John Marvel, Sr.

The first Marvel came from Normandy and settled in Merveille, France. His name was Robert de (of) Merveille. He served under Duke William (1028-1087), known as William the Conqueror, ruler of the independent duchy of Normandy, who defeated England at the battle of Hastings in 1066. The name gradually evolved over the centuries, becoming anglicized to the name Marvell (or Marvel).

The Marvels settled in the parishes of Melbourn, Meldreth and Shepreth in Cambridgeshire where they resided for centuries. John Marvel was born in the parish of Melbourn on August 4, 1632. He was a son of Thomas Marvel who was born in the same parish in 1594. John, the original emigrant to America, sailed with a number of young men for the district of Virginia in 1652. Later descendants of Robert Marvel and John Marvel state they were known in Virginia/Maryland for their good brandy and fast horses.

John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburgh of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings of the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, Maruell. John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Anthony and Ann (Barlowe) West, in 1663, and they had two sons, John Marvel, Jr. and Thomas Marvel and one daughter, Catherine.

On May 15, 1680, John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his son, John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land.

Later, on October 14, 1695, John Marvel, Jr., deeded these 100 acres to his mother and father, lifetime.

John Marvel appeared in the Accomack County tax list in 1667 and continued to appear in other lists. John Marvel, Sr., died in 1707 and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburgh and the widow of John West. (2)

SOURCES: 1. O'Connor, Charles A., the Marvel in England, p. 296. 2. Virgin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields. December, 1995.

OTHER NOTES: When John Marvel immigrated to America he settled in Accomack County, Virginia. Records show he was born 4 August 1632 in Melbourne, Cambridgeshire, England. ('shire' in England is somewhat the same as 'county' in America.) In the book "Early Virginia Immigrants 1632 to 1666" by George Greer, is found the name of John Marvel. Another book found in the Accomack Library the following notation reads, "May 10, 1652, Charles Scarburgh, son of Col. Edmund Scarburgh, 3050 acres in Northampton County, Virginia, transfer of 61 persons from England." John Marvel's name was on this list of persons brought over by Charles Scarburgh. In the early Colonial times a man could earn much land in America by transporting people from England to America. The King of England, then King George II, wanted to get the continent settled but did not want to invest any money to do so. The payment in land, on the continent itself, for the people's transportation was the cheapest and fastest way to do this. John Marvel, entered land in the registry in 1652 and again in 1653. The land registry was made in Northampton County, where the land office was located. Accomack County is next to Northampton County and was made a separate county in 1663. Remember that at this time Virginia's boundary lines were very questionable. Virginia contained all the land that was later divided into the states of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, also portions of other surrounding states. John, was married in 1663 to Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine West. Ann was born in 1632 but it is not known where. The records in Virginia show that Ann died in 1710. This date is questioned because in John's will, dated 1707 he mentions his housekeeper, Matilda West (possibly a relative of Ann), but no mention of his wife Ann. The date of 1710 is likely the date Ann's will was probated which sometimes took several years. The will of John Marvel III, was dated 3 February 1707 and recorded on 18 February 1707. It lists him as 75 years old and names only one descendant, Thomas Marvel. It also names Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West and Mrs. Matilda West. Catherine West was the name of his mother-in-law. It is highly unlikely that Ann's mother would be alive at this age because Ann's age on this date would have been 75. Records have been found stating that Mrs. Matilda West was the daughter of Col. Edmond and Mary (Scarburg) West. She was also the widow of John West, who she married in 1655. John West died in 1703. There is a strong possibility that she was Ann's sister- in-law. She was named executrix of John Marvel III's will. Many Quakers lived in Accomack County, Virginia as early as 1656. In later years, as their numbers increased, they were greatly persecuted. So large numbers of them fled into Maryland, at the invitation of Governor Calvert, who granted each Quaker 50 acres. Among many who fled is mentioned Matilda West, widow of John West. It is possible that John and Ann (West) Marvel had immigrated to Maryland much earlier. Somerset and Worcester Counties in Maryland are next to Accomack County in Virginia. Somerset County, Maryland was created in 1666 and divided in 1742, when Worcester County was formed. There were many boundary disputes between the two states and this part of Worcester County was given to the state of Delaware. John and Ann Marvel lived in the area of Worcester County, Maryland although it was known as Somerset County then.

In the book "Early Virginia Immigrants 1632 to 1666" by George Greer is found the name of John Marvel. Another book found in the Accomack Library the following notation reads, "May 10, 1652, Charles Scarburgh, son of Col. Edmund Scarburgh, 3050 acres in Northampton County, Virginia, transfer of 61 persons from England." John Marvel's name was on this list of persons brought over by Charles Scarburgh.

The first Marvel came from Normandy and settled in Marvelle/Marvaile, France. His name was Robert de (of) Marvelle. He served under Duke William (1028-1087), known as William the Conqueror, ruler of the independent duchy of Normandy, who defeated England at the battle of Hastings in 1066. At that time Robert de (of) Marvelle/Marvaile stood up and proclaimed himself Robert Marvel. The Marvels settled in the parishes of Melbourne, Meldreth and Shepreth in Cambridgeshire where they resided for centuries. John Marvel was born in the parish of Melbourne on May 27, 1630. He was a son of Thomas Marvel who was born in the same parish in 1594. John, the original emigrant to America, sailed with a number of young men for the district of Virginia (and possibly Maryland) in 1661. Later descendants of Robert Marvel and John Marvel state they were known in Virginia/Maryland for their good wine and fast horses. Original immigrant. John sailed with a number of young men of the district for Virginia in 1661 (1) John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburg of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3.050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings of the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, Maruell. John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine ? West, in 1663, and they had two sons, Thomas Marvel and John Marvel, Jr. On May 15, 1680's, John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his son, John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land. Later, on October 14, 1695, John Marvel, Jr., deeded to his "mother and father, lifetime. John Marvel appeared in the Accomack County tax list in 1669 and continued to appear in other lists. John Marvel, Sr., died in 1707 and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburg and the widow of John West. (2)

SOURCES:1. O'Connor, Charles A., the Marvel in England, p. 296.2. Virgin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields, December, 1995.

John and Ann (West) Marvel had two sons, John, Jr. and Thomas. Records of their birth conflict. It seems apparent, however, that one was born in 1674 and other in 1682. One record gives John, Jr. as born in 1682. This seems highly questionable because of records of deeds and court cases available. There is a record indication that John Marvell, Sr., apprenticed his son, John, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion. In consideration whereof, William Jarman was to give to John Marvel, Jr. 100 acres of land. The deed book (1677-1690) in Accomack County, Virginia names William Jarman, grantor, and a John Marvel, Jr., grantee, for 100 acres of land by agreement. This is dated May 16, 1682. It is questionable that this transaction would have taken place when John, Jr. was an infant. It is more plausible at age 8.

Note: Aug. 12 John Marrell (Marvel) was listed as a head right for Edmund Scarburgh (Jr.) in a patent for land on Occohannock Creek, which is in Accomack Co., VA, on the bay side of the peninsula called "the Eastern Shore". This may have been John Marvell; many of the names listed were also listed, along with John Marvell, in a patent to Edmund's brother Charles Scarburgh; see next entry. (Nugent, "Cavaliers and Pioneers", first volume, p. 183.)

1652-1653 John moved from Cambridgeshire, England to Accomee, VA. (Notes from Juanita Ruff, ruff@cafes.net, 1997).

1652 May 10 John Marvell was listed as a head right in a patent to Charles Scarburgh for land on Pungoteague Creek, Northampton (later Accomack) Co. (Nugent, p. 286).

1652 May 10 John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburg of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3,050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings for the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, and Maruell.(O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

HISTORY NOTE: In the early years, land was distributed through a head right system; that is, a person was entitled to 50 acres of land for each person (head right) whose way he paid into the area to help settle the land, including himself and family members. Appearance of a name on a head right list does not guarantee that the person was actually there because lists of names were frequently bought, or borrowed, from other enterprising adventurers, as may have been the case with the three land patents described here.1661 Original emigrant. John sailed with a number of the young men of the district for Virginia. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1662 John Marvell on early Accomack Co., VA tax lists. (Northampton Co. Order Boo, 1657-1664).

1663 John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine West and they had two sons, Thomas Marvel and John Marvel, Jr. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)1663 John Marvell married Ann. Two dates have been offered: "1651 (John Everett Marvel, Waynesville, IL, in Virkus, "Compendium of American Genealogy", IV, 680); and 1663 (Daisy Marvel Jones, "A Brief History of the Marvel Family",1960); and 1663 (J. B. Turner Collection, Delaware Archives, Marvel microfiche file). Mildred Marvel Burwell's history relies on the Jones' history for information on the early generations of Marvels. Jones says that Marvel married Ann West, but I have found no proof and suspect this is a guess, based on John Marvell's will (1707-1708), see below. J. B. Turner says that John Marvell married Ann in Accomack Country. Some miles north of the area settled by the Scarburghs, between Little Back Creek and French (or France) Creek, is an area of marsh, divided by narrow channels into two islands. These were early called Marvell's Islands. And Little Back Creek was called Marvell's Creek or My Lord Marvell's Back Creek -- a possible indication of where John Marvell eventually settled, although there is no record of his having owned land in the area himself. The islands had originally belonged to Col. Edmund Scarburgh, father of Edmund Jr. and Charles. (Whitelaw, "Virginia's Eastern Shore, II, 1107).

1669 John Marvel appeared in the Accomack Co. tax list and continued to appear in other lists. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1677 John listed for last time on tax lists of Accomack County. (Nottingham, "Accomack Tithables (Tax Lists) 1663-1695). Did John Marvill become indigent or disabled after 1677, so that he was no longer taxed?

1682 May 16 John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his second son John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.); (Accomack Co., VA Land Records, 1676-1690, p. 306-07). The purpose of this bargain may have been to provide John Sr. a place to live.

1688 June 20 Will Jarman sold to John Abbot 250 acres of marshy land, between Oyster Creek and "my Lord Marvells back Creek". (Accomack Co. Land Records, 1676-1690, p. 483.) So perhaps John Marvell, Sr. was now living on the land that Jarman had granted to John Marvell, Jr.

1694 Feb 19 John Marvell, Jr., planter, traded his 100 acres to Samuel Young in exchange for 100 acres of Samuel Young's plantation, part of a divident of land on which Young's father in law (stepfather) and mother were then dwelling, in the southwest corner thereof. This was on the south edge of the present town of Parksley. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, pp. 125-26)

1695 Sep 14 John Maruell Jr. of his own free and voluntary will granted to his mother and father, John Maruell and Ann his wife, the land whereon they then lived during their lifetime. This is the same land John Jr. had acquired from Samuel Young early in the year. (Accomack Co. L. R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, p. 159-160); (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1695 Dec 16 John Marvell Jr. sold to William Hutson (Hudson) the 100 acres that he had received in trade from Samuel Young. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1695-1715, pp. 164-65)1695 Dec 17 John Marvill Jr. came into court and acknowledged that the grant of 14 September was his real act and deed to his father and mother. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, p. 160)1697 Jun 2 Samuel Young sold to William Young (his brother) the 100 acres he had received in trade from John Marvill Jr. Marvill witnessed the deed. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed part 1, 1692-1715, pp. 277-78)

1697 Oct 5 Another deed to William Hudson, repeating the transaction of 16 December 1695, with a couple of details added, on 5 October 1697. John Marvill, Jr. sold to William Hudson 100 acres, "being part of a divident of land whereon the said Wm. Hudson now dwelleth." (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1695-1715, pp. 297-98) ... William Hudson was evidently Samuel Young's stepfather).

1707 Jul 29 John Marvel, Sr., died and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburg and the widow of John West. ( Virdin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware"); ( 815 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields, December 1995); (Juanita Ruff, ruff@cafes.net, direct descendant, 1997).

1707 July 29 John Marvill, "being now very aged weak and feeble" wrote his will (it was probated on 3 Fe. 1707). He made bequests to his son Thomas Marvill (a heifer), Mr. Jonathan West (5 barrels of corn), and Mrs. Catherine West ( a heifer named Kitty), but his principal legacy was to his "most Kind and Ever loving friend Mrs. Matilda West," whom he also appointed his executrix. The will was witnessed by Tully Robinson, John West, and John Lewis. (From a copy furnished by the Virginia State Archives, from Accomack Co. Records); ("Marvels on the Eastern Shore". A Documented Chronology by Pauline Manning Batchelder); (R.L. Smith, MARVEL "Compilation", Champaign, IL); (Research notes of Marguerite Moore);("Wills and Administrations of Accomack, County, VA 1663-1800").

Note: 2 General Marvel Family References- 1. Virdin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". 815 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 2. de Valinger, Leon, Jr. Compiled. "Calendar of Sussex County Delaware Probate Records 1680-1800". Public Archives Commission, Dover, DE 1964.3. Records of Lewes and Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Lewes, DE, 1755-1855.5. 1790 Delaware Census, Sussex County, Screen 9 of 85, CD137, 1st Edition. 6. 1800 DE Census of Sussex County, screen 11 of 84, CD151, 1st Edition.GCT95 = Gibson County TODAY; published Monday, Oct. 2, 1995.

Note: Source; Compendium American Genealogy; Marvel History pg 5-6; Early Virginia Immigrants; Northampton Virginia Land Registry Cox Papers; Evolution of the Name Marvel, p 10; A Brief History of the Marvel Family; The Hargadines and Other Delaware and Maryland Families.

More About JOHN MARVEL, SR.: Bet. 1652 - 1653, Came from England to America; Settled in Accomack Co., VA; Moved to Worcester Co., Md; Later given to Delaware; In America, he changed his name to Marvel

Notes for JOHN MARVEL, SR.: The first Marvel came from Normandy and settled in Marvelle/Marvaile, France. His name was Robert de (of) Marvelle. He served under Duke William (1028-1087), known as William the Conqueror, ruler of the independent duchy of Normandy, who defeated England at the battle of Hastings in 1066. At that time Robert de (of) Marvelle/Marvaile stood up and proclaimed himself Robert Marvel.

The Marvels settled in the parishes of Melbourne, Meldreth and Shepreth in Cambridgeshire where they resided for centuries. John Marvel was born in the parish of Melbourne on May 27, 1630. He was a son of Thomas Marvel who was born in the same parish in 1594. John, the original emigrant to America, sailed with a number of young men for the district of Virginia (and possibly Maryland) in 1661. Later descendants of Robert Marvel and John Marvel state they were known in Virginia/Maryland for their good wine and fast horses.

Original immigrant. John sailed with a number of young men of the district for Virginia in 1661 (1)

John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburg of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3.050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings of the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, Maruell. John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine ? West, in 1663, and they had two sons, Thomas Marvel and John Marvel, Jr.

On May 15, 1680's, John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his son, John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land.

Later, on October 14, 1695, John Marvel, Jr., deeded to his mother and father, lifetime.

John Marvel appeared in the Accomack County tax list in 1669 and continued to appear in other lists. John Marvel, Sr., died in 1707 and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburg and the widow of John West. (2)

SOURCES: 1. O'Connor, Charles A., the Marvel in England, p. 296.

2. Virgin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields. December, 1995.

OTHER NOTES: When John Marvel immigrated to America he settled in Accomack County, Virginia. Records show he was born 4 August 1632 in Melbourne, Cambridgeshire, England. ('shire' in England is somewhat the same as 'county' in America.) In the book "Early Virginia Immigrants 1632 to 1666" by George Greer, is found the name of John Marvel. Another book found in the Accomack Library the following notation reads, "May 10, 1652, Charles Scarburgh, son of Col. Edmund Scarburgh, 3050 acres in Northampton County, Virginia, transfer of 61 persons from England." John Marvel's name was on this list of persons brought over by Charles Scarburgh. In the early Colonial times a man could earn much land in America by transporting people from England to America. The King of England, then King George II, wanted to get the continent settled but did not want to invest any money to do so. The payment in land, on the continent itself, for the people's transportation was the cheapest and fastest way to do this. John Marvel, entered land in the registry in 1652 and again in 1653. The land registry was made in Northampton County, where the land office was located. Accomack County is next to Northampton County and was made a separate county in 1663. Remember that at this time Virginia's boundary lines were very questionable. Virginia contained all the land that was later divided into the states of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, also portions of other surrounding states. John, was married in 1663 to Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine West. Ann was born in 1632 but it is not known where. The records in Virginia show that Ann died in 1710. This date is questioned because in John's will, dated 1707 he mentions his housekeeper, Matilda West (possibly a relative of Ann), but no mention of his wife Ann. The date of 1710 is likely the date Ann's will was probated which sometimes took several years. The will of John Marvel III, was dated 3 February 1707 and recorded on 18 February 1707. It lists him as 75 years old and names only one descendant, Thomas Marvel. It also names Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West and Mrs. Matilda West. Catherine West was the name of his mother-in-law. It is highly unlikely that Ann's mother would be alive at this age because Ann's age on this date would have been 75. Records have been found stating that Mrs. Matilda West was the daughter of Col. Edmond and Mary (Scarburg) West. She was also the widow of John West, who she married in 1655. John West died in 1703. There is a strong possibility that she was Ann's sister- in-law. She was named executrix of John Marvel III's will. Many Quakers lived in Accomack County, Virginia as early as 1656. In later years, as their numbers increased, they were greatly persecuted. So large numbers of them fled into Maryland, at the invitation of Governor Calvert, who granted each Quaker 50 acres. Among many who fled is mentioned Matilda West, widow of John West. It is possible that John and Ann (West) Marvel had immigrated to Maryland much earlier. Somerset and Worcester Counties in Maryland are next to Accomack County in Virginia. Somerset County, Maryland was created in 1666 and divided in 1742, when Worcester County was formed. There were many boundary disputes between the two states and this part of Worcester County was given to the state of Delaware. John and Ann Marvel lived in the area of Worcester County, Maryland although it was known as Somerset County then.

In the book "Early Virginia Immigrants 1632 to 1666" by George Greer is found the name of John Marvel. Another book found in the Accomack Library the following notation reads, "May 10, 1652, Charles Scarburgh, son of Col. Edmund Scarburgh, 3050 acres in Northampton County, Virginia, transfer of 61 persons from England." John Marvel's name was on this list of persons brought over by Charles Scarburgh.

The first Marvel came from Normandy and settled in Marvelle/Marvaile, France. His name was Robert de (of) Marvelle. He served under Duke William (1028-1087), known as William the Conqueror, ruler of the independent duchy of Normandy, who defeated England at the battle of Hastings in 1066. At that time Robert de (of) Marvelle/Marvaile stood up and proclaimed himself Robert Marvel. The Marvels settled in the parishes of Melbourne, Meldreth and Shepreth in Cambridgeshire where they resided for centuries. John Marvel was born in the parish of Melbourne on May 27, 1630. He was a son of Thomas Marvel who was born in the same parish in 1594. John, the original emigrant to America, sailed with a number of young men for the district of Virginia (and possibly Maryland) in 1661. Later descendants of Robert Marvel and John Marvel state they were known in Virginia/Maryland for their good wine and fast horses. Original immigrant. John sailed with a number of young men of the district for Virginia in 1661 (1) John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburg of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3.050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings of the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, Maruell. John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine ? West, in 1663, and they had two sons, Thomas Marvel and John Marvel, Jr. On May 15, 1680's, John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his son, John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land. Later, on October 14, 1695, John Marvel, Jr., deeded to his "mother and father, lifetime. John Marvel appeared in the Accomack County tax list in 1669 and continued to appear in other lists. John Marvel, Sr., died in 1707 and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburg and the widow of John West. (2)

SOURCES:1. O'Connor, Charles A., the Marvel in England, p. 296.2. Virgin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields, December, 1995.

John and Ann (West) Marvel had two sons, John, Jr. and Thomas. Records of their birth conflict. It seems apparent, however, that one was born in 1674 and other in 1682. One record gives John, Jr. as born in 1682. This seems highly questionable because of records of deeds and court cases available. There is a record indication that John Marvell, Sr., apprenticed his son, John, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion. In consideration whereof, William Jarman was to give to John Marvel, Jr. 100 acres of land. The deed book (1677-1690) in Accomack County, Virginia names William Jarman, grantor, and a John Marvel, Jr., grantee, for 100 acres of land by agreement. This is dated May 16, 1682. It is questionable that this transaction would have taken place when John, Jr. was an infant. It is more plausible at age 8.

Note: Aug. 12 John Marrell (Marvel) was listed as a head right for Edmund Scarburgh (Jr.) in a patent for land on Occohannock Creek, which is in Accomack Co., VA, on the bay side of the peninsula called "the Eastern Shore". This may have been John Marvell; many of the names listed were also listed, along with John Marvell, in a patent to Edmund's brother Charles Scarburgh; see next entry. (Nugent, "Cavaliers and Pioneers", first volume, p. 183.)

1652-1653 John moved from Cambridgeshire, England to Accomee, VA. (Notes from Juanita Ruff, ruff@cafes.net, 1997).

1652 May 10 John Marvell was listed as a head right in a patent to Charles Scarburgh for land on Pungoteague Creek, Northampton (later Accomack) Co. (Nugent, p. 286).

1652 May 10 John Marvel appears to have been the first person of this family in America. His name was included in a list of 61 persons transferred from England to Charles Scarburg of Northampton County, Virginia, who on May 10, 1652, was granted 3,050 acres of land in that county. Early records show several different spellings for the name: Marvel, Marvil, Marvell, and Maruell.(O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

HISTORY NOTE: In the early years, land was distributed through a head right system; that is, a person was entitled to 50 acres of land for each person (head right) whose way he paid into the area to help settle the land, including himself and family members. Appearance of a name on a head right list does not guarantee that the person was actually there because lists of names were frequently bought, or borrowed, from other enterprising adventurers, as may have been the case with the three land patents described here.1661 Original emigrant. John sailed with a number of the young men of the district for Virginia. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1662 John Marvell on early Accomack Co., VA tax lists. (Northampton Co. Order Boo, 1657-1664).

1663 John Marvel married Ann West, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine West and they had two sons, Thomas Marvel and John Marvel, Jr. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)1663 John Marvell married Ann. Two dates have been offered: "1651 (John Everett Marvel, Waynesville, IL, in Virkus, "Compendium of American Genealogy", IV, 680); and 1663 (Daisy Marvel Jones, "A Brief History of the Marvel Family",1960); and 1663 (J. B. Turner Collection, Delaware Archives, Marvel microfiche file). Mildred Marvel Burwell's history relies on the Jones' history for information on the early generations of Marvels. Jones says that Marvel married Ann West, but I have found no proof and suspect this is a guess, based on John Marvell's will (1707-1708), see below. J. B. Turner says that John Marvell married Ann in Accomack Country. Some miles north of the area settled by the Scarburghs, between Little Back Creek and French (or France) Creek, is an area of marsh, divided by narrow channels into two islands. These were early called Marvell's Islands. And Little Back Creek was called Marvell's Creek or My Lord Marvell's Back Creek -- a possible indication of where John Marvell eventually settled, although there is no record of his having owned land in the area himself. The islands had originally belonged to Col. Edmund Scarburgh, father of Edmund Jr. and Charles. (Whitelaw, "Virginia's Eastern Shore, II, 1107).

1669 John Marvel appeared in the Accomack Co. tax list and continued to appear in other lists. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1677 John listed for last time on tax lists of Accomack County. (Nottingham, "Accomack Tithables (Tax Lists) 1663-1695). Did John Marvill become indigent or disabled after 1677, so that he was no longer taxed?

1682 May 16 John Marvel, Sr., entered into an agreement whereby he gave and bequeathed his second son John Marvel, Jr., to William Jarman to be educated and employed at his discretion until he reached the age of twenty-one. In consideration therefore Jarman was to give and grant John Marvel, Jr., 100 acres of land. (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.); (Accomack Co., VA Land Records, 1676-1690, p. 306-07). The purpose of this bargain may have been to provide John Sr. a place to live.

1688 June 20 Will Jarman sold to John Abbot 250 acres of marshy land, between Oyster Creek and "my Lord Marvells back Creek". (Accomack Co. Land Records, 1676-1690, p. 483.) So perhaps John Marvell, Sr. was now living on the land that Jarman had granted to John Marvell, Jr.

1694 Feb 19 John Marvell, Jr., planter, traded his 100 acres to Samuel Young in exchange for 100 acres of Samuel Young's plantation, part of a divident of land on which Young's father in law (stepfather) and mother were then dwelling, in the southwest corner thereof. This was on the south edge of the present town of Parksley. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, pp. 125-26)

1695 Sep 14 John Maruell Jr. of his own free and voluntary will granted to his mother and father, John Maruell and Ann his wife, the land whereon they then lived during their lifetime. This is the same land John Jr. had acquired from Samuel Young early in the year. (Accomack Co. L. R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, p. 159-160); (O'Connor, Charles A., The Marvel Family in England, p. 296.)

1695 Dec 16 John Marvell Jr. sold to William Hutson (Hudson) the 100 acres that he had received in trade from Samuel Young. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1695-1715, pp. 164-65)1695 Dec 17 John Marvill Jr. came into court and acknowledged that the grant of 14 September was his real act and deed to his father and mother. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1692-1715, p. 160)1697 Jun 2 Samuel Young sold to William Young (his brother) the 100 acres he had received in trade from John Marvill Jr. Marvill witnessed the deed. (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed part 1, 1692-1715, pp. 277-78)

1697 Oct 5 Another deed to William Hudson, repeating the transaction of 16 December 1695, with a couple of details added, on 5 October 1697. John Marvill, Jr. sold to William Hudson 100 acres, "being part of a divident of land whereon the said Wm. Hudson now dwelleth." (Accomack Co. L.R., transcribed Part 1, 1695-1715, pp. 297-98) ... William Hudson was evidently Samuel Young's stepfather).

1707 Jul 29 John Marvel, Sr., died and the files indicate that he was seventy-five years of age which would mean that he was born in 1632. His will mentioned Thomas Marvel (apparently his son), Jonathan West, Mrs. Catherine West, and Mrs. Mathilda West, who was named executrix. Mrs. Mathilda West was the daughter of Colonel Edmond and Mary Scarburg and the widow of John West. ( Virdin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware"); ( 815 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Received copy of this document from Bonnie Fields, December 1995); (Juanita Ruff, ruff@cafes.net, direct descendant, 1997).

1707 July 29 John Marvill, "being now very aged weak and feeble" wrote his will (it was probated on 3 Fe. 1707). He made bequests to his son Thomas Marvill (a heifer), Mr. Jonathan West (5 barrels of corn), and Mrs. Catherine West ( a heifer named Kitty), but his principal legacy was to his "most Kind and Ever loving friend Mrs. Matilda West," whom he also appointed his executrix. The will was witnessed by Tully Robinson, John West, and John Lewis. (From a copy furnished by the Virginia State Archives, from Accomack Co. Records); ("Marvels on the Eastern Shore". A Documented Chronology by Pauline Manning Batchelder); (R.L. Smith, MARVEL "Compilation", Champaign, IL); (Research notes of Marguerite Moore);("Wills and Administrations of Accomack, County, VA 1663-1800").

Note: 2 General Marvel Family References- 1. Virdin, Donald Odell. "The Marvel Family: The Path to Delaware". 815 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 2. de Valinger, Leon, Jr. Compiled. "Calendar of Sussex County Delaware Probate Records 1680-1800". Public Archives Commission, Dover, DE 1964.3. Records of Lewes and Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Lewes, DE, 1755-1855.5. 1790 Delaware Census, Sussex County, Screen 9 of 85, CD137, 1st Edition. 6. 1800 DE Census of Sussex County, screen 11 of 84, CD151, 1st Edition.GCT95 = Gibson County TODAY; published Monday, Oct. 2, 1995.

Note: Source; Compendium American Genealogy; Marvel History pg 5-6; Early Virginia Immigrants; Northampton Virginia Land Registry Cox Papers; Evolution of the Name Marvel, p 10; A Brief History of the Marvel Family; The Hargadines and Other Delaware and Maryland Families.

More About JOHN MARVEL, SR.: Bet. 1652 - 1653, Came from England to America; Settled in Accomack Co., VA; Moved to Worcester Co., Md; Later given to Delaware; In America, he changed his name to Marvel