Col. Joseph Bridger, Sr., Esq.

Biography

Joseph Bridger, Sr.

Find A Grave Memorial ID # 5139145
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/L6D4-YY5

• Jamestowne Society, Qualifying Ancestor # A1108
• Member, First Families of Virginia

Bridger was born 1628 in Gloucester, Dursley Parish, England and died 15 April 1686 in Smithfield, Virginia. He married Hester Pitt on WFT estimated 1645-1674 in Gloucester, Dursley Parish, England.

He was the son of Samuel Bridger and Mary Pitt or Webb.

Biography

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Bridger

General Joseph Bridger (before 28 Apr 1631[1] – before 8 May 1686[2]%29 was a military and political figure in the Colony of Virginia. Some sources relate him as "Colonel" (Col.) Bridger.[3]

Born in Gloucester, England, in 1631, he was the son of Samuel Bridger, the auditor of the College of Gloucester.[4] Bridger served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses from Isle of Wight County, Virginia in the 1657-8 session, as well as in 1663. According to some sources, Bridger was later a co-acting Colonial Governor of Virginia in 1684, and 1685.

During Bacon's Rebellion, Bridger was an adherent of Governor William Berkeley.

Several of Bridger's descendants also served in the House of Burgesses.

He died in 1686, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He was interred at St. Luke's Church, in Smithfield, Virginia.

===Family

Joseph Bridger married ca. 1654 Hester Pitt, daughter of Colonel Robert Pitt of Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

The children of Joseph Bridger and Hester Pitt were:

• Capt. Joseph II (ca. 1654 - by 1713/4) who married Elizabeth Norsworthy
• Martha (ca. 1658 - 1714), married Thomas Godwin
• Colonel Samuel (ca. 1663 - by 1713), married Elizabeth Godwin
• Colonel William (ca. 1668 -1730), married Elizabeth Allen
• Elizabeth (ca. 1665 - 1717), married Thomas Lear
• Mary (ca 1667 - ), married Captain Richard Tibboth
• Hester (1665 - ca. 1722), married George Williamson

===Origins 

"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JMCB-527: 19 March 2020), Samuelis Bridger in entry for Josephus Bridger, 1631.

From the "Bridger Family Association on Ancestral Progress" by Betty Cullen.

Rev. Samuel Bridger and his wife Mary lived in an ancient house called Woodmancote and raised their eight children there. Their children were John, Samuel, Joseph, who immigrated to Virginia, James, also of Virginia, George, Jonathan, Martha, and Mary.

Origins

Thomas Elliot I born 1476 died March 1545. He married Margaret Wilson daughter of Thomas. Their son John Elliot married Elizabeth Graves their daughter Mary married Lawrence Bridger I, their son Samuel Bridger married Mary Webb, their son Joseph Bridger married Hester Pitt - their daughter Elizabeth married Thomas Lear.

===Biography 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridger_family_of_Virginia

Joseph Bridger of Virginia

Joseph was brought to Virginia in 1652 by Colonel Nathaniel Bacon with whom he later served as a 'Councillor of State in Virginia to King Charles II.' He soon became one of the most prominent men in the Isle of Wight county, Virginia, carrying out major land deals involving many thousands of acres and building a seventeen roomed brick house, Whitemarsh', on his estate.

He was a member of the House of Burgesses from the Isle of Wight in the 1657-58 session and also in 1663.

He served during (another) Bacon’s rebellion in 1676 under the Royalist Governor Sir William Berkeley (1606-1677) of the Gloucester Berkeley family. This was the losing side and he was denounced as one of the 'wicked and pernicious councillors against the Commonality in these our cruel commotions'. However when King Charles sent over commissioners to report on Governor Berkeley’s rule, Joseph was described as a very resolute gentleman who after fleeing with Governor Berkeley was 'active and instrumental' in restoring order.

He was a member of the Governor’s Court in 1677 and was a witness to his will. In 1680 he was commissioned to raise men to protect the frontiers against Indians and commanded some of the troops.

Excavations at Whitemarsh have recently revealed a wine bottle seal bearing a strong resemblance to the Bridger coat of arms. Earlier his gravestone had been unearthed with a lengthy epitaph from which is abstracted the following:

'Sacred To The Memory of
The Honorable Joseph Bridger, Esq., Councillor of
State in Virginia to King Charles ye 2nd
Dying April ye 15; A.D. 1686; Aged 58 years
Mournfully leaving his wife, three sons and four daughters
To Charles his councels did such honour bring
His own express fetched him to attend the King

--etc -------'.

Parker believes that Joseph was one of the Royalists in the Gloucestershire area who helped Charles's remarkable escape to France after the battle of Worcester but no evidence of this is apparent despite the very detailed accounts of the event.

He married the well connected Hester Pitt and their children were named Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Hester, Samuel, William and Joseph with obvious echoes of their aunts and uncles back in Dursley.

In his will he makes a bequest to his mother Mary, still living in Dursley 36 years after her husband's death.

Source: Regional Historian, Issue 9, Summer 2002

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He arrived in America in 1653 and was buried in the floor of the Old Brick Church (St. Luke's) in Smithfield, VA. In 2008 his remains were removed to the Smithsonian for study.

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Served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1657-58.

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The History of St. Luke's Church

Venerable Historic St. Luke's, Mother Church of Warrasquoyacke Parish (later called Isle of Wight) was affectionately known as "Old Brick Church" long before it was given its present name in 1820. It is the oldest existing church of English foundation in America and the nation's only surviving Gothic building. It forms a unique bridge between the early civilization of our country and the rich culture of Medieval England. Its structure reflects the architectural and spiritual descendents of the great Gothic cathedrals of England. By tradition and recollection of the first Vestry Book, "Old Brick Church" is dated to 1632. It closely relates to the Tower Church at Jamestown, dated circa 1638/39. As was common at the time, it took four or five years to erect such a church; and the finishing of the interior fittings required an additional number of years, even in this parish, already numbering 522 persons in the year 1634.

Colonel Joseph Bridger of "White Marsh" long associated with "Old Brick Church," a man of significant wealth, and a member of the Council of State to Charles II for Virginia, is known to have settled in the parish at least as early as 1657.According to tradition, Colonel Bridger brought members of the Driver family from England to do "finish" work on the church.

Historic St. Luke's Church has the oldest Gothic architecture in America. Among the Gothic features are buttresses, stepped gables, brick-traceried windows, and the medieval tie-beam timber interior roof structure. The interior finishing lapsed several years, perhaps as many as twenty-five, before the temporary forms were replaced with the permanent ones by Colonel Bridger. In the meantime, new settlers brought knowledge of changing architecture in the Mother Country as evidenced in the nearby Jacobean mansion, "Bacon's Castle" (c. 1665).

The Jacobean finishing of the interior of Historic St. Luke's Church contains Tuscan columns formed from the trunk of a tree and turned balusters of the rood screen and railings. The workmanlike design and joinery of the interior architecture is exquisite. Colonel Bridger was given increasing acknowledgement for the important contributions he made in bringing the church to completion. His remains, relocated to the church in the 1890's, are in the church's chancel marked by a basalt ledger stone.

Charlotte Klamer Executive Director 14477 Benn's Church Blvd. Smithfield, Virginia 23430 Tel: (757) 357-3367 Fax: (757) 365-0543 email: stlukes@visi.net

http://www.historicstlukes.org

On January 29, 2007 Colonel Joseph Bridger's, who died in 1686, bones were exhumed by Dr. Douglas Owsley and staff. After exhumation, The Rev. Gary Barker blessed remains and the team involved. The event was filmed by The History Channel. The bones were then sent off to Washington, D.C. After some careful analysis, the bones will be returned to Colonel Joseph Bridger's tomb and reburied here in the church on April 15, 2007. The findings will be in an exhibition called "Written in Bone: Life and Death in Colonial Chesapeake" at the Smithsonian Institution in 2008.

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http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=dempsey_g...

Joseph Bridger, Sr. of Gloucester, England was a Royalist, loyal to the king of England. When Cromwell became Lord Protector by 1653 many Royalist fled England- JosephBridger, Sr. was among them. He was about 25 years old and settled inIsle of Wight County, Virginia. He eventually accquired about 12,000 acres of land and raised tobbacco and cattle. Joseph Bridger, Sr. served as a member of the House of Burgesses by 1657 and 1658 then again in 1663. Joseph, Sr. and his son Joseph, Jr. were on opposite sides during the Bacon's Rebellion. Joseph, Jr. sided with Nathaniel Bacon in favor of the small farmer. Joseph, Sr. sided with Governor William Berkeley in favor of the large land holders. Eventually the Governor had many followers of Bacon hanged. Joseph, Sr. was able to have his son pardoned. Because of this uprising much of Joseph, Sr.'s land was plundered and Joseph, Sr. and hisson never got along after that, Jr. was disinherited. Two changes in the spelling of the Bridges name occured, the first of which was soon after the Bacon Rebellion by Joseph, Jr. - perhaps as a result of the family fight. Joseph Bridger, Sr.died in 1686 and is buried ath the "Old Brick Church" in Smithfield, Virginia. This church still stands and is a somewhat famous church, Joseph Bridger, Sr. was instrimental in the building of this church. This information is from THE THOMASAND BRIDGES STORY by Edison Thomas.

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Joseph was a Royalist and in 1655, he fled England to escape Cromwellian persecution. In a codicil to his will dated 10-18-1683, he disowned his son Joseph Jr. 'who I finde fly out with divers dissolute courses of life and has grown very disobedient to me.' In a further codicil to his will, he disowned all of Joseph's descendants. From 'bridgesdna.com/177490.htm'

Joseph's first land transaction was 3-21-1666 with his father-in-law Colonel Robert Pitt and William Burgh. They patented 3000 acres of land on a branch of the Blackwater River. His portion of the land was claimed through his having transported 24 persons to the colony. The three patented another 7800 acres in Isle of Wight. The land along the Blackwater River was dark and fertile which was ideal for growing tobacco. Joseph built his plantation there on an 850 acre site. He used handmade bricks that were made on the plantation. He eventually obtained over 12,000 acres on which he raised cattle and tobacco. The Thomas and Bridges Story 1540-1840 by Edison H. Thomas

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Buried in the Chancel of St Luke's Church, originally known as the "Old Brick Church" of Newport Parish, is the oldest existing Church of English foundation in this country and the nation's only surviving original Gothic building. The Church is dated as having been begun in 1632. It is located on route 10, about 4 miles south of Smithfield, VA. Colonel Bridger brought over members from the Driver family to do the finishing work inside of the Church. He was first buried on his farm 'Whitemarsh' and later his remains were moved into the Church and marked by a marble tombstone located at the chancel. 'Sacred to ye memory of the Honble Joseph Bridger Esq. Councelr of State of Virginia to King Charles ye 2nd. Dying April 15, A.D. 1686. Aged 58 years: Mournfully left His wife, 3 sons & 4 daughters.' From: Find A Grave # 5139145.

Joseph built his plantation house on an 850 acres site purchased from Captain Upton, using bricks made by hand. He eventually acquired over 12,000 acres. In 1664, he was a member of the Commission to adjust the boundary line between the states of Virginia and Maryland. Two years later, he was adjutant general of the Virginia forces as well as a member of the general assembly. When the Indian war started in 1675, he assumed command of the militia from Isle of Wight.

His relationship to his son Joseph Jr fell apart during the Bacon Rebellion. Joseph had allegiance to King Charles II. His son Joseph Jr. was on the side of Bacon. At the end of the rebellion, Joseph Jr was condemned to death for being a leader of Bacon's Rebellion. His father was able to get him pardoned and Joseph Jr was allowed to go free. Joseph Sr. never forgave his son and disinherited him in his will. From: The Thomas and Bridgers Story 1540-1840 by Edison H Thomas.

Joseph, probably one of the wealthiest and most influential men of this time, died April 15, 1686. He left a very large amount of personal property and approximately 12,000 acres of land in Isle of Wight county. In addition, he also owned land in Surry and James City counties of Virginia and considerable acreage in the state of Maryland.

https://bridgerfamilyassociation.wordpress.com/bridger-family-assoc... -------------------- The Bridger family came from Gloucestershire, England. Colonel Bridger served in the House of Burgess 1657-1686 from the Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Member of the Virginia Council of State 1673-1686 Deputy of Vice Admiral of Virginia 1683 Co-Acting Governor of Virginia 1684 & 1685

Member of the Cavalier Army in the British Civil Wars

Col. Joseph Bridger is a qualifying ancestor for the Jamestown Society.

His will was proved: 08 May 1686, Isle of Wight, Virginia.

GEDCOM Source

@R-1244206470@ Ancestry Family Trees Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members. === GEDCOM Source === Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=85766440&pid...

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Page 36-37. [a] BRIDGER, JOSEPH: Leg.-wife Hester; son Samuel land bought of John and William Catlin, whereon John Cooke now lives, also one-half of plantation at Curawoak; son William land granted me by escheat of 850 A. formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorothy Bond and William Blunt, also two tracts taken up by Col. Pitt, Mr. William Burgh and myself containing 3000 acres, except 600 acres sold to Lt. Col. John Pitt, part of this tract leased by me to Thomas Mandus, Richard Parker, William Worrell, Richard Jones, Thomas Reeves, Robert Sturdy and others, also tract leased to Christopher Wade; to my wife the land on which I now dwell of 850 acres formerly belong to Capt. Upton and 300 acres formerly belong to Mr. Seward on which Mr. Izard, Ould Phillips and William Lewis lived, reversion to son Joseph with half of the tract at Curawoak and a tract at Monokin; Daughters, Martha Godwin, Mary, Elizabeth and Hester; y mother, Mrs. Mary Bridger. Wife Extx., with the assistance of Lt. Col. John Pitt, Thomas Pitt and Col. Arthur Smith. Dated 3 August 1683. Revocation of all bequests to son Joseph. 18 October 1683. Wit. James Bennett, Robert Pitt, Samuel Luck, Richard Glover. Recorded 9 April 1685. [Page 250] [b] Received of Mrs. Hester Bridger, Extx of Col. Joseph Bridger, legacy left my wife Martha. Signed Thomas Godwin. Wit. John Pitt, Arthur Smith. 16 July 1686. Same acknowledgment to wife Mary. Signed Richard Tibbott. Wit. Joh Pitt, Arthur Smith. 16 July 1686. Same acknowledgment to wife Elizabeth. Signed Thomas Lear. Wit. Arthur Smith, Thomas Godwin. 4 August 1686. [Page 254]. [c] Bridger, Col. Joseph: Appraisal by James Powell, Arthur Smith, Henry Applewhaite, Henry Baker. 28 June 1686. [page 255]. 2. Page 78. [a] BRIDGER, JOSEPH: Leg-son Joseph; son Robert; son William; son John; son James; daughter Hester; daughter Elizabeth ; to sons, Robert, William and John the land I bought of Walter Rutter, formerly granted old Mr. Izard; wife Elizabeth. Wife Extx. Trustees, brothers Samuel and William Bridger and Tristram Norsworthy, Sr. Dated 14 March 1712 Recorded 25 Jan, 1713 Wit: WIlliam Bridger, Sarah Terrell, Elizabeth Watts, William Dixon. [Page 574]. [b] Bridger, Capt. Joseph. Appraised by William Williams, Richard Wilkinson, Thomas Moscrop and Robert Richard, Jr. Signed by Elizabeth Bridger. [Page 576] [c] Pg 90. Thomas, Griffeth. Appointed by will. John Pitt his executor, who requests the probation of the will. Dated 9 February last past. Recorded 23 March 1662. Security, Captain Bridger, Thomas Green [Page 3]. 3. Page 6-married 1672. [W. B. 10, page 128 & 129] 4. Came to Virginia in 1652 under the auspices of Col. Nathaniel Bacon. Colonel Bridger was considered the most prominent man of his time in Isle of Wight Co., VA. He was a member of the House of Burgesses from Isle of Wight Co in the 1657-8 session [probably only a few years after his arrival in VA]. He was also a member of the house in 1663. His residence was called ‘Whitemarsh’ probably after the patent he and William Burgh received of 7,800 acres on 7 June 1666, ‘beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about half a mile from the main run of the Blackwater [River]” [now on Route 620, ‘Pan Rd’, in Isle of Wight Co]. This patent was for the transportation of 156 persons [including a Thomas Pitt - probably related to Col. Robert Pitt and a James Bridger - probably his brother, and himself]. Colonel Bridger was Adjutant General of the Virginia forces in 1666 and commander of the Isle of Wight militia in the Indian War of 1675. Colonel Bridger was a supporter of Governor Berkeley during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 and was denounced in Bacon’s Proclamation of 1676. [Both the Colonel and the Governor fled to Virginia’s Eastern Shore during the rebellion]. Sir John Berry names among the eminent sufferers by Bacon’s rebellion Col. Joseph Bridger, “a very Resolute gentlemen, who, though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own country, yet on his Return was very Active and Instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South part of James River”. Received land grant of 432 acres in Surry Co., VA in 1673 [Patent Bk #6] Deeded land by John Perry, son of Phillip Perry of Whitemarsh, in 1673. [W & M Quarterly vol 7, page 229]. Made his will 18 October 1583; probated 8 May 1686. Names: wife Hester, sons: Joseph, Samuel, William; daughter: Martha [Godwin], Mary, Elizabeth. By codicil, disinherits son Joseph, “who I find fly out with divers dissolute courses of life and is grown very disobedient to me”. Will witnessed by Col. Robert Pitt, Leg: 1. Wife, Hester 2. Son, Samuel: land bought of John and William Gatlin whereon John Cooke now lives; also one-half of the plantation at “Curawoak” 3. Son, William: land granted me by escheat of 850 acres formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs. Mrs. Dorothy Bond, and William Blunt: also two tracts taken up by Col. Pitt, Mr Wm Burgh, and myself containing 3000 acres, except 600 acres Richard Jones, Thomas Rives, Robert Sturdy, and others; also tract leased to Christopher Wade. 4. Wife, Hester; land on which I now dwell of 850 acres, formerly belong to Capt. Upton and 300 acres formerly to Mr. Seward on which Mr. Izzard, Ould Phillips, William Lewis live, reversion to son John with half of the tract at “Carawoak” and a tract at Monokin. He was buried at “Whitemarsh”, later moved to the Old Brick Church, Smithfield, VA. The Bridger house must have been one of the largest of its day in VA. The inventory of the estate lists, “Cellar, kitchen, kitchen chamber, dining room, parlor, hall gallery, landing chamber over dining room, outer chamber, lower chamber, hall chamber, next chamber, middle chamber, middle uppermost chamber, and children’s chamber. 5. 17th Century Isle of Wight Co., VA. Pg 177.-180 THE OLD BRICK CHURCH near Smithfield. The Old Brick Church is said to be the oldest existing church of the Protestant faith in America within its original walls. Tradition has it that it was built by “Captain Joseph Bridger, father of Colonel Joseph Bridger.” [Article by Mr. R. S. Thomas on “The Old Brick Church”, VBa. Hist. Colln., Vol XI]. The first Joseph Brighter was called “Captain” in the early records [No original records remain before 1661. Those previous to that time were copied from documents which remained on file in the clerk’s office] . A land grant to him in 1666 uses that title, although he was subsequently “Colonel” and “General”. He had a son who was known as “Colonel Joseph Bridger”. If this explains the tradition is would however place the building of the church at too late a date, for the records show that a church existed in 1638 at about where the Old Brick Church now stands. The church is of a great age and it might well have been begun in 1632, if not actually finished in that year. Many of the early churches were eight to ten years in building. The Old Brick Church is “Built of Bricks, made of clay of the very best quality, found in its immediate vicinity, and put together with a mortar made from well burnt oyster shell lime and building sand, both of which can be found near by in great quantities, the sand being taken from the base of the hill upon which it rests, the mortar becoming almost as hard as flint, preventing the displacement of a brick without tearing away a part of those to which it is attached, baffling the incursions of the would be despoiler, has assisted greatly in its preservation.” [Morrison] It is as well buttressed as many English Churches of greater antiquity and is fashioned after the style of churches of centuries long past. As it stands in the year 1937 it seems able to last many centuries more. It has massive walls and a square set tower which can resist the ravages of time as well as when it was first built three centuries ago. Even fire could destroy its wooden interior, but the walls would stand. We can but look upon the builders of those days with admiration as they built for eternity. The vestrymen of the Old Brick Church were: Lawrence Baker, 1724-5, WIlliam Bridger, 1724-30; Thomas Woodley 1728-55; Major Joseph Bridger 1735-47; Arthur Smith 1736-40; Thomas Smith 1745-51; Jordon Thomas 1746-55; Robert Tynes 1746-77; William Hodsden 1746-77; Joseph Bridger 1746-59; Colonel Joseph Bridger 1757-69; James Bridger 1766-77; and so on. Pages 423-433. Joseph Bridge, the most prominent man of his time in Isle of WIght Co., was the third son of Samuel Bridger, audito for the College of Gloucester. Samuel owned the manor of Woodmancote in the Parish of Dursley, where Joseph was probably born about 1628. His date of birth cannot be proven, however, as the Parish registers begin in 1639. Samuel in his will leaves to his wife “Mary” his dwelling house at Woodmancote for her natural life. Joseph in his will, 2683, leaves a legacy to his mother ‘Mary”. It appears that Samuel was the only Bridger of that family and time with a wife named “Mary”. Also from Samuel’s will in 1650 it seems that Joseph was just about of age. Futhermore, Samuel Bridger’s only daughters were Martha and Mary. And these names Joseph of Virginia gave to his two oldest daughters, besides naming his two eldest sons Joseph and Samuel. Joseph of Virginia was well educated, probably at his father’s College of Gloucester. He was a member of the House of Burgesses from the Isle of Wight, in the session of 1657-8, which appears to be the first mention of his name in the Virginia records, so he probably came over shortly before that time [Journals%E2%80%99 p. XXIII]. He was also a member of the House in 1663. As “Captain” Joseph Bridger, he patented 300 acres in Isle of Wight, upon a branch of the Blackwater March 21, 1664 together with one William Burgh and his father-in-law Colonel Robert Pitt. 1,200 and 600 acres were due Pitt and Burgh respectively, by the two former patents, and 1,200 for the transportation of 24 persons [Cavaliers and Pioneers, p 433]. On 7 June 1666, he together with William Burgh patented 7,800 acres “beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about a half a mile from the main run of the the Blackwater” {DeP.55p]. This was for the transportation of 156 persons and among those named were Thomas Pitt, James Bridger, probably a brother, and himself, Joseph Bridger. His residence “Whitemarsh” may have been named from the marsh mentioned herein. Colonel Bridger seems to have been a large dealer in lands and servants and also held many important offices. HE was on the Commission to adjust the boundary line between Virginia and Maryland in 1664 [Neill%E2%80%99s VA. Comp p 302] and in 1666 he was Adjutant General of the Virginia forces {Henning 2,225]. He was commander of the Isle of Wight militia in the Indian War of 1675 [Henning 2,328] also a member of the Council. Colonel Bridger was an adherent of Governor Berkeley during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 and was denounced along with the other prominent Virginians in Bacon’s Proclamation of 1676 as “wicked and pernicious Councillors, aiders and assist-ors against the Commonalty in these our cruel commotions” [Va Mag I p 60]. Sir John Berry, one of the commissioners sent over by Charles II to report on Governor Berkeley’s rule says that Colonel Bridger was “a very Resolute gentleman, who though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own country, yet on his return was very active and instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South part of the James River.” The Colonel fled to the Eastern Shore with the Governor during the Rebellion. He was a member of the General Court at Green Springs, Governor Berkeley’s residence in 1677, and also witnessed the Governor’s will [Henning 2-pages 548, 51, 57, 60]. On the 15 July 1680 he was commissioned to raise men to protect the frontiers against Indians, and was replaced in command over the troops of Lower Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight at Surry [Executive Journals of Council p 9]. Colonel Bridger died the 15 April 1686. His house must have been on the the largest of its day in VA as the inventory of his estate gives a list of rooms in his house as, “Cellar, kitchen, kitchen chamber, dining room, parlor, hall gallery, landing chamber over dining room, out chamber, lower chamber, hall chamber, next chamber, middle chamber, middle uppermost chamber, children’s chamber.” Colonel Bridger married Hester, daughter of Colonel Robert Pitt, also a Burgess and member of the Council. Many years ago Colonel Bridger’s tombstone was found on his farm “Whitemarsh” and it was removed to the Old Brick Church where it lies at the foot of the chancel. The sone bears the following epitaph, now almost defaced: “Sacred To The Memory of The Honorable Joseph Bridger, Esq., Councillor of State in Virginia to King Charles ye 2nd. Dying April ye 15; A.D. 1686; Aged 58 years Mournfully leaving his wife, three sons and four daughters, Does nature silent mourn and can dumb stone, Make his true worth to future ages known, Excels expression marble sure will keep, His mercy best yet. ever o’er his grave shall weep. Here lies the late great minister of State, That Royal virtues had and Royal fate, To Charles his counsels did such honor bring, His own express fetched him to attend the King, His soul yet. ever did with, vigor more Soared like itself above. But ye bright stars ne’er lay-silly decline. But in an instant shoot out. cease to shine.” Colonel Bridger made his will 18 Oct 1683 and same was probated 8 May 1686. The Church isle of Wright said to have been built by Joseph Bridger. His tombstone is in the floor of St. Luke’s Church. States: SACRED To Y Memory of The Honor JOSEPH BRIDGERS, ESC COUNCIL OF STATE OF VIRGINIA. TO KING CHARLES Y 2nd DYING APRIL A.D. j5: A.D. J686 AGED 58 YEARES MOURNFULLY LEFT HIS WIFE 3 SONS & 4 DAUGHTERS. 6. Page 212, William and Mary Quarterly. Col. Joseph Bridger, Major Thomas Taberer, and General, Richard Bennett, and many others of the leading men sympathized with the Quakers, and while the Quakers were sometimes fined for non-conformity, they had their own meeting-houses and practically their own way. After 1699 their houses were regularly licensed, and there is in the Gazette for 1736 an address signed by the leading Quakers of the Colony in which they admit they had nothing to complain of except their being taxed to support the State, or Episcopal Church. Page 213. In Bacon's Rebellion (1676) Isle of Wight was the scene of constant foray. Col. Joseph Bridger(1) headed the followers of Berkeley, and John Jennings, clerk of the court, was the most noted of Bacon's adherents. He was banished from the colony. but died before the decree could be carried into effect. (1) Sir John Berry names among the eminent sufferers by Bacon's Rebellion Col. Joseph Bridger, "a very Resolute gentleman, who, though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own country, yet on his Return was very Active and Instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South part of James River," &c. 9. Pages 69-73. JOSEPH BRIDGER, son of Samuel Bridger, known as “Captain”, married HESTER PITT, daughter of COLONEL ROBERT PITT. Colonel Pitt was a Burgess and member of the Council in Virginia. Colonel Bridger was a well educated man, no doubt obtaining his education at his father’s college of Gloucester in England. He was a member of the House of Burgesses representing Isle of Wight County in the session of 1657-8. This is the first mention of his name in public records, so he no doubt came to America shortly before that date. He was also a member of the House in 1663. Captain Joseph Bridger patented 300 acres in Isle of Wight, upon a branch of Blackwater 21 March 1664, together with one William Burgh and his father-in-law Colonel Robert Pitt. 1200 and 600 acres were due PITT and BURGH respectively, by the two former patents, and 1200 for the transportation of 24 persons [Cavaliers and Pioneers, page 433]. On the 7th of June 1666, he together with William Burch patented 7800 acres ‘beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about a half mile from the main run of the Blackwater’ [De page 559]. This was for the transportation of 156 persons and among those named were Thomas Pitt, James Bridger. His residence by the name ‘Whitemarsh’ may have been named from the Marsh mentioned herein. From the records we find that Colonel Bridger was a large dealer in lands and servants and also held many important offices. He was on the Commission to adjust the boundary line between Virginia and Maryland in 1664 [Neill%E2%80%99s Virginia Company page 303] and in 1666 he was adjutant General of the Virginia forces [Henning 2225]. He was commander of the Isle of Wight Militia in the Indian War of 1675 [Henning 2328]. also a member of the Council. Colonel Bridger was an adherent of Governor Berkeley during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 and was denounced along with the other prominent Virginians in Bacon’s Proclamation of 1676 as ‘wicked and pernicious Councillors, aiders and assisters against the Commonalty in these our cruel commotions’ [Virginia Magazine I, page 60]. Sir John Berry, one of the commissioners sent over by Charles II, to report on Governor Berkeley’s rule says that Colonel Bridger as ‘a very Resolute gentleman, who though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own country, yet on his return was very active and instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South part of the James River.” The Colonel fled to the Eastern Shore with the Governor during the Rebellion. Colonel Joseph Bridger was a member of the General Court at Green Springs, Governor Berkeley’s residence in 1677, and also witnessed the Governor’s Will [Henning 2, pages 548,41,57,60]. On the 15th of July, 1680 he was commissioned to raise men to protect the frontiers against Indians, and was placed in command over the troops of Lower Norfolk, Nanosecond, Isle of Wight at Surry [Exec. Journals of Council, page 9]. Joseph Bridger was probably born ca 1628 in England. He died the 15th April 1686. He married HESTER PITT, daughter of Robert Pitt of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. His house must have been one of the largest of its day in Virginia, as the inventory of his estate give a light of rooms in his house as “Cellar, Kitchen, Kitchen chamber, dining room, parlor, hall gallery, landing chamber over dining room, outer chamber, lower chamber, hall chamber, children’ chamber.” An Old Brick Church said to be the oldest existing church of the Protestant faith in America still has its original walls. Tradition has it that it was built by “Captain Joseph Bridger”. We can’t be sure which Joseph Bridger this is, but there is always the possibility that he is our Joseph Bridger. Records show that a church existed in 1638 at about where the Old Brick Church now stands. The church is of a great age and it might well have been begun in 1632. Many of the churches were eight to ten years in building. The building is ‘built of bricks, made of clay of the very best quality, found in its immediate vicinity, and put together with a mortar made from well burnt oyster shell lime and building sand. Children of Joseph and Hester Bridger, who were mentioned in his will of October 18, 1683, same being in his will of 18 October 1683, same being probated 8 May, 1686, follow: 1. MARTHA BRIDGER, married Thomas Godwin of Namsemond, Speaker of the House of Burgesses. His family came from Somerset, England. 2. MARY BRIDGER married Captain Richard Tibboth of the ship “Mary and Anne.” 3. ELIZABETH BRIDGER married Thomas Lear, son of Colonel John Lear of Nanosecond Co., Virginia. There children were John, Thomas, Elizabeth and Martha Lear. 4. HESTER BRIDGER married George Williamson, son of Dr Robertt Williamson, a member of the House of Burgesses for Isle of Wight. The wife of Dr Robert Williamson was Jane Allen, daughter of Arthur Allen of Surry County, Virginia. 5. SAMUEL BRIDGER married Mrs. Elizabeth Woory, widow of Joseph Woory. She was Elizabeth Godwin, daughter of Colonel Thomas Godwin. 6. WILLIAM BRIDGER married Mrs. Elizabeth [Allen] Caufield of Surry County, Virginia. 7. JOSEPH BRIDGER, the disinherited son of Colonel Joseph Bridger, died in 1713. He married Elizabeth Norsworthy, daughter of John Norsworthy and granddaughter of Tristan Norsworthy, Burgess for Upper Norfolk County. Many years ago Colonel Bridger’s tombstone was found his farm “Whitmarsh” and it was removed to the Old Brick Church where it lies at the foot of the chancel. The stone bears the following epitaph, now almost defaced. [Copied as written]. “Sacred to the Memory of - The Honorable Joseph Brdger, Esq., Councilor of - State of Virginia to King Charles ye 2nd. Dying April ye 15; A.D. 1686; Aged 58 years - Mournfully leaving his wife, three sons and four daughters - Does nature silent mourn and can dumb stone - Make his true worth to future ages knowne - Excels expression marble sure will keep - His mercy best yet, ever o’er his grave shall weep. - Here lies the late great minister of States - Tat Royal virtues had and Royal fate = To Charles his councils did such honor bring - His own express fetched him to attend the King - His soul yet ever died with, vigor move - Soared like itself above - But ye bright stars ne’er laysily decline - But in the instant shoot ye cease to shine.” I was stated on a previous page that Samuel Bridger, father of Colonel Joseph Bridger, died in Gloucester, England. Samuel is buried in the Cathedral of Gloucester underneath this some what unique epitaph. “Receiver of the this College Rents, he paid - His debt to nature, and beneath is laid - To rest until his summons to remover - At the last audit to the Choir above.” From Nanosecond Chronicles, 1606-1800, Virginia Colony, by Evelyn H Cross, appears an article entitled “The Old Brick Church”, which add some to the BRIDGER history. “The archbishop of London, father of Colonel Joseph Bridger I, and The Rev. Robert Bridgeer: set them to Warrasquoake with a shipment of brick, window sash, timbers and plaster to build a buttressed Brick church in 1632. The architectural plan was copies from the parent church in London. Over the lecture a window 25 feet high was adorned with painted glass representing scriptural subjects. A lofty tower held a bell and was capped with a weathervane. The carved pulpit with its circular stairs rose above the closed pews of carved wood. The Rev. Robert Bridger was its first minister. The Rev. Samuel Bridger, Joseph Bridger’s son, followed him in the pulpit. The entire colonists roster was tithed to support this church. When the wardens failed, the sheriff as called to take from the colonists the amount assessed. The Royal Militia was present to keep the peace.” The Brick Church was mentioned on previous page of the BRIDGER genealogy. Bridger, Col (9GGF) (1627-1686) thru dtr Martha)House of Burgesses (Immigrant) Suffix Sr. (General?) disinherited son Joseph and gave to sons Samuel and W

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Aug 12 2021, 18:44:13 UTC