CHRISTOPHER MERCER 1612 - 1670
November 2, 1644 
Stepney , England - Christopher Mercer, Cooper marries Mary Simson. (MS 9241/1 Mar. Records , Holy Trinity London )
Stepney , England - Christopher Mercer, Cooper marries Mary Simson. (MS 9241/1 Mar. Records , Holy Trinity London )May 12, 1654 -Barbados, West Indies-John Moseley sells to Christopher Mercer, cooper, of ye said Island, sixteen feet of fifty foote
Barbados, West Indies-John Moseley sells to Christopher Mercer, cooper, of ye said Island, sixteen feet of fifty footein length of land and ground Southwest from ye Street path towards ye sea side and one halfe of ye messuage of tenement commonly called or known by ye name or sign of ye KEEN's HEAD, situated or lying in ye Parish of St. Michaels at ye Bridgetown. Witnesses : Francis Moses, Sr., John Lachilus, Thomas Sanford.December 2, 1667-Barbados, West Indies-Christopher Mercer married Mrs.Elizabeth Souter, a widow.
Barbados, West Indies-Christopher Mercer married Mrs.Elizabeth Souter, a widow.May 12, 1654 Barbados, West Indies Christopher Mercer of the Parish of St. Michaels, Island of Barbados, Cooper, givespower of
Barbados, West Indies Christopher Mercer of the Parish of St. Michaels, Island of Barbados, Cooper, givespower of attorney to Thomas Fenford, cooper, my loving friend, dwelling on the Southward Branch of the Elizabeth River inVirginia, to cover business dealings in Virginia. Witnesses : William Henderson, John Workman, Thomas Hart.April 15, 1669 Norfolk County, Virginia-Court Minute Book page 32,Thomas Fenford, Attorney for Christopher Mercer sued James
Norfolk County, Virginia-Court Minute Book page 32,Thomas Fenford, Attorney for Christopher Mercer sued JamesHarris for the hire of a servant boy that the said Harris hired of the said Mercer in Barbados, but said Harrisalleging that his ship was taken and therefore the servant's wages lost, but by reason of a hurt of a servantwhile in Harris employment (that of a Cooper ) , it is ordered that Harris pay for the cure thereof.December 5, 1670 Barbados, West Indies-Will of Christopher Mercer names wife, Elizabeth, executrix; Sons Thomas and Joseph.
Barbados, West Indies-Will of Christopher Mercer names wife, Elizabeth, executrix; Sons Thomas and Joseph. Other legatee William Hart, son of Thomas Hart witnesses: Henry Hunt, Thomas Cardew, Thomas Hart. Will probated April 18, 1671 Filed on May 5, 1671June 15, 1671-Norfolk County, Virginia, Court Minutes Book page 67 Whereas, Thomas Fenford, Attorney for Christopher Mercer
Norfolk County, Virginia, Court Minutes Book page 67 Whereas, Thomas Fenford, Attorney for Christopher Mercerhath made it appear there is due said Mercer from William Henderson full quality of 300 # meat porke with out thehead or hoofe was sent by Mercer in Barbados , clear of all charges, especially from under Henderson's hand did appear order that Henderson send said porke and pay cost of suit. entered to Record May 5, 1671 Barbados, West Indies
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 5
March 13, 1647/48 Foxes Lane , Stepney , Middlesex County , England - Thomas Mercer, new born son of Christopher , Cooper , and Mary Simson Christened
August 16, 1669-Norfolk County, VA, Court Minute Book page 36 Thomas Fenford 100 acres for the transportation of himself and Thomas Mercer.
April 18, 1671 Barbados, West Indies Thomas Mercer , His Brother Joseph Mercer and William Hart are named in Christopher Mercer, deceased will.
August 16, 1671 Norfolk County, VA Deed Book page 165 William Payton and wife Jane of Lower Norfolk County, VA sell to Thomas Mercer of the same place 125 acres on the North side of Tanner's Creek, bounded Eastward on the land of Alexander Gwin and Westward on the Payton and Southward on the Creek. Witness A. Toppin, Joshua Bigge . Recorded 8-15-1674
February 17, 1672-Norfolk County, Virginia, Deed Book, page 36-Michael Waybourne sells to Thomas Mercer, 200 acres on the Purcell Creek, patented by Richard Starling on April 20, 1653 and sold to Payton by Joseph Newton and Dennis Morris who married daughters of Richard Starling on February 1, 1669. Witness William Colie , William Porteen.
July 2, 1762 Norfolk County, Virginia, Court Minutes Book page 124 - Richard Batchelor empowers John Bigge to sue for his bill of William Chadwell. Witness Thomas Mercer
February 17, 1673-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 89-Judgement contested by William Goulston to Thomas Mercer, assignee of Richard Batchelor for payment of 260 # of tobacco. Judgement contested by William Goulston against Thomas Mercer for 500 # of tobacco.
May 5, 1675 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 127 - Whereas Edward Hassell sued John Moore in chancery for taking away a caste of tame from his landing and on oath of Moore what tame he took was by order of Hassell and part satisfaction due Plummer Bray from Hassell , being 649 # of tobacco due Bray from Mercer and Hassell promised to pay in tar.
October 15, 1675-Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 7, Differences between William Payton and Edward Hassell -slander. Hassell fined, Thomas Mercer security for Hassell; John Jones security for Payton. Hassell admits he abused Payton and withdrew his appeal.
March 15, 1675-Norfolk County, Virginia Patent Book 6, pages, 488-699.Governor Sir William Berkeley, grants to Thomas Mercer 602 acres of land in ye county of Norfolk, 200 acres conveyed by Waybourne to ye Mercer on February 17, 1672 and 402 acres for the transportation of eight person into this Colony.
August 4, 1678 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 63 - Order granted Edward Hassell against the Sheriff for non-appearance of William Payton, Thomas Mercer and William Hart.
August 15, 1678-Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 4, page 35, Thomas Mercer, cooper with consent of my wife, Katherine and my free will give unto Jonathan Folke, son of John Folke, 60 acres of my divident of land I now live upon lying betwixt ye branch called Muddy Branch and Richard Whitby.
October 15, 1678-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 70- Grand Jury presents Edward Hassell, Informants: William Payton, Thomas Mercer , and Thomas Willoughby . Later Hassell charged for carrying a gun on the Sabbath Day.
Jan 15 , 1678/79 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 76 _ Suit William Porteen against Robert Woody, Sr. Jurymen among others Thomas Mercer and William Hart.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 6
June 15, 1681-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-ordered Timothy Ives, Sr. to pay Thomas Mercer tobacco for wife's attendance in case against William Hart. Order Edward Williams to pay John Falke for wife's attendance in case against William Hart.
August 18, 1684 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 249 - Attachment granted William Porteen against the Estate of William Hart. Order Thomas Mercer and Giles Randolph be summoned to court to tell what they know of Hart's Estate in County.
October 15, 1684-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute-page 254 Difference between Richard Jones and John Ives. Thomas among others a Juryman.
February 16, 1684/85 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 267 - Whereas William Porteen had attachment granted of Thomas Mercer who upon oath said nothing in his hands belonging to Hart, but now attachment being executed in his attachment suit of Giles Randal and a bond of Thomas Mercer produced for 500 # tobacco for non payment of cows and calves appears due him by Hart, Thomas Mercer ordered to next court to give security.
February 16 , 1684/85 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 270 - Suit between Richard Swan and Morris Veale . Jurymen among others Thomas Mercer and John Sanford.
May 15, 1685-Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 280 - Thomas Mercer having an attachment granted him against the Estate of William Hart , He having nothing to attach , Dismissed.
Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 281 - Difference between Richard Church and Thomas Mercer. Referred to next court by Plaintiff. request that John Sanford bring bond with him to court and Sanford failing.
July 15, 1685 Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 283 - Difference between Thomas Mercer and Matthew Caswell returned to next court at the request of John Bigge , Sr. in defendants behalf. Page 284 - Attachment granted Thomas Mercer against Giles Randal.
September 15, 1685-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 292 Suit Thomas Mercer against Richard Church. Order Mercer to let survey in his neighborhood and lay out patent of 200 acres formerly granted Richard Starling according to an award by Jacob Johnson and William Tompison. Richard Church patent may cover some of Mercer's land and Mercer should not object to a survey.
March 15 , 1686/87 Norfolk County, Virginia Deeds - Lemuel and Martha Millison, Planter sell land to Thomas Harrison on Tanners Creek near John Cooper , Anthony Lawson, plantation my father James Millison formally lived on. Witness Thomas Mercer , John Sanford, William Bustian.
Jan 17 , 1686/87 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 30 - Case dismissed between Joseph Smith and Thomas Mercer
July 16, 1688-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 103-Thomas Mercer summoned to Court for not working on the Bridge-fined.
March 17, 1690 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 170 - Case dismissed between Stephen Pew & Thomas Mercer.
May __ ,1691- Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book-Will John Falke Will - Wife Ann to get 1/3 and the rest to small children, my daughter Sarah Holloway her share already, Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer to be my full and whole executors - to sell my vessel. Witness William Maud and John Manning.
June 16, 1691 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 225 - Probate Will of John Falke, deceased, administration granted Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer. Court appointed Robert Burgess, John and Timothy Ives and James Wilson to appraise the property of John Falke, deceased.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 7
July 15, 1691 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 233 - Judgement contested by Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer, Executors of John Falke , Deceased for payment of 2 barrels of tar and Indian corn to John Wallis.
January 17,1693-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Probate of Last Will and Testament of Jabez Bigge, granted to John Bigge, Sr., he being the executor of the Will dated September 18, 1691 and witnessed by Thomas Mercer.
May 13, 1694 Norfolk County, Virginia Will of William Hayley of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, to be buryed at the discretion of my friend Thomas Mercer unto Thomas Mercer all of my Estate. Witness Giles Randall and John Batchelor. ( Note: William Hayley imported by and was a servant to John Bigge, Sr. )
Sept 17, 1694 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 331 - Petition of Thomas Mercer to probate the Last Will and Testament of William Hayley he named Executor therein.
November 16, 1695 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book Jurymen Thomas Mercer among others.
November 18, 1695 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 7 - Order granted Thomas Mercer against James Mahone for payment of 5 shillings money due by bill.
May 11, 1696 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 36 - Inventory of William Porteen, Deceased Merchant. Thomas Mercer had seven folios Numbers 87 to 92 and No. 102
March 15, 1696/97 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 71 & 77 - Petition of John Bigge to probate Will of his father John Bigge , he being named Executor therein. John Bigge's Will is dated September 4, 1694 named daughters Ann Faux, Kathryn Mercer, Elizabeth Whitby, Jean Sikes, Pheobe Bigge, Dorothy Bigge , to each of them twelve pence or one shilling, Sons John and Thomas and Deceased son Jabez, Grandsons John and George Whitby, Son-in-law Matthew Casewell, Grandchildren John Hassold, Francis, Jabez, William, Matthew, Martha and Jean Casewell. ( Note these are children of his deceased daughter Johanna Bigge Hassell Casewell.)
March 17, 1696-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 97-Complaint of William Maund , Randolph Sigmoor and Elebon Ward Sr. , against Matthew Casewell. Deposition of Thomas Mercer age 48 or thereabouts that one time being at Matthew Casewell's home in Deep Creek and he saw some things not the Casewell's , asked what they were and Casewell's wife replied they were old father Hampton's shaft moulds, but they were brass gagirs for shott.
March 15, 1697/98 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 115 - John Corphew against John Bigge. Thomas Mercer one of jurymen.
March 15, 1697/98 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 116 - Suit between Thomas Mercer and George Sugg dismissed .
July 15, 1700 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 201 - Suit Frances Sayer suing Thomas Mercer as assignee of David Duncan for 300 # tobacco to be paid in Cooper Ware at Norfolk Town and said Mercer appearing by his Attorney Thomas Sayer and having nothing to object against the debt whereupon order is granted said Sayer against said Mercer for 300 # tobacco and defendant has liberty at the request of his attorney until next court to make his discount.
May 13 , 1703 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 278 - Grand Jury for the following year among others Thomas Mercer and his Son Joseph Mercer.
1704 English Duplicates of lost records page 194 - Quits Rents , Norfolk County , Virginia - Thomas Mercer 600 acres.
June 27 1711-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 125-Thomas Mercer came into court and made oath that his son, Christopher Mercer departed life without making a will, so far as he knows or believes and on his motion and giving security for his just and faithful administration of said estate, certificate is given him for obtaining administration in due form.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 8
October 17, 1711-Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 pages 125-126 Thomas Mercer gives deed of Gifts to sons Joseph, Thomas, and John Mercer , Jr. , grandsons Thomas Mercer, and Joseph Mercer , sons of my son Christopher Mercer, deceased.
December 21 , 1711 True Inventory of the Estate of Christopher Mercer Deceased, sworn by Thomas Mercer in open court and recorded.
Jan 18 , 1711/12 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book Deeds of gifts of Thomas Mercer to his sons and grandsons acknowledged in open court and ordered recorded.
August 15, 1712 Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 page 250 - Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer for the natural love and affection convey to John Mercer , Sr. and Ruth His wife a tract of land called Chinopine Ridge where John and Ruth Mercer now live. Witness Peter Melbourne, John Portlock. ( Note: This was a rental - see instrument.) Instrument acknowledged in open court the 15 th day of May 1713 by Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer and ordered to be recorded.) ( Note ; See John Mercer Will dated May 10 , 1751, Probated September 20, 1751, had a son Samuel Mercer. John Mercer , Sr. was a House Builder an possibly the son of Joseph Mercer, the Brother of Thomas Mercer, Sr. mentioned in Christopher Mercer's Will dated December 5, 1670 in Barbados, West Indies)
May 12, 1716 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 150 - Upon petition of William Falke , Orphan to John Falke, deceased Sheriff summon Thomas Mercer and Edward Davis ( Note ; Davis married the Widow of Roger Hodges ), Executors of the Last Will and Testament of John Falke , deceased to appear at the next court , later minutes state they did not show and case dismissed.
January 16, 1718-Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book 10, page 69 Thomas Mercer confirms his deeds of gifts to his sons Joseph, Thomas , and John Jr., his grandsons Thomas and Joseph Mercer , sons of his son Christopher Mercer deceased and gives to his grandson Christopher Mercer , Son of John Mercer one gun and unto his grandson William Mercer , son of Joseph Mercer one gun and to his loving wife Catherine Mercer all the rest during her natural life and to be at her disposing to whom she shall give or bequeath as she sees fit. Son Joseph and my son Thomas and my son John to be sole Executors.
May 16, 1718 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Will of Thomas Mercer, deceased acknowkedged in open court and ordered to be recorded. Certificate granted Joseph Mercer and Thomas Mercer for the administration of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Mercer Deceased
COMMENT
Thomas Mercer inherited the manor plantation of 150 acres after his Mother's decease, on September 15, 1727 he sells to his brother John Mercer, who lived there until February 24,1764 when he gives to his son John Mercer , Jr. , who lived there until his death in December 1771 and by will gave to his son Thomas Mercer who lived there until May 15, 1777 and then sells to William smith.
Joseph Mercer sells his inheritance of 150 acres to his brother John Mercer on August 18, 1733, who in turn gives to his son Malachi Mercer on July 27, 1768 and on February 21, 1777 sells to William Smith.
Thus 300 acres of the original 602 acres of Land Patent to Thomas Mercer dated March 15, 1675 stays within the family for 102 years.
Note Don spells Folke & Falke , Caswell and Casewell , what is correct ??
Mercer Family Recearch by Don Mercer 1985 page 9
THOMAS MERCER 1648-1718
ISSUE
By Marriage to Katherine Biggs c1671
1. Christopher Mercer b. c 1672 d.May, 1711 Norfolk Co. Virginia
2. Mary Mercer b. c1678 , in North Carolina Government by 1713 m. c 1698 George White (2) c 1712 Richard Grey
3. Joseph Mercer b. c1680 d. May, 1735 , Norfolk County Virginia m. Amy
4. Thomas Mercer b. c1685 d. c1742, Currituck County , North Carolina m. Elizabeth c1718
5. John Mercer b. c1690 d. June 1777 , Norfolk County, Virginia m.(1) Constant Caswell (2) c1739 Martha Condon
Records indicate that Thomas Mercer reared his nephew John Mercer Sr. , the son of his brother Joseph Mercer. No record has been found in Norfolk County , Virginia of Joseph Mercer, Brother of Thomas Mercer ( 1648-1718). John Mercer Sr.'s Will Dated May 10, 1751 ,Norfolk County , Virginia does not name his son Samuel Mercer, however Tithables of Norfolk County , Virginia on July 10, 1735 name John Mercer and his son Samuel Mercer. ( Tithables of Norfolk County , Virginia by Elizabeth B. Wingo and Bruce Wingo). Samuel Mercer died in 1764 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, leaving at least two sons Henry Mercer and Peter Mercer.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 10
LAND PATENT OF THOMAS MERCER , MARCH 16, 1675
To all who whom etc. & wherever, etc. now know ye that I , Governor Sir William Berkeley , Knight, etc. do give and grant unto Thomas Mercer ye 602 acres of land in ye County of Lower Norfolk on a creek of ye Southern Branch of Elizabeth River called Purcell Point Creek beginning at a marked white oak by ye creekside , then running from there northeast 100 poles to a pine standing by a grist mill, then southeast 262 poles, then west southwest 518 poles then north northeast 100 poles to a marked beech, being a corner of his land, again north northeast 100 poles to a marked pine near a run side, so down by ye Run or Creek to ye first station - 200 acres part thereof being formerly granted by patent dated ye 20th April 1673 to Richard Starling the Elder, bounded as followeth (viz) beginning at ye above mentioned white oak standing at ye creek side and so running for breath south southeast poles to a marked pine and soe forlength west southwest 320 poles to a marked beech and soe again for breadth north northeast 100 poles by certain marked pines to ye reek side and soe down by ye Creek side east northeast 320 poles to ye firstmentioned marked pine and by Joseph Newton and David Morris, who married ye co-heirs of Richard Starling conveyed to Michael Waybourne as ye said deed Recorded in ye Records of Lower Norfolk 16th October 1671 will appear and ye Waybourne conveyed to ye Mercer as recorded in ye Records of Lower Norfolk aforesaid 17 February 1762 will also appear , and 402 acres , as Recorded being due by and for ye transportation of E ght persons into this Colony to have and hold and to be held ect. and is recorded and dated 15 th day of March ,1675Ruth Robson, John Gregory, Lew Baker, Peter Porter, John Simonds, Alexander Rosse, Richard Harper, Mark Lewis.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 11
Thomas Mercer Will Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 , Pages 125-126
To all to whom these presents shall come - Know ye that I Thomas Mercer of the County of Norfolk in Virginia, for diverse considerations, not hereunto incurring, but more especially for and in consideration of paternal love and affection that I bear unto my sons , Joseph Mercer, Thomas Mercer and John Mercer, and unto my two grandsons Thomas and Joseph Mercer , sons of my son Christopher Mercer, lately deceased, do freely give, grant, release and confirm, and by these presents, have given , granted, released and confirmed unto my said sons and grandsons those parcels of lands as followeth: that is to say , unto my son Joseph Mercer, the land he lives on now, in his tenure and occupation, being one hundred and fifty acres , more or less, bounded (viz) betwixt the Muddy branch and the bever dam branch, and soe into the woods, he paying the yearly quit rent for the same, and unto my son Thomas Mercer, I give the Manor Plantation I live on with one hundred and fifty acres of land bounded (viz) betwixt the bever dam branch, Stirling's run and Timber work branch and soe into the woods, being part in his tenure and occupation and now living on it, and to be possessed with the Mannor plantation after mine and his mother's deceased , paying the yearly quit rent for the same, also I give unto my son John Mercer Junior, one hundred and fifty acres of wood land ground, more or less , bounded (viz) on Narsworthy Lines And Whidon's Line and soe to run southwest till he meets with his brother Thomas, his land, so paying the yearly quit rent for the same ; also I give unto my two grandsons, Thomas Mercer and Joseph Mercer , the lands their father Christopher Mercer Deceased, leased of being one hundred and fifty acres , more or less , to be equally divided betwixt them, bounding (viz) lying betwixt the Timber Work Head line and John Hueth's land, they paying the yearly quit rent for the same. To have and to hold by said lands and to enjoy purtenances, as to it is a lone given unto my said sons and grandsons and to the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever, always and provided it hereby excepted that the said Thomas Mercer the Elder doe reserve unto himself during his life privileges on the said lands given of, anything upon it as shall have occasion of. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal , this 17 th day of Xber 1711.TEST : John Ferebee, Jr. William Wilkins Thomas Mercer (Seal )
TEST : John Ferebee, Jr.
William Wilkins Thomas Mercer (Seal )
Acknowledged in open court this 18th day of January 1711 and ordered to be recorded
Thomas Mercer Will Dated Janurary 16, 1718 - Probated May 16 1718
Thomas Mercer of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk County in Virginia give unto my son Joseph Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift I given him my said son Joseph and is recorded in the above county records, unto my son Thomas Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift I gave him my said son Thomas and is recorded in the above county records, unto my son John Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift given by me to my said son John and is recorded in the above county records, to my grandsons Thomas Mercer and Joseph Mercer 150 acres to be divided between them with said land was given before, unto my grandson Christopher Mercer son of John Mercer, one gun, unto my grandson William son to Joseph Mercer one gun, to my Loving wife Catherine Mercer all the rest during her natural life and to be at her disposing to whom she shall give or bequeath it as she sees fit. Son Joseph and my son Thomas and my son John sole executors.
Witness : William Wilkins, Joseph Mercer, John Willis Thomas Mercer ( SEAL)
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 12
John Biggs Family c 1620 -1697
John Biggs , ( Bigg, Bigge ) of Norfolk County , Virginia was probably born in Southampton, Hampshire, England around the year 1620, came to Virginia about the year 1645 , and died in Norfolk County, Virginia in 1697. The first mention of him in the Norfolk County, Virginia records is on February 1, 1648/49 when he signified his intent of going to England (Norfolk County, Virginia B , page 107), indicating that he was living in Virginia. It is possible that he was returning to England to get his wife and eldest son , John, for on January 17, 1652/53 the Norfolk County, Virginia court gave him a certificate for 100 acres for the importation of Johan Bigge and Joseph Hutt, and on April 15, 1653 he was certified for another 100 acres for importing Ma-- Shurlocke and John Biggs , Jr. (Norfolk County, Virginia Book C page 34 & 44 ) . John Biggs wife was named Johannah as indicated by the fact that they had a daughter Johanna mentioned below. He seams to have turned the first certificate above over to Thomas Sawyer, for the latter was granted 400 acres in Norfolk County, Virginia in March, 1653/54 for the importation of John Bigg, among others ( Nugent " Cavaliers and Pioneers" page 275 ) . John Bigg was claimed as an importee by Thomas White and Peter Sexton for a grant the same date ( Nugent, page 247). He was himself granted 200 acres in Norfolk County, Virginia , August 20, 1665 and 450 acres April 28, 1665 (Nugent page 311 and 446) and had a large grant of 1200 acres , probably including some of the preceding land on April 21, 1690 as John Biggs , Sr. ( Virginia Patent book No. 8 , page 34)
John Biggs was undersheriff of Norfolk County, Virginia in 1658 when Christopher Bustia and several other men critized him for what they called oppressive actions against them on June 15, 1668 (Norfolk County, Virginia Book D , page 150 & 156), but he continued to serve throughout the year (same Norfolk County, Virginia Book D ,page 171 & 179 ). ON October 17, 1659 he is mentioned as "late undersheriff" ( Norfolk County, Virginia Book D, page 228). The Quakers were much persecuted in Norfolk County, Virginia in the 1660's and 1670's , and sometime during this period John Biggs obviously became a Quaker, for on June 16, 1675 John Edwards informs against John Biggs for not baptizing his children and he is fined 2000 pounds of tobacco; Francis Sayer , a neighbor and a relative , also testified on February 16, 1675/76 that he never heard that John Biggs had christened his last child, though there was a minister in the Parish most of the time; and the court ordered John Biggs between that date and May 12 to take his children that were not baptized to some lawful minister, have the rite performed, and produce a certificate to the court or be fined. That Mr. John Biggs was a Quaker , and not a Baptist , is shown by the fact that on February 15, 1675/76 John Biggs "declares", but will not depose (i.e., will affirm but not swear ) that John Porter made his will and he was ordered to be put in prison until he made the the deposition; however , Mary Porter was granted probate on the will by the deposition of other witness, Richard Hartwell. The above references are from Norfolk County, Virginia Order Book , 1675-86 which was unpaginated. Order Book , 1665-75 shows that on August 16, 1669 John Biggs was Surveyor of the highways for the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River page 38-A, and he was again Surveyor February 18, 1672/3 page 89 . On March 15 ,1681 John Biggs was named constable for the southern Branch (Order Book 1675-86, but it appears though this was probably John Biggs , Jr. not John Biggs ,Sr. as younger men were usually appointed Constable. Whether John Biggs ,Sr. left the Quakers or not is uncertain. A reference from Book 5 page 2, Orders 1686-95 which is also unpaginated, mentions on September 18, 1688 " Mr. Butt and Mr. Biggs preside presumably as Justices ( the Mr.Butt referred to was Thomas Butt , positively a Justice and later a Burgess).
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 13
John Biggs c 1620 - 1697 continued
The last mention of Johannah Biggs in the records was on May 11, 1675, when William Goulson sued John Biggs and his wife , the case being dismissed Book E part 2, Orders 1665-75, page 128 . Thomas Biggs , their son had sued Goulson on the preceding day, May 10 page 127 A . Johanna died some time between this date and 1694 , when John Biggs, Sr. wrote his will. The Will of John Biggs dated September 4, 1694, and probated in Norfolk County, Virginia March 15, 1696/7 Book 6 page 77 , leaves to his son John Biggs all the estate and the land, including " the land George Whidby lives on and the land my son Jabez held by patent dated April 23, 1688 ; if John died without issue , it is to go to the grandson George Whidby, and if he dies "to the rest of my daughter Elizabeth's children ;" and if they all die , "to my daughter Katherine Mercer's children; " 12 pence or 1 shilling to son Thomas Biggs and Daughters Ann Faux, Katherine Mercer, Elizabeth Whidby, Jean Sikes, Pheobe Biggs and Dorothy Biggs; to son-in-law Matthew Casewell and grandchildren John Hassold and Martha, Francis, William, Jabez, Jean and Matthew Casewell, 1 shilling sterling to each. This will is remarkable for the number of witnesses: John Portlock, Thomas Nash, Thomas Etheredge, Joseph Hodges, William Maund, William Etheredge, Rebecca Hodges, "and many others."
Issue of John Biggs ,Sr. and his wife Johanna Sawyer (Sayer) Biggs :
1. John Biggs , Born : c 1645 d August 1704 in Princess Ann County , Virginia Married :. the Widow Ellinor Reaven and had issue Jabez and Elinor Biggs.
2. Thomas Biggs Born : 1648/9 (deposition May 17, 1696/7), aged 48, along with his wife Mary, aged 40, Norfolk County, Virginia Book 8, page 88 and had issue John Biggs and probably son James Biggs of Currituck County , North Carolina and possibly William Biggs of Bertie County North Carolina. There is not a will in Norfolk County, Virginia for Thomas Biggs as there was a fire c 1708.
3. Ann Biggs Born : c 1650/51 Married : Richard Batchelor, Married : 2 Charles Shaw , Married : 3 James Pfewox. Issue John, Joseph, Edward , Richard, Alice and Edy Batchelor.
4. Johannah Biggs Born : c 1653-54 Married : 1 Edward Hassell , 2 Matthew Casewell.
issue : John Hassold and Martha, Francis, William, Jabez , Jeane and Matthew Casewell
5. Katherine Biggs Born : c 1655/56 Married : Thomas Mercer 1646 and had issue Mary, Christopher, Joseph, Thomas, and John Mercer, Jr.
6. Elizabeth Biggs Born : c 1657-58 Married : George Whitby. Issue George , John, Nathaniel and daughter Ruth and possible others.
7. Jane Biggs Born : c 1659-60 Married : Walter Sikes. Issue : James, William, Joseph, Costin, John, Thomas, Walter Sikes, Jr. , Elizabeth, Ruth, and Jane Sikes.
8. Jabez Biggs Born : c 1662-65 , died unmarried in 1693. His Will as " Jabez Bigg " dated September 18, 1691 , probated January 17, 1692-93 by Elizabeth Whidby ( Norfolk County, Virginia Book 5, page 188), leaves all his property to his father John Bigg, Sr. ; Thomas Mercer, George Whidby, John Jennett, Dorothy Bigg.
9.Pheobe Biggs Born : c 1665-70 and appears from the records to have Married : Henry Foster who Died 1708 Norfolk County, Virginia.
10. Dorothy Biggs Born : c 1665-70 Married : John Jennett and had issue : William, John, Jabez, Elizabeth, Dorothy, and Jean Jennett.
Note: Don Mercer States "The order of the above children is from John Biggs, Sr.'s Will and the approximate dates from the Will and other records, but the dates are subject to correction. Don Mercer "
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 14
Joseph Mercer c 1680 - 1735
November 20, 1697 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 110 - To Joseph Mercer one wolf taken by pit - 3.00
December 16, 1701 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 110 - Case Joseph Mercer suing Walter Sikes, Jr. for 15 barrels of tar - Sikes not appearing, order granted Mercer against Estate of Walter Sikes.
May 13 , 1703 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 278 - Grand Jury for the following year among others Thomas Mercer and his Son Joseph Mercer.
May 15, 1704 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 41- Grand Jury for the following year among others Joseph Mercer.
October 17, 1711-Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 pages 125-126 Thomas Mercer gives deed of Gifts to sons Joseph, Thomas, and John Mercer , Jr. , grandsons Thomas Mercer, and Joseph Mercer , sons of my son Christopher Mercer, deceased.
Jan 18 , 1711/12 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book Deeds of gifts of Thomas Mercer to his sons and grandsons acknowledged in open court and ordered recorded.
---------- 1712 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 41 - Action between Joseph Mercer and John Chamberlaine dismissed.
-------- 21, 1712 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 80 - Henry Smith, Close friend of Foreman Smith , infant and legatee of LWAT of Alexander Foreman, deceased suing Mary Foreman for possession of land. Put to a survey and jury. Among others Thomas Mercer and Joseph Mercer are to go to land and survey.
August 15, 1712 Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 page 250 - Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer for the natural love and affection convey to John Mercer , Sr. and Ruth His wife a tract of land called Chinopine Ridge where John and Ruth Mercer now live. Witness Peter Melbourne, John Portlock. ( Note: This was a rental - see instrument.) Instrument acknowledged in open court the 15 th day of May 1713 by Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer and ordered to be recorded.) ( Note ; See John Mercer Will dated May 10 , 1751, Probated September 20, 1751, had a son Samuel Mercer. John Mercer , Sr. was a House Builder an possibly the son of Joseph Mercer, the Brother of Thomas Mercer, Sr. mentioned in Christopher Mercer's Will dated December 5, 1670 in Barbados, West Indies)
----- 4, 1717 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 102 - Case William Crafford against Matthew Spivey for his appearance in Case Spivey vs. John Bowers, ordered he be paid for one day. Like order for Joseph Mercer for one day against Matthew Spivey
January 16, 1718-Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book 10, page 69 Thomas Mercer confirms his deeds of gifts to his sons Joseph, Thomas , and John Jr., his grandsons Thomas and Joseph Mercer , sons of his son Christopher Mercer deceased and gives to his grandson Christopher Mercer , Son of John Mercer one gun and unto his grandson William Mercer , son of Joseph Mercer one gun and to his loving wife Catherine Mercer all the rest during her natural life and to be at her disposing to whom she shall give or bequeath as she sees fit. Son Joseph and my son Thomas and my son John to be sole Executors.
May 16, 1718 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Will of Thomas Mercer, deceased acknowledged in open court and ordered to be recorded. Certificate granted Joseph Mercer and Thomas Mercer for the administration of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Mercer Deceased.
---- 21, 1718 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 44 - Certificate granted Sarah wright for Administration of Richard Wright , deceased. Court appoints Joseph Mercer , Sampson Powers, Thomas Bruce and Walter Bayley to appraise the Estate of Richard Wright, deceased.
Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 15
December 15, 1721 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Grand Jury presents Joseph Mercer for swearing one oath, dismissed the next court.
1730 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and son Joseph - two
1731 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and two others - three
1732 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and son, Joseph Mercer & Slave Three (source : Mary Markley)
1733 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and son, Joseph Mercer & Hannah Three (source : Mary Markley)
August 17, 1733 Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 11 page 119 - Joseph Mercer of Norfolk County conveys to John Mercer for 19 pounds 19 shillings a tract of 150 acres on the east side of south branch of the Elizabeth River adjoining a creek called New Mill Creek and adjoining lands of John Mercer , John Cherry, John Southerland and William Maund and being the plantation whereon Joseph Mercer now lives. Amy Mercer releases her right of dower. Witness : Jasper Lane , Richard Ball.
June 21, 1734 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 195 - Petitions in a summary way brought John Mercer against Joseph Mercer , Sr. defendant. Defendant failed to appear , plaintiff proved debt of 527 # tobacco and judgement granted him and cost.
1734 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and his Negro Hannah two
November 15, 1734 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 210 - Judgement granted to William Crawford- for 287 # tobacco against Joseph Mercer ( Crawford Tax Call)
June 13, 1735 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 16 - On the motion of John Mercer , orders Sheriff to sell the Estate of Joseph Mercer and take judgments the same and return to this office.
July 10, 1735 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 113 - The Estate of Joseph Mercer deceased having lodged in this office , judgments granted Richard Ball for 2 pounds 19 shillings, to Joseph Mercer the sum of 2 pounds 15 shillings 2 pence , to William Parr , 3 pounds 6 pence , to James Mercer 2 pounds 0 shillings 0 pence, to Nicholas Slack, 2 pounds 19 shillings 2 pence , an order against the Estate granted John Corphew. The judgement being taken for the Estate of Joseph Mercer this day returner to the court and ordered to be lodged in office.
1734 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables - Joseph Mercer and and his brother James Mercer - two
Joseph Mercer died intestate, his sons were
1. William c 1706 and Elizabeth his wife , sell their land in Norfolk County, Virginia on February 25, 1732 ,Tithables in Norfolk County, Virginia on June 10,1732 name William Mercer , Sr. possible : In September 1760 , Elizabeth Mercer , Widow buys land in Pasguotank County, North Carolina- Elizabeth Mercer's land descends to her son James Mercer by ---------- , Other possible sons are William Mercer, Stephen Mercer, and Peter Mercer and a close relationship with Amy Burfoot, possibly her Daughter.
2. Joseph Mercer c 1709-c 1776 - Pioneer in Pasguotank County, North Carolina and Camden County , North Carolina . Joseph Mercer had a son Coy Mercer . Other possible sons are John Mercer, Sr. and Joseph Mercer Jr. Their is a close relationship between Coy Mercer and Joseph Stevens, perhaps his step-son.
3. James Mercer 1713-1790 , High Churchman, Church of England in Norfolk County, Virginia , Currituck County , North Carolina, & Wilkes & Burke Counties Georgia. Sons : Rev Silas Mercer 1745-1796 , Major , Rev War Baptist Minister Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia and his son Reverend Jesse Mercer, the foremost enthusiast of Mercer University : Jacob Mercer 1753 -1837 , Pvt. , Rev. War , Georgia : Rev. Thomas Mercer 1750-1819 Pvt. , Rev. War , Georgia , Baptist Minister in Wilkes & Hancock County, Georgia & Amite County , Mississippi; James Mercer 1769 -1850 ,Pioneer in Wilkes, Jasper & Coweta Counties , Georgia ; Col John Mercer 1776 - 1852 , Indian War Alabama Area, Deacon, pioneer in Wilkes, Greene and Lee Counties, Georgia.
4. John Mercer 1715 - 1788 to Currituck County , North Carolina - no male issue
Mercer Family Research Don W Mercer 1985 page 16
James Mercer 1713-1790
1713 Norfolk County, Virginia - James Mercer Born . ( Memoirs of Elder Jesse Mercer by Mallory )
July 10, 1735 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes p 13 - The Estate of Joseph Mercer , deceased having lodged in the office, judgements granted Richard Ball for 2 pound 19 shilling 2 pence to Joseph M for the some of 2 pound 0 shilling 0 pence , to William Par 13 pound 6 pence, to James Mercer 2 pound 0 shilling 0 pence , to Nicholas Slack 2 pound 19 shilling 2 pence , and order against the Estate granted John Corphew. The judgement bills taken for the Estate of Joseph Mercer this day returned to the office and ordered to be lodged in office.
1735 Norfolk County, Virginia Tithables – Joseph Mercer and his brother James Mercer - 2
February 25, 1739/40 Currituck County, North Carolina - Jurymen James Mercer , Jermiah Mercer
c 1738Norfolk County, Virginia - James Mercer marries for the first time, possibly Ann Jones , daughter of John and Ann Jones of Princess Anne County , Virginia
October 5, 1748 Currituck County, North Carolina - James Mercer witnesses Will of Thomasii Stevens. (Grimes Abstract of Will of NC p 361)
c1751 Currituck County, North Carolina - James Mercer marries Sarah Simmons. ( Memoirs of Elder Jesse Mercer by Mallory states she was his second wife)
February 1775 Currtuck County, North Carolinia - Book 9 , Folio 64 Thomas Simmons’ Will , mentions sons Thomas, Samuel, Sampson, Edon, Caleb, and Asalel Simmons, daughters Mary Morris, Elizabeth Moncrief and Sarah Mercer - only one cow and calf to be taken out and given to her , Wife Sarah Mercer . W : Benjamin Prescott , Benjamin Cowell and Elizabeth Cowell. Probated 1755
1758Tyrrell District, North Carolina - James Mercer and his second cousin James Mercer were members of Captain John Weedhouse’s Company , Colonial Militia.
1776-1772Halifax County, North Carolina - James Mercer Family lived next neighbors to William Green, Sr. & all went to Georgia together. ( William Green , Jr. Rev. R-42-)
September 6, 1767 Currtuck County, North Carolinia Deed Book p 10 - James Mercer and Silas Mercer , Planters sell 100 acres to David Cook for 76 pound on Currituck Road near landing on Benjamin Portwood’s fence and along James Dunlap line to an oak - branch known by the name of Tanyan, to the swamp along Michael O’Niel line with the house, out houses , orchards, garden, woods and water rites. W : Asalel Simmons , Isaac Cook, John Cowell.
October 16,1773 Currtuck County, North Carolinia deed Book 2, p 476 - Jermiah Mercer , Sr. Deeds land to Jermiah Mercer , Jr. Land given by his father Thomas Mercer on July 8, 1742 on James Mercer line.
December 7, 1773 Wrightsborough, Georgia - James Mercer of North Carolina , a wife , 2 sons and 5 daughters from 13 years to 3 months old - 150 acres on first branch that makes into Harden’s creek , where he is camped. ( Earlier Records of Georgia - Wilkes County by Davidson, Vol. 1 p 21 )
– 3, 1775 Burke County , Georgia - Little Ogechee Christ Church Parish - John McLean Will - Wife Elizabeth , sons John Josiah, Andrew and Jercey McMlean, daughter Elizabeth, Wife of Alexander Creighton, daughter Margaret, Executor James Read W : Tabitha Baillou, James Mercer . Probated – 20, 1775.
- 5, 1782 `Richmond County , Georgia - On Tuesday, the Executive Council has ordered that his Honor The Governor be requested to order the Commissary to furnish Mr James Mercer with 15 bushels of corn , and that Thomas Mercer , his son, be exempt from Military Duty in order to attend to the family of his father, they being in great distress. ( Rev. Records of Georgia, Vol. 11 p 316 ) Note : Church of England fell apart during the Revolution and he had no job.
Mercer Family Research Don W Mercer 1985 page 17
James Mercer 1713 - 1790 contd
January 10, 1783 Richmond County, Georgia - On Friday the Georgia House of Assembly received a petition from a number of inhabitants of the County of Richmond ( Columbia County was formed later from Richmond, the original old St Paul’s Parish) in behalf of James Mercer and his distressed family. The Petition was granted. ( Rev. Records of Georgia by Chandler, Vol. 111 p 203)
Fall 1783 Burke County, Georgia - John Mercer , youngest son of James Mercer states that his aged father and family had removed from Wilkes County and settled on Briar Creek and Silas Mercer, eldest son of James Mercer , came down the ensuing fall after his six year absence in North Carolina and Virginia spreading the Baptist doctrine , to see his father and his family and took them back to live on his farm in Wilkes County, Georgia. ( Memoirs of Elder Jesse Mercer by Mallory )
Mar 31, 1784 Wilkes County, Georgia - James Mercer with a certificate from Elijah Clarke prays for land in Washington County, Georgia. ( Georgia Roster of the Revolution by Knight, p 118 ) This is evidence that at advanced age he participated in the Revolution.
Feb 26, 1785 Richmond County, Georgia - Rhoda M , Daughter of James Mercer received a land grant of 200 acres bounded S Jackson, W Charles Smitherlin, NW William Tindall, NE Iassac Low, other vacant. ( Book GGG 1—)
Aug 9, 1785 Wilkes County, Georgia Phillips Mill Baptist Church organized with Silas & Dorcas Mercer and Elizabeth Moncrief, Sr. , “ three of the sixteen charter members. ( Minutes of Phillips Mill Baptist Church . )
Sept 9,1785 Wilkes County, Georgia - Jacob Mercer received by experience. ( Ibid)
Apr 10, 1786 Wilkes County, Georgia - Thomas and Annis Mercer received by Letter. (Ibid)
Sept 8, 1786 Wilkes County, Georgia - Temperance Mercer received by letter. (Ibid)
Aug 12, 1786 Wilkes County, Georgia - Elizabeth Moncrief, Jr. And Sarah Mercer received by letter. (Ibid)
Feb 10, 1787 Wilkes County, Georgia - Rhoda Mercer and Lydy Derricott received by letter. (Ibid)
July 7, 1787 Wilkes County, Georgia - Jesse Mercer received by experience. (Ibid)
Sept 12, 1789 Wilkes County, Georgia - Agreed to hear Jesse Mercer’s call to the Ministry at the next conference. (Ibid)
1789 Wilkes County, Georgia - Memoirs of Elder Jesse Mercer by Mallory states that young Jesse Mercer preached his first sermon to his grandmother in her house a few yards away from Father Silas Mercer’s home. Memoirs also states James Mercer was a High Churchman in Virginia and North Carolina before going to Georgia and was highly opposed, after training Silas in that Church, to his conversion to the Baptist religion that was sweeping the South, however , in his old age James Mercer and his wife were converted to the Baptist Religion. The – entries in the Phillips Mill Minutes may be their joining the church, however, they had a son James Mercer and a daughter Sarah Mercer of age to profess their faith and bring their letters to this newly established church.
1790 Wilkes County, Georgia - Sarah Mercer is dismissed by letter.
Mar 10, 1797 Wilkes County, Georgia - Since our last meeting Elizabeth Moncrief has died.
Aug 11, 1797 Wilkes County, Georgia - Sarah Mercer is received by letter
Note by Don Mercer "Elizabeth Simmons Moncrief ( sister of Sarah Simmons Mercer ) married W. Alexander Moncrief ( 1715 - 1765 ) , a Baptist Minister. "
Mercer Family Research Don W Mercer 1985 page 19
Thomas Simmons Will
Currituck County, North Carolina
Section Office Book 9, Folio 64
February---- , 1775
I , Thomas Simmons of Currituck Pronince of North Carolina being well stricken in years but in perfect memory - christian burial - discretion of my executor - I give to my three eldest sons the plantation and land whereon I live now to be divided as hereafter shall be mentioned - my son Thomas Simmons I give land binding on Thomas Taylor's line the eastermost side of the road is now a part of the plantation to a certain black walnut tree standing by the road and from that to a black mulberry tree standing in the eastermost side of the plantation and thense on the east northeast comes to the back side - to my son Samuel I give the remainder of the aforesaid plantationand land on the eastermost side of the road binding on the line of Gilbert Portwood - to my son Samson Simmons I give the westermost part of the aforesaid land on the westermost side of the road excepting one fifty acres which I have all ready given to my son Samuel by deed of gift - to them and their heirs during their pleasures only - make this reservation that they are not any or either of my three sons any ways to molest or disturb their said mother during her natural life. I give and bequeth to my daughter Mary the plantation whereon now she lives with 50 acres of land to the same ---------ging. I give and bequeth to my son Edom 50 acres of land joining on the eastermost part of the aforesaid Mary Morris her land. To them and their heirs during their pleasure. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Muncreef one cow and calf. I give and bequeth to my well beloved wife Sarah Simmons whom I likewise constitute make and ordain to sole executor of my last will and testament all and singular my household goods and moveable effects during her natural life and at decease all that to be divided equally between my three youngest sons - Edom Simmons, Caleb Simmons, and Aslel simmons. Only one cow and calf to be taken out and given to my daughter Sarah Mercer and I do hereby disallow , revoke and disown all and every other former testament, wills , legacies, and bequests and executed by me in any ways before names willed and bequeaths ratifying and confirming this one no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand.W: Benjamin Prescott
Benjamin (B) Cowell Thomas Simmons & SealHis Mark TElizabeth (E) Cowell His Markher markSeptember Court , 1755 - This may certify that Benjamin Prescott and Ezlzabeth Cowell saw Thomas Simmons sign and also saw Sarah Simmons appear as executor and take oath. illiam Shergold , CLERK
Mercer Family Research by Don W Mercer 1985 page 39
George Ashbury Watson
Born :
Died : March 21, 1892 Sabastion County Arkansas
Married : December 2, 1858 Polk County , Ga
Father : Willis Watson
Mother : Nancy
Spouse : Sarah Ann Mercer
Born :July 7, 1839 Paulding County , Ga
Died : April 24, 1901 Sabastian County Arkansas
Buried : Oak Valley Cemetery
Father : Joseph G. Mercer
Mother : Sarah Smith
note : Ella Watson maried Frank Voss 9 March 1884
Emma Watson married James Madison Aldridge 9 March 1884
daughters 2& 3 had a double wedding
Children of Sarah Ann Mercer & George Ashbury Watson
1. Joseph Ledbetter Watson
Born : 30Nov 1860 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 9 Feb 1892
Married : 1885
Spouse : Barbara Carter
2. Ella Watson
Born : 17 Jan 1862 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 31 May 1914
Married :9 March 1884
Spouse :Frank Voss
3. Emma Watson
Born : 10 Nov 1864 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 30 July 1895
Married : 9 March 1884
Spouse : James Madison Aldridge
4. Lee W Watson
Born : 13 Oct 1867 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 31 March 1871
5. Levi Campbell Watson
Born : 15 Jan 1869 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 6 Nov 1947
Married : 22Nov 1892
Spouse : Hardiania Jane Swift
6. Josephine Watson
Born : 13 March 1872 Palestine Calhoun , Ala
Died : 23 Nov 1903
Spouse : Avery A Joyce
7. Ursula Watson
Born : 19 Oct 1875 Bloomer , Sebastion Arkansas
Died : 17 Apr 1958
unmarried
8. Lillie Watson
Born : 5 sept 1878 Bloomer , Sebastion Arkansas
Died : 11 Apr 1888
9. George B Watson
Born : 23 Apr 1881 Bloomer , Sebastion Arkansas
Died: 5 july 1897
10. Perry Austin Watson
Born : 30July 1884 Bloomer , Sebastion Arkansas
Died : 19 dec 1934
unmarried
Sources : Bible Record, Tombstone Inscriptions, Personal Knowledge and Death Records of Mrs. Evelyn Watson Bradbury, 602 Senic Drive Baytown , Tx 77521
Mercer Family Research by Don W Mercer 1985 page 40
Sarah Ann Mercer Watson
by her Granddaughter
Evelyn Watson
Sarah Ann Mercer had a sad life. Her father died when she was a young girl (10) and her Mother either before or just after Sarah Ann married George Ashbury Watson. I found the younger children living with the Wheeler Family in the 1860 Census of Calhoun, Alabama . Right after she married the war came along, then they lost a little 4 year old boy before they left Alabama for Texas. (Which they never Reached). I was told by Lilly Aldridge Cooper that Sarah Ann lost a little boy on the way to Texas but the Bible did not mention him.
In 1888 their youngest daughter Lillie died at the age of 10 years. Two years later 1890 George Ashbury Watson passed away. In 1892 her eldest son Joseph Watson passed away at the age of 32 years. Three years later 1895 her daughter Emma Watson (b 10 Nov 1864 married James Madison Aldridge 9 March 1884) died on 30 July 1895 in childbirth at the age of 31. In 1897 her son George Watson died at the age of 16 years.
Sarah Ann Mercer Watson buried her husband and six of her children. She passed away in 1901.
