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SnWeff Tonitediv
II 1464 .1-fistary FROM
BONWELL TO BONN EYILLE
A Family History
Commissioned by
Annabelle Johnson (Mrs. Ralph K.) Taylor
Mary Frances Carey Certified Genealogist #237 Contents
Page James Bonwell, The First Generation 1
James Bonwell, The Second Generation 4
John Bonwell, The Third Generation 8
John Bonwell, Senr, The Fourth Generation 10
Benjamin Bonwell, The Fifth Generation 12
John Bonnawell, The Sixth Generation 18
James Wise Bonnewell, The Seventh Generation 22
George W. Bonneville, The Eighth Generation 28
Sallie H. Bonneville, The Ninth Generation 30
Virginia A. Littleton, The Tenth Generation 35
Charts 36
References 38 Foreword
The family of tnis genealogical study appeared in early Northampton County and Accomack County, Virginia, records as Bonwells. The name gradually changed
to Bonewell, then to Bonnewell, and finally to Bonniwell. A number of families
of this name live in lower Accomack County today. The branch that settled in the
Messongo-Sanford-Saxis area of Virginia became Bonawells, while those of Worcester
County, Maryland, became Bonnevilles. Throughout this family history the name has
been spelled as it appeared on the document under investigation. It is noted that
in one will there were three different spellings. The Worcester County Bonnewell
became Bonneville circa 1875 to 1885.
No new research has been done in Accomack and Northampton Counties on the
family. Research on Benjamin Bonwell's ancestors was commissioned several years
ago by Mr. Donald C. Mitchell of Buffalo, New York, who is a descendant of Ben-
jamin Bonwell through his son Severn. Local records were completely searched at
that time and the results have been used in the following write-up, as have Mr.
Mitchell's documents on his line.
It would have been appropriate to have included copies of Bonwell wills here-
in, but none were available for several reasons. The only Accomack County will
was that of John Bonwell. His will is in one of the large, heavy, old books. The
Accomack County Circuit Clerk does not allow copying from these books as it tends
to break the spines. The will of Benjamin Bonwell has been sent to the Maryland
State Archives, Hall of Records, at Annapolis, as have all other Worcester County
wills to 1850. The Hall of Records does issue copies but they are on such shiny
paper that satisfactory copies cannot be made from them. A hand-written copy of
Benjamin Bonwell's will was furnished by Mr. Mitchell. James W. Bonnewell's will
is on record at Snow Hill, Maryland, and the ink used in writing it has become so
faint that a copy is illegible. In addition to wills, the Registrar of Wills at Snow Hill has sent early
Worcester County orphan's accounts and court proceedings to the Hall of Records, making local research for some periods impossible. Mr. Leslie P. Dryden of Hyatts- ville, Maryland, a noted genealogist on Worcester County families, supplied the documentation on Benjamin Bonwell's son John and his children from the records at
Annapolis.
Mr. Dryden also helped by supplying much of the Webb and Littleton ancestry.
He indicates that the Hancock line is a tangled one and neither of us could find
the ancestors of Nancy Hancock. It is known that a Daniel Hancock registered a cattle mark in Somerset County, Maryland, in 1719. He had a son, William Hancock, born circa 1720, who was in Mattapony Hundred by 1739, according to the tax list of that year. The 1783 tax list shows two Hancock families in Worcester County,
that of John and of William. The Daniel Hancock,who administrated John Bonna- well's estate in 1815, was likely the father or brother of John's widow Nancy, but no record has been found to prove this.
Considerable research has been done looking for the maiden name of Benjamin
Bonwell's wife, without success. Since her first husband was a Parker, of the
Parkers of the north side of Onancock Creek, she could have been a Wise of the same area. One of her grandchildren having Wise as a middle name suggests this.
Mary Frances Carey 31415 Horntawn lowd New Chuia, "fa.- 23415
April 20, 1988 James Bonwell The First Generation
James Bonwell was first named in Northampton County, Virginia, records on 13
December 1653, when he and Neale Nackwellion were headrights for Ni'. William John- son (North. Orders, Wills & C, 1651-1654, p. 210). Johnson was eligible for a patent of 100 acres of land for paying the passage costs of these two men from
England to the Virginia Colony. Northampton County records also show that James
Bonwell leased 50 acres of "the Secretary Land" from Col. William Claiborne,
Secretary of State, on 8 September 1658. The lease was to run for twenty-one years, beginning from "the next Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle", and payment was to be one barrel of Indian corn each Christmas (North. Deeds, Wills & C$ 1655-1657, p. 19).
The Secretary's land consisted of 500 acres, set aside in 1620 by the Virginia
Company in London, to support the office of the Secretary at Jamestown. Twenty persons were to be seated on the land, plant it, and pay rent. When a problem developed in keeping tenants on the land, the twenty-one-year lease system was sub- stituted. The land was located north of Cape Charles, on the bay side of Virginia's
Eastern Shore, between King's Creek and Cherrystone Creek. The area later became known as Town Fields.
It is not known when James Bonwell married or the maiden names of his wives.
It is on record that Sarah Bonwell died testate in 1659 (North. Wills & Deeds, 1657-
1666, p. 48). Her will was undated, but recorded on 27 September 1659. Sarah had been previously married to John Dorman and her will directed the care of her four underage children by Dorman, as she left personal property to them and to a married
daughter. Her present husband, James Bonwell„ signed the will, promising to see
that Sarah's wishes were carried out.
In 1660, James Bonwell appeared in court to answer charges of misusing the land belonging to "ye heir of John Dorman", land that was adjoining the 50 acres leased "from ye Secretary unto James Bonwell" (North. Wills & Deeds, 1657-1666, p.
1 p. 72). It appears that the 50 acres of leased land was land that Dorman had some interest in and it joined his lands. James Bonwell satisfied the court that when
Dorman came of age the 50 acres would be turned over to him.
On 13 December of the same year, James Bonwell was appointed surveyor of the highway, "from Otterdam Branch to Coaghes (?) „ including ye marks from Bay Side to
Sea Side (North. Order Book, 1657-1664, p. 85).
On 18 September 1663, James Bonwell bought, from John Nicholls of Pungoteague
Creek, 400 acres of land on the north side of Onancock Creek in Accomack County
(Acco. Deeds Se leans, 1663-1666, p. 21). He paid 4000 pounds of tobacco and casks for this land. James Bonwell is listed in the Accomack County tax list of 1664 with four tithes, males over 16 years of age (Nottingham, Accomack Tithables, Tax Lists,
1663-1695, p. 2). His name appears in the tithables again in 1666, while in 1667
the "Widdow Bonwell" is shown with two tithes. His land on Onancock Creek stayed in the Bonwell family for many years.
James Bonwell died sometime before 16 July 1667, for on that date the Accomack
County Court ordered his estate administered to his widow Nary (Acco. Deeds & Wills
1664-1671, p. 29). Nothing more on Mary Bonwell has been found in the records. The above tax lists indicate James Bonwell could have had sons by his first marriage, but other records show only one son, James Bonwell, who inherited his father's land.
Documents relating to the date of his birth are not definate enough to name his mother as Sarah Bonwell or Mary Bonwell. Other male members of the household in
1663 through 1667, could have been farm help or sons of Mary Bonwell by a former marriage.
2 Bonwell Northampton County
Deeds, Wills & CI 1655-1657,p. 19 To All to whom these presence shall come, I Coll. William Claiborne Secretary of State for the Collony of Virginia ---greetings: Whereas by Act of Court bearing date the 9th of 8ber 1658 It was ordered that the Secretary should lease the Land belonging to his place as by the sd order more att large appeareth. Now know ye that I the sd Coll. Will. Claiborne established in the office and place of the Sec. of State and for all the rights and priviledges thereunto belonging doe by these presence grant, devise and to farme lett unto James Bonwell a piece of Land containing by survey fifty Acres Bounded from the head of the Little Creek that divideth Wm. Mountneys Land and his owns and bounds upon the Land of John Wilkins to have and to hold the sd fifty ackers of Land unto the sd James Bonwell his heires Exec:Admdnistr Assigns from the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle next for and during the tearne of one and twenty years thence to be compleate and ended: Yeilding and payinge unto me the sd Co. Will. Claiborne or my Assigns att the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle yearely during the sd tearme of twenty one years the fee rent of one Barrel of good Merchantable Indian Corn provided allways that if the sd Rent be not yearly payd and satisfied unto tl-le sd Coll. Will. Claiborne his successors being lawfully demanded by Christmas yearly that then itt shall and may bee Lawfull for the sd Col. Will. Claiborne either to disteame or reorder. In Witnesse whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this 8th of 8ber 1658. 'VO.
Wills ,sc Deeds, 1657-1666, p. 72 Whereas it appeared In Court a Lease of fifty Acres of Land leased from ye Secretary unto James Bonwell which is adjoyning unto ye Land belonging unto ye heir of John Dorman ye Sd Bonweli being Charged with circumventing ye Heir of yu Sd Dorman who was most Interested In it undoubtedly In answer to which and for full Satisfaction to ye Court ye Sd Bonwell doth here in open Court Declare yt notwithstanding ye Sd Lease be made in ye Sd Bonwells name yet his Sd Intent & to ye end doth declare & Acknowledge ye Same yt ye Heir of ye sd Dorman Shall enjoy ye Sd fifty acres of Land according to ye Sd Lease when he Shall Come to Age as his own inheritance to him and his Heirs for Ever During Sd Lease & paying ye Rent of ye Sd Land & this Shall be his Sufficent plea for ye Same & a Bars to ye Plea of ye Sd Bonwell any Law notwithstanding to ye Contrary and Manifestation of ye Same ye Sd Bonwell bath herein to Set his hand this 30th of July 1660. Acknowledged in op,-,n Court 1c2_„A jno Stringer Wm. Waters
3 Janes Bonwell The Second Generation
James Bonwell, son of the first James Bonwell, petitioned the Accomack County
Court on 5 September 1675 to change his guardian from Roger Mikeal to Thomas Fowks.
The court agreed to the request and ordered Mikeal to "deliver up all the estate of the said Bonwell into the hands of Thomas B. Fowkes by the middle of October" (Wills
1673-1676, p. 313). On 28 May 1679, James Bonwell, "aged 20 years or thereabout", made a deposition concerning a horse Thomas Williams had borrowed from Robert Dunbar at Thomas "ffokes" home (Wills, Deeds & Orders 1678-1682, p. 82). These two docu- ments indicate this James Bonwell was born between 1659 and 1661, for he would have been at least 14 years of age to choose his own guardian. He would, then, have been 6 to 8 years of age when his father died.
James Bonwell, like his father, died without a will. The records show nothing more of him until the inventory and appaisement of his personal property was recorded on 2 February 1702 (Wills & Etc., Part II, 1692-1715, p. 11). This included a long list of household furnishings, tools, a pair of pistols, "cutlass" and a gun, two large Bibles and a small one, sheep, cows, and horses. The inventory was made by
John Wise,Senr, John Wise, Juni', John Stanton, and Gervis Baggale. The estate was administered to James Bonwell's widow Mary, who had married Henry Hewbank by the time the inventory was recorded. Nothing is shown here of the children or heirs of this James Bonwell.
The second James Bonwell's wife was the daughter of Robert Watson and his wife Susan or Susanna. This is shown by Watson's will, probated in Accomack
County on 1 June 1703 (Wills & C 1692-1715, p. 308). He left his grandson, John
Bonwell„"my pistolls and holsters and back sword", and named Mary Hughbanck as a daughter.
James Bonwell, the second, and his wife, Mary Watson Bonwell, appear to have had a son Thomas, who died intestate in 1718 (Orders 1717-1719, p. 10). His estate
14 was administered to his son George Bonwell. George died unmarried in 1721, naming
an only brother Thomas and sisters Arabella and Mary in his will (Wills, Deeds
C 1715-1729, p. 346). Brother Thomas Bonwell died testate in 1758, leaving a widow Ann and George Matthews and George Shockley as heirs-at-law (Wills & C 1757-
1761, p. 63).
The other children of the second James Bonwell have been determined from the will of his son James Bonwell, the third, who died unmarried in 1721, leaving an only brother John Bonwell to inherit the land and carry on the line (Wills, Deeds
&c 1715-1729, p. 320). This James left 100 acres of land to his mother, Mary
Huebank. He named sisters as Elizabeth Bonwell, Mary Wise, Sarah Wise and Susanna
Mychell and his brother John Bonwell.
5 The inventory of the personal estate of the second James
Bonwell, dated 6 January 1702/3 (Accomack County Wills & Etc., part II,
1692-1715, pp. 11 and 12). The original of this old book was tran- scribed some years ago by a young Accomac lawyer. The typed pages have been combined into a book, from which they can be removed for copying.
Ann Inventory of the Estate of James Bonewells Leceased and Appraisement made by us the;
subscribers as Followeth JanurY ye 6th day 174
To 1 Bedstead: 1 Feather bed boulster( e s d ( - 04 00 08 2 blanckets: 2 pillows & i Rug & mat (
To i Bedstead: 1 Flock bed: & 2 boulsters 1 Cadoe - 01 15 00 1 Sheet i pillow i Rugg & Mat - (
To i Trundle Bedstead & Flock bed & boulster 1 old ( ( - 01 01 00 Rug i Cadc: I Blanket: 2 Small pillows -
To 1 Trundle Bedstead i Flock bed & boulster ( 01 01 00 1 ould Rugg 1 blancet: 1 old Cadoe & mat - (
To 4 Chisels 1 gouge a Carpenters ads 00 04 00
To 1 drawing Knife: 1 hansaw i key hot Saw 00 03 00
To 4 ougers 2 hamers - - - 00 04 00
To 2 horse Collers & hames I ilaq & Cart Sadie - 00 02 00
To 4 ould Runlets one dusen of quart botles i pint - 00 04 06
To Earthen Jugs 8 Indian boules i Chest 00 04 04
To ould Charm 1 Cadoe - 00 02 06
To 6 ould hho 3 buts: 1 Barrell 50 foote planke - 00 14 00
To 3 ould Tubs: 3 piggins 1 bucket 00 07 00
To 2 : heire sifters i fine Search 00 05 00
To one 1 qrt bed Ticke & Tickin for boulster & 2 pillow 00 19 00
To i purpule Ruge 1 Large Chest 01 04 00
To I. Box & 2 Truncks 1 small - 00 06 09
To i pre of Pistoles & houlsters and Carabin & Cutless - 00 18 00
6 To 4 ould Chaires without bottoms 00 02 08
To 4 Turned Chairs & spining wheele - 00 09 6
To i hen mill 2 grin Stones 02 02 00
To i Couch frame 1 old Chest - 00 14 00
To 1 Lanthorne: 1 Looking glass 00 02 00
To i Iron Square 2 Frying peons - 00 03 00
To 2 great Bibles & i small Ditto 00 12 00
To 3 Testaments i pre of Smell Scales - 00 04 02 and foure small weaights -
To i small tin funnell 1 Table flascet - 00 01 02
To 51k 3/4 of bras 1 hand falascat 00 06 03
To i Box Iron & heaters 00 01 00
To 1 ould Table 261b of ould pewter at 86 - 00 19 10
To 1 large Iron pott weighing 82 pounds - 00 13 08
To i smaller Ditto weaighing 32 pounds - 00 08 00
To i small Ditto & small Cettle weighing 28 00 07 00
To pr of small stillrds I pr of fire tongs 00 04 00
A Cart & Wheels - 00 19 00 t s d To 30 Sheep - 00 09 00
To 8 last spring Calfes 02 04 00
To 13 Cows & a Bull - 17 00 10
To 8 young steers 10 0 0
To 4 two year ould heifers 03 0 0
To 1 yearling Bull 00 08 0
To 1 Mare 6 yeares ould 01 10 00
To i Ditto 4 years ould 01 10 00
To i ditto 12 years ould 01 5 00
To 1 ould horse 16 or 17 years ould 00 16 00
To 2 horse Colts - 01 4 0
To 1 gun at Mr Baggallas t s d 70 02 10
John Wise Sent' John Wise Jur John Stanton Gervis 84,gale.
The within Inventory and appraisement of James Bonewells Estate February
ye 2d 1702 Presented to -Om Court and Mary Relict & adminir35 together
with her now Husband Henry Hewbanck of the Estate of the Sd James Bonnewell
made oath to ye Inventor Exhibited to ye witness hereof as yet come to
her Knowledg
Teste Jo° Washbourne Cl Cur Con Accomk John Bonwell The Third Generation
By a deed of 16 December 1714, John Bonwell patented 400 acres of land (Nugent,
Vol. III, p. 163). This land was located in Accomack County, on Eastern Shore of this Colony on north side of Anancock (Onancock) Creek; adjacent to Col. Tully
Robinson; & Major John Custis: by William Wise's house; & over Round House Gut".
The record says the land had been escheated from John Nicholls, deceased, and John
Bonwell was charged two pounds of tobacco for it. It is obvious this land was the
Same land that John Bonwellt grandfather bought of John Nicholls in 1663. The title to the land must have been in question and a new patent was issued to clear it. Even in those times, 400 acres of land could not have been bought for two pounds of tobacco. John Bonwell sold 100 acres to brother James Bonwell in 1716, and this was the land James left their mother (Deeds, Wills & Etc. 1715-1729, p. 38).
As has been shown, this James Bonwell died testate in 1721, unmarried.
John Bonwell, the only remaining son of the second James Bonwell, died testate in 1729. His will was recorded on 1 April 1729 (Wills, Deeds & C 1715-1729, p. 318).
He left his sons John and James Bonwell, the 300-acre plantation "where I now live".
He left son Joachim Eikeal Bonwell 200 acres "at seaside which I had by my wife, it being the land formerly of John Mekeal". He marred sons Thomas and Richard and daugh- ters Ann and Sarah. John Smith, Daniel rooks and William Wise, Junr were witnesses.
John Bonwell also left personal property to his wife for her lifetime. He did not call her by name in the will, only inferred she was the daughter of John Mekeal.
John Mekeal, in his will of 1684, named his daughters as Ann, Elizabeth, Adriana and
Gratiana (Wills & Deeds 1678-1690, p. 401). Another source shows that Gratiana
Mekeal had married John Bonwell 0Whitelaw, Virginia's Eastern Shore, p.
John Bonwell and wife Gratiana Mekeal Bonwell had five sons and two daughters.
Four of the five sons died testate and one intestate:
1. Thomas Bonwell, died testate in 1743, naming sons George and Thomas to
8 heir his land near Messongo, and his brothers James and Joachim as executors (Wills
1737-1743, p. 520).
2. Richard Bonwell died testate in 1746/7, unmarried, naming his three brothers still living, a sister Anna Lee, and "cousins" (apparently a niece and nephew) (Wills & C 1745-1749, p. 314).
3. James Bonwell died testate in 1767, naming his three sons Johns Nicheal and
James; and three da ughters & C 1767-1772, p. 19). James' son John, known as John, Junr, died testate in 1775, naming his children.
4. Joachim Mikeal Bonwell died testate in 1783, naming his sons as Michael,
Thomas, Elijah, and Southy & C 1780-1784, p. 351).
5. John Bonwell, Senr. See next section.
9 John Bonwell, Senr The Fourth Generation
John Bonwell, spoken of in the records as John, Senr to distinguish between him and a nephew of the same name, was left half of 300 acres of land by his father, who died in 1729. His brother James inherited the other half.
On 31 August 1768, John Bonwell, Senr entered a petition in Accomack County
Court to have a road turned (Orders 1768-1769, p. 154). He stated that a road running through his land "Down to William Wise's Does Great Damage to him &
Praying Leave to Turn the said Road to go along the line between him& John Bone- well, Junr. On 1 February 1770, John Bonwell, Senr and Stephen Bonwell were "each allowed on oath nine days attendance as witnesses for Jacob Bonwell at the Suit of
George Hope" (Orders 1769-470, p. 347).
Apparently John Bonwell, Senr and his brother James married sisters, Mary
Lurton and Hannah Lurton. The will of John Lurton in 1749 gave his daughters as
Hannah, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susanna, and Mary and a son Jacob Lurton (Wills & C
1745-1749, p. 489). Jacob Lurton, who died testate in 1770, left property to two of John Bonwell, SenrIs children, Mary Bonwell and Stephen Bonwell and also named one child of James Bonwell 1767-1772, P. 399). The marriage of John Bonwell,
Senr to Mary Lurton could have been a second marriage, as a John and Jane Bonwell witnessed the will of Elizabeth Smith in 1760 (Wills & C 1757-1761, p. 177). His wife's name could also have been Mary Jane.
No will or administration has been found for John Bonwell, Senr. He gave his property away before he died. He gave an estimated 150 acres of land to his son,
Jacob Lurton Bonwell, on 3 September 1784, "for natural love and affection I bear
himo (Deeds 1783-1788, p. 162). Son Jacob agreed to furnish his father with
"necessary board, washing and lodging during his natural life". Son James, "heir- at-law of John Bonewell, Senr", came into court "to Contest the probate of said
deed Alledging that said John was Insane and Incompetent to the Conveying of his
10 property" (p. 163). The deed was recorded, notwithstanding. John Bonwell, Senr gave slaves and a "still with worm" to his son Stephen Bonewell on 2 February 1785
(p. 281). He gave his son James Bonewell slaves, livestock, household furniture and tools on 23 September 1785 (p. 281).
Only one other reference bearing the name of John Bonwell, Senr has been found.
On 20 April 1796, Dorothy Bonwell sold 45 acres to John Wise "that she holds in dower of her late husband, John Bonewell, Senior, deceased, land lying on one of the branches of Onancock Creek (Deeds 1793-1797, p. 420). It is apparent from this deed that John Bonwell, Senr had died sometime between 1785 and 1796, leaving a widow Dorothy.
The above transactions show that John Bonwell, Senr had a daughter Mary and sons James Bonwell, Stephen Bonwell and Jacob Lurton Bonwell. Since he died with- out a will naming his children, it is likely he had other children.
11 Benjamin Bonwell The Fifth Generation
The name of Benjamin Bonwell first appears in Accomack County, Yirginia, records in 1764, when he and his wife Mary sold her one-third dower right in her former husband Sacker Parker's land (Deeds 1757-1770. p. 182a). It can be assumed that Benjamin was at least 20 years of age at this time, placing his birth date circa 1744. Indeed, he could have been slightly older, for Sacker Parker died test- ate in 1756, naming wife Mary, his father, brother John, a sister, and an unborn child (Wills 1752-1757, p. 352). Benjamin Bonwell and Mary Parker, widow, were then married between 1756 and 1764, and this undoubledly places him as a member of the fifth generation of Bonwells of Accomack County. The only member of the fourth generation who died without a willhaming sons, was John Bonwell, Senr. Since he was married and had three known sons, it is only logical to suppose he had others, one of whom was Benjamin Bonwell.
While there is no proof in the records, several other factors point to Benja- min being the son of John Bonwell, Senr. It has been shown that this John Bonwell heired land from his father on the north side of Onancock Creek, and lived there with Fooks, Michells, Parkers, and Wises as neighbors. The land owned by Sacker
Parker, called Ohio, was located on the south side of Deep Creek, and only slightly north of the Bonwell land (Whitelaw, p. 967). This shows that Benjamin Bonwell and the widow, Nary Parker, were neighbors. One final substantiation would be that
Benjamin Bonwell named a son John.
Other Accomack County records showing the name of Benjamin Bonwell are:
Orders 1769-1770, p. 310; 28 December 1769 - Benjamin Bonwell petitions the court to see that the estate of Sacker Parker deceased be settled according to said Parker's will.
Orders 1774-1777, p. 82 - The action upon the Case brought by Benjamin Bon- well plaintiff against Robinson Savage Defendant being at Issue is Continued for
12 tryal till next Court; p. 147 - case extended till next Court; p. 189, 7 June 1774
- Came the Parties by their Attorneys and thereupon Came also a Jury - defendant awarded one pound, thirteen shillings and eight pence and to go hence without Day
(delay?) and recover against said plaintiff his costs by him about his Defence in his behalf • p. 233, 30 September 1774 - Ordered that Robinson Savage pay to Thomas Bayly 75 pounds of Tobacco for three days attending this court as a
Witnefs for him at the Suit of Benjamin Bonwell.
Orders 1780-1783, p. 429; 30 January 1783 - Thomas Wise plaintiff against
Benjamin Bonwell defendant - covenant broken. The details of the case are not given, but directly below appear these words - "John Riley of this county came into court and undertakes for the defendant that in case he shall be cast (?) in this suit he shall satisfy and pay the condemnation of the court or render his body to prison in execution for the same or that he the said John Riley will do it for him and therefore the defendant preys and has leave to import till the next court and then to plead". The problem must have been solved by the tine of the next court, for nothing more is found of this case.
The records indicate that Benjamin Bonwell moved from Accomack County, after
7 June 1774 when he last appeared in court there, into Worcester County, Maryland, by 1 March 1778, when his name was included on the return of William Hopewell, listing those who had taken Oaths of Fidelity in Worcester County (DAR Library, Wash.
D.C.). His name again appeared on a roster of Worcester County Militia in 1780, among those of Capt. Walton's Company, Snow Hill Battalion (DAR Library). Later records show that other members of the 8th Class were neighbors: Joshua Driden
(Dryden), Jacob Merrill, Smith Carey, Joshua Riggen, John Redden, Zadok Ardis,
Staten Trader and John Allen.
The Maryland tax list of 1783 shows that Benjamin Bonwell was raising his family in lower Worcester County. The return of William Richardson, Tax Assessor of Nattapony Hundred, lists Bonwell being taxed for 200 acres called Wakefield and
13 200 acres Wakefield Discovery, valued at 305 pounds (Box 6). He owned three horses and ten black cattle, valued at 41 pounds 10 shillings. Other personal property was valued at 30 pounds 10 shillings, for a total assessment of 377 pounds. He paid
4 pounds 14 shillings 3 pence tax and had six males and three females in his house- hold. Mattapony Hundred was the southeastern part of Worcester County, adjacent to the Accomack County, Virginia, state line.
The 300 acres called Wakefield had been patented on 26 March 1687 by William
Stevens and assigned to Francis Jenkins "near the Divisional Line on the West side
Swanefsett branch" (Md. Land Office. Rent Rolls 9, p. 107). Frances Jenkins had left the land to James Smith of Virginia (Dryden, Land Records of Worcester County, p.
658). The land had remained in the Smith family until a later James Smith sold part to Thomas Davis on 4 June 1789 (dor. Deeds M, p. 546) and the balance to Benjamin
Aydellotte on 4 February 1791 (Wor. Deeds N. p.
An item of interest is tnat the 1783 tax assessment for Mattapony Hundred, showing Benjamin Bonwell paying taxes on 200 acres Wakefield, also shows a Sacker
Parker of Virginia being taxed for the other 100 acres. It is obvious that both men were leasing the land and this Sacker Parker was likely a son of Mary Bonwell's by her first husband, the unborn child of Sacker Parker's will. William Parker, son of John Parker II and wife Bridget Sacker, died testate in Accomack County in
1758, naming a grandson Sacker Parker (Acco. Wills 1757-1761. p. 33). This would have been William Parker, father of the first Sacker who died in 1756, and who joined the widow Mary as an executor of his son's will (Acco. Wills 1752-1757, P.
352).
Benjamin Bonewell's name first appeared in Worcester County Deeds on 13 Nov- ember 1783, when he was named on a bond by Nehemiah Holland (Wor. Deeds M, p. 307).
He bought his first land in Worcester County on 16 Auguat 1790, from John Holland, son and heir of Nehemiah (Wor. Deeds N., p. 343). He paid 200 pounds for parts of two adjoining tracts called Fox Harbour and Allens Industry, totaling 89 3/4 acres.
14 He bought an additional 10 acres of Aliens Industry from John Allen, Jun' on 31
March 1791 for 22 pounds 10 shillings (Wor. Deeds 0, P. 106). On 11 February 1793,
Benjamin Bonewell bought 3 acres of Rotten Quarter from Ezekiel Brumley for 10 pounds (Wor. Deeds P, p. 55), and on 8 February 1800, he purchased a final 7 acres of Rotten Quarter from Jebez Brumbly for 36 pounds (Wor. Deeds T, p. 485). In all,
Benjamin Bonewell bought 109 acres of Worcester County land, all of which he owned at the time of his death. The land was located northwest of Wakefield, the land he had leased on a head branch of Swansgut Creek. Present-day maps show Holly Swamp
Road extending southeast from Goodwill toward Welbourne,through this area.
Benjamin Bonwill wrote his will on 4 April 1807 and it was recorded on 10
March 1815 (Wor. Wills MH#100 p. 86). He left his "dearly beloved daughter" Mary
Bonnewell a bed and furniture. He gave son George Bonnwell a hand mill. He directed that the remainder of his estate, both real and personal, be equally divided between his five children; Severn Bonnewell, John Bonnewell, George Bonnewell, Edward Hearn
Bonnewell, and daughter Mary. He named no executor. The will was presented by son
Severn Bonnewell on the day it was recorded and John Allen,Senr and Levin Tull, two of the witnesses, gave oaths on the same day that they had seen Benjamin Bonewell sign the will.
On 22 March 18150 Benjamin Gunby and Nehemiah Holland, arbitrators, signed a statement that they had been appointed by Benjamin Bonnewell's sons to put a valu- ation on the lands of their father and to award said lands to son George Bonnewell,
"he paying unto said Severn Bonnewell, John Bonnewell and Edward Bonnewell the
several suns of money" (dor. Deeds AL, p. 232). Severn Bonnewell and wife Ann, of
Sussex County, Delaware, gave a deed to George Bonnwell of Worcester County, Mary- land, on 5 September 1820, for all his right and title to the 109 acres "that fell
to him by his father", including three tracts, Fox Harbor, Allens Ipdustry, and
Rotten Quarter (dor. Deeds AL, p. 230). George paid Severn $163 for his share and
it can be assumed he paid his other two brothers or their heirs a like amount.
15 The children of Benjamin Bonewell and his wife Mary were:
1. Mary Bonewell, born circa 1765, unmarried in 1807, when her father wrote his will. Probably deceased by 1815, since she did not share in the sale of her father's lands as his will directed.
2. Severn Bonnewell, born circa 1766, died testate in 1821, in Sussex County,
Delaware (Del. Probate Vol. A, p. 16). Severn Bonnewell bought 32 acres of land in
Worcester County, Maryland, from Ann Jones on 5 October 1787 for 15 pounds (dor.
Deeds M, p. 243). The land was part of Aliens Industry and began at an oak standing on a ridge called Holly Ridge. He sold this land on 14 February 1795, to his brother
John Bonnewell for 46 pounds 15 shillings, indicating he had built a home on the land
(dor. Deeds Q, p. 100). Severn's wife Nancy cosigned the deed. Severn Bonnewell, of Broad Creek Hundred, bought 125 acres of land in Sussex County on 1 August 1806, for "one Thousand Bushels of Good Merchantable Indian Corn" (Sussex Co, Del., Deeds
AB#25, p. 412). He wrote his will on 20 January 1816, naming his wife Ann as exec- utrix and daughters; Mary, Ann, Lettice, Jane Lecat, and Susan Elliot. Daughter
Letty Bonnawell died testate in Sussex County in 1834 (Probate Vol. A#601 p. 14).
Other Delaware records show that daughter Jane had married Levin Lecat and she died circa 1833.
3. John Bonnewell, born circa 1768. See next section.
L. George Bonnewell, born circa 1770, died testate by 10 October 1837 (dor.
Wills LPS, p. 102), married by Wor. licence of 16 December 1807, Betsy Payne (Nar.
Lic. 1795-1865, p. 34). It was apparently George Bonnewell, aged over 16 years, shown in his father's household by the 1790 census. He was listed in Worcester
County by the 1820 census as over 45 years of age. As has been shown, he bought the
109 acres his father owned from his brothers in 1820 and likely lived there all his life. His will, written on 14 January 1833, named his wife Elizabeth and two daugh-
ters; Hester Ann Bonnewell and Polly S. Payne. He had no sons. Tombstone records
show that daughter Polly S. Bonnewell (1812-1863) married Samuel A. Payne (1808-
16 1873).Hester Ann Bonnewell married John H. Allen by licence of 1 March 1839 (p. 136).
Elizabeth Bonnewell, widow of George, died testate in 1839 Odor. Wills LPS, p. 141).
5. Edward Hearn Bonnewell, born circa 1773, died testate by 21 August 1819
(dor. Wills 1813-1833, P. 289), married by licence of 10 January 1799, Patsy Barn
(dor. Nar. Lic. 1795-1785, P. 9). It appears to have been he who was shown in his father's household in 1790, under 16 years of age. His age was given as 26 to 45 years by the 1810 census for Worcester County, when he had two sons under 10 years in his household and four daughters, three of whom were under 10 years and one 10 to 16. Edward Bonnewell's will, written on 23 June 1818, named his wife Patsey, daughter Jane Brittingham, and "four youngest children" as Andrew, Molly, James, and Pattey. Daughter Jane had married Josiah Brittingham by licence of 2 January
1816 (dor. Mar. Lie. 1795-1865, P. 59). Son Andrew Bonnewell, born circa 1803, married Harriet Eaddux by Somerset County, Maryland, licence dated 31 December 1827
(Som. Mar. Records 1796-1871, p. 1).). Andrew Bonewell was living in Somerset County in 1850. The census of that year lists his children as: Edward, 21; John, 18; Will- iam, 16; Sarah. 14; Littleton, 10; and George, 9. John Bonnawell The Sixth Generation
John Bonnawell, son of Benjamin Bonewell and nis wife Mary, was born circa
1768. While there is no one record that gives his approximate age, it appears he was the second oldest son. His name has not been found on a census record.
John Bonnewell, of Worcester County, Maryland, bought 32 acres of land from his brother Severn on 14 February 1795,for 46 pounds 15 shillings (Wor. Deeds Q, p. 100).
The deed states the boundary of the land began at a white oak on a ridge called
Holly Ridge. On 29 July 1797, John Bonewell bought an additional, adjoining 9 acres from Giles Jones for 15 pounds 15 shillings (dor. Deeds S, p. 117). This deed locates the land as part of Allens Industry and Peppers Vexation.
John Bonnawell married Nancy Hancock by Worcester County licence of 21 February
1807 (Mar. tic. 1795-1865, p. 32). He would have been around 35 years of age and later census records indicate his bride was 26 years old.
John Bonnawell died by 29 September 1815, just several months after his father, when Daniel Hancock posted bond as his administrator (General Index to Estates, 1742-
1908, p. 17). His widow, Nancy Hancock Bonnawell, married William Paradise by
Worcester County licence of 16 April 1816 (Mar. tic. 1795-1864, p. 60). On 9 Febru- ary 1819, William Paradise, with Daniel Mason and Stephen Redden his securities, posted bond as guardian of James Wise Bonnawell, Benjamin Purnell Bonnawell and
Eliza Bonnawell, orphans of John Bonnawell, deceased (dor. Orphans Court Proceedings
1816-1820, p. 282). In June Court, 1829, Nancy Paradise indentured her son,
Benjamin Bonnawell, who was 17 years old in November 1828, to John T. Taylor, shoe and boot maker (Orphans Court Proc. 1829-1832, p. 25).
William Paradise, son of Thomas, "about 7 years old" had been indentured by the
Trustees of the Poor to John Bonnawell to learn farming, on 7 March 1800 (Orphans
Court Proc. 1799-1800, p. 272). He would have been circa 23 years of age in 1816, when he married John Bonnawell's widow, and she circa 35. Nancy and William Para-
18 dise had five children, for, when their son Parker Paradise died unmarried in 18541 his heirs were given as: Nancy Paradise, his mother; John Paradise, a brother; Nancy
Claywell, a sister; Milby Paradise, a deceased brother; Elizabeth Redden,a deceased sister; James Bonnawell, a half-brother; Benjamin Bonnawell, a half-brother; and
Eliza Jones, wife of Isaac Jones, a half-sister (dor. Accounts 18531857, p.422).
The children of John Bonnawell and his wife, Nancy Hancock Bonnawell, were:
1. James Wise Bonnawell, born circa 1809. See next section.
2. Benjamin Purnell Bonnawell, born 1812, married Mary Hall, by Worcester
County licence of 25 December 1833 (Mar. Lic. 1795-1865, p. 120). Benjamin P.
Bonnawell sold his part of his father's land to his brother, James W. Bonnawell, for
$34 on 21 July 1832, when he became of age, land adjoining George Bonnawell's land
(Wor. Deeds AY, p. 251), and after his marriage, disappeared from Worcester County records.
3. Eliza Bonnawell, born circa 1814, married by licence of 22 December 1830,
Isaac Jones (dor. Ear. tic. 1795-1865, p. 110). Isaac Jones and wife Eliza sold to her brother, James W. Bonnawell, her share of their father's land on 8 January
1835, for $35 (Deeds JCH#1, p. 301).
On 21 February 1837, William Paradise bought 335 acres of Thornsbury and
Addition to Thornsbury from Thomas R.P. Spence and wife Esther R. for $1000 (dor.
Deeds JCH#42 p. 193). He bought additional acreage, including part of Bridge
Water Supply, in 1845 (dor. Deeds GEH#7, p. 372).
On 27 September 1854, the court appointed M.N. Lindsey, Isaac Jones, S.S. Mc-
Master, and James W. Bonniwell as commissioners to settle the real estate probate of William Paradise, deceased. They decided the land could not be divided to as advantage for the heirs and had it surveyed into three lots, which they sold sep- arately (Wor. Court Proceedings #7, p. 250). William Paradise's widow, Nancy, was given 130 acres of Lot 1 for her dower. She also got "the west side of the house, below and above, two rooms, one corn crib, and the granary on the northwest of the
19 dwelling house, the privilege of the meat house and well and one half of the garden and a shed for stables on the south side of the pound".
The land can be located from the survey. Point A, the beginning of the courses laid out, was on the west side of the road from Snow Hill to New Town (Pocomoke
City). The land itself apparently did not lie along the road, but extended north- west of point A, up toward Pocomoke River. Lot I contained 231 acres; Lot 2, 94 acres; and Lot 3, 87 acres. They were all adjoining and each lot had a dwelling house on it. Isaac Jones of Giles bought Lot 1 on 2 Auguat 1856 (dor. Deeds EMD#71
P. 434).
Note: Information from Robert F. Jones, some years ago, who was likely a descendant of Eliza Bonnawell and Isaac Jones, states that Nancy Hancock Bonnawell Paradise and her second husband were buried in the Isaac Jones family cemetery. Her stone read:
Nancy Pardis, wife of William, born March 9, 1781, died January 9, 1870). His:
William Paredis, died August 20, 1854, aged 62 years. According to a 1980 reading by Judy T. Howard and Donna S. Clarke, the graveyard containing the stone of Isaac
Jones (1807-1862) and two of his and Eliza's daughters, Jane W. Jones (1834-1854) and Elizabeth A. Jones (1841-1856), is located on the road from Pocomoke to Stockton, on the left side of the road as it enters Stockton. The Paredis stones are apparently is no longer standing. Neither* that of Eliza Jones. Survey of William Paradise land in February 1855 (Wor. Court Proceedings #7, p. 250)
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21. Janes Wise Bonnewill The Seventh Generation
James Wise Bonnewill, the elder son of John Bonnaweil and his wife, Nancy
Hancock Bonnawell, was born circa 1809, for the 1850 census gives his age as 40 years and he bought land in 1830, presumably at 21 years. Worcester County mar- riage records show he married (1) Sally Banks, by licence of 14 April 1833 (Mar.
Lie. l796-l86, p. 117). There was a daughter, Ann Eliza Bonnewill, born of this marriage in 1834, and Sally Banks Bonnewill likely died soon thereafter. By
Worcester County licence of 16 April 1839, James W. Bonnewill married (2) Harriet
Webb (p. 136). She became the mother of his other children.
Harriet Webb was the daughter of John F. and Henrietta (Hudson) Webb, who married by Worcester licence of 24 August 1802 (p. 19). Henrietta Webb, as a widow, married (2) John Pilchard, by licence of 11 January 1827 (p. 96). John F.
Webb was the son of Solomon Webb, who died in 1791 (Wor. Wills JW, p. 41). Solomon's father was a John Webb, born circa 1711 and died 1762 (Wor. Wills 31, p. 804). This
John was a son of Richard and Mary (Jeffries) Webb, who married in May 1672 (Som.
Liber IKL). Richard Webb had come into Maryland from Virginia by August 1671, when he claimed 50 acres for settling in the colony. He died in Somerset County in
1707 (Som. Wills 12, p. 254).
James W. Bonnewill must have been a highly successful farmer, as he became a large land owner. Some of the Worcester County tracts he purchased were resold, at least two to family members. The balance he left to his children and grandchildren.
He bought his first land on 20 March 1830, 24 1/2 acres from Daniel Mason for $49
(Wor. Deeds AW, p. 84). The deed states the land was called Holly Swamp and one of the boundries was "said Bonniwell's land formerly property of John Bonniwell".
In 1832 and 1835, he bought the other two portions of his father's land from his brother and sister and then owned circa 70 acres in the Holly Swamp area.
22 On 16 October 1840, James W. Bonewill bought 30 acres, part of two tracts called Bacon Quarter and Willits Discovery, from Isaac S. Johnson and wife Sarah of Baltimore City, for $700 (Wor. Deeds GMH#31 p. 525). The land was located on the county road from Cottingham's Ferry to Davis Cross Roads, on the east side of
Pocomoke River and one and a half miles from said River. One of the boundries was land of William Paradise. On 28 December 1859, he bought 12 1/2 adjoining acres from
Levin Horsey and wife Polly, for $100 (Wor. Deeds WET#21 p. 1). On 24 October 1856, he bought 146 acres for $1200 from Peter C. Corbin and wife Rosey (Wor. Deeds JAP#1, p. 96). This land was on the northeast side of the road from Cross Roads to Cot- tinghams Ferry. It appears he moved on this land and called it "my old home farm" in his will.
On 3 June 1854, James W. Bonnewill bought 27 1/2 acres, part of Bridgewater
Supply, from Jacob Riley and wife Charlotte, for $75 (40r. EDM#6, p. 43). On 21
December 1857, he bought 240 acres from Major T. Hall and wife Julia, for $300
(dor. Deeds WET#1, p. 93). The deed places this land on Pocomoke River at Bears
Landing, up Carey Creek to Charley Tarr's line, thence to the county road and with the county road to Major W. Jones' land.
It is evident from his will and from an old map of 1877, that the land James
W. Bonnewill owned was located on both sides of the road from Pocomoke City to
Snow Hill, at the point this road intersects with present Lamberson Road, as it extends southeast to Davis Cross Roads (present Goodwill).
James W. Bonnewill wrote his will on 18 February 1882 and it was presented for probate on 4 April 1882 (Wor. Wills GTB#3, p. 158). He left the farm "whereon I now reside, being on the northwest side of the county road leading from Pocomoke
City to Snow Hill", to his wife Harriet Bonnewell for her lifetime and then it was
to go to his grandchildren, James E. Bonnewell and Harriet F. Landing "now the wife of Edward Ardis". He also left personal property to his wife.
James W. Bonnewill left daughter Ann Eliza, the wife of George Hancock, $1.00
23 and $250 to her children. He gave son Isaac Jerome Bonnewill $500, to be held for him by son William C. Bonnewell until "said Isaac Jerome returns home from his pre- sent confinement restored to his right mind". He left $1.00 to son William C. Bonne- will. He gave daughter Martha A. Hancock $1.00 and her children $1,000. He left sons Benjamin E. Bonnewill and George Bonnewill "lands known as my old home farm lying on the southeast side of the county road leading from Pocomoke City to Snow
Hill". He gave daughters Harriet W. Ardis and Sally Landing the farm known as the
Corbin farm, reserving an outlet for both down the lane near George Hancock's residence. He left Ulysses Goswelling $50 and appointed son William C. Bonnewill his guardian. He named friend Benjamin J. Aydelotte and son Benjamin E. Bonnewill his executors. W.T. Hall, Robert J. Tilghman and L.F. Hall were witnesses.
The children of Jams W. Bonnewill, all by Harriet Webb Bonnewill except the first, were:
1. Ann Eliza Bonnewill, born 1834, died 1909, married 9 February 1852, George
W. Hancock, b. 1830, d. 1919 (p. 181). Their tombstones are in the Methodist Epis- copal Church Cemetery at Snow Hill.
On 6 August 1853, James W. Bonnewill and Harriett his wife sold to Ann E. Han- cock, 25 acres called Peters Folly and 100 acres Pilchards Nelect (dor. Deeds END#5, p.428). James Bonnewill had bought this land on 6 November 1845 from John and
Nathenial Redden and their wives (dor. Deeds EDM#1, p. 212). It was land that had belonged to Capt. Robert Hancock and was located across Lamberson Road from other
James W. Bonnewill land. (See residence of G. W. Hancock on 1877 map of Stockton
District).
2. Sally Bonnewill, born 1840, died 1916, married 23 June 1857, James H.
Landing, b. 1840, d. 1899 (p. 202). Their tombstones are in Goodwill Cemetery.
3. William C. Bonnewell, born 1842, died 1929, married 3 December 1861,
Amelia P. Handcock, b. 1845, d. 1924 (p. 218). Their gravestones stand in Salem
Netnodist Cnurch Cemetery, Pocomoke City.
211 On 13, January 1874, William C. Bonnewell bought from his father the 20 acre farm he had purchased in 1857 from Major T. Hall and wife (gor. Deeds ITM#3, p.159).
This land was some distance from Larberson Road and can be located in the north- eastern part of the 1877 map of Newtown District.
L. Isaac Jerome Bonnewill, b.c. 1844, died intestate by 24 October 1882, when his estate was administered to his brother William C. Bonnewill (General Index to
Estates, 1742-1908, p. 17).
5. James Bonnewill, born c. 1846, deceased by 1881. He is shown as a 4-year- old in his father's household by the 1850 census.
6. Martha A. Bonnewill, born 1843, died 1922, married 2 August 1865, Wilmer J.
Hancock, b. 1841, d. 1922. Their tombstones are at Goodwill Cemetery.
7. Benjamin E. Bonnewill, born 1849, died 1923, married circa 1872, Mary E.
1 b. 1854, d. 1922. Their gravestones can be seen at the First Baptist
Church Cemetery, By-Pass Road, Pocomoke.
8. George W. Bonnewill, born 1851, died 1930. See next section.
9. Harriet W. Bonnewill, born 1853, died 1928, married 5 December 1871,
Charles P. Ardis, b. 1846, d. 1901. They are buried in the First Baptist Church
Cemetery, By-Pass Road, also.
25 Northwestern section of map of 1877, Stockton District, Worcester County, showing location of James W. Bonneville land
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Id Tax-rrving. -• _Lconhden PY: Pilchard .• 1:Barton. /Tar _Emig 21-m_EJ:JorzeF_ _ " N, r 17...khofieki - George W. Bonneville The Eighth Generation
George W. Bonneville was born on 18 August 1851, according to his tombstone in Goodwill Cemetery, and died on 9 February 1930. His wife, Mary E. Bonneville, born 4 August 1846, died 16 December 1941, is buried beside him. He, a farmer, married Mary Elizabeth Outten on 19 December 1871 (dor. Mar. Record #2, 1866-1886).
The marriage was performed by Rev. William Wilkerson at the bride's home. The 1850 census for Worcester County, First District, shows Peter C. Outten, 361 and wife
Sally with 4-year-old daughter Mary in the household. Peter C. Outten, born 1816, died 1888, and wife Sarah Jo, born 1822, died 1881, are buried in a family cemetery on Sheephouse Road, southeast of Pocomoke. Peter C. Outten left his daughter, Mary
E. Bonneville, 45 acres of land when he died in 1888 (Igor. Wills GTB #3, p. 308).
George W. Bonneville inherited half his father's "old home farm" when his father died in 1882. This land was located on the northern part of present
Lamberson Road, on the northeast side of the road. Descendants tell that his farm was some distance back from the road and could be reached by a long lane:, through woods and over a big ditch, from Lamberson Road. In recent times the house has been moved to the Pocomoke-Snow Hill highway and can be seen there, just north of Lamberson Road.
George W. Bonneville and his wife belonged to Goodwill Methodist Church and attended services there, driving a horse-drawn buggy.
Their granddaughters remember their farm as a typically self-sufficient one of the era, where chickens, hogs, and cows were raised for food and most of the crops were used to feed livestock. Trips to a general store were infrequent and were made for items not otherwise available, such as sugar, salt, molasses and kerosene. Wood stoves were used for both heat and cooking.
George W. Bonneville did not leave a will. His widow renounced her right to settle his estate on 18 February 1930 and Willard J. Stevenson was appointed 28 administrator (dor. PJ #13, p. 147). An inventory of personal property was made on
21 February 1930 (dor. PJ #11, P. 380). This included household furnishings, live- stock, and farm equipment. Among the household items were nineteen quilts, valued at $20,and a set of silver knives and forks, valued at $1.50. The items listed on the inventory were sold at public auction on 11 March 1930 (p. 382). Distribution of the personal estate was made on 5 November 1930 (PJ #141 p. 388). Of the total assests of $107.88, the widow, Mary E. Bonneville received $35.96. Each of three daughters got $23.97.
George W. Bonneville's widow went to live with their daughter, Blanche Pilchard, at Princess Anne, after his death. She and her daughters sold the land her father had left her in 1940 Odor. Deeds JEB #7, p. 55). Although a deed has not been found, descendants say that Walter Lamberson bought the George W. Bonneville farm.
The children of George W. Bonneville and his wife Mary E. (Lizzie) Outten
Bonneville, were:
1. Sallie H. Bonneville, b. 1872. See next section.
2. Annie Lee Bonneville, born 3 January 1874, died 23 March 1941, married 31
January 1900, William F. Hillman of Klej Grange (dor. Mar. Records #3, 1895-1905, p. 52). They are buried in the Goodwill Cemetery.
3. Blanche E. Bonneville, born 22 February 1886, died 1977, married 12 Decem- ber 1906, William H. Pilchard (1874-1938). She and her husband are also buried at
Goodwill Cemetery.
Note: Many of the dates of births, deaths and marriages in this section and the
following sections, have been taken from the George W. Bonneville family Bible. It
is now in the possession of Mrs. Ralph K. Taylor, Glen Allen, Virginia.
29 Sallie H. Bonneville The Ninth Generation
Sallie Hattie Bonneville, the eldest of the three daughters of George W.
Bonneville and his wife, Mary E. Outten Bonneville, was born on her father's farm just off present Lamberson road on 1 September 1872. The farm on which she was born and grew up was land her grandfather, James W. Bonnewill, called his "old home farm" in his will, and part of 146 acres he had bought in 1856.
Sallie H. Bonneville, 22, married Rome N. Littleton, 23, on 28 November 1894
(Wor. Mar. Record, 1886-18950 p. 162). The marriage was performed at Pocomoke
City, by Rev. E.C. MacNickal.
Rome N. Littleton was the son of Edmund S. Littleton (1823-1896), by his second wife, Annis Shockley Littleton, whom he married by licence of 29 January
1855 (Wor. Mar. Lie. 1795-1865, p. 192). The 1850 census shows Edmund S. Lit- tleton, 25, and wife Charlotte, 25 (no record has been found of this marriage), in the 4th Election District of Worcester County, household 238, with three small sons: Levin B., aged 3 years; John S., aged 2 years; and Archibald T., aged I year.
The 1860 census places the family in Coulbourns District, household 536. Edmund older was then 35 years of age, with wife "Annie F.", his threeAsons, and Thomas, aged
4 years, and Emily F., aged 2 years. In 1880, the census lists "Edwin" S. Little- ton, 55, in the 1st Election District (Newtown) of Worcester County, with wife Annie,
40; son Thomas G. (Gordy), 23, with his wife, Georgianna (Groton), 18; and son R.
N. Littleton, 6 years. The 1870 census shows Edmond Littleton and his wife Ann had one other son, Breckinridge Littleton, born circa 1860. This census also calls the daughter Emily F. (2 years of age in 1860), Emma. Emma Littleton married
Daniel Lewis. They had a store in Snow Hill.
Edmund S. Littleton's father was William T. Littleton. In 1850, he, aged 63 years, and wife Sally F., 63, were living next door to Edmund S. in household 237.
William T. Littleton died testate in 1857, naming sons Thomas S. Littleton and 30 Edmund S. Littleton, a daughter Nancy Littleton, and a grandson James Littleton
Nelson (dor. Wills TT #8, p. 13). He was the son of a William Littleton, who died intestate in 1828. Although not named in his will, this William Littleton was apparently the grandson of Edmund Littleton, who died testate in Worcester County in 1754, naming two sons, Thomas and Edmund (dor. Wills JW #2, p. 136). Neither
Thomas nor Edmund left a probate record, but Thomas Littleton and William Little- ton appeared together on a bond of 5 October 1802, indicating they were father and son (Wor. Deeds U, p. 624). The Edmund Littleton who died in 1754 first appeared in Maryland on Somerset County tax lists of 1740. There is little doubt he was the
Edmund Littleton named as a son by John Littleton of Accomack County, Yirginia, in his will of 1721 (Acco. Wills, Deeds lc c 1715-1729, part 1, p. 365). John Little- ton had bought 200 acres of Accomack County land, near Hunting Creek, in 1699
(Acco. Wills and Etc. 1692-1715, part 1, p. 391). He made a deposition in Accomack
County Court on 20 February 1689, when his age was given as "27 years or thereabouts
(Acco. Wills & C Orders, 1682-1697, p. 179). John Littleton married (1)
(2) Margaret Riley, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Riley. Littletons and Lillistons in Accomack County are also his descendants.
The 1900 census for Worcester County, Newtown District, shows Romulus N. Lit- tleton and wife Sallie H. in household 308. They had a daughter Margie, born
August 1896, in the household and his mother, Annie, born April 1843 (?), was living with them. In 1910, the family was shown living in Pocomoke City, house 430. Rome
Littleton's age was given as 36, his wife Sallie's as 37, and his mother Annie's as 72. Three daughters were: Margie, 14; Blanche, 8; and Yirgie, 5.
Rome Littleton had a drayage business in Pocomoke City. With a horse drawn cart, he would meet the trains and boats from Baltimore, unload their cargo, and deliver the goods to retail merchants in town. He also delivered Texaco petroleum products (likely kerosene) to individual homes. A picture was taken of him, circa
1920, standing beside his Texaco wagon pulled by a white horse, when the family
31 was living on 3rd Street. The graveyard behind the present Worcester County
Public Library at Pocomoke can be seen in the background.
Rome Littleton was 50 years of age when he died on 9 October 1924. He was buried in Goodwill Cemetery, only a short distance from his father and mother. His mother had died circa 1913 and been buried there in an unmarked grave, beside her husband, Edmund S. Littleton, who died in 1896. His tombstone calls him Edward S.
Littleton. This was likely a mistake of the stone carver, who probably knew him as "Ed" Littleton.
Sallie H. Bonneville Littleton, as a widow, continued living on 3rd Street in
Pocomoke with her daughter, Blanche Taylor, and her family. She moved with them to
Miona, Virginia. In the early 1940s, she moved back to Pocomoke, renting two rooas on lith Street. She lived there until she was no longer able to keep house and live alone, and then went to Snow Hill with her youngest daughter. She died on 19 June
1965. Her obituary in The Snow Hill News gave her age as 92. She died in Holland
Nursing Home in Stockton, Maryland, where she had been a patient for 16 months*
She, too, was buried in Goodwill Cemetery, beside her husband.
The children of Sallie H. Bonneville Littleton and her husband, Rome N. Little- ton, were:
1. Marjorie A. Littleton, born 24 August 1896, married (1) 12 May 1917, at
Pocomoke City, Rufus Bailey of Sanford, Virginia. Rufus Bailey died 10 April 1936 as the result of an automobile accident. Marjorie L. Bailey married (2) circa
1938-1939, John Stant of Mears, Virginia. Mrs. Stant is currently living in Sanford.
Her children were: Richard Bailey, Virginia Bailey, Gladys Bailey, Thelma Bailey, and Woodrow Bailey.
2. Blanche M. Littleton, born26 May 1901, died 27 December 1987, at Wicomico
Nursing Home in Salisbury, married 22 April 1922, Rosser A. Taylor of New Church,
Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were the owners and operators of R.A. Taylor Grocery and Antique Store in Horntown, Virginia, where they lived for many years. They
32 had one son. Herbert G. Taylor of Horntown.
3. Virginia A. Littleton, born 1905. See next section.
Sallie H. Bonneville Littleton 1872-1965 /
314 Virginia A. Littleton The Tenth Generation
Virginia Alma Littleton, youngest daughter of Sallie H. Bonneville Littleton and Rome N. Littleton, was born near Pocomoke City, Maryland, on 25 November 1905.
She grew up in Pocomoke and married (1) Hildred Clark Johnson of Horsey, Virginia, on 4 August 1923. Hildred Johnson lost his life in an accident on 1 November 1932.
His widow, Virginia L. Johnson, married (2) Dorsey E. Wilkerson of Miona, Virginia, on 25 December 1936. They lived on a farm near Snow Hill, Maryland. Dorsey E.
Wilkerson died on 8 November 1970. Mrs. Wilkerson currently lives in Snow Hill.
Her children are:
1. Edward C. Johnson, born July 1924.
2. Annabelle Johnson Taylor, born December 1926.
3. William J. Johnson, born January 1931 (1930?).
For more details on this family, see Hildred Clark Johnson and Paternal
Ancestors, p. 33.
35 BONWIML CHART I
1st generation 2nd generation 3rd generation 4th generation 5th generation
Qgorge13 Thomas, d. testate 1743 left land at Thomas Messongo Sarah
Anna Lee Mary
Elizabeth Richard, d. testate 1746/7 Stephen, d. 1805 unmarried James, d. 1721 James, d. 1802 unmarried Jacob Lurton, d. 1791 John,_ "Senr" James, 1660 John Benjamin ? James Bonwell b.c. in. (1) Mary Lurton d. intestate d. intestate 1702 d. testa e 1 in. Mary Parker 1667 9 (2) Jane ? in. (1) Sarah Dorman in. Mary Watson in. Gratiana Makeal b.c. 174E--- (3) Dorothy (2) Mary she remarried d. t. 1815, Wor. Co. d. intestate c. 1790 Henry Huebank Mary, in. John C. Heubin ? Wise Susanna, Micheal in. Mychel John, J r d. 1775 w. Mary Wise James d. testate Sarah 1767 Hannah in. Hannah Lurton m. (1) Wm. 0. Wise Leah (2) Nath'l Rachel Brittingham James, son of James d. 1799, w. Betty
Micheal, Sr. Sarah Russell Se Melson testate Betty, in. James Bonwell Joachim Mikeal d. 1783 Peggy, m. James Lewis eggy Thomas (at sea) Scarburgh George, c. testate 1721 Elijah, d. 1785 Thomas, d. testate 1758 Thomas, d. 1718 Southy Mary intestate Arabella BONNEVILLE CHART II
5th generation 6th generation 7th generation 8th generation 9th generation
Ann Eliza Mary b. 1839 b.c. 1765 d. 1910 d. C. 1810 in. 1852, George Hancock James Wise Sally b.c. 1809 Severn b. 1840 d.t. b.c. 1760 1882 d. 1916 d. t. 1821, in. (1) Sally in. 1857, James H. Sussex Co., DE Banks Landing (2) Harriet in. Nancy/Ann William C. Webb 1842 b. Sallie H. d. 1929 b. 1872 John m. 1861, Amelia d. 1965 Benjamin b.c. 17 Hancock m. 1894, Rome N. b. c. 1744, Acco. Co. d. intestate, Benjamin Purnell Isaac Jerome Littleton d. t.,I815, Wor. Co. 1815, Wor. Co. b. 1812 b. 1844 in. Mary Parker, in. 1807, Nancy m. 1833, Mary d. 1882 widow of Sacker Hancock Hall unmarried Annie L. b. 1874 James d. 1941 b.c. 1846 in. 1900, Wm. F. George died young Hillman b.c. 1770 d. t. 1837, Wor. Co. Martha A. in. 1817, Betsy Payne b.1843 Blanche E. Eliza d. 1922 b. 1886 b.c. 1814 m. 1865, Wilmer J. d. 1977 in. 1830, Isaac Hancock in. 1906, Wm. H. Jones Benjamin E. Pilchard Edward Hearn b. 1849 b. c. 1773 d. 1923 d. t. 1839, Wor. Co. m.c. 1872, Mary E. in. 1799, Betsy Barn George W. b. 1851 d. 1923 in. 1871, Mary!. --3 Outten Harriet W. b. 1853, d. 1928 in. 1871, Charles P. Ardis References
Accomack County Court Records: Marriage Licence Bonds, Marriage Registers, Deeds, Wills, Orders, Inventories, Surveyor's Plat Books, located in the County Clerk's Office, Accomac, Virginia.
Accomack County Federal Census records and Accomack County Loose Papers, on micro- film at the Eastern Shore Public Library at Accomac, Virginia.
Ames, Susie M., ed., County Court Records, Accomack-Northampton, Va., 1632716401 American Historical Association, Washington, D.C., 1954.
Ames, Susie M., ed., County Court Records, Accomack-Northampton, u., 164o-1645, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Va., 1973.
Atlases (1877) and Other Early Maps of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, The Wicomico Bicentennial Commission, Salisbury, Md., 1976.
Dryden, Ruth, Cemetery Records of Worcester County., Maryland, printed privately, 1988.
Dryden, Ruth, Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, 1666-1810, printed privately, 13777
Lewis, Mark, genealogical files at Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac, Ya.
Northampton County Court Records: Marriage Bonds, Wills, Deeds, and Orders, located at the County Clerk's Office, Eastville, Va.
Nottingham, Stratton, Certificates and Rights, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1929.
Nottingham, Stratton, Land Causes, Accomack Co., Ya.„ 1727-1826, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1930.
Nottingham, Stratton, Marriage Licence Bonds, Accomack Co., Ya., 1774-1806, published by the author, anancock, Va., 1927.
Nottingham, Stratton, Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors from Accomack Co., Va., published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1927.
Nottingham, Stratton, Tithables of Accomack County (Tax Lists), 1663-1695, published by the author, Onancock, Ta., 1931.
Nottingham, Stratton, Wills and Administrations, Accomack Co., Va., 1663-1800. published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1931.
Nugent, Nell Marion, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Land Patents and Grants, 1623-1666, The Diets Press, Richmond, Va., 1931.
Somerset County Court Records: Marriage Registers, Judicials In, Wills, located in the Somerset County Courthouse, Princess Anne, Maryland. Torrence, Clayton, Virginia Wills and Administrations, 1632-1800, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, Md., 1981. Originally published by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, Richmond, Va., 1930.
38 True, Ransom B., ed., The Biographical Dictionarx of Early Virginia, 1607-1660, The Association for the TFeservation of Virginia Antiquities, Richmond,— Vi:, 19 .
Whitelaw„ Ralph T., Virginia's Eastern Shore, A History of Northampton and Accomack Counties, Vol. I and II, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Va., Ti.
Worcester County Court Records: Marriage Records, Wills, Deeds, Inventories, Court Proceedings, and Orphans Accounts, located in the Worcester County Courthouse, Snow Hill, Maryland, and The Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland.
Worcestor County Federal Census records and 1783 tax list, on microfilm at the Worcester County Public Library, Snow Hill, Maryland.
Worcestor County Oaths of Fidelity and Worcester County Militia, Daughters of the American Revolution Library, Washington, D.C. Copies at the Worcester County Public Library, Snow Hill, Maryland.
39