Dr. Alexander Woodson

Disputed Origins

Evidence needed to support as child of Reginall Woodeson

Disputed Children

Evidence needed to support as father of Dr. John Woodson, of Flowerdew Hundred

“The "Dr. Alexander Connection" is very, very iffy. Why would Dr. Alexander Woodson be listed as he is in the Oxford Alumni book and no reference made between Dr. John Woodson, of Flowerdew Hundred and him when that was standard procedure? I think the only rational and honest thing to do is to admit that John and Sarah Johnson are pretty much brick walls unless and until something legitimate can be found to justify anything written about them.”

See this discussion regarding problems with the links between Dr. John Woodson of Flowerdew Hundred, Alexander (or John Alexander) Woodson of Bristol, and Reginald Woodson. It is clear one or more of the following "facts" is wrong:

1. Alexander's birthplace (Bristol, Somerset) -- We have a record of his death here but no record of his birth. Perhaps he was born in a different county and moved here.

2. Reginald Woodson's date place of death (Arlesford, Hampshire)

- Some trees have Alexander born after Reginald's death, and in a different county. Perhaps Reginald is Alexander's grandfather instead of father. The only connection between the two is a supposed use of Reginald's coat of arms by Dr. John's descendants in America.

3. Dr. John's birth place (Dorsetshire).

- One of the few contemporary mentions of Dr. John in colonial Virginia records describes him as "of Dorestshire" and his wife as "of Devonshire." While they are both in Southwest England, they are not exactly next two Bristol, where Alexander was clearly living. The most likely explanation is Dr. John was born in Bristol and subsequently moved to Dorset to establish his practice after graduation. This is supported by the Oxford graduation record commonly ascribed to Dr. John that names him the son of "Mr. Woodson, gent. of Bristol."

4. Alexander as the son of Reginald

- Look at a map and consider the times. People didn't travel much in the 1500's. It was difficult, dangerous, and you needed to obtain a license, which was not easy to get. For John's father and mother to travel 90 miles, have a child, and then travel back to John's birthplace, while the child remained for his entire life in the new town, makes no sense. If the locations are correct, it's EXTREMELY unlikely that these two are connected in any way. Just because they have the same (or similar) last name DOES NOT prove a relationship. There should be some evidence, or at least, a reasonable likelihood. If anyone has evidence (a vital record, a will, a dead, a letter -- anything in writing), please add it to the Sources page. Please don't let your zeal for extending your tree backward to get in the way of historical accuracy. Thanks!

This Alexander?

He apparently was a Doctor as his Will refers to him as 'Phesion'. His Will was written Apr 11, 1616, and proved May 8, 1618. In his Will he requested "to be buried in St. Michaells Churchyarde in Bristol." He mentions his wife in his Will, but does not give her name because she was already deceased.

Will of Alexander Woodsonne, of the City of Bristol, "Phesion" ( physician) Dated Apr 11, 1616, Md. April 12, 1616, Md. Dec 25, 1616, Proved May 8 1618. To be buried in St. Michaells Churchyarde in Bristol.

"To Marie, my daughter, all such goods as my late deceased wife had when I was married to her. All other my goods to be devided into four parts, to my daughter Martha, one part, to Aleaxander, the sonne my sonne, John Woodsonne, one part, to Francis and Grace, the children of my sonne Francis Woodsonne, both deceased, one part and my daughter Anne Woodsonne, one part. Provided also that my sonne Henry Woodsonne of Wells shall have such bookes that I have and that nowe are abreade in the hands of Mr. Israel Gleson and Mr. William Swift. Sole Executor: my sonne Henry Woodsonne. Overseers:-Mr. Wil liam Swift and Mr. Richard Boswell [No Witnesses] Md. 12 Apr. 1616. To my children of my sonne Henry,-izt. Phillippe and Thomas, 5 Apostle spoones of silver. [No Witnesses] Md. 25 Dec. 1616 I revoke the legacies to my daughter "in lawe", Marie and give her the bed and bolster she lyeth on, etc. RICHARD BOSWELL - Witnesses. WILLIAM WIGHTWICKE - Witnesses. Proved 8 May 1618 by the sole Executor named.

England: Canterbury - Wills Proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1605-1619 Wills Proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, and now Preserved in the Principal Probate Registry. 1605 to 1619. County: General Country: England 1618 Woodsonne, Alexander, "phesion," Bristol, Gloucs. 40 Meade Birth - World Family Tree Vol. 1, Ed. 1 (Tree #1769)

He had the following children:

1. F i Marie WOODSONNE was born about 1580 in Bristol, Devonshire, England.
2. F ii Martha WOODSONNE was born about 1582 in Bristol, Devonshire, England.
3. M iii Alexander WOODSONNE was born about 1584 in Bristol, Devonshire, Engl and.
4. M iv John WOODSON was born 1586 in Bristol, Devonshire, England and died 18 Apr 1644 Fleur de Hundred Plantation, Virginia Colony.
5. F v Francis WOODSONNE was born about 1588 in Bristol, Devonshire, England.
6. M vi Henry WOODSONNE was born about 1592 in Bristol, Devonshire, England.

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Source: http://awt.ancestrylibrary.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=gayfamilyf...

Sir Knight Alexander John Lord Bradleystoke, Baron Bristol, Somerset Gloucester Woodson/Woodsonne