WOOD

  • The earliest emigrant by the name of Wood, was John, who came from London to Isle of Wight Co, in “Bonadventure” Jan 1634, age 26. He married in said Co, Margaret — & had, according to the Quaker Reg of Lower Mo Meeting, Nansemond Co Va, one dau: Elizabeth, b 27, 7mo, 1658. He died soon after this date, and we find his widow married to Thomas Taberer of same Co, by whom she had issue: 1 Christian, b — 9mo 1661—2 Elizabeth b — 10mo 1663. From the fact that there was a second dau Elizabeth, one would naturally suppose that John Wood’s dau Elizabeth did not long outlive her father.
  • William Wood came to Va in “Hopewell” Sept 1635, age 27, Elizabeth, age 24, & Jo Wood, age 26. Another Wm Wood was trans’ to Rapp Co Va, July 29, 1650, by Robert Bird. Edward Wood was Trans’ to Norfolk Co Va, by John Ashcomb, who was granted 829a of land, “on Langleys Creek, upper Norfolk Co,” for transporting emigrants; Mar 6, 1683. With this Edward Wood we are directly concerned, because his descendants moved to Chowan Co N. C. From Chowan they drifted over into Perquimans. John Wood took up land in Nansemond Co Va, Apl 25, 1667. Whose son he was is not made manifest, but we find in Berkeley Par Reg Perq Co, “Mr John Woode, minister of gospell” performing the rites of matrimony in Perq, as early as June 13, 167—, when he officiated at the marriage of Alex Lillington on that date, and he also married Mr. Wm Therrell, to Mrs. Jean Godfrey, Dec 2, 1676. He is not mentioned as one of the ministers sent out from England by S. P. G., and may very probably be an itinerant, coming down from Va for special occasions. A natural procedure, considering the fact that N. C. for some time after this continued to be a part of Va. If they sent us governors, why would they not also send ministers, to look after the soul’s welfare?
  • There were two distinct families of Woods, in Albemarle, and it is thought that those who settled near Woodville, on Little River, may perhaps be descendants of this earlier branch, but no actual proof has been found. The Woods of Perq, like those of Chowan adhered to the Church of England, proof of which can be found in Berkeley Par Reg, from the fact that William Wood, next found on the record, was married to Deborah Sutton (d of George) May 8, 1718, “by Dr. Urmstone (John) minister of the Church of England.” George Sutton however was a strong Quaker, and it seems probable that her family carried over Wm Wood, as we later find the name on the Records of Friends. George Sutton in his will Perq, p Mar 11, 1699, bequeathed to his dau Deborah a “Plantation at the hickory.” There is to this day in Perq a place called by that name, on the highway leading to Elizabeth City. William Wood, & wife Deborah had issue: 1 Richard, b Oct 30, 1720—2 Sarah, b Oct 23, 1721, d Mch 21, 1722/3—3 William (2) b Sept 3, 1722/3—4 George, b Sept 2, 1724—5 Deborah, b Mar 25, 1725/6—6 Rebecca, b June 3, 1727—7 Elizabeth, b Dec 18, 1728. Deborah Wood died same day. (A case of too much child bearing.) Sarah Wood died Mch 17, 1722/3. (See Sutton family, this book.)
  • William Wood dec’d Dec 1, 1769, Mary Wood Admix, before Seth Sumner, J. P., Mary Wood petitioned the Court Oct 17, 1769, for leave “to sell perishable Estate of her dec’d husband William Wood.” (Loose papers.)
  • Wood, Richard (1) William (1) m Hannah Lowry, 19, 10mo 1746, issue: 1 Tamer, b 21, 9mo 1747—2 Winnefred, b 29, 3mo 1749—3 William (3) b 12, 11mo 1750—4 Rhoda, b 23, 1mo 1753—5 Benjamin, b 16, 4mo 1756—6 Samuel, b 29, 11mo 1758, d 13, 11mo 1782—Rachel, b 3, 1mo 1761.
  • (2) Wood, William (2) William (1) m Mary —. Issue: 1 Deborah, b 25, 1mo 1764—2 Rebeckah, b 29, 5mo 1765—3 William, b 4, 10mo 1766.
  • (2) Wood, Richard, m Sarah Morris, “at Simons Creek” 20 8mo 1764. (d of Aaron.)
  • Wood, Richard, m Cynthia Lassiter, Aug 21, 1800. (Chowan Co marriage bonds.)
  • Records of Norfolk Co give the fact “that Wm Wood hath departed this country,” Oct 5, 1687. From this line are descended Mr John Q. A. Wood of Elizabeth City, & his brother George dec’d. The first for years Clerk of Perquimans county. Mr Wood has always been a fine citizen, and his family highly respected.
  • John Wood who appears as Clerk of Perq for so many years, probably came to the Co from Chowan. He m Miss Wingfield, and had son Charles Wingfield Wood of Perq Co, who lived at Woodlawn, an old home on the outskirts of Hertford, acquired by his father from Joseph Cannon. Charles W. Wood m Mary (Mollie) Skinner, (d of Benjamin Skinner, and wife Elizabeth Leigh (d of James Leigh, of Durants Neck) and had issue: 1 John, died an infant.—2 Elizabeth (Bettie) m Mr W. G. Gaither issue: a number of children, all married but two. 3 Mary Wood, m T. F. Winslow of Hertford, issue: 1 Mae Wood, single—2 Katherine Blount, m W. H. Hudson, and had one daughter Mary Tudor—3 Francis E. Winslow, m Nemmie Parish of Rocky Mt N. C., where they reside, issue three girls, and one son. He is a prominent Lawyer of said place, and stands high in his profession. 4 Elizabeth Blount, m Thomas Wilcox of Norfolk Va, issue three children.
  • Mr. W. G. Gaither and wife Elizabeth Wood, had issue: 1 Charles W. Gaither, m Lula Hayes, and issue a son and daughter—2 Helen (unmarried)—3 Elizabeth, m Edward Conger of Elizabeth City, N. C. (no issue)—4 Sarah, m C. Burnett Lewis, issue one son—5 William G. Gaither, m Helen Robinson (d of Charles, & Mary Leigh) issue three children—6 Rev Wood Gaither (Episcopal minister) m Penelope Weddell of Tarboro N. C. issue four children—7 Mary, m William Van Eberstein, of Washington, N. C., no issue—8 Nettie Martin, m Wallace Huffines of Rocky Mount, N. C., no issue—9 Louise, unmarried.

EDWARD WOOD LINE

  • As we have already seen, Edward Wood came to Norfolk Co Va Mar 6 1683. In an affidavit made Jan 1680/1, he gave his age as 38. He was living in Upper Parish Nansemond Co Va, July 18, 1715. Of course he could not be the same, who made his will in Chowan Co, Aug 9, 1691, naming wife Alice, to whom he left “Land at Yawpim.” We have to depend for descent from two brothers, Edward, & John Wood, who made a joint deed in Norfolk Co Va, Nov 1, 1721, as follows: Edward Wood, & Mary his wife, John Wood, & Margarett his wife, of Chowan Co N. C. sold unto Thos. Freeman, & Sarah his wife of Norfolk Co, 100a “where said Edward, & John formerly dwelt” adj land of Thos. Cottell, “for the yearly Rent of one ear of Indian Corne.” Test’ Tho. Hobgood, Tho. Collett. Another deed same Co, 100a in Elizabeth Parish, Co of Norfolk, “where Edward Wood formerly dwelt,” on Spring Mills Creek, adj John Eastwood, Robert Collett, & Edward Wingate. Recorded Dec 1721.
  • Wood, James, of Perq (connection not apparent) will p Feby 1822, names dau’s: Nancy & Sally Wood, gr-daus: Susan, & Sally Norcom (dau’s of Betsy dec’d). Sons: Edward, Richard, & James (who moved to Tyrrell Co) sons William, & Edward Exrs. Test’ Thomas D. Martin, Mary M. Martin.
  • Wood, William (1) James (1) will Perq, p Nov 1824, Wife Ann, sons: William E. Wood, Edward Wood, dau’s: Elizabeth, & Lucy Ann Wood.
  • Wood, Edward, (1) James (1) will Perq, p May 1827, names wife Elizabeth, & children (who are unnamed) but his sister Ann in her will, p Feby 1830, gives the names of his children, thus: “Little Edward Wood, son of brother Edward, and James, & William Wood sons of same; she also names niece, Elizabeth S. Hall (d of brother William) sister Sarah, nieces Sarah, & Susan Norcom, sister-in-law Elizabeth Wood (widow of Edward) brother John E. Wood.
  • Wood, John, was Clerk of Perq 1808.
  • From this line descended Mr. Charles Wingfield Wood, who made his lifelong home in a lovely old place near Hertford, which was only a few years ago destroyed by fire. He has descendants living at the present time in Hertford, Elizabeth City, Rocky Mount, and other points in N. C. This family has from time immemorial stood high in the community, & has sent out into the world many fine representative people.

MARRIAGES

  • Wood, Samuel, m dau of Robert Smith, prior to May 1, 1693. (Legal papers.)
  • Wood, Thomas, m Anna Bailey, June 3, 1778. (Mar bonds Pasq Co.)
  • Wood, William, m Elizabeth Guy, Aug 18, 1804.
  • Wood, Evan, m Margaret Barber, Jan 4, 1786.
  • Wood, Elizabeth (d of John Davis of Pasq Co) named in his will, p Apl 1753.

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

 

SWANN

  • William Swann was grt 1200a in James City Co Va, Nov 5, 1635, for trans 24 persons, some of whom were Richard Jones, John Swann, Nicholas Stallings, Nicholas Foster, Edward Champion, & Richard Perry. This grant was reissued to Thomas Swann, by Sir John Harvey.
  • Thomas Swann had land grant, Mar 1, 1638, 1200a (as above) on South side of James River, “to half way Neck.” Another grt, May 9, 1638, on South side of the James, “at a place called Swanns Bay.” He was a member of the House of Burgesses, from James City Co, (Surry) 1645-49, and from Surry Co, 1657-58. In Council 1660-80; d Sept 16, 1680. His home was on Swanns Point, Surry Co Va, & the English sent to suppress Bacons Rebellion, met at his house. He married five times, Miss Codd being his first wife, by whom he had, 1st Samuel, b May 11, 1653, who moved to Perq Co, N. C.
  • Maj Samuel Swann, “Eldest son of Thomas Swann Esq, of Southwarke pish, dec’d, for £30 pd by Mary Swann Widow of afsd” sold 300a in Surry Co, upon Grays Creek, “part of a grt unto my dec’d father, for 1930a, Oct 4, 1645.” Seal Feb 25, 168½. Sarah Swann Ack’ sd Deed, Mar 7, 168½. (Surry Co records.)
  • Sarah Swann, wife of Maj Samuel, (by letter) apt’ Capt Thomas Swann of James City Co, her Att’ to recover “goods, Chattels, & money due my sd husband.” April 30, 1694. Test’ Will Foster, Will Gray, Roger Williams. (Surry Co records.)
  • Samuel Swann “Sone and heir of Thomas,” for £75 s4 pd by John Tuke of Surry Co, sold “All Right in Est of my father, the late Capt Thomas Swann,” and apt’ Maj Arthur Allen Att’ Feb 8, 1704. (Surry Co records.)
  • Samuel Swann “of N. C. gent; sold to Joseph John Jackman of Surry Co Vir” for £450, land called Swanns Point, 1650a, was 300a grt by sd Samuel, by deed, to Mary Swann Relict of Thomas, which was grt sd Thomas “his father” by patent, Feb 15, 1645, in Southwarke Parish, on South side of the James River. Mar 4 1706. Elizabeth wife of Samuel Ack’ her Dower right. (Samuel Swanns 2d wife née Lillington.)
  • Samuel Swann proved rights for 13 persons, in Perq precinct 1694, & received for importing them 640a of land; himself, wife Sarah (d of Wm Drummond) & sons: William, Samuel, Sampson, Henry, & Thomas, Elizabeth Hunt, & 5 negroes.
  • He was grt by John Archdale 450a in Pasq Co, Feb 26, 1696, “at the mouth of Newbegun Creek,” which he conveyed to said Archdale, the next day.
  • On Oct 29, 1702 Samuel Swann Esq, was grt 850a, “in ye prect of perquimons, adj Mr Thomas Durant, and Roan Oak Sound, Northerly on Batemans Creek, & Easterly on lands of Geo Katchmaide (now in poss’ of Mr Jno Hawkins) being part of 3333a grt by Sir Wm Berkley, late Gov of Vir, to sd Katchmaide, late of the precinct of Perq dec’d.” April 1, 1663.
  • Hon’ble Maj Samuel Swann Sec of State. (At a Gen’l Court in Perq pre’t 1700.) The ages of his first children, can not be found in Perq. His wife Sarah, died April 18, 1696. Samuel Swann (1) m 2d Elizabeth née Lillington (d of Alex & wife Sarah née James) widow of John Fendall. (See deeds, for mar contract.) Issue: 1 Elizabeth, b June 26, 1698—2 Sarah, b Dec 29 —.
  • Maj Samuel Swann d 7 ber 14, 1707. (Berkeley Par Reg, Perq Co.)
  • Samuel (1) Swann, m Elizabeth Fendall (widow) before Oct 10, 1698.
  • John Fendall late of this County, died Dec 20, 1695, at Capt Walkers house. (Capt Henderson Walker, one time Gov of Albemarle m Ann Lillington, sister of Elizabeth, 2d wife of Samuel Swann.)
  • For the will of Maj Samuel Swann, see Grimes N. C. Wills, p 368, which was p April 20, 1708. He bequeathed to s William “a Bible, & seal ring,” to sons: Sampson, Henry, & Thomas, “land between Muddy Creek, & Marshy Gutt” sons: Samuel, & John, dau’s Elizabeth, & Sarah; wife Elizabeth.
  • Henry Swann of Perq, Merchant: apt’ Mr William, & Thomas Swann his Att’ Sept 21 1709.
  • Thomas Swann of Pasq Co, conveyed 127a in sd Co, “to his cousin Wm Drummond of Vir, to him & his heirs forever” Oct 18, 1726. (Pasq County Records.)
  • Samuel Swann of Perq was dec’d 1704. Mary widow & Admix. (Col Rec Vol I.) This could not be Maj Samuel’s son, as he names a son Samuel in his will, 1708. If the Samuel who died 1704, left any issue, there is no record of it in Perq.
  • (3) Samuel (s of Maj Samuel & Sarah née Drummond) m Mary — (Widow Vail) issue: Mary, b Mch 5, 1726/7, m Richard Clayton—2 Sarah, b Sept 3, 1729—3 Samuel, b Dec 8, 1731.
  • Samuel Swann (3) will Perq, p April 1753, names his dau Mary “wife of Richard Clayton,” to whom he left “land on the Sound side,” other dau’s Sarah, Ann, Elizabeth, Martha, Jane, Margaret. Exrs John, & Jeremiah Vail (brothers). Test’ Susannah Vail, William Woolard.
  • Thomas Swann (s of Maj Samuel & Sarah Drummond) lived in Pasq Co, where his will was p Aug 9, 1733. Sons: Samuel, & William. He made bequest to Dau’s Rebecca, & Elizabeth, “land at Moyock, in Currituck Co,” wife Elizabeth.
  • John & Thomas Swann moved to Hyde County, where their descendants are now living. The county seat of Hyde, Swan Quarter, was probably named for this branch of the family.
  • (3) Samuel Swann, was Speaker of the Assembly in 1715. Samuel Swann Gent, was sworn in by George Nichols, Att’ Gen’l, for the Counties of Currituck, Pasquotank, Perquimans, & Chowan, Oct 3, 1752.
  • Samuel Swann, & son John were Exrs of the will of Thomas Snowden, p in Perq Oct 1736.
  • One of Maj Samuel Swanns dau’s m John Baptista Ashe, another m Frederick Jones, of Chowan County, Chief Justice of N. C. 1720.
  • Major Samuel Swanns record in Perq, is without a blemish. The family adhered faithfully to the faith of their fathers, & Samuel Swann was instrumental in establishing a Church according to his belief, the Church of England, believed to be “old Nags Head Chapel” which has long since disappeared. This Chapel, not far from his home, was still unfinished at his death, but it served the people of “Durants Neck” for many generations, finally falling into decay, it was turned over to the Methodist congregation, and it is said the present New Hope Church rests upon the old foundations of Nags Head Chapel. This Methodist Church, is the oldest in the county, so it seems. Here New Hope took root upon “old hope” buried in the past.
  • At the present time there is not a living representative of this influential family in Perq, the last to be found, being Samuel, who was dec’d June 13, 1771, without heirs. Like so many other families, once numerous in our county, they have drifted away, & only the records are a reminder that they at one time wielded a strong hand in the public affairs of this section.
  • The New Hanover Land Grants, in N. C. show that Samuel Swann, was grt 320a in said county, on East side of the road, from Wilmington, to Brunswick, below his line, Feb 23, 1754, and 300a on same day, same runnings, and 200a on Long Creek, all same date. Thus we see the Swann family continued to migrate ever southward. The Counties of Hyde, Beaufort, & New Hanover, would probably yield valuable information, about this splendid family.

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

LILLINGTON

No history of Perquimans would be complete without mention of this prominent family, who took such an active part in the early official activities of the colony, and Perq Precinct in particular. Their marriages are found among the highest, and best families, and they wielded a strong hand in the early government of Albemarie. Where they emigrated from to N. C. the records do not make plain, but from the name, one would naturally think from old England. They disappeared from Perquimans almost as mysteriously as they appeared, and only a few deeds are left to give any clue to where they migrated.

  • Lillington, Alexander (1) m 1st Sarah James, June 11, 1668, “by Mr Taylor Minister,” according to Berkeley Par Reg, and had issue: 1 James, b June 5, 1671, d Apl 15, 1692—2 Alexander, b Aug 3, 1674. He m 2d Elizabeth Cooke, June 13, 167— issue: 3 Ann, b June 1, 1679—4 Sarah, b Jany 20, 1681, d last of February 169 —5 Mary, b April 22, 1683—6 John, b June 14, 1687, m Sarah Porter of Beaufort Co N. C. dau of John—7 Sarah (2d by name) b Aug 16, 1690. (Berkeley Par Reg.)
  • Elizabeth wife of Alexander Lillington, died Mch 29, 1695. 
  • Alexander Lillington died Sept 11, 1697. He m for his 3d wife Mrs. Ann Steward ,— 19, 1695, by whom no issue.
  • Lillington, Alexander (2) Alexander (1) m Sarah — issue: George, b Aug 10, 1693.
  • Lillington, Elizabeth, (d of Maj Alex Lillington, & wife Elizabeth) m 1st John Fendall, (s of Josiah, & Mary) Apl 3, 1694, by whom one son Robert Fendall. John Fendall died Dec 20, 1695, “at the house of Capt Walker” who was his bro-in-law, having m Ann Lillington sister of Elizabeth. Elizabeth Fendall née Lillington, m 2d Samuel Swann of Perq, 1698. (See marriage contract, Deeds in Perq Co.) 
  • Lillington, John, of Bath, made a deed in Perq Co, April 9, 1715, naming his “father Alex Lillington” and sold 640a on a Branch of Yeopim Creek, to line of Thomas Carey. (Deed book B, 101.) This land was taken up by said Alexander Lillington (1) Mar 30, 1694, and descended to his son John. 
  • Maj Alex Lillington was born 1643, died 1697.
  • John Lillington served as Treasurer of Beaufort Precinct, 1719. 
  • Major Lillington had other grants in Perquimans, as follows: 400a “at Bentleys Creeque, fronting ye Sound, at ye mouth of said Creeque, in Berkeley precinct.” 1681. (Land book I, p 103) and 49a on Eastermost side of Indian Creek. Mar 31, 1694. (Land book I, p 4.) (See “Grimes N. C. Wills,” and deeds in this book.)

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

JOHN FENDALL (1696 Will)

Will of

JOHN FENDALL

1696

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I, John Fendall, of Pequimons Prcinct, being very Sick and weake in body tut of perfect mind and memory, God be praysed, doe make and Ordeyne this my last Will and Testament in forme following:

First, I surrender my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker & unto Jesus Christ my only Saviour & redeemer trusting in his merritts and prcious Death to have pardon of all my Sins; & my Body to the Earth from whence it came to be decently Interred according to the Discretion of my Executor; And for the Worldly Estate God bath given me, I bequeath as followeth:

Imprimis. I give unto my Brother, Robert Fendall, all my wearing Cloathes; And all the rest of my Estate whatsoever, be it real or personall, in any kind whatsoever, I give to my loving Wife Elizabeth Fendall, and to her heyrs forever.

And I make & Ordayne my loving Father in Law, Alexander Lillington, Executor of this my last will and Testament. And I revoake all former Wills by me in any wise made.

In wittness whereof, I have hereunto sett my hand & Seal, the Seventeenth Day of December, 1695.                                              

JOHN  X  FENDALL

Signed, Sealed, published &

declared (after the word Lillington interlyned) in Presence of:

JOHN DIX.

ANN WALKER.

HENDERSON WALKER.

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Att a Court held for the prcinct of Chowan, the first Monday in April, 1696, this will of Capt. John Fendall was proved by the Oathes of Captn. Henderson Walker, Mrs. Ann Walker & John Dix.

                                                                         Attested by NATH. CHOWIN Cler.

No. CAROLINA. The Hono’ble the Palatines Court.

Whereas, Captn. John Fendall, of Pequimons, is Deceased having made by his Last Will and Testament, Major Alexander Lillington, his Exec- utor, a true Coppy whereof is hereunto annexed, These are to impower the said Alexander Lillington, to Enter in and upon all and Singular the Goods & Chattles, Rights and Creditts of the sd. John Fendall, and a True Inventory thereof to return, & within one year after the Date hereof, and the Same to dispose of as by the sd. Will. Dated the Eighth Day of April, 1696.

THOS. HARVEY,

DANIEL ABELHURST.

FRANCIS TOMES

SAM’L SWANN.

Recorded in Will Book 1, page 81, Office of the Secretary of State.

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Contributed by Nola Duffy

Edited and proofed by Mary Maarbjerg

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