We received an intriguing comment the other day about the Ballards who settled in Stafford , Richmond, Essex and other nearby counties in Virginia.  We’ve never been satisfied with our work there (there’s so much more to study), and fully intended to re-visit the records in that part of the Commonwealth, particularly the research as it relates to what we consider the “weakest link” in most genealogies that trace their lineage from that union — the assumption that the William Ballard who was married to Philadelphia _________ was a son of Thomas Ballard of James City County, which we believe to be in error.

The note below makes a credible case that the father of Bland Ballard of Spotslylvania County (and Thomas and John of Albemarle and Richard of Bedford County) is a Thomas Ballard who settled in Stafford County with connections to Maryland, and that Bland’s grandfather was the Thomas Ballard who built the house at Marlborough, and that his son, Thomas, married Mary, the widow of James Mann, and that Mary was the daughter of a Margaret Bland who settled in Maryland c. 1670.

This is a great article on Thomas Ballard. Thank you for writing it. I think I can add to it. If I’m not mistaken DNA testing shows the Ballards of York Co. Va. and Ballards of Stafford Co. Va. not kin.

According to Maryland immigration records by Skordas a number of Ballards, Elzeys, Blands and Manns came to MD in 1670’s and many crossed into VA. after end of Bacon’s Rebellion. A Thomas Ballard came to MD in 1676. No further record. Then a Thomas Ballard, “Junr.” and a William Ballard appear in Stafford Co. VA. by 1682 according to Sparacio’s abstracts. Research there has been problematic due to record destruction during Civil War. Plus the Overwharton Parish lost its founding records.

Some Stafford colonial record books somehow survived the Yankee sack on the courthouse. Thomas Ballard and William Ballard built the small house at Marlborough according to “The Cultural History of Marlborough, Virginia”, by Watkins. The Ballards who later migrated to nearby Richmond Co. VA. and Essex Co. VA. seem to come from this original Thomas & William.

I think there were two Thomas Ballards.

The later one, son of either Thomas or William, I think was born circa 1684. This younger Thomas Ballard was the second husband of the widow Mary Mann. I will give more on her in the following. This Thomas Ballard stated in the Rich. Co. court order book that he was “Thomas Ballard of Stafford County” in 1707. He was involved in much litigation in Essex Co. His second wife was a Sarah and they later moved to Spotsylvania Co. VA. The elder Thomas Ballard, it would seem, stayed in Stafford Co. His apparent sons had moved to adjacent counties. He bequeathed the little house to his godson David Waugh and Waugh later conveyed it to Mason, as you well-know.

Thomas Ballard, Sr. moved to the part of Stafford Co. on Neabsco Creek that is today Prince William Co. According to the tax list he died there at Neabsco about 1722. This area bordered Spotsylvania Co. so kin were never that far away. The Thomas Ballard who married Mary I think is son of Thomas who moved to Neabsco Creek. In 1705 Thomas Ballard, Mary Ballard, Jos. Waugh and Thomas Elzey and others were at the house of James Mann, deceased, to appraise his estate in Stafford Co. Also there was a John Gowry.

That Mary’s maiden name was Elzey seems logical but I have another suggestion. Thomas Ballard and Mary named their first son Bland Ballard. Bland later owned land in Spotsylvania Co. VA. I will show an indirect connection to Blands who lived nearby. Let me summarize what I believe is Mary’s origin.

In 1670 a Margaret Bland came to MD. Then by 1674 an Ursulah Bland came to MD. James Mann also owned land in MD before moving over the river to VA. James Mann was born 1649 according to a deposition. His first wife was a daughter of Henry Thompson who left a will in 1691 in Stafford Co. VA. He married second Mary. James Mann was a judge in Stafford Co. Bear with me as I will try to tie all of this chaos together. James Mann also served on a jury with Theodorick Bland in Stafford Co.

James Mann had only two known children by Mary. The girls named in his will in 1705 were Margaret and Ursulah. When Mary later married Thomas Ballard they named their first son Bland Ballard. James Mann also owned land on Neabsco Creek, coincidentally the same place where Thomas Ballard, Sr. would move to after leaving Marlborough. This tract on Neabsco was willed to his daughters Margaret and Ursulah. Their mother Mary appears to have been the illegitimate daughter of Margaret Bland who came to MD in 1670—but that’s another story.

Thomas Ballard, II, moved from Essex Co. to Spotsylvania Co. Thomas Elzey also owned land in Spotsylvania. Thomas Ballard died there by 1755. I descend through Thomas son John Ballard who moved to bordering Albemarle Co. Va. leaving a will there in 1780. John also named a son Bland Ballard.

Let’s look at what we can find about this.  References are as found in various Internet sites such as Rootsweb.

Mann Immigrants to Virginia.

A Henry Man appears in a certificate filed 12 June 1665, who may have been the father of James Mann.  This may be more than a coincidence, because James named a son Henry (which we will get to in due course).

Lancaster County Court 12th of June 1665
– Certificate accordinge to Acte is granted unto William Neasum for the transportacon of Margery, his Wife. Michaell Willington, Richard Stephens, Will: Parr. Susan Furnell, Edward Tisoo, Roger Sidwell, Robert Scissen, Will: Percifull, Jo: Ashford, Hen: Man, Eliz: Killinghorne, Susan Loatt & Philip Sutton into this Country.  Lancaster County Deeds & Wills 1661-1666; Antient Press; Page 345.

We have much more research to do here.

Mann Immigrants in Maryland.

A list of Mann (Man) immigrants can easily be viewed using a database maintained by the Archives of Maryland that lists individual settlers named in the Maryland land patent volumes from 1633 to 1683, and a land warrant volume from 1681 to 1685.  It combines Gust Skordas’ Early Settlers of Maryland and Dr. Carson Gibb’s The New Early Settlers of Maryland (references are omitted; please consult the database).

• Edward Man (Mann) of Talbot County, by 1676 transported himself, Jno., his son, & Jno. Shanck, Jno. Sharpe,* Jno. Roberts, Jno. Tossall; & by 1679 transported Luce, his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter and Jane Whitle.
• Ann Mann, transported by Capt. Ford, in 1663
• Jno. Mann, by 1676 transported by Edward Mann of Talbott County, his father.
• John Mann, of Talbot County, transported himself and John, his son, in 1676

*Note that a Sharpe family was an allied family with the Ballards in King George County, Virginia.

James Mann of Stafford County, Virginia.

James Mann was born c. 1649, according to a deposition recorded in Stafford County on 12 February 1691/2.

The Deposition of James Mann aged about forty & two yeares in a Suite depen dinge between Mr, John Waugh Executr. to ye Estate of Henry Thompson deced and Capa. William Downinge in an action of Debt due by Accompt from ye said Capa. Downinge to ye Estate of ye said Henry Thompson who deposeth & saith that not longe before ye death of ye said Henry Thompson yor Depont beinge an his house when hee desired to come to Accompt wth Mr. Downinge and there did appeare to bee due to him upon ye ballance from ye said summe of foure thousand four hundred & eight pounds of Tobacco wch ye said Mr. Downinge did then not disowne and further saith not as Wittness my hande.  Juratt in Curia Febry 12th 1691/2 James Mann
then recorded further the Depont deposeth that Capa. Downinge went away immediately because that Henry Thompson would not allow him for a year accommodacion.  Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1689 – 1693; The Antient Press, p. 227a

He is believed to have been the owner of a plantation in Charles County, Maryland (in what is now Prince George’s County, which was organized 1696) called Fortune, acquired by patent dated 2 April 1685, Recorded Liber 22, folio 266.  Additional work is needed to determine if we can find a record of its sale.

If this is the same James Mann, he may have been living in Stafford County by 1690, when on 13 November 1690 he was ordered to pay eighty pounds of Tobacco to John Toney and Eleanor Fletcher for two days attendance for a lawsuit between him and John Mathews.

Court held 13th November 1690. Ordered that James Mann shall make payment of the sum of eighty pounds of Tobacco to John Toney and Eleanor Fletcher the wife of James Fletcher the sum of eighty pounds of Tobacco per peece for their attendance two days at Court in a suit depending between him and John Mathews with costs.  Stafford County, Virginia Order Book, Page 111.

We know James had three children: Henry, Margaret and Ursula.  We know of Henry from the 23 October 1691 will of Henry Thompson leaves a bequest to Henry Man (Mann), son of James Mann.   Margaret and Ursula are named in James’ will dated 11 April 1705; since Henry is not named, presumably Henry pre-deceased him.  Note that the will of Henry Thompson names Thomas Elzey, Snr and Thomas Elzey, Jr, who are close associates of Thomas Ballard of Stafford County.

Will of Henry Thompson

In the name of God Amen. I Henry Thompson of Stafford County Gentl, beinge sicke of body but of sounde & pfect memory the Lord & praise be to Allmighty God doe make & nominate this my last Will and Testament in manner & forme followinge

Impmis. I committ my body to ye Earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner & my Soull to God Allmighty who gave it in certaine hope of a joy-full resurreccon to eternall life, first of all my worldly Estate be it whatsoever may bee found I hereby appoint my trustie friende John Waugh Clarke, my whole & sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament

Imprimis I devise & bequeath three hundred acres of land lyeinge & beinge upon Pohicke Creeke to bee equallie divided between Rich: & Alexr. Waugh, Sons of John Waugh abovesaid to them and their heires for ever.

Also I give bequeath that plantacon & tract of land at Cock Pitt Poynt to Ann Waugh Daughter to John Waugh abovesaid & to ye heires of her body begott & for want of such to Richd. & Alexr.  Waugh abovesaid & to ye heires of their bodies, I alsoe give & bequeath that tract & Evident of land Iyeinge upon Powells Run containinge about three hundred acres unto ye three Eldest Sonns now liveinge of John Simpson in Ocouia [Aquia] Creeke Scotchman to them & their heires for ever.

I Will and bequeath two Rings a Mourninge Ringeh wth ye posie (prepare as follow), & ye other wth ye posie (My love to ye shall Endless bee) these two abovesaid I devise and give to Eliza, Wife of John Waugh abovesaid, Likewise I will and Bequeath to Mary Williams now resideinge upon this Plantacon my horse Turk wth bridle & Saddle & two thousand poundes of good Tobacco to bee instantley & conveniently paid her after my decease.

I give & Will to Henry Man Son of James Man two young Heifers two yeares old

Item l give to Mr. Robert Colle one barren Cow and what Sows 1 have now pastureinge upon this Plaantacon.

Item I give to Mr, Colles one Cow Mare & one Steal- of three yeares old runninge on Edward Holmes Plantacon next Springe

Item I give & bequeath to William Hurdy my gunne & small chest

Item 1 give will &devise to ye Church of Stafford Church ten £1 pounds Sterl to bee by ye Minister & Church Wardens laid out in plate for ye Blessed Sacramt & other necessaries for ye Service of God & ornament of ye abovesaid Church att ye head of Potomack Creeke

Item l give and bequeath to Thomas Kemp what Tobacco he is indebted to me & one pott & one fryinge pan

Item I give & bequeath to Patrick Hume my Horse named Tobie branded “DM”

Item I give and devise to John Gowry one beaver hatt light colored stuffe mans coate & pr of plush breeches

Item unto John Simpson Scotchman abovesaid one Broad Cloth co ate darke coloured, one pair of frieze breeches

Item I give to Thomas Elzey Junr one halfe of my bookes and ye other halfe I give to ye Wife of Mr. Robert Colles,

Item I give to WM. (blank) one serge Coate, one prof leather drawers, one prof shoes, one prof stockings seven yards of blew linnen.

I further give to John Simpson abovesd one Horse named Spete branded wth ye figure upon ye shoulder

Item I will & bequeath to Joseph Henson one Semiter with a black hilt

Item I give & bequeath to Thomas Elzey Senr. one case of Pistolls & holsters & one semiter wth a place hilt & heft belongings to it wth plate buckles

Item I give & Will to Capa. George Mason my Cane with a Silver head

Item I will & desire that one large Seale ringe off twentie shillings price be delivered to Joseph ye Son of John Waugh abovesaid

item I give to Richard Martyne one Mare wch I bought of James Gallaway branded with three brands

In Wittness whereof I sett my hande & Seale this twenty third day of October 1691 In presence of Robert Colles, Hen. Thompson, John Gowry, Mary Williams

The above said Will of ye aforesaid Henry Thompson was sufficiently proved in Court by Mr John Waugh Clerke Exror appointed & nominated in ye said Will on ye oathes of Robert Colles, John Gowry & Mary Williams Wittnesses to ye said Will Subscribed on ye 13th day of November 1691 and was then recorded

Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1689 – 1693; The Antient Press, pp. 219A-220

James Mann obtained a land grant of 203 acres between the lines of Col. William Fitzhugh, David Anderson, and Mr. Motts on 4 March 1699/1700.  Northern Neck Grants No. 2, 1694-1700, p. 310-311 (Reel 288).  James Mann acquired 150 acres at the head of Potomac Creek on 10 December 1703, and on his death he devised this land to his two daughters, Margaret and Ursula.  We learn of its disposition years later, when in 1741 his daughter Ursula is joined by her husband William Gregsby to sell her 75 acres to John Foley, Jr., who was married to Ursula’s sister Margaret.  In 1741 the land was in Prince William County.

To all Christian People .. this 10th day Decr. 1703 .. Now Know ye I George Monk of St.. Pauls Parish in Stafford County for consideration of 10,000 pounds of everyway well conditioned Tobo. in cask in hand paid by James Mann of Overwharton Parish in the county aforesaid .. do sell unto James Mann a parcel of land contd. 150 acres lying the head of Potomack Creek & being one half of 300 acres George Lilles {Lyles} purchased of Mr. Robert Alexander Son & heir of John Alexander & by my Father James Monk purchased of said Lilies by deed dated 1683 and acknowledged in Stafford Court the 30th day October 1683 & descending unto me by being Son & heir to my Father .. Presence Joseph Sumner, George Monk, Joshua Davis.  At a Court held 14th Decr 1704, George Monk in person acknowledged this safe of land to James Mann and the same ordered to be recorded & truly recorded.  Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1699 – 1709; The Antient Press pp. 251-252

This Indenture made the tenth and eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & forty between William Gregsby of the Parish of Overwharton in the County of Stafford Planter & Ursley his Wife of one part and John Foley Junr. of the same Parish & County Planter of other part Witnesseth that the said William Gregsby & Ursley his Wife for sum of Ten pound:, of Current money have sold unto the said John Foley in his actual possession now being by vertue of Bargain & Sale to him made for one year and by force of the Statute for transferring uses into possession all that parcel of land being upon the Branches of Neapsco in the County of Prince William containing in the whole seventy five acres of land being part of a Patent of one hundred & fifty acres of land granted unto John Wallis bearing date the ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred ninety & eight and by the said John Wallis sold unto James Mann by an Assignment endorsed on the back of the said Patent bearing date the eleventh day of November 1695, as in & by the same duly Recorded on the Records of Stafford County which said one hundred & fifty acres of land the said James Mann by his last Will & Testament in Writing did give & bequeath unto his Daughters Margaret & Ursley Mann which said Ursley is now wife of the said William Gregsby party to these presents as in & by the said Will now remaining amongst the Records of Stafford County, Beginning at a white Oak on a Ridge in Thomas Gregs line & so runing along according to the several courses of the said Patent, Together with all houses & privileges To Have and To Hold the said land and premises aforsd unto said John Foley his heirs and assignes for ever In Witness whereof the said William Grigsby and Ursley his Wife have set their hands & Seals, in presence of Val, Peyton, William Grigsby, John Peyton Ursley V. Grigsby.
At a Court held for Prince William County May the 25th 1741, William Gregsby & Ursley his Wife, she being first privately Examined. acknowledged this Lease and Release to be their act and deed and it was admitted to Record.  Prince William County, Virginia Deeds, The Antient Press: Liber E; 1740 – 1741; pp 263-267

James Mann left a will dated 2 April 1705 and recorded 11 April 1705 in Stafford County, Virginia (Stafford Co. Va. Will Book 1699-1709, pp. 260-61) in which he devises his estate to his children Margaret and Ursula and his wife Mary, who was appointed his sole Executrix.  It appears his son Henry pre-deceased him.

Will of James Mann.

I James Mann of Overwharton Parish of Stafford County in the Colony of Virga. being sick & weak of body .. do hereby devise and bequeath all and singular my Estate to be equally divided between my wife & children & to the heirs of Margaret and Urusula Mann and to the performauce of that devise touching all my lands Tenements & hereditament.

I freely devise & bequeath the same to them to the only proper use benefit & behoof of the said Margt. & Ursula Mann in as full large & ample manner as Joint Tenants by the Laws of England ought to have hold & enjoy the some and 1 do hereby make my loving wife Mary my sole Executrx. .. this 2d day April 1705.  Presence Jos. Sumner, Arthur Jackson, John Waugh Junr., Edward Turberville, James Mann John Waugh
At a Court held 11th April 1705 This Will was proved ., and order for pro-bate thereof granted to Mary Mann Executrix mentioned in said will & the will ordered to be recorded & was recorded.

Within the year, Mary (____________) Mann married Thomas Ballard, as evidenced by these records in the Richmond County, Virginia Order Books.

Richmond County Court 3d of April 1706.

– The action brought by Thomas Ballard and Mary his Wife, Exrx. of James Man, late of Stafford County, deced, vs. Danll. McCarty is dismist the Plts. not prosecuting
– The sumons by Scire Facias brought by Thomas Ballard and Mary his Wife, Exrx. of James Man, late of Stafford County, deced., vs. Danll. McCarty is dismist, the Plts. not prosecuting

1705-1706 Richmond Co Va. Order Book 4; The Antient Press: (Page 151)

James Mann and Mary _________ had issue:

Margaret, who is believed to have married John Foley (based on the records above) and had issue: 1. Catherine; 2. James; 3. John; 4. Mary.

Henry, who likely died before 1705.

Ursula, who is believed to have married (1) John Allen and (2) William Grigsby, and had issue (Grigsby): 1. John; 2. Richard; 3. Alice; 4. William; 5. Margaret Ursula; 6. Letitia; 7. Anne.

Know all men .. I Ursula Allen wife of John Allen of county Stafford have assigned & in my stead constituted my trusty and well beloved friend Nathl. Pope Clerk of Stafford County to be my true & lawfull attorney to acknowledge in Stafford County Court a certain tract of land granted by sale by my Husband to Lewis Renoe of same county 9th day March 1705 .. to acknowledge in Court my right of dower of said land 7th day June 1707.  Presence John Harr, Wm. Allen Ursula x Allen  At a Court held 11th day June 1707 The within power of attorney was proved .. ordered to be recorded is recorded.  Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1699 – 1709; The Antient Press pp. 372-373

An Inventory of the Estate of John Allen March the 30th 1709 .. items listed valued and totalled 6420 .. signed by Ursula Allen .. appraised by George Mason Junr., James X Butler his mark.
This was Exhibited into Court the 13th day of April 1709 .. by oath of Ursula Allen wch is ordered to be recorded and is recorded.  Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1699 – 1709; The Antient Press pp. 464-465

The Elzey Family

Who was the Thomas Elzey who witnessed several transactions with Thomas and Mary Ballard, and was an associate of James Mann?

Elzey is a name closely associated with the Ballard family in Somerset County, Maryland.  That Elzey family is believed to descend from a John Ellzey who left a will dated 23 September 1633 and proven 12 November 1633 in Southampton County, England.  The will names his wife Joan, his sons Arnold, Thomas and the “undutiful and ungracious son Henrie”; his daughter Elizabeth Bennett, and his grandchildren John and Arnold, the sons of his son Arnold.  Curiously, though stated to be underage, his grandson John is named the executor.

Will of John Ellzey, 23 September 1633, Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 12 November 1633, PROB 11/164/568.

In the name of God Amen I John Ellzey of the towne and countie of Southampton merchant being at this present through infirmities not well in my bodie but sound and perfect in my understanding senses and mynd doe first and chiefly bequeath my soule unto Allmyghty God beseeching his divine mercy to be mercifull unto mee for all my offenses committed in my whole life tyme which I trust assured he to obtaynee onelie by the death and passion of my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ wholly relying upon his merritts and ———- all deeds or thoughts that in all my sinfull life may clayme any interest towards my salvation ffurther renouncing all other interssions or Advocates but onely by Jesus Christ the righteous acknowledgeing before God and the world that I am fully and absolutely settled in the religion now professed within the kingdome of England and France by the Saviour in good order established in the church within the said kingdome If it shall please God in this my sicknes to take mee out of this case of misery I committ my bodie unto the earth to be interred within the Chancell or Church of Holy Crosse and for personall Estate I doe bequeath in manner and forme following

To pay my funerall and debts Imprimis my ffunerall and debts being paid and defrayed to by a note left and Sealed up together with this my last will and Testament I doe find that by my estimate and envalued by my self my said personall estate to amount unto sixteene hundred fortie two pounds eleaven shillings all debts and charges being paid defussed and I doe ordayne constitute and appoint my welbeloved and deere grandchild John Ellzey now the younger to bee absolutely and intirely my Executor and if it ——- the said child to dye during his minority then I doe ordaine and Constitue Arnold Ellzey his ffather and Arnold Ellzey his sonne to bee I—- Executors or the Survivor of the elder of them to see this my last Will and Testament performed

Item I doe bequeath unto my wife Joane the sume of three score and six pounds thirteene shillings and fourteen pence and to have her maintenance of dress lodgeing and house—ing during her naturall life and for apparell I think shee hath inough during her life provided shee give a just and true inventorie of all her household stuffe to which are under her charge To say —— plate bedding ——- woolings rings and other small things of gold brasse copper pewter and all other utensills whatsoever which I have truly rated in grosse and undervalued at two hundred and ffourtie seven pounds or thereabouts

Item I bequeath unto my sonne Thomas Ellzey who although hee hath beene disobedient and —— and other ———- in marrying without my consent and s—- the ——ing of this my last will and by a peremptory letter of threatening especially of a certayne house or tenement which I sould and which paid for the same passing it in a legall manner by –aye and recovery before Sir Thomas ffleming knight and Richard Dryton gent being nominated and appoynted for that purpose notwithstanding I give him the some of ffortie pounds and also a lycence for keeping of a taverne within the towne and countie of Southampton which legacy in money to bee paid him soe soone as my debts to Treble that value shall be recovered in

Item I bequeath unto my undutifull and ungracious sonne henrie the some of tenne pounds.

I bequeath unto my sonne Arnold Ellzey the some of one hundred pounds and unto his sonne the child Arnold the some of ffiftie pounds if neither of them prove Executors within the terme of two years after my death.

Item I bequeath unto Elizabeth Benett daughter unto Elizabeth Bennett my daughter a diamond ring cutt Lo-ingay wise

And to my sonne Thomas Ellzey a great —— ring.

And unto my wife a paire of Brace letts of gold which are in my said wifes custodie.

Item and bequeath unto the poore of Hollinwood parish the someof fortie shillings. And unto the poore of St. Lawerence where I was borne the some of twentie shillings. Item I bequeath unto the four ministers within this township some of twentie shillings apeece and unto the preacher that shall make my funerall Sermon the some of twentie shillings. Item my intent and desire is that if it shall please Allmightie God to take mee to his mercy in this my languishing desease that the merchandise remayning now in my warehouse and sellers that they bee forthwith or be speedily as may bee sould unto some goodmen that will give most for them with the consent of my Executors in trust they affording reasonable and rather than —— to give three five moneths for the payment and that the debts now oweing unto mee whych where for the most part allready due bee called in if possible without suites of law.

Item that all the legacies comprehended in this my will bee with and duely paid & performed the debts oweing by mee be not first paid and discharged and the debts oweing unto mee being recovered or soe much as will discharge the said legacies except such particulars as are formerly mentioned as that of my sonne Thomas my sonne Henrie the poore of Hollinwood and St Lawerence parish and the Ministers All which are most convenient to bee presently paid

And in the interim my desire is that my poore family vizt my wife if shee live unmaryed my sonne Arnold his wife and two children with a servant or two ———— to attend remayne and keepe together att a proportionable expenses according unto their legacies every one abateing his charge in the recoverery of the said legacies which principally the highest burdhen will light upon my Executors it is meant that this contynuance shall remayne until the childs minority bee expired and that my sonne Arnold become guardian unto his children provyded they give good security that all such monies as by reason thereof shall come unto his hands bee lett forth either to the towne and Corporation of Southampton at the rate of six per centum or unto such men as the Executors in trust shall find to bee sufficient men and that my said sonne Arnold give such sufficient sureties into the Court of Arches where the will must bee saved that the Executor when hee shall come to age may find his right

And further that if any of the Legaties shall repine threaten or not give a generall acquittance in full satisfaction of such legacies as are hereby given by the Testator for pleasing of the Executors from ——- and all suites of law That then the said legacies soe given shall remayne in the Executors hands And if my expense shall wrise and afterwards the partie conform himself notwithstanding it shall be deducted out of his portion. Item I doe earnestly intreate my worthie good ffriends Mr George Gallop and Mr Edward Exton to undertake the Executorship in trust for performance of this my last will and Testament being a matter of Charity and may hereafter have occaision to make use of thyer friends in the like case

And in token of a remembrance of of my love I doe give unto each of them a peece of Twentie shillings to make them a ring.John Ellzey now whose names are underwritten doe testifie that the twenty third day of September Anno one thousand six hundred thirtie three wee were present at the signing and sealing of this my will. Jas Courtney Mr ? King.

The Maryland Elzey Family

The Elzey genealogy contained in Delmarva Genealogies begins with the John Ellzey who left the will transcribed above.  We’ll provide the first few generations to put them in context.  To see the descent of Charles Ballard, see this link.  The genealogy below presents only the first three generations in America.

1 JOHN ELZEY, merchant of Southampton, England, died 1633, married Joan, widow of _________ Barlow.  She died after 1653, Accomack County, Virginia.  John and Joan were the parents of Arnold.  British Roots of Maryland Families 1799, Old Somerset on the Eastern Shore (OSES): 444.

Second Generation

2 ARNOLD ELZEY, son of John (1) Elzey.  Arnold was father of the following children: 3 JOHN; 4 PETER, born c. 1640.

Third Generation

3 JOHN ELZEY, son of Arnold (2) Elzey, settled in Somerset Co., Md. sometime between 1658 and 1663, died in Somerset Co. May 1663; married Sarah ___________.  Sarah married 1^st John Elzey; married 2^nd Thomas Jordan, married 3^rd Charles Ballard; married 4^th Stephen Lufte.  OSES, citing deeds of Somerset Co. 03:192, 07: 121, 08:77.

In 1653 Ralph Barlowe of Accomack Co. Va. Left his plantation to an unborn child but if the child did not live, it was to go to his kinsman John Ellsey.  He also mentioned his mother Joane Ellsey.  Whitelaw, Virginia’s Eastern Shore: 655.

In 1658 John and Sarah Elzey sold his inheritance in Accomack Co. Va. To William Waters and not long after the Elzey family moved up to Somerset Co. Md.  Whitelaw: 657.  In 1660 1,200 acres in Accomack was patented by John Ellsey which he and his wife Sarah assigned to Thomas Leatherbury three years later.  Whitelaw: 831.

Erlindy was patented on 20 May 1663 by John Elzey for 350 acres.  In 1693 John Elzey gave it to his wife Sarah Elzey.  In 1704 Sarah Elzey sold it to Charles Ballard and Eleanor Ballard.  Land Records of Somerset County, Maryland (SOLR): 151.

John Elzey died at Monakin and was buried at his plantation here May 1663.  Somerset County Land Records, Liber IKL.  John Elzey, Jr., son of John Elzie died and was buried at Manokin 1667.  IKL.

Almodington was patented on 10 November 1663 by John Elzie for 1,000 acres.  It was re-surveyed in 1672 and found to be 1,200 acres.  In 1667 John Elzey devised it to his son Arnold Elzey.  The 1666-1723 rent rolls show it possessed by Capt Arnold Elzey, 1000 acres.  On 17 June 1681 Arnold Elzey sold to Sarah Ballard 300 acres.  On 6 February 1705 Arnold Elzey deeded for the use of Somerset Parish 1 acre.  In 1729/33 will of Arnold Elzey he devised to son John Elzey all lands, and to daughters Sarah Elzey and Elizabeth Elzey, land on Manokin River.  Sarah Elzey died unmarried in 1747.  Elizabeth died without issue 1777/81.  John Elzey died 1777.  Plantation to wife Ann Elzey and son Robert Elzey.  On 3 October 1734 John Elzey sold to Jarvis Ballard or 5 shillings, 300 acres now called Exchange.  On 3 October 1734 Jarvis Ballard sold to John Elzey 300 acres that Arnold Elzey deeded on 17 June 1681 to his mother Sarah Ballard.  After her death land to Jarvis Ballard called Recovery, 300 acres on Goose Creek, being part of a 1,000 acre patent to John Elzey.  SOLR:16

At a court held in Somerset Co. on 3 July 1666, it was determined that there was due unto Peter Elzey by Jno. Elzey, dece’d, 2 cows with calves and one heifer from Charles Ballard, now husband of Sarah the relict and admix. of John Elzey.  Archives of Maryland (ARMD) LIV:625.

At Chancery Court, 12 February 1720/21, Arnold Elzey, age c. 60, stated that before his mother, Sarah Ballard, would give consent that her daughter Sarah Ballard should be married to Randall Revell, Jr., Randall Revell (his father) should alienate and make over to the said Randall, his son, and Sarah Ballard, and their heirs, 500 acres of land which Revell’s father promised to do.  Maryland Chancery Court Records (MCHR) CL:590.

John and Sarah had issue: ARNOLD, born c. 1661; John, died without issue 1667.

4 PETER ELZEY, born c. 1640, died 1716, son of Arnold (2) Elzey, married Mry Bell.  OSES:444.

Peter Elzey and Mary Bell were married by Robert Maddock Clarke 11 November 1672.  IKL.

Arnold Elzey, son of Peter and Mary Elzey, born at Manokin 7 December 1674, died and buried 10 January 1674.  IKL.

Arnold Elzey, the second of that name, son of Peter and Mary Elzey, born at Manokin 2 April 1676.  IKL.

Peter Elzey, son of Peter and Mary Elzey, born 14 February 1678.  IKL.

St. Peters Neck was patented on 2 May 1663 by Peter Elzey for 400 acres.  The rent rolls, 1666-1723, show Peter Elzey owning 750 aces with resurvey lines.  In 1715 Peter Elzey willed to daughters Frances Elzey and Elizabeth Elzey.  On 18 January 1721 William Wallace sold to William Stoughton.  SOLR:359.

Peter Elzey recorded his cattle marks in Somerset Co. in 1666.  Citizens of the Eastern Shore of Maryland (COES): 34.

Chance was patented in 1683 by Peter Elzey for 50 acres.  In 1715 Peter Elzey willed to friend William Wallace.  On 11 September 1779 John Elzey of Sussex Co., Delaware sold to Samuel Smith 50 acres.  SOLR:74.

On 17 September 1687 Peter Elsie patented 150 acres in Somerset Co. called Gladstones’ Adventure and 150 acres called Gladstones’ Choice.  Maryland Land Patents (MPL) 25:300, 301; 33:599, 601.

At Chancery Court, 29 November 1710, Peter Elzey, age c. 71, made a deposition regarding the tract called Almodington.  MCHR PC:699.

Peter Elzey died leaving a will dated 8 October 1715, proved 26 September 1716.  To friend Wm. Wallis of Manokin, Somerset Co., 50 acres, Chance, on Jenkins Creek and tract joining the said 50 acres.  To 2 daughters Frances and Elizabeth, remainder of land in St. Peter’s Neck and 150 acres on Nanticoke River.  Witnessed by John Bosman, Sr., John Talbot, Geo. Feabus, Wm. Merer.  Maryland Will Book (MWB) 14:293.

The inventory of the estate was approved on 28 November 1716.  Signed as next of kin: Arnold Elzey, Charles Ballard.  Maryland Inventories (MINV) 37B:204.

Levin Gale, Judge of the Land Office patented 300 acres in Somerset Co., called Elzey’s Care.  It was surveyed in 1716 by Levin Denwood who conveyed the tract to Frances and Elizabeth Elzey who married respectively Francis Crowder and Lewis Rigby who assigned the same in 1734 to the said Levin Gale.  MPL E13:308.

Peter and Mary were parents of the following children (OSES:444): John; Arnold, died 1674; Arnold, born 1676, died 1716 (left issue); Peter, born 1678; Frances, married Francis Crowder; Elizabeth, married Lewis Rigby (left issue)

***

The Archives of Maryland Early Settler database lists the following members of the Elzey family.  Some entries appear to refer to the same person(s).

• Arnold Elzey, son of John and Sarah Elzey, a minor in 1671
• John Elzey, transported by 1665.
• John Elzey, son of John and Sarah Elzey, died in 1671
• Mr. John Elzey, in Maryland by 1662
• Peter Elzey, brother of John, in Maryland by 1671, when he was 30 years old
• Sarah Elzey, by 1664 relict, first of John Elzey and second of Thomas Jordain; by 1671 wife of Charles Ballard of Somerset County.

***

Virginia Elzey Family

Given that the Thomas Elzey named in the 1633 will of John Ellzey was married at the time of its writing, and assuming he was at least 21 years of age when married, that would put his birthdate circa 1612 – more than 100 years prior to a patent taken by Thomas Elzey in Essex County on 22 January 1717 for 484 acres “on the South side of a branch of the Mattapony River against the head of the hunting run in St. Mary’s Parish.”  Land Office Patents No. 10, 1710-1719, p. 353 (Reel 10).

We need to research the family in Stafford, Essex, Richmond, King George to develop a fuller picture of Thomas’ activities and relationships.  We have already identified those transactions in Stafford that involve his connection with Thomas Ballard, and they appear here.  In each instance where Mary Ballard appears in a record, so too does Thomas Elzey/Ellzie, who we assumed was a likely family member.  He very well could be, but he could equally be a relation of Thomas Ballard as well.

Thomas Elzey left a will dated 19 May 1698, proved 11 November 1698, printed in Tyler’s Quarterly, Vol. 24, pp. 275-276.  Online sources fail to transcribe it; an abstract found online states that it names his wife Jane, sons Thomas, Jr., William and John; daughter Sarah Elzey.

The will of his son Thomas Elzey Jr. dated 10 March 1719/20, proved 10 May 1721 also appears in Tyler’s Quarterly, Vol. 24, pp. 276-77.  Thomas married Isabelle Thomasin, the daughter of Simon Thomasin and Patience ________.  Thomas’ brother William is said to have married Isabelle’s sister Margaret Thomasin.

Bland Family in Maryland and Virginia.

Connections with members of the Bland family in Maryland are, at best, tenuous – but compelling.  Our correspondent noted that James Mann and Mary Ballard named their daughters Margaret and Ursula, which corresponds with a stunning coincidence – that a Margaret Bland arrived in Maryland circa 1671, and an Ursula Bland arrived in Maryland in 1674.

• Henry Bland, transported by 1665.
• Susan Bland, transported 1661
• Thomas Bland, of Calvert County, Gent., transported himself 1672
• Thomas Bland, of Anne Arundel County, rights 1680
• Ursulah Bland, transported 1674
• Margaret Bland (Blan), transported by 1671.

This observation is compounded by a pedigree of the Bland family found in Familiae Minorum Gentium, Vol. II (London: Harleian Society, 1895).  At the top is the following note:

This fine pedigree is compiled from three sources : —

1. Dale’s pedigree inserted in the ‘ Duc. Leod.,’ p. 208 & 584.

2. A pedigree compiled on the basis of Dale with additions to the year 1759. Supposed to be the work of Richard Bland of Scarborough.

3. The information of Mrs. Anna Bland of Sion Hill, by which I was enabled to continue the English part of the family to the year 1820.

The pedigree begins with “Roger Bland of Orton, co. Westmorland, temp. Hen. VIII” and a few pages in includes the Virginia lines, including “Theodorick, eldest son, b. at Westover in Feb. 1663; d. there in Nov. 1700” who married: “Margaret, relict of …. Man.”  Two sons are listed: John, who in turn had two sons, but both died without issue, and Theodorick, who died young.  The father of the Theodorick born at Westover was also Theodorick, died 1671, and married Anna Bennett; her second husband was St. Leger Codd; they removed to Cecil County, Maryland c. 1688.

Pedigrees like these are, at times, notoriously inaccurate.  Given the sources, it is conceivable that children have been left out.  It’s entirely possible that Theodorick Bland (1663-1700) and Margaret _______ Man had a daughter Mary, who married (1) James Mann (a cousin by marriage?), then (2) Thomas Ballard of Stafford County, but if this theory is correct, the compiler of that pedigree across the sea in England did not know anything about her, or didn’t care enough to include her.  Clearly women gained short shrift; all that they knew of Margaret, for example, was that she was the widow (relict) of ________ Man.

Our correspondent’s  argument that Mary _______ Mann, the widow of James Mann is a Bland descendant, relies upon coincidences of name and place, which unfortunately, at times, is all we have to go by in genealogical research.  Considering all the evidence as a whole, the conclusion is plausible.  With the occurrence of the name Margaret and Ursula among two Bland immigrants who arrived in Maryland in the 1670s, and the fact that James Mann gave his daughters the same names is compelling, though we would be more comfortable with this conclusion if we knew more about these two women and if they were, indeed, related, but to date we have found no documentation whatsoever about them.  Our correspondent mentioned rather coyly that Mary was the illegitimate daughter of Margaret Bland, but gave no indication of the source of this information, which we have not yet been able to discover.

Two compelling wills recently came to our attention that were published in The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. XLVIII (January 1894) pp. 111-14.

Thomas Bland, died 1674.

Thomas Bland of London, gen’ 26 August 1674, with a codicil dated 30 October, 1674, proved 29 January 1674. To my grand children Jane and Sarah Moyser two hundred and fifty pounds apiece, to be employed at interest or laid out in buying of several annuities for them. To my grand son Joseph Day fifty pounds, to be employed to put him out to some decent calling when he shall attain to fifteen years of age. To my daughter Sarah Day the wife of Joseph Day one annuity or yearly rent charge of ten pounds by the year during her natural life, issuable and payable out of my lands and tenements at Mildenhall in Suffolk. I give to my son in law Joseph Day and Sarah his wife ten pounds apiece to buy them mourning. I appoint my son Richard Bland and my son in law Joseph Day and Sarah his wife to be executors and do appoint them to give all my linen to my grandchildren. In the codicil he speaks of his grandson Joseph Day as ” now deceased.” Dycer, 2.

Thomas Bland, died 1700.

Thomas Bland, of London, merchant, 25 November 1700, proved 13 January 1700. To my sister Sarah Day ten pounds every year during her natural life, she was living with my executors. Ten pounds to Mary Keemish if she shall live to be lawfully married. Ten pounds to Keenish, my sister’s grandson, at one and twenty. Twenty pounds each to Sarah and Margaret Bland, my brother’s two daughters if they live to be lawfully married. My cousin Lawrance Pendrill. To Ann the servant in my cousin Pendrill’s house forty shillings. To my said sister Sarah Day ten pounds for her mourning cloths at my funeral. To every person whose name is inserted on the back of this will one gold ring of the value about ten shillings. To my cousin Sarah Pindrell the wife of Mr. Lawrance Pindrell all my lands, plantations mortgages, houses, tobacco houses &c, in Ann Arundell County in the Province of Maryland, and also (after the payment or other accomplishment of the said contingent legacies) all my negroes, cattle, horses, mares, household stuff, debts in money and tobacco, ready money, plate, goods and chattels whatsoever, either in England or Maryland or elsewhere. And I make my cousin Lawrance Pindrell and Sarah his wife my sole executors. Dyer, 2. July 1652.

It’s clear from the second will that this Thomas is the son of the elder Thomas Bland, who was probably omitted from the will because he was living overseas in Anne Arundel county, Maryland.  It’s likely that the Margaret and Ursula who came to Maryland in the 1670s are of the same line.

Could the Thomas Ballard of Stafford County who married Mary _________ Mann be the son of the Thomas Ballard who arrived in Maryland in 1676?  Yes, though we would prefer to have additional data that would support this conclusion.  We do know from the records that this Thomas associated with the leading families of Stafford County — among them Fitzhugh, Waugh, Gowry, Elzey, which suggests descent from a prominent, well connected family, which points to descent from the Ballards of York county.

Looking at other Ballard lines — namely the Ballards who settled in Albemarle who were closely allied with the Mills and Clopton families — supports that idea if this was indeed the father of Bland Ballard, and then by extension the closeness of the Mills family with the Ballards of York and Albemarle extends to Bland, which would mean that this Thomas Ballard would be more closely allied with other descendants of Thomas Ballard of James City County.  If true, then it suggests that Bland Ballard of Spotsylvania and his brothers really are descendants of Thomas Ballard of James City County, and that Mary, the widow of James Mann, is a descendant of the Blands who settled in Maryland and Stafford county, Virginia.