Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy

Richard Bennett

Male Abt 1650 - Abt 1720  (~ 70 years)


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  • Name Richard Bennett 
    Born Abt 1650  of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died Abt 23 May 1720  of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I657  Petersen-de Lanskoy
    Last Modified 27 May 2021 

    Father Richard Bennett,   b. Abt 1625, , Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1709, , Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 84 years) 
    Mother Anne,   b. Abt 1630, of, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1682, of, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 53 years) 
    Married Bef 1650  , , Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F452  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Anne,   b. Bef 1654, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Bef 17 May 1720  (Age < 66 years) 
    Married Bef 1670  , , Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. Richard Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1690, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1735, , Surry, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 65 years)
     2. Jane Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1690, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1720, of, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 51 years)
     3. Silvester Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1690, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1720  (Age ~ 51 years)
     4. Frances Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1680, Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1737, , Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 68 years)
     5. Anne Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1675, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1713, of, Surry, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 44 years)
     6. James Bennett,   b. From 1670 to 1690, of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. From 11 Nov 1751 to 1 Mar 1752, , Brunswick, Virginia, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 81 years)
    Last Modified 28 May 2021 
    Family ID F457  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • RESEARCH_NOTES:
      1. From the book "Pleasant Mangum and All His Kin, the Story of the Bennetts, the Mangums, and the Parhams," comp. by James Lynn Parham, Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore, MD, 1997, portion of chapter 3: Richard Bennett Jr.
      "Richard Bennett Jr. was born in 1645 in Surry County, Virginia. He was given the family plantation, Hickory Point, in 1690 by his father. His wife is unknown but she almost certainly preceded him in death. She is not mentioned in Richard's will made 30 March 1720 which was probated in Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, 23 May 1720.(13)
      Richard Jr. had five known children, Anne, Richard, James, Jane and Silvester, all mentioned in his will. He also mentions his granddaughter, Frances Mangum, and gives her a feather bed."
      "References
      13. Will of Richard Bennett Jr., Isle of Wight Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, Etc., Great Book, 1715-1726, page 41-42."

      2. Per 11 Mar 2003 email of Dr. John Palmer and author of book "The Mangums of VA, NC, SC, GE, MS, TN, AR, TX, UT, and Adjoining States": "Yes we are very certain now that John Mangum married Francis Bennett. She administered his will and estate at his death. The only unclear bit relates to her father. Richard Bennett, Jr. speaks of her as his granddaughter which is very puzzling. We believe she most likely was his daughter."

      3. The book "17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia," by John Bennett Boddie, 1938, chapter XVI, Descendants of Richard Bennett of Isle of Wight: "Richard Bennett's [Sr.] first wife was named Anne. She was probably the mother of his children. The wife mentioned in his will was named Sarah and she subsequently married Robert Lancaster whose will is probated in 1720. (See will.) Sarah Bennett-Lancaster made her will the 31st of October, 1722, and same was probated 29 January, 1723.
      Richard Bennett, Sr., died in 1709. He was then probably between 80 and 85 years of age as he had several sets of great-grandchildren. 15 years before his death he made a deed of land in Surry to Ann Bell a married granddaughter. He made his will as "Richard Bennett, Sr.," on the 4th of December, 1709 and same was probated February, 1710. Children:
      1. Susan, married Daniel Lewis. One daughter, Mary Throp is mentioned in Richard Bennett's will.
      2. Martha, married ____Lewis.
      3. Richard. (See later)
      4. James, who is mentioned as "godson" in the will of Joyce Cripps, wife of George Cripps and former wife of Francis England, the 8th of April 1679. It will be recalled that Justinian Cooper deeded land to James' grandmother, Alice Bennett in 1644 and that Cooper's land was adjacent to that of Francis England. England made his will the 13th of March 1677 as "Francis England of Blackwater." In 1694 James Bennett was living in the Lower Parish of Surry County as shown by his father's deed above mentioned. On August 19, 1718, Charles Binns, his neighbor, deeded him the neck of land between Pocatink and Bridge Swamps containing 90 acres, witnesses were John Allen and Thomas Holt. (W & D., 1715-30, p. 139.) James willed this tract to his son William. James will was as follows, "I, James Bennett, of Southwark Parish in the County of Surry, give to my son William Bennett plantation on which he now lives in part of a tract formerly bought of Charles Binns; to my son James 20 sh.; to my son John all my carpenters and coopers tools now in his possession. To daus. Anne, Martha, Mary and Sarah, personalty. To my daughter Bridget the use of my best house as much land as she can work. To my son Samuel the use of my plantation where he now lives. After death of Samuel and his wife without male issue I give plantation to my grandson, Thomas Bennett, son of William Bennett... Samuel to be exr. Teste; Charles Binns, William Goodwyn, Wm. Batt, Wm. Clark. Probated 17 October 1752. (Wills 3, page 804.)...
      Richard Bennett, Jr., eldest son of Richard, Sr., and his wife Ann, in 1699 was given the plantation "bought of William Miles in 1656" by his father, Richard, Sr. The name of Richard's wife is unknown. He made his will in 1720, as follows, "I, Richard Bennett, of the Upper Parish of Isle of Wight, give to son Richard 200 acres of land where he now lives; to my son James the other 200 acres where he now lives, it being a conveyance of 400 acres taken out Mr. John Cofer's patent of 1450 acres; to Jane Cofer and her two sons Robert and John Cofer, my plantation whereon I now live, it being part of the land which was bought of William Miles. Also to Jane Cofer a small trunk and a gold ring; to Richard Cofer my long gun. To Magdalen Cofer a great pewter dish and basin; to Frances Mangum my granddaughter a feather bed and furniture; to dau. He Silvester, dishes and plates. Jane Cofer and William Allen, exrs. My trusty friends, John and James Carter to the overseers." Children:
      1. Richard, according to the Quit rents for Surry in 1704, was holding 200 acres in that county. This may be the 200 acres on which he was living at the time of his father's death. On May 23, 1744, John Langston of Surry deeded Robert Gray 200 acres on north side of Black Swamp in Surrey which he had purchased of Richard Bennett. Richard Bennett died intestate in Surry in 1735. Inventory of his estate was recorded in January 21, 1735. His personal property was appraised at 51 pounds by James Washington, Wm. Evans and Thomas Bell. It is difficult to determine who his children were, but those shown below are unplaced and may be his children, as he and another Richard shown below are seemingly the only ones of this name who died intestate. Children, may have been those shown below (tentative arrangement only as there is no proof):
      a. John, made his will in Surry, Jan. 24, 1750-51 (B. 3, p. 713.) He leaves his "well beloved friend and brother," without naming him, all of his personal effects except his horse which he leaves you with to Edward son of Daniel Eppes whom he appoints executor.
      b. Benjamin of Amelia, who may have been the Benjamin who is Richard Bennett's administrator. Benjamin bought land in Amelia in 1746 from William Baldwin and in 1751 from Thomas Morrow. He made his will Dec.31, 1767, and names wife Mary, sons William, John and Benjamin, daughters Susan, Elizabeth, Mary and Selah.
      c. Richard, died in Surry in 1719. An appraisal of his estate was made by Hugh Foster, William Howell, and Charles White Oct. 7, 1719. The administrator was Benjamin Chapman; personalty valued at 10 pounds. (Book 1715-30, page 230.) (Name placed here tentatively.)
      2. Jane, married John Cofer. She and her children John and Robert inherited the plantation their grandfather bought of William Miles in 1656.
      3. Silvester, no further record.
      4. (Daughter) married John Mangum, who was mentioned in will of Richard Bennett, Sr. Richard Jr., leaves his granddaughter Frances Mangum a feather bed.
      5. Ann, married John Bell. She is not mentioned in the will for father, as she had already received her portion. On August 30, 1694, Richard Bennett, Sr., of Isle of Wight made a deed of gift to Ann Bell, "the now wife of John Bell, lately Ann Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, Jr., of Isle of Wight." (Surry W & D. Bk., 1693-1707.) John Bell gave testimony in a lawsuit, July 9, 1705, and said he was 37 years old. He died intestate in Surry in 1713 and his wife Ann was administratrix. As he left no will his children cannot be ascertained and but two of them seem to be known. A Joseph Bell made his will in Surry in 1733 and left his property to his brother John and "cousin (nephew) Burrell." This John Bell made his will in Surry in 1746 and mentions his son "Burrell," above named, and other children - John, Benjamin, Balaam, James, Ann Parham, Hannah and Mary; wife Hannah. Hannah Bell made her will in Sussex in 1768 and mentions, daughter Hannah Thompson, grandson Lewis Parham, son Benjamin, son James, daughter Mary Anderson, grandsons Silvanus and Zadock Bell, granddaughter Phoebe Bell. The above-mentioned daughter, Hannah Thompson, married William Thompson prior to 1744. They moved from Sussex to Chatham County, North Carolina about 1750. Hannah Thompson made her will in Chatham, Sept. 7, 1784 and same as probated May, 1788. She mentions sons John and Balaam; daughters Sussannah Kendrick, Sarah Terrell, Hannah Terrell, Ann Kendrick: and her deceased husband William Thompson. The birth dates of the three oldest children of William and Hannah (Bell) Thompson are shown in the Albemarle Parish Register for Surry and Sussex, as follows: John Thompson, born June 24, 1744, baptized August 19, 1744. Balaam Thompson, born Oct.13, 1745; baptized Dec. 15, 1745. Sussannah Thompson, born Nov. 16, 1749; baptized March 8, 1750.
      6. James is given 200 acres from John Cofer's place by his father Richard. He patented 190 acres in Isle of Wight, 15 March 1741 on south side of Nottoway River, bounded by Ridley's Branch. (Book 20, page 199.) The 10th of July, 1745, he patented 382 acres in Brunswick on both side of Gravelly Run adjoining Edward Jackson. (Book 23, page 946.) In 1748 he received a grant of 404 acres in Brunswick on both side of Rocky Run. James Bennett made his will 11 Nov. 1751 and same was probated March 1, 1752, as follows: "To my son Benjamin Bennett all land lying between Honey Bottom and the upper line. To my children James Bennett, Mary Proctor, Frances Sands, Priscilla Dugger and Joseph Bennett, one shilling each. To my son Reuben Bennett all the lower part from said Honey Bottom and plantation; to my dau. Brambley Bennett, bible and furniture, etc., to wife Mary rest of the estate, she and son Reuben to be executors. Teste, John Dugger, John Duke and Edward Parish." Benjamin Bennett, evidently the eldest son was mentioned first in his will and was given land lying on Honey Bottom. Benjamin patented 180 acres in Brunswick on both sides of Stephen Creek in 1750. (Book 29, page 264) and together with his brother Reuben patented 263 acres 26 Sept., 1761. (Book 33, page 958.) On the 25th of May, 1770, Benjamin Bennett and Sarah his wife, Reuben Bennett and Mary his wife, of Brunswick, deeded William Brown of Prince George, "332 acres left Reuben Bennett by with last will and testament of James Bennett his father, the residue being granted to Reuben Bennett by patent 26 Sept.1." Benjamin Bennett made his will in Brunswick in 1783 as follows: "To my son John Bennett 150 acres where he now lives; to my son Benjamin Bennett five shillings, to son Richard Bennett 180 acres where he now lives; to son William Bennett 163 acres; to dau. Sarah Sadler five shillings, my plantation where I now live to be sold by my executors, my sons of John and William Bennett and another place bought for my wife Sarah for her life. Personal property to be equally divided between my wife and Children. William, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Charles, Priscilla and Frankey Bennett, except one cow to Nancy Bennett and to my son James Bennett one colt to be sold to purchase land. Plantation of my wife to my son Charles after her death. Pro. 26 May, 1783."

      4. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 47, Jan. 2002, (formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"), James L. Parham, editor, pp. 22-28, article includes scanned images of the actual documents. The editor notes: "This Part 5 [of a series in the Journal] contains more records attributed to the supposed original immigrant, John Mangum in 18th century Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The first record is a will by John Parsons from Isle of Wight County dated 1707. John Mangum is listed as a witness, but there are no indications that John Mangum was anything more than an acquaintance or friend of the family. John signs the will with an "+", indicating that he was illiterate.
      Figure 1 Will of John Parsons, 20th of October 1707, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Will & Deed Book 2, page 662. The text of the will does not seem to be relative to our research. However, note that John Mangum is one of the witnesses. John's signature is enlarged in the inset block. He signs with a "+" mark.
      The next two records are wills of Richard Bennett Sr. and Jr. The will of Richard Bennett Sr. was on two separate pages but the image here combines these two pages into one image. Note that John Mangum signs his name with an "X", which is little different than the previous "+" of the Parson will. We may reasonably assume that the John Mangum of the Parson will and the John Mangum of the Bennett will are the same. In fact, all the wills are probably in the handwriting of the clerk that recorded the wills. Look close at the handwriting of each will, and the signatures of the testator and witnesses. It appears that all are the same, indicating that these documents are all in the handwriting of the clerk.
      Note that a John Mangum also is given two head of cattle in the will of Richard Bennett Sr. It is a little unusual for a legatee of the will to also be a witness to the will, but we assume that both John Mangums are the same. No effort was made to differentiate between the two in the will.
      The text of the will of Richard Bennett Jr. was all on one page (except the court minutes), but the page has suffered damage and part of the text is missing. Mr. Vaughn Ballard made the transcription and he attempted to add the missing text by interpolation and flow of thought from the surrounding text.
      Will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Record of Wills, Etc., Vol. 2, 1661-1719, page 514, dated 4 Dec. 1709). Text of Will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight County, Record of Wills, Etc., Vol 2, 1661-1719, Pg. 514.) Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas, 76011.
      "In the Name of God Amen. I Rich'd Bennett Sen'r now being in perfect mind & Memory Blessed be the Lord for it I Do appoint this for to be my last will & Testament, Disannulling & making void all former wills by me made. I bequeath my Soul to almighty God what gave it me & my Body to the Earth for to be Decently buried at the Discression of my Loving wife & Debts I owe to be paid & my will in forme following-
      Item I Do give & bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Bennett one Copper still, one gray mare & her increase & one horse and one Negro man named Jack to her Disposeing for Ever. I Do likewise make my loving wife whole and sole exec'et of this my last will & Testament-
      lem. I do give and bequeath to Mary Throp Daughter of Dan'l Lewis five head of cattle(1)-
      lem. I do give & bequeath unto John Mangum two head of cattle(2)-
      Item I do give & bequeath to James Coffield two head of cattle-
      lem. I do give and bequeath unto my two sons Richard & James Bennett & Sml??(3) Lewis & Martha Lewis the half of the rest of the ___ of my estate there after for to be Equally Divided by these men I have appointed & shall nominate. I Do order that my Standard be divided between my two sons Richard & James Bennett by these four men Tho Throp, Peter Deberry Robt Byskay & George Barlow & for to see this my last will performed-
      Item I do give and bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Bennett my plantation in Blackwater during her naturalle(4) life & then for to returne to James Bennett son of Rich'd Bennett & the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. I Desire that no Inventory shall be taken nor no Letter of Administration but for all things for to stand as this be nor any Security for to be given in witness my hand this fourth day of December in the year 1709.
      Testice Tho. Thropp Richard Bennett (Seal) his William X George mark Mary Cornos his John X Mangum mark
      At a court held for Isle of Wight County y' 20th day of Feb: 17[09](5) This last will & testament of Richard Bennett was presented in Court by Sarah Bennett his said wife Ex:xct who made oath ofto & being proved in Court by the oathes of Wm George Mary Cornos & John Mangum three of the witnesses thereto is admitted to record - Test H. Lightfoot C. Court
      [Notes]: 1. "Cattle" looks like "Cattelle," but it was probably just that the pen was raised after the "tt" and he made a tall "e" and put a little flourish on the end that looks like an "e". 2. This item is underlined by the editor for emphasis. The underline was not part of the original will. 3. I'm confident that the first letter is an "S." In an abstract of this will, Chapman lists Susanna Lewis as being mentioned in this will. I can't see that here. 4. This word, "naturalle," inserted above and between "her" and "life". 5. Date was off the page, but beginning, 170_, would indicate 1709 (by Julian Calendar) and will was signed in 1709.
      Will of Richard Bennett, Jr. (Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Deeds, Etc., Great Book, 1715-1726, page 42, dated 3 March 1720.) Text of Will of Richard Bennett Jr. (Isle Of Wight County Deeds, Ect., Great Book, 1715-1726 pg. 42.) Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas 76011.
      "March ye 3rd Day 1720 In the Name of God Amen.(1) Rich'd Bennett in ye upper parish of Isle of Wight County in Virginia being sick & weak in body yet in perfect memory thanks be to God for it Do therefore do make this my Last Will & Testament as followith - first I Commit my soul to God our Heavenly Father trusting to be saved by Jesus Christ our only Saviour and my body on Earth to be Decently Buried & as for my worldly Goods I bestow as followith /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my son Richd Bennett to him & his heirs lawfully begotten of his body two hundred acres of Land & over it being Land where on my Son Richard now lives /Item/ I give & bequeath unto my son James with ye other two hundred acres of Land where on he now lives. I lay to him & to his heirs lawfully begotton of his Body forever it is a Coveyance of four hundred acres of Land I bought of Mr John Coffers pattin of Land being fourteen hundred & fifty acres /Item/ I Give & bequeath unto Jane Coffer & her two sons Rob Coffer & John Coffer to them & their heirs Lawfully of their body for ever my plantation and land whereon I now live I lay to them & to their heirs for ever it being part of Land Which was bought formerly of Mr Wm Miles /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto Jane Coffer a small trunk & a Gold Ring and a Great Iron pot /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Rich Coffer my Long Gun /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Magdalen Coffer one Great pewter Dish and one Great Basin /Item/ I Give and bequeath to Francis Manggum my Gran Daughter a feather Bed & all ye belongs to it (2)/Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Silvester a Couple of Dishes & a Couple of plates furthermore I do appoint Jane Coffer & Wm Allen to be my full and whole Exct to pay my Debts & to Receive what is owing to me & when these my Debts being paid ye rest of my Goods within Doores and outDoores to be Equally Divided amongst my children / Desiring this my trusty friends Jno & James Carter to See this my Last Will & testament fulfilled In Witness here of I sett my hand & Seal.
      his Rich'd R Bennett {Seal} mark
      Assigned and Sealed in the presence of us
      his Jn J Carter mark his James H__ Carter mark Wm Allen Sr.
      At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 23 day of May 1720 This last will & Testament of Rich'd Bennett was presented by the Exes & being proved by the witnesses is submitted to record.
      Test H. Lightfoot C. Cor.
      [Notes:] 1. Bold Italic words were "washed out" and missing. These are my best guesses of what these words were. - Vaughn Ballard 2. Item is underlined by the editor for emphasis. The underline was not part of the original will.
      Comments 1. We don't know the relationship between John Mangum and John Parson, whose will John witnessed on 20 Oct. 1707. Note John's signature mark, which is a plus (+). Compare to the signature mark (also a 'plus') of John Mangham who deeded land to George Morrell 23 March 1695. (Journal 44, page 22). It is quite obvious that this John Mangum was illiterate. The younger John Mangum, who appears in later records, is probably this John Mangum's son. The younger John Mangum was probably literate, signing his name John C. Mangum.
      2. The will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight, 4 Dec. 1709) has many legatees. One is John Mangum who receives two head of cattle. Surprisingly John is also a witness to the will. It is presently unknown if this is a usual occurrence. John's signature mark is still a "plus" but slanted enough that it looks like an "X". In reality the handwriting is probably the clerk who transcribed the will into his will book and only the general shape of the mark is significant, assuming the clerk tried to copy the mark as faithfully as possible. We cannot be totally sure that both these John Mangums in the will were one and the same. However, we do not know of any other John Mangum in Virginia at this time. The younger John Mangum who appears later, and who we believe is John Jr., was likely born about 1710. There was no attempt to differentiate between the two John Mangums, such as Jr. and Sr., lending support to the theory that they were one and the same.
      3. The will of Richard Bennett Jr. (Isle of Wight County, 3 March 1720) also has several legatees. One of these is Francis Manggum who he calls his "Gran Daughter". This Francis was therefore a child of one of Richard Jr.'s children, not specifically designated in the will. It may be significant that Richard's daughter Silvester is mentioned just after Frances. This reference to Francis Manggum has been the core of a controversy that has dogged researchers for decades. We know that a Frances Mangum was administrator of John Mangum's estate in 1737 in Isle of Wight County. She was presumably his widow. Was Francis Manggum (granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. mentioned in his will) and Frances Mangum, wife/widow of John Mangum, one and the same? Or were they mother and daughter? For a more detailed discussion of this controversy you might want to read the article on page 29 of Journal Issue 43. Additional pieces of the puzzle will be discussed next issue with the publication of the will of Sarah Bennett Lancaster, remarried widow of Richard Bennett Jr.

      5. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 44, Apr 2001, (formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"), James L. Parham, editor, pp. 19-20, article includes scanned images of the actual documents. The editor notes: "This Part 2 [of a series in the Journal] contains three additional records of John Mangum of early Virginia. The first two are the "Tithables" of 1693 & 1694, which represent the first two known records of John Mangum in the New World. The third record is a deed by John Mangum to George Morrell, selling the land John had earlier bought from Richard Bennett Sr.
      Figure 1 Surry County, Virginia Deeds, Wills, Etc. #4 (1687-1694), page 331-333. From microfilm. The top wording is translated as: A list of the tithables in Lawnes Creeke pish taken this 10th day of June 1693. "pish" is shorthand for "parish." The listing Jno Mangom - 1 is taken to mean John Mangom (for Mangum?), 1 (tithe).
      Figure 2 Surry County, Virginia Deeds, Wills, Etc. #5, 1694-1709 Page 23. From microfilm. The items are translated as: Surry County A list of tithables in Lawnes Creeke pish taken June the 9th 1694. John Mangham - 1 (tithe). There were other individuals of interest in these lists of tithables. See the notes later on in this article.
      Misc. Tithables in 17th Century Surry County, Virginia. (Bennetts and other individuals who have or might have some relationship to the Mangums. These names were taken from microfilm of Surry County records and from various published sources.)
      10 June 1674: Southwark Parish had 238 people and Lawnes Creek Parish had 182 people including a John Bennett. 1678 - Jonah Bennett and George Morrell were listed. 1688 - Jno Bennett, Jonas Benett & William Bennitt. 1692 - John Mangle (page 280), Robert Savadge, Charles Savage, Wm. Bennett & Henry Savage. 1693 - Besides John Mangom there was Chas Savadge, Jas Bennett, Hen. Savage, Robert Lancaster (Sr. & Jr.), Wm. Bennett & Tho Ward. 1694 - James Bennett, Jonas Bennett, William Bennett, George Morrell (Jr. & Sr.), Robert Savage & Charles Savage. Notes on Surry County, Virginia Tithables:
      a. It is unknown who Jonah Bennett is, and whether or not he has any connection to the Richard Bennett Sr. family. b. George Morrell sold and received land to/from John Mangum in 1695/6. c. John Mangle is listed only because of the similarities to the name 'John Mangum'. It presents some interesting coincidences, coming one year before the first listing of our John Mangum in 1693. The English 'Mangles' have been given some consideration for the procurer of the Mangham/Mangum name. See the "Origins" articles in the Journal, beginning with issue 39. [A subsequent issue of this Journal, no. 45 as quoted above, indicates this is in fact John Mangum in his earliest record in America.] d. John Mangum (Jr.?) apparently married Olive Savidge sometime before 1728. There is no known marriage record, but John & Olive Mangum were selling land as man and wife in 1728. e. Richard Bennett Jr. married Sarah, widow of Daniel Lewis. She married Robert Lancaster after Richard Bennett Jr. died. In her 1722 Will in Isle of Wight County she mentions Mary and Sarah Mangum, daughters of John Mangum. f. John Mangum appraised the estate of Thomas Ward in 1728.

      6. "Mangum Family Bulletin," Four part article in vol. numbers 27-30, Jan. 1986, Apr. 1986, July 1987, Oct. 1987, editor James L. Parham: "Mangum Origins - The Bennett Connection," by James L. Parham. [Notes by myself, Kerry Petersen, are in brackets.]
      "Introduction
      My first attempt to resolve the question of Mangum origins was in December 1969 when I published an article on John Mangum of early Virginia (issue 4, MFB). Please review that earlier article for background information. There have been further developments since then, some (but not many) new records and a lot of thought & debate. In this article I will try to present all that is known about Mangum origins with emphasis on John Mangum of early Virginia and the Bennett family he was connected with.
      This has been a very difficult article to write. It is long, the records are sparse and there is much disagreement about what the records mean. Please be careful about using the theories that I present. They are not to be taken as actual fact without proof. I will try to cover dissenting opinions, but this article will, of necessity, be biased in favor of my theories and beliefs. I welcome and encourage different theories and will offer to print any such received.
      Because of the length of this article it will be published in several parts. I will try to finish it before the end of the year. Please be forewarned that the problem of Mangum origins will not be solved by this article. In fact, you may be more confused after reading it than before you started. Nevertheless, it will be useful to present the known facts and ask the questions that need to be asked.
      I will try to make this article as organized as possible. However, you may find that I did not quite succeed at times. I will first present some general history of the Virginia colony and how the Bennett family fits in. I will then present information on the Edward Bennett line which may not be directly related to "our Bennetts." However, there seems to be some tie-in of this line to the Mangums. Next I will present what is known about the Bennett family that was definitely associated with our John Mangum and the details of that tie-in.
      Delta Ivy Mangum Hale.
      Mrs. Hale of Utah spent 40 years of research into her Mangum line and the problem of Mangum origins. She hired professional genealogists to make extensive searches of ship passenger lists and other records to uncover Mangum origins. Unfortunately, she found little hard evidence. One family tradition she found seemed to explain why there were no official records of our Mangum immigrant. This tradition states that two brothers in Isle of Man were playing and accidentally broke a window. They ran, hid on a ship and went to sleep. When they awoke they were out to sea on the way to the New World. The likelihood of this story being true is debatable and there are other possible explanations for the lack of Mangums on the passenger lists. One obvious possibility is the fact that many passenger lists were destroyed or lost over the years. Mrs. Hale's book was published in 1971 posthumously. At that time it could be ordered from Mr. Elgie J. Hale, 1040 E. Arlington, Bountiful, Utah. I feel very indebted to Mrs. Hale for the huge amount of work she put into Mangum research. If not for her earlier work then this article could not have been possible.
      Mangum Beginnings.
      The only definite evidence of the immigration of a Mangum to the new World was in 1666. In that year a Timothy Mangham was transported to Maryland as a colonist. There is no evidence that this individual left any descendants. There were Mangum families in Maryland during the first census in 1790 but this was over 120 years later. Mangham was one popular spelling of the name Mangum. Few names had "fixed" spellings before the mid-1800's.
      John Mangum of Virginia appears to have been the first Mangum immigrant to have left surviving descendants. The evidence is not definitive but he appears to have been the father of the several families of Mangums who were in the Albemarle Parish, Sussex & Surry Counties in the early 1700's. He also appears to have been associated with the Bennett family, probably by marriage, of Isle of Wight County. This Bennett family was in Virginia much earlier than the Mangum family, possibly from near the beginning of Virginia itself.
      We may be in error by trying to assign a single person as "the immigrant ancestor." In fact, there may have been several. Nicholas & Martha Mangum who died in Surry Co, VA in 1757 and 1761 respectively were likely immigrants. They were apparently elderly people, certainly not very young and only their estate records have been found. Jacob Mangum of Richmond County N. C. (ca 1786) and later S. C. may also been an immigrant from Ireland. Others believe he was descended from James Mangum of the 1st VA to N. C. migration. These are only two examples of several possible Mangum immigrants.
      The Virginia Colony.
      In 1607 three ships carrying colonists sent by the Virginia Company of London dropped anchor in what is now the James River of Virginia. They built a fort and the settlement that grew up around it became known as Jamestown. This was the first permanent English settlement in North America and the beginning of Virginia. Even though the settlers suffered great hardship in the first years, they managed to survive under the leadership of Capt. John Smith. Tobacco became a commercial crop in 1612 and the marriage of John Rolfe to Pocahontas insured peace with the Indians until her death in 1618.
      By 1619 plantations were on both sides of the James River and women had also begun arriving in the colony. Also during this year the first representative legislature in the New World, the House of Burgesses, met at Jamestown. The House of Burgesses was a 22 member legislative body together with Sir George Yeardly as Governor and a 6 member council appointed by him. The first Negroes also arrived in the colony. There was an Indian massacre in 1622 but the colony survived. By 1624 Virginia became a royal colony under the direct control of the King rather than a commercial venture.
      Edward Bennett Family.
      Edward Bennett of London owned a fleet of ships doing trade with Virginia. He established a large plantation in Virginia in 1621 which was called "Bennetts Welcome." He was not in VA at this time but his brothers Robert & Richard were. Edward must have come to VA by 1627 because he was in the House of Burgesses for that year.
      One of Edward's daughters was named Silvestra and she is one of two of his heirs mentioned in his will. She was born 25 Oct. 1630 and died 1706. She married Lieut. Col. Nicholas Hill who was also in the House of Burgesses in 1663, 1666. He died in 1675 in Isle of Wight. One daughter of the Hills, Mary, married John Jennings Jr. John made his will in Dec. 1692, probated Dec. 1695. In his will he names mother (in- law?) Silvester Hill. A witness to the probate was Frances Mangum. [This has since been proven by the same author to be an error and Frances was not the signature on the will - see separate note on this subject in Frances Bennett's notes in this database.]
      This enigmatic reference to Frances Mangum with the Edward Bennett Family raises many questions which cannot be answered at this time. We have found no further reference to a Mangum with this Bennett line. It remains to be seen what significance this has in relation to the Thomas-Richard Bennett line that we usually associate with the Mangums.
      General References:
      1. John Mangum of Early Virginia, Article MFB #4, Dec. 69
      2. Southside Virginia Families, Boddie, pp. 57-64
      3. 17th Century Isle of Wight, Boddie, pp. 289-304
      4. Adventures of Purse & Person
      5. Albemarle Parish Register, MFB # 1-4
      6. Encyclopedia
      7. Nicholas Mangum, Article MFB # 9-12
      8. Misc. records from MFB
      This is the second installment of the Mangum-Bennett article. This article begins with Thomas Bennett who was the first known of the Bennett line who came to America and whose descendants were associated with our immigrant ancestor.
      Thomas Bennett:
      The Bennett family that was associated with our apparent immigrant ancestor, John Mangum, was in the New World almost from the beginning. We have not been able to find any definite tie to the Edward Bennett family described last issue other than the Jennings-Mangum record. However, it is very likely that there was some relation. Thomas Bennett was apparently the first Bennett of this particular line to come to the New World. He was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1632 from Warwick County, VA. Unfortunately, the records of Warwick County were destroyed in the Civil War.
      Thomas's wife was named Alice & she was a widow of Thomas Pierce. She may have married Thomas Bennett about 1624 and was apparently the mother of his only child, Richard. They lived on the south side of the James near Lawnes Creek in 1624.
      Elizabeth Pierce, daughter of Thomas and Alice pierce(later Alice Bennett), probably married Anthony Barham. Anthony was also a member of the house of Burgesses in 1629-30. His will in 1641 in England mentioned his brother-in-law Richard Bennett and mother Bennett.
      Thomas Bennett probably died between 1632 and 1641. These are the dates of his House of Burgesses service and the 1641 will of Anthony Barham. Anthony Barham mentions mother Bennett and his Brother-in-law Richard Bennett in his will, but makes no mention of Thomas Bennett. Alice is alive at least until 1642 when she was mentioned in several land dealings.
      Richard Bennett, Sr.:
      Richard Bennett Sr. was born about 1625, probably in Virginia. He received land for transporting several people to the colonies in 1638 and 1682.
      Richard first married Anne who was apparently the mother of his children. He married 2nd Sarah, widow of Daniel Lewis (who died 1679) Sarah married a third time to Robert Lancaster after Richard died.
      Richard in 1699 resided at Blackwater near a Justinson Cooper and Frances England. He calls himself Elder of Upper Parish of Isle of Wight in a deed sometime after 1682. His known children were Susan who married Daniel Lewis (had daughter Mary Throp), Martha who married a Lewis, Richard Jr. and James.
      Richard Sr. made his will in isle of Wight 4 Dec. 1709 and it was probated in Feb. 1710. He mentions wife Sarah and John Mangum. A John Mangum was also a witness to the will and gave oath at probate.
      Sarah Lewis Bennett Lancaster:
      Sarah Lewis was a widow of Daniel Lewis who died in 1769. She had a son Daniel and a daughter Sarah from that first marriage. She married Richard Bennett Sr. & became a widow a second time when he died in 1709. Her third marriage was to Robert Lancaster. She made her will on 31 Oct. 1722 and it was probated on 29 Jan. 1722?? She had several legatees including Mary & Sarah Mangum, daughters of John Mangum.
      Richard Bennett, Jr.:
      Richard Bennett Jr. was the oldest son of Richard Bennett Sr. and wife Anne. We believe he was born about 1650, probably in Isle of Wight. He was given the family plantation in 1699 in Upper Parish Isle of Wight. We do not know the name of his wife.
      His tentatively identified children were Richard who died intestate in Surry county, VA in 1735, Jane who married John Cofer, Silvester, Ann who married John Bell and James.
      Richard Bennett Jr. made his will in Isle of Wight 30 March 1720 and it was probated 23 May 1720, He mentions son Richard, Jane Coffer, John Coffer, Rob. & John Coffer, Magdalen Coffer, daughter Silvester, Wm Allen and friends Jn. Carter and James Carter. He also mentions Francis Manggum, calls her granddaughter and leaves her a feather bed and furniture.
      It should be noted here that Frances Mangum is called granddaughter. This means that she was a daughter of one of the children of Richard Bennett Jr. There are several possibilities, none of which can be proven at present. She may have been a daughter of one of the children mentioned above, she may have been born out of wedlock, she may have been a daughter of an unnamed deceased child of Richard Jr. Also, she may have been the wife of John Mangum or she may have been his daughter, These possibilities and theories will be given further discussion later.
      This is the third installment of the Mangum-Bennett article. It contains what we know about John Mangum himself and his supposed wife Frances. The final installment will be printed in the next issue.
      John Mangum of Early Virginia:
      The earliest records of a Mangum in Virginia refer to a John Mangum. These records date back to about 1695 and maybe earlier. [Tithables records, which were similar to property taxes, that mention John begin in 1692.] These records and the absence of other Mangum records in that period lead us to believe that John Mangum was the father of the Mangum families who were later in the Albemarle Parish, Surry and Sussex Counties shortly after the parish was set up in 1738. The absence of earlier records also indicate that John was an immigrant. These records leave many unanswered questions, but first let us examine the records themselves.
      John Mangum was born by 1674 [1671]since he was able to purchase land in 1695 [listed as tithables by 1692]. The land was purchased in Surry Co., VA from Richard Bennett Sr. who apparently was a great grandfather of the Frances who was married to John Mangum. In March 1695/6 John trades this 100 acres of land for 90 acres in Isle of Wight. Both tracts must have been near Lawnes Creek which was the dividing line between Surry and Isle of Wight Counties. The Quit Rent of 1704 lists a John Mangum with 100 acres, probably an error for the 90 acres he actually had.
      John Mangum is mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Sr. and in the will of Sarah Lancaster, widow of Richard Bennett Sr. John is dead by 1737 since a Frances Mangum is administrator of his estate in that year.
      It is my guess that we are dealing with two John Mangum here. One John Mangum was mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Sr., and another John Mangum signed the same will probate as witness. It is not impossible that these were the same person, but I think it is unlikely. I would also guess that the two daughters of John Mangum referred to in Sarah Lancaster's will in 1722 were daughters of the younger John Mangum, not of John the immigrant. If these were daughters of the elder John Mangum, then the other probable children of the elder John were ignored as well as their mother Frances. John Mangum the younger was very likely son of John the immigrant. He was married to Olive Savage and she was administrator to his estate in Isle of Wight in 1744. See previous 1969 article for additional information on this family.
      Frances Mangum:
      Frances, supposed wife of John Mangum the immigrant, is one of the major problems that we have to deal with. Most of the controversy centers around her. It appears that she was married to John Mangum by 1695. At least we know that John Mangum had land dealings with Richard Bennett during this period.
      Frances Mangum is mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Jr. in 1720 and is called granddaughter. Unfortunately we were given no hint as to who her parents were. The probable children of Richard Bennett Jr. were given in the last installment of the article. Silvester has been mentioned as a possible parent of Frances or a deceased child of Richard Jr. could have been her parent. We may never know. A tie that I would like to make, but just cannot make fit, is that Frances was daughter of Silvester and that the Frances that witnessed the John Jennings Jr.'s probate in 1695 [it has now been determined that it was not Frances Mangum who witnessed the Jennings will and that the signature was misinterpreted] and the Silvester Hill who was mentioned in the will were mother and daughter. Alas, that is not to be. That Silvester appears to be the daughter of Edward Bennett, an entirely different line. Frances was administrator of John Mangum's estate in Isle of Wight in 1737 and we have no further record of her.
      Using the assumptions above, then Frances likely did not have Bennett as her maiden name. She also could have been born out of wedlock which was not uncommon then. (This is pure speculation!) Others want to believe that her maiden name was Bennett and that also is possible. There may have been a daughter of John & Frances who was named Frances. The elder Frances would be the daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. Some point out that Richard Jr., would more likely leave a feather bed to a young girl just starting out rather than to a mature woman who probably had her own bed. The Frances mentioned in the will would therefore be a young daughter of the mother Frances. In fact, there is only circumstantial evidence that John Mangum married Frances at all. Still, if there was a daughter Frances and a granddaughter Frances, why mention the granddaughter and not the daughter in the will? It is unfortunate that we cannot establish a definite birthday for Richard Jr. This would have a definite influence on the likelihood that the granddaughter Frances of Richard Jr.'s will was either a young girl or a mature married woman.
      And, if the above is not enough of a problem, then take a look at the deeds of John Mangum, If he was married to Frances or anyone by 1695, then why did not his wife sign any of the deeds where he sold land before 1700? Why is the signature mark on the 1696 deed of John Mangum to George Morrell different from the signature mark when John Mangum signs the will of Richard Bennett Sr. Father and son maybe? Cousins?
      This is the fourth and last installment of the Mangum-Bennett article. It is mainly a summary of the previous articles plus some of my personal theories. Please send in any new information you may have and/or make any comments you feel that are relevant.
      Summary:
      As I promised you, we asked a lot of questions in this article and answered few. To summarize the major questions, I will list a number of them again here.
      1. What was the origin of Thomas Bennett ?
      2. How was he related to the family of Edward Bennett?
      3. How was the Mangums related to Edward Bennett?
      4. How did John Mangum get to the New World?
      5. Was he the one and only immigrant ancestor?
      6. Did he marry Frances, granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr.?
      7. Who were her parents?
      8. When did they marry?
      9. Why is she not on deeds with John Mangum?
      10. Why did she witness the will probate of John Jennings Jr. who married a descendent of Edward Bennett? [Answered: it was not her signature on the will.]
      11. Was there another John Mangum clouding up the records? Was he son of John the immigrant? Was he the John that married Olive Savidge?
      12. Why was no effort made to separate the two John Mangums in the records?
      13. Was there a Frances, daughter of John & Frances Mangum?
      14. Why was only two daughters of John Mangum mentioned in the will of Sarah Lancaster?
      15. What is the birthdate of Richard Bennett Jr.?
      There are many more, but you get the idea. If you have any information relating to the above, please send it to me.
      Personal Theories:
      I have changed my mind many times over the years about what is going on with these early families. Some of the changes were made while I was writing this article. Below I am going to list my ideas, working hypothesis if you will. Most are pure speculation and should be treated as such. Ordinarily, we should try to stay away from speculation, relying instead on solid facts. Unfortunately, with these early families there are few facts to rely on and speculation is the only thing we have left. Hopefully, this will eventually change. I suspect that if we ever do find enough information to substantiate this line, then there will be many surprises which, although thoroughly logical, are completely unsuspected by present researchers.
      1. Thomas Bennett was a relative of Edward Bennett.
      2. Most or all the Bennetts in the New World were well known to each other.
      3. Frances Mangum, wife of John, witnessed the will probate of John Jennings Jr. because they were kinfolks. [Disregard since Frances Mangum did not in fact sign the will - someone had misinterpreted the writing.]
      4. Frances was a daughter of either Silvester Bennett or maybe a deceased child of Richard Bennett Jr.
      5. She married John Mangum, immigrant around 1695.
      6. One of their sons, John, married Olive Savadge.
      7. This son witnessed the will of Richard Bennett Sr. (With father mentioned in the will) and the two daughters mentioned in will of Sarah Lancaster were his.
      8. John the immigrant was the father of the several families of Mangums listed in the Albemarle Parish immediately after it was set up in 1738.
      9. There were other immigrants beside John but he was the first to leave descendants.
      General References:
      1. John Mangum of Early Virginia, Article MFB #4, Dec. 69
      2. Southside Virginia Families, Boddie, pp. 57-64
      3. 17th Century Isle of Wight, Boddie, pp. 289-304
      4. Adventures of Purse & Person, Author ?
      5. Albemarle Parish Register, MFB #1-4
      6. Encyclopedias
      7. Nicholas Mangum, Article MFB #9-12"

      7. The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal; Issue Number 60, October 2007, by James L. Parham: "Surry County, Virginia Court Records. (These microfilms were rented from the Salt Lake City library via the local Mormon Church here in Huntsville, AL. I searched these microfilm a few years ago, and just stumbled on them again. They contain some interesting and useful information about the Mangums in Surry County, VA before the 1748 migration into N.C. I took these notes in haste, so the transcription will not be 100% accurate.)
      A. Surry County Order book, 1691-1713 (From Salt Lake City (Mormon) microfilm #0034129):
      Page 132 - John Mangham having been [summoned] on evidence on behalf of Arthur Davis against Robt Blake and attended two days it is ordered that the said Davis pay him for the [said] according to law with cash at Exam. - Surry Court, Southwark May 28, 1695
      Page 175 - Richd Bennett having brought an action to this court agt. Abraham Morris and failing to appear to prosecute, this suit is dismisst.
      Page 179 - John Mangham having caused Tho Durham to be arrested to this court not having entered a petition the [suit] is therefore [dismisst?] Court May 4, 1697
      Page 195 - Upon the request of George Morrell a hafame?? Ionnigauht?? of one hundred acres of land made for the said Morrell by John Mangham draftd the twenty third day of March 1695/6 is admitted for record. 7 March 1698/9.
      Pages with Bennett Records (Not Transcribed): 117, 112, 109, 91 (96), 168, 175, 177, 199, 201, 235, 276
      B. Surry County Order book, 1713-1718 (From Salt Lake City (Mormon) microfilm #0034129): No Mangums - Very short. Bennett Information on pages 91 & 47.
      C. There Are No Extant Records Between 1718 and 1741."

      8. FHL book 975.5 D2b5, "Southside Virginia Families," by John Bennett Boddie, vol. 1, 1976-1996, pp. 57-59:
      "Descendants of Thomas Bennett.
      The last record of Thomas Bennett was in 1632 when he represented Mulberry Island. He evidently was deceased between that date and 1641 when Anthony Barham, who also represented Mulberry Island in the House of Burgesses, 1629-30, made his will. The only child of Thomas Bennett was his son Richard Bennett mentioned by Anthony Barham as his "brother-in-law". An account of this Richard Bennett (1625-1709) has been given fully in "Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight" (pp. 287-304) but some additional information regarding his descendants has been ascertained.
      Richard Bennett made his will as "Richard Bennett, Sr., in 1709. (1W. -p. 296). His first wife was "Anne", last name unknown. His second wife was Sarah, widow of Daniel Lewis, who died in 1679, naming wife Sarah, daughter Sarah and son Daniel Lewis in his will (C. I.-156)
      Richard Bennett named sons, Richard and James Bennett and gave his wife Sarah "land on the BlackWater with reversion to James Bennett the son of Richard Bennett. The relationship between him and the other legatees is not shown. They were: Mary Thorpe, daughter of Daniel Lewis; John Mangum (who married a great granddaughter); James Coffield (?); Susanna Lewis; Martha Lewis. The estate was to be divided by Thom as Thropp, Peter Deberry, Robert Bythesea and George Barlow. Witnesses: Thomas Thropp, William George, Mary Comes, John Mangum. (C. 1-71) (Bk. A 515)
      Mrs. Sarah Lewis-Bennett-Lancaster made her will Oct. 31, 1722. Rec. Jan. 29, 1722. Inasmuch as Richard Bennett had remembered her granddaughters, his step-granddaughters in his will, she likewise did the same for his granddaughters. Her will was a lengthy one and legatees numerous. They were: granddaughter Ann Craft, granddaughter Sarah Meacor (Meacum); granddaughter Ann Kae; to Mary Mangum, the daughter of John Mangum; to Bridgett and Sarah Bennett, the daughters of James Bennet; granddaughters Elizabeth, Martha and Susan Meacor; to Mary Ussary (?); to my sister Elizabeth Hood; to Mary Sowdell; daughter Susanna Meacor; grandson Lewis Meacor; to Mary Jones; to Bengamin Bell; to Samuel Craft; remainder of my estate to my daughter Mary Bell, she to be executrix. (G. B. p. 125) (C. 217) (See pages 31-32 herein)
      This Mary Bell was Mary Lewis, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Lewis. She must have been a very attractive widow, as she was married five times. Her first husband was Dickson; second Joseph Ford; third Thomas Thorpe; fourth Benjamin Bell; fifth James Briggs. (For her will see "Bell of Isle of Wight")
      Richard Bennett, Jr., eldest son of Richard Sr., made his will in Isle of Wight, March 30, 1720, as follows: "I, Richard Bennett of Upper Parish, Isle of Wight, To son Richard 200 acres where he now lives; son James 200 acres where he now lives it being a conveyance of 400 acres taken out of Mr. John Cofer's patent of 1450 acres; to Jane Cofer and her two sons, Robert and John Cofer my plantation where I now live being part of land bought (by his father) from William Miles. Also to Jane Cofer a gold ring to Richard Cofer my long gun; to Magdalen Cofer a great pewter dish, etc., to Frances Magnum, my grand-daughter...; to daughter Silvester. Extrs., Jane Cofer and William Allen. Wits., John Carter, James Carter, William Allen, Sr. (G.B. .4l) (C.2-6) (For Bell, Briggs, Cofer, Mangum and Thorpe, see those respective families herein)."

      MARRIAGE:
      1. One entry in Ordinance Index [1992] notes wife's name as Henrietta Marie Neal as opposed to "Anne" that I am currently using.

      DEATH:
      1. Based on date of will probate of 23 May 1720.

      2. [Photo of will on file.] This transcript from Lynn Parham: "Text of Will of Richard Bennett JR. (Isle Of Wight County Deeds, Ect., Great Book, 1715-1726 pg. 42). Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas 76011: "March ye 3rd Day 1720 In the Name of God Amen. Rich'd Bennett in ye upper parish of Isle of Wight County in Virginia being sick & weak in body yet in perfect memory thanks be to God for it Do therefore do make this my Last Will & Testament as followith - first I Commit my soul to God our Heavenly Father trusting to be saved by Jesus Christ our only Saviour and my body on Earth to be Decently Buried & as for my worldly Goods I bestow as followith /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my son Richd Bennett to him & his heirs lawfully begotten of his body two hundred acres of Land & over it being Land where on my Son Richard now lives /Item/I give & bequeath unto my son James with ye other two hundred acres of Land where on he now lives. I lay to him & to his heirs lawfully begotton of his Body forever it is a Coveyance of four hundred acres of Land I bought of Mr John Coffers pattin of Land being fourteen hundred & fifty acres /Item/1 Give & bequeath unto Jane Coffer & her two sons Rob Coffer & John Coffer to them & their heirs Lawfully of their body for ever my plantation and land whereon I now live I lay to them & to their heirs for ever it being part of Land Which was bought formerly of Mr Wm Miles /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto Jane Coffer a small trunk & a Gold Ring and a Great Iron pot /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Rich Coffer my Long Gun /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Magdalen Coffer one Great pewter Dish and one Great Basin /Item/ I Give and bequeath to Francis Manggum my Gran Daughter a feather Bed & all ye belongs to it /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Silvester a Couple of Dishes & a Couple of plates furthermore I do appoint Jane Coffer & Wm Allen to be my full and whole Exct to pay my Debts & to Receive what is owing to me & when these my Debts being paid ye rest of my Goods within Doores and outDoores to be Equally Divided amongst my children / Desiring this my trusty friends Jno & James Carter to See this my Last Will & testament fulfilled In Witness here of I sett my hand & Seal.
      his Rich'd R Bennett {Seal} mark
      Assigned and Sealed in the presence of us
      his Jn J Carter mark his James H__ Carter mark Wm Allen Sr.
      At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 23 day of May 1720 This last will & Testament of Rich'd Bennett was presented by the Exes & being proved by the witnesses is submitted to record.
      Test H. Lightfoot C. Cor."

      SOURCES_MISC:
      1. LDS Archive Record family group sheet with temple dates stamped. Submitted by Shirley B. Matern, 4198 S. 755 E., Salt Lake City, Utah 84107. References: "Southside Virginia Families Va 112 Vol 1 pg. 58-59; 17th Century Isle of Wight pg. 300, 302-303; (7287) Va 7a Prt 2 pg. 61 Will of James Bennett; AM Pub c Vol 69 Wills 1732-1797 Will of James Bennett; DAR National Number of Mrs. Perry Belle Bennett Hough, 410 Chesterfield Ave., Lancaster, So. Carolina. #325731; Records Checked (Nil) Brunswick, Virginia; (7903) Va P7d Land Records of Pittsylvania County, Surveyor of Brunswick 1737-1770; (7292) Va B7f Vestry Book 1732-1798. Necessary explanations: According to Will of Richard Bennett Jr. Child #5 Silvestor was a daughter. See back of sheet for additional sources checked [back not copied]."

      2. Pedigree Chart of Enid Willardson [deceased].

      3. LDS Archive Record family group sheet with temple dates stamped. Submitted by Shirley B. Matern, 4198 S. 755 E., Salt Lake City, Utah 84107. References: "Southside Virginia Families Va 112, Vol. 1, pg. 57; 17th Century Isle of Wight pg. 296-297-300 Va I 1c; DAR National Number of Mrs. Perry Belle Bennett Hough, 410 Chesterfield Ave., Lancaster, So. Carolina. #325731; Necessary explanations: Different spellings for name Peerce-Pierce-Peirce; James & Warwick County Records destroyed during the Civil War - see "17th Century Isle of Wight," pp. 290-291."

      4. LDS Archive Record family group sheet submitted by George Mangum, P.O. Box 905, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221. References: "Abstracts of Wills Isle of Wight co., VA," by Blanche Chapman, pp. 2-17, 71.