James (Symonds) Simmons (abt. 1615 - aft. 1687)

Born about 1615 in England [uncertain]

Husband of Susan (Unknown) Symonds — married [date unknown] in Lower Norfolk County, Virginia

Descendants

Died after 1687 after about age 72 in Lower Norfolk County, Virginia, British Colonial America

Problems/Questions Profile manager: John Simmons [send private message]

Biography

James (Symonds) Simmons was a Virginia colonist.

James Symonds/ Symons was born about 1615 in England. His year of birth is estimated from the record of his departure from London to the Virginia Colony. He came to the Virginia Colony from London in 1635. It is not known what part of England James came from. He may have come from Ullesthorpe in northern England. Simmons family lived in Ullesthorpe, County Leicester, England. Other Simmons family came from the southwest of England, Cornwall.

James may have been among the indentured servants that came to the colony and worked out a term of years. It is very likely that James was an indentured servant. He was the only one among the ship company of passengers aboard the Constance with the name Symons or Symonds. He was only age 20. He was one of at least 85 passengers of which only four were women all in their teens by age. Among the men some were teen aged while most were in their 20s and some in their early 30s.

James departed from London in the autumn of 1635.

The greatest danger for English sailors was the transatlantic voyage from England to Virginia. It was a long journey of several months, and the ships did not sail straight across the Atlantic Ocean. English ship captains sailed south towards the Cape Verde islands off the coast of Africa, to get fresh food and water - and also to take advantage of westward-flowing ocean currents and west winds to reach the New World. Passengers aboard the merchantmen ships had to endure harsh conditions during the voyage across the Atlantic. All chanced a harrowing journey anywhere from five weeks to several months across the temperamental Atlantic armed only with a hope for a better future. Conditions on the English merchantman bordered on the inhumane. Privacy disappeared; the human cargo fought for space, competing against the common infestation of rats; sickness fueled by fetid water and rancid food ravaged the passengers; the combined odors of human waste, smoke, and bilge water formed a putrid concoction that assailed the senses of all on board.^[1]

24 Oct 1635 James Symonds was listed in the passengers of the ship Constance, sailed Oct 24, 1635, captained by Mr. Clement Campion to Virginia from London, England. His age was listed to be about 20 years of age.^[2][3][4][5]

The Virginia Colony and Jamestown

Before James was born the colony of Jamestown had been established. Jamestown had been established as a colony in 1607 on the James River via the Virginia Company chartered by King James I. This was America's first permanent English colony. The land was inhabited by indigenous populations. In 1600, Tidewater Virginia was occupied by 15,000 Algonquian-speaking Indians. They lived mainly along the James, York, and Rappahannock rivers in a land they called Tsenacomoco. Led by a paramount chief named Powhatan (Wahunsonacock)^[6]

The colony of Jamestown went through difficult times when it began including starvation and disease.

A tobacco industry was established by John Rolfe in about 1612. He discovered that tobacco plants grew well in Virginia soil and the crop had a market in England. Tobacco became currency of the Virginia Colony. People paid fines and taxes in pounds of tobacco. The cash crop's value became the focal point for colonial protective legislation and tobacco provided Virginia with an important revenue stream. ^[7]Skilled craftsman including carpenters and Coopers made the shipping containers that carried Virginia's tobacco to England. The hogsheads they built stood about 48 inches tall with a diameter of about 30 inches. When properly packed, each barrel held 900-1,000 pounds of tobacco. The best hogsheads remained watertight during shipment.^[8]

The new Virginia Colony became organized and a representative assembly was convened. Rolfe’s marriage in 1614 to Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan, brought temporary peace between the indigenous populations and the English; however, after the death of Pocahontas and her father, a war broke out between the two groups.

Charles I was King of England after the death of King James I. in 1624. The company’s charter was revoked, and Virginia was established as England’s first royal colony. In the following years new settlements were made, and local administrative systems were developed. The cultivation of tobacco was the main crop in the Virginia colony and King Charles took over in a monopoly for the crown.

Life upon arrival in the Virginia Colony

The Constance that James was aboard would have sailed into Chesapeake Bay to end their journey across the Atlantic. It is possible that the ship may have arrived at Port Henry on the northern coast of Norfolk County or at Point Comfort across the Bay from Port Henry in Elizabeth City. They would have passed this location upon entering the James River towards Jamestown. Jamestown was the only port of entry for merchant ships at the time. Since the Constance departed from London the end of October James and the other passengers arrived likely in the winter or near the end of winter. This would have been very difficult for the passengers aboard the Constance with the harsh weather of winter. The passengers were finally at their destination after a long journey.

Upon arrival James and the other passengers that were indentured servants would have been transported to their respective plantation masters to begin their terms of service and life in the colony. They may have stayed temporarily in Elizabeth City.

An indenture was a legal contact by which the servant bound him- or herself to serve a master in such employments as the master might assign for a given length of time, typically anywhere from four to seven years and usually at a specified plantation. In return, the master transported the servant to the colony, furnished the servant with adequate food, drink, clothing, and shelter during his service, and perhaps gave him some reward at the completion of the term.^[9]

^[10][11]

By 1634 eight Shires or counties were created in the Virginia Colony. These were James City, Henrico, Charles City, Elizabeth City, Warwick River, Warrosquyoake, Charles River, and Accomack. Lieutenants are added to the monthly court structure "to take care of the war against Indians. There had been turmoil during that year with the " thrusting out" of the Royal Governor Harvey by the Council.

Also by 1634, a palisade (stockade) was completed across the Virginia Peninsula, which was about 6 miles (9.7 km) wide at that point. It provided some security from attacks by the Virginia Indians for colonists farming and fishing. It is partially described in a letter written by Captain Thomas Yonge in 1634 from Jamestown:

a strong palisade… upon a straight between both rivers and… a sufficient force of men to defence of the same, whereby all the lower part of Virginia have a range for their cattle, near forty miles in length and in most places twelve miles (19 km) broad. The pallisades is very near six miles (9.7 km) long, bounded in by two large Creeks. …in this manner to take also in all the ground between those two Rivers, and so utterly excluded the Indians from thence; which work is conceived to be of extraordinary benefit to the country.

James arrived in the young Virginia colony with the new shires having been established. The first documented division of this original county occurred in 1636 when the territory south of Hampton Roads was taken to create the county of New Norfolk. The following year of 1637 New Norfolk County was divided into Upper Norfolk County and Lower Norfolk County. See maps of Virginia from 1634 to 1895. ^[12]

Soon after his arrival James was married and began to raise a family. It is not known exactly when he was married. He may have waited until after his term of service had expired. This may have been about 1642. If he was married prior to that time he would have had to get permission to marry from the master of the plantation where he was indentured. An indentured servant could not marry without permission from the master. Marriage of the indentured was firmly regulated. Servants could not marry without the consent of the master. If servants chose to marry clandestinely, .-they would suffer consequences designated by law. In order to marry, servants had to obtain a certificate stating they had the permission of the master.^[13]

A new Royal Governor was placed by King Charles I. In March 1642 Sir William Berkeley took up his duties in Virginia.

Lower Norfolk County was infested with wolves that roamed the woods and plantations and destroyed domestic animals and threatened the settlers. The court of the county in 1639 placed a bounty on these wolves and colonists were paid 50 lbs of tobacco by the Sheriff for bringing in the head of a wolf.^[14] It is not known where James Symonds lived and under whom he was indentured for service. What is known is that he is present in Lower Norfolk County in 1643. James is named in a record involving a suite between Cpt. Thomas Willoughby and Robert Smyth. James was bound with Smyth for payment of 48 pounds Sterling to Cpt Willoughby. James made petition for a counter bond. 15 May 1643. The record of note is on page 130. Description Section: Book A Lower Norfolk County Virginia Court Records 1637-1646 This record is important as it places James in Lower Norfolk County as early as mid May of 1643 only about 7 years since his arrival in the colony.^[15]

James is among those named as early settlers between 1631 and 1645 in the History of Norfolk County on page 19. ^[16]

A new war with the Powhatans was triggered by the creation of the shires and the expansion of the colony by 1644.

The Great Massacre and Indian War, 1644-1646

On April 18, 1644, occurred the second great Indian massacre in Virginia's history. Opechancanough, King of the Pamunkey Indian confederation, planned and executed the massacre, Nearly four hundred English, living in exposed areas of the colony, reportedly lost their lives in the massacre.

The gallant young Governor Berkeley, a proficient a soldier struck back hard at the Indians. The entire colony was put on a war footing. Campaigns, usually by small mobile forces, were conducted against the Indians where they could be found.

James Symonds then about the age of 30 would likely have participated in the military in defense of the colony and his family during this period. Armed civilians, organized into the militia, were the colony's only protection against Indian raids, internal revolt, and the threat of Spanish and Dutch invasion. During the early years of the century all able-bodied men, including indentured servants and slaves, were expected to participate in militia activities.^[17]

In February 1645, the colony ordered the construction of three frontier forts: Fort Charles at the falls of the James, Fort James on the Chickahominy, and Fort Royal at the falls of the York.

War was declared by the Grand Assembly in March of 1645 against the Nansemonds and other neighboring Indians and the military district of Isle of Wight, Upper and Lower Norfolk, were directed to prosecute the ware with vigor by cutting up their corn and doing any other acts of hostility toward them.^[18]

James may have been among those drafted to serve in the militia.

Governor Berkeley went to England to request assistance from the crown but found England in a state of civil war between The Royalists supporting King Charles and Parliament. Governor Berkely returned after one year. In March 1646, the colony built Fort Henry at the falls of the Appomattox, where Petersburg is now located.

The Indians were defeated by the colonists by 1646 and Opechancanough was captured by Berkeley. With the end of the war with the natives, the Tidewater of Virginia was opened up to the spread of English settlement, and growth came rapidly.

In the following records that relate to James notice that dates are given with a year followed by a backslash and the another number.

Calendar dates in Colonial records of Virginia

Gregorian Calendar versus Julian Calendar was an issue between 1582 and 1752, not only were two calendars in use in Europe (and in European colonies), but two different starts of the year were in use in England. Although the “Legal” year began on March 25, the use of the Gregorian calendar by other European countries led to January 1 becoming commonly celebrated as “New Year’s Day” and given as the first day of the year in almanacs. To avoid misinterpretation, both the “Old Style” and “New Style” year was often used in English and colonial records for dates falling between the new New Year (January 1) and old New Year (March 25), a system known as “double dating.” Such dates are usually identified by a slash mark [/] breaking the “Old Style” and “New Style” year, for example, March 19, 1631/2. In general, double dating was more common in civil than church and ecclesiastical records.^[19] James is found in records of Lower Norfolk County. Lower Norfolk County Court records: 20 Jan 1646/7 Ordered that Thomas Sayer be nonsuited and pay unto James Symons 20 lb of tobacco for molestacon.

16 Feb 1646/7 James Symons ordered to pay unto Thomas Sayer 500 ibs of tobacco & caske with 3 years forebearance & Court Charges within 10 dayes.

15 Feb 1647/8 Francis Baker and James Symons bill for six barrells of corne This was one of the many items guaranteed accountable by Matthew Phillips to William Shipp. Note: Matthew Phillips was a Commissioner of the Court

15 Feb 1648/9 James Symons was commanded by the Court not to depart until he answered the complaint of Cpt John Sibsey. He did depart and it is therefore ordered that the Sheriff take Symons into his custody and to answer his contempt the next Court. Description Section: Book B Lower Norfolk County, Virginia 2 November 1646- 15 January 1651/2

Source Information Ancestry.com. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data:Walter, Alice Granbery. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2002.

Royal colony to Commonwealth

News came from England that King Charles I was executed by Parliamentary Forces in April of 1649. England was then ruled by Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell and Parliament. The new Parliament government wanted to exert control over the colonies. Virginia resisted this action. On October 3, 1650, Parliament, as a punitive measure, prohibited the trade of the colonies with foreign nations except as the Parliamentary government should allow. This enraged the Virginia Burgesses and they with the governor declared the Parliament act illegal. This assertion of Virginia's traditional freedom and rights was, of course, a direct challenge to the Parliamentary government. In the fall of 1651 that government determined to chastise the rebellious colony and subject it by force. A fleet was dispatched in October to conquer Virginia and Barbados, another rebellious colony. Part of the fleet arrived in Virginia waters in January 1652. Berkeley called upon the people to prepare for resistance. One thousand troops, it is said, gathered in James City for the purpose. Five hundred Indian allies of the colony promised their aid. Berkeley denounced the leaders of the Parliamentary expedition as bloody tyrants, pirates, and robbers. ^[20]

Governor Berkeley and the Virginia Burgesses came to an agreement with the Parliamentarian Commissioners that arrived with their fleet. Articles of submission were agreed upon which were honorable to both sides, Virginia receiving guarantees of the privileges of freeborn people of England, authority for the Grand Assembly to continue to function, guarantees of immunity for acts or words done or spoken in opposition to Parliament, guarantees of the bounds of Virginia, of the fifty-acre headright privilege, and of the right to "free trade as the people of England do enjoy to all places and with all nations according to the lawes of that commonwealth."^[21]

James is named in a record from the court in Lower Norfolk County on 16 Aug 1652 as a defendant in a suit. The man named in the suit was later named Constable in Lower Norfolk County.

A map of Virginia in 1652, showing counties and dates of their formation.

James by this time was evidently a land owner and was a planter of tobacco in Lower Norfolk County, Colony of Virginia. This is evidenced in the following record. Will of Daniel Tanner 1653 Daniell Tanner dated 11/17/1653 and probated the same year, James is mentioned. "unto James Simonds whaat tobacco he oweth me and forty pounds of tobacco which is due me in ye hands of Jasper Hoskinson."^[22]

Life in the Royal Colony of Virginia after restoration

On May 29, 1660, the birthday of Charles II, that monarch returned to London and was restored to the throne of England. Word of the restoration was received in Virginia in the fall.

James had been in the area of Tanner's Creek in northwestern part of Lower Norfolk County since at least 1653. He had land in Tanner's Creek Precinct and was living there in 1663. James and his wife Susan were living there in 1668. James received a land grant in the same area from the governor in 1684.

James made a deed of gift to his sons Thomas and James Jr. in the same location in 1687.

Land holdings from patent books

James owned land in 1663 in Lower Norfolk County, Colony of Virginia. as evidenced by the following deed.

From Patent Book 5 found in Cavaliers and Pioneers. JAMES SYMONS, 100 acs. Low. Norf. Co., 22 Mar. 1663, p. 302, (274). Trans. of 2 pers: James Towerson, Jno. Webster^[23] Land grant 22 March 1663. - Library of Virginia (exlibrisgroup.com)

Location: Lower Norfolk County. Description: 100 acres the locality of the lands not described in the patent. Source: Land Office Patents No. 5, 1661-1666 (v.1 & 2 p.1-369), p. 274 (Reel 5).

In 1663 James owned land in Lower Norfolk County. James and his family had settled in the Tanner's Creek Precinct near Gator's Creek. This was near the present town of Norfolk, Virginia. which was established in 1682.

An old deed names James Symonds and Susan as his wife. The deed record is between James Symonds and John Buskin in Lower Norfolk County, Virginia dated 12 August 1668. The old deed is difficult to read but his name and his wife's names are on the record. His wife is named Susan. It appears to be for 50 acres of land. It is difficult to read the exact amount. Book E and page 36 Description Notes: Wills and Deeds, Vol E, 1666-1675 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99PX-FX58?i=346&cat=370289 European immigration to Virginia began to slow down by 1670. The price of tobacco had dropped, there was fighting with Indians on the frontier of the colony, and no new counties were formed for two decades.

On October 20, 1673 the "Grand Assembly" at Jamestown authorized Lower Norfolk County to construct a fort.The first fort in Norfolk was the Half Moone Fort. This fort was constructed before the town of Norfolk was established.

The Half Moone Fort was built at a site on the northwest end of Town Point Park then called Foure Farthing Pointe, several years before the town of Norfolk was established. The fort was built because of hostilities between the British and the Dutch continued after the British took New Amsterdam in 1664 and established the colony of New York. After Dutch ships destroyed a nest of tobacco ships at the mouth of the James River in 1667 and another fleet in Lynnhaven Bay in 1673.^[24]

Source Information Ancestry.com. Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2021. Original data:Virginia County, District, and Probate Courts.

Francis Howard, fifth baron Howard of Effingham, served as royal governor of Virginia from 1683 until 1692,

Land grant 20 April 1684. - Library of Virginia (exlibrisgroup.com) 1684 - 0420 Description Location: Lower Norfolk County. Description: 255 acres on Tanners Creek Precincts, in Elizabeth River Parish, beg,g &c. standing on a point called Buskins's Point at the mouth Gaters Creek.

Source: Land Office Patents No. 7, 1679-1689 (v.1 & 2 p.1-719), p. 354 (Reel 7).

In "Cavaliers and Pioneers" Page 354; 20 Apr 1684 James Symmons, Senr.,225 acs. Low. Norfolk Co., Eliz. Riv. Par., on Tanner's Cr. Precincts Beg. at Buskin's poynt, at mouth of Gator's Cr: crossing a br. of Queen Crave Cr., This map shows the location of Gater's Creek. ^[25] The land granted to James by the Royal Governor in 1684 was 255 acres and was where his plantation was located and where he was living when he made a deed of gift of 100 acres of that land to his son, James Symons Jr. in 1687. ^[26]

James also made a deed of gift of 100 aces of that same land grant mentioned above to his son Thomas Symons in 1687.

A second document states that the 100 acres was part of 250 acres granted to James by His Excellency Francis Lord Howard Baron of Effiingham April of 1684. Francis Howard, fifth baron Howard of Effingham, served as royal governor of Virginia from 1683 until 1692,

Page 41a left side of page, Image 265 of 496 found on Family Search Deeds and Wills , 1637 to 1900 General Index to Deeds and Wills. Film # 007645628

This land appears to be the same land indicated in these sources: Land grant 20 April 1684. - Library of Virginia (exlibrisgroup.com) 1684 - 0420 Description Location: Lower Norfolk County. Description: 255 acres on Tanners Creek Precincts, in Elizabeth River Parish, beg,g &c. standing on a point called Buskins's Point at the mouth Gaters Creek.

Source: Land Office Patents No. 7, 1679-1689 (v.1 & 2 p.1-719), p. 354 (Reel 7).

In "Cavaliers and Pioneers" Page 354; 20 Apr 1684 James Symmons, Senr.,225 acs. Low. Norfolk Co., Eliz. Riv. Par., on Tanner's Cr. Precincts Beg. at Buskin's poynt, at mouth of Gator's Cr: crossing a br. of Queen Crave Cr.,

& c.50 acs. granted William Johnson, 10 Mar 1653; 50 acs. granted John marshall 16Apr. 1653; both of which tracts were assigned to Symmons:

100 acs. to sd. Symmons by patent 23 Mar. 1663; 55 acs. for transportation of 2 pers: Wm. Lambdin, Martha Lambdin.[citation needed]

Tanner's Creek

Family

James was married and his wife had the first name Susan. This is verified in a record found in Lower Norfolk County in 1668.

James and Susan had the following children:

1. James Jr. was born about 1640. He remained in the Tanner's Creek Precinct and later received 100 acres of land from his father in 1687. That area became part of Norfolk County in 1691. There is a record in Norfolk County from a certificate of the court dated 30th of June 1717 and recorded Nov of 1717 that indicates his wife Mary was granted adminocon for the estate of James Simonds deceased.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9PX-6VL?i=484&cat=370289

1. Thomas was born about 1640 to 1645. He also remained in the Tanner's Creek Precinct and later received 100 acres of land from his father in 1687. That area became part of Norfolk County in 1691.

There is a record in Norfolk County in 19th day of April of 1717 that indicates his wife Eliza was granted adminicon for the estate of Thomas Simonds deceased. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9PX-6VL?i=484&cat=370289

These two documents related to Thomas and James are found on separate pages in the same location in the record one is on page 32 and the other on page 33.

1. Robert was born about 1644. Robert moved south in Lower Norfolk County to the area known as Blackwater in Lynhaven Parish.

James and Susan may have had other children as indicated in the research of Peggy Hill of the Simmons Exchange.

Children of James and Susan Simmons/Symonds (Per Peggy Hill):

1. HENRY SIMMONS, b. Abt. 1635; d. Unknown.
2. Robert born about 1644
3. James born about 1640; m. MARY UNKNOWN; d. Unknown.^[27] Stayed in Tanner's Creek area near his father.
4. Thomas born about 1640; d. Unknown; m. ELIZABETH UNKNOWN; d. Unknown.^[28] Stayed in Tanner's Creek area near his father.
5. William born about 1640 d. Unknown.(Possible son of William Simmons of Currituck. Thomas SIMMONS 1690-1755 m. Sarah NICHOLSON. Children: Sarah (m. James Mercer), Thomas, Samuel, Samson (m. Mary Ann Smith), Mary (m. Mr. Morris), Elizabeth (m. William Alexander Moncrief/Muncrief), Edom and Caleb.)

The following were likely brothers to Robet, James, and Thomas:

William Simmons of Blackwater District

A William Simmons living in Blackwater District sold land to his brother Henry Simmons in the same district amounting to 100 acres in 1697 in Princess Anne County. The land was in the middle of the tract of land granted to William Simmons where he lived. A neck of land mentioned in the deed was known as Sarah's Cabin. William's wife Mary was named in the record and her agreement to the sale of land. This record establishes that this William Simmons was brother to Henry Simmons of Blackwater District. This record is found in Princess Anne County, Virginia Deeds and Wills, Book 1 and Part 1, page 172. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PX-F3RP?i=195&cat=369672

Henry Simmons of Blackwater District

Another deed record found in Princess Anne County from 1709 indicates Henry Simmons sold land to a Magravey in Princess Anne County. This is found on page 34 of the Deed Book https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PX-V9KZ-Z?i=49&cat=369672

That deed record indicates that 100 acres of land was sold that was part of a patent to Robert Richmond in 1684. The deed was signed by Henry Simmons and his wife Mary. The deed continues on page 35 of that book.

On that same page and continuing to the next page is another deed. This deed is purchase by Henry Simmons of lands owned by Anthony Richmond of Lynhaven Parish. that were also part of the lands from the land patent in October of 1684 to Robert Richmond. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PX-V9KN-Q?i=50&cat=369672

Description Notes: Original Wills, 1747-1762

Source Information Ancestry.com. Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2021. Original data:Virginia County, District, and Probate Courts.

Research Notes

A record found in Norfolk County, Virginia Deeds and Wills, Deed Book 5 and Part 1, page 52 1686 to 1695. James Simonds 27 Sep 1687. A suit. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PX-63DC?i=34&cat=370289

The suit that James was involved in is in another court record. Deed Book 5 and Part 1, page 117. This record is dated 16 Nov 1688. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PX-63H6?i=66&cat=370289

James is named in the will of Daniel Tanner in Lower Norfolk County in 1653. My question is what is the relationship to Daniel Tanner? Was James a close friend? Was he a former indentured servant?

The Mason family named in the will were prominent in Lower Norfolk County at the time. Lemuel Mason was justice of the peace after his father Francis Mason as well as a major and colonel of the militia and a member of the House of Burgesses.^[29] Others mentioned in the will are related to Francis Mason and Lemuel Mason.

From a recently answered question on Wikitree the evidence presented by the deed record in April of 1684 indicates James Symonds Senr. thus giving a date of death after that date.

From the Simmons Exhange by Peggy Hill

"It appears that two sons of James Symonds named James and Thomas, stayed in the Tanner's Creek area while Robert, Henry and William moved to the southern part of the county in the Blackwater area and obtained land grants there. It also appears that each of the three sons, Robert, Henry and William had a son named John, as there were three John Simmons in the vicinity. " Peggy Hill

A will record is found in Princess Anne County from 1759 in which a John Simmons of Blackwater mentions that he had formerly lived on land in Norfolk County. Norfolk County had been created in 1691 from the division of Lower Norfolk County. The northern and western portion of that county was where James Symonds had settled. This John may be one of the sons that Peggy is referring to possibly a son of either Henry or William. See the following source.^[30]

Children of James and Anne Simmons/Symonds (Per Jana Dyer):

1. James Simmons, Jr., b. Abt 1629, England
2. Thomas Simmons, b. Abt 1630, England
3. Henry Simmons, b. Abt 1632
4. William Simmons, b. Abt 1634, England
5. Susannah Simmons, b. Abt 1637, Virginia
6. Abigail Simmons, b. Abt 1639, Virginia
7. Sarah Simmons, b. Abt 1642, Virginia
8. Robert Simmons, b. Abt 1644, Virginia
9. Nathan Simmons, b. Abt 1645, Virginia
10. Ruth Simmons, b. Abt 1647, Virginia

The children named in the above can not be correct. James Symonds was only 20 years of age when he departed from London in 1635. There is evidence that he had sons named Thomas and James Jr. This is evident from deed records in Lower Norfolk County in 1687. Thus far no records of any daughters have been found.

From the Church In Lower Norfolk Co., VA. Records: THE CHURCH IN LOWER NORFOLK COUNTY, VA (Lower Norfolk Co., VA Antiquary)

Recordatr 16 die February Ao, 1662 Wee of ye Jury of Enquest doe prsent he whole County in Genrall for breach of he Sabboth & Linhaven prish especially for not pvidinge a Reader though recomanded by Act of Assembly the breach of wch day we sappose is through want of sufficient & able ministers to teach & instruct us. Wee therefore hartely desire some speedy course may be taken therein that or great want may be suplied soe that Sectaries (if any be wthin he prcincts of or County may freely come) if not constrained to such place or places as shalbe appointed for ye true Worshipp & service of God. Wee for or parts oare ready & shalbe willinge to contribute thereunto to the uttermost of or abilities And doe hope yt he rest of the Inhabitants of the sd County Wilbe willinge to doe the Like

Item, wee doe prsent John Wilkinson for not havinge his Children baptized, who willfully and obstinately refuse the same.

(Note that the named John Wilkinson in this record is that of John Herbert who used an alias of Wilkinson for a time during the period of the Parliamentarian rule in England. He later reverted to his true name of Herbert and one of his descendants was married into the Simmons family of Princess Anne County. )

Item, we prsent Richard Pinner for absentinge himselfe from ye Publique place appointed for the readinge of service.

Item, Wee prsent Richard Yates for the like

Item, Wee prsent Beniamin fforby for the like

Item, Wee prsent James Simmons for the like

Item, We prsent Robte Springe for the like

The Jury: Thomas fullcher foreman, William Capps, Richard Joanes, Thomas hardinge, James Thelaball, Geroge ffowler, George Ashwell,

These are all prsent to give in their prsentmts.

At a Court held the ffifteenth day of June in the fifteenth yere of the Raigne of a Sor ainne Lord Kinge Charles the Second our England &c Anno dm 1663 Lower Norff Present

Possibly sons of James Symonds, James & Thomas who remained in the Tanners Creek area:

Will, 15 Jan. 1676, for Joseph Hurle

Joseph Hurle, sojourner in ye house of Jno. Williamson,

Sig r in ye County of Lower Norfolk, in Daniell Tanners Creek . . .

Book 4 f. 14.

dated 15 Jan. 1676. & 28 year of our Soverigne King Charles ye Second

proved 17 Apr. 1677.

. . . I give Katheren hone a Chestnutt mare branded on wth. an S upon ye neare buttock . . .

. . . to Theophilis hone Ju r ... a young horse of ye same mare . . .

. . . . to francis Cockett late servt. to Richard Laurence

. . . unto Jno. Williamson jur. a mare . . .

. . unto Milborn Williamson a mare foie . . .

. . . unto Thomas Hone a horse . . .

. . . unto Elizabeth Ives five pounds in money to be paid upon my departure wthout Consideration of her husband timothy Ives ju r . . .

. . . unto James Simonds and his wife twenty shillings . . .

. . . unto Joseph Jackson . . .

. . . unto Nicholas Williamson . . .

. . . unto Thomas Simonds . . .

. . . unto Jane Jenkins . . .

. . . unto Mary Nicholas . . . blew linen . . ,

. . . unto Milsborow Williamson ye wife of Jno. Williamson . . .

. . . unto W m Cooper twenty shillings . .

. . my wife . . . blew linen . . .

. . . unto Joseph hewlin . . att goose hill . . .

. . . friend Jno. Williamson my full and whole Exequetor

witnesses:

James Simonds.

Thomas Simonds.

Joseph hurley & Seale. ^[31]

[https://archive.org/details/briefabstractofl01mcin/page/49/mode/1up Brief Abstract of Lower Norfolk County and Norfolk County Wills, 1637-, Volume 1, Charles Fleming McIntosh - Wills - 1914,] Pages 49-50

James Simonds the immigrant was living in 1676. The reference to a James Simonds as witness and legatee in the will of Joseph Hurle may be him or his son. A James Simonds was a witness to the will of Joseph Hurle and he is mentioned in the will as receiving 20 Shillings from the estate.

Sources

1. ↑ Howard, Penny (1999) "Bound to Serve: Indentured Servitude in Colonial Virginia, 1624-177 6," The Corinthian: Vol. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian/vol1/iss1/4
2. ↑ https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shipnamesSm.htm
3. ↑ https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/4154716:7486?tid
4. ↑ http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/ships/tova_constance1635.shtml
5. ↑ The original lists of persons of quality, emigrants, religious exiles, political rebels, serving men sold for a term of years, apprentices, children stolen, maidens pressed, and others, who went from Great Britain to the American plantations, 1600-1700. With their ages, the localities where they formerly lived in the mother country, the names of the ships in which they embarked, and other interesting particulars. From mss. preserved in the State Paper Dept. of Her Majesty's Public Record Office, England. by Hotten, John Camden, 1874, book page 137, digital page 145
6. ↑ https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/colonial-virginia/#heading0
7. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/coopers.htm
8. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/coopers.htm
9. ↑ Howard, Penny (1999) "Bound to Serve: Indentured Servitude in Colonial Virginia, 1624-177 6," The Corinthian: Vol. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian/vol1/iss1/4
10. ↑ http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/ships/tova_constance1635.shtml
11. ↑ The original lists of persons of quality, emigrants, religious exiles, political rebels, serving men sold for a term of years, apprentices, children stolen, maidens pressed, and others, who went from Great Britain to the American plantations, 1600-1700. With their ages, the localities where they formerly lived in the mother country, the names of the ships in which they embarked, and other interesting particulars. From mss. preserved in the State Paper Dept. of Her Majesty's Public Record Office, England. by Hotten, John Camden, 1874, book page 137, digital page 145
12. ↑ https://genealogyresources.org/Va_map_1634.html
13. ↑ Howard, Penny (1999) "Bound to Serve: Indentured Servitude in Colonial Virginia, 1624-177 6," The Corinthian: Vol. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian/vol1/iss1/4
14. ↑ History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 by Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
15. ↑ Source Information Ancestry.com. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data:Walter, Alice Granbery. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2002.
16. ↑ History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 by Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
17. ↑ https://research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/library/materials/topics/seventeenth-century-virginians/
18. ↑ History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 by Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
19. ↑ https://thegenealogyreporter.com/gregorian-calendar-for-genealogy/
20. ↑ https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29348/29348-h/29348-h.htm
21. ↑ https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29348/29348-h/29348-h.htm
22. ↑ Brief Abstract of Lower Norfolk County and Norfolk County Wills, 1637-, Volume 1
23. ↑ Nugent, Nell Marion. Cavaliers And Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents And Grants, 1623-1666. [2d ed.] Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1963. book page 492, (digital page 564)
24. ↑ https://www.historicforrest.com/HistoricFortNorfolk/FortNorfolkHistory/1673.html
25. ↑ https://cdm15987.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15987coll7/id/10/rec/1
26. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PX-63V9?i=264&cat=370289
27. ↑ P. Hill's Records: 11549 Family Record Number
28. ↑ P. Hill's Records: 11550 Family Group Record
29. ↑ https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I30647&tree=Tree1
30. ↑ Source Citation Original Wills, 1693-1821; Author: Virginia. County Court (Norfolk County)
31. ↑ [https://archive.org/details/briefabstractofl01mcin/page/49/mode/1up Brief Abstract of Lower Norfolk County and Norfolk County Wills, 1637-, Volume 1, Charles Fleming McIntosh - Wills - 1914,] Pages 49-50

• Peggy Hill, Simmons Exchange
• https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/county_formation_during_the_colonial_period#start_entry

• Brief Abstract of Lower Norfolk County and Norfolk County Wills, 1637-, Volume 1, By Charles Fleming McIntosh ( this can be found on Google Books.

• Nugent, Nell Marion. Cavaliers And Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents And Grants, 1623-1666. [2d ed.] Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1963.

• "America and West Indies: March 1676." Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 9, 1675-1676 and Addenda 1574-1674. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1893. 355-365. British History Online Retrieved 5 June 2019.

• Atlas of County Boundary Changes in Virginia 1634–1895 (1987) by Michael F. Doran. 2003
• https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29348/29348-h/29348-h.htm
• Ancestry.com. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.

Original data:Walter, Alice Granbery. Lower Norfolk County, Virginia Court Records: Book "A" 1637-1646 and Book "B" 1646-1651/2. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2002.

• Lower Norfolk Co., VA. Records: THE CHURCH IN LOWER NORFOLK COUNTY, VA (Lower Norfolk Co., VA Antiquary Wikipedia