Notes:

Mary married Thomas Cook, a Quaker, when it appears Mary's family was not considered Quaker. The London Grove MM complained of marriage to Thomas Cook as out of unity. Thomas appeared with apologies which were accepted on the 10mo. 1730. (C-437) Mary and her children removed to Cane Creek, NC after her first husband died on certificate dated 7-20-1754. She next married Joseph Wells of Cane Creek. (C-437)

Mary married Thomas COOK, * on 28 Sep 1731 in London Grove, Chester, PA, USA. Thomas (son of Peter COOK and Eleanor NORMAN) was born on 29 Aug 1704 in Norwich, Cheshire, ENG; died in 1752 in Warrington M.M., Warrington Twp., York, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Abraham COOK was born in Nov 1731; and died.
2. Sarah Ann COOK was born on 12 Oct 1732 in , York, PA, USA; and died.
3. Isaac COOK, * was born in 1743 in , Chester, PA, USA; died on 15 Jan 1820 in Silvercreek M.M., , IN, USA; was buried about 18 Jan 1820 in Silvercreek M.M., , IN, USA.
4. Thomas COOK was born in 1751 in Deep River, , NC, USA; died on 25 Feb 1805 in , , NC.
5. Ruth COOK
6. Alexander COOK
7. Jacob COOK died after 1773 in Of Warrington Twp., York, PA.
8. Mary COOK

Mary married Joseph WELLS on 27 May 1758 in New Garden M.M., Surry, NC, USA. Joseph (son of Thomas Duckett WELLS and Frances SMITH) was born on 30 Sep 1697 in Queen Anne's Parish, Prince George's, MD; died on 27 May 1758 in Cane Creek, Orange, North Carolina, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Alexander Underwood, born in Maryland, settled in London Grove, (Warrington MM), Chester Co., PA in 1722, multiple years after his marriage to Jane Harry. He had the land in London Grove Twp. surveyed in 1720. He obtained a deed for the land in 1722 after his father's death. He was a witness to multiple marriages in the Chester Co., PA region, in 1728 at a Nottingham marriage, in 1731, 1734, 1735 and 1738 in London Grove MM, and lastly in 1734 in New Garden MM. (C-942)

He was a devout Quaker, a Friends Minister for 22 years and named an Elder on Nov. 31, 1735. In 1742 he sold his land to William Boyd. They then moved to Warrington, York Co., PA (Sadsbury Monthly Meeting Territory) in 1743. His wife, Jane, died shortly after this move. On the 3rd month, 28th, 1743, he, Robert Conners, William Underwood and their families requested a Certificate of Removal from the Sadsbury MM (then including York Co. PA). Alexander got a certificate of removal to Monocacy Meeting in Prince Georges Co., Maryland on Sept. 2, 1745. He returned to Sadsbury MM on Aug. 3, 1747 in York Co. where Alexander was recommended as minister. He married Sarah Boatwater Beals, widow of John Beals, after Sarah had gotten her children's permission. They married after he received a certificate from Warrington to Fairfax Meeting dated 2mo. 16, 1748. Sarah was probably in her 60's at the time.

Sarah died prior to Alexander as she was not mentioned in his will. She is last recorded on Sept. 12, 1761 when she was succeeded as "overseer". He, Samuel and William Underwood (probably his sons) pledged money to help buy the land for the Warrington Monthly Meeting while attending Sadsbury MM in 1745. (C-429) His will, dated May 28, 1767 is likely filed at York Co., Pennsylvania

Some of Alexander and Jane's children moved to Delaware and their records may be found in the northern County of a Quaker Record Holding Place. The Book "The Underwood Families of America, Vol. 2:" carries the males lines forward sometimes to the 1900's. As for Alexander's ancestry, it states that it descended from Samuel Underwood of New Castle Co., Del. in the late 1600's. It is fairly definite Samuel was from Maryland, descended from Thomas Underwood of Anne Arundel County, Md. (C-260)

There is some controversy on his daughter, Mary's mother. One out of six major works on the Underwood families believes that Alexander had an unknown wife before he married Jane Harry by whom he had Mary. CD-100 gives his only wife's name as Mary Jane Underhill. This is actually the wife of his grandson Alexander. (C-533)

The mix up in number of wives is due to a literal translation of a Quaker eulogy on Alexander Underwood. However, all other major sources disagree with parts of the eulogy. It was written by friends of his and approved on the 5th mo. 7, 1768, many months after his death when all of his children lived elsewhere and his wife had passed away. It is poorly written with another blatant error, that his parent's weren't Quaker. They feel they confused his adulthood move with the time of his marriage.

The eulogy from which this confusion rises follows: Alexander Underwood was born in the Province of Maryland in the year 1688. His parents who were not members of the religious Society of Friends, removed when he was young and settled in New Castle on the Delaware (when Alexander was about four years old). Here he continued to reside until he reached the thirty-fourth year of his age, when he married and removed to London Grove Township, Chester County (Pennsylvania). Here he became acquainted with Friends and in a few years afterwards he became convinced of the Truth of the principles professed by them, and was received into membership with them. (The timing of these last two statements is not accurate when checked against the time he was a recorded member verses his marriage and move. [C-635, p.21]) By faithfulness to that which led him into the way of the Truth, he grew in religious experience, and became a valuable member of the Church Militant. In a very few years he was appointed Elder, in which he conducted himself with reputation.

About the year 1743, he believed it right to remove to Warrington, where he resided the rest of his life. In a year or two thereafter, a gift in the Ministry of the gospel was committed to him, in which he endeavored to be faithful. Besides his earnest labors among neighboring meetings, he twice visited the meetings to the south as far as North Carolina, and brought back comfortable accounts from his Friends there of his labor of love amongst them. He was a good example of humble waiting in religious meetings, and by dwelling near the Fountain of Life, he was enabled, when called into service by his divine Master, "to minister suitably to the situation of the Church, the comfort of the true mourners of Zion, and the encouragement of the faithful."

He was diligent, as the way was inwardly opened therefore, in visiting meetings around, and was ever careful to maintain the good order of the church, by having the unity of his friends with his prospects. Toward the end of his life, his strength of body failed much, yet he continued of a clear mind, and sound and lively ministry, visiting even in his weakness some of his neighboring meetings, and families of friends. In these exercises, his labor of love was truly comforting to the living.

During his last illness, he was resigned and cheerful. At one time he said "He had the good company of his Master to comfort him in his affliction." On another occasion he remarked, "He could say with the Psalmist that he good Hand that was with him in his younger years, had not forsaken him now in his old age." At different times he signified to those who visited him, "that he still felt the Comforter with him," and said his day's work was done. A short time before his close, "He sang praises and hallelujahs to his great Lord and Master," and then he prayed earnestly for the little handful. He took an affectionate leave of those present, and in a sweet frame of mind, uttered praises until his voice was lost, he quietly and joyfully departed Tenth month, 31st, 1767 and was inter'd the 2nd of the eleventh in the seventy ninth year of his age. May we who are left behind, be engaged to follow his example so that our end may be like unto his. (C-635)

The evident errors in this eulogy are in the timing of events in his earliest life. He moved to London Grove in 1722, and there is no record of his marriage to Jane Harry in the New Garden meeting house in the year 1722 where he was a member. By all known information, Jane was his first wife and they had married a good eleven years previous to that date. These errors are understandable when it's known that they were coming from friends memories.

Alexander married Jane HARRY about 1710 in , New Castle, DE, USA. Jane (daughter of Hugh HARRY and Elizabeth BRINTON) was born about 1687 in Chichester, Chester, PA, USA; died before 25 Apr 1743 in London Grove, Chester, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In the Automated Archives disk 102, Jane's maiden name was listed as Harry. The vital statistics for Jane Harry are still not clear. The Mormon IGI files state she was born around 1692 of Anne Arundel, Maryland. (C-521) Another I.G.I source lists her from York, Pennsylvania (C-522) I chose the third I.G.I. file that was closest to the Hugh Harry, Elizabeth Brinton book but more specific, b. 1687, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (C-528) The reason for all of these birth places can be guessed at. The book "Charity Wright Cook, a Liberated Women" states that the Underwood, Cook and Wright families all moved often between monthly meetings in the Chester Co., PA area. All the above guesses which is what I think they are, are simply places her family all lived.

Jane Harry Underwood was a witness at multiple marriages in the New Garden MM region of Chester Co., PA. She witnessed the marriage of William Brown and Susanna Churchman of Nottingham MM in Chester Co., PA on February 11, 1728. She and her husband witnessed the marriage of their son, Samuel Underwood to Ann Trevilla on March 10, 1738 at Londongrove. They attended the marriage of William Ails and their daughter, Elizabeth Underwood on August 18, 1738 in Londongrove. They witnessed the marriage of John Hutton and Ann Harry, d. of Evan Harry, Descd. on March 6, 1741 in Londongrove. The last wedding Jane witnessed was that of her son William to Ruth L. Bails of Londongrove on January 2, 1742/1743. Alexander and several of their children also witnessed the event. Alexander also attended several marriages without his wife.

Notes:

Samuel Underwood owned 22 1/2 acres by Sept. 29, 1682. He sold 50 acres of land, known as "Middle Neck" originally belonging to his father, Thomas Underwood on Mar. 24, 1683 to his brother-in-law. He purchased land from Samuel Matson six years later. He and wife, Mary, sold 300 acres to Nicholas Rogers in 1689. He had land surveyed and patented to him from John Grigg on the 12th mo 18 1692-3, that he had apparently owned since 1685. (C-636) This might have been in preparation for a move as he and his family left for New Castle, Delaware about 1693 onto 150 acres. He is on record as paying taxes in that year in New Castle. He bought 250 acres of land in what is now London Grove, Pennsylvania on March 14, 1722. This was land he never moved to, but willed to his sons.

His will, made in 1722, is on file in Wilmington, Delaware. It is provided as follows in Lucien Marcus Underwood's "Notes from the Underwood Families of America" (C-2266) "The Last Will and Testimoney of Samuell Underwood, Sen of the County of New Castell upon Delaware he being at this presents in god sense and memory I doe by these presents revock all forme wills and testimonies whatsover desiring that my body be desently intered and commit my soule unto god that have it. Item I give to my well beloved wife the third of my personall estate and also my lodgin room at her command during her widowhood. Item I give unto my son Joseph Underwood the remaining part of my land which is a hundred and eleven ackers with all the plantation I now live upon. Item I give unto my son Bengemen Underwod one hundred and fifty ackers of land in Chester County and in the London track to be laid out at the north end of that tract containing two hundred and fifty ackers of land. Item I give unto my two sons Alexander Underwood and Thomas Underwood all the remaining part of the above tract they dividing it between then as they think good. Item I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Harres one two year owld hefer. Item I give unto my son Joseph Underwood one Iron gray horse about five years owld. Item I leave my two sons Joseph Underwood and Bengemen Underwood to be my sole Executors of this my last will and testimony either in land or equity and when all my just debts and legasies be paid the remaining part of my Esteat I leave unto them they to divide it equally between them in witnes eleventh day of June in the year 1722. Samuel Undewood Signe sealled in the presents of us Thomas Hollingsworth Christopher Wilson Walter Clark This Samuel's wife Mary was probably Mary Ann Wilcox as in CD-102.

This Delaware Underwood family has left descendants in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and throughout the west.

Samuel married Mary Ann WILCOX about 1685. Mary (daughter of Henry WILCOCKS and Sarah LEWIS) was born about 1670 in , New Castle, DE, USA; died after 1722. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

UA Record #:2338 The Welsh name Harry was spelled Harri or Hari. Hugh Harry, sometimes called Harris, was a Quaker being noted in Pennsylvania Quaker records in 1671, 1680, 1681, 1682, and 1685. He was a weaver who immigrated with his brother, Daniel, from "Maukinleth" (Machynlleth) in Montgomeryshire aboard the "Vine of Liverpoole", William Freeson, Master. They arrived in Philadelphia on the 7 month, 17th day, 1684 from "dolyserne nere dolyules in Merionethshire." He settled in Birmingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on two hundred and fifty acres of land given to him by his father-in-law, William Brinton, two months after the Quaker Records say he and Elizabeth Brinton "were free to proceed" with their marriage plans (2nd month, 12th day, 1686 and 4th month, 12th day). They were members of the Radnor MM. Hugh and Elizabeth were witnesses at Elizabeth's brother William's marriage in 1690. On Nov. 19, 1707, he bought an additional 430 acres in Marlborough, Chester Co, PA which can be verified in Deed records. (C-2139) He died probably in late September 1708 leaving the following will. "To all Christian people to whom these presents may come, whereas, I, Hugh Harris of Brumingham (Birmingham) in the County of Chester, West Randolph, greeting this twenty fourth day of the first month called March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eight, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and perfect memory, prayse be to God for the same, and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth & being disposed to better things, I do hereby make this my last will & testament in manner and form following - that is to say - First and principally I commend my soul to almighty God, my estate & my body to the earth from whence it was taken. To be buried in such decent & Christian manner as my Executrix here after named be thought wise and convenient, as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath sent me. My will and meaning is the same shall be employed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will is expressed, that is to say - I make and certify my well-beloved wife Elizabeth Harris my whole and sole Executrix of my last will & testament. Item - I give to my sonn Evan:Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one yeras. With my weaving loom, the gears thereunto belonging. Secondly - I give to my sonn William Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Thirdly - I give to my sonn Hugh Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Fourthly - I give to my sonn John Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Fifthly - I give to my daughter Elizabeth Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Sixthly - I give to my daughter Ann Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Seventhly - I give to my daughter Jane Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Eighthly - I give to my daughter Lois Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Ninethly - I give to my daughter Olive Harris the sum of five pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Tenthly & lastly - I give full power to my well-beloved wife, Elizabeth Harris, which I have hereby constituted my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament. To sell, & dispose of all & all manner of my real & personal estate, to the best advantage as may be. To pay my funeral charges & my just debts, with the legacys herein mentioned. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal the day of year above written. Hugh Harris (H for his mark) (Seal) Witnesses: Richard Webb, Jonathan ?, William Brinton, John Bennett. (Photostats of Original Philadelphia Wills & Inventories, 1681-1710. GSP, PH:13 Will #96:1708., or Philadelphia Will Book C, p. 126 #96:1708, GSP XW Pennsylvania PH 2. He is buried at Radnor MM in Pennsylvania. (C-956) It is widely published that this Hugh Harry's ancestry goes through many Royal lines. However, a Harry Family Association Newsletter dated 1995, has cast serious doubt on this. Hugh's father, Hugh Thomas Owen, was the son of a Thomas Owen. A researcher has found a second Thomas Owens in Machynlleth who could be this Harry Thomas's father. He believes this Thomas who was not prominent in English affairs, to be Harry Thomas' father because 1) Hugh Thomas was a weaver when he came to America and 2) The Quaker minutes after he arrives mention that his parents were having financial trouble. The sons promised they would pay any member back who could help send money to their parents on March 13, 1686. (This would not have been true for the son of the affluent Thomas Owen. [FN:Thomas Underwood, 1650 Immigrant:FN] The support for Hugh being the grandson of Thomas Owen, of Royal Lineage, is that 1) Harry Thomas Owen became a Quaker, was imprisoned and heavily fined, making impoverishment for his family a likely occurrence. This would explain the lower station and practical trades of his sons. 2) It is an accepted, published line in [UL:Ancestors of American Presidents:UL].

Hugh married Elizabeth BRINTON on 12 Apr 1686 in Chichester, Chester, PA, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of William BRINTON and Ann BAGLEY) was born on 9 Aug 1665 in , Worcestershire, ENG; died after 8 Nov 1727. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her birth date might also be Oct. 6, 1665. (C-527) Elizabeth came with her brother, William Jr. and possibly her parents in the summer of 1684 to avoid Quaker persecution. (C-636) She was living on Nov. 8 1727 when she deeded 177 acres that had belonged to her deceased husband to their son, William. (C-2139)

Notes:

Underwood means families who lived "under the woods". In early England it was written "Under-the-wode" or "Andewode". Tony Underwood, a researcher in England, has also sent information that it is a surname originally from Scotland from a small place by that same name, in the parish of Symington Ayrahire. The earliest known Underwood was John Vndirwode who was burgess at Prestwick in the 1470's. In Scotland, the surname can be found in the 15th and 16th centuries under the spellings of Wndirwod, Vndirwode, Wndirwod, Vndirwod, Ondirwodd, and Ondirwod. Tony Underwood has traced his family back to a small town just over the border from Scotland in England called Eks. (C-2160E, 2161)

There is a tradition in some of the Underwood families in America that the Underwoods descended through Indians, possibly Cherokee. There are in fact many Choctaw and Cherokee Indians with the name of Underwood, but the relationship is not known.

This Thomas Underwood, progenitor of our branch of this family, probably came from England. He was brought to Virginia with Captain Moore Fautleroy of Lower Norfolk Co., VA in 1650. (It is not known if the Captain was a Captain in the military or Ships Master) No ship's name has been found. Thomas paid for passage of himself and Elizabeth (probably already his wife). They came with 81 others, several of whom were Underwoods of uncertain but now theorized relationship: Mary and husband, George Underwood; Ann Underwood (sister to George and Thomas); William Underwood (brother to Ann and George and Thomas) and parents; William Underwood, Gent. and wife Mary (this is the only name that doesn't fit in my theory unless it was a nickname or a translation error and is actually Margaret). Their relationship however, is suggested in an aged manuscript authored about 1873 that was sent to me by John Dobberteen of Michigan in 1996. It stated that three Underwood brothers "grenadiered" in the British army, came to America and once landed, they separated. One went to New York, another to North Carolina and the third to Maryland. Their father possibly emigrated to America too and lived in Maryland. (C-748)

An Underwood researcher indicates that this info was slightly incorrect for William who settled in the Richmond, VA area and died in 1672 in Rappahannock County (his son William died there about 1734). The manuscript implies that the father of Alexander Underwood was one of these brothers. Although this doesn't fit his father's generation, the family tradition could easily be about his grandfather's generation instead. A book in the Library of Congress with a title similar to "The Underwood Boys" says that the above George Underwood supports this - stating that George, Thomas and William Underwood were the 3 brothers who came together from England (to Virginia?) and were all given land by Lord Baltimore in Maryland. (C-2196, 2202)

Through studying the deeds and wills of Rappahannock Co., VA and comparing it to info at www.familysearch.com, I've been able to determine the William of Rapahannok's sisters. This is the same William that came over on the ship with Thomas. Though Thomas is not listed as a child of this same family at www.familysearch.com, he would be of the right age to be a brother of this family. The tradition of 3 brothers would also fit. If he isn't William's brother, he could easily be his cousin, son to one of William's other brothers, Edmund, or John by timing. Their youngest brother was Thomas whom our Thomas would have been named after. (C-2394)

It is not known how long our Thomas or his brothers??? stayed in Virginia but probably soon after he, (his brothers????) and Thomas Meeres, a Quaker friend or relative, traveled to Maryland. Maryland history records that Quakers first entered the colony in 1657-8, after traveling on foot from Virginia. It also states that Thomas Meere's arrived the first year Severn River was settled. It is assumed this applies to Thomas Underwood as well.

There is some conjecture that Thomas Underwood was a Quaker. However, he is in no Quaker records and did not refuse the oath of allegiance as Thomas Meeres did. One of his grandsons became a Quaker minister. Thomas's son, John Meeres lists Samuel Underwood, brother to Elizabeth in his will. Since several researchers submitting info on this Thomas to the Mormon church have said that he died in 1683 in Middleneck, Anne Arundel Co, MD and was buried at Severna Park in that same county, the deceased is more likely to be Elizabeth's mother.

It is not certain if Elizabeth entered Virginia with Thomas Underwood in 1750 as she is not listed in Greer's "Immigrants to Virginia." Possibly she departed her ship in Maryland or Pennsylvania and was later rejoined by Thomas Underwood. She did come in 1650 according to testimony from her husband: "I, Thomas Underwood do assign over to Thomas Bradley, or his assigns all my right and title to land due to me, my wife - Elizabeth, William Jones, William Waddles, Dorethy Grove. I came in the year 50 and so did my wife, Elizabeth, Jones in 58, Waddle in 62, Grove in 58, witness my hand 3 Sept., 1663." Thomas in other words brought over each of the persons mentioned in this quote and actually received land grants for bringing in additional settlers. He could not have been poor to find opportunities to do this.

By Feb. 9, 1662 he had 50 acres. On Aug. 6, 1663 he received from Lord Baltimore, a grant for the land which was named "Middle Neck" located at 30 degrees North Latitude and basically 76 degrees West Longitude near the current day Annapolis, Maryland. On Aug. 8, 1863 he received another grant for 100 acres from Lord Baltimore which he had surveyed on Oct. 20, 1663. He named this "The Landing."

Only two of Thomas and Elizabeth's children have been found in any documents. He may have had more as there were other Underwoods in the area years after Thomas and Elizabeth arrived. (C-635)

Thomas married Elizabeth UNKNOWN before 1645. Elizabeth died before 1674. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth's last name is uncertain. It has been conjectured by some researchers to be Meere's as that is the surname of the man who took in Thomas's children when his wife died. However, since Mr. Meeres referred to her as his orphan servant girl and because Thomas Meeres and family were already living in Lower Norfolk Co., VA by 1640, Meeres' daughter would have been living in VA and MD for at least ten years before she emigrated with her husband in 1650. Obviously, she can't have been the daughter of Thomas Meeres. (C-2751) She and her husband Thomas Underwood are a DNA cousin match via myself and W.H. (earlhumphrey_1) at Ancestry.com.

Notes:

Some researchers believe this Henry is a part of the Virginia Willcocks whose original immigrant was Captain Willcox who came to Virginia in 1620 and was a Representative in the Legislature for Accomac Co. in 1623. Captain Willcox was from Plymouth, ENG and came to Virginia to fight the Indians. His will was probated June 1628 in England. Henry married widow, Sarah Lewis. It is conjecture that she is the mother of Samuel's wife, Mary Ann Wilcox, because we are not sure of Mary's birth date. The Henry that married Sarah Lewis is also probably the same Henry that emigrated from England to Maryland and had a plantation named Mount Hope on the Chester River in Maryland. (C-635, 1206) Henry wrote his will on Nov. 9, 1684 and died the following March and names his daughter Mary in his will.

Henry married Sarah LEWIS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

UA Record #:2405 Harry Thomas Owen was sometimes called Henry Thomas Owen or Harry Thomas. He was the original Quaker in this line. He decided upon the truth of the Quaker religion as a young man and is listed in Besse's "Suffering of the Quakers" along with Evan Harry as imprisoned, very hardly used, lodging on bare boards and having their water sometimes kept from them. From 1662 to 1681, his name frequently occurs in the Quarter session records of Montgomery County as fined for non-attendance of the established church (Anglican?) and it notes that he was a Quaker. He was presented to the Grand Jury, as a Quaker, in the April Sessions, 1681. (C-437, p.574) His birth and death dates are not known but estimated. He was likely to be alive in 1686 when he is mentioned in PA Quaker records as the father of Hugh Harry who needed monetary help from his son's in America. (C-437, p.6)

Harry married Elizabeth UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In UA Record #:2762 on CD-102 an alternate birthday of 1634 is given. It's listed as 1632 in Harry's book. When William and Ann had married, Ann had been a Quaker for about three years previous. William and Ann emigrated from England in 1684 and settled in Grubbs Landing, New Castle Co., Delaware. He and his family had been living at Nether Gornall, Sedgley, Stafford, England when his eldest daughter had married on 4/18/1684, shortly before their departure. William and Ann were received on certificate from the Dudley Monthly Meeting by the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting on 9/4/1684.

William and family barely survived their first year in the colonies. They had only a temporary shelter for both of them and their son, William during that very severe first winter. The only way they made it through was from game supplied by the Indians that traversed the route by their shelter. Once the weather cleared, William built them a log cabin and planted a pear tree as a symbol of fruitful future. He purchased 50 acres from Thomas King in March of 1686 and 450 acres in Oct. of that same year in Birmingham. These purchases included the lands on which he was already living. In 1688 he purchased an additional 400 acres. (C-1364)

William and Ann came to the Americas and endured this hardship, because as a Quaker, he had lost much of what he owned to the British government. He again was on the unpopular side of religion within seven years of coming to America as he joined up with the rebellious Quaker, George Keith.

This group after a few years, fractured and broke up and which point William and family returned to the Orthodox Quaker church where he was a member in good standing at Concord Monthly Meeting at the time of his death. He lived in Birmingham, Chester Co., PA when he wrote his will on the 6th month, 20th day, 1699. It was proved at Philadelphia on Dec. 1, 1700. (C-749)

Both Ann and William died around 1700. They are buried at the Concord Monthly Meeting in New Castle Co., DE. His will follows: Know all men whome it may Concerne that on the __ day of the Sixth month 1699 I William Brinton of Burmingham in the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsilvania -- being by the goodness of the Lord in good and perfect mind and memory -- and being far in yeares -- And knowing that all flesh is as grass and the goodliness thereof as the flower of the field' -- Also Calling to mind what the Lord said to Hezekiah Set they house in order for thou must die and not live. -- Now in the Sence of my latter end and putting off this my Tabernacle And the trouble my Children may be in and exposed to if I should die without a will to prevent the last And in the Sence aforesaid do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament Contained in maner and forme following. I doe give unto my daughter Ann Bennit one hundred pounds -- Also I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Harry wife of Hugh Harry one hundred pounds -- and for the more sure provideing that the one hundred pounds that I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Harry shall doe her and her Children good my will is that twenty-pounds part of the saide one Hundred pounds shall be paid presently after my decease -- And the foure-score pounds the remaine of the said one hundred pounds shall be paid by twenty pounds a yeare and every yeare Successively by my executors Hereafter named -- Also I give unto my daughter Easter Willis wife of John Willis one hundred pounds -- Also I gove unto my grand Children of my three daughters aforesaid and of my Son William Brinton -- two Shillings and Sixpence each or every one of them -- Also my Will is, -- And I doe hereby apoint, ordaine, make and Consitute my Loveing Son William Brinton and my Son in Law John Bennit my full and Sole executors of this my last Will and Testament. -- And further my will is, and I doe give unto my Son William Brinton five pounds -- also I doe give unto my other executor my Son in Law John Bennit five poiunds, -- Also my Will is, and I doe apoint Constitute and make my oveing friend George Harlan of Brandywine my true and Legall Oversee of this my last will and Testament, And my Will is and I doe give unto Said George Harlan five-pounds to be paid by my executors -- And further more my Will is -- what is over and above more what aforesaid I have given away of my personal estate and reall estate -- with the house all goods Shall be equally divided betwixt my three daughters that is to say my daughter Anne Bennit my daughter Elizabeth Harry and my daughter Easter Willis, -- excepting alwazys one feather-bed and bolster one Rug one Blanket which foure things my Will is that my Son William Brinton shall have. -- also excepting what I shall here unto annex -- In Wittness hereof I have Set my hand and Seal this twentieth day of the Sixt month one thousand six hundred ninety-nine 1699. --William Brinton (seal) (C-956, EL)

William married Ann BAGLEY about 1659 in , Staffordshire, ENG. Ann (daughter of Edward BAGLEY and Olive UNKNOWN) was born before 27 Apr 1634 in Sedgeley, Staffordshire, ENG; was christened on 27 Apr 1634 in St. Edmund, Dudley, Worcestershire, ENG; died before 20 Aug 1699 in Birmingham Twp., Chester, PA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Farmer's book gives her surname as Sedgley. One of these surnames is likely a misinterpretation of the handwritten first hand document or a mix-up of the place they lived with their surname. She is also UA Record #:4178 in CD-100. (C-956) Though all sources found so far list her as the daughter of Edward Bagley, it is not certain that she was also the daughter of Olive.