Christopher Reynolds' name appears on a post-massacre muster of living inhabitants at Waresquoack taken 16 Feb 1623. List of names of persons living in Virginia, 16 Feb 1623, set forth in Hotten Lists of Emigrants to America 1600--1700, p. 169 et seq.
Christopher Reynolds name appears on page 181 as a survivor at Warwick Squrake Records of the Virginia Company of London, III, par ii, p. 50a.
Waresquoack Plantation was located in the vicinity of present day Smithfield, Virginia.
16 Feb 1623, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Chr. Reinholds [Christopher Reynolds] was among 33 inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia (Doc.#131v):
John Batt, Henry Pinffe, Wassell Weblin, Anthony Read, Frances Woodson, Henry Phillips, Peter Collins, Chr. Reinold's, Edward Mabin, John Maldman, Thomas Collins, George Rushmore, Thomas Spencer, George Clarke, Rich. Bartlett, Frances Anthony, Franse, Margrett, negroes; John Bennett, Nicholas Skinner, John Atkins, John Pollentin, Margrett Pollentin, Mary, a maid, Henry Woodward, Thomas Sawyer, Thomas, a boye. Total 33, including 4 negroes (Doc.#131v,169a.
7 Feb 1624, The Original Lists of Person of Quality by John Camden Hotten, p. 241; Christopher Reynolds' is listed in a muster of Edward Bennetts servants in Wariscoyacke. There were twelve servants, two of whom were Negroes. Similar to the 1623 census, this muster lists that Christopher Reynolds immigrated to Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622 (Doc.#189a.
Robert A. Reynolds, a member of the Reynolds Family Association lists the following: "Shortly after the 1624 muster, the Virginia Council dispatched Edward Bennett to London to seek a Colonial monopoly for Virginia in the tobacco trade with England. Christopher accompanied him and remained as his secretary during the time it took Mr. Bennett to secure the monopoly (W.G. Reynolds: Boddie, 17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia, p. 38)." Though the information about dispatching Edward Bennett to England corresponds with the reference to Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, pp. 36-38, nowhere in that history does it list Christopher Reynolds as the secretary of Edward Bennett.
25 Feb 1625, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Christopher Reynolds listed in a muster of the inhabitants of Wariscoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia, who were servants of Mr. Edward Bennett (Doc.#131v)
1625 - Total inhabitants of Virginia - 1,095. Muster of the Inhabitants at Wariscoyack, Virginia, Taken 7 Feb 1625. The Muster of Mr. Edward Bennetts Servants.
Henry Pinke came in the London Marchannt 1619, John Bate in the Addam 1621, Peter Collins in the Addam 1621, Wassell Webbling, Antonio, a negro, in the James 1621, Christopher Reynold's, Luke Chappman, Edward Maybank, in the John & Francis 1622, John Attkins, William Denum, Francis Banks, in the Guifte 1623, Mary, a negro woman, in the Margrett & John 1622 (Doc.#162a)
This muster reveals that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., began residing in Warrosquyoake County within a year after arriving in the Colony of Virginia. Since he was a servant or "employee" of Mr. Edward Bennett, who owned a large amount of land in Warrosquyoake County, it appears he originally settled in the Warrosquyoake settlement which was located on the Pagan River. Christopher Reynolds, Sr., or his family may have known Edward Bennett and resided in the same general area of England prior to emigrating to Virginia as one of Mr. Bennetts servants. Further research into the origins of Edward Bennett and his servants may allow us to confirm Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s place of origin in England.
13 Mar 1625/6, Minutes of the Council and General Court of Virginia, 2nd Edition, published in 1979, Richmond, Edited by H.R. McIlwaine; Before the General Court at Jamestown, Virginia: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years."
Notice the spelling of Christophers name in this deposition: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years." Notice that it is an unusual spelling for the Reynolds surname which no doubt many previous researchers had not discovered.
However, it is interesting to note that according to this deposition, Christopher Reynolds appears to have been able to read. This indicates that he received some education. If this was the same Christopher Reynolds who was born in 1611, i.e. age twenty four when he transported nine servants to Virginia aboard the Speedwell in 1635, then he would have been age fourteen or fifteen when he provided this deposition. Provided that Christopher Reynolds was also bound to Edward Bennett for four years of indentured service, from the date of his original arrival in Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant would have fulfilled his indentured service sometime in 1626/7. However, it is possible that he was obligated for a period longer than four years.
16 Mar 1634/5, Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, Vol. XVIII, Virginia Gleanings in England, p. 308; Christopher Reynolds, son of George Reynolds deceased and brother of Anne Reynolds listed as kinsmen in Will of Henry Hobson of City of Bristol, Inn Holder (Doc.#173a-c)
According to the notes accompanying the publication of this Will, Henry Hobson was a Mayor of Bristol, England. His grandson, Miles Cary, was the emigrant to Virginia. Though there is no direct connection to Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant of Isle of Wight County, listed in this Will, the name pattern of a Christopher Reynolds listed as the son of George Reynolds is intriguing when compared with the information on the Reynolds families of Gravesend in County Kent and London. Hence, additional research could be conducted in the records of Bristol in order to ascertain if there is a connection between Christopher Reynolds, Sr., of Isle of Wight and the Reynolds families of Bristol.
21 Dec 1634, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 531, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds of Warwickqueak [Warrosquyoake County] obtained 100 acre patent from Robert Sabine of Warrisquick (Warrosquyoake County) Bay, Witnesses: Robert Cramporne and Thomas Coarkman (as shown in the deed of Wassell Webling and George Fawdon from Justinian Cooper and wife) (Doc.#131ac, 135b)
This is the first record of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtaining land in Virginia. From the year of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s arrival in Virginia in 1622, it was twelve years later in 1634 before he purchased land. This information and the information above appears to confirm that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant, was an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. This also appears to support the theory that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally immigrated to Colonial Virginia as an eleven year old child, who was possibly an orphan, in 1622. As listed below, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant appears to have sold this land five years later: 1 May 1639, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds sold 100 acre patent in Warrisquack [Warwicke Squeake or Warrosquyoake] Bay to Peter Hull [Hill], Witnesses: John Spackman and John Oliver (Doc.#131ac, 135b). In a patent issued to John Mungoe (Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 7, p. 417), dated 21 Oct 1684 which is listed below, it lists that this 100 hundred acres which Robert Sabine originally sold to Christopher Reynolds on 21 Dec 1634, was located on the south side of Hutchinsons Creek: 21 Oct 1684, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 4, p. 417; Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight County, Virginia listed as having bought land from Robert Sabine on 21 Dec 1634, 100 acres located on the south side of Hutchison's Creek, which Christopher Reynolds then sold to Peter Hill/Hull on 1 May 1639.
According to John Camden Hottens' list of immigrants aboard the Speedwell, which arrived in 1635, there is a listing for "Chris. Reinhold, 24," which could have been the same individual as Christopher Reynolds, Sr., who arrived in 1622 aboard the John & Francis as listed above. Richard Reynolds, a Reynolds family genealogist, has proposed that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., returned to England and then brought nine servants back to Virginia. The following is a transcription of the original ship manifest and passenger ship list for the Speedwell:
28 May 1635
The under-written names are to be transported to Virginia imbarqued in the Speedwell of London JO: Chappell Mr: being examined by the Minister of Gravesend of their conformitie to the orders & discipline of the Church of England & have taken the oath of Allegeance.
[Chri: Reinolds group]
Kathryn Richard's...19
Marie Sedgwick.....20
Elizabeth Biggs......10
Dorothie Wyncott..40
Ann Wyncott..........16
Phillipp Biggs.........6 mo.
Elizabeth Pew.........20
Francis Langworth..25
Chri: Reinholds.......24
Abram Poore..........20
Elizabeth Tuttell.....25
(Doc.#161a)
It is interesting to note that the majority of these passengers were woman, most of them in their early twenties. The only two males are listed as Christopher Reinholds/Reynolds and a six month old child named Phillipp Biggs. Phillip may have been the younger brother of Elizabeth Biggs, age ten, both of whom appear to have been orphans. As indicated throughout this report, the Biggs families resided in the same area as the Reynolds families in Isle of Wight County. The majority of these passengers aboard the Speedwell appear to have been brought to Virginia in order to provide wives to the men of the Warrosquyoake settlement. Notice that three of these females were named Elizabeth, i.e. the same given name listed as the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., in his will dated 1654 which is listed below. Hence, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have married one of these female passengers named Elizabeth.
Notice that the time period in which "Chri: Reinhold" and his group of nine servants/persons arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the Speedwell corresponds with the 450 acre patent that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the following year in Warrosquyoake County "for transporting nine servants" as listed below.
In 1636, Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore for transporting nine servants to the Virginia Colony:
15 Sep 1636, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 659; The Library of Virginia, Virginia Land Office Patents No. 1, 1623-1643, p.382; Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent "bounded with a back creek running eastward behind Pagan Shore some three miles upward, the land lying on the south side of the creek in Warrasquinoke [Warrosquyoake ] County for transporting 9 servants. (Doc.# 131w,131ay, 142h)
Warrasquinoke, also listed as Warrasquoyacke or Warrosquyoake, was a Colonial Virginia County which was originally formed in 1634. In 1637, the name was changed to Isle of Wight County. The article entitled Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight, Virginia, published by The Reynolds Family Association lists that Christopher Reynolds was born in 1611 at Gravesend, Kent County, England. The source of this birth year and place appears to have been the passenger list for the Speedwell which arrived in 1635 as listed above. Though the article further lists that they settled in "Warwick County, Virginia" (Doc.#144e-h), the records listed above reveal that Christopher Reynolds, Sr. was among the thirty three original inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia on 16 Feb 1623(Doc.#131v). Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s first purchase of land there occurred almost nine years later for 100 acres in Warrisquick [Warrosquyoake] Bay in 1634 in the newly formed Warrosquyoake County. On 15 Sep 1636, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore or Pagan Creek in Warrosquyoake County which subsequently became Isle of Wight County in 1637. This information confirms that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally settled in Mr. Edward Bennet's Warrosquyoake Bay settlement in Warrosquyoake County, not in Warrick [River] County.
The fact that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was responsible for transporting nine servants to Virginia indicates that he was a successful tobacco planter of Colonial Virginia. As were most individuals who resided in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will and the deeds listed below confirm that he was a prosperous tobacco planter. As was the custom in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the above patent for 450 acres as compensation for bringing nine servants to the rapidly growing tobacco economy in the Colony of Virginia.
As indicated above, the Pagan Shore referred to in this land patent appears to refer to that portion of the Pagan River where it is joined by the Cypress Creek tributary in the area of modern day Smithfield Town (Map-Doc.#160). According to the following deeds, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., and his descendants occupied this property for several generations.
26 Aug 1637, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 1, p. 473; Nicholas Reynolds obtained a patent for 1000 acres lying on Lawnes Creek (Doc.#156a)
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1 May 1654, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 521, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 46; Will of Christopher Reynolds [Christopher Reynolds, Sr.], planter: to son Christopher [Christopher Reynolds, Jr.] land that Richard Jordan liveth on. To son John [John Reynolds] land near swamp when he is 21. To son Richard [Richard Reynolds, Sr.], land I live on when 21. My daughter Abbasha, I have given her a portion already. To daughter Elizabeth, cattle. Daughter Jane. To George Rivers unborn child, 1 heifer. To child wife goeth with. Wife Elizabeth to be executrix and bring up John and Richard, my sons until they are age 16. Teste, Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. (Doc.#131ab, 132b, 138c)
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Though the above Will abstract for Christopher Reynolds, Sr., is useful, it is not complete. Portions of it are inaccurate when compared with the original will as noted below. The original will, as recorded in Isle of Wight County Will Bk. 1, p. 46, reads as follows:
In the name of God, Amen. The first day of May 1654. I Christopher Reynolds [Sr.] of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia, planter, being healthful in body and sound in mind & memory make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth. First, I give and bequeath my soul unto the hands of God my Creator and Maker and my body to be buried in sure and certain hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life through the only merit and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my only Savior and Redeemer. Impremis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan [son-in-law who married daughter Elizabeth Reynolds] now liveth upon. And I give unto my son John, all my lands on the northerly side of the Freshest Swamp, and one cow, and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And unto my son Richard, I give all my land I now liveth upon and one cow and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And my daughter Abbasha, I have give her a portion already which was two cows and two calves. And I give unto my daughter Elizabeth one heifer of two years old besides the stock I gave her formerly. And unto my daughter Jane I give one cow and one yearling heifer. And I give to [step son] George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old. And if any of my children dye my will is that the other should succeed what estate they leave. And unto Elizabeth my loving wife, I give all the rest of my estate both goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable and debts that are due to me from any person or persons whatsoever and my two servants she paying all my debts truly and justly. And I do constitute and ordain Elizabeth my loving wife my whole and sole Executrix. And my will is that my wife Elizabeth shall have the ordering and bringing up John and Richard my sons until they be sixteen years of age, and Elizabeth and Jane until they be fifteen years of age. In witness whereof I Christopher Reynolds do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Signed: Christ. Reynolds
Witnesseses: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews
Isle of Wight County, Virginia Wills, Bk. 1, pp.46-8, (Doc.#148, 170a-b)
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As indicated above, the will declaration that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was a planter confirms that he was a successful tobacco planter in Colonial Virginia. His 450 acre plantation, which he received for transporting nine servants to Colonial Virginia, remained in the family for many generations as witnessed by the deed descriptions listed below in Isle of Wight County records.
The portion of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will which lists "And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old" is interpreted by many to indicate that Christopher's wife was pregnant at the time he made out his will. Unfortunately, there are no subsequent probate records which reveal the date that this will was proved ,or that provide an inventory and appraisal, in order to confirm if his wife Elizabeth had another child. The fact that only Christopher Reynolds, Jr., and Abbatha Reynolds appear to have been over age sixteen and that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., had two sons under age sixteen and two daughters under age fifteen, indicates that Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, was young enough to have been pregnant.
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Based on the ages of his children who were under age sixteen, Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have married about 1637, which is fifteen years after he immigrated to Colonial Virginia and two years after he transported nine servants to the colony. According to Chris: Reinholds' age, i.e. twenty four in 1635, it is possible that his wife Elizabeth, was one of the three young woman named Elizabeth whom he transported to Virginia aboard the Speedwell. Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have been age twenty six in 1637. This information suggests that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have been previously married with Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, and Abbatha Reynolds, born about 1634, having been the children of a previous wife who died prior to 1637.
Notice that the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists an heir named George Rivers, who appears to have been a step son. In the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s son John Reynolds, which is listed below, John refers to George Rivers as his brother: 11 Mar 1668, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 62: Will of John Reynolds, Legacy: my [step] brother George Rivers; brother Richard; sister Jane; [step] sister Elizabeth Rivers; to Robert Driver; to Elizabeth River's daughter Mary; to my sister Elizabeth Jordan a bill of Robert Clothier's, at her decease to her son Richard Jordan. Recorded 3 May 1669. Witnesses: Anselm Baylic, William Bradshaw (Doc.#132c). The fact that John Reynolds refers to George Rivers as his brother, indicates that George was a step brother, i.e. the son of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to a Mr. Rivers.
Unless we compare the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., with the will of his son John Reynolds, it is unclear from Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will how George Rivers was related. Contrary to the will abstract listed above, the actual will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. does not refer to "George River's unborn child" as listed erroneously in the above will abstract. The individual who abstracted this will information appears to have confused the following information in the original will: "And I give to George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old." The reference to George Rivers is a separate item in the will and it appears to be unrelated to the item in regards to the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. Though The Robert Reynolds Family web-site lists Christopher's wife as "Elizabeth Matthews Rivers," (Doc.#140) other than the listing of Anthony Matthews as a witness to the will of Christopher Reynolds, there is no documentation in the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., to support the maiden name of Matthews for his wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to Mr. Rivers.
****************
William Glasgow Reynolds stated that Christopher married as her 2nd husband Elizabeth Matthews, whose first husband had been George Rivers, by whom she had a son, George. By Christopher Elizabeth had daughters Abbasha, Jane, and Elizabeth who later married Richard Jordan. She also had four additional sons: Christopher, John, Richard, and a posthumous child whom Christopher referred to in his Will as "the child my beloved wife now goeth with." This son was named Thomas.
*************
Occasionally, a will lists children in the order of their birth. According to the order in which Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists his children in his will, they were actually born as follows: 1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632; 2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634; 3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, married Richard Jordan, Sr., in 1654; 4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County; 5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642; 6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644. Since Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will lists sons first, then daughters, from the order of the listing of his daughters, the apparent gap in years between Christopher Reynolds, Jr. and his brothers, the approximate age of Elizabeth and Jane who were under age fifteen and the date of marriage for his daughter Elizabeth who married Richard Jordan in 1654, we have calculated and inserted the daughter's birth years as listed above.
*****************
According to Isle of Wight County records and the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., he had the following children:
1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Richard Jordan about 1653/1654
4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County
5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Elizabeth Sharpe, daughter of Richard Sharpe, Sr. Richard Reynolds, Sr., died testate in 1712 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia.
***
Christopher Reynolds name appears on page 181 as a survivor at Warwick Squrake Records of the Virginia Company of London, III, par ii, p. 50a.
Waresquoack Plantation was located in the vicinity of present day Smithfield, Virginia.
16 Feb 1623, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Chr. Reinholds [Christopher Reynolds] was among 33 inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia (Doc.#131v):
John Batt, Henry Pinffe, Wassell Weblin, Anthony Read, Frances Woodson, Henry Phillips, Peter Collins, Chr. Reinold's, Edward Mabin, John Maldman, Thomas Collins, George Rushmore, Thomas Spencer, George Clarke, Rich. Bartlett, Frances Anthony, Franse, Margrett, negroes; John Bennett, Nicholas Skinner, John Atkins, John Pollentin, Margrett Pollentin, Mary, a maid, Henry Woodward, Thomas Sawyer, Thomas, a boye. Total 33, including 4 negroes (Doc.#131v,169a.
7 Feb 1624, The Original Lists of Person of Quality by John Camden Hotten, p. 241; Christopher Reynolds' is listed in a muster of Edward Bennetts servants in Wariscoyacke. There were twelve servants, two of whom were Negroes. Similar to the 1623 census, this muster lists that Christopher Reynolds immigrated to Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622 (Doc.#189a.
Robert A. Reynolds, a member of the Reynolds Family Association lists the following: "Shortly after the 1624 muster, the Virginia Council dispatched Edward Bennett to London to seek a Colonial monopoly for Virginia in the tobacco trade with England. Christopher accompanied him and remained as his secretary during the time it took Mr. Bennett to secure the monopoly (W.G. Reynolds: Boddie, 17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia, p. 38)." Though the information about dispatching Edward Bennett to England corresponds with the reference to Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, pp. 36-38, nowhere in that history does it list Christopher Reynolds as the secretary of Edward Bennett.
25 Feb 1625, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Christopher Reynolds listed in a muster of the inhabitants of Wariscoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia, who were servants of Mr. Edward Bennett (Doc.#131v)
1625 - Total inhabitants of Virginia - 1,095. Muster of the Inhabitants at Wariscoyack, Virginia, Taken 7 Feb 1625. The Muster of Mr. Edward Bennetts Servants.
Henry Pinke came in the London Marchannt 1619, John Bate in the Addam 1621, Peter Collins in the Addam 1621, Wassell Webbling, Antonio, a negro, in the James 1621, Christopher Reynold's, Luke Chappman, Edward Maybank, in the John & Francis 1622, John Attkins, William Denum, Francis Banks, in the Guifte 1623, Mary, a negro woman, in the Margrett & John 1622 (Doc.#162a)
This muster reveals that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., began residing in Warrosquyoake County within a year after arriving in the Colony of Virginia. Since he was a servant or "employee" of Mr. Edward Bennett, who owned a large amount of land in Warrosquyoake County, it appears he originally settled in the Warrosquyoake settlement which was located on the Pagan River. Christopher Reynolds, Sr., or his family may have known Edward Bennett and resided in the same general area of England prior to emigrating to Virginia as one of Mr. Bennetts servants. Further research into the origins of Edward Bennett and his servants may allow us to confirm Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s place of origin in England.
13 Mar 1625/6, Minutes of the Council and General Court of Virginia, 2nd Edition, published in 1979, Richmond, Edited by H.R. McIlwaine; Before the General Court at Jamestown, Virginia: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years."
Notice the spelling of Christophers name in this deposition: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years." Notice that it is an unusual spelling for the Reynolds surname which no doubt many previous researchers had not discovered.
However, it is interesting to note that according to this deposition, Christopher Reynolds appears to have been able to read. This indicates that he received some education. If this was the same Christopher Reynolds who was born in 1611, i.e. age twenty four when he transported nine servants to Virginia aboard the Speedwell in 1635, then he would have been age fourteen or fifteen when he provided this deposition. Provided that Christopher Reynolds was also bound to Edward Bennett for four years of indentured service, from the date of his original arrival in Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant would have fulfilled his indentured service sometime in 1626/7. However, it is possible that he was obligated for a period longer than four years.
16 Mar 1634/5, Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, Vol. XVIII, Virginia Gleanings in England, p. 308; Christopher Reynolds, son of George Reynolds deceased and brother of Anne Reynolds listed as kinsmen in Will of Henry Hobson of City of Bristol, Inn Holder (Doc.#173a-c)
According to the notes accompanying the publication of this Will, Henry Hobson was a Mayor of Bristol, England. His grandson, Miles Cary, was the emigrant to Virginia. Though there is no direct connection to Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant of Isle of Wight County, listed in this Will, the name pattern of a Christopher Reynolds listed as the son of George Reynolds is intriguing when compared with the information on the Reynolds families of Gravesend in County Kent and London. Hence, additional research could be conducted in the records of Bristol in order to ascertain if there is a connection between Christopher Reynolds, Sr., of Isle of Wight and the Reynolds families of Bristol.
21 Dec 1634, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 531, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds of Warwickqueak [Warrosquyoake County] obtained 100 acre patent from Robert Sabine of Warrisquick (Warrosquyoake County) Bay, Witnesses: Robert Cramporne and Thomas Coarkman (as shown in the deed of Wassell Webling and George Fawdon from Justinian Cooper and wife) (Doc.#131ac, 135b)
This is the first record of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtaining land in Virginia. From the year of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s arrival in Virginia in 1622, it was twelve years later in 1634 before he purchased land. This information and the information above appears to confirm that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant, was an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. This also appears to support the theory that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally immigrated to Colonial Virginia as an eleven year old child, who was possibly an orphan, in 1622. As listed below, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant appears to have sold this land five years later: 1 May 1639, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds sold 100 acre patent in Warrisquack [Warwicke Squeake or Warrosquyoake] Bay to Peter Hull [Hill], Witnesses: John Spackman and John Oliver (Doc.#131ac, 135b). In a patent issued to John Mungoe (Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 7, p. 417), dated 21 Oct 1684 which is listed below, it lists that this 100 hundred acres which Robert Sabine originally sold to Christopher Reynolds on 21 Dec 1634, was located on the south side of Hutchinsons Creek: 21 Oct 1684, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 4, p. 417; Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight County, Virginia listed as having bought land from Robert Sabine on 21 Dec 1634, 100 acres located on the south side of Hutchison's Creek, which Christopher Reynolds then sold to Peter Hill/Hull on 1 May 1639.
According to John Camden Hottens' list of immigrants aboard the Speedwell, which arrived in 1635, there is a listing for "Chris. Reinhold, 24," which could have been the same individual as Christopher Reynolds, Sr., who arrived in 1622 aboard the John & Francis as listed above. Richard Reynolds, a Reynolds family genealogist, has proposed that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., returned to England and then brought nine servants back to Virginia. The following is a transcription of the original ship manifest and passenger ship list for the Speedwell:
28 May 1635
The under-written names are to be transported to Virginia imbarqued in the Speedwell of London JO: Chappell Mr: being examined by the Minister of Gravesend of their conformitie to the orders & discipline of the Church of England & have taken the oath of Allegeance.
[Chri: Reinolds group]
Kathryn Richard's...19
Marie Sedgwick.....20
Elizabeth Biggs......10
Dorothie Wyncott..40
Ann Wyncott..........16
Phillipp Biggs.........6 mo.
Elizabeth Pew.........20
Francis Langworth..25
Chri: Reinholds.......24
Abram Poore..........20
Elizabeth Tuttell.....25
(Doc.#161a)
It is interesting to note that the majority of these passengers were woman, most of them in their early twenties. The only two males are listed as Christopher Reinholds/Reynolds and a six month old child named Phillipp Biggs. Phillip may have been the younger brother of Elizabeth Biggs, age ten, both of whom appear to have been orphans. As indicated throughout this report, the Biggs families resided in the same area as the Reynolds families in Isle of Wight County. The majority of these passengers aboard the Speedwell appear to have been brought to Virginia in order to provide wives to the men of the Warrosquyoake settlement. Notice that three of these females were named Elizabeth, i.e. the same given name listed as the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., in his will dated 1654 which is listed below. Hence, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have married one of these female passengers named Elizabeth.
Notice that the time period in which "Chri: Reinhold" and his group of nine servants/persons arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the Speedwell corresponds with the 450 acre patent that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the following year in Warrosquyoake County "for transporting nine servants" as listed below.
In 1636, Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore for transporting nine servants to the Virginia Colony:
15 Sep 1636, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 659; The Library of Virginia, Virginia Land Office Patents No. 1, 1623-1643, p.382; Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent "bounded with a back creek running eastward behind Pagan Shore some three miles upward, the land lying on the south side of the creek in Warrasquinoke [Warrosquyoake ] County for transporting 9 servants. (Doc.# 131w,131ay, 142h)
Warrasquinoke, also listed as Warrasquoyacke or Warrosquyoake, was a Colonial Virginia County which was originally formed in 1634. In 1637, the name was changed to Isle of Wight County. The article entitled Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight, Virginia, published by The Reynolds Family Association lists that Christopher Reynolds was born in 1611 at Gravesend, Kent County, England. The source of this birth year and place appears to have been the passenger list for the Speedwell which arrived in 1635 as listed above. Though the article further lists that they settled in "Warwick County, Virginia" (Doc.#144e-h), the records listed above reveal that Christopher Reynolds, Sr. was among the thirty three original inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia on 16 Feb 1623(Doc.#131v). Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s first purchase of land there occurred almost nine years later for 100 acres in Warrisquick [Warrosquyoake] Bay in 1634 in the newly formed Warrosquyoake County. On 15 Sep 1636, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore or Pagan Creek in Warrosquyoake County which subsequently became Isle of Wight County in 1637. This information confirms that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally settled in Mr. Edward Bennet's Warrosquyoake Bay settlement in Warrosquyoake County, not in Warrick [River] County.
The fact that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was responsible for transporting nine servants to Virginia indicates that he was a successful tobacco planter of Colonial Virginia. As were most individuals who resided in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will and the deeds listed below confirm that he was a prosperous tobacco planter. As was the custom in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the above patent for 450 acres as compensation for bringing nine servants to the rapidly growing tobacco economy in the Colony of Virginia.
As indicated above, the Pagan Shore referred to in this land patent appears to refer to that portion of the Pagan River where it is joined by the Cypress Creek tributary in the area of modern day Smithfield Town (Map-Doc.#160). According to the following deeds, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., and his descendants occupied this property for several generations.
26 Aug 1637, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 1, p. 473; Nicholas Reynolds obtained a patent for 1000 acres lying on Lawnes Creek (Doc.#156a)
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1 May 1654, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 521, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 46; Will of Christopher Reynolds [Christopher Reynolds, Sr.], planter: to son Christopher [Christopher Reynolds, Jr.] land that Richard Jordan liveth on. To son John [John Reynolds] land near swamp when he is 21. To son Richard [Richard Reynolds, Sr.], land I live on when 21. My daughter Abbasha, I have given her a portion already. To daughter Elizabeth, cattle. Daughter Jane. To George Rivers unborn child, 1 heifer. To child wife goeth with. Wife Elizabeth to be executrix and bring up John and Richard, my sons until they are age 16. Teste, Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. (Doc.#131ab, 132b, 138c)
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Though the above Will abstract for Christopher Reynolds, Sr., is useful, it is not complete. Portions of it are inaccurate when compared with the original will as noted below. The original will, as recorded in Isle of Wight County Will Bk. 1, p. 46, reads as follows:
In the name of God, Amen. The first day of May 1654. I Christopher Reynolds [Sr.] of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia, planter, being healthful in body and sound in mind & memory make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth. First, I give and bequeath my soul unto the hands of God my Creator and Maker and my body to be buried in sure and certain hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life through the only merit and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my only Savior and Redeemer. Impremis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan [son-in-law who married daughter Elizabeth Reynolds] now liveth upon. And I give unto my son John, all my lands on the northerly side of the Freshest Swamp, and one cow, and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And unto my son Richard, I give all my land I now liveth upon and one cow and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And my daughter Abbasha, I have give her a portion already which was two cows and two calves. And I give unto my daughter Elizabeth one heifer of two years old besides the stock I gave her formerly. And unto my daughter Jane I give one cow and one yearling heifer. And I give to [step son] George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old. And if any of my children dye my will is that the other should succeed what estate they leave. And unto Elizabeth my loving wife, I give all the rest of my estate both goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable and debts that are due to me from any person or persons whatsoever and my two servants she paying all my debts truly and justly. And I do constitute and ordain Elizabeth my loving wife my whole and sole Executrix. And my will is that my wife Elizabeth shall have the ordering and bringing up John and Richard my sons until they be sixteen years of age, and Elizabeth and Jane until they be fifteen years of age. In witness whereof I Christopher Reynolds do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Signed: Christ. Reynolds
Witnesseses: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews
Isle of Wight County, Virginia Wills, Bk. 1, pp.46-8, (Doc.#148, 170a-b)
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As indicated above, the will declaration that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was a planter confirms that he was a successful tobacco planter in Colonial Virginia. His 450 acre plantation, which he received for transporting nine servants to Colonial Virginia, remained in the family for many generations as witnessed by the deed descriptions listed below in Isle of Wight County records.
The portion of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will which lists "And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old" is interpreted by many to indicate that Christopher's wife was pregnant at the time he made out his will. Unfortunately, there are no subsequent probate records which reveal the date that this will was proved ,or that provide an inventory and appraisal, in order to confirm if his wife Elizabeth had another child. The fact that only Christopher Reynolds, Jr., and Abbatha Reynolds appear to have been over age sixteen and that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., had two sons under age sixteen and two daughters under age fifteen, indicates that Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, was young enough to have been pregnant.
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Based on the ages of his children who were under age sixteen, Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have married about 1637, which is fifteen years after he immigrated to Colonial Virginia and two years after he transported nine servants to the colony. According to Chris: Reinholds' age, i.e. twenty four in 1635, it is possible that his wife Elizabeth, was one of the three young woman named Elizabeth whom he transported to Virginia aboard the Speedwell. Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have been age twenty six in 1637. This information suggests that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have been previously married with Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, and Abbatha Reynolds, born about 1634, having been the children of a previous wife who died prior to 1637.
Notice that the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists an heir named George Rivers, who appears to have been a step son. In the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s son John Reynolds, which is listed below, John refers to George Rivers as his brother: 11 Mar 1668, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 62: Will of John Reynolds, Legacy: my [step] brother George Rivers; brother Richard; sister Jane; [step] sister Elizabeth Rivers; to Robert Driver; to Elizabeth River's daughter Mary; to my sister Elizabeth Jordan a bill of Robert Clothier's, at her decease to her son Richard Jordan. Recorded 3 May 1669. Witnesses: Anselm Baylic, William Bradshaw (Doc.#132c). The fact that John Reynolds refers to George Rivers as his brother, indicates that George was a step brother, i.e. the son of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to a Mr. Rivers.
Unless we compare the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., with the will of his son John Reynolds, it is unclear from Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will how George Rivers was related. Contrary to the will abstract listed above, the actual will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. does not refer to "George River's unborn child" as listed erroneously in the above will abstract. The individual who abstracted this will information appears to have confused the following information in the original will: "And I give to George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old." The reference to George Rivers is a separate item in the will and it appears to be unrelated to the item in regards to the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. Though The Robert Reynolds Family web-site lists Christopher's wife as "Elizabeth Matthews Rivers," (Doc.#140) other than the listing of Anthony Matthews as a witness to the will of Christopher Reynolds, there is no documentation in the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., to support the maiden name of Matthews for his wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to Mr. Rivers.
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William Glasgow Reynolds stated that Christopher married as her 2nd husband Elizabeth Matthews, whose first husband had been George Rivers, by whom she had a son, George. By Christopher Elizabeth had daughters Abbasha, Jane, and Elizabeth who later married Richard Jordan. She also had four additional sons: Christopher, John, Richard, and a posthumous child whom Christopher referred to in his Will as "the child my beloved wife now goeth with." This son was named Thomas.
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Occasionally, a will lists children in the order of their birth. According to the order in which Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists his children in his will, they were actually born as follows: 1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632; 2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634; 3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, married Richard Jordan, Sr., in 1654; 4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County; 5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642; 6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644. Since Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will lists sons first, then daughters, from the order of the listing of his daughters, the apparent gap in years between Christopher Reynolds, Jr. and his brothers, the approximate age of Elizabeth and Jane who were under age fifteen and the date of marriage for his daughter Elizabeth who married Richard Jordan in 1654, we have calculated and inserted the daughter's birth years as listed above.
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According to Isle of Wight County records and the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., he had the following children:
1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Richard Jordan about 1653/1654
4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County
5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Elizabeth Sharpe, daughter of Richard Sharpe, Sr. Richard Reynolds, Sr., died testate in 1712 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia.
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Christopher Reynolds' name appears on a post-massacre muster of living inhabitants at Waresquoack taken 16 Feb 1623. List of names of persons living in Virginia, 16 Feb 1623, set forth in Hotten Lists of Emigrants to America 1600--1700, p. 169 et seq.
Christopher Reynolds name appears on page 181 as a survivor at Warwick Squrake Records of the Virginia Company of London, III, par ii, p. 50a.
Waresquoack Plantation was located in the vicinity of present day Smithfield, Virginia.
16 Feb 1623, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Chr. Reinholds [Christopher Reynolds] was among 33 inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia (Doc.#131v):
John Batt, Henry Pinffe, Wassell Weblin, Anthony Read, Frances Woodson, Henry Phillips, Peter Collins, Chr. Reinold's, Edward Mabin, John Maldman, Thomas Collins, George Rushmore, Thomas Spencer, George Clarke, Rich. Bartlett, Frances Anthony, Franse, Margrett, negroes; John Bennett, Nicholas Skinner, John Atkins, John Pollentin, Margrett Pollentin, Mary, a maid, Henry Woodward, Thomas Sawyer, Thomas, a boye. Total 33, including 4 negroes (Doc.#131v,169a.
7 Feb 1624, The Original Lists of Person of Quality by John Camden Hotten, p. 241; Christopher Reynolds' is listed in a muster of Edward Bennetts servants in Wariscoyacke. There were twelve servants, two of whom were Negroes. Similar to the 1623 census, this muster lists that Christopher Reynolds immigrated to Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622 (Doc.#189a.
Robert A. Reynolds, a member of the Reynolds Family Association lists the following: "Shortly after the 1624 muster, the Virginia Council dispatched Edward Bennett to London to seek a Colonial monopoly for Virginia in the tobacco trade with England. Christopher accompanied him and remained as his secretary during the time it took Mr. Bennett to secure the monopoly (W.G. Reynolds: Boddie, 17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia, p. 38)." Though the information about dispatching Edward Bennett to England corresponds with the reference to Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, pp. 36-38, nowhere in that history does it list Christopher Reynolds as the secretary of Edward Bennett.
25 Feb 1625, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Christopher Reynolds listed in a muster of the inhabitants of Wariscoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia, who were servants of Mr. Edward Bennett (Doc.#131v)
1625 - Total inhabitants of Virginia - 1,095. Muster of the Inhabitants at Wariscoyack, Virginia, Taken 7 Feb 1625. The Muster of Mr. Edward Bennetts Servants.
Henry Pinke came in the London Marchannt 1619, John Bate in the Addam 1621, Peter Collins in the Addam 1621, Wassell Webbling, Antonio, a negro, in the James 1621, Christopher Reynold's, Luke Chappman, Edward Maybank, in the John & Francis 1622, John Attkins, William Denum, Francis Banks, in the Guifte 1623, Mary, a negro woman, in the Margrett & John 1622 (Doc.#162a)
This muster reveals that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., began residing in Warrosquyoake County within a year after arriving in the Colony of Virginia. Since he was a servant or "employee" of Mr. Edward Bennett, who owned a large amount of land in Warrosquyoake County, it appears he originally settled in the Warrosquyoake settlement which was located on the Pagan River. Christopher Reynolds, Sr., or his family may have known Edward Bennett and resided in the same general area of England prior to emigrating to Virginia as one of Mr. Bennetts servants. Further research into the origins of Edward Bennett and his servants may allow us to confirm Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s place of origin in England.
13 Mar 1625/6, Minutes of the Council and General Court of Virginia, 2nd Edition, published in 1979, Richmond, Edited by H.R. McIlwaine; Before the General Court at Jamestown, Virginia: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years."
Notice the spelling of Christophers name in this deposition: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years." Notice that it is an unusual spelling for the Reynolds surname which no doubt many previous researchers had not discovered.
However, it is interesting to note that according to this deposition, Christopher Reynolds appears to have been able to read. This indicates that he received some education. If this was the same Christopher Reynolds who was born in 1611, i.e. age twenty four when he transported nine servants to Virginia aboard the Speedwell in 1635, then he would have been age fourteen or fifteen when he provided this deposition. Provided that Christopher Reynolds was also bound to Edward Bennett for four years of indentured service, from the date of his original arrival in Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant would have fulfilled his indentured service sometime in 1626/7. However, it is possible that he was obligated for a period longer than four years.
16 Mar 1634/5, Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, Vol. XVIII, Virginia Gleanings in England, p. 308; Christopher Reynolds, son of George Reynolds deceased and brother of Anne Reynolds listed as kinsmen in Will of Henry Hobson of City of Bristol, Inn Holder (Doc.#173a-c)
According to the notes accompanying the publication of this Will, Henry Hobson was a Mayor of Bristol, England. His grandson, Miles Cary, was the emigrant to Virginia. Though there is no direct connection to Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant of Isle of Wight County, listed in this Will, the name pattern of a Christopher Reynolds listed as the son of George Reynolds is intriguing when compared with the information on the Reynolds families of Gravesend in County Kent and London. Hence, additional research could be conducted in the records of Bristol in order to ascertain if there is a connection between Christopher Reynolds, Sr., of Isle of Wight and the Reynolds families of Bristol.
21 Dec 1634, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 531, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds of Warwickqueak [Warrosquyoake County] obtained 100 acre patent from Robert Sabine of Warrisquick (Warrosquyoake County) Bay, Witnesses: Robert Cramporne and Thomas Coarkman (as shown in the deed of Wassell Webling and George Fawdon from Justinian Cooper and wife) (Doc.#131ac, 135b)
This is the first record of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtaining land in Virginia. From the year of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s arrival in Virginia in 1622, it was twelve years later in 1634 before he purchased land. This information and the information above appears to confirm that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant, was an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. This also appears to support the theory that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally immigrated to Colonial Virginia as an eleven year old child, who was possibly an orphan, in 1622. As listed below, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant appears to have sold this land five years later: 1 May 1639, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds sold 100 acre patent in Warrisquack [Warwicke Squeake or Warrosquyoake] Bay to Peter Hull [Hill], Witnesses: John Spackman and John Oliver (Doc.#131ac, 135b). In a patent issued to John Mungoe (Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 7, p. 417), dated 21 Oct 1684 which is listed below, it lists that this 100 hundred acres which Robert Sabine originally sold to Christopher Reynolds on 21 Dec 1634, was located on the south side of Hutchinsons Creek: 21 Oct 1684, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 4, p. 417; Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight County, Virginia listed as having bought land from Robert Sabine on 21 Dec 1634, 100 acres located on the south side of Hutchison's Creek, which Christopher Reynolds then sold to Peter Hill/Hull on 1 May 1639.
According to John Camden Hottens' list of immigrants aboard the Speedwell, which arrived in 1635, there is a listing for "Chris. Reinhold, 24," which could have been the same individual as Christopher Reynolds, Sr., who arrived in 1622 aboard the John & Francis as listed above. Richard Reynolds, a Reynolds family genealogist, has proposed that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., returned to England and then brought nine servants back to Virginia. The following is a transcription of the original ship manifest and passenger ship list for the Speedwell:
28 May 1635
The under-written names are to be transported to Virginia imbarqued in the Speedwell of London JO: Chappell Mr: being examined by the Minister of Gravesend of their conformitie to the orders & discipline of the Church of England & have taken the oath of Allegeance.
[Chri: Reinolds group]
Kathryn Richard's...19
Marie Sedgwick.....20
Elizabeth Biggs......10
Dorothie Wyncott..40
Ann Wyncott..........16
Phillipp Biggs.........6 mo.
Elizabeth Pew.........20
Francis Langworth..25
Chri: Reinholds.......24
Abram Poore..........20
Elizabeth Tuttell.....25
(Doc.#161a)
It is interesting to note that the majority of these passengers were woman, most of them in their early twenties. The only two males are listed as Christopher Reinholds/Reynolds and a six month old child named Phillipp Biggs. Phillip may have been the younger brother of Elizabeth Biggs, age ten, both of whom appear to have been orphans. As indicated throughout this report, the Biggs families resided in the same area as the Reynolds families in Isle of Wight County. The majority of these passengers aboard the Speedwell appear to have been brought to Virginia in order to provide wives to the men of the Warrosquyoake settlement. Notice that three of these females were named Elizabeth, i.e. the same given name listed as the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., in his will dated 1654 which is listed below. Hence, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have married one of these female passengers named Elizabeth.
Notice that the time period in which "Chri: Reinhold" and his group of nine servants/persons arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the Speedwell corresponds with the 450 acre patent that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the following year in Warrosquyoake County "for transporting nine servants" as listed below.
In 1636, Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore for transporting nine servants to the Virginia Colony:
15 Sep 1636, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 659; The Library of Virginia, Virginia Land Office Patents No. 1, 1623-1643, p.382; Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent "bounded with a back creek running eastward behind Pagan Shore some three miles upward, the land lying on the south side of the creek in Warrasquinoke [Warrosquyoake ] County for transporting 9 servants. (Doc.# 131w,131ay, 142h)
Warrasquinoke, also listed as Warrasquoyacke or Warrosquyoake, was a Colonial Virginia County which was originally formed in 1634. In 1637, the name was changed to Isle of Wight County. The article entitled Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight, Virginia, published by The Reynolds Family Association lists that Christopher Reynolds was born in 1611 at Gravesend, Kent County, England. The source of this birth year and place appears to have been the passenger list for the Speedwell which arrived in 1635 as listed above. Though the article further lists that they settled in "Warwick County, Virginia" (Doc.#144e-h), the records listed above reveal that Christopher Reynolds, Sr. was among the thirty three original inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia on 16 Feb 1623(Doc.#131v). Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s first purchase of land there occurred almost nine years later for 100 acres in Warrisquick [Warrosquyoake] Bay in 1634 in the newly formed Warrosquyoake County. On 15 Sep 1636, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore or Pagan Creek in Warrosquyoake County which subsequently became Isle of Wight County in 1637. This information confirms that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally settled in Mr. Edward Bennet's Warrosquyoake Bay settlement in Warrosquyoake County, not in Warrick [River] County.
The fact that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was responsible for transporting nine servants to Virginia indicates that he was a successful tobacco planter of Colonial Virginia. As were most individuals who resided in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will and the deeds listed below confirm that he was a prosperous tobacco planter. As was the custom in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the above patent for 450 acres as compensation for bringing nine servants to the rapidly growing tobacco economy in the Colony of Virginia.
As indicated above, the Pagan Shore referred to in this land patent appears to refer to that portion of the Pagan River where it is joined by the Cypress Creek tributary in the area of modern day Smithfield Town (Map-Doc.#160). According to the following deeds, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., and his descendants occupied this property for several generations.
26 Aug 1637, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 1, p. 473; Nicholas Reynolds obtained a patent for 1000 acres lying on Lawnes Creek (Doc.#156a)
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1 May 1654, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 521, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 46; Will of Christopher Reynolds [Christopher Reynolds, Sr.], planter: to son Christopher [Christopher Reynolds, Jr.] land that Richard Jordan liveth on. To son John [John Reynolds] land near swamp when he is 21. To son Richard [Richard Reynolds, Sr.], land I live on when 21. My daughter Abbasha, I have given her a portion already. To daughter Elizabeth, cattle. Daughter Jane. To George Rivers unborn child, 1 heifer. To child wife goeth with. Wife Elizabeth to be executrix and bring up John and Richard, my sons until they are age 16. Teste, Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. (Doc.#131ab, 132b, 138c)
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Though the above Will abstract for Christopher Reynolds, Sr., is useful, it is not complete. Portions of it are inaccurate when compared with the original will as noted below. The original will, as recorded in Isle of Wight County Will Bk. 1, p. 46, reads as follows:
In the name of God, Amen. The first day of May 1654. I Christopher Reynolds [Sr.] of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia, planter, being healthful in body and sound in mind & memory make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth. First, I give and bequeath my soul unto the hands of God my Creator and Maker and my body to be buried in sure and certain hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life through the only merit and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my only Savior and Redeemer. Impremis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan [son-in-law who married daughter Elizabeth Reynolds] now liveth upon. And I give unto my son John, all my lands on the northerly side of the Freshest Swamp, and one cow, and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And unto my son Richard, I give all my land I now liveth upon and one cow and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And my daughter Abbasha, I have give her a portion already which was two cows and two calves. And I give unto my daughter Elizabeth one heifer of two years old besides the stock I gave her formerly. And unto my daughter Jane I give one cow and one yearling heifer. And I give to [step son] George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old. And if any of my children dye my will is that the other should succeed what estate they leave. And unto Elizabeth my loving wife, I give all the rest of my estate both goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable and debts that are due to me from any person or persons whatsoever and my two servants she paying all my debts truly and justly. And I do constitute and ordain Elizabeth my loving wife my whole and sole Executrix. And my will is that my wife Elizabeth shall have the ordering and bringing up John and Richard my sons until they be sixteen years of age, and Elizabeth and Jane until they be fifteen years of age. In witness whereof I Christopher Reynolds do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Signed: Christ. Reynolds
Witnesseses: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews
Isle of Wight County, Virginia Wills, Bk. 1, pp.46-8, (Doc.#148, 170a-b)
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As indicated above, the will declaration that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was a planter confirms that he was a successful tobacco planter in Colonial Virginia. His 450 acre plantation, which he received for transporting nine servants to Colonial Virginia, remained in the family for many generations as witnessed by the deed descriptions listed below in Isle of Wight County records.
The portion of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will which lists "And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old" is interpreted by many to indicate that Christopher's wife was pregnant at the time he made out his will. Unfortunately, there are no subsequent probate records which reveal the date that this will was proved ,or that provide an inventory and appraisal, in order to confirm if his wife Elizabeth had another child. The fact that only Christopher Reynolds, Jr., and Abbatha Reynolds appear to have been over age sixteen and that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., had two sons under age sixteen and two daughters under age fifteen, indicates that Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, was young enough to have been pregnant.
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Based on the ages of his children who were under age sixteen, Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have married about 1637, which is fifteen years after he immigrated to Colonial Virginia and two years after he transported nine servants to the colony. According to Chris: Reinholds' age, i.e. twenty four in 1635, it is possible that his wife Elizabeth, was one of the three young woman named Elizabeth whom he transported to Virginia aboard the Speedwell. Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have been age twenty six in 1637. This information suggests that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have been previously married with Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, and Abbatha Reynolds, born about 1634, having been the children of a previous wife who died prior to 1637.
Notice that the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists an heir named George Rivers, who appears to have been a step son. In the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s son John Reynolds, which is listed below, John refers to George Rivers as his brother: 11 Mar 1668, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 62: Will of John Reynolds, Legacy: my [step] brother George Rivers; brother Richard; sister Jane; [step] sister Elizabeth Rivers; to Robert Driver; to Elizabeth River's daughter Mary; to my sister Elizabeth Jordan a bill of Robert Clothier's, at her decease to her son Richard Jordan. Recorded 3 May 1669. Witnesses: Anselm Baylic, William Bradshaw (Doc.#132c). The fact that John Reynolds refers to George Rivers as his brother, indicates that George was a step brother, i.e. the son of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to a Mr. Rivers.
Unless we compare the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., with the will of his son John Reynolds, it is unclear from Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will how George Rivers was related. Contrary to the will abstract listed above, the actual will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. does not refer to "George River's unborn child" as listed erroneously in the above will abstract. The individual who abstracted this will information appears to have confused the following information in the original will: "And I give to George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old." The reference to George Rivers is a separate item in the will and it appears to be unrelated to the item in regards to the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. Though The Robert Reynolds Family web-site lists Christopher's wife as "Elizabeth Matthews Rivers," (Doc.#140) other than the listing of Anthony Matthews as a witness to the will of Christopher Reynolds, there is no documentation in the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., to support the maiden name of Matthews for his wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to Mr. Rivers.
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William Glasgow Reynolds stated that Christopher married as her 2nd husband Elizabeth Matthews, whose first husband had been George Rivers, by whom she had a son, George. By Christopher Elizabeth had daughters Abbasha, Jane, and Elizabeth who later married Richard Jordan. She also had four additional sons: Christopher, John, Richard, and a posthumous child whom Christopher referred to in his Will as "the child my beloved wife now goeth with." This son was named Thomas.
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Occasionally, a will lists children in the order of their birth. According to the order in which Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists his children in his will, they were actually born as follows: 1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632; 2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634; 3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, married Richard Jordan, Sr., in 1654; 4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County; 5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642; 6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644. Since Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will lists sons first, then daughters, from the order of the listing of his daughters, the apparent gap in years between Christopher Reynolds, Jr. and his brothers, the approximate age of Elizabeth and Jane who were under age fifteen and the date of marriage for his daughter Elizabeth who married Richard Jordan in 1654, we have calculated and inserted the daughter's birth years as listed above.
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According to Isle of Wight County records and the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., he had the following children:
1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Richard Jordan about 1653/1654
4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County
5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Elizabeth Sharpe, daughter of Richard Sharpe, Sr. Richard Reynolds, Sr., died testate in 1712 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia.
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Christopher Reynolds name appears on page 181 as a survivor at Warwick Squrake Records of the Virginia Company of London, III, par ii, p. 50a.
Waresquoack Plantation was located in the vicinity of present day Smithfield, Virginia.
16 Feb 1623, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Chr. Reinholds [Christopher Reynolds] was among 33 inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia (Doc.#131v):
John Batt, Henry Pinffe, Wassell Weblin, Anthony Read, Frances Woodson, Henry Phillips, Peter Collins, Chr. Reinold's, Edward Mabin, John Maldman, Thomas Collins, George Rushmore, Thomas Spencer, George Clarke, Rich. Bartlett, Frances Anthony, Franse, Margrett, negroes; John Bennett, Nicholas Skinner, John Atkins, John Pollentin, Margrett Pollentin, Mary, a maid, Henry Woodward, Thomas Sawyer, Thomas, a boye. Total 33, including 4 negroes (Doc.#131v,169a.
7 Feb 1624, The Original Lists of Person of Quality by John Camden Hotten, p. 241; Christopher Reynolds' is listed in a muster of Edward Bennetts servants in Wariscoyacke. There were twelve servants, two of whom were Negroes. Similar to the 1623 census, this muster lists that Christopher Reynolds immigrated to Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622 (Doc.#189a.
Robert A. Reynolds, a member of the Reynolds Family Association lists the following: "Shortly after the 1624 muster, the Virginia Council dispatched Edward Bennett to London to seek a Colonial monopoly for Virginia in the tobacco trade with England. Christopher accompanied him and remained as his secretary during the time it took Mr. Bennett to secure the monopoly (W.G. Reynolds: Boddie, 17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia, p. 38)." Though the information about dispatching Edward Bennett to England corresponds with the reference to Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, pp. 36-38, nowhere in that history does it list Christopher Reynolds as the secretary of Edward Bennett.
25 Feb 1625, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 37, Christopher Reynolds listed in a muster of the inhabitants of Wariscoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia, who were servants of Mr. Edward Bennett (Doc.#131v)
1625 - Total inhabitants of Virginia - 1,095. Muster of the Inhabitants at Wariscoyack, Virginia, Taken 7 Feb 1625. The Muster of Mr. Edward Bennetts Servants.
Henry Pinke came in the London Marchannt 1619, John Bate in the Addam 1621, Peter Collins in the Addam 1621, Wassell Webbling, Antonio, a negro, in the James 1621, Christopher Reynold's, Luke Chappman, Edward Maybank, in the John & Francis 1622, John Attkins, William Denum, Francis Banks, in the Guifte 1623, Mary, a negro woman, in the Margrett & John 1622 (Doc.#162a)
This muster reveals that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., began residing in Warrosquyoake County within a year after arriving in the Colony of Virginia. Since he was a servant or "employee" of Mr. Edward Bennett, who owned a large amount of land in Warrosquyoake County, it appears he originally settled in the Warrosquyoake settlement which was located on the Pagan River. Christopher Reynolds, Sr., or his family may have known Edward Bennett and resided in the same general area of England prior to emigrating to Virginia as one of Mr. Bennetts servants. Further research into the origins of Edward Bennett and his servants may allow us to confirm Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s place of origin in England.
13 Mar 1625/6, Minutes of the Council and General Court of Virginia, 2nd Edition, published in 1979, Richmond, Edited by H.R. McIlwaine; Before the General Court at Jamestown, Virginia: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years."
Notice the spelling of Christophers name in this deposition: "Christopher Reighnalls, sworne and examined sayeth that he did see and read Peter Collins indenture and that he was bound to serve Mr. Bennett four years." Notice that it is an unusual spelling for the Reynolds surname which no doubt many previous researchers had not discovered.
However, it is interesting to note that according to this deposition, Christopher Reynolds appears to have been able to read. This indicates that he received some education. If this was the same Christopher Reynolds who was born in 1611, i.e. age twenty four when he transported nine servants to Virginia aboard the Speedwell in 1635, then he would have been age fourteen or fifteen when he provided this deposition. Provided that Christopher Reynolds was also bound to Edward Bennett for four years of indentured service, from the date of his original arrival in Virginia aboard the John & Francis in 1622, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant would have fulfilled his indentured service sometime in 1626/7. However, it is possible that he was obligated for a period longer than four years.
16 Mar 1634/5, Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, Vol. XVIII, Virginia Gleanings in England, p. 308; Christopher Reynolds, son of George Reynolds deceased and brother of Anne Reynolds listed as kinsmen in Will of Henry Hobson of City of Bristol, Inn Holder (Doc.#173a-c)
According to the notes accompanying the publication of this Will, Henry Hobson was a Mayor of Bristol, England. His grandson, Miles Cary, was the emigrant to Virginia. Though there is no direct connection to Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant of Isle of Wight County, listed in this Will, the name pattern of a Christopher Reynolds listed as the son of George Reynolds is intriguing when compared with the information on the Reynolds families of Gravesend in County Kent and London. Hence, additional research could be conducted in the records of Bristol in order to ascertain if there is a connection between Christopher Reynolds, Sr., of Isle of Wight and the Reynolds families of Bristol.
21 Dec 1634, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 531, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds of Warwickqueak [Warrosquyoake County] obtained 100 acre patent from Robert Sabine of Warrisquick (Warrosquyoake County) Bay, Witnesses: Robert Cramporne and Thomas Coarkman (as shown in the deed of Wassell Webling and George Fawdon from Justinian Cooper and wife) (Doc.#131ac, 135b)
This is the first record of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtaining land in Virginia. From the year of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s arrival in Virginia in 1622, it was twelve years later in 1634 before he purchased land. This information and the information above appears to confirm that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant, was an indentured servant of Mr. Edward Bennett. This also appears to support the theory that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally immigrated to Colonial Virginia as an eleven year old child, who was possibly an orphan, in 1622. As listed below, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., the immigrant appears to have sold this land five years later: 1 May 1639, Isle of Wight County Deeds, Bk. A, p.103; Christopher Reynolds sold 100 acre patent in Warrisquack [Warwicke Squeake or Warrosquyoake] Bay to Peter Hull [Hill], Witnesses: John Spackman and John Oliver (Doc.#131ac, 135b). In a patent issued to John Mungoe (Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 7, p. 417), dated 21 Oct 1684 which is listed below, it lists that this 100 hundred acres which Robert Sabine originally sold to Christopher Reynolds on 21 Dec 1634, was located on the south side of Hutchinsons Creek: 21 Oct 1684, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 4, p. 417; Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight County, Virginia listed as having bought land from Robert Sabine on 21 Dec 1634, 100 acres located on the south side of Hutchison's Creek, which Christopher Reynolds then sold to Peter Hill/Hull on 1 May 1639.
According to John Camden Hottens' list of immigrants aboard the Speedwell, which arrived in 1635, there is a listing for "Chris. Reinhold, 24," which could have been the same individual as Christopher Reynolds, Sr., who arrived in 1622 aboard the John & Francis as listed above. Richard Reynolds, a Reynolds family genealogist, has proposed that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., returned to England and then brought nine servants back to Virginia. The following is a transcription of the original ship manifest and passenger ship list for the Speedwell:
28 May 1635
The under-written names are to be transported to Virginia imbarqued in the Speedwell of London JO: Chappell Mr: being examined by the Minister of Gravesend of their conformitie to the orders & discipline of the Church of England & have taken the oath of Allegeance.
[Chri: Reinolds group]
Kathryn Richard's...19
Marie Sedgwick.....20
Elizabeth Biggs......10
Dorothie Wyncott..40
Ann Wyncott..........16
Phillipp Biggs.........6 mo.
Elizabeth Pew.........20
Francis Langworth..25
Chri: Reinholds.......24
Abram Poore..........20
Elizabeth Tuttell.....25
(Doc.#161a)
It is interesting to note that the majority of these passengers were woman, most of them in their early twenties. The only two males are listed as Christopher Reinholds/Reynolds and a six month old child named Phillipp Biggs. Phillip may have been the younger brother of Elizabeth Biggs, age ten, both of whom appear to have been orphans. As indicated throughout this report, the Biggs families resided in the same area as the Reynolds families in Isle of Wight County. The majority of these passengers aboard the Speedwell appear to have been brought to Virginia in order to provide wives to the men of the Warrosquyoake settlement. Notice that three of these females were named Elizabeth, i.e. the same given name listed as the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., in his will dated 1654 which is listed below. Hence, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have married one of these female passengers named Elizabeth.
Notice that the time period in which "Chri: Reinhold" and his group of nine servants/persons arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the Speedwell corresponds with the 450 acre patent that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the following year in Warrosquyoake County "for transporting nine servants" as listed below.
In 1636, Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore for transporting nine servants to the Virginia Colony:
15 Sep 1636, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 659; The Library of Virginia, Virginia Land Office Patents No. 1, 1623-1643, p.382; Christopher Reynolds obtained a 450 acre patent "bounded with a back creek running eastward behind Pagan Shore some three miles upward, the land lying on the south side of the creek in Warrasquinoke [Warrosquyoake ] County for transporting 9 servants. (Doc.# 131w,131ay, 142h)
Warrasquinoke, also listed as Warrasquoyacke or Warrosquyoake, was a Colonial Virginia County which was originally formed in 1634. In 1637, the name was changed to Isle of Wight County. The article entitled Christopher Reynolds of Isle of Wight, Virginia, published by The Reynolds Family Association lists that Christopher Reynolds was born in 1611 at Gravesend, Kent County, England. The source of this birth year and place appears to have been the passenger list for the Speedwell which arrived in 1635 as listed above. Though the article further lists that they settled in "Warwick County, Virginia" (Doc.#144e-h), the records listed above reveal that Christopher Reynolds, Sr. was among the thirty three original inhabitants listed in a census for Warrascoyack [Warrosquyoake County], Virginia on 16 Feb 1623(Doc.#131v). Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s first purchase of land there occurred almost nine years later for 100 acres in Warrisquick [Warrosquyoake] Bay in 1634 in the newly formed Warrosquyoake County. On 15 Sep 1636, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., obtained a 450 acre patent on the waters of Pagan Shore or Pagan Creek in Warrosquyoake County which subsequently became Isle of Wight County in 1637. This information confirms that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., originally settled in Mr. Edward Bennet's Warrosquyoake Bay settlement in Warrosquyoake County, not in Warrick [River] County.
The fact that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was responsible for transporting nine servants to Virginia indicates that he was a successful tobacco planter of Colonial Virginia. As were most individuals who resided in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will and the deeds listed below confirm that he was a prosperous tobacco planter. As was the custom in Colonial Virginia, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., received the above patent for 450 acres as compensation for bringing nine servants to the rapidly growing tobacco economy in the Colony of Virginia.
As indicated above, the Pagan Shore referred to in this land patent appears to refer to that portion of the Pagan River where it is joined by the Cypress Creek tributary in the area of modern day Smithfield Town (Map-Doc.#160). According to the following deeds, Christopher Reynolds, Sr., and his descendants occupied this property for several generations.
26 Aug 1637, Virginia Land Office Patents, Bk. 1, p. 473; Nicholas Reynolds obtained a patent for 1000 acres lying on Lawnes Creek (Doc.#156a)
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1 May 1654, Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia, by John B. Boddie, p. 521, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 46; Will of Christopher Reynolds [Christopher Reynolds, Sr.], planter: to son Christopher [Christopher Reynolds, Jr.] land that Richard Jordan liveth on. To son John [John Reynolds] land near swamp when he is 21. To son Richard [Richard Reynolds, Sr.], land I live on when 21. My daughter Abbasha, I have given her a portion already. To daughter Elizabeth, cattle. Daughter Jane. To George Rivers unborn child, 1 heifer. To child wife goeth with. Wife Elizabeth to be executrix and bring up John and Richard, my sons until they are age 16. Teste, Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews. (Doc.#131ab, 132b, 138c)
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Though the above Will abstract for Christopher Reynolds, Sr., is useful, it is not complete. Portions of it are inaccurate when compared with the original will as noted below. The original will, as recorded in Isle of Wight County Will Bk. 1, p. 46, reads as follows:
In the name of God, Amen. The first day of May 1654. I Christopher Reynolds [Sr.] of the Isle of Wight County in Virginia, planter, being healthful in body and sound in mind & memory make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth. First, I give and bequeath my soul unto the hands of God my Creator and Maker and my body to be buried in sure and certain hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life through the only merit and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my only Savior and Redeemer. Impremis: I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher Reynolds [Jr.] all my land on the southerly side of the Freshest swamp that Richard Jordan [son-in-law who married daughter Elizabeth Reynolds] now liveth upon. And I give unto my son John, all my lands on the northerly side of the Freshest Swamp, and one cow, and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And unto my son Richard, I give all my land I now liveth upon and one cow and he to enjoy the said land at Twenty one years of age. And my daughter Abbasha, I have give her a portion already which was two cows and two calves. And I give unto my daughter Elizabeth one heifer of two years old besides the stock I gave her formerly. And unto my daughter Jane I give one cow and one yearling heifer. And I give to [step son] George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old. And if any of my children dye my will is that the other should succeed what estate they leave. And unto Elizabeth my loving wife, I give all the rest of my estate both goods and chattels moveable and unmoveable and debts that are due to me from any person or persons whatsoever and my two servants she paying all my debts truly and justly. And I do constitute and ordain Elizabeth my loving wife my whole and sole Executrix. And my will is that my wife Elizabeth shall have the ordering and bringing up John and Richard my sons until they be sixteen years of age, and Elizabeth and Jane until they be fifteen years of age. In witness whereof I Christopher Reynolds do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
Signed: Christ. Reynolds
Witnesseses: Sylvester Bullen, Anthony Matthews
Isle of Wight County, Virginia Wills, Bk. 1, pp.46-8, (Doc.#148, 170a-b)
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As indicated above, the will declaration that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., was a planter confirms that he was a successful tobacco planter in Colonial Virginia. His 450 acre plantation, which he received for transporting nine servants to Colonial Virginia, remained in the family for many generations as witnessed by the deed descriptions listed below in Isle of Wight County records.
The portion of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will which lists "And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old" is interpreted by many to indicate that Christopher's wife was pregnant at the time he made out his will. Unfortunately, there are no subsequent probate records which reveal the date that this will was proved ,or that provide an inventory and appraisal, in order to confirm if his wife Elizabeth had another child. The fact that only Christopher Reynolds, Jr., and Abbatha Reynolds appear to have been over age sixteen and that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., had two sons under age sixteen and two daughters under age fifteen, indicates that Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, was young enough to have been pregnant.
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Based on the ages of his children who were under age sixteen, Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have married about 1637, which is fifteen years after he immigrated to Colonial Virginia and two years after he transported nine servants to the colony. According to Chris: Reinholds' age, i.e. twenty four in 1635, it is possible that his wife Elizabeth, was one of the three young woman named Elizabeth whom he transported to Virginia aboard the Speedwell. Christopher Reynolds, Sr. would have been age twenty six in 1637. This information suggests that Christopher Reynolds, Sr., may have been previously married with Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, and Abbatha Reynolds, born about 1634, having been the children of a previous wife who died prior to 1637.
Notice that the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists an heir named George Rivers, who appears to have been a step son. In the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s son John Reynolds, which is listed below, John refers to George Rivers as his brother: 11 Mar 1668, Isle of Wight County Wills and Administrations, Bk. 1, p. 62: Will of John Reynolds, Legacy: my [step] brother George Rivers; brother Richard; sister Jane; [step] sister Elizabeth Rivers; to Robert Driver; to Elizabeth River's daughter Mary; to my sister Elizabeth Jordan a bill of Robert Clothier's, at her decease to her son Richard Jordan. Recorded 3 May 1669. Witnesses: Anselm Baylic, William Bradshaw (Doc.#132c). The fact that John Reynolds refers to George Rivers as his brother, indicates that George was a step brother, i.e. the son of Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to a Mr. Rivers.
Unless we compare the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., with the will of his son John Reynolds, it is unclear from Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will how George Rivers was related. Contrary to the will abstract listed above, the actual will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. does not refer to "George River's unborn child" as listed erroneously in the above will abstract. The individual who abstracted this will information appears to have confused the following information in the original will: "And I give to George Rivers one yearling heifer. And I give unto the child my wife now goeth with if it lives two cows to enjoy them at three years old." The reference to George Rivers is a separate item in the will and it appears to be unrelated to the item in regards to the wife of Christopher Reynolds, Sr. Though The Robert Reynolds Family web-site lists Christopher's wife as "Elizabeth Matthews Rivers," (Doc.#140) other than the listing of Anthony Matthews as a witness to the will of Christopher Reynolds, there is no documentation in the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., to support the maiden name of Matthews for his wife, Elizabeth, who was previously married to Mr. Rivers.
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William Glasgow Reynolds stated that Christopher married as her 2nd husband Elizabeth Matthews, whose first husband had been George Rivers, by whom she had a son, George. By Christopher Elizabeth had daughters Abbasha, Jane, and Elizabeth who later married Richard Jordan. She also had four additional sons: Christopher, John, Richard, and a posthumous child whom Christopher referred to in his Will as "the child my beloved wife now goeth with." This son was named Thomas.
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Occasionally, a will lists children in the order of their birth. According to the order in which Christopher Reynolds, Sr., lists his children in his will, they were actually born as follows: 1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632; 2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634; 3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, married Richard Jordan, Sr., in 1654; 4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County; 5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642; 6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644. Since Christopher Reynolds, Sr.'s will lists sons first, then daughters, from the order of the listing of his daughters, the apparent gap in years between Christopher Reynolds, Jr. and his brothers, the approximate age of Elizabeth and Jane who were under age fifteen and the date of marriage for his daughter Elizabeth who married Richard Jordan in 1654, we have calculated and inserted the daughter's birth years as listed above.
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According to Isle of Wight County records and the will of Christopher Reynolds, Sr., he had the following children:
1) Christopher Reynolds, Jr., born about 1632, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
2) Abbasha Reynolds, born about 1634, Warrosquyoake Bay, Warrosquyoake, Virginia
3) Elizabeth Reynolds, born about 1638, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Richard Jordan about 1653/1654
4) John Reynolds, born about 1640, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, will dated 11 Mar 1668 and proved on 3 May 1669 in Isle of Wight County
5) Richard Reynolds, Sr., born about 1642, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia, married Elizabeth Sharpe, daughter of Richard Sharpe, Sr. Richard Reynolds, Sr., died testate in 1712 in Newport Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia
6) Jane Reynolds, born about 1644, Cypress Creek & Pagan River, Warrosquyoake, Virginia.
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