Thomas Sparrow (abt. 1620 - bef. 1675)

Born about 1620 in England [uncertain]

Husband of Elizabeth (Kinsey) Johns — married about 1668 (to 1675) in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland

Descendants

Died before 5 Jan 1675 before about age 55 in Anne Arundel, Province of Maryland

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Biography

Thomas was a Friend (Quaker)

Thomas Sparrow was a Maryland colonist.

Origin

1649: Thomas is listed, along with his sister, as being transported into Maryland by his father, Thomas Sparrow.^[1] Thomas Sparrow was given a patent dated 7 September 1659, for the parcel named Sparrow’s Rest, surveyed for his father, on the west side of Road River, beginning at south of Herring Creek, north to Netlefould Branch, containing 590 acres. On 2 February 1673 Thomas patented 100 acres adjoining his father’s land which he had inherited by law, called Sparrow’s Addition. Thomas became a wholehearted Quaker and in 1661 was fined ₤500 for refusing to bear arms in the colonial militia under Captain William Burgess. Thomas Sparrow (1626 –1674) married Elizabeth Kinsey (1629 –1714) daughter of Hugh Kinsey and Margaret Johns, in May 1667. By 1673 there were nine plantations along the Rhode River including 700 acres of Thonmas Sparrow called Java Farm alias Sparrows Rest, rarely occupied by the owner. Thomas Sparrow, planter, Sparrow Point, Rhode River. ["Colonial Families of Anne Arundel County, Maryland" ] Thomas Sparrow died about April 1675. “A fearless Quaker preacher, he died in 1675 at Rhode River next to West River”. Procedings of Court of Chancery in Maryland. Thomas Francis plaintiff and Solomon Sparrow, Richard Johns and Elizabeth his wife and Thomas Sparrow defendents. 7 Feb 1676. Thomas Sparrow being seized of parcel of land in Ann Arundel County called Locust’s Neck of 146 acres for 7500 pounds of tobacco sold it to Thomas Francis on 15 Oct 1667. Thomas died and his wife Elizabeth now the wife of Richard Johns and brother Solomon were executors with his infant son Thomas. Thomas Francis sought to clarify and confirm his rights.

Abstract of Will

I give to my son, Thomas Sparrow, all my plantation which I now do live on and to him and the heirs lawfully begotten of his body forever, but if my son should die without issue male then to descend to the male of the kin of the Sparrows and the said plantation not to be devised to any but to descend to the male of the Sparrows.

I give to my loving wife, Elizabeth Sparrow, the use of the half of my said plantation, to say the one moiety and of all houses, orchard, or what else shall be appertaining to the fee simple and freehold of the said plantation til my son, Thomas, shall arrive and come to the age of twenty-one years and also my plantation at Patapsco to her free disposal to who she pleaseth only that the lease already confirmed shall & may stand good for the time and the rent to accrue to the estate.

I give to my wife Elizabeth Sparrow, my son Thomas and my daughter Elizabeth, and my loving brother, Solomon Sparrow, my just debts being paid, all my personal estate to be equally divided: to my wife Elizabeth one part; to my son Thomas one part; to my daughter Elizabeth one part, and to my brother Solomon one part.

The building now begun upon my now dwelling plantation to be finished with all convenient speed out of all their parts.

In case either of my children should die before they shall come to age, the boy at twenty-one years, and the girl at sixteen, or day of marriage, then the survivor to enjoy the deceased’s part.

I give the use of that parcel of land which my sister, Elizabeth Champ, liveth on to her own proper use and no other with the timber house and what else is necessary for her occupation upon the said land from the time of her first going on the said land until eleven years be fully completed and ended and after, if my exec. shall think fit which I leave to their discretion.

Lastly, I appoint my dearly beloved wife, Elizabeth Sparrow, and my well beloved brother, Solomon Sparrow, my sole executors of this my last will and testament.

As witness my hand this first of January 1674, Thomas Sparrow. Witnesses: Natll. Heathcote and Richard Tydeings (his mark)

The will was proved at the court in Anne Arundel County by the witnesses on 5 June 1675.^[2]

Inventory

An inventory of Thomas Sparrow's estate was taken on 25 October 1676 by Richard Tidings and Thomas Francis. The inventory indicates Thomas was a fairly wealthy man by the standards of the Maryland Colony. His inventory consisted of a large quantity of livestock including: 6 beef cattle, 26 cows, 8 horses (valued at 6,000 lbs. of tobacco) and 26 pigs. Another expensive item on his inventory was the 3 feather beds/furniture at 2,600 lbs. tobacco. Thomas had a warrant for 250 acres of land, linen sheets and table linen, a Bible and a silver spoon. The total value in tobacco was 27,068.^[3] Probate date 1 January 1674 Recorded 5 June 1675

Sources

1. ↑ Early Settlers of Maryland
2. ↑ Colonial Wills of Maryland Liber 2/76
3. ↑ Maryland Colonial Inventories & Accounts Liber 2/359

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/131429996/thomas-sparrow