Descendants of Randall Revell By James R. Revell, Sr. -- GHOTE Virginia Revells This document represents a trace of the direct lineage of the Revell family in Virginia beginning in 1634 and continuing through time until approximately 1830. The purpose of this trace is to discover, explore and document all Revell sources from the first family immigrant to America. And in particular learn who are the parents of Randall C. Revell, my great, great grandfather who was born in Accomac County in 1813 and was buried in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1848. The Virginia Revell’s history begins with Randall Revell (1613) and his first wife, Rebecca Nichols Revell and evolves through their son Edward Revell who remained in Virginia after his father relocated to Somerset County, Maryland. Randall served in the Maryland Assembly (1638/9) and 1641/2, the Virginia House of Burgesses (1657/8). He was selected as a Justice of the Peace for Accomack County while the county was in process of being separated from Northampton County (1660) and worked to bring about that transition. However, later in the year Randall got a better offer and the following year accepted the position of chief land commissioner for the Eastern Shore of the Province of Maryland and served in that capacity during the years 1661-2-3. During Randall's lifetime he also served Somerset County as High Sheriff of Somerset County during the years 1669-70 -71and Justice for the Peace Manokin/Annenmessex 1662 and 1663. Trade Commissioner for Maryland 1662 In 1660 the Maryland Eastern Shore generally included all of the land south of the Choptank River to the Virginia line. While this land was inhabited it remained mostly unsettled. The Commission consisted of three persons, all present residents of Northampton County and required "any two of them to remain within the province". The Commissioners were Edmund Scarburgh John Elzey and Randall. It was their job was to encourage settlers to relocate and populate this territory and thus protect this land from encroachment from Virginia. As the primary Officer of the Eastern Shore for Cecil, Lord Baltimore he and two other gentlemen set about to fulfill this mission. Randall gave all his Virginia properties to his son, Edward and relocated approximately 60 persons to the Manokin area that became later Somerset County. For this he and Ms. Ann Toft were awarded 3000 acres of land known as "Double Purchase" situated on what I known today as Revell's Neck. Later he added an additional 2850 acres of land called "Arrocco" to his holdings to form his manor. John Elzey also relocated to the Annemessex area in Maryland. Edmund Scarburgh remained in Virginia and history affords him a completely different role in the formation of Somerset County and the Virginia/Maryland state line. The Maryland Revell’s are covered under a separate document that follows Randall and his second wife Katherine Scarburgh, sister of Col. Edmund Scarburgh, and daughter of Captain Edmund Scarburgh, from Virginia to Somerset County, Maryland. Every caution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the data offered in this document. However, this remains a work in progress and the reader is cautioned that mistakes may have occurred. Further, this document concentrates in tracing the male heirs of the Revell family. However, where possible the first and second generation of inter-family marriages is also provided to help establish co-lateral lines and reveal other family relationships. First Generation: Randall Revell 1(1A) born 16132 in England, but of French descent3 died late in 1685 in Somerset, Maryland. Will written 27 May 1685, Probated 8 Mar 16864 married: 1st. About 1635 to Rebecca Nichols (1A1) died ca. 1642 in St. Marys County, Maryland. 2nd. Katherine Scarburgh5 (1A2) born 1635 married ca. 1658 in Manokin, MD. died Saturday, 5 May 16886 in Somerset County, Maryland. Daughter of Edmund Scarburgh and Hannah Butler. (See Maryland Revell's for line of descendancy) It is well documented that Randall first appeared in Virginia and gave testimony during the February 1634 term of court in Northampton Court on 19 Feb 1634 in which he gives his age as 21or thereabouts.. Prior to that date there is no record of his having been in America. In fact this court appearance marks the beginning of Randall's fifty-one year history on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. After reviewing countless passenger lists and other opportunities for travel, it is my conclusion that Randall Revell was a passenger on either the Ark or the Dove. The Ark and the Dove entered Hampton Roads harbor and stopped for a short time at Point Comfort, Virginia disembarking several unknown passengers (of which Randall was one) and delivering messages from the king between the 24th and 27th of February 1634. It would appear that a five-day difference between these two historical events exists that prohibit the possibility of Randall being such a passenger. I propose that the difference in these dates can be explained by errors contained in the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar had been known to be inaccurately recording time. In the year 1582 the majority of the then known world set aside the Julian calendar in favor of the more accurate Gregorian calendar. Unfortunately, England and the American colonies did not adapt the Gregorian calendar until September of 1752. Over time many of the original colonial documents have been re-transcribed and quite possibly when this was done did not account for the differences in these calendars. This simple action could easily create a difference of up to ten days in the originally recorded dates. I propose that this divergence accounts for the difference in the five-days time recorded between the time the Ark and the Dove first landed in Point Comfort and the time it took Randall Revell to disembark and cross the bay to the Eastern Shore and appear before the Northampton Courts. It is also known that Randall Revell was reported to be cooper, planter, merchant, yeoman and gent. And that he owned a boat and often traded on the upper Chesapeake Bay plying the waters between Virginia and Maryland. This clearly demonstrates that he was a man of some financial means and substantiates the likelihood that he was able to pay for his passage to cross the ocean to reach America. Rebecca Miller, Director of the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture in Salisbury, Maryland and another Revell descendant, believes that Randall actually lived at the Manokin settlement for many years prior to filing his claim for land there. I believe that a close examination of the known facts support this conclusion. The record shows that Randall began distribution of his Virginia holdings as early as 1656 and continued with this practice until 1657. Upon completion of his duties in the House of Burgesses (1657/8) he married Katherine Scarburgh at Manokin in 1659. He continued to live in both Virginia (Pungoteaque) and Manokin. In 1662 Randall and Ann Toft were granted a patent for 3000 acres of land at Manokin7 and he finally officially immigrated in 16638. Swepson Earle states in Maryland's Colonial Eastern Shore on page 66 "Coming with Governor Leonard Calvert and his "Pilgrims" on their voyage across the Atlantic in the Ark and Dove to establish the Province of Maryland was Randall Revell, it is said." From Point Comfort the Ark and Dove sailed on to the Potomac River arriving on 3 March and landing at St. Clement Island on 25 March 1634. It is my belief that Randall disembarked at Point Comfort and crossed the bay only to make his way up the Eastern Shore of Virginia (Accomacke) and on to St. Marys, Maryland where he established a semi-permanent residence from 1636 to 1642. During this trip he arranged many important business relationships with other merchants and acquired a boat and a wife, Rebecca, who was the relic of an unknown Nicholls. Rebecca had a son from her first marriage named John and this is the same person referred to latter as son-in-law in Randall's disposition of cattle in 1657. Randall was back in St. Mary's County in 1636 and patented land at Greene's Point, alias Randall's Point, a freehold of 100 acres of land due him for transporting himself into Maryland. The land was surveyed 17 Oct 1640 and patented the same day and year. Later, Randall was awarded 300 acres of land for transporting himself, his wife Rebecca and sons John and Richard into St. Mary's County which was surveyed on 14 Dec 1641 and patented on 6 Jul 1642. The following sources document these events. Liber 1 Folio 19 Randall Revell transported 1638 St. Mary's County 28 April 1640 Randall Revell demandeth One hundred acres of land due him by conditions of plantation for transporting himself into this province Anno 1636. 28 April 1640 I would have you lay out for Randall Revell One hundred acres of land upon the point called "Greens' Point" and is for so much due him by Conditions of Plantation for transporting himself into the Province at his own charge in the year 1636 and to draw him a Patent for it in Freehold and this shall be your warrant. Signed, Leonard Calvert 17 Oct 1640 Laid out for Randall Revell a Neck of land within the Manor of West St. Marys called "Georges' Point" bounding on the east south and north with the St. Georges' River on the west by with a line drawn cross the woods belonging at the west-most branch of the creek called "Oyster Creek" and ending at the head of a bite on the south side of Thomas Surgeons Creek called "Cooper Bite"- containing in the whole One hundred acres or thereabouts. Liber 1 Folio 65 John Revell, son of Randall transported since 1634 St. Mary's County Rebecca Revell wife of Randall transported since 1634 Richard Neville, man-servant of Randall transported since 1634 25 Jul 1641Randall Revell demandeth One hundred acres of land for transporting Rebecca, his wife into this province and fifty more for transporting his son, John since the year 1634 and one hundred more for 1 man-servant, Richard Nevill and one hundred more assigned from Thomas Letherborow. 25 Aug 1641 Randall Revell assigned his right in fifty acres unto Richard Nevill. Liber ABH Folio 79 Randall Revell immigrated 1636 to St. Mary's County Rebecca Revell, wife of Randall transported 1634-1641 John Revell, son of Randall transported 1634-1635 14 Dec 1641. Laid out for Randall Revell a parcel of land lying on the south side of Britton's (Breton) Bay bounding on the east with a line drawn from the head of a marsh called "Randall's Marsh" south into the woods for the length of thirty-five perches on the south with a parallel line drawn to the west from the end of the former line into Brittons Bay and on the west and north with the said Bay- containing three hundred acres or thereabouts. Randall owned a boat and used that vehicle to continue crossing back and forth between Maryland and Virginia and the eastern and western shores of the Chesapeake Bay. At this point Randall owned a total of 400 contiguous acres at Brittions (Breton) Bay in St. Marys County. Rebecca died in late 1642 in St. Marys County and Randall decided to relocate back to Northampton County, Virginia. John Nichols his step-son and Edward Revell referred to in his Last Will and testament as his only son, born in St Marys County in 1638 went with him. The following sources document these events. 29 Nov 1642 The said Randall Revell surrendered his patent unto his Lordships hand to the use of Jane Cockshott-widow. Know ye that we, for and in consideration that Randall Revell, being seized in a fee of a certain freehold, part of the manor of West St. Maries, by virtue of a grant to him the said Randall from us by patent under our great seal, bearing date 17 Oct 1740, hath surrendered into our hands the said grant to the use of Jane Cockshott, widow, doe therefore hereby give, grant and confirm unto the said Jane, all that neck of land called "Green's Point", &c. ut in Revell's patent. Given 29th Nov 1642 Source: Liber 1 Folio 24 as found in the Archives of Maryland Volume 73 Page 211. While several researchers have stated that Randall and Rebecca had three sons, (John, Richard and Edward) in reality he had only one son from this marriage. John was John Nichols, Randall's son-by-law or stepson and Richard was Richard Nevill, Randall's manservant with whom he crossed the Maryland and Virginia state lines many times together. As is also well documented Richard Nevill was an indentured servant and a recorded passenger aboard the Ark and the Dove. In late 1642 Randall moved back to Virginia. In preparation for his return to Virginia, Randall deeded 50 acres of land in St. Mary's County to Richard Nevill on 25 Aug 1641. I presume that this gift of land was given in satisfaction of Richard's faithful service to Randall. Randall reestablished his family in the Pungoteaque area and remained there until the late 1650s when he remarried to Katherine Scarburgh and began plans to return to Manokin. While residing in Northampton County (formerly Accomacke), Virginia Randall deeded some cattle to my son in law (stepson) John Nichols (April 1656) and later in August 1657 deeds cattle and horses to his only son Edward. In 1658 he married Katherine Scarburgh and prepared to relocate to Somerset County, Maryland where he was founder of the settlement at Manokin, a member of Lord Baltimore's land commission for the Eastern Shore, a large landowner and where he resided until his death in 1685. While there is no accurate list of the passengers the arrived on the Ark and the Dove all indicators point to the conclusion that he was indeed a member of that original group. Randall Revell born 1613- (see his disposition 19 Feb 1634 Northampton Records) in which he gives his age as 21. "John Waltham aged 24 years, Randall Revell 21 years and John Ford 25 years or thereabouts sworne and examined say that "they heard Henry Charleton say that if he had had Mr. Cotton without the church yard he would have kicked him over the Pallyzados calling him black cotted raskoll." Source: Northampton County records 1634 Randall Revell 21 Feb 1638/9 Participated in the St. George's Hundred election for Burgesses from (Accomacke) Northampton County, Virginia. Randall voted for David Wickliff. Source: Liber MC Randall Revell 2 Mar 1641 was on a list of free men and listed as a member of the Maryland Assembly. Source: Liber MC Pages 171, 174 & 178. Tyler's Quarterly Magazine Page 142 reports that "Randall Revell was living in Northampton County in 1646." It is ordered by the Court that the difference dependant between Thomas Leatherbury Plaintiff and Randall Revell, be referred to the next Court and the cause to return sufficient. Dated 18 Jan 1649 Source: Orders Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Page 39 The deposition of William Starling taken 28 July saith that (to the best of his remembrance) in the month of March 1649 being at Thomas Leatherbury his house Randall Revell asked him (if he would have an ox of Mr. Drew's) which was then in the town fields. But Thomas answered him not, he could not pay him for it further. This desponent remembereth that he answered him, part of an ox (which he bought for a ton of cask) and Thomas told him he was willing and would have that for which he was to pay two hog heads (empty cask) one in hand and the other when he would demand it, but the said Thomas was to help Randall to look for the ox (when he should give him notice). More saith not per William Starling Whereas Thomas Leatherbury hath made appearance to the court by the despositions of William Starling that Randall Revell standeth indebted to him for (for half an ox) which he pleadeth he can not satisfy (in specifics). It is therefore thought fit and ordered that the said Randall Revell shall forthwith make payment unto the said Thomas Leatherbury the sum and quantity of three hundred pounds of tobacco and cask (being the same rate he should the half ox for) and pat charge in the suit atr exec. Dated Jan 1651. Note: This suit was finally settled on 24 May 1652 on page 82 of the same referenced book. Source: Orders Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Folio 76 It is ordered by the Court that Hungale Baker shall forthwith make payment unto Randall Revell the sum and quantity of three hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco due by September atr exec. Dated March 1650 Source: Orders Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Page 12 According to Ralph Whitelaw in Virginia's Eastern Shore Randall purchased 200 acres of land (N31) in Northampton County from John Rosyer in 1647 and sold that land in 1655. Northampton County Orders, Deeds & Wills 1651-1654 Book IV by Frank V. Walczyk reports that Randall Revell was granted a certificate for 100 acres of land (page 243) In 1652 a certificate for 500 acres (Page 87) and in 1653 a certificate for 500 acres (Folio 213). 4 Jul 1652 500 acres Orders, Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Page 87 for transportation of 10 persons. (Whitelaw's plot A52) 14 Dec 1653 500 acres Orders, Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Page 213 for transportation of 10 persons. (Whitelaw's plat A52) "The Engagm't tendered to ye Inhabitants of Northampton County, Eleaventh of March, 1651 (O. S.) "Wee whose Names are subscribed; doe hereby Engage and promis to bee true and faithfull to the Commonwealth of England as it is nowe Established without Kinge or House of Lords. 25th OF MARCH Nathan'll Littleton Obedience Robins Edm. Scarburgh Edm. Douglas Peter Walder Wm. Andrews, Sen'r Allex Addison James Barnabye Jno. Pannell Sam'll Sone Jno. Denman James Berry Phillip Farrant Jno. Ellis Jeffery Minshatt Georgine Hacke Rich. Hamby Edw. Harrington Nich. Waddelone Argoll Yeardley Wm. Waters Wm. Jones Thos. Sprigge Jno. Dye X'ofer Major Wm. Munds Francis Flood Stph. Stringer Zephyr Jarvis Nice. Scott Ankh. Hodgskins Jno. Nuthall Wm. Whittington Wm. Coake Ben Cowdrey Levyne Denwood Robert Andrews Ben. Mathews Jno. Stringer Allex. Harryson Rich. Vaughan Thos. Johnson Dan'll Baker Thomas Hint Thos. Higby Jno. Parkes Wm. Stanley Jno. Akers Robert Harryson Luke Billington Randolfe Hutchinson Nice. Granger Thos. Truman Allex. Madoxe Henr. Armitradinge Steph. Charlton Jno. Parramore Jno. Robearts Zephyr Dixon Robert Marryott TRICESIMO DIE MARTY 1651 (o. s.) Jno. Custis Jno. Johnson, Jun. Farmer Jones Jno. Dixon Jno. Taylor Mathew Stone Tobine Selve Rich. Nottingham Nehemiah Coventon Francis Morgan Wm. Ward Jno. Johnson, Senr. Edw. Southren Jno. Merryfin Dan'll Chadwell Jno. Teeslocke Jno. Coulson Jno. Michaell Jno. Cornley Rich. Newell Jno. Lee Phill. Merrydayr Edw. Moore Jno. Brillyant Ambrose Dixon Wm. Horose Robt. Blake Rich Hill Jno. Hott Edw. Marshall Jno. Dolling Charles Scarburgh Walter Williams WM. Stephens Jno. Thatcher James Johnson Elial Hartree Charles Ratliffe Jno. Graye Jno. Willyams Randall Revell Wm. Smyth Wm Custis Tho. Miller Robert Baily Jno. Whitehead Armstrong Foster Sam'l Calvert Wm. Adrews, Jun'r Francis Goodman Jno. Willyams Wm. Corner Rich Smyth Jno. Rutter Andrew Hendrye Antho. Carpnter Jno. Wise Wm. Taylor Jno. Waleford Mick Richett Rich Bruducke Thos. Clarke Thos. Crecro Sam'l Jones Hen. White X'ofer Calvert James Adkinson Wm. Gower Wm. Boucher Jno. Johnson, Jr. Wm. Jordan Rich. Smyth David Wheatley Robert Berry Wm. Preeninge Tho. Butterie Jno. James Tho. Price Rich. Baily Rich. Hudson Rich. Alleyn Jno. Lewis Jno. Johnson, Senr. Wm. Gaskins Nicholas Jueyre Stephen Horsey Jno. Robinson Symon Bailey Jno. Hinman Jno. Coulson Phill. Mathews Edw. Leene X'ofer Kirke Thos. Savage Sam'll Smothergall Wm. Colebourne Alex Maddoxe Sam'l Powell James Brewce Wm. Luddington Sam'll Robins Jno. Garnell David Kiffyn Jno. Edwards Wm. Mellinger Raph'll Hudson Rich. Teggar Samuel Goldfine Wm. Moultor Wm. Browne Edm. Mathews Recordantur vicesimo die Augusty Ano. 1652. Teste Edm. Mathews, Cloc. Cur." Source: Copied from Ye Kingdome of Accawmacke or the Eastern Shore of Virginia in the Seventeenth Century by Jennings Cropper Wise Pages 135-137) Northampton Protest "The xxxth of March, Ano. 1652 "Wee whose names are under written this daye made choyce of by the Inhabitants of Northampton Countie in Virginia to give Informacons and Insruccons to ye gent Ellected Burgesses for this prsent Grand Assemblie (in relacon to such matters as conduce to our peace & Saftie). And For ye Redresse of those aggreevances wch (att prsent) wee are capable & sensible of in our Countie of Northampton. "Imprmis. Wee the Inhabitants of Northampton Countie doe complayne that from tyme to tyme (pticular yeares past) wee have been submitted & bine obedient unto the paymt of publeq Taxacons. Butt after ye yeare 1647, since yt tyme wee Conceive & have found that ye taxes were very Weightie. But in a more espetiall manner (undr favor) wee are very sensible of the Taxacon of fforty sixe pounds of tobacco p. poll (this present yeare). And desire yt ye same bee taken off ye charge of ye Countie; furthermore wee alledge that after 1647, wee did understand7 suppose or Countie of Northampton to bee disioynted & sequestered from ye rest of Virginia. Therefore that Llawe wch requireth & inioyneth Taxacons from us to bee Arbitrarye & illegall; fforasmuch as wee had neither summons for Ellecon fo Burgesses nor voyce in their Assemblye (during the time aforesd) but only the Singlur Burgess in September, Ano., 1651. Wee conceive that wee may Lawfullie ptest agt the pceedings in the Act of Assemblie for publiq Taxaconswch have relacon to Northmton Countie since ye year 1647. "The Gent who are (att rsent) to speak inour behalfe can sufficiently declare what is necessary to bee expressed to this effect wch wee referr to them. "Our desire is that there may bee an annual Choyce of Magistrates in Northmton. And, if our Countie may not have ye privilege of a peculir govrmt & propriety (att prsent) granted wth in our prcincts that then you Request and plead that all Causes, Suit of Tryalls ( of what nature soevr) may bee concerned (for future tyme), determined in our sd Countie fo Northampton. "If there bee a free & genr. all vote for a Governor wherein they shall Ellect Mr. Richard Bennett Wee the inhaitants of Northampton Countie wth unanimous consent & plenary aprobacon Rendr our voyce for te sd Esq. Bennett. "The people doe further desire that ye Taxacons for fforty sixe pouds of tobac a heead maye not bee collected by the sheriffs (until ansrw of the questions form the Grand Assemblie nowe summoned). "Witness our hands subscribed the day & yeare aforesd. Stephen Charlton Wm. Whittington Llevyne Denwood Jno. Ellis Jno. Nuthall Steph. Horsey "Recordatr Decimo Mense May, 1652, p. me Edm. Mathews, Clic. Cur." Source: Copied from Ye Kingdome of Accawmake or the Eastern Shore of Virginia in the Seventeenth Century by Jennings Cropper Wise Pages 139-140. Randall and many other noted Eastern Shoremen signed the 'Northampton Engagement" in 1652. History records that many of these persons later removed to Somerset County to more freely pursue their religious beliefs and avoid legal action in Virginia. The following attachment offers an excellent explanation of these events. The seventeenth century was a tumultuous time for England. She was constantly at war, either with her self or other nations. Questions about succession continually plagued the government. Civil war, as well as difficulties with Holland, Spain, France, Ireland, and others, was a part of daily life for most in England, but how did this affect people in her colonies? Were the people in America, specifically Maryland and Virginia, concerned about these issues? How, if at all, did the changing governments in England affect the running of the colonies in America? Two lists, one from Northampton County, Virginia, in 1651/1652, and one from Somerset County, Maryland, in 1689, give some insight to how people in these areas felt about the political maneuvering in England at the time. Before discussing the two lists, a background of what was going on at the time in England is appropriate. The list from Northampton County appears at a time in which the English government was changing. England was in the midst of a civil war that began in 1642, during the reign of Charles I. When Charles came to the throne in 1625, he had very specific ideas about how he would rule. In this process he became the catalyst that pushed England into civil war. According to John Morrill, a Stuart historian, "Charles blithely ruled as he thought right and did little to explain himself." By 1629, Charles and Parliament had already polarized over many issues. They disagreed over foreign policy, fiscal expenditures needed to fund that policy, over the use of imprisonment to enforce those expenditures, and over the king's sponsorship of a new minority group within the church, whose beliefs and practices sharply diverged from the developing practice and teachings of the Anglican mainstream. It was in this same year that Charles decided to rule without Parliament. "He was, however, alienating a huge majority of his people by his religious policies." People began to believe that Catholicism was being let in secretly. Charles could have managed without Parliament if he could stay out of war, but he could not. In 1637 he became involved in a war with the Scots. He had to call Parliament for money. It was with this Parliament that Charles lost any credibility he may have had left. No one had intended to increase the powers of the two houses, but only to insist that Parliament be allowed to meet regularly to discharge its ancient duties. By 1641 a wholly new view had emerged. It was that the king himself was so irresponsible, so incorrigible, that Parliament, on the people's behalf, had a right to transfer to themselves powers previously exercised by the king. According to John Morrill, Charles' actions had forced many people into a more radical constitutional position. His religious views were alienating the gentry who were gaining control of Parliament. In 1642 civil war broke out. By 1648 Charles I was captured and was negotiating with Parliament. This was not good enough for Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the New Model Army. On December first of 1648, Cromwell ordered the army to reoccupy London. "Colonel Thomas Pride was ordered to purge the commons of dissidents, deducing it to a 'Rump' of about 150 members." Charles was tried and executed in 1649. The army, through Parliament, was now in control and was calling government a Commonwealth, without a king or House of Lords. In October of 1651 the Commonwealth "passed the first of the Navigation Acts, designed to break the hold of the Dutch on the carrying trade between Europe and America and within Europe, and it embarked on the resultant war in 1652 with the utmost self-confidence." These events are the basis for what was going on in Virginia, more specifically Northampton County, in 1651/52. "In March, 1652, Captain Dennis arrived at Jamestown and demanded the surrender of the colony to Parliament, and after a slight delay, and no resistance, the capitulation was ratified on the 12th of the month." These articles made the colony of Virginia subject to the Commonwealth. Virginia was to seek out a new charter from Parliament because she "should have the ancient bounds and limits granted by the charters of former Kings. The council appointed for the Commonwealth of Virginia sent its two members from Northampton County, Nathaniel Littleton and Colonel Argoll Yeardly, back to collect signatures of the residents of their county. One hundred and sixteen people signed the document which stated: The Engagm't tendered to ye Inhabitants of Northampton County, Eleaventh of March, 1651 (O.S.) Wee whose Names are subscribed; doe hereby Engage and promise to bee true and faithfull to the Commonwealth of England as it is nowe established without Kinge or House of Lords. This oath of loyalty, on its own would suggest that the residents of Northampton County were loyal to the new government in England. However, there is another document called The Northampton Protest, which may suggest otherwise. This protest stems from the problems between the English and the Dutch, and a lack of representation of Northampton County in Virginia's Assembly. The "tax of forty-six pounds of tobacco per poll" which had been levied on the Eastern Shoremen was a cause for complaint. "Parliament, which at first had found much support on the peninsula, especially among the middle classes and the tradesman, soon lost favor." This grievance combined with laws like the Navigation Acts and the prohibition of Dutch trade had eaten away at the Parliamentary Party in Northampton. A spirit of independence soon resulted, and influential royalists took advantage of this. These royalists "appealed to the people to resist the unjust burdens imposed upon them by the Assembly at James City, and to assert their independence of a government in which their sole participation was to defray its expense." People began to assemble daily to listen to the agitators. "After several days of such excitement, six prominent citizens of the county were selected by vote of the people to draw up a protest against their present condition and to act in all things as the best interest of the people might demand." On March 30th a protest was drawn up by some of the same people who, days earlier, had signed the oath of loyalty to the Commonwealth. Stephen Charlton, Llevyne Denwood, Jno. Nuthall, Wm. Whittington, Jno. Ellis, and Steph. Horsey were the six people chosen to draw up the document. This was the first "form of a protest against taxation without representation." Jennings Cropper Wise, author of Ye Kingdome of Accawmacke, suggests that this document "was a direct protest against the authority of the Commonwealth of England, which from March 12th, to April 30th, 1652, was represented by Parliamentary Commissioners, not chosen by the people, nor any section of the people of Virginia." If this is the case, why did the people of Northampton sign the loyalty list at all? It is impossible to determine exactly why the people of Northampton changed their minds so quickly. However, the Northampton Protest appears to be directed at the Virginia government that was in power before the Commonwealth took over. If this is the case, residents of Northampton were most likely loyal to the Commonwealth, or at least signed the oath because it was the thing to do. If Wise's assertion is correct, one could suggest that force may have been used to obtain the signatures. A similar loyalty list can be found in Somerset County in 1689. This list, like the one from Northampton, was a result of events in England. Here another short explanation of these events is necessary. Like Charles I, James II was not highly regarded by his contemporaries. Also like his father, James dissolved Parliament, however, he never recalled it during his reign. This allowed him to pursue whatever he pleased. He began replacing key figures in government with lords of Roman Catholic sentiment. Popish institutions were also established, a chapel in the city, a Jesuit school at the Savoy, a girls school in St. Martin's Lane, a Franciscan friary in Lincoln's Inn Fields, one for the Dominicans near by, a Benedictine house in Clerkenwell. A papal nuncio was publicly received at court. Steps were taken to revive a Roman Catholic hierarchy by the consecration of bishops. James II alienated the Church of England, and to regain the support he lost, he was forced to accept all-round toleration. "He renewed the attempts to relieve the protestant nonconformists and so to gain their support and that of the more liberal element in the established church." James also granted full liberty of worship in public places only, through a new declaration of indulgence. Even with this effort, people in England were wary about an openly Catholic monarch. Most were comforted by the fact that Mary, James' sister and also a Protestant, was next in line to the throne. This comfort was shattered in 1688 with the birth of a son to James. This son would surely be raised Catholic and people in England did not want another Catholic monarch. Something had to be done. William of Orange, Mary's husband, was secretly invited to invade England to "rescue the nation and the religion." Seven high officials signed the letter inviting William to come to England. "The letter pointed out that 'people generally' were dissatisfied with the government's behavior in regard to religion, liberties, and prosperities, 'all of which have been greatly invaded'." The letter also spoke of the support they expected to get from the gentry and masses. Evidently, some people did not believe that the Prince of Wales, James' son, was really his. This made it easier for people's consciences to deal with the legitimacy question that was raised by passing over the king's son for his sister and brother-in-law. The invitation gave William the opportunity to use England in his war against the French. William decided to accept the invitation to invade England and was successful. This invasion is also known as The Glorious Revolution. This success meant changes for the colonies, particularly Maryland, whose pro-Catholic sentiments were widely known. In the year 1692 Maryland became a royal colony. This was after its own "glorious revolution" in 1689. When the colony came directly under the control of King William, the Church of England was established in Maryland. In the few years preceding this act, the Protestants, under the leadership of John Coode, ran the government in Maryland. On the second of June, 1692, the assembly passed an "Act of Recognition" declaring William and Mary the sovereign king and queen of England. The official Church of England was set up with "An act for the service of almighty God, and the establishment of the Protestant Religion." In Somerset County, where religious sentiment had always been strongly Protestant (specifically Presbyterian), an oath of loyalty to William and Mary was signed in 1689. It is entitled: "Address of the Inhabitants of the County of Somersett November the 28th 1689" This oath of loyalty fit perfectly in the chronology of events of Maryland at the time. Up until a few years before "The Protestant Revolution" in Maryland, Somerset County had defended Lord Baltimore against accusations that he had favored the Roman Catholic religion and in appointment to office had favored men of that faith. 'In April, 1689, writes Scharff in his History of Maryland (volume I, p. 309), 'An Association in arms for the defense of the Protestant religion and for asserting the right of King William and Queen Mary to the province of Maryland and all the English dominions, was formed at the head of which was placed John Coode.' By July of the same year the "Associators" had seized the government and they sent an address of loyalty to William and Mary. Coode called for an Assembly to be held in St. Mary's City on August 22, 1689, in which four representatives from each county were to be present. Francis Jenkins and his associates, from Somerset County, arrived late, on the last day of the session. Jenkins and the others explained that they had heard about all that was done by the Assembly, "but indeed they intended to own no other power but their Majesties, which excuse was readily accepted neminine contradicente9." After this meeting in St. Mary's City, the people of Somerset considered themselves free of Calvert control. They were thrilled to have Protestants in control of government and religion. Interestingly enough, only those who would take the oath of allegiance to William and Mary were eligible for holding any office. This certainly gives incentive for potential signers, other than any feelings they may have had about its religious and political meanings. Somerset County was known for being a stronghold of Presbyterianism. Three of the signers of the oath were Presbyterian ministers: William Traile, Thomas Wilson, and Samuel Davis10. This shows that the document was not aimed specifically at Anglicans. Rather than asking why someone signed the document, a better question would be: Why wouldn't they sign it? The same holds true for the Northampton list. It was in a person's best interest politically, and maybe even religiously, to go with the tide and sign the list. One could hypothesize that one reason for the Northampton Protest was the difference in religious beliefs between the signers and the leaders of the Commonwealth. Since Virginia's beginning, the established church was Anglican. This would certainly put them at odds with the Puritans. More likely, however, the protest was drawn up as a reaction to the taxes Northampton residents had to pay, even though they did not have a representative in the Assembly. Most people probably signed the loyalty list because it was the proper thing to do, if one wanted to have any political or social power. Although these lists are signed in two different colonies and in two different years, they are related closely enough that a comparison of names is justified. The counties, although in two different colonies, border one another. This suggests the possibility of movement between the two areas. There are several similar family names on both lists. Names like Coulbourne, Smyth, Elzey, Scarburgh, Revell, and numerous others. There were also names that were exactly the same, with the exception of minor differences in spelling. Thirteen names can be found on both lists. They are: William Coulbourne, Randall Revell, Richard Hill, John Browne, Charles Ratclife, William Smyth, William Browne, John Johnson, John Gray, John Ellis, Alexander Maddux, John Tayler, and John Williams. Although these names are the same, the people on the first list are not the same people on the second list. An examination of Wills show that John Browne, John Gray, John Ellis, and John Tayler died in Northampton County and could not have signed the list in Somerset. The remaining group either died too early to be on the list or could not be found in the Somerset or Northampton records. From discussion with Dr. Ray Thompson and Rebecca Miller, who have both done extensive research in this area, one could determine that a number of families moved form Northampton to Somerset during the time period between the two lists. Although it appears that no one person signed both lists, the descendants of the signers of the 1651 document are those common names that are on the 1689 list. Further research would determine the relationship between these names. [Randall Revell Senior signed the list in Northampton County in 1651 and his son, Randall Revell Junior signed the list in Somerset County as Randall Senior died 4 years hence on 27 May 168511 in Somerset, Maryland his will was probated 8 Mar 168612] The loyalty list from Northampton County in 1651, the Northampton Protest of the same year, and the loyalty list from Somerset County in 1689 all give information about the effects English politics had on a small area in the colonies of America. The fact that they exist show that there was at least some concern with what was going on in England, for whatever reasons they may be. Politics certainly played a role because of the requirement that one could not hold office if they did not sign the list. The religious and social reasons are there but are more difficult to prove. The existence of these lists allows a small view into the relationship between England and her American colonies. Paper written by Carolyn Lowman (1997 graduate) SALISBURY STATE UNIVESITY STUDENT PAPER Department of History (Reprinted with Permission) On 27 Oct 1653 Tepitiascon King of the Great Nussawattocks deeded 1000 acres north of Pungoteaque Creek to Randall Revell. That same month the Great Men of Onancock made complaint to the Court that Randall Revell, Hugh Yeo and John Jenkins refused to give them satisfaction for their land on Pungoteaque Creek. The Court ordered payment be made. This day Great Men of Occancocke made complaints against Randall Revell, Mr. Hugh Yeo, and John Jenkins (now seated upon Indian land) that they have omitted and do refuse to give them satisfaction (for the land they now live upon) at Pungoteaque, according to terms of agreement for prevention of further disturbances, or molestation. It is ordered by the Court that the said Randall Revell, Mr. Hugh Yeo and John Jenkins, do (by the next court to be held at Occahannocke, the 7th of April) make the Indian payment for their land or otherwise the said Revell, Yeo and Jenkins are here by required to make their appearance before the commissions at the court aforesaid appointed at Occahancocke 7th April next to answer the suit of the Great Men the Oanancocke Indians to stand and abide such order as the Court shall determine. Dated 7 March 1654. Source: Orders Deeds and Wills 1651-1654 Book IV Folio 225 In that same year [1654] Mrs. Mary Scarburgh disposed to the Court: That about the 14th day of July last, Randall Revell came up to Occohannocke to this disponents husband's house and there told me that the Governor was come over the Bay and was coming to take away all that we had and to make seizure thereof." In 1656 Randall witnessed the Last Will and Testament of Wachawamp, the last Indian King "The Last Will and Testament of Wachawampe Indian Emperor. My will and desire is that none should rule but only my daughter and I do give her my two guns together with my house with all my household goods and all whatever I possessed. Further my will is that Noremachetum and Wonascahon and Roapeto shall govern until my daughter come to years of Government according to our custom in that … and after my daughters decease that my brother's son whose name is "Atomepen" posses and rule my people and that in case both the aforementioned die then I bequeath all before mentioned and the rest unto my dead brother's son Guimaheto. Also whereas I formerly … my land out of love and affection I always did bear to ye English. It is my desire that they will continue their love to my said heirs and that they live at Ockahannock or Wachapreaque but that I leave to their choice. But in case they make choice of Wachapreaque which I think most convenient then my desire is that the English will procure a patent for their land. This I declare to be my will and testament this 26th day of January 1656. The mark of Wachawamp Indian Emperor X Signed in presence of George Parker, Randall Revell, and George Powell. Also in the presence of the four above mentioned Great Men, Wachawamp and daughter. Randall was a member of Virginia House of Burgesses 1657/813 and was appointed Justice of Accomack County during the period prior to its separation from Northampton County in 1659 & 1660. A list of Northampton County residents dated Jan 1660 containing the names of Randall Revell & Edward Revell. Source: Assession File 1984.12.141.02 located at Nabb Research Center in Salisbury, Maryland During his lifetime Randall was a cooper or a wire cooper, planter, a merchant holding several thousand acres of land in Northampton County (Accomack), Virginia, a Yeoman and a Gent. He owned a boat and traded actively in those counties that border on the Chesapeake Bay. In 1644 Randall removed from St. Mary's County in Maryland for upper Northampton County, Virginia and established his home at Pungoteaque. Reading the Order Books establish that Randall was quite active in the community from 1650 through 1660 when he again returned to Maryland and helped form Somerset County. In 1662 a land patent was issued by the Province of Maryland for 3000 acres on the South side of the Manokin River to Randall Revell and Ann Toft. In 1664 another Land Patent was issued by Virginia for the same 3000 acres of land. In 1665 Lord Baltimore again reissued a new patent for the same 3000 acres of land. Randall officially relocated to this property in 1663 and began raising his second family known as the Revell's of Maryland.