Chapter 1#

Williamsons, Fosters, Berrys & Kemps#

I have been researching the Robert Berry family from Orange County since 1997. When I first started researching, I found that the Census forms from 1790 to 1840, only listed the head of household’s given and surnames. Sometimes they would be listed alphabetically, which was not totally useless but not very helpful either. When the families were listed in the order of farms and plantation physical location, the information became more valuable. I would search the census forms from the very early years and become familiar with as many of the surnames located near one of my known ancestors as possible. Soon I learned that a cluster of surnames in one county would often vary greatly from the surnames listed in the very next county. Since the population was small, clusters of surnames in a close proximity were often related to each other. As our ancestors relocated from one state to another, the pattern was repeated over and over. When I located a family surname who seemed to be a relative from a previous community, I started looking at the surnames of his neighbors. I always paid particular attention to these very close neighbors. This is a very important tool; since there were really not very many people in these early settlements, many of them migrated there together. Many of them were friends and a lot of them were relatives and children who had known each other their entire lives. They had grown up together and when the time came to relocate, they chose to go together.

Grouping of family surnames also works in reverse. As the settlers were immigrating to the Colonies in America from England, Scotland, Wales, Spain, and France establishing the first settlements along the coastal waters of America, many of them formed close relationships through marriage and churches. So many of the same family surnames who were related to Robert Berry’s family, in Princess Anne County, Virginia, are also found to be living on farms and plantations near Robert Berry’s family as early as 1751 in Orange County, North Carolina.

This is not really surprising. As I stated earlier, when pioneers relocated from one area to another, it was necessary to go with family and friends for safety and support. Warring Indians were frequently a threat to the white settlers as they headed west, as was the weather, sickness, and broken wagons. There were so many dangers and hardships they faced as they traveled to and settled their new homesteads. They nearly always helped each other while traveling or when they started building their homes in a new settlement. There were barn raisings, house raisings, and land clearing parties. Fresh meat from wild animals was shared as a method of storing such food. This practice was continued for many years, even into the early 1900s. The advantages of traveling and settling together were many. If they decided to locate in an established community, they merely added to the size of the hamlet or town.

In the census before 1850, family members were marks in an age bracket and only the head of household was named. They would list the male children, female children and other adults by marks in their specific age bracket. Just because they listed three children in one age bracket did not necessarily mean that they had three children. One could be a visiting cousin or a neighbor’s child. This sometimes made placing children with the correct parents extremely difficult. The 1850 and later census provide a lot more information; in addition to the given name and surname of the head of household, the wives’ names, children’s names, their ages, and the state where the children and each of their parents were born as well as the State, County, and District where they were currently living was recorded.

Supporting Facts: Robert Berry OC is the Son of Robert Berry PAC#

Throughout this book I will refer to Robert Berry who married Mary Williamson from Princess Anne County, Virginia, as Robert Berry PAC and Robert Berry from Orange County, NC, as Robert Berry OC.

1. Robert Berry’s PAC family was living in Princess Anne County, Virginia in the early 1700s.

2. Robert PAC and Mary Williamson Berry, his wife, had a son named Robert Berry who was born in 1729.

3. Robert Berry Junior, their son, indentured himself to Samuel Hollowell in Princess Anne County, Virginia, in 1746.

4. Robert Berry OC was born about 1730.

5. Robert Berry OC came to North Carolina in 1751.

6. Robert Berry OC was listed as Robert Berry Junior on some early documents in North Carolina. Robert Berry Jr. after 1760 is Robert Berry’s OC son.

7. Robert Berry’s OC maternal family may have been in Virginia as early as 1642.

8. John Cate, Robert Berry’s OC father-in-law, was born in Surry County, Virginia, which was made from part of South Norfolk County, Virginia, as was Princess Anne County. The distance from Princess Anne County to Surry County, Virginia, is approximately 65 miles up the James River.

9. Robert Berry OC may have known John Cate and his two sons before they came to North Carolina but they were definitely close after arriving there.

10. Robert Berry OC was in North Carolina 25 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. He was born about 1730 and was 46 years before we became a nation.

11. Robert Berry’s aunt Sarah married Matthew Mathias in Princess Anne County, Virginia.

12. Matthew Mathias was listed on page 6 of the 1855 Orange County, North Carolina, tax list and so was Robert Berry OC. (Fig:11, Pg. 51) These men were likely first cousins and came to Orange County, North Carolina, together. There are several other men on that 1755 Tax List with surnames that are common in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and Orange County, North Carolina. Several of these men may have come to North Carolina with Robert Berry OC.

13. John Carraway and Roger Williamson came to America on the ship Constance in the year 1642.

14. Ann Foster was born in England in 1620 and may be one of our oldest ancestors. It is not known if Ann Foster was on the ship with them.

15. Ann Foster had married Roger Williamson and had three children by him before he died in 1650 in America.

16. Roger and Ann Foster Williamson’s son, Richard Williamson was listed in the 1704 Virginia Rent Roll as living in Princess Ann County, Virginia.

17. After Roger Williamson died in 1650, Ann Foster the relic of Roger Williamson married John Carraway.

Children of Richard Williamson and Mary Kemp#

• Son: Bartholomew Williamson married Martha Christopher. Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 1 page 193) Will (deed book 3 page 520)

• Daughter: Mary Williamson married Robert Berry. Princess Anne County, Virginia, Will (deed book 3 page 520)

• Daughter: Sarah Williamson who married Matthew Mathias is an important factor because it added further proof that Robert Berry OC may be a descendant of Robert Berry’s PAC family. Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 520)

• Roger Williamson Will Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 520)

• John Williamson Will Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 520)

• George Williamson Will Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 520)

Children of Ann Foster Williamson and John Caraway Sr.#

• Daughter Mary Carraway married Lancaster Lovett, Mary Lovett’s will, December 1, 1705/May 1, 1706, Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 1 page 467),

• Daughter Elizabeth Carraway married Nichols

• John Carraway Jr. married Ann Kempe, (Mary Kemp Berry’s sister) John Carraway senior and wife Ann deed of gift of 100 acres each two sons Thomas, William, and James at Bowins River: Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 90 July 31, 1716) Richard Williamson and John Carraway Jr. were half-brothers before John married Ann Kemp, and after he married Ann they were brothers-in-law as well.

• Mary Lovett sons: Lancaster, Thomas, Adam, John, and William, Daughter Elizabeth Keeling wife of Thomas and their children Mary and Thomas; William son William and daughter Mary, granddaughter Ann Kempe, daughter Sarah Richardson wife of Thomas. Executor: William. Overseers Col. Adam Thorogood, John Carraway Junior River: Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 1 page 467 Dec. 1 1705/May 1 1706)

Matthew Mathias is listed on page 6 in the 1755 tax list of Orange County, North Carolina. Robert Berry OC is also listed on page 6 of the Orange County, North Carolina, 1755 tax list. Matthew Mathias is most likely Robert Berry’s OC first cousin.

Living one farm away from Matthew Mathias was Henry Gould. Henry Gold was a chain carrier on Robert Berry’s OC December 3rd, 1753, Granville Grant survey. Thomas Cate was the other chain carrier on that document. John Cate’s survey was done the next day on December 4th, 1753, and Robert Berry married John Cate’s daughter in 1757. The information on the two surveys indicates that Robert Berry OC and John Cate probably made entry for their grants on the same day in Granville County, North Carolina. As we have mentioned before, John Cate was living in Surry County, Virginia, before coming to North Carolina.

George Kemp’s December 4, 1676 Will#

George Kemp's Will 1676

George Kemp names his wife Ann Kemp, his sons John and James Kemp, and his daughters Elizabeth Kemp and Mary Kemp Williamson in his will. There is no mention of Ann Kempe who married John Carraway. It might be possible that Elizabeth, who was named in the will, might have been named Elizabeth Ann Kemp and was known as Ann Kemp after leaving home. Her mother was Ann Kemp.

Source: book A lower Norfolk County Virginia Court, November 2, 1646

This could be the same George Kemp who wrote the will but his wife’s name was Ann. I suppose it is possible that Mary Hutchinson died and George remarried.

Ann Foster Williamson Carraway’s Transcribed Will June 13, 1689#

In the name of God Amen, I Ann Carraway, being aged in weake though of perfect health and sound memory praised be God and confirming the certainty of death and the knowledge of the hour of death doe make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following: 1st: I bequeath my soul to God my creator and truly hoping through the merits of Jesus Christ my most blessed Savior and Redeemer to receive full pardon and forgiveness for all my sins in my body, I bequeath into the ground from which it came and to receive decent and Christian burial at the discretion of my executors hereafter name, for what worldly estate it has please God to bless me withal, I give and bequeath as followeth::

Item I give unto my daughter Mary Lovett a great iron kettle with a pot rack or spider belonging to it and also a great wainefoote chair.

Item 1 give unto my daughter Elizabeth Nichols a bole mettle morter and pitcher.

Item I give unto my son Bartholomew Williamson one shilling sterling.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Richard Williamson all and singular the rest of all my state being goods or whatever you do it does in any way aspartame belong to me and do make and ordain him my said son Richard my whole soul executor of my will by me made. I do declare this to be my last will and testament in witness there I’ll I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of June 1689.

Signed and sealed in the presence of

Lancaster Lovett and Benjamin Burroughs Ann X Carraway

(her mark)

proved in court 15th of November 1692.

Will Book 5 page 186: 13 June 1689, Proved 15 Nov. 1692. Ref: Abstract of Norfolk County wills by McIntosh, p. 139-140.

Richard Williamson’s Will September 1st, 1723#

Richard Williamson PAC Will Probated November 1723

Richard Williamson wrote in his will “my daughter Mary Berry wife of Robert Berry.” You should also NOTE that George and Mary Shirley witnessed this will.

Princess Anne County, Virginia, (deed book 3 page 520) Sept. 1, 1721/ Nov. 6, 1723

November 1723: Richard Williamson — sons Roger, John, Bartholomew, and George. George’s daughter Mary Berry wife of Robert Berry; daughter Sarah wife of Matthew Mathias; grandson Caleb, son of daughter Ann Whitehurst wife of Hugh; wife Mary Kempe. Executor Bartholomew and George Williamson. Witnesses Anthony Webb, George Shirley, Mary Shirley. (Fig3)

There is a connection between the Shirley family and the Kempe family.* We already know that many members of the Williamson family, including Robert Berry PAC, owned property adjoining George Shirley in Princess Anne County, Virginia (See Pages 42 to 44). George and Mary Shirley were also witnesses on Richard Williamson’s will (See Fig. 3, Pg. 20).

*Some Information from the Shirley Family Association Web Page

“In 1640, George Kemp is 28 years of age”. Birth Year would be 1612 in England.

“Ann Kemp was the wife of Sir Thomas Shirley, the elder. Her brother, Sir Thomas Kemp, was the father of Mary Kemp who married Edward Digges, son of Sir Dudley Digges. Edward and Mary went to VA.”

John and George Kemp appraised Rev. Josias Mackis estate in 1718 in Princess Anne Co. John Shirley, Sr. is mentioned." I think that Josias Mackis may have been Josias M. Ackiss.

Transcription of John Kemp’s 1723 Will#

“In the name of God Amen I John Kemp and Elder of the parish of Linhavon & county of Princess Anne and Colony of Virginia being sick in body but sound of mind & memory blessed by God do make this My last Will & testament in manner flowering Vis: First I bequeath my soul into the hands of my merciful creator & my body to the earth to be decently buried according to the decision of my executor. In hopes of a joyful resurrection through the merits & by the meditations of Jesus Christ.

Second I give and bequeath to my cousin John Williamson the said plantation which I now live to him and his heirs forever.

Third I give and bequeath to my cousins George Kemp & Roger Williamson & John Williamson the remaining part of that tract of land sold to Matthew Mathias. And my will is that my cousin George Kemp to have the North and or share where my hogg pens are, the other part to be divided between said Roger and John Williamson I give the said parcel of land to them my two cousins & their heirs forever. I give and bequeath unto my sister Elizabeth Smith & cousin Mary Wishard & cousin Roger Williamson pewter and earthenware Except two basins I give to my cousin John Williamson to be first chosen & (unreadable word) and remaining to be equally divided between my sister and the two cousins before mentioned to whom I give the same. I give and bequeath the bed whereon I now lay to my cousin John Williamson with the covering that belonging it. I give and bequeath to my cousin Mary Wishard my new bed & furniture that is with it. I give to my cousin Roger Williamson my old bed. I give unto my sister Eliz Smith eleven and a quarter Brown Holland, Eight yards fine linen now in house. I give and bequeath to my cousin Ann Cooper wife of Thomas Cooper. Four ewes & four lambs’ young ewes. I give the remainder of the sheep to be divided between my cousins Roger & John Williamson & cousin Mary Wishard equally. I give my cattle & hogs only excepted which give my cousin James Kemp at my hog pens to be equally divided between my three cousins Roger & John Williamson & cousin Mary Wishard I give my sister Eliz Smith the benefit. I give unto my cousin Roger Williamson my Negro Woman, Nany to him & his heirs forever. Give unto my cousin Thom Wishard the older my riding Saddle & bridle. I give and bequeath unto my cousin Mary Kemp daughter of George Kemp my crab spice Mortar & pestle & great Bible & wicker basket on mantle piece to her & her heirs. I give unto my cos: Jhn Williamson My new curb bridle & my broad Cloth: riding Coat & new coat & vest now made. I give unto my brother-In-law Will Smith my circuit cutter riding coat. viz I give unto my Cus: Roger Williamson all of remaining part of my cloths: Vis I give unto my sister Eliz Smith my cousin Mary Wishard & cousins Roger & Jhn Williamson all the remaining part of my estate Except only the Great Bible which do give my cousin Mary Kemp to them & their heirs. Lastly I do hereby nominate, appoint, & empower Thoms Wishard & Geo Williamson my executors to do & perform this my last will and Testament according to the aforementioned & in witness of & confirmation whereas have set my hand & seal 4th day of March 1723…

John Kemp

Signed & sealed in presence of……………Princes Anne open court — first April 1724

Exect G Williamson Sam grandbery………within last will of Jhn Kemp and was presented in

Autho Walke………….Court by his exors who made oath thereunto being proved by

………………………….all of witnesses therefore is admitted to record.”

Princess Anne County, Virginia (deed book 3 page 533) March 4, 1723/April 1, 1724

There is a wealth of information listed in John Kemp’s 1723 will connecting the Kemps to the Williamson and Berry families. He names his cousins George Kemp, Roger Williamson, John Williamson, Mary Wishard, Ann Cooper, wife of Thomas Cooper, James Kemp, Mary Kemp, daughter of George Kemp, his sister Elizabeth Smith, and his brother-in-law Will Smith. We already know that Richard Williamson stated “my daughter Mary Williamson who married Robert Berry” in his September 1, 1723 will. We also know Robert Berry PAC named his son Robert Berry in his September 20, 1730 will. George Kemp named Mary Williamson as his daughter in his Will.

Mary Kemp married Richard Williamson and their daughter, Mary Williamson, married Robert Berry PAC.

Robert Berry’s 1730 Will, Princess Anne County, Va#

Robert Berry PAC Will 1730

Inventory Sale of Robert Berry in Princess Anne County, Virginia#

Robert Berry PAC Estate Sale 1730

Princess Anne County Virginia deed book 1 page 389: May 3, 1704 James McCoy heir at law to Michael McCoy sells 150 acres to Robert Berry for £20 sterling. Witness: Thomas Niles, George Beck, C. Cocke.

Transcription of Robert Berry’s Will, Princess Anne County#

Transcription of Robert Berry's Will 1730 Princess Anne County, Virginia

This will was witnessed by Mary Williamson Berry’s brother Bartholomew Williamson and her sister Sarah S. Mathias. We have no known descendants of Richard Berry. Robert Berry named both of his sons in his will but none of the other children by name. He named Richard Berry and Robert Berry as heirs. Robert Berry Jr. inherited the home and the land that it was located on. I think before Robert Berry Junior went to North Carolina he sold the property he had inherited and used the money to build his plantation in Orange County, North Carolina.

Analyzing The Kempe, Williamson, Carroway, and Berry’s Wills#

1. George Kempe wrote his will on December 4th, 1668/1676.

2. Ann Foster Williamson Calloway Will June 13, 1689.

3. John Kempe wrote his will on March 4th, 1723.

4. Richard Williamson wrote his will September 1st, 1723.

5. Robert Berry PAC wrote his will September 10th, 1730 / October 7th, 1730.

From George Kemp’s 1678 will:

Wife Ann

Daughter Mary Williamson, Richard and Mary were already married in 1678.

Daughter Elizabeth Kemp Was unmarried in 1678

Son James Kemp

Son Job Kemp

Names listed in Ann Foster Williamson Carroway 1689 will:

Ann named four of her six children in her will.

Daughter: Mary Caraway wife of Lancaster Lovett

Daughter: Elizabeth Caraway wife of unknown Nichols

Son: Richard Williamson’s son by her first husband Roger Williamson.

Son: Bartholomew Williamson son by her first marriage to Roger Williamson.

When John Kempe wrote his will in 1723, he named his relatives, many of whom were related to Richard Williamson, and his family.

Cousin George Kempe

Cousin Roger Williamson

Cousin John Williamson

Cousin Mary Wishards

Cousin Tom Wishart

Cousin Ann Cooper, wife of Thomas Cooper.

Cousin Mary Kempe, daughter of George Kempe and wife of Richard Williamson.

Cousin James Kempe, Mary Kempe’s brother

Sister Elizabeth Smith

Brother-in-law Will Smith.

George Williamson and Thomas Wishart witnesses

Richard Williamson names his family members in his September 1, 1723 will:

Will is located in [Princess Anne County, Virginia deed book 5 page 20]

Richard’s wife: is not mentioned by name but is referred to as “My Wife.” (Mary Kempe)

Son: Roger Williamson Son and heir of Richard Williamson [PAC deed book 6 page 1]

Son John Williamson, [PAC deed book 6 page 1] Roger’s brother

Son Bartholomew Williamson,

Son George Williamson,

Daughter: Mary Williamson Berry, wife of Robert Berry;

Daughter Sarah Williamson Mathias, wife of Matthew Mathias; Daughter Ann Williamson Whitehurst, wife of Hugh Whitehurst.

Grandson: Caleb Whitehurst, son of his daughter Ann Whitehurst, Hugh Whitehurst.

Witnesses to Richard Williamson’s will: Anthony Webb, George Shirley, Mary Shirley,

(George & Mary Shirley were neighbors of Richard & Mary Kempe Williamson).

From Robert Berry’s Princess Anne County 1730 will:

Wife Mary Berry

Son Richard Berry

Son Robert Berry

Daughters unnamed.

Study of Five Wills in Our Possession#

The most important information gathered from these wills centers around Roger Williamson and Ann Foster’s son Richard Williamson.

Richard Williamson’s wife Mary Kempe was identified in George Kemp’s will.

Robert Berry’s wife was identified by her father, Richard Williamson, in his will when he stated: “my daughter” Mary Berry wife of Robert Berry".

We know from George Kempe’s will that Mary Kempe Williamson is James Kemp’s sister.

We know that Ann Kempe is George Kemp’s wife.

We learn that Job Kempe is also a son. Not much else is known about him.

No mention of a daughter named Ann Kempe who is supposed to have married John Caraway.

There were no surprises in Ann Foster’s will. Mary Caraway did marry Lancaster Lovett.

Elizabeth Caraway did marry a Nichols.

Son Richard Williamson was named.

Son Bartholomew Williamson was named.

Two of her children, Sarah Williamson and John Carraway were not named in Ann’s will.

When John Kempe named Mary Williamson as a cousin and when he stated that Mary Williamson was a daughter of George Kemp, it becomes very obvious that John was not the son of George and Ann Hutchins Kempe.

We also learn from John’s will that his sister Elizabeth married Will Smith. Since John Kempe is not the son of George and Ann Kempe, Elizabeth Kempe, who was named in George’s will, is not the same Elizabeth who married Will Smith.

Cousin’s Tom and Mary Wishards were left inheritances but it does not mention if they are sister and brother or husband and wife. John did not connect them with any other family.

Cousins, John, Roger, and George Williamson are the sons of Richard and Mary Kempe Williamson. If their children are first cousins to John Kempe then it is possible that George Kempe of Kempe’s landing and John Kempe are brothers.

Cousin Ann Cooper and her husband Thomas are unknown relatives.

John Kempe was either not married or his wife had died when he wrote his will. No mention of a wife was noted.

Not much information about family members is learned from Robert Berry’s PAC will.

We already knew that his wife was Mary Williamson.

We did learn that his older son was named Richard Berry and his younger son was named Robert Berry. And he did not name any of his daughters.

Young Robert Berry inherited his Father’s home and farm. This farm may be the source of money Robert Berry OC used to build his plantation in North Carolina.

Deed Book 5 page 11 Norfolk County Virginia: “Indenture” Aug 1735 Roger Williamson leased to Edward Thurston of Norfolk, Va. For 5 schillings 50 acres land given by John Kemp, Sr. to his cousin George Kemp and Roger Williamson bound to James Kemp, John Williamson, Henry Mathias and William Robinson Aug 6, 1735."

Richard Berry and His Family in North Carolina?#

This is some new information that has just come to my attention when I found it on a webpage. I have no assurance that this is our Richard Berry but it very well could be because they were located in and around Orange County. Chatham County is located south of Orange County and it was part of Orange County until 1770. The URL for this information is:

poegen.net/NC/Poe North Carolina.htm

Orange County NC (Deed Book 7 Page. 11) 8 June 1771: Edward Burks to Prettyman Berry 24 pounds 100 acres on the east side of Beaver Dam Creek joins Peter Salinger. Witness Samuel Landrum, Peter O’Neill. Signed by Elizabeth Burks, Nathan Burke, and Edward Burks.

Orange County NC (Deed Book 7 Page. 16) 5 June 1771 Nimrod Burks to Prettyman Berry 20 pds. 100 acres on the East side of Beaver Dam Creek joins Peter Sullener.

Witnessed John Berry, Richard Berry, signed by Nimrod Burks x, Elizabeth Burks (x), and Edward Burks (x).

NOTE: This property was probably recorded in Orange County and the record was not transferred to Chatham County which was split from Orange County in 1770.

Chatham County NC (Deed Book A-295) cir. 1774 (no date given)

A Bill of Sale from Francis Berry, John Berry, Prettyman Berry and William Cain, executors of Richard Berry, decd, all of Chatham to William Johnston of Orange Co, 30 pds, sale of Negro. Witnesses: John McClellan, Elisha Cain.

Chatham NC (Deed Book B-128) 2 March 1778 Fanny Berry, relict of Richard Berry decd, Prettyman Berry & wife Sarah, William Cain and wife Lucy to Richard Kennon for 226 pds 100 acres on south side Haw River at mouth of Berry Branch adjacent to Hercules Henderson.

Signed by Prettyman Berry, William x Cain, Fanny x Berry, Sarah x Berry, Lucy x Cain. Witnessed: Isaiah Hogan, Elisha Cain, and Roger Griffith.

12 November 1777 Pg. 131 James Herndon, Benjamin Watts and Simon Terrell appointed patrollers in Capt. Herndon’s (Herndon) district Chatham NC Court Minutes Aug 1777 Elisha Cain foreman of Grand Jury.

William Cain, Prettyman Berry, John Thomas, and George Dismukes appointed patrollers in Capt. Clark’s district the ensuing year, Esq. Sheriff Bond with Bondsmen Elisha Cain.

Fanny Berry have leave to keep a ferry over Haw river near the Redfield ford.

Chatham County (Deed Bk. B., 1775-1778 page 128), Mar. 2, 1778

Fanny Berry, relict (widow) of Richard Berry, dec’d, Prettyman Berry and Sarah, his wife, William Cain and Lucy, his wife, sell to Richard Kennon, for 226 pds, 100 acres on the S. side of Haw River, lying at the mouth of Berry Branch and joining Hercules Henderson’s land.

Signed by: Prettyman Berry, William Cain (x), Fanny Berry (x), Sarah Berry (x), Lucy Cain (x). Witnessed by: Isaiah Hogan, Elisha Cain, Roger Griffith

May 13, 1778 (page, 142) deed from John Berry to Frances Berry acknowledged.

Chatham County (Deed Book Unknown, page 319) 27 October 1782: Richard Kennon and Celia his wife to William Howard 150 pounds hard money 100 acres on both sides of Haw River beginning at Haw River at the mouth of the Ferry Banks joins an old line formerly being Richard Berry’s.

Wit: Prettyman Berry, Aaron Harlan, Richard Kennon, Celia Kennon.

Chatham NC Court Minutes Aug 1775 W.M. Cain relinquished his securityship for widow Fanny Berry’s ferry and thereupon Valentine Braswell entered himself security in room of the said William Cain.

Chatham County Map showing Creeks and Rivers

To avoid confusion about the name Robert Berry; I will refer to Robert Berry from Princess Anne County, Virginia as Robert Berry PAC and I will refer to Robert Berry Jr. who went to Orange County, North Carolina, in 1751 as Robert Berry OC. I am going to assume that Robert Berry OC was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia. If we ever discover that this is a mistake I will post a notice on “berrytree.org” Our Berry Genealogy webpage.

It is also necessary to describe some of the terms used by the vestry men of the Lynnhaven Parish Church.

Duties periodically performed by the vestry were the designations of persons to count tobacco plants as required by early crop control legislation and the appointment of procession masters to oversee the processioning of every man’s land.

“Having” warned in: “the inhabitants of his precinct to be at home on the date set in the vestry order. The procession master with the neighboring land owners then walked around the boundaries of each property, renewing tree blazes and other landmarks and in case of dispute the testimony of the oldest inhabitants was usually accepted. Results of this processioning and the reason for any failure to accomplish it were reported to the County Court and recorded in an official register book.

The vestry of Lynnhaven Church acted as a government within a government and affected almost everyone’s lives. Vestrymen when elected or appointed served for life unless they were discharged for misconduct, died, or resigned. Once a man was elected and served his time his son would become a candidate. When a man was first elected to the vestry he was known as Mr. and after a period of time he became known as Capt. This was the case concerning George Kempe and his son James Kempe. Capt. George Kemp served for a period of 8 years. Capt. James Kempe was assigned many duties. He served as Sheriff, as counter, as a vestryman, and as president of the Lynnhaven Church during his many years of service. The vestrymen were wealthy planters and prominent leaders in their communities.

Source: “Colonial Vestry Book Lynnhaven Parish, Princess Anne County, VA., 1723 to 1786”

NOTE: Page numbers from the Vestry Book Lynnhaven Parish will be noted as (VBLP Page # X)

The Keeling, Kempe, and Whitehurst families had distinguished records of long service of the vestry between 1723 and 1786. (VBLP page VIII)

On July 7, 1725 Mr. George Kempe and Amos Mosley were appointed collectors in the Eastern division precinct. The duty of a collector was essentially to act as a tobacco acreage tax assessor and to insure property lines were maintained. This was necessary because tobacco was used as money to operate the Church and the County.

On October 27, 1727 Mr. George Kempe was appointed to the vestry of Lynnhaven Church. (VBLP page 8)

On November 29, 1732 Capt. George Kempe was serving on the vestry as a vestryman. (VBLP page 16)

On October 5, 1733, was the last time Capt. George Kemp’s name was on the vestry as a vestryman. It appears that Capt. George Kempe served 8 years total service in the vestry of Lynnhaven Church. (VBLP page 17)

On 25 June, 1736, James Kempe was appointed to the vestry of Lynnhaven Church as a vestry man. The service of the Kemp family afforded them a hanging pew #9 in the 1736 Donation Church layout seen on page 33. August 2, 1736, Mr. James Kempe was serving the Lynnhaven vestry as a vestry man. (VBLP page 21)

March 2, 1737 James Kempe was referred to as Capt. James Kempe in the vestry man’s list. (VBLP page 23)

October 4, 1740 Capt. James Kempe was ordered as Sheriff to receive the tobacco from the planters. (VBLP page 28)

October 15, 1741 Capt. James Kempe was again ordered as Sheriff to receive tobacco from the planters once more. (VBLP page 29)

July 13, 1748 the vestry ordered several of their parishioners perform the task of Processioning of lands. (VBLP page 39)

William Robinson and John (Ince?) for the North side of the Eastern branch, John Scott and William Martin the South side, John Moore and Adam Keeling for the lower precinct of the Eastern shore, John Saunders and James Ashley for Little Creek, Ortho Whitehurst and Lemuel Fentriss son of John for the Western shore precinct. There were other names that are irrelevant to our genealogy. Capt. James Kempe was a vestryman when this order was given. (From the Vestry Book of Lynnhaven Parish, Princess Anne County Virginia page 72)

July 30, 1748 Samuel Hollowell was granted a contract to repair and improve the Glebe House. (VBLP page 36) (Fig.7)

Samuel Hollowell's contract for Church Repair

October 10, 1748 Capt. James Kempe, Nathaniel Newton, and John Hunter Gentleman to view the work that was now doing in and about the Glebe house be faithfully done & in a workmanlike manner by Samuel Hollowell who is employed to do the said work. (VBLP page 49)

During the execution of this contract, Robert Berry Jr. was indentured to Samuel Hollowell and would have participated in this reconstruction of the 1836 Lynnhaven Donation Church. Robert Berry Jr. was indentured to Samuel Hollowell by the court from 1746 until 1750 when he became 21 years old.

Donation Church Plan 1776

George Kempe owned Kempe’s landing and James Kempe was the son of George and Ann Kempe. James Kempe was Mary Kempe Williamson’s brother. George Kempe served the Lynnhaven Church vestry from July 7, 1725 to October 5, 1733.

He served a total of eight years and then his son James Kempe served in that position from August 2, 1736 until 1788, a total of 52 years.

Take note that the Kempe and the Robinson hanging pews were beside each other in the 1836 Donation Church plan you see on page 33. (Fig 8, Pg. 31) The Kemp pew was #9 and the Robinson pew was #11. Not only did the Kempe and Robinson families know each other in Virginia, there was likely a close relationship between the two families. Because George Kempe was Robert Berry’s Great-grandfather the Robinsons and Berrys likely also knew each other. This close relationship between the families may have been transplanted to North Carolina when Robert Berry OC and William Robinson departed from Princess Anne County, Virginia.

William Robinson was listed in the 1755 Orange County Tax list in (Figure 10 page 5).

(Page 50 this book). (Also Pages: 13, 27, 30, 32, 48, 49, 52, 53, 71, 90, 132, 292, 306, 337, 341)

Robert Berry OC was listed in the 1755 Orange County Tax list in (Figure 11 page 6).

(Page 51 this book.)

Robert Berry OC and William Robinson were close neighbors in Orange County, North Carolina for many years. William Robinson was even one of the witnesses on Robert Berry’s OC 1812 will. (Pg. 94)

Lynnhaven Vestrymen Robinson, Williamson & Kempe Families#

Thomas Keeling 1640–1641

Roger Williamson 1646–1647 Ann Foster’s first husband

George Kempe 1723–1733

James Kempe 1736–1780

John Whitehurst 1739–1773

Tully Robinson 1769–1773

James Henley 1779–1785

William Robinson 1783–1784

Charles Williamson 1783–1786

JAMES KEMPE WAS PRESIDENT OF LYNNHAVEN CHURCH VESTRY FROM 1769–1780

Sheriffs#

James Kempe 1739–1740

William Keeling 1749–1751

Jonathan Hopkins 1770–1771

Family Wills and Deeds: Princess Anne County, Virginia 1691-1755#

Deed Book 1 page 5 July 8, 1691 Randolph Lovett to Thomas Ilisse 260 acres, part of land given to my brother John Lovett, deceased. By the last will of my father Lancaster Lovett, deceased witness we William Porten, John Mosley.

Deed Book 1 page 11 October 7, 1691 Thomas Lovett acknowledge receipt from his father-in-law James Kempe of his part of the estate left by his father Lancaster Lovett, deceased witness Benoni Burroughs, Thomas Ivey.

Note: Thomas Lovett was married to James Kemp’s daughter; Richard Williamson was married to Mary Kemp, James Kemp’s sister; and Richard Williamson’s half sister Mary Carraway was married to Lancaster Lovett.

Princess Anne County, Virginia, Deed book 1 page 24 July 11, 1692 Lancaster Lovett signs an estate inventory for William Warford.

Princess Anne County, Virginia, Deed book 1 page 28 November 2, 1692 John Martin son of John Martin deceased to Adam Keeling 250 acres called the Great Plantation. Witnessed Alexander Keeling, Henry Woodhouse.

Princess Anne County, Virginia, Deed book 1 page 30 December 14th, 1692: Isabella Spratt, widow of Henry Spratt and eldest son Henry Spratt to Lancaster Lovett 200 acres in the Western shore. Witness: Job Kemp: William Bradford, Francis Simpson.

Thomas Bradford already owned the property adjoining the north boundary of Robert Berry’s OC Granville land grant property when Robert Berry OC made entry for that grant on February 6th, 1752. (Fig: 18, Pg.70)

David Bradford was living three farms away from Robert Berry OC on the 1755 Orange County tax list. (Figure 11 page 6) (Page 51 this book.)

Deed book 1 page 40 July 5, 1693 Lieut. Col. Anthony Lawson formerly sold 1250 acres to Capt. Adam Keeling. And not having yet given him the deed, now sells it to his daughter Ann Keeling; in the event she dies without issue then to her brothers Adam and Thomas.

Deed book 1 page 41 May 27, 1693 Thomas Lovett gives power of attorney to brother Lancaster Lovett witness: Ortho Russell, John Carraway.

Princess Anne County, Virginia: (Deed book 1 page 43) August 8, 1693: Randolph Lovett to Robert Cartwright where his father, Lancaster Lovett, bequeath 800 acres to my brothers Lancaster, John, and Thomas. Brother John died without issue so sells his portion for 6000 pounds pork.

Princess Anne County, Virginia: (Deed book 1 page 481) December 30, 1706 November 5, 1707: James Kempe eldest son George, son James, son-in-law Thomas Wishard, and Mary his wife, Wife Ann. Executors wife and son George witness John Thurston, Ben Roberts, and Richard Corbett. Thomas and Mary Wishard were named as cousins in John Kempe’s will, (Page 22)

Princess Anne County, Virginia, Deed book 1 page 28 November 2, 1692 Joell Martin son of John Martin deceased to Adam Keeling 250 acres called the Great Plantation. Witnessed Alexander Keeling, Henry Woodhouse.

Deed book 1 page 47 November 13, 1693 Adam Keeling sales land formally belonging to John Martin which went to his oldest son John Martin who died intestate so it went to my mother Ann widow of Capt. Adam Keeling now wife of John Richardson who gave it to son Adam Keeling who now sells it to uncle Alexander Keeling the Great Plantation.

Note: Ann Keeling’s maiden name must have been Martin, daughter of John Martin senior. William Martin and Peter Martin were listed in the 1744 Orange County, North Carolina, tax list. In August 1751 William Martin was given permission to take two slaves to North Carolina and was living on the next farm to Matthew Mathias.

Deed book 1 page 116 April 1, 1696: John Shirley deed of gift to son John.

Deed book 1 Page 224 July 4, 1699: William Richardson Richard Williamson to son Roger Williamson 100 acres witness John Edwards, Bartholomew Williamson.

Deed book 1 page 335 July 2, 1701: administration of the estate of John Keeling granted relic Ann.

Deed book 1 page 359: March 3, 1702 William Dixon nuncupative will — Thomas Keeling son of Thomas wife Margery witness John Richason, William Lovett.

Deed book 1 page 360 October 25, 1703 March 3, 1702, Lancaster Lovett sons Lancaster, Thomas, Adam, William, and John. Daughter Sarah and Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Keeling executors wife Mary. Overseers: Adam Thorowgood, son-in-law, Thomas Keeling, Thomas Harison son William. Witness Tom Harison, Henry Walstone, Robert Cartwright, John Edwards.

Note: Elizabeth Lovett was married to Thomas Keeling. Sarah Lovett was married to Adam Thorowgood. Their father Lancaster Lovett was married to Mary Carroway, daughter of Ann Foster and John Carroway.

Robert Berry Junior & His Early Life In Princess Anne County Virginia#

After his father died, Robert Berry Jr. lived with his mother, Mary Williamson Berry, about 15 years. Robert Berry Jr. was 15 years old when his mother, Mary Williamson Berry, died in 1744. I suspect that Robert Berry Jr. was advised by some of his relatives to indenture himself to his brother-in-law, Samuel Hollowell. Samuel Hollowell would have been more than happy to employ Robert as a carpenter apprentice. Robert Berry went before the court and requested to be indentured to Samuel Hollowell to learn the carpentry trade. I think the reason that Robert Berry Jr. did not indenture himself until 1746 was because he had to be 17 years old to take this action. This was a very mature decision and was a character trait that Robert Berry OC exhibited his entire life.

Princess Anne Co. Minutes 6, 1744-1753, 55

Berry, Robert

Apprentices of Virginia

Master: Hollowell, Samuel

Apprentices of Virginia

Beginning date: 08/19/1746

Since Robert Berry Jr. was indentured in 1746, he would have worked on this project that Samuel Hollowell contracted with Lynnhaven Church. (See page 30 Figure: 7) Notice that James Kempe was a vestryman at the time the letting of this contract occurred. Working in the carpentry trade with his brother-in-law, Samuel Hollowell, young Robert Berry Jr. would have come into contact with many adults. This may be how Robert Berry OC met some members of John Cate’s family. Working around adults in the building trade may have been Robert Berry’s OC source of knowledge about available land in North Carolina. These are the kinds of things men talk about as they eat lunch together and even while they are working. I think Robert Berry OC was a true pioneer who was willing to face every obstacle with tenacity, courage and determination. This opinion is based on all of the accomplishments he achieved during his lifetime.

SOURCE: THE COLONIAL VESTRY BOOK OF LYNNHAVEN PARISH, PRINCESS ANNE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1723–1786

On July 7, 1745 George Kempe was appointed as counter for Lynnhaven Church. The Church managed community business and welfare, such as support for widows and orphans, much as the County and State does today in America. The Church taxed the local planters in pounds of tobacco which was then used to barter for goods and services needed to support the church and surrounding community. Once all of the tobacco had been collected the vestryman would determine how many pounds of tobacco it would take to perform a needed service or to support a widow or orphans. The counter’s responsibility was to collect and count the required pounds of tobacco levied on each local planter. He would be known as a tax collector today. Tobacco could be readily sold to England for cash but there was less need for cash when you could barter for almost everything needed in America. Eventually the tobacco was probably shipped to England for goods and cash. Actually, Jamestown was a business venture that resulted in the first successful permanent English colony in America. South Norfolk County was across the Chesapeake Bay from Jamestown and would later become Princess Anne County, Virginia. It is now known as Virginia Beach, Virginia. If Robert Berry OC was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and much of our evidence indicates he was, then at least four of Robert Berry’s OC maternal great grandparents were born in England.

There is no doubt that the Kemps, Berrys, Williamsons, Mathias, Lovetts, Nichols, Smiths, Wishards, and Caraways were relatives. They intermarried and lived close together in Princess Anne County, Virginia. Evidence of this can be found in many sources. The research into their genealogy is well documented by me and other researchers. The one major question that still remains is, were Mary Williamson Berry and Robert Berry PAC our Robert Berry’s OC mother and father? The evidence I have been able to find strongly suggests that they were.

Variations in the Spelling of the Camp Name#

The Camp family surname was spelled in at least three ways: Camp, Kemp, Kempe.

In Robert Berry’s OC 1812 will he named his daughter, Mary Kempe, and his daughter, Mary Berry and her husband James went by the name Camp. All of James and Mary Berry Camp’s children went by the name Camp. Note: James Kempe was a vestryman in Princess Anne County, Virginia for many years and Mary Berry’s husband may be a descendant.

Richard Camp was listed as a single man on (page 5 Figure:10) of the Orange County 1755 tax list. (Page 50 in this book)

When Robert Berry OC misspelled his daughter’s name as Mary Kempe in his 1812 will, I think it was because his grandmother Mary Kempe Williamson spelled her father’s name as Kempe. Robert Berry OC grew up near the family in Virginia and this is the way he learned to spell the family name as Kempe.

Seeking Information about Robert Berry’s PAC Origin#

Most of Mary Williamson Berry’s family were English and were located in South Norfolk County, Virginia, in the early 1700’s. It seemed like a good idea to search Norfolk County, England, for possible relatives.

Here are a few family surnames that were found in Norfolk County, England.

Name: Richard Williamson — Name: Richard Foster

Place: Norfolk, England — Place: Norfolk, England

Date: 1538-1544 — Date: 1538-1544

Volume 8 — Volume 8

Page 248 — Page 157

Bundle 1085 — Bundle 1030

Name: Robert A. Berra — Name: John Cade

Place: Norfolk, England — Place: Norfolk, England

Date: 1538-1544 — Date: 1486-1493-1504-1515

Volume 8 — Volume 3

Page 216 — Page 305

Bundle 1065 — Bundle 167

Ann Foster and Roger Williamson named their first son Richard Williamson. It is entirely possible that both of their fathers were named Richard. In the transcripts below it seems that Ann Foster’s father was named Richard Foster. As you can see in the gray box above, there was a Richard Williamson and a Richard Foster in Norfolk, England, 1538-1544.

SOURCE: Book B Lower Norfolk County, Virginia 2 November 1646 — 15 Jan. 1651

SOURCE: Book B Lower Norfolk County, Virginia, 2 November 1646 — 15 Jan. 1651/2

From the listing above, Sarah Williamson was already born in 1648, which means Bartholomew Williamson must have been born earlier and Richard Williamson would probably have been born about 1650. This information seems to establish the three children who were born to Roger and Ann Foster Williamson are listed in the proper order of their birth.

SOURCE: Book B Lower Norfolk County, Virginia February 15, 1648/9

This document is the proof needed to verify that John Caraway did marry Roger Williamson’s widow after Roger died.

Suffolk and Norfolk in England and in Virginia USA#

Suffolk County, England

Norfolk County, England

Norfolk and Suffolk County in England had the same physical relationship to each other as Norfolk and Suffolk Counties in Virginia. New Norfolk County was formed in 1636 and Lower Norfolk was split from New Norfolk County a short time later. Upper and lower Norfolk County is divided by the Elizabeth River. Lower Norfolk County was renamed Princess Anne County in 1691. Records of our ancestor can be found in both lower Norfolk and Princess Anne County Virginia.

Another important fact came to my attention much later in my research: After Robert Berry Jr. came to North Carolina and established a plantation, he named it Fiddleton. Did he really name his plantation Fittleton? Was the name misquoted as so often happens in verbal communication? Mistakes were often made by people with very little education, spelling names as they sounded to the individual. The spelling of surnames and given names were often recorded incorrectly on census forms and other documents. Fiddleton and Fittleton are so close together in their spelling that I think it is irrelevant to this study.

Why would Robert Berry OC in America name a plantation for a town in England? There is a very good possibility that this was done because his ancestors lived in Fittleton, Wiltshire County, England.

The port where many men and women sailed for America was in Devon. Devon County is only separated from Wiltshire County by Somerset County. The distance may be only about 125 miles from Fittleton, England.

Fittleton Wiltshire County, England, Map, and insert

I only have located two sources of information that list a young Robert Berry who was born about 1730. This was the appropriate age for our ancestor Robert Berry OC in 1744. Robert Berry in the first source was born in England, and Robert Berry Junior in the second source was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia.

In Peter Wilson Coldham’s book which was recorded on a Family Tree Maker CD: “The record states that in 1744” Robert Berry of Devon, England, 14 years of age is shown as indicted, convicted and sentenced to 14 years in gaol (jail). He is reprieved and transported to Kent County, Maryland. He arrives there on 15 April 1744 where he is indentured.

Individual: Robert Berry

Place: Maryland

Year: 1744

Primary Individual: Berry, Robert

Source Code: 419.10”

The second Source was an indenture of a 17 year old Robert Berry Jr. in 1746 to Samuel Hollowell in Princess Anne County, Virginia.

Name: Berry, Robert.

Apprentices of Virginia:

Master: Hollowell, Samuel

Apprentices of Virginia:

Beginning date: 08/19/1746

Apprentices of Virginia:

Sex: male"

Both of these young Robert Berrys were born about the same time, both were indentured, and both of them are free of their indenture by the time they were 21 years old in 1750/51. It seems that only Robert Berry Junior in the second source had the financial means to accomplish what Robert Berry OC did in North Carolina by the age of 36.

If Robert Berry OC is the son of Robert and Mary Williamson Berry of Princess Anne County, Virginia, then there’s very little doubt that most of his ancestors came from England.

Robert Berry PAC, Virginia was probably born in England or his father before him.

Robert Berry PAC may have been born about 1670 to 1680, and died in 1730 at age of 50/60.

Robert Berry Jr. was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, in 1729.

Robert Berry Jr. was only about 1 year old when his father Robert Berry PAC died.

Robert Berry OC was born about 1729 and died in 1814 at the age of 85.

Robert Berry Jr. was the name used in the NC Granville Grant Entry Feb 6, 1752.

Robert Berry OC and Elizabeth Cate married about 1757.

We have not located the father of Robert Berry PAC.

NOTE: Robert Berry Jr. was also the name that appears on his Granville Land Survey December 3rd, 1753. This would very likely mean that his father’s name was Robert Berry. (See Pg. 70 Figure: 18)

From the research I had previously done on Robert Berry OC I had determined that he was probably born about 1730. Since Robert Berry OC died in 1814, he would have been 84 or 85 years old at the time of his death. We know that Robert Berry OC died before January 14th, 1815, because that is the date Mary Berry Camp’s children drafted their power of attorney in Jackson County, Alabama, in an attempt to claim their mother’s inheritance. (See Page 111.)

Some Early Family Surnames Found In England#

Here is a source of English surnames that appear in Norfolk County, England, Norfolk County, Virginia, and Orange County, NC. These same surnames show up in many other places in this country where the descendants of our Robert Berry OC later lived.

The Norfolk Ancestor is a journal of the NFHS (Norfolk Historical Society). In the March 2008 issue, they published surnames of many of their residents. I have selected a few of our family surnames who resided in Norfolk County, England.

SURNAME PERIOD MN

BARTON North Central Pre 1810 10616

BERRY South East all time periods 10837

BOWLES North Central all time periods 10678

BREEZE North East all time periods 10773

CROWE North East all time periods 10656

KEMP South East Pre 19 century 10683

LAWRENCE all sections all time periods 10613

From the December 2007 issue of the Norfolk Ancestor:

SURNAME PERIOD MN

FORSTER North Central 1700-1900 10475

WILLIAMSON North West 1700 10468"

David Edgar Berry claimed that Robert Berry’s OC father was Patrick Berry who came from Scotland, but I have a lot of issues with his research. One major error made in David’s work states that my fourth great-grandmother Elizabeth Cate Berry died in Tennessee. I have no idea where he came by this information but it is absolutely not true and can be proven by Robert Berry’s OC will he wrote in 1812 and was probated in 1814 in Orange County, North Carolina by Elizabeth Cate Berry and her son, Henry Berry. They were the administrators of the Robert Berry OC will. There are many other misstatements in his research that can be proven to be incorrect. Many researchers have quoted David’s information verbatim, without doing any research of their own to support this. Martha Mangum and I made attempts to work with David soon after he had published his tree on Family Tree Maker. David died before our views could be reconciled. I only mention this to caution you to do your own research if you think you can prove that Robert Berry OC was descended from any country other than England.

There is no reason to believe that the 14-year-old Robert Berry transported to Maryland in 1744 is our ancestor. After having been indentured as a virtual slave for 7 years, he would have had very limited means. If this Robert Berry served his full 7 year indenture, he would have been 21 years old and a free man in 1751. The general rule was that after an indentured man completed his obligation; the Master only had to provide the indentured person with a gun, shot, powder, and a new suit of clothes. That is not very much capital to build a plantation or the plantation home that Robert Berry OC built 15 years after coming to North Carolina. It seems very unlikely that a recently indentured young man, with a musket and a new suit of clothes, could ever accomplish what Robert Berry OC did by the year 1766 in Orange County, North Carolina.

Our Robert Berry OC had funds when he made entry for his Granville Land Grant on February 6th, 1752. There is also no evidence that he ever had any financial problems making his quitrent payments or taxes. As near as I can determine, Robert Berry OC always had the funds he needed to buy additional land and the eleven slaves he acquired during his lifetime.

Robert Berry Jr., who was born in Princess Anne County, Va., inherited the family home and farm from the Will his father Robert Berry PAC made in 1730. The sale of this farm in Virginia would have provided adequate money when he arrived in North Carolina to create a plantation of the magnitude that he did. This record makes more sense and is much more likely to be our Robert Berry OC. It is truly amazing how much Robert Berry OC accomplished in only 15 years.

The very fact that Robert Berry Jr. indentured himself to Samuel Hollowell in Virginia leads me to believe that he is our North Carolina ancestor. Samuel Hollowell is thought to have been married to Robert Berry Jr.’s sister. After Mary Williamson Berry died, Robert Berry OC apprenticed himself to learn the carpentry trade in 1746, and 5 years later when he was 21 years old he was residing in Granville County, North Carolina. The sequence of events and the timing of Robert Berry’s OC activity is almost indisputable.

In both of these records Robert Berry’s birth year is very close to what we believe to be Robert Berry’s OC age. Both of these young men would be free of their indenture by 1751. As far as I can tell, there is no other evidence to suggest that the 14 year old Robert Berry from Devon, England, is our Robert Berry OC and even if he was, he would still be from England. So this fact alone would disqualify David Edgar Berry’s (dec) theory that Robert Berry OC was born in Scotland.

Abstracts of Property Lines of Robert Berry’s Neighbors & Relatives#

For the definition of the word processioned See page 29

The purpose of identifying the following property owners is to point out the surnames of families living in Princess Anne County, Virginia, where Robert Berry OC may have been born in 1730, and Orange County, North Carolina, where Robert Berry OC settled in 1751. Much of this information is somewhat repetitive but as you will see, the surnames can be found in Virginia and North Carolina as well as many other states where our ancestors migrated as time passed.

Most of Robert Berry’s PAC wife’s family owned property and lived close to George Shirley’s land in Princess Anne County which was formed from Lower Norfolk County in 1691.

There is a known marriage relationship in England between the Kemp family and the Shirley family. (See Page 21)

George Shirley and the Williamson family were apparently large land owners. George Shirley and his wife even signed as witnesses on Richard Williamson’s will.

“The lines between Jno Whitehurst and Hen Whitehurst and Anthony Webb and Jno Whitehurst, Robt. Berry and Antho Webb processioned Geo: Wmson and GEORGE SHIRLEY present.

The lines between Robt Berry and George Wm’son and Robt Berry and GEORGE SHIRLEY processioned Hen Whitehurst and Jno Whitehurst present.

The lines between GEORGE SHIRLEY and Jno Achis and GEORGE SHIRLEY and Fra’ Corbet and Jno Ackis and Fra Corbett, Robt Berry and Hen Whitehurst present.

Ye lines between Charles Smythe and Fra Corbett and Hen Whitehurst and Charles Smyth and Hen Whitehurst and Fra Corbet processioned Robt Berry and Edw Holmes present.

Neighbors of George Shirley

June ye 3rd, 1724 An account of land processioned [no location listed] by John Murray Junr

The line between John Murray and Edw Wood and Henry Nichlos and Edw Wood [?] and Henry Nichlos and Mr Botillios and Jno Scott and Jno Murray and Mr. Botillios processioned in ye lines of Richd Nichlos and Jno Murray,

the line between David Scott and Mr. Bo[ ] processioned Fra Goram present,

the lines between Jno Murray and David Scott and Robert B[ ] and David Scott and Jno Murray and Robt Berry and Jno Murray [ ] Hugh Whitehurst and Henry Whitehurst present.

The lines between Jno Murray and Geo Burke and Jno Murray and Wm [ ] processioned Hugh Whitehurst and Henry Whitehurst present.

The lines between Robt Berry and Wm Nichlos and Robt Berry and David Scott and Wm [ ] processioned Henry Whitehurst and Jno Murray present,

The lines between David Scott and Elenor Whitehurst and Between David Scott and [Hen Wise?] and Wm Nichlos and [Hen Wise?] and Wm Nichlos and Henry Whitehurst processioned Robt Berry and Wm Edmonds present.

The lines between Henry Whitehurst and Jas Whitehurst and Henry and Elenor Whitehurst processioned Robt Whitehurst and Hugh Whitehurst present.

The line between David [ ] and Wm Nichlos and Henry Whitehurst and Wm Nichlos processioned in ye presence of Hugh Whitehurst

The line between Wm Nichlos and Stephen Pew processioned David Scott present.

the line David Scott and Hugh Whitehurst processioned Wm Nichlos present

The line between Henry Whitehurst and Stephen Pew processioned in ye presence of us Anthony Webb and Hen Wiles

The lines between Jno Whitehurst and Hen Whitehurst and Antho Webb and Jno Whitehurst, Robt Berry PAC and Antho Webb processioned Geo: Wmson and GEORGE SHIRLEY present.

The lines between Robt Berry and George Wm’son and Robt Berry and GEORGE SHIRLEY processioned Hen Whitehurst and Jno Whitehurst present.

The lines between GEORGE SHIRLEY and Jno Achis and GEORGE SHIRLEY and Fra’ Corbet and Jno Ackis and Fra Corbett, Robt Berry and Hen Whitehurst present.

Ye lines between Charles Smythe and Fra Corbett and Hen Whitehurst and Charles Smyth and Hen Whitehurst and Fra Corbet processioned Robt Berry and Edw Holmes

Ye lines between Capt Walke and Char Smyth and Fra Corbett

Neighbors of George Shirley Murray and Robt Berry and Jno Murray [processioned] Hugh Whitehurst and Henry Whitehurst present.

The lines between Jno Murray and Geo Burke and Jno Murray and Wm [ ] processioned signed Hugh Whitehurst and Henry Whitehurst present.

The lines between Robt Berry and Wm Nichlos and Robt Berry and David Scott and Wm [ ] processioned Henry Whitehurst and Jno Murray present,

The lines between David Scott and Elenor Whitehurst and Between David Scott and [Hen Wise?] and Wm Nichlos and [Hen Wise?] and Wm Nichlos and Henry Whitehurst processioned Robt Berry and Wm Edmonds

Sept 17, 1731 An account of land processioned on ye South Side of ye Eastern Branch by me Thomas Wiles

The land of Aron Fentris processioned with a quiet procession in the presence of Moses Fentris and John Fentris

The land of Moses Fentris..in the presence of Michael Fentris and James Fentris

The land of Capt George Kemp..Capt John Ivy and James Kemp

The land of John Shipp..Moses Fentris and William Shipp

The land of Francis Ackiss..George Williamson and Richard Corbitt

The land of George Williamson..John Whitehurst and Richard Whitehurst

The land of Anthony Webb..John Whitehurst and James Fentris

The land of Robert Berry..George Shirley and Richard Corbett

The land of John Corbitt..George Shirley and John Whitehurst

The land of Col. Anthony Walke..Francis Ackiss and James Kemp

The land of George Shirley..George Williamson and Richard Whitehurst

The land of Moses Fentris Jr..George Shirley and Tho: Whitehurst

The land of James Fentris..Michael Fentris and Geo: Williamson

The land of John Whitehurst..George Shirley and Richd: Whitehurst

The land of Thomas Whitehurst..Anthony Webb and George Shirley

The land of William Fentris..John Murden and John Hopkins

The land of John Hopkins..John Murden and John Fentris

The land of Lemuel Nicholason..John Hopkins and John Fentris

The land of Mark Wood..John Hopkins and John Fentris

The land of John Murden..William Shipp and Anthony Webb

The land of William Shipp..William Fentris and Anthony Webb

The land of Thomas Wiles..William Edmons and John Fentris

The land of Mary Whitehurst..John Whitehurst Moses Fentris

The land of Nathanial Nicklis..Samuel Wiles and Michael Fentris

The land of John Williamson..William Ackiss and Richard Corbitt

The land of Roger Williamson..William Ackiss and Richard Corbitt

Ye lines between Charles Smythe and Fra Corbett and Hen Whitehurst & Charles Smyth & Hen Whitehurst & Fra Corbet processioned Robt Berry & Edw Holmes

The line between John Murray and Edw Wood and Henry Nichlos and Edw Wood [?] and Henry Nichlos and Mr Botillios and Jno Scott and Jno Murray and Mr. Botillios processioned in ye lines of Richd Nichlos and Jno Murray,

the line between David Scott and Mr. Bo[ ] processioned Fra Goram present,

the lines between Jno Murray & David Scott & Robert B[ ] & David Scott & Jno Murray present. The lines between Henry Whitehurst and Jas Whitehurst and Henry and Elenor Whitehurst processioned Robt Whitehurst and Hugh Whitehurst present.

The line between David [ ] and Wm Nichlos and Henry Whitehurst and Wm Nichlos processioned in ye presence of Hugh Whitehurst

Neighbors of George Shirley June ye 3rd, 1724

An account of land processioned [no location listed] by John Murray Junr The line between Wm Nichlos & Stephen Pew processioned David Scott present.

The land of William Ackiss..Roger Williamson and Richard Corbitt

The land of Murray John Mathias..John Williamson and Richard Corbitt

The land of Henry Matthias..John Williamson and Roger Williamson

The land of William Cartwright..Capt Kemp and John Williamson

The land of Bartholomew Williamson..John Williamson and Richard Corbitt

The land of George Pardy..William Cartwright and Richd Corbitt

The land of Tully Smyth..Capt Kemp and Richard Corbitt

The land of Coll. Craford..Moses Fentris and George Shirley

The land of William Robertson..Capt Kemp and Moses Fentris

The land of Palmer Moseley..Capt John Moseley and William Cartwright

The land of Capt John Moseley..Palmer Moseley and William Cartwright. Nearly all of the highlighted surnames are related to Mary Williamson and her family.

Mary Williamson was the Wife of Robert Berry PAC.

Craford, Murray, Murden, (Maden), Wood, Webb, Hopkins. (See Pages 288 through 301 complete 1755 Orange County Tax List.)

All of these surnames are also found in Orange County, North Carolina; Kemp, Mathias, Murray, Wood, Webb, Nichols/Nichols, and Hopkins. There are marriages between our Berry family in Orange County, NC, and most of these surnames. There is a Hopkins Family living with Henry Berry in the 1850 Orange County, North Carolina, Census. (See Page 251)

A Partial List of Family Surnames from the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls#

Aldridge Jno Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Aldridge Wm Prince George County, 1704

Ashley Charles Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Ashley Dennis Norfolk County, 1704

Berrey Robert Norfolk County, 1704

Blalock Jno Parish of St Peters and St. Paul 1704

Bolling John Henrico County, 1705

Bolling Rob[t] Henrico County, 1705

Bowles Henry Norfolk County, 1704

Bowles Jno Elizabeth City County, 1704

Bowles John Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Bowles Robert King & Queen County, 1704

Camp Thomas King & Queen County, 1704

Camp Wm. Glocester, Abbington Parish

Carraway John Princess Anne County, 1704

Catte Robert Prince George County, 1704

Crow Jno. Essex County, 1704

Crow Tho Essex County, 1704

Foster Anne Surry County, 1704

Foster Benj Prince George County, 1704

Foster Christo Surry County, 1704

Foster Henry Norfolk County, 1704

Foster James Glocester, Kingston Parish

Foster Jno. Essex County, 1704

Foster Joseph Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Foster Richd. Glocester, Abbington Parish

Foster Robt Northampton County, 1704

Foster Robt. Essex County, 1704

Foster Wm Surry County, 1704

Fowler George Princess Anne County, 1704

Franklin Symon Princess Anne County, 1704

Gibbs Jno Capt Princess Anne County, 1704

Holeman James James City County 1704

Holloman Richard Surry County, 1704

Holloman Thomas Surry County, 1704

Holloway Edward Prince George County, 1704

Holloway Edward Sen Prince George County, 1704

Holloway Wm King & Queen County, 1704

Hollowell Elener Norfolk County, 1704

Hollowell Jno Norfolk County, 1704

Hollowell Jno Sen Norfolk County, 1704

Hollowell Joseph Norfolk County, 1704

Humphrey Evan Surry County, 1704

Humphrie Joe Essex County, 1704

Hundley James Glocester, Kingston Parish

Hundley John Glocester, Kingston Parish

Hundley Philip Glocester, Kingston Parish

Hundley Timothy Glocester, Kingston Parish

Hunley Richd Glocester, Kingston Parish

Keeling Adam Princess Anne County, 1704

Keeling Geo Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Keeling Jno Princess Anne County, 1704

Keeling Thomas Princess Anne County, 1704

Kemp James Princess Anne County, 1704

Kemp Jno Princess Anne County, 1704

Kemp Peter G.C. King William County

Kemp Peter Glocester, Ware Parish

Kemp Richd. Middlesex County, 1704

Kemp Thomas Glocester, Kingston Parish

Kempt Wm. Glocester, Abbington Parish

Larrence Jno Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence George Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence Henry Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence James Charles City County, 1704

Lawrence James Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence Jno Isle Wighte County, 1704

Lawrence Jno Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence John Northampton County, 1704

Lawrence Matthew King & Queen County, 1704

Lawrence Richard James City County 1704

Lawrence Richard Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence Robert Isle Wighte County, 1704

Lawrence Robert Nansemond County, 1704

Lawrence Robert Nansemond County, 1704

Martin Wm Princess Anne County, 1704

Mathias Matthew Princess Anne County, 1704

Matthias Matthew Norfolk County, 1704

Miller Jno Glocester, Kingston Parish

Miller Jno Norfolk County, 1704

Miller John Essex County, 1704

Miller John Middlesex County, 1704

Miller Joseph Norfolk County, 1704

Miller Thomas Norfolk County, 1704

Miller Widdow Norfolk County, 1704

Miller Widdow Sen Norfolk County, 1704

Miller Wm Norfolk County, 1704

Moseley Jno Princess Anne County, 1704

Moseley Widdow Norfolk County, 1704

Moseley Wm Capt Princess Anne County, 1704

Moseley Wm Princess Anne County, 1704

Mosseley Edward Mr. Sen Princess Anne County, 1704

Murray Alexander Middlesex County, 1704

Murray Jno. Isle Wighte County, 1704

Nichols Robert Surry County, 1704

Nicholson Henry Norfolk County, 1704

Nicholson Jno James City County 1704

Nicholson Jno Norfolk County, 1704

Nicholson Wm Accomack

Norman Wm Glocester, Petso Parish

Norman Wm King & Queen County, 1704

Nicholson Wm Norfolk County, 1704

Pickles Tho King & Queen County, 1704

Pigg Edwd King & Queen County, 1704

Pigg Henry King & Queen County, 1704

Pigg John King & Queen County, 1704

Powell Lemuell Norfolk County, 1704

Powell Mark Elizabeth City County, 1704

Powell Mark Princess Anne County, 1704

Powell Place Essex County, 1704

Powell Richard Norfolk County, 1704

Powell Wm Norfolk County, 1704

Robinson Tully Mr. Princess Anne County, 1704

Robinson Tully* Norfolk County, 1704

Roundtree John Nansemond County, 1704

Roundtree Robert Nansemond County, 1704

Roundtree Thomas Nansemond County, 1704

Smith George Princess Anne County, 1704

Smith Humphrey Princess Anne County, 1704

Smith John Norfolk County, 1704

Smith John Norfolk County, 1704

Smith John Sawyer King & Queen County, 1704

Smith John Sen Norfolk County, 1704

Taylor Wm Norfolk County, 1704

Thorp Joseph Surry County, 1704

Thorp Tho Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Thorrp Widdo Essex County, 1704

Walk Thomas Princess Anne County, 1704

Walker George Princess Anne County, 1704

Whithurst James Princess Anne County, 1704

Whithurst Richard Norfolk County, 1704

Whithurst Richard Princess Anne County, 1704

Whithurst Wm Norfolk County, 1704

Williamson Fra. Isle Wighte County, 1704

Williamson George Isle Wighte County, 1704

Williamson Jno Norfolk County, 1704

Williamson John Essex County, 1704

Williamson John James City County 1704

Williamson Richard Princess Anne County, 1704

Williamson Robt Middlesex County, 1704

Williamson Tho. Essex County, 1704

Williamson Thomas Henrico County, 1705

Williamson Valentine Prince George County, 1704

Williamson Wm Accomack

Williamson Wm. Essex County, 1704

Wilson James Jun Norfolk County, 1704

Wilson James Parish of St. Peters and St. Paul, 1704

Wilson James (Sheriff) Norfolk County, 1704

Wilson Jno James City County 1704

Wilson Lemuell Norfolk County, 1704

Wishart James Princess Anne County, 1704

Wishart Wm Princess Anne County, 1704

Wislon James Coll Norfolk County, 1704

Wood Edward James City County 1704

Wood Edward Norfolk County, 1704

Wood Edward Princess Anne County, 1704

USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. VIRGINIA 1704 Rent Rolls.

Tully Robinson is found in the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls living in Norfolk County and Princess Anne County, Virginia.

Tully Robinson was a vestryman from 1769 until 1773 in the Lynnhaven Church.

James Kempe was a vestryman from 1736 until 1780 in the Lynnhaven Church.

The Robinson and the Kempe families had dedicated Pews in the 1836 Donation Church at Lynnhaven that were adjacent to each other. (See Page 31)

William Robinson is found in the 1755 Orange County Tax Roll on (page 5 Figure 10) (Pg 50 this book)

William Robinson signed Robert Berry’s OC will as a witness in 1812.

There were two families living between Robert Berry OC and William Robinson in the 1810 Orange County, North Carolina Census. Nancy Robinson and Alex Robinson were living three farms away from Henry Berry in the 1820 Orange County Census.

Henry Robinson was granted land in Fayette County, Alabama, on May 18th, 1824.

Robert Berry’s OC son, Robert Berry Jr and his son, George Berry, were granted land in Fayette County, Alabama on the 26th of April, 1824. John Robinson was living on one side of Robert Berry Jr. and Robert’s son, David Middleton Berry, was living on the other side of his father in the 1830 Fayette County, Alabama, census.

Robert Berry OC and William Robinson were friends and neighbors in Orange County, North Carolina, in 1755 and their sons were friends and neighbors in Fayette County Alabama in 1824.

The Robinson and the Berry families were very closely associated from 1755 until 1824 for a total of 69 years.

If William Robinson and Robert Berry OC came from Princess Anne County, Virginia, the close association of these two families may go as far back as 120 years to 1704.

Robert Berry’s OC aunt, Sarah Williamson, married Mathew Mathias in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and Sarah’s husband, Matthew Mathias, is listed in the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls.

Mathew Mathias and Robert Berry OC were both listed on (page 6 Figure 11) of the 1755 Orange County Tax List. (Pg. 51 this Book)

There was only one farm separating Mathew Mathias and Henry Gold who was one of the chain carriers on Robert Berry’s OC Granville Grant Survey in 1753. Thomas Cate was the other chain carrier. William Churton was one of Lord John Carteret, Earl of Granville’s land agents and he was the surveyor.

John and William Aldridge were listed in the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls.

William Aldridge was listed on (page 5 Figure 10) of the 1755 Orange County, North Carolina, tax list. (Pg. 50 this Book)

Peter Aldridge married Judith Waggoner on February 4, 1788.

Robert Berry Junior’s son George Berry married Susan Aldridge about 1814.

Robert Berry Junior’s grandson Robert Pickle married Susan Aldridge.

Robert Berry Junior was married to Mary Waggoner.

Robert Berry’s OC daughter Mary Berry married George Waggoner first and then she married James Camp in 1781 in N.C.

James Camp’s brother Thomas Camp b. 1765 N.C. married Susan Wagoner (b.c1766)

George, James, and John Kemp were listed in the Princess Anne County, Virginia, 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls.

Richard Camp was listed on (page 5 Figure 10) of the 1755 Orange County tax list. (Pg. 50 this Book)

Capt. John Gibbs was listed in Princess Anne County, Virginia, on the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls.

Richard Gibbs is listed on (page 6 Figure 11) of the Orange County, North Carolina, 1755 tax list. (Pg. 51 this Book)

Robert Berry OC filed suit against Richard Gibbs and won the case in 1759 in the Orange County Court.

John and Margery Cate were witnesses for Robert Berry OC (Berry Vs Gibbs)

John Cate became Robert Berry’s father-in-law in 1757 when Robert Berry OC married Elizabeth Cate.

Some Early Family Surnames Living Near Robert Berry in 1755#

You will find in 13 pages of the 1755 Orange County Tax List that some known surnames associated with our Robert Berry family in Orange County, North Carolina, and the Robert Berry family from Princess Anne County, Virginia, and in England on pages 292-305 this book.

Page 5 of the 1755 Orange County Tax List

Many of these same surnames in the Tax Lists can be found living close or marrying into our Berry family in many states in the USA, in the past, and even to this day.

Page 6 of the 1755 Orange County Tax List

Henry Waggoner was George Waggoner’s father. Patrick Rutherford owned the property adjoining Robert Berry’s OC Fiddleton Plantation in 1780. The rest of these surnames marked with arrows can also be found in Princess Anne County, Virginia.

Robert Berry OC was in North Carolina sometime in 1751. He built a small cabin in the northeast corner of his property near Thomas Bradford’s southeast corner. This was one of the requirements before entry for a land grant could be made. On Feb. 6th, 1752, Robert Berry OC was in the Granville County, North Carolina, Land Grant office and made his entry. The small cabin was noted on the entry form and the survey.

Thomas Berrey who was listed as a single man on (page 5, Figure: 10) of the 1755 Orange County Tax list may have had a family living somewhere else. (Pg. 50 this book). No known connection to our family.

In 1771 Thomas Berry wrote a will and named his children and grandchildren. We have never been able to connect Thomas Berry to our Berry family. After Thomas died we were never able to locate any of his family again.

Two major events occurred in 1771 that may be responsible for the disappearance of Thomas Berry’s children. (1) The Regulation movement was defeated at Alamance by Governor Tryon. (2) Caswell County was formed in 1771 from the north part of Orange County to the Virginia line.

Either one of these changes could be why we could not find Thomas Berry’s family in Orange County, North Carolina, after 1771. Thomas Berry may have been killed or the family just left North Carolina to avoid continued harassment by some of the local politicians that caused the formation of the Regulator movement in the first place.

Many Historians believe the battle at Alamance should be considered the first battle of the Revolutionary War. I think they are correct.

William Robinson and John (Ince?) for the North side of the Eastern branch, John Scott and William Martin the South side, John Moore and Adam Keeling for the lower precinct of the Eastern shore, John Saunders and James Ashley for Little Creek, Ortho Whitehurst and Lemuel Fentriss son of John for the Western shore precinct. There were other names that are irrelevant to our genealogy. Capt. James Kempe was a vestryman when this order was given. (From the Vestry Book of Lynnhaven Parish, Princess Anne County, Virginia, page 31 this book)

“August 1751 On motion of William Martin it is ordered that he have the Labor of two Negro boys named Hercules and Ceasar as an apprentice for taking George Askis an apprentice and its further ordered that the said Martin have leave to carry said Negros into North Carolina with him provided he give bond and security in the sum of 200 lbs current money of Virginia to see the said Negroes fourth coming when lawful remanded.”

In (Fig. 11, Pg 6, pg. 51 this book) of the 1755 Orange County Tax list, the listing for William Hartin is most likely a typo. He listed as a single man with no slaves but more than likely he sold his two slaves after coming to North Carolina to raise money. This is somewhat unfortunate but there are no known Hartins living in the Orange County in the 1850 census. There was a William Martin living in Hillsborough, North Carolina, in 1800.

There was a William Martin listed in the Person County 1812 Military Roster. William Martin was #46 and George Berry was #47. George Berry was Robert Berry Junior’s son.

If William Hartin is the William Martin named in the motion to bring two slaves into North Carolina it would be likely that he came to the state with the same exploration party that Robert Berry OC did. This is even more plausible because he was living next door to Robert Berry’s OC cousin, Matthew Mathias, who was probably the son of Sarah Williamson & Matthew Mathias, Robert Berry’s OC Aunt and Uncle.

The Martin, Pigg, and Berry Connection Continues#

Peter Martin is on (Fig. 141 page 8 Page 295 this book) of the Orange County 1755 tax list. Peter Martin married Rachel Shipman who was the sister of Elizabeth Shipman. Elizabeth Shipman married David II Berry in Wayne County, Tennessee. Rachel Shipman was born in 1827 and Elizabeth Shipman was born in 1809. These two sisters were the daughter of Jacob Shipman and Rachel Pigg Shipman.

Peter Martin was found living in Fayette County, Alabama, and was granted land on September 20, 1839. This may not be the same Peter Martin who was in Orange County in 1755 but very likely he is a son or grandson.

George Berry and his father Robert Berry Junior were granted land in Fayette County Alabama on 26 April 1824.

Henry Gould (Gold) was also living nearby (Fig. 11, Pg 6, Pg. 51 this book) of the 1755 Orange County Tax list. This is important because of his involvement with Robert Berry’s OC Land Grant.

Henry Gold was the sworn chain carrier in Robert Berry’s OC December 3, 1753 survey for the Granville Land grant. (The Gould family is in the 1704 Rent Rolls from PAC, VA.)

David Bradford was listed three dwellings away from Robert Berry in the 1755 Orange County tax list (Fig. 11, Pg 6, Pg. 51 this book). Thomas Bradford’s property joined Robert Berry’s Granville Land Grant on the north boundary in 1751.

James Nickleson is in 1755 Orange County Tax list (Fig. 10 Page 5 Pg. 50 this book).

Richard Camp is six dwellings from William Robinson and can be seen on the 1755 Orange County tax list (Fig. 10 Page 5 Pg. 50 this book).

It is very likely that some of these young men came to North Carolina with Robert Berry OC from Princess Anne County, Virginia. Some were probably relatives; others were neighbors and friends from back home. John Cate and his brother, Thomas Cate, may have come to Orange County with this group of explorers. John Cate was born in Prince George County, Va., which was created from Norfolk County, Virginia, in 1703 and was about 65 miles west of Princess Anne County, Virginia.

Many surnames associated with our Robert Berry OC family are listed in Norfolk County, England; South Norfolk County, Virginia; the 1704 Virginia Rent Rolls, and the 1755 Orange County Tax List. George Shirley owned property adjoining Robert Berry, and the Kemps, Williamson, Mathias, Nichols, Wood, Hopkins, and Whitehurst families. The Kemp family is also connected to the Shirley family by a marriage. The Williamson family married into the Kemp, Whitehurst, Mathias, Nichols, and Berry families. See John Kemp’s will (See Page 21) and Richard Williamson’s will (See Fig. 3, Pg. 20).

At least one of Robert Berry’s OC children married a descendant of the Kemp family in Orange County, North Carolina. Mary Berry first married George Waggoner, who died from wounds received at the battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781, and then she married James Camp around December, 1781.

Some of Robert Berry’s OC neighbors were Scot Irish and are buried in the Little River Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The Presbyterian movement was brought to America by Scot-Irish settlers. The land for Little River Presbyterian church was donated by Mr. William Murdock. The church was organized without a sanctuary in 1861. Most of the Scot Irish settlers came down the Shenandoah Valley in western Virginia from Maryland. The Wilsons, the Rountrees, the Halls, the McKees, the Dunnagans, and the Millers are buried in The Little River cemetery. The fact that Robert Berry OC was buried in his private cemetery named Fiddleton should rule out any speculation that Robert Berry OC was Scot Irish.

The Little River cemetery may be viewed at this URL address:

http://cemeterycensus.com/nc/orng/cem039.html

Given the probability that George Kempe is Robert Berry’s OC great grandfather and Robert listed his daughter’s name in his will as Mary Kempe, even though she married James Camp in 1781, it seems possible that James Camp could be related to George Kempe from Princess Anne County, Virginia.

Family Wills in this book:

George Kemp PAC (Fig. 2, Pg. 18)

Ann Foster Caraway’s will (Pg. 19)

Richard Williamson (Fig. 3, Pg. 20)

John Kemp’s will transcription. (Pg: 21)

Robert Berry PAC (Fig. 4, Pg. 23)

Robert Berry OC (Pg. 94)

Princess Anne County, Virginia, to Orange County, North Carolina#

There were only three major routes for early settlers and planters to enter central North Carolina. The ports along the coast of North Carolina, the old Indian Trading Path, and the great Wagon Road from Pennsylvania and Maryland down through the Shenandoah Valley into what is now Person County. The early English planters came from Virginia down the old Indian Trading Path. Many of the Wealthy Planters in Eastern North Carolina built summer homes in Hillsborough but very few planters came to Orange County from the coast.

My guess is Robert Berry OC, John Cate and others were traveling together from Virginia and stopped off at Lord John Carteret’s Granville land office near Oxford, North Carolina. This office was located on the Old Indian trail from Petersburg, Virginia, to the Eno River where the Occaneechi Indian tribe lived. This location later became Hillsborough, North Carolina. This old Indian trail had been used by fur traders for many years. John Lawson made mention of it in his book New Voyage to America written in 1704.

Most likely our ancestors were given maps of available land lying on the western branch of Flat River. This is where land was made available to the first planters to enter what was then Granville County. Robert and his friends were given instructions to follow the Flat River until it split and then turn left to follow the western branch.

The location of the available land was about 14 miles north of Hillsborough. The planters’ land and the space that lay between them and the city of Hillsborough would act as a buffer zone between the Indians in the West and the city of Hillsborough. This method of isolating one area from another was used in England by making land available to the Scot Irish between Ireland and England.

After a great deal of studying where Robert Berry OC and John Cate chose to homestead and where they lived before coming to North Carolina, I mapped out the only route that was available to them in 1751. (Fig 12, Pg. 56) This was a route used by many fur traders from the early 1700’s.

In his book “A NEW VOYAGE TO CAROLINA”, John Lawson describes part of the Old Indian Trail between Haw River and the Occaneechi Indian village on the Eno River. Orange County was formed in May of 1751. Corbin Town was formed near the Occaneechi Indian village and was later named Childsburg. The town became known as Hillsborough in 1766.

John Lawson describes some land close to Hillsborough in his book. Even though Lawson was there in 1704 and Robert Berry OC arrived there about 47 years later, I doubt that much had changed in that short period of time. John Lawson called the Occaneechi Indian Village “Achonechi Town”. John Lawson’s book is the earliest known record of Native Americans and the description of the natural virgin wilderness in North Carolina. His reason for being there was to catalog the plants and herbs that could be made into medicines of the day. In 1704, John Lawson wrote in his book, “A NEW VOYAGE TO CAROLINA,” as he was traveling from Haw River to the Indian Village on the Eno River. Lawson’s party had spent the night near Haw River, which was about 20 miles west of Hillsborough:

“As soon as it was day, we set out for the Achonechy Town, it being, by estimation, 20 Miles off. Which, I believe, is pretty exact, We got about half way, (meeting great Gangs of Turkeys) when we saw, at a distance, 30 loaded horses coming on the Road, with four or five Men, on other Jades, driving them. We charg’d our piece, and went up to them: Enquiring, whence they came from? They told us Virginia. The leading Man’s Name was Massy, Who was born about Leeds in Yorkshire.” There was some more conversation between the two parties and then: “The Virginia Men asking our Opinion of the Country we were in? We told them, it was a very pleasant one. They were all of the same Opinion, and affirm’d, That they had never seen 20 Miles of such extraordinary rich Land, lying all together, like that betwixt Hau-River and the Achonechi Town.”

FRANCIS NASH, fourth son of John and Ann Owen Nash, was born at Templeton Manor, the homestead of his father in Prince Edward County, Virginia, about 1742. I have given some account of his ancestry in the sketch of his brother, Governor Abner Nash. His father was a well-to-do planter and gave his sons such an education as befitted their condition. Francis Nash certainly had a good English education and some acquaintance with the classics.

The two brothers, Abner and Francis, seem to have come to Childsburg, now Hillsborough, in late 1762 or early 1763. Francis settled there, while Abner went elsewhere shortly after arriving in North Carolina. Childsburg had then all the roughness and rawness and raggedness of a back country settlement. It had been the county seat for nine years of a County that was great in territory but small in population. At this time, there were about a dozen dwellings in Childsburg, and all of these except three or four were simple log cabins. Two at least of the frame buildings were taverns. Only two of the streets had been laid off, and those at their north and west ends were mere broad roads through a forest. The courthouse was built of logs, while the jail was a small log cabin surrounded by a high stockade. There was no resident minister of the gospel, no church and no schoolhouse. There were two or three small stores on the corners near the court-house. Edmund Fanning had come a few months before and, besides practicing law, was a partner in one of these mercantile establishments. Francis Nash brought some capital with him, and he also invested in a store.” Source: (Biographical History of North Carolina from Colonial Times to Present, By Samuel A. Ashe, Vol. III, published 1906)

Robert Berry OC had already been living there 10 or 12 years before this description of Hillsborough as described by Francis Nash existed.

John Cate in North Carolina 1751#

Route from Virginia to North Carolina

John Cate and his two sons staked out their property and built a cabin before their land could be granted to them. As I stated earlier, I think all of the men who came from Virginia together helped each other build their cabins. There was a lot of land clearing and preparation that had to be done before John Cate was able to return to Virginia and bring the rest of his family to North Carolina. Since John Cate had only his oldest two sons with him, Thomas Cate was probably too young and remained in Virginia with his mother and three sisters.

We know from the 1755 Orange County Tax List that John Cate and his two sons were the only residents living in their cabin. The same holds true for Robert Berry OC and most of the other homesteaders. They were living as bachelors for a reason and that reason was because some of the wilderness had to be turned into cabins and farming land that would house and feed their families. Many of them were very young men and there were no young ladies to marry.

We have never located any records documenting the comings and goings between Virginia and North Carolina by our relatives. John Cate and his boys may have returned to Virginia on several occasions to be with his family during the winter months but essentially they remained bachelors for about four years. Robert Berry OC may also have gone with them to visit his relatives or take care of business. He may have sold his inherited property on one such visit.

Sometime between 1755 and 1757 John Cate returned to Virginia and brought Margery and the rest of the family to their new home in North Carolina. This was when our grandmother, Elizabeth Cate Berry, first came to North Carolina.

In 1757 John Cate & Margery, his wife, proved her Attendance as Evidence’s (sic) in the Suit (Court Minutes [212]-bk1 p6) Berry, Against Gibbs for Plaintiff.

Robert Berry OC also married John and Margery Cate’s daughter Elizabeth Cate in 1757.

John Cate Wills and Deeds and Grants#

Orange County deed book 4 page 464, 12 October 1771, John Cate senior to John Pryon 70 acres on South side of Flat River next to John Cate senior part of a tract from Granville grant twentieth of August 1759 to John Kate senior witness John Redman and Joshua Cate.

Valuable Information about our Cate ancestors found in John Cate’s will:

John Cate made his will on the 6th of January, 1785, in Caswell County.

Margery Lawrence Cate must have been deceased at the time John Cate wrote this will. There was no mention of her in his will.

Witnesses, Administrators, and family members named in John Cate’s will:

Granddaughter Ann Pryor

Daughter Margery Pryor

Youngest son Thomas Cate

Daughter Elizabeth Berry, Robert Berry’s OC wife.

Grandson Joshua Cate

Son Joshua Cate

Grandson Joshua Pryor

Daughter Nancy Griffin

Son-in-law John Pryor

Lyle Robinson, Witness

Joseph Pogue, Witness

Thomas Cate, Administrator

John Pryor, Administrator

This will was proven in open court in July of 1788.

John Cate lived in four North Carolina Counties and never moved from his original property. First he was in Granville County, then he was in Orange County, then he was in Caswell County, and then his property was located in Person County. John Cate was living in Caswell County when he wrote his will. Person County was formed from the east half of Caswell County in 1791. This was six years after John wrote his will and three years after he died. John and Margery Lawrence Cate are my fifth great-grandparents. If all of John and Margery Cate’s children are named in this will then there were three daughters and two sons.

Richard Mathias Cate is reported to be John Cate’s son. There was a Richard Mathias Cate living in Orange County. Richard Mathias Cate and John Cate Junior may have been the two sons John Cate listed in the 1755 Orange County Tax List. (Fig: 135 pg. 2, Page 289 this book) The fact that there was a man named Richard Mathias Cate is important because Robert Berry’s OC aunt, Sarah Williamson, married Matthew Mathias in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and Matthew Mathias (Fig:11 pg 6, Page 51 this book) was probably a first cousin who was living in Orange County, North Carolina, in 1755. Richard Mathias Cate may be further proof that Robert Berry OC was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, in 1729. This may also be the connection between the John Cate family and Robert Berry OC.

John and Margery Lawrence Cate’s Children#

Richard Mathias Cate (not named in John Cate’s will)

Joshua Cate

Thomas Cate

John Cate Junior

Margery Cate married John Pryor

Elizabeth Cate married Robert Berry

Nancy Cate married Griffin

Three Transcribed Person County February 1817 Court Records:

1. “Page 273: Division of Negroes of Richard Holeman on 27th November 1816 Richard Holeman: children of Elizabeth Persons: Joshua Cate.”

2. “Page 275: Account Sales of property of John Cates decd; by Jesse Evans and J. Rountree.”

3. “Page 277: Inv. Estate of Jane Holeman decd. taken 4th May 1816 by Rachel Cate adm.”

Joshua Cate must have married one of Richard Holeman’s daughters and Elizabeth Holeman must have married one of General Thomas Person’s relatives. This may explain the connection to General Thomas Person and why Hannah Cate who married Elizabeth Cate Berry’s son, William Berry, named their youngest son Thomas Person Berry. Elizabeth Cate Berry’s older brother was named Joshua Cate. General Thomas Person owned land near the Holeman and the Cate families. Person County was named for him and he was a N.C. State Congressman from that district for several terms. I always thought there was some family connection through the Cate family to General Thomas Person.

John Cate’s daughter, Elizabeth Cate, has been found in four sources.

1. In John Cate’s will, he named his daughter, Elizabeth Berry.

2. On 13th of June, 1777, George Smith of Caswell County sold to John Cate 76 acres of land for 105 pounds, lying on the Flat River, land that joins John Cate’s own property. Witnesses: Elizabeth C. Berry, Robert Smith, John Cate Sr. (Deed Bk. A, Pg 43)

3. Elizabeth (Cate) Berry purchased 1 Keeler for 8 schillings at William Cate’s estate sale in 1803. William Cate may have been Elizabeth Cate Berry’s cousin. (See Page 184) This same William Cate was also the father of two of Elizabeth Cate Berry’s daughters-in-law, Hannah Cate Berry and Sarah Cate Berry.

4. Robert Berry OC named his wife, Elizabeth, in his 1812 will. (See Page 94)

John Cate’s second Land Grant Survey was done on the 13th of October, 1758, and was granted to John Cate on August 20th, 1759.

Person County June Court 1781: Sale of John Cate Estate Buyers: Abram Hester, Robert Berry, Bennett Williams, George Waggoner, David Webb, Charles Pryon, Henry Hambrick, Benjamin Harrison, William Aldridge. Administrator: James Benton.

In the August term 1781, Orange County Court, George Waggoner’s last will and testament (deceased) was duly proven in open court by George Clower, a subscribing witness. The Revolutionary War had not ended at this time and it is unknown why George Waggoner died. It was first thought that George died from wounds he had received in the battle of Guilford Courthouse but since he attended the John Cate sale in June 1781 he may have died in a later battle or skirmish. For additional information about George Waggoner see Chapter 3, Page 108.

Robert Berry’s Neighbor Thomas Bradford 1750 Deed#

4 September 1750

Granville County Deed Vol. A. p. 296 Doc. 26 This indenture made and indented this fourth day of September One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty between Thomas Bradford of Northampton County in the said province aforesaid Farmer of the one part and Philemon Bradford Junr. of the county and province aforesaid of the other part Haberdasher? Witnessed that the said Thomas Bradford for and in consideration of twenty pounds current money of the colony of Virginia to me in hand paid or secured to be paid have given granted bargained sold ensconced and conveyed unto the said Philemon Bradford his heirs executors administrators and assigns one tract or parcel of land containing two hundred acres lying on Quarrell Creek it being the one half or moiety of a greater containing four hundred acres. Beginning at a white oak near Lick Creek on the south side and so strait across the said land a north course by a line of marked trees to a hickory which half or parcel here granted lyeth to the south is and of the said tract or parcel of land together with all and singular woods underwoods ways, paths, and passages with all orchards gardens and all other the improvements to the same belonging or any way appertaining to him the said Philemon Bradford his heirs executors or administrators and the same shall and will forever warrant secure and defend from all gifts grants bargains sales leases mortgages dowers judgments executions and all other encumbrances whatsoever of the same shall and will secure and defend from all persons whatsoever and from me my heirs executors or administrators or any deed or conveyance to make as his council learned in the law that reasonably devise advise or require. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year aforesaid. Thos. Bradford. Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Jno. Norris, Jonathan. White, George King, Alex. Burk At a court held for Granville County Sep. 4, 1750 the within deed of sale from Thomas Bradford to Philemon Bradford Junr. Was proved in open court in due form of law by the oath of Jonathan White and on Motion ordered to be registered certified by Dan Walden CC.

8 Aug. 25, 1769 — proved 1770, Jan. court on oath of Joseph Parker and James Heflin

Mary Bradford qualified as executrix, Thomas Bradford as executor.

Philemon Bradford wills to have executors pay all debts and funeral expenses; to daughter Elizabeth Hudspeth, 5 pds. money; to son Thomas, 5 pds.; to son Philemon, 5 pds.; to daughter Mary White, 5 pds.; to son Richard, 5 pds.; to wife Mary, the plantation where I live, a negro named Gilbert, a negro woman named Hannah, negroes named Judy, Milley, Ned, Dilcey, Bob, all stock, household goods, as long as she is my widow or for life; to son John, the land bought of my son Thos. Bradford on each side of Fort Creek containing 500 acres; at his mother’s death, the negroes Gilbert, Hannah, and Dilcey, all stock at William Parnals, 3 cows and calves, 6 sows and pigs, two beds and furniture, and if John Bradford die under age or without issue, then to go to my other children; to son David, the 400 acres whereon I live at the death of his mother, on Poplar Branch, and 30 acres more which is land I bought of my son Thomas Bradford; also to son David 4 negroes, 6 cows and calves, two beds and furniture and, if he die under age or without issue, the property equally divided to all my children then living. Exrs: wife Mary Bradford, son Thomas Bradford, son Philemon Bradford. Wts: Tamer Hefflin, Christopher Darnal, Mary Parker, Joseph Parker.

The White Oak on the Thomas Bradford line is in the description of Robert Berry’s 1753 Survey instruction on Page 71.