George Truitt Jr. ⁷⁹⁷

  Research Notes:

From: Edna Shannonhouse, Nov 1995

Was perhaps born in Western Britain, probably Wales or Cornwall.

Settled in Accomack Co, VA in 1652 or before. Some references say he arrived in Virginia in 1642. Was a Quaker or became one. Died in Accomack Co, VA during 1670; will dated 7/10/1670.
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Marriages:
(1) ALICE WATSON: George appears to have been married to Alice when he arrived in this country. There is some controversy over which children belonged to which wife, but "Stow Family and Related Lines" says that Alice died in 1663. Therefore, most of George's children had to be Alice's.
(Edna Shannonhouse says she subscribes to this theory.)
(2) FRANCES GRAVES: Daughter of Captain Thomas Graves II of Jamestown,

Says there also was a child named Tabitha.
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SOURCES:
- "Virginia Cavaliers and Pioneers" by Nugent, . Vol. 1, pp.327 and 405 . Vol. 11, p.118.
- Will of George Truitt: Accomack Co, VA , dated 7/10/1670, probated 10/16/1670. To son Henry, land at Onancock; son James, 200 acres Muddy Creek and 50 acres of marsh; son George, (200 acres of) land adjoining James and 50 acres marsh; son John, (200 acres of) land at Muddy Creek and 50 acres of marsh; son Job, 100 acres called Peninsula or Turitt's Hill Choice and 50 acres adjoining John and 100 acres marsh. To the rest: household goods, etc. estate to be managed by sons George and Henry until all children reach 18 years of age.
- "Stow Family and Allied Branches"
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From: Ann Hamor Jun 1996

He signed a will on 16 Oct 1670 in Accomack, VA.
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From the research work of Ronnie Truitt of Walhalla, SC; received from Dale Truitt Jul 1996
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From. Sandra Boucher Nov 1996

The Truitts were evidently from the north of England, right on the border with Scotland, in Northumberland and Cumberland. Sandra Boucher and her husband found them while researching in the County Records Office at Carlisle, Cumberland (Cumbria) many years ago. The name was even spelled as TRUITT in the 1100s. They owned 'the farm of Carlisle'. Apparently they somehow got into the bad graces of King John, so that's why they were written up ... and thus they may have had their lands taken away from them .
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Data from M. Spainhour obtained at LDS FHC indicates George Truitt, Sr. was born 1620 in Kent, England; married Alice Watson in 1651; and died in 1670 in VA.

According to Hotten's "Ship Lists" book, a George Trevas age 18 (probably George Truitt, The Immigrant) sailed from Gravesend near London on August 1, 1635 on a ship named "Elizabeth" bound for Virginia.

In 1640 George settled in North Hampton Co, VA.

In 1641 he married Frances Pennington in Accomac, VA; she was born 1620 in Accomac County.

In 1651 George patented 200 acres from 4 headrights that belonged to first wife Frances.
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From: Vernon Skinner Nov 1996

In 1653 he was convicted of fornication, which probably occurred because his Quaker marriage was not recognized by Virginia, and therefore, according to the government, he was living with an unmarried woman.

On 3/24/1655 George Truett patented 300 acres at Nandua Creek in Northampton County for the transport of 6 persons, including Alice Watson.

On 1/26/1656 (OS), George Truett witnessed the will of Wackawamp, The Great Emperor of the Eastern Shore.

On 11/3/1660 he obtained a 500 ac land grant at Anancock in Northampton County, VA.

On 11/13/1660 George Truett and John Wise were cited to oversee the estate of Anthony Jenden. George Truett and Alice Truett (her mark "R") witnessed a deed in Accomac co. He wrote his will on 7/10/1670, and it was entered for probate on 10/16/1670 in Accomac County (Folio 168,Deeds and Wills 1664-1671, Accomac County, Virginia). [V. Skinner,11/11/96]

In 1663 Geo Truitt, age 46, was mentioned in a deposition (Houston:"Colonial Residents of Accomac").
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From: Sandr Boucher Nov 1996

The TRUITT/TYRWHITT family originated in Northumberland, England, right up on the border with Scotland. They were there well before William the Conqueror. Most all of the IGI entries are for Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, etc., with one or two "strays" elsewhere. I recently noted in the IGI a 1989 entry for GT I giving his birthplace as Kent, England (1617), and I am trying to contact the contributor of this info

George was the father of 10 known children.

On 10/16/1670 his Will was proven; amongst other things it said he had a servant named Robert Spencer.
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From: Betty Evenson Oct 1997

Job's parents: George Truitt, b. abt 1620, in England emigrated to Virginia, m Alice Watson (which was his second wife who was b in Engl, dau of John Watson)
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From: Rick Largaespada Aug 1998

I just found an old book that we bought one year while vacationing on Chincoteague Is., Va. It is ASSATEAGUE AND CHINCOTEAGUE AS I REMEMBER THEM by Lillian Mears Rew. I can't find any indication of when it was written but I think it maybe was done in the 1970's. It is filled with old photos and articles about folks who lived there. It also has a copy of the will of Wackewamp, the Indian Emporer of the Eastern Shore and depositions by the three witnesses, George Parker, Randall Renett, and George Truitt on Apr. 22,1657. This book has no Table of Contents or Index but I will gladly look
for any surnames if anybody is interested in this area.
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From: Charlene Hoffman Dec 2001

(Cavaliers and Pioneers-Virginia Land Patents 1623-1800, page 119, Nell Marion Nugent ) Christopher Kirke, 300 acres, Accomac Co. at Naswateche Creek. 20 Oct.1640 page 698 . Begin at East side of land of Garrett Anderson and 250 acres for his owne per adv. and 250 acres for transporting five persons, John Delby, John Guire, Christopher Barker, Henry Morecraft, George Trevett. renewed 1643 .
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From: Nancy Hamilton Oct 2003

Is there anyone that might be researching the Christopher Kirke family? Christopher died in 1652. Did Alice Kirke, his widow, remarry? The will mentioned son Christopher, and daughters Mary and Rebecca who were all under age. In the information it also mentions that Alice Kirke gave by deed of gift to her godson, Henry Truhett, the son of George. Does anyone have more info about any of the above?
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From: June 2004

Prepared by Richard W. Kesler - 8/7/96 (Rev. 6/15/02) Francis (or Frances) Graves An article prepared by the writer was published in the October 1995 issue of The Graves Family Newsletter. The article suggested that credible evidence exists to support Mrs. Mason Jones' hypothesis that Francis Graves was daughter rather than son of Capt. Thomas Graves. Attention is focused only on 10, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33, 34 and 35 below, one might conclude that the same 200 acre tract of land was involved in each instance, that the Francis Trewett of 26, 27 and 33 below was the Orphan Francis Graves of 25 below, and that the orphan was therefore daughter rather than son of Capt. Thomas Graves. Before reaching these conclusions, however, we should examine carefully all other evidence available to us. Such a careful examination has led the writer to believe that Francis Graves was son of Capt. Thomas Graves just as several published sources unanimously say that he was.
The writer and others have qualified their line of descent from Capt. Thomas Graves through his presumed son Francis Graves with the Jamestowne Society. That organization's requirements for documentation are quite strict. The writer has also joined the Order of Descendants of Ancient Planters on this line. From the information presented herein, the writer does not find justification for disqualify this line with either organization.
The available evidence follows.
1)Thomas Graves came to Virginia in the "Mary and Margaret" and was listed among those arriving in the second supply, 1608 (APP325)
2)At some time following his arrival [possibly around 1609], while on an exploring expedition with Captain John Smith, he was captured by the Indians and was rescued by Ensign Thomas Savage (APP325, 15W[2]385 & Wise28)
3)About June of 1618, Capt. Graves, an ancient officer of the Company, was placed in charge of Smythe's Hundred (APP326 & 15W[2]385)
4)Capt. Thomas Graves was a member of the First Legislative Assembly in America for Smythe's Hundred when they met at Jamestown, 30 Jul 1619 (2V60 & 15W[2]385)
5)At a Quarter Court held for Virginia on 20 Nov 1622, a patent for land was received by Thomas Graves of Doublin in the Realme of Ireland, Gent., for agreeing to transport 100 persons to VA (2Kingsbury132, APP326 & 15W[2]386)
6)On the 16 Feb 1623 "Lists of the Livinge & Dead in Virginia at the Eastern Shore", Thomas Graves was listed as living (APP68-71, 15W[2]386 & Wise37)
7)On 8 Feb 1624, Capt. Graves was questioned before the General Court of Colonial Virginia (15W[2]386)
8) On 11 Jan 1626, Capt. Tho. Graves was living in Virginia (15W[2]386)
9) On 8 Feb 1627, Capt. Thomas Graves was appointed commander of the "Plantation of Accawmacke" (APP326 & 15W[2]387)
10) On 14 Mar 1628, Capt. Thomas Graves was granted "... two hundred acres of Land as his first divident and on a second division to be augmented and doubled to him and his said heires and assignes when he or they shall sufficiently have peopled and planted the land situate and lying on the Eastern side of the shore of the bay of Chesepeiake and abutting Southerly on land of Capt Henry Fleet and thence extending Northerly along the banks by the water side one hundred poles Westerly upon the said Bay and Easterly directly striking into the maine Woods ...", "... Yeilding and paying for every fifty acres of land herein by these presents given and granted yearly at the feast of St Mchaell the Archangell the fee rent of one shilling Provided always that if the said Thomas Graies his heires or assignes doe not plante and seate upon the said lands within the time and course of three years now next ensuing the date hereof That the it shall and may be lawful for any Adventurer or planter to make Choice of and seat upon the same ...", by virtue of his adventure of 25 Pounds paid to the Virginia Company - Patent Book No. 1, Part I, p. 72 (1C&P13, APP326 & 15W[2]387)
11)On 24 Mar 1629/30, Capt. Thomas Graies was one of seven persons chosen to oversee the construction of a fort at Poynt Comfort (15W[2]388)
12)Capt. Thomas Graves was Burgess for Accomac in 1629/30 and 1632 (2V70, 15W[2]388 & Wise343)
13)In November, 1631, Col. William Claiborne was recorded as purchasing from Captain Thomas Graves 2 lb. of powder for 5 shillings (15W[2]388)
14)On 7 Jan 1632, Capt. Thomas Graves headed the list of Commissioners [Justices] at the first extant court of record held for Acchawmacke (APP326 & Wise43)
15)On 9 Feb 1635, Hannah Scarbrough of Accomac, widow, sold to Captain Thomas Graves, Esq., one cow and calf (15W[2]388)
16)At Court held at Accawmacke 14 Sep 1635, Captain Thomas Graves was appointed one of the first vestrymen of Hungar's Parish, and he attended the first meeting of the vestry on 29 Sep 1635 (APP326, 15W[2]388, 1Ames43 & Wise257)
17)In Nov 1635, Capt. Thomas Graves witnessed a deed in Accawmack Co. (APP326 & 15W[2]389)
18)On 28 Nov 1635, Capt. Thomas Purifye (Purefoy), Esqr. received 100 acs. Eliz. Citty Co., due by assignment from Capt. Thomas Graves by order of court 29 Feb 1631, to whom it was due as his pers. divident as being an Ancient Planter (1C&P36)
19) At court held at Accawmack on 5 Jan 1635/6, a suit was entered against a "servant to Mrs. Graves" (APP326 & 1Ames47)
20) On 20 May 1636, reference was made to the land of Mrs. Graves (15W[2]389)
21) On 10 Jul 1637, William Cotton, Clerke, patented 350 acs. bet. two maine branches of Hungars Cr., 100 acs. for his own and the per. adv. of his wife, Ann Graves & 250 acs. for trans. of 5 pers. (1C&P59, Wise263 & APP327)
22) On 9 Aug 1637, John Graves was granted 600 acs. Eliz. Citty Co. due in right of descent from his father Thomas Graves whoe trans. at his own cost: himself, Katherine Graves his wife, John Graves the patentee & Thomas Graves, Junr. & 8 pers (1C&P62) 23) On 28 Dec 1638, Henry Penington received 100 pounds of tobacco and a cow calf for the use of Francis Graves in full satisfaction for a parcel of land that Henry Wilson bought that did belong unto Francis Graves the cow calf and tobacco being paid by Alice Wilson widow - Northampton Co. Will Book I, p. 140 (15W[2]389 & 1Ames145) 24) At Northampton Court 10 Feb 1643/44, "Know all men by these presents that wee Nathaniell Oldis of Kicoughtan gentleman and William Parry of Kicoughton aforesaid doe by these presents as our Acts and deeds for us and either of us our heyres and Assignes promise Assume Covenante and agree to and with Mr. William Cotton Clerk Captayne William Stone and Capt. Roper the late administrators of the estate of John Graves and Thomas Graves deceased upon their Relinquishing the said Commission of Administration and leaving the same unto the sayde William parry and the full power thereof to secure save harmless and at all tymes keepe indemnyfyed the said Mr. Cotton Capt. Stone and Capt. Roper of and from any molestation trouble dammage and incumbrance that may hereafter grow or Arise or any way happen unto them or either of them for or by reason of the said Estate or in or concerning the same or concerning the bond entered into by the said Mr. Cotton Capt. Stone Capt Roper with security for the saveing harmles and indempnifying the Court upon the graunt of the same For the performance of which our Act and deede wee and Either of us have hereby firmly bound our heyres and Assignes in the full Summe of two hundred pounds sterling upon forfeiture of these presents to bee paid unto all demaunds unto the said Mr. Cotton Capt. Stone Capt Roper their heyres or Assignes In witness of all which wee have hereunto put our hands this 30th day of Aprill 1640" - Orders, Deeds, Wills, etc., No. 2, 1640-45, f. 179 (2Ames330 & APP327) 25) On 28 Nov 1642, a certificate was granted unto Francis Graves, orphan of Capt. Thomas Graves deceased, for transportation of Richard Cainhoe, Capt. Tho: Graves, Mrs. Fraunces Jefferd, William Deaton and Richard Cox - Northampton Co. Will Book #2, p. 116 (15W[2]390, Marshall12 & 2Ames223) 26) On 11 Nov 1645, a certificate was granted unto Geo: Trewett in right of his wife Francis Trewett deceased for 200 acres of land for transportation of Richard Cainhoe, Fraunces Jefferd, William Deaton, Richard Cox - Northampton Co. Will Book No. III, f. 4 (Marshall12) 27) On the same date, Hen: Pedendon deposed that Francis Trewett lying sick at the deponent's house said that her husband George Trewett might sell his land at the Old Plantation as he pleased (Ibid, f. 5, & Marshall17) 28) Mrs. P. W. Hiden cited Winthrop's History of New England, "Addenda", Vol. 2, p. 342, in regard to Capt. Thomas Graves, "He and his wife and divers of his children died and his whole family was ruined about a year after. Only one daughter escaped who being left a maid with a good estate married after to that apostate Nathaniel Eaton who having spent all she had fled away and left her miserable. 1646. That Ann Graves was a widow and not a maid when she married Nathaniel Eaton has been proved, and we have Francis Doughty's own statement that she had kinspeople in Va. and was not alone. We conclude, therefore, that Winthrop was correct in making her the daughter of Thomas Graves, but wrong in identifying her father with the Mass. emigrant." (2GVF [W]769 & Wise260-63) 29) On 29 Jun 1647, inventory of the estate of Henry Peddenton was returned, referring to his widow Mary Peddenton, admtrx., and to his son Henry Peddenton, Jr. - Northampton Co. Deeds, Wills, etc., III, No. 3, 1645-1651 (Marshall20). He died intestate (Torrence330) 30) On 20 Nov 1648, Francis Graves made a promise to his wife Jane of a gift of 2 heifers and a calf to her children John and Jane Maguffe, and Eliza Davenport; John to get the heifer calf Rose, and Eliza to get the cow calf Lely (sp?). Recorded 30 Jan 1648/49. (Essex Co. Deed Book 6, p. 57, as cited in letter dated June 7. 1998 from S. P. Derieux to Mr. Graves) 31) On 24 Jul 1651, George Truhett was granted 200 acres of land in Northampton Co. near the Old Plantation Creek, bounded on the Western part by the main bay, on the Southern by land of Jonathan Gills, on the Northern by the land of Geo. Smith, running Easterly into the woods, the said land being due unto the said Geo. Truhett for the transportation of four persons into the Colony; Richd. Cainhoe, Fran. Jeffords, Wm. Deaton and Richard Cox - Patent Book No. 2, 1643-1651, Reel 2, p. 327 (1C&P217) 32) On 11 Nov 1651, William Parry (Perry) was granted 550 acs. of land in Northumberland Co. for the trans. of 11 persons including Thomas Graves, Katherine his wife, John Graves and Thomas Graves, Junr. (1C&P221-2) 33) On 1 Sep 1663, William Melling was granted a patent for 200 acres of land in Northampton Co., according to the ancient bounds thereof, the said land being formerly granted unto Frances Trevitt and lately found to escheate to his Majesty as by an inquisition dated 17 Apr 1663 - Patent Book No. 5, 1661-1665, Reel 3, p. 448 (1C&P539) 34) On 20 Jan 1663/4, Melling sold 100 acres at the East end of the 200 acres to Mr. Robert Hutchinson - Northampton Co. Bk. IX:119-20 (1C&P534 & Whitelaw141) 35) On 27 Jun 1665, Melling sold to William Sterling as 120 acres the balance of the 200 acres formerly belonging to Capt. Graves and now escheated to him the said William Melling, bounded Southerly on the land of Jonathan Gills, Westerly on Chesapeake Bay, Northerly on William Sterling, running Easterly into the woods - Northampton Co. Bk. IX:119-20 (Whitelaw140-42) 36) On 4 Oct 1672, reference was made to the "land of Graves" in a deed in Rappa. Co. (2C&P116) 37) On 20 Oct 1672, Francis Graves patented 714 acres of land in Rappa. Co., on S. side sd. Riv., part on branches of Gilson's Cr. & part in Hodgins Cr; adj. Mr. Beverley, near Button Bridge (Range); over the new Road &c., for trans. of 15 persons - Patent Book No. 6, p. 436 (2C&P120) 38) On 6 Mar 1674/5, Thomas Graves and Jeffery Graves, sonnes of Tho. Graves, Senr., dec'd., were granted land in Gloucester Co., Abbington Par., due them under the will of their father (2C&P160) 39) On 11 Jul 1674, Francis Graves witnessed a deed from Robert and Thomas Moss, and Rebecca and Elizabeth their wives, assigning rights in _____ to John Wood. (Private correspondence) 40) By 5 Aug 1691, Francis Graves was deceased in [Old] Rappahannock Co. (APP330 & 16W[2]650) There are six fundamental reasons for believing that Francis Graves was son and not daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves. The first fundamental reason concerns 25 and 26 above. The hypothesis that the Francis Graves of 25 above was female is based on the suppositions that 1) The land that Francis Trewett (Truitt, Truhett, etc.) said that her husband George Trewett could sell as he pleased in 27 above was the land to which the certificate of 25 above was applicable, that
2) The land to which the certificate of 26 above was applicable was the 200 acre tract of 10 above so that
3) The Francis Trewett of 27 above was therefore daughter of the Capt. Thomas Graves of 10 above. The supposition is that it was by this mechanism that George Trewett came into possession of the 200 acre tract of 10 above. Why would Frances Trewett be relinquishing her dower rights to land for which her husband George Trewett had just that same day received only a certificate and had not yet received a patent? Trewett didn't receive a patent to the 200 acre tract until 24 Jul 1651 (30 above). He certainly did not intend to sell land to himself as would have been the case if the relinquishment of 26 above was effected so that he could receive the certificate of 25 above. The obvious answer is that the land to which Francis Trewett was relinquishing dower rights, which was of unspecified acreage, was a different tract from the 200 acre tract that was described by metes and bounds in 10, 31 and 35 above. The hypothesis that Frances Graves was daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves is based on the supposition that the land that she was relinquishing in 26 above was the 200 acres of 10 above. Proving the supposition wrong proves the hypothesis wrong. The second fundamental reason for believing that Francis Graves was son of Capt. Thomas Graves is found in 25 above. Two references (15W[2]390 & Marshall112) name only four headrights in connection with the certificate, omitting Capt. Thomas Graves as one of the headrights. These references are books, which are often unreliable. Primary source documents such as those cited in 25, 26 and 27 above are reliable. Capt. Tho: Graves is clearly mentioned as one of five headrights in the certificate of 25 above, a photocopy of the original court record of which was obtained by the writer from the Clerk of Court of Northampton Co. Two publications (2Ames223 & 2GVFW[2]738) correctly include Capt. Tho: Graves as one of five headrights. This is the third mention of Capt. Thomas Graves as a headright. A person apparently could be claimed as a headright each time he returned to VA from a trip to England. This headright probably resulted from such a return trip.
No quantity of land is specified in the certificate, but at 50 acres per headright, five headrights corresponds to 250 acres. It is not credible that an individual who was entitled to receive 250 acres of land would settle for receiving only 200 acres. If Francis Graves ever received a patent for land based on the certificate, the patent should have been for 250 acres. A cursory review by the writer of certificates issued during that period of time revealed no instance in which the applicable land patent, when it was issued, was for any acreage other than the exact multiple of 50 times the number of headrights. We lack positive proof that Francis Graves or anyone else ever patented the 250 acres of land to which he was entitled by the certificate. The certificate apparently simply expired by default. The hypothesis that Frances Graves was daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves is based on the supposition that the certificate for the 200 acre tract of land of 24 above was issued to a female Frances Graves. The evidence is that no patent was ever issued to anybody based on this certificate. If any patent was ever issued, it was for 250 and not for 200 acres. Proving the supposition wrong again proves the hypothesis wrong. The third fundamental reason for believing that Francis Graves was son of Capt. Thomas Graves is found in 25, 26 and 31 above. That the same four headrights were referenced in 25, 26 and 31 above [plus a fifth headright in 25 above] does not mean necessarily that the same 200 acre tract of land was involved in each instance. Headrights apparently were negotiable in those days in the same sense that stocks and bonds are today. We know that headrights were often sold or otherwise transferred or manipulated sometimes fraudulently. For example, the same eight headrights were used to patent land in two different counties at two different times by two different persons in 22 and 31 above. The possession of headrights by an individual signified only that he had acquired the headrights by some means fair or foul and that he was entitled to receive a land patent of 50 acres for each headright. Headrights were often accumulated so that larger blocks of land could be patented sometimes years after the individual headrights were imported. The fact that the same four headrights were mentioned in 25, 26 and 31 above [plus a fifth headright in 25 above], does not prove that the same 200 acre tract of land was involved in the three instances. Five headrights were definitely mentioned in the certificate of 25 above, while only four headrights were mentioned in certificate of 26 above and the patent of 31 above, on the photocopies of the original court records that the writer obtained from Northampton Co. Even if the same four headrights had been involved in all three instances, the same 200 acre tract of land may not necessarily have been involved in each instance because of the ease with which headrights could be sold or otherwise transferred and/or manipulated. The hypothesis that Frances Graves was daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves is based on the supposition that the land applicable to the four headrights of 25 above was the same land as the land applicable to the four [actually five] headrights of 25 above. We have explained why this supposition and hypothesis could be wrong. The discussion has so far been rather complicated. It becomes even more complicated and convoluted in discussing the fourth fundamental reason why Francis Graves was son of Capt. Thomas Graves. This reason concerns the circumstances surrounding the death of Capt. Thomas Graves. John Graves, son of Capt. Thomas Graves, probably was born in England possibly by 1605 (APP327). He apparently was eldest son and heir-at-law because on 9 Aug 1637 he received the grant of 600 acres of land in Elizabeth City Co. mentioned in 22 above, where he established his home. His father, mother and brother Thomas Graves, Jr. came to VA on the same ship with him (22 & 31 above). He was deceased by 30 Apr 1640 when William Parry [Perry] gave bond to indemnify his former administrators [his three brothers-in-law] (24 above).
Thomas Graves, Jr., son of Capt. Thomas Graves probably was born in England. A Thomas Graves patented 300 acres of land in Westmoreland Co. on 2 Mar 1656, in Gloucester Co., 55 acres and 240 acres on 20 Mar 1657, and in Lancaster Co. 700 acres on 20 Mar 1661, which he sold on 14 May 1662 (1C&P344,358,416,417,437). This Thomas Graves probably was deceased by 6 Mar 1674/5 (APP327 & 2C&P160) [See discussion later.]
Ann Graves, daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves, born 1620, married successively three ministers of Hungars Parish, Accawmack. She married (1), before 10 Jul 1637, the Rev. William Cotton, who on that date patented land in right of his wife Ann Graves (22 above). He left will, Aug 1640-29 Dec 1646, naming "Brethrin-in-Lawe Capt. William Stone and Capt. William Roper as overseers". She married (2), by 1642, the Rev. Nathaniel Eaton. She married (3), as his (2) wife, the Rev. Francis Doughty. She died in Charles Co., MD, will, 26 Dec 1682-18 Jul 1683 (24 above and APP327-30). Verlinda Graves, daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves, married, before 1640, Capt. William Stone. He moved to MD and in Aug 1648 was commissioned Lieutenant Governor of that colony. She died in MD, will, 3 Mar 1674/5-13 Jul 1675 (Ibid). Katherine Graves, daughter of Capt. Thomas Graves, married, before 1640, (1) Capt. William Roper and (2) Lt. Thomas Sprigg. She died before 1 Sep 1668 (Ibid). Francis Graves, youngest child of Capt. Thomas Graves, probably was born about 1630. Since he did not come on the ship with his brothers, he probably was born in VA. He married, by 20 Nov 1648, Jane ____, a widow with three children by a previous marriage or marriages. He died in Essex Co. by 1691 (40 above & APP330 & 16W[2]650).
Rev. William Cotton married the sister Ann whom he transported to VA with himself (22 above). Francis Graves' other two sisters Verlinda and Katherine also did not come on the ship with his brothers which suggests that they, too, probably were born in VA.
Capt. Thomas Graves probably was unmarried when he first arrived in VA in 1608. He probably was married, and his sons John and Thomas and his daughter Ann probably were born, during one or more of the several trips that he apparently made back to England. Since he survived the "Starving Time" in the winter of 1609/10 when nearly nine of every ten settlers died [Dabney18], he probably was in England at that time. He may have returned to England in 1609 on the same ship with Capt. John Smith. We have no further record of him until 1618 (3 above) so that he may have been in England for part or for all of the period of from 1609 to 1618. He may have been holding some public office and/or been engaged in business in Ireland in 1622 [5 above]. It appears that he did not bring his wife and two sons to VA until after 1623 because in 1623 he was living alone at the Eastern Shore (6 above). He died in Northampton Co. between 28 Nov 1635 (17 above) and 5 Jan 1636/6 (18 above). It is evident from 24 above that both a John Graves and a Thomas Graves had died by 30 Apr 1640 and that the three sons-in-law of Capt. Thomas Graves were the administrators of the estates of both the John Graves and the Thomas Graves. The deceased John Graves clearly was the eldest son of Capt. Thomas Graves. Published sources seem unanimously to accept the deceased Thomas Graves as Capt. Thomas Graves, and to identify the Thomas Graves, Junr. of 22 above as the Tho. Graves, Senr. of 37 above. The hypothesis can be advanced, however, that the deceased Thomas Graves of 24 above was Thomas Graves, Jr., son of Capt. Thomas Graves. Sons John and Thomas, Jr. of Capt. Thomas Graves are believed to have been born in England and to have been brought to VA by their father by 9 Aug 1637 when the eldest son John patented land in Elizabeth City Co. (22 above). He owned land and was living in that county as early as 12 Oct 1635 (1C&P32,43). He probably was at least 21 years old in 1635 so that he was born not later than about 1614. We have no record that any Thomas Graves patented any land in the interval of some 21 years between the death of Capt. Thomas Graves in 1635 and the patent of 2 Mar 1656 (37 above).
We can't pinpoint the birth date of Thomas Graves, Jr., but it is reasonable to expect that he was born by about 1619 so that he would have been at least about 37 years old in 1656. That was rather old for a man to begin to patent land in those days.
This suggests that the Thomas Graves who began patenting land in 1656 may not have been son of Capt. Thomas Graves. He may have been the Tho. Graves that was imported by Stephen Gill in 1651 (Greer134). Or he may have been son of The Rich. Graves that was imported by Robert Pitts in 1637 or the Richard Graves that was imported by John Neale also in 1637 (Ibid).
If Thomas Graves, Jr., son of Capt. Thomas Graves, was still alive on 30 Apr 1640, why was he not appointed as administrator of his father's estate rather than his three brothers-in-law? He would have been the eldest surviving son and heir apparent. It was customary to appoint the heir apparent as administrator. It was also customary to appoint a resident of the county in which the deceased resided as the deceased's administrator.
Thomas Graves, Jr. apparently was not then living in Northampton Co. because he apparently was not appointed administrator. Was he living in another county, or was he, too, already deceased? The evidence in the writer's opinion supports his being deceased. We know from 24 above that William Parry (Perry) had taken over the administration of the estates of the John Graves and Thomas Graves by 1640. It was his job under the laws of primogeniture then prevailing to assign all of the land in each estate to the eldest surviving son. If the Thomas Graves mentioned in 24 above was Capt. Thomas Graves, then the land should have devolved to his son John Graves. The son John Graves was, however, then deceased, so the land should have devolved instead to the then eldest surviving son Thomas Graves, Jr. If the son Thomas Graves, Jr. was also deceased by then as hypothesized above, then the land should have devolved to the son Francis Graves, who would then have been the eldest surviving son.
The land of 23 above obviously had devolved to Francis Graves before his three brothers-in-law had relinquished the administration of the estates of John and Thomas Graves to William Perry. The record does not tell us definitely who the administrator(s) of Capt. Thomas Graves were who assigned this land to Francis Graves. The same rules of primogeniture discussed in the preceding paragraph should still apply, however, in that situation.
If the Francis Graves of 25 above was female as hypothesized by Mrs. Jones, then the land should have devolved under the primogeniture laws to all the surviving sisters, or perhaps only to Ann (Graves) Cotton, the apparently eldest surviving daughter, and not to Frances Graves, the apparently youngest surviving daughter.
Francis Graves apparently continued to live in Northampton Co. following his father's death until about 1642 according to 23 and 25 above. His mother apparently died or remarried soon after 20 May 1636 (19 above) since her name did not appear in Northampton Co. records after that date. He was married and was living in Essex Co. by 1648.
It appears from 23 above that Henry Pedenden assumed the guardianship of Francis Graves during the period of from 1636 to 1638 soon after his father [and mother?] had died, when Francis was only about six to eight years old.
Winthrop, as cited by Mrs. P. W. Hiden in 28 above, suggested that misfortune was befalling the family of Capt. Thomas Graves when he died. As a consequence, Francis Graves' guardian Henry Pedenden may have had to sell anything that Francis owned of value including the parcel of land of 23 above, and any rights that Francis may have had to the land applicable to 5 above or to the 200 acres of 10 above, to support Francis during his minority, so that he would not become a ward of the State. It is not clear from the record why Henry Pedenden was selected as guardian of Francis Graves in 1636/1638. His three sisters apparently were then married and still living in Northampton Co. Each sister moved eventually to MD where each one died (APP328-330).
His brother John was living in Elizabeth City Co. (1C&P32,38,43). We don't know where his brother Thomas, if he was still alive, was then living; a Thomas Graves was living in Gloucester Co. by 1657 (1C&P358). It is probable that neither of the brothers John or Thomas was still living in Northampton Co. Supposedly, none of his siblings or their spouses wanted to take on the responsibility of caring for an infant brother [or sister]. That the administration of the above-mentioned estates was turned over to William Perry in 1640 tends to support this supposition.
"Neither of the Graves sons remained here to claim the land and in this year a patent for it was granted to George Truhett." (Whitelaw140 & 30 above). The death of Thomas Graves, Jr. by 1640 as hypothesized above would support this statement and the statement by Winthrop that misfortune was befalling the family of Capt. Thomas Graves.
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From: Pat Truitt June 2004

Disclaimer: 1. Most of the information about George Truitt, Sr. down to Tabitha Truitt, who married John Parker came from, Carol A. Wilson (GenForm.family tree maker). 2. Bob Carlisle, rzcii@worldnet.att.net, gave the birth dates for George and Alice's' children. 3. Gail Walczyk - Mar 30, 2003... Entries from Walczyk, Frank V., Northampton County VA - Orders, Deeds & Wills 1651-1654 Book IV, (Coram NY: Peters Row.) - - - - - - - -- NOTE: THIS GEORGE IS THE FATHER OF GEORGE, WIFE ELEANOR. (p 1) Know all men by these present that I, John Rogers, of the County of Northampton, joyner, do here by bind, consign and make full delivery of the full and whole share of my part of the boat and two cows and calves into the custody and possession of George Truhett. (Until such time that full satisfaction is made by both parties of the boat's payment) that the said George Truhett is engaged for to Mr. Masee of Wickocomocoe (ship carpenter) living at the Dividing Creek; and in case of non performance by me John Rogers, it shall be lawful for the said George Truhett to keep and enjoy the above said cattle. (As his own proper goods and estate) for the satisfaction of that bill of 190 lb. of tobacco. Where of I confess myself to be liable to pay 050. This debt is to be satisfied by the 10 November next; insuring the date here of as witness my hand this 23rd of April 1654. August 2nd 1651 (p 28) These presents testify that Alice the wife of Christopher Kirke of the Upper Parish of Northampton County, doth this day freely give unto her Godson, Henry the son of George Truhett one cow calf with the increase for and toward a stock the said calf is colored black, marked slit on the right ear a hole on the left ear and underbitten on the left ear. This deed of gift is assented unto by my husband Christopher Kirke and confirmed this thirteenth day of June 1652 as my mark subscribed doth testified. Alice Kirke 28 July 1652 (p 72)
Upon consideration of the suit this day commissioned by Mrs. Ann the wife of Capt. Thomas Johnson [Senior] upon the action of conspiracy agt one John Cobb for the uninst. scandal and problem aspiration he hath divulge agt. the said Mrs. Jane the wife of Capt. Tho. Johnson (now his Mrs.). It is thought fit and ordered (as a inst. and due coinsure of his desert) that the said John Cobb shall forthwith receive (upon his naked shoulders) ten lashes, and pay charge in the suit atr exrc. Its further thought fit and ordered that Alice the wife of George Truhett shall make public acknowledgment (in cur) of the uninst. scandal and in jury by her spoken and acted agt. the said Mrs. Jane Johnson. Otherwise to remain in the sheriff his custody until the same be accordingly performed and that she pay all charge (on her behalf) in the suit. Atr exrc.
It is ordered by the court that John MacHeele shall make his appearance at the next court to answer what shall be obstructed agt. him concerning a scandal published agt. Mrs. Jane the wife of Capt. Tho. Johnson. NOTE: IT SEEMS THAT SCANDALIOUS RUMORS WERE SPREAD ABOUT JANE JOHNSON WHO IS NOW THE WIFE OF THOMAS JOHNSON (THE YOUNGER) ANN JOHNSON WIFE OF THOMAS JOHNSON (THE ELDER) BRINGS IT INTO COURT. ALICE THE WIFE OF GEORGE TRUHETT IS IN THE SHERIFF'S CUSTODY AND WILL REMAIN THERE UNTIL SHE MAKES A PUBLIC STATEMENT IN COURT THAT SHE WAS IN ERROR. JOHN COBB IS GIVEN 12 LASHES ON HIS BACK FOR BEING INVOLVED; JOHN MACHEELE IS ORDERED TO APPEAR IN THE NEXT COURT IN REGARD TO HIS INVOLVEMENT. Primo die mensis February 1652 (p 133) Where as George Truhett is presented to the court by the jury of inquest for incontinence with his wife before marriage and hath made his humble submission to the court (imploring their favorable consure) its therefore ordered that the said George Truhett be fined two hundred pounds of tobacco, pay court charges and put in security for payment there of (at the next crop) atr exec NOTE: GEORGE TRUHETT WAS BROUGHT INTO COURT FOR HAVING SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH HIS WIFE BEFORE THEY WERE MARRIED. 30th of January 1653 (p 184) The depo: of George Truhett taken in open court at Occahannocke 30th of January 1653 sayeth that about the last of February this present year he went to receive one hog head of tobacco of John Gussall negro and having opened the hog head to review and the middle cake, it was rotten and having viewed that he desired this dep't to look upon another and he found that as bad as the other and left both and further saith not. George Truhett ----------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Comments by Bob Truitt:

Fuller detail of George and Alice trouble with the law. "Northampton County VA-Orders, Deeds, & Wills 1651-1654- Book IV transcribed by Frank V. Walczk records all that you wrote about. George and Alice, while married in the Quaker fashion, were not about to be married by a Church of England cleric as the law required. Again Alice's Quakerism, whom the "upper" class had trouble with, brought Alice to Court. The Quakers would not bow or curtsy to a "better" person when they met them. Non-quakers would. Also remember that George, along with other Nothampton county Quakers, was part of the first religious persecution trail in America. Maria Belle married twice: 1st to Thomas J. Layton b. 1831 and then to Lemuel Baker- Maria was the youngest of 6 children. Caleb P b. 1822---James H. b. 1828--Rbenzer b. abt. 1833---John K b. 1833 ---Maria 1835. Her father was Nehemiah b. 1800 d. 1835 Nehemiah was 1st born of 4-- Job b.1801---Littleton b. 1802---Mckinna b. 1810. Wife of Nehemiah is unknown. His father was Elenezeh b. 1760 d. 1820. again wife's name unknown. Elenezer was last born of 5 children---Pearsey b. unk---William b.unk---James . 1755---Eyre b. 1760 and Elenezer( we might have twins here). Elenezer father was James only known child of George- George was born 1693 and died May 30 1718 in Somerset MD. His wife's name is unk. George was 8th born --Samuel b.1686---Tabitha b.1687---James b. 1689---Sarah b.1690---Susanna b.unk---Thomas b.1691---George b.1693---Riley b. 1691. The older children?s mother was Mary Riley and the younger were mothered by Sarah Riley, James 2nd wife- Possible that Mary and Sarah were sisters. After Sarah died, James married for the 3rd time to Elizabeth Turville and they had Phillip b. 1718. James -- born about 1661 at Muddy Creek Plantation, Accomac County, VA -- was a younger son of George and Alice. Other siblings were Henry b. 1643 and George 1650 - Mother Frances Graves---Jane b.c.1652---Dorothy b.c.1654 ---John b. 1657---James b.c.1661---and Elizabeth b.c.1662- It appears that James was a minor when his father died in 1670 and went and lived with his older brother George in MD. George (The Immigrant) was born about 1617 in England. He arrived in VA in 1635 landing in Jamestown. By 1640 he is in Northhampton and Accomac counties VA. Alice also was born about 1629 in England. All this information I received from Rootsweb -Josiah Trask's Descendants.
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From: Pat Truitt June 2004

My search here in England has landed some nibbles of Truitts in the Exeter area. I have seen one grave from 1584 but am still looking for links to George in the Kent area.
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From: Shirley Leeper via Jacqueline Eley Aug 2004

The name Truitt goes back to the 1100's and the family was in the North of England, right on the border with Scotland, in Northumberland and Cumberland. Data concerning their land has been found in the County Records Office at Carlise, Cumberland (Cumbria). They owned 'The Farm of Carlise' but apparently got into the bad graces of King John, which is why they were written up and may have had their land take away. ⁷⁹⁷

George married Alice Watson, daughter of John Watson and Elizabeth ?, in 1651 in Accomack County, Virginia, USA.⁷⁹⁷ (Alice Watson was born about 1629 in England ⁷⁹⁷ and died after 1663 in Accomack County, Virginia, USA ⁷⁹⁷.)

George next married Frances Pennington after 1640 in Accomack County, Virginia, USA.⁷⁹⁷ (Frances Pennington was born about 1621 in Accomack County, Virginia, USA ⁷⁹⁷ and died about 1654 in Northampton County, Virginia, USA ⁷⁹⁷.)