mr. Neall and the
forementioned patent of Christopher Reynolds deceased to the miles end…” being
due to Christopher Reynolds for transportation of seven persons. [Virginia
Patent Book 4, p243-4]. The persons are not named in the recorded patent, but
seven names are given in Nugent’s abstract, apparently from the original
patent.
The date of assignment is not noted, only the date
of the later renewal. Title would have passed to Richard Jordan when the
assignment was made. The assignment must have been made before 17 May 1658,
for a later record gives that as the date Richard Jordan sold part of this patent
back to Reynolds [see entry for 10 May 1679].
1 Feb 1664/5 Land
Patent: Anthony Mathews, 640 acres in Isle of Wight for transportation of 13
persons, one of whom was a “Tho. Reighnolds”. [Virginia Patent Book 5,
p153]
This, and the fact that Mathews witnessed the 1654
will, is evidently the source of the theory that Christopher Reynolds’ wife was
a Mathews. There is no evidence whatsoever that this Thomas Reynolds was in
any way related to Christopher Reynolds, or that Anthony Mathews was in any way
related to either. I would also note that recent research comparing
importation certificates from court records in several Virginia counties to the
patents in which they were used has suggested that nearly 80% of the headrights
claimed in patents were actually imported by someone other than the patentee.
Further, there is no evidence that Matthews had
children. The will of Anthony Mathews, dated 6 May 1681 recorded 9 January
1681/2, names no children or grandchildren as legatees. Rather, he left his
land and property to two stepsons, children of his wife by her prior marriages.
[Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p224]
30 Nov 1668 Deed:
John Reynolds, planter, to William Boddie, planter, land in lower
parish where John Reynolds liveth… to pine on Pagan Creek side… house
Arthur Shoomach lately lived in … to swamp where Roger Waters did live… and
other side of Henry King… to red oak standing by a great swamp… to land Andrew
Shields lived and land where John Reynolds now liveth. Witness: Wm.
Mayo, Mathew Waikley. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 1, no page given,
abstracted by Boddie on p554]
John Reynolds had retained all of his inherited
land, so this must have been land purchased via one of the missing deeds of
Isle of Wight. It appears that a number of deeds before 1688 (the first actual
deed book) may have been lost.
11 Mar 1668/9 Will
of John Reynolds: Proved 3 May 1669. Devises his land to “my brother Richard
Reynolds”. Legacies to “my brother George Rivers”, brother Richard
Reynolds, sisters Elizabeth Rivers and Jane Reynolds, “sister
Rivers' daughter Mary”, and "to sister Eliza. Jordan a bill of
Robert Collier's for 800 lbs. tbo... after her decease to her son Richard
Jordan.” Witness: Anselm Baylie, William Bradshaw. Richard Reynolds
executor, with securities Ambrose Bennett and Benjamin Beale. [Isle of Wight
County Deed Book 2, p62]
We can safely infer that John Reynolds died unmarried
and childless. This will seems to
clarify that George Rivers was a stepbrother. The use of “brother” together
with the fact that he leaves him a legacy suggests the possibility (but doesn’t
prove) that he and George Rivers may have had the same mother. Note also that he
mentions four of his siblings but not Christopher or Abbasha, who were perhaps
already dead.
The identity of “sister Elizabeth Rivers” is mysterious, as Christopher
Reynolds’ will doesn’t mention her – his daughter Elizabeth was married to
Richard Jordan who is still alive at this time. Elizabeth Rivers could be a
stepsister, but she had a child, thus Rivers was presumably her married name.
Although the language in this will does not indicate she was the wife of George
Rivers, that seems to be the most plausible possibility.
See the Jordan pages on this website for more detail and a chronology for the
Jordan family and Elizabeth Jordan.
As a minor point, a minor could make a valid will but only an adult could
devise land by will. Thus John Reynolds must have been at least 21 by this
date, thus born before early 1648.
Jane Reynolds is presumably his sister, not yet
married. Men outnumbered women more than four-to-one at this time, creating a
great pressure on women to marry relatively young. Since that resulted in most
females marrying in their late teens, this implies she was young enough to have
been a daughter of his father’s second wife. If John were a son of Christopher
Reynolds by the widow Elizabeth Rivers, that would help to explain the apparent
age gap between Christopher Reynolds Jr. and the rest of the children.
13 Nov 1672 A typo in Boddie’s book for a deed by Richard Jordan. See entry for 13 Nov 1679.
21 Nov 1672 Richard
Reynolds, James Bagnall, Arthur Smith, Richard Jordan, Anthony Fulgham,
Nicholas Fulgham, William Rufinn, Giles Driver, Tristram Knowles, William Body,
Robert King, and William Oldis (foreman), served on an escheat jury to
determine whether “Capt. John Upton at the time of his death was seized of 800
acres of land or thereabouts lying at a place called the White Marsh in this
county and by him held by pattent which had been formerly in the possession of
Mr. James Bagnall, Mr. Francis Slaughter, and one Morris, and since a parte of
the land hath beene purchased by Coll. Joseph Bridger, and whether Capt. John
Upton disposed of the land by will, legall conveyance or otherwise.” Jury
found that the land escheated. [The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 20,
p174-5]
Escheat means that the land reverted to the Crown
due to a lack of heirs. See the record in 1698 in which Richard Reynolds
refers to having served on this jury 26 years earlier.
8 Sep 1673 Richard Reynolds a witness to a guardianship record of John Nelson to Robert Coleman. [Boddie, p567]
13 May 1674 Two Escheat Juries: Michaell Fulgham, Nich. Fulgham, John Garner, Tho: Poole, Daniell Long, Thomas Gross, Arthur Smith, Rich. Jordan, Ambrose Bennett, Anthony Fulgham, John Viccars, and Richard Reynolds served on an escheat jury regarding 100 acres belonging to John Upton, deceased, and sold by his relict Mrs. Margaret Lucas to Thomas Wright. The same jury (with Cornelius Skolly replacing Thomas Gross) then dealt with 300 acres sold by John Upton to Robert Breesewell [Brasswell] and now in the hands of James Bagnall. Both parcels were found to escheat. [The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 20, p174-5]
7 Oct 1675 Richard Rennalds and Will Jenkins witnesses to will of John Hardy, recorded 9 June 1677. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p146, abstracted by Chapman]
20 Nov 1675 Richard Reynolds a witness to a deed from Hodges Council to Joseph Vicke. Recorded 9 August 1692. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p45]
12 Dec 1676 Richard Reynolds and Will Bradshaw witnesses to will of Giles Driver [son-in-law of John Hardy], proved 28 December 1676. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p147, abstracted by Chapman] Richard Reynolds and Robert Burnett were securities for Olive Driver, executrix. [Isle of Wight Administrations and Probates, p41, abstracted by Chapman]
5 Sep 1677 Richard Reynolds a witness to a deed from Robert Dryver [Driver] to Jno. Bromfield . [Boddie, p577]
9 Apr 1678 Richard Reynolds a witness to deed from Ambrose Bennett to James Tullaugh. [Boddie, p579]
30 Mar 1678/9 Phillip
Thomas and Richard Reynolds witnesses to will of John Daniel, recorded
17 July 1679. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p203, abstracted by
Chapman]
There is apparently no need in the above records to
identify which Richard Reynolds this is, suggesting that Richard Reynolds the
younger (son of Christopher Reynolds Jr.) is not yet of age – and (by
inference) that all of the above refer to Richard Reynolds the elder, his
uncle. However, we can’t be certain, for the later references don’t always
distinguish between the two men either.
6 Apr 1679 Will
of Henry Reynolds [spelled Rennells in one record and Reynolds in
another]: Leg – wife Joyce, children Henry and Sarah. Debts to Robert Kae to
be paid. Recorded 9 June 1681. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p218,
abstracted by Chapman] Appraisal dated 9 June 1681 by George Hardy, Roger
Archer, Robert Kae Sr., presented by Joyce Page alias Rennells. [Isle of Wight
Will & Deed Book 2, p219, abstracted by Chapman] By will appointed his relict
Joyce executrix, her securities Thomas Ward and Henry Clark, 18 June 1681
(apparently the bond date). [Isle of Wight Administrations and Probates, p51,
abstracted by Chapman]
This person appears to be unrelated to the
Christopher Reynolds family. It does not seem likely that Henry Reynolds is
the child whom Elizabeth Reynolds was pregnant with in 1654. That child would
have been born in the summer or fall of 1654, thus would have been only 24 by
now, barely old enough to have a wife and two young children given the
demographics of the time. Further, the will of Henry Clay [Book 2, p137]
undated but recorded 10 January 1675/6 mentions “Mary the youngest daughter of
Henry Reynolds”. That implies that Henry Reynolds would have had more than one
child by the age of 20, a very rare circumstance in mid-17th century
Virginia, where few men married before their late 20s. On the whole, Henry
Reynolds seems to have been much older than the last child of Christopher
Reynolds would have been. Nor is there any connection in the records with the
rest of the Reynolds family or their neighbors – although note that another
Henry Reynolds, possibly the son, appears 38 years later in a record with a
third-generation Christopher Reynolds.
10 May 1679 Land
Patent: Richard Reynolds the younger, 566 acres in the lower parish of Isle
of Wight, on northwest side of the head of the Lower Bay Creek... “beginning at
a hickory marked three ways standing in an island surrounded with marsh near the
head of the lower Bay Creek… tree in Chr. Bly's line thence along the sd Blys
line… Hen. King’s line thence along the sd Kings line… corner tree of Col.
Smith thence by the lines of Col. Smith and Mr. Driver… to a small sycamore at
the head of West freshet… thence by various courses down the sd freshett or
swamp to lower Bay Creeke & so up the sd Creeke to the first station… due
to the sd Reynolds as follows: 241 acres part thereof being part of a pattent
of 450 acres granted to Mr. Chr. Reynolds late of the aforesaid County
the 15 September 1636 & by the last will & testament of the sd Chr.
Reynolds given to his eldest sonn Chr. & his heirs forever & by him
the said Chr. by his last will & testament likewise bequeathed to the sd
Richard the only sonn & heire of the said Chr.; & 100 acres part of the
residue being part of a pattent for 350 acs. granted to Mr. Richard Jordan Sen.
the 18 March 1662 & by the said Jordan sold & conveyed to Chr. Reynolds
the 17 May 1658 & by the last will & testament of the sd Chrstr.
together with the former land bequeathed to the said Richard; the remaining 225
acres being wast[e] land which together with the aforementioned 341 acres is
likewise due to the sd. Reynolds by & for the transp. of twelve persons in
to this Colony…” Of the 12 persons only four are named: Danl. Hinnon(?), Jno.
Champion, Lewis Davis, Edwd. Goodson. [Virginia Patent Book 6, p684-5]
This is obviously the son of Christopher Reynolds
Jr. This patent clarifies that (a) Christopher Reynolds Jr. was the eldest son
of his father and (b) that he died before 1679 leaving only one son. There
doesn’t seem to be any record of his death in the Isle of Wight records, though
this patent clearly says that he left a will. This record identifies Richard
Reynolds the younger as his only son, and a later record suggests that there
may have been a daughter named Elizabeth.
Note that from this point onward, the two Richard Reynolds – uncle and nephew –
are frequently differentiated as “Senior” and Junior.” Where they are not so
identified, it is difficult to determine which is meant, since they lived
adjacent to one another.
10 May 1679 Land
Patent: Arthur Smith [Jr.], 2275 acres, being 1500 acres patented by his
father Arthur Smith on 10 September 1643 plus an additional 775 acres of new
land… to a stake in Richard Reynolds Senior his line thence along the
sd Reynolds his line… [Virginia Patent Book 6, p683]
This is the same parcel of Smith’s mentioned in the
above patent, but Richard Reynolds the younger and Richard Reynolds Senior (the
elder) are on different sides of it. This implies that the mysterious parcel
which Christopher Reynolds’ will left to his son Richard was close (if not
adjacent) to his patent of 1636.
10 May 1679 A
patent to Richard Jordane Senr.: “on northwest side of the head of Lower Bay
Creek & mouth of the maine Cyprus Swamp... beginning at a small island
surrounded by marsh… a hickory a corner tree of Richd. Reynolds Junr…
[Virginia Patent Book 6, p684]
This corners on the land Christopher Reynolds left
to his son Christopher, which was repatented by Richard Reynolds the younger
this same day.
13 Nov 1679 Deed:
Richard Jordan, Sr. to Joseph Woory, 360 acres formerly granted by Gov.
Chichely at head of Lower Bay Creek and mouth of Cypress Creek, to corner tree
of Richard Reynolds Jr. Witness: Wm. Crawford, Jno. Combe. [Isle of
Wight County Deed Book 1, abstracted by Boddie, p583]
Boddie gives the year as 1672, which is surely
incorrect. For one thing, this land is the same 363 acres patented by Richard
Jordan on 10 May 1679. For another, the “Gov. Chicheley” referred to is Deputy
Governor Sir Henry Chicheley, who filled that office only from 1678-1680 and
who was the grantor of the 10 May 1679 patent to Richard Jordan. And finally,
there was no patent issued to Richard Jordan that fits this description other
than the one in 1679. This is important, because it obviously bears on when
Christopher Reynolds Jr. died. The land identifies this Richard as Richard
Reynolds Jr. (the younger), son of Christopher Reynolds Jr.
ca1680 Robert
Coleman, Thomas Giles, Ambrose Bennett, and Richard Reynolds appraisers
of the estate of John Bromfield. No date on appraisal or recording, but
recorded circa December 1681 or January 1681/2. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed
Book 2, p225, abstracted by Chapman]
30 Aug 1680 Will
of Ambrose Bennett: Legatees - Wife Elizabeth and the child she now goes with,
reversion to Mary Beale, daughter of Benjamin Beale, Alice Blackit, Martha
Rutter, daughter of Walter Rutter, Isacke Williams. Wife Extx. Overseers,
Col. Arthur Smith and Richard Reynolds Sr.. Wit: Walter Rutter,
Christopher Wade. Recorded 9 December 1680. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed
Book 2, p214, abstracted by Chapman]
Mary Beale was evidently later the wife of John
Luther [see 6 August 1695] who sold 20 acres given to her by the will of
Ambrose Bennett.
14 Jan 1680/1 Richard Reynolds a security for Anne Macone’s executrixship of Neal Macone. [Isle of Wight Administrations and Probates, p51, abstracted by Chapman]
23 Apr 1681 Land
Patent: Richard Reynolds Senr., 380 acres “on the north west side of the
lower Bay Creeke in the Isle of Wight County in the lower parish… 209 acres
part thereof being part of a patent for 450 acres granted to Chr. Reynolds
late of the county aforesaid by patent dated the 15 September 1638 & by the
sd Chr. by his last will & testament given to his sonn John Reynolds
& by the sd John by his last will & testament given & bequeathed to
the sd Richard & the remaining 171 acres being wast land within his ancient
bounds & due to the sd Richard by & for the transportation of foure
persons… beginning at a marked hickory on the Lower Bay Creeke side being Col.
Arthr. Smiths uppermost corner tree… to an ash standing on the northwest side
of west freshet thence down the run of the said freshet to the Lower Bay Creeke
& so down the sd Creeke to the first station.” The four persons are: Jno.
Dale, Tho. Leese[?], Tho. Otly, Mary Howly. [Virginia Patent Book 7, p71]
This is Richard Reynolds the elder, son of
Christopher Reynolds the immigrant. The succession of this land can be traced
to show that this Richard Reynolds is the same Richard Reynolds who died
intestate in 1707.
20 Apr 1682 Land
Patent: Richd. Reynolds, 450 acres “of land according to the most
ancient and lawfull bounds thereof… wch Ambrose Bennett died seized of and was
found to escheat [by a jury on] 16 June 1681.” [Virginia Patent Book 7, p174]
The language used here, and the absence of metes
and bounds, means that no new survey was done. We can identify which Richard
Reynolds this was, because his son Christopher Reynolds sold part of this 450
acres to Robert Brock in 1708, describing it as a patent of his deceased father
granted on this date. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 2, p102- see below]. That means
this is Richard Reynolds Senior, the son of Christopher Reynolds the immigrant,
who died in 1707. The original patent to Ambrose Bennett was apparently a
patent for 1,450 acres. It would appear that this land was adjacent to the
home plantation which Christopher Reynolds left to Richard Reynolds in his 1654
will.
12 Sep 1684 Richard Reynolds and Robert Coleman securities for James Tullaugh’s administration of John Lockhart. [Isle of Wight Administrations and Probates, p57, abstracted by Chapman]
21 Oct 1684 Land
Patent: John Mungoe, 100 acres in Isle of Wight “on the southeast side of
Hutchinsons Creeke in the lower part of Warrosquiock Bay beginning at a corner
tree twixt Mr. James Bay and the said Mungoe… the head of Palentines Swamp…
corner tree of Thomas Taberer and Mr. [James] Day… “being formerly granted to
Gyles Jones by patent dated the 14 December 1619 and by the said Jones sold and
conveyed to Justinian Cooper the 19 October anno do caroli primus [meaning
1625], and by the said Cooper conveyed to Wassel Weblin and George Fadding the
29 September 1629 who held the same in joint tenancy, and by the sd Fadding the
survivor sold and conveyed to Robert Sabine the 19 February 1630 and by the
said Sabin (sic) conveyed to Christopher Reinolds the 21 December 1634
and by the sd Reinolds conveyed to Peter Hull the 1 May 1639 and by
Peter Hull sold and conveyed to John Mungoe the 9 February 1663 who by his last
will and testament bequeathed the same to his son John Mungoe…” due for the
transportation of two unnamed persons. [Virginia Patent Book 7, p417]
Although the original patent to Giles Jones is
lost, the adjoining patents allow us to
fairly precisely locate it. This land adjoined a 1675 patent by Thomas Taberer
[VPB 7:71] renewing 400 acres “near the mouth of Pagan Creek” and “beginning at
the mouth of Palentine Swamp”. A patent to John Davis [VPB 5:224] describes
Taberer’s Creek as “formerly called Hutchinson’s Creek.” Several other patents
place this land on the northwest side of the mouth of the Pagan River. The
original patent was apparently part of the 150 acres listed as planted by Gyles
Jones in the May 1625 inventory for “Warrasquoake plantation”.
ca Apr 1685 Richard
Reynolds Jr. and wife Elizabeth and brother-in-law George Williams,
orphan of George Williams, receive the estate of William Williams, decd.
Pharaoh Cobb to produce the will. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p243,
according to http://members.aol.com/vafdking/iowadd.htm]
I did not check this item, but the referenced
website lists it among the missing items from Chapman’s abstracts. The page
number (if accurate) should put the recording date about April or May 1685.
“Estate” meant personal property, most likely livestock and household goods in
this case. We know most of this information from later records, the main
significance of this one being that it tells us Richard Reynolds the younger
was married to Elizabeth Williams by 1685, thus explaining the following record
for February 1686.
George Williams, a tailor, had left a will in 1672 naming minor children
William, George, and Elizabeth, with Pharoah Cobb, Arthur Smith and Henry
Applewhaite overseers. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p114]. The will
assigned all three children to guardians (implying that all three children were
under the age of 14 when the will was written on 12 February 1671/2), with
Elizabeth Williams assigned to William Bressie. The estate was divided among
the same three children on 9 Jan 1673/4 by Richard Sharpe and Thomas Harris.
[Ibid., p119] William Williams, the son, later died and his share of the
personal estate was distributed to his brother and sister.
9 Feb 1685/6 Deed:
Richard Reynolds to William Murfrey, both of Isle of Wight, no
compensation noted, 100 acres in the lower parish (being land conveyed by
Richard Webb to Richard Gadsbey and now in the occupation of said William Murfrey)…”wherefor
was required thereunto as for Eliza. my wife”. Witness: John Nevill and
Robert Driver. Signed: Richard Reynolds, Eliza. (x) Reynolds. Recorded
9 Feb 1685/6 on oath of Richard and Eliza his wife. [Isle of Wight Deed Book
1, p216]
This is clearly Richard Reynolds the younger. The
land is evidently his wife’s from her father’s estate. Ten years later when
Murphrey sold the land, he described it as half of a 200-acre parcel adjoining
Thomas Bombridge deceased, John Askew and the Meadow Swamp. Meadow Swamp seems
to be what is now called Cohoon Swamp, several miles south of Cypress Creek.
An interesting connection: I can find no patent to Richard Webb, but there is
a later deed by John Askew’s heir, and witnessed by Murfrey’s grantee, which
refers to “Richard Webb’s land originally taken up by Richard Staples”
bordering the Meadow Swamp. The land Richard Reynolds is selling to William
Murfrey is evidently quite near this land, or perhaps part of it. That raises
the question of whether there was some relationship between Richard Staples and
George Williams.
20 Dec 1685 Ann Tullaugh, Richard Reynolds, Ann Williams witnesses to will of John Burnell, proved 9 December 1680. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p247, abstracted by Chapman]
20 Oct 1689 Land
Patent: Richard and John Sanders, 350 acres in Nansemond County, lying
in the Western Branch… “to the intersecting of the line of Jno. Reynolds
als [alias] Mulfords patt…” [Virginia Patent Book 8, p10]
Who is this? The implication is that a John
Reynolds owns or rents land patented by Mulford (sic). Thomas Mullford’s
patent was dated 24 October 1650 [VPB 2, p259] for 700 acres “lying near the
head of the southward branch of the said [Nansemond] River…” But the only John
Reynolds we know about died in 1669. The land descriptions in these patents
come from the surveys – could the survey be that old? All the neighboring
landowners in the patent were in place at least 20 years earlier, so it could
be. However, none of the adjacent patents mention a Reynolds. So this is a
mystery that perhaps the missing records of Nansemond would have solved.
Note: Deed records resume in 1688 after nearly 40 years of missing deeds
3 Apr 1690 Division
of a tract of land between Richard Reynolds and John Nevill and his wife
Elizabeth Nevill. Witness: Joseph Woory and Samuel Swann. Signed by twelve
persons, apparently a jury resolving a dispute over the land. Recorded 9 Apr
1690 [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p25, abstracted by both Hopkins & Boddie]
It would be very helpful to see the original of
this record. Chapman, in her marriage abstract book, uses the same source to
give Elizabeth Neville as the sister of Richard Reynolds but neither
Hopkins nor Boddie adds that information to their abstracts. If Chapman is
correct, then Richard Reynolds would have to be the younger, son of Christopher
Reynolds Jr., since the other Richard Reynolds had a sister Elizabeth who had
long since married Richard Jordan. However, John Neville was married to an
Elizabeth as early as 1665, seemingly too early for that wife to have been a
sister of Richard Reynolds the younger – unless Christopher Reynolds II was
older than we surmise him to be. Furthermore, a sister would have had no
rights to the land of her father unless provided for in a will. We know from
the earlier patent that Christopher Reynolds Jr. did leave a will, but Richard
Reynolds had declared himself to be the only son and heir in 1672. And why
there would be a dispute twenty years later is unclear.
One plausible explanation is that the land in question was not Christopher
Reynolds’ but rather Richard Sharpe’s. The dispute may have been over a deed
three months earlier, in which John and Elizabeth Neville had given 100 acres
of the Richard Sharpe patent to Benjamin Beale and his wife Martha (apparently
the Neville’s daughter). If Chapman’s abstract is wrong, Elizabeth Neville
could have been either the widow of Christopher Reynolds II or of Richard
Sharpe, wither of which would explain a dispute over her dower rights to the
lands of either man.
I should also note the possibility that Elizabeth was a half-sister of Richard
Reynolds. If Christopher Reynolds II had married a widow with a daughter, it
would explain why Elizabeth was apparently so mush older than Richard Reynolds
the younger.
4 Sep 1691 Hugh Campbell, Richard Reynolds witnesses to a marriage contract between John Portis and Jane --- regarding her rights over her prior property. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p312, according to http://members.aol.com/vafdking/iowadd.htm]
2 Dec 1691 Richard Reynolds, Giles Driver, and Richard Reynolds Jr. witness deed from Robert Driver and wife Elizabeth. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p47 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s abstract substitutes the name of Theophilus Hearne for Richard Reynolds Jr. and gives the year as 1692 rather than 1691. [Boddie, p607]
13 Dec 1691 Will
of Richard Lewis: Legatees: wife, Sarah; to son Richard the plantation on
which William Duck lives, said Duck to take in tuition my son Richard; to son
Thomas the land I have rented James Cullie, Mr. Thomas Giles to take my said
son, if Mr. Giles should die then he may be free, daughter Ann to be placed in the
care of Mr. Bressie, daughter Elizabeth in the care of Richard Reynolds
and his wife Elizabeth, unborn child. Overseers: Thomas Joyner Jr. and
Richard Reynolds Jr. Recorded 26 March 1691/2. [Isle of Wight Will
& Deed Book 2, p314, abstracted by Chapman]
Both references are to Richard Reynolds the younger,
son of Christopher Reynolds Jr. Clearly this is the same Richard Reynolds who
left the will in 1711, which mentions “what is due to Elizabeth Lewis” of her
orphan’s estate. From that will, he is the same Richard Reynolds named as a
cousin in the 1700 will of Richard Sharpe. Note also that Mr. Bressie may have
been the same William Bressie who had early been guardian of Elizabeth Williams
Reynolds.
9 Jun 1692 Richard Reynolds, William Kerle, Bridgeman Joyner witness assignment from Thomas Harris to William Carver. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p45 abstracted by Hopkins]
19 Aug 1692 Will of John Frizell: …to son William land adjoining Col. Smith and Richard Reynolds… [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p326, abstracted by Chapman]
Note: Court Orders survive for 1693-1695, very briefly abstracted by Boddie and Hopkins.
9 Oct 1693 Richard
Reynolds mentioned (no context). [Isle of Wight County Court Orders
1693-1695, p1 and p14 abstracted by Hopkins]
16 Oct 1693 Richard Reynolds and Will Arrington witnesses to will of James Peddon, recorded 9 August 1694. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p347, abstracted by Chapman]
1 Dec 1693 John Butler, Richard Reynolds and Joyce (x) Reynolds witness deed from John Luther and wife Mary Luther and Robert Mercer for land given to Mary Luther by the will of Ambrose Bennett. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p80 abstracted by Hopkins]
9 Dec 1693 Richard Reynolds Sr. mentioned (no context). Similar mention on 9 January 1693/4 [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p14 abstracted by Hopkins]
6 Jan 1693/4 Dorothy
Butler, Richard Reynolds and Joyce (x) Reynolds witness deed from
Robert Mercer and wife Elizabeth Mercer to John Luther for the same land as in
the prior month’s deed. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p88 abstracted by
Hopkins] Boddie has Richard Reynolds signing this deed by mark, which seems
unlikely. [Boddie, p612]
These two deeds are the first mention of Joyce
Reynolds, wife of Richard Reynolds the elder. I note that there are enough
missing records for Isle of Wight that this may not be significant. However,
we do need to keep in mind that this could be a second marriage for him.
7 Feb 1693/4 Deed:
Richard and Elizabeth Hutchins to Richard Reynolds Jr. “Whereas Pharaoh
Cobbs and Ann his wife by their deed, dated 10 April 1671, confirmed to George
Williams a tract of land… which land was sold by Pharaoh Cobbs and Elizabeth,
his mother, to Saml. Haswell and is now in the possession of Richard
Reynolds Jr., and Eliz. his wife the dau. of the said George
Williams and lawful inheritrix. Now, we Richard Hutchins and Eliz. his wife,
the dau. of Joseph Cobbs, Jr., decd. the eldest son of Joseph Cobbs, Sr., decd.
for 1000 lbs. tbco. sell to Richard Reynolds, Jr., and confirmed by Richard
Hutchins and wife Eliz. of Western Branch Nansemond.” [Isle of Wight Deed Book
1, no page given, abstracted by Boddie p613] Hopkins’ abstract gives the land
as 100 acres [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p90 abstracted by Hopkins]
This is Richard Reynolds the younger, married to
Elizabeth Williams, daughter of George Williams Sr. These prior deeds are
among the missing records of the county. Richard and Elizabeth Hutchins had
also sold 130 acres to Arthur Smith adjoining Smith and Pharaoh Cobb.
9 Apr 1694 Richard
Reynolds vs. William Jolley (no details) [Isle of Wight County Court
Orders 1693-1695, p31 abstracted by Hopkins]
This is Richard Reynolds Sr. [see below]
20 Apr 1694 Land
Patent: Richard Reynolds of Isle of Wight County, 720 acres “on a
branch called the Cabbin Branch in Nansemond County” The patent contains no
mention of adjacent lands, nor of other watercourses. Due for “transportation
of fifteen persons in to this Colony”: Mary Lawrence, Richard Ansly, Robert
Brewer, Thomas Hill, Geo. Brooks, Tho. Hinson, Wm. Farmer, Tho. Loyd, Joyce
Wilson, Mary Biss, Dorothy Sexton, Tho. Giles and his wife, Patrick Wall,
William Parker. [Virginia Patent Book 8, p347]
This was Richard Reynolds Sr., son of Christopher
Reynolds the immigrant. We know this because he and his wife Joyce later sold
part of this patent [see entry of 9 June 1697]. There were probably other
deeds disposing of this land filed in Nansemond County which were lost with the
other records of that county. Note that the 1704 quit rents do not show any
land owned in Nansemond County by anyone named Reynolds. This implies that he
had sold the rest of the patent before 1704.
Cabbin Branch was the name of “a branch of the Chowan River” according to a
1704 patent [VPB 9, p639]. The Suffolk Parish records show a mid-1700s map
identifying a “Cabin Swamp” as a branch of Summerton Creek of the Chowan River,
located in the southwestern part of Nansemond. If this is the same waterway,
then this land is only a few miles from the later patents to his son
Christopher Reynolds in the fork of the Nottoway and Blackwater Rivers.
1 May 1694 Mr.
Henry Baker as [High] Sheriff and Richard Reynolds as subsheriff. [Isle
of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p34 abstracted by Hopkins]
The office of High Sheriff was arguably the most
important in the county, and certainly the most lucrative. Sheriffs were
typically members of the very highest level of society and were usually rich
men padding their estates with the substantial fees sheriffs earned. They
seldom dirtied their own hands by doing the actual work, and appointed
subsheriffs [also called under-sheriffs] to handle the day-to-day duties like
executing court orders and collecting taxes. Perhaps their most significant
duty was the collection of the annual tithes, for which Virginia sheriffs were
paid a percentage of the tax collected.
9 Jun 1694 Richard
Reynolds Sr. vs. William Jolley (no details). [Isle of Wight County Court
Orders 1693-1695, p37 abstracted by Hopkins]
Same court: Mr. Richard Reynolds Sr. to shingle the courthouse. [Isle
of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p49 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie adds
that he was “to shingle the court house with good durable cypress shingles and
to put the porch belonging to the said courthouse in good and sufficient
repair… all of which work he doth promise to perform and finish by Christmas
next, in consideration whereof the court doth promise to pay him 5,500 lbs of
good tobacco and to furnish nails for the said work…” [Boddie p173]
9 Aug 1694 Deposition
of Charles Durham and Nathaniel Permento states that June last there was a
dispute between Richard Reynolds and John Davis. [Isle of Wight Deed
Book 1, p176 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s version says Reynolds and
Davis were defendants in suit of Durham and Permento, who demanded possession
of Davis’ place. [Boddie, p623]
If this means June 1694, there is only a mention of
the suit versus William Jolley in Hopkins. There are no court records in
existence covering June 1693, where the dispute between Reynolds and Davis might
have been explained.
10 Oct 1694 Mr.
Richard Reynolds mentioned (no context). [Isle of Wight County Court
Orders 1693-1695, p58 abstracted by Hopkins]
10 Dec 1694 Richard
Reynolds Jr., John Nevill, jurors in the case of Robert Coleman and Malurk
[Malachi?] Hawley. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p144 abstracted by Hopkins]
We know from later records that Richard Reynolds
Jr.’s son Christopher was married to Ann Coleman, daughter of Richard Coleman.
It is extremely unlikely that Richard Reynolds would have been selected to this
jury if that marriage had already taken place. That would have made him a near
enough relation to Robert Coleman to force reclusion.
9 Feb 1694/5 Richard Reynolds Jr., John Nevill, jurors in the case of Captain Robert Godwin vs.. Jacob Durden. [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p76 abstracted by Hopkins]
11 Feb 1694/5 Mr.
Richard Reynolds Sr. vs. William Jolley for the year 1688. Jury members
named. [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p80 abstracted by Hopkins]
Deposition
of Giles Driver, age 25, that Wm. Jolly removed from the plantation of Richard
Reynolds about the middle of Jan. and James Jolly remained there at his
trade. [Boddie p618] Deposition of John Luther, aged 39, states he was at the
house of William Jolley when the Sheriff seized some of his goods. [Isle of
Wight Deed Book 1, p138 abstracted by Hopkins] Deposition of James Tullaugh,
age 46 years, speaks for Mr. Richard Renald [Reynolds] and William
Jolley. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p139 abstracted by Hopkins]
This sounds like the Jollys were either tenants or
were employed to build something, and that William Jolly had failed in the
obligation. Both William Jolly and James Jolly are identified as smiths in
later records.
c1695 Richard Reynolds, Thomas (x) Joyner witness to deed of Henry Martin and wife Mary Martin to Henry Applewait, 40 acres. No date given. Recorded circa Jan-Feb 1695 from context. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p190 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s abstract gives it as 80 acres.
6 Aug 1695 Deed:
John Luther and wife Mary Luther to Richard Beale, 20 acres (being part of the
land Ambrose Bennett willed to said Luther’s wife) bounded by Luther, Giles
Driver, Ambrose Bennett, and Richard Reynolds old plantation where
Robert Driver now lives. Witness: William Bradshaw, Elizabeth (x) Bradshaw,
Theop (x) Joyner. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p172 abstracted by Hopkins]
Deposition of Benj. Beale Sr., age 62, and his wife Mary Beale, age about 60,
that the land on the other side of branch between John Luther and Giles Driver
was rented. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p174 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s
abstract says that the land on the other side of branch between John Luther and
Richard Reynolds (sic) …no one ever paid rent or was possessed of
same by Ambrose Bennett. [Boddie p622]
This refers to Richard Reynolds Sr. Richard Reynolds “old plantation” appears to be the 200
acres which “Ambrose Bennett gave to Christopher Reynolds” [see 23 April 1711]
and which was evidently the land Christopher Reynolds was living on at his
death in 1654. We know from later records [see 1706 entries] that Richard
Reynolds Sr. was not living on this land. Apparently, he had leased it out to
Robert Driver.
9 Aug 1695 [Malachi] Hawley appoints Charles Chapman as his attorney in the suit with Mr. Robert Coleman. Witness: John Williams and Richard Reynolds. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p167 abstracted by Hopkins]
6 Apr 1696 Valuation of goods by Richard Reynolds. [no explanation given] [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p203 abstracted by Hopkins]
24 Sep 1696 Richard Reynolds (signature), a juror for land laid out between William Greene and James Bagnal. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p210 abstracted by Hopkins]
9 Nov 1696 John Giles, George Smith, Richard Reynolds witness a deed from Evi Bellonge, weaver, to George Norsworthy. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p211 and p213 abstracted by Hopkins]
9 Feb 1696/7 George Norsworthy, Richard Wilkinson Jr., James Tullaugh, and Richard Reynolds witness deed from Jane Rigane [Regan], daughter of Richard Gross, to Nicholas Casey, an assignment of a patent to Richard Gross. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p225 abstracted by Hopkins] Similar entry on p230 carrying the same date, omitting James Tullaugh as witness..
9 Jun 1697 Deed:
Richard Reynolds of Isle of Wight to William Butler of Nansemond County,
220 acres in Nansemond County, part of a patent of 720 acres on Cabin Branch.
Signed: Richard Reynolds, Joyce (x) Reynolds. Witness: John
Council, William Brown, Robert [Driver]. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p309
abstracted by Hopkins]
This is part of his own patent [see 20 April
1694]. It is not clear at all why this deed would have been recorded in Isle
of Wight if the land were in Nansemond. There are no records of the disposal
of the remaining 500 acres They were probably recorded in Nansemond County,
whose records are lost. The 1704 quit rents show no Reynolds land in that
county.
9 Feb 1697/8 Richard
Reynolds, Joyce (x) Reynolds witness deed of Thomas Mann to William
Butler, assignment of a patent to Thomas Mann for 300 acres on Chewan (sic)
River. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p234 abstracted by Hopkins]
The patent to Mann is for land in Isle of Wight,
but appears to be actually in Nansemond. Either way, it was close to what is
now the North Carolina line (the boundary was uncertain in those days). It
appears to be quite close to what was evidently the land of Richard Staples.
5 Mar 1697/8 William Randolph of Henrico County, executor of Hugh Davis deceased, appoints Richard Reynolds his attorney. Witness: Henry Baker, Charles Chapman. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p243 abstracted by Hopkins]
2 May 1698 John Giles, Richard Reynolds, Thomas Evan witness to deed from John Smith to George Norsworthy of Nansemond County. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p236 abstracted by Hopkins]
26 Mar 1698 Richard Reynolds, John Street, Ann Street witnesses to will of James Tullaugh, proved 2 May 1698. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p390, abstracted by Chapman]
9 Apr 1698 Richard
Reynolds (signed) deposes that about 25 years ago he was summoned by the sheriff
to be on a jury of escheat to meet at the house of Col. Joseph Bridger, lately
deceased, to determine if a parcel of land belonged (sic) to Capt. John Upton,
lately deceased (being 850 acres) should Escheat to his majesty or not. [Isle
of Wight Deed Book 1, p252 abstracted by Hopkins]
This refers to the escheat jury of 1672 [see above],
meaning that this is Richard Reynolds Sr. the son of Christopher Reynolds the
immigrant.
8 Jun 1698 Deed:
Richard Reynolds Sr., to Richard Reynolds Jr., both of the lower
parish, 380 acres (a patent granted on 23 Apr 1681) now in the tenure of Edward
Goodson, William West, and John Tyler and bounded by Col. Arthur Smith and the
Lower Bay Creek. Witness: Francis (x) Floyd, John (x) Butler and Richard (x)
Wooton. Signed Richard Reynolds. Consent given by unnamed wife.
Recorded 9 Aug 1698 [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p254 abstracted by Hopkins]
Boddie’s abstract says “part of” 380 acres, gives the price as 13,000 lbs. of
tobacco, and says the land is “now in the occupation of Edward Goodson, Wm.
West, John Tyler, and Richd. Reynolds Sr. [Boddie, p634]
”In the tenure of” means “leased to”. This is the
1681 patent by Richard Reynolds the elder, which consisted of the 209 acres
originally inherited by his brother John Reynolds plus another 171 acres of new
land. The very high price implies that there were buildings of value on the
site. Note that Richard Reynolds Sr. is of the lower parish of Isle of Wight,
clarifying that he is not living on his land in Nansemond.
9 Jun 1698 Deed:
Richard Reynolds Jr., of the Lower Parish to Richard Reynolds Sr.,
of the same, 100 acres (being part of 380 acres granted 3 April 1681 to said
Reynolds, Sr., and “lately purchased by me”) bounded by Col. Arthur Smith and Charles
Driver. Signed: Richard Reynolds Jr. Witness: Francis (x) Floyd, John (x)
Butler and Richard (x) Wooten. Recorded 9 Aug 1698 [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1,
p254 abstracted by Hopkins]
It is not at all clear why two deeds were
necessary, but they are helpful in sorting out the Richard Reynolds. Both of
the above deeds refer to the 380-acre patent of Richard Reynolds the elder [see
entry for 9 August 1681] which clearly identifies him as the son of Christopher
Reynolds the immigrant. The Richard Reynolds Jr. in these deeds is obviously
his nephew, the son of Christopher Reynolds Jr.
Christopher Reynolds, son of Richard Reynolds Sr., later sold the 100 acres
[see 28 July 1707] identifying it as the land his deceased father bought from
Richard Reynolds Jr.
1698 Nuncupative
will of Martha Wilson proven by Nicholas Renalls, age 18, and William
Deloach, age 20. Undated - but since nuncupative wills were valid only for a
few weeks, this is probably dated close to the filing date sometime in 1698.
[Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p386, abstracted by Chapman]
This person is an unrelated Reynolds, the son of
Robert Reynolds Jr. Both William Deloach and Nicholas Reynolds are actually
residents of neighboring Surry County, but are proving the will in Isle of
Wight. Martha Wilson was also a resident of Surry and her estate was
administered there in 1699, but she apparently died in Isle of Wight, making an
oral will on her deathbed. Nicholas Reynolds can easily be proven to be the
son of Robert Reynolds Jr. and grandson of Robert Reynolds Sr. of Surry County,
both descendants of the immigrant Nicholas Reynolds. (See separate document
for more n this Reynolds family.)
7 Sep 1698 Appraisal of Walter Rutter estate by William West, Charles Durham, Richard Reynolds. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p400, abstracted by Chapman]
9 Sep 1698 Henry
Applewhaite Jr. and Richard Reynolds witnesses to deed of Arthur Smith
to Robert Brock. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p255 abstracted by Hopkins]
Robert Brock is later identified as the
father-in-law of Christopher Reynolds, son of Richard Reynolds Sr.
17 Jul 1699 Charles Chapman and Richard Reynolds witnesses to several bonds for goods bought at the estate sale of Capt. John Goodrich. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, pp292-5 abstracted by Hopkins]
9 Dec 1699 Richard Reynolds, William Mayo, and Henry Woodly witness to deed of Edward Cobb to Andrew Woodly. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p296 abstracted by Hopkins]
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