Welcome to Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia history and culture.
Today is Thanksgiving. On this day I adopt my late niece, Drew Taylor Rosamond Benton, as my child. At 8:20 AM I read this….
Alice Parker, born say 1702, was indicted by the Northumberland County court on 19 July 1721 for having a “Mullatto” child in St. Stephen’s Parish [Orders 1719-29, 44].
1. Ruth Parker, born say 1706, a “Christian White Woman,” was deceased by 2 March 1724/5 when the Accomack County court bound out her “Mullatto” daughter Sarah [Orders 1724-31, 22a]. She was the mother of
i. Sarah, born about 1725.
I will be studying this from my easy chair as I watch the Thanksgiving Parade. I will be adding to it all day.
I suspect the Benton family is related to a Native American family, who united to fight the British in the Revolutionary War. I suspect they invented….Francis Marion Benton ‘The Swamp Fox’ My great grandfather is Marion Francis Rosamond, also Frank. My mother’s father is Frank Rosamond. Many Bentons took the name
FRANCIS MARION BENTON
John Presco
Is Francis Marion – Real?
Capturing Beauty
Chapter: Is Francis Marion Real”
I found a constelation of this name
FRANCIS MARION BENTON
Marion Francis (Frank) “Franklin” Rosamond
Son of Benjamin Rosamond and Jane (Rogers) Rosamond
| Epaphroditus Titus Benton, of Perquiman’s Parish (b. – 1728) | |
| Birthdate: | estimated between 1660 and 1690 |
| Birthplace: | Lower IOW Parish |
| Death: | 1728 Perquiman’s Parish |
| Immediate Family: | Son of Francis Benton, of Lower Norfolk Parish and Charity Benton Husband of Elizabeth Parker, Old Cheraw Father of Epaphrodius Bainton, Famous Woodsman and Issa ( Benton) Parker, Cheraw Brother of Francis Benton, II; John Benton and Elizabeth Moore |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | Opened a Ferry according the the book: From Jamestown to Texas By Betty Smith Meischen |
They may have been the ancestors of
2 i. Elisha, born about 1752-1759.
ii. Samuel, born before 1776, head of a Nansemond County household of 2 “free colored” in 1820 [VA:71].
iii. Milley, born before 1776, head of a Nansemond County household of 7 “free colored” in 1820 [VA:74A].
2. Elisha Parker, born about 1752-1759, a “man of color,” was about 80 years old on 20 November 1832 when he made a declaration in Gates County, North Carolina, to obtain a pension for his services in the Revolution. He stated that he was born in Nansemond County near the North Carolina line about 1752. He was said to have been about 75 years old on 10 February 1834 when he made a similar declaration in Nansemond County court, stating that he enlisted in Gates County about 1779 for 9 months under Captain Arthur Gatling, then enlisted as a substitute for Francis Speight and had been a resident of Nansemond County for the previous 45 years [NARA, S.11211, M804-1871, frame 0787]. He was head of a Gates County household of 4 “other free” in 1790 [NC:23] and 3 “free colored” in Nansemond County in 1820 [VA:79]. He may have been related to
i. Thomas, head of a Cumberland County, North Carolina household of 8 “other free” in 1810 [NC:605].
“Old Cheraw” can refer to the historical region inhabited by the Cheraw (or Saura) Indians before the arrival of European settlers, the historic town of Cheraw, South Carolina itself, or the area known as the Old Cheraw Fields, which was settled by Welsh and Scottish immigrants. The modern town is known for its well-preserved historic district, featuring architecture predating the Declaration of Independence, and is often called “The Prettiest Town in Dixie”.
| Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker (Straight Tail), Piqua Shawnee (1650 – 1754) | |
| Also Known As: | “Bear Clan”, “Neemeetha”, “Meetha”, “Martha”, “(may have been Native-American–Some believe she was the daughter of Straight-Tail & granddaughter of Turtle Chief Pekowi”, “”Aka Mitha Pender””, “Mineetha” |
| Birthdate: | circa 1650 |
| Birthplace: | Shawnese, Old Fields Village, Old Town, MD, National Historic Landmark, Archeological Landmark |
| Death: | circa 1754 (95-112) Parker Creek, 6, Accomack County, Virginia, United States  |
| Immediate Family: | Daughter of Straight Tail Meaurroway Opessa and Straight Tail//Piqua {Waterbird}} Shawnee Wife of Walkuz “Thomas Parker” of Dan River Mother of Chief Richard Bryant “Parker”, of Saraunaton Creek and Rachele Parker, /Old Cheraw Sister of John White Straight Tail, Pekowi Bear Clan and Shawano Straight Tail Half sister of Wolf Opessa Straight Tail; Sewatha Chartier; Chief Opessa “Opeththa” Straight Tail; Snow White Straight Tail and Unknown Straight Tail |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | Possibly Tecumseh’s Aunt; of the Bear Clan |
Brief Life History of Richard Bryant
When Chief Richard Bryant Parker Of Saraunaton Creek was born in 1676, in Nansemond, Virginia, British Colonial America, his father, Walkuz Bryant Thomas Parker, was 30 and his mother, Nimeeth Shawnee Pekowi Bear Clan Straight Tail, was 26. He married Judith Watson on 18 November 1735, in Chowan, North Carolina, United States. They were the parents of at least 8 sons and 6 daughters. He lived in Albemarle, Buncombe, North Carolina, United States in 1693. In 1731, at the age of 55, his occupation is listed as justice of peace in Chowan, North Carolina, British Colonial America. He died about 1752, in Chowan, North Carolina, British Colonial America, at the age of 77, and was buried in Chowan, North Carolina, United States.More
Chief Richard Bryant “Parker”, of Saraunaton Creek was born circa 1670 in Cheepoake Creek, West of Dismal Swamp, Va. His parents were Walkuz Bryant “Thomas Parker” / Founder of Nottoway Cheraw = Old Cheraw and Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker, Piqua Shawnee. He was a Regulator of Licenced Trade at Trader’s Path, Edgecombe, NC.
RIchard married Elizabeth (Brown-Parker) Gibson of Saura Creek circa 1680 in Surry, Virginia. Together they had the following children: “Chief of Churrah” Thomas Parker; Richard Parker, Old Cheaw; Francis Parker of Saura Creek.
He died on May 8, 1736 in Corapeake, Gates County, NC, United States.
| Charity Benton (unknown) (1639 – 1700) | |
| Birthdate: | circa 1639 |
| Death: | circa 1700 (52-69) Nansemond County , Province of Virginia, Colonial America |
| Immediate Family: | Wife of Francis Benton, of Lower Norfolk Parish Mother of Francis Benton, II; John Benton; Elizabeth Moore and Epaphroditus Titus Benton, of Perquiman’s Parish |
|---|---|
| Managed by: | Private User |
| Last Updated: | January 14, 2024 |
Matching family tree profiles for Charity Benton
Charity BENTON in Filae Family Trees
Immediate Family
- Francis Benton, of Lower Norfolk…husband
- Francis Benton, IIson
- John Bentonson
- Elizabeth Mooredaughter
- Epaphroditus Titus Benton, of Pe…son
About Charity Benton
N.N. Benton
NOTE: Ancestry shows her maiden name as Parker
Charity Benton was born circa 1639, in Nansemond County, Va, Colonial America. Charity married Francis Benton I circa 1658, at age 19 in Nansemond County, Va, Colonial Anerica. Francis was born circa 1638, in Jamestown, Va, Colonial America. They had one son: Francis Benton.
Charity passed away circa 1711, at age 72 in Nansemond County, Va, Colonial America.
Family
From https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/benton/2367/
2.FRANCIS2 BENTON (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1638, and died Abt. 1711 in Nansemond, VA.He married CHARITY Bef. 1658.
Children of FRANCIS BENTON and CHARITY are:
3. i. FRANCIS3 BENTON, b. Abt. 1680, Nansemond, VA; d. Abt. 1726, Nansemond, VA. ii. EPAPHRODITIS BENTON, b. Abt. 1670. iii. “BROTHER” BENTON, b. Bet. 1670 – 1680; m. ELIZABETH
| Francis Benton, of Lower Norfolk Parish (1635 – 1711) | |
| Birthdate: | 1635 |
| Birthplace: | Jamestown, Virginia Colony, Colonial America |
| Death: | 1711 (75-76) Nansemond, Virginia, Colonial America |
| Immediate Family: | Son of John Benton and Joane Reading Husband of Charity Benton Father of Francis Benton, II; John Benton; Elizabeth Moore and Epaphroditus Titus Benton, of Perquiman’s Parish Brother of Elizabeth Davis; Alice Benton; John Benton; Abigail Benton and Isabell Benton |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | Planter |
| Managed by: | Private User |
| Last Updated: | February 23, 2025 |
Historical records matching Francis Benton, of Lower
Immediate Family
- Charity Bentonwife
- Francis Benton, IIson
- John Bentonson
- Elizabeth Mooredaughter
- Epaphroditus Titus Benton, of Pe…son
- https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/tree/12462539/photox/e597f573-9d2e-4970-b349-29257927ae74John Bentonfather
- Joane Readingmother
- Elizabeth Davissister
- Alice Bentonsister
- John Bentonbrother
- Abigail Bentonsister
- Isabell Bentonsister
About Francis Benton, of Lower Norfolk Parish
Family
From https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/benton/2367/
2.FRANCIS2 BENTON (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1638, and died Abt. 1711 in Nansemond, VA.He married CHARITY Bef. 1658.
Children of FRANCIS BENTON and CHARITY are:
- 3. i. FRANCIS3 BENTON, b. Abt. 1680, Nansemond, VA; d. Abt. 1726, Nansemond, VA.
- ii. EPAPHRODITIS BENTON, b. Abt. 1670.
- iii. “BROTHER” BENTON, b. Bet. 1670 – 1680; m. ELIZABETH.
notes
From http://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I02444…
CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS PATENT BOOK No. 3; Pg 288 DAME ELIZ. LUNSFORD, 500 acs. Lancaster Co., 8 June 1654, p. 263. Upon S. side of Rappa. Riv., & upon W. by S. side of Matchepungo Cr., running to an oake dividing this & land of Col. Ralph Wormly, decd. & an oak on S. branch of said creek dividing this & land of John Benton, deed. Assigned by Samll. Abbott to whom it was granted 22 Dec. 1642 & confirmed by the Govr. &c.
From http://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I03186…
LANCASTER COUNTY DEEDS & WILLS 1654-1661; Antient Press; Page 188-189
TO ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE to whom these p:sents shall come I FRANCIS BENTON of the County of UPPER NORFOLK, Planter, send gretting &c. Know ye that I the sd FRANCIS BENTON for Four hundred pounds Sterl. by specialty passed before the ensealing hereof by Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT and for diverse other good causes me thereunto moveing have given sold & confirmed unto the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOTT Twelve hundred & fifty acres of land scituate & being in Rappahannock River and begining about fifteen miles up on the South side at a marked Pine standing on a. point on the Westward side of the mouth of a Gutt or Swamp and runing for length South East three hundred & twenty pole unto a marked Oak and for bredth from the menconed Pine by or nigh unto the River side West by South six hundred twenty five pole unto a marked white Oak standing by the River side on a point of an ISLAND and to the Westward to the mouth of a Navigable Creek or branch and runing for length South by East unto a marked red Oak and so East by North paralell unto the River course unto the first mentioned red Oak including the sd quantity of land which sd land was granted to my Father, JOHN BENTON, as appeareth by Pattent dated October 13th 1642 and descended unto me, FRANCIS BENTON, as lawfull heir unto him the sd JOHN BENTON and recovered from the LADY ELIZABETH LUNSFORD who was unlawfully possest thereof by my Mother & Guardian, JOANE READING, by Order of Court dated November the first 1650, To have to hold & injoy the sd Twelve hundred & fifty acres withall houses edifices gardens rights belonging unto the sd Pattent unto him ye sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOIT his heirs Exrs. & Admrs, forever and I ye sd FRANCIS BENTON do bind my selfe my heirs & assignes to warrant & defend ye sd Twelve hundred & fifty acres of land with all rights & appurtenances thereunto belonging unto him the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT his heirs or assignes from the trouble molestation of me my heirs or assignes as also from any right title claim or interest of my Mother, JOANE READING, or my now Wife, CHARITY BENTON, by way of thirds or Dower or any other interest, Moreover I the sd FRANCIS BENTON for my selfe my heirs do promise at all times for the space of seven years from the date hereof at the proper costs & charges of the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT his heirs or assignes to make better & further assure- an ce as in the Law shall be required and I do hereby condition to make speedy livery & seizen of all & singular the p:mises unto sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT according to the true meaning hereof and to acknowledge the same in Court according to the time limited by Act of Assembly. In Witnes whereof I the sd FRANCIS BENTON have hereunto set my hand & seale this 4th day of October Anno Domini 1658 Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of ROGER GREENE, FRANC: BENTON ye seale THO: MORRYS
Recognit in Cur 25d Maii 1659, record primo Julii sequen p EDWD, DALE, Cl Cur Memorandum: That Livery & seizen was given by FRANCIS BENTON of the land above mentioned by turf & twig according to the tenor of the Bill of Sale to Lt Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOTT his heirs & assigns in presence of us this sixth day of October 1658
ROGER GREEN CH: HILL ROBT. VARR JOHN REYNOLDS THO: OBRIZELL Record die & anno predict p EDWD. DALE, Cl Cur
Sources
- Page 130 of Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume 2 by Beverly Fleet
Family
From https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/benton/2367/
2.FRANCIS2 BENTON (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1638, and died Abt. 1711 in Nansemond, VA.He married CHARITY Bef. 1658.
Children of FRANCIS BENTON and CHARITY are:
3. i. FRANCIS3 BENTON, b. Abt. 1680, Nansemond, VA; d. Abt. 1726, Nansemond, VA.
ii. EPAPHRODITIS BENTON, b. Abt. 1670.
iii. “BROTHER” BENTON, b. Bet. 1670 – 1680; m. ELIZABETH.
Notes
From https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I3186…
CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS PATENT BOOK No. 3; Pg 288 DAME ELIZ. LUNSFORD, 500 acs. Lancaster Co., 8 June 1654, p. 263. Upon S. side of Rappa. Riv., & upon W. by S. side of Matchepungo Cr., running to an oake dividing this & land of Col. Ralph Wormly, decd. & an oak on S. branch of said creek dividing this & land of John Benton, deed. Assigned by Samll. Abbott to whom it was granted 22 Dec. 1642 & confirmed by the Govr. &c.
From http://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I03186…
LANCASTER COUNTY DEEDS & WILLS 1654-1661; Antient Press; Page 188-189 TO ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE to whom these p:sents shall come I FRANCIS BENTON of the County of UPPER NORFOLK, Planter, send gretting &c. Know ye that I the sd FRANCIS BENTON for Four hundred pounds Sterl. by specialty passed before the ensealing hereof by Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT and for diverse other good causes me thereunto moveing have given sold & confirmed unto the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOTT Twelve hundred & fifty acres of land scituate & being in Rappahannock River and begining about fifteen miles up on the South side at a marked Pine standing on a. point on the Westward side of the mouth of a Gutt or Swamp and runing for length South East three hundred & twenty pole unto a marked Oak and for bredth from the menconed Pine by or nigh unto the River side West by South six hundred twenty five pole unto a marked white Oak standing by the River side on a point of an ISLAND and to the Westward to the mouth of a Navigable Creek or branch and runing for length South by East unto a marked red Oak and so East by North paralell unto the River course unto the first mentioned red Oak including the sd quantity of land which sd land was granted to my Father, JOHN BENTON, as appeareth by Pattent dated October 13th 1642 and descended unto me, FRANCIS BENTON, as lawfull heir unto him the sd JOHN BENTON and recovered from the LADY ELIZABETH LUNSFORD who was unlawfully possest thereof by my Mother & Guardian, JOANE READING, by Order of Court dated November the first 1650, To have to hold & injoy the sd Twelve hundred & fifty acres withall houses edifices gardens rights belonging unto the sd Pattent unto him ye sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOIT his heirs Exrs. & Admrs, forever and I ye sd FRANCIS BENTON do bind my selfe my heirs & assignes to warrant & defend ye sd Twelve hundred & fifty acres of land with all rights & appurtenances thereunto belonging unto him the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT his heirs or assignes from the trouble molestation of me my heirs or assignes as also from any right title claim or interest of my Mother, JOANE READING, or my now Wife, CHARITY BENTON, by way of thirds or Dower or any other interest, Moreover I the sd FRANCIS BENTON for my selfe my heirs do promise at all times for the space of seven years from the date hereof at the proper costs & charges of the sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT his heirs or assignes to make better & further assure- an ce as in the Law shall be required and I do hereby condition to make speedy livery & seizen of all & singular the p:mises unto sd Lt. Colo. ANTHONY ELLIOTT according to the true meaning hereof and to acknowledge the same in Court according to the time limited by Act of Assembly. In Witnes whereof I the sd FRANCIS BENTON have hereunto set my hand & seale this 4th day of October Anno Domini 1658 Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of ROGER GREENE, FRANC: BENTON ye seale THO: MORRYS
Recognit in Cur 25d Maii 1659, record primo Julii sequen p EDWD, DALE, Cl Cur Memorandum: That Livery & seizen was given by FRANCIS BENTON of the land above mentioned by turf & twig according to the tenor of the Bill of Sale to Lt Colo. ANTHONY ELLYOTT his heirs & assigns in presence of us this sixth day of October 1658
ROGER GREEN CH: HILL ROBT. VARR JOHN REYNOLDS THO: OBRIZELL Record die & anno predict p EDWD. DALE, Cl Cur
Sources
Page 130 of Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume 2 by Beverly Fleet
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Immediate Family
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Showing 6 people
Son of Francis Benton
Husband of Charity Benton
Father of John Benton; Epaproditus Benton of Perquiman’s Parish and Francis Benton, II
Brother of Elizabeth (Benton) Moore
Biography
John Benton was a Virginia colonist.
John Benton, son of Nicolas Benton and Jane Pettit, was born about 1585 in England.
John emigrated to the Virginia Colony about 1635. A John Benton was transported to Virginia by John Leonard of Warrasquinoake (later Isle of Wight) in 1635.[1]
Benton apparently returned to England sometime about 1641 to bring his family to Virginia. He recorded a patent for land on 13 October 1642 which included land headrights for the transport of himself, his wife Joane, children Jon., Isabell, Alice, Abigall, and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Davis, Sr., and grandchildren Samuel Davis, Jr., and Jon. Davis.:
- John Benton, 1250 acs., about 15 mi. up the Southward side of Rappahannock River, etc., running to the mouth if a navigable cr. or branch, etc. Oct. 13, 1642, Page 837. 400 acs. by assignment from Samuell Davis, & the residue for trans. of himself, wife and 15 pers: Saml. Davis, Sr. & Eliza. his wife, Saml. Davis, Junr., Jon. Davis, David Ellis, David Rice, Jon. Dreaton, Jon. Cox, Jon. Benton, Joane his wife, Jon Benton, Isabell Benton, Alice Benton, Rich. Grey, Robt. Thomas, Wm. Barnard, Abraham Coate, Abigall Benton, Geo. Hargas, Tho. Craven, Jon. Gerey, Ralph Tatum, Tho. Hughes, Georg Gumer, Jon. Wells.[2]
Marriage & Children
John Benton married Joane Unknown possibly about 1616 in England, exact location unconfirmed. They had at least five children born before 1635 — John Benton, Jr., Isabell Benton, Alice Benton, Abigall Benton, and Elizabeth Benton. Elizabeth may have been the oldest of the children since she was married to Samuel Davis and had two children by 1641/2 when they immigrated to Virginia.
The maiden name of Benton’s wife Joane was not “Reading.” She is referred to as “Joane Reading” in a lawsuit against her and Lady Elizabeth Lunsford to recover land patented by John Benton which should have descended to son Francis Benton. This lawsuit took place after John’s death.
The most likely scenario is the remarriage of John’s widow, Joane, to a Mr. Reading and the subsequent transfer of the land in litigation to Lady Elizabeth Lunsford prior to November 1650. At that time Francis Benton would have been a minor, under age 21, since he was born in Virginia about 1642. (Strutton-11 15:08, 9 July 2022 (UTC))
So far no confirmed marriage record for John Benton and Joane has been located and no record has been found of a remarriage of widow Joane Benton to Mr. Reading, or anyone else. (Strutton-11 15:08, 9 July 2022 (UTC))
Death & Legacy
No will or exact death date has been located for John Benton. An approximate death date can be found using a land patent by Col. Richard Lee on 14 November 1653 of 300 acres on the south side of Rappahannock River in Lancaster County which refers to “the land of John Benton, dec’d. …”[2] A court order was issued dated 1 November 1650 to recover land unlawfully transferred to Lady Elizabeth Lunsford following John’s death. He must have died sometime prior to November 1650. (See below)
Although John Benton had several known children born in England, his son Francis, born in Virginia about 1642, was apparently the only heir to John’s estate. In 1659 he sold the 1250 acres patented by his father in 1642.
- Francis Benton of the County of Upper Norfolk, planter, in consideration of L 400 sterl., pd by Lt. Coll. Anthony Elliott, sells 1250 acres of land in Rapa. River, “which land was granted to my Father John Benton by patent dated October 13 1642 & descended unto me Francis Benton as lawful heir of the sd. John Benton and recovered from the Lady Elizabeth Lunsford who was unlawfully possessed thereof by my Mother and guardian Joane Reading by order of Court dated November 1st 1650.”
- Dated 4th October 1656; signed Franc Benton
- Wit. Roger Greene, Tho Morrys; recognit 25 May 1659, rec 1 July 1659.
- memo. That Livery & seizen was given by Francis Benton, etc., Dated 6th October 1658. Wit. Roger Greene, Ch Hill, Robt Varr, John Rennolds, Tho Obrizell. Recorded 1st July 1659.[3]
Epaphroditus was the delegate of the Christian community at Philippi, sent with their gift to Paul during his first imprisonment at Rome or at Ephesus.[10] Paul, in 2:25, calls him “my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier.”
History of Jamestown
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The founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, in Virginia in 1607 – 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in Massachusetts – sparked a series of cultural encounters that helped shape the nation and the world. The government, language, customs, beliefs and aspirations of these early Virginians are all part of the United States’ heritage today.
Arrival at Jamestown
The colony was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. Chartered in 1606 by King James I, the company also supported English national goals of counterbalancing the expansion of other European nations abroad, seeking a northwest passage to the Orient, and converting Virginia Indians to the Anglican religion.
The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, carrying 105 passengers, one of whom died during the voyage, departed England in December 1606 and reached the Virginia coast in late April 1607. The expedition was led by Captain Christopher Newport. On May 13, after two weeks of exploration, the ships arrived at a site on the James River selected for its deep water anchorage and good defensive position. The passengers came ashore the next day, and work began on the settlement. Initially, the colony was governed by a council of seven, with one member serving as president.
Serious problems soon emerged in the small English outpost, which was located in the midst of a chiefdom of about 14,000 Algonquian-speaking Indians ruled by the powerful leader Powhatan. Relations with the Powhatan Indians were tenuous, although trading opportunities were established. An unfamiliar climate, as well as brackish water supply and lack of food, conditions possibly aggravated by a prolonged drought, led to disease and death. Many of the original colonists were upper-class Englishmen, and the colony lacked sufficient laborers and skilled farmers.
The first two English women arrived at Jamestown in 1608, and more came in subsequent years. Men outnumbered women, however, for most of the 17th century.
Establishing a system of government
Captain John Smith became the colony’s leader in September 1608 – the fourth in a succession of council presidents – and established a “no work, no food” policy. Smith had been instrumental in trading with the Powhatan Indians for food. However, in the fall of 1609 he was injured by burning gunpowder and left for England. Smith never returned to Virginia, but promoted colonization of North America until his death in 1631 and published numerous accounts of the Virginia colony, providing invaluable material for historians.
Smith’s departure was followed by the “starving time,” a period of warfare between the colonists and Indians and the deaths of many English men and women from starvation and disease. Just when the colonists decided to abandon Jamestown in Spring 1610, settlers with supplies arrived from England, eager to find wealth in Virginia. This group of new settlers arrived under the second charter issued by King James I. This charter provided for stronger leadership under a governor who served with a group of advisors, and the introduction of a period of military law that carried harsh punishments for those who did not obey.
Economy and labor
In order to make a profit for the Virginia Company, settlers tried a number of small industries, including glassmaking, wood production, and pitch and tar and potash manufacture. However, until the introduction of tobacco as a cash crop about 1613 by colonist John Rolfe, who later married Powhatan’s daughter Pocahontas, none of the colonists’ efforts to establish profitable enterprises were successful. Tobacco cultivation required large amounts of land and labor and stimulated the rapid growth of the Virginia colony. Settlers moved onto the lands occupied by the Powhatan Indians, and increased numbers of indentured servants came to Virginia.
The first documented Africans in Virginia arrived in 1619. They were from the kingdom of Ndongo in Angola, West Central Africa, and had been captured during war with the Portuguese. While all of these first Africans were unfree, the practice of enslaving Africans for life occurred more regularly after the mid-century, replacing indentured servants as the primary source of labor.
Jamestown’s legacy
The first representative government in British America began at Jamestown in 1619 with the convening of a general assembly, at the request of settlers who wanted input in the laws governing them. After a series of events, including a 1622 war with the Powhatan Indians and misconduct among some of the Virginia Company leaders in England, the Virginia Company was dissolved by the king in 1624, and Virginia became a royal colony. Jamestown continued as the center of Virginia’s political and social life until 1699 when the seat of government moved to Williamsburg. Although Jamestown ceased to exist as a town by the mid 1700s, its legacies are embodied in today’s United States.
John Benton and his family came over on the ship Guiding Star. John’s son-in-law, Samuel Davis, came over on the ship Paule in 1635.
| Chief Richard Bryant ydna RU106, /Old Cheraw (1670 – 1736) | |
| Birthdate: | circa 1670 |
| Birthplace: | Cheepoake Creek, West of Dismal Swamp, Va |
| Death: | May 08, 1736 (61-70) Corapeake, Gates County, NC, United States |
| Immediate Family: | Son of Walkuz “Thomas Parker” of Dan River and Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker, Piqua Shawnee Husband of Elizabeth (Gibson) Brown Parker, of Saura Creek Father of Richard Parker, Old Cheraw; Francis Parker of Saura Creek and “Chief of Churrah” Thomas Parker Brother of Rachele Parker, /Old Cheraw |
|---|---|
| Occupation: | Regulator of Licenced Trade at Trader’s Path, Edgecombe, NC |
| Managed by: | Private User |
| Last Updated: | February 2, 2024 |
Immediate Family
- Elizabeth (Gibson) Brown Parker,…wife
- Richard Parker, Old Cherawson
- Francis Parker of Saura Creekson
- “Chief of Churrah” Thomas Parkerson
- Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker, Piq…mother
- Walkuz “Thomas Parker” of Da…father
- Rachele Parker, /Old Cherawsister
About Chief Richard Bryant “Parker”, of Saraunaton Creek
Biography
NOT A PARKER
Chief Richard Bryant “Parker”, of Saraunaton Creek was born circa 1670 in Cheepoake Creek, West of Dismal Swamp, Va. His parents were Walkuz Bryant “Thomas Parker” / Founder of Nottoway Cheraw = Old Cheraw and Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker, Piqua Shawnee. He was a Regulator of Licenced Trade at Trader’s Path, Edgecombe, NC.
RIchard married Elizabeth (Brown-Parker) Gibson of Saura Creek circa 1680 in Surry, Virginia. Together they had the following children: “Chief of Churrah” Thomas Parker; Richard Parker, Old Cheaw; Francis Parker of Saura Creek.
He died on May 8, 1736 in Corapeake, Gates County, NC, United States.
Do not confuse with different ydna group called Parker Creek Parkers. This is an RU 106 Name Appropriation ydna line who are actually BRYANTs of the Aquian Fur Trade Group. See Media Tab for Particulars‘ Children of Richard Parker HERE ARE THE ACTUAL PARKER’s of PARKER’S CREEK UPPER HOOD NECK and not the same as the Lower Parish Bryant Parkers.
- Thomas – b. about 1645, possibly in Nansemond Co., VA; d. after 1704, VA. See the T. Parker narrative.
- Richard – b. about 1653/4, probably in Nansemond Co., VA; d. after 1714, Nansemond Co., VA.
- Francis – d. Parker’s Creek, Nansemond Co., VA. Resided in that portion of Nansemond Co., VA which later became part of NC. Granted land in the 1681 transfer of the land of Richard PARKER to his sons. On Apr. 16, 1683, twenty acres in Upper Parrish of Nansemond Co., VA near Hood’s Neck was granted to Francis PARKER, being previously granted “to his father, Richard Parker.” In the 1704 Quit Rent Roll of Nansemond Co., VA, he is listed as having paid tax on 170 acres. Son of Francis PARKER: Francis, Jr. (on 1704 Quit Rent Roll).
- http://www.smlawsonkinnexions.com/smlawson/parkerr.htm
Biography
Chief Richard Parker, of Cranny Creek was born in Cheepoake Creek, West of Dismal Swamp, Va. His parents were Walkuz “Thomas Parker” / Founder of Nottoway Cheraw = Old Cheraw and Nimeetha “Mitha” Parker. He was a Regulator of Licenced Trade at Trader’s Path, Edgecombe, NC.
RIchard married Elizabeth (Gibson ) Parker / Old Cheraw circa 1680 in Surry, Virginia. Together they had the following children: Chief Thomas Parker/ Old Cheraw; Cheraw Francis Parker, of Fishing Creek; “Chief of Churrah”, Richard Parker.
He died on May 8, 1736 in Wd.
See Media Section for deed work conveyances to sons. One daughter: Rachele (Parker) LAWSON and 3 sons.
SNP Study Group Claimants are matching on Ch 3 at 25 -27 mil —up the ancestry line of Pat McClendon at http://www.patmcclendon.com in a line who is not her direct Hays, Parker, or Lott, line because we fished that out from collaboration teaming. That is how we know this line is also the Parker Line of Linda Carr Buchholz.
Great Dismal Swamp, near the present town of Corapeake, Gates Co., NC.] To all people, etc. whereas, etc…. Now know ye that I, the said Sr. Henry Chisheley, Kt., his Majesties Deputy Governor, do give and grant unto Thomas, Richard and Frances Parker, the three sons of Richard Parker, dec’d. one thousand four hundred and twenty acres of land on the marsh adjoining, lying and being in the southern branch of Nansemond, beginning at a red oak standing on a point to the northward of Cranny Creek mouth and opposite to a small island called Cranny Isle and at Crain’s enhancing, thence running down by the main branch side according to the several curvings and windings of the said branch ’till it comes to a great decayed white oak standing a little above the creek’s mouth which is called Parker’s Creek; thence south east crossing over the said creek twice and extending three hundred and twenty poles to John Small his own white oak, thence south west one hundred and eighty four poles to a small white oak being the beginning head of the Cross Swamp Patent and runs the due courses of the said Patent First east north east two hundred poles to a small Gum, thence south south east three hundred and twenty poles to a small Ash by a Gum in a great Reedy Pocoson or inland swamp thence west south west two hundred poles to a small Gum thence north north west one hundred and sixty four poles to a marked Gum standing by a branch being in the head line of Hood neck patent thence south west by west one hundred and forty six poles to a white oak standing by and towards the head of Cranny Creek. Thence down by or nigh the said creek side to the mouth thereof and thence as the southern branch runs down to the first mentioned red oak including the said quantity three hundred acres as hereof being formerly granted to William Hatfield by the two patents, the one for two hundred the other for one hundred acres dated the 24th August 1638 and four hundred and sixty acre of the said land formerly granted unto Randall Crews by patent dated the 9th September 1648 all which by deeds and surrendered became the proper right of Richard Parker, Senr., dec’d. and four hundred acres more of the said land was formerly granted to the said Richard Parker, Senr. by patent the 18th March 1662, and one hundred acres more being greatest marsh also formerly granted to Richard Parker and of the now Patentees, by patent dated the 24th. February 1675/6, all which by the said patents and their father’s will being now the right and in possession of the said Thomas, Richard and Francis Parker the one hundred sixty acres residue, being over plus lands and march found to be contained within the said bounds and due by me for the transportation of four persons, etc. To have and to hold, etc. To be held, etc., yielding, etc. priviledge dated the 23rd day of April Anno Domini 1681. Ann Crosdell George Dobson William Hendly Thomas Northern.
Coreapeake Parker immigrated over from the Dan River next to Dismal Swamp at Coreapeake, Nansemond Co, Va. That is where the 3 sons including this Richard were conveyed 1450 expressly and explicitly stated as coming from their dad, Richard Parker who had come over from Saura Towns. The three sons of Richard Parker dec’d. Description: 1420 acres. Source: Land Office Patents No. 7, 1679-1689 (v.1 & 2 p.1-719), p. 93 (Reel 7). Part of the index to the recorded copies of patents for land issued by the Secretary of the Colony serving as the colonial Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Subject – Personal Parker, Francis. Grantee; Parker, Thomas; Parker, Richard. — Registration and transfer — Va — Nansemond Co. – Colonial Land Office. Patents, 1623-1774. LinkLibrary of Virginia. Archives. Title grant 23 April 1681. Location: Nansemond County. Grantee(s): http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=93&last=&g_p… Patent System Number 000803937 Virginia State Land Office, Patent Book 7 1679-1689, pages 93-94 [By a series of boundary changes, portions of the described land was successively in Nansemond Co., VA, Chowan Co., NC in 1728, Hertford Co., NC in 1759 and Gates Co., NC in 1779. In terms of a modern map, the land was located on the western edge of the Great Dismal Swamp.
ER FAMILY
Alice Parker, born say 1702, was indicted by the Northumberland County court on 19 July 1721 for having a “Mullatto” child in St. Stephen’s Parish [Orders 1719-29, 44].
1. Ruth Parker, born say 1706, a “Christian White Woman,” was deceased by 2 March 1724/5 when the Accomack County court bound out her “Mullatto” daughter Sarah [Orders 1724-31, 22a]. She was the mother of
i. Sarah, born about 1725.
They may have been the ancestors of
2 i. Elisha, born about 1752-1759.
ii. Samuel, born before 1776, head of a Nansemond County household of 2 “free colored” in 1820 [VA:71].
iii. Milley, born before 1776, head of a Nansemond County household of 7 “free colored” in 1820 [VA:74A].
2. Elisha Parker, born about 1752-1759, a “man of color,” was about 80 years old on 20 November 1832 when he made a declaration in Gates County, North Carolina, to obtain a pension for his services in the Revolution. He stated that he was born in Nansemond County near the North Carolina line about 1752. He was said to have been about 75 years old on 10 February 1834 when he made a similar declaration in Nansemond County court, stating that he enlisted in Gates County about 1779 for 9 months under Captain Arthur Gatling, then enlisted as a substitute for Francis Speight and had been a resident of Nansemond County for the previous 45 years [NARA, S.11211, M804-1871, frame 0787]. He was head of a Gates County household of 4 “other free” in 1790 [NC:23] and 3 “free colored” in Nansemond County in 1820 [VA:79]. He may have been related to
i. Thomas, head of a Cumberland County, North Carolina household of 8 “other free” in 1810 [NC:605].
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