| Notes |
- RESEARCH_NOTES:
1. From the book "Pleasant Mangum and All His Kin, the Story of the Bennetts, the Mangums, and the Parhams," comp. by James Lynn Parham, Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore, MD, 1997, portion of chapter 3: Frances:
"We find that when John Mangum died in Isle of Wight County, Virginia in 1737, the adminx. of his estate was Frances Mangum. We conclude that Frances was his wife since it was customary for wives to be administrators of their husband's estate.(14) This record and the records described in the preceding paragraphs form the crux of the controversy which surrounds Frances Mangum. At first glance it would seem obvious that Frances, wife of John Mangum, was the granddaughter Frances Mangum mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Jr.
Sometimes, however, first glances are deceiving. A closer look shows at least one problem. A close scrutiny of the approximate ages of Richard Bennett Jr. and his children indicate that John Mangum, and by inference his wife Frances, were of the generation of Richard Jr.'s children, not his grandchildren. Richard Bennett Jr.'s grandchildren seem to have been too young to be marrying between 1696-1700, the estimated date 01 John and Frances' marriage. Because of this, some researchers have theorized that there were two Frances Mangums. One was Frances (maiden name Bennett and daughter of Richard Bennett Jr.) who married John Mangum. The other was their daughter Frances Mangum who is mentioned in Richard Bennett Jr.'s will as granddaughter. The Frances who was administrator of John Mangum's estate would be the elder Frances (Bennett) Mangum.
In spite of the fervor with which some researchers cling to this theory, we unfortunately have found no direct evidence that there was more than one Frances. First, the estimated ages of Richard Jr.'s children and grandchildren are by no means certain. And, even if Frances was very young, marriages between older men and very young girls were a common occurrence in the colonies. Finally, there is the fact that Richard Bennett Jr. did not name a Frances as a daughter in his will. We know Frances, wife of John Mangum, was still living as late as 1737 as evidenced by John's estate record. It is not unheard of to completely omit mentioning a living child in a will but is it very unlikely.
Mrs. Minium has presented a theory, unfortunately unproven, that the Silvester of Richard Bennett Jr.'s will is actually Silvester Frances or Frances Silvester. There are good reasons for considering this theory. It would resolve the problem about whether Frances was daughter or granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. It would mean that the daughter Silvester in Richard Bennett Jr.'s will was Silvester Frances, wife of John Mangum. Richard's granddaughter Frances Mangum, mentioned in the will, would be John & Silvester's daughter. The administrator of John Mangum's estate in 1737 would be Silvester, but using the name Frances.
Women of that time, more so than men, were frequently referred to in the records only by their middle name as well as only by their first name. That custom has caused much confusion for researchers in the past. Also, we know of no additional records of Silvester, other than the one reference in Richard Bennett's will. This could mean that she died or married, but it could also mean that she was later referred to as Frances instead of Silvester.
The problem with the identity of Frances, wife of John Mangum remains unexplained. In spite of the tantalizing theories and suggestive records, we cannot now prove which, if any, of the various theories are correct. For our purposes we must take comfort in the near certainty that John Mangum married Frances, a member of the Bennett family, about 1700. The exact identity of Frances may always remain obscure."
"References
14. Estate of John Mangum, dated 26 Sept. 1737, Isle of Wight Co., Va., Wills, Accounts, 1733-1745, page 189-190."
2. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 43, Jan. 2001, (formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"), James L. Parham, editor, p. 29: The John Mangum - Frances Bennett Controversy. Although not directly stated, John Mangum's wife was apparently named Frances, an "assumption" based on the "fact" that Frances Mangum was the administrator of his estate in 1737. A Frances Mangum was also called "granddaughter" in the will of Richard Bennett Jr. dated 1720. These two are the only known records of Frances Mangum. The problem is that, given just these two records, there are several situations that potentially fit those records. Was Frances (granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr.) the Frances who married John Mangum [Theory 1], or was she possibly a daughter of John and Frances, named after her mother [Theory 2]? [Theory 1] If we assume that there was only one Frances who was both wife of John Mangum and granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr., we cannot unequivocally state that her maiden name was Bennett. If she was a daughter of one of the Bennett sons, her maiden name was truly Bennett. Also, if her mother were unmarried she would again have the maiden name "Bennett" from her mother. However, if she was a child of a married daughter of Richard Bennett Jr., then her maiden name would be her father's surname and her father's surname was likely not Bennett. Admittedly, most Mangum researchers now believe, or have at least accepted, that there were indeed two different individuals named Frances [Theory 2], one the mother and the other the daughter.1 The former would be Frances Bennett, "supposed" (but unnamed in his will) daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. who married John Mangum and the latter would be the child (of John Mangum and Frances Bennett Mangum), named as granddaughter in Richard Bennett Jr.'s will. Researchers justify this theory by pointing out that "apparent" ages of the various individuals concerned infer that the granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. was too young to be wife of John Mangum just after 1700. Therefore she must be John & Frances's daughter. A cursory examination of the available records is not definitive but there is some justification for researchers feeling that Richard Bennett Jr.'s grandchildren were very young to be marrying before 1710.2 But, considering the "very young" marriageable age of females in the colonies, and the present uncertainties of ages and marriage dates of the individuals involved, it is difficult to totally eliminate the possibility that John Mangum married Frances, granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. Also, it seems significant that Richard Bennett Jr. did not mention a daughter named Frances in his will. It is not unheard of for that to occur, especially when a child has already received their inheritance. In fact, Richard Jr.'s daughter Ann (who married John Bell) received her portion by deed on 30 August, 1694 from her grandfather Richard Bennett Sr. She was therefore not mentioned in the will of her father Richard Bennett Jr. However, there is no known record indicating that a daughter Frances also received an earlier inheritance. A Mrs. Muriel Bennett Minium published a book in 1990 on this particular Bennett line titled "Bennetts on the Bias." In the book she skillfully weaves Bennett history with royal history in England, tracing the ancient English Bennett lineages on into the American Colonies. In private communications to the editor, and in her post-book newsletter, she suggested another possible solution to the John Mangum-Frances issue. She has proposed that Richard Bennett Jr.'s daughter Silvester, who was mentioned in his will, might actually have been named Silvester Frances Bennett or maybe Frances Silvester Bennett [Theory 2A]. This theory would explain why Richard Bennett Jr. did not mention a daughter Frances in his will. According to this theory he actually did, but he called her by her other name, that is, Silvester. Unfortunately, this quite reasonable (and possibly true) theory remains only a theory. No actual direct evidence has been found to substantiate it. Some researchers apparently believe that the preponderance of evidence points either to the theory that there were two Frances Mangums, one the mother and one the daughter [Theory 2] or more likely the modified theory that Silvester was actually Silvester Frances [Theory 2A]. A few others, including this editor, do not actually disagree but are uncomfortable with the "loose end" of a competing theory [Theory 1] that has not been fully eliminated. We have not seen enough evidence, direct or indirect, to pronounce the issue resolved beyond a reasonable doubt. Each individual researcher must use his/her own judgment on how to deal with this issue. This editor has decided that he will continue to consider the issue of Frances' true identity unresolved, while at the same time concurring that Theory 2A [John's wife as Silvester Frances Bennett] is presently the most likely one. It would not seem prudent to consider the issue totally resolved until more definitive evidence is found. - Lynn Parham
[Notes:]
1. John Bennett Boddie, in his book "17th Century Isle of Wight," page 302, published in 1938 apparently originated the theory that John Mangum married a daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. He appears to base this on the fact that Richard Bennett Sr. deeds land to and mentions a John Mangum in his will and the fact that Richard Jr. mentioned a granddaughter Frances Mangum in his will. He gave no name to that "daughter" of Richard Bennett Jr., wife of John Mangum, because he probably had not seen John Mangum's estate record in 1737 that listed Frances Mangum as administrator. We wonder if he would have altered his theory in any way had he known that this second record of a Frances Mangum existed?
2. According to researchers the first children of John & Frances Mangum were probably born about 1703-1705. Unfortunately, neither the parentage nor the birthdates of these early Virginia Mangums can be directly established.
[Kerry's note: Ordinance Index shows some entries with Silvester as a middle name. This of course is assumption as noted above.]
3. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 54, January 2005 [Formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"], James L. Parham, p. 2:
"This issue we have printed two records of minor significance and they represent all the new images of this type I have in my files at present… Although the text of these wills have previously been printed in the old Mangum Family Bulletin, I still think it is important to print the actual images of the wills and other documents because of the many errors that have occurred in the past in reading these important documents. If the actual will image is there, each researcher can make their own judgment on any particular item. An example is the will of John Jennings Jr. John Bennett Boddie, in his book, "Virginia Historical Genealogies" page 214, reported that Frances Mangum witnessed that will, tying Frances, the wife of our supposed immigrant ancestor, to the Bennetts of Virginia's Bennett's Welcome Plantation. Alas, it was not so. The name was actually Frances Taylor. Many researchers used that erroneous bit of information and embarked on a fruitless search for more ties to those particular Bennetts..."
4. Lynn Parham, long time editor of the Mangum family bulletins February 27, 2005: "Re the Frances Bennett/Mangum controversy. Please let me add my two cents worth. Since I have a copy of the original will of Richard Bennett Jr., I can send you a transcript, and if you want it, an image copy. [Image on file with Kerry and transcript copy below.] Below is an article I printed in my Mangum Journal in Jan. of 2001 and I have found nothing recently to change my views. If I could be convinced that the matter is resolved, I would be much relieved, even if it contrasted with my present ideas. I have been on the forefront, more accurately out on a limb, as favoring the theory that John Mangum married a granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. as that seems to be the most direct interpretation of the evidence. Most others hypothesize a daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. although there does not seem to be any direct evidence for it. There is some indirect evidence but some disagreement as to how convincing it is. I do believe that most of the insistence of their being a Frances Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett Jr., is that this is what Boddie reported and so it must be fact. I know Boddie was a great Bennett researcher but he did make mistakes. One is reporting that there was a Frances Mangum who witnessed the will of John Jennings Jr. who was associated with the Edward/Robert/Richard Bennetts of Bennett's Welcome, and of course the Governor Richard Bennett. Unfortunately, a closer examination of the record showed that it was Frances Taylor, not Frances Mangum, and there still is no known association of the Mangums with the Bennetts Welcome line of Bennetts. My present thinking is that the matter with Frances is unresolved and unfortunately may remain so unless unexpected new records surface. Lynn Parham. PS: You stated that there is in fact a Frances, daughter of John & Frances (Bennett) Mangum. who was born probably in 1710. I wonder if you have any real evidence for this other than reasoned opinion by Boddie and the large number of lineages on the Internet, published, etc. If you do have such direct evidence, this would be the key that would resolve the issue once and for all. [Kerry's note: I do not.] PS2: Originally, I believed that John Mangum could not have married Frances [surname?] before 1696 as that is when John Mangum deeds land to George Morrell and he alone signs the deed. I have had reports that in many instances the wife did not sign deeds during this period. I have no way of verifying these reports.
The John Mangum - Frances Bennett Controversy. Although not directly stated, John Mangum's wife was apparently named Frances, an "assumption" based on the "fact" that Frances Mangum was the administrator of his estate in 1737. A Frances Mangum was also called "granddaughter" in the will of Richard Bennett Jr. dated 1720. These two are the only known records of Frances Mangum. The problem is that, given just these two records, there are several situations that potentially fit those records. Was Frances (granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr.) the Frances who married John Mangum [Theory 1], or was she possibly a daughter of John and Frances, named after her mother [Theory 2]? [Theory 1] If we assume that there was only one Frances who was both wife of John Mangum and granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr., we cannot unequivocally state that her maiden name was Bennett. If she was a daughter of one of the Bennett sons, her maiden name was truly Bennett. Also, if her mother were unmarried she would again have the maiden name "Bennett" from her mother. However, if she was a child of a married daughter of Richard Bennett Jr., then her maiden name would be her father's surname and her father's surname was likely not Bennett. Admittedly, most Mangum researchers now believe, or have at least accepted, that there were indeed two different individuals named Frances [Theory 2], one the mother and the other the daughter. John Bennett Boddie, in his book "17th Century Isle of Wight," page 302, published in 1938 apparently originated the theory that John Mangum married a daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. He appears to base this on the fact that Richard Bennett Sr. deeds land to and mentions a John Mangum in his will and the fact that Richard Jr. mentioned a granddaughter Frances Mangum in his will. Boddie gave no name to that "daughter" of Richard Bennett Jr., wife of John Mangum, because he probably had not seen John Mangum's estate record in 1737 that listed Frances Mangum as administrator. We wonder if he would have altered his theory in any way had he known that this second record of a Frances Mangum existed? The first Frances would be Frances Bennett, "supposed" (but unnamed in his will) daughter of Richard Bennett Jr. who married John Mangum and the second would be the child (of John Mangum and Frances Bennett Mangum), named as granddaughter in Richard Bennett Jr.'s will. Researchers justify this theory by pointing out that "apparent" ages of the various individuals concerned infer that the granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. was too young to be wife of John Mangum if they married just after 1700. Therefore she must be John & Frances's daughter. A cursory examination of the available records is not definitive but there is some justification for researchers feeling that Richard Bennett Jr.'s grandchildren were very young to be marrying before 1710. According to researchers the first children of John & Frances Mangum were probably born about 1703-1705. Unfortunately, neither the parentage nor the birthdates of these early Virginia Mangums can be directly established. But, considering the "very young" marriageable age of females in the colonies, and the present uncertainties of ages and marriage dates of the individuals involved, it is difficult to totally eliminate the possibility that John Mangum married Frances, granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. Also, it seems significant that Richard Bennett Jr. did not mention a daughter named Frances in his will. It is not unheard of for that to occur, especially when a child has already received their inheritance. In fact, Richard Jr.'s daughter Ann (who married John Bell) received her portion by deed on 30 August, 1694 from her grandfather Richard Bennett Sr. She was therefore not mentioned in the will of her father Richard Bennett Jr. However, there is no known record indicating that a daughter Frances also received an earlier inheritance. A Mrs. Muriel Bennett Minium published a book in 1990 on this particular Bennett line titled "Bennetts on the Bias." In the book she skillfully weaves Bennett history with royal history in England, tracing the ancient English Bennett lineages on into the American Colonies. In private communications to the editor, and in her post-book newsletter, she suggested another possible solution to the John Mangum-Frances issue. She has proposed that Richard Bennett Jr.'s daughter Silvester, who was mentioned in his will, might actually have been named Silvester Frances Bennett or maybe Frances Silvester Bennett [Theory 2A]. This theory would explain why Richard Bennett Jr. did not mention a daughter Frances in his will. According to this theory he actually did, but he called her by her other name, that is, Silvester. Unfortunately, this quite reasonable (and possibly true) theory remains only a theory. No actual direct evidence has been found to substantiate it. Some researchers apparently believe that the preponderance of evidence points either to the theory that there were two Frances Mangums, one the mother and one the daughter [Theory 2] or more likely the modified theory that Silvester was actually Silvester Frances [Theory 2A]. A few others, including this editor, do not actually disagree but are uncomfortable with the "loose end" of a competing theory [Theory 1] that has not been fully eliminated. We have not seen enough evidence, direct or indirect, to pronounce the issue resolved beyond a reasonable doubt. Each individual researcher must use his/her own judgment on how to deal with this issue. This editor has decided that he will continue to consider the issue of Frances' true identity unresolved, while at the same time concurring that Theory 2A [John's wife as Silvester Frances Bennett] is presently the most likely one. It would not seem prudent to consider the issue totally
resolved until more definitive evidence is found."
5. The book "17th Century Isle of Wight County Virginia," by John Bennett Boddie, 1938, chapter XVI, Descendants of Richard Bennett of Isle of Wight: "Richard Bennett, Jr., eldest son of Richard, Sr., and his wife Ann, in 1699 was given the plantation "bought of William Miles in 1656" by his father, Richard, Sr. The name of Richard's wife is unknown. He made his will in 1720, as follows, "I, Richard Bennett, of the Upper Parish of Isle of Wight, give to son Richard 200 acres of land where he now lives; to my son James the other 200 acres where he now lives, it being a conveyance of 400 acres taken out Mr. John Cofer's patent of 1450 acres; to Jane Cofer and her two sons Robert and John Cofer, my plantation whereon I now live, it being part of the land which was bought of William Miles. Also to Jane Cofer a small trunk and a gold ring; to Richard Cofer my long gun. To Magdalen Cofer a great pewter dish and basin; to Frances Mangum my granddaughter a feather bed and furniture; to dau. He Silvester, dishes and plates. Jane Cofer and William Allen, exrs. My trusty friends, John and James Carter to the overseers." Children:
1. Richard, according to the Quit rents for Surry in 1704, was holding 200 acres in that county. This may be the 200 acres on which he was living at the time of his father's death. On May 23, 1744, John Langston of Surry deeded Robert Gray 200 acres on north side of Black Swamp in Surrey which he had purchased of Richard Bennett. Richard Bennett died intestate in Surry in 1735. Inventory of his estate was recorded in January 21, 1735. His personal property was appraised at 51 pounds by James Washington, Wm. Evans and Thomas Bell. It is difficult to determine who his children were, but those shown below are unplaced and may be his children, as he and another Richard shown below are seemingly the only ones of this name who died intestate. Children, may have been those shown below (tentative arrangement only as there is no proof):
a. John, made his will in Surry, Jan. 24, 1750-51 (B. 3, p. 713.) He leaves his "well beloved friend and brother," without naming him, all of his personal effects except his horse which he leaves you with to Edward son of Daniel Eppes whom he appoints executor.
b. Benjamin of Amelia, who may have been the Benjamin who is Richard Bennett's administrator. Benjamin bought land in Amelia in 1746 from William Baldwin and in 1751 from Thomas Morrow. He made his will Dec.31, 1767, and names wife Mary, sons William, John and Benjamin, daughters Susan, Elizabeth, Mary and Selah.
c. Richard, died in Surry in 1719. An appraisal of his estate was made by Hugh Foster, William Howell, and Charles White Oct. 7, 1719. The administrator was Benjamin Chapman; personalty valued at 10 pounds. (Book 1715-30, page 230.) (Name placed here tentatively.)
2. Jane, married John Cofer. She and her children John and Robert inherited the plantation their grandfather bought of William Miles in 1656.
3. Silvester, no further record.
4. (Daughter) married John Mangum, who was mentioned in will of Richard Bennett, Sr. Richard Jr., leaves his granddaughter Frances Mangum a feather bed.
5. Ann, married John Bell. She is not mentioned in the will for father, as she had already received her portion. On August 30, 1694, Richard Bennett, Sr., of Isle of Wight made a deed of gift to Ann Bell, "the now wife of John Bell, lately Ann Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, Jr., of Isle of Wight." (Surry W & D. Bk., 1693-1707.) John Bell gave testimony in a lawsuit, July 9, 1705, and said he was 37 years old. He died intestate in Surry in 1713 and his wife Ann was administratrix. As he left no will his children cannot be ascertained and but two of them seem to be known. A Joseph Bell made his will in Surry in 1733 and left his property to his brother John and "cousin (nephew) Burrell." This John Bell made his will in Surry in 1746 and mentions his son "Burrell," above named, and other children - John, Benjamin, Balaam, James, Ann Parham, Hannah and Mary; wife Hannah. Hannah Bell made her will in Sussex in 1768 and mentions, daughter Hannah Thompson, grandson Lewis Parham, son Benjamin, son James, daughter Mary Anderson, grandsons Silvanus and Zadock Bell, granddaughter Phoebe Bell. The above-mentioned daughter, Hannah Thompson, married William Thompson prior to 1744. They moved from Sussex to Chatham County, North Carolina about 1750. Hannah Thompson made her will in Chatham, Sept. 7, 1784 and same as probated May, 1788. She mentions sons John and Balaam; daughters Sussannah Kendrick, Sarah Terrell, Hannah Terrell, Ann Kendrick: and her deceased husband William Thompson. The birth dates of the three oldest children of William and Hannah (Bell) Thompson are shown in the Albemarle Parish Register for Surry and Sussex, as follows: John Thompson, born June 24, 1744, baptized August 19, 1744. Balaam Thompson, born Oct.13, 1745; baptized Dec. 15, 1745. Sussannah Thompson, born Nov. 16, 1749; baptized March 8, 1750.
6. James is given 200 acres from John Cofer's place by his father Richard. He patented 190 acres in Isle of Wight, 15 March 1741 on south side of Nottoway River, bounded by Ridley's Branch. (Book 20, page 199.) The 10th of July, 1745, he patented 382 acres in Brunswick on both side of Gravelly Run adjoining Edward Jackson. (Book 23, page 946.) In 1748 he received a grant of 404 acres in Brunswick on both side of Rocky Run. James Bennett made his will 11 Nov. 1751 and same was probated March 1, 1752, as follows: "To my son Benjamin Bennett all land lying between Honey Bottom and the upper line. To my children James Bennett, Mary Proctor, Frances Sands, Priscilla Dugger and Joseph Bennett, one shilling each. To my son Reuben Bennett all the lower part from said Honey Bottom and plantation; to my dau. Brambley Bennett, bible and furniture, etc., to wife Mary rest of the estate, she and son Reuben to be executors. Teste, John Dugger, John Duke and Edward Parish." Benjamin Bennett, evidently the eldest son was mentioned first in his will and was given land lying on Honey Bottom. Benjamin patented 180 acres in Brunswick on both sides of Stephen Creek in 1750. (Book 29, page 64) and together with his brother Reuben patented 263 acres 26 Sept., 1761. (Book 33, page 958.) On the 25th of May, 1770, Benjamin Bennett and Sarah his wife, Reuben Bennett and Mary his wife, of Brunswick, deeded William Brown of Prince George, "332 acres left Reuben Bennett by with last will and testament of James Bennett his father, the residue being granted to Reuben Bennett by patent 26 Sept.1." Benjamin Bennett made his will in Brunswick in 1783 as follows: "To my son John Bennett 150 acres where he now lives; to my son Benjamin Bennett five shillings, to son Richard Bennett 180 acres where he now lives; to son William Bennett 163 acres; to dau. Sarah Sadler five shillings, my plantation where I now live to be sold by my executors, my sons of John and William Bennett and another place bought for my wife Sarah for her life. Personal property to be equally divided between my wife and Children. William, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Charles, Priscilla and Frankey Bennett, except one cow to Nancy Bennett and to my son James Bennett one colt to be sold to purchase land. Plantation of my wife to my son Charles after her death. Pro. 26 May, 1783."
6. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 48, April 2002, (formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"), James L. Parham, editor, pp. 22-28, article includes scanned images of the actual documents. The editor notes: "This Part 6 [of a series in the Journal] contains more records attributed to the supposed original immigrant, John Mangum, in 18th century Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The first record is the will of Sarah Lancaster in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Her first marriage was to Daniel Lewis. He died in 1769. She had a son Daniel and a daughter Sarah from that first marriage. She married Richard Bennett Sr. but became a widow a second time when he died in 1709. Her third marriage was to Robert Lancaster. She made her will on 31 Oct. 1722 and it was probated on 29 Jan. 1722?? Her will is important because she mentioned many legatees including grandchildren of Richard Bennett Sr., her second husband. Of more importance is the mention of two daughters of John Mangum. We have presented here the image of the original will as recorded in the old records. We have also presented a 'translation' by Vaughn Ballard of the difficult old handwriting.
The second image is that of the inventory of Sarah Lancaster. It is difficult to read and probably has no genealogical information contained in it. It does not seem profitable to expend the time necessary to decipher the old handwriting. The date on the inventory has minor applicability, which is fortunate because we have had difficulty determining just what that date was.
The last record of John Mangum (in this issue) is his estate inventory dated 1737 in Isle of Wight County. Again, we have no 'translation' of the old handwriting, but the bulk of the inventory does not seem to have any genealogical significance. There are no names of people, just items of property. Of minor significance is the men who made the inventory. John Davis, Edward Brantley and Jos. Ward may be part of the puzzle of the life of John Mangum. Of major importance, however, is the fact that Frances Mangum was administrator of John's estate as listed on the inventory. It is the one and only piece of evidence we have for the name of the wife of John. The only other mention of Frances Mangum in the old records is the will of Richard Bennett Jr. who leaves a feather bed to his granddaughter Frances Mangum. Whether this Frances Mangum of the will and the Frances Mangum of the estate of John Mangum was the same, or maybe mother and daughter, is a matter of some controversy.
In summary, we know that John Mangum's wife was named Frances. We know that Richard Bennett Jr. had a granddaughter named Frances Mangum. All other lineage relationships re John Mangum, Frances and the Bennetts are derived from 'intelligent' reasoning. Unfortunately, it leaves a lot of room for controversy.
Finally, we have included an image of a document that shows the transport of Timothy Mangham to Maryland in 1688. In reality, that document does not concern John Mangum and is not part of this article. However, it is significant because it appears to be the first record of any Mangum1 in the New World. We do not believe that Timothy Mangham left any descendants. He was one of a multitude of indentured servants that did not survive the harsh conditions of this frontier land long enough to marry and produce prodigy.
Text of Will of Sarah Lancaster. (Isle of Wight Co., VA Deeds, Wills, Etc. Great Book, 1715-1726, page 125.) Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas 76011.
I Sarah Lancaster of The Isle of Wight County being at This Time Sickly and Weake in body but of Sound and perfect sense and Memory all praise be Given unto Almighty God that's2 above and calling To remembrance the certainty of Death and unsertainty of the Time Thus doe make ordain and declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner and forme as* Following first and Principally I commend My sole to God* the Father of Spirits Trusting and Assured by Hopeing to receive full pardon & remission of my sins by the Bitter Passion and death of my Alive Savior Jesus Christ To whomsoever to this mortal life shall Ease my body to ye earth to be buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereinafter named as for what Worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I give Bequeath & Dispose as followeth. First I give my grand daughter Anne Craft one feather Bond Boulstered Rugg a pair of Blankets and Two fore year auld Heifers & my Calloco Gown and Bonnet and one new pewter Basen.
Item I give my Grand Daughter Sarah Meacor my spice Morttar and Pestle
Item I give my granddaughter Anne Kea when she shall come to The Age of Eighteen or Married one small trunk & one muslin Apron & Mosslin handcherchief and one Laced Driess five new pewter Plates and if my sd grand daughter should dye before time aforesd then my desire ye aforesd legacy shall fall. Item I give to Mary Mangum daughter of John Mangum one year old Heifer and her Increase to be delivered her when she will receive itt.
Item I give Sarah Mangum daughter of the aforesd John Mangum one cows cafe after weaned and Halfe the Increase and the other halfe of ye increase to her father for her Care To Keepe Item to be Delivered when ye sd Mangum will receive itt. Item I give to Bridgett Benitt daughter of James Bennitt one pewter basen. Item I give to Sarah Bennitt Daughter of James Bennett one pewter Basen. Item I give to my Grand Daughter Elizabeth Meacor one brass Skillett. Item I give to My Grand Daughter Martha Meacor one warming Pann & lid pewter Plates Item I give my Grand Daughter Susana Meacor one small Iron Pott and ye _oocks belonging
Item I Give to Mary Ussery my new Virginia Cloth, Suite of Clothes made of Blue Woole and cotton & as much kotten as will make two Dress & two Neck Cloaths Item I give to my sister Elizabeth Hood three Elles?of Drolace? and as much Kotton as will make her Dreyess Item I give to Mary Sowdell one Kotton Apron and one lace Dreyess & a Large Pettecote. Item I give to my daughter Susana Meacor Three Ewes & one ram & one brass Skimmer Item I Give to Grandson Louis Meacor one Pewter Tankard Item I give To Mary Jonas my black wolle and Cotton pettecote and one white under Pettecote. Item I Give to Benjamin Bell my horse called Puppy - Item I Give to Samuel one young sow of a year olde I Give and Bequeath all the Residue and remainder of my Estate to my Daughter Mary Bell I does Nominate and Appoynt My Daughter Mary Bell to be my whole & sole Executrix of This my Last Will & Testament Whereof I have thereunto sett my hand & seal This 31th day of October 1722.
Pertt Thomas Reseres The marke of
William Hood Sarale -+- Lancastor
At a Court *continued &* held for Isle of Wight County The 29 day of January 1722. [Note:This word, and others marked * were inserted (appears above the line) by the recorder.]
The last Will and Testamtt of Sarah Lancaster was presented in court by Mary Bell her Executx who made oath thereto and being proved by the oaths of the Witnesses is admitted recorded
Test H. Lightfoot Cl. Cor.
Text of Inventory of Sarah Lancaster's Estate. (Isle of Wight Co., VA Deeds, Wills, Great Book 1715-1726, page 132.) No one has transcribed the text of this inventory. It is hard but not impossible to read, and it is not clear that the text will provide any actual genealogical information. The following information is Germane, however. Note: The image has been electronically cleaned in some areas.
a. The date above the inventory is February the 23 day (of?) 1729/0. The year, and double date (if it is a double date) is indistinct. See image (uncleaned) and "c" below.
b. The taker of the inventory appears to be Mary Bell, although the last name is indistinct.
c. At the bottom of the inventory there is the notation "At a court held for Isle of Wight County the 22d of April 1729."
This date is clear but throws some doubt on the interpretation of the date above the inventory (see "a" above. In the double dating system used in that era, the first year is the old way and second year is the way we presently perceive the year. Therefore, it would make more sense if the year listed was actually 1728/9 instead of 1729/0. The double dated year is indistinct enough in the record we have available that it could be either.
Comments.
1. Boddie mentions the will of Sarah (Lewis-Bennett-Lancaster) in his book, Southside Virginia Families, Volume II (1966). He says "Insomuch as Richard Bennett had remembered her granddaughters, his step-granddaughters in his will, she likewise did the same for his granddaughters. Her will was a length one and legatees numerous." He lists Mary Mangum, daughter of John Mangum, but fails to list Sarah Mangum, another daughter of John Mangum mentioned in the will. He also makes the statement that John Mangum married a great granddaughter of Richard Bennett Sr. It is difficult to determine just how much confidence to put in Mr. Boddie's treatment of the Mangums because we know he made some significant mistakes. Of course, he was primarily interested in the Bennetts, not the Mangums.
2. The cafe "calf" that Sarah Lancaster gave to Sarah Mangum was to be entrusted to her father John Mangum until she would receive it. It can be assumed, but not proven, that this meant that Sarah was a minor at the time. Assuming again that John and Frances married about 1700, Sarah Mangum was surely a child later in the life of the couple. It cannot be totally ruled out that Sarah & Mary were children of John Mangum Jr. John Jr. could have been married at the time, but the first record we have of him is when he witnessed the will of John Spratley in 1728. If we infer that he had just became an adult in 1728, his birth date would be about 1710, and he could not be the father of the two Mangum girls in 1722. All this is highly speculative; so don't consider it fact. Additional records could throw a totally different light on the situation.
3. It is not as clear that Mary Mangum was also a minor. We assume she was because Sarah Lancaster inferred that Mary Mangum was, like Sarah Mangum, not ready to receive her inheritance (a heifer and increase).
Estate of John Mangum. (Isle of Wight Co., VA Wills, Accounts, #4, 1733-1745, pages 189-190.)
Comments:
The main useful information in this inventory, other than the date, is that Frances Mangum was the administrator and the appraisers were John Davis, Edward Brantley and Jos Ward.
6. "The Mangum-Mangham-Mangrum Journal," Issue No. 47, Jan. 2002, (formerly "Mangum Family Bulletin"), James L. Parham, editor, pp. 22-28, article includes scanned images of the actual documents. The editor notes: "This Part 5 [of a series in the Journal] contains more records attributed to the supposed original immigrant, John Mangum in 18th century Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The first record is a will by John Parsons from Isle of Wight County dated 1707. John Mangum is listed as a witness, but there are no indications that John Mangum was anything more than an acquaintance or friend of the family. John signs the will with an "+", indicating that he was illiterate.
Figure 1 Will of John Parsons, 20th of October 1707, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Will & Deed Book 2, page 662. The text of the will does not seem to be relative to our research. However, note that John Mangum is one of the witnesses. John's signature is enlarged in the inset block. He signs with a "+" mark.
The next two records are wills of Richard Bennett Sr. and Jr. The will of Richard Bennett Sr. was on two separate pages but the image here combines these two pages into one image. Note that John Mangum signs his name with an "X", which is little different than the previous "+" of the Parson will. We may reasonably assume that the John Mangum of the Parson will and the John Mangum of the Bennett will are the same. In fact, all the wills are probably in the handwriting of the clerk that recorded the wills. Look close at the handwriting of each will, and the signatures of the testator and witnesses. It appears that all are the same, indicating that these documents are all in the handwriting of the clerk.
Note that a John Mangum also is given two head of cattle in the will of Richard Bennett Sr. It is a little unusual for a legatee of the will to also be a witness to the will, but we assume that both John Mangums are the same. No effort was made to differentiate between the two in the will.
The text of the will of Richard Bennett Jr. was all on one page (except the court minutes), but the page has suffered damage and part of the text is missing. Mr. Vaughn Ballard made the transcription and he attempted to add the missing text by interpolation and flow of thought from the surrounding text.
Will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Record of Wills, Etc., Vol. 2, 1661-1719, page 514, dated 4 Dec. 1709.) Text of Will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight County, Record of Wills, Etc., Vol 2, 1661-1719, Pg. 514.) Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas 76011.
"In the Name of God Amen. I Rich'd Bennett Sen'r now being in perfect mind & Memory Blessed be the Lord for it I Do appoint this for to be my last will & Testament, Disannulling & making void all former wills by me made. I bequeath my Soul to almighty God what gave it me & my Body to the Earth for to be Decently buried at the Discression of my Loving wife & Debts I owe to be paid & my will in forme following-
Item I Do give & bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Bennett one Copper still, one gray mare & her increase & one horse and one Negro man named Jack to her Disposeing for Ever. I Do likewise make my loving wife whole and sole exec'et of this my last will & Testament-
lem. I do give and bequeath to Mary Throp Daughter of Dan'l Lewis five head of cattle(1)-
lem. I do give & bequeath unto John Mangum two head of cattle(2)-
Item I do give & bequeath to James Coffield two head of cattle-
lem. I do give and bequeath unto my two sons Richard & James Bennett & Sml??(3) Lewis & Martha Lewis the half of the rest of the ___ of my estate there after for to be Equally Divided by these men I have appointed & shall nominate. I Do order that my Standard be divided between my two sons Richard & James Bennett by these four men Tho Throp, Peter Deberry Robt Byskay & George Barlow & for to see this my last will performed-
Item I do give and bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Bennett my plantation in Blackwater during her naturalle(4) life & then for to returne to James Bennett son of Rich'd Bennett & the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. I Desire that no Inventory shall be taken nor no Letter of Administration but for all things for to stand as this be nor any Security for to be given in witness my hand this fourth day of December in the year 1709.
Testice Tho. Thropp Richard Bennett (Seal) his William X George mark Mary Cornos his John X Mangum mark
At a court held for Isle of Wight County y' 20th day of Feb: 17[09](5) This last will & testament of Richard Bennett was presented in Court by Sarah Bennett his said wife Ex:xct who made oath ofto & being proved in Court by the oathes of Wm George Mary Cornos & John Mangum three of the witnesses thereto is admitted to record - Test H. Lightfoot C. Court
[Notes:] 1. "Cattle" looks like "Cattelle," but it was probably just that the pen was raised after the "tt" and he made a tall "e" and put a little flourish on the end that looks like an "e". 2. This item is underlined by the editor for emphasis. The underline was not part of the original will. 3. I'm confident that the first letter is an "S." In an abstract of this will, Chapman lists Susanna Lewis as being mentioned in this will. I can't see that here. 4. This word, "naturalle," inserted above and between "her" and "life". 5. Date was off the page, but beginning, 170_, would indicate 1709 (by Julian Calendar) and will was signed in 1709.
Will of Richard Bennett, Jr. (Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Deeds, Etc., Great Book, 1715-1726, page 42, dated 3 March 1720.) Text of Will of Richard Bennett Jr. (Isle Of Wight County Deeds, Ect., Great Book, 1715-1726 pg. 42.) Note: This translation (& footnotes) is by Vaughn Ballard, 2320 Country Green lane, Arlington, Texas 76011.
"March ye 3rd Day 1720 In the Name of God Amen.(1) Rich'd Bennett in ye upper parish of Isle of Wight County in Virginia being sick & weak in body yet in perfect memory thanks be to God for it Do therefore do make this my Last Will & Testament as followith - first I Commit my soul to God our Heavenly Father trusting to be saved by Jesus Christ our only Saviour and my body on Earth to be Decently Buried & as for my worldly Goods I bestow as followith /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my son Richd Bennett to him & his heirs lawfully begotten of his body two hundred acres of Land & over it being Land where on my Son Richard now lives /Item/ I give & bequeath unto my son James with ye other two hundred acres of Land where on he now lives. I lay to him & to his heirs lawfully begotton of his Body forever it is a Coveyance of four hundred acres of Land I bought of Mr John Coffers pattin of Land being fourteen hundred & fifty acres /Item/ I Give & bequeath unto Jane Coffer & her two sons Rob Coffer & John Coffer to them & their heirs Lawfully of their body for ever my plantation and land whereon I now live I lay to them & to their heirs for ever it being part of Land Which was bought formerly of Mr Wm Miles /Item/ I Give and bequeath unto Jane Coffer a small trunk & a Gold Ring and a Great Iron pot /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Rich Coffer my Long Gun /Item/ I Give & bequeath to Magdalen Coffer one Great pewter Dish and one Great Basin /Item/ I Give and bequeath to Francis Manggum my Gran Daughter a feather Bed & all ye belongs to it (2)/Item/ I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Silvester a Couple of Dishes & a Couple of plates furthermore I do appoint Jane Coffer & Wm Allen to be my full and whole Exct to pay my Debts & to Receive what is owing to me & when these my Debts being paid ye rest of my Goods within Doores and outDoores to be Equally Divided amongst my children / Desiring this my trusty friends Jno & James Carter to See this my Last Will & testament fulfilled In Witness here of I sett my hand & Seal.
his Rich'd R Bennett {Seal} mark
Assigned and Sealed in the presence of us
his Jn J Carter mark his James H__ Carter mark Wm Allen Sr.
At a Court held for Isle of Wight County the 23 day of May 1720 This last will & Testament of Rich'd Bennett was presented by the Exes & being proved by the witnesses is submitted to record.
Test H. Lightfoot C. Cor.
[Notes:] 1. Bold Italic words were "washed out" and missing. These are my best guesses of what these words were. - Vaughn Ballard 2. Item is underlined by the editor for emphasis. The underline was not part of the original will.
Comments 1. We don't know the relationship between John Mangum and John Parson, whose will John witnessed on 20 Oct. 1707. Note John's signature mark, which is a plus (+). Compare to the signature mark (also a 'plus') of John Mangham who deeded land to George Morrell 23 March 1695. (Journal 44, page 22). It is quite obvious that this John Mangum was illiterate. The younger John Mangum, who appears in later records, is probably this John Mangum's son. The younger John Mangum was probably literate, signing his name John C. Mangum.
2. The will of Richard Bennett Sr. (Isle of Wight, 4 Dec. 1709) has many legatees. One is John Mangum who receives two head of cattle. Surprisingly John is also a witness to the will. It is presently unknown if this is a usual occurrence. John's signature mark is still a "plus" but slanted enough that it looks like an "X". In reality the handwriting is probably the clerk who transcribed the will into his will book and only the general shape of the mark is significant, assuming the clerk tried to copy the mark as faithfully as possible. We cannot be totally sure that both these John Mangums in the will were one and the same. However, we do not know of any other John Mangum in Virginia at this time. The younger John Mangum who appears later, and who we believe is John Jr., was likely born about 1710. There was no attempt to differentiate between the two John Mangums, such as Jr. and Sr., lending support to the theory that they were one and the same.
3. The will of Richard Bennett Jr. (Isle of Wight County, 3 March 1720) also has several legatees. One of these is Francis Manggum who he calls his "Gran Daughter". This Francis was therefore a child of one of Richard Jr.'s children, not specifically designated in the will. It may be significant that Richard's daughter Silvester is mentioned just after Frances. This reference to Francis Manggum has been the core of a controversy that has dogged researchers for decades. We know that a Frances Mangum was administrator of John Mangum's estate in 1737 in Isle of Wight County. She was presumably his widow. Was Francis Manggum (granddaughter of Richard Bennett Jr. mentioned in his will) and Frances Mangum, wife/widow of John Mangum, one and the same? Or were they mother and daughter? For a more detailed discussion of this controversy you might want to read the article on page 29 of Journal Issue 43. Additional pieces of the puzzle will be discussed next issue with the publication of the will of Sarah Bennett Lancaster, remarried widow of Richard Bennett Jr.
7. "Mangum Family Bulletin," Four part article in vol. numbers 27-30, Jan. 1986, Apr. 1986, July 1987, Oct. 1987, editor James L. Parham: "Mangum Origins - The Bennett Connection," by James L. Parham. [Notes by myself, Kerry Petersen, are in brackets.]
"Introduction
My first attempt to resolve the question of Mangum origins was in December 1969 when I published an article on John Mangum of early Virginia (issue 4, MFB). Please review that earlier article for background information. There have been further developments since then, some (but not many) new records and a lot of thought & debate. In this article I will try to present all that is known about Mangum origins with emphasis on John Mangum of early Virginia and the Bennett family he was connected with.
This has been a very difficult article to write. It is long, the records are sparse and there is much disagreement about what the records mean. Please be careful about using the theories that I present. They are not to be taken as actual fact without proof. I will try to cover dissenting opinions, but this article will, of necessity, be biased in favor of my theories and beliefs. I welcome and encourage different theories and will offer to print any such received.
Because of the length of this article it will be published in several parts. I will try to finish it before the end of the year. Please be forewarned that the problem of Mangum origins will not be solved by this article. In fact, you may be more confused after reading it than before you started. Nevertheless, it will be useful to present the known facts and ask the questions that need to be asked.
I will try to make this article as organized as possible. However, you may find that I did not quite succeed at times. I will first present some general history of the Virginia colony and how the Bennett family fits in. I will then present information on the Edward Bennett line which may not be directly related to "our Bennetts." However, there seems to be some tie-in of this line to the Mangums. Next I will present what is known about the Bennett family that was definitely associated with our John Mangum and the details of that tie-in.
Delta Ivy Mangum Hale.
Mrs. Hale of Utah spent 40 years of research into her Mangum line and the problem of Mangum origins. She hired professional genealogists to make extensive searches of ship passenger lists and other records to uncover Mangum origins. Unfortunately, she found little hard evidence. One family tradition she found seemed to explain why there were no official records of our Mangum immigrant. This tradition states that two brothers in Isle of Man were playing and accidentally broke a window. They ran, hid on a ship and went to sleep. When they awoke they were out to sea on the way to the New World. The likelihood of this story being true is debatable and there are other possible explanations for the lack of Mangums on the passenger lists. One obvious possibility is the fact that many passenger lists were destroyed or lost over the years. Mrs. Hale's book was published in 1971 posthumously. At that time it could be ordered from Mr. Elgie J. Hale, 1040 E. Arlington, Bountiful, Utah. I feel very indebted to Mrs. Hale for the huge amount of work she put into Mangum research. If not for her earlier work then this article could not have been possible.
Mangum Beginnings.
The only definite evidence of the immigration of a Mangum to the new World was in 1666. In that year a Timothy Mangham was transported to Maryland as a colonist. There is no evidence that this individual left any descendants. There were Mangum families in Maryland during the first census in 1790 but this was over 120 years later. Mangham was one popular spelling of the name Mangum. Few names had "fixed" spellings before the mid-1800's.
John Mangum of Virginia appears to have been the first Mangum immigrant to have left surviving descendants. The evidence is not definitive but he appears to have been the father of the several families of Mangums who were in the Albemarle Parish, Sussex & Surry Counties in the early 1700's. He also appears to have been associated with the Bennett family, probably by marriage, of Isle of Wight County. This Bennett family was in Virginia much earlier than the Mangum family, possibly from near the beginning of Virginia itself.
We may be in error by trying to assign a single person as "the immigrant ancestor." In fact, there may have been several. Nicholas & Martha Mangum who died in Surry Co, VA in 1757 and 1761 respectively were likely immigrants. They were apparently elderly people, certainly not very young and only their estate records have been found. Jacob Mangum of Richmond County N. C. (ca 1786) and later S. C. may also been an immigrant from Ireland. Others believe he was descended from James Mangum of the 1st VA to N. C. migration. These are only two examples of several possible Mangum immigrants.
The Virginia Colony.
In 1607 three ships carrying colonists sent by the Virginia Company of London dropped anchor in what is now the James River of Virginia. They built a fort and the settlement that grew up around it became known as Jamestown. This was the first permanent English settlement in North America and the beginning of Virginia. Even though the settlers suffered great hardship in the first years, they managed to survive under the leadership of Capt. John Smith. Tobacco became a commercial crop in 1612 and the marriage of John Rolfe to Pocahontas insured peace with the Indians until her death in 1618.
By 1619 plantations were on both sides of the James River and women had also begun arriving in the colony. Also during this year the first representative legislature in the New World, the House of Burgesses, met at Jamestown. The House of Burgesses was a 22 member legislative body together with Sir George Yeardly as Governor and a 6 member council appointed by him. The first Negroes also arrived in the colony. There was an Indian massacre in 1622 but the colony survived. By 1624 Virginia became a royal colony under the direct control of the King rather than a commercial venture.
Edward Bennett Family.
Edward Bennett of London owned a fleet of ships doing trade with Virginia. He established a large plantation in Virginia in 1621 which was called "Bennetts Welcome." He was not in VA at this time but his brothers Robert & Richard were. Edward must have come to VA by 1627 because he was in the House of Burgesses for that year.
One of Edward's daughters was named Silvestra and she is one of two of his heirs mentioned in his will. She was born 25 Oct. 1630 and died 1706. She married Lieut. Col. Nicholas Hill who was also in the House of Burgesses in 1663, 1666. He died in 1675 in Isle of Wight. One daughter of the Hills, Mary, married John Jennings Jr. John made his will in Dec. 1692, probated Dec. 1695. In his will he names mother (in- law?) Silvester Hill. A witness to the probate was Frances Mangum. [This has since been proven by the same author to be an error and Frances was not the signature on the will - see separate note on this subject in Frances Bennett's notes in this database.]
This enigmatic reference to Frances Mangum with the Edward Bennett Family raises many questions which cannot be answered at this time. We have found no further reference to a Mangum with this Bennett line. It remains to be seen what significance this has in relation to the Thomas-Richard Bennett line that we usually associate with the Mangums.
General References:
1. John Mangum of Early Virginia, Article MFB #4, Dec. 69
2. Southside Virginia Families, Boddie, pp. 57-64
3. 17th Century Isle of Wight, Boddie, pp. 289-304
4. Adventures of Purse & Person
5. Albemarle Parish Register, MFB # 1-4
6. Encyclopedia
7. Nicholas Mangum, Article MFB # 9-12
8. Misc. records from MFB
This is the second installment of the Mangum-Bennett article. This article begins with Thomas Bennett who was the first known of the Bennett line who came to America and whose descendants were associated with our immigrant ancestor.
Thomas Bennett:
The Bennett family that was associated with our apparent immigrant ancestor, John Mangum, was in the New World almost from the beginning. We have not been able to find any definite tie to the Edward Bennett family described last issue other than the Jennings-Mangum record. However, it is very likely that there was some relation. Thomas Bennett was apparently the first Bennett of this particular line to come to the New World. He was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1632 from Warwick County, VA. Unfortunately, the records of Warwick County were destroyed in the Civil War.
Thomas's wife was named Alice & she was a widow of Thomas Pierce. She may have married Thomas Bennett about 1624 and was apparently the mother of his only child, Richard. They lived on the south side of the James near Lawnes Creek in 1624.
Elizabeth Pierce, daughter of Thomas and Alice pierce(later Alice Bennett), probably married Anthony Barham. Anthony was also a member of the house of Burgesses in 1629-30. His will in 1641 in England mentioned his brother-in-law Richard Bennett and mother Bennett.
Thomas Bennett probably died between 1632 and 1641. These are the dates of his House of Burgesses service and the 1641 will of Anthony Barham. Anthony Barham mentions mother Bennett and his Brother-in-law Richard Bennett in his will, but makes no mention of Thomas Bennett. Alice is alive at least until 1642 when she was mentioned in several land dealings.
Richard Bennett, Sr.:
Richard Bennett Sr. was born about 1625, probably in Virginia. He received land for transporting several people to the colonies in 1638 and 1682.
Richard first married Anne who was apparently the mother of his children. He married 2nd Sarah, widow of Daniel Lewis (who died 1679) Sarah married a third time to Robert Lancaster after Richard died.
Richard in 1699 resided at Blackwater near a Justinson Cooper and Frances England. He calls himself Elder of Upper Parish of Isle of Wight in a deed sometime after 1682. His known children were Susan who married Daniel Lewis (had daughter Mary Throp), Martha who married a Lewis, Richard Jr. and James.
Richard Sr. made his will in isle of Wight 4 Dec. 1709 and it was probated in Feb. 1710. He mentions wife Sarah and John Mangum. A John Mangum was also a witness to the will and gave oath at probate.
Sarah Lewis Bennett Lancaster:
Sarah Lewis was a widow of Daniel Lewis who died in 1769. She had a son Daniel and a daughter Sarah from that first marriage. She married Richard Bennett Sr. & became a widow a second time when he died in 1709. Her third marriage was to Robert Lancaster. She made her will on 31 Oct. 1722 and it was probated on 29 Jan. 1722?? She had several legatees including Mary & Sarah Mangum, daughters of John Mangum.
Richard Bennett, Jr.:
Richard Bennett Jr. was the oldest son of Richard Bennett Sr. and wife Anne. We believe he was born about 1650, probably in Isle of Wight. He was given the family plantation in 1699 in Upper Parish Isle of Wight. We do not know the name of his wife.
His tentatively identified children were Richard who died intestate in Surry county, VA in 1735, Jane who married John Cofer, Silvester, Ann who married John Bell and James.
Richard Bennett Jr. made his will in Isle of Wight 30 March 1720 and it was probated 23 May 1720, He mentions son Richard, Jane Coffer, John Coffer, Rob. & John Coffer, Magdalen Coffer, daughter Silvester, Wm Allen and friends Jn. Carter and James Carter. He also mentions Francis Manggum, calls her granddaughter and leaves her a feather bed and furniture.
It should be noted here that Frances Mangum is called granddaughter. This means that she was a daughter of one of the children of Richard Bennett Jr. There are several possibilities, none of which can be proven at present. She may have been a daughter of one of the children mentioned above, she may have been born out of wedlock, she may have been a daughter of an unnamed deceased child of Richard Jr. Also, she may have been the wife of John Mangum or she may have been his daughter, These possibilities and theories will be given further discussion later.
This is the third installment of the Mangum-Bennett article. It contains what we know about John Mangum himself and his supposed wife Frances. The final installment will be printed in the next issue.
John Mangum of Early Virginia:
The earliest records of a Mangum in Virginia refer to a John Mangum. These records date back to about 1695 and maybe earlier. [Tithables records, which were similar to property taxes, that mention John begin in 1692.] These records and the absence of other Mangum records in that period lead us to believe that John Mangum was the father of the Mangum families who were later in the Albemarle Parish, Surry and Sussex Counties shortly after the parish was set up in 1738. The absence of earlier records also indicate that John was an immigrant. These records leave many unanswered questions, but first let us examine the records themselves.
John Mangum was born by 1674 [1671]since he was able to purchase land in 1695 [listed as tithables by 1692]. The land was purchased in Surry Co., VA from Richard Bennett Sr. who apparently was a great grandfather of the Frances who was married to John Mangum. In March 1695/6 John trades this 100 acres of land for 90 acres in Isle of Wight. Both tracts must have been near Lawnes Creek which was the dividing line between Surry and Isle of Wight Counties. The Quit Rent of 1704 lists a John Mangum with 100 acres, probably an error for the 90 acres he actually had.
John Mangum is mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Sr. and in the will of Sarah Lancaster, widow of Richard Bennett Sr. John is dead by 1737 since a Frances Mangum is administrator of his estate in that year.
It is my guess that we are dealing with two John Mangum here. One John Mangum was mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Sr., and another John Mangum signed the same will probate as witness. It is not impossible that these were the same person, but I think it is unlikely. I would also guess that the two daughters of John Mangum referred to in Sarah Lancaster's will in 1722 were daughters of the younger John Mangum, not of John the immigrant. If these were daughters of the elder John Mangum, then the other probable children of the elder John were ignored as well as their mother Frances. John Mangum the younger was very likely son of John the immigrant. He was married to Olive Savage and she was administrator to his estate in Isle of Wight in 1744. See previous 1969 article for additional information on this family.
Frances Mangum:
Frances, supposed wife of John Mangum the immigrant, is one of the major problems that we have to deal with. Most of the controversy centers around her. It appears that she was married to John Mangum by 1695. At least we know that John Mangum had land dealings with Richard Bennett during this period.
Frances Mangum is mentioned in the will of Richard Bennett Jr. in 1720 and is called granddaughter. Unfortunately we were given no hint as to who her parents were. The probable children of Richard Bennett Jr. were given in the last installment of the article. Silvester has been mentioned as a possible parent of Frances or a deceased child of Richard Jr. could have been her parent. We may never know. A tie that I would like to make, but just cannot make fit, is that Frances was daughter of Silvester and that the Frances that witnessed the John Jennings Jr.'s probate in 1695 [it has now been determined that it was not Frances Mangum who witnessed the Jennings will and that the signature was misinterpreted] and the Silvester Hill who was mentioned in the will were mother and daughter. Alas, that is not to be. That Silvester appears to be the daughter of Edward Bennett, an entirely different line. Frances was administrator of J
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Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy
1680 - Aft 1737 (~ 68 years)