Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607-1624/5: Families G-P edited by John Frederick Dorman p 233

In 1673 he received permission from the county court “to entertain Indians,” and he seems to have been an Indian trader in the employ of William Byrd I of Westover, who wrote, 29 April 1684, from James City to Thomas Grendon in England, “Old Sturdivant, his son, Millner, Shipy, Womacke and Hugh Cassell were all killed by the Indians in their returne from the westward, about 30 miles beyond Ochanechee, what prejudice it is to mee you may guesse, they having (had they come well in) made a very advantagious journey.” ……   Letters of administration were granted at January court 1690/1 to Daniel Sturdivant, on behalf of himself and brothers, on the estate of their mother Sarah Sturdivant, deceased.

Samuel Woodward Jr's stepfather was an Indian trader, but he chose a very different profession - but perhaps related. He ended up in Boston with a small ship sailing up and down the east coast between Boston and the Albemarle Sound. His name appeared as a headright numerous times on Nansemond Co grants, so he seems to have claimed himself and collected a headright certificate each time he entered a VA port. He either sold or gave these certificates to others who used them to get grants. The earliest grant that named Samuel Woodward as a headright was to John Perry dated 1682, two years before John Sturdivant died. 

I suspect Samuel Woodward Jr kind of "fell into" this shipping business because of his work with John Sturdivant. The traders on the south side of the Appomattox shipped their goods down the Blackwater River to the Albemarle Sound where they would be loaded onto ships to be sent to London or wherever there was a market for them. Samuel may have met the right people, learned the necessary sailing skills, and established a whole new life for himself. 

The Massachusetts Archives Collection contains the following record as sent to me be Linda Woodward Geiger: 
Samuel Woodward; 17 Oct 1687, 21 Dec 1688; master of Ketch Sparrow of Boston, licensed to sail for Maryland and Roanoke. v. 7: 34, 63.

Samuel Woodward Jr continued to sail up and down the coast until at least 1713, perhaps longer. He was dead by 1722 when his son Nathaniel Woodward in Boston sold the land of Christopher Woodward that he had inherited. This record proved that Samuel's wife at his death was Elizabeth Hudson. Samuel Woodward and wife Elizabeth had bought a tract of land in Chowan Co that they sold in 1713, so we know he was still alive at that time. A Samuel Woodward continued to appear in the Chowan records after 1713 and well after 1722, so it's obvious there was another younger Samuel Woodward living in Chowan. Between 1713 and 1722 it's impossible to tell which is which since the records after 1713 don't include a wife or ship or any other clue. During this period, Samuel Woodward Jr's younger half-brother, Matthew Sturdivant, was working the Indian trade business with Henry Jones and was granted land near him on the south side of the Nottoway River in Surry Co, VA and adjoining Henry Jones on the Roanoke River in NC. So let's stop here with the Woodwards and trace the Jones up to this point.

Henry's father, William Jones Sr, first appeared in the records when he was granted land April 8, 1674 in Charles City County on the south side of the Appomattox adjoining Hercules Flood. Flood received a grant on the exact same date adjoining William Jones, Williamson's [sic - Williams] land and the Blackwater, so we know William Jones' land was near the Blackwater. Flood had previously been issued a grant in 1663 adjoining both Samuel Woodward and John Sturdivant. If William Jones' grant adjoined this 1663 Flood grant, his land would have been very near the Woodward and Sturdivant land. On April 20, 1680, Robert Tucker was granted land on the north side of the Blackwater adjoining William Jones and Edward Bircherd [Birchett]. 

Since I knew the traders tended to work in groups and get land together at the same time, I wanted to know who else was getting land in the same area at about the same time. I already knew Hercules Flood was granted land on the same date. Hugh Lee and William Williams also received grants on April 8, 1674 on the south side of the Appomattox. Williams was interesting because it was described as Beg. where Samuel Woodward's head line runneth 400 po. from the creek parting Mr Farrar and the sd Woodward. It also mentioned John Maies and Anthony Wyatt

Apr 8, 1674 William Jones - south side of Appomattox beg. at a corner formerly surveyed for Hercules Flood

Apr 8, 1674 Hercules Flood - south side Appomattox adj William Jones, Williamson's land [sic - Williams] and the Blackwater

Apr 8, 1674 Hugh Lee - south side Appomattox, south side 3rd branch of Blackwater

Apr 8, 1674 William Williams - south side Appomattox beg where Samuel Woodward's head line runneth 400 po from the creek parting Mr Farrar and the sd Woodward ... John Maies... Anthony Wyatt

Shortly before that but still in the same area were other grants that would seem to relate, one involving the same Hugh Lee.

Oct 27, 1673 John Maies - south side Appomattox neigh Samuel Woodward's head line

Oct 27, 1673 Willm Bobbett - south side Appomattox adj Mr Whittington, Cattail branch

Oct 28, 1673 Henry Batts & John Sturdivant - south side Appomattox, second branch of Blackwater

Oct 28, 1673 Hugh Lee - south side Appomattox, to the Blackwater

Oct 30, 1673 Francis Whittington -  south side of Appomattox, Baylyes Creek

Oct 31, 1673 Edward Birchett - south side of Appomattox corner of Hen: Batt's land next James Thweate

It's pretty obvious that these Indian traders including William Jones Sr were working land right there close to the land of Samuel Woodward Jr and John Sturdivant. Not all of these traders would follow the Jones down to Surry Co and NC, but the Lees would follow to Surry, and the Bobbitts and Sturdivants would follow to Surry and on to NC. The Woodwards were not Indian traders, but they would meet up with the Jones again later in Johnston Co, NC. 

William Jones Sr must have been well-acquainted with the mariners who sailed in and out of the Albemarle Sound. You would expect this to some degree simply because he had to ship his goods down the Blackwater to the Albemarle and then arrange for shipment to England or other markets. But it was even more apparent when he was granted 600 acres on the Nottoway River in 1701 for "transportation of twelve persons. John Rudds four times imported & eight rights more due to Robert Bolling by order of ye Genll. Court held ye 21st day of October 1699 & by him assigned as appeares by ye sd order." Capt John Rudd (also spelled Rudds) is documented as the commander of the ship Hopewell that shipped goods to London. Rudd's name appears as a headright on many VA patents too. He was obviously doing the same thing that Samuel Woodward Jr had been doing - claiming himself when he sailed into a Virginia port to get a certficate, then giving or selling that certificate to others who redeemed them for land. Obviously William Jones didn't transport the same man, John Rudd, into Virginia for the first time four different times, but no one questioned it.

A headright certificate could be redeemed by anyone. You didn't have to show an ID or prove how you had acquired the certificate or anything like that. No one had to sign to transfer a certificate from one person to another. It was like a $50 bill - but worth 50 acres rather than 50 dollars. It didn't matter whose name was on that certificate or whether that person was related to you or whether you personally transported that person or paid for his transportation. If you presented the certificate, you could redeem the 50 acres. If you were hoping to get more than 50 acres, you might wait and save up your certificates until you had enough to get a larger amount of land. So some certificates might have been several years old when they were finally presented and the headrights named might have already died. 

A book was written about the Bobbitt family which overall was very well researched and documented, but the author jumped to some conclusions about the headrights on William Bobbitt's patents and the other people who were granted land with him at the same time. He didn't realize these were Indian traders. He believed that William Bobbitt's wife was Joanna Sturdivant, sister of John Sturdivant, and they were the two headrights on William Bobbitt's patent. But Bobbitt's patent didn't name the two headrights - they could have been anyone - and John Sturdivant was not a young man and had been in the colonies for years. Bobbitt and Sturdivant were granted land at the same time in the same location because they were Indian traders and wanted land in Indian territory near the Blackwater River - not because of some marriage between their families. Since the headrights on Bobbitt's patent aren't named, there's no proof that they were Bobbitt and his wife. Someone might have given him these two certificates to help him get started. As mentioned before, it was not safe for women and children to live on the land that the traders worked. William Bobbitt and his wife may have lived on this land later, but it's doubtful they lived on it right away. 

The Bobbitt Family In America by John W Bobbitt 1985

p 2

William Bobbitt and his wife paid their transportation to the Virginia colony and received fifty acres of land for each. The grants had to be made to the head of the family or to a single man. Women could not receive land grants. We know from this land patent that William Bobbitt and his wife did not have any children when they arrived into the colony, or they would have received additional land for the children.

p 14

William Bobbitt could not have been more than 20 years of age when he arrived into the colony. He and his wife were probably married in Wales. They had to be man and wife before the voyage in order to receive 100 acres of land as husband and wife, for making the voyage and paying their own transportation.

The author of the Bobbitt book also noticed that a number of people were granted land in the same area at the same time with Bobbitt and Sturdivant. He didn't understand that they were Indian traders. He thought maybe they all came on the same ship and all settled in the same area.

p 18

All of these patentees probably came to the colony on the same ship with William Bobbitt and his wife. They all lived in the same area. They were members of the same parish and attended the same church for worship.

Since this Bobbitt family followed the Jones from the Appomattox and Blackwater River area to the Nottoway River to the Roanoke River with the Sturdivants, I thought it was important to set the record straight. It was not because they all came on the same ship together. There is also no reason to believe that William Bobbitt's wife was John Sturdivant's sister. 

In 1694, William Jones (Jr) and his brothers-in-law John Ledbetter and Francis Ledbetter, were granted land in Charles City Co on Warwick Swamp. Ledbetter Jones who was granted land in Prince George Co in 1722 and 1724 and appears in the Bristol Parish Vestry records beginning in 1721/2  is believed to have been his son. William Jones Jr later lived in the part of Surry Co that became Brunswick Co shortly before his death, but he was referred to as William Jones Sr after his father died in 1712 since he was then the eldest living man by that name. This was to distinguish him from his brother Robert's son William who was referred to as William Jones Jr until 1735. He died in Brunswick Co between Aug 1735 and Feb 1736. This can be proven by the Bristol Parish Vestry Records. William Jones had been recorded regularly to help procession lands through August of 1735, but in Feb 1735 (actually 1736 by the new calendar) he was referred to as deceased and replaced by Daniel Jones.

You will sometimes see it claimed that William Jones Sr's wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Robert Blight whose will mentioned several members of William Jones' family but also members of an unrelated James Jones family. Nowhere in this will does Blight refer to anyone as son or daughter or niece or nephew. Blight was simply an unmarried trader with no children who had been doing business in Barbados and New England and was leaving the trade goods he had on hand plus the money he was due to his friends who were also traders. People have tried to read entirely too much into this will.

page 19. Will of Robert BLIGHT of Prince George. in Virginia, "sick and weak"
To William JONES, son of Robert JONES and Hester his wife, 1 caster hat
To James JONES, son of James and Rebecca his wife, of Prince George Co., 1 serge coat, a drugget jacket woven with spots, and pair of callimanco britches.
To Robert JONES, a drugget coat stript with white and blue stripes.
To James JONES, son of James JONES of Prince George Co.,5 yards of fine keen.
To Rebecca JONES, wife of James JONES, Jr.,one remnant of double damask, flowered with green and yellow flowers, and 9 yards of Dowlass.
To Phil. CLAUD,8 yards of double covered damask, 1 romall handkerchief, pair of work gloves.
To James JONES, son of James JONES, Sr. all money I have in hands of Hugh HALL, Esq., in Barbadoes, and what money I have in New England, said HALL being obliged to see it forth coming.
To David JONES, son of James and Rebecca his wife, one new pocket Bible.
To Robert JONES, son of William JONES of Surrey Co, all that remains in the chest after the legacies are paid.
Beloved friend James JONES, Jr., to be executor. 16 Jan, 1710
Signed: Robert BLIGHT
Wit: Thomas SEYMORE, Jane SEYMORE, John BREWER
13 Feb 1710---James JONES Jr. was appointed executor and will recorded.

Also in 1694, 93 acres was granted to George Passmore in the parish of Jurdens in Charles City Co adjoining William Jones, Henry Batt, and John Wallice?/Wallico?. There is no proof for the daughters of William Jones Sr as he didn't name them in his will, but I suspect George Passmore's wife might have been one of those daughters. The Passmores and Jones were close for generations. A 1699 Surry Co court record states that George Passmore had asked at the last court to have 200 acres surveyed, but William Jones Senr had entered that land as part of 600 acres in 1695. (Surry County, Virginia Court Records 1712-1718, Book VII, p 116) This was the 600 acres that was eventually granted to William Jones Sr in 1701. It's an awkward grant to figure out. Part of it is on the north side of the Nottoway River, while another part of it is on the south side farther west. This would have allowed him to establish landings on both sides of the river. 

William Jones Sr actually owned land on both sides of the mouth of Jones Hole Swamp. The land on one side came from his 1701 grant. The land on the other side was purchased from Hugh Lee Jr, son of Hugh Lee of the earlier 1763 grant on the south side of the Appomattox.

Patent to John Poythris, dated October 24, 1702, for 350 acres, Charles City County, on North side of Nottoway River, for importation of John Lee, Humphrey Hix, __ Standback, Robert Boroman, Hen: Snotgrooe, Wm: Lambred, and Mary Driv?, running thence along headline of a tract of 950 acres patented by Hugh Lee Junr. (and by him sold to William Jones, Senr., Robert Hix the Taylor Senr., and John Roberts).  Virginia Patent Book 9, page 396, 397. 

Patent to Thomas Wyn, dated October 24, 1702, for 200 acres, Charles City County, on South side of Jones hole swamp and North side of Nottoway River, for 4 rights paid to Wm. Byrd. adjoining land of Hugh Lee Junr., now in the possession of William Jones, Robert Hix and John Roberts. Virginia Patent Book 9, page 406.

Robert Hix Sr the taylor was the father of Robert Hicks/Hix, the famous Indian trader of Fort Christiana. He was also the father of John Hicks who was the executor of the will of John Hawthorne who was granted land in the Oconeechee Neck on the same date with Henry Jones, William Jones, Philip Jones, and Matthew Sturdivant. When John Hawthorne died, Henry's older brother, Robert Jones, the father of William and Philip, bought Hawthorne's land and deeded it to two more of his sons, Robert Jr and Matthew.

Henry Jones received his first grant in 1701 on the north side of the Nottoway River on Joseph's Swamp near his father's land. In 1712 he received another grant on the south side of the Nottoway a little west of the mouth of Jones Hole at Flat Swamp. This was the tract he sold in 1725 when he finally moved to NC.

A tract was surveyed for William Bobbitt on the south side of Jones Hole Swamp in 1712. But Jones Hole is quite a long creek, and we have no way of knowing how close to the mouth that might have been.

Survey for William Bobbet
18 June 1712
Prince George County, Virginia
90 acres on South Side of Jones Hole Swamp
Prince George County Virginia Surveys 1716-1724, page 2

On 18 March 1717, John Green of Surry Co was granted 180 acres on the west side of Cabin Stick Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway River. On 22 Jan 1717, Matthew Sturdivant was granted 100 acres on the south side of the Nottoway on the west side of a "small branch". On 16 June 1727, Matthew Sturdivant was issued another grant for 220 acres on the south side of the Nottoway River on the southwest side of the Cabin Stick Swamp adjoining Robert Green and John Williamson. 

Surry County Virginia Deed Bk 6, P 3 

Sept. 27,1749----Oct. 17, 1749 Robert Green of Albemarle Parish Surry County to Hollum Sturdivant Jr. of same - - - 30 pounds 80 acres part of tract where Hesekiah Masie lately lived - - - Cabin Stick Run - - - line between Hollum Sturdivant Sr. and Henry Sturdivant. 
Wit: William x Bridges, Richard Rives, John Rives 
/s/ Robert x Green /s/ Hollum x Sturdivant

Surry County Virginia Deed Bk 6, P 6
Sept. 27, 1749 ---- Oct. 17, 1749. Robert Green of Albemarle Parish Surry County 5 shillings money to me in hand paid by my beloved niece Mary Sturdivant wife of Hollum Sturdivant Jr. Natural love and good will and affection which I have and bear unto my said niece. 100 acres South side of Nottoway River on Cabin Stick Run being the lands whereon Hezekiah Massie formerly lived except 80 acres part thereof which was conveyed by the aforesaid Robert Green by indenture. 
Wit: William x Bridges, Richard Rives, John Rives /s/ Robert x Green 

John Green of the 1717 grant on Cabin Stick Swamp had died by 1727 when his son Robert Green was in possession of his land. Other sons were William Green and John Green. Henry Jones was closely associated with all three sons. It's not known if there had ever been a Jones/Green marriage, but that's certainly a possibility. 

The Nottoway River also emptied into the Albemarle Sound, so they could still do business with Samuel Woodward Jr and any other ship captains they were accustomed to using.

When the land along the Roanoke River - then called the Morattock - was opened up for grants, Henry Jones and some of his relatives and associates from Surry Co were among the first to stake their claim. On 26 Feb 1711/12, Henry Jones, his nephews Philip Jones and William Jones, and neighbors Matthew Sturdivant and John Hawthorne were all granted land in the Oconeechee Neck in Chowan Co, now Northampton Co. Henry's grant was for 640 acres. The next year, on 28 July 1713, Henry was granted 640 acres on Bridgers Creek and another 640 acres at Mount Royall.  

The Oconeechee Neck is a neck of land across from the present town of Halifax and the Quankie Creek. Mount Royall was a term used to designate a stretch of land on the north side of the river west of the falls (Roanoke Rapids) extending west beyond John Spann's mill at least as far as Canoe Creek and perhaps as far as Pea Hill Creek. Bridgers Creek was downriver from the Oconeechee Neck and can still be found on modern maps. The river was not navigable west of the falls, so a road was necessary to move goods from the Mount Royall area past the falls to the Oconeechee Neck where they could be shipped down the river. Such a road was built some time prior to 1725. It was ordered that this road be extended to the Meherrin River near the Albemarle Sound in 1725, and this was completed by March 1728/9 when William Bridger wrote his will. He left to his son John 100 acres "belonging to my plantation of the courthouse road adj William Bryant and a small pond". The 1733 Moseley map shows the road going right past the Bertie Co courthouse before it ended at the Meherrin/Chowan River at Luke White's Ferry. This gave the traders at Mount Royall and the Oconeechee Neck and Bridger's Creek still another way to transport their goods to the Albemarle Sound for shipment to their final destination.

Bertie Co., NC County Court Minutes 1724-1739

Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, by Mary Best Bell, p 30

County: Chowan Issued: 28 Jul 1713 Book: 8 pg: 286 File No. 980, Henry Jones
640 acres At Mount Royall No. side of Morattock river Beginning at an ash on Thos. Evans [Avant's] line on ye river then along his line No 320 poles to a red oak ... red oak on ye river thence along ye river to ye first station

This land was mentioned later in another grant for land that eventually became the land known as Mount Gallant. Henry Jones' land was on the east side of the Lovick land. There is no mention of a creek separating the two tracts, so Green's creek mentioned in later records must have been on the part of Henry Jones' land that he later sold to William Green.

County: Chowan Issued: 30 Mar 1721 Book: 3 pg: 71 File No. 477, John Lovick Esqr and Capt John Plowman
John Lovick Esqr & Capt John Plowman a tract of land containing 560 acres lying in Chowan precinct on ye N. side of Morrattock river at Mount Royal beginning at a red oak on ye river Henry Jones corner yn N 320 pole to ye centre of 4 oaks W 320 pole to ye centre of three marked trees (viz) one hiccory and 2 oaks yn S 240 po to a hiccory on ye river yn ye windings of ye river to ye first station. March ye 30th 1721

Henry Jones to William Green. Tract of land at Mount Royal, north side Morattock River; 320 acres being one half patent to said Jones dated July 3d, 1713; deed dated 16 July 1716. Test. Thos. Avent, John Nairn. Chowan Co DB B p 332

Henry Jones was mistaken about the date of the grant, but it was clearly the same land.

Henry Jones to David Crawley 320 acres known as Mount Royal, on the North side of Morattuck River. Sept 20, 1718. Test. John Nairn.

All of this land was eventually purchased by George Norwood. With these records, we can prove a great deal about the Crawley family and the Jones family.

Bertie Co DB C p. 124 William Green to George Norwood of Surry Co. Va. Aug 7, 1727. 12 pds for 320 A on NS Morattuck River at Mount Royall being uppermost half or moeity tract patented by Henry Jones Jul 3, 1713 cont 640 A Witnesses: Barryby Milton, Thomas Sheppard, C. Evans, Richard Moore, Robert Green Aug Court 1729

Bertie DB E p 69 William Crawley of Virginia to George Norwood Jan 22, 1736. 20 pds. For 320 A. on NS Morattock River “ the loward half of a tract of land that was surveyed for the said Henry Jones; for which he obtained a patent the 28 day of July 1713, from the counsel bord I North Carolina …” wit: David Razor (Rezor), John Glover, jurat, Anne Razor. February Court 1736. John Wynns D.C/C.

The land is reflected in George Norwood's will as is Green's creek which must have been the first creek east of Mount Gallant. That creek can still be found on a modern map but is currently unnamed.

Son Samuel Norwood a parcel of land containing 300 acres more or less beginning on Spann's line on the River and Running up the River to a Hickory at the upper End of his Low grounds; from thence up the Hill along a line of marked trees to Crawley's line and all my land with the plantation that is below them lines. ...to grandson George Norwood son of Nathanael Norwood a parcel of land containing two hundred and forty acres more or less beginning at a hickory on the River at the upper End of Samuel Norwood's low ground from the said hickory along Samuel's line to Crawley's line then along that to the road, then up the road to the head of the third small branch from the river which breaks out from the lower side of Greens Creek from the road down that branch to Green's Creek and down the creek to the river and down the river to the first station .. . grandson Nathl Norwood son of Nathl Norwood a parcel of land containing three hundred and ten acres more or less beginning at the mouth of Green's Creek and running up the creek to the fourth branch in the lower side then up that branch to a marked red oak at the head of it thence strait line from that oak to a marked white oak called the halfway tree standing in the fork of Greens Creek from thence along the line to the center of three oaks then along ?? line to the river and down the river to the first station ... to grandson John Norwood son of William Norwood a parcel of land containing one hundred and sixty acres more or less purchas'd of Crawley beginning at a marked red oak corner tree next the falling Run between Saml Norwood's and Fry's from the said oak Southardly along the line to the road, then up the road to the head of the third branch below Green's Creek, from the road down that branch to Green's Creek then up Green's Creek a small distance to the fourth branch up the fourth branch to a marked red oak at the road then a strait line from that oak to a marked white oak called the half way tree standing in the fork of Greens Creek from thence along a line to the first station... 21 April 1749

Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia, Vol III, p 177, 178

April the 28^th 1708

Whereas Complaint hath been made to this Board in behalf of Robert Hix, David Crawley and other Indian Traders Inhabitants of this Colony that in the moneth of September last past the sd Complainants being out a trading with the Western Indians & having purchased a considble quantity of Skins and furrs and left the same in the Towns of a certain nation of Indians called the Usherees, The Governmt of South Carolina caused all the said skins with diverse other goods belonging to the said Hix and his partners to be seized and carried to Carolina giving orders (as the said Hix was informed) at the same time to seize the said Traders in their return and to take from them all they had and to strip them and send them back to Virginia. And that the said Hix having afterwards gone to Charles town to know the cause why the governor had so seized their goods & to endeavor Restitution was obliged to severall weeks attendance and after a considerable expene in presents to the Governor & other persons had orders for Restitution of their goods but that a condiderable quantity of the same was still detained without any redress for the same and that at best the Governor of the said province obliged the said Hix to enter into bond under the penalty of five hundred pounds Sterl never to cross Santee River again, and all this without shewing any Reason for so doing This Board takeing the said Complt into Consideration are of the opinion that a letter be written to the Gover of South Carolina to represent to him that this manner of proceeding is altogether new and unprecedented that her Majty first by her royall instructions granted and afterwards confirmed by Law a free trade to all the Inhabitants of this Colony with all Indians whatsoever. That the Council coneive the Government of Carolina have no authority to monopolize all the Indian trade exclusive of her Majties Subjects of her other plantations. That this attempt is so strange and surprising that we know now what cause to assigne for it, and therefore desire the favour of him to signify to this Governmt whether there be any new authority granted them or other cause happened for intercepting our Trade that was not in being in former years when the inhabitants of this Government enjoyed it without Restraint, and to desire that the bond so extorted may be cancelled and the restriction removed till such pretensions be adjusted, wherein this Board will contribute their endeavor to bring all differences to an amicable conclusion for preserving that good Correspondence that is necessary between Colonys under the same allegiance, but if this way of seizure and interruption is continued this Government can neither in duty to her Majesty nor justice to themselves pass it over, and hope the Government of Carolina will excuse them if they lay their case under her Majestys immediate Consideration and in the mean time use all lawfull ways for righting themselves.

A Genealogical History of the Chappell, Dickie, and Other Kindred Families of Virginia, 1635-1900, compiled by Phil E Chappell, 1900, p 162 - 166

The Crawleys

The Crawleys – sometimes spelled “Craley” – have been a numerous family in Virginia for two centuries. The branch of the family, however, to which we shall confine ourselves, sprang from two brothers – David and William Crawley – who came to Virginia, probably during the last half of the seventeenth century, from Herefordshire, England, as will appear hereafter. They settled in the southern part of Charles City County – south of the James – where the Chappells were then living, but afterward located in Petersburg, where, for many years, they were engaged in merchandising and trading with the Indians. The Indians with whom they traded were then on the frontier of North Carolina, and among others was a tribe called the “Tuscaroras” – the most warlike and treacherous of all – with whom they were forbidden to trade. The following is a verbatim copy of the license grante to them by Governor Spotswood, who was then the chief executive of the colony:

“License to Trade with Indians.

“Virginia, ss.

“Alexander Spotswood, Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral and Commander in Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia –

“To David Crawley and others. Whereas her Most Sacred Majesty by Her Order in Council, bearing date at the Court at Windsor the 12^th day of September 1709 hath been pleased to signify her Royal Will and Pleasure that the trade from this colony with the Western Indians be carried on without let or hindrance or any molestation whatsoever, and that no dutys be Levied or demanded of any of her Majesty’s Subjects of this Colony for any Goods or Merchandizes which shall be carried by them to the said Indians, or back from thence by way of trade. And Whereas you have represented to me that you are now bound on a Trading voyage to Several Nations of Indians to the South West of this Colony, and desire my passport for your better protection in your going and returning with your goods and merchandizes: I do, therefore, hereby gie and grant unto you full License and Liberty to trade and Traffick with any nation of Indians whatsoever, except the Tuscaroras and such others as shall be actually in league with them. And I do by these presents Signify to all her Majesty’s Subjects of the Sev’l Colonys that it is Her Majesty’s Will and Pleasure that they suffer and permit you freely and quietly to pass and repass with your Goods & Merchandizes without any Lett, hindrance or Molestation or pretence of Any Dutys or Impositions to be demanded of ye same or any other account whatsoever, Provided always that you take a Certificate from the Naval Officer that the good ye carry out of this Colony be such as have been Legally imported here. –

“Given under my hand and the Seal of Her Majesty’s Colony and Dominion at Wm’burg, the 11^th day of July 1712.

                                                                                             “Alexander Spotswood

[Seal]                                                                                               “Governor.”

David Crawley and his associates, among whom were William Crawley, Nathaniel Irby, and Robert Hix, all of Prince George County, then gave bond in the sum of L300 sterling to the “Sovereign, Lady Ann, by the Grace of God ruler of Great Brittain, France and Ireland and Queen Defender of the Faith &c.” The condition of the bond – which is too long to be copied in full – was that they should not violate any law of the colony and especially should not trade with the Tuscarora Indians.

….William Crawley’s plantation in Amelia County was on Deep Creek, and he died there, probably about 1748, although the exact date is not known. He left one child – a son William – by his last marriage, and several by his first, for he was a widower when he married Sarah Chappell. His will has been found among the first recorded in Amelia County, but it is so mutilated that it cannot be deciphered, there being only a scrap of it left. The date is entirely gone, but there is mentioned in it a devise to John Chappell, and he also devises certain lands in Herefordshire, England. He also mentions wife Sarah and her son, John Chappel, in another place. (Will Book I., p. 5.)

William Crawley, Sr, had the following children by his first marriage viz.: David, John, Benjamin, Elizabeth Jones, Catharine Ward, and Martha and Nancy Crawley. Of these sons, all died in Amelia County, and each left a will recorded in that county ….

Daniel Crawley (Crayley)

26 Mar 1723

NC Patent Book 3  Page 135

300 Acres on the South side of the Morratuck River joining the river and a point near Quinkey Creek.

(Province of NC Land Patents by Hofmann, page 190, # 2069.)

DB 6 p 193 David Crawley of Edge. Co to James Leslie of Edge. Co., merchant. 8 Feb. 1757 100 pounds current money of Va. 300 acres near Quankey creek, joining Roanoke river, all houses, buildings etc. a patent to Daniel Crawley and bequeathed to the sd. David by the sd. Daniel in 1742. Wit: Charles Burkes(?), Henry Evans, Joseph Irby Reg. Edge. Co. May Ct. 1757 J Montfort C. Ct.

     Indenture made 15 May 1746 between David Crawley of Prince
George County, Mariner, and John Wall the Younger of Brunswick
County, Gent.  5 Shillings, 240a, on Maherrin River on North side
thereof, which tract was formerly granted to David Crawley the
Father deceased by Pattent dated 18 February 1722 and Decends to
the said David Crawley as heir at Law, for term of one whole
year.  Signed David Crawley.  Witnesses:  George Wallton, Michael
Wall, Richard Ransom, Matthias Davis, John Butler, Walter
Campbell.  Court July 3, 1746, Indenture  proved by the Oaths of
Michael Wall, Gent. & Walter Campbell.  Court September 4, 1746,
further proved by the Oath of Matthias Davis.  Deed Book 3, Page
215.


     Indenture made 15 May 1746 between David Crawley of Prince
George County, Mariner and John Wall the Younger of Brunswick
County, Gent., ú60, releases 240a on N. side of Maherrin River. 
Signed David Crawley.  Witnesses:  George Wallton, Michael Wall,
Richard Ransom, Matthias Davis, John Butler, Walter Campbell. 
Court July 3, 1746, Indenture proved by Michael Wall, Gent, and
Walter Campbell.  Court September 4, 1746, further proved by oath
of Matthias Davis.  Deed Book 3, Page 217.

 Two deeds were required to complete the conveyance - a system called deeds of lease and release.

This land matches exactly one of the grants made to David Crawley the Indian trader in 1722. At that time, the land was in Surry Co, but that part of Surry later fell into Brunswick Co.

David Crawley of Prince George Co 18 Feb 1722 240 acres in Surry Co on the Meherrin River beginning by the side of the river just below the mouth of a small branch.

So we know that David Crawley Jr, son of the famous Indian trader, was still of Prince George Co in 1746, but he had become a mariner. How interesting! Another case like Samuel Woodward Jr! A young man raised by a trader - turned mariner - seemingly "out of the blue". It gets MORE interesting....

In 1725, Henry Jones sold his homeplace land on the Flat Swamp on the south side of the Nottoway River in Surry Co and moved his family to the Oconeechee Neck. By then, his elderly mother had died and his older sons were grown.

5 Feb 1724/25. Bertie County, NC Deed Book A, page 350:
Thomas AVENT of Surry Co, VA to John Jones of Surry Co, VA. 10 pounds for 640 acres at Mount Royall on River low ground. Surveyed and patented for Thomas AVENT by John GRAY on 30 Mar 1721. Adj. Jacob COLSON. Wit: John GRAY, jurat, Ralph MASON. February Court 1724. John Sutton D. C/C.

This would have been very near the land that Henry Jones had sold to William Green and David Crawley Sr. Henry Jones did have a brother named John Jones, but there is nothing in his records that indicates he was interested in the Indian trade business. This John Jones was almost certainly Henry's son. But he disappeared from the records until Henry named him in his will in 1733. This tract of land disappeared from the records too. According to Henry's will, John was to inherit a tract of land and Philip was to get "my overseas dealings". But the will wasn't presented and the estate was administered as if there were no will. Henry Jr deeded the land intended for John to Philip - and John simply didn't appear in the records for years. His brothers did - even Capt Samuel Dolling who seemed to be responsible for shipping their goods to England did - but not John. John Jones didn't turn up until 1739 when he entered 200 acres in the fork of Marsh Swamp. I have not found a grant for that land. In 1754, he was granted land adjoining his brother Francis Jones and Edward Robinson on Marsh Swamp in Edgecombe Co. In 1757, Edward Robertson [sic] sold land adjoining John Jones to David Crawley of Edgecombe Co. (DB 6, p 201)

The earliest record I have found for David Crawley in the Edgecombe records was dated 1747. He was only acting as a witness at that time for a deed from Samuel Dalling to John Minge. Capt Samuel Dalling (also spelled Dolling) had been active in the area though. His home was in New Hampshire and he sailed back and forth to England, but he frequently appeared on the Jones records as a witness or power-of-attorney. It seemed so strange that all of John Jones' brothers and even Capt Samuel Dalling were appearing as witnesses on the Jones documents but not John. However, he did purchase land and acquire grants. 

From a MARS search at NC Archives:
Thomas Wood and Darlin Jones were chain carriers for an Edgecombe survey (by John Haywood, surveyor) for John Jones for 550 acres described as "Bear Swamp, John Melton". The plat was dated 22 Jan 1756.

John Jones wrote a will that was mentioned in the records but unfortunately not recorded and lost. He died by 1760 in Halifax Co. His wife Elizabeth -- was almost certainly his second wife. His children by her have been proven  by other records as John, Penelope, and Thomas. His other children included Dolling Jones and Lucy Jones who sold a tract together that they inherited from their father and a son named James who was mentioned in grant.

2 August 1744, Francis Young of South Carolina sold 192 acres on Buffalo Branch to William Bobbitt, Sr., of North Carolina, for seven pds. Witnesses were Richard Benett and Charles Tomson (x his mark) (Edgecombe Deed Bk. 5, p. 339). This was the land Francis had been granted in 1738.

NCGRAN-DE1 pp. 71-72, WILLIAM BOBBITT to JOHN JONES of Edgecombe County, 100 acres on the south side of Buffalo Creek at sd. WILLIAM'S line dated 4 Apr 1755, W: WILLIAM ANDERSON and JOHN STEELE

Warren Co (Bute Co) NC Deed Book A p.96 Dolling JONES of Halifax Co & Lucy Jones to Clement ARLEDGE 15 Oct 1764 45 pds VA money for 100 a where William Bobbit formerly lived on SS Bufelow Branch Reg 21 Mar 1765; wit: Jas Thompson, Francis Bell, Drucilla Thompson

William Bobbitt of these records was the son of John Bobbitt and Sarah Green, Henry Jones' neighbors until his death.

With the unusual name Dolling, it was pretty obvious this son had been named for Capt Samuel Dolling. John Jones and Capt Samuel Dolling must have had a really close relationship, but they never appeared together in the records. Why not?

John Jones was also the father of at least two more children, James Jones who was proven by a grant that reserved land for him (he was later in SC with Dolling Jones), and another son also named John Jones who inherited and sold 300 acres that John had purchased from Samuel Murray in 1746 farther east on Swift Creek near the Tar River. (Edgecombe/Halifax Co DB 3 p 84) This son John Jones sold it to Hardemon Pope in 1762 and moved to Johnston/Wake Co where he was associated with his cousins, the children of Henry Jones' son, James Jones. These children were probably by an earlier wife.

David Crawley had purchased Edward Robinson/Roberson's land adjoining the land of John Jones in Edgecombe Co in 1757. John Jones' daughter, Lucy Jones, was David's "girlfriend" and the mother of several of his children. She was well provided for when David Crawley wrote his will 1773 Halifax Co. No wife was named, but he did have several legitimate children in addition to his children by Lucy Jones.

So we have an interesting situation. David Crawley d ca 1773, son of the famous Indian trader, had become a mariner who worked with the Indian traders. His father had been a close friend to Henry Jones, and he was a close friend to Henry's son, John Jones. Capt Samuel Dolling was a mariner and a close friend to John Jones and the other Jones brothers. It's very possible that John Jones, Capt Samuel Dolling and David Crawley had been working together as a team. Dolling's home was in New Hampshire, and he was licensed to sail to London. Crawley's home was in Prince George Co until 1757 when he bought Edward Robinson/Roberson's land adjoining John Jones' land in Edgecombe Co. It's my guess that Crawley had been handling the shipping up and down the east coast, much like Samuel Woodward Jr had. John Jones never (or almost never, just in case) witnessed Jones documents and seems to have been mysteriously unavailable. When his father Henry Jones Sr died, he was not given the land as expected - Philip was given the land instead. Was John given the overseas dealings instead? Is that why the will wasn't probated - so John could take over the overseas business instead of Philip? Was John working the business in England? Even Capt Samuel Dolling who was sailing back and forth from England was leaving records in Northampton and Edgecombe and Halifax. Was John so busy in England that he seldom sailed back to NC?

County: Chowan Issued: 28 Jul 1713  Book: 8 pg: 286  File No. 981, Henry Jones
640 acres lying in Chowan precinct on ye S. side of Briges Creek on Morattock river Beginning at the mouth of Briges Creek, then various courses up ye Creek 342 poles to a Cypress yn S 320 poles to ye centre of 2 Oaks & a hicory then Wt 320 poles to Cycamore on ye river, thence along ye river to ye first Station …. July 28^th anno Dom 1713

County: Chowan Issued: 30 Mar 1721 Book: 3 pg: 75 Entered: (no date) File No. 510, Needham Bryan
Needham Bryan a tract of land containing 640 acres lying in Chowan precinct on the  N. E. side of Morattuck river beging. at ye centre of 2 oaks & hiccory near ye river being Henry Jones corner yn. along his line Et 320 pole to ye centre of a red oak and hiccory yn. S 320 to ye low grounds yn. to ye first station. March ye 30th 1721

This was an interesting coincidence. Needham Bryan witnessed Henry Jones' will in 1733. But the will wasn't presented after his death in 1739. Bryan proved the will in 1758. "Jurat" is noted beside his name. Letters were issued. Why? What was the point after so many years? The estate had already been settled intestate by Henry Jones Jr. He had been named in the will as the executor, but he had died about 1752. So who were the letters issued to?

Both Needham Bryan and Henry Jones sold their tracts at Bridger's Creek within just a few years and both tracts ended up in the possession of Simon Jeffreys.

Needham Bryan did own this tract not far from Henry Jones' homeplace tract, but when Henry wrote his will, Needham Bryan had been living at another tract called Snowfield for quite a few years. Snowfield was somewhat south of the road that continued east from Bridger's Creek between the Kesiah Creek and the Roanoke River. When Henry Jones wrote his will, Needham Bryan's wife was Ann Rombeau, but his last wife is said to have been Sarah Woodward. Nothing is known about her, but she did survive him. 

The Colonial Records of North Carolina, Volume 2 p 425

Att a Council held at the Towne in Queen Ann Creek, March the 30th 1721

Simon Jeffereys Petition was Read shewing that Author Whitehead in March 1717 obtained a patent for 640 Acres of Land lying at Moratock which is not seated annd planted according to the Tenor of the sd patent pray a Lapse patent may be granted to him for the same

Ordered that the same be granted

Bertie DB C:53 Arthur Whitehead & wife Isabelle sold this 640a to John Perrit. It was on lower side of Bridgers Creek adj Henry Jones, granted 9 March 1717/18. 

This was  Arthur Whitehead ca 1690-1750/51 m Isabella Pursell, dau of Arthur Pursell

He was son of Arthur Whitehead ca 1645-1710/11  m Mary Godwin, dau of William Godwin (will recorded 1720 IOW) and Elizabeth Wright

Mary Godwin's sister, Elizabeth Godwin, m William Bridger ca 1658-1730

Will of William Bridger 11 Mar 1728/29 – proved Nov Ct 1729 Bertie Prec.
– son William Bridgers to have “plantation whereon I live” when he is sixteen
– daughter Sarah Bridgers – basin, blanket, etc
– son Josef Bridgers “plantation on Fishing Creek”
– son John Bridgers to have 100 acres belonging to my plantation of the courthouse road adj William Bryant and a small pond.
– when my brother Benjamin Bridgers “time is out” I leave all the stock on my Fishing Creek plantation to be divided between my children.
– my Negro Jack is to be sold for money to school my children.
– son John – Negro girl when he is sixteen
– brother William Bryant (married to Patience Dew) – my great cote.
– father John Dew – riding jacket and britches.
– wife Sarah Bridgers – remaining estate
EX: William Bryant, John Dew
witnesses John Dawson, William Bryant, Richard Hais, Mary [x] Haise.
from abstract by David B Gammon

 Some say the son William Bridgers is the same as William Bridgers who died in Johnston Co in 1751 naming friend Philip Jones as his executor and James Aycock and James Bryant as witnesses. There is some argument about this. But since Philip Jones and James Aycock had just arrived in Johnston Co - this was their very first record there - William Bridgers would almost have to be someone they had known from Northampton Co. 

Will of Arthur Purcell of Isle of Wight dated 21 Mar 1717, recorded 27 May 1739
Son Arthur Pursell, son Thomas Pursell, daughter Isabella Whitehead wife of Arthur Whitehead, wife. Presented in court by Mary, his widow and relict.

Son Arthur Pursell (Jr) - Isabella Pursell Whitehead's brother - wrote his will in Isle of Wight naming his wife Sarah.

Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight Co, VA. 1647 -1800 . Will Book 5; page 3
Arthur Pursell: Leg. son Arthur; son Philip; daughter Sarah Johnson; daughter Mary Fulgham; Daughter Patience Exum; daugher  Elizabeth Turner; daugher Ann; daughter Jean;daughter Martha. My estate to be divided by Thomas Williamson and Josiah John Holleman. Exs., wife Sarah and son Arthur Pursell. D. July 10, 1745. Recorded January 27, 1745. Witnesses: Thomas Williamson, Michael Harris.

Chowan Co marriage records

In the Name of God A Man I Samuell Woodward of Chowan County in North Carolina being asshured that it is ordained for all men once to Die Do Make and ordain this Present Wrighting to be my Last Will & testament and no other and I Do Revoake and Utterly Disallow all other Will & Wills Testament or testaments heretofore by me made and this to be taken for my last will and testam and no other

Item I give to my Son Sammuell Woodward one hundred acres of Land moor Less Beginning at a Shilling tree then Runing to the Cyprus Pond A Joyning to Black hoal Lane and one hundred and fifty acres of Land where he Now Lives on

Item I give to my Son Edward Woodward one hundred acres moor or Less as the path goes from Miles Halsey to the throorfair to the golbery and one Negro called Mingo that he has now in Possession

Item I give to my son Richard Woodward the plantation I now Lives on with the Rich Neck Joyning upon it And one Negro fellow Called Cupid and further if my son Richard Woodward Dyes without Are then what I give him be Equally Divided a monkst my other Children

Item I gives to my wife Sarah Woodward two garls named Dyner and Munrenes(?) During her Natural Life or widowhoold and after life or marriag then I give to my Daughter Elizabeth White my Negro Garl Dyner and Murreen to my son Richard Wodward

Item I give to my wife all my hogs and half my cattle and the other half of my cattle to my son Richard Wodward and further I give this Rowan(?) and half my housole goods to my wife and the other half of my househole goods to my son Richard and that my wife is not to take nor conveay of from this Land any of the afore Mentioned Negroes the Corn and Meate that is for my house use I give to my wife Sarah Woodward to 60 full bound Barrils by ??? Walles I Segue them to my three Sons Samuell Edward and Richard 20 Each Item I gives to my Daughter Elizabeth White A Negro garl Names Rose W--? She has now in possession to 69 Barrils of tar which Capt Jon Cambell now owes for I give to my son Richard 20 ?? to my Son Edward 20 to my Son Samuell 29 Barrrels I ordain and appoint my Son Samuel Woodward and Luke White Junur for to be my hole and Sole Executers of this my Last will and testament and for a certainty of this being my Last Will and testament I have hereunto Set my hand and fixed my Seal this 18^th Day of March 1752                         (Seal)

Test                                                                         his

Charles Roberts   Jurt                                Samll    +     Woodward

Richd    x    Woodward   Jurt                                mark

Letters issued April 25 1752

Inventory of the estate of Samuel Woodward presented by Samuel Woodward executor dated Augt 22 1752

To the Sherriff of Chowan Counthy Greeting

We Command you to Cause to Be Sommoned Samuel Woodward Extr of Samuel Woodward late of the County aforesaid deced personally to appear before the Justices of our Court of Common Please to be held for our said County at the Court House in Edenton on he first Tuesday in October next then & there to answer the Petition of Sarah Woodward which must in no wise be omitted and have you there this writ Witness Thomas Jones Clerk of our Said Court at Edenton this 9^th day of July Anno Lord 1756     Thomas Jones 

According to Notable Southern Families (copyright 1922), Needham Bryan married his last wife, who they stated was Sarah Woodward, in 1752. No source was given and no record has been found for the marriage. Maybe that account was in error. We have no to assess how accurate the account was without a source. Needham Bryan wrote his will in 1767 and Sarah was named as his wife at that time. So we do at least know his last wife was named Sarah. But was she really a Woodward? Sarah is believed to have died before May 15, 1777 when a settlement and division of the estate was made. Widow Sarah Bryan was not included in that division and is believed to have died shortly before that division. I have not seen anything relating to her estate.

So was this the same Sarah through all these records? First the widow of Arthur Pursell - next the widow of Samuel Woodward d 1752 - next the widow of Needham Bryan? It's very unlikely that Needham Bryan's wife was the widow of Samuel Woodward d 1752 since Samuel's widow had presented a petition to the Court of Common Pleas in 1756 as Sarah Woodward.

Did the names Samuel Woodward and Luke White look familiar? We already know the old road came out at Luke White's Ferry in 1733, and we know Samuel Woodward Jr, mariner, was shipping goods up and down the east coast between the Albemarle Sound and Boston and his younger half-brother Matthew Sturdivant was an Indian trader associated with Henry Jones. We also know the Jones had been sending their trade goods down the Blackwater, Nottoway, and Roanoke Rivers to the Albemarle Sound for shipment for years. But Samuel Woodward Jr, mariner, was dead by 1722,  possibly earlier, so this can't be the same Samuel Woodward in later records. Was there a connection? Absolutely!

The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 1, edited by James Robert Bent Hathaway, p 149

At a Court held for Chowan Precinct, at the house of Robert Hicks, at Queen Anne’s Creek, 17 April, 1716….

Ordered that a ferry be kept at Luke White’s, or some other convenient place in Rockyhock, and that a road be cleared from thence at Ballard’s Bridge, with least inconvenience to the owners of the land.

Luke White lived to be very old. There is a deed from Luke White Senr to Solomon Hill dated October 10, 1764 in which he identifies himself as "Luke White Senior of the county of Chowan Ferryman" and a later 1770 will by Luke White who leaves a bequest to Luke White Senr. "L White" is labeled on the 1770 map where the ferry was located. So Luke White Sr was clearly still living in 1770.

So let's back up and compare the records for Samuel Woodward Jr the mariner d by 1722 to Samuel Woodward d 1752 Chowan Co.

James Hambleton to Thos. Piland, Apl. 1, 1729. 132 acres on Long Branch, adjoining land of Richard Woodward. Test, Stephen Shepherd, John Morris, Jr., also bond to same. [Source: The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes 1-3 by James Robert Bent Hathaway p 446]

Wm. Hambleton and Stuart Hambleton to our brother James Hambleton. 200 acres patented Nov. 20, 1728, adjoining land of Richard Woodward on Long Branch, Oct 16, 1734. Test, Thomas Eccleston, John Garrett, Thos. Piland. [Source: The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes 1-3 by James Robert Bent Hathaway p 454]

Richard Woodward to John Norris. 100 acres on the S. W. side Sarum Swamp, adjoining lands of Thos. Piland and Jno. Nickols, June 5, 1734. Test, John Green, Thos. Morris. [Source: The North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes 1-3 by James Robert Bent Hathaway p 454]

William Hamilton was in Wake Co by 1771. His records showed a close association with both the James Jones family and the Christopher Woodward family. More about him to follow.

                                                Fayetteville, NC

                                                 Jany 23, 1896

My dear brother:

     Pa  sends you the best information he can.

     His father married Delia Jones, about 1817 - he (grandpa) was born 

near Holly Springs, Wake Co. His brothers were William Woodward went 

away when a young man and was lost sight of - Christopher Woodward 

lived at Raleigh - The sisters Charity Woodward married Alex. Smith 

lived at Raleigh - Winnie Woodward married Mr Wood and went to 

Tennessee - Pa's grandfather was Pleasant Woodward, he moved from 

Jamestown Va to Wake Co about 14 miles from Raleigh. If there is a 

family record it is probable Bourbon Smith had it, he died at Oxford NC 

but I suppose his family reside there - if not in their possession 

there was a sister Samanthy Smith who married Mr Currie and lived at 

Scotland Neck NC perhaps she had an old family record - Pa's great 

grandfather Woodward came from England and settled at Jamestown 

Va - I hope this information will be what you want we are all well, 

and send love.

                            Affectionately your Sister

                                              Emma

It wasn't just Andrew Jackson Woodward who had heard this story about an ancestor who came from England and settled at Jamestown. Elizabeth Woodward in the account below was a daughter of Christopher Woodward of Wake Co. Silas Green and John Norris were securities for Jacob Utley on his 6 December 1785 guardian bond for Elizabeth Woodward, orphan of Christopher Woodward. So Elizabeth would have been very familiar with Jacob Utley's children, including Elizabeth Utley, who married Elizabeth Woodward's brother, James Woodward, and Merrill Utley. Plus her older brother (possibly half-brother), Pleasant Woodward, had married Jacob Utley's daughter, Winifred Utley. Elizabeth Woodward apparently moved to Kentucky with her brother, James Woodward, and Merrill Utley. After Merrill's first wife, Winifred Jones, died (daughter of the same William Jones d 1800, son of James Jones), Merrill Utleu married Elizabeth Woodward. Elizabeth Woodward had left Wake Co years before Andrew Jackson Woodward was even born, so they never knew each other and must have heard the story from completely different sources. Elizabeth almost certainly heard it from her father Christopher or maybe her brother James. 

Memorial Record of Western Kentucky, Lewis Publishing Company, 1904, 
pp 515-520 [Lyon]

Hon. Newton W Utley

... Born upon a farm in Marshall county, Kentucky, May 12, 1860, he has 
spent almost his entire life in this state and now makes his home in 
Eddyville. His parents were William Washington and Sallie Ann (Holland) 
Utley. His paternal grandparents were Merrill and Elizabeth (Woodward) 
Utley, both natives of North Carolina, and the progenitor of the family 
in America was an Englishman who came to the colony of Virginia with the 
Jamestown settlers. ...

Samuel Woodward Jr and his son Nathaniel certainly knew about this early ancestor named Christopher Woodward who settled at Jamestown. According to the records above, Nathaniel knew where Christopher's land was located and the exact date it was granted. So it's quite likely that the other sons of Samuel Woodward Jr were aware of this early ancestor named Christopher Woodward too. Did one of those other sons of Samuel Woodward Jr name a son for Christopher Woodward of Jamestown and later explain it to his son why he had been named Christopher and who the first Christopher was? Did Richard Woodward of Nansemond Co name a son Christopher for that early ancestor? Did later descendants confuse the two Christophers and think that it was Christopher of Wake who was the one who came from England and settled at Jamestown? 

  
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