William Thompson (1629 - abt. 1700)

Born 1 Jan 1629 in Lancashire, England

Husband of Katharine (Treat) Thompson — married 19 Nov 1655 in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Descendants

Died about 1700 at about age 71 in Westmoreland County, Virginia

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Biography

William Thompson is a Qualifying Ancestor of the Jamestowne Society

William Thompson was a Virginia colonist.

Rev. William Thomson(2), graduate of Harvard in 1653.^[1] Ususally supposed to be a son of Rev. William Thompson(1) of Braintree, Massachusetts.^[2] Frances Manwaring Caulkins, who wrote a History of New London, and whose family purchased land previously held by Rev. Thompson, stated that he was the son of Rev. Thompson of Braintree.^[3]

William attended Harvard and graduated in 1653. While at Harvard his quarter-bills apparently differ from all before his time in the two particulars of not containing any charge for tuition, and, until near the end of the Junior year, of having a quarterly allowance, "for his services in the hall," of one pound,--nearly enough to meet his college expenses, which were economically limited to study-rent, bed-making, commons, and sizings. On subsequent bills he is credited "by appelles butter and pullettes 17s," and "by an oxe L6, 7s, 7 1/2d"and 9 December 1653 is charged for discontinuance for 5 quarters and fyer and Candell L1, 7s. indicating absence for a considerable period during the latter part of his college course.^[4]

He married 29 Nov 1655 Katherine Treat. She was bpt. 29 June 1637, dtr of Richard Treat of Wethersfield, Connecticut. She is not the "daughter Johnson" mentioned in the will of Richard Treat 1668/9.^[2] This is evidenced by her listing on a Virginia headright claim in 1670 which is listed below.
This William Thompson graduated from Harvard in 1653 and went to Springfield, Massachusetts, to preach from 1654-1656. On 20 December 1656 " Mr. Thomson came to Misticke" there he set out to learn the Indian language in order to preach to them. He was appointed missionary to the Pequots in 1657. 12 June 1659 "Mr. Tompson taught at Mr. Buttow's (house, near Mystic)" He probably removed thereafter to New London, where he bought a house. When he left New London suoposedly feeble health after 1664, his house was sold to Oliver Manwaring whose descendant Frances Manwaring Caulkins, the historian referenced herein. 7 Sept. 1659 he received ten pounds "paid to Mr. William Tompson whoe studdieth the Indian Language that he may Teach and Instruct the Pequotts" 1662 twenty pounds paid for "teaching the Indians about New London" 18 Sept. 1663, Mr. William Thompson made a tender of property to the Court of Magistrates at Hartford: "Whereas Mr. Wm. Thomson, of New London, is removing himself from thence to Virginia"^[5]
The Connecticut tribes were warring with each other, and the English settlers of New London were predisposed to assist Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans, with his more troublesome enemies. Convinced that the best interests of the colony lay in letting the indians fight their own fight, Boston issued decrees to that end. Uncas was fortunate to find continued assistance with one Brewster,of Brewster's Neck and this William Thompson. They gave him shelter and supplied him with gun powder and other necessities.^[6] He settled in New London as missionary to the Pequot Indians, by 1659.^[2]

He went to Surry County, Virginia.He wrote a letter 29 June 1665, and according to Savage's Genealogical Dictionary, no more is known of him.^[2] This is clearly in error, as Rev. Thompson is documented receiving a headright grant of land, and was minister to at three parishes for the next several decades.
On 11 October 1664 he made a tender of property to the Court of Magistrates at Hartford for the liquidation of a debt, and the records of the General Assembly at Hartford, 13 Oct 1664 say: Whereas, Mr. Wm. Thomson of New London, is remoueing himself from thence to Virginia, and is indebted by Bills the sume of Twenty nine pounds, seven shilling and fower pencee, which Bill is in the hands of John Packer, This Court orders the Constable of New London to secure so much of the estate of Mr. Thomson in his hands, as it shall be apprized by indifferent men and the sayd Constable is to keep it in his hands, till he hath order from this Court or the Court of Magistrates to dispose of it to the right owner which is according to Mr. Thomson's tender to the Court of Magistrats."

An agreement between the widow and children of Rev. William Tompson of Braintree in 1667, does not mention a son William or his heirs, which has caused some to claim at the very least that he was dead by then.^[2] Again, the facts prove that Rev. William Thompson who removed from New London to Virginia, lived and prospered there until after 1690.

From Savage's Genealogical Dictionary: "WILLIAM, New London, son proably. of Rev. William of Braintree, b. in Eng. after his degree at Harv. was a preach. at Springfield 1654-6, and m. 19 Nov. 1655, Catharine, d. of the first Richard Treat of Wethersfield, was employ. in 1658, by the Commissnrs. of the Unit. Col. acting for the London Soc. Prop. Gospel, and some yrs. succeed. as missiona. to the Pequot Ind. freem. 1660; but in 1664, he gave his w. all his prop. by deed "suppos. mys. near d. and a. to take a voyage in Virg." From there he wrote to his w's br. James, 29 June 1665, and this is the last that is kn. of him, tho. in the Coll. catal. the yr. of his d. has never been giv. so that, from the blank in Mather, Farmer suppos. him liv. in 1698, when prob. he had left the world 30 yrs. bef. Yet a suspicion reasonab. arises, from the Conn. Col. Rec. I. 432, direct. the constable to secure prop. to amount of a certain debt, that his object was to escape creditors, rather than to preach the gospel."
Virginia records were not reviewed, as Rev. Thompson lived in good health and prospered there until after 1690.

Sale of Connecticut Property
Wm Morton of New England of New London, Gent, have sold to Wm Thompson of Surry Co.unty, Virginia, minister of God's Word, for considerable sum of money a neck of land sittuate in New London aforesaid disjoyning upon y Great River and was formerly in ye occupation of Richard Blinman, Minister of ye Parish and from him purchased by me ye sd Morton, and from me to Wm Thompson. Wit. Geo. Jordan, John Gittings.^[7]
Regarding this property we find a complete documentation about Blinman. To wit: Richard Blinman expressed his appreciation of Mr. Thomson by giving him a piece of land and swamp which was "given me for a wood lot, lying towards the west side of William Cumstock's hill, which if you please to accept as a token of my love I do give and confirm it to you. Your loving friend" Written from New Haven 11 April 1659. Blinman had left the Mystic area in early 1658 and eventually returned to England soon after writing the above letter to William Thompson. In her History of New London, Connecticut 1612-1860 Frances Manwaring Caulkins gives some background on Richard Blinman. He was proposed for freemanship at Plymouth, Mass, 2 March 1640. Mr. Blinman had been silenced for non-conformity to the established church in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, England. He came with other Welsh people first to Green's Harbor near Marshfield, MA, later went to Gloucester near Cape Ann and in the fall of 1650 to New London, then Pequot Harbor. Mrs. Caulkins points out that while William owned a farm, his residence was in the town plat, on what is now Manwaring's Hill. His house was sold to Oliver Manwaring when he left "in feeble health in 1663."(History of New London" by Frances Manwaring Caulkins, 1895.) footnote, p 128. ^[8]
Surry County Tithables List
The same William Thompson appears in the Surry County Tithables Lists until 1683. 1668 Mr. William Thompson listed as a tithable--Lawnes Creek Parish, and through 1678-Mr. William Thompson, Samuel Thompson & John Thompson--tithables Lawnes Creek Parish. He is listed along with sons Samuel and Jonathon for several years. by 1683 the two sons are on their on and William is no longer listed. These two sons had to be at least sixteen years of age to be listed as tithable. William Thompson for Samuel Thompson is listed on the Tithables list in on June 10, 1677.^[9]

Headright Grant
16 March 1670 Patent to Mr. William Thompson, Minister, for 630 acres, Surry Co., for transporting 13 persons including William and Katherine Thompson and their children, William, Samuel, John and Katherine Thompson and Eleazer Thompson, John Allen and Margaret Thomas.^[10] At a General Court held at James Citty 2d April 1674 Sir Wm Berkeley Knt Governor &c Sr. Hen:Chicheley Knt Tho:Ludwell Scr Coll Nath:Bacon Hen: Corbyn Lt Col Dannll Parke Esqrs. Mr. Wm Thomson hath order Granted to Pattent about five hundred Acres of Land in Surrey County formerly Granted to Anthony Spiltimber and Since to Richard Awborne and for want of Seateing by them Deserted, Ent rights According to Custome.

Surry Co., Beg. in a Gr. Cyprus Sw; along Mr. Meriwether's line &c. Granted to Anthony Spiltimber 14 May 1666; deserted; & granted sd. Thompson 2 Apr 1674, by order &c; due for trans. of 10 Negroes: Jack, Ned, Tony, Besse, Maria, Tom, Sam, Echo, Oby, Ann.^[11] Note that under the rules of the Virginia Company, and later Charles II, headrights were granted regardless of where the claimant originated. Coming from New England was just as legitimate as coming from England. Besides, all across the colony, the system was universally used to obtain free land, with the majority of claimants being 'transported' several times. No one ever checked.

The Rev. William Thompson preached at Southwark and Lawnes Creek Parishes in Surry Co., VA. He moved to Westmoreland County, Virginia where he was granted 85 acres by Proprietors of North Neck of Virginia in 1695/6. Other sources say he moved to Westmoreland County about 1690, but he was certainly there at the death of Lawrence Washington.

In the will of Lawrence Washington, Westmoreland Co., VA dated 11 March 1697/8, probated 30 March 1698, he leaves a ring (value of 30 shillings each) to friends William Thompson, Clerk and Mr. Samuel Thompson. Executors were friends Samuel Thompson and cousin Gen. Washington of Stafford Co.

Misc Virginia Deeds,Conveyances and Court Records

Other deed records include from Surry County Deed Book I, 1652-1672 p. 303 7 July 1668 Wm. Thompson, of Surry County, sells to Daniell Regan for 100 acres adjoining Francis Sorsby. Wit.: James Watson, John Phillips. Signed Wm. Thompson, Katherine Thompson.

p. 304 6 Nov 1668 Daniel Regan (Regant) and Eliza. Regant assign to Wm. Thompson, Minister, his patent for 900 lbs. of tob. Thomas Candlis his right to one-half as formerly sold his on 14 Oct 1667. Signed Jas. Watkin, John Phillips. ( From Surry Co., VA, Records 1652-1684 by Eliza Timberlake Davis, Baltimore 1980.)

p 260 10 August 1665. All these presents shall know that William Thompson purchased of Francis Sowerby of Surry County 105 1/2 acres of land, being a patent to Mr. John Jennings dated April 1649. Now Wm. Thompson for 300 lbs. tob. sells to Francis Sowerby. Rec. 5 Sept 1665. Wit.: Geo. Jordan, Joshua Adams.

p 241. 1 Aug. 1664. Wm Thompson, of Surry County, Minister of God's Word, orders his loving friend, Geo Jordan, to receive, sue, and execute all business in Court or otherwise. Wit.: James Mills, Jane Flood

p. 227. 7 March 1663. Jas. Sowerby, late of Surry County, planter, possessed that formerly belonged to Mathew Battle and Daniel Massingale, 207 acres, and now Thos. Sowerby, his brother, has power of attorney to sell to whom he ses fit, and sells this land to Wm Thompson, Clarke, 105 acres, with houses, orchards, etc. Wit.: Geo. Jordan, Jane Flood.

p. 26. Samuel Thompson, Wm. Edwards, Thos. Sowerby, admrs. of the estate of Wm Dorch, deceased. Wit.: Wm Thompson, Wm. Malden. Date not given but on page following 25 October 1683 and likely about that time since Samuel would have to be of age to serve.

Surry Co., VA, DB/WB 4, p. 155, 4 Aug 1690, recorded 2 Sep 1690: William Thompson, clerk of Westmoreland Co., sold land to Thomas (Bage?). He appointed his sons Samuel Thompson and John Thompson of Surry Co., VA, his attorneys for the sale. Katherine Thompson, wife of William Thompson, relinquished her dower right in the land. ^[12]

William is thought to be the grantee in the following patents:

BK.6, p 370, 20 April 1684 Patent to Mr. William Thompson 150 A. in Surry Co. on Gray's Creek. Cavaliers and Pioneers, p 277, says on N. side of the head of Graye's Cr., 140 acres granted Christopher Lawson; 10 acs. being a neck, below the Horse Bridge bet. sd. 140 acs. & land of Luke Meazell; adj. Mathew Merriott; a sw dividing it from land of John Whittson. Trans. of 3 pers: Richd. Budnye, Wm. Metcalfe, Joseph Cox.

Bk. 7. P 408, 21 Oct 1684 Patent to Mr. William Thompson 150 A. in Surry Co., near Southwark Church. (Trans of 3 pers.]

Bk. 7, p 544, 30 Oct 1686 Patent to Mr. William Thompson and Mr. Edward Chilton 160 A in Upper Parish of Surry Co. (24 headrights)

, William Thompson appoints son John his attorney 4 Aug 1690 and on 246 Jno acts as attorney in sale for 5000 lbs tobacco to James Boyes.^[13]

William is mentioned as a legatee in the Will of Christopher Lewis (Signed 1 Sep 1673, probated 7 April 1674) who gives to the church at Southwarke Parish a silver flagon of two qut. measure. To William Thompson, minister, 1500 lbs of tobacco to be paid in 1675,...To Wm, Thompson, son of Mr. Wm Thompson, 500 lbs of tobacco, and to sister, Katherine Thompson 500 lb tob...Desires to be buried in ye Chancell & exors to lay a tombstone over me & a funeral sermon, for which exors are to pay. Makes James Jones exor.^[14]

William sold to John Salway 1 Aug 1673 property described as being near "the church at the head of Gray's Creek."^[15][16]

He is described as: Thompson, Rev. William, appears to have come from New London, Connecticut, and was probably a son of Rev. William Thompson, who was sent about 1642 from New England to minister to the Virginia dissenters in Lower Norfolk county. He was minister of Southwark parish, Surry county from 1662 to about 1690, when he was minister of Washington parish, Westmoreland county. He had issue: 1. John. 2. Samuel. 3. William. 4. Katherine, wife of Robert Payne, of Essex county. 5. Elizabeth, who married (first) William Catlett and (second) ——— Moseley.^[17]

William Thompson(2) in the son of Rev. William Thompson(1) of Lancashire, England. He was born about 1629. William Thompson graduated from Harvard in 1653 and went to Springfield, MA, to preach from 1654-1656. He married Katherine Treat 19 Sep 1655 in Boston, Massachusetts. They had 5 children together. He passed away about 1700 in Surry County, Virginia.

There seems to be some discussion of whether this William Thompson was actually the son of Rev. William Thompson of Lancashire, England. Just did discover that discussion on Wikitree entry for Rev. Thompson. Will forgo the link and do some more research.

Children

1. Catherine Thompson - born in Connecticut
2. Samuel Thompson - born abt 1656 and died abt. 1720 in Surry County, Virginia. Married Mary Marriott.
3. William Thompson(3)
4. Elizabeth Thompson - born 1 Jan 1659/60 in Connecticut
5. John Thompson - born abt 1661 died Jan 1698/99 in England. Married Elizabeth Salway.

Samuel Thompson was named as a brother-in-law in the 1709 Essex Co., VA, will of Elizabeth's husband, Benjamin Moseley. The 1709 Essex Co., VA, will of Elizabeth Moseley names her brother, William Thompson.

Deeds in Essex Co., VA, show that Samuel Thompson lived in Surry Co., VA.

Sources

1. ↑ Thompson, William - A9704; died after 1695, Westmoreland Co.; (Anglican Minister). accessed 31 October 2021
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} Jacobus, Donald Lines. "Thompsons of Long Island and the Connecticut Coast. The American Genealogist 11:184.
3. ↑ History of New London, Connecticut,Frances M Caulkins;page 128
4. ↑ Harvard College Steward's Accounty-Books, i 77, 78 E. Hazard, Hist. Collections
5. ↑ John L. Sibley's Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard College (pp 354-357.
6. ↑ [https://archive.org/details/historyofnewlond00caul/page/128 History of New London, Connecticut, from the first survey of the coast in 1612 to 1860 by Frances Manwaring Caulkins;pp127-128]
7. ↑ Surry Co. Va, Deed Book 1, p 237 1 July 1664.
8. ↑ History of New London Mainwaring, 1895
9. ↑ Surry County Virginia Tithables, 1668-1703
10. ↑ Library of Virginia VA Land Patent BK 6, p 363
11. ↑ Library of Virginia 22 Sept 1682, Patent Book 7, p 182
12. ↑ Hopkins, William Lindsay, “Surry County, Virginia, Deeds 1684-1733 and Other Court Papers,” ® 1991 by William Lindsay Hopkins; reprinted Iberian Publishing Co., Athens, GA, 1994, p. 27.
13. ↑ Surry Co., VA Deed and Will Book 4 p. 245
14. ↑ Surry Co. Book 2, p 35.
15. ↑ Surry Co., Deeds and Wills 1671-684, p 29.
16. ↑ http://www.ncgenweb.us/ncwarren/fam-hist/families/thompson-wm.htm
17. ↑ Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography page 340

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Pedigree Resource File," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/2:2:3SS7-L7Z : accessed 2016-07-07), entry for William /Thompson/.
• *http://www.ncgenweb.us/ncwarren/fam-hist/families/thompson-wm.htm

• Historical Southern Families. Volume III. John Bennett Boddie. Clearfiled Company. Copyright 1959. Page 225. Ancestery link to interactive book.

more sources to be added as I further my research and documentation. fleshing out the main family line