Thomas Archer, Sr.

On February 28, 1697, Thomas' father bound him as an apprentice in Northampton Co., VA. Citing that Court record: "Thomas Archer the son of John Archer voluntarily and of his own free will and with his said Fathers consent was bound by this court to Major John Robins till twenty one years of age he being eleven years of age the 20th day of this Instant month of February...{Orders 1689-98, 461})." It's hard for me to imagine an 11 year old who is mature enough to make such a decision, and who would be allowed the "free will" to make it! Such was the culture of 17th century America....

Thomas was taxable in the Great Bridge District of Norfolk Co., VA in 1730 Thomas Archey-1, 1731 Thomas Archey & his son, 1732 Thomas Archer & John, his son & Wm. Weaver-3, 1733 Thomas Archer & John, his son & Wm. Weaver-3. 1734 Duglis Grimes & Ann Archey, a mulatto-3, 1734 Thos. Archer & his wife & John Archer-3, 1735 Thos. Archer, Son Jno., wife Mary & Daughter Ann. (source: Wingo, Norfolk County Tithables 1730-50, pgs. 2, 29, 55, 78, 127, 159, 168, 172).

Thomas & his family moved to Bertie Co., NC where he signed as witness to a Feb. 1741 deed to William Weaver, a tithable in his 1735 Norfolk household.

On May 1, 1744 Thomas bought 200 acres near Chinkapin Neck, Bertie Co., NC for "the sum of one whole years work already paid." On July 6, 1750 he paid 100 pounds for another 340 acres of land located in present-day Hertford Co., NC near the Bertie Co. line.

In 1751 Thomas was taxable as "free Mulatto" with his wife Mary and children in the Bertie Co. Tax List (CCR 190); he was also noted in the lists from 1753-1759 when Hertford Co. was formed from Bertie. Many early records for Hertford Co., NC were lost in a court house fire, but there is a Will for Thomas Archer in October, 1761, with Elizabeth Archer being the Administratrix. Three of Thomas Sr.'s sons was married to an Elizabeth....Tax lists help to identify his children.