Katherine Isham

additional curator's notes

Katherine Banks was born into a prosperous family in Canterbury, England in County Kent in 1627, the daughter of Christopher Banks and Janet Royall Banks.

Sometime in the early 1640s, Katherine journeyed to America, landing in Charles City County, west of Jamestown on the James River. It was not long after her arrival that she married her cousin, Joseph Royall, twice a widower and 27 years her senior. Royall had come to Jamestown aboard the Charitie in July 1622, just after Powhatan Chief Opechancanough had murdered three hundred-forty-seven colonists. Royall survived "the burning fever," which killed even more settlers. By transporting colonists to Virginia, Joseph Royall was able to accumulate a large plantation, which he called "Doghams" after the French river D'Augham, on the James River above Shirley and opposite current day Hopewell, Virginia.

Joseph Royall died in the mid 1650s. As was the custom in those days, his wife's dower from his estate passed to her during her widowhood. When Katherine married Henry Isham in 1656, Royall's estate passed to Isham, who immediately added another wing to his residence on Bermuda Hundred.

By her first husband, Katherine gave birth to six children, Joseph, John, Sarah, Katherine and two other unknown daughters. With Henry, Katherine had Henry, Jr., Anne and Mary. By far, her most famous child was Mary Isham.

Mary was a much courted belle of Virginia. Suitors swarmed to get a glance of this charming young woman, who played the cittern, a three-stringed early version of the mandolin. Mary captured the heart of the wealthy William Randolph of Turkey Island. Over the next three centuries, the couple would come to be known as "the Adam and Eve of Virginia." The Randolphs were the parents of ten children, most notably Isham Randolph. His daughter Jane married Peter Jefferson. They were the parents of President Thomas Jefferson. Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary Randolph, married Richard Bland. They were the great-great grandparents of General Robert Edward Lee. William and Mary’s son Thomas was the great-grandfather of John Marshall, the nation’s longest serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In point of fact, Katherine’s descendants included the wives of both President Jefferson and General Lee.

Among the most well known descendants of Katherine Banks Royall Isham are presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter, first lady Edith Wilson, authors William Faulkner, Willa Cather, Robert Penn Warren and Ray Badbury. Among the most interesting name on the list is Booker Talieferro Washington, a former slave, who became a highly revered educator, author and political leader.

Katherine died Dec. 1, 1686. She left a will distributing her wealth to her children and many grandchildren. The text of that will is included among the source documents attached to this profile. She was buried in the Randolph Family Cemetery on Turkey Island, near what today is the Presque Isle National Wildlife Refuge, Henrico Co., Virginia.

Many thanks to all the members who contributed to this profile and added material to the overview. I have used your data to write this short overview bio. Maria Edmonds-Zediker, Volunteer Curator, 9/16/2011.

Links to additional material:

• http://www.courier-herald.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-KATH...
• http://our-royal-titled-noble-and-commoner-ancestors.com/p648.htm#i...
• A genealogy of the wives of the American presidents and their first two ... By Craig Hart
• Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 324, 1896.
• http://www.fmoran.com/royall.html
• http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6537631

Children of Katherine Banks and Joseph Royall, Jr.:

• Joseph Royall III, (1646-1732) married Mary Archer
• John Royall
• Sarah Royall, married John Wilkinson
• Katherine Royall, married Richard Perrin
• 2 daughters known only by the husbands they married ( one married a Dennis, the other married a Maschell)

Children of Katherine Banks and Henry Isham:

• Henry, Isham,Jr., died unmarried
• Anne Isham, married Col. Francis Eppes III
• Mary Isham, married William Randolph

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The Will of Katherine Isham 1686 Henrico Co., VA: (original spelling and punctuation)

In the name of God amen. I KATHERINE ISHAM being sick & weak of body but of sound & pfect mind & memory (praise be therefore given to almighty god to make and ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following -

First, I principally commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and my body I commit to the earth to be decently burried at ye descretion of my Extr, hereafter named. And as the disposition of all such temporall as it hath plesed Almight God to bestow upon me I give and dispose of as follows:

First Item, I will all my debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged. I give to my grandson William Randolph 20 pound sterling money of England such is ot in the custody of my son-in-law Willilam Randolph to be disposed of after my decease for the proper use & benefit of my grandson above named, but in case of his mortality before he comes to age, then I give & bequeath unto my grandson Henry Randolph the 20 pound sterling money about to be disposed as above sd for his proper use and further I give to my grandson Henry Randolph five pds. sterling money of England and to my Granddaughters Mary Randolph & Elisa Randolph five pounds a piece of like sterling money all such money above specified is now in the custody of my son-in-law William Randolph. And further I give the residue of my mony such is in custody of my son-in-law William Randolph to my tow daughters, Mary Randolph and Ann Epps to be equally divided. I also will that my claw trunk with all that is in it be equally divided between my two daughters Mary Randolph and Ann Epes and I give to each of them two silver saltcellars. And to Mary Randolph I give my wedding ring and best feather bed and furniture to it and my 'least silver tankard but one and fifteen shillings to buy a mourning ring and desire the said Mary Randolph may be exempt from bearing any part of paying my debts or funeral charges. And this is all my legacy to my loveing daughter, Mary Randolph.

Item, I give to my grandson Joseph Royall one servant named John Johns all the time he hath to serve and my small silver tankard. And further I give to my child of my son Royall's two silver spoons. And to my loveing son, Joseph Ryall the last tankard.

Item, I give to my grandson Richard Dennis one of my best cows and two silver spoons.

Item, I give to my grandson, Isham Epes, my Negro Dick and to my Grandson Francis Epes, my biggest silver tankard but one. I also give to the child my daughter Ann Epes now goes with my largest silver Porringer and great silver cupp. My sealed ring and great hoop ring with a pair of silver clasps and silver bodkin I give to my daughter, Anne Epes.

Item, I give to my Grandson Richard Perrin, one feather bed and furniture to it.

Item, I give to my granddaughter Sarah Royall one yearling heifer.

Item, I give to my granddaughters Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah & Anne Perrin to each of them two silver spoons. And to Katherine Farrar one Guiney and to Anne Perrin one silver porringer.

Item, I give to my granddaughter, Sarah Dennis two silver spoons and one pair of dowlass sheets. And to my two daughters Sarah Wilkinson and Katherine Perrin all my wearing cloths woolen and linnen.

Item, I give to my loveing friend Mary Parker six Ells of my best dowless and as much of my finest serge as will make her a gown and petticoat.

Item, I give to my grandson Maiden Marshall one heifer two years old. Item, I will and bequeath all my land to my son, Joseph Royall to him and to his heirs forever

Item, I give my whold crop of corn and tobacco to my executors hereafternamed except for much as will buy two gravestones, one to cover me and the other my departed dear husband. All the rest and residue of my estate and estate goods and chattels, Sarah Wilkinson, Joseph Royall, Katherine Perrin and Anne Epes and to each of them fifteen shillings to buy a mourning ring.

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving son, Joseph Royall and my loving son-in-law, Frances Epes full and sole Exers of this my last will and testament. And I desire my body may be buryed near my dear husband on my own plantation. And I do hereby revoke, disannul and make void all former wills and testaments by me heretofore made and to this my last will and testament do sett my hand and seal this tenth day of Oct Ao Dm 1686

(Will was proved in open Court to be the last Will and Testament of Katherine Banks Royall Isham by the oaths of John Worsham, Nath Hill and Littlebury Epes and was entered amongst the records of ye said county.)

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 324, 1896. Will of Katherine Banks Royall was dated 10 August 1686 and proved December 1686 in Henrico County, Virginia. This names son Joseph Royall and daughters Katherine Perrin, Sarah Wilkinson, and Ann Epps; also grandsons Henry Randolph, William Randolph, Richard Dennis, Maiden Maschall and Richard Perris; and granddaughters Elizabeth Randolph, Mary Randolph, Sarah Royall, Katherine Farrar, Ann Perrin, Mary Perrin, Sarah Perrin and Sarah Dennis.

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 32, 411, 1924. Katherine's will is re-discussed with an interpretation of the family.

• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jun 1 2017, 3:14:12 UTC

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Birth: 1627, England Death: Dec. 1, 1686 Henrico County Virginia, USA

Daughter of Christopher Banks. Wife of Henry Isham. First marriage was to Joseph Royall. Daughter Mary Isham married Col. William Randolph.

Family links:

Spouses:

 Joseph Royall (1600 - 1655)*

 Henry Isham (1628 - 1670)*

Children:

 Katherine Royall Perrin (1642 - 1686)*

 Joseph Royall (1646 - 1732)*

 Mary Isham Randolph (1659 - 1735)*

 Anne Fitzhugh Isham Eppes (1665 - 1718)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial: Randolph Family Cemetery Presque Isle Henrico County Virginia, USA

Created by: Pat Jackson Record added: Jun 22, 2002 Find A Grave Memorial# 6537631

GEDCOM Note

#A2B3C6D12E23F46G92H184I368J736 Name: Ka

1. A2B3C6D12E23F46G92H184I368J736 Name: KatherineRoyall Pin#*879576 #A2B3C6D12E23F46G92H184I368J736 Name: KatherineRoyall Pin#*879576 B.est 1639-1654 D.est. 1670-1742 from Ancestry.com: Katherine Banks Royall

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   Life Events Birth: ABT. 1627 Northampton, England Death: 1 Dec 1686 Henrico Co Va conflicting reports about place of birth Katherine Perrin Farrar's motherKatherine ROYALL B: CA 1642 Henrico County, Va D: 10 Oct 1686 Henrico Co, Va Katherine Perrin Farrar's mother Katherine ROYALL B: CA 1642 Henrico County, Va D: 10 Oct 1686 Henrico Co, Va

WILLS OF HENRICO COUNTY, VIRGINIA, Vol.

WILLS OF HENRICO COUNTY, VIRGINIA, Vol. I, pg 3: Will of Henry Isham of Henrico County, 13 Nov. 1678 To Half Brother, Joseph Royall 40 L in goods To Richard Kennon's wife, John Wikinson's wife, William Byrd's wife, each a gold ring at 12 shillings, To Honorable mother, Mrs. Katherine Isham, 1/3 of my personal effects, both in Virginia and in England. To loving sister Anne Isham, 1/3 part of my estate. I bequeath my plantation, commmonly known by the name of "Doggams" to be equally divided between my two sisters Mrs. Mary Randolph and Mrs. Anne Isham. To Mr. William Randolph, all the rest of my estate in Virginia and in England and to be executor Wit: Ja. Tubb, John Wynn, Wilbert Daniell, Hugh Davis. Proved 1 Feb 1678 by oarths of Tubb, Wynn and Daniell. pg 16: Will of Katherine Isham. to grandson William Randolph 20 L To grandson Henry Randolph 5 L To grandaughter Mary Randolph, and Elizabeth Randolph, each all such money is now in hands of son in law William Randolph. to go to my daughters Mary Randolph, my wedding ring, best feather bed, my best silver tankard, and 15 shillings to buy mouring ring. To grandson Joseph Royall, one servant named John Townes, for the time he has to serve, and my small silver tankard. To every child of my son Royall, two silver spoons. To loving son Joseph Royall, my best Tankard To grandson Richard Dennis, one of best cows & 2 silver spoons To grandson Isham Epes, my negro man Dick To grandson Francis Epes, by best silver tankard but one to child my daughter Anne Epes now goes with, my largest silver porringer and great cupp. My sealed ring, great hoop ring, pair of silver clasps, and silver bodkins to daughter Anne Epes. To grandson Richard Perrin, 1 feather bed and furniture to granddaughter, Sarah Royall, a yearling heifer To grandaughter Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah, and Anne Perrin (?) each 2 silver spoons, and to Katherine Farrar, 1 hunney, and to Anne Perrin, one silver porringer To grandaughter Sarh Dennis, 2 silver spoons and 1 pr. of dowlass sheets to 2 daughter Sarah Wilkinson and Katherine Perrin, all my wearing clothes. To loving friend Mary Parker, 6 ells of best dowlass and as much of finest serge to make a gown & petticoat. to grandson Maiden Marshall, 1 heifer, tow years old. to my son Joseph Rayall, all my land. all my crop of corn to the executors, except enought to buy 2 gravestones one to cover me and other my dec'd dear husband, all the rest to be divided between my four children: Sarah Wilkinson, Joseph Royall, Katherine Perrin, and Anne Epes, and to each 15 shillings for mourning ring. Executors: son Joseph royall & son in law Francis Epes. My body to be buried near my dear husband on my own plantation. Dated Oct 10, 1686 Wit: John Worsham, nath. Hill, Littlebury Epes. Probated Dec. 1, 1686.

http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin

http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db= selvage1&id=I10287 B.L. and R.J. Owens 1982, Sims Kin, Hist ory and Genealogy, The Descendants of William Symes of Poun dsford and Related Families.

E.P. Isham 1984, An Index of the Ishams in England and Amer ica.

G.B. Roberts 1989, Ancestors of American Presidents. Deat h between 10 October and 1 December 1686 in Henrico County , Virginia. She was widow of Joseph Royall when she marrie d Henry Isham.

Virkus 2, 31. Joseph Royall married (3rd) about 1645 Kather ine Banks (died 1686).

F.A. Virkus, Compendium of American Genealogy 7, 878. Kathe rine Banks was from Canterbury, England.

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 3 24, 1896. Will of Katherine Banks Royall was dated 10 Augus t 1686 and proved December 1686 in Henrico County, Virginia . This names son Joseph Royall and daughters Katherine Perr in, Sarah Wilkinson, and Ann Epps; also grandsons Henry Ran dolph, William Randolph, Richard Dennis, Maiden Maschall an d Richard Perris; and granddaughters Elizabeth Randolph, Ma ry Randolph, Sarah Royall, Katherine Farrar, Ann Perrin, Ma ry Perrin, Sarah Perrin and Sarah Dennis.

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 32, 411, 1924. K atherine's will is rediscussed with an interpretation of th e family.

John Banks also given as father.

Ancestors of Jeannie Clark, http://www.familytreemaker.com . She was born in Northamptonshire, England.

Reference: Black 27

Reference: Black 27

BIOGRAPHY: Descendants of John Royall h ===

BIOGRAPHY: Descendants of John Royall http://worldgenealogy.tripod.com/johnroyalli.html.
Katherine Isham appoints Wm. Randolph her attorney to appear in her behalfe to answer all causes for her either Pltff. or Deft. Dated 29 July 1679 . Teste, John Edwards , Francis Epes : Recorded Dec. 8, 1679 . Vol. 1677-1697 , p. 115. Katherine Isham (of Henrico Co. ) "sick & weak of body" will of; dated Oct. 10, 1686 . All debts to be paid. To grandson Wm. Randolphty before he come to Age, then testator's grandson Henry Randolph thetator's son-in-law Wm. Randolph . Residue of my money in ye custody of said Wm. Randolph to testator's two daughters Mary Randolph & Anne Epes to be equally divided. Blew trunk wth all that is in it be equally divided between two daughtersMary Randolph & Anne Epes and I give to each of them two silver salt sellars. To Mary Randolph testatrix Wedding Ring, & best feather bed wth furniture, least Silver tankard but one and fifteen shillings to buy a Mourning Ring, sd. Mary Randolph may be exempt from bearing any part of paying testatrix debts or funeral charges. To Grandson Joseph Royall one Servt. named John Towns "all the time he hath to Serve" and small silver tankard. To every child of "my son Royall's" twosilver spoons to testatrix son Royall the best tankard. To grandson Richard Dennis one of best cows, and two silver spoons. To grandson Isham Epes , negro Dick . To grandson Francis Epes biggest silver tankard but one, the child testatrix daughter Anne Epes "now goes wth." largest silver Porrenger, great silver cupp, Sealed Ring & great hoop Ring, a pair of silver clasps. To daughter Anne Epes , silver bodkin. To Grandson Richd. Perrin , feather bed & furniture. To granddaughter Sarah Royall one yearling heifer. To grand daughters Katherine Farrar , Mary , Sarah and Anne Perrin to each of them two silver spoons. To Katherine Farrar one guinny. To Anne Perrin one silver porringer. To Granddaughter Sarah Dennis two silver spoons, one pair dowlasse sheets. Testatrix two daughters Sarah Wilkinson & Katherine Perrin all wearing cloathes woolen & Linnen. To friend Mary Parker six ells of best dowlesse & as much of Fmost Serge as will make her a gown &petticoat. To Grandson Maiden Mascherll one heifer two years old. All testatrix land to her son Joseph Royall . Crop of Corn & tobacco to Executors hereafter named except for much as will buy two grave stones, one to cover me, & other my deceased dear husband. Residue of personall estate to be equally divided between testatrix four children, Sarah Wilkinson , Joseph Royall , Katherine Parrin & Anne Epes : and to each of them fifteen shillings to buy a mourning Ring. Son Joseph Royall and son-in-law Francis Epes executors. "I desire my body may be buryed near my dear husband on my own plantation." Witnesses-John Worsham , Nath. Hill , Littlebury Epes . Probated Xbr. 1, 1686 . Vol. 1677-1692 , p. 392. Letters granted executors of Katherine Isham , decd. viz; Francis Epes & Joseph Royall as executors of sd. Katherine will. April 20, 1787 . Recorded April 1, 1687 . Vol. 1677-1692 , p. 433. Order for probate of the last will and testament of Mrs. Katherine Isham , decd. is granted Mr. Fra. Epes & Mr. Joseph Royall , exors. therein named, the sd. will being proved in Court this day by the oaths of Mr. John Worshams , Mr. Nathl. Hill , & Mr. Littlebury, Epes . subscribing witnesses thereto. Saml. Knibbe , Martin Elam , & Edward Stratton, Jr to appraise the sd. estate. Dec. 1, 1686 . Vol. 1682-1701 , p. 222.

WILL OF KATHERINE (BANKS) ROYALL ISHAM (abstracted) Henrico County, VA. - Wills & Administrations - Part 1 - 1677-1692 To grandson William Randolph To grandson Henry Randolph To grandaughter Mary Randolph and Elizabeth Randolph, each All such money is now in hands of son in law William Randolph Residue of money in hands of my son in law William Randolph to go to mydaughters Mary Randolph and Anne Epes equally The above two daughters to divide what is in my trunk and each to havetwo silver salt cellars To Mary Randolph, my wedding ring, best feather bed, my best silvertankard, and 15 shillings to buy mourning ring To grandson Joseph Royall, one servant named John Townes, for the time hehas to serve, and my small silver tankard To every child of my Son Royall, two silver spoons To loving son Joseph Royall, my best tankard To grandson Richard Dennis, one of best cows and 2 silver spoons To grandson Isham Epes, my negro man Dick To grandson Francis Epes, my best silver tankard but one To child my daughter Abe Epes now goes with, my largest silver porringerand great cupp My sealed ring, great hoop ring, pair of silver clasps, and silver bodkinto daughter Anne Epes To grandson Richard Perrin, 1 fether bed and furniture To grandaughter, Sarah Royall, a yearling heifer To grandaughters Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah, and Anne Perrin each 2silver spoons, and to Katherine Farrar, 1 guinney, and to Anne Perrin,one silver porringer To grandaughter Sarah Dennis, 2 silver spoons and 1 pair of dowlasssheets To 2 daughters Sarah Wilkinson and Katherine Perrin, all my wearingclothes To loving friend Mary Parker, 6 ells of best dowlass and as much offinest serge to make a gown and petticoat To grandson Maiden Marshall, 1 heifer, two years old To my son Joseph Royall, all my land All my crop of corn to the executors, except enough to but 2 gravestonesone to cover me and other my dec'd husband All the rest to be divided between my four children: Sarah Wilkinson,Joseph Royall, Katherine Perrin, and Anne Epes, and to each 15 shillingsfor mouring ring Executors: son Joseph Royall and son in law Francis Epes My body to be buried near my dear husband on my own plantation Dated October 10, 1686 Witness: John Worsham, Nathan Hill, Littlebury Epes Probated December 1, 1686

1. This line from Maberon Meadows maberonmissouri.edu with corrections and additions. E.P. Isham 1984, An Index of the Ishams in England and America. G.B. Roberts 1989, Ancestors of American Presidents. Death between 10 October and 1 December 1686 in Henrico County, Virginia. She was widow of Joseph Royall when she married Henry Isham. Virkus 2, 31. Joseph Royall married about 1645 Katherine Banks (died 1686). F.A. Virkus, Compendium of American Genealogy 7, 878. Katherine Banks was from Canterbury, England. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 324, 1896. Will of Katherine Banks Royall was dated 10 August 1686 and proved December 1686 in Henrico County, Virginia. This names son Joseph Royall and daughters Katherine Perrin, Sarah Wilkinson, and Ann Epps; also grandsons Henry Randolph, William Randolph, Richard Dennis, Maiden Maschall and Richard Perris; and granddaughters Elizabeth Randolph, Mary Randolph, Sarah Royall, Katherine Farrar, Ann Perrin, Mary Perrin, and Sarah Perrin. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 32, 411, 1924. Katherine's will is rediscussed with an interpretation of the family. John Banks also given as father.

WILL OF KATHERINE ISHAM, Henrico County, Virginia, Will Date: 10 Oct. 1686 Probated: 01 Dec. 16867 To grandson William RANDOLPH 20 pounds sterling. To grandson Henry RANDOLPH 5 pounds sterling. To granddaughters Mary RANDOLPH and Elizabeth RANDOLPH, each 5 poundssterling. All such money is now in hands of son in law William RANDOLPH. Residue of money in hands of my son in law William RANDOLPH to go to mydaughters Mary RANDOLPH and Anne EPES equally. The above two daughters to divide what is in my trunk and each to havetwo silver salt cellars. To Mary RANDOLPH, my weddingring, best feather bed, my best silvertandard, and 15 shillings to buy mourning ring. To grandson Joseph ROYALL, one servant named John Townes, for the time hehas to serve, and my samll silver tankard. To every child of my son ROYALL, two silver spoons. To loving son Joseph ROYALL, my best tankard. To grandson Richard DENNIS, one of my best cows and two silver spoons. To grandson Isham EPES, my negro man Dick. To grandson Francis EPES, my best silver tankard but one. To childmy daughter Anne EPES now goes with, my

!http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/c/

!http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/c/o/n/Carlin-D-Conrad/GENE2-00... - Ancestors of Warren Lemuel Conrad-Katherine BANKS-Will 10 Aug 1686 Henrico Co., VA; m/1 before 1632 Henrico Co., VA Thomas ROYALL, m/2 Henry ISHAM, Capt., Sr. abt 1650 Northampton, ENG, d/o Christopher BANKS. !PRF #2-listed as Elizabeth Katherine BANKS. !WFT CD #39-Katherine BANKS b. est. 1609-1635; d. bef 1 Dec 1686. !PRF CD #1 - Katherine BANKS d. abt Oct 1686 ,, VA, m/1 abt 1645 Joseph ROYALL b. abt 1602,,, ENG, d. bef. 1656 ,, VA; m/2 abt 1660 ,, VA to Henry ISHAM. Note: So which did she marry Thomas or Joseph ROYALL? I find the will to be the most convincing so far, so I will leave her as the wife of Thomas until proven otherwise. !PRF CD # 28 - Katherine BANKS b. 1627 of, Northamptonshire, ENG, d. 1 Dec 1687 Henrico Co., VA, m/1 Henry ISHAM, m/2 abt 1645 Joseph ROYALL. !PRF CD #59 - Katherine BANKS b. abt 1620 Canterbury, Kent, ENG, d. Henrico Co., VA, bur. Henrico Co., VA, m/1 1642 Joseph ROYALL, I, m/2 aft 1678 Henrico Co., VA Capt. Henry ISHAM, I. - Katherine BANKS was abt 20 years younger than her husband. Lived: Warwick Co., VA, Presuet Isle "Bermuda 100", "Shirley 100" "Doghames" Jamestowe, and Henrico Co., VA.

[Kerr.FTW.FTW] !SOURCE: (1) "A Book of A

[Kerr.FTW.FTW] !SOURCE: (1) "A Book of Ancestor Charts", #104G, published 1979 by The East Texas Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 6967, Tyler, TX 75711. (2) Family Tree Maker's World Family Tree, Volume 1, #677.

!KATHERINE BANKS FIRST MARRIED JOSEPH RO

!KATHERINE BANKS FIRST MARRIED JOSEPH ROYALL. HENRY ISHAM IS HER 2ND MARRIAGE.
SHE HAD BY HE FIRST HUSDBAND JOSEPH A SON JOSEPH AND TWO TO FOUR DAUGHTERS SHE HAS A GRANDSON RICHARD DENNIS, MISS BYRD AND MISS FARAR MAY BE STEP DAUGHTERS AS MAY BE DENNIS. KATHERINE HAD ONLY TWO DAUGHTERS WITH HER HUSDBAND HENRY ISHAM. SO THE GRANDCHILDREN MENTIONED IN HER WILL ARE FROM HENRYS PREVIOUS MARRIAGES OR FROM DAUGHTERS SHE HAD WITH JOSEPH ROYALL

THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, Vol. 21, No. 4

THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, Vol. 21, No. 4, Oct-Dec, 1977: "Early Perrin Families on the James River", by Mrs. Margaret B. Kinsey: In 1686 the will of Katherine Isham named (among others) daughter Katherine Perrin ... Katherine, wife of Richard Perrin, was the daughter of Katherine Isham by her first husband, Joseph Royall. ... Richard Perrin's inventory was not recorded until 1704 possibly at the death of Katherine, his wife, who held certain lifetime interests. GENEALOGIES OF VIRGINIA FAMILIES FROM THE VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY, "The Colonial Royalls of Virginia", by John Royall Harris: Katherine Royall. Married first ___ Farrar, and before 1686 had daughter Katherine Farrar. Second, Richard Perrin, and had by same date Richard, Mary, Sarah, and Ann Perrin. Perrin's will, 1695, mentions wife Katherine, daughters Sarah Perrin, Mary Napier and granddaughter Sarah Farrar. ADVENTURERS OF PURSE AND PERSON, VIRGINIA 1607-1625, by Annie Lash Jester and Martha Woodroof Hiden, 1964: Katherine Royall (Joseph) married Richard Perrin ...

Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties HomeSearch Find Media Info SharePrintBookmark Katherine Banks Female 1627 - 1686 (59 years) Individual Family Ancestors Descendants Relationship Timeline GEDCOM Sugge

Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties
HomeSearch Find Media Info SharePrintBookmark Katherine Banks Female 1627 - 1686 (59 years)

Individual Family Ancestors Descendants Relationship Timeline GEDCOM Suggest Personal Information | Notes | All | PDF

Name Katherine Banks Born 1627 Canterbury, Kent, England Find all individuals with events at this location Gender Female Died 1 Dec 1686 Henrico County, Virginia - Probate Find all individuals with events at this location Person ID I023138 Tree1 Last Modified 1 Sep 2017

Family Henry Isham, b. 1625, Pytchley, Northampton, England Find all individuals with events at this location, d. 1 Feb 1678/79, Bermuda Hundred, Henrico County, Virginia - Probate Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 54 years) Married 1658 Henrico County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location Children 1. Henry Isham, d. 5 Jun 1680, London, England Find all individuals with events at this location 2. Mary Isham, b. 1658, Bermuda Hundred, Henrico County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location, d. 29 Dec 1735, Turkey Island, Henrico County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 77 years) 3. Anne Fitzhugh Isham, b. 1665, Henrico County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location, d. 29 Dec 1735, Turkey Island, Henrico County, Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 70 years) Last Modified 1 Sep 2017 Family ID F05075 Group Sheet | Family Chart

Notes James Hughes 2005-06-07 18:43:10 Henrico County, Virginia

Katherine BANKS-Royall died on DEC 01 1686 in Henrico, Virginia. Katherine Banks, who later married Henry Isham, after Joseph's death. Her will, 10 October 1686 December 1686, Henrico, names children by both marriages. WILL OF KATHERINE (BANKS) ROYALL ISHAM (abstracted)

Henrico County, Virginia. - Wills & Administrations - Part 1 - 1677-1692

To grandson William Randolph £20 To grandson Henry Randolph £5 To grandaughter Mary Randolph and Elizabeth Randolph, each £5 All such money is now in hands of son in law William Randolph Residue of money in hands of my son in law William Randolph to go to my daughters Mary Randolph and Anne Epes equally The above two daughters to divide what is in my trunk and each to have two silver salt cellars To Mary Randolph, my wedding ring, best feather bed, my best silver tankard, and 15 shillings to buy mourning ring To grandson Joseph Royall, one servant named John Townes, for the time he has to serve, and my small silver tankard To every child of my Son Royall, two silver spoons To loving son Joseph Royall, my best tankard To grandson Richard Dennis, one of best cows and 2 silver spoons To grandson Isham Epes, my negro man Dick To grandson Francis Epes, my best silver tankard but one To child my daughter Abe Epes now goes with, my largest silver porringer and great cupp My sealed ring, great hoop ring, pair of silver clasps, and silver bodkin to daughter Anne Epes To grandson Richard Perrin, 1 fether bed and furniture To grandaughter, Sarah Royall, a yearling heifer To grandaughters Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah, and Anne Perrin each 2 silver spoons, and to Katherine Farrar, 1 guinney, and to Anne Perrin, one silver porringer To grandaughter Sarah Dennis, 2 silver spoons and 1 pair of dowlass sheets To 2 daughters Sarah Wilkinson and Katherine Perrin, all my wearing clothes To loving friend Mary Parker, 6 ells of best dowlass and as much of finest serge to make a gown and petticoat To grandson Maiden Marshall, 1 heifer, two years old To my son Joseph Royall, all my land All my crop of corn to the executors, except enough to but 2 gravestones one to cover me and other my dec'd husband All the rest to be divided between my four children: Sarah Wilkinson, Joseph Royall, Katherine Perrin, and Anne Epes, and to each 15 shillings for mouring ring

Executors: son Joseph Royall and son in law Francis Epes

My body to be buried near my dear husband on my own plantation Dated October 10, 1686

Witness: John Worsham, Nathan Hill, Littlebury Epes

Probated December 1, 1686.

Database: mrmarsha Individual: I23151 Link: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&d... sha&id=I23151 Contributed by: James Hughes

URL: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~debbie/stories/henrico.html URL title: Henrico County, Virginia Note: Joseph Royal Sr. was dead by March 10, 1665. He and Katherine Banks Royall had at least three children, whose names are known; Joseph Royall Jr, Sarah Royall, who married John Wilkinson, and Katherine Royall who married Richard Perrin. (He also may have been the father of William, Richard And Henry as well as a daughter who married Richard Dennis And another daugher who married Machel Marshall. When Joseph died in about 1665, Katherine was a wealthy woman and married a second time to Henry Isham, Sr. of Bermueda Hundred Plantation in Virginia. According to custom, Joseph Royall's estate became the property of the new husband. Henry Isham added another wing onto the residence which was enhanced with tall pines and an English Flower Garden and was enclosed within a white picket fence. Katherine and Henry Isham were the leaders of Virginia Society at that time. They had three children together. Mary , who married William Randolph , Anne who married Francis Eppes and Henry Isha! m, Jr who died as a young unmarried man; he was lost at sea. In his will dated 11/13/1678, her son left Katherine, his mother one third of his property which was in both VA and England. Through this second marrriage, Katherine is the direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall. Katherine's daughter Mary Isham was a much-courted belle in the scattered plantation society of the region. She was a charming young lady, known to play a musical instrument called a cittern. William Randolph married Mary Isham and they have been called the "Adam and Eve of Virginia".

Thomas jefferson's ggg-grandmother

She is also the third great grandmother to Thomas Jefferson; 3rd president of the U.S.

Through this second marriage, Katherine

Through this second marriage, Katherine is the direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson and John Marshall.

From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 J

From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.

Katherine bore her husband many childre

Katherine bore her husband many children.

Will: 10 OCT 1686 Note: Katherine Banks

Will: 10 OCT 1686 Note: Katherine Banks Royall Isham was the wealthiest womanin the United States in her era. Will of KATHERINE ISHAM 1686 Henrico Co., Virginia In the name of God amen. I KATHERINE ISHAM being sick & weak of body but of sound & pfect mind & memory (praise be therefore given to almighty god do make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following (that is to say) First I principally commend my soul unto the hands of Almighty God hoping through the meritts of my Savior Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon & forgiveness of all my sins and my body I comitt to the earth tobe decently burried at ye descretion of my Extr, hereafter named. And as thedisposition of all such temporall as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose of as followth. First Item I will that all my debtsand funerall charges be paid & discharged. I give to my Grandson Wm Randolph£20 sterling money of England such is not in the custody of my son-in-law WmRandolph to be disposed of after my decease for the proper use & benefit of my grandson above named, but in case of his mortaility before he comes to age,then I give & bequeath unto my grandson Henry Randolph the £20 about to be disposed as above sd for his proper use and further I give to my grandson Henry Randolph five pds sterling money of England and to my Granddaughters MaryRandolph & Elisa Randolph £5 a piece of like Sterling money all such money above specified is now in the custody of my son-in-law Wm Randolph. And further I give the residue of my mony such is in custody of my son-in-law Wm Randolph to my two daughters Mary Randolph & Ann Epes to be equally divided. I alsowill that my claw trunk with all that is in it be equally divided between mytwo daughters Mary Randolph & Ann Epes and I give to each of them two silversaltcellars. And to Mary Randolph I give my Wedding Ring & best feather bedand furniture to it and my ?least silver tankard but one and fifteen shillings to buy a mourning Ring and desire the sd Mary Randolph may be exempt from bearing any part of paying my debts or funerall charges. And this is all my legacy to my loveing daughter Mary Randolph. Item. I give to my grandson Joseph Royall one Servt named John Jordns all the time he hath to serve & my smallsilver tankard. And further I give to my child of my son Royall's two silverspoons. And to my loveing son Joseph Royall the last Tankard. Item. I giveto my grandson Richard Dennis one of my best cows and two silver spoons. Item. I give to my grandson Isham Epes my Negro Dick. and to my Grandson FrancisEpes my biggest silver tankard but one. I also give to the child my daughterAnn Epes now goes with my largest silver Porringer & great silver cupp. My sealed ring & great hoop ring with a pair of silver Clasps & Silver bodkin I give to my daughter Anne Epes. Item. I give to my Grandson Richd Perrin one Feather bed and furniture to it. item. I give to my grand daughter Sarah Royallone Yearling heifer. Item. I give to my granddaughters Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah & Anne Perrin to each of them two silver spoons. And to Katherine Farrar one Guinney And to Anne Perrin one silver porringer. Item I give to my granddaughter Sarah Dennis two silver spoons and one pair of dowlass sheets. And to my two daughters Sarah Wilkinson & Katherine Perrin all my wearing Cloaths woolen & Linnen. Item I give to my loveing friend Mary Parker six Ells ofmy best dowless & as much of my finest Serge as will make her a gown & petticoat. Item I give to my grandson Maiden Marshall one heifer two years old. Item I will and bequeath all my land to my son Joseph Royall to him and his heirs forever. Item I give my whole crop of Corn and tobacco to my Executors hereafter named except for much as will buy two gravestones, one to cover me & other my departed dear husband. All the rest & res

Daughter of Christopher Banks,born 1603

Daughter of Christopher Banks,born 1603 in ,Canterbury,Kent,England.

Widow of Joseph Royall. Her will in Henr

Widow of Joseph Royall. Her will in Henrico County, VA names children and grandchildren of both marriages.

Daughter of John Banks, granddaughter of

Daughter of John Banks, granddaughter of Christopher Banks.

Katherine Banks Isham Memorial Photos Flowers Edit Share Birth: 1627, England Death: Dec. 1, 1686 Henrico County Virginia, USA Daughter of Christopher Banks. Wife of Henry Isham. First marriage was to Joseph Royall. Daughter Mary Isham married Col. Wil

Katherine Banks Isham
Memorial Photos Flowers Edit Share Birth: 1627, England Death: Dec. 1, 1686 Henrico County Virginia, USA

Daughter of Christopher Banks. Wife of Henry Isham. First marriage was to Joseph Royall. Daughter Mary Isham married Col. William Randolph.

Family links: Spouses: Joseph Royall (1600 - 1655)* Henry Isham (1628 - 1670)*

Children: Katherine Royall Perrin (1642 - 1686)* Joseph Royall (1646 - 1732)* Mary Isham Randolph (1659 - 1735)* Anne Fitzhugh Isham Eppes (1665 - 1718)*

• Calculated relationship

Burial: Randolph Family Cemetery Presque Isle Henrico County Virginia, USA

Created by: Pat Jackson Record added: Jun 22, 2002 Find A Grave Memorial# 6537631

1. Patricia Scott Garmon. 2. Kentucky

1. Patricia Scott Garmon. 2. Kentucky Family Records, Vol II.

AFN: 42P6-Z8

AFN: 42P6-Z8

!End: and SP dates- Per IGI- PRE 1970. R

!End: and SP dates- Per IGI- PRE 1970. Ref. # 0170880 Film Computer will not accept PRE 1970

1st marriage: Joseph Royall---6 children

1st marriage: Joseph Royall---6 children.

Source: Katherine Isham

Katherine Banks was born into a prosperous family in Canterbury, England in County Kent in 1627, the same year the Massachusetts Bay Colony had been chartered to colonize the eastern coast of North America. Her father, Christopher Banks, was one of England's most influential commoners in his position with the Old London Company, which financed the settlement of Jamestown and Virginia.

Sometime in the early 1640s, Katherine journeyed to America, landing in Charles City County, west of Jamestown on the James River. It was not long after her arrival that she married her cousin, Joseph Royall, twice a widower and 27 years her senior. Royall had come to Jamestown aboard the Charitie in July 1622, just after Powhatan Chief Opechancanough had murdered three hundred-forty-seven colonists. Royall survived "the burning fever," which killed even more settlers. By transporting colonists to Virginia, Joseph Royall was able to accumulate a large plantation, which he called "Doghams" after the French river D'Augham, on the James River above Shirley and opposite current day Hopewell, Virginia.

Joseph Royall died in the mid 1650s. As was the custom in those days, his wife's dower from his estate passed to her during her widowhood. When Katherine married Henry Isham in 1656, Royall's estate passed to Isham, who immediately added another wing to his residence on Bermuda Hundred.

By her first husband, Katherine gave birth to six children, Joseph, John, Sarah, Katherine and two other unknown daughters. With Henry, Katherine had Henry, Jr., Anne and Mary. By far, her most famous child was Mary Isham.

Mary was a much courted belle of Virginia. Suitors swarmed to get a glance of this charming young woman, who played the cittern, a three-stringed early version of the mandolin. Mary captured the heart of the wealthy William Randolph of Turkey Island. Over the next three centuries, the couple would come to be known as "the Adam and Eve of Virginia." The Randolphs were the parents of ten children, most notably Isham Randolph. His daughter Jane married Peter Jefferson. They were the parents of President Thomas Jefferson. Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary Randolph, married Richard Bland. They were the great-great grandparents of the noble and the revered, General Robert Edward Lee. William and Mary’s son Thomas was the great-grandfather of John Marshall, the nation’s longest serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In point of fact, Katherine’s descendants included the wives of both President Jefferson and General Lee.

Among the most well known descendants of Katherine Banks Royall Isham are presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter, first lady Edith Wilson, authors William Faulkner, Willa Cather, Robert Penn Warren and Ray Badbury. Among the most interesting name on the list is Booker Talieferro Washington, a former slave, who became a highly revered educator, author and political leader.

Katherine died Dec. 1, 1686. She left a will distributing her wealth to her children and many grandchildren. The text of that will is included among the source documents attached to this profile. She was buried in the Randolph Family Cemetery on Turkey Island, near what today is the Presque Isle National Wildlife Refuge, Henrico Co., Virginia.

Many thanks to all the members who contributed to this profile and added material to the overview. I have used your data to write this short overview bio. Maria Edmonds-Zediker, Volunteer Curator, 9/16/2011.

Links to additional material:

http://www.courier-herald.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-KATH...
http://our-royal-titled-noble-and-commoner-ancestors.com/p648.htm#i... A genealogy of the wives of the American presidents and their first two ... By Craig Hart Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 324, 1896. http://www.fmoran.com/royall.html http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6537631 Children of Katherine Banks and Joseph Royall, Jr.:

Joseph Royall III, (1646-1732) married Mary Archer John Royall Sarah Royall, married John Wilkinson Katherine Royall, married Richard Perrin 2 daughters known only by the husbands they married ( one married a Dennis, the other married a Maschell) Children of Katherine Banks and Henry Isham:

Henry, Isham,Jr., died unmarried Anne Isham, married Col. Francis Eppes III Mary Isham, married William Randolph _______________________________

The Will of Katherine Isham 1686 Henrico Co., VA: (original spelling and punctuation)

In the name of God amen. I KATHERINE ISHAM being sick & weak of body but of sound & pfect mind & memory (praise be therefore given to almighty god to make and ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following -

First, I principally commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and my body I commit to the earth to be decently burried at ye descretion of my Extr, hereafter named. And as the disposition of all such temporall as it hath plesed Almight God to bestow upon me I give and dispose of as follows:

First Item, I will all my debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged. I give to my grandson William Randolph 20 pound sterling money of England such is ot in the custody of my son-in-law Willilam Randolph to be disposed of after my decease for the proper use & benefit of my grandson above named, but in case of his mortality before he comes to age, then I give & bequeath unto my grandson Henry Randolph the 20 pound sterling money about to be disposed as above sd for his proper use and further I give to my grandson Henry Randolph five pds. sterling money of England and to my Granddaughters Mary Randolph & Elisa Randolph five pounds a piece of like sterling money all such money above specified is now in the custody of my son-in-law William Randolph. And further I give the residue of my mony such is in custody of my son-in-law William Randolph to my tow daughters, Mary Randolph and Ann Epps to be equally divided. I also will that my claw trunk with all that is in it be equally divided between my two daughters Mary Randolph and Ann Epes and I give to each of them two silver saltcellars. And to Mary Randolph I give my wedding ring and best feather bed and furniture to it and my 'least silver tankard but one and fifteen shillings to buy a mourning ring and desire the said Mary Randolph may be exempt from bearing any part of paying my debts or funeral charges. And this is all my legacy to my loveing daughter, Mary Randolph.

Item, I give to my grandson Joseph Royall one servant named John Johns all the time he hath to serve and my small silver tankard. And further I give to my child of my son Royall's two silver spoons. And to my loveing son, Joseph Ryall the last tankard.

Item, I give to my grandson Richard Dennis one of my best cows and two silver spoons.

Item, I give to my grandson, Isham Epes, my Negro Dick and to my Grandson Francis Epes, my biggest silver tankard but one. I also give to the child my daughter Ann Epes now goes with my largest silver Porringer and great silver cupp. My sealed ring and great hoop ring with a pair of silver clasps and silver bodkin I give to my daughter, Anne Epes.

Item, I give to my Grandson Richard Perrin, one feather bed and furniture to it.

Item, I give to my granddaughter Sarah Royall one yearling heifer.

Item, I give to my granddaughters Katherine Farrar, Mary, Sarah & Anne Perrin to each of them two silver spoons. And to Katherine Farrar one Guiney and to Anne Perrin one silver porringer.

Item, I give to my granddaughter, Sarah Dennis two silver spoons and one pair of dowlass sheets. And to my two daughters Sarah Wilkinson and Katherine Perrin all my wearing cloths woolen and linnen.

Item, I give to my loveing friend Mary Parker six Ells of my best dowless and as much of my finest serge as will make her a gown and petticoat.

Item, I give to my grandson Maiden Marshall one heifer two years old. Item, I will and bequeath all my land to my son, Joseph Royall to him and to his heirs forever

Item, I give my whold crop of corn and tobacco to my executors hereafternamed except for much as will buy two gravestones, one to cover me and the other my departed dear husband. All the rest and residue of my estate and estate goods and chattels, Sarah Wilkinson, Joseph Royall, Katherine Perrin and Anne Epes and to each of them fifteen shillings to buy a mourning ring.

And I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving son, Joseph Royall and my loving son-in-law, Frances Epes full and sole Exers of this my last will and testament. And I desire my body may be buryed near my dear husband on my own plantation. And I do hereby revoke, disannul and make void all former wills and testaments by me heretofore made and to this my last will and testament do sett my hand and seal this tenth day of Oct Ao Dm 1686

(Will was proved in open Court to be the last Will and Testament of Katherine Banks Royall Isham by the oaths of John Worsham, Nath Hill and Littlebury Epes and was entered amongst the records of ye said county.)

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 4, pp. 123 and 324, 1896. Will of Katherine Banks Royall was dated 10 August 1686 and proved December 1686 in Henrico County, Virginia. This names son Joseph Royall and daughters Katherine Perrin, Sarah Wilkinson, and Ann Epps; also grandsons Henry Randolph, William Randolph, Richard Dennis, Maiden Maschall and Richard Perris; and granddaughters Elizabeth Randolph, Mary Randolph, Sarah Royall, Katherine Farrar, Ann Perrin, Mary Perrin, Sarah Perrin and Sarah Dennis.

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 32, 411, 1924. Katherine's will is re-discussed with an interpretation of the family.

!BIR-MAR: Virginia Rolle; 5 Kaden Ct. N

!BIR-MAR: Virginia Rolle; 5 Kaden Ct. Novato, CA 94947

[Br%C3%B8derbund WFT Vol. 4, Ed. 1, Tree #11

[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 4, Ed. 1, Tree #1185, Date of Import: Oct 26, 2000] !"Stevens-Davis and Allied Families"p.314.

http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin

http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db= selvage1&id=I86633

Virginia Genealogist 7, 29, 1963.

Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 32, 411, 1924. K atherine Royall married Richard Perrin; four children Richa rd, Mary, Sarah, and Ann. She was also married to ______ Fa rrer by whom a daughter Katherine Farrar was born.

http://users.erols.com/someday/Perrin.html, 25 April 2002 . Considers Katherine Perrin who married Thomas Farrar to b e a daughter of Katherine Royall and Richard E. Perrin. [Gi ven that his widow would have been about age 50, it is unli kely she would have had another child by a second marriage . Hence this is more likely correct.] Birth 1665/1668.

Sources conflict on life dates -- birth given as 1627 or 16 42 in England or in Henrico County, Virginia. Death 1 Decem ber 1686 or 10 October 1686.

Ancestors of Jeannie Clark, http://www.familytreemaker.com . Died 1704 in Henrico County, Virginia. Death: 1686 in Hen rico County, Virginia

Source: Joyce H. Lindsay, Marriages of

Source: Joyce H. Lindsay, Marriages of Henrico Co. VA 1680-1808, (Southern Historical Press), 20.

Rootsweb

Rootsweb

Life Sketch

http://www.courier-herald.com/bookmark/5022758/blog+entry-KATHERINE...

KATHERINE BANKS by scottbthompsonsr Pieces of Our Past 2009 An American Great Grandmother I cannot imagine the United States of America without Katherine Banks. You ask, who is Katherine Banks? Katherine lived around three hundred and fifty years ago in 17th Century Virginia. So why is this Virginia lady so significant and what does she have to do with the history of east-central Georgia? Well, she has nothing to do directly with the history of our area, but without her, the face of the history of America, and the world for that matter, would have been vastly different. What did she do? Well, I will tell you. Katherine Banks was born into a prosperous family in Canterbury, England in County Kent in 1627, the same year the Massachusetts Bay Colony had been chartered to colonize the eastern coast of North America. Her father, Christopher Banks, was one of England's most influential commoners in his position with the Old London Company, which financed the settlement of Jamestown and Virginia. Sometime in the early 1640s, Katherine journeyed to America, landing in Charles City County, west of Jamestown on the James River. It was not long after her arrival that she married her cousin, Joseph Royall, twice a widower and 27 years her senior. Royall had come to Jamestown aboard the Charitie in July 1622, just after Powhatan Chief Opechancanough had murdered three hundred and forty-seven colonists. Royall survived "the burning fever," which killed even more settlers. By transporting colonists to Virginia, Joseph Royall was able to accumulate a large plantation, which he called "Doghams" after the French river D'Augham, on the James River above Shirley and opposite current day Hopewell, Virginia. Joseph Royall died in the mid 1650s. As was the custom in those days, his wife's dower from his estate passed to her during her widowhood. When Katherine married Henry Isham in 1656, Royall's estate passed to Isham, who immediately added another wing to his residence on Bermuda Hundred. From their luxurious home encircled by tall pines and a extensive English flower garden, the Ishams became leaders of Virginia society. It has been said that Katherine Banks Royall Isham was the wealthiest woman in America. Her father gave her one of the first English coaches to be used in the colonies. It was described as cumbrous and capacious. It held six individuals, three on a seat opposite one another. Two others could sit on stools which faced the doors. Its body was hung high on large springs and was entered by steps. The lining was made of cream-colored cloth. Silver trimmings, cords and tassels accented the exquisite exterior. The driver and the footman sat on the front, while luggage was carried in the rear. As the fall weather began to cool the shores of the James River, Katherine made out her last will and testament. Three hundred and twenty three years ago today, Joseph Royall, Jr. and Francis Eppes walked into the court of Henrico County to probate her generous and loving testament to her children and grandchildren. Her bequests of exquisite and valuable heirlooms paled in comparison to the true legacy of this little known woman. By her first husband, Katherine gave birth to six children, Joseph, John, Sarah, Katherine and two other unknown daughters. With Henry, Katherine had Henry, Jr. and Anne. But by far, her most famous child was Mary Isham. Mary was a much courted belle of Virginia. Suitors swarmed to get a glance of this charming young woman, who played the cittern, a three-stringed early version of the mandolin. Mary captured the heart of the wealthy William Randolph of Turkey Island. Over the next three centuries, the couple would come to be known as "the Adam and Eve of Virginia." Now, you will see why. The Randolphs were the parents of ten children, most notably Isham Randolph. His daughter Jane married Peter Jefferson. They were the parents of President Thomas Jefferson. Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary Randolph, married Richard Bland. They were the great-great grandparents of the noble and the revered, General Robert Edward Lee. William and Mary's son Thomas was the great-grandfather of John Marshall, the nation's longest serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In point of fact, Katherine's descendants included the wives of both President Jefferson and General Lee. You can see why the Randolphs are the closest thing to royalty that Virginia ever had. I will dispense with all the begats, the great-greats and the removed cousins and simply say that among the most well known descendants of Katherine Banks Royall Isham are presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter, first lady Edith Wilson, authors William Faulkner, Willa Cather, Robert Penn Warren and Ray Badbury. Among the most interesting name on the list is Booker Talieferro Washington, a former slave, who became a highly revered educator, author and political leader. There are many, many more. Their names have not yet been entered in the files of ancestry.com. So for now, I will stop here. Why would anyone care about Katherine Banks? She was never memorialized in the annals of early American history. All she did was live a good life and have children. And, that's just the point. All of us have a purpose on the Earth. As we go about our daily lives, we never stop to imagine that our descendants, close and remote, can play a pivotal role in the history of our country. Can you imagine the Declaration of Independence written by someone else other than Thomas Jefferson? Can you imagine the Civil War without Robert E. Lee? Can you imagine the emergence of the Supreme Court without Chief Justice John Marshall? I cannot. Maybe you can conceive of the world of literature without the names of Bradbury, Faulkner, Cather and Warren, but it would have been a far poorer one. I can't envision the world without the leadership and brilliance of Booker T. Washington. I can't envision the world without John F. Kennedy. Would there have even been a man on the moon? Would Richard Nixon have been elected president in 1960? Would their have ever been a war in Vietnam or the turbulent times of the 1960s? I can't imagine a world without these exceptional Americans who descended from the forgotten Katherine Banks Royall Isham. You see, I couldn't visualize these thoughts at all if it were not for Katherine, who was my eighth great-grandmother. Study the history of your family. Learn where you came from so that you can know where you are going. Everyone's families are no more important than any others. It is up to you. Serve your community now. Don't rest of the accolades of your ancestors or wait on the achievements of your remotest descendants. Who knows what they may learn from you? Read more: The Courier Herald - KATHERINE BANKS

Katherine Banks Royall Isham Memorial Photos Flowers Edit Share Birth: 1627, England Death: Dec. 1, 1686 Henrico County Virginia, USA Daughter of Christopher Banks. Wife of Henry Isham. First marriage was to Joseph Royall. Daughter Mary Isham married C

Katherine Banks Royall Isham
Memorial Photos Flowers Edit Share Birth: 1627, England Death: Dec. 1, 1686 Henrico County Virginia, USA

Daughter of Christopher Banks. Wife of Henry Isham. First marriage was to Joseph Royall. Daughter Mary Isham married Col. William Randolph.

Family links: Spouses: Joseph Royall (1600 - 1655)* Henry Isham (1628 - 1670)*

Children: Katherine Royall Perrin (1642 - 1686)* Joseph Royall (1646 - 1732)* Mary Isham Randolph (1659 - 1735)* Anne Fitzhugh Isham Eppes (1665 - 1718)*

• Calculated relationship

Burial: Randolph Family Cemetery Presque Isle Henrico County Virginia, USA

Created by: Pat Jackson Record added: Jun 22, 2002 Find A Grave Memorial# 6537631

1627 & 1620 alt b M: 1640 or 1645

GEDCOM Source

Randolph Family Cemetery standardization format update

GEDCOM Source

The information is the same and residence is likely

GEDCOM Source

Changed from 10 October 1686. Source: http://www.fmoran.com/royall.html Dale Parish,

GEDCOM Source

Modified via Ancestry.com I standardized the birth and birth place.

GEDCOM Source

9GVX-WWF Millennium File http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?dbid=7249&h=10011981&ind...

concerns

This Katherine appears to be the same as Katherine Isham, but there is no evidence that that Katherine ever married a member of the Halbert family. Further research is warranted.

comments

Birth surname has been apparently erroneously reported to be Banks.