John PURVIS [Parents] was born in 1690 in Middlesex Co, VA. He died in Jan 1740 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. He was buried in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA. He married Winifred NICHOLLS on 5 Sep 1711 in Christ Church, Middlesex Co, VA.
Other marriages:(PURVIS), Elizabeth
John was a tobacco farmer.
Residences & events:
Middlesex Co, VA.
11/2/1700 He was mentioned in a will that his father witnessed for a John Sheare.
1711 He and brother, George, apparently had a difference of opionion with their mother about their father's estate and sued her. The suit was later dismissed when the difference was resolved.
From Middlesex Co Court Abstracts:
3/3/1712 "in an action of debt between William Stanard, plaintiff, and John Purvis, defendant, Judgement for plaintiff for 463 lbs of tobacco. The attachment which the Sheriff obtained against the estate of John Purvis for his non-appearance at the suit of William Stanard, is discontinued."
Same date "in an action of debt between John Townsend, plaintiff, and John Purvis, defendant, the defendant appeared in the Sheriff's Custody and confessed judgment for 800 lbs of tobacco and cask. At plaintiff's motion, ordered that the defendant remain in the Sheriff's Custody till he be thence lawfully discharged."
3/31/1718 A notation in Christ Church vestry minutes recorded an order that one of the church wardens take care of John's newly born twins, indicating his wife's death and, either his incapability of caring for them while working, or his absence. The whereabouts of the other children is unknown.
10-7-1719 Vestry records ordered reimbursement given to two men who were caring for John's son, George, and another child.
Bef 1720 Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Co, VA. It is possible John was preparing to bring the family to the new home at the time of his wife's death. He accumulated a large amount of land there.
9/28/1728 He acquired 770 acres "on the branches of Terry's Run. Beginning at three white oaks by a horse lick in the fork of a branch."
2/4/1730 St George's Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA. He transferred the above 770 acres to a carpenter named Phillip Walters in addition to 5000 lbs of tobacco. Considering the family tradition that a Purvis had built the first wood frame house in Fredericksburg, this transaction may have been compensation to the carpenter for building his house, a sign of his success as a tobacco farmer. He also helped all his sons become prosperous planters and farmers.
Winifred NICHOLLS was born about 1690. She died on 15 Mar 1717 in Middlesex Co, VA. She was buried on 16 Mar 1717 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA. She married John PURVIS on 5 Sep 1711 in Christ Church, Middlesex Co, VA.
She probably died from complications of childbirth, leaving newborn twins.
They had the following children:
M i John PURVIS was born on 24 Mar 1712 in Middlesex Co, VA.
His and Winifred's birth dates were both Mar 24 but the years are in question. Some records have them born in 1711 and 1712 respectively and others indicate they were twins.
This man may have been the John Purvis who settled in SC in 1747. On 3/1748 that John petitioned the SC Council for 150 acres of land on Thompson's Creek and Pedee River, stating he had a wife and one child, and that he came from VA the previoous year. His petition was granted and his family became numerous and prominent.
His birth year is 1711 in LDS records.F ii Winifred PURVIS was born on 24 Mar 1712 in Middlesex Co, VA.
Nothing more is known about Winifred, perhaps she died very young.F iii Alice PURVIS was born on 6 Dec 1712 in Middlesex Co, VA. She was christened on 24 Jan 1713 in Christ Church, Middlesex Co, VA. She died on 5 Sep 1715 in Middlesex Co, VA. She was buried on 7 Sep 1715 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA. M iv George PURVIS was born on 17 Oct 1715. He died in Dec 1794. M v Robert PURVIS was born on 11 Mar 1717 in Middlesex Co, VA. He died on 24 May 1717. He was buried on 25 May 1717 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA. Robert was baptized on 12 Mar 1717 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA.
Robert was a twin to Henry.M vi Henry PURVIS was born on 11 Mar 1717 in Middlesex Co, VA. Henry was baptized on 12 Mar 1717 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA.
He and Robert were twins and nothing more is known about him.
John PURVIS was born in 1655 in London, England/Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA. He died in 1709/1710 in Middlesex Co, VA. He married Mary MILLS SHIPPEY on 27 Nov 1686 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA.
The Purvis name is Scottish and many of the family spelled it Purves.
There were Purvises in North Carolina early in the history of the country but to date no connection has been made to our branch.
John was mentioned in various records as a merchant, farmer, and attorney.
Residences & events:
His place of origin is unknown.
1674 "He was named along with 30 other servants in a headright list made by the colony of Maryland, confirming a land grant to Captain William Barrot of London, England for his expense in transporting them to the province. Whether or not he travelled with Barrot from London is not indicated. It is possible that he came to Maryland from the island of Barbados. A large exodus of white settlers were leaving that colony in the late seventeenth century for North America. A family of tobacco planters named 'Parvis' were living on Barbados in the mid seventeenth centure, and their home was shown on the northeast shore of the island on Richard Ligon's map of the colony drawn about 1650. John Purvis may have been a brother of James Purvys who came to South Carolina from Barbados in Aug. of 1673."
1675 MD. John arrived as an indentured servant, serving until about 1680. Some descendants said their family tradition was that a brother and sister stowed away on a ship to get to America. However, no history has been found to support that.
1675 Gloucester Co, VA. "A headright for John Purvis was given to Thomas Seawell. The title to Seawell's headright was eventually transferred to Abraham Bradley, who registered the grant in the County Courthouse on May 6, 1682."
Middlesex Co, VA. John stayed in Gloucester until his place of residence was shifted to the neighboring county. There he was a tobacco farmer and rented lands from others.
5/21/1684 His name was mentioned in the Brock Collection of VA Colonial Abstracts in connection with William Penn but details are unknown: "Penn, Wm from Jno Purvis"
1684 His name appeared in various wills and estate settlements, either as being owed money, owing money, or as a witness.
Items from the Middlesex Co, VA deed book:
6/11/1687 "...(regarding Col. Cuthbert Potter) for discharging the sum of 70 lbs sterling which he owes Capt. John Purvis, and for which said Potter, by his deed dated Sep 1, 1684 and acknowledged in Middlesex, did sell to said Purvis the other moiety or half part of the before mentioned plantations and dividends of land and water grist mill, but with a proviso in said deed that if the 70 lbs were paid to said Purvis by Sep 2, 1688, then the deed to be void. Now know that said Potter....paid said Purvis the 70 lbs sterling.."
From the county will book:
5/2/1692 "Capt. John Purvis, attorney of Mr. James Cary of London, merchant, has a suit against Mr. Randolph Seager and Ann Seager his wife, administratrix of Capt. Oswald Cary, deceased." The Seagers were a prominent family of Middlesex Co, VA.
2/7/1697 He was granted administration of the estate of "Richard Shippe, deceased"
And again from the deed book:
7/5/1697 (garbled note, meaning unclear) Lettice Shippey from Henry Gargrobe memorandum that Henry Gorgorgorolds about 4 and 11 years of Middlesex...2 flower deLuces...goddaughter will at ...1692. Signed Robert Deputy....Personally appeared Robert Deputy and acknowledged the above writing.
Judging form the following, settlement of his estate must have been complicated.
From Middlesex Co, VA court abstracts:
Mar 6 & 7, 1710 "ordered that Mary Purvis be cited to the next Court to see if she will accept the administration of her husband's estate."
7/3/1711 "The difference between John Purvis and George Purvis, plaintiffs, and Mary Purvis, defendant, by consent of the parties, is referred to Mr. John Price, Mr. Edmund Hamerton, and William Stanard, to make a final decision thereof, and they are hereby empowered, before next court, to examine, state, and settle all accounts in difference relating to the estates of John Purvis and Richard Sheppey and Richard Shippey, Jr. and to examine all witnesses and report to the next Court."
8/7/1711 "The diference between John Purvis and George Purvis, complaintants, and Mary Purvis, defendant, is dismissed."
5/1/1711 "Upon the petition of John Purvis for Administration upon his father's estate, Mary Purvis, the widow of said deceased, appeared and claimed the right of administration upon the said estate, and at her motion, time is given her until the next Court for her to bring security for her just administration of the said estate."
Same date "The order for summoning Mary Purvis to Administer upon her husband's estate is discontinued."
4/7/1713 "Mary Purvis about the estate of her deceased husband, John Purvis."
Mary MILLS SHIPPEY [Parents] was born on 12 Apr 1655 in St Martin Parish, Leicester, England. She died on 16 Dec 1720 in Christ Church, Middlesex Co, VA. She married John PURVIS on 27 Nov 1686 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA.
A family listing by Walter Burgner says Mary's maiden name was Mills and she was the widow of a Richard Shippey. There is a record in the Parish Register of Christ Church to Lettice Shippey, daughter of Richard and Mary Shippey, baptized 12/19/1682. Considering Mary's age, she could have been married previously. However, most researchers list her as the daughter of John and Mary Shippey.
Tradition is that Mary immigrated to America as an indentured servant in connection with a relative, Rebecca who married a Robert Cole.
By 10/16/1716 the Christ Church vestry was providing funds to buy wine and other goods for Mary Purvis, widow of John.
They had the following children:
M i John PURVIS was born on 22 Jan 1686 in Middlesex Co, VA. He died on 22 Sep 1686.
If John belongs to this set of parents, he was born and died before they married.M ii John PURVIS was born in 1690. He died in Jan 1740. M iii George PURVIS was born about 1691.
Residences & events:
Middlesex Co, VA.
From Middlesex Co Court records it appears he was a frequent party to court action:
1/1/1711 "in an action of trespass on the case between Thomas McClelland, plaintiff, and George Purvis, defendant, at the defendant's motion, a special imparlance is granted him till the next Court."
3/4/1711 "the action of trespass on the case between Thomas McClelland, plaintiff, and George Purvis, defendant, is referred by consent."
6/3/1711 The case was dismissed.
7-8/1711 George and brother, John, were plaintiffs in a lawsuit against their mother over the estate of their father.
3/3/1718 "Thomas Libbey, John Price, George Purvis and Robert Spencer for not attending church."
4/1/1718 According to probate records he owed the estate of Paul Durram.
1727-8 Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Co, VA. He took out a patent for 1000 acres.M iv Thomas PURVIS was born about 1693. He died in 1704 in Middlesex Co, VA.
George PURVIS [Parents] was born on 17 Oct 1715 in Middlesex Co, VA. He died in Dec 1794 in Amherst Co, VA. He married Mary Oldham on 14 May 1742 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. George was baptized on 13 Nov 1715 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex Co, VA.
Residences & events:
Caroline Co, VA
Spotsylvania Co, VA
Abt 1760 Amherst Co, VA, where as a farmer, he amassed a large estate, leaving 446 acres of land, among other things, to his heirs.
His will was filed at the courthouse under the name "Pervis."
Mary Oldham was born in 1721 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. She married George PURVIS on 14 May 1742 in Spotsylvania Co, VA.
They had the following children:
F i Elizabeth PURVIS was born in 1755. She died in 1826. M ii George PURVIS was born on 19 Oct 1757. He died on 15 Oct 1838. M iii Charles S PURVIS was born in 1763. He died in 1855. F iv Elcie PURVIS was born in 1765. She died on 25 May 1847. M v William PURVIS was born in 1767. He died on 9 Jan 1840.
James PURVIS [Parents] was born about 1727 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. He died on 18 Dec 1797 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. He married Cassandra (Purvis).
He had no male offspring. The life of this man has been confused with nephew, James, son of William, with several family records attributing the same facts to both men, especially spouses and children, military life, and death dates.
Residences & events:
Spotsylvania Co, VA, where he acquired a substantial estate as a tobacco planter.
1782 He owned 6 slaves according to the tax roll. Brother, Francis, was on that same list.
His will was filed at the courthouse in 1798.
Cassandra (Purvis).Cassandra married James PURVIS.
They had the following children:
F i Ann PURVIS. F ii Mary PURVIS died on 10 Sep 1801. F iii Cassandra PURVIS.
Francis PURVIS [Parents] was born about 1725 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. He died on 6 Jan 1789 in Spotsylvania Co, VA. He married Molly (PURVIS) about 1746.
Residences & events:
St George's Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA, where he was a tobacco planter. He owned several hundred acres there and also large tracts in neighboring counties.
1772 Caroline Co, VA, was his place of residence according to a deed transfer.
1782 Spotsylvania Co, VA. He and brother, James, were listed on the tax rolls there and he had 11 slaves at that time.
Some relatives say he died in 1787. However, his will was not filed at the courthouse until 1789.
Molly (PURVIS).Molly married Francis PURVIS about 1746.
They had the following children:
F i Molly PURVIS was born in Spotsylvania Co, VA. F ii Lucy PURVIS. F iii Alice PURVIS was born in Spotsylvania Co, VA. F iv Sarah PURVIS was born in Spotsylvania Co, VA. M v John PURVIS was born about 1765. He died in Jul 1834.
John SHIPPEY.John married Mary (Shippey).
Mary (Shippey).Mary married John SHIPPEY.
They had the following children:
F i Mary MILLS SHIPPEY was born on 12 Apr 1655. She died on 16 Dec 1720.
Robert SUTTON.Robert married Helen L ARTHUR on 13 May 1911 in Coles Co, IL.
Helen L ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 25 Jul 1895 in IL. She died in Dec 1980 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Robert SUTTON on 13 May 1911 in Coles Co, IL.
Other marriages:WILSON, Charles
Helen was the final survivor among her siblings.
Charles WILSON.Charles married Helen L ARTHUR.
Helen L ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 25 Jul 1895 in IL. She died in Dec 1980 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Charles WILSON.
Other marriages:SUTTON, Robert
Helen was the final survivor among her siblings.
Frederick DRAKE.Frederick married Lillie ARTHUR on 1 Aug 1918 in Coles Co, IL. Frederick resided in 1923.
Son, George, was born while living there.
Lillie ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 7 May 1902 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She died before 1974. She married Frederick DRAKE on 1 Aug 1918 in Coles Co, IL.
She was not listed among the survivors of brother, Fred.
They had the following children:
F i Hazel DRAKE. M ii Raymond Eugene DRAKE. M iii George E DRAKE was born on 18 Jul 1923. He died on 6 Apr 1997. M iv Henry DRAKE. M v Tommy DRAKE. Tommy resided. M vi Paul DRAKE died before 1997.
He was not mentioned in the obituary of brother, George, as being alive or deceased.
Raymond Lester ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 9 Mar 1907 in Lafayette Twp, Coles Co, IL. He died on 11 May 1930 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Hazel F TANNER on 19 Aug 1928 in Coles Co, IL.
Died of retrugation.
Hazel F TANNER.Hazel married Raymond Lester ARTHUR on 19 Aug 1928 in Coles Co, IL.
They had the following children:
F i Lula May ARTHUR.