More maritime jobs

Here are a few more occupations for waterlovers:

Engineer: [1] designed ships; [2] maintained engines
Pilot: navigated ships/boats on waterways
Boatswain: officer in charge of sails and rigging
Lodeman: ship or boat pilot
Master mariner: commander of ship
Ship master: owner or commander of ship
Steersman: helmsman on ship
Ballast heaver: loaded ballast into empty holds of ships
Bargeman, Barkman: worked on, owned or operated a barge
Wharfinger: owned or managed wharf

Jobs on the Waterways

Working on the Rivers, Lakes, Oceans and Seas:

Anchor smith: made anchors
Armourer: made metal plates for sides of ships
Caulker: made boats watertight by caulking seams
Jack: young sailor
Landsman: inexperienced sailor
Shipwright: carpenter skilled in building and designing ships, boats
Boarding officer: inspected ships before they entered port
Chanty man: led singing on board ship
Stevedore: overseer or laborer involved with the loading and unloading of cargo of merchant vessels
Longshoreman: worked on the waterfront loading and unloading ships

Wagons Ho!

Next up, the wagon-carriage industry:

Wainwright: built, repaired wagons
Wagoner: drove wagons or carts
Step Boy: helped passengers in and out of carriages, coaches
Hostler / Ostler: stableman or groom
Muleskinner / Muleteer: mule driver
Horse coper: horse dealer or breeder
Horse capper: dealer in worthless horses
Henchman: horseman, groom
Hackney man: rented horses, carriages
Hack driver: driver of a taxi, carriage for hire
Cartwright: made carts, wagons
Cart wheeler: made wheels for carts, wagons
Carter: wagoner, stable headman
Cabbie: driver of small horse drawn passenger vehicle
Axel tree maker: made axels for wagons, carriages and carts
Drayman: drove low flatbed wagon without sides [primarily became brewery wagons]
Teamster: driver of wagons hauling cargo
Bullwacker: oxen driver
Chaise maker: made wicker carts
Coachman: coach driver

Metalworking II

Ten more jobs in the business:

Whit cooper: made tin barrels
Turner: worked with a lathe
Spallier: tin works laborer
Smelter: worker in a smelter melting down ores
Iron monger: dealer in iron or hardware
Ironmaster: owner or manager of an iron foundry
Brass founder: cast brass
Boiler plater: made rolled iron plate for making boilers for steam engines
Boilermaker: attends Purdue University [just kidding!] -worked with metal in an industrial setting
Bellows maker: made bellows for a blacksmith

Metalworking I

Many of our ancestors were smiths of one kind or another. Here are a few examples:

Smith: worked with metal
Blacksmith, Vulcan, Forger, Farrier: made and repaired items made of metal, generally iron
Tinsmith, Brightsmith: worked with tin
Ironsmith, Ferrier: worked with iron
Goldsmith, Redsmith, Orfever: worked with gold; goldsmith also dealt in gold items
Coppersmith, Greensmith: worked with copper, latten
Silversmith: worked with silver
Whitesmith: maker of tin utensils; primarily dairy utensils
Pan Smith: made pans
Anvil smith: made anvils
Bell founder: cast bells

Keeping them down on the farm

Here are farm-related occupations:

Acre man, Ackerman, Earer, Malender, Husbandman, Plowman, Tillman, Planter, Granger: farmer
Yeoman: farmer who owns his own land
Agriculturalist: involved with land cultivation or animal husbandry
Tobacconist: tobacco farmer
Curer: cured tobacco
Sharecropper: farmed someone else's land and split the crop with the owner
Gelder: castrated farm animals
Cowherd: cow keeper or tender
Drover: driver of sheep or cattle
Topsman: foreman or head cattle driver
Shearer: cut wool from sheep
Wool grower: sheep farmer
Gatward: goat keeper
Gooseherd: herder of gesse
Hoggard: pig drover
Swineherder: pig keeper
Pinder: caught and confined stray animals

Papermaking

A number of jobs found in the textile mills could be transferred to a paper mill.  Paper had to be hung up to dry, baled, cut, sold, etc. Here are a few specialty jobs.

Blaxter/Bleacher: bleacher cloth or wood pulp for paper in a Bleachery
Caffler or Rag picker: collected rags
Hotpresser: pressed paper between hot glazing sheets to smooth or glaze it
Layer: paper mill worker at a particular process
Rag cutter: cut rags into pieces for papermaking
Vatman: put paper pulp into moulds

Putting the wrap on the Textile jobs

Braider: made braids by twisting cords or leather strips
Beetler: ran beetling machine that embossed [put the shine on] textiles
Card master: person in charge of the carding room
Cloth looker: inspected cloth
Beamer: drew yarn through or onto the loom beam
Baler: baled wool or cotton goods
Cambric maker: made fine cotton/linen fabric
Camlet maker: made cloth for petticoats and cloaks
Camlet merchant: sold same

Textile Industry IV

31-40:

Galloon maker: made decorative woven trim, usually gold or silver, used in military or police uniforms, drapery, etc. [trim called galloon]
Friezer: friezed [embroidered] cloth with gold/silver trim
Fuller: fulled [cleaned] cloth for spinning or weaving
Fustian cutter: lifted/cut thread to make corduroy [old name - fustian]
Delaine worker: made light all-wool cloth of plain weave,; often printed
Dexter: dyer
Doffer: replaced yarn bobbins
Draper: dealer in fabrics
Brogger: wool merchant
Carder: combed wool or cotton

Textile Industry III

21-30:

Mordant maker: made 'mordant', a chemical used in fixing dye in cloth
Lister: dyer
Linen draper: sold linens, flannels, bedding, calicos, gloves, ribbons, scarves, etc.
Lace runner: embroidered lace
Lace master/mistress: lace worker
Hair weaver: weaver of horse hair cloth
Hayrester: works with horse hair
Jersey comber: combed Jersey wool before spinning
Kempster: combed wool or cotton
Hooker: laid out fabric in uniform folds in required lengths

Textile Industry II

11-20:

Stuff weaver: weaver of coarse cloth [stuff; worsted]
Sprig maker: weaver of fine lace sprigs [appliques]
Winder: transferred yarn onto bobbins/perns, ready for weaving
Windster: silk weaver
Twister: twisted yarn into thread
Tapiter: weaver of tapestry
Silkman: engaged in manufacture or sale of silk
Wool stapler: dealer in wool
Slubber: prepared cotton for spinning
Wool comber:  combed, separated fiber for spinning

Textile industry I

Some of the jobs were done in a textile mill, others may have been independent professions:

1-10

Mercer: cloth seller
Spinner: spun yarn to make cloth
Tucker: cleaned cloth goods
Textor: weaver
Warper: set up thread on looms
Weaver: operates loom to make cloth
Scutcher: beat flax to extract linen fibers
Walker: walked over cloth after weaving & wetting to clean & thicken it
Tenter: stretched cloth on a frame to dry
Reeler: organized yarn on bobbins & arranged them above the machines

Occupations

I'm not sure how long it's been since I've posted write-ups on occupations. I'm going to revisit the topic for a few posts. Take a look at your ancestors and see what jobs or careers they held down. Some of them may be a bit confusing. Here's a couple of examples:

teamster: Today one associates a teamster with unions. Jimmy Hoffa, etc. Early on a teamster drove a wagon.

hooker: Not what you think! A hooker was a person involved in the rug making process.

I will put together a list of occupations and define them. If I miss any really unusual ones, let me know!

I'm going to start with the weaving industry. Many of us have Huguenot ancestors. Those Huguenots who came from cities tended to work in the weaving industry. There are some gems!

Time to compile the lists!

The Thorowgood Family of England & Virginia

The Thorowgood Family:

First Generation

1.  John Thorowgood^1–2 was born circa 1440 in Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.^1–2 John of Chelston Temple is the first known ancestor of the Thorowgood line. His descendancy of Thomas-2, John-3, John-4, William-5, Sir John-6 and Anne-7 is not proven, but is a strong possibility. Anne was clearly not the daughter of Adam-6, but could easily be the child of one of his brothers. Sir John is a viable candidate.

Although not much is known of the Keeling ancestors of Thomas, several of the confirmed Keeling children bear names common to Anne's family: Thomas [found in both lines], Adam [Anne's uncle], Edward [another uncle], Thorowgood [family surname], Anne [herself, grandmother], Frances [mother], and Elizabeth [maternal grandmother].

John Thorowgood had the following child:

               2              i.   Thomas Thorowgood, born ca 1470, Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.

Second Generation

2.  Thomas Thorowgood^1–2 (John-1) was born circa 1470 in Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.^1–2 Thomas had at least two sons, Nicholas and John. Nicholas had a son Roger.

Thomas Thorowgood had the following child:

              3              i.   John Thorowgood, born ca 1500, Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England; died ca 1560, Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.

Third Generation
3.  John Thorowgood^1–2 (Thomas-2, John-1) was born circa 1500 in Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.^1–2 He died circa 1560 at the age of 60 in Chelston Temple, Hertfordshire, England.¹

John Thorowgood had the following child:
              4              i.   John Thorowgood, born ca 1530, Felsted, Essex, England; married Anne Lucken, ca 1560, Grimston, Norfolk, England; died ca 1600, Norwich, Norfolk, England.

Fourth Generation
4.  John Thorowgood^1–2 (John-3, Thomas-2, John-1) was born circa 1530 in Felsted, Essex, England.^1–2 He died circa 1600 at the age of 70 in Norwich, Norfolk, England.¹

John Thorowgood and Anne Lucken were married circa 1560 in Grimston, Norfolk, England.^1–2 Anne Lucken¹, daughter of Thomas Lucken, was born circa 1534 in Essex, England.¹ She died circa 1596 at the age of 62 in Essex, England.¹

John Thorowgood and Anne Lucken had the following child:

               5              i.   William Thorowgood, born ca 1560, Grimston, Norfolk, England; married Anne Edwards, ca 1585, England; died 16 May 1635, Felstead, Essex, England.

 

Fifth Generation

5.  William Thorowgood^1–2 (John-4, John-3, Thomas-2, John-1) was born circa 1560 in Grimston, Norfolk, England.^1–2 He died on 16 May 1635 at the age of 75 in Felstead, Essex, England.¹ William Thorowgood was the son John Thorowgood and Anne Lucken. He was appointed vicar of St. Butolph's parish church of Grimston, King Lynn, Norfolk, England in 1581. Vicar Thorowgood was the Commissary to the Bishop of Norwich in 1587.

William married three times. Anne Edwards, whom he married by 1585, was the mother of his nine children.He married widow Mary Dodge after 1620 and widow Alice Holbeck about 1625.

Vicar William Thorowgood died 16 May 1635 in Felstead. 

William and Anne Edwards had nine children:
[1] Edward
[2] John: [see next]
[3] Thomas of Grimston: B.A. from Queen's College, Cambridge, 1613-14; M.A., 1617; B.D., 1624; Rector of Little Massingham, 1620; of Grimston, 1625; one of the assembly of Devines; teice Clerk of the Convocation.
[4] Edmund of Markham: married Frances, daughter of Edward Smith of Chelston Temple, Essex.
[5] William
[6] Mordaunt: died at Seige of Breda.
[7] Adam: b. 1602/3; went to Virginia in 1621; returned to England and married Sarah Offley in London on 18 July; Justice of the Peace; member of the Council of Virginia; acquired over 1000 acres in Virginia; ship's captain; d. 1640.
[8] Frances: married Robert Griffith of Wales.
[9] Robert: mayor and captain in King's Lynn, Norfolk; married Anne, daughter of Edward Hawke of Norfolk. 

William Thorowgood and Anne Edwards were married circa 1585 in England.^1–2 Anne Edwards¹ was born circa 1558 in Norwich, Norfolk, England.¹ She died circa 1620 at the age of 62 in Grimston, Norfolk, England.¹

William Thorowgood and Anne Edwards had the following child:

              6              i.   Sir John Thorowgood, born ca 1586, Grimston, Norfolk, England; married Frances Meautis, bef 1613, England; died ca 1664, Kensington, Middlesex, England.

 

Sixth Generation

6.  Sir John Thorowgood^1,3 (William-5, John-4, John-3, Thomas-2, John-1) was born circa 1586 in Grimston, Norfolk, England.^1,3 He died circa 1664 at the age of 78 in Kensington, Middlesex, England.^1,3 Sir John Thorowgood was born about 1586 in Grimston, Norfolkshire to William Thorowgood and Anne Edwards.

John was Secretary to the Earl of Pembrooke. He was inservice to the Duke of Buckingham, Gentleman Petitioner to King Chsrles I. Thorowgood was knighted by Charles I at his coronationation in Scotland in 1630. Sir John took part in the Civil War on the side of Parliament. He was a member of the Privy Council under Charles II. John resided at Kensington, Middlesex.

He married Frances, daughter of Thomas Meautis, Esquire, of West Ham, Essex before 1613.

John was named overseer of his brother Adam's will dated 17 February 1639/40. Adam became a prominent settler in Lynnhaven Parish, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia after serving as an indentured servant. He would go on to transprt 105 persons to Virginia and amass land holdings of over 5000 acres thanks to those 105 headrights. Among those whom he transported to Virginia was Thomas Keeling, the future husband of his niece Anne.

Sir John Thorowgood died in 1664.

Sir John Thorowgood and Frances Meautis were married before 1613 in England.^1,3 Frances Meautis was born circa 1596 in West Ham, Essex, England. She died circa 1650 at the age of 54 in West Ham, Essex, England.

 

John Thorowgood and Frances Meautis had the following child:

 

              7              i.   Ann Thorowgood, born ca 1613, Hertfordshire, England; married Thomas Keeling, ca 1634–1635, England; married William Jermy, ca 1665, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Robert Bray, aft 1666, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died ca 16 Jan 1687, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

Seventh Generation

7.  Ann Thorowgood^4–5 (John-6, William-5, John-4, John-3, Thomas-2, John-1) was born circa 1613 in Hertfordshire, England.⁶ She died circa 16 Jan 1687 at the age of 74 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.^4–5 Ann's identity and parentage is somewhat muddled. Most sources, primarily undocumented, give her maiden name as Thorowgood. The mystery then becomes three-fold:
(1) Was she the brother of prominent Lynn Haven settler Adam Thorowgood [1602-1640] and the daughter of William Thorowgood [1560-1625] and one of his three wives, Anne Edwards, Mary Dodge or Alice Holbeck?
(2) Was she the daughter of Adam Thorowgood [1602-1640] and Sarah Offley?
(3) Was she the daughter of one of Adam's elder brothers, John, Thomas, Edmund, Mordaunt or William?

In her 1974 publication The 17th Century Families of John Martin & Thomas Keeling," Alice Granbery Walter makes the claim that Ann's maiden name was as of yet unknown. She also notes that the names of the Keeling children [Adam, Thorowgood, Edward, Elizabeth, Sarah, Frances and John were all common to Thorowgood families.] Adam Thorowgood had convinced Thomas Keeling to join in the settlement in Lowe Norfolk.

There is also the issue of her date of marriage. 1630, 1634 and 1637 are the primary dates offered. If Ann was born in 1618, she would have been 12 in 1630; 16 in 1634 and 19 in 1637. The latter is the most reasonable. Ann and William are recorded with children born as early as 1630 and 1635.

Most sources, again, undocumented, give Ann's birth about 1618. A few give her birth as about 1608. 1608 would allow for a marriage in 1630 [age 22]. However, Ann would have been 46 when her youngest was born in 1654.

There is also a christening date of 27 February 1613 in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England for an Anne Thorowgood, daughter of John Thorowgood. [England Select Births & Christenings 1530-1975; Familysearch.org]

Other entries for Anne Thorowgood [Thorogood, Thoroughgood]:
6 Feb 1602 [father - Abraham];
12 Feb 1614 [father - Abraham];  both Sawbridgeworth.
Other Hertfordshire entries:
7 Oct 1604 Reed [father - Phillip];
24 Mar 1604 Ware [father - John];
11 Nov 1604 Barkway [father - John];
28 Dec 1618 Reed [father - Jonathan] 
11 Aug 1611 Crostwick, Norfolk [parents - Edward & Bridgett]

A birth date just prior to February 1613, would make Anne about 21 in 1634, the predominant year of marriage. This would make much more sense that a birth about 1618.

Anne married three times. The first was to Thomas Keeling, about 1634/35 in England. Her second was to William Jermy,  about 1665. Jermy died 15 January 1666. Anne's final marriage was to Robert Bray, after 1666. Anne died in 1687.

Ann Thorowgood and Thomas Keeling were married circa 1634–1635 in England.⁴ Thomas Keeling⁴, son of John Keeling and Alice Waterhouse, was born circa 1608 in Worcestershire, England.⁴ He died on 1 Oct 1664–17 Oct 1664 at the age of 56 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁴ Thomas Keeling was born about 1608 in Worcestershire, England. His parents are believed to be John Keeling [1577 or 1582 - 1642] and Alice Waterhouse [c1586 - 1650]. Thomas first arrived in Virginia in 1628 on the Hopewell as one of Adam Thorowgood's indentured servants.

Following his term of indenture, Keeling returned to England. He married Anne Thorowgood, daughter of Sir John Thorowgood and Frances Meauris. John was Adam Thorowgood's elder brother. The Keelings returned to Virginia in 1634 on the John and Dorothy, with Adam Thorowgood the ship's captain.

Thomas Keeling received two headrights of 100 acres on the Back River in Elizabeth City Co. on 18 November 1635. (Elizabeth City Co. originated as Elizabeth River Shire in 1634, from which New Norfolk Co. was formed in 1636, and became Upper and Lower Norfolk Counties the following year.) He was granted 200 acres on 9 November 1643 for transporting four people. The tract was near Francis Land's plantation. This tract was transferred to William Shipp in 1647. On 25 October 1651, Keeling was granted 700 acres near the head of the main branch of the Lynn Haven River for transporting 14 people.

In a deposition taken in 1637, Thomas gave his age as 24 "or thereabouts."  He gave his age as 34 "or thereabouts" in 1642. These depositions would place his birth between 1808 and 1813. Similarly, Anne's age was given as 22 in 1640 [born about 1618].

Thomas was a vestryman in 1640. He was appointed County Lieutenant for Lower Norfolk in 1659.

Thomas was a witness at the 15 December 1659 trial of Ann Godby, who accused Nico Robinson's wife of being a witch. Godby was ordered to pay the accused 300 pounds of tobacco, a cask of wine and assessed court costs. [Godby had been flogged for defamation in 1648 and filed a complaint in 1650.]

Keeling's will was written on 1 October 1664 and proved on 17 October 1665.

Estimates on the birth of the Keeling children begin as early as 1628. All of the children are shown as being born in Virginia. The fact that Thomas returned to England, unmarried, in 1634 excludes birth estimates prior to 1635. Thomas received his 1635 headright of 100 acres for the transport of two persons - himself and his new bride. The earliest birth? Perhaps shortly after the Keelings arrived in Virginia.

Anne's 1666 will [proved 1689] named the following children: Alexander, Sarah [Henry] Woodhouse, Ann [John] Oakham, Frances [Renatus] Land, Elizabeth, Adam, Thorowgood and Edward.

In a 1666 deed, Ann mentioned her son Edward, heir to "his brother" Thomas, deceased.

Elizabeth Keeling's will [30 Oct 1670 - Apr 1671] named her brothers Alexander and Thorowgood.

Adam Keeling's will [2 Apr - 10 Dec 1683] named brother Alexander and brother-in-law Anthony Lawson [widower of sister Anne].

In a deed dated 18 March 1683, Ann Bray mentions her son Edward and Thomas who had been dead for some years.

Confirmed from these documents are the following children of Thomas and Anne: Alexander, Sarah Woodhouse, Ann Oakham, Frances Land, Elizabeth, Adam, Edward and Thomas.

Children named in other sources were Jane, John and Leonard
Jane's birth is given c1635 and death c1654. If she was a daughter of Thomas and Anne, the 1654 death would explain her omission from later records.

John is shown as the youngest, born c1654 and died 1 July 1701. If he belongs to this family, John should have been named in several of the documents.

Leonard is the most problematic. His birth is generally shown as 1628-1632, but as late as 1636.  His birthplace is given as Jamestown, James City, VA. Leonard died c1689 in New Kent Co.  or Davidson Co., TN (which did not yet exist!) He married Naomi/Nancy Ferguson. The Keeling family seems to have remained in Lower Norfolk/Princess Anne Co. 

 

Thomas Keeling and Ann Thorowgood had the following children:

 

              8              i.   Anne Keeling, born ca 1636–1650, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married John Martin, ca 1665, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married John Oakham, 15 Oct 1666, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Lt. Col. Anthony Lawson, bef 16 Feb 1670/1, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America; died bef 15 Aug 1672, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

                             ii.   Thomas Keeling was born circa 1637 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.^7–8 He died circa 25 May 1666 at the age of 29 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.^7–8

              9            iii.   Adam Keeling, born ca 1638/9, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Ann Martin, ca 1663, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died ca Dec 1683, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

                            iv.   Edward Keeling⁹ was born circa 1640 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.^8–9 He died before Mar 1683 at the age of 43 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.^8–9 In a deed dated 18 March 1683, Anne [Keeling] Bray refers to her sons Thomas and Edward, "who have been some years dead." Edward was alive in 1666, when his mother wrote her will.

           10             v.   Alexander Keeling, born ca 1642, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Grace Martin, 10 May 1677, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America; died 3 May 1704, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

           11            vi.   Sarah Keeling, born ca 1644, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Henry Woodhouse, ca 1662, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died bef 29 Jan 1686/7, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

           12           vii.   Frances Keeling, born ca 1646, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Renatus Land Sr., ca 1665, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died ca 1694, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

           13          viii.   Thorowgood Keeling, born ca 1648, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Lucy Hall, ca 1670, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died 31 Mar 1679–15 Aug 1679, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

                            ix.   Elizabeth Keeling⁷ was born circa 1652 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁷ She died on 30 Oct 1670–Apr 1671 at the age of 18 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.⁷ Elizabeth made her will on 10 October 1670. It was probated in April 1671. She named her brothers Alexander and Thorowgood.

 Ann Thorowgood and William Jermy were married circa 1665 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁵ William Jermy⁵ died on 23 Apr 1666–15 Jan 1666/7 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁵

Ann Thorowgood and Robert Bray were married after 1666 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁵ Robert Bray⁵ was born circa 1618 in Biggleswade, Bedford, England.⁵ He died on 25 Apr 1681–15 Jun 1681 at the age of 63 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.⁵

Sources:

 

        1. "Ancestry Family Trees", database, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 September 2016), "Ridley Branches," Thorowgood family; submitted 2007 by jridley47, [contact information for private use].

        2. William Weish Harrison, Harrison, Waples & Allied Families: Being the ancestry of George Leib Harrison of Philadelphia & and his wife Sarah Ann Waples (Philadelphia: author, 1910), 130-132; digital images, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 September 2016; Thorowgood.

        3. Harrison, Harrison, Waples & Allied Families, 130-132.

        4. "Ancestry Family Trees," database, Ancestry.com, "Ridley Branches," Keeling - Thorowgood families.

        5. Alice Granbery Walter, The 17th Century Families of John Martin & Thomas Keeling of Lower Norfolk County, Virginia: [Linhaven Parish, Princess Anne County, Virginia] (Virginia Beach, VA: Alice Granbery Walter, 1974), ; digital images, Family Search (www.familysearch.org : accessed 7 September 2016.

        6. FamilySearch, "England & Wales Christening Index 1530-1975," database, FamilySearch.org (www.familysearch.org : accessed 1 September 2016), Anne Thorowgood; FHL film #991595.

        7. "Ancestry Family Trees," database, Ancestry.com, "Ridley Branches," Keelings.

        8. "Sir France Land Families of Virginia", database, Ancestry.com, Roots Web World Connect Project (http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=AHN&db=babecatfish&cid=11068&p... : accessed 23 August 2016), "Sir Fance Land Families of Virginia," Land & Keeling Families; submitted 2009 by Patricia, [contact information for private use].

        9. "Geni.com", database, Geni.com (www.geni.com : accessed 10 September 2016), "Ens. Thomas Keeling," Keeling Children; submitted 2014 by Ann Morrison Halley, [contact information for private use].

 

 

 

 

Looking at the names of the children

In determining the parentage of Anne Thorowgood Keeling Jermy Bray, one of the factors I looked at was the names of the children. It was common during the 17th and 18th centuries [and still is] for children to be given family names.

Little solid evidence exists for the Keeling side of the family. Thomas' parents were believe to be named John and Alice.

Anne's family offers a much richer selection to choose from. [The Thorowgood and Meautis families should be ready to post soon.]

The confirmed children of Thomas and Anne and who they might have been named for:
[1] Anne: Anne herself, as well as her paternal grandmother [Anne Edwards].
[2] Thomas: His father.
[3] Adam: Anne's uncle, who was a neighbor in Virginia and captain of the ship that brought them to the colony.
[4] Edward: Anne had an uncle Edward.
[5] Alexander: ?? [maybe a Keeling name.]
[6] Sarah: ?? [maybe a Keeling name.]
[7] Frances: Anne's mother [Frances Meautis].
[8] Thorowgood: Anne's family surname.
[9] Elizabeth: possibly Anne's maternal grandmother [Elizabeth].

There were three children named in several trees, but not confirmed in documents:
[1] Leonard: unknown
[2] Jane: unknown
[3] John: Ann's father and Thomas' father.

Examining the names of the kids is not solid evidence, but it is a tool!

At long last: The Keeling Family of Virginia

Well, here it is! Finally! My report on the Keeling family!

My apologies for the choppy page breaks and editing. The article did not copywell from the PDF file.
 

 

1. Thomas Keeling1 was born circa 1608 in Worcestershire, England.1 He died on 1 Oct 1664–17 Oct 1664 at the age of 56

in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.1 Thomas Keeling was born about 1608 in Worcestershire, England. His

parents are believed to be John Keeling [1577 or 1582 - 1642] and Alice Waterhouse [c1586 - 1650]. Thomas first arrived in

Virginia in 1628 on the Hopewell as one of Adam Thorowgood's indentured servants.

 

Following his term of indenture, Keeling returned to England. He married Anne Thorowgood, daughter of Sir John

Thorowgood and Frances Meauris. John was Adam Thorowgood's elder brother. The Keelings returned to Virginia in 1634

on the John and Dorothy, with Adam Thorowgood the ship's captain.

 

Thomas Keeling received two headrights of 100 acres on the Back River in Elizabeth City Co. on 18 November 1635.

(Elizabeth City Co. originated as Elizabeth River Shire in 1634, f rom which New Norf olk Co. was f ormed in 1636, and

became Upper and Lower Norf olk Counties the f ollowing year.) He was granted 200 acres on 9 November 1643 for

transporting four people. The tract was near Francis Land's plantation. This tract was transferred to William Shipp in 1647.

On 25 October 1651, Keeling was granted 700 acres near the head of the main branch of the Lynn Haven River for

transporting 14 people.

In a deposition taken in 1637, Thomas gave his age as 24 "or thereabouts." He gave his age as 34 "or thereabouts" in 1642.

These depositions would place his birth between 1808 and 1813. Similarly, Anne's age was given as 22 in 1640 [born about 1618.]

Thomas was a vestryman in 1640. He was appointed County Lieutenant for Lower Norfolk in 1659.

Thomas was a witness at the 15 December 1659 trial of Ann Godby, who accused Nico Robinson's wife of being a witch.

Godby was ordered to pay the accused 300 pounds of tobacco, a cask of wine and assessed court costs. [Godby had been

flogged for defamation in 1648 and filed a complaint in 1650.]

Keeling's will was written on 1 October 1664 and proved on 17 October 1665.

Estimates on the birth of the Keeling children begin as early as 1628. All of the children are shown as being born in Virginia.

The fact that Thomas returned to England, unmarried, in 1634 excludes birth estimates prior to 1635. Thomas received his

1635 headright of 100 acres for the transport of two persons - himself and his new bride. The earliest birth? Perhaps shortly after the Keelings arrived in Virginia.

Anne's 1666 will [proved 1689] named the following children: Alexander, Sarah [Henry] Woodhouse, Ann [John] Oakham, Frances [Renatus] Land, Elizabeth, Adam, Thorowgood and Edward.

In a 1666 deed, Ann mentioned her son Edward, heir to "his brother" Thomas, deceased.

Elizabeth Keeling's will [30 Oct 1670 - Apr 1671] named her brothers Alexander and Thorowgood.

Adam Keeling's will [2 Apr - 10 Dec 1683] named brother Alexander and brother-in-law Anthony Lawson [widower of

sister Anne].

In a deed dated 18 March 1683, Ann Bray mentions her son Edward and Thomas who had been dead for some years.

Confirmed from these documents are the following children of Thomas and Anne: Alexander, Sarah Woodhouse, Ann

Oakham, Frances Land, Elizabeth, Adam, Edward and Thomas.

Children named in other sources were Jane, John and Leonard.

Jane's birth is given c1635 and death c1654. If she was a daughter of Thomas and Anne, the 1654 death would explain her

omission from later records.

John is shown as the youngest, born c1654 and died 1 July 1701. If he belongs to this family, John should have been named in several of the documents.

Leonard is the most problematic. His birth is generally shown as 1628-1632, but as late as 1636. His birthplace is given as

Jamestown, James City, VA. Leonard died c1689 in New Kent Co. or Davidson Co., TN (which did not yet exist!) He

married Naomi/Nancy Ferguson. The Keeling family seems to have remained in Lower Norfolk/Princess Anne Co.

 

Thomas Keeling and Ann Thorowgood were married circa 1634–1635 in England.1 Ann Thorowgood1–2 was born circa

1613 in Hertfordshire, England.3 She died circa 16 Jan 1687 at the age of 74 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British

America.1–2 Ann's identity and parentage is somewhat muddled. Most sources, primarily undocumented, give her maiden

name as Thorowgood. The mystery then becomes three-fold:

(1) Was she the brother of prominent Lynn Haven settler Adam Thorowgood [1602-1640] and the daughter of William

Thorowgood [1560-1625] and one of his three wives, Anne Edwards, Mary Dauge or Alice Holbeck?

(2) Was she the daughter of Adam Thorowgood [1602-1640] and Sarah Offley?

(3) Was she the daughter of one of Adam's elder brothers, John, Thomas, Edmund, Mordaunt or William?

In her 1974 publication The 17th Century Families of John Martin & Thomas Keeling," Alice Granbery Walter makes the

claim that Ann's maiden name was as of yet unknown. She also notes that the names of the Keeling children [Adam,

Thorowgood, Edward, Elizabeth, Sarah, Frances and John were all common to Thorowgood f amilies.] Adam Thorowgood
had convinced Thomas Keeling to j oin in the settlement in Lowe Norf olk.

There is also the issue of her date of marriage. 1630, 1634 and 1637 are the primary dates offered. If Ann was born in 1618,

she would have been 12 in 1630; 16 in 1634 and 19 in 1637. The latter is the most reasonable. Ann and William are recorded

with children born as early as 1630 and 1635.

Most sources, again, undocumented, give Ann's birth about 1618. A few give her birth as about 1608. 1608 would allow for a marriage in 1630 [age 22]. However Ann would have been 46 when her youngest was born in 1654.

There is also a christening date of 27 February 1613 in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England for an Anne Thorowgood,

daughter of John Thorowgood. [England Select Births & Christenings 1530-1975; Familysearch.org]

Other entries for Anne Thorowgood [Thorogood, Thoroughgood]:

6 Feb 1602 [father - Abraham];

12 Feb 1614 [father - Abraham]; both Sawbridgeworth.

Other Hertfordshire entries:

7 Oct 1604 Reed [father - Phillip];

24 Mar 1604 Ware [father - John];

11 Nov 1604 Barkway [father - John];

28 Dec 1618 Reed [father - Jonathan]

11 Aug 1611 Crostwick, Norfolk [parents - Edward & Bridgett]

A birth date just prior to February 1613, would make Anne about 21 in 1634, the predominant year of marriage. This would

make much more sense that a birth about 1618.

Anne married three times. The first was to Thomas Keeling, about 1634/35 in England. Her second was to William Jermy,

about 1665. Jermy died 15 January 1666. Anne's final marriage was to Robert Bray, after 1666. Anne died in 1687.

Thomas Keeling and Ann Thorowgood had the following children:

2 i. Anne Keeling, born ca 1636–1650, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married John Martin,

ca 1665, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married John Oakham, 15 Oct 1666, Lower

Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Lt. Col. Anthony Lawson, bef 16 Feb 1670/1, Princess

Anne, Virginia, British America; died bef 15 Aug 1672, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

 

ii. Thomas Keeling was born circa 1637 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.4–5 He died circa

 

25 May 1666 at the age of 29 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.4–5

3 iii. Adam Keeling, born ca 1638/9, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Ann Martin, ca

1663, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died ca Dec 1683, Princess Anne, Virginia, British

America.

iv. Edward Keeling6 was born circa 1640 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.5–6 He died

before Mar 1683 at the age of 43 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.5–6 In a deed dated 18

March 1683, Anne [Keeling] Bray refers to her sons Thomas and Edward, "who have been some years

dead." Edward was alive in 1666, when his mother wrote her will.

 

4 v. Alexander Keeling, born ca 1642, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Grace Martin,

10 May 1677, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America; died 3 May 1704, Princess Anne, Virginia,

British America.

5 vi. Sarah Keeling, born ca 1644, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Henry

Woodhouse, ca 1662, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died bef 29 Jan 1686/7, Lower

Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

6 vii. Frances Keeling, born ca 1646, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Renatus Land

Sr., ca 1665, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died ca 1694, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia,

British America.

 

7 viii. Thorowgood Keeling, born ca 1648, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; married Lucy Hall,

ca 1670, Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America; died 31 Mar 1679–15 Aug 1679, Princess Anne,

Virginia, British America.

ix. Elizabeth Keeling4 was born circa 1652 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.4 She died on

30 Oct 1670–Apr 1671 at the age of 18 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.4 Elizabeth made her

will on 10 October 1670. It was probated in April 1671. She named her brothers Alexander and Thorowgood.

 

2. Anne Keeling2,6 (Thomas-1) was born circa 1636–1650 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.6 She died

before 15 Aug 1672 at the age of 36 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.2,6 Anne Keeling's birth is estimated as 1630

in several sources [undocumented]. It is more likely that she was born during the late 1630s to mid-1640s. She married for

the first time about 1665 to twice widowed John Martin, who was born about 1616 and died in 1666.

Ann was step-mother to three children, John Jr. [under age in 1666, 1668 and 1671; probably born early 1650s], Grace

[probably born late 1650s] and Anne [born c1663], who married her brother Adam Keeling. She and John had one son, Joel, born in 1665/6.

Adam Keeling referred to his "wife's brother and my nephew, Joel Martin in a 16 December 1680 deed. Later [13 November

1693], Adam Keeling Jr. sold land to his uncle Alexander Keeling. This land had been owned by John Martin Sr. and was

deeded to his eldest son John Jr., who died intestate. The land then went to Adam's mother, Anne [Martin] Keeling, then wife

of John Richason, who gave the land to Adam.

Anne died before 15 August 1672.

 

Anne Keeling and John Martin2 were married circa 1665 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 John Martin2

was born circa 1616 in England.2 He died circa 4 May 1666 at the age of 50 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British

America.2 John Martin was probably born about 1616 in England. His date of his arrival in Virginia is unclear.

 

A John Martin of St. Ives, Cornwall, England, aged 18, arrived in St. Kitts, Leeward Islands with his twin brother Simon on

5 March 1634/5 aboard the Margaret. This John could have made his way to Virginia.

Joel Martin [23] and John Martin [17] were transported to Virginia on 10 August 1635 on the Saf ety. The fact that John

named a son Joel, makes this one a strong candidate.

Both John Martins fit the age of the subject.

Martin was married three times. His first wife was the widow of Henry Watson, whom he married about 1645. They had two

children, John Jr. and Ann. John was a minor as late as 1666-68 and died in 1671. Ann was born between 1645 and 1660.

He married second, by 1660, Grace Dyer, widow of John Dyer, by whom he fathered Grace.

John's third wife was Anne Thorowgood Keeling. They married by 1665 and had a son Joel. Joel was probably born in late

1665 or early 1666.

Anne Keeling and John Oakham were married on 15 Oct 1666 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 John

Oakham2 was born circa 1638–40 in Virginia.2 He died circa 1670 at the age of 32 in VIirginia.2

Anne Keeling and Lt. Col. Anthony Lawson were married before 16 Feb 1670/1 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British

America.2 Lt. Col. Anthony Lawson2 was born circa 1630 in Londonderry, Derry, N. Ireland.2 He died on 3 Jul 1701– 1 Oct

1701 at the age of 71 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.2

3. Adam Keeling6 (Thomas-1) was born circa 1638/9 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.6 He died circa Dec

1683 at the age of 44 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.6 Adam married Ann Martin, step-daighter to his sister,

Anne. Keeling wrote his will on 2 April 1683. It was proved on 10 December of that year. He named his brother Alexander

in the document.

Adam Keeling and Ann Martin were married circa 1663 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 Ann Martin,

daughter of John Martin and _______ Watson, was born circa 1645–1655 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

She died after 1693 at the age of 48 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

4. Alexander Keeling2 (Thomas-1) was born circa 1642 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.5 He died on 3

May 1704 at the age of 62 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.5 Alexander Keeling married Grace Martin, his sister

Anne's other step-daughter.

In his will, prved 3 May 1704, Alexander named his eldest son Edward, wife Grace, sons Thorowgood, Robert and Thomas,

daughters Grace, Anne and Elizabeth and granddaughter Pembrook. His wife was named executrix. John Thomas and John

Okeham [brother-in-law] were witnesses.

After Keeling's death, Grace married Henry Snayles.

Alexander Keeling and Grace Martin were married on 10 May 1677 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.2 Grace

Martin, daughter of John Martin and Grace Dyer, was born circa 1659–60 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.

5. Sarah Keeling2 (Thomas-1) was born circa 1644 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.5 She died before 29

Jan 1686/7 at the age of 43 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.5 Sarah was not named in the will of her

husband, Henry Woodhouse [29 Jan 1686/7 - 21 Feb 1686/7].

 

Sarah Keeling and Henry Woodhouse were married circa 1662 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 Henry

Woodhouse was born circa 1640 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 He died between 29 Jan 1686 and 21

 

Feb 1686/7 at the age of 46 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2

6. Frances Keeling (Thomas-1) was born circa 1646 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.7 She died circa 1694

at the age of 48 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.7

Frances Keeling and Renatus Land Sr. were married circa 1665 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.7 Renatus

Land Sr., son of Francis Land and Frances [Land], was born circa 1641 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.7

He died on 1 May 1681 at the age of 40 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.7 Renatus was born in Lower Norfolk

Co., Virginia about 1641. His father died when he was 16. Renatus inherited 250 acres adjoining the land left to his brother Francis.

On 4 March 1662, Renatus, as executor of his father's will, was in receipt of his father's 1020 acres. [400 acres on the

Chespian River in Lynn Haven Parish; 150 acres on a creek northwest of Cobb Howell's land; 270 acres at the head of

Francis Land's devident; 200 acres granted to Francis Land on 6 June 1654.]

Land married Frances Keeling about 1665.

In 1666, Renatus was the attorney for his mother-in-law, Anne Jermy when she made gifts to her children by 1st husband

Thomas Keeling: Alexander Keeling, Grace Snail Martin, Frances [wife of Renatus Land], Elizabeth, Adam, Thorowgood,

Lucy Hayes Hall, Edward, Anne [wife of John Okeham]. [Deed proved: 1669.]

According to the will of Renatus Land, he and Frances Keeling were the parents of five children: Renatus, Edward, Robert,

Elizabeth and Ann.

Renatus made his will on 1 October 1680. He left eldest son Renatus that part of his plantation "now in occupation of David

Whittford" at age 19, and a gold ring engraved with death heads. 2nd son Edward and 3rd son Robert were to receive the

remainder of the plantation, a pair of silver Cod buttons and a set of silver buttons for a shirt collar. Robert was also

bequeathed a silver hat band. Eldest daughter Elizabeth was left a small diamond ring. Bequests were also made to daughter

Ann and wife Frances. Executors were son Robert and brother Francis. [Proved: 10 May 1681.]

The will of Renatus Land poses a dilemma f or Land reseachers. The will presumably gives the birth order of the sons and

daughters. Renatus Jr. is identif ied as the eldest, Edward the middle son and Robert the youngest. Elizabeth was named as

the eldest of the two girls, with Ann then being the youngest.

Numerous f amily trees give the births of the f ive children as f ollows: Renatus [1656, 1661 or 1671], Edward [1659, 1665 or

1667], Robert [1665], Elizabeth [1660 or 1670] and Ann [1669]. The undocumented year of marriage f or Renatus Land and Frances Keeling is without exception, 1665.

The will also states that Renatus Jr. was not yet 19. None of the children could have been born bef ore 1661/2. It is doubtful that any of them were born three or four years before Renatus and Frances married.

Assuming then that the couple was married in 1665, Renatus was about 24 and Frances about 19. Renatus Jr., the eldest,

would have been born about 1666. (Birth order f or the younger f our is speculative since Renatus neglected to lump sons and daughters together.Edward would have followed about 1668. Elizabeth about 1670, Robert about 1672 and Ann about 1674.

Robert's wife, Phebe Bonney, was born about 1684. Although a 20 year age gap between spouses was not uncommon a 12 year gap would be more reasonable.[Robert - 1672; Phebe - 1684]

Renatus Land and Frances Keeling had the following child:

8 i. Robert Land Sr., born ca 1672, Lynn Haven, Lower Norfolk, Virginia, British America; married Phebe

Bonney, ca 1700, Lynn Haven, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America; died 20 Mar 1727–1 May

1728, Lynn Haven, Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.

 

7. Thorowgood Keeling5 (Thomas-1) was born circa 1648 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.5 He died on 31 Mar1679–15 Aug 1679 at the age of 31 in Princess Anne, Virginia, British America.5 Thorowgood was named in his sister

Elizabeth's will in 1670 and that of his mother in 1666.

His will written 31 May 1679 and proved 15 Aug 1679 names daughters Lucy and Ann, [step-] father Robert Bray and notes

that his mother is still living. Wife, Lucy was named executrix. Henry Woodhouse and William Cornick were empowered to

see the performance of the will. (Brief Abstracts of Lower Norf olk County and Norf olk County Wills, 1637-1710; Charles

Fleming McIntosh, p . 67)

Thorowgood Keeling and Lucy Hall were married circa 1670 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 Lucy Hall2

was born circa 1650 in Lower Norfolk Co., Virginia, British America.2 Lucy was the daughter of Edward Hall. Following the

death of Thorowgood Keeling in 1679, she married Adam Hayes.

 

Sources:

1. "Ancestry Family Trees", database, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 5 September 2016),

"Ridley Branches," Keeling - Thorowgood families; submitted by jridley47, [CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE USE].

2. Alice Granbery Walter, The 17th Century Families of John Martin & Thomas Keeling of Lower Norf olk County,

Virginia: [Linhaven Parish, Princess Anne County, Virginia] (Virginia Beach, VA: Alice Granbery Walter, 1974), ; digital images Family Search (www.familysearch.org : accessed 7 September 2016.

3. FamilySearch, "England & Wales Christening Index 1530-1975," database, FamilySearch.org (www.familysearch.org)

: accessed 1 September 2016), Anne Thorowgood; FHL film #991595.

 

4. "Ancestry Family Trees," database, Ancestry.com, "Ridley Branches," Keelings.

5. "Sir France Land Families of Virginia", database, Ancestry.com, Roots Web World Connect Project

(http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=AHN&db=babecatfish&cid=11068&p... : accessed 23 August 2016),

"Sir Fance Land Families of Virginia," Land & Keeling Families; submitted 2009 by Patricia, [CONTACT INFORMATION FOR

PRIVATE USE].

6. "Geni.com", database, Geni.com (www.geni.com : accessed 10 September 2016), "Ens. Thomas Keeling," Keeling

Children; submitted 2014 by Ann Morrison Halley, [CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE USE].

7. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [LDS], "Pedigree Resource File," database, FamilySearch

(familysearch.org : accessed 2016), Eleanor McClanahan; submitted by Land, Janke, Antle, Wells Tree, 8 Feb 2015.