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Early Court Records: Bailey, Boyce, & Tarver
Isle of Wight, Virginia & Surry County, Virginia, 1657+
Skip to Tythables, Surry County, Virginia
What follows are brief abstracts of miscellaneous court records related to Bailey, Boyce and Tarver, transcribed with the original spelling from Isle of Wight and Surry County Virginia Court Records - 1 - (sources cited at bottom of Web page). Also included are extractions from the Surry County List of Tythables of all mention of Ansolme Bailey, James Boyce, Thomas Tarver, and son-in-law Thomas Nicholas, for all years 1680 through 1703. These are linked with their image files for easy reference. I encourage you to consult the source books and the original documents.
IMPORTANT: I have been unable to confirm that Elizabeth's maiden name was Warren. It is proven (as documented in the records below) that she previously was married to (1) Ansolme (Anselm) Bailey and (2) James Boyce, but I have located no documentation to ascertain her family name at birth. Documentation may yet exist, but I have not seen it. I also continue to work towards establishing a documented connection between Samuel Tarver and the seven sons credited to him and Mary Boyce by tradition. I ask if you have knowledge of any link, however tenuous, that you please email me with your sources so that I may do some follow-up research to confirm these relations, to the benefit of all TARVER researchers who trace their ancestry to this family.
My records currently reflect Elizabeth UNKNOWN as the wife of Thomas Tarver, and the stepmother of Samuel Tarver. Her stepson, Samuel Tarver, married one of her daughters by a previous marriage. Samuel Tarver is said to have been killed by Nottoway Indians (tradition). He died, insofar as I know, without leaving a will. It is his seven sons (Thomas, Samuel, James, Jacob, Andrew, John, & Benjamin) (tradition) to whom many Tarver researchers trace their roots. There were other TARVER immigrants, both before and after this family, from whom many TARVERs descend.
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Elizabeth married first Ansolme Bailey. (Variant spellings Ansell, Anselm, Anselene, & Hansell; Baly, Baley, & Bailie.) The Baileys apparently were Quakers, as mention is found in the minutes of the Blackwater Monthly Meetings in Surry County, Virginia. Blackwater Monthly Meeting and Surry Monthly Meeting were interchangeable names for the Quaker meetings of Surry Co., Virginia, 1672-1807. One mention, from a Blackwater Monthly Meeting (Vol. VI), follows:
Joshua, attorney for Samuel & Emanuel Elams, complained by letter to the Monthly Meeting concerning Anselm Bailey and son.
When Anselm Bailey Jr.'s daughter, Martha, married Joseph Hargrave, it was in a Blackwater Monthly Meeting at Surry County, Virginia (23 Mar 1760); and, later generations continue to be mentioned in the Friends meetings there and elsewhere, indicating at least some of the children of Ansolme and Elizabeth remained Quakers.
I have no indication one way or the other whether Thomas Tarver, whom Elizabeth married, was in any way associated with the Quakers. Quakers generally were formally disassociated from their church for marrying outside their faith, and formally given in marriage at one of their meetings, so a thorough search of the Blackwater minutes may locate a mention of marriage for Elizabeth and Ansolme as well as a mention of her subsequent marriages to James Boyce and Thomas Tarver.
It appears Elizabeth & Ansolme Bailey may previously have lived in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Those records, some of which are cited below, should be consulted by researchers interested in this family. There are seven known children of Elizabeth & Ansolme's marriage, named in the will of their father, Ansolme Bailey, Sr. (Davis, Wills & Administrations of Surry Co., Virginia 1671-1750.), and in the will of one of the children, Robert Bailey (Surry County WB 1754-68, part 1, p. 208; /s/ 07 Jul 1754, /p/ 16 Oct 1759). (See also BAILEY Wills)
It was after the death of Ansolme Bailey that Elizabeth married James Boyce. (Variant spellings Boice and Voice.) Their marriage occurred prior to the September Court 1688 (7br 8th 1688) - 2 - when the Last Will & Testament of Anselene Bayly [sic] is proved, as mention is made of James Boyce who married Elizabeth, Anselene's widow. There are two known children of Elizabeth's marriage with James Boyce: Sarah and Mary. Elizabeth's daughter, Mary Boyce later married Samuel Tarver, her stepbrother.
The last mention of James Boyce in the court records is 1690/91, which is also about the time he disappears from the tithables list. I believe he must have died sometime after June 1691, when he is enumerated in Blackwater precinct, Surry, but before the next annual tax list is drafted.
Elizabeth probably was widowed for several years afterwards, up through the time she begins to be brought before the court for fornication (1698/99). There appear to be no other Boyce families in the area, so I think this certainly is our Elizabeth who is fined by the grand jury for her misconduct.
Elizabeth ____ Bailey Boyce married third Thomas Tarver, spelled almost without fail in these early records as TORVER. They were married sometime prior to 13 Dec 1711 when Thomas Tarver wrote his will.
Thomas Tarver had at least two children by a previous marriage, a daughter who married Thomas Nicholas (or Nicholls), and son Samuel who married his stepsister Mary Boyce. Both of these marriages are proven in the records transcribed below and elsewhere on this Web site. Another daughter frequently is named in published sources: Ann Tarver who married John Little, or Allen Warren, or perhaps both. I am still searching for proof of this daughter. There is no indication that Elizabeth and Thomas Tarver had any children of their union together. Thomas Tarver died by 1714, when his will was proved in Surry County: Will of Thomas Tarver, 1711/14, (Surry Co., Virginia WB 6, p. 125, /s/ 13 Dec 1711, /p/ 20 Aug 1714).
To my knowledge, no immigration records have been located for this Thomas Tarver, which is not to say none exist. I believe Samuel Tarver, son of Thomas Tarver may easily have been born here, rather than in England or Wales, as often is claimed. I base this on the records for his father dating as early as June 1687 when he appears on the List of Tithables in Lawnes Creek Parish, Surry County and later that year (December) on a list of Surry men fit for duty as foote soldiers. Samuel then appears on the Tithables list in 1702, placing his age that year (provided he registered as required by law) at age 16. If Samuel was indeed age sixteen in June 1702 (circa June 10th), then he was born early 1686 and could have been born as early as July or August 1685. There is no proof, to my knowledge, where he was born.
One thing is certain. Samuel Tarver was married to Mary Boyce sometime before October 4th, 1712 when his brother-in-law Robert Bailey wrote his will (cited above). His sons would have been old men by the time of the Revolutionary War (circa 1776). It is highly unlikely that five or six or seven of them served in the War, despite the long held tradition that they did so.
I did not find any reference to James Boyce or any Tarver in Surry County Book 1 and 2. There is mention in later books, which I have not yet extracted and transcribed. - 3 -
Isle of Wight County, VA, W&A, Book I
[ 62 ] - 4 - RIVERS, John: Leg. - my brother George RIVERS; brother Richard; sister Jane; sister Elizabeth RIVERS; to to Robert DRIVER; to Elizabeth RIVER's daughter Mary; to my sister Elizabeth JORDAN a bill of Robert CLOTHIER's, at her decease to her son Richard JORDAN. D. March 11, 1668 R. May 3, 1669 Wit: Anselm BAILIE, William BRADSHAW. (W&A I, p. 10.)
[ 77 ] PERRY, Phillip: Aged seventy-years. Leg. eldest son, Phillip (under twenty-one); youngest son John; wife Grace. D. Nov. 20, 1667. R. Oct. 9, 1669. Wit. James Bagnell, Anselme Baylie. (W&A I, p. 12.)
[ 137 ] Appraisal of the estate of Robert MIDDLETON presented by Anselm BAILEY, February 17, 1675 and taken by William OLDIS, Richard JORDAN Sr., Tristram KNOWLES and William BRADSHAW. R. February 17, 1675. (W&A I, p. 19.)
[ 162 ] CROSBY, John. Inventory presented by Ansell BAYLEY. R. June 10, 1678. (W&A I, p. 23.)
[ 103 ] MIDDLETON, Robert. Dying intestate, administration requested by Anselm BAILEY, his greatest creditor. Jan. 10, 1675 R. Feb. 12, 1675 Security, Andrew SHIELD, William BRADSHAW (Administrations & Probates, p. 38)
Surry County, VA Court Records, Book III
[ 344 ] July 5th. 1681 Ansell BALY is fined fivety pounds of tobo according to Law for not goeing to Church with Costs ut in all. - 5 -
[ 369 ] May 2nd. 1682. Mr. Tho. DREW, Mr. Robert LANCASTER, & Mr. Ansell BALY or any two of them are Ordered to meete at the house of Mrs. Mary PRICE Wido. on Saturday ye. 13th. of this Instant & apprayse such of the Estate of Mr. Jno. Price deced. as shall be presented to them by the aforesaid Mary they beinf thereunto sworne according to Law.
Surry County, VA Court Records, Book IV
[ 594 ] (9br 8th, 1687) Tho. TABER? is discharged from the pResentmt. made agt. him by the Grand=jury paying all fees due upon the same.
[ 599 ] (X?br 19th. 1687) In obedience to an Ordr. of Councell dated 8br. ye. 24th. 1687 requiring that the Collonies? Justices of every County doe take an accot. of all the ablest Freeholders and Inhabitants that are fitt to be Listed for ffoot and returne the same to his Excellency the ffollowing person for Horse and ffoote as they are here severall set down (vizt:) . . . Ffor Foott . . . (List continues 598-601, 4 names extracted from p. 601 below, Boyce does not appear on the list.)
[ 601 ] Tho. TORVER, Anselen BAYLY, Tho. COCKERHAM, Wm. COCKERHAM . . . in all 262 Foot
[620] (Jan 03, 1687/88) Having reced. yoR. Excellency's Comand dated 8?br. 1687 to give yoR. Excellency an accot of none but ffreeholders and houskeepRs that are fitt to be Listed for foot and to send them in two Lists to the End the Companies may not be Intermingled, and an accot. of
[621] those that were formerly OfficRs. Doe in Obedience to yoR. Excellency's Comands send the Enclosed Lists in which is also an accot. of Those that were the Last OfficRs. of ye. Horse and ffoot and as wee have hitherto approved our selves YoR. Excellencys most humble and most Obedient Servents, soe will wee ____ wee remaine to be. Samuel SWANN; Benja. HARRISON, Ffra. MASON, Robt. RUFFIN, Robt. RANDALL. JanRy. 3d. 1687 Directed thus To His Excellency Francis Lord Howard Bacon of EFFINGHAM His Majties. Lt. & Govr. Genll. of Virga. most Humbly present (here begins long list . . . )
[ 622 ] . . . In all 113 being ye. Freeholders & Housekeepers in Southwarke Pish (long list, no Bailey or Boyce, but includes . . . ) Tho. TORVER
[ 676 ] (7?br 4, 1688)
The Last Will & Testament of Anselene BAYLY Pved in Court by the oath of Tho.? WHITE & Ni. PASFIELD & a Pbate granted James BOYCE who married Eliz. his wife the Extx. therein named.
Whereas by the last Will & Testament of Anselene BAYLY deced he hath given severall Legacies to his seven Children & James BOYCE who married Eliz. the Exx. of the said deced Comeing into Court and tendering to the Court the Estates of John, Anselene, Jeane and Elizabeth Orphants of the said deced. Mr. Robert RUFFIN is requested and appoynted to dispose of the said Orphants Estates to such Pson or Psons as he shall finde fitt who are at the next Court to appeare and give security for the same; And the said BOYCE also offering that he would keepe ye. Estates of the other three Orphants of the said deced. and give Security for the same, vizt: Walter, Robert? & William & Mr. Robert CAUFEILD & Wm. CLARY Entering themselves security for the said BOYCE's due paymt. of the said three Orphts. Estates according to ye. Will of their Deced. Father they are accepted & Ordered that they give Bond accordingly.
[ 682 ] (8br 10, 1688) Whereas at the last Court Mr. Robt. RUFFIN was requested and appoynted to dispose of the Estates of Jno. Anselene, Jeane & Eliza. BALY Orphts. of Anselene BAYLY deced. to such Psons as he should finde fitte which said Psons were at this Court to give security for the respective Orphants Estates, & Mr. Wm. NUSUM being Willing to take the same, It is Ordrd that he be forthwith possest of ye. said Orphants Estates and that he at the next Court give good security for the paymt. thereof to the said Orphts. according to the Will of their deced. ffather.
[ 689 ] (Jan 5, 1688/89) Mr. Robt. RUFFIN tendering himselfe in Court security for Mr. Wm. NUSUMS paymt. of Jno. Anselene Jeane & Elizabeth BALY (sic) Orpts. of Anselene BAYLY their Estates, he is accepted and Ordred that they give bond accordingly.
[ 692 ] P: 1688/89 Grand jury sworn for July and Janry Courts: (12 men listed, includes) Mr. James BOYCE.
[ 694 ] (May 7, 1689) Tho. TORVER being indebted to Capt. Hugh CAMPBELL by bill hour hundred fourty Eight pds. of tobo. & Caske, came into Court & Confessed Judgmt. for ye. same It is therefore ordrd. that the sd. TORVER pay ye. said four hundred eight pds. of tobo. & Caske to ye. sd. CAMPBELL with Costs als. Exce.
[ 695 ] Charles SAVAGE appeareing in Court & acknowledging a Deede of sale of a Pcell of Land to James BOYCE to be his reall Act & Deede it is admitted to record. Eliza. wife to Cha. SAVAGE appeareing in Court & freely & volluntarily relinquishing her Rt. of Dower of in & to a Pcell of Land sold by her said Husband to Ja. BOYCE It is therefore admitted to Record.
[ 701 ] Michael IZARD acknowledging in Court to have reced. of James BOYCE six thousand pds. of tobo. & Caske belonging to Walter & Robert. BAYLY Orphants of Anselene BAYLY deced. and Jno. BARNES & Edward TAYLER Entering themselves security for the said IZARDS due paymt. of the same to the said Orphants they are accepted and ordrd. that they give Bond accordingly, and that the sd. James BOYCE be discharged from ye. same.
[ 712 ] (Jul 2, 1689) Mr. Tho. DEERHIM, Mr. James BAGE? (BOYCE?) . . . being part of the Grand Jury failing to appeare at this Court & make returne of their presentments. It is ordered that they be sumond to appeare at the next Court and answere the same, and that those now present doe then also appreare that being there alltogether they may make returne of their presentments.
[ 722 ] James BOYCE one of the Grand jury who failed in July Cort last to appeare and give in his presentments as he ought having been sumoned to shew cause why he did not appeare and now shewing now lawfull Excuse is fined one hundred pds. of tobacco to be pd. the use of this County according to Law with costs als. Exo.
[ 792 ] (Mar 3, 1690) Joseph WALL appearing in court and acknowledging a Deede of sale of a Pcell of Land to Ja. BOYCE to be his reall Act & Deede, It is admitted to record. Susanna wife to Josephe WALL appeareing in Court & relinquishing her Rt. of dower of in & to a Pcell of Land sold by her husband to Ja. BOYCE It is admitted to record.
James Boyce appeareing in Cort and acknowledging a Deede of sale of a Pcell of Land to Xto. BLITH to be his real Act & Deede It is admitted to record. Eliza. wife to James BOYCE appearing in Court & relinquishing her Rt. of dower in & to a Pcell of Land sold by her husband to Cr. BLITH it is admitted to Record.
[ 793 ] James BOYCE appearing in Court and acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a Pcell of Land to Joseph RICHARDSON to be his reall Act & Deede It is admitted to record. Eliza. wife to Ja. BOYCE appearing in court & relinquishing her Rt. of Dower of in & to a Pcell of Land sold by her said Husband to Joseph RICHARDSON It is admitted to Record.
James BOYCE appearing in Court and acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a Pcell of Land to Jno. HIGGS to be his reall Act & Deede It is admitted to record. Eliza. wife to Ja. BOYCE appearing in court & relinquishing her Rt. of Dower of in & to a Pcell of Land sold by her said Husband to Jno. HIGGS It is admitted to Record.
[ 800 ] It is Ordered that Ja. BOYCE be sumoned to appeare at the next Court to testifye his knowledge agt. No. SESSUMS & Cha. SAVAGE.
Surry County Va Court Records, Book V
[ 13 ] (9ber 7th. 1691) Capt. Robert RANDALL appeareing in Court & acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a P:cell of Land to James BOYCE to be his reall Act 7 Deede, It is admitted to Record.
[ 18 ] James BOYCE appeareing in court & acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a parcel of Land sold to Francis REGAN to be his reall Act and deede It is admitted to Record.
Eliza. wife to James BOYCE appearing in Court & relinquishing her Rt. of Dower of in & to a P:cell of Land sold by her sd. Husband to Francis REGAN to be her reall Act & Deedee It is admitted to Record.
Francis REGAN appearing in Court & acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a P:cell of land sold to William GRAY to be his reall Act & Deede, It is admitted to Record.
James BOYCE appearing in Court & acknoeledging a Deed of Sale of a P:cell of Land to William GRAY to be his reall Act
[ 19 ] Eliza. wife to James BOYCE appearing in Court & acknowledging her relinquishment of her Rt: of Dower of in 7 to a certaine P:cell of Land sold by her said Husband to Wm: GRAY to be her reall Act & Deede It is admitted to Record.
[ 20 ] Wm. GRAY & Tho: BAGE presenting themselves security for Ja. BOYCE his due payment of three thousand pds. of tobo: & Caske to Wm: Orphan of Anseline BAYLY deced. they are accepted and Ordered to give bond accordingly, and the said BOYCE having at a Court held for this County May the 7th: 1689 caused Michael IZARD to appeare in Court, and the sd. Michaell then giveing security for the Estates of Walter & Robert BAYLY Orphans of Anseline BAYLY deced., which he acknowledged he had in his Custody, whereby it appeasrs the said BOYCE had fully discharged the bond Entered into past by Mr: Robert Caufield deced. (since deced.) & Wm.: CLARY for the said three Orphans Estates, the said bond is therefore declared void.
[ 22 ] Mr: John WATKINS is appointed surveyr: of the Highway from the old field on the upperside of Wareneck Mill that goeth by his house till it meete with the former used Roade from Wareeneck to the Stoney Run, John VINCENT, Fra: SOWERBY, Richard ROSE, Tho: COLLIER & James BOYCE Plantations are appointed to containe the persons to keepe the sd. Roade in good and sufficient repair and forthwith to make it a sufficient roade for Horse and foot.
[ 36 ] (March 15 1690/1691)
James BOYCE power to Nicho. SMITH proved in cort. by the Oath of Eliza. BOYCE is admitted to Record. Nicho: Smith by virtue of a power from James BOYCE appearing in Cort. and acknowledging a Deede of Sale of a P:cell of Land sold by ye. sd. James BOYCE to Wm. WARREN to be the said BOYCEs reall Act and Deede, It is admitted to record. Eliza. wife to James BOYCE appearing in court and relinquishing her Rt. of Dower of in & to a P:cell of Land sold by her said Husband to Will. WARREN, It is admitted to records.
[ 45 ] (July 5, 1692) Robert Crawford by his petition setting forth that he is disorous to build a Grist Mill upon CARTERS Runn for the Conveniency of himselfe & other the Neighbors thereto adjoyneing, but haveing land onnely on one side, and th eLand on the otherside belonging to an Orphan of Anselines Bayly deced. for severell yeares the Reversion being in Major Ar: ALLAN, the said Orphan nor the said ALLEN can make him any sale thereof he therefore prayed that according to ye. 3d Acr of Assembly Ao: 1667 one Acre of the Land on the other side ye. Run may be laid our and valued and he put in the possession thereof being ready to pay what is shall be valued at to the said Orphan & ALLEN as the Court shall Order, On Consideratin whereof Mr. Robert RUFFIN and Capt. Henry TOOKER are Ordered and Impowered to view the place, and if it doth not take drom the Owners the convenince mentioned in the aforesaid Law to value one Acre of the Land and put the said Caraford in possession thereof as the before recited Law directs.
[ 46 ] Grand jury sworne (list of 12, includes) Thomas TORVER
[ 74 ] (July 4, 1693) Thomas TORVER presenting himselfe in Cort. security for Robert CRAFFORDS due performance of his Administration on the Estate of William HARE deced. (with the Will annext) he is accepted and Ordered that they give bond accordingly.
[ 94 ] (Jan 3 1693/94) Att the request of Thomas TORVER, a Refference is granted him against Mrs. Eliza. RUFFIN to the next Court. (Estate of Robert Ruffin, widow.)
[ 170 ] (Nov 1696) - Thomas TORVER appeareing in Court & acknowledging a Warrant of Attorney to Mr. Dionisius WRIGHT to be his Act and Deede, It is admitted to Record.
Thomas TORVER being returned Nonest Inventus at ye. suit of Capt. Robt. THOMAS was called to come forth and anser the same but made noe appearance an attachment is therefore granted the sd. THOMAS against ye. Estate of the said TORVER for Eight hundred sixty five pounds of tobo. and Caske & two hundred & Sixty pounds of Porke with costs Returnable to ye. next Court for judgmt.
[ 171 ] Wm. GWALTNEY haveing brought his accon to this Court against Robt. HART sett forth yt. on ye. 15th day of 7br: . . . A Jury was therefore sworne who returne for verdt. (12 men, including . . . ) Thomas TORVER.
[ 173 ] (9br. 1696) It appeareing to this Court tht Walter BAYLEY ye. son of Anseline BAYLEY deced is of age to receive his Estate, It is Ordered that he be possessed therewith.
[ 193 ] (7br. 1697) Tho. NICHOLAS appeareing at this Court & complaineing of the ill & bad usuage he receives (from his ffather in Law Thomas Thomas TORVER) and it appeareing, It is ordered that the said NICHOLAS have the benifitt of his Labour for the future.
(Note: Thomas Nicholas is tithed with Thomas Tarver in Surry Co. for six of the ten years between the years 1694 and 1703. Of the remaining four years, he is next on the tax list for two of them, and does not appear on the tax list anywhere for the remaining two years.) See tithables.
[ 214 ] (March 7, 1698/99)
Elizabeth BOYCE being presented by the grandjury for fornication, It is ordered that the Sheriffe summons her to appeare at the next Court to answr. the same.
[ 219 ]
Ex. Elizabeth BOYCE who was presented by the grandjury for fornication and summoned to appeare at this Court to answr. the same being called to come forth and not appeareing It is ordered that the sheriffe take her into his custody and there detaine her untill shee shall enter into bond with good and sufficient security for her appearanc at the next court to answr. the said presentmt.
[ 224 ] (July 1699)
Elizabeth BOYCE haveing been pR:sented by the grandjury for fornication appearing in Court and confessing the fact It is therefore ordered that shee pay the fine imposed by an Act of Assembly made at James Citty in the yeare 1696 entituled an act for punishmt. of fornication and other sinns and offences wth. cost of suite asl. Exon.
[ 228 ] (Sep 1699) Upon the petition of Thomas TARVER it is ordered a woman servt. belonging to him called Jane PENNANT bee added to the list of tithables this pR:sent yeare.
[ 249 ] (2 April 1700) (Appears to be a list of persons previously fined) p:sons fined -- 7th March 1698/99: Wm HUNT for brach of the Sabbath 1#: and for being drunk 10#; Mary SOWERBY for fornication; Eliz. BOYCE the same; Mr. JOHSON for refusing to be sworne a grandjury man; Thos. BINNES the same; Jethro BARKER the same; Joseph THORPE the same John BELL the same.
[ 258 ]
(May 1700) Michaell ISELL, John BAYLY and Thomas TARVOR or any two of them being first sworne before one of his Maties. Justices of the peace for this County are nominated and appointed to value and appraise the estate of Arthur LONG deced. And ordered that Mary LONG the Adtrix. thereof pR:sent an Inventory and the said appraisemt. at the next Court. - 6 -
Isle of Wight County, VA, Book 1661-1701
[ Book 10, p. 200 ] (19 June 1759) Estate of Bartholomew ANDREWS deceased by Elizabeth ANDREWS, Executrix. Lists names of John Tyus, Wm CLINCH, Anselm BAILEY, Richard HAMLIN, Joseph NEWSUM, Joseph JORDAN and Richard COCKE.
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Tithables, Surry County, Virginia
The List of Tythables, drafted every June in Surry County, Virginia, defined the taxable population in the area. We apparently cannot take the tithables lists as a full account of Surry residents subject to taxes. Deed Book II states:
[ 442 ] (8?ber. ye. 10th. 1649) Whereas it hathe appeared to severall Assemblyes that the Lists of tythable persons are verye Imperfect and that notwithstanding the yearlye importation of people to the Collonye the number of tythables in ye. sd. Lysts is Rather deminished then Augmented ...
The assembly further indicated that white males under age sixteen were "exempted from the Lysts" but once exempted, many seemed never to arrive at age 16, and the assembly lacked proof of their age in order to levy the appropriate tax.
Notwithstanding, the tithables lists are what we have to work with, and we can only assume if an ancestor is not on the list (or mentioned elsewhere in the public records), that ancestor either was not in the area or was not at least age 16 when the lists were drafted for that year.
The tithables lists, as they appear in Surry Deed Book II, indicate no Anselm Bailey, James Boyce nor any Tarver in Surry County for the years 1668-1670 (372). (I have not yet consulted any sources for 1671-1679. If anyone has access to these lists, an extraction of names to complete the following list would be appreciated.)
Data for years 1686 through 1703 are transcribed below from the lists of tithables as they appeared in the Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly (VGSQ).
I do not think the Thomas Tabor below is ours. He may be the Thomas Taberer of Book I and II records. He appears Above Sunken Marsh while our Thomas seems always to appear in Lawnes Creek Parish. I think Thomas Torner (1687) may be the first occurrence of our Thomas Torver / Tarver on the Surry County Tithables list.
To save on keystrokes, I've abbreviated Lawnes Creek Parish (LCP), Lower Lawnes Creek Parish (LLCP), and Upper Lawnes Creek Parish (ULCP) in the list of tithables below.
1680: Ansell BAYLY, Arthr: LONG, Edward MILLER, 3.
1681: Ansell BAYLY, Ar: LONG, Edward, 3.
1682: Anselme BAYLY, 1
1683: Anselinn BAYLEY, 1
1684: Anselinn BAYLEY, 1
1685: Anselme BAYLY, 1
1686: Above Sunken Marsh, Thomas TABOR, 1; LCP, Ansell BAYLY, 1.
1687: Upper Sunken Marsh upwards, Thomas TABOR, 1; LLCP, Thomas TORNER (?), 1; Anselas BALY, 1. (This is Anselm Bailey Sr.'s last appearance on the tithables list.)
1688: LLCP, Thomas TORVER, 1; James BOYCE, Ar: LONG, Abraham MOORE, & harry NEGROES, 4.
1689: LLCP, Tho: TARVER, 1; Blackwater precinct, James BOYCE, 1.
1690: LLCP, Tho: TORVER, 1; Blackwater precinct, James BOYES, 1.
1691: LLCP, Thomas TARBER, 1; James BOYCE, 1. (James Boyce not found again after this year.)
1692: LCP, Thomas FARMER, 1. (No TORVER / TARVER found for this year; however, I believe this FARMER is probably an error in transcription and this is likely our Thomas.)
1693: LCP, Tho: TORVER, 1.
1694: LCP, Tho: TORNER & Tho: NICHOLSON, 2. (This is the first occurence of Thomas Nicholas on the tithables list in Surry.)
1695: Tho: TARVER, 1; Tho: NICKLES, 1; Aus. HUNICUTT & W: CROUCH, Ansell BALEY, 3.
1696: Tho: TORVER, Tho: NICHOLS & Tho: PRESTON, 3; John BAYLEY, Anselme BALEY and a Negro, 3.
1697: Tho: TORVER & Tho: Nicholas, 2; Hansell BALEY, 1.
1698: LLCP, Thomas TORVER & Thomas NICHOLLS, 2; Southwarke Parish, Hansell BALEY, 1.
1699: LCP, Tho: TARVER & Tho: NICHOLAS, Jone PENNANT, 3; Hansell BALEY, 1.
1700: ULCP, Tho: TORVER and Tho: NICHOLES, 2; Anselme BAYLEY, Robt. BAYLEY, 2.
1701: LCP, Tho: TARVER, Isaac CARRINGTON, Robt. MASTON, 3; Anselm BAYLEY, Tho: WILKINSON, 2.
1702: LCP, Tho: TOVER & Samll TORVER, 2; Tho: NICHOLAS, 1; Mary COPELAND for Anselem BALEY, Tom & Murea NEGRO, 3.
1703: LCP, Tho: TOVER & Samll TORVER, 2; Hansell BALEY, 1.
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NOTES
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The original ORDER BOOKS were designated by the dates of court records comprised therein; e.g. Order Book 1671-1691. The published books were arbitrarily assigned the numbers Book I, Book II, Book III, Book IV, and so on, for continuity. (Return to text.)
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Before the change from Julian to Gregorian Calendar in 1752, the dates between January 1 and March 25 were written with the / and both years included, and the months were designated by their Latin names. See The Colonial Calendar: What Month is 7bre? (Return to text.)
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There is mention of a Thomas Taberer in the early record books. I am uncertain these mentions refer to Thomas Tarver, as the usual spelling, in the early records, for our Thomas is TORVER.
(Book I) [ 80 ] Abraham SHEARES, Jr. Lawful atty. for my mother Mrs. Elizabeth SHEARES wants administration on the estate of Abraham SHEARES, his father. 15 Jan 1635. Wit. Thos. TABERER, Wm. LEWEN, Wm. Bresse? /r/ 5 Mar 1655
(Book II) [ 14 ] 17 May 1672 Pow. Atty. Tho. TABERER to "Brother SPENSER" as admr. Estate John MUNGER, dec'd to sue Cort. Thos. Pitman for debt due MUNGER estate.
(Book III) [ 8 ] (2d. July 1672) Upon examination itt is found that a bill made by Tho. PITMAN to John MUNGR. was satisfyed by a former Ordr. & it is ye Corts opinion that the Charge expended in ye. suite by Mr. TABERRER be satisfied oute of MUNGERS estate.
(Book III) [ 214 ] Att a Cort held for the Isle of Wight County ye 16?th day of June 1678 pRsent Major James Powell, Mr. Tho. TABERER, Lt. Coll. Ar. SMITH, Major Jno. PITT; Mr. Henry APPLEWHITE Justices.
(Book III) [ 215 ] Att a Cort held for the Isle of Wight County the 10th day of June 1678. pRsent Major James Powell, Mr. Tho. TABERER, Lt. Coll. Arthur SMITH, Major Jno. PITT; Mr. Henry APPLEWHITE Justices. (Return to text.)
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The numbers in brackets are the page numbers from the original record books, provided by the compiler and editor of the published books. You'll need this number if you order original copies. (Return to text.)
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Virginia law required all citizens to attend the Anglican church at least once monthly. Most Virginians of the period may have been religious. Not all, however, were sympathetic to England’s church, and this law frequently was ignored. One of the more common reasons for being fined was fellowship as a Quaker. (Return to text.)
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See also Surry County Wills, by Davis and Surry County Va Deeds.
Wills. Will of Arthur Long, 22 November 1700. Est. Mary Long, admrx. Wit. Thomas TARVER, Mich. ISELL, John BAILEY. Mary LONG, Widow of Arthur LONG, makes distribution of estate, 1679. Leg. Mentions six children, names 4 or 5: sons, Arthur & George; daus Eliza Long & Mary Long; Carolina.
Deeds. 1747. Thomas TARVER of Northampton County, NC sells to Arthur LONG Isle of Wight County, Va land conveyed to him by Samuel TARVER, by deed, on Proctor's Branch, adjoining land of George BRIGGS, Nottoway Indians old line, Robert LONG, etc. Sarah TARVER, wife of Thomas, relinquishes her right of dower. Wit. Anselm BAILEY, Jr., Thomas DAVIS, James ______. (Return to text.)
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Headrights: Virginia headrights encouraged immigration by rewarding immigrants with written warrants that could be used in exchange for land.
"A headright was obtained by application to the Virginia colonial secretary for a warrant entitling the holder to 50 acres of [vacant] Virgina land for himself and for each person brought over to Virginia at his own expense. In addition, he received another 50 acres for every person he brought in later. His only requirement to take advantage of it was to find a site in ungranted land, lay it out with an official surveyor, record it at the county court, and then to "seat" -- that is to build upon or cultivate the ground. After that he received a deed, and the land was his to have and to hold, subject to a quitrent to the crown of two shillings per 100 acres. He did not have to convert all headrights into land at once; they could be saved for future use, inherited by his heirs, or even sold." (Oxford History)
REFERENCE
- Blackwater Monthly Meeting Collection (MSA SC 3158), Microfilm no. M_18, Maryland State Archives.
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Early Quaker Records Of Southeast Virginia, by Martha A. Putnam, (1996), 1998. See also Black Water Monthly Meeting House in the 4 Dec 2000 Newsletter of the Surry County, Virginia, Historical Society. . . . You'll have to locate this section on the page (use your FIND), as there is no direct link to it. (Return to text.)
- "The Anselm Bailey Family of Surry," in Southside Virginia Families, vol. 2, by John Bennett Boddie. Redwood City, Ca: Pacific Coast Publ., 1956, p. 24.
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Surry County Records: Surry County Virginia, 1652-1684, Books I and II. Abstracted by Elizabeth T. Davis. (Return to text.)
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Surry County Virginia Court Records, (Deed Book I) 1652-1663, Book I. Abstracted and Compiled by Weynette Parks Haun, 1986.
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Surry County Virginia Court Records, (Deed Book I) 1664-1671, Book II. Abstracted and Compiled by Weynette Parks Haun, 1987.
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Surry County, VA Court Records (Part I: Order Book 1671-1691) 1672-1682, Book III. Abstracted and Compiled by Weynette Parks Haun, 1989. (Return to text.)
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Surry County, Virginia Court Records (Part II: Order Book 1671-1691) 1682-1691, Book IV. Abstracted and Compiled by Weynette Parks Haun, 1990. (Return to text.)
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Surry County Virginia Court Records, 1691-1700, Book V. Abstracted and Compiled by Weynette Parks Haun, 1991. (Return to text.)
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"Surry County Tithables," in Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 23, nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4, Feb, May, Aug and Nov 1985, respectively; and Volume 24, nos. 1, 2, 3, & 4, Feb, May, Aug and Nov, 1986, respectively. (Return to text.)
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The Oxford History of the American People, by Samuel Eliot Morrison. New York: Oxford University Press, 1965.
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Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia: 1647-1800, Book I. Abstracted and Compiled by Blanche Adams Chapman, 1938 (Mention of Thomas TABERER and William TRAVERS in this book.) (Return to text.)
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