JANUARY - JUNE 1994 VOL 10 NO 1 & 2

Most American school age children, if asked to name the first permanent settlement by Europeans in America, could name Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. The stories of the colorful Capt. John Smith and of the Indian princess Pocahontus who married John Rolfe have been re-played to generation after generation of Americans.

In May, 1607, three boatloads of immigrants reached the northeast shore of the James River, along with Capt. John Smith. The immigrants went to Virginia under direction of The Virginia Company, a group of English investors who were granted a Charter by the King to "aid in and to train 'able mariners' for England's protection; 'to spread the gospel among the heathen people of Virginia;' to establish new areas for trade; to find precious metals; and to plant a Protestant English colony in a land threatened by Spain." (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Upon arrival of the first three ships in Virginia, the adventurous Capt. John Smith set out to explore many of the waterways connecting the Chesapeake Bay, but did little to plan for survival of the colonists during the coming winter. Thus by the following spring, more than half the group had perished from illness and lack of food. Although more ships arrived in the next three years with additional settlers, starvation, disease, and Indian attacks almost destroyed the colony, and by the spring of 1610, only 60 people were alive out of several hundred to reach the shores of Virginia. These remaining 60 settlers were so disillusioned that they voted to leave Virginia, and were about to set sail, when a ship arrived from England with 300 men, including the first full (non-Royal) governor, Thomas West.

With the arrival of Thomas West, who ruled with a stern hand, conditions in Jamestown stabilized. The new leaders soon abandoned the communal system, where everyone worked together and all food was combined and distributed equally, and began allowing private ownership of land by individuals. The results were an increase in productivity and in morale.

One of the problems faced by the first colonists was finding a marketable product. In 1612, John Rolfe discovered a method of growing tobacco for export, thus improving the economic outlook for the colony, and enticing more substantial colonists to come to Virginia.

As soon as it became apparent that English presence in Virginia would be permanent, settlers began moving upriver from Jamestown. Schweitzer (VA Geneal. Research, page 10) describes the situation: "By 1619, V[irginia] had been divided into four districts called plantations: James City, the city of Henrico, Charles City, and Elizabeth City. Each plantation included a central settlement plus some surrounding settlements, some of which were called hundreds (because they included 100 men). This year of 1619 was extremely important because of four important events: a governing assembly of representatives from the plantations started meeting, black slaves were brought in, the indentured-servant system was inaugurated (a white laborer's passage to VA was paid in exchange for 4-5 years of service), and there was the arrival of 1261 persons including families, 100 apprentices, and 90 young women (all of whom were promptly married), bringing the total population to about 2500."

In the year of 1622, the fledgling colony suffered a severe set-back due to renewal of Indian uprisings. A strategically brilliant series of attacks simultaneously on the several Jamestown plantations by a coalition of Indian tribes almost wiped out the English presence in Virginia. Had it not been for a last-minute warning by a young Indian boy, Chanco, who was like a son to English settler Richard Pace, the Indians might well have eliminated the English altogether. As it was, 347 men, women, and children were killed in the massacre.

In 1624, King James I revoked the Virginia Company's charter and made Virginia a royal colony. A series of Royal governors were appointed by the crown of England, to govern Virginia, beginning with Sir John Harvey in 1630. Governor Harvey was unpopular with the colonists because of his high-handed methods and his tobacco and land policies [Encyclopedia Americana, page 161].

Under the royal governor John Harvey's rule, Virginia began its northern and western expansion which continued throughout the Colonial era. With the growth in population of the Virginia plantations, a strong lower house (House of Burgesses) of the General Assembly developed. In 1634 a new system of local government began with the creation of eight civil counties, each with a sheriff, constable, justices of the peace, clerk and coroner. (These civil counties were distinct from church parishes, which were already in existence.) The original eight civil counties were: Accomack (later called Northampton), Charles City, Charles River (later York), Elizabeth City, Henrico, James City, Warrasquoake (later Isle of Wight), and Warwick River (later Warwick). Creation of these eight counties was followed not long after by creation of Northumberland County in 1648. Thereafter, as population grew, new counties were formed by carving up the original counties into smaller divisions.

Perhaps the most notable Royal governor of Virginia was Sir William Berkeley, who served from 1642-1652 and 1660-1677. The reason for the interruption of his term during the years 1652 to 1660 was that in England, Oliver Cromwell seized the throne from King Charles I (1649). Throughout this period of Civil War in England, Virginia remained loyal to the displaced monarch, Charles II. Virginia welcomed hundreds of Royalists (Cavaliers) who fled England for refuge in Virginia. "In 1649 the Virginia Merchant arrived in Jamestown with 300 passengers, and most of them were thought to have been royalists. In 1651, 1610 royalists were shipped to Virginia to be servants, prisoners of war taken at Worcester, mostly Scottish. 'Cavalier' was a political term for supporters of the Stuarts and included the servant class as well as gentry" (Snow, page 85).

By 1652, Cromwell peacefully gained control of Virginia and placed the government in the hands of the House of Burgesses. In 1659, the popular Berkeley was elected governor of Virginia by the citizens of Virginia and resumed the royal (appointed) governorship in 1660 with the restoration in England of the monarchy.

During the Cromwellian era, "the English Government left VA essentially free to run its own affairs, and they prospered in the rapidly expanding tobacco trade. This era of prosperity ended in 1660 when the King was restored to England's throne. Parliament made laws restricting VA trade to England and the use of English ships, which caused tobacco to pile up and prices to drop, a depression resulting. Discontent, especially among the ruined small farmers, spread and the restored Governor Berkeley's arrogant favoritism for the large planters, his progressive weakening of the General Assembly, plus his refusal to permit settlers to retaliate against Indian attacks brought on Bacon's Rebellion in 1676" (Schweitzer, page 11-12). Berkeley became so unpopular that he was recalled to England in 1677.

Snow, in her book of Dameron genealogy quoted The Hornbook of Virginia History, p. 97, to explain the headright system of land distribution in the first years of colonization of Virginia: "The head right system of land distribution was the essence of democracy. From 1610 to 1660, when small farms were profitable and wages for labor four and five times those paid in England, it made the Colony [of Virginia] a veritable land of opportunity for the poor and middle classes across the ocean. By this system each settler, be he nobleman or churl, was entitled to 50 acres; so too were apprentices upon the completion of their apprenticeships. Practically all labor was supplied by white indentured servants until the century's last decade. In 1699 'treasury rights,' which meant the sale of unlimited land by the Colony to those who could pay the treasury five shillings for each 50 acres, were issued, and as a result, before 1715 the head right system had ceased to be an important factor in building Virginia civilization. As plantations grew in number and great landed estates appeared, the position of the small farmer and the white servant steadily deteriorated. The population was almost entirely English."

Snow's commentary on the system (Snow, page 11): "Any man received fifty acres for each new colonist he 'transported' to Virginia, including for himself and wife, and also, curiously enough, for every trip he made or if he brought the same man two or three times. 'Transported' merely means he was the head right of the man who arranged for him to come over and does not imply that he was a servant or a prison escapee. However, I believe the person who collected the head right usually paid his way in the ship, but on the other hand everyone who came arranged to be somebody's head right in order to collect the 50 acres of land."

Before 1680, Negro slavery was a minor source of labor in Virginia. After that date, however, it became the foundation for the great plantations of the Tidewater and lower Piedmont areas. Smaller Tidewater planters moved west to join the waves of new English and Scottish immigrants who settled the Piedmont and Blue Ridge areas of Virginia.

The plantation society that developed in this period "permanently affected Virginia's character. The aristocratic society was a frank imitation of English country gentry society. Its hierarchy of about 350 families perpetuated itself by intermarriage and a virtual monopoly on political offices. The aristocrats lived in comfortable splendor, traded directly on credit with English merchants, and multiplied their wealth by speculating in land and slave trading. The aristocracy defended self-government, viewed political service as a duty and, most important, produced in one generation the great leaders of the Revolutionary and early national periods" (Encyclopedia Americana, page 161).

"Of the first ten [U.S.] presidents, six were born in Virginia, and all of these but Jefferson were born in the tidewater region--meaning where the tide reaches up the big rivers, such as to Richmond on the James" (Snow, page 84).

In 1648, fourteen years following the creation (in 1634) by the General Assembly of the eight original counties of Virginia, Northumberland was created. It was the northernmost county and stretched from the Chesapeake Bay westward into the present state of West Virginia. It included the peninsula south of the Potomac River (the Northern Neck) and extended southward surrounding both shores of the Rapahannock River. Very shortly after the creation of Northumberland, new counties began to subdivide from the original: Lancaster in 1651, Westmoreland in 1653, Rappahannock (now extinct) in 1656, Stafford in 1664, Middlesex in 1675, and so on. The present counties of Northumberland, Lancaster, Westmoreland, and Richmond comprise the "Northern Neck" of Virginia, which is geographically the peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers.

"In Potomac Landings, Paul Wilstach says: 'Northumberland was divided in 1653. A new county was established ... called Westmoreland and, even in its restricted bounds, showed a fertility in the production of wealthy planters and of early republican scholars and heroes unequalled by any other county in America.' p. 64. 'They brought with them their heritage of character from generations of gentle ancestry in England. They were royalists, sometimes called Cavaliers, driven out of England by the Puritan success and the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1649, and they continued to come in large numbers until the restoration of the royalty in 1660. They transplanted ... a replica of the English social, domestic and religious life." (Snow, p. 84).

"The Northern Neck people are known in Virginia as the most clannish and proud. This pride was one factor in producing the Revolutionary patriots of the time because they would not let the English king have his own way and had more pride than those in England who retained a servant-psychology of caste. As early as 1766 a hundred and fifteen 'gentlemen of Westmoreland' assembled with Richard Henry Lee and their set of 'Resolves' was the first gun of the Revolution." (Snow, p. 85)

James B. Cabell's description of the people of the Northern Neck (quoted by Snow, p. 85) says: "The Northern Neck avoids hurry and above all else, it is conservative... few of the first settlers' descendants have left the peninsula of their own will... no railway has ever entered the Northern Neck... The peninsula, in brief, was settled for the most part by persons of the upper classes who had the means to provide for themselves an especial and carefree sort of self-sufficiency such as does not any longer exist upon the earth..."

Anglican or Church of England

Religion came to Virginia, with the first permanent settlers at Jamestown. The Virginia House of Burgesses declared in 1619 that all residents of Virginia were members of the Church of England. Until after the Revolutionary War more than 150 years later, the Anglican Church remained the established church in Virginia.

The responsibility of the church was considerably more than just that of providing moral and spiritual guidance for its members. It was required by law to keep parish registers, in which were recorded vital statistics of all residents of the parishes. Unfortunately, most of these early church registers were lost after the decline, following disestablishment in 1786 of the state church, and a valuable source of genealogical information disappeared with the registers (Clark, pages 75-77).

According to Schweitzer (page 10-11), "As early as 1624, there were 13 parishes, and 22 clergymen had been sent from England. The churches functioned as places of worship, centers of social activity, enforcers of morality, and certifiers and record keepers for the rites of passage (christenings, marriages, deaths). Each parish was governed by an elected vestry who chose the minister under the supervision of the bishop."

To the frequent dismay of the official church hierarchy, the Society of Friends (Quaker) presence in colonial Virginia was significant. By 1657 Quaker missionaries were in Virginia. There is an account of two Quakers, Josiah Cole and Thomas Thurston, being thrown into prison at Jamestown. The master of the ship that brought them was fined and told to return them from whence they came. They were, however, allowed to proceed to Maryland. The most conspicuous presence of the Friends in early Virginia was on the "Eastern Shore" across the Chesapeake Bay from Jamestown, in Northampton County. Geographically, Northampton County was more accessible to Maryland than to the Tidewater counties of Virginia so much of the interaction of the Friends missionaries was with the settlers of Maryland rather than those of Virginia.

Prior to 1660, there was no law in Virginia against the practice of the Quaker religion. The persecution of those who embraced the religion in the colonies merely followed the practice prevalent in England of repression of the faith. In 1660, the year Royalist party returned to power, Virginia passed its first anti-Quaker law, and subsequently banished or severely punished Quakers caught preaching or practicing the faith and fined those who entertained Quakers or permitted Quaker assemblies in or near their houses. In spite of the severity of the Royalist government, the numbers of the sect grew rapidly. Finally, in 1688 the Act of Toleration was passed and some of the persecution diminished.

"Meade describes the Quakers in Accomac, across the bay from Northumberland, in 1650-1660, where they were charged with blasphemy, defying law and vilifying the ministers. They had a log church there. In 1711 Spotswood reported that they refused even to permit their servants to work on fortifications" (Snow, p. 87).

The Anglican church was the predominant religion of Northumberland. The county was originally divided into two parishes. The parish of the upper part of the county was called at various times Chicacone, Fairfields, Yeocomico, and St. Stephens, and the parish in the lower part was called Wicocomoco (Snow, p. 12-b to 12-d). Clark (page 129) says the Wicocomico Parish was created in 1648 and underwent name changes and boundary changes before 1664 when the present boundary lines were established.

Wicocomoco (later called simply Wicomico) parish church was organized in 1655 by Lawrence Dameron who provided it with churches, warden, and vestry (Snow, p. 12-b). The church became the social center of the community and of much of the civil administration, which was in the hands of the church wardens (Dameron, p. 4).

One microfilm of Vestry Books of Wicomico Parish has been preserved on microfilm and covers the period 1703-1795. These books cover the vestry's administration of its duties (Clark, page 129).

Most early vestry books of the Northern Neck no longer exist. "Even a seventeenth century tombstone is a rarity in Northumberland and Westmoreland... the earliest tangible evidence of particular parishes in this neighbourhood is found in the inscription on an old communion cup, showing that it was presented by Hancock Lee of Ditchley Hall to Lee Parish in 1711. Ditchley looked out upon the Chesapeake from the lower shores of the county... The first references to the permanently established parishes of St. Stephen and Wycomico in Northumberland are found in county lists of 1754 and 1758... The first church in Overwharton was built near Potomac Creek and shared with Wycomico in Northumberland the distinction of being among the largest churches built in all colonial Virginia" (Snow, p. 81, quoting Paul Wilstach in Potomac Landings).

"One of the famous old books on Virginia is Bishop Meade's Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia, ... Article LIX says the Northumberland border with Lancaster was settled in 1673, and there are no records until 1754 when Wycomico Parish had Rev. John Leland as minister, ordained by the Bishop of London, 1775. This was the Church of England, Episcopal. In 1787 David Ball was lay delegate and in 1789 it was ] Mr. Onesiphorous Harvey of Wicomico. In 1795 the lay delegates of "Wycomico" were Hopkins, Hardy and Thos. Hurst. In 1797 the delegate was Thos. Gaskins and in 1799 William Davenport and Thos. Harvey. After 1813 there was no regular minister. Lancaster ministered to them" (Snow, p. 86).

"Wicomico Church 'was the largest of the old churches in Virginia of which I have any knowledge. It was built about the beginning of the Revolutionary War,' Meade says, p. 133. It was built in 1771. By 1838 two old churches in the area were in ruins and a third on the way, Wicomico being the third, he notes."

"On p. 468, Meade gives a list of the vestrymen of St. Stephens Parish in Northumberland: (quoted Snow, p. 87)

1720 Mr. Thomas Hughlett

1738 Mr. Spencer Ball

1770 John Williams and Joseph Ball

1772 James Ball

He gave the vestrymen of Wicomico Parish in Northumberland as these:

1770 George Dameron, Capt. David Ball Sr., and Capt. David Ball, Jr., Capt. Thos. Gaskins, Col. Thos. Gaskins, John Eustace, Capt. John Heath, Mr. William Taylor

1772 Mr. Chas. Coppedge, Col. Chas. Lee

1784 Capt. Geo. Ingram

Onesiphorous Harvey

Sutton, Lattimore, Harding,

Hurst, Harvey

1796 Thos. W. Hughlett"

In a scholarly article by John E. Manahan, PhD, in the Bulletin of Northumberland Co. Historical Soc., he examined the politics of the first families that settled in Northumberland County. Mr. Manahan took a list of names of 101 men who signed a document known as the "Northumberland Oath", and compared the names with known Royalist (followers of the King) or Roundhead (followers of Cromwell) families in England and in Virginia. The document, which stated, "Wee whose names are subscribed doe promise and Ingage ourselves to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England as it is now established without King or house of Lordes, Signed April 13, 1652 at Coan", was a pledge of allegiance to Cromwell's Parliament in England. The signers of the Oath represented both Royalists and Roundheads. Obviously some of the signers had political leanings which belied their confessed allegiance to the Commonwealth (or could they have changed their allegiance?).

In England, Catholics were usually Royalists; whereas, in America, many Catholics had become disenchanted with the rule of the Lords Baltimore in Maryland and fled to Virginia, either switching their allegiance from the Crown of England to the Usurper (Cromwell), or at least becoming more sympathetic to his cause.

Mr. Manahan theorized that Puritans and Catholics on the rebound from Lord Baltimore's rule in Maryland were the first group to come to Northumberland and settle on the Coan river. As the 1650's progressed many of the King's men from England fled the Commonwealth and went to Northumberland, thus making an interesting mixture of Royalist and Roundhead in the area.

The first land grant issued in Northumberland County was to Richard Thompson, Jr. on April 5, 1649, for land on Wiokocomoke Creek. There followed grants to many English gentlemen whose family surnames appeared on lists of known Royalists published in England. On these Royalists lists appeared many names, such as John Harvey of Suffolk, that were familiar to the Northumberland ear.

In addition to the English, other groups of foreigners entered Northumberland. Some were religious exiles sympathetic to the Puritans, who came originally from Scotland, France, or the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden or Holland, probably via Maryland, and settled the Northern Neck of Virginia.

Of the two parishes in Northumberland, St. Stephens, the larger and northern parish, was more Roundhead in politics than the parish of Wicomico. Mr. Manahan listed names of Northumberland families that he classified as clearly Roundhead or Puritan. Among this list appeared the names of Onesiphorus Harvey and Onesiphorus Dameron.

In his list of leading families of Northumberland before the Revolution, Mr. Manahan included these names: Gaskinses, Damerons, Mahanes, Steptoes, Taylors, Heaths, Edwardses, Smiths, Coppedges, Nutts, Hudnalls, Jameses, Waddeys, Prichards, Tignors, Hughletts, Webbs, Coleses, and many others. The ones listed above are familiar family names of persons who have inter-married with or been closely connected to the Hervey/Harvey family throughout its history and movement of the family from Virginia to North Carolina, Tennessee, and ultimately to Texas.

Lawrence Dameron came to Northumberland County, Virginia about 1650 (Snow, p. 11) and he probably was of the Cavalier tradition and the Damerons are considered among the F.F.V. [first families of Virginia]. The Guarding Point manor house built by Thomas was used by Governor Berkeley during his exile at the time of Bacon's Rebellion, which perhaps means that its owner, George Dameron, was sympathetic to him. It was said to have been the finest house in the county, with windows wide enough to put a whole bed through.

Snow, p. 84: "The Damerons were a part of this Cavalier migration. However, we find the daughter of Dorothy Dameron Gaskins named Dorothy becoming a Quaker and marrying one, Onecephrous Harvey. We do not know what their connections were in England, but no doubt the Damerons came over with their group of friends and relatives to Northumberland."

From Snow, p. 12-14: Dorothy Dameron, was born 1656 (daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy Dameron). Deposition made July 29, 1726 gave her age as 70, married first to Josias Gaskins and second to Samuel Mahan. She is mentioned in Northumberland County Court Orders: "16 Sept. 1703, motion of Samuel Mahons and Dorothy his wife, Relict of Joseph Gaskins, a com. of adm." On June 22, 1705, "Samuel Mahan and Dorothy his wife late Dorothy Gaskins adm. of Josias Gaskins, sued by Nicholas Seabourne."

Dorothy Dameron Gaskins had a son Josias Gaskins and a daughter Dorothy Gaskins who married Onecephrous Harvey, a Quaker. Snow quotes Fleet's Northumberland County Records: "The Grand Jury having presented Dorothy Gaskins for having a bastard child and Onecephrous Harvey coming into court affirmed that the said Dorothy is and for some time before the child was born (for which she was presented) was his wife, and that they were married according to the rule of the Quakers whose religion they profess, and having here in Court proved such their marriage, the said Presentment is therefore dismissed the said Harvie paying costs. 18 Nov. 1713, 6.5" Harvey was presented for not going to church in Wicomico Parish, 18 Nov. 1714, and again in 1717. (6.9).

According to Snow, the name Gaskins was originally Gascoyne, a French name. The original Gascoyne to reach Virginia was Thomas Gaskoyne, who came to Northumberland Co., Virginia in the Bona Nova at age 34 in 1625 (Snow p. 63-3). His son Josias Gaskins had a son Thomas and a son Josias who married Dorothy Dameron.

John Manahan, in his observations of the Northumberland first families, speculated that the change in spelling of the name Gascoyne to Gaskins in Virginia, which occurred about the time of Cromwell's rise to power, was deliberate to obscure the Royalist connections of the family. He concluded from early patents and deeds that Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Gaskins, first of the family to settle in Northumberland County, was a Gambling (Gamelyn, Gamlyn). The family of that name lived at Spalding, County Lincoln, England, and were known to be Royalists. Gamlyn family records show a descent from Ashtons, Mainwarings, and Hampdens, three grand old English families. Several Ashtons and Gamblings emigrated to Northumberland.

Following are several entries from page 45, 580, 592 of Fleet's Northumbria Collectanea:

Harvey, Mrs. Dorothy. married Onecephorus Harvey some time before 18th Nov 1713. 6.5

Harvie, Jno. Wit will of Jno Webb 4 June 1709. 17.102.

Harvie, Jno. of Wicco par. Presented for swearing. 15 May 1717. 6.207.

Harvey, Onecephorus. Wit deed Mahane to Chilton. 16 July 1705. 17.122.

Harvey, Onecephorus. The Grandjury having presented Dorothy Gaskins for having a bastard child and Onecephorus Harvey coming into Court affirmed that the said Dorothy is and for some time before the child was borne (for which she was presented) was his wife, and that they were marryed according to the Rule of the Quakers whose Religion they profess And having here in Court proved such their marryage the said Presentment is therefore dismissed the said Harvie paying Costs. 18 Nov. 1713. 6.5

Harvie, Onecepherus. Presented for not going to Church in Wicco par 18 Nov 1714. 6.91. [Quaker].

Harvey, Onecephorus. Wit will of Patrick Pollick. 4 Dec 1702. Re-rec this will 16 Jan 1716/17. 17.235.

Harvey, Onecep: Presented for not going to Church in Wicco par. 15th May 1717. 6.208.

Munslow, Valentine. Nucupative Will. Sworn 18 June 1712 by Onesephorus Harvey and Jno Brown. Gives plantation etc to his Godson Vallentine Hester, he failing in heirs to Mary Hester, she failing in heirs to Jno Gouch. That Eliz Gaskins was an evidence. 18.185.

Pollick, Patrick. Will 4 Dec 1702. Prob date missing. Exors Wife Jane and her son John who is now under 18. All est to wife. Wit: John Harris, Antho Haynie and Onecepherus Harvey. Rerecorded 16 Jan 1716/17 by Abra: Ingram, Jno Ingram and Onecephorus Harvey. 17.235. (Quakers).

Webb, John, of St. Stephens Parish. Will. Dated 4 June 1709. Prob. 20 July 1709. Jno. Harvie, Witness.

References:

1. Bullock, James Garland, Families of Bullock, Roebuck, compiled by James Garland Roebuck, (1970- ), Greensboro, NC, 1977, LDS Call No. CS71 B936 1977.
2. Clark, Jewell T. & Elizabeth Terry Long, A Guide to Church Records in the Archives Branch Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA State Library.
3. Dameron, Alfred Speer, Historical and genealogical sketch of the Dameron family of England and Virginia, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1977, p. 7.
4. Duvall, Lindsay O., Northumberland Co. Court Orders 1678-1713, VA Colonial Abstract series 2, Vol. 1.
5. Fleet, Beverly, Northumbria Collectanea, 1645-1720, V. 19-20, VA Colonial Abstracts, publ. Richmond, 1943-44.
6. Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, 34 volumes, reprinted in 3 volumes in 1988 by Geneal. Publ. Co. of Baltimore.
7. Hinshaw, William Wade, "Virginia Yearly Meeting," Encyclopedia of American Quaker Records, Ann Arbor, MI, 1950, pp 5-7.
8. Hornbook of Virginia History, [quoted by Helen Foster Snow in The Dameron-Damron Genealogy, Madison, Con.., microfilmed by L.D.S. church 1973].
9. Manahan, John E., PhD, "The Old Families of Northumberland and their Politics," Bulletin of the Northumberland County Historical Society, Vol. 6, No. 1, 1969., p. 5-18.
10. Meade, W., Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia, [quoted by Helen Foster Snow in The Dameron-Damron Genealogy, Madison, Con., microfilmed by L.D.S. church 1973].
11. Nugent, N. M., Cavaliers and Pioneers, 1931 [quoted by Helen Foster Snow in The Dameron-Damron Genealogy, Madison, Con.., microfilmed by L.D.S. church 1973].
12. Snow, Helen Foster, The Dameron-Damron Genealogy, Madison, Con., microfilmed by L.D.S. church 1973].
13. Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D., Sc.D, Virginia Genealogical Research, Knoxville, TN, 1982.
14. "Virginia," Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 23, Univ. of Chicago, 1968, p. 40.
15. "Virginia," Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 28, New York: Americana Corporation, 1966, pp 160-161.
16. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography

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By Joyce P. Hervey

Patrick Harvey, emigrant, born 1770/74, of Butler Co., Middlesex township, 1800; of Buffalo township 1810-1840. His offspring were:

1. James Harvey, born 1806/07, PA, children:

2. William Harvey, born 1809/10 in PA; children:

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Census showed James R. Harvey, who was born 1812 in Ireland, resided in Butler County, Buffalo township in 1850 and 1870, and in Clinton township in 1860. His wife was Margaret, who was born in 1818 in Scotland. James R. Harvey's will, written 24 June 1862, was probated 8 July 1862 in Clinton township. (Will is printed in this issue of the Bulletin.) They had children:

1. James, mentioned in Will, not on census.

2. Mariah, born 1841, OH, married Love (probably George Love, executor of James R. Harvey's estate).

3. Alexander, born 1842/43, OH, md. Annie.

4. Isabella/Bell, born 1845, PA.

5. Mary/May, born 1848, PA.

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Census records of Butler Co., PA, in 1840, showed William Harvey, age 70, to be a pensioner for Revolutionary or military service. He was living at the time in the household of George King, in the Muddy Creek Township. In 1850, he was still in the household of George and Mary King in Prospect Borough. The census record (dated 7 Aug. 1850) stated William Harvey was 78 years old, was a pensioner, and was born in Ireland. William Harvey wrote a Will (see below) dated 1844, which was presented in Butler County court in June 1850 by the subscribing witnesses, who swore that they were present when the Will was signed; however, no mention was made in the court record of the death of William Harvey.

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The last Will and testament of James R. Harvey of the township of Clinton county of Butler and state of Pennsylvania being of sound mind memory and understanding and knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death Do make and publish this my last Will and testament hereby making void all former wills and instrument of writing by me at any time First it is my will that I be decently intered in a manner corresponding with my life and estate such estate as it hath pleased God to intrust me with sec. It is my will that all moveable property be sold at my death and all my claims be collected and after paying all my just debts and funeral expenses that the remaining part of my Estate supposed to be twenty one hundred dollars be put on interest 2nd It is my will that my beloved wife Margaret Harvy does get the interest of the twenty one hundred Dollars above mentioned so long as she remains my widow and lives and at her death it is my will that the above $2100 -00/100 be divided as folows to wit 3rd It is my will and I hereby will and bequeath to my eldest daughter Mariah Love three hundred and seventeen dollars to be paid at the death of my wife 4th it is my will and I hereby will and bequeath to my son Alexander Harvey four hundred and seven dollars 400-no/100 to be paid at the death of my wife 6th It is my will and I hereby will and bequeath to my daughter Bell Harvey four hundred and sixty seven $467-00/100 to be paid at the death of my wife 6th It is my will and I hereby will and bequeath to my daughter May Harvey four hundred sixty seven Dollars $467-00/100 to be paid at the death of my wife 7th It is my will and I hereby will and bequeath to my son James Harvey four hundred and sixty seven $467-no/100 to be paid at the death of my beloved wife that is if the children be of age at her death if not all of age at the death of my wife those remaining under age does not get their share till of age and further it is my wil that nothing in and about the house be sold and if at the death of my wife it is my will that the remaining part of my Estate if any be Equally Divided amongst my heirs And it is my will and I hereby appoint my beloved wife Margaret Harvy and my friend George Love to be my Exrs. of this my last Will and testament[.] In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 24 day of June A.D. 1862[.]

James Harvey

Attest: D. Kelly

Butler County SS

Personally appeared before me the subscribed Register of Wills SS and granting letters of Administration in and for said County George Love and D. Kelly Esq. the subscribing witnesses to the above and foregoing will of James Harvey late of Clinton Tp. Decd. who being duly sworn according to law and depose and say that they were present with the said Testator at the time of the execution of the above and foregoing instrument of writing as and for the only his last will and testament and that at the time of so doing he the said Jas Harvey was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief they at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other signed their names thereunto as witnesses.

George Love

D. Kelly

Sworn and subscribed before me this 8th day of July A.D. 1862.

C. E. Anderson Reg.

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In the name of God Amen The fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. I William Harvey of the County of Butler Franklin Township State of Pennsylvania being of Sound mind and memory but calling to mind the frail tenure of this life and that it is appointed that all must die do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in the mode and manner following to wit first I Recomend my Soul to Almight God who gave it and the disposal of my body I leave intirely to the Discretion of my Executor wishing to be intered in a decent manner my property my books and all that I have I allow to give to Mr. George King and his wife Except my large bible which I allow Wm. Moore to get all the money that is or may be coming to me from any person I alow George King the Executor of this my last will and testament to collect and after the funeral Expense and all the lawful Demands be paid if there be any balance left I alow him to get it my Spectacles I alow to Mrs. King[.] I do hereby appoint George King Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and in testimony hereof I have set my hand and seal the the day and year above written.

mark

Signed, sealed published and delivered by the above named William Harvey to be his last will and testament in the presence of us and at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunder

Hugh Stevenson

Butler County SS

Before me James T. M. Junkin Register of Wills in and for said county came Hugh Stevenson and Rosannah Moore the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing will and being duly sworn as the law directs deposeth and saith that they were present with the testator William Harvey on the 15th day of February A.D. 1844 and saw and heard the said testator sign seal publish and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament and at the time of so doing he appeared to them to be of sound and disposing mind and memory and they at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribed their names as witnesses thereunto.

Hugh Stevenson

Sworn and Subscribed before me this 22nd day of June 1850.

Saml Marks Dep Reg.

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[The following article appeared in Memoirs of Allegheny County Pennsylvania, Vol. I, published 1904 by Northwestern Historical Assn., page 493. William H. Harvey's genealogy is shown earlier in this issue of the Bulletin. He was descended from Patrick Harvey, emigrant] [Go to article]

"WILLIAM H. HARVEY, contractor of general painting and member of the Allegheny city common council from the fourth ward, is a native of Butler county, where he was born in 1872. His parents are John and Margaret Harvey, well-known residents of Butler county. Until he was seventeen years of age, William attended the common schools, thus securing a good, practical education. He then went to Allegheny city and learned the painting trade with Robert Jamison, serving an apprenticeship of five years. When he was about twenty-two years old he started in business for himself as a contractor, in which he still continues, his present offices being located at No. 605 Sandusky St. Politically, Mr. Harvey is an uncompromising republican, and is always ready to do battle for his political opinions. Still he is not offensive in pressing his views, and numbers among his personal friends many who are his political opponents. In February, 1903, he was elected to the common council, where he has been honored with appointment upon the grade crossing, public works and library committees. Mr. Harvey is a member of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which is the only fraternal organization to claim his affiliation."

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The following obituary appear in the Corsicana Daily Sun, Monday, Dec. 6, 1993, and was provided by Liz Gillispie. "Mrs. Thelma H. Farmer, 87, of Corsicana, died Dec. 4, 1993, in Corsicana.

"Services were 2 p.m. Monday at the Corley Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. B. F. Risinger Jr. and Dr. David Hale officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

"She was born Nov. 15, 1905, in Tupelo. She was the former owner of Royal Crown Cola and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Navarro Regional Hospital for many years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of Kinsloe House.

"Survivors include her husband, Otis W. Farmer of Corsicana; one daughter, Mrs. Norma Jean Watkins of Corsicana; three sons, John Farmer and Charlie Farmer, both of Corsicana, and Jim Farmer of Richland; eight grandchildren; and two nephews, Charles Freet and Tommy Freet, both of Dallas.

"Pallbearers will be Carter Hart, Charles Freet, Tommy Freet, Rutherford Strough, William 'Slim' Bolen, Calvin Rich and Raymond Hayes.

"Honorary pallbearer will be Willard Summerall.

"Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 320 N. 15th St., Corsicana, Texas, 75110, or to the Navarro County Heart Association, 3040 W. Collin, Corsicana, Texas, 75110."

[Following article appeared in American Biographical History of Eminent & Self Made Men of Indiana, Vol. I, published 1880 at Cincinnati, Ohio by Western Biographical Publishing Co., page 55-56.]

"HERVEY, ROBERT G., of Terre Haute, was born at Brockville, Canada, May 16, 1839. His father, Robert Hervey, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and emigrated to Canada, where he was a prominent business man for more than fifty years. He carried on various manufacturing enterprises, and was identified with most of the public works of the country--the construction of the Canadian canals, docks, railways, etc. In partnership with his brother and cousin, and the Hon. George Crawford, he also went to Illinois and constructed the Illinois and Michigan Canals for the state, completing the work, although the state was unable to pay, and they had to take certificates of indebtedness, for which they received payment after a lapse of fifteen or twenty years. Mr. Hervey married Sarah, daughter of Paul Glasford, one of the earliest settlers of Canada, by whom he had eight children, four daughters and four sons, the subject of this sketch being the oldest son. He received an excellent education, being sent to a boarding school when he was only nine years old, and from there to Lower Canada College, Montreal, where he rapidly attained such proficiency, not only in mathematics and the classics, but in all branches taught in the college, that he finished his course in 1853 (though only fourteen years old), and at the midsummer examinations of that year was at the head of every class, and gazetted "Dux" of the college, a silver medal--the only one ever given by the college--being struck to commemorate the occasion. The intense zeal with which he devoted himself almost night and day to his studies brought on an attack of brain fever, from which he recovered after a six weeks' illness. Having recruited his health at his father's residence on the St. Lawrence River, near Brockville, he desired (although educated for a civil engineer) to obtain a knowledge of general commercial business, and for that purpose went to Whitby, where he served some time as clerk to his cousin, R. H. Lawder, the most extensive merchant in that section of Upper Canada. Thence he went to Montreal, where for about a year he aided in the management of the business of his uncle, who owned the largest elevator there; but, his health being impaired from the effects of a cold which had settled on his lungs, he again returned to his father's home, where, aided by a vigorous constitution and the healthy climate, he regained perfect health. Anxious to engage in business for himself, he rented a warehouse and commenced purchasing produce, which he shipped to Montreal and New York. His business increasing rapidly, he rented the wharves at which all the boats stopped, became agent for all the steamers of different Canadian and American lines, and did a general forwarding business, meanwhile building up largely the produce business, and also keeping powder, shovels, and other materials to supply the contractors who were then building the Brockville and Ottawa Railway. He soon went into the milling and lumber business, and also opened a wholesale grocery, supplying goods to the country merchants who bought produce for him. The connection which he gradually established with American firms with whom he did business taught him to admire Yankee ingenuity and enterprise, and to wish to move into the States himself. In 1866 his brother Arthur, who had conceived the idea of constructing large buildings to be used for skating rinks and places of public amusement, had gone to Chicago for that purpose, where Robert joined him, and together they put up a number of buildings in different cities. Anxious, however, to return to the business for which he had been educated (civil engineering), and inheriting from his father a love for the construction of public works, he took up his headquarters in New York City, to look about for some public works to his mind. In the spring of 1871, he met, in New York, Mr. Dwight Hitchcock, from Arcola, Illinois, president of the then contemplated Paris and Decatur Railroad, who was seeking capitalists to construct that road. Going with him to Illinois and driving across the country, Mr. Hervey was so much pleased with the rich prairies that he undertook to build the road, and, with his usual prompt decision and energetic action, purchased six thousand tons of rails within two days after signing his contract with the company, and immediately determined to settle in Paris, Edgar County. He accordingly moved his family to that place, and soon purchased there real estate to a large extent, satisfied that it would be enhanced in value by the construction of the railway. After completing the Paris and Decatur Railroad, Mr. Hervey built a railway from Peoria to Decatur, called the Peoria, Atlanta, and Decatur Railroad, and subsequently built the Paris and Terre Haute Railroad. In the fall of 1874, he consolidated these three railways under the name of the Illinois Midland Railway, in which he still retains a large interest. He also built a street railway in Paris, and gas-works for his private residence and offices. He established the Decatur National Bank, at Decatur, of which he was for a long time president and principal owner, only selling out when he removed form Illinois to Indiana. The estimation in which he was held by the people of Illinois was evidenced by public receptions and banquets tendered to him at different times by the citizens of Paris, Arcola, and Decatur; but the reception of which he is the proudest is one that was tendered by the employees of the Paris and Decatur Railroad, who gave him a magnificent banquet on his return, in July, 1873, from a trip to Europe. The address which was then presented to him is engrossed on vellum, handsomely framed, and is more highly cherished than any of his other worldly goods. In all his public works in which he has had large numbers of men employed, Mr. Hervey has made it a point to study and care for the moral and social advancement of his employees. At Paris he provided at his own expense a reading room for his men and their families, and was not only accessible at all times to any who wanted his aid or advice, but so constantly studied their welfare (in which he was cordially aided by his good wife) that his employees and their families seemed to form a portion of his own family. Hence arose an esprit de corps among his men, and a respect and almost adoration for him and his family, such as is rarely gained by men engaged in public works. In April 1875, Mr. Hervey removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he bought the most elegant residence in that beautiful city, in which he has since resided except during the hot months of summer, when his family occupy a charming place which he owns in Canada, on the banks of the River St. Lawrence, at the foot of the Thousand Islands, Though he was many years ago naturalized as a citizen of the United States, he naturally retains his love of his native country, and greatly enjoys spending there all the time he can spare from his numerous business pursuits. Mr. Hervey has still large interests in Illinois, and in addition is engaged in constructing the Indianapolis and Evansville Railway, a direct line between those two cities, passing through counties rich in agricultural wealth and in coal and iron ore. In this enterprise Mr. Hervey has associated with him a number of the most prominent men in commercial and financial circles in Indiana and New York. He was married, in April, 1869, to Lucy, daughter of the late Judge Albert Sawin, of Buffalo, New York. They have had six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom he has lost two, his oldest son and second daughter. Mr. Hervey is now in the prime of physical and intellectual manhood. He is endowed with the rare qualities of close observation, accurate judgment, and executive ability of the very highest order; prompt to decide and energetic in action, when his plans are once matured no time is lost in putting them into execution, and in the furtherance of his objects he is a bold and firm operator. He is a most esteemed and enjoyable companion. Since the above was written Mr. Hervey has suffered an irreparable loss in the death of his charming wife, who, in June, 1880, after a short illness, fell a victim to quick consumption."

[The following abstracts, by Joyce P. Hervey, are from National Archives film series M805, roll #406, entitled "Selected Records from Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Application Files." The series reproduces all records from envelope files containing up to 10 pages of records, but only significant genealogical documents are microfilmed from larger files.]

Harvey, Thomas, private in Capt. Thomas Leftwick's Co., Col. Stubblefield's & Col. Spencer's Virginia Regt., was in the battle of Gates Defeat, after which he was transferred to Capt. Daniel's Company, had an engagement with the Tories at Hogan's Creek, and served six months. He enlisted in August 1781, and served three months in Capt. David Beard's Co., Col. Holt Richeson's Virginia Regt., and was at the siege of Yorktown. He was allowed pension.

On 14 Aug. 1802, Thomas Harvey appeared in court in Campbell Co., Virginia, in order to obtain pension under Act of 7 June 1832. He declared: in 1780 about the first of May his father, William Harvey was drafted in the militia for six months and that he took his father's place. At the time of his service, he was a resident of Bedford Co., just one mile from his present residence in Campbell Co. (Campbell County was created from a portion of Bedford County.) He was born in Charlotte Co., Virginia on March 22, 1762, and always lived in the same neighborhood.

Witnesses he named who could swear to his service were Gen. Joel Leftwick, Revd. Henry Brown, and Mr. Sampson Evans.

Harvey, Thomas (Butterwood), (son of John Harvey), private, drafted into militia 1780, served under Capt. Bedford, drove his father John Harvey's wagon. He also served as wagon master of Gen. Stevens Brigade, later Gen. Lawson's, in charge of as many as 8 wagons carrying baggage, stores, provisions. He was discharged and returned home before the siege of Yorktown. He was drafted again and served under Lt. Joseph Fuqua and marched to Yorktown, but arrived there after Cornwallis' surrender. Discharged Oct. 1781.

Thomas appeared before John Harvey, a Justice of the Peace in Charlotte Co., Va. on 25 Aug. 1837, to apply for pension under Act of June 7, 1832. He is a resident of Charlotte Co., Va., aged 77 years. He was born in said county on 26 Feb. 1760. He signed his declaration with an X. Elijah Roach, clergyman, Wm. Harvey Senr., and Thos. H. Thornton, all of Charlotte Co., Va., swore to the truth of Thomas Harvey's declaration. regarding his Revolutionary War service.

Polly Harvey, widow of Thomas Harvey, deceased, appeared in County Court of Charlotte Co., Virginia on 10 June, 1853, to declare that she is 80 years old, and the widow of Thomas Harvey, pensioner under Acts of 7 June 1832. She was married to Thomas Harvey on 12 Nov. 1792, and he died in Charlotte Co., Va. on 14 Sept. 1844.

On 5 May 1856, in Charlotte County Court, appeared William B. Harvey, aged 47, resident of Charlotte Co., Va. to declare that he is the son of and the legally appointed administrator of Mary Harvey (same as above Polly Harvey), deceased, widow of Thomas Harvey, deceased. His father, Thomas Harvey died on 19 Sept. 1844. His mother's name before marriage was Mary Vauter. Mary Vauter Harvey died on 2 May 1854 in Charlotte Co., Va., leaving the following children surviving her: George Harvey, age 53; Clement Harvey, 51; Cyrene Johnson, 49; Wm. B. Harvey, 47; and Nancy Branch, 45. Mary Harvey's application for pension was suspended and she never received anything; William is applying for her heirs to receive her benefits.

Timothy Harvey, Private, Col. Bedel Regt., New Hampshire line, one year, pension issued 17 Nov. 1819.

On 20 Oct. 1819, Timothy Harvey, age 68, resident of Marlborough, NH, appeared in Court of Common Pleas of Cheshire Co. to declare that he enlisted 5 March 1776 in the Infantry U.S. Continental establishment and served until about the first of Jan. 1777. He was discharged in Saratigan, New York. He reappeared in the same court on 4 July 1820, now age 69 to declare that his occupation is farming and that he is totally unable to support himself and his wife, who is in her 71st year, and his 35-year-old son who is deranged.

Inventory of whole estate and income of Timothy Harvey, submitted to support his application for pension under the Act of May 1, 1820, showed he had no real property, and that his total assets (minus clothing and bedding) amounted to $75.54, and included two cows and 1 sheep.

William Harvey, Private, Connecticut Line. He enlisted about the first of August 1775 in Capt. Abram Tyler's Company of the Connecticut line, for five months, again under Capt. Willey for three months, again under Capt. Yehiell Tinker for six months, again in May 1777 in Capt. Eli Catlin's Company, Col. Phillip B. Bradley's Regt. Pension granted 16 Sept. 1818, under Act of 18 March 1818, and sent to Lyndon, Vermont. William Harvey, age 63, of Sutton, Co. of Caledonia, State of Vermont, appeared in court in Caledonia Co., VT, on April 6, 1818, to declare the above service. He appeared in the same court again on 19 June 1820, stating his age to be 66, residing Lyndon, Caledonia Co., VT, to re-declare his military service and to state that he is a labourer in feeble health, that his family consists of his wife, Jane Harvey, age 63, also of feeble health, and that his estate consisting of 1 cow and household furniture, bedding and clothing is valued at $30.57.

Jane Harvey, of Barnston, Province of Lower Canada, age 79, appeared in Orleans Co., VT Justice of the Peach court on 10 Jan. 1837 to apply for benefits under the Act. of 4 July 1836. She declared that she is widow of William Harvey, that she was married to him on 23 Oct. 1776, that William died on 20 Aug. 1826 and that she has not remarried.

William Harvey, Capt. In Baltimore Co., Maryland, on 1 March 1856, appeared Augusta Merryman, heir at law of Capt. William Harvey, deceased, to testify that Capt. Harvey served in the Continental line, for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land under the Act of 1855, that might have been due Capt. Harvey. Application was rejected.

William Harvey, Private, enlisted Jan. 1777 with Capt. Isaac Pope's and Haskell's companies, 4th Mass. Regt., promoted July 1, 1783 to sergeant of Capt. Haskell's company, Col. Henry Jackson's Regt., served until the close of the war. Pension granted 6 June 1818, then discontinued in 1820 due to the amount of property he owned, granted again on 8 Oct. 1832 under Act of June 7, 1822.

On 18 July 1820, William Harvey appeared in Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the First Eastern Circuit, at York, York Co., Maine, age 60 years, resident of South Berwick, York Co., Maine, to offer inventory of his estate in support of a prior (6 June 1818) application for pension. The estate included 25 acres tilled land, 75-80 acres pasture land, woods and waste land, 1 two-story single house unfinished, barn partly finished, 40 by 50 feet, cider house unfinished and in bad repair, 1 yoke oxen, 3 cows, 4 young creatures, 2 calves, 10 sheep, 3 swine, 1 horse. He owed 58 dollars to J__. McIntire and 20 dollars to Kezia Kimball. His family consists of Kezia, wife, age 47, very weakly and infirm; Martha, daughter, age 22, healthy; Stephen, son, age 12, healthy; Mary Jane, daughter, age 10, sickly, unable to work; Howard, son, age 4, healthy. Due to the size of his estate, pension was suspended in 1820. He appeared again in York Co. court on July 18, 1832, now, age 70, Court to re-apply for pension under the Act of June 7, 1832.

William Harvey, private, sergeant, and lieutenant, Mass., served under Capt. Peter Coburn, Col. E. Bridges. On 24 July 1844, Elizabeth Parker (former widow) appeared in Probate Court in Somerset Co., Maine, to make application to obtain benefits under the Act of 7 July 1838, granting pension to certain widows. She declared herself as a resident of Hartland, Somerset Co., Maine, age 80 years, widow of William Parker deceased. She was the wife and likewise widow of William Harvey late of Dracut deceased, and that William Harvey .was a soldier as stated above and that he was serving at the time of his death in 1778. She declared that she was married to William Harvey in Methuem, Mass. on 27 March 1776, that her husband died in 1778 and that she subsequently married William Parker, who died 25 Oct. 1839 and she still remains a widow. Josiah G. White, Clerk of town of Methuen, Mass. signed affidavit verifying Elizabeth Meson (or Mescer) to William Harvey of Dracut by Elisha Chapman on the date as stated.

William Harvey (Hervey), Bounty Land Warrant No. 7257, New York, issued July 22, 1790 to Thomas Tillotson, assignee.

William Harvey, private, served over 6 months in NC. Volunteered 1776 at Rowan, NC, served under Capt. Eckle, Lt. Butner, Ensign Davis, in the Regt. commanded by Col. Cleveland and Major Smith, Gen. Rutherford. Fought against hostile Indians, discharged. Enlisted again 1780 under Capt. Allen, Major Smith, Regt. of Col. Cleveland, pension granted 4 March 1831, roll of East Tenn. On 18 Jan. 1834, in Roane Co., Tennessee, appeared before Justice of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, William Harvey, resident of Roane Co., Tenn., age 84 years, to make declaration in order to obtain benefits under the Act of June 7, 1832. He stated he has lived in Wilks, NC until 1807, at which time he moved to Roane Co., Tenn., where he has remained ever since. He was born in Orange Co., Virginia in 1749. He names Wm. Crowder, Isham Young, John L. Menger, Henry Liggit, Merewether Smith, Peter Maning & Samuel Eskridge Esq. are persons living in his neighborhood who can certify as to his veracity.

Zadock Harvey, private, Maryland line, three years, served in Capt. Lynch Company, later commanded by Capts. Benson, Read, and Burt of the 5th Maryland Regt, discharged 1781. Injured by being run over by British light horse at Gates defeat, pension granted 29 April 1818, role of Maryland. On 30 April 1818, before the Fourth Judicial District of the state of Maryland, at Cambridge, Dorchester Co., Maryland, appeared Zadock Harvey, of this county, to declare his service as stated above. On 20 Oct. 1820, he again appeared, now age 71 years, to re-state his service in the Revolutionary War, and to swear than he has not since his original declaration, disposed of property in order to obtain pension benefits. His assets consist of $40 per year pension, 1 cow, 1 heifer, 2 small hogs, 4 old chairs, 2 old tables, 1 tub, 2 piggins, 1 iron pot, 2 old coffee pots, a small quantity earthen ware, a few knives & forks, 1 old plough, 4 hoes, 2 axes, 4 hens, 1 rooster, a few chickens, 1 old cupboard. His occupation is farmer, but due to oold age cannot perform hard labor. He has eleven in his family, including himself, wife Mary, age about 39, infirm; eight children: Polly, age 16, very infirm; Betsey, 13, healthy; William, 10, healthy; Margaret, 8, infirm; Nancy, 6, infirm; Zadock, 2; Mahala, 2 months; Sophia, granddaughter, age 2, Rachel Staplefort, his wife's daughter, age about 20.

Jan. 20, 1992

Mrs. Andrea K. Storm of Portland, Oregon, was kind enough to bring to my attention the existence of a Hervey family newsletter ... .

I do not know for certain whether or not I am a Hervey or Harvey descendant; but I am interested in the family because of my general interest in all Halifax County, N. C. families and because there is the possibility that Judith, the wife of Capt. Robert Brinkley of Halifax County, may have been a Harvey. What is against that, however, is the fact that Judith seems to have married Robert Brinkley before the Harveys were first in Edgecombe (that part which became Halifax County). On the other hand she may have come to Edgecombe County, N.C. with some relative from Northumberland County, Virginia and before the Harvey family moved here. Capt. Robert Brinkley was apparently from Nansemond county, VA.

I descend from Joseph Holt of Halifax County, and Mrs. Storm wrote me that she sent to you some Holt information which I sent to her.

... I have done research on [Harvey family of Northumberland County, VA] using only printed sources which do not permit an in depth study as I had no access to deeds and court minutes of significance.

William M. Mann, Jr., M.D.
Enfield, N. C.