Richard Reynolds

According to Isle of Wight County records and the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., he had the following children:

5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Elizabeth Sharpe, daughter of Richard Sharpe, Sr. Richard Reynolds, Sr., died testate in 1712 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia

Richard Reynolds, son of Christopher, born : 1641, Isle of Wright Co. Virginia. died 7/27/1711. Newport Parrish, Va. Data from his will. Married Elizabeth Sharpe.

His children: Richard, born: 1669: Christopher, born, 1670; and Sharpe, died 7/8/1754.

From THE CHILDREN OF CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS OF VIRGINIA

"TI-434 RICHARD REYNOLDS, son of Christopher (433) and Elizabeth Reynolds, b 1641 (Isle of Wight) VA and d 7-27-1711 Newport Parish VA.

Data from his will. He m ca 1669 Elizabeth Sharpe.

Issue:

• Richard b 1669 [TI-435];
• Christopher b ca 1670;
• Sharp who d 7-8-1754;
• Elizabeth who m - Lewis; and
• John b 10-5-1710.

  ---

  
  

Richard Reynolds  (1638-48 - 1707)  Like his brother John, he was under 16 when his father made his will, in which Richard was left the home plantation.  His brother John Reynolds left him his own inherited land in his 1669 will.  He subsequently appears frequently in the Isle of Wight records beginning with a jury service in 1672.  With the first appearance of his nephew in 1679, he was sometimes styled as Richard Reynolds “Senior” to differentiate him from that nephew.  He appears to be the Richard Reynolds who was undersheriff in 1694, and he probably accounts for the majority of 17th century references to Richard Reynolds in Isle of Wight records.  On 23 April 1681, as “Richard Reynolds Sr.” he renewed the patent for the land he had inherited from his brother John Reynolds, plus adjoining additional land.  The succession of this patent proves that he was the same Richard Reynolds who died in 1707.  A year later, on 20 April 1682, he patented an additional 450 acres.  We can identify him as the patentee because his son Christopher sold part of that land in 1708, identifying Richard Reynolds, the original patentee, as his deceased father.  Despite having inherited so much of the original plantation, Richard Reynolds apparently leased it to others and was living on this 1682 patent at his death.  In 1694 he patented 720 acres in Nansemond County but evidently sold it off, for the 1704 quit rents show no land in Nansemond.  In 1698, he sold his patent of 1681 to his nephew Richard Reynolds, who immediately sold 100 acres of it back to him. Richard Reynolds died intestate before 24 June 1707 when his appraisal was taken.  His wife Joyce, who survived him, was first mentioned in a deed in late 1693.  Whether she was the mother of his children or not is uncertain, for two later joint deeds refer to “his” children.  She (or an earlier wife, if there was one) was evidently the daughter of Richard Staples, for their son Christopher later identified himself as the grandson of Richard Staples.    Richard Staples, is something of a mystery, as he apparently lived just over the line in Nansemond County, whose records are lost. He does not appear in the Isle of Wight records, though his lands are mentioned several times.  Richard Staples apparently left a will devising land to his grandson, for on 9 August 1704 Richard Reynolds and his son Christopher jointly sold land formerly belonging to Staples.  Richard Reynolds seems to have had only three children.  He made deeds of gift of parts of his 450-acre patent to two daughters, and his son Christopher Reynolds inherited the rest of his lands.  This clearly implies that Christopher was the only son, and there is no record of any other potential sons.

2.1.   Christopher Reynolds (c1675 – aft1749) He first appears in the records as a witness to a power of attorney to his father on 8 February 1701, then again as a witness on 12 December 1701.  He was the eldest son (and apparently the only son), for all the land of his intestate father descended to him.  Within four years of his father’s death he had sold all of his father’s lands in northern Isle of Wight, including the land on which his father had lived, and moved into the southern part of the county.  He sold the 100 acres his father had purchased in 1698 on 28 July 1707 in a deed in which both his wife Elizabeth and mother Joyce released dower.  This deed not only clearly identified his father, but also his wife (for his cousin of the same name was married to Ann Coleman).  On 28 April 1708, he sold land to his “father-in-law” Robert Brock, identifying it as part of his father’s 450-acre patent, portions of which his father had previously gifted to his daughters Elizabeth Reynolds and Jane Casey.  Christopher Reynolds’ wife Elizabeth was later named as the daughter of Susannah Brock in her will of 1724, which also named John Reynolds as a grandson.  (There is some uncertainty over whether Elizabeth was her child by Robert Brock;  see footnote.)  Christopher Reynolds also sold 200 acres in 1711 which appear to have been the original plantation of Christopher Reynolds the immigrant.  With this 1711 deed, he sold the last remaining land his father had held in the 1704 quit rents, and apparently moved to or below the Blackwater.  By 1712 we find him witnessing the first of several deeds for land south of the Blackwater.  Having geographically separated himself from his cousins, he appeared quite frequently as a witness to wills and deeds, and as an appraiser, for persons living in the southern part of the county for the next several decades.  He was perhaps the “Mr. Reynolds” schoolmaster referred to in a 1724 letter by the minister of Newport parish[118], for in 1738 Christopher Reynolds leased out 100 acres adjacent “the schoolhouse.”  The school was perhaps the one located on land donated for that purpose by Hugh Campbell on the north bank of the Blackwater, for we also know that Campbell had left adjacent land to Christopher Reynolds’ father.  In 1731 he patented two parcels nearly on the North Carolina line, in the fork of the Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers, in what was then Nansemond County (and was later added into Southampton County).  What became of these parcels is lost with the records of Nansemond.  On 8 January 1748, as a resident of Nottoway Parish he sold the 100 acres on the north bank of the Blackwater described as given by Hugh Campbell to Richard Reynolds [son of the immigrant].  A little over a year later, on 10 May 1749, identifying himself as the grandson of Richard Staples, he sold part of a Richard Staples patent of 1661.  After 1749, the only certain reference to him is a 1758 patent adjoining his of 1731 which may have used an old survey.  If he was living on that land in Nottoway parish, it was in Nansemond County, whose records are lost. Though it eventually became Southampton County, I did not find any further record of him or his children in Southampton, nor in Isle of Wight.  If either he or his son John produced male descendants, they are to be found elsewhere. Only one child is certain.  
2.1.1.      John Reynolds  (c1710 - ?)  He was named as a grandson in the in the 1724 will Susannah Brock, which left land to his mother with reversion to him.  He must have reached majority shortly before 21 March 1733 when he confirmed the earlier sale of that land by his parents.  He appears again in 1738, jointly executing a lease with his father. He is apparently the John Reynolds whose land was processioned in 1743.  He does not appear in any Isle of Wight records thereafter, nor could I find a later sale of the land leased out in 1738. Whether his disappearance was caused by death, or by migration elsewhere, or simply because he lived in Nansemond County (whose records are lost), is unknown.  Note:  A Michael Reynolds married the daughter of a neighbor living south of the Blackwater, and may be another son.  There may also have been a son William Reynolds, who is mentioned once in Isle of Wight, as a witness to a will in 1729 for which the principal and other witnesses were neighbors of Christopher Reynolds.    It is also possible that there was a son Robert Reynolds, who witnessed a deed for land adjoining the Staples patent in 1750 and who may have been a different person than the Robert Reynolds who was the son of Christopher Reynolds and Ann Coleman mentioned above.

2.2.   Elizabeth Reynolds (c1680s - ?)  She was unmarried but evidently an adult in 1706 when her father gifted her with part of his 450-acre patent.  Who she married, and what became of her, is unknown. I was unable to follow the succession of this land.

2.3.   Jane Reynolds (? – aft1746) She was married to Richard Casey, son of neighbor Nicholas Casey, by 1706 when her father made her a deed of gift of part of his 450-acre patent.  The Caseys remained in northern Isle of Wight, apparently living on that gifted land.  Jane was named as the widow in Richard Casey’s will of 8 March 1745/6, which also identified five children.  These children were Richard Casey Jr., Ann Applewhaite, Sarah Smelley, Patience [Casey?], and Martha Wills.  The last, Martha Wills, was the wife of John Wills and mother of John Scarsbrook Wills who appear in several subsequent records with members of the Reynolds family.  Sarah Smelly was apparently the wife of John Smelley.

(Abstract found in Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, VA, 1647-1800, Chapman)

Reynolds, Christopher, Planter: Leg. Son Christopher land that Richard Jordan liveth on; son John; son Richard; daughter Abbasha; daughter Elizabeth; daughter Jane; George Rivers; unborn child; wife Elizabeth. May 1, 1654. Wit: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. Page 46, P.2.

(Transcript from document image by Laura Knight):

In the Name of God Amen the first day of May 1654, I Christopher Reynolds of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia, planter, being healthful in Body and sound in Mind & Memory make this my last Will & Testament in manner and form as followeth: First I give and Bequeath my Soul into the Hands of God my Creator and Maker and my Body to be Buried in sure and certain Hope of Resurection to Eternal Life thro the only Merit & Satisfaction of Jesus Christ my only Saviour & Redeemer.

Imprimis I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Christopher Reynolds all my Land on the Southerly side of the Cypress Swamp that Richard Jordan now liveth upon.

And I give unto my Son John all my Land on the Northerly side of the said Cypress Swamp and one Cow and he to enjoy the said Land at Twenty one Years of Age.

And unto my son Richard I give all my Land I now live upon and one Cow and he to possess this land at twenty one Years of Age.

And my Daughter Abbasha I have given unto her a Portion already which was two Cows and two Calves.

And I give unto my Daughter Elizabeth one Heifer of two Years old besides the Stock I gave her formerly.

And unto my Daughter Jane I give one Cow and on Yearling heifer.

And I give unto George Rivers one Yearling Heifer.

And I give unto the Child my Wife now goeth with if it lives two Cows to enjoy them at three Years old.

And if any of my Children dye my Will is that the other should Succeed what Estate they leave.

And unto Elizabeth my loving Wife I give all the rest of my Estate both Goods & Chattles Movable & Unmovable and Debts that are due to me from any person or persons whatsoever and my two Servants she paying all my Debts truly & justly.

And I do Constitute and Ordain Elizabeth my loving Wife my whole & sole Executrix.

And my Will is that my Wife Elizabeth shall have the ordering & bringing up John & Richard my Sons until they be sixteen Years of Age And Elizabeth & Jane until they be fifteen Years of Age.

In Witness whereof I, the sd Christopher Reynolds have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this Day & Year first above written.

Signed and seal.

Sealed Subscribed and Delivered in the Presence of Sylvester B. Bullen, (mark) Anthony A. Mathews (mark) Examined and truly Transcribed Teste. Ja. Baker Clerk

Baird note: Christopher Reynolds Jr. was the eldest son, according to a later patent [see entry below for 10 May 1679] and was evidently already of age when this will was written. Note that sons John and Richard were to receive their land at age 21, but Christopher received his immediately. The will also tells us that John and Richard Reynolds were under 16, and Elizabeth and Jane were under 15. Abbasha was apparently over 15 but not yet married. The “child my wife now goeth with” almost certainly refers to an unborn child. George Rivers, later called “brother ” in the will of John Reynolds, was apparently a stepson.

LK note: I formerly disagreed with Baird on this point, but after parsing all the records and relationships, I've changed my mind. The probable gap between the birth of the older children and the fact that Elizabeth was again pregnant at the time of the will raises questions. More than that, there is a division between the families of Christopher and Richard (John dies young) that becomes more and more apparent as one looks at the documentary record that is available.

As for Christopher’s reference to “my sons”, that wasn’t unusual at all as an expression. Also, frequently, a father would assign guardianship away from the wife in his will. The sons were, effectively, the property of the father. That he made no stipulation about George Rivers doesn’t tell us much. Was George under age, but under the guardianship of his mother? Or was he of age to receive an inheritance? The fact that he was only given a cow suggests that he might have had his own inheritance either already in hand or pending. If George Rivers was of age (16 at least), then his mother was probably Reynolds only wife.

The date of birth of Jane Reynolds is completely unknown. We don’t know if she was a very small child, or close to the age of maturity. It may be that there was not such a large child-bearing gap after all.

I agree with Baird that it is interesting that Christopher divided land he did not live on between his sons Christopher and John, and left his home plantation to Richard. This suggests something of favoritism toward Richard; perhaps he was seen by his father as stronger, smarter and more competent. And, referring back to my speculation that there is some fundamental difference between the lines of Christopher and Richard, a difference of character, perhaps the best solution is that Christopher and Abbasha were children of a different mother?

1665 - Inferred deed to Christopher Reynolds Immigrant of 1643 relevant to next entries: 1643 Mar 21 – “Gov. Wm. Berkeley confirms to Arthur Smith 350 acres on main branch of Bay Creek called Cypress Swamp, first granted to James (sic) Roe by Pat. 10 Dec 1640 and by him assigned to Christopher Reynolds who assigned to Arthur Smith provided said Smith do not plant or seat for a term of three years. Dated 21 March 1643. (Endorsed on back) George Smith does assign this pat. To Chris. Hollyman except 100 acres that was given to Arthur Long by my father Arthur Smith in his will and 100 acres that was sold Wm. Oldis. Assignment dated 11 Jan. 1661. Teste, John Jackson ?, Richard Jordan, Jr. Arthur Smith disclaims all right to this land which my brother George assigned to Chris. Holliman and may have by the death of my brother George assignment forever. 11 Jan 1611. Recorded 9 Aug. 1665. Anne Smith wife of George Smith also assigns. ” [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 1, no page given, abstracted by Boddie on p541]

1679 May 10 - Land Patent: Richard Reynolds the younger, 566 acres in the lower parish of Isle of Wight, on northwest side of the head of the Lower Bay Creek... “beginning at a hickory marked three ways standing in an island surrounded with marsh near the head of the lower Bay Creek. tree in Chr. Bly's line thence along the sd Blys line. Hen. King’s line thence along the sd Kings line. corner tree of Col. Smith thence by the lines of Col. Smith and Mr. Driver. to a small sycamore at the head of West freshet. thence by various courses down the sd freshett or swamp to lower Bay Creeke & so up the sd Creeke to the first station. due to the sd Reynolds as follows': 241 acres part thereof being part of a pattent of 450 acres granted to Mr. Chr. Reynolds late of the aforesaid County the 15 September 1636 & by the last will & testament of the sd Chr. Reynolds given to his eldest sonn Chr. & his heirs forever & by him the said Chr. by his last will & testament likewise bequeathed to the sd Richard the only sonn & heire of the said Chr.; & 100 acres part of the residue being part of a pattent for 350 acs. granted to Mr. Richard Jordan Sen. the 18 March 1662 & by the said Jordan sold & conveyed to Chr. Reynolds the 17 May 1658 & by the last will & testament of the sd Chrstr. together with the former land bequeathed to the said Richard; the remaining 225 acres being wast[e] land which together with the aforementioned 341 acres is likewise due to the sd. Reynolds by & for the transp. of twelve persons in to this Colony.” Of the 12 persons only four are named: Danl. Hinnon(?), Jno. Champion, Lewis Davis, Edwd. Goodson. [Virginia Patent Book 6, p684-5]

1679 May 10 - Land Patent: Arthur Smith [Jr.], 2275 acres, being 1500 acres patented by his father Arthur Smith on 10 September 1643 plus an additional 775 acres of new land. to a stake in Richard Reynolds Senior his line thence along the sd Reynolds his line. [Virginia Patent Book 6, p683]

LK Note: This is the same parcel of Col. Smith’s mentioned in the previous patent, but Richard Reynolds “the younger” and Richard Reynolds “Senior” are on different sides of it. This implies that the parcel which Christopher Reynolds’ will left to his son Richard was close (if not adjacent) to his patent of 1636.

1679 May 10 - A patent to Richard Jordane Senr.: “on northwest side of the head of Lower Bay Creek & mouth of the maine Cyprus Swamp... beginning at a small island surrounded by marsh. a hickory a corner tree of Richd. Reynolds Junr. [Virginia Patent Book 6, p684]

LK Note: The Richard Reynolds JR here could be Richard, son of Christopher, and this was simply a convenient way for the recorder to distinguish him from Richard SR the son of Christopher the Immigrant. On the other hand, Richard Reynolds SR may have already apportioned some land to his son, Richard Reynolds JR who, by now, is 16. A young man could receive land when he was "of age" which was considered to be 16, but could not patent land in an official way until he was 21.

1679 Nov 13 - Deed: Richard Jordan, Sr. to Joseph Woory, 360 acres formerly granted by Gov. Chichely at head of Lower Bay Creek and mouth of Cypress Creek, to corner tree of Richard Reynolds Jr. Witness: Wm. Crawford, Jno. Combe. [Isle of Wight County Deed Book 1, abstracted by Boddie, p583]

Baird Note: Boddie gives the year as 1672, which is surely incorrect. For one thing, this land is the same 363 acres patented by Richard Jordan on 10 May 1679. For another, the “Gov. Chicheley ” referred to is Deputy Governor Sir Henry Chicheley, who filled that office only from 1678-1680 and who was the grantor of the 10 May 1679 patent to Richard Jordan. And finally, there was no patent issued to Richard Jordan that fits this description other than the one in 1679. This is important, because it obviously bears on when Christopher Reynolds Jr. died. The land identifies this Richard as Richard Reynolds Jr. (the younger), son of Christopher Reynolds Jr. LK Note: See my note above. As I said, the “JR” in these two cases could very well be the recorder’s way of making a distinction between an elder Richard Reynolds, and a younger one involved in land transactions and did not imply anything more than that. And, taking a cue from Baird, it could very well be related to the fact that Christopher Reynolds is now dead. Or it could be that Richard SR has transferred a parcel to his son and we just don’t have the record of that transaction because it was not official.

1680 - Robert Coleman, Thomas Giles, Ambrose Bennett, and Richard Reynolds appraisers of the estate of John Bromfield. No date on appraisal or recording, but recorded circa December 1681 or January 1681/2. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p225, abstracted by Chapman]

LK Note: The above is obviously Richard Reynolds SR. It is unlikely that Richard Reynolds the Younger would have been given such a responsibility when he was just 22/23 and Richard JR is still under 21.

1680 Aug 30 - Will of Ambrose Bennett: Legatees - Wife Elizabeth and the child she now goes with, reversion to Mary Beale, daughter of Benjamin Beale, Alice Blackit, Martha Rutter, daughter of Walter Rutter, Isacke Williams. Wife Extx. Overseers, Col. Arthur Smith and Richard Reynolds Sr.. Wit: Walter Rutter, Christopher Wade. Recorded 9 December 1680. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p214, abstracted by Chapman]

1681 April 23 - Land Patent: Richard Reynolds Senr., 380 acres “on the north west side of the lower Bay Creeke in the Isle of Wight County in the lower parish. 209 acres part thereof being part of a patent for 450 acres granted to Chr. Reynolds late of the county aforesaid by patent dated the 15 September 1638 & by the sd Chr. by his last will & testament given to his sonn John Reynolds & by the sd John by his last will & testament given & bequeathed to the sd Richard & the remaining 171 acres being wast land within his ancient bounds & due to the sd Richard by & for the transportation of foure persons. beginning at a marked hickory on the Lower Bay Creeke side being Col. Arthr. Smiths uppermost corner tree. to an ash standing on the northwest side of west freshet thence down the run of the said freshet to the Lower Bay Creeke & so down the sd Creeke to the first station.” The four persons are: Jno. Dale, Tho. Leese[?], Tho. Otly, Mary Howly. [Virginia Patent Book 7, p71]

LK Note: This is the land left to Richard SR by his brother, John. And we already noted that there was no legacy to either Christopher his brother, or to Christopher’s son, Richard “the Younger”.

1682 April 20 - Land Patent: Richd. Reynolds, 450 acres “of land according to the most ancient and lawfull bounds thereof. wch Ambrose Bennett died seized of and was found to escheat [by a jury on] 16 June 1681.” [Virginia Patent Book 7, p174]

LK Note: This is Richard Reynolds SR, son of Christopher Reynolds the Immigrant. This land was adjacent to the home plantation which Christopher Reynolds left to Richard Reynolds in his 1654 will. Note also that Richard SR was the executor of the Bennett will. 1691 Sept. 4 – Hugh Campbell, Richard Reynolds are witnesses to a marriage contract between John Portis and Jane — regarding her rights over her prior property. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p312

1691 Dec. 2 - Richard Reynolds, Giles Driver, and Richard Reynolds Jr. witness deed from Robert Driver and wife Elizabeth. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p47 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s abstract substitutes the name of Theophilus Hearne for Richard Reynolds Jr. and gives the year as 1692 rather than 1691. [Boddie, p. 607]

LK Note: Here we see father and son acting together. At this point, Richard Jr. is about 28 years old.

1694 April 9 - Richard Reynolds vs. William Jolley (no details) [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p31 abstracted by Hopkins]

1694 June 9: Richard Reynolds Sr. vs. William Jolley (no details). [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p37 abstracted by Hopkins]

Same court: Mr. Richard Reynolds Sr. to shingle the courthouse. [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p49 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie adds that he was “to shingle the court house with good durable cypress shingles and to put the porch belonging to the said courthouse in good and sufficient repair. all of which work he doth promise to perform and finish by Christmas next, in consideration whereof the court doth promise to pay him 5,500 lbs of good tobacco and to furnish nails for the said work.” [Boddie p173]

1695 Feb 11 - Mr. Richard Reynolds Sr. vs. William Jolley for the year 1688. Jury members named. [Isle of Wight County Court Orders 1693-1695, p80 abstracted by Hopkins]

Deposition of Giles Driver, age 25, that Wm. Jolly removed from the plantation of Richard Reynolds about the middle of Jan. and James Jolly remained there at his trade. [Boddie p618] Deposition of John Luther, aged 39, states he was at the house of William Jolley when the Sheriff seized some of his goods. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p138 abstracted by Hopkins] Deposition of James Tullaugh, age 46 years, speaks for Mr. Richard Renald [Reynolds] and William Jolley. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p139 abstracted by Hopkins]

1695 - Deed: John Luther and wife Mary Luther to Richard Beale, 20 acres (being part of the land Ambrose Bennett willed to said Luther’s wife) bounded by Luther, Giles Driver, Ambrose Bennett, and Richard Reynolds old plantation where Robert Driver now lives. Witness: William Bradshaw, Elizabeth (x) Bradshaw, Theop (x) Joyner. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p172 abstracted by Hopkins] Deposition of Benj. Beale Sr., age 62, and his wife Mary Beale, age about 60, that the land on the other side of branch between John Luther and Giles Driver was rented. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p174 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s abstract says that the land on the other side of branch between John Luther and Richard Reynolds (sic) .no one ever paid rent or was possessed of same by Ambrose Bennett. [Boddie p622]

Baird Note: This refers to Richard Reynolds Sr. Richard Reynolds “old plantation” appears to be the 200 acres which “Ambrose Bennett gave to Christopher Reynolds ” [see 23 April 1711] and which was evidently the land Christopher Reynolds was living on at his death in 1654. We know from later records [see 1706 entries] that Richard Reynolds Sr. was not living on this land. Apparently, he had leased it out to Robert Driver.

1697 Mar 5 - William Randolph of Henrico County, executor of Hugh Davis deceased, appoints Richard Reynolds his attorney. Witness: Henry Baker, Charles Chapman. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p243 abstracted by Hopkins]

LK Note: This is most likely to be Richard SR because of the Davis association. Recall that Richard Jordan SR married Richard Reynolds SR's sister, Elizabeth. Richard Jordan's sister married James Davis.

1698 May 2 - John Giles, Richard Reynolds, Thomas Evan witness to deed from John Smith to George Norsworthy of Nansemond County. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p236 abstracted by Hopkins]

LK Note: Richard Reynolds SR’s great grandson married Elizabeth Norsworthy.

1698 Mar 26 - Richard Reynolds, John Street, Ann Street witnesses to will of James Tullaugh, proved 2 May 1698. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p390, abstracted by Chapman]

LK: Because of associations, the previous is likely Richard SR.

1698 April 9 - Richard Reynolds (signed) deposes that about 25 years ago he was summoned by the sheriff to be on a jury of escheat to meet at the house of Col. Joseph Bridger, lately deceased, to determine if a parcel of land belonged (sic) to Capt. John Upton, lately deceased (being 850 acres) should Escheat to his majesty or not. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p252 abstracted by Hopkins]

Baird Note: This refers to the escheat jury of 1672 [see above], meaning that this is Richard Reynolds Sr.

1698 June 8 - Deed: Richard Reynolds Sr., to Richard Reynolds Jr., both of the lower parish, 380 acres (a patent granted on 23 Apr 1681) now in the tenure of Edward Goodson, William West, and John Tyler and bounded by Col. Arthur Smith and the Lower Bay Creek. Witness: Francis (x) Floyd, John (x) Butler and Richard (x) Wooton. Signed Richard Reynolds. Consent given by unnamed wife. Recorded 9 Aug 1698 [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p254 abstracted by Hopkins] Boddie’s abstract says “part of’ 380 acres, gives the price as 13,000 lbs. of tobacco, and says the land is “now in the occupation of Edward Goodson, Wm. West, John Tyler, and Richd. Reynolds Sr. [Boddie, p634]

LK Note: This is the 1681 patent by Richard Reynolds the elder, which consisted of the 209 acres originally inherited by his brother John Reynolds plus another 171 acres of new land. Notice that John Reynolds left nothing to his brother Christopher who was likely already dead, and who had a son and only heir, Richard. The two lines and three Richards will become clearer with the next transaction.

1698 June 9 - Deed: Richard Reynolds Jr., of the Lower Parish to Richard Reynolds Sr., of the same, 100 acres (being part of 380 acres granted 3 April 1681 to said Reynolds, Sr., and “lately purchased by me”) bounded by Col. Arthur Smith and Charles Driver. Signed: Richard Reynolds Jr. Witness: Francis (x) Floyd, John (x) Butler and Richard (x) Wooten. Recorded 9 Aug 1698 [Isle of Wight Deed Book 1, p254 abstracted by Hopkins]

LK Note: The only way the previous two transactions make any sense is if Richard Reynolds SR son of Christopher the Immigrant, transferred the 380 acres to his son, Richard JR. Then, Richard JR, sold 100 acres to Richard Reynolds, son of Christopher II. The recorder or transcriber either erred in adding the SR to purchaser in the second deed, or did so only to distinguish between a younger and older man. Any other interpretation is ridiculous. Why would Richard SR sell 380 acres to his son who would then, immediately turn around and sell 100 acres back the next day?

Despite the slight confusion in designations of SR persons, this confirms the father-son relationship between Richard SR and Richard JR, and makes a clear the distinction between them and the other Richard, son of Christopher II, married to Joyce Reynolds. Indeed, the Patent of 1681- dated 23 April – identifies Richard SR as the son of Christopher the Immigrant. But there is nothing whatsoever that suggests there, or here, that Richard JR was the son of Christopher II. The land was left to John Reynolds by his father, Christopher the Immigrant, who then left it to Richard SR. Richard SR transferred it to his son, Richard JR, who then sold a portion to his cousin, Richard son of Christopher II as is confirmed by another deed later. As Baird notes, the succession of this land can be traced to show that this Richard Reynolds SR is the same Richard Reynolds who died intestate in 1707, i.e. Richard Reynolds, son of Christopher II.

Returning to the possible reason for this land dealing. Chapman records a marriage between a Richard Reynolds and _____ Sharpe c. 1699 (probably inferred from the will of Richard Sharpe). We know with good certainty that Richard, son of Christopher, was married to Joyce Staples Reynolds and that she was his relict in 1707. We know with certainty that a Richard Sharpe named children of Richard JR in his will, implying that their mother was his sister or close relative. We know that Richard SR had an “unnamed wife” in the transaction of 1698 June 8 above, so the Richard Reynolds marrying a daughter of Richard Sharpe could only be Richard JR who had been provably married to Elizabeth Williams (See Richard Reynolds JR profile for details).

Since Chapman was probably making her inference from the Richard Sharpe Will, it is possible that Richard JR married Elizabeth Sharpe even earlier than 1699. We know that Elizabeth Williams was alive in 1693 (see entry 1693 Feb 7 in Richard Reynolds JR profile), but she could have died from illness or childbirth between then and 1699. In any event, the marriage of Richard Reynolds JR and Elizabeth Sharpe could not have been earlier that 1693. There is a later indication that Richard Reynolds JR had a married daughter in 1711. In order to be married by then, she would have to have been born in 1695. That could very well be a childbirth event that took the life of Elizabeth Williams Reynolds. Naturally, Richard would want a wife to care for his motherless children.

It may be that the land transactions noted just above were triggered by the sad passing of Elizabeth Williams Reynolds. This transfer may have been intended to provide for Richard JR’s children by her and in the course of it, a parcel was sold to Richard son of Christopher. As Baird notes, the land was later passed to Christopher Reynolds, son of Richard, son of Christopher II.

1703 April 7 - William Copeland, Sarah Jordan, Richard Reynolds, Ambrose Hadley witnesses to will of John Portis, recorded 9 October 1707. [Isle of Wight Will & Deed Book 2, p485, abstracted by Chapman]

LK Note: Richard SR because of previous association with Portis along with Hugh Campbell; also, the grandson of Richard SR will later marry Ann Coleman.

1704 - Isle of Wight County Quit Rent Rolls: Richard Reynolds, Esq - 853 acres Richard Reynolds - 746 acres, Elizabeth Reynolds - 100 acres.

Baird Note: The Quite Rent rolls are abstracted in several books, and the abstractors differ on whether Richard Reynolds ’ title was “Esq.” or “Senr.” All patents required the payment of small annual Quit Rents by whoever owned the land at the time. It is important to know that the only surviving list, in 1704, was a list of those who actually paid.

LK Note: Baird’s comment on the rent rolls is telling; Richard son of Christopher II and wife Joyce and son Christopher are not there, nor is Richard SR’s son Christopher. I think that who we see are Richard Reynolds SR, eldest son Richard Reynolds JR, wife of eldest son, Elizabeth Sharpe Reynolds who may have inherited her own land.

1706 April 9 - Two Deeds: Thomas Joyner to James Barnes and Thomas Joyner to William Thomas, part of a patent on Seacock Swamp. Witness: Richard Reynolds and Richard Reynolds. (That is, two people named Richard Reynolds witnessed each deed.) [Isle of Wight Deed Book 2, p35 abstracted by Hopkins]

LK Note: Further evidence for the father-son relationship.

1706 Sept 23 - Richard Reynolds a witness to bond of Dennis O’Brian and Joseph Gladstone, both of Nantiroke in Maryland, to Dr. Edward Loftis of Warwick County in Virginia. Recorded 9 October 1710. [Isle of Wight Deed Book 2, p163 abstracted by Hopkins]

LK Note: Dennis O ’Brian was a son-in-law of Robert Coleman, so this is likely Richard Reynolds SR.

1708 - Toule, Hercules and Mrs. Susannah Reynolds, relict of Richard Reynolds, 1708. D.B. 2, p. 102. W. & D. B. 2, (Chapman, p. 244.)

LK Note: Now who is this? We know that the Richard Reynolds who died in 1707 left a relict: Joyce Reynolds, and a son: Christopher. So which Richard Reynolds is Susannah the relict of? We know it cannot be Richard Reynolds JR who is married to Elizabeth Sharpe. So dare we suppose that this is the relict of Richard SR? Could he have died before or not long after his nephew, Richard son of Christopher II?

I’ve found no other trace of the death of Richard SR. I am certain that the 1707 intestate Richard was son of Christopher and nephew of Richard SR. I’m equally sure that the 1711 will was that of Richard JR who had two wives, Elizabeth Williams and Elizabeth Sparke.

So, if this is the relict of Richard SR, it seems unlikely that she was the mother of his children but was, rather, a late-life wife. What occurs to me as I go through the records is the fact that, in 1699, the Will of William Brasie (Brasseur) refers to his wife Susanna. According to what I have on James Jordan who married Susanna Brassie/Brasseur, he died in 1695. So it is not impossible that she then went on to marry Richard Reynolds SR and then, following that, the Hercules Toule listed in Chapman. That, too, would help to explain the little land shuffle that was going on between Richard SR and JR and nephew at the time.

We can’t know for sure because no will or other related record has been found; but that is not unusual for the time and place. There are a lot of missing records. But the names fit and the times and places work, so it’s possible. And, if it is possible, it gives us a date for the death of Richard SR, that is, a year after his nephew died.

[http://reynoldspatova.org/showmedia.php?mediaID=20911&tngpage=8596]