The Braceys of Virginia

Table of Contents

• Surname List
• First Generation
• Second Generation
• Third Generation
• Fourth Generation
• Fifth Generation
• Sixth Generation
• Index

Bracey, Bressie, Jones

1. Unknown Progenitor of¹ Bracey Family birth date unknown.

In spite of extensive research in the records of England, it has so far been impossible to identify this ancestor by name or location.

Unknown Progenitor of Bracey Family had the following children:

+ 2 i. Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey.

3 ii. William Bressie. William died 1701 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He married Susannah Jones. Susannah is the daughter of Rowland Jones Sr.. Susanna Bressie was witness at the marriage of John Morry & Elizabeth Yarrat, daughter of William Yarrat of "Ille White County" on the "22nd day of 6 mon 1678" (22 August 1678).⁽¹⁾

She was witness at the marriage of "William Oudelant of Chucatucke in Nanzemond County" to Christian Taberer, daughter of Thomas Taberer of "County Islle a Weight" on "15th day 9 mon 1678" (15 November 1678).⁽²⁾

William Bressie appears in the minutes of the Virginia Council 18 October 1670.⁽³⁾ "Whereas Mr. Willm Bracy trustee of the estates of Willm & Miles Cary two of the orpts of Coll Miles Cary Decd Informing this Cort that he intends for England and by his petition moveing that the Cor would be pleased to appoint some other Psons to take ... of the said children together wth their estates. Capt Willm Besset accepts the Guardianship of Willm Cary one of the orpts pvided his estate be appraised that when the orpt comes to age he may know what he is to pay wch is granted and Mr. Tho. Cary brother to the said Miles Cary orpt of him, the said Capt Besset & Mr. Thomas Cary giveing Security for the same to the Court where the said estates lyves."

He deeded land for a Quaker Meeting House 9 February 1679 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.⁽⁴⁾ It read as follows: "Be it known unto all men by these p'sents that I Wm Bressie of ye Upper Parrish of ye Isle of Wight County in Virginia planter wth Susannah my wife have granted enfeoffed from us or heires and doe by these p'sents ffor evermore give and grant and enfeofe unto Wm Yarrett John Grove ffrancis Wrenn Edward Jones Thomas Tooke and Henry Wiggs and the rest of the sevts of God frequently called Quakers, one house built by ye sd people in ye place called Levy Neck Ould feilds neare the creeke side to wo'rp and serve the liveing God, in spiritt and truth wth ground sufficient for a Graveyard and what more may be thought fitt, and shall suddenly be bounded by four corner Trees to be planted with free Egres and regress for ye sd people thrugh any of ye sd Bressies Land in any path that now leads to the sd House, and further that noe Lease neither Sale nor deed of guift that shall hereafter be made by us or either of us William and Susanna Bressie or Heires or Ass contrary to the true Intent and meaning hereof but shall be adjudged and is hereby declared by us to be null and illegal. Witness or hands and seals, and furthermore wee doe declare or intents and meaning to be that the right freedom and liberty herein conteyned shall extend to as many as hereafter shall receive and obey the Gospell and joyn unto the said people. William Bressie, Susanna Bressie Signed sealed and delivered in the p'sence of us, Daniell Sanborne, Walter Barhem This acknowledged in open Court by Mr. William Bressie and his wife to be their Act and Deed and Ordered to be Recorded ffeb 9th [1679]. Test, John Pitt Cler Curiae"

It is not known precisely when William and Susanna Bressie adopted the Quaker faith, but it was probably shortly after they returned from their visit to England. The above indicates they were faithful Quakers by 1679.

"Because the 'old fields' mentioned in such early deeds were the first clearings made by the colonists, they were usually located close to the river landings and not back in the woods, hence this meeting-house 'near the Creek side' probably stood on the high shore of Pagan Creek at the south end of the neck, but its actual site has not been located. Like other early meeting-houses in this section, whose specifications are given in Quaker records, it was doubtless a small frame building of the simplest type, set on wooden blocks, so that no trace of a foundation could be expected to show at its site."

"Although the Quakers held meetings at the house of William Yarrett at Levy Neck as early as 1663, these meetings were not sanctioned by the county authorities who imprisoned those responsible for them, hence the building of the meeting-house probably did not antedate Bressie's acquisition of its site in 1672. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the Quaker faith was not fully established in this region until after the visit of its founder, George Fox, in that year." Fox wrote in his journal: "Another very good meeting we had at William Yarret's at Pagan Creek which was so large that we were fain to be abroad, the house not being big enough to contain the people."

Because of the persecution of the earliest Quakers in this part of Virginia, their meetings and their correspondence were conducted in strict secrecy. Because of this need for secrecy and the general disorganization prior to George Fox's visit, no church records were kept. If the Bressies became Quakers prior to the end of this period of persecution, we have no record or indication that they suffered punishment for their beliefs. They undoubtedly knew about the persecutions that occured around them, and knew the stories of what had happened to Thomas Jordan of Chuckatuck and his wife, Margaret.

Margaret Brasseur (Brashare), daughter of Robert Brasseur, a French Huguenot who settled in Nansemond in 1653, became a Quaker in 1658 at the age of sixteen. She married Thomas Jordan in 1659, he becoming a Quaker the following year. Both Thomas and Margaret Jordan suffered imprisonment and confiscation of their property on several occasions because of their religious beliefs. They eventually became the parents of ten sons, one of whom, John Jordan, was a legatee in the will of William Bressie, and another, Matthew Jordan, who became the second husband of Susannah Bressie.

He made a will 22 January 1699 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.⁽⁵⁾ It was as follows: I Will Bressey of Levy Neck in ye County of Isle of Wight in Virginia make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following. I Give and Bequeath unto Jno. Harrison my kinseman ye son of Jno. Harrison and Milborron Harrison lately deceased part of my Land I purchased from Jno. Seward and Lyeing and being on ye North Side of ye Runn of Water Coming down from Jno. Murraies Land to ye great Creek pt wth of Jno. Carrell Run wth all ye Tennements and Heriditaments thereunto belonging, to him and his heirs Lawfully begotten for Ever. wth Liberty for Timber building on all ye rest of my land. I Give and bequeath unto his Brother Wm Harrison all ye Rest of my land, from ye aforesd Runn being ye Remainder of ye Land I purchased of Jn. Seward wth all ye Tenements and Heriditamts thereunto belonging to him and his heirs lawfully begotten for Ever. I give and bequeath unto Samuell Noreton of Lawne Creeke in Surry County two thousand pounds of Tobo. I Give and bequeath unto Thomas Page taylor of ye County of Nansimond two thousand pounds of Tobo. I Give and bequeath unto my Trustees undermenconed two thowsd pounds of Tobo. towards ye maintaining and upholding of ye Meeting House of ye people of God called Quakers, lyeing and being att Levy Neck. I Give and bequeath unto ye three children of James Tullagh of ye lower Parrish of ye Isle of Wight (lately deced) to each of them twenty shillings. I Give and bequeath unto my Trustees undermenconed to each of them forty shillings. I Give and bequeath unto my Dear Wife Susannah Bressy my Copper Still wth ye Utensills therunto belonging dureing her Naturall Life, and after her decease unto Jno. and Will Harrison abovesd. I Give and bequeath unto my sd Wife all my debts due to me in Old England. I Give and bequeath to my Wife liberty for Timber on all ye abovemenconed Lands for ye upholding and maintaining of ye dwelling house, I now live in dureing her life wth egress and regress for her Stock excepting what is Tenents. I Give and Bequeath unto my sd Wife my Gold Seal Ring. I Give and Bequeath unto Hugh Bressy and William Bressey his Brother all my wearing Apparell and Linnen to be equally devided betweene them. It is my will yt there be noe wast nor sale made of any Timber on ye sd Lands, nor no Lease or Leases of any pt thereof but wt is already done untill ye Heirs come to age and in case they decease before they come to age then I Give and bequeath all ye sd Lands unto my Trustees undermentioned for Ever, for noe use nor uses but for ye releif or ye Poor of ye people of God called Quakers by ye Advise and Consent of twelve of ye Cheifest of ye yearly meeting att Levy Neck, and an Accompt by them kept, and Recorded by ye Clerks of ye sd Meeting how it is disposed of. I Give and bequeath unto my wife Susannah Bressy (after ye aforemenconed Legacies are paid) One half of all my Goods and Chattells, Mony, Plate and Servants wt forever, the other half I Give and bequeath unto ye abovemenconed Jno. Harrison and Wm. Harrison to be equally divided between them. It is my will yt ye Childrens half be left wt Wife untill they come to age, she giveing under her hand to pay it accordingly, but in case they decease before they come to age, then I Give and Bequeath theire pt unto my Trustees undermentioned, or any four of them for ye poore of ye people Called Quakers, but in case one of Them decease before he comes to age then one half of his pt I Give to his Brother, ye other halfe I Give to my Trustees for ye use abovementioned or any four of them with ye advice of Twelve of ye principle of ye yearly Meeting att Levy Neck. It is my Will yt ye youngest be left to the tuition of my Wife untill he come of age if she continue a Widdow but in case she Maryeth or deceaseth before he come to age yt both their Estate and them alsoe be managed by Trustees in their Minority or any four of them. I make Nominate and appoint my Trustees Daniell Sanborne of ye Lower Parish of ye Isle of Wight, Henry Wiggs Carpenter of ye same, Isack Reeks Clerke of ye yearly Meeting, Jno. Jordan ye son of Thomas Jordan lately deced and Robert Lacie of Lawnes Creek in Surry. To whom I give and grant full power that att ye decease of any one of them they make choice of another amongst ye people called Quakers to continue ye number from time to time forever. And it is my will yt any three of them make an Inventory of all my goods and Chattles after portion them as above bequeathed by me. And it is my Will yt noe Inventory be given into any Cort in Virga. nor no Appraizmt made thereof but wt is Done by my Trustees or any three of them. And it is my Will yt they Cause ye sd Inventory and divident by them made to be delivered into ye yearly Meeting att Levy Neck thereto be recorded wth this my Will. I remitt unto all psons in Virga. all debts due to me for goods sold or lent. It is my Will yt noe suit in Law be comenced in any Cort. in Virga. for or concerning any matter or thing in this my Will, but wtsoever difference shall or may arise It shall be left to ye full decision of my Trustees or any three of them. Whereas Hugh Bressy stands engaged to pay unto me and my wife during our naturall lifes, five fatt Beefs and three fatt Hoggs yearly. It is my Will yt he pay my wife but one fatt beef and one fatt yearly dureing her life. It is Will yt ye Lands and Tenemts above bequeathed be no sold nor Alienated by any pson wtsoever nor any pt there of but to descend gradually to ye surviving heir or heirs and soe to Continue for Ever. As for ye Rents of ye sd Lands after ye Quitt Rents are paid. I Give unto my wife towards ye maintenance of ye sd Children until they come to age. I make, Nominate, and appoint my Dear Wife Susannah Bressy full and sole Extrix, of this my Last Will and Testament Revoking all former Will or Wills by me made, whereas in my gift of Land to Jno Harrison abovesaid there is liberty granted to him for Timber on ye whole land, It is my Will yt his sd Liberty for Timber shall not extend any further than for one dwelling house of Thirty five foot in Lenth, and a Tobo. house of forty foot in Lenth and noe more. In Wittness hereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and fixed this Seal this 22nd day of ye 11enth month comonly called January 1699. Will Bressie (seal)

Signed, Later Acknowledged in ye presents of us ---ffia Thropp William Wilson Samll (S)(his mark) Eldridge Eliz (x)(her mark) Gainard Jno Crabham

Proven in open Cort held for ye Isle of Wight County on ye 9th day of June 1701, to be ye last will and testament of Wm Bressy by the Oaths of Wm Wilson--------------------John Crabham and by ye ------------.

An inventory of the estate of William was taken in 1701.⁽⁶⁾ It was returned by John Jordon, Isaac Rickieses, Robert Lacy, Daniel Sanbourn, and Henry Wiggs, the Trustees. It consisted of the following: 3 flock beds, and one couch bed and furniture 8 feather beds and furniture 2 1/2 dozen large pewter dishes 1/2 dozen smaller pewter dishes 8 pewter basons 3 pewter pye plates 4 candle sticks pewter 2 pewter sockets 6 pewter Porrengers 12 small pewter basons 2 pewter flagons 1 pottle pott 1 quart pott 1 Pewter Cestern 1 bread stand 2 large brass kettles 3 bell metal skilletts 1 large bell metal skillett 1 large bell metal stew pan & lid 1 small bell metal kettle & 2 brass covers 8 brass candlesticks 2 brass skimmers 1 brass ladell 2 large brass pans 2 large brass pans 2 large iron pots 1 bell metal pot 3 middling pots 2 small midling pots 3 pr. of pot racks 5 pr. pot hooks 3 iron spits 1 dozen fine towles 1/2 dozen course towles 1/2 dozen leather chairs being new 3 pr. of chests of Drawers 3 seal skin trunks 1 cedar trunk chest and small table 1 large looking glass 2 small boxes 2 earthen basons 2 old boxes 1 small gilt trunk 1 brass bason 2 wooden chairs one joyned stool 1 cane box 3 cover cloths belonging to the chests of drawers... 1 prcll of earthen ware 1 dozen of glass 2 chests 1 trunk 1 eight square table 1 four square table 1 large old chest 8 standing bedsteads 2 tracle bedsteads 1/2 doz. joynt stools 3 old chairs 2 chests 1 chest of drawers 1 large table and forme 1 cupboard 1 wainscoat 2 ps of blue linnen 3 1/2 yds of Broad Cloth 39 yards of Kersey 3 ps of serge 25 yds of serge 1 piece of stuff cont. 52 yrd. 15 1/2 yds. of ticking 8 1/2 yrds of Callaminko 7 yds. of painted callico 11 yds. of printed linnen 83 yds. of colored linnen 10 yds. of colored fustion 5 yds. of Lynsewoolsey a Broad Cloth Coat and vest 1 hammock 20 1/2 yds of fine bed ticking 30 1/2 yds canvas bed ticking 1 feather bed 1 large cupboard and a couch frame and a small table standing in the porch 3 pr tonges 1 fire shovell 2 Iron candlesticks 1 Iron fender 3 frying pans 1 driping pan 1 gridiron a box and iron 2 pewter chamber potts 2 large silver tankards 1 large silver plate 1 pewter salt celler 1 silver beker 2 dozen silver spoons 2 silver forks 2 silver salt cellars 1 silver saucer 1 silver sack cup 4 silver dram cups 13 pr. coarse sheets 1 pr. cotton sheets 6 coarse table cloths 4 doz. coarse napkins 8 coarse towells 6 speckle pillow cases 10 pr. fine sheets 1 damask tabel cloth and a doz. napkins 1 doalis table cloth cloth and one doz. of nasser 1 doz. fine pillow bears 1 couch frame 1 small table 2 looking glasses a pair of pillows 1 lantern 1 parcel of earthen ware, that is to say bottles and jugs 1 cupboard cloth belonging to the cupboard, standing in Susanna's room 2 paper boxes a parcel of books 2 chests standing in the chitcon... 2 old negro men 2 old negro women 1 English man servant 30 sheep, 1 mare & colt, a two yearling horse, 23 killable hogs, 9 shoats, 7 cows & calves by their sides, 6 cows, 19 younger cattle 2 guns 1 small square table 1 old table 1 large chest 2 cases of bottles iin chest 1 large iron bound case, and two pint cases 2 cases of knives 1 parcel of tin pans, with pales and tables & other lumber... 129 Ells of canvas a pr of fastion 88 Ells of Doalis 6 new corn sacksl money paid in all---£04:04:00.

2. Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey (Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

Unknown Father of Hugh & William Bracey had the following children:

+ 4 i. William³ Bressie.

+ 5 ii. Hugh Bressie was born about 1660.

4. William³ Bressie (Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

William Bressie was named in the court minutes in Surry County, Virginia 1687.⁽⁷⁾ "Jno. Britt & Katherine his wife doe in Cort Enter that they this day haveing attended this Court to acknowledge a Deede of Sale of a Pcell of Land to Wm. Bracey Junr. but the said Bracey not appeareing with the Deed of Sale they therefore Cannot Pforme the same."

William was granted, or received patent, 28 April 1691 for land in Surry County, Virginia.⁽⁸⁾ He was granted 720 acres on both sides of Cypress Swamp in the Upper Parish (Patent Book 8, page 127) for the importation of fifteen persons. Subsequent Surry County conveyances which made reference to the 720 acre patent were John Simmons to William Andrews, 430 acres south side Cypress Swamp in Southwarke Parish, 7 October 1715 (Book 6, page 253); William Andrews to John Grantham, 200 acres south side Cypress Swamp and Horse Meadow Branch, 9 August 1717 (Book 7, page 96); Thomas Grantham & wife Elizabeth to John Collier, 230 acres conveyed by Bressie to Thomas Grantham on Horse Meadow Branch at Cypress Swamp, 11 February 1824 (Book 7, page 580).

William signed a petition 21 May 1702 in Warwick County, Virginia.⁽⁹⁾ He requested the House of Burgesses for an allowance for his Negro slave named Toby who was killed persuant to an Act of Assembly dated 1692 called an Act for Suppressing Outlying Slaves.

An inventory of the estate of William was taken on 17 March 1745/46 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽¹⁰⁾ To Prize Money £27.6.5 To a Mare 3 - - To a Saddle 1.6.6 ----------- £31.12.11 Mary (x) Bracey

The inventory was ordered recorded 19 February 1746. Witness was Sam Bousch.

William Bressie had the following children:

+ 6 i. William⁴ Bressie.

+ 7 ii. Francis Bressie.

5. Hugh³ Bressie (Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born in England about 1660.⁽¹¹⁾ Hugh died 1727 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

He married Sarah Campion 14 March 1680.

He made a will 30 December 1721.⁽¹²⁾ It was recorded as follows: Hugh Bresey of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia thought ffit to make this my last will and Testament in maner and form as ffolloweth.

Item. I give to my grand son ffrancis Bresey the plantation his ffather lived on when he shall come to the age of sixteen years to him and his heirs forever. I give to my son William Bresey and his heirs forever sixty acres of Land or therebout it being allready marked out by me. I give to my son Campon Bresey one hundred acres of Land adjoyning on his cosen ffrancis already marked out to him and his heirs forever and all my waring clothes excepting my Cloak. I give to my son Hugh Bresey one small table and two Chare and my Comlet [?] Cloak. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Elsberry one ffeather bed and all furnitr thereunto belonging and two pewter dishes.

Item. Provided my son Michael Bresey shall stay and abide with me and my wife during our natural lives then my plantation and all the rest of my lands I give to him and his heirs for ever.

I also give all the rest of my estate I give to my said son Michael Bresey for ever except two pewter dishes to my daughter Susannah Britt. I make nominate and appoint my Loving son Michael Bresey to be my whole & sole Extor of this my last will and Testament as witness my hand & seal this 30th day of the tenth month called December 1721. My son Thomas[']is son Hugh I give ffive shillings and his heirs for ever interlined before signed.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged to be my last will and Testament in the presents of me. Oing (O)(his mark) Grifing, John (JT)(his mark) Turner, Joshua Turner

At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 27th day of March 1727. The last will and Testament of Hugh Bresey deced was presented in Court by Michael Bresey Executor therein named who made oath thereto and being proved by the oaths of Owen Griffin & John Turner two of the witnesses thereto is admitted to record.

Hugh Bressie and Sarah Campion had the following children:

+ 8 i. Francis⁴ Bressie.

9 ii. Campion Bressie.

10 iii. Elizabeth Bressie.

11 iv. Michael Bressie. He made a will 17 January 1748 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.⁽¹³⁾ He made cousin Sarah Bracy, the daughter of his brother, Hough Bracy, his executrix. To cousin Sarah Bracy and her heirs forever, he left "the plantation which now I and she live upon" except a part to William Bracy, and to Sarah Bracy he also gave a long list of personal possessions. He bequeathed to his brother Hough Bracy "all my apparell" and to each of Hough's daughters, Martha and Emma, an iron pott and a cow. All other things not mentioned he left to his brothers' and sisters' children. Caspar Mintz, Wm Crocker, and Wm Blunt witnessed the will, which was signed by Michael (x)(his mark) Bracy, and which was recorded 21 May 1754 in Isle of Wight County.

An appraisal of his estate was made 20 October 1754.⁽¹⁴⁾ The appraisers, Wm Davis, John W. Carris, George Hall, found a total value of £27.9.9.

12 v. Susannah Bressie.

+ 13 vi. William Bressie was born about 1682.

+ 14 vii. Hugh Bressie was born about 1686-1690.

+ 15 viii. Thomas Bressie was born about 1690-1700.

6. William⁴ Bressie (William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

William Bressie had the following children:

16 i. Randolph⁵ Bracey was born about 1726.⁽¹⁵⁾ He married Mary Maclin before 1754.⁽¹⁶⁾ Mary⁽¹⁷⁾ was the daughter of William Maclin and Sarah Sackfield. In the will of William Maclin, her father, dated 16 April 1762 in Surry County, Virginia, he gave to "my Daughter Mary Breasie Four Hundred Acres of Land in LieunenBerg on Miles Creek it being the Plantation whereon she formerly lived ... Also one Tract of Land in Brunswik ... on Shining Creek ... Also One Negro Man Named Charles One Negro Boy Named Johnathan One Negro Man Named Peter One Negro Wench Named Moll ... Also One Copper Kittle Containing about Forty Gallons also Four Cows and Calves Six Sheep and Ten Hoggs together with One Young Horse Ranging on the Plantation in Brunswick about Three Years of Age ...."

Randolph Bracey was named in the vestry book of Cumberland Parish in Lunenburg County, Virginia 17 September 1759.⁽¹⁸⁾ He was ordered to meet with John Speed, Jacob Bugg, George Baskervill, John Ballard, and Henry Dolony at the mouth of Miles Creek on 13 November and procession all lands between Miles Creek, the Roanoak River, Cocks Creek, and Mountain Creek Road. On 4 March 1746 Randall Bracey of Burnswick County, Virginia, bought 150 acres of land from John Nipper, located on the middle branch of Cocks Creek in Brunswick County (Brunswick County Deed Book 3, page 277), bordering on lands of William Maclin and being part of larger tract granted to William Tucker.

He was one of he processioners of land south of the Meherrin River in November 1751 (St. Andrew's Parish Vestry Book, page 48). He also received several grants of land in Brunswick County: 273 acres on a branch of Cockes Creek on 5 September 1749; 380 acres and 314 acres on 15 December 1755 (Virginia Land Book 28, page 665; Book 32, page 655-656).

On 27 November 1752 Randall and Mary Bracey witnessed the will of Henry Rottingbury (Lunenburg County Will Book 1, page 109).

Randall Bracey was made Captain of a company of foot soldiers in the Brunswick County Militia and took the oath on 24 Julyi 1753 (Brunswick County Order Book 5, page 33).

He was a "Labourer" and owned a "Carpenter's Rule." On 27 March 1751, the Brunswick County grand jury returned an indictment against Randall and others, "Labourers" for a trespass (Brunswick County Order Book 4, page 13). He himself was a juror at that or the next court (Brunswick County Order Book 4, page 19).

An advertisement in the Virginia Gazette for 18 April 1755 appeared as follows: "To be sold. A tract of land containing 1123 A. lying in Brunswick Co., with good improvements viz a good Dwelling-House, Kitchen, smoak-House and Milk-House, two Barns with a good Orchard, Any person inclinable to purchase the same may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, living on the Plantation. Randall Bracey."

On 22 December 1755, Randle Bracey of Brunswick County sold to Benjamin Harrison of Lunenburg County four tracts of land totaling 1117 acres (Brunswick County Deed Book 6, page 4). He and Mary then moved to Lunenburg County to her father's property on Miles Creek.

The Cumberland Parish Vestry ordered on 17 September 1759 that Randolph Bracey, John Speed, Jacob Bugg, George Baskerville, John Ballard, and Henry Delony meet at the mouth of Miles Creek on Tuesday the Thirteenth of November and procession all the lands between Miles Creek, Roanoak River, Cocks Creek (a different one from that in Burnswick County), and Mountain Creek Road (Cumberland Parish, by Bell, page 367).

There are several court orders involving him in the Lunenburg County Order Books from 1761 to 1764.

Randall and Mary were living in Lunenburg County when her father, William Maclin, of Cobbam, Surry County, wrote his will. In it he left to Nanny Bressie one negro girl named Fillis, and to Sackfield Macklin Breasie he left one negro boy named Charles, and to his daughter Mary Breasie 400 acres of land on Miles Creek in Lunenburg County whereon she formerly lived, plus a tract of land in Brunswick County on Shining Creek. They sold 390 acres of this land on Miles Creek in 1763 to Rease Brewer (Lunenburg County Deed Book 9, page 62) (deed witnessed by Thos. Bracey), with the other ten acres being sold to John Johnson (Lunenburg County Deed Book 9, page 72). The next year they sold the land on Shining Creek to Allen Love (Brunswick County Deed Book 9, page 298).

By 1766, Randall was in South Carolina, and by December of that year he moved from South Carolina to Georgia, with his wife, two children and six negroes. In April 1768, his petition was read at the Georgia Council meeting, in which he asked for 300 acres at Buck Head. His petition was granted (The Colonial Records of Georgia, by Chandler, Vol. 10, page 466). He petitioned for an additional tract in September 1768, this time mentioning four children. (Ibid., page 592). In June 1769, he petitioned for 200 acres and 150 acres on the Altamaha, this time mentioning a wife, five children, and six negroes (Ibid., page 779).

In Virginia, meanwhile, the Brunswick County order books reveal that he had left unfinished business: "Attachment obtained by Allan Love and Co. against Estate of Randle Bracey who hath privately removed himself out of this county or so absconds that the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon him for 45 pounds current money...." The sheriff sold a negro to pay for the debt. (Brunswick County Order Book 9, page 354).

The court further noted his absence from the county: "The Summons against Randall Bracey who hath been Summoned as a Witness for Joseph Parrish against Robert Briggs being returned not an Inhabitant of this County." (Brunswick County Order Book 9, page 505).

An attachment against his estate was also made by Thomas Bracey: "Upon the Attachment obtained by Thomas Bracey against the Estate of Randle Bracey ordered that a Summons issue against David Williams a Garnashee returnable to next Court" (Ibid.). "Thomas Bracey Plt. vs. Randle Bracey Deft. upon an attachment, Ordered that Daniel Williams be summoned to appear at the next court and declare what estate he had in his hands of the defend. at the time of leveying this attachment and continued (Brunswick County Order Book 11, page 12).

This business was carried over from 1765 to 1771, when on 28 August the following was recorded: "The Attachment obtained by Thomas Bracey against Randal Bracey abates by the Death of the Defendant (Brunswick Order Book 11, page 403).

+ 17 ii. Thomas Bracey was born about 1730-35.

7. Francis⁴ Bressie (William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

He married Elizabeth. She made a will 1 May 1782 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.⁽¹⁹⁾ It was as follows: In the name of God Amen I Elizabeth Bressie of the County of Mecklenburg and state of Virginia being in my perfect senses and memory and calling to mind that all must die -- do hereby make this my last will and testament.

first I bequeath my soul to God from whence it came and my body to the earth to be bury'd by my executors hereafter mentioned. as to my worldly Estate my will and desire is that it shall be devided as followeth (to wit) --

Item I give to my son Samuel Bressie's children and to their forever, Easter, Hannah, Billy and Aldry, --

Item I give to my son Henry Bressie's orphans and to their heirs forever three negroes (to wit) Priss, Molly and Sookey.--

Item I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Nancy Lewis and to her heirs forever one Negroe Girl Betty --

Item I give to my Grandson Bressie Lewis and to his heirs forever two Negroes (to wit) James and Judith--

I do hereby appoint my two loving sons Thomas and William Bressie and Thomas Field Executors and Executrix to this my last will and testament.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1st day of May 1782. Elizabeth (her mark) Bressie

Witness. John Potter, William Baker, William Hudson

At a Court held for Mecklenburg County the 11th day of November 1782. This will was proved by the Oath of William Hudson a witness thereto -- and at a court held for the same County the 12th day of June 1786 the said will was further proved by the Oath of John Potter another witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Francis Bressie appears in the court records 21 August 1717 in Elizabeth City County, Virginia.⁽²⁰⁾ "In the suit br(ough)t by Fra. Bracey his next friend ag(ains)t John Burtell, Admr. of James Burtell dec'd, in an action upon the case damage £5. Def(endan)t failing to appear, attachm(en)t awarded pl(ain)t(iff) with cost. Ret(urn) to next C(our)t for further tryall." On 19 February 1717/18 "Francis Bracy by Wm. Bracy & suit ag(ains)t Joh. Burtell Adm in an action upon the case £5. Ref(erre)d to next C(our)t by reason Capt. Jenkins his atty is sick." Then finally, on 20 March 1717/18, "Judgm(en)t confirmed ag(ains)t John Burtell Adm of James Burtell dec'd for payment of four bbls [barrels] Tarr to Francis Bracey with costs at exon."

Francis appeared on the tax rolls 1748, 1750, and 1752 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽²¹⁾ He was listed with four tithes in 1748, with three tithes in 1750 and 1752.

He made a will 16 January 1761 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽²²⁾ The will was as follows: In the name of God amen. I Francis Bressie of Lunenburgh County being very sick and week and sick but in (perfect) sence do appoint this my last will and Testament.

Item. I give to my granson William Bressie fore hundred acres of land joining Wagstaff and Whealan Beginning at the River to him and his heirs forever. having given before Thomas John and Elizabeth what I have desired them.

Item. I give unto my wife all my Estate both Rale and personal to Give and do as she pleases to her and her heirs for ever. I do appoint my wife my Lawful Executor to Receive and pay all my just debts Given under my hand and seal this sixteenth day of January 1761. Fran Bressie

In the presents of Irby Bressie Nath Bacon Spencer Pescu

At a Court held for Lunenburgh County the second day of March 1762. The written 1st Will and Testament of Francis Bressie Deceased was proven by the oaths of two of the witnesses thereto Subscribed and the same is [ordered] to be Recorded.

Teste. Clement Read CLC

At a Court held in Lunenburgh County the fourth day of May 1762 Elizabeth Bressie his Executrix therein named certified obtaining a probate of the said William due from the giving she together with Thomas Bressey and Thomas _____ security.

Entered into and acknowledged their Bond for that purpose.

Teste. Clement Read CLC

An inventory of the estate of Francis was taken on 2 August 1762 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽²³⁾ William Cocke, Benjamin Pulliam, and George Bruce appraised the estate, which had a total value of £477 5s, and included Negroes, Pris, Hanner, Rachel, Easter, George, Patt, & Jacob, four feather beds, 24 cattle, one table cloth and books. It was recorded on 10 March 1763 (page 153).

Francis Bressie and Elizabeth had the following children:

+ 18 i. William⁵ Bressie.

19 ii. Elizabeth Bressie.

20 iii. Mary Bressie.

+ 21 iv. Thomas Bressie.

22 v. Irby Bressie.

+ 23 vi. Henry Bressie.

+ 24 vii. Samuel Bressie.

25 viii. Jane Bressie.

+ 26 ix. John Bressie was born circa 1728/29.

8. Francis⁴ Bressie (Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

He married Elizabeth Wiggs 15 September 1713.⁽²⁴⁾ Francis Braise of the Isle white County: and Son of Huge Braise of ye saime County planter: and Elizabeth Wiggs Daughter of Henry wiggs: of ye afore sd County deceased having declared their marriage before several publick meetings of ye people called Quakers in Virga the sd francis Braise and Elizabeth wiggs afore sd were married in ye publick meeting house at Leave Neck on the fiveteen day of ye seventh month in ye yeare according to ye Inglish aCount one thousand seven hundred and thirteen.

ffrancis Braisse, the E mark of Eliz wiggs

Witnesses: John Scott, Blackebe Terill, Willm Harrison, Joan Scott, Willm Harrison, George wiggs, Sarah wiggs, Katherine Scott.

Elizabeth is the daughter of Henry Wiggs and Katherine.

She made a will 23 July 1751.⁽²⁵⁾ She made bequests to her cowzen Henry Wiggs (one gilded trunk, one pewter dish, and one pewter plate), to cowzen John Wiggs (one small iron pott, one small gilted trunk, one pewter dish, one pewter plate), to cowzen Mary Everitt (one poplar chest, one pewter dish, one pewter plate), to grandson Richd Jordan (one feather bed & bolster bedstead matt & cord & the furniture that belongs unto it, one desk), to grandson Mathew Jordan (a Negro girl Juda & her increase except first born to Richd Jordan & second born to granddaughter Hannah Jordan), to daughter Mary Jordan (all the remaining part of my household goods that is her husband's possession), to son Francis Brasey (five pounds current money & all the estate that belongs to me that is in my possession), to granddaughter Elizabeth Outland (one chest of drawers, one tea table, one brass candlestick, one pewter dish, one pewter bason, half a dozen English spoons, 22 pounds of money, all which legacy is in possession of John Outland except the money), and to daughter Elizabeth Outland (one feather bed, two chests, one table, and the rest of the estate in possession of John Outland. She named as executors, Mathew Jordan & Francis Brasey. The will was witnessed by Thos Gale, Charles Chesnutt, and Godfry Powell, and was recorded on 6 August 1752 in Isle of Wight County.

Francis Bressie and Elizabeth Wiggs had the following children:

+ 27 i. Francis⁵ Bressie.

28 ii. Mary Bressie. She married Matthew Jordan.

29 iii. Elizabeth Bressie. She married John Outland.

13. William⁴ Bressie (Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born about 1682.

He married Jane.

William Bressie and Jane had the following children:

30 i. William⁵ Bressie. He made a will 14 December 1751 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.⁽²⁶⁾ A resident of Newport Parish in Isle of Wight County, he left bequests to son John (plantation where I now dwell with 225 acres, four pounds and a crown in cash, one cow and calf), to son William (four pounds and a crown in cash, cooper's tools, one cow and calf, one pewter dish), to son Nathan (four pounds and a crown in cash, carpenter's tools, two pewter dishes, one cow and calf), to son Jesse (four pounds and a crown in cash, two pewter dishes, one cow and calf, one sow and pig, one small spotted trunk), and to wife Susannah (the rest of his movable estate). His wife was appointed executor. Witnesses were William Edwards and Robert Edwards, and the will was recorded in Isle of Wight County on 4 June 1752.

31 ii. Thomas Bressie.

14. Hugh⁴ Bressie (Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born about 1686-1690.

He made a will 26 March 1749 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.⁽²⁷⁾ He made his daughter, Amy Bracey, executrix. He bequeathed to his daughter Amy Bracey "my land, except a piece lying next to my son-in-law William Blunt," and to his daughter Elizabeth Blunt and his daughter Sarah Bracey, ten shillings. The will was witnessed by George (x)(his mark) Goodrich, Caspar Mintz, and Wm Jordan, and was recorded 4 February 1762.

He made a will 4 February 1762.⁽²⁸⁾ The appraisal was made by Wm Crocker, John Thomas, and John Chapman.

Hugh Bressie had the following children:

32 i. Amy⁵ Bressie.

33 ii. Elizabeth Bressie.

34 iii. Sarah Bressie.

35 iv. Martha Bressie.

36 v. Emma Bressie.

15. Thomas⁴ Bressie (Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born about 1690-1700.

He married Martha.

Thomas Bressie and Martha had the following child:

37 i. Hugh⁵ Bressie.

17. Thomas⁵ Bracey (William⁴ Bressie, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹)⁽²⁹⁾ was born about 1730-35.⁽³⁰⁾ Thomas died between 10 April & 28 June 1802 in Brunswick County, Virginia.

He married Mary Floyd 21 December 1790 in Brunswick County, Virginia.⁽³¹⁾ Mary is the daughter of Josiah Floyd.

He made a will 10 April 1802 in Brunswick County, Virginia.⁽³²⁾ It was as follows: In the name of God amen. I Thomas Bracey of the county of Brunswick being weak of body but of a sound mind and perfect memory calling to mind the mortality of the body, knowing it is appointed for all men once to die and come to Judgement and touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to help me with in this life I leave and bestow in manner of arms as follows--

Item. I lend to my loving wife the house plantation whereon I live with the third part of my land. Also four negroes by the names of Willy, Sarah, Davie, Abb and one negroe man by the name of Anthony, a cooper. I lend one-half of his time to serve her the first year, one nag, her choise, three cows and calfs, ten hogs, two feather beds, furniture, one-half the pewter and earthernware, half the working tools of all sorts, half the sheep, my sitting chairs, table, one trunk, one pot and Dutch oven, half the corn and bacon during her natural life.

Item. I give unto my son Samuel Bracey the whole of my land, also six negroes by the names of Milly, Charlot, Daniel, Anthony, Mairbry, and Green to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I lend unto my son Samuel Bracey thirteen negroes by the names of Dick, Simer, Nanse, Charles, Moser, Lucy, Jurdin, Sinthey, Easter, Fanney, Abram, Eatse and Molley and after my son's death I desire the same negroes to be divided between all his children. I give the same to them and their heirs forever.

Item. I give to William Floyd Bracey one negroe by the name of Goddin to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give unto Frances Elizabeth Hicks one negroe girl by the name of Silee, one bed of furniture, one trunk, and one small table to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I lend unto my loving wife my Black Colt also three sows pigs her natural life.

Item. The rest of my estate that is not given nor lent I give to my son Samuel Bracey to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I also appoint my wife and my son Samuel Bracey Executrice and Executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness thereof I have hearunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of April 1802. Thomas Bracey

Witnesses: William Moseley, Peter Read, Sopy Muff

Brunswick County Court, June 28, 1802

This last will and testament of Thomas Bracey decd. was proven by the oathes of William Moseley and Peter Read witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Teste, Herbert Hill CBC Carstairs & Verna Bracey gave the following biographical information on Thomas Bracey:

In September 1753 Thomas Bracey presented to the Brunswick County Court a petition against Alexander Pool for a debt owed him; the debt was subsequently paid by Pool.

John Tudor and Mary Rose sold to Thomas Bracey, on 30 December 1756, 142 acres of land on a branch of Poplar Creek. It was part of a larger tract formerly granted to John Jones in 1745, a plantation which Henry Rose gave to John Tudor by deed of gift. Thomas Bracey sold this property to Robert Brooks of Mecklenburg Co., Virginia, on 22 November 1779, to which deed Sack Bracey and Grief Harwell were witnesses.

In 1765, an attachment was obtained by Thomas Bracey against the estate of Randal Bracey. The case was carried on the books of the court until 28 August 1771, when the court stated that the attachment was abated by the death of the defendant, Randal Bracey.

Also, in 1765, it was ordered that Benjamin Hicks pay to Thomas Bracey 250 pounds of tobacco for ten days attendance as a witness for Hicks at court against John Williams.

Thomas place the following advertisement in the Virginia Gazette on 25 October 1765: "Taken up, in Brunswick, a dark bay mare four feet five inches high, with a small white spot in her forehead, branded on the left shoulder 1 on bullock CC. Thomas Bracey UI."

On 20 May 1777 Thomas Bracey brought a case against the estate of Thomas Howse Jr., and the debt was satisfied by the sale of a negro. Thomas sold a negro, Fanny, to Sackfield Maclin Bracey on 22 September 1777.

Thomas purchased from Joanna Finnie 900 acres on 20 July 1779, the land adjoining his property, that of William Warwick, Charles Yarbrough and John Steed. On 22 November 1779 he was granted license "to keep an ordinary at his house in this county." Benjamin Izell was his security. In 1795, he was again granted a license to keep an ordinary at his house, at which time, his son, Samuel Bracey, acted as his security. Yet another license was granted in 1797.

Thomas and Mary Bracey sold 200 acres of land to Thomas Betty for 3000 pounds on 10 October 1780. The deed was witnessed by Lewis Hicks, John Brodnax, and John Neal, and the land adjoined John Betty, William Warwick, Fields and Ledbetter.

Thomas Bracey and Mary Floyd had the following children:

38 i. William Floyd⁶ Bracey⁽³³⁾. Carstairs and Verna Bracey gave the following biographical information about William Floyd Bracey:

He purchased 191 acres in Brunswick County from William & Elizabeth Williams on 15 Nov. 1823, bounded by Edward Wesson, Josiah Floyd, Daniel Hicks, James Husky, and John Taylor. He sold this tract of land on 8 September 1836 to Isaac Britt, at which time the land was said to be south of Rattlesnake Creek, bounded by the creek, Josiah Floyd decd., Wm. Wright, Herod Clary, and Ed. B. Hicks.

On 10 May 1781 the court approved payment to William Bracey for "one gun and cartridge box taken by Capt. James Harrison for the militia that joined the marquis." [Marquis de Lafayette]

On 10 October, 1780, a list of 21 slaves belonging to William Bracey was recorded in the Brunswick County deed books.

39 ii. Frances Elizabeth Bracey. She married twice. She married Hicks 10 April 1802.⁽³⁴⁾ She married James Webb 8 September 1803.

40 iii. Samuel Bracey was born in Brunswick County, Virginia about 1760-1765.⁽³⁵⁾ Samuel died December 1808. Samuel died intestate. The guardian accounts of all four of his orphans are in the Brunswick County records (Guardian Accounts, vol. 1 (1815), page 56, and (1820) pages 111, 113, 115, 116).

An inventory of his estate was taken on 10 December 1808 and included 17 Negroes, much livestock and household furniture. Edward W. Harrison was administrator and Tabitha Bracey was administratrix. The appraisers were Wm Huffe, Harrison Barnes, and Samuel Moseley. It was recorded on 29 March 1809 (Brunswick Will Book 7, page 320).

A sale of some of the estate was held at Samuel's late residence on 23 December 1808, and payable on 25 December 1809. Tabitha Bracey bought most of the furniture, sheep, corn, etc. (Brunswick County Will Book 7, page 349). He married Tabitha Hicks 1 April 1785 in Brunswick County, Virginia.⁽³⁶⁾ The bondsmen were Hamlin Hicks and Thomas N. Smith, and the minister was Edward Dromgoole. The bride was "under age." Tabitha was the daughter of Robert Hicks and Rebecca Harrison.

Tabitha died about 1858. Tabitha moved with her second husband and at least two of her children, Tabitha and Harrison H., to Tennessee. In August 1818 her daughter, Tabitha, was appointed a guardian, named Samuel Huff, in Robertson County, Tennessee (Brunswick County Deed Book 25, page 22). On 13 November 1826, Paschal Bracey was given power of attorney fdor his mother, Tabitha King, of Robertson County, Tennessee, to secure her part of her mother's estate (Brunswick County Deed Book 27, page 212). In a letter from W.C. Parham of Benton, Arkansas, to Sam Bracey of Little Rock, Arkansas, dated 30 October 1906, it was alleged that Samuel Bracey of Brunswick County, Virginia, had served in the Revolutionary War, but no records have been located to so prove such a statement. Samuel witnessed a deed of sale of 300 acres from Thomas Bracey to Sackfield Bracey, 23 November 1790 (Brunswick Co. Deed Book 15, page 128). He acted as security in 1795 when Thomas was granted a license to keep an ordinary at his house (Brunswick Co. Order Book 15, page 516).

18. William⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown. William died January 1783 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽³⁷⁾

William appeared on the tax rolls 1764 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽³⁸⁾ He was listed with Elizabeth Bressie with five tithes and 204 acres of land.

He served as an officer in the military during the Revolutionary War.⁽³⁹⁾ He was a Captain in the State line for three years, as noted in the application of his heirs for a bounty land warrant.

He made a will 27 July 1782 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽⁴⁰⁾ It was proved in January 1783.

In the Name of God Amen, this Twenty seventh day of July one Thousand seven hundred & eighty Two, I William Bressie Junr. of Norfolk County, being of Weak body but of sound & perfect mind & memory do make & ordain this to be my last will & Testament, in manner & form as follows to wit,

Imprimis, I leave & its my desire that my negro Woman Amey with all my Stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep & Hoggs, with all my Household furniture, etc, be sold & after the support & education of all my children & paying my Just debts, if any remains I give & bequeath it to my son Frank & his heirs forever------

Item. Its my Will & desire that all the use of my negroes be hired out yearly, and the profits arising from such sales to be for the support & education of all my children according to their several nessessitys---

Item. Its my Will & desire that all my negroes be laid off in lotts by Inidifferent persons chosen, as near adjust as to them may appear Just, & for my Son Frank to have his first choice & the remainder parts for my Daughters Nancy & Salley, to them & their heirs forever, this division of the Negroes is to be made when my son arrives at age-----

Item. Its my Will & desire that my land be rented out yearly & the profits arising from such sales, I leave for the better support & education of my Son Frank----

Item. Its my desire that for all sums under five pounds at my sale be for ready money, & all over that sum Twelve months Credit with Bonds to bare Interest from the date with good Security I do nominate & apoint my Brother Thomas Bressie & William Wilson Junr. executors to this my last Will & Testament revoking all other former Will or Wills heretofore made & this to be my last, In witness Whereof I have here unto Set my hand & Seal the day & year first above written----- Will: Bressie Junr., Seal

Signed Sealed & Delivered in the presence of John Baxter, Ann Bressie, Thomas Bressie Junr.

His heirs applied for bounty land 18 June 1832.⁽⁴¹⁾ The date of his death was certified to by the Norfolk County Court on 18 June 1832, at which time it was stated that he died leaving an only son, Francis, and two daughters, Sarah and Ann. Francis had then died, leaving an only child, Elizabeth, who married Dr. Thomas V. Webb, and Elizabeth was the only heir at law. Thomas V. Webb, in right of his wife, Elizabeth, appointed James Murdaugh his attorney on 15 June 1832. Warrant No. 7348 for 4000 acres was issued on 2 May 1833 to William Bressie's heirs, James Murdaugh, attorney.

William Bressie had the following children:

41 i. Francis⁶ Bressie.

42 ii. Ann Bressie.

43 iii. Sarah Bressie.

21. Thomas⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

He married Shurley.⁽⁴²⁾ Daniel Shurley wrote his will on 22 October 1814 (proved Princess Anne County on 7 March 1815), in which he named his wife Maryan, his son David, his daughter Jenna Evins, and his daughters Mary and Aby. He also named as a legatee his grandson Thomas Bressie. His land in Norfolk County was to be sold, his debts paid, and the remainder of the profits divided between his daughters Sally Wilburn, Mary and Aby. Executors were his wife and his son David. Witnesses were Mitchell Thorogood, Harrison Banks, and James Scarfe. She is the daughter of Daniel Shurley.

Thomas appeared on the tax rolls 1752 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽⁴³⁾ He was listed with two tithes.

He served as an officer in the military from 1776 to 1783.⁽⁴⁴⁾ He was a Captain in the 2nd Virginia State Regiment commanded by Colonel Gregory Smith. The Company was designated at various times as Captain Thomas Bressie's and Captain James Moody's Company. He was commissioned on 13 May 1776 and was Major at the close of the war. Ordered to Yorktown, he had proceeded only to Mackie's, now Chuchacutt's, Mills in Isle of Wight County, when he was ordered home to Portsmouth because of the surrender of Cornwallis.

The pension application file for Thomas dated 24 July 1830 reveals the following.⁽⁴⁵⁾ He entered service in 1776 and served until 1783. He was said to have been resident of Norfolk County. It was said by one Ann Lewis that the soldier died (date unstated), leaving two sons, Francis, who died a minor without issue, and Thomas M. Bressie, who died leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who later married James D. Fisher. Thomas M. Bressie's will was proven on 26 May 1828 in Norfolk County. James D. Fisher was granted a certificate for obtaining administration de bonis non of Thomas Bressie's estate on 16 October 1832. By this latter marriage, an only child, Sarah Frances Fisher, was born. James D. Fisher died, leaving his widow, Elizabeth (Bressie) Fisher. She also died, leaving the daughter, Sarah Frances Fisher, who then died as an infant about two years after her mother. Ann Lewis (relationship unstated) became administratrix of Thomas Bressie's estate on 19 January 1835. This left alive a paternal grandfather, Israel Fisher, and half brothers and sisters of Elizabeth (Bressie) Fisher or their heirs, namely: Frederick, Lewis & Maria Casin, Frances Casin being the daughter of Rheuben Casin dec'd, Elizabeth F.Vangover being a daughter of Sarah Vangover. It was stated that the soldier had a brother, William Bressie, who served in the war, but who had died, leaving several children, among them living were: William, Patsey of Richmond, Virginia, and Mary, wife of Taylor [Simes?] of Norfolk County. An affidavits in the file by Stephen Sikes of Deep Creek in Norfolk County declared that Major Thomas Bressie had a command of minute company at the time that Lord Dunmore came to Norfolk in 1775 and afterwards was appointed a captain and raised his quota of men. He confirmed that the company was at Portsmouth when the British surrendered at Yorktown. A bounty land warrant dated 24 July 1830 for 4,666 2/3 acres for a term of service of seven years was issued in his name, the script being issued to Elizabeth Bressie, with J.W. Murdaugh being the agent to whom the script was delivered. This was land warrant no. 6742, Military District of Ohio. On 20 March 1845 Thomas Bressie wrote from Norfolk to claim that administration was improperly taken and that no claim on behalf of the heirs of Capt. Thomas Bressie be allowed. On 24 March 1845 William Bressie wrote from Norfolk saying that he was the only rightful heir of Capt. Thomas Bressie then living. On 28 March 1845 James Murdaugh wrote from Portsmouth saying that Capt. Thomas Bressie died leaving an only son, Thomas M. Bressie, who died in 1824 and confirming that the heirs were as previously stated. William Bressie abandoned his claim to administration of the estate, saying he was only a nephew of Capt. Thomas Bressie. The court in Norfolk County certified on 22 April 1845 that Thomas Bressie died intestate and that the heirs were as above stated. On 23 August 1849 Administration of the estate was granted to Lewis Cason, and on 3 February 1852 Lewis Cason, as administrator, gave power of attorney to Thomas Moore to secure the land bounty.

Thomas Bressie had the following children:

44 i. Francis⁶ Bressie.⁽⁴⁶⁾ He died as a minor.

45 ii. Thomas M. Bressie.⁽⁴⁷⁾ He married Elizabeth.

He made a will 15 July 1824 in Currituck County, North Carolina.⁽⁴⁸⁾

23. Henry⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown. Henry died 1782 in Norfolk County, Virginia.

He married Smith. She is the daughter of William Smith and Bethiah.

Before the American Revolution, British mercantile houses operated stores in Virginia. Property was confiscated and Virginians refused to pay debts after the war began. The 1783 Treaty of Peace provided for settlement of debts due the British merchants. It was not until about 1800, however, that investigations and court suits were begun to determine the status of individual debts. The case of Edmund Taylor involved £60 due 1 January 1777. He bought of Mr. Henry Bressie six Negroes, a woman and five children, and paid him £80, took his bill of sale and left his son, Lewis Taylor, to put them with several others he had purchased and take them to Petersburg. The woman ran away and he would not bring the children. Soon after, Toby Bressie at Petersburg told him he could get the Negroes if he had the bill of sale. He went down to Norfolk County and soon after died. His brother Henry administered on the estate and sold it---which did not pay his debts. Taylor put a notice in the Williamsburg newspaper saying no one should take an assignment of the note of £60 to Henry Bressie and feels this is good reason for not paying the note. He resides in Granville County, North Carolina, and is a man of respectability elected several times to represent the county in the Virginia Assembly. Another case involving Col. Edmund Taylor, concerned his purchase of two Negroes of Mr. Toby Bressie of Norfolk during the time of war. They ran away [Note: Toby was a nickname for Thomas.]

⁽⁴⁹⁾

Henry was on a petition 26 May 1777.⁽⁵⁰⁾ Along with William Smith, the petition to the Virginia House of Delegates was for compensations for depredations of British troops, and was accompanied by a list of goods and provisions stolen and burned by British troops. The petition was rejected by refusal to refer it to a committee.

Henry signed a petition 1 November 1779.⁽⁵¹⁾ Again, with William Smith, he asked for compensation for blankets set aside in 1775 for use of state troops and plundered by British troops under Lord Dunmore. It was referred to the Committee of Trade, which recommended £130 7s 7d in current Virginia money. The house concurred, but the Senate rejected the petition on 10 November 1779.

He made a will 20 December 1780 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽⁵²⁾ His will stated that his real and personal property, if sold, was to be put in the Treasury Office of Virginia and remain there until his daughter Ann should marry or his son Henry should reach the age of 21, at which time three-fourths should go to Henry, one-fourth to Anne. If the estate is not sold, then Henry should have the land purchased from William Smith and Richard Templeman, which was formerly that of Richard Tucker, dec'd.; the land adjoining the above land purchased from William Smith, being near Great Bridge; eight negroes, Abram, Tamer, Doll, Keziah, Edey, Affa, Jonas, and Kate; two-thirds of the money received from sale of mare, cattle, furniture, liquors, provisions and perishable goods at the Eastern Shore; from the goods expected to arrive by the boat Fame and a debt owed by Capt. Thos. Roberts and Capt. Robert Keil of 2600 pounds. He was to be put in school as soon as age permits and until he reached the age of 19, at which time he was to enter business "as suits his genius best." Ann was to receive five negroes, Sam, Hannah, Sally, Celia, and Jenny; his mahogany dressing drawers; her mother's wearing apparell, one-third of the money from the sale of the estate and the money collected from debts due him. She was to be at school as soon as her age permitted. Ann and Henry were to be boarded at Mrs. Ann Nicholas in Williamsburg, unless Mr. William Smith chose to take either of borth to live with him. To William Smith he left his grey horse. A debt of 14,000 pounds of tobacco owed by Zachariah Rowland was noted. To his brother Thomas he left the use of his land as long as one of his children should remain with him. His nephew Thomas Bressie, son of his brother Thomas, was to have his choice of one of his negroes or their equivalent in money, in case both of his children should died without issue, in which case he was to have one-third of his estate. His brother William Bressie was to have one-third of his estate, and his nephews James, Samuel, Henry, and John Bressie were to have the other third, if his children should die without issue. The will was witnessed by: Thomas Hall, Mason Hodges, J. Hudson, Dan. Sanford, and Enos Macoy. Executors were his brother William Bressie and William Smith. The will was proved in May Court 1782.

Henry Bressie and Smith had the following children:

46 i. Henry⁶ Bressie. In William Smith's will 11 July 1789 in Norfolk County, Virginia, Henry was named as an heir.⁽⁵³⁾ The will, proved on 18 September 1789, named his wife Bethiah Smith, son-in-law John Hudson, and friend John Nivison as executors. The legatees included: daughrter Mary Hudson, "the child my wife is now pregnant with, grandchildren Henry Bressie and Ann Bressie. There was mention of a debt due him from the father of Henry and Ann. A codicil was added to the will directing the executors to withhold from his grandchildren out of the property bequeathed to them the amount of judgement which Lydia Mayle obtained against him, which was their father's debt. John Hudson wrote his will on 10 October 1787, proved on 18 October 1790, in which he mentioned his wife Mary Hudson, the daughter of William Smith, sisters Mary and Ann, sons William Smith Hudson and John Irby Hudson, and daughter Elizabth Bressie Hudson.

47 ii. Ann Bressie.

24. Samuel⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown. Samuel died 1779 in Norfolk County, Virginia.

He made a will 31 May 1779 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽⁵⁴⁾ In the Name of God Amen. I Samuel Bressie of the County of Norfolk being sick and weak but of sound mind, do make and Appoint this my last will and Testament in the form and manner following--

First. I resign my soul into the hands of Allmighty God my Maker hoping for The remission of my sins through the mesrrits of my blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ-- And as to my worldly goods as God has blessed me with, I dispose of them in the following manner Vizt.-----

Item. I give and bequeath to Willis Wilson One Parcell of land lying at Great Bridge also one other tract or Parcell of land lying on horse bridge run, which land I exchanged with said Wilson for a tract of land Colo. John Wilson lives on, to him and his Heirs for ever Provided said Willis Wilson give up my bond Concerning sd. land which are all Paid of and makes awright to said tract or Parcell of land which I was to have of him According to the direction of my Executors-----

Item. Whereas I agreed With Colo. John Wilson for the land I was to have of Willis Wilson but said Colo. John Wilson not complying with the agreemt. I desire said Wilson to have awright to sd. land provided he pay the ballance due on it in Hard Money or make the diference now going or other ways leave it to be settl'd by arbitration and not other ways-----

Item. I give and bequeath to Willoughby Old one lot of land at Great Bridge which sd. Old purchasd. of my Bro. Irby Provided he give up my bond (to him and his heirs for ever my will and desire that my Just Debts be Paid -----

Item. I lend to my beloved wife Sarah Bressie during her natural life three Negroes Vizt. Will Mengo and Lucey two beds & furniture two tables, six Chairs & What Chitchen furniture that she thinks fit the Table and Tea Spoons a Horse three Cows &c. and one hundred pounds in cash to purchase what Victells she may want, after her death to be divided between my Children then living to them and their Heirs for ever -----

All the residue of my Estate I leave to be sold at the directions of my Executors and the money arising therefrom after paying my Debts to be equally divided between my five Children vizt. James, Samuel, Henry, John, & Charlott, to them and their Heirs for ever, the Money belong to my sons to be put in trade, Jointly or on Interest as my Brother Henry Bressie may think Proper Untill my son James arives to the age of Twenty One years or in case of death till my Older Son arrives to that Age and then divided, and whatever may be the Parts of the Younger after that time as their Gurdians my think proper, My Daughter Charlotte to be put on Interest as Soon as possible & be continued till she arrives to the Age of Twenty One years or Marrys, lastly I appoint my Brothers Thomas Bressie Henry Bressie & Wm. Bressie Executors to this my last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixt my seal this 31st day of May 1779. Sam Bressie & Seal Signed Sealed & published in Presents of us Bennet Armstrong Jesse Sikes Susanna (her X mark) Bushell

June Court 1779. proved &c. as per Order Book.

An inventory of the estate of Samuel was taken on 7 September 1779 in Norfolk County, Virginia. The estate was valued at 9,538 pounds, and included: one desk, 16 leather chairs, one black walnut dining table, one tea table, one looking glass, six flagd chairs one pine table, two china bowls, one dozen china plates, nine pewter plates, three earthern dishes and a plate, one stone dish, six silver table spoons, six silver teaspoons, one pewter water dish, one old pewter tureen, one copper coffee pot, one copper tea kettle, four tumblers, two wine glasses, a mustard pot and salt cellar, one brass candle stick, one iron candle stick, one pair fire dogs, one pair old tongs, three beds and furniture, one pine chest, one woollen wheel, one linen wheel, three whip jaws with furniture, one plow and stock, two axes, two hoes, one old spade, one oil jar, three iron pots, one frying pan, two pots, racks and hooks, sundry wooden ware and old sifter, two old saddles, one horse, three cows and two calves, three hogs, Negroes Tom, Will, Mingo, Abram, Daniel, Dick Verry, Cesar, Rosa, Tamer, Lucy, Doll, Keziah, Eday, and Nancy. The inventory was taken by Daniel Sanford, Jas. Tolliff, and Jesse Sykes.

Samuel Bressie had the following children:

48 i. James⁶ Bressie. He married Martha Shipwash 21 June 1787 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽⁵⁵⁾ John Armstrong was surety. Martha is the daughter of William Shipwash and Elizabeth.

Martha was listed as the head of a family on the 1830 Census in Robeson County, North Carolina.⁽⁵⁶⁾ She was listed in the census as Margaret Bracey with one female aged 50-60, one female aged 30-40, and one male aged 15-20.

James was listed as the head of a family on the 1800 Census in Robeson County, North Carolina.⁽⁵⁷⁾ He was listed with one male aged 26-45, one male aged 10-16, one male under aged 10; one female aged 26-45, and two females under aged 10.

James received power of attorney from Samuel Abbott 27 September 1819 in Camden County, North Carolina.⁽⁵⁸⁾ Samuel Abbott, of Marion County, South Carolina, appointed his friend, James Bressie, of Robeson County, North Carolina, his attorney to recover and settle the legacy coming from the estate of his uncle, Timothy Abbott, dec'd, of Camden County, North Carolina, "near the head of the Pasquotank River." Witnesses to the Power of Attorney were Jno W. Powell and D. MacAlpin. Benjamin Arnet, Sally Abott, Bennet Allin, Jenny Abbot, Thomas Taylor, Jary Abbot, Mary Abot, and Nancy Abbot, all of Marion County, also appointed Bressie to recover and settle their legacy from the estate of their uncle, Timothy Abbott. Their power of attorney was witnessed by Neill Murphy, Esq., and Archibald McCullum.

James was listed as the head of a family on the 1820 Census in Robeson County, North Carolina.⁽⁵⁹⁾ He was listed as James Brace with one male aged over 45, one male aged 26-44, one male aged 16-25, one male aged 16-18, two males aged 10-15; one female aged over 45, one female aged 16-25, one female 10-15. He was living next door to the household of Samuel Bracey.

49 ii. Samuel Bressie.

50 iii. Henry Bressie. Henry died 1800 in Norfolk County, Virginia. He made a will 24 September 1799 in Norfolk County, Virginia.⁽⁶⁰⁾ He bequeathed to his sister, Charlotte Bressie "my Negro man Billy Buck, in case she dies w/out heir, then sd Negro to go to my Godson, Harrison Talbot Webb." No executor was named. The will was witnessed by Thomas Truss, John Evans, and John Nelms, the two former proving it in court, where it was ordered to be recorded on 21 July 1800.

51 iv. John Bressie.

52 v. Charlotte Bressie. Charlotte died before 15 September 1800. An appraisal of her estate was made 15 September 1800.⁽⁶¹⁾ It was as follows: "Pursuant to an order of the Worshipful Court of Norfolk County bearing date 15th September 1800, we the undersigned have appraised the Negroes produced to us as the property of Charlotte Bressie deceased at the following prices to wit:

Ester Milly and Jim 110£, John 40£, Bill Buck 120£

[signed] Richard Smith, Samuel Hatton, John Evans

At a Court held for Norfolk County the 17th day of May 1802 this appraisement was returned and ordered to be recorded.

Teste Wm Wilson Junr.

26. John⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born in Prince George County, Virginia circa 1728/29.⁽⁶²⁾ John died 1762 in Halifax County, Virginia.

He married Mary Ann Elizabeth (possibly Wilkins ) circa 1750 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. Mary was born circa 1730/32 Virginia. Mary died after December 1797 in Granville County, North Carolina.

John appeared on the tax rolls 1750 & 1752 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.⁽⁶³⁾ In 1750 he was listed as an overseer with seven tithes, and in 1752 he was listed as overseer with four tithes.

John Bressie was named in the vestry book of Cumberland Parish in Lunenburg County, Virginia 17 September 1759.⁽⁶⁴⁾ He was ordered to meet with James Lewis and Nathaniel Robertson to meet at the mouth of Nutbush on 12 November and procession all lands between Nutbush Creek, the county line, Grassy Creek, and the Roanoak River.

He was a Justice of the Lunenburg County Court in 1761.⁽⁶⁵⁾

John Bressie and Mary Ann Elizabeth (possibly Wilkins) had the following children:

+ 53 i. Francis⁶ Bressie was born 1751.

54 ii. William Bressie was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia circa 1753.

55 iii. Mary Bressie was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia circa 1755. She married William Palmer 25 May 1776 in Granville County, North Carolina. James Yancey, Jr., provided security.

56 iv. Thomas Bressie was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia 1757.

+ 57 v. Martha Diana Bressie was born 12 July 1761.

27. Francis⁵ Bressie (Francis⁴, Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

He married twice. He married Ann Jordan. He married Sarah.

Francis Bressie and Ann Jordan had the following children:

+ 58 i. Francis⁶ Bressie.

59 ii. Mary Bressie.

60 iii. Ann Bressie.

53. Francis⁶ Bressie (John⁵, Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia 1751. Francis died 1803 in Granville County, North Carolina.

He married three times. He married Mary Jones in Granville County, North Carolina. Mary was born ca 1753 in Granville County, North Carolina. Mary was the daughter of Ambrose Jones and Catharine. Mary died 1773 in Granville County, North Carolina. He married Mary Hyde. Mary is the daughter of John Hyde. He married Sarah Royster 13 April 1778 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.⁽⁶⁶⁾ Bondsman was Joseph Royster. Sarah is the daughter of Joseph Royster.

Francis Bressie and Mary Jones had the following child:

61 i. John⁷ Bressie was born in Granville County, North Carolina 1773. John died 1832 in Sumner County, Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Ligon 2 September 1802 in Halifax County, Virginia. The marriage bond, dated 23 August 1802 in Halifax County, was executed by her father and her husband-to-be. The ceremony was performed by John Ligon. John Bressie was then living with his mother's Jones kin, his mother then being dead and his father living in Granville County, North Carolina.

Elizabeth was born ca 1785 in Halifax County, Virginia. Elizabeth was the daughter of Joseph Ligon (Fork) and Mary Church. Elizabeth died ca 1840 in Sumner County, Tennessee.

He made a will 10 October 1831 in Sumner County, Tennessee. It was recorded at February Court 1832. His estate was to be held together until Elizabeth died or remarried, she to have the entire estate, and upon her death it to be equally divided among his children. The latter divided and sold the land in 1840-41. On 23 October 1802, Joseph Ligon, Elizabeth's father, deeded to the young couple a tract of 150 acres in Halifax County on the Staunton River. In 1803, John was on the tax roll in Halifax County for the first time. On 31 December 1805 John Bressie sold this tract to Henry Ligon for 200 pounds, and he and Elizabeth then moved into Person County, North Carolina. On 17 November 1806, he sold to Meredith Daniel of Granville County a tract of land in Person County for $375. A second deed in Halifax County, dated 24 August 1807, between John Bressie of Person County and Robert Jones of Halifax County of the first part and Henry Ligon of the second part refers to the 150 acres in Halifax County which John first sold. Jones had become trustee for Henry Ligon, who conveyed the land to him, so that he could collect the money still owed to John Bressie for it. The latter acknowledged that it had been paid in full. It is believed that John and Elizabeth Bressie then accompanied her parents to Georgia, and then to Tennessee. They first appear in the records of Sumner County, Tennessee, in 1809, where they resided until their deaths and where purchased 213 1/2 acres of land and where their children were born.

Francis Bressie and Mary Hyde had the following children:

62 ii. Irby Bressie was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia 1775. Irby died 1837 in St. Francois County, Missouri. He married Susanna Frazier 10 June 1802 in Granville County, North Carolina.

In John Hyde's will 11 September 1791 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Irby was named as an heir.⁽⁶⁷⁾ John named his children: Sarah Walden, Robert Hyde, John Hyde, Irvin Hyde, Thomas Hyde, Martha Wooton, and Elinor Hyde; children of his late son James Hyde; and grandchildren, John Hyde Carleton and Irby Bracey. Executors were: son Robert Hyde and Clausel Clausel. Witnesses were: Edward & William Dodson, Lewis Green. The will was proved on 9 January 1792

63 iii. Martha Bressie was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia 1777.

Francis Bressie and Sarah Royster had the following children:

64 iv. Ann Bressie was born in Granville County, North Carolina ca 1780.

65 v. Lucy Bressie was born in Granville County, North Carolina 1782. She married Philip O'Briant 5 December 1801 in Granville County, North Carolina.

66 vi. Murrell Bressie was born in Granville County, North Carolina ca 1784. Murrell died after 1820 in Williamson County, Tennessee. He married Ann Harrison 8 June 1810 in Granville County, North Carolina.

67 vii. Henry Bressie was born in Granville County, North Carolina ca 1786.

57. Martha Diana⁶ Bressie (John⁵, Francis⁴, William³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia 12 July 1761.⁽⁶⁸⁾ Martha died after 1800 in Granville County, North Carolina.

She married Brereton Jones 11 October 1779 in Granville County, North Carolina.⁽⁶⁹⁾ Brereton was born 12 July 1755. Brereton died 17 December 1810.⁽⁷⁰⁾

Martha applied for a pension 25 April 1844.⁽⁷¹⁾ It was based on her husband's Revolutionay War military service in the North Carolina Line. The application (W20193) stated her age to be 83 and contained an affidavit (dtd. 11 October 1844 Person County, North Carolina) from the soldier's sister, Elizabeth Patterson, age 86, which referred to the widow as Martha Bracey.

Martha Diana Bressie and Brereton Jones had the following children:

68 i. Elizabeth⁷ Jones was born 23 July 1780.⁽⁷²⁾

69 ii. Willard Jones was born 18 October 1782.⁽⁷³⁾

70 iii. Bressie Jones was born 26 January 1785.⁽⁷⁴⁾

71 iv. Barnet Jones was born 28 August 1787.⁽⁷⁵⁾

72 v. Mark Jones was born 17 December 1789.⁽⁷⁶⁾

73 vi. Mary Ann Jones was born 3 June 1793.⁽⁷⁷⁾

74 vii. William Jones was born 10 April 1795.⁽⁷⁸⁾

75 viii. Ann Jones was born 24 December 1797.⁽⁷⁹⁾

76 ix. Emeale Matilder Jones was born 14 September 1800.⁽⁸⁰⁾

77 x. Jane Jones was born 26 October 1803.⁽⁸¹⁾

58. Francis⁶ Bressie (Francis⁵, Francis⁴, Hugh³, Unknown Father of Hugh & William² Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of¹) birth date unknown.

He married Mary Edwards.

The estate of Francis was settled in the following manner.⁽⁸²⁾ His son, Francis, paid Mary Bracy her part, and likewise to James Wright for his wife Mary, to Elizabeth Cobb, to Ann Bracy, to Miriam Bracy, and to himself "my own proportion." The balance went to Sarah Bracy. The estate account was signed by Francis Bracey, and audited by Lewis Joyner and Joseph Montfort. It was recorded in Southampton County on 12 December 1782.

Francis Bressie and Mary Edwards had the following children:

78 i. Miriam⁷ Bracey.

79 ii. Patience Bracey.

80 iii. Ann Bracey.

81 iv. Francis Bracey.

82 v. Mary Bracey. She married James Wright before 1782.⁽⁸³⁾

83 vi. Elizabeth Bracey. She married Cobb before 1782.⁽⁸⁴⁾

Notes and References

1. Miles White, Jr., comp., Early Quaker Records in Virginia (Baltimore, 1979, 1985; originally published 1902-03), pages 45-46 (hereafter cited as White, Early Quaker Records).
2. Ibid., page 46.
3. H. R. McIlwaine, ed., Minutes of the Council & General Court of Colonial Virginia, 1622-32, 1670-76 (Richmond, 1924), page 234 (hereafter cited as McIlwaine, Min. of Council & Court).
4. Virginia Land Records (Baltimore, 1982), pages 174-175 (hereafter cited as Virginia, Land Records); George Carrington Mason, "The Colonial Churches of Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties, Virginia," William & Mary College Quarterly Series 2, Volume 23 (1943): pp. 41-63 (hereafter cited as Mason, Colonial Churches); William Wade Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Volume VI: Virginia (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.), pages 24-25, 41 (hereafter cited as Hinshaw, Quaker Records, Va); and The Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers (Richmond, Virginia: The Valentine Museum), pages 2268-2673 (hereafter cited as Valentine, Papers).
5. William Bressie, Testator, Will & Deed Book 2, page 431 (LDS microfilm #0,032,022), Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as William Bressie, I. of W. Will & Deed Bk 2); and Carstairs & Verna Bracey, Bracey: Primarily a History of the Bracey Family of Mecklenburg County, Virginia (typescript, 1955, copy at Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia; also microfilm #858,789 at Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah)), pages 4-5 (hereafter cited as Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co).
6. Valentine, Papers, Vol. 1, pages 215-217.
7. Weynette Parks Haun, Surry County, Virginia, Court Records (Order Book 1671-91) 1682-1691. Book IV (1990), page 79 (hereafter cited as Haun, Surry Co. Ct. Rec).
8. William Lindsay Hopkins, Surry County, Virginia, Deeds, 1684-1733, and Other Court Papers (Richmond, 1991), pages 92, 99, 130 (hereafter cited as Hopkins, Surry Co., VA, Deeds); and Nell Marion Nugent, Cavaliers & Pioneers. Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents & Grants, Vol. 2: 1666-1695 (Richmond, 1977), page 358 (hereafter cited as Nugent II, Cavaliers & Pioneers).
9. H(enry) R(ead) McIlwaine., Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1695-1702 (Richmond, 1913), page 351 (hereafter cited as McIlwaine, Journ. House of Burg).
10. Will Book H, 1742-49, page 191, Norfolk County, Virginia, (hereafter cited as William Bracey, Inventory).
11. Information on Hugh Bressie and his descendants is taken from this source, unless indicated otherwise.; and Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co..
12. Blanche Adams Chapman, Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, 1647-1800 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1975), (hereafter cited as Chapman, I of W Co. Wills); Hugh Bresey, Testator, Will Book 3, page 20, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Hugh Bresey, I. of W. Will Bk. 3); and Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co, page 10.
13. Michael Bracy, Testator, Will Book 6, page 90, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Michael Bracy, I. of W. Will Bk. 6).
14. Michael Bracey, Deceased, Will Book 6, page 129, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Michael Bracey Appraisal, I. of W. Will Book 6).
15. Verna Bracey, Typescript entitled "Randall Bracey" (2 pages), forwarded from Laurie Bahr, 1329 Whippoorwill Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169 to Edwin C. Dunn, Albuquerque (postmarked September 10, 1980). In possession of Dunn (1997). (hereafter cited as Verna Bracey, Randall Bracey typescript); and information on Randall Bracey is from the above source unless otherwise noted.
16. Verna Bracey, Randall Bracey typescript; and Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co, page 25a.
17. For the Maclin family history see Harlee, pages 2472 and 2632-2673.; and William Curry Harllee, Kinfolks. A Genealogical and Biographical Record (4 vols.) (New Orleans: Searcy & Pfaff Ltd., 1934), page 2672 (hereafter cited as Harllee, Kinfolks).
18. Landon C. Bell, Cumberland Parish. Lunenburg County, Virginia, 1746-1816. Vestry Book, 1746-1816 (Baltimore, 1974 (orig. publ. 1930)), page 367 (hereafter cited as Bell, Cumberland Parish).
19. Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co, page 16; and Katherine B. Elliott, comp., Early Wills, 1765-1799, Mecklenburg County (Easley, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., 1983 (orig. publ. 1963)), page 18 (Will Book 2, page 168) (hereafter cited as Elliott, Early Wills, Mecklbg. Co).
20. Rosemary Corley Neal, comp., Elizabeth City County, Virginia, Deeds, Wills, Court Orders, 1715-1721 (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books Inc., 1988), pages 148, 157, 165 (hereafter cited as Neal, Eliz. City Deeds, etc).
21. Landon C. Bell, comp., Sunlight on the Southside. List of Tithes, Lunenburg County, Virginia, 1748-1783 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1974 (orig. publ. 1931)), pages 65, 134, 198 (hereafter cited as Bell, Sunlight on Southside).
22. Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co, page 15a.
23. Lunenburg County, Virginia, Will Book 2 (1760-1778) (Miami Beach, FL: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1991), page 26 (hereafter cited as Lunenburg Co., Will Bk. 2).
24. White, Early Quaker Records, pages 30-31; and The seventh month according to the Julian calendar in use by English colonies at the time was September.
25. Elizabeth Brassey, Testator, Wills & Accounts, Volume 5, 1745-52, page 456, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Elizabeth Brassey, I. of W. Will Bk. 5).
26. William Brasie, Testator, Will Book 5, 1745-52, page 424, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as William Brasie, I. of W. Will Bk. 5).
27. Hugh Bracey, Testator, Will Book 7, page 126, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Hugh Bracey, I. of W. Will Book 7).
28. Hugh Bracey, Deceased, Will Book 7, page 145, Isle of Wight County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Hugh Bracey Appraisal, I. of W. Will Book 7).
29. Sources for the biograpical information of Thomas Bracey were given by Bracey and Bracey as follows: Brunswick Order Book 2, p. 206; Order Book 5, pp. 56, 136, 197; Order Book 9, p. 354; Order Book 10, p. 273; Order Book 11, p. 12; Order Book 13, p. 152, 326; Order Book 15, p. 516; Order Book 17, p. 340 Brunswick Deed Book 6, p. 121; Deed Book 12, p. 282; Deed Book 13, p. 412; Deed Book 14, p. 6
30. Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co.; and information on Thomas Bracey, his family and descendants, is from the above reference, unless otherwise indicated.
31. Augusta B. Fothergill, comp., Marriages of Brunswick County, Virginia, 1730-1852 (Baltimore, 1976 (orig. publ. 1953)), page 12 (hereafter cited as Fothergill, Brunswick Marriages).
32. Brunswick County Will Book 6, page 437
33. Bracey & Bracey gives the following sources for the biographical information on William Floyd Bracey: Brunswick County Deed Book 26, page 284; Deed Book 31, page 79; Deed Book 14, page 105
34. Fothergill, Brunswick Marriages, page 54.
35. Bracey & Bracey, Bracey of Mecklenburg Co.; and information on Samuel, his family and descendants is from the above source, unless otherwise noted.
36. John Vogt and T. William Kethley Jr., Brunswick County Marriages 1750-1853 (Athens, Georgia: Iberian Publishing Co., 1988), page 21 (hereafter cited as Vogt & Kethley, Brunswick Marriages); and Fothergill, Brunswick Marriages, page 12.
37. Louis A. Burgess, Virginia Soldiers of 1776 (Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1973 (originally published Richmond, Virginia, 1927)), Vol. 2, page 648 (hereafter cited as Burgess, VA Soldiers of 1776).
38. Bell, Sunlight on Southside, page 259.
39. Burgess, VA Soldiers of 1776, Vol. 2, page 648.
40. Elizabeth B. Wingo, comp., Collection of Unrecorded Wills, Norfolk County, Virginia, 1711-1800 (1961), page 15 (hereafter cited as Wingo, Norf. Unrec. Wills).
41. Burgess, VA Soldiers of 1776, Vol. 2, page 648; and Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh, Revolutionary War Records, Vol. I: Virginia (Washington, DC, 1936), pages 90, 297, 330 (hereafter cited as Brumbaugh, Rev. War Records).
42. Anne E. Maling, Princess Anne County, Virginia, Wills, 1783-1871 (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, Inc. (1994)), page 115 (Will Book 3, 1808-1824, p. 125) (hereafter cited as Maling, Princess Anne Co., VA, Wills).
43. Bell, Sunlight on Southside, page 193.
44. Thomas Bressie; Captain, Capt. Thomas Bressie's Company of the 2nd Virginia State Regiment; Revolutionary War Service Records; National Archives, Washington, DC (hereafter cited as Thomas Bressie, Service Record); and Brumbaugh, Rev. War Records, page 541.
45. Brumbaugh, Rev. War Records, pages 90, 282, 329, 530, 533; Virgil D. White, Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files, (Waynesboro, Tennessee: The National Historical Publishing Co., 1990), page 374 (hereafter cited as White, Rev. War Pensions); Thomas Bressie; R12763; Revolutionary War Pension Applications; National Archives, Washington, DC. (hereafter cited as Thomas Bressie, Pension Records); and John Frederick Dorman, comp., Virginia Revolutionary Pension Applications (Washington, DC, 1965), Vol. 10, pages 11-15 (hereafter cited as Dorman, VA Rev. Pens. Appls).
46. White, Rev. War Pensions, Vol. I, page 374.
47. Ibid., Vol. I, page 374.
48. Ibid., Vol. I, page 374.
49. "British Mercantile Claims, 1775-1803," The Virginia Genealogist Vol. 16, No. 1; Vol. 16, No. 2 (Jan.-Mar. 1972; Apr.-June 1972): pages 40, 104-105 (hereafter cited as British Merc. Claims, The VA Genealogist).
50. Randolph W. Church, comp., Virginia Legislative Petitions. Bibliography, Calendar, & Abstracts from Original Sources, 6 May 1776 - 21 June 1782 (Richmond: Virginia State Library, 1984), page 96 (hereafter cited as Church, VA Legis. Petitions).
51. Ibid., page 329.
52. Pamela W. McVey, comp., Norfolk County Will Book II, 1772-1788 (Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1986), page 127-128 (hereafter cited as McVey, Norfolk Co. Wills II).
53. Ethel W. Brewster, comp., Norfolk County Will Book III, 1788-1802 (Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1986), pages 11-12, 23 (hereafter cited as Brewster, Norfolk Co. Wills III).
54. McVey, Norfolk Co. Wills II, page 97.
55. Elizabeth B. Wingo., Marriages of Norfolk County, Virginia, Vol. 1, 1706-1792 page 7 (hereafter cited as Wingo, Norfolk Co. Marr. I).
56. Margaret Bracey entry, 1830 U.S. Census, Robeson County, North Carolina, page 250, (hereafter cited as Margaret Bracey, 1830 Robeson Co. Census).
57. James Bracey entry, 1800 U.S. Census, Robeson County, North Carolina, page 361, (hereafter cited as James Bracey, 1800 Robeson Co. Census).
58. B. Ransom McBride, "Migration as Shown in Powers of Attorney," The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal 3:2 (May 1977): 116-117 (hereafter cited as Migration & Pwr. of Atty., McBride).
59. James Brace entry, 1820 U.S. Census, Robeson County, North Carolina, page 305, (hereafter cited as James Brace, 1820 Robseon Co. Census).
60. Brewster, Norfolk Co. Wills III, page 151.
61. Charlotte Bressie, Appraisement & Sales, Norfolk County, Virginia, Vol. 3, p. 23 (hereafter cited as Charlotte Bressie, Appraisement of estate).
62. Margaret Hardwick Miller, Ligons and Their Kin of Grave County, Kentucky (n.p., n.d.), (hereafter cited as Miller, Ligons & Their Kin); and information on John Bressie, his family and descendants is taken from this source, unless otherwise indicated.
63. Bell, Sunlight on Southside, pages 134 & 206.
64. Bell, Cumberland Parish, page 369.
65. Landon C. Bell, The Old Free State. History of Lunenburg County and Southside Virginia (Baltimore, 1974 (orig. publ. Richmond, 1927), Vol. 1, page 327 (hereafter cited as Bell, Old Free State).
66. Stratton Nottingham, The Marriage License Bonds of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, from 1765 to 1810 (Baltimore: Clearfield Co., Inc., 1992 (orig. publ. 1928)), page 6 (hereafter cited as Nottingham, Marr. Bonds Mcklbg. Co); and John Vogt & T. William Kethley Jr., Mecklenburg County Marriages, 1765-1853 (Athens, GA: Iberian Publishing Co., 1989), page 23 (hereafter cited as Vogt & Kethley, Mecklenburg Marriages).
67. Elliott, Early Wills, Mecklbg. Co, page 47 (Will Book 3, page 87).
68. White, Rev. War Pensions, Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
69. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
70. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
71. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
72. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
73. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
74. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
75. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
76. Ibid., Vol. II:A-M, page 1868.
77. Ibid., Vol. II:A-M, page 1868.
78. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
79. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
80. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
81. Ibid., Vol. II:F-M, page 1868.
82. Francis Bracey, Deceased, Will Book 3, page 444, Southampton County, Virginia (hereafter cited as Francis Bracey estate, Southampton Will Bk. 3).
83. Ibid.
84. Ibid.

Index

Bracey

Bracey, Ann (i6956)
Bracey, Elizabeth (i6959)
Bracey, Frances Elizabeth (i7005)
Bracey, Francis (i6957)
Bracey, Mary (i6958)
Bracey, Miriam (i6954)
Bracey, Patience (i6955)
Bracey, Randolph (i6127), b.1726-
Bracey, Samuel (i6997), b.1760-d.1808
Bracey, Thomas (i7002), b.1730-d.1802
Bracey, Unknown Father of Hugh & William (i6963)
Bracey, Unknown Progenitor of, Family (i6962)
Bracey, William Floyd (i7004)

Bressie

Bressie, Amy (i6940)
Bressie, Ann (i6952)
Bressie, Ann (i6985)
Bressie, Ann (i7023), b.1780-
Bressie, Ann (i15280)
Bressie, Campion (i6925)
Bressie, Charlotte (i6983), d.1800
Bressie, Elizabeth (i6926)
Bressie, Elizabeth (i6935)
Bressie, Elizabeth (i6941)
Bressie, Elizabeth (i6972)
Bressie, Emma (i6944)
Bressie, Francis (i6922)
Bressie, Francis (i6933)
Bressie, Francis (i6950)
Bressie, Francis (i6969)
Bressie, Francis (i7009), b.1751-d.1803
Bressie, Francis (i15273)
Bressie, Francis (i15279)
Bressie, Henry (i6977), d.1782
Bressie, Henry (i6981), d.1800
Bressie, Henry (i6984)
Bressie, Henry (i7026), b.1786-
Bressie, Hugh (i6920), b.1660-d.1727
Bressie, Hugh (i6924), b.1686-
Bressie, Hugh (i6946)
Bressie, Irby (i6976)
Bressie, Irby (i7021), b.1775-d.1837
Bressie, James (i3917)
Bressie, Jane (i6979)
Bressie, John (i6973), b.1729-d.1762
Bressie, John (i6982)
Bressie, John (i7020), b.1773-d.1832
Bressie, Lucy (i7024), b.1782-
Bressie, Martha (i6943)
Bressie, Martha (i7022), b.1777-
Bressie, Martha Diana (i7016), b.1761-d.1800
Bressie, Mary (i6934)
Bressie, Mary (i6951)
Bressie, Mary (i6974)
Bressie, Mary (i7014), b.1755-
Bressie, Michael (i6927)
Bressie, Murrell (i7025), b.1784-d.1820
Bressie, Samuel (i6978), d.1779
Bressie, Samuel (i6980)
Bressie, Sarah (i6942)
Bressie, Sarah (i15281)
Bressie, Susannah (i6928)
Bressie, Thomas (i6929), b.1690-
Bressie, Thomas (i6949)
Bressie, Thomas (i6975)
Bressie, Thomas (i7015), b.1757-
Bressie, Thomas M. (i15274)
Bressie, William (i6923), b.1682-
Bressie, William (i6948)
Bressie, William (i6964)
Bressie, William (i6965), d.1701
Bressie, William (i6968)
Bressie, William (i6971), d.1783
Bressie, William (i7013), b.1753-

Campion

Campion, Sarah (marriage to Hugh Bressie) (i6921)

Cobb

Cobb, (marriage to Elizabeth Bracey) (i6961)

Edwards

Edwards, Mary (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i6953)

(-----)

Elizabeth (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i6970)
Elizabeth (marriage to Thomas M. Bressie) (i15275)

Floyd

Floyd, Mary (marriage to Thomas Bracey) (i7003)

Frazier

Frazier, Susanna (marriage to Irby Bressie) (i7028)

Harrison

Harrison, Ann (marriage to Murrell Bressie) (i7030)

Hicks

Hicks, (marriage to Frances Elizabeth Bracey) (i7345)
Hicks, Tabitha (marriage to Samuel Bracey) (i6998), d.1828

Hyde

Hyde, Mary (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i7011)

(-----)

Jane (marriage to William Bressie) (i6947)

Jones

Jones, Ann (i15267), b.1797-
Jones, Barnet (i15263), b.1787-
Jones, Brereton (marriage to Martha Diana Bressie) (i7017), b.1755-d.1810
Jones, Bressie (i15262), b.1785-
Jones, Elizabeth (i15260), b.1780-
Jones, Emeale Matilder (i15268), b.1800-
Jones, Jane (i15269), b.1803-
Jones, Mark (i15264), b.1789-
Jones, Mary (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i7010), b.1753-d.1773
Jones, Mary Ann (i15265), b.1793-
Jones, Susannah (marriage to William Bressie) (i6966)
Jones, Willard (i15261), b.1782-
Jones, William (i15266), b.1795-

Jordan

Jordan, Ann (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i6938)
Jordan, Matthew (marriage to Mary Bressie) (i6937)

Ligon

Ligon, Elizabeth (marriage to John Bressie) (i7027), b.1785-d.1840

Maclin

Maclin, Mary (marriage to Randolph Bracey) (i6128)

(-----)

Martha (marriage to Thomas Bressie) (i6945)

O'Briant

O'Briant, Philip (marriage to Lucy Bressie) (i7029)

Outland

Outland, John (marriage to Elizabeth Bressie) (i6936)

Palmer

Palmer, William (marriage to Mary Bressie) (i7018)

Royster

Royster, Sarah (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i7012)

(-----)

Sarah (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i6939)

Shipwash

Shipwash, Martha (marriage to James Bressie) (i3899)

Shurley

Shurley, (marriage to Thomas Bressie) (i16322)

Smith

Smith, (marriage to Henry Bressie) (i6986)

Webb

Webb, James (marriage to Frances Elizabeth Bracey) (i7346)

Wiggs

Wiggs, Elizabeth (marriage to Francis Bressie) (i6930)

Wilkins

Wilkins, Mary Ann Elizabeth (possibly, ) (marriage to John Bressie) (i7006), b.1731-d.1797

Wright

Wright, James (marriage to Mary Bracey) (i6960)

© 2000 Edwin C. Dunn

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