SUSANNAH (BURGESS) BRACEWELL
Descendants of George Wyatt, Susannah’s grandfather
Generation No. 1
1. GEORGE1 WYATT was born Bef. 1610, and died Aft. 1632. He married KATHERINE ? Bef. 1630. She was born Abt. 1612, and died Aft. 1679.
Children of GEORGE WYATT and KATHERINE ? are:
i. JOYCE2 WYATT, b. Abt. 1630; d. June 09, 1679, Isle of Wight Co., VA; m. (1) FRANCIS ENGLAND; b. Abt. 1630; d. June 09, 1677; m. (2) GEORGE CRIPPS, 1678; d. Abt. October 10, 1687.
Notes for JOYCE WYATT:
Joyce England and George Cripps, Marriage Contract, Isle of Wight, 1678. Joyce made her will out !8 April 1679 and it was proved 9 June 1679.
Joyce (Wyatt) Cripps, Sister to Mary Wyatt Burgess and Susannah Burgess Braswell's aunt.
"In the Name of God Amen the 18th day of aprill 1679 I JOYCE CRIPPS the wife of GEORGE CRIPPS being Sick of Body but of good and perfect memory do make and Ordaine this my Last Will and Testament in manner and forme following first I Commend my Soule to the hands of god my maker hopeing assuredly through the only merrits of Jesus Christ my Saviour, to be made partaker of life Everlasting and I Commend my body to the Earth whereof it is made, as for all and Singuler the Lands and Tentm'ts that were gien unto me by my former husband FRANCIS ENGLAND to be at my disposing and Such goods and Cattles that I did reserve unto my owne disposall before Marriage with my now husband, I do gie bequeath and dispose of as follpweth first I do give and bequeath unto my Loving husband GEORGE CRIPPS the house and plantation whereon we do now live together with all and Sibular the Land lying betweene a Branch Called and knowne by the name of Davieses Branch and a line of Trees knowne by the name of HENRY KINGs line to be and remain to him and his heirs for Ever, as for al the rest and residue of my Land, I do give and bequeath unto my Borthers Son of my former husband ENGLANDs that shall Come into this Country to made claime to the Same within Seven Yeares after my decease to be and remayn to him and his heirs Males for Ever, and if none Such doth within the Seven Yeares make Claime to the afores'd lands then it is my will that my now husband shall have the Same to him and his heirs for Ever, and it is my will that my husband shall possess all the Land Untill Such Brothers Sonn of my my husband ENGLANDs doth with the time above limitted Come to Claime the same I do give and bequeath unto my sister SKINNER one Thousand pounds of Tobacco or other things of Vallew as my husband and she Can agree to be paid within One Yeare after my decease, I do likewise give Unto my sister SKINNER fifty Acres of Land that doth joyne Unto that Plantation where she doth now live during her Naturally life. It is my will after my decease NICHOLAS DAVIS shall I may that Plantation whereon he now liveth during his naturally life without paying of Rent only a Capon a Yeare for an Acknowledgem: I do give Unto SARAH LUPO a feather bed and Bolster One Rugge Blanket and Bedsted halfe a dozen of leather Chayres and a ROund Table I do give Unto Mr. GEORGE BRANCHes Three Children (Viz't) FRANCIS JOHN and ANN Each of them a Cow of about 4 yeares old It is my will that that Orphant boy that now liveth with me by name of ANTHONY LEWIS do live with my husband Untill he attains to the age of One and Twenty Years if my husband and he shall live So long that my husband give him two Suites of Apparell Three Barrells of COrne One heifer with Calve One Couch bed a SMall Iron POtt One PEwter dish One Tray and One Spoone if it shall Soe happen my husabnd should die beofre the boy doth attain e to the age of One and Twenty Yeares that it is my will that the aboved named things shall bee delivered to the s'd ANTHONY LEWIS. I do give Unto MARGARET the wife of PETER VASSER a Suite ofmy wearing apparell and my Wedding Ring I do give Unto SHUSAN BRASWELL my Sisters Daughter One Shilling of ENglish money I do give UNto my three God Daughters )Viz) ELIZABETH HAYES JOYCE BUTELR and JOYCE WOMBELL Each of them One Ell of holland of about SIxty p'r Ell I do give Unto my 3 God Sonns Viz't JAMES BOND NICHOLAS DAVIS and WILLIAM PHILLIPS Each of them a Cow Calfe that is weaneable I do give Unto My MOther FLAKE a gold Ring with a Blew Stone in it I do Constitutie nominate and appoint by welbeloved husband Exec' of this My Last Will and Testament In Witness hereof I have hereunto put my hand and Seale the Day and Year aboves'd. JOYCE CRIPPS her marke Seale SIgned Sealed Published and declared to be the Last Will and Testament of JOYCE CRIPPS in presence of JOHN GURTRIDGE his marke REBECKA DAVIS her marke"
" WILL: EVANS Proved in Open Cort held for the Isle of Wight County 9th Day of June 1679 by the Oathes of Mr. JOHN GURTHRIDGE Sen't REBECKA DAVIS and Mr. WILLIAM EVANS to be recorded. Test: JN'O BROMFIELD Clr: Cur"[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Mar 9, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.6761.4]
Individual: Joyce England
Date: Apr 18, 1679
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20940
Description: Testatrix
Prove Date: Jun 9, 1679
Book-Page: 2-202
Remarks: Joyce Cripps. Leg.-husband George Cripps the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England; to the son of Francis England's brother, if he comes to Viginia and makes claim to the said land within seven years; my sister Skinner;
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About JOYCE WYATT:
Will 1: April 18, 1679, Will written
Will 2: June 09, 1679, Will proved
Notes for FRANCIS ENGLAND:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Mar 9, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.6760.5]
Individual: Francis England
Date: May 13, 1677
Location: Blackwater, Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20870
Description: Testator
Prove Date: Jun 9, 1677
Book-Page: 2-144
Remarks: Francis England of Blackwater in Isle of Wight. Leg.-daughter Anne Branch, wife of George Branch and her sons, George, Francis and John Branch. Wife Joyce, Extx. Overseers, John Gutridge and John Pearson.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Mar 9, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.6760.3]
Individual: Capt. Francis England
Date: Aug 9, 1669
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21543
Description: Surety
Prove Date: Sep 23, 1669
Book-Page: 2-21
Remarks: John Godbehere. By nuncupative will appointed George Cripps his executor.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Mar 9, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.6760.2]
Individual: Francis England
Date: Apr 18, 1679
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20940
Description: 1st Husband
Prove Date: Jun 9, 1679
Book-Page: 2-202
Remarks: Joyce Cripps. Leg.-husband George Cripps the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England; to the son of Francis England's brother, if he comes to Viginia and makes claim to the said land within seven years; my sister Skinner;
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
ii. SUSANAH WYATT, b. Abt. 1631; d. Abt. 1691; m. THOMAS ATKINSON, Abt. 1652; b. Abt. 1631; d. Abt. 1691.
2. iii. MARY WYATT, b. 1632; d. Aft. 1696.
Generation No. 2
2. MARY2 WYATT (GEORGE1) was born 1632, and died Aft. 1696. She married (1) JOHN BURGESS Abt. 1650. He was born Bef. 1632, and died Bef. 1677. She married (2) RICHARD SKINNER Bef. 1677. He died 1677. She married (3) JOHN COLLINS (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.) 1680 in Isle of Wight, VA. He died Abt. 1695.
Notes for MARY WYATT:
"Robert Flake Sr. was born around 1621 and died at an advanced age sometime
after 2 Apr 1697. On this date in Isle of Wight County,hedeeded a mill and
land to a Thomas Smith of Surry County, and this is the last that is found
of his name on any record.(Deed Book I,page 227)
From various records the following has been established, on Octovber 18,1669,
Robert Flake and Katherine his wife,deeded land to George Moore in Isle of
Wight County.(deeds and Wills 1662-1715 Vol 1 page 20) Katherine Flake had
been previously married to a Wyatt and had three daughters at the time she
married Robert Flake Sr. The children by Katherine Flake's first marriage were:
1. Joyce, she was first married to Francis England,and after his death,she
then married George Cripps. She never had children,and in her will as
Joyce Cripps she mentions 'sister Kinner' Susan Bracewell'my sister's
daughter', and my mother Flake' etc.(William and Mary Quarterly Vol 7
page 240-241) Robert Flake is mentioned in the marriage bond of Joyce
England and George Cripps. (deeds and Wills 1662-1715 - Vol I page 372)
2. Susannah , she married Thomas Atkinson. On 10 Septmeber 1669,Robert Flake
made a deed of gift to 'my daughter-in-law' (Step-Daughter),Susannah
Atkinson,wife of Thomas Atkinson.(deed and wills 1662-1715 Vol 1page 202)
3. Mary,She was first married to John Burgess; after his death, she married
Richard Skinner, and after he died she married for the third time to
John Collins Sr.She was born 1632. She first lived in Surry Co.On
20 April 1669,Mary Skinner,wife of Richard Skinner,acknowledged receipt
of all the estate that her husband John Burgess gave to her daughter
Susannah Burgess.(Surry County Book I page 332) This would appear to be the
Susan Bracewell,my sister's daughter mentioned in the will of Joyce Cripps,
as we know from record Robert Bracewell(Braswell) married a Susannah.
Robert Flake and Katherine Wyatt Flake had 3 children, Katherine, Mary and Robert Flake, Jr.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 13, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.18342.3]
Individual: Mary, Widow Skinner
Date: Apr 9, 1677
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21608
Description: Wife
Prove Date: Aug 11, 1677
Book-Page: 2-42
Remarks: Ricahrd Skinner. Dying intestate, administration requested by his relict, Mary.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
(This is Susannah's step-father (Richard Skinner). Her step-grandfather Rbt. Flake was surety for Mary the widow.)
Individual: Mr. Robert Flake
Date: Apr 9, 1677
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21608
Description: Surety
Prove Date: Aug 11, 1677
Book-Page: 2-42
Remarks: Ricahrd Skinner. Dying intestate, administration requested by his relict, Mary.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
Isle of Wight County Will Book 1
P. 217
MARY, widow of JOHN COLLINS, in her widowhood gives to JOHN RIGG a grandson a brown heifer per JOHN (O) COLLINS, W: RO: (signed) KAE SR. and THOMAS (signed) MOORE
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Sep 12, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.4591.5]
Individual: Mary Collins
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21080
Description: Witness
Prove Date: Jan 9, 1689
Book-Page: 2-300
Remarks: John Whitaker. Nuncupative, proven by Mary Collins, age 50 years, by James Briggs, age 21 years, by John Riggs. Leg.-the child of Peter Fiveash, to whom he was Godfather, one-half of his estate; the other half to be divided between the people, who l
More About MARY WYATT:
Will: Record Type: Probate (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.4591.5.)
Notes for JOHN COLLINS:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jun 5, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.4584.4]
Individual: John Collins
Date: Oct 26, 1675
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20853
Description: Appraiser
Prove Date: Oct 26, 1675
Book-Page: 2-132
Remarks: John Bressie. Appraisal of the estate of John Bressie by Thomas Moore, Thomas Edwards and John Collins.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jun 5, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.4585.3]
Individual: John, Sr. Collins
Date: Feb 10, 1695
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20758
Description: Mentioned
Prove Date: 1696
Book-Page: 1-200
Remarks: John Collins, Jr. Appraisal presented by George Moore, and appraised at the home of John Collins Sen. by John Carrell, Thomas Thropp.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About JOHN COLLINS:
Name 2: John, Sr. Collins (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
Marriage Notes for MARY WYATT and JOHN COLLINS:
Richard Skinner
May have married George Cripps after sister Joyce (Wyatt) Cripps died.
John Collins married Mary Skinner, widow 1680. W & D BK 1, P. 439 & 443
Child of MARY WYATT and JOHN BURGESS is:
3. i. SUSANNAH3 BURGESS, b. Abt. 1651; d. June 1732, Isle of Wight Co., VA.
Generation No. 3
3. SUSANNAH3 BURGESS (MARY2 WYATT, GEORGE1) was born Abt. 1651, and died June 1732 in Isle of Wight Co., VA. She married ROBERT BRACEWELL, JR. Abt. 1671 in Isle of Wight Co., VA, son of ROBERT BRACEWELL and REBECCA ?. He was born 1650 in Isle of Wight Co., VA, and died Bef. 1714 in Isle of Wight Co., VA?.
Notes for SUSANNAH BURGESS:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2379.0]
Individual: Susan Braswell
Date: Apr 18, 1679
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20940
Description: Niece
Prove Date: Jun 9, 1679
Book-Page: 2-202
Remarks: Joyce Cripps. Leg.-husband George Cripps the lands and tenements given me by my former husband, Francis England; to the son of Francis England's brother, if he comes to Viginia and makes claim to the said land within seven years; my sister Skinner;
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2379.1]
Individual: Susanna Braswell
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21119
Description: Mentioned
Prove Date: Feb 9, 1692
Book-Page: 2-323
Remarks: Richard Towle. Leg ..... bequeath ...(5 or 6 words unreadable).... three youngest children of Susanna Braswell, Richard, William and Elizabeth Braswell. Ex., John Riggs. Dated 5th of 9ber 1692.
Elizabeth Braswell was Susannah's granddaughter, daughter of her son Richard, proved in her will 1714. John Riggs was their daughter Ann's husband. By 1714, Ann and John Rigs had a son, John Riggs Jr.
NOTE: Dr. Roy B. Braswell used this will to prove that the children were born before 1692 when they are mentioned in this will. . We have the complete Wills of both Susannah and Towle on file and posted at http://www.videoranch.net/braswell.htm
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2379.4]
Individual: Susannah Braswell
Date: Oct 22, 1714
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22269
Description: Testatrix
Prove Date: Jun 26, 1732
Book-Page: 3-304
Remarks: Susannah Braswell. Leg. - son Richard; son William; granddaughter Elizabeth Braswell; daughter Ann; grandson John Riggs; son James. Trustees, Richard Jones and Richard Jordan.
NOTE: Susannah's entire will is posted on the web. Go to http://www.videoranch.net/braswell.htm, on page 7 is a link to the Will.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
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[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.7175.0]
(NOTE: Will written Oct. 22, 1714 and Proved Jun. 26, 1732 eighteen years later.)
THE last Wil & Testament of SUSANNAH BRASWELL
October: the 22:o 1714 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I SUSANNAH BRASWELL in the Upper Parish of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia being Sick & Weak in Body but perfect in Memory thanks be to God I do therefore make this my lat Will & Testament as followeth__ commit my Soul to Almighty God our Heavenly ffather trusting to be saved by the Meri__ Jesus Christ our Lord and my Body to the Earth untill the Resurrection and for my Wo__ Goods I bestwo as followeth. I GIVE & Beqeath unto my Son RICHARD BRASWELL and to his Heirs the plantation I now live upon with Sicty Acre of Land I say to him and to __ ever & ever I Give and bequeath unto my Son WILLIAM BRASWELL my Old Plantation House with fforty Acres of Land joining to it out of the Hundred Acres in all I sa__ his Heirs for Ever & Ever. I Give & Bequeath to ELIZABETH BRASWELL my Granddughter (sic) a Heifer of three Years Old, and one brass Kettle, one pewter Dish, one pewter __ four Spoons, one Box Iron and ffire Tongs. I Give and Beqeath to my Son WILLIAM BRASWELL a Chest of ffeathers, a small Iron Pot one pewter Dish and one plate, and o__ Pot and a Cup and four Spoons. I Give to my Daughter ANN one Shilling, I Give to m__ Grandson JOHN RIGGS One Shilling and for rest of my worldy Goods within Doors and Without I Give and Bequeath unto my Son JAMES BRASWELL to him and his Heirs leaving my Son RICHARD BRASWELL and my Son WILLIAM BRASWELL my true and lawful Executors to pay my Debts and to receive what is oweing me and I desire you my trust __ RICHARD JONES & RICHARD JORDAN to see this my last Will and Testament performed.
WITNESSED By Us
WILLIAM: ALLEN RICHd R JONES SUSANNA B BRASWELL
(seal) mark mark
RICHd R JORDAN
mark
At a Court held for Isle of Wight County June 26:1732
THE last Wil & Testament of SUSANNAH BRASWELL deceased was presented in Court by WILLIAM BRASWELL Executor therein named who made Oath thereto and being likewise proved by the Oaths of WILLIAM ALLEN & RICHARD JORDAN two of the Witnesses thereto It is admitted to Record.
Teste. JAMES INGLES Clk Curt
Vera Recordatur Test: JA:S INGLES Cl Curt
**********
This WILLIAM BRASWELL is the grandson of Susannah and Robert Bracewell, Jr. Their son William died about 1720, 12 years before Susannah. He is referred to as William Braswell, Jr. in documents.
More About SUSANNAH BURGESS:
Will 1: June 26, 1732, Proved (Source: (1) Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2379.0., (2) Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2379.4.)
Will 2: June 09, 1679, Susan Braswell (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
Will 3: February 09, 1691/92, Susanna Braswell (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
Will 4: 1714, Probate
Notes for ROBERT BRACEWELL, JR.:
Robert BRACEWELL, Jr. was the elder son of the Reverend ROBERT BRACEWELL and his wife REBECCA, of the Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He was born about 1650. He married Susannah BURGESS- daughter of John and Mary (Wyatt) BURGESS (SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA FAMILIES by Boddie). This is further affirmed by one Joyce Cripps, who in her will referred to "Susannah BRACEWELL", my sister's daughter (Deed and Will Book 2, pg. 202).
Beginning 3 February 1674, six years after the death of his father- the Reverend ROBERT BRACEWELL, Robert Jr. sold 500 acres of land in three separate lists. The 300 acres where his father had lived he sold to his sister Ann and her husband James Bagnall on the 31 March 1674. On the 9 March 1680, James Bagnall escheated (forfeited) the 300 acres and a mill, once property of the Reverend ROBERT BRACEWELL (Deed Book 1, pg. 457).
On 27 March 1696, Robert BRACEWELL, Jr. appointed his loving wife- Susannah BRACEWELL- to act as his attorney. Whether this was due to his failing health or for business reasons is not known (Deed Book 1, pg. 627). In SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA FAMILIES by Boddie, is stated Robert "appointed his loving wife as his attorney and then left the country" (there is no record to support leaving the country as he was still in the area 1702). Robert BRACEWELL's name appears in the Isle of Wight records was 9 April 1702 when he witnessed a deed for Owen Bourn (Deed Book 1, pg. 351). No will has been found recorded in the name of Robert BRACEWELL, Jr., and no record of his death has been located. Robert did have land in Nansemond County at one time and there may have been records there that burned. Found the records:
Land Office Patents & Grants/Northern Neck Grants & Surveys : CATALOG CARD
MULTIMEDIA Patent
GRANTEE Bracewell, Robert. grantee.
DATE 22 April 1670.
NOTE Location: Nansemond County.
NOTE Description: 800 acres adjoining his own and James Longs land.
NOTE Source: Land Office Patents No. 6, 1666-1679 (pt.1 & 2 p.1-692), p. 310 (Reel 6).
NOTE 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 Land titles -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Nansemond County.
SUBJECT Nansemond County (Va.) -- History -- 17th century.
SUBJECT Land grants -- Virginia -- Nansemond County. aat.
ADDED ENTRY Long, James.
NOTE: In 1680 the land was transfered to Jane Bracewell Stoakes, widow and sister to Robert Jr. Bracewell
MULTIMEDIA Patent
GRANTEE Stoakes, Jane. grantee.
DATE 10 July 1680.
NOTE Location: Nansemond County.
NOTE Description: 800 acres adjoining the land of Brasewell and James Long. Formerly granted to Robert Brasewell Apl. 22, 1670.
NOTE Stoakes, Jane (widow)
NOTE Source: Land Office Patents No. 7, 1679-1689 (v.1 & 2 p.1-719), p. 40 (Reel 7).
NOTE See also the following surname(s): Stokes.
NOTE 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 Land titles -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Nansemond County.
SUBJECT Nansemond County (Va.) -- History -- 17th century.
SUBJECT Land grants -- Virginia -- Nansemond County. aat.
ADDED ENTRY Brasewell, Robert.
ADDED ENTRY Long, James.
Susannah BRACEWELL outlived her husband by many years. At this time in history a woman could not make a legal document unless she was single or a widow. Susannah Probated her Will on 22 October 1714, but it was not Proved until 26 June 1732. Since her will was legal there must have been some notice or information concerning her husband's death before 22 October 1714. She left the home plantation in the upper parrish to her son Richard, whom she named as her executor along with WILLIAM. To her son WILLIAM, she gave the old plantation house with forty acres of land and various household items. Susannah remembered her daughter Ann, her granddaughter Elizabeth BRACEWELL, and her grandson- John Riggs- with small bequests; and left the remainder of her estate to her elder son James BRACEWELL. This James later moved to Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and became the direct ancestor of the late James Craig BRASWELL, well-known citizen of Rocky Mount, North Carolina (Will Book 3, pg. 304). The children of Robert BRACEWELL, Jr. and Susannah BURGESS: James, Ann (BRACEWELL) Riggs, WILLIAM and Richard (father of Elizabeth).
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2377.1]
Individual: Mr. Robert Braswell
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20797
Description: Testator
Prove Date: Jan 10, 1669
Book-Page: 2-80
Remarks: Mr. Robert Braswell. Account of the estate of Mr. Robert Braswell in the hands of Richard Izard. Presented by Rebecca Izard.
NOTE: This is Robert Braswell, Jr., the Rev.'s son. This would also mean that Robert, Jr. and probably Richard were of age at this time. They could not receive the estate until then. Richard Izard was deceased.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Aug 16, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2377.2]
Individual: Robert Braswell (Rev.)
Date: Feb 15, 1667
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 20771
Description: Son
Prove Date: May 1, 1668
Book-Page: 2-52
Remarks: Robert Braswell. Leg.-daughter Jane Stoikes and her children; daughter Rebecca West; son Robert; son Richard; servant Elizabeth Hall; daughter Ann Bagnall. Mr. Richard Izard and George Guillen to be guardian to my children; daughter Ann Bagnall.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
NOTE: The entire will is posted on the web in the Braswell Book at http://www.videoranch.net/braswell.htm
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 8, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2377.1]
More About ROBERT BRACEWELL, JR.:
Property: Record Type: Probate (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2377.1.)
Will: Record Type: Probate (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2377.2.)
Children of SUSANNAH BURGESS and ROBERT BRACEWELL are:
4. i. JAMES4 BRACEWELL, b. 1671, Isle of Wight Co., VA; d. Bef. January 1765, Edgecomb Co., NC.
5. ii. ANN BRACEWELL, b. Abt. 1672.
6. iii. RICHARD BRACEWELL, b. Aft. 1673.
7. iv. WILLIAM BRACEWELL, b. Abt. 1680, Isle of Wight Co., VA; d. 1720, Bertie Co., NC.
Generation No. 4
4. JAMES4 BRACEWELL (SUSANNAH3 BURGESS, MARY2 WYATT, GEORGE1) was born 1671 in Isle of Wight Co., VA, and died Bef. January 1765 in Edgecomb Co., NC. He married UNKNOWN ? Aft. 1692. She was born Aft. 1676, and died Aft. 1765.
Notes for JAMES BRACEWELL:
From about 1663, the territory now embraced by Halifax, Edgecombe, Bertie, and others were known as Albemarle County. In 1732 a petition was presented to the Governor's Council for a new precinct south of the Roanoke River and Fishing Creek. The petition was granted, but not settled until 1741. The new precinct was called Edgecombe Precinct. Nash County was formed in 1777, so from that date all further records were kept at the county seat.
James BRASWELL, son of ROBERT BRACEWELL, Jr., was active in the county both before and after 1760. At that time he purchased a lot in the new town of Tarboro (Edgecombe Deed Book O, pg. 294). This James later moved to Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and became the direct ancestor of the late James Craig BRASWELL, well-known citizen of Rocky Mount, North Carolina (Will Book 3, pg. 304).
Edgecombe Co., NC Will. 7 Sep 1760 / Jan Ct 1765, wife unnamed, children Joseph, James, Benjamin, Sarah Cain and Olive (Ohio) Stinson. Son and Exr Simon. Reversion of all. Wit., Samuel Ruffin, John Davis and Nathaniel Ruffin.
Note: there is another Will for a James Brassell, 2 Oct 1783 or 1763, wife Unity sons Nathan and James. These are not James Braswell, son of Robert Bracewell, Jr., the names of his children as listed by Hildon Basil Braswell.
Reference: dates for children are from "The Braswell Family History and Allied Families" by Hildon Basil Braswell. He states he has the complete linage for James Bracewell, son of Robert Bracewell, Jr. and Susannah Burgess Bracewell.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Feb 12, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2371.2]
Individual: James Braswell
Date: Jan 25, 1728/9
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22098
Description: Mentioned
Prove Date: Jun 23, 1729
Book-Page: 3-166
Remarks: Samuel Kindred. Leg. - son John land on Reedy Branch, and Blunt's Swamp; wife Mary; son Samuel, land adjoining Charles Porter and James Braswell; the plantation on which John Williams lives to be sold; to daughters, Sarah and Faithe, the land in Sur
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Feb 12, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2371.4]
Individual: James Braswell
Date: Oct 22, 1714
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22269
Description: Son
Prove Date: Jun 26, 1732
Book-Page: 3-304
Remarks: Susannah Braswell. Leg. - son Richard; son William; granddaughter Elizabeth Braswell; daughter Ann; grandson John Riggs; son James. Trustees, Richard Jones and Richard Jordan.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About JAMES BRACEWELL:
Will 1: September 07, 1760, Edgecombe Co., NC
Will 2: January 1765, Proved Edgecombe Co., NC
Children of JAMES BRACEWELL and UNKNOWN ? are:
i. JOSEPH5 BRACEWELL, b. 1700.
ii. SIMON BRACEWELL, b. 1710.
iii. SARAH BRACEWELL, b. 1715.
iv. OHIO BRACEWELL, b. 1718.
v. BENJAMIN BRACEWELL, b. 1720; d. 1793; m. (1) MARY PARMENTER; b. Abt. 1720; m. (2) MARY IDA MERCER, Abt. 1740; b. Abt. 1720.
Notes for BENJAMIN BRACEWELL:
Note: Hildon Braswell in his book states he has the "linage which includes James Craig (1868-1951), a merchant of Atlanta, GA, from whom Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall, of NC descended. She was the first know Braswell of record, to ever research the Braswells."
"Elizabeth's "manuscript", as she called it, was well researched and written, but she told very little about her family, so I shall give her credit here for having the loving, dedicated Braswell spirit to write what all genealogists consider as being the "bible" of the Bracewell (Braswell) history."
5. ANN4 BRACEWELL (SUSANNAH3 BURGESS, MARY2 WYATT, GEORGE1) was born Abt. 1672. She married JOHN RIGGS (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.) Bef. 1714. He was born Abt. 1675.
Notes for ANN BRACEWELL:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 13, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2369.4]
Individual: Ann Brasswell
Date: Oct 22, 1714
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22269
Description: Daughter
Prove Date: Jun 26, 1732
Book-Page: 3-304
Remarks: Susannah Braswell. Leg. - son Richard; son William; granddaughter Elizabeth Braswell; daughter Ann; grandson John Riggs; son James. Trustees, Richard Jones and Richard Jordan.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
Note: Ann was born abt. 1674 and by the time her mother made her will in 1714 she would be 40 years old. She was married and had a son John Riggs, Jr. who could easily be 20 by this time.
Notes for JOHN RIGGS:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jun 1, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.17104.0]
Individual: John Riggs
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21080
Description: Witness
Prove Date: Jan 9, 1689
Book-Page: 2-300
Remarks: John Whitaker. Nuncupative, proven by Mary Collins, age 50 years, by James Briggs, age 21 years, by John Riggs. Leg.-the child of Peter Fiveash, to whom he was Godfather, one-half of his estate; the other half to be divided between the people, who l
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
Note: in the about deposition they state John Riggs was born 23 Feb. 1675. Mary Collins was grandmother to Ann Bracewell who marries a John Riggs. The puzzle is who is the John Riggs who is ex. of the Towle Will in 1692? This John Riggs would only be 17, too young.
Child of ANN BRACEWELL and JOHN RIGGS is:
i. JOHN5 RIGGS, JR., b. Bef. 1714.
Notes for JOHN RIGGS, JR.:
Isle of Wight County Will Book 1
P. 217
MARY, widow of JOHN COLLINS, in her widowhood gives to JOHN RIGG a grandson a brown heifer per JOHN (O) COLLINS, W: RO: (signed) KAE SR. and THOMAS (signed) MOORE
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 13, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.17104.0]
Individual: John Riggs
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 21080
Description: Witness
Prove Date: Jan 9, 1689
Book-Page: 2-300
Remarks: John Whitaker. Nuncupative, proven by Mary Collins, age 50 years, by James Briggs, age 21 years, by John Riggs. Leg.-the child of Peter Fiveash, to whom he was Godfather, one-half of his estate; the other half to be divided between the people, who l
NOTE: This may be another John Riggs. The dates are confusing for either husband to Ann or their son. Plus Mary Collins (Susannah's mother) was ordered by will of John Collins to give a cow/calf to a John Riggs, grandson. Need research for dates.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 13, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.17104.2]
Individual: John Riggs
Date: Oct 22, 1714
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22269
Description: Grandson
Prove Date: Jun 26, 1732
Book-Page: 3-304
Remarks: Susannah Braswell. Leg. - son Richard; son William; granddaughter Elizabeth Braswell; daughter Ann; grandson John Riggs; son James. Trustees, Richard Jones and Richard Jordan.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About JOHN RIGGS, JR.:
Name 2: John Riggs (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
Witness: Record Type: Probate (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.17104.0.)
6. RICHARD4 BRACEWELL (SUSANNAH3 BURGESS, MARY2 WYATT, GEORGE1) was born Aft. 1673. He married UNKNOWN ? Aft. 1692. She was born Aft. 1675.
Notes for RICHARD BRACEWELL:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jun 5, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2375.2]
Individual: Richard Braswell
Date: Apr 21, 1744
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22774
Description: Testator
Prove Date: Aug 26, 1745
Book-Page: 4-541
Remarks: Richard Braswell. Leg.-son William and son Joseph, my Exs.; daughter Elizabeth; son John; loving wife.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About RICHARD BRACEWELL:
Name 2: Richard Braswell (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
Will 1: August 26, 1745, Proved
Will 2: April 21, 1744, Probate
Children of RICHARD BRACEWELL and UNKNOWN ? are:
i. ELIZABETH5 BRACEWELL, b. Bef. 1692.
ii. WILLIAM BRACEWELL, b. Aft. 1692.
Notes for WILLIAM BRACEWELL:
[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jun 5, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2380.3]
Individual: William Braswell
Date: Apr 21, 1744
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22774
Description: Son
Prove Date: Aug 26, 1745
Book-Page: 4-541
Remarks: Richard Braswell. Leg.-son William and son Joseph, my Exs.; daughter Elizabeth; son John; loving wife.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About WILLIAM BRACEWELL:
Name 2: William Braswell (Source: Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records Ed. 1, Release date: October 28, 1999.)
iii. JOSEPH BRACEWELL, b. Aft. 1692.
Notes for JOSEPH BRACEWELL:
Edg Deed 5-196 Capt John Spier of Terrell Co. to Joseph Brassell of Edg 9 Apr 1743 10 pds 100 ac
north side Deep Cr. where Wm. Blackburn lived. Wit. Thomas Blount, Geo Johnston, James Gainer.
iv. JOHN BRACEWELL, b. Aft. 1692.
7. WILLIAM4 BRACEWELL (SUSANNAH3 BURGESS, MARY2 WYATT, GEORGE1) was born Abt. 1680 in Isle of Wight Co., VA, and died 1720 in Bertie Co., NC. He married MARY ? Abt. 1706. She was born Abt. 1680, and died Aft. 1722.
Notes for WILLIAM BRACEWELL:
There is proof that William BRACEWELL was the son of ROBERT BRACEWELL, Jr. and SUSANNAH BURGESS, and that he was born about 1680. The records show another William BRACEWELL witnessed a deed for this first William BRACEWELL as early as 1714 (Chowan County, North Carolina, Deed Book B, pg. 179). This and later records of another William BRACEWELL have caused some confusion among genealogists. It seems that Richard BRACEWELL, brother of ROBERT, JR., also had a son named William. If so, he would not have been included in the will of Richard as he preceded his father in death. (Richard BRACEWELL made his will in 1724/25.) Although there is some uncertainty as to which William is which (who was the witness and who bought the land), both are descendants of the Reverend ROBERT BRACEWELL, Sr. of the Isle of Wight County, Virginia.
Toward the latter part of the 17th century, the unsettled lands of NC had been opened for homesteaders. After the Tuscaroras Rebellion was crushed in 1712, there was a rush to secure choice plantation sites, especially by younger sons of wealthy families, who by the law of primogeniture inherited no share in their fathers' estates. William and his wife Mary patented two 620 acre tracts of land on Cypress Swamp, issuing out of the Moratuck (Roanoke) River (Land Grant Book 2, pps 173 and 174); patented four tracts of land in Chowan Precinct and purchased other parcels amounting to over 5,340 acres. Many notations in records of legal transactions. In 1741 the area where he lived became part of Hertford co.
In 1711 our William BRACEWELL and his wife Mary were in Chowan County, North Carolina. He was the first of his family to move to North Carolina, but was soon joined by four of Richard's sons- Richard Jr., Robert, Valentine, and Jacob, with whom he was closely associated during his short life there.
Toward the latter part of the seventeenth century, the vast unsettled lands of North Carolina had been opened for homesteaders. After the Tuscaroras Rebellion was crushed in 1712, there was a rush to secure choice plantation sites along the rivers and creeks of the new territory. Many younger sons of prominent and wealthy families who by law of primogeniture inherited no share in their father's estates, took advantage of the opportunity to make their fortunes. New arrivals from England and indentured servants who had completed their period of servitude joined the throng of hungry land speculators.
William and Mary BRACEWELL took advantage of the demand for land and became land speculators. The first time they appeared in the records of Chowan County, North Carolina, was when they patented two 640 acre tracts of land on Cypress Swamp, issuing out of the Moratuck (Roanoke) River (Land Grant Book 2, pg.s 173-174). During the next nine years, William and Mary patented four more large tracts of land in Chowan Precinct and purchased other parcels of land. This brought their total to over 5,340 acres of land which they resold portions of from time to time. There are numerous accounts of William and Mary BRACEWELL's activities in the early records of Chowan and Bertie Counties from the 4 May 1711 to the 8 September 1722 (Patent Book 3, pg. 26; Patent Book 8, pg. 220; Chowan Deed Book B, ppgs. 19, 125, 135, 144, 178, 179, and 377; Hathaway, Vol. 1, ppgs. 19, 287 and 3000).
William BRACEWELL and his wife Mary also assisted his relatives and friends in their business transactions by witnessing their deeds and acting as power of attorney (SEVENTEENTH CENTURY ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, VIRGINIA, by Boddie- pg. 651; Chowan Deed Book W, pg.s 166-167; Hathaway Vol 1, pg. 154).
On 1 April 1720, William BRACEWELL was listed among the members of Captain Robert Patterson's Militia (Hathaway Vol 1, pg. 443). Some time during the latter part of the 1720's William BRACEWELL died intestate in Bertie County, North Carolina. His eldest son, WILLIAM BRACEWELL, inherited all the lands of his father subject to his mother's dower rights.
Mary BRACEWELL, widow, paid poll tax on 1600 acres of land for the year 1721. She must have continued their land speculations as time went on, for she purchased 190 more acres in 1721 and 300 acres in 1722 (Chowan Deed Book C, pg. 182). Mary, widow of William BRACEWELL, was remarried some years later to Moses Quinn (Bertie Deed Book C, pg. 119).
There is definite proof that a William BRACEWELL (Sr.) had a son named James, as a James BRACEWELL, son of William BRACEWELL, bought land south of Roanoke River in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, on 4 January 1741 (Edgecombe Deed Book 5, pg. 51). There is a Benjamin BRACEWELL, who was probably a son of William BRACEWELL (Sr.), as he was constantly associated with William's son James.
Chowan Precinct, which had formerly been a part of Albemarle County, became a part of Bertie Precinct in 1722. In 1741 the area where William and his family had lived became a part of Hertford County.
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The children of William and Mary BRACEWELL: WILLIAM (Jr.), James, and Benjamin.[Genealogy.com, LLC, Family Archive #513, Ed. 1, Virginia Land, Marriage and Probate Records, Date of Import: Jan 8, 2001, Internal Ref. #1.513.1.2380.1]
Individual: William Braswell
Location: Isle Of Wight
Record Type: Probate
Record ID: 22787
Description: Mentioned
Prove Date: Jan 27, 1745
Book-Page: 5-9
Remarks: Richard Braswell. Inventory of his estate returned by William and Joseph Braswell.
This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book.
More About WILLIAM BRACEWELL:
Military service: April 01, 1720, Captain Robert Patterson's Militia
Notes for MARY ?:
Mary was a widow, paid poll tax on 1600 acres of land for the year of 1721. (Chowan Deed Book C, p 182).
Marriage Notes for WILLIAM BRACEWELL and MARY ?:
Widow, paid poll tax on 1600 acres of land for the year of 1721. (Chowan Deed Book C, p 182).
Children of WILLIAM BRACEWELL and MARY ? are:
i. WILLIAM5 BRASWELL, JR., b. 1707, Isle of Wight Co., VA; d. 1785, NC; m. MARGARET ?, Bef. 1737; b. Abt. 1707.
Notes for WILLIAM BRASWELL, JR.:
WILLIAM (BRACEWELL) BRASWELL, Jr. 1707-1785
Since his father, William BRACEWELL, died about 1720 it is apparently this is the William Braswell, Jr. who proved Susannah Burgress Bracewell will 1732. He would be about 25. If his father had lived he would have been executor of the estate along with Richard. No mention is made of Richard in 1732. However land title was maintained in the William Braswell estate as late as 1764. (ref. Isle of Wight County Deed Book 11, p. 268)
WILLIAM BRASWELL, who was born in 1707 probably in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia as he proved Susannah Bracewell's Will as grandson in place of his father who was deceased. in 1732.
His parents, WILLIAM and MARY BRACEWELL, moved to Chowan County of North Carolina when William was a young child. On the 28 May 1728, the former MARY BRACEWELL and her second husband, Moses Quinn, quit-claimed to William BRACEWELL, Jr. the estate left by his father WILLIAM BRACEWELL. This would indicate that William Jr. had come of age at this date (Bertie Deed Book C, pg. 119). Almost immediately William Jr. began to dispose of the land he had inherited. On 31 July 1728, he sold 100 acres to Robert BRACEWELL, and on the same day sold 250 acres to John Wood (Deed Book C, pg. 3). In August of the same year he sold 240 acres to his step-father Moses Quinn (Deed Book C, pg. 79).
Then on August 31, 1728, William Jr. and wife Margaret BRASWELL (he had by now changed the spelling from BRACEWELL to BRASWELL), he being the son and heir to WILLIAM BRACEWELL deceased of Bertie County, sold 250 acres to Thomas Daughtery, in accordance with his father's bond (Deed Book C, page 5). In February of 1729, William BRASWELL, planter of Bertie County, sold 603 acres "All the tract where my father last lived", north of Meherrin River to John Baude (Boddie- Deed Book D, pp. 9-10).
It is apparent by this time that William Jr. was planning to move. On 25 May 1734, he was living in Edgecombe Precinct when he sold the last of his Bertie County land "To the Reverend John Boyd, Gentlemen, minister of the gospel in Bertie County 300 acres where the said Boyd doth now live and dwell." (Deed Book D, ppgs 150, 313).
William BRASWELL's kinsman, Jacob BRASWELL, and his wife Elizabeth had preceded him to Edgecombe County in 1728, having sold their land in Bertie County in 1727 (Bertie County Book C, pg. 360). BRASWELL newcomers and the descendants of the early BRASWELLS soon began spreading out over the surrounding counties. In 1751 Peachtree Creek was written into the records as Braswell Creek due no doubt to the increase of the BRASWELLS in that section of the county.
Jacob BRASWELL received a grant of 284 acres of land north of the Tar River and in an eastern direction of Swift Creek in 1728 (Edgecombe County Deed Book 3, pg. 286). This tract of land would have been a few miles northwest of where Tarboro now stands, probably in the area of the Leggett community. Jacob sold his land to Robert BRASWELL in 1740 (Edgecombe County Deed Book from 1732-1741, pg. 391). Jacob also patented 528 acres north of the Tar River in 1729. The boundaries of this tract were marked by trees growing on the bank of the river. Evidently this land was near the site of the present city of Rocky Mount, as the river makes a turn just north of the city and flows in a southwesterly direction.
Jacob lived on this land for many years, but sold part of it to Benjamin Bunn in 1748. He sold the last of his holdings in Edgecombe County in 1762 and moved to Johnson County (Halifax County Deed Book 1; Edgecombe Book 1, pg. 232).
From about 1663, the territory now embraced by Halifax, Edgecombe, Bertie, and others were known as Albemarle County. In 1732 a petition was presented to the Governor's Council for a new precinct south of the Roanoke River and Fishing Creek. The petition was granted, but not settled until 1741. The new precinct was called Edgecombe Precinct.
Although William BRASWELL, Jr. was living in Edgecombe County as early as 1734, the first record of a land grant or patent made by him was on 21 March 1742, when he patented 500 acres north of the Tar River on Maple Creek in Edgecombe County (Patent Book 5, pg. 132). The next year William Braswell secured 500 acres more north of Stony Creek, Edgecombe County (Patent Book 5, pg. 157). These grants were located in the central section of what is now Nash County, North Carolina.
Many of William BRASWELL'S relatives began taking up land and establishing homes and plantations in the central and western parts of Edgecombe County. One of the first to arrive was Richard BRASWELL, who settled in the extreme southern parts of what is now Nash County on White Oak Swamp. When Richard divided his property among his sons in 1747, he had over 1,000 acres and thirty slaves. This was a large number compared with the number of slaves owned by most plantation owners in this area of the country (Halifax Deed Book 3, pp. 177-178; Land Grant Book 16, pg. 252).
Nash County was formed in 1777, so from that date all further records were kept at the county seat.
William BRASWELL's brother James (son of WILLIAM BRACEWELL) bought 150 acres of land in Edgecombe County from Christopher Ginn on 5 January 1741 (Book B, pp. 50-51). Another James BRASWELL, son of ROBERT BRACEWELL, Jr., was active in the county both before and after 1760. At that time he purchased a lot in the new town of Tarboro (Edgecombe Deed Book O, pg. 294). This was the direct ancestor of the late James Craig BRASWELL of Rocky Mount.
The early activities of William BRASWELL in Edgecombe County are easily found as he and his son William were the only William BRASWELLS in the county until 1760, when other Williams began to appear in the records. William BRASWELL made his will 4 March 1785 . He did not mention his son William as he had died sometime before- probably about 1778, as his daughter Mourning BRASWELL, had a guardian- Joel Exum- when taxes were listed in 1782. The original copy of this will is in the North Carolina State Archives.
William BRASWELL, Jr. and his sons figured prominently in the records of Edgecombe County until the Revolutionary War. They served as jurymen, were assigned to lay out roads, build bridges, and keep up the roads in their districts. Frequently they bought or sold land, applied for permits to build a mill, and witnessed deeds for friends and relatives in their community.
One of the more interesting patents can be seen in the North Carolina State Department of Archives and History (Grant No. 7, File E, as Lg., 12c):
Lord Granville Grants
Grant No. 7-- 25 March 1749-- 200 acres.
Consideration 300 shillings proclamation money in hand paid John Earl Granville by William Braswell- land on Little Creek a branch of Pigbasket-- 200 acres-- William Braswell paying therefore yearly, and every year, forever to the said Earl Granville 8 shillings proclamation which is at the rate of three shillings sterling for every one hundred acres at or upon the two most usual feasts of days at St. Michael (The Archangel) to be paid at the courthouse in the County of Edgecombe, said William Braswell within three years at the rate of three shillings for every hundred acres--
Signed- William (X) Braswell
Surveyed this 15th day of April 1788
James Alston, Surveyor
William Braswell and Jacob Braswell, Chain Bearers.
William BRASWELL, Jr. signed this patent with an X which indicates that he, unlike his forefathers, may not have been educated (see page 155). In those days, surveyors used young boys to carry their equipment and their names were recorded on the deed or patent along with that of the surveyors, the grantor, and the grantee. The above abstract shows that the two eldest sons of William BRASWELL, Jr., William and Jacob, served as chain bearers. They must have been about twelve or fourteen years of age at that time.
Pigbasket Creek rises in the northwestern part of Nash County near Castalia and flows in a southeasterly direction emptying into the Stoney Creek a few miles northeast of Nashville, North Carolina. The above tract of land was situated about two or three miles north where the town of Nashville now stands-- and became the home of several generations of BRASWELLS.
May 28, 1728 the former Mary Bracewell and her second husband, Moses Guinn, quit-claimed to William Bracewell, Jr. the estate left by his father, William, Sr. This would indicate that William Jr. had become of age at this date. (Bertie Deed Book C, page 119)
The children of William and Margaret BRASWELL: William who married Martha, Jacob, Arthur, SAMUEL who married SARAH [?], Dorcus (BRASWELL) Hooks, Patience (BRASWELL) West, Patty (BRASWELL) Bridgers.
The early BRASWELLS settled in what is now Nash and Edgecombe Counties, North Carolina. All this territory was owned by the English Crown, but North Carolina had a more liberal charter than Virginia.
About this time (1688) William and Mary went to England as sovereigns to replace the deposed James II. This posed a grave problem for the Loyalists, because the colonists had named their
Page 2
children for the English rulers Elizabeth, James, or others. There were many Elizabeths. This had been done to gain more favors from the Crown. Now with William and Mary the name William became more popular. William BRASWELLs were found all up and down the swampy creeks, and this made a problem for each one to retain his own identity. So the BRASWELLs, like many others, changed the spelling of their last name to be distinguished from cousins, uncles, nephews, and fathers. So BRACEWELL became BRASWELL, BRAZILL, BRAZEL, BRASUEL, and other spellings, but an effort was made to keep the sound of BRACEWELL.
About this time a certain William BRASWELL (writer's grandfather several generations back) found himself in an embarrassing situation- his religion would not permit him to swear. Yet his loyalty to the colony required him to take an oath of allegiance to the state of Virginia. He hesitated or put off signing the oath of allegiance along with fifteen others of his belief. They were arrested and brought before the judge and charged as being "recussants" (refusing to cuss). For this crime he was forced to pay double taxes. He had refused to swear because the Bible said "Swear not". From that time until now his descendants have taken pride in his religious fervor. This incident has been passed on from father to son until this good day. The courts now accept that one may affirm if his conscience forbids him to swear. (From William and Mary Quarterly)
The Revolutionary War came to a successful close about 1783. The population had so increased that there was an entirely new outlook for the future for the vast flood of immigrants who were to seek homes on the eastern shores of the New World. Every farmer and planter were seeking enough land to have a plantation.
Nearly all the able-bodied men were pressed into military service. This caused them to travel and fight for all the land south and west that had been described by the colonial charters. Virginia had its boundary set by certain latitudes and extended to the Mississippi River. North Carolina likewise extended to the Mississippi River. (South Carolina also tried to claim the same territory.) The soldiers who had fought in this area were paid for their services in bounty land. Many of the men had fought in Virginia, North and South Carolina, what is now Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana. They had seen the good land and were eager to get home to these places. Almost over-night there were caravans of BRASWELLs, Woodwards, Snows, Smiths, and many others headed to see all the different areas. It is to these BRASWELLS (whatever the spelling) that this book is written. To serve as an aid in tracing their ancestry back to colonial days.
Some of the many great problems which faced the settlers were who would make up the group, how would they go- by wagon, horseback, boat or on foot, and would the land be available when they reached their destination. These fearless men and women set out on the long journey with these questions unanswered, but strong in the belief that the country would be good and would become theirs. Scouts were sent out (a few of the older men) going before their families and acquiring the locations. Those who adventured too far from the white settlements made the grave mistake of underestimating the Indians and lost their scalps as in Illinois. In 1832 the Indians swept down and massacred an entire area, this caused many of the white settlers to flee the country until forts could be built.
Many of the BRASWELLs who had settled in Illinois were forced into Arkansas and Tennessee to obtain the protection of the forts that had been established against the relentless Indians.
More About WILLIAM BRASWELL, JR.:
Will: March 04, 1785, Probate copy in NC archives.
ii. JAMES BRACEWELL, b. Abt. 1710; d. September 27, 1765; m. UNKNOWN ?, Abt. 1730; b. Abt. 1710.
iii. BENJAMIN BRASWELL, b. Aft. 1711.