Once a Knight is Enough

Knight Genealogy

by Laura Knight

~~~

Stokes Records, Disambiguation

The Stokes family, like so many other early Colonial families, tended to use the same names in different branches, so teasing out the threads of descent is problematical, to understate the matter.

John Bennett Boddie writes:

Silvanus Stokes, born 1636, evidently the father of Silvanus JR. and John Stokes, is the undoubted ancestor of the Surry-Lunenburg family. Many persons however consider William Stokes of the Christopher Stokes family of York as the ancestor of this family. No one wishes to give up the idea because that line, without any proof of any connection with England whatsoever, leads back to the 13th century. Nearly always an account compiled from records is so much more interesting than a mere string of names leading back to royalty. For an accurate account of the Stokes family in England one should read Wiltshire Notes and Queries, Vol. 6 (1908-10) pp. 194, 195. (Boddie, Southside VA Families, Vol. I, p. 68)

And so, without further ado, records and a few comments.

Date Western Stokes Eastern Stokes Outliers
VA 1634
1624   Feb – VA James Island – Admin – Muster: A John Stokes is recorded as living on James Island with wife Ann and child; (came in the ship Warwick); adjacent is William Spence. (The Original Lists of Persons of Quality, Page178, "The Living and Dead In Virginia"; Hotten 1874, Page 227)  
1629     VA Charles River – Admin – Christopher Stokes - member of the House of Burgesses for "Warwicke River" in October and again in Mar 1629/30. (Hening I, p. 139)
1635

 

 

 

 

Jul 11 – VA Charles River – Admin – John Watson – Land patent for 150 acs. at the New Poquoson… upon the river, N. into the woods, E. adj. land of Christopher Stokes (Stoakes) & W. upon the land of Joseph Jolly; for pers. adv. of himself & wife, Elizabeth Watson & trans of 1 servant called Richard ___. (Nugent I, p. 26)

Jul 28 – VA Charles River – Admin - Christopher Stokes (Stoakes) – Land patent for “300 acs At the new Pocoson…trans. of 6 pers:” Miller Freeman, Samuel Watson, Richard Shatboule (or Stratboule), Henry Hickman, William Wattye (Waddy?), Henry Powell. (Nugent I, p. 29) (Renewed 1637 Aug 16, Nugent I, p. 65)
1637  

 

Mar 10 – VA Warwick River – Christopher Stokes (Stoakes) – Land patent for 250 acs. called Stokes Neck… lying at the head of Blunt point Cr., beg. at a Cr. on the N. Side of Harwoods Neck & running all along Blunt pt. Cr.  Nly. Trans. of 5 pers: Henry Powell, Samueal Walton, Elizabeth Dickes, Richard Symons, Lancelot Stokes. (Nugent I, p. 81)

Aug 14 – VA Charles River – Admin - Christopher Stokes – Land patent for 400 acres, due for his own pers. Adv., the adv. Of his wife, Elizabeth Stokes & 4 children: Christopher Stokes, William Stokes, Henry Stokes & Elizabeth Stokes.  (Nugent I, pp. 75-76)

Aug 16 – VA Charles River – Admin – Christopher Stokes – Land patent 500 acres at the New Poquoson easterly upon a small creek between his land and John Watson’s. This is for the transport of 6 persons, William Freeman, Samuel Waltham, Richard Shotbold, Henry Hickman, William Watty and Henry Powell. ("Virginia Land Grants". Images. Library of Virginia Digital Collections. Online Catalog Library of Virginia.)

1638  

 

 May 20 – VA Warwick River – Admin – Christopher Stokes – Land patent for 200 acs at the head of Blunt point Cr., trans. of 4 pers. (no list) (Nugent I, p. 89)
1640

 

 

Nov 14 – VA Charles River – Admin – Christopher Stokes – 200 acs of Stokes 1637 Aug 14 patent sold to Capt. John Tiplady by George Holmes. (Nugent II, p. 288 under Tiplady)

Note: This suggests that Christopher Stokes has died and George Holmes is either an heir or executor of the estate. He left a will that has been lost, but in a record in York County 1648 May 25 notes that "Whereas Christopher Stokes did, by his will, give to his sons Christopher, William, Francis and Thomas his estate; whereas the said Thomas has since died, the court doth order that Edward Miles, guardian, do take charge" &c. (Hening, op. cit.)

Christopher Stokes JR died leaving a widow, but no children so the estate was divided between the widow and the two remaining brothers (York Records). Francis died about 1658, unmarried, so William was the remaining heir.

18 year gap before appearance of Sylvanus Stokes w/wife, Mary Bishop Stokes. According to DNA, Christopher Stokes is not the father or grandfather of Sylvanus Stokes, though John Stokes of the 1624 Muster most likely is. Note in the above 1624 record that his wife is named Ann, and he already had a child. Was this child a son, John? Did he survive? Sylvanus was not born until 1636, 12 years later. Boddie's sketch of the Bishop-Stokes connection suggests that Sylvanus was named after Sylvanus Hyde of London, Clothworker, who was somehow related. Sylvanus Hyde may have been related to Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon and his second wife, Frances Aylesbury. The Aylesbury's were connected to Knights of Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire. (See 1655 Jun 8 will of Anne Knight in Records Collection.)
1658

Sep 23 – VA Charles City – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes – Mary Stokes, wife of Sylvanus Stokes, received from Henry Perry “8435 Lbs. Tbco. which is for Mary Stokes, daughter of Capt. John Bishop, decd”. (Fleet 11, p. 27)

Note: Boddie says that Mary Bishop Stokes may have been related to Capt. Henry Perry, executor of her father's will. He notes that Bridget Hyde (Booker-Lucas) mentioned a cousin, Elizabeth Perry, in her will.

    
VA 1701
1661

Apr 22 – VA Charles City – Admin - John Stokes  - By reason of his great age is exempted from all future personall service and taxes except parish dues. (Fleet Vol. III, p. 243)

Note: This is likely John Stokes of the 1624 Muster.

   
1662 Feb 4 – VA Charles City – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes – A Court at Westover: Present Theoderick Bland, Esqr, Lt. Coll Thomas Drew, Capt. Eddward Hill, Capt. John Epes, Mr. Stephen Hamelyn, Capt. Robert Wynne, Capt. Frank Grey, Mr. John Holmwood: According to request and eleccon of Edmond Bishopp (the Orphand of Capt John Bishopp dec’d) being about 16 yeares of age Mr Sylvanus Stokes is hereby appointed and confirmed Guardian of the sd Bishopp and his estate until his full age xx. (Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. III, Charles City County Court Orders, 16612- 1664, p. 272)    
1664

Jul 25 – VA Charles City – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes – The Depsi’con of Silvanus Stokes aged 28 yrs or thereabouts sworne and exa’ied this 25th of July 1664. That being at Mr. John Stith the 20th of this instant July he saw the sd Stith w’th a Surveyor. etc. (deposition practically that of Thomas Harris on p. 488) Signed Silvanus Stokes. Sworne and exa'ied before me John Holmwood. (Fleet Vol III, p. 305.)

Note: This confirms the birth year of Sylvanus Stokes I. If John Stokes is his father, Sylvanus would have been born at least 12 years after the muster where John Stokes was noted as already having a child.

   
1665 Aug 21 – VA Charles City – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes – Rice Hooe sells a mare filly to Sylvanus Stokes. Signed Rice Hooe. Wit: Peter Plumer, John Bishoppe. Rec 4 Oct 1665.  (Charles City County Court Orders, 1664-1665, Fragments, 1650-1696, p. 329)    
1674  

Jun 1 – VA Surry – Admin – John Stokes – Tithables list: A List of tithables taken by me the Subscribed June1 of 1674, Nicholas Meriwether: John Stokes (Stock); Samuel Judkins; Capt. Pittman.(MacDonald, Edgar, Surry County Virginia Tithables, 1668-1703, p.43.)

Note: This is likely to be John Stokes JR as John Stokes SR was described in 1661 as being exempt from taxes due to his age. If so, it would probably be the elder brother of Sylvanus I.

 
1679     Sep 25 – VA Gloucester – Admin – Mr. Stokes (Stoakes) – Land of Mr. Stokes mentioned in patent to Mrs. Elizabeth Bannister (Banister), widow of John Bannister, on behalf of her son and heir, John Bannister JR. (Nugent II, p. 201)
1680  

Jul 10 – VA Nansemond – Admin – Jane Stokes (Stoakes) Widow – 800 acs up. par. of Nanzemond Co., adj. Robert Brasewell & James long; Granted sd. Brasewell 22 Apr 1670, deserted; & now granted, &c, Trans. of 16 pers: Thomas Williams, James Harris, John Walker, William Tanner, William Gore, Mary Fish, Timothy Good, Elizabeth Edwards. (Nugent II, p. 210)

Note: Widow of who? It might be noted that Nansemond and Isle of Wight had numerous Quakers and in 1717, Sylvanus and John Stokes attended a Quaker meeting and apparently signed a document relating to Quakers in Charles City County. Could this be the widow of John Stokes JR, an elder brother of Sylvanus?

 
1684     Oct 21 – VA Rappahannock – Admin – Stokes Lands – Mentioned in patent to William Bates. (Nugent II, p. 282)
1688

Feb 4 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: Judgt. granted Jno. Stoakes agst Fra. Reeve for 1400 lbs tobo. (Weisiger: Charles City County Virginia Court Orders 1687-1695 p. 196)

Note: This John Stokes is very active, more like a younger man. A record below will suggest that this John is son of Sylvanus I.

   
1690 Mar 3 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: A suit by John against Wm. Jones was referred to a later court. (Weisiger, op. cit.)    
1691 Mar 3 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: John received 1380 lbs of tabacco for the non-appearance of Harman Bosman in a suit brought by John. (Weisiger, op. cit.)    
1692 Aug 3 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: John is named to a Grand Jury. (Weisiger, op. cit.)    
1693 Jan 3 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: John is absent from a grand jury and is summoned to appear at the next court to explain why. 03 Feb 1693 in Charles City, Virginia; John's excuse for not attending court was admitted. (Weisiger, op. cit.)    
1694 Nov 9 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Court: John was a witness is a civil proceeding, John King v. William Walker. (Weisiger, op. cit.)    
1701

Apr 23 – VA Charles City – Admin – John Stokes – Land patent for 476 acs. in Wianoake Par. On a path by Minchin's to Old Man's Cr; by Dibdall's path; on Myory Br; along a Br of Hering Cr & line of Edward Clerk, 146 A., 3 R., patented by Edward Gilly, 4 Oct 1675 & by him sold from hand to hand till it came to sd. Stoakes; 86 acres, being overplus; & 244 acres being King's or waste land; due for trans of 7 pers: Silvanus Stoakes, Mary Stoakes, Mary Hill, David Thomas, Anne Cole, John Sumers, Alice Elsby. (Nugent III, p. 43)

Note: Here, John Stokes is apparently claiming his parents, Sylvanus Stokes and Mary Bishop Stokes, as headrights.

   
1704

VA Charles City – Admin – Quit Rent Rolls: John Stokes (Stockes) 476 acres;  Sylvanus Stokes SR 250 acres; Sylvanus Stokes JR 550 acres. (VA Mag. Hist. & Bio., Wm. & Mary & Tyler’s Qrtrly: Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704, Charles City County, Page 504)

Note: Boddie notes that this is the last active appearance of Sylvanus Stokes I in the records. At this time, he would be 68 years old.

 

VA Accomack – Admin - Rent Roll - Denis Moore, Edward Bell, Edward Moore, Elias Taylor, George Parker, George Johnson, Henry Stokes, Joseph Clark, John Collins, John Parker, John Evans, John Abbott, John Baker, James Taylor, John Collins, James Walker, Ingold Cobb, John Parker, John Carter, Nathaniel Ratcliff, Robert Bell, Roulard Savage, Rodger Abbott, Sylvanus Cole, Thomas Clark, Thomas Rose, Thomas Bell SR & JR, Thomas Moore, William Andrews, William Fletcher, William Moore, William Cole, William Lewis, William Williamson. (des Cognets, pp. 123-129)

1704 – VA Gloucester – Admin - Rent Roll - Abbington Parish: John Stokes, Thomas Coleman, John Butler, Benjamin Clements, Joseph Moore, William Kemp, Joseph Coleman, Thomas Walker. Ware Parish: Sarah Moore, Thomas Powell, George Moore, Anthony Gregory, Peter Kemp. Kingston Parish: Andrew Bell, Henry Knight (240 acs.), John Williams, John Floyd, George Roberts, Thomas Kemp, John Andrews, James Taylor. Petso Parish: Robert Carter, Benjamin Clements, John Clarke (100 acs), William Cook, John Coleman, John Harper, Stephen Johnson, Capt. Edward Lewis, Richard Lee Esq., John Pate, Richard Price, Augustine Smith SR & JR, Conquest Wyatt. (des Cognets, pp. 141-148)
1711

Dec 19 – VA Charles City – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes JR – Land patent for 244 acs N. side of James Riv; Beg. on E. side of MatchCoates Cr; to where Thomas Cotton, late of sd, Co., lived, to the upper Landing Sw. Imp. of 5 pers: Jane Hem, Bridgett Dallison, Grace Parrit, John Stedy, Katherine Rigall. (Nugent III, p. 121)

Note: Sylvanus Stokes JR is still a "JR" which suggests that Sylvanus I was living at the time of the patent application, probably 3 years earlier. After this, there is no more of Sylvanus I.

   
1713

Nov 13 – VA Charles City – Admin - John Stokes – Land patent for 5 ½ acres “being an Island of marsh … bet Windsor, on the E. side of old man’s Cr., & Pott’s neck on the W. side. … 15 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 134)

Note: This John Stokes is likely brother to the above Sylvanus JR.

   
1717

Aug 14 – VA Henrico – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes & John Stokes – signed cert. of a meeting held in Charles City Co. (Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy, Vol. VI, p. 214, Henrico Monthly Meeting)

Note: I haven't found either of them in other Quaker records.

Jan 24 – VA Surry – Admin – Silvanus Stokes – “Of James City County”, 200 acs, Surry Co on N. side of the Raccoon Sw., a little below the mouth of the Double branch; 20 shill. (Nugent III, p. 200)

Note: He is described as being of "James City County", not Charles City County. This is Sylvanus Stokes II, son of Sylvanus I and Mary Bishop Stokes. He married a Miss Jones.

 
1723   Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin - Silvanus Stokes (Stoakes) – Land patent for 380 acs. Surry Co; S. side of Nottoway River, & on both sides of Racoon Sw;. 40 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 254)  
1725

Mar 1 – VA Charles City - Admin – Jones Stokes - Deed 1 Mar 1725 between Jones Stokes & wife Ann Stokes of Surry Co and Wm.Willcockes of Ch.C.Co. Land given to Jones Stokes by the will of Abraham Hamlin. Wit: James Williams, James Nowill, Dancy Standly. ( Ch.C.Co Deeds, Wills 1724/31 as pub in SOME WILLS FROM THE BURNED COUNTIES, Hopkins.)

Note: Jones Stokes, son of Sylvanus II, is selling his inheritance.

 

Mar 24 – VA Surry – Admin – Jones Stokes – Deed for 250 acs N. side the Spring Sw., & S. side of Nottoway River; adj. lands of John Jones; Silvanus Stokes; & Henry Brown. 25 shill. (Nugent III, p. 298)

Note: Jones has moved near his father.

 
1732   Sep 28 – VA Surry – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes – Land patent for 1445 acs on both sides the Raccoon Sw; by the Double Br; cor. of Robert Webb JR,; 200 acs part granted him 24 Jan 1727, 365 acs part granted him 5 Sept 1723; 90 acs. part granted Richard Parker 12 Juyl 1718, who conveyed to sd. Stokes, 15 Feb. 1720; the residue never before patented; 4 Lbs. Money. (Nugent III, p. 424)  
1733   Mar 23 – VA Surry – Admin - John Stokes - "of Surry Co"., land patent for 430 acs. NL in the sd Co. on both sides of Spring Br., adj. Richard Norcross.  (Nugent IV, p. 33)  
VA 1731
1738

Jul 20 – VA Goochland – Admin - Young Stokes – Land patent for 263 acs bet. Deep Cr. & Appamattox Riv., W side of Watson’s br. Of Deep Cr; adj. Francis Eppes ded’d & Henry Anderson dec’d & sd Young Stokes. (Nugent IV, p. 167)

Note: Young Stokes appears to be the eldest son of John Stokes who was the son of Sylvanus I. It appears that his father moved to Surry/Sussex in 1733. (See above.)

   
1740  

Feb 18 – VA Sussex – Bap – Sylvanus Stokes - s/o James [Jones] and w. Anne, b. 18 Feb 1739/40, c. 16 Mar 1739/40. gdpts: Wm Knight, Vaughn Kilborn, Rebecca Harwood. (Richards 1958, p. 48)

Aug 20 – VA Sussex – Bap – Elizabeth Stokes - d/o Sylvanus & Cecilia Stokes. (Richards 1958)

Note: Baptismal sponsors were usually related in some way, aunts, uncles, or cousins of the child.

 
1741  

Mar 29 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight – with Edward Shelton, Lucy Stokes, sps. to Nathanael Newsom, s/o Thomas and Taphenas Newsom; Albemarle Parish.  (Richards 1958, p. 37)

Dec 19 – VA Sussex – Bap - ___dy, s. of Jones Nusom and w. Agnes, b. 19 Dec 1741, c. 21 Mar 1742. gdpts: Jones Stokes, Edward Shelton, Annie Stokes. (Richards 1958, p. 25)

 
1742  

Jan 13 – VA Sussex – Bap – Agnes Stokes - d/o Sylvanus & Frances Stokes. (Richards 1958)

May 20 – VA Surry – Admin - Jones Stokes – Land patent for 375 acs S. side of Nottoway River bounded by Robert Owen & Sylvanus Stokes. (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. Vol. 26 No. 2, p. 134)

VA Surry – Admin - Sylvanus Stokes “the younger” - Land patent for 500 acs. S. side of Nottoway R., bounded by sd. Stokes and other land of William Harris & Robert Owen. (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. Vol. 26 No. 2, p. 143)

Note: Sylvanus Stokes the Elder gave 380 acres on the south side of the Nottoway River to Sylvanus Stokes Jr. 15 February 1741/2. (Surry County Deed Book 4, page 4)

The elder Sylvanus Stokes was the son of still another Sylvanus Stokes of Charles City County. (Charles City County Court Orders, 1687-95, page 338)

Note: This Sylvanus Stokes the Younger would be son of Sylvanus Stokes II and Miss Jones. His marriage to Cecilia Walker is documented, but he probably had a first wife, identity unknown, who was mother to some of his children.

 
1743  

Jun 30 – VA Surry – Admin - Thomas Moore - Land patent for 300 acs. S. side of Nottoway River, bounded by Sylvanus Stokes, William Knight & Abraham Evans. (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. Vol. 26 No. 2, p. 149)

Aug20 – VA Sussex – Bap – John Stokes - s/o John & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

Oct 13- VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish Land Processioning: William Knight and John Battle are appointed to procession on the East side of Stokes (Stoake’s) Pond between the line that divides Isle of Wight and this County and to the Rackoon Swamp. (APVB, p. 8)

  
1744  

Feb 10 – VA Sussex – Bap – Jones Stokes - s/o James [Jones] Stokes and w. Anne, b. 10 Feb 1744, c. 25 Mar 1744. gdpts: Wm Ezzel, Wm Rolland, Cecilia Stokes. (Richards 1958, p. 75)

 Mar 27 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – John Knight & William Knight - Albemarle Parish:  Land Processioning reports include John Knight, William Knight, John Bass, Thomas Grantham, Thomas Davis, Samuel Stokes, Benjamin Richardson, Col. Bland, Francis Eppes, Theodore Bland, James Cain, James Carter, Edward Eppes, James Cain Jr.. (Davis 2008, pp. 11-15 )

  
1745  

Oct 18 – VA Sussex – Bap – Agnes Stokes - d/o Sylvanus & Cecilia Stokes. (Richards 1958)

Nov 17 – VA Sussex – Bap – Phebe Stokes - d/o John & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

  
1747  

Sep 10 – VA Sussex – Bap – Elizabeth Stokes - d/o John & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

  
It is in the following records that we most clearly see the two branches of the Stokes family. In Surry, Sylvanus Stokes II dies, while in Lunenburg, Sylvanus Stokes SR and JR continue on with Richard, David and Young Stokes. This latter Sylvanus Stokes SR was the son of John Stokes and grandson of Sylvanus Stokes I.
1748 Jun – VA Lunenburg – Admin – Tithables – Selected List: Robert Moore:2; Richard Stokes: 3: David Stokes:4; Young Stokes: 5; John Knight: 4; Edward Jordain: 1; Silvanus Stokes Jr and Sr.; James Coleman, Timothy Carter: 4; George Farrar: 16; Thomas Ferris:1; Joseph Ferris:1; Wm. Ferris, Chars. Ferris: 2; James Ferris:1; John Clarke: 1; David Lee, John Lee:2; Thomas Watkins: 6;James Anderson, William Anderson: 2; George Moore: 1; Alexander Moore:1; Thomas Ferris: 1; Stephen Lewis: 1; Lt. James Anderson: 11; Joseph Ferris: 1; William Ferris, Charles Ferris: 2; James Ferris: 1; Ephraim Clark, Rydarus Clark: 2; Jonas Anderson: 1; Robert Jones and Thomas Jones: 2; Joseph Hollingsworth and John Hannah: 2;  (Landon Bell, p. 63, 68, 78, 80)

Jan 27 – VA Sussex – Bap – Lydia Stokes - d/o Sylvanus & Cecilia Stokes. (Richards 1958)

Feb 10 – VA Sussex – Bap – Mary Stokes - d/o David & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

Mar 21 – VA Surry – Will – Sylvanus Stokes - In the Name of God Amen I Silvanus Stokes of Surry County being in Health of Body and of sound & perfect mind and memory thanks be to God and Calling to Remembrance the Incertainty of this Life do make Constitute Ordain & Declare this my last Will and Testament in manner & form following.
First I Bequeath my Soul and Spirit into the hands of Almighty God my Heavenly Father by whom of his (meer?) and only Grace I trust to be Saved and Received into Eternal rest through the Death and Spirit of my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ my Body in hopes of a Joyful Resurrection I Commit to the Earth to be Buried with such Charges and in such place as my Executors shall think good.And as Touching the Distribution of my Worldly Estate I Dispose of the same as followeth
Imprimis I will that all the debts I truly owe shall be paid
Item I give and Bequeath unto my eldest son Jones Stokes my Plantation Grist Mill, Mill Stones Iron Work & all thereunto belonging with five hundred & sixty five Acres of Land and all Houses Fences Orchards & Appurtenances thereunto belonging being the Land whereon I now live and being the upper part for & During his Natural Life and after his Decease I give and Bequeath the aforesaid plantation and Land Mill and all the appurtenances aforesaid unto my grandson Jones Stokes son of my Natural Son Jones Stokes to hold to him the said Jones Stokes my Grandson his Heirs and Assigns forever.
I also Give and bequeath to my said son Jones Stokes one Negro Man named Tony.
Item I Give Likewise and Bequeath to my Eldest son Jones the Plantation whereon he now lives with near one hundred Acres of Land thereto belonging with Houses Orchards Fences and all other the appurtenances thereto belonging to him the said Jones Stokes his Heirs and Assigns forever and to and for no other Use Intent or Purpose whatsoever.
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Second son Silvanus Stokes one Negro Man Named Dick, one Negro Woman Named Doll.
Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Martha Ezell one Ewe Lamb.
Item I give and Bequeath to my Grandson Marcus Son of my son Silvanus four hundred Acres of Land being the Lower part of my land to hold to him the said Marcus his Heirs & Assigns forever.
Item I give and Bequeath unto Silvanus Stokes Son of my son of Jones Stokes one Negro Boy named Solomon.
Item My Will is that Hamlin Stokes Son of my Son Jones Stokes shall have the next Child the Wench Lucy bringeth and the Issue.
Item I give & Bequeath to Jones Stokes son of my Son Jones Stokes one Negro Woman named Lucy with her Increase.
Item I give and Bequeath to my Grandson Silvanus Stokes Son of my my Son Silvanus one Negro named Frank.
Item I give and Bequeath to my granddaughter Agnes Freeman Daughter to my son Hamlin Stokes one Negro named Disho one named George.
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Eldest Son Jones Stokes one Negro named Ben.
Item I give and unto my granddaughter Agness Ezell one good Bed two Blankets one rug three Cows & three Ewes.
Item I give and Bequeath unto my two sons Jones Stokes and Silvanus Stokes all the Remainder of Personal Estate moveable & Unmoveable to be Equally Divided between them and I do make Constitute and appoint my said two sons Jones and Silvanus to be whole & sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament Revoking Annulling and making Void all former Wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made Requiring them in the name of God to see this my last will & Testament performed as Witness my hand & seal this
Eighteenth day of May one thousand seven hundred forty and two.
Silvanus [his mark] Stokes
Published & Declared by the said Testator as his last Will & Testament In presence of us whose names are hereunto Subscribed as
Witnesses and then Attested by us in the presence of the said Testator
Samuel Stokes
John [the mark of] Stokes
David Stokes
At a Court held for Surry County the 21st day of March 1748.
The aforewritten Last Will and Testament of Silvanus Stokes Deceased was presented in Court by Jones Stokes & Silvanus Stokes the Executors therein mentioned who made Oath there to according to Law and the same being proved by the Oaths of Samuel Stokes, John Stokes and David Stokes the Witnesses thereto was by the Court Ordered to be Recorded.And on the motion of the said Executors Certificate is Granted them for Obtaining a Probate thereof in due form.
Teste Aug Claiborne Clk (Surry County, Virginia Wills, Deeds, Etc. 9, 1738-1754, pp 609-611)

  
1749

Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithables – Selected: Widow Lee and John Lee: 1; James Ferris: 1; Joseph Ferris: 1; William Ferris and Charles Ferris: 2; Thomas Ferris: 1; George Moore: 1; James Anderson and William Anderson: 4; James Watkins: 1; Joseph Hollingsworth, Thomas Hollingsworth, John Hannah: 3; John Anderson: 1; Jonas Anderson: 1; Ephraim Clark, Henry Clark: 2; Reyderus Clark:1;  William Clark: 1; William Walker, Thomas Walker, James Walker: 3; William Johnson: 1; Robert Moore: 1;John Knight (Night): 4; Richard Stokes: 3; Sylvanus Stokes, Young Stokes: 5; Sylvanus Stokes JR, David Stokes, Sylvanus Stokes: 3; Edward Jordan: 2; Tandy Walker: 4; Timothy Carter, Samuel Carter: 2; James Coleman, Pinkethman Hawkins: 4; Hugh Moore, John Moore, Joseph Moore, Alexander Moore, Robert Moore: 1 ea.; (Landon Bell, p.105)

Note: There are now three men named Sylvanus Stokes in Lunenburg: Sylvanus Stokes SR, grandson of Sylvanus Stokes I, his son, Sylvanus JR, and probably a grandson, son of Sylvanus JR.

Sep 5 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - David Stokes – Land patent for 400 acs on one of the br of Grassy Cr. (VA. Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 148)

    
1750 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithables – Selected: Samuel Moore, Thomas Lewis, Stephen Lewis, James Anderson, William Anderson, William Ferris, James Ferris, Joseph Ferris, Thomas Ferris, Thomas Watkins, John Lee, Charles Ferris, William Byrd and Thomas Anderson; Robert Moore, Joseph Moore, John Moore, Evan Evans and William Evans, John Evans, Hugh Moore, John Fletcher, John Anderson, James Coleman, William Lewis, Charles Evans, Henry Moore, Samuel Jones, Robert Moore, Bershaba Jones, Drurey Moore, William Walker, Thomas Walker, James Walker, Ephraim Clark, Ash. Clark, Rideras Clark, Jonas Anderson, Joseph Hollingsworth, Thomas Hollingsworth, Sylvanus Stokes, Allin Stokes, Young Stokes, David Stokes, Sylvanus Stokes JR, Sylvanus Stokes SR, Edward Jordan, John Knight: 4; Richard Stokes, Tandey Walker, David Stokes, David Jones. (Landon Bell, p.156)

Jan 21 – VA Sussex – Bap – Edith Stokes - d/o John & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

  
1751

 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithes - Selected: Edward Jordan, Richard Stokes, Sylvanus Stokes, Allin Stokes, Young Stokes, David Stokes, Gideon Moore, Sylvanus Stokes, JR, David Stokes, Sylvanus Stokes SR, Charles Stokes, Michael Johnson, John Knight, Jonathan Knight: 5; Jos. Farmer:1; Geo. Farmer: 1, Capt. William Jones, James Coleman, Sam Carter, Thomas Evans, John Evans, Charles Evans and son Tom Evans, William Andrews, Richard Andrews, Ephraim Andrews, John Andrews, Morris Evans, William Tucker, Thomas Moore, Francis Tucker, Henry Moore, Robert Moore JR, Robert Moore SR, Drurey Moore, Thomas Jones (Landon Bell, p.164)

Oct 1 – VA Lunenburg – Will – Elizabeth Stokes - Sons Richard and David. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)

1751 – Feb 23 - VA Sussex - Bur - Jones Stokes JR - died "of ye small Pox, d. Feb 23 1750/1 i[nformant] John Knight. (Richards, p. 215.)

Note: John Knight was the father of Anne Stokes, thus, his role in reporting the death of his grandson.

1751 – Mar 10 – VA Sussex – Bur – Anne Stokes – died of the Small Pox d. March 10 1750/1, i[nformant] Jones Stokes. (Richards, p. 216.)

  
1752 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithes – Selected:  Joseph Johnson, Francis Moore, Allin Stokes, Sylvanus Stokes JR, Sylvanus Stokes SR, David Stokes, Edward Jordaine; Jordan, Sylvanus Stokes (son of Young), William Stokes, Young Stokes, David Stokes, Richard Stokes, Jonathan Knight, John Knight: 5; George Farmer, Thomas Ferris, Charles Ferris, Robert Andrew, George Evans, James Anderson, Thomas Anderson, Stephen Evans, Sylvanus Walker, Robert Moore, Robert Jone JR, James Jones, Thomas Evans, John Evans, Charles Evans and sons Thomas and Major, James Coleman, Michael Johnson, John Johnson, Richard Andrews, Timothy Carter, Augustin Spears (Spier?), Barshaba Jones negro, Henry Jones, Robert Moore, Drurey Moore, Andrew Jones, William Walker, George Walker, Philip Walker, John Walker, James Walker, William Clark, Jonas Anderson, William Watkins, John Anderson (Landon Bell, p.182)     
1754   Feb 10 – VA Sussex – Bap – Lucy Stokes - d/o David & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)  
1755  

VA Sussex – Admin – Samuel Stokes to John Stokes - Land which was patented by Sylvanus Stokes in 1732. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)

 
1756 Oct 14 – VA Brunswick – Mar – Sylvanus Stokes & Temperance Clarke - d/o George Clarke. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 669)    
1758   VA Sussex – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes - Deed from Sylvanus Stokes of Sussex to Sylvanus Stokes of Brunswick VA. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)  
1759   Oct 14 – VA Sussex – Bap – Rebeccah Stokes - d/o Samuel & Mary Stokes. (Richards 1958)  
1760  

Apr 8 – VA Sussex – Admin – William Knight, Richard Knight, John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Meeting to report on Processioning. Names mentioned: William Knight, Richard Knight, Francis Eppes, Peter Cain, Arthur Bass, Sylvanus Stokes, Robert Webb, Sarah Watkins, John Knight. (APVB, pp. 122-133 )

Note: Sylvanus Stokes III would be 70 years old now so this may be his son, Sylvanus Stokes IV.

 
1761   Nov 9 – VA Sussex – Bap – Sarah Stokes - d/o John & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)  
1763   Jul 5 – VA Sussex – Admin – Sylvanus Stokes - Deed to daughter, Lucy Owen. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)  
1764

Mar 31 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - Cumberland Parish Vestry Returns of Processioning -  No. 4, Processioned by Daniel Wynn, Elisha Estis & Joel Farguson: … Daniel Wynn’s land, (lines between) Benjamin Bridgfords & John Knight’s, the last & Samuel Snead being present. … No. 5 Processioned by Lodowick Farmer & Sylvanus Stokes… (lines between) Richard Claiborne & Michael Johnson … Richard Claiborne & Lodowick Farmer… Gideon Moon & George Grimes… Richard Stokes & Evans Stokes’s & John Parker… Mr. Stephensons & John Johnsons… No. 6. Processioned by Joseph Minor, Jacobus Christopher & John Knight … lands belonging to: Richard Stokes JR & Richard Stokes SR… Col. John Nash, John Knight… William Monroe, Anthony Puckett, Francis Amos;  (Bell 1930, pp. 513, 514)

Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - Cumberland Parish - List of Tithes includes: Thomas Jones, John Moore, Sylvanus Walker, Joseph Bass, John Farmer, Benjamin Farmer, Joseph Bass, Reece Hughes, James Farmer, George Clark, Samuel Clark, Stephen Coleman, Thomas Andrews, Richard Andrews, Peter Andrews, John Moore, Thomas Moore, Drury Moore, Edward Jordan SR and sons Benjamin and William, Edward Jordan JR, Sylvanus Stokes, William Stokes, Richard Stokes, Richard Stokes JR, Evan Stokes, Charles Stokes, Young Stokes, Henry Stokes, Col. David Stokes, Henry Stokes, William Walker, Richard Coleman, Cluverius Coleman, Lodowick Farmer, Andrew Johnson, John Johnson SR, John Johnson JR, John Knight JR: 3, John Knight SR: 4; Peter Knight:2, David Stokes, Thomas Anderson, James Coleman, William Coleman, Archibald Clark, James Clark, Robert Coleman, Phillip Coleman, Abner Coleman, Jesse Clark, John Clark, Francis Clark, Robert Jones Esq, John Anderson, Thomas Moore, Thomas Moore JR, Richard Johnson, George Moore, Major Evans, Charles Evans, Edward Lewis, James Anderson, Ephraim Andrews, William Andrews, John Andrews, Eleazar Andrews, Morris Evans, Robert Evans, Stephen Evans JR, Thomas Evans, Stephen Evans, William Evans, Warner Tucker, Lodowick Farmer, Phillimon Johnson, James Johnson, Isaac Johnson, William Moore, Joel Moore, Mark Moore, John Tucker (Landon Bell, p.243)

Aug 16 – VA Sussex – Will - John Stokes - Leaves his estate to his wife, Sarah and sons Young Stokes, John Stokes and Nathaniel Stokes. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)

Oct 14 – VA Sussex – Bap – Mourning Stokes - d/o John Stokes, deceased & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)

  
1766  

Jun 19 – VA Sussex – Will - Silvanus Stokes -  Will dated May 23 1758, proved June 19, 1766
In the name of God Amen. I Silvanus Stokes of Sussex County being in health of and of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to almight God for the same. Calling to mind the uncertainty of this life do make Constitute and Ordain and declare this my last will and Testament in manner and form following: first I bequeath my soul and spirit into the hands of Almighty God… etc.  And as touching the distribution of my worldly Estate I dispose the same as followeth
* Imprimis I will that all the Just debts that I owe be paid
* Item to my son Marcus Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item to my son Silvanus Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item to my son Drury Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item to my Wife Celia Stokes all my lands Lying on the South side the Rachoon swamp in Sussex County with my Plantation I now live on with all other appurtenances thereunto or in any wise appertaining During her Natural life. And after her Death to my son Micajah Stokes to Him the said Micajah His Heirs and Assigns forever.
* Item to my Daughter Pheba Freeman five Shillings Cash
* Item to my Daughter Susannah Green five Shillings Cash
* Item to my Daughter Elizabeth Knight five Shillings Cash
* Item to my Daughter Lucy Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item to  my Daughter Agness Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item to my Daughter Lydia Stokes (Ledia) five Shillings Cash
* Item to my wife Celia Stokes all the rest - and Remainder of my Estate Both real and personal During her Natural life and at her death to be Divided among my Children at her Discretion.
* Item My Will is that my Executrix shall not give Security for the proving of this my last will and testament.
* Item My Will is that my Estate should be Inventoried but not appraised and I do make Constitute and appoint my wife Celia Stokes my whole and sole Executor of this my last will and Testament Revoking annulling and making Void all former wills and Testaments by me at any time made.
The words belonging was inter___ before sealed or signed
In testimony whereof the said Silvanus Stokes of Sussex County have here unto sett my hand and affixed my seal this 23th day of February in the Year of our Lord Christ, One Thousand Sevin Hundred and fifty of eight
Signed Sealed Published and Declared...
Proved and recorded June 19, 1766 Sussex County, Virginia (Will image online served by ancestry.com)

Note: This is Sylvanus Stokes III who married Cecilia Walker probably as his second wife.

 
1769 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithes – Selected: Edward Jordan, Benjamin Jordan, William Jordan, William Stokes, James Anderson, Reps Jones, Robert Jones, Drury Jones, William Jones, Robert Moore, James Moore, John Moore, John Haley, Thomas Haley, Samuel Jordan, Isaac Johnson, Michael Johnson, David Johnson, David Stokes, Peter Jones, Young Stokes, Henry Stokes William Evans, Allin Stokes, Sylvanus Stoks, James Johnson, Benjamin Evans, Edward Hambleton, John Knight, Joseph Knight: 7; Peter Knight: 4; Lodowick Farmer: 3, Martha Tucker, Charles Stokes, Edward Jordan JR, Shadrack Stokes, Richard Stokes, Richard Stokes JR (Landon Bell, pp.282, 283, 285.) Jul 7 – VA Sussex – Bap – Zadock Stokes - s/o Young & Sarah Stokes. (Richards 1958)  
1770 Dec 5 – VA Lunenburg – Will – Young Stokes - Wife: Elizabeth; sons Henry, Sylvanus, Allen, William, daughters Cecilia, Susannah, Charlotte, Mary, Ann Neal, Lucy Anderson, Elizabeth Blagrave, w/o Henry Blagrave. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)    
1772 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin – List of Tithables – Selected: Benjamin Evans, Richard Stokes, Shadrack Stokes, Allen Stokes, Elizabet Stokes, Henry Stokes, Henry Walker, Col. David Stokes, David Stokes JR, John Stokes, Charles Stokes, Benjamin Jordan, John Haley SR, Henry Haley, Sylvanus Walker JR, Edward Jordan JR, Edward Jordan SR, Martha Tucker, Joseph Tucker, Isaac Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Michael Johnson, Charles Stokes, Joel Stokes, Lodowick Farmer, John Knight Estate, Joseph Knight: 9; Peter Knight: 4; William Clarke, Daniel Dejarnette,  Reps Jones, William Jones, Robert Jones, Thomas Moore, David Moore, Thomas Walker, Richard Walker, James Anderson, Richard Coleman, William Clark, Benjamin Clarke, Abraham Andrews, Peter Andrews, John Evans, Michael Johnson, William Johnson, Thomas Moore, John Moore, Drury Moore SR, William More, Eddins Moore, James Johnson, Sylvanus Stokes, Peter Jones JR, Richard Jones SR, Richard Jones (Landon Bell, p.308) Apr 16 – VA Sussex – Will - Samuel Stokes - Wife Mary, daughter Lorel Rochel, Cisla Thompson, sons David & Samuel. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)  
1773 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithes - Selected: William Jordan, Sylvanus Walker SR, Benjamin Walker, John Clark, Benjamin Clark, William Clark, David Johnson, Edward Jordan JR, Michael Johnson JR, Lodowick Farmer, Richard Jones SR, James Jones, Richard Jones JR, William Jones, William Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Edward Jordan SR, Benjamin Jordan, Jeremiah Moore, Isaac Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Edward Hambleton, Abraham Andrews, David Walker, William Hughes, Michael Johnson, Thomas Moore, John Moore, William Stokes, Allen Stokes, James Anderson, Benjamin Walker, Benjamin Evans, Charles Lewis, David Stokes, John Stokes, Elizabeth Stokes, Henry Stokes, Henry Walker, John Evans, John Knight, Estate, Joseph Knight, Woodson Knight: 9; Peter Knight: 4, Richard Stokes, Shadrack Stokes, (Landon Bell, pp.324, 325)    
1774 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin – List of Tithes – Selected:  James Anderson, Peter Andrews, Abraham Andrews, Mark Andrews, Benjamin Clark, William Clark, Richard Coleman, Daniel Dejarnette, Richard Evans, Benjamin Evans, William Evans, Lodowick Farmer, Lodowick Farmer JR, David Moore, Edward Hambleton, William Moore, John Halley, Henry Halley, William Johnson, Edward Jordan JR, Samuel Jordan, Edward Jordan, Benjamin Jordan, James Johnson, James Johnson JR, Isaac Johnson, Joshua Johnson, David Johnson, Michael Johnson, John Knight’s Estate, Joseph Knight, Woodson Knight: 9; Peter Knight: 4, James Moore, Jesse Moore, Thomas Moore, Stephen Moore, Drury Moore, Eddins Moore, Ellick Moore, William Moore, Jeremiah Moore, William Walker, William Stokes, Elizabeth Stokes, Henry Stokes, Henry Walker, Richard Stokes SR, Shadrach Stokes, Allen Stokes, David Stokes, John Stokes, Lodowick Farmer.  (Landon Bell, p.105)

Mar 13 - VA Sussex – Bap – Anne Stokes - d/o of Thomas and Anne Stokes. Sps: Moses Knight, Susanna Newsome, Frances Woodroffe. (Richards 1958, p. 185)

  
1775 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin – List of Tithes, selected: Abraham Andrews, Peter Andrews, James Anderson, Mark Andrews, Benjamin Clarke, John Clarke, Benjamin Evans, James Bell, John Evans, Daniel Evans, Lodowick Farmer, Lodowick Farmer JR, William Hughes, Langford Walker, Jeremiah Moore, John Johnson, Richard Jones, James Jones, Reps Jones, Thomas Jones, Drury Jones, Robert Jones, William Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Peter Jones JR, James Johnson, Edwaard Jordan JR, Edward Jordan SR, William Jordan, Samuel Jordan, Isaac Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Michael Johnson SR, Benjamin Jordan, William Johnson, James Johnson and son James, Michael Johnson, Richard Jones,  John Knight Estate, Joseph Knight, Woodson Knight: 9; Peter Knight: 4; Thomas Moore, John Moore, Stephen Moore, Jesse Moore, David Moore, William Moore, Gideon Moore, Shadrack Stokes, Richard Stokes, Henry Stokes, Henry Walker, Elizabeth Stokes, Allen Stokes, Young Stokes, Peter Stokes, John Stokes, William Stokes, William Tucker, George Tucker, Martha Tucker (Landon Bell, pp.355, 359, 360) Mar 13 - VA Sussex – Bap – Polly Stokes - d/o of Thomas and Anne Stokes. (Richards 1958)  
1776 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin – List of Tithes – Selected: Mark Andrews, Abraham Andrews, Thomas Andrews, Peter Andrews, Thomas Andrews, James Anderson, Daniel Dejarnette, Lodowick Farmer, Lodowick Farmer JR, Benjamin Farmer, Joel Farmer,  John Haley, Henry Haley, John  Haley SR, Ambrose Haley, Edward Jordan, SR, Edward Jordan, Samuel Jordan, Benjamin Jordan, Elizabeth Knight’s Tithes, Woodson Knight: 8; Peter Knight: 4, Gideon Moore, Drury Moore, William Moore, William Moore JR, Peter Moore, Jesse Moore, Allen Stokes, Richard Stokes SR, Henry Stokes, Henry Walker, Elizabeth Stokes, William Tucker, George Tucker, William Tucker SR, Martha Tucker, Thomas Walker, David Stokes, William Stokes, (Landon Bell, p.374-378)    
1781

Jan 10 – VA Lunenburg – Will – Allen Stokes - Son Allen, son German Young Stokes, daughter Mary and wife. Brother Henry Stokes. Proved 1787 Feb 8. (VA Land Records, VA Mag. of Hist. & Bio., Wm & Mary & Tyler's Qrtrly, 1982, p. 668)

Note: "Son German" probably means "nephew".

  Oct 11 – NC Northampton – Admin – Richard Moore - DB 14, p. 884-(446). 11 Oct 1781. Richard Moore of Northampton Co to Charles Moore of Halifax Co. 300 pds, 410 acres which had been patented by Ralph Mason and acquired by sd Richard Moore on south side of Roanoke River where James Moore now lives, joining sd Charles Moore, Blacks Island, Joseph Taylor, Richard Moore. Wit: Ann Stokes, Judith Moore, Ferrley Stokes. Rec: Feb Ct 1782. CC Wm. Wooten.  (Bradley, Stephen E, The Deeds of Halifax County, North Carolina 1758-1771 South Boston, Virginia: 1989.)
1783 Jun 10 – VA Lunenburg – Admin - List of Tithes – Selected:  Daniel Dejarnett, Jesse Johnson, William Johnson, William Johnson JR, Jesse Moore, John Moore, Thomas Moore SR, Joel Moore, Benjamin Walker, Benjamin Farmer, Abraham Andrews, Thomas Andrews, Peter Andrews, Frederick Andrews, William Hughes, Thomas Jones, David Walker, Mark Andrews, John Andrews, George Andrews, John Clark, Field Clark, Shadrack Clark, Lodowick Farmer, Estate of Lodowick Farmer, decd., Sarah Farmer, Jeremiah Farmer, William Moore, William Moore JR, Jeremiah Moore, Martha Tucker, Branch Tucker, Robert Tucker, William Tucker, George Tucker, Joel Tucker, Thomas Haley, William Johnson, John Jordan, James Moore, Jesse Moore, David Moore, Ussery Moore, James Jones, Thomas Walker, Edward Jordan Gent., Michale Johnson, James Johnson, Edward Jordan, James Johnson JR, William Stokes, Abraham Tucker, David Stokes JR, John Tucker, Peter Knight: 4; Woodson Knight (Charlotte): 7; Benjamin Clark, Benjamin Willson Clark, Henry Haley, David Johnson, Morris Johnson, James Anderson, Edward Jordan SR, Samuel Jordan, Isaac Johnson, John Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Richard Jones, Young Stokes, Sylvanus Walker, Henry Stokes, William Evans, Mary Evans, David Stokes, Peter Stokes, Richard Stokes, Martha Stokes, Allen Stokes, Elizabeth Stokes, Shadrack Stokes, Henry Stokes, Joseph Tucker, Ellick Moore. (Landon Bell, pp.391, 395)    
1784   Shadrach Stokes Will in Edgecombe NC Mar – NC Halifax – Will – Richard Moore - WB "1", Will 251. p. 373. Mar 1784. Richard Moore. To sons James and Charles Moore, both of Haliax County, 5 shillings each. My daughter Ann Stokes to have and enjoy from my Estate sufficient for herself during her life or widowhood for raising her children. To my daughter Judith Moore 520 acres on north side of Roanoke river whereon I now live with all houses and orchards etc and my ferry with priviledge of residence to Ann Stokes for her life or widowhood. Should sd Judith die without issue sd land etc to go to my daughter Sarah. To my daughter Sarah Stewart Moore remainder of my estate consisting of negroes stock of horses, cattle and hogs, etc To my daughter Tabitha Johnston of Brunswick Co Va bed and furniture. Should sd Judith and Sarah die without issue (their property) to go to my grandson Samuel Johnston, son of David Johnston and Tabathy, his wife. Extrs: my loving son Charles and my daughter Judith. Wit: Richard Crump, Mary Short, Sarah Turner. p 36 Hofmann, Margaret M., Northampton County, North Carolina 1759-1808 Genealogical Abstracts of Wills Weldon, North Carolina: 1975.

It's clear that the two branches of this one family, had a lot of correspondence with one another, visiting, and so forth. It appears that sometimes babies were born in one place, during a visit, and were then brought up and patented land in the other. Lunenburg and Sussex were close enough, but still, about 60 to 80 miles distant depending on specific location; a journey from one to the other could take several days. Most likely, all of the people above had more children than those registered by a baptism entry; very often the minister or parents failed to enter them, or parts of the registers are lost.

Just working from the records, and not being too concerned in the 2nd or 3rd generation about what child attaches to what father (DNA would be the same anyway), and approximating dates based on activity in the records, it looks to me like the line goes something like this, not including all female children or making this a finished work:

Sylvanus Stokes I, (1636-1704?) m. Mary Bishop (1637- Aft. 1701), had issue:

1. John Stokes (1660-1740) m. Had issue:

a. Sylvanus Stokes SR(1685 - ) m. possibly a Miss Young, inspiring the name of his son. had issue:

1) Young Stokes (1714 - )

2) Richard Stokes (1717 - )

3) David Stokes (1720 - )

4) Sylvanus Stokes JR (1723 -)

b. John Stokes (1690 -) Moved to Surry/Sussex.

c. Samual Stokes (1700 -) Moved to Surry/Sussex

d. David Stokes (1707 - 1794) m. Sarah Montford. Justice of Lunenburg in 1746. (<-Alleged)

e. William Stokes (1710 - )

2. Sylvanus Stokes II (1664 - 1747/48) m. Miss Jones, had issue, left will. The name "Susannah" has been suggested by some, but the first name of Miss Jones has never been documented. Moved to Surry.

a. Jones Stokes (1688 - ) m. Anne Knight (1722-1751)

1) Sylvanus Stokes (1739 - )

2) Jones Stokes JR (1743-1751)

3) Hamlin Stokes

b. Sylvanus Stokes III (1690 - 1766) m. Cecilia Walker, had issue, left will: (Cecilia may have been a second wife considering the stretch of birthdates of children, not all of which are included here.)

1) Marcus Stokes (1713 - )

2) Sylvanus Stokes IV (1715 - )

3) Drury Stokes ( 1716 - )

4) Micajah Stokes (1718 - )

5) Elizabeth Stokes (1740 - ) (m. John Knight

c. Hamlin Stokes (1692 - )

Stokes DNA

A manuscript account of the family written in the late 19th or early 20th century by a descendant, claimed that John and Sylvanus Stokes, were sons of William Stokes, the son of Christopher Stokes.

From Stokes researcher, John Stokes:

See the Stokes DNA Project  for the Y-DNA results.

The descendants of Sylvanus Stokes (I) are located in Haplogroup R1b-Lineage 01.

The descendants of Christopher Stokes & William Stokes are located in Haplogroup I1-Lineage 01. See kit #131281, the lineage of Thomas Stokes & Ann Stewart/Stuart.  See also kit #312135.

DNA evidence does not support the assertion that Christopher is the father or grandfather of Sylvanus Stokes (I).

All of the above subject to revision with input of additional information.

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