Captain Thomas Carter 
Thomas was born on October 26th, 1630 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England.1 Thomas' father was William Anscell Carter and his mother was Mary Anne Emmery. His paternal grandparents were William Carter Jr. and Mary Anscell; his maternal grandparents were Thomas Emmery and <Unknown>. He had a brother and two sisters, named William, Anne and Elizabeth. He was the second oldest of the four children. He died at the age of 69 on October 22nd, 1700 in Barford, on the Corotoman River, Lancaster County, Virginia.1 General Notes
In 1650, Captain Thomas Carter of Bedfordshire England arrived in Virginia He was twenty-one years old at the time, and it has been suggested that he was forced to come to the New World by circumstances of his birth. As the youngest son, he had no interest in the family estate, and life in Virginia offered the prospect of acquiring wealth and status through hard work. He became eminently successful as a tobacco planter and trader.
The history of Captain Thomas Carter and his descendants is so intertwined with that of the family of Col. John Carter of Corotoman.
In the book "The History of the Carter Family" mentions that Ancell Carter being the father of Thomas but I have not researched this....Other sources state that Ancell is not the father of Thomas Carter.
Thomas Carter first settled in Nansemond County, Virginia about 1649/50 and later at Barford in Lancaster County, Virginia
The Lancaster County, records first recorded his presence in 1653 as "Mr. Tho. Carter. --
page 209 "The History of the Carter Family"
Thomas was magistrate and Captain in the Militia, 1667. A vestryman of Church Christ. A member of the House of Burgesses.
Records do indicate that he was a tobacco planter and merchant in Lancaster County,. He purchased his first plantation of about eight hundred acres on the "Easter most branch of the Corotoman River from Col. John Carter," and on 1 June 1654 acknowledged the debt in court--"12,852 pounds of tobacco to be paid the following October at ye dwelling house of the said Mr. Tho:Carter." In 1656, he purchased an additional 560 acres from George Marsh and in 1658 purchased another plantation from Edmund Lunsford. He also acquired over the thirty years patents or ownership to well over a thousand acres of land, indicating that at the time of his death about 1700 he quite well situated. --Lancaster land
records page # unreadable.
Old court records show Thomas Carter served occasionally as an attorney for various nonresidents of Lancaster County, who had legal business in his area. The records read: "October ye 21st 1663.
1670 Marriage of Thomas and Katherine was recorded in the old Carter Prayer Book as follows: With this Book per Rev. Mr. John Shepperd on Wednesday ye 4th Day of May 1670---was Married Mr Thomas Carter of Barfordin ye County, of Lancaster in Virginia & Katherine Dale ye eldest daughter of Mr. Edw. Dale ye same County,.
This marriage produced ten sons and three daughters. Three sons died in their youth, William and Nicholas, the twins and Daniel. One daughter Diana died at the age of 2.
The name "Barford" (home of Captain Thomas Carter) first appears in the Carter Prayer Book which is in the possession of the Virginia Historical Society.
8 Dec 1674 Edward Dale gave 500 acres to son-in-law Thomas Carter and wife Katherine Dale Carter by deed ( whereon the said Thomas Carter now lives) Deed Book 4 pg 201 1662-1682)
WisconsinllinoisL OF THOMAS CaliforniaRTER SR. LouisianaNCaliforniaSTER COUNTY, VIRGINIA 16 AUG 1700
In the name of God, Amen the sixteenth day of August 1700, I Thomas Carter Senior of the County, of Lancaster being sick in body but of good and perfect Memory Thanks be to Almighty God and calling to Remembrance the uncertain Estate of this Transitory life..... and now for the settling of my temporal estate and such goods chattels and debts as it hath pleased God far above my Deserts to bestow upon me. I do order give and depose the same in manner and form following that is to say that first I will that all Those Debts and Dues as I owe in right or conscience to any manner of Person or Persons whosoever shall be well and truly contented and paid or ordain to be paid within convenient Time after my decease by Exec. hereafter named
Item I: do give my son Edward Carter one hundred acres of land to him and his heirs forever but if so be the said Edward will not join with his brothers within three months after my Decease to pay Equal charge for the laying it out and let his mother have what Timber she shall have occasion of for Repairing houses and fences on my now dwelling plantation during her life that then he shall have no benefit of it but I do give it to son John Carter to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I do give unto my son Henry Carter one hundred acres of land to him and his heirs for ever only Reserving my wife to have the benefit of getting what timber She shall have occasion of for Repairing and Building on my now Dwelling Plantation but whereas the said Henry is in England and if it should happen he should never come in again I do give the said land unto my so James Carter to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I do give unto my son John Carter one hundred acres of land to him and his heirs forever only Reserving the Same Privilege to my wife as in, the other two Item I do give my Negro, Dick unto my loving wife Katherine during her natural life and then to be Divided Amongst all the rest of my children only my son Edward to have no share of him Item: I do give all my personal estate whatsoever its to be Equally Divided my loving wife and children only reserving the great table to my wife whereas my son in Law hath Received fifteen hundred and sixty pounds of Tobacco in part of the estate his Grandfather in Law Edward Dale gave his wife I having no Receipt for it and if the said William George will not be accountable for it then it is my will that he shall have no part of my said estate but only one shilling sterling in full part of his wife portion
Item: I do give unto my son Thomas Carter my now Dwelling Plantation with one hundred acres of land to it to him and his heirs forever after my now Loving wife Katherine decease.
Item: I do nominate my son Thomas Carter my ecce and my loving wife my exetrx of this my last will and Testmt. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written
Thomas Carter Senior (Seal) Signed
Published in the presence John Davis, Thomas: White Richard Stephen
Captain Thomas Carter died October 22, 1700 at the age of 70 and his will was probated on November 14 of the same year. His estate was divided as follows: Wife Katherine to have the home plantation for the rest of her life, a Negro man named Dick, the great table, and one-third of the remainder of my personal property. Sons Edward,Thomas,Henry(then in England) and John to each have a hundred acres of land; son James to have the land devised to Henry if the latter does not return from England. Daughters Elizabeth and Katherine, and sons Peter and Joseph have been provided for by their grandfather Dale. Son-in-law William George to account for 1,560 pounds of tobacco that I had advanced him on the Dale estate due to his wife from her grandfather. Son Thomas to have the home plantation after the death of his mother. The rest of my real and personal estates to be divided equally between all children.
signed: Thomas Carter
"The History of the Carter Family"
The personal estate was valued at 236 Pounds, which was a goodly sum, and included a : parcel of old Books" a silver drinking pot, tankard, and twelve silver spoons, beside the usual household and plantation furnishings of a man of class.
Throughout the descendents of Captain Thomas Carter you will see who owned land and who sold it in time. The heirs of Captain Thomas Carter, were grandsons that ended up selling the last parts of the land that was owned by their Grandfather. The first being sold in 1742 by James Gordon. The last being sold to James Gordon in 1782.
The land was then referred to as Verville. This was called Gordonsville, in 1784, which included the house on this land. All the land mentioned above was owned by the Captain Thomas Carter families in the early 18th century.
Prayer Book of Captain Thomas Carter of Barford, Lancaster County, Virginia
Original Prayer Book at Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia - Handwriting recording births and marriages of Capt. Thomas Carter was assumed to be his, but later marriages occurred after his death.
Transcription of Prayer Book of Captain Thomas Carter of Lancaster County,
Virginia
Born: circa 1630, London, England
Died: 1700, Barford Estate, Lancaster County, Virginia
Passed down to son Thomas Carter, Jr.
Born: June 4, 1672, Lancaster County, Virginia
Died: September 30, 1733, Lancaster, County, Virginia
Passed down to son Peter Carter
Born: 1706, Lancaster County, Virginia
Died: circa 1790
By Captain Thomas Carter
Edward ye eldest Sonne of Tho: & Kathn Carter was born on ye 9h Ap’ll 1671 of Sunday at 8 Acock in ye Morng and was baptz on Sunday the 30h. Mr John Carter, Mr Edwn Conaway & Mr Edw: Dale Gdfathrs & Mrs Diana Dale & Msz Lettys Corbyn G’mothers.
Thomas Carter son of Thomas was Born on the 4th day of June 1672 betw’n 3 & 4 aclock in ye Morng and was Baptzd att ye new Church Augt 5th. Captn John Lee, Mr Th: Hayne, ye Lady Ann Skipworth & Elizh Dale godparts.
John 3d son was bornd ye 8th May 1674 and bapd Sunday ye 24h and had for God parents Coll. Jno: Carter, Mr Jno Stretchley and Mrs Ball
Henry Skipwith, 4th sonn Tho. & Kath. Carter Bornd of a Wedndy the 7h June & was baptzd att Home by Rev Mr Dogette on Sunday aftr Service ye 18th. Capn Wm Ball, Capn David Fox and Mrs Srah Fleete standing
Diana ye Eldest Daughr Th: & Kathn Carter was born on the last Day of Apll 1678 near 5 in the Aftrnoone and Christnd on Sunday 12 of May by Mr Doggett when was Entertaind a large Company. Mrs Diana Dale, Mrs Mary Willys & Capn Ball God parents. She Departd this Life of a Putrid Soar Throate at ye age of 2 yeares and 3 days.
Wm & Nicho twinn sonnes of Tho: Carter born 2d Novr 1679 and dyed on the 11th and 12th July 1680 of a Cholrey.
Elizabeth 2d Dauter was Bornd 4h day of Feby 1680 about Sunrise & weighd 11 lbs. Baptzd at St Marys Sunday 15 May Mrs Margaret Ball, Mrs Elizabeth Rogers & Captain Ball standing for her.
Daniel son of Thomas & Katharin Carter born 22d Oct’br 1682 and died on the 30h of a Fit.
James 8th sonn was Borne on Christmas Day 1684 it being Thursday at 2 in the morng & was Chrisnd at Home on Sundy. Mr. Jno Edwards, Mr Tho. Wilkes & Mrs Edwards standing as God parts.
Katharine 3d Dau. was born at 6 aclock Easter Morning 4h Apl 1686 Bapd on Whit-Sundy Mr David Fox Mrs Hannah Fox & Mrs Sarah Perrotte Gdpts.
Peter 9th Son was Born near Midnight 23d May 1688 & Baptzd on 3d June Mr Edwin Conaway, Mr Tho. Dudly & Mrs Ann Chowning standing.
Joseph Youngest son born Friday 28 Novr 1690 & Christnd at home on 10th Decr Mr Robt Carter & Mr Joseph Ball Godfathrs & Mrs Judith Carter Godmother.
[Death of Edward Dale, father-in-law in Capt. Thomas Carter’s handwriting]
Mr. Edw: Dale Departd this life on ye 2d Day Feb: 1695 and Mrs Diana Dale on ye last day of July.
Hic Despositum Spe Certe Resurgendi in christo quicquid habuit Mortale EDWARDUS DAlabamaE, ARMichiganGER.
Tandem hornorum et Dierum Obiit 20 Feby: Anno Dom: 1695.
He descended from an Ancient Family in England & came into ye Colly of Virga after the Death of his Unhappy Master Charles First. For above 30 years he enjoyed various Employments of Public Trust
in ye Coty of Lancaster wch he Dischred wth great Fidelity & Satisfacn. to the Governor & People. As neighbor-Father-Husband he Ex celled and in early yeares Crownd his other Accomplishments by a
Felicitous Marriage wth Diana ye daughter of sr Henry Skypwith of Preswold in ye Coty of Leicester Bart
who is left a little while to Mourn him.
[Death of Capt. Thomas Carter and wife Katherine in Thomas Carter, Jr’s handwriting]
Thomas Carter Senr Departed this life on the 22d of October 1700 Aged about 70 years.
Catharine Carter Departed this life the 10th Day of May 1703 in the 51st Year of her Life.
[Marriages of children recorded by Capt. Thomas Carter]
Elizabeth Carter was Mard to 2dm George on Wednesday the 15 June 1698.
1 Kathe Carter was married to Jno: Lawson on ye 16h June 1703
2 James Carter was mard ye 3d Octbr 1715 to Hannah Neale daur. to Danl Neal
3 Peter Carter was mard ye 23 Sept 1712 to Kathe Rogers dau to --- Wm Rogers.
4 Henry Carter & Ann Davis was married ye 6th day of May 1701.
5 Joseph Carter & Ann Pines was married on 23 Decr 1713.
6 James Carter & Mary Brent was mard on 12 Augt 1724.
7 Tho: Carter Jnnr & Arabella Williamson was Mard on ye 22 Augt 1695
8 John Carter & Frances Ball was married on Tuesday the 21st Day Novbr 1698
Edward Carter of ye coty of Lancster & Elizh Thornton Dau: to Mr. Wm. Thornton of ye Coty of Gloucstr was mard 3d June 1697. It being a Thursday. Edward & Elizh Carter had daur Margt born 1t June 1698-Judith born 22d June 1702 Katha 1 Feb: 1699/1700 & son Thomas Born 1 Feb: 1699/1700-- in Gloucester att Mr Wm Thorntons And Edward born Augt 1704 & Elizh Born 8 May 1706 in Lancaster.
With this Book pr Rv Mr John Shepperd on Wednsday ye 4h Day of May 1670-was Mard Mr Thomas Carter of Barford in ye County, of Lancaster in Virga & Katherine Dale ye eldest Daughr of Mr Edw: Dale ye same County,.
By Captain Thomas Carter
Children of Jos & Catharine Carter
Thomas Carter was born May 8, 1720
Mary Elizth Carter was born Dec 2, 1721
Ewd Dale Carter was born June 2, 1723
John Carter was born June 8, 1725
George Carter was born Dec 18, 1728
Elizabeth Carter was born Sept 20, 1731
Joseph Cater was born May 3, 1733
Catharine Cater
Robert Carter was born Aug 22, 1735
By Peter Carter
Francis the loving dear Wife of John Carter and Dau. of Mr. Joseph Ball and Elizabeth his Wife Departed this Life at 5 mins to 8 a clock in the Morning of ye 3d day of Sept 1699 three hours after she was delivd of a Son in the 18th year of her life. And was buried on the 5h day at St Marys White Chapell attended by an affectionate and sorrowing Husband and a large concorse of Relatives and friends. Joseph Ball Carter followed his mother to the Grave on the 1st Day of July 1700 of a flux and was burd at So. Marys on ye 2d.
By Peter Carter
January 14th 1777. Today came a letter from Edward Carter of Lancaster with the intelligence that my Brother Mr. Dale Carter Departed this Life on the 12th Day December last and our cousin 10 days earlier [Thomas Carter written in margin]. Now indeed am I the last of my generation--the lone leaf on the tree waiting the last frost.
Ye Datte of this Holy Book is at it stands from the printer as follows MarylandCLXII [1662] in the year of my God 1775 and in ye year of my Nattral Life 69. Romans ye 10 Chap & 9 vers. If thou shalt confess with thine mouth the Lord Jesus; and shall Believe in thin heart tht God hath Rased him from the Dead thou shalt be saved. Romans ye 10 & 9 vers my Natral Life 82 in ye year of my God 1788. Peter Carter
in the year 1788 & in ye year my Life 82. 58 years last May Day [May 1, 1730] I was Married to Judith Norris who passed on ye 15h day May 1765. We was Blest with 9 sons and 4 daughters viz. Dale & Thomas on ye 24h April 1731. Judy on ye 2d Novm 1732. Job on ye 1st Jan’y 1734. Joseph on ye 4th September 1736. Arabella Catharine on ye 17th August 1738. Solomon on ye 25 Septr. 1739. Frances Ball on ye 8h Jan’y 1741. Peter on ye 9th March 1743. Sarah on ye 16h June 1744. Daniel on ye 22d Dec. 1746 ye same Day and year as Danl son of my cozen Robert Carter. Norris on 8h November 1748 and George on 15 March 1757. of which Thomas, Joseph Peter, Norris, George, Frances and
Sarah are now living. George with me Peter in Amherst and the others on Clinch.
Robert Carters children born William born 1st May 1745, Daniel 22 Decmbr 1746, Robert 14 Febry 1748, Mary 21 May 1750, Jedisah 29 July 1752, Milly 22 May 1755, Henry 28 Janry 1757, John Novmbr 1758, Winny Born Decm 4 1762, Fredn 28 July 1767. These Dattes give me by Henry Carter.
Mrs Hannah Carter departed the Life on 9th Octo. 1722 and left a sorriful husband and 4
tender children Tho. Danl Presly & Hannah
Job Carter past to his Reward the 8h Novem 1782.
Solomon Carter on 28h day September 1786.
By Peter Carter
James Davis & Mary Elizabeth Carter married December 25, 1738
Children
Jno: Fielding born Jany 1, 1740
James C. born March 5, 1741
Benjamin born Jany 10, 1743
Elizabeth born Feby 22, 1745
Snead born May 16, 1748
Wm Dale born August 26, 1750
Mary born May 24, 1753
Felix Carter born April 27, 1755
Charles Edwin born Oct. 22, 1758
Thomas Wyatt born Nov 30, 1761
Thomas Davis & Susanah Hieatt was married May 1, 1783
Children
Elizabeth born Oct. 16, 1784
Mary Carter born Dec 22, 1786
Fielding born May 9, 1789 in Caintucky
Birth Record
Tho: Davis son of Jno: & Susannah born August 8 1693
Sarah Davis dau of Ewd: fielding Esqr born May 12th 1695
Children
Ewd Fielding Davis born May 6, 1718
James C. Davis born Nov 3, 1719
Wm Davis born April 30, 1727
Susanah Davis born Sept 9, 1729
Richd Davis born June 15, 1725
John Davis born July 3, 1723
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Ancestor Pedigree Chart
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*There are earlier generations for the ancestor(s) indicated. See their page(s) for details (click name)
- b.1475 in Chipperfield, Kings Langly, Hertfordshire, England d.Aug 1521 in Watford, Hertfordshire, England
- b.1495 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England d.Jul 1544 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1478 in England
- b.1510 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England d.1569 in Oakes Farm, Kempston Parish, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1498 in England d.1560 in England
- b.1549 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England d.01 Sep 1605 in Oakes Farm, Kempston Parish, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1443 in Wittersham, Kent, England
- b.1483 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England d.1560 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England
<Unknown>
- b.1514 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1487 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England d.1556 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England
- b.05 Mar 1602 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England d.05 Sep 1644 in Kempston, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1468 in Exeter, Devon, England
- b.1494 in Westmonton, Somerset County, England
<Unknown>
- b.1520 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England d.27 Apr 1591 in Barford, Bedford, England
- b.1472 in Westmonton, Somerset County, England
- b.1498 in Barford, Bedford, England
<Unknown>
- b.1556 in Barford, Bedford, England d.01 Mar 1619 in Oakes Farm, Kempston Parish, Bedfordshire, England
- b.1503 in Cumberland, England
- b.1528 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England d.07 Nov 1597 in Barford, Bedford, England
- b.1472 in Pavenham, Bedford, England
- b.1510 in Pavenham, Bedford, England
<Unknown>
- b.26 Oct 1630 in Barford, Bedfordshire, England d.22 Oct 1700 in Barford, on the Corotoman River, Lancaster County, Virginia
- b.1550
- b.25 May 1606 in Bedford, England d.1638
<Unknown>
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Details of Thomas' family with Katherine Dale
1 http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=PED&db=buenavista&id=I00285&style=TABLE
Further source/citation:
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=buenavista&id=I00289
Further source/citation:
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=buenavista&id=I00289
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