Descendants of Thomas Taylor, Cordwainer  Prepared by Ann Blomquist

Descendants of Thomas Taylor, Cordwainer

Generation No. 1

1. THOMAS¹ TAYLOR, CORDWAINER was born c 1646, and died c Nov 1696 in Accomack Co VA. He married ELIZABETH c 1670 in prob Accomack Co VA. She died Aft. 1696.

Notes for THOMAS TAYLOR, CORDWAINER:

Thomas Taylor was born about 1646, probably in England. (see record below) Sometime prior to January 1664, Thomas arrived on the Eastern Shore of VA. It seems very likely to this researcher that Thomas was trained in the shoemaking trade from a young age and was brought to the colony to be a shoemaker. Charles Ratliffe [various spellings] received land in Accomack Co VA in March 1664 for transporting Thomas Taylor, but this type of land was often granted several years after the transportation. (McKey, Vol 1, 75) Thomas would have been an indentured servant, required to serve his master Charles Ratliffe for 5 to 7 years.

In January 1664, Thomas Taylor, along with Charles Ratliffe and others, was ordered to inspect the leather of Nathaniel Bradford, currier, and report to the court whether the leather was of poor quality due to the tanner, the currier, or both. (McKey, Vol 1, 64)

As an indentured servant, Thomas was not allowed to marry. In December 1664, Thomas Taylor and Mary Brangwell, both servants of Charles Ratliffe, were charged with fornication. (McKey, Vol 1, 106) Since no bond was required from Thomas, probably no child had been conceived. Ratliffe paid the fine and court costs. (McKey, Vol 1, 111) There is no record that Thomas and Mary married.

Perhaps because he was working as a servant, there are no records for Thomas during the years 1665-1672. In May 1672, Thomas Taylor was mentioned in a deposition by Daniel Owen about Roger McKeel's wife. (McKey, Vol 3, 74)

By March 1673, Thomas was probably no longer indentured, but was working for himself. At that time, he was ordered to pay Mr. Robert Hutchinson 736 lb tobo and court costs. (McKey, Vol 3, 116) At the same court, Thomas, "age about 27 years" gave a deposition about George Parker buying a female servant from Mr. Clifton. (McKey, Vol 3, 117) In August 1673, Thomas witnessed a deed of gift by William Anderson. (McKey, Vol 3, 140) In October 1673, a suit brought by Nicholas Pratt against Thomas was dismissed. (McKey, Vol 4, 2)

In the 1670s, Thomas married Elizabeth (surname unknown). They had at least five children but only the sons' names are known.

Throughout the next two decades, Thomas left continuous records in Accomack Co. The 1674 tithe list includes Thomas with one tithe. (McKey, Vol 4, 73)

In March 1675, Robert Hutchinson's suit against Thomas was renewed in court allowed to stand. (McKey, Vol 4, 103) At the same court, John Cole (Coale) brought suit against Taylor with Taylor admitting a debt of 300 lb tobo. (McKey, Vol 4, 109) In Sep 1675, Thomas was again quoted in the court records about the Roger McKeel couple when Thomas stated, "That should be a warning for him for meddling betwixt a man and his wife." (McKey, Vol 4, 139) Thomas was again listed with one tithe in the 1675 tithe list. (McKey, Vol 4, 140)

In the 1676 tithe list, Thomas was listed next to Roger McKeel (Mikell). (McKey, Vol 5, 29) In 1677, Thomas was still listed with one tithe. (McKey, Vol 5, 47)

In January 1678, Thomas confessed to killing a hog not belonging to him and was fined. (McKey, Vol 5, 82) In April 1678, he served as a juror. (McKey, Vol 5, 95) In August 1678, Thomas had one tithe. (McKey, Vol 6, 11) In March 1679, he owed Capt. Daniel Jenifer 314 lb tobo; in July 1679, he appeared in the 1679 tithe list. (McKey, Vol 6, 45, 67)

Beginning in 1680, there were two adult men named Thomas Taylor in Accomack Co VA. This Thomas Taylor was usually identified as a "cordwainer" or shoemaker while the other man was listed as a cooper. Since a cooper worked in wood while a cordwainer worked in leather and made shoes, these would not have been the same man. The court was careful to distinguish between these Thomas Taylors by adding their occupations after their names in most records after 1680.

In Sep 1688, Thomas Taylor cordwainer sued John Whitehead for 310 lb tobo. At the next court, the sheriff was ordered to seize a mare, a chest, and an old gun for Whitehead's debt. (McKey, Vol 7, 242, 253)

Thomas Taylor shoemaker was included in the 1690 tithe list with one tithe. (McKey, Vol 7, 322) In 1691, he was named as a cordwainer in the tithe list. (McKey, Vol 7, 338) In Dec 1692,

In 1690, Thomas Taylor Cordwainer bought 400 acres in the southeast corner of A64 in Accomack Co VA from Edmund Scarburgh. (Whitelaw, 855) The village of Locustville is located on this tract. In 1692, Thomas and Elizabeth sold 100 acres of this tract to Matthew Laylor for 3000 lb tobo. (Whitelaw, 855; McKey, Vol 7, 356) In 1692, he was taxed on 3 tithes. (McKey, Vol 7, 352)

In Nov 1694, Capt. William Custis brought suit against Thomas Taylor shoemaker "for scandalous words" but the jury found for Taylor. (McKey, Vol 8, 154, 155)

In late 1696, Thomas died, leaving 100 acres to each of his sons Edward, Thomas, and James. (Whitelaw, 855) Abstract of will: Thomas Taylor of Accomack Co in VA, Cordwainer, being creasie & weak in body, dated Mar 6 1693/4, wife Elizabeth executrix; to wife Elizabeth house & plantation where I now live during her natural life said land to contain 100 acres of land by Burton's Branch, adjoining John Rogers plantation; provided my son Edward shall be of age before his mother's death shall enjoy one equal part of the said land, entire 100 acres to son Edward after his mother's death; son Thomas 100 acres land where David Alphord now lives bounded northerly on north side of the Dry Swamp; to son James 100 acres land on south side of Dry Swamp running towards Burton's Branch & SW to Capt. Wm Custis land & by west to said Dry Swamp; to my daughters [not named] and loving wife all my moveable estate to be shared equally amongst them; said daughters to have their share at 16 yrs of age or sooner if they marry before they attain 16 years of age. Sons Edward, Thomas & James to remain with my wife during her widowhood until they attain the full age of 21 years. Thomas X Taylor. Witnesses William Smith, Robert Scott, John Marshall. Proven Jun 16 1696. (Nottingham, 27; Casey, 119)

According to his will, sons Edward, Thomas, and James inherited 100 acres each in A64, but Thomas died and Edward received that share also. (Whitelaw, 855)

At the November 19 1696 Court, widow Elizabeth Taylor "widow and executrix of Thomas Taylor" sued Mary Read for 1600 lb tobo, but Mary did not appear. John Cole posted a bond for her appearance at the next court. (McKey, Vol 8, 218) At the January 1697 Court, Elizabeth was awarded the amount plus court costs. (McKey, Vol 8, 226)

References

Casey, Albert E. Southern Taylor Families 1607-1830, 1958. p 119.

Whitelaw, Ralph T. Virginia's Eastern Shore. p 855.

McKey, JoAnn R. Accomack County VA Court Order Abstracts:

Vol 1 1663-1666. p 64, 75, 106, 111.

Vol 3 1671-1673. p 74, 116, 117, 140.

Vol 4 1673-1676. p 2, 73, 103, 109, 139, 140.

Vol 5 1676-1678. p 47, 82, 95.

Vol 6 1678-1682. p 11, 45, 67.

Vol 7 1682-1690. p 242, 253, 322, 338, 356.

Vol 8 1690-1697. p 154, 155, 218, 226.

Nottingham, Stratton, Wills and Administrations of Accomack Co VA 1663-1800. p 27.

Researched and written by Ann Blomquist. 1/2003

This narrative is copyrighted material and may not be posted or published except by the author.

Children of THOMAS TAYLOR and ELIZABETH are:

i. OTHERS?² TAYLOR, b. Bet. 1671 - 1675.

ii. EDWARD TAYLOR, b. Aft. 1675, Accomack Co VA; d. 1728, Accomack Co VA; m. SARAH, c 1705, prob Accomack Co VA; d. Aft. 1728.

Notes for EDWARD TAYLOR:

In 1696 at his father's death, Edward inherited 100 acres in A64 in Accomack Co VA. (Whitelaw, 855)

About April 1700, a Negro named Robin had brought a suit against Edward Taylor. William Daniel, a witness for Robin, requested payment for 4 days of appearance in court. (McKey, Vol 9, 91)

In Dec 1701, Edward was fined for swearing on the Sabbath. (McKey, Vol 9, 131)

In the 1704 quit rent rolls, Edward was taxed on 300 acres in Accomack Co. (Well, 87) Since Edward owned only 100 acres in A64, there is a discrepancy of 200 acres.

In Feb 1704, Edward agreed in court to take his younger brother Thomas Taylor "as an apprentice for two years and teach him the trade of shoemaking. Edward promised to find Thomas clothes and necessaries." The court ordered Thomas to serve his brother. (McKey, Vol 10, 23)

In April 1704, Edward sued John Rodgers for trespass, but the suit was delayed. (McKey, Vol 10, 33) At the June court, a jury found for Rodgers. (McKey, Vol 10, 36) Edward's witness Benjamin Truett asked to be paid 160 lb tobacco for 4 days attendance at court. (McKey, Vol 10, 37)

Before August 1704, Edward sold his brother Thomas to George Kirkman for 900 lb tobacco, contrary to the court order (above). However, the court found that since Thomas had "only a short time to serve," the court ordered that Thomas remain with Kirkman until he reached the age of 18. (McKey, Vol 10, 40)

At some time after August 1704, Edward's brother Thomas died without issue, so Edward inherited his share of their father's land in A64, giving Edward 200 acres in A64. (Whitelaw, 856)

[check Accomack Co records for 1710-1728]

Edward died young in 1728, leaving his wife and 4 daughters. Abstract of will: Edward Taylor, Cordwinder. Will dated May 30 1727. To my wife Sarah 1/2 the plantation where I now dwell & 1/2 the 100 acres left me by my father Thomas Taler during her widowhood & then to return to my youngest daughter Sarah. To daughter Mary Taler 100 acres on the northeast side of Dry Branch left by my father to my brother Thomas. To daughter Sarah the other 1/2 of my plantation where I now live, also the 100 acres where I live at the marriage of my wife. Should my daughter Mary die without issue the land to fall to my eldest daughter Elizabeth Hedge. Wife and daughters Elizabeth & Roseanna residual legatees. Daughter Roseana to live with Alexander Harrison & Susanna, his wife, they to have charge of her estate. To godson John Harrison. To son-in-law John Harrison. Wife executrix. Witneses: Delight Shield, Stratton Burton, John Wharton. Proven Mar 5 1727/8. (Nottingham, 81)

In 1730, daughter Mary, "spinster," sold her land to John Jackson. (Whitelaw, 856) According to Edward's will, daughter Sarah should also have received land, but (Whitelaw states) "her disposal of the land was undetermined." (Whitelaw, 856)

References

Whitelaw, Ralph T. Virginia's Eastern Shore. p 855, 856.

McKey, JoAnn R. Accomack County VA Court Order Abstracts, Vol 9 1697-1703. p 91, 131.

McKey, JoAnn R. Accomack County VA Court Order Abstracts, Vol 10 1703-1710. p 23, 33, 36, 37, 40, 213.

Smith, Annie L. The Quit Rents of VA 1704. p 87.

Nottingham, Stratton. Wills and Administration of Accomack County VA 1663-1800. p 81.

iii. JAMES TAYLOR, b. Aft. 1679, Accomack Co VA.

Notes for JAMES TAYLOR:

At his father's death in 1696, James inherited 100 acres in A64 in Accomack Co VA. (Whitelaw, 855) In 1704, James was included in the quit rent rolls with 100 acres. (Wells, 87)

Whitelaw admits to confusion about the disposition of this land. (Whitelaw, 855) He states that "James (wife Elizabeth) died in 1704 and the land went to his son William." (Whitelaw, 856) I believe that Whitelaw has confused this James Taylor with a different James Taylor who died in 1704. That James had land in A151, A166, and A170.

References

Smith, Annie L. The Quit Rents of VA 1704. p 87.

McKey, JoAnn R. Accomack County VA Court Abstracts, Vol 10 1703-1710. p 86, 87.

Whitelaw, Ralph T. Virginia's Eastern Shore. p 855, 856.

Researched and written by Ann Blomquist. 2/2003

This narrative is copyrighted material and may not be posted or published except by the author.

 

iv. DAUGHTER TAYLOR, b. Aft. 1681.

v. DAUGHTER TAYLOR, b. Aft. 1683.

vi. THOMAS TAYLOR, b. c 1688, Accomack Co VA; d. Aft. 1704, prob Accomack Co VA.

Notes for THOMAS TAYLOR:

Thomas Taylor's father died in 1696 when Thomas was young. In Feb 1704 in court, Thomas' older brother Edward offered to take "his brother Thomas as an apprentice for two years and teach him the trade of shoemaking. Edward promised to find Thomas clothes and necessaries." The court ordered Thomas to serve his brother. (McKey, Vol 10, 23)

But by August 1704, the Court admonished Edward for selling Thomas to George Kirkman for 900 lb tobo. The Court "considered that Thomas had only a short time to serve or learn a trade. Since no one volunteered to teach him a trade, the court decided that Thomas should continue with Kirkman until attaining the age of 18 years (the age specified in his father's will)." The court ordered that Kirkman pay Thomas 900 lb tobo at the end of his time and that Kirkman provide Thomas with "meat, drink, and clothes during his term." (McKey, Vol 10, 40)

However, Thomas must have died young because his brother Edward (as the oldest son) inherited Thomas' land.

References

McKey, JoAnn R. Accomack County VA Court Order Abstracts, Vol 10 1703-1710. p 23, 40.

Researched and written by Ann Blomquist. 1/2003

This narrative is copyrighted material and may not be posted or published except by the author.

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