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The Family Garden
Notes
William ANDREWS I
NOTE - Since there are 4 generations of William Andrews, I have added the suffix of I, II, III, and IV to help me keep them straight....these additions are not part of their name.
William ANDREWS I
NOTE - Since there are 4 generations of William Andrews, I have added the suffix of I, II, III, and IV to help me keep them straight....these additions are not part of their name.
John ANDREWS
The surname ANDREWS was first used in Scotland as early as 1200. Its popularity no doubt is from it being the name of the patron Saint of Scotland. By the 1500's, persons by the name of Andrews were living in England, Ireland, and Wales as well as in Scotland. Many were bishops, college professors, judges, and doctors (our John was a doctor). Andrews have been in America from the beginning of English settlement here. John Andrews the younger died in Virginia before 1610. William Andrews, our immigrant ancestor was listed in the 1623 roster of person in Virginia. Andrews were among the very earliest settlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They became prominent in the civic affairs of the colony. From the name Andrews, comes several variations, Andrus, Andrew, Andrers, Andreson, Andros, Androson, and many, many more. The information on our Andrews family starts with John ANDREWS of London, England. John was born in Cambridge and died before 4 Jun 1616. He was married to Easter. We do not know Easter's maiden name. Easter was apparently married to a Mr. Chandler, as in William ANDREWS', her son, will execution it states that he is the brother of William Chandler. John Andrews and Easter had the following children, all born in England. John (d bef 21- Mar 160910), Francis, Richard, George, Easter, Elizabeth, Clara, and William. John was the oldest son. A time frame of the early events in VA and London as they are related to the Andrews family. (provided by Evonne Andrews Eddins) 20 Dec 1606 The first fleet of ships leaves London for Virginia 14 May 1607 The above fleet lands in Virginia 22 June 1607 The ship Newport sails for England for supplies. Jan 1608 The ship Newport returns to Jamestown with supplies and about 100 new settlers. They find only 38 survivors. Oct 1608 The ship Newport arrives from England with more supplies. Late 1608 the ship Newport returns to England with a cargo of pitch, taree, glasse, frankincinse, and sope ashes. 23 May 1609 The second charter of the Virginia Co. issued. This charter replaces the council with a Governor who has absolute control. Shown within this charter “John Andrewes, the Elder, doctor of Cambridge, and John Andrewes, the younger of Cambridge. " 11 Aug 1609 Sir George Somers arrives with six ships which had 200-300 people on board. The Sea Venture, one of the six ships, wrecked on Bermuda. 7 Sept 1609 John Andrews of Cambridge signs his will, before leaving for Ireland 10 Sept 1609 Capt. John Smith returns to England from Virginia Winter 1609-1610 Jamestown suffered another disaster, the winter become know as the starving time. Desperate colonists ate doggies, cats, rats, and mice. Many simply lost the will to live. By the spring of 1610 all but 60 of the town’s 500 settlers had died. 21 Mar 1610 John Andrewes, the Elder, writes a codicile to his will stating “understanding that his son John Andrews has died in Virginia”. From John Andrews’, the elder, will and the Virginia Company records, we learn that John, the elder and John the younger had 25 shares of stock each in the Virginia Company. We also know that John the elder did not go to Virginia as in his will he states that he is leaving for Ireland. We also know from the Codicile that John the younger did die in Virginia before 21 Mar 1610. Also in the codicile the Virginia Company stock of both John, the younger and John, the elder is given to William. William Andrews, the son of John comes to Virginia in 1617, which is not too long after the death of his father. William settles in what is now Northamption County, Virginia on Hungers Creek.
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John ANDREWES WILL
Cambridge, Co. England 1616
Index of Wills P.C.C. 1605-1619, Vol. V, 13.
SURVEY REPORT No. 3278
VIRGINIA COLONIAL RECORDS PROJECT
Title Will of John ANDREWES
Dates 1616
References Index of Wills P.C.C. 1605-1619, Vol. V, 13.
Examined 10 Feb. 1960. Will of John ANDREWES of Cambridge, co. Cambridge, merchant, intending to go into Ireland. His wife Easter Andrews is sole executrix. She is to have (1) his house and grounds etc. in the parish of St. Clement in Cambridge, (2) his profits in certain houses in Longlane near London, and (3) his houses in Spittlehouse End in London. Property in (1) and (3) is his wife's only during her widowhood, after which (1) goes to his son John ANDREWES and his heirs, and (3) goes to his son Francis ANDREWES and his heirs. Property in (2) goes to his son William ANDREWES and his heirs, upon his majority. To his sons Richard and George Andrewes, 150 each at 21. To his daughters Easter, Elizabeth and Clara, 150 each at 21 or on their marriage days, as their mother decides. To his son John ANDREWES the stock of 25 in the Virginia Company, and 10 yearly during his mother's widowhood from the property in St. Clement's parish. To his son William ANDREWES 50,
when that sum is to be paid by his master's bond. To his son Francis ANDREWES 100 at 21. All other goods to his wife, except 5 to John YAXLEY and Robert PRANCE, his friends and overseers of his will. A dead son's or daughter's share shall be divided equally among surviving sons or daughters. If his wife Easter remarries, within a month before her marriage she must give bond of 2000 marks for execution of the will; otherwise she is to lose her benefits under the will and be replaced as executor by his son William ANDREWES, who shall give the same bond.
Signed 7 Sept. 1609.
Witnesses John YAXLEY, Robert SPICER, Robert PRANCE. A codicil of 21 March 1610 notes that John ANDREWES, understanding that his son John ANDREWES has died in Virginia, acquits his wife of an annual payment of 10 to this son.
The 50 put into the Virginia Company ( 25 in his own name and 25 in his son John's name) is to go his son William. The houses in Longlane near London have been sold for 180 to John MEREDITH; William ANDREWES is to have this sum, or else the houses. The codicil is witnessed by Robert PRANCE. Probate at London on 4 June 1616 to Hester ANDREWES, widow and executrix of the deceased. (Abstracted in Virginia Historical Magazine XI, 155.)
Member of the VA Company in which John, son of John, had 25 shares of stock within the 2nd charter of the VA Co. which had been given to him by his father John Andrews, the elder, who also held 25 shares.
*Source: Internet (Linda Harris site)
James VAINWRIGHT
A JAMES WAINRIGHT obtained supplies for the Pitt County Militia Troops (Commanded by Colonel John H. Simpson) in support of the Revolutionary War effort, in which he also provided horses and wagons for hauling military supplies.
*Source: Internet - note, I have not validated that this is same person as this ancestor.
John HIGHSMITH
JOHN HIGHSMITH, son of Daniel Highsmith and Ann Beck was born about 1739, probably in Norfolk County, Virginia. John Highsmith was named in his father's will in 1771 and fro the unusual wording, some have supposed that this John was deceased at the time of the writing of that will. (I give and bequeath to my Grandson William Highsmith, son of John Highsmith, five shillings.)
The first mention we have of John "High Smith" is when he appeared on the tax rolls of Beaufort County, North Carolina in 1755. He was probably not 21 at that time but must have owned some land and thereby was taxable. John Highsmith received Land Grant Number 52 from the State of North Carolina and this is possibly the same land as that recorded as granted him through the British Crown as both of these records contain references to Briary Creek. *Source: Highsmiths in America, Descendants of Daniel Highsmith of Halifax County, North Carolina, Compiled by Annette Paris Highsmith, Edited and enlarged by Chris H. Bailey, Provo, Utah, 1971
Nancy HIGHSMITH
She married Noble Stancill.
William HIGHSMITH
William married Dorcas Highsmith.
Moses HIGHSMITH
He married Esther Taylor.
Southern States Rev. War Pension Rolls Voll III: Pitt County N.C.
placed on roll -28-1833 at age 74 allowance: 21.66 received 54.15
rank and description of service listed as D O.
Daniel HIGHSMITH
That Daniel is the son of Bartholomew and Eleanor is unproved, but supported by evidence in land records, residence locations, approximate dates, and some given names of children being the same as supposed POWELL cousins.
b. about 1710, probably in Norfolk Co., VA; d. before Feb. 1, 1772 (will proved), Halifax Co., NC. Possibly the son of Bartholomew Highsmith and Eleanor Powell. Purchased land in Bertie Co., NC in 1727, and settled in Halifax Co., NC by 1750 where he and Ann sold 33 acres of land in St. Brides' Parish to Richard GRANGER on Dec. 10, 1761. Daniel's will was dated Mar. 8, 1771 and proved Feb. 1, 1772. Married about 1735.
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In 1744 one Daniel Highsmith appears in Bertie County, North Carolina, just across the Virginia line, "proving his right," namely himself, his wife Ann and four children, Daniel, John, Mary and Sarah. It appears that Daniel and his family lived in Bertie County from this time until about 1750 when the following deed appears in Halifax County, North Carolina:
Deed from James Brasswell to Daniel Highsmith of the County of Bertie for Đ50 current money of the Colony of Virginia to him in hand paid….tract of land lying in the county aforesaid on the South side of Roanoke being part of a large tract of land granted by patent to Coll Frederick Jones beginning at the mouth of Fort Branch on the River side, running thence up to the said Fort branch to a poplar…ect…..along Joseph Blount's line to the River. Dated 21 April 1750.
Thus, apparently shortly after the above deed in 1750, Daniel Highsmith removed from Bertie County and settled in Halifax County where he resided the remainder of his life. A deed recorded in Norfolk County, Virginia, in December 1761, proves that Daniels' wife was Ann Beck, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret Beck:
Indenture dated the 10th of December 1761 in which DANIEL HIGHSMITH AND ANNE HIGHSMITH OF THE COUNTY OF HALIFAX IN THE PROVINCE OF NORTH CAROLINA sell to Richard Granger of the County of Norfolk. (Colony) of Virginia - lease 5 shillings - to release Đ10 - thirty-three acres of land situated and being in the parish of St. Brides, and county of Norfolk - on the east side of the road that leadeth from Old Mill Creek to New Mill Creek - adjoining land of John Shipwash Senior, that he bough of Aquilla Suggs - also binding on the land of John Mercer Senior - on Thomas Culpepper Senior and on Andrew Duche - etc - the same land being the third part of 95 acres more or less. IT BEING THE LAND WHICH FORMERLY BELONGED TO BENJAMIN BECKE AND WHICH AT HIS WIFES' DECEASE FELL TO THEIR THREE DAUGHTERS - namely ANNE BECKE - MARGARET BECKE - AND MARGARET MERCER (sic).
Witnesses:
James Cleeves Soth Portlock
Robert Tucker Jr. Charles Mayle
William Smith John Richardson
Abram Worthington
Daniel Highsmith (Seal)
Ann Highsmith (Seal)
Receipt dated 5 July, 1762
Recorded 15 July 1762
There could be no finer proof that Daniel Highsmith of Halifax County, North Carolina, and who died there in 1772, was the one and same Daniel Highsmith who formerly lived in Norfolk County, Virginia. The above record also proves that his wife was Ann Beck, daughter of Benjamin Beck of Norfolk County. It might be well to note that Ann had two sisters, both seemingly named Margaret, which could possible have been an error by the old, long dead clerk, but it is necessary to report the actual wording of the deed.
Perhaps by examining a photostatic copy of Daniel Highsmiths' will, we will get a clearer picture of Daniel and his family. The will was executed on the 8th day of March 1771, duly witnessed by Samuel Pace and Wm. Williams and signed in their presents. The will was "exhibited in open court by Daniel Highsmith Jr., one of the executors and duly sworn by the oaths of William Williams, a subscribing witness thereto who on his oath did say that he saw the testator, Daniel Highsmith, sign, seal publish and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament….." In the name of God Amen - I Daniel Highsmith of the County of Halifax, in the province of North Carolina, being of sound and perfect mind and memory (thanks be to God) but calling to mind the mortality of mankind and knowing it is appointed for all men to die, do make ordain and constitute and appoint this my last will and testament in manner and form following (to wit):
First I leave to my wife Ann Highsmith the use of the plantation and all the ….thereunto belonging during her Natural Life and after here decease I give and bequeath my sd plantation and all land thereunto belonging to be equally Devided between my two sons, Daniel Highsmith and James Highsmith and their heirs or assigns forever. Item. I give and bequeath to my Grandson William Highsmith, son of John Highsmith, five shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Irwin fives shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sararh Rogers, five shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Dorkis Highsmith, five shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Juda Rain, five shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Eliz. Shepperd, give shillings.
Item, I give to my daughter Lydia Fair, five shillings.
Item. I give to my daughter Ann Brady, five shillings.
Item. I give and bequeath the remainder of my whole estate consisting of every kind whatsoever that is not herein before mentioned or given in legatise to e equally divided between my wife Ann Highsmith and my two daughters Anna Highsmith and Martha Highsmith their heirs or assigns forever.
Lastly, I nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Ann Highsmith executrix and my two sons Danile Highsmith and James Highsmith Exors to this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all other heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 8th day of March 1771.
Witnesses:
Samuel Pace Daniel (D) Highsmith
Wm. Williams his mark
Proven: February Court 1772
Daniel and Ann Highsmith were parents of at least twelve children who had some mention in his will. The first four were most probably born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and the later in Bertie and Halifax Counties, North Carolina. Children of Daniel and Ann:
Daniel Highsmith (Jr), b. ca 1737 md Lucretia
John Highsmith, b. ca; md Sarah
Mary Highsmith, b. ca 1741; md Mr. Irwin
Sarah Highsmith, b. ca 1742; md Benjamin Rogers
Dorkas Highsmith, b. ca 1745
Juda Highsmith, b. ca 1747; md Mr. Rain
Elizabeth Highsmith, b. ca 1749; md Mr. Shepperd
Lydia Highsmith, b. ca 1751; md. Mr. Brady
Anna Highsmith, b. ca 1757
Martha Highsmith, b. ca. 1760
*Source: Highsmiths in America, Descendants of Daniel Highsmith of Halifax County, North Carolina, Compiled by Annette Paris Highsmith, Edited and enlarged by Chris H. Bailey, Provo, Utah, 1971
Ann BECK
Mentioned in her Grandfathers (George A. Sugg) will: after the death of my Wife... to my Grand Daughter Ann BEAK (sp?) and Margaret BEAKE, Rechel MERCER and Margaret MERCER ten Shill/s Eeach in Country productions... (see notes for George A. Sugg for full content of will).
Daniel HIGHSMITH
He married Lucretia Parker. He was a revolutionary war soldier.
Sarah HIGHSMITH
She married Benjamin Rogers.
Bartholomew HIGHSMITH
VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY
Patents 10 (1710-1719)
Reel 10, Page 259.
Virginia--George--To All: Know ye that for divers good causes & considerations, but now especially for & in consideration of his importation of two persons to dwell within this our Colony & Dominion whose names are Nicholas Baggett & Bartholomew Highsmith, we have given, granted and confirmed and by those presents for us our heirs and successors do give, grant and confirm unto John Watts one certain tract or parcell of land containing sixty-five acres lying and being on the north side of Maherin River in ye said County of Isle of Wight & bounded as followeth, to witt: Beginning at a Spanish oak go . . . of a reedy branch, . . . begun upon and down the various courses of the run of the said branch to the beginning with all.
To have, hold--to be held?yielding & paying. Witness welbeloved Alexander Spotswood, our Lt. Governor?signed at Wms. burg under ye seal of our said Colony this the 23rd day of March 1715 and in ye second year of our Reign.
A. Spotswood.
Source: VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY, Patents 10 (1710-1719), Reel 10, Page 259.
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JOHN WATTS, 65 acs. (N.L.), Is. of Wight Co; on N. side of Maherin River, 23 Mar 1715, pg 259, Imp. of 2 pers.: Nicholas Baggett and Bartholomew Highsmith.
This entry indicates that Mr. Watts was awarded 65 acres of New Land (previously unowned) as a result of his claim of paying passage to Virginia of the two persons listed.
Source: Virginia Patent Book #10, as abstracted in Cavaliers and Pioneers, vol., 3, pg. 176
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d. after 1728, probably in Norfolk Co., VA. Barthaw HYSMITH was living at Portsmouth, Norfolk Co., VA, in 1693 when he witnessed a will, and in 1728 when he and his wife Ellenor sold 95 acres to Abraham WASTON, witnessed by Henry CROOCH, Sarah POWELL, and Thomas MARTIN. Married about 1709, probably in Norfolk Co., VA.
Benjamin BECK
BECK ANCESTRAL NOTES
Norfolk County, Virginia holds some existing deed concerning BENJAMIN BECK, father of Ann (Beck) Highsmith. Unfortunately, the records do not clearly indicate the ancestry of Benjamin Beck, nor his wife, Margaret, but there are some clues among the records. During the year 1711, Benjamin Beck, made several transfers of land in Norfolk County according to deed book #9. It appears that he acquired and disposed of all this land before the year 1711 expired. However, the deeds all call him Benjamin Beck, COOPER (note, a cooper was a maker of barrels), of the Southern Branch Precinct of Elizabeth River Parish, Norfolk County, Virginia. The above records indicate that Benjamin Beck was an adult by 1711 and therefore was born at least by 1690 and probably before. Benjamin was deceased by February 20, 1718/19 when the certificate of Administration of the estate of Benjamin Beck was granted to MARGARET BECK, RELICT OF BENJAMIN BECK DECEASED.
The following disposition was recorded on March 20, 1718/19: "I heard MY BORTHER BENJAMIN BECK, say that he would give all that he had in the world to his wife towards the raising of his children." Sworn in open court by JEREMIAH BECK on the motion of MARGARET BECK was admitted to the record.
It is probable, but not proved, that Benjamin Beck and his brother, Jeremiah Beck were sons of an older Jeremiah Beck of Norfolk County, Virginia, who had died before the year 1708. In Norfolk County Deeds, a GEORGE BECKE of Bath County, North Carolina, COOPER, proclaims himself as SON OF JEREMIAH BECK, DEC'D, LATE OF NORFOLK COUNTY and heir apparent to Mrs. Jane Saveer (Sawyer, Sarveer), relict of Richard Hill. Mrs. Jane Sarveer, dec'd., "had a good right to the lott of land aforesaid", (in the Towne of Norfolk, Lower Norfolk County,) and left no heirs of her body." Dated 15 February 1709/09.
*Source: Highsmiths in America, Descendants of Daniel Highsmith of Halifax County, North Carolina, Compiled by Annette Paris Highsmith, Edited and enlarged by Chris H. Bailey, Provo, Utah, 1971
NOTE: A COOPER was a maker of barrels.
Margaret SUGG
A deed dated July 20, 1696 by Timothy and Elizabeth IVES names
"son-in-law George Sugg & his daughter, Margrett Sugg." After the death of Benjamin BECK, she married John MERCER and they had a daughter Rachel.
It seems that Margaret SUGG married Benjamin BECK (son of Jeremiah BECK and Ann MORROW) and John MERCER.
*Source: The SUGGS / SUGG Ancestry, by Scott T.S. Trimble
written 27 Jun 1995 for the Internet
Notes, from reading her father's will, George A. Sugg, I think that Margaret and her second husband, John Mercer had 2 daughters, Rachel and Margaret. Her father left 10 shillings each (after the death of her mother) to his grandaughers: Ann Beck, Margaret Beck, Rachel Mercer and Margaret Mercer. lcw
Margaret BECK
Mentioned in her Grandfathers (George A. Sugg) will: after the death of my Wife... to my Grand Daughter Ann BEAK (sp?) and Margaret BEAKE, Rechel MERCER and Margaret MERCER ten Shill/s Eeach in Country productions... (see notes for George A. Sugg for full content of will).
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