New for 2010

 

From Ed Tatum:

(1). Nathaniel Tatum, Jr. in old Henrico County

(2). A Missing 2nd Tatum Generation?

(3) Family Disaster for William Tatum of London, England.

(Thank you Ed!)

 

Son, John Tatum (? To 1673) was a Merchant

Also, Errors Corrected (Some)

 

Nathaniel Tatum – the Immigrant, First Generation in Virginia

 

Nathaniel Tatum "I" – the Immigrant

Born either (1) Baptized 18 November 1599 at Holy Trinity the Lesser, London, England, or (2) ~1603/04, or (3) 1605 as suggested by Virginia L. H. Davis in "Tidewater Families," 1989.

Married: Ann __.

Died – thought living 27 January 1674/75 Charles City-County, Virginia.

Immigration Date: Sailed from London on "The George" in March 1619 and arrived in Virginia in May 1619. Dates during these years were commonly written as 1618/19 denoting two different and confusing calendar dates. The older calendar ended its calendar year at the end of March.

Ann __, wife to Nathaniel Tatum

            Birth date and location speculative.

            Immigration Date: Anytime before 1638.

            Died: unknown

            Parents unknown, but speculation exists.

 

            First compilation 1 February 2007; last revision 26 May 2010, J.R. Murphy, www.planetmurphy.org

           

Researcher's Notes:

 

            Nathaniel Tatum "I" arrived in Virginia in May 1619. This is about 1 ½ years before the Mayflower landed in New England. Jamestown colonists preceded everyone in 1607.

 

            Nathaniel Tatum "I" – the immigrant still has gaps and questions which need clarification. Future surprises may still exist, including questions about a missing 2nd generation. Birth dates need greater precision. One big problem is that Charles City-County has incomplete and spotty records. There may be several possible origins for our Nathaniel Tatum – the Immigrant. This writer believes the street children connection is the most likely one.

 

Pre-immigrant Years for a Nathaniel Tatum, born 1599

 

            Some sources reported Nathaniel's parents were/might be a (1) William Tatham who married Ellen Kerk on 3 August 1589 at St. Benet Grace Church, London England, or William Tatam who (2) married Ann, location unknown, whose family included*

(1) Jerome Tatam (baptized 27 February 1596/96 at the Holy Trinity the Less, London);

(2) Nathaniel Tatam (baptized 3 August 1599 at the Holy Trinity Church the Less, London) who is a possible candidate for our Charles City-County, Virginia immigrant; and

(3) Nehemia Tatam (baptized 25 April 1602 at Holy Trinity the Less Church).

 

Church records note a family disaster: William, Jerome, and Nehemiah Tatum were buried 8 August 1603 and wife Ann on 30 July 1603.* Ed questions whether this Nathaniel Tatum could be our immigrant, who passed for someone younger when he was a London street child.

                        * Emails, courtesy of Ed Tatum, 23 May 2010.

 

Pre-American and Immigrant Years

Nathaniel Tatum, who was a London Street Child

 

            In 1989, Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis** wrote that she believed Nathaniel Tatum was one the Bridewell Hospital children in London who eventually sailed March 1618 on the Ship, "George" and arrived in Virginia in May 1619.

** ("Tidewater Virginia Families," by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis 1989)

 

            Bridewell Hospital served as a house of corrections for street children who had been rounded up. Names found on a February 1618 Bridewell list and compared against Virginia arrivals were a Nicholas Granger and Nathaniel Tatum. Bridewell internees were between the ages 8 and 16 which would make Nathaniel Tatum younger than the Holy Trinity Tatum and probably someone different. Nathaniel Tatum's birth would then be between 1602 and 1605 and Davis assigned the year 1605. According to Davis, an older man would "not have been among those kept at the hospital."

 

            27 February 1618/19 - Court Book of Bridewell and Bethlem, dated 27 February 1618/19. "A note of the names of the boyes and wenches that were appointed to goe to Virginnia" (included) Nathaniell Tatum.

                        ("Early Child Immigrants to Virginia 1618-1642," by Robert Hume, 1984) 

 

            "Nicholas Granger was among the 75 boys and 25 'wenches' listed in the Bridewell Royal Hospital records, 27 February 1618/9, to go to Virginia. These were children 8 to 16 found 'running wild in the streets' of London, 'sleeping under stall,' and begging, who had been committed to Bridewell which served as a house of correction. They were mainly homeless waifs.... One of the ships that brought them to Virginia was the George, 150 tons, William Ewens, Master, which left England in March 1618/9 and arrived in Virginia in May 1619. By February 1624/5...two, Nicholas Granger and Nathaniel Tatum...can be proved" alive.

("Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607-1624/5," Fourth Edition, John Frederick Dorman, Volume 2)

 

Possible Bermuda/Barbados Connection

 

            There is a striking similarity of names with Bermuda/Bahamas Tatams (various spellings). A close relationship is projected but unproven for this family:

 

            Samuel Tatam (<1600 London) married ~1620 to Mary Wainwright (born ~1602) and migrated to early Bermuda. His son is thought to be the Bermuda Captain Nathaniel Tatem (born ? and died < 26 October 1686 Bermuda) who married Mary (Underwood?).

 

            Samuel's grandson is thought to be Nathaniel Tatam (born ? and died before 18 May 1711 Barbados) – the Mariner, who married Elizabeth Turner. The mariner's 1711 Barbados will bequeathed 550 acres on the Elizabeth River (probably Norfolk County, Virginia) to son Nathaniel Tatam, daughters Marian Tatam, Martha Tatam, and Elizabeth Tatam. Daughter Elizabeth Tatam received an additional 160 acres. Wife Elizabeth Tatam was executrix and noted in the will as living in Bermuda.

 

            Research on the Elizabeth River Tatams has not been done, except that Norfolk County, Virginia has two further wills for a "Nathaniel Tatem" in the years 1739 and 1785/87. These Tatums also are spelled Tatam, Tatem, Tatham, and may be the immigrant source for some Tatums or variant spellings in this country.

Sources for Bermuda – Barbados Tatums: (1) "Tatum Narrative 1625 – 1925" by Richard P. Tatum, 1925, found on ancestry.com. (2) "Bermuda Settlers of the 17th Century," by Julia E. Mercer, 1982. (3) "Caribbeana" by Vere Langford Oliver, Volume II, 1912. (4) "Early Bermuda Records 1619-1826," by A.C. Hollis Hallet, 1991. (5) "Early Bermuda Wills 1629-1835" by C.F.E. Hollis Hallett, 1993.        (6) "Barbados Records - Wills and Administrations." Volume III, 1701-1725, by Joann McRee Sanders, 1981. (7). "Brief Abstracts of Lower Norfolk County and Norfolk County Wills 1637-1710 and 1710-1753" by Charles Fleming McIntosh, reprinted 1998. (8). "Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book 11, 1772-1778" compiled by Pamela W. McVey, 1986.

 

In 1619, Nathaniel Tatum arrives in Virginia

Shirley and West Hundred, Virginia

           

            "The Muster of the Inhabitants of West and Sherley Hundred Taken the 22th of January 1624 – the Muster of Nathaniell Tatam:

            Nathaniell Tatam aged 20 yeares in the George, May 1619.

            Armes and Munition: Peece fixt, 1; Armour, 1

("Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607 – 1624/5," Fourth Edition, Compiled and edited by John Frederick Dorman, Volume Two, page 16).

 

Comment: There are several ways to interpret Nathaniel Tatum's birth year from the Muster List. My read is Nathaniel Tatum was 20 years old in January 1624, making his birth date 1603 or possibly 1604. A librarian at the Library of Virginia was asked this (April 2009) and thought the same. Others believe he was 20 years old when arrived on the George, giving him a birth date of 1599. However, the 1599 Nathaniel Tatum would be too old to be one of the Bridewell children, unless he passed for someone younger.

 

            Shirley Hundred was divided into Shirley Hundred Main (land) and Shirley Hundred Island. At this time, this author does not know the exact locations of Shirley and West Hundred. However, within today's Charles City County is the landmark of Shirley on the northeast bank of the James River, just north of Eppes Island. Across on the southwest bank is Bermuda Hundred and a road called West Hundred. Amazing how these old names still exist!

 

            On Good Friday - 22 March 1622, Indians attacked the settlers in almost every settlement. Everyone at Charles City Point was reported to be wiped out. The English were poorly prepared; for instance, Flowerdew Hundred had 6 pieces of ordinance and Charles City Hundred had two.^ Later between 20 January and 7 February 1624, the colonial government drew up muster lists of about 21 plantations in preparation of future attacks. The muster was answers to 8 questions about inhabitants from Privy Council instructions to their commissioners. The text was transcribed from a photo copy of the original found in the Public Record Office, London and available at the Library of Virginia.^^

^("The Prince George – Hopewell Story" by Francis Earle Lutz, 1957, pages 23-24)

^^("Adventures of Purse and Person – Virginia 1607 - 1624/5, Fourth Editions, 1956, by John Frederick Dorman, Volume one.           

 

Nathaniel Tatum "I" - South Side of Appomattox River

 

            "Nathaniel Tatum...obtained patents in 1638, 1639, and 1641 located in present day Hopewell in the vicinity of Mansion Hills. He obtained a patent for the land between Lieutenant Run and Sycamore Street...."

("Dinwiddie County Carrefour of the Commonwealth," by Richard L. Jones, page 17)

 

            Comment: Before 1638, some authors speculate that Nathaniel apparently left Virginia, married Ann and had one daughter before returning to Charles City County. Details can be found on the second land grant below detailing his two headrights claims. Another line of thought speculates that Ann was a "mail-order" bride.

 

            "Mary Tatum 1638, by Nathaniell Tatum (her father)," Charles City County

            "Ann Tatum 1638 by Nathaniell Tatum (her husband)," Charles City County

                        ("Early Virginia Immigrants 1623-1666" by George Cabrell Greer, 1982)

 

           

            6 January 1639/40 Virginia Colonial Assembly: Nathaniel Tatum named as a tobacco viewer for the north side of Appomattox River.

Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607-1624/5, Fourth Editions, Volume 3, by John Frederick Dorman – Families R-Z Genealogical Publishing County, Inc. page 260.

 

            1644 was a year where the Indians attempted to massacre the settlers again.^ Again in 25 July 1656, Charles City County militia were ordered out to secure the immediate area from Indians.^^

                        ^ (The Prince George – Hopewell Story by Francis Earle Lutz, 1957)

^^ Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume III, by Beverley Fleet, 1988, page 168-169.                      

 

Tracking Nathaniel Tatum "I" through other Land Grants & Deeds

All are on the South side of Appomattox River,

Charles City County, unless noted.

 

Date    Name             Acres Reference to Nathaniel Tatum

 

27 May 1638 Joseph Farye, 250a North side Appomattox, opposite land of Nat. Tatum

10 Oct 1639 Edward Prince, 500a Adjoining Nat. Tatum with Prince's land running up the falls

5 Nov 1649 Walter Childs, 813a to run of water parteth Nat. Tatum

23 Jan 1653 Col. Francis Epps 280a adjoining Nat. Tatum land

12 Mar 1654 Walter Brooks 300a running E along head of Nat. Tatum's land

18 Mar 1662 John Coleman 600a head of Nat Tatum land

18 Mar 1662 Walter Brooks 300a N on Appomattox, E along head Nat. Tatum's land.

17 Feb 1663 Col. Francis Epps 285a head of Nat. Tatum's land

25 Mar 1663 Lt. John Howell 212a W by N on Nathaniel Tatum's land

18 Aug 1669 John Howell 203a Dev'd called Bakers, gut parting Nat. Tatum and Howell...to Cawson's Creek.

                        (From "Cavaliers and Pioneers – Virginia Land Patents and Grants 1623-1666" by Nell Marion Nugent and Library of Virginia on-line grants)

 

            Comment: John Howell married Mary Tatum, daughter of Nathaniel Tatum (1599/1605 – 1674).

 

Final Years

           

            6 June 1664 Charles City County Court Order: to Nathaniel Tatem and Jervis Dix to be paid as witnesses for Richard Nance.

                        ("Virginia Colonial Abstracts" – Volume III, by Richard Nance)

 

            January 1675: Nathaniel Tatum was noted living in January 1675.

(Tidewater Virginia Families," by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis, 1989)

 

            13 October 1690 Bristol Parish Court: Actually dated 27 January 1675 and was reported to be a gift of Nathaniel Tatum to his grandson – Nathaniel Tatum. This was the last entry of the Bristol Parish Court.

(Henrico County Colonial Deeds 1677-1705 by Benjamin B. Weisinger, III, 1996, page 62. "Received of said Nicholas Dison, one old parchment book containing about 2 quire of paper and being Procedures of the Bristol Parish Court, held at Fort Henry, beginning 19 May 1655 and ending with a deed of gift from Nathaniel Tatum the elder to his grandson Nathaniel Tatum, of a parcel of land, entered 27 January 1675")

 

            Comment: The wording of grandson is useful here. The grandson would appear to be Nathaniel Tatum (~1670), son of Samuel Tatum I. Other interpretations are possible.

 

            26 April 1684: Ann Tatum had died by this date. There is an Isle of Wright land patent for 156 acres to Mr. Thomas Put; described land which Ann Tatum died and land was 'seized' by Thomas Put.

("Tidewater Virginia Families," by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis, 1989)

 

            Comment: This entry may belong to a different Ann Tatum.

 

Years following Nathaniel "I" + Ann Tatum

 

            11 August 1718 Prince George County: William Mitchell and Kathrine his wife of Prince George County deeded to Stith Bolling of Surry, land known as "Pear Trees" on the south side of the Appomattox River, 70 acres next to Causon Creek, Daniel Nunnally, and Nathaniel Tatum, Sr. Signed - William Mitchell and Kathrine (x) Mitchell. Witnesses John Bolling, Will Kennon, Henry Randolph, Jr. Entered. 12 August 1718.

("Prince George County, Virginia Records 1733-1792," by Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, 1975, page 237)  

 

            11 August 1718 Prince George County: Drury Bolling of Prince George County to Stith Bolling of Surry County, 80 acres, being part of 500 acres granted to Nathaniel Tatum, Sr, deceased, lying in Prince George County on the south side of Appomattox River, for 10 pounds, beginning at Henry Mitch, Sr's line and is that tract which Samuel Tatum Sr. and Mary his wife sold to Colonel Robert Bolling, deceased (no witnesses). 12 August 1718. Drury Bolling.

("Prince George County, Virginia Wills and Deeds 1713-1728," by Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, 1973, (page 13, original page 111)

 

Where are the Locations for these Lands?

 

            A number of Tatum entries are identified with Hopewell, Virginia, which is near Petersburg. The book, "Dinwiddie County Carrefour of the Commonweath," by Richard L. Jones in 1976, has this to say on page 13: During the 1600's, "Nathaniel Tatum obtained a patent for land between Sycamore Street and Lieutenant Run. Tatum's patent should not be confused with another Tatum patent which can be located as lying in (the town of) Hopewell, at 'Mitchell's.'" By punching in these names into MapQuest.com, both Sycamore Street and Lieutenant Run (Creek) in Hopewell do show up. Also on page 20 is this: "Nathaniel Tatum's lands were inherited by his son, Samuel Tatum. Samuel Tatum sold part of his Hopewell lands to Robert Mitchell, who sold the tract...(Mitchells or Mansion Hills in Hopewell)."

 

Children of Nathaniel and Ann Tatum

 

            Children (2nd Generation) are noted as enclosed Roman numerals and boxed (I) (II) (III), etc

            Grandchildren (3rd Generation) underlined and boxed, (1) name, (2) name,

            4th generation with (i), (ii), (iii), with names underlined.

            5h generation with bold letters, (a), (b), (c), etc

           

Is There a Missing Tatum Generation?

(A). Possibly a Missing Nathaniel Tatum?

 

            From Ed Tatum: There's not enough evidence to be able to say outright that Nathaniel the Immigrant and brothers Nathaniel and Samuel were only one generation apart. I guess I'm in the minority, since most of what I see in print (including Pritchett and Dorman) appears to accept the one generation theory at face value. Seems to me there's plenty of reason to be skeptical. I know Laurence Gardiner and Charles H. Hamlin went back and forth on this subject, but I believe there are some important points they overlooked.^ Ed includes in his arguments:

                        (Email, courtesy of Ed Tatum, 8 December 2009)

                        ^ un-identified source by David Avant

 

            (1). If "Natt Tatem Sr" in the 1701/02 militia lists is Nathaniel Tatum who died 1719, he would over 60 and too old for the military.

 

            (2). Hamlin argued that when Nathaniel Tatum was exempted from county levies in 1715, Nathaniel Tatum "II" would be about 80 years of age and much older than customary exempt.

 

            (3). Regarding the 1675/76 deed of gift from Nathaniel Tatem the Elder to his grandson Nathaniel Tatem, Hamlin thought it highly unlikely that Old Nathaniel would deed land to a child because of the uncertainly he would ever reach adulthood.

           

            (4). There is an undated Henrico County Deed of Gift from Marie Robinson (mother of Marie Robinson who married Nathaniel Tatum) to each of her" children (Christopher, Edward, Henry, and Marie Robinson) when they come of age." Because of this, Ed Tatum believes the daughter Marie was born in the 1650's. This would make daughter Marie much younger than Nathaniel Tatum who is estimated born about 1735-1740.

 

(B). Is John Tatum who died ~1673? an Ancestral Link?

 

            There is another point of controversy with Peyton Neale Clarke in his book, "Old King William Homes and Families," 1897. Clarke inserts a "John Tatum" as an added (missing) generation between Nathaniel Tatum – the Immigrant and Nathaniel Tatum, who died 1719. Clarke does not give any source for his conclusion. However, readers beware! Thanks go to Ronnie Tatum for pointing this out.

                        (Courtesy Ronnie Tatum, email 3 August 2009)

 

 

            18 August 1669 Charles City County: John Howell had 32 acres commonly called Bakers in Charles City County at the mouth and on the south side of Appromattox River. A gutt(?) parting this land of Nath. Tatum, running to Cawson's Creek, &c granted said Howell for a greater quantity above found.

(From "Early Virginia Families Along the James River, Their Deep Roots and Tangled Branches, Charles City County, Prince George County, Virginia," compiled by Louise Pledge Heath Foley, Volume II, Clearfield Pub., page 40.)

 

            28 October 1697 Charles City County: Land Grant to Robert Bolling, 300 acres at the head of Walter Brooks on 160 acres of John Howell, who purchased of Nathaniel Tatem, running east along the land of Nathl Tatem's land...to the head of John Baker...the said land being formerly granted to Walter Brooks who joined the same with other lands in one patent of 460 acres this 12 March 1654 and by him deserted and since granted unto the said Robert Bolling by order of ye General Court bearing the date 22 April 1697...is granted for the transportation of six persons into the colony....

                        (Library of Virginia Land Office Grant on-line.)

 

 

            Children of John Howell + Mary Tatum are (i) Ann Howell Gibbs, (ii) Mary Howell Hood (Flood), (iii) Nathaniel Howell, (iv) John Howell.

 

 

            "John Tatum - 2, son of Nathaniel Tatum – 1, purchased 326 acres on Upper Chippokes Creek, Surry County, 20 January 1662/3, and another 100 acres on Chippokes Creek, 26 January 1662/3, but as a resident of Martin's Brandon Parish, Charles City County, sold the latter tract 26 April 1666 and with his wife sold 100 acres out the former 21 November 1669. His adjoining patents of 160 and 110 acres both issued 21 May 1666 were located in Martin's Brandon Neck. He left a will, now lost, proved 15 September 1673. He married Elizabeth __, a widow." She married next to John Good.

Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia 1607-1624/25, Fourth Editions, Volume 3, by John Frederick Dorman, Families R-Z, page 262

 

            24 February 1661/2 Charles City County Court Records: Receipt dated 24 February 1661/62 from Moris (x) Rose to Richard Brayne for amount of all a/cs. Witnessed by John Tatem. Recorded 4 April 1661.

(from Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume 12, Charles City County Court Records, 1661-1664, by Beverley Fleet, page 13, original page 316)

 

            25 April 1663 Charles City County Court Records: Grand Jury of Inquest included John Tatem.

(ibid, page 52, original page 380)

 

            1663 Charles City County Court: A list of Jury sworne to inquire of the death of a child drowned the 30th of October 1663. Included Mr. John Tatem, foreman. "We the above mentioned Jury do not find any wayes but that this child came accidentally by its death by examining the family and causing them to touch the corpse, we find no other wayes." (ibid, page 70, original page 417).

 

            The following deed was misspelled in Beverley Fleet's Virginia Colonial Abstracts. "Patem" should be "Tatem."

 

            1 Deed 1663 Charles City County Court – Deed: Marke Avery of Martins Brandon, planter, sells (to) John Patem (Tatem) of Martins Brandon, merchant, 10 acres of east side of said Patem's (Tatum's) land and 50 acres on west side toward house now inhabited by Avery. Land part of a patent granted George Burcher by Sir John Harvey 22 August 1637. Signed: Marke "x" Avery. Witnesses: Thomas Reynolds, Charles Gregory. Recorded 16 February 1663/4.

 

            Comment: Burcher's 1637 patent lay on the Upper Chippokes Creek, probably close to where it empties into the James River. Upper Chippokes Creek divides today's Prince George and Surry Counties and should not be far from the landmark of (Martins) Brandon and Brandon Road.    

 

            (Probably) February 1663/4 Charles City County Court: As agreed by Governor and Council, Captain Francis Grey and Mr. John Tatem to divide the estate of Richard Brayne, deceased, between the widow and orphans, first deducting amount for public dues. (ibid, page 83, original page 439)         

 

            21 May 1666, County not stated: Land grant to John Tatum, 160 acres situate in Martin Brandons Neck. (Library of Virginia on-line land office grants.)

 

            21 May 1666, County not stated: Land grant to John Tatum, 110 acres beginning at the corner tree of Sandburnes 40 acres standing in Mr. Birds line. Library of Virginia On-line land office grants)

 

            21 November 1669 Surry County: John Tatem doe for me my heirs or executors, assigns over unto Robert Burges his heirs or assigns one parsell of land called by ye Name of Boyer(?)/Boger(?) Poynt as wittnes my hand this 21 November 1669. Signed: John Tatem, Elizabeth "E" Tatem. Testes: John Rawlings, Rich. Hide (his mark "R"). Acknowledged in Court: Major Wm. Marriot 3 May 1670.                          

(Surry County, Virginia Court Records Deed Book D, 1664-1671, Book II, by Weynette Parks Haun, 1987)

 

            4 August 1673 Charles City County Court: Probate of Will of John Tatem of Martins Brandon Parish to Elizabeth, his relict and Executrix named in the will.

(Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume III – Charles City County Court Orders and Fragments 1664-1696, by Beverly Fleet, 1988, page 354.)

 

            13 April 1688 Charles City-County Court: At a Court held at Westover, 13 April 1688, complaint made that an orphan, Elizabeth Tatum, now in the care of Jno. Good, is utterly neglected by Good both in fitting education and apparel and other necessaries suitable to her estate. Good summoned to next court with account of Jno. Tatem, deceased. In meantime, Good (is) to decently care for girl or else Captain Nicho. Wyatt to be entrusted with her care. Said Elizabeth likewise to appear at next court.

(Charles City County, Virginia Court Orders 1687-1695, by Benjamin B. Wessiger III, 1980, page 17, original 122)

 

            5 June 1688 Charles City-County Court: Mr. Jno. Good to answer complaint against him by Elizabeth, orphan of Jno. Tatem, deceased.

(ibid, page 24).

 

            12 June 1690 Charles City-County Court - Wyett versus Good: At a Court holden at Westover for Charles City 12 June 1690. Anthony Wyatt and Elizabeth his wife bring action of trespass on a case by Nicho. Wyett, against Jno Good and declare that Jno Good having married Elizabeth relict of Jno. Taytem, deceased, and who was the grandmother and guardian to Elizabeth, wife of Anthony Wyatt did by that marriage get possession of a certain tenement in Martin's Brandon Parish with 300 acres which (in right of first named Elizabeth) doth belong to Anthony Wyatt, yet said Good doth unlawfully detain said house and lands, and many other harms to plaintiff, damage of 15,000 pounds tobacco and request they may be restored to possession of said lands. Court orders Good to restore lands to the plaintiff and 800 pounds tobacco.

(ibid, page 81, original 286).  

           

            Known children of John Tatum and wife Elizabeth:

            (1). Elizabeth Tatum

 

 

 

            22 April 1661 Charles City County Court – abstract: At a court holden at Westover 22 April 1661, page 268 Difference between Richard Price and Isaac Tatham on defendant's request to next court.

(Virginia Colonial Abstracts II – Charles City County Court Orders 1658-1661, page 90)

 

            3 June 1661 Charles City County Court - abstract: At a court holden at Westover June 3, 1661, page 273. Isaac Tatem ordered to pay Richard Price 486 pounds tobacco due by "bill assigned from Jolm Ffeepes" with one year interest. Tatem appeals and is ordered to give bond.

                        (ibid, page 94)            

 

            1667: Ages of early Surry Settlers taken from depositions, mainly about domestic issues and servants. "Isaac Tatem, age 31"

                        (Colonial Surry, by John B. Boddie, 1948, page 217.)

 

            4 August 1673 Charles City County Court: Judgment to Isaac Tatem, Agent (for) Morgan Jones for 200 pounds tobacco for himself and wife as witnesses in case between Jones and John Niblett.

(Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume III – Charles City County Court Orders and Fragments 1664-1696, by Beverly Fleet, 1988, page 354.)

 

 

See Write-up in chapter on Samuel Tatum "I."

 

 

Basics on Nathaniel Tatum "II"

 

Pritchett states Nathaniel Tatum II was likely born before 1635.* "Marie Robertson, the only daughter of Christopher and Marie Robertson, married likely Nathaniel Tatum II who witnessed the receipt Christopher Robertson gave his mother in 1681 and named sons Edward, Henry, and Christopher Tatum."* Virginia Davis reported Nathaniel Tatum II may not have patented or purchased land until 1715, when he acquired 321 acres.** Little is known when the Tatums sold off the last of their Appromattox River lands.

* Southside Virginia Genealogies, by John W. Pritchett, Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc. on CD, page 1592/3.     

** Tidewater Virginia Families, by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis, 1989

           

Marie Robinson, wife of Nathaniel Tatum "II"

 

            Nathaniel Tatum's wife was Marie Robinson, who is noted in her mother's deed of gift.

(Thanks go to Ed Tatum for sharing the Marie Robinson deed of gift and Henrico County items below, email courtesy 8 December 2009)

 

 

Charles City County Entries for Nathaniel Tatum "II"

 

            27 October 1656 Charles City County Court held at Westover: Two hundred pounds of tobacco payment for 1 wolf – "Nath: Tatham Junr."^ Next two entries for one wolf were Walter Brookes and Francis Epes who were neighbors of Nathaniel Tatum "I."

^ Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume III. Beverly Fleet, 1988, page 173.  

 

            April 1665 Charles City County Court: Order that Nathaniell Tatem and Jervis Dix be paid as witnesses for Richard Nance.

(Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume III – Charles City County Court Orders and Fragments 1664-1696, by Beverly Fleet, 1988, page 320.)

 

Henrico County (Today's Chesterfield County)

Entries for Nathaniel Tatum "II"

 

            Next, Nathaniel Tatum Jr. is found across the Appomattox River in old Henrico County, Virginia. This would be close to the northeastern end of today's Colonial Heights, Chesterfield County, Virginia.

            ? Date - about 1677 Henrico County: Nathaniel Tatum, Jr. witnessed a deed of Henry and Edward Robinson, sons of Christopher Robinson, Sr.

(Henrico Wills and Deeds, 1677-1692, p. 179. Thanks go to Ed Tatum for sharing this and the next two items, emails courtesy 8 and 10 December 2009)

 

            19 October 1677 Henrico County: Christopher Robinson, son and heir of Christopher Robinson of Bristol Parish, deceased, sold to Richard Kennon of Bermuda Hundred, a tract of land called the "Neck" bounded by the land formerly sold to said Kennon, the lands of Nicholas Dixon, Joseph Worsham and on Appomattox and Swift Creek. Attest: William Sloane, Nathaniel Tatum, Jr., Henry Robinson.

(Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia 1677 – 1737, by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1976, page 8.)

 

            4 June 1681 Henrico County: I, Christopher Robinson, have received my full share or legacy which was left to me by my father Christopher Robinson, deceased, from my mother Mrs. Frances Burrell 4 June 1681. Witness: William Geare, Matthew Tatum, Jr. (error/confirmed, should be Nathaniel Tatum, Jr.). Recorded 1 October 1681.

(Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia 1677 – 1737, by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1976, page 179)

 

Charles City County Entries for Nathaniel Tatum "II"

 

            1701/2 Charles City Militia List: Joseph Wynne, Captain of Dragoons, (including) Natt: Tatem, Sr., Edward Tatem; Natt: Tatem, Jr. Samuel Tatem.

(From "Virginia's Colonial Soldiers" by Lloyd Dewitt Bockstruck, last printing 1998).     

 

Comment: Nathaniel Tatum (1599/1605 to 1674) was already dead, so Nathaniel Tatum, Senior is now Nat #II. There is no evidence that this Nathaniel Tatum (~1640/45 – 1719) had a son by the name of Nathaniel Tatum, Jr. The Nathaniel Tatum, Jr. should be the son of Samuel Tatum. In this area of Virginia, the term "junior" can mean: (1) son of a father or (2) someone with the same first name, but younger.

 

1702: Lands, name: Nath'll Tatum Sr. and Jr. Other names mentioned in entry: Jarvis Winfield, Doby...500 acres.

(English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records, Patents)

 

            Comment: Nathaniel Tatum appears to be credited with 500 acres of land.

 

            1704/05 Quit Rent Roll of Virginia - Prince George County: (included)

                        Nath. Tatham, Sen. – 500 acres

                        Nath. Tatham, Jun – 200 acres

                        Sam'el Tatham, Sr. – 100 acres

                        Sam'el Tatham, Jr. – 195 acres

("English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records, Quit Rent Rolls," by Louis des Cognets, Jr.)

 

            1 April 1706 Prince George County. Deed date 10 June 1788 Prince George County stated Josiah Gary and Sarah his wife of Prince George County sold to John Baird of same for 115 pounds ½ tract of land, being the southernmost part of a larger tract of land, formerly conveyed by Richard Bland to Walter Nunnally and Nathaniel Tatum 1 April 1706 and containing 418 acres on Blackwater Swamp, bounded by said swamp and by Second Swamp...land within Bristol Parish. Recorded 10 June 1788.

(Prince George County, Virginia Records 1733-1792, by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1975, page 102.)    

 

            7 January 1711/12 Prince George County: Inventory of Walter Nunnally, deceased, 7 January 1711/12. Value 66.14.4. Appraised by Nath ("N") Tatem, Sr., Cha. (x) Gillam, Lewis Green, Jr. Presented by Administrix and recorded 11 January 1711.

(Prince George County, Virginia Wills 1710-1713, by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1992, page 95)

 

            14 June 1715: At a Court held for Prince George County, Nathaniel Tatum upon petition; it is ordered that he be hereafter exempted from paying the county levy.

                        (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, April 1981, Vol. 19, pg 46)

 

            Comment: Age which an adult would be exempt from county levies is not known.

According to Archives Research Services at the Library of Virginia, "There is no known text of a colonial Virginia law setting forth the age at which someone could be exempted from taxation. Typically it was left up to the county court to determine is a person should be exempted due to age or infirmity."^ If the tax levy free age was 60, then Nathaniel Tatum II might be born about 1755, and that makes his birth date too late.

^ Archives Research Services of Library of Virginia, email of 19 April 2009.

 

            31 October 1715: Land Patent to Nathaniel Tatum, Sr. for 321 acres beginning at a corner of Nathaniel Tatums Jr. on the side of Josephs Swamp, Prince George County.

(Library of Virginia On-line – land office patents No. 10, 1710-1719, page 309 (Reel 10)

 

            Comment: Nathaniel Tatum, Jr. is the son of Samuel Tatum I. Oddly enough, the land patent places the 321 acres in the wrong county. This land is in Surry County and some of Nathaniel Tatum, Jr's land is across the line in Prince George County.

 

Will of Nathaniel Tatum "II"

           

          

            Comment: The land willed is:

                        (a) son Henry Tatum, 209 acres in Prince George County.

                        (b) son's Christopher, Edward and Peter Tatum, 100 acres each on Joseph's Swamp in Surry/Sussex County.

 

            Children and descendants of Nathaniel Tatum "II" have many points of controversy. Further research is needed. This author believes that this line has more descendants than any other. In the meantime, the reader is referred to the following resources for the descendants:

 

Tatum Resources in Colonial Virginia

 

"Southside Virginia Genealogies," by John W. Pritchett, Genealogical Publishing County, Inc. 2006, on CD.

 

"Tidewater Virginia Families": Generations Beyond, by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis, 1998        

 

"Marriages of Some Virginia Residents 1607-1800," by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, Volume II, Surnames I-Z.

 

"Descendants of Cheney Boyce, 'Ancient Planter,' and of Richard Craven," by John Anderson Bayson, 1996

 

"Adventurers of Purse and Person – Virginia 1607-1624/5," Fourth Edition, by John Frederick Dorman, Volume 3, Tatum