Confusion between 2 contemporary 18th cent.Thomas Harris families in MD
Thomas Harris b. 27 Mar 1699 and Thomas Harris b. about 1710 both had wives named Sarah.It is known that Sarah Offutt b. 2 Apr 1709 was married to a Thomas Harris, and a Bible record is reported to indicate that this was the Thomas Harris b. 27 Mar 1699, though her birthdate would perhaps fit more closely with the Thomas Harris b. about 1710.
Thomas William Goodson b. Aug 1735 was married to Keziah Harris.This Keziah Harris has been erroneusly reported to have been the daughter of Thomas Harris b. 27 Mar 1699, whereas she was actually the daughter of Thomas Harris b. about 1710, who named grandson, Thomas Goodson, in his will. (Though the deceased daughter was admittedly not named.)
Ninian Offutt Magruder b. 1744 was married to Mary Harris.This Mary Harris is reported to have been the daughter of Thomas Harris b. 27 Mar 1699, but this Mary Harris was b. 20 Jul 1728.It would seem much more likely that she was the Mary Harris b. about 1744, daughter of Thomas Harris b. about 1710.
Thomas Harris b. 27 Mar 1699 died 4 Dec 1771.
Sarah Offutt Harris died 6 Jun 1762.
Thomas Harris b. about 1710 died 5 Nov 1757.Sarah (?) Harris, his widow, subsequently married Abraham Poor.
What has contributed greatly to the confusion is the fact that both these Thomas Harrises must have had daughters named Keziah, both of whom were born about the same time, and both of whom died very young.The circumstances are so similar, that one would think this would refer to only a single individual, but these 2 Thomas Harris families can not be merged.