Henry (Sewell) Seawell (abt. 1601 - 1644)

Born about 1601 in England

Husband of Alice (Willoughby) Sewell — married 1631 in Sewells Point, Virginia Colony, North America

Descendants

Died 20 Feb 1644 at about age 43 in Sewell's Point, Lower Norfolk, Virginia Colony

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Biography

Henry (Sewell) Seawell is a Qualifying Ancestor of the Jamestowne Society

Henry Seawell the elder,^[1] was a merchant, a burgess for Elizabeth City in 1632^[2] and was elected a burgess for Norfolk county in 1639 and 1640.^[3] "Seawell's Point," at the mouth of the Elizabeth River, was named for him and he was perhaps connected with the Thomas Seawell, who patented four hundred acres on Pocoson River, York county, in 1635. ^[4][5]

His wife was Alice Willoughby, daughter of Thomas Willoughby who had come to Virginia in 1610. Henry and Alice Seawell had two children, Anne and Henry. Anne was born 1634, and married Lemuel Mason, son of Francis Mason. Henry Seawell, the younger, was born in 1639. ^[6]

Sewells Point & Willoughby Spit (1907)

The earliest church records for Lower Norfolk show that the Elizabeth River Parish was created about 1637. The first Anglican church of Elizabeth River Parish was erected between 1638 and 1640 "at Mr. Seawell's Pointe," with assistance of Thomas Willoughby. The first recorded minister was the Reverend John Wilson.

"At a Court houlden in the Lower Count of New Norfolke the 15th of May 1637.

Capt Adam Thorowgood Esqr, Capt John Sibsey, Mr ffrancis Mason, Mr Edward Windham, Mr Robt Came, Mr Willia Julian.

Mr John Wilson minister of Elizabeth River ordered to marry Thomas Hughs to Sarah Purflit widow by order of Sir John Harvy Knight."

"26th Oct 1637 Wm Shipp ordered to pay George White of Nansamund Clarke one hundred and fifteene pounds of tobacco and foure barrells of Indian Corne."

"At a Court houlden in the Lower Count of new Norfolke 21 of Novembr 1638.

prsent: Capt Adam Thorowgood Esq, Capt John Sibsey, Mr Willia Julian, Mr Edward Windha, Mr ffrancis Mason, Mr Henry Seawoell.

Whereas their hath beene an order of Court granted by the Governor and Counsell for the Building and erecting of a Church in the upper ... of this County with a reference to the Commander and Commissioners of the sd County for the apointing of a place fitting and convenient for the situation and building thereof, the sd order being in part not acomplish. But standing now in elsortion to be voyde and the worke to fall into ruine. Wee now the sd Commissioners taking it into consideration doe appoint Capt John Sibsey and Henry Seawell to procure workemen for the finishing of the same and what they shall agree for with the sd workemen to be levied by the apointment of us the Commissioners."

Parson Wilson is mentioned again on 6 Feb 1638 and finally on 4 March 1638 as having financial difficulty. Nothing more is known about him but on 25 May 1640 the Commissioners decided to formally hire Governor Berkeley’s chaplain, the Rev. Thomas Harrison.

"Att a Courte houlden att Wm Shipps the 25 of May 1640.

Capt Thomas Willoughbie Esqr, Capt Jno Sibsey LLeftent ffrans Mason, Mr Hennie Sewell Mr Wm Julian.

Whereas the Inhabitants of this Parrishe beinge this day convented for the pvidinge of themselves an able minister to instructs them concerninge their soules health mr Thomas Harrison tharto hath tendered his srvice to god and the said Inhabitants in that behalf wch his said tender is well liked of, with the great approbacon of the said Inhabitants, the pishoners of the Parrishe Church at mr Sewells Pointe who to testifie their zeale and willingnes to pmote gods service doe hereby pmise (and the Court now sittinge doth likewise order and establish the same) to pay one hundreth pounds starlinge yearely to the sd mr Harrison, soe Longe as hee shall continue a minister to the said Parrishe in recompence of his paynes, and in full sattisfaccon of his tytes, within his Limitts wch is to bee payed unto him as ffolloweth. Capt John Sibsey, Leiftenant ffranc : Mason, mr Henry Sewell, are to pay for themselves and the Inhabitants of this pishe, from Capt Willoughbies Plantaton to Daniell Tanners Creeke Thirty two powndes ten shillings starlinge, mr Cornelius LLoyd mr Henry Catlin & John Hill are to pay for the Inhabitants of the westermost Branch and Crauny Pointe thirty three pownds starlinge, mr Wm Julian, mr John Gatear Ensigne, Thomas Lambeth, mr Thos Sawyer, Thomas Meare, and John Watkins are to pay thirty six pownds Starlinge for the Inhabitants from Danyell Tanners Creeke ovr all the Eastward & southward Branches, In wittnes .... whereof wee the sd undrtakers have hereunto subscribed our hands Ensigne Tho Lambeth, Willm Julian, Cornelius LLoyd, John Sibsey, John Galear, Thom Sawyer, Henry Catlin, ffranc Mason, John Watkins, Thom Meare, John Hill, Henry Sewell. "^[7]

Henry probably died before his wife Alice Seawell as both were deceased and buried by 20 Feb 1644 when the Court ordered Mr. Matthew Phillips, the administrator of Mrs. Seawell, to pay the cleric, Mr. Thomas Harrison, for his services at their burial. The Church records record:

"At a County Court holden at the howse of Ensigne Thomas Lambart upon the xxth daye of ffebruary Ao Dm 1644 Comrs prsent: Capt John Sibsey Commander, Mr William Julian, Mr henry Woodhowse, Mr frauncis Mason, Mr Thomas Lambart, Mr Math Phillipps

The Court doth thinke fitt and order yt Mr Mathew Phillipps the admr of Mrs Seawell deceased shall within tenne dayes Satisfye and paye unto Mr Tho : Harrison Clarke, one thowsand pownds of Tobo in Consideration and Satisfaccon for the buriall and preaching the funerall Sermon of Mr Seawell and Mrs Seawell deceased, and for breakeing of grownde in the Channcell for them.^[8]

It is interesting to note that this Anglican cleric, Rev. Thomas Harrison became involved with the Puritans and fell out of favor with Governor Berkeley. After the second great Indian massacre occurred about two months later on 18 April, the same Mathew Phillips who administered the estate of Mr. and Mrs Seawell brought Harrison up on charges that he was in violation of Virginia laws. Harrison left Virginia and over the next several years many "dissenters" left Virginia for Maryland and Massachusetts.

"April 1645 Mr Mathew Phillipps and Mr Thomas Ivey the Churchwardens of Eliz: River parish have exhibited there presentment against Mr Thomas Harrison Clark (Parson of the Said parish) for not reading the booke of Common Prayer and for not adminstring the Sacrament of Baptisme according to the Cannons and order prescribed and for not Catechising on Sunnedayes in the afternoone according to Act of Assembly upon wch prsentmt the Court doth order that the Said Mr Thomas Harrison shall have notice thereof and bee Summoned by the sherriffe to make his psonall appearaunce at James Citty before the Right worrl the Governor & Counsell on the first daye of the next Quarter Court and then and there to answere to the Said prsentment " ^[8]

Parents & Siblings

Father: UNKNOWN

Mother: UNKNOWN

Married: England

Children:

Self: Henry Seawell ( -1644)

Some believe that Henry came to America with a brother named Thomas. There was a Thomas Sawell age 26 (Abraham Peirseys servant) who arrived on the George in 1619 ^{[9] [10]} This Thomas left England with Sir George Yeardley on January 29, 1619 and arrived in Virginia April 29, 1619. ^[11] He is listed with settlers living at "Flourdien Hundred" in Virginia, February 16, 1623/4. ^[12] In 1624, Abraham Piersey, a Cape Merchant of the Virginia Company, purchased "Flowerdew Hundred" and for a short period it was renamed "Piersey's Hundred". At the muster on January 20, 1624/5, Thomas Sawell was living with Settlers living at "Peirseys Hundred" in Virginia ^[13] About ten years after these early Musters there was also a Thomas Seawell who patented four hundred acres on Pocoson River, York county, in 1635, and in Gloucester in 1642.

It is unproven whether these Thomas "Seawell" men are the same person or if they are connected in any way to Henry Seawell "the elder" of Lower Norfolk.

Marriage & Family

Husband: Henry Seawell "the elder" ( -1644)

Married: Alice Willoughby ( -1644)

Children:

Child i: Anne Seawell b. about 1634 married Lemuel Mason, son of Francis Mason^[4]

Child ii: Henry Seawell "the younger" b. 1 May 1639 d. before 16 Aug 1672 without issue^[4]

A deposition taken June 18, 1662, shows that the son, Henry, was born May 1, 1639, and another, August 16, 1672, mentions Henry Seawell, the younger, as late deceased, and that his sister and heir, Anne, now the wife of Colonel Lemuel Mason was born about thirty-seven or thirty-eight years since.^{[14] [4]}

The "elder" Henry died about 1644, and a settlement of his estate was held some five years later at an orphan's court held Feb. 25, 1649. They met to consider a minor son named Henry Sewell who was ordered to be sent to Holland, for his education, in the charge of Mr. Thomas Lee. Henry Sewell Jr. was said to have been born 1 May 1639. It is not clear if the orphan was in Holland or if he was being raised by Mr. and Mrs. Phillips but and upon the death of Mathew Phillips, his widow and administratrix, Anne Phillips represented only the interest of Mathew Phillips estate and four additional men were chosen on behalf of the orphan Henry Jr., son of Henry and Alice Seawell. ^[4]

"having mett Concerning the Estate of Hen: Seawell deceased, by the opinion of the Cort and Consent of Jno Holmes, overseer, and Mr Lemuel Mason who hath Intermarried with Anne the dauther of the said seawell It was agreed as follows:-The estate of Mr Mathew phillipps late deed to be responsible for estate of said Hen: Seawell as it was left at the decease of Alce ye wife of ye said H. S. by Inventory &c and differences to be decided by 4 Indifferent men chosen on ye behalf of ye Orphants of ye said said Seawell & Mrs Anne Phillips afsd Administratrix of said Mr Mathew Phillips." ^[14]

The orphans court seems to have consented to place Henry Seawell Jr., about 10 years old, under the charge of one William (Lilly ?) Scapes, merchant of Yarmouth in England, and in 22 March 1649 he was bound apprentice to him for four years, and seven years' service. ^[4]

In a letter of 6 Dec 1653 Scapes writes about the prior ill health of Henry Jr. and the progress of his education. A deposition taken 16 Aug 1672 mentions the "as late deceased" Henry [Seawell] Jr., and his sister and heir Ann (Sewell) Mason born about 1634/35, now the wife of Colonel Lemuel Mason. ^[4]

Death

Henry probably died before his wife Alice Seawell and both were deceased and buried by 20 Feb 1644. The 25 Feb 1649, orphan courts decision has often caused confusion because the relationship with the Phillips' family is not clearly apparent. Some have assumed that Alice, widow of Henry Seawell, was remarried to Mathew Phillips, who, upon her death, was remarried to Anne, who survived him as his administratrix. It is more likely that Anne Phillips was married to Matthew Phillips in 20 Feb 1644 when the Court ordered Mathew to pay for the Seawell’s burial expenses and Mathew’s relationship was that of administrator of the Seawell estate. ^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ [Click link for bio accessed 24 October 2021
2. ↑ McIlwaine, H. R. and J. P. Kennedy, Editors. Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. 13 Volumes. Richmond, Virginia, 1905-1915. Editors: vols. 1-9, H. R. McIlwaine; v. 10-13, J. P. Kennedy. [https://archive.org/details/journalsofhousb1619virg/page/n19/mode/2up Vol. 1, page xiii
3. ↑ Stanard, William G. and Mary Newton Stanard. The Colonial Virginia Register. Albany, N. Y.: Joel Munsell's Sons, Publishers. 1902. Addenda, Page 211 states: "At the session of January 6, 1630, John Sidney and Henry Seawell were also members for Lower Norfolk." This appears to be a typo and should read January 6, 1640. Lower Norfolk was not created until 1637.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6} NEHGR vol. 47, 1893, pg. 69-70, see Note: 23
5. ↑ TUCKER - ch.3 "Whence Elizabeth River, Willoughby, and Two Points"
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} WARFIELD pg. 135-136 The Sewells of Virginia
7. ↑ JAMES - vol. 1, pg. 84-85
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} JAMES - vol. 2, pg. 11-12
9. ↑ HOTTEN - pp. 120, 217
10. ↑ LANGFORD - The George, 1619
11. ↑ BROWN - pg. 308
12. ↑ HOTTEN - pg. 172
13. ↑ HOTTEN - pg. 217
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} WMQ vol. 4, no. 3, 1896, pg. 173

• HOTTEN, John Camden (1832-1873). "The Original Lists Of Persons Of Quality . . . who went from Great Britain to the American Plantations, 1600-1700". New York, Empire State Book Co., 1874
• JAMES, Edward W.. "The Church In Lower Norfolk County from (1637-1662)" in vol. 1, vol.2, and vol. 3. Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary. Baltimore, The Friedenwald Co., 1899
• [NEHGR] "Certificates Of Head Rights In Virginia." Note 23 on pg. 69 of The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 47, 1893, pp. 60-71.
• [WMQ] “Letters Extracted from the County Record Books.” The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 4, no. 3, 1896, pp. 169–177.
• BROWN, Alexander (1843-1906). "The First Republic of America." Cambridge, The Riverside Press, 1898.
• LANGFORD, Thomas; English-America The Voyages, Vessels, People, and Places (formerly American Plantations and Colonies), 1996-2003, inactive website archived 25 Feb 2006
• WARFIELD, J. D.. "The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties,Maryland." Baltimore, Maryland, Kohn & Pollock,1905
• TUCKER, George Holbert, Norfolk Highlights 1584 - 1881.
• Stanard, William Glover, 1858-1933. The Colonial Virginia Register: A List of Governors, Councillors And Other Higher Officials, And Also of Members of the House of Burgesses, And the Revolutionary Conventions of the Colony of Virginia. Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's sons, 1902..
• Wikipedia Sewell's Point
• Wikipedia Willoughby Spit
• Find A Grave memorial# 45353736
• Wikipedia From official Virginia state map published in 1859. Entered by Gail Byler 9-23-12
• MilesFiles 17.2

Notes to be Incorporated and Referenced

Henry Seawell M, b. 1610, d. 1644

Last Edited

25 Feb 2015 Birth* 1610 Henry was born in 1610.1  Anecdote* 1630 Henry Seawall, for whom Seawall's Point was named, was an early resident of what became Norfolk County. He represented the Upper Parish of Elizabeth City County as a burgess in 1632 and Lower Norfolk County in 1639 and 1640. This service qualifies him for representation in the Jamestowne Society. Seawall was living in Virginia as early as 1630. He married Alice, surname not proven. He died in 1644. He had two children Ann and Henry. The son Henry was born 1 May 1639, according to depositions made in June 1662 (Norfolk Co. Wills and Deeds, D. pp.347a, 348). His sister Ann was born 1634 or 1635 according to a deposition made in 16 Aug 1672. On 27 February 1649/50 (Lower Norfolk Co. Order Book B, p. 137a) the estate of Henry Seawall was settled. The orphan son Henry was sent to Holland to be in the care of his kinsman Thomas Lee. He eventually was apprenticed to William Scapes of Yarmouth, England to learn the trade of merchant on 22 Mar 1654. He had served his time by 14 June 1662. There is som correspondence that mentions the illness of young Henry and then reports of his improved health and his education. The daughter Ann was married to Lemuel Mason. By 16 August 1672, Henry Seawall Jr, is reported as lately dec'd and Ann, wife of Lemuel Mason is her sole heir (NEHGR, v.47, p.70). This is also in a deed from Lemuel Mason and wife Anne heir of our brother Henry Seawall, dated 16 February 1674 (Norfolk Deeds and Wills E, p. 181a). She died testate by 15 March 1706/07 (Norfolk Do Record Book 7, p. 117) when her will was recorded. Her children were Thomas Mason, Lemuel Mason, George Mason, Margaret Mason, Elizabeth Mason Cocke, Frances Mason Newton-Sayer, Alice Mason Hodge-Porten-Boush, Anne Mason Kendall-Collier, Mary Mason Cocke, Abigail Mason Crawford, Dinah Mason Thorowgood-Wilson-Trevethan. As Henry Seawall Jr's sister was his sole heir, there are no descendants of Henry Seawall Sr. except through his daughter Ann Mason. Claims of descent from this Henry Seawall by Seawalls in Maryland are not substantiated by the extant record.2  Marriage* circa 1632 He married Alice (-----) circa 1632.2  Death* 1644 Henry died in 1644.1,2  Family

Alice (-----) b. c 1610 Children  1. Ann Seawell+ b. c 1634, d. b 15 Mar 1705/6   2. Henry Seawell Jr.2 b. 1 May 1639, d. b 16 Aug 1672 Citations [S888] John Frederick Dorman, Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5, p. 570 (Mason Family). [S2480] Jamestowne Society Newsletter, Vol. 39, No. 1, Spring 2015, Genealogist's Corner, Henry Seawall.