Friday, March 23, 2012

CJ (9) : Historical Context for 1676

Family trees grow in a variety of soils over distinctive periods of time. It is sort of like growth rings that record a certain time frame of the life of the family tree. Cut in cross section, the family tree may have hundreds of these rings representing different environments. Understanding these "environments" can be the most important way to get a more complete understanding of this family tree. The historical context is one important aspect of these "growth rings", often bringing to life the lives who are represented. Such is the case of Cadwallader Jones (JO-1) and 1676.

Life in Virginia was difficult. The elements of romance are often over played, and the realities of existence in the frontier environment overlooked. The Indian war which began in 1675 has received some attention, but the terror it produced along the Virginia frontier can be misjudged.

A fella named Nathaniel Bacon seemed to get most of the attention, and "Bacon's Rebellion" of 1676 is little understood today. A lack of confidence in the leading Virginia officials [primarily Sir William Berkeley] lead to all kinds of local rebellion and attempts at self protection. In the end, very few folks supported Governor Berkeley in the rebellion. However, our Cadwallader Jones (JO-1) was one who did. Along with Robert Beverly, Cadwallader (JO-1) provided military support to the central government. It is this support that needs to be understood to clearly recognize the reasons for the next several documents in the life of Cadwallader Jones (JO-1).

For those interested good reading :

Morton, R.L., Colonial Virginia, Vol. I, The Tidewater Period 1607 - 1710, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 1960. pp. 240-277.

Wertenbaker, T.J., Bacon's Rebellion, 1676, reprinted for Clearfield Co., Inc., 1993. Originally Published 1957. Jamestown 350th Anniversary Historical Booklet, No. 8.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

CJ(9): The Transfer 1676

By the spring 1676, Henry Benson (BE-1) transfers his land to Charles Taliaferro (TA-5). This land transfer is recorded in Old Rappahannock Co. Deeds & Wills 1677 - 1682, Part I, p. 90. The Taliaferro family and the Jones family are intimately intertwined. [Much more to come regarding this!] The document reads:

"Know All Men by these presents that I Henry BENSON (BE-1) of ye County of Rappac doe hereby acknowlege for my selfe my heirs & assignes to have given wth my free Will & hearty consent. & I doe firmley make over from me my heires forever unto Charles TALIAFERRO (TA-5), Sonne of Mr. Robert TALIAFERRO (TA-2) deced. of ye County his heires & assignes all my right & interest of One thousand acres of land granted to me by ye Right Honble: Governor, bearing date ye 5th of 8ber 1673 according to ye severall Courses mentioend in ye said Pattent. And further I ye said Henry BENSON (BE-1) doe obleidge my selfe to acknowledge this as my free Gift & Deed either by my selfe or known Attorney at ye next Court held for the County or at any time hereafter when reasonally requested on ye behalfe of abovesiad Charles TALIAFERRO (TA-5). I doe alsoe acknowlege that all priviledges granted to me in ye Pattent are hereby convayed & intended to be convayed soe farr forth as to ye demised prmises & for ye better confimacon hereof I have hereunto sett my hand & seale this 25th of April Ano Dom 1676. Singed Sealed in ye prsence of

David Jones (JO-2) Henry Benson (BE-1)
Francis Taliaferro (TA-3)

This record gives the first JONES to be associated with Cadwallader. Henry Benson(BE-1) transfers his land to Charles Taliaferro (TA-5). What is this all about? Why so many Taliaferroes? Questions, questions, and more questions...only the beginning!