Jane Gower research

Jane Gower is of interest because three Womacks were mentioned in her will- granddaughters Mary Womack and Judith Womack, as well as William Womack, for whom no relationship is stated. This research is to determine who these Womacks were.

The records below are far from all the records of Jane Gower's family. They are just enough to prove relationships.

Jane Gower's maiden name is unknown, despite unconvincing attempts to link her to the Hatcher family based upon a bequest to "my Sister Hatcher". Jane Gower was 70 years old when she died, and her sister was likely an older person as well and married, and Hatcher was likely her married name. Unfortunately, it appears her sister's first name was omitted when the will was recorded. Some researchers believe "Sister" actually meant "sister-in-law" (and it was common at the time to refer to a sister-in-law as sister), and "Sister Hatcher" was the wife of one of Jane's Hatcher brothers, but this is a stretch of the available information.

Henrico Co, VA W&D 1688-1697:25: 1 Dec 1688, Jane Gower deposed she was 48. This was in regard to a dispute between John Womack and Francis Carter (see Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers, Vol III, p.1784).

Jane Gower was married three times and outlived all her husbands: William Branch, William Baugh, and Abel Gower, Jane had five known children: William Branch, John Branch, Mary Baugh, Priscilla Baugh and Tabitha Gower. Other Baugh and Branch children claimed for her are incorrect. In particular, her husband William Baugh had children from a prior marriage or marriages. There is no documentation to support any other children for Jane Gower.

Jane Gower also outlived all but one of her children. Jane's daughter Mary Baugh, who married John Cox and had children, survived her. Jane's son William Branch died without issue before Jan 1688 (see below). Jane's son John Branch married Martha LNU and had daughters Obedience and Priscilla before his death between Jan and Apr 1688. Jane's daughter Priscilla Baugh married William Farrar and had children. Jane's daughter Tabitha Gower married Robert Grigg, but died circa 1702 without issue (see below).

Thus, only three of Jane Gower's children had children of their own:

- John Branch married Martha LNU and had two children:
  - Obedience Branch married 1) John Cocke, 2) Alexander Trent, 3) Thomas Turpin
  - Priscilla Branch married 1) Edward Skerme, 2) Joseph Wilkinson
- Mary Baugh married John Cox and had at least these children:
  - Martha Cox married Richard Wilkinson
  - William Cox
  - James Cox
- Priscilla Baugh married William Farrar and had at least these children:
  - William Farrar
  - Abel Farrar
  - Priscilla Farrar

In Jane Gower's will, she mentions most of the above grandchildren - Obedience Turpin, Priscilla Wilkinson, Martha Wilkinson, William Cox, William Farrar, Abel Farrar, and Priscilla Farrar. The only grandchild above not mentioned is James Cox. The other people mentioned in her will are her daughter Mary Cox, granddaughters Mary Womack, Mary Wilkinson and Judith Womack and two men for whom no relationship is stated - John Spike and William Womack.

John Spike was likely a farmhand.

I do not know who granddaughter Mary Wilkinson was - her mother must have been Mary Baugh Cox since Priscilla Baugh Farrar had a daughter named Mary who married William Womack, more below. I do not know Mary Wilkinson's husband's name.

Granddaughter Mary Womack was the daughter of William Farrar and Priscilla Baugh, and the wife of the William Womack mentioned in the will. Granddaughter Judith Womack may have been Mary Womack's sister, but was more likely a daughter of Mary Baugh and John Cox, and she likely married Abraham Womack, Jr, brother of William Womack. Evidence to follow.

Will of Jane Gower, Dated 7 Dec 1710, probated first Monday, Jan 1710 [1711 New Style]

Henrico County, Virginia Deeds & Wills, 1710-1714, p 35-36 (LDS Film 31764, Image 398 of 690)

Henrico County January 1710

In the name of God Amen I Jane Gower of the County and parish of Henrico Considering the Frailty of Human nature and being disposed to Settle my worldly affairs to prevent litigiousness after my decease do make ordain and appoint this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following.

Imprimus First I bequeath my Soul to Almighty God my maker and to Jesus Christ my Redeemer and to the holy Ghost my Sanctifier and my body to the earth from whence it came to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my Exr shall be thought meet and convenient there to Rest untill my Soul and body shall meet again and be Joyned together at the Joyfull Resurrection and be made partaker of the never fadeing Joys of immortality which god in mercy through the merits of Jesus Christ also hath promised and prepared for all those that truly and unfeignedly Repent and believe in him.

Item I give all my out lands to my Grandson William Cox and my daughter Mary Cox. [NOTE: Weisiger's transcription mistakenly has granddaughter Mary Cox.]

Item I give the land I now live on called the great Stone to my Grand Daughter[s] Obedience Turpin and Priscilla Wilkinson to be equally divided between them both.

Item I give to my Grandson William Farrar one feather bedd one Ring one pr of Blankets and one pr of Sheets and one Pillow and boulster.

Item I give to my Grandson Abel Farrar one feather bed boulster and Pillow one blanket and Rugg and pair of Sheets.

Item I give to my Grand Daughter Mary Womack four Silver Spoones.

Item I give to my grand Daughter Mary Wilkinson four Silver Spoones.

Item I give to my grand Daughter Obedience Turpin four Silver Spoones.

Item I give to my Grand Daughter Martha Wilkinson one Chest of Drawers and the Oak [?] Table and draper [?] Table Cloath and one dozn of Napkins.

Item I give Priscilla Farrar one bed boulster and blanket and Rug.

Item I give John Spike the bed he rests [?] on with the furniture belonging.

Item I give to William Womack two breeding Sows.

Item I give my daughter Mary Cox all my stock except for two Sows.

Item I give to my grand daughter Priscilla Farrar one Silver Porringer.

Item I give to my Sister Hatcher my damask gown and Peticoat.

Item I give unto my grandson Abell Farrar one Iron Pott one Silver Tumbler one Table standing in the Chamber and two pewter Dishes.

Item I give to my Grand Daughter Priscilla Farrar one Iron pott one Table with a drawer in it one pewter Dish.

Item I give to my Grand Son William Farrar two pewter dishes and my biggest Tumbler Silver.

Item I give to my Grand Daughter Judith Womack my box Iron [?] and heaters.

Item I give my [illegible] daughter Mrs Mary Cox all the rest of my estate which is not [?] disposed of by this my last will makeing her my loving Daughter my whole and Sole Executrix of my last will and Testament in Witness whereof I have set my hand seal this seventh day of December Anno Domini one thousand seaven hundred and ten.

Jane (her JG [?] mark) Gower (seal)

Signed Sealed and delivered

In presence of us

Thomas (his T mark) Sadler

William Blackman

At a Court held at Varina for the County of Henrico the first Monday in January 1710 [1711 New Style]

Thomas Sadler and William Blackman the Witnesses to the before written Will and Testament of Jane Gower decd made Oath in Court that they did see the said Jane Gower Sign Seal and deliver the Same as her last Will and Testament and thereupon the Same was ordered to be Recorded & it accordingly Recorded, and on the prayer of Mary Cox the Exectx therein named a Probat[e] thereof is granted her She having given Security for the Same.

Test William Randolph Cl Cur

Henrico Co, VA W&D 1688-1697:61, Will of Abell Gower, wife Jane to have land to her death, then to daughter Tabitha Gower; if Tabitha dies before 21, land to Obedience Branch & Priscilla Branch. Dated 25 Aug 1688, probated 1 June 1689.

Henrico Co, VA Orphans Court p.2, Aug 1677, Account of the cattle and horses belonging to the orphns of Wm Branch decd and Wm Baugh decd, presented by Mr Abell Gower. Orphans were William Branch, John Branch, Mary Baugh, Prissilla Baugh. (LDS #31770, Image 215/667). [This proves William Branch, John Branch, Mary Baugh, Prissilla Baugh were all under 21 in Aug 1677, since Abel Gower was still their fiduciary guardian. At age 21, their guardianship would have ended. For women with a guardian who married before age 21, their husband usually took over the guardianship.]

Henrico Co, VA Orphans Court p.43, 20 Aug 1702, Robert Grigg married Tabitha orphan of Mr Abell Gower late of this county, deceased acknowledges receipt of his wife's portion. (LDS #31770, Image 239/667).

Henrico Co, VA W&D 1677-1692:147, William Baugh did by deed grant to grandchild William Baugh, deceased, by deed 6 Dec 1668 land, continue the grant to grandchild Priscilla Baugh, now wife of William Farrar. Dated 1 Apr 1681.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1677-1692:230, William Farrar & Priscilla his wife, late Priscilla Baugh, land deeded by William Baugh 6 Dec 1668 to grandchild William Baugh, and confirmed to his sister, the said Priscilla. Dated 2 Apr 1683.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:183, Inventory of Mr John Cocke, appraised 27 Oct 1699, by court order 2 Oct 1699, presented by relict Obedience Cocke.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:192, Will of Edward Skerme, mother Mary Skerme, wife Priscilla executrix. Dated 21 Mar 1699/1700, proved 1 Aug 1700.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:216, agreement between widow Mary Skerme and Joseph Wilkinson who married Priscilla, widow of Edward Skerme. Recorded 1 Apr 1701.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:342, Will of Alexander Trent, wife Obedience executrix, son Alexander. Dated 27 June 1703, recorded 2 Aug 1703.
Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:342, Will of Robert Grige/Grigg, no wife or children mentioned, godchildren mentioned, land and goods to Jane Gower, she to be executrix.. Dated 4 Feb 1702/3, recorded 2 Aug 1703.

John Branch left a will, but it no longer exists. The will is mentioned in Henrico Co, VA OB 1678-1693:266: Martha Branch, relict and executrix of John Branch deceased granted probate on his will, recorded 2 Apr 1688. The will is mentioned again in Henrico Co, VA W&D 1725-1737:93:

On November 2, 1726, James Branch, of Henrico County, planter, conveyed to Henry Vanderhood, of same, Merchant, for £150 currency, 100 acres on south side of James River at a place commonly called Kingsland, which said land was conveyed by Christopher Branch unto his grandsons William and John Branch by deed dated October 17, 1659, and by the said John Branch, the survivor devised unto his daughter Obedience late the wife of Thomas Turpin, deceased, in his will dated January 17, 1687 [probably 1688 New Style], and by the said Thomas and Obedience, his wife, conveyed to the aforesaid James Branch by deed April 2, 1716. Mary, wife of the said James Branch, relinquished her right of dower. (LDS #31765, Image 215/548).

Note that this deed also mentions that John Branch was the survivor of his brother William Branch and was thus able to devise the entire tract to daughter Obedience. Thus, William Branch died without issue before John Branch wrote his will in Jan 1688, New Style. Had William Branch had children, the land would not have gone entirely to his brother John Branch.

Henrico Co, VA W&D WD 1714-1718:75 (LDS #31765, image 51/548). 2 Apr 1716, Thomas Turpin & Obedience his wife to James Branch for 60 pounds, 100 acres at Kingsland in Henrico Co, conveyed by deed dated 17 Oct 1659 from Christopher Branch to his grandsons William Branch and John Branch, right vested afterwards in said John Branch being the surviving joint tenant, & by his will dated 16 Jan 1687 devised to his daughter Obedience, confirmed by deed dated 2 Dec 1697 from Thomas Branch. Signed Thomas Turpin, Obedience Turpin. Wit: Lod Tanner, Nicholas Giles, Benjamin Ward. Court 2 Apr 1716, deed acknowledged.

Note that on 17 Oct 1659, Christopher Branch deeded 100 acres at Kingland to his grandsons William Branch and John Branch, whose father, William Branch Sr, must have been dead by then. This deed no longer exists. However, William Branch (Jr) and John Branch were both born after Aug 1656, because they were under 21 in the Aug 1677 Orphans Court record, above. Christopher Branch likely gave the land to his his grandsons, with their mother, Jane Branch to keep the land in trust until the boys came of age:

Henrico Co, VA W&D 1688-1697:670 (LDS #31763, Image 604/650). John Cocke Jr son of Richard Cocke of county & parish of Henrico has taken to wife Obedience Branch eldest daughter of my son John Branch, late of Henrico Co, planter deceased. I Jane Gower of Kingland, same county & parish, for love & affection give to John Jr & Obedience Cocke, tract of land given to me by my father-in-law Christopher Branch, late of Kingsland, deceased, where my son John dwelt, now in the tenancy of Robert Grigg, lying & being in Kingland, south side of James River, 100 acres bounding northerly on the River, east by Thomas Branch, west & south by Abel Gower orphan. 1 Dec 1696. Signed Jean [sic] Gower. Wit: Barth Fowler, James Cocke [?]. Henrico Court 1 Apr 1697, acknowledged by Jane Gower.

The above deed appears to be Jane Gower releasing any interest she had in this land, given that in reality it had already been vested in her son John Branch when he turned 21 (sometime between 1677 and 1680), and John Branch had in turn willed the land to daughter Obedience in his 1688 will. There must have been some controversy over the title of this land, because it is mentioned in two other deeds. Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:49 & 56 (LDS #31764, Images 28 & 31 of 690). The second deed may be a re-recording of the first, with a few detail modified, but basically these deeds, recorded 1 Dec 1697 & 2 Dec 1697, state that Thomas Branch, eldest son of Thomas Branch, who was eldest son of Christopher Branch, confirmed to John Cocke and Obedience his wife, co-heir of John Branch deceased, 100 acres of land at Kingsland, conveyed by Christopher Branch Sr to Jane, grandmother of Obedience, and wife of William Branch, father of said John Branch.

John Branch's widow, Martha LNU (maiden name unknown), married twice more: Henrico Co, VA Orphans Court p.34, 21 Aug 1693. Mr Thomas Edwards who married the relict of Mr Thomas Osborne Sr who married the relict of Mr John Branch deceased... Two deeds, both recorded 1 June 1700 on the same page, Henrico Co, VA W&D 1697-1704:182 (LDS #31764, Image 95/690), show Martha remarried to Thomas Edwards. The first, dated 26 Dec 1696, is from John Cocke & Obedience his wife, and witnessed by Priscilla Branch, releases Thomas Edwards from all debts as guardian of John Branch or Obedience his daughter in rights of Martha our mother, wife of said Edwards. The second deed, dated 9 Dec 1699, is from Edward Skerme and Priscilla Branch, releases Thomas Edwards from all debts as guardian of John Branch or Priscilla his daughter in rights of Martha our mother, wife of said Edwards.

On 31 Mar 1711, Thomas Turpin & Obedience his wife and Joseph Wilkinson & Priscilla his wife sold the land inherited from Jane Gower's will. Henrico Co, VA W&D 1710-1714:51.

Mary Farrar Womack

On 6 Apr 1719, in Henrico Co, VA, William Womack sold 450 acres to Tarlton and John Woodson; part of 950 acre patent to William Womack (VA Patent Book 10:240). Among the witnesses was Abraham Womack, Jr, who was William's brother. Mary, wife of William Womack, relinquished her dower. (Henrico Co, VA Misc Records 2:465).

This is the only explicit mention of William Womack's wife's name, and she must have died before he did, because she is not in his will, dated Feb 1758. Note that William Womack's will did not mention his deceased wife's name, but he bequeathed some of her belongings to his daughter Agnes Bullock ("all my wifes wareing cloths") and granddaughter Mary Bullock ("wifes Gold ring").

So, we know William's wife was Mary. I and other researchers believe she was the Mary Womack in the will of Jane Gower above, listed as Jane Gower's granddaughter, and that the William Womack mentioned in Jane Gower's will was Mary's husband.

William Womack's 1715 land patent was on the north side of the James River, in an area which became Goochland County in May 1728. Besides the 1710 mention in Jane Gowers will, and the 1719 mention in William Womack's deed, there are only two other known records of this Mary Womack, and both are her as a witness to a wills in Goochland Co, VA.

- - Will of William Farrar, dated 14 Nov 1743. (Goochland Co, VA DB 4:374, LDS film #31654, image 207). Mentions names of sons and wife Sarah. Witnesses were Geo Payne, Robt Burton Junr, Christan [sic] Burton, and Mary (her + mark) Womack. On 19 June 1744, at Goochland Co Court, the will was proved by Robert Burton Junr and Mary Womack.
  - Will of John Eavens [sic, Evans], dated 5 May 1752. (Goochland Co, VA DB 6:422, LDS Film #31655, image 230). Witnesses were Elizabeth Farrar, William Thompson and Mary (her + mark) Womack. At Goochland Court, 19 Nov 1754, the will was proved by Elizabeth Farrar and Mary Womack. Oddly, John Evans had second will admitted to record which was dated 25 Sep 1753 and proved 20 May 1755 (Goochland Co, VA DB 7:4); a John Cox was a witness to this will.

I believe the Mary Womack who witnessed these two wills in 1743 and 1754 was the same woman, since there were very few Womacks in Goochland County, and both times she signed with the same mark, and both wills involved the Farrar family in some way. Furthermore, I believe she was William Womack's wife. Thus, she died between 19 Nov 1754, when she proved the will of John Evans, and 6 Feb 1758 when William Womack wrote his will.

The William Farrar whose 1743 Goochland will was witnessed by Mary Womack is designated William Farrar IV by Farrar researchers. He was the son of William Farrar (III) and Priscilla Baugh, daughter of Jane Gower. William Farrar (IV) was mentioned in Jane Gower's 1710 will, above, as her grandson. Mary Farrar Womack, wife of William Womack, was the sister of William Farrar (IV) and witnessed his will.

Regarding the Elizabeth Farrar who, along with Mary Womack, witnessed the will of John Evan in 1752 in Goochland Co, it is currently unknown who this Elizabeth Farrar is, and how she was related to Mary Farrar Womack.

Abel Farrar was listed as a grandson of Jane Gower in her 1710 will, above. An "Abell Farror" was a witness to a deed, 18 Nov 1735, Goochland Co, VA, in which William Womack gave land to his "only and well beloved son William Womack Junr" (Goochland Co, VA DB 2:145, LDS Film #31653, image 365). Abel's name in this deed has been misread as Abell "Farmer", but the image clearly shows "Abell Farror". In other words, Abel Farrar, brother of Mary Farrar Womack, was a witness to the deed in which William Womack gave land to William and Mary's only son, William Womack Jr.

Additionally, Abel Farrar was listed in tithe lists of Goochland Co, VA from 1746-1749 in the household of Sarah Barrett (this info found by researcher A Jean Lurvey). This was Sarah Womack Woodson Barrett, daughter of William Womack and Mary Farrar, who had outlived her two husbands, Robert Woodson and James Barrett.

William Womack witnessed three deeds for Farrar men:

- - 26 Jan 1727, William Farrar to Thomas Randolph, land known as Farrar's Island, patented to William Farrar and devised to his son William Farrar father of said William Farrar [the grantor], witnessed by William Womack and others; William Farrar's wife Sarah relinquished dower. (Henrico Co, VA DB 1725-1737:168, LDS Film #31765 image 271).
  - 25 Feb 1728, John Sutton Farrar to Thomas Randolph, land granted William Farrar, grandfather of John S; witnessed by William Womack and others (Henrico Co, VA DB 1725-1737:224).
  - Goochland Co, VA was formed from Henrico on 1 May 1728.
  - 25 Feb 1728 (1729 New Style), Nowel Burton to John Sutton Farrar; witnessed by William Womack and others (Goochland Co, VA DB 1:58).

According to Farrar research, the original William Farrar in Virginia died circa 1637, the year his son William Farrar (designated William Farrar II) was patented land including Farrar's island. In the 1727 deed above, it notes that the land being sold by William Farrar (IV) had belonged to his father William (III), and was devised to his father by his father's father William (II) who had received the land by patent. Also, William Farrar IV's wife is named in the deed as Sarah, the same name he gives for his wife in his 1743 Goochland will. Additionally, The Burton Chronicles establishes that Priscilla Farrar, daughter of William Farrar III and Priscilla Baugh, and granddaughter of Jane Gower (mentioned in her 1710 will), married Robert Burton Jr. Robert Burton Jr and Priscilla Farrar had son Robert Burton III who married Christian LNU. Robert Burton III, styled as Robert Burton Jr (see Meaning of Jr and Sr), and his wife Christian, were also witnesses to the will of William Farrar IV. So, William Womack witnessed a deed for his brother-in-law, William Farrar IV. And William Womack's wife, Mary Farrar Womack, witnessed the will of her brother William Farrar IV, along with her nephew, Robert Burton III.

Proofs for Mary, wife of William Womack, being Mary Farrar, daughter of William Farrar III and Priscilla Baugh:

- - Mentioned in Jane Gower's 1710 will as granddaughter Mary Womack, immediately after mentions of William Farrar (IV) and Abel Farrar.
  - Husband William Womack also mentioned in Jane Gower's will. We know William Womack's wife was named Mary from a 1719 deed in Henrico Co.

- William Womack and wife Mary had a daughter named Priscilla, named after Mary's mother. William Womack named daughter Priscilla Doss in his 1758 will.
- William Womack witnessed a deed for William Farrar IV and his wife Sarah.
- Mary Womack witnessed the 1743 will of William Farrar IV, whose will named his wife Sarah.
- Mary Womack witnessed the will of John Evans along with an Elizabeth Farrar, relationship unknown.
- Abel Farrar witnessed the deed from William Womack to his only son, William Womack Jr.
- Abel Farrar was listed in Goochland Co tithe lists with Sarah Barrett, daughter of William Womack and Mary.

By preponderance of evidence, it is clear that William Womack married Mary Farrar, who was the daughter of William Farrar III and Priscilla Baugh, and the granddaughter of Jane Gower.

The Farrar Family - The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography

Note: there are some mistakes, be cautious using this information.