First Generation


1. RICHARD FOX1,2,3,4 was born in 1707.5 He died before May 1771 at the age of 64 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.2

Richard Fox is not a descendant of Henry Fox and Anne West of Virginia.

Most databases give the parents of Richard Fox as Henry Fox II and his (2) wife Mary Claiborne. Henry II said to have gone to Spotsylvania Co from King William. However, both Henry II and Richard are found in Brunswick Co later.
CAVALIERS, Vol 3, p.356 Henry Fox of King Wm Co. 1000 acres of New Land in Spotsyl. Co. in St. George's Par. N side Northanna Riv. 28 Sep 1728, PB13, p.279
[I don't think he ever moved to Spotsylvania as he sold this land within a few years.]

Email received from John Fox of Winston Salem NC 4 Nov 1799: John Fox believes the parents of Richard Fox to have been Thomas Fox and Mary Tunstall - Mary's stepfather was Richard Wyatt and she named her son Richard for him. The research of Lora B. Tindall who has joined both Colonial Dames & DAR on this family also indicates this is the correct parentage of Richard Fox.

Genealogy.com has an online CD, "Virginia Family Histories #2, 1600s-1800s" in which the articles come from both THE WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE QUARTERLY HISTORICAL MAGAZINE which have been compiled into 5 volumes of GENEALOGIES OF VIRGINIA FAMILIES, and THE VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY. In an article "Fox Family of King William Co VA", p.351, from Vol II, of Gen of VA Families, I believe I found one of the sources for stating that Richard was the son of Thomas Fox & Mary Tunstall. The article gives evidence for the family of John Fox the immigrant and states his sons as John & Thomas [named in a petition 1704 in King William Co] and probably Henry, sheriff of King William 1724-25. [Virginia Magazine, VIII, p.382,385] Thomas, a son of Henry, then married, about 1707, to Mary, daughter of Edmund Tunstall & his wife Catherine, who married as her 2nd husband, Richard Wyatt, of King William Co. [VA Magazine IX, p.310] Thomas & Mary's sons are listed as [1] Joseph Fox of Hanover, who married Susanna Smith,; [2] Thomas Fox of Spotsylvania Co, who married Philadelphia Claiborne, and probably [3] Richard, named for his mother's stepfather, Richard Wyatt. Richard being found in Lunenburg Co in 1762; his will proved in Mecklenburg Co in 1771.

Luke Matthews of Brunswick County, Virginia, 1739-1788 and His Descendants, by William Kennon Matthews, p.10. [Richard Fox] was probably the fourth son of Thomas Fox and Mary Tunstall, who was the daughter of Edmund Tunstall of King & Queen Co VA and his wife Catherine Smith..."Va Hist. Mag. Vol. 9, p310"
Thomas Fox was the second son of Henry Fox and grandson of Capt John Fox of Gloucester Co VA who died before 1683. Henry Fox lived in Gloucester, King & Queen and King William Counties. He was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1714. His wife was Anne West, daughter of Col. John West, 1633-1691 of Westover, New Kent Co VA and his wife Unity/Ursula Crowshaw.
The society in Washington D. C. called "Descendants of Henry Fox-Ann West" challenges the descent of Richard Fox on insufficient proof.
Mr. James Fox, dec'd, brother of John Fox the novelist, who spent much time tracing the history of the Fox family, accepted this descent as unquestioned.

DNA studies indicate that none of the above lineages is accurate. Tests on proved descendants of Col. Richard, one through his son Jacob, another via son William, does not match at all any of those who prove a relationship to Henry Fox who was the father of both Henry II and Thomas Fox.
From:
http://www.familytreedna.com/public/FoxDNA/
"Another well known southern USA family line is that descending from Col. Richard Fox (died 1771) and Hannah Williamson. Some thought this line might trace back to Henry Fox and Anne West but our one documented member of this family is in an entirely different Haplogroup - probably Haplogroup I1b2*. We have recently acquired a new project member who matches him at 37 markers and traces back to Joaquin Fox who moved from New Orleans to Mexico in the mid-1800s. The paper trail connecting these two has yet to be developed. Truly these southern Fox families are proving a challenge but we now have an ample number of targets for new members to shoot at."


Further results from the Fox Project:
Haplogroup I-L39 Richard Fox of Virginia and Francisco Fox of Mexico Descendants
Two men of Fox ancestry match on 37 out of 37 markers. One from Virginia and one from Mexico via New Orleans. Latter has tested at 67 markers and has also tested Haplogroup I-L39 (or I2b2).
Jun 2013. Two tests have been completed on proved descendants of Richard Fox, matching 36 out of 37 markers - they are 5th cousins, once removed. Additional tests on descendants of Francisco Fox of Mexico also continue to substantiate this match.

Haplogroup R-L47 Henry Fox/ Anne West Group
Five Foxes tracing back to Henry Fox, III, generally accepted as the grandson of Henry Fox and Anne West, plus an African American who matches them closely at 67 markers and is also tested Haplogroup R-L47 or R1b1a2a1a1a4a. This group can be traced back to Henry Fox, b 1521 in Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England. One researcher has proposed a line of descent from Robert de Vaux, a Norman invader. These men are part of a founder cluster that contains Norman names but there is, as yet, no direct evidence of a Vaux/Fox match. The Haplogroup assignment is consistent with a late arrival to Britain.
Jun 2013. A proved descendant of Thomas Fox and Mary Tunstall also matches this group.

There is yet another theory that the father of Richard was a George Fox of Surry Co whose wife was a Mabry/Mayberry. No doubt this theory springs from the fact that Richard's wife Hannah's sister Sarah was married to a George Mabry of Brunswick Co. I think this theory is too contrived to be plausible. Also the deed of Cuthbert Williamson's heirs, states that Sarah had died leaving a single child, also named Sarah Mabry, making this connection impossible.

I believe the children's birth order as well as the years of their birth are probably guesstimates.

Here are actual records of Richard Fox.

BRUNSWICK CO VA DEEDS, Vol 1 1732-1745; Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., 1997
DB/WB 1, p.296. Deeds of Lease & Release 1 & 2 Sep 1736. Charles Kimball planter of St. Andrew Parish of Brunswick Co to Richard Fox of same. 550 acres S side Roanoke River. Wit: Wm Maclin, William Wynne, Richard Burch. Proved 4 Nov 1736.
DB/WB 1, p.424 Deeds of lease & release of Thomas Wright Sparrow of NC to Henry Embry of Brunswick for 301 acres adj Charles King. The release witnessed by Richard Fox.
p.69 DB 2, p.204 2 Dec 1742 Hollum Sturdivant & his wife Elizabeth of Surry Co; John Rottenburry & his wife Susanna of same; Henry Ledbetter & his wife Edeth of Brunswick Co; Richard Fox & his wife Hannah alias Joanna; and Sarah Mabry sell to George Mabry of St. Andrew Parish in Brunswick Co for £30, 280 acres. The tract had been a patent to John Williamson dated 18 Feb 1722 & at his death fell to his daughters Elizabeth Sturdivant, Susanna Rottenburry, Edith Ledbetter, Hannah Fox, & Sarah Mabry. On S side Nottoway River joining the N side Rocky Run. Wit: M. Cadet Young, Moses Dunkley. Proved 2 Dec 1742.

3 Nov 1762. No 7, p. 588, Hening
An act to establish Ferries.
From Richard Fox land Lunenburg Co over Ronoake River to land of James Blanton opposite there.

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1765-1771; TLC Genealogy
DB 5, p.485 [Lunenburg, I think, reprinted because of location in what would be Mecklenburg] 4 Sep 1759 Richard Fox to son-in-law John Kendrick [husband of Amy]. 230 acres N side of Roanoke adj Davis & Cole. signed: Richd Fox. Wit: John Speed, Jos Birtchett [another son-in-law], and William Fox.
DB 1, p.47 30 Jan 1765 Shippeallen Pucket & wife Mary to Richard Fox, all of Lunenburg Co. Plantation where he now lives. £100 198 acres in Luxemburg Co on Reedy Branch, Round Meadow Branch, Smith's Crk. Wit: John Kendrick, Jacob Fox, Alexander Morrison, Rec. 10 Jun 1765
[Mecklenburg Co was formed from Lunenburg Co this year 1765; this property became part of Mecklenburg]
DB 1, p.49 4 May 1765 Richard Fox to his son William Fox for natural love & affection. 400 acres on Roanoke River adj Coles & Blackmon. Signed: Richard Fox. Wit: John Pain, Alexander Morrison, James (x) Shaffell. Rec. 10 Jun 1765
DB 1, p.291 25 Aug 1766 Robert Wooding of Halifax to Richard Fox. 200 acres both sides Smith's Crk and the County line. Wit: George Baskervill, Jacob Fox, Hutchins Burton [This tract will be given to Isham & later sold after his death]
DB 1, p.344 25 Aug 1766 John King Rosser to Richard Fox. 100 acres where Rosser now lives. Smith's Crk and the County line. Wit: John Kendrick, Jacob Fox, Sarah Crews. Rec. 9 Feb 1767.


Posted on Ancestry Message Board "Fox" by Peggy Wallace <[email protected]>
Last Will and Testament of Richard Fox.
In the name of God, Amen, I Richard FOX of the County of Mecklenburg in the Colony of Virginia being weak in body but sound in mind and memory praised be Almighty God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament
in the manner and form following viz:
First and principally I recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Maker hoping through the meritorious death of Jesus Christ my Savior to receive all pardon of all my sins and as for my body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter nominated, and calling to mind what worldly estate it hath pleased Almighty God to help me with, I give and dispose in manner and form following.
I give and bequeath to my grandchildren Amy BURCHETT, James BURCHETT and Joseph BURCHETT, John BURCHETT, Mary Ann BURCHETT and Isaac BURCHETT my Negro woman ANACA and all her present and future increase to be equally divided
amongst them after the death of their father Joseph BURCHETT. I desire he may have the use of them all during his life.
Item: I give and devise to my son Jacob FOX my mill and one acre of land on the South side of Mill Creek at the end of the dam and also all the land I bought of George KING and John King ROSSER that lays on the North Side of the Mill Creek to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I give and devise to my son Richard FOX all the tract of land that I now live on with the Ferry and all other conveniences of the same to him and his heirs and assigns forever together with two cows and calves to him and his assigns forever.
Item: I give and devise to my son Isham FOX all the land that I now own on the South side of Mill Creek except the acre I give to my son Jacob FOX too him and his heirs and assigns forever, together with two cows and calves to him and his heirs forever, also I give to my son Isham FOX all that tract or parcel of land I bought of Shippe Allen PUCKETT after the death of my daughter Sarah PRICE, to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I give to my daughter Nancy FOX, the use of my Negro boy ABRAM and my Negro girl PHEBEE to be and continue in the hands of my wife during her life and after death for my daughter Nancy to go in care of John KENDRICK and Amy his wife, also I give to my daughter Nancy one featherbed and furniture and two cows and calves to be and continue with her Mother during her life and after her death to go to John KENDRICK for the use of my daughter, and if my said daughter Nancy should died without heirs lawfully begotten of her body my will and desire is that the said Negro's ABRAM and PHEBEE go to John KENDRICK and his wife, and their heirs forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah my Negro girl ANACA and a good bed and furniture together with two cows and calves to her and her heirs forever.
Item: I give to my son Richard FOX one Negro named KITT and a good bed and furniture to him and his heirs and assigns forever. My will and desire is that the land I bought of James DOZER to be sold to defray the charges in
buying the said land.
Item: I give to my daughter Ann FOX my Negro girl MOLLY together with a good bed and furniture and two cows and calves to her and her heirs forever.
Item: I give to my son Isham FOX my Negro girl PAUL [sic] together with one good bed and furniture two cows and calves to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item: I give to my son Isham FOX that land that I bought of Hutchens BURTON to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I give to my beloved wife all the rest of my estate during her lifeand after her decease my will and desire is that all that part I give my wife the use of during her life to be equally divided amongst my children except Nancy who I don't allott to have any part of my estate.
Item: My will and desire further is that if any of my children die before they come of age or have lawfull issue that his or their part shall be equally divided amongst my surviving children.
Lastly I noiminate and appoint my son Jacob FOX and John KENDRICK Executors of this my last will and testament, Revoking and disannulling all former wills and ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this fourth day of January One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy One.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered by the said Richard FOX and said to be his last will and testament. S/Rich. FOX
Alex MORRISON
Wm. C. [His Mark] MORRISON
Elizabeth DAVIS

Probated 13 May 1771, Mecklinburg County Virginia Will Book 1, p. 94: Old Book 3, p. 3.
[Daughters Mary & Lucy are not named in the will. An eldest son John is not mentioned in this will, nor do I believe there even was a son by this name. William his son, is not mentioned in this will, but he had already received some 400 acres as a gift from his father. He was married to Mary Kendrick, sister of John Kendrick on 10 June 1765. Richard acknowledged a deed in Mecklinburg co., VA., to his son William Fox. [Old Book 1765-1768, p. 34. It would also appear that Nancy Fox is perhaps impaired in some way as her care is to be provided for by first her mother and then her sister Amy & her husband John Kendrick - as she does not appear again in the records she may have died soon after the writing of this will.]

Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1767-1779
12 February 1771 (I think this was likely 1777!)
James Dozier and Mary his wife (She being first privately Examined and thereto freely Consenting) acknowledged a Deed of Bargain & Sale to Jacob Fox & John Kendrick executors of Richard Fox dece'd, and on motion the same is Ordered to be registered. Bute County, North Carolina

Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1767-1779
15 May 1777
A Deed from Jacob Fox, Richard Fox, John Kendrick, Amey Kendrick, Joseph Price and Sarah Price to Edward Davis was proved by the oath of Stephen Kirk a witness thereto and on Motion the same is ordered to be Registered. Bute County, North Carolina

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1777-1779; TLC Genealogy, 1994
p.21 DB 5, p.122 7 Feb 1777 William Fox, Jacob Fox, Richard Fox, Anne Fox, John Kindrick and Amy his wife, all of Mecklenburg Co; Joseph Price & Sarah his wife, David Towns & Hannah his wife of Bute Co NC; Samuel Jones & Mary his wife of GA; Luke Matthews & Lucy his wife of Brunswick Co VA [sd William, Jacob, Richard, Anne, Amy, Sarah, Hannah, Mary & Lucy are devisees of Richard Fox late of Mecklenburg, dec'd. For £85 have sold to William Davis the following tract. Richard Fox, dec'd, by his Will devised to his son Isham Fox among other tracts of land, the land sd Richard Fox bought of Hutchings Burton, but which was conveyed to sd Richard by Robert Wooding by deed recorded 12 Oct 1766. Richard directed by will that if any of his children died before they came of age or had lawful issue, their part whould be equally divided among all his children. Sd Isham died under the age of 21 years and without lawful issues, the devisees afd became possessed of sd tract. It contains about 200 acres, both sides Smith's Crk, bounded by Ballard's formerly Fowler's corner, thence to Kirk's formerly Robertson's line, then sd Davis' formerly King's corner, the Country Line. Signed by all parties. Wit to all but Anne Fox were James Blanton, Charles Davis, Henry Cradle & Stephen Kirk. Thomas Puryear, Allen Robison apparently witnesses to her signature. Rec. 10 Nov 1777.

DB 5, p.124 The exact same date and parties as above, except William Davis is added as a seller and as a devisee. Sold for £40, 196 acres to Edward Davis. Tract on N side Smith's Crk, bounded by the Reedy branch, the Round Meadow Branch, Stephen Kirk's line, Wallace, & William Davis. Rec. 10 Nov 1777

Warren Co Deeds (was Bute Co), Book 5, p.186-188. The same Fox heirs along William Davis sold 100 acres that had been Isham's to Edward Davis for 35 #'s. Mentions "country line" so apparently some of Isham's inheritance lay on both sides of the county line.

[The daughter Nancy named in Richard Fox's Will does not appear in these deeds of the estate of Isham; she is probably deceased.]

Note that in the second deed for land sold to Edward Davis, Samuel & Mary Jones are not included but William Davis has been added. They had previously relinquished their share to him:
Mecklenburg DB 4, p.485 22 Sep 1775 Samuel Jones & Mary Jones of Bute Co NC bind ourselves to Wm Davis in the sum of 500£. By the Will of Richard Fox, late of Mecklenburg, the said Mary Jones was a legatee as daughter to said Fox in an equal division of the personal estate. Samuel & Mary Jones will give up their part of said estate after the death of Joanna Fox, widow of Richard Fox. Signed: Samuel Jones, Mary (x) Jones. Wit: John Burton, Charles Davis, J. Rooker, Bennett Wade, Thomas Newman. Rec. 13 Nov 1775.

RICHARD FOX and JOHANNAH WILLIAMSON were married about 1728. JOHANNAH WILLIAMSON6,7, daughter of John WILLIAMSON, was born in 1710.5,8

Surry Co VA DB 4; p.495
21 Jan 1746. Hollum Sturdivant & wife Elizabeth and Sarah Mabry sell to John Rottenburry. John Williamson died seized of 175 acres on the South side of the Nottoway River [granted to said Williamson on 13 Oct 1727] which land descended at his death to his son Cuthbert Williamson who died intestate and the land then descended [presumably to his sisters] Elizabeth Sturdivant, wife of Hollum Sturdivant, Edith Leadbetter, wife of Henry Leadbetter, Hannah Fox wife of Richard Fox, Sarah Mabry the late wife of George Mabry, and Susannah Rottenbury the wife of John Rottenbury, as coheirs. Hollum Sturdivant & wife Elizabeth and Sarah Mabry now sell their 2/5 part to John Rottenbury. Wit: James Rae, Thomas Clarke, Robt Jones, Jr. Rec. 21 Jan 1746.


Johannah/Hannah is said to be the daughter of John Williamson, which seems likely given the above deed. I have found two abstracts, one complete transcript of his Will and they do not agree. there are apparently parts of the Will difficult to read.


Will of John Williamson, Surry Co VA
John Williamson names his daughter Elizabeth, wife of Hollum Sturdivant and gives her iron pots. Daughter Susannah Rottenbury, wife of John Rottenbury received 249.5 acres of land on the S side of the Nottoway R in Surry Co where they were living, plus an iron pot & hooks, a rug and a bed tick. Daughter Edith Williamson, slave girl, feather bed and bedding, iron pots, bay horse colt and a gray mare bought of Richard Fox. Daughter Hannah Fox, wife of Richard Fox, livestock, feather bed, credit due on the store book of Thomas Eldlbridge. Son Cuthbert, slaves, horses, Troopers arms, saddles, clothes, livestock. Whatever is in his house is to be used for the benefit of Edith and Cuthbert. Brother Cuthbert Williamson and friend Robert Green are to be supervisors to son Cuthbert until he reaches age 21. Any remainder to Edith and Cuthbert. No wife mentioned.
30 Jan 1731/32
Signed: John (X) Williamson
Wit: Judith (X) Harper, Edward Farrington
Probate: 17 May 1732.
[This transcript will does not mention the daughter Sarah Mabry who had a daughter also named Sarah. It is known that by 1727, Sarah was deceased, but it seems strange that the grandchild was omitted. And, indeed another abstract perhaps lists Sarah, see next. The full transcript of the will does not have Sarah at all. Strange.]

FROM AUG 1995 'RAINEY TIMES' P 39. Surry County; from the book Surry County, Virginia,Wills, Estate Accounts, and Inventories, 1730, 1800 by Lyndon H. Harte III, pp4-5 Williamson, John of Southwark Parish, Surry Co., will dated 30 Jan 1731, rec 17 May 1732. Cuthbert Williamson,and Robert Green, executors. Daughters: Elizabeth, wife of Hollom Sturdivant; Susanna Rottenbury, wife of John; Edith Williamson; Hannah, wife of Richard Fox. Son: Cuthbert (not 21). Granddaughter: Sarah. Brother: Cuthbert. Witnesses: Judith Harper and Edward Farrington.

Will of John Williamson, 1731 - Surry Co. Virginia
Parish of Southwark
In the name of God Amen, I John Williamson of the Parish of Southwark in the County of Surry in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Planter, being weak in body but of sound perfect disposing mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same and calling to mind that all flesh must yield unto death, I ordain and declare this my last will and testament hereby revoking and anulling all others by me heretofore made.
Imprimis: My Soul I resign to God that gave it hoping for pardon and remission of all my sins through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my Saviour.
Item: My body I commit to the earth from whence it was taken to be decently buried by my Executors hereafter named and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this like I give and devise and dispose of the same in manner and form following. I will that my debts and Funeral expenses be duly paid and discharged.
Item: I give my daughter Elizabeth Sturdivant the wife of Hollum Sturdivant 100 Ells of Brown Ozenbriggs, 1 large iron pot, and 1 small iron pot with the hooks belonging to the same.
Item: I devise to my daughter Susannah Rottenbury the wife of John Rottenbury and her heirs forever 249 1/2 acres of land more or less lying on the south side of the River Nottoway in the said County of Surry it being the land where they are now dwelling and abideing on, also I give the said Susannah 100 Ells of Brown Ozenbriggs, 1 Iron pot and hooks 1 rugg and 1 bed tick.
Item: I give my daughter Edith Williamson one Mulatto girl called Joane, one Feather bed and bolster one rug one pair of blankets one new bed tick fifteen pounds current money one large Iron Pot one small Iron Pott with hooks thereto belonging. One bay horsecolt called Nichliss and one gray mare which I had of Richard Fox.
Item: I give to my daughter Hannah Fox the wife of Richard Fox four cows and calves four 3 year old cattle 100 Ells of brown Ozenbriggs 1 Feather bed and bolster 1 rug and 1 pair of blankets and also the credit that will be due me on the store book of Thomas Ellbridge.
Item: I give to my son Cuthbert Williamson one Negro man slave called James 1 Negro man slave called Will 1 Negro woman slave called Doll and her child 1 Negro woman slave called Annahee and her child 2 horses one of which is called Blaze and the other Diamond, [One set of Troopers arms all my saddles and horse furniture] with all my new woolen goods_____ apparel 12 yards of striped breeches ____ blankets ____my hogs but ____ age of 21 _____ the said Negroes________ his and abide in the house and plantation on _____ with my said land not to be any ways disturbed or molested by him in her living there to the end she may be helpful and assisting toward the better support and maintenance of the said cattle in their increase until such division of the cattle aforesaid and their increase [if any] is made.
Item: I do order and direct that what necessary provisions is in my house at the time of my
decease for my families use shall be and remain for the sole use and benefit of my said son and daughter Edith and the slaves belonging to them and what Corn I have at that time more than sufficient for bread corn for themselves and their slaves shall be disposed of for ye support and maintenance of the hogs, Cattle and horses belonging to my said Son and daughter Edith.
And in regard I have an Estate of greater value than what is sufficient to pay all debts due
from ye same, my desire therefore is that my estate may not be appraised.
Item: I do hereby appoint my brother Cuthbert Williamson and my friend Robert Green as
supervisors to my son Cuthbert until he attains to the age of 21 years. All the rest of my
personal estate not herein before particularly given and disposed of I give unto my said son Cuthbert and my said daughter Edith and I do hereby further appoint my said Brother Cuthbert Williamson and Robert Green Executors of this my last Will and Testament...In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this Thirtieth Day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty One.
John (X) Williamson [Sealed with wax wafer]
Signed Sealed and Published by the said John Williamson as his last will and Testament in the presence of Judith X Harper, Edward Farrington.
Probated Surry County Virginia 17 May 1732.

RICHARD FOX and JOHANNAH WILLIAMSON had the following children:

2

i.

John FOX was born about 1729.6 He died in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.6

If there was really a son named John, he was deceased without issue before his father Richard made out his will in 1771. John is not mentioned. He is also not included as a sibling of Isham Fox in the deed of 1777, after Isham had died and his inheritance was sold. I have seen nothing to prove a son by this name existed. Strangely in the abstract in EARLY WILLS OF MECKLENBURG by Katherine B. Elliot, there is listed a child "John" - I think this was an error as the only Johns in the will were John Burchett, grandson, and John Kendrick, son-in-law. This book may be the source of this misplaced John Fox.

3

ii.

[Daughter] FOX was born (date unknown).

The will of Richard Fox makes plain there was a daughter who married Joseph Burchett. There were six Burchett grandchildren and their father Joseph was still living. Mary & Lucy were not mentioned by name in their father's will, but they were both living as they are later named in a deed as heirs. The deeds signed by the siblings of Isham Fox in 1777 show that Mary married Samuel Jones and they lived in Georgia at that time and Lucy had married Luke Matthews and they were living in Brunswick Co VA.

4

iii.

Jacob FOX was born about 1730.6 He died about 1807 at the age of 77 in Franklin County, North Carolina.

EARLY WILLS OF MECKLENBURG 1765-1799; TLC Genealogy; 1963
Jacob was married to Elizabeth Lark, daughter of Robert Lark. Robert Lark's will dated 8 Feb 1793 in Mecklenburg WB 3, p.163 mentions his wife but not does give her name. His children are Samuel, Lark, Elizabeth Fox wife of Jacob Fox, Sarah Wright, Joyce Taylor wife of Jones Taylor, and Ann Collier. Grandsons Lark Fox and Samuel Lark are to receive land after the death of his wife. Slaves to be freed and given 100 acres of land. Extr: John Holmes, Walter Leigh, Joshua Smith. Wit: Wm Starling, Elizabeth Pennington, Edward Pennington Jr & Anthony Evans. Probate 10 Jun 1793.

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1765-1771; TLC Genealogy
DB 2, p.420 30 Jan 1770 George King to Jacob Fox for £30. 100 acres bounded by the County line, George King, Fowlers Branch, new line. Wit: Hardy Jones Samuel Jones [a brother-in-law] and Richard Fox [brother]. Ack by George King & Frances his wife. Rec. 11 Jun 1770

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1771-1776
DB 3, p.527 30 Jan 1773 Jacob Fox to Bennett Goode for £400. 200 acres where Fox now lives, part deeded to sd Jacob by his father Richard Fox, dec'd and the other part deeded from George King. Bounded by Smith's Crk at the mouth of Fowlers Branch, Samuel Jones, the County Line. Signed: Jacob Fox. Wit: Henry Speed, Joseph Speed, Edward Walker, Robert Ballard. Rec. 8 Feb 1773
DB 4, p.129 9 Aug 1773 Robert Larke [father-in-law] to Jacob Fox for £100. 269 acres N side Dockerys Creek. Near Adams' line, Larke. Wit: Noah Dortch. Rec. 12 Jul 1773
DB 4, p.172 15 May 1773 Samuel Jones of Bute Co NC to Bennett Good. For £92 which Jones owes Goode. 200 acres S side Roanoke & adjacent the County line, Jones purchased of George King, late of Mecklenburg. Discharge the debt. Wit: Jacob Fox, David King, Philemon Hawkins Jr. [No recording date, but prob late 1773.]

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1777-1779; TLC Genealogy, 1994
p.80; DB 5, p.526 Inquisition at the plantations of Dinwiddie Crawford & Co in Oct 1779. Freeholders, among them Jacob Fox, stated on their oaths that Crawford & Co was subject to his Britanick Majesty on 19 Apr 1775 and residing at Glasgow in Great Britain. It does not appear that they have since entered into public employment of the sd States. There is no wife, widow, or child resing in VA. The estates were forfeited to VA on 3 May 1779. 1140 acres were conveyed by John Whittemore to Crawford & Co 6 Apr 1773 and 100 acres conveyed by William Cole, Walter Poole, & William Cleaton Jr 2 Feb 1774. Rec. 8 Nov 1779.

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1779-1786
DB 6, p.473 15 Jan 1785 John Morgan Jr. to John Cook [Taylor] 60 acres N side Parhams Crk. Wit: Jacob Fox, John Allen, Geo. Cryer. Rec. 9 May 1785.

1800 Census. Louisburg, FranklinCo, NC
Jacob Fox, 1m under 10,1m 10-16, 1m over 45. 1f over 45
Isam Fox, 1m 26-45
[several Perry families on the same page)

North Carolina Wills, Franklin County
22 Mar 1807 Jacob of Fox of county of Franklin, State of North Carolina...first pay all just debts
Son Robert Fox: Negroes Mary, Ned & Burkley
Son Isham Fox, Negroes Adam, Neet & Noah
Son Richard Fox: Negroes Pat, Cyrus & Reubin
Son Arthur Fox: Negroes, John Peter, Ken
Daughter Nancy Smith: Negroes Hanah, Goodin
To beloved wife, Elizabeth Fox, for her natural life, use of all lands, household good, and use of Negroes, Mark, Tom Lucy, Esther and all my stock of every kind after selling so much as shall pay my debts.
At her death, son Richard to have all my lands. At that time, to Nancy Smith, Tom & Lucy. All the remainder to be equally divided between Robert, Isham, Arthur & Nancy.
Executors to be wife Elizabeth and Robert Fox.
Signed: Jacob Fox
Witnesses: Jones Cook, Jer. Perry
State of North Carolina, FranklinCounty
J. Young Patterson, Clerk
Certified true copy of the will of Jacob Fox. 13 Sep 1853
Jno. D. Hawkins, Presiding Magistrate
Another paper in the file suggests the copy was needed for the case of Willis & Sylva Perry in Forsyth Co, Tennessee

The Fox Surname YDNA Project has a test from a descendant of Jacob Fox that matches a descendant of William Fox & Mary Kendrick on 36 out of 37 markers. This confirms the haplotype of Richard Fox, proving he was not a descendant of Henry Fox and Anne West as has been often proposed.

+5

iv.

WILLIAM FOX.

6

v.

Richard FOX was born about 1734.6

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS, MECKLENBURG CO VA; Katherine B. Elliott, 1964
Public Claims of Mecklenburg Co:
Richard Fox; Beef for Continental Use; 14 May 1782

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1771-1776
DB 4, p.179 26 May 1773 John Speed Jr to John Davis. 382 acres. Wit: William Davis, William Lucas, Richard Fox, Robert Alexander, John (x) Patrick. Rec. 14 Jun 1773. Ack by John Speed Jr and Sarah his wife.
DB 4, p.325 5 Apr 1774 George Lanford & Judith his wife of Bute Co NC to Stephen Mabry. 293 acres upper side W fork of Great Crk. Part patented in name of Henry Rottenberry; part in name of John Langford & deeded by him to sd George. Wit: Joshua Mabry, Wm Daivs, Richard Fox, Reps Mabry. Rec. 10 Oct 1774.

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1777-1779
DB 5, p.20 10 Feb 1777 Richard Fox to James Blanton. 1 acres S side Roanoke bounded by corner of Fox & Capt William Davis, together with the Ferry on the South side of the river. Signed: Richard Fox. Wit: Mason Samford, Isham Fox, Rowland Andrews, John (x) Patrick, Nath'l (x) Huskey, Isham Eppes, Tabitha (x) Archer.
Bond of James Blanton £1000. To Richard Fox. He will give Fox the man Dick and is to set the said Fox over the sd river at his ferry free from any charge and indemnify Fox from any damage sustained by the ferry. Rec. 10 Mar 1777.

7

vi.

Anne FOX was born about 1736.6

Anne was still unmarried in 1777.

+8

vii.

Amy FOX.

9

viii.

Sarah FOX was born about 1742.6

Sarah married Joseph Price. They lived in Bute Co NC in 1777.

10

ix.

Hannah FOX was born about 1744.6 She died in February 1805 at the age of 61 in Warren County, North Carolina.

Hannah married David Towns. They lived in Bute Co NC in 1777 along with Hannah's sister Sarah & her husband Joseph Price.

1800 Census. Halifax, Warren Co, NC
Hanner towns, 1m -10, 1m 10-16, 2f 10-16, 2f 16-26, 1f over 45.

Warren Co, NC
Inventory of the property of Hannah Towns, dec'd taken by Rob. R. Johnson, admr, 13 Feb 1805. Sale reported, 8 Mar 1805 and 26 Feb 1807.

11

x.

Mary FOX2 was born about 1746.6 She died in Georgia.6

Mary & Lucy were not mentioned by name in their father's will. The deeds signed by the siblings of Isham Fox in 1777 show that Mary married Samuel Jones and they lived in Georgia at that time.

MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1771-1776
A deed of Jacob Fox's dated in 1770 was witnessed by Samuel Jones but by 1773 he was in North Carolina:
DB 4, p.172 15 May 1773 Samuel Jones of Bute Co NC to Bennett Good. For £92 which Jones owes Goode. 200 acres S side Roanoke & adjacent the County line, Jones purchased of George King, late of Mecklenburg. Discharge the debt. Wit: Jacob Fox, David King, Philemon Hawkins Jr. [No recording date, but prob late 1773.]
DB 4, p.485 22 Sep 1775 Samuel Jones & Mary Jones of Bute Co NC bind ourselves to Wm Davis in the sum of 500#'s. By the Will of Richard Fox, late of Mecklenburg, the said Mary Jones was a legatee as daughter to said Fox in an equal division of the personal estate. Samuel & Mary Jones will give up their part of said estate after the death of Joanna Fox, widow of Richard Fox. Signed: Samuel Jones, Mary (x) Jones. Wit: John Burton, Charles Davis, J. Rooker, Bennett Wade, Thomas Newman. Rec. 13 Nov 1775.
[This deed explains why William Davis was listed as a devisee in one of the deeds of the sale of the land of Isham Fox, dec'd. in 1777. He was actually collecting the share of Mary Fox Jones.]

+12

xi.

Lucy FOX.

13

xii.

Nancy FOX was born about 1751.6 She died before February 1777 at the age of 26.

Nancy Fox was named in the will of Richard Fox as his daughter. After her brother Isham died, all the siblings sold his inherited land in three deeds - two recorded in Mecklenburg Couty, one in Bute (which became Warren) In the first, which was to a William Davis, no Nancy is named. In the second deed to Edward Davis, William Davis is listed both as selling the land and as a devisee of Richard Fox as he had purchased the rights of Samuel Jones & wife Mary (formerly Fox).

Nancy Fox may have had some sort of disability, or she simply may have been the youngest. The will of Richard Fox does leave two slaves and livestock to be in the hands of his wife and then to John & Amy Kendrick after her death to be used for the benefit of Nancy. The will does state that after the death of his wife, Nancy is to be in the care of John & Amy Kendrick. Richard also stated that his wife's lifetime estate was to be equally divided among the children except for Nancy who he did not allot any part.

14

xiii.

Isham FOX was born about 1757.6 He died before February 1777 at the age of 20.

Although 1749 is given for the birthyear of Isham, it is incorrect. He may have been born later than that year. In 1777, his siblings sold the land Isham had inherited in his father's will because Isham had died before he reached the age of 21, without isuue. Richard Fox's will was written in 1771 and obviously Isham was not yet 21 at that time so he was born sometime in the 1750's, perhaps even later.

Strangely there is a deed of 10 February of 1777 when Isham Fox witnessed a deed for his brother Richard. [A young man age 14 could witness deeds at that time.] The deeds of sale for his property after his decease were dated 7 Feb 1777. Would seem to be an error in one of these records.
MECKLENBURG CO VA DEEDS 1777-1779
DB 5, p.20 10 Feb 1777 Richard Fox to James Blanton. 1 acres S side Roanoke bounded by corner of Fox & Capt William Davis, together with the Ferry on the South side of the river. Signed: Richard Fox. Wit: Mason Samford, Isham Fox, Rowland Andrews, John (x) Patrick, Nath'l (x) Huskey, Isham Eppes, Tabitha (x) Archer. Rec. 10 Mar 1777.

Filed with Warren Co, NC Deeds, Book 5, p.186
Made in Bute Co before its discontinuance. William Davis is listed as one of the devises - he had previously purchased the rights of Samuel Jones & wife Mary (formerly Mary Fox).
This Indenture made the seventh Day of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred & seventy seven Between William Fox, Jacob Fox, Richard Fox, Anne Fox & John Kendrick & Amy his wife & William Davis of the County of Mecklenburg, Virginia, Joseph Price & Sarah his wife & David Towns & Hannah his wife of the County of Bute, North Carolina, Luke Matthews & Lucy his wife of the County of Brunswick in Virginia aforesaid, which siad William, Jacob, Richard, Anne, Amy, Sarah, Hannah & Lucy & William Davis are Devises of Richard Fox late of the County aforesaid Deceas'd of the one part and Edward Davis of the other part whereas the said Richard Fox did by his Last Will and Testament tive and Devise unto his son Isham Fox amongst other tracts of Lands the Land he the said Richard Bought of George King and farther the said Richard Fox did by his sd Last Will Testament direct that if any of his Children should die before they came of age or had Lawfull Issue, his or their parts should be Equally divided among all his surviving Children as by the said will, will more fully appear & the said Isham Fox having died under age of Twenty one years and without Lawfully Issue, the Devises aforesaid Became possessed of the said Tract of Land aforesaid with others under the clause aforesaid of the Richard Fox Will. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that said William Fox, Jacob Fox, Richard Fox, Anne Fox, John Kendrick & Amy his wife, Joseph Price & Sarah his wife, David Towns & Hannah his wife, William Davis & Luke Matthews and Lucy his wife for and in consideration of Thirty five Pounds to them in hand paid the receipt whereof the do hereby acknowledge have given granted bargained & aold and by these Presents Do give grant bargain and sell unto the said Edward Daivd & his heirs part of the aforesaid Tract of parsell of Land it Lying the South side of Smiths Creek, Bute County, North Carolina aforesaid Containing one hundred acres more or less and bounded as followeth to wit: Beginning at Little Ready branch in the Country line thence up the said branch to Bennett Woods line thence West along said Woods line to Smiths Creek thence Down the said Creek to one acre of Land belonging to Bennitt Goodes at the end of his mill Dam on the Country Line thence East along the said line to the Beginning To have and To hold the said Tract or parcell of Land together with all its appurtinances to him the said Edward Davis his Heirs and assigns to the only use and behoof of him the said Edward Davis his Heirs and assigns forever and the said William Fox, Jacob Fox, Richard Fox, Anne Fox, John Kendrick & Amy his wife, Joseph Price & Sarah his wife, David Towns & Hannah his wife, William Davis, Luke Matthews & Lucy his wife their and each of their Heirs Executors and administrators the said Tract or parcell of Land with the appertenances to him the said Edward David his heirs and assigns shall and will forever warrant and Defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said William Fox, Jacob Fox, richard Fox, Anne Fox & John Kendrick & Amy his wife, Joseph Price & Sarah his wife, David Towns & Hannah his wife, William Davis, Luke Matthews & Lucy his wife have hereunto set their hands & seals the Day & year above written.
Signed: Jacob Fox, John Kendrick, Amy (her mark) Kendrick, Jos Price, Sarah (her mark) Price. [Blanks were present beside seals for the others who apparently never signed]
Seald & Deliverd in Presents of: James Blanton, Charles Davis, Thomas Renyear, Henry Cradle, Stephen Kirk
Bute County August Court 1777
This Deed was proved by the Oath of Stephen Kirck a witness thereto and on motion the same is Ordered to be Registered. Test: Thos. Machen CC
The aforegoing Deed from Wm Fox Etc to Edward Davis having been proved in Bute Inferior Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions & ordered to be Registered the same is truly Registered this 14th day of October 1777 by Jos. Johnson, CR