The First Four Generations

I will use a numbering system to denote individuals and their lineage. Their name will be followed by their number representing their generation. Then they will be listed with their ancestry in order.

For example: Charles Medaris (4) (John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1)

When we look at this example, we know that Charles is the 4th known generation in this country (or from Domingo) and his father was John Thomas son of Charles who was the son of Domingo.

I have adopted this method from Charles Carrow Cabiac editor of “The Med(e)aris/McDaris Miner” 1987-88.

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Generation 1

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Domingo Maderas (1) settled in the area along the Rappahannock River where he would grow tobacco, raise cattle and farm. We believe he married Elizabeth ???? and although we do not yet know Elizabeth’s maiden name, it is suspected that she was related to the Johnsons or Cocks.

Domingo received property by “headrights”. He was a tobacco farmer and cattle rancher and owned a vast amount of property in Virginia. Records indicate that he imported his ranch help through indentureship. In the 1600’s, indentured servants outnumbered slave labor in this country. Primarily from England and Germany, these servants would bind themselves by indenture or contract for a specified period, usually 4 to 7 years, of service in return for payment of their passage. At the end of their period of indenture, former servants were given clothing, a gun, and land. The financier would receive land as “headrights” for financing the trip of the individuals; 50 acres for each person transported. Other than the land mentioned above, Domingo owned another 1500 acres in Virginia that was received through headrights.

Let’s take a look, a snapshot if you would, of Domingo’s life in Middlesex County, Virginia. Domingo lived between the Rappahannock River and Dragon Swamp. This fertile ground was perfect for the production of tobacco, the production of which would make these farmers prosperous. These farmers used a method taught by the Indians to grow their tobacco. The farmer would cultivate the soil in a circle several feet in diameter with a hoe. The soil would be worked into a hill in the center. Each circle was three to four feet apart. The tobacco plants after sprouting were placed one to each hill. The plants would be topped to prevent the production of seed allowing the leaves to spread. After drying the leaves in a special house, they were packaged in large wooden casks called “hogsheads”. This tobacco, which was originally imported from Barbados, was a Spanish Tobacco and it had a “sweet scent”. In the early Colonies it was used for money and exchange. Tobacco was the whole economy of this new country.

If we are standing in front of the Maderas home and could take a 360′ panoramic view; what would we see? First the house; a simple bare wood framed structure sitting on the ground with no foundation. About 20 feet long and 16 to 20 feet wide the home would only have a single great room. A fireplace made of brick or stone would be at one end representing the kitchen and the heat and light for the home. It would be massive by today’s standards capable of holding a four-foot log.
The interior would have temporary as well as implied partitions. A space for eating, conversing and a partition made of curtains would separate the sleeping space for Domingo and his wife. A stair or ladder would lead to an attic space where supplies were stored, and the children would sleep. A dirt floor and bare wooden walls, openings for windows that had no glass or screens, merely wooden shutters to seal the opening during the cold or rain.

The farm is surrounded by a zigzag, split rail, picket fence. A large tree was placed on the line; several stakes hammered into the ground, leaning against the tree and forming an X to support a rail above, possibly several. This provided a barrier to smaller animals such as wild pigs from crawling under and larger animals from stepping over. Off to one side of the property would be a long narrow structure made of bare wood, specially made for the curing and drying of tobacco. The fields would be sprinkled with mounds for growing tobacco mixed in with stumps from recently cleared forest. The cattle would roam near the property and home along the wood line or in the woods nearby.

Narrow paths would wind through the area leading to neighbors and relative’s homes and eventually leading into one main path to the Upper District Church. South of the home was the main road that led some 35 miles to the bay. Some 15 miles down the road was the main Christ Church lying in the Middle District. Most of the homes were north of the road, south of the road lies the Dragon and eventually the Piankatank River. The Rappahannock River was less than one half mile to the north.

Domingo died in 1672. There is a mention on 05 Oct 1672 from the “Minutes of the Council and General court of colonial Virginia”. It states: “Whereas it appeareth that since he death of Domingo Maderas no persons taken administration, and that Co. Potter peticoning for debts owing by the said Madera and cannott lawfully …… himselfe unless administration had been taken. It is upon Mr. coles motion attorney of the said Co. Potter, order and Co. POetter have administration of Maderas estate granted to him. The matter is idfference between Col Cuthbert Potter and Mr. James Johnson is referred to the 4th day of the next Gen Court, Co. Potter is then to bring in a deed of Domingo Madera.” The next mentioning is on the 22nd of May 1673: “It is ordered that Mr. Robert Beverly next MIddlesex Court deliver up ye deed of Domingo Madera to whom he had it from, the widdow to be there to recieve the deed and fend it to this next court. and to deliver on account of the estate“.

It is believed that after Domingo’s death Elizabeth re-married to Thomas Toseley around 1690. He definitely died before 1694 when the Zachary Lewis document was written. There is also no explanation for the land being deserted as described in the Zachary Lewis document, but it was not uncommon for settlers to abandon land obtained through headrights. Often the owner would obtain more land than they needed or could work. They brought in farm labor resulting in 50 acres of land per person but did not need the land. Could Domingo have willed this land to his children? He could have but had Domingo died first, the land would have been solely James Johnson’s and not likely inheritable by Domingo’s descendants. Not only does it appear that Domingo died intestate, but James Johnson also shows in records past 1700.

Although there is no will or hard document to tie this family group together the circumstantial evidence left little doubt to early researchers. The circumstantial ties by timeline and geography are quite strong. These individuals do fall in place by their Middlesex, New Kent and Essex County connections and their ties with Dragon Swamp in other documents. The grandchildren of Charles (2) were born in Dragon Swamp; the same land area we know was owned by Domingo. The other branch’s span out from this one central location and into the surrounding counties. All of these lines point directly back to Dragon Swamp and Domingo Maderas. A lot of research over the years put this family together, but today DNA has proved it beyond any doubt.

It is believed that Domingo had the following children:

1. Charles Maderas (2) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles married Mary Beamon.
2. John Maderas (2) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. Died 01 Aug. 1722. He apparently had no children. (Once listed as Jonas. See note below.)
3. Bolivar (2) (See note for Jonas)
4. Jonas.  (2) I have not personally seen any documents with either Jonas or Bolivar listed, however, several early researchers apparently did. These names show on several family group sheets including the ones created by William Clinton Madaris and Floyd McKinley Medaris both very avid and reliable researchers. If anyone has any info on these two individuals, please let me know.

(credits 00, 14, 15, 16, 17, 84, 181)

 An early researcher states that in 1668 there is a document relating to Sarah, a daughter of Domingo, being left orphaned.  Many will no doubt see this listing in older papers.  I was able to locate this document after 20 years of looking and the record is not as it was thought.  The reference says, “Orphan of Domingo”, but the actual notes in the records from “Minutes of the Council and General court of colonial Virginia”, state this Sarah was the daughter to one “George Domingo deced“.  This is not the same as our Domingo obviously, but it is easy to see how the mistake was made.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

VIRGINIA COLONIAL ABSTRACTS

Vol. 1, pg. 186 – 9 Feb. 1658 /9 Lancaster County Records Book.

Domingo Madoras was a witness to a deed of Nicholas Cocke and Rodger Radford.

Whereas there was 300 acres of land held by and betw. Nicholas Cocke and Roger Radford, decd., half of which land “being given by will to Mary Cole by sd Radford, know therefore that I George Marsh for good consideration of 1000 lb of Tobo recd for the use of my aforesd Daughter in Law Mary Cole” sells to Nicholas Cocke that part of land formerly owned by Radford. Dated 9th Feb. 1658/9. Signed: George MarshWit: John Webb Domingo Maderas recog 25 May 1659 Rec 1 July 1659

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ESSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA RECORDS

deed book 4, page 292 date 1660

Domingo Medaris — cattle mark (registration) two cropps and two holes in the right ear.

(credits” 11 & 13 ) .

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CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS PATENT BOOK NO. 6

Domingo Mederis & James Johnson, 1000 acs New Kent Co., bet. Dragon Sw. & Axells Br., 8 Apr. 1668, p. 160. 500 acs. part granted to Tho. Cleborne in 1662, who was assingned to the abovenamed, 500 acs. for trans of 10 pers: Roger Tomson, Rich Arton, Peter Grange, Ann Denew (?), Robet. Fuller, Mary Ingersten, Rice Jervis, Absolon Stringer, Morris Avery, Jno. Carter.

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Zachery Lewis. 20 April 1694

500 acres in King and Queen County. Adjoins Dragon Swamp. A patent granted to Thomas Clayborne now belonging to Mr. Christopher Lewis. This 500 acres formerly granted to Domingo Maderas and James Johnson 8 April 1668 and deserted. Due for importing 10 persons. Headrights include Dorcas Lewis and Sarah Lewis.

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Description – Dragon Swamp

River of Rappahannock & the said Dragon Swamp which said Swamp runneh into ye said Peanketanck River, & is the main head thereof 10 miles of which distance pasrt of ye said 35 miles is a very narrow Neck or Poynt of land next to ye mouth of the said Rivers, & the other part of the County upwards containes about 3, 4, or 5 miles in breadth according to the several windeings & turninges of the said Rivers, & the said County is bounded on the head with the lower lilne of the land of John Jones, deced., which runs off from Rappahannock River on the uper part of Cocks Bay next above ye Land of James Blaise, & so crossing The Ridge along the Land of Thomas Toseley including the same & from the out line of Thomas Toseley’s land down a great Branch devideing the land of Edward Thomas, deced., & the land of Rice Jones, deced. including the said Rice Jones’s land

Mary Medearis Metz, (credits 13) spoke of Domingo in an article she submitted to the “Med(e)aris, McDaris Miner”, VII, #II, April 1988 published by Charles Carrow Cabiac (credits 18) . In this article she says:

“…….It is the Massey C. genealogy, beginning with Domingo Madera . This is the correct spelling. I have known about him since I was in my teens. My grandmother Medearis knew about him from her husband Francis Massey (6)(John Wesley 5, Massey C. 4, John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1). Francis Massey Med. traveled for a tobacco co. as then representative in SC, NC and Va, both before and after the Civil War. He was stationed in Smythe Co., Va., in the Quarter Master Corps under Col. Morgan, who headed a Cavalry Unit………..At sometime either as the tobacco representative or during Civil War or both, he ran into people who knew about Domingo – 1600’s.”

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Generation 2

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Charles Maderas (2) (Domingo 1 ) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles is found in the Christ Church Parish Register and in documents relating to his stepfather Thomas Toseley. It is believed that he married Mary Beamon, the daughter of John and Mary Beamon between 1690 and 1700 in Middlesex County, Virginia.

Charles lived next to Thomas Toseley on the family land settled by Domingo in the 1650’s. He was probably in the second or third house built on the land as most houses during the time, exposed to the weather, would require rebuilding every 10 to 15 years. Charles likely built the first house on a rock or brick foundation situated at the corners and along the length. This home would be the first in our family to have a wooden floor, laid out on joists. He may also be the first home to have glass in the windows.  In 1704 Charles owned 100 acres in Middlesex County.

We do not know very much about Charles and Mary. Charles is mentioned in a document in 1712 regarding the estate of John Hickey. Mary was mentioned in a 1717 document found in Middlesex County regarding the Nicholas Howse estate. She also asks for her son Charles to be added to the list of tithables in 1718. (see under Charles 3) It is unknown when Charles died, but we have Mary passing away on 05 Feb. 1720 and buried on the 7th.

Charles and Mary had the following children listed in the Christ Church Parish Register of Middlesex County, Virginia.

1. Charles Madaris (3) b. 10 of February 1702, married Mary Ellis.
2. John Thomas Medearis (3) b. 21 February 1704, married Rachael Davis.
3. Mary Maderas (3) b. 24 Apr 1707 married John Gore Sr.

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Note

This family was originally based on the research of William Clinton Madaris (credits 62).  His work was the basis of many early charts for our first three generations. William felt Charles and Mary Beamon were generation 3, and Charles and Mary Toseley were generation 2.  However, the discovery of more documents and the knowledge of the Toseley family disproved a whole generation. The idea that Charles had married Mary Toseley was based on the will of Thomas Toseley where he named Charles and John Maderas as his “sons in”. It was originally thought that they were his “sons in law”, but it has since been proved that this term was used for “step-son” rather than “son-in-law, the husband of one’s daughter”. Thomas Toseley had married Elizabeth Maderas, mother of Charles and John.

In some of our older charts, there were additional children; Bowler, Thomas and Rachel added here under Charles (2) and Mary.  However, it appears that these additions came from the will of Bowler Madieros and it would be incorrect to do so.  The will of Bowler was written 16 April 1781 as Bowler entered the Continental Army for the Revolution.  It is very unlikely that he would have been born in the time period to be a brother to John and Charles listed above. He would have been around 80 years old in 1781. A little too old for battlefield use! Bowler and his siblings would have to be in generation 4. His correct placement is currently unknown.

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Supporting Documents

Va. Co. Court Records Deed Abstracts of Middlesex Co., Va. 1694 – 1703. Deed Book 2,

Part III by Ruth & Sam Sparacio. Pages 355 – 356.

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John Beamon purchased this land originally from Thomas Toseley in 1691.

PP. 357 – 178

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 Charles Mederas & Mary–Middlesex Co. VA Order Book 1707-1708 Call # F232 M6, S7684 1998 p. 22

Middlesex Co. Court 8 July 1707–p. 128–Mederas to be summoned–Ordered Charles Mederas & Mary his wife be summoned to next Court to administer upon ye Estate of John Beamon, dec’d

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Middlesex Co. Order Book 1708-1710 Call # F232 M6 S7685 1998 p. 318 (this book p. 96-97

Toseley will proved.  The last will and testament of Thomas Toseley, dec’d was this day proved in court (7 Aug 1710) by the oaths of John Mercy and Robert Clarke, two of the witnesses to it and admitted to record.

Toseley’s estate to be appraised.  Ordered John Hoar, Minor Minor, Thomas Beuford, Henry Beufore and Wm. Wood or any four of them, sometime between this and the next court appraise the estate of Thomas Toseley, deced., being first sworn before the justice of the peace for this county, and make a report of their preceedings to next court when John and Charles Maderus are hereby ordered to appear and make oath to ye inventory.

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Middlesex Co. Court 5th Feb 1711/12 p. 65

Hickey’s Estate to be appraised–Charles Mederus & 4 others sworn before Justice of Peace for this Conty–any 4 of them hereby ordered to appraise estate of John ? Hickey.

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Middlesex County, Virginia. Wills and Inventories, 1637 – 1812 and Other Court Papers.

Will Book E. 1760 – 1772Elizabeth Beamon, 23 Jun 1770 Aug 1770. Brother John Beamon and his daughter Ann Beamon, Goddaughter Ann Madaris.Exors. John Brim and Ann Madaris.Wit. Henry Street, James McHan and Mary (Madaris) McHan.

NOTE: The only Ann Madaris we know of is the wife of Benjamine (4) son of Charles (3). This is the family listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. This Ann would fit the time requirement of being of age to be executor of the will of Elizabeth Beamon.

Obviously from these documents it can be concluded that John Beamon and his wife Mary are elderly. Some have concluded that John and Mary had no children to leave their land to and therefore gave it to Charles Maderion, his neighbor, in exchange for the Beamons being able to live there and be taken care of by Charles and his wife. However, the will of Elizabeth Beamon above demonstrates that the Beamons did have children. The more probable conclusion was made by William Clinton Madaris (credits 62). He concluded that Charles married their daughter Mary Beamon and thus the reason for the transaction. It is not the kind of agreement you would likely carry out between mere neighbors or friends. This is likely a contract between Charles and the parents of his wife.

I agree with William’s conclusion based on the documents. I further believe that the 1707 document that names “Charles Mederis & Mary his wife” being named as administrators of the Beamon estate also cinches this family tie.

“Piscataway Creek, in Rappahannock Co., VA is a navigable creek with many streams flowing into it. A large branch that flows  into Piscataway from the southeast was considered by many to be Piscataway. It took a ruling of the court to fix the same Piscataway as that of the west branch. The other large branch became known as the southeast branch of Piscataway or King’s Swamp. On this swamp were five water grist mills, most of which were built before 1692. The south swamp was also called Green Swamp, Beeby’s Swamp, Webb’s Mill Swamp, Covington’s Mill Swamp, Dunn’s Mill Swamp, and then Essex Mill swamp. Landowners on or near this swamp were ALEXANDER MacKENNY, JOHN LACY, ROSCOE OVERTON, Capt. JOSIAS PICKENS, THOS BOWLER (Bowler’s Quarter), PETER TREBLE (TRIBLE), HENRY WOODNUT, EDWARD HUDSON, JAMES WEBB, HENRY SMITH, JOHN HARPER, WM. EDWARDS, JOHN JONES, JOHN GIBBS, RICHARD BUSH, THOMAS BROUGHTON, RALEIGH TRAVERS, THOS. TOSELEY, HENRY WILLIAMS, RALPH PAIN and SAM. PARRY.”

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John Maderas (2) (Domingo 1) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. Died 01 Aug. 1722. He apparently had no children and there is no indication he ever married. He is mentioned in some of the records listed above with his brother Charles in reference to the Beamon estate as well as the documents listed below.

Supporting Documents

Will Book A 1698-1713 p. 49 (this book p. 60)

Inventory of Estate of Randolph Seger/  Debts owed the estates–Thomas Ellis & others 3 Feb  1700

p. 55 Inventory of Richard Willis–Debts owed–John Maderious

(credits 00, 181)

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Generation 3

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Charles Madaris (3) (Charles 2, Domingo 1) b. 20 Feb. 1702 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles married Mary Ellis 04 February 1732 in Middlesex Virginia at Christ Church. Mary was the daughter of Hezikiah and Mary Ellis.

Charles was involved in a group of dissenters from the Church of England.  Several Anabaptist had been traveling through the Carolina’s and into Virginia, preaching and teaching.  They were arrested for preaching at a place not approved for public worship and arrested. There are several documents in the “William and Mary Quarterly” mentioning Charles and his neighbors who were asking for the release of the imprisoned who were held for 46 days in 1771. They had been arrested while preaching at the home of Charle’s daughter and son-in-law, James McHan, and for not preaching in line with the Church of England.

Click here to read more about it. (coming soon !)

Charles died abt. Oct. 1774 in Middlesex, County, Virginia. His will was probated on 24 Oct. 1774 at the Urbanna Courthouse. Charles name is listed in his will as Charles Madaris, but signs it as Carlos or Carles Madris. From statements made in Charles’ will, he was ill for some time and was 72 years old. 

Click here to read the Will. (coming soon !)

Charles and Mary had six children all documented in the Christ Church Parish Register of Middlesex County, Virginia:

1. John Maderas (4) b. 19 May 1734, Middlesex County, Virginia, d. abt 1806. Middlesex County, Virginia, Married Lucy ????.
2. Charles Maderas (4) 09 May 1737,
3. Mary Maderas (4) b. 07 Dec 1739, married James McHan.
4. Elizabeth Maderas (4) b. 17 Oct. 1742
5. Benjamine Medearis (4) 04 Sept. 1745
6. Johanne Maderas (4) b. 26 May 1748

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Supporting Documents

Middlesex Co. Court 7th Oct 1718 p. 395 (this book p. 86)

Maderus’s Tythables to be listed.  On the motion of Mary Maderus it is ordered that her son Charles Maderus be added to the List of Tythables.Note about Tithables: In Colonial times, the term “tithable” referred to a person who paid (or for whom someone else paid) one of the taxes imposed by the General Assembly for the support of civil government in the colony.  A poll tax or capitation tax was assessed on free white males, slaves, and Native American servants (both male and female), all age sixteen or older.  So this request by Mary to add Charles to the list of tithables, tells us that Charles turned 16 in 1718.  Had we not known his actual birthday by the Christ Church Register, this would have been a great clue to his age.

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Vestry Book of Christ Church Parish 1663-1767by C. G. Chamberlayne 1927Vestry held Tues Dec. 1, 1767Nov. 15, 1768 (this book 274-5)p. 258

To Charles Medeares 100 pounds Tobacco

At a Vestry held for Christ Church Parish in Midd County the 2nd day of Oct. 1749–To Will M. Buford, John Beamon, Edward Southarn, John Lee, William Cloudas, John Berry, Thomas Dudley, John Deagle, William Owen, James Gibson & William Haley, Patrolers, each 51 pounds Tobacco.

(credits 00, 17, 181)

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John Thomas Medearis (3) (Charles  2 , Domingo 1) was born on 21 February 1704 in Middlesex County, Virginia. John married Rachael Davis who was b. 20 Nov. 1715.

John’s birth is recorded in the Christ Church Parish Register of Middlesex County, Virginia.  John first appears in an August Court in 1744. In this case in Essex County, Virginia Records, Court Order Book No. 14. p. 38, Philoman Bird and als against Ann Smith and als, Petition for a Road. John appears on the side of Ann Smith petitioning against a bridge to be built over the Dragon Swamp. Their fear is that a charge would be placed on those wishing to travel over the bridge to take their tobacco to “Boulware’s Warehouse”. The importance of this court document is that it not only gives us the location of John’s residence (Dragon Swamp for a tie to Domingo), but also tells us his occupation (Tobacco Farmer). The court document also gives us the name of a neighbor John Massey. This may be who his son Massey was named after.  Philoman Bird, by the way, won the court case and the bridge over Dragon Swamp was built.

John and Rachel lived across the river from George Washington.  Rachel Davis Medearis and George Washington were 2nd cousins / 1 x removed.  This makes the children of Rachel and George Washington 3rd cousins.  This explains why the name Washington is passed down to John and Rachel’s children and grandchildren.  

(See the Washington-Medearis connection here) (ComingSoon !)

John and Rachael had the following children, that make up most of our family branch’s.

1. Abraham Medearis (4) born in Essex County, Virginia, likely in the early 1740’s, it appears that he never married.
2. Charles Medaris (4) born about 1745, in Essex County, Virginia in the area known as Dragon Swamp. He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Gregory in 1765.
3. John Medearis (4) born 22 February 1744, in Essex County, Virginia, between the Rappahannock and the Dragon Run, married Sarah Hicks Bell.
4. Sarah Medaris (4) born about 1745 in Virginia. Sarah married Henry Mitchell.
5. Rice Medaris (4) born about 1745-50 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Rice married Rachael McPheeters.
6. Massey Chrisman Medearis (4) born about 1752 in Essex County, Virginia, married Celia Bell.
7. Oliver Medearis (4) born about 1759 in Middlesex County, Virginia in the area known as Dragon Swamp. He married Wilmuth Redmond.

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Supporting Documents

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEEDS (BOOK 6)

Indenture MADE the 20th day of June, 1761, between Moses VINCENT and Sarah VINCENT, his wife, parties of the first part, and John MEDEARIS, for 37 pounds, conveying 90 acres on South side of Fountains Creek. Signed by Moses VINSON and Sarah VINSON. Witnesses were John MEDARIS Junr. and Wm. BUFORD. Indenture acknowledged in Court on June 22, 1761, by Moses VINCENT. Deed Book 6, page 683.

   (credits 00,01)

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Mary Maderas (3) ( Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) b. 24 Apr 1707. Mary married John Gore on13 May 1725.

Mary and John had the following children:

1. Rachel Gore (4) b. 21 Feb. 1725.  She married ???? Parks.
2. John Gore Jr. (4) b. 02 Feb. 1730 in Middlesex County, VA; died 1816 in Culpeper County, VA. 
3. Henry Gore (4) b. 10 Sept. 1736. Henry is the 5th great Grandfather of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., former Vice President of the United States.
4. Joseph Gore (4) b. abt. 1738, d. 10 Sept. 1775, married Mary Allison bef. 1691.
5. Mary Gore (4) b. February 1728.  She married ???? Breedlove.
6. Sarah Gore (4) b. 1732. She married John O’Neal.

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Generation 4

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Abraham Medearis (4) (John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) born in Essex County, Virginia, likely in the early 1740’s.  He died about 1828 in Person County, North Carolina.  He wrote his will on 12 Oct. 1827.  He mentions in his will that he was “weak in body but sound of mind and memory”.  

Abraham’s will was one of the original documents that laid out the connections of the sons of John Thomas, Abraham, John, Charles, Rice, Massey and Oliver.  

Read Abraham’s Will (coming soon!)

Abraham lived in the St. James District of Caswell County, North Carolina, in 1777.  He is in the Morgan District of Caswell County, at the time of the 1790 Census. Person County, North Carolina was created from Caswell County in 1791.  Abraham is listed as living in Person County from that time on.  He owned 616 acres of land located on Reed Creek near Cubb Creek.  In 1805 he shows as only having 292 acres in Person County.

Abraham wrote a letter to his brother John on 11 Nov. 1816 and addresses him as “Dear Honorable Brother”. He apparently never married, and his line ended there. In the letter he referred to himself as “monastic”.  Abraham spent 3 years in service for his country in the American Revolution.

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Supporting Documents

Transcript of the 1816 letter.

To Mr. John MadearesBedford CountyTinnessee StateFrom Abraham Meadeares
North Carolina Person County November 1th, 1816.

Dear Honorable Brother I have kind embraced this opportunity of righting to let you kno that I and mine is in reasonable state of helth at present. Thanks be to god for it and hoaping these lines will ifind you and yours in the like and I should be glad to see sum of you to have some chat with you about the country. I have the soryst crop that I ever had in my life and the drouth has been so severe that corn sels now at fore do form the stack rotten and all together, pork at 12-2/3 pr hundred. Cows between 20 and 30 doler by reaon of destemper and nomore at present. But stil remane your loving brother til deth and hope that if we neveer may see each other in this life that we may meat ….there to remane. But stil wish to se you and all your in life. I am dear Brother with esteam your dear loving brother until death and I stil remain in the monastick way.

Abraham Madeares

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Mentioning’s of Abraham Medearis in the Person County Records

• Person County North Carolina Compilations, 1792 – 1823.
• St. James District:  Abm. Maderas, 616 acres (1794 and 1795 Tax List)
• Capt. Fowlers District: Abram Madarias (1814 Tax list)
• Abraham Medaris, 292 Acres (1805 tax list)
• Capt. Seaney District, Abraham Medaris, 292 Acres (1823 tax list)

Person County, Deed Book B,

Page 216-21

John Carrington of Orange Co. (in debt to John MacRae of Petersburg, VA, for 1230 12 sh 7 p. gold or silver) to John McRae Jr. & Duncan MacRae, trustees, for 5 sh, 750 A in Person Co. purchased from Abraham Davis on Little Cr adj glen, Moses Moore, Dickens, Evans on county line.  Also 250 A in CC purchased of Arthur Moore on Nap of Reed at Granville Co. line adj Jacob Cozart, Abraham Maderis, David Roberts, Thomas Yokely; also 300 A in Orange Co. on Flat R at the mill pass where it crosses the great rd adj William Ashley & purchased of James Carrington.  If debt unpaid by 1 Apr next, ad placed in North Carolina Gazette 20 days beforehand.  15 May 1795.  Wit:  Wiliam McQuiston, James Watson, Samuel Hill.  Proved 22 Mar 1796 before John Estis in Orange Co; registered CC 28 July 1796; in Person Co 29 July 1796.

Page 235-7

John Carrington of Orange Co. to Zebulon Veazey of Granville Co., for 1000 lbs, 200 A on Nap of Reed Cr being part of large tract of Thos Person on the county line; 640 A on Nap of Reed Cr & Cubb Cr adj Peter Cozart, Joshua Johnston, claims of John Cock, Abraham Medares, Jacob Cozart now Carrington; 20 A on Nap of Reed Cr on Granville Co. line adj Jacob Cozart, John Cocke.  6 Mar 1796.  Wit: Alexr McMullen, Jas Carrington Jun, Robert Dickens.

Person County, Deed Book C, Page 379

 David Roberts to Richard Peed of Granville Co., for 123 lbs 12/, 206 A on Cubb Cr adj Abraham Maderas on Ren spring br.  16 Aug 1802.  Wit:  George Roberts, Arthur Roberts.

Person County, Deed Book D, Page 511-12

Arthur Moore of CC to John Carrington of Orange Co., for 500 lbs, 2050 A on Nap of Reed on Granville Co., line adj Jacob Cozart, Abraham Maderias, David Roberts, Thomas Yockley.  14 Oct 1788.  Wit:  Alexr McMullen, John Knight.  Proved by oath John Knight 2 Aug 1816.

Page 440-1

Moses Cash & Daniel Cash to Bennett Williams Junr., for 42 lbs, 133 1/2 A on Cub Cr adj George Pead, being a tract laid out of lands of Jno Cash Sen. decd for his legatees called lot #2 allotted to Daniel Cash.  25 Nov 1814.  Wit: Jesse Peed, Abraham Medaris.

Person County, Deed Book E,  Page 8-9

John Carrington Sen. of Orange Co. to Hubbard Cozart of Granville Co., for 500 lbs, 250 A on Nap of Reed Cr on Granville Co. line adj Jacob Cozart, Abraham Meadows, David Roberts, Thos Oakley.  24 Aug 1815.  Wit: John J. Carrington, Benja Cozart.

Page 162

Thomas Pede to Daniel Tucker of Granville Co., for $142, 71 A e side Cub Cr at Rens Br adj Fluke Br, Oakley.  10 Dec 1817.  Wit Danl Gooche, Abraham Madeares.

Page 164 – 165

Daniel Tucker of Granville Co. to Hubbard Cozart of same, for $142, 71 A e side Cub Cr at Rens Br & Fluke Br ajd Oakley.  20 Dec 1818.  Wit: William Cozart, Abraham Madeares.

Page 307-8

Robert Vanhook, sheriff, to Joel Sweaney (due to court order against Richard Peed to collect $84.35 recovered by Marmaduke Roberts), for $52.50, 206 A on Cub Cr adj Abram Medeares, Bennett Williams Jun.  1 Aug 1820.  Wit: John Phillips, Parthenia Vanhook.

(what’s in a name? Abraham) (coming soon!)

(cr: 1777 & 1790 Caswell County, NC; 1793, 1800 – 1820 Person County, NC)

(credits 00, 01, 28)

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Mary Maderas (4) (Charles 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) b. 07 Dec 1739 in Middlesex County, Virginia.  She married James McHan on 05 Jan 1762 in Middlesex County, Virginia.

    They had the following children:

1. John McHan (5) b. 19 Jul 1762 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
2. Philip McHan (5)b. aft. 1762 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
3. Elizabeth McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia, married ???? Birch.
4. Rachel McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia, married ???? Olmore.
5. Henry McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia.

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Supporting Documents

Middlesex County, Virginia, Wills page 122

George Cundiff McKann, Jr. 1977,

Partial History of the Mackans, MacKans, McKans & Mckanns, An Early Virginia Family, p. 63,

citing Middlesex County, Virginia, Guardian Bond Book 2, p. 185. Bond is given of John Healy & John McKan for one hundred pounds to administer estate of Mary McKan, dated 24th day of February 1794, signed by Jno. Healy and John Mackan

(Credits 00)

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Sarah Maderias (4) (John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) was born abt. 1745 in Virginia. Sarah married Henry Mitchell, son of Henry and Pricilla Jones Mitchell. Henry was b. 31 Aug. 1745 in Virginia.

This family resided in Burke County, Morgan District, North Carolina in the 1770’s. Henry served in the Continental Army for North Carolina. After the war they moved to the northwest corner of Jones County, Georgia, to a place called Cornucopia in early 1800, then to Falling Creek, Jones County, Georgia, where he built a Grist Mill. He was there 3 years grinding corn for the Indians and white settlers. Henry sent for his wife Sarah after being established.

Records of County Line Primitive Baptist Church show that “brother henry mitchell and sarah his wife came forward with letters of dismishion and was received” date being 17 March 1810. On 14 Nov. 1812 “brother Henry” and his wife applied for letters of “dismishion” and they were granted.

New Hope, Caney Creek Church, was organized 06 Feb. 1813, where Henry and Sarah, along with 18 other sturdy pioneer settlers banded themselves under the constitution. New Hope was constituted upon the old-line primitive Baptist principal’s belief and bible doctrines, on 12 Dec. ????. Henry Mitchell was president of the church senate and passed an act to prohibit dueling. This information can be found in “Family Sketches of Jones County Georgia” by Mrs. Carolyn Mitchell Black, Gray Georgia.

Sarah and Henry had the following children:

1. Drury Mitchell (5) b. 1765 in Virginia, d. 10 July 1857 in Butler County Alabama. Drury married Rhoda Rebecca Lassiter on 30 Dec. 1800 in Green County, Georgia. They moved to Jones County, Georgia in 1811 along with his brother Sterling. Drury is buried in Garland Community Cemetery near McKenzie, Alabama. They had a son whose name is important to tying this family into our line.
   1. Ricey Maderias John Mitchell (7) b. 25 Jan. 1804 in Green County, Georgia, d. 01 Sept. 1890 in Butler County, Alabama, in the later census of Alabama his name appears as Rice Mitchell. Rice is buried in Elizabeth Primitive Baptist Church in McKenzie, Butler County, Alabama.  He died in McKenzie on 01 September 1890.
2. Henry Mitchell Jr. (5)
3. Joshua Mitchell (5)
4. Nathaniel Mitchell (5)
5. Robert “Ricey” Maderias John Mitchell (5) b. 01 Feb. 1770, d. 23 Sept. 1834 in Jones County GA.  He married Martha Elizabeth Flournoy on 18 Jan. 1797. Robert’s name is also important to tying this family into our line.
6. Ransom Mitchell (5)
7. Mathew Mitchell (5)
8. Sterling Mitchell (5) b. 1776, d. 1816 in Jones County GA. He married Elizabeth Brewer on 31 Aug. 1800 in Green County, Georgia.
9. Susanna “Sukey” Mitchell (5) b. 17 April 1777 in North Carolina, d. abt 1853 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She married Henry Brewer on Aug. 31, 1800, in Green County, Georgia.

(Credits 160, 161)

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Bowler Madieros (?) fought in the Revolutionary war. What is known about him is from his will. He wrote his will, pending his service in the war and “cause of my not returning from the Continental Army” on the 16th of April 1781. Bowler must have had a feeling of his fate. He apparently died in the Revolutionary War. His will was recorded on the 28th of Jan 1782 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Bowler signed his name as Madieros.

At this time, it is unknown where Bowler falls in our tree. He is obviously too young to be the son of Charles (2) and should be in the group of generation (4). Hopefully, when more wills and documents are obtained from the Archives of Virginia and North Carolina, Bowler’s place will be found. Bowler had a brother named Thomas and a sister named Rachel who are named in his will.

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Supporting Documents

Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution

Madderas, Boler, of Middlesex, E.

(E = Index of the Revolutionary Records in Virginia State Archives)

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