Early records on Sharpe, Harwar, Vass
Following are a few of my notes that pertain to the early records of old Rappahannock County (later Essex and Richmond counties). They include quite a few mentions of the Harwar and Sharpe lines as well as some of the early Vincent Vass records. Recall that John Sharpe and his wife Judith (last name unknown) had three daughters: Mary (eldest), Anne and Judith. Anne married 1. Thomas Roberts, 2. Thomas Gillett; and 3. Vincent Vass.
From the notes below, you can see that Thomas Roberts was alive on 6 Aug 1681 when he was involved with the court case involving Thomas Harwar and John Penneye (i.e. Penn(d)). But, his estate inventory was presented at a Rappahannock County court of 25 Apr 1683, suggesting Roberts probably died in 1683 since estates were often presented for probate soon after the deceased died. Moreover, the 1 Aug 1683 Rappahannock court record demonstrates that by this date, Thomas Gillett (Jillet) was already married to the widow Anne (Sharpe) Roberts. In addition, this record involves the estate left to Judith Roberts by her father Thomas. It is likely Judith was his daughter by his wife Anne, hence named for Anne's mother Judith Sharpe as per the usual naming patters of this time. As there is no mention of other children, I would guess that Judity was the only child they had. This could also suggest that the Anne whom Vincent Vass refers to in his 1726 will as his daughter in law was a daughter of Anne (Sharpe) (Roberts) by her second husband, Thomas Gillett.
As to Thomas Gillett, we know he was married to Anne by 1 Aug 1683. We also know from these records that Thomas Gillett was still alive on 3 Aug 1687 when he served on a jury in Rappahannock County. But, Gillett was deceased by 6 Jun 1688 by which time Vincent Vass had already married the widow. This means that Gillett died and Vass married the widow Anne between these two dates: 3 Aug 1687 and 6 Jun 1688, and probably in early in 1688.
The first appearance I have yet found of Vincent Vass in the records is in March of 1682 Middlesex County, VA court record where he was sued by Thomas Haselwood. If we Vass was at least 21 at this date, this would place his date of birth as 1661, and quite likely before if he was an established planter in March of 1682. I would place Vincent's date of birth as about 1655. If so, he would have been 21 years old (the date at which many men married) in 1676. But, he only married Anne (Sharpe) (Roberts) (Gillett) in early 1688 at which time Vincent would have been 33 years old. This indicates to me the likelihood that Vincent Vass too was married before he married Anne. If so, it's possible some of his children were by a first wife, and there may have been children besides those mentioned in the will of Vincent Vass. The records follow. These are abstracts so do not reflect the exact wording in the official records.
MISCELLANEOUS HARWAR,SHARPE, VASS RECORDS
1635, Jul 4—Persons to be transported from London to Virginia by the "Transport" of London. Mr. Edward Walker, by certificate from the Minister of Gravesend; (Coldham: Complete Book of Emigrants 1607-1660, p. 153-154. List of names includes Humfrey "Hadnet" age 22, and John Voss, age 22. The name Humfrey Hadnet may be that of Humphrey Haggett that appears in the MD and VA records. For example, according to the "Arnold Family Association of the South," by Hazel Arnold MacIvor, Anthony Arnold appeared in the records of Colonial Virginia in Lancaster Co., on October 3, 1654, when he witnessed a deed of Nicholas Meriwether, who sold 400 acres of land on the South Side of the Rappahannock River, to Humphrey Haggett (Lancaster Co. Court Orders, 1652-1655, pg. 178). Also see p. 47, 49 of Horsfall notes on Humphrey "Hodgetts."
1655, Sep 8—Will of George Ludlow of the county and parish of York in Virginia, esquire. Leaves to nephew Thomas Ludlowe, eldest son of brother Gabriel Ludlowe, Esq., deceased, whole estate in Virginia; also 1/16th part of the ship "Mayflower" bought of Mr. Samuel Harwar of London, merchant. Gives authority to the said Mr. William Allen of London, merchant, and Mr. John Gray who lives at the Green Man on Ludgate Hill authority to receive debts from Mr. Samuel Harwar at the Sun and Harp in Milk Street, London, and from any others. From various records, it appears that Sir Edmund Ludlow had a brother Thomas (b.1560) and a sister Margaret that married Robert Vaux. Thomas married and had issue Roger, George Ludlow who married Elizabeth, and Gabriel (b. 1587). Roger married and had issue Jonathan, son and heir, and Joseph, Roger, Ann Mary and Sarah. Gabriel married and had a son Thomas who married Rebecca Hurst.
1659, Apr—Deed of gift of 2600 acres of land on (?) side of the freshes of Rappahannock County about 12 miles above Nanzemum town. Wife Jane Gillit. Witness: Edward Hudson, James Bradlun, Thomas Liddall.
1660, Nov 24—These may certify whom it may concern that my Wife gave to her God Daughter Mary Sharpe naturall Daughter of John Sharp one yearling heafer being cropt of the right Ear & Slitt on the left which heifer I desire may be registered in Court for the (missing) with the Increase. As witness my hand this 24th November 1660. Signed David Fox.
1663, Jan—Deed of gift of cow and calf from John Sharpe for use of Mary Sharp my eldest daughter. Recorded in records of Rappahannock County. Signed John Sharp (by sign). Wit: Thomas Button, John Grigory (Gregory).
1668, Feb 24—Power of appointment by John Lucas of (?) in Dugl Merchant doe appoint Thomas Pattison of Rappahannock County planter by true and lawful attorney. Signed John Lucas. Wit: Jacob Jenifer, Elizabeth Ayre and Judith Sharpe.
1668, Dec 7—Land patents 6: 205, Thomas Harwarr and Nicholas Cox. Rappahannock County, 922 acres. In the county of Rappahannock and on the south side of the river, 867 acres part thereof, adjoins the land of John Chyn, Thomas Pattison, Richard Bredgatt, John Sharpe, and others.
1669, Oct 12—Rappahannock County land transaction between Henry Corbyn and his wife Alice Corbin/Corbyn and Thomas Bowler. Alice Corbin wife of the above Henry Corbin Esq. Am well content with the sale of the land and have ordered Mr. Thomas Harwar my attorney to acknowledge the same in court.
1669, Oct 13—Know all men by these presents that we Thomas and Jane Butten of the parish of Farnham County of Rappahannock grant unto Anthony North of same the thirds of 200 acres of land now in the tenure and occupation of the said Anthony North the land being formerly the land of John Gillett the late or former husband of me the said Jane Butten. Signed Thomas Butten, Jane Butten (by mark). Wit: Humphrey Booth, John Watts, George Davis.
1672/3, Jan 22—Will of Richard Simms. I give to John Penn if it shall please God I dye w/out wife or issue all my real and personal estate. Signed (by mark) Richard Simms. Wit: Thomas Harware, Henry Williamson.
1672/3, Mar 4—Know all men that I Judith Hawar the wife of Thomas Harwar do hereby appoint William Talbutt my lawful attorney for me and in my name to acknowledge unto Henry Woodnutt all might right and title to 460 acres of land sold him as by conveyance upon record bearing date 30 Nov 1671. Signed Judith Harwar (by sign).
1674, May 2—Thomas Roberts witness to land transaction.
1675/6, Jan 3—We Thomas and Judith Harware of the County of Rappahannock paid unto Thomas Crow of the same county by Henry Woodnutt doe by these presents confirm unto Henry Woodnutt all our right interest and title in 160 acres being part of 760 acres formerly sold to the said Woodnutt. Signed Thomas Harware.
1675, Apr 26—Indenture between Henry Smith of he County of Rappahannock and Thomas Harwar of same. For consideration Henry Smith sells 370 acres of land on the south side of the river.
1675, May 3—I Thomas Harwar of the County of Rappahanock sell unto Richard Spurling 150 acres on south side of the river bounding on the land of Mr. Thomas Bowler which he bought of Richard Spurling 50 acres of the said land being formerly taken up by the said Richard S purling and by him sold the other hundred being part of a greater part of a tract of land taken up by me the said Harwar and Nicholas Cox. Mentions Wife Judith Harwar.
1676, May 22—Will of Nathaniel Baxter of parish of Farnham in county of Rappahannock. Mentions natural son Nathaniel Baxter. Daughter Ann Baxter. Daughter Elethias Baxter. My friends Mr. William Young Sr. and Thomas Roberts to see that this will be executed. Wife mentioned but not by name.
1676, Jan 13. Will of John Pen of Rappahannock County. To Anne Sharp, d/o John my plantation which I now live on plus 50 pounds sterling money of England; to Judith Sharp, d/o John, 50 pounds sterling money of England; to Elizabeth Harware, d/o Thomas Harware 50 pounds sterling money of England—all to be delivered at day of their marriages. Also personalty to Edward Dracas, Thomas Cocker, Mary Peyton. Thomas Harware named executor. Give unto Thomas Talbutt, s/o William Talbutt, mare. If Anne Sharpe d. w/out issue, her share to Thomas Harware. Signed John Penne. Wit: Peter Hopegood, Joseph Price.
1677, May 2—Thomas Roberts aged 28 years or thereabouts (b.c. 1649) sworn and examined said he saw Nathaniel Baxter sign, seal and publish his will.
1677 May 3—Thomas Harware aged 34 years or thereabouts and Henry Williamson aged 34 or thereabouts sworn and examined re probate of estate of Richard Simms.
1681, Aug 6—Know all men by these presents that I, Thomas Harwar, ex. Of last will and testament of John Penneye, executor of William Simes, for and in consideration of the sawing of 2,000 feet of pine plank to be sawed on ye now dwelling plantation of Thomas Roberts … have sold unto John Mills all my right and interest in a parcel of land lying at ye head of Moraticoe Creek. Signed Thomas Harwar. Judith Harwar (signed by mark) released dower. Wit: Thomas Roberts, Marvell Moseley.
1682, Oct 22—Land patents 7:188. To Thomas Harwar, old Rappahannock County, 647 acres on the back of Capt. Henry Smith’s dividend. Beginning at a corner white oak called Randolph Curtis’ corner.
1683, Apr 25—At Rappahannock court, an inventory of the estate of Thomas Roberts late of said county taken by John Jones, Anthony Smith, Richard Greensted/Grinsted.
1683, Aug 1—Thomas Jillett of Rappahannock County bound to Thomas Harwar for 10,000 pounds of tobacco to ensure that Jillett will deliver unto Judith Roberts, daughter of Thomas Roberts, late of this county, deceased, and Ann his wife, which wife, Ann, the said Thomas Jillett hath now intermarried with. To be delivered to Judith Roberts upon the day of her marriage or attaining the age of 21, whichever to occur first. Signed Thomas Jillett (by mark). Wit: John Billington, Robert Williams, John Almond.
1684, A pr 2—Rappahannock County court. It did appear that Vincent Vass was imprest in the Country’s service with himself and horse by order of Col. John Stone to bring down corn and lumber belonging to the Rappahannock Indians from their fort to the river side, in which service he was employed 9 days for satisfaction whereof is referred to the Assembly.
1684, Sep 4—At Rappahannock County court, judgment granted to Thomas Jillet as marrying the relict of Thomas Roberts deceased against Thomas Wheeler.
1686, May 19—At Rappahannock County court, reference granted between Thomas Jellit plaintiff and Dennis Macarty defendant, till next North side court.
1687, Aug 3—Thomas Gillett served as member of jury in Rappahannock County.
1688, Jun 6—At court in Rappahannock County, administration granted to Vincent Vass as marrying the relict of Thomas Gillett, deceased.
1688, Oct 4—At Rappahannock County court, Ref. Granted between Edward Jones, as assignee of William Thornbury plaintiff and Vincent Vass as administrator of Mrs. Jane Jones and Vincent Vass defendant as administrator of Thomas Gillett.
1688, Dec 5—At Rappahannock County court, Mrs. Jane Jones action against Vincent Voss administrator of Thomas Gillett deceased. Declares she had a contract with the deceased to plaster her house, porch, two chimney, two dormant windows, etc. and had paid a mare in part consideration…
1692, Feb 10—Indenture between Vincent Vause of the county of Essex in Virginia, planter, and Anne his wife of the one party, and Edward Thomas of the same county and colony, merchant, of the other party. Witnesseth that the said Vincent Vause and Anne his wife for and in consideration of one lusty man Negro and one English man servant to him in hand paid or secured to be paid…by Edward Thomas…whereof the said Vincent Vause and Anne his wife have sold unto the said Edward Thomas all that plantation and parcel of land whereon the said Vincent Vause and his wife Ann hath lately lived containing 250 acres more/less, it being the one moiety of a dividend quantity 500 acres bequeathed unto the said Anne by the LWT of John Penne late of the county. Land description mentions Mr. Henry Williamson’s line. Signed Vincent Vause (by sign) and Anne Vause (by sign). Wit: John Battaile and Robert Brooke.
1696, Oct 10—Whereas there has been a partition (per order of Essex court of 20 Dec 1695 by Capt. Wm. Moseley surveyor) of land between Samuel Harwar and Ann his wife and John Cammill and Sarah his wife, which descended to Ann and Sarah from their deceased brother, George Killman, late of the above said county of Essex…Signed Samuell Harwar, Ann Harwar (by mark). Wit: James Boughan and Henry Woodnut.
1698/9, Mar 12—Will of Thomas Harwar of Essex County. Mentions daughter Elizabeth (legacy given to her in will of John Penn). Rest of estate to son Thomas Harwar. Son to be executor, with assistance from friends Capt. Edward Thomas and Mr. Leonard Hill. Signed Thomas Harwar Senior. Wit: Daniell Whitehorne, Gerard Greenwood, Edward Adcocke. Proved 11 Jul 1698.
1701, Feb 12—Deed, Thomas Greene sell unto Richard Kelley of Gloucester County 200 acres of land in Essex upon south side of Piscataway Creek. Deed witnessed by Samuel Harwar, Elesabeth Samon, Edward Portius.
1710—Administration bond of Samuel Harwar of Essex.
1713—Will of Thomas Harwar of Essex (wills 14:155-156).
1723—will of Henry Harwar of Essex (wills 4:42-43).
1738, Oct 14—Indenture between William Beale Gent and Harwar his wife of South Farnham parish Essex of the one part and Bibby Bush of same, 131 acres part of a tract of 647 acres granted by patent dated 2 Sep 1682 to Thomas Harwar. Signed William Beale and Harwar Beale. Wit: Peter Brooke, Ann Vass.
1738, Dec 14—Indenture between William Beale Gent. And Harwar his wife of South Farnham parish, Essex, of the first part and James Medley of same 104 acres, part of a tract of 800 acres granted by patent dated 14 Oct 1665 to John Sharp. Description mentions corner of Mr. John Vass. Signed William Beale, Harwar Beale. Wit: John Beale, Richard Beale, Susanna Dike.
1744, Mar 27—From Richmond County, VA deed book 10. Deed from Willoughby Newton of the Parish of Cople in the County of Westmoreland, to Benjamin Rust of Richmond, for and in consideration of 300 acres in Fairfax (bought by said Rust of Daniel and Hugh Thomas) and 114 pounds money and 3200 pounds of crop tobacco, one grist mill bought of Anthony Morgan, situated on one of the branches of Totoskey Creek, together with 1 acre of land adjoining the lower side of said mill, and on Clarks Spring Branch, to include the dwelling house and tobacco house, between the said mill and branch in Richmond. Also, one other parcel of land in the fork of Totaskey Creek containing about 100 acres whereon John Morgan and John Simons now live, bought of the said Morgan as per deeds from said John Morgan to said WILLOUGHBY NEWTON may appear, dated last Jun 21. Signed—WILLOUGHBY NEWTON. Wit: Vincent Vass, Samuell Rust, Micajah Simons (by Mark). Recorded 4 Jun 1744.
Note: Robert1 Vaulx was a merchant of London who patented 6,000 acres of land in Westmoreland County. His son was Robert2 Vaulx (d. 1755 Westmoreland). Issue of Robert2 Vaulx: Mary "Molly" who married James Ball; Milly; Katy; Kenner; Sally; and Elizabeth who married John NEWTON by whom she had issue: WILLOUGHBY NEWTON and SARAH VAUX NEWTON, born 14 Jul 1767, died 17 Jun 1785. WILLOUGHBY NEWTON married Sally Bland Poythress by whom he had WILLOUGHBY NEWTON, Thomas F. Newton, and Sarah Newton.
Sarah Vaux Newton married David Ball, son of Joseph Ball and Hannah Haynie.
In Dec 1745 Richmond County order book (11:511) contains a reference to Vincent Vass as a member of a jury of that county.
The 19 Feb 1754 Richmond County will of Benjamin Rust, proved 1 Apr 1754, left property to his granddaughter SARAH VASS—all that tract of land on Totuskey creek together with cattle, hogs, slaves, etc.
There is a 27 Nov 1755 Richmond County marriage bond for the marriage of Vincent Vass to Judith Ball. Bondsman was Samuel Rust.