Our Cox and Related Family History

Our Cox and Related Family History

By: John Mark Browder, B.A., M.S., M.T.S., M.Div.

Our earliest known ancestor from this family line was one William Coxe, who was born about 1584 in England, and who died before December 14, 1656 in Henrico County, Virginia.  William Coxe arrived in Virginia on June 10, 1610, having sailed aboard the ship GODSPEED (Cox, Kentucky Family Records, Vol. 2, p. 61), settling at what was then known as James Fort, the later “Jamestown.”  He is listed as being twenty-six years of age at that time and was apparently already an orphan (Meyer, p. 61).  So, we don’t know his parentage. 

                Aboard ship, William traveled among the party of Thomas West, Third Lord de la Warre, after whom the Delaware River and State of Delaware are named.  He was a descendant of Sir Richard West, Lord de la Warre (October 28, 1430-March 10, 1475/76) who, before June 10, 1451, married Katherine Hungerford (d. May 12, 1493), daughter of Sir. Robert Hungerford (remember him in connection with William Browderer?), Second Baron Hungerford, and Margaret Botreaux (daughter of William Botreaux, Third Baron Botreaux). 

Thomas and Richard were descended from Thomas de la Warre, who was Lord of the Manor, as well as a Roman Catholic priest.  He obtained licenses from King Henry V and the Pope, so that he was able to found, and endow, a collegiate church in Manchester, England.

Construction on this collegiate church began about 1422, continuing until its completion between 1500 and 1510.  In addition, the “merchant princes” of Manchester, due to increased prosperity because of the wool industry there.  This collegiate church was later renamed “Manchester Cathedral” (Wikipedia, “History of Manchester”).

                William Coxe is believed to have been the brother of Elizabeth Coxe, daughter of Sir Henry Coxe of Broxburn, Herefordshire, England, but proof so far eludes researchers.  Elizabeth Coxe was married to Robert West, the brother of Thomas West, Third Lord De La Warr (Meyer, pp. 211-216).

William probably had a brother, John Coxe, born in England in 1578.  This John Coxe had a daughter, Alice, who married (1) Luke Boyce, prior to 1622, and later (2) Matthew Edloe/Edlowe, Sr., before 1635.  Contrary to what is found in the research of some others, Alice died sometime after August 15, 1637 in Henrico County, Virginia.  We know this because she was patented some land on July 14, 1637.  She was already a widow at the time of her death (Nugent, p. 62/Patent Book1, Part I, p. 441).

Also, Robert “Craddocke” and John Davis were patented 600 acres of land, and another 300 acres of land in Henrico County on August 15, 1637, which is noted as being close to the land of “Alice Edloe, widowe”.  The latter 300 acres was due by assignment from William Cooke and Richard Carpenter.  John Baugh, planter, had assigned this land to Cooke and Carpenter, which had been patented to him on June 13, 1636, and which was witnessed by Benjamin “Carrill” (most likely Carroll) (Nugent, p. 65/Patent Book 1, Part I, p. 451).  Matthew Edloe, Sr. had served as a Burgess of the Assembly of Virginia in 1629.

                It is interesting to note that William Coxe and party were on one of the ships which signaled the survival of the original Jamestown settlement.  The survivors of the original settlements of May 1607 and the summer of 1608, having endured unmitigated hardship for about three years, had decided to abandon Jamestown and return to England.  They set sail for England on June 9, 1610.  However, the next day they encountered the fleet of ships arriving from England to the Jamestown settlement, which was commanded by De La Warr.  He persuaded them to return with his fleet, after which the settlement at Jamestown finally began to actually take hold.  Had it not been for this event, Jamestown might have become the second English colony in the new world, after Roanoke, to fail.  To possess such a family connection is priceless!

                William Coxe married Elizabeth, in 1633, in Virginia.  According to Margaret Smith, there once was “an unreferenced family chart” which listed William’s wife as Elizabeth Hutchins, daughter of Robert Hutchins, mariner, and which also named their four children.  Elizabeth, William’s wife, is known to have been born in 1612 in England.  She died in 1665 in Virginia.  When Boulding’s Muster was taken in January-February of 1624/25, William Coxe was listed as aged 26, and as residing at Elizabeth City, with Thomas Bouldinge (Meyer, “Musters”, p. 61).  His age can, therefore, be disputed.

                William became a tobacco planter and seems to have prospered.  On September 20, 1628 William Coxe qualified as an “ancient planter.”  His land was located “within the precincts of Elizabeth City, . . . Bounded on the south by the Maine (James) River.”  This land grant to “ancient planters” was made per orders from the Council in England, given to Governor Francis West to “release and grant 100 acres of land to each ‘ancient planter’ who had arrived in Virginia prior to the time of the departure of Sir Thomas Dale, which occurred in April of 1616.”  This grant was effective for a period of ten years (Meyer, pp. 211-212; Nugent, Cavaliers and Pioneers, 12: Virginia Patent Book 1, p. 89; John Frederick Dorman ed., The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 15, p. 163; West-Central Kentucky Family Research Association, Kentucky Family Records, Vol. II, 61-64/69-71).  The actual order reads, in part, as follows:

WILLIAM COXE of Elizabeth Citty [Virginia] aforesaid planter one hundred acres within said precincts, abutting and bounding Easterly on the ground formerly in like manner granted unto Dictoris Christmas planter and thence extending fifty poles towards the ground now granted alsoe unto Christopher Calthropp gent Southerly on the maine river Northerly on the maine Woods . . . one hundred weight . . . Tobacco . . . 20 Sept. 1628” (The Researcher, a Magazine of History and Genealogical Exchange, p. 217/Meyer, p. 12).

Further, it has been stated that:

It has been contended by one contemporary historian that there is no evidence that WILLIAM COXE left any children or heirs to his land. While it is true that most of the records of Henrico County before 1677 have been lost or destroyed, evidence of descent from WILLIAM COXE does exist. On 14 Dec. 1656, Peter Lee was granted a patent for 126 acres in Henrico County adjoining the land belonging to the orphans of WILLIAM COX and lying southeast on the main [James] River and northeast on the land of ISAAC HUTCHINGS. In the absence of the court records, a land patent of 1665 establishes that JOHN COX [I] was one of these orphans. On 29 March 1665, JOHN COX [I] patented 550 acres in Henrico County on the north side of Harrisstocks [sic] adjoining the land of Captain Edloe. This must necessarily also have joined the land formerly owned by WILLIAM COX and later by his orphans. JOHN COX [I] was at least twenty-one when he patented this land and was therefore born by 1644. Not only is the description and location of this new patent significant, but also of importance is the fact that JOHN COX [I] named his eldest son WILLIAM.  On 5 Feb. 1685/86 he made a deed of gift to WILLIAM for natural love and affection and therein described himself as JOHN COXE, SENIOR, of Harrowattocks (The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 15, pp. 163-165).

Thus, our lineage from William Coxe and Elizabeth is virtually proven by these documents.  Also, on November 29, 1636 William Coxe received a patent for an additional 150 acres in Henrico County, Virginia for the transportation of three persons into the Colony, Thomas Braxston, Richard Byrd and Richard Hewes.  This tract was also located on the James River about two miles above Arrowhattocks (Meyer, p. 52/Nugent, p. 53/Patent Book 1, Part I, p. 403).  On October 29, 1637 he received a patent for 150 additional acres in the vicinity of Falling Creek bordered by land of Robert Craddock for three more headrights (Hopkins, Walter L, p. 114; Meyer, pp. 52 and 74, Virginia Patent Book 1, Part 1, pp. 403 and 492).

                William Coxe, along with his wife, Elizabeth, returned to England at least once, and probably as many as three times.   In 1637, the couple were claimed as headrights by Matthew Eldoe.  In Henrico County, Virginia, Matthew Eldoe, his mother, Alice E. and his sister, Hannah Boyes, were all neighbors of William and Elizabeth Coxe, possessing adjoining property to them.

                However, the records seem to be duplicated, in that Nathaniel Floyd received a patent for 850 acres of land in Isle of Wight County on November 20, 1637 on the “Maine Creek” for the transportation of 17 persons to the Colony.”  At any rate, whoever could lay claim to the headrights is irrelevant.  The fact that a trip to England, and then back to the Colonies, is important in that it shows possible familial relationships.  Could the Jon. Cox listed as a passenger here be the son of William Coxe?  It does seem likely.

                William Coxe was known as “King of Arrowhattocks” in Henrico County, Virginia.  William is believed to have served as Burgess from Henrico County in 1646.  We know that both William and Elizabeth Coxe had died by December 14, 1665 because on that date, as previously indicated, Peter Lee patented 126 acres of land in Henrico County, which adjoined the land which belonged to the “orphans of William Coxe.”  This land was also situated on the Main (James) River and was located northeast of the land owned by Isaac Hutchins.  William apparently died prior to Elizabeth, because there is some reference concerning her later marriage to (2) William Elam (Order, p. 212/The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 15, p. 164).  That deed reads, in part, as follows:

Peter Lee, 126 acres, Henrico Co., known by the name of Worricke, 14 Dec. 1656, Beginning at a small run & a place called London Bridge which divides it from land belonging to the Orphans of WILLIAM COX, southeast on the main river & northeast on ISACK HUTCHINGS. Transportation of 3 persons [not named] (Order, 334/Patent Book 4, p. 44).

Thomas Coxe, a son of William and Elizabeth Coxe, inherited as “son and heir” a right in 250 acres of land which was sold on September 1, 1642 by Matthew Gough to William Cox and Isaac Hutchins, and assigned his interest in it to John Knowles and his brother John Coxe on August 1, 1668.  So, here, we see two of the sons of William and Elizabeth Coxe listed, Thomas (b. c1619/m. Elizabeth) and John (c1620-Feb 1, 1696/97), as well as Isaac Hutchins, who was also likely a relative.  The other children of William and Elizabeth Coxe were the daughters Elizabeth (b. 1628/m. Robert Porter) and Mary Catherine (m. John Burton).  Still another land deed which mentions William Coxe is of interest and reads, in part, as follows:

Cornelius de Hull, Oct. 31, 1642, 502 acres known as Lilley Valley, beginning next to Mrs. Edlows Swamp, near his own land & southeast upon John Davis, southwest to the river, ending neare a place called the Seaven -. 250 acres of this land was granted to WILLIAM COX in 1637 for the transportation of 10 persons: Thomas Blackston, Richard Bird, Richard Hewes, James Dupen, Mary Howtree, Jon. Dodd, Robert Hayes, Samll. Waterhowse, Walter Jones, Wm. Thomas (Order, 138/Patent Book 1, Part 2, p. 842).

Also, from Cavaliers and Pioneers, Volume 1, 1623-1666, page 13 (Patent Book 1, Part 1):

Robert Sweete, Gent., of Eliz. Citty, 150 acres, lying below Waters Creek, abutting westerly on land graunted to ROBERT HUTCHINS, Marriner, easterly by the waterside, southerly upon the main river and northerly upon the maine land, March 14, 1628/29, page 70.  Due for transportation of 3 persons: Himselfe in the Neptune in 1618, John Rutherford in the Warwicke 1621, and William Weaver in the John & Francis 1623.

From Cavaliers and Pioneers, Volume 1, 1623-1666, page 44 (Patent Book 1, Part 1):

Capt. Christopher Calthropp, 100 acres, being a second devident, according to a grant signed by Sir Georg Yearly to John Hudleston, Marriner, April 26, 1621, and assigned by Richard Cox, Attorney, to said Hudleston, to said Calthropp, July 5, 1636, page 368.  Adjacent to the first divident, whose bounds were, viz: west upon Waters his Creek, east upon lands of ROBERT HUTCHINS, south upon the river, and north into the woods.

From Cavaliers and Pioneers, Volume 1, 1623-1666, page 84 (Patent Book 1, Part 2):

ROBERT CRADOCK, 300 acres, Henrico Co., May 29, 1638, page 537.  Northerly on a little creek towards Lilley Valley upon land of WILLIAM COX, & ISAAC HUTCHINS [possible brother of Elizabeth Hutchins] & south upon land of John Davis.  Transportation of 6 persons [not named].

And from Cavaliers and Pioneers, Volume 1, 1623-1666, pages 333-334 (Patent Book 4):

ISACK HUTCHINGS, 378 acres, Henrico Co., known by the name of Worricke, December 14, 1656, page 42 (65).  Lyeing next to land of Peeter Lee, southeast on the main river & northeast to a place called Porringers Spring. Transportation of 8 persons [not named].

Note that the previously mentioned Isaac Hutchins was a son of Robert Hutchins.  Isaac Hutchins married Cicely.

                John Cox I, son of William and Elizabeth Coxe, was born about 1620 in Henrico County, Virginia and died before February 1, 1696/97.  He married at least twice.  His first known wife, (1) Rebecca, (b. c1640-bef. September 25, 1682), from whom we are descended, is thought by some researchers to have been the daughter of Robert Craddock.  They were married about 1660 in Virginia. 

However, William Elam of Henrico County, Virginia, left, in his Will, which was dated February 18, 1688/89, one shilling to his “son-in-law, John Cox, Sr.” (Weisiger, p. 27).  It is, therefore, possible that John Cox I was instead married to one of William Elam’s daughters.  Or, William Elam’s daughter might have been a second wife, with Mary being a third wife.  His last wife,

(2) Mary, who survived him, is known to have been of the Kennon family.  However, it is possible that she could actually be the daughter of William Elam herself.  John Cox and Mary were married on September 25, 1682, so they were married when William Elam made his Will.  Researchers at least agree that what is certain is that Rebecca was the mother of the first children of John Cox, and that Robert Craddock was a neighbor to the Coxe/Cox and Hutchins families, as demonstrated by the following:

ROBERT CRADOCK, 300 acres, Henrico Co., 29 May 1638, Northerly on a little creek towards Lilley Valley upon land of WILLIAM COX, & ISAAC HUTCHINS & south upon land of John Davis for the transportation of 6 persons [not named]. (Meyer, p. 84/Patent Book 1, part II, p. 537).

                CRADDOCK had, at some time, sold 600 acres to JOHN COX, which JOHN COX transferred to John Burton on March 22, 1665.  John Burton was his brother-in-law, husband of his sister Mary. JOHN COX had six sons, and his first wife was the mother of the first five. He made several gifts to them by deed during his lifetime. [For example], on Feb. 5, 1685, he gave one tract of land to his son WILLIAM. On July 11, 1693, he gave 100 acres to BARTHOLOMEW (Meyer, pp. 212-213).

Also, from Meyer, p. 547/Patent Book 5, p. 479/585:

On May 22, 1650 John Cox received a patent for 1,000 acres of land and 150 acres of land, on the south side of the ‘Rappa. River’ for the transportation of twenty persons; John Cox (twice), Elizabeth Cox, Francis Stankey, Robert Lewis, Fra. Little, Richard Hickes, Edward Britton, Allen Mackbitt, Samuel Farmer, Farmer’s wife, Hester Brown, James Goninon/Gonnion, Mary Wilson, John Greene, Mary Rassell, Richard Shipp, Robert Gonnyon, Bennett Cooper, Christopher Holleman, Judeth Halloman and Ellis Newman (Nugent, pp. 192-93/Virginia Patent Book 2, p. 220). 

The question here arises, was Elizabeth Cox the wife of John Cox?  In any case, on February 2, 1653, John Cox received a patent for 1,150 acres of land in Lancaster County, Virginia, on the south side of the Rappa. River, the Northwest side of Puscation Creek, 100 acres being marsh land and the rest being:

on a point of a peninsula commonly called Coxes Island, lying at the mouth of the aforesd. Cr. . . . due by former patent of sd. Cox, dated 22 May 1650, & 50 acs. found to be wanting by virtue of resurvey of sd. land & 100 acs. for trans, of 2 pers”; Judith Hollaman and Elizabeth Newsam (Nugent, p. 228/Virginia Patent Book 3, p. 1).

On November 28, 1654, John Cox was granted a patent for 600 acres of land in Lancaster County, Virginia on the north side and the “freshes” of the Rappa. River, bounded by the properties of John Weyr and Richard Coleman; 357 acres of which were for the transportation of seven persons – David Phillipps (twice), Thomas Humphrey, Elizabeth Collins, Thomas Smithson, Thomas Thorpe, and John Cox himself (Nugent, p. 304/Virginia Patent Book 3, p. 325). Also,

John Burton, 700 acres in Henrico County, Virginia, on March 22, 1665/66 – 300 acres northerly on a great swamp, southerly towards Alice Edlowe, widdow, westerly over the river & easterly into the woods, called by the name of the old field; 300 acres another parte joining on the land of the Long field patent, beginning at a white oake marked 4 wayes at the extent of the deviding line of Jno. Burton & Jno. Davies, running along the greate slash southeast by south &c., 600 acres granted to ROBT. CRADDOCK & by Hoell Prise, his Attorney, sould to JNO. COX, who assigned to said Burton, & 100 acres due for transportation of 2 persons; ANN COLEMAN and Mark Wms.

On August 28, 1662, the 1,000 acres of land that John Cox received in 1650 were renewed, plus 50 acres “found wanting” within the same, and he received an additional 100 acres for the transportation of two persons; Judith Holman and Elizabeth Newsom (Nugent, p. 401/Virginia Patent Book 4, p. 312).

                On April 3, 1664, John Cox was granted a patent for 737 acres of land in “Rappa. Co., according to the ancient bounds thereof”, which had formerly been granted to John Johnson by inquisition dated March 11, 1663 (Nugent, p. 538/Virginia Patent Book 5, p. 442 (529)).

                On March 29, 1665 John Cox patented 550 acres of land on the north side of the river, which he called Harristocks, situated next to the property of Capt. Edloe (Nugent, p. 448/Virginia Patent Book 5, p. 164).  On March 22, 1665/66 John Burton sold John Cox 700 acres of land bounded by the lands of Alice Edlowe, “Widdow” and John Burton, and John Davies, and Robert Craddock (HCPB 5, p. 479).  And on October 1, 1672 John Cox deeded 300 acres of land to John Davies in part due him for the transportation of four persons to Virginia; Abell Glower, William Glower, John Clarke (an ancestor of my mother) and Ann Malby (HCPB 6, p. 426).

                “John Cox of Arrowhattocks”, as he was often referred to, patented 550 acres of land on the north side of the river called “Harristocks.” on March 29, 1665 in Henrico County, Virginia, which adjoined the land of Capt. Edloe.  This land is believed to have also adjoined the land formerly owned by his father, William Coxe, which is the land that had been passed on to William’s “orphans.”

                On February 5, 1685/86, John Cox I made a deed of gift to his son, William Cox.  And on July 11, 1693 (HCDB, p. 437) John Cox I gave 100 acres of land, and one “Negro girl”, to his son Bartholomew Cox “for love and affection”, his wife, Rebecca, and their son, George (Recorded on October 2, 1693).  Both of these deeds were witnessed by another son, Henry Cox.

                That JOHN COX owned more land than the 550 acres is proven by the Virginia quit rent roll of 1704, which shows that his sons held the following acreage in Henrico County: Bartholomew, 100 acres; John, 150 acres; George, 200 acres; Richard, 300 acres; William, 300 acres – a total of 1,050 acres.  This additional land must have been inherited from their father, for the most part, and he, in turn, must have inherited it, for the most part, from his father, WILLIAM COX.  It seems very clear that both JOHN COX and WILLIAM COX (both described as “of Arrowhattocks”) must have owned the same land in their respective generations (Va. Gen., 163-165).

                The children of John Cox, Sr. by Rebecca (and or any other possible wives, other than Mary) were William (bef. February 1664/65-bef. June 2, 1712), Bartholomew (b. before 1665-1731), Henry, John, George (1676-bef. February 1721/22), and Elizabeth (b. c1680).  Apparently, John Cox I also had one son by Mary, named Richard.  It is significant that John and Rebecca named their first son William since the naming of a first son after the paternal grandfather was traditional during that time period (although this was not always practiced).  This lends additional credence to the belief that John Cox was a son of William Coxe.

                John Cox I died on February 1, 1696/97 in Henrico County, Virginia.  The Will of John Cox, dated February 19, 1691/92, and proven on February 1, 1696/97, named his last wife, Mary, and his six sons.  On the very day his Will was proven, Mary Coxe, his widow, entered into a lawsuit for her dower against sons Henry, John, William, George and Bartholomew Coxe, probably because John left her with nothing more than one silver spoon.  Why he did this may forever remain unknown.  Her dower was for the 550 acres, which John Cox I had acquired on March 29, 1665.

                Henry, son of John Cox I, who was left the home plantation and much personal property by his father, died without issue, leaving a Will which was proven on October 1, 1697 (Va Gen., 163-165).  Because he had no children of his own, Henry left most of his property to his brother, John Cox II.  Henry’s Will was proven by George Cox.

                From Weisiger (p. 44), Henrico County Will Book, p. 678, the following excerpt:

WILL OF JOHN COX, PLANTER, dated February 19, 1691/92:

To son John Cox, plantation called “New Plantation” next to the river, bounded by lands of BARTH. COX,

William Cox and Capt. Davis.

To son Richard Cox, a negro named Robin.

To son Henry Cox, “the bed I lie on” and a negro girl named Molley.

To son George Cox, “the plantation I live on and all the Neck of Land at Jarretts Spring to the mouth of Capt. Gardner’s Creek”, a bed, a negro woman named Betty, and other items.

He directs that his son, Henry, reside with his brother, George, and be a help to him.

To wife MARY COX, one silver spoon.

Directs that all the rest be divided equally between his six sons; John, William, BARTHOLOMEW, Richard, Henry and George and that his son, George Cox, be executor.

Witnesses:  John Ironmonger, Tob. Taylor and John Davis.

Recorded on February 1, 1696/97 (p. 710).

From Nugent, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Volume 1, 1623-1666, page 64 (HCPB 1, Part 1):

ROBERT CRADDOCKE and John Davis, 600 acres, Henrico Co., August 15, 1637, page 451. 300 acres northerly upon a great swamp, southerly towards land of Alice Edloe, Widdowe, westerly over the river, and easterly into the woods called Longfield; and 300 acres joyning upon the said Longfield northerly the land included in this pattent beginning next to land of said Alice Edloe. 300 acres due by assignment from William Cooke and Richard Carpenter and 300 acres for transportation of 6 persons [not named].

From ibid, page 80 (HCPB 1, Part 2):

Capt. Thomas Osborne, 1,000 acres, Henrico Co., February 6, 1637/38, page 519. Northerly upon Procters Creek, east upon the maine river, west into the woods, and south upon Henrico Island called by the name of Fearing. Granted by order of Court, October 8, 1634 and due for transportation of 20 persons; ISAAC HUTCHINS, Tho. Draywood, Jon. White, James Guterson (or Gaterson), Godfrey Lewis, Tho. Hunt, Jon. Beard, Rich. Arguse, Roger Humble, Robert James, Nath. Spackman, Richard Greenwood, Wm. Jones, Wm. Wicklesworth, Tho. Bartin, Charles Russell, James Wanton, Hen. Seale, ROBERT CRADDOCK, Richard Hitchcox.

From ibid, page 82 (HCPB 1, Part 2):

Christopher Branch to James Place, assignment of 3 score acres, part of his plantation at Kingsland, lying north upon his own land and south upon Turloe(?) Kills Land; with the appurtenances and priviledges thereunto belonging, howsing now standing or to bee hereafter erected & built &c. consideration: 100 acres surrendered in Court by said Place.  Provided said Place shall pay and discharge all such rents and taxations &c. Signed: Christopher Branch. Witnesses: Francis Roberts and William Woolley. June 14, 1636, page 527.

                James Place to Thomas Barton, the above mentioned land, April 10, —, page 527. Consideration: 600 pounds tobacco and 3 lbs. corn. Witnesses: William Little and ROBERT CRADDOCK (Barton’s name is also given as John).

From ibid, page 84 (HCPB 1, Part 2):

ROBERT CRADOCK, 300 acres, Henrico Co., May 29, 1638, page 537. Northerly on a little creek towards Lilley Valley upon land of WILLIAM COX, & ISAAC HUTCHINS & south upon land of John Davis. Transportation of 6 persons [not named].

From ibid, page 157 (HCPB 2):

Michael Mastert, 413 acres, Henrico Co., in Bermodo Hundred, July 24, 1645, page 26. 390 acres bounded east southeast upon James River, southwest upon Pates Swamp & Court Swamp, south upon LIEUT. CRADDOCK, north upon Thomas Sheppye, MR. BAUGH, James Usher & Robert Elam, south by west & east by south upon Capt. Woodliffe, & south by west, east by south & north by east upon Mr. Samuell Jordin. 12 acres in Bermodo Hundred neck, formerly known as Capt. Martin land, northwest upon James River, northeast upon Mr. Samll. Jordin, southwest upon Mr. Edward Gurgunye. Due said Masters for transportation of 9 persons: Henry Lownee, James King, Tho. Page(?), George Wells, Thomas Wallis, Jane Price, John Manchest, James Morrice, Peter Maydley.

And from ibid, pages 116-117 (HCPB 6):

John Davis, 500 acres, Henrico Co., 1 Oct. 1672, page 426. 300 acres adjoining John Burton; including nigh half the long field, over the brass Spring, &c.; half of pattent granted ROBERT CRADDOCK, & by Howell Price, Attorney of said CRADDOCK, sould to JOHN COX, who assigned to said Burton; 300 acres due said Davis a sonn & heire of his father, John Davis; 200 acres for transportation of 4 persons: Abell Gower, Wm. Gower, JOHN CLARKE, Ann Malby.

Bartholomew Cox, son of John Cox I and Rebecca, was born about 1665.  Since we find no other members of the Cox family so early having the given name of Bartholomew, I like to think that he may well have been named after the man who was instrumental in the founding of the original Jamestown settlement and who brought the first settlers over from England, Capt. Bartholomew Gosnold.  If this is true, then not only did our original Coxe ancestor arrive aboard one of the ships that ensured the success of the Jamestown settlement, as we have seen, but his grandson was named after the leader of that original expedition.

Bartholomew Cox was listed as having 100 acres in the 1704 quit rent roll of Henrico County, Virginia.  He was married before October 2, 1693 to Rebecca.  Rebecca’s maiden name is thought to have been Baugh (she is believed to have been a sister of Mary Baugh, daughter of William Baugh and Jane, who married Bartholomew’s brother, John Cox II). 

Bartholomew Cox left a Will, dated January 14, 1730, which was probated on June 15, 1731 in Goochland County, Virginia.  So, Bartholomew Cox died sometime after January 14, 1730, and prior to June 15, 1731.

                The children of Bartholomew and Rebecca Cox were George (bef. July 11, 1693-c1728/m. Martha Walton), Frederick (d. c1754/m. Elizabeth), Capt. John (March 27, 1703-bef. September 13, 1764), Meredith, unknown daughter (m. a Baugh), Mary (m. Moses Wood on June 13, 1709), and William (m. Elizabeth).

                The Will of Frederick, son of Bartholomew and Rebecca Cox, was probated in 1755 in Cumberland County, Virginia.  This Will is believed to mention a Mary Cox, who is believed by some to have married John Browder II, son of John and Elizabeth Browder.  From HCDB 1677-1705 (p. 79):

Page 437 – On July 11, 1693, JOHN COX, SR. of Henrico County and Henrico Parish deeded 100 acres of land to his son, BARTHOLOMEW COX “for love and affection.”  BARTHOLOMEW already resided upon said land located at the river, near Ware Bottom.  Witnesses were James Cocke and Henry Cox.  Recorded on October 2, 1693.

Page 439 – On July 11, 1693, JOHN COX, SR., planter, of County and Parish of Henrico, “for natural love and affection to my son BARTHOLOMEW COX and his wife REBECKER and their son George Cox” gave to his grandson, George Cox 1 negro girl named Doll. Witnesses were Henry Cox and James Cocke. Recorded on October 2, 1693.

Bartholomew Cox was also a witness to the Will of Abraham Michaux who, in his Will, states that he was born in the city of Cedent, France, in 1672, and at that time resided in Henrico County, Virginia.  His Will was dated August 5, 1717 (Weisiger, p. 104/Henrico County Will Book, p. 187).  

The Will was recorded on November 19, 1728 (Goochland County Deed Book, p. 52/Goochland County, Virginia Wills and Deeds, 1728-1736, p. 6).  From Goochland County, Virginia Wills and Deeds, 1728-1736, p. 27: p. 262:

Will of BARTHOLOMEW COX of Goochland County, Virginia, dated January 14, 1730:

To grandson George Cox, 1 shilling.

To grandson William Baugh, 1 shilling.

Sons Meredith Cox, JOHN COX along with wife, REBECKAH COX, to be executors.

Witnesses: Anthony Morgan, Agnes Nowlin and Rebecca Wood.

No probate date.

Page 298 – Inventory of BARTHOLOMEW COX, decd. Dated July 21, 1731, done by Samuel Spencer, Robert Hughes and Jacob Michaux and presented by John Bolling.  Recorded on November 16, 1731.

Bartholomew Cox also served as a witness, along with Martha Cox and Mary Griffin, to a deed between James Taylor of King William Parish, Goochland County, Virginia, and Thomas Dickins of St. James Parish, Goochland County, Virginia, dated November 14, 1728. 

                Capt. John Cox (March 27, 1703-bef. September 13, 1764), son of Bartholomew Cox and Rebecca, married Mary Coleman, about 1720 (certainly before 1724/25).  The couple, at first, resided in Mecklinburg County, Virginia, and later became early settlers of Lunenburg County, Virginia.  

John Cox was born on March 27, 1703 in York County, Virginia and died on September 13, 1764 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.  Mary Coleman was born about 1702 in Virginia, and lived past 1793, probably dying about 1794.

                John and Mary Cox also resided in Goochland County, Virginia for a time.  He was one of the witnesses to a deed between Thomas Christian of Goochland County, and Samuel Coleman, dated June 17, 1731, along with Robert Christian and John Coleman (Goochland County, Virginia Will & Deeds, 1728-1736, p. 27).  And, on October 11, 1733, John and Mary Cox deeded land to Daniel Coleman (Tolbert/Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1, p. 104).

                There is certainly a family connection between these families.  Rebecca Stith (c1695-April 5, 1787), daughter of Drury Stith and Susanna Bathurst, married Thomas Christian (c1684-October 16, 1736) about 1704.  Their children were Ann Mourning (c1710, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia-c1766), Thomas (c1715-1749), Robert (b. c1714), William (b. c1719), James (b. c1721), Constant (b. c1723), and Rebecca (b. c1725).

                Ann Mourning Christian, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Christian, married Samuel Coleman (b. c1706, Goochland County, Virginia) on July 17, 1731 in Goochland County, Virginia.  Their children were Samuel (b. c1732), James (b. c1732), John (b. c1736), and Daniel (b. c1738).  All children were born in Goochland County, Virginia.

                I strongly suspect that Samuel Coleman was a brother of Mary Coleman.  The following may well show a connection:

James Anderson to Matthew Anderson Prince George County, Virginia Wills & Deeds 1710-1713, p. 14.Deed, February 7, 1710, William Coleman, Jr. of Prince George County, to Robert Mumford of same, for 5 shillings, 100 acres of land called “Haycocks”, bounded by land of John Coleman, land of James Anderson [son of Reynard], William Coleman, Matthew Anderson, George Downing, Robert Tucker and Samuel Vaughn.  Said land was given to said William by will of his father, Robert Coleman, late of said county, decd., dated 17 January 1675, to hold land one year.  James Anderson married Elizabeth Thweatt.

Another possible connection is the marriage of Capt. Henry Anderson (d. 1734), son of Reynard Anderson and Elizabeth Skiffen, to (1) Prudence Stratton (c1688-c1725), daughter of Edward Stratton and Martha Shippey on May 1, 1704 in Henrico County, Virginia; and later, (2) Elizabeth Claiborne (d. 1761, Chesterfield County, Virginia), daughter of William Claiborne, about 1728.

                I also believe that most, if not all, of the previously mentioned members of the Coleman family may well be descended from Richard Coleman, who is mentioned in the patent deed of 1654.

                On June 9, 1654, Richard Coleman himself was granted a patent for 600 acres of land on the north side of the Rappa. River which adjoined the properties of Silvester Thatcher and Thomas Whitlock, for the transportation of twelve unnamed persons (Nugent, p. 316/Virginia Patent Book 3, p. 373).  From BCDB 2, p. 178:

Indenture made the 3rd day of August, 1742, between James Pittillo of Bristol Parish, County of Prince George, and JOHN COX of St. Andrews Parish, County of Brunswick, for £30, conveying 252 acres in the fork of Sturgeon Run, bounded by the line of Gabriel Harrison and Henry Morris and granted to the said James Pettillo by Letters of Patent bearing date of September 10, 1735.  Witnesses were Abraham Cocke and Joshua Smith.  Acknowledged in Court on September 2, 1742.

From BCDB 3, p. 208:

Indenture made 7 August 1746 between Abrahm Brown of Surry County and Nickliss Prockter of Brunswick County, £60, 380 acres, commonly called & known by the name of Abraham Brown’s and now in the Tenure of the said Nickliss Prockter. Signed Abraham Brown. Witnesses: JOHN COX, James Carter, Nicholas Lanier. Court August 7, 1746, Indenture and Memorandum acknowledged by Abraham Brown.

And from BCDB 3, p. 240:

Indenture made 4 September 1746 between William Pennington of St. Andrew Parish, Brunswick County and Cornelius Cargill of Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg County, and Thomas Dickson of Prince George County, Bath Parish, £30, 365a, in Brunswick and Lunenburg County, Beginning on Mumfords line at a Small Hickory by a Spring thence along his line west thirty five Degrees North two hundred and two poles to his corner on Bever Pond Creek thence North thirty five degrees east three hundred and twenty poles to a red Oak thence East thirty five Degrees South one hundred and twenty six poles to John Nipper’s line thence along his line South thirty   Degrees west Eighty poles to his   Corner thence along his line east forty seven Degrees South sixty poles to a shrub white Oak thence South five Degrees west two hundred and six poles to a hickory thence South Nineteen Degrees west Eighteen poles to the beginning.  Signed William Pennington and Cornelius Cargill. 

Witnesses:  Robert Jones, Junr., Francis Ealidge, JOHN COX.  Court November 6, 1746, Indenture and Memorandum acknowledged by Wm. Pennington and proven to be the acts and Deeds of Cornelius Cargill by oaths of Robert Jones, Junr. And JOHN COX. Court, April 7, 1748, Mary the wife of William Pennington personally appeared and relinquished her right of Dower.

John and Mary Cox are believed to have moved to Lunenburg County, at the point at which John is said to have been in “middle age.”  Indeed, John Cox seems to have been instrumental in the effort concerning the division of Lunenburg County in the late 1750s (Bell, The Old Free State, pp. 144-145), as was Daniel Claiborne (a Lunenburg County Court Justice during the years 1757-58, 1760 and 1763-67/Bell, The Old Free State, p. 328).

                John and Mary Cox were also members of the established Church of England.  John Cox was also a tobacco planter who owned more than 550 acres of land located at Crupper Run Creek.

                On August 20, 1747, John also purchased 404 acres of land in Brunswick County, Virginia on both sides of Blackstone’s Creek, adjoining land of John Twitty (Meyer, Vol. 5, p. 240/ Patent Book 26, p. 86).  A related deed reads in part as follows:

John Twitty, 1,000 acres, Brunswick County on both sides of Meherrin River, beginning at the mouth of Blackstones Creek, on the Robersons Fork, adjoining John Cox & Henry Roberson; 12 Jan. 1746/47 (Meyer, Vol. 5, p. 230/Deed Book, p. 587).

From Meyer, Vol. 5, p. 240:

JOHN COX purchased 404 acres of land in Brunswick County, Virginia on both sides of Blackstones Creek which adjoined property of John Twitty on August 20, 1747 (Brunswick County Patent Book 26, p. 86).

Also, on January 10, 1748/49, John Cox patented another 404 acres of land in Lunenburg County, Virginia, located on both sides of the South Fork of the Mahrrin River, down Finnywood Creek, which adjoined the land of a Mr. Mitchell (Lunenburg County Patent Book [LCPB] 28, p. 494).  This property seems to have become the family seat, which is now located near the present village of Finnywood, in Mecklenburg County.

                On December 15, 1749 (recorded June 5, 1753), John Cox purchased another 302 acres of land in Lunenburg County along Crupper Run Creek, which adjoined the property of Henry Roberson (LCPB 27, p. 525).  This particular purchase may have been from Mary’s father, since, on January 4, 1753, John Cox deeded this 302 acre tract to Lyddall Bacon and Abraham Martin, Church Wardens of Cumberland Parish, and Mary relinquished her dower right to said property (LCDB 3, pp. 251-254).

                By this time John Cox owned at least 1,190 acres of land in Lunenburg and Brunswick Counties altogether.  A related entry reads in part as follows:

Pages 473-74 –  23 Oct 1749, Armistead Burwell, Gent., of City of Williamsburg, to JOHN COX, planter, of Lunenburg Co., for 5 shillings and “work, labour, and service done and performed by the said JOHN COX for the said Armistead Burwell in saving and improving a tract of land,” 100 acres in Lunenburg Co., on side of south fork of Meherrin [plat drawn on page 474 in deed book]. Signed: Armistead Burwell. Witnesses: Wm. Dobyns, Saml. Harris, Mathew Talbot Junr. Recorded 2 Jan. 1749/50 (LCDB 1, p. 29).

On January 4, 1753, John Cox deeded his 302 acre tract to Lyddal Bacon (a Lunenburg County Court Justice, 1746-49, 1752-66 and 1770-75/Bell,” The Old Free State”, p. 326) and Abraham Martin (a Lunenburg County Court Justice, 1750-54/Bell, The Old Free State, p. 330), church wardens of Cumberland Parish.  This deed was recorded on June 5, 1753.  Mary Cox relinquished her dower right to this tract of land at that time.  This deed reads in part as follows:

4 Jan. 1753 – JOHN COX of Cumberland Parish in Lunenburg Co. to Lyddall Bacon & Abraham Martin, Church Wardens of Cumberland Parish on behalf of themselves & the Vestry for the time being forever in trust to and for the Reverend Mr. William Key, Minister of said parish and to the Ministers his successors, £75, 302 acres in Lunenburg Co., same parish, granted to COX 15 Dec. 1749. Signed: JOHN COX. Witnesses: none. Recorded: 5 June 1753.

Signed: JOHN (X) COX. Witnesses: Cornl. Cargill Junr., Chas. Harris. Recorded: 4 March 1755 (LCDB 3, pp. 251-254).

From Goochland County Wills and Deeds, 1728-1736 (p. 27/from page 263):

June 17, 1731 Thomas Christian deeded 175 acres of land to Samuel Coleman.  Witnesses were Robert Christian, JOHN COX and John Coleman. Recorded July 20, 1731.

Also, John and Mary Cox deeded land to Daniel Coleman on October 11, 1733 (Lunenburg County Order Book 1, p. 104 (Tolbert, p. 3). 

From LCDB 4, page 71:

Pages 518-519, 18 July 1757. JOHN COX of Lunenburg Co. to Robert Langley, £30, mortgage on 400 acres & all his hogs, cattle, stock & personal estate in Lunenburg Co. on Blue stone Creek, where COX now lives. Signed: JOHN (I) COX. Witnesses: Vivion Brooking, Henry Taylor, George Turnbull, Gray Briggs. Recorded 2 Aug. 1757.

Further property transactions concerning John Cox show that he was indeed very wealthy.  Although it is reasonable to speculate that it may be through John Cox that Isham and Talitha Browder became so wealthy themselves, there is no evidence that he passed on, or deeded, any of the land he owned to either of them, even though it is certain that Talitha was his daughter.  The known deeds read in part as follows.  From Meyer, Vol 6, page 380 (Patent Book 34, p. 628):

JOHN COX, 1,190 acres, Lunenburgh Co., on both sides of the South Fork of Maherrin River, on Finneywood/Finnywood Creek; adjoining Evans, Marrable, Miller, Hawkins, and Burwell; 15 July 1760, £3.10. 100 acres being part of a patent for 3,404 acres Granted Armistead Burwell 12 Jan. 1746/47 [Patent Book 28, page 27, Brunswick Co.] the Right and Title of the said 100 acres is since become Vested in the said JOHN COX, 404 acres other part Granted said JOHN COX by Patent 10 Jan. 1748/49 [Patent Book 28, page 494], and 686 acres the Residue never before Granted.

From LCDB 7:

Pages 162-164, 2 Feb. 1762 –  JOHN COX to Frederick Cox, £50, 330 acres in Lunenburg Co., Blew Stone Creek, adjoining Cox’s road, Burrel, Tanner, [Moore?]. Signed: JOHN COX. Recorded: 2 Feb. 1762.

Pages 164-165, 2 Feb. 1762 – JOHN COX to Micajer Smithinson, £50, 330 acres in Lunenburg Co., Blewstone Creek at COX’S road, adjoining Burrel & road. Signed: JOHN COX. Recorded 2 Feb. 1762.

From LCDB 9:

Pages 359-361, 8 Nov. 1763 – William Readman to JOHN COX, both of Lunenburg Co., £40, 300 acres in Lunenburg Co., branches Stanton River, Walles [Walls’s?} Creek, adjoining Richd. Randolph, Joseph Morton, Gore. Signed: William Redman. Witnesses: P. Carrington, Nat. Williams Junr., William Redman Junr. Recorded 9 Feb. 1764.

On January 10, 1764 Thomas Lanier of Granville County, North Carolina (Lunenburg County Court Justice, 1746-47 and 1761/Bell, The Old Free State, p. 330) deeded 200 acres of land to David Christopher of Lunenburg County, Virginia, which was located on both sides of Great Bluestone Creek at the Wolf Branch; purchased from John Cox on May 5, 1761.  This land adjoined land of a Mr. Thompson and even more land owned by John Cox.  Witnesses to this deed were Mat Marable, Robert Burton and John Glen.  It was recorded on April 12, 1764.  Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Lanier, relinquished her dower right to said land.  From LCDB 9: pages 429-431:

10 Jan. 1764 – Thomas Lanier of Granville Co., NC, to David Christopher of Lunenburg Co., £120, 200 acres in Lunenburg Co., both sides Great Bluestone Creek, bought of JOHN COX 5 May 1761, Wolf Branch, adjoining Thompson, a pond, COX’S back line. Signed: Thomas Lanier. Witnesses: Mat Marable, Robt. Burton, John Glen. Recorded 12 April 1764. Elizabeth, wife of Lanier, relinquished her dower right.

From LCDB 8:

Pages 120-122, 14 June 1764 – JOHN COX THE ELDER to John Cox the Younger, both of Lunenburg Co., £500, 550 acres in Lunenburg Co. where the younger Cox lives, Finnywood Creek, Maherrin River, adjacent Evans, Marable, and Miller. Signed: JOHN COX. Recorded: 14 June 1764.

Capt. John Cox, Gent. served as vestryman of Cumberland parish from 1749 to 1757 (Cumberland Parish Register, pp. 26-29).  This means that he was among the first to serve as a vestryman in said parish, along with Abraham Martin, Lyddall Bacon, Daniel Claiborne, Thomas Lanier, and Field Jefferson, among others.  These vestrymen had up to seven churches built within a two-year period after the formation of the parish (Bell, The Old Free State, 357-58/365).

                John Cox served as church warden for Cumberland Parish in 1749 and 1750 (ibid, pp. 29-31).  He also served as Justice of the County Court (Justice of the Peace) of Lunenburg County from 1748 to 1757.  He was an active participant in the deliberations of the court at least from 1754 to 1757.  And, in 1755, the records show that there was a petition presenting the relocation of “this Court House to Mr. John Cox’s.”

                John and Mary Cox resided on Blue Stone Creek in Lunenburg County from 1757 to at least 1761, and were members of St. James Parish, Church of England at that time.  And, as already indicated, John Cox served as Captain of the Lunenburg Militia as early as 1759, apparently holding this position until his death.  Later in life he was often called, and even referred to himself, as “John Cox the Elder.” 

The Journal of the House of Burgesses also contains an order that the estate of John Cox, deceased, be taxed with the cost of a gun and bayonet impressed for the use of Capt. John Cox of the Lunenburg Militia (Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg County, Virginia, 1746-1816, pp. 195-199).  John Cox wrote his Will on April 5, 1762 (proven on July 15, 1764 and recorded on September 13, 1764), mentioning that he was “sick and weak” physically, but sound mentally.  He died in St. James Parish, Lunenburg County, Virginia.

                The children of John and Mary Cox were John C. (January 6, 1736/37-bef. June 9, 1794?), Anne “Nancy” (1724-July 3, 1828), Dilitia (b. c1726), Edith (c1728-c1802), Mary (b. c1728), Talitha (c1745-July 3, 1828), Fredrick (c1739-c1781, Cumberland County, Virginia), and Bartlett “Bartley” (c1748-bef. November 1, 1792).

The Will of John Cox mentions all of these children.  It was written before Talitha, his daughter, was married to Isham Browder (c1732-c1784).  John Cox left most of his property to his wife, Mary, for the balance of her lifetime, or until she remarried, as it was stipulated.  Their son, John C. Cox, was named Executor.

The Last Will and Testament of John Cox from Lunenburg County, Virginia (Lunenburg County Will Book 2, p. 232):

I, JOHN COX THE ELDER of Lunenburg County and Parish of St. James, sick and weak of body but of sound and perfect memory.

To my wife, during her natural life or widowhood – 8 negroes, to wit, Aaron, Judy, Peter, Beck, Sharper, Abraham, Amy & Fanny, and all my household furniture (except 2 beds and their furniture and a desk), and 3 horses named Jenny, Pusy, and Scuball.  Also, the stock of cattle, sheep & hogs.  At her death or marriage, all the moveables of the estate to be left at the discretion of my son John Cox, to be equally divided as he thinks proper, amongst himself & my living issue.

To my daughter Ann Ship – Negro boy George, which she now has in her possession.

To Nanny Ship, daughter of said Anne Ship – Negro boy Isaac.

To my son John Cox – Negro wench Frank and a bed and furniture (to be disposed of by him for the use of my daughter Delita Chandler, or her 2 children, Rebeckah & Keziah Chandler.

To my daughter Mary Smithson – Negro girl Lucy.

To Keziah Smithson, daughter of the said Mary – Negro boy Aaron.

To my daughter Edith Minor – Negro boy James.

To Letitia Minor, daughter to the said Edith – Negro child Beck.

To my daughter TALLITHA COX – Negro girl Jenny & Negro boy Andrew, and a good horse and saddle & 1 feather bed & furniture & £10.

To my son Frederick Cox – I lend him a Negro man named Matt & a Negro boy named Harry, during his natural life, and then to return to his heirs lawfully begotten.

To Franky Coleman Cox, daughter of the said Frederick – Negro boy Peter.

To my son Bartley Cox – the plantation & land & appurtenances after the death or marriage of my WIFE. Also, Negroes Venture, Betty & Bob, & 1 feather bed & furniture & a desk, a large bay mare called Jewel, and a small white horse.

To my granddaughter Mary Cox, daughter of John Cox – Negro boy Jerry.

To my son John Cox – the rest of my estate.

Executors: my wife MARY COX & my son John Cox.

Signed: JOHN COX.

Witnesses: Benjamin Clark, William Naish, Thomas Taylor, Benjn. Whitehead, Jr.

At M. Court of 13 Sept. 1764, the will of JOHN COX, Gent., decd., was exhibited in court by executor John Cox the Younger, proved by the oaths of the witnesses, and ordered recorded.  John Cox the Younger was granted a certificate for obtaining a probate.

John’s Will was written on July 15, 1764, and was probated on September 13, 1764.  Two things are apparent from this Will.  First, Talitha Cox-Browder acquired part of the property of John Cox after the death of his wife, Mary.  Second, it seems obvious that Talitha was, perhaps, John Cox’s favorite daughter, as she received more property than any of her sisters.  Note that Talitha was not yet married at the time this Will was written.  It should also be noted that one of the grandchildren named in the Will had the middle name Coleman, showing that the likely maiden name of Mary Cox was Coleman.

                It is believed that Mary could have been the daughter of either John or James Coleman, both of whom resided near John and Mary Cox.  Or these two could have been her brothers.  After the death of John Cox, Mary, his wife, moved to Wilkes County, Georgia, along with some of her children and several Coleman families. 

The following is the Last Will and Testament of Mary Cox:  From: Wilkes County, Georgia Will Book 1792-1801, p. 126:

The Last Will and Testament of MARY COX

                In the name of God Amen I MARY COX of the County of Wilkes the state of Georgia being sick and week of body but of Sound and perfect Sence & Memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same & Calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all people once to dy do make Constitute and ordain this my last will and testament in manner & form following.

                Item.  I give & bequeath to my three Grand daughters Jane Cox, Susannah Cox & Elizabeth Cox, Daughters of my son Bartley Cox Deceased one Bed & the furniture thereto Belonging & the whole of my other house hold and kitchen furniture Together with the whole of my estate whether consisting of any kind of property whether real or personal or monies … that may be due me on account of my negroes or on any other account whatever to be equally divided between the said Jane Cox, Susannah Cox & Elizabeth Cox to be pleasibly possessed & enjoyed by then & their heirs forever & Should either of them dicease in the minority my will & desire is that there part be equally divided between the Surviving ones  In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal this fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety three. Lastly I appoint there mother Susannah Cox executrix to this my last will & Testament.

her

        MARY x COX

                Mark                                                                                      

Witness:  Gab. Carleton

                Wm. Puryear

                James Burnes

State of Georgia, Wilkes County            Personally appeared before me Gabriel Carlton, Wm. Puryear and James Burns the Subscribing Witnesses to the within will and being by me duly sworn on the holy Evangelist of Almighty God deposeth & said that they saw MARY COX Sign Seal publish and declare the within instrument of writing to be her last will and Testament & that at the time of the so doing she was of sound mind and memory. Proved approved & Exhibited 5th December 1794

D. Terrell, RPWC

One should note the obvious, that Talitha Cox-Browder is not mentioned in the Will of her mother at all.  This is not surprising since Talitha had likely already, technically, received her inheritance from her father, and was due nothing more.  Said inheritance was supposed to take place upon the death of Mary.  So, it seems to me that Talitha would have returned to Virginia sometime following the death of her mother to wrap things up, and then she returned to Rockingham County, North Carolina.  This is most likely what accounts for, at least in part, the presence of Talitha and her children in Virginia during the 1780s and 1790s.  They had all gone back to Virginia to wrap up the estate of her father after all those years, and remained, probably longer than planned, for two reasons – (1) Isham’s untimely death and (2) to see to the education of the children while there. 

                An inventory of the estate of Mary Cox, deceased, taken on February 6, 1795 (Wilkes County, Georgia Estate Records), shows the following items:

“1½ dozen hard mettle plates, one hand trunk, one looking glass, one feather bed and furniture, one hand bellows, one copper coffee pot, two small leather trunks and one split-bottom chair. 

It was recorded on February 12, 1795. NOTE: I did not state this latter nearly as well as I should have in my book, “Faces of Our Ancestors”.  It is simply clear that Isham and Talitha Browder, along with their children, had some reason to return to Virginia during this time-period, and this had to have been the main reason, although there could have also been other reasons having to do with the Revolution.

Select Bibliography:

Bell, Landon C.  Cumberland Parish Lunenburg County, Virginia 1746-1816, Vestry Book 1746-1816; transcribed by: Thomas Walter Duda.  Lunenburg County Virginia Marriages Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths by the Rev. John     Cameron.  Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing   Company, Inc., 1974, pp. 299-320.

Bell, Landon C.  The Old Free State; A Contribution to the History of Lunenburg County and Southside Virginia., Vol. II.  Richmond, Va.: The William Byrd Press, Inc. Printers.  Copyright 1927 by      Landon C. Bell.

Cox, Ms. Edgar L.  Kentucky Family Records, Vol. 2.  “Early Virginia Ancestors of our Cox Family and Their Colonial Cousins” compiled by Ms. David O. Reichein, submitted by Ms. Opal Cox Avant.

Hopkins, Walter Lee.  Hopkins of Virginia and Related Families.

Hopkins, William Lindsay.  Surry County, Virginia Deeds 1684-1733 and Other Court Papers.

Meyer, Virginia M.  Order of First Families of Virginia, Adventures of Purse and Person: Virginia 1607–1624/5 and 1623-1666, Vols. 1-5.  Richmond, Virginia: Diet Press, 1987 (third edition) and 1992.

Nugent, Nell Marion.  Abstracts of Land Patents & Grants, Cavaliers and Pioneers, 1963.

Nugent, Nell Marion.  Cavaliers and Pioneers Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants 1623-1800, Vols. 1-5, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1979.

Tolbert, Bettie Hill.  The Coleman Family from Caroline County, Virginia Order Books, 1985.

Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, XXII, Vol. 4; XXIII, Vol. 1 and XXIV, Vol. 1.

The Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly.  November 1986.

The Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Nov. 1986; Nov. 1987.

Weisiger, Benjamin III.  Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia Part One 1677-1737 (With Miscellaneous Documents Beginning in 1654).  Abstracted and compiled by Benjamin Weisiger  III.