The William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine Vol 15, No 2, (Oct, 1906 page 79 states that a William Edwards was mentioned among the dead in Jamestowne in 1624 and is probably the father of William whose wife was Dorothy. If so, they did not come to America at the same time. The first died in 1624, while the second is shown in the following 1648 land grant, transported with his wife Dorothy, which means they came to America as a married couple.
For the purpose of this endeavor, William who married Dorothy will be considered William Edwards I, with special focus on their son John.
1648 - July 10, In James City County a Land Patent was issued to William Edwards and Rice Davis, 1080 acres upon the Sunken Marsh Main Run for importing 22 person, including William Edwards and his wife Dorothy. (Library Of Virginia)
Surry County
1657 - September 17, William Edwards Gent, 490 acres of land, marsh and swamp be it more of less. On the south side of James River being opposite to James City. Bounded viz. west upon Crouches Creek. The patent renewed in said Edwards' name Mar 6, 1662. (LOV)
1657 - November 23, William Edwards, 1800 acres bounded on the Sunken Marsh Run and extending to Mr. Warrens path to the Sunken Marsh Mill. 720 acres being the residue of the 1648 patent with Rice Davis. (LOV)
1678 - July 14, William Edwards, 605 acres in Lawnes Creek Parish. Beginning and extending a pine of Blowes and Robert Lanes land. (LOV)
1679 - April 16, William Edwards, 605 acres in Lawnes Creek Parish. Beginning and extending a pine of Blows and Robert Lanes land. (LOV)
1680 - October 2, William Edwards, 590 acres beginning at the mouth of Tappahannock or Crouches Creek. (LOV)
1684 - October 21, William Edwards, 920 acres on the south east side of Pidgeon Swamp. Beginning in Samuel Plaws line where it crosses Pidgeon Swamp. (LOV)
1688 - April 23, William Edwards, 290 acres on the heads of the Blackwater Branches in the lower parish. (LOV)
1688 - November 23, Ann Edwards, wife of William Edwards, empowered her loving brothers Jno Edwards and Tho Edwards or either of them to be her lawful attorney. (4-95 IM 128) NOTE: William, John and Thomas Edwards are sons of William Edwards and Dorothy...
1690 - October 23, William Edwards, 30 acres beginning and extending betwixt Ralph Creeds land, and Colonel Jordans. (LOV)
1691 - September 20, William Edwards, 410 acres on the east side of the Green Swamp. Adjoins land of Mr. Owens and William Grayes. (LOV)
1691 - October 20, William Edwards, 750 acres beginning and extending by the river, bounding on the east side by a line of marked trees adjoining to the land of George Jordan. (LOV)
1695 - November 21, Ann Edwards, wife of William Edwards, to loving brother in law John Edwards, POA to acknowledge relinquishment of right of dower on land sold by my husband in Southwarke in Surry County to Thomas Collier, witnessed by Thomas Edwards, Thomas Binns, Joseph Rogers. (5-75) NOTE: William, John and Thomas Edwards are sons of William Edwards and Dorothy...
1696 - June 6, John and Ann Edwards were witnesses on the estate of William Meade. (5-95)
1701/2 - March 3, William Edwards, son and heir of William Edwards late of James City County, to Wm Williams, 200 acres in Lawnes Creek Parish for 2000 pounds of tobacco and cask, granted to William Edwards deceased, witnessed by Thomas Swann, Wm Hallman. (D&W etc 5 Pt 2-236) NOTE: Son and grandson of William I and Dorothy.
1702/3 - February 4, Thomas Edwards Will: Wife Elizabeth, sons Thomas, William, Newet, John, daughters Sarah, Elizabeth. (Wm and John underage) witnessed by John Edwards, Etheldred Taylor, Thomas Law. Proved 2 Mar 1702 (D&W etc 5-262) NOTE: Son of William I and Dorothy.
1705 - September 4, Joseph and Susanna Wall to Richard Edwards of Surry, 150 acres on the main Blackwater Swamp, Cannon Branch, George Bonbrig's corner, Allen Warren's corner, witnessed by James Hanton, Nich Maget. (5, Part 2, 1694-1709, p. 338) NOTE: Who is this?
1712 - July 12, John Edwards Will: Wife Ann, sons John, William, Benjamin and Nathaniel (Benjamin and Nathaniel under age) daughters Mary, Sarah, Ann, cousins Thomas Edwards, William Edwards and John Edwards, witnessed by Etheldred Taylor, William Edwards, William Holt. Will proved in Southwark Court 20 May 1713. (D&W 6-147) NOTE: Son of William and Dorothy.
1714 - March 15, William Edwards and William Edwards Jr witnessed a deed between Nathaniel Harrison Esq, Wm Robertson, Nathaniel Ridley and Etheldred Taylor. (D&W Etc 6-222)
1715 - March 23, William Edwards of Surry County, 350 acres on the south side of the rain Blackwater Swamp. Beginning at a gum on the south side of the little swamp a corner tree of his old land. (LOV)
1715 - August 18, John Edwards and William Edwards Jr with Zacharias Maderra witnessed a deed between Joseph and John High to Etheldred Taylor. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 1, 1715-1730 -32)
1716 - January 16, William Edwards Jr, Nich. Maget and Robert Pettaway witnessed a deed between Wm and Elizabeth Foster to Benjamin Chapman. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 1, 1715-1730 IM 68)
1718 - July 16, William Edwards stated he is 39 years old (1679) in deposition regarding Wm Chambers Will. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 1, 1715-1730 -139)
1719 - February 26, Nathaniel Edwards, Nathaniel Harrison, Edward Shep----, Robert Smith Woobank witnessed a deed between Richard Pace and John Bradford. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 1, 1715-1730 IM 291)
1719 - April 15, William Edwards Jr and John Tyus witnessed estate settlement of John Browne. (7-175)
1720 - July 18, William Edwards Sr to Richard Andrews, 150 acres for 30 pounds, ... sold to Wm Edwards dec'd witnessed by Thomas Eldredge and Thomas Cocke. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 1, 1715-1730 IM 315)
1720 - September 21, William Edwards, Augustine Hunnicutt and Martin Johnson witnessed the estate of Olive Chambers. (7-279)
1721/2 - January 9, William Edwards (III) Southwark Parish Will: Sons Benjamin, (son of Elizabeth Harrison, daughter of Benjamin Harrison) William, Micajah, daughters Mary, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, witnessed by John Cargill, William Edwards Jr, John Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards. Proved February 21, 1721. (D&W Pt 2-389) NOTE: Son of William Edwards II and Ann Mansfield.
[[[[[At this point William Edwards I, II and III have died. William IV dies in 1771 childless, leaving Thomas and John with sons named William who could be the William Edwards of Surry County (whose only son was named John) in Brunswick land grants as was Nathaniel Edwards.]]]]]
1721 - May 5, Thomas Edwards, John Bruce and Wm Lenard appraised the estate of Wm Judkins. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730-355)
1721 - May 17, William Edwards Jr, James Davis, John Bamer ... appointed appraisers of the estate of Samuel Thompson deceased, being first sworn before Mr William Edwards Sr, one of the Majesty's Justice of the Peace, proved in court, July 19, 1721. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730 -352)
1721 - June 7, Thomas Edwards, Wm Seward and Wm Gray witnessed the Will of Margaret Harris. (97-366)
1721 - October 18, William Edwards and Thomas Eldredge witnessed a bond for Wm Marriott. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730 IM 54)
1721 - William Edwards Jr stated he is 31 years old (1690) in deposition regarding the Will of Henry Clarke. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730-IM 24)
1721 - November 6, Benjamin Edwards Will: brothers John, William, Nathaniel, sisters Sarah, Mary, witnesses Anne Cary, Arch Blair, Henry Cary. Proved November 21, 1722. (D&W etc Pt 2-422) NOTE: Son of John and Ann.
1722 - April 8, Anne Edwards, Catherine Edwards, James Elley Jr and W Gray Jr witnessed a deed between Wm Thompson and Wm Gray. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730 IM 70)
1722 - December 17, Nathaniel Edwards, Nathaniel Harrison, Darby Ray and Jacob Minetree (?) witnessed a deed between Thomas Clarke and Lewis Delony. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730-428) NOTE: Why is John and Ann's son Nathaniel witnessing records with Nathaniel Harrison?
1722 - December 18, Nathaniel Edwards, Nathaniel Harrison and Jacob Mindtree (?) witnessed a POA for Elizabeth Clark, wife of Thomas Clark. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 2, 1715-1730-428)
1723 - Benjamin Edwards, William Drew and Arthur Allen witnessed estate of Thomas Binns. (7-512) Note: Son of William Edwards III and Ann Mansfield.
1726 - March 16, William Edwards, William Holt and John Judkins witnessed the Will of Abraham Faulkner. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 image 97)
1726 - December 15, Nathaniel Edwards, Thomas Eldridge and James Baker witnessed the Will of Nathaniel Harrison, who had a daughter Mary Edwards "now residing with me" (7-736)
1727 - March 28, Mary Philips (Lawne's Creek Parish) Will: daughter Mary Edwards, wife of John Edwards, grand daughters Ann Edwards and Mary Handcock, niece Mary Crafford, five children Wm and Swann Phillips, Eliza Handcock, Mary Edwards, Ann Philips, son in law Wm Handcock, witnessed by Wm Newsome, Samuel Taylor, John Ruffin. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 IM 28)
1727 - March 29, William Edwards and Etheldred Taylor witnessed the Will of Edward Rowell. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 IM 266)
1728 - September 18, Hannah Moore, wife of Robert Moore, gave her consent to Capt William Edwards and Capt John Simmons regarding a sale to John Allen. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 image 198)
1728 - December 26, William Edwards, William Edwards Jr and George Moseley witnessed the Will of Robert Pettway. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 IM 240)
1729 - May 21, Richard Price, Wm Drummond, William Edwards and Benj Chapman Donaldson gave bond for Richard Price, guardian of William Edwards, orphan, until he is 21, witnessed by Thomas Eldredge. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 Image 287 can't read page #)
1729 - September 24, Thomas Edwards, Thomas Holt Jr and Joseph John Clinch witnessed a POA for John Holt. (Deeds, Wills Etc. Part 3, 1715-1730 IM 318)
1731 - October 20, William Edwards, Samuel Thompson and William Marriot witnessed the Will of John Bamer. (8-128)
1733 - March 20, Benjamin Edwards and John Ruffin witnessed Richard Washington's estate records. (8-361)
1734 - March 1, William Edwards and Samuel Judkin witnessed the Will of Peter Adams. (D&W Etc 8 Pt 1 1730-1738-575)
1734 - March 20, William Edwards line, Colledge Swamp, Martin's branch, Mr Ruffin's old Mill, Wm Newsom's line, Wm Phillips line, in Lawne's Creek Parish, mentioned in a deed from Newet Drew of IOW to Thomas Waller. (D&W Etc 8 Pt 1 1730-1738-385)
1736 - July 21, Thomas Edwards and John Handcock bonded for Thomas Edwards to be appointed guardian of Martha Price, witnessed by Thomas Eldridge. (D&W Etc 8 Pt 1 1730-1738-615)
1737 - March 15, William Edwards Jr and John Ruffin bonded 20 sterling for William Edwards Jr to have a license to keep a ferry from Crouches Creek to James Town. (D&W Etc 8 Pt 1 1730-1738-806)
1737 - October 15, William Edwards to Wm Smith and John Judkins, 470 acres on Pidgeon Swamp for 15 pounds, Thomas Warren's line, Edward Long's branch, witnessed by (yet another) William Edwards, Edmund Gray. (D&W Etc 8 Pt 2 1730-1738-736)
1740 - April 13, William Edwards, Charles Holt and Nich. Judkins witnessed the Will of Samuel Judkins. (D&W Etc 1738-1754-221) NOTE: A Samuel Judkins appraised estate of William Edwards who died 1744.
1740 - October 10, Richard Edwards of Southwark Parish to daughter Jane Edwards, land he lives on, main Blackwater Swamp, Allen Warren Jr's land, and half of his personal property, witnessed by John Ruffin, John Berriman, Bruton Kea. (1738-1754 No 9-222)
1740 - October 10, Richard Edwards to daughter Elizabeth Edwards, other half of his land bounded by land in Southwark Parish he gave daughter Jane, Charles Kea's land, Allen Warren's line, also half of his personal property, same witnesses. (1738-1754 No 9-224)
1740 -November 17, William Edwards appointed an Extr of the Will of Wm Williams, and witnessed the Will with John Johnson. (D&W Etc 1738-1754-293)
1744/5 February 10, William Edwards Will: Wife Sarah, daughters all underage: Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Sarah, Rebecca. Witnessed by Wm Holt, Thomas Warren, Samuel Thompson. Proved March 10, 1744. (D&W Etc 1738-1754-496) NOTE: I believe this is the son of Thomas.
1744 - July 18, Elizabeth Edwards Will: Tender Father, use of my land for his lifetime, brother Thomas Edwards, my plantation he lives on, to a line drawn by my father to Charles Kea's to Allen Warren's, sister Jane Edwards, witnessed by Charles Binns, Allen Warren Jr, Bruton Kea. (1738-1754 No 9-478)
1748 - William Edwards Jr and Joseph Clark witnessed and proved the Will of Charles Pitt. (D&W Etc 1738-1754-664)
1748 - August 11, Joseph and John Edwards witnessed the Will of Ann Berry. (Deeds, Wills Etc., 1738-1754-590)
1750 - July 17, Benjamin Edwards Estate witnessed by Wm Seward Jr, Wm Seward, Wm Drew. (9-649) NOTE: Son of William Edwards III.
1753 - March 14, William Edwards Jr witnessed the Will of William Holt.
1760 - November 5, Newet Edwards Will: Wife Sarah, Sons Thomas, William Newet, Etheldred, daughter Elizabeth Edwards, son in law Wm Thompson, grand daughter Eliza. Edwards, Benja and Faithy Hunnicut, witnessed by Thomas White, James Shelly, Skelton Delk. Proved March 18, 1762. (Wills, No 10-11, 1754-1783-277)
1761 - April 11, Thomas Edwards Will: Sons William 250 acres, Allen Warren's corner, my Father's old line, Charles Kea's line, Benjamin 150 acres, Allen Warren's line, Etheldred 100 acres, witnessed by Robert Hart, Thomas Hart, Wm D Williams. Will proved 19 Oct 1762. (Wills Etc 10-304)
1771 - June 9, William Edwards (IV) Southwark Will: Wife Martha, nephews William Edwards when 21, William Walker, James Walker, Micajah Edwards when 21, Richard Edwards when 21, Benjamin Edwards when 21, nieces Elizabeth Harris, Mary Butts (Thomas Butts her husband), Lucy Edwards when 21, Elizabeth Edwards when 21, Ann Edwards when 21, Martha Edwards when 21, brother Micajah Edwards (Ann Edwards his daughter when 21) Extrs Wife and friend Nicholas Faulcon, witnessed by Will Hay, John Faulcon, James Sterling, Will Ward. Proved December 19, 1771. (Wills, No 10-11, 1754-1783 pg.163)
Isle of Wight County
1714 - June 16, William Edwards of Surry County, 1275 acres on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp beginning at the mouth of a branch, on the north east side of Round Hill Swamp. (LOV)
1714 - June 16, William Edwards of Surry County, 440 acres on the south side of Nottaway River beginning on the north side of Totoquotuunta Swamp. (LOV)
1714 - June 14, William Edwards of Surry County, 570 acres on the south side of Nottaway River beginning on.a line tree of the Nottaway Indians land for importing 12 persons. (LOV)
1714 - June 14, William Edwards of Surry County, 120 acres on the south side of Nottaway River, adjoining his own old land. (LOV)
1715 - March 23, William Edwards of Surry County, 330 acres on the south side of Nottaway River. Beginning at the edge of the low ground of said river on the west side of Totoquohunter Swamp for importation of 4 persons, Etheldred Taylor, Ann Holmos, Alexander Young, Elizabeth Holding. (LOV)
1715 -March 23, John Edwards of Surry County, 90 acres on the south side of Nottaway River; beginning on the south east side of Toquothunta Swamp a corner of John Bailey's land. (LOV) NOTE: Son of John and Ann. His 1748 Will identifies him with a brother Nathaniel. Some say his 2nd wife was Ann Braswell widow of Matthew Strickland Jr. He died 1730 IOW VA, and they had 10 children named in his Will.
1743 - March 30, Benjamin Pitman, 590 acres on the South side of the main Blackwater. Adjoining the land of Micajah Edwards and James Allen. (LOV)
1745 - September 20, Micajah Edwards, 1600 acres on the south side of Nottaway River. Beginning in a small branch a corner of Thomas Jarrel's land. (LOV)
1748 - John Edwards Will: Wife Ann, son John, daughters Mary and Ann. Brother Nathaniel. Witnessed by Chaplain Williams, Harris Taylor, Thomas Taylor. Proved August 11, 1748. (5-123) NOTE: Son of John and Ann.
Brunswick County
By 1727-1728 John and Ann Edwards have died, their son Benjamin has died childless, and daughter Ann has married Henry Cary. Son John Edwards "of Surry County" received a 1715 land grant in Isle of Wight, although The William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine Vol 15, No 2, (Oct, 1906 page 82 states that he "probably moved to North Carolina", but in his 1748 Isle of Wight Will he appoints his brother Nathaniel to be his Trustee. Also on page 82 it states that son William married Sarah Hilliard, died in Surry County in 1744 with a Will which lists his wife Sarah and five underage daughters, not one named Ann. So who is the William Edwards of Surry County who moved to Brunswick County and located south of the Maherrin River, as did Nathaniel Edwards? It appears that they are brothers, both lived their entire lives there, and both wrote their Wills in 1771.
"William Edwards of Surry" whose land grant was on the south side of the Meherrin River, was adjacent to Marmaduke Johnson and Francis Elledge. Francis Elledge and William Edwards both received land grants on Allens Creek a few years later.
This "William Edwards of Surry" seems to have fallen through the cracks and is not found in people's written works, but he is right there in Brunswick County with Nathaniel Edwards, had an only son John who presumably was named after his father. This only son John married Elizabeth Fisher and they had a son John who married Elizabeth Rainey, (daughter of William Rainey and sister of Isham Rainey). Francis Elledge, Howell Eldredge (son of Thomas Eldredge), Isham Rainey and Henry Morris (Wm Rainey's father in law) are key names of focus in these records, although there are more.
John Edwards who was born about 1759 in Brunswick County, and died in Meriwether County, Georgia March 22, 1833, mentioned Isham Rainey (brother in law) and Howel Eldredge (uncle in law) in his REV WAR Pension Application, although he did not state their relationships.
1727 - October 13, Nathaniel Edwards (who has a brother named William) of Brunswick County Land Grant: 1000 acres south side of the Maherin River. (LOV) NOTE: Son of John and Ann with the 1712 Surry County, Will.
1728 - September 28, William Edwards of Surry County Land Grant: 640 acres south side of the Maherin River. (LOV) NOTE: Sold to Marmaduke Johnson in 1733. This appears to be Nathaniel's brother.
1728 - September 28, Thomas Lloyd Land Grant: 574 acres on the south side of Sturgeon Run. (LOV)
1733 - August, date registered, -------- Edwards to -------- Johnson .. Drury Stith CC (1-62) NOTE: deed damaged, this is Wm Edwards of Surry County whose land was adjacent to Marmaduke Johnson and Francis Elledge. SEE the 1739 August 20 deed which fills in some of the missing data.
1733 - August 17, Nathaniel Edwards of Brunswick County Land Grant: 260 acres south side of Maherin River adjacent his other land. (LOV)
1735 - July 1, Francis Elledge, Francis Ray (Wray) and John Gilliam witnessed a deed between Thomas Wilkerson and Henry Chidley regarding 240 acres on the south side of the Maherrin River adjacent Peter Brown. (1-231)
1736 - February 3, Nathaniel Edwards is Appointed Surveyor of the Road from Smith's Ford to the Church Road instead of Arthur Harris and that the tyths belonging to Coll Allen and Mr. Benjamin Harrison be added to the former Gang -- Page 147 (Brunswick County Road Orders 1732-1746 By Nathaniel Mason Pawlett Faculty Research Historian)
1736 - October 13, John Edwards Land Grant: 191 acres on both sides of Reedy Creek. (LOV)
1737 - June 2, Francis Wray is appointed overseer of the Road from the North Ford one the North Side of Maherrin to Rattle Snake instead of Nathaniel Edwards -- Page 155 (Brunswick County Road Orders 1732-1746 By Nathaniel Mason Pawlett Faculty Research Historian)
1737 - July 9, William Edwards Land Grant: 404 acres north side of Sturgeon Run, Embrey's corner, Tabb's line, Davis' line. (LOV) NOTE: Willed to son John in 1771.
1739 - Benjamin Edwards witnessed a deed. (need to get more details at FHL, 1st book locked online, he might be Nathaniel's son)
1739 - August 2, Thomas Couch Sr and Jr to Drury Stith, 566 acres on Pine Lick Branch for 30 pounds, John Stroud's corner, Thomas Lloyd's line, Talbott's line, Morris' corner, witnessed by M Cadet Young and William Edwards. (1-530)
1739 - August 20, Marmaduke Johnson to John Betty and John Chapman, 100 acres for 20 pounds, part of patent granted to William Edwards of Surry, bounded by said Johnson and Francis Elledge, witnessed by Edith Hicks, Sarah Hicks. (1-480)
1739 - November 5, Marmaduke Johnson to John Chapman, land bought of William Edwards of Surry. (2-25)
1741 - May 7, Ordered that a new road be cleared from the main road near Robinson's on Maherrin and thence on the ridge as Young's goes to the Country line and that Francis Elledge, Jeremy Elledge, George Robinson, John MvAvail, Daniel Carrel, Hugh Daniel, Richard Hawkins, and Humphrey Hughy with their male labouring tithables assist John Steed who is hereby appointed Surveyor of the said road in clearing the same -- (Brunswick County Road Orders 1732-1746 by Nathaniel Mason Pawlett Faculty Research Historian)
1742 - August 3, James Pittillo to John Cox, 252 acres for 30 pounds on Sturgeon Run, adjoining Gabriel Harrison, Henry Morris, witnessed by Abraham Cocke, Joshua Smith. (2-178) NOTE: Gabriel Harrison is the son of Nathaniel Harrison Sr. (DB 14-97)
1744 - Benjamin and Susanna Harrison and Nathaniel and Mary Harrison to John Willis, 3,265 acres for 668 pounds, both sides of Three Creeks, formerly Surry County, etc, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, Wm Skipwith, Fal Skipwith, Augt. Curtis, John Emerley, Thos. Emerley. (2-484)
1745 - January 25, Thomas Hicks to Nathaniel Edwards, 250 acres north side of Maherrin River for 40 pounds, witnessed by John Walls Jr, George Hicks, James Hicks Jr, John Irby Jr, Henry Beddingfield, Francis Price. (3-141)
1745 - May 2, Hix Jones to Wm Jones, 12 acres on Hickory Run for 5 shillings, witnessed by Moses Dunkly, William Edwards, Morgan MacKenny. (3-18)
1745 - August 20, William Edwards Land Grant: 372 acres on both side's of Allen's Creek. (LOV) NOTE: Francis Elledge was Wm's adjacent neighbor in his 1728 land grant, then they both received grants on Allens Creek. Who is Francis Elledge? Willed to son John in 1771.
1747 - April 1, Nicholas Lanier to Roger Reese, 300 acres for 36 pounds, Charles King's corner, witnessed by George Bally. David King, William Edwards. (3-312)
1747 - February 2, John Beddingfield to Benjamin Sewel, 306 acres for 30 pounds, south side of Fountain Creek, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, Samuel Bennett, George Hicks. (3-471)
1747 - August 20, Land Grant to Francis Elledge, 400 acres on both sides of north fork of Allen's Creek. (LOV)
1748 - January 4, Robert Gee to Nathaniel Harrison, 413 acres for 37 pounds, adjoining Lanier, Read, Harwell, Lloyd, witnessed by M Cadet Young, Henry Morris, Wm Morris. (3-537)
1748 - May 18, Henry Morris to son Wm Morris, 422 acres on both sides of Lloyds Run, granted to me, witnessed by Lewis Parham, Thomas Lloyd, S Clack. (3-579) NOTE: S Clack is Sterling Clack.
1749 - March 2, Charles Williams to Nathaniel Edwards, 250 acres for 50 pounds on Otterdam Swamp, witnessed by Richard Ledbetter, Wm Ledbetter, James Wyche. (4-9)
1750 - March 27, Benjamin Williams to Nathaniel Edwards 100 acres for 25 pounds on Otterdam Swamp, no witnesses. (4-7)
1750 - June 1, Nathaniel Edwards Land Grant: 178 acres adjoining Hix, Pettaway and Goodrich. (LOV)
1751 March 25, Daniel Hicks to Robert Johns Jr, 250 acres for 150 pounds, south of Maherrin River, adjoining Robert Jones Jr, Nathaniel Edwards, witnessed by John Edmunds, James Wall, Wm Chapman, Thomas Morrice, George Brewer. (5-149)
1751 - March 26, Nathaniel Edwards to John Irby, 250 acres for 100 pounds on Lick Branch, no witnesses. (5-63)
1751 - April 10, Thomas Lloyd Jr Land Grant, 1157 acres between the branches of Sturgeon Run and the Reedy Creek, Nathaniel Harrison's corner, Richard Bryant's line, Cuthbert Smith's corner, Henry Morris' line, Thomas Lloyd Sr's corner, Lloyd's Run...part of a patent to Thomas Lloyd Sr for 574 acres 28 Sep 1728... (LOV)
1752 - September 18, John and Jane Irby to Joseph Carter, 250 acres for 100 pounds, on Lick Branch, Otterdam Swamp, bought of Nathaniel Edwards, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, William Edwards, Edward Rowell, Wm Reaves, James Bennett. (5-269)
1753 - February 5, Nathaniel Edwards Land Grant: 190 acres adjoining Charles Williams' line. (LOV)
1753 - October 19, John Irby to Nathaniel Edwards, 5 slaves for 130 pounds, witnessed by James Wall, John Peterson, Nathaniel Edwards, (5-567)
1754 - July 12, John Jones and Robert Jones Jr to their sister Elizabeth Eldredge, wife of Thomas Eldredge, six slaves and a grey mare for 5 shillings, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, Wm Clack, Ben Weldon. (5-587)
1756 - February 26, Benjamin Hicks to Nathaniel Edwards Esq, 150 acres for 23 pounds, on fork of River's swamp, witnessed by Miles Cary, J. Edmunds, W Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards Jr. (6-34)
1756 - August 16, Charles Edwards Land Grant: 420 acres on the south fork of Reedy Creek, adjoining John Edwards' line. (LOV)
1757 - May 20, Nathaniel Edwards to son William Edwards, 590 acres on north side of Maherrin River, witnessed by Archibald Wager, Nathaniel Edwards Jr, Edward Nowell. (6-163)
1759 - February 27, date registered, Joseph and Nicholas Proctor Jr to Benjamin Edwards, 130 acres for 20 pounds, on Gravely Run, adjoining Tatum Road, Joseph Andross, Nicholas Proctor Sr, John Duggar, witnessed by John Edwards, Francis Young, Charles Edwards. (6-333)
1759 - March 19, Joseph and Eliza Carter to John Irby, 250 acres for 100 pounds, on Lick Branch, adjoining Otterdam Swamp, also 190 acres granted to Nathaniel Edwards, adjoining William Morris, John Willis, witnessed by James Stewart, Robert Hancock, Wm Cryer, Wm Scoggin, Thomas Jackson. (6-456)
1760 - February 2, William Tillman to William Edwards Jr of Surry County, 512 acres in St Andrew's Parish for 150 pounds, between Skipworth, John Avery, (6-507)
1760 - May 26, John Willis to Williams Edwards, 51 acres for 19 pounds, Henry Wyches' corner on Maherrin River, no witnesses. (6-516)
1760 - July 15, Nathaniel Edwards Land Grant: 471 acres north side of Beverpond Creek. (LOV)
1760 - August 26, Mary Eaton and Robert Jones Jr to George Berry, 144 acres for 60 pounds, south side of Wagua Creek, Tabbs line, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, William Edwards, Daniel Nellbry. (6-564)
1761 - September 28, John and Mildred Willis to Walter Peter, 300 acres for 150 pounds, north side of Three Creeks, adjoining Col. Nathaniel Edwards, Samuel Lucas, no witnesses. (7-19)
1761 - Dec 30, Hugh and Sarah Edwards of Haliax NC to Wm Snipes, 86 acres for 15 pounds, south side of Crablouse Run, Isaac Howze's line, George Tatem's line, witnessed by William Edwards, John Howze, George Tatum. (7-104)
1762 - Feb 5, Robert Jones Jr to Benjamin Harrison, a parcel of land for 22 pounds, Wm Betty's line, Thomas Preston's corner, Nipper's Creek, Hamilton's corner, Randall Bracey's line, witnessed by John Willis, John Robinson, William Edwards. (7-165)
1762 - February 22, Edward Crews to Hartwell Mirable, 232 acres for 150 pounds, south side of Pihill Creek, adjoining Thomas Washington, witnessed by D Fisher, Merriott Moore G, William Edwards. (7-55)
1762 - April 26, Nathaniel Edwards to Joel Woodrough, 471 acres for 30 pounds, north side of Bever Pond Creek, adjoining Wm Smilly, no witnesses. (7-93)
1762 - May 15, Sarah Johnson and Robert Jones Jr to Benjamin Blick, 481 acres for 150 pounds, on Reedy Creek, adjoining Smith, Charles Edwards, John Edwards, witnessed by Nathaniel Edwards, Richard Coleman, etc. (7-117)
1762 - June 2, Samuel Russill to Wm Browne, Bill of Sale ... for 10 pounds, witnessed by Lewis Parham, Henry Bussie, John Curton, John Edwards, Robert Wray. (7-125)
1762 - June 28, Joseph John Andrew and Lucretia his wife to William Browne, a tract of land for 16 pounds, bounded by Brown, Morris, Edwards, witnessed by D Fisher, Thomas Peete, John Turbifield. (7-129)
1762 - July 18, William Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards Jr, Benjamin Edwards, Isaac Edwards and Sarah Edwards witnessed a deed between James Judkins and Daniel Weldon. (8-78)
1762 - August 12, Nathaniel Edwards Jr Will: Father Nathaniel, brothers William, Benjamin, Isaac, sisters Mary Ridley, Rebecca Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, proved by oaths of Francis Young, Hinchey Mabry February 25, 1771. (Will Books, Vol 4-5, 1761-1795)
1762 - December 25, Articles of Agreement between Drury Stith and Elizabeth Eldredge, widow, who plan to marry, mentions her children Howell Eldredge and Sarah Eldredge. (7-159) NOTE: John Edwards who married Elizabeth Rainey mentioned Howell Eldredge (son of Thomas Eldrege) in his REV WAR papers.
1763 - March 20, John and Anne Edwards to Titus Singleton, 200 acres adjoining John Andrews' corner, Brown's line, Charles Edward's line, Proctor's line, witnessed by John Andres, Charles Clayton. (7-261)
1764 - February 3, John and Elizabeth Nash to Drury Stith, 1,249 acres for 200 pounds, between Sturgeon Run and Waqua, Drury Stith's corner, Hudson's corner, Tabb's corner, Edwards line, Embrey's corner, witnessed by John Whitworth, Anthony Puckett, Wm Puckett. (7-157)
1764 - February 24, Nathaniel Edwards to Daniel Fisher, 175 acres for 120 pounds, south side of Three Creeks, adjoining Wm Petway's land, no witnesses. (7-435)
1764 - May 9, Henry and Susannah Morris to William Edwards, 214 acres for 95 pounds, on Lloyd's Run, Zebulon Lewis; line, witnessed by Thomas Simmons, William Chapman, John Tillman, Francis Young. (7-485)
1764 - July 23, John Tillman to his father George Tillman, 200 acres for 50 pounds, Seymore's branch, Charles King's line, Samuel Craft's line, witnessed by William Edwards, John Dollard, John Tillman, Samuel Craft. (7-502)
1764 - March 12, Nicholas Proctor to Harrison and Jones, 150 acres for 25 pounds, adjoining John Duggar, Benjamin Edwards, witnessed by Frederick Reaves, John Russell, Joseph Parish. (7-349)
1768 - December 2, A Poll taken Nathaniel Edwards Junr. at an Election of Burgesses for the County of Brunswick: Charles Edwards, Jesse Edwards, John Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards, William Edwards, William Edwards, William Edwards, James Crook, William Rainey, Henry Morris, Richard Morris, among many others.
1771 - February 2, William Edwards Will: Son John 404 acres + 372 acres on Allens Creek in Mecklenburg County, daughter Mary, grandson Wm Crooks, granddaughter Mary Crooks, Extrs son John, James Crook, Thomas Reeves, witnessed by Buckner Stith, Stephen Kirk, Wm Read. Proved October 28, 1782. (Order Bk 2-345)
1771 - April 29, Col Nathaniel Edwards Will: Wife Jane, daughters Sarah and Ann (under 21) sons Isaac and William, daughters Mary Ridley, Elizabeth Willis, Rebecca Jones, witnessed by Seymour Powell, Richard Cocke, Hinchey Mabry, Allen Jones. Proved July 22, 1771. (4-76)
1776 - July 24, William Edwards Will: Wife, Daughters Rebecca Webb, Sarah Edwards, Ann Edmunds, Son Benjamin land from my brother Nathaniel Edwards deceased, son Nathaniel, son Isaac when 21, request Wm Fanning and Allen Jones accept guardianship of my three boys. Proved 23 Mar, 1778. (Will Books, Vol 4-5, 1761-1795) NOTE: This is Nathaniel Sr's son.
1777 - September 25, Charles Edwards Will: sons Matthew, John, Benjamin, William, Jacob, Lewis, daughters Mary, Hannah, Rebecca, Jemima, Jean, Susannah, witnessed by James Blick, Benja Edwards, William Edwards, Hannah Edwards. Proved 24 Nov 1777, John Edwards security. (Will Books, Vol 4-5, 1761-1795) NOTE: Witnesses are not supposed to beneficiaries in the Will, but it appears to be the case here.
1778 - October 22, Susanna Edwards is dissatisfied with her late husband, William Edwards' Will, witnessed by Alexander Watson, Thomas Maclin. (13-186)
1779 - August 20, Benjamin Edwards Will: wife, son Charles, daughter Polly, Benjamin Blick Extr, James Blick security, witnessed by Peter Pelham Jr. (Will Books, Vol 4-5, 1761-1795)
1781 - March 6, William Edwards Will: Saint Andrews Parish, Sons Thomas, John (under 21) Nathaniel, Gray, Benjamin, daughters Lucy, Susanna, Martha, grandson James Edwards, Witnessed by Wm Connelly, John Avery, Lewis Parham. Proved 26 March, 1781. (2-142)
1784 - April 5, James Fisher Will: Wife Martha, sons William, Jonathan, James, daughters Constant Quarles, Clara Wilson, Martha Eldredge, Sarah Fisher, Elizabeth Edwards, Nancy Richardson, Susanna Miller, witnessed by Benjamin Ingram, Robert Lenoir, Thomas Lenoir. Proved 25 Oct 1784. NOTE: Elizabeth Fisher married John Edwards SR. Martha Fisher married Howell Eldredge.
1785 - June 29, John Edwards married Elizabeth Rainey.
1785 - December 21, William Edwards and Isham Rainey witnessed a deed of Edward Marks to Buckner Stith, land on Sturgeon Creek (14-190)
1785 - December 21, William Edwards and Isham Rainey witnessed a deed of Buckner and Anne Stith to Edward Marks, land on Sturgeon Creek, Merrill's line etc. (14-164) NOTE Henry Merril's corner in 1787 deed of John Edwards
1786 - February 27, Lewis Brown Sr and Martha his wife to William Rainey Jr, 53 acres for 26 pounds, Lloyds Run, Wm Rainey Sr's line, no witnesses. (14-177)
1786 - February 27, William and Mary Rainey to William Rainey Jr, 147 acres, both sides of the south fork of Lloyd's Run, John Duggers line, Ruffins line, no witnesses. (14-174)
1787 - February 22, John and Elizabeth Edwards of Mecklenburg to Andrew Meade, 190 acres on north side of Sturgeon Run for 296 pounds, adjacent said Andrew Meade, Walker's line, witnessed by Wm Atkins, Thos. Stith Sr, James Kelley, George Craighead. NOTE: See his 1808 Mecklenburg Will.
1787 -February 22, John Edwards of Mecklenburg to Howell Eldredge, 255 acres for 260 pounds, north side of Sturgeon Creek, Andrew Meade's corner, Henry Merril's corner, said Howell Eldredge's line, George Walker's line, witnessed by Wm Atkins, Thos. Stith Sr, James Kelley. NOTE: Howell Eldredge is his brother in law.
1787 - February 26, John and Ruth Edwards of Brunswick to James Rainey of Sussex, 100 acres for 70 pounds, Dukes Creek, John Edwards Sr line, Ruffin's line, formerly belonging to Charles Edwards, no witnesses. (14-268)
1809 - March 2, Permelia Edwards, daughter of John Edwards and Elizabeth Rainey (daughter of William) married John Rainey. (son of Frederick)
1810 - November 25, Benjamin Edwards married Elizabeth Nanny. NOTE: Not sure which one he is.
LUNENBURGH (adjacent to Mecklenburg) COUNTY, VIRGINIA
1747 - October 29, Frances Elledge and Wm Embry witnessed a deed for Henry Embry of Saint Andrew's Parish in Brunswick County ... (1-258) NOTE: Henry Embry was William Edwards adjacent neighbor on Sturgeon Creek/Run.
1748 - October 3, William Edwards line on the upper side of Allens Creek mentioned in a deed between Wm Humphries and Christopher Hudson. (1-356)
1749 - October 2, Henry and Susanna Morris of Brunswick to Richard Brown of Lunenburgh, 83 acres in Lunenburgh for 25 pounds, north side of Dann River, granted to Henry Morris 12 Jan 1746, witnessed by James Parrish, William Edwards and Walter Campbell. (1-461)
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA
1769 - May 8, John Humphries to John Edwards of Brunswick, 100 acres for 35 pounds, on Allens Creek, William Edwards line, said John Humphries upper line, witnessed by Wm Murphy, John Thompson, John Grigs. (2-230)
1782 - TAX LIST: John Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards and Isaac Edwards. NOTE: Nathaniel and Isaac appear to be the sons of William, son of Nathaniel Sr in Brunswick VA. See 1776 Brunswick Will of William Edwards.
1788 - January 14, Elizabeth Edwards, daughter of John Edwards Sr and Elizabeth Fisher married Gabriel Carlton.
1791 - September 30, John Edwards Jr to John Edwards Sr, POA regarding his estate issues, witnessed by Edward Dodson, Elizabeth Carlton, William Crook, Gabriel Carleton, Thomas Edwards. NOTE: In 1791 Gabriel Carleton is in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died in Oglethorpe County in 1803, his wife's Will is dated 1839 Oglethorpe.
1793 - December 9, Mary Edwards, daughter of John Edwards Sr and Elizabeth Fisher married Henry Bailey. NOTE: Henry Bailey was an Attorney at Law when his wife was appointed administrator September 20, 1817 in Charleston County, South Carolina. His tombstone states that he was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. (findagrave)
1806 - January 6, Lewis Roffe to John Edwards 303 acres on Allens Creek for $1583.34 witnessed by Peter Edwards, Wm Brown, Wm Stone. (12-378)
1808 - May 2, John Edwards Will, wife Elizabeth, sons William, John, Peter, Benjamin 400 acres on Allens Creek, daughters Elizabeth Carlton, Mary Bailey, Nancy Edwards, Martha Crook, grandaughters Elizabeth T Carlton, Elizabeth Crook, Martha Crook, grandson Osborn Edwards. Proved 10 Oct 1808 by Benjamin Edwards.
1813 - February 9, Nancy Edwards, daughter of John Edwards Sr and Elizabeth Fisher married Thomas Neeley. NOTE: This couple died childless in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
1815 - October 28, Richard Apperson, John Hutchenson and Thomas Veal commissioners for the benefit of William Moore plaintiff vs Elizabeth Edwards and others, heirs of Benjamin Edwards dec'd defendants, for 430 pounds the commissioners sold to Thomas Pyland 400 acres more or less, on both sides of Allens Creek, "which Benjamin Edwards died seized and possessed and which was willed to him by John Edwards dec'd".
1815 - December 13, John Edwards of Wilkes County, Georgia to James Crook of Mecklenburg County Virginia, POA to recover his share of the estate of Benjamin Edwards dec'd in Mecklenburg VA, from Richard Apperson administrator. NOTE: This Benjamin Edwards is the son of John Edwards and Elizabeth Fisher, John died in 1808, so apparently this John Edwards is Benjamin's brother who has moved to Georgia. Also, James Crook is married to his aunt Martha.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY, GEORGIA
(adjacent to Wilkes)
1796 - September 20, Benjamin Bledsoe of Columbia County to John Edwards of Wilkes County, 250 acres for $350, Big Creek of Oconee, David Harris' land, John Griffin's land, witnessed by John Griffin. (B-9)
1804 - January 16, Administrator's bond of Gabriel Carleton deceased, husband of Elizabeth (Edwards) Carleton. NOTE: They married in Mecklenburg County, Virginia in 1788, she was named in her father's Will in 1808 in that same county. Their daughter Elizabeth Fisher Carleton married Peter W Hutcheson in Mecklenburg County, Virginia in 1818, and then lived in Oglethorpe County, demonstrating that this family went back and forth.
1806 - January 27, John Edwards to Wm Owen, 36 acres for $100, on Big Creek, witnessed by Thomas Wooten and William Edwards. (E-100)
1808 - November 11, Isham Rainey and Henry Bailey, witnessed a deed between Wm Hatchet and Jonathan Bailey. (E-378)
1811 - March 7, Benjamin Bennett to John Edwards, 50 acres for $150, on Big Creek, Owens' land, Edwards' land, said Bennett's land, witnessed by Nathan Smith, Rich'd Carter JP. (G-56)
1812 - November 12, Isham Rainey witnessed a deed. (H-24) NOTE: Oglethorpe County is about 150 miles from Meriwether County, where John Edwards mentioned Isham Rainey in his REV WAR papers. (Isham Rainey is John Edwards' brother in law.)
1812 - March 25, Nathan Edwards to William Edwards, 110 acres for $250, on Big Creek, Phillip Wray's land, said William Edwards' land, witnessed by Henry Lansford, Wm Strong, Little Berry B Edwards, John Landrum J P. (H-265) NOTE: I think Nathan was on the 1782 Mecklenburg VA Tax List.
1817 - November 2, William Edwards' Will: Wife Elisabeth, Sons Littleberry B, Thomas, Lemuel, Seaborn, William, Modecai, Grisham, daughters Susanna Lumpkin, Elisabeth, Polly, Nancy, Cynthia, Rebecca, Judith, witnessed by Alex McEwen, Thomas Scroggins, Henry Brittain. Proved 2 March, 1818. NOTE: This William Edwards married in Henry County, Virginia, but I think he is the son of John Edwards and Elizabeth Fisher. I found no evidence of him in anyone's estate records in Henry County.
1822 - September 20, John Edwards to John M Cox, 238 acres for $800, Big Creek of Oconee River, witnessed by Wm Ellis, James Edwards. (K-271)
1839 - May 6, Elizabeth Carleton Will: daughter Sarah Edwards Shaw, wife of Josias W Shaw, grandchildren Elizabeth Carleton Shaw, Mary Wilson Shaw, James Emmett Shaw, Son in law Peter W Hutcheson and his wife Eliza and their children. Proved Jan 1840. NOTE: Elizabeth Carleton is the daughter of John Edwards SR and Elizabeth Fisher. See 1808 Will, Mecklenburg.
1848 - December 28, Thomas Neeley Will: Wife Nancy. Dr Thomas D Hutcheson Extr, Witnessed by P W Hutcheson etc.
1850 - July 20, Nancy (Edwards) Neeley Will: her deceased husband's brother James Neeley's children, nephew Peter W Hutcheson Jr, niece Sarah Jane Virginia Hutcheson, niece Mary Ann Elizabeth Johnson, niece Susannah Rebecca Hutcheson, nephew Dr Thomas D Hutcheson, by witnessed by P W Hutcheson Sr, Nathan Johnson, Benjamin H Barnett, Robert T Johnson. Proved 7 Sep 1857, Henry Britain Ordinary.
MERIWETHER COUNTY, GEORGIA
1832 - September 19, John Edwards REV WAR Pension Statement states that – His regiment was called Elletts Virginia regiment & he recollects Howell Eldredge who was one of its Captains . . . He knows of no person whose testimony he could procure who could testify to his service except one person, Isham Rainey, who could testify to his services in part, but who resides about one hundred & fifty miles from him, he is very old, infirm & poor, to attempt to procure it would subject him to great inconvenience & delay, . . . Sterling Edwards, son of John Edwards, deposed that his father died “of Dropsy & old age” on 22 March 1833 at the home of Sterling Edwards. He stated that his father left no widow but the following surviving children: Sterling Edwards of Meriwether County GA; Miss Martha Edwards of Brunswick County VA, never married; * Palmela Rainey, wife of John Rainey, of Jasper County GA; and Mary Crowder, wife of George Crowder, of Henry County GA.
1834 - February 25, Isham Rainey, Sr., “a man of great respectability,” deposed that he had lived within two miles of John Edwards and knew that he had been absent frequently in service during the Revolutionary War. (Excerpt from John Edwards' aforementioned REV WAR Pension Statement)
* John Edwards' 1832 REV WAR pension papers state that daughter Martha Edwards was living in Brunswick Co., VA and that she had never married. Also stated is that daughter Mary was the wife of George Crowder (1) and lived in Henry County, Georgia. George Crowder was an outlaw according to various newspaper articles and it was reported in the Columbus Enquirer on June 14, 1843 that some convicts escaped from the jail, among them was George W Crowder who was persued and stabbed which caused his death. (2) One article stated that George and Alexander Crowder were from Coweta Co., GA. (3) It is not known what happened to George Crowder's wife, but her children are on the 1850 census in Coweta Co., GA with their Virginia born aunt Martha Edwards (4) who moved from Brunswick Co., VA to Cowetta Co., GA to take care of her Crowder nieces, whose father is dead and their mother also presumably dead although no record of her death has ever been found.
(1) https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/4766/records/809399?tid=174799259&pid=332271479528&ssrc=pt