Thomas Rous' (my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather) son, John Rous

ROUS, JOHN (A. 1656-1695), quaker, was son and heir of Lieutenant-colonel Thomas Rous, a wealthy West Indian planter, of the parish of St. Philip, Barbados, and one of the principal landholders in the island (Cal. State Papers, Col. Ser., America and the West Indies, 1669-74, p. 1101). Father and son both joined the quakers before October 1656, when the son wrote 'A Warning to the Inhabitants of Barbadoes,' 1656, 4to. The father entertained George Fox at his house for three months in 1671, and married, for his second wife, a Barbados quakeress. He was fined several thousands of pounds j weight of sugar for not bearing arms and not furnishing horse and man to the troop of island militia. He died before October 1692.John Rous proceeded to Rhode Island, America, at the beginning of October 1657 to preach and proselytise. The lawsagainst quakers were most stringent. Rous and Humphrey Norton [q. v.] went to Newhaven, Plymouth, to plead for tolerance. They were arrested, and Rous, for refusing the oath of allegiance, was flogged. As soon as he was released he went to Governor Winthrop atHartford, Connecticut, and there disputed publicly with Samuel Stone [q. v.] Rous says (New England's Ensign, p. 53): 'Among all the colonies found we not the like moderation as in this.'About the beginning of July 1658 Rous and Norton arrived at Boston, the day after an aged quaker, William Brend, hacl been beaten nearly to death with pitched cords. They were thrown into prison, but Rous was at first leniently treated, because his father was known and respected. He was twice flogged, however, before a public subscription to pay his fine settled the dispute. Five weeks later Rous returned to Bostonto take ship for Barbados, but he was immediately arrested and carried before Governor Endecott, who sent him to prison (letter toMrs. Fell from Boston prison, 3 Sept. 1658). On the 7th he was sentenced to have his right ear cut otf. Contrary to law, this was done not in a public place, but in prison. After six weeks' confinement he was released on 7 Oct. He visited the islands of Nevis and Barbados, and sailed for England about April 1659. On the voyage he wrote, with Norton, 'New England's Ensign,' London , 1659, 4to. lie had corresponded with Margaret Fell [q.v.] for some time, and now made her acquaintance. In March 1661 he married, at Swarthmore Hall, Ulverston, her eldest daughter, Margaret. Settling in London, he carried on business as a West India merchant at the Bear and Fountain, Lothbury. His family lived at Mile End until he built a handsome house at Kingston, Surrey, converted later into a union-house, and since demolished. George Fox frequently visited Roushere, and the latter managed all the money matters of Mrs. Fox and the Fell sisters. He visited Barbados in 1671, and while on his homeward journey was taken prisoner by a Dutch privateer and carried to Spain, where he bought a ship to bring him home. In 1678 he took his wife on a visit to Barbados. He left the island, with the merchant fleet, about February 1695, and was lost at sea in a heavy storm. By his will (P. C. O, Irby, 103), dated 20"Oet. 1692, and proved 1695, Rous bequeathed his West Indian estates to his widow, and after her to his only surviving son, Nathaniel (1671-1717), who married Hannah, daughter of Caleb Woods of Guildford. Rous wrote a few pamphlets in conjunction with others (smith, Catalogue ofFriends' Books, ii. 512); but it was less as a writer and preacher than as a man of wealth and practical judgment that he exercised an influence upon the early organisation of the .Society of Friends.[Webb's Fells of Swarthmore, passim; Besse's Sufferings, ii. 3)7, 331, 338, 352 (and pp. 187. 188. and 189 for his father, Thomas Rous); Fox's Journal, ed. 1891, ii. 131, HI, 145, 159, 206, 396, 396, 404, 418, 440, 463, 489; Plymouth Colony Records, iii. 140; Bowden's Hist, of Friends in America, i. 98, 117, 138; Doyle's Engl, inAmerica, ii. 137; Bishop's New England Judged, pp. 68, 71, 72, 91, 92, 179, 226; Whiting's Truth and Innocence Defended, an Answer to C. Mather, pp. 23, 26, 118, 150, 187; 'Neal's Hist, of New England, i. 297; Croese's Hist, of Quakers, bk. ii. p. 134; Sewel's Hist, of the Rise, &c., i. 254-6: Swarthmore MSS., Devonshire House, where many of his letters are preserved. Among the manuscripts of I he Meeting for Sufferings at the same place is a letter, dated Barbados,16 Sept, 1676, signed by Rous and others, to Generalvol. XliX.William Stapelton, governor of the Leeward Islands, which asked for toleration for quakers, and accompanied a considerable parcel of the works of Fox, Mrs. Fell, Parnell, and others, for distribution among the governors of the West India and other islands.] C. F. S.

  Dictionary of national biography, Volume 49  By Sir Leslie Stephen, Sir Sidney Lee  http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA320&lpg=PA320&dq=thomas%20rous%201615&sig=Psakg0YMl-2 IEUytttbUgJUGIr8&ei=JtxjTdKhCYL-8AaqnZ2MDA&ct=result&id=K-8pAAAAYAAJ&ots=xRwlDAdLDR& output=text


And this is why my Rous line came to America. ;) 

Great (x7) Grandfather, William Roe's Will...

William Roe was a resident of Norfolk Co., VA, and records of him and hiswife, Mary, are to be found as early as 1688. The earliest record found is a land deed transaction where William buys a lot on Costins Island (later called Bridgetown) including wharf for 20 Pounds in Norfolk Co., VA.. Among records found, William is listed as an Innkeeper. Another record shows he was a Planter, as well. He wrote a Will in 1720 bequeathing 286 acres of land to sons, William Roe and Coleman Roe, and bequeaths a lot to younger sons, Kitely Roe and John Roe.The Will of Kitely Roe (March 26, 1753) states Robert Roe is Kitely's brother. This leads us to believe William Roe (I) may have had a previous marriage. We don't know. William Roe (I) is dead by 1723 as that is the year his Will is probated - (Wills, pg 15-16, Norfolk Co., VA.).

Will of William Roe, db1723

In the name of God amen of 28 day of October 1720

I William Roe of the County of Norfolk being in goodhealth and perfect memory thank be to God for it.

I will that my plantation containing two hundred andsixty acres be equally divided between my two sons
William and Coleman Roe by any four honest men chosen
by my sons aforesaid to they and their heirs lawfullybegotten.

I will that my lot where now I live shall be equallydivided between my youngest sons Kiteley and John Roe
by any four honest men chosen by my two sons aforesaidto them and their heirs lawfully begotten.

torn*torn*torn* ? Roe shall have my negroe wenchtorn*torn*torn*torn* to my said daughter and her
torn*torn*torn*torn*torn*
torn*torn*torn*torn*torn*torn* estate both realtorn*torn*torn*torn*torn*torn* Mary Roe and

next page.....

make and ordain my loving wife my whole and *torn*torn*my last will and testament in witness whereof I have herhand and seal *torn* and date above mentioned.

Larry Wilson Wm RoeD ____?_____
Sarah S. Sugg Proved in open court held on 20th of *torn*
by the oath of Sarah Sugg one of the *torn*
is subscribed and being swore by the ex *torn*named is admitted to record. Test solo: *torn*

Source: Norfolk Co, VA, Will Book, pg. 15.

William Rowe (b. 1655 in VA, d. 1720 in VA) and his wife, Mary Brough (b. 1688 in VA, d. aft. 1721) operated an ordinary in Norfolk, VA. Several of their children settled in Beaufort and Craven counties, NC, with many of their descendants moving to Georgia during the early 1800's.

Will - Norfolk Co., Va. 1720 - William Roe wrote his will on 28 Oct 1720 and from a fragment of a Will Book (pg 15 & 16) found in drawer at the courthouse, this much has been saved for posterity: In the Name of God Amen ______28th day of Oct 1720 I William Rose of the county of Norfolk being in good health and perfect memory thanks be to God for it. I will that my plantation containing two hundred and sixty eight acres be equally divided between my two sons William and Coleman Roe by any four honest men chosen by my two sons aforesaid to they and their heirs lawfully begotten. I will that my lot where I now live shall be equally divided between my youngest sons Kiheley and John Roe by any four honest men chosen by my two sons aforesaid to them and their heirs lawfully begotten. __________ ___________ __________ Roe shall have my megroe wench_________ __________ ________ Esse to mys aid daugher and her _________ ________ ________ ________Estate both real __________ ________ ______ Mary Roe and Make and ordain my loving wife my whole and ________ __________my last Will and Testament in witness wereof I have here my hand an seal _________ and date above mentioned. Larry Wilson Wm Roe D.______ _______ Proved in open court held on 20h Sarah S. Sugg ________by the oath of Sarah Sugg one of the ________is subscribed and being swore by the ex_______ name is admitted to record. Test solo:

The rest of the will was missing and no probate records have been located in Norfolk Co. for Wm. Roe. Colonial Records in No. Carolina 7 Apr 1725 show that Mrs. Mary Roe obtained a citation from the Governor "Which demanded that Edward Williams bring Letter of Administration he had taken out on the Estate of William Roe, Dec'd. as his greatest creditor." She claimed that Roe had made a will wherein she was appointed Extrx. The Court ordered "That Edward Williams cease to meddle in the said Estate." Court was held in Edenton, North Carolina.

The earliest record of Wm. Rowe being in the Norfolk/Princess Anne Counties area, was his witnessing the will of James Williamson, in 1711. Since Mrs. Wlliamson and Mrs. Mary Rowe were sisters, this was an understandable duty for Roe, as brother-in-law. Whether the Roes were living in Nofolk Co. in 1711 is unclear, but the next document found for William Roe did state that he was of Norfolk Co. It was dated 15 Apr 1715. On the above date, John Dickson, Senr., blacksmith of Southern Branch of Elizabeth Riv. Parish, made a deed to William Roe, Snr. for "a tract of land lying on Hickory Knowle near the Southern Branch Great Bridge, containing 30 ft square and being part of a parcel of land that the sd. Dickson bought of Walter Sikes, senr., Walter Sikes, Jnr. and Thomas Sikes, as by deed of 4 Jan 1700."

This land can be located further by citing a patent for 5 acres, recorded 27 Sep 1680, in Walter Costen's name. It was described as "being in Lower Norfolk Co. towards the head of the Southern Br. of the Elizabeth River called Costen's Island; at the mouth of Hiccory Noll Cr. of sd. branch." When Walter Costen's will was written on 19 May 1716 in Norfolk Co., Va. his wife Mary Dickson was a legatee. He mentioned "the plantation which my father-in-law Jn Corphew gave me," thus proving that his wife had been a Corphew, and the same one mentioned in her father's will. Again, we have proof that the Roes were related to the Dicksons.....actually Mrs. Mary Roe being Mrs. Dickson's niece. Wm. Roe added to his landholdings in Aug 1715. He received a patent under he name of William Row, giving him "200 acres of Escheat Land, Norfolk Co. in Eliz. River Parish, above head of Southern Br." By Nov Roe had sold to Samuel Boush "land on Hickory Nowle near the Great Brige, 30 ft. square that I bought of John Dickson." Same time, Wm. Roe & Geo Sugg witnessed a deed between John & Solomon Wilson, for another 30 square of land on Costen's Island. As of 1715 the apparent neighbors on Costen's Island were Roes, Dicksons, Sikes, Gammons, Wilsons, Boushes, and perhaps Suggs. Before the year ended, a deed from John & Margaret Wilson to Wm. Roe. They sold Roe "land on Costen's Island which included a wharf and a piece of land 15 ft. wide, to connect it from the King's Rd to the sd. Wm. Roes dwelling house.

On Mar 1715/16, Wm. Roe witnessed the will of Mathew Godfrey. From this will, it is known that the Godfrey family had a store and a storehouse at the Great Bridge and that they were shipbuilders. Perhaps, because the waterfront area was a busy place, William Roe decided that his site on Costen's Island would be ideal fo having an Ordinary. In 1984, searching among loose paprs at present couthouse in Chesapeake, Va., where the old Norfolk County records are housed, provided the researcher (of book this information comes from) with an interesting item. An ancient scrap of folded paper was opened to reveal the document which is considered to be William Roe's first license to keep an Ordinary in Norfolk Co., Va. Except for the few missing words, which were on the fold that crumbled when opened, the document reads, as follows: "Know all men be these present that Wee William Roe & Lem Wilson both of Norfolk o. are held and firmly bound unto our Sovereigne Lord King George by the Grace of God ov Greate Britaine & Frane & Ireland defender of the faith in the full & Just Sum of Tenn thousand pounds of tobacco to be paid according to Act now in force Conerning tobaco payments etc. to w____payment well and truely to be maide wee binde our selves & Either of us ours and Either of our heirs Exec_s & adm-s Joyntly & Severaly firmly by these presents In Wittness whereof Wee have hereunto Set our hands and Seales this 16 day of Nov 1716 The condition of this obligation is Such that Whereas the above bounded WILL _______(missing) the day and the date ________(missing)ly provide in his said Ordinary good wholesome lodging and Dyet for Travelors & Stablinge fodder and provinder or pasturidge and provinder as the Season Shall require for there horses for the term of one yeare from the Date above sd and Shall not permitt nor Suffer any unlawful gaiming in his house nor on the Sabathday Suffer any person to Drink or Tiple more than is necessary then this obligation to be voide and of none efect or Else to remaine in full force Strenth & virtue---Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of _________usThos Butt NC Wm. Roe Lem Wilson

On what was anciently known as Costen's Island, at the Great Bridge in Chesapeake, Va. today there stands a newly-built restaurant called "Locke's Point." Mr. Matt M. Riley, an engineer with the city of Chesapeake (and a researcher himself) told this researcher (writer of book) that "that restaurant is setting just where that fella' Roe had his Ordinary back in the early 1700's" Today, most of the Island is used for a recreational park, maintained by the city of Chesapeake. From the shore, one can look over to the locks of the "Great Bridge" bridge. This is now a part of the Intra-Coasal Waterway which is navigable from Maine to Florida. The drive along the Island is especially lovely when the Crepe Myrtle trees are in full bloom. The Great Bridge area (of old Norfolk Co.) is renown for its part in the Revolutionary War. The first real battle in Virginia was fought there on 9 Dec 1775. Though the battle lasted less than 30 minutes, it was very severe. The British were defeated---their losses heavy. The Patriots suffered no losses, but one man was slightly wounded in the hand. Mrs. Elizabeth B. Wingo, in the Introduction to her book, "Norfolk County, Va Revolutionary War & War of 1812 Applications for Pensions, Bounty Land Warrants, 1964; tells that this victory saved Lower Virginia from the rule of Gov. Dunmore and kept him from using Norfolk as a naval base. It encouraged Patriots in other colonies to continue fighting."

Deed - Eliz. City Co. between Wm. and Mary Roe (the 1st recorded); he wrote his name and Mary signed with her mark "M". 19 & 20 Jul 1716; They made deed to Capt. William Bossell (Mary Roe's first stepfather) of Eliz. City Co., for "land lying at head of the Southern Br. of Eliz. River in Norfolk Co. beginning a a stone 8 feet from the NW corner of Roe's house upon Cosen's Island." Its measurements were 4 ft by 55 ft and the deed gave Capt. Bossell he liberty of landing goods at, or aking his own goods from, the wharf. He had the privilege of using the land between the wharf and the main road for transporting his goods. This was a courtesy gesture to his father-in-law, but is also probaly made the wharf a busier place--and that could have been good for William Roe's business at his Ordinary. Peter Cartright had already sold Capt. Bossell some land on 18 Jul 1716....100 aces near the land in William & Mary Roe's deed. The Cartwright deed was witnessed by Robert Brough, Samuel Selden, and Richard Silvester. In July 1718 William Roe acted as Attorney for Mathew Casewell of No. Carolina, to sell William Bossell a planation of 100 A. in this same area.

Deed - 16 Sep 1716 William & Mary Roe sold 20 A. of land to Joseph Miller, "bein aove the head of the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River Parish in Norfolk Co. (bounds given) and by granted to the sd. Roe 6 Aug 1715. When Joseph Miller wrote his will on 30 Dec 1730, he devised to his son Joseph, "200 A. of land I bought of William Roe, lying on the main rd." There as a Court Order on 18 Mar 1719, "granting Wm. Roe a license he'd received in 1716, rather than for a second Ordinary. Since Cosen's Island was at or near the Greate Bridge, it's unlikely that Wm. Roe would have had two such establishments so close to one another. By Sep 1721, William Roe of Norfolk Co., made an Indenture to Thomas Nelson, merchant of York Co, Va. or 0 Pounds current money, Roe mortgaged property described as "all hat messuage tract and lots of land whereon he now lives, situae and being at ornear the Great Bridge in Norfolk Co. containing 200 A. with all the houses, appurtenances, etc." Roe promised to repay with interest.

From the last few record entries, it must be assumed that Wm. Roe had died between 6 Oct and 15 Dec 1721. The properties devised to his sons, Wm., Coleman, Kitely, and John, appear to have been in jeopardy by hen. William Roe had eiher sold or mortgaged his remaining lands after writing his will in Oct 1720. No record has been found to prove that Mrs. Mary Roe was able to save any real estate from her husband's landholdings

Will of John Roe, my great- great- great- great- great- great grandfather

Will of John Roe

Created in 1691 in southern Virginia, Princess Anne County merged with Virginia Beach in 1963 and ceased to exist as a geographic entity in the state.http://www.FriendsofCems.org/Hancock/Search.htm  Roe Cemetery

Other spellings:  Rowe
Rew?
Will of John Roe (I)
(May 29, 1803)

In the name of God amen.

This twenty-ninth day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and three, I John Roe of Hancock County, planter, being in a
weakened low state of health but in my proper senses, thanks be to God
for it, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, am
minded to make my last will and testament in the following words.

First of all I give and recommend my soul unto God that gave it, body to
the Earth from whence it was raised.

My will and desire is that my loving wife Lydda Roe may have the use and
benefit of all my worldly property as long as she lives in this world +
after her death my will is that all my worldly property to be divided
amongst my children as is after mentioned.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Roe one negro man named Isaac.

Item: I give unto my son Shadrack Roe one negro man named Peter and all the
rest of my worldly property that is not mentioned in this my written will.

Item: I give unto my daughter Sarah one [imneneper?] chest.

Item: I give unto my daughter Bettrya one dollar.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lydda and my daughter Dinah one
negro woman named Cate, she and her increase, upon conditions that they pay
my daughter Abiah's four orphan children twenty dollars apiece as they come
of age.

And what is over to be divided between them two as they can agree.

I acknowledge this to be my last will and testament, given under my hand and
seal the day and year above mentioned, sealed, signed, and delivered in the
presence of us.

Henry Turner
Richard Reffiess

I do appoint my son John Roe and my son Shadrick Roe to be my whole and sole
executors.

John Roe's seal
___________________________________________________________________________
May 1st, 1805

John Rowe

The Roe family obviously remained in Norfolk Co. for a time after the death of William Roe, according to some surviving tithable lists. From Norfolk Co., Va. Tithables 1730-1750, it is noted that Coleman and John Roe were in Va until 1736. Coleman was first listed in 1732 and John in 1733, and this may indicate when each of them became 16 years of age. Since earlier tithtable lists have not been found, there is no way of being sure of this. However, neither of them were on the 1730 list for their area. Mary Roe, their mother is on the 1734 list as John Roe to his mother Mary--1 tithable." No acreage was given for any of the listings in those years.
John was the youngest son of William & Mary Roe. He lived near his brothers Coleman Roe of Lower Norfolk Co. and Robert Roe of Princess Ann Co., both Va.; Rowe & Harrison Families of Eastern North Carolina; by Ella Harrison Rowe; at Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research; Houston, Texas.

In 1733, under heading of "Norfolk Co. from Suggs Mill to the Great Bridge and so up both roads." Coleman & John Roe are counted with Mikall Fling and 6 negroes as tithables. In 1734 Colemond Roe, Michal Fling, and 5 negroes are together, with John Roe and mother Mary, following in a separate entry. In 1735 Colmond Roe, brother Jn. and Michal Fling with 5 Negroes are counted as one item. Then the year 1736 finds Colemon Row and his brother John Rowe, with 5 negroes being counted together...with Michal Fling just beneath them, in an unalphabetized listing.

It has not been established yet just what Michal Fling's relationship was to the Roe family. Later on, in the 1750's, he is counted with Colmon Douglas, whose mother Mary Douglas was remembered by George Yeo in his will of 1742--giving her some clothing that had belonged to her grandmother, Elynor (Corprew) Brough Boswell Yeo. At times, Michal Fling was counted as a tithable with the Fentress men, who were given land in Kietley Roe's will in 1753. Michal Fling was a witness to some deeds involving Colman Roe, but after 1759 tithable listing, Michal Fling totally disappears from all records searched. He may have moved away or died, but no proof has been found for either event.

2 Sep 1761 for 20 pounds proclamation money, he deeded 250 acres of land to his son Joshua Roe. this land was on the so. side of Pamlico River, on west side of Pamlico River, on west side of Durhams Creek Swamp, joining the branch above Wm. Daws' plantaton and the swamp.; from Rowe & Harrison Families of Eastern No. Carolina; by Ella Harrison Rowe; at Clayton Library, Center for Gen. Research.; Houston, Texas.

By 1789 John I, Lydia and sons Shadrack I and John II and some of the daughters had migrated to Green County, Georgia, where Asa was born (son of Shadrack I).

Sometime between 1803 and 1 May 1805 John died leaving a will MRC pgs. 109-111 in Hancock Co., Ga. His will named daughters, Sarah, Betsey, Lydia, Dinah and deceased daughter Odiah. (Lydia named her daughters after her sisters) with sons John II and Shadrack I as the administrators.

Will of John Roe/Rowe I.....1803; Hancock Co., Ga. Book C pgs. 109-110; In the name of God, Amen This twenty-ninth day of May (in the year of our Lord, one thousand Eight hundred and three, I, John Roe (Rowe) of Hancock County, planter, being in a weakened state of health but in my proper senses thanks be to God for it and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, am minded to make my last will and testament in the following words: First of all, I give and recommend my soul unto God that gave it and body to the Earth form thence it was raised. My will and desire is that my loving wife Lydda Roe may have the use and benefit of my worldly property as long as she lives in this world and after her death my will is that all my worldly property to be divided amongst my children as is after mentioned: Item: I give unto my son, John Roe (John Roe, Jr.) one negro man named Isaac. Item: I give unto my son Shadrack Roe, one negro man named Peter and all the rest of my worldly property that is not mentioned in this my written will. Item: I give unto my daughter Sarah _________chest. Item: I give unto my daughter Bettsy a one dollar. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lydda and my daughter Dinah one negro woman named Cate, she and her incease upon conditions that they pay my daughter _______four orphen children twenty dollars a piece as they come of age. And what is over to be divided between them two as they can agree. I acknowledge this to be my last will and testament given under my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned. Settled Signed and delivered in the presence of us. Henry Turner I do appoint my son John Roe and my son Richard Repis(Respess?) Shadrack Roe to be my Whole and Soul Executors. JOHN ROE (seal)

The ownership of land was most important in the early days of our country. John Roe, again was involved in land transactions. Many times quite a few years intervened between the time the land was acqired and the time it was regestered in the Beaufort Co. Court House. For on 5 May 1753, John Roe of Beaufort Co., No. Carolina, sells to Nicholas Daws of the same county for 20 pounds proclamation money, 100 acres of land which was on the head of Durham's Creek swamp, joining Kelley's branch and the swamp. This land transaction was not recorded until Mar 1763 court in Beaufort County. John Roe acknowledged the deed in open court. Another transaction involving land, John Roe sold to Thomas Campen of No. Carolina 100 acres of land for 20 pounds proclamation money found on the south side of the Pamlico River joining he Dividing Creek and Lewis'Creek, the Savannah and a branch of Beaver Dam Swamp.

On 10 Sep 1751, John Roe, planter, of Beaufort Co., N. Carolina bought 100 acres of land for 10 pounds of proclamation money from Thomas Camper-residence not given-described as a plantation on the south side of Pamlico River on one prong of Oyster Creek, joining Tindal on the south side of the creek and joining also a swamp and a branch. It was registered in Dec 1751 court. William & John Daws witnessed the transaction.

More land transactions for John Roe took place on 8 Jul 1761, for 10 pounds proclamation money, he granted to William Daws of the same county, 100 aces of land on the south side of Pamlico River and the west side of Durham's Creek Swamp, joining William Daws on the main swamp. On 8 Mar 1764 for 10 pounds he deeded to William Slade, residence not given, 100 acres of land on the head of the west prong of Oyster Creek, joining John Tindall on the south side of the creek. This land he had purhased from Thomas Campen. The deed was recorded in Beaufort Co. Court Sep 1765. This was probably the land he bought from Thomas Campen in 1751.

A large tract of land was granted to John Roe by William Tryon, Governor of the Colony in Beaufort Co., No. Carolina. "Surey'd 23 Oct 1766 for John Roe a plantation containing Four Hundred Acres of Land lying in Beaufort Co. on the west side of Derham's Ceek beginning a a Bay tree in a Branch at Wm. Daw's line running No. 226 poles along said John Roe's line o Nicholas Daw's line then West 284 poles the south 226 poles & from thence to the beginning as the above plan represents." Another tract of land, 600 acres was granted to John Roe by Arthur Dobbs, Governor of the Colony on 6 Mar 1759. This land was in Beaufort Co. on the so side of Pamlico River and the west side Durham's Creek, beginning at Sarah Peyton's corner tree the S 78 W 80 poles to a pine tree then S 21 W 480 poles to a pine then S 3 E 640 poles to the Creek then with the Creek 80 poles then with the meander of the said creek to the first station.
To obtain the above two land grants, John Roe had to locae the property and make known its size and the boundaries. He had to apply for the land at the Land Office in Bath Town. This was alled an "entry for a survey, after which he surveyor would run the metes and bounds, describe the land and draw up the plot." The Secretary of State attached the warrant to the patent. After all fees and other payments had been received, the land was recorded in the patent book and the original patent was given to the grantee. An extra copy was put on file. The whole process took about two years. The grantee's responsibility was to make improvements on the land, by building a house or planting a crop or both. John Roe was responsible for paying commissions to the entry-taker and surveyor plus an amount for each acre. "Quit Rents," a type of tax was levied for each acre. This type of tax was not popular and "quit rents" were not easily collected.

Change Date: 3 JAN 2010 at 17:00:29

 

  http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=james_s_mills_jr&id=I1477

Great- great- great- great- great- great Grandfather - William Myrick Speights Jr.

About William Myrick Speights Sr.

From

http://awtc.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bbparker&id= I6766

 

Sharon Speights Varnes notes:

William is listed in the Shawnee Boswell Osborn Heritage 1600-1001, pg 64 "6th Gen. William Myrick Speights was the child of DAR Patriot William Speights Sr. born 6-25-1745 at N.C. died after 4-22-1828 at Lawrence Co. Mississippi. Married befor 1787 to Lydia ----. Died after 1820 in Mississippi."

From Virgie Collier Speights files: William fought in the Revolutionary War from North Carolina. He died in 1828 in Lawrence County, Mississippi. He served in the Revolutionary War as a Soldier and also as a Patriot. He most probably was first married (#1) to Ann Phelps, and if so they were married August 8, 1772 in Chowan county, North Carolina. Family traditions says he married #2 Lydia and that she was the mother of his children and she died in Lawrence County, Mississippi after 1820. He moved his family from Dobbs County North Carolina to Hancock County, Georgia about 1795 and then to Lawrence County, Mississippi about 1820.

William, his brother John and brother Levi received land in Hancock County Georgia for their service in the Revolutionary War. William and brother John scattered descendants from Georgia to Louisiana to Mississippi and finally to Texas.

At age 47 in 1792, William bought land in Wilkes County, Georgia. Sale witnessed by Shadrock Roe. Shadrock's mother was probably Chloe Speight who married John Roe, in 1784, Craven County, North Carolina.

William sold land he owned with Jessie Speights, in Hancock County, Georgia in 1812. Some of this same land was bought by the heirs of Josiah Speights in 1794. Land was in what was then Greene County. William sold land again in Hancock County in 1822 with Isaac Huddleston, using his power of attorney. Isaac Huddleston was the husband of Mary Speights.

William made a deed of gift to his daughter Lydia Speights Goodwin just before his death in 1828 in Lawrence County, Mississippi.

In a letter dated April 25, 1951 to "Aunt Exa" from Neva Thompson of Prentiss, Mississippi, found in Virgie Collier Speights Files:We find from the Monticello Chancery records - during the 1820's - In Book B., pg. 225,

1. William Speights wills his daughter Lydia Godwin a Negro woman named Clary, her boy Henry and their increase - dated Dec. 29, 1823.

2. same book on April 22, 1828, he bequeathed other gifts upon his other children. Each one explained the relationship by saying "for love and affection I feel for my son (or daughter) I give...."William gave his son, Green Speights, a Negro man named Sam. william gave his son Asa Speights a yoke of oxen named "Negro" and "Dan". Also all the plantation and farming utensils were to become his at Williams death. He was to have the use of all the slaves during William's lifetime (must have become incapacitated and Asa cared for him.) Asa was also given a Negro boy named Amus.

3. Nancy Speights, wife of Asa, got all beds, bedding, and house furniture at his death.

4. Grandson Commellus Speights was given Negro girl named Mary to do as he pleased about her, except her first born was to be given to Marcellus.

William M. must have received his legacy before this time as he was not mentioned in these papers.... because in 1823, when Lydia might have married and left the family circle she received her share and was not mentioned in 1828 arrangements. William married Rebecca Hopkins Dec 17, 1817 and thus receivedc a legacy at that time.

(Virgie Speights records Hemphill Texas Library; Janette Davenport, North Little Rock, AR, 1997)

My great-great-great-great-great grandfather John Roe

John Roe/Rowe (II), b.1749, d.1827

John Roe/Rowe, brother to Shadrach and Joshua Roe/Rowe, was born in 1749 LDS IGI) in Craven Co., North Carolina. 

While residing in Craven County, NC, John entered the service of the Colonial Navy, as a privateer, in July of 1776. He served forthe remainder of the Revolutionary War.

John was assigned to a "sloop of war" bearing fourteen guns, under the command of Captain Appleton. On his first cruise, John's ship
encountered two British war ships and was engaged in a brief skirmish and was overtaken and captured.

John was sent to Jamaica where he was held in confinement nearly three years. He was then sent to New Orleans where he made an escape.
He wandered in the wilderness for some time and was again captured by
a band of Indians who delivered him to the British at Pensacola where
he was cruelly treated. Afterwards, he made another escape and went
to Savannah, where he was gladly received and was later conveyed to
Charleston. From there, in the latter part of 1783, he made his way back to his home in Craven County, North Carolina.

John Roe/Rowe married Chloe Speight in Craven County, NC, with William Speight being the bondsman. Bond date is Sept. 20, 1784.

John and family moved to Greene County, Georgia, in 1788, where they lived two years. They then moved to Hancock County of the same state.

John died in January of 1827 while still residing in Hancock Co., GA.

Chloe applied for a pension that might be due her as a widow of John Roe/Rowe, on March 1, 1845. Chloe then was "aged eighty-two years
passed". Her claim was not allowed as proof of service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.

Note: In 1845, John H. Kilgore, nephew of John Roe/Rowe's wife Chloe, was residing in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia.John H. Kilgore's parents were not given.

John Roe/Rowe's brother, Shadrach Roe/Rowe, who was born May 11, 1762 in Craven County, NC, stated that his brother,
John, was nearly thirteen years older than he. In 1844,
Shadrach Roe/Rowe was residing in Harris County, Georgia,and was a member of the Baptist Church.

Source: Veteran's Adminisration, Washington, D.C.BA-J/MCS SHADRACH ROWE, R 9046BA-J/MLB JOHN ROWE, R 9042

TIMELINE:

John Rowe, Jr., born 1749; died January 1827 in Hancock Co., Georgia; married Chloe SpeightSeptember 20, 1784 in Craven Co., North Carolina; born 1763; died Abt. 1845.
Notes for John Rowe, Jr.:
John Roe (I), and John Roe/Rowe (II), b.1749
---- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Year Information Source of Information
---- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
1749 John Roe (II) is born in 1749. Latter-day Saints, Int'l Gen. Index
1772 John Roe is granted land. Index to Grants, Craven Co., NC,
microfilm 245.
1775 John & John, Jr. are Record of NC, Craven Co., NC,
petitioners. pgs. 46 & 47, Moore Vol. 1.
1776 John Rowe (II) ia a privateer Pension Record, Revolutionary War,
in Colonial Navy. Veterans Administration, John Rowe,
R 9042, BA-J/MLB.
1784 John Roe (II) marries Chloe North Carolina Marriages, Old
Speight, Sept. 20, 1784, Roe/Rowe Family Names, Grooms.
in Craven Co., NC.
William Speight is Bondsman.
1784 John Rowe marries Chloe Same as 1776 entry above.
Speight, Sept. 20, 1784, And, LDS IGI.
in Craven Co., NC.
1786 John Roe (I) pays taxes. Beaufort Co., NC, Tax List,
1779, 1786, 1789.
1789 John Roe, Jr. pays taxes. Same.
1788 John Rowe (II) moves to Greene Same as 1776 entry above.
Co., GA.
1790 John Rowe (II) moves to Hancock Same as 1776 entry above.
Co., GA.
1790 John Roe sells land to Beaufort Co., NC, Records, Vol.6,
Thomas Respess. 1786-1793, pgs. 411 & 412.
1790 John Roe sells land to Craven Co., NC, General Index to
James Roe. Deeds & Mortgages, Grantors,
Film MF63.
1790 John Roe sells land to Same.
Shadrack Roe.
1790 John Roe sells land to Same.
Edmund Perkins.
1805 John Roe (I) dies Hancock Co., GA, Misc. Estate Records,
May 1805. Vol. C (1803-1816), p.109,
Microfilm Drawer 108, Reel 17,
Georgia Dept. of Archives & History.
1815 John Roe & John Roe, Jr. Craven Co., NC, Court Records,
tried in court. April term, 1815.
1820 John Rowe (II) in 1820 1820, U.S. Census
Census of Hancock Co., GA.
Age 45 & up.
1827 John Rowe (II) dies Same as 1776 entry above.
61
January 1827.
1830 Chloe Rowe, wife of John Rowe, 1830, U.S. Census
in 1830 Census of Hancock Co.,
GA, age 60-70.
1830 There is a John Rowe, age 20-30, 1830, U.S. Census
in the 1830 Census of Hancock
Co., GA, Census. Could this be
a John Rowe (III)?
1840 Chloe Rowe, wife of John Rowe 1840, U.S. Census
in 1840 Census of Hancock Co.,
GA, aged 82 in March 1845.