Rev. Robert Bracewell, Sr.

Rev. Robert Bracewell, Sr.

• Aka Braswell
• Baptized 13 Oct 1611 at St. Andrew's Holborn, London, England
• Died before 1 May 1668 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia
• Son of Richard Bracewell and Jane (Unknown)
• The name of his wife is unknown - not Rebecca Izard

Children of Robert Bracewell and his wife:

• 1. Jane Bracewell Born c. 1645 Isle of Wight Co VA Married 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Robert Stokes b. c. 1640 Married 1678 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Robert Eley II b. c. 1640 Married 1680 in Isle of Wight Co VA to John Evans b. c. 1640 in England Died 8/14/1713 Isle of Wight Co VA
• 2. Rebecca Bracewell Born 1647 Isle of Wight Co VA Married c. 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to William West b. 1643 Married before 1675 in Isle of Wight Co VA to James Bagwell, husband of sister Ann Died 1700 Isle of Wight Co VA
• 3. Ann Bracewell Born c. 1648 Isle of Wight Co VA Married c. 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to James Bagwell b. c. 1640 Died before 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA
• 4. Robert Bracewell b. 1650 Isle of Wight Co VA
• 5. Richard Bracewell Born 1652 Isle of Wight Co VA Married 1/16/1673 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Sarah Valentine b. c. 1652 Died before 7/1725 Isle of Wight Co VA

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Excerpts from a letter:

On 5/8/95 The Jamestowne Society approved Rev. Robert BRACEWELL, 1612-1668, as a qualifying ancestor for membership in The Jamestowne Society.

Miss Ima Eula Mewborn, a North Carolina member of The Jamestowne Society, submitted the application with her lineage going through Robert BRACEWELL’s daughter, Rebecca who married William WEST, well known for his participation in BACON’s Rebellion.

Rev. BRACEWELL’s election to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1653 gave him the qualification needed. As you know, he was asked to resign based on the issue of separation of church and state.

from: http://braswellgenealogy.blogspot.com/2007/10/jamestowne-society.html

Robert Bracewell is one immigrant who's migration to America can be attributed to a purpose higher than economics or necessity; as he was a Priest of the Church of England. Robert was born 1611 in London, England. He entered Oxford University on 2/22/1627 and graduated with a BA in Divinity on 11/3/1631

from: http://lewis187.home.mchsi.com/Campbell/Braswell-1.htm

http://www.jamestowne.org/blog/robert-bracewellbraswell-isle-of-wig...

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His will was probated March 1, 1668.

Robert Braswell was born in 1611 in Middlesex, England, the only child of Richard and Lettice. He married Rebecca Izard in 1649 in Virginia. They had one child during their marriage. He died on May 1, 1668, in Isle of Wight, Virginia, at the age of 57.

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Robert Braswell , the son of Richard Brasewell (or Bracewell) of London (1611-1668), graduated from Oxford in 1631 and became a minister of the Church of England. About 20 years later, he immigrated to Virginia. In 1651, he purchased 300 acres of land in Isle of Wight County from Capt. John Upton, who mentioned this land in his will of January 16, 1652. Two years later, Robert Braswell was elected to the House of Burgesses, but was suspended because he was not in a capacity to serve as a Burgess, since it is unprecedented and may produce bad circumstances . This suspension was evidently because he was a minister and it was contrary to the British principle of separation of church and state for officials of the church to hold public office. His wife was probably Rebecca Izard and their children were Jane, Rebecca, Robert, Richard, and Ann. He made his will February 15, 1667, and it was probated March 1, 1668.
His son, Robert Braswell (1650-1702) , married Susan (or Susannah) Burgess who died is 1732.. In 1696, he appointed her his attorney and was not recorded after that date. Whether he died or left the county has been a subject of speculation by researchers. Their children were James, William, Richard, Ann (Riggs) , and Elizabeth.
His son, William Braswell (1680 - 1720) of North Carolina, is most likely our family line. His wife was Mary ________ and his known children were William, Benjamin and James.
Th e son William Braswell (1707-1785) married Margaret ________ and their children were William, Jacob, Arthur, Patience (West), Dorcas (Hooks), Patty (Bridges), and Samuel.
Th e son, Jacob Braswell (1735-1823) of Nash County, is our link with our generations that follow. His wife's name is not known, but this children were Jacob, Jesse, William, Brittain, Nathan, Lucretia (Pittman), Mary (Jones), Patience (Thompson), Cloah (Sellers), Selah (Evans), and Patsy (Atkins). By 1820 he was living alone. Three years later his will was probated and in it he mentioned ten of his eleven children. Jesse received all of his father's land, six negroes, and his still.
Jesse Braswell (1754-1827), had a plantation in Brunswick County, Virginia and married Lucy Coman (1757-1827). Their daughter, " Betsy", married Lewis Ball Taylor in 1792.
The Elizabeth "Betsy" Braswell (1775-1849) of our family may have been the oldest child. Her sister Sally married five years after Betsy. Her brother John the year after that. Her sister Nancy married John Williams in 1804, but both Nancy and a sister Kizzie Stacy had died before their father in 1827. There were also brothers named Jacob, Peterson G. and Jesse M. Their mother has been identified as Jane Coman - which may be Coleman, a name associated with the Braswells in Brunswick County.
Submitted By: kathienewton1Rev. Robert Bracewell, Sr. of England
Robert Bracewell is one immigrant who's migration to America can be attributed to a purpose higher than economics or necessity; as he was a Priest of the Church of England. Robert was born 1612 in England. He graduated from Oxford University with a BA in Divinity on 11/3/1631. Questions for investigation concern whether Robert was recruited; and if so, by whom?
In about 1645, probably in England, Robert married Rebecca Bracewell b. c. 1625 in England; as few marriageable women were to be found in the early Virginia Colony. Robert and Rebecca immigrated to Isle of Wight Co VA in about 1645. And in about 1650, he assumed the Parish of Lawne's Creek, Isle of Wight Co VA.
In 1652 Robert served as Pastor of St. Luke's Church, Smithfield VA. Constructed in 1634, St. Luke's (known affectionately as Old Brick) is the oldest original Protestant church in America. In 1653, Robert was elected to the House of Burgesses; however, his status as clergy was deemed to set an undesirable precedence. And, he was dismissed.
Robert wrote his will on 2/15/1667, naming Richard Izard as an executor. And, Robert died shortly thereafter.
Isle of Wight Co. VA Will of Robert Bracewell15 Feb 1667 prob 1 May 1668
- to my daughter Jane Stokes her children three cowes- to Rebecca West my daughter one cow and Calfe and one cowe and calfe to the next child she may have- and the rest of all my estate unto my two sonnes Robert and Richard whome I make my full and sole executors of this my will, and the Mill I desire shall be finished with what speed my bee and to be let out, only reserving corner for themselves, and the p.duce of the mill to be equally divided between them both, and reserved to build a new mill hereafter and when built to be left wholly to my sonne Richard likewise I give seven hundred acres of land where I now live and six hundered acres at the western Branch of Nancemond County to be equall divided between my two sonnes Robert and Richard likewise it is my desire that no part of parcell of the estate shall be disposed of nor none of the land until they both are of full age nor no wayes divided but if it shall please God that either of them shall depart this life before he comes of age that then the
survivior shall enjoye the whole
- likewise I give unto my servant Elizabeth Hall when she shall be free one heiffer of two years of age
- and likewise it is my desire that my loving friends Mr. Richard Izard and George Gwillim to be guardians unto my children in the time of their minoritie and to see this my will performed likewise I give unto the said Richard Izard and George Gwillim fortie shillings to each of them to buy them each one ring,
- likewise I give unto my daughter Ann Bagnall one cow and calf and one cow and calf to her first child, if it please God she have any
- and likewise it is my desire that my two sonnes Robert and Richard shall be put to scholle until they can both read and write.
And this being my will I testifie it with my hand this 15th of February 1667.Rob Bracell
In Wittness of George Gwillim Richard IzardThis will was proved in open court helf for the Isle of Wight County this
first day of May 1668 and then recorded Teste John Jenings Clr: Recordes
The next year, Rebecca married the same Richard Izard b. 1615 in England, and they had two daughters. Richard Izard died before 9/1670.
Will of Richard Izard, X his mark: Daus. Mary and Martha Izard, wife Rebecca; legacy to James Bagnall, son of James Bagnall, my son-in-law. Isle of Wight Co Records: 1669
And, Rebecca died 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA when her will was written and probated.
Will of Rebecca Izard: Dau. Rebecca Bagnall, dau. Martha Izard, legacies to Rebecca Bagnall and Mary Bennett, Martha Izard, James Bagnall, son of James Bagnall, Nehemiah Huntt, son of Godfrey Hunt, and Elizabeth Reeves. Son James Bagnall, Henry Reeves, and Ambrose Bennett overseers. Dated 15 Oct., 1675, proved 20 Oct., 1675.
Born 1612 in England
11/3/1631 Graduated from Oxford University: BA in Divinity
Married c. 1645 in England to Rebecca Bracewell b. c. 1625 in England
Immigrated c. 1645 to Isle of Wight Co VA
1653 Elected to the House of Burgesses
Died 3/14/1668 Isle of Wight Co VA
Will proved 5/1/1668 Isle of Wight Co VA
Circa 1668 in Isle of Wight Co VA Rebecca married Richard Izard b. 1615 in England
1/10/1669 Isle of Wight Co VA Probate
Rebecca Izard signed the account of the estate of the late Robert Braswell
Richard Izard died before 9/1670 Isle of Wight Co VA
9/14/1670 Isle of Wight Co VA Land Transaction
Mistris Rebecca Izard, in the behalf of her two daughters, Mary & Martha Izard, Sep. 14, 1670, 250 acres Escheat land, Formerly granted unto Richard Izard, decd.
Rebecca died 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA

Children

   1. Jane Bracewell

Born c. 1645 Isle of Wight Co VA
Married 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Robert Stokes b. c. 1640
Married 1678 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Robert Eley II b. c. 1640
Married 1680 in Isle of Wight Co VA to John Evans b. c. 1640 in England
Died 8/14/1713 Isle of Wight Co VA

   2. Rebecca Bracewell

Born 1647 Isle of Wight Co VA
Married c. 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to William West b. 1643
Married before 1675 in Isle of Wight Co VA to James Bagwell, husband of sister Ann
Died 1700 Isle of Wight Co VA

   3. Ann Bracewell

Born c. 1648 Isle of Wight Co VA
Married c. 1667 in Isle of Wight Co VA to James Bagwell b. c. 1640
Died before 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA

   4. Robert Bracewell b. 1650 Isle of Wight Co VA

   5. Richard Bracewell

Born 1652 Isle of Wight Co VA
Married 1/16/1673 in Isle of Wight Co VA to Sarah Valentine b. c. 1652
Died before 7/1725 Isle of Wight Co VA

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Immigrated to the U.S. from England in 1649-1650.

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Expanded Timeline of British Bracewells and Rev. Robert Bracewell http://braswellgenealogy.blogspot.com/2007/10/time-line-of-british-... ALSO http://braswellgenealogy.blogspot.com/2007/10/bracewell-rev-roberts...
Robert Bracewell (Robert I) was born in England in 1612, the son of Richard Bracewell (Richard I) of London. Robert I entered Hart Hall of Oxford College on February 22, 1627/28 at age 15. He received his A.B. degree on November 3, 1631 and must have been ordained as a minister or parson.

He came to the Colonies (Virginia) before 1651 and is known in many of the records of Isle of Wight County, Virginia as Parson Bracewell. He was living on the Pagan River in 1652.

He was chosen to the House of Burgess from Isle of Wight County in 1653 but was not allowed to serve. The record says that he was suspended because he "is not in a capacitie of serving as a Burgesse, since it is unpresidentiall and may produce bad consequence." He died in about 1668, leaving a library valued at 500 pounds of tobacco. This biographical information is from the reference, "The Colonial Church in Virginia" by Goodwin, page 253. http://www.bracewellfamily.com/family-records/biographies-memorials...

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Anglican clergymen, with service prior to 1700, were added to the list of eligible ancestors for representation in
the Jamestowne Society...this includes Robert Braswell (Bracewell). http://www.jamestowne.org/uploads/1/9/4/9/19493717/jamestowne_socie...
ALSO Jamestown Society http://www.jamestowne.org/qualifying-ancestors.html
http://lewis-genealogy.org/genealogy/Campbell/Braswell-1.htm
http://www.bracewellfamily.com/OLD/index2.php?option=com_content&do...
http://braswellgenealogy.blogspot.com/2008/08/ann-carver-richard-br...

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Probate||Isle of Wight Deed & Will Book 1, p. 9:|

Will of Robert Bracewell. Written 15 Feb 1667, Probated 1 May 1668||-

• to my daughter Jane Stokes her children three cowes|
• - to Rebecca West my daughter one cow and Calfe and one cowe and calfe to the next child she may have|
• and the rest of all my estate unto my two sonnes Robert and Richard whome I make my full and sole executors of this my will, and the Mill I desire shall be finished with what speed my bee and to belet out, only reserving corner for themselves, and the p.duce of the mill to be equally divided between them both, and reserved to build a new mill hereafter and when built to be left wholly to my sonne Richard likewise I give seven hundred acres of land where I now live and six hundered acres at the western Branch of Nancemond County to be equall divided between my two sonnes Robert and Richard
• likewise it is my desire that no part of parcell of the estate shall be disposed of nor none of the land until they both are of full age nor no wayes divided but if it shall please God that either of them shall depart this life before he comes of age that then the survivior shall enjoye the whole|- likewise I give unto my servant Elizabeth Hall when she shall be free one heiffer of two years of age|
• - and likewise it is my desire that my loving friends Mr. Richard Izard and George Gwillim to be guardians unto my children in the time of their minoritie and to see this my will performed likewise Igive unto the said Richard Izard and George Gwillim fortie shillings to each of them to buy them each one ring,|
• - likewise I give unto my daughter Ann Bagnall one cow and calf and one cow and calf to her first child, if it please God she have any|
• - and likewise it is my desire that my two sonnes Robert and Richard shall be put to scholle until they can both read and write.|
• |And this being my will I testifie it with my hand this 15th of February 1667.|
• Rob Bracell|
• In Wittness of George Gwillim Richard Izard|
• This will was proved in open court helf for the Isle of Wight County this|
• first day of May 1668 and then recorded Teste John Jenings Clr: Recordes Feb 15 1667 USA, Virginia, Isle Of Wight County

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GEDCOM Note

Bracewell spelling was used in England, then in early Colonial times. Through the years the spelling has changed to Braswell.

GEDCOM Note

Reverend Robert Bracewell & Unknown
Sally's Family Place

MENU AND WIDGETS

Reverend Robert Bracewell & Unknown

the emigrant

Rev. Robert Bracewell 1611 – 1668 | his parents
& unknown d bef 1668 | her parents
of London, England and Isl

GEDCOM Note

According to Website at: http://freepag

According to Website at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~westxan/np51.htm#iin2499 Henry # 1. He is considered the father of American Braswells and all the various spellings. His family were successfull brokers in woolens, making him born into wealth and privilege. Educated at Oxford, he was a staunch Royalist. He emigrated to the New World soon after the Puritans beheaded Charles I. He was a member of the ruling class in Virginia, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1653. Will Prove Date: May 1, 1668.

GEDCOM Note

Bracewell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Bracewell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available: 

England

Family Crest Image (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

The roots of the Anglo-Saxon name Bracewell come from when the fami

GEDCOM Note

Robert was an Oxford scholar, matriculat

Robert was an Oxford scholar, matriculated at Hart Hall on February02, 1627/28 and graduated with a B.A. on November 03, 1631. He was elected to the Hourseof Burgesses in the Isle of Wright, Virginia in 1653, but suspended because he was a clergyman andhis position did not allow for a separation of Chruch and State. He purchased 300 acres from Captain John Upton as noted in CaptainUpton's will dated January 16, 1652. !BIRTH: The Lineage of Jacob Thomas Braswell by Viola & Vick Braswell.; ; ; ; ; !DEATH: The Lineage of Jacob Thomas Braswell by Viola & Vick Braswell.; ; ; ; ; !MARRIAGE:The Lineage of Jacob Thomas Braswell by Viola & Vick Braswell.; ; ; ; ;

GEDCOM Note

Elected to House of Burgess

Elected to House of Burgess
1653 • , Isle of Wight, Virginia

GEDCOM Note

Life Sketch

The Braswell Story, began in the city of London, England, over three hundred years ago. There a certain Richard Bracewell lived in the year 1612 when a son-Robert-was born,

Little is known of the family prior to this date except that they and others of this same name in England were said to have fled from Scotland during the rebellion against the tryrannical rule of the kings.

At the age of fourteen young Robert Bracewell was sent to Oxford College to be educated for the ministery. Records of colonial Virginia show that Robert Bracewell, son of Richard Bracwell of London, England, Gentleman, entered Hart Hall, Oxford University 22 February 162 at the age of fifteen and graduated with a A. B. Degree November 1631.

A period of almost twenty years elapses before Robert Bracewell is again heard from. During the later part of this period, England and Scotland were passing through difficult time under Charles I, who was as determined as his father-James I had been to force the Anglican form of worship on the Puritans of England and Scotland and the Presbyterians of the latter. As a result both England and Scotland were in constant rebellion and civil war., Many prominent churchmen were to forced to flee to other countries. During the Cromwellian rebellion and subsequent rule (1640-1660),m many Royalists fled England and Scotland. Most of these refugees settled in the American Colonies. The circumstance which resulted in Robert Bracewell's coming to the New World and settling in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia, sometime prior to 1649. He was at this time an Episcopal Clergyman. As water was a most important means of transportation in colonial times, most of the early settlers established themselves on some body of water or stream. Robert Bracewell's plantation was located on the Blackwater River, some mile south of the James River and the colonial town of Jamestown, a few miles northwest of where the town of Smithfield, Virginia, now stands.

Robert Btacewell's pastorates, known as Lawn's Creeks Parish was changed to the Southwark Parish in 1737.

THE REVEREND ROBERT BRACEWELL, SR.
1612-1668

The BRASWELL story, as it is presently known, began in the city of London, England, over three-hundred years ago. There, a certain Richard BRACEWELL, Gentleman, lived in the year 1612 when a son Robert was born. (The word "Gentleman", as a designation following a proper name, means that the person belonged to an armorial family.) Little is known of the family prior to this date except that they and others of this same name in England were said to have fled from Scotland during the rebellion against the tyrannical rule of the kings.

A question has been raised about the title Gent. shown above. We got in touch with a friend in England, Brigadier General Holtom, CBE, Ret. and we feel it will be helpful to add the American and English definitions.

Oxford English Dictionary (From the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, a huge book that weighs 10 lbs.) "Gent Latin - genitum born, hence, well-born, noble etc. 1. Noble, high-born; having the qualities attaching to high-birth - 1672" Brig. Holtom further explains: "During the period, which was at the time of Henry VIII, a gentleman was definitely someone of high birth. Later the term became attached to anyone of means and could include people in trade - (you mean you actually work for money dear boy?) By the early 20th century the term was attached to anyone and could even be a disparaging comment. The term genteel derives from Gentleman meaning polite, polished, well bread etc.

In Sam's case (Rev. Robert's ancestors) because it is a 16th Century reference, the title Gentleman really means his ancestors were people of considerable reputation and substance (a real gentleman) and living in the centre of the capital city. It is important that you include the title (because that is what it is) as presented."

American Webster Dictionary:

"gentleman n., pl. men. 1. a man of good family, breeding, or social position.2. (used as a polite term) a man: the gentleman in the tweed suit. 3. gentlemen, (used as a form of address): Gentlemen, please come this way. 4. a civilized, educated, sensitive, or well-mannered man. 5. a male personal servant; valet. 6. a male attendant upon a king, queen, or other royal person, who is himself of high birth or rank. 7. a man with an independent income who does not work for a living. 8. a male member of the U.S. Congress: The chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts. 9. (formerly) a man above the rank of yeoman. gentlemanlike, adj."

And the definition for yeoman from American Webster Dictionary:

"yeoman n., pl. men, adj. -n. 1. an enlisted person in the U.S. Navy whose duties are chiefly clerical. 2. Brit. a farmer who cultivates his own land. 3. (formerly, in England)a. one of a class of lesser freeholders, below the gentry, who cultivated their own land. b. an attendant in a royal or other great household. c. an assistant, as of a sheriff or other official. "

In our new world the term is used as a sign of respect the majority of the time. We hope this clears up any question about the title used with the Bracewell family ancestors.

At the age of fifteen young Robert BRACEWELL was sent to Oxford University to be educated for the ministry. Records of colonial Virginia show that Robert BRACEWELL, son of Richard BRACEWELL of London, England, Gentlemen, entered Hart Hall at Oxford University February 22, 1627, at the age of fifteen and graduated with an A.B. Degree (Artium Baccalaureus known today as Bachelor of Arts) in November 1631. This information has been certified of recent years by an Oxford Register (from The BRASWELL FAMILY- Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall). Soon after Robert must have immigrated to America. As early as November 10, 1635, he was living in Isle of Wight, Virginia, where he owned a plantation on the Blackwater River. He became the rector of St. Luke's, which is now known as the Old Brick Church, Isle of Wight, Virginia. Photograph courtesy of Fran Olsen and used with permission.

A period of almost twenty years elapses before Robert BRACEWELL is again heard from. During the latter part of this period, England and Scotland were passing through difficult times under Charles I, who was determined, as his father James I had been, to force the Anglican form of worship on the Puritans of England and Scotland and the Presbyterians of the latter. As a result both England and Scotland were in constant rebellion and civil war. Many prominent churchmen were forced to flee to other countries. During the Cromwellian rebellion and subsequent rule (1640-1660), many Royalists fled England and Scotland. Most of these refugees settled in the American Colonies. These circumstances resulted in Robert BRACEWELL's coming to the New World and settling in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia, sometime prior to 1635. He was at this time an Episcopal Clergyman.

The was a witness to an agreement between Ambrose Bennett and Thomas Webb for the use of a mill and adjacent land, 29 April 1650 (Deed book I, pg. 426).

REVEREND ROBERT AND REBECCA IZARD
Rev. Robert Bracewell 1611 - 1668 | his parents
& unknown d bef 1668 | her parents
of London, England and Isle of Wight Co., VA

1611 - Robert Bracewell son of Richard Bracewell [1588 - 1641] of London, England, was christened 13 Oct 1611 at St. Andrews, Holborn, London, England [contributed by Nona Williams]
22 Feb 1627/28 he became a student at Hart Hall in Oxford University.
3 Nov 1631 - he graduated with B A degree
ca 1650 he removed to Virginia. He purchased 300 acres on Blackwater River in Isle of Wight County and assumed the Parish of Lawne's Creek.
1652 - Lt John Upton and wife Margaret sold William Underwood 400 acres adjoining 300 acres already sold to Robert Braswell, Clerke: witnessed by Isaac Cavalier and Thomas Scott. On Jan 16 1651/52 Captain John Upton's will mentioned the 300 acres sold to Mr. Robert Braswell.
1652 - Rev Robert Bracewell served as pastor to St. Luke's located at Smithfield VA.
24 Sept. 1652 -Deposition by William Chapple, mariner, James Vawer, pilot, and John Fisher Carpenter, all of the ship Mary of Accomac in Virginia: They were at Accomac last July, bound for Bristol, when they met one John Jones. This Jones died of fever, after saying that he had 40 hhds of tobacco in the hands of Robert Braswell, a merchant living on Pagan Creek on James River in Virginia.. [p104]
6 Dec 1652 - another depo by William Chappell, master of the Mary of Accomac in Virginia.
1653 - He was elected to the House of Burgesses of Virginia, but since it was not considered proper that a minister hold a political office. "It is ordered by this present Grand Assembly, that Mr. Robert Bracewell, Clark, be suspended . . . since it is unpresidential and may produce bad consequences."
10 June 1658 - Thomas Wilkinson made a large patent on Patomack Creek and used Robert Braswell as a headright.
20 Jan 1661/62 - Robert Braswell and Joseph Bridger owned land adjoining 300 acres patented by Richard Izard.
16 Feb 1662/63 - Thomas Poole secured a patent adjoining Mr. Robert Bracewell.
9 June 1664 - Robert Braswell appointed William Thompson his attorney in a suit with Thomas Hopkins: witnessed by Robert Tookes.
26 June 1664, William and Elizabeth Thompson sold Richard Izard some land adjoining Robert Dunster and Robert Braswell.
9 Dec 1665 -- Richard Izard depo aged 54 - -
15 Feb 1667/68 Robert Braswell made his will; it was proved 1 May 1668 in Isle of Wight County VA.

Isle of Wight Co.VA Will of Robert Bracewell 15 Feb 1667 prob 1 May 1668

- to my daughter Jane Stokes her children three cowes
- to Rebecca West my daughter one cow and Calfe and one cowe and calfe to the next child she may have
- and the rest of all my estate unto my two sonnes Robert and Richard whome I make my full and sole executors of this my will, and the Mill I desire shall be finished with what speed my bee and to be

GEDCOM Note

Baptism/Christening Date

Name: Robt. Bracewell
Gender: Male
Baptism/Christening Date: 13 Oct 1611
Baptism/Christening Place: ST ANDREW,HOLBORN,LONDON,ENGLAND
Father's Name: Richard Bracewell

GEDCOM Note

Braswell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Braswell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available: 

 England





Family Crest Image (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

The ancient roots of the Braswell family name are in the An

GEDCOM Note

!Matriculated Hart Hall, Oxford 22 Feb 1

!Matriculated Hart Hall, Oxford 22 Feb 1627/28, age 15. Received AB 3 Nov 1631.

GEDCOM Note

At the age of fifteen young Robert Brace

At the age of fifteen young Robert Bracewell was sent to Oxford University to be educated for the ministry. Records of Colonial Virginia show that Robert Bracewell, son of Richard Bracewell of London, England, Gentlemen, entered Hart Hall at Oxford University February 22, 1627 at the age of fifteen and graduated with an A.B. Degree (Artium Baccalaureus known today as Bachelor of Arts) in November 1631. This information has been certified of recent years by an Oxford Register ( from The Braswell Family - Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall). Soon after Robert must have immigrated to America. As early as November 10, 1635 he was living in Isle of Wight, Virginia, where he owned a plantation on the Blackwater River. He became the rector of St. Luke's, which is now known as the Old Brick Church, Isle of Wight, Virginia.
A period of almost twenty years alapses before Robert is again heard from. During the latter part of this period, England and Scotland were passing through difficult times inder Charles I, who wag determined as his father, James I had been, to force the Anglican form of worship on the Puritans of England and Scotland and the Presbyterians of the latter. As a result both England and Scotland were in constant rebellion and civil war. Many prominent churchmen were forced to flee to other countries. During the Cromwellian rebellion and subsequent rule (1640-1660), many Royalists fled England and Scotland. Most of these refugees settled in the American Colonies. These circumstances resulted in Robert Bracewell's coming to the New World and settling in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia, sometime prior to 1635. He was at this time an Episcopal Clergyman.

When Captain John Upton made his will in January 1651, he mentioned three-hundred acres of land he had sold to r. Robert Bracewell (Will and Adm. Bk. A, pp. 32-33).

As water was a most important means of transportation in colonial times, most of the early settlers established themselves on some body of water or stream. So, too, Robert Bracewell's plantation was located on the Blackwater River, some miles south of the James River and the colonial town of Jamestown, a few miles northwest of where the town of Smithfield, Virginia, now stands. Robert Bracewell's pastorate, known as Lawn's Creek Parish, was changed to Southwark Parish in 1737.

In 1653 the reverand Robert Bracewell was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. At this time in history separation of church and state was the subject of much agitation both in Europe and America. According to the records of the 1653 session of the House of Burgesses, "It is ordered that Mr. Robert Bracewell (cleric), be suspended since it is un-presidential and may produce bad consequences." (Hemming I, pg. 376). If clergymen were not allowed to hold political offices it would seem odd that he was elected to hold the office to begin with.

The Will of the Reverand Robert Bracewell was made February 15, 1667. It was one of the earlier wills made in this country and can be found in Deed and Wills Book 1, pg. 9 of the Isle of Wight County of Virginia. Whether the Reverand was a wealthy man before coming to Virginia, or whether he accumulated his wealth after coming to the New World has not yet been established., but at the time of his death in 1668 (Will proved May 1, 1668, Book 2, page 52), he was the possessor of considerable property. He was referred to in the William and Mary Quarterly Vol. 7 as a "notable Minister". (The Braswell Family-Elizabeth B. Pearsall).

Isle of Wight County Records,
William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine.
(Vol., 7, No. 4, Apr., 1899). pp. 205-315.

Below is a copy of his will,

Isle of Wight Co. VA
Will and Deed Book 1 Volumne A page 52

"In the name of God Amen, I Robert Bracewell being very weake & Sicke of Body but of perfectt memorie, doe make this my last will and testament, revokinge all former wills whatsoever, Imprimis I be queath my Soule into the hands of my Redeemer, who gave it mee, And my body unto the ground from whence it came to be decently buried, and for thos temporall goods God hath given mee I dispose of them in manner as followeth, I give unto my daughter Jane Stokes her children three cowes, To Rebecca West my daughter one cowe and Calfe and one cowe and calfe to the next child she may have, and the rest of all my estate unto my two sonnes Robert and Richard whome I make my full and sole executors of this my will, and the Mill I desire shall be finished with what speed my bee and to be lett out, only reserving corner for themselves, and th p.duce of the mill to be eually divided between them both, and reserved to build a new mill hereafter and when bulilt to be left wholly to my sonne Richard likewise I give seven hundred acres of land where I now live and six hundred acres at the western Branch of Nancemond County to be equal divided between my two sonnes Robert and Richard likewise it is my desire that noe part of parcell of the estate shall be disposed of nor none of the land untill they both are of full age nor no wayes divided but if it shall please God that either of them shall depart this life before he comes of age that then the survivior shall enjoye the whole likewise I give unto my servant Elizabeth Hall when she shall be free one heiffer of two years of age and like wise it is my desire that my Ivonign friends Mr. Richard Izard and George Gwillim to be guardians unto my children in the time of their minoritie and to see this my will performed likewise I give unto the said Richard Izard and George Gwillim fortie shillings to each of them to buy them each one ring, likewise I give unto my daughter Ann Bagnall on cowe and calfe and one cowe and calfe to her first child, if it please God she have any and likewise it is my desire that my two sonnes Robert and Richard shal be put to scholle until they can both read and write. And this being my will I testifie it with my hand this 15th of February 1667.

Rob Bracewell

In Witness of George Gwillim Richard Izard

This will was proved in open court held for the Isle of Wight County this
first day of May 1668 and then recorded

Teste John Jenings Cir: Recordes

COMMENTARY;

This will, the Appraisal of the Estate (May 11, 1668), the Account Currant by Rebecca Izard (Jan. 10, 1669/70) and the Disbursements Account of her husband, Richard Izard gave an insight in to the man, his character and times.
The wording of this will is clearly his own, just as it is in the Bennett-Webb Agreement of 1650. The spelling may seem unlettered but keep in mind that standard for spelling English words was not established until after 1800; our ancestor spelled perfectly, and his choice of those words reflect favorably his Oxford background. Some observations:

1. Note that the children are listed in birth order. The time each first appeared in the legal records{and therefore "of full age" confirms this}. Notice that Ann {last paragraph} was still a newly wed at the beginning of 1670, about 16, not yet pregnant by her husband, James Bagnall, son of Rebecca Bagnal Izard, the de facto Adminitrix.

2. Note how evenhanded he was with his daughters: each got the precious dairy cows according to her needs: Jane Stokes getting the most because she was the oldest and had the most children. What was a widower parson doing with so many milk cattle? He had more mouths to feed- - indentured servants besides Elizabeth Hall, who may have been his housekeeper/nurse, and /or the parish orphans?

3. He was less even-handed with his sons, favoring Richard, the younger, with the rebuilt mill. The description of his 1300 acre estate is another Braswell enigma: the 700 acres "where I now live....." means that the good parson acquired another 400 acres after 1650 {William Underwoods tract?} by one of the many real estate transactions whose record is missing. Likewise the deed for 600 acres "att the Western Branch of Nancemond County" {Robert's choice?} is missing, but that is to be expected since Nancemond is a "burned out county". Both sons disposed of their legacies as soon as they came of age.
4. "Gwilliam" is an archaic form of Williams. The custom of the "friendship ring" for those who render such personal services as this guardianship was a common practice among the wealthier class of this society.

5. Which of us cannot be proud that our ancestor's last wish was to educate his sons. Alas, neither ever became literate { like nearly all their peers in that schoolless, wilderness pioneer society}, always signing by mark like Richard Izard, their guardian.

6. Confused about dates? Remember that New Year's Day was March 21st in the British Realm until 1753.

GEDCOM Note

Rebecca his wife?? married Richard Izard after husband died. Richard Izard was witness to his will.

Robert wrote his will on 2/15/1667, naming Richard Izard as an executor. And, Robert died shortly thereafter. Isle of Wight Co. VA Will of Robert Bracewell15 Feb 1667 prob 1 May 1668 - to my daughter Jane Stokes her children three cowes- to Rebecca West my daughter one cow and Calfe and one cowe and calfe to the next child she may have- and the rest of all my estate unto my two sonnes Robert and Richard whome I make my full and sole executors of this my will, and the Mill I desire shall be finished with what speed my bee and to be let out, only reserving corner for themselves, and the p.duce of the mill to be equally divided between them both, and reserved to build a new mill hereafter and when built to be left wholly to my sonne Richard likewise I give seven hundred acres of land where I now live and six hundered acres at the western Branch of Nancemond County to be equall divided between my two sonnes Robert and Richard likewise it is my desire that no part of parcell of the estate shall be disposed of nor none of the land until they both are of full age nor no wayes divided but if it shall please God that either of them shall depart this life before he comes of age that then the survivior shall enjoye the whole - likewise I give unto my servant Elizabeth Hall when she shall be free one heiffer of two years of age - and likewise it is my desire that my loving friends Mr. Richard Izard and George Gwillim to be guardians unto my children in the time of their minoritie and to see this my will performed likewise I give unto the said Richard Izard and George Gwillim fortie shillings to each of them to buy them each one ring, - likewise I give unto my daughter Ann Bagnall one cow and calf and one cow and calf to her first child, if it please God she have any - and likewise it is my desire that my two sonnes Robert and Richard shall be put to scholle until they can both read and write. And this being my will I testifie it with my hand this 15th of February 1667.Rob Bracell In Wittness of George Gwillim Richard IzardThis will was proved in open court helf for the Isle of Wight County this first day of May 1668 and then recorded Teste John Jenings Clr: Recordes The next year, Rebecca married the same Richard Izard b. 1615 in England, and they had two daughters. Richard Izard died before 9/1670. Will of Richard Izard, X his mark: Daus. Mary and Martha Izard, wife Rebecca; legacy to James Bagnall, son of James Bagnall, my son-in-law. Isle of Wight Co Records: 1669 And, Rebecca died 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA when her will was written and probated. Will of Rebecca Izard: Dau. Rebecca Bagnall, dau. Martha Izard, legacies to Rebecca Bagnall and Mary Bennett, Martha Izard, James Bagnall, son of James Bagnall, Nehemiah Huntt, son of Godfrey Hunt, and Elizabeth Reeves. Son James Bagnall, Henry Reeves, and Ambrose Bennett overseers. Dated 15 Oct., 1675, proved 20 Oct., 1675. Born 1612 in England 11/3/1631 Graduated from Oxford University: BA in Divinity Married c. 1645 in England to Rebecca Bracewell b. c. 1625 in England Immigrated c. 1645 to Isle of Wight Co VA 1653 Elected to the House of Burgesses Died 3/14/1668 Isle of Wight Co VA Will proved 5/1/1668 Isle of Wight Co VA Circa 1668 in Isle of Wight Co VA Rebecca married Richard Izard b. 1615 in England 1/10/1669 Isle of Wight Co VA Probate Rebecca Izard signed the account of the estate of the late Robert Braswell Richard Izard died before 9/1670 Isle of Wight Co VA 9/14/1670 Isle of Wight Co VA Land Transaction Mistris Rebecca Izard, in the behalf of her two daughters, Mary & Martha Izard, Sep. 14, 1670, 250 acres Escheat land, Formerly granted unto Richard Izard, decd. Rebecca died 1675 Isle of Wight Co VA Children

GEDCOM Note

1613-1668 He enrolled as a student at H

1613-1668 He enrolled as a student at Hart Hall 22 February 1627/28 at age 15 and graduated 3 November 1631. He was a minister of the Church of England. He came and brought his family to Isle of Wight County, Va in 1651. and was elected to the House of Burgess in 1653 but soon had to step down because of his being a minister. England was very clear about the separation of Church and State. He bought 300 acres from Capt. John Upton His will was written 15 February 1667/68 and probated 1 March 1668. He mentions daughters Jane Stokes, Ann Bagnall and Rebecca West and sons Robert and Richard who were not of age at the time of their fathers death as he left instructions as to their schooling. Richard Izard and George Williams were their guardians. The daughters were left a cow and calf but the 1000 acres were left to the two boys to be divided equally. The Inventory of Estate list servants, silver, books, a sloop and a building mill. (Does this mean a saw mill?) This information was taken from SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA FAMILIES VOL. I by John Bennett Boddie published 1966 pages 85-95 for all the Braswell family. There is more detailed info on the sons in law and later descendants. These help define the relationships given. Carey Bracewell of the Braswell List says there may have been a London connection between Richard Izzard and Rebecca Bagnall Izzard and Rev. Robert Braswell, because of Robert appointing Richard guardian to his minor sons and Rebecca looked after them after their father died even though the Izards had only been in the Parson's neighborhood a relatively short time before Robert died. It is mentioned in the article that Richard and Robert, the grandsons ? of this Robert went to NC. In the Dobbs Grantee Index listed Book 1 Nov. 1746- April 1750 Robert Bracewell to John Bracewell, in Book 2 John Bracewell to Robert Bryant and from April 1758-1765 Richard Bracewell to William Bracewell pg 534. Believe they were given as being from Bertie but in the Herring info, a lot of Bertie Precinct came down to Dobbs.

GEDCOM Note

Duplicate

There is a duplicate profile under the I.D. of (LHJM-D4G).
It is listed under his fathers first wife, which is incorrect.
Profile needs to be corrected, but is currently "Read-Only".

GEDCOM Note

Reverend Robert Braswell (1611-1667), Anglican minister

Reverend Robert Braswell (1611-1667).
Anglican minister. Robert Braswell entered Oxford in 1628 at the age of 17. 3 Nov 1631 he received his B.A. Degree in Theology at Hart Hall, Oxford University, England. Robert was an Anglican minister. Robert was the son of Richard Bracewell, Gentleman (meaning he was of an armorial family) of London and Lettice Hartley.
It was common practice in England during that period for the second son to attend college and enter the ministry. England in the 1600's was a dangerous place for a person in the ministry in England, as with each newly crowned authority in England the tide would turn from Catholic to Protestant and back again all ending with religious persecution in relation to the current monarch's religious preferences. Many in the ministry at this time chose to go to Virginia rather than risk execution in England.
Robert and his family arrived in Smithfield Virginia in 1651 where Robert took a position at the "Old Brick Church," St.Lukes, about five miles from Smithfield, Wight, VA. The bricks of the church bear the date, 1632, built under the supervision of Robert Bridger. Robert's pastorate was known as Lawne's Creek Parish and was in an area between and including what is now both Surry and Isle of Wight, VA. The area that was Lawne's Creek is now known as Southwark Parish. It is believed that Robert arrived in Virginia before 1649. On 29 April 1650, Robert was a witness to an agreement in Virginia. It is said that Robert owned a plantation on Blackwater River as early as 1635. Robert and his family did live on Blackwater River, a few miles south of the James River.
Robert married about 1642 to Rebecca Izard, daughter of John Isard of the Isle of Wight, VA. His will is dated 15 Feb 1667.
http://genealogical-gleanings.com/Men%20of%20Faith.htm

GEDCOM Note

Suspended From House of Burgesses Due to Clergy Status

Suspended From House of Burgesses Due to Clergy Status
1653 • , Isle of Wight, Virginia
"It is ordered by this present Grand Assembly, That Mr Robert Bracewell, Clarke, be suspended, and is not in a capacitie of serving as a Burgesse, since it is unpresidentiall, and may produce bad consequence" Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia

GEDCOM Note

Entered Hart Hall

Entered Hart Hall
22 Feb 1627-1628 • Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Matriculated as a member of Hart Hall at age 15

GEDCOM Note

Probate

(London, England, Wills and Probate, 1507-1858)

NOTE: Researched and transcribed by the late Eunice Young, Bracewell descendant and English Bracewell record expert. Richard Bracewell is Rev Robert Bracewell's father.

GEDCOM Note

Will

1667 - REVEREND ROBERT BRACEWELL'S WILL

THERE IS NO DOCUMENT WHICH REVEALS THE NAME OF REVEREND ROBERT'S WIFE.

In the name of God Amen, I ROBERT BRACEWELL beinge very weake & sicke of Body but of perfectt memorie, doe make this my last Will & Testament, Revockeinge all former Wills whatsoever, Imprimis I bequeath my Soule into the hands of my Redeemer, who gave it mee, And my body unto the ground from whence it came to be decently buried, And for those Temporall goods God hath given mee I dispose of them in manner as followeth, I give unto my daughter JANE STOCKES her CHILDREN, three cowes, To REBECCA WEST my daughter one Cowe & Calfe And one Cowe & Calfe to the next child she shall have, And the rest of all my Estate unto my two sonns ROBERT and RICHARD whome I make my full & sole executors of this my Will, and the Mill I desire shalbe finisht, with what speed may bee And to be lett out, only reservinge corne for themselves, and the p.{ro} duse of the Mill to be equally divided betweene them both, And reserved to build a new mill hereafter And when built to be left wholly to my sonne RICHARD Likewise I give Seaven hundred Acres of land where I now live and sixe hundred Acres att the Western Branch of Nancemond County To be equally divided betweene my two sonnes ROBERT and RICHARD Likewise it is my desire that noe part or parcell of the estate shalbe disposed of, nor none of the land, untill they both are of full Age, nor no wayes divided But if it shall please God that either of them shall depart this life before he comes of Age, That then the Survivor shall enjoye the whole Likewise I give unto my Servant ELIZABETH HALL when she shalbe free one heiffer of two yeares of Age And likewise it is my desire That my loveinge friends Mr RICHARD IZARD and GEORGE GWILLIM to be Guardians unto my Children in the time of theire Minoritie, And to see this my Will performed Likewise I give unto the said RICHARD IZARD and GEORGE GWILLIM, ffortie shillings to each of them, to buy them each one ringe, Likewise I give unto my Daughter ANN BAGNALL one Cowe & Calfe And one Cowe & calfe to her first Child, if it please God she have any, And likewise it is my desire that my two sonnes, ROBERT & RICHARD shalbe putt to schoole untill they cann both write & read And this beinge my Will I testifie it with my hand this 15th of February 1667

...........................................................ROB: BRACELL

In Wittness of

GEORGE GWILLIM

RICHARD X IZARD

This will was proved in open Cort held for the Isle of Wight County this first Day of May 1668 And then Recorded

Teste John Jennings Clr: Recordes:

GEDCOM Note

Graduation

Graduation
3 Nov 1631 • Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
B. A. Degree

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References

• Ancestry.com. Southside Virginia Families Vol I [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data:Boddie, John Bennett. Southside Virginia Families. Vol. I. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1999. Section: Braswell of Wight. Page 85-86. <AncestryImage>
• https://sallysfamilyplace.com/reverend-robert-bracewell-unknown/
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bracewell-3
• https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LHJM-D4G
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bracewell-3
• https://www.jamestowne.org/blog/robert-bracewellbraswell-isle-of-wi...

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Not a known child of Richard Bracewell, Gent.

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