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Captain William Farrar[1, 2, 3, 4]

Male 1593 - Bef 1636  (43 years)


Personal Information    |    Media    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name William Farrar 
    Title Captain 
    Born 28 Apr 1593  Born Before Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died Before Oct 1636 
    Person ID I70150  My Reynolds Line
    Last Modified 26 Aug 2024 

    Family 1 Cecily Phippen Reynolds,   b. Abt 1600, England Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 12 Sep 1660, Charles City, Virginia Colony Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 60 years) 
    Children 
     1. Cecily Farrar,   b. Abt 1625, Jordan's Journey, Henrico Co., Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Apr 1703, Henrico Co., Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 78 years)
    +2. William Farrar,   b. 1627, Jordan's Journey, Henrico Co., Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1 Feb 1677/8, Charles City, Henrico Co., Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 51 years)
     3. John Farrar,   b. Aft 1632, Farrar's Island Henrico Co., Virginia Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
    Last Modified 24 Aug 2024 
    Family ID F518495665  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Last Modified 6 Feb 2014 
    Family ID F518495667  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Photos
    Farrar's Island Marker
    Farrar's Island Marker
    Farrars Island Marker.jpg

    Documents
    Virginia Historical Magazine
The Farrar Family of England and Virginia
    Virginia Historical Magazine The Farrar Family of England and Virginia
    farrar.pdf

    Histories
    The FARRARS
Adventurers of Purse and Person
    The FARRARS Adventurers of Purse and Person
    Adv_of_Purse_and_Person-1607-1624.pdf
    Virginia Heraldica - A Registry of Virginia Gentry Entitled to Coat Armor with Genealogical Notes of the Families Edited by William Armstrong Crozier, F.R.S., F.G.S.A. Virginia County Record Series Volume V. 1908
    Virginia Heraldica - A Registry of Virginia Gentry Entitled to Coat Armor with Genealogical Notes of the Families Edited by William Armstrong Crozier, F.R.S., F.G.S.A. Virginia County Record Series Volume V. 1908
    virginiaheraldic00croz.pdf

  • Notes 
    • William Farrar (son of John Farrer and Cecily Kelke) was born Bef. April 28, 1583 in Croxton, Lincolnshire, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England, and died Bef. October 1636 in Farrar's Island, Henrico Co. Virginia. He married Cecily on Bet. January 03, 1624/25 - May 02, 1625 in Charles City, Henrico, Co. Virginia.

      Includes NotesNotes for William Farrar:
      WILLIAM FARRAR was the third son of John Farrer the elder of Croxton, Ewood, and London, Esquire and Cecily Kelke. He was born into the wealthy landed gentry of Elizabethan England. It is not known for certain where the family resided at the time of William Farrar's birth. Though it is known that John Farrer preferred to live at Croxton, Lincolnshire near his wife's family the Kelkes rather than at Ewood, the Farrar ancestral estate since 1471. Christening records of two of the sons of John and Cecily Farrar seem to confirm that the family resided at Croxton:

      Christening Records:
      "John Farrer" Sex: male, Christening: 20 January 1581 in Croxton Parish, Lincoln, England.
      Father: John Farrer

      "Willyam Farer" Sex: male, Christening: 28 April 1583 in Croxton Parish, Lincoln, England.
      Father: "John Farer."

      Prior to the discovery of the Croxton Parish christening records William Farrar's age was based on the 1625 muster of colonists at Jordan's Journey where his age was given as 31 years old thus presumedly born about 1593-4. The christening record is considered to be the more reliable source.

      The importance of education was long stressed by families of Halifax Parish and many made their mark beyond the borders of Yorkshire. Among the earliest in the Farrer family was Bishop Robert Farrar (1500-1555), educated at Cambridge and Oxford, which a number of later generations also attended. It is not known where William Farrar received his education though it is certain that he and his brothers attended the finest institutions. William Farrar was well trained in the law which in addition to his families' wealth and high standing enabled him to make a valuable contribution in the New World.

      In July 1609, "the Armorial Bearings of John Farrer of Croxton were confirmed as appertaining to him by William Camden Clarenceux, King of Arms." (College of Arms record.) The family crest of:
      ARMS OF JOHN FARRER THE ELDER OF LONDON, ESQUIRE AND OF CROXTON, LINCS., CONFIRMED IN 1609 consist of as "Argent, on a bend engrailed sable, three horse-shoes of the field; and for the crest, on a wreath of the colours, a horse-shoe argent, between two wings or."

      On November 24, 1615, "John Farrer the elder of London, Esquire, granted to his sons Henry, John, William and Humfrey lands in Newgate, London."

      HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HENRICO AND FARRAR'S ISLAND - In 1611, four years after Capt. Christopher Newport's early explorations, Sir Thomas Dale left Jamestown to establish a settlement upriver. Relations with the Indians had steadily deteriorated since 1607, and Dale's company suffered constant attacks. The party finally came to a peninsula on the north side of the river, now Farrar's Island, where Dale established the colony's second settlement, "Henricus," known also as the "city" or "town" of "Henrico." In just four months the town grew to a fortified settlement. Frame houses lined three streets, and the men had built a wooden church, a brick foundation for a permanent church, storehouses, watchtowers, and huts.

      Life in the New World was hard, but the English had high hopes that their settlements would add valuable minerals and raw materials to their economy, in addition to providing strategic military outposts. They also saw this land as a new frontier for spreading Christianity. Virginia's economy was sharply transformed by the introduction in 1612 of new strains of mild tobacco by colonist John Rolfe. Rolfe's tobacco was shipped to England, and Virginia's economy soon began to prosper. In 1614, peace with the Indians was temporarily established, following Rolfe's marriage to Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, who had converted to Christianity and been baptized "Rebecca."

      In 1619 the Virginia Company instituted reforms in the colony that led to the establishment of a representative form of government. The colony was divided into settlements or "plantations," one being the City of Henricus. Each plantation sent representatives to Jamestown to the General Assembly of 1619, the first representative legislature in a British colony. An Indian uprising on March 22, 1622, abruptly halted plans to further develop Henrico. The Indians regarded the colony's rapid development as a threat. On Good Friday morning, Indians attacked settlements throughout the colony. Houses were burned. Men, women, and children were murdered. Henricus was almost completely demolished. Most survivors retreated to Jamestown or other nearby settlements. The city called Henrico was abandoned. The site of Henrico's first settlement was part of a large land grant made to William Farrar, Sr., and came to be known as Farrar's Island.

      WILLIAM FARRAR who emigrated to Virginia in 1618 was a subscriber to the Third Charter of the Virginia Company (He paid £37 10 shillings, although many who subscribed never paid.). His name appears among the citizens and merchants of London listed in Article V of the Charter, "So that posterity may hereafter know who have adventured and not been sparing of their purses in such a noble and generous action for the general good of their country..." Alexander Brown wrote: "Unlike the Second Charter made up mostly of tradespeople, three fourths of the Third Charter were of the gentry," and many of those named in Browne's Biographies, among them William Farrar, "are originators of families who are today largely represented in the United States, and as patriotic citizens should take much pride in being of the Founders' Kin as is taken by Englishmen in tracing from the Roll of Battle Abbey."

      At the age of 35 William Farrar cast his lot with the venturers and sailed from London March 16, 1618, in the "Neptune" with Lord Delaware, who had been urged by the settlers to return to Virginia as a governor and who had persuaded many of the gentry to emigrate to Virginia. Although the ship was a large one, with 200 passengers, especially equipped by the Virginia Company for Lord Delaware's return, the voyage was a long, perilous one lasting sixteen weeks.

      "Meeting with contrary winds and much bad weather many fell sick, and thirty died (among them) Lord Delaware himself... Camden tells us he had been feasted at the Western Islands, and that his death was not without suspicion of Poison. And I think I have seen that he died about the mouth of the Delaware Bay, which thence took its name from him... After his death they were forced on the the Coast of New England, where they got a Recruit of Wood and Water and took such an abundance of Fish and Fowl, as plentifully served them to Virginia. They likewise here met a small Frenchman, rich in Bever and other Furrs, who feasted them with so great a Variety of Fish, Fowl and Fruits, they were all amazed." (From the History of the First Discovery & Settlement of Virginia by W. Stith)

      A further account of the Neptune's wanderings was given in a lawsuit by the owner of the ship Treasurer, which, while on a fishing voyage, met the Neptune at sea, June 5, 1618, and took on eleven of its passengers due to sickness aboard. The ships then parted, the Treasurer turning south, the Neptune taking the usual northern course, but later their paths met again and sailed along together for awhile. At the mercy of winds and sickness that so often accompanied these voyages, the Neptune finally arrived in Virginia in August.

      In spite of the great tragedy of the voyage, the Neptune brought welcome news that "multitudes were preparing to be sent." Although the cultivation of tobacco was becoming profitable for trade, attracting an increasing number of settlers, the colony was struggling desperately for survival. In the summer of 1618, Virginia experienced a severe drought and an epidemic considered the worst in the colony's history. That William Farrar survived and remained to play an important part in the establishment of the colony is a great tribute to his stamina as well as his ability.

      William Farrar quickly made a place for himself in the colony acting as appraiser, executor of estates, a member of the the King's Council and justice of two counties. There is no record of whether William Farrar was married in England or possibly brought a family with him to Virginia. If he had a wife and children they died before or shortly after he arrived in Virginia. William Farrar was first granted 100 acres on the Appomattox River, Charles City County, about three miles from where it flows into the James River. Listed in the minutes of the Virginia Company, May 1625: "Land laid out for ye Company below Shirley Hundred Lland: Wm. ffarrar uppon Appomatucke River 100 acres."

      During the famed Indian massacre of Virginia settlers, which began on Good Friday, March 22, 1622, ten persons were killed at William Farrar's house upon the Appomattox River. There were... "slain at Mr. Farrar's house, Master John England and his Man; John Bell, Henricke Peterson, Alice his wife, William his son, Thomas his Man; James Wardlaw (Woodshaw); Margaret and Elizabeth, Maidservants." Some writers have erroneously stated that William Farrar was then living at Farrar's Island, but records show that the Island was not abandoned as Henrico City until some time after the Massacre. William Farrar fled with other survivors and managed to escape and find refuge at the fortified home of his neighbors Samuel and Cecily Jordan on the James River arriving the next day, where he stayed for years thereafter. Beggar's Bush, the plantation of Samuel Jordan (a member of the First Virginia Assembly, whose name is on the monument at Jamestown), was a stronghold of the colony to which settlers fled for safety when attacked by Indians. After the Massacre, "Master Samuel Jordan gathered together but a few of the stragglers about him at 'Beggar's Bush' where he fortified himself and lived despite the enemy." Governor Wyatt wrote to the Virginia Company, April 1622, "that he thought fit to hold a few outlying places, including the plantation of Mr. Samuel Jordan; but to abandon others and concentrate the colonists at Jamestown."

      It is thought that Beggar's Bush, soon to be known as Jordan's Journey, one of the earliest land patents of record, was a large area similar to the "hundreds". It was located at the present Jordan's Point, Prince George County (formerly Charles Cittie), near where the Appomattox River flows into the James River, and where the Hopewell Airport is now located. In the Muster of Jordan's Journey, February 16, 1623, nearly one year after the massacre 42 persons are shown still living at Jordan's Journey. Two years after the massacre on January 21, 1624/5 William Farrar and seven of the settlers for whom he later patented Farrar's Island, are among those listed. About one third, 347 of the 1240 Virginia colonists perished during the Indian Massacre. As Indians continued to prey upon settlers, colonists were ordered to remain in specified settlements. In the years following the Indian uprising of 1622, the colonists engaged in regular attacks against the Indians, pushing them farther and farther westward. Presumedly William Farrar's home on the Appomattox River was burned and destroyed by the Indians, and he did not return to live on the property. He stayed on at Jordan's Journey as he and other survivors had been ordered to do:

      "At a Court 7 and 8 Aug. 1625, presided over by Sir George Yardley, Governor, Dr. Pott, Capt. Smith, Capt. Mathews, Mr. Abraham Piersie, Capt. Tucker, Mr. Wm. ffarrar; Yt is ordered yt not planter shall remove from ye plantation whereon he is seated, without penalty ... and to be returned to his former plantation only if the Governor and Council permit ...
      "Yt is ordered that no one go or send for fowling, fishing or otherwyse whatsoever without sufficient parties of men nor to go out to work without their armes and a Centinell uppon them ... Every Commander of the a Plantation to take care that there be sufficient posder and munitions and their peeces fixt and their armes compleate."

      From Persons of Quality: A List of Names; of the Living in Virginia, February the 16, 1623
      Living
      At Jordan's Jorney
      Sislye Jordan
      Temperance Baylife
      Mary Jordan
      Margery Jordan
      William Farrar
      (37 more names follow the above listed.)

      Upon the death of Samuel Jordan, nearly a year after the Indian Massacre and shortly before the February 16, 1623 Virginia Muster, the Reverend Greville Pooley 46, minister of the Parish of Fleur-Dieu Hundred, near Jordan's Journey, read the burial service and four days later wooed the widow, Cecily Jordan, and thought he was accepted. The parson, in his joy at having won her hand "spread the word" of the engagement and boasted of his good fortune, which Mrs. Jordan resented, saying he would have fared better had he not revealed it, for she had not wanted her engagement announced so soon after her husband's death nor until after she had delivered her unborn child. The young widow refused to go through with the wedding and instead accepted William Farrar's proposal of marriage. Enraged Parson Pooley, undaunted, went before the Council on June 14, 1623 to state his claim thus instituting the first breach of promise suit in America. Pooley accused the lady of having jilted him and alleged that it was nothing short of "Skandelous" for Mr. Farrar, his rival, to be "in ordinary dyett in Mrs. Jordan's house and to frequent her Company alone." This was the celebrated case of its day! The Governor and Council could not bring themselves to decide the questions and continued the matter until November 27, 1623, then referred the case to the Council for Virginia in London, "desiring the resolution of the civil lawyers thereon and a speedy return thereof." But they declined to make a decision and returned it, saying they "knew not how to decide so nice a difference." Reverend Pooley was finally persuaded by the Reverend Samuel Purchase to drop the case. As a result on January 3, 1624/25, Reverend Pooley signed an agreement freely acquitting Mrs. Jordan from her promises. Cecily Jordan then went before the Governor and Council and formally "contracted herself to Captain William Farrar." William Farrar, trained for the law in England, successfuly defended Mrs. Jordan winning not only the suit but his client in matrimony.

      During the course of the breach of promise suit, William Farrar was made administrator of Samuel Jordan's estate. A worn record, dated November 19, 1623 shows Court presided over by Sir Francis Wyatt, Governor, and Christopher Davison, Secretary, indicates that a warrant was issued "to Mr. Farrar to bring in the account of Mr. Jordan his estate by the last day of December." Another warrant was issued to "Mrs. Jordan, that Mr. Farrer put in security for the performance of her husbands will." An abstract of the orders were to be delivered to Sir George Yeardley.

      In the 1624 will of Richard Domblawe of London, bachelor, "Mr. William Farrar" was appointed co-executor of his affairs in Virginia.

      In the census of January 1624/5, William Farrar was listed at Jordan's Journey, where his muster was recorded jointly with that of Mrs. Sisley Jordan and her three daughters:

      THE MUSTER OF THE INHABITANTS
      OF JORDAN'S JOURNEY AND CHAPLAIN CHOICE
      TAKEN THE 21TH OF JANUARY 1624

      THE MUSTER OF Mr WILLIAM FERRAR & Mrs JORDAN

      WILLIAM FERRAR aged 31 yeares in the Neptune in August 1618.
      SISLEY JORDAN aged 24 yeres in the Swan in August 1610.
      MARY JORDAN her daughter aged 3 yeares }
      MARGARETT JORDAN aged 1 yeare }borne heare
      TEMPERANCE BALEY aged 7 yeares }

      (*The age of 31 years stated for William Farrar is thought to be in error by ten years based on his 1583 christening record.)

      William Farrar 42, and Mrs. Cecily Jordan 25, were married shortly before May 2, 1625. The young, attractive, and wealthy twice widowed Cecily came with a ready-made family of girls as Cecily had had two daughters by her second husband Samuel Jordan- Mary 4, and Margaret 2, plus her daughter Temperance Bailey 8, from her earlier first marriage.

      Since William Farrar and Cecily Jordan had married, his bond to administer Samuel Jordan's estate was ordered canceled: "At a Court, 2 May 1625, 'Yt is ordered yt Mr. William Farrar's bonde shall be cancelled as overseer of the Estate of Samuel Jordan dec'd."

      William Farrar was given a position of great responsibility when on March 4, 1625/6, Charles I appointed him a member of the King's Council, a position he held until 1632. He attended quarterly court at Jamestown and was closely associated with the governor, councilors and burgesses. Shortly after William Farrar's appointment to the Council, he was made commissioner of the Upper Partes on August 7, 1626:
      "Monthlie Courtes to be kept above Percies hundred shalbe kept at the discretione of Mr. William ffarrar, one of his Majesty's Councill of State, either at Jourdan's Journey of Shirley Hundred."

      At a Court at James Citty, 18 Sept. 1626, "Ellmer Phillips gent stated he was at Jourdan's Journey at Mr. ffarrar's Howse at the reading of a Proclamation, etc."

      William Farrar's appointment, in 1626, as commissioner of the Upper Partes was affirmed in 1628: "Minutes of the Council and General Court 1622-29: At a COrt at James Citty the 7th of March 1628, prsent John Potts Esqr, Govenor and Captain General, Captain Smyth, Captain Mathews, Mr. Claybourne, Mr. ffarrar ffor the ease of the People and according to the order established in General Assembly it is ordered that a Commission be drawen for a Monthly COrt to bee holden in the Upper Partes. The Commissioners to bee vizt: Mr. ffarrar, Capt. Eppes; Capt. Davis; Capt: Mr. Thomas Palmer; Henry Throgmorton; Mr. ffarrar to bee alwaies one."

      BACKGROUND: The important Virginia Assembly, established by the Greate Charter in 1619, had functioned five years when James I dissolved the Virginia Company in 1624, and was not called to reconvene until 1628. During this period of great uncertainty and insecurity for the colonists, not knowing what to expect under Royal rule, the King's Council, formed to represent the Royal government, made the laws and all decisions, most of which were later ratified by the Assembly when it was recalled. As late as 1632, Charles I appointed a commission, which included Nicholas and John Ferrar Esquires, "as Council of Superintendence over Virginia, empowering them to ascertain the state of its laws, commerce and government and report back to his Majesty." It was during this critical period, 1625-1635, that William Farrar served on the Council, considered by historians the most important in the government of the colony, for laws were passed and the representative form of government which we have today became well established, based on the liberal charter, which Sandys and Nicholas Ferrar are said to have written. C. M. Gayley states in Shakespeare and the Founders of Liberty in America: "Jefferson was right when he said that 'the ball of the Revolution received its first impulse, not from the actors in the event, but from the first colonists.' ... He might well have added ... and the other Patriots of the Virginia Company."

      Of the Council and General Assembly which met in the church at Jamestown, one hour after sunrise, Fiske gives an interesting picture: "The meeting was always opened with prayers... In the choir of the church sat the governor and Council, their coats trimmed with gold lace. By the statute of 1621, passed in this very church, no one was allowed to wear gold lace except these high officials and the commanders of hundreds... In the body of the church facing the choir, sat the burgesses in their best attire, with starched ruffs, and coats of silk and velvet in bright colors. All sat with their hats on, in imitation of the time-honoured custom of the House of Commons, an early illustration of the democratic doctrine, 'I am as good as you.' This General Assembly was both a legislative and judicial body... From sweeping principles of constitutional law down to the pettiest sumptuary edicts, there was nothing this little parliament did not superintend and direct."

      William Farrar and his wife Cecily continued to reside at Jordan's Journey after their marriage. Records from the Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia 1622-1632 show that William Farrrar was living at Jordan's Journey as late as September 1626, and possibly until 1631/32. The children born to William and Cecily Farrar, of whom there is record, were Cecily, William and John. The children were probably all born at Jordan's Journey. Thomas Pawlett, of West & Shirley Hundred, who had arrived in Virginia aboard the "Neptune" with William Farrar was named godfather of William Farrar II. The numerous Farrar descendants of Councilor William and Cecily Farrar all stem from the elder son, Col. William Farrar, Jr.

      In the list of burgesses for 1631/32, Arrowhattocks, Neck-of-Land and Curles were represented by Capt. Thomas Osborne, while "both Shirley Hundreds, Mr. ffarrars and Chaplaynes" were represented by Francis Eppes and Walter Afton. This would seem to indicate that William Farrar was not at the Neck-of Land (Farrar's Island) and it may be that it was only after the sale of his inheritance in London in 1631 that he patented the Island. After the Great Massacre of 1622 many colonists were in doubt as to where to locate and did not settle permanently until after 1628. Whatever the date, the delay proved fortunate for William Farrar, for he was able to select one of the choicest locations, the site of Henrico Towne, the second settlement in the colony. His land extending to Varina, the county seat, and his duties as "chief" justice of the county made him a close neighbor and associate of the leading families of Henrico as well as Charles Citty County.

      William's father, John Farrer the Elder had his very long will written on November 14, 1627. On May 28, 1628 the will was proved by his son Henry. (Excerpts from the will of:) John Farrer, the elder of London, Esquire, of parish of St. Mary Aldermanbury Parish, bequeathed: To third son William Farrar "all those messuages, land, etc., in Hoddesden, Bloxeborne and Amwell or elsewhere in the countie of Hertford heretofore ... conveyed to Henry and John Farrer (which they were to relinquish to William) ... To William and his wife and children 20 pounds a yeare during the terme of their lives and longest liver of them to be paid out of Greate Ewood and Little Ewood at ye feaste of ye Annunciation of ye blessed Virgin and St. Michaell the Archangel by my sonne Henry Farrer his heirs or assigns."
      In the codicil to his will dated April 24, 1628, "Also my will is that my son William shall receive of mine executor fiftie pounds at his return into England ... My pewter, brasse, bedding and Linen shalbe divided equally between my fower sonnes Henry Farrer, John Farrer, William Farrer and Humfrey Farrer... and that William Farrar's part shalbe reserved for him or ye valewe thereof in the handes of my overseers, and in case he be not living it shalbe reserved for his wife and children."
      "Son Henry Farrer sole executor; overseers, son John Farrer and nephew Henry Wilkenson. Witnesses to codicil: Henry Croke, Henry Wilkenson."

      William, at age 48, returned to London in the summer of 1631 after his father's death and sold his inheritance to his brother, Henry Farrar of Berkshire, for £200 in a document dated September 6, 1631. William's wife, Cecily, and his children, Cecily and William appear in the deed and relinquished their rights to his inheritance. It isn't known whether his wife or children accompanied him on the trip. William carried with him letters from Virginia colonists, as was the custom to do. A letter from John Ferrer of Little Gidding to his brother Nicholas: "I have since I wrote my other letter gott from William (Farrar) these inclosed which I send you now what is best to be donne for delivery of them I leave to you as being best able to judge..."

      SALE OF WILLIAM FARRAR'S INHERITANCE
      September 6, 1631, indenture between William Farrar of London gent of the one part and Henry Farrer of Reading, Berkshire, Esquire, of the other part. Whereas John Farrer the elder of London Esquire, deceased, bequeathed to William Farrar and Cecily his wife and Cicely and William his children one annuitie or yearly rent of 20 pounds from the lands of the said John Farrer called Great Ewood and Little Ewood in the parish of Halifax, Yorks.
      And, whereas, William Farrar had by his "Deed in writinge bearing date of the eight and twentieth day of June last past" for the sum of 240 pounds of good and lawfull money of England "had released (his inheritance) unto the said Henry and John Farrer, his brothers, then owners of the lands called Great Ewood and Little Ewood." William Farrar acknowledges the receipt of 200 pounds paid to him by Henry Farrar for the purchase of "all messuages, howses, buildings, lands, meadowes, pastures with all and everie their appurtenances scituate lying and being in Hoddesdon, Broxbourne and Amwell or any of them in the county of Hertf.," which Henry and John Farrar did, in accordance with their father's will, convey to William Farrer ..."
      Henry Farrar, his heires or assignes will pay to William Farrar 'or his executors if he be not living" such further soms of money as with money already paid unto him for he true value of the land; otherwise upon repayment to Henry Farrer or his heirs by William Farrar or his heires, of the said 200 pounds, plus any expense Henry my have had in repairing the house and said buildings, etc., Henry will reconvey the property to William free of any incumbrances."
      Signed and sealed "the day and yeare first above written Annoque domini 1631."
      (Abtstracted from transcription by Miss Mary Flower, of a Crown copyright, by permission of the Public Record Office. From The Farrar's Island Family by Alvahn Holmes.)

      The achievement for which William Farrar is most remembered is the establishment of Farrar's Island, in what is now Henrico Co. Virginia on a bend in the James River. The estate consisited of 2000 acres, very large for its day, granted to William Farrar for the transportation of forty settlers. It probably wasn't until after the sale of his inheritance in London in 1631 that William Farrar patented Farrar's Island, living there for only about the last five years of his life. It was not until after William Farrar's death, at the age of 54, that the patent for Farrar's Island was finally granted posthumously by King Charles I to his and Cecily's son William Farrar II on June 11, 1637.

      One of the most dramatic events occurring during William Farrar's tenure on the Council was the arrest and deportation of Governor Harvey, "a Royal governor who had exercised unbearable tyrannical and arbitrary power." After an eventful decade during which the Virginia Compny was overthrown along with the loss of a representative form of government which it had attempted to establish there was uncertainty about what to expect from Royal rule. In March 1634 the Council reluctantly voted to accept the loss of prime territories to Lord Baltimore, but rebelled against Gov. Harvey. William Farrar was one of a committee of 20 appointed to arrest Gov. Harvey and return him to England in protest.

      May 1636: Nathan Martin patented 500 acres, 100 acres of which was due "by surrender from William Farrar Esquire for transportation of two servants."

      William Farrar's brother Humphrey's will dated October 1636 mentions property bequests to each of his brothers except William Farrar of Virginia. It is presumed that this omission establishes that William Farrar had died prior to the drawing of the will. William Farrar was survived by his wife Cecily 37, and children Cecily, William and John. He undoubtedly left a will, but it does not survive.

      FARRAR'S ISLAND TODAY
      It's about 15 miles down the James River from Richmond. While in it's early days it was actually connected to the land and technically not an island, today it is an island. A canal was cut through by the Union Army during the Civil War saving about 7 miles via the James River to Richmond. In more recent times gravel operations were set up on the island. Much of anything related to Historical context has been destroyed by flooding over the years.

      The Farrar Family Reunion?s grand and noble effort, the Farrar?s Island Historic Highway Marker project, was realised in early 2000. The Farrar's Island Marker was firmly implanted in the soil of the Old Commonwealth, right at the Fall Line between the Tidewater and the Piedmont.

      The Marker is situated at the southeast corner of US 1/301 and Osborne Road, Chester, VA. Osborne is the road that leads approximately three miles to the Dutch Gap boat launch and parking area. The head of the 1 1/4 mile nature trail to Farrar?s Island is at the far end of the parking area.

      The Farrar's Island Marker reads:
      K 199
      FARRAR'S ISLAND

      In 1611 Farrar?s Island was the site of the
      "Citie of Henrico," one of Virginia?s first four
      primary settlement areas under the Virginia
      Company of London. Later, it was part of a
      2,000 acre land patent issued posthumously
      to William Farrar in 1637. Farrar, who arrived
      in Virginia from London in 1618 aboard the
      Neptune, invested in the Company under its
      third charter. In 1626, Governor Sir George
      Yeardley appointed Farrar to the governor?s
      Council, a position occupied until 1632.
      He also served as a justice for two counties.
      Farrar family members resided on the island
      until they sold it to Thomas Randolph on
      26 Jan. 1727.

      Sources:
      THE FARRAR'S ISLAND FAMILY AND ITS ENGLISH ANCESTRY by Alvahn Holmes 1972.

      More About William Farrar and Cecily:
      Marriage: Bet. January 03, 1624/25 - May 02, 1625, Charles City, Henrico, Co. Virginia.

      Children of William Farrar and Cecily are:

      Cecily Farrar, b. Abt. 1625, Jordan's Journey, Henrico Co. Virginia, d. April 1703, Henrico Co. Virginia.
      +William Farrar, b. Abt. 1627, Jordan's Journey, Henrico Co. Virginia, d. February 01, 1677/78, Charles City, Henrico Co. Virginia.
      John Farrar, b. Aft. 1632, Farrar's Island, Henrico Co. Virginia, d. March 1683/84, Henrico Co. Virginia.

  • Sources 
    1. [S122] Genealogy. com, http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/a/y/Lyndall-J-Mayes/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0108.html.
      Capt. William Farrar (b. Bef. April 28, 1583, d. Bef. October 1636)

    2. [S178] The Virginia Genealogist.
      THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST Volume 30, No. 1 Jan-Mar 1986 Page 30

      The preponderance of evidence that Temperance Baley was indeed the widow of John Browne necessitates revisions about Richard Cocke of Bremo which follow:

      Richard Cocke (1602-1665) Born in the Parish of Stottensden, Shropshire, England; immigrated to the Colony of Virginia ca. 1627; resided in Charles City Co., until ca. 1638, when he moved to Bremo, Henrico Co., where he died and is buried. In 1632 he represented Weyanoke, Charles City Co. in the Grand Assembly; in 1644 and in 1654--55, he represented Henrico County. Married, first, ca 1632, Temperance Baley (Bailey, Bayley) (1617 possibly ca 1652) daughter of ___ __ and Sisley ([Reynolds]_?) Baley Jordan- Farrar
      Their first child was THOMAS COCKE (1638/9-1697), who in 1672 referred to himself as 'Thomas cocke of Pickthorn Farm in the County of Henrico."

    3. [S122] Genealogy. com, http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/m/a/y/Lyndall-J-Mayes/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0109.html.
      CECILY AND WILLIAM FARRAR
      After Samuel Jordan died Cecily 23, was left with daughter Mary 2, her eldest daughter Temperance Bailey 6, and another child soon to be delivered. Reverend Greville Pooley, age 46, who had conducted Samuel Jordan's funeral service, proposed to Cecily only four days afterwards. She apparently consented, feeling the need for a protector, but subject to the engagement being kept secret due to the timeliness of Samuel's death and her pregnancy. However, Rev. Pooley "spread the word" of the engagement, and this so ired the young widow that she refused to go through with the wedding. Soon afterwards Cecily accepted another proposal of marriage and became engaged to William Farrar who had been living at Jordan's Journey since the massacre. Undaunted, the enraged Rev. Pooley brought suit for breach of promise to compel Cecily to marry him. When the Parson sued on June 14, 1623, he accused the lady of having jilted him and alleged that it was nothing short of "Skandelous" for Mr. Farrar, his rival, to be "in ordinary dyett in Mrs. Jordan's house and to frequent her Company alone." This was the celebrated case of its day. William Farrar, trained for the law in England and the executor of Samuel Jordan's estate, was enlisted by Cecily to represent her.
      The Governor and Council could not bring themselves to decide the questions and continued the matter until November 27, 1623, then referred the case to the Council for Virginia in London, "desiring the resolution of the civil lawyers thereon and a speedy return thereof."But they declined to make a decision and returned it, saying they "knew not how to decide so nice a difference."Reverend Pooley was finally persuaded by the Reverend Samuel Purchase to drop the case. As a result on January 3, 1624/25, the Reverend Pooley signed an agreement freely acquitting Mrs. Jordan from her promises. Cecily then formally"contracted herself before the Governor and Council to Captain William Farrar."
      The Governor and Council of the Colony were so stirred by the extraordinary incident that they issued a solemn proclamation against a woman engaging herself to more than one man at a time. Passage of this law for the protection of Virginia bachelors gave Cecily a place in history. And there is not in Virginia any known record that this edict has ever been revoked.
      That the first breach of promise case in this country was filed by a parson is commentary on the times. Although ministers were carefully selected, the salary was very small and Pooley can hardly be blamed for being alert to a chance to feather his nest. The small poplulation afforded little choice of a desirable mate, and insecurity and terror following the Great Massacre the year before would have led any widow to feel need for protection. Due to insecurity of plantation life throughout colonial times, widows often remarried soon after their husband's death, sometimes before settlement of his estate.
      A rather dramatic version of events is recounted in the book "The Farrars" by William B. & Ethyl Farrar:
      CICILY FARRAR: Interesting accounts of Cicily Jordan Farrar are found whenever the genealogy of the Farrar family is given. Below are portions of two stories:
      (After the death of Samuel Jordan)... there was a rush for the hand of his beautiful young wife, led by the Rev. Greville Pooley. Jordan had been in his grave only a day when Pooley sent Capt. Isaac Madison to plead his suit. Cecily replied that she would as soon take Pooley as any other, but as she was pregnant, she would not engage herself she said, "until she was delivered."But the amorous Reverend could not wait, and came a few days later with Madison, telling her "he should contract himself to her" and spake these words: "I, Greville Pooley, take thee Sysley, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold till death do us part and herto I plight thee my troth."Then, holding her by the hand he spake these words, "I, Sysley, take thee Greville, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold till death do us part." Cicily said nothing, but they drank to each other and kissed. Then, showing some delicacy about her condition and the situation she found herself in, she asked that it might not be revealed that she did so soon bestow her love after her husband's death. Pooley promised, but was soon boasting of his conquest, very impetuously for "Sysley" now engaged herself to William Farrar, a member of the Governor's Council. Enraged, Pooley brought suit for breach of promise. The case too much for the the authorities at Jamestown, who referred it to London. The jilted Pooley soon found solace in a bride, it appears, but met a tragic death in 1629, when Indians attacked his house, and slew him, his wife and all his family. (From "Behold Virginia" by G.F. Willison--1951)
      REVEREND POOLEY'S FATE:
      Pooley continued as minister for Fleur-Dieu Hundred until his death in 1629, but he does not seem to have been a very peaceful parson, for he was brought into court twice, ironically by William Farrar, for trouble with settlers. At the March 1628 Court "Yt is thought fitt the Mr. ffarrar (then Councilor) at the next meeting of the Court do bring down Mr. Pooley and Edward Auborne to aunswer to such things as shall be objected against them." And on another occasion, after a disagreement with Captain Pawlett, he was brought into court to answer charges against him; however in this case Pawlett was required to apologize. Pooley married and had a family but they are said to have met a tragic death at the hands of the Indians.
      During the course of the lawsuit in which he successfully defended Cecily, William Farrar performed the duties of executor of Samuel Jordan's estate in 1623 (Jordan's will does not survive). At a Court held on November 19, 1623, and presided over by Sir Francis Wyatt, Governor, and Christopher Davison, Secretary, records indicate that a warrant was issued "to Mr. Farrar to bring in the account of Mr. Jordan his estate by the last day of December." Another warrant was issued to "Mrs. Jordan, that Mr. Farrer put in security for the performance of her husbands' will."An abstract of the orders were to be delivered to Sir George Yeardley.
      THE MUSTER OF THE INHABITANTS
      OF JORDAN'S JOURNEY AND CHAPLAIN CHOICE
      TAKEN THE 21TH OF JANUARY 1624
      THE MUSTER OF Mr WILLIAM FERRAR & Mrs JORDAN
      WILLIAM FERRAR aged 31 yeares in the Neptune in August 1618.
      SISLEY JORDAN aged 24 yeres in the Swan in August 1610.
      MARY JORDAN her daughter aged 3 yeares}
      MARGARETT JORDAN aged 1 yeare}borne heare
      TEMPERANCE BALEY aged 7 yeares}
      (There is a single bracket three lines high to the right of the three daughters names, then the words "borne heare" indicating all three girls born in Virginia. William Farrar's age listed as 31 is incorrect. He was ten years older.)
      Below the family listing is a section listing "SERVANTS" followed by the names of ten males ages ranging from 16 to 26 years. Following that is a list of food, livestock, ammunition and buildings at Jordan's Journey:
      PROVISIONS: Corne, 200 bushells; Fish, 2 hundred.
      ARMS AND MUNITION: Powder, 14 lb; Lead, 300 lb; Peeces fixt, 11; Coats of Male, 12.
      CATTLE, SWINE ETC: Neat cattell young and old 16; Swine, 4; Poultrie, 20.
      HOUSES AND BOATS: Houses, 5; Boats, 2.
      MYTH: Cecily is said by some researchers to have had three children with second husband Samuel Jordan. Two daughters- Mary and Margaret, and a son Richard Jordan who married his first cousin Elizabeth Reynolds, daughter of Christopher Reynolds (presuming Cecily was a Reynolds).
      FACT: There are no records showing that Cecily and Samuel Jordan had a son Richard. If he existed he must have died before the 1623 and 1624/25 musters of Jordan's Journey on which he is not listed. Cecily was widowed while in the late stages of her pregnancy with youngest daughter Margaret Jordan who would have been a newborn at the time of the 1623 census, and in the 1624/25 muster Margaret Jordan is shown to be "aged 1 years" as would be expected. There was no Richard Jordan, son of Cecily.
      William Farrar 42, and Mrs. Cecily Jordan 25, were married shortly before May 2, 1625. Cecily's third husband was the son of John Farrer the elder of Croxton, Ewood, and London, Esquire and Cecily Kelke. He was born into the wealthy landed gentry of Elizabethan England in 1583. The Farrar ancestral estate Ewood had been handed down in the distinguished Farrar family since 1471. William Farrar had arrived in Virginia in August 1618 aboard the "Neptune" and settled a few miles up the Appomattox River from Jordan's Journey. It isn't know if he'd been previously married. William Farrar acquired a ready-made family of females when he married the young, attractive, and wealthy widow Cecily; Mary Jordan 4, Margaret Jordan 2, and Temperance Bailey 8, were thereafter his step-daughters.
      Since William Farrar and Cecily Jordan had married, his bond to administer Samuel Jordan's estate was ordered canceled: "At a Court, 2 May 1625, 'Yt is ordered yt Mr. William Farrar's bonde shall be cancelled as overseer of the Estate of Samuel Jordan dec'd."
      Within the first year of their marriage William Farrar was given a position of great responsibility when on March 4, 1625/6, Charles I appointed him a member of the King's Council, a position he probably held until just prior to his death in 1636. William and Cecily Farrar continued to reside at Jordan's Journey after their marriage. Records from the Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia 1622-1632 show that William Farrrar was living at Jordan's Journey as late as September 1626, and possibly until 1631/32. William and Cecily Farrar had three children together; the first two born prior to 1631. Their first was a girl named for her mother, Cecily, born about 1625/6. After becoming the mother of four girls there must have been excitement at the birth of Cecily's first son- William Farrar II in 1627. William II, as the first boy, was no doubt the long awaited little prince of the family. His godfather was Captain Thomas Pawlett, who had sailed to Virginia in the "Neptune" in 1618 with William Farrar. Son John was born about 1632 and may have been the only one of Cecily and William Farrar's children to be born at Farrar's Island.
      William Farrar's father died in 1628 and William returned to London in the summer of 1631 and sold his sizable inheritance to his brother, Henry Farrar of Berkshire, for £200 in a document dated September 6, 1631. Cecily and their children, Cecily and William, appear in the deed and relinquished their rights to his inheritance. It isn't known whether Cecily or the children accompanied William on the trip to England.
      FROM SALE OF WILLIAM FARRAR'S INHERITANCE: "September 6, 1631, indenture between William Farrar of London gent of the one part and Henry Farrer ofReading, Berkshire, Esquire, of the other part. Whereas John Farrer the elder of London Esquire, deceased, bequeathed to William Farrar and Cecily his wife and Cicely and William his children.."
      The achievement for which Cecily's husband William Farrar is most remembered is the establishment of Farrar's Island, an estate their descendants would own for 100 years. It was located in what is now Henrico Co. Virginia on a bend in the James River at the former site of the city of Henricus, the second settlement of the colony. The estate consisted of 2000 acres, very large for its day, granted to William Farrar for the transportation of 40 settlers. It was not until after William Farrar's death in 1636, at the age of 54, that the patent for Farrar's Island was granted posthumously by King Charles I to his and Cecily's son William Farrar II on June 11, 1637. Presumedly thrice widowed Cecily Farrar continued to raise her six children at Farrar's Island. Daughter Temperance Bailey married Thomas Cocke in 1637. There are no known records of the fates of Mary and Margaret Jordan. Young Cecily Farrar is said to have marriedIsaac Hutchins and Henry Sherman, or Michael Turpin? William Farrar II inherited Farrar's Island at the age of ten and followed in his illustrious father's footsteps. Youngest son John Farrar held important offices in the colony, but never married or had offspring. The numerous Farrar descendants of William and Cecily all stem from the elder son, Col. William Farrar II. The name Cecily lived on in the Farrar family as several of her descendants were bestowed as her namesakes.
      MYTH: There is speculation that Cecily, widowed again by 1637 (at age 37), married a fourth and fifth time. There has, so far, been no proof of any later marriages for Cecily Bailey Jordan Farrar. She disappears from the records after 1637 and other women named "Cecily", of whom there were several in the colony, have been confused with her.
      From Elizabeth Tissot: Many have said, with no proof, that Cecily also married Peter Montague and Thomas Parker. This is FALSE. Cecily Montague was the relict of William Thompson I and had one son William Thompson II who married Ellen Montague, his step sister. Cecily Montague returned to England following the deaths of Peter Montague (in 1659) and her son, William Thompson II. Peter Montague's first wife was Elizabeth and she was mother of all his children.
      Source:"A Place in Time, Middlesex Co. VA 1650-1750", by Rutman, pp. 50, 96-98. This is a history of the County of Middlesex which relies on court records.
      From- Daughters of The American Colonists, Member #14341 -Mrs.Louise Boone Ratliff: Her papers state Peter Montague, 1st married in 1633 Cecily Watkins -not Matthews, -not Farrar. Her lineage in Vol. 15 also says Peter Montague, 2nd married Elizabeth.
      Note: Additionally the marriage of Peter Montague to his Cecily was said to be in 1629 or 1633, both these dates predating the 1636 death of William Farrar, therefore making it impossible for Cecily Bailey Jordan Farrar to be the Cecily that Peter Montague married.
      -Peter Montague, born 1603 in England, had come to Jamestown in 1618 aboard the "Charles" at the age of 18 as a headright of Billy Pierce. Peter Montague had six children - Peter, Margaret, William, Ellen, Elizabeth, and Ann with his first wife Elizabeth. He died in 1659 and named his wife Cecily (widow of Thompson) Montague in his will. Evidence shows she was not our Cecily Bailey Jordan Farrar.
      -Thomas Parker, the immigrant, died in 1663 in Isle of Wight, Virginia. Parker family researchers are not sure which Thomas Parker of Isle of Wight, Virginia "is said to have married" the widow of a Peter Montague. The unnamed widow of a Peter Montague is mentioned in an Isle of Wight County deed transaction: On May 29, 1683 a patent was issued to Thomas Parker and James "Bagnall" for 470 acres, of which 50 acres granted to Peter Montague, and 40 acres for tranportation of a Negro Francisco. The patent stated that Thomas had married the widow of Peter Montague who had left two daughters Dorothy and Sarah and that Sarah had married James "Bageall."
      -Our Cecily Bailey Jordan Farrar would have been 83 years old at the time of this patent, and it has been proven she could not have been the survivng wife of immigrant Peter Montague. Therefore this record does not pertain to the generation of our Cecily or the immigrant Peter Montague who had a widow named Cecily, or to the immigrant Thomas Parker who died in 1663 long before the land patent mentioning the widow of Peter Montague. By all accounts Cecily is estimated to have died years before 1683.
      It is thought Cecily Farrar died prior to 1676, probably about 1662, but she may have died much earlier. There is no conclusive proof. Perhaps because her son, Col. William Farrar II, wrote his will in 1676 and doesn't mention his mother in it may be the reason she is presumed deceased before 1676.
      Cecily's name survives today on the historical marker in Smithfield, Virginia at the location of "Jordan's Journey," where she lived circa 1620-1631 on the estate of her second husband Samuel Jordan. The marker reads:
      "SAMUEL JORDAN OF JORDAN'S JOURNEY

    4. [S48] Ancestry Link, http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/b/u/c/Ardath-L-Buckaway/GENE2-0005.html.
      WILLIAM I*5 FARRAR (JOHN (THE ELDER) ESQ.4, WILLIAM3, HENRIE II2, HENRY I1) was born Bet. 1583 - 1594 in Probably in Croxton, Lincolnshire,England (Source: Christening date given by one source as 1583.), and died 1637 in Farrar's Island, Virginia.He married CECILY REYNOLDS(?) 1624.She was born Abt. 1600.
      Notes for WILLIAM I* FARRAR:
      It is my belief after doing extensive research, that William was likely born at Croxton in Lincolnshire, near Barnetby.This was the area where his parents preferred to live which was close to his grandparents, the Kelke family.
      The following is a copy of the IGI records that were filmed. These were the parish records of Croxton which includes the christening of both John and William Farrar.
      John FARRER
      Sex:M
      Event(s):
      Christening:20 Jan 1581
      Croxton, Lincoln, England
      Parents:
      Father:John FARRER
      Mother:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Source Information:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Batch number:DatesSource Call No.TypePrintout Call No.Type
      C0277711561-18120436026Film6907585Film
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Willyam FARER
      Sex:M
      Event(s):
      Christening:28 Apr 1583
      Croxton, Lincoln, England
      Parents:
      Father:John FARER
      Mother:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Source Information:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Batch number:DatesSource Call No.TypePrintout Call No.Type
      C0277711561-18120436026Film6907585Film
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Since his parents preferred to live at Croxton, it would appear, that these 2 sons were also born and christened there.It would also seem, that the date of William's birth is earlier than what has been mentioned by most.
      Notes for CECILY REYNOLDS(?):
      There has been much speculation about the family or parentage of Cecily.This will probably continue well into the future, however, I will try to put things in a chronological order, showing the probable relationships of the intertwind families.All the items which are actual FACTS that are known will be marked, * and those of probabilities will be marked separately as #. There has been so much written about this very strong lady but due to the lack of records, many have taken the speculation beyond possibility. Many believe her Maiden name to have been Reynolds, while others hold that it was Greene. No one can prove either beyond doubt, however, she did come to America as a child, and with relatives, so there had to have been connections on the Swan the ship that brought her to America.I have read everything I could find so far, and it would appear to me that the connection was through the Pierce Family.There also appears to be a close connection with the Jordan Family of England. Anyone who may have turned up evidence to refute this is welcome to E-mail me.I would enjoy making corrections with new facts.
      1. Cecily was born about 1600 in England*.
      George Reynolds and Cecily Phippen (Fitzpen) could have been her parents.#
      (There is NO definite proof of this, even though there is a probable relationship.)
      2. Cecily Phippen's parents were Robert Phippen and Cecily Jordan.*
      3. Robert Phippen's parents were Joseph Phippen and Alice Pierce.*
      (It is important to note that the name Cecily was passed down from one generation to another, also note that the name of Pierce also appears in Virginia, when Capt. William Pierce arrived.)
      4. Christopher Reynolds arrived from England on the ship the John and Frances in 1622 and stays with Capt. William Pierce.*
      (He is said to have been a cousin but was called "Uncle Billy Pierce".)#
      5. Cecily arrived in Jamestown, Virginia on the Swan.She boarded the Swan in June or July 1610.She was 10 years old.The 3 ships arrived in late August of 1610 at Jamestown, Virginia*
      6. Since Capt. William Pierce was also on this same ship, it is reasonable to consider that there were other relatives aboard also.The Swan was accompanied by two other ships, the Tryall and the Noah, all belonging to Sir Thomas Gates and bound for Virginia.*Sir Thomas Gates, I believe was to be the acting Governor but left on the Sea Venture in May 1609.*
      From this point there has been much speculation, but few "Facts" are known about Cecily until her marriage to Thomas Baley/Bailey.
      7. Thomas Bailey was a young member of the Governor's Guard, stationed at Jamestown.*
      8. Thomas Bailey was granted 200 acres in Charles City County by Governor Thomas West.*
      9. Thomas Bailey married Cecily (Reynolds) in late 1616 or early 1617.*
      10. Thomas Bailey's home is said to have been called "Bailey's Point". I have not at this point read anything that states this, but he must have had a home to which he took his young bride, Cecily.#
      11. Temperance Bailey was born in late 1617 or early 1618, since she was reported as being
      7 years of age at the muster in January 1624.*Temperance was named for the good friend of Cecily's, Temperance Flowerdew.
      12. Thomas Bailey died of Malaria (according to some sources). We know he died in late 1617 or early 1618.*
      13.Cecily Bailey inherits his 200 acres at Charles City.
      Again there is much speculation about the life of Cecily, but little is mentioned of her life, until she marries Samuel Jordan.
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Rather than add this information to Samuel Jordan's page, I am including it here, so that everything follows through in the proper order in Cecily's life. The numbering will revert back to #1, when she marries Samuel Jordan.
      1. Samuel Jordan was born in 1578 in England.His father was Robert Jordan and his mother is unknown.*
      2. Samuel Jordan married his first wife, name unknown about 1595, which we must assume according to dates of birth of his first child.#
      3. Children of his first marriage were Anna Marie born in 1596 - who stayed in England. Sons Robert born 1598, Thomas born 1600, and Samuel born 1602,( (not known for certain that Samuel came) came to America later.*
      4.After the death of his first wife, Samuel Jordan decided to come to Virginia. We do not know who cared for his children in England.*
      5.Samuel boarded the Sea Venture.There were 150 people on board going to Virginia, including Sir Thomas Gates.They left England about May 1609. The fleet included 8 other ships, which accompanied the Sea Venture.The Ships met up with the edge of a hurricane around Bermuda on 24 July 1609. 4 Days later the Sea Venture is grounded on a reef, wedged between the rocks and begins to break up. All the passengers and crew were saved, and they managed to save their supplies. Some of those known to have been on this ship were: Sir Thomas Gates, John Rolf and Samuel Jordan.The passengers and men were able to salvage enough from the Sea Venture to build two smaller boats, which they named the Patience and the Deliverance. On 23 May 1610 they arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.*
      6. In the Fall of 1609 there were about 500 people living in the colony at Jamestown. When the 2 ships arrived from Bermuda, they found about 60 people still living. More than 400 people had starved to death that winter.
      7.On 7 June 1610 all of the residents of Jamestown decided to abandon the town, and boarded the ships, sailing down the James River. They met another ship carrying Lord De La Warr, and he ordered them to return to Jamestown.*
      8.Lord Fairfax received the first Land Grant of considerable size and Samuel Jordan received the 2nd one. They were in Charles City County.*
      9.Capt. Samuel Jordan establishes a large plantation and builds a house he calls, "Beggars Bush".*
      10.The First Representative Legislative Assembly is held starting on 30 July 1619. John Rolf is appointed Councilor by Governor Yeardley, and Captain Samuel Jordan is appointed Burgess of Charles City County.
      Note: Thomas Bailey must have died within a year of this time leaving Cecily a widow.
      _____________________________________________________________________________________
      Samuel Jordan and Cecily Baily
      1. It is thought that Samuel Jordan was a cousin, and that is very possible. He was considerably older than she was.#
      2. They were married about 1 Dec. 1619. (This must be the closest date because of the age of Temperance in the Jan. 1624 muster and the age of Mary, Samuel Jordan's first child who was born in 1620. She is recorded in the muster of 1624 as being 4 years old.)Cecily was mentioned first in the patent of Samuel Jordan in 1620, so they must have married before that date.*3.Both Samuel and Cecily were honored as being some of the original planters of Virginia, remaining in the colony for 10 years of service, on 10 Dec. 1620. Cecily was given 100 acres, while Samuel was given 450 acres. Samuel received an additional 250 acres in recompense for his transporting 5 servants. Samuel and Cecily's land was in 3 different locations but all in Charles City County.*
      4.The Good Friday Massacre by the Indians took place on 12 March 1622.*
      5.Robert Jordan, son of Samuel and his first wife, died in the Massacre at Berkley Plantation.*
      6.Thomas Jordan, son of Samuel and his first wife is in the Governor's Guard at Jamestown in 1623, the same year his father died. Samuel Jordan died in March 1623.*
      7.Rev. Greville Pooly conducts the funeral of Samuel Jordan and then sends Capt. Isaac Madison the following day, to plead for her hand. He did not waste any time to try to catch a well to do young, attractive widow. She tentatively agrees.*
      8.Christopher Reynolds arrives at Jamestown on the John and Frances in 1622. (This is a repeat for the sake of memory).
      9. Margaret Jordan was born in 1623, after the death of her father Samuel. She was not born before the death of her father Samuel in Mar. 1623, but was 1 year old when the muster was taken on 24 Jan. 1624.This suggests that she was born shortly after the death of her father.
      _____________________________________________________________________________________
      William Farrar and Cecily Jordan
      1. Although the Jordan Home had been well fortified, and those living there had survived, many others had also managed to find refuge behind the fortification that the Jordans had built. William Farrar was one of them. He was a good, and trusted friend of Samuel Jordan, and was asked to look after his estate and land.It was not until after the death of Samuel Jordan that his plantation was renamed as Jordan's Journey.* (This was probably done in honor of Samuel Jordan.)
      2.Cecily was expecting her 2nd child by Samuel Jordan when he died. Because of her pregnancy and the fact that her husband had died the day before, the advances of Rev. Pooly were barely accepted, on condition that no one know until after her child was born.The Rev. was so delighted he had won the hand of this very beautiful young woman, that he had to talk about it in town. This angered Cecily, and she decided, that if he couldn't keep his mouth shut, she didn't want to be married to him, and said that he would have fared much better had he not revealed it so soon. It resulted in the first Breach of Promise suit in the USA. It is obvious that she talked it over with William Farrar, her husband's lawyer, and they decided to be married. She declared that she had chosen to marry him before the Governor and Council and formally contracted herself to marry William Farrar. Rev. Pooly continued as a minister but it doesn't seem that he was a very peaceful man. He was taken into court twice that is recorded, in a dispute with other settlers.*
      3.A warrant for Mr. Farrar to bring in the account of Mr. Jordan's estate by the last day of December was dated 19 Nov. 1623. His bond was ordered cancelled by the court on 2 May 1625 because William had married Cecily. Common sense would suggest that Cecily and William would have married in 1624.*
      4.The same year as the court ordered the Bond cancelled, 1625, Cecily and William had a daughter, also named Cecily. *She was named in the will of her Grandfather, John Farrar of England, as was her brother William II, who was born before 14 Nov. 1627 in Virginia. (Some have said this will was written in 1628.) His grandfather, John Farrar died in 1628, so obviously, William II's birth had been announced to his grandfather, since he is named in his will. His grandfather, John Ferrar/Farrar wrote his will on 14 Nov. 1627 and it was probated 16 May 1628.*
      5. William Farrar was a Councilor and had a very responsible postion as a Burgess. In Aug.1625 he was on the Council with Governor Yeardley and was appointed a Commissioner in 1626.In 1625 he was appointed by King Charles to the King's Council. This was a difficult time in Virginia.
      6. In 1631, William returned to England, to receive his inheritance. He sold his land and property to his 2 brothers, with Cecily's approval. This was the same year that another son, John was born in Virginia.*
      7.Cecley and William and their family lived through the terrible drought of 1632.*
      8.In 1632, William Farrar along with 19 others arrest Governor Harvey. They were outraged because he gave Maryland to Lord Baltimore. Harvey was sent back to England about 1634/1635. In 1636 there was a rebellion in the Council and Assembly to choose John West to replace Harvey.It was a turbulent time.*
      9.William Farrar died at Farrar's Island on 11 June 1637, leaving Cecily a widow for the 3rd time.She is 37 years old with 4 children. Her oldest daughter Temperance would have been 19 or 20 years old. She married Richard Cocke about this time. Mary Jordan was 17 years old, Margaret Jordan was 14 years, Cecily Farrar, was 12 years old, William Farrar, 11 years old, and John Farrar, was 6 years old.*
      !0. There is a lot of evidence in favor of the fact that she married Peter Montague but no marriage documents or records have been found to date. #I will accept this marriage (only tenatively) since other items point strongly towards it, and the fact that she was only 37 years old, and would have still been of marriageable age and able to bear children. Many believe that the wife of Peter Montaque was Cicely Matthew. Due to lack of further proof, I will add nothing further on Cecily.
      More About CECILY REYNOLDS(?):
      Marr: 1624
      More About WILLIAM FARRAR and CECILY REYNOLDS(?):
      Marriage: 1624

      Children of WILLIAM FARRAR and CECILY REYNOLDS(?) are:
      i CECILY6 FARRAR, b. 1625 (Source: Listed on IGI - no Film #.).
      12. ii. WILLIAM (COL.) II * FARRAR, b. 1627, Farrar's Island, Virginia; d. 1 February 1677/78, Charles Citie, Henrico, Virginia.
      iii. JOHN (LT. COL.) FARRAR, b. 1633 (Source: IGI Batch # 5015576, Virginia Only one with 1631, # 1903556, & # 1903934 give 1633.).