THE ANCESTORS AND DESCENDANTS
OF
JOHN ROLFE
WITH NOTICES OF SOME CONNECTED FAMILIES
The following material was provided by Donna Eldridge. It is hoped that this information will make some connection to the Bolling Family of Butler County a little clearer. It is broken down into two parts.
[This is part of an unpublished and unfinished section of a projected book which was to treat of "The Colonial Councillors of Virginia and Their Descendants." The biographical portion was nearly completed; but the account of the descendants of John Rolfe, the earliest councillor whose descendants can be traced, showed, even though this is not complete, that the preparation of the genealogies would be a work which would require more time than the compilers could possible spare. It was not proposed to reprint the later geneations treated of in well-known and reliable works, such, for instance, as those in Robertson's Descendents of Pocahontas; but to give references to them. The plan also was that where one branch of a family was descended, through female lines, from one councillor, while another branch could trace, also through females, to another, to give the whole family under the earliest councillor who appeared. This explains some of the Flemings and their descendants, the Webbs, appearing here. Some of the Flemings descended from John Rolfe, while others traced through the Randolphs to the Pages, who were councillors. In addition there were to be notes and addenda in regard to connected families not directly descended from any member of the Council]
ROLFE OF HEACHAM
The family of Rolfe was
resident from an early date in the County of Norfolk,
England. The immediate ancestors of John Rolfe lived at
Hecahm near King's Lynn in that County, and the earliest record
of the direct line is of two brothers, Robert and Eustace Rolfe,
who were born at Heacham about 1539. Robert married
Margaret Crowe and was ancestor of a prominent family at Lynn,
and Eustace Rolfe married at Heacham, May 27, 1560, Joanna
Jenner. Eustace and Joanna had a son John Rolfe, of
Heacham, who was born October 17, 1562, married Dorothea Mason,
Sept. 24, 1582, died in 1594, and was buried at Heacham Church,
December 1st of that year.
In the Church is a brass with a Latin
inscription to this John Rolfe. The following is a
translation which has been furnished us:
"John Rolfe, gentleman, of Hitcham died
on the twenty-nineth day of November, in the year of our Lord,
1594, in the thirty-second year of his age. While he lived
he was of much service to his fellows; his wish to enrich all his
neighbors and kinsfolk by assisting the poor with his wealth;
nothing could be kinder than he was; he bore the insults of many
men quietly without offence; by exporting and importing such
things as England abounded in or needed, he was of the greatest
service, inasmuch as he spent both pains and labor upon it.
Thus he seemed to die as the force of fire is quenched by excess
of water. For his strength was unimpaired, nor had he
completed many years when he died. His death brought grief
to many, but he had done nobly upon the consciousness of a well
spent life, and the record of many benefits not allowed to die
utterly:"
John Rolfe had, no doubt, been a successful
merchant at Lynn. Rolfe had, with other issue, 1. Eustace,
and 2. John (twins) baptized May 6, 1585; 3. Edward, baptized
Feb, 22, 1591. There was another son, Henry, afterwards a
merchant in London and a member of the Virginia Company, who is
included in a manuscript pedigree mentioned by Mrs. Jones in her Old
Sandringham.
The Rolfes of Heacham Hall long remained
among the gentry of Norfolk. One of them was sheriff of the
county about 1760. In 1837 to the property. The
well-known portrait of Pocahontas descended to the present time
through the Rolfes and their relations in Norfolk.
Heacham Hall has been in part rebuilt and
enlarged, but a considerable portion of the old house remains and
is shown in the accompanying illustration.
Two English books Old Sandringham,
by Mrs. Herbert Jones and The King's Homeland
contain interesting notices of Heacham and the Rolfes.
[Since this account was prepared the compiler has
been informed that Mr. Wilson Miles Cary of Baltimore, the
distinguished genealogist, who spent some time in England, thinks
that he has discovered that John Rolfe, of Virginia, was not a
son of John and Dorothea Rolfe, but belonged to another branch of
the same family. The proof is not yet positive, but Mr.
Cary is still having the matter investigated and has promised to
give this Magazine the result of his researches]
JOHN ROLFE
John Rolfe the son of John
and Dorothea Rolfe married in England and sailed for Virginia in
May 1609. The ship in which he came was wrecked on the
Bermudas and here a daughter was born, who was named Bermuda and
christened Feb. 11, 1609-10. They reached Virginia in May
1610 and Rolfe's wife and child had either died at the Bermudas
or only lived a short time after reaching Virginia.
He became a prominent member of the Colony
and is said to have been the first person to sugest the
cultivation of tobacco. Early in April 1614 his celebrated
marriage with Pocahontas took place. Though evidently
greatly attached to her, he had wrestling in spirit (he had much
of the Puritanism so prevalent in the eastern counties of
England) before he could make up his mind to marry one of the
heathen birth.
He wrote to Governor Dale: "Nor am I out
of hope but one day to see my countrie, nor so void of friends,
nor mean of birth, but there to obtain a match to my great
content", but love was stronger than his fears. The
curious and interesting letter referred to is most
accessible in Meade's "Old Churches & Families of
Virginia", I. 126-129.
In 1616 Rolfe and Pocahontas went to England
and her reception there and the interest she excited are well
known.
They were about to set sail for Virgnia, on
their return, when Pocahontas died at Gravesend and was buried in
the Church there March 21, 1616-17. Some confusion has been
caused by John Rolfe's name appearing on the register as
"Thomas Wrolfe;" but this is no doubt to be accounted
for by the fact that he was a stranger only at Gravesend to
embark, and that the clerk or rector made a mistake in the
name. The Virginia Society of Colonal dames will at an
early date erect a memorial to Pocahontas in Gravesend Church.
He tried to bring his infant son Thomas with
him to Virginnia; but when the ship touched at Plymouth it was
obvious that the child could not stand the voyage, and he was
left there with Sir Lewis Stukeley, until he could be transferred
to the care of his uncle Henry Rolfe of London.
On his return to Virginia Rolfe wrote a
letter to Sir Edwin Sandys dated Jamestown, June 8, 1617 in which
he speaks of his grief at the death of Pocahontas and explains
why he had to leave his son. This letter was printed in
this Magazie X 134-138.
In the year 1617 Rolfe was appointed Recorder
and Secretary General of the Colony, and in 1619 was a member of
the Council. As a member of this body he sat in the first
Amerian legislature, the Virginia Assembly of 1619, and is the
only member of that Assembly who is known to have descendants
living at the present day. He married in or before 1620
Jane, daughter of Captain William Pierce (also of the Virginia
Council) and had a daughter Elizabeth born 1620. John Rolfe
died in 1622 and it is probable that he was killed in the great
Indian Massacre of that year. In addition to the letters
referred to Rolfe was the author of a "relation" of
events in Virginia. Smith, Hamor and all of the early
writers speak of him as an honest and worthy gentleman.
His will has been published (in abstract) in
Waters' "Gleanings" and is as follows:
John Rolfe, of James City in Virginnia, Esq.,
dated 10 March 1621, proved May 21, 1630 [in the Prerogative
Court of Canterbury] by William Pyers [Pierce], Father-in-law
William Pyers, gentleman, to have charge of the two small
children of very tender age. A parcel of land in the
Country or Continent of Virginia, to son Thomas Rolfe and his
heirs, failing his issue to my daughter Elizabeth; [The land here
bequeathed was no doubt the "Smiths Fort" tract], next
to my right heirs. Land on Mulberry Island Virginia,
to my wife Jane, during her natural life then to daughter
Elizabeth. To my servant Robert Davies twenty pounds.
Witnesses: Temperance Yeardley, Richard Buck, John Cartwright,
Robert Davys and John Milwarde.
THOMAS ROLFE
Thomas Rolfe, the son of John
Rolfe and Pocahontas was born in Virginia in 1615 and was taken
to England by his parents. When his mother died and his
father returned to Virginia, im March 1616-17 he was left at
Plymouth under the care of sir Lewis stukeley, who became so
notoroious and generally detested for his treachery to Sir Walter
Raleigh. Thomas Rolfe was afterwards removed to the care of
his uncle Henry Rolfe, of London, who was a member of the
Virginia Company. The boy remained with him for a number of
years. On August 23rd 1618 the Virginia Company wrote to
Governor Argall in Virginia. "We cannot imagine why
you should give us warning that Opechankano and the natives have
given the country to Mr. Rolfle's child and that they reserve it
from all others until he comes of years." It would
appear from this that the Indians were supposed to have intended
that Thomas Rolfe should succeed to the chieftanship of the
Powhattans.
In October 1622 Mr. Henry Rolfe petitioned
the Virginia Company requesting that he be paid out of the estate
of his brother John Rolfe for having brought up the son of his
brother and Pocahontas. In a grant of land in 1635 to
Captain William Pierce the name of Thomas Rolfe appears among the
head rights. This probably indicates the time that he came
to Virginia. He was then about twenty years old.
"He afterwards," says Stith,
"became a person of fortune and distinction in the
Colony." In 1641 he petitioned the Governor for
permission to visit his aunt "Cleopatre and his Kinsman
Opecancanough." In 1646 as "Lieutenant Thomas
Rolfe" he was granted Fort Chickahominy and 600 acres
adjoining on condition of keeping a guard there. Between
that date and 1663 he patented a number of other tracts of
land. There is recorded in Surry Country, in 1673, a deed
dated June 20, 1654, from Thomas Rolfe to William Corker,
conveying 120 acres in Surry, lying between "Smiths fort old
field" and "the Devils' Woodyard," which was the
property of Thomas Rolfe "by gift from the Indian
King." It appears from various depositions recorded in
surry that he at one owned the plantation called "Smiths
fort," 1200 acres, at the mouth of Gray's Creek which he
sold to Thomas Warren. One of the deponents states that he
was present in 1654 with Mr. Thomas Rolfe in Mr. Warren's
"fifty foot brick house" on "Smiths Fort"
plantation soon after it was completed.
Warren's "Fifty foot brick house"
is still standing, the oldest brick dwelling in Virginia to which
a date can be assigned. The farm still called "Smiths
Fort" now belongs to a prosperous negro farmer. In
addition to the old house there is much of interest in the
neighborhood. On John Smith's map of Virginia may be seen
at the mouth of Gray's Creek opposite Jamestown, the inscription
"The New Fort", Smith states that on 1608 or 1609 he
built a fort as a place of refuge in case of being compelled to
retreat from Jamestown "on a convenient river upon a high
commanding eminence." It has been suggested foolishly,
that this fort was the "Old Stone House" on Ware Creek
in the upper part of James City County; but any retreat to this
place would have been through dense forests which afforded ample
cover for the Indians. It seems there can be no doubt that
the fort Smith refers to was the "New Fort" on Gray's
Creek, and that this was on the "Smith's Fort"
tract. About a half mile from the brick house referred to
is a high bluff, about the middle of a long bend in Gray's
Creek. On the opposite side are wide marshes, and ravines
at the sides of the bluff make it something of a
promontory. Across the rear of the bluf traces of trenches
can be distinctly seen, though the covering of leaves makes them,
in the photograph, less distinct than they really
are. There can be little doubt that we have here the
remains of Smiths "New Fort."
Thomas Rolfe's wife is said (though there is
no proof of the correctness of the statement) to have been a Miss
Poythress, and he had an only child, Jane, who married in 1675
Col. Robert Bolling and died in 1676. Among the James City
records (now destroyed) was the following deed, communicated to
the "Southern Literary Messenger" by the once
well-known Virginia antiquary, Richard Randolph: "This
Indenture made 1st October 1698 between John Bolling of the
County of Henrico and parish of Varina, Gent, son and heir of
Jane late wife of Robert Bolling, of Charles City County, Gent,
which Jane was the only child of Thomas Rolfe, dec'd, conveying
to William Brown, of the parish of Wilmington, in the County of
James City, one thousand acres of land commonly called the Fort
on Chickahonimy River, as per patent granted to Thomas Rolfe
(this was fort Chickahominy granted him in 1646).
Thomas Rolfe probably died in James City
County, so the records in regard to his will death &c. have
been destroyed along with all of the records of that County.
BOLLING OF YORKSHIRE AND LONDON
Cudworth's "History of
Bolton and Bowling" (Bradford, 1891) contains a considerable
amount of information in regard to the early history of the
Bolling family, which was long resident in the vincinity of
Bradford and Bolton. The author states that the
spelling "Bowling" is a modernisation. The first
mention he gives of the Bolling family is in a poll or head tax
list of the inhabitants of the township of Bolling, in the year
1379. First in the list appears Johannes de Bollyng,
Esquier, & uxor [wife] Vjs VIIjh (6sh-8d.)
"The principal contributor, who in fact
paid more than all the remainder of the inhabitants of the
township, was John de Bolling. He is therefore styled
'esqire.' The Bollings wre not only the first family of any
importance which took its name from the township, but it
was of considerable repute in this part of Yorkshire
generally. The proofs of this fact are numerous. From
evidences collected by Mr. Empsall, and presented to the Bradford
Antiquarian Society, illustrating the entire history of this
family, we learn that towards the close of the twelth century one
Tristram Bolling was in the service of King John, and was largely
concerned in his interests, and as reward he received property in
Bolling. To this circumstance is ascribed the rise of the
family.
In Kirby's Inquest (1296) William de Bolling
is described as holding three carucates of land in Bolling, and
shortly afterwards he was described as lord of the manor, which
his descendants held for several centuries, and two of them gave
common of pasture and a grant of land in Bolling to Kirtstall
Abbey. Part of this land is supposed to be the site of
Burnett Field. There is also evidence of land in Bolling
having been granted to Kirtkstall Abbey as early as the reign of
King John.
In a copy of Parliamentary writs we find the
following entires: 'William de Bolling certified, pursuant to
writ tested at Clepstone, 5th March, 1316, as lord of the
township of Bollling, in the county of York.'
'Johannes de Bolling, one of the
Commissioners of Array, in the Wapentake of Morley, in the county
of York. Commission tested at York 25th September, 1318.'
By the marriage of Robert Bolling to
Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Thornton, in 1349, the Bolling
estate was increased by the addition of the manors of Thornton,
Allerton and Denholme. In the survey of the manor of
Bradford taken in 1342, the Bolling family appears somewhat
prominently in connection with the barter and sale of property in
Bradford.
Passing over a century, we come upon an
interesting episode in the past history of Bolling, namely, the
attainder for high treason of one Robert Bolling and the
confiscation of his estates. In the Wars of the Roses many
of the landowners of this neighbourhood were implicated, and none
more deeply than Robert Bolling of Bolling Hall. Like many
others of Yorkshire he espoused the cause of the Lancastrians,
under the banner of Lord Clifford of Skipton Castle, and was at
the battle of Towton on Palm Sunday, March 29th, 1461. In
that sanguinary encouter 36,000 men were slain, and the
Lancastrians were uterrly defeated. The result was very
disastrous to the Bollings. For the part taken in it by
Robert Bolling, he was convicted of high treason, attainted by
order of Parliament, and deprived of his estates, the manor of
Bolling being made over to a partisan of the King named Thomas
Radclyfe. John James, in his 'History of Bradford,' gives
an interesting account of this event, and quotes the following
extract from a petition of Robert Bolling to King Edward IV. in
1475: "Humbly beseeching your Highness, your true liegeman,
Robert Bolling, in the Shire of York, gentilman, sheweth, that in
the Parliament holden at Westminister, the 4th November, in the
first year of your Highnesss's reign, the said Robert was
attainted of high treason, and that his lands were forfeited from
the 4th March preceding; that suppliant was never against your
Highness in any field or journey, except on Palme Sunday, in the
first year of your most noble reigne, whereto he was dryven, not
of his oune proper wille, nor of malice towards your Grace, but
oonly by compulsion, and by the most drad proclamations of John,
then Lord Clyfford, under whose daunger and distresse the
lyvelode of your suppliant lay."
Notwithstanding that letters of pardon were
granted him, Robert Bolling and his family of ten children were
reduced to great straits from the loss of his estates, but these
he subsequently recovered and added much to them.
Robert Bolling made his will at Bolling Hall,
October, 1485, desiring to be buried before the high altar of
Bradford Church, to which he left benefactions. to Amica
his daughter he left 10. The residue of his
personalty, in three parts, one to James, William, Umphrey,
Raynbron, and Troilus, his sons; one for masses for his soul; and
a third to Isabel, his wife. The testator thus disposes of
his lands: --
'I have enfeoffed Edward Goldsborough, one of
the barons of our Lord the Kyng, of his escheaur; Ed. Redmanye,
one of the esquiers of his body: Ed. Cresacre, parson, of Arksey;
and James Bolling, my son, in the manors of Bolling, Thornton,
and Denholme, and of all the halfendole of my manor of
Haynesworth--to myself for my life. In suffrance, Isabel,
my wyfe, to have all the yerely issue of the halfendole of
the landes at Mikill Bolling, and to have her dower of
Haynesworth. I do order a gyft to Jamys, William, Umfre,
Raynbron, and Troilus Bolling, my sons of 40s., by the yere out
of thornton, Hethlee, and Sowden; after their decease to remayne
to Trystram Bolling, my son and heir, and the heires males of his
bodie.'
Of the two of the sons of Robert Bolling -
Tristram and Raynbron-interesting evidence exist. Raynbron,
the younger brother, was bailiff of the manorial property at
Bradford vested in the Duchy of Lancaster, and held a lease of
the manorial mills, &c, which in the 'Rolls Chronicles' is
set forth in the following terms: - "1448, 8 March. - Lease
to farm by the advice of the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster,
for 7 years from Michaelmas last past before date of present
letters, to Raynbron Boleling, yeoman of the King's Crown,
of the cloth fulling and corn mill, toll, stallage, and agistment
of cattle in Bradford Bank, with the perquisites and shops
beneath the Halls of Pleas of the town and Lordship of Bradford,
Co. York, at an annual rent of ixl. viijd."
In making the most of his bailiwick, Raynbron
incurred considerable odium among the inhabitants of Bradford,
and a suit was instituted in the Duchy Court for extortion and
wrongoing of which the following is the substance, extracted
froom the Duchy of Lancaster Pleadings in the Record Office:--
'18, Hen. VII.--Richard Tempest and others,
freeholders and King's tenants of Bradford township, and
plaintiffs. Raynbron Bolling, the King's bailiff, and
others defendants. Deputed titles to lands, tolls of
markets, partiality of kin, &c.
Contra, Pleading --
"Raynbron Bolling, bailiff of Bradford,
and Godfrey Foljambe, Feodary of Tickill Honor, plaintifs. Rich.
Tempest, defendant, and others.
To the right worshipful Chancellor Duchy of Lancaster.
"We, Richard Tempest and Robert
Leventhorp, esquires; Thos. Thornton, Wm. Rookes, John Rookes,
Thos. Ellys, John Rawson, John Feld, James Webster, Thomas Bower,
Wm. Bancke, Robt. Ledgard, Richd. Bancke, and others, freeholders
and the King's tenants of the township of Bradford; John
Threapland, John Ellingsworth, Rich. Hollins, John Whitacre,
Thos. Aldersley, &c., freeholders and Kings tenants of
Allerton; John Wilkinson, Thos. Roper, Wm. Byrkenshaw &c.,
tenants and freeholders of Thornton; Robt. Midgeley, William
Mortymer, of Clayton; Richard Broadly, Thos. Stead, of Bowling;
Christopher Sharp, James Sharp, Christopher Sharp, James Sharp,
Christopher Thornton, &c., of Horton; Joseph Thornton, Roger
Thornton, &c., of Heaton; William Northrop, Laurence
Ellynworth, William Jowett, Thos. Mortymer, Richard Rodes,
&c., of Manningham, deposed that whereas three faires have
been held and kept within the lordship which were a great resort
of merchants, chapmen, and others of the king's lieges of divers
parts for the purpose of selling their wares to the great weal of
the King's tenants of the said lordship and to the country
adjoining. That Raynbron Bolling, the bailiff of the said
lordship, wrongfully, by him and his deputies, taking excessive
and unreasonable tolls of your said orators and others the King's
tenants and others the King's lieges resorting to the said
faires, the said merchants and chapmen have withdrawn themselves
and their merchandise from the said faires, and that thereby the
said faires are greatly decreased, to the great hurt of all the
King's tenants and fermers and freeholders of the said lordship;
and also that the said Raynbron Bolling, by reason of levying
excessive mulcture at the King's mylnes to the great hurt of your
orators and taking the cattel of your orators and keeping them in
secret places, so that your said orators cannot gain knowledge of
them, and after keeping them a certain time claiming the said
cattel as waifs and strays to his own uses; that in the 16th year
of Hen. VII. he caused certain women to shear twenty sheep of the
King's tenants so that they were not known again by their owners;
that he will not suffer any sheep of your orators to be unclipped
after Whit-Sunday, but if there are the said bailiff will take
them and cause them to be clipped, claiming and taking the wool
to his own uses and to the great hurt of the King's
tenants; that on the 5th of June, in the 17 of Hen. VII, he took
from Ellen, late wife of Tristram Bolling, five ewes; from
Elizabeth Bristowe, two key; and from Wiliam Wright one cow; that
one William Gordon, a Scotch chapman, who was coming from Halifax
with three packs of wool, wasy waylaid by the said bailiffs upon
Manningham Moor, because the said chapman ought to have come
through Bradford and paid toll, and cast him down and beat him,
and caused him to pay 6s. 8d. and above in money.'
Raybron's answer, which is filed in the Duchy
records, states:--'That there were two very great faires every
year at Bradford, on the day of the Feast of St. Andrew, and the
day of St. Peter in Cathedra, three days every fair--that he had
to attend upon the King's daughter, the Queen of Scots, into
Scotland, and in his absence Sir Richard Tempest went into the
Tolbooth of Bradford and threatended his servants (the servants
of the King's bailiff) if they took toll. That the
inhabitants of Clayton, at the instigation of Sir Richard
Tempest, waylaid John Aldworth, whom the said bailiff had sent to
gather toll, and beat him unmercifully. So that he had been
little able to do any work since; that the said Tempest had
ordered all his servants and retainers, and had encouraged all
others, to beat down the bailif's servants when they gathered
toll, and declared that no man should bear rule in Bradford but
himself.'
This interesting episode is illustrative of
the exactions resorted to by the emissaries of King Henry VII.,
who made use of them to extort money and to heap up wealth for
his own ends, which was the ruling object of his existence.
Tristram Bolling, the eldest son of Robert
Bolling, the attainted possessor of Bolling Hall, married
Beatrix, daughter of Sir Walter Calverley, of Calverley. He
was a man of great courage, and was most loyal to the Lancastrina
party, so much so that he appears to have idolized Henry
VI. In his behalf he fought alongside his father at Towton,
but, being young, escaped further consequences than the
disastrous defeat of his party. He died at Chellow, near
Manningham, leaving an heiress, Rosamund, who had become the wife
of Sir Richard Tempest, of Bracewell. We give a copy of his
will on account of its quaintness of spelling and the information
it contains:--
Will of Tristram
Bolling, of Chellow
April 7, 1502. Proved August 2.
'I, Tristram Bolling, of Chellow, to be buryd
in the high quere of my parish church of Bradforth, and I
bequeath in honour of my mortuary my best horse wt. sadyll &
brydll, jake, salet, bowe and harnes, sword and bockler, as I
went to the warr. I bequeath unto the aulter of Synt
Kateryn afore the image of King Henry the vj. one vestment with
albe preist iijs. iiijd. To one priest for saying for my
saule xxs. and li. wax to be brend upon my sepulture, and iiijd.
for the wast of every torch brynnyng about my body the day of my
buryall. To every man beyryng me to the church iiijd.
I will yet all my manners, lands &c., being my inheritance
after the decease of Robert Bolling my fader or any other
tytll of right here-after remayne after my decease unto Richard
Tempest and Rosamunde my doghter and wyff unto the said Richard
and to ther heyrs forever mor. I will that my wyff Elyne
during her lyve have a yearly rent for her thirds out of my said
manners, &c. To my son Edward Bolling all my
lands purchased in the toun of Bradford except a messe, and one
tenement lying beside the parich chirch, which I will remayn unto
Thos. Tempest, son of Richard Tempest aforesaid. to the
said Thos. Tempest one messe soom tyme in the holdynge of Allison
Dyn-Gurd. To John Tempest, son unto ye said Richard Tempest, one
tenement called Rowley and one tenement in Thornton beside
Bradford newly bylded. I wyll that Edwd. Robertshaw take
half a coile pytt at Clayton dewring one yere, and my wyff the
other half, and then the said coile pytt to remayne to the
foresaid Rich. Tempest and hys wyff. I order as executors
Nicholas Tempest, Edward Bollynge, and Cudberd Lenthrope, my son
Richard Tempest being superviseare.
Giffen at Chellow. Pro. 3 June, 1502'
The estates of Tristram Bolling comprised the
manors of Bolling and Thornton, and lands in Little Bolling,
Bradford, Clayton, Allerton, Wilsden, Hainworth, Horton, and
Denholme. He thus left the bulk of is property to his
daughter Rosemund, wife of Sir Richard Tempest, although he had a
son, Edward, by his second wife, who suceeded him in the Chellow
estates, which comprised the manor of Chellow, and a substantial
residence.
THE BOLLINGS OF CHELLOW
Although by the marriage of
Rosamund, the daughter and heiress of Tristram Bolling, to Sir
Richard Tempest, the ancient family estates left the main branch
of the Bolling family, it is evident that the line was carried on
at Chellow. Chellow is a hamlet of the township of Heaton,
and was a separate manor at the time of the Domesday
Survey. The Bollings continued at chellow for a very long
period; Edward Bolling, the son of Tristram (father of Rosamond),
succeeding his father there, he in turn being succeeded by his
son Tristram.
The last of this branch of the Bollings in
the male line was William Bolling, to whose memory a monument ws
erected in the Bradford Parish Church. He was living at
Chellow in 1698, but appears to have removed to a little
farmstead called the "Temple", at the top of Crow Tree
Lane, Manningham, which was also his property, leaving Chellow
Grange to his son John. William Bolling married in 1688,
Mary Lister, of Frizinghall, and died in 1730, leaving a brother
Edward and a sister Mary. His own son, John, died in 1729,
a year before his father. He rebuilt the old house at
Chellow, and inserted on a stone the record--I.B. 1720.
Another stone contained the initials W. B. and the date
1689."
It appears from a list made in the time of
Henry VIII, that "Dame Rosamund Tempest, late Wiffe of Sir
Ric. Tempest, Knyght," had in her household Edward, and
Godfray Bollyng, who came both equipped with "horse and
harnes" (armor)
Dame Rosamund's relations with her
half-brother Edward Bolling, of Chellow, are somewhat
ob'scure. From a deed pole dated one year after the death
of her husband, Rosamund makes over to him propety in Wilsden, as
follows:
"31 Henry VIII, June 20
Rosamund Tempest, relict of Sir Rich.
Tempest, Kt. gives to Edward Bollyng, of chellowe, one messuage,
with buildings and appurtenances, in Wylsden; and lands &c,
called Wytham, in the township of Allerton, abutting on the
Hardyng Becke or Hardes Broke on the South and North, on
Cottingley Park on the east, and on the high road from Bradford
to Keighley on the west. To pay one red rose in the time of
roses should it be demanded.
Witness - Thos Bollynge,
Randolph Wilman,
Laurence Royds"
This property was afterwards confirmed to
Tristram, son of Edward Bolling.
One member of the Bolling family mentioned by
Cudworth may be noted. On November 12, 1494, William
Bolling one of the Barons of the Exchequer granted to Sir Richard
Tempest, the remainder of a lease of the corn and fulling mills
at Bradford.
Bolling Hall is the most inteesting relic of
a past age in the immediate vicinity of Bradford. Dr.
Whitaker thus describes it. "The Hall is a large
majestic looking building with a centre and two deep wings to the
North, and has been built at different periods. The South
front opening to the garden is terminated by two square towers of
considerable but uncertain antiquity. The rest, I think,
may be safely assigned to the Tempests, in the reign of
Elizabeth. Within the towers are two deeply emb windows,
and between them the hall, which has one vast window of many
square headed lights. It is about thirty feet long and has
a plain plaster ceiling which probably covers a fine oaken
roof." Ascending the oak stair case, admission is
gained to the "Ghost Chamber" which occupies the
Western bay, and here, it is said, the redoubtable ghost appeared
which struck terror into the heart of the Earl of New Castle the
royaliust commander during the siege of Bradford and caused him
to forego his intention of putting the town to the sack. * *
* The chief feature of interst in the room, however, is the
mantle piece, which is of carved oak reaching to the full height
of the room. It is supported by two fluted columns, which
support a canopy ornamented with oak & vine leaves, and
contains two portraits painted on panels, said to be those of
Lady Rosamond the last of the Bollings of Bolling and her husband
Sir Richard Tempest. In the work which has been quoted at
such length are views of Bolling Hall and of the mantelpiece and
portraits.
Mr. Cudworth speaks of the Virgina Bollings,
who descend from a branch of the family, which had settled in
London, as being now the representatives of the ancient family of
Bolling, of Bolling Hall.
The "Vistation of London," 1633-34,
contains the following pedigree of Bolling.
Tristram Bollyng of Bradford in Com. Yorke
____________________________________
I
Edward Bollyng of Bradford in = Magdelene da.
of Gabriell Greene
Com. Yorke, sonne and heir I
in Horsforth Com. Yorke
____________________________I
Robert Bollyng of London, Sadler = Anne da. Tho.
Clarke of
and Silk Throwster, now living 1633 I London
______________________________I____________________________
I
I
I
I
2. Edward 1 John Bollyng eldest sonne 3.
Thomas Annis
The arms which accompany the pedigree are the
same of those of the Virginia Bollings.
Following is a copy of the will of the Robert
Bolling, of London, who was living in 1633 and signed the
pedigree. We are indebted to Mr. Lothrop Withington for the
copy. There can be no doubt that Robert Bolling, the
emigrant to Virginia was a son of John Bolling, "eldest
sonne." An examination of the registers of all Hallows
Barking would doubtless confirm this. And a thorough
examination of Yorkshire records might furnish proof as to the
exact place in the pedigree of the Bollings of Bolling Hall, of
the Tristram Bolling of the visitation pedigree.
In the name of god Amen, the Fift day of
September Anno Domini One thousand six hundred thirtie nyne and
in the Fifteenth yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne Lord
Charles by the grace of Gode Kings of England Scotlande France
and Ireland defender of the Faith I Robert Bowlinge of the parish
of Alhallowes Barking Cittizen and Throwster of London, being att
the present sicke and weake in body, but of good and perfect
minde and memorie praised bee Allmightie god therefore Doe make
and declare this my present Testament conteyning therein my last
will in manner and forme following (that is to say) First and
principally I recommend my soule into the handes of Almightie God
my mercifull Father and Jesus Christ his onely sonne my blessed
Saviour and Mediator by whose pretious death, merittes and
intercession alone I trust and firmely beleeve to receave a full
and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sinnes, and life
everlasting, my body I commit to the earth from whence it came,
to be buried in desent and christian manner in the parish Church
of Allhallows aforesaid. And my will and minde is that all
such debts that I shall owe att the tyme of my death to any
person or persons whatsoever whether of right or conscience
shalbe iustle and truelie paid by my Executrix hereafter named
with the most convenient speede that may bee And after my Debts
and funerall charges paid and deducted that small estate that the
lorde in mercie hath lent vnto me. I doe devide order and
dispose according to the ancient and laudable Custome of the said
Cittie of London whereof I am a Freeman Into three iust and
equall partes whereof one full thirde parte I give leave and
bequeath vnto my deare and loveing wife Anne Bowling as of right
and according to the saide Custome belonging to her' one other
thirde parte thereof I leave and bequeath vnto and amongst my
children John, Edward, Thomas, and Anne Bowlinge, to be equallie
and indifferentlie parted and devided amongst them. The
other thirde parte commonlie called and by the said custome
reputed the testators parte I doe give, bequeath, order and
dispose in manner and forme following (that is to say) First I
will and devise that my said wife Anne Bowlinge shall have and
enjoy her owne proper vse forever Twoe of my five throwing milles
with all instrumentes and implemtes therevnto respectively
belonging And allsoe the other three Milles during the tyme that
my said sonn Edward shall have to serve mee by his Indentures of
Apprenticehood And the said three Milles with all ymplementes
tooles and apurten'nces to them respectively belonging I doe give
and bequeath vnto the said Edward Bolling willing my said wife to
deliver the same unto him att the end of the said
apprenticehood. Item I give and bequeath vnto the said
Edward as a special legacie in regarde to his paines and
indistrie in my affairs the some of fiftie poundes of
lawfull money of England. Item I give and bequeath
vnto my eldest sonne John Bowling and vnto my sonne Thomas
Bowling Five and Twentie pounds apeece of like money. Item
I give and bequeath vnto my loving daughter Anne Bowling the some
of one Hundred pounds of like money Item I give and bequeath vnto
my sister Beatrix Creswell Fortie shillinges as legacies in
remembrances of me. Item I give and bequeath vnto the poore
people of the said parish of Allhallows Barking Fortie shillinges
Item I give and bequeath vnto either of my friends and kynsmen
Charles Harris and John Lee, and to my good friends Mr. William
Hart, Throwster, and Mris Elizabeth Pollarde, to every of them
Twentie shillings apeece remembrance of mee. The rest
and residue of all and singular my goods, chattels, household
stuffe, plate, debts, rights, and creditts whatsoever and
wheresoever (after my said debts, funerall charges and legacies
paid and decuted) I doe give and bequeat vnto my said loveing and
carefull wife Ann Bowling whome I make, appointe, and declare the
full and sole Executrix of this my present testament and last
will And I do enominate appointe and allsoe intreate my said good
freinds Charles Harris and John Lee to be Overseers and
assistantes vnto my said Executrix in the due performance of my
present testament and last will And I doe hereby vtterlee revoke
renounce and make voide all former wills legacies and bequests at
any tyme heretofore be me made and bequeath. And doe hereby
pronouse and dlecare this my present to be my last will and none
other nor otherwise. In witness whereof to this my present
testament consisting of three sheetes of paper, the twoe former
subscribed with my hands. And to this third I have sett mt
hand and seale Dated the day, and yeare first wthn written per me
Robert Bolling, Read, signed, sealed, published and declared by
the saide Robert Bolling to be his last will and testament in the
pn'nce of Abell Lucoum, Gregorie Smith, and Ch'r Townsend, Scr.
Proved before the Veneralb William Sames, L.L.D. surrogate for
Sir Henry Marten, LL.D. the master Keeper or Commissary of the
Prerogative Court of Canterbury 13 November 1639 by the oath of
Anne Bowling, relict of the defunct and executrix.
190 Harvey.
BOLLING OF VIRGINIA
Until a few years ago when
the fragments were removed to a family burial vault in
Petersburg, the broken tomb of Col. Robert Bolling, the
immigrant, remained at
"Kippax," Prince George County. It bore the
Bolling arms and the following epitaph:
"Here lyeth interred in hope of a joyful
resurrection, the body of Robert Bolling, the son of John and
Mary Bolling, of Allhallows, Barkin Parish, Tower Street,
London. He was born the 26th of December in the year 1646,
and came to Virginia October the 2d, 1660, and departed this life
the 17th day of July, 1709, aged sixty-two years, six months and
twenty-one days."
As these dates show, Robert Bolling was only
fourteen years of age when he came to the colony and was
doubtless, in the care of some friend. In early manhood he
engaged in trade as a merchant, and the firm of "Robert
Bolling and Company" is referred to in the records of
several counties, showing that their business was
extensive. He was also a planter and acquired large tracts
of land. His residence was in Charles City County, on the
south side of James River in what is now Prince George
County. The name of the plantation where he lived,
"Kippax," did not probably originate with him, as
he had, so far as is known, no reason for given the name.
The first public office which he held was,
doubtless, that of justice of Charles City County, and he was
sheriff of that county in 1692 and 1699 (Va. Mag. Hist. and
Biog. i, 234). In 1702 he was still a justice. He
was member of the House of burgesses for Charles City at the
sessions of April 1688, april 1692, and April 1699 and for Prince
George, April 1704 (Va. Mag. Hist. and Biog. XV, 332, 438,
441, and Colonial Va. Register). In 1705 he is
styled, in a land patent, Col. Robert Bolling," which
indicates that he was then Colonel of the Prince George militia.
Col. Bolling probably acquired much land by
purchase, as his grants were not extensive. There is on
record in Henrico County a deed dated March 1700-1701, from
Stephen Cocke to Robert Bolling, merchant, of Bristol parish,
Charles City Co., conveying 240 acres north of the Appomattox
River, part of a plantation called Old Town. His grants
comprised about 1760 acres in Bristol Parish, 50 acres in Henrico
Co., and 1973 acres in Prince George on Moccasoneck Creek and
Nottoway River. The last grant, dated May 7, 1706 was to
"Collo. Robert Bolling." His first grant was in
1682 to "Robert Bolling, Gent."
there is in the Virginia State Library an old
volume of the laws of Virginia known as "Purvise's
Collection," which once belonged to Robert. A fly
leaft contaiins an entry which gives the dates of his birth and
arrival in Virginia as they appear on his tomb, and
continues, "& in the year 75 married Jane the daughter
of Thomas Rolfe, gent, by whom he had one son, John Bolling, born
ye 26th day of Jan'y 1676. She dying [in 1676-Bolling
Memoirs] he married a second venture Anne ye daughter of
Major John Stith in ye year 1681, by whom he hath Robt Bolling
born Jan ye 25th 1686, ditto Stith Bolling Borne March ye 28th
1686, ditto Edward Bolling borne ye first day of October 1687,
ditto Ann Bolling borne ye 22d of July 1690, ditto Drury Bolling
borne ye 21st day of June 1695, ditto Thomas Bolling borne ye
30th day of March 1697-8 & Agnes Bolling borne ye 30th
November 1700, and that god almighty may bless these blessings
shall be the continuall prayer of their father Robt
Bolling."
A genealogy of the descendants of Robert
Bolling, eldest son of the second marriage is given Slaughter's History
of Bristol Parish. This branch, though always
prominent, does not come within the scope of the present
account. A carefully prepared and complete account of the
descendants of the second marriage of Col. Bolling, would be a
valuable addition to Virginia genealogy, especially if
illustrated by the splendid collection of family portraits.
The Petersburg branch, like their cousins of the other line, have
a portrait of the emigrant, and it is believed of every
generation from him to the present time.
As Dr. Slaughter did not give any of the
offices held by the younger branches of the family it may be well
to add them here. Robert Bolling, Burgess for Prince George
at the sessions of May 1723, May 1723, May 1726, and May
1730. Alexander Bolling Burgess for Prince George at the
sessions of March 1756, Sept. 1756, April 1757, March 1758, March
1758, Sept. 1758, Nov. 1758, Feb. 1759, Nov. 1759, March, May and
October 1760, March 1761, Nov. 1766, and March 1767. Robert
Bolling Burgess for Dinwiddie at the sessions of March 1756,
Sept. 1756, April 1757, March 1758, Nov. 1761, Jan. 1762, March
1762, Nov. 1762, May 1763, Jan 1764, Oct 1764, May 1765, Nov.
1766, March 1767, May 1769, Nov. 1769, Feb. 1772, March 1773, and
May 1774.
Col. Robert and Jane 3 (Rolfe) Bolling had
issue:
I. - John 4, born Jan. 27, 1676, died April 20, 1729,
married Dec. 1697, Mary Kennon.
I. - Major John 4 Bolling of "Cobbs," Henrico Co. (now
Chesterfield; born Jan. 27, 1676, died at "Cobbs" April
20, 1729; married, December 1697 (License dated Dec. 29th - Henrico
Records), Mary, daughter of Richard Kennon, of
"Conjurer's Neck," Henrico Co. (now Chesterfield).
John Bolling, who from his rank in the
Henrico militia was sytled Major John Bolling, "devoted
himself," says the Bolling Memoirs,* "to
commerce. He had a gay, lively, penetrating spirit.
He lived at Cobbs, on Appomattox River, where he received all the
profits of an immense trade with the Indians, and enjoyed at the
same time all the pleasures of Society; for which never was there
a person better formed."
_________________________________________________________________
*
Robert Bolling of "Chellowe", Buckingham County, wrote
in French, about 1764, "A Memoir of a Portion of the Bolling
Family, of England and Virginia". It remained in
manuscript until 1868, when a handsome edition, a translrtion,
was published by the well kuown Virginia Antiquary, the late
Thomas H. Wynne. Mr. Wynne added many notes and obtained
the permission of Mr. Thomas Bolling, ower of a long series of
Bolling portraits to have them photographed for
reporduction. The book contains the following
portraits" (1) Col. Robert Bolling, the emigrant; (2) John
Bolling, the son; (3) Mary Kennon wife of John Bolling; (4) John
Bolling, Jr.; (5) Elizabeth Blair, wife of John Bolling, Jr.; (6)
Thomas Bolling, son of John Jr.; (7) Betty Gay, wife of Thomas
Bolling; (8) Richard Randolph, of "Curls"; (9) Jane
Bolling, his wife; (10) Richard Randolph, Jr., of
"Curls"; (11) Ann Meade, his wife; (12) William Bolling
of "Bolling Hall"; (13) Mary Randolph, his wife; (14)
Anne Meade Bolling, daughter of William Bolling; (15) Portrait of
a minister called "Rev. Hugh Blair"; as there was no
such person in Virginia, the subject of this portrait is no doubt
Rev. James Blair, President of William and Mary College, and
uncle of the wife of John Bolling, Jr.; (16) Judge John
Robertson. The originals of all these portraits, except the
last, are now owned by Mr. Richard Bolling, who also has another
portrait of Betty (Gay) Bolling, with two children; of a
"Captain Bolling", of U.S. Senate or Thomas Bolling
Robertson, of Louisiana, and of Richard and John Morris, of
Hanover Co., VA. All of Mr. Bollings portraits have for a
number of years been loaned to the Virginia Historical
Society. When Mr. Wynne, obtained permission to reproduce
the portraits for publication, it is stated that he has very fine
water-color copies made and these were photographed for his
book. A comparison shows that these portrais were admirably
copied. The photographic negatives of all of these
portraits are now the property of Mr. H. P. Cooke, photographer,
Richmond, Va. Other portraits of members of this branch of
the Bolling family are in existance.
_________________________________________________________________
Besides his business as a merchant Major
Bolling was an extensive planter, and also took an active part in
public affairs. He was a justice of Henrico in 1699, and in
1707, when he is styled Captain. He appears to have lived
in Charles City County in early life, as there is recorded in
Henrico, a deed, dated August 1697, from Bartholomew Fowler,
gent., of James City Co., to John Bolling, gent., of Charles City
Co., conveying 100 acres in Henrico called Varina. It is
believed that John Bolling was already in possession of land here
inherited from his ancestor John Rolfe.
Major John Bolling was a member of the House
of Burgesses for Henrico County at the sessions of October 1710,
Nov. 1711, Jan. 1712, Oct 1712, Nov. 1713, Nov. 1714, April 1718,
May 1723, and may 1726 (Col. Va. Register).
"Cobbs" is on the left bank of the
Appomattox in the County of Chesterfield. It is on quite a
high bluff just below a bend in the river. Several wooded
islands in front, the hills of Prince George across the river and
the distant steeples of Petersburg show an extent of view which
explains why John Bolling chose it as a plalce to build his
home. The house at "Cobbs," a large frame
building was destroyed by fire years ago. A rather crude
drawing of it has been preserved.
In the fields near the house site fragments
of wine bottles lettered "J. Bolling Cobbs," and
"T. Bolling Cobbs" have been ploughed up. All the
old tombs have been destroyed.
The will of John Bolling was dated April 29,
1727, and proved in Henrico October 1729. He gives his wife
Mary the plantation called Cobbs, (600 acres) which he lived on,
for her life; also his household stuff stock of horses, cattle,
& c. & c. To "Mr. John Fleming who lately
married my daughter Mary," 1207 acres over against Licking
[Licking Hole Creek, now in Goochland], five acres, and a sum of
money. States that he promised a portion of 430 (english
pounds) to his daughter Mary. To his daughter Elizabeth
Bolling 1200 acres adjoining the land given to John Fleming, and
200 (english pounds) in money. Gives land at Flat Creek,
and certain slaves to be divided between his daughters Martha and
Ann. To his grandson Richard Randolph 100 (english
pounds). All remainder of estate to his son John.
Major John and and Mary Bolling had issue:
+2. I. - John 5, b. Jan. 20, 1700; d. Sept. 6, 1757; married (I)
Elizabeth, Lewis, Gloucester Co. she d. s. p., marrried (II) Aug.
1, 1728, Elizabeth Blair.
+3. II. - Jane 5, born 1703, died 1766; married Col. Richard
Randolph, of "Curles," Henrico County.
+4. III. - Mar 5 born 1711, died Aug. 10, 1744; married Jan. 20,
1747, Col. John Fleming, of Goochland County. See
"Fleming Family," p. II. (She is called "2d
daughter" in Fleming Bible).
+5. IV. - Elizabeth 5, born 1709 ( ), died -; married Dr. William
Gay, of Henrico and Chesterfield counties.
+6. V. - Martha 5, born 1713, died October 23d, 1749, married in
1727 ( ) Thomas Eldridge, of Henrico and Sussex Counties.
+7. VI. - Anne 5, born __, died 1800 married James Murray of
"Athol Braes,' Amelia County.
2. JOHN 5 BOLLING, of "Cobbs", was born Jan. 20, 1700
and died September 6, 1757. He married (1) Elizabeth,
daughter of John Lewis, of "Warner Hall", Gloucester
County, who died shortly afterwards without issue; and (2) on
Aug. 1, 1728, Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Archibald Blair, of
Williamsburg, and niece of Rev. James Blair, D. D.,
President of William and Mary College. She is stated in the
Bolling Bible record to have married secondly _____ Bland, and
died April 22, 1775.
Col. John Bolling (his rank in the
Chesterfield militia) inherited a large property from his father
and himself, added greatly to the estate. His son states in
the Bolling Memoirs that he was for thiry years a Burgess, and
for a long time before his death Commander of the Chesterfield
militia and a Justice of the County Court.
During his father's life-time John Bolling
lived on some of the family lands in Goochland County, and was a
member of the House of Burgesses for that County at the session
of February 1727-28. He was Burgess for Henrico at the
sessions of May 1742, November 1744, Feb. 1745, July 1746, March
1747, October 1748, and April 1754, and for Chesterfield County
Feburary 1752, November 1753, February 1754, August 1754, October
1754, May 1755, August 1755, October 1755, March 1756, September
1756, and April 1757.
The will of "John Bolling of the parish
of Dale and County of Chesterfield, gentleman", was dated
Sept. 4, 1749 and proved in 1757. He gave his wife
Elizabeth, for her life, all his lands in Chesterfield and
Henrico, except the land at the Point, where"John Bollling's
warehouses" (tobacco warehouses) were situated, also the use
of all negroes on said plantations, also his plantation in
Goochland called Bolling's Island, over against Rock Castle low
grounds; also six other negroes; also the use of all his plate
with full power to bequeath said plate to such of his children as
she might choose, also all his household stuff, stocks of
horses, cattle, etc., on said plantations.
To his son Thomas that part of his land in
Goochland called Licking Hole, lying above Licking Hole Creek.
To his son John the rest of the Licking Hole
tract, also the mill on Beaver Dam Creek in Goochland, also all
the land he (the testator) had on said creek, also the reversion
(after his wife's death) of all his lands and houses in
Henrico County on James River.
To son Robert all his lands on Willlis's
Creek, and at Totere, or near the Seven Islands; also a small
tract called Duguid's, and all his surveys, orders and entries of
land above the same, and also all his entries on Rock Island
Creek in Albemarle County.
To his son Edward all his lands in Lunenburg
County on the branches of Falling River, 5000 acres, also his
lands on roanoke River or Butcher Creek, also the reversion of
his lands south of James River and north of Appamottox River,
also his lands called Buffalo Lick on both sides of James River,
and his entries, not patented, above Possum Creek.
To his daughter Anne Bolling so much money as
will make the legacy given her by her aunt Ann Whiting amount to
500 (english pounds). To daughter Sarah Bolling so much
money as will make her legacy from the same person amount to 500
(english pounds). The slaves given to his wife are after
her death to be euqlly divided between his sons. States
that as his son Thomas may claim a legacy given him by his
(Thomas') Aunt Whiting, declares that whatever is given Thomas by
this will is in lieu of said legacy. Friend Peter Randolph
and son Thomas Bolling executors. Codicil dated Sept. 4,
1757. Gives his son Archibald 1200 acres in Bedford County
on the brances of Rock Island Creek; to nephew Bolling Eldridge
400 acres at the same place, and also gives to son Archibald all
the land called buffalo Lick formerly devised to Edward.
Reduces legacies to daughters Anne and Sarah to 400 (english
pounds) each.
The Bolling Memoris gives some farther
details in regard to the will. It states that Thomas was
given three-fourths of the Licking Hole plantation and Bolling's
Island [which John Randolph of Roanoke said was as rich as any
land on earth]; to John the other part of Licking Hole, a
plantation in Goochland called Moulin, the Varina and Henrico
tracts in Henrico County, and also a small tract in Chesterfield
(where John, the legatee, lived at the time of his death); to
Robert, a plantation ("Chellowe") near Willis's
Mountain, another on James River near the Seven Islands and a
small tract called Totere's, a league from the last towards the
source of Willis's River; to Edward the plantations at Falling
River, Butcher's River and Roanoke River, the house at
"Cobbs" a tract on Swift Creek, the tobacco warehouses
in Pocahontas (opposite Petersburg), a tract called the Old Town,
also in Chesterfield, and all the land Col. Bolling possessed in
Amherst County (which might amount to 6000 acres); to Archibald
the part of Buffalo Lick tract which was in Bedford County,
together with the Rock Island tract, 40,000 acres in all, and
to his widow, during her life, Cobbs, Old Town, Varina,
Swift Creek, Bolling's Island and about 40 slaves, the rest of
the salves, about 150 in number being legally divided between his
sons,
Col. John 5 and Elizabeth (Blair) Bolling had
issue;
+8. I. Thomas 6, born July 7, 1735, died August 7, 1804; married
Elizabeth Gay.
+9. II. John 6, born June 24, 1737, died 179_, married Martha
Jefferson.
+10. III. Robert 6, born August 17, 1738, died 1769, married (1)
Mary Burton; (2) Susan Watson.
11. IV. Mary 6, born July 6, 1744, died __, married 1761, Richard
Bland, Jr., of "Jordans," Prince George County.
It is singular that she is not named in her father's will.
12. V. Edward 6, born Sept. 9, 1746, died Aug. 10, 1770,
unmarried. His will, in which he styles himself "of
Chesterfield County", was dated July 13, 1769 and proved in
Amherst Co., Oct. 1st 1770. He gave his brothers Thomas and
John Bolling his plantation called Falling River; to his brother
Robert Bolling his plantation called Buffalo Lick on the north
side of James River, and also 7 negroes; to brother Archibald
Bolling his plantation called Old Town and also his
warehouses at Pocahontas and lots at Bermuda Hundred; to his
sister Mary Bland, a negro woman Joan and all her children except
Louisa; to sister Tazewell 100 (english pounds); to sister Anne
Bolling his negro woman Louisa; to Cousin Bolling Eldridge, a
negro man; to friend Richard Kidder Meade his man Jack and rest
of estate to brother Archibald.
13. VI. Sarah 6, born June 16, 1748, died __; married Judge John
Tazewell (for descendants, see Robertson's "Pocahontas and
Her Descendants".
14. VII. Archiblad 6, born March 20, 1749-50, died __; married
(1) in 1770, Sarah Cary; (2) Feb. 1774, Jane Randolph; (3) Mrs.
Clark, a widow.
15. VIII. Anne 6, born Feb. 7, 1752, died __; married William
Dandridge. For descendants, see Robertson's "Pocahontas and
Her Descendants".