Mary Meador

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1810, , Bedford, Virginia, USA

Jeremiah married Caroline. Caroline was born in 1750 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA; died in 1808. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Married: 1758, , Essex, Virginia, USA

William married Frances Phitzsimmons. Frances was born in 1724 in , , Virginia, USA; died on 2 Jan 1770 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1705, Farnham, Essex, Virginia, USA

Richard married Anne Moss in Jul 1698 in , , Virginia, USA. Anne was born in 1678 in , Essex, Virginia, USA; died in 1719 in , Essex, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1704, , Essex, Virginia, USA
• Probate: 21 Nov 1721, , Essex, Virginia, USA; Will probated.

Notes:

The Move from Essex County, Virginia
Beginning about 1734 , Virginia and North Carolina

After the death of John Meador in 1721, his remaining children (with the exception of Thomas) began to move away from the home plantation. In the Essex County Census of 1810, only two men bearing the Meador name are left: Richard and Spencer. In the 1820 Census, there are none. Jonas and Jason are found in neighboring Caroline County by 1734, and Dinah and husband George Tribble are ther by 1735. In Caroline County, they settled in the sourth central part near the community of Penola. Unfortunately, all the records except a few court books have been lost.

The principle movement of family members then seem to have been to Amelia County, Virginia, where Joel (Joshua) Meador received a land grant in 1736 between Stock and Sandy Creeks. He was soon joined by Jason, who obtained a grant there in 1745 and later by Ambrose (son of Thomas Meador) in 1757. Jonas Jordan came in 1755, followed by his mother, Rachel Meador and her husband William Jordan. With the growing family of Joel, there was quite a colony of Meadors in western Amelia County by the 1770's.

Jason soon sold his Amelia County grant and moved on to Bedford County, Virginia, where he purchased land on the Little Otter River in 1751. In both 1759-61, he sold this land and joined the migration to the Carolinas along the Great Wagon Road, which came from Pennsylvania through the Shenandoah Valley and on to new land in Anson County, North Carolina.

Many of the children of Joel (Joshua) of Amelia County, including Joel, Jr, Jeremiah, Archibald, Martha and Nancy moved over the county line into Prince Edward County. Joel's son James went on to Bedford County, Virginia and then on to the Carolinas. And although Benjamin (son of Joel) died in Amelia County, his children were a major factor later in Bedford County in the late 1800's.

(Some of the above information abstracted from the "Meadors Family in Colonial America" by Victor P. Meador and Bernal Meador, LDS Fische #6088414)


General Notes:

It was the custom to name male children using biblical names starting with "J", at least in the Meador family. This practice continued for several generations and although it has been confusing, it does serve to identify this family.

SRC: Southern Familes Genealogies #1, 1600-1800 - Historical Southern Families Vol IV, Meador-Meadows of Essex County, Virginia.

"John Meador married Elizabeth White, daughter of Richard White. On Dec 10, 1695 he divided his land among his children. He described himself as "John Meadors, widow, in the county of Essex, for the love I have for my children by my wife to be divided equally between them, as near as I can divide it. To my son Richard Meador and my son John Meador, land by John Evans; land on the east side of great branch to my son Hope Meador; to my daughter Rachael Meador 105 acres bought of Edward Thacker also land given me by my father-in-law, Richard White, land also to daughters Elizabeth and Esther Meador. . ."

John was born about 1658 married Elizabeth White. Elizabeth died on August 17, 1694. John married second unknown Awbrey. On December 10, 1695, in anticipation of a second marriage, John made a deed of gift to his seven children He is listed in court records in Essex County, Virginia as John Meador Senior. John and his family lived in Farnham Parish of Essex County, Virginia on the south side of the Rappahannock River. His will was probated November 23, 1721 in Essex County.

Estate 3, 1717-22 C. 7283, pp. 284-5.


Notes Re: John Meador 1658-1721, Essex County, Virginia

The following information was abstracted from "Meadors Family in Colonial America" by Victor P. Meador and Bernal Meador (LDS Fishce #6088414)

It would appear that John Meador was born about 1658 because he apparently was of legal age by August 1679 (Rappahannock County Deed Book 5, p. 261). He was probably 4 or 5 years old at the death of his father and is presumed to have spent his childhood with his mother Sarah and his step-father, Henry Awbrey on Awbrey's Plantation on Hoskins Creek (South Farmham Parish). His mother gave him a yoke of oxen and a gun, as well as a black heifer (Rappahannock County Deed Book 1, p. 255). These were registered for "John Meadors, son of Thomas Medors of Hoskins Creek."

John could not occupy the land grants of his father, Thomas Meador, while a child, but apparently did so upon attaining adult status which coincided with his marriage to Elizabeth White, the daughter of Richard and Addra White between 1677 and 1678. She and John Meador were deeded the plantation of her father, Richard White, "out of kindness and affection" for the care and maintenance of himself and his wife for the remainder of their lives." (Rappahannock County Deed Book 6, p. 26, February 4, 1677-1678.)

"John Meador was a politically powerful favorite of Royal Governor Berkeley and benefitted from a number of grants from the Royal government along the Rappahannock River in the 1660s. He was not a Puritan but a Royalist..."

Elizabeth White Meador, John's wife, died before the close of 1694. Anticipating a second marriage and wanting to ensure his children's rights of inheritance, John made a deed of gift on December 10, 1695, dividing the bulk of his holdings among his children. Through this deed, we learn that he had by this time sons Richard, Thomas, and John Jr; daughters Hope, Rachel, Elizabeth and Esther. The firstborn son of John and Elizabeth was Richard, named for his Grandfather White.

Nearing 63 years of age, John Meador became aware of his approaching death and made his will October 17, 1721 (Essex County Will Book 3, p. 284). It was presented in court for probate 21 November 1721. The will recognized the surviving children of his first marriage with token bequests of a shilling apiece to Thomas, Rachel and Elizabeth. The other children by Elizabeth White, namely Richard, John Jr., and Esther, as well as Hope, had preceded him in death.

John Meador's will can be found in the book, "The Meador Family"
Essex County, Virginia Wills, Inv Adm to Estates #3

"In the name of God, Amen, I John Meador of Essex County being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and perfect memory, blessed by God, therefore do make and form following:
First and principal, I commend my soul unto the hands that giveth, hoping by the meritorious death and passion of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to receive full pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and offences and a joyful resurrection in the last day, and my body decently to be buried at the direction of my executors hereafter name. And as for my worldly good:
Item I give to my son Thomas Meador, one shilling
Item I give to my daughter Rachel Jordan, one shilling
Item I give to my daughter Elizabeth Armstrong, one shilling
Item I give to my daughter Dinah Tribble, one shilling
Item My desire is that my five sons shall keep their own guns without appraising
Item I give my son Jonas Meador, a small piece of land joining upon Thomas Evinses land and running up to the church that goes from my house, then up a long road a small course till it comes to the forks of the branch from where it begins and from the forks to ye first beginning. And the rest of my land I give to my other four sons, to be equally divided with all my houses and orchards thereon belonging and I do appoint my two sons Job and Jason my lawful executors.
Item I give to my son Joshua Meador on chest to be apprasied and the rest of my estate to be equally divided among my children and leave my two young sons to be at age 17. I do leave my son Jonas Meador to look after them 3 years. Any my will not to be in force till my death.
Witness my hand and seal October 17, 1721
John Meador Seal
Test: Samuel Waggoner
Francis F. Poarris
Ann A. Bradbury

Presented for probate Nov. 21, 1721 by Jonas Meador during the minority of the Executor in the said mentioned, with oaths by Samuel Waggoner, Francis Pierce, and Ann Bradbury.
Probated 21 November 1721


John MEADOR Sr was born in 1658 in Charles Parish, York County, Crown Colony Of, Virginia. He signed a will on Oct 17 1721 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. He died on Nov 21 1721 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. He has Ancestral File number 9BSR-W9. Essex County was formed in 1692 from Rappahonock County, which became extinct.

John was " in the Parish of Farnham of Rappahannock County, Virginia, in the late 1600's and early 1700's, John Meadors (1659-1721) was a good citizen and family man. It is here he spent his days raising a new family, tending his tobacco crop, serving on juries, and doing other tasks as required by the Administrator of the Colony."

"Children named in Will by the first marriage: Thomas, Rachel, Jordan, Elizabeth Armstrong,
Diniah (Esther). Children named in Will by the second marriage: Jonas, Job, Joshua, Jason, Mary."

He was probably about 4 or 5 when his father died. He probably spent his childhood with his mother Sarah and his step-father, Henry Awbrey.

Sold 320 acrea in 1679 in Lancaster County. His records continue in Essex County, VA. The name of his second wife is not known. His will was written October 17, 1721 and entered for probate November 23, 1721.

The naming of all of the sons of the last marriage with the initial "J" , a custom which survived for several generations and now serves to identify this branch of the Meadows family. While the rest of the family remained in Essex County, these four sons emigrated to Cumberland and Lunenburg Counties, with Job, Jason and possibly Joshua proceeding on to Anson County, NC and to Fairfield County, SC."

John was born about 1638 in Essex County, Virginia. From his father, John inherited the 320 acre grant at Hoskins Creek. John also received the 450 acre grant on Hoskins Creek, adjoining the 320 acre grant. As he was only 4 or 5 years old when his father died, he couldn't occupy his inherited lands at that time.

Before his mother's remarriage, she provided for the maintenance and education of John, promising him four years of school. In another document, she gave John a yoke of oxen and "one gun, seven foot by the barrel."

John spent his childhood with his siblings, mother and step father, Henry Awbrey, on Awbrey's plantation on the upper reaches of Hoskins Creek.

As a child, John probably attended the South Farnham Church, an Anglican church located between Hoskins and Piscattaway Creeks. In his will, John mentions the "Church Road", so apparently a road from the Meador homestead on Hoskins Creek led southeastward to the church. However, in the 1650's, the Quaker religion was being introduced in Virginia. The "Quiet Contemplation" of the Quakers and their reliance upon personal enlightenment found common ground with the self-reliant planters on the frontier. Despite the disapproval of the Anglican church, Quakerism spread rapidly throughout the settlements. Whether or not John himself became a Quaker is not known. However, two of his children, Jonas and Jason, did become Quakers.

John Meador was a planter; he grew tobacco and Indian corn on these lands over 300 years ago. In 1661, when John was only 5 years old, an Indian raid on the neighboring plantation of Richard and Addra White killed Elizabeth's (John future wife) brother, Thomas. The settlers had then petitioned the Jamestown Government for arms, forts and soldiers. They sent a "Petition of 15 Grievances", outlined under Thomas Meador, Jr.. Governor Berkeley ordered the colonists to band together, ten men to a house, and ordered a 500 man army raised to defend the frontiers. To support this army, a tax of 500 pounds of tobacco per poll was levied. This was very dear tax, as in that year (1676) there had been a severe drought and crop failure. An army of 250 men was raised, but proved ineffective against the hit and run tactics of the Indians.

Dissatisfaction with these measure led the colonists to raise a volunteer army of their own, and a wealthy, cocky newcomer from England, Nathaniel Bacon, was chosen as their leader. Bacon's request to the Governor for a commission to lead this army was refused, so he determined to set out on his own. With his little army, he raided some "tame" Pamunkeys, then assaulted some friendly Occaneechees, killing 30 of them. Governor Berkeley declared him a rebel, whereupon Bacon seized Jamestown and forced Berkeley to grant him a commission. Becon then issued a "Declaration of the People", which has since been hailed as democracy proclaimed a hundred years before the American Revolution. Protesting the colonial government even more than the Indian situation, Bacon decried the unjust taxation, the favoritism shown by the authorities, the monopoly of trade, and the poor defense of the colonies.

Governor Berkeley fled to lands east of the Potomac River, but his fortunes soon changed and he returned to Jamestown. Bacon then laid seige to the town, recapturing it, and burned it. When Bacon died in 1676, support for his rebellion faded away. In reprisal, Governor Berkeley seized much of the property of the rebels, and rewarded the loyalists with hugh grants of land.

At this time, John was less than ten years old, and records do not reveal the details of how his stepfather, Henry Awbrey, fared during these times. But it is a matter of record that Col. Thomas Goodrich and his son Benjamin were supporters of Bacon, for which they were fined 50,000 pounds of tobacco each and ordered to recant before the court with a rope about their necks. This Col. Goodrich did, but with a token cord instead of a rope, to demonstrate his contempt for the Governor's orders. The county court, of which Henry Awbrey was a member, permitted this display.

Upon attaining adult status, John occupied the land in the two grants. The 450 acre parcel became his home plantation. This coincided with his marriage to Elizabeth White, sometime between July 1677 and February 1678. John and Elizabeth had seven children: Richard, Thomas, Rachel, Elizabeth, John Jr., Hope and Esther.

John and Elizabeth were deeded her father's plantation "out of kindness and affection" for the care and maintenance of himself and his wife for the remainder of their lives. This plantation consisted of 33 acres on the north side of Hoskins Creek, opposite John's land.

In 1679, John sold the entire 320 acre grant to Ebenezer Stanfield. This land would never again return to the Meador family.

Meanwhile, the Rappahannock Indians had fled from their villages behind the settlers on the east bank of the river to sanctuary several miles upstream. In their absence, the lands were taken up by white settlers, and the Indians could not return. Decimated and broken, though having remained peaceful during the whole Bacon affair, their cause was championed by Henry Awbrey, the senior member of the County Court. Enlisting the help of about a dozen settlers, they were relocated, probably on Henry Awbrey's large grant lands, where there is a place which is still called Indian Neck. There is also a Rappahannock Indian church nearby, and there are reports that traces of an Indian settlement have been found on the Meador plantation.

Participating in the resettlement in January, 1684, were Henry Awbrey, who served as overseer and go-between as well as furnishing his boat; Robert Tomlin, Jr., who suppolied a sloop and a smaller boat; and several men, including John Meador. John was reimbursed by the court for 9 days service and the use of his horse.

Imagine being 3 or 4 years old, and knowing that hostile Indians raided a neighboring plantation and brutally murdered a young man living there. During your childhood years, the Indians were forced deep into the forest. Later, you marry the sister of that murdered man. And then, when you are about 26 years old, you help your step-father relocate and settle the Indians onto your step-father's own grant lands.

In 1689, John purchased 105 acres, which adjoined the 450 acre plantation on the south. He received an additional 190 acres, adjoining the 450 acre one, for the transportation of four people to the colony. On April 21, 1690, John received another 50 acres, which adjoined his own land, for the transportation of one more person.

By the early 1690's, John had 1,095 acres centering on the 450 acre grant, straddling Hoskins Creek upstream from Cheatwood Millpond.

Elizabeth died on August 17, 1694. On December 10, 1695, in anticipation of a second marriage, John made a deed of gift to h is seven children, dividing the bulk of his holdings (including the 450 acre grant) among his children. These lands were "NEVER TO BE SOLD OR DISPOSED OF, BUT TO REMAIN FROM HEIR TO HEIR AS LONG AS THERE CAN
BE ONE OF YE MEADORS FOUND ALIVE." However, within a few years, the lands passed into other hands.

John then remarried, but the name of his second wife is not known. Two daughters and four more sons were born to this second marriage: Jonas, Dinah, Mary, Joshua, Job and Jason. John had thirteen children in all. The names of all of these sons began with the letter "J". This custom was continued for several generations in the Meador family. It is not known why the all the sons of the first marriage were not named with names beginning with the letter "J" - only John, Jr.

Nearing 63 years, and aware of approaching death, he made his will on October 17, 1721. He died shortly thereafter in Essex County. His will was probated November 21, 1721.

His will mentioned "all my houses and orchards". John's 450 acre grant was divided among the children of his first wife; and portions of other lands were also divided to children of his second wife. A descendant, William Meador, retained some of this land.

In terms of wealth, the children of John Meador by his second wife received little from their father. The children by his first wife, Elizabeth, had already received the bulk of John's estate through his Deed of Gift before his remarriage. The oldest son, Richard, and Richard's descendants, appear to have ultimately obtained much of John's total estate. Richard Meador and his descendants tended to dominate others of the family, particularly those of the second marriage. The scattering of these latter children and their failure to take any significant advantage of the small amount of land left to them by John Meador may well
have been directly attributable to that dominance by Richard and his children. This could have been accentuated by their Quaker learnings.

In terms of prestige and political influence in the community, John Meador does not appear to have been outstanding; but rather to have been just an average citizen. While he presumably should have benefited from his relationship to the Awbreys (his step-father's wealthy and influential family), there is little indication that he was treated favorably by this family.

The last resting place of John Meador and his family is unknown. A visit to the old plantation now reveals no trace of the houses or cemetaries that once may have been there. The lands are now occupied by a large wheat field and by thick woods.

** John Meador's Deed of Gift:
Know all men by these presents that I, John Meador Senior, widower, in ye county of Essex in ye Parish of South Phernam, for ye love I bear to my children that I had by my wife Elizabeth Meador deceased, I doe hereby give them such persell of land that I shall set downe severall by themselves. All ye land that I have on ye West side of a branch that goeth by ye name of a great branch I do give to my son Richard Meador and my son John Meador it shall be divided as I shall see fit between them as near as I can divide it to they and their heirs lawfully begotten of their owne bodies for ever. A parcell of land beginning at a
Cole Spring by my orchard fence and running West and by North till it meets with ye great branch, so along ye great branch till it comes to ye maine swamp of ye creeke, them downe ye swamp till it comes to ye Cole Spring branch, then up ye branch where it begun, being a long neck of land, I do give to my son Thomas Meador and his heirs lawfully begotten of his owne body for ever. A parcell of land beginning at my oppermost line by John Evans land by ye head of a branch at a marked white oake and running downe ye branch till it meets with ye maine swamp ye branch beeing crooked all ye lands that I have within my bounds of ye east side of that branch being a great deal of old fields belonging to it I doe give to my son Hope Meador and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body for ever. I doe give to my daughter Rachell Meador one hundred and five acres of land that I bought of Mr. Edwin Thacker to she and her heirs for ever. A parcell of land lyeing into the neck the north side of the
Creek which my father in law Richard White gave to me by deed of Gift I doe by the virtue of that Deed of Gift I does give to my daughter Elizabeth Meader ye second neck and my daughter Esther Meader the neck that has ye Housing and orchards to them and their heirs lawfully begotten of their owne bodies for ever. The land given unto my sons and daughters never to be sold nor disposed of but to rem aine from heir to heir as long as there can be one of ye Meaders found alive, if it ye Lords will to call any of my Sons or Daughters before me and any of them shall dye before me, ye land of ye deed to returne to me again to my disposing. I doe reserve and except myself Timber upon any parts of ye land for my own use as long as I live as Witness my hand and seale this tenth day of December, 1694.

John Meador (seale)
sealed and dtd. in the presents of us
Mary (X) Gorbell
Joseph (F) Calloway

At a court held for Essex County Febry. ye llth anno Dom. 1694 the within named John Meader appeared and acknowledged the within specified contents to be his Real Act and Deed, ye same was ordered to be recorded.

Teste. Francis Meriwether, Cl. Ct.

** Will of John Meador:
In the Name of God, Amen. I, John Meador of Essex County, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and perfect memory, blessed by God, therefore do make and ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament in the manner and form
following:

First and principally, I commend my soul into the hands that giveth, hoping the meritorious death and passion of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to receive full pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and offences, and a joyful resurrection in the last day; and my body to be decently buried at the direction of my executors hereafter named. And as for my worldly goods:
Item. I give to my son Thomas Meador, one shilling.
Item. I give to my daughter Rachell Jordan, one shilling.
Item. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Armstrong, one shilling.
Item. I give to my daughter Dinah Tribille, one shilling.
Item. My desire is that my five sons shall keep their own guns without appraising.
Item. I give to my daughter Mary Meador, one gold ring.
Item. I give to my son Jonas Meador a small piece of land joining upon Thomas Evinses land and running up to the church road that goes from my house, then up a (long?) road a small course until it comes to a vale that goes to ye branch, so down the branch till it comes to the forks of the branch where it begins, and from the forks to ye first beginning. And the rest of my land I give to my other four sons, to be equally divided, with all my houses and orchards thereon belonging, and I do appoint my two sons Job Meador and Jason Meador my lawful Executors.
Item. I give to my son Joshua Meador one chest not to be appraised, and the rest of my estate to be equally divided amongst my children and leave to my youngest sons to be of age at seventeen and I do leave my son Jonas Meador to look after them three years. And that my will not to be in force till my decease.

Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of October, yr. 1721.

John Meador Senior (seal)

Teste:
Samuel Waggoner
Francis F Poarris
Ann A Bradbury

Presented for probate Nov. 21, 1721 by Jonas Meador during the minority of the executor in the said will mentioned, with
oaths by Samuel Waggoner, Francis Pierce and Ann Bradbury.

** Inventory of John Meador, Sr.:

2 cows & yearling l dozen new spoons
2 barren cows ? doz. old ditto
1 young stear & hefer 3 pas. forks & 6 of spire
6 head of sheep 2 towells
l horse & mare 2 pare of sheares
25 new pewter parcell of old iron
42 old pewter 1 chest & lumber
parcell shoemakers tools chest & caine
parcell of books chest & box
parcell of candle stubbs 2 mills baggs
parcell of tinn 1 feather bed & furn.
parcell of earthenware ditto
parcell of glass bottles ditto
parcell of old lumber ditto
2 laterns parcell of old spools
Lord 2 bolts 2 spinning wheels
parcell of segitt bootes collar & hames
parcell of small sillards parcell of olifford
drinking glass 2 parcell of lasts
looking glass parcell of coopers & carpenters tools
curing panse & steall 2 old pads
1 warming pan & sinior 4 new hames
pare of old wool cards 1 old chest & lumber
pare of porbett comperios parcell of nails
1 gunn & irowring rod 4 old barrells
parcell of boewls & trays 2 old mills baggs
parcell of old chairs & table & furniture
2 bushells of soft joynter
1 skillet 1 linen wheel
2 pare of fire tongs & fire shovells 16 lbs. woolt
1 spitt parcell of baskoft
2 potts 2 sadles & bridles
1 cutting knife parcell of planks
pare old baltol parcell of banded leather
1 brass cord eddy hook
parcell of old umblott 2 raw hides
2 shott baggs & powder horns old table
parcell of earthen ware 1 cart & wheales
copper pott 1 hive of beases
2 frine pans old grinder
1 spiro mortar parcell of old carque & basrolls
106 pott iron parcell of cotton
parcell of old pott iron 1 lines & harness
his own waring cloaths 5 bushels wheat
parcell of money scales & rule parcell of canhooks
2/6 cash 1 small auger
parcell of mall lumber 6 years of caterloons stuff
pare of large scales parcell of lumber

He was married to Elizabeth WHITE (daughter of Richard WHITE and Addra MAIDEN NAME UNKNOWN) in 1677 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. Elizabeth WHITE was born in 1657 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. She died on Aug 17 1694 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. She has Ancestral File number 9BV8-BH. John MEADOR Sr and Elizabeth WHITE had the following children:

+13 i. Jason MEADOR.
+14 ii. Richard MEADOR.
+15 iii. John MEADOR Jr..
16 iv. Esther MEADOR died before 1721.
17 v. Hope MEADOR was born in 1684 in Old Rappahannock, Essex County, Virginia. He died before 1721 in Rappahanock , Essex County, Virginia. Yes this is a male. It is not an error!
+18 vi. Thomas MEADOR.
+19 vii. Elizabeth MEADOR.
+20 viii. Rachel MEADOR.

He was married to Unknown AWBRY after 1695. Unknown AWBRY has Ancestral File number 9BV8-BH. John MEADOR Sr and Unknown AWBRY had the following children:

+21 i. Dinah MEADOR.
22 ii. Mary MEADOR was born in 1685 in , , Virginia.
+23 iii. Jonas MEADOR.
24 iv. Job MEADOR was born in 1693 in , , Virginia.
+13 v. Jason MEADOR.
25 vi. Joshua MEADOR was born in 1691 in , , Virginia.

John Meador's Deed of Gift:
Know all men by these presents that I, John Meador Senior, widower, in ye county of Essex in ye Parish of South Phernam, for ye love I bear to my children that I had by my wife Elizabeth Meador deceased, I doe hereby give them such persell of land rthat I shall set downe severall by themselves. All y land that I have on ye West side of a branch that goeth by ye name of a great branch I do give to my son Richard Meador and my son John Meador it shall be divided as I shall see fit between them as near as I can divide it to they and their heirs lawfully begotten of their owne bodies for ever. A parcell of land beginning at a Cole Spring by my orchard fence and running West and by North till it meets with ye great branch, so along ye great branch till it comes to ye maine swamp of ye creeke, then downe ye swamp till it comes to ye Cole Spring granch, then up ye branch where it begun, being a long neck of land, I do give to my son Thomas Meador and his heirs lawfully begotten of his owne body for ever. A parcell of land beginning at my oppermost line by John Evans land by ye head of a branch at a marked white oake and running downe ye branch till it meets with ye maine swamp ye branch beeing crooked all ye lands that I have within my bounds of ye east side of that branch being a great deal of old fields belonging to it I doe give to my son Hope Meador and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body for ever. I doe give to my daughter Rachell Meador one hundred and five acres of land that I bought of Mr. Edwin Thacker to she and her heirs for ever. A parcell of land lyeing into the neck the north side of the Creek which my father in law Richard White gave to me by deed of Gift I doe by the virtue of that Deed of Gift I does give to my daughter Elizabeth Meader ye second neck and my daughter Esther Meader the neck that has ye Housing and orchards to them and their heirs lawfully begotten of their owne bodies for ever. The land given unto my sons and daughters never to be sold nor disposed of but to remaine from heir to heir as long as there can be one of ye Meaders found alive, if it ye Lords will to call any of my Sons or Daughters before me and any of them shall dye before me, ye land of ye deed to returne to me again to my disposing. I doe reserve and except myself Timber upon any parts of ye land for my own use as long as I live as Witness my hand and seale this tenth day of December, 1694.
John Meador (seale)sealed and dtd. in the presents of us
Mary (X) GorbellJoseph (F) Calloway
At a court held for Essex County Febry. ye 11th anno Dom. 1694 the within named John Meader appeared and acknowledge the within specified contents to be his Real Act and Deed, ye same was ordered to be recorded.

http://www.livelyroots.com/demedewe/d12.htm#c15040
51. John Meador [15042] was born in 1658 in Lancaster County, Virginia and died on 14 May 1721 in Essex County, Virginia at age 63.
General Notes: It was the custom to name male children using biblical names starting with "J", at least in the Meador family. This practice continued for several generations and although it has been confusing, it does serve to identify this family.
SRC: Southern Familes Genealogies #1, 1600-1800 - Historical Southern Families Vol IV, Meador-Meadows of Essex County, Virginia.

"John Meador married Elizabeth White, daughter of Richard White. On Dec 10, 1695 he divided his land among his children. He described himself as "John Meadors, widow, in the county of Essex, for the love I have for my children by my wife to be divided equally between them, as near as I can divide it. To my son Richard Meador and my son John Meador, land by John Evans; land on the east side of great branch to my son Hope Meador; to my daughter Rachael Meador 105 acres bought of Edward Thacker also land given me by my father-in-law, Richard White, land also to daughters Elizabeth and Esther Meador. . ."
John was born about 1658 married Elizabeth White. Elizabeth died on August 17, 1694. John married second unknown Awbrey. On December 10, 1695, in anticipation of a second marriage, John made a deed of gift to his seven children He is listed in court records in Essex County, Virginia as John Meador Senior. John and his family lived in Farnham Parish of Essex County, Virginia on the south side of the Rappahannock River. His will was probated November 23, 1721 in Essex County. Will: "I give to my son Thomas Meador one shilling; I give my daughter, Rachale Jodan, one shilling; to my daughter Elize Armstrong, one shilling; to my daughter Dinah Tribbile, one shilling; my desire is that my five sons shall keep their own guns without appraisal. I give to my daughter Mary Meador one gold ring. I give to my son Jones Meador a small piece of land joining upon Thomas Evan's and running up to church road that goes by my house then up a long road a small course until it comes to the fork of the branch where it began and from the fork to the first beginning and the rest of my land I give to the other four sons to be equally divided with all my houses and orchards thereon belonging and I do appoint my two sons Jobe and Jason Meador my executor. I give my son Joshua Meador one chest not to be appraised and the rest of my estate to be equally divided among my children and I do leave my two youngest sons to be of age at seventeen and I do leave my son Jonas Meador to look after them for three years and that my will not be in force 'til my decease as witness by my hand and seal this 17th day of October, 1721. Estate 3, 1717-22 C. 7283, pp. 284-5.
John married Elizabeth White [15043] [MRIN: 4979], daughter of Richard White [15058] and Addra Unknown [20693], about 1677. Elizabeth was born in 1660 in Essex County, Virginia and died on 17 Aug 1694 at age 34.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 61 M i. Thomas Meador [15040] was born in 1677 in Essex County, Virginia and died after Sep 1758 in Essex County, Virginia.
+ 62 M ii. Richard Meador [15059] was born about 1678 and died about May 1716 about age 38.
+ 63 F iii. Rachel Meador [15060] was born about 1683 in Essex County, Virginia and died in Amelia County, Virginia.
+ 64 M iv. John Meador Jr. [15061] was born in 1684 in Essex County, Virginia and died on 14 May 1720 at age 36.
+ 65 F v. Elizabeth Meador [15062] was born in 1685 in Essex County, Virginia.
66 M vi. Hope Meador [15063] was born in 1690 in Old Rappahannock, Virginia.
67 F vii. Hester Meador [17841] was born in 1691 in Essex County, Virginia and died in 1721 in Essex County, Virginia at age 30.
Hester married William Bourne [34079] [MRIN: 6004]. William was born in 1691 in Essex County, Virginia.
John next married Mary "Ann" Awbrey [15044] [MRIN: 4980] after 1694. Mary was born in 1678 and died in Oct 1721 in Essex, Caroline County, Virginia at age 43.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 68 F i. Dinah Esther Meador [15066] was born in 1696 in Old Rappahannock, Essex, Virginia and died about 1743 in Tenneessee about age 47.
+ 69 M ii. Jonas Meador Sr. [29615] was born about 1698 in Essex, Caroline County, Virginia and died on 5 Sep 1768 in Cumberland County, Virginia about age 70.
70 F iii. Mary J. Meador [15069] was born about 1700 in Essex, Caroline County, Virginia.
+ 71 M iv. Joel Meador [15065] was born in 1702 in Essex County, Virginia and died on 17 May 1777 in Raleigh Parish, Amelia County, Virginia at age 75.
72 M v. Job Meador [15070] was born about 1704 in Essex, Caroline County, Virginia and died in 1774 in North Carolina about age 70.
+ 73 M vi. Jason Meador [15071] was born about 1707 in Essex, Caroline County, Virginia and died on 3 Mar 1774 in Anson County, North Carolina about age 67.

John married Elizabeth White in 1677 in Farnham, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Richard White and Addra White) was born in 1660 in , Essex, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Aug 1694 in , Essex, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas (Orphan) was under legal age at the time of his father's death. Court papers dated 1655, the year of his father's death, show that he was placed
under the guardianship of William Underwood. By 1658, he must have attained the age of majority as he enters into a land deal. Three hundred and twenty acres of land were granted to Thomas (Orphan) by William Berkeley, Knight, Gov of Virginia, situated on the south side of Hoskins Creek toward the head thereof in the county of Rappahannock. The land grant was for transportation of seven persons. This likely means that he paid passage for seven people to come to America to help settle the colony, and this grant was in the nature of a headright. Source: Kinfolk, Opal London Cox and "Our Meador Families in Colonial America" by Victor P. Meador.

Land records

Know All men by these presents that I Thomas Meader of the countie of Rappa.(in Virgnia for a Vallubale[sic]) consideersaon [sic]to me in hand paid by Richard Tomlynson of the same County Planter (have given granted) bargained and sold and coafirmed and do by these presents for me my heirs and assignes give grant bargined and sell unto the said Richard Tomlynson. One hundred and fifty acres of land lying and being on (missing) Rappa River aforesaid and bing part of a devident of thee hundred acres lately given granted and (missing) said Thomas Meader by Ambrose Meader (my father) TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said one hundred and fifty acres of land with all the houses (orchards & c) thereunton belonging and appertaning (missing) priviledges thereunto belonging (missing) according to the tennour and (missing) by the rents and services (missing) unto ther said Richard Tomlynson his heirs and assignes forever against all persons claiming by from or under me the said Thomas Meader (missing) (Ambrose) Meader, my father or his heirs and have hereunto put my hand and seal date this (missing) ammo 1657

Thomas Meader

450 ac was granted to Thomas Browning on 30 Nov 1657, then assigned to John Cooke in 1659 and he in turn assigned it to Thomas Meador (Senior). Before the transaction was recorded on 9 Apr 1664, Thomas Sr had died and the property descended to his son, Thomas Meador, Orphan. This 450 ac grant became the property of John Meador who divided it among the children of his first wife (deed of gift-Essex Co Deeds & Wills 1692-1695 p 332) anticipating a second marrige. Portions were also divided among the children of his second wife through the terms of John's will.

The tract was still undivided in December 1658, when Thomas Meador Mead es (the orphan) contracted to sell 25 acres of his portion to James Hair e, "that was given to me by my father, Thomas Meades, deceased, and to my brother (name missing) in case that part of the land...shall fa ll to my lot at the dividing of the said land." In actuality, it is fou nd through later deeds that Mary obtained possession of the entire 700-ac re tract, but in what manner is unknown. Perhaps the portion allott ed to Thomas Meador was exchanged for rights to the grant on Hoskins Creek .

Nor does the will of Thomas Meads make mention of grant lands on Hoskins C reek, south of the Rappahannock River, possibly because these grants had n ot been finalized. Yet, a grant in 1664 applying to the 450 acres on Hosk ins Creek indicates that the grant had been left to Thomas Meador Meade r, orphan, by the will of his father, Thomas Meader, deceased. Thus, we ha ve evidence that the elder Thomas Meads Meader (Meads, Meades) bought fr om John Cooke this 450 acre tract, which descended after his death to h is son, Thomas Meader, orphan. While this series of transactions was reco rded in 1664 (long after Thomas Meads had made his will and died), it wou ld appear possible that the actions were started about the time Thomas Mea ds died, and were carried to completion later by Thomas Meador Meader, orp han. The fact that he did not yet possess the land on Hoskins Creek may e xplain why Thomas Meads (the elder) did not include mention of it in his w ill. Of course, one could conclude that there was yet another Thomas Meades who was the recipient of the grant. But this would require that the re be a second pair of Thomas Meader's father and son, with the further co incidence that the son would be known as Thomas Meader, orphan. A revi ew of the lineage of Ambrose Meador reveals that such a father/son combina tion did not exist among the descendants. This is a vital link in determi ning our lineage, for subsequent deeds for this 450 acre tract make cle ar that, after the land was inherited by John Meador from his father, Thom as Meador, orphan, the lineage is unmistakable.

In summary, it has been found that Thomas Meads left only two surviving he irs to his property, son Thomas Meador Meader and daughter Mary Meads Hobbs.

Thomas Meador, Jr. was born between 1635 and 1638 in Virginia. He was also called Thomas Meador the Younger, and after his father's death, was called Thomas "Orphan" Meador. When his father died in 1655, Thomas was close to legal age; probably 18 years old. From his father, he inherited 350 acres west of Juggs Creek. He was to share this with his brother John.

On August 6, 1655, Thomas Meads "Orphan" petioned the court that William Underwood be appointed his guardian. The estate of his father was in the hands of George Bryer, and was ordered to be delivered to Mr. Underwood. In January of 1656, the Lancaster Court found that the estate was still undivided and in George Bryer's hands. The court ordered 4 men (included Ambrose Meador and Francis Gower) to divide the estate.

In 1658, Thomas Meads "Orphan" contracted to sell 25 acres of his portion. However, it was found through later deeds that his sister, Mary, retained the entire 750 acre tract. Thomas also made a legal deed in 1658, so he must have been 21 years old in that year. The deed was signed by Thomas with an unique mark - a cross with barred ends, a signature found no where else in county records.

Between 1658 and 1659, Thomas married Sarah. No further information is available about her. Thomas and Sarah had three children: John, Susannah and Mary.

Thomas had probably been raised in the Puritan religion of his father. However, because of the severe morality laid down by the Puritan elders, the younger generation began searching for a faith that was less restrictive and demanding. As early as 1652, followers of the Anglican church were known to be meeting in the Lancaster area. The Anglican church had official sanction, with the authority to punish those who did not pay their levies or attend the local church. This necessitated the founding of churches on the frontier. Sometime before 1660, an Anglican Church was built on the east side of the Rappahannock River between Totuskey and Farnham Creeks. It later became known as the North Farnham Parish. On the west bank, an Anglican church was built about 3 miles west of Hobbs Hole (now Tappahannock) between Hoskins and Piscattaway Creeks. This was known as Piscataway Church, and later became known as South Farnham Church. This South Farnham Church was undoubtedly the one attended by the Meador family. Apparently a road from the Meador homestead on Hoskins Creek led southeastward to the church. Because of the building of Anglican churches in this area, it can be seen that the Puritan influence had declined.

In 1661, an Indian raid took place on the neighboring plantation of Richard White. Richard's daughter Elizabeth would later marry Thomas' son John. Elizabeth was apparently not yet born, but her brother, Thomas White, and two other men were brutally murdered. Thomas' parents, Richard and Addra White, escaped this gruesome raid. Further information on this raid is found under Thomas White.

Perhaps as many as 300 people were killed in these Indian raids. Demanding protection, the settlers petitioned the Jamestown Government for arms, forts and soldiers. From Rappahannock County was sent a "Petition of 15 Grievances" signed by, among others, Henry Awbrey and Col. Thomas Gouldman. They begged that: "the war with the heathen...may be prosecuted effectually and managed in such sort that some Counties may not be totally ruined whilst others live in...peace and quietness, whilst poore Rappahannock lies ableeding whose number of people murdered and estates destroyed can find no parallel in Virginia...for while we are tending corn to feed our wives and
children, the Indians...would butcher us in our fields, they being so frequent about us that we dare not stir from our plantations."

On June 3, 1663, a grant was recorded to Thomas for 320 acres for the transportaiton of seven people to the colony. The land was near the head of Hoskins Creek, southside of the Rappahannock River. The location is known today as Cheatwood Millpond, and is just southwest of Rexburg, Virginia, and seven miles west of Tappahannock, the county seat of Essex County. The grant later became the property of his son, John.

In 1664, Thomas completed the transaction that his father started before his death. This was for 450 acres on Hoskins Creek, south of the Rappahannock River. Thomas Jr. received the property in 1664. The rights to this grant were probably a trade off with his sister, Mary, as she got the 350 acres west of Juggs Creek. Thomas got the two grants on Hoskins Creek, on the south side of the Rappahannock River.

These two grants (320 acres and 450 acres) lay side by side of Hoskins Creek. The larger grant was upstream (west), and they shared a common boundary.

Thomas died sometime before April, 1662.

In April of 1662, Sarah, his widow, legally declared her obligation to her three children. Such declarations were commonly made by those contemplating remarriage. Sarah made two documents and described herself as the widow of Thomas Meador the Younger. In the first document, Sarah provided for the maintenance and education of her children, promising them four years of schooling apiece. At this period of time, most children only received one year of schooling. In the second document, Sarah gave her son John Meador a yoke of oxen and "one gun, seven foot by the barrel," to be delivered to him when he came of age. To her daughter Susannah she gave a red cow called "Cherry" and her increase. To her daughter Mary she gave a black heifer called "Slippery."

No proof can be found of whom Sarah Meador remarried. It should be noted, however, that a very prominent, highly influential and prosperous settler of the same area, Henry Awbrey, about this time took a wife named Sarah, who is assumed to have been our Sarah Meador, widow. Henry Awbrey is rumored to have first married in England, but no trace of such wife or surviving children of such a marriage has been found in Virginia records. For purposes of this family tree, we are assuming that our Sarah did marry Henry Awbrey. Sarah is first mentioned as his wife in 1664 when Henry appointed her his attorney to collect debts owed to him in his absence. She again appears in 1670 as party to a sale by Henry Awbrey and herself of a tract of 300 acres of land on the north side of the Rappahannock River. Awbrey was Burgess of the County Court of old Rappahannock County and was a trustee in the formation of New Plymouth in 1682. For the last two years of his life, he was also Sheriff, perhaps an honorary position in view of his age. He also received many grants of land for the transportation of persons to the colonies.

Sarah and Henry possibly had a son; Richard Awbrey. In a deed in 1675, Henry gave his son Richard a year old mare called "Bonny"....."until Richard be 14 years of age." Thus, Richard would have been born after 1661-1662, when Henry and Sarah were apparently married.

When Henry Awbrey made his will in 1694, he named his wife as Mary; so apparently Sarah died sometime before 1694.

GRANT OF THOMAS MEADOR:
The 320 Acre Grant - "To all to whom these presents shall come, greetings....whereas now know ye, that I, the said Sir William Berkeley, Knight, Governor of Virginia, give and grant unto Thomas Meador three hundred and twenty acres of land, situated on the south side of Hoskins Creek towards the head thereof in the county of Rappahannock, and extendeth itself from a marked red oak standing in a small neck by the main run side of the creek aforesaid and nigh unto the plantation of John Gillet, thence by the said run side thirty two poles unto a marked oak on the westernmost point of said neck, thence along the northernmost side of a Beaver Dam until you met with a line of marked trees
that leadeth unto a poplar by the edge of the said Dam forty eight poles, thence with the said line South by West two hundred and seventy two poles to a marked pine on fallowing ground, thence East by South one hundred and twenty five poles to a white oak on the brow of a hill, thence East North-East twenty eight poles to meet with the Westernmost line of marked trees belonging to John Gregory, which divides this land and the land of the said Gregory, thence North East down to Hoskins Creek aforesaid and finally parellel with the said Creek one hundred eighty one poles unto the marked Red Oak first above mentioned. The said land being due unto the said Meador for transportation of seven persons to this colony. To have and to hold (etc.) Dated the second of June, one thousand, six hundred and sixty-three."

GRANT OF THOMAS MEADOR:
The 450 Acre Grant - "To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings;...now know ye that I, the said Sir William Berkeley, Knight, Governor of Virginia, give and grant unto Thomas Meader, Orphan, four hundred and fifty acres of land in Lancaster County on the South side of the head of Hoskins Creek, beginning at a poplar standing by the side of a Beaver Dam near the Indian Path and running South by West two hundred and fifty poles, thence parallel to the Dam West by North four hundred and fifty poles (part of the description left out here) to the Dam to the first mentioned tree. The said land being first granted to Thomas Browning by patent dated the thirtieth of November, one thousand six hundred and fifty seven, and by him assigned to John Cooke, and by him ssigned to Thomas Meader Deceased, and by his will given to the said Thomas Meader. to ave and to hold (etc.) Dated the ninth of April, one thousand, six hundred and sixty four".


Birth Bef 1638 Death Bef 13 Apr 1662 Old Rappahannock Co., VA Property 1658 Prob. Old Rappahannock Co., VA Thomas sold 25 acres of land to James Haire that were given to him and his brother by his father "Thomas Meades" Property 2 Jun 1663 Old Rappahannock Co., VA was granted 320 acres in on 2 June 1663 by Sir. William Berkeley, Knight, Governor of Virginia. This land was given to his son John on 7 Aug 1679. Property 9 Apr 1664 Old Rappahannock Co., VA on 9 Apr 1664, Thomas was granted 450 acres that was already planned to be granted to his father Thomas at the time of his father's death. Mentioned 15 Apr 1670 Old Rappahannock Co., VA [Original spellings have been maintained - by June Bork]
1670 Apr 15 - Old Rappahannock Co, Va - (1670-1672), p.9 - Recorded: 12 May 1670
Know Ye that I, Henry Awbrey and Sarah my wife for valuable consideration to us paid do graint and make over for us or heires all right tytle and interest of 300 acres lying in County of Rapp. on North side of said River
of Rappahannock unto Francis Gowre for ever which land was formerly the land of THOMAS MEDOR. . . to have and to hold 300 acres unto him Francis Goure which the said Gowre is now SEATED on and possessed with all. . . forever -
Signed this 15 April 1670
/s/ Henry Aubrey, /s/ Sarah (T or F) Aubry
Wit: Thomas (x) Jenkins /s/ John (I) Evans (his mark, large I with bar across middle)
Witnesseth that I, "SARAH AWBREY the NOW WIFE of Henry Awbrey" of Rapp. do make and appoynt Mr. Thomas Gouldman my true attorney and in my name to acknowledge in County Court of Rapp. all my right and title claim and
interest of 300 acres of land unto Francis Gowre
/s/ Sarah (F) Aubrey (large F or T)

Marriages Sarah _____ (<1640>) > details

Children > John (1641 - 1721) < Mary (1653 - 1717) Susanna (1651 - 1697)

Thomas married Sarah Hoskins in 1657. Sarah (daughter of Bartholomew Hoskins and Dorcas Mira Isham) was born in 1637 in , , Virginia, USA; died in 1672 in , , Virginia, USA; was buried in Meade, Essex, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Sarah Mary Hoskins

Notes:

13 Apr - 12 Jul 1662 (Old Rappahannock Co, Va. DB Part II of 1656-1664:187-188) Apr. 13, 1662. These presents Witnesseth that I Sarah MEADER Widdow Wife of Thomas MEADER the Younger leately deced in the County of Rappa. I Sarah MEADER do bind & oblige myself my Exrs. or Admrs. to confirme unto my Son John MEADER Sone unto Thomas MEADER lateley deced one yoak of Oxen & one gun Seaven foot by the barrell to be delivered unto my Son John MEADER when he comes of age & furthermore I give as my full act & deed unto my Eldest Daughter Susanna MEADER one red Cow called Cherry & her Cow Calf & increase to my aforesaid Daughter only excepting the male of the catle to fall unto me the abovesaid Sarah MEADER untill my Daughter be full Eleven years of age & after the expiracon of the aforesaid years male & female to fall unto my Eldest Daughter Susanna MEADER. Item I give unto my youngest Daughter Mary MEADER Daughter of the abovesaid Thomas MEADOR one Black heaffer named Slippey she & her increase to my youngest only the male Excepted to fall unto I the said Sarah MEADER untill my youngest Daughter be fully nine years of age & after the Expiracon of the aforesaid nine years male & female to fall unto Mary MEADER & if it shall please God that my Eldest Daughter shall dye in her minority that all her Catle & their increase shall fall unto her Sister Mary MEADER and likewise in case it should please God that my youngest Daughter Mary MEADER should dye in her minority that her Catle unto my Eldest Daughter Susanna MEADER & furthermore in case that my youngest Daughter Mary MEADER her heiffer should miscarry before she comes to perfeccon that there shall another heiffer or Cow of the same age & her increase to be made good as aforesaid to my Daughter Mary MEADER ? to be recorded in Court the first or second Courte ensuing the date hereof by any person that I the said Sarah MEADER shall appoint always provided that there be severall marks nominate & recorded for the abovesaid Childrens Catle them & their increase. In confirmacon I Sarah MEADER bind myself?my hand this 13th day of Aprill 1662. s/Sarah [T] MEADER. In presence of Abraham COOMBE, William CLAWSON.

These Presents testifieth that I, Sarah MEADER, late wife of Thomas MEADER dec'd. in the County of Rappa. oblige myself to give & allow my children a sufficient & compleat maintenance in every respect as all other ought to do and further more to give them four years a piece Education in learning according as the Country doth afford. In confirmation whereof I Sarah MEADER do bind & oblige myself my heirs or assignes for the performance of this above menconed. /s/ Sarah (+) MEADER In presence of Abraham COMBE [sic], William CLAWSON. Recorded July 12, 1662 (Old Rappahannock County Deed Abstracts 1656-1664, Part II, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, The Antient Press, McLean, VA)

Sarah gave son John Meador a yoke of oxen and "one gun, seven foot by the barrel" to be delivered to him when his of age. Daughter Susannah she gave a red cow called "Cherry" and her increase. Her daughter Mary she gave a black heifer called "Slippery." We all so learn that Susannah was several years less than 11 years old and May was less than 9 years old. Since Thomas and Sarah's marriage took place no earlier than 1657 or 1658 all the children would have been infants at that time."

Old Rap. Co., Va. DB Part II of 1656-1664:188) Apr. 13, 1662.
These presents witnesseth that I Sarah Meader widdow wife of Thomas Meader the younger, lately deced in the County of Rappahanock I Sarah Meader do bind and oblige myself my exrs. or adms. to confirme unto my son John Meader, sone unto Thomas Meader lately deced one yoak of oxen & one gun seaven foot by the barrell to be delivered unto my son John Meader when he comes of age & furthermore I give as my full act & deed unto my eldest daughter Susanna Meader one red cow called Cherry & her cow calf & increase to my aforesaid daughter only excepting the male of the cattle to fall unto me the above said Sarah Meader untill my daughter be full eleven years of age & after the expiracon of the aforesaid years male & female to fall unto my eldest daughter Susanna Meader.
Item I give unto my youngest daughter Mary Meader daughter of the above said Thomas Meader one Black heaffer named Slippey she & her increase to my youngest only the male excepted to fall unto I the said Sarah Meader untill my youngest Daughter be fully nine years of age & after the Expiracon of the aforesaid nine years male & female to fall unto Mary Meader & if it shall please God that my eldest daughter shall dye in her minority that all her catle & their increase shall fall unto her sister Mary Meader and likewise in case it should pleas God that my youngest daughter Mary Meader should dye in her minority that her catle unto my eldest daughter Susanna Meader & furthermore in case that my youngest daughter Mary Meader her heiffer should miscarry before she comes to perfeccon that there shall another heiffer or cow of the same age & her increse to be made good as aforesaid to my daughter Mary Meader these premises to be recorded in Court the first or second courte ensuing the date hereof by any person that I the said Sarah Meader shall l appoint always provided that there be severall markes nominate & recorded for the abovesaid Childrens Catle them & their increase. In confirmatcon I Sarah Meader bind my self my heirs for the performance this above menconed & no other act nor deed as Witness my hand this thirteenth day of April 1662.

These presents testifieth that I Sarah Meader late wife of Thomas Meader deced in the County of Rappa. oblige my self to give and allowe unto my children a sufficient & compleat maintenance in every respect as all other ought to do and further more to give them four years a peice Education in learning according as the Country doth aford. In Confirmacon whereof I Sarah Medr. do bind & oblige myself my heirs or assignes for the performance of this above menconed as witness my hand & seal this 13th day of Aprill 1662 to write read to to cast accompt.
Recorded July 12, 1662 Deed Bk 1656-1664, p 187-188

These presents testifieth that I, Sarah MEADER, late wife of Thomas MEADER dec'd. in the County of Rappa. oblige myself to give & allow my children a sufficient & compleat maintenance in every respect as all other ought to do and further more to give them four years a piece Education in learning according as the Country doth afford. In confirmation whereof I Sarah MEADER do bind & oblige myself my heirs or assignees for the performance of this above mentioned...In presence of Abraham COMBE and William CLAWSON.
/s/ Sarah (+) MEADER

Recorded July 12, 1662 (Old Rappahannock County Deed Abstracts 1656-1664, Part II, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, The Antient Press, McLean, VA) (See COMBS-MEADOR Family)

The above records were in contemplation of widow, Mrs. Sarah Meadors upcoming marriage to her second husband, Henry Awbrey/Aubry. Second or third marriages often required a "Marriage Contract," to insure the heirs of a first marriage, their inheritance.

1664 Feb 27 - Old Rappahannock Co, Va - (1656-1664), pt.2 p.353-354: I, Henry Awberry of Hoskins Creek in County of Rapp. which is in Virginia have made and in my stead my well beloved wife Sarah Awbry my lawful attorney irrevocably for me and in my name and for my use to ask and to receave all debts sums of money or to bo: as shall be due unto me Henry Awbrey by any person whatsoever
/s/ Hen. Awbrey.
Wit: /s/ John Gregory; /s/ John Awbrey {brother of Henry;and /s/ Ralph Fletcher

Ancestors of Sarah Hoskins

Generation No. 1

1. Sarah Hoskins, born 1637 in Virginia; died 1672 in Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was the daughter of 2. Bartholomew Hoskins and 3. Mira Dorcas Isham. She married (1) Thomas Meador 1658 in Virginia. He was born 1635 in Charles Parish, York County, Virginia, and died Apr 1662 in Essex County, Virginia. He was the son of Thomas Meads and Sarah Wellstead. She married (2) Henry Awbrey Aft. Apr 1662. He was born Abt. 1637.

Notes for Sarah Hoskins:
In a book by Victor P. Meador titled OUR MEADOR FAMILIES IN COLONIAL AMERICA, he indicates Sarah Meador (widow of Thomas) married Henry Awbrey after April, 1662. "page 37 - Sarah is first mentioned as his wife in 1664 when Henry appointed her his attorney to collect debts due him in his absence. She again appears in 1670 as party to a sale by Henry Awbrey and herself of a tract of 300 acres of land on the north side of the Rappahannock River. Her name again appears in 1672 as party to another deed, but no further reference to her has been found. When Henry made his will in 1694 he named his wife as Mary."

Notes for Thomas Meador:
Thomas Meador (called orphan) apparently was close to legal age at the death of his father, Thomas Meads in 1655, because he was able to make a legal deed in 1658. Much heretofore has been made of his having to be between 14 and 17 years of age to choose his own guardian, but under English common law, 21 was generally considered to be the age of responsibility. Thus, it must be considered that Thomas, the son, was born as early as 1636 or 1637 to have attained 21 years of age by 1658. This also would appear likely in view of his marriage, which must have occurred about this time.

In the deed mentioned above, Thomas Meador contracted the sell to James Haire "25 acres of land, being part of the land that was given unto me by my father, Thomas Meads deceased, and to my brother (name missing)." This confirms his parentage and that he had a brother, who is given in the father's will as John. Thomas signed this 1658 deed with a unique mark, a cross with barred ends, and a signature found nowhere else in the county records.

Records of the distribution of the estate of the senior Thomas Meads are missing, so one cannot say just how the lands willed to Thomas and his brother John ended up in the possession of their sister Mary. One could speculate that the lands were traded to Mary for the rights to the two grants on Hoskins Creek, on the south side of the Rappahannock River, of which Thomas Meador (orphan) became possessed.

Of these two grants, the first one recorded was made to the younger Thomas Meador, of 320 acres for the transportation of seven persons to the colony, recorded June 3,1663. Sufficient data survives to permit the plotting of this tract. The grant shows a peculiar characteristic, in that it requires a southeasterly flowing section of Hoskins Creek roughly 181 poles (2986 feet) long, whereas the major portion of Hoskins Creek flows easterly. Of three possible locations along the creek where it flows southeasterly for that length, one would eliminate by its location two near the mouth of the creek, whereas the grant specified that it was toward the head of the creek. Another is eliminated by its encroachment upon property granted to Henry Awbrey further upstream, which also requires a similar-flowing southeast section. The area best fitting the requirements lies at what is known today as "Cheatwood Millpond". This location is just southeast of Rexburg, Virginia, and seven !
miles west of Tappahannock, county seat of Essex County.

The 320-acre grant later became the property of John Meador, who sold it to Ebenezer Stanfield in 1679. The deed states that the grant was to Thomas Meador, father of the said John Meador, thus confirming this parentage. Stanfield devised the property to his daughter, Rebecca, who married John Williams, Jr., and they later disposed of the property, which never again returned to the ownership of Meador descendants.

The second of the two grants was for 450 acres, also near the head of Hoskins Creek. It was first granted to Thomas Browning on November 30,1657. It was then assigned to John Cooke in 1659, and he in turn assigned it to Thomas Meads (senior). Before this series of transactions was finally recorded on April 9,1664, Thomas Sr. had died and the property descended to his son, Thomas Meador, orphan. The above series of actions is recorded in the wording of the grant

By plotting these two grants, it can be seen that they lay side by side on the south side of Hoskins Creek, with the 450 acre grant upstream (west) of the 320 acre grant, and that they shared a common boundary. Both grants were recorded after the apparent death of Thomas Meador, orphan.

The 450 acre grant (made to Thomas Meador, orphan) clearly became the property of John Meador, who divided it among the children of his first wife. Portions were also divided among the children of his second wife through the terms of John's will. A descendant, William Meador, in a deed in 1728 and another in 1734, continued the lineage from his great-grandfather Thomas Meador through John, Richard, and himself, making the descent of the property and lineage involved unquestionable. The genealogy of the Meador family from Thomas Meads is thus established to that point.

No documentation has been found to show explicitly that Thomas Meader, orphan, was also known as Thomas Meador, the younger. Nevertheless, the only other Thomas Meador found in the area at that time was Thomas, the son of Ambrose Meador. It would appear that the known facts fit more logically with the conclusion that Thomas, orphan, and Thomas the younger were one and the same. Particularly, Thomas, orphan, is the only one who was also the son of an elder Thomas, thus requiring the description, "the younger".

This latter phrase is found in two documents made by a Sarah Meador, in which, describing herself as the widow of Thomas Meador the Younger, she declared her obligation to her three children in April, 1662. Those contemplating remarriage commonly made such declarations. In the first document, Sarah provided for the maintenance and education of her children, promising them four years of schooling apiece. (At this period, most children received only a year). In the second, Sarah gave her son John Meador a yoke of oxen and "one gun, seven foot by the barrel", to be delivered to him when he came of age. To her daughter Susannah she gave a red cow called "Cherry" and her increase. To her daughter Mary she gave a black heifer called "Slippery". We learn also that Susannah was several years less than 11 years old, and that Mary was less than 9 years old. Since the marriage of Thomas Meador the Younger (or orphan) took place no earlier than 1657 or 1658, all three children w!
ould have been infants at that time.

No documentation has thus far been found to specify whom Sarah Meador then married. Nonetheless, it should be noted that a very prominent, highly influential and prosperous settler of the same area, Henry Awbrey, about this time took a wife named Sarah, who may well have been Sarah Meador, widow. Perhaps older than Sarah, Henry Awbrey is rumored to have married in England; however, no trace of such wife of surviving children of such a marriage has been found in Virginia records. Sarah is first mentioned as his wife in 1664, when Henry appointed her his attorney to collect debts due him in his absence. She again appears in 1670 as party to a sale of Henry Awbrey and herself of a tract of 300 acres on land on the north side of the Rappahannock River.

Her name again appears in 1672 as party to another deed, but no further reference to her has been found. When Henry Awbrey made his will in 1694, he named his wife as Mary.

The above mentioned deed for 300 acres north of the Rappahannock has caused considerable confusion among researchers. While it is true that a Thomas Meador once owned this property as stated in the deed, this was Thomas, the son of Ambrose Meador, instead of Thomas Meador (orphan), son of Thomas Meads. After Ambrose purchased 1000 acres from James Williamson in 1656, he sold 300 acres from that tract to his son, Thomas. This 300 acres was then divided in half by Thomas, who sold 150 acres to Richard Tomlinson in 1657 and 150 acres to Lambert Lambertson in 1658. Lambertson further divided his tract into 75-acre plots, which were then further sold. While it may seem unlikely that these various small plots could have bee reassembled back into a single 300-acre tract, the evidence points to that event. The remaining 700 acres of the 1000 acres purchase by Ambrose Meador can be fully accounted for. There is no indication that Ambrose purchased additional land from Williams!
on, nor that he sold more to his son, Thomas. Yet the deed from Henry and Sarah Awbrey states that the property was from the purchase by Ambrose Meador out of the grant to James Williamson, and from the portion sold by Ambrose to his son Thomas.

Regardless of the subdivision and the further sales, this deed could easily lead one to believe that Sarah had inherited the property as the widow of Thomas, the son of Ambrose. But a more likely explanation is that Henry Awbrey reassembled the property into a single tract, for which no records remain. Several instances have been noted in which property reverted to the original owner, evidently when the purchaser had defaulted in paying the purchase price. But in this case reversion to Thomas, the son of Ambrose, would appear quite unlikely in view of the many subsequent continuing sales by several individuals. In any case, it should be noted that Thomas, son of Ambrose, and Thomas, son of Thomas, both must have died about the same time, which certainly adds to the possible confusion between the two men.

Henry Awbrey was Burgess of the County Court of old Rappahannock County and was a trustee in the formation of the portion of New Plymouth in 1682, which became Tappahannock. For the last two years of his life he was also Sheriff, perhaps an honorary position in view of his age. He received many grants of land for the transportation of persons to the colonies. One of these was for 1050 acres on the south side of Hoskins Creek in 1664, just upstream from the 450 acres granted to Thomas Meador, orphan. This site became Awbrey's home plantation. Other grants were for 480 acres in 1669 and for 5100 acres in 1679, lying between Hoskins Creek, Piscataway Creek, and the Mattaponi River; for 189 acres on Occupacia Creek in 1684 and for 1200 acres on the north side of Hoskins Creek in 1688.

The number of children of Henry Awbrey is not completely clear. Some researchers have maintained that there were sons named John and Francis; instead, these appear to have been sons of his brother, John Awbrey. It should be noted that in two deeds in 1690, Henry named Richard Awbrey as his "only son and heir apparent". In one of these deeds he gave Richard 500 acres from the 1050-acre grant on the south side of Hoskins Creek, which portion adjoined the lands of John Meador. When Henry Awbrey made his will in 169412 , he named as heirs only his wife Mary and his son Richard.

It appears quite certain that Richard Awbrey was the son of Sarah, because in a deed in 1675 Henry gave his son Richard a year-old mare called "Bonny" "until said Richard be 14 years of age". Thus, Richard would have been born after 1661-1662, when Henry and Sarah apparently were married.

When Richard Awbrey made his will, which was probated October 11,1697, he named John Meador as "brother". Considerable speculation has arisen about the exact nature of this relationship. Some have said that the term "brother" could have meant "brother-in-law", on the assumption that John Meador (for his second wife) could have married a daughter of Henry Awbrey and thus a sister to Richard. No such daughter of Henry Awbrey has been documented. Another speculation has been that Richard's wife, Dorothy, was a sister of John Meador. Nor has such a sister been found. In actuality, Richard's wife was Dorothy North, daughter of Augustine North.

Richard Awbrey also named as "Sister" Susannah McQuire, the wife of Phillip McQuire, both of whom were witnesses to his, will. A bequest was also made to Francis Gouldman (it has been thought possible that Mary, the younger daughter of Thomas and Sarah Meador, could have married Gouldman, whose wife was named Mary). Thus we find that Richard Awbrey names at least two of the children of Thomas and Sarah Meador, John and Susannah, as "brother" and "sister". Actually, it would appear that they were his half-brother and half-sister.

At this time, there was only one John Meador living. As we have seen in the chapter on Ambrose Meador, his son John and his grandson John were both deceased by 1683. His great-grandson John and the son of Thomas (son of John, the son of Ambrose) were not born until after 1700. So we must consider here only the John Meador who was in possession of the 450-acre grant on Hoskins Creek at this time.

In that grant, it is stated that it was being made to Thomas Meador, orphan, son of Thomas Meader, deceased. As no such father and son pair (both named Thomas) existed in the family of Ambrose Meador, it must certainly have been the Thomas Meads who died in 1655 and his son Thomas. The further descent of this 450-acre tract through (3) John Meador is very clear. This grant adjoined the grant of Henry Awbrey on Hoskins Creek, and particularly the portion given by Henry to his son Richard Awbrey. It is most logical that Thomas Meader, orphan, and Thomas Meador the Younger were the same, and that Sarah Meador, the widow of Thomas Meador the Younger, who made provision for her son "John Meador of Hoskins Creek", was the wife of Henry Awbrey and the mother of Richard Awbrey. Thus the conclusion is virtually inescapable that Sarah was the mother of both John Meador and Richard Awbrey, making them half-brothers. This would explain why Richard called John Meador his "brother" !
in his will.

Regrettably, efforts to trace descendants of the other two children of Sarah Meador/Awbrey have proven nearly fruitless. No further mention in Essex records has been found of Phillip and Susannah McQuire. Col. Francis Gouldman became a prosperous and prominent landowner in Saint Mary's Parish of Essex County, but when he drew his will in 1717, he mentioned no (living) children. Bequests were made to his nephews, the sons of Edward Gouldman, and to his niece, the daughter of his brother Thomas Gouldman, deceased. Mary, the wife of Francis, followed him in death a few months later. In her will no children were mentioned, but there was a bequest to Dorothy Billups, who was the daughter of Richard Awbrey and thus her niece.

Two confusing court records of "the orphans of Francis Gouldman" actually refer to the two sons of his brother Edward, to whom Francis had left the major portion of his estate. Therefore, even if this Mary Gouldman could be established as the daughter of Thomas and Mary Meador, the direct lineage ends here. Curiously, no documents have been found relating to any interactions between these daughters, their husbands, and John Meador, nor between John Meador and Richard Awbrey. Such documentation would most certainly have made the determination of these relationships between them much easier.

THE 450 ACRE GRANT
"To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings...now know ye that I, the said Sir William Berkeley, Knight, Governor of Virginia, give and grant unto Thomas Meador, orphan, four hundred and fifty acres of land in Lancaster County on the South side of the head of Hoskins Creek, beginning at a poplar standing by the side of a Beaver Dam near the Indian Path and running South by West two hundred and fifty poles, thence parallel to the Dam West by North four hundred and fifty poles [part of the description left out here] to the Dam to the first mentioned tree. The said land being first granted to Thomas Browning by patent dated the thirtieth of November, one thousand six hundred and fifty seven, and by him assigned to John Cooke, and by him assigned to Thomas Meads deceased, and by his will given to the said Thomas Meader. To have and to hold [etc]. Dated the ninth of April one thousand, six hundred and sixty four.

THE 320 ACRE GRANT
"To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings.... Whereas now know ye, that I, the said Sir William Berkeley, Knight, Governor of Virginia, give and grant unto Thomas Meador three hundred and twenty acres of land, situated on the south side of Hoskins Creek towards the head thereof in the county of Rappahannock, and extends itself from a marked red oak standing in a small neck by the main run side of the creek aforesaid and nigh unto the plantation of Hohn Gillet, thence by the said run side thirty two poles unto a marked oak in the westernmost point of said neck, thence along the northernmost side of a Beaver Dam until you meet with a line of marked trees that lead unto a poplar by the edge of the said Dam forty eight poles, thence with the said line South by West two hundred and seventy two poles to a marked pine on fallowing ground, thence East by South one hundred and twenty five poles to a white oak on the brow of a hill, thence East North-East twenty eight poles!
to meet with the Westernmost line of marked trees belonging to John Gregory, which divides this land and the land of the said Gregory, thence North East down to Hoskins Creek aforesaid and finally parallel with the said Creek one hundred eighty one poles unto the marked Red Oak first mentioned. The said land being due unto the said Meader for transportation of Seven persons to this colony. To have and hold [etc]. Dated the second of June, one thousand, six hundred and sixty-three."

Will dated 25 Mar 1655. Entered in probate 6 June 1655

"Historic Southern Families" by Boddie:

The Meadors family belonged to the landed gentry of England and seems to have resided mainly in Suffolk. See page's History of Suffolk and the Harleian Visitation, Vol. VIII Pages 105 and 163.

Mann, Gertrude C. letters

Nunnally, Major Perkins, " The Descendents of Jonas and Francis Meador of Essex, Caroline, and Cumberland Counties, Virginia", Nine Oaks, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 5 June 1968 is the source of dates, wives and children

1679, Fernham Ph, Rappahannock, Virginia, 7 August, DB, names Thomas Meador as the Father of John.

Meador, Daniel Burton, The Meador Family

Meador, John W., and Victor, Paul, The Meador Families of West Central Tennessee.

Generation No. 2

2. Bartholomew Hoskins, born 1600 in Suffolk, England; died in Norfolk County, Virginia. He was the son of 4. John Hoskins and 5. Benedicta Moyle Bourne. He married 3. Mira Dorcas Isham Jun 1624 in London, Middlesex, England.
3. Mira Dorcas Isham, born Abt. 1590. She was the daughter of 6. John Isham and 7. Elizabeth Barker.

Notes for Bartholomew Hoskins:
He is an immigrant ancestor.

Child of Bartholomew Hoskins and Mira Isham is:
1i.Sarah Hoskins, born 1637 in Virginia; died 1672 in Rappahannock County, Virginia; married (1) Thomas Meador 1658 in Virginia; married (2) Henry Awbrey Aft. Apr 1662.


Generation No. 3

4. John Hoskins, born Mar 1565/66 in Herefordshire, England; died Aug 1638 in Herefordshire, England. He was the son of 8. John Hoskins and 9. Margery Jones. He married 5. Benedicta Moyle Bourne.
5. Benedicta Moyle Bourne, born 1575.

Child of John Hoskins and Benedicta Bourne is:
2i.Bartholomew Hoskins, born 1600 in Suffolk, England; died in Norfolk County, Virginia; married Mira Dorcas Isham Jun 1624 in London, Middlesex, England.


6. John Isham, born Abt. 1546 in England. He married 7. Elizabeth Barker.
7. Elizabeth Barker, born Abt. 1559 in England; died 1590. She was the daughter of 14. Nicholas Barker and 15. Joan?.

Child of John Isham and Elizabeth Barker is:
3i.Mira Dorcas Isham, born Abt. 1590; married Bartholomew Hoskins Jun 1624 in London, Middlesex, England.


Generation No. 4

8. John Hoskins, born 1540 in Herefordshire, England; died 1607 in England. He was the son of 16. John Hoskins and 17. Elizabeth ?. He married 9. Margery Jones.
9. Margery Jones, born Abt. 1540.

Child of John Hoskins and Margery Jones is:
4i.John Hoskins, born Mar 1565/66 in Herefordshire, England; died Aug 1638 in Herefordshire, England; married Benedicta Moyle Bourne.


14. Nicholas Barker, born Abt. 1520 in Sonning, Berkshire, England. He married 15. Joan?.
15. Joan?, born Abt. 1520.

Child of Nicholas Barker and Joan? is:
7i.Elizabeth Barker, born Abt. 1559 in England; died 1590; married John Isham.


Generation No. 5

16. John Hoskins, born 1505 in Herefordshire, England. He married 17. Elizabeth ? 1527 in Herefordshire, England.
17. Elizabeth ?, born 1510 in England.

Child of John Hoskins and Elizabeth ? is:
8i.John Hoskins, born 1540 in Herefordshire, England; died 1607 in England; married Margery Jones.