The Graves Connection

Thomas Graves, gentleman, arrived in Virginia in October of 1608, coming from England in the ship "Mary and Margaret" with Captain Christopher Newport's second supply. He was one of the original Adventurers of the settlers who founded "Fort James" (Jamestown) the first permanent English settlement in North America.

The First Colony (consisting of knights, gentlemen, merchants and others of the city of London) made a settlement at Jamestown on May 13, 1607, which became permanent. The Plymouth grantees (from the English cities of Bristol and Exeter, the town of Plymouth, and other places) established the Second Colony at Sagadagic (on the coast of what became Maine) in August 1607, but abandoned it in the spring of 1608.

On May 13, 1607, Captain Christopher Newport's fleet of three small ships, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery, with 105 colonists, reached the site of this first permanent English settlement, and called it James Towne. Captain Newport returned to Jamestown on Jan. 8, 1608 with the first supply in the John and Francis. The Phoenix, commanded by Captain Francis Nelson, which had sailed as part of the first supply, finally arrived on 20 April 1608. More than half the settlers died that first winter.

Captain Newport sailed again for England and arrived at Blackwell May 21, 1608. Capt. Nelson returned to England in the Phoenix early in July 1608, with requests from Virginia to be sent by the second supply. Capt. Newport left England in the Mary and Margaret, a ship of about 150 tons, with the second supply, probably in August of 1608. Many sources give the arrival date of this second supply as being early in October 1608. Thomas Graves, gentleman, arrived in Virginia at this time.

A comparatively complete record, with the names, of the little band of first planters who came in 1607 and the two supplies of 1608 is given by Captain John Smith in his Historie. These three expeditions brought a total of about 295 people -- the first settlers numbering about 105, the first supply 120, and the second supply about 70. Of the whole number, 92 are described as "gentlemen."

Regarding the title of "Captain" which is attached to Thomas Graves in Virginia historical records, he had no such designation in the Charter of 1609 wherein all the Adventurers (stockholders) of the Virginia Company are listed, and is shown by Captain John Smith on his arrival in Virginia simply as "Thomas Graves, Gent." Thus he apparently acquired the title of Captain after arriving in Virginia.

Thomas Graves was probably unmarried when he arrived in Virginia in 1608. He was young, and adventure was probably the reason for his coming to Virginia. He was obviously educated, of some "social status" and financial means, and a leader.

It is likely that he returned to England, possibly in Oct. 1609, either on the same ship with Captain John Smith (who left Virginia for England for treatment of his wounds resulting from an explosion), or on one of the other seven ships which arrived in Virginia in August 1609. In that way he would have missed the "Starving Time" of the winter of 1609-10, which so few survived.

     After Capt. John Smith returned to England for medical treatment in October 1609, the "Starving Time" reduced the population of about 500 to no more than sixty men, women, and children. In June of 1610, the survivors were in the process of abandoning the settlement, when Lord Delaware arrived as governor of the colony. From that time on, there was apparently no further serious thought of abandoning the town. However, even by 1616, the colony had a total population of only 351, of whom 81 were farmers or tenants.
      He may have then married in England in about 1610, fathered John Graves and Thomas Graves, remained in England for several years, and returned to Virginia prior to the formation of Smythe's Hundred in 1617, or possibly a little later. It is known that he was "entreated to take charge of the people and workes" at Smythe's Hundred in April 1619, and was there then.
     Also, there is no record of his being in Virginia after the meeting of the Burgesses in July-August of 1619 until he is shown as living on the Eastern Shore in 1623. It seems reasonable that he was in England at the time of the Indian Massacre of March 1622, and upon returning to Virginia settled on the Eastern Shore where it was less perilous to live. The fact that he fathered three children, the girls, during this period certainly lends support to his being in England.
   Very little is known about Katherine, wife of Capt. Thomas Graves. Her maiden name may have been Croshaw. Just when she came to Virginia is not recorded. She and her children are not included in the 1625 census of the Eastern Shore, although Capt. Thomas Graves is.

In 1617 the Virginia Company, hoping to expand population and agricultural production in the colony, encouraged private or voluntary associations organized on a joint stock basis to establish settlements in the area of the Company's patent. The Society of Smith's (or Smythe's) Hundred (later called Southampton Hundred) was organized in 1617. In addition to Captain Thomas Graves, the Adventurers included Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Edwin Sandys, and the Earl of Southampton. Soon after April 29, 1619, Governor Yeardley wrote to Sir Edwin Sandys: "I have entreated Capt. Graves, an antient officer of this company, to take charge of the people and workes."

Capt. Thomas Graves was a member of the First Legislative Assembly in America, and, with Mr. Walter Shelley, sat for Smythe's Hundred when they met at Jamestown on July 30, 1619. The time of Capt. Thomas Graves' removal to the Eastern Shore is not known. It was, however, after August 1619, since he was then a representative from Smythe's Hundred to the first meeting of the House of Burgesses. It was also prior to Feb. 16, 1623, for "A List of Names: of the Living in Virginia, Feb. 16, 1623" shows Thomas Graves "at the Eastern Shore". His patent for 200 acres on the Eastern Shore is of record 14 March 1628 (Patent Book No. 1, p. 72, Land Registrar's Office, Richmond, Va.).

In the census of February 1625, Capt. Thomas Graves was one of only 51 people then living on the Eastern Shore. He was put in charge of the direction of local affairs later in 1625. In Sept. 1632 he, with others, was appointed a Commissioner "for the Plantacon of Acchawmacke". He was one of the Burgesses to the Assembly, representing Accomac, for the 1629-30 session and the 1632 session. He attended many of the meetings of the Commissioners, but he was absent from Dec. 30, 1632/3 until Oct. 23, 1633/4. It appears that he was out of the country.

Captain Thomas Graves died between November 1635 when he was witness to a deed and 5 Jan. 1636 when suit was entered against a servant to Mrs. Graves (Adventurers of Purse and Person, pp. 188-189). His birth date is not known, but is believed to be about 1580. That would have made him only about 55 years of age at his death.

His Children

     John Graves, b.c. 1611, m. ‑‑‑‑‑‑ Perrin, c. 1624 or later, d.c. April 1640.
     Thomas Graves, b.c. 1616, wife unknown, d.c. 1674.
     Verlinda Graves, b.c. 1618, m. William Stone, d. 13 July 1675.
     Ann Graves, b.c. 1620, m(1) William Cotton, before 10 July 1637, m(2) Nathaniel Eaton, by 1642, m(3)        Francis Doughty, 8 June 1657, d. 2 March 1683/4.
     Katherine Graves, b.c. 1622, m(1) William Roper, c. 1636, m(2) Thomas Sprigg, 3 March 1650.
     Francis Graves, b.c. 1630, m(1) ‑‑‑‑‑‑, m(2) Jane Maguffey, d.c. 1691.

Second Generation

John Graves (2) was the oldest son of Captain Thomas Graves. Based on all available evidence it seems likely that he was born about 1611. He was almost certainly born in England, since he did not receive land as an "Ancient Planter." All persons in Virginia prior to 1616 received an additional 50 acres. He was "of age" (21 years of age or older) before 19 Feb. 1634/5, for he had sued John Parramore (Accawmacke 1, p. 26), proving he was born at least by 1614, and on that date the Acchawmacke Court's decision was "John Parramore ordered to pay a debt of 100 lb. tobacco to John Graves".

The wife of John Graves is not known, he may have married a daughter of the illustrious Perrin family, large property owners, and prominent in Virginia history.

John Graves died intestate in Elizabeth City County, possibly in April 1640. His death was between 29 May 1639, when he patented land, and 30 April 1640, when William Parry was named his administrator and bond was made (Northampton Co., Book 2, p. 281). Capt. Roper, William Cotton and Capt. Stone, brothers-in-law of John Graves and administrators of the estate of Capt. Thomas Graves, were originally appointed administrators of John Graves' estate, but in April 1640 they resigned and William Parry was appointed.

     Ralph Graves, b. by 1629, m. Rachel Croshaw, c. 1652-4,
     William Graves, b. by 1631, married, d. before 1668.
     Thomas Graves, b. by 1631, m. Elizabeth
     Sarah Graves, m. Thomas Dipnall (Burgess from James City Co., Va. in 1654), by 1661.
     ..........daughter, m. William Grenther.

Third Generation

Thomas Graves

Research: From Ken Graves:

Thomas Graves was born b 1631. He was an adjoining land owner to his brother William in 1652 in York Co. (Adventurers of Purse and Person, p. 189) On May 26 May 1684, a judgment was granted Thomas Graves (York Co., Book 6, p. 580). In August 1695, Thomas and Elizabeth Graves witnessed a deed (York Co. Book 1665-1701, p. 26). The Virginia Quit Rent Rolls of 1704 show a Thomas Graves in King William Co., with 100 acres. King William was a new county, having been formed from King and Queen Co. in 1702.

(At this point only the next direct ancestor of Elizabeth Graves Sims will be made.)

John Graves, b. c. 1665, married after 1737.

Fourth Generation

Research: From:

The Graves Family of Spotsylvania County (concluded)
by Mrs. P. W. Hiden, p. 61

John Graves was born about 1665 and died after 1737. His wife's name is not known. There is no proof that this John was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth, but the ages were right, there is no other known Graves of the right age to be the father of this John. He is obviously too old to be one of the Johns of the Abington Parish Register. Francis may possibly have had a son John by a first marriage, but this John died in Essex Co. in 1720. He was also in Essex Co. at the same time that John Sr. was in King and Queen and King William Counties. Two John Graves are in the 1704 Quit Rent Rolls, on in King and Queen Co. and one in King William Co. The on in King and Queen Co., might be the John b. apt... 1677, Abington Parish, but it is also quite possible that both Johns are one and the same person. As deeds show, John Sr. was of King and Queen Co in 1704 when he purchased land in King William Co. Therefore, it is quite possible that he is listed for both areas. The Quit Rent Rolls are obviously incomplete, as on seven Graves appear on them: Thomas and John in King William Co.; John and Robert in King and Queen Co., Thomas and Jeffry of Gloucester Co., and James of James City Co.

There are several deeds that are crucial to establishing this line. They substantiate the birth dates of John Sr. and his son John Jr., and show that this is the same family that later settled in Spotsylvania Co. King William Co., Deed Book 1, pp. 195-7: John Clayton or Clayborne of St. John's Parish, King William Co. sells 100 acres on the north side of the Pamukey River to John Graves of Stratton Major (Manor) Parish, King and Queen co. May 6 1704.

King William Co., Deed Book 1, p. 342: John Graves assignees over all rights, etc. to the above 100 acres on the Pamunkey to his son John, March 20, 1706/7.

Spotsylvania Co. Deed Book A, May 24, 1729. Thomas Gambrill of St. Margaret's Parish, King William Co. In consideration of 100 acres of land, a tract of land containing 200 acres in Spotsylvania Co. (one of the witnesses to this deed was Thomas Graves).

This deed does not describe the bounds of the 100 acres which John Jr. traded off in King William Co., but inasmuch as he was described as being of King and Queen Co. and owning 100 acres in King William, it must be the same 100 acres assigned to him as a Deed of Gift by his father, John Graves Sr. There are no other records showing the disposal of the 100 acres or of any other john Graves owning 100 acres in this section.

Spotsylvania Co. Deed Book F, p. 563, May 31, 1765. John and Frances Graves made a Deed of Gift to their son, Joseph Graves, specifically mentioning the 200 acres content and that it was purchased by them in 1729 from Thomas Gambrill.

Journal of the House of Burgess (1712 - 1726), P. 56: William Smith of King William Co. petitions for a bill to make good the title on entailed land he sold to John Graves Jr. Nov. 16, 1713.

It is obvious John Graves Jr. was of age by 1713 and most likely either of age or very close in 1706/7 when given the land on Pamunkey by his father. Therefore, John Jr. was probably born 1685-90 and was the oldest of John Sr.'s known sons. By this same reasoning, John Sr. must have been born by 1670 and more likely by 1665.

Although there is no record of John Sr. moving to Spotsylvania Co., Va., it is likely that he moved with his sons. In Spotsylvania Co. Order Book (1730 - 38), p. 501, June 7 1737, John Graves is set free of any county levies, he being very ancient and unable to labor. There is no other John in the area to whom this description would apply. It is also more appropriate for a man born 1765 that the John who was baptized 1677. John Graves Sr. died sometime after 1737.

Thomas Graves, in his will dated 1768, specifically mentions Joseph Graves (son of John Graves Jr. of Spotsylvania Co.) as his nephew and makes him executor of his will. This proves beyond contention that John Graves. Jr. and Thomas Graves, both of Spotsylvania Co., were brothers and the sons of John Graves Sr. of King and Queen Co.

His Son

John Graves, Jr. b. ca. 1685-90

Fifth Generation

JOHN GRAVES Jr.

Research: From Ken Graves

John Graves Jr. was born about 1685 - 90, and most likely about 1685, as shown in the deed discussed in the section on his father. He was probably born in either York or New Kent Co. He died after 1772. He married Frances ... about 1715. The first record of John's arrival in Spotsylvania Co. is found in Deed Book A, p. 405: John Graves Jr. of St. Stephens Parish, King and Queen Co., purchases 200 acres of land in Spotsylvania Co. for 100 acres of land in King William Co. from Thomas Gambrill of St. Margaret's Parish, King William Co., May 24, 1729; wit: Thomas Graves. This deed is the key to the relationships of the Graves of King William Co. and King and Queen Co. to those who were later in Spotsylvania Co. It proves that John Jr. of Spotsylvania Co. is the same John Jr. who received the 100 acres from his father in King William Co. in 1706. It also proves that Thomas Graves was a brother of John Jr., and therefore also a son of John Graves Sr. In 1765, John and Frances deeded this very same land to their son Joseph, reserving a lifetime tenancy for themselves (Spotsylvania Co., Deed Book F, p 563). This Joseph is named by Thomas Graves as his nephew and executor of his will, confirming that John R. and Thomas were brothers.

John Graves Jr. owned land in several counties, which he gave as gifts to his sons over the years, but he maintained his original Spotsylvania co., residency as witnessed by the above deed. Frances died between 1765 and 1772. John died sometime after 1772 when he made a final gift to his son Joseph.

Children of John Graves Jr.
Elizabeth Graves, b. Feb. 14, 1720, m. William Sandidge, d. Jan. 6, 1826
Thomas Graves, b. by 1724, m. Elizabeth (?)

Sixth Generation

THOMAS GRAVES Born Circa 1724 in Orange Co. Va. Died 1792 in Culpeper Co., Va.

From Albert Simms research:

Thomas Graves in his will written Dec. 11, 1788 and proved June 1792 in Culpeper Co., Va. bequeaths to "Elizabeth Simms one equal part during her natural life the to be equally divide amongst her children ... gives son Lewis extra 10u extraordinary trouble acting for Anna Jones and other legatees living in Carolina..."

Wits to the will: Wm. Powell, Wm. Pratt, Obed. Wait,

In the codicil dated Feb. 1792, " Further that Elizabeth Sims share equally with my other children in and I do hereby declare my son Lewis as trustee for her, as within directed, and do revoke the legacy of 10U to him."

Wits to Codicil: Elijah Buckhorn, Jas. Sims, Jr. Culpeper WB D-44.

From data prepared by Kenneth Graves

Thomas Graves was born by 1724, as his father, John Jr., gave him 200 acres on Muddy Run in 1745 (Orange Co. Va. Deed Book 10, p. 24, 1745) and he would have to have been at least 21 to own land. Thomas and his wife Elizabeth sold this land on April 22 1757. By then it has become part of Culpeper Co. (Culpeper co. book C, p. 3.). It is possible that Elizabeth was the Widow Elizabeth Simms. In commenting on this, Mrs. Sue Davis said: "Mrs. Hiden thought it possible that Elizabeth was also called Ann and a daughter of Thomas Sims who died testate in 1785 in Culpeper Co., naming a daughter Ann Graves. (Note: This apparently is Ann Graves, wife of Lewis Graves, another Lewis not the brother-in-law of Zachariah Sims.) If Ann were her mother she would have married her uncle." However the fact that one of their grandchildren was named Thomas Graves Sims raised the question of whether he may have been named after his great-grandfather.

Thomas Graves died in 1792 (before June 18, 1792, the date his will was proved), testate, in Culpeper Co., Va. Elizabeth had died before this date since she was not named in the will. According to tradition, Thomas and Elizabeth had 13 or 14 children. The first 9 children are listed in the (family page), and the will gives no implication of other children.

In British Mercantile Claims
1775-1803

Report of William Satchell

Claims of Persons residing in the Counties of Accomack and Northampton

Claims of John Glassell
P. 37-38

“Thomas Graves , Culpeper Co. L71.19.10 by bond. He died in 1791.

His acting executor is his son Thomas Graves Jr., now of Culpeper Co.”

From this claim we learn that Thomas Graves, father of Elizabeth Graves Sims had debts in the county of Accomack, later renamed Northampton, and that his son was still in Culpeper Co. in 1830, the last date of the claim filed.

He married Elizabeth

Research: From

Marriages of some Virginia Residents, 1607 - 1800
by Dorothy Ford Wuldeck
Vol. I Surnames A-H
Genealogical Publishing Co.., Inc.Baltimore 1986

They had the following children:
1. Thomas Graves, Jr.
2. Lewis Graves
3. ELIZABETH GRAVES -married Zachariah Sims in Culpeper Co., Va.
4. Philip Graves
5. James F. Graves
6. Joseph Graves
7. Henrietta Graves
8. Mary Graves
9. Anne or Frances Graves
10. William Graves
11. John Graves
13. Richard Graves

Lydia Sims, daughter of Zachariah & Elizabeth Graves Sims married Jesse Pugh, son of Willoughby Jr. & Sara Bobo Pugh. Their great grand daughter, Rhoda Elma Pugh (Rhody) married Solomon David Blair, son of William Solomon Blair.