by Laura Knight
Since the crucial time here is the 1660s to 1730s, I'm going to insert several maps here that will help to visualize things though not every single stage of county splitting; just what is important.
First, look at this map below and notice that county divisions just sort of fade off into the distance. That was real because nearly everyone was concentrated around James City, Surry, Elizabeth City, Lower Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight.
Now, look at the next map, 30 years later in 1690, below. You can see that some areas are becoming bounded by other designated counties. But notice that the lower counties, including from Henrico on the left to Norfolk on the lower right, still extend off into the distance. Again, this was real and on the ground. If you lived in any of these counties, that could mean a pretty big area that extended off to the South West toward the latitude line that demarcated the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina. Notice that Norfolk and Princess Anne are bounded by that border.
Twenty years later, Charles City County and Henrico County, two of the counties that just extended off to the South West seemingly forever (or at least to NC), suddenly acquired a SW boundary with a new county, Prince George, being added; of course, now it is Prince George County that itself fades off into the distance. Also, Surry County now has a new neighbor. What this means, in practical, on-the-ground terms is that land - and people - that were formerly said to be living in Henrico or Charles City counties, are now living in Prince George County. Obviously, any new land patents, court documents, or tax lists will reflect this; but also, many lands have to be re-patented in the new County Name. This is often reflected in the land record books; it's not that a bunch of people are on the move, they are simply re-filing their patents of old under a new name.
The next big change took place in 1720, just ten years after Prince George County was formed. In the map below, you will see Henrico County being constrained with the creation of Hanover and Goochland County. This means that any Woodson or Knight researcher has to pay close attention to what is going on with the land records as it seems that both families were in Goochland when it was formed and not only patented new land, but re-patented old land under the new name. Also notice that now, Hanover and Goochland extend off to the horizon. But also notice, carefully, that Surry, Isle of Wight, and Nansemond STILL extend down to the NC border.
In about 1730, Surry suddenly acquired a SW border, as has Prince George and Isle of Wight. These maps are pretty basic, and based on my reading of several land records, it appears that the Nottoway River, shown below, and the Blackwater River, were areas where two separate, Knight families congregated at different times. It was at this point, in reading the land records, that it was clear that there were at least two John Knights and two William Knights in Surry County before the split because after this change, there was a John and William in Brunswick, and a John and William coming into Surry!
The next change that is important to this discussion is the following, in 1750, when Surry county was split and Sussex embodied all of Albemarle Parish. (Sorry the image isn't better). Also notice how, over time, Goochland has become so small! Also notice that Lunenburg County was created from that endless expanse of Brunswick County! The bottom line is that the Surry-Brunswick split and then the Surry-Sussex split, help us to know what Knights were where later on, and we can then track backward and figure out where they were earlier and try to sort them out.
Surry County was formed from the portion of James City County south of the James River. At its inception, James City County laid astride the north and south sides of the James River. In 1652 Surry County was formed from that part of James City County lying south of the James River. The new county included two parishes that had been created earlier out of James City County: Lawne's Creek Parish (1640) and Southwark Parish (1647). In 1738 these two parishes were divided, with parts of both parishes north of the Blackwater River united into one parish and retaining the name Southwark. The parts on the south side of the Blackwater River became another distinct parish, named Albemarle. With the changes in boundaries, Lawne's Creek Parish then became extinct. Sussex County was created from Surry County in 1754, with Surry County remaining in Southwark Parish and Albemarle Parish encompassing the new county. A change in boundary lines configured Albemarle Parish to fit entirely into Sussex County. (Davis 2008, Introduction)
It will be noticed that there were some early Knights in Surry County. I discuss them elsewhere in detail, but in general it can be said that the James City Knights headed toward Henrico/Goochland Counties, then to Lunenburg, while a later group of Knights came to the part of Surry that would become Sussex County, probaby from Nansemond/Isle of Wight. The Goochland/Lunenburg Knights may have been related in some way to the two Peter Knights of Northumberland and Gloucester Counties, but if so, it would be back in England, upline. The Sussex County Knights, after some careful study, appear to be descended from James Knight, son of Capt. Peter Knight, who moved to Nansemond County as a young man, in two branches. The John Knight of Sussex, who left a will in 1762 naming 10 of his 11 children (one apparently predeceased him), was most likely the son of James. John's verified children had such a range of birth dates that it is certain that two wives were involved. One wife is certainly confirmed by record: Elizabeth Eppes; the second wife is strongly suggested by the name of son Jordan, and the fact that John Knight lived adjacent to Benjamin Jordan, most likely related to the Quaker Jordans of Nansemond County.
The other John Knight, who died in Edgecombe county leaving a will in 1769, naming his children, appears to have been a grandson of James, son of Capt. Peter. The father of this John Knight appears to have gone from Nansemond to Bertie County North Carolina without spending time in Sussex, but by doing so, he became an "attractor" to his Sussex kin, bringing the next generation of them there.
It appears to be almost certain that John Knight of SC and then Effingham County GA, was the grandson of John Knight of Sussex, and was mentioned in his will. I will devote a separate discussion to that topic.
This page is pretty much just the raw records; I'll group the families and discuss them in a separate article.
1656 - Jan 13 – VA Surry – Admin - Capt. George Jordan - Court: It was ordered to audit and settle and deliver all accounts depending between Capt. George Jordan and Mr. Richard Hill, deceased… a bill in the hands of Mr. Jno. Dibdall, also Mr. Jennings, etc. Test: Peter Knight, John Flood, Benjamin Sidway. Rec.: 6 Feb 1656. (Timberlake Davis)
1668 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Lawnes Creek: Nathaniel Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22 No. 1)
1669 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: William Knight (2) (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22 No. 1)
1670 – Apr 18 – VA Surry – Admin – Thomas Blake – Land patent for 400 acres on a branch of the Blackwater by the land of Henry Knight. (Boddie)
1670 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: No Knights
1670 - Oct 19 – VA Surry – Admin - George Watkins – Land patent for 105 acs. adj. The Sunken Marsh & land of William Newsom (Nusam)… etc. (Nugent II, p. 82)
Note: George Watkins is the brother of Henry Watkins who married Katherine Pride, and the latter two were the grandparents of Rachel Watkins who married Robert Woodson JR in Henrico/Goochland County.
1673 - Jun 10 – Surry VA – Tithables list - Selected: Doctor Knight (Nathaniel Knight) (VA. Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22. No. 2)
1673 - Dec – VA Surry – The inhabitants of Surry Co met at Lawnes Creek Parish Church (the first church erected on Hogg Island in 1628), to protest a levy which they felt unjust. Mathew Swann was considered to be the ringleader. The Surry County Court fined the “mutinous persons” but Gov. Berkeley cancelled the fines on condition that the rebels acknowledge their wrongdoing. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 55-56)
1674 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Doctor Knight (Nathaniel Knight) (VA. Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22. No. 2)
1675 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Doctor Knight (Nathaniel Knight), (VA. Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22. No. 2)
1676 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Nathaniel Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
1677 - Feb 18 - VA Surry – Will - Nathaniel Knight, Chirugeon - Bequests: Goddaughter, Mary Proctor dau. of Mr. George Proctor; Godson Nathaniel Phillips; Samuel Briggs, son to Henry Briggs; Mary Browne; Hannah Harrison; Ann Hoskins; Samuel Magget, Sr; Nathaniel Harrison, son of Benjamin Harrison; John Allen; Sister: Abigail Brooks in England. Father: Samuel Knight in Stroodwater, Gloucestershire, England rem. Of estate. (Davis, pp. 86-87)
1678 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Doctor Nathaniel Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22, No. 3)
Note: They apparently didn’t get the memo that Dr. Nathaniel Knight was dead.
1679 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Nathaniel Knight deceased (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
Note: They finally got the memo.
1684 - Apr 20 – VA Surry – Admin - Mr. Thomas Jordan – Land patent for 235 acs …about ¾ of a mi. from Capt. Corker, in Clayes’ Br; adj. Capt. Potter; & Lucy Corker (Luce). (Nugent II, p. 277)
1684 Apr 20 – VA Surry – Admin - Richard Jordan, JR – Land patent for, 260 acs. On NE side of John Checokuck Sw… etc. (Nugent II, p. 277)
1688 – Oct 20 – VA Surry – Admin - Richard Jordan – Land patent for 200 acs. Bet. Cypress Sw. & Johnchounk Sw; adj. Richard Jordan, JR;…(p. 329, Vol. II)
1689 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: No Knights, usual list. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
1690 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Sunken Marsh: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
1691 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: John Knight has disappeared. No Knights. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
1692 - Apr 29 – VA Surry – Admin - Maj. Arthur Allen – Land patent for 1000 acs. … In Lawnes Cr… Imp of 20 persons. Names include John Woodson, Cadwallader Jones, William Peirce, James Pierce, (same two Pierces that appeared with John Woodson in two previous, unrelated patents). (Nugent II, p. 374)
1692 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: No Knights; usual list. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol 22, No. 3)
1693 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin - Tithables list - Selected: Usual list with Thomas Cotton & John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
1694 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: Usual list with Thomas Cotton & John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
1695 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: Upper Sunken Marsh: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
Note: Apparently, Thomas Cotton and John Knight have separate establishments this year.
1696 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: ** Sunken Marsh: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
1698 -Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
1699 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: George Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
Note: There is a George named in the will of Anthony Knight of Henrico County 1700 May 1. Since there are many connections between the names found in these lists and persons later in Henrico, is there a connection here?
1700 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
Note: John Knight is now back in Surry and there is no George Knight. Does this have anything to do with the mention of a George in the will of Anthony Knight of Henrico? Could John Knight and George Knight be related?
1701 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: John Knight (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)
1703 - Jun 10 – VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: John Knight & Valentine Williamson (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 24, No. 2)
1704 – VA Surry – Admin - Rent Roll - No Knights (des Cognets, pp. 210-214)
NOTE: The Knights who were seen in upper Surry County disappear at this point and it will be 27 years before another Knight shows up. But, before they do, a number of other individuals appear who will later be related to the Knights of Sussex and then Edgecombe County NC.
1715 - Mar 23 – VA Surry – Admin - Samuel Clark – Land patent for 250 acres “S. side the main Blackwater Sw; on land formerly Col. Wm. Randolph’s dec’d. … 25 Shill.” (Nugent III, p. 180)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – Phillip Jones – Land patent for 180 acs on N. side of Nottoway Riv , S side of Sappony Creek, adj. Robert Joned; by the Rockey branch, 20 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 253)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – Robert Webb JR – Land patent for 295 acs on S. side of Nottoway Riv., 30 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 253)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – William Phillips – Land patent for 150 acs S. side of the Black Water Swamp; adj Joseph Wall, James Wall & Richard Hill; 15 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 253)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – John Roberts – Land patent for 235 acs N. side of Nottoway Rive, 25 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 254)
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)
Note: Sylvanus Stokes (1710-1766) and Cecilia Walker Stokes, were the parents of Elizabeth Stokes who married John Knight (d. 1791 Sussex VA)
1723 - Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – Nicholas Calliham - Land patent for 350 acs, S side of Nottoway Riv. Cor of John Anderson’s land. (Nugent III, p. 254)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – James Lee – Land patent for 190 acs S side of the Three Creeks, 20 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 255)
1723 – Sep 5 – VA Surry – Admin – John Jones JR – Land patent for 95 acs N. side of Nottoway River, S side of Sappony Cr… land of Nathaniel Maloon, 10 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 255)
1723 – 5 Sep – VA Surry – Admin – James Anderson – Land patent for 100 acs S. side of the main Blackwater Sw; N side of the Pidgeon Sw, 10 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 256)
1731 - Jan – VA Brunswick – Admin – William Knight - John Robinson of [torn] to William Knight of Surry Co. [torn] joining Harrison. Also signed by Mary (x) Robinson. Wit: Moses Dunkley, Mary Dunkley, Proved 7 Sep 1732. Drury Stith CC Note: Probate indicates that the grantors were John & Mary Robinson. (Bradley 1997, p. 1)
1732 - Sep 28 – VA Surry – Admin - William Epes - of Prince George County, Land Patent for 185 acs on S. side of Poplar Sw; at mouth of the Crooked Pole Br; by the Myery Br. 20 Shill. (Nugent III, p. 423)
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)
1734 – Aug 1 – VA Surry – Admin – Valentine Williamson – Land patent for 275a, NL, Surry Co. S. side of Nottoway R.; S. side of the S. Prong of the Poplar Sw. (Land Patent Book 15, Magazine of Virginia Genealogy. Published by the Virginia Historical Society)
1735 - Jan 10 – Surry VA – Admin - William Knight - Of Surry Co., 285 acs. Surry Co., both sides of the little Sw., on S side of Nottoway Riv., adj. John Evans. (Nugent IV, p. 95)
1735 – Mar 24 – VA Surry – Admin – John Mason, Gent – Land patent for 673a, Surry Co., S. side of the main Black Water Sw; a small br. on E. side of Atsamoosock Sw. which br. divides this L. from L. of Mr. Richard Bland; (p. 480) c. James Jones lines; William Roses L.; Nicholas Partridge's L.; 223a part of the afsd. tract formerly sold to sd. John Mason by John Hardiman & Henrietta Maria, his wife, Francis Hardiman & Sarah, his wife, Elizabeth Duke & Frances Greenhill by Deed dated 18 Dec 1723; 250a another part, formerly sold to sd. John Mason by Samuel Clark 17 Jun. 1724, residue never before ptd. (p. 481). 24 Mar. 1734/5. (Land Patent Book 15, Magazine of Virginia Genealogy. Published by the Virginia Historical Society)
1737 – May 17 – VA Surry – Admin – William Knight & wife Alice – Conveyed 285 acs to Thomas Moore. This was the same land granted to William in 1735. (Harlander, p. i)
1740 – Feb 10 - VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Peter Knight – s/o John Knight and Elizabeth; (b. Jan 8); sps: Peter Hawthorn, Chauncy Tatum, Mary Eppes. (Richards 1958, p. 39)
1740 - Mar 16 – VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Sylvanus Stokes – s/o Jones and Anne Stokes; Albemarle Parish: William Knight, Vaughan Kilborn, Rebeccca Harwood, sps. (Richards 1958, p. 48)
1740 - Jun 8 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight and Richard Knight – W/ Elizabeth Horn; sps to Joshua King s/o John King and Sarah; Albemarle Parish: (Richards 1958, p. 29)
1740 - Nov 2 - VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight – with Hannah Felse, Rebecca Harris, sps. to Lucretia Sansenick, d/o James and Mary Sasenick; Albemarle Parish. (Richards 1958, p. 32)
1740 – VA Surry – Admin – Francis Eppes - A deed reciting that Sarah, wife of Francis Eppes, of Prince George County, was a daughter of Robert Hamblin [Hamlin, Hamelin] and Ann his wife. (Parks 1982, p. 592) ***Note: Was this deed a sale of an inheritance by the new husband of a young wife shortly after marriage? If so, she would be born c. 1723. See also Will of Martha Edwards, dau of this Sarah Eppes, 1773 Nov 23. This group remained in Surry County and were not in the later Sussex County.
1741 - Mar 2 – VA Surry/Sussex – Bur – Alice Knight - Albemarle Parish: reported to parish by William Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 212)
Note: William’s wife? Or a 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)
1741 - Jul 25 – VA Surry – Admin - John Knight – Land patent for 540 acres S side of Nottaway Riv., S side of Lee’s br., adj. Richard Avery & Abraham Evans. (Nugent IV, p. 248)
Note: This is John Knight d. 1762, whose Will is below where he will mention this land.
1741 - Aug 20 – VA Surry – Admin - John Anderson – Land patent for 200 acres “S side of the main Black Water Sw., adj. The lines of the College Land, Joel Barker & Thomas Vaughan.” (Nugent IV, p. 251)
1742 - 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)
1742 - May 20 – VA Surry – Admin - Richard Knight - Land patent for 200 acs. S. side of Nottoway River bounded by E. side of Cypress br. & Mr. Howell Briggs. (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. Vol. 26 No. 2, p. 137)
1742 - May 30 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin - Richard Knight & Elizabeth Knight - Albemarle Parish:w/ William Clifton, sps. to Mercurius, son of William and Naomi Cook. (Richards 1958, p. 36)
1742 - Jul 30 – VA Surry – Admin - Richard Knight - Land patent for 400 acs. S. side of Nottoway R., N. side of Hunting Quarter Swl, bounded by Richard Woodroofe, Howard Briggs & Nicholas Calliham. (VA Gen. Soc. Qtrly. Vol. 26 No. 2, p. 139)
1742 - Sep 12 - VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Sarah Knight – d/o John Knight and wife Elizabeth; Albemarle Parish: born Aug 25; Sps. John Tatum, Bridget Tatum, Anne Hutchins. (Richards 1958, p. 49)
1742 - Sep 26 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Richard Knight - Albemarle Parish: w/ Joseph Harwood, Sarah Harwood, sps to Philip son of Philip and Rebecca Harwood. (Richards 1958, p. 40)
1742 - Oct 7 – VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Charles Knight – s/o William Knight and Mary (Lancaster) Knight. This begins their family recorded in the Albemarle Parish register. They will have a total of 6 over 11 years. List with sponsors:
* Charles: 7 Oct 1742: Thomas Andrews, William Land, Elizabeth Shelton;
* John: 17 Sep 1745: Edward Shelton, Samuel Wright, Elizabeth Alsobrook;
* Sarah: 19 Jan 1748: Samuel Harwood, Sarah King, Elizabeth Harwood;
* Joel: Francis Redding, David Woodruff, Frances Williams;
* Archibald: 10 Jan 1750: John Avent, John Moss, Elizabeth Carter;
* William: 18 Mar 1753: James Carter, William Ezell, Mary Bass. (Boddie 1998, pp. 83-84)
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)
1743 - Jul 2 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, Charles-Roy Carter, Eliza Wiggins, sponsors to Absalom, son of Joseph and Sarah Harwood. (Richards 1958, p. 9) (Apparently, the text says Aug. but see Boddie 1998, p. 59)
1743 - 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 - 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 )
1744 - Dec 23 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, John Bullock, Elizabeth Adams, sps to Edmond, son of Edmund and Mary Pate. (Richards 1958, p. 20) (Boddie 1998, p. 108)
1745 - Apr 7 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Elizabeth Knight - Albemarle Parish: Elizabeth Knight, John King JR, Anne Cassel, sps to Anne dau of William and Judith Spane (Spain?). (Richards 1958, p. 55)
1746 - Jul 8 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Richard Knight - Albemarle Parish: Richard Knight is sponsor to child of Thomas and Mary Battle. (Boddie 1998, p. 11)
1746 - Aug 28 – VA Surry – Admin - William Knight – Land patent for 630 acs S. side of Nottoway River, N. side of Cock’s br., corner between him and Mr. Henry Tyler, the Hornet Sw., on one of his old lines, 230 acs part formerly granted to Thomas Cocke Gent by pat. dated 27 Sep 1729, the right and title since vested in the sd. William Knight, 400 acs. never before granted. (VA Gen Soc. Qrtly, Vol. 28, No. 2, p. 128)
1746 - Oct 28 – VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Martha Knight – d/o Richard Knight and wife Martha; Albemarle Parish: Sponsors: John Bell, Rebbecca Hubbard, Agnes Ezell (Boddie 1998, p. 84)
1748 - Apr 12 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – John Knight, Jordan Knight & Richard Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Meeting: Christopher Tatum & John Mason jr Appointed Church Wardens for the year ensuing.
*A Letter from Mr. Robert Jones junior setting forth the Misfortunes of a Certain Jordan Knight son of John Knight, being read, it is ordered that the said Jordan be Exempt from paying his Parish Levies during his Continuance Under his Calamity.
* Results of prev. ordered Processioning given including: Francis Eppe’s, Edward Eppes, James Cain, Richard Knight, Benjamin Jordan, John Knight, Col. Bland, John Bass, Samuel Bass. “In pursuance to an Order of Vestry held for the parish of Albemarle Aug 26 in the year of our Lord 1747 we the said James Cain & Rob Farrington have seen every person’s Land procession’d within our precinct & the land marks renew’d except a line between James Cain & George Robinson which the said George Robinson refused to have procession’d the reason was the former lines are Cut down And the sd Robinson says the sd James Cain hath removed his Land mark. (p. 35 APVB) “Richard Knight’s land not precession’d because he wou’d not attend & he alledg’d he never had done it.” (pp. 33-45 Procession lists APVB)
Note: The item about Jordan Knight makes it certain that he is well of taxable age, probably in his early20s. That would put his birth in the early 1720s. One wonders, of course, what the “calamity” was. Did he and his family go somewhere, did something terrible happen, and a letter had to be written about it? Otherwise, one would think that everyone would know the situation. According to the Parish Register, his first child was baptized in 1765 when he would have been at least 40. Did it take that long to recover?
1748 - Apr 27 – VA Surry – Admin - Governor’s Council meeting – Petitions for land granted: To Jacob Warrick, 1,000 acs in Surry on the south side of Nottoway River including his own plantation and joyning the lines of John Stephens, Jesse Gillam Thomas Pennington, John Knight and John King. (Exec. Journals. VA, Vol. V, p. 251)
1748 - Dec 11 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, William Johnson, Martha Johnson sps to William son of Cornelius and Eliza Lofting. (Richards 1958, p. 104)
1749 - Sep 21 –VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Mary Knight – d/o John Knight and wife Elizabeth born; Albemarle Parish; Bap 3 Dec sps William Hutchins, Sarah Evans, Anne King. (Richards 1958, p. 150)
1750 - Oct 15, birth of Ben, slave of William Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 122)
1749 - Oct 16 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry held for laying a levy. From the list of sums paid out: To John Knight for keeping Sarah Davis 300 (tobacco?) Agreed with John Knight (Night) for the keeping of Sarah Davis for the Year ensuing and that the be paid 400 lb Tob.. (Davis 2008, p. 48-49)
1750 - Jan 15 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish – William Knight sponsor to child of William and Amy Richardson. (Boddie 1998, p. 119)
1750 – Apr - 10 – VA Surry/Sussex – Bap – Rebecca Knight – d/o Richard Knight and wife Elizabeth; Albemarle Parish; Sps: Boyce Tatum, Mary Andrews. (Boddie)
1750 - Oct 10 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight is paid 400 lbs tobacco for keeping Sarah Davis. (Davis 2008, p. 51)
1750 - Oct 15 - VA Surry/Sussex - Admin – William Knight - birth of Ben, slave of William Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 122)
1751 - Feb 23 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: Death of Jones Stokes JR reported to parish by John Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 215)
1751 - Apr 21 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, John Richardson, Agnes Battle, sps to Jordan, son of William and Amy Richardson. (Richards 1958, p. 188)
1751 - Sep 15 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry meeting to order Processioning: William Knight as one of Processioners. (Davis 2008, pp. 54, 55)
1752 - Jan 20 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish – William Knight is sponsor to child of Charles and Jane Mabrey. (Boddie 1998, p. 90)
1752 - Mar 1 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, Edward Carter, Mary Richardson, sps. to Charles, son of Charles and Jane Mabry. (Richards 1958, p. 14)
1752 - Mar 31 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Land Processioning - Albemarle Parish Vestry meeting to record Procession results. Names mentioned: Edward Eppes, William Knight, Richard Knight, John Knight, James Cain Jr, John Davis, William Bass. ( Davis 2008, pp. 58-72)
1752 - Jun 21 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Daniel Knight - Albemarle Parish: Daniel Knight, Thomas Weathers, Elizabeth Whitehead, sps to Jesse son of James and Jane horn. (Richards 1958, p. 190)
1752 - Sep 12 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Alice Knight - Albemarle Parish: Alice Knight, Amy Freeman, Thomas Northcross sps to Elizabeth dau of William and Mary Longbottom. (Richards 1958, p. 138)
1752 - Nov 13 – Surry/Sussex VA – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry business meeting. John Knight paid 25 lbs tobacco for keeping Sarah Davis 5 months. Moses Johnson proposed to the Vestry to keep Sarah Davis an Aged Infirm Woman for one Year Next ensuing & Provide necessaries for her for 600 lbs Tobo which is agreed to by the Vestry. (p. 78 APVB)
1753 - Jan 16 – VA Surry/Sussex – Will - Daniel Eppes - Of Albemarle Parish, Date: 6 Sept. 1749. Proved 16 Jan 1753. William Willie (pastor) and Edward Eppes Executors. Wife: Mary. Son: Edward. Daughters: Elizabeth Knight and Mary Tatum. Grandson: Daniel Eppes (not 21) Wit: William Willie. (Parks 1982, p. 592) “Daniel Eppes, aged eighty-one, died June 6 1753, certified by Edward Eppes. (McGahn 1982, p. 514)
1753 - Apr 1 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish – William Knight is sponsor to child of William and Elizabeth Richardson. (Boddie 1998, p. 119)
1753 - May 20 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, Sarah Wellborn, Peter Green, sps. to Nathaniel, son of William and Elizabeth Richardson. (Richards 1958, p. 38)
1753 Jun 16 – VA Surry – Admin - William Knight - With Jeremiah Bullock and John Battle, Jr. appointed Appraisers of the estate of Francis Felts. (Hart 1983, p. 58)
1753 - Sep 9 – VA Surry/Sussex – Admin – Daniel Knight - Albemarle Parish: Daniel Knight, Angelica Cain, Mary Kellyham, sps. to Kesiah, dau of Arthur and Agnes Freeman. (Arthur dec’d) (Richards 1958, p. 31)
1754 – Sussex County VA – From part of Surry County.
1754 - Jan 4 – VA Sussex – Admin – Benjamin Hyde - Albemarle Parish: Note made by the Rev. William Willie in the Parish Death Register: “Benjamin Hyde and Mary his wife, Sarah, Cherry, Hannah, their children. d. Jan 4, 1754, All murder’d by their own Negro Man! The Man was murder’d in the Field, and all the rest in the House, all their Heads were cut off, only the Child, an infant, had its Brains dashed out. The Negro was the most obdurate Wretch I ever conversd with, for nothing that I could say to him cou’d prevail upon to own it to be wrong!” (Richards 1958, p. 217)
1754 - May 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Daniel Knight - Albemarle Parish: Daniel Knight, Nathaniel Rainey, Elizabeth Richardson, sps. to Daniel, son of William and Mary Rainey (Richards 1958, p. 17)
1754 - Sep 22 – VA Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish: William Knight, Nathanael Felts, Hannah Felts, sps. to Christopher, son of John and Mary Crossland. (Richards 1958, p. 14) Oct 11 (Boddie 1998, p. 33)
1754 - Oct 11 – County Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish – William Knight is sponsor to child of John and Mary Crossland. (Boddie 1998, p. 33)
1754 - Nov 17 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight, Edward Shelton, Mary Rose, sps. to Frederick, son of James and Mary Hern. (Richards 1958, p. 23)
1755 - Apr 6 – VA Sussex – Admin – Richard Knight - Albemarle Parish: Richard Knight, William Stewart, Mary Stewart, sps. to Gabriel, son of Walter and Anne Barr. (Richards 1958, p. 24)
1755 - Aug 8 – VA Sussex – Admin - William Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry meeting to appoint Processioners. Edward Lee & Edward Eppes, William Knight & John Battle (and others). (Davis 2008, pp. 83, 84)
1756 - Apr 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight, Ephraim Knight, Richard Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry meeting to record Procession results. Names mentioned: John Knight, Ephraim Knight, James Cain, James Cain Jr. Peter Cain, John Carter, Edward Lee, Edward Eppes, Francis Eppes, James Carter, Richard Knight (shared property line with son Ephraim) (Davis, pp. 89-95)
1756 - Nov 26 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting: Ordered that John Knight be paid for keeping Frances Hood one Year According to his Agreement made with Mr. Robert Jones Jun. John King Jun has agreed with the Vestry to keep Frances Hood for the Year Ensuing & find her all Necessaries for five Hundred pounds of Tobacco. (Davis, p. 102 APVB)
1756 – VA Sussex – Admin - Richard Knight – Court: After Richard deeded all his land (Sussex Co., VA), seven slaves, and other property to his son Ephraim, and decamping to NC, he returned to Sussex Co and accused Ephraim of tricking him into signing the deeds while he (Richard) was in the state of extreme drunkenness. He claimed that he, Richard Sr, left the colony (of VA) for NC in order to escape problems with a Mr. Barr. Richard Jr's (age 18) deposition stated his father "had been in much trouble with one Barr's wife for some time before." Richard Sr. came back to VA--after a short stay in NC--and wanted his land and property back. Ephraim refused. Thus, Ephraim, Richard Sr., Richard Jr. (aged 18), daughter Alice (Threewitt, wife of Edward), and a William Knight (no relationship stated ) all gave extensive testimony - all in Richard Sr.'s favor (and all mentioning his severe liquor problem). The court eventually determined that land and property were to be returned to Richard and that Ephraim was to be "kept within the bailiwick." The sheriff reported that he could not find Ephraim Knight. (Harlander, p. 1)
1757 – Apr 27 – VA Sussex - Admin - John Knight JR & Elizabeth Stokes Knight - 1757 Apr 27 birth of Lydia, dau of John Knight JR, and wife Elizabeth, bap. 12 June, sps. Josias Freeman, Phoebe Freeman, Lucy Stokes. (Richards 1958, p. 77)
1760 Apr 27, Creesy dau of John Knight JR and wife Elisabeth baptized, no sp. given. (Richards 1958, p.15)
1762 May 24, Walker, Bap. 20 Jun, sps. Peter Knight, William Gilbert, Lydia Stokes. (Richards 1958, p. 181)
1763 Dec 20, Lewis, son of John Knight and w. Elisa: Bap 26 Feb 1764, sps Levi Gilliam, William Newsome ___ Freeman. (Richards 1958, p. 147)
1766 Fab 11, b. Frank-Eppes son of John and Elisabeth Knight, bap. 23 Mar, sps Micajah Stokes, Jesse Rogers, Elisabeth Rogers. (Richards 1958, p. 68)
1770 Feb 5, Sylvanus, Bap. 1770 Apr 15, sps. Sylvanus Bell, William Moore, Tabitha Rowland. (Richards 1958, p. 208)
Subsequent children by a Sarah named in will:
1776 Rhoda Knight (underage)
1772 Elizabeth Knight
1774 Charles Knight (underage, left in care of bro. Lewis)
1775 John Knight (underage, left in care of bro. Walker)
1757 - Apr 29 – VA Sussex – Admin - Ephraim Knight - Son of Richard of Albemarle Parish, appeared in court charged with “being guilty of entering house of Robert Jones, Jr. with intent to rob same.” The court decided that Ephraim should be tried in Williamsburg. After this decision, Ephraim was taken under guard from Sussex County to the jail at Williamsburg. (Loose Court Papers of Sussex County, VA 1754-1870, The King vs. Ephraim Knight 1757.)
1757 – July - VA Sussex – Admin – Ephraim Knight - July Court. Thomas Dowdy appear'd in court and alledged agt. Ephraim Knight that he thought himself in fear of his life or of some bodily hurt to be done or procured to be done him by Ephraim [Knight] whereupon divers witnesses were sworn and examined and mature deliberation thereupon had on consideration whereof it is ordered that the said Ephraim enter into recognizance for his good behaviour for one year from this day the said Ephraim in 50 and his security in 25 whereupon the said Ephraim with James Carter his security acknowledge themselves to be indebted to our soverign Lord the King the said Knight in the sum of fifty pounds and the said Carter in the sum of 25. (Loose Court Papers of Sussex County, VA 1754-1870, The King vs. Ephraim Knight 1757.)
1757 – Aug – VA Sussex – Admin – Ephraim Knight - August Court. Thomas Dowdy plt vs. Ephraim Knight deft. In case. Same as next above [ continued to next court] (Loose Court Papers of Sussex County, VA 1754-1870, The King vs. Ephraim Knight 1757.)
1757 – Sep – VA Sussex – Admin – Ephraim Knight - September Court. Thomas Dowdy plt vs. Ephraim Knight deft: In case. the deft. by his attorney pleads that he did not assume the plt. joins the issue and the cause is continued for trial. (Loose Court Papers of Sussex County, VA 1754-1870, The King vs. Ephraim Knight 1757.)
1757 - Oct 29 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting: Paid out to John Knight 900 lbs tobacco, doesn’t say what for. (Davis, p. 107)
1757 - Nov 14 – VA Sussex – Admin – Richard Knight vs Ephraim Knight - Richard Knight, Jr, under the age of 21, told the Court that he ws afraid that Ephraim Knight, Carpenter, (his brother), would beat, wound, maim, or kill him. On the 25th of the month, Ephraim appeared and pledged 20 pounds that he would appear in court. In December, Richard did not appear against his brother and the court discharged Ephraim and ordered Richard to pay costs. (Harlander and Knight 1934, p. 3)
1758 – Feb – VA Sussex – Admin – Ephraim Knight - Feb Court. Thomas Dowdy plt vs Ephraim Knight deft: in case. This day came the parties by their attornies and thereupon came also a jury, to wit, Henry Tatum, Charles Gee, John Bailey, Clement Hancock, Francis Gee, Frederick Green, Robert Wynn, Lewis Brown, Burrell Green Jr, Benjamin Hunt, John Pennington, and Levy Gilliam who being elected...do say that the deft hath not performed the assumption in the declaration mentioned in manner and form as the plt threin agt him hath alledged and do assess the plts damages by occasion threof to eleven pounds fifteen shillings and four pence besides his costs. Therefore it is consider'd that the plt recover agt the said deft his damages aforesaid in form afd. assessed and his costs by him in this behalf expended and the said deft. in mercy &c. (Loose Court Papers of Sussex County, VA 1754-1870, The King vs. Ephraim Knight 1757.)
1758 – VA Sussex – Admin – Richard Knight & Edward Threewit – listed on the Sussex County Insolvent List. Had moved to NC. (Harlander, p. 3)
1759 - Aug 6 – VA Sussex – Admin – William Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Meeting to order Processioning. Again, William Knight appointed. (p. 115 APVB)
1759 - Dec 9 – VA Sussex – Admin – Mary Knight - Albemarle Parish: Mary Knight, James Bell, Sarah Freeman, sps to Jane dau of James and Mary Hern. (Richards 1958, p. 44) (Boddie 1998, p. 62)
1760 - Mar 25 – VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight & Judith Knight - Albemarle Parish Register: birth of first child:
* Patty Knight 25 Mar 1760: sps. James Cocke, Elizabeth Shelton, Amy Whitehead
* Elizabeth Knight: 29 Oct 1765: sps. William and Anna Sturdivant, Polly Wynne;
* Moses Knight: 24 Jan 1767: William Sturdivant, Nathaniel Newsome, Frances Sturdivant;
* Ephraim Knight: 2 Aug 1772: Thomas Stokes, Abel Mabrey, Anne Hood;
* William Knight : 20 Sep 1774: Reuben Rodgers, Thomas Weathers, Mary Whitehead;
* James Knight: 31 May 1770: John Cocke, William Steward JR, Amy Cocke. (Boddie 1998, p. 56)
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, Silvanus Stokes, Robert Webb, Sarah Watkins, John Knight. (pp. 122-133 APVB)
1760 - Apr 27 – VA Sussex – Admin – Susanna Knight - Albemarle Parish: William, illegitimate son of William Adkins and Susanna Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 163)
1760 - May 29 – VA Sussex - Richard Knight patent for 365 acs. on the S side of Nottoway Riv., adj. hiw own lines, Nocholas Callahm, Howell Briggs & Charles Partin. (VA. Gen. Soc. Qrtly., Vol. 33, No. 1, p. 57)
1760 - Sep 14 – VA Sussex – Admin – Mary Knight - Albemarle Parish: Mary Knight, Mary Harwood, William Hills,, sps to Malley dau of Burrel and Amy Maclamore. (Richards 1958, p. 193)
1761 – Mar 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Elizabeth Knight, widow – Appeared in court to relinquish all dower rights in lands belonging to Richard Knight. (Harlander, p. 3) Note: Richard Knight the Elder deceased? His three known children were:
Alice b. c. 1730 m. Edward Threewit
Ephraim b. c. 1730
Richard JR b. c. 1740
1761 - Mar 29 – VA Sussex – Admin – Jordan Knight - Albemarle Parish: Jordan Knight, Winnifred Land, Lewis Hutchins, sps to Arthur son of Baird and Sarah Edlendisto. (Richards 1958, p. 165) Note: Even though Jordan has just reappeared, we have no reason to believe this is a Jordan JR because John Knight’s will mentions no such.
1761 Aug 16 – VA Sussex – Admin – Jordan Knight - Albemarle Parish: Jordan Knight, Sally Freeman, Agnes Gilliam, sps to Sally dau of Levi and Elisabeth Gilliam. (Richards 1958, p. 199)
1761 - Dec 16 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish – John Knight is sponsor to child of Nathaniel and Agnes Duncan. (Boddie 1998, p. 37)
1762 - Feb 18 – VA Sussex – Will - John Knight - I, John Knight of Sussex County, being in perfect health of body and of sound mind memory and understanding (thanks be to Almighty God) do constitute, ordain and appoint this to be my true last Will and Testament hereby Revoking and disannulling all former Wills or Testaments by me heretofore made in mannoer or form following, that is to say,
* IMPRIMIS I give and Devise to my loving son William and to his heirs forever one moity of the tract of land I live upon to be laid off adjoining to Lee’s Branch, provided always and upon condition that he pay or cause to be paid to each of my loving sons John, Joel, Edward, Peter & Richard, fifty shillings Current money of Virginia within three months after my decease.
* ITEM I give and Devise to my loving son Jordan and to his heirs forever, the other moity of my tract of land to be laid off on that part whereon the houses now stand, provided always and upon Condition the he pay or cause to be paid to each of my loving sons John, Joel, Edward, Peter & Richard fifty shillings current money of Virginia within three months after my decease. Ialso give to my son Jordan one Bed and furniture, six Pewter Plates and two Pewter Dishes, and two Cows and Calves.
* ITEM I give and Devise all and every part of the Residue of my Estate whatsoever to be equally Divided amongs my loving children, William, John, Jordan, Edward, Joel, Peter, Richard, Sara, Anne, and Mary, and my Grandson John, Knight, share and share alike to them and their Heirs forever.
* ITEM My Will and Desire is that my Estate may not be Appraised.
* Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my loving sons William and Jordan my true and Lawful Executors of all and every part of this my last Will and Testament. * In WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal this seventh Day of February 1760.
* Signed Sealed and Delivered by the Testator to be his John Knight (L.S.) last Will in Present of us: Nicholas Massenburg, John Cargill, Edmund Hass (his mark)
*At a court held for Sussex County the 18th Day of February 1762. The aforewritten last Will and Testament of John Knight deceased was presented in Courty by William and John Knight the Executors therein named who made Oath thereto as the Same directs, and the same was proved by the Oaths of [the witnesses].. and by the Court ordered to be recorded… the motion is granted them for obtaining a Probate thereof in jue form. A. Claiborne, Esq.
Note: Only 3 children’s births are listed in the Albemarle register :
*1740 Jan 8 , Peter, Bap 10 Feb sps: Peter Hawthorn, Chauncy Tatum, Mary Eppes. (born Jan 8) (Richards 1958, p. 39)
*1742 Aug 25, Sarah, Bap. 12 Sep, Sps. John Tatum, Bridget Tatum, Anne Hutchins. (Richards 1958, p. 49)
*1749 Sep 21 Mary, Bap 3 Dec sps William Hutchins, Sarah Evans, Anne King. (Richards 1958, p. 150)
***So, William, John, Joel, Edward, Jordan, Anne and Richard were born either elsewhere, or before the registry was begun/kept, or simply were not recorded or the record did not survive. There is also a Daniel Knight present in Albemarle Parish who was most likely another son. Est. d.o.b.s for these children, based on their activity in the records, would look something like this:
1719 - William - In 1739/40 William Knight stands as sponsor to child of Jones and Anne Stokes; his own 1st child registered 1742
1722 - Anne – 1st child 1740, Also, this would explain why William was the one who reported the death of Jones Stokes JR to the parish in 1750/1
1723 - Jordan - Is full adult with taxable property in 1748 - does not reappear on the scene until 1761; 1st child reg. 1766
1725 - Richard - 1st child reg. 1746
1727 - Edward - find nothing on him but he is in the will, so must have been living at the time.
1731 - Daniel - First appearance as bap. sponsor of infant in 1752.
1736 - John JR - 1st child reg. 1757; appears as bap. sponsor in 1762
1740 - Peter - Birth registered. Appears on schedule as bap. sponsor in 1762
1742 - Sarah - Birth registered
1744 - Joel - appears as bap. sponsor in 1765
1749 - Mary - Birth registered
The grandson, John, named in the will, would necessarily be the son of William since John Knight, son of John JR who died 1791, leavind a will, was underage at the time of his father’s death and thus could not have been born before 1775. This latter may be the same John Knight who patented land in Edgecombe County 1762 Jan 10.
1762 - Feb 28 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight, Betty Beddingfield, Thomas Dunn, sps to William son of John and Lucy Dunn. (Richards 1958, p. 181)
1762 - Sep 12 – VA Sussex – Admin – Peter Knight - Albemarle Parish: Peter Knight, William Gilbert, Elisabeth Cowper, sps to Frederick, son of Richard and Mary Felts. (Richards 1958, p. 67)
1762 - Nov 7 – VA Sussex – Admin - John Knight JR, Elisabeth Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight JR, Elisabeth Knight, Amy Harwood, sps. to Betsy dau of Frederick and Mary Fort. (Richards 1958, p. 60) (Boddie 1998, p. 47)
1762 - Dec 7 – VA Sussex – Admin – Peter Knight - Albemarle Parish: Peter Knight, William Rogers, Mary Rogers, sps to Langston son of Jesse and Faith Rogers. (Richards 1958, p. 147)
1763 - Mar 27 – VA Sussex – Admin – Charles Knight & Elizabeth Knight - Albemarle Parish: Charles Knight, Elisabeth Knight, Anne Wren sps to Patty dau of Thomas and Sarah Barham. (Richards 1958, p. 84)
1763 - Sep 11 – VA Sussex – Admin – Jordan Knight - Albemarle Parish: Jordan Knight, Priscilla Jones, Lucretia Hood, sps to Faithy dau of John and Elisabeth Hood. (Richards 1958, p. 67)
1764 - Apr 22 – VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight & Judith Knight - Albemarle Parish: Moses Knight, Judith Knight, William Rives sps to William son of Richard and Sarah Marks. (Richards 1958, p. 182)
1764 - Apr 24 – VA Sussex – Jordan Knight, Susannah Knight - Albemarle Parish Report on Processioning. Names mentioned: (LOT of new names, old names seem to be disappearing) James Cain Jr, Isham Cain, Francis Eppes, Jordan Knight, Susannah Knight, (pp. 149-158 APVB) Note: This Susannah may be the same one having an illegitimate child with Adkins above. May be a widow.
1764 - May 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Charles Knight & Sarah Knight - Albemarle Parish: Charles Knight, Sarah Knight, Amy Harwood, sps to Rebekah dau of Charles and Mary Barham. (Richards 1958, p. 156)
1765 - Jun 22 – VA Sussex – Admin – Rebecca Knight - William Andrews of Sussex Co. gave a Negro girl to his granddaughter, Rebecca Knight, to be hers after the deaths of her parents. (Dorman, Vol. 1, Epes family, Sussex County Deed Bk C, pp. 176-77)
1765 - Aug 11 – VA Sussex – Admin – Charles Knight - Albemarle Parish: Charles Knight, Mary Hern, Patty Freeman sps to Patty dau of James and Mary Hern. (Richards 1958, p. 85)
1765 - Aug 11 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight & Hannah Knight - Albemarle Parish: Joel Knight and Hannah Porch Knight children:
* Mary Knight: 11 Aug 1765, Bap. 17 Nov: sps: James Spane, Margory Hill, Hannah Parham;
* Lucretia Knight: 22 Oct 1767, Bap 13 Dec, sps: Henry Burrows, Lucretia Burrow;
* Sylvia Knight: 13 Sep 1769, Bap 13 Dec, sps: Isham Hawthorn, Sylvia Porch. (Boddie 1998, p. 55) (Richards 1958, p. 204, 148, 208)
1765 – Nov 17 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight - Albemarle Parish – Joel Knight, Peter Green, sps to Burrel son of William and Lucy Green. (Richards 1958, p. 135)
1766 - Jun 1 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight & Hannah Knight - Albemarle Parish: Joel Knight, Hannah Knight, Rebekah Rowland, sps to Mary dau of Thomas and Sarah Wilkinson (Wilkason). (Richards 1958, p. 205)
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 I give and Bequeath to my son Marcus Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item I give and Bequeath to my son Silvanus Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath to my son Drury Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath and Devise 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 I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Pheba Freeman five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Susannah Green five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Knight five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Lucy Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Agness Stokes five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Lydia Stokes (Ledia) five Shillings Cash
* Item I Give Bequeath and Devise unto 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.
1766 - Sep 29 – VA Sussex – Admin – Jordan Knight - Albemarle Parish: Jordan Knight and Elizabeth Knight begin their family:
* John Knight: 1766 Sep 23: James Horn, Thomas Moore, Jane Horn;
* Lucy Knight: 1668 May 15: John Knight, Elizabeth Rodgers, Lucy Hern;
* Mary Knight: 1770 Feb 3: Curtis Land, Mary Rachell, Lucretia Gilliam;
*Daniel Knight: 1771 Nov 20: Joseph Wren, Reuben Rodgers, Lucy Horn. (Boddie 1998, p. 57)
* Agnes Knight: 1765 Mar 4, Bap 21 Apr, sps. James horn, Frances Rives, Elisabeth Knight. (Richards 1958, p. 166)
* William Knight: 1769 Dec 30, Bap 1770 Mar 18, sps Frederick Fort, Charles Mabry, Fanny Mason. (Richards 1958, p. 201)
Note: John Knight SR made no mention of a grandson, Jordan Knight, only his son by that name. This is, therefore, likely the Jordan who had the terrible calamity in 1748, 18 years previously. But, I won’t exclude the possibility that this could be a Jordan JR.
1767 - Mar 2 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight, Elizabeth Moore, John Hargrove, sps to Thomas, son of Nathaniel and Susannah Newsome. (Richards 1958, p. 96)
1767 - Apr 21 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting: Church pd John Knight forty Shillings. (p. 158); James Cain Jr fined for swearing. (p. 159) Pd John Knight part of his charge for Repairing church roof (p. 160 APVB)
1767 - Aug 19 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight, Jordan Knight, Moses Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry meeting to report Processioning. Names mentioned: “Estate of William Knight”, John Knight, Jordan Knight, Moses Knight. (pp. 167-173 APVB)
Note: Obviously, William Knight, son of John, has died. He no longer appears as a Processioner. This must be the William listed in the Parish Registry: Wm. And Mary Knight est d.o.b. for William: 1721. Children: Charles 7 Oct 1742, John 17 Sept 1745, Sarah 19 Jan 1748, Archibald 10 Jan 1750, Joel 17 Nov 1750, William 18 Mar 1753.
1767 - Nov 15 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight - Albemarle Parish: Joel Knight, William Horne, Eleanor Rives sps to Joel, son of James and Frances Horne. (Richards 1958, p. 100)
1769 - Apr 16 – VA Sussex – Admin – Charles Knight - Albemarle Parish: Charles Knight, Mary Johnson, William Burroughs sps to Barham son of Nathaniel and Susannah Newsome. (Richards 1958, p. 136)
1769 - May 6 – VA Sussex - Admin – John Knight - Albemarle ParishVestry Business Meeting. Paid John Knight for Repairs Done at St Andrew Chappell in Part of his Demand & It’s Submited to John Peters Whether he Deserves More. (p. 184 APVB)
1769 - Aug 7 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight, Fanny Newsome, Daniel Harwood, sps to Eldridge son of William and Elisabeth Newsome. (Richards 1958, p. 187)
1769 – Dec 30 - VA Sussex – Admin – John and Anne Wilson Knight – Birth/Bap of first child:
1769 Dec 30, William Sp: Fred Fort, Charles Mabrey, Fanny Wilson (Huson)
1772 Jan 30 birth of son Benjamin, Bap. 17 Apr 1772 sps. William Knight, Lewis Newsome, Martha Newsome. (Richards 1958, p. 137)
1774 Mar 6, Wilson, Bap 8 May: sps: Benjamin Adams, William Prince, Alice Newsome. (Richards 1958, p. 210)
1770 - Mar 18 – VA Sussex Admin – Jordan Knight – Albemarle Parish: Jordan Knight, Isham Whitehead, Mary Spane, sps to John son of David and Frances Woodroffe. (Richards 1958, p. 102)
1770 - Mar 18 - VA Sussex - Admin – Elizabeth Knight - Elizabeth Knight, Mary Mannery, Benjamin Phipps, sps. to Ferraby dau of George and Martha Moseley. (Richards 1958, p. 69)
1770 - May 13 – VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish: John Knight reports death of slave, Esau, who was born 15 Feb 1769. (Richards 1958, p. 252)
1770 - May 13 – VA Sussex – Admin – Peter Knight - Albemarle Parish – Peter Knight is sponsor to child of Richard and Mary Felts. (Boddie 1998, p. 45)
1771 - Jun 9 - VA Sussex – Admin – William Knight - William Knight, Frederick Fort, Mary Hicks JR, sps to John son of Benjamin and Sarah Barham. (Richards 1958, p. 105)
1771 - Sep 29 - VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight - Moses Knight, Benjamin King, Amy Cocke, sps to Meredith son of Joshua and Elizabeth King. (Richards 1958, p. 196)
1771 - Oct 1 - VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish - Vestry Processioning and Business meeting: Pd John Knight a Balance for Repairs at St. Andrews Church. (Davis 2008, p. 160 APVB)
1771 - Oct 27 - VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - John Knight reports the death of slave Jacob, b. 15 Feb 1771. (Richards 1958, p. 257)
1772 - Apr 21 – VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight, William Knight, John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Meeting for Processioning Reports. Names mentioned: Edward Eppes, Daniel Epps (JR), Moses Knight, Orphans of William Knight, John Knight. (199-206 APVB)
1773 - Jun 16- VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Paid John Knight for Repairs at St. Andrews Church. (p. 211 APVB)
1773 - Sep 26 - VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight - Moses Knight (Myles), Thomas Hornby, Patty Spane (Spain), sps to Peter son of James Porch JR and w. Elisabeth. (Richards 1958, p. 153)
1773 – Sep 27 - VA Sussex – Admin – Charles and Mary Knight – Birth of dau: Temperance 27 Sep 1773 Bap. 1774 May 8, Sp. Joel Bullock, Mary Bullock, Anne Capel. (Richards 1958, p. 161)
1773 - Nov 21 - VA Sussex – Admin – John Knight - John Knight, Susanna Carter, Sarah Hay, sps to Lucy dau of William and Elisabeth Prince. (Richards 1958, p. 174)
1774 - Mar 13 - VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight - Moses Knight, Susanna Newsome, Frances Woodroffe, sps to Anne dau of Thomas and Anne Stokes. (Richards 1958, p. 185)
1774 – Sep 20 - VA Sussex – Admin – Joseph Knight wife Judith – Birth of son:
1774 Sep 20, William Knight, Bap 18 Dec, sps Reuben Rogers, Thomas Weathers, Mary Whitaker. (Richards 1958, p. 211)
1775 - Apr 14 - VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight - Moses Knight, Drusilla King, William Sturdivant, sps to Joel son of William and Hannah Cocke. (Richards 1958, p. 108)
1775 - Apr 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Pay to: Joel Knight 10 shillings. (p. 219 APVB)
1775 - Jul 2 - VA Sussex – Admin – Moses Knight - Moses Knight, Drusilla King, Mary Sturdivant sps to Polly dau of James and Amy Cocke. (Richards 1958, p. 153)
1775 - Apr 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Joel Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Pay to: Joel Knight 10 shillings. (p. 219 APVB)
1779 - Jun 29 – VA Sussex – Admin – Knight’s Child - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Processioning ordered. Payments made: To Rob Bonds for Knights Child. (p. 228 APVB)
Note: Possibly Revolution orphan.
1783 - Jan 22 – VA Sussex – Admin – Knight’s Child - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Payment made to Robert Bonds for Knights child. (p. 236 APVB)
1784 - Nov 17 – VA Sussex – Admin – Knight’s Child - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Payment made to Robert Bonds for “Knight’s child”. (p. 240 APVB)
1786 - Sep 20 – VA Sussex – Admin – Henry Knight - Albemarle Parish Vestry Business Meeting. Payment made to Robert Bonds for Henry Knight. (p. 242 APVB)
1791 - Feb 3 – VA Sussex – Will - John Knight - of Albemarle Parish: Wife Sarah Knight (first wife Elizabeth Stokes) my land for life ant then to go to my * son John Knight.
* Daughter Crecy (Lucretia b. 1760) Pippin, wife of Joseph Pippin of North Carolina.
* Son Walker Knight (b. 1762) 200 acres of the land I live on bounded by Spring Swamp, Charles Newsum and the land I bought from Thomas Milner.
* Son Lewis Knight (1763).
* Son Francis Eppes Knight (b. 1766).
* Daughter Rhoda Knight (underage).
* Son Silvanus Knight (b. 1770) one year of schooling.
* Daughter Elizabeth Knight.
* Son Charles Knight two years of Schooling.
* Son John Knight the land I live on that I have not given to Walker Knight and he is to be put to school (he is to be under the care of Walker Knight).
* Son Charles Knight is to be under the care of Lewis Knight.
* Exors: Son Walker Knight, Jesse Williamson and David Mason. Wit: Jesse Williamson, Samuel Gilliam, Benjamon Matthews and David Mason.