Once a Knight is Enough

Birth of Capt. Peter Knight according to his testimony in court in Northumberland in 1655. Two English birth records have been found that match the year, but one of them is out of the running because the child apparently died. The other one:

1620 – Jul 2 – UK London St Bride – Bap – Peter Knight - s/o Peter Knight & Cicely (London Met Arch)

We lose sight of this Peter when he was 9/10 years old and his father, Peter Knight, died. The St Bride's Peter had a brother named William who apparently survived. I think this is very likely Capt. Peter Knight. See HERE.

VA Accomack / Northampton– Admin – Muster -  Benjamin Knight, aged 28, servant to Captain William Eppes, arrived on the ship Bona Nova from the Port of London, in 1620, listed in the Muster of Capt. William Eppes, inhabitants of the Eastern Shore, over the Bay.  (Coldham)  Mordecay Knight is found living in Hog Island as a servant of Capt. Ralph Hamor.  His age and date of arrival are unknown. He said that he arrived in Virginia as a passenger on the ship William & John from the Port of London.  (Coldham)

Note: Don't be distracted by Mordecay Knight; he will die and leave a will that I've included in the general records, showing that his name was an alias.

VA Accomack – Admin - Roger Saunders, Marriner, of Accomacke, - Land patent for 50 acs. upon the E. shoare of Chesepiacke Bay, abutting S. on ground of John Blore, dec’d., now in possession of sd. Robert, N. along the water side to land of Capt. Henry Fleete & W. upon the maine bay. Lease, as above. (Nugent I, pp.13-14) A second pantent to Roger Saunders, Gent, for 300 acs. at Accomacke “commonly called the Indian Fields” on 1631 Oct 6. (Nugent I, p. 15)

VA Jamestown – Info - In 1629, George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, arrived in Virginia, having traveled south from Avalon, his failed colony on Newfoundland. Calvert was not welcomed by the Virginians, both because his Catholicism offended them as Protestants, and because it was no secret that Calvert desired a charter for a portion of the land that the Virginians considered their own. After a brief stay, Calvert returned to England to press for just such a charter; William Claiborne, in his capacity as Secretary of State of Virginia colony, was sent to England to argue the Virginians' case.

In England, Calvert, a former high official in the government of King James I, asked the Privy Council for permission to build a colony, to be called Carolina, on land south of the Virginia settlements in area of the modern-day North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Claiborne arrived soon afterwards and expressed the concerns of Virginia that its territorial integrity was being threatened. He was joined in his protests by a group of London merchants who planned to build a sugar colony in the same area.

MD Kent Island – Info - London Merchants, Maurice Thomson, William Clobery, John de la Barre, Simon Turgis and David Moorehead sent Captain William Claybourne to claim the Isle of Kent in Virginia which they purchased but Lord Baltimore claimed it was within his patent. (Coldham 1987, p. 95)

Note: Obviously, the merchants who were putting pressure on the Privy Council to deny Calvert's request for a land grant.

VA Elizabeth City – Admin - James Knott - Planter, of Accomack; Land patent for 50 acs.  Desiring to keep a howse of entertainment in the lower parte at the Mouth of Hampton Riv. within the precinctof Eliz. Citty whereby strangers & others may bee well accommodated with great ease to the inhabitants in those parts, etc. Abutting Sly. upon a Cr. parting the same from land of Capt. Francis West, nly upon the Gleab land 7 Wly upon sd. Riv. To have & to hold the sd. 50 acs. togeather with the howse commonly called the great howse & all other howses ediffices & buildings &c. 21 year Lease, as above. (Nugent I, p 18)

Note: The Knotts have dealings with Capt. Peter Knight in Northumberland.

UK London – Info - While the VA settlement on Kent Island was progressing, the Privy Council had proposed to Sir George Calvert that he be granted a charter for lands north of the Virginia colony, in order to create pressure on the Dutch settlements further north along the Delaware and Hudson Rivers. Calvert accepted, though he died in 1632 before the charter could be formally signed by King Charles I, and the Royal Grant and Charter for the new colony of Maryland was instead granted to his son, Cecilius Calvert, on 20 June 1632.

This turn of events was unfortunate for the Virginian, Claiborne and his London mercantile associates, since the Maryland charter included all lands on either side of the Chesapeake Bay north of the mouth of the Potomac River, a region which included Kent Island, mid-way on the Bay. The Virginia Assembly, still in support of Claiborne and now including representatives of the Kent Island settlers, issued a series of proclamations and protests both before and after when the news of the granting of the Maryland charter reached across the ocean, claiming the lands for Virginia and protesting the charter's legality. (Hist of VA online)

VA Henrico – Admin - Leonard Moore - Planter of the Necke of Land in the upper part, land patent for 100 acs. On W. side of the 4 Mi. Cr. W. towards 3 Mi. Cr. & S. upon the maine river.  (Foley 1983, p. 1) 

Note: Probably the same Leonard Moore born 1600 and baptized 23 Jul 1600, St Giles Cripplegate, London, father John Moore. John Moore likely brother of Thomas Moore, father of Cicely Moore of St Bride Parish, who married Peter Knight, Haberdasher, and was mother to a Peter Knight born 1620 in London and baptized at St Bride’s. The Moores and Spiers families will be associated with the family of Capt. Peter Knight right down to the present time.

UK England London – Admin - Barnabas Cutts - of St. Andrew, Holborn, London, scissor merchant aged 42; examined in the High Court of Admiralty and stated he was employed as a tobacco broker and in 1631 sold Virginia tobacco on behalf of Reginald Parker, linen draper in Tower Street, to Gabriel Bonner, grocer against St. Sepulchre’s Church; and on behalf of Mr. Michael Herringe, merchant dwelling in Walbrook, to Mr. William Tickner, grocer in Red Cross Street.  In 1632 he sold Virginia tobacco on behalf of Capt. John Preene to Tickner. (Coldham 1984, pp. 41-42)

Note: A gentleman named “Baker” Cutts will be associated with Capt. Peter Knight, further on. A Baptism record for a Barnaby Cutts, 1635 Jul 29 at St Andrew, Holborn, London, can be noted, as well as a burial record for Barnaby Cutts, 1636 Sep 5, same parish.  Several children are born to Barnaby and his wife, Katharine, none named “Baker”; one may assume that the name is a nickname for “Barnaby”.

MD Kent Island/VA – Info - Maryland commissioner, Thomas Cornwallis, swept the Chesapeake for illegal traders and captured one of William Claiborne's pinnaces in the Pocomoke Sound. Claiborne tried to recover it by force, but was defeated in a skirmish; although he retained his settlement on Kent Island. These were the first naval battles in North American waters, on 23 April and 10 May 1635; three Virginians were killed. 

During these events, Governor John Harvey of Virginia, who had never been well liked by the Virginia colonists, had followed royal orders to support the Maryland settlement and, just before the naval battles in the Chesapeake, had removed Claiborne from office as Secretary of State. In response, Claiborne's supporters in the Virginia Assembly expelled Harvey from the colony.

Note: Thomas Cornwallis was undoubtedly the grandson of John Knight of Southampton England.

VA Warrasquioake/Isle of Wight – Admin - Richard Bennett – Land patent for 2000 acs. upon Nansamund Riv. … adj. to land granted to Georg Fawdon… Trans of 40 pers: Incl. Richard Bird, Gilbert Lee, Ambrose Bennett, Robert Moore, Richard Morris, Ralph Hughes (Hewes), Richard Glascock, Richard Bennett and “Thomas kild with a tree”. (Nugent I, p. 23)

Note: The name "Ambrose Bennett" is not very common. As it happens, I found it in the Tenterden, Kent, parish register in association with a John Knight who was buried 1605 Jun 9. The entry just above, for May 29, stated that Ambrose Bennett's wife was buried on that day. This record is almost 20 years later and is surely an Ambrose Bennett JR. This entry strongly suggests a connection between Richard Bennett and the Bennetts of Tenterden, Kent and an association with Knights of Tenterden, Kent, of which there were many.

VA Warrasquioake/Isle of Wight – Admin - Robert Bennett – Land patent for “700 acs… neare the mouth of Nansamund Riv., beg. at a pine marked with the letters of his name & bordering land marked by Robert Newman… Trans. of 14 pers”: List includes: James Leonard, Peter Rice, Richard Hayes, John Ford, John Lee, Edward Mayo. (Nugent I, p. 23)

VA Warrasquioake/Isle of Wight – Admin - William Clarke – Land patent for 250 acs on S. side of Nansamund Riv., running S. W. along same, E. S. E. into the woods, beg. at a great poplar tree marked with 3 notches, butting upon land of Georg Fawder. 50 acs. for his per. adv. & 200 for trans. of 4 pers: Alexander Tucker, Frances Costerdine, Thomas Southern, Joseph Spring. (Nugent I, p. 24)

Note: A Samuel Clarke, possibly related to this William, will become the sole heir of Peter Knight of Gloucester.

VA Warrasquioake/Isle of Wight – Admin - Thomas Jordan – Land patent for “900 acs. Warrasquioake Co., … Near the head of Warrasquioake Riv., beg. On Wly. Side of an old Indian Towne at an oake marked with 3 nothces, being upon the N. W. side of the river, running W. N. W.  into the woods a mile, soe coming down to river to a Crosse Cr. A small oake being there marked with twoe notches. Trans. Of 18 pers.” List of names not included.  (Nugent I, p. 27)

Note: A grandson of Capt. Peter Knight, son of James Knight, will marry a granddaughter of Thomas Jordan of Warrasquioake.

VA Warrasquioake/Isle of Wight – Admin - John Moore – Land patent for 200 acs… “No. upon little Poquoson Cr., E. upon land of Thomas Boulding, W. upon land of Thomas Garnett & S. towards the head of the broad Cr. Trans. of 4 pers.” (no names given). (Nugent I, p. 24)

Note: Again, probable relation of the mother of Capt. Peter Knight, Cicely Moore.

VA Elizabeth City – 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)

Note: The Knights of Sussex, descended from James Knight, son of Capt. Peter, will intermarry with the Stokes family there.

VA Charles City – Admin - Capt. Francis Eppes (Epes) – Land patent for “1700 acs. In the Co. of Chas., … E. upon Bayly his Cr., S into the maine land, W. upon Cason his Cr. Up Appamattuck Riv. & N. upon the maine river. 50 acs for his per. Adv. & 1650 acs. For trans. Of 3 sons: John Eppes, Francis Eppes, Thomas Eppes & 30 servts (list in Nugent) … Note; Surrendered & renewed by Sir George Harvey. Richard Kemp, Secr.” (Nugent I, p. 31)

Note: Francis Eppes (Epes) - Of Ashford, Kent, baptized 14 May 1597, was in Virginia by April 1625 when he was elected from Shirley Hundred to sit in the Assembly at James City on 10 May.  He was not in the census of 1623/4 or 1624/5, though he testified in a lawsuit on 9 Jan 1625/6.  He was appointed commissioner for the Upper Parts in 8 Aug of the same year. There is no record of him in Virginia between 1628 and 1631/2 and he apparently had returned to England where his son, Thomas, was born in London. He was back in Virginia in 1632 and a member of the House of Burgesses. (Dorman, pp. 854-866)

Francis Eppes was the great-grandfather of Elizabeth Eppes who married John Knight of Sussex County VA, as one of his wives; this John left a will probated in February 1762.

See also the Canterbury, Kent, court sessions record for 1603 Jan 11 in the Chronological Records compilation for Knight-Eppes connections.

 UK London St Giles Cripplegate - Bap - Anne Hawley - d/o James Hawley, grocer. (London Metropolitan Arch, Saint Giles Cripplegate Parish register of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812)

Note: The wife of Capt. Peter Knight. He may have had a first wife before her, but no real evidence and no children from a first marriage mentioned. Somebody needs to read this parish register from front to back!

Upper Norfolk County was established in 1637 from New Norfolk County. It was renamed to Nansemond County in 1646.

Lower Norfolk County was established in 1637 from New Norfolk County. It was abolished in 1691. Records can be found in the City of Chesapeake.

Isle of Wight County is the new name of former Warrosquyoake County which I will now drop; I have been combining them up to now.

VA Upper New Norfolk – Admin – Thomas Hampton, Clerke – Land patent for 300 acs. Ely. upon Nansamund Riv., W. into the woods. S. upon land of Thomas Hampton & Nly. downward the sd. Rov. Trans. of 6 pers: John Bagworth, Edward Dudley, John Bass, Thomas Hampton, John Browne, Richard Egleston. (Nugent I, p. 57)

Note: Other than Nathaniel Basse, this is the first Bass I've found in the land records. He is apparently not connected to Nathaniel. I'm including Basses just for the sake of making it plain who and where they were.

VA Charles City – 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, p. 76)

Note: An Elizabeth Stokes (1740-1786) will marry John Knight of Surry/Sussex whose will was probated in 1791. He is the son of John Knight and Elizabeth Jordan mentioned above.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - Arthur Smith – Land patent for 1450 acs. “Being a neck running s. E. behind Pagan shore. Trans. of 29 pers: Richard Hughes…Wm. Jones, Alice Smith, Jonathan Barcroft, Jane his wife, Thomas Wilkinson, Thomas Carter, Cicely Cotton… (Nugent I, pp. 82-83)

Note: Peter Knight of Gloucester will be admin for the will of Arthur Smith and there will be other interactions.

MD Kent Island  – Info - An attorney for William Cloberry and Company, who were concerned that the revenues they were receiving from fur trading had not recouped their original investment, arrived on Kent Island. The attorney took possession of the island and bade William Claiborne return to England, where Cloberry and Company filed suit against him. The attorney then invited Maryland to take over the island by force, which it did in December 1637. By March 1638 the Maryland Assembly had declared that all of Claiborne's property within the colony now belonged to the proprietor. (Lord Baltimore)  At the time of the Catholic takeover, in 1637, a number of men fled to Northumberland County including Maj. Andrew Monroe, John Sturman, Francis Gray, and Thomas Youell. They “fled by night to the house of Mr. John Mottrom at Chicacoan”. (Nathaniel Claiborne Hale, Virginia Venturer, 1951)

Note: Capt. Peter Knight would be 17 yrs old at this point and it is possible that he has already set foot on Virginia soil with Cloberry and Co. On the other hand, he might also have been completing his education somewhere, possibly Holland, considering the fact that when he finally does appear, he's a full-throttle Puritan. Also, when he does appear, he's a "gent", educated, and had his own ship and probably knew how to sail it; a man of many parts, no doubt.

VA Isle of Wight - Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant - Land patent for 200 acs…  S.W. into the woods upon land of Leift. John Upton.  Sly., & upon the Batchelors plantation Nly. Due by assignment & exchange to & with sd. Leift. Upton to & with Mr. Thomas Hill for 200 acs. in any other place ungranted & by sd. Hill sold to sd Knight for a valuable consideration. (Nugent I, p.105)

Note: This is Peter Knight, Merchant (plainly described as such on the deed. He is the elder Peter Knight and will sell this land to James Ennis in 1665. The nature of the deal he made with John Upton and Thomas Hill might be explained below in the tale of the Flower de Luce and Joseph Saunders.

VA Upper New Norfolk – Admin - Epaphroditus Lawson – Land patent for 250 acs. N. side of Chuckatuck Riv., adj. His own land … Due for trans. Of 5 pers: Incl. Mary Peirce, Edmund Knight. (Nugent I, p. 106)

Note: I’m really glad I had a reason to include this guy because he has such a cool name! I suspect that this Edmund Knight may be related to a John Knight further on who has a son named Edmund. Also, notice that Peter Knight, Merchant, in the following month, also patents land in Upper New Norfolk County. Were these Knights connected?

VA Upper New Norfolk - Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant - Land patent for 14 acs., being an island in Nansamund Riv.,  … S. side the Riv. Opposite land of Oliver Sprye & adj. Land of Robert Newman and Randolph Crew.  Sd. 14 acs. & 36 acs. not yet taken up, due for his own per. Adv. (Nugent I, p. 83)

UK England Southampton – Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant - We find in the Chancery records that, in 1638, Peter Knight was known as a “merchant” and paid 60 shillings for a license to retail tobacco in the Twyford and Hursley, and Southampton areas. (Library of Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Chancery Patent Rolls. 14 Charles I, Part 16; Public Record Office Class: C 66/2811; Survey Report 10943, )

Note: There is a Twyford in Berkshire and one in Hampshire; Hursley is in Hampshire. The two places in Hampshire are less than 5 miles distant from each other. These licenses are for sales in England. There was a family of Peter Knight’s in Kingsclere, Hampshire, and a Peter Knight was born to a Christopher Knight in East Tisted, Hampshire in 1597; that’s about 20 miles distant from Twyford and Hursley.

It should be noted also that Thomas Cornwallis of MD was very likely the grandson of a John Knight of Southampton who was apparently a wealthy merchant as I have already mentioned.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin – Ambrose Bennett – Land patent for 300 acs. Trans. of 6 pers: Morris Bennett, William Morris, Richard Jones, Anthony Cole, Henry Eaton, Humphry West. (Nugent I, p. 82)

Note: Just keeping an eye on Ambrose here; his name is not that common, so when he shows up elsewhere, it stands out!

MD St Mary’s – Admin – Thomas Cornwallis – Francis Gray and Robert Sedgrave were brought before Capt. Cornwallis, one of the Commissioners of Maryland, for writing a petition to Sir John Harvey, the governor of Virginia, complaining about their Catholic master who asked them to stop reading aloud, in his house, books that castigated Catholics, asking the governor to interfere in the affairs of MD. Apparently, Sedgrave and Gray were bothe radical Dissenters and later joined Ingle in the 1645 Rebellion.

Timothy B. Riordan, chief archeologist of St. Mary’s City, remarks about this incident in The Plundering Time: Maryland and the English Civil War:

“This case clearly demonstrates how far the Maryland authorities were willing to go in pacifying the Protestant faction. The court, comprising only Catholics, imposed a heavy fine on Lewis, a fellow Catholic, but did not punish Sedgrave or Gray at all....."

VA Jamestown - Info - On 11 October 1638, the Flower de Luce of Weymouth, of which John White was Master, left newfoundland for Virginia, and, on 21 October following, arrived at Point Comfort [VA].  Later, on 2 November, the vessel reached James Town. On 11 April, 1639, the homeward voyage was started. However, the day before the ship set sail from Point Comfort, White and Samuel Leddoye, the purser, on behalf of the owners of the vessel, protested against Nicholas Stourfield, George Grace and Simon Hake, freighters of the said ship, at the terms of schedule made over to them. Grace and Hake returned to Weymouth in the Flower de Luce.  Leddoye and White, protesting at their failure to load the ship in time, went to James Town where their complaint was lodged in the suits of the “Quarter Court.” (Public Record Office of the British High Court of Admiralty. Instance and Prize Courts: Examinations, May 1639 to May 1640 (Vol. 55))

From the depositions in this case we find the following involved by their dated depositions: 11 July 1639: Samuel Pearce of London, a merchant, aged 24.  Same date: Thomas Davis of “Chuckatucke”, Virginia, a merchant, aged 26. … Joseph Sanders was cited as Chief Merchant of the venture and Peter Knight, his factor. 

Another source: Testimony of Joseph Saunders of London, merchant.  His factor in Virginia, Peter Knight, advised him to come to account over the lading of the Flower de Luce with Thomas Burbage. […] Peter Knight, Joseph Saunders’ factor in Virginia, made satisfaction in tobacco which was shipped aboard the Flower de Luce for London.   (Coldham 1984, p. 81)

Note: The name Sanders/Saunders is spelled both ways; that was typical for the time. These records establish some of the associations of Peter Knight, as well as the fact that he acted on behalf of a consortium of merchants, including Thomas Davis of Chuckatuck, also associated with Jordans and Reynolds families. We also note the association with Thomas White. Finally, notice the ages of Pearce and Davis, 24 and 26 respectively; they were both described as "merchants". Can we think that this Peter Knight was of a similar age? Let's say 25 to 30? That opens up some search possibilities.

VA Upper New Norfolk - Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant - Land patent for 400 acs. Up. Co. of New Norf., 18 Nov 1618 p. 543, On S.E. side of Nansamund Riv., & about 3 mi. up the E. side of a Cr., lying over against land of Richard Bennett & adj. Land of Robert Bennett, Due by assignment from Thomas Burbage. (Note error in date).  (Nugent I, p. 85)  

Note:  Two things of interest here: First of all, notice that this patent is "due by assignment from Thomas Burbage." In the previous Admiralty Court record, we read that Peter Knight, as factor for Joseph Saunders, cut a deal for Thomas Burbage to get his money in tobacco. Was this assignment of land part of that deal? Secondly, note that this land is next to Richard and Robert Bennett's land. Was there some particular reason Peter Knight wanted to be close to them? As previously noted, Edward Bennet spent time in Holland as part of a dissident church group. There was an Ambrose Bennett in Kent. There were Bennetts, Eppes, Carters, Knights, Merriwethers, Stokes, Sharpes, Fludds, Mays and Bakers found in the same locales in Kent. One gets the impression that a lot of things were going on in the background with these people.

UK London St Bride – Bap – Barbery Coleman – d/o Anthony Coleman and wife, Ann. (London Met Arch)

Note: I am placing this record in this column because of later associations with Knights that belong here by location.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - Ambrose Bennett – Land patent for 1150 acs. … Upon the maine head of the Lower baye Cr. Called Cypress Swamp. Trans. Of 23 servants. List incl:  Anthony Cole, David Cone. On the same day, Bennett patented 300 acs of Isle of Wight Co., “Beg. Nigh persimmond swamp, the head of a branch of Seawards Cr. Etc.” Adj. Capt. Nathaniell Bass. (Nugent I, p. 125)  

Note: Basse was apparently still in residence. Also, the name “Anthony Cole” is suspiciously similar to Anthony Coleman, father of Barbery, though, of course, there were Coles around also.

Charles River/York County - Charles River was established in 1634 as an Original Shire. It was renamed to York County in 1642.

Upper Norfolk/Nansemond County was established in 1642 from Upper Norfolk County which had been established in 1637 from New Norfolk County.

VA Gloucester - Admin – Hugh Gwynn – Land patent  for 1700 acs.: “Near the mouth of the Pyankatanke R. Beginning at a sandy point on Chisopeiake Bay up Milford Haven Bay to the narroe bounded by a great bay called Stengra Bay being due E from said River mouth, parallel to Rappahannocke Bay & S’ly parallel to Chisopeike. 200 acs. marsh.” Trans of: … William Parker, Richard Bennett, Thomas Taylor, John Knight, twice, Nicholas Reynolds, etc. (Mason 1946, p. 35)

Note: Who is this John Knight and is he related to Peter Knight of Gloucester?

VA Isle of Wight - Admin - James Hawley - Land patent for 300 acs. . … Upon the head of the Lower Baye Cr., adj. John Rowe. Due for the per. Adv. Of himself, Ann, his wife, & trans. Of 4 pers: Francis Ann & Alice, his children, John Foster & Richard Darling. Patent renewed Sept. 27, 1643. (Nugent I, p. 125)

Note: As things turn out in a few months, it looks like Hawley got his family out of England just in time to avoid the war there. One suspects this was intentional.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin – William Purdivatt – Land patent for 200 acs “Facing E. on Pagan Cr. Or New Towne Haven, near land of Capt. Basse called Cedar Island, now in possession of William Pateford, extending S. towards land of Hugh Wynn & William Taylor. (Nugent I, p. 142)

Note: This is the only mention of Pateford in the entire volume; one wonders if it could have actually been “Pate”? Nevertheless, it suggests that Capt. Basse had parted with Cedar Island though I haven't yet found a record for such a transfer.

VA Nansemond – Admin - Thomas Emerson – Land patent for 200 acs. Upon Western Br. Of Nansamund River… Trans. Of 4 pers: Edmund Knight, John Ellis, Nicholas Emerson, John Ellis (sic).  (Nugent I, p. 130)

Note: Edmund Knight yet again...

UK England – Info- The First English Civil War started in 1642. The Parliamentarians saw the causes of the quarrel initially as a constitutional issue (simmering since earlier that year), but as the war progressed they became more radical and religiously focused. Thus, the elements of resistance in Parliament and the nation were at first confused, and, later, strong and direct and pretty much purely about religion. Democracy, moderate republicanism, and the desire for constitutional guarantees could hardly make head way against the various forces of royalism, for the most moderate men of either party were sufficiently in sympathy to admit compromise. But the backbone of resistance was the Puritan element in Parliament, and this waging of war at first on the political issue, soon brought the religious issue to the front. By the end of the year neither side had succeeded in gaining an advantage, although the King's advance on London was the closest Royalist forces came to threatening the city.

Note: See Timothy Riordan's book "The Plundering Time" for excellent coverage with details, and how the English Civil War was brought to America by Richard Ingle, William Claiborne, and Capt. Peter Knight.

VA James City – Admin - Anthony Coleman – Land patent for 82 ½ acs. In Pasbyhaies …. By order of Court, Dec. 3, 1639, “For the better strengthening and securing of James Cittie,” &c. Adj. Sir Francis Wyatt, Alexander Stoner, his own land & Mr. White’s. 21 yr. Lease from the feast of St. Michaell the Arch Angell 1649. Annuall Rent: 3 bbls. & a bushel of Ner. Indian corne sheld at the State Howse in James Citty.” Note: Renewed in the name of Thomas Ludwell, 11 July 1651. (Nugent I, p. 145)

Note: Undoubtedly the same Anthony Coleman whose daughter was baptized at St Bride's in London above.

VA Elizabeth City – Admin – Henry Coleman – Land patent for 104 acs…. Bounded W. upon Hampton River, S. by land of Mr. Henry Poole & N. by land of Mr. Robert Speed. Formerly lease land. For trans of 2 pers: Robert Peltriman & William Knight. (Nugent I, p. 137)

Note: The relations between some Knights and Colemans will develop as we go along. The only question is: who are these Knights, probable progenitors of the Lunenburg Knights?

VA James City – Admin - Richard Kemp -  Esq – “Secretarie & one of his Majesty’s Councell of State, 4,332 acs. … Lying at the head of Archers Hope Cr., upon the Pallisadoes, adj. Georg Lake’s land upon the horse path. N. W. by N. upon Powhatan Sw., and S. upon the Secretarys land. 1,200 acs by purchase from George Minifie, Merchant, which was not truly bounded as appears by survey made by William Wigg, Surveyor authorized by the Court & 940 by several former patents. 2,192 acs. For trans. Of 44 pers.: His own 2nd adv. …” Names include: Samuel Abbott, Richard Clarke, John Mead, William Edwards, Thomas Griffith, John Moore (More), William Lawrence, Thomas Sutton, Robert Bateman, Richard Norris, John Lewis, John Chamberlain, Leonard Hawley (Hawly), John Hall, Samuel Etherton (Ethirton), Gilbert Gerrard … “600 of said 1200 acs granted to Mr. Thomas Hill & the rent to be paid by him; 50 acs granted to Capt. Francis Pott, by order of June 13, 1642 & by him assigned to William Davis. (Nugent I, p. 143)

Note: the collection of names. Many of these families will have onging relations with Knight families.

VA Isle of Wight - Admin - Peter Knight (Peeter) - Land patent for 255 acs. … called Basses Choice…. Near Pagan Bay & Dawsons Cr. & land of Mr. Peter Hall. Trans. Of 6 pers: Peter Knight, Thomas Harris, James Foster, Edward Wells, William Nicholas, Thomas Cobb. (Nugent I, p. 166) 

Note: In the 1638 Apr 10 patent, the note is made that Peter Knight still has 36 acres due to him "for his own personal adv." That is undoubtedly the reason he is giving himself as a headright here; there's nothing mysterious about it, nor is it likely to be a son.

It is curious that Peter Knight patented 255 acres of what was said to have been a 300 acre original patent to Basse. Did Basse retain 45 acres to live on himself while assigning the remainder to Peter for some remuneration?

One thing is certain it was not patented in right of any marriage with an heir of Basse because it is certain that Nathaniel Basse had no children and Peter Knight Merchant has already patented land by trade/purchase; see his first patent above. Additionally, one needs to consider what IS known about Nathaniel Basse to create the context for this land patent. See HERE for discussion of the Basse family issue.

Virginia Colony – Info - Forces under 99 year old Opechancanough, a leader of the Powhatan Confederacy, attacks the English along the Pamunkey and York rivers, 22 years after his first attack at Jamestown. His followers will kill almost 400 Virginia colonists..   It was the start of the 3rd and last Anglo-Powhatan War ending in 1646 with the capture and death of Opechancanough at the age 92.

Note: Allegedly, “Dr” John Woodson was killed in this attack on his way home from seeing a patient. See comments in the Woodson collection on this site.

VA York -  Admin - Peter Knight - County records: A letter to Mr. Francis Willis sent by Mr. John Chew regarding an account of Capt Wormeley. Signed Peter Knight. (Fleet, III, p. 54)

Note: As another record further on will show, this was Capt. Christopher Wormeley,  son of Christopher Wormeley, Esq., a descendant of Sir John de Wormeley, of Hadfield, county York, England (1312). He was governor of the island of Tortuga from 1632 to 1635, during which last year it was taken by the Spaniards, a loss said to have been due to the carelessness of the governor. He appears to have come directly to Virginia as he was a justice of Charles River county in 1636. In 1639 and 1640, he was commander-in-chief of Charles River and Elizabeth City counties. In 1636-37, he was appointed a member of the council, and, being a supporter of Harvey, received a share of the governor's unpopularity. When Secretary Kemp fled to England in 1640, Wormeley seems to have accompanied him. He and Kemp were accused of cruelty and oppression in the colony and had considerable difficulty in making their return to Virginia, being twice prevented from doing so by orders from the house of lords, the second order being served on them when they were already on shipboard and about to depart. These charges seem to have had a foundation in fact. Wormeley actually confessed later to having tried a case against one Taylor unjustly, when a commissioner of Elizabeth City. Moral standards seem to have been somewhat lax in Virginia in 1640, for, although the council directed Wormeley to make reparation to Taylor, yet his sins do not seem to have debarred him from his office as councillor, and he was present at meetings of the council in 1642 and 1643. It seems probable that he died shortly after the latter date. (http://vagenweb.org/tylers_bios/vol1-10.htm)

MD Kent Island – Info - William Claiborne and Richard Ingle- During the Summer of 1644, the Civil War in England dragged on with neither side gaining the advantage. Complicating trade for the English colonies in America, both Parliament and King Charles I issued “Commissions” or “Letters of Marque” to the captains of sailing vessels giving them permission to capture ships supporting the other side.  Parliament controlled the port of London and the King controlled Bristol, Gravesend on the Thames and some southern ports.

In the Fall and Winter of 1644 – 1645 matters came to a head for Maryland after Governor Leonard Calvert returned from England in September with a Commission to capture Parliament supporting ships on the Chesapeake. He met with the Virginia Council who, although Royalists, were opposed to this idea since they foresaw the danger to their tobacco trade. In October, Richard Ingle while loading cargo in London for his annual voyage received a Commission from the Lord High Admiralty authorizing him “to seize vessels trading to ports which were hostile to Parliament” i.e. Bristol, Gravesend, etc. When the Reformation arrived in Virginian waters in December 1644, the stage was set.

Though Capt Peter Knight is not named specifically as being there at this time, it seems from the confusing court testimony, that he very well may have been, and a ringleader at that. He would be 24 years old at this point.

MD St Mary’s – Admin – Giles Brent & Richard Ingle - Governor Brent held four different Inquests against Ingle and each of them replied "Ignoramus" (insufficient evidence). (William F. Milam, M.D., Maryland State Archive: Vol. 4, p.  238)

Since Ingle was the chief trader for carrying the Maryland planters’ tobacco crop to England and since many planters also supported Parliament, they were not interested in convicting Ingle for slanderous remarks. With the intercession of Capt. Thomas Cornwaleys, on 8 February an accord was reached whereby Ingle agreed to appear in court within one year to answer charges and to deposit one barrel of gun powder and 400 pounds of lead shot in exchange for a certificate for free and unmolested trade in Maryland. Ingle and the Reformation returned to St Mary’s in late February to finish unloading supplies and to take on the planters’ tobacco. After a peaceful stop in Accomac, Virginia, in late March where Capt. Cornwaleys joined the ship, the Reformation sailed for London in April 1644. (William F. Milam, M.D., Riordan 2004, p. 166)

 VA Isle of Wight – Will - Arthur Smith - Of Warrisqueake. Leg. – sons Arthur and Richard etc… Overseers, Peter Hull, Peter Knight and George Hardy. D. Oct 1, 1645. R. Feb. 9, 1693. (p. 35)

Note: The exact wording from the will is: "I doe hereby nominate and appoint my Lo. friends Peter Hull, Mr. Peter Knight & Mr. George Hardy requesting them to be aiding and assisting unto my sd. exs or in ye p'formance of this my last will and testamt. as my trust is in them. And I do hereby give and bequeath unto every one of them twenty shillings apece to make them Rings in Remembrance of me." (VA Will Abstracts, IoW, McGhan)

This is undoubtedly Peter Knight, Merchant. Arthur Smith came to Virginia in 1622 at age 25 in the company of Farrar Flinton. His friends, Peter Knight, George Hardy, and Peter Hull must have been of a similar age, i.e. born around 1595-7 or thereabouts.

Note especially that Capt. Peter Knight of Northumberland used a William Flinton as a headright 1657 Mar 30 which could be considered evidence of some connection between the two Peters.

MD St Mary’s – Info – Ingle’s Rebellion - Richard Ingle sailed the Reformation, accompanied by one ship from Chicacoan, up the St George’s River to St Inigoes Creek. Ingle first seized the Dutch trading vessel,  Der Spiegel (Looking Glass) even though it hailed from Rotterdam and its records showed that it had not traded in England. They captured former acting Governor Giles Brent who was on board and took him prisoner on the Reformation. ... The next morning Ingle sent 7 men – including Thomas Sturman – to take the Cross House, the mansion of  his good friend, Thomas Cornwallis. At the time it was the largest and wealthiest home in Maryland which Ingle feared could be used by the Catholics as a garrison. Although Ingle promised Cornwallis' servant otherwise, it was pillaged, plundered and left in ruin within 24 hours. Sturman commanded a garrison there for a while and later in the rebellion a number of prisoners were held at his house in St. Michaels.

Note: Obviously, Cornwallis and Ingle would never be friends again after this.

Ingle ordered all of the Catholics' plundered tobacco and silver plate placed on board the Reformation and the Looking Glass. But their household goods, livestock and tools went to the Protestant rebels. In addition, Ingle collected all the debts in pounds of tobacco owed to Calvert, Lewgar, Cornwaleys, Fenwick and Copley for himself. Ingle desperately wanted to capture the Catholic Priests so that he could take them to London in order to prove that Maryland was hostile to the Protestant controlled Parliament and to justify his actions and his anticipated reward. Father Thomas Copley was subdued at his Portobacco house and later Father Andrew White was found. Three other, lower ranking Jesuits “disappeared” and were never heard from again – the only casualties of the conflict.

In mid March, unable to capture Governor Calvert, Richard Ingle sailed to the Isle of Kent where they continued to plunder - in particular, Giles Brent’s plantation – while Brent remained a prisoner on the Reformation. Brent was a prominent Catholic and a member of Maryland’s Council; had been acting Governor while Leonard Calvert was in England in 1644; and had been commander of the Isle of Kent. Capt. Peter Knight, Edward Cummins and Thomas Bradnox were leaders in this operation. By the end of March, the Reformation and Looking Glass were full with tobacco and plundered loot. By early April, they had set sail for England with his carefully chosen prisoners, all Catholics: Giles Brent, John Lewgar, Father Thomas Copley and Father Andrew White who would be taken to testify in London’s High Court of the Admiralty as the Letter of Marque required. They reached London in early June 1645.

Meanwhile, Capt. Peter Knight was left in charge of Kent Island and was there, allegedly, for 8 months. ( Riordan 2004, p. 170-176 and Maryland Archives)

UK London – Info – Ingle’s Rebellion - The first law suit began on 13 June when Captain Ingle sued the Looking Glass in Admiralty Court "for trading with a port hostile to Parliament" i. e. St. Mary's in the Province of Maryland. In July Thomas Cornwallis sued Richard Ingle in Admiralty Court and in August in Chancery Court under common law. Giles Brent and Father Thomas Copley sued Ingle in Admiralty Court in August as well. In November of 1645 Richard Ingle countersued Cornwallis and others under Common Law. Unfortunately for Ingle, the courts did not agree with him and he did not receive any "prize" money for taking the Looking Glass or benefit from his plunder. Furthermore, he came under suspicion of stealing and embezzling goods from the Looking Glass. Richard Ingle never returned to trade on the Chesapeake Bay. (William F. Milam, M.D., Riordan 2004, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181)

MD Kent Island – Info - Peter Knight - at Kent Island

MD Colony – Info - Gov. Leonard Calvert returned to Maryland and regained control over both St. Mary's and Kent Island with support from Governor Berkeley of Virginia.

MD Kent Island – Info - Peter Knight - at Kent Island

Note: It seems that this may be the month in which Calvert's forces drove out the plunderers on Kent Island and, accordingly, Capt. Peter Knight and his men escaped capture and returned to Northumberland VA. (See the court testimony for details.)

VA Northumberland – Birth/BAP - Anne Knight – Anne Knight. Parents unknown but father could be Peter Knight. This Anne later married William Coppedge in 1666 at Wicomico Parish Church in Northumberland County.  They were the parents of Charles Coppedge and at least 4 other children.  She died in 1688 and was buried in Wicomico Episcopal Church Cemetery where her gravestone can be found. Charles Coppedge married a Lucy or Sarah Lunsford about 1735. (Find a Grave: Wicomico Parish Church)

Note: I note this as a baptism though there is no record of such at the mentioned church. Was this Anne a daughter of Capt. Peter Knight by a first wife? If so, as Puritans, they would not be leaving records around in Anglican churches.

The wife/mother is clearly not Anne Hawley who was born in 1635 and would have been only 11 years old at this time. The wife is certainly not a Basse, either. And, of course, since there were several other Knights present at the time, any of them could have been the father.

However, John Coppedge, apparently another son of this couple, ensured that Knight records, including Capt. Peter Knight's will, were re-filed after a fire burned the records in Northumberland County so it seems to me that there must be some connection. Of course, Coppedge may simply have been acting as County Clerk and just doing his job.

MD St Mary’s – Admin / Info – Ingle’s Rebellion - The Province's Attorney, John Lewger, presented charges to the Council of Maryland against Thomas Sturman, John Sturman, ffrancis Gray, John Hamton, Robert Smith, Thomas Youlle (Yewell) saying, in part:

...that since they were lately pardoned bye two several pardons one after another of the Crimes of Rebellion & Sedition, they the said delinquents.....secretly fled out of the Province by night & made resort and assembled themselves together at the house of one John Mottram... (Riordan 2004, p. 185)

VA York – Admin - Samuel Clarke - Court: That Nicholas Clarke is bound for paymt of 1500 lb tobo for John Coleman to Augustine Warner…Committee of administration on estate of Walter Pitchfork to John Hartwell “in the behalf of Samuel Clarke orphan”. (Fleet III, p. 69)

Note: Samuel Clarke will have a suprising role to play in the life of Peter Knight, Merchant, further on.

VA Northumberland – Info - In 1648 a group of merchants in London applied to Parliament for revocation of the Maryland charter from the Calverts. This was rejected, but Claiborne received a final opportunity to reclaim Kent Island when he was appointed by the Puritan-controlled Parliament to a commission which was charged with suppressing Anglican disquiet in Virginia; Virginia in this case defined as "all the plantations in the Bay of the Chesapeake." (The settlers of Chicacoan who fled there from Maryland, were recalcitrant and did not recognize either the governments of Virginia in Jamestown, or Maryland.) 

Claiborne and fellow commissioner Richard Bennett secured the peaceful submission of Virginia to Parliamentary rule, and the new Virginia Assembly appointed Claiborne as Secretary of the colony. It also proposed to Parliament new acts which would give Virginia more autonomy from England.

Claiborne and Bennett then turned their attention to Maryland and, arguing again that the Catholic Calverts could not be trusted and that the charter gave the Calverts too much power, demanded that the colony submit to the Commonwealth. Governor Stone briefly refused but gave in to Claiborne and the Commission, and submitted Maryland to Parliamentary rule.

At this time, the entire Northern Neck of Virginia was transformed into Northumberland County.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight -  Court record book missing but index survives saying that the following cases were heard/recorded by 20 Jan 1648, thus probably were spread out over the prev. year, or perhaps longer. p. 7: Rowland Haddaway agt Peter Knight; p. 20: Peter Knight agreemt wth: Henry Hughett; p. 28: Francis Gray Agt. Knight; Peter Knight agt. Nicholas Polhampton; Peter Knight agt. Joane Philpott; Knight agt. George Knott; p. 29: Peter Knight agt. Abbotts Estate; p. 32: Peter Knight agt. Thomas Keene; Peter Knight agt. John Lerrett; p. 33: George Colclough agt Knight, Gaskin & others; Mr. Lee agt Peter Knight; p. 39: John Trussell agt. Peter Knight. (Sparacio, NC D&W, 1650-1655, pp. 2 - 8)

Note: This is our first record of Capt. Peter Knight in Virginia, and he sure is very busy! He is 28 years old now, and he has been in Northumberland county for awhile as we have seen from the saga of William Claiborne and all the doings back and forth between Maryland and Virginia in respect of Kent Island, activities in which Capt. Peter Knight was an active participant. Some of these suits may have been in relation to that activity as many of the names were associated with the Kent Island affair.

VA York – Admin - William Knight - Court: That William Knight stands indebted to the est of Edward Chiswell (Chissell) decd 800 lb tobo. Which debt Tho Broughton undertook to answer “for at the request of Thomas Wilson master of the good ship Desire”. Order that Broughton pay Rich Duning the assignee of Luke Davis admr. out of the estate of Chissell. [Note: This name is Chiswell, phonetic spelling being used in the entry. B.F.] (Fleet, III, p. 86)

Note: A William Knight is in debt, and the Master of the ship Desire, Thomas Wilson, orders that it be paid by Thomas Broughton. How does this William relate to either Wilson or Broughton? How does he relate to other Knights?

VA James City – Admin - William Edwards & Rice Davis – Land patent for 1080 acs. …Trans. Of 22 pers incl.  Francis Hall, John Mathews, David Hussey … Robert Knight (Night), David Husey (sic). (Nugent I, p. 176)

Note: Looks to me like Robert Knight has been used twice a few days apart, with just a little adjustment to the spelling of the name. Note also the David Hussey and Husey double! I mean, what are the odds?!

VA Northumberland – Admin - John Cloberry - is witness to a sale of a cow and calf between Walter Daniel (Danell) and John Bennett. (Sparacio, 1650-1652, p. 9)

Note: I include this record since Cloberry is used as headright by Peter Knight 2 years later. William Claiborne ultimately ran afoul of Cloberry the Merchant in respect of Kent Island. It appears that Capt. Peter Knight may have been involved with the Cloberry's for some time also and that may be how he connected to Claiborne.

MD Somerset County – Admin – Margarett Brent -  Mrs Margarett Brent complayneth agst Mr Peter Knight Mercht for tht shee being possessed by deeds sufficient in the Law, bearing date sometime in the yeare 1644: & registerd  uppon the Records of the County of Kent, from her brother Mr Giles Brent of a stock of neat-cattle, certaine draft Oxen wth waines plowgeers &c wth other things therein expresd. As likewise of Kent Mill & Kent ffort, wth all the Land, howsing & appurtenances thereunto belonging.  (See above for her declaration about the year 1646).

Uppon the demand of Mrs Margarett Brent plt. vers Peter Knight mercht deft, for 5000 lb Tob & cask. The deft being  called, & not appearing: The pltf  requyreth tht shee may bee noe longer deferred, since the suite hath beene respited allready att 2 severall Courts. And this being the last day of the Court, the pltf was admitted to prove her claime who produced these  testimonies:

[Testimonies presented above at the time they described.]

Uppon the testimonies the Jury returned their Verdict &  ffownd for the pltf according to these particulars. Viz Tob. howse & hogstye wch was fyred 2000 lb Tob. & cask. A Cow  killed 600 lb Tob. & cask. ffor the profitt of the Mill for 8 months  2000 lb Tob & cask; a wayne & wheeles fyred wth the Tob. howse  500 lb Tob. & cask. The rest of the particulars expressd in the  Evidence, they went not uppon: These here expressed,  amounting to 100 lb Tob more, then the accont enterd. Where  5000 uppon the Court adiudged tht the plf should recover 5000 lb Tob. & cask according to her demand.  Exequcon to the Sheriffe ad satisfaciendu. (Maryland State Archive, Provincial Court, 1637-1650, Vol 4, p. 458-459)

Note: Whether Margarett Brent ever got her 5000 pounds of tobacco from Capt Peter Knight is not recorded as far as I have been able to determine; I suspect that she did not.

VA York – Admin - Richard Lee, Gent – Land patent for 1250 acs….On the N. side of Yorke River… being land formerly possessed by John Bayles & George Knight & for want of an heir devolved to his Majesty…. (Nugent I, p. 178)

Note: See the 1643 Aug 10 Patent to Roland Burnham, Gent who transported himself and Thomasin Knight; that land was adjacent the land of John Bayles also.

VA Northumberland - Admin - Peter Knight, Gent - Land patent for 500 acs. … On the S. of great Wicocomocoe,  being a neck of land bounded Ely. Upon the great bay, Wly. on the Cr. that parts same from the Indian Town of Cattalowmen, N. & N.E. upon the mouth of sd. river. Trans. Of 10 pers. (list not included) (Nugent I, p. 184)

Note: This is the FIRST land record I've found for Capt. Peter Knight and it would make sense if it is actually the first one; Capt. Peter apparently was in Northumberland County for some time, had his own ship, etc, and only after the latter was formed as a legal jurisdiction would he be required to file for a patent probably on land he already possessed. It seems that none of the events of the rebellion had much effect on Peter and his growing prosperity.

Notice that he is classed "Gent" on his first patent.

See the maps above to locate this land; the creek was probably the one that is now known as "Knight Run".

VA Northumberland – Admin - William Knight - is witness to a bill of sale of a yellow heifer from John Bennett to Thomas Kingwell. (Sparacio, 1650-1652, p. 9)

Note: William Knight will be used as headright by Capt. Peter Knight in this same year. Notice the Bennett connection. Also remember that Peter Knight of St Bride's parish had a younger brother, William Knight.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight, William Knight - Court: According to sufficient proofe made to this Court, there is due to Mr. Peter Knight One hundred & Fifty acres of Land for the transportation of these persons into this Colony, Viz his own transportation, William Knight, John Cloberry (Claborry).  (Haynie, p. 11)

Note: Because this is the only Knight Capt. Peter ever claimed as a headright, it is almost certain that this William Knight is related to Peter. We also see a close relationship to the Cloberrys. Again, recall that Peter Knight of St Bride's had a brother, William Knight, and I never found a burial record for him, so I assume he lived and they grew up together. Are we now seeing the same brothers in Virginia?

VA Northumberland – Admin – Capt. William Knight - Court: Whereas it appears to this Court that Capt. William. Knight hath abused William Cooke by strikinge the said Cooke and rasinge him to fight in the presents of the Court, the Court hath therefore ordered that the said Capt. Knight shall by the last day of November next satisfie and pay the quantity of Three hundred pounds of tobacco to Publique Use or else Execucon.  (Sparacio, 1650-1652, p. 12-13)

Note: Obviously, the William Knight used as headright by Capt. Peter Knight was an adult, possibly a brother, and not a son. Peter is now only 30 years old. This William already had the title of "Capt." Was he a mariner? We know from the Claiborne saga that Capt. Peter had his own ship and possibly his possible brother did also, or took it over. We also notice that this William Knight was something of a hot-head here.

("Execucon" meant that they would go and confiscate his goods to make good what he was ordered to pay.)

VA James City – Admin - Edward Knight – Land patent for 140 acs. …Lying at the head of Chiskroes Cr. On the e. side of Chickahominy Riv., bounded N. upon land of Mr. Robert Holt, S. upon Mr. Samuel Abbott, W. upon the head of the Cr. & E. upon Mr. Robert Witherall. Being part of 560 acs. Granted to Mr. Richard Bell, who by will bequeathed same to his sonn in Law Thomas Morecock, and due sd. Knight by purchase from Morecock. (Nugent I, p. 202)

Same day and page: Edward Knight - Land patent for 400 acs. … Lyeing neare the Southermost br. Of Warreny Cr. On the E. side of Chickohamony Riv., beg. At the extreame of Joseph knight, his father, running N. thence E. to Richahock Path. Trans. Of 8 pers. (Nugent I, p. 202)

Same day and page: Joseph Knight, 1600 acs.  …Lyeing between the branches of Jones Cr., Morgans Cr. & Warrany on E. side of Chickohominy Riv., beg. Close by Richahock Path. Trans. Of 32 pers. (No list.) (Nugent I, p. 202)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight, William Knight - Court – pages missing and index shows: p. 57: John Trussell Agt. Mr. Peter Knight Thomas Wilsford Agt. William Knight. (Sparacio 1650-1652, p. 26)

Note: Here we see Capt. Peter Knight and William Knight engaged in lawsuits at the same time!

VA Northumberland – Admin – Thomas Thornbrough - Land patent for 700 acs. …”Abutting Sly. Upon a branch issueing out of Nomeny Riv.” Trans. Of 14 pers. Incl. Richard Knott, William Knight, Jane Davis. (Nugent I, p. 212)

Note: This is not a son of Capt. William Knight or Capt. Peter Knight because the headright would likely be at least 18 yrs old and Capt Peter is only 31 and his brother, 5 years younger (assuming the pair are the ones from St Bride's). Considering the fact that a Richard Knott is also included, who is likely the son of George Knott of Northumberland, who was a business associate of Capt. Peter's, it seems more likely to be a "borrowing" of associated persons for headright purposes by Thornbrough and Capt. William volunteered. We can't exclude that it is another relative coming from England or son of another Knight in the locality; it appears there were a number of them there about which we know nothing.

VA Lower Norfolk – Admin - Peter Knight - Court: Judgt. ack by Peter Knight, merchant, for paymt of 1200 lb tobo with 4 yeares forbearance (interest) to Thomas Bridge, gent.  (Fleet III, p. 441)

Note: It is probably around this time that Peter Knight sold Basses Choice to Mr. John Bland, merchant of London. See the 1675 Dec 4 entry where we are given retroactive details. John Bland was living and purchasing land in 1647. His widow was granted patent on his land in 1652 May 9, where he was noted as being lately deceased.

VA Northumberland – Will – Thomas Keene - witnessed by Henry Rainer, John Knight.  (Fleet, pp. 91-92)

Note: How does this John Knight relate to Peter?

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Rec. of George Knott in pt. Of a greater sume the sume of Foure thousand five hundred forty nine pounds of tobco. Reced. By me. Peter Knight. (Sparacio, 1652-1656, p. 79)

Note: This record in Northumberland is just 2 days following the record of the other Peter Knight in Lower Norfolk. In this record, our Peter receives a large payment; in the latter record, Peter Knight receives a judgement against him for debt.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Thomas Knight - sells to John Rosier a cow and calf and two guns. Witnessed by John Powell and Thomas Philpott. (Sparacio, 1650-1652, p. 61)

Note: We'll encounter Thomas Knight several more times. I have no idea how he may relate to Capt. Peter but I feel that there certainly was some connection.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight - signs oath to Commonwealth of England. (Fleet,  p. 560)

Note: A lot of colonists of the Royalist persuasion avoided signing this oath of allegience, but this act would go along with what we have already noted that Capt. Peter Knight was a "fire-breathing Puritan" and against Catholics AND the Anglican Church. One thing is certain, finding any records of Knights in Anglican parishes is like searching for hen's teeth. See the list of those who did sign the Oath of Allegience in Northumberland County.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Thomas Knight - discharges Thomas Baker from all debts. Signed Thomas Knight Wit. John Rosier. Rec 20 July 1655 (Fleet, Westmoreland, p. 660)

Note: This may be the same Thomas Knight of Accomack/Northampton who, in 1640 and 1642, obtained a land cert. for Thomas Adderston, Richard Jones, Thomas Harrison, John Roberts, Percy Terry. See also the 1652 Nov 25 record of Thomas Knight and Thomas Baker. He later appears in Westmoreland county associated again with Thomas Baker and also John Jenkins and Ellen Mills. There is another Thomas Knight, associated with a Simon Dudson, who appears in the 1663 Feb 11 record of Capt. Peter Knight, but this is clearly a younger man, possibly the son of this Thomas Knight. If so, it would suggest that this Thomas Knight was born by at least 1615.

VA Northumberland - Admin – Peter Knight – Court:  Mr Knight’s acquit to George Knott (Nott) – “R’d the 20 June 1652 of George Knott in part of a greater sum the sume of 4549 lbs Tobacco By me Peter Knight”. Recorded 20th Jan. 1652/3 (Fleet I, p. 99)

VA Gloucester - Admin - Peter Knight - Land patent for 1,000 acs. … On S. side of Poropotank Cr., on N. side of York Riv., & bounded from the head of gutt issueing out of sd. Cr. Dividing this from land formerly surveyed by Mr. Richard Lee &c. Trans. Of 20 pers: William Vert (or Uert), Robert Young, Godfrid Nixon (Niren or Nixen), William Evans,  Lawrence Evans, Humphrey Hawoods, John Fulcher, John Knighthill, John Farmer, William Chamberlain or Chamberlayn (Chamberlin), Mathew Bradford, John Lastly, James Foster, Ursela Smith, William Wright (Right), John Smith, Thomas Jervis, Stephen Collin, Thomas Powell, Elizabeth Monke, (or Mouke.) (Nugent I, pp. 258-9)  Resurvey 1668 Apr 3 showing 574 acs. instead of 1000 acs. as by patent of 1652. Adjoining Mr. Francis Ironmonger, Francis Morgan & corner of Purton Dividend. (Mason 1946, p. 44)

Note: Of particular interest here are the headrights used: John "Knighthill", John Farmer, William Chamberlain (Chamberlayne/Chamberlin). Farmers and Chamberlayne's are later noted to be very closely associated with Knights of Goochland and Lunenberg Counties. Also, take careful note of the list of headrights of a Mr. John Hinman in the 1655 slot below. We will also see Farmers and Knights showing up together in patents of Capt. Peter Knight.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - Christopher Lewis – Land patent for 750 acs. …Trans. Of 15 pers incl John Knight. (Nugent I, p. 261)

Note: Christopher Lewis was listed as headright by John Upton 1735 Jul 7 for 1650 acs Warresquioake Co. (Nugent I, p. 25) The Upton name is connected to Knights, Hawleys and their other connections in several patents; they freely borrowed one another’s kith and kin for headrights.

 VA Gloucester - Admin - Mr. Peter Knight - Land patent for 700 acs. …Upon Easternmost side of Poropotank Cr. towards the head of same, beg. at a branch dividing this & land of Mr. Blunt &c. Trans. Of 14 pers: John Ball, Alexander and Richard Weston, John Henton, Thomas Cobb, Thomas Taberer, Richard Lathberry, James Clarke, Samuel Clarke, Margery Chamber, Thomas Miller, Katherine Huse, Arthur Carpenter, John Simpson (Simson). (Nugent I, p. 277)

Note: The use of Thomas Taberer and Samuel Clarke will develop in interesting ways further on; keep them in mind. Recall also "orphan Samuel Clarke" 1647 Jan 26 York County. Ballpark estimate says that the orphan was 13 years old then and 18 now, thus born c. 1634. Notice also Katherine Huse. In 1648 Jul 10, William Edwards & Rice Davis patented 1080 acs using David Hussey, Robert Knight (Night) and David Husey (sic) as headrights. In Standen, we find the following: Hussey, Giles (d. 1668), Rappahannock county; son of James Hussey, Esq., of Blanford, Dorset, and brother of Thomas Hussey, of the same place, who was living in 1668. Hayden, 298.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Isaac Knight - Court: Regarding the foregoing. Signed “per me Isaac Knight (Isaack) thirty yeares old…” Sworn before Thomas Speke. (Fleet I, p. 78 )

Note: Two years younger than Capt. Peter Knight. Related? How?

VA Northumberland – Admin – Capt William Knight - Court: Mr. Richard Turney agt Thomas Wilsford: “The Court doth order that the 330 lb. Of tobacco attached in the hands of Tho Wilsford being the estate of Capt William Knight and due unto Mr Richard Turney from the said Knight shall be paid unto the said Mr Turney by the 20th of Novem next with charges of Court.” (Fleet, p. 6)

Note: This is the only notification we get that William Knight, probably the brother of Capt. Peter Knight, has died since his appearance in court 1651 Feb 20, being sued by the above-mentioned Thomas Wilsford. I'm still looking for any additional records that might give clarification.

VA Lancaster – Admin - Salter Knight - At a Court holden for Lancaster at ye house of Mr. James Bagnall on ye 6th of October 1652… Certificate of Land granted to Wm Clapham (SR) for two persons vizt. Salter Knight, Thomas Orange . (Parks 1982)

Note: in 1651, Lancaster County was established from Northumberland and York counties. I'm including this record here because it may indicate a link between Capt. Peter Knight and the Peter Knight born in St Bride's Parish in 1620. Recall that the father of Peter Knight was a Peter Knight, Haberdasher, who died in 1629. There was another family of Knights there of some interest: Arthur Knight, Haberdasher whose family is followed HERE. This Salter Knight is undoubtedly the son of Arthur Knight, who married Ursula Salter, and one of a set of twins born 1637 Mar 12 thus he is 15 years old here.

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - Henry Watts - Land patent for 457 acs.;  states that it borders the “land of Peter Knight” and mentions Pagan Cr. (Nugent I, p. 275)

Note: “Basses Choice” patent mentions Pagan Creek also, but we know from the 1652 Jan 17 entry that Peter has sold this land. He did, however, have another tract in the same general location and that must be the land mentioned here.

VA Lower Norfolk - Admin - Peter Knight - Court: Judgt ack by Peter Knight mercht for paymt of 1200 lb tobo with 4 years forbearance (interest) to Tho Bridge gent. (Fleet, III, p. 441)

Note: This Peter Knight is in court dealing with debt again and again.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Thomas Knight - Court: Francis Gray agt Thomas Knight – referred to next court. … Mr. Hallowes agt Thomas Knight – Knight owing Hallowes 1440 lb of tobo “and the said Knight hath been arrested and doth not appear by himself nor attorney the Court orders that if the said Knight do not appear the next Court and Answere the suite then ordr shall pass agt Mr Rosier, Knight’s security.” (Fleet, pp. 10, 18, 19)

Note: Remember Francis Gray of "Ingle's Rebellion" fame? And Peter had a suit against him much earlier also probably related to those events.

VA Northumberland – Admin – George Knott (Nott), his patent – Grant. Sir William Berkeley to George Nott, senr., 200 acres in Northumberland “on the west side of the head of Youocomocoo River abutting South East upon the head of the said river Southwest upon an Indian Bridge and a Vallye Northwest and North east upon the main woods”.  50 acres being due to Nott by assignment of George Berry and the other 150 acres granted for the transportation of 3 persons into this colony. Dated 22nd December 1650. (p. 111 Fleet) 

Note: Previously, George Knott has been seen to be indebted to Capt. Peter Knight; possibly this land transfer was in payment of debt.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight - of Wicocomoco, land patent for 500 acs. Northumberland Co., on S. side of great Wicocomoco Riv., ... Beg. At branch of sd. Riv. Dividing this & land of Thomas Scoggin, extending E.S.E. to another branch of sd. Riv. To a point near or against the Island &c. Trans. Of 10 pers: William Fluellin, James Donnell, Marmaduke Atkins, William. Saines, Silvester Jones, William Jenkins (Jenking), Mary Wilkey, James Traverse, Mary Sealing, John Allinton. (Nugent I, p. 248)

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Patent for 1,000 acs. … Upon N.W. side & on the head of Wicocomico Riv., 200 acs. Part thereof S.E. on the head of sd. River, N.E. on land of one Palin (Pallen), dec’d.  450 acs. S.E. on the main branch of the head of Yeocomico Riv. & N.E. on sd. 200 acs., & 350 acs. S.E. upon this land & N.E. upon land of John Shakley. 200 acs. Formerly granted unto George Knott & assigned to sd. Knight & 800 acs for trans of 16 pers: Charles Roe, John Roe, Edward Morris, Mary Morris, William Stephens, Nicholas Allen, Francis Leake, John Skiddiner, Jane Stoe (or Aloe), Alice Howell, George Shaw, Ann Shaw, Marjory Green, Ralph Millett, Abraham Stronge, Robert Barnett. (Nugent I, p. 252) 

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Earle - Land patent for 1,000 acs. … on the N. W. side of Yeocomoco Riv & a branch of the same towards land of George Knott. Trans. Of 20 pers: includes John Knight, Mary Knight. (Nugent I, p. 246)

Note: John Earle had land in Northumberland before 1649. See Horsly patents (Nugent I, p. 185 and 266), also Earle patent (Nugent I, p 266), both granted in Nov. 1652.

VA Northumberland  – Admin - Thomas Keene - Land patent for 527 acs…. Abutting N.W. upon the several lands of Ralph Horsly & Edward Coppedge… trans of 11 pers…. John Earle & his wife, Thomas Keene, Mary Keene, William Keene. (Nugent I, p. 251)

Note: Keene used John Earle and his wife in his patent application. Keene prev. appears as a headright for Col. William Claiborne (Nugent I, p. 244) and a Thomas Keane is listed as headright 1635 by a Thomas Harris for land in Henrico Co. (Nugent I, p. 33)

Also recall that a William Coppedge will be married to an Anne Knight in 1666. This Edward must surely be the father of William.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight - & Baker Cutts (Cutt) - Land patent for 1850 acs…. Bounding Sly. Upon Capt. [Giles] Brent’s land, Ely. Upon Potomeck Riv. & Nly. Upon Chapawansick Cr. Trans. Of 37 pers: William Clayre, John Sysone, (or Sipsone), James Westbrooke, William Valence, Elinor Ramsey (Ramzee), John Fairbanks, Francis Mott, Richard Spurnell, Rice Morris (Morrice), Robert Knott, Elizabeth Lawrence, Elizabeth Morris (Morrice), James Barber, John Drap, Toby Ingram, Wilmott Jones, Adam Daniell, Thomas Charnold, Mary Davis, Michael Pope (Poope), John Fuller, John Robinson, John Spratt (Spreatt),  Susan Pungly, Rice Thompson, Christopher Bennett, Emanuel Willey (Wille), Elizabeth his wife, & 6 children; William Murdure, Georg Ayres (Airea or Acrea), 3 Negros: Robtert, Sampson & Thomas & one Indian: Thomas. The three last names due. (Nugent I, p. 282)

Note: It's pretty clear that about half of them were friends or relatives of friends who already had patented land in VA, or friends from England where associations with Knights can be tracked.

It must have galled Giles Brent for Capt. Peter Knight to patent land next door to his own considering the events of "The Plundering Time".

VA Northumberland - Admin - Isaac Knight - witnesses sale of two brown cows and a calf from John Stanley to Thomas Orlye witnessed by Ralph Horsley (his marke) also. (Sparacio, 1650-1655, p. 102)

Note: See the 1651 Feb 17 record where Isaac Knight is a witness to a land transfer between Thomas Youlle and Rice Maddocke.

 VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Peter Knight agt Edmond Perry, his estate – Perry owing Knight 274 lb tobacco. The Court orders payment from his estate. (Fleet, p. 36)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: This page mutilated – Peter Knight agt Mr Turney – Richard Turney having arrested Knight and not appearing against him is ordered to pay him 50 lb. Tobacco, and to pay Court charges. (Fleet, p. 38)

Note: Recall the record 1652 Sep 20 where Richard Turney was suing Thomas Wilsford for the tobacco belonging to the estate of Capt. William Knight. Here we see that Turney has gone after Capt. Peter Knight though we don't know what for since the record is incomplete and damaged. Is this a hint that Turney was after Capt. Peter because of Capt. William? Was Capt. Peter heir to William's estate or executor?

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court:  Peter Knight agt John Fawcett (ffaucett) - Faucett having arrested Knight and not appearing against him, is ordered to pay him 50 lb tobacco and to pay Court charges. (Fleet, p. 39)

VA Lancaster – Admin – Thomas Roots - assigns 300 acres to Margaret Grimes, widow of Edward Grimes, for life. Wit: James Williamson, Peter Knight. (Fleet Abstracts I, p. 221)

Note: See the 1652 Oct 6 record referring to Salter Knight above. This record here would tend to suggest that Capt. Peter Knight had a presence in Lancaster county and thus adds a little weight to the idea that he was somehow related to the Arthur Knight family referred to in that entry.

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Knight - Court: John Stanley: his sale of Cattle to John Knight.  Mr. John Stanley of the Co. of Northumberland, Planter, sells certain cattle to John Knight of the same place, planter.  Dated 7th Nov. 1653. Signed John Stanley his marke. Witness Ralph Horsley his marke.  Recorded 30th January 1654.  Knight assigns foregoing cattle to Thomas Orley. Dated 31st December 1653. Signed John Knight. Witnesses Thomas Broughton, George Courtnell his marke. Recorded 30th January 1654. (Fleet, p. 120)

Note: On 1654 Nov 7, Isaac Knight witnessed a sale of cattle from John Stanley to Thomas Orley also witnessed by Ralph Horsley. In 1652, Isaac deposed that he was 30 years old, i.e. 2 years younger than Capt. Peter. It seems to me that this tenuous connection between John Knight of Northumberland, and Isaac Knight, might suggest that they are related. At the same time, John Knight appears to be related to Capt. Peter, but exactly how, is uncertain.

VA James City – Admin - Majr. Francis Morrison – Land patent for 24 acs. Commonly knowne by the name of the Glasse House, James City Co., …The sd. Land being formerly by Sr. John Harvey, Knt. by bill of sale assigned to Anthony Coleman, & by Edward Knight & Joseph Knight the heires of sd. Coleman, assigned to John Senior etc… (Nugent I, p. 240) 

Note: Morrison will renew his patent on 6 Sept. 1655 with the additional information: “”Formerly by Sir John Harvey by bill of sale made over unto Anthony Coleman, & by Edward Knight his heir & Joseph Knight, Att. Of William Coleman, joynt heir to sd. Anthony Coleman, assigned to John Senior” etc.  (Nugent I, p. 313)

When we check on William Coleman, the first reference is a patent to a "Henry" Coleman dated 10 Mar 1635 for 100 acs. Eliz. Citty Co., “for the per. Adv. Of his wife Katherine Coleman & 50 acs. For trans of 1 servt: Jaques Dela Rey. This patent has a note that there was a Marginal reference and general index give this name as William Coleman. (Nugent I, p. 42)

Note: There are several other entries for a Henry Coleman without such marginal notes or variances between the index and the entry; it seems, therefore, that this latter entry should be that of William Coleman, heir of Anthony Coleman, and there was also a Henry Coleman who was likely related, but not a son of Anthony; possibly his brother.

How could Edward Knight be an heir of Anthony Coleman? Obviously by marrying his daughter whose birth record I've included above 1639 Mar 8. At this time, she would have been just 15 years old. This is probably the origin of the branch of Knights I call the "Coleman-Woodson Knights". John Knight of Lunenburg who married Elizabeth Woodson apparently descended from this union. The will of an Anthony Knight was probated in Henrico VA 1700 May 1; he had no apparent issue, but he certainly may have had brothers and his presence there is a clue.

A grandson of John Knight of Lunenburg, (who married Elizabeth Woodson), via his son Charles, was named Coleman Knight (1760-1840). This Coleman married a Nancy Knight in 1787, daughter of a Peter Knight who married Rachel Abbott, the marriage being recorded in Amelia VA. The Peter Knight who married Rachel Abbott was the grandson of Leonard Knight and Ann Short, Leonard being the son of Capt. Peter Knight of Northumberland.

The question is: how to get from Edward Knight, who obviously married Barbery Coleman, son of Joseph Knight, to John Knight of Lunenburg?

UK London - Admin - Nathaniel Basse - Lord Mayors Court of London: Major Edward Basse, citizen and merchant of London aged 60, and Dame Mary Poole (signs Pole) wife of Sir John Poole of Bromley, Middlesex, age 62, depose that Hester Hobson of Bromley, widow, Abigail Thorpe of Chelsea Hampton, Oxon, widow, and Sarah wife of Thomas Hastler, citizen and barber surgeon of London, are sisters and are daughters of Humphrey Basse of London, Merchant, and Mary his wife, both long since deceased. The sisters are co-heirs of Luke Basse who died a bachelor and was brother of Nathaniel Basse lately deceased without issue in Virginia. Thomas Hastler is appointed attorney. (Coldham 1987, p. 274)

Note: Apparently, Capt. Nathaniel Basse died in VA, without issue, not long before this affidavit was made. That is pretty unequivocal and is a legal record that trumps any alleged "Basse Bible" that only appeared several generations later. There were no Basse children so one could not have married a Peter Knight. If you don't believe me, just try to run down the lines of those alleged children and see how far you get with the records. I tried; that dog don't hunt.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Patent for 1200 acs.  on the S. of great Wicocomoco Riv… On the head of the Swd. Branch of sd. River, E.S.E upon land of Thomas Coggen &c Trans. Of 24 pers: Robert Burrell his wife & 3 children out of Holland; James Hawley (Haly), Ann his wife; Fra. Ann & Alice, their children; John Foster, Ruth Darling, James Hill, James Lloyd, Deborah Come, James Jones, John Jerrell, William Bradly, William Slinton, John Waddington. (Nugent I, p. 295)

Note: See HERE for discussion of this patent.

VA Northumberland – Admin – William Knight - Mr. Turney his acquit to Thomas Wilsford: “20 Octo 1653 Recd of Tho Wilsford 330 lb of tobo in full for order of Court dated 20th Sept 1653 wch tobacco was attached in his hand for the debt of Mr. William Knight. Signed Richard Turney, Witness John Sampson. Recorded 31 Jan 1654. (Fleet, p. 121)

Note: So, finally, Turney got his tobacco. I have not found the mentioned record of 1653 Dec 20, but see the 1653 Nov 21 record above.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Mr Knight, his gift to Thomas Pritchett (Prichett): “I  Peter Knight in consideration of my love unto Thomas Pritchett Junr” gives a heifer. Dated 7th November 1654. Signed Peter Knight. Witnesses William Spicer his marke, George Marsh.  Rec. 20 Nov. 1654. (Fleet, p. 126)

Note: See HERE for discussion of this record.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Mr Knight, his gift to Thomas Waddy: “I Peter Knight in consideration of my love unto Thomas Waddy” gives a calf. Dated 17 Nov. 1654. Signed Peter Knight. Witnesses: Robert Yeo, Daniel Foxcroft (ffoxcroft). Recorded 20 Nov. 1654. (Fleet, p. 126)

Note: See HERE for discussion of this record.

VA Northumberland  - Admin – Peter Knight - Mr. Knight agt William Jones: Mr. Peter Knight to have attachment agt. Estate of William Jones for 1500 lbs tobacco due to Mr. Edward Bland in the hands of Hugh Lee. (Fleet, p. 56)

Note: Here we see a connection between Capt. Peter and Edward Bland, Merchant. Recall that in 1636 May 20, William Carter patented 700 acs using Edward Bland as one of his headrights. In 1647 Mar 10, Edward Bland patented 1300 acs with 26 headrights including his family members: Edward, James, Elizabeth. Edward, the 1647 patentee, was the son of John Bland who, apparently, purchased Basse's Choice from Peter Knight of Gloucester. So again we see some overlapping relationships; not too difficult with a limited population.

More intriguingly, in the 1626 Apr 27 will of Leonard Knight, merchant of London, he bequeathes land "in the parish of Sutton at Hone and Wellington in the County of Kent lately came to my possession after the death of Richard Bland." This Leonard Knight married Constance Benbowe as his second wife and was the son of Richard Knight, Merchant, who wrote his 1585 will in Bruges, Flanders, and apparently died not long after. Richard Knight was apparently the son of a John Knight who owned the manor of Stratton St Margaret in Wiltshire in partnership with Richard Bridges, partitioned the property, and Knight sold it to Adam Bland (Blande/Blandy) on 1601 Jan 1. This John Knight, in turn, was the son of John Knight of Newbury, son of William Knight of Reading.

Recall also that Edward Bennett was an elder of the church at Amsterdam, as well as the owner of several merchant vessels that operated out of Holland, and that Capt. Peter Knight claimed Robert Burrell, wife & 3 children "out of Holland" as headrights 1654 Oct 2, just prior to this action.

Going even further back, we find that the Canterbury Martyrs were the last Protestants burnt at the stake during the reign of Mary I. Among them were: John Bland, William Coker, Henry Laurence, Richard Wright, John Webb, George Roper, Stephen Kempe, Nicholas White, and on 15 November 1558, Katherine Knight of Tynley, Kent.

VA Westmoreland – Admin – Nicholas Meriwether - sells James Hare 200 acres out of a patent of 1350 acres… Wit: Abraham Moone, John Knight, his marke. Rec. 20 Jul 1655. (Fleet, Westmoreland, p. 659)

Note: Unlike most of the other Knights encountered thus far, this one is illiterate.

VA Northumberland – Admin - John Johnson – Land patent for 85 acs.  on N. side of great Wicocomoco Riv., bet. Mr. James Hawley & William Betts…  (Nugent I, p. 309)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight -  Mr. Knight agt Laurence Damorell: The Court orders that Laurence Damorell shall by the next Court deliver up to Mr Peter Knight his bond concerning the acknowledgement of a Patent Land which Mr Knight hath acknowledged in Court. (Fleet, p. 60)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Mr. Knight agt John Hopper: “Whereas Peter Knight was summoned to this Court to declare himself upon oath at which time John Hopper interrupted the sd Mr Knight and taxed him with swearing falsely.” The Court orders Hopper to pay Knight 300 lbs. Tobacco by Nov. 10th.(Fleet, p. 61)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Knight, his Depo: “Peter Knight aged 35 yeares or thereabouts sworne and examined saith That the general report of Alice Atkinson that hee ever heard was shee was an whore and one that never would live with her husband but that shee rather always was desirous of absence from her husband then for to live with him and further this Depont sayeth not  Peter Knight 20 August 1655 Jurat in Cur” (Sparacio NCV D&W Abs. 1650-1655, p. 121)

Note: The expression "35 years or thereabouts" was typical for legal documents; it actually meant, 35 years for sure most of the time.

VA Northampton – Admin - John Hinman - Land patent for 800 acs. … Trans. Of 16 pers. Incl John Knight, Elizabeth Johnson, Robert Wright, Miles Gray, Jane Williams, Richard Gardner, John Dye, Richard Gayney, Thomas Thorogood (Thorowgood), Alexander Bromley, John Farmer, Thomas Collier, Robert Rose, Mary Poole, Joane Williams, Joane Hodges. (Nugent I, p. 322)

Note: My, what a collection of names! On 16 Jul 1652, Peter Knight Merchant patented land in Gloucester Co. using John Knighthill, John Farmer and William "Right" as headrights. Since these three names occur together here, again, one strongly suspects that the "hill" was added to the name "Knight" as an attempt to disguise or distance the patentee from the list of names. That - and there are many such instances - suggest that the participants in this type of activity knew that they were doing something not quite kosher. See also the 1677 Dec 29 patent of Lieut. Col. Cadwallader Jones.

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Johnson - Court: John Johnson agt Mr Morris Admr of Thomas Coggin: Peter Knight petitions the Court in Behalf of John Johnson for 590 lb. Tobo., due from Coggin.  Johnson having made oath before Mr. James Hawley. (Fleet, p.66).

Mr Peter Knight, his motion – Regarding an action of debt betw. Knight and Col. John Mottrom, deceased. (Fleet, p. 67)

Note: John Johnson first patented land in 1624 Jan 12, James City. We saw him, or his namesake, above, patenting land between James Hawley and William Betts. The name is so common that I pity any Johnsons having to track these people, but now and then, there is a moment of clarity.

VA Gloucester - Admin - Col. Richard Lee - Land patent for…5 acs. towards head of Poropotanke Cr. Whereon the store of sd. Col. Lee stands, & is part of a devdt. Granted Peter Knight, merchant, 25 Aug. 1652 which is deserted. Trans. Of 1 servant: Morris Plummor. (Nugent I, p. 330)

Note: The patent of Peter Knight's mentioned here was the one where Thomas Taberer and Samuel Clarke were used as headrights. That was a 700 ac tract and this patent only deals with 5 acs of it. Why was it referred to as "deserted"?

VA James City – Admin - Thomas Younge – Land patent for 250 acs. … On N. side of James Riv… on land formerly Mr. James & now in possession of John Knight, E. on Pagan Cr…. Renewed 18 Mar. 1662 (Nugent I, p. 364)

Note: It might be worthwhile trying to chase down this Mr. James.

VA Northumberland - Admin - James Hawley (Hawly) – Land patent for 1000 acs. …On S. side of Petomeck… Trans of 20 pers. Incl Mr. George Colclough, Mrs. Ursula Colclough. Renewed 24 May 1664. (Nugent I, p. 362)

VA Northumberland – Admin - Mr. Peter Knight- Land patent for 500 acs. … On S. side of great Wiccocomico Riv., N.N.E. upon another seate belonging to him, formerly Mr. Flints, & S.E. upon a lyne dividing this from land of Gervase Dodson. Trans. Of 10 pers: Robert Burwell, & his wife, 3 children, William Bradby, Deborah Conne, James Jones, John Gerrell, William Flinton.  (Nugent I, p. 343)

Note: In the 1654 Oct 2 patent, Peter used Robert "Burrell", his wife and 3 children "out of Holland". Here, they have become "Burwell". Who knows which name is correct? He also used William Bradly and here is using William Bradby; Deborah Come in the previous patent, Deborah Conne in this one; James Jones same in both. All of the name mess-ups could be due to the errors of the scribes of the time, or the transcribers of our day, or both; but the bottom line is that Peter Knight was re-using many of the same people over and over again for his land patents, and many of them were relatives, friends, or children of friends and relatives.

VA Gloucester – Admin - William Newman - Land patent for 400 acs. one mile below Oliver Green beginning by a swamp that runs by Mr. Cooke land. Renewed in Mr. Peter Knight’s name 1662. Trans of: Robert Davis, William Jenkins, John Foster, Daniel ___, James Fisher, Thomas Jones, Adam Church, John Turbis. (Mason 1946, p. 55)

Note: William Newman was 35 years old when the 1624 Jamestown Muster was taken (b. 1589). He was located at Wariscoyack, James City, and had arrived in 1622 aboard the ship “Furtherance”.  He had a house, 6 pounds of powder, two guns, and corslet armor. He apparently left a wife and children in England, and they later joined him. Son: Robert, Daus: Martha Newman Morris, Jane Newman Presley, and Hannah Newman. Further on we will learn that Peter Knight acquired this land by assignment from an Elias Cobson, to whom it was sold by Newman.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Land patent for 1500 acs. ... Renewal of 2 patents for 500 acs. Each. 700 acs. N.N.E. upon a creek deviding this & land of Mr. Nicholas Morris (Morrice), W.N.W. upon Scoggins Cr., etc & 800 acs. N.N.E. upon said land, W.E. upon land of Thomas Read & David Kiffin, etc. 500 acs. For trans. Of 10 pers. (no list)

Same county, date & page Peter Knight - Land patent for 1200 acs. Northumberland Co. Renewal of patent for 700 acs. Granted him 2 Oct. 1654 & 500 acs granted unto Thomas Scoggin, who deserted same, and now due for trans. Of 10 pers.” The name Rich. Shortland appears under this record but otherwise, no list of names.  (Nugent I, p. 346)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Edward Palmer- Patent for 400 acs. in Petomeck freshes, lyeing up a creek between land of Capt. Brent called Pusctoway Neck & land of Henry Vincent… Trans. Of 8 pers: Mary Palmer, Roger Shackleforth, Thomas Hall, Thomas Kibble, Guy Knight, Jane Annis, Richard Palmer. (Nugent I, p. 368)

Note: This is one of only three mentions of a "Guy Knight" I have in all my records. The other two fall into Gloucester County, suggesting some possible relationship with the Peter Knight resident there. But here, he definitely shows up first with the Palmers, and Capt. Peter has some dealings with the Palmers further on.

I think that the name "Guy" must be something like a nickname because I haven't found it anywhere else. As a given name, it was a French/English take on the Italian name, Guido.

VA Westmoreland – Admin – Mr. Richard Wright - Land patent for 2200 acs. on S.W. side of Patomeck Riv… granted unto Col. John Mottrom 13 Aug 1650 & due sd. Wright as marrieinge Ann the daughter of sd. Mottrom… 737 acs for trans of 15 per. Incl. John Knight (Nugent I, p. 375)

Note: Recall that John Mottrom's house was where the rebels met during the Claiborne - Ingle Rebellion.

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Knight & James Hawley - Court:  The difference depending between Mr. Charles Ashton, Plt., and Mr. James Hawley & John Knight, Defendants, being tried by a Jury whose names are subscribed, vizt. Mr. William Thomas, Thomas Brewer, Henry Toppin, Richard Spann, Mr. Nicholas Jernow, Simon Richardson, Anthony Linton, Justinian Tennis, John Motley, Abraham Joyce, William Coleman (Colman), John Bailes. We of the Jury being empannelled to try the Cause between Mr. Charles Ashton, Plaint: & Mr. James Hawley & John Knight, Defendants, do award as followeth: vizt., That the Plaintiff shall forthwith: have a sufficient able Servant delivered him by the Defendants, Mr. Hawley to allow for two thirds thereof & John Knight the other third: And each party to beare his own charges, the sd. Servant to have one complete year to serve. Wm: Thomas (Sparacio)

Note: A John Knight shows up several times in association with Capt. Peter Knight and with James Hawley which suggests that he was related to Peter somehow and somewhat older, more of an age with Hawley it seems to me. He is elsewhere described as “planter” and “of Northumberland County”. Here, it appears that Hawley and John Knight are engaged in some kind of business together.

Further note the presence of William Coleman on the Northumberland County jury. William Coleman was the heir of Anthony Coleman whose daughter, Barbery, apparently married Edward Knight, son of Joseph Knight. Edward was co-heir with third brother, William Knight, to Anthony Coleman.

Then, note the fact that the 1648 Sep 9 patent to a Mrs. Jane Perkins states that it is next door to the land of Anthony Coleman, and that the land Mrs. Perkins is patenting came to her via Capt. William Peirce to Alexander Stoner to John Knight to William Edwards to Edward Prince to Robert Miles to the sd. Mrs. Perkins. What interests me here is that this land, next to Anthony Coleman who was connected to Joseph and Edward Knight, was at least temporarily held by a John Knight.

VA Lancaster – Admin - Peter Knight, Merchant -  witnesses a deed between William Short (Shirt) of Lancaster, and William Thatcher. (Fleet, Lancaster, p. 130)

Note: Here we are surely dealing with Capt. Peter Knight, now being called "Merchant" because that was what he was at this point. Recall that Lancaster Co was earlier part of Northumberland county. I believe that here we are seeing an appearance of William Short, the future father-in-law of Capt. Peter's son, Leonard Knight. Leonard, of course, according to his own later testimony, is not yet born.

VA Gloucester – Admin - Peter Knight - Member of House of Burgesses. Also members: Richard Lee, Lt. Col. John Walker, Thomas Walker. (Mason 1946, p. 120)

Note: In this record, and another, above, we see Peter Knight in association with John Walker. The John Knight of Sussex Va who left a will in 1791, and who was married 1st to Elizabeth Stokes, named a son "Walker" in honor of his wife's Walker connections. There are quite a few Walkers and Stokes in the St Bride parish registry also where Capt. Peter Knight was baptized.

VA James City – Admin - William Smith – Land patent for 400 acs. … On E. side of Chickahominy Riv., S. Ely. On Maj Holts land, Nly. On Mathewe Williams, E. & Nly. on William Knights land… by patent dated 8 Aug. 1654… (Nugent I, p. 389)

Note: We learn further on that this William is the son of Joseph Knight who was also father of Edward Knight who intemarried with the Colemans, and there was another son, Joseph Knight JR.

VA Northumberland – Admin – James Hawley & Elizabeth Knight - Knowe all men by these presents that I James Hawley for & in consideration of my love & affection I doe give unto my Grand Child Elizabeth Knight one Cowe Calf cropped on both ears a staple underneath the left ear & over keeled under the right ear & a slit, the sd. Elizabeth Knight to enjoy the sd. Cowe Calf with her increase to her & Her heirs forever; Witness my hand this 15th day of February 1660. Test Edward Hawley, his mark Wit: James Hawley. 26th February 1660. This Deed of Gift was acknowledged in Court by Abraham Bryam. Attorney of the sd. James Hawley and is recorded. “Knowe all men by these presents that I James Hawley doe make my loving Friend, Abraham Byram, my true & lawfull Attorney to acknowledge this Bill of Sale in Court; Witness my hand this 5th of February 1660.” Witness Richard Robards X James Hawley. 20th Febr: 1660. This Letter of Attor: was recorded. (Northumberland County, Virginia Record Book 1658, p.56)

Note: This record may announce the birth of Capt. Peter's daughter, Elizabeth, though she may have been born somewhat earlier. Obviously, Capt. Peter is now married to the daughter of James Hawley, Anne.

Note also that and Edward Hawley and a James Hawley are witnesses; they are apparently sons of James Hawley the elder.

VA Lancaster – Admin – John Jones - gives Power of Attorney to Mr. Peter Knight to acknowledge a land sale. Wit: James Hawley, Edward Hawley. (Fleet, Lancaster, p. 137)

Note: Here I think we are seeing the sons of James Hawley the elder acting together as witnesses.

VA Northumberland - Admin – Simon Richardson -  (Symon) Land patent for 384 acs. Beg. on Herring Cr. dividing this & land of Major George Coltclough (Colclough), extending along Patomeck Riv. N.W. by W. to a pond dividing this & land of John Bales &c. 300 acs granted to John Hailes & Thomas Sheppard 16 Sep 1651, by them assigned unto Clement Carbill & Samuel Nicholls, by Nicholls assigned unto John Haney, who assigned to John Raven & Thomas Rowe; sd. Raven assigned his part to sd. Rowe, who assigned to Symon Richardson & Richard Island; Island assigned unto George Markes & Thomas Swan, who assigned to sd. Richardson. 84 acs for trans. of 2 pers: Peter Richards (?) Susan Hardrop. (by Sir Wm. Berkeley). (Nugent I, p. 403)

Note: Simon Richardson was apparently another associate of Capt. Peter Knight.

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Hughlett & Thomas Salisbury - Land patent for 400 acs. …Upon the head of great Wiccomico Riv… Trans of 8 pers. Incl. Edward Sanders, Robert Wright, Joseph Hary, Myles Cray, Nicholas Smith, John Knight, William Henrill (?), Francis Acton. (Nugent I, p. 395)

Note: We've seen some of these names together before. Is this John Knight the son of the John Knight who has been present in Northumberland up to now? What about Edward Sanders and Robert Wright? Were they sons of friends? Recall that Joseph Sanders/Saunders of London was the "Chief Merchant" of consortium back in 1639 and his factor in VA was Peter Knight.

John Hughlett will appear again in 1679 in unpleasant circumstances.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Land patent for 2700 acs…. 1200 acs on S. side great Wiccocomico Riv., ESE upon land of Thomas Scoggin: 1500 acs. On S. Side of sd. Riv., 700 acs. Of which being N.N.E. upon a Cr. Dividing same & land of Mr. Nicholas Morris (Morrice) & W.N.W. upon Scoggins Cr. 800 acs. N.N.E. upon sd. Land & S.E. upon land of Thomas Read & David Kiffin, part of which next to land of sd. Read formerly called Palmers land. Renewal of patent dated 3 June 1657.  (Nugent I, p. 395)

Note: Recall the 1658 Jun 4 Patent to Edward Palmer for 400 acs? In that patent, Guy Knight first appeared. Apparently, Palmer sold his land to Read.

VA Northumberland – Admin – James Hill & Thomas Davis - A sale of 150 acres of land by James Hill to Thomas Davis & Daniell Bixby witnessed by Leonard Howson and John Knight. Jone Hill, the wife, gives her consent to the sale, witnessed by Leonard Howson and Peter Knight. (Sparacio, 1662-1666, p. 2)

Note: One of the rare bits of evidence showing Peter Knight and John Knight of Northumberland acting together.  Leonard Howson and Peter Knight were associated a number of times in the surviving records.

Also note that James Hill was a headright of Capt. Peter's 1654 Oct 2 and 1656 Oct 9, the "Hawley Headright" patents.

In 1691 Apr 1, a James Hill, probably a son of this James Hill, will buy 50 acs from John Woodson at Curles.

Also, see transaction 1656 Jan 13 of Surry County involving George Jordan, Richard Hill (dec.) and Peter Knight.

In 1652, a Thomas Hill of Kent Island took the Oath of Allegience to Cromwell along with Edward Coppedge and many others.

In 1638 Mar 13 Peter Knight, merchant, purchased land from Thomas Hill and John Upton.

In 1635 Jun 24 Adam Thoroughgood patented 5350 acs in Elizabeth City county using Henry Hill and John Hill as headrights in a "who's who" list of headrights.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: The sale of the Hill land is acknowledged and Jone Hill, the wife, makes Peter Knight her attorney to acknowledge the sale in court. (Sparacio, 1662-1666, p. 2)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: Peter Knight is given commission to swear witnesses, James Hawley and Edward Hawley, who lived out of the county, in the matter of the will of Robert Boggus of Great Wicocomoco. (Sparacio, 1662-1666, p. 6)

Note: These are the sons of James Hawley, father-in-law of Capt. Peter.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Bee it knowne unto all men by these presents yt. I Peter Knight of Greate Wicocomoco doe for mee my heires sell for a valuable consideracon unto Richard Feilding of Bristoll, Merchant, One thousand acres of Land lying & being on ye South side of Great Wicocomoco River at head of the said River which land was granted to mee by Pattent and bounding as followeth: Northerly upon the River & Easterly upon the Swampe that Mr. King liveth on; and Westerly upon the Greate Swampe & Southerly into the Woods a double length to the marked tree, the said Richard Feilding to have & to hold the abovesd. Land unto him & his assignes for ever & further I the sd. Knight doe warrant the abovesd. Thousand acres of Land unto the sd. Feilding his heires or assignes from every persons & further I the sd. Knight doe bind mee my heires to acknowledge ye said Land in the County Court unto the sd. Feilding his heires or assignes as Witnes my hand & seale the Fowerteenth day of Decembr. 1662. Witness Abra(___) Peter Knight (ye seale). This Writeing was acknowledge in Northumberland County Court by the within menconed Peter Knight & recorded On margin: Mrs. Knight’s consent to this Sale is recorded in folio 99 (Sparacio, 1662-1666, p. 7)

VA Westmoreland – Info - At the Grand Assembly sitting at Jamestown, Capt. Giles Brent charged Wahanganoche, King of the Potomac Indians, with high treason for the murder of several Englismen, quarrels over boundaries, thievery, etc. The charges were dismissed by Gov. Francis Moryson and a committee was appointed to inquire into the differences between the English and the Indians. The committee decreed that Capt. Giles Brent, Col. Gerrard Fowke, Mr. John Lord, and Capt. George Mason, had done the King of Potomacs many injustices, injuries and affronts, and they were ordered to pay him various tributes and compensations and give bond for their own good behavior. The same gentlemen were also declared “incapable of holding any office civil or military in this countrey”.  At the same court hearing, King Wahanganoche acknowledged to the committee his sale of land to Henry Meese and Peter Ashton. Col. John Catlett of Rappahannock County wrote a letter on 1 Apr 1664 to his cousin in Kent, England, Mr. Thomas Catlett, describing the King of the Patomac Indians as “one of an emperious spirit and very subtitle” and said that everyone was astonished that he was cleared and sent home with a reward. “But no sooner dismiss’d than Almighty God the Impartial Judge Sumoned ye notorious villaine to his great tribulan, to answer for those many murders committed by him upon the English and others of his own nation, for hee was arrested by death in his way home.” Thus, in the area that was soon to become Stafford County, all the Potomac Indians seem to have vanished.

Note: One wonders if “arrested by death” was natural, or was assisted?

After reading Riordan's The Plundering Time, I have to agree that Giles Brent had no business whatsoever in any position of authority over anybody or any thing! He was a pompous ass.

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight – Land patent for 2700 acs. …1200 acs on S. side of great Wicocomoco Riv., adj land of Thomas Scoggin; 1500 acs. On S. side sd. River, ESE upon a branch dividing this & land of Nicholas Morris (Morrice), adj. Land of Tho. ___ & David Kiffin. …  part of which land next Thomas Read being formerly called Palmer ___ (mutilated.)  (Nugent I, p. 419)

Note: See patents 1657 Jun 3 and 1661 Nov 26 to fill in details.

VA Westmoreland – Admin – John Lord & William Horton - Land patent for 2500 acs. Westmoreland Co. … Trans of 50 pers: Incl: Margaret Basse, Francis Carter, Thomas Hawley, William Upton, William Hawley. (Nugent I, p. 484)

Note: This is the second mention of a Basse ofther than Nathaniel, that I've found in the records and in a roundabout way, it is connected to Knights via the names on the headrights list: Hawley, Upton and Carter. Uptons and Carters were connected to Peter Knight of Isle of Wight/Gloucester. It could also be said that Basses are connected to him. Hawleys to Capt. Peter Knight of Northumberland.

The next Basse encountered in the records in this same year, is a William Basse as headright for John Harvey (Nugent I, p. 427). That list includes Evanses, Pooles, Davises, and Blunts. Considering the fact that Nathaniel Basse's sister, Mary, was married to Sir John Poole of Bromley, I would say that these names are suggestive of a connection to that family, but are certainly not children of Nathaniel Basse. They might be nieces and nephews. What is significant is that they don't show up until

VA Northumberland - Peter Knight - These are to Certify that M. Peter Knight made his right appeare to 250 acres of land for the transportation of five persons into this Contry (viz) Richard Roberts, William Allcocke, Richard Phillips, Elizabeth Ward and Mary Passas.  (Haynie, p. 250)

Note: I am placing this record slightly out of chronological sequence, before the next batch which are all of a piece, a court case, and three persons named as headrights in this record, Richard Roberts, Richard Phillips, and Mary Passas, play a part in the drama. The headrights were no doubt submitted 2 to 3 years prior to being granted.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight -  Record Book: Articles of Agreement made betweene Summar Adams ye one pty & Peter Knight on ye other pty; as foll:  yt. Ye sd Summar Adams live with ye sd Pet. Knight from ye day of ye date hereof until ye finishing of ye crop; the sd. Summar to be (___) & to take charge of ye sd. Knights lands & for (__) hands & for sd. Doe his utmost indeavor to m(__) Knights hand, ye names here menconed Rich (___), John Clark, Eliz. Michaell, ye sd. Summar (__) after ye sd. Knights hogs & cattle & helps (__) consideracon thereof ye sd. Knight is allow sd. Summar a share & halfe of tobacco & fower hundred pounds of tobacco & cask, ye sd. Summar is to have dyett washinge & then ye sd Summar is to stay 2 or 3 yeares together (__) ye sd. Knights Plantacon, & for to take & make a crop (__ sd. Knights hands whether more or less. Witnesse p(__) ye 11th Febr. 1663. The sd. Summar to have but one share Corne. Wit: Richard Robts, Richard Philips (his mke) sign Summar Adams, Peter Knight.

Note: The above Articles of Agreement are followed by seven affidavits that apparently belong to a time subsequent to the agreement by at least a year, but have no dates attached. It looks as though they were all filed together and then later copied together. The story is told by the deponents as follows:

Symon Dudson aged 30 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth (__) into Mr. Knights Tob. House aboat Xmas. Last saw ye Tob (__) about ye house dryed wth. A North West wind. Some pt. Of ye bulk (__) some uncovered & ye doors were opend. & ye Tob. Tumbled about (as yor. Depont. Conceaves) wth. Hogs (__) & aboat a month after yor. Depont. Saw ye bulk & it was very hot & much damnifyed by lyinge soe long in bulk & farther yor. Depont. Sayet not.

Thomas Knight aged 28 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth ye very same wth. Symon Dudson and farther sayth no. Juratur Curia Tho. Knight

John Palmer aged 32 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth beinge about Xmas. Last at Mr. Knights House, Mr. Knight did desire yor. depont. & John Hudnall to goe to ye tob. House to take notice of ye Tob. how it did lye & therewth. shewed us of it & then yor. depont. did see a bulk of tob. (ye wind blowing very hard) at Northwest unto beard & dry as powder, Summar Adams being then at Nominy & for a matter of 30 foot of ye tob. house yor. Depont. saw ye tob. lying abroad upon ye grownd. trodden under feet in ye durt alonge ye stalkes & likewise throwne upon sticks in severall places of ye House drying in such a condicon as yor. depont never saw tob. lye & further yor. Depont. Sayeth not.  Sign John Palmer

John Hudnall aged 20 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth ye very same wth. John Palmer & further sayth not. Juratur Curia John Hudnall

Richard Roberts Aged 21 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth yt. his Mas. Mr. Knights tob. lay about ye tob. house & rotten & spoyled for want of strippinge leafe an old door occasioned by ye negligence of Summar Adams, his then Overseer, & he ye sd. Summar when he saw ye tob. spoyled, bade yor. depont. & Richard Philips & Mary Pallas to burne ye tob. yt. our Mas. might not see it. & when ye tob. was packt. Summar Adams handled yor tob. yt. was rotten burnt in ye House & burnt in ye Field thru his ye sd Summars neglect, his lyinge & sleeping upon trees, sd. Depont. askinge ye sd Adams why he put such tob. Into hhds. [hogsheads, caskes] yt. his Mas. never used to put such tob. Into hdds. He sd. he did not care, he would doe wt. he pleased & yor. depont told him his Mas. would heare of it ye next yeare & get (__) by it, he told me he cared not, he would not be here thn. Sd. Depont. told him he should be here & have much anger, he sd. what need you care, you will be free before ye will heare of it. Further he would have consented to broke open one of Mr. Throgmortons hhds. Of tob. If I would doe it when my Mas. was abroad & have taken out his good Tob. & put in rotten tob. In ye roome [place] thereof & further sayth not. Juratur Curia Rich. Roberts

Alice English maketh Oath yt. Summar Adams beinge Overseer to Mr. Pet. Knight ye deponts. Mas., did suffer a quantity of corne being gathered to ly in great heapes about ye tob. house door in ye rain & by such his negligence in not securing ye sd. corne from ye extremity of ye weather, ye same was utterly spoyled & devoured by ye hogs & further this depont. sayth yt ye sd. Summar Adams being spoken to by Mr. Knight to make up ye tob. House dore where ye English wheat lay to secure ye same from ye hogs, ye sd. Adams replyed, God Damne ye hogs, they have spoyled most of it already, let them eat ye rest too if they will & further this Depont. sayeth yt. her Mas. did often speake to ye sd. Summar Adams to cause ye fence to be repaired to secure ye corne in ye field before it was gathered, wch. notwithstandinge he carelessly omitted, whereby much of it was damnifyed & spoyled.  Juratur Curia Alice English (her mke)

Mary Pallas aged 19 yeares sworne & exd. Sayth yt. Summar Adams bid yor Depont. goe to ye 60 foote tob. house to helpe ye two fellowes to strip ye tob. (it beinge a cold night) & he bid us take ye bad tob. & burned it & we did soe & continued strippinge 3 of us from midnight till wth. in one howre of day, & he bid us get good logs yt. would burne cleare yt. ye tob. wch. was bad might be burned out of our Mas. sight yt. he might not see it, & we did soe; continuing strippinge yt. hole night ye time menconed by ye light of ye tob. yt was burnt.. & further ye Depont. sayth yt. her Mas. cominge into ye tob. House took a bundle of tob. out of ye sd. Summars hand of his owne strippinge halfe rotten & stank & my Mas. asked him why he put in such tob. he sd it was good enough for Merchts. & he ye sd. Summar suffered ye tob. to ly about ye tob. house above a foot thick rotten & spoyled & my Mas. asking why, why he abused the tob. soe he answered it was good enough for Merchts. ytt Dr. Saunders put of 6 hhds. of worse Tob. then yet to Philip Gibbs; & my Mas. answered he valewed his credit more then so & further ye Depont. Mas. brought 3 barls of corne of John Palmer & when it was brought to ye Landinge, Mr. Knight spoke to him to get it up & secure it or else ye hogs would eat it & he sd. let thm eat it & be hangd. for (__) things must live, & further sayth not. Juratur Curia Mary Pallas

VA Northumberland – Admin - Peter Knight JR – Land patent for 925 acs. in Potomack Riv., adj to Chapawansick Cr.  (Nugent I, p. 460) Renewal of his patent dated 8 Mar. 1658  (Nugent I, p. 460, orig. pat. p. 389)

Note: The patent in question is the half of a larger patent that he took out with Baker Cutts. Notice the “JR”. Why, on this occasion only (as far as we know from what records we have), did Peter Knight – or the recorder - find it necessary to distinguish two Peter Knights?  If this Peter is the Peter Knight born in St Bride's parish in 1620, then we know his father is dead. The weight of evidence is against Peter Knight of Gloucester being his father though they seem to be related in some way. It seems that, in those times, the use of Junior to strictly refer to the son of a father by the same name was not yet codified; it could often refer to two men of the same name, one older and one younger, who were not, in fact, related; that appears to be the usage here. There are no other surviving land records of the other Peter Knight in chronological relationship to this one that would incline the scribe to make this notation; however, both Peter Knights had recently served as burgesses in their respective counties, making them more widely known and that might be the reason the distinction was made.

VA Elizabeth City – Admin – Mr. John Harvey – Land patent for 600 acs. in a small creeke called Carrawtucks, falling into the river of Kecoughtanke, which river falls into Carolina River.  Trans. of 12 pers: James Harvey (Harvy), Humphrey Evans, Ann Wombwell, Joseph Poole, Seph. Farrell, Thomas Elmes, Thomas Poole, William Basse, John Davis, Richard Blunt, Samuel Jenkins (Jnkins), Arthur Brown, Charles Sawe___. 

Same day and page: 250 acs on the River of Carolina, beg. by Roger Williams land, running down same to the miles end of sd. Williams &c. Trans. of 5 pers: Vergis Smith, Stephen Johnsey, George Moore, Jane Parnell, Thomas Poole. (Nugent I, p. 427)

Note: In the 1654 Aug 30 affidavit of the sisters of Nathaniel Basse, we leark that one of them, Dame Mary Poole, was married to Sir John Poole of Bromley, Middlesex. Finding a Basse with Pooles suggests a relationship; grandchildren?

VA Gloucester - Info - In the celebrated uprising of indentured servants, known as “the Servants’ Plot of 1663”, it was on one of Peter Knight’s plantations in Gloucester County that a rendezvous of the-conspirators was discovered. For the reason that he employed labor on a somewhat extensive scale, he was doubtless marked for an early victim; but happily an insurrection which might have ended in wholesale murder was checked in its incipient stage, and no fatal results are recorded. (Lucian Lamar Knight)

Note that Lucian is laboring under the error that two Peter Knights were one person and designates "one of Peter Knight's plantations."

It was only in Sept of 1663 that the “Indentured Servants Plot” of Gloucester County was instigated. Nine men — John Gunter, William Bell, Richard Darbishire, John Hayte, Thomas Jones, William Ball, William Poultney, William Bendell, and Thomas Collins — met in the woods and planned an operation whereby they would collect arms and ammunition and, with perhaps as many as thirty recruits, later march on the governor's mansion at Green Spring. There they would demand that Sir William Berkeley release them from their indentures. A servant named Birkenhead betrayed them, however, and a number were arrested and four hanged. After rewarding Birkenhead with his freedom and 5,000 pounds of tobacco, the General Assembly declared that the day of their planned insurrection be celebrated annually. (Encyclopedia Virginia, online)

Note: What we derive from the above is that the Peter Knight of Gloucester, whose plantation was the site of the meeting of the conspirators, is certainly a different person from the Peter Knight of Northumberland County the tale of whose negligent overseer, Summar Adams, has been recounted above left. However, the latter provides, perhaps, a glimpse of building resentments everywhere that were instrumental in both situations and culminated in the Sep plot.

I would also like to add that it does not seem that Peter Knight was "targeted" as Lucian suggests in the extract above; it was more likely because his plantation was casually managed that it was chosen as the meeting place.

VA Gloucester – Admin - William Armefield  - Land patent “On Mr. Pate’s swamp adjoining John Green’s corner, Mr. Peter Knight, Thomas Curles. Sold to Mr. John Pate who assigned to Armefield.” (Mason 1946, p. 1)

Note: The first name is not on this record but can be learned from the Dudley patent of 1665 Oct 28.

VA Stafford County formed from part of Westmoreland County which was formerly part of Northumberland County. Early residents include Augustine Washington, father of George Washington, and George Mason.

Recall that George Mason, along with Giles Brent, John Lord, and Gerrard Fowke were "declared incapable of holding any office civil or military in this country" by the Jamestown committee on 1662 Mar 23.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - At a Court held for James City: – Whereas Alice English, servt. To Mr. Richaard Cole, came to Capt Rogers to complain of the abuses yt he had made from her Master & was by him committed unto Mr. Knight (the Sherr.) his custody till the next Court & she appearing to make good her complaint notwithstanding many summons Mr. Cole appeared not & by reason of the sickness of the sd Alice & her child Mr. Knight was exposed to very great charge & trouble, this Court hath ordered yt the sd Mr. Rich. Cole pay unto ye sd Mr. Peter Knight in consideration of his troubles & charge one hundred pounds of tob & cask a month wth costs else execution & the sd servt to remain in Mr. Knight’s Custody till further order.  OB 1652-65, 202.(Haynie, p. 337)

Note: Recall that Alice English was one of Capt. Peter Knight's servants during the Summar Adams affair above, and gave a deposition. Apparently, Capt. Peter sold her contract to Cole, who abused her, and she went running to Capt. Peter.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Whereas by reason of ye misdemeanor of Mr. Richard Cole… and there beinge in Mr. Knight's hands a woman servt of ye sd Cole, It is ordered yt ye sd servant be appraised by fower sufficient men & forthwith sold by Mr. Pet. Knight & yt he give an account thereof ye next Court.  (Haynie, p. 343)

Note: Obviously referring to Alice English.

VA Isle of Wight - Admin - James Ennis & His Sonne James - Land patent for 200 acs. Low. Par. Of Is. Of Wight Co., upon the mayne br. Of Pagan Cr., adj. Land of Capt. John Upton now in John Wheatelye’s possession, & the Batchellors plantation, now in possession of Peter Garland; 2 Apr 1670, Granted to Mr. Peter Knight 13 Mar 1638, who sold to sd. Ennis last day of Jan. 1665. (Nugent II, p. 72)

Note: Though the specific transaction here occurs later, I've placed this here since it retroactively records the sale of Peter Knight's land. The patent in question refers to the 200 ac tract that was acquired by "assignment & exchange" with John Upton and Thomas Hill. This was his first recorded patent.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: Whereas Elizabeth Michell, servt to Mr. Peter Knight, hath brought a Bastard Child in ye time of her service, It is ordered yt ye sd. Elizabeth serve her sd Master according to Act. (Haynie, p. 369)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: Whereas Summar Adams hath got a woman Servant of Mr. Peter Knight wth. childe, it is ordered by this Cort. yt. ye sd. Adams give security for ye keeping of ye sd. childe & yt hee bee fined according to Act for his default. (Sparacio, 1652-1665, p. 5)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Mr. Peter Knight against Summar Adams. This Cause was tried by a Jury … “Wee who are impannelled on a Jury doe awared for ye Plantiffe nine hundred pounds of tobacco with costs of suite.  Judgemt. is granted by this Cort. to a p.formance of this verdict forthwith. als. exe.” (Sparacio, 1652-1665, p. 6)

At the same court session, Mr. Peter Knight was awarded 600 lbs of tobacco for killing two wolves as well as 1188 lbs of tobacco for his work as a justice and acting as coroner. (Sparacio, op cit p. 7)

Note: So we know from this record that Capt. Peter has been acting as a Justice and Coroner.

VA James City – Admin - William Knight – Land patent for 809 acs. 16 chs. 5 dec. pt. … Beg. On N. side of the old Rockahoc path to James Citty… a deviding line between sd. Knight & his brother Joseph Knight… Part of 2000 acs granted unto Mr. Joseph Knight, dec’d., 1 July 1653, who gave by will to his son William. (Nugent I, p. 540)

Same day and page: Joseph Knight – Land patent for 809 acs. 16 ch. 5 dec. pt. … dividing this & land of his brother William Knight… Part of 2000 acs. Granted to Joseph Knight, dec’d., 1 July 1653 & given by will to his son, the sd. Joseph. (Nugent I, p. 540)

Note: These transactions are 15 years after the 1650 Sep 25 records for father, Joseph Knight, transferring 400 acs to his son, Edward Knight. Apparently, the father, Joseph, has died and the land is being apportioned out to the heirs. Edward must have been the eldest, probably age 21 in 1650. We strongly suspect he married the heiress of Anthony Coleman by 1654.

Recall the 1659 Apr 6 patent to a William Smith that mentions "William Knight's land." Probably this same William here.

VA Rappahannock – Admin – Nicholas Copeland & William West - Land patent for 1589 acs. On N. side of Rappa. Co… Abuts. Land ot Thomas Hobson. Trans of 32 pers: Incl: John Kemp, James Cone and Lawrence Hawley (Law. Hawlee). (Nugent I, p. 523)

Note: Relate this record to that of 1663 Jun 26 where Thomas Hobson patented 500 acs using John Hawley as headright.  Here, Copeland and West patent land next door to Hobson, using a number of names already well known in the colony as well as new names.

The Cones will continue to be associated with Knights, with several intermarriages in SC, GA and FL, in later generations.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Governor William Berkeley, Knt., appoints Peter Knight Justice (along with 9 other men, including Leonard Howson) (Sparacio, 1662-1666, p. 108)

Note: We already know that Capt. Peter has been acting as a Justice of the Court so obviously, all such records of appointment did not survive.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Col. Garrard Fowke - Land patent for …  925 acs. In Potomack Riv. adj. land of Capt. Giles Brent…  Being the moiety of a patent granted to Peter Knight & said Capt. Cutts 13 Oct. 1653. Granted to Mrs. Eliz. Cutts 26 Feb. 1656 & by Capt. Jackson, who marryed sd. Elizabeth, sould to Capt. Thomas Fowke & now become due to sd. Col. Gerrard as heire to sd. Thomas, dec’d. (Nugent I, p. 533)

Note: Giles Brent was a "Col." in Maryland, and even governor for a period; in VA, he is only a Captain. It must have galled him when Capt. Peter patented land next to his own considering the events of the "Plundering Time". He was probably very glad to have his friend, Garrad Fowke, move in next door considering that both of them had been declared unfit to hold any public office!

VA Gloucester – Admin - Richard Dudley - Deed to Richard Dudley, “On Poropotank adjoining John Green, Peter Knight, Spenser, to Parradise Path, down Chiscaike path to Mr. John Pates corner.  400 acs. granted to Wm. Armefield 1663 sold to John Pate who assigned to Dudley. 544 acs. residue.” For trans of: Edward Holland, Richard Perkins, John Dance, John Holmes, James Griffin, James White, William Evans, Margaret Milburne, Francis Hilyard, Mary Wilson, Francis Sale. (Mason 1946, p. 27)

Note: A Dudley later marries a Lunenburg Knight daughter.

VA Northumberland – Admin - James Hawley – Land patent for 700 acs… On S. side of Potomack & head br. Of Machoatick Rive… Trans of 14 pers: Thomas Dutton, Humprey Watkins, Edward Taylor, Ambrose Taylor, Francis Phillips, Nicholas Price, William Herbert, Thomas Morgan, Arthur Sands, George Loe, Samuel Porter, Giles Walker, John Tomkins, Richard Seaborne. Marginal Note: “In this patt. There was errors & is amended & recorded in folio 152”. (Nugent II, p. 36)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Upon ye Peticon of Mrs. Anne Clay, ye Attorney of Mr. Francis Clay, her Husband, wherein she deposeth yt: Elizabeth Man, late Wife to George Knott, deced., obtained order of ye Cort. for her Thirds of one hundred acres of Lande now in ye tenure & possession of ye sd. Mr. Fran. Clay, solde unto Mr. Peter Knight by ye said George Knot without ye consent of ye said Elizabeth, then his Wife, & by ye said Mr. Peter Knight solde with warranty unto Mr. John Temple, late Husband unto ye said Mrs. Anne Clay & by ye Last Will & Testament of ye said Mr. Temple, devised unto ye said Mrs. Anne Clay & by her said Peticon did pray for an Order of this cort against ye said Mr. Peter Knight for what damages her said Husband, Mr. Francis Clay, shall susteyne by ye Order aforesaid granted Elizabeth Man aforesaid, ye Cort. doe therefore order yt. Mr. Peter Knight shall make good ye said damages unlesse ye said Mr. Peter Knight shall shew good reason to ye contrary at ye next Cort. (Sparacio, 1666-1678, p. 24-25)

Note: See the 1653 Jan 30 where George Knott gave Peter Knight a warranty on the land; and Oct 13 patent to Peter Knight where it was combined with additional land to make 1,000 acs.

VA Gloucester – Admin - Mr. Guy Knight – Land patent for 400 acs. on Milford Haven knowne by the name of the Eagles Nest (Egles)… Beg. On land of Abram English… Trans. Of 8 pers: Sam Bridges, John Begg, Will Martin, Will Groves, Thomas Stint, Hugh Row, Thomas Monke, John Stores. (Nugent I, p. 564; Mason 1946, p. 44)

Note: Guy Knight first appears 1658 Jun 4, in Northumberland County as a headright for Edward Palmer, an associate of Capt. Peter Knight. He was in a group that included Palmers. Note that Peter Knight, Merchant of Gloucester, claimed Elizabeth Monke as headright in 1652, and here we have a Thomas Monke, which may suggest a relationship.

I haven't been able to locate Milford Haven AKA Eagle's Nest but I suspect that it is something like the name describes: a ford and a mill.

VA Gloucester – Admin - Thomas Wisdome – Land patent for 127 acs. on the N Side of Thomas Deacons Mill Swamp & adj. Thomas Miller and Thomas Vicars. Trans: John Reese, Judith Knight, Mary Godfry. (Mason 1946, p. 81)

Note: The 1677 Isle of Wight will of John Vicars leaves a bequest to goddaughter Mary Knight, witnessed by Joseph Bridger.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Samuel Auckland (Ortland), servt to Mr. Peter Knight, adjudged by this Court to be 18 yeares of age & ordered to serve his sd Master according to Act.  OB 1666-78, 23. (Haynie, 459)

Note: Was this Samuel claiming to be underage and thus illegally indentured?

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Peter Knight ordered by court to collect County Levies, Public Short Charges and Parish Charges. (Fleet, p. 560)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight – Court: Whereas Mr. Robert Jones complained to this Cort. yt. ye Indians of Wecocomaco did in ye night breake open his House & did him further damage, ye Cort. doe order yt. Mr. Peter Knight & Capt. Edmund Lyster, summon ye Indians before them & punish ye delinquents according to ye nature of their crimes. (Sparacio, 1666-1678, p. 86).

VA Surry – Admin – William Knight - Tithables list, selected: Robert Cartwright, William Knight (2), Arthur Jordan, Capt. Flood, Thomas Clarke, Jeremiah Ellis, Thomas Green, Doctor Nathaniel Knight, Lt. Col. George Jordan, Charles Gregory, William Marriott, Timothy Walker, Mr. Meriwether & Bro., Capt Corker, Luke Mizell & Son, Col. Thomas Swann, Thomas Gray, John Gray, Francis Gray, William Rose, Widdow Phillips, Daniel Regan, Thomas Andrews, John Clements, Matthew Marriott, Widow Hart, Henry Baker, Matthew Swann, John Phillips, Anthony Evans, John Clarke, John Gregory, John Greene, Robert Reynolds, Henry Gray, George Watkins, William Butler, Robert Giles, Thomas Clay, William Newsome, John Kindred, William Jordan, William Hare, Thomas Taylor, Lawrence Baker, Henry Clarke, Nicholas Crawford, James Murrey, Henry Hollingsworth. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 22 No. 1)

Note: The list from the previous year only included Dr. Nathaniel Knight. In this year, we see a William Knight, with 2 tithables show up. Note also the Walker and the Kindred. These names connect to the John Knight who married Isabell Carter and left a will in 1769 in Edgecombe County, NC.

VA Henrico – Admin - Mr. Robert Woodson – Land patent for 1192 Acs. … N. side James Riv., Adj. Thomas Ludwell, Esqr., Thomas Ligon, John Woodson, Col. Stegg & Mr. Ballard. Trans. Of 24 pers: Names include Ambrose Bennett, Thomas Hughes (Hewes). (Nugent II, p. 73)

Note: While I am generally excluding Woodson records here, I include this one because of the presence of Ambrose Bennett and the long association between Bennetts and Knights, even back in England.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: Mr. Peter Knight & Capt. Edmund Lyster are appointed to view ye bounds of ye Land betweene Mr. Robert Jones & ye Indians, & see what damages either have reced. by ye other; & give their report thereof to ye next Cort. (Sparacio NCOBA 1669-1673, p. 20)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: The Accots. Between Mr. Phillip Ludwell & Mr. Peter Knight was by ye Cort referred to ye auditeing of Mr. Robert Jones & Mr. Leonard Howson, who upon ye examinacon of ye sd. Accots doe finde yt there is due upon balance of ye sd. Accots. from ye sd. Knight to ye sd Ludwell, One hundred twenty & eight pounds of tobacco & caske for wch Judgmt. is granted ye sd Ludwell agt. ye sd. Knight with costs. (Sparacio NCOBA 1669-1673, p. 20)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: An attachmt. is granted Mr. Peter Knight against ye Estate of Thomas Steed for nine hundred & fifty pounds of tobacco & caske returneable to ye next Cort. (Sparacio NCOBA 1669-1673 p. 21)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Order Book 1666-78: Certificate is granted Mr. Peter Knight for 200 acres of Land for ye Importation of 4 persons (viz) John Stephens, George Browne, Samuel Auckland (Oakland), Elin Price. (Haynie, p. 531)

Note: The Samuel Auckland here is apparently the same one who was adjuged to be 18 years old in 1668 Nov 5, around 3 years earlier; that's the usual delay between importation and granting of headrights.

MD Somerset County – Admin – Peter Knight - Att A Court helld the 13th: day of March in the XXXXth: year of the Dominion of y Rt: honble: Caecilius &c Anno Domini 1671 before his Lordshipps Justices thereunto assigned and Authorised: Mr. William Stevens, Mr. John Winder, Mr. Henry Smith, Mr. George Johnson, Mr. James Jones, Capt: William Colebourne:  […]

Benjamin Cotman plt: vers in an Accon (action) of Detaine John Avery Deft: The plt: & deft: appeare in Cort: The plt: by his Attorney William Tompson desires that  their Declaracon may be read, vizt, John Avery late of this County (Somerset) was Attached to answer  Benjamin Cottman in an accon of deteaine &c.  And whereupon the said Benjamin Cottman by William Tompson his Attorney saith That he the said John Avery by violence keepeth and Detaineth A man Servant from him the said Benj. Cottman whose name is William Gosse being assigned over from Edward Saunders the assignee of Peter Knight the assignee of Thomas Chetwood (Chettwood) the assignee of Simon Richardson, The said Simon Richardson and William Gosse having drawne Articles  of Agreement betweene them (which is produced by the plt:  here in Cort: bearing Date the 20th: November Anno Domini  one Thousand Six hundred and Seaventy which Articles of  Agreement wittnesseth That the said William Gosse bound  himselfe to the said Richardson from the Day of the Date of  the said writing untill Christmas next Come twelve month  to serve the said Richardson or his assignes in such service  as the said Richardson or his assignes Shoulld imploy him  in, The plaintiffe saith that John Avery having the said  servant; he the said plt: Benjamin Cottman demanded the said  servant of him the said Avery But he the said John Avery Denied to Deliver him and Still Doth the plt: saith by his  Attorney Attorney he is Dampnified and hath Damage to the vallue  of three Thousand pounds of tobacco And thereupon brings  his Sute &c. ~

Articles of Agreemt: betweene Simon Richardson of the one part  And William Gosse (Goose) of the other party wittnes that the afore-  named William Gosse Doth firmly binde himselfe to serve to  and with the said Symon Richardson or his assignes from  the Day of the Date hereof till Christmas next Come twelve month in Such service and imployment as the said Richardson  or his assignes Shall imploy him and in Consideracon of this service I the said Richardson doe binde my Selfe and my  assignes to find him meat drinke washing and mending his Clothes Duering the said time and at the end of the said  time to paye or Cause to be paid unto the said William one  Thousand pounds of tobacco and his County Levys wittnes  our hands and Seales:  Novembr: 1670 William Gosse, Symon Richardson; Wittnes: John Richardson, George Hardiss

These ffoll assignemts: were to y articles of agreemt:  I Doe assigne over all my right and Interest of this  Condicon within mentioned unto Thomas Chetwood (Chetwode) as wittnes  my hand this 27th: day of ffebr: 1670/71 Symon Richardson  teste: Miles Goreham, John Richardson

John Richardson sworne in Cort: saith he did see Simon  13th: March 1671 Richardson putt to his hand to the abovesaid assignemt: as  also to the Articles of Agreemt: And William Gosse only to y Articles of Agreemt
I Doe assigne over all right and title of this Condicon within  mentioned unto mr: Peter Knight or to his assignes as wittnes  my hand this 29th: day of December 1671, Thomas Chetwood, wittnes: Richard Man,  Elizabeth Chetewode

I Peter Knight Doe assigne over all my right and title of the within mentioned Condicon unto Capta: Edward Sanders or his assignes as wittnes my hand this 29th: of December 1671 Peter Knight, witness:Samuell Auckland, James Lucker

I Edward Sanders Doe assigne over all my right title & Interest  of the within mentioned Condicon unto my Sonne in Law  Benjamin Cottman and his assignes as wittnes my hand  this 29th: December 1671, Testatur pr Edward Sanders Wit: Andrew Pettigrew, Joell Fitseugh (ffitseugh)

The Deft: pleades and saith that no bussnes Shoulld be brought Into this province as wittnes but by the  Seale attested The deft: produceth A letter of Attorney  wch: he desires may be read saying that he had the sd:  Gosse of Allexander Moliston:

Know All men by these presents that I Allexander Moulston  of the whore kill (Horekill) upon Delaware bay gent: Doe for Divers  Consideracons me thereunto moveing Doe Constitute and  appointe John Avery of Somersett County in the Province  of Maryland my true and Lawfull Attorney for me and in my name to take into his Custody one Servant belonging to the said Moleston And the said Avery to order him as he  Shall thinke fitt, And what my said Attorney Shall doe Shall be in as full force and vertue as if I my Selfe were personally present as wittnes my hand and Seale this 27th: day  of September 1671, Testes: Sander Moleston, Wit: Robert Cattlin, William Walston

The Deft: Desires that The Deposicon of William Rainbow may be read:

The Deposicon of William Rainbow aged forty years or thereabouts saith That he the said Rainbow bought in March last A Servant  of Symon Richardson of Little Wiccocomoco in Virginia  whose name was William Gosse for all Service due to  him and afterwards by the knowledge and Consent of Simon  Richardson hired the said Gosse for one Compleate year for six hundred pounds of tobacco Simon Richardson drawing the Condicon writt one thousand pounds of tobacco & Caske  Contrary to our agreemt: and After wee Came to ye horekills he hired himselfe to one Alexander Mordsdon there an (Johnsiter?)  before whome I delivered him in his Condicon made to me  as wittnes my hand, William Rainbow; sworne before me the 27th: Janr: 1671, Henry Smith

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - William Knight -  Dying intestate, administration requested by Frances Knight... Rec. Nov. 13, 1672. Security, Captain Arthur Smith, Mr. George Moore. (Chapman 1975, p.69)

Note: Compare this to the 1645 Oct 1 death of Arthur Smith the elder whose overseer was Peter Knight. This suggests a connection between this William Knight and Peter Knight of Gloucester. Was this his son? Was this the William Knight who appeared briefly in Surry County, next door to Isle of Wight?

UK London / VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Deposition taken in London in the case of Samuel Auckland and Peter Knight of Virginia.  Samuel Auckland of Bexley, Kent, yeoman, age 50, deposes that his son Samuel Auckland, now living in Virginia with Mr. Peter Knight, was born in January 1648 and baptized on 28 January 1648/9, according to an entry in the Bexley Parish Register.  (Coldham 1980, p. 3)

Note: This is the Samuel Oakland imported by Peter Knight in a patent dated 1671 Feb 21 and most likely the Samuel “Ortland” mentioned in the court 1668 Nov 5, 3 years before the mentioned patent was granted. The only explanation I can think of for that 1668 entry would be that Auckland didn’t want to serve and was claiming to be under age. That may be why an inquiry was sent to England to determine his actual age. Notice also that Auckland acted as a witness in the affidavit produced in the MD court (above) regarding the case of William Goss, which Goss lost.

The plot thickens further on; something was going on in the background and we do not have all the records.

VA Gloucester – Admin - Mr. Richard Dudley - Land patent for 944 acs. On brs. Of Porpotancke Cr… along Mr. Peter Knight, to Spence’s line… trans. Of 11 pers. incl Nicholas Moore, John Basse. (Nugent II, p. 122)

Note: I've included this because it is another of the earliest mentions of any Basse family members other than Nathaniel Basse who died without issue. The Basses were definitely associated with the Hawleys, Knights, Carters, Moores, etc.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court : Whereas it appears to the Court yt Samuel Auckland (Ockland, Oakland) servt to Capt Peter Knight, did beat & abuse his master, It is ordered yt ye said Ockland make his sd master satisfaction for his said default according to Law.  (Haynie, p. 617, OB 1666-78)

Note: This is the first time that Peter Knight of Northumberland is referred to as “Capt.” in the surviving Northumberland records though clearly his various roles in the colony would have entitled him to the rank much earlier. What is shocking is the fact that Capt. Peter was, apparently, beaten by his servant. He is, at this point, 53 years old, has seen many adventures as a "fire breathing Puritan", and now this indignity!

VA Accomack – Admin - William Kendall & Mary Kendall - Sonn & dau. to William Kendall, 6000 acs. … land first sold by David Williamson to William Kendall, found to be deserted by sd. Williamson,  & on petition of sd. Kendall, granted by order to sd. Wm & Mary 18 Apr. 1670. Trans. Of 120 pers: The list includes a handful of names of persons known to already have patents or to be well-connected; even includes the interesting name: “Corn. Wallis”.  Also includes John Knight, Henry Hawley and Mary Ligon. (Nugent II, pp. 134-135)

Note: An Elizabeth Kendall, almost certainly descended from this William, married Peter Knight (1758-1840), the son of Peter Knight (1735-1811) and Rachel Abbott. This latter Peter was the gr. grandson of Capt. Peter Knight through his son Leonard.

What is up with the name "Corn. Wallis"? I would really like to see the original document that this abstract was taken from.

MD Somerset County – Admin - Isaac Hudson vs. Richard Stevens – Court; Justices present: Mr. William Stevens, Mr David Browne, Mr. James Jones, Mr. Nicholas Rice, Mr. George Johnson, Mr. James Dashiell, . Mr. John Winder, Mr. Edward Smith;  Isaac Hudson, plt vers Richard Stevens; The plt: & deft: appeares in Cort: & Joynes issue: 

The plt: sues for his freedome by peticon wch: is read vizt  To the worspfl: Commrs: for Sommersett County  The humble peticon of Isaac Hudson  Humbly sheweth That yor: petr: was transported into Virga: into the County of Northumberland in the parrish of ffairefeilds and there at a Court in 1665, helld for the said County the first of May was by the Commrs:  of the said Cort: according to the Lawe of Virginia, adjudged to serve ye full terme of eight yeares as by order of the said Cort:  will be made more plainer appeare which eight yeares is  fully Compleated and served by yor: peticionr: to my last master Richard Stevens the first of May last past 1673; but now Soe it is that my last Master Richard Stevens denyeth me my  freedome Contrary to Law and Justice to the greate Damage and Dettriment of your peticioner, yor: petr: therefore prayes that order of Cort: be granted to your peticioner for his freedome  and satisfaccon for his time which he hath Served over and above this Just time which is five months and A halfe As alsoe his Corne and Clothes as alsoe all such nessessarries as  the Law of this our good province doth affoard to servants in such Cases doth allowe to servants at the time of theire  ffreedome and yor: peticionr: as in duty bound Shall pray 

The plt: produceth this ffollowing order wch: is read 

“At A Cort: helld the first of May in the 17th: yeare  of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord Charles y 2d:  by the grace of God of greate Brittaine ffrance and  Ireland King &c Anno Domini 1665: Coll: Peter Ashton,  Capta: William Nutt, Mr. Peter Knight, Mr Isaac Allerton, Mr. William Presley, Justices:  Isaac Hudson servant to Mr. Thomas Hopkins is Judged by this Cort: to be sixteene yeares of age and to Serve his said master According to Act (vizt) until he be twenty ffoure yeares of age. Overa Copia Test Thomas Hobson Cler Cur pr Sichae.”

This Cort: upon Serious Deliberacon Doe order the said Isaac Hudson to be ffree and that his Late master Richard Stevens pay him Corne and Clothes According to Act of Assembly As alsoe to pay the said Isaac Hudson Three hundred pounds of tobacco ffor Over plus of service to Richard Stevens.  (Maryland State Archive, Somerset County Judicial Records, 1671-1675, Volume 87, pp. 273-274)

VA Rappahannock – Admin – Mr. Richard Whitehead - Land patent for 2000 acs … on W. side Portobago Path; trans of ___ pers: incl: Maj. Robert Bristowe twice, Phillip White, Thomas Wright, John Hawley (Jno. Halley), William Bell, John Paramore, John Wilkinson, Marmaduke More, Richard Knight., Robert Goffe, Ann Walker, etc. (Nugent II, p. 146)

Note: Is this Richard a son of John Knight of Northumberland? Recall that John Knight was associated with James Hawley in a court case so it would be likely for their sons to hire themselves out as headrights together, or go as apprentices/servants together. And that's not to say that a good number on the list were not new imports!

Regarding the Robert Goffe, on maps presented at the beginning of this page, note the little island called "Goff's Bar". There is a family of Knights in England with strong Gough/Goffe/Goff connections and that family includes a Richard Knight, grocer (d. 1615), Christopher (d. 1626), Leonard (d. 1626) and Anne Knight Gough, his children. Leonard's children are Richard, Susan and Sarah. This Leonard inherited land at Sutton at Hone, Kent, from a Richard Bland. At Sutton at Hone, there was a John Knight (d. 1610) who had children: Thomas Knight, John Knight, Henry Knight, Gabriel Knight, Anne, Frances, Elizabeth and wife Ursula. Possibly, this John Knight (d. 1610) was brother to Richard Knight (d. 1615); was there a third brother with issue, perhaps named Peter?

VA Gloucester – Admin - Samuel Clarke (Clerke) - Land patent for 700 acs…. E. side Poropotanck Cr. & maine Sw;  p. 511. Granted Mr. Peter Knight, dec’d., 25. Aug. 1652 & due sd. Clerke as heire & next of Kinne. (Nugent II, p. 147)

Note: Obviously, this announces the Death of Peter Knight Merchant.  Notice that James Clarke and Samuel Clarke were listed as headrights for this very same patent in 1652, 22 years previously; they were probably brothers and Samuel must have married the daughter or widow of Peter Knight SR in order to be his "next of kin". I can think of no other way that claim could be made. It also puts a period to any notion that this Peter Knight had a son - or at least one who survived.

Apr 9 - VA Gloucester – Admin - Capt. Richard Dudley - Land patent for 980 acs. … upon brs. of Poroptanck Cr… adj. Mr. Pate; land of John Greene, dec’d., Mr. Peter Knight, dec’d, now Samuell Clarke’s… (Nugent II, p. 147)

VA Isle of Wight - Admin - Major Thomas Taberer - Land patent for 400 acs. 23 Apr. 1681 Up. Par. Of Is. Of W. Co., & commonly called Bassetts Choice (Basses Choice), neer mouth of Pagan Cr…. 150 acs. Granted Mr. Peter Knight in 1640 who sold to Mr. John Bland, merchant of London, & by Mr. Giles Bland, his sonn & Atty., conveyed to sd. Taberer 4 Dec. 1675, together with confirmation of the sale & a relinquishment of dower by Mrs. Sarah Bland, wife & Genl. Atty. of sd. John, 6 Oct 1679;… (Nugent I, p. 217; See also: Nugent I, p. 277)

Note: I have placed this record here because it records the date of the original sale of Basses Choice to Thomas Taberer. Note that he will renew his patent in 1681.

John Bland was living and purchasing land in 1647. His widow was granted patent on his land in 1652, where he was noted as being deceased; He could have died as much as 3 years before this time, i.e. 1649. So Peter Knight must have sold this land prior to 1652.

Thomas Taberer was a headright of Peter Knight in the same patent, 1652 Aug 25 for land in Gloucester County, where James Clarke and Samuel Clarke appeared, Samuel Clarke then being named as Peter Knight's "heir and next of kin" over 20 years later and acquiring the entire tract of 700 acs. Apparently, at about the same time he patented land in Gloucester, Peter disposed of his Isle of Wight land. All of these points heavily shift the weight of evidence to Peter Knight, Merchant of Gloucester being the pantentee of Basses Choice, if there were any lingering doubts, and that there was no father-son relationship between the two Peters.

Thomas Taberer was most likely the son of John Taberer (d. 1654), Isle of Wight county; son of William Taberer, of the county of Derby. (W. M., VII, 221)

See also Va. Mag. of Hist. and Biog., III, pp. 53-56: This was probably the Justice "Tabener", at whose house William Edmundson staid in 1672, and whose wife was very loving to the Quakers. Mr. Thomas writes his name "Taberner", but it was really Taberer. His wife was a legatee under the will of Richard Bennett. So was Elizabeth Outland, whom Edmundson visited in 1675 at Chuckatuck, where he held "many precious meetings."

This information makes one wonder if Peter Knight of Gloucester VA might possibly have had Quaker symptthies? Or, if he moved away from Isle of Wight because so many Quakers were moving in?

In any event, that is the last of the records relating to Peter Knight, Merchant of Gloucester (and nearby) county, VA. It is now only 1675 and Capt. Peter Knight of Northumberland County will live another 30 years.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight & Anne Knight - Peter Knight “of Wicco Gent.” sells John Farnefold of Chiccacone parish in Northumberland County, Gent, 300 acres on S Side Wiccomoco Riv adj land of Mr Richard Nutt. To be acknowledged by wife, Anne Knight. Wit: Thomas Hobson, Richard Kenner.  On 20 Nov 1679 John Farnefold assigns this land to “my son in Law Richard Nutt Junr”. (Fleet, NC, p. 560)

Note: The last we heard about Peter’s wife, Anne, was in the 1663 Apr 20 entry. As far as the records I have found, this will be the last time we hear anything about her at all. She has certainly lived long enough to be the mother of all four of Peter's known children and he mentions no wife in his will so she must have been dead, and he apparently did not remarry. We don't know when she died; it was between this entry and 1702 when his will was written, a span of 26 years.

VA Jamestown – Info - Bacon’s Rebellion -  On about this day, Nathaniel Bacon issues the first of a series of declarations of grievance and complaint against Governor Sir William Berkeley, together with justifications of his rebellious actions, which he signs as "General, by the consent of the people." 

The immediate cause of the rebellion was Governor William Berkeley's refusal to retaliate for a series of Native American attacks on frontier settlements. Historian Peter Thompson argues that Bacon's motivation was a personal vendetta between him and Berkeley. However, Bacon's followers used the rebellion as an effort to gain government recognition of the shared interests among all social classes of the colony in protecting the "commonalty" and advancing its welfare.  A thousand Virginians of all classes and races rose up in arms against Berkeley, attacking Indians, chasing Berkeley from Jamestown, Virginia, and ultimately torching the capital.

The rebellion was first suppressed by a few armed merchant ships from London whose captains sided with Berkeley and the loyalists.  Bacon died from dysentery on October 26, 1676. Bacon's wealthy landowning followers returned their loyalty to the Virginia Government after Bacon's death.

Governor Berkeley returned to power. He seized the property of several rebels for the colony and executed 23 men by hanging, including the former governor of the Albemarle Sound colony, William Drummond, and the Collector of Customs, Giles Bland. Also executed were Col. Thomas Hansford, a wealthy planter of Gloucester County, and men by the names of Jones, Johnson, Barlow, Carver, Wilford, Young, Page, Harris, Hall, Drummond, Crewe, Cookson, and Darby (according to the list Berkeley made).

Government forces from England arrived soon after and spent several years defeating pockets of resistance and reforming the colonial government to be once more under direct royal control. While the farmers did not succeed in their initial goal of driving the Indians from Virginia, the rebellion did result in Berkeley being recalled to England. After an investigative committee returned its report to King Charles II, Berkeley was relieved of the governorship.

"The fear of civil war among whites frightened Virginia's ruling elite, who took steps to consolidate power and improve their image: for example, restoration of property qualifications for voting, reducing taxes and adoption of a more aggressive American Indian policy." Charles II was reported to have commented, "That old fool has put to death more people in that naked country than I did here for the murder of my father."

A somewhat similar uprising in Maryland involving John Coode and Josias Fendall took place shortly afterwards. The alliance between indentured servants and Africans (most enslaved until death or freed), united by their bond-servitude, disturbed the ruling class, who responded by hardening the racial caste of slavery in an attempt to divide the two races from subsequent united uprisings with the passage of the Virginia Slave Codes of 1705.

Berkeley was replaced as governor by Herbert Jeffreys. (VA Hist Online)

VA Henrico – Will – Col. William Farrar - In an inventory of the possessions of Col. William Farrar made for probate of his will, the following is included:  “One English wench 12 months to serve by reason of her short time of service & her Corne & Clothes due at ye expirac’on there of … one man servt by name Thomas Davis, twenty months to serve; a boy servt named George Crooker, 5 years to serve, a man servt named John Knight, 5 years to serve. (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 29, No. 3, p. 168)

Note: Son of William Farrar, Esq, “ancient planter of Virginia” and Cecily Jordan, widow of Samuel Jordan.

VA Stafford – Admin – Lieut. Col. Cadwallader Jones & Mr. David Jones - Land patent for 14,114 acs. Staff. Co. upon both sides of Accotynk & Pohick Rivers…. Trans. Of 282 pers: The list includes: William Peirce, James Peirce, William Mallory, John Woodson, Cadwallader Jones (twice), Jonathan Burris (Burasse), Nathaniel Dodson, Thomas Crawford (Craford), William Peterfeild, Richard King, John Bennett, Edward Cutts, Charles Clay, Richard Bishop, John Berry, Richard Baker, John Butler, Thomas Aldridge, Walter Atkinson, Abraham Cason, John Dawson, William Digby, John Davis, Rowland Farmer, John Howell, Robert Hancock, Charles King, William Lawrence, William Miles, John Farmer, John Hancock, Matthew Harrison, John Knight, William Moore, William Hill, Richard Lee, Samuel Hughes, John Newman, William Roberts, Richard Herbert, Francis Peirce, James Palin (Pallin), Alexander Kemp, Bartholomew Watson, John Chamberlaine, William Walker, William Baker, etc. etc. (Nugent II, p. 191)

Note: Nearly every family name on my selected list belongs to persons already having land, plantations, connections, etc. The juxtaposition of these names is extremely interesting. Recall that Capt. Peter Knight obtained a patent jointly with a Baker Cutts 1653 Oct 13. There is a 1655 Oct 3 patent of John Hinman who used John Knight and John Farmer as headrights, and a 1652 Jul 16 patent of Peter Knight Merchant of Gloucester who used “John Knighthill, John Farmer” as headrights; here we see John Knight and John Farmer together again 20 years later! As I have noted repeately, it seems to me that the sons and daughters of colonists were being lent out or rented out or apprenticed out, and were thereby used as names for headrights. Then, if you follow the names and connection trails, you see the favor returned shortly after, and the young men on a headright list will take out their own patents with a few borrowed friends and family members to help them acquire land; it was a racket, of sorts, though certainly there was constant importation of new people, though I suspect a lot less than people think if they are going by headrights lists.  There are also undoubtedly many fake names on some of these lists.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: “Whereas a Trumpet (Trumpitt) belonging to Capt Peter Knight was prest by Capt Youlle (Yowell) when the soldiers went agt Goodrich and spoyled”, he to be allowed 650 lb tobo from the Levy. (Fleet, NC p. 560)

Note: The only military action that I can find taking place prior to this court claim is Bacon's Rebellion which fired up and then fizzled in 1676 (July - October). This may have been part of the later "mop up" activity. It appears that Capt. Peter and friends were on the government side. Perhaps Peter had learned that rebellions are nasty things from his experiences in Maryland in the 1640s.

But really, I'm having a hard time imagining how Youlle smashed Capt. Peter's trumpet not to mention imagining Capt. Peter playing it.

1678 - Sep 28 – VA Nansemond – Admin - Doctor John Spier – Land patent for 600 acs. Escheat land of Thomas Hunson; inquisition under John Lear, Dept’y Esch’r., &c. (Nugent II, p. 190)

Note: Keep the Spiers in mind as they will be very closely associated with Knights further on.

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Court: Peter Knight appointed Justice of the Court.  He is again appointed 20 Nov 1678 and 18 Aug 1681. (Fleet, NC, p. 560)

VA Northumberland – Peter Knight & George Knight – Court: Capt. Knight's Bond for his Son in Law's to appeare: Capt. Peter Knight doth in Court oblige himselfe in the penall sum of five thousand pounds of tobacco and caske that his Son in Law, Mr. George Knight, shall appeare the next Court to answer the suites of Mr. Charles Morgan, Attorney of Mr. Edward Feilding, and Mr. John Hughlett, Senior. (NC 1677-1679 Order Book, p. 36)

Note: It appears that we are here being notified that Capt. Peter's daughter was married to a George Knight who was a miller. Recall that in the 1661 Aug 18 entry, a John Hughlett and Thomas Salisbury patented land using John Knight as headright. Also, in 1662 Feb 10 entry, Capt. Peter sold land to a Richard Feilding of Bristol, Merchant. Apparently a lot more was going on in real life than the records permit us to know.

We know that Elizabeth Knight, daughter of Capt. Peter, was born at least by 1660, and would be 19 at this time. Was she the wife of George Knight? Or was it his daughter, Mary Knight? We have no clues whatsoever as to when Mary was born so can't even speculate there. She could have been born before Elizabeth, or after; if after, she would probably be too young to be married.

As for George Knight, he may have been a cousin, or not directly related at all. He is said to be a miller, so he's not just a fresh young man.

I have found no likely prospect to be this person in the records, though there is a family of Knights of Cowden, Kent, that looks promising as an upline connection; they had a lot of Georges!

I also wonder if "Guy" was a nickname for George? Is it possible that this is our lost Guy Knight? After all, he was introduced as a headright to Northumberland county in 1658, 20 years earlier which would give him a birth estimate of at least 1640. Since I think that Capt. Peter married about 1654, his daughter Mary, could have been born 1655 or so. She would have been of marriageable age in 1671 when Guy/George was 31. Plus, consider the land patented by Guy: Milford Haven and George here is said to be a miller.

In any event, the following records show that the plot thickens rapidly.

VA Northumberland – George Knight – Court: Mr. Richard Pemberton against George Knight ye Miller:  referred to the next Court;  George Knight ye Miller against Richard Pemberton: referred to ye next Court. (NC 1677-1679 Order Book, p. 44)

Note: So now we have Richard Pemberton against George, in addition to Edward Feilding and John Hughlett! What the heck was going on?

VA New Kent – Admin - Mr. Mathew Kemp – Land patent for 640 acs. N.E. side Mattapony Riv. Granted Mrs. Elizabeth Kemp for a greater quantity & now resurveyed by Coll. John Lewis & due for trans of 13 pers. incl: William Colson (Coalson), Jonathan Knight (Jona. Knt.)… (Nugent II, p. 202-3)

Note: Considering the fact that John Knight of Lunenburg, who left a will naming all his children, had one son named John and another named Jonathan, one cannot help but wonder if this was his father? New Kent County is right next door to Henrico where the Woodsons were, and John Knight was said to have married Elizabeth Woodson. Estimated year of birth for Jonathan would be at least 1661.

One thing is certain, at this point, no one really knows who was the father of John Knight of Lunenburg.

VA Northumberland – George Knight – Court:  Thomas Hickman agt George Knight:  Whereas Thomas Hickman was summoned to this Court to give in his Evidence on the behalfe of Mr. George Knight the Miller against Richard Pemberton, it is ordered that George Knight, the Miller, pay Thomas Hickman for his attendance according to Law; George Knight agt Ridhard Pemberton Whereas George Knight complaineth to this Court that Richard Pemberton beate and abused his Wife, it is ordered that Richard Pemberton pay George Knight the sum of tenn pounds of tobacco damages with costs of suite als Execution (NC 1677-1679 Order Book, p. 46)

Note: Well, obviously, if George Knight was the son-in-law of Capt. Peter, the wife in question here who was "beate and abused" by Pemberton, was a daughter of Capt. Peter and one might expect that old fire breathing Puritan Rebel was highly incensed. One can hardly imagine why a man would assault another man's wife but I've seen other similar records; those Puritans were a feisty, pugilistic bunch. One wonders, of course, if "beate and abused" was a euphemism for "raped"? But you would think that would be worth more than 10 lbs of tobacco! Perhaps the family did not want it bruited abroad that the young woman had been raped and made the charge as such deliberately to conceal that fact?

In any event, within the next couple of months, it appears that things may have come to a head in some way.

VA Stafford – Admin - List of public officers -  Col. George Mason, Mr. James Ashton, Capt. Robert Massey, Mr. Mathew Thompson, Maj. Andrew Gilson, Mr. Malachi Peale, Dr. William Banks, Mr. Anthony Buckner, Mr. Edward Thomason, Mr. Martin Scarlett, Mr. Vincent Young. (King 1961, p. 175)

Note: There were two individuals I know of in Stafford County, of the next generation after this bunch, who were named Scarlet: Scarlett Fletcher and Scarlett Anderson I think that finding this Mr. Martin Scarlett may explain those unusual names.

Martin Scarlett was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses in Williamsburg from 1680 to 1695, and was also a justice of Stafford County. In the late 1600s Scarlett acquired Burbage’s Neck, which came to be called Deep Hole Plantation (part of the Burbage Grant of 1653).

Recall that Peter Knight of Gloucester patented land 1638 Nov 18 that was "due by assignment from Thomas Burbage". We also read in the Admiralty Court records that Peter Knight of Gloucester, as the factor of Joseph Saunders, apparently cut a deal for Burbage. So, there is that connection on one side.

On the other side, Elizabeth Harper, gr. granddaughter of Martin Scarlett via Robert Harper of PA, married John Knight, son of William Knight and Jane Butler Knight of Stafford County. This William was a grandson of Capt. Peter via Leonard who moved first to Lancaster, then to Stafford. 

There also appears to have been a Scarlet Anderson, possible brother of Rachel Anderson who married John Knight of Effingham, GA. The Andersons do not appear to be related to the Scarletts as far as I can tell. Nevertheless, the association is suggestive of connexions.

VA Northumberland – George Knight – Court: Richard Cox's Comm of Admn of Knight's Estate: Upon the Petition of Richard Cox a Commission of Administration is granted him of the Estate of Mr. George Knight, deceased, he giveing caution according to Law;  Bond Richard Cox, Mr. Thomas Matthew and Richard Flint (Flynte) doe oblige themselves in the penall sum of tenn thousand pounds of tobacco and caske that Richard Cox will duly administer of the Estate of Mr. George Knight, deced., and exhibite an Inventory thereof to the Court; Appraysers  Ordered that William [ ? Beuffaw], Thomas Adams and William Dawson apprayse the Estate of Mr. George Knight, deced., they being first sworne according to Law.  (NC 1677-1679 Order Book, p. 54)

Note: Now we learn that the husband of Capt. Peter's daughter has died not long after the incident of her being "beate and abused" was brought to our attention. Did he die because he fought a duel or engaged in some violence with the man who abused his wife? This is beginning to sound like a major tragedy in this young woman's life. In any event, the estate must have been worth a bit to have such a high bond posted by the administrators.

Regarding the Richard Flint (Flynte) named as overseer of the estate, refer to the comments on the 1657 Mar 30 record.

VA James City – Admin - Thomas Warberton, SR – Land patent for 430 acs…. beg. At the mouth of a small slash of Pagan Cr. Sw; including 40 acs. Purchased of John Knight, dec’d;  Formerly granted & now new surveyed, &c. (Nugent II, p. 211)

Note: Warburtons will be found in Bertie/Edgecombe NC later, in association with Charletons, Mizells and Knights.

VA Lancaster – Mar - John Palmer and Anne Knight - Knight, a svt. to Maj. Edw Dale swore that Palmer had fathered her illeg. child. (Headley 2001, p. 272)

Note: Just because they were "servants" does not mean that they were poor people pulled in off the streets of London. In this case, we note the most interesting juxtaposition of the names Palmer and Knight, knowing already that Knights and Palmers were connected via interactions in Northumberland county. Sons and daughters were regularly apprenticed out as "servants" - this had been going on in England for a very long time - and even Capt. Peter Knight's daughter, Mary, apparently learned the trade of weaving as we will see further on. It's not likely she learned it from her father.

Recall also that John Palmer was one of the "servants" at Capt. Peter Knight's place during the Summar Adams affair and gave testimony. In the testimony of Mary Pallas, we learn that Capt. Peter bought 3 barrels of "corne" from a John Palmer, who was apparently a neighbor planter and probably father of John Palmer the "servant".

Edward Palmer was a headright of Adam Thoroughgood 1635 Jun 24 and patented his own land 1658 Jun 4 in Northumberland County. We also note that in 1653, William Claiborne claimed "both Kent and Palmer Islands" so Palmers may have been there prior to Northumberland VA. Again, it was Edward Palmer who used "Guy Knight" as a headright in 1658. One wonders if "Guy" is not a transcription error and is really "George" using the abbreviation of the time: Geo?

Finally, there were quite a few Knight-Palmer connections in England.

VA Lower Norfolk – Admin - Mr. Evan Jones – Land patent for 600 acs. called Hoskins’ Island… Trans. of 12 pers. incl. Jon. Farmer, Richard Farmer, Thomas Thorogood. (Nugent II, p. 233)

Same day, county and page:  John Legatt – Land patent for 400 acs. in Knott’s Island… trans. of 8 pers: incl. Richard Gardner, Joan Williams, Miles Gray, Robert Wright, Elizabeth Johnson, Jon Knight, Jon. MacMurray (Mackmarry), Richard Davy.

Note: Now, the usual scribal convention of the time would abbreviate "John" with "Jno." and "Jonathan" with "Jon." or "Jona." I can't decide if the latter is what is meant in the three cases above, or the scribe was simply dyslexic. Was "Jonathan" suddenly a popular name?

The "Jonathan" was clear in the 1679 Oct 1 patent of Mathew Kemp, where he "imported" Jonathan Knight. It was the same county, so might suggest that Jonathan Knight and his various friends are making the rounds of those in need of headrights. If so, it might be an important clue because the Farmers show up in Lunenburg along with the John Knight there who had sons named John and Jonathan. And we've already tracked a few of the Farmer family and often in relation to Knights and Woodsons! The earliest appearance was with Peter Knight of Gloucester 1652 Jul 16; then, John Hinman 1655 Oct 3; then Cadwallader Jones 1677 Dec 29; Thomas Farmer shows up as tithable in Surry 1678, 1679; and now this. All very suggestive.

VA Nansemond - Admin - Col. John Lear - Land patent for 900 acs. in Up. Par. Of Nanzemond; at Plumpton Park alias Orapeak. … Trans. Of 18 pers: Andrew Beech (?), 4 times; Thomas Andrews, John Griffin, John Freeman, Thomas Harding, Adam Rable, Luke Neale, Tomsin Tarner (or Tanner), Mary Price, Samuel Clarke, Walter Noak, John Wharton, Phillip Powell, Michael Thomas, James Knight. (Nugent II, p. 246)

Note: Who is this James Knight? Who is this Samuel Clarke?   This is the first appearance of a James Knight in the records as far as I have found and the only other James Knight I know of, in the colonies at the time, is the son of Capt. Peter Knight of Northumberland Co. As I have noted again and again, based on what I have observed in the records, young men, sons of planters, would "lend" themselves as headrights perhaps for money or favors, possibly binding themselves as "servants" to other planters, and thereby lay the foundations for their own land patents and establishments. This appears to have been done within networks of family associations and relations and appears to have become something of a rite of passage; not long after he appears as a headright, the young man of a known VA family would patent his own land often with return favor headrights.

Capt. Peter's son, Leonard, gave a deposition at one point declaring his age so we know he was born in 1666. Capt. Peter's father-in-law gave his granddaughter, Elizabeth, a gift of a cow in 1660, probably at her baptism. James was the eldest son, so I would estimate his birth at about 1662. That would make him 20 years old at this time and thus ready to strike out on his own. That is what I think we are seeing here, and also what we are seeing with so many other "headrights" as used during this period in the colony. The same is probably true for Samuel Clarke; he is very likely the son of the Samuel Clarke who was the heir and next of kin of Peter Knight of Gloucester, probably by virtue of marrying Peter's daughter. That the two of them "palled around together" in this way again suggests links between the two Peter Knights.

Col. John Lear's will was probated at a court for Nansemond 12 Dec 1695. The extract is in Weisiger, 1998, p. 194.

VA Old Rappahannock – Will - John Motlin - Sons: William, Henry and John; Elizabeth Richardson; David Stern and James Trent executors; son-in-law John Spicer; Knight Richardson; Richard Mathews; Nathaniel Allen; Elizabeth Knight; Wit: Nathaniel Allen, Martin Middleton, Knight Richardson. (Crozier 1909, p. 217)

Note: Obviously, there are Knight family connections here though we don’t know the details. It would be nice to have a copy of this will and I will look into trying to get it. Meanwhile, we can note that Capt Peter Knight was associated with the Richardsons in the case of William Goss vs Benjamin Cotman heard in the MD court 1671 Mar 13. Recall that William Gosse was passed from "owner to owner": "William Gosse being assigned over from Edward Saunders the assignee of Peter Knight the assignee of Thomas Chetwood (Chettwood) the assignee of Simon Richardson." Further back still, in 1658 Oct 22, Simon Richardson was a member of the jury that tried the case of John Knight and James Hawley in the matter of a servant.

VA Lower Norfolk – Admin - Cason Moore – Land patent for 50 acs, Lynhaven Parish, neare the Cyprus Sw., and adj. His land called Bear Quarter… (Nugent II, p. 284)

Note: The Casons have apparently intermarried with the Moores and both are strongly associated with the Knights of Edgecombe NC.

VA Nansemond - Admin - Michael Thomas & James Knight - Land patent for 450 acs.. Up. Par. Of Nansamond Co: at mouth of a br. Of Orapeake Sw…. Trans of 9 pers: Thomas Conroe, Cock Cromwell, William Mandor. (Nugent II, p. 297)

Note: This appears to be close to the land patented by Col. Lear in 1682. As I have already proposed, this is most likely James, son of Peter Knight; the time fit is too coincidental for it to be otherwise considering the time of the marriage of Capt. Peter to Anne Hawley; James would be probably exactly 21 at the time this patent was filed, and out to make his mark and get his own land.

Nansemond County Records were destroyed by fires in 1734, 1779, and 1866, so finding anything at all is a matter of luck. Also, Nansemond was right next to Isle of Wight County which blended over into Surry/Sussex county which had formerly been James City County.

VA Lower Norfolk – Admin – Peter Cartwright – Land for 358 acs. on E. side of the S. br. Of Eliz. Rive…Trans. Of 7 pers. incl: Peter Knight, Edward Hawley (Hayly), John James. (Nugent II, p. 309)

Note: If these young men were following the usual practice of accumulating funds and favors to obtain their own land, then this Peter Knight was most likely a son of Capt. Peter Knight, and this Edward Hawley, his cousin, both grandsons of James Hawley; it's just too coincidental to find such names together. Based on the date of his appearance as a headright, he is younger than James Knight who has already made his move into Nansemond County, right next door to Lower Norfolk County. A ball-park estimate for the date of this Peter’s birth would be 1667-9, following the birth of Leonard, who gave an affidavit as to his age.

The question is: what happened to this Peter? He is not mentioned in the will (1702) of Capt. Peter Knight. If he was a son, he must have either pre-deceased Capt. Peter or been so estranged that his name was damnatio memoriae. That is not likely; if Capt. Peter Knight wished to protect his estate from claims by a disinherited son, he would need to make provisions for that in his will, and there are none. Thus, if this is his son - highly likely - then the most probable thing is that he died not long after this record was made because he never shows up again. There were also no grandchildren mentioned in the will, so if he was a son of Capt. Peter, he likely did not have children either.

A son of Capt. Peter Knight who died as a young man would explain the mystery (to me) of why he apparently did not have a son named Peter mentioned in his will when, all things considered, (he was a Peter named after a Peter, after all), he most certainly should have had a son named Peter.

In any event, that Capt. Peter Knight most likely had sons named James, Leonard and Peter, and that Leonard had a son named Christopher, as will be seen further on, makes it more and more likely that Peter Knight is related to the Peter Knight named in the 1604 Mar 24 Ladd will as well as the Leonard Knight, merchant of London, son of Richard, who left a will 1626 Apr 27. How those latter two may have been connected needs to be worked out.

VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: John Roberts, Richard Parker, Robert Nicholson, Richard Greene, Thomas Evans, Jeremiah Ellis SR, Edward Ellis, David Phillips, Thomas Cotton, James Watkins, John Sharpe, Edward Greene, Richard Bullock, Henry Hollingsworth, John Knight (with Thomas Busby and Nathaniel Hales or Halet), Robert Cartwright, William Knott, George Jordan, Hugh Bagley, Abraham Evans, John Morgan, Richard Washington, Roger Williams SR & JR, George Hughes, John Greene, Richard Rose, Thomas Ironmonger, John Ironmonger, Samuel Alsobrook, Nicholas Meriwether, Walter Flood, Thomas Flood, William Gray, William Rose, David Andrews, Jonas Bennett, Sion Hill, Robert Hill, Edward Grantham, Nathaniel Roberts, Richard Jordan SR & JR, Lawrence Mizell, Francis Clements, John Watkins, Arthur Jordan, River Jordan, Robert Andrews, Thomas Waller, Francis Regan, Thomas Andrews JR, William Johnson, Luke Mizell, James Jordan, Edward Cutt (with William Edwards and Richard Wheelhouse), William Meade, Thomas Warren, George Williams, James Ellis, John Clements & son, Thomas Morris, John Phillips; ** Blackwater: Robert Hart, John Coker, William Coker, James Cooke, Francis Gregory, John Gray, Robert Savage, Charles Savage, Richard Andrews, James Griffin, John Griffin, Abraham Moore, Joseph Ford; ** Lawnes Creek: Edward Taylor, John Collins, John Clarke, Robert Lancaster, Henry Hart, Thomas Hart, William Hancock, John Hancock, John Kindred, Widow Munch for Robert Hunicutt & David Rice, John Greene, John Clarke, John Phillips, William Newsom SR & JR. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 24, No. 1)

Note: A John Knight appears in Surry. We don't know where he came from or who he belongs to. He has two tithables with him, Thomas Busby and Nathaniel Hales or Halet, and neither of those names ring any bells. Back in 1642, before the Claiborne-Ingle Rebellion, there was a Thomas Hales in the census of Kent Island, MD. See above, left column. Interesting collection of names. And, as you can see, names that are associated with different branches from here on are all mixed together in Surry!

VA Norfolk County was established from Lower Norfolk Couty.

VA Princess Anne County was established from Lower Norfolk County.

VA King & Queen County was established from New Kent County

VA Richmond – Info – County formed from Old Rappahannock County which was divided; the other part became Essex County.

VA Essex – Info - Essex County was established in 1692 from the old Rappahannock County, Virginia. "Old Rappahannock" County was formed 1656 from part of Lancaster County, Virginia and became extinct in 1692 when it was divided to form Essex County and Richmond County, Virginia.  Lancaster was formed from Northumberland County.

MD Somerset County – Admin – Peter Knight - Court convenes. Commissioners present: Francis Jenckins; James Dashiels; James Round; Samuel Hopkins, Capt. John King.
179 ~  Case against John Pope, planter of Mattapony, for adultery with Elizabeth Lawrence, servant to Pope, at Pope’s house; recognizance bond on Pope, Roger Odowey and William Stevenson for Pope’s appearance in court, dated 21 May 1692; James Sangster Clerk of Indictments; Pope pleads not guilty; Jury summoned: James Curtis (foreman), Alexander Thomas, Lawrence Gary, James Langreen, George Goddard, William Venables, Richard Cary, Somerset Dickinson, John Gray, Thomas Gordon, Roger Odowey, William Bowden; evidences: Walter Reed, Elizabeth Lawrence.
181 ~  Petition of Elizabeth Lawrence recounting the “incessant, unwearied, pationate & violent alurements & temptations” by  John Pope to which she ultimately succumbed.
182 ~  Deposition of Elizabeth Lawrence, age 20, dated 21 May 1692; states that she had made several complaints about Pope to Samuel Hopkins but had been with Pope in January and become pregnant; witnesses: James Round, Samuel Hopkins.
182 ~  Jury returns guilty verdict on Pope; required to make bond for £50; securities Benjamin Idlett (Aydolett), Walter Read; obliged to maintain the child of Elizabeth Lawrence and keep the County indemnified from all charges and trouble that might result, and to be of good behavior. 

Note: An Elizabeth Lawrence was a headright of Capt. Peter's in his 1653 Oct 13 Cutts patent along with a Michael Pope. A William Lawrence was headright to Col. Cadwallader Jones in his 1677 Dec 29 patent along with Woodson, Cutts, Farmer, John Knight. The juxtaposition of these names is just too coincidental. Obviously, this 20 yr old Elizabeth Lawrence cannot be the same, but she could be a daughter of William Lawrence who might be a brother of Elizabeth Lawrence.

183 ~  Case against Jone Needham for fornication and bearing a bastard; Peter Dent Clerk of Presentments; Needham acknowledges guilt; is assessed 20 days work; says John Poore is the father; Court orders Poore to appear at next Court; Needham to serve extra year with her master Stephen Horsey, who will pay fine.
184 ~  Presentments of Grand Jury:
Elizabeth Hines for bastardy, servant of John Winder; Informer John Timons;
Samuel Worthington for taking 120 lbs/tbco from Thomas Roberts; George Noble Informer;
Samuel Worthington for taking hogshead of tobacco of Thomas Tulls; informer Bryan O’Dougherty;
Thomas Williams for unwanted advances on daughter of Andrew Spears (Spiers?); informer Patience Williams;
David Richardson for being drunk in his own house;
Margarett Ellinsworth for bastardy;
Ellis Coleman for suspicion of murdering one Darby;
Court orders Presentments be processed; Grand Jury dismissed.
186 ~  Petition of Mary Huett to be released from her indenture, set for four years; she claims to have served three years with George Barrett and one with Francis Roberts; Barrett, from Great Wiccocomico, Northumberland County VA, had acquired her from a Richard Bray who said she was “firm and sound” but she suffered from serious symptoms ascribed to “Morbis Gallicus” (syphilis), and Barrett had her treated by Doctor Thomas Fulkes, from whom she received “the cure”.
186 ~  A copy of Huett’s indenture entered on record; dated 21 March 1688/9, with a three year term after completion of current agreement; witnesses: Peter Knight, Leonard Howson. (Somerset Judicial Records 1692-96, Abstracts with Selected Transcriptions, Volume 535, Page 26)

VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: William Newsome, William Hancock, Charles Williams, John Collins, Edward Taylor, Richard Pearce, John Greene, Henry Hart, Robert Savage, Joseph Richardson, Charles Bass, Charles Savage, Timothy Walker, Abraham Moore, William Barton, Anthony Evans. Robert Hart, Robert Lancaster SR & JR, Mathew Swann, David Rice, John Kindred, John Gray, Robert Reynolds, James Bennett, Henry Baker, Thomas Hart, Martin Johnson, William Bennett, John Gray, Richard Taylor, Robert Crawford, Edward Greene, Peter Bagley, Thomas Cotton & John Knight, Jeremiah Ellis SR. George Jordan, John Sharpe, Judith Watkins, William Knott, Richard Washington, George Ford, Lawrence Flaming, John Greene, River Jordan, Thomas Flood, Walter Flood, Arthur Jordan, Richard Jordan SR & JR, Sion Hill, William Gray, Samuel Alsobrooke, David Andrews, Roger William JR, William Rose, Thomas Waller, Francis Regan, Francis Clements. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 23, No. 4)

Note: Here, John Knight shows up as a tithable with Thomas Cotton.

Thomas Cotton was the son of Walter Cotton and Elizabeth. He was probably brother of John Cotton of Isle of Wight County who married Martha Godwin (will of William Godwin). John and Martha Cotton were the parents of Patience Cotton who married John Spier, the nephew of Dr. James Spier, (son of Dr. John Spier) whose wife, Ann, was a midwife. Ann attended Patience Cotton Spier during childbirth, not long after which, Patience died. Martha Godwin Cotton then accused Ann Spier of murder of her daughter, Patience. Ann was indicted, tried, and found innocent. (Court Records of NC, Oct 1726: Speir et Uxor v Cotton et Uxor.)

James Spier was the son of John and Patience. He married Elizabeth Coker and they were the parents of Terece Spier who married Robert Knight, (will 1761) son of John Knight and Isabell Carter. This latter John Knight left a will (1769) in Edgecombe NC. His son, John Knight, married an Ann possibly Bell.  He, tool, left a will (1783) in Nash County, NC. Robert and Terece were the parents of Spier Knight who is later found in Georgia in association with John Knight and his wife Rachel. However, going by the wills, there does not seem to be a John Knight within this family that could be the John Knight of GA.

None of that answers the question as to which John Knight this is and where did he come from? (Pace grammar.)

VA Isle of Wight – Admin - Capt. Hugh Campbell – Land patent for 1311 acs….  Escheated from Giles Linscott dec’d., by inquisition under John Lear, Esqr., Esch’r., &c….

Same county, date and page: 300 acs. “Heretofore recorded Nansemond County”; on E. side of the NW br. Of Nansemond Riv. Granted John Landman, 9 Apr. 1648, deserted, & now granted by order &c. Imp. Of 6 pers: Charles, James & Richard Hawley and 3 negroes. (Nugent II, p. 398)

Note: Compare with 1694 Apr 20: what do we make of this? We have a Clarke, a John Knight, and 3 Hawleys all being used as headrights by Hugh Campbell in 3 patents in 3 counties though a year apart. Meanwhile, we have a John Knight with Thomas Cotton in Surry county. The John Knight associated with the Hawleys must be also associated in some way with Capt. Peter Knight, possibly a son of the John Knight of Northumberland who was associated with James Hawley and Capt. Peter who we strongly suspect is somehow related.

VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: Upper Sunken Marsh: Richard Greene, Walter Cotton, John Johnson, Richard Jones, Richard Parker, George Jordan, Francis West, River Jordan, Richard Washington, Andrew Williams, Thomas Cotton, William Knott, John Knight, David Phillips, John Sharpe, James Jordan, Peter Bagley, Henry Hollingsworth;

Note: We see that John Knight and Thomas Cotton are listed separately this year.

VA Isle of Wight – Will - James Benn - bequest to sons James Benn, Arthur Benn, George Benn; daus. Mary, Sarah, Jeane and Anne; wife Jane;  Mary Knight; relationship not specified in abstract. (Chapman, pp. 36, 37) 

Note: The will of Arthur Smith JR, d. 2 Dec 1696 mentions his grandson Arthur Benn, so, it appears that a daughter of Arthur Smith married James Benn and was the mother of the grandson, Arthur Benn.

Also, in 1677, John Vicars of Isle of Wight left a bequest to his goddaughter Mary Knight. (Chapman).

Looking back further, we find Arthur Smith SR, who died 1 Oct 1645 (supra), naming Peter Hull, Peter Knight, and George Hardy as overseers.

These Isle of Wight, Smith/Benn/Vicars connections suggest some kind of connnection with Knights that are related to Peter Knight of Gloucester, though we are pretty certain that he had no surviving male heir.

So, who is this Mary Knight?  

VA Northumberland – Admin – John Cook - of Lancaster; Land patent for 50 acs in Northumberland Co. adj. Mr. Bassey (Bassye), by Wiccomoco R., James Hill, Capt. Peter Knight's line. (Gray 1987, p. 20)

Note: Who is this Mr. Bassey? I can't find any records for him in Nugent. One person suggested to me that it might be a variation of Basse, however, scribal spelling was based on sound and convention and Basse was not pronounced Bas-ee, though it was spelled with an E at the end because of French descent spelling convention. Adding a Y to this name strongly suggests it was pronounced Bas-ee, or Bassey, and I have so corrected it.

VA Nansemond - Admin - Robert Coleman – Land patent for 450 acs. near Wickham Swamp.. Adj. Thomas & John Milner; & Lawrance’s land. Trans. Of 9 pers. Incl: John Knight. (Nugent III, p. 15)

Note: Do we have a new John Knight, or the same one used by Hugh Campbell above? The other names I excluded are unfamiliar and offer no clues.

VA Westmoreland – Will – Terrell Knight - 150 acres of land to son Richard Knight; wife Ellenor and the child unborn, stock, tobacco, houselhold goods: wife and friend James Taylor Exs. (Fothergill 2003, p. 27)

VA Henrico – Admin - Thomas Chamberlayne - Of Henrico sells Martha Jones daughter of Philip Jones of Henrico, a mare named Peggy Wit:  Anthony Knight, Charles Roberts. (Weisiger 1996, p. 111)

Note: One suspects that this is the son of Edward Knight and Barbery Coleman, daughter of Anthony Coleman. Recall that Richard Kennon used a Henry Knight as headright into Henrico 1690 Apr 1. Was Henry related to this Anthony?

VA Henrico – Will - Anthony Knight -  To Maj. Thomas Chamberlayne, my ____ George, to age 30. 
To god daughter Margery Gillam, 1 shilling.
To god son Burrell Gordon, 20 shillings.
John Oliver to live on plantation I possess for 6 years, paying yearly 400 lbs tobacco.
Maj. Thomas Chamberlayne to be executor…
Dated 1 __ 1699, Wit: James Sanford, Mary Ludson, Charles Roberts, Recorded 1 May 1700. (Weisiger, 1998, p. 64)

Note: What was ___ George? Was it a son who needed a guardian or someone to manage his money until he was 30? Or was it an indentured servant who was to serve until he was 30? It seems most likely to be the former since he does not bequeath his land to anyone but leaves it to the occupation of John Oliver for 6 years. Is that when George will turn 30? If so, that would give George an est year of birth of 1676.

Who is the 400 pounds of tobacco paid as yearly rent on his plantation to go to? This is a curious problem and the document needs to be re-examined to see if more cannot be gotten out of it. Could it relate to the George Knight who showed up in Surry County?

Also note the 1686 Nov 20 entry of a land transfer from Thomas Wells to Robert Clark whose son was named Samuel Clark. Recall that this was the name of the "heir and next of kin" to Peter Knight of Gloucester who probably married Knight's daughter. Notice that Thomas Chamberlayne was witness to that transfer.

VA Northampton – Will - John Knight SR - planter:-  Sons John Knight and Dixon Knight; wife Elizabeth; Wit. John Nelson, Hannah Capell, Nathaniel Capell. (Crozier 1909, p. 145)

Note: Wife is likely to be Elizabeth Dixon.

VA Northumberland – Will – Mary Hornsby - Court:  Motion of Mary Hornsby Relict and Widdow of John Hornsby, a Probate of the Will of her dec’d husband John Hornsby, proved by Leonard Knight and Elizabeth Knight. (Duvall 1979, p. 85)

VA Nansemond – Admin - James Spier (Speir) – Land patent for 100 acres “Up. Par. Of Nansemond Co; on SE side of Beaverdam Swl, adj. Randall Crew…” Sold to Spier by George Spivey 21 May 1700. (Nugent III, p. 54)

VA Stafford – Admin – Henry Hawley - Court: Payment made to Henry Hawley for killing wolves. (p. 52 Sparacio, SCDWA)

VA Surry – Admin – Tithables - Selected: A change: John Knight is now listing Valentine Williamson as one of his tithables. (VA Gen. Soc. Qrtly. Vol. 24, No. 2)

Note: The Williamsons intermarried with the Carters who had already intermarried with the Moores. Moore Carter married Jane Kindred and we see Kindreds in this list. Moses Knight, son of John Knight and Isabel Carter married Charity Carter and named a son "Kindred." This item tends to suggest that we are seeing here John Knight later of Edgecombe who married Isabell Carter.

VA Richmond – Admin – Thomas Knight – Land patent to Hancock Lee of Northumberland Co. 1353 Acs. in Richmond Co. Wrnt. 20 Oct. Last. Surv. by Edwin Conway. Adj. Mr. Thomas Knight, Horse Penn Run of Rappahanock R. (Gray 1987, p. 26)

VA Richmond – Admin – Isaac Knight - From a List of Ships that have been Cleared in Rappahanock River from 25th March to 24th June 1704: Mayflower of Virginia, Isaac Knight, Master, Owners: John Foster, Isaac Knight, Elisha James, Hugh Hayward. (des Cognets, p. 309)

VA Accomack – Admin - Rent Roll - No Knights (des Cognets, pp. 123-129)

There was no rent roll list for Northumberland County.

Note: See HERE for Rent Rolls by County.

VA Henrico – Admin - Rent Roll - No Knights (des Cognets, pp. 216-221)

VA Surry – Admin - Rent Roll - No Knights! (des Cognets, pp. 210-214)

Note: See HERE for Rent Rolls by County.

VA Northampton  - Admin - Rent Roll– John Knight, 200 acres. (p. 230, des Cognets; see entry for 1696 Apr 26)

Note: See HERE for Rent Rolls by County.

VA Gloucester – Admin - Rent Roll - in Petso Parish – Henry Knight, 240 acres. (Des Cognets, p. 143)

Note: See HERE for Rent Rolls by County.

VA Nansemond - Admin - Rent Roll - James Knight, 600 acres. (des Cognets, pp. 198-204)

Note: See HERE for Rent Rolls by County.

VA Essex – Admin – Augustine Smith – Land patent for 1050 acres  “about 2 ½ mi. from S. side the river… Beg. 100 perches from path to Portobacco [Port Tobacco] from Mattapony Indian Towne or Chicahominy… Granted Thomas Gilson, 20 Oct 1670, deserted & now granted by order, &c. Trans. Of 21 pers”.  List includes: Elizabeth Lee and William Davis. 

Same date, same grantee, same page: 2359 acs Bet. Rappa. River & the head or run of Mattapony Riv; E. on path from Portobacco Indian Town to Chicahominy Indian Town… Transs. Of 48 pers.”  The list includes Thomas Jordan, Mary Scott, William Knight, James Johnson, William Moore, Margaret Johnson.  (Nugent III, p. 97)

VA Northumberland – Admin – Peter Knight - Death of Capt. Peter Knight at the age of 84 or 85. Will dated 28 Nov 1702.

Peter Knight of Wiccocomoco Parish in the County of Northumberland, Gent., 28 November 1702:
Son Leonard Knight a parcel of land bounding upon a branch of the Eastern Neck wch branch is next to his spring branch and southerly Upon the swamp and northerly upon a line of marked trees up the branch unto a marked poplar at head of the sd branch and from thence northwesterly unto a marked white oak standing in a thicket and so along to a marked red oak standing nigh the road to my house and nigh Mr Mayes path and so along his path to the head of the spring branch to Mr. Rich’d Nutts marked tree at the head of the branch and so along his marked trees southerly unto Mr Peter Presleys marked trees and so thence easterly along his line unto ye swamp and so along the swamp to the branch where it began; to him and his heirs etc.
Son James Knight all the rest and remainder of my land to him and his heirs.
Daughter Elizabeth Knight shall have as much land as a couple of hands can tend during her life and not to be molested with land she now lives on.
Son Leonard Knight my silver seals and one hundred pounds of tobacco
Daughter Elizabeth Knight one hundred pounds of tobacco to buy her a ring.
Daughter Mary Knight one hundred pounds of tobacco to buy her a ring.
Son James Knight my sole executor.
Son James Knight all my personal estate to him and his heirs.
*   Witness: mark of Robt R Marsh, Patrick Maley (his mark), Joan O Maley (her mark)
*   This original will was presented into Northumberland County Court by John Coppedge and the book of Records wherein the same was recorded being burned with the office on the sd Coppedge motion. it is again admitted to Record. July 16th 1712. (Abstract by Dr. Motley Booker and James F. Lewis, Wills and Administrations, Northumberland County VA 1706-1720)

Note: See HERE for discussion.

VA Lancaster – Admin – Leonard Knight - Court: Leonard Knight and Anne his wife Ack. a Deed of Indenture of Land to William Short of Lancaster County.  This transcript says: “Wittnesseth that ye sd. William Short and Elisabeth his Wife in consideracon of other lands by the sd. Leonard Knight and Ann his Wife conveyed to ye sd. William Short and Elisabeth his wife… acknowledge themselves fully satisfied. And clearly acquitted & dischargeth the sd. Leonard Knight and Ann his Wife a certain tract of land containing Two hundred and fifteene acres being in Fleets Bay in the Pish: of Christ Church in the County of Lancaster…. Near unto Robert Huffs House… line of Abraham Corrells. etc”  (Duvall, p. 102; The full transcript can be found in Sparacio’s Lancaster County Virginia Deed Book Abstracts 1701-1706)

VA Essex – Admin – Daniel Mackgirt & James Gibbins - Land patent for 3700 acres …”bet. Rappa. & Matapony Rivers; S. on a gr. Tract granted to Maj. Robert Beverly, dec’d., & N. on land of Thomas Pannell, dec’d; … E. side of Chickahominie Path sometimes called Portobago Path [Port Tobacco] ... Imp. Of 74 pers”.  The list incl: Margaret Butler, John Morgan John Hughes, Elizabeth Dudley, John Knight, Elizabeth Morgan, Anne Jefferys, Richard Johnson, Jane Roberts, Sarah Roberts, John Davis, Richard Scott, James Johnson, Jacob Martin, Robert Gibbins, Justin Cox, John Holliday, Robert Whitehead, Matthew Lloyd, Thomas Martin. . (Nugent III, p. 100)

Same county and date: Daniel Mackgirt & Francis Shackleford – Land patent for 1316 acres “bet. Rappa. & Mattapony Rivers… Imp. Of 27 pers: Frances Knight … John Hambleton.” (Nugent III, p. 104)

Note: We don't know if "Frances" means a male or female since the spelling was so fluid in those times. Back on 1651 Apr 28, Edmund Scarborough patented land using Francis W. Knight as headright. We can also recall that William Knight of Isle of Wight died intestate and administration was granted to Frances Knight 1672 Aug 10. Both of those records are well in the past from this one, but you never know. What is interesting is the association with John Hambleton, not a common name.