Early records of Isle of Wight, Virginia reveal that a John Branson, William Painter, Evan Haines and 53 others were transported to that county by William Boddie in exchange for 3,350 acres of land in 1665.  William Boddie later became a Quaker when George Fox (founder of the Quakers) held a large meeting in that county in 1672.  Since John Branson is listed with William Painter (Painters were allied with the Burlington, NJ Bransons), it's possible that he was related to Nathaniel Branson who resided in England and purchased land in America from William Penn (also a famous Quaker).  Two other records appear in Isle of Wight records - one for a John Brampston in 1670 and one for a John Branscomb in 1668, both of whom could be the same as John Branson.  John Branson may be related to Francis Branson who was a passenger to Virginia in 1666 (one year later).  The LDS web site shows a Francis Branston, born about 1635 of Great Bowden, Leicester, England.  I believe Leicester was the location of the Hinkley Monthly Meeting of the Quakers where William, the father of Thomas L. Branson (b. c1670) was born (or where his birth was reported - he may have lived in Berkshire County).  Francis could also be related to the Burlington, NJ Bransons. 

The Haines family was also allied with the Burlington, NJ Bransons.  The following record was found in Quaker records for a younger Evan Haines who could be related....listed with a Nathan Haines in Georgia, having gone there from Chester Co., PA.  This Evan was the son of Ellis Haines Sr.  Evan was born 1756 in Chester Co., PA and was married 1788 in Surry Co., NC and was a Quaker.  This Haines family could be related to the Evan Haines who was transported in 1665.  NOTE:  The Boddy/Boddie family were also Quakers.

The Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy, 1750-1930
Listed in: Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy, Vol I
Page number: 1048
Wrightsborough Monthly Meeting
1777 Nathan Haines rocf Goshen MM, PA
1777 Evan Haines, Deborah, Jane & Ellis, children of Ellis Sr. rocf Goshen MM, PA, dated 1775
NOTE: Wrightsborough MM was in Columbia Co., Georgia; Goshen MM was in Chester, PA

See also The Harvey Family

According to the Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy, the first Quakers of Isle of Wight, VA were probably Puritans who became Quakers after George Fox visited them.  They were persecuted for their beliefs and many of them went to Surry Co., NC very early.  Records of this group are found in the Chuckatuck MM Records (also called Nansemond).   The records begin in the year 1673 and they are not complete.  Whether John Branson was part of these first Quakers in Virginia, it is not known.

Bowater is a name associated with the Quaker Bransons.  John Bowater was born c1629 in Coventry, Warwick, England.  His granddaughter Sarah married John Beals in 1711, reported at the Chester MM in PA. Sarah's grandson, John Bowater Beals, married Lois Branson in 1784 in Guilford, NC.   Lois was the daughter of Thomas L. Branson and Jane/Jeane Painter.  The following records were found regarding Coventry, Warwick, England showing that a John Bowater lived in the outlying areas of Coventry.  A John Braunston also lived in the outlying areas of Coventry....

A History of the County of Warwick: Volume 8 - The City of Coventry: The outlying parts of Coventry: Keresley'
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=16014&strquery=braunston
The former hamlet and civil parish of Keresley lay about 2½ miles north-west of Coventry on the edge of the hilly country of north Warwickshire, and contained the only ground in the county of the city of Coventry over 500 feet. The hamlet of Keresley was a detached part of the ancient parish of St. Michael's, Coventry, and was recognized as a civil parish in 1881. (fn. 23) The parish was in Foleshill Union (later Rural District). Its area was 1,068 acres in 1891. In 1932 an area of about 100 acres in the southern tip of the parish was transferred to Coventry, and the remaining 968 acres, with 56 acres of Coundon, became the new civil parish of Keresley in Meriden Rural District. (fn. 24)  Keresley was first mentioned in the early 12th century, when it was among the chapelries granted by Earl Ranulf de Gernon to Coventry Priory,  (fn. 26) and the same earl included land in Keresley in a grant to Liulph of Brinklow. (fn. 27) Later in the century Earl Ranulf de Blundeville gave 280 acres of wood and waste in Exhall and Keresley to Coventry Priory. (fn. 28) In 1250 Roger and Cecily de Montalt retained the service of the heirs of Robert Tuschet in Keresley when they granted the remainder of the district to Coventry Priory. (fn. 29)   In the 15th century Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, acquired some small pieces of land which had been John BRAUNSTON's in 1410-11. (fn. 92). There was later a dispute between Coventry Priory and Coventry corporation over the ownership of this land. (fn. 93) Holy Trinity Church Estate received a rentcharge from property in Keresley in the 18th and 19th centuries. (fn. 94)
-----------
THE OUTLYING PARTS OF COVENTRY:
At his death in 1555 William Starkey held the manor from Coventry corporation, as of the manor of Cheylesmore. (fn. 81) The manor descended to Anne Longvile and, by 1574, to her son Bartholomew Tate, M.P. for Coventry in 1572. (fn. 82) The manor was held by Bartholomew until his death in 1601, (fn. 83) and by his son, Sir William Tate, to his death in 1618. (fn. 84) In 1627-8 Zouch Tate sold the manor, then said to include three water-mills, to John BOWATER (fn. 85) When John BOWATER died in 1640, the manor was described as held of the king in socage for rent as of the manor of Cheylesmore. (fn. 86)

Some Bransons (Brandison) Were in Early King George Co., Virginia

According to a book about King George Co., VA, a Susannah Brandison was married there in 1723.  In 1742 Josiah Branson and Katherine Branson were married in the same county.  King George is next to Stafford County where several Branson families lived.  It's also near St. Mary's Co., Maryland where other Bransons lived.  If you have information about the Bransons of King George Co., Virginia please contact Sandra by email.  NOTE: King George Co. is also the county where many Jett families lived.

King George County, Virginia 1720-1990
Chapter XIV - Some Early King George County Marriages
Josiah Branson and Barbarah Tinsey, Aug. 5, 1742
Katherine Branson and Moses Grigsby, Dec. 1, 1742
Susannah Brandison and Samuel Dalls, July 8, 1723

From the record below about the history of Quakers in Leicester, England - the original monthly meetings in 1668 were held in Braunston.  This name is very close to Branson and could be the way it was spelled originally.  Early Quorndon Records of Leicester, England reveals several Braunston/Bransons living there in 1666 & 1667 (see below).  Also mentioned in Leicester was a Thomas Cleypoole (Claypool) and several Gerrard families. Gerrards were allied with the Maryland Bransons.   Claypools are mentioned on page one of this narrative.

Isle of Wight, Virginia
Boddie of England and Isle of Wight
William Boddie received a grant of 3,350 acres July 12, 1665 for the transportation of 56 persons, including John Branson, William Painter, Nathaniel Sharpe, William Body and Evan Haines. James Boddie bought two tracts from John Brampston amounting to 12 square miles of land. The grant of 1665 for 3,350 acres at Cypress Swamp in the Isle of Wight Co. William Boddie became a Quaker about 1672. He appears to have joined the Quakers at about the time George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends, visited Isle of Wight county.
Jan. 3, 1670 John Brampston is mentioned in deed records
John Carrel is mentioned in 1669 as an attorney.
William Body and Anna his wife sell to Henry Joyce and parcel of land on Cypress Swamp formerly let by Wm. Boddie to John Branscomb, now ack. to Henry Joyce - July, 1668.

Book: "The ancestry of Abraham Lincoln", Page 69
William Branson was the son of Nathaniel Branson Sonning County Berks, England, shoemaker, who had purchased 1250 acres of land from William Penn, although he never came to reside in America. He conveyed his land by deed August 28, 1707 to his son William who came early in 1708 in the "Golden Lyon" to Pennsylvania. In 1709 he resided in Philadelphia on the east side of Second Street, being then called joiner, in 1720 shopkeeper, and 1726 merchant. He had acquired before 1741, over 3400 acres of land in Berks and Chester Counties.
Page 180 - "Know all men that I Mordecai Lincoln of Coventry in the County of Chester, for and in consideration of the sum of l500 etc., do forever quitclaim to William Branson, merchant of Philadelphia, his heirs and assigns, one full and undivided third part of the one hundred and six acres of land, according to articles of agreement made between Samuel Nutt of the one part and the said Mordecai Lincoln of the other part, together with all singular the Mynes and Minerals, Forges, Buildings, Houses, Lands and Improvements whatsoever thereunto belonging. Dated 14 December, 1725.

There were several members of the Nutt family who married into the Branson family and I've been trying to determine if they were related to Samuel Nutt who was in business with William Branson of Chester, PA.  I also found a Sarah Branson of Suffolk, England who married Miles Nutt on July 16, 1623 in Barking, Suffolk, England.  She may be related to the Branston family of Suffolk, England discussed below.  If Miles Nutt was related to Samuel Nutt, this may be a clue linking the Branstons of Suffolk, England with the Bransons of Chester, PA.  According to the information below, Samuel Nutt, (Quaker and founder of the Coventry Ironworks) of PA was from Warwickshire, England.  If you have information about the ancestry or descendants of Miles and/or Samuel Nutt please contact Sandra by email. 

http://www.pa-roots.com/~chester/coventry%20twp.htm
The original twp of Coventry doubtless received its name from Samuel Nutt, an early settler, who came from Coventry in Warwickshire, England. The first settlers here were assessed in 1718 as the "highest district from Skoolkill to Brandiwine." In 1720 there was an attempt to divide the district between Coventry and Nantmeal, and the district called "Scoolkil" was taxed alone in 1722. In 1841 the township was divided into North Coventry and South Coventry, an din 1844 East Coventry was formed by a division of North Coventry. In the latter year the line between South Coventry and East Vincent was established.

from THE HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, by Futhey and Cope (1881);

Samuel Nutt the founder of the Coventry Iron Works, came from Coventry, in
Warwickshire, bringing a certificate from the MM of Coventry, dated 2-7-1714,
which was presented at Concord MM 10-13-1714.  No further notice of him appears
on the records of the latter meeting.  Before leaving England he, on the 4th day
of May, 1714, purchased from Benjamin Weight, of Coventry, 1250 acres of land in
Pa, some of which was laid out in Sudbury twp, now owned by Wm L. Paston and
others. (*1881).  He is said to have returned to England to bring over skilled
workers in iron, and it may be that his nephew of the same name accompanied him
hither at that time.  Samuel Nutt, SR, married Anna, widow of Samuel Savage, and
dau of Thomas Rutter, and her daughter, Rebecca Savage became the wife of Samuel
Nutt, JR, May 17, 1733.  In the Pennsylvania Gazette of May 29, 1740, we find
the following:
 "We hear from French Creek, in Chester County that on Monday last Mr. Robert
Grace, a gentleman of this city, was married to Mrs. Rebecca Nutt, an agreeable
young lady, with a fortune of ten thousand pounds."
    Samuel Nutt, Jr, left no son, and the name became extinct in that family.
 

Bransons were also in Maryland prior to 1700.  A Thomas Branson came to Maryland in 1650, according to Passenger and Immigration records.  Other records and research indicates that he died 1684 in St. Mary's, MD and he married Amy.  In the Maryland Archives he is listed as Thomas Branston in a court proceeding with Thomas Ashbrooke, father-in-law of Richard Shockley.  This is a possible clue that Jared Branson was related to this Maryland Branson/Branston family, since he was connected to the Shockley family.  Since Thomas went by both names (Branson and Branston), he may be connected to the Branston family of Suffolk, England mentioned below, although it appears that they did not come to America until after Thomas came. 

MARYLAND ARCHIVES
Charles County Court Proceedings, 1666—1668.
Thomas Ashbrooke demandeth a Warrt agt Tho. Branston in an action of debt to the value of 150 lb of tobaccoe
Warrt to the Sherrife retornable ut Supra.
(NOTE: Eleanor Ashbrooke, daughter of Thomas Ashbrooke, was from Charles Co., MD and was the mother of Ann Boyden who married Richard Shockley in 1674 in Somerset, MD)
---------------------------------------------
Provincial Court Proceedings, 1660
"John Cockerell demands a warrant at his suite against Jacob Lombrozo in an action of the case. Writt issued to the Sheriff of Saint Marye's County dated 1 January, retorn 19 ffebruary following."
(NOTE: See below for more information about the Cockerell family)

A book entitled "Shull, Burdsall, Stockton and allied families : a genealogical study with biographical notes", presents biographical material on many families of England, some of whom immigrated to America, including Penn, Crispin, Stockton, Hedge, Shinn, Birdsall, Stacey, Stokes and Branston.  Some of the material goes back to the 1400's and earlier.  The Branstons in this book were from Suffolk, England.  The Cripsins were from Yorkshire, England and the Penns were from Wiltshire, England (originally from Wales).  The Stokes were from Middlesex, England.  Although these families originated in different English counties, they were connected through various marriages, probably knowing one another through their involvement with the Society of Friends.  Almost all of the families mentioned in this book were Quakers in early Pennsylvania and/or New Jersey. 

The name Branston was spelled in various ways including: Bramston, Branstone, Bramstone, Braunston, Bramson, Brampton, Brampston, and others.  One name mentioned is Gwyn.  This is a name associated with John Branson who lived in Carroll Co., VA, probable son of John Jefferson Branson.  Shinn is also mentioned with respect to Crispin.  Margaret Owen, daughter of Joshua and Martha (Shinn) Owen, married Benjamin Crispin.  Shinn is a family associated with the Burlington, NJ Bransons.  Anna Branson, daughter of John Day Branson, married Samuel Shinn Jr.  Sarah Branson, daughter of Thomas L. Branson and Elizabeth Day, married George Shinn.  Samuel Shinn of New Jersey married Sarah Schooley (Scholey).  Thomas Shinn married Mary Stockton in 1696, recorded at the Burlington, NJ Monthly Meeting.  After Thomas died, Mary Stockton married Silas Crispin.  Most of these American marriages took place in Burlington, NJ, or those involved moved to Burlington, NJ after they married.

These are possible clues that the Branstons of Suffolk, England may have been ancestors of the Bransons of Berkshire and Leicester, England and Burlington, NJ. 

NON-QUAKER BRANSTON DEATH RECORDS IN PENNSYLVANIA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The name Branston may be derived from de Brandeston, de Brandestone, de Braneston and de Braundeston found in England in the 1200's, 1300's and 1400's.  Simon de Brandestone of Chelmondiston, County Suffolk was assessed for subsidy there in 1327.  According to online British records, he had a son named Geoffrey. (County of Letter Books, City of London, 1275-1312).  These names were probably derived from the village in which they lived (i.e. Brandestone or Brandeston which is in Suffolk County). 

The earliest Branston mentioned in this book is Edmund Branston of Capel St. Mary, County Suffolk, England.  His will was dated November 19, 1465.  It mentions his wife Christian, sons Stephen and Nicholas Bramston.  Edmund was a brother of Robert Branston of County Suffolk whose will was dated July 12, 1473 and mentions wife Agnes, grandnephew Robert Branston, grandchildren Robert Smith, Robert Grey, Richard Tastand, and Avis Blackamor.  Executors were Nicholas Branston of Bergholt (in Suffolk County)  and Thomas Branston of Ipswich, Suffolk, England.  The will of Nicholas Bramstone was dated 1491 but appears to be incomplete and was not proven in court records.  It mentions his wife Christian, sons Thomas, Nicholas, William and Robert, and daughter Joan.  His wife's will mentions son Edmund.  Their son William's will was dated April 17, 1514 and mentions wife Agnes, sons John, William, Richard, Thomas and James.  Their son John Branston made a will dated Nov. 10, 1556 and proved May 14, 1558.  It mentions wife Katherine, sons Thomas, John, Robert, Richard, Simon, Christopher and William, daughters Agnes, Margaret and Emme.  It also mentions Charles Branston, William's children.  Witnesses: Stephen Cardinall, Robert Wyles, William Branston, Phillip Symond, John Brandston, Richard Branston and Symon Branston.  Much more information is included in the book.

Suffolk, Wiltshire, Leicestershire and Berkshire Counties are all located fairly close to each other.  Yorkshire is a bit north of them.   Wiltshire is next to Berkshire which makes sense because of the land transaction between Nathaniel Branson and William Penn - the fact that they lived in neighboring counties is good to know.   Also, according to the source listed below, William Penn lived and died in Ruscombe, Berkshire, England which is about six miles from Reading, Berkshire, England.  It's possible that some of the Branstons (or Bransons) moved from Suffolk County to Berkshire or Leicester County because of the their Quaker faith, to be closer to the Hinkley Monthly Meeting in the 1660's.

The Penn family
Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1870, 33 pgs.
Ruscombe, where William Penn long lived during the latter years of his life, and where he died, is about six miles from Reading, in Berkshire.

Click the following link to see a map prior to the 1974 boundary changes.

British Counties Map

BRONSDON ORTHOGRAPHY (Spelling variations)

From the book: Bronsdon and Box families
Lynn, Mass.: H.F. Parker, 1902, 342 pgs. by Lucius B. Marsh

Bronsdon and Box families
Lynn, Mass.: H.F. Parker, 1902, 342 pgs. by Lucius B. Marsh
William Bramston was Sheriff in London in 1395 and was the ancestor of the Bramston family of Boreham, near Chelmsford, County Essex, England. The same variations in spelling are noticeable in this family as in the early Bronsdon generation, and there is little or no doubt that it is a branch of the ancient Brontestons. (spelling var. include: de Brontiston, Bronston, Brondeston, Brantestun, Braunteston, Branston, Brimsdon, Bramsdon, Bramston)
William Bronston was the Abbott of Burton for eighteen years; he died in 1472.
footnote: Robert Bronsdon of Boston left legacies to cousins Robert and Avis Bronsdon in England
The family crest is taken from the tombstone of Sir John Bramston of Roxwell, near Chelmsford Co., Essex, England. He was the son of Roger Bramston (a descendant of William, the Sheriff of London)
Robert Bronsdon is also listed as Robert Branson of Stepney in his will dated May 5, 1666, widow Frances.

THE SHINN FAMILY

The Shinn family who married into the Branson family of Burlington, NJ was from Suffolk County, England.  In America, George Shinn married Sarah Branson, daughter of Thomas Branson and Elizabeth Day, on March 2, 1748/49 in New Jersey.  George's grandfather was John Shinn (Sheene) born c1665 in Soham, Suffolk, England.  (See elsewhere on this page for information about Branstons of Suffolk County, England).   The Shinn family is recorded in Burlington, NJ Quaker records as early as 1686 when the marriage of Ellen Stacey and John Shinn was recorded.  The earliest record I've found so far in Quaker records for the Shinn family was 1681 for the marriage of Ann Shinn to Daniel Leeds at the Burlington, NJ Monthly Meeting.

Both Shinn and Stacey are mentioned in the book.  It is apparent that these are the same Shinn and Stacey families who were recorded in Quaker records in Burlington, New Jersey, some of whom were allied with the Branson family, including descendants of Jared Branson, Sr.  Jared Branon's great-granddaughter, Olivia C. Branson, married Joseph Henry Barbarick whose aunt Catherine married Samuel Shinn who was a descendant of the Shinn family mentioned in the book.  The father of Joseph Henry Barbarick (Frederick) moved to Gasconade, MO at about the same time that Jared Branson Sr. did.  This Barbarick family lived in Cabarrus Co., NC before that, as did many of these Shinn families.  The Criders were also in Cabarrus, NC and I'm attempting to learn if these families knew or had contact with Jared Branson before going to Missouri.  According to the book entitled "History of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Crawford & Gasconade Counties, Missouri", Frederick Barbarick moved from Cabarrus, NC to Indiana in about 1810, then to Illinois and to Gasconade, MO three years later.  He settled near Daniel Crider who had gone to Gasconade, MO by 1818.  Based on this information, Daniel Crider of Cabarrus, NC apparently went to Gasconade, MO at least 6-7 years before Jared Branson, Sr. and his children went there.  So they may have met after they arrived in Missouri. 

In a book entitled "A history of Cabarrus County in the wars" we find a Captain Joseph Shinn who served in the Revolutionary War.  He was the son of Benjamin Shinn and brother of Samuel Shinn who married Catherine Barbarick. 

THE STACY (STACEY) FAMILY

The Stacy family is also mentioned in the book.  Mary Stacy, daughter of Henry Stacy married Jonathan Wilson in New Jersey and her sister Sarah married Robert Montgomery.  Henry was possibly the son of Robert Stacy.  Ellen Stacy married John Shinn in c1746 in Burlington, NJ.  Ellen was the daughter of Robert Stacy.  The Stacy name is recorded frequently in Quaker records.  Henry Stacy was imprisoned in England for his Quaker beliefs before immigrating to America.  He may be related to Mahlon Stacy who was also in New Jersey at the same time.

There were several Stacy families living near Jared Branson Sr. in Virginia, including John Stacy and Benjamin Stacy, who were on the 1782 personal property tax list in Montgomery, VA along with Jared and Thomas Branson and others. 

Benjamin and John Stacy were descendants of Simon Stacy:

Benjamin Stacy, Jr., son of Benjamin Stacy and Anne Combs of Stafford, VA, born c1763 in Frederick, VA; grandson of Simon Stacy and Judith Tolson.  (Benjamin Stacy and Ann Combs also had a son named John born c1764.)  (Note: there were also several Branson families in Stafford, VA).  This Stacy family was allied with the Sumner family and there are land records for other families allied with the Stacy family (Richardson) on Little Reed Island (branch of Big Reed Island) in Montgomery, VA.  Jared Branson Sr. owned land in Big Reed Island near the Sumner family.  More information about these families is available on the Combs-Coombs &c.  Web Site at http://www.combs-families.org/combs/assoc/stacy.htm#simon.  (Also see Bright Family section)

Simon Stacy was born c1716, the son of John Stacy. They are descendants of the Stacy family mentioned in the book that includes the Branstons of Suffolk, England.

Simon, John and Benjamin Stacy were members of Daniel Trigg's Montgomery, VA Militia in 1781.  Israel Lorton was a Lieutenant in that company.  (See notes about the Lortons elsewhere in this narrative).

If you have information about any possible relationship between Simon and Robert Stacy, please contact Sandra by email.

Founders of the City of Burlington, New Jersey
CITY HISTORY
City of Burlington New Jersey
http://www.burlingtonnj.us/History.html
“The Concessions and Agreements of the Proprietors, Freeholders and Inhabitants of West New Jersey”. This document is so remarkable that it has shared exhibition space with the Magna Carta in the National Park Service’s Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia, PA. The ancient parchment traditionally is preserved within the Surveyor General’s Office in the City. In part, it states, “...granted by William Penn, Gawan Lawry, and Nicholas Lucas, into Thomas Hutchinson, Thomas Pearson, Joseph Helmsly, George Hutchinson and Mahlon Stacy date the second day of the month called March 1677 instant, wherein they grant unto the said persons certain privileges for a town to be built...”. The division of East and West Jersey is thereafter defined, and Burlington is designated the Capital of West Jersey.

1782 MONTGOMERY, VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LIST
TITHES SLAVES HORSES CATTLE
Bransom, Jarret 1 0 2 2
Branson, Thomas 1 0 3 6
Doak, David, Jun. 1 5 6
Doak, David, Sen. 1 6 15
Doak, James 1 2
Doak, Samuel 1 4 8
Doak, William 1 6 13
Dillard, Thomas 1 0 2 6
Dalton, Timothy 1 0 1 3
Brannan, James 1 0 3
Goad, Abraham 1 0 10 13
Goad, William 1 0 1 7
Bails, Thomas 1 0 3 6
Bails, William 1 0 2
McMillon, Abraham 1 0 1 7
McMullen, William 1 0 8 10
Shockley, (illegible) 1 0 2 2
Stacy, Benjamin 1 1
Stacy, John 1

DANIEL TRIGG'S MILITIA 31 Mar 1781 - Montgomery, VA (Partial List)
http://www.combs-families.org/combs/records/va/montgomery/militia81.htm
Daniel Trigg, Capt.
Israel Lorton, Lieut.
Benjamin Staycie
John Staycie
Simon Staycie
Wm. Combs
Mayson Combs

THE HAINES FAMILY

The Haines family of Burlington, New Jersey is mentioned several times in the book, including John Haines, Noah Haines, Patience Haines (married Silas Crispin) and Caleb Haines.  These were all members of the Haines family who was allied with the Branson family of Burlington, New Jersey.    Noah Haines was the nephew of Bethany Haines.  Caleb Haines was the first cousin of Bethany Haines.  Descendants of Bethany Haines married into the family of Jared Branson Sr.  (See Bethany and Luster Haines notes on page one).

THE HEDGE FAMILY

Hedge Descendants of London and Suffolk, England were Quakers in Salem & Burlington, NJ
Descendants of:  Edward Hedge who married Judith Branston in Suffolk, England in 1606

Another family that was associated with the Branstons of Suffolk, England was the Hedge family.  Judith Branston married Edward Hedge in Suffolk, England.  There was also a Hedge family in Burlington, NJ that married into the Borton family who went to Burlington, NJ from Northamptonshire, England in 1682.  I found a Sam Hedge listed in the New Jersey Colony tax list of 1677 who was part of Fenwick's Colony (learn more about Fenwick's Colony).  He was not the same Samuel Hedge who married Judith Branston since deed records show that his wife was Anna, however, according to the book, he was Judith Branston Hedge's grandson (see below).  A Mary Hedge, daughter of Samuel Hedge, is mentioned in the letter book of James Claypoole, stating that she sailed from England to Pennsylvania in the year 1682.  A Samuel Hedge is mentioned in the will of John Fenwick (dated August, 1683) in Salem, NJ that also mentions Gov. William Penn.  Samuel is referred to as "my son-in-law".  His daughter Mary is mentioned in Quaker records, but was apparently not a Quaker.  This Hedge family was probably connected to Bernard Hedge whose daughter Deborah married William Borton of Burlington, NJ.  Bernard was married in Salem, NJ in 1688 (source: First Settlers of Newton Township New Jersey, Page 391 <Note: Branson, Haines, Painter, Shinn, Borton, Lippincott, Penn and Stacey individuals are also mentioned in these records>).  The Bernard Hedge family was also loosely connected to the family of Richard Stockton and the Haines family.  (Sources: New Jersey and Pennsylvania Genealogical Societies).

Edward Hedge was the son of Stephen Hedge and grandson of Robert Hedge.

John Fenwick's daughter Anne married Samuel Hedge, grandson of Edward and Judith (Branston) Hedge of Suffolk, England. 

There was a Thomas Hedge in records of St. Mary's Co., Maryland (where John Branson Sr. lived) in the year 1674 or 1675.  It is not known at this time if Thomas Hedge was related to the Hedge family mentioned in the book or to Deborah Hedge.  He apparently lived in Baltimore County and was a County Clerk in about 1679.  He died August, 1698.  If you have information about this Thomas Hedge please contact Sandra by email.

Deborah Hedge who married William Borton was the daughter of Bernard Hedge of Salem, NJ (unverified).  In the book about the Branstons, Stocktons and Shulls, Mary Hedge who married Nicholas More was in Salem, NJ - her son Nicholas Jr. died there in 1728.  Other research indicates that Deborah Hedge's parents were married Jan. 1, 1688 in Salem, NJ.  Therefore it is reasonable to assume that Deborah and Bernard Hedge were related to the Hedge family included in the book.  The marriage of Deborah Hedge and William Borton is documented in marriage records of Burlington NJ Monthly Meeting of the Quakers. Nicholas More received land grants from William Penn in 1681, as did Nathaniel Branson prior to 1707.  In the book, the Hedge family lived in East Bergholt and Ipswich, Suffolk Co., England before going to America, as did the Branston family. 

William Hedge in Montgomery Co., Virginia
William Hedge married Lucy Godbey on March 4, 1804 in Montgomery, VA.  William was living in Montgomery, VA in 1810 and 1820.  There were no other Hedge families in that county.  He was born 1784-1794 and probably died before 1830.  He had sons George and James, and daughter Pauline.  I have been unable to identify his parents, however, his wife Lucy was the daughter of William and Zannah Godbey.  The Godbey family lived in the New River region of Virginia for many generations and were among the first 109 families of the Virginia Colony.  The Hedge name is found in very early records of the James River area of Virginia.  A William Hedge was transported to James City County, VA in June, 1636.  Joan Godbey was transported to the same county in May of that year along with Roger Lucas and others.  Joan the wife of Thomas Godbey, the first of this line to come to America.  Sir John Harvey is also mentioned in James City Co. in 1636.  Pauline Hedge married Thompson Farmer of Montgomery, VA.  He may have been related to Thomas Farmer who was the surety on the marriage bond of Valentine Branson and Susannah East, 1807 in Patrick, VA.

If you have information about the ancestry of William Hedge, please contact Sandra by email.

The Will of John Fenwick
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nj/statewide/history/colrec/vol21/v21-21.txt
1684-5 Feb. 10. Do. William PENN, Proprietor and Governour of
Penssilvania, also Proprietor of Salem Tenth, West Jersey, Samuel
HEDGE of Hedgefield, John SMITH of Smithfield and Richard TINDALL
of Tindall's Bowery in said Tenth, executors of the last will of John
FENWICK, to Richard DANIELL of New Salem, for 10 acres there,
late in tenure of Widow Elizabeth DANIELL, on Fenwick's Creek, the
highway (destroyed).
Samuel HEDGE was the son of Samuel HEDGE, a merchant and citizen of
London. He came over with FENWICK, in the summer of 1675, and in the following
spring married the latter's daughter Ann. FENWICK conveyed to them a tract of
2,000 in the 11th mo. of the same year (February, 1677). In Upper Mannington,
whither the young couple removed, and where they resided until 1685. It was
known as the Hedgefield tract. HEDGE signed the West Jersey Concessions, March
3, 1676-7. His father-in-law appointed him Surveyor-General of the Colony,
April 30, 1678. He was clerk and recorder of deeds of Salem county, until
1692. As a member of the West Jersey House of Representatives he signed an
address to King William III, May 20, 1697, congratualting him on his escape
from a reported plot. he was still a member of the House in 1701, when he and
other members petitioned the King for the appointment of Andrew Hamilton as
Governor of New Jersey. Having been appointed one of his father-in-law's
executors, he returned in 1685 to Salem, where he built a brick house on
Bradway street, in which he and his wife resided until their death. They had
one son, Samuel HEDGE 3d, who married Rebecca PYLE; he died 3d of 11th mo
1708-9, leaving a will, from which it appears that his father was still living.
He left a widow and five children, all sons.

Some Early Land Transactions at or Near Fenwick's Colony in New Jersey
(Names in bold were allied with the Quaker Bransons or connected families)
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/nj/statewide/history/colrec/vol21/v21-21.txt
WEST JERSEY RECORDS, ---Liber A., or Revel's Book of Surveys.
1680 Sept. 7. Return of Survey, for Mahlon STACY, of 100 acres on
Assiscunck Creek, Lazy Point side.
1680 Sept. 29. Do. Do. for John ANTRAM, of 30 a. on the Westside
of London Bridge, W. N. W. to the swamp, along the swamp, then to the bridge. 6
1680 Sept. 30. Do. Do. for John SHINN, of 200 a. on Assiscunck
Cr., adjoining Eleazer FENTON.
1680 Oct. 21. Do. Do. for Robert STACY, of 250 a. from Eleazer
FENTON's corner N. W. along Assiscunck Cr. Marginal Note: "prcell
found to be but 200 a., 100 thereof is past over to Daniel LEEDS by deed
Recorded in Book B. p. --- & ye other 100 Robert hath relinquished &
Daniel hath bought it of Mahlon STACY & Tho. LAMBERT on ye publique accompt."
1680 Oct. 20. Do. Do. for Robert STACY, of 66 a., his town lot,
from the angle of the "marish" over against his tanning house along the
creek, to the swamp, on the Westside of the Rancokus path aand on Assiscunck Cr.
1680 Nov. 13. Return of survey, fro Robert and Thomas SCHOLEY, of
200 acres along Dellaware R. betw. John ROGERS and Crosswick Creek.
(See infra, p. 34.)
1681 June 11. Do. Do. for John ANTRAM, of 100 a. in the town
field, S. E. Tho. GARDNER.
1681-2 Feb. 1. Do. Do. for John SHINN, of 100 a. on the brook of
Assiscunck, adjoining his own land and Thomas BUDD.
1681 Dec. 22. Do. Do. for Daniel WILLS junior and George ELKINGTON,
of 300 a., 100 for ELKINGTON, the other 200 for WILLS, on Mill Creek,
adjoining D. WILLS senior and John BOARTON.
1681-2 Feb. 21. Do. Do. for Samuel BORDEN, of 200 a. at Hatt's
Plantation on the N. W. side of the road from Burlington to Shrowsburry.
Marginal Note: "This granted to James ANTRAM by vertue of a deed see
Recorded in fol. (425, 426) Libr. B."
1681-2 Feb. 23. Do. Do. for Thomas BARTON, of 100 a., bounded
S. W. by the brook of Assicunck, betw. John PANCOAST and Samuel WILLIS.
1682 April 26. Do. Do. for John BOARTON, of 200 a. at the head of
a small creek of Rancokus, which bounds the land of Henry JACOBS.
1682 Oct. 30. Do. Do. for John DAYS, of 100 a. at Springfield on
the Northside of the Westbranch of Assiscunck Cr., adjoining John SHIN
and Eleazer FENTON, including a meadowlot on the Southside next to John BUTCHER.
1682 Nov. 30. Do. Do. for Daniel LEEDS, of 200 a. at Springfield,
adjoining his dwelling house, S. Assiscunck Cr., between Eleazer FENTON
and Francis BESWICK.
1682 Sept. 11. Do. Do. for Henry STACY, of 500 a. on Dellaware
R., over against Sepassincks Island at the mouth of and along a creek, be-
tween Wm. BIDDLE and John CRIPPS.
1683 March --. Do. Do. for Richard MATHEWS, of 500 a. at New-
ton, betw. Henry STACY, Francis COLLINS and Wm. Cooper's Creek.
1682 Oct. 28. Do. Do. for Henry STACY, of 37 1/2 a. in Burlington
town bounds, W. John ANTRAM on the Westside of the brook near the
tannery, N. John WOOLSTON.
1683 Sept. --. Do. Do. for Francis COLLINS and Henry STACY, of 60
a. of meadow and upland, whereof 10 a. of meadow are for said STACY, the
rest for COLLINS, the whole at the head of a branch of Timber Cr.
1683 Oct. 2. Do. Do. for Bernard DEVONISH, of 400 a. on Ranco-
kus R., at the mouth of a small run, adjoining Walter HUMPHEREY and John STOAKES.
1683 Sept. --. Do. Do. for John ANTRAM, of 150 a. on the East
branch of Assiscunck Cr., betw. John PANCOST, Thomas BARTON, Samuel
WILLIS and Michael NEWBOLD.
1683 10th m. (Dec.). Do. Do. for Joshua WRIGHT, of 285 a. in the
First Tenth, on Crosswicks alias Leeds River, at the head of a small run
next to the land of Francis DAVENPORT.
1683 Oct. 2. Do. Do. for John STOKES, of 162 a. on Rancokus R.,
between Bernard DEVONISH and Thomas GARDNER, incl. 12 1/2 a. on the point
of the river forks.
1685 1st m. (March). Do. Do. for John FURNIS, of 250 a. in the
Second Tentch, S. Northampton R., near Rainbowe Island, incl. 6 a. of
meadow surveyed for ffreedome LIPPINCOAT.
---------- Do. Do. for James ANTRAM, of 250 a. in the First Tenth, E.
Percifall TOWLE, adjoining Thomas BARTON, Thomas SCATTERGOOD and
Nathaniel RICHARDS, incl. 11 a. of meadow at Mount Pleasant next to John CURTIS.
1687 2d m. (April). Do. Do. for ffreedom LIPPINCOTT, of 288 8-9 a.
near Pemsokin Creek.
1683 11th m. (Jan.). Do. Do. for John HAYNES, by Daniel LEEDS,
of 200 a. along the Southside of the South branch of Northampton R., ad-
joining Benjamin MOORE.
1685 6th m. (Aug.). Do. Do. Do. for John SHINN junior, of 200
a., No. Godfrey HANCOCK junior.
1685 2d m. (April). Do. Do. Do. for Thomas BARTIN, of 75 a.
along James Antram and a brook between John ANTRAM, John WOOLSTON
and Thomas REVELL; incl. 3 a. of meadow at Mount Pleasant next to John CURTIS.
1683 -------. Do. Do. for Mahlon STACY, Joshua WRIGHT, Jno LAMBERT,
Thomas LAMBERT and William EMLEY, of 2,000 a. above the mouth
of Assunpinck Creek, between Peter ffRETWELL and George HUTCHESON
along said creek and on Dellaware R.
1684 2d m. (April). Do. Do. Do. for Daniel BACON, of 350 a. on
the Southside of the brook below his house, between John HOOTON, a
Southerly branch of said brook and Wm. BLACK. "This survey is includ-
ed in the whole Tract of 800 Acres as see page 120."
---------- "The bounds of ffreedome LIPPINCOTT's Land and meadow,
whereof all but ye meadows & allowance for a Highway was formerly re-
corded for Tho: OLLIVE." Surveyed for ffreedom LIPPINCOTT 200 a. on
Northampton R. and Mill Cr. along Thomas EVES'; incl. 6 a. of meadow
on said river next to John FURNIS.
1684 -----. Return of survey, for John STOAKS, of 150 a. on Rancokus
alias Northampton R., between Bernard DEVONISH, Tho. GARDNER and the Mill Creek.
1688 3d m. (May). Do. Do. by Daniel LEEDS, for the same, of 155
a. next to Wm. HUNT's, incl. 6 1/2 a. of meadow, N. W. Daniel LEEDS, betw.
Wm SALLAWAY and Thomas SHINN. "Whereof 25 Acres was formerly
Surveyed by Daniel LEEDS & 130 Acres by Symon CHARLES, All being 155
Acres besides Highwayes. Examined by Daniel LEEDS."

SOME MORE COMPELLING EVIDENCE OF HEDGE CONNECTION TO BRANSON:
William Branson of Chester, PA owned an iron foundry.....and....the Hedge family of Berkshire Parish, England was in the iron foundry business as early as the seventeenth century.  Berkshire is where Nathaniel Branson was supposedly born.  Bucklebury is also where a John Bransdon is mentioned in 1681 Quaker records (in the same records with Richard Heges <Hedges>).  John and Benjamin Hockley are also mentioned in Berkshire Parish in later years.  Hockley is a family allied with the Bransons of Chester, PA.  Hannah Branson, daughter of William Branson and Mary Tate, married Richard Hockley.  Richard Haynes is also mentioned in early court records of Berkshire Parish (in 1697). 

More about Samuel Hedge of Salem, New Jersey

According to the book, Samuel Hedge, grandson of Edward Hedge and Judith Branston, went to Salem, New Jersey on the ship "Griffith" in 1675 with Fenwick.  Samuel's parents were Samuel Hedge Sr. and Elizabeth Weld of London, England.  Edward Hedge was born c1580 of Ipswich, Suffolk, England and his wife, Judith Branston was the daughter of John Branston "the elder" of East Bergholt, Suffolk, England and Judith Cardinall.   This Samuel Hedge who went to New Jersey is a proven connection between the Suffolk, England Branston family and the Hedge family of New Jersey.  Samuel who went to Salem, NJ was probably related to Bernard Hedge, father of Deborah Hedge who married William Borton (see elsewhere in this narrative for more about him).

Judith Branston's father John is mentioned in 1600 with Richard Hedge

As mentioned elsewhere in this narrative, John Branston and Richard Hedge were mentioned in the 1600 will of John Goodwin of Suffolk, England.  I am attempting to determine if Richard Hedge was related to Edward Hedge who married Judith Branston in Suffolk, England in 1606.  Because Edward and Richard were in the same county at about the same time, it is likely they were closely related.  Descendants of John Goodwin  immigrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1632.  According to the book entitled "The Goodwins of Hartford, Connecticut", this family had roots in Essex and Suffolk, England.

A Richard Hedge is also mentioned in 1556 will of Matthew Marvin of London, England.  This Marvin family also migrated to Hartford, CT.  (Source: "The English ancestry of Reinold and Matthew Marvin of Hartford, Ct., 1638 : their homes and parish churches")

If you have information about Richard Hedge of Suffolk, England please contact Sandra by email.

Nathaniel Bacon mentioned in Suffolk England will in 1638

Mentioned in the will of John Goodwin in 1638 in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England is Nathaniel Bacon.  This name was also mentioned in the biography of Nathaniel Barnadiston (see below).  In 1649 Nathaniel Barnardiston married a daughter of Nathaniel Bacon.  It is not known if these were the same Nathaniel Bacons, however, they were both mentioned in Suffolk, England at the about the same time.  If these were the same Nathaniel Bacons, it means that Nathaniel Barnadiston married a close friend of John Goodwin who was allied with the Suffolk, England Branstons.  The name Barnadiston has also been spelled "Barnston", "Brampton" and "Brandeston".

A Very interesting page from the book "Suffolk and the Great Rebellion, 1640-1660", describes a Suffolk county committee that was overseen by the Barnadistons.  Nathaniel Bacon is also mentioned as is Edmund Harvey.  Click the image for a larger view.

As mentioned elsewhere in this narrative, the Bacon family was allied with the Bransons of Berkshire, England.  Nathaniel Branson Jr. married Mary Bacon, daughter of Peter Bacon of Berkshire, England.  It would be interesting to learn if Peter Bacon was related to Nathaniel Bacon of Suffolk, England.

Nathaniel Bacon I is mentioned in English records of The Colonial Virginia Register and Nathaniel II (his nephew) was the namesake of the famous "Bacon Rebellion" of 1676 near Jamestown.  This register contains information about the early House of Burgesses of Virginia, some members of which were located in England.  In 1658 Nathaniel Bacon I is mentioned in York Co., Virginia as one of the legislative members.  A Robert Stacy is mentioned in the year 1619.  Nathaniel Bacon I immigrated to York County, Virginia and was born in 1620.   There was also a James Goodwin who served from York County the year before Nathaniel Bacon served (1657) and Nathaniel Bacon II was born in Suffolk, England, so the chances are good he was related to the person named in the will - however, he was probably not the one mentioned (see below).  Nathaniel Bacon I became Governor of Virginia in 1687.  As outlined below, some of the Goodwins immigrated to Connecticut, but some of them may have gone to Virginia.  Also listed as members were several Barbers.  More about the story behind the "Bacon Rebellion" at: http://www.nps.gov/archive/colo/Jthanout/BacRebel.html

According to a family tree on ancestry.com, Nathaniel Bacon I was born 1620 in Friston Hall, Suffolk, England, and he became of the Governor of Virginia.  Hugh de Brandeston of Brandeston, Plomesgate, Suffolk, England is also mentioned in this family tree (see elsewhere on this page for more about the de Brandeston name). 

Probably the Nathaniel Bacon who was mentioned in the 1638 will.....
Another family tree shows a Nathaniel Bacon born c1585-1593 in Suffolk, England, (son of Edward Bacon), who married Susan Holloway (a surname found in connection with the Branstons of Suffolk).  Edward Bacon was the son of Sir Nicholas Bacon of Suffolk.  In this tree, William Goodwin of Hartford, CT is also mentioned, so this is probably the one who was listed in the will of John Goodwin of East Bergholt, Suffolk, England in 1638.  Only one year later, William Goodwin is mentioned in Hartford, CT.  It is not known if this Nathaniel Bacon was related to the Nathaniel Bacon mentioned above.  There was no known Nicholas or Edward Bacon in that family tree, however, both Bacon families were of Suffolk, England.

See Passenger and Immigration Lists to Early Virginia

See More Bacon Records

NOTE: Nathaniel Bacon II owned land in Henrico Co., Virginia - the county where Thomas Branston was bound to William Cox in 1638.

If you have information about Nathaniel Bacon of Suffolk, England (allied with or friends of the Goodwin family) or information about James Goodwin of York, VA please contact Sandra by email.

The Goodwins are mentioned frequently in reference to the early days of Hartford, CT in the book entitled "Hartford in the olden time : its first thirty years".  Also mentioned is Andrew Bacon who may be a relative of Nathaniel Bacon.  Andrew Bacon is mentioned in 1640 and Richard Goodwin is mentioned in 1641.  Andrew Bacon and William Goodwin are mentioned in a catalog of the first Puritan settlers of Hartford, CT.  There are no Bransons or Branstons mentioned.

A family tree on ancestry.com shows an Andrew Bacon born 1655/56 (died in CT), son of Nathaniel Bacon and Anne Miller of Rutlandshire, England.  This Nathaniel was born 1629 so he was probably not the same one who was mentioned in the 1638 will of John Goodwin.  (See the name Andrew Bacon below mentioned in the will of Robert Alefounder)

The Shinn (Sheene) name in England is also mentioned with this Goodwin family in England.  In 1620 in Norwich, Norfolk, England, John Goodwyne married Grace Sheene.  (Source: "English Goodwin Papers".)  (See Shinn section)  The Shinn / Sheene / Sheyne name is also found in pre-1700 Suffolk, England records.

The Colonial Virginia Register (Partial Lists)
http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/vareg1.htm
From about 1705 there was a sinecure Auditor 'General of the Colonies resident in England, and those who. held the office in Virginia though practically Auditors General,. were in name deputies.
GOVERNOR
1687, April Nathaniel Bacon, President of the Council. (Though Lord Effingham did not sit in the General Court, he remained in Virginia and signed patents as late as October 20, 1688.) Born in England, 1619; died in Virginia, March 16, 1692.
NATHANIEL BACON, I. of "Queen's Creek," York County, Va. Born about 1620, in England. Died March 16, 1692, in Virginia.
------------------------------
THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES
SPEAKER
Thomas Godwin, June 1676
MEMBERS
1619
Martin-Brandon (Captain John Martin's Plantation); Thomas Davis, Robert Stacy
1657
York County: Jeremy Ham, James Goodwin, Robert Borne, William Hay.
1658
Upper Norfolk: Lieut. Colonel Edw'd Carter, Captain Thomas Goodwyn, Giles Webb.
York: Nathaniel Bacon, Major Joseph Crowshaw, Thomas Bushrod, William Hay.
1663:
York: Lieut. Colonel Wm. Barber.
1685:
York: Thos. Cheesman and Thos. Barber.
1695:
Henrico: William Randolph, William Soane.
1702:
York: Tho. Barbar, Tho. Ballard.
1714:
York: Wm. Buckner. Wm. Barbar.
1723-1726:
Nansemond: Thomas Goodwin, Henry Baker.
1726:
Nansemond: Thomas Godwin, Henry Baker
1773:
Fincastle: William Christian, Robert Doak.
1774:
Fincastle: William Chnstian, Robert Doak (who on May 9 was unseated, because at the time of his election he held the office of deputy
surveyor).

Humphreys, Arthur Lee, author
Bucklebury : a Berkshire parish, the home of Bolingbroke 1701-1715
Reading England: The author, 1932, 647 pgs.
PAGE 18: Apart from agriculture the two local industries which have flourished in the past and still flourish at Bucklebury are the iron foundry, which goes back to the seventeenth century at least and has been in the hands of the Hedge family all the time........

Bucklebury : a Berkshire parish, the home of Bolingbroke 1701-1715
Reading England: The author, 1932, 647 pgs.
PAGE 360: Births of Inhabitants of Bucklebury registered in the archives of the Society of Friends (Quakers)
August 13, 1681 - Hannah, daughter of John and Alice Bransdon, Bucklebury
PAGE 528: Court Leet, Oct. 24, 1783 - Officers: Benjamin Hockley for the West End; William Bedding Constable
Oct. 20, 1786 - John Hockley for both East and West End
PAGE 507: Court Baron - Oct. 11, 1697 - Officers: Richard Haynes tithingman for East End.  (Thomas Hockley is also mentioned.)

Some other Quaker records of Bucklebury, Berkshire, England:

Humphreys, Arthur Lee, author
Bucklebury : a Berkshire parish, the home of Bolingbroke 1701-1715
Reading England: The author, 1932, 647 pgs.
PAGE 359: NONCONFORMITY - The Society of Friends founded a Monthly Meeting for Ore and Newbury (included Bucklebury) as early and 1674. Monthly meeting held the 17th of the 2nd month 1694 (February 17) Edward May Jr. of Bucklebury in the County of Berks and Sarah Weston declared their intention of marriage. Friends appointed Richard Heges and Joseph Anstell to inquire concerning his clearness...

This is a possible indirect connection between the Chester, PA and Burlington NJ Bransons and the Hedge family who came to America from England and was mentioned with the Branston family of Suffolk, England. 

MARYLAND ARCHIVES
Provincial Court Proceedings, 1674/5. 535 (Thomas Hedge sued Daniel Jenifer)
Thomas Hedge Comand was given to the Sheriff of St Maries
agt County that he attach Daniel Jenifer late of St
Maries County otherwise called Daniel Jenifer of
Accomack County in Virginia if he should be found
in his Bailiwick so that he have his body here the
ninth day of february in the 43th yeare of his Lopps
Dominion &c to answer unto Thomas Hedge in a plea that he render
unto him the summe of seaven thousand three hundred pounds of
tobacco which to him he oweth and unjustly deteineth. Att which
said ninth day of ffebruary in the yeare aforesaid the Same Sheriff
maketh returne that the said Daniel Jenifer is not found in his Baili
wick whereupon the said Thomas Hedge by Robert Carvile his At
torny prayed an attachment against the estate of the said Daniel
according to Act of Assembly in that case made and provided and
it is granted unto him by the Court here.

MARYLAND ARCHIVES
References to the Civil List in His Lordship's Patronage
Clerks of Baltimore County:
Thomas Hedge, succeeded Johnson prior to 3 June 1679; continued in
office by act of the Convention, 4 Sept. 1689; died in Aug. 1698.

THE CRISPIN FAMILY

The Crispin family is allied with the Haines, Shinn and Holloway families of Burlington, NJ.  The Haines, Shinn and Holloway families are also allied with the Bransons of Burlington, NJ.  Crispins, Stocktons, Shinns and Holloways are all found in Quaker records.  The Crispins are indirecly allied with the Bransons of Burlington, NJ:  Jacob Branson, son of William Branson and Elizabeth Osmond, married Rebecca Holloway, 2nd great-granddaughter of Silas Crispin and Mary Stockton, both families mentioned in the book.  William Holloway, the husband of Martha Branson (daughter of William and Elizabeth <Osmond> Branson), married Phebe Crispin after Martha died.

It makes sense to tentatively reach the conclusion that the Branstons mentioned in this book are connected to the Bransons of Chester, PA and Burlington, NJ.  Nathaniel Branson, the progenitor of the Burlington, NJ and Chester, PA Bransons, is not mentioned in the book, nor is the County of Berkshire.  Therefore, the task is to discover the relationship (if any) between the Suffolk County Branstons and Nathaniel Branson.

THE STOCKTON FAMILY

The Stockton family were Quakers allied with the Shinn, Crispin, Branson and Shockley families (and others).  Richard Stockton was the first of this line to come to America.  He was born c1626 in England and died Oct. 10, 1707 in Burlington, NJ.  There are many records available online about the Stocktons.  They were mentioned along with the Branston family in the book involving Suffolk, England.

Stocktons in Missouri with the Bransons and Shockleys
Richard Stockton mentioned above married Abigail Bloomfield.  Their fifth great-grandson, James Stockton, married Elizabeth Shockley of Osage, Missouri.  James was born 1850 in Maries, Missouri, son of John Henderson Stockton and Louisiana Caldwell who went to Missouri from Barren, KY.  Before going to Missouri, this Stockton line lived in Queens, NY, Burlington, NJ, Albemarle, VA, Rutherford, NC and Barren, KY.  James Stockton, widower, was living with his brother Joseph in Maries, Missouri in 1880.  Also in the household was 14 year-old John William Stockton who married Celia C. Branson, daughter of John Wilkenson Branson and Elizabeth Shockley (not the same Elizabeth).  Celia was a descendant of Jared Branson Sr.  Elizabeth Shockley was the daughter of Henry Shockley and Julia A. Durbin of Gasconade, Missouri.  Henry was the grandson of Meredith Shockley.  This Shockley family was closely allied with the Jared Branson family in VA and MO. 

The Lundy Family
An interesting note on the Stockton family:  Mary Stockton, daughter of Daniel and Mary Stockton, and great-grand-niece of Mary Stockton who married Thomas Shinn and Silas Crispin, married Richard Lundy.  (See source information below).  Their son, Samuel P. Lundy, married Sarah Davis of Grayson Co., VA and their daughter Nancy married Green M. Branscomb.  Nancy was born 1817 and a Greenberry Branscomb was born 1816 and lived in Carroll Co., VA.  In the 1850 census he was listed with wife Nancy next to Reuben Branscomb (age 31) and James Branscom (age 58).  Therefore, it is presumed he was the son of James Branscom and Frances Dean.  James was the son of Isaac Branscom and Isaac was the son of Thomas Branscom and Tabitha Williamson of Greensville, VA.  The father of Thomas was Richard Branscom of Devonshire, England.  He died 1775 in Brunswick, VA.  Another of his sons was John Branscom born c1750 in VA and he could be the John Branson who was given a commission as an Ensign in 1770 (see the Sherrill family narrative below). 

The Lundy family was allied with the Schooley, Holloway and Stockton families of Burlington, New Jersey.  The Schooley family was also allied with the Crispin and Shinn families.  These families were Quakers in Burlington, as were the Bransons. 

James Lundy was in Montgomery, VA in 1810 and Daniel Lundy was in White, TN in 1820.  These are counties where Jared Branson lived.  There were four Lundays on the 1793 Wythe, VA Tax List along with Jerard and James Branson (spelled Branston).  There were six Lundays (including Daniel) listed on the 1794 Grayson, VA Tax List, along with Jan. A. Branson (James?, Jared?).   Daniel Lundy was the son of Richard Lundy and Mary Stockton.  He married Mary Pickerell on Oct. 8, 1808 in Carroll Co., VA (also a county where Jared Branson lived).  Many members of the Lundy family were Quakers, including Amos Lundy, the father of James Lundy.  They were members of Deep Creek MM.  Susannah Lundy, daughter of Amos Lundy and Anne Collins, married Jonathan Sumner, son of Joshua Sumner of Patrick Co., VA.  Jonathan Sumner was the grandson of Robert Sumner and Phebe Ann Beals.  Phebe was the aunt of John Bowater Beals who married Lois Branson, daughter of Thomas L. Branson and Jane/Jeane Painter.

The following is also of interest regarding the Lundy family....

Notes on the Quakers in the Chestnut Creek settlement 1771-1825 - Carroll Co., VA
Opposition to slavery is one of the two reasons given by Hinshaw (Vol. 6 in his description of South River MM) for the migration of Quakers from Virginia to the Northwest Territory after 1800. The other reason was that a great number of them participated in the Revolution on the American side. Because of this, they received free land in Ohio (the Virginia Military District). Ohio Counties to which Quakers from the New River area migrated which were at least in part within the Virginia Military District include Ross, Logan, Greene, Clinton and Highland. The Lundy family who moved to Grayson Co., VA after the Revolution were first cousins of Benjamin Lundy, sometimes called the Founder of American Abolitionism. He is known to have visited his kin in southwest Virginia on his way to Deep River MH, North Carolina where he gave the first public lecture on the abolition of slavery in 1824 (The Lundy Family, 1902 by W.C. Armstrong). The out-migration of those opposed to slavery from Virginia to the old Northwest Territory likely preserved slavery in America, as the abolishment of slavery in Virginia failed by only a few votes in 1835 in the Virginia legislature.

NOTE: Daniel Stockton died in Stokes, NC in 1804.   This is a county where several Bransons from St. Mary's, MD lived.  As mentioned elsewhere in this narrative, Jared Branson and his children lived in Carroll Co., VA and possibly Grayson Co., VA.  So here we have a (very) loose connection between the Stocktons, the Maryland Bransons, the Brunswick, VA Branscoms and the Burlington, NJ Bransons through marriage and locations of residence.

Clayton Stockton was the brother of Mary Stockton and son of Daniel Stockton.  He was on the 1799 Grayson Co., VA Tax List along with several Lundy families, Richard Shockley and Edward Dillard.  In other years, other familiar names appeared on Grayson County tax lists with Samuel Lundy.   (See some partial Tax Lists of Grayson Co., VA below).  Apparently, Clayton Stockton moved to Greene Co., Missouri (see census record below).  Greene Co., MO is the county where James Massey lived in 1850.  James was the possible grandfather of Mary Ann Massey who married George Washington Branson, son of Andrew Branson and Charlotte Terrell.  It's also the county where several Mankin families lived, including a Jesse Mankin who may be the Jesse Mankin who was the surety on the marriage bond of Jared Branson and Frances East in Patrick Co., VA in 1827.  Jesse Mankin was on the 1850 Census of Greene Co., MO along with several Massey families.  An older Jesse Mankin was in earlier records of Patrick, VA along with the Bransons.  (Read more about Clayton below).

THE HEWLINGS FAMILY

The Hewlings family of Burlington, NJ is mentioned in the book.  They were allied with the Crispin, Garwood, Lippincott, Wright and other families.  The father of the progenitor of the New Jersey Hewlings family was Walter Hewlings who died 1677 in Gloucestershire, England.  He and Henry Stacy, along with others, were imprisoned in Gloucestershire, England for refusing to take the Oath.  Walter's son, William, was born in England and died in 1713 in Burlington, NJ.  William's great-granddaughter, Rebecca Hewlings, married Paul Crispin, son of Benjamin Crispin and Margaret Owen, also mentioned in the book.  The Hewlings were Quakers in Burlington, NJ.

A John Hewling is also found in Ipswich, Suffolk, England financial records along with the Bacons and Branstons of that county in the years 1559-1560.  It is not known if he was related to the Hewlings of Gloucestershire, England.

Hannah Hewlings is mentioned in a book about the Stokes family.  She married into the Eayres family in England.  Also mentioned are John, Jacob and William Hewlings.

THE BIRDSALL FAMILY

The Birdsall (Burdsall) family is mentioned in the book with a short chapter devoted to them.  The earliest Birdsall mentioned is Elijah Birdsall of of Burlington, NJ.  It does not provide information about his ancestry, however, I obtained information about his ancestry from the LDS web site.  This Birdsall family was apparently from Norfolk, England.  They were members of Mt. Holly MM Quaker meeting.  Two descendants of this family married into other Quaker families of Burlington, NJ that were allied with the Bransons.  Sarah Birdsall, daughter of Elijah, married Robert Braddock.  I have not yet identified his parents, but he was most likely related to Robert Braddock who married Elizabeth Bates.  Their son Rehoboam Braddock was the father of Phebe Braddock who married Joseph Haines.  Robert Braddock's sister Hannah married John Painter, father of Jane/Jeane Painter who married Thomas L. Branson.

Sarah Birdsall's brother, Willis Birdsall married Dorothy Crispin on Feb. 3, 1796 in Burlington, NJ.  Dorothy Crispin was the third daughter of Paul and Rebecca (Hewlings) Crispin, born at Moorestown, New Jersey, December 30, 1774.  Paul Crispin was the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Owen) Crispin.  Benjamin was the son of Silas Crispin "the immigrant".

Mary Birdsall married Hezekiah Stokes.  Hezekiah was the son of Hezekiah Stokes and Frances Braddock (daughter of Robert Braddock and Sarah Birdsall).   The Stokes family of Burlington, NJ married into the Braddock and Leeds families.  The Leeds family married into the Haines, Shinn and Stockton families.  I did not find any Birdsalls listed on the New River web site.

Here are some records from Burlington, New Jersey:

NEW JERSEY CENSUS
REHEBOAM BRADACH NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
ELIJAH BIRDSALL NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
ACQUILLAI SHIN NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JOSEPH SHIN NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JOSEPH SHIN NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
AARON SHINN NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
RICHARD STOCKTON NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JOHN STOCKTON NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JOB STOCKTON NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
SAMUEL STOCKTON NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JONATHAN STOCKTON NJ Burlington County Voter List 1787
JOHN BRANSON NJ Burlington County New Hanover 1793
JONATHAN JR. BRANSON NJ Burlington County New Hanover 1793

The Birdsall / Burdsall family is also mentioned in the book "Pennsylvania Founding Families, 1681-1911" and is referred to as an old and prominent Quaker family. 

THE SHULL FAMILY

The name Shulll has the following spelling variations: Sholl, Shell, Shoule, Scholl, Schull.  They migrated from Germany in the 18th century to Cumberland and Salem, New Jersey.  In the book about the Shull, Stockton and other families, it lists a Jacob Shull, son of Boston Shull, in the will of Boston Shull dated March 14, 1781 and proved April 19, 1781.  Boston Shull also had a brother named Jacob, both sons of Johannes Shull. 

I have not done a lot of research on the Shull family but I did find some living in the vicinity of Jared Branson and allied families.  A Jacob Shull owned land in Montgomery Co., VA in 1789 and 1795.  This Jacob was probably not the one mentioned in the book who was the son of Boston Shull, however he could be related.  Since he was on the tax list in the year 1789, it is presumed he was at least age 21, and therefore born before 1769.  According to other research, the Shull family who lived in Montgomery, VA used the name Shell and they came from Pennsylvania.  Therefore, it's entirely possible they were not closely related to the Shull family in the book.

MONTGOMERY, VA LAND RECORDS (Deed Pool)
491 Jacob Shull CGB 21:473 21 Dec 1789 80a Montgomery/ (formerly Augusta) on a Branch of New River
241 Jacob Shull CGB 33:66 15 Jul 1795 370a Montgomery/ on Strubles Creek a branch of New River

1810 Census of Botetourt Co., VA
John Shull (20010-10010)

If you have information on these Shulls, please contact Sandra by email.

THE STOKES FAMILY

The Stokes family is also mentioned in the book, allied with families of Suffolk and Essex, England.  Sarah Stokes, daughter of Thomas Stokes, Sr. and Mary Barnard are referenced in the book.   Sarah married Benjamin Moore, Jr., son of Samuel Moore.  This Stokes family is also frequently seen in Quaker and other records of Burlington and other counties in New Jersey.  Children of Thomas Stokes and Mary Barnard lived in Burlington, NJ.  They married into the Braddock, Haines, Birdsall, Rogers, Leeds, Hunt and other families.  William C. Stokes married Elizabeth Branson in 1866, daughter of Thomas Branson and Mary Ellis DeCou, granddaughter of David Branson and Sarah Antrim.  William C. Stokes was the 4th great-grandson of Thomas Stokes and Mary Bernard.  Per the LDS web site he was born c1838 in Burlington, NJ, the son of Carlton P. Stokes and Lydia Webster.  The Stokes family allied with the Suffolk, England families lived in Essex, England in the 1400's.  Thomas Stokes, Sr. was the first one of this family to go from England to New Jersey.  William C. Stokes who married Elizabeth Branson was the great-grandson of John Stokes and Beulah Haines of New Jersey.  Beulah Haines was a member of the Haines family who married into the Branson family.

See important information linking this Stokes family with Lionel Branson Sr.  Rebecca Rogers who married Lionel Branson Sr. was the daughter of John Rogers and Sarah Stokes.  Sarah Stokes was the daughter of John Stokes and Elizabeth Green and granddaughter of Thomas Stokes Sr. and Mary Bernard.  This could be another important clue linking the Branson family of Burlington, NJ with the Branston family of Suffolk, England.

There were several Stokes families living near Jared Branson Sr. and allied families in Virginia.  The LDS web site has a James Stokes born c1750 of Montgomery, VA who married Mary and had the following children: Brice, Lucy, Sarah.  A James Stokes was also on the 1786 Franklin, VA tax list and the 1802 Tazewell, VA Tax List.  In 1830 a Brice Stokes was in Cabell, VA and in 1840 a Brice Stokes was in Buchanan, Missouri (a county where Andrew Jackson Branson lived in 1850).  A Brice Stokes served in the War of 1812 in VA. 

I have been unable to learn the ancestry of James Stokes, however, I found a James Stokes who married Mary Hampton in a book about the Hampton family.  He was born in 1738 and they were married 1768 at the Wrightstown Meeting in PA.  Also, a James Stokes was mentioned in court records of Tazewell Co., VA in August, 1800.  They were probably related to Gov. Montfort Stokes of NC.

James Stokes may have been related to John Stokes who was on the 1782 Henry Co., VA Tax List along with other families allied with or acquainted with Jared Branson Sr.

A Silvester Stokes served in the VA line in the Revolutionary War and got a pension in Alabama. 

In Lunenberg Co, VA court records we also find mention of a Colonel David Stokes (deceased) of Mecklenburg, VA and a Colonel John Stokes, deceased, of North Carolina.  The record was dated May 20, 1807 and dealt with a deed.  David Stokes may be the one who married Sarah Montfort, parents of Gov. Montfort Stokes. 

A reference to a Sylvanus Stokes, Jones Stokes and Hamlin Stokes was found in early Charles City Co., VA.  This Stokes family married into the Stephen Hamlin family.  They were related to Gov. Montfort Stokes.  I have found no connection between this Stokes family and the mentioned in the book.

If you have any information about these Stokes please contact Sandra by email.

1782 Halifax County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List  (Partial List)
Name Tithes Negroes Horses Mules Cattle
Stokes, Edward 1 1 2 - 6
East, John 1 - 1 - 3
Stokes, Silvester 1 - 1 - 2
Barber, William 1 - 1 - 9
East, Thos. 1 - 1 - 7
East, William 1 - 1 - -
East, Richard 1 - 2 - 7
Stokes, Elizabeth - 6 1 - 17
East, Thos. 1 - 3 - 5
Dillard, Henry 2 - 3 - 9
Collins, John 1 - 5 - 9
Daniel, William 1 6 3 - 9
Daniel, Richard 2 12 7 - 25
Haynes, Joseph 2 9 7 - 27
Pointer, Saml. 1 9 1 0 -

1782 Henry County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List
Name Tithes Negroes Horses Cattle
Stokes, John 1 1 4 16
Stockton, Robert 1 6 5 23
East, James 1 - 2 5
East, Joseph 1 - 1 5
Daniel, George 1 - 3 5
Rogers, William 1 - 2 5
Lyon, James, Esq. 2 12 7 47
Lyon, Stephen 1 3 26 6
Blanchet, Peter 1 - 3 5
Cloud, William - 5 11
Daniel, John 1 - 4 7
Cloud, Isaac 1 - 3 7
Shockley, Levy 1 - 3 14
East?, John 1 5 7 21
Jett, John 1 - - -

1786 Franklin County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List    (Partial List)
Name No. Tithes Whites
Over 21 Whites
16-21 Slaves
Over 16 Slaves
Under 16 Horses Cattle
Abshire, Lodowick 1 1 0 0 0 2 6
Abshire, Jacob 1 1 0 0 0 1 1
Abshire, Abraham 1 1 0 0 0 3 2
Abshire, Christian 1 1 0 0 0 3 6
Jett, Thomas 1 0 0 1 2 1 0
Jett, Daniel 3 1 0 2 3 2 2
Stokes, James 1 1 0 0 0 1 0

1802 Tazewell County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List
Stokes, James 1 - - 1

1828 Grayson County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List (Partial)
Stokes, Richard 1 1 .12
Surrat, Elisha 1
Shockley, Meredith 2 1 .12
Shockley, James 1 1 .12
Shockley, Amos 1 1 .12
Shockley, Esau 1 1 .12
Shockley, Meredith 1
Shockley, William 1 1 .12
Shockley, John 1
Shockley, Thomas 1
Branscom, James 1 2 .24
Branscom, Reuben 1 1 .12
Branscom, Edward 1 2 .24
Branscom, Isaac 1 2 .24
Dilard, Mathew 1 1 .12
Dillard, Abel 1

THE CARDINALL FAMILY

The name Cardinall is mentioned in Suffolk Co., England records along with the Branstons.  It is also mentioned in the book being discussed here.  The relationship between the Cardinalls and the Branstons goes back to the 16th century in England, and perhaps earlier.  Stephen Cardinall was a witness on the will of John Branston "the elder" of East Bergholt, Suffolk, England proved May 15, 1558.  John Branston II married Judith Cardinall.  Their daughter Judith Branston married Edward Hedge.  (Their grandson went to Salem, NJ in 1675 - see Hedge family).  The book refers to William Cardinall whose will was proved Nov. 22, 1551 in Suffolk Co., England.  One of the witnesses was a Robert Body (see notes about William Body/Boddie elsewhere on this Page).  I have not found any records of Cardinalls near the Bransons in America.  The earliest mention of Cardinall in the book is William Cardinall and wife Sarah in Suffolk, England in a 1382 court proceeding with John Cardinall.

Partial Cardinall family tree

THE WOODGATE FAMILY

The Woodgate name is mentioned in records of Suffolk, England with respect to the Branstons, but is not mentioned in the book.  In 1605 Thomas Branson married Susan Woodgate in Dedham, Essex, England.  Ann Woodgate, daughter of Stephen Woodgate and Katherine Hovell, was married 1601 in Dedham, so Susan may be her sister.

Stephen and Richard Woodgate are mentioned in the will of William Holloway of East Bergholt, Suffolk, England in 1608.  Stephen and John Woodgate, Thomas Bacon, Christopher Burrough and John Branston are mentioned in the will of Robert Lincoln in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England in 1590 (see below).  Thomas Branston, Andrew Bacon, Edward Cardinall and Thomas Woodgate are mentioned in the will of Robert Alefounder in 1630, East Bergholt, Suffolk, England.  Woodgates are found in probate records of Leicester, Suffolk, Rutland, Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk and Middlesex, England (and others). 

Woodgates and Goodwins in early Virginia
The LDS web site shows that William Woodgate (born c1606 East Bergholt, Suffolk, England) was the grandson of Stephen Woodgate.  His parents were Daniel Woodgate and Sara Holloway.  He was probably the William Woodgate on the 1636 passenger list to Virginia, mentioned along with Thomas Branston and others from Suffolk, England.  Sarah was listed as a passenger to Virginia in 1639.  William Woodgate was found in a transaction in Charles City Co., Virginia along with Daniel and Stephen Goodwin of Suffolk, England in 1638.  William Barker is on this land record also, and it is known that Daniel Goodwin of East Bergholt, Suffolk, England married Dorothy Barker, so he could be her relative.

Genealogical Records: Virginia Colonial Records, 1600s-1700s
Listed in: Cavaliers and Pioneers
Page number: 100
William Barker, marriner, 1850 acres Chas. City County, 12 Feb. 1638, 600 ac. of said land being called by name Powlebrooke & now known by the name Merchants Hope. 600 acres conveyed and assigned over to said Barker and acknowledged by him equally to belong to his and said Associates, by John Taylor, Citizen and Girdler of London, being purchased by him of Thomas Powell of Howlton in the County of Suffolke, yeoman, brother and lawful heire of Capt. Nathaniell Powell late of Virginia, deceased as by the deed of conveyance now upon record from said Taylor.... The other 1250 acres being due unto them for trans. of 25