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Generation No. 1
Peter Beverly was the son of Robert Beverley and Frances Fairfax, Frances was daughter of Francis Fairfax and Dorothy Aske. Through the Aske family we can trace our lineage back to William the Conqueror. Peter was born 1610 in City of Hull, York, England, he married in 1634, Susanna Hollis born 1613 in Hull, the daughter of Robert Hollis. Peter Beverley was a man of humble origin. He was elected a free Burgess of St. Mary's Parish in the borough of Hull. He was the father of our ancestor, Major Robert Beverley, who first came to the Colonies.
Generation No. 2
Robert Beverley was born 1641 in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, the son of Peter Beverly and Susanna Hollis. Robert Beverley was our first ancestor to come to Virginia, he became known in Virginia history as "Major". The Beverley's were one of the most distinguished and wealthy families of Virginia's ancient aristocracy. Robert Beverley of Yorkshire settled in Middlesex County, Virginia, about 1663, where he died March 16, 1687, leaving an estate of more than fifty thousand acres and a large personal property. In 1670 he was elected clerk of the House of Burgesses, and from then until his death took a most active and varied part in the political turmoil of Virginia at that time.
In Bacon's Rebellion he was "the most active and successful commander on Governor Berkeley's side. On November 13, 1676, Berkeley appointed him commander of all his forces. He received from the Governor high commendation for his zealous and effective service: "Whereas many frequent and successful services to his Sacred Majesty, this Country and me, his Majesties Governor of it. Major Beverley has proved himself to be most loyal, circumspect and courageous in his majesties service".
Later Maj. Beverley incurred the displeasure of the Governor by refusing to turn over certain legislative journals. He was arrested and kept prisoner on board the ship Duke of York and then on the Concord. He was transferred to Colonel Custis's sloop, but escaped. He was taken into custody again at his house in Middlesex and sent to Northampton. In 1683 new charges were brought against him. First, that he had broken open letters addressed to the Secretary's office; secondly that he had made up the Journal, and inserted his Majesty's letters therein, not withstanding it had first been presented at the time of the prorogation; thirdly, that in 1682 he had refused copies of the Journal to the Governor and Council, saying he might not do it without leaver of his masters.
Within about a month afterward Beverly's varied and eventful life ended, he dying March 16, 1687. Thus closes the record of a man loyal to the king, yet an ardent supporter of the liberties of the Colony of Virginia and of the House of Burgesses, of which he was long a faithful and useful officer, a courageous and active soldier, a true and stanch friend, and the possessor of a very general popularity and influence among the people.
Major Robert Beverley married twice, his first wife being Mary Keeble, the widow of George Keeble, who was a justice in Lancaster and died in July 1665. Mary died June 1678 and when the floor of the lower church of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, was removed later, the tomb of Mary Beverley was discovered. It bore the following inscription:
Here lyeth interred the Bodi of
Mrs. Mary Bererley, Wife of
Major Robert Beverley
Mother of nine sons and three daughters
Who departed this life the last day of
June 1678 aged fortie one years and three Months,
having been married to him 17 yeas & 2 months-
-and was A Careful Mother teaching Virtuous Life
Happy and making happy when a wife
Religious to Example, May all strive
To imitate her Virtues whilst alive.
Beverley's second wife was Catherine, daughter of Major Theophilus Hone, of James City County. They were married in Gloucester, March 28, 1679. After Major Robert Beverley death in 1687, Catherine married Christopher Robinson and she died April 23, 1692.
Major Robert Beverley made is will twentieth day of August 1686 and the original is one file in Middlesex Court Hose. He names his sons as follows:
"My eldest Sonne Peter Beverley***
" My Second Sonne Robert Beverley ***
" My Third Sonne Harry Beverley ***
" My Sonne John Beverley ***
" My Sonne William Beverley ***
" My Sonne Thomas Beverley as soon as he shall attain the age of 21 years."
" I give to my dear and loving Wife Catherine ***
"Give unto the child that my Wife goeth with, be it male or female ***
" I give to my daughter Mary Beverley ***
" I give to my daughter Catherine Beverley.
The will is witnessed by Ralph Wormley, Robert Smith, William Kitto, Walter Keohle and Thomas Ballard. It was proved at a Court held in the County of Middlesex, "we 4th of April, 1687."
The original will bears a well-preserved impression in red wax of an armorial seal: Quarterly, in the first quarter a rose. William Beverley, of "Blandfield,"
Grandson of Major Robert Beverley, writing in 1739 to his London merchant, says that he sends him a a seal of considerable value which he wishes to re-cut, if the cost is not too great.
Major Robert Beverley is a Supplemental Ancestor of Colonial Dames of XVII Century approved and verified by National June 23, 2003.
("Genealogies of Virginia Families" Vol I, 67-79; Colonial Families of Virginia
descended from "William the Conqueror"; Colonial Records of Virginia House of Burgesses; Middlesex County, Virginia Wills and Inventories 1673-1812 and "Seldens of Virginia" Vol. 2, pg. 338-344-345)
Children of Robert Beverley and Mary Keeble are:
1. Mary Beverley, b. 1666.
2. Peter Beverley, b. 1668, Middlesex County, Virginia; d. 1728, Gloucester County, Virginia.
3. Robert Beverley, Jr., b. 1670, Middlesex County, Virginia; d. April 21, 1722, "Beverley Park", King and Queen County, Virginia.
4. Harry Beverley, b. 1672, Middlesex County, Virginia; d. November 30, 1730, "Newlands", Spotsylvania County, Virginia.
5. JOHN BEVERLEY (Our Ancestor) b. 1675, Middlesex County, Virginia; d. May 11, 1742, Bertie County, North Carolina.
Children of Robert Beverley and Catherine Hone are: William, Thomas, Christopher and Catherine Beverley.
Generation No. 3
2. Peter Beverley was the oldest son of Maj. Robert Beverley and Mary Keeble. Colonel Peter Beverley married 1698 in Middlesex County, Elizabeth Peyton born 1670 in Gloucester County, Virginia, daughter of Major Robert Peyton, of 'Isleham', Gloucester County, Virginia, who was a grandson of Sir Edward Peyton, Barone
Colonel Peter Beverley, of Gloucester County, was clerk of the House of Burgesses 1691-99, clerk of Gloucester County 1702-14; Speaker of House of Burgesses 1700-1714; Treasurer of Virginia; appointed a member of the Council in 1719, and died in 1728. Governor Spotswood, writing May 24th, 1716, to William Blathwayt, Auditor-General of the North America Colonies, tells him he has removed his deputy, Philip Ludwell, and recommends as his successor either John Robinson or 'Mr. Peter Beverley, who has for several years been Speaker of the House of Burgesses, and is, at present, the Country's Treasurer. They are both persons for method and exactness in their business and have always behaved themselves respectfully to all ye Governors they have lived under' (Spotswood Letters II, 162). If Colonel Peter Beverley made a will, it was destroyed with the records of Gloucester County he died in 1728.
3. Robert Beverley, Jr., the second son of Major Robert Beverley and Mary Keeble was born 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia and died April 21, 1722 in "Beverley Park", King and Queen County, Virginia. He married Anne Ursula Byrd, daughter of William Byrd and Mary Horsmanden. She was born November 20, 1681 in Belvedere, Henrico County, Virginia, and died October 31, 1698 in Jamestown, Virginia.
Robert was sent to England for his education. Upon returning to Virginia, he enrolled as a volunteer scrivener in the office of the Secretary of the Colony. Soon he became clerk of a legislative committee. By 1696, he had achieved the important posts of Clerk of the General Court, Clerk of Council and Clerk of the General Assembly. As a freeholder of Jamestown he served in the House of Burgesses, in the Assemblies of 1999. He inherited the "Poropotank" plantation in Gloucester County and "Beverley Park" in King and Queen County.
Robert Beverley, Jr., Historian, of "Beverley Park", was a "Knight of the Golden
Horseshoe, which was an expedition, mounted under Gov. Spotswood. This expedition was the first white men to see the Shenandoah Valley. There is a monument with their names on it at Swift Run Gap. He wrote "History of Virginia" and it was published in London in 1705, and a second edition in 1722. Robert Beverley, Jr. known as historian of Virginia. Robert Beverley, Jr. died April 21, 1722 in "Beverley Park", King and Queen County, Virginia.
4. Captain Harry Beverly was the third son of Maj. Robert Beverley and Mary Keeble. He married Elizabeth Smith, the only child of Robert Smith of Brandon about 1696. He was Justice and elected Clerk of the House of Burgesses, 1670, and soon became a leader in the colony. Capt. Beverley was a surveyor of King and Queen and King William County 1702-1714; assisted in surveying the Virginia-North Carolina boundary line. About 1720, he moved to Spotsylvania County, where for a number years he was Presiding Justice of the Spotsylvania County. He patented 2,700 acres known as "Portobago" in Essex County, which had been owned earlier by his wife's grandfather, Major General Robert Smith of Middlesex. Capt. Beverley owned land amounting to about 32,000 acres in several counties.
In the summer of 1716, Governor Spotswood fitted out a sloop name "The Virgin" which he put under the command of Harry Beverley, with instructions to go to the Bahamas and the Isle of Providence in quest of Pirates, Spanish wrecks, etc. The day after sailing 'she was surprised with a violent hurricane and drove as far eastward as Bermuda, the sloop was taken by a Spanish man of war and taken to Vera Cruz, where several of the men died of privation. After seven months imprisonment, Beverley escaped and reached Virginia shortly before August 1717. In 1720 removed his family to Spotsylvania and Capt. Harry Beverley died at "Newlands", Spotsylvania on November 30, 1730.
5. John Beverley (our ancestor) was the youngest son of Maj. Robert
Beverley and his first wife, Mary Keeble, who was born 1675 in Middlesex County, Virginia. His mother died June 1, 1678 and his father married Catherine Hone on March 28, 1679 in Middlesex. After the death of his father, Maj. Robert Beverly, March 15, 1686, John Beverley, orphan age 13, choose his brother, Peter Beverley as his guardian on April 2, 1688.
John Beverley named in his father's will dated August 20, 1686: I give unto my sonne John Beverley and to his heirs forever three thousand acres of land part of the Devident of land situate in Rappahannock Countie on both sydes a great runne and commonly called and known by the name of Beverley Parke and adjoining on one part thereof to Buttons Rainge. The Said three thousand acres to be contiguous and in a square or long square or neer that figure and to be by him made choice of at the age of twenty-one years out of the whole tract, or within three years after my decease at his pleasure and the lines and bounds thereof to suit his Choyce (for ascertaing the same) to be put upon the records of Rap'a Countie, New Kent Countie or in the Master secretaries office.
John, under the guardianship of his brother, Peter Beverley was in England prior to October, 1694, as at that date the executors of Christopher Robinson, executor de bonis non of Major Robert Beverley render an account which includes an item of 40 pounds paid to Perry and Lane, of London, merchants, for entertaining and accommodating Major Robert Beverley's sons, Harry, John and Robert.
After returning from England, John Beverley sold his land and "Beverley Parke" to his brother, Robert Beverley, Sr. John went to Chowan Precinct, North Carolina, where he married Margaret Early, the daughter of William and Elinor Early in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina between March 27-1704, when she witnessed a deed and when her parents, " Will Early and Elener his wife deeded to John Beverly, 100 acres more or less on the north side of Wickacon Creek at the upper side of a Great Branch above the Indian Path to Polley Shores on July 4, 1704". Beverly sold this same parcel in 1720 to David Jones for 28 # Starling money of England that William and Elenor Early had deeded to him. 2 Aug 1716 John Beverley served on the jury at the court of Oyer & Terminer, Chowan Precinct.
Deed Book F, p 200: John Beverly, planter, and Margaret his wife sold to William Whitfield...planter, 14 Oct 1721 for 25 pounds, 300a+.
Deed Book D, p 297: John Beverly Sen and his wife Margaret to James Castelaw...May 16, 1736, L600 for 640a on Meherrin Creek by Patent to Beverley dated 1 Mar 1721.
John Beverley made his will at Bertie County, North Carolina, which reads:
In the Name of God Amen, This Twenty Second Day of December in ye Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and thirty Seven, I John Beverley Senr of ye prect of Bertie being Sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body, etc.....
Item 1 Give and bequeath unto my Son John Beverley so much of my manner plantation as shall reach to ye center Apple trees, also my negroe fellow named Tom also five cows and calves to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my son Robert Beverley ye remaining part of my mannor plantation also my negroe fellow named quakar also Cows and Calves to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Cox my negro wench named Culley also five cows and calves to her and her heirs forever.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Peek my negroe boy named primus and four cows and calves to her and her heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my granddaughter Rachel Beverley a negroe wench to be purchased out of my Estate to her and her heirs for Ever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter of daughter Sarah Cox a likely young negroe wench to be purchased out of my Estate also one feather bed and furniture and six cows and calves one iron pott and one frying pan to her and her heirs for Even.
Item 1 Give and bequeath unto my Grandson William Cox all that my tract of land lying on ye South side of Ahotskey Swamp adjoyining upon ye Swamp to him and his heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and bequeath unto my two grandsons William and Henry Beverley all that tract of land lying up Ahotskey Swamp to them and their heirs for Ever.
Item 1 Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Margaret Beverley all ye rest of my Estate and ye enjoyment of my plantation during her life and after her death to be Equally divided between my two sons John and Robert Beverley. And of this my Will and Testament I make constitute nominate ordain and appoint my Trusty and Weell beloved friends John Jones and Joseph Jones my whole and Sole Executors revoking and annulling all former Wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. James Dugles Joh Beverley Esq. SEAL
Eliza x Dowglass Durats and John Sutton (Margarett's nephew)
Will was proved at the February Court 1737. Copy of the original will is found at North Carolina Archives. There is a red wax seal with crest affixed to the will like the original will of Major Robert Beverley:
John Beverley's widow, Margaret, was married to Daniel Hough by December 11, 1738, as following document reads:
Daniel Hough & wife Margarett to Theophilus Pugh of Nansemond Co, Va. Dec. 11, 1738. 300 pds. "Daniel Hough and Margarett his wife the widow and relect of John Beverly Deceased...by the Last Will and Testament of John Beverly...his aforesaid widow.was left in possession of two plantaions whereon John Beverly her Husband Deceased and John Beverly, eldest son were seated with six hundred and forty acres thereunto and during the time of her natural life and whereas John Beverly and her two sons hath...with the consent of Margarett their Mother..being left in the hands of Thophilus Pugh Gent. to the future benefit and support of Daniel Hough and Margarett. Here Margarett sold her interest for "the sum of twenty five current money of Virginia or two hunderd pounds current Province of North Carolina." Feb. Court 1738.
John Beverly a Supplemental Ancestor of Colonial Dames XVII Century approved and verified August 20, 2003.
(Colonial Records of North Carolina, Vol 1, p. 275, p. 240; Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757; Deed Book F #1, Chowan County, NC, #445 and "Seldens of Virginia", Vol. 2, pg 345).
Children of John Beverley and Margaret Early are: SARAH , John, Robert, Mary and Rachel.
Generation No. 4
Sarah Beverley (our Ancestor) was the daughter of John Beverley and Margaret Early, born 1710 in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina and died in Old Granville County, North Carolina. She married John Cox son of DANIEL COX and _______WINDLEY. He was born 1705 in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina.
Sarah Beverly Cox is named in her father's will as Sarah Cox and also, her oldest child, William Cox. When Sarah's parents, John and Margaret Beverly on May 16, 1736 in Bertie County, North Carolina sold 640 acres to James Castelaw for 600 pds. John Cox, their son-in-law, was one of the witnesses.
John Cox died in May 1752 in Granville District, North Carolina, Sarah also died there in 1752. On June 2, 1752--John Cox, Jr. age 18, Beverley age 16, George age 13 and Amey age 11 all orphans of John Cox ordered bound out by the Church Wardens they being living with William Gess.
("History of Granville County, North Carolina" by Thomas M. Owens, pg 121 and 189).
Children of Sarah Beverley and John Cox are:
1. William Cox, b. 1730, Old Granville County, North Carolina; d. 1783, Abbeville District, South Carolina; m. Elizabeth Ellison. William was named in his grandfather, John Beverley's will.
2. Isaac Cox, b. 1732; d. Pendleton District, Pickens County, South Carolina; m. Sarah Stone.
3. John Cox, Jr., b. 1734, Old Granville County, North Carolina; d. March
22, 1789, Pendleton District, Pickens County, South Carolina; m. Elizabeth Vaughn.
4. George Cox, b. 1739, Old Granville County, North Carolina.
5. Amie "Amy" Cox, b. 1741, Old Granville County, North Carolina.
6. BEVERLY COX (our ancestor) the son of John Cox and Sarah Beverly. He was born 1736 in Granville District, North Carolina. John, aged 18 yrs, Beverly 16, George 13, Amey 11, all orphans of John Cox, ordered bound out by the Church warders, they being living with William Gess'.
Beverly Cox married Mary Alexander, daughter of James Alexander, Jr. On October 15, 1784 Beverly Cox was granted 200 acres as an heir of James Alexander, Jr. deceased, on Savannah River on each side of Big Jenerostee Creek, Asaph Alexander being lawful heir of James Alexander Jr. conveyed this to Beverly Cox.
Beverly Cox made his will in Pendleton District, South Carolina September 13, 1794 and it was proven September 19, 1796, in his will be does not name his three children, Larkin, John and Acy Cox. Heirs: Mary Cox wife, Issue not named. Exors: wife Mary Cox, James Jones friend and Wit: Thomas Turner, John Cox and James Shields.
Beverely's son, John Cox, his plantation when he died is located on the Savannah River on Jenerostee Creek, this he inherited from his father.
"History and Genealogies of Old Granville County, North Carolina., 1746-1800"; Pendleton District, South Carolina Will Book C, pg 91 and Deed Bk C-D, pg 129-30)
Our lineage is continued through the Cox family;
John Cox, Sr. married Sarah Smith, their son
Zachariah Cox, Sr. married Susannah Whitmire, their son
Zachariah Cox, Jr. married Sarah Grogan, their daughter
Mary Melinda Cox married John Washington Reece, their daughter
Isabelle Linda Reece married James Clinton Anderson, their son
Truman Willie Anderson married Vera Izora Ellis, my parents.
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1641 - 1686 (45 years)
