Thomas Meador

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]

1. John Meador was born on 31 Jul 1658 in Charles Parish, York, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Oct 1721 in , Essex, Virginia, USA.
2. Susanna Meador was born about 1659.
3. Susannah Meador was born in 1659 in , Essex, Virginia, USA; died in 1717 in , Essex, Virginia, USA.
4. Thomas Meador was born in 1660 in , Lancaster, Virginia, USA; died in 1718 in , Essex, Virginia, USA.
5. Mary Meador was born in 1660 in , , Virginia, USA; died in 1717.
6. Mary Meador was born about 1661.
7. Dorothy Meador was born in 1661 in , Essex, Virginia, USA; died in 1690 in , , Virginia, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: , Elizabeth City, Virginia, USA
• Arrival: 1636, , , Virginia, USA
• Married: 1651

Notes:

Thomas Meador was born on 24 Dec 1612 in Bristol Suffolk England, and died on 6 Jun 1655 in Essex County Virginia at age 42.

He arrived in the new world 1 Jun 1636 using the headright system. Thomas settled on land about 50 miles north of Jamestown on a part of the Charles River, Northumberland, Lancaster, Rappahannock, and Essex counties as each was established. He married, and between 1635-37 Thomas Jr. was born. Thomas did well raising tobacco and paid passage for others claiming their land.

The Will of Thomas Meads/Meador
The last will and testament of Tho. Meads (Meador) made the 5th. day of March (54.) Imp nt. I do bequeath my body to the Earth & my soul to God that gave it. I do make my wife my sole & absolute Excr. I do give to my wife and Daughter Mary this planation that I now live upon and all the land on this side of the Creek, and the sd. plantation not to be my Daughter's 'till after my wife's decease. I do give to my two sons Thos. & John Meads all the land that is on the west side of the Creek provided that they pay unto my two Daughters Margaret & Joyce out of the s. land two thousand pounds of tob. & cask at their day of marriage, and in case eithre of the(m) die that the sd. tob. to belong to the survivor. I do give unto my wife & sons & my Daughters above mentioned all my goods and chattels after my debts are paid and that they shall be equally divided amongst them. I do give to my Daughter Anne all the cattle that belongeth to her which is about five head of cattle, and likewise I do give unto her one shilling in money. This is my last will and testament as witness my hand the day & year above written.

Witness:
Thomas Mead
Rawleigh Travers
John Richardson
Edward Bradshaw (by his mark)
pbat 6 da. Juny 1655

GRANTEE Meads, Thomas. grantee. DATE 7 September 1654. Location: County location not given. Grantee(s): Meads, Thomas, and John Phillips. Description: 1000 acres on the south side of the Freshes of Rappa: River about 16 Miles above Nanzemum Towne. Source: Land Office Patents No. 3, 1652-1655, p. 376 (Reel 2).

Thomas married Sarah Unknown about 1635 in Virginia. Sarah was born about 1600 in England and died about 1655 in Virginia about age 55.

Children from this marriage were:
37 F i. Susannah Meador [15467] was born about 1636.
38 M ii. John Meador [15468] was born in 1637 in Lancaster County, Virginia.
+ 39 M iii. Thomas Meador Jr. [15045] was born in 1638 in Northumberland County, Virginia and died on 13 Apr 1662 in Rappahannock Crown Colony, Virginia at age 24.
40 F iv. Mary Meador [15052] was born about 1640. Mary married Richard Hobbs. Richard was born in 1644 and died in 1683 at age 39.
41 F v. Margaret Meador [15049] was born about 1642.
42 F vi. Joyce Meador [15050] was born about 1644 in Lancaster County, Virginia.
43 F vii. Anne Meador [15051] was born about 1646.

General Notes: SRC: Historical Southern Familes, Vol IV, Meadors-Meadows of Essex County, Virginia, pg 131

Thomas married Sarah Meador in 1630 in , , , England. Sarah (daughter of John Yates and Joane Gaither) was born in 1600 in , , , England; died in 1670 in , , Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ambrose married Elizabeth Wellstead in 1612 in , , , England. Elizabeth was born in 1580 in Bere Regis, Dorset, England; died in 1655 in , , , England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]