Mary Woodson

Mary married William Creasy in 1735 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA. William was born in 1708 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA; died in 1772 in , , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Thomas C Creasey was born on 26 Jul 1736 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA; died in 1803 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Married: 9 Aug 1701, , , Virginia, USA

Notes:

Fleming Lineage

This information taken from the Book, Finding Your Forefathers in America, by Archibald Bennett. Printed and original copyright by Bookcraft Inc, 1957.

The Fleming family in Virginia had a most interesting tradition of descent from an Earl in Scotland. The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 23, page 214, explained it in these words:

"An old record preserved in the Fleming family states that the immigrant ancestor was 'Sir Thomas Fleming, second son of the Earl of Wigdon in Scotland who married in England Miss Tarleton, and came to Virginia in 1616, settling first at Jamestown and afterwards removing to New Kent County 'where he lived and died.' Besides several daughters he left three sons 'Tarleton, John and Charles.' How far this statement in regard to the descent from the Earl of Wigton is correct has never been investigated, but certainly the date given for the immigration is too early. There may be other errors in the tradition.... It is quite possible that the Virginia Flemings descended from one of the younger sons of the Earl. A letter written in Virginia more than a hundred years ago which states that one of the family, the older brother of judge Wm. Fleming, was then heir to the Earldom of Wigton, shows the antiquity of the tradition."

Exact Statement of the Tradition. It is always instructive to read the exact wording of the traditional story, and to know something of the qualifications of the one who wrote down the account. The writer was Charles Woodson, born about 1710, the son of Tarleton Woodson and Ursula Fleming. He received a finished education and seemed "to have manifested more interest in his ancestors and the family history than any of his contemporaries. He it was who, after extended research and, necessarily, wide correspondence, compiled the historical and genealogical data upon which all subsequent publications have been based. Copies of his manuscript have been given to a number of descendants and other members of the family." (The Woodsons and Their Connections, p. 44.)

While the record he compiled in his later years has its imperfections, it has been described as "highly authentic and valuable." Before his death he had a new frame put on an old looking glass, and on the walnut frame he inscribed these words: "This glass belonged to Stephen Tarleton who was my great-grandfather and died in the year 1687. I have had the present frame put on it this 14th of December, 1794."
He was himself a Fleming descendant, and wrote, as a marginal note, in a book, the following declaration: "John Fleming, brother of the late Judge Fleming, of the court of appeals in Virginia, was heir to the earldom and estates of Wigton. He was an officer of the American Revolution and fell in the service of his country, refusing to leave her service for the immense estates and earldom of Wigton."

Truth and Error in the Tradition. As in most stories transmitted through the generations, mostly orally, there is error to be detected in this one. judge William Fleming did have an older brother named John Fleming. But he died in 1767, before the American Revolution began. It was actually his son, John Fleming, who fell in that struggle.

This young man was a Captain in the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line. Toward the end of the year 1776 his regiment marched northward and joined the American forces about Philadelphia under Washington. He commanded his regiment in the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. The Americans were being forced back, several companies broke and fled, and there was danger of a general stampede. Washington was alarmed and rode forward, great peril, to attempt to stem the retreat. He rode his horse between his men and the British, who were only about thirty yards apart, and became the target for the enemy's fire, but was providentially preserved. "It was just at this moment when disaster seemed imminent, that the First Virginia, led by its heroic young Captain Fleming, came out of the woods, cheering and shouting.' Stopping on a line with Washington, just 30 yards from the British, the brave young officer of 22 coolly ordered his men to 'dress the line before they fired.' Whereupon, the British exclaimed with curses 'We will dress you , and poured in a deadly fire. Undaunted the Virginians returned the fire. Then the British engaged in a bayonet duel with the Virginians in the course of which Captain Fleming and Lieutenant Bartholomew Yates (aged 19) were mortally stabbed.

"The British were forced back, and the example of the First Virginia had a saving effect." (Tyler's Quarterly, Vol. 12, p. 11 et seq.}
On Jan. 24, 1777, a notice appeared in the Virginia Gazette: "By accounts from the northward, we have the melancholy news of the death of Captain John Fleming of the First Virginia Regiment, who proved himself to be a gallant officer, and nobly fell on the 3rd instant, near Trenton, at the head of his company, in defense of American freedom. He was universally esteemed by those who were acquainted with him, and his loss is much regretted."

The Heir to the Earldom. It was a far cry from this youthful American patriot to the Earldom of Wigton in Scotland. But let us test the tradition about the second son of the Earl. The most authentic account of the historic Fleming family of Scotland is found in The Scots Peerage, a History of the Noble Families of Scotland, Volume VIII, pp. 519-558. Robert Fleming, the first from whom it is possible to trace descent, flourished in 1290. Eleventh in line from him was John Fleming, 1st Earl of Wigtown, who married Lilias Graham. Their second son, James Fleming, of Boghall, died in October 1623, leaving two sons, John and James, who both died without issue. Hence he left no male descendants to be heir to the title. .

His older brother John became the second Earl of Wigtown. He was probably baptized at Kincardine about 9 Dec. 1589. He succeeded his father as Earl in 1619. He was a member of the Privy Council in 1626; and was appointed a Privy Councilor by Parliament Tested 13 Nov. 1641, but he entered heartily into an association framed at his own house to support King Charles I, in the impending Civil War, in Jan. 1641-2. His marriage contract to Margaret Livingston, second daughter to Alexander, first Earl of Linlithgow, was dated 20 Feb. 1609. He died 7 May, 1650.

Their son and heir, John Fleming, third Earl of Wigtown, was succeeded by his son John, 4th Earl and William, 5th Earl. The latter was succeeded by his two sons, John and Charles, sixth and seventh Earls, respectively, neither of whom left male descendants. After the death of Charles Fleming, seventh Earl, without male heir, the earldom was temporarily assumed by Charles Ross Fleming, in the year 1747. He claimed to be descended from Alexander Fleming 4th son of the 1st Earl of Wigtown. When the House of Lords examined his claim they debarred him from the title, 25 Mar. 1762, and expressed grave doubts on the genuineness of the documents on which the claim was based. The dignity thereupon became dormant or extinct.

A chart will show how this came about, that there was no heir to claim the title. (Only the sons are named.)

John Fleming, 1st Earl of Wigtown md. Lilias Graham created
Earl of Wigtown 19 Mar. 1605-6; died in April 1619.

John Fleming, 2nd James Fleming Malcolm Fleming Alexander Fleming
Earl, md. Margaret His two sons died Had no proved
Livingston 20 Feb. without issue. without male issue. descendants.
1609. He died 7 May 1650.

John Fleming, 3rd Alexander Fleming, (Sir) William
Earl; d. in Feb. 2nd son; merchant; Fleming, 3rd son;
1665. md. before 2 Apr. died without issue.
_____|_________________________ 1646, Elspeth An-
John, 4th William, 5th derson. Only pos-
Earl Earl sible heir to the
no issue. _______|_____ Earldom after 1762
| | would be a de-
John Charles scendant from him.
6th Earl 7th Earl

From this it is self-evident that if there were any legal heirs to the Earldom in 1762, they must trace their lineage through Alexander Fleming, the second son of the second Earl.

This would seem to harmonize with the family tradition of the Fleming family in Virginia, that they were descended from the second son of the Earl of Wigton, even though the name of that son was different from that which had been handed down to them. The problem before us is to prove whether this Alexander, the 2nd son, left any male issue, who could have been in line to succeed to the title.

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER FLEMING OF VIRGINIA. It is indeed true that an Alexander Fleming came to Virginia, and just at the time when many of those who had espoused the royal cause in the Civil War in England took refuge in the Colony. Was he identical with the "second son" and did he leave male issue?

In Americana, Jan. 1939, pp. 326-348, appeared a scholarly article under the title, "Captain Alexander Fleming and Joyce, His Wife." In it the author, Lenora Higginbotham Sweeny, has assembled a fine store of record material about Captain Alexander, including his many land grants, his three marriages to three widows, and the names of his two daughters , Alexia and Elizabeth Fleming. She has made a real contribution, but there are still facts unexplained.

On February 12, 1937, I sent for publication to the editor of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography an article on "The Fleming Family." One paragraph read: "An exam of this family tradition in the light of facts now obtainable seems to indicate that the immigrant ancestor was Captain Alexander Fleming and not Sir Thomas, and that he was indeed the second son of John Fleming, second Earl of Wigtown in Scotland and that John Fleming elder brother of Judge William, was actually the legal heir to the earldom from 1747 until his death in 1767, after which his eldest son, Major John Fleming who fell in the Battle of Princeton, 'was then heir to the Earldom of Wigton."'

The Americana article was inclined to a similar view: "The first Fleming of whom any record is found in Virginia, is Alexander Fleming, who came to Virginia in 1649-50, with other adherents of Charles I and who on August 6, 1655, purchased land in Lancaster County, Virginia, from William Moseley, a resident of that county. . . . (Lancaster County Deeds, &c., 1652-57, p.
214.)

"As nothing further is known of the history of Alexander Fleming, second son of the Earl of Wigton, it is possible that he is identical with Alexander Fleming, the Virginian immigrant of 1649- 50...."From a deed of record in Rappahannock County, Virginia, we know that Captain Alexander Fleming died testate. The writer has been unable to locate his will...."Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Alexander Fleming and wife, Joyce, married Rowland Thornton.... Alexia, daughter of Captain Alexander and Elizabeth Fleming, married, not later than June 4, 1683, Thomas Pace, of Rappahannock County, for on that date she united with her husband in a deed to a plantation ... part of Alexia's share of the estate of her deceased father, Captain Alexander Fleming, land given in his last will and testament to his daughter, Alexia. ... (Rappahannock County Deeds, &c., No. 7, p. 37.)

"Alexander Fleming, who married Sarah, daughter of William Kenny, and was living in Richmond County, Virginia, January 3, 1692, may have been a son of Captain Alexander Fleming by his first wife, Ursula, and perhaps there is a descendant and 'heir-male of lineal descent,' who could claim title to the Earldom of Wigton." (pp. 328, 340, 348.)

Alexander Fleming's First Wife. We must first make sure that Alexander Fleming, "the second son" did not live on and die in Scotland. If he did, that would be fatal to the tradition.

Volume 56, of the publications of The Scottish Record Society contains records of the Burgesses and Guild Brethren of Glasgow, 1573-1730. There were three ranks-a simple Burgess, a Freeman, and a Guild Brother. A Burgess could enter as a Guild Brother by payment of 13s. 4d. Honorary Burgesses were persons admitted gratis by favour of the Town Council, either by reason of their own eminence or through the influence of their friends. A Guild Brother's son or son-in-law might become a Guild Brother by paying 20s. at his entry; but he must be worth in lands, heritage or moveable gear 500 merks if a merchant.

On 10 April 1629 the following were admitted as Burgesses and Freeman, gratis:

John Fleming, lord (This would be the later 3rd Earl.)
Alexander Fleming, his brother
William Fleming, also his brother
Alexander Fleming, their uncle
Patrick Fleming, in Balloch
Malcolm Fleming, servitor to John, Earl of Wigtown
Robert Fleming, servitor to John, Earl of Wigtown
(son of Malcolm Fleming of Woddelie)
John Fleming, servitor to Earl of Wigtown (p. 73)

This was really quite a family party. You will note they were not made Guild Brethren. Alexander would then be about 17 years old.

Volume 36 of the Scottish Record Society is entitled Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown It contains valuable family documents, some of which give genealogical information. No. 710 reads: "5 Apr. 1636. A Sasine of Alexander and William Fleming, lawful sons to John Earl of Wigtown, is two respective annual rents effeiring to the principal sums of 10,000 merks each upliftable forth of the lands of Harbetshire, barony of Denny and lands of scleugh…” (pg. 85)

Alexander Fleming, merchant, was admitted a Burgess and Guild Brother, 2 April 1646, as having married Elspeth, lawful daughter to the dec. William Anderson, merchant. (Scottish Record Society 56:118.) (William Anderson, cordiner became a Guild Brother, as the son of a Guild Brother, 22 Mar. 1610. (Ibid., p. 39.))

Wills of Alexander's Uncles and Brother. I have before me the Testaments and Inventories of 1. Alexander Flyming, merchant burgess of Glasgow, who deceased in the month of April 1666. This would be the uncle of the younger Alexander. No heirs are mentioned; 2. James Fleming of Boghall, in the parish of Killeland, who deceased in the month of October 1623. Given up by Jonet Birsbane, his relict, and four of "their lawful bairnes" are named. This was another uncle of Alexander; 3. Sir William Fleming one of H. M. Ushers to H. M. Privy Council. (This was Alexander's brother.) The heirs were "sister's children of the said Sir William; William, Earle of Wigtoune for himself and in name and behalf of Mr. Charles, Ledies (Ladies) Margaret, Lillias and Jeane Fleming his brothers and sisters, brother's children of the said Sir William, and only executors decerned to him." This was confirmed 22 June 1672. (Glasgow Testaments Vols. 35 and 20; Edinburgh Testaments Vol. 74.)

Had Alexander, the second son, been living in Scotland on the date of this will, or had he left heirs living there, surely he or they would have been named in his brother's will. There is no will listed for this younger Alexander.

Captain Alexander Fleming, also called "Gent., had died in Virginia between 30 Dec. 1668 and 13 Mar. 1668-9. He had children, but they may not have been known in Scotland.

The Traditional Three Sons. According to the story handed down the second son married in England Miss Tarleton and besides several daughters left three sons-Tarleton, John and Charles. The facts are twisted in the tradition. It was Charles Fleming who married Susanna Tarleton, the daughter of Stephen Tarleton. He named a son Tarleton.

Here is an interesting sequence of headrights. Alexander Fleming is said to have come to Virginia in 1649-50. He was a headright 15 Feb. 1655.

2 July 1650. Eliza Fleming headright of John Oliver. (2:219)
18 Feb. 1653. Cha. Flemin a headright of Emperor, Gale and Morgan. (3:47)
8 Nov. 1653. John Fleming a headright of Joseph Croshaw, York Co., on the
south side of York River. (3:51)
1 Sep. 1653. Christopher Fleminge a headright of Col. Wm. Clayborne, Sec.
of State, land at Pamunkey, N. side freshes of York River.(3:34)
12 Oct. 1652. Patrick Flemin a headright of Anthony Hoskins, Northampton Co.
16 Sept. 1663. William Fleminge a headright of Col. Abraham Wood, Charles
City Co.
17 Apr. 1667. Robert ffleming a headright of Alexander Fleming on south side
of RappahannockRiver.

It is significant that of these both Alexander and John received grants of land in 1658, each for 250 acres. Charles and William received no grants until 1688 and 1691, respectively, being evidently children when they were brought over. It is likely that the Eliza. Fleming was the first wife of Alexander Fleming, the Elpset (or Elizabeth) Anderson whom he had married before 1646 in Scotland. John was probably their son, and the father of Charles, William and perhaps Christopher. Nothing more is heard of him or Patrick or Robert.

The family had extensive land grants. Alexander Fleming patented 5790 acres, between 1658 and 1667, on both sides of the RappahannockRiver. No accounting has ever been made of all this land. John, between 1658-1680, was granted 2643 acres; and Charles, between 1688-1719, 11,700 acres.

These three grants are quoted to show that Charles was the son of John:

20 Apr. 1680. To John Fleming & Andrew David, 1000 a. in NewKentCounty,
for transportation of 24 persons.(Book 7:25)

18 Apr. 1688. To Charles Fleming of New Kent County, Planter, 1079 a. in
the Parish of St. Peter in the county aforesaid "to the line which
divides this from the lands late of John Fleming decd." Due for
importing 22 persons. (Book 7:658)

23 Oct. 1690. To Charles Fleming, 1000 a. in New KentCounty. The said
land being formerly granted to Jno. Fleming & Andr. David,
by patent dated the 20th of Aprill 1680 and by them deserted
& since granted back to Jno Fleming by order of the General
Court dated the 16th of Aprill 1690, and is due for importing
20 persons. (Book 8:105)

A Tentative Arrangement. In the light of the known facts and the family tradition, this seems to be' the logical Fleming genealogy:

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER FLEMING, second son of John Fleming, 2nd Earl of Wigtown, and his wife, Margaret Livingston, was born about 1612, probably at Cumbernauld, Lanark, Scotland. He died in Rappahannock Co., Virginia, between 30 December 1668 and 13 March 1668-69. He married 1st probably about 1631, ELSPET or ELIZABETH ANDERSON, daughter of William Anderson. She was probably the headright to Virginia in 1650. He married 2nd before 5 July 1658, URSULA, the widow of John Browne, "late of Accomacke, Decd." She was living and signed a deed with him 19 Apr. 1660. He married 3rd before 5 Feb. 1660-61, ELIZABETH MADESTARD, sister of Thomas Madestard, and widow of Epaphroditus Lawson and William Clapham, Jr. On 3 July 1666 she is called in a document "Late Wife of Mr. Alex. Fleming." He married, 4th by marriage contract signed about 15 May 1666, in Westmoreland County, JOYCE JONES, widow of Anthony Hoskins (County Court Note Book VI:23). She survived him and married 3rd LawrenceWashington; and 4th James Yates.

Child of Alexander Fleming and Elizabeth Anderson:

x 1. JOHN, b. abt. 1633, in Scotland; a Virginia headright in 1653; d. 27 Aug. 1686, New Kent Co., Va.; Md. MERCY or MARY. His birth should be sought in Scotland.

Child of Alexander Fleming and Elizabeth Madestard:

2. ELIZABETH, b. abt. 1662-1666, Rappahannock Co., Va.; Md. ROWLAND THORNTON.

Child of Alexander Fleming and Joyce Jones:

3. ALEXIA b. by 1668, Rappahannock Co., Va; dead by 6 Sep. 1692; md. by 1683, THOMAS PACE.

JOHN FLEMING, son of Alexander Fleming and Elizabeth Anderson, was born about 1633, perhaps in Glasgow or Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He died in NewKentCounty, Virginia, 27 Aug. 1686. He married MERCY or MARY. He had generous grants of land in NewKentCounty, in the years 1658, 1661, 1670, 1673, 1680. The Registers of Charles Parish, York County, Va., 1648-1789, yield these entries:

"Lidia Flemming, dau. of John by Marcy, bap. Oct. 30, 1679."

"John Fleming, son of John by Mary, b. April 14, 1683." (p. 90)

"John Fleming departed this Life ye 27th day of August and was

Buried ye 30th of Augt, 1686." (p. 59)

His will, if he made one, was lost in the destruction of the New Kent records.

Children of John Fleming and Mercy or Mary ................

x 1. CHARLES, b. abt. 1652, in Scotland; Virginia headright of 1653; d. between 7 Oct. 1717 and Dec. 1720; Md. abt. 1684, SUSANNA TARLETON.

x 2. WILLIAM, b. abt. 1659, pro in Virginia; headright of 1667; will proved 4 Oct. 1744; md. 1st . ; Md. 2nd, ELIZABETH.

3. HENRY, b. abt. 1665, Virginia; appointed guardian to his brother John, 24 Nov. 1699. (Standard's Extracts from Virginia Records (Va. 62),(P. 40.)

x 4. ALEXANDER, b. abt. 1670, Virginia; will proved 2 Jan. 1711, Richmond Co., Va.; Md. by 1689, SARAH KENNY.

5. LYDIA, bap. 30 Oct. 1679, St. Charles Parish, York Co., Va.

6. JOHN, JR: b. 14 Apr. 1683, recorded in St. Charles Parish, York Co., Va. "24 Nov. 1699, John Fleming Jr. Being 16 years of age petitions the court that his brother Henry may be appointed his guardian." (Stanard, p. 40.) John Fleming was living in Petsoe Parish, Gloucester Co., Va. in 1719, 1723, 1726 and 1727.

CHARLES FLEMING, son of John Fleming and (perhaps) Mercy or Mary .. was born about 1652, perhaps in Glasgow or Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and came by 1653 with his parents to America. He and his wife were living 7 Oct. 1717; but he was dead by Dec. 1720, when his executor to his will, John Fleming, was mentioned. His will is gone. He married about 1684, SUSANNA TARLETON. She was the daughter of Stephen Tarleton who died in 1687. He resided in NewKentCounty, just south of York River. He was a merchant and planter, owning slaves and extensive tracts of land in New Kent, King William, Henrico and what is now Goochland Counties. The family were Quakers.'

Children of Charles Fleming and Susanna Tarleton (born in New Kent Co., Va.)

1. ELIZABETH, b. abt. 1685; bpat. 28 Oct. 168-, St. Peter's Parish, New Kent Co., Va.; md. 10 Dec. 1703, SAMUEL JORDAN.

2. URSULA, b. abt. 1687; md. 3 Aug. 1710, her first cousin, TARLETON WOODSON. It was their son Charles who wrote the tradition.

3. JUDITH, b. abt. 1689; d. before 1743; md. 1st, at St. Peter's Parish, 16 Oct. 1712, COL. THOMAS RANDOLPH; md. 2nd, contract dated 24 Dec. 1733, NICHOLAS DAVIES.

4. SUSANNA, b. abt. 1691; d. in 1757, between 4 May and 15 Nov.; md. 1st, 12 Apr. 1713, JOHN BATES, JR.; md. 2nd, after 1723, JOHN WOODSON.

5. GRACE, b. abt, 1693; int. to marry, 10 Apr. 1712, GEORGE BATES.

6. SARAH, b. abt. 1695; md. abt. 1719, BOWLER COCKE.

7. JOHN, b. Nov. 1697; d. 6 Nov. 1756; md. 20 Jan. 1727, MARY BOLLING.

8. TARLETON, b. abt. 1699; d. in 1750, between 30 Oct. and 18 Dec.; md. HANNAH (?BATES).


Generation One 1. Charles Fleming; m. Susanna Tarleton, daughter of Stephen Tarleton; d. 7 Oct 1717 at St. Peters, New Kent Co., VA. He resided at New Kent Co., VA. He resided at Charles Parish, York Co., VA.

Susanna Tarleton was born circa 1663. She resided at St. Peters Parish, New Kent Co., VA.

Known children of Charles Fleming and Susanna Tarleton all b. at St. Peters, New Kent Co., VA, were as follows:
i. Susanna Fleming; m. John Bates, son of John Bates and Hannah, 9 Jul 1713; m. John Woodson by 14 Feb 1735/36; 2nd husband.
ii. Sarah Fleming; m. Bowler Cocke.
iii. Elizabeth Fleming; m. Samuel Jordan 10 Dec 1703.
iv. Ursula Fleming; m. Tarleton Woodson 3 Aug 1710.
v. Grace Fleming; m. George Bates.
vi. Ann Fleming; m. Josias Payne, son of George Payne and Mary Woodson, 1732.
vii. Tarleton Fleming; m. Hannah Bates, daughter of John Bates and Elizabeth Daniel. 2.
viii. Judith Fleming, b. Nov 1689; m. Thomas Randolph.
ix. Col. John Fleming, b. Nov 1697 at St. Peters, New Kent Co., VA; m. Mary Bolling, daughter of Col. John Bolling and Mary Kennon, 20 Jan 1727; d. 6 Nov 1756 at Powhatan Co., VA. He resided at 'Mount Pleasant', VA.


Land Transactions
"Mr John Hull 500 acres on north side and in the freshes of Rappa River, 20 Febuary 1662, p. 148 (19). Beginning at land now in posession of Silvester Thacher and running to Spanish Oak dividing land of said Thacher and Thomas Whitlock, Sold to said Hull by said Alexander Flemming and Elizabeth, his wife, being part of 1000 acres granted to thacher 6 October 1656." page 442, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Dietz Printing company, 1934,Nell Marion Nugent.



Old Rappahannock County Deed Abstracts 1656-1664, Part II, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, The Antient Press, McLean, VA

(p. 134) This Bill bindeth me Allex. FLEMING of the County of Rappahannock… to pay or cause to be paid unto Mr. John NUTHALL of London, Merchat for the use of Mr. Robert INGRAM or his heirs of St. Ives in Huntington Sheire [Huntingdonshire] Baker the full & just sum of 6,400 pds. … tobo… to be paid at the now dwelling plantacon of Allex. FLEMING in the Freshes of Rappahannock. 10th day of Nov next … year 1660…for better security I Allexander FLEMING with consent of my loveing wife Ursula FLEMING do bind our land & plantacon we now live on withall the houseing thereunto & upon belonging being a parcell of land bought of Mr. William SMART by my said wife Ursula FLEMING & re(missing) up into the hands possession of Allex. FLEMING … by me Ursula FLEMING for ever We the said Allexander FLEMING & Ursula FLEMING… unto Mr. John NUTHALL for the use of Mr. Robert INGRAM or his assignes for the full terme of 99 years…. that is to say all my part as to dower…

we sett our hands & seals jointly this 11th day of August 1659 in presence of John [his mark] HUSS, John COOPER.
s/ Allex. FLEMING, Ursula [V] FLEMING

(ibid., 134-5) I John NUTHALL of Accomack gent. Atto. of Mr. Robert INGRAM of St. Ives in Hungtington sheir do constitute & appoint my loveing Friend Mr. John HALL of Rappahannock Merchant my true & lawful Attorny… to arrest ^ implead to judgment Mr. Allexander FLEMING of the County of Rappahanock late [sic] husband of Ursula FLEMING the Widdow of Mr. John BROWNE of Accomack & Exex. to her said deced Husband Mr. John BROWNE of the County of Accomack for a debt due by Specialty under both their hands to the said Ingram & upon composition with said FLEMING I do hereby authorize my said attorney to resigne to & possess the said FLEMING with a parcell of land being formerly bound over by the said Mr. FLEMING & Ursula his Wife for the said Debt for the terme of 99 years according to said Bill…
22nd of February 1660.
s/John NUTHALL;
Wits: Edmond DOBSON, Silvester [ST] THATCHER.
Recordat the 23 of Apr 11661 p me Wa. GRANGER Cl Cur Rappa.

(ibid., p. 135) I Allexander FLEMING if Rappahannock County do from me my heirs & assignes firmly sett to sale unto John BARROW of the same County to him & to his heirs & assignes all my right of a parcell of land lying on the North side of the River beginning at a marked Locust neer the (missing) of the said Allexander FLEMING thence East to the miles End of the said land that is to sall all woodland ground lying on the So:Et:side of the said Lyne & I do warrant the sd Sale from the Dower of my Wife Eliza. FLEMING & all other persons wtsoever claimeing or that may claime by or under me.

In Witness whereof I do sett my hand & seal this sixth day of February ano Dom 1660. in presence of Tho. LUCAS Senr., John CATLETT.
s/Allex. FLEMING

(Sparacio)

See John NUTHALL later of St. Mary's and Calvert County, Maryland with both Abraham and Enoch COMBS (variously). Alexander FLEMING's wife, Elizabeth is nee MADESTARD.

http://www.combs-families.org/combs/records/va/rappahannock/





Land Patents of Alexander Fleming

21 Jan 1666 200 acres on the south side of the Rappahannock River in the freshes for transporting

4 persons (Land Patent Book 6, p. 23)

9 Sept 1667 In the Freshes of the Rappahannock River about 2 miles from the river beginning at

Cockall Creek for transporting 12 persons (Land Patent Book 6, p. 183)


17 April 1667 2750 acres on the freshes of the Rappahannock, the south side of the river about two

Miles up Pwomansen Creek for transporting 55 (Land Patent Book 6, p. 62)






Land Notes for Colonel Charles Fleming:Charles Fleming married Susanna Tarleton, a daughter of Stephen Tarleton. Charles was possibly the son of John Fleming who, “departed this life the 27th day of August and was buried the 30th day of August 1686.” When Charles secured a patent to
18 April 1688: 1,079 acres in St. Peter’s Parish, it was described as next to the land of John Fleming, deceased. Fleming held
23 Oct 1690 2,000 acres in New Kent County,
25 April 1701 1,184 acres in Pamunkey Neck,
1704 and paid quit rents on 1,700 acres in King William County and 920 acres in New Kent County
16 June 1714 Charles had a patent to 1,427 acres on the south side of the James next to John Pleasants, 732 acres on the north side against Elk Island, and 670 acres on the south side of the river Richard Ligon surveyed two of these tracts for Fleming.
16 June 1714 With John Woodson the same day, he got a patent to 1,278 acres on the north side of the James. Since Woodson died before they could divide the land in 1717, Charles sold his interest to John Thornton of NewKentCounty the same day that Tarleton Woodson and John Woodson sold Thornton the interest they inherited from their father. Both Woodson brothers were Fleming’s sons-in-law. The same day Tarleton and John Woodson swapped 500 acres in HenricoCounty with Fleming.
16 Aug 1715 In New Kent County Charles got 1,900 acres, and he was back in HenricoCounty in
1718 with 1,430 acres on the north side of the James next to Capt. John Bolling. We have no will of Charles Fleming. Deeds in GoochlandCounty reveal that he left 500 acres to grandsons Charles Jordan and George Bates. Should they die, the land would go to Samuel Jordan and Matthew Jordan. A petition identifies Tarleton Fleming and Bowler Cocke as devisees of Charles Fleming. He also directed “FlemingPark” of 732 acres be sold to Stephen Hughes, which was done 15 February 1738/9.

The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, The Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA, for the year ending December 31, 1915, Vol 23, p 325
Patented land in New Kent Co, VA in 1688 and in King and QueenCO, VA in 1701. He also possessed considerable landed estates in GoochlandCO, (then Henrico). Account of surveys by Richard Ligon, surveyor of Henrico, include, on |
Nov. 15, 1706 - 1430 acres; on
August 11, 1709 - 1429 acres and in
November 1709 - 670 acres. There is on record in Henrico, a deed, dated
Oct. 1717, from Charles Fleming of New Kent and Susanna his wife, conveying to John Thornton, of New Kent, 1278 acres on James River (now in Goochland) called ElkIsland, which had been patented by Fleming in 1714. By deed, Henrio,
Oct. 1717, Tarlton and John Woodson conveyed to Chas. Fleming, of New Kent, 500 acres in Henrico, adjoining Fleming's Plantation. In Dec. 1720 there was a suit in Henrico by John Fleming, executor of Chas. Fleming.
"Cabells and Their Kin", by Brown, calls him Colonel Charles Fleming.


Hughes in Valentine Papers--Land and Quaker Records 1689-1717 , Virginia
[These records are from The Valentine Papers, Vol 1-4, 1864-1908. This includes papers from the Woodson Family Collection, Pleasants Family Collection, Winston Family Collection, and Woodson Record Book of Henrico Monthly Meeting of Friends (1699-1756). Records are from Ancestry.com.]
Woodson Family Records
Mch. 30, 1689. Recd. Apr. 1, 1689. John Woodson of Henrico Co., to Benj. Hatcher, of same Co., 1 bill of 1700 lbs. tob. & casq. & 5 tunns of Tobc. hogshead, 200 acres in Co. afsd. on S. side ChickahominySwamp; Witnesses; John Field, Rachell Hughes : Judith (wife of John Woodson) relinquishes dower. Ibid. p. 39. Woodson Family Record Book of Henrico County Monthly Meeting of Friends 1699-1756
11th 8mo. 1700. John Woodson & John Crew are appointed to interview Nathl. Jordan on the subject of his prophesy. At this meeting was money gathered toward paying for the galereys built in the yearly meeting house of Levineck which is freely given by several whose names are under written: Given by John Woodson £0/10/00. John Pleasants £0/10/00. Jos. Pleasants £0/05/00. Charles Fleming £0/10/00. Jane Pleasants £0/10/00. Henry Watkins £0/05/00. G. R. Elyson £0/05/00. Edwrd Mosby £0/02/06. James Howard £0/10/00. John Crew £0/05/00. Jno. Atkinson £0/02/06. Robt. Hughes £0/05/00. Xpr Clerk £0/02/06. The Whole £4-00-00. 12th 5mo 1700. Benjamin Woodson son of Robert Woodson, of Henrico Co., marriage to Sarah Porter, daughter of Wm. Porter Jr. of same Co. Witnesses: Robert Woodson Sr., Wm. Porter Jr., Isaac Wilson, Francs Amos, John Bates, Ephm Gathright, Robert Hughes, John Robinson, Alex Makeney, Jos Woodson, Jos Pleasants, John Woodson, John Pleasants, Robt. Woodson Jr., Wm. Lead, Richd. Woodson, Nicho. Amos, Edward Mosby, Thomas Langford, Eliza Woodson, Judith Woodson, Jane Pleasants, Mary Howard, Mary Woodson, Martha Pleasants, Jane Woodson, Mary Woodson, Jr., Hulda Lead.
11 d. 6 m. 1701. Edward Mosby, Wm. Porter Jr., Robert Hughes & John Atkinson are ordered to endeavor to reconcile Rice Hughes and his wife, and to desire sd. Rice Hughes to be at the next Meeting. 10 day 10 mo. 1703. Samuel Jordan, of Nansemond Co. marriage to Elizabeth Fleming daughter of Charles and Susannah Fleming of New Kent Co. Witnesses: Charles Fleming, Susannah Fleming, Robt. Hughes, Nathan Newby, James Howard, Thos. Lankford, Peter Wick, Urselah Fleming, Ann Hadley, Wm. Porter, Jr., Edwd. Mosby, Ephrm Gartrite, Stephen Hughes, Charles Briant, Edwd Thomas, Jr., John Pleasants, Joseph Pleasants, Thos Hadley, Francis Clark, Joseph Woodson, Dorothy Pleasants, Sarah Hughes, Sarah Hughes, Jr., Mary Howard, Jane Pleasants . Pleasants Family Record Book, 1699-1756
18 1st mo. 1704. Jane Pleasants, Mary Howard, Sarah Elyson, Susannah Fleming, Judith Woodson, Martha Pleasants, Sarah Mosby, Elizabeth Jordan, Dorothy Pleasants, Eliza. Atkinson, Margt. Porter, Jane Garthrite, Jane Woodson & Rachel Hughes on behalf of the Womans Monthly Meeting sign their approval of the business transacted by the Monthly Meeting held at the house of Wm. Porter Jr. Woodson Family Record Book of Henrico CountyMonthly Meeting of Friends 1699-1756
3rd 6mo 1710. Tarleton Woodson, son of John Woodson, of Henrico Co., marriage to Ursulah Fleming daughter of Charles Fleming of New Kent Co. Witnesses: Eliza Atkinson, Thos. Atkinson, Charles Baker, John Turner, Eliza Atkinson, Jr., Thos. Randolph, John Atkinson, Susana Fleming, Jr., Sarah Hughes, Jr., John Woodson, Jr., Robt. Hughes, Jr., Saml. Tucker Woodson, G. R. Elyson, Thos. Langford, John Dod, John Woodson, Susanah Fleming, Robt. Hughes, Sarah Hughes, Stephen Hughes, John Fleming, Judith Fleming. 17th 4mo 1710. Tarleton Woodson and Urselah Fleming propose their intention of marriage "John Pleasants, Joseph Pleasants, Joseph Woodson, Jr., Wm. Porter, Jr., John Crew, Henry Watkins, Jr., Nicho. Hutchins, and Wm. Lead are of opinion that first cousins ought not to marry for the scripture saith expressly that none shall approach to any that is near akin or to him or the remainder of his flesh." "R. G. Elyson, Robert Hughes, Robert Woodson, Benj. Woodson, Richd. Ferris, Edwd. Mosby, Charles Fleming, John Woodson, and John Atkinson are of opinion that first cousins may marry having authority by the Laws of God and Man." 7 day 7 mo. 1711. Samll Jordan & John Adkinson not being in unity with one another G. R. Elyson & Robt Hughes were sent to request their presence at the next meeting to be reconciled and be in unity. 7 day 1 mo. 1712. Samll Jordan & John Atkinson acknowledged they were sorry for all words that either of them said in this Meeting touching one anothers reputation &c. 12 day 2 mo. 1713 . Samll Jordan a witness to the marriage of John Bates Jr. of York Co. to Susannah Fleming Jr. daughter of Charles & Susannah Fleming his wife. Winston Family--New Kent and HanoverCounties 1705-1787
Dec. 9, 1711 . Maj. Nicholas Meriwether, James Pirant, John Pirant, Thomas East, Rees Hughes and George Thomas in one precinct, not numbered. Isaac Winston & Maj. Nicholas Meriwether appointed processioners. (p. 92.) Woodson Family Records
Mar. 3, 1717 . Recd. Mr. 3, 1717. Tarlton Woodson & John Woodson of Par. & Co. of Henrico, to Robert Hughes of same Par. & Co. £20: curr. 300 acres in Par. & Co. of Henrico, on S. side of James River, at a place called Maidens Adventure; beginning at lower side of 500 acres conveyed by Charles Fleming to the sd. Woodsons. Ibid. p. 235.

Notes and History of the Fleming Family From the Frances Cowlles Document
“The Name Fleming is from Flanders, the home of the first of the Family—

Stephen, who planted his name in England—the Flemings in the South Colonel Thomas, and how he fooled the Indians in a fight—the New Jersey Flemings—and the Arms of the Old Fleming Family, and the Fleminsh Motto. By Frances Cowlles

It is an interesting fact to the genealogist that the motto borne by the Fleming, or Flemming, family is the only motto recorded in British heraldry which is still written in Flemish. [Editor's note—No, it is actually written in Gaelic] This motto, “Bhear na Righ gan”—“May the King live forever”—must date from a very ancient period, as the Flemings have been in England and Scotland for almost a thousand years.

The English chronicler gives as the first of the family Stephen of Flanders, who first assumed the name of Flanders or Fleming to show the nationality of his forefathers. The Irish descendents of Stephen say that Stephan's Father, Archembald, a nobleman of Flanders, came from the continent with William the Conqueror and acquired the lordship of Bratton in Devonshire.

Stephen Flanders, or Fleming, had a son, Archembald, said to be the ancestor of the Irish family of Flemings who become lords of the estate of Slane, County of Meath, Ireland. There were twenty-three recorded generations of Barons Slane, but the title became dormant in 1726.

William, a younger son of Stephen of Flanders, who died in 1197, had a son, Sir Malcom, sheriff of Dumbarton, who died in 1246, and his son Robert was the well-known supporter of Robert Bruce.

Robert had two sons, at least-Malcom, who was made Earl of Wigton, and who died in 1362, and Patrick. The son of Malcom, Earl of Wigton, inherited his father's titles and estates, but later sold them. Patrick married a daughter of Sir Simon Fraser and had a son Sir Malcolm, who had two sons, Sir David and Patrick. The former had a son Malcolm, who married Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Albany, and had Lord Robert Fleming, who married Margaret Lindsay. Their son was Malcolm, who married Euphemia Christon and had Lord John, who married Janet Steward. Lord John died in 1524, leaving a son, Malcolm, who was created Earl of Wigton under a second creation.

The First Earl of Wigton under this new creation had two sons—James, who succeeded to his father's honors and was Lord High Chancellor to Queen Mary, and Lord John, who, after his brother's death, succeeded to the earldom. The latter married Lillian Graham, a daughter of the Earl of Montrose. Their two sons were John and Sir Thomas Fleming. Sir Thomas married Miss Tarleton and emigrated to Virginia and there became the originator of the southern branch of the Fleming family. Sir Thomas, it is said, had three sons—Tarleton, John and Charles. John died in New Kent, VA., in 1686, leaving a son Charles, who married Susannah Tarleton. The children of this marriage were as follows: Elizabeth; Judith, who married Thomas Randolph; Colonel John, who married Mary Bolling; Tarleton of Rock Castle, who married Hannah Bates; Robert, who was burgess for Caroline county, and Susannah, who married first John Bates and then John Woodson. Colonel John, the third child and “son and heir” of Charles and Susannah Tarleton Fleming, had five sons and two daughters. Of these the eldest John, was captain of the first Virginia Regiment in the Revolution and was killed at the battle of Princeton in 1776. Charles, the second son, was Lieutenant Colonel of Continental troops in the Third Virginia Regiment; Thomas was Colonel of the Ninth Virginia Continentals; William was judge of the Virginia Supreme Court, and the youngest son was Richard. John, the eldest, married Susannah—, and had a son John. Colonel Thomas, the third of these five sons, was the most distinguished. He was born in 1727 and commanded two hundred men in the battle of Point Pleasant, with the Indians, in 1774. The white forces were in command of General Lewis and the Indians were commanded by Corn Stalk. Fleming's men hid behind trees and held out their hats. The Indians, mistaking the hats for the white men's heads, shot at them. At this, Fleming's men would drop the hats and the Indians would rush forward to scalp their victims. When the Indians got near them, the whites would jump from behind the trees and tomahawk the unwary Indians. These men were all backwoodsmen and knew as well as the Indians, the methods of Indian fighting. There were a thousand Indians and only four hundred whites, but the battle was a signal victory for the whites. Unfortunately, Fleming was severely wounded in this engagement, but he was none the less willing to enter the Revolutionary army a few years later. Thomas Fleming married the daughter of Major John Bolling, the son of Colonel Robert Bolling and the daughter of Thomas Rolf, the son of Pocahontas.

From Cavaliers and Pioneers, Vol. III, p. 129, extract of Patent Book No. 10:

Tartlton Woodson, 102 acs. (N. L), Henrico Co; S. side James Riv; 2 May 1713, p. 73. On W. side of Neca Land Sw. 10 Shill.

from p. 191:
Tarlton Woodson, 2307 acs. (N. L.), Known by the name of "Bear Forest"; Henrico Co; N. side of James Riv; on N. side of a br. of Pamunkey(Riv.);& N. side of Bear Br; 15 July 1717, p. 321. 11 Lbs., 5 Shill., &Imp. of 2 pers: Robert Reyalls & Thomas Jones.

from p. 212:
Tarlton Woodson, 3090 acs. (N. L.), Henrico Co; on N. side of James Riv; beg. at his own & land of Joseph Pleasants; to S. side of the W. br. of Beverdam Cr; on Maj. John Bolling's line; 11 July 1719, p. 422. 6 Lbs., 15 Shill., & Imp. of 35 pers: Martin Lawrence, Will. Read, John Ray, John Brumfield, John Huggins, Elizabeth Parker, Jone Lewis, David Cowlishaw, John Jones, George Williamson, Peter Hall, John Oates, Wm. Sergant, Robert Russell, Timothy Brett, Ambrose Fellows, Geo. Cole, Richd. Whitby, John Darby, Robt. Davis, Tho. Waddy (or Wadds), Tho. Allen, James Bryant, Darby Kea, Timothy Murfy, Richd. Williams, Edwd. Richeson, Jno. Mitchell, Ralph Denby (or Denly), John Murry, Colen Mc'kenny, Mary Dickeson, Daniel Moodey (or Moodry), Angilo Marshall, Richard Jones.

from p. 284, patent book 12:
Tarlton Woodson, Gent., 300 acs. (N. L.), Henrico Co; beg. at Roger Powel's cor., near br. of Beaverdam Creek; adj. John Woodson's land on Jenetoe Creek; 17 Aug. 1725, p. 230. 30 Shill.

Tarleton married Ursula Fleming on 3 Aug 1710 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. Ursula was born on 10 Dec 1687 in St Peters Parish, New Kent, Virginia, USA; died in 1761 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Judith Tarleton in 1680 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. Judith was born in 1660 in , New Kent, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Feb 1714 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1656, , , Virginia, USA

Col married Elizabeth Ferris on 21 Oct 1656 in Curles Plantation, Henrico, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Richard Ferris (Ferrar Fariss) and Sarah Hambleton (Ferris Ferrar)) was born on 8 May 1634 in Curles Plantation, Henrico, Virginia, USA; died in 1689 in Curles Plantation, Henrico, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Arrival: 1619, , , Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1624, Fleur de Hundred, Prince George, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Dr. John Woodson was born in 1586 in Devonshire, England. He matriculated at St. John's College in Oxford on March 1, 1604. He lived in Dorsetshire until 1619, when he and his wife Sarah decided to join an expedition to the new colony of Jamestown. On January 29th, 1619, the ship George sailed from England and landed the following April at Jamestown, Virginia. The ship carried Sir George Yeardley and a company of his men to the Virginia colony, where Sir George had been appointed the new governor. Among the passengers on the George was Dr. John Woodson, attached to Sir George's company as surgeon. His wife Sarah accompanied him, and was one of only a handful of women to voyage to the colony before 1620. At the time of their arrival the Jamestown colony was just over a dozen years old and numbered no more than 600 residents. Drought, disease, starvation, and war with the local tribe of Powhatan Indians meant that only about half the colonists who arrived between 1607 and 1624 survived.

Dr. John Woodson settled on Governor Yeardley's plantation, known as Flowerdew Hundred, which was about 15 miles up the James river from Jamestown. Dr. Woodson lived in a small, fortified compound on the plantation with about 10 other families. Dr. Woodson and his wife arrived at the start of the second major wave of colonists to Jamestown. Between 1619 and 1622, the number of colonists grew to about 1000. This tide of newcomers upset Chief Opechancanough of the Powhatan Confederacy of Indian tribes, who saw the influx as proof that the English planned to expand in to Powhatan lands.

The Massacre of 1622
On March 22, 1622 Chief Opechancanough launched a series of coordinated attacks on all the English plantations and towns developing around Jamestown. Powhatan Confederacy braves entered each settlement with trade goods, looking as if they wished to barter. When the colonists approached them, the braves grabbed any weapons or tools that were at hand and attacked the unprepared colonists. 347 people were killed, a quarter of the colony's total population. Only the most fortified positions survived. The fortifications at Flowerdew Hundred held and the Woodson family survived the attack.

The settlement at Flowerdew Hundred plantation was one of the few that was allowed to remain outside the walls of Jamestown after the 1622 attack. The next ten years involved attacks of retribution by the colonists. The time passed relatively peacefully for the Woodsons. Two sons were born to them, John in 1632 and Robert in 1634. In 1634 the colonists built a palisade defense wall across a six-mile wide strip of land between the James River and York River estuaries. This structure may have lulled the colonists in to a false sense of security. The Powhatan tribes were in no state to attack, having been nearly wiped out by English reprisal attacks. Emboldened, the colonists started building plantations outside the palisade around 1640. Chief Opechancanough was once again outraged by the English encroachment on his lands.

The Indian Massacre of 1644
An account of the Woodson family's ordeal during this attack was handed down through the Woodson family and first printed by a Woodson family genealogist in the early 19th century. On the morning of April 18, 1644, Thomas Ligon, a soldier in the Governor's employ, stopped by the Woodson's house seeking Dr. Woodson's services. Sarah Woodson informed him that her husband was out on his rounds through the nearby plantations, and Ligon elected to wait for the doctor to return. When Ligon saw the Indians approaching, he raised an alarm and told Sarah to hide inside with her two sons. Ligon grabbed his eight-foot muzzle-loaded rifle, and bracing his gun in the fork of a tree, fired on the approaching Indians. Meanwhile, Sarah gathered her boys together and desperately searched for a place to hide her 10 and 12 year old sons. She spied the root cellar where the family kept potatoes during the winter. She put Robert in the pit and covered it. Then she upturned a washtub and had John hide beneath it. With the boys hidden, she grabbed her husband's rifle and proceeded to load and fire upon the Indians from the window of the cabin. Before she could get off a second shot, the Indians had made their way around the back of the cabin and out of her sight. Then she heard sounds on the side of the cabin and on the roof. The Indians climbed atop the cabin and two of them attempted to come down the chimney. The fire had gone out, but she still had a pot of hot water sitting in the hearth. Thinking quickly, she upended the pot in to the fireplace just as the first Indian descended in to view, scalding his face. His companion then climbed out over his wounded fellow and came towards her. Sarah grabbed an iron roasting spit hanging next to the hearth and swung it at her attacker, knocking him senseless. Sarah grabbed her children from their hiding places and fled the house. She ran towards Ligon, who was still firing upon the Indians, who were now in retreat. Ligon struck another Indian as they fled. In total, he and Sarah killed seven of their attackers. As she watched the Indians flee back in to the woods, Sarah noticed a familiar horse wandering riderless through the field from which the Indians had attacked. It was her husband's horse. Running to it, she found her husband lying beside the road to their house, an arrow in his chest. He had evidently returned just as the Indians attacked, and having forgot his musket at home, was defenseless against them.

Dr. John Woodson was one of 500 colonists who died that fateful day in 1644. Although the number was even greater than that killed in the 1622 attack, it represented less than 10% of the colony's population in 1644. Nevertheless, the retribution by the colonists was severe. A counterattack on all the nearby Powhatan-allied tribes nearly wiped them out. In 1646 Chief Opechancanough was captured and brought to Jamestown. He was nearly 100 years old at the time. While being held at the stockade awaiting trial, he was killed by one of his guards in revenge for a family member killed in the 1644 attack. After the death of their leader, the Powhatan Confederacy fell apart, and the individual tribes were either confined to reservations or left the area.

Sarah Woodson remarried twice and outlived all her husbands. She died in 1660. Her sons both married and had large families. Their descendants passed on the story of Sarah saving her sons from the Indian massacre, and referred to themselves as being either "potato hole" or "washtub" Woodsons. The Woodson musket was also passed down from generation to generation, until in 1925 it was donated to the Virginia Historical Society, where it is on display in Richmond.

Dr. Woodson and Sarah were also one of the first recorded slaveholders in Colonial America. In 1619 a Dutch privateer ship called The White Lion, and an English privateer called the Treasurer, captured a Portuguese slave ship São João Bautista in the Caribbean. The privateers took the slaves aboard their ships and set sail for Jamestown to sell them to the colonists. The ships arrived at Point Comfort, on the James River, late in August 1619, with "20 and odd" Africans aboard the White Lion and at least a few more aboard the Treasurer. Dr. Woodson bought some of these Africans. In 1623 a census of the colony listed 23 Africans, six of whom appear in Dr. Woodson's household. Notably, Dr. Woodson's six African servants are the most of any colonist, and one of only two households that did not give names for their African servants on the 1623 census. The fact that all the other Africans listed in the census were named could be interpreted as them having been indentured at the time of the census, while Dr. Woodson's servants were slaves. This is similar to how slaves were counted but not named on future census. If so, then the record of Dr. Woodson's servants on this census could be considered the first recorded mention of African slaves in Colonial America.

It should be noted that in the early stages of Colonial America, Africans, though imported against their will, were not necessarily considered slaves as we understand it today. Instead, they were considered indentured servants, similar to poorer English who agreed to work off their passage to the colonies under the headright system. Several Africans were able to gain their freedom and become planters with headright contracts of their own. Anthony Johnson was one such man, transported prior to 1622. By 1651 he was a free man with 250 acres and five indentured servants of his own. But Anthony Johnson is the exception. By 1650 there was already some distinction made between indentured servants based on race. The records of the early colony in Virginia show a number of African indentured servants having "life terms" of servitude, while their white counterparts only served a limited seven-year term. This was the first step towards the racial, hereditary institution of slavery in America.

It is not clear what happened to Dr. Woodson's servants. There is no further record of them in his household (it is possible they were killed in the Indian attack of 1644). When Sarah died in 1660, her will did not mention any servants. Around 1670 the first laws defining slaves were enacted in the colony. When their son John Jr. wrote his will in 1699, he bequeathed several slaves to his children. The idea that one man could be another man's property was fully accepted by 1700 in Colonial Virginia.

Selected sources:
"Virginia's First Africans" from the Encyclopedia Virginia.
Archaeological Excavation of Flowerdew Hundred, by University of Virginia
J.C. Schreiber, "The Woodson Family"
Paul E. Pennebaker, "Dr. John Woodson"

Dr married Sarah Isabelle Winston. Sarah was born in 1600 in , Devonshire, England; died on 17 Jan 1660 in Fleur de Hundred, Prince George, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Richard married Sarah Hambleton (Ferris Ferrar) in 1637 in Jamestown, James City, Virginia, USA. Sarah was born in 1616 in , James City, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Feb 1690 in Curles Plantation, Henrico, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]