Captain William Willett

[Henry Barraud Hunt, Jr.]

( In one of my blogs I made reference to William Webb. The name should have been John. His son was William. William and James David your positive comments really give me a boost. All this writing becomes tedious at times yet I still enjoy bringing the lost souls back into the fold. )

Capt William Willett wrote his will 18 Oct 1739. It was probated 11 Mar1739/40. Wills & Inventories XXVI-R 1733-1740, Northampton Co., page 334. Capt Willett remembers all his surviving children and grandchildren, His wife, Ann, pre-deceased him by a couple of years. I note one peculiarity. In Probate is found the following "The testator is called William Willett, Gent." It is obvious William Willett was a "gentleman". Why take notice of the fact? In "Loose Papers and Sundry Court Cases 1628-1731, Northampton County compiled by Jean Mihalyka in 1997, page 5, we find Jean Mihalyka overjoyed to find "a magnificent document that outlines this Obligation Bond " dated 28th July 1699 by Ann Eyre, widow, Henry Harmanson, Gent., and William Willett, Gent., in the sum of 50,000 lbs. sound tobacco. It is (to see that ) Sarah, Mary, and Daniel Eyre, dec'd (wp 30 mar 1691 XVII 96} receive their legacies when each arrives at age. (The sheet measures 18 1/2  x 14 1/8.It is beautifully written, signed with seals.Each child was allotted

items from the house-pewter, silver coins, livestock-each getting over 200 items. (Packet l Early  Papers 1655-1722/3. This outstanding document along with all other documents have been moved to the Archives in Richmond, Virginia. It seems to me that this document should have exposure to the publique in a museum. William Willett's seal is a "Rampant Lion." I have observed several Willett coats of arms and each one has two rampant lions. Essex appears to be the ancient seat for this family.

[James David Douglas]

More fantastic history.  I love seeing this come to light.  The information you are providing on this Douglas line helps bring these family members to life.  Even though we are discussing public documents some may consider dry they give us insights into the lives of our kin that would have been lost otherwise. Mr Hunt,  I thank you for taking the time to make these valuable contributions.  I feel as if I know Col Douglas and his family a little better because of you.    In reading the material on the WIllett connection I've come to discover there is probably a great deal of interesting information to be discovered on this important family.   And through these discussions I've found that I also have ties to the Littletons, another early Virginia family and important Gateway ancestor.  This blog has been a genealogical goldmine for me personally.  Thank you !