Elizabeth (Scowne) Westray (abt. 1617 - aft. 1666)

Born about 1617 in Isle of Wight, Colony of Virginia [uncertain]

Wife of William Westray — married about 1640 in Isle of Wight, Colony of Virginia

Died after May 1666 after about age 49 in Isle of Wight, Colony of Virginia

Biography

Elizabeth (Scowne) Westray was a Virginia colonist.

Elizabeth Scowne was born about 1617 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Her parents are at this time unknown. She is sometimes said to be the daughter of Humphrey Scowne who patented land in 1636 in Warrosquyoake (Isle of Wight) County, Virginia, but this is undocumented.

Marriage & Children

Elizabeth married Unknown Marshall about 1635 in Isle of Wight County. No documentation has been found giving the first name of her husband. The last name is known only bacause she made a deed giving her personal property to son John Marshall and his son Humphrey in 1666 (see below). Based on this deed Elizabeth and Unknown Marshall had two children:

• John Marshall
• Humphrey Marshall

Elizabeth married second William Westray about 1640. One son is attributed to them, but remains undocumented and is not named in William's will dated 9 August 9 1664 and recorded 19 August 19 1664. Elizabeth was named executrix of William's will.

• William Westray, b. 1640, Isle of Wight, VA

Transactions

• "Elizabeth Westwray, widow of Wm. Westwray, deeds all real and personal estate to John Marshall and Humphrey Marshall, his son, *** to evidence to my said children, John and Humphrey Marshall, 8 May, 1666. Teste, Thos. Holloway, Peter Garland."^{[1] [2]} This language is somewhat confusing. Did she have a son John and grandson Humphrey whom she referred to as "my said children..."? Or did she have sons John and Humphrey and grandson Humphrey?

• Ambrose Bennett, Arthur Smith and Richard Sharp bind themselves to pay Elizabeth Westwray, widow, the sum of 40,000 lbs. tbco. on demand. The conditions being that the aforesaid men at all times bind themselves to defend her for the possessing of Ambrose Bennet with the estate of his dec. father and putting in the hands of Wm. Westwray deceased husband of said Elizabeth. 11 Apl., 1665 Teste, Jos. Bridger, Jno. Marshall. Whereas John Marshall and Wm. Andrews became surety for Wm. Westwray on condition of his being guardian for Ambrose Bennett, said Marshall and Andrews having no security said above sureties for Eliz. Westwray also agree to save from any damages. 6 June, 1665. Teste, George Smyth, Thomas Parnell. pp541-2^[2]

Death

The exact death date of Elizabeth is unknown. She was still living on 5 May 1666 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

Research Notes

Disputed Spouses

Elizabeth was not married to either John Marshall of Isle of Wight County or John Marshall of Westmoreland County, although she has been linked to both. John of Westmoreland County had only one confirmed son Thomas born 1655, and one possible son John born about 1660. There is no evidence Elizabeth was ever in Westmoreland County. John of Isle of Wight is on record in said county from 1638 to at least 1667, during which time Elizabeth must have married second husband William Westray. He died in 1664 while John of Isle of Wight was still living.

Sources

1. ↑ Munson, Underwood, Horn, Fairfield and Allied Families: The Marshall Family
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Boddie, John Bennett. Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Chicago: Chicago Law Printing Company, 1938. Pages 541-2, 544

Also see:

• Geni: William Westray, Sr

Acknowledgements

• This person was created through the import of breesefam.ged on 09 May 2011.