Thomas Ballard, of Virginia

• Not the same as Thomas Ballard, of Bassites Manor or of Thomas Ballard, of London
• Not the husband of Anne Ballard

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Birth seen as Birth: July 31, 1604 Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England without evidence.

"In a search for verification of the connection of this family with Virginia, it was found that Thomas Ballard, born in 1604, who married Anne, daughter of Sir Nathaniel Napper, (Berry's Sussex p. 116) made his will in London Sept. 10, 1641, same probated Sept. 18, 1641. He bequeathed all his lands and tenements given him in the will of his father, Thomas, to his brother William Ballard; wife Anne, daughter Anne; godchild Samuel Maplesden; brothers Mr. John White, and Abraham Haynes. Executor, brother William Ballard. (It seems that his sister Elizabeth married John White). The will of Thomas' brother, Richard of London, was probated Aug. 1, 1638. He died unmarried and bequeathed his property to his bother, Abraham Haynes, Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, London. The children of Abraham Haynes were: Martha, born Mar 15, 1634; Thomas, born Oct. 18, 1638; William, born April 22, 1640; Abraham Haynes, died Mar 29, 1649; Martha, his wife died Sept 23, 1647 (Register). (The wills are from the "Ballard Genealogy" by C. F. Farlow, 1911, p. 1) William Ballard was the survivor of this family and inherited all of their property. It is very doubtful, therefore, that he would leave England for America.

I will leave the question of the Williams and the wives to those better placed to comment and restrict myself to "both Williams as the son of Henry Ballard and Elizabeth Townsend" on which I do feel qualified to offer an opinion.

Having done 20 years or more research into the early UK Ballard lines I can state unequivocally that William is NOT the son of Henry Ballard, of Southwell and Elizabeth Townsend.

Ignoring for the moment that no evidence has yet been found to link William Ballard in America to a William Ballard in England the simple fact is that William, son of Henry Ballard and Elizabeth Townsend, died and was buried in Southwell, Nottinghamshire aged 16.

An unfortunate fact for the several hundred people who cite the relationship in their pedigrees!
The jury is still out on the early Ballards and their likely English origins.

Best wishes,

Paul J Ballard, Co Mayo, Ireland
Ballard Genealogy & Heraldry
Website: www.paul-ballard.com