Joseph Bridger
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Joseph Bridger (bef. 1631 - 1686)

General Joseph Bridger
Born before in Woodmancote, Gloucestershire, Englandmap
Ancestors ancestors
Husband of — married about 1654 in Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight, Colony of Virginiamap
Descendants descendants
Died after age 54 in Isle of Wight, Colony of Virginiamap
Profile last modified | Created 27 Apr 2012
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Contents

Biography

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Joseph Bridger was a Virginia colonist.
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Colonel Joseph (Josephus) Bridger, was baptized 28 Apr 1631 in Dursley, Gloucester, the son of Samuel (Samuelis) Bridger.[1]

His father, Samuel Bridger, was the husband of Mary Purchas, b. 17 July 1603 in Godalming, Surrey, England.

Joseph Bridger married Hester Pitt By. 1654 in England.

Hester Pitt born circa (c.) 1638 in probably Bristol, England; died before 18 Jan 1711/12 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia (VA), the daughter of Lt Col Robert Pitt and Hester Stevens (ca. 1608-1694). Hester Bridger is named in the will of Robert Pitt, dated 6 Jun 1672, recorded 9 Jan 1675.[2]

Children of Joseph Bridger and Hester Pitt

i. Martha Bridger, born between 1644 - 1660 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died Aft. 1714 in (abt. Jul 1715), Nansemond Co., VA; married Thomas Godwin Jr c. 1679 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; born between 1640 - 1655 in Somerset, England; died before 27 May 1714 in Nansemond Co., VA. Thomas Godwin Jr.: Family may have come from Somerset, England. [Thomas Godwin] Signed a receipt for his wife Martha's share of Bridger estate on 16 Jul 1686. On 19 Dec 1688, Thomas Godwin of Chuckatuck, for 25 pounds sterling, purchased 45 acres from Henry Reeves on the S. side of Chuckatuck Creek and bounded by Thomas Oglethorpe. [Bk. 1, pg. 13[citation needed]] Lived at 'Oldcastle' until they built the home 'Pembroke' in 1705 on the Nansemond River.

ii. Mary Bridger, born between 1645 - 1665 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; married Captain Richard Tibbott before 1686 in Isle of Wight Co., VA. Captain Richard Tibbott: Captain of the Ship Mary and Anne. Signed receipt for wife Mary's share of Bridger estate.

iii. Elizabeth Bridger, born Bet. 1648 - 1665 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died after 10 Jul 1711; married Thomas Lear c. 1686 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; born about 1663 in probably Nansemond Co., VA874; died before 21 Nov 1695. Elizabeth Bridger was mentioned in will of Robert Pitt 10 Jul 1711. Thomas Lear: Died before his father, Colonel John Lear. Signed receipt for wife Elizabeth's share of Bridger estate.

iv. Hester Bridger, born between 1653 - 1670 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died before 1683; married George Williamson in Isle of Wight Co., VA; born c. 1640; died before 28 May 1722 in Isle of Wight Co., VA. George Williamson: Member of the House of Burgesses for Isle of Wight, Sep 1663 and Oct 1666. Made will 13 Jul 1723; probated 29 Oct 1723. George Williamson: Tax Record: Quit Rent, Isle of Wight Co., VA 2735 acres Will proved: 28 May 1722, Isle of Wight Co., VA; Gt. Bk., pg. 118 [whose will? Hester (Bridger) Williamson's or George Williamson's? [citation needed]]

v. Samuel Bridger, born Bet. 1665 - 1670 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died Bef. 25 May 1713 d.s.p., Isle of Wight Co., VA; married Elizabeth (Godwin) Webb Woory Bridger 1694 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; born c. 1648; died after 5 Apr 1717 in Isle of Wight Co., VA. Samuel Bridger: Inherited from his father, Colonel Joseph Bridger, the plantation he bought from John and William Gatlin where John Cooke lives and one-half of the plantation 'Curawaock' of 7800 acres. Justice of Peace, 1695. Colonel of Isle of Wight Co. Militia. On 27 Dec 1701, Samuel Bridger and wife Elizabeth, and Captain William Bridger and wife Elizabeth, gave to John Mackinihill for love and goodwill, 200 acres (being part of 7,000 acres at Currawaugh). President of the Isle of Wight County Court, 1710. [Samuel Bridger] Made his will 22 Apr 1704, probated 25 May 1713. Leg. includes step-son James Webb. [this appears to indicate that Samuel Bridger had a stepson by Elizabeth Godwin, below discussed: Samuel Bridger married the widow of Mr Joseph Woory.[3]] Mentioned in Mar 1713 will of brother Joseph [Bridger] - yields date of death as bet Mar 1713 and May 1713. Tax Record: Quit Rent, Isle of Wight Co., VA 12900 acres (with brother Wm) Will proved: 25 May 1713, Isle of Wight Co., VA; Bk 2, pg. 564

Elizabeth (Godwin) Webb Woory Bridger: Widow of:

1. James Webb, d. 1675.
2. Joseph Woory, d. 1694.[3]

Elizabeth (Godwin) Bridger made her will, dated 5 Apr 1717; [4] recorded 1718 in Isle of Wight Co., VA. Names: daughter Patience Milner and granddaughter Patience Milner; dau. Elizabeth Wilkinson; granddaughters Elizabeth Norsworthy and Martha Norsworthy (daughters of Martha (Webb) Norsworthy, dec'd). Elizabeth (Godwin) Webb Woory Bridger: Will proved: Isle of Wight Co., VA; Bk 2, pg. 619.[citation needed]

vi. Joseph Bridger, Jr., born between 1656 - 1668 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died before 25 Jun 1713 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; married Elizabeth Norsworthy before 1691 in Isle of Wight Co., VA.

vii. Col. William Bridger, born c. 1678 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; died before 23 Nov 1730 in Isle of Wight Co., VA; married Elizabeth Allen c. 1701 in probably Isle of Wight Co., VA; born before 1669 in probably Bacon's Castle, Surry Co., VA; died after 1717. Colonel William Bridger: Recorded 9 Mar 1705, William Bridger of the Upper Parish purchased from Nathaniel Whitby 170 acres in the Upper Parish between the land of Thomas Tooke, Captain. England, Thomas Blake, and Edward Brantley (being land bought by said Whitby from John Witte on 10 Feb 1700, and formally bought by him from Robert Flake, and was originally granted to Maj. Arthur Allen on 20 Oct 1691). [Bk. 2, pg. 73. [citation needed]] Vestryman of the Old Brick Church, 1724-1730. Colonel in the Isle of Wight Co. Militia, and a member of the House of Burgesses, 1718. Justice of County of Isle of Wight 10 Apr 1710, from which date of birth is calculated. Mentioned in will of brother Joseph 14 Mar 1713 [11,7.256 [citation needed]]. Made will 27 Sep 1730; probated 23 Nov 1730 [11,7.262. [citation needed]]. Names: son William, grandson Joseph; son James and his deceased brother Joseph

Narrative

Colonel Joseph Bridger[5] came to Virginia in 1652 under the auspices of Colonel Nathaniel Bacon, with whom he later served as a 'Councillor of State in Virginia to King Charles II'. He soon became one of the most prominent men in the Isle of Wight county, Virginia, carrying out major land deals involving many thousands of acres and building a seventeen roomed brick house.

He was a member of the House of Burgesses from Isle of Wight Co. in the 1657-8 session (probably only a few years after his arrival in VA). He was also a member of the house in 1663. [6]

His residence was called 'Whitemarsh', probably after the patent he and William Burgh received of 7,800 acres on 7 Jun 1666, "beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about half a mile from the main run of the Blackwater (River)" (now on Route 620, 'Pan Rd.', in Isle of Wight Co.) This patent was for the transportation of 156 persons (including a Thomas Pitt - probably related to Col. Robert Pitt, and a James Bridger - probably his brother).

Colonel Bridger was Adjutant General of the Virginia forces in 1666 and commander of the Isle of Wight militia in the Indian War of 1675.[6]

Colonel Bridger was a supporter of Governor Berkeley during Bacon's Rebellion in 1676 and was denounced in Bacon's Proclamation of 1676. (Both the Colonel and the Governor fled to Virginia's Eastern Shore during the rebellion.) However when King Charles sent over commissioners to report on Governor Berkeley's rule, Sir John Berry names among the eminent sufferers by Bacon's Rebellion Col. Joseph Bridger, "a very Resolute gentleman, who, though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own countrie, yet on his Return was very Active and Instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South parte of James River".

Received land grant of 432 acres in Surry Co., VA in 1673 [Patent Bk. #6.[citation needed]].

Deed of John Perry, son of Phillip Perry, of ye Whitemarsh, to Col Joseph Bridger, 1673.[7]

Death and Burial

He died 15 Apr 1686 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Find A Grave: Memorial #5139145, where Smithfield is designated as the death location and the memorial stone, that states his age as 58 is documented that is located at the Chancel of St Luke's Church of Newport Parish:

Sacred to ye memory of the Honble Joseph Bridger Esq. Councel of State of Virginia to King Charles ye 2nd. Dying April ye 15 AD 1686. Aged 58 years. Mournfully left His Wife, 3 sons & 4 daughters...

Will

Hester (Pitt) Bridger, Will date: 8 May 1686, Isle of Wight County, Virginia Will proved: 1711, Joseph Bridger listed as son and heir of Hester Bridger[citation needed]

Made his will 18 Oct 1683; probated 8 May 1686:[8]

Abstract: wife Hester; sons: Joseph, Samuel, William; daus: Martha (Godwin), Mary, Elizabeth. By codicil dated Oct. 18, 1683, disinherits son Joseph, "who I finde fly out with divers dissolute courses of life and is grown very disobedient to me." Will witnessed by Col. Robert Pitt. [9]

Leg:

1. Wife, Hester. 2. Son, Samuel: land bought of John and William Gatlin whereon John Cooke now lives; also one-half of the plantation at 'Curawoak'. 3. Son, William: land granted me by escheat of 850 acres formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorothy Bond, and William Blunt; also two tracts taken up by Col. Pitt, Mr. Wm. Burgh, and myself containing 3000 acres, except 600 acres sold to Lt. Col. John Pitt, part of this tract leased by me to Thomas Mandue, Richard Parker, William Worrell, Richard Jones, Thomas Rives, Robert Sturdy, and others; also tract leased to Christopher Wade. 4. Wife, Hester: land on which I now dwell of 850 acres, formerly belonging to Capt. Upton and 300 acres formerly to Mr. Seward on which Mr. Izzard, Ould Phillips, William Lewis live, reversion to son Joseph with half of the tract at 'Curawoak' and a tract at Monokin.

The Bridger house must have been one of the largest of its day in VA. The inventory of the estate lists, "Cellar, kitchen, kitchen chamber, dining room, parlor, hall gallery, landing chamber over dining room, outer chamber, lower chamber, hall chamber, next chamber, middle chamber, middle uppermost chamber, and childrens chamber."

Research Notes

Joseph Bridger was baptised on 28 February 1631 in Dursley, Gloucester County, England. No exact record of his birth exists. He was the son of Samuel Bridger and Mary Purchas(e). Joseph was a member of the Cavalier Army in the British Civil Wars. He immigrated to Virginia by ca. 1654 fleeing the Cromwellian persecution in England. He married about that same year, presumably in Virginia, to Hester Pitt, daughter of Colonel Robert Pitt of Isle of Wight County. They had the following children:

1. Captain Joseph II (circa 1654-by 1713/14, married Elizabeth Norsworthy. 2. Martha (circa 1658-after 1714), married Thomas Godwin. 3. Colonel Samuel (circa 1663-by 1714), married Elizabeth Godwin. 4. Elizabeth (circa 1665-1717), married Thomas Lear. 5. Mary (circa 1667-before 1683), married Captain Richard Tibboth. 6. Colonel William (circa 1669-1730), married Elizabeth Allen. 7. Hester (circa 1671), married George Williamson.

The following facts are associated with Joseph Bridger:

Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses for most, if not all, of the years 1657/58-1673.

On the Committee to adjust the Virginia/Maryland boundary on the Eastern Shore. Member of the Virginia Council of State, 1673-1686. Co-Acting Governor of Virginia, 1684 and 1685. Colonel of Isle of Wight County’s militia by 1673-1686. Adjutant General of Virginia, 1666. Commander of Nine Virginia Counties for Defense against Indians, 1680. Commander of Four Virginia Counties for Defense against Indians, 1683. Deputy Vice Admiral of Virginia, 1683. Owner of over 16,400 acres in Isle of Wight, Surry, Nansemond, and James City Counties in Virginia and in Somerset County, Maryland, making him the largest landowner of his day living south of the James River in Virginia and one of the ten largest landowners in Virginia. Builder of Whitemarsh Plantation’s 21-room, 8,000 sq. ft. brick mansion — likely one of the two largest homes ever built in 17th century Virginia. Buried in the chancel of St. Luke’s Church, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Local tradition considers Joseph Bridger the benefactor of the church’s construction, which was completed circa 1682. This Gothic brick structure is the oldest intact non-Roman Catholic church building in the Western Hemisphere. Died on 15 April 1686.

In March, 1657-58, he represented Isle of Wight in the House of Burgesses, and also in 1663. The following year, he was one of the commissioners to decide upon the boundary line between Virginia and Maryland, and on July 12, 1666, he was one of the commissioners to treat with Maryland upon the subject of tobacco culture, and in the same year he is mentioned as a member of the general assembly with the title of Adjutant General Bridger. In 1670, he was sworn a member of the council and was present at meetings in 1674. There seems to have been some question of his eligibility for membership; however, in a list of the councillors made for the lord of trades and plantations, the name of Joseph Bridger is marked "query," and their lordships stated that they would inquire further into the ability and deserts of Col. Joseph Bridger to be of the council. The King, however, on March 14, 1678-79, directed that Joseph Bridger be continued in the council, and he is mentioned as a councillor as late as 1683. In 1675, Col. Bridger took part in the Indian wars, and in the year following, was described by Nathaniel Bacon, as one of Berkeley's "wicked and pernicious councillors." During Bacon's rebellion, Gov, Berkeley gave to Col. Bridger the command of "all the country south of the James River." In 1680, he was commander-in-chief of the militia forces raised "so as to be ready for the Indians" in Isle of Wight, Surry, Nansemond, and Lower Norfolk. In 1683, Lord Culpeper appointed him his deputy in the office of vice-admiral. Gen. Joseph Bridger died on April 15, 1686. He had acquired a very large landed estate in Isle of Wight county besides grants in Surry and James City counties and in Maryland.

On January 29, 2007 Colonel Joseph Bridger's bones were exhumed by Dr. Douglas Owsley of the Smithsonian Institution, and his staff. After exhumation, the Rev. Gary Barker blessed remains and the team involved. The event was filmed by The History Channel. The bones were then sent to Washington, D. C. After some careful analysis, the bones were reinterred to Joseph Bridger's tomb and reburied in the church on April 15, 2007. The findings were in an exhibition called "Written in Bone: Life and Death in Colonial Chesapeake" at the Smithsonian Institution in 2008. The opening of the exhibit at the Smithsonian took place on Feb. 5, 2009.

The femur bone of Joseph Bridger was kept until ancient DNA was able to be extracted and tested at the David Reich Lab at Harvard University. The Y-DNA haplogroup of Joseph Bridger is J-M 172. As of January, 2023, eight of Joseph Bridger's male descendants have also been tested and they match Joseph Bridger.

According to tradition, Colonel Bridger brought members of the Driver family from England to "finish" work on the church. Colonel Bridger was given increasing acknowledgement for the important contributions he made in bringing the church to completion, and to honor him, his bones were removed from his property when the home was sold out of the family, and his remains were interred in the chancel at St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, in 1894. His marble ledgerstone, brought from England, was moved from Whitemarsh to St. Luke's. The ledgerstone reads:

SACREDTO THE MEMORY

OFTHE HONORABLE JOSEPH BRIDGERESQ.

COUNCELLOR OF STATE IN VIRGINIA TO KING CHARLES

ye 2d DYING APRIL ye 15 A.D.1686 AGED 58 YEARS

MOURNFULLY LEFT HIS WIFE 3 SONS 4 DAUGHTERS

Does Nature silent mourn & can dumb stone Make his true worth to future Ages knowne Exceeds expression Marble sure will keep His Mem'ry best yt ever on his grave shall weep Here lies ye late great Minister of State That Royal virtues had & Royal fate To Charles his Councels did such honrs bring His own express fetched him t' attend ye King His Soul yt evr did wth vigor move Nimbly took wing soared like it self above For ye bright stars ner'e laysily decline But in an instant shood yt cease to shine."

Historic St. Luke's Church has the oldest Gothic architecture in America. Among the Gothic features are buttresses, stepped gables, brick-traceried windows, and the medieval tie-beam timber interior roof structure. The interior finishing lapsed several years, perhaps as many as twenty-five, before the temporary forms were replaced with the permanent ones by Colonel Bridger. In the meantime, new settlers brought knowledge of changing architecture in the Mother Country as evidenced in the nearby Jacobean mansion, "Bacon's Castle" (c. 1665). The Jacobean finishing of the interior of Historic St. Luke's Church contains Tuscan columns formed from the trunk of a tree and turned balusters of the rood screen and railings. The workmanlike design and joinery of the interior architecture is exquisite.

A Continuing Symbol

For nearly four centuries, Historic St. Luke's Church has persevered through war, destruction, misuse and abandonment, witnessing the great events of our nation’s history. Within its walls, echoes can still be heard of our Founding Fathers and Patriots, who first established America in 1607. This house of worship welcomed New World colonists, Revolutionary and Confederate soldiers. Spared by time and the hands of men, this ancient church, in spite of the vicissitudes of history, has been a place of worship and ceremony.

And so, down through the ages, the great and the humble figures of time have journeyed to Historic St. Luke's Church and paid their respects

VIRGINIA ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY; Joseph Bridger - wife Hester, son Samuel land bought off John and William Gatlin whereon John Cooke now lives, also 1/2 of plant at Curawcak. Daughters : Martha Godwin, Mary, Elizabeth and Hester. My mother, Mrs. Mary Bridger. Recorded 5/9 /168 5(pg. 250 Will and Deed bk. 2 Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight Co. Va. 1647-1800 by Chapman" )

Bridger, a Royalist and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, served the king until his death in 1686 at age 58. Bridger was first buried in 1686 at his plantation not far from the James River, but his body was moved in 1694 to the chancel of the church, beneath a slate slab near the altar. "St. Luke's feels that Col. Bridger finished the interior of the church and the bell tower," Klamer said Friday, in explaining why the body was moved.

In Bacon's Rebellion (1676) Isle of Wight was the scene of constant foray. Col. Joseph Bridger(1) headed the followers of Berkeley, and John Jennings, clerk of the court, was the most noted of Bacon's adherents. He was banished from the colony, but died before the decree could be carried into effect.

Col. Joseph Bridger, Major Thomas Taberer, and General Richard Bennett, and many others of the leading men sympa- thized with the Quakers, and while the Quakers were sometimes fined for non-conformity, they had their own meeting-houses and practically their own way. After 1699 their houses were regu- larly licensed, and there is in the Gazette for 1736 an address signed by the leading Quakers of the Colony in which they admit they had nothing to complain of except their being taxed to support the State, or Episcopal Church.

Sir John Berry names among the eminent sufferers by Bacon's Rebellion Col. Joseph Bridger, "a very Resolute gentleman, who, though forced to fly in the heat of war from his own countrie, yet on his Return was very Active and Instrumental in reducing to their obedience the South parte of James River," &c.

Smithfield was laid out in 1752 by Col. Arthur Smith; and Robert Burwell, Arthur Smith, William Hodsden, James Baker, James Dunlop, James Arthur and Joseph Bridger were the first trustees.

Deed of Robert Pitt Esq., 27 Nov. 1673, to son John Pitt. Deed of John Perry, son of Phillip Perry, of ye Whitemarsh, to Col Joseph Bridger, 1673. Deed of Humphrey Marshall

Deed of Joseph Bridger, Esq., for certain land (left by Dr. Robert Williamson to Joan, his wife, for life, and then to his eld- est son Robert, which lands were found to escheat and were then granted in 1678 to said Bridger) to said Joan, now the wife of Mr. Robert Burnett. 8 Aug. 1683.

Deed of Mrs. Dorothy Bond, widow of Major John Bond, (4) and his son John Bond to Joseph Bridger, 29 July, 1693.

Justices in 1667: Lt. Coll. John George, Adjutant Nicholas Hill, Mr. James Boucher, Mr. Nicholas Smith, Capt. Joseph Bridger, Capt. Anthony ffulgeham. 1668, there were also Mr. John Hardy, Mr. Thomas Taberer, Mr. James Powell.

Hester m. Col. Joseph Bridger, Esq., of the Council; (4) Elizabeth, m. Nosworthy;

Prudence m. Driver. Capt. Henry Pitt, brother of Col. Robert Pitt, m. Ann, widow of Robert Watson, and she m'd, thirdly, Col. James Powell. Issue: Thomas, born 1636, who m. Mary grandson John Pitt, grandson Wm. Pitt, dau. Hester Bridger, dau. Elizabeth Nosworthy, gr. son Robert P., son of Robert Pitt, dec'd, dau. Brasheire. Dated 6 June, 1672; proved June 9, 1674.

Deed of Joseph Bridger disinheriting his son Joseph, in favor of his sons William and Samuel. 9 April, 1685.

Will of Coll. Joseph Bridger (1): Personal estate to be equally divided between his wife and sons: Joseph, Samuel and William, and daus. Martha (Godwin), Mary and Elizabeth, share and share alike; except Martha Godwin is to have one hundred pds. less than the rest in respect of what I have already given her hus- band; and alsoe there mother and my dear wife shall have in the first place and before it be delivered, over and above her propor- tion at her choice, one Bed covering and furniture to it, halfe dozen chaires, a chest of drawers, table and carpet and looking glasses and Andirons to furnish the chamber and one horse as she shall choose, and one man, and one woman servant white or black to waite upon her, besides all her apparell, Rings, jewels, and ap- purtenances for life, and at her decease to go to his heirs; to Samuel Bridger the plantation bought by me of John Gatlin and William Gatlin wherein John Cooke now lives, also one half of my plantation of Curawaock 7800 acres, &c.; to Son William 850 acres granted to me by an escheat formerly belonging to Na- thaniel Floyd & c., and another tract part of which is leased to Christopher Wade; his wife to have the tract of land on which he lives, 850 acres formerly belonging to Capt. Vpton, and 300 acres formerly belonging to Mr. Seward, and she keeping the Brick housing and orchard in repaire; after her death they are to go to his son Joseph, as well as half the land at Curawaock for his natural life, and remainder to the heirs male of his body; also tract at Manokin: to my mother Mrs. Mary Bridger 5 pounds yearly during her life. Lt. Coll. Jno. Pitt, Mr. Tho. Pitt and Coll. Arthur Smith to assist my wife, to whom I give 20 shillings apiece to buy Rings. Wife Hester Bridger Exx. 3 Aug. 1683. By a codicil he disinherits his son Joseph, "who I finde fly out with divers dissolute courses of life and is grown very dis- obedient to me." Entails the land that went to him on his other sons and divides the personal estate between his children Sam- uel, William, Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, and Hester. Dated 18 Oct., 1683. Proved May 8, 1686. (1) Bridger was born in 1628 and died April 15, 1686. See "The Old Brick Church, Smithfield"; by R. S. Thomas, Va. Hist. Coll., Vol. XI., p. 142. He married Hester Pitt, d. of Col. Robert Pitt.

Receipt of Mr. Tho. Godwin for share of his wife Martha's legacy directed by Coll. Bridger's will: 203 pds. 8s. and 5 pence, one cover of a silver tobacco box and two silver candlesticks, con- taining 70 ounces; 5836 pds. tob. and caske in blls, 14 cattle, 7 hogs, 3 horses, it being her proportion, except of a sloop not yet appraised and of ninety-two hhds. tob., shipped to London and consigned to Mr. Perry and Lane. Dated 16 July, 1686.

Appraisment of Coll. Bridger's estate. Mentions chamber over the store, the store goods, upper chamber of the oulde bricke house. In the next chamber, in the first chamber of the first story, in the next chamber, dining room, children's chamber; uppermost chamber of the new house, middle uppermost cham- ber, 3rd chamber over the dining room, the gallery, parlor, hall, lower chamber, kitchen chamber, outer chamber, landing, kitchen, cellar, 13 negroes, 4 white servants; total value of goods including a sloop that will carry about 28 hhds., 816L 17s. 04, not counting 105 cows, 46 hogs, 7 sheep, 490 oz. plate, 60L in Spanish money, 42L 10 in English money, 14 horses and mares. [One parcell of Virginia made clothes.] Money due by bills: 155L 13.01. Tobacco debts, 22,216 lb. and 20,455. Bills of ex- change, 296L, 15, 05. Several bills of exchange sent to Mr. Perry and sonn as by Journal of April, 1686, appears 502L, 07, 02. Due in porke, 1304lb; wheate, 3 bu.; Beefe, 527lb. The above from Isle of Wight County VA - Records; William and Mary College Qrtly, Vol. 7, No. 4, P. 205-249

JOSEPH BRIDGER OF VIRGINIA Joseph was brought to Virginia in 1652 by Colonel Nathaniel Bacon with whom he later served as a 'Councillor of State in Virginia to King Charles II '. He soon became one of the most prominent men in the Isle of Wight county, Virginia, carrying out major land deals involving many thousands of acres and building a seventeen roomed brick house, 'Whitemarsh', on his estate. He was a member of the House of Burgesses from the Isle of Wight in the 1657-58 session and also in 1663. He served during (another) Bacon's rebellion in 1676 under the Royalist Governor Sir William Berkeley (1606-1677) of the Gloucester Berkeley family (small world !). This was the losing side and he was denounced as one of the 'wicked and pernicious concillors against the Commonality in these our cruel commotions'. However when King Charles sent over commissioners to report on Governor Berkeley's rule, Joseph was described as a very resolute gentleman who after fleeing with Governor Berkeley was 'active and instrumental' in restoring order. He was a member of the Governor's Court in 1677 and was a witness to his will. In 1680 he was commissioned to raise men to protect the frontiers against Indians and commanded some of the troops. Excavations at Whitemarsh have recently revealed a wine bottle seal bearing a strong resemblance to the Bridger coat of arms. Parker believes that Joseph was one of the Royalists in the Gloucestershire area who helped Charles's remarkable escape to France after the battle of Worcester but no evidence of this is apparent despite the very detailed accounts of the event. He married the well connected Hester Pitt and their children were named Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Hester, Samuel, William and Joseph with obvious echoes of their aunts and uncles back in Dursley. In his will he makes a bequest to his mother Mary, still living in Dursley 36 years after her husband's death.

As "Captain" Joseph BRIDGER, he Patented 300 acres upon a branch of the Blackwater 21 MAR 1664 with Wm BURGH & his father in law Colonel Robert PITT. He eventually accquired about 12,000 acres of land and raised tobbacco and cattle. ------- Title Bridger, Joseph, Capt. Publication 21 March 1664. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Note Location: Isle of Wight County. Grantee(s): Pitt, Colo. Robert, Bridger, Captn. Joseph and Burgh, William. Description: 3000 acres. Source: Land Office Patents No. 4, 1655-1664, p. 614 (Reel 4).

On the 7th of June, 1666, Joseph BRIDGER together with William BURGH patented 7,800 acres "beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about a half a mile from the main run of the Blackwater'. His residence was named Whitemarsh. Colonel BRIDGER was a very wealthy man. His house must have been one of the largest of its day in Virginia.

Title Bridger, Joseph, Col. Publication 20 November 1674. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Note Location: Isle of Wight County. Description: 800 acres escheat land. Formerly in the possession of Captn. John Upton, decd. Source: Land Office Patents No. 6, 1666-1679 (pt.1 & 2 p.1-692), p. 309 (Reel 6).

Commander of the Isle of WIght Militia in the Indian War of 1675. Adherent of Governor of Berkley during Bacon's Rebellion in 1676. Colonel Joseph BRIDGER was an adherent of Governor BERKELEY during Bacon's Rebellion, in 1676, serving as Paymaster General of the King's Forces. Joseph, Sr. and his son Joseph, Jr. were on opposite sides during the Bacon's Rebellion. Joseph, Jr. sided with Nathaniel Bacon in favor of the small farmer. Joseph, Sr. sided with Governor William Berkeley in favor of the large land holders. Eventually the Governor had many followers of Bacon hanged. Joseph, Sr. was able to have his son pardoned. Because of this uprising much of Joseph, Sr.'s land was plundered and Joseph, Sr. and his son never got along after that, Jr. was disinherited. Two changes in the spelling of the Bridges name occured, the first of which was soon after the Bacon Rebellion by Joseph, Jr. - perhaps as a result of the family fight. -------------- In Bacon's Rebellion (1676) Isle of Wight was the scene of constant foray. Col. Joseph BRIDGER headed the followers of Berkeley, and John Jennings, clerk of the court, was the most noted of Bacon's adherents. He was banished from the colony. but died before the decree could be carried into effect.

In 1677, Joseph BRIDGER is a member of the court at the Middle Plantations, and is a witness to the will of Sir William Berkeley.

Title Bridger, Joseph, Col. Publication 22 July 1678. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Note Location: Isle of Wight County. Description: 850 acres escheat land. Formerly granted and belonging to Nath. Floyd. Source: Land Office Patents No. 6, 1666-1679 (pt.1 & 2 p.1-692), p. 650 (Reel 6).

On the 15th of July, 1680 Joseph BRIDGER was commissioned to raise men to protect the frontiers against Indians and was placed in command over troops of Lower Norfolk, Nansemond, and Isle of Wight at Surry. In 1680, he is a Councillor of State and Commander~in-Chief of the forces in Isle of Wight, Surry, Nansemond and Lower Norfolk; and Colonel Arthur Smith, of Isle of Wight, and Colonel John Lear and Major Milner, of Nansemond, are under his command.

In 1683, Joseph BRIDGER is a member of the Council of State and of the General Court, along with his Excellency, Thomas, Lord Culpeper, Governor, &c., Mr. Secretary Spencer, Mr. Auditor Bacon, Major-General Smith, Colonel Philip Ludwell, Colonel William Cole, Ralph Wormley, Esq., Colonel Richard Lee, Colonel John Page, and Colonel William Byrd.21 ---------- the Old Brick Church alluded to was built under the care and superintendence of one Joseph Bridger, the father of General Joseph Bridger, who lies buried on the farm now owned by James Davis, about a mile and a half distant from the old church-a farm that was called by General Joseph Bridger in his will in 1683, "The White Marsh Farm," and is so known, and so called, to this day.

Will of Colonel Joseph Bridger: Personal estate to be equally divided between his wife and sons: Joseph, Samuel and William, and daus Martha (Godwin), Mary and Elizabeth, share and share alike; except Martha Godwin is to have one hundred pds. less than the rest in respect of what I have already given her husband; and alsoe there mother and my dear wife shall have in the first place and before it be delivered, over and above her proportion at her choice, one Bed covering and furniture to it, halfe dozen chaires, a chest of drawers, table and carpet and looking glasses and Andirons to furnish the chamber and one horse as she shall choose, and one man, and one woman servant white or black to waite upon her, besides all her apparell, Rings, jewels and appurtenances for life, and at her decease to go to his heirs; to Samuel Bridger the plantation bought by me of John Gatlin and William Gatlin wherein John Cooke now lives; also one half of my plantation of Curawaock 7800 acres &c; to son William 850 acres granted to me by an escheat formerly belonging to Nathaniel Floyd &c; and another tract part of which is leased to Christopher Wade; his wife to have the tract of land on which he lives, 850 acres formerly belonging to Capt Upton and 300 acres formerly belonging to Mr Seward, and she keeping the brick housing and orchard in repaire; after her death they are to go to his son Joseph as well as half the land at Curawaock for his natural life, and remainder to the heirs male of his his body; also tract at Manokin; to my Mother Mrs Mary Bridger 5 pounds yearly during her life. Lt Coll Jno Pitt, Mr Tho Pitt and Coll Arthur Smith to assist my wife to whom I give 20 shillings apiece to buy Rings. Wife Hester Bridger Ex.. 3 August 1683. By a codicil he disinherits his son Joseph " who I finde fly out with divers dissolute courses of life and is grown very disobedient to me.'

Entails the land that went to him on his other sons and divides the personal estate between his children Samuel, William, Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, and Hester. Dated 18 Oct. 1683. Proved May 8, 1686. -------------- Appraisement of Coll. Bridger's estate. Mentions chamber over the store, the stores goods, upper chamber of the oulde bricke house. In the next chamber, in the first chamber of the first story, in the next chamber, dining room, children's chamber;uppermost chamber of the new house, middle uppermos chamber, 3rd chamber over the dining room, the gallery, parlor, hall, lower chamber, kitchen chamber, outer chamber, landing, kitchen, cellar, 13 negroes, 4 white servants; total value of goods including a sloop that will carry about 28 hhds. 816* 17s. 04, not counting 105 cows, 46 hogs, 7 sheep, 490 oz plate, 60* in Spanish money, 42* 10 in English money, 14 horses and mares. [One parcell of Virginia made clothes]. Money due by bills,tobacco debts, Bills of exchange, due in porke, wheate and Beefe. --------- Title Bridger, Joseph. Publication 1686 Gen. note Part of index to Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations (1628-1800) Note p. 251. Codicil recorded 9 Apr. 1685 p. 250-251. Will pro. 8 May 1686 p. 254. Inv. & Appr. rec. 27 Sept. 1686 p. 242. Disinheritence of eldest son rec. 9 Apr. 1685 Wills, Deeds, Etc., Vol. 2, 1661-1719 (Reel 23)

Patent Book 5 , CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS, p.559, records a patent for Capt. Joseph Bridger and Wm Burgh for Isle of Wight or Nancimond Co., VA. Dated 7 June 1666.

Joseph Bridger of Isle of Wight complained to the General Assembly that he did not have enough slaves to work his land and prayed that the entail of the land be docked so he could sell some of the land and purchase enough slaves to work the remainder.

Named Adjutant General in the Journal of the Grand Assembly held at James City on the 23rd day of October 1666 in the Hening's Statues at Large, Volume I.

Joseph was awitness to the Will of Sir William Berkeley on the 20th of March 1676/7 and such is listed in the Journal of the Grand Assembly held at James City on the 23rd day of October Hening's.

1682 -- Home completed in Jamestown and the Council met there on the afternoon of the 25th of November.

If you are searching the Bridger families, “Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight" has the complete family documented.

Bridger was a Colonial elite.

Col. Joseph Bridger was re-interred 15 April 2007, the 321st anniversary of his death, attended by 200 of his descendants from 13 states. There was a burial service using the 1662 Book of Comman Prayer. Dr. Douglas Owsley, PhD, a world renowned physical/biological anthropologist, Division head for Physical Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, found in his study of the bones of Col. Bridger that he had a large amount of lead in his bones - probably obtained from the metal of his pewter plates and metal utensils. He also had Gout, both leading to a painful last few years for Bridger. Though his skeleton was not complete, there was enough to tell that he was a big, strong man with a high forehead and a broad nose. At age 55 there was hardly any arthritis. His cause of death has not been determined.

THE WILL OF JOSEPH BRIDGER Page 250 In The Name Of God: I Joseph Bridger of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia doe make this my last Will and Testament. Imprimis tis my Will that all my debts be in the first place carefully payd and for what then shall remaine of my Worldly Estate I dispose of as followeth it is my Will that my personall Estate be Equally divided betweene my wife my sons Joseph, Samuell & William and daughters Martha (Godwin) Mary and Elizabeth and Hester share and share alike only my daughter Martha Godwin is to have one hundred pounds lesse than the rest in respect of what I have already given her husband and alsoe theire Mother and my deare wife shall have in the first place and before it is divided over and above her proportion at her Choice one Bed Coveringe and furniture to it halfe dozen Chaires a Chest of drawers: table and Carpett and lookinge glasse and Andirons to furnish her Chamber and one horse as shee shall Choose and one mare: and one Woman Servant white or blacke to waite uppon her besides all her apparell Rings, Jewells and appurtenances: this being don: then the personall Estate to be divided as aforesayd: Except alsoe the abatement of the hundred pounds of my daughter Marthas part shee beinge to have soe much less then the rest; and what Soever shall come to her of my Estate it is my Will it shall remaine in her Sole and only disposeinge to give it as shee shall thinke fitt and nott in her husbands: and if her husband shall desire to be possest with it that then Care be taken that my daughters right to enjoy it and dispose of at her death and nott before be well secured else to remaine in my Executrixes hands till it be don: and all the above said shares are to remaine in the hands of my Executrix till they come to the age of twenty and one yeares: the daughters if they marie wth their Mothers Consent: sooner Else not and if any or another of them die before the age of one and twenty or haveinge lawfull heyres then such person share to be Equally divided amongst the rest viz my wife sonns daughters aforesaid: Item I give unto my Sonne Samuell the plantation and tract of Land bought by me of John Gatlin and William Gatlin whereon John Cooke now liveth and alsoe one halfe of my plantation of Curawoak being seaven thousand Eight hundred acres of land to be equally layd out and the plantations and houseinge that is now seated thereon to be included in the one halfe given to him: the sayd lands I say I give to him for and dureing his naturall life and from and after his decease to the heyres of his body lawfully begotten. Item I have unto my Sonne William all that tract of Land granted me by Escheate being 850 acres formerly belonginge to Natha: ffloyd (Except what is disposed of by me part of which beinge least out by me to ffransis Hobbs: Mes. Dorothy Bond: & William Blunt alsoe the two tracts of Land taken up by Coll Pitt Mr.Wm Burgh and my selfe conteyneinge three thousand acres: Except Six hundred thereof sould by me to Lt Coll John Pitt: part of which Thomas Mandue: Richard parker Wm Woorell Richard Jones Thomas Reves Robert Sturdy and others hath least of me: I say I give ye said lands and Every part thereof with the above plantations to my Sonne William and for and dureing his naturall life and from and after his decease to the heyres of his body lawfully begotten Item I give to my Sonne William that tract of land belonginge to me part of which I have least to Christopher Wade; to him and his heyres lawfully begotten: Item it is my Will that if either of my sd Sonns: Samuell or William die before they attaine the age of one and twenty years and wth out heyres lawfully begotten of theire bodyes: that then all the lands given as aforesaid I give unto the Survivor of them for and dureinge his natural life: and from and after his decease to the heyres of his body lawfully begotten: and it shall not goe to theire Elder Brother Joseph but through default of such heyres and then to him only dureinge his naturall life: and from and after his decease to the heyres of his body lawfully begotten: Item for the tract of Land whereon I now dwell with ye of 850 acres formerly belongeinge to Capt Upton and that of 300 acres formerly belongeinge to Mr. Seward on wch Mr. Izard ould phillip and Wm Lewes lived I give unto my loveinge Wife for and dureinge her naturall life (She keepeinge the Bricke houseinge and orchard in repaire with all the Tenements thereto belongeinge that she may the better be able to maintaine her selfe and Children till they are 21 years of age or that they marrie and from and after her decease I give ye sayd Lands and Tenements to my Sonne Joseph Bridger: with the other halfe of my lands at Curawoak for and dureinge his naturall life: and from and after his decease to the heyres male of his body lawfully begotten and for want of Such to my Sonnes Samuell and William Successively for and dureinge theire naturall lives and from and after theire decease to the heyres male of their bodies lawfully begotten. Item I give my Sonne Joseph my tract of land at Monokin to him and the heyres of his body lawfully begotten. (Page 251) I give unto my Mother Mrs. Mary Bridger five pounds yearely dureinge her life as a token of my duty and remembrance of her. It is my desire that Lt Coll Jno Pitt and Coll Arthur Smith will assist my wife on all occasions to whome I give twenty shillings apeece to buy them Rings Hereby appointing my loveinge Wife Hester Bridger my Executrix of this my Will Witnesse my hand and Seale this 3d day of August 1683. Witnesse JOSEPH BRIDGER Seale James Bennett Robert Pitt Richard X Glover Samuell Lucke his marke Since the makeinge of my Will on the two other sides of this sheete of paper, I finde my Sonne Joseph Bridger fly out into divers disloute courses of life and is grown very disobedient to me and that I may not be guilty of giveinge him an encouragement to Continue for the future in his wicked way of liveinge I do hereby therefore revoke and disanull all and Every part of the legacies given him in the Will aforesaid both of lands and my personall Estate and doe give the lands and houseinge where I now dwell and the 850 acres formerly belongeing to Capt Upton and the 300 Acres formerly belongeing to Mr. Seward on which Mr. Izard ould phillipse and Wm Lewes lived with all the Tenements and what Ever thereto belonges after my wifes decease to my Sonne Samuell Bridger dureinge his natruall life and after his decease to the heyres male of his Body lawfully begotten and ffor Want of Such heyres I give it to my Sonne William for his naturall life and after his decease to the heyres male of his Body lawfully begotten for the one halfe of the lands at Curawoak given to my Sonne Bridger and the land at Manokin I doe hereby revoke the Sayd guift and hereby give it to my Sonne William dureinge his naturall life and after to the heyres male of his Body Lawfully begotten and for want of Such heyres to my Sonne Samuell dureing his life and then to the heyres male of Body Lawfully begottin for yt part of my personal Estate given to my Sonne Joseph in the said Will I doe hereby revoke the sayd guift and give that part amongst my wife and the rest of my Children: Viz) Samuell, William, Martha Mary and Hester and Elizabeth to be Equally divided amongst them it is my Will my Sonne Joseph shall have payd to him yearely dureinge his naturall life two thousand pounds of Tobacco: and Caske out of the rents comeinge in from my lands and to be taken proportionably from every Tract of land accordinge to the Tenements thereon which my Executrix and those it is given to: and to take care it be paid accordingly and this is in full wch I intend he shall have hereby revokeinge all guifts and grants to him of any lands or personall Estate what Soever wittness my hand and Seale this 18th day of Octobr 1683. JOSEPH BRIDGER Seale Witnesse James Bennett Robert Pitt Samuell Lucke Richard X Glover his marke

This Will is proved in Every part by the oaths of James Bennett Richard Glover and Samuell Lucke in Court held for the Isle of Wight County may the 8th 1686: that it is the Will of Coll Joseph Bridger decd and the Codicill that is to the Will annext. Test John Pitt ClCur. [PAGE242 (original recording) AND PAGE 251 (version recorded with Will)] Know all men by these presents that I Joseph Bridger of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia Esqr. doe for divers good Causes and Consideration me there unto moveinge declare and it is my Will that my Eldest Sonne Joseph Bridger is by me disinherited and So disinherited that neither he nor any Child of his whether male or female shall have or enjoy any part or portion of any the lands or Tenements I now stand possed of or hereafter shall have and possess, and I doe hereby declare it is my Will that all my lands and Tenements, within this Collony of Virginia or Maryland and Every part thereof I doe give to my two Sonns Samuell Bridger and William Bridger to them and theire heyres lawfully begotten of theire bodies or as I shall thinke fitt to appoint each his part of the same and if noe Such appointment be made by me then to be divided between them Saveinge my wifes right dureinge her life and doe further declare and it is my Will that my Eldest Sonne Joseph Bridger shall have after my decease five pounds Sterlinge payd him out of my personall Estate by those shall have the management thereof and noe more and it is my Will that five pounds shalbe all what he shall have out of my Estate reall or personall that at my decease shalbe longe to mean it is my will and I declare it againe that neither my Sonne Joseph Bridger nor any Child of his whether male or female shall have out of my Estate reall or personall more than the five pounds afforesaid, never the lesse I do reserve to my selfe the power to alter this: in all or parte as I shall see fitt anythinge Conteyned herein to the Contrary not withstandinge and this I doe acknowledge in open Court held for the Isle of wight County and desire it may be recorded least I dyinge without a will or that a Will should be imbeszelled or forged my said Sonne Joseph Bridger or his heyres whether male or female should pretend to any of my Estate reall or personall more than the five pounds afore Sayd in witnesse hereof I have Sett my hand and Seale this 9th of Aprill 1685. JOSEPH BRIDGER seale Acknowledge in open Court held for the Isle of Wight County aprill the 9th by Coll Joseph Bridger Esqr to be his Will and ordered to be recorded --1685 Test John Pitt ClCur

From the Bridger book, pgs. 131-134 Joseph Bridger Sr.-5 (Samuel-4, Lawrence-3, Rychard-2, Henry-1)[4, 11] was born about 1630 in Manor of Woodmancote, Dursley Parish, Gloucestershire, England[1]. He was baptized on 28 Feb 1631 in Dursley Parish, Gloucestershire, England[1]. He served in the military in 1675 (Indian War)[19]. He signed a will on 03 Aug 1683 in Isle of Wight County, VA, first will[9]. He died on 15 Apr 1686 in Smithfield, Isle of Wight, VA[1]. He was buried in Bridger Family Cemetery at White Marsh Plantation and later removed to the Old Brick Church near Smithfield, VA[9] Notes for Joseph Bridger Sr.: As "Captain" Joseph Bridger, he patented 300 acres in Isle of Wight upon a branch of the Blackwater on March 21, 1664, together with William Burgh and his father-in-law, Colonel Robert Pitt. 1,200 and 600 acres were due Pitt and Burgh respectively by two former patents, and 1,200 acres for the transportation of 24 persons (Cavaliers and Pioneers, p. 433). On the 7th of June 1666, he, together with William Burgh, patented 7,800 acres "beginning by a White Marsh, a meadow about a half mile from the main run of the Blackwater" (DeP.599) This was for the transportation of 156 persons and among those named were Thomas Pitt, James Bridger, probably a brother, and himself, Joseph Bridger. His residence "Whitemarsh" may have been named from the marsh mentioned herein[4]. According to researcher William P. Carrel, II, "Our ancestor was a true military man and one of the few true Virginians who actually served in King Charles 1's Cavalier Army during the Civil War. Bridger was probably one of the wealthiest men in Virginia of his day, and his mansion at Whitemarsh Plantation may well have been one of the two largest homes ever constructed in 17th century Virginia: this brick home had three full floors over a cellar and had 19 rooms - a truly immense home for the period." The following paragraphs are excerpts from an article taken from the Virginia Cavalcade, pgs. 34,35,36,37 THE KING'S HENCHMAN. "Shrewd indeed is the servant who can serve two masters with divergent views and please the one without offending the other. Such a man according to the inscription on his tombstone was "the Honorable Joseph Bridger, Esquire, Councilor of State in Virginia to King Charles II'. Yet this "great Minister of State” who „to Charles's councils did such honors bring', is today all but forgotten. Joseph Bridger was a staunch believer in the divine right of kings, sometimes with his views at variance from those of the royal Governors, but always the king's henchman and devoted to the royal tenets. Perhaps the journey of Joseph Bridger, Colonel and Councilor, into oblivion may be attributed to his aversion to the one thing Americans have always cherished most - individual liberty. And thus he 'that royal virtues had' likewise suffered in the memory of Virginia republicans the 'royal fate'. Bridger was chosen to represent Isle of Wight County in the House of Burgesses in the session of 1658. After 1661 he filled the position without interruption until about 1672. Lord Baltimore, the proprietor of Maryland, visited Jamestown in the spring of 1664 to protest Virginia's collection of quitrents on the Eastern Shore in territory that he contended belonged to himself. To settle the long contested boundary, Capitan Joseph Bridger and two commissioners were sent up the Chesapeake Bay to confer with their Maryland opposites. The region in dispute was retained by Maryland and in 1666 became Somerset County. Thereafter, Bridger's career was one of unimpeded ascendancy in the politics of his adopted colony. More than once was he a commissioner to deal with inter-colonial problems. In the House of Burgesses he sat on important committees that were appointed to consider economic matters and he was influential in subjects pertaining to military defense. Bridger attained the rank of colonel in 1672, and at forty-five (in 1673) he became a member of the Council of State and General Court. The Council of State usually was comprised of twelve members. They were the Governor's advisers in executive matters and had legislative functions as members of the upper house of the General Assembly, and when acting in a judicial capacity, they constituted the General Court, the supreme judicial body of the colony. When the King sent over commissioners to report on Governor Berkeley's rule after the rebellion, it was Bridger who conveyed the respects of the Councilors and gave assurance of their willingness to cooperate. The King, reassured of Bridger's fidelity, ordered that he be continued in the Council although several others, for their "unworthy behavior and demerits”', were deprived of that honor. Lord Culpeper, who replaced Governor Berkeley, commissioned Bridger sole commander against the Indians in 1681 - a clear tribute to his past military successes. And in writing to the Lords of Trade and Plantations in 1683, His Lordship explained that he had appointed the Colonel to yet another command because "the service is so difficult and dangerous that I could appoint no other.'" On May 29, 1683, Culpeper appointed Bridger deputy vice-admiral with jurisdiction over all Virginia maritime matters, and departed to London, never to return. By 1684, at the instance of Bridger and other of the Council, his commission as Governor was withdrawn. In June 1685, the new Governor, Effingham, turned over administration of the government to Bridger and his eleven fellow Councilors when circumstances required His Lordship to pass some time in New York. Colonel Joseph Bridger was a man of strong emotions, given at times to angry outbursts. He did not hesitate to engage in a lengthy litigation over land titles with his own father-in-law and won. Nor, when torn between devotion to his duty as he saw it and loyalty to family, did he shrink from disinheriting his oldest son, Joseph. He was a great land baron with extensive holdings in Virginia and Maryland, a total of 9,500 acres. Colonel Bridger is best remembered in Isle of Wight County today as having superintended, according to a persistent tradition, the erection of the Old Brick Church near Smithfield. It is evident that the present structure was not built in 1632 - at least not by Bridger. If the date is right, that church or a predecessor was constructed by another. If, however, Bridger was the builder, the date of the present structure must be moved to the 1650's or later. In 1894, after much persuasion, the then owner of "Whitemarsh" (from the site of which the original mansion had long since disappeared) consented to the removal of Bridger's tomb to the Old Brick Church, and on October 11 his remains were placed there in the chancel. An eyewitness to the exhumation and re-interment recalls the remarkable state of preservation of the bones, and particularly the exceptional length of the leg structure, which would indicate that the Colonel was a man of imposing stature."

Virginia Land, Marriage, and Probate Records, 1639-1850 about Col. Joseph Bridger Name: Col. Joseph Bridger Location: Isle of Wight Notes: This probate record was extracted from microfilmed copies of the original Will Book. Remarks: Col. Joseph Bridger. Received of Mrs. Hester Bridger, Extx. of Col. Joseph Bridger, legacy left my wife Martha. Signed Thomas Godwin. July 16. 1686. Same acknowledgment to wife Mary. Signed Richard Tibbott. July 16, 1686. Same acknowledgement to Description: Testator Book: 2-254 Prove Date: 16 Jul 1686

James Allen, son of Arthur died without issue in 1744, leaving legacies to Thomas Bray, James Bray, James Bridger, Joseph Bridger, John Cornwall, son of Jacob Cornwall, and his sister, Katherine Allen Cocke. His brother in law, Benjamin Cocke was executor of his will


VOLUME I ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY --LYON GARDINER TYLER --BURGESSES AND OTHER PROMINENT PERSONS [Page 130]-

Bridget, Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1628. and in March. 1657-58, he represented Isle of Wight in the house of burgesses, as also in 1663. The following year, he was one of the commissioners to decide upon the boundary line between Virginia and Maryland, and on July 12, 1666, he was one of the commissioners to treat with Maryland upon the subject of tobacco culture, and in the same year he is mentioned as a member of the general assembly with the title of adjutant general Bridger. In 1670, he was sworn a member of the council and was present at meetings in 1674. There seems to have been some question of his eligibility for membership, however, for in a list of the councillors made for the lord of trades and plantations, the name of Joseph Bridger is marked "query." and their lordships stated that they would inquire further into the ability and deserts of Col. Joseph Bridger to be of the council. The King, however, on March 14, 1678-79, directed that Joseph Bridger be continued in the council, and he is mentioned as a councillor as late as 1683. In 1675, Col. Bridger took part in the Indian wars, and in the year following, was described by Nat. Bacon, as one of Berkeley's "wicked and pernicious councillors." During Bacon's rebellion. Gov. Berkeley gave to Col. Bridger the command of "all the country south of James River." In 1680, he was commander-in-chief of the militia forces raised "so as to be ready for the Indians" in Isle of Wight, Surry, Xansemond and Lower Norfolk. In 1683, Lord Culpeper appointed him his deputy in the office of vice-admiral. Gen. Joseph Bridger died on April 15. 1686. He had acquired a very large landed estate in Isle of Wight county besides grants in Surry and James City counties and in Maryland. He has numerous descendants


Served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1657-58; 1663


He was born 1628 at the family manor of Woodmancote in Gloucester England. He imigrated to VA and was a member of the council of the House of Burgesses and later a member of the council under Sir William Berkley. He is buried in the Chancel of St Luke's Episcopel Church. He was very involved in the Church and when it was rebuilt (after Civil War) his body was moved from his plantation nearby to the church. He was a Gentleman and loyal to England. He had eight children one , a son, he named Joseph born -1655 in Isle of Wight, Virginia


http://genforum.genealogy.com/bridger/messages/443.html This is an excerpt from the memoirs of John D. Bridgers, MD Chapter 1, Part 2 - "The Tidewater Hearth" posted by Susan Bridgers In any event, thereafter, regular sailings from England brought settlers who moved in along both shores of the James.

So came from Gloucester our first American Bridger ancestor.

Joseph and Hester Pitt Bridgers: He came listed as "Capt. Joseph Bridger."

There's no record as to how he received this military rank, but as we review the plethora and continuity of armed conflict, which marked English history of the day, it seems likely he could have enjoyed an army career as a young man.

He came sponsoring a fairly large group of other would-be pilgrims from Gloucester, so either by inheritance, venture or both he had obviously accrued some worth before he left for the colony.

When one brought others, mostly they came as indentured servants for a term of seven years to their sponsor, and, as well, the sponsor received an extra grant of 50 acres of land for each whose passage he had paid.

In short order -- in the militia of the colony -- Joseph Bridger became a colonel, and in time a brigadier general.

So he was set-up as a considerable landholder from the beginning, and we shall see why and how his military status waxed.

Joseph and Hester Pitt Bridgers: He came listed as "Capt. Joseph Bridger."

There's no record as to how he received this military rank, but as we review the plethora and continuity of armed conflict, which marked English history of the day, it seems likely he could have enjoyed an army career as a young man.

He came sponsoring a fairly large group of other would-be pilgrims from Gloucester, so either by inheritance, venture or both he had obviously accrued some worth before he left for the colony.

When one brought others, mostly they came as indentured servants for a term of seven years to their sponsor, and, as well, the sponsor received an extra grant of 50 acres of land for each whose passage he had paid.

In short order -- in the militia of the colony -- Joseph Bridger became a colonel, and in time a brigadier general.

So he was set-up as a considerable landholder from the beginning, and we shall see why and how his military status waxed. We know from accounts that Joseph Bridger was well educated, likely having attended Gloucester College at which his father was an administrator.

We know not what precisely moved him to leave his mother country, but what we know of him and his times allows reasonable speculation.

It seems that most who have come to America over the years have been impelled by a sense of adventure in the endeavor, and many by the opportunity to escape a fettered past and a limited future.

Joseph was likely no different.

He is listed among "The Cavaliers" who early came to Virginia and whose memory today gives a sobriquet to the people of the state.

When civil war broke out in England between the forces of Parliament, led by Oliver Cromwell, and those of the throne under Charles I -- in any given phase of this conflict -- those disadvantaged by their loyalties sought refuge abroad.

Some of those remaining loyal to the King were termed "The Cavaliers," which included artists, scholars and politicians as well as courtiers who were fighting men, the latter of whom gave title to the group.

Under the Protectorate of Cromwell those favoring Puritanism -- that is to purify the Anglican Church of vestiges of The Papacy -- found acceptance at home rather than in New England as had "The Pilgrims" a few years earlier, whereas those loyal to the King found haven in Virginia.

"The Cavaliers" entered Virginia in increasing numbers in 1640 through 1660, and among them was Joseph Bridger.

Some years later his epitaph included comment on honor, which accrued to him from loyalty to King Charles.

This undoubtedly reflected his earlier activities in England as well as the many duties he carried out in the new colony.

It is estimated that Joseph had been born in 1628 and that he arrived in Virginia around 1650.

Among those brought with him was the family of Thomas Pitt, his daughter, Hester, having married Joseph Bridger before the migrating group left Gloucester.

From the beginning Joseph was an officer in the Virginia militia, rising quickly to the rank of colonel - this giving rise to his most common title of reference -- "Col. Joseph Bridger" -- but after subsequent service in "Bacon's Rebellion" he was promoted to brigadier general.

He served in the colonial legislature -- The House of Burgesses -- in 1657 and again in 1683, representing Isle of Wight County.

He is described in Boddie's history as "the most prominent man in Isle of Wight County of his day."

He apparently started his days in Virginia as one of "the landed gentry," and soon had a 7000 acre plantation along the lower, southern shore of the James, and later another nearby of 1700 acres.

The time was coming when the military background of "The Cavaliers" would prove of particular value to their new home.

As seemed so often the misfortune of Britain with her possessions, ripples of disturbance in the mother country became waves of disruption in her colonies.

Virginia, from the outset, was established as a Royal Colony with her chief administrator appointed by the crown.

Among the first of these was Governor William Berkeley whom we are led to see as having been able and honorable, though in the ruffled annals of ruffled times, others tended to view him more adversely.

His chief nemesis would come from his own family and his official council.

In 1652, just two years after Joseph Bridger came to Virginia, so too came Nathaniel Bacon, a collateral kinsman of Sir Francis Bacon, but somewhat a "black sheep" in a renowned family.

Col. Joseph Bridger, now a senior officer in the militia, led troops by horse and by foot.

By some Col. Bridger was credited as being substantially responsible for the overthrow of Bacon's forces, but other source indicate that when Nathaniel Bacon succumbed to natural causes in 1676 that his movement collapsed.

Whatever, to my knowledge someone in our line from Col. Joseph Bridger in "Bacon's Rebellion," my grand father many times removed to my son, Col. John D. Bridgers, Jr. has participated in all of America's conflicts save "Desert Storm," our brief war with Iraq in the present decade.

Back to "Bacon's Rebellion," Col. Joseph Bridger became a brigadier general, but not all saw him as a hero.

The holdings of many loyalists had been marauded and looted, and their treatment of the rebels was as much recrimination and vengeance as the re-establishment of royal authority.

Joseph and Hester Pitt Bridger had three sons -- William, Samuel and Joseph, Jr. -- and several daughters.

Apparently not all was sweetness and light for the family.

When Gen. Bridger died in 1686 he named his two older sons and his daughters as his sole heirs. Completely cutting off his younger son, Capt. Joseph Bridger, Jr., his will explaining that he did not wish to further support his younger son in "his wild and profligate ways."

He named his wife Hester as his executrix and she had contrary sentiments.

She re-instated that the sons share equally, and litigation ensued which apparently left bitter feelings between the brothers.

For what it's worth to those in my line, it should be noted that our descent is through Capt. Joseph Bridger, Jr., allegedly the prodigal son.

It's likely that controversy over "The Colonel's" final testament had a role in his grandson, William -- son of Capt. Joseph Bridger, Jr. removing his family to North Carolina in 1713.

Smithfield, now famed for the processing of "country hams," was the first village in Isle of Wight Country, and was early laid out and established as the county seat.

Here the colonists started building their house of worship, apparently some years in the doing, now known as "The Old Brick Church" and advertised as the oldest Anglican Church in America.

Col. Bridger paid passage for the Driver family from Gloucester, master carpenters and cabinet-makers, and they finished the edifice as well as remaining as substantial colonists.

Today their craftsmanship endures and is compelling.

As a later memoriam for these and other services, the gravestone of Gen. Bridger was removed from the family burial ground at "Whitemarsh Plantation" and placed in the chancel floor of "The Old Brick Church."


Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County Virginia". by John Bennett BODIE, Pp. 423-428.


The names of the children are listed in "The Thomas and Bridger Story" 1540 - 1840 by Edison H. Thomas, Published by T & E Publishers, 9402 Janna Drive, Louisville, KY 40272


Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia 1647-1800, Book II Compiled by Blanche Chapman Published 1938 LDS Fiche #6101845

Bridger, Joseph: Leg. Wife Hester; Son Samuel land bought of John and William Catlin, whereon John Cook now lives, also one-half of plantation at Curawoak; Son William land granted me by escheat of 850 A. formerly belonging to Nathan Floyd, except what is disposed of by me to Francis Hobbs, Mrs. Dorthy Bond and William Blunt, also two tracts taken up by Col. Pitt, Mr. William Burgh and myself containing 3000 A., except 600 A. sold to Lt. Col. John Pitt, part of this tract leased by me to Thomas Mandue, Richard Parker, William Worrell, Richard Jones, Thomas Reeves, Robert Sturdy and others, also tract leased to Christopher Wade; To my wife the land on which I now dwell of 850 A. formerly belonging to Capt. Upton and 300 A. formerly belonging to Mr. Seward on which Mr. Izard, Ould Phillips and William Lewis lived, reversion to son Joseph with half of the tract at Curawoak and a tract at Momokin; Daughters, Martha Godwin, Mary, Elizabeth and Hester; My mother, Mrs. Mary Bridger. Wife Extx., with the assistance of Lt. col. John Pitt, Thomas Pitt and Col. Arthur Smith. D. August 3, 1683. Revocation of all bequest to son Joseph. October 18, 1683. Wit. James Bennett, Robert Pitt, Samuel Luck, Richard Glover. R. April 9, 1685. Page 250 Page 36-37


William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vo., 7, No. 4 Apr., 1899. pp. 205-315.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY RECORDS Xl Historical Sketch 3 Will Book, commencing in 1666.


Receipt of Mr. Tho. Godwin for share of his wife Martha's legacy directed by Coll. Bridger's will: 203 pds. 8s. and 5 pence, one cover of a silver tobacco box and two silver candlesticks, containing 70 ounces; 5836 pds. tob. and caske in blls, 14 cattle, 7 hogs, 3 horses, it being her proportion, except of a sloop not yet appraised and of ninety-two hhds. tob., shipped to London and consigned to Mr. Perry and Lane. Dated 16 July, 1686.

Similar receipt by Capt. Rich'd Tibboth for his wife Mary, the money being 303L 8sh. and 5d., one silver punch Bowl, one small silver dish and one spoon, containing 70 oz.

Similar receipt by Mr. Tho. Lear in behalf of his wife Elizabeth.

Appraisment of Col. Bridger's estate. Mentions chamber over the store, the store goods, upper chamber of the oulde bricke house. In the next chamber, in the first chamber of the first story, in the next chamber, dining room, children's chamber; uppermost chamber of the new house, middle uppermost chamber, 3rd chamber over the dining room, the gallery, parlor, hall, lower chamber, kitchen chamber, outer chamber, landing, kitchen, cellar, 13 negroes, 4 white servants; total value of goods including a sloop that will carry about 28 hhds., 816L 17s. 04, not counting 105 cows, 46 hogs, 7 sheep, 490 oz. plate, 60L in Spanish money, 42L 10 in English money, 14 horses and mares. [One parcell of Virginia made clothes.] Money due by bills: 155L 13.01. Tobacco debts, 22,216 lb. and 20,455. Bills of ex- change, 296L, 15, 05. Several bills of exchange sent to Mr. Perry and sonn as by Journal of April, 1686, appears 502L, 07, 02. Due in porke, 1304lb; wheate, 3 bu.; Beefe, 527lb.


The Daily Press--January 30, 2007 ISLE OF WIGHT -- A Smithsonian Institution scientist shrugged off claustrophobic working conditions Monday to recover the remains of a late-1600s skeleton buried under the floor of America's oldest standing English church.

Scuttling into a shallow cavity under an ancient ledger stone, Brittney Tatchell of the National Museum of Natural History had to lie on her back as she passed dozens of bone fragments to a team of archaeologists and forensic anthropologists waiting inside historic St. Luke's Church.

But the discomfort she endured over a few hours' work could provide a crucial missing link in a landmark study about the physical lives of the early Chesapeake Bay colonists.

"There are a lot of things that you can't get at any other way besides looking at bones," said renowned Smithsonian forensic anthropologist Douglas Owsley, whose team has studied some 500 sets of skeletal remains over the past decade.

"We do have a few gentry from Jamestown. But most of what we have from Virginia are unidentified indentured servants - and that's where Joseph Bridger comes in. He was one of the 10 wealthiest men in the colony. He was the richest landholder south of the James. And it looks like he's going to provide us with a lot of information."

Born in England in 1628, Bridger came to Isle of Wight just before turning 30 years old. He quickly became a man of unusual political and military importance as well as great property and wealth.

Pious as well as prosperous, Bridger paid for St. Luke's well-appointed interior woodwork and the third floor of its distinctive bell tower. His generosity is still remembered by a late Victorian stained-glass window installed above the altar space of the church.

Sources

  1. "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975," database, FamilySearch: indexed 11 Feb 2018, Josephus Bridger, 28 Apr 1631; citing index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 425,402.
  2. Transcription uncredited: 9 Jan 1675 - The will of Robert Pitt dated 6 Jun 1672 named legatees:
    grandson Robert Pitt - son of Robert Pitt deceased;
    daughter Elizabeth Norsworthy;
    daughter Hester Bridger;
    daughter Mary Brassiuer;
    son John; grandson John Pitt; grandson William Pitt; grandson Robert Pitt;
    daughter Martha;
    my house and land to be for the relief of poor women as a gift from my deceased wife Martha [(ca. 1605-1674)].
    Executor: son John
    Witnesses: Richard Jones & Thomas Hill[citation needed].
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Isle of Wight County Records." The William and Mary Quarterly. Vol 7, no. 4. 1899, p. 248.
  4. "Isle of Wight County Records." The William and Mary Quarterly. Vol 7, no. 4. 1899, p. 257.
  5. Bridger, Joseph - A1108; born 1628, died 15 April 1686, Isle of Wight Co.: 1673-86 (Councillor). accessed 13 September 2021
  6. 6.0 6.1 New River Notes, Colonial Virginia Register
  7. "Isle of Wight County Records." The William and Mary Quarterly. Vol 7, no. 4. 1899, p. 229.
  8. Chapman, Blanche Adams. Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia 1647-1800. Joseph Bridger. Citing LDS Family History Library, 975.554 P28c, 1995, p. 250.
  9. FamilySearch Digital Collections. Thomas, Edison H. "The Thomas and Bridges story, 1540-1840." Joseph Bridger and wife Hester Pitt. Chapter XV, pp. 132-146, Images 133-147 of 181. (will of Joseph Bridger, disinherited oldest son, Joseph Jr. pp. 139-143, Images 140-144 of 181.) Digitized Book. FamilySearch. Accessed 19 Sep 2020.
  10. Chapman, Blanche Adams. "Virginia, Isle of Wight County Records, 1634-1951," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9SG-8N2Y?i=40&wc=SJ7K-VZ4%3A344503801%2C344559401&cc=2034267 : 4 November 2014), Probate records > Wills and administrations bk I 1647-1719 > page 35 (image 41 of 164, accessed 23 December 2021); Isle of Wight County Courthouse, Isle of Wight.

Acknowledgements

This profile was created by Stephen Freeman by 29 Mar 2018.

  • *Family Search [1]
  • A sketch of "The Old Brick Church" [2]
  • Bridger Family Association [3]
  • Jamestown archives [4]
  • Colonial Virginia Register [5]
  • Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia 1647-1800, by Blanche Adams Chapman, pg 25
  • Newspapers. com [6]
  • Roots web World Connect Project [7]
  • Bridger family chronicles. Vol. 1 : from the Old World to the New

Authors:Doris Bridgers Capps-Owens, Linda Bridgers Boyette Print Book, English, ©2011 Publisher:[Lulu.com], [Raleigh, N.C.], ©2011





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Comments: 7

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Joseph Bridger is mentioned in the article "Pumpkin Pie: The Old Brick Church, Newport, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, USA" by Terence Paul Smith in British Brick Society Information 152 (February 2023), pp 20-27

Joseph was the patron of builders Charles and Thomas Driver who constructed at least the tower, and possibly the whole church.

posted by Pat (Alcock) Reynolds
Bridger-1000 and Bridger-139 appear to represent the same person because: All details match
Just wanted to say that I uploaded a photo of Joseph's baptismal record, and accidentally set it as his primary photo. I'll leave it up to the profile managers to decide whether or not to change the primary photo back to his gravestone.
posted by Anonymous Dixon
Bridger-576 and Bridger-139 appear to represent the same person because: Bridger-576 was an orphaned profile. Seems to match Bridger-139.
posted by Sandy (Maddox) Shields
Bridger-538 and Bridger-139 appear to represent the same person because: Same wife, same child
posted by David Hughey Ph.D.
Bridger-297 and Bridger-139 appear to represent the same person because: clear duplicate.
posted by Kitty Linch
Bridger-335 and Bridger-139 appear to represent the same person because: Same Spouse
posted by Amanda Pitts

Rejected matches › Samuel Bridger (abt.1584-1650)