Early Families
of St. Mary’s Co, MD
Who Later Settled in Westmoreland Co, VA
1633-1656
Early St. Mary’s County families who settled in Maryland beginning in 1634/4, some arriving on
the Ark and Dove, and who then resettled in Northumberland (later Westmoreland) County,
Virginia, were closely associated and/or acquainted with Combs &c families and their neighbors.
Following are records for BROOKE, WICKLIFFE/WHITCLIFFE, BALDRIDGE, BROWN,
WASHINGTON, COLE, BUTLER, and others who were prominent in both St. Mary’s and
Westmoreland. Nathaniel POPE, whose daughter Anne married Major John WASHINGTON
(ancestor of George Washington), and James and Capt. Thomas BALDRIDGE were part of this
community who continued their associations and became neighbors in Westmoreland. Many
were involved in trade between the colonies and England and formed strong alliances with each
other through marriages that lasted for generations. Records would seem to indicate that if one
was a merchant or mariner, they had dealings with almost everyone up and down the coast and
intermarried often.
Of special interest is Henry BROOKE, styled first as Boatwright of St. Mary’s and then
Planter and Shipwright of Appomatox, who married Jane UNKNOWN Wickliffe, widow of
David WICKLIFFE of St. Mary’s Co, and who removed to Westmoreland Co (then
Northumberland), Virginia by 1648/9 and was the father of Jane BROOKE Higdon Brown. An
unanswered question is whether Henry the Shipwright was related to Henry BROOKE Senior
and Nicholas BROOKE Senior, both citizens and grocers of London, and their respective
merchant sons Henry BROOKE the Younger, Merchant, and Nicholas BROOKE the Younger.
Henry Junior purchased land in York Co, VA in 1643, sold that land to Nicholas Junior in 1645
who then sold the land to his father Nicholas Senior in 1649. Henry BROOKE the Younger was
deceased by 1646 and numerous records relating to this foursome are found in York County and
in St. Mary’s Co. It is sometime difficult to differentiate between records for the two Henry's in
St. Mary’s although easier when it is understood that one was primarily engaged in trade and the
other was styled as boatwright, had land, married in St. Mary’s and is clearly distinguished in
records from the merchants.
On 20 Jun 1632, Charles I of England granted to Caecilius (Cecil) Calvert, Baron of Baltimore,
the charter for the Province of Maryland. Calvert (and his father, George Calvert before him) had
long been recruiting “gentlemen investors”… The Ark and Dove, the latter being primarily a
supply ship, set sail from Gravesend in mid-October 1733, put in at Cowes on the Isle of Wright
off Portsmouth, England, and then embarked on their yoyage across the Atlantic. Those who
boarded at Gravesend had to take an oath of fidelity to Charles I of England. The Ark arrived
first at Barbadoes on 3 January 1633/4 and the Dove followed three weeks later. From Barbadoes
they sailed to Point Comfort, Virginia, arriving on 27 Feb 1633/4 where they resupplied the ships
and then headed north to Chesapeake Bay. By 25 March they landed at St. Clement's Manor in
present-day St. Mary’s County. They were the second group of settlers in the province of
Maryland, the first being the Isle of Kent and established in 1631 by William Claybourn. No ship
lists are extant but passenger lists have been developed from secondary sources: “Ark and Dove
Record, Passengers, Crew and Indentured Servants,”, Mrs. G. W. Hodges, Register of
Maryland's Heraldic Families, Series II, by Alice Norris Parran, 1938, and The Flowering of the
Maryland Palatinate, self-published, Washington, D.C., 1968 by Harry Wright Newman.
(Source: The Ark and the Dove by USGenNet Patrons Rhoda Fone & Carole Hammett (2001))
15 Feb 1633 Thomas BUTLER, age 27 yeares [b c1606] deposed regarding a wager made in
reference to a wedlock of Mr. Wm Burdett and the Widdowe SANDERS in Virginia.
(PA Mag of History & Biography, “Quaint Virginia Records”, 1892, p. 70)
NOTES: The above may refer to records in Northampton Co, VA., and another record also
includes references to Joane, wife of Thomas, apparently the couple in the Isle of Kent. Kathy
Manley Nystrom, in a Rootsweb post, states the following about Thomas and Joan: “Thomas
Butler began as a haberdasher in London…. He married Jan 16, 1625/26 in St. Magnus Martyr
Church, London, a widow, Joan Christopher (Mt. Stephen). She goes on to say that William
CLAIBORNE had married Elizabeth, a sister to Thomas Butler. Maryland records show that
Thomas died and his widow Joane married Edward THOMPSON and then removed to
Westmoreland, although Joane may have deceased before the actual move (d. by 1650)
25 Mar 1634 Ms. Hodges list includes: Mr. Richard COLE and Mr. Richard DUKE, Wm
BROWNE, Cuthbert FENWICK, Nicholas HARVEY, John HILLIERD, John HOLLIS aka
HOLLOWES [HALLOWES].
Newman's list includes: James BALDRIDGE, Gent (No Proof of Entry), Thomas BALDRIDGE,
Gent (No Proof of Entry), William BROWNE(Transported), Richard COLE (Transported),
Richard DUKE Gent (Transported), Cutbeth FENWICK Esqr. (Transported), John HALLOWES
aka HOLLIS, Gent (Transported), Nicholas HERVEY Gent (Transported), John HILLARD
(Transported), William LEWIS Gent (Transported), John WELLS (unknown). Crew included
John BOULTER, Purser and steward of the Ark.
1636 David WICKLIFFE'S 9 Oct 1640 demand for 50 acres of land stated he transported
himself into the province in 1636 (see record below). There was no mention of a wife or children
in this record but his wife's name was Jane, maiden name unknown, and she is documented in
subsequent records as such and to also have remarried to Henry BROOKE who was the father of
Jane BROOKE Higden Browne Campbell?, whose allied family connections to John Combs and
Ann “Hannah” (MASON?) Roe? are considered significant. David WICKLIFF(E) aka David
WHITCLIFF(E) is documented as a Protestant Catholic, and is not found in records after Sep
1642; however, by June 1643, the widd. whitcliff appears. One question is whether David could
be the same as the ____ WICKLIFFE of an entry dated 1635 listing names appearing in papers
in the suit of Wm CLAYBORNE agst CLOBERY & Co (Accomack Co, VA). William
CLAYBORNE established the first white settlement in Maryland on the Isle of Kent in 1631.
6 Apr 1637 Adm. of estate of Zachariah Mottershead granted to James BALDRIDGE.
(MD State Archives, hereafter MD SA, Court & Testamentary Business hereafter CTB, p. 24)
30 Dec 1637 Warrant for John BUTLER of the Isle of Kent.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:4)
20 Jan 1637/8 Commission of Sheriff to James BALDRIDGE. St. Maries Co. Appointed both
sheriff and coroner.
(MD SA, Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, v3:61)
28 Feb 1637/8 Grand Jury included: Tho BALDRIDGE, Nathaniel POPE, Francis GRAY,
Thomas GREEN, Gent, Marmaduke SNOW Gent, Robert Vaughan.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:21)
20 Mar 1638 Thomas BALDRIDGE sworn in as Sheriff and coroner for 1 year.
(MD SA, Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, v3:85)
NOTES: James BALDRIDGE, planter, prominent in early St. Mary’s records, and his brother
Capt. Thomas BALDRIDGE, planter, removed to Virginia by 1649 where they are found in
early Northumberland records as neighbors and associates of the BROOKES, POPES, and
BRIDGES. His wife, named Dorothy, and his descendants are closely allied with the BUTLERS,
LISSONS [SISSON], and WICKLIFFES. Capt. Thomas dropped out of St. Mary’s records in
1644 and spent some time in Barbadoes per this letter he wrote dated 9 Sep 1649 from Thomas
Baldreage in Barbadoes “To my ever loveing Cosen Mr Tho: Baldreage liveing in Potomack
river over against Maryland or for Mr James Baldreage…” wherein he states he is now in
Barbadoes and refers to a gentlewoman who was a previous neighbor of his in Virginia who had
since come to Barbadoes regarding the estate of her husband but now is returning to Virginia…
(W&M Qtrly, Series 1, v15#3:35/36). It is not clear whether this James BALDRIDGE and the
James BALDRIDGE, (age 55 in 1645) yeoman, of Westminister, Cty Middlesex, who testified
about Leonard Calvert taking possession of the Isle of Kent (The Ark and Dove Adventurers, p.
11, record below) are the same. Undoubtedly they were related. James of Westsmoreland wrote
his will on 27 Nov 1658 and it was proved on 10 Jan 1658/9 in Westmoreland, naming only his
wife Dorothy and one Daniel LISSON aka SISSON, possible son-in-law and the documented
brother-in-law to one Mary (BALDRIGE?) who married (1) Nathaniel POPE (s/o of Nathaniel
POPE I of St. Mary’s Co, MD and later Westmoreland Co, VA), (2) Mr. BRIDGES, (3) Lewis
NICHOLAS, and (4) David WICKLIFFE II (s/o of David WICKLIFFE I of St. Mary's Co and
his wife Jane UNKNOWN, later wife of Henry BROOKE)
30 Apr 1638 Entered by Capt. George EVOLIN for the manor of Evolinton in the Baronie of St.
Maries…included the names of Thomas HEBDEN, David WICKILIFF, John WALKER, John
HILL….
(MD Patents Certificates & Warrants 1637-1654, Hall of Records hereafter MDPC&W HoR,
v1:19, FHC Film #0013063)
1 Jul 1638 William LEWIS Gent. informed Capt. CORNWALLIS about a petition from
“certaine” servant of his to Sr. John Harvey to be presented at Chapell in St. Mary’s where the
Catholics worshipped for the purpose of procuring the signatures of all Protestants. A 1642 court
record documents that David WICKLIFFE presented a petition in the name of the protestant
Catholics wherein they complained that Thomas GERRARD, a Catholic, had taken away their
books and the key to the chapel where they met. Gerrard was fined for his actions. It is not
known if these two records (1638 and 1642) refer to the same petition.
(MD Hist Magazine, 1916, v11#1, p. 9-12, orig: MD Archives of the Provincial Court 16371650, p. 35, 119)
NOTE: This record suggests that David WICKLIFFE was likely a “Protestant”.
22 Nov 1638 Elizabeth BROOKS transported by Mr. FULTON & Mr. WORLEY who also
transported Giles BRENT.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:18, FHC Film #0013063)
No further information about this Elizabeth is known. She is also included in the transportation
list of the sisters Mrs. Margaret and Mary BRENT. Another BROOKS family (that of Robert
Esqr) immigrated from England in 1650 per record.
4 Feb 163/7 Segt Thomas BALDRIDGE took oath to administer the goods of Edward
BATEMAN deceased.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:54-55)
25-27 Feb 1639 Order by Leonard CALVERT 100 acres to be set forth for Nathaniel POPE lying
upon the north side of St. John's Creek, and bounding upon the north side with a swamp in St.
Maries Bay called Pope's Swamp and to deed him a patent for it in freehold….parcel set forth for
Nathaniel POPE by John LEWGER for land bounding on the west with St. Maries Bay, on the
South with St. John's Creek and the Town Land of John LEWGER Esqr on the East with the
Northern branch of the said St. John's Creek.….patent to Nathaniel POPE of St. Maries hundred
dated 27 Feb 1639.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:53-5, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: Nathaniel POPE I [Sr.] later removed to Northumberland/Westmoreland Co., VA. His
daughter Ann married Major John WASHINGTON (ancestor of George WASHINGTON). The
POPE descendants figure substantially in Virginia records with Combs &c associated and allied
families.
5 Jun 1639 John HALLOWES aka HOLLIS married Restitusa TUE.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:138, FHC Film #0013063)
John deposed in 1653 (see below) that he was age 40 or thereabouts [b c1613]; therefore this
marriage may have been his first.
May 1640 Captain John BUTLER (Boteler) Gent. of the Isle of Kent, deposed he was 39 [b
c1601] and a native of Roxswell pa, Co. Essex.
(To Maryland From Overseas, orig: Md Archives, v4:69 & v5:212). One John BOULTER was a
purser on the Ark and Dove.)
NOTES: Early Butler records are being included because of later associations in Virginia
between Butlers and BROOKE, POPE, BALDRIDGE, UNDERWOOD, WICKLIFFE, etc.
Nathaniel POPE'S daughter Anne married Major John WASHINGTON whose grandmother was
Margaret BUTLER, descendant of the Butler/Duke of ORMONDE line.
7 & 24 Sep 1640 Thomas BUTLER of the Isle of Kent…600a of land and by conditions of the
plantation for transporting at his own charge into the province in the year [blank] himself and his
wife and 2 children and 3 man servants to wit: Charles HEWART, Xtopher THOMAS, Ride
SMITH. Robert CLARK ordered survey and patent dated 24 Sep 1640 issued for land on the
East side of [blank] Isle of Kent…Butler's Creek…Cox's Bay….
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:86-87, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: Joane, wife of Thomas, remarried Edward THOMPSON, shortly after her husband’s
decease. She herself was deceased by 1650 and her husband Edward was named guardian of the
children. The family removed to Westmoreland.
7-8 Dec 1640 200a warrant for Capt. John BUTLER.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:93, FHC Film #0013063)
9 Oct 1640 David WICKELIFF demands the 50 acres of land being part of the land due him by
conditions of plantation for transporting himself into the province in the year of 1636. 13 Nov
1640…laid out for David WICKLIFF a parcel of land bounding on the North with the land of
George PYE on the south with land of Hutton CORBOTT …patent granted 14 Nov 1640. MD
and states land in manor of St. George's.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:103, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: This record might suggest that David immigrated by himself since he is only
demanding 50 acres. For some reason he was entitled to a total of 200 acres (or an additional 200
acres) that he assigned to one William LEWIS (see July 1650 record)
27 Oct 1640 Patent for Nicholas COSSIN [Cawseen aka Causseen] for 50 acres that was
assigned by Thomas CHARINTON and formerly possessed by same.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:106, FHC Film #0013063, orig. Liber F:120)
Nicholas COSSIN was a neighbor and associate of David and Jane WICKLIFFE. Nicholas
married Jane COCKSHOTT, the widow of John, and is in later court records with Henry
BROOKE, planter of Appomattox. He remained in St. Mary’s Co.
7 Dec 1640 Capt. John BUTLER prayoth to have confirmed unto him land due him…by virtue
of …. Capt Clayborn…surveyed ordered 8 Dec 1640. Patent for 200a dated 9 Dec 1640.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:103, FHC Film #0013063)
1641 Captain William HAWLEY receives 2,000 acres on account of transport of 10 men into the
colony. Listed among them is Henry brooks brought over in 1641 at the expense of Captains
Cornwallis and Cuthbert Fenwick, who themselves came with the Arc and Dove.
(MD Land Book 1:10)
One York Co, VA record shows that a Richard HAWLEY was a servant to Mr. Henry
BROOKES [Junr] merchant who was deceased by 1646.
1641 A number of St. Mary’s residents are listed in a record as having exhibited complaints and
petitions on 3 dates for the year 1641. Among those listed were: Thomas BALDRIDGE planter,
John HALLOWES mariner.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:67)
1642 Assessments in St. Maries: includes:
thorn baldridge 1.20, nathan pope 1.20, nicolas hervy 050, George Pye 20, david whitcliff 20, tho
hebden.
25 Nov 1642 Assessments in St. Maries includes all the above name and that of henry brooks
02.
1642 Assessments upon Kent Co. Thomas Butler 4.
(MD SA, Proc of the Council of Maryland, v3:121, 123)
NOTES: The above assessment is the first record for Henry BROOKS.
1642 Thomas BUTLER begins to appear in records for the CTB.
1 Nov 1642 Tho: baldridge, for pay for his servt alex: banum. Entry in list for demandants to
the colony, for accompt of pay or other charges to the expedition begun on the 21th Septemb last
& finished following 13 October.
(MD SA, Proceedings of Council of MD, v3:119)
Alexander BAYNHAM, who married Ann, was the son-in-law of Dorothy BALDRIDGE. He
and Ann witnessed a deed in Barbadoes, and he is mentioned in the 1649 Barbadoes letter of
Thomas BALDRIDGE to his cousin Thomas BALDRIDGE in Virginia as well as being named
in Dorothy’s BALDRIDGE’S will along with his 3 daughters.
2 Dec 1642 “Jane Cockshott widd complaineth agst Jane the wife of david whitcliff for
vnlawfull dealing wth her the plaintifs maidservt & taking & keeping from her one red base
wastcoat lined wth silk galon, wch she received of the said manservt & deteineth from her to the
damage of the plf.” To the value of 100 1 tob.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:154)
NOTES: First record found for Jane UNKNOWN Wickliffe. It documents that Jane
COCKSHOTT was a widow by 1642 and was named administratrix of the estate of her husband
John COCKSHOTT on 14 Oct 1642 and Nathan POPE and Thomas GREEN ordered to appraise
his estate.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:72)
The inventory was considerable (p. 96). She later married Nicholas COSSIN aka Cawseen aka
Causseen who is later mentioned in a suit by Henry BROOKE.
Sep 1642 1642. David WHITCLIFF last appearance in the Proceedings of the General
Proceedings(MD SA) or court records. He appears to have deceased by June 1643 (see following)
Jun 1643 Then the complaint of widdow Whitcliff agst mr Secret. Thomas hebden for killing
of swine vnlawfully, the said Tho. hebden was charged wth killing 2. swine anon after Easter last
wch he sold to mr Weston who said that he did kill 2. such hoggs a month agoe, & produced
Robt Kedger who testified that it was above a month agoe, & the said Tho hebden being
demanded the eares, said they were at home: whervpon the Judge found that the said tho. hebden
had forfeited his recognisance for not bringing their eares to the Govr or Secretary within a
month after the killing; & adiudged him to pay to the Lord Propr 1000 l tob. Thomas hebden
acknowledgeth himselfe to owe to the Lord Proprietarie 1000 l tob in case he shall kill any swine
other then marked swine of his owne or of the owners licence in any his Lops forrests, and shall
not shew both the eares together wth the skin betwixt of all swine killed by him by vertue of his
license, within 1. month after the killing, vnto some one of his neighbours having swine on that
side, viz either mr weston, or widd. whitcliff, or nicolas Cossin. Tho: hebden.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:207)
NOTES: The above June 1643 and March 1643[4]records suggests that David WHITCLIFF aka
WICKLIFFE had deceased. The last reference to him in the Court records was Sep 1642.
Jan 1642/3 First appearance (of many) for Henry Brooks in Judicial CTB records. Listed as
creditor who recovered per a judgment.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:207)
15 Apr 1643 Lt. Thomas BALDRIDGE of St. Michael's hundred.
(MD SA, Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, v3:132)
Here he is commanded to visit every house in the hundreds and take an inventory of all men able
to bear arms, of all guns and ammunition, swords, etc., and to secure depositions of such from
whomever. Thomas BALDRIDGE drops out of Judicial and Testamentary Business records (and
also Proceedings of the Council) from 1644 to 1648 which was noticeable since he was
consistently found in records beforehand. Perhaps he moved or went travelling. He is known to
have been in Barbadoes. James had also dropped out of records by 1644. In 1648, one William
WHEATELEY, deft., at the suit of James LANGWORTH “Sayth tht hee came under the
command of Capt Tho: Baldridge, who was Capt & Comder of those Rebelis, who came to take
the howse where the plfs Come [corn] was….
(MD SA, Judical and Testamentary Business, v4:453)
In 1649, there is a suit between Capt Thomas BALDRICH and Mrs Margaret BRENT. By this
time, Baldridge is elsewhere, either in Barbadoes, or in Northumberland.
1644 Account entry for widd: whitcliff 0. 0. 2.
(MD SA, Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, v4:278)
Although this entry may indicate Jane is still a widow, she could easily have remarried by this
date and therefore have been the mother of Henry's daughter Jane BROOKE Hidgen.
28 May 1644 henry Brooks demandeth of the estate of Leonard Calvert Esq 200 l of tob due
from estate of Jo. Angud. and 200 l tob for price of a boate assigned from will. nash virginea; &
150 l tob for forbearance of the said last 200 l & 100 l tob for forbearance of the said first 200. &
30' tob for losse of this dayes work in coming to Court this day. Respited till Edward Packer be
in Court to defend. henry brooks made oath that he adventured 150 l tob & cask in partnership
wth Peter draper for the purchasing of earthen ware; & hath received no satisfaction for any part
of it since. And he sheweth that the said Peter draper did purchase divers pcells of earthen ware
wth the stock of tob wch was betweene them, & did vent them here to great profitt, as is
notoriously knowen; & did promise the petr from time to time to give him accompt therof, & pay
him his pt of the benefitt; but being prevented by death the petr is like to be defeated of the acct
but prayeth to be allowed some reasonable pportion according to the knowen over rates as the
said Peter sold them at. And the Judge allowed him to recover his 150 l & cask putt into the
stock, but left him to his proofe for the acct of profitt.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:273)
1644 Rob. Ellyson demandeth of henry Brooks 250 l tob & cask, due for chirurgery. warn: to
Court siliter.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:294)
2 Oct 1644 Thomas Bushell complaineth agst Henry Brooks boatwright, for not pforming a
covenant wth the plf for making him a shallopp by midsomer day last, & wherof he hath received
satisfaction for the greatest part of the price; & yet delayeth to build it to the damage of the plf to
the value of 1000 l tob. warrt to warne him afore L. G. on 26. Octob to shew cause. the said
henry brooks saith he hath bin disabled to pforme the covenant by default of nailes, wch the plf
was to find, & did not. L. G. And the Court found that the plf was to find nailes, Secret: & the
deft had demanded them afore midsomer, & the plf in delay & therefore dismissed the defendt
without day; but ordred him to finish vp the shallopp.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:287)
NOTES: Henry is likely styled as a boatwright here to differentiate him from Henry BROOKE
the merchant, s/o of Henry BROOKE Senior, citizen and grocer of London, as records for this
father and son begin to appear. These documents were entered into Maryland records, either
because of their trading business or because one of the Henry BROOKS was in residence, either
for business or otherwise. In the below we learn that Uncle Henry [Senr] purchased the
England/Colonies trading operation and interests from his brother Nicholas [Senr]. Later
Nicholas Senior purchased land (1649) in York Co, Virginia from his son Nicholas Brooke Junr.,
which land had originally been obtained in 1643 by Henry BROOKE Junr “marchant” from
Capt. Richard POPELY, who, interestingly enough, accompanied William Claybourn in his
campaign to establish a settlement at the Isle of Kent. The land Henry BROOKE Junr acquired
from POPELY adjoined that of one Thomas LUCAS, the same who was the third husband of
Margaret UNKNOWN Underwood Upton Lucas, mother of Col. William UNDERWOOD,
whose last wife was Elizabeth UNKNOWN Underwood that married Archdale COMBS I after
the Colonel's decease.
10 Sep 1644 A letter, dated 10 of 7ber 1644, written by Henry BROOKE, Grocer of London, to
his nephew Nico BROOKE marchant Virginia. The letter states Henry's son Henry [Jr] is
bringing this letter to Nicholas. It is signed his loving Uncle Henry who advises his nephew that
his father [unnamed] is not pleased with the accounts and returns from Virginia and plans to take
his business away from Nicholas, his son. He further writes that he [Uncle Henry] is being
blamed by Nicholas' father and mother for their son keeping his father's estate for himself. He
urges Nicholas to do his duty to his father and states his own innocence in the matter. The
following record is an indenture dated 18 March 1640/1 (recorded in London 7 Sept 1644/5)
between Nicholas Brooke citizen and grocer of London of the one part and Henry Brooke
citizen and grocer of London of the other part and brother of the said Nicholas “whereas the
said parties have for sundry yeares last past traded vpon partible Acco in merchandizing
betweene England and virginea; And wheras also the said nicholas Brooke is resolved contented
& agreed to surcease the said trade & to resigne & leave the same wholly vnto the said Henry
Brooke who is likewise resolved contented & agreed to take the same trade vpon him & to runne
the hazard of all adventures & debts that are incident & apperteining thervnto…” for 700 pounds,
with 200 pounds due 25 March 1642, 250 pounds due 25 March 1643, and 250 pounds due 25
March 1644, Nicholas grants to the said Henry “all the estate, right title Interest property claime
share part purpart and demand whatsoever that he the said nicolas Brooke hath or may or can
claime challenge ask have or demand of in to or out of all & every or any plantation Lands
chattells servants goods merchandises adventures debts & estate whatsoever that now are either
in virginia or England belonging to the partible accot of the said trade or wch the said nicolas
Brooke hath taken in his owne name in the said continent of Virginia.….” Filed 7 Sep 1744 in
London.
(MD SA, CTB, 1644, v4:296-9)
Entered with the above letter and indenture in Maryland records was a copy of a Power of
Attorney from John GLOVER recorded 7 Feb 1644/5 by mr Henry Brook mrcht. “These are to
centifie whom it may concerne that I vnder written doe give full power & authority to my frend
mr henry Brooke iunr to recover for me what estate my brother Robert Giover [GLOVER], left
in Maryland, as also what cattell are due to me at Accomack, wch were to be delivered to my
said brother, dated in Rotterdame the 14. octob 1644. p. Jo: GLOVER.”.
Jan 1644 The letter from Uncle Henry and this entry for Henry BROOKE mrchnt and Nicho.
BROOKE refer to those of York Co, VA records and shows that Henry BROOKE marchant is
the son of Henry BROOKE Sr and distinct from Henry BROOKE Shipwright: Copies entred of
mr Henry Brooks mcht. Mr Henry Brooke dr with account list and Nicho. BROOKE Cr. Includes
entry for 3000 for a shallop which was lost and 1200 in Mr. GLOVER'S hands.
(MD SA, CTB, 1644, v4:294-5)
ALSO found is this this record which clearly indicates Henry's involvement in the trading
business:.
“Mr Br. John Rablie demandeth of Henry Brooke iunr Sedent mr Secr: mrcht 15 l sterl: in goods
bought at the first peny mr Gr. in Engl: or holland & a new p of shoes & a new saile for his the
plfs shallopp; owing vnto him from the deft for pilotage of the ship, & a months waiting of him
& his man & shallopp one month after the arrivall of the ship in the port & wch he refuseth to
pay vnto him to the damage of the plf to the value of 4130 l tob wth cask warn: to Cort to morrw
morn: 9cl pill iudgmt.”.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 303)
John RAIBLEY aka RABLEY was a documented business associate of Thomas BALDRIDGE
and now we have a record where Raiblie is seeking goods and money from Henry Junior. Is this
a coincidence because they are all in the trading business, and is it a coincidence that the other
Henry BROOKE is a boat/shipbuilder?.
NOTES: York Co, VA patent records show that Henry BROOKE the Younger purchased land
from Richard POPELY on 16 March 1643, and then he conveyed this land to Nicholas
BROOKE the Younger per this record dated 23 March 1645 York Co, VA. patent with Nicholas
Brooke the Younger grantee for 200a Upon Queens Creek; and called the name of the middle
plantation…land conveyed to Henry Brooke the Younger marchant by bill of sale 16 March
1643 from Cpt Richard Popeley and then conveyed by Henry to Nicholas 3 March 1645.
(VA. Land Office Patents No. 2, 1643-1651, p. 90, LOVA image)
12 July 1649 York Co. patent showing note of assignment from Nicholas Brooke, Jr. to
Nicholas Brooke, Sr. at foot of record (VSLA Land Office Patents 1-42) for 500 acres south
East upon the land formerly belonging to Thomas LUCAS; the said land formerly granted to
Nicholas Brooke Junior Aug 13 1646 and purchased by the said Nicholas Brooke, Senior, of his
son. the said Nicholas Brooke as by deed.
(Source: Land Office Patents No. 2, 1643-1651, p. 192)
This Thomas LUCAS is the same who was the third husband of Margaret UNKNOWN who
married first Unknown UNDERWOOD, secondly Capt. John UPTON and last Thomas LUCAS
Sr., born bef 1623, died 1674, in Old Rappahannock Co, Virginia. This Margaret was the mother
of Col. William UNDERWOOD whose widow Elizabeth married Archdale COMBS I of Old
Rappa Co., VA. Col. Wm. UNDERWOOD is documented as the brother of Elizabeth
UNDERWOOD Taylor Slaughter Catlett Butler by virtue of the latter's 1673 will in which she
refers to his son, William UNDERWOOD, Sr. as “my couzen [nephew] William
UNDERWOOD the elder.”.
(Old Rappa. D&W, 1665-1677)
Col. William UNDERWOOD Sr.'s sister Elizabeth last husband was the Rev. Amory Butler.
Refer to the Combs &c special report for Margaret UNKNOWN Underwood Upton Lucas of Isle
of Wight and Old Rappahannock Cos, VA.
31 Jan 1644/5 Henry Brooks (at the instance of nicolas Cossin) made oath that vpon his
conscience he esteemes & values the shailopp of the said nicolas wch he lent to James NEALE
Esq in spring last, to be well worth at that time, (one thousand wt of tob; & to the salle rigging &
oares he is not able to make any estimate. Jurat.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 301)
7 Feb 1644 [5] februar: 7. copie recorded by mr Henry Brook mrcht. These are to centifie
whom it may concerne that I vnder written doe give full power & authority to my frend mr henry
Brooke iunr to recover for me what estate my brother Robert Giover [Glover], left in Maryland,
as also what cattell are due to me at Accomack, wch were to be delivered to my said brother,
dated in Rotterdame the 14. octob 1644. p. Jo: Giover. ALSO: Mr Br. John Rablie demandeth of
Henry Brooke iunr Sedent mr Secr: mrcht 15 l sterl: in goods bought at the first peny mr Gr. in
Engl: or holland & a new p of shoes & a new saile for his the plfs shallopp; owing vnto him from
the deft for pilotage of the ship, & a months waiting of him & his man & shallopp one month
after the arrivall of the ship in the port & wch he refuseth to pay vnto him to the damage of the
plf to the value of 4130 l tob wth cask warn: to Cort to morrw morn: 9cl pill iudgmt.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 303)
NOTES: The mention of John Rablie is interesting in that the 1649 letter from Thomas
BALDRIDGE (in Barbadoes at the time), to his cousin Thomas Baldridge (in Virginia), refers to
12 men being sent (transported) to the house of John Rabley's [in Virginia] for the benefit of
Baldridge.
(W&MQtrly, V15#3:36)
Thomas also mentions in his letter a merchant in London with whom he is engaged in business.
Perhaps the merchant was Henry BROOKE, citizen and grocer of London since it appears that
one Henry BROOKE was piloting a ship belonging to Mr. Rablie. In a later (1649) record, John
Rabley is defined as being of the Colony of Virginia.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 513)
12 Feb 1644/5 Thomas Bushrod mrcht demandeth of henry Brooke mrcht 5000' tob, due by
covenant & 400 l mr Greene tob for interest the said henry Brooke saith the demand is due to be
paid at a certaine place in virginea, & that he hath appointed order for the paymt in virginea. And
the Court found that the contract in demand, being made in virginea by persons then inhabiting
in virginea, & touching paymt to be made at a certaine place in virginea, ought to be referred for
triall & hearing to the Courte of virginea & that this Court hath no iurisdiction in the cause. copie
of the order to the plf.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 307)
12 Feb 1644/5 Henry Brooke mrcht to the demand of John Rablie saith, that the demand was
not so as is alledged, & if it be true that it was for Pilotage of his shipp; that the plf did not
performe the duety of pilot, but brought his ship a ground & carried her beyond the port; And the
plf made oath of the truth of his demand: And Tho. Rowney produced by the deft made oath that
the shipp sailed by St michaels point on Satturday, & the next morning she came on ground
neare about James point on the Easterne shore; & then returnd back to St michaels point on
Sonday night: And the Court found for the plf. 750 l tob & cask, for the price of vse of him his
shallopp & 1. man for a month.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 307)
8 Feb 1644 henry Brooks demandeth of Geo. binx 1 60 l tob due for the vse of the plfs man
Edmond ward 8. daies in somer last; and the Court found for the plf 50 l tob.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 305)
21 Aug 1645 Admiralty Court case: James BALDRIDGE then of Westminister, Cty
Middlesex, yeoman, age 55 [b c1590] testified about Leonard Calvert taking possession of the
Isle of Kent.
(The Ark and Dove Adventurers, George Ely Russell, Donna Valley Russell, The Dove and Ark
Society, p:11)
NOTES: It is not clear whether this James is the same as who was married to Dorothy and who
wrote his will in Westmoreland on 26 Nov 1658; however, he must have been present when
Calvert took possession and therefore have been in Maryland. A suit by Dorothy against Richard
Duke the same week suggests he was the same.
26 Jan 1646[7] Jame[s] BALDRIDGE summoned as witness.
(MD SA, Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, v3:180)
29 Jan-4 Feb 1646[7] Dorothy BALDRIDGE demandeth of Richard DUKE 200 pounds of
tobacco by bill ~ attachment.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:214, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: Dorothy is next documented as the wife of James BALDRIDGE, aka Capt. James
BALDRIDGE of Westmoreland Co, VA per his 26 Nov 1658 will. Perhaps it is coincidence that
Henry BROOKE, Shipwright of Westmoreland Co, VA, had a daughter Dorothy BROOKE alias
BUTLER, a family closely allied with the BALDRIDGES.
1647 Oaths of Fielty [Fidelity]: Richard BROWN (27 June), John WALTON (22 Sept).
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:205, FHC Film #0013063)
5 Oct 1647 5th Octo: ffrancis Brookes of the lie of Kent, demandeth of Cuthbert ffenicke gent,
executor of Henry Brookes Merchant, one man seruant and 2300 l of tobb: by bill and accomt
dew to hym: Attach: to the Sherife of Kent: retur prmo die decembr.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 336)
NOTES: Henry BROOKES the merchant aka Junior has deceased. Cutbert ffenicke was the
first executor, later Thomas Gerrard Esqr, and then Cuthbert again (see records below). Was
Francis BROOKES of Kent the son of Robert BROOKS Esqr, progenitor of the prominent
Maryland family and one who brought his entire family with him, including Francis, to Maryland
in 1650, although one Francis was clearly residing there prior to 1650. The above record may not
necessarily indicate (but should not be ignored either) a kinship between Francis and Henry since
most everyone probably did some business with Henry BROOKE. Francis deposed on 23 April
in 1662 as being 38 years [b c1629] of thereabout.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:300, FHC Film #0013063)
He may be a different Francis than that of the s/o of Robert.
3 Dec 1647 Thomas Gerrard Esqr Attorney & Admistrator of Henry Brookes mercht
demandeth of Capt Robt Vaughan twenty thowsand pownds of Tob: for goods receiued of the sd
Henry, under his owne hand.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 351)
2 Jan 1647[8] Sworn to oath of Fealty: Mr. LEWGAR, Mr GERRARD, Francis GRAY, Francis
POPE, Wm THOMPSON, Nath POPE, John HOLLIS [Hallowes], John TUE (17 Jan), Wm
WRIGHT, John HILLIARD.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:205, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: Francis POPE was the s/o of Nathaniel POPE. John HALLOWES transported a Mary
GRAY and an Ailce GRAY into Virginia.
1647[8]. Jno HALLOWES demandeth of Henry BROOKS & Rich: COLE 2000 l Tob: & cask
dew by Bill. Attachmt to the sheriffe ret. 30 ffeb.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:366)
1648 By this date, we are beginning to see those consistently in records disappear with
occasional references to some being styled as being of Appomattox. The migration to
Northumberland had begun.
6 Jun 1648 Account of Lord Calvert's estate contained this item: “By 1 Bill from for a shallop
Hen: Brooke of 23 foote by the Keele.”.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:389)
30 Jul 1648 Att a Court held att Capt Vaughans howse Capt Giles Brent The Attorney of Tho:
Gerrard Esqr admistrator of Henry Brooks att Kent 30 Jul Prnt Gouernour mercht deceased;
And likewise Attorney of Mr Brent Hen: Brooks Senior, the ffather & implyor of the
forenamed Hen: Brooks, Requyres tht Capt Robt Vaughan may be appoynted to giue up unto
him, uppon his oath, the acct of such goods, Tobacchos & debts, as are in his hands: or as he hath
disposed of, apperteyning to the estate of the aforesd Hen: Brooks deceased. Capt Robt Vaughan
deliuered in uppon his oath an acct of the whole estate amounting to 13793 l Tob: & cask out of
wch he proued due to himselfe by acct Bill, & Sallarig 4657 l Tob: & cask. Likewise unto others
hee made appeare due in Court, wch he had satisfyed, & the Court allowed 1355 l Tob: & cask
soe the Court adiudged the Attorney of Mr Gerrard to assigne unto the sd Capt Vaughan as many
of the Bills, & accompts, as should satisfy the Two aboue-named summes, unto him, wch were
these following Viz Mr Cox's cheare acct 375 l Tob: & cask Jno Bennetts cleare debt, by Bill &
acct 439 l.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:398-99)
17 Nov 1648 Oath of Fielty. Mr. Richard BROWN.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:205, FHC Film #0013063)
8 Jan 1648 [9] An acct uppon Henry Brookes of Appamatucks 70 l Tob. & 1bb Corne, or a Boate
of 15 foote by the Keele.
(MD SA, CTB, p. 468)
NOTES: This would be Henry BROOKE Shipwright of Westmoreland.
1649 These prsents doth testify that I Leonard Calvert Esqr doe Liber A. binde my self to deliver
or cause to bee delivered vnto Joane Tompson for the vse of Thomas Butler deceased his
Children two Cowe Calves of three monethes old some time in June next after the date hereof
Witnes my hand this tenth of ffeb-feruary 1646.
(MD SA, CTB, v10:15)
8 Jun 1649 8o Junij Lres of Administracon of the estate of Mr Henry Brookes merchant
granted to Mr Cuthbert ffenwick a creditor who is by oath to exhibit an Inventory by Michas
next vnles &c and to keepe and make a true Accompt &c. further time allowed 25o Sept till xpãs
next.
(MD SA, CTB, v4:487)
1649/50 Edward TOMPSON plft agst Mrs. Marg BRENT deft. (Executrix of Leonard Calvert
Esqr deceased) concerning two cowes calves and their increase that deft was bound to deliver to
the use of Joane TOMPSON deceased and her children. Joane was the widow of Thomas
BUTLER (MD SA, CTB, 1644, v4:543), and after her decease, he became guardian of the two
children and pursued the suit for the cows and calves. In Westmoreland in 1661, Christopher
Butler requests money from the estate of Edward Thompson (administrator John Washington)
stating he had cared for the ill wife of Edward Thompson until she died which would mean that
Edward remarried after Joane died.
Apr 1650 These prsents doth testify that I Leonard Calvert Esqr doe Liber A. binde my self to
deliver or cause to bee delivered vnto Joane Tompson for the vse of Thomas Butler deceased
his Children two Cowe Calves of three monethes old some time in June next after the date hereof
Witnes my hand this tenth of ffeb-feruary 1646.
(MD SA, CTB, v10:15)
A later record (p. 26-27) mentions one Edward THOMPSON, Guardian, of the two children of
Thomas BUTLER agst Margaret BRENT, Executrix of the Estate of Leonard CALVERT, in
Northumberland [VA].
26 Apr 1650 “Knowe all men by these prsents whom it may concerne that I Henry Brookes of
Apomattocks planter doe hereby constitute appoint and ordeine Georg Manners of Maryland
planter my true and lawfull Attorney and in my name to sue arrest & implead recover & discharg
all men who is any wayes indebted vnto mee to all intents and purposes as if I my self were
personally prsent Witnes my hand the day & yeare aboue written The marke of Signed &
delivered in” Henry Brookes the prsence of Nichäs Gwiter.
Henry Brookes plte The Complte by Georg Manners his Attor-Nichas Cawseene deft ney
sueth to bee releived for a Gunne taken from him in the late troubles by Governor Calverts
direccon vppon pmise of redelivery as hee alleadgeth. Wch Gunne being since come to the defts
hands bee refuseth to deliver the same to the plte. The defendt denyeth soe farr as bee knowes
that hee hath any Gunne of the pltes, but saith that Governor Calvert in his life time gave him a
Gunne wch bee still hath.
Wherevppon the pite Attorney moved that the said Gunne may bee pduced in Court to morrowe
to bee veiwed Wch the Court doth order accordingly and will then further pceed in the Hearing
of this Cause.
(Orig Liber A:346, MD SA, CTB, 1649 50, v10:24)
1650 Henry Brookes plte According to the direccon of an order of Nichas Cawseene deft the of
June last made in this Cause the deft this day brought the Gunne in question into Court to bee
veiwed. And Richard COLE being sworne and examined in open Court vpon his oath saith.
That the Gunne nowe pduced in Court was about 4 or 5 yeares since (as hee remembers) taken
by Governor Calvert deceased from the pite vpon pmise to redeliver the same to the plte at his
returne from Kent. And Lt Willm Lewis in open Court averred vpon oath, that Governor Calvert
acknowledged hec had a Gunne of the pltes and promised to deliver the same againe to the plte at
his returne from Kent being about 4 or 5 yeares since (as hee rememberes Vppon wch proofe
before menconed It is ordered Liber A. that the Gunne pduced in Court bee delivered to the pltes
Attorney for the pltes vse. But vppon the defts oath in open Court that the Gunne nowe pduced
was given him by Governor Calvert The Court conceiving bee had good reason to stand out to a
Tryall notwithstanding the demand of the Gunne by Georg Manners the pltes Attorney before the
suite commenced The Court doth order that Court charges bee paid equally betweene the pite
and deft.
(MD SA, CTB, 1649 50, v10:40)
NOTES: Nicholas COSSIN aka Cawseene aka Causseen was a neighbor of David and Jane
WICKLIFFE, and he later married Jane COCKSHOTT, the widow of John, and the same who
sued Jane WHITCLIFF. And here again we have the appearance of Richard COLE in records
associated with Henry and Jane. See Jane's statement of 11 Oct 1650.
30 Jun 1650 Names of people to come out of England and arrived in Maryland June 30 1650 at
the cost and charge of Robert BROOKS Esqr Robert Brooks Mary his wife his children Baker
Brooke, Thomas Brooke, Charles Brooke, Roger Brooke, Robert Brooke John Brooke, Wm
Brooke, Francis Brooke, Mary Brooke, Anna Brooke, and list of man servants and maid servants
including one Margaret WATTS and Agnes VEALE.
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:165, FHC Film #0013063)
ffrancis BROOKS deposed on 23 April 1662 that he was age 38 [b c1624].
(MDPC&W HoR, v1:300, FHC Film #0013063)
NOTES: This Brooks family is not known to be associated/related to Henry BROOKE but is
included for reference.
11 Oct 1650 Jane wife of Henry BROOKES at the request of Willm LEWIS saith upon oath that
in a bargain with her former husband david WICKLIFFE made with Cpt. Cornwallis there was
due to her said husband 200 acres of land within the said Capt.'s divident the right of which said
200 acres this depont saith was given by her said former husband the Lt. Willm LEWIS And
further she saith not. Jane Brooke. 11 Oct 1650. Richard COLE stated the above agreement
with Willm LEWIS was 12 years since and the land was in St. Inegoes Creek….
(MD Historical Magazine, 1913, “Land Notes 1634-1655”, p. 265)
NOTES: The above identifies Jane, the wife of Henry BROOKES, as formerly married to David
WICKLIFFE who is presumed to have died as he is not found in records after Sep 1642. It
further suggests that Jane and David may have been married by 1638 since she was able to
testify to the arrangement made between her husband and William Lewis, the date being
confirmed by Richard COLE. It also establishes a relationship between Richard COLE and the
WICKLIFFES (David and Jane) that began as early as 1638 in Maryland and that continued in
Virginia until Richard died and he named the widow Jane BROOKES executrix of his 1663
Westmoreland Co, VA, will that also identified his wife as Alice; another interesting coincidence
since Henry BROOKE listed one Ailce [Alice?] WICKLIFFE in his list of transportees for his
1650 patent in Northumberland. Also one Richard Cole came to Maryland on the Ark and the
Dove along with a Mr. Richard Duke, and he called his home in Westmoreland on the Potomac
“Salisbury Park” and accounts show he considered himself very highly.
(W&MQtrly, V15#3:34)
7 Jun 1653 John HALLOWES deposed he was about 40 on this date before Tho BALDRIDGE.
(MD SA, CTB, v10:279)
Probably taken in Northumberland.
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