Capt. Thomas Osborne

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: Bef 1600 - England Christening: Death: 1637-1642 - Henrico Co., Virginia Burial: Cause of Death:

Spouses and Children

Children: 1. Thomas Osborne II ( - ) 2. Edward Osborne ( - )

Notes
General:

SOUTHERN KITH AND KIN:

Jewel Davis Scarborough has written 4 books entitled SOUTHERN KITH AND KIN about the ancestors of her family. All 4 were privately printed in Abilene, Texas in the 1950's. Volume 1, "The Locketts" was published in 1951. Most of this book concerns Thomas Lockett III, grandson of Thomas Lockett I, and his descendents. Relative to the Locketts I have only looked carefully at the first 4 chapters dealing with Thomas Lockett I and his children. These chapters appear to have been carefully researched. Chapter XVI is entitled "The Osborne Family of Henrico". I am copying it here en toto because it contains useful information and because it is not otherwise available online. The numbers in brackets either refer to notes at the end of the chapter or page numbers in the book.

[213]Much has been written about the Osborne family, and much research has been done, though the results are still not altogether clear. Mr. James Branch Cabell, in his book, "Branchiana" gave us much valuable information, which was also quoted in Mrs. Rouse's book, "The Reeds and Their Relatives", and additional data has been compiled by Mr. H. C. Bradshaw, historian and genealogist. Mr. Cabell has kindly reviewed his early work for me, and I have based my conclusions on the above surveys and reports, which are based on the official State and County Records.

Captain Thomas Osborne, the progenitor of the Osborne family in America, was one of the picturesque figures of Colonial Virginia. He came to Virginia in November, 1619, in the Bona Nova.[1] His three servants were Daniel Shirley, aged 30 yeres (sic), coming in the Bona Nova in 1619; Peeter Jorden, aged 22, coming in the London Marchaunt, 1620; and Richard Davis, aged 16 yeres (sic), coming in the Jonathan, 1620. He was listed as Lieutenant Thomas Osborne in "The Muster of the Inhabitants of Virginia, 1624-25, at the Colledg (sic) Land, Henrico.[2] He was living at the same place according to "A List of names of the living in Virginia, February 16th, 1623.[3]

Mrs. Rouse confused Lieutenant Osborne with a Thomas Osborne, aged 18, January 30th, 1624-25, "one of the Governor's men at Pasbehaigh's", who came in the Francis Bonaventure,[4] though the subsequent data which she gives identifies Captain Thomas Osborne as Lieutenant Thomas Osborne, who came in the Bona Nova, and who together with Richard Tiler, represented the College in the House of Burgesses in 1625.[5] The College was the site of the proposed University at Henricropolis, the present Dutch Gap, on the James River,[6] plans for which were frustrated by the Indian massacre of 1622.

Thomas Osborne settled "Coxendale" circa 1625, patented land on Proctor's Creek, Henrico. The patent of Ffeering or Coxendale of 1,000 acres was made February 6th, 1637; the land was on Proctor's Creek and the maine (sic) river, (the James), and was granted on Court Order of [214]October 8th, 1634, for the transportation of twenty persons -- Isaac Hutchins, Tho. Draywood, Jon White, James Guterson (or Gaterson), Godfrey Lewis, Tho. Hunt, Jon Beard, Rich. Arguse, Roger Humble, Robt. James, Nat Spackman, Richard Greenwood, Wm. Jones, Wm. Hicklesworth, Tho. Bartin, Charles Russell, Jas. Wanton, Hen. Seale, Robert Craddock, Richard Hitchcock, and was called Ffeering. It's bounds are given as north upon Proctor's Creek; east upon the main river; west into the woods; and south upon Henrico Island. William Wigg, surveyor, found only 800 acres in the bounds of the survey of April 26th, 1638.[7]

This Lieutenant Thomas Osborne, later Captain Thomas Osborne, was born in England about the year 1590,[8] but migrated to Virginia in 1619, sailing on the Bona Nova of 200 tons. The records of the Company recite that 120 persons embarked, with "100 persons for public service, chosen with great care, and extraordinarily furnished". These valiant souls were the future colonists, "fifty for the Company's land, and fifty for the College land".[8]

Lieutenant Thomas Osborne acquired his title of Captain July 4th, 1627, when he was granted a commission by Governor George Yeardley of Virginia to lead the settlers of "the necke of land and the college land" against the Saax, or Tanx Powhatan Indians. On March 7th, 1628, the Minutes of the Council and General Court record the following: "Lieft. Osborne to be Commander of the Colledge & neck of land, hee being in the latter, to appoynt a Deputy."[10] Lieutenant, now Captain Thomas Osborne, was living at that time at Coxendale, on the south side of the James River, which Mr. Cabell in Branchiana identified as being in the extreme north eastern part of the present Chesterfield County.

Captain Thomas Osborne was an influential and important man of the early days of the Colony of Virginia, holding many positions of honor and trust under the government, and we find many references to him in the early Court Records. In Minutes of the Council and General Court of Virginia, 1622-29, are the following:

"Court: May 9th, 1625.

Lieutenant Thomas Osborne, sworn and examd sayeth that such p'visions and goodes as cam over in the Furtherance for the East Indye schoole[11] never cam to the hands of Mr. Threar, but that they were by Leonard Husone and carried over the water to this Examinatis plant., Mr. Evans, his [215]Plantacon, where this examint' and the College men then Lyved. And that about february followinge this Exat' caried up wth him those of them wch remained alive, beinge these three (John Wild, Godfrey dixsie, and William Dalbee)[9], the rest beinge dead, and of these John Wild, and Godfrey Dixsie died the followinge summer at the College.[10]

Court. Thomas Marlett, gent., sworn and examd. the first day of June 1625, before the Governor, sayeth, deposeth, that Mr. Threar never receaved any goodes and p'visiones yt (that were sent over for the East India Scoole. But that they were receaved by Lieutenant Thomas Osbourne Accordinge to the Invoyce Imediately taken owt of the shipp at Mr. Evans his Plantacone, over the water, where the saide Lieut. Osborne with the Colledge men then remayned, and sayeth further yt Edworde Lawsone, Richarde Skarborow, Leonard Huson, his wiefe and Children and Leonard Huson him selfe died before Lieut. Osbourne and ye colledge people removed to harry hattocks.[11]

Court. Jan. 9th., 1625.

Lieut. Thomas Osborne sworne and examined sayeth yt whereas Mr. Pooly was to Transport him selfe to their Plantacon and to be there every fowerth Sundye, for whc he was to have double meanes, after w'ch agreement Mr. Pooly was absent XI weeks together, In regard whereof he was contented to take ordinary means, soe yt they would undertake to feach. But after he came to feach his tythes he demanded to have double means according to his bill w'ch the (y) refused to paye, whereupon he came to this deponent and said that yf he would let the rest pay him, That then he would acquitt this deponent for his tythes, payinge the ordinary means.[12]

Court. Jan. 12th, 1625.

Lieut. Thomas Osborne, sworne before Governor, deposeth that upon Wednesday the Xth of January 1625 John Smith to tender two Cappons to Mr. John Burrows, being dew unto him for his rente, w'ch cappons Mr. Burrows refused to receave.[13]

Court. March 13th, 1625.

Lieutenant Thomas Osborne sworn and examined sayeth that about Christmas last was a Twelve months Mr. Blayset being at Herihatox caled this deponent to be a witness yt he discharged Mathew Edlowe of debts and reconings dew unto [216]him from ye said Mathew Edlowe,[14] having no pen or Inke to wright him a discharge.

Court March 7th, 1628. Commissions.

Lieut. Thomas Osborne to be Commander of the Colledge [15-16] and ye necke of land, hee being in the latter to appoynt a deputy.

Captain Thomas Osborne was a Commissioner (Justice) "for the upper parts" in 1631;[17] Burgess 1629, 1629-30, 1631-32, 1632-33.[18] He was an overseer of the will of John Smith, and with his co-overseer, Captain William Perrye, sold 250 acres of land which belonged to Smith, to Captain Henry Browne Esq., one of the Council of State, July 14th, 1637.[19]

There is no record to indicate that Captain Thomas Osborne brought a wife to Virginia. He may have married in England, coming to Virginia after his wife's death. We can be almost certain that he was married, either in England or Virginia, and had a son, Thomas Osborne Jr., who was probably born in England. We do not know the name of the wife of this Thomas Osborne Jr., who after the death of his father was known as Thomas Osborne Sr. Putting together the scant information we have, we think it likely that he had the following children -- Thomas Osborne of Coxendale, born 1641; Edward Osborne of Henrico, and Margaret Osborne, who married Thomas Lockett, First.

On January 6th, 1639-40, the Council and House of Burgesses, on account of the evil condition and quality of tobacco of late years, appointed tobacco viewers for the various sections. Appointees for the section of Henrico "from World's end to Henrico" were Mr. Christopher Branch, Roger Chapman, and Mr. Thomas Osborne.[20] This Thomas Osborne was more than likely the above Thomas Osborne Jr., who patented Batchellor's Banke. Had it been Captain Thomas Osborne the title Captain would have been given, for at that time in England and Virginia much stress was placed upon proper titles, and Captain Thomas Osborne was always Captain, after his promotion from Lieutenant. The patent for Batchellor's Banke was issued to Thomas Osborne Jr., (who after his father's death was known as Thomas Osborne Sr., since there was a third Thomas Osborne, who was his son), June 16th, 1637. The land was located in Henrico, consisted of 500 acres, and bordered on Ffeering, his father's property, and was granted to him for the transportation of nine persons: Henry [217]Kilby, Jno. Finch, Wm. Burford, Sam'l Throneford, Edw. Williams, Jeremiah Hoveller, Agnes Sherley, Jno. Weyan, and Richard Perrin. There was also a patent granted to Thomas Osborne on August 20th, 1642 for 400 acres at the head of Coxendale in Henrico, adjoining west north west on the head of Christopher Branch's land, and north north east on Mr. Osbornes land, and called by the name of Ffeering.[22] This patent was granted for the importation of 8 persons: Rich. Cock, William Dixon, Christ. Pack, Jon Bagly, Robt. Stanton, Tho. Waldron, Jon Rush, and Francis Quash.

It is evident from the above transaction that Captain Thomas Osborne died at some time in the interval of 1637-42; his son Thomas Osborne Jr. became known thereafter as Thomas Osborne Senior, since there was a third Thomas Osborne. Thomas Osborne Senior because of the death of his father has come into possession of the property of Coxendale, or at least a part of it, and in 1642 he increased his holdings by the above patent for 400 acres. Thomas Osborne, 3rd, (son of the above Thomas Osborne Senior) was born in 1641, and is now known as Thomas Osborne Jr.

The following list shows the patents that were issued by the Regal Government to the various Thomas Osbornes 1623-95: Thomas Osborne Jr., 500 acres, 1637 --- Batchel1or's Banke, adjoining Coxendale.

Captain Thomas Osborne 1000 acres, 1637, Coxendale.
Thomas Osborne, 400 acres, 1642, adjoining Coxendale.
Thomas Osborne, 85 acres, 1679-89, adjoning Coxendale.
Thomas Osborne 1113 acres, 1689-95, area within original Coxendale boundaries.

Captain Thomas Osborne was granted 1000 acres in 1637, the land being known as Ffeering, and located in Varina Parish, Henrico County. When his son Thomas Osborne Senior came into possession of the property a resurvey showed that the land consisted of 1113 acres. The residue surplus lands included in the bounds of said patent were taken care of by the importation of three persons: Mary Norman, William Buckston, and Tom, a Negro, on April 29th, 1692.[23]

There has been a great deal of confusion about the Thomas Osborne line because of the fact that the deed records and the patent records do not tally, and because [218]the patent of April 29th, 1692, describes Captain Thomas Osborne as the FATHER of the patentee, Thomas Osborne Senior, yet Thomas Osborne Jr., son of Thomas Osborne Senior, in conveying part of this property to Edward Osborne June lst, 1696, describes it as land "granted to my GREAT GRANDFATHER, Captain Thomas Osborne, by patent".[24] This may have been a mistake of the Clerk in copying, and should probably be GRANDFATHER. My own conclusion is that Thomas Osborne Jr., later called Thomas Osborne Senior, who patented Bachellor's Banke, and Edward Osborne who patented 400 acres in 1636, were the sons of Captain Thomas Osborne, and that Thomas Osborne, third, (1641-92), Edward Osborne (1646-c.97), and Margaret Osborne who married Thomas Lockett, First, were the children of Thomas Osborne Jr., and grandchildren of Captain Thomas Osborne. Margaret Osborne Lockett married Thomas Lockett circa 1667, and died in 1708.

If we follow the patent (Book 8:215) we may arrange the Osborne line as follows:

Captain Thomas Osborne.
Children:
1. Thomas Osborne (1641-1692)
2. Edward Osborne (1646-c.1697)
3. Margaret Osborne ( -c.1708), married c. 1667 Thomas Lockett.

Assuming such to be the case, we may say that Captain Thomas Osborne married in Virginia. It may have been a second marriage. If it was he who assigned the right of transportation of Alexander Wood to Thomas Lockett in 1667, he would be about 77 years old, according to Mr. Cabell's date given for his birth.

If we follow the deed records (Henrico Records V. p. 634) we would give the line thus:

Captain Thomas Osborne.
Children of Captain Thomas Osborne.

1. Thomas Osborne Jr., who patented Bachellor's Banke.
2. Edward Osborne, who patented 400 acres in 1636.[25]

Children of the above Thomas Osborne Jr.
[219]
1. Thomas Osborne (1641-92)
2. Edward Osborne (1646-c.1697)
3. Margaret Osborne ( -1708), who married c. 1667 Thomas Lockett.

On November 5th, 1667, Thomas Osborne assigned to Thomas Lockett of Henrico all rights for the transportation of Alexander Wood to Virginia. This was evidently Thomas Osborne 2nd, first called Thomas Osborne Jr., and after Captain Osborne's death called Thomas Osborne, Senior. On December 24th, 1682, Thomas Lockett transferred this same right to Thomas Burton. Margaret Osborne married Thomas Lockett 1667-68, and we believe that the Thomas Osborne who transferred this right to Thomas Lockett was the father of Margaret Osborne, and that it was probably given to Thomas and Margaret Lockett on the occasion of their marriage. This transfer is the only indication in the official records that Margaret Lockett was Margaret Osborne, and the daughter of Thomas Osborne, 2nd, though the tradition has been handed down in the family for many years, the name Osborne being used as a given name as early as 1769, and we have no reason to doubt this family tradition. Acceptance of this tradition would make Margaret Osborne Lockett the granddaughter of Captain Thomas Osborne, the immigrant.

Thomas Lockett, 2nd, who died circa 1745-46, was the son of Thomas Lockett, First, and Margaret Osborne, and married Martha Osborne, niece of Margaret Osborne Lockett, and the daughter of her brother Thomas Osborne Jr. (1641-92), making Thomas Lockett 2nd, and Martha Osborne, whom he married, first cousins. No matter whether Thomas Osborne (1641-92) was SON or GRANDSON of Captain Thomas Osborne, Martha Osborne would be the niece of Margaret Osborne Lockett, and first cousin of her husband Thomas Lockett, 2nd.

Until recently it was usually thought that the second wife of Thomas Osborne (1641-92), who was the widow of John Branch, was Martha Jones. She married Thomas Edwards not long after Thomas Osborne's death, the license being issued Oct. 20th, 1692.[26] On August 1st, 1693, the Court ordered Mr. Thomas Edwards, who married the relict of Mr. Osborne Sr., (who married the relict of Mr. John Branch, deceased) to appear at the next Court. This order is recorded in the Orphans Court, so it evidently had [220]to do with the minor children of Branch and Osborne. On June 1st, 1695, Mr. Richard Kennon was discharged from being security for Mr. Thomas Edwards, guardian of orphans of John Branch and Thomas Osborne, and Capt. William Randolph became surety.[27]

Mr. James Branch Cabell has recently advanced the idea that Martha Branch-Osborne-Edwards was born Griegg, the daughter of Robert Griegg, whose will, dated 10 February 1702-03, recorded in Henrico 2 August 1703, mentions the testator's grandchildren: John Cocke, Thomas Edwards Jr., Mary Ward, and Edward Branch. The witnesses are Edward Warding, John Clark, and Jane Gower, who is named Executrix. Jane Gower was the mother of John Branch who was Martha Griegg's first husband, having successively married William Baugh, Jr., William Branch and Abel Gower. (See Mr. Cabell's report which follows at the end of this chapter.)

But from the wills of Repps Jones and his mother, Mrs. Mary Skerme, it is evident that Martha Jones, daughter of Mrs. Mary Skerme by her first husband Thomas Jones, married an Osborne, and that she left children Mary, Martha and Thomas Osborne. Reps Jones' will was made February 19th, 1688-89 and was probated August 1st, 1689; he bequeathed property to Philip Turpin, who married his sister Elizabeth, (this was the property he bought from his brother Thomas Jones, which at the death of Philip and Elizabeth Turpin was to go to his cozen (sic) Thomas Jones, and if Thomas Jones left no male heirs, it was to go to Edward Skerme); his sisters Mary Skerme and Martha Osborne; and his honored mother.[28]

Mrs. Mary Jones married Edward Skerme, who died about 1677, and his widow was given the probate of his estate September 1st, 1677.[29] Mrs. Mary Skerme died about 1710 and left property to her grandchildren, Matthew, Philip, and Martha Turpin; daughter Elizabeth Turpin; son-in-law Philip Turpin; granddaughter Elizabeth Turpin; daughter Mary Brodneks (Broadnax); and to grandchildren Mary, Martha, and Thomas Osborne. She left Martha Osborne her wedding ring. (The will was dated November 16th, 1707, and proved October 5th, l710.)[30] It was this Martha Osborne who according to family tradition married Thomas Lockett, 2nd.

The above facts suggest that Thomas Osborne's (1641-92) first wife was Martha Jones; that she died not too long [221]after her brother Repps made his will (Feb. 19th, 1688-89), and that Thomas Osborne then married Martha, widow of John Branch, not long thereafter. Since Thomas Osborne, son of Thomas (1641-92), was filing a petition with the Court concerning his father's estate in 1692, it is likely that he was already of age, suggesting a birth date about 1670 at the latest.

On August 20th, 1692, Mr. Thomas Osborne, son and heir of Mr. Thomas Osborne, deceased, petitioned the Court that the widow of said decedent may have her parts of lands and plantacions (sic) of ye sd decedent assigned and laid out by such persons as appointed by the Court. The Court ordered that the said Thomas and Mrs. Martha Osborne, relict and Executrix of the decedent try to agree before the next Court and if they do not, the Court will appoint persons to make the division.[3l]

Since Mrs. Skerme names Thomas Osborne a grandson, it seems likely that his mother was a daughter of Mrs. Skerme. Mrs. Skerme's first husband was Thomas Jones, a son of Thomas and Margaret Jones who came to Virginia in the London Merchant in March, 1619-20.[32] As Repps Jones, son of Thomas and Mary Jones, lists Martha Osborne as a sister, it seems likely that Martha Jones was the first wife of Thomas Osborne (1641-92). Actually such an explanation clears up the problem of how a man apparently of age in 1692 and 1696 (when he was giving deeds), could have been the grandson of a woman (Mrs. Skerme) whose daughter did not marry his father until after 1688, which would have been the case if Martha Branch-Osborne-Edwards had been born Martha Jones.

However, there is one problem which yet remains. Martha Osborne appeared as a witness in Henrico Court December 1st, 1688, and gave the same testimony as Mrs. Jane Gower, to the effect that when two men came before Abel Gower, (a Justice of the Court), with a dispute over apples, Mr. Gower, being very ill, asked them to go before some other Justice. Martha Osborne is here listed as about 26 years of age.[33] It is not likely that this would have been the first Mrs. Thomas Osborne, from the age. The age and the circumstance both fit the second Mrs. Osborne, for her first husband John Branch, was a son of Mrs. Gower by a previous marriage. But it is between two or three months later that Repps Jones makes a will mentioning his sister Martha Osborne. If Thomas Osborne, son of Thomas (1641-92) had been born about 1670, it would be impossible [222]for his mother to have been only 26 years old in 1688. Yet Mrs. Mary Skerme lists him as a grandson, which indicates that he, Mary and Martha Osborne were the children of Martha Jones Osborne. And it does not seem likely that Repps Jones would have referred in his will to a deceased sister as though she were still alive.

Thomas Osborne's will mentions a son John, a son Thomas, and his wife, Martha, who is named Executrix. John got 200 acres of Coxendale and 95 acres, "lately patented"; Thomas was to occupy, possess, and enjoy the part on which he dwells during the natural life of wife Martha and no longer; Martha got the house where I live and the orchard; the rest of the goods was to be divided between John and Martha. If John died before he became 18, Martha was to have the choice of the three parts into which these are to be divided, with the rest going to Thomas or the male heirs of Thomas. Dated Oct. 2nd, 1691; proved June 1st, 1692.[34]

There is the indication that John Osborne was the son of Martha, the second wife, since she was mentioned as his guardian in another record. A page in the records is mutilated, but we can learn that the "said Thomas in Court refusing". The Court directed the Sheriff to summon ---- Ligon, Surveyor, and an able jury of the neighborhood on the 13th instant to divide the Osborne property, except what belongs to John Osborne (second son of the decedent) under the guardianship of the said Martha. The late dwelling and orchard of the decedent were given to Martha in lieu of her claiming no part of the whole plantation whereon said Thomas lives and is also excluded from the division. The mutilation does not give the date, but the page number suggests that this settlement was determined not long after Thomas Osborne filed the petition in August, 1692.[35]

From all of the above records we may conclude that Martha Osborne who according to family tradition married Thomas Lockett, 2nd, had not married in 1707 when her grandmother's will was written, as she refers to her as MARTHA OSBORNE. She was dead prior to 1722.[36] The evidence that her father was born c. 1641 comes from testimony he offered in Henrico County, Dec. 2nd, 1689, when his age was given as c. 48 years.[37]

Dr. James Branch Cabell, who has done much research on the Osborne family, incident to his research on the Branch family with whom the Osbornes were closely [223]connected, arrives at a different conclusion concerning the maiden name of the widow of John Branch, whom he says was Martha Griegg. He very kindly prepared a short report for me in August of 1950 and it follows below:

"Edward Osborne, Gent., on June 2nd, 1636, patented 400 acres in Henrico, "Joyning--westerly upon the Maine river", (and therefore apparently not in what is now Chesterfield), due for his personal adventure and the transportation of seven persons, two of whom were Robert James and Richard Hitchcock.

Captain Thomas Osborne of Coxendale, born 1590, came to Virginia in 1619, leaving in England at least one son, and dies prior to 1642.

This son, Thomas Osborne Jun'r, on 16 June 1637, patented 500 acres in Henrico, adjoining southerly upon his father's land, "Ffeering", due for his personal adventure and the transportation of nine persons. This shows that he came from England and presumably was unmarried in 1637, since otherwise his wife would be listed among the headrights. Upon 20 August 1642, after his father's death, as Thomas Osborne he patented 400 acres in Henrico, adjoining North North East on Mr. Osborne's land called by the name of "Ffeering". He died before 1685, leaving issue:

Thomas Osborne of Coxendale, born 1641, died March 1692, will dated 1 October 1691, recorded 1 June 1692. On April 20th, 1685, he patented eighty five acres in Henrico, "along the head of the said Osborne's ancient patent, belonging to Coxendale. This shows that his father was then dead. The name of his first wife is not known. He married, in 1688-89, Martha Griegg, then the widow of John Branch, and she married, third, in 1692, Thomas Edwards. Thomas Osborne of Coxendale, in his will refers to the 1685 patent as "the land I lately patented". Immediately before his death he applied for the patent granted 19 (or 29) April 1692, upon account of the resurvey having shown the estimated 1000 acres to be 1113 acres, the surplus being covered by his importation of two persons. In terming "Captain Thomas Osborne father of the Patentee", this land grant is beyond question incorrect, and should read "grandfather". By his first wife Thomas Osborne of Coxendale had issue another Thomas, and he left also another son, John, who was under eighteen in 1691, and who may have been a child of second wife.
[224]
The son Thomas Osborne of Henrico, born prior to 1670, died 1733, will dated 27 February 1730, recorded June 1733, sold to his uncle Edward Osborne, upon 1 June 1696, two hundred acres of land "granted to my great grandfather, Captain Thomas Osborne, by patent". He sold to Philip Turpin, on 2 August 1697, one hundred acres of land "more or less", which from the description of it appears to be the eighty five acres patented by his father on 20 April 1685. He married, prior to February 1688-89, Martha Jones, born 1662, who died prior to 1730, (since her husband's will does not mention her, and bequeaths to his daughter Cicely, "All her mother's clothes",) and by her had issue: Thomas Osborne; Martha Osborne, living in 1707, who died prior to 1730, since her father's will does not mention her; Mary Osborne, who married Benjamin Branch; Elizabeth Osborne, who died unmarried prior to 1730; Edward Osborne; and Cicely Osborne.

The younger son of Thomas Osborne, Jun'r, was Edward Osborne of Henrico, born 1646, living 1 June 1696 (when he already possessed a portion of the Coxendale property, and bought from his nephew two hundred more acres of it "running along Edward Osborne's line"), will dated 6 January 1696, recorded 1 April 1697, who married Tabitha Platt, and left issue.
--------------------------------
As to Martha Branch-Osborne-Edwards; The will of Robert Griegg, dated 10 February 1702-03, recorded in Henrico 2 August 1703, mentions the testator's grandchildren, John Cocke, Thomas Edwards Jr., Mary Ward and Edward Branch. The witnesses are Edward Warding, John Clark, and Jane Gower, who is named Executrix. She was the mother of that John Branch who was Martha Griegg's first husband, having married successively William Baugh Jr., William Branch, and Abel Gower."

--------------------------------

The above report gives us food for thought, and certainly clues for further research. However, until, or I might say UNLESS other records are discovered, we cannot say with any certainty how many generations of Osbornes lived in Henrico County in the Seventeenth Century.

Since there are no OFFICIAL records of the marriages of Margaret Osborne to Thomas Lockett, First, and Martha Osborne to Thomas Lockett, Second, we shall have to [225]accept the family traditions that have been handed down through many generations.

It is my earnest hope that some future genius will untangle the many clues and solve the problems. Until then, perhaps the descendants will study my effort with understanding and forbearance.

----------------------------------
1. Va. Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 23, p. 130, gives date as 1616.
2. John Camden Hotten: Original Lists of Persons of Quality, etc., page 201.
3. Hotten: op. cit., p. 169.
4. Hotten: op. cit., p. 219: Rouse "Reeds and Their Relatives", p. 485.
5. 7 W. (2) 131.
6. 23 B 131.
7. State Land Office, Patent Book 1, Vol. 2, p. 519; Nugent: Cavaliers and Pioneers, p. 80, in regard to the deficiency in acreage.
8. Branchiana, p. 113.
9. Minutes of Council and General Court. "Service against the Tanx Powhatans: Left Thos. Osborne in chiefe: Thomas Harris, seconde." 19 V. 122 and 28 V. 102.
10. 31 V. 208. Minutes etc. The date of March 7th, 1628 would be 1629 by new style calendar.
11. In 1619 Rev, Patrick Copland, Chaplain of the English Fleet in the East Indies, collected a sum of money for education in Va. In 1621 the money was given to the Virginia Company. It was decided to found the East India School at Charles City (City Point).
12. 25 V. 40: Minutes etc. Folio 211: quarrel between Mr. Pooley and Mr. Pawlett.
13. 25 V. 114: Minutes etc.
14. 25 V. 228: Minutes etc.
15. 19 V. 122: Prefatory Note of the Council and General Court, 1622-29. On July 4th, 1627, the minutes read: Service against the Tanx Powhatans: Left. Thomas Osborne in chiefe: Tho. Harris second, 28 V. 102.
16. 31 V. 208: Minutes etc.
The above two items dated January and March 1625, took place in 1626 (new style): and the last, dated March 7th, 1628 took place in 1629, new style.
17. Thomas Osborne, William Farrar, Francis Eppes, Justices of Henrico, 1631: Stanard's Extracts.
18. Stanard's Colonial Virginia Register pp. 54-58.
19. Nugent, op. cit., p. 61.
20. 4. W. (2) 20; 5V. 119.
21. State Land Office, Patent Book 1, Vol. 2, p. 512; Nugent, op. cit., p. 61.
22. Nugent, op. cit., p. 137.
23. State Land Office, Patent Book 8:215.
24. Henrico Records, V, 1688-97:634.
25. Nugent op. cit., p. 41. "Edward Osborne, Gent., 400 acres Henrico Co., 2 June, 1636, fifty acres for his own personal adventure and 350 acres for the transportation of seven persons."
26. Henrico Records; op. cit. V. 435.
27. Op. cit. IB. 34
28. Henrico Records V. p. 73
29. Henrico Records 1:16.
30. Henrico Records 1710-14, will dated Nov. 16th, 1707; proved Oct. 5th, 1710.
31. Henrico Records 1:489.
32. Cabell: Branchiana, 140-42.
33. Henrico Records 5:28.
34. Henrico Records 5:310.
35. Henrico Records 1:494.
36. Stanard's Extracts: p. 3, with note 16.
37. Henrico Records: V: 107.

PATENT:

On February 6, 1637 1000 acres of land in Henrico Co. on the south side of the James River were patented to Capt. Thomas Osborne. In 1638 a surveyor stated that only 800 acres were within the boundaries of the patent.

The patent is described as follows in the Library of Virginia land patent database:
http://lva1.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/F/?func=file&file_name=find-b-clas30&local_base=CLAS30

Osborne, Thomas, Capt. grantee.
Land grant 6 February 1637.
Location: Henrico County.
Description: 1000 acres northerly upon Proctors Creek &c. Southly. upon Henrico Island called by the name of Fearing.
Source: Land Office Patents No. 1, 1623-1643 (v.1 & 2), p. 519 (Reel 1).

A facsimile image of the patent can be seen on page 519 at http://image.lva.virginia.gov/LONN/LO-1/001/501-600.html. Sir John Harvey was governor of Virginia from 1628 to 1639. The 'v' in 'Harvy' looks like a 'b' but is identical to the initial 'u' in 'unto'. Some of the names are just a guess. My names are somewhat different from those on page 214 of SOUTHERN KITH AND KIN.

To all to whome etc Now Know yee that I the said S'r John Harvy Lt doo w'th the consent of the Counsell of State accordingly give and grannt unto Cap't Thomas Osborne one Thousand acres of land situate lying and being in the County of Henrico bounded Northerly upon Proctors Creeke Easterly upon the maine river westerly into the woods and Southerly upon Henrico Island called by the name of ffearing The said one Thousand acres of land being granted unto him the said Cap't Thomas Osborne by order of Court bearing date the 8th day of October 1634 being alsoo due by and for the transportaton of twenty p'sons into this Colony whose names are in the Records mentoned under this pattent To have and to hold etc dated the 6th of ffebruary 1637 _______

Isacc Hutchins, Tho: Draywood, Jon White, James Gaterson, Godfrey Lewis, Tho's Hunt, Jon Beard, Rich'd Arguse, Roger Humble, Robert James, Nath Spackman, Richard Greenwood, Wm. Jones, Wm. Hicklesworth, Tho's Bretin, Charles Russell, James Wanton, Hen. Seale, Robert Cundorb, Richard Hitchcoc

This patent grannted to Cap't Thomas Osbourne of ffearing in the Countie of Henrico for one Thousand acres of land _______ upon Survey made by mee William Wigg Aprill the 26th 1638 there is but Eight hundred acres of land ________ within the bounds or limitts of his pattent his _____ dated the 6th of ffebruary 1637 measured & bounded vizt Northerly upon Proctors Creeke Westerly into the woods by the side of Proctors Creeke and the Spring ____ extending Southerly upon the river towards Henrico Island by Mount my Lady w'th marked trees and it lyeth Easterly upon the river at the Mouth of Proctors Creeke
_me William Wigg
BIRTH:

Capt. Thomas Osborne is listed as Lieutenant Thomas Osborne in "The Muster of the Inhabitants of Virginia 1624-25 at the Colledg Land, Henrico". So by 1624 he was a lieutenant and he was probably at least 19 when he arrived on the Bona Nova in 1619. Thus he was probably born before 1600. James Branch Cabell in BRANCHIANA (page 113) estimates that the was born about 1590. I do not know what the basis for that estimate was.

DEATH:

Capt. Thomas Osborne was alive in February 1637 when 1000 acres were patented to him. In June of the same year 500 acres were patented to Thomas Osborne, Jun'r, whom I assume to be his son. In August 1642 400 acres were patented to this same Thomas Osborne, who is no longer designated as 'Junior'. It is thus probable that his father died between 1637 and 1642.

BRANCHIANA:

The following is on pgs 114-115 in BRANCHIANA (James Branch Cabell; 1907). In BRANCHIANA Cabell says that Capt. Thomas Osborne had a son who was the father of Thomas Osborne (1641-92) and his brother Edward (1645-97) and whose name might have been Edward, but he says that Capt. Thomas was alive in 1667 and that it was he (Capt. Thomas) who assigned to Thomas Lockett his headright for the transportation of Alex Wood. Later in a note to the author of SOUTHERN KITH AND KIN Cabell says that Thomas Osborne Jun'r to whom in 1637 Batchelor's Banke was patented is a son of Capt. Thomas and that Capt. Thomas died before 1642. BRANCHIANA is available online at

http://ia600303.us.archive.org/28/items/branchianabeingp00cabe/branchianabeingp00cabe.pdf

Meantime, Thomas Osborne had settled, in the year 1625, at "Coxendale," on the south side of James River, in the extreme northeast of the present Chesterfield County, and corresponding to the present "Cox's Dale."

Christopher Branch's plantation of "Kingsland," \emdash - which he patented, as recorded, in 1635, \emdash - lay immediately north of "Coxendale," being separated from it by Proctor's Creek; and it is not unnatural that this close proximity in a sparsely settled country should have resulted in many marriages between the families of Branch and Osborne.

Christopher Branch of "Kingsland" and Captain Thomas Osborne of "Coxendale" were near neighbors for some thirty-odd years, and presumably \emdash - if one allows for the slight disparity in their ages \emdash - on terms of considerable intimacy; they grew from obscurity to affluence and prominence together, and year by year, as the one patented land to the north of Proctor's Creek the other would patent land to the south of it, till presently the twin plantations of "Kingsland" and "Coxendale" had grown to rank among the largest in all southern Henrico.

Captain Thomas Osborne held in his day many positions of honor. In the year 1629 he represented Henrico (with Christopher Branch of "Kingsland") in the Virginia House of Burgesses; and (again with Christopher Branch of "Kingsland") was one of the viewers of tobacco "from the World's End to Henrico" in 1639. Always the two men are somehow bracketed together.

In addition, Captain Thomas Osborne was "commissioner for the upper parts of Henrico" in 1631, and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses for the years 1630-31-32-33.

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