Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!
The difficulties surrounding the parentage and antecedents of the William Whitfield who married Mary Goodman have been well rehearsed on this forum.Almost every conceivable theory has been put forward.A few have tried to ask for proof when contributors have claimed something as "definite" - in the event documentary evidence has, almost without exception, not been forthcoming.
For example, although it is established that a Matthew Whitfield and a Priscilla Lawrence married, at least two claims have been made that they married on 9 Feb 1708.It is known that they were married _by_ this date [see land deed signed by them both in Isle of Wight Deed Book No 2 page 116] - but where is the evidence that they also married that day?Or on any other day?At some point, before she married, Priscilla was willed this land by her sister Elizabeth.What was the date of Elizabeth’s Nansemond Will?That would give an earliest date for the marriage.
I have tried to gather the claimants for the key uncertainties together - below.If any of these can be confirmed or eliminated from primary sources perhaps the details could be posted.I apologise to Bryan Whitfield in advance for not having seen his new book - and am taking the liberty of copying this direct to him and to some others who have shown an interest in the past, but who may not be monitoring these pages.
1.Where was William born in 1688?Different sources give (a) Lancaster, England;(b) Nansemond Co VA;c) Isle of Wight Co VA; or (d) Scotland
2.Who was William’s father?All commentators agree that his name was Matthew, but that’s about all.Possibilities put forward include:(a) born in England (possible Lancaster) & died USA;(b) born c1646 NC, died 1688 Nansemond VA;(c) born c1660 Scotland, died Bertie Co NC;or (d) born 1666 Surrey, England, died 1761 Nansemond Co VA
3.Who did Priscilla Lawrence marry and when?(a) Matthew in 2(b) above;or (b) Matthew (born 1684), elder brother of William and Elizabeth (born 1687) - married prior to 9 Feb 1708
4.Did Sir Thomas Whitfield (b 1569) have a son Matthew (born 1604)?(a) yes; or(b) no.
5.Who were the parents of Sir Thomas Whitfield?(a) Ralph Whitfield (born 1523) and Dorothy Ridley;or (b) Robert Whitfield (b 1518) and Agnes Atwood
David Asprey
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Re: Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!
7/08/00
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Re: Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!
Frances Anderson 8/29/00
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Re: Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!
Mary Owen 5/07/02
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Re: Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!
7/22/00
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Re: Matthew Whitfield - the Reckoning!