This post goes from 1687 to 1766/7. In 1734, the Chester Count Orphans Court called him a “Gentleman,” meaning a man of high social standing.

Here they are at a glance, in a generational chain:

William → Honour m. James Brown → JEREMIAH → Patience m. Joshua Hadley → Simon → Ann m. Thomas Leakey → Joel Leakey → Anna S. m. Thomas Gray → Margaret Nancy m. Amonet Washington Wilbourn → William Harvey → Ella Washington (Rae) (our grandmother)

Jeremiah was born around 1687 and died in 1766/7, eighty years young. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and even did some church planting. Most importantly, on April 12, 1711 (modern dating), he married a widow who, family history says, came from Scotland: Mary Royale. Yes, once again we have Scottish heritage. However, it must be said that her will mentions three sisters who lived in Ireland. Does this mean they were really Irish? On the other hand, her sisters could have moved there from Scotland after Mary left for America. In any case, she was born at an unknown year.

When she was 12-14 years old, she and her mother and many others were forcibly taken and transported on a ship to Pennsylvania. She was bound to the George Pusey household. After serving out her term, she married William Coles and had two children.

It is not clear from the records what Jeremiah’s profession was, so he was probably a yeoman farmer, managing a farm and probably selling the surplus for some ready money. He lived simply. He hardly got involved in court disputes and did not often buy and sell land. He left a will; it was written the 21st day of the 12th month, 1762. It was probated March 20, 1767, so he died between those two dates, but closer to the later one (see below).

Yet, one court record, cited below, lists him as a Gentleman, which is about as high as an early American could go.

Mary also left a will. It was written on Nov. 9, 1769 and probated Nov. 30, of the same year, so she died between those two dates.

JEREMIAH AND MARY’S LIFE

This section covers their marriage and children.

Their marriage

Jeremiah and Mary’s wedding did not go a straight line. Her estate from her first marriage with William Coles had to be settled first – or the Society of Friends had to ensure that it was settled properly.

Jeremiah Brown & Mary Coal, widow, both belonging to Nottingham Meeting, appeared here & declared their intention of marriage with each other, it being the first time. This meeting appoints Andrew Job & John Churchman to make Inquiry into his Clearness from other women & also in Conversation & make report to the next meeting.

On the same page, next entry, the church permits the couple to marry, but first, four men are to look into Mary’s children’s share in their deceased father William’s estate.

Jeremiah Brown & Mary Coale, appeared here & continued their Intention of Marriage with Each other, it being the second time & nothing appear [sic] to obstruct them, this Meeting gives them their liberty to proceed according to the good order of Truth used among us. This meeting appoints William Brown, Andrew Job, John Bales, & John Churchman to Inspect into the Estate of William Coale of Nottingham, deceased, & Inquire into each Child’s dividend according to the Will of their Father after debts be paid & that they give Bond to either two of them in order for ye Security of their portions when they come to Age; this to be completed before their Solemnizing of the above s’d marriage. This meeting appoints William Brown & John Churchman to attend the marriage & make report to the next meeting.

The next entry in the Church minutes says that William Coal’s estate (deceased) and its division among his children is in order.

Transcription begins:

At a Monthly Meeting held at Philip Roman’s in Chichester the 9th day of the 2’d month 1711 [= April 9, 1711]: William Brown Sen’r, one of the four friends that was appointed by the last Meeting to Inspect into the Estate of William Coale of Nottingham, deceased, makes report that it is done according to the last Meeting Order [sic].

Transcription ends.

On the next page the marriage itself is reported, but the copy cuts off the right margin. The archivist at Swarthmore College supplied us with the year of marriage.

Transcription begins:

At a Monthly Meeting held at Chichester Meeting House the 11th day of the 4th mo. 1711 [= June 11, 1711]: William Brown appeared for Nottingham Meeting & makes report that the ma[rriage] of Jeremiah Brown & Mary Coale was accomplished Orderly ye 12th day of ye 2nd mo. [1711] & also gave this meeting satisfaction for their neglect in not appearing the [last?] Meeting.

Transcription ends.

The date of their marriage works out to April 12, 1711.

THEIR CHILDREN

1. PATIENCE (1712-1783): she is our direct line, so see her own post.

2. JEREMIAH BROWN (1714-1762)

3. JOSHUA (1717-1798)

4. ISAAC (1720-1781)

1. PATIENCE: she is our direct line

For now we can say she married Joshua Hadley in 1735, but by a “priest” or a vicar outside of the Quaker faith. New Garden Monthly Meeting disowned them in 1736, 2nd month, 24th day. However, in1737, 5th month, 30th day, they acknowledged their errors and were received back into fellowship. They moved to Augusta County, Virginia, for less than a decade, and eventually settled in North Carolina. Joshua died October 21, 1760, while Patience died May 23, 1783.

1. JEREMIAH BROWN, JR.

He was born 1714 12th month, 2nd day. On 1739, 3rd month, 31st day he married Esther Gatchel, daughter of Elisha Gatchel of E. Nottingham. She died April 4, 1776. He died between November 10 and 29, 1762, in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The deed records say he was a merchant.

He predeceased his father Jeremiah Sr.

Jeremiah Brown Jr.’s will

Written: November 10, 1762
Proved: November 29, 1762
Wife: Esther, who is to receive one half of his estate, both real and personal; then her first choice of household goods, horses, cattle, after an appraisement is done. But if she is to marry, then she gets one-third. If the land is purchased, then she is to pay one half.
Daughter R ___ Lewdon, wife of John: she is to get the other half of the property, both real and personal, to take possession of it immediately after her father’s decease.
Executors: wife Esther and son-in-law John Lewdon
Witnesses: Timothy Kirk, William Cole, and John Hull
Clerk: Henry H. Graham

http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/4115

3. JOSHUA

One record at ancestry.com says he was born in 1717 and married Hannah Gatchell in 1736, while another record says he was born in 1715, and married the same woman, same year. Bellarts says he was born 1717, 3rd month, 5th day. He married Hannah Gatchel 1736, 10th month, 15th day. She died 1763, 11th month, 7th day. Joshua married a second time to Zillah (maiden named unknown), widow of Thomas Maule. She died in July 1811. Joshua died October 16, 1798.

Joshua Brown in the Probate Records

He is a trustee in John Smith’s will, Little Britain Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The will was written April 20, 1762 and was proved November 15, 1766. To John’s wife Dorothy £200; to daughter Lydia Allen £5; to son John £10 having given him and his sister their portion heretofore; to 3 daughters Ann Webster, Ruth Gregg and Sarah Webb £100 each; to son Thomas all remainder of estate. Executors: Son in law Wm. Webster. Trustees: Friends Geo. Churchman, Jr., Joshua Brown (no will book referenced)

Joshua is the executor of Mary Sinkler’s will, widow of Robert, of E. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The will was written April 14, 1741 and proved May 12, 1741. To Mary my eldest daughter and Elizabeth second daughter, articles named; directs that the land at Opeckin in Virginia be secured at cost of estate and be kept until sons Aaron and William come to age and be equally divided between them. Remainder is divided among all children who are not named “but if son Aaron shall not come to the possession of that estate in London or Scotland in monies or lands then he shall have a double share of what is to be divided.” Executors: John White and Joshua Brown. Witnesses: John Coppock, Wm. White, John White Jr. (Will Book B, page 79)

Joshua Brown is the executor of Jacob Haines’s will, dated March 24, 1742 and proved September 13, 1742, in W. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania. To eldest son Joshua and youngest son Stephen my land at Pequea to be equally divided. Provides for wife [not named]. Remainder of personal estate to children, Prudence, Jacob, Jeremiah, Mary and Sarah Haines. To sons Jacob and Jeremiah my plantation in W. Nottingham containing 490 acres. Executors: wife Mary and Joshua Brown. Witnesses: Jeremiah Brown*, Joseph Haines, Henry Reynolds (Will Book B, page 116) *Jeremiah is probably Sr. because of Henry Reynolds.

Joshua Brown is the executor of William Brown’s, blacksmith, will, written September 29, 1748 and proved November 12, 1748, W. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Provides for wife Phebe including use of plantation until son Jacob is 21. To son Jacob all my land when 21. To daughter Margaret, £20 at 21. Executors: Wife Phebe and Friend Joshua Brown (Will Book C, page 78)

Joshua Brown Sr. is the executor of Joseph Rich’s will, written April 28, 1757 and proved August 6, 1757. To son Joseph the 100 acres of my plantation which I formerly gave him. To son John the remainder of plantation. To Martha, wife of Tobias Lang 5 shillings. Remainder equally divided among my 13 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Anne, children of son Peter deceased; Mary, Elizabeth, John and Sarah Rich, children of son John; Martha, Mary, Samuel, Sarah, Rachel, Hannah and Stephen Rich children of son Joseph. Executors: Joshua Brown Sr. Letters to John and Joseph Rich, executor named renouncing (Will Book D, page 48)

Joshua Brown is an executor of John Allen’s will, written August 30, 1759 and proved October 26, same year, E. Marlborough. To sister Tamer Colson £10. To sister Patience Allen £10. To brother James all my lands in York County and in or near Oxford, also my share of a lot in Charlestown paying to sister Patience £40. To Londongrove Meeting £10. To cousin John Woolman £5 and to Elizabeth Woolman £5. To East Nottingham Meeting £10. To uncle Isaac Allen my stone colt and saddle. To Mary Baker Jr. my printed books. Remainder to sister Patience. Letters to William Allen, executors named renouncing. Executors: Joshua Brown and George Churchman, Jr. (no will book referenced)

Joshua Brown is an executor of Rachel Gatchell’s will, widow of Elisha, written February 17, 1756 and proved August 26, 1760, E. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania. To son Elisha Gatchell £20. To daughter Elizabeth Mitchell £20. To daughter Abigail Price £20. To daughter Esther Brown £20 and interest due on her husband Jeremiah Brown’s bond. To daughter Hannah Brown £20 and interest due on her husband Joshua Brown’s bond, also to Joshua Brown £10. To daughter Ann Kirk £20 and interest due on her husband Timothy Kirk’s bond. To granddaughter Sarah, daughter of Joshua Brown one heifer. To grandson Elisha Price mulatto boy Jack until he is 30 years old and to be taught to read and write. Executors: Three sons-in-law Jeremiah Brown, Joshua Brown, and Timothy Kirk. Letters to Joshua Brown and Timothy Kirk, the other renouncing (no will book referenced)

Joshua Brown is a witness to his brother Isaac Brown’s will, written January 12, 1781 and proved March 29, 1781, W. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Provides for wife Lydia. To son George £10. To son Jeremiah £10. To daughter Sarah Maloy, son Isaac, son Elihu and son Stephen £10 each. To sons James and Samuel £40 each. To sons Isaac and Elihu my plantation. Executors: Wife Lydia, sons Isaac and Elihu (no will book referenced).

Joshua received 20 Pounds from his father in his will (see below).

4. ISAAC

Isaac married Lydia, November 3, 1743 (Old Style of dating), at E. Nottingham Meeting House. He died January 23, 1781 and was buried in the Brick Meeting House. She died November 14, 1811. Bellarts provides these details: Isaac was born 1720, 3rd month, 20th day. He married Lydia Slater, daughter of George and Sarah Slater of E. Nottingham, on 1743, 9th month, 3rd day. She died November 14, 1811. Isaac died January 23, 1781.

Quaker Records:

Isaac Brown: Son of Jeremiah Brown; Mary (Cole); Jeremiah was of W Nottingham Twp, Chester Co, PA. His 1st wife Mary (Cole) Brown being the widow of Wm Cole, when she married Jeremiah Brown.
He died 23 Jan 1781
Buried Brick Meeting House, E Nottingham
Wife: Lyddia Slater
Daughter of George Slater; Sarah – He was of E Nottingham, Chester Co, Pennsylvania
She died 14 Nov 1811
They married 03 Nov 1743 (OS) at E Nottingham MH

Isaac Brown is reported 20-11-1756 by E Nottingham PM as “hath some time ago in passion struck a man”; his acknowledgement acc 15-1-1757;

He got 40 Pounds from his father in his will (see below).

Overseers in succession of East Nottingham PM down to 02 Dec 1756 from beginning as shown in foregoing minutes, listed by name

George Churchman: Jacob Beals instead of John White, p 21; Wm Ives next in his room [place], p 40; Morris Rees instead of Jeremiah Brown, p 30; Wm Kirk in Wm Ives’ room, p 57; Jacob Haines next in Morris Rees’ room [place], p 59; James Johnson instead of Wm Kirk, p 73; James Brown instead of Jacob Haines, p 110; Joshua Littler supposed to succeed James Johnson, but not entered until John White succeeds him, p 116; Joshua Brown instead of James Brown, p 145; Mordecai James instead of John White, p 160; Morris Rees in his room, p 199; Wm Pugh in his room, p 234; Thomas Barret, as supposed succeeded Joshua Brown, but not entered until James Johnston comes in his room, p 238; Thomas Churchman in Wm Pugh’s room, p 263; Jeremiah Brown instead of James Johnston, p 266; Wm Churchman in his room, p 290; Isaac Brown instead of Thomas Churchman, p 296; Morris Rees in Wm Churchman’s place, p 321; Samuel England in place of Isaac Brown, p 322; Thomas Churchman in place of Morris Rees, p 339

May 25, 1776, Isaac Brown trains in the militia, so he was disowned 378, 381, 384, 388, 391, 295. This could be Isaac’s son of the same name – Jr.

Isaac Brown’s Probate (abstract)

He wrote his will in W. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on January 12, 1781, and it was proved March 29, 1781. It provides for wife Lydia; to son George £10; to son Jeremiah £10; to daughter Sarah Maloy, son Isaac, son Elihu and son Stephen £10 each; to sons James and Samuel £40 each; to sons Isaac and Elihu my plantation. Executors: Wife Lydia, sons Isaac and Elihu.

http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/4115

JEREMIAH BROWN IN COURT RECORDS

Let’s get back to Jeremiah Brown Sr., the subject of this post.

Orphans Court, Chester County

June 22, 1734

Jeremiah Brown is called upon the make division of the property of Thomas Nixon. Henry Reynolds Jr. and Jeremiah Brown are called “Gentlemen” (vol. 1, p. 45).

Court Held in New London, Chester County

Fifteenth Day, Sixth Month, 1741,
In the house of Lacarus (sic) Finney

Justices:

Joseph Brinton
Abram Emmet
Wm Webb
Job Ruchton

Nathaniel Jenkins, Joseph Sharp, John Stride, Henry Reynolds, and JEREMIAH BROWN, all of Chester County and all Gentlemen,* are appointed by the court to valuate and make a division of the considerable goods and property of Shadrach Scarlett, who died intestate. With the addition of Benjamin Fredd, they completed their task August 28, 1741.

Note: *Jeremiah Brown is said to be a Gentleman, which is a specific class. His father James was a yeoman, a lower class than Gentleman.

Twenty-Eighth Day, August, 1741

JEREMIAH BROWN, Benjamin Fredd, Nathaniel Jenkins, Joseph Sharp, John Strode and Henry Reynolds return their appraisement of Shadrach Scarlett, late of London Grove Twp;

JEREMIAH BROWN IN TAX LISTS

Jeremiah Brown Sr., not Jr., is named in these lists, because of their early dates.

West Nottingham 1721

William Brown, Joseph Haines, Hugh Sidwell, Henry Renolds, William Brown Jun’r, Henry Parsons, JEREMIAH BROWN, John Sidwell, Hugh Sidwell, Jun’r, James King, Joseph Rich, Richard Besson, Richard Brown, Thomas Brown, James Robinson, Daniel Brown, John Dawson, Sam’ll Kirk + Land in New Garden, William Hanbe, Josiah Cain?, William Parris, Samuel Finley, Joseph Brittain, Robert Sinclair, James Brown, Alexander Ross, Richard Harrod, James Conburne, William Anderson, James Langley, Jeremiah York, Walter Wall, Robert Love, Edward Murphee, John Blake

Freemen

Richard Hughes, James Staples, Samuel Whitting, John Brabson
West Nottingham, 1726

Benjamin Davis, John Moor, Wm Wright, Wm Consons, Josiah Pain, George Slater, Richd. Venderfeif, Wm Gorrell, Wm Scot, James Mongomery, Widdow Crogett, Widdow Morrison, James Finey, Sanders Yourin, Walter Denny, David Mitchell, John Hamleton, Charles Allen, Andres Wallis,

Freemen

Joseph Wallis, Thos. Moon, Denis Bryan, Antony Dryer, Thos Mitchell, Jams. Brittin, Wm Shaw, John Gartell

Additional names

Wm. Brown Sr, Wm Brown, Richd. Brown, Thos. Brown, JEREMIAH BROWN, Hester Brown, Henry Reynolds, Wm Reynolds, Hugh Sidwell, James (?) Tring, Josesph Hayns, Jacob Hayns, Samll Finly, Hugh Sidwell jun., James Batterson, John Cristy, Samll Galbrath, Danll. Justice, Hugh Fellton, Alexander Roose, Wm Edmondside, Henry Pearson, Thos Rodgers, Jeremiah Dungham, Joseph Rich, John Elliot, Peter Hastings, James Allen, John Seedwell, Thos Rosseder, Roger Tirk, Wm Bowhannon, Richd Beeson, Thos Coulson, Jerem. York, Wm Tirk, John Dawson, Roger Tirk, Wm Tirk, Jeremia York, John Miles, John Steel, David Steel, Robt. Love, Math? Caltash, Joseph Wall, Patrick Givin, Wm Gellaspy, Samll. Berry

West Nottingham, 1729

Hugh Ottway, Joseph England, Roger Kirk jun., John Doson, Saml. Doson, James Patterson, Wm. Hurt, John Kirkpatrick, Hugh Kirkpatrick, Michael Hutt(?), Gaihen Leeper, Alexander Ross, John Smith, James Golton,

Freemen

George Fisher, Andrew Driver, Thomas Edds, Richard Morris, Wm Coals, Joseph Pierce, Jeremiah Looper, Joseph Reeve, Robert Cols,

These names are added at the bottom of the page, in a different handwriting

Wm Bohannon, Hugh Fulton, JEREMIAH BROWN, Andrew Brown

West Nottingham 1730

Wm Brown, Wm Edmondson, Jacob Hains, Thos Rodgers, JEREMIAH BROWN, Samll. Harris, John Brabson, Thos Brown, Wm Cole, Nicholas Hindshaw, Richd Brown, Rodger Kirk Jun, John Sidwell, Richd Sidwell, Hugh Sidwell, Henry Parsons, John Harris, Wm Garret, John Moor, Robt Porter, Nathll. Porter, Thos Colson, Richd Doherdy, John Campbell, Joseph Hains, Wm Brown jun, Esther Brown, George Roberson, Thos Peple, John Elswick, Josiah Pair, Wm Anderson, Wm Wright, Samll. Berry, Wm Handly, James Almond, Joseph Rich, Allexander Alleson, James Donells, Richd Beeson, Wm Reynolds, Wm Harris, Wm Kirk, Hugh Ottway, Rodger Kirk, John Dawson, Samll Dawson, James Patterson, Wm Hunt, Alexander Ross, James Fulton, Hugh Fulton, Wm. Bohannon, Jose. Brown, Andrew Brown, Joseph Barns, John Campbell Fuller, Jonathan Edwards, Patrick McPeak, Joseph Elgar, Joseph Reeves, Wm Johnson, Thos. Tidball, Samll Finly, Wm Arble, Wm Nutt, Benj: Winfly, Solomon Ahed, James Allen, James Nelson, John Kirkpatrick, Hugh Kirkpatrick, Wm Blear, James Bohannon, Henry Reynolds, Joseph England,

Freemen

Edwd A Dear, Dennis Bryan, Garret Tool, Anthony Driver, Wm Moor

JEREMIAH BROWN IN DEED RECORDS

Jeremiah Jr. (not our direct line) appears often enough in the deeds, which take care to cite his suffix Jr. But Jeremiah Sr. (our direct line) appears only twice, indicating he did not get involved in selling and buying, maybe because he held property in Cecil County, Maryland. But the few number of his deeds also tells me that he was satisfied with his property. His will, after all, was probated in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Chester County, Pennsylvania

For the layout of the land in Chester County, Pennsylvania, see the post about his parents James and Honour Brown.

11 Apr. 1748

Jeremiah Brown [Sr. or Jr.?], Henry Reynolds, Benjamin Fredd, Nathaniel Jenkins, Joseph Sharp, and John Strode are called to report on the estate of Shadrach Scarlett of London Grove, by right of his daughter Phoebe; they were appointed by the Orphan’s Court to ensure that the accounts of John Allen Sr. and Nathaniel Scarlett; and they discharge the two from their duties (K10:43).

20 Feb. 1761

Jeremiah Brown, Jr., merchant, and his wife Esther of W. Nottingham, to Samuel England of E. Nottingham, yeoman. The deed describes the chain of possession and names Jeremiah Brown who got 25 acs. in a mortgage deed Nov. 7, 1754 (M12:43)

CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND

Cecil County, Maryland borders Chester County, PA, where the Browns flourished. So Jeremiah’s property in Cecil County was not far away.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_County,_Maryland#mediaviewer/File:Map_of_Maryland_highlighting_Cecil_County.svg

31 May 1702

J. Brown and J. Wriothesley witness a deed between John English of Baltimore Co. planter, son and heir of Dennis English, decd., and Aquila Paca, two tracts of land on the eastern shore of Susquehanna R. (DB 1, 1673-1751, p. 34)

6 Aug. 1733

Jeremiah Brown witnesses a mortgage Mary Nowland (or Noeland) of Hopewell, Cecil Co., widow, for £30.00 to John Read of New Munster, Cecil Co. storekeeper, 100 acres of land in Milford Hundred, part of tract called Hopewell, conveyed by Matthias Vanbebber to Stephen Hollingsworth, Robert Holy, and Robert McKay, late of Cecil Co. by deed dated 15 Feb 1725; Hollingsworth, Holy and McKay resurveyed the said 100 acres to Mary Nowland by deed dated 5 May 1732; Mary shall repay the said sum on or before 7 Feb next; wit: Jeremiah Brown, Alex. Lang, Wm. Danford; J.P.’s James Alexander, A. Barry, Mary Nowland; delivered 100 acres to John Read 6 Aug 1733 (DB 4, p. 210)

1747

Unpatented Certificate no. 388; Jeremiah Brown was granted part of Susquehanna Manor (Land Patents, Cecil County, Maryland)

JEREMIAH BROWN IN QUAKER CHURCH RECORDS

On 20 Jul 1751 Bush River PM “having some time ago moved to this meeting some thought of having a Monthly Mtg for business settled on their side of the River Susquehannah, now again revived it, requesting a committee to assist & advise them; such a committee was appointed at the next Mtg, viz:

Jeremiah Brown,* James Johnson, Joshua Brown, Thomas Churchman, Henry Reynolds, Jr., James Brown

*This could be Jeremiah Jr. (not our direct line). And the next section supports it being Jr.

Jeremiah Brown, Jr. to visit them & make a report. The comm rptd at next Mtg that they made the visit, and all parties thought it best to defer the application until after further consideration.

On page 339 of Men’s Minutes and page 158 of Women’s Minutes the following interline is found: at the end of the minutes of the meeting held

21 Dec 1751 and before the start of the minutes of the meeting held the next month (Jan): quote: “Here begins the alteration of dates according to the Act of Parliament, New Stile.” Thereafter all dates are in N.S.

On page 339 of Men’s Minutes and page 158 of On 20 Jul 1751 Bush River PM “having some time ago moved to this meeting some thought of having a Monthly Mtg for business settled on their side of the River Susquehannah, now again revived it, requesting a committee to assist & advise them; such a committee was appointed at the next Mtg, viz:

Jeremiah Brown,* James Johnson, Joshua Brown, Thomas Churchman, Henry Reynolds, Jr., James Brown & Jeremiah Brown, Jr. to visit them & make Women’s Minutes the following interline is found: at the end of the minutes of the meeting held 21 Dec 1751 and before the start of the minutes of the meeting held the next month (Jan): quote: “Here begins the alteration of dates according to the Act of Parliament, New Stile.” Thereafter all dates are in N.S.

*This is our direct line, because in that same list Jeremiah Brown Jr. is named.

On 18 Jun 1752 Bush River again requested a Monthly Business Mtg of their own; the Nottingham MM decided to let it go to the QM.

On 20 Apr 1754 Deer Creek Friends requested that their Preparative Mtg which is in conjunction with that of Bush River and is held alternately in each Mtg House, be held always at Deer Creek MH; this was later granted, & was agreed upon that the Bush River PM with which Deer Creek Mtg is united, should be held hereafter always at the Deer Creek Mtg House after this date—

15 Jun 1754, as it was thought to be advantageous to “those living on that side of the Susquehannah who attended or wished to attend.” Instead of listing this PM as Bush River PM, it was thereafter listed as Deer Creek PM.

Overseers in succession of East Nottingham PM down to 02 Dec 1756 from beginning as shown in foregoing minutes, listed by name:

George Churchman; Jacob Beals instead of John White, p 21; Wm Ives next in his room, p 40; Morris Rees instead of Jeremiah Brown*, p 30; Wm Kirk in Wm Ives’ room, p 57; Jacob Haines next in Morris Rees’ room, p 59; James Johnson instead of Wm Kirk, p 73; James Brown instead of Jacob Haines, p 110; Joshua Littler supposed to succeed James Johnson, but not entered until John White succeeds him, p 116; Joshua Brown instead of James Brown, p 145; Mordecai James instead of John White, p 160; Morris Rees in his room, p 199; Wm Pugh in his room, p 234; Thomas Barret, as supposed succeeded Joshua Brown, but not entered until James Johnston comes in his room, p 238; Thomas Churchman in Wm Pugh’s room, p 263; Jeremiah Brown* instead of James Johnston, p 266; Wm Churchman in his room, p 290; Isaac Brown instead of Thomas Churchman, p 296; Morris Rees in Wm Churchman’s place, p 321; Samuel England in place of Isaac Brown, p 322; Thomas Churchman in place of Morris Rees, p 339.

*Either one or both could be Jeremiah Jr. (not our direct line)

Nottingham – Disownments for Military Service – 1730 to 10mo-2-1756

Date: 21 Jul 1759
Name: Military
Comment: offenders who furnish wagons of puses(?) Wm Rogers, 109; Jeremiah Brown,* 109; Samuel Sanders, 110; Aaron Sinclair, 106

*Note: this could be Jeremiah Jr. (not our direct line)

Transcription begins:

5 mo — Att a monthly meeting of East Nottingham held the 18 Jul 1730. The meetings being called ye representatives all appeared. John Webster appeared at this meeting and signified he was appointed by Bush River meeting to attend last monthly meeting but could not for reasons satisfactory to this meeting. This meeting recommends to each Preparative Meeting that they take care to nominate some friends, and present to ye next monthly meeting in order to visit ye families of friends, belonging to the same. The following friends are appointed to attend the Quarterly Meeting: Jeremiah Brown,* Thomas Jacob, Richard Brown and James King.

Transcription ends.

*This could be Jr. or Sr.

JEREMIAH BROWN’S PROBATE

The will was drawn up December 21, 1762
The will was proven March 20, 1767, citing Jeremiah as deceased
W. Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania
His wife Mary Brown: she is to get everything, except 100 Pounds, payable from the estate of Jeremiah’s son Jeremiah Jr., in an Indenture of Gift, dated 14th day of 5th month, 1749, which is to be paid, as follows:
Heirs of son Jeremiah Jr. (decd.): 5 shillings
Daughter Patience Hadley (our direct line): 20 Pounds
Son Joshua Brown: 20 Pounds
Son Isaac Brown: 40 pounds
Wife Mary Brown: 20 Pounds
Executrix: Wife Mary
Witnesses: Rebecca Trimble, George Church, Jr., and Jonathan Churchman

Source: Chester County Archives and Records, Will #12

http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/4115

Transcription Begins:

[Top cut off in copying] Jeremiah Brown of West Nottingham in the County of Chester and Province of Pennsylvania, being at the signing & sealing hereof (through the Mercy of God) of perfect memory & a sound and well disposing mind do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament thereby disposing of the worldly goofs it hath pleased God to bless me with in manner following –

— First it is my will that my Body be decently buried & my funeral charges & Just debts be paid as soon as possible after my decease by my Executrix hereafter named

— Secondly my will is & I do hereby give and bequeath unto my loving and well beloved Wife Mary Brown all my personal Estate whether in live stock [sic] on the place, cash in hand, Household goods, Bonds, Bills outstanding, debts, & Accounts or otherwise howsoever [“so” is crossed out in “howsoever”] to her & her heirs & Assigns forever, to keep or dispose off [sic] at pleasure, Reserving only one hundred pounds payable from the Estate of my son Jeremiah Brown, deceased, in five several payments as particularly set forth in an Indenture of Gift made unto him of my bonds & Real Estate dated the fourteenth day of the 5th Month A.D. 1749, the which I dispose of as the said payments shall become due

— Thirdly, I give unto the heirs of my son Jeremiah Brown, deceased, the sum of five shillings & the Reason why I give no more is because I have heretofore given him my said son Jeremiah much more than an equivalent with my other Children in confirming my Real Estate to him after my decease by the Indenture of Gift aforesaid, notwithstanding the Reserved sum of one hundred pounds as aforesaid.

— Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Patience Hadley the sum of twenty pounds (being the first payment of the afforesaid [sic] Reserved one hundred pound [sic]) at the expiration of one year after my decease to her, Her heirs and Assigns forever

— Fifthly I give and bequeath unto my son Joshua Brown the sum of twenty pounds, being the second payment of the aforesaid one hundred pounds to him, his heirs & Assigns forever

— Sixthly I give and bequeath unto my son Isaac Brown the sum of forty pounds (being the third and fourth payments at twenty pounds each of the aforesaid Reserved Sum of one hundred pounds as they shall become payable from the Estate of my deceased son Jeremiah) to him, his heirs & Assigns forever.

Seventhly my will is & I hereby give unto Mary my well beloved Wife & to her [careted in: & her] heirs & assigns forever the last payment & sun of twenty pounds, being the Remainder of the hundred so often above mentioned

— Lastly I nominate, Constute [sic] and appoint my said loving beloved Wife Mary Brown the whole & sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, hereby disannulling & Revoking all & every other Will, Executor or Executrix, bequest or legasie [sic] by me heretofore made, named or given, confirming this & this only to be my last will & Testament [a line looks cut off in copying] this twenty-first day of y’e 12th Month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred sixty two. Jeremiah Brown (seal)

Sign’d, seal’d, published, pronounced & declared by the said Jeremiah Brown to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us Rebekah Trimble, George Churchman, Ju’r, Jon’ Churchman

Chester, March 20th, 1767; Then personally Rebecca Trimble & George Churchman Jun’r and on their solemn affirmation according to Law did declare & Affirm that they were personally present and did see & hear Jeremiah Brown the Testator above named sign, seal, publish, pronounce & declare the foregoing writing to be his last Will & Testament and that at the doing thereof he was of a sound & well disposing mind & memory to the best of their understandings.

Affirmed before H. H. Graham, D’ Reg’r [Deputy Registrar]

Be it Remembered that on the twentieth day of March Anno Dom. 1767 the last Will and Testament of Jeremiah Brown, decd., was proved in due form of Law and Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary Brown sole Executor herein named she being solemnly Affirmed well & truly to Administer & bring in an Inventory of the deceased’s Estate into the Register’s office at Chester on or before the twentieth day of May next, and to Render a true and Just Account of their Administration in a year or when legally Required.

Given under the seal of said office

H. H. Graham, D. Reg’r [Deputy Registrar]

Transcription ends.

MARY (ROYALE) COLE BROWN’S WILL

The will was written November 9, 1769
The will was probated, citing Mary as deceased, November 30, 1769
West Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania
The will says she is the widow of Jeremiah Brown
Stephen her step-grandson, son of Isaac, gets 20.00 Pounds and bedroom furniture, when he reaches 21 years old. The items are to be kept with John Churchman until them. The money is a payment from Esther Brown.
Mary’s three sisters Elizabeth, Abigail, and Catherine, living in Ireland, get her best wearing apparel, shipped by the executors.
Mary’s cousin Elizabeth Thornton, now living in Carolina, gets 20 Pounds and 6 yards of worsted “stuff” (cloth or material), so she can make a gown.
Mary, the wife of Henry Reynolds, gets a “case” of Drawers.
Sarah, the daughter of Isaac Brown, gets a “case” of Drawers, her riding mare, saddle, and bridle; and the first colt that the mare has is to go to her brother Stephen.
Mary’s maid Mary Lockland gets a small feather bed and furniture, when she reaches 18.
The remainder is to be divided equally between Elisha, Mary, Jeremiah, and Samuel (the children of Joshua Brown); and George, Jeremiah, Isaac, and Elisha (the children of Isaac Brown)
Executors: Elisha Brown (son of Joshua) and Jeremiah Brown (son of Isaac)
Witnesses: John Butterfield and Rachel Johnson

Patience Hadley, our direct line, is not named.

Source: Chester County Archives and Records, will #2533; Will Book 5, pages 169-70

http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/4115

Transcription Begins:

Mary Brown’s will

I Mary Brown of West Nottingham in the Co’ty of Chester and Province of Pennsylvania, Widow of Jeremiah Brown, deceased, being of perfect memory & of a wel [sic] disposing Mind thro’ the Mercy of God, do make this my last Will and Testament, thereby disposing of ye little Worldly Goods & Substance it hath pleased kind Providence to bless me with, in manner following:

Imprimis: It is my will that my Body be decently Buried by Executors hereafter named & that my Just debts and funeral Expences [sic] be as speedily as may well be defrayed after my decease by them.

Item: I give and bequeath unto Stephen (the Son of Isaac Brown), my beloved Step-Grandson, the sum of twenty pounds Pennsylvania Money, being the payment coming to me from Esther Brown, to be put to Interest for him until he arive [sic] to the age of twenty one years & then paid to him together with a Feather Bed boulster [sic], two Pillows & Pillow Cases, a pair of Good shoes & a pair of Good Blankets and a Rugg [sic], the Bed Boulsters and pillows being now at John Churchman’s & there to remain untill [sic] he come of age, all which [sic] I give to him & his Heirs & Assigns forever, as also my block [sic]

Item: My will is that all my best wearing apparell [sic] be sent by my Ext’rs to Ireland to my three sisters, namely Elizabeth, Abigail, & Catherine, to be equally divided between them, their survivors or Female Offspring, and to my Cousin Elizabeth Thornton now being in Carolina, I give the sum of twenty pounds Pennsylvania Money & Six yards of home made [sic] worsted stuff to make her a gown.

Item: I give to Mary the Wife of Henry Reynolds, the case of Drawers which was her own mother’s.

Item: I give to Sarah the Daughter of Isaac Brown a case of Drawers, my riding Mare Saddle & Bridle to her & her Heirs & Assigns forever & do order that she give the first Colt the Mare shall have to her Brother, the above mentioned Stephen.

Item: I give to Mary Lockland my Maid the Small Feather Bed & Furniture on which she has usually lain, to her & her assigns forever, when she arive [sic] to the age of eighteen years.

Item: The Remainder of my Estate whether in money or good I give unto Elisha, Mary, Jeremiah, & Samuel, the Children of Joshua Brown, & George, Jeremiah, Isaac, & Elisha, the Children of Isaac Brown, to be equally divided between them, two of whom to wit, Elisha the Son of Joshua Brown; & Jeremiah the Son of Isaac my Trusty and well beloved Kinsmen I Nominate, Constitute, and Appt [sic] my whole & Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, making void all other Wills, Testament’s [sic] Bequests or Legasies [sic], whatsoever by me heretofore made or given.

As Wittness [sic] my hand & Seal this ninth of ye 11th Mo 1769 Mary Brown (seal) Signed, Sealed, and Published & declared by the said Mary Brown to be her last Will & Testament in the presence of John Butterfield, Rachel Johnson.

Chester Nov’r 30th 1769: Then personally appeared John Butterfield and Rachel Johnson the two Subscribing Witnesses to the within Will and on their Solemn Affirmation according to Law did declare, Affirm, and Say that they were personally present and did see & hear Mary Brown the Testatrix within named sign, Seal, Publish, Pronounce and declare the within Writing to be her last Will & Testament and that at the doing thereof she was of a sound and well disposing Mind and Memory to the best of their Understandings.

Affirmed before H. H. Graham D Regr [Deputy Registrar]

Be it Remembered that on the thirtieth day of November Anno Dom. 1769 the last Will and Testament of Mary Brown, deceased, was proved in due form of Law and Letters Testamentary were granted to Elisha Brown (son of Joshua Brown) & Jeremiah Brown (the Son of Isaac Brown) sole Executors therein named, they being Solemnly Affirmed well and truly to Administer & bring in an Inventory of the deceased’s Estate into the Register’s Office at Chester on or before the thirtieth day of November next, and to render a true & Just Account of their Administration in a year or when legally required.

Given under the Seal of said Office

H. H. Graham DRegr. [Deputy Registrar]

Transcription ends.

SUMMARY

Jeremiah lived a long time: eighty years. Mary probably lived into her seventies.

One thing about Jeremiah comes across. He was not as involved in the courts and land records as his father James was. Maybe this was his wisdom shining. He did not get burned, as many of our ancestors were, by legal entanglements.

One family historian says Mary Royale died in 1749; however, she left a will in 1769, which says she was the widow of Jeremiah Brown, so her early death cannot be true. Jeremiah Brown did not marry Mary Winters.

Mary’s life started out rough, but she made something of herself. She married and had a family. When her husband William Coles died, she did not slow down. She married again, this time to Jeremiah Brown, and had other children, one of whom was Patience, their first born and our direct line. I like to think Mary named her daughter after her own life.

Jeremiah and Mary teach us that living simply is a great idea. Learning patience is difficult, but when we have it, we can receive a better life.

SOURCES

James E. Bellart, Lt. Col. (ret.) A Genealogy of the Clayton, Reynolds, Beals, Browns and Descended and Related Lines: “The Quaker Yeomen,” Portland, OR: published privately, 1973.

—, The Descent of Some of Our Quaker Ancestors from Adam; the Hebrews, the Egyptians; the Romans; the Irish, Scots, Saxons, and British Kings; the Normans; the Vikings and Others: Facts, Fictions Folklore and Fakelore, 2nd rev. ed., Hillsboro, OR: privately published, 1991.

June D. Brown, Abstracts of Cecil County, Maryland, 1673-1751, Westminster, Maryland: Willow Bend, 1999.

Carol Bryant, Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, vol. 1, 1683-1730, Westminster, MD: Family Line Publications, 1997.

—. Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, vol. 2, 1729-1745, Westminster, MD: Family Line Publications, 1997.

—. Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, vol. 3, 1745-1753, Westminster, MD: Family Line Publications, 1997.

—. Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, vol. 4, 1753-1758, Westminster, MD: Willow Bends, 1998.

Chester County, Pennsylvania Wills, 1713-1825 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2000; Original data: Chester County Wills, located at the Chester County Archives and Records Service; Abstract of wills for Chester County, 1713-1825; all located at ancestry.com.

“Enterys of the Orphans Court” of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1716-1730 and 1732-1734, transcribed by Dorothy B. Lapp, The Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, Pennsylvania (Danboro, PA: Richard T. and Mildred C. Williams, 1973).

Genealogical Society of Cecil County, Land Patents of Cecil County, Maryland, private published, no date.

Immigration of Irish Quakers to Pennsylvania, 1682-1750 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2003. Original data: Myers, Albert Cook. Immigration of the Irish Quakers into Pennsylvania 1682-1750. Swarthmore, PA, USA: Albert Myers Cook, 1902.

Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004; Yates Publishing; Original data: This unique collection of records was extracted from a variety of sources including family group sheets and electronic databases. Originally, the information was derived from an array of materials including pedigree charts, family history articles, querie.

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County Book B – 1756-1766 (ancestry.com)

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County
Book C – 1766-1778 (ancestry.com)

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County
Book F – 1808-1836 (ancestry.com) OS stands for Old Style of Dating, and NS means New Style

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County
Book F – 1808-1836

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County (ancestry.com)

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County (ancestry.com)

Maryland Quaker Records: Nottingham Monthly Meeting, Cecil County (ancestry.com)

Quakers during the Rev War
http://chester.pa-roots.com/quaker_research/quaker_efforts_during_the_rev_war.htm

Nottingham Monthly Meeting Church minutes, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

West Nottingham, 1721: http://chester.pa-roots.com/taxlists/index.html

West Nottingham, 1726: http://chester.pa-roots.com/taxlists/index.html

West Nottingham, 1729: http://chester.pa-roots.com/taxlists/index.html

West Nottingham, 1730: http://chester.pa-roots.com/taxlists/index.html