Rev. Thomas Faulconer, Sr.

Rev. Thomas Faulconer was born in 1594 to unknown parentage in Sussex, England. On August 28, 1615, Faulconer married Margaret Underhill (1598-1650) in Twineham Parish, Sussex.

His name is sometimes spelled "Faulkner," which has also been used (though not consistently) by subsequent generations.

Arrival in America

In 1622, at the age of 28, Faulconer sailed to Virginia Colony on the Mary Providence as an indentured servant sponsored by Robert Salford, landing at Elizabeth City (now Hampton, Virginia). Faulconer later brought over additional family members, resulting in him receiving incentives for helping to populate the colony. He first appears in the Elizabeth City census of February 16, 1623.

Home in Virginia

In 1639, Faulconer sponsored the passage of five people from England, including his wife. This resulted in him receiving 250 acres of land (50 acres per person) on June 5 of that year. Combined with the 50 acres he had received as part of his indenture, this gave Faulconer 300 acres, which were described in Cavaliers and Pioneers as "a ridge of land behind Nutmeg Quarter between the Swamp and Reedy damm and W. upon the plantation of Joseph Stratton."

Professional Life

Although it is unclear if he was ordained in England or Virginia, it is known that Faulconer was the first Church of England minister for St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, which is one of the oldest churches in Virginia today.

He is also listed in the Colonial Churches and the Colonial Clergy of the Middle and Southern Colonies as being the third and sole minister of Warwisqueake Parish in Isle of Wight County in 1642. Warwisqueake was the only parish in the county. Since the next minister was not installed until 1680, it is assumed that Faulconer lived until then, but this is not verifiable.

Faulconer is also listed as clerk of Isle of Wight County in 1642 and as the recipient of county profits.

Death & Legacy

No wills are extant for Faulconer or his wife. Their only known children were sons David and Thomas.

Thomas and Margaret either did not leave a will or at least none has survived, therefore it is not known how many children they actually have. Their known children were David and Thomas. Thomas appears to have been living on his father's original 50 acres in Elizabeth City in 1704.

Source

• Rev. Thomas Faulconer -- please see extensive citations there

This biographical sketch was written by J. Ashley Odell for Geni in May 2011. Please do not repost without attribution.