Christopher Woodward of Virginia

 

Christopher Woodward was born about 1595 and came to Virginia on the "Tryall" in June of 1620, arriving at Jamestown. In 1622 he was listed among the slain in an Indian massacre at Martin's Hundred on the north side of the James River below Jamestown. The listing of his name was either an error, or there was another Christopher Woodward who was slain. After the massacre, the settlers formed musters to protect themselves from the Indians. In 1624, Christopher Woodward age, 30, was the head of a muster at Shirley Hundred in Charles City Co. where his "now dwelling house" was located in 1625. In 1629, he was a Burgess for Westover, Charles City Co.

 

About 1633, he married the daughter of Richard Wilkinson, Dorothy Wilkinson, as his second wife. The marriage is proven by a 1646 patent by Richard Wilkinson for 236 acres in Isle of Wight Co. "opposite Pagan Point, NW upon a swamp dividing same from land of Mr. John Moone. 100 acres being granted unto Doroty Woodward, the Daughter Woodward, by order of Court at James City, 29th August 1633, and purchased by said Wilkinson of Richard Death."

 

Not only does this establish the marriage by 1633, it also establishes that Richard Wilkinson, father-in-law of Christopher Woodward, held land near other lands held by another immigrant, Thomas Woodward of Isle of Wight. References to Pagan Creek and John Moone appeared on records for lands held by him as well. A Thomas Jones owned land adjoining one of Thomas Woodward's patents. (See patents p. ?) There is no solid proof, but it appears very likely that these two immigrants were brothers. Christopher was the elder of the two.

 

 

Land could be patented for the importation or transportation of persons into the colony. Fifty acres could be patented for each transported person, called a headright. Sometimes wives, children, other relatives, or friends appeared as the headrights. Some of the headrights were simply acquaintances or even strangers with a desire to come to the new land. In 1635, Christopher Woodward was issued a patent for 300 acres upon the "Appamuttuck River", "N. upon the river, S. into the maine woods, E. upon Mr. Farrar & W. upon the winding river". 100 acres of this patent was for the "adventure" of himself and his wife; the other 200 acres was for the transportation of four persons named as William Thomas, Thomas Williams, Richard Burpott, and Thomas Jones. The "winding river" was the James River, so this places Christopher Woodward's patent south of the Appomattox River near the James River and across the Appomattox from Shirley Hundred. In 1636, Christopher Woodward patented 350 acres on the Appomattox River. The land was described as before except that Mr. Farrar was named as William Farrar. This was a renewal of the previous patent, but it referred to his late wife Margaret and his now wife Dorothy. The additional 50 acres was for the transportation of Dorothy. A 1637 patent was for 600 acres with the same description. 150 acres of this was for himself, his late wife Margaret, and his now wife Dorothy. The other 450 acres was for the transportation of nine persons. Only five were named, so the other four must have been the headrights named previously in the 1635 patent. This patent renewed the previous patent for 350 acres and added an additional 250 acres for the five new headrights, but this time it referred to the land as 600 acres in Charles City Co. At that time, Charles City Co. included lands on both sides of the river, but by 1722 when the land was sold, it was part of Prince George Co. (See p. 296)

 

George Woodward of James City Co. is believed to have been a son of Christopher Woodward by Dorothy Wilkinson. This George Woodward witnessed the 1670 Isle of Wight will of George Hardy in which Hardy named kinsmen George Hardy, Jr., Thomas Hardy, and Christian Wilson. He also mentioned William Wilson, Justinian Cooper, and others but did not refer to them as kinsmen.

 

 

Capt. John Moone served as a member of the House of Burgesses prior to 1640, in 1652, and in 1654-55. The patents of Thomas Woodward and Richard Wilkinson indicate that their lands in Isle of Wight adjoined Moone's. John Moone's second wife was Prudence, widow of -?- Wilson, as proven by Moone's 1655 will naming "William Wilson, my wife's son". Justinian Cooper patented land in Isle of Wight in 1642 naming as one of his headrights William Woodward. There has also been speculation that a later William Woodward of New Kent Co., Indian interpreter, was another son of Christopher Woodward of Charles City Co. Although some kinship does appear probable, no records have been found to prove him as a son. I don't know that this William Woodward of the 1642 record is the same as William Woodward, Indian interpreter of New Kent Co. This may have been an older man, but very possibly a relative of Christopher and/or Thomas Woodward.

 

 

The exact date of death for this Christopher Woodward is not known. On Oct. 8, 1650, Samuel Woodward, heir to Christopher Woodward, dec'd., assigned 450 acres of land on the south side of the Appomattox River "bounded as is expressed in my patent of 600 acres the sd. 450 acres to be next adjoining to my 150." From this record, we know that Christopher Woodward had died by 1650.

 

Samuel Woodward was the eldest son by Christopher's first wife, Margaret, as he inherited his father's land. By his wife, Sarah Hallom, he left one known son, Samuel Woodward II. There must have been at least one other child, but no records of this child have been found other than a 1660 record referring to Samuel Woodward's "orphans". He was deceased by Feb. 3, 1658. His line of descent will be discussed in more depth later.

 

 

There are a few scant records of a later Christopher Woodward who is believed to have been another son of the immigrant. Some sources state that his mother was Margaret; others state that his mother could have been either Margaret or Dorothy. The few records available associate him with the Llewellyn family. The mother of Sarah Hallom, Ann -?-, had married Capt. Daniell Llewellyn as her third husband following the death of Robert Hallom, Sarah's father. The earliest record of Christopher Woodward, Jr. was in Charles City Co. dated Feb. 9, 1657 when he was allowed and paid his share of the crop made at Capt. Llewellin's plantation. Since his father had married Dorothy Wilkinson by 1633, Christopher, Jr. could have been the son of either wife depending on how old he was at the time of this record. He would seem to have remained close to his older brother, Samuel Woodward, as this record does reflect Samuel's in-laws. There are no records that reflect a wife or children of Christopher Woodward, Jr.

 

 

The most interesting record involving Christopher Woodward, Jr. occurred in 1663. It was also his last known record. Thomas Woodward, Sr. and Thomas Woodward, Jr. who lived in Isle of Wight Co. (where Richard Wilkinson, father of Dorothy Wilkinson, also lived) patented 2000 acres on the west side of the Chowanoke River in NC for the transportation into the colony of 40 persons. Christopher Woodward (Jr.) was listed twice as a headright on this patent. This record has added to the speculation that Christopher Woodward, Sr. and Thomas Woodward, Sr. might have been brothers, thereby making Thomas Woodward, Sr. the uncle of Christopher Woodward, Jr. It certainly indicates that Thomas Woodward and Christopher Woodward, Jr. were acquainted with each other. Since Christopher was listed as a headright not once, but twice, he may have been assisting Thomas Woodward in some way in his efforts to settle the new lands of NC. A headright did not have to be transported from England or some other country. Just transporting a headright from one colony to another was enough. In addition, the record proves that Christopher Woodward, Jr. was present in NC on at least two occasions. Since Thomas Woodward was from Isle of Wight and Richard Wilkinson was also from Isle of Wight, Christopher Woodward, Jr. may have spent some time in that area, although there are no records to prove it. If Richard Wilkinson was Christopher.'s grandfather, and if Thomas Woodward was his uncle, he had plenty of connections that might have drawn him to Isle of Wight. No later records for Christopher Woodward, Jr. have been found, so it is not known where he lived later, or what descendants, if any, he left at his death. If he ever owned land, the records have been lost or destroyed.

 

 

Lela Vee Hunt Peterson sent me a xerox copy of a page from a book. Someone else had sent the copy of this page to her, and parts of the copy were so faint that they were unreadable. Whoever first found this labeled it "from NOTES ON ENGLISH GARFIELDS". This may be an entirely different Christopher Woodward, but since Christopher Woodward, Jr. appeared for the last time in the Virginia records shortly before this record, I found it an interesting possibility.

Aquila Garfeild of the parish of St. Mary Islington county Middlesex, gentleman: All my lands and tenements & (unreadable from copy) wheresover they are lying within the realme of England etc. to my dear and loving wife Elizabeth Garfeild and my sons James and Aquila equally to be divided, the survivor to have the portion of the other dying without issue. To my son in law Christopher Woodward and his wife Lucina each of them a silver spoon. To my loving cozens William & John Garfeild to each of them 5s.... To my loving cozen....wife to Richard Garfeild deceased 5s...To my loving cozen Nathan Garfeild the sum of 10s. My sons James and Aquilla to be executors.

Dated 8 November 1665, proved November, 1665 by Aquilla Garfeild one of the executors, power being reserved to James Garfeild.

 

There is evidence that relates a George Woodward as a third son of Christopher Woodward, Sr. by his second wife, Dorothy Wilkinson. John Gary Woodward of Leavenworth, KS descends from this line and has published a book, Woodwards of Colonial America - Some Descendants of Lancelott Woodward and Elizabeth (Cocke) Woodward of Blisland Parish. Possibly there were other children of Christopher Woodward, Sr. who have not been identified or proven.

 

 

One possible but unproven son was William Woodward, Indian interpreter of New Kent Co. mentioned previously. His descendants will be discussed separately. Another was Lancelot Woodward who witnessed a power of attorney in Charles City Co. in 1662. The estate of a Lancelot Woodward was inventoried and appraised in Charles City Co. in 1731. If this was the same Lancelot, he must have been quite old when he died. Perhaps there was another earlier Lancelot Woodward. George Woodward, believed to be a son of Christopher Woodward, Sr., named one of his sons Lancelot (born about 1680-85, died about 1749/50). The earlier Lancelot (or Lancelots) must certainly have been part of the same family. If George Woodward's son was named to honor an earlier Lancelot, then the elder one (if there were two) must have been George's brother or uncle since he could not have been George's father. There was also a John Woodward who was recorded as a tobacco inspector in Charles City Co. in 1639. Although he might have been a son, the date is so early that it seems more likely that he might have been a brother or even the father of Christopher Woodward, Sr.

 

 

Thomas Woodward of Isle of Wight is believed to have descended from the English line of George Woodward, so if Christopher Woodward was in fact the brother of Thomas, he too descended from this same line. (See Thomas Woodward) Perhaps one or both were grandsons of George Woodward and his first wife Katherine Woodford through their son John Woodward (baptised Aug. 25, 1577) who married -?- Mansfield.

 

 

The eldest son of Christopher Woodward and Margaret -?-, Samuel Woodward, was married to Sarah Hallom by 1654, perhaps earlier as that is only the date of the first evidence of their marriage. Sarah Hallom was the daughter of Robert Hallom and his wife, Ann -?-, widow of John Price. Samuel Woodward was deceased by 1658 when his widow, Sarah Hallom Woodward, married John Sturdivant. Samuel Woodward left "orphans" including a son named Samuel Woodward (II). The other orphaned child or children are unknown. Sarah Hallom Woodward Sturdivant produced at least three more children, Daniel Sturdivant, Mathew Sturdivant, and Chichester Sturdivant who were younger half-brothers to Samuel Woodward II.

 

 

I won't bore you with the various records involved here. For anyone who's interested in these records, I will refer you to A Virginia Family in Boston: The Woodwards by Cameron Allen of Springfield, Ohio. These records involve the tracing of Woodward and Hallom lands. They and other records establish that Samuel Woodward II's wife was Elizabeth Hudson of Boston, and that Samuel Woodward II who sold some of the Hallom family lands in Virginia was living in Boston in 1704. On Feb. 15, 1722 Nathaniel Woodward of Boston sold 600 acres on the Appomattox River in Prince George Co. He stated that he was the heir of Samuel Woodward "formerly of Virginia but since deceased in New England". He traced his father's line and the land back to the lands patented by Christopher Woodward, Sr. Nathaniel was the great-grandson of Christopher Woodward. His parents were Samuel Woodward II and Elizabeth Hudson, and his grandparents were Samuel Woodward I and Sarah Hallom.

 

 

Nathaniel Woodward's wife was Priscilla Alley. There is a record of their marriage in Boston on Nov. 23, 1710 and birth records for several children. No exact death date has been established for Samuel Woodward II, but we know from these Boston records that his death was between 1704 and 1722. No records of his estate have been found. It has been assumed that Nathaniel was the eldest son since he had inherited his father's lands; however, if there was a will which has since been lost, he may not have been the eldest.

 

 

Most published sources leave drop the line at this point. Since Samuel Woodward II left Charles City Co. and moved to Boston and died in New England, why would anyone ever look for records concerning him in some unrelated place like NC? However, there are other records which prove that Samuel Woodward II had contacts in NC in the 1600's and owned land in Chowan Co. which he sold in 1713. There are also some records that indicate he probably had interests in Nansemond Co., VA. Samuel Woodward II was a mariner, and sailed up and down the colonial coast. It is not known if his voyages ever took him to England. The Massachusetts Archives Collection contains the following record as sent to me be Linda Woodward Geiger:

 

Samuel Woodward; 17 Oct 1687, 21 Dec 1688; master of Ketch Sparrow of Boston, licensed to sail for Maryland and Roanoke. v. 7: 34, 63.

 

 

At this point, I will have to bore you with some records since this information cannot be found in an organized form in other published material.

 

 

From The Colonial Records of NC - NC Higher Court Records 1670-1696, Mattie Erma Edwards Parker, Editor, 1968, State Department of Archives & History, p. 101:

Nov. 30, 1694. Ordered that a bond brought into Court by Colonel Thomas Pollock made from John Goddard to Mr. John Boarland in New England being proved by the Oaths of Sam Woodard and Arthure Workman sworne before Capt. John Hunt be recorded. Signed Thomas Harvey, Daniel Akehurst, Francis Tomes, Benjamin Lakar, Thomas Pollock, Samuel Swann, William Duckenfeild, Robert Wallis.

 

From the same source, p. 103:

 

Know all men by these presents that I John Goddard of Curituck In Virginia now resident in Boston in New England Merchant doe by these presents grant and acknowledge my selfe to be justly Indebted and owing unto John Boreland of Boston in New England Money for the which summ of thirty Pounds Money as aforesaid I binde and oblige my selfe my heires Executors Administrators and assignes to pay or cause to be paid or delivered unto Mr Thomas Steel in North Carolina or in his absence to Mr Thomas Pollock of North Carolina Merchant twenty Barrells of good and well salted and pickled porke of thirty one Gallons gage per Barrell for the account of the said John Boarland aforesaid his heires or assignes to the true performance wherof I bind and oblige my selfe my heires Executors Administrators and assignes to the said John Boarland his heires or assignes in the penall Summ of sixty pounds New England Money Well and truely to be paid In Witnes wherof I have subscribed to two Obligations being performed the other to remaine void dated in Boston the 16th day of October 1693.

 

Memorandum Its agreed before the signing and sealing herof that the abovesaid twenty Barells of Porke is to be paid as aforesaid at or before the first day of January Next 1693/4.

John Goddard

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Arthure Workeman, David Dewer, John Tyler, Saml. Woodward

 

 

Chowan Prct. deed:

Samuel Woodward and wife Elizabeth to Isaac Lelender. Land on SW side of Stoping Creek, lower part of tract surveyed by John White, Sr. and sold to Francis Cambridge. Aug. 4, 1713.

 

 

I think it's obvious that between the references to Boston, the wife's name Elizabeth, and what appears to be shipped goods, all three of these records are for Samuel Woodward II, the mariner of Boston who died by 1722. He was alive and well in 1713, and at some previous time had acquired land from Francis Cambridge in Chowan Precinct, NC that had been surveyed by John White, Sr.

 

 

I have not been able to locate Stoping Creek on an early map, but Old Albemarle and its Absentee Landlords states that Thomas Garrett and Thomas Roundtree were granted lands "between Catherine Creek and Stopping Creek". So Stoping or Stopping Creek must have been on the east side of the Chowan River not far from Catharine's Creek which was also called Indian Town Creek. This was just a few miles north of Rockahock and the later location of Luke White's Ferry. It was also very near the location of the lands in Rockahock Neck that were in the possession of William Woodward, Edward Woodward, and Samuel Woodward by 1719. These three may have been sons of Samuel Woodward and Elizabeth Hudson. They will be discussed separately.

 

 

Col. Thomas Pollock who appears in the above records was a merchant who lived in Chowan Co. He served as the first acting Governor of the NC colony. His wife was Martha Cullen, daughter of Thomas Cullen. Martha Pollock, daughter of Thomas Pollock and Martha Cullen, married Thomas Bray in 1721. Thomas Bray's name appeared frequently on records with Samuel Woodward. Bray was quite a bit older than his bride, and it's very likely she was not his first wife. Thomas Cullen had patented land in Nansemond Co. near William Smelley whose family had Giles and Woodward connections.

 

 

Isaac Zehenden to John Champen. Assign land purchased of Samuel Woodward. Wit. Edward Howcott, Luke White. Dated Aug. 4, 1713, Recorded Mar. 29, 1716. Chowan Prct.

 

 

This was certainly the same piece of land even though once the name was interpreted as Zehenden and once as Lelender. What's important here is not what happened to the land, but who witnessed the deed. Luke White was closely associated with another Samuel Woodward who lived in Chowan Co. and died in 1752. Luke White lived very near this later Samuel Woodward, ran White's Ferry at Rockahock, and appeared on numerous records with Samuel Woodward. The two men were obviously very close. Luke White's name also appeared in the records in St. Paul's Parish which prior to 1728 was considered part of Nansemond Co., VA, but after 1728 was considered part of Chowan Co., NC. Luke White was apparently related to John White, Sr., probably as his son, although I have found no records to prove their kinship. The land sold by Samuel Woodward II and wife Elizabeth had been surveyed by John White, Sr. When the land was resold, the deed was witnessed by Luke White. Witnesses were often near neighbors or family members.

 

 

The other witness to this deed was Edward Howcott. According to Old Albemarle and its Absentee Landlords, Edward Howcott was granted land in 1716 "located on Rockyhock Creek in Chowan." Soon after, another Howcott (also spelled Howcutt or Hocutt) appeared with Samuel Woodward on a deed:

 

 

John Howcott and wife Mary to Samuel Woodward. 50 acres joining a pocosin and a swamp. Wit. John Williams, William Crawford. Dated Apr. 5, 1718. Chowan Prct.

 

 

Edward Howcutt also owned land on the west side of the Chowan River although he seems to have resided on the east side at the time of this deed.

 

 

Edward Howcutt of Chowan to John Perry of Nansemond, Va. 640 acres, my plantation in Bertie. Wit. John Spires, John Sutton. Nov. 10, 1725. Bertie Co.

 

 

John Perrey and wife Sarah to Theophilus Pugh of Upper Parish Nansemond Co., Va. 250 acres Chowan Prct., Wicacone Pocoson. Land surveyed by George Gladstain and by him assigned to William Brown, William Brown dying, land descended to his son Beal Brown who sold to Edward Howcott who sold to John Perry. By patent to Edward Howcutt bearing date the first day of April in the year 1720. Wit. John Wynns, Thomas Jackson, William Tweedie. Bertie Co.

 

 

Notice the witnesses, John Sutton and William Crawford. Their names appeared frequently on deeds involving James Sanders or his near neighbors. The name William Crawford sometimes appeared as William Cranford, but it seems to have been the same man, whatever his name was. In 1682, a John Perry was granted land in the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co. for the transportation of Rowland Williams and Samuel Woodward. (See p. 301)

 

 

Edward Howcott from the 1713 deed and 1716 grant and John Howcott of the 1718 deed were brothers. It is also not known whether the Samuel Woodward of the 1718 deed was Samuel Woodward II of the 1713 deed or the later Samuel Woodward III who died in Chowan Co. in 1752. In 1732, John Howcott left his will in Bertie Co. naming wife Mary, brother Edward Howcott, sons Edward, John (not of age), Richard (under 18), Nathaniel (under 18), eldest daughter Elizabeth Branch, and daughter Mary Howcott. The executors were brother Edward Howcott and son Edward Howcott. The witnesses were Edward Howcott, Elizabeth Branch, and John Fryard. Land on Vizest(?) Branch and land called "Stancils" was mentioned. According to Southside Virginia Families, John Howcutt's wife was Mary Standin, daughter of Edward Standin and Mary Wiatt. The daughter Elizabeth Howcutt had married William Branch, Jr. earlier in 1732.

 

 

John Hocutt, apparently the son of John Howcutt and Mary Standin, was the son-in-law of a Boston mariner as revealed in these Bertie Co. deeds. It is not known if Samuel Woodward II, also a mariner from Boston who owned land in Chowan Co., was associated with Capt. William Downing of Boston or his father. In addition, it is clear that at least some of the Howcutt land was part of the original grants to Thomas Woodward.

 

 

Edward Howcut to William Williamson. 80 acres on Vickens (Vickis) Branch and Stancell Neck adjoining John Smith. Wit. Robert Forster, William Little. Aug. 19, 1723.

 

John Howcott yeoman to Edward Howcutt. Exchange: 80 acres in consideration of a plantation in exchange from my brother Edward Howcott of Bertie Prct. yeoman. Land at Mill Creek adj. Joseph Newby, Firebent Br., Capt. Downing's Path to Deep Bottom issuing out of Vixes Br. Wit. John Wynns, William Rogers, Richard Williamson. Sept. 26, 1737 Bertie Co.

 

 

Edward Howcutt and wife Elizabeth to John Howcutt. Exchange: 40 acres adj. William Williamson. Wit. John Wynns, William Rogers, Richard Williamson. Sept. 26, 1737 Bertie Co.

 

 

William Downing, yeoman, to Ephraim Hunter, heoman. 10 acres E side Woodward's Creek including part of said Hunter's milldam. Feb. --, 1742. Bertie Co.

 

 

Edward Hocutt to Benjamin Hooker. 50 acres on a branch of Mt. Pleasant, Mill Creek, adj. William Hooker, -- Bennetts, at Sandy Run. Wit. William Hooker, Jun., Stephen Hooker, James Bennett. June 3, 1748 Bertie Co.

 

 

Edward Hocutt, heoman, to James Hinton, Jr. 160 acres Bertie Co. W side Ephram Hunter's mill pond at Bixes Branch adjoining Joseph Wynns on Wildcat Gus ext. qtrnts. due from Mar. 5, 1748/49. Wit. William Hooker, Jr., Thomas Morris, William Beacham. (no date) Bertie Co.

 

 

Mary Howcott to William Beacham. 30 pds. for 100 acres, part of a patent granted to William Downing for 540 acres land adj. Edward Howcutt, Fierybent Br., James Hinton. Wit. Thomas Acon, Ed. Hocutt, Wm. Hooker, Jun., Thomas Morris. July 30, 1751 Bertie Co.

 

Mary Hocutt, widow, to Edward Hocutt. 100 acres on the Chowan River, Woodward's Creek, otherwise called Mill Creek, to Fierybents Branch. Wit. William Hooker, Jr., William Badham, Jean Hooker, and Thomas Morris. Dated Aug. 20, 1751 Bertie Co.

 

 

Edward Howcut to George Barlow, merchant. 100 pds. for 100 acres "being part of the Estate of William Downing, Jun., late of Boston in New England & sold to Edward Howcutt, father of the afs'd. Ed. by Mary Howcutt relict of John Howcutt & heir at law to above William Downing" on Mill Creek adj. William Beecham, William Hooker to Chowan R. Wit. Joseph Sorrell, Aaron Oliver, Moses Oliver. Nov. 7, 1754 Bertie Co.

 

 

The Hocutt land on Vixes Branch and Mill Creek (once called Woodward's Creek) sounds very similar to an earlier deed known to have been part of the Thomas Woodward holdings. This earlier deed also mentions Sandy Run.

 

 

Denis Macklenden of Chowan Prct. to Jane Broune of Chowan Prct. 100 acres upon head of Woodard's crick belonging to a track of land known as Wixes folly, joining the mouth of Sandy Run and Clarke Ganen. Wit. Richard Bellamee, Charles Gavin(?) Dated Dec. 13, 1703. Recorded Jan., 1703/4

 

 

This land or land very nearby must have once been in the possession of the father of Capt. William Downing. In 1736, William Downing, Sr. of Mt. Pleasant in Bertie Co. deeded to William Downing, Jr. of Boston, mariner, 825 acres, 100 acres lying on the west side of the Chowan River formerly called Woodward's land and bounded by a patent formerly granted to John Smith.

 

 

The witness Thomas Morris appeared on a number of Hocutt records. In another 1751 Bertie Co. deed, Ephraim Hunter deeded to William Lasetor 140 acres purchased of William Rogers at Golden Pleain Survey adjoining Thomas Morris, John Wynns, Edward Hocutt, and Aaron (Plower? Oliver?) Aaron Oliver sold land in 1750/51 described as 400 acres on Long Branch on Horse Swamp to Woodward's Creek near the mill path. This was certainly land that had once been part of the Thomas Woodward holdings.

 

 

Some or all of the land on the west side of the Chowan River that is now Gates Co., NC was once part of St. Paul's Parish which adjoined the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co., VA. When the NC/VA boundary was drawn in 1728, these former Nansemond Co. lands in St. Paul's Parish were acquired by Chowan Co. As other counties were created and new lines were drawn, the St. Paul's Parish land became part of Northampton Co., then Hertford Co., and eventually Gates Co. I'm not sure exactly how much of Gates Co. was originally included in St. Paul's Parish, but it would seem to be all or almost all of the county. I have seen some records that have caused me to wonder if part of St. Paul's Parish, or at least lands that were considered part of Nansemond Co., extended to the west side of the river as well. This means that the records for the parts of Chowan Co. that lay in Nansemond Co. prior to 1728 were lost when the Nansemond Co. courthouse burned. It also means that some of the few remaining Nansemond Co. records prior to 1728 that were not destroyed could refer to lands that were later considered part of Chowan Co. when the boundary line was drawn. Some of the Nansemond Co. records for Samuel Woodward prior to 1728 may be for Samuel Woodward II. He is known to have sold land in Chowan Co. in 1713 which appears to have been near the White's land at Rockahock. This was only a stone's throw from St. Paul's Parish, then considered Nansemond Co.

 

On Apr. 24, 1682 John Perry was granted a patent for 320 acres near Humphry Griffin in the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co. for transporting seven persons including Rowland Williams and Samuel Woodward.

 

 

Also on Apr. 24, 1682 Lewis Williams patented 100 acres in the southern branch of Nanzemond beginning at land Richard Peirce now lives on, near the Cyprus Gutt, to the Oister bank landing, to the Marish landing &c. For transportation of Rowland Williams and Elizabeth Sidney.

 

Lewis Williams and Mary Williams his wife to John White. Assign and make over our whole right and title to this Pattin. Wit. Denis Macklendin, John Smith, Thomas Marke. Sept. 6, 1700 Chowan Co.

 

 

William Williams of ye lower parish of ye Isle of Wight Co with ye free consent of Susannah Williams to Peter Parker of ye upper parish of Nancymond. 240 acres E side Chowan River joining river, part of a patent for 640 acres to Lewis Williams. May 1697 patent now in possession of John White, Sr. and by a conveyance secured to me from ye sd. White Mar. 1, 1700. Wit. John Parker, Robert Scott, Humphrey Marshall. 25 9ber 1706. Chowan Co.

 

 

Lewis Williams of Chowan Prct. with consent of my wife Mary Williams to Denis Macklenden. A deed of gift, -- acres at a place called Mt. Pleasant upon Wickacon Cr. joining Poplar Branch, Long Branch, the hed of Damsel branch and ye mouth of ye Cabin branch. Wit. Richard Bellame. Dated Dec. 7, 1703, Recorded Jan., 1703/04 Chowan Co.

 

 

The reference to Mt. Pleasant leaves no doubt that this land traces back the early grants to Thomas Woodward of Isle of Wight. (See grants under Thomas Woodward) The Mt. Pleasant lands were located on the west side of the Chowan River in what is now called Hertford Co. (See map) Although this record states the land was in Chowan Co. (which included both sides of the river at this time), it must have been very near Nansemond Co. as demonstrated by the next record.

 

 

On Aug. 24, 1703 Jonathan Robinson patented 200 acres in the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co., VA "on head of a br. of Chowan River, commonly called the Cabbin Branch." Samuel Woodward was one of the headrights. In 1714, John Robinson received a grant for land on Rockahock Creek.

 

Thomas Marks was also granted land on Rockahock Creek in 1702. He was apparently the witness to the 1700 deed from Lewis Williams and wife Mary to John White.

 

We know that the land sold by Samuel Woodward II in 1713 had previously been surveyed by John White, Sr. and that John White had acquired land from Lewis Williams. We also know that Lewis Williams had obtained some of the lands that had once belonged to Thomas Woodward's family. We don't know that the lands surveyed by John White, Sr. were the same lands that he obtained from Lewis Williams, but the possibility can't be ignored.

 

 

Also notice that Rowland Williams who had previously been listed as a headright with Samuel Woodward was listed as a headright on the Lewis Williams patent. These records indicate that Lewis Williams and Samuel Woodward had previous ties to Nansemond Co.

 

Lewis Williams of Chowan Prct. with consent of my wife Mary Williams to Denis Macklenden. A deed of gift, -- acres at a place called Mt. Pleasant upon Wickacon Cr. joining Poplar Branch, Long Branch, the hed of Damsel branch and ye mouth of ye Cabin branch. Wit. Richard Bellame. Dec. 7, 1703, Chowan Prct.

 

 

Lewis Williams had purchased 500 acres that previously had been granted to Thomas Woodward from John Giles and wife Philaretta Woodward Giles, daughter and heir of Thomas Woodward. Notice that Cabin Branch was described once as being in the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co. and described again as being in Chowan Co. The 1703 Robinson patent given previously described Cabin Branch as a branch of the Chowan River. Surely it must have been situated near the boundary that separated Nansemond Co. from Chowan Co. It would appear from these records that not only were there lands on the east side of the river that once belonged to Nansemond Co. and were taken in as part of Chowan Co. when the boundary line was drawn in 1728, but some of the land on the west side of the river near Mt. Pleasant may have been similarly involved.

 

 

Samuel Woodward to Mary Williams of ye same precinct, widow. Relinquish my right and title to this sale. Wit. not given. Dated Apr. 20, 1714, Recorded July 20, 1714. Chowan Prct.

 

 

Thomas Giles of the Colony of Va., Gentleman son of John Giles and Philarrette his wife who was ye daughter and only heir of Thomas Woodward decd. to Thomas Bray of NC. 50 L -- acres ye plantation in a place called by ye name of Mt. Pleasant as by patent ye 25 Sept. 1663 given under the hand of Sir William Berkeley ye Governor of Va. and commonly called Woodward lands. Wit. James Lisle, Alice Munday, James Farlow. Dated Dec., 21 1714, Recorded Jan., 24 1714 Chowan Co. Acknowledged at Court Jan. 18, 1714 by Edward Bryan, attorney for Thomas Giles.

 

 

Thomas Giles of ye Co. of Isle of Wight, Va., Gentleman to James Farlow and Lewis Bryan. Letter of attorney to acknowledge sale of 2000 acres of land on Chowan River in NC to Thomas Bray. Wit. Samuel Woodward (X his mark), Francis Pridgeon (FP his mark), James Lisle (his mark). Dated Dec. 22, 1714. Chowan Co.

 

 

This is an especially interesting record. Thomas Giles was the son of John Giles and Philaretta Woodward, and a grandson of Thomas Woodward of Isle of Wight. These were Woodward lands he was selling. Thomas Bray married Martha Pollock, daughter of Col. Thomas Pollock, merchant and Governor of NC, who had appeared on earlier records with Samuel Woodward II, mariner of Boston. The deed was witnessed by Samuel Woodward, perhaps the same Samuel Woodward II of Boston who had sold land in Chowan Co. in 1713. However, a younger Samuel Woodward of Chowan Co. who died in 1752 might have been the witness to this deed rather than Samuel Woodward II.

 

 

There are also 1713 wills or contracts involving a Samuel Woodard of NC, county not given, which may or may not be this Samuel Woodward. In the first, Samuel Hilory named Samuel Woodard as executor and sole legatee. There was no probate date. In the second, only a month later, Samuel Hollory and Samuel Woodard agreed that in the event of the death of either, the other was to inherit all. Both of these documents were witnessed by Henry Turner. Although these "wills" would tend to exclude the possibility of a wife or children for either man, they seem to me to be arrangements between business partners to ensure that the business would not be tied up if one or the other of the partners were to die. I would like to do more research on Samuel Hilory/Hollory and Henry Turner to see if either was in some way involved in a shipping business. If these "wills" do reflect Samuel Woodward II, either Hillory/Hollory must have died first or it was understood that only certain property (perhaps jointly held) was to be included. Son Nathaniel Woodward certainly inherited the Woodward land in Virginia. Probably these records are for another Samuel Woodard/Woodward.

 

 

We know that Samuel Woodward II was deceased by 1722 when his son Nathaniel sold the inherited land, however we don't have an exact date for his death. I think it's likely that Samuel Woodward II probably died about 1716. On July 17, 1716 a letter of attorney from Matt Sturdivant to Robert Hicks and another from Sarah Sturdivant to John Nairn was proved in Chowan Co. The record does not state what these letters concerned.

 

 

Daniel Sturdivant and his brothers, Mathew and Chichester Sturdivant, had been granted administration for the estate of Sarah (Hallom/Woodward) Sturdivant in Charles City Co. in 1690, so Matt Sturdivant was a younger half-brother of Samuel Woodward II. Although this record does not give the contents of the letter of attorney, it may have been sent as a result of the death of Samuel Woodward II and probably had something to do with the Hallom family estate.

 

 

Another bit of evidence that might support the death of Samuel Woodward II by 1716 can be found in this Chowan Precinct court record included in the deed books dated Apr. 17, 1716 which again supports the Woodward/Pollock/Bray connection:

 

 

Assignment of bond from Caleb Stevens to Samuel Woodward is assigned to Thomas Bray and proved by oath of John Thackray. Apr. 17, 1716. Chowan Prct, NC.

 

 

Caleb Stevens owned land adjoining the Rockahock land patented by William Woodward in 1719. On the same date that William Woodward received his grant, Samuel Woodward was also granted a patent at Rockahock adjoining William Woodward. Both patents adjoined John Wyate, and William Woodward's patent adjoined Edward Woodward. Obviously all three Woodwards held land at Rockahock near each other and near Caleb Stevens. In 1720, Caleb Stevens was granted land at Horse Landing on the Chowan River.

 

Estimating a death date for Samuel Woodward II is important since another younger Samuel Woodward of the above 1719 grant began leaving records in Chowan Co. at about the same time. We can be sure that the records after 1722 could not have been Samuel Woodward II since the Boston records prove that the had died prior to that date. I think we can go further and assume that records after 1716 probably could not have been for Samuel Woodward II based on the Matt Sturdivant and Sarah Sturdivant record mentioned previously. However, we also know that Samuel Woodward II was alive as late as 1713 and may have previously appeared on Nansemond Co. records.

 

 

In 1719, three Woodwards, probably brothers, patented land near Rockahock in Chowan Co. One was named Samuel Woodward, and he had close ties to the White family. Time and place and the common White family connection would indicate that these were probably younger sons of Samuel Woodward II and Elizabeth Hudson, but there are no records to prove this. It is possible that these younger Woodwards in Chowan Co. were not sons of Samuel Woodward II in spite of all the circumstantial evidence that would seem to link them. Since Samuel Woodward II's uncle, Christopher Woodward, Jr. is known to have been transported into NC at least twice by Thomas Woodward, it is possible that the Woodwards of the 1719 patents were descended from Christopher Woodward, Jr. but perhaps were close to their cousin, Samuel Woodward II. Since the Rockahock area was so close to St. Paul's Parish, Nansemond Co., perhaps the earlier home of these three Woodwards was in Nansemond Co.

 

 

John Gary Woodward pointed out another possibility. The 1663 Thomas Woodward patent listed Christopher Woodward, Jr. as a headright twice. That means he had been transported into NC on two occasions and certainly was known to and possibly the nephew of Thomas Woodward. It is even possible that Christopher Woodward, Jr. assisted Thomas Woodward in his efforts to settle NC lands. The later Woodward records in Chowan Co. frequently involved lands previously held by Thomas Woodward. In one record, the later Samuel Woodward even "relinquished his rights" to something unknown to Mary Williams, the wife of Lewis Williams who had purchased land granted to Thomas Woodward. Unfortunately, the record doesn't state what the rights were relinquished to, so we can't be sure if Samuel Woodward held some right to the land granted to Thomas Woodward or not. But there is enough information that we cannot eliminate the possibility that the later Woodwards in Chowan Co. might have descended from Christopher Woodward, Jr. rather than Samuel Woodward II. If Christopher Woodward, Jr. was closely associated with Thomas Woodward, any sons he might have produced may also have had an interest in the NC lands that Thomas Woodward had been trying to settle.

 

 

No further records for Christopher Woodward, Jr. have been found. If he settled in Nansemond Co., it would not be difficult to understand why. There are no records that even give us a clue as to where he might have settled other than his trips into NC with Thomas Woodward. His nephew, Samuel Woodward II, left records which would seem to indicate an interest in Nansemond Co., but we don't know that he lived there, left any sons there, or had any relatives living there.

 

 

Could this be how the name Christopher came down to the Christopher Woodward of Wake Co.? Was he descended from and named for Christopher Woodward, Jr.? Or was he descended from Samuel Woodward II who may have had an unknown son he named for his grandfather the immigrant? Nansemond Co. seems to be the most likely place we have found for the earlier residence of Christopher Woodward of Wake Co. There was certainly a Christopher Woodward living in Nansemond Co. in the 1750's. Both Samuel Woodward II and Christopher Woodward, Jr. descended from the immigrant who landed at Jamestown. Andrew Jackson Woodward believed that Pleasants Woodward's father came from England to Jamestown where he thought Pleasants Woodward had been born. Was Andrew Jackson Woodward correct as to the places involved in his ancestry, but confused as to the exact ancestors who had lived there?

 

Since there is no proof of the parentage for these later Woodwards who followed Samuel Woodward II in Chowan Co., they will be discussed separately. Hopefully, future research will prove or disprove any connection between Samuel Woodward II and the later Chowan Co. Woodward families.