Granbery

THE PERRY FAMILY – by Benjamin Brodie Winborne

CHAPTER II

PHILLIP PERRY, SR.

During the second quarter of the 17th century Phillip Perry, Sr., came to America from old England and settled within the boundries of Isle of Wight County, Va. This county was one of the eight original shires of Virginia, as the counties were then called, and embraced the territory of Southampton County, Va., up to 1748, and bordered on the North Carolina line.

Phillip Perry represented some of the most sterling and worthy families of the Old Country who grew tired and weary with the tyranny, oppression and cruel wars of England, to gratify the bloody ambitions of dishonorable schemers to gain power that they might revel in disgrace and crime.

He became a large landowner and a prominent and respected citizen of Isle of Wight County. He served with honor his county and province in several important official positions. He was the uncle of the old London merchant, Micajah Perry. Phillip was a cherished family name, as shown by the persistency of the family in retaining it through generations.

Among the old records of Isle of Wight County, Va., we find the will of Phillip Perry, dated November 20, 1667,and probated October 9, 1669. He gives his age as “70 years or thereabouts,” and mentions his wife, Grace, and sons Phillip and John, under age. In July, 1686, Thos. Green, of Isle of Wight County, consigns his tobacco to Micajah Perry and Thomas Lane, London, for sale. In 1693 John Perry, of the same county, son of Phillip Perry, deceased, conveyed a tract of land in that county to Col. Joseph Bridger, lying in Whitemarsh.

Capt. John Perry, of Westmoreland County, Va., was a prominent man in his section prior to 1661. Whether he was the brother of Phillip Perry can not be ascertained, nor can we trace the relationship, if any, between them. Phillip Perry, Sr., had other sons than Phillip and John. James Perry, Jacob Perry and Joseph Perry were also his sons.

After the 17th century many of the well-to-do families of Virginia left the colony and moved to the more attractive lands and homes in the old Albemarle section of North Carolina. Among those who were attracted by the rich soil, beautiful homes, delightful climate and good government were several of the members of the Perrys of southwestern Virginia, as it will now appear.

In the old records of Edenton, N.C. we find a grant of land from Jeremiah Perry and wife, Jane, to Christian Blount, dated October 8, 1694.

Francis and Jeremiah Perry are familiar names in the Virginia and North Carolina familes. Capt. Henry Perry, of Northampton County, Va., was closely connected with Capt. Francis Pott’s family, and Captain Perry and wife are mentioned in the will of Captain Pott, which is dated in October, 1658.

The Francis Perry, the Jeremiah Perry and the John Perry to whom the Earl of Granville granted lands in Franklin County, N. C., about the middle of the 18th century, were from Chowan and Perquimans counties, N.C. The Perrys of Virginia were also connected by marriage with the leading Virginia family of Kennons, who intermarried with the Bullocks of Granville County, N.C. They were also connected by marriage with the old Broadnax family of the Old Dominion.

In 1707 Daniel Pugh, of Nansemond, conveyed a tract of land to Samuel Smith lying on Middle Sawmp, adjoining the lands of John Perry and others. Serveral of the Perrys owned land on this swamp. In 1719 James Perry and wife, Patience, of Nansemond County, conveyed land on Middle Swamp, that runs out of Bennett’s Creek in Chowan County, N. C., to his brother, John Perry of Nansemond County, Va., and Jacob Perry is one of the witnesses to the deed. In 1715 Francis West, of Nansemond County, in his will speaks of Judith and Thomas Perry. Judith Perry married Abram Hill, of Nansemond County, Va., and they moved to North Carolina. On July 26, 1740, they conveyed to John Perry, of Bertie, 100 acres of land, and in 1756 they conveyed to Josiah Granberry a tract of land in Bertie (now Hertford) on Meherrin Swamp, which was purchased from John Perry, of Bertie County.

In 1728 Benjamin Perry conveyed to Thomas Lane, the old London merchant, 140 acres of land lying on the Chowan River and Deep Run. Susannah Perry, his sister, is a witness to the deed. Thomas Speight, of Nansemond, in 1700 conveyed land in North Carolina to John Perry. I have been unable to locate this land, but it was in the Albemarle section.

In 1734, 1735 and 1736 we find William Perry signing as witness to deeds for lands in Chowan and Bertie counties. Several of the children of Phillip Perry, Sr., of Isle of Wight County, Va., and several of his brothers moved to Perquimans County. His grandson, Phillip, died in Perquimans in 1751, leaving a will in which he speaks of his son Jesse, and Phillip, brothers John and Joseph and Jacob Perry, son of his brother Joseph. In 1759 Joseph and Benjamin Perry witnessed the will of Joseph Riddick, of Perquimans.

In 1749 Jacob Perry, Sr., Israel Perry and Jacob Perry, Jr., witnessed the will of Issac Wilson in Perquimans, who married the daughter of Jacob, brother to Israel, Phillip and Benjamin Perry.

ISRAEL PERRY

Israel Perry, son of John Perry and wife, Mary, and grandson of Phillip Perry, Sr., died in 1779, leaving a will. His sons were Josiah, Israel, John, Cader, Jacob, Jesse, and daughters, Millicent, Ruth, Rachel, Ann and Priscilla. He had other children. He appointed his brother Phillip Perry and Thomas Twine his executors, and Jacob and Benjamin Perry are witnesses to the will.

Ruth Perry married Micajah Hill, of Perquimans County, May 12, 1763. Rachel married Richard Skinner December 11, 1770. Priscilla married Thomas Twine.

Jacob Perry, the brother of Israel and Phillip, died about 1777. His will is dated March 4, 1775, and probated in October, 1777. His children mentioned are Jacob, Israel, Reuben, Dempsey and John, and daughters, Priscilla, wife of Dempsey Welch, Ann, wife of Caleb Winslow, and grandson, Isaac Wilson, son of Isaac Wilson, Sr., and daugher Hepzibah, wife of Hardy Stallings. Jacob Perry, Sr., the son of Benjamin Perry and wife, Susan, who made the conveyance of land in 1728, was brother of Benjamin Perry II, and died in 1790. He mentions in his will his wife, Mary, sons, Miles, Leah, Lawrence and Benjamin Perry, and daughters Hepsebeth and Sally Mariah Bunch, Mary Perry and granddaughter, Priscilla Perry, daughter of Leah Perry.

His brother Benjamin is one of the witnesses to his will.

Jacob’s daughter, Mary, died unmarried in 1797, and she speaks in her will of her mother, Mary, cousins Mary and Hannah Bunch, and cousin John Perry, the son of Israel, cousin Jacob Boyce and brother, Lawrence Perry.

Jesse Perry, son of Israel Perry, married December 12, 1777, Miss Elizabeth Lindner.

STEPHEN B. WEEKS

Sallie Perry, daughter of Jacob Perry,Sr., married about the year 1790, shortly after the death of her father, Lemuel Weeks. There were six children by this marriage–John, James, Hugh, Polly, who married Cornelius Raper, a daughter who married a Benton, and Nancy.

James and Hugh died young and without issue.

Lemuel Weeks died in the year 1803, leaving his wife, Sally, and son, John, and several granchildren surviving him. The widow died in 1826 at the home of her son, John Weeks, on Little River in Pasquotank County, N. C.

Lemuel Weeks was the son of Thomas Weeks (who died in 1808) and wife, of Perquimans County, N. C.

John Weeks, the son of Lemuel Weeks and wife, Sally, was the grandfather of Stephen B. Weeks, the distinguished writer and historian of North Carolina.

CHAPTER III
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BENJAMIN PERRY

There were three Benjamin Perrys among the older members in Perquimans. Benjamin Perry I died March 11, 1788. His wife was named Susan, and they had several children, among them were Benjamin II, who died January 10, 1784, and his wife, Hannah, died November, 1791. Benjamin Perry III represented Perquimans County in the House of Commons in 1790. The first Benjamin had a son named Ezekiel, who moved to Hertford County prior to the Revolutionary War and settled in the St John’s section.

Joseph Perry, of Perquimans, died in 1801, and Jesse died in the same year. Jesse left the following children: Mary, Elizabeth, Millicent, Rachel, who married a Nicholson, Benjamin, John and Josiah; Margaret, Christian, Martha, Sally, Asenith, William and Robert.

Jesse was a son of Phillip Perry, Sr. and uncle of Josiah Perry who mored to Bertie County the latter part of the 18th century and settled near the Powellsville section.

Robert Perry, the son of Jesse, represented Perquimans County in the House of Commons in 1817, 1818, 1819 and again in 1826 and 1827, and Josiah, his brother, represented the county in 1834.

Jesse Perry married Miss Elizabeth Lindner December 12, 1777.

Phillip, the son of Jacob Perry, died in 1809, leaving sons, Isaac, Seth, Daniel, John; daughters, Millicent, Chloe Riddick, Christian White and Elizabeth Saunders.

Thomas Perry died in 1814, and speaks of his mother, Millicent, and brother, James.

Jacob Perry died in 1814, leaving his wife, Sarah, and brother, John, surviving.

Benjamin Perry III married Millicent Riddick, of Perquimans, December 13, 1785, and they had the following children : Mary, born October 26, 1786; Thomas, born January 27, 1789; James, born August 13, 1792; Joseph, born December 20, 1796; Christian, born December 20, 1798.

William Hollowell married Mary Perry July 6, 1778. She was probably a daughter of Israel Perry, Sr. The latter had several daughters and sons whose names are not on the old memoranda before me.

Reuben Perry married Elizatbeth Pearson January 18, 1780.

Amos Perry married his cousin, Elizabeth Perry, February 10, 1783.

Thomas Stanton married, also, a Miss Elizabeth Perry August 28, 1784.

Israel Perry, Jr., married Miriam Hollowell April 4, 1785.

Seth Perry married Mary Riddick December 29, 1785.

Susannah Perry married Moses Howard June 2, 1790.

Leverne Garriss married Sarah Perry December 27, 1791. She was the daughter of Jacob Perry, Sr.

Jacob Perry married Ruth Chappell August 18, 1791, and Reuben Perry, his brother, married Dorcas Chappell January 11, 1791.

William Perry, heretofore mentioned, married Ferebe White April 21, 1791.

The Perrys of Tidewater Virginia not only sent representatives of their families to northeastern North Carolina, but some of them moved to other parts of Virginia and North Carolina. Franklin County, N. C., and that section of the State became the home of several of them, I have been careful in giving the names of the heads of the several families and the children to show that the North Carolina Perrys are of the same families that settled in Tidewater Virginia in the 17th century.

I shall now proceed to give a sketch of Ezekiel Perry’s family, of Hertford County, and of Josiah Perry’s family, who settled in Bertie County near the Hertford County line in the latter part of the 17th century.

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Source: The Perry Family of Hertford County, North Carolina by Benjamin Brodie Winborne, published in 1909.

SPIVEY

In deed book 10, page 62, Norfolk Co Va, can be seen the will of Matthew Spivey dated Feb 16, 1718. He bequeathed to Extrix “the use of my water Mill, & Rents of my lands, use of Cattle, and old Cows, with my Stock of Hoggs in the hands of Edward Wood, Edward Weston, and William Ward, in the Government of N. C.” To said Extrix, use of lands “for bringing up my four youngest Children” dau Sarah, son Matthew, “when he comes of full size, to him my Maner plantation, with Water Mill, at age provided he affirm Saile for tract of Land in the tenor of John Staford, unto my son George Spivey.” Children: Sarah, Judith, Tamer, Elizabeth, Matthew, & George Spivey. To Wm Joshson “one coate.” Appointed “Mother, Mrs. Judith Nichols, & dau Sarah Extrix” jointly. Test’ Hannah Holiday, Robert, & John Bowers, Thomas Maning.

John Granbery of Nansemond Co Va, made a deed in Norfolk Co Vir, “with consent of Ann his wife,” unto Moses Prescott of Norfolk Co, “Land on Northwest River,” patented by John Creekmore, April 20, 1689, and sold by him to Daniel Browne, June 24, 1691, by said Browne, conveyed to Maj John Nichols, and bequeathed by him to his dau Ann “now wife of said Granbery” 100a. July 13, 1704. Test’ Nath’l Wilder, Matthew Spivey, Sarah Spivey, Judith Nichols.
Ann Granbery of Nansemond Co, appointed “brother Matthew Spivey” to act as her attorney, July 15, 1704. (As Judith, mother of Matthew, will 1718, m 2d Nichols, as before seen, Ann was probably a “step-sister” of Matthew Spivey, Jr.)
Matthew Spivey was J. P. in Norfolk Co Va, July 16, 1704.
George Spivey, obtained a grant in Nansemond Co Va, Oct 22, 1666, “near the head of Southern Branch,” and John Spivey had a grant Oct 28, 1697, “at a place called ‘planters delight’ ” on E. side of Southern Branch.
Thomas Spivey of Chowan Co N. C. deeded land, 150a to his son Jacob, on west side of Catherine’s Creek (Gates Co), and he with wife Mary conveyed 100a on South side of said Creek, unto Moses Hill, Apl 18, 1720. William Hill of Chowan, was “son-in-law” of Thomas Spivey, and had son Moses Hill, wife Mary. (Will Chowan, p 10, 1mo 1750/1.) Thomas Spivey, & wife Mary, sold 200a on North side of Catherine’s Creek, called “Meherrin Neck” unto—James Griffin, July 15, 1717. Test’ Abram Spivey, Thomas Rountree.
The will of Thomas Spivey, p in Chowan Co. Feb 7, 1729/30. Sons: Benjamin, Jacob, Thomas, & William.
Benjamin Spivey of N. C. sold to John Edwards of “Lower pish” Isle of Wight Co, Va, “for 16 barrels of Tarr, and 600 lbs of Tob” Land in Lower parish, which was part of a patent for 1800a, patented in 1680. Seal April 20 1723.
Thomas Spivey made a deed of gift to his son Benjamin, 496a “as per Patent to me” on N. E. side of Katherine’s Creek. 1715/6.
George Spivey, conveyed 100a, on Catherine’s Creek, unto Thomas Walton Jr. Dec 4, 1734. Test’ Benj Spivey.
Littleton Spivey made a deed in Chowan Co, to John Benton, conveying 40a “where John Spivey, father of said Littleton, lately lived, which he bequeathed to Littleton, & John Spivey his sons.” Jane Spivey of Nansemond Co made a deed soon after this, and she is thought to be wife of John dec’d.
Champion Spivey was dead, 1794, division names the following children: John, Dorothy, Delia, & Rachel.
Sarah & Zilpha Spivey were dau’s of Palatiah Walton of Chowan Co. Nov 6, 1776.

MARRIAGES

Spivey, John, m Rhoady Ward. May 9, 1790. (Chowan mar bonds.)
Spivey, Josiah, m Orpha Hurdle, Mar 9, 1802. (Chowan mar bonds.)
Spivey, William, m Charity White, Dec 21, 1807. (Chowan mar bonds.)
Spivey, Seth, m Lovey Ward, July 25, 1808. (Chowan Mar bonds.)
Spivey, William, m Louisa Vandermon, Nov 25, 1831. (Chowan mar bonds.)
Spivey, Nathaniel, died 1758. (Records Chowan Co.)

Source: History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

PERRY

Phillip Perry emigrated to Va, and settled in Isle of Wight Co, where he acquired large land holdings. He was uncle of Micajah Perry, London Merchant; who died 1721. The will of Phillip Perry was p in Isle of Wight Co Va, Oct 9, 1669, at which time he gave his age as 70 years. His will names sons: Phillip, & John, “under age” wife Grace. John son of Phillip Perry, conveyed a place called “Whitemarsh” to Col Joseph Bridger, 1673 (Isle of Wight Records). John Perry of “Upper pish of Nansemun Co Vir” for 5000 lbs of Tob, pd by Col Nathaniel Bacon, sold 70a in Lower pish of Isle of Wight Co” May 26, 1675. June 7, 1675, Elizabeth Perry acknowledged her dower to sd land. Phillip Perry had other sons, than Phillip, & John. These sons: James, Jacob, & Joseph, all moved to N. C. James to Chowan, where he made a deed to his brother John Perry of Nansemond Co Va, with consent of wife Patience, land on “Middle Swamp.” As Middle Swamp is in what is now Gates Co, then a part of Chowan, it seems certain that this conveyance was in the last named county. Jacob Perry witnessed this deed. The will of Timothy Clare is authority for the fact that said Jacob Perry, m Hepzibath dau of said Clare (step-daughter) and it is thought, but not proven that she was a dau of his 2d wife Elizabeth—(maiden name unknown). All of the children of Timothy Clare are placed without doubt, but Hepzibeth, and she is not named in the last clause of his will. His children were by the first wife Mary Bundy, & the last one Hannah, by Hannah née Larance (widow of Israel Snelling). Therefore it seems evident that Hepzibeth Perry was not his blood child.
Among emigrants to Va in “Bonaventure” Jan 1634, are found Thomas Perry, age 34, Dorothy Perry age 36, Ben Perry age 4. (Hotten.)
Benjamin Perry Sr, died Mch 11, 1788. Hannah Perry, widow of Benjamin, died Nov —, 1791.
Benjamin Perry Jr (s of Benjamin, & Susan) died Jan 10, 1784. The elder Benjamin Perry was a brother of Micajah, wealthy commission merchant of London. Both Benjamin and Phillip’s descendants migrated to Perq Co, at quite an early date. The Tithe, and Tax List in this county show where they lived, and in some cases how much land they owned. Micajah Lowe in his will, 1703, mentions his uncle Micajah Perry of London, who in his will 1721 names “sister Elizabeth Evens,” dau Sarah Perry, with her two sons (not named). The Elizabeth Evens here named may have been, wife of Richard Eivens of Perq, who died 1693, naming wife Elizabeth.
Judith, & Thomas Perry are named in the will of Francis West of Nansemond Co, Va, 1715. She m Abram Hill of said County, and they moved to N. C. They sold to John Perry of Bertie Co, 100a, 1756, and to Josiah Granbery land in same Co, which is now situated in Hertford Co. Several of the children of Phillip Perry moved to Perq, as did also some of his brothers. His gr-son Phillip died in Perq 1751, and names in his will, sons: Jesse, & Phillip, brothers John, Joseph & Jacob. He left to son Jesse “land on Little River” and to Phillip “plantation whereon I now live.” dau’s: Sarah, Mary, Rachel, Jude, Elizabeth, and Miriam. Jacob (son of Jacob) is made Exor. Witnessed by Benjamin, & Elizabeth Perry.
Jacob Perry Sr (s of Benjamin, & Susan) was brother of Benjamin Perry II. Died 1790, will probated July of said year. He names wife Mary, sons: Miles, Lawrence and Benjamin, Dau’s: Hepsebeth, Sarah, & Mary Perry, Maria Bunch, and gr-dau Priscilla Perry (d of Leah). Test’ Jacob, & Jos. Riddick, Benj Perry.
Perry, Benjamin (3) m Millicent Riddick, Dec 13, 1785, issue: 1 Mary, b Oct 26, 1786—2 Thomas, b Jan 27, 1789—3 James, b Aug 13, 1792—4 Joseph, b Aug 20, 1796—5 Christian, b Dec 20, 1798.
Perry, Israel (s of John & wife Mary, gr-son of Phillip Sr), died in Perq county 1779, will p May 27, 1779. Sons: Josiah, Israel, John Cader, & Jacob, Dau’s: Millicent, Ruth, Rachel, & Ann Perry, dau Priscilla Twine. Wife (not named). His brother Phillip, & Thomas Twine were Exrs. Of these children; Ruth, m Micajah Hill of Perq, May 12, 1763. Rachel, m Richard Skinner, Dec 11, 1770. Priscilla, m Thomas Twine.
Perry, Jacob (s of John, & Mary, brother of Israel, & Phillip) will Perq, p Oct 1777. Sons: Jacob, Israel, & Reuben, dau Priscilla Welch (wife of Dempsey) dau Hepzibah Stallings (wife of Hardy) dau Ann Winslow (wife of Caleb) sons Dempsey, and John, gr-son Isaac Wilson (s of Isaac) wife Ann.
Joseph Perry of Perq died 1801. Jesse Perry the same year.
Perry, Jesse (s of Israel) m Elizabeth Linder. His will Perq p Nov 1801, names sons: Benjamin, John, Josiah, William, & Robert, dau’s: Margaret, Christian, Martha, Sally, Asenith, wife Elizabeth, Leg: Mary, Elizabeth, & Millicent Nicholson. Of these children: Sally m 1790 Lemuel Weeks, & had John, James, Hugh, Polly (who m Cornelius Raper) another dau m — Benton. Nancy, James, & Hugh died unmarried.

MARRIAGES

Perry, Mary, m William Hollowell, July 6, 1778. (From Judge Benj B. Winbourne’s book, on the Perry family.)
Perry, Reuben, m Elizabeth Pearson, Jan 18, 1780.
Perry, Amos, m his cousin, Elizabeth Perry, Feb 10, 1783.
Perry, Elizabeth, m Thomas Stanton, Aug 28, 1784.
Perry, Israel Jr, m Miriam Hollowell, Apl 4, 1785.
Perry, Seth, m Mary Riddick, Dec 29, 1785.
Perry, Susannah, m Moses Howard, June 2, 1790.
Perry, Sarah, m Leverne Garriss, Dec 27, 1791 (d of Jacob Sr).
Perry, Jacob, m Ruth Chappell, Jan 11, 1791.
Perry, Josiah (s of Israel Sr, & wife Priscilla) b in Perq Co, Nov 19, 1741, m Elizabeth Twine (d of John, & Pleasant) lived in Pasq county, and was a lawyer of note, moving from that county to Bertie, where he m 2d — Freeman. Marriage bonds Perq Co.
Perry, Reuben, m Dorcas Chappell, Jan 11, 1791. (2d marriage.)
Perry, William, m Ferebe White, Apl 21, 1791.

Source: History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

LEIGH

Agnes De Leigh dau of Richard De Leigh, great gr-son of Hamon, Lord of High Leigh, temp Henry II. Agnes Leigh m 3 times, her 3d husband being Sir William Venerables, Knt (2d son of William Baron of Kinderton) and had issue: John who took the name of Leigh before the reign of Edward 1st. He m twice, and had by 2d wife, Ellen (d of Thomas De Corona of Adlington) sons: Robert, who became the progenitor of the Leighs of Adlington; Sir William the ancestor of the Leighs of Eisall; Peter founder of Leighs of Becton, 4th: Gilbert De Leigh, who had son: John of Chester, m Cecelia De Townley, ancestor of Lord Leigh, & Gilbert De Leigh (16 Edward 3d) m Alice, dau of Robert Vernon. His son John, m Clara Fenton (d of Thomas) issue: Gilbert De Leigh, of Middleton 1466, issue: Gilbert De Leigh, who m Margaret, 6th child of Walter, & Elizabeth (Mackingfield) Calverly, of Ewel Castle, Surry, England, issue: Francis Leigh of London, who m Alice Lightfoot, had issue: Sir Francis Leigh, Director of the London company, issue: Lawrence of Virginia, who had Col William Leigh of Virginia, who had William Leigh of West Point, King William Co Va, who had Gilbert Leigh of King William, & Westmoreland Co Va, and Perquimans Co, N. C.
In 1608 Henry Dawkes, & his brother-in-law William Leigh both of London, took a bill of adventure from London Company, & settled at Varina in 1632, which was for a long period the county seat of Henrico Co. A son of William Leigh was “Capt Leigh of London,” & York Co Va, who died in York Co, 1684/5. He was at the time of his death Admr of the Estate of Phillip Lightfoot, thought to be either his bro-in-law, or uncle-in-law. Elizabeth Lightfoot (wife of John of London) in a will p in London, Dec 24, 1686, names James Leigh as “Son-in-law.” It is thought that George, Edward, Capt Francis, & William, were all sons of William Leigh, the emigrant to Virginia. Francis Leigh was a member of the Col Council in Va, 1680.
John Leigh was transported to Va, by Thos Knight, Lower Norfolk Co, Apl 23, 1647.
James Leigh was living on Riverside, & Tanners Creek, Princess Anne Co Va, prior to 1670. This may be the James named in will of Elizabeth Lightfoot of London, as “son-in-law.”
Gilbert Leigh of King William, & Westmoreland Co Va. moved to N. C. where he m in Perquimans Co, Elizabeth Foster. Gilbert Leigh was a contractor, & builder, and it is claimed he erected the present Court house in Edenton. He was living in Chowan Co 1765, where he took the contract for many public buildings, and for his enterprises accumulated quite a fortune. In 1774 he purchased lands in Durants Neck, Perquimans Co, where he resided until his death. His will in Perq Co, Nov 27, 1791, names wife Elizabeth, dau Mary Whedbee, sons: Francis, Richard, Thomas, James, & Benjamin. Test’ Benj Bedgood, Nicholas Wressell, Sam’l Knight.
Thomas Leigh, & family were residents of Chowan Co, Apl 1711.
Richard Leigh, (s of Gilbert) m Charlotte Spruell, issue: Richard (2) who m & had L. B. Leigh of Little Rock, Ark.
James Leigh (s of Gilbert, of Durants Neck, m 1st — Layden, and 2d Mary Barclift, issue: 1 James, m 1st Mary Granbery, 2d — Gray—2 Lavinia, m — Riddick—3 Martha, m Richard Blount, & had Richard Blount (?), m Rebecca Whedbee, and Martha, m Seth Whedbee—3 Edward youngest child who m 1st Margaret Jacocks, by whom one daughter Susan Jacocks, m Samuel Harrell of Norfolk Va, issue one daughter Margaret, m 1st — Feribee, m 2d Sager. By Mr. Ferebee three sons. Edward Leigh had by 2d wife, Grizzell Jacocks (sister of first wife) 1 Edward, m Mary Coke (d of Dr Coke of Edenton) 2 Grizzell (unmarried), 3 John, married living north—4 Martha (Mattie) m C. C. Winslow, four children—Maud, m John Dobson of Huntington West Va, three children.
James Leigh (2) James (1) by wife had one son Richard, who died unmarried. By 2d wife Miss Gray one daughter Mary who m Mr. Charles Robinson of Elizabeth City N. C. and had several children, all living.
Martha (Mattie) and husband C. C. Winslow, had issue, 1 E. Leigh Winslow, M Maureen McManus of New Orleans, issue two sons. Ellen Terry, m Clyde McCallum, no issue. Emmett Julian, m Mary Clark, issue one daughter. Caleb Cook Winslow unmarried.

Source: History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

GREGORY

Rev. John Gregory appears as Rector, of Upper Parish, Nansemond County, Va, in June 1680. It is thought that he was an ancestor of Maj John Gregory, and his brother James. From Duke Creek vestry book said county, the knowledge is gained that Maj John Gregory, James (Gregorie) and his two sons, John, & Thomas were living in that part of the county, on east side of Nansemond River, “Upper Parish,” which was added to Suffolk Parish, and the opinion is advanced that Maj John Gregorie was certainly the father of James, before mentioned. He sent in his resignation as vestryman of said Parish, Nov 17, 1757, which was accepted. It is thought he was at this date old, and feeble, and he certainly died soon after. Upper Parish records, and loose papers in Perq, show that he was dead in 1760. John Gregorie’s name appears as one of the trustees who by Act of Assembly, were appointed to select a site, and establish a town called Suffolk, May 1742. (5 Henning Statutes 199.)

Mary Gregorie (sister of James) whose will was p in Chowan Co, Nov 25, 1761, made bequest to the children of her brother James, and names her “bro-in-law’s” Rev Daniel Earl, and Josiah Granbery, his wife Christian, her niece Ann Gregory and nephews: William, James, Thomas, & John Gregory, children of brother James. This will proves that James Gregory had sisters, Mary, died unmarried, as before seen, Elizabeth, who m Rev Daniel Earl, and Christian who m Josiah Granbery. John Gregory lived in Nansemond Co Va. He was Chairman of the Co Committee of Safety, 1776, and Capt in Continental line, 15 Va Reg. (See Records Land Office Richmond Va.)

James Gregory b Mar 10, 1752, m Mary Wynns d of Col Benjamin, & Margaret (Pugh) and moved to Gates Co, N. C. She was b Nov 8, 1775, which made him 23 years her senior. Margaret Pugh was dau of Col Francis Pugh, & wife Pheribe Savage of Bertie Co, N. C. She m 2d Thomas Barker of Edenton, N. C. after 1736.

James Gregory was Senator from Gates Co. and in the Gen’l Assembly of N. C. 1780-81. He died 1802, leaving wife Mary, and children: Ann, b Mar 3, 1782, m Dr Charles Worth Harvey Oct 28, 1800, d May 28, 1805, issue one son James G. Harvey, who died without issue. 2 Margaret, b Jan 1, 1785, m— Dickerson, m 2d Dr Isaac Pipkin, and had one daughter Eleanor, who m William Muse. 3 Mary Wynns Gregory, b Mar 17, 1787, m Dr John Burgess Baker of Gates Co, (s of Lawrence Baker, & Maria Burgess, d of Rev Thomas Burgess, of Halifax Co, N. C.)

James Gregory, m Patience Godwin, and had 1st William, m Sarah Moore of Perq Co, N. C. (d of Maj Charles Moore, of the Rev, and wife Sarah Hunter) 2d Thomas, m Mary Benton, July 4, 1767, issue: one son, and two daughters. 3d Ann, m Josiah Granbery (thought to be nephew of Josiah who m Christian Gregory) issue: son George, and dau’s: Bathsheba, m Jacob Gordon of Gates Co, N. C. issue: James, George, Joseph, & Jacob Gordon. 4th Elizabeth, m George A. Harvey. 5 Jenny, 6 Mary Hunter Gordon, m Isaac Hunter of Gates Co, N. C.

John Gregory of 15 Va Reg died intestate, d. s. p. Heirs: James G. Harvey, John J. Granbery, George W. Granbery Sr, Mary G. Gordon, Joseph G. Granbery, Thomas J. Granbery, George W. Granbery Jr, Bathsheba A. Granbery, Elizabeth E. Granbery, Ann Wood, Elizabeth Smith, Thomas W. Gregory, Jr., Mary Gregory, Thomas Gregory Jr, John Gregory, Margaret Pipkin, Mary W. Baker, Josiah T. Granbery, Mary Elizabeth Goodman, Jane A. Hodges, Margaret Ann Gregory, & Joseph A. Granbery. The brothers of said John were: James, Thomas, and William.

Other Gregorys in Perquimans, are probably descendants of this same line, but no data bearing on their family has appeared.

Excursus Earl.

“Parson Earl” as the Rev Daniel Earl, Episcopal minister was familiarly called by his many parishioners who loved him very much, officiated in the Churches of Perq as well as Chowan Co. He rode the entire district baptizing the children, performing marriage ceremonies in all the adjacent counties, and ministered to those bereaved by death. He lived in Chowan, where he died before May 31, 1785, will on that date, married first Elizabeth Gregory, sister of Mary (as above) and second Charity Jones, sister of Thomas, who he names in his will, Aug 2, 1775, nieces: Elizabeth, & Ann Earl, “dau’s of Rev Daniel Earl.”

History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

Samuel Granbery was living in Nansemond Co Va, before —, 11mo, 1706, at which time he attended a convivial party, at the house of one Gresson Cofield, in sd county, where he was “assaulted by John Ewans, who had drunk too freely.” The company had met together to “bee merry, drink, & fiddle,” but the record is silent as to said Granbery’s being in any way at fault. (Early Hist of Quakers.)

William Granbery, appears on the record of Lower Meeting, Nansemond Co, as a witness, to the marriage of Edmund Belson, (s of Elizabeth) of Nansemund, to Mary Crew (d of Mary Tooke, of Isle of Wight) at a Meeting at Pagan Creek, 13, 10mo 1684. John Evans was a Quaker, therefore his Church took him up on going to a dancing party. Samuel Granbery may have been of the same persuasion at this date. There is no way of knowing certainly that he was.

John Granbery, made a deed in Lower Norfolk Co Va, with consent of his wife Ann, who names herself sister of Matthew Spivey (s of Matthew, of same county) whom she made her Att’ July 15, 1704. “John Granbery, of Nansemond Co, with consent of my wife Ann” sold unto Moses Prescott, of Norfolk Co, Land on Northwest River, in sd county, formerly granted to John Creekmore, by Pat April 20, 1689, & by sd Creekmore, sold to Daniel Browne, June 24, 1691, & by sd Browne, sold to Maj John Nichols, who bequeathed same to Ann my wife,” 100a. July 13, 1704. Test’ Nath’l Miller, Matthew Spivey, Sarah Spivey. Judith Nichols.

If the Chart made by Mr. Julian Granbery, is correct, & there is no cause to doubt its absolute authenticity, it seems John Granbery had two wives, & that Ann Spivey, was the first. According to the chart mentioned, he m 2d Abigail Langley. Her parents are not given, but the Norfolk Co records, are responsible, for the fact, that Thomas Wright received a grant of 25a in sd county, for trans’ three people into the Colony, among them one Robart Langley, Dec 16, 1647. A deed made by William Langley, Lawyer of Norfolk Co, to Jeremiah Langley of same—Gent, sold to him land on Indian Creek, Northwest River, 200a, which “my father, William Langley dec’d, ye Elder, Gent—devised to Abraham Langley, & his heirs, in his will; William Langley being the Elder brother, & heir at law of sd Abraham, who sold sd land for a division, being willing to avoid any dispute.” (Norfolk Co Records.)

Matthew Spivey’s descendants moved to Chowan county N. C. This family will be dealt with later. Langley appears in Perq, county as a given name, in several families, other than Granbery.

On the Suffolk Parish Vestry book, appear the names of several Granberys, also John, & James Gregorie. John Gregorie was a Vestryman, of Chuckatuck Parish, Mar 24, 1754. Capt James Gregorie, was ordered by the Vestry, to “procession land in Nansemond Co,” by Suffolk Parish Vestrymen, Sept 2, 1755. He was one of the Church Wardens, of said Parish, for the year 1755. Benjamin Gregorie appears on the same book, in sd Parish, Nov 1, 1756-57. James Gregorie, died in year 1759, it is thought; his name does not figure on the Parish record, after Nov 13, 1760, at which time Miles King, & Thomas Buxton, were elected Vestrymen, in “room of James Gregory, & James Riddick, Dec’d” Mar 24, 1761.

John Granbery, was Clerk of Suffolk Parish, Nov 1, 1756-57-58. Wm Granbery was also a resident of the same Parish, & received pay for keeping Allen Rumley, Nov 17, 1757. Thomas Buxton was appointed Clerk, before June 26, 1759, when John Granbery, was ordered to deliver the “papers,” to said Thomas, who had become Clerk, in his place. A Vestry meeting was held at the house of John Granbery, for Suffolk Parish May 4, 1762. John Granbery was appointed “as a fit person” to attend to the Ferries, in Nansemond county, Nov 1, 1769.

Thomas Gregorie, appointed “procession Master,” May 2, 1768. The following was copied from a Chart, in possession of Mr. James T. Granbery, of Nashville, Tenn.

John Granbery, b — lived near Lower Parish Church, Nansemond Co Va, planter, & trader, died Dec 25, 1733, m Abigail Langley, Feby 26, 1722, issue: 1 Thomas, b June 24, 1724, 2 Mary, b April 8, 1726, d Jany — 1814, 3 Josiah, b Oct 14 1728, m Christian Gregory, d Dec 1772 near Suffolk Va, 4 John, b Oct 31, 1730, d Dec 1772, 5 William, b Mar 23, 1731, d in Northampton Co, N. C. 1792.

Josiah (1) & Christian his wife, issue: 1 Christian, d young, 2 John, b Oct 17, 1759, m Susannah B. Stone, lost at sea, Aug 27 or 8, 1815, issue: 1 Polly, m Nath’l Allen, issue: Sheppia, who m Pleasant Sherman. She was the mother of Allen G. Sherman. 2 Josiah (2) b Aug 15, 1764, m Elizabeth Cowper, d Dec 12, 1811, 3 james, b —, m Mary Harvey, d Oct 1804, issue: 1 Mary, b Nov 23, 1797, 2 Charles, b Oct 13, 1800, 3 Margaret, b April 18, 1805.

Josiah (2) wife Elizabeth (Cowper) Granbery, issue: 1 Christian, b May 15, 1785, m Thomas Watts—2 Louis, b Jany 19, 1788, d 1848—3 William F., b Mar 12, 1790, was living in Rock Castle Co, Ky 1836—4 Josiah Allen, b Sept 1, 1792, Oct 1799—5 Gibby, b Nov 3, 1797, d 1855—6 Richard Allen, b Oct 3, 1802, died 1855—7 Mary, or Polly, b April 20, 1795, m John Watts, issue: 21 children, 8 Betsy, b Nov 27, 1804—9 John Gregory, b Aug 27, 1807.

John Granbery (2) son of John, & Christian Gregory, by wife Susannah, issue: 1 Betsy, or Elizabeth, b April 13, 1791, m Jonas Hastings, d May 17, 1883, issue: 1 John G. Hastings, b Dec 3, 1812, d Aug 22, 1883, m Ann Chambliss—2 Polly, b 3, 11, 1793, d Oct 1804—3 George, b Sept 9, 1794, d Aug 28, 1815, (lost at sea with his father)—4 Julia, b 1, 17, 1797, d 5, 22, 1851—5 John Gregory, b Oct 1797, d Aug 4, 1799—6 Caroline, b Sept 3, 1800, d June 24, 1889—7 Augusta, b May 3, 1802, d 1838 in Miss, m Victor M. Randolph, issue: 1 John, b April 8, 1826, d Aug 1852-62—2 Brett—3 Ryland—8 Henrietta, b Sept 2, 1804, d May 9, 1807?—9 Mary Louise, b April 6, 1806, d Dec 18, 1882, m George Hastings, issue: 1 George G. Hastings, who had 1 Edith, 2 Easburn, 3 Ernest.

Richard Allen Granbery, m Mary Ann Leslie Dec 23, 1826, d 1832, issue: 1 Wm Henry, b Sept 23, 1827, m Ann Elizabeth Gonito Dec 12, 1850, issue: Ella Filmore, b 2, 6mo 1853—2 Mary A, b 7, 2mo 1855—3 Chas Wesley, b 11, 27 1857—4 William B, b 2, 2mo 1860—5 Geo B, b Sept 2, 1862—6 Lizzie L, b Jany 14, 1866—7 Ann Estelle, b Jany 22, 1868—8 Carrie M, b Nov 22, 1870—9 Eva F, b mar 3, 1876. (Richard Allen, & Mary Ann) issue: 2 John Cowper, b Dec 5, 1829, m Ella Winston (Bishop of M. E. Church South) 1882, 3 George Washington, d in infancy. Richard Allen Granbery m 2d Hariet Griffin, issue: 4 Richard G, b 1835, d 1837—5 George, b 1837, d 1855—6 Hariet Ann, b 1840, d 1842—7 Anna Maria, b 1842, m L. H. Whitehurst—8 Richard F, b 1844, d1866—9 Albert Burton, b 1847, residence Baltimore Md in 1888—10 Emily Frances, b 1849, m John Francis—11 Asa V, b 1852, d young.

Jonas Hastings, & Elizabeth (Granbery) issue: 1 Wm Henry, C. S. A. killed—2 John, d 1893—3 Robert M, m Julianna C. Granbery.

Henry Augustus, s of John, & Susannah (Stone) m Prudence Mimms of Princess Anne Co, issue: 1 Henrietta A, b Oct 3, 1829—2 Virginia, b Aug 7, 1831—3 Julianna, b June 20, 1840, m Robert M. Hastings, d Nov 3, 1869—4 Wm Henry, b Aug 16, 1842, m Jennie Herrick—5 Theodore, b May 28, 1844, m Jennie Horn, issue; son Percy (b May 1875)—6 Lelia, b Aug 2, 1846, d May 22, 1850—7 Daniel Walker (Walke?), b Oct 11, 1848, m Mollie E. Peake, issue: Mabel E, b Sept 6, 1880—2 Mary Louisa, b Nov 6, 1851, m Frank L. Jones, issue: 1 Henrietta L, b July 27, 1887—2 Maud V, b Sept 12, 1885.

William Henry, & Jennie (Herrick) issue: 1 Wm Preston, b Jany 11, 1875, d Dec 21, 1888—2 Alice C, b Nov 6, 1876—3 Edwin C, b Feby 23, 1879—4 Eugene F, b July 22, 1881.

John (Greshow)? Granbery (s of Henry Augustus, & Prudence Mimms) b April 17, 1833, d Mar 31, 1895, in Phil Pa, m Mary A. Teague?, issue: 1 Henry A, b June 10, 1858, m Ada Mitchell, issue: 1 Mary W, b April 1, 1880, d July 17, 1881—2 Miriam C., b Nov 17, 1881. 2 John Austin, b July 5, 1861—3 Mary Lee, b Nov 15, 1863, 4 Lelia, b Mar 14, 1866, d April 27, 1866—5 Samuel W, b May 31 1869—6 Julian Hastings, b Aug 28, 1873.

The Perquimans branch of the Granbery family, is represented first by Josiah Granbery, who lived at the “Folly” then in Perq Co, but later 1779, in Gates, after the county was divided. Perquimans at one time embraced the territory as far north as Orapeak (now called Coropeak), & deeds in Perq, are proof of the fact.

This Josiah Granbery, m Ann Gregory (niece of Christian Gregory, wife of Josiah (1) Granbery, of Gates Co) d of James Gregory, & wife Patience Godwin, of Va. Josiah (2) Granbery was one of the Vestrymen of St Pauls Church, Edenton, and a member of the Assembly at Newbern, April 1775, & again at Hillsboro, Aug 25, 1775. (Wheelers History of N. C.)

Josiah Granbery, & Ann had issue: 1 Thomas, 2 John, 3 James, 4 Ann, 5 Elizabeth Granbery.

1 Thomas Gregory Granbery b 1782 m Pherebee Peele Parker, (d of Job Parker of Chowan,) d 1828, issue: Josiah (3) Thomas Granbery, b 1806, m Sarah Ann Baker Sawyer, Jan 16, 1826, d of Willis Sawyer, of Bertie Co, & wife Sarah Baker (d of John Baker, & Mary Wynns, their only child to reach maturity) issue an only child: Mary Isabella, who m Lucius Junius Johnson (a descendant of Elizabeth Gregory, & Rev Daniel Earl). Lucius J. Johnson was a distinguished lawyer of Elizabeth City, N. C. Capt C. S. A. d 1866, she d 1869, issue: 1 Sarah Ann Johnson, 2 Mary Granbery, 3 Charles Earl, 4 Betsy, 5 Granbery, 6 James Madison, 7 Henrietta Martin, Sarah Ann Johnson, the only one now living, in Annapolis Md.

Col Josiah T. Granbery died 1862, in Perq county, where he had lived all his life, & his wife followed him in 1878. He was a large property owner, a successful farmer, & leading citizen. At his home called “Stockton” in Perq, he held sway, as a country gentleman, & great tales are told of the grand doings in the handsome old house, “before the War between the States.” None of his children married, so his line ran out with him. He represented the county, in the Assembly, 1835-36, & was President of the Seaboard Agricultural Society, Nov 1857.

GRANBERY - History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931) — Photo from History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

2 John Granbery, m Mrs—Cowper, issue: 1 John J. Granbery, 2 George W. Granbery. Both d unmarried. Their names are mentioned in Nansemond Co Va Court, as heirs of Capt John Granbery, Dec 9, 1833.

3 James Granbery, m Nancy Gordon (d of Jacob, & Bathsheba his wife, of Gates Co, whose will is dated Sept 22, 1817) issue: 1 Joseph Gordon, 2 Thomas John, 3 Bathsheba A, 4 William George, 5 Elizabeth Esther Granbery.

(a) Joseph Gordon Granbery, m Isa Gordon (his cousin) (d of Benjamin Wotten Gordon, & Maria Louisa Jones) issue: 1 Mary, b— 2 Joseph Gordon, b — 3 Isa Gordon, 4 Edna Jones Granbery (twins), b —.
(b) Thomas John Granbery, d unmarried.
(c) Bathsheba A Granbery, m James Leigh, issue one s Richard Leigh.
(d) Wm George Granbery, m Sarah Simmons, of Currituck Co, issue: 1 Thomas, b— 2 Mary, b— 3 Lydia, b— 4 James, b—.
(e) Elizabeth E. Granbery, m Benjamin Shananhouse, moved to Charlotte, N. C. issue:

4 Ann Granbery m William Wood of Perq, whose will was p Nov 1824, in which will he names wife Anne, & son William Edward Wood, & dau’s Elizabeth, & Lucy Anne.

(a) Dr Wm E. Wood m Sophie Martin Trotman, (d of Ezekiel Trotman, & Emily Daube, d of Gen’l Peter Daube, of Rev fame) issue: 1 Dr Julian E. Wood, 2 Rev Thomas Granbery Wood, 3 Charles Stanton Wood, 4 Mary Shaw Wood, 5 Annie G. Wood, m J. T. Whitehurst.
(b) Elizabeth Wood, m Rev James G. Hall, moved to Miss. Eight of the family died of yellow fever. Their son Dr William Hall, was a surgeon in the Confederate Army, & his son James G. Hall Jr, was a judge in Tenn.
(c) Lucy Ann Wood died single.

5 Elizabeth Granbery, m Joseph Gordon (s of Jacob, & Bathsheba) issue: 1 Mary G. Gordon, 2 Bathsheba N. Gordon, 3 Jane Gregory Gordon.

(a) Mary G. Gordon, m John G. Harvey (her 1st cousin) issue: 1 Elizabeth Gordon Harvey, 2 Mary Granbery Harvey.
(b) Bathsheba N. Gordon, m 1st John L. Shananhouse, issue: 1 Benjamin G. Shananhouse, 2 Thomas Linch, 3 Nora Gordon. She m 2d Edwin Brace, issue: 4 Elizabeth Granbery Brace, 5 Belle Gordon Brace.
(a) Joseph Gordon Granbery, & wife Isa Benedicta (Gordon) issue: 1 Mary Gordon, b— m Dr John W. Speight, issue: 1 John Gordon, d young, John Gordon (2) died a lad, 3 Agnes Granbery Speight, m John Calvin Sanford, issue: 1 Agnes Granbery Sanford, 2 John Calvin Sanford.

2 Joseph Gordon Granbery, m Edith Shananhouse, issue: Wm Lee Granbery, Elizabeth Granbery.

3 Isa Gordon Granbery, m Nathan Tucker, issue: 1 Joseph Granbery Tucker 2 Elizabeth Gordon, 3 Mary Gordon, died young, 4 Isa Gordon, 5 Virginia Radcliff, 6 Agnes Granbery Tucker.

4 Edna Jones Granbery, m Thomas Nixon, issue: 1 Julian Granbery Nixon, d unmarried, 2 Dorothy Gordon, m Walter Oakey, issue: Dorothy Gordon Oakey, 3 Marjory Gordon Nixon, m Loyd Horton, 4 Edna Jones Nixon, m Braxton Dawson.

GRANBERY CHART - History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931) — History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).

Source: History of Perquimans County by Ellen Goode Rawlings Winslow, (1931).