Document Index. The Family of Edward and Anne ffrowan Sermoner: Part I England, Virginia, and Maryland

Transcription

1 SIRMON FAMILY DOCUMENTATION The Pulpit Article Researchers PDF Document Format Note: An earlier version of this article appeared in the fall 2003 issue of The Pulpit. The Pulpit is published twice a year in England by some of our distant cousins. The authors of this article represent three different lines (Edward, Thomas, and John) going back to North Carolina. Circumstantial evidence says that all three lines descend from Edward and Anne Sermoner of Maryland. Document Index The Family of Edward and Anne ffrowan Sermoner: Part I England, Virginia, and Maryland The Family of Edward and Anne ffrowan Sermoner: Part II Descendants in Maryland Note: You may use the Adobe Reader controls to resize the document. The Document Index is designed with links which will transfer you to the selected location. You will note that the Adobe scroll hand will change to have a finger pointing at the index item. When the finger is pointing to the desired index item, click your mouse and your reader will move to the page containing the selected information.

2 MEMBERS ARTICLES The Family of Edward and Anne ffrowan Sermoner: Part I -- England, Virginia, and Maryland William A. Sirmon, Rita Bowen, William Hughes, and Jack & Audrey Sirman Preface The notation used by the The Pulpit to designate the S*rm*n family is excellent for the Edward Sermoner family in America. While in the early records there were many different spellings used for Sermoner Surnam, Shirman, Sherman, etc. there are several modern spellings Sirmon, Sirman, Sermon and others as well. Who the first S*rm*n was to come to this country, when he came, and where he came from are all questions that can meet only conjecture. Many, if not most, of the S*rm*ns found in the United States today can trace their lineage back through North Carolina to Edward Sermoner who was indentured in Virginia about This article is written with a dual purpose. First, it will attempt to chronicle what is known of the life of Edward Sermoner and his wife Anne ffrowan in Virginia and Maryland (Part I). Second, it will include their descendants through their great-grandchildren in Maryland (Part II). These descendants need to be in print so that other researchers may prove or disprove these relationships. We know that their descendants moved west to Kentucky and Ohio and we are reasonably sure that more moved south to North Carolina. From North Carolina they spread to South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and on westward. A postscript will be added in Part II to speculate on the movement of family members from Maryland to North Carolina in the middle 1700s. This movement needs documentation although much circumstantial evidence exists. Edward in England Edward Sermoner was born about 1638 possibly somewhere in the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire area of England. It would seem that he grew into a sturdy young boy under difficult circumstances. His early life was during the time of England s tumultuous Civil War, commonwealth and Protectorate Period of English history. At about the age of ten years, he was transported to Virginia. Nothing is known of his birth and early years in England. However, many questions can be posed. Who were his parents? Were his parents living when he left for Virginia? If not, did he travel with relatives or friends? Was he transported against his will? From our frame of reference in the present day, it seems most unusual that a ten-year-old would make the decision to make such a trip. At any rate, we can speculate that he probably left from Bristol as so many others did. Possibly it was because he was young and traveling with others that his surname was not listed as being Sermoner but that of the ones he was traveling with. This possibility would help explain why no record has been found of his travel from Bristol to Virginia. Edward in Virginia An excellent source for early immigrants to America is Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants , Abstracted and Indexed by Nell Marion Nugent, Volume One. This source will be used to document the arrival in America of both Edward Sermoner and Anne ffrowan, whom he would later marry. The earliest known record of Edward Sermoner in America helps to determine the date of his arrival. The record is found in Cavaliers and Pioneers. It appears that Edward Sermoner landed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia about Since an indenture for a period of four years was usually required for payment of transportation, land for his transportation would have been granted in On page 242 of Cavaliers and Pioneers (Volume One), data taken from Patent Book No. 3, we find the following record: WILLIAM COLBORNE, 350 acs. Northampton Co., at the head of Nuswattucks Cr., 4 Mar. 1652, p. 30. Bounded on the W. by land of Nicho. Waddilow, and on S. by main branch of sd. Cr. Trans. Of 7 pers: Howell Glading, Jon. Jones, Margt. Tillet, Joan Parrot, Tho Pitcher, Owen Wms., Edmd. Sermoner. A second entry on page 286 of the same source is given below: CHARLES SCARBURGH, the sonn of Edmond Scarburgh, 3050 acs. Northampton Co., 10 May 1652, p Beg. At first little branch of Pongoteque Cr. On the N. Side, etc. Trans. Of 61 pers., assigned him by his father: Rowland Evans, Edward Evans, John Jones, Margarett Tillett,... Jone Parrett, John Pitcher,... Hoell Gladeing,... Owen Williams, Edward Sermoner,... As can be seen from the two lists above, all seven persons on the William Colborne list are included in the list of sixty-one persons assigned to Charles Scarburgh by his father Edmond Scarburgh. It is known that some sponsors of immigrants would reuse the names of new immigrants so that they could receive additional acres of land. Also, given the reputation of Edmond Scarburgh, as presented in documents of the time period, it would seem that he was perfectly capable of performing such an act. Therefore, since the date of passage paid by William Colborne precedes that of Charles Scarburgh, it seems reasonable that there was one Edward Sermoner who entered Virginia about 1648, served his four year indenture, and land was received for payment of his passage in Page 2 of 8

3 Edward and the True Love There is an Edward Sermon found on page 138 (document page 193) in BRISTOL AND AMERICA, A Record of the First Settlers in the Colonies of North America , transcribed by R. Hargreaves-Mawdsley. Included in this publication is a list of names of more than 10,000 servants to foreign plantations who sailed from the port of Bristol, England, to Virginia, Maryland, and other parts of the Atlantic Coast. There is no indication of the specific travel dates in this publication. The list was compiled and published from records of the Corporation of the City of Bristol, England. The records are divided into two volumes: Vol. I, from 1654 to 1662; and, Vol. II, from 1663 to Later, The Bristol Registers of Servants Sent to Foreign Plantations, was published by Peter Wilson Coldham. Coldham used the same original data that Hargreaves-Mawdsley had used but ordered the data based on the dates of the original document. When comparing the results of the two approaches, one will find from the Coldham work that the Edward Sermon listed on page 138 of that work actually made the trip on 26 Sept Therefore, either the Edward who immigrated ca (1) made a return trip to England and then in some manner became attached to Marke Darte on the return trip, or (2) there are two Edwards, or (3) the records are incorrect. We have been unable to locate any additional information concerning this second Edward or his connection to Marke Darte. Furthermore, as noted below, Edward the immigrant received land in Maryland in 1662 and was married there in 1664 and had children born in 1666, 1668, and While we are unsure who the second Edward was, it would be highly improbable that he was the husband of Anne ffrowan. Anne ffrowan The other person of great importance to this story is Anne ffrowan, who became the wife of Edward Sermon. The first record of Anne is found in Bristol And America, A Record of the First Settlers in the Colonies of North America , compiled by R. Hargreaves-Mawdsley. The entry of special significance for this work is found on page 94 of Volume I. This entry states: (21 June 1662) [Page 494] William Arthur; destimation, Virginia.--ffrancis Yates; destination, Virginia.--Alexander Bevan; destination, Virginia.--William Rathwell; destination, Virginia.--Thomas Edwards; destination, Virginia.--Temperance Benum; destination, Virginia.--Thomas Lock; destination, Virginia.--John Thomas; destination, Virginia.--Stephen Austin; destination, Barbadoes.--Anne ffrowan; destination, Virginia.--John Estop; destination, Virginia.--William Harris; destination, Virginia Returning to the records found in Cavaliers and Pioneers (Volume One), we find on page 555, data taken from Patent Book No. 5, the following record for Anne ffrowan: MR. HENRY SMITH, 1700 acs. Accomack Co. nere branches of Pocomook Riv., 5 Apr. 1666, p. 501, (614). Bounded on W. by land of Col. Edmond Scarburgh & David Williamson, N. by land of Mr. Robt. Pitts & a br. of sd. Riv. & on S. by land of sd. Williamson. Trans. of 34 pers: Henry Smith, Phillip Smith, Wm. Hately, James Angle, Jno. Astope, Thomas Wheeler, Jno Higgs, David Hamleton, Martt. Ray, Eliz. Carter, Margtt. Fartree, Mary Jones, Edward Ludlow, Alice Hunt, Arthur Robins, Mary Lewis, James Powell, An Ossipe (?), Ann Frowne, Jno. Willmott, Andrew Rider, Heugh Yeo, Jno. Browne, Wm. Twisden, Henry Parker, Robt. Bowman, Isaak Hillier, Ri. Barnes, Henry Rider, Peter Browne, Susan Coates, Jonas Smelt, Edward Filmore, Susan Carter. At this point, attention should be called to the statement that Mr. Henry Smith s land was bounded on the west by land of Col. Edmond Scarburgh. This would lead us to believe that Anne ffrowan came into that area of Virginia where Edward Sermoner was living. Therefore, if Edward had not known Anne previously, there was the opportunity for them to become acquainted after Anne s arrival. Edward in Maryland Edward Sermoner immigrated to Maryland in 1662 [Liber 5, Folio 209]. On 12 Aug 1662, Edward Sermon had a Warrant for Three hundred Acres of Land for which he Enters right only for himself at present being to make good the remainder Supeace. It would appear that after meeting Anne ffrowan, Edward Sermoner became aware that he wanted Anne as his wife and that he needed land to make a home for them. Probably the quickest way to accomplish this was to move across the Virginia/Maryland border and take up land in Maryland. In fact, he was already spending time in Maryland and was well aware of the activities going on there. In any case, as the above document indicates, he acquired land in Maryland shortly after the arrival of Anne ffrowan on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Establishing Edward s Age It is always important to try to establish the age of all individuals in genealogy. The document that follows is the only known document that makes a reference to the age of Edward Sermoner. It appears, and understandably so, that Edward was not completely sure of his age. It would appear from this information that he was born somewhere around Also, this document can be used to illustrate that Edward was spending time in the new province of Maryland and was aware of the surroundings there. Manokin, which is specifically mentioned, became his home where all his children were born. A further significance of the document is that it shows that Edward Shearman was working with Randall Revill,important in that Edward Sermon and Anne ffrowan were married by Randall Revill. The following document comes from the Provincial Court Page 3 of 8

4 Proceedings, 1661, pages [p in margin] Sattirday the 11th October 1662 [Oct. 17 Attorney General v. Savage] Capt John Savage is accused by the Attorney Generall for tradeing with the Indians without Lycence from the Lord Proprietor, or the Leiutennt Generall Mr Revell findeing him tradeing & finding also Corne vpon the Shoare ready to take in & Corne in the Boate as appeareth by the oath of Mr Randall Revell Mr Randolph Revell my Respects prsented vnto you and to yor good wife Sr I vnderstand that itt is My lords pleasure that wee shall haue our Boate and Goods againe, Sr my request to you is to Consider my grate loss and damage that I haue received by being surprised by you for soe small a trifle but I hope wee shall now lay a side all such things of discord as hath been acted and become freinds and Neighbours as wee haue been heretofore, ffreind My Request to you is that you would be pleased to gett my Sloope deckt upp and to gett her Trimd for me by the last of September, & you shall ingage me to make you just paymt for what you shall doe in the prmisses, freind Mr Boarman hath promised me that he shall send one vp that is a Carpenter that will doe the Sloope if you can but procure Tarr the old Cable that is in the Sloope you may make Okum of for her pray prsent my kind loue to Mr Jons and to all the rest of our freinds and neighbours soe haueing noe more att prsent to trouble you with I take my Leaue giving you many thancks for you civill Entertainmt att you howse Remayne... in her and the Charge of the Sloope vnto Edward Sharman [p in margin] with order that nothing should be imbezelled or disposed of without his order and Charge that wee should not medle with any thing that was in them but left no Roaneoke to buy no provision vntill wee did according to his order, wee brought the aforesaid Boates aboute to his landing att Manokin and in [Liber P. C. R. in margin] them three of the men that did belong to them and the said Mr Revell had hyred an Indian to guide other two of them to the howse where I liue att Manokin, and Capt Savage and the ould Gunner went with Mr Revell & further sayth not John M Markham his marke Sworne this 23th day of August 1662 before me John Elzey And further this depont affirmeth that to his certaine knowledge not one of any of those persons were Comitted Prisoners to any Indians John M Markham his marke The Deposicon of Edward Shearman aged 24 yeares or thereabouts Sworne and sayth that when Mr Randall Revell had taken the Sloope Shallop and small Boate that was with Capt John Savage att Marie Creeke and Tradeing with the Indians the sd Mr Revell Comitted the Charge and Care of the Sloope vnto me with what was in her and the Charge of the Shallop vnto John Markeham with order that nothing should be imbezelled or disposed of without his order, and Charge that wee should not medle with any thing that was in them but left Roaneoke to buy us provision vntill wee did heare other order from him, and after two dayes stay there, wee did... to his order, being the said... Manokin, and in them 3... to them, And the said Mr... other two of them... att manokin... And further this Depont doth affire that to his Certaine [p. 1129] knowledge not one of any of these persons were Comitted prisoners to any Indians. Edward + Shearman his marke From this point on we will now use the spelling Sermon for Edward and his descendants in Maryland and Frowin for Anne. Edward Surnam and Ann Frowin married by Randall Revill Thomas Surnam son of Edward and Ann Surnam born at Manokin 5 Feb Edward Surnam son of Edward and Ann Surnam born at Manokin 1 Jul Edward Surnam son of Edward Surnam died and was buried at Manokin Dec Edward Surnam son of Edward and Ann Surnam born at Manokin 28 Oct Peeter Surnam son of Edward and Ann Surnam born at Manokin 4 Nov It appears that Edward and Anne were married and lived at Manokin on the Eastern Shore of Maryland not so many miles from where they both came ashore in Virginia. It also appears that they lived together in Manokin for about a dozen years. Edward s will was proved 10 January 1676, which means that he died at about age 38. A copy of the will appears below: Somerset County, Maryland, (O 7 [reverse], p. 78) Edward Surnam's will was proved 10 Jan 1676 The same day Command as afore:. I:. Febuary last day 1676 Bee it knowne unto all men by these presents ye I Edward Surman planter in ye County of Somersett doe hereby give unto my wife Anne Surman one black Cowe called Lovely which is upon record and...calf. I doe give unto my son Thomas Surman one browne Cowe with a white spot upon her rump called Monse marked with this mark, a hole on both ears and a hole slitt cut upperhalve onn right ear and under halve onn left and to my son Edward I doe give one black heifer called Cole marked onn ye same marke and to my Son Peter Surnam one yearling heifer which is of the same marke and also doe give unto my wife one yearling Steer and this I have here declared before John Johnson, Christopher Newgent and Mary Goldsmith and doe chardge you John Johnson here upon my death bed if you or put this upon record and bee assistant to my children for may bee if I leave them with my wife they will take them from her no more but my prayers to Almighty God. And this day to witt ye 10th day of Jany Anno Domini 1676 Came John Johnson negroe before... Command the court setting John Johnson, sworn Edward Surman within named confirms in the lifetime of the witnesses... : : And Anne Surnam ye relic of Edward Surman confirmed all my children this 10 day of January anno domini 1676 before his... (could be his majesty's commissioners???) : : Know all men I Anne Surman doe give unto my Son Edward Surman one Red yearling heifer unto him... and his heirs with her increase for ever and my three sons should be all Age att ye years of eighteen years old as wittness of my hand and seal this sixteenth day of January 1676/7. Anne Surman, Seal Wittness: Charles Ballard John Johnson The three surviving children of Edward and Anne in Maryland will be discussed in Part II which will follow. We will include their descendants as best we can given the current information available. Marriage and Children of Edward Sermon and Anne Frowin We see from the above document that Edward Sermon was about 24 years of age in From Maryland Eastern Shore Vital Records , Second Edition, by F. Edward Wright, p. 143 we find that: Page 4 of 8

5 MEMBERS ARTICLES The Family of Edward and Anne ffrowan Sermoner: Part Part II -- Descendants in Maryland William A. Sirmon, Rita Bowen, William Hughes, and Jack & Audrey Sirman As seen in Part I, Edward Sermon (1) 1 and Anne Frowin Sermon had four children. The three surviving children were: Thomas, Edward, and Peter. Thomas Sermon (2), the oldest son of Edward and Anne was born 2 May 1663 at Manokin and died about Thomas was married on 18 May 1683 by John Huett, minister, to Margaret Jemison who was born on 2 May Margaret was the daughter of Alexander and Jeane Jemison and the sister of Elizabeth Jemison who was born 20 January 1667 and who married Benjamin Nesham at Wicomico, Maryland. She was also the sister of Jane Jemison who was born 18 October 1674 and who married Richard Kimble. Note: a 1676 entry gives the location of Wicomico as Northumberland, Virginia. We should mention John Huett, minister. The following is an excerpt from A Memorial to the Reverend John Huett. The Rev. John Huett, Jr. was the son of the Rev. Dr. John Huett, Sr. and his first wife, a Miss Skinner, the daughter of Thomas Skinner, a London merchant-tailor. The Rev John Huett, Sr., ( ) had been a leading Anglican and the Dean of St. Gregory s by St. Paul s, a church near St. Paul s Cathedral in the heart o London. He rose steadily in prominence as a minister, author and preacher, served as chaplain to King Charles I, and after the Roundheads victory in the Civil War, even officiated at the wedding of Oliver Cromwell s daughter Mary. But in 1658 he was arrested, tried and convicted by the Cromwellian Protectorate because of charges that he was aiding the Royalists in their zeal to restore the exiled Charles II to the throne. In June 1658, when the younger John was 17 years old, the elder John Huett was beheaded in the Tower of London. [John Huett, Jr. was near the age of Edward Sermon.] While learning the ways of the Old Somerset frontier during the 1660's and 70's, John Huett, Jr. apparently returned twice to England, to be ordained first deacon and later priest by the Bishop of London, and returned permanently to Maryland in 1682 as a theologian and minister. He ministered with dedication to the peoples of the growing colony. We know that in the Winter of 1682 he performed the wedding of John Puckham, and Indian whom Clayton Torrence in Old Somerset identifies as a Native American of the Monie Tribe, and John Johnson, negro, whom Torrence believed to have been a member of a prominent 17th century free African-American family of the colony. The reader should note that this John Johnson is the same John Johnson who witnessed the will of Edward Sermon above. Another reference to the family of John Johnson is by Edward s youngest son Peter. From Somerset Court Judicial, , pp : The land where the Negroes Lived... called Tony s Vineyard, was recalled by one Peter Sermon (aged about 64 years) in September 1736, when he made a deposition in relation to the boundaries of the tract called Tony s Vineyard on Wicomico Creek, which had been bought by the Reverend Alexander Adams. [Note: Rev. Adams followed Rev. Huett as the rector of Stepney Parish.] Sermon testified that he heard John Cassadow (John Cassagh, Cazara?) say that he had marked a tree, or saw it marked, as a bounder of the land that did belong to the Negroes or was their division tree between their land and Horsey s Chance (which belonged to Stephen Horsey). It appears that Thomas and Margaret Jemison had nine children. The first child named Thomas died at three months of age in December The second child they also named Thomas (3) and he was born about 1686 and he was married to his wife Elizabeth around Thomas appears on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred along with his brother Edward Sherman. Thomas also appears on the 1730 Tax List 2 for Nanticoke Hundred, [802-Thomas Shurman, Sr.] next door to William Vaughn [803] who purchased part of Meeches Hope. Thomas is listed on the 1733 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred. It appears that Thomas and Elizabeth Sermon could have had three children: Thomas, Charity, and Peter. Thomas Sermon, Jr. (4) who was born about 1708 appears on the 1730 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred [969-Surman]. This Thomas is a likely candidate for moving to North Carolina. Charity Sermon (4) was born in 1709 and married 10 October 1726 ( one Stepney Parish record lists her as a widow) to Alexander Thorns. The 1730 Somerset Tax List shows an Edward Thorns next door to Peter Suman, Jr. Alexander may have been a son of Edward Thorns. They (Edward and Elexdr Thorns) were next door to each other on the 1733 Tax List. A third child would be Peter Sermon, Jr. (4) born about He is listed on the 1730 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [915-Suman] next door to Edward Thornes [916]. Peter is listed on the 1733 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [880-Sherman] with Rickson Christopher in his household and between Charles Parsons [879] and Phillip Wingate [881].) The third child of Thomas and Margaret was Edward Sermon (3) who was born about 1688 and married about 1710 to Mary. He is listed on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, with brother Thomas Sherman. Edward and Mary had three children: Rachel, Thomas, and 1 The number of the generation, beginning with the immigrant Edward as (1), will be enclosed in parentheses following the name. 2 Tax Lists 1730, 1733, 1744, 1748, 1753 Somerset County, State of Maryland by Rebecca Furniss Miller, 1991 (The numbers in parenthesis are reference numbers from this document.) Page 5 of 8

6 Peter. Rachel Sermon (4) was born about 1711 and is mentioned in the 1712 Will of Peter Sermon. Thomas Sermon (4) was born about 1712 and married on 20 February 1736/7 to Rachel Collins. He is shown on the 1730 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, in the household of John Collins [805-Shurman]. He is also shown on the 1733 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred in the household of John Collins [1041-Shirman].) Peter Sermon (4) was born about 1714 and died before He married on 5 February 1733 to Susanna Ralph, the daughter of Thomas Ralph who owned Ralph s Venture. Susanna was listed as a Borman in her father's Will in Peter is shown on the 1733 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, in the household of Thomas Ralph [934-Shirman]. A fourth child of Thomas and Margaret was Peter Sermon (3) who was born about 1690 and died in (His Will does not indicate marriage.) A fifth child of Thomas and Margaret was William Sermon (3) who was born about 1692 and died in William married about 1713 to Sarah. He is listed on the1730 Tax List for Naticoke Hundred [1013-Shurman]. He is also shown on the 1733 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [859-Shirman] and has 200 ac. He is still in Nanticoke Hundred in 1744 when he again appears on the Tax List [194-Sirman]. He died prior to 1748 when both his Account settlement and his Inventory were filed. William and Sarah had a family of nine children, offering good documentation since several left wills in which they named many relatives. The first child was Isaac Sermon who was born about 1715 and died 1766/7. Isaac married 28 July 1740 to Sarah Linch (Isaac referenced in William's Account settlement when he stated "the said account is true." Isaac appears on the 1744 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred [205-Sirman]. He is also on the 1748 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred [826-Sirman] and his brother Joseph Sermon is in his household. He is still in Nanticoke Hundred in 1753 when he appears on the Tax List [656-Sirman] with his brother Joseph in his household.) The second child of William and Sarah was a daughter (4) born about She would have married about 1740 to William Wright. A third child was Mary (4) born about 1723 and married on 1 October 1744 to John Morris. A fourth child was William Sermon, Jr. (4) who was born in He appears on the 1744 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred in the household of his father, William Sermon, Sr. [194-Sirman]. (This William Sermon is of the age to be the William Sermon who witnessed Thomas Sermon's deed in Beaufort, North Carolina in He could also be the William Sirmon who married Dinah Waggoner-Gerrard-Jasper and had the two sons William and Benjamin and daughter Betty Sirmon.) A fifth child is Margaret Sermon (4) born about 1727 and married on 7 July 1748 to William Anderson. William Anderson is on the 1753 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [906] and his brother-in-law Richard Sermon is in his household. A sixth child is Sarah Sermon (4) born abut 1729 and who married on 27 September 1749 John Anderson. A seventh child is Joseph Sermon (4) who was born about 1731 and died about His will was dated 30 November No wife or children were named. Joseph appears on the 1753 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred in the household of his brother Isaac Sirman [656]. The eighth child is Cuther Sermon who was born about 1733 and is named in his father's Account settlement. The ninth child is Richard Sermon (4) born about 1735 and named in his father's Account settlement. Also, he appears on the 1753 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred in the household of his uncle William Anderson [906 Sirman]. A sixth child of Thomas and Margaret was John Sermon (3) born about 1694 He is on the 1730 Tax List, Manokin Hundred, in the household of Joseph Gilles [1227-Surman]. A seventh child of Thomas and Margaret was Alexander Sermon (3) born about 1696 and died abut He is on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred. The Inventory for his estate is dated 1724: Liber 11, Folio 178; it states no kin in country -- which seems a little strange. An eighth child of Thomas and Margaret was Isaac Sermon (3) born about Isaac was named as a brother in Peter's will of A ninth child of Thomas and Margaret was Margaret Sermon (3) born about 1700 Margaret may have married a Murrah. Edward Sermon (2), the second son of Edward and Anne, was born 1 July 1666 at Manokin and died in December of 1668 at Manokin. Edward Sermon, Jr. (2), the second surviving son of Edward and Anne, was born 20 Oct 1669 at Manokin, and married around He is shown on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred as Edward Sherman. On the 1730 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred he is listed as household [501-Sherman,Jr.] between John Cope [500] and Joy Hobbs [502], and Jacob Croutch appears in his household. On the 1733 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred he is shown as household [750-Sirmon] near Joy Hobbs [748]. Edward, Jr. s first child was Edward Sermon (3) who was born about 1692 and died in He married about 1711 to Jane. His Inventory was dated 17 Sept Appraisers were Hicks Evans and Benjamin Cottman. At the end of the appraisal is written Approved by us the Subscribers being heighest of Kinn and principal credits of the debts. Thomas Page 6 of 8

7 (his T mark) Sermon heighest of kinn, Benja (his B mark) Sermon. Edward s wife Jane Sirman is on the 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, [888] with son Edward in her household. Edward and Jane had three children: Edward, Isaac, and Joshua. Their first child, Edward Sermon (4) was born about 1712 and married Isabel. He appears on the 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred in the household of his mother, Jane Sirman [888-Sirman]. The 1748 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred shows his household as [676-Sirman]. On 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred there is the household [1053-Sirmon]. He is shown on the 1783 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, with 96 1/2 acres of Fountains Frolick and 3 males and 2 females in his household.) The second child, Isaac Sermon (4) was born about 1715 and married about 1737 to Grace Mears, daughter of John Mears who died in John Mears will leaves to sons Robert, Ezekiel; daughters Mary Mitchell, Sarah Bartlett, Grace Surman, Betty Mears, Nelly Mealy, to wife Dorothy, exec. The 1748 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred shows the household as [709-Sirman]. He is listed on the 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred [963-Sirmon] with his brother Joshua in his household. Grace Sirman is on the 1783 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred with 45 acres of Isaacs Choice and shows 2 males, 3 females in the household. The third child was Joshua Sermon (4) who was born about He is found on the 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred in the household of Isaac Sermon [963].) His will is dated 26 March It names brothers Edward and Isaac Surman and leaves money to Mary Morris, daughter of Samuel Morris. No wife/children named. Edward, Jr. s second child was Thomas Sermon (3) who was born about (This Thomas possibly moved to Hyde County, North Carolina.) Edward, Jr. s third son was Benjamin Sermon (3) who was born about Edward, Jr. s fourth son was Job Sermon (3) who was born about 1700 and married May to Abigail Kibble. Job s will was dated 18 December The will was probated on 16 November On 18 October 1727, Job Serman and Peter Serman son of Edward Serman sold to John Moore 100 acres of Jobs Lot. On 29 September 1737, Job Serman sold to Peter Serman son of Edward Serman for 5 shillings 50 acres of Jobs Lot in Worcester County. On 18 October 1737, John Moore and wife Mary Moore sold to Job Serman 50 acres of Moores Second Chance between banks of Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. Job is on the 1744 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [5-Shurman]. He is on the1748 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [1032-Sirman]. Also he is on the 1753 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, [705-Sirman]. Job and Abigail had nine children: Elinar, Nelly, Louther, Temperance, Patience, William, Abigail, Job, and Nancy. Elinar Sermon (4) was born 17 November Nelly Sermon (4) was born 14 November Louther Sermon (4) was born 1 January 1737 and married Elizabeth Polk. His will was made 14 November 1783 and probated 9 May Her will was made 7 December 1789 and probated 5 February Betty (Elizabeth) Sirman is on the 1790 Sussex County, Delaware, Census for Little Creek Hundred. Temperance Sermon (4) was born 9 August 1739 and married 29 January 1762 to George Parsons who was born on 14 April George appears on the 1783 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Worcester County, Friend's Denial 150a., Addition 133a., Conclusion 100a., McGees Lott 63a. for total of 446a and 4 male, 5 females. Patience Sermon (4) was born 3 April William Sermon (4) was born 24 March Abigail Sermon (4) was born 22 December Job Sermon (4) was born 6 May Nancy Sermon (4). Edward, Jr. s fifth child was Peter Sermon (3) who was born about He is on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred with Jon (Job?) Sherman. In 1727, with Job Sermon, he sold Jobs Lot, 100 a., to John Moore. In 1737 Job Sermon sold to Peter Sermon, son of Edward Sermon, for 5 shillings, 50 acres of Jobs Lot in Worcester Co. Peter Sermon (2), the third surviving son of Edward and Anne, was born 4 Nov 1672 at Manokin and died about He married Mary?. This is the Peter Sermon who gave the deposition concerning Tony s Vineyard mentioned above. Peter is on the 1723 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, as Pet'r Sherman. He is on the 1730 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, [477-Sherman] with Peter Sherman in his household. He is on the 1733 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, as Peter Sirmon [778] and head of household containing Jno Sirmon and Peter Sirmon, Jr. He is on the 1748 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, [633-Surman] and William Booth [634] is next door. Alexander Adams is in household [635].) Peter and Mary had two known children: Peter, Jr. and John. Peter, Jr. married Mary Noble, who was the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Noble who were married about 1705 and granddaughter of Isaac Noble and Mary Robinson who were married 9 May Peter Sermon, Jr. appears on the 1730 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred in the household of his father, Peter Sherman [477-Sherman]. He is also on the 1733 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred [778-Sermon] as Peter Sermon, Jr., in the household of his father, Peter Sermon. On the 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred he is listed as Peter Sirman [940]. John Sermon (3) is listed on the 1733 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, as Jno Sermon in the household of Peter Sermon (Sr.) [778]. On 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred he is listed as John Shirman [819-Shirman] and has William Booth in his household. Peter Sermon s Page 7 of 8

8 Inventory is dated 1747: Liber 35, Folio 478. Children of Anne Frowin Sermon by 2nd marriage 14 November 1676 to Alexander Mitchell (Mitcheller) After the death of Edward Sermon, his wife Anne married Alexander Mitchell. They had the following known children: Alexander, Mary, John, and Richard. Alexander Mitchell (2) the fifth child of Anne Frowin Sermon Mitchell, was born 13 September Although he was the oldest son, it appears that the land must have gone to his brothers. Mary Mitchell (2), the sixth child of Anne Frowin Sermon Mitchell was born 8 February John Mitchell (2), the seventh child of Anne Frowin Sermon Mitchell, was born 16 June He married Mary and died about They had three sons: John (3), Richard (3), and Benjamin (3). Benjamin Mitchell married Mary Ryan. In 1715, William Ryan willed to Benjamin Mitchell the land Tonys Vineyard. On 3 July 1742, Benjamin and Mary, devisee of William Ryan, sold to Alexander Adams 112 a. for 5 shillings.) Benjamin and Mary had a daughter, Mary Mitchell (4). eldest son of Isaac of Somerset Co. Sold to John Adams 154 acres of Tinson alias YOUNG TINSON. Clearly there is enough circumstantial evidence to lead one to believe that the North Carolina S*rm*n families arrived from Maryland and were the descendants of Edward and Anne Sermon, the immigrants of Virginia and Maryland. Concluding Remarks In this article, we have tried to present our best evaluation of the evidence available to us, as of this date, relating to Edward Sermon (Sermoner) and his wife Anne Frowin (ffrowan), who immigrated from England to Virginia. We believe large numbers of their descendants are living throughout the United States today. The main purpose in publishing the information at this time is to assist new researchers of the family. Should anyone be able to document Edward or Anne s ancestors in England or the movement of their descendants from Maryland to North Carolina, we and many others would be most appreciative. Comment: After spending so many years looking for these family connections, the answers may have to come from the new science of DNA. All of us should give serious consideration to John s request for testing of our DNA. Richard Mitchell (2), the eighth child of Anne Frowin Sermon Mitchell, was born 26 July Family Connections: Maryland to North Carolina There are several Sermon families found in Hyde County, Beaufort County, and later Pitt County, North Carolina, in the 1750s and 1760s. Some of the names heading these families are Thomas, William, John, Peter, Edward, and Joseph. The same given names appear frequently among the descendants of Edward and Anne Sermon in Maryland. In our research, we have been unable to find specific documentation linking any of these families in North Carolina to the families in Maryland. However, because of their association with families who can be documented as being from Maryland, it is felt that these North Carolina families did in fact migrate from Maryland. As is so often the case, families migrated together. One specific documentation that lends strong support for the connection between the Maryland and North Carolina families will be used as an example. As noted above, Peter Sermon, Jr., son of Peter, and grandson of Edward, married Mary Noble, daughter of Isaac Noble. In Land Records of Somerset County, Maryland by Ruth T. Dryden we find the following entry: 26 Sep John Noble and wife Priscilla Noble and Alice Noble and Isaac Noble of North Carolina Page 8 of 8