KNOWLES PROGENITOR BIOGRAPHIES
Capt. John KNOWLES (1612 - 1685)
Knowles Progenitor: VA-01 (Henrico Co.)
(based on research via LDS IGI Records, and the Brodnax and Pace Family Histories, et al)
The children of Capt. John Knowles and Mary Brodnax were (not all proven):
1. Mary Knowles, born 9 April 1641 in Watertown, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
2. John Knowles, Jr. born c 1642 in Henrico Co., Virginia
3. Elizabeth Knowles, born 15 May 1643 in Watertown, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts
There may have been other children for Capt John Knowles and Mary Brodnax, two of which could be a Hannah Knowles who married Benjamin Eyers and another named Barbara Knowles.
The Will of Capt. John Knowles
In the name of God Amen Feb 5 1675 I John Knowles of Han County in Virginia gent though ____ and weake yet of perfect and sound memory blessed and praised be almighty God doe make, ordaine constitute and appoint this my last will and Testament in manner and form following viz.
First I give my soul to God, hoping through the merits and mediations= of my ever blessed Saviour Jesus Christ to obtain pardon and remission of all my sins and to inherit life everlasting
1st. I give and bequeath all my track of land adjoining on ye Woods end and now in possession of Jno Partridge confirming by estimation about eight hundred acres to my dear daughter Bethenia Knowles to her and heirs forever.
2d. I give and bequeath to my son William Knowles all the rest of my lands, tenements, hereditaments, all appurtenances and emoluments whatever and any ways appertaining or belonging to him and his heirs forever.
3d. I give and bequeath all my present estate consisting a slave ______, servants, cattell, horses, household, debts (and after my debts and funeral expenses once discharged) to be equally divided between my son William and daughter Bethenia ________a line is missing here ______ to whom I committ the guardianship and tutelage of my dear children and the care and benefits of my lands to maintain my child till they shall come to age and I therefore desire my executors to be careful of my dear children as they may expect the like to theirs.
Lastly I constitute this to be my last will and testament hereby forever revoking all former whether written or verball wills by me at any time heretofore made. In witness to ye ____ I have hereto set my hand and Seale the day and year before specified. /s/ Jno Knowles. Signed Seald and delivered as his last will and testament in ye presence of us
Jno /his IB mark/ Burton, Junr
Robert /his RB mark/ Burton
Witnesses to the same
Proved in court 1st of June 1676 by the ____ of Robert Burton
