Thomas Graves, of Spotsylvania

Biography

Thomas Graves (1691 - after 1767)

Generation: Captain Thomas Graves (The line of Mary E. Graves) < link >

Thomas Graves was born in 1691 (based on a deposition, Caroline O.B. 1746-54, p. 362), and died in 1768 in Spotsylvania Co., Va. Mrs. Hiden states: "in the absence of documentary proof, we can still feel confident that Thomas Graves was the son of a John Graves who had lived in King and Queen Co. but was of the Gloucester Co. family, born about 1670, son of Thomas and Mary Graves, son of Thomas, son of Capt. Thomas." [Note that the connection to Captain Thomas Graves is incorrect based upon DNA testing done by the Graves Family Association.]

Thomas Graves consistently maintained his residence on the Pamunkey in Spotsylvania Co., Va. His wife Ann (or Anne or Sarah Ann) has generally been thought to be a Davenport, daughter of William Davenport and Anne Woodruff, but Mrs. Hiden thought she was more likely a Clark, or of that family connection. Mrs. Taylor says she was born before 1696. She lived until 1782, and during the Revolution she furnished supplies to the Continental troops.

It appears that Thomas Graves first married Mary Perkins by 1715, and had by this marriage only three children, two daughters and one son. His wife then died and he remarried by no later than 1721. The son was John Graves and one of the daughters was Eleanor Graves, based on Thomas Kimbrough’s will dated 20 Sept. 1777 in Caswell Co., NC. The source for the former statement is a record from the Bible of Solomon Graves, son of Rev. Barzillai Graves (who died 1827). A copy of the Bible record was made by the NC Archives in 1971.

The will of Thomas Graves (Spotsylvania Co. Rec. Will Book D, p. 318) was dated 17 Oct. 1767, probated 6 June 1768, but final settlement was not until July 1802. Thomas is credited with a total of 16 children. However, the estate settlement plainly states there were only 15 legatees. There were probably other children who died before reaching adulthood. There is some question about some of the following children, and additional proof is needed. Mrs. Ethel Taylor suggests that there may also have been another child named Sarah.

Children by Mary Perkins

1. Eleanor Graves, b. probably by 1712, m. Thomas Kimbrough, d. aft. Sept. 1781.

2, John Graves, b.c. 1715, m (1) ________ Herndon, m (2) Isabella Lea, c. 1752, d. 18 Jan. 1792.

Children by Ann Davenport

3. Thomas Graves, b. by 1721, m. Isabella Susan Bartlett, by 1751, d. 18 Nov. 1801.

4. Solomon Graves, b. by 1723, m. Sarah Winfield, c. 1746, d.c. 1785.

5. William Graves, b. 1720-30, m. Mary ________, d.c. 1791.

6. Richard Graves, b.c. 1725, m. Lucy Davenport, 1750, d. after 1788.

7. Susanna Graves, b. by 1740, m. William Pettus, 1759, d. by 1802.

8. Rice Graves, b.c. 1729, m. Jane Young, 1751-2, d. 1814.

9. David Graves, b.c. 1730, m. Agnes Holloway, d. Jan. or Feb. 1808.

10. Nancy Graves, b.c. 1735, m. William Lea, d. by 1809.

11. Rosanna Graves, m. John Spencer.

12. Louisa Graves, m. Thomas Pulliam. He was son of Thomas Pulliam Sr. who died testate, Spots. Co., 1758.

13. Robert Graves, b.c. 1735-40, m. Jean ________.

14. Jonathan Graves, married, d. by 1768. He probably married a Davenport, since a William Davenport was made guardian of his son William.

15. Mary Graves, m. ________ Campbell (?). John Bostick signed receipts for her in all disbursements from her father's estate.

Source: Graves Family Association.

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Some researchers believe that Ann Davenport was the mother of all but one of Thomas Graves's children. See:

The Pamunkey Davenports. Note the discrepancy (Dorman and Graves Family Association) in the wives attributed to Thomas Graves, and the different birth dates.

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The Will of Thomas Graves of Spotsylvania 1767

I, Thomas Graves of the County of Spotsylvania thru the abundant mercy and goodness of God, though weak in body yet of a sound and of perfect understanding and memory do make ordain and constitute this my last will and testament as follows, primis, I commend myself and the whole of my estate to the mercy and protection of Almighty God, etc. I will and ordain that the funeral of my body be only such as shall beseem a Christian at the discretion of my Executors, hereinafter named. I lend to my wife Anne Graves for and during her natural life two Negro slaves Daniel and Margery. I also lend to her all of my tract of land whereon I now live in Spotsylvania County, likewise a third part of the profits arising from my mill, she paying one third part toward repairing the said mill. I also lend to my wife one third part of the stocks of cattle, horses, pigs, etc. I also lend to my wife all of my stock of household and kitchen furniture during her natural life and after my said wife’s death, my will and desire is that what I have here lent be equally divided amongst all my then surviving children or the heirs of such as shall be dead. Son, Thomas Graves, son in law Wm. Pettus and my nephew Joseph Graves Executors

Thomas Graves

Signed, October 17 th in the year of our Lord 1767

Probated, June 6, 1768

Source: Thomas Sims Graves Website

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For an image of the Spotsylvania County, Virginia, home of Thomas Graves go to: Springfield

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Bible Record of Solomon Graves: Discussing Brothers Joseph Graves and Thomas Graves of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and the Family of Thomas Graves

Mr. William T. Graves came across a record from the Bible of Solomon Graves, son of Rev. Barzillai Graves (who died 14 July 1827 in Caswell Co., NC). The Bible belonged to Mrs. Elizabeth Burke (nee Graves) of Yanceyville, NC, and was copied by the N.C. Archives in 1971. Although it is not certain, the record (at least in part) appears to be Solomon Graves’ attempt to recall his ancestry as of 1817. Someone has added notes concerning family births and deaths occurring after 1817. Mr. William T. Graves prepared the following transcription of the Bible record (with a few minor punctuation changes). There are probably errors in this record. For example, the record states that Joseph and Thomas Graves came to Virginia from England around 1700; that is unlikely.

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Note the following from the will of Solomon Graves (1784-1861):

Ancestry, family, particulars -- according to the best information

that can be at present collected --- Anno D. 1817

It seems that about the year 1700, Joseph and Thomas Graves emigrated to America from England. Being brothers, they both settled in the State of Virginia in the County of Spotsylvania. Each of them married in that State and from them a numerous [necessary] connection has descended. Thomas [Thos] intermarried with one Mary Perkins and had by this marriage only three children, two daughters and a son, and his wife died. He then married a second time and by this marriage he had many sons. John Graves, his son by the first marriage, removed into the State of North Carolina about the year A.D. 1755. He married a daughter of James Lea, formerly of Virginia, whose name was Isabell Lea. James Lea, her father, married a Herndon. From the marriage of John Graves and his wife has sprung an extensive family connection in the State of North Carolina. Barzillai Graves, their fifth son, intermarried with one Ursula Wright, the daughter of one William Wright the son of John Wright who intermarried one Miss Parsons and who emigrated to the United States about beginning of the Seventeenth Century. William Wright intermarried with one Margaret Johnston, the daughter of a Mr. Johnston who also emigrated to this Country from England. From the marriage of B. Graves and his wife there has descended three sons and four daughters, Solomon Graves, Jeremiah Graves, and Barzillai Graves, Jun., who died without issue. The daughters were named Isabella Graves, Elizabeth Graves, Margaret Graves and Mary Graves. Isabell, the eldest daughter, intermarried with one Hosea McNeill. Elizabeth, the second daughter, intermarried with one James Lea. Mary, the fourth daughter, intermarried with one Thomas W. Graves. Solomon Graves, the eldest son, intermarried with one Mary C. Franklin who was the daughter of Jesse Franklin, late a Governor of the State of North Carolina. Jeremiah Graves intermarried with one Delilah Lea, a daughter of John Lea, called Cainbrake (sic, Canebrake) John Lea. [NOTE: The handwriting for the following is different from the handwriting for the preceding. The archivist at the N.C. Archives believes that the following text was written at a later date by someone other than the author of the preceding notes.] Margaret Graves married William Lipscomb. Her descendants are all dead. James Lea removed to West Tennessee where their descendants now reside (in 1864).

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For detailed and comprehensive information on the Graves family (including those branches having no connection to Caswell County) go to the Graves Family Association Website. Please note the substantial revisions made to the genealogy of Captain Thomas Graves as a result of DNA findings.

Father: John Graves , Sr. b: ABT 1665 in King and Queen County, Virginia

Mother: Unknown [Graves]

Marriage 1 Mary Perkins

Children

Eleanor Graves b: BEF 1712 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia

John Graves b: 1715 in St Georges, Spottsylvania, Virginia
Marriage 2 Ann Davenport b: ABT 1696 in Pamunkey Neck, King and Queen County, Virginia

Married: ABT 1714 in King William County, Virginia

Note:

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900

Name: Thomas Graves

Gender: male

Birth Place: VA

Birth Year: 1691

Spouse Name: Ann Davenport

Spouse Birth Place: VA

Spouse Birth Year: 1696

Children

Elizabeth Graves

Thomas Graves b: ABT 1718 in King William County, Virginia
Solomon Graves b: ABT 1720 in King William County, Virginia
William Graves b: ABT 1722 in King William County, Virginia
Richard Graves b: ABT 1724 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Rice Graves b: ABT 1729
David Graves b: ABT 1731 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Nancy Graves b: ABT 1733 in Orange County, North Carolina
Rosanna Graves b: ABT 1735 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Louisa Graves b: ABT 1739 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Susanna Graves b: BEF 1740 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Robert Graves b: ABT 1741
Jonathan Graves b: ABT 1743 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Mary Graves b: ABT 1745 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Sources:

Title: Bible of Solomon Graves (1784-1861)

Graves Family Association Genealogy #270 (John Graves).

Thomas Graves lived on the Pamunkey River in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

By Harry Dotson from the Graves Family Ancestry Website. 5/10/2013

http://sherrysharp.com/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I62023&tree...

Family 1 Mary Perkins, b. Abt 1665, d. Bef 1695, Virginia Married Bef 1711 Spotsylvania Co, Virginia

Children

• + 1. Eleanor Graves, b. Bef 1712, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia, d. Aft Sep 1781, Caswell Co, North Carolina
• 2. John Graves, b. 1715, St. George, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia , d. 18 Jan 1792, Caswell Co, North Carolina
• 3. Mary Graves, b. Between 1716 and 1720, d. Aft 1760, of, Onslow Co, North Carolina

Family 2 Sarah Ann Davenport (maybe Clark?), b. Abt 1696, Pamunkey Neck, King and Queen Co, Virginia , d. 15 Aug 1782, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia Married Abt 1721 King William Co, Virginia

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900

• Name: Thomas Graves
• Gender: male
• Birth Place: VA
• Birth Year: 1691
• Spouse Name: Ann Davenport
• Spouse Birth Place: VA
• Spouse Birth Year: 1696

Children

• 1. Thomas Graves, b. Abt 1721, King William Co, Virginia , d. 19 Nov 1801, Fayette Co, Kentucky
• 2. William Graves, b. Abt 1722, King William Co, Virginia , d. Bef Aug 1790, Henry Co, Virginia
• 3. Solomon Graves, b. Abt 1723, King William Co, Virginia, d. Bef 17 Feb 1785, Sussex Co, Virginia
• 4. Richard Graves, b. Abt 1725, of, Hanover Co, Virginia , d. Aft 1788, Fayette Co, Kentucky
• + 5. Rice Graves, b. 1729, St. George, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia, d. 11 Aug 1814, Louisa, Louisa Co, Virginia
• 6. David Graves, b. Abt 1731, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia, d. Abt Feb 1808, Shelby Co, Kentucky
• 7. Nancy Graves, b. Abt 1733, Orange Co, North Carolina , d. Abt 1809, Wilkes Co, Georgia
• 8. Rosanna Graves, b. Abt 1735, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia d. Aft 1760 (Age ~ 26 years)
• 9. Louisa Graves, b. Abt 1739, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia, d. Aft 1760 (Age ~ 22 years)
• 10. Susanna Graves, b. Bef 1740, Spotsylvania Co, , d. Bef 1802 (Age ~ 62 years)
• 11. Robert Graves, b. Abt 1741, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia , d. Aft 1770 (Age ~ 30 years)
• 12. Jonathan Graves, b. Abt 1743, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia , d. Abt 1768, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia
• 13. Mary Graves, b. Abt 1745, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia , d. Aft 1770 (Age ~ 26 years)
• 14. Elizabeth Graves, b. Abt 1757, Spotsylvania Co, Virginia

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From an abstract of the Spotsylvania Co. court records of 1721-1800

Thomas died in Oct. 17, 1767.

GRAVES, THOMAS, d. Oct. 17, 1767. Executors Bond dated June 6, 1768. Wit. Francis Meriwether; James Smith; John Graves Junr., James Smith, Doctor; William Mackgehee. Ex. son, Thomas Graves; son-in-law, William Pettus; nephew Joseph Graves. Leg. wife, Ann Graves, land whereon I now live in Spotsylvania Co., and one-third profits issuing from my mill, and after her death to all my surviving children or their heirs. (Page 318)

It appears that Thomas Graves first married Mary Perkins by 1715, and had by this marriage only three children, two daughters and one son. His wife then died and he remarried by no later than 1721. The son was John Graves and one of the daughters was Eleanor Graves, based on Thomas Kimbrough’s will dated 20 Sept. 1777 in Caswell Co., NC1[1]. The source for the former statement is a record from the Bible of Solomon Graves, son of Rev. Barzillai Graves (who died 1827). A copy of the Bible record was made by the NC Archives in 1971. A detailed discussion of this is in the Appendix of this book. A discussion of the research for determining the ancestry of Thomas and his brothers is also in the Appendix, but it has now been determined that the conclusions were wrong, since all researchers had made the incorrect assumption that this family was descended from Capt. Thomas Graves (genealogy 169).

The will of Thomas Graves (Spotsylvania Co. Rec. Will Book D, p. 318) was dated 17 Oct. 1767, probated 6 June 1768, but final settlement was not until July 1802. Thomas is credited with a total of 16 children. However, the estate settlement plainly states there were only 15 legatees. There were probably other children who died before reaching adulthood. There is some question about some of the following children, and additional proof is needed. Mrs. Ethel Taylor suggests that there may also have been another child named Sarah.

Children - Graves, by Mary Perkins

• +12. Eleanor Graves, b. probably by 1712, m. Thomas Kimbrough, d. aft. Sept. 1781.
• +13. John Graves, b.c. 1715, m(1) ? Herndon, m(2) Isabella Lea, c. 1752, d. 18 Jan. 1792.

Children - Graves, by Ann Davenport2[2]

• +14. Thomas Graves, b. by 1721, m. Isabella Susan Bartlett, by 1751, d. 18 Nov. 1801.
• +15. Solomon Graves, b. by 1723, m. Sarah Winfield, c. 1746, d.c. 1785.
• +16. William Graves, b. 1720-30, m. Mary ?-, d.c. 1791.
• +17. Richard Graves, b.c. 1725, m. Lucy Davenport, 1750, d. after 1788.
• +18. Susanna Graves, b. by 1740, m. William Pettus, 1759, d. by 1802.
• +19. Rice Graves, b.c. 1729, m. Jane Young, 1751-2, d. 1814.
• +20. David Graves, b.c. 1730, m. Agnes Holloway, d. Jan. (or Feb.) 1808.
• +21. Nancy Graves, b.c. 1735, m. William Lea, d. by 1809.
• +22. Rosanna Graves, m. John Spencer. 23. Spots. Co., 1758. +24.
• 23. Louisa Graves, m. Thomas Pulliam. He was son of Thomas Pulliam Sr. who died testate,
• +24. Robert Graves, b.c. 1735-40, m. Jean ?.
• 25. Jonathan Graves, married, d. by 1768. He probably married a Davenport, since a William Davenport was made guardian of his son William.
• 26. Mary Graves, m. ? Campbell (?). John Bostick signed receipts for her in all disbursements from her father's estate.

Source: Edited by Ken Graves, John Graves/Greaves of Northamptonshire, England, 28 Mar. 2011, graves-fa.org/gen-histories/gens/gen270.html.