William Macon And His Son, Gideon

The following essay we are trying to document as much as possible. If anyone has anything to add, or corrections to make, I would appreciate hearing from you by e mail, cagemacon.aol.com.

Who were Col. Gideon Macon's ancestors ? On the internet, there have been too many different ideas about Gideon's ancestors. For example, Gideon as a Huguenot though England, or having come direct from France to Virginia as an immigrant. Also, I have found there are at least three different French genealogies for Gideon. In one case, it was said that he was, “...connected to the Royal Families.” All of this with no documentation or any French names for his children or his descendants.

Alethea Macon in her book, “Gideon Macon of Virginia and Some of His Descendants”, on page 6, discussed the possibility of Gideon having French parents. She says,...”Louis de Macon...his son Gabriel de Macon...The statement has been made repeatedly that Gideon Macon was a descendant of these Macons, whose line is given in some detail in the 'Armorial General de la France'. However, the record does not convincingly bear out the claim. Especially significant is the absence of all given names found in the American family of Macon” (French given names)

So far, we have found no indication at all that the Macon family were Huguenots or that they had any direct connection to France. In order to determine anything different we would have to find William's father and other ancestors of his, probably in Nottingham, England, to see if any of them came from France. We have not found them yet.

The Huguenot Society of America, in a letter to me, dated Nov. 1, 2010, said, “Enclosed please find the ONLY information we have concerning this line,” Gideon Macon's line. The information states that, “Gideon Macon, son of Louis de Macon and Catherine de Prades, b. 1648, France.” And that he was,”naturalized in England and again in Virginia.”, (twice ?). The rest of the information they sent listed his wife and children. There was no documentation included for his French parents or for his being naturalized in England or Virginia. There were four publications and the St. Peters parish records (for his children), listed for his qualifications as a Huguenot. The first book on the list was Alethea Jane Macon's book, “Gideon Macon of Virginia and Some of his Descendants”, mentioned above. However, on page 6, as stated above, she says, “...The record does not convincingly bear out the claim”. This was a book used FOR his Huguenot status. Apparently, the Societies do not confirm what is contributed. So far, there has been no supporting evidence that he was a Huguenot or that his parents were French (the de Macons). Please see the essay on this blog, "Was Gideon Macon a Huguenot ?"

If he was not a Huguenot, the other possibility is that the family may have descended from a French stonemason. The name, Macon, with various spellings, was an old Norman name for stone workers in the North Western part of France, the area of Normandy and Brittany. These stone workers developed a reputation for their stone work. Many were imported into England at least as early as the 1100's to do their work in England. These stone workers were the ancestors of many Macon families, with various spellings for the name. These families were not biologically related to each other, but were related by their ancestor's occupation as stone workers, as in “stonemason”.

In France, the word Mason was originally spelled Macon, but pronounced Mason. This has caused differences in the spelling of the family surnames in England and Virginia. Also, before the 1700 or 1800's many people tended to spell the surname as it sounded to them. Some examples would be, Mason, Masson, Makin, Mecon, Macun. Meakun, and many more. This applies to Parish records, ships records, and other types of historical documents through the end of the 1700's. The same person could be listed as Macon in one place and Mason or something else in another place. See, “The Internet Surname Database”, “Macon Surname”, or many other web sites with the history of the Macon name. See also the four page leaflet , “The Relevance of Surnames in Genealogy”, from The Society of Genealogists in Britain.

Two interesting examples of the variations in spelling are a Richard Machun in 1120 and a John Macun in 1130. It is interesting too, that Richard Machun was in Lincolnshire County, next door to Nottingham. Both men were probably stone workers, John Macun was listed on the building accounts of King Henry the first of England in 1130.

By the 19^th century, surnames in Britain were beginning to become more stable and uniform in a family, especially as more people were becoming educated in the spelling of names.

Another possibility for Gideon's ancestors could be, Gideon's family were descendants of a stone mason, but were also Huguenots. There is no way to know this unless we find more of William and Gideon's ancestors.

1596

There were hard times in the London of 1596. One alderman complained to the Privy Council of the, “great dearth of victual which hath been continued now these three years, besides three years plaque before”. Plaques were happening almost every year in the late 16^th and 17^th centuries, in the summer and fall, especially in London.

1610

By 1610, many books were being circulated, about the “King's Virginia Company”, and other adventures in Virginia. One was, “A True And Sincere Declaration of The Purpose And Ends of The Plantations Begun In Virginia”. These books are what interested people in The Drapers Co., The Virginia Co., and the other possibilities in Virginia. Getting away from the plaques of London was also a contributing factor in so many people leaving England for other places.

William Macon b.1615, Nottingham Eng.

1615

William Macon was born in 1615 in Nottingham, England. According to the Archivest of The Drapers Company of London, William Macon, Gideon's father, was “of Nottingham”. The records did not list William's father's name. He could have been an orphan by this time, because of the plaques in England that were happening almost every year. Many orphans were apprenticed out young in this way. The only way to know is to find the parish records in Nottingham. William was “of Nottingham”, at 9 years old, so his father was probably also “of Nottingham”, and would have been born about 1580-5. “

1624 to 1634

William was apprenticed at The Merchant Taylors Company, part of The Drapers Company of London. He was apprenticed in 1624 at the age of 9 years. He apprenticed from 1624 to 1631, plus 3 years to become a “freeman” in 1634. “There is no record of him after this”, because he was in Virginia. There is also a later record that lists William Macon, “the son of the elder William Macon” as also an apprentice of Merchant Taylors Company from 1654 to 1661, plus 3 years to be a “freeman” in 1654. “There is no record of him after this”, because he was in Virginia also. In order to work in England, they would have had to register with the The Drapers Company Guild, which they did not do.

The Drapers Company started their apprenticeships in 1554. In the late 1500's and early 1600's it was usual for the boys to start their apprenticeships at about 8 or 9 years old to about 20 years old. All their needs were met, and the younger boys were actually raised by the men they were apprenticed to by contract. The laws concerning apprenticeships were very strict and controlled at the time. This arrangement also included their schooling.

The original symbol or mascot of The Drapers Company was called, “Gideon and the Golden Fleece”, from the Greek story, “Jason and the Golden Fleece”. Jason “was to voyage to Argos, to bring back the sacred “Golden Fleece” from the edge of the known world”. This story was combined with the story from the book of Judges in the Bible about Gideon talking to the angels about a sign using his fleece. The Drapers Company used as part of their original symbol, the angels, and a golden ram, it was called “Gideon and the Golden Fleece”. This was all symbolic at the time for the Drapers Company, because the Company was a wool guild and had a monopoly on the wool trade in England and the new world, “the edge of the known world”. Much later in the late 1600's or the 1700's the symbol was changed. The angels were changed to lions, and later there were other changes as well. William, having apprenticed at the Company from the time he was 9 to 19 years old, may have named his son Gideon after this symbol. Unless, Williams father was also named Gideon. If this is the case, it would mean that William was the second oldest son. He would have had an older brother named, Gideon. This according to the English naming patterns before 1700. This fits in with William naming his second oldest son, Gideon. We will not know until we find a birth record for William. (For 1615)

1634-5

After William's apprenticeship ended in 1634, he sailed from England to Virginia on the ship, Bonaventure in 1634-5. It was a Drapers Company ship, a “Venture” ship, an investment for the Company. William, age 19 years and his future brother in law, Hugh Garland, age 20 years, were on the same ship. William was listed as Mason on the ship, because the name was spelled Macon but pronounced Mason. An example of this, is a Hugh Mason, he was listed as Hugh Macon at Merchant Taylors Company when he apprenticed there, but on the ship to Mass., he was listed as Hugh Mason. He has no connection with the Macon family we are concerned with. I am just using him as an example.

1636

William later married Ann Garland about 1636 in Virginia. They first settled in York County. They opened a Tavern House in the 40's, 50's, 60's, in James city. Ann was born about 1617, probably in England. She died in 1699 in England, when she went back there after her husband died in 1684 or at least before 1699, when she died in England. Her will was “proved” in England in 1700.

William and Ann attended the old wooden church called the Borken Back'd Church. There was an old parish called Blisland Parish in 1654 in James City. This parish was formally established as St. Peters Parish in 1679.

In 1684, (on Nov. 14^th), at the death of his father, William, Gideon gave a “large sum” of money to the church in his father's name. It was at this time that Rev. Roland Jones, dedicated the church as St. Peters Church. Gideons money went towards building a new brick church on the old foundations. It was finished in 1701. This later became part of the Bruton Church of Williamsburg.

1630's and 40's

William named his oldest son, William, born about 1637, after himself. His second oldest son, Gideon (for a special reason, after the Drapers symbol). born about 1638. He named his oldest daughter, Ann, born in 1640, after his wife. He probably named his second daughter after his mother, however, we do not know his mother's name, or the birth dates of Mary or Sarah, his daughters.

The naming patterns before 1700 for children in England and Colonial Virginia were traditional and well known. The oldest boy was named for the father. The oldest girl was named for the mother. The second oldest boy was named for the father's father. The second oldest girl was named for the father's mother. If they had more children, the mother's parents would be used to name the children. The mother's maiden name was very often used later as a middle name for boys and girls.

Gideon, William's son, followed this same naming pattern. Gideon named his oldest child Gideon Jr. born in 1682, after himself. He named his second oldest son, William, born in1693, after his father, William. He named his oldest daughter, Martha, born in 1684, after his wife, Martha. He named his second oldest daughter Ann, born in 1685, after his mother Ann. These dates are in St. Peters Parish records.

1630's -40's

William and Ann Macon had the following children: (There may have been others, but most of the old Virginia records were destroyed over the years in fires and wars.)

1)Col. Gideon Macon, born in 1638 in Virginia, died in 1702 in New Kent Co., Virginia. He married Martha Woodward in 1681.

Gideon did NOT have a middle name as some people say. Sometimes, his name was written “Gideon (Gedeon) Macon”, because it is written “Gideon” most of the time, but it is written “Gedeon” in the St. Peter's Parish Records. His name was written this way to let other people know his name could be written either way.

Gideon being the second oldest son should be named for his father's father, however, William may have named his son Gideon because of his, William's, Merchant Taylors Co., (Drapers Co.), experience, as talked about above.(Unless we find his father, and he is named Gideon).

Gideon would have studied English law in England, at a Merchant Taylors Co. owned or supported school, at the same time his brother, William was apprenticing, between 1654 and 1664 with the same Company. There was several possibilities for colleges in England supported by Merchant Taylors Co. One was St. John's College, Oxford, founded in 1555 by a Master of the Company. It was associated with the company, but there were other colleges also associated with the Company where he could have studied law in England. Most of the planters in Virginia sent their children away to boarding schools or to apprentice during these times if they could afford it.

2)William Macon Jr., born in 1637 in Virginia, died before 1699, in Virginia. He was not mentioned in Ann's will of 1699-1700. He is the son that apprenticed at Drapers of London from 1654 to 1664. William being the oldest son, was named for his father. He also probably inherited, as the oldest son, whatever his father,William left when he died in 1684, if William himself was still alive. William Sr. had land, slaves, and the Tavern House. He died before 1699, when his mother Ann's will was proved.

3)Sarah Macon (Sarah Freckelton), born in 1642 in Virginia. She married Robert Freckelton. Sarah Freckelton was left a “black flowered silk petticoate which was her sisters”, in Ann's will. The “sister” was probably Ann who died before 1699.

4)Ann Macon, born about 1640 in Virginia, she died before Ann's will of 1699. Ann, being the oldest daughter, was named for her mother. She was probably the “sister” that left the “petticoate”.

5)Mary Macon (Mary Elwenn). This was probably another daughter. She was mentioned in Ann's will as Mary Elwenn. She was probably the widow of a Mr. Elwenn. Ann referred to her other daughter as Sarah Freckelton, she was married to Robert Freckelton. Mary Elwenn was referred to as a “spinster”, because a woman of a certain age that was not presently married, even if she had been in the past (a widow), was referred to as a “spinster”. She was included in Ann's will the same as her other daughter. She was left, “all my wearing linen and my best hood”. Ann also included her son, Gideon, and her grandchildren by him.

1640's-50's

William and Ann first settled in James City in York County, Virginia. William opened an Inn or Tavern House in the 1640's,50's,60's. in James City.. Many planters ran Tavern Houses or Inns, as well as their plantations at this time.

1670

In 1670, William Macon Sr., held a Royal Patent for 400 acres in the County of Powhatan. For those of you who are interested, this land in Powhatan Co. was held by William Sr., 83 years before Henry Macon of Cumberland Co. (son of John), opened the Macon Tavern in this same county of Powhatan. Henry opened the Tavern in 1753. This does not make Henry the son of William. Also, this William was the father of Gideon, not the son. Gideon's son, William was born in 1693-4. This William would have been the great grandfather of Henry. See the essay on this blog, “The Two Henrys and The Wife, Rebecca Mayo”. Also see the essay, “Gideon Macon's son John Macon to Robert Macon”, on this blog.

1673

On Nov. 7, 1673, William bought 100 acres of land from Henry Rey in Naszemond County. William and Ann had negro slaves working the land. Some of them were, Edward, Rebecca, Jonathan, and a slave called Macon, among others. They were all transferred (sold) to someone else before Ann's death in 1699.Edward was transferred (sold) to Stephen Bembridge in New Kent and Rappa Counties in 1683. Rebecca was transferred (sold) to Lancelot Bathhurst in New Kent County in 1687. Jonathan was transferred (sold) to Barth Williamson in Low Norf County in 1690. And the slave called Macon was transferred (sold) to Hugh Owen in Rappa County in 1691.

1677

William Macon ran the Tavern House or Inn until 1677, as well as being a planter. Nathaniel Bacon and his men, during Bacon's rebellion, burnt down the older government offices, along with most of the older records, in 1677. It was at this time that William rented out the Tavern to the Colonial Government of Virginia for their offices from 1677 to 1684, when William died. Between 1684 and 1699, when Ann died, the Tavern was rented out to the Government of Virginia by William's widow, Ann. Virginia granted Ann, “an allowance of 12,000 pounds of tobacco for the use of her Tavern house as committee chambers, assembly roome, clerks office, and council chambers, etc.” In 1699, at Ann's death, the government offices were moved from the Tavern House to Williamsburg, Virginia. Gideon probably met the Governor in his father's Tavern House in 1677, because Gideon started working for the Governor in 1677 until the end of that year.

1684

I did not find a will for William Macon Sr. who died in1684. However, whatever he left probably gave his sons William Jr. and (or) Gideon a start in life. If William Jr. died before his father in 1684, Gideon may have inherited instead of his brother. Gideon gave “a large sum” money to the church in 1684, Nov. 14^th, in his father's name. Gideon also bought Macon Island and built Mount Prospect Plantation around 1680. I have not found an actual record of the land purchase. Gideon married Martha Woodward in early 1681.

1699-1700

Anne (Ann) Macon's will of 1699-1700.

“Anne Macon of St. Botolph, Algate, London, widow. Will dated 7 September 1699; proved 3 August 1700”. “To Mr. Gideon Macon now living in Virginia and to his wife to each of them a ring of 20s apiece. To Gideon Macon, his son, my silver tankard &c. To Ann Macon, daughter of Gideon Macon the elder my silver porringer. To Martha my six silver spoons. To Mary Elwenn, spinster, all my wearing linen and my best hood &c. To Sarah Freckelton a black flowered silk Petticoate which was her sisters. To Mr. John Baldwin and his wife to each of them 20s for gloves”.

“Rest to son in law Robert Freckelton, executor, and I desire my friend Mr. John Baldwin will see this my will executed”.

“Witnesses: John Shaw, John Goodyer, Ath Lake”.

“Consistory of London Register Redman (1670-1720) fo. 94.”

The Tavern House, the land, and the rest of William's estate were probably dealt with in his will of 1684. That is why, in Ann's will of 1699, she was only giving her personal items to her immediate family members, and her friend, John Baldwin.

Gideon Macon's Life, A Summary.

(Also, see the essay, “The Macon Plantations”, on this blog)

1638.

Gideon was born in James City, York Co. Virginia to William and Ann Macon.

1654 to 1664.

Gideon and his brother, William were in England as students sponsored by The Merchant Taylors Company. Gideon studied English law at one of the owned or supported colleges of the Merchant Taylors Co. St. John's College may be a possibility.

1665

Gideon was probably back in Virginia about 1665, after studying law in England. According to the York County Court records in Virginia, Gideon was practicing law by 1670-1. He was just establishing himself in the 1670's. He bought Macon Island and the Mount Prospect Plantation in 1680.

The following was in York County where William and Ann Macon lived.

1670-1.

This is the earliest date in the York County Court records of Virginia for Gideon practicing law. He was probably practicing law before that, but was not in the records.

1672.

Gideon became Sub Sheriff of York County.

1676.

Gideon appeared as a witness at the Isle of Wight.

1677.

Gideon was a secretary and Indian Interpreter for Sir William Berkley, Governor of Virginia, until the end of the Governor's term in the same year, 1677. Gideon's father's Tavern House in York County, was rented out to the Government of Virginia starting in 1677. This probably was when Gideon met the Governor and started working for him.

1679.

The St. Peter's Church was established. Later it was part of the Bruton Church of Williamsburg, Virginia. Gideon was one of the first vestrymen.

Up until this time, Gideon was living in York County, where his parents, William and Ann were living. He then bought Macon Island in New Kent County.

1680

This is the accepted date for Gideon buying Macon Island and establishing Mount Prospect Plantation in New Kent County. (New Kent Co. was established in 1654 from the old York Co).

On Nov. 8, 1658,John Lewis and James Turner were granted 1000 acres of land, of sunken ground and marshes, including an Island. This Island they named Lewis Island. The land was bordered by the Pamunsky river and by the Pouncie's Creek, bordering the land of John Pouncie.

“Gideon bought the Island in 1680”, and renamed it Macon Island. I have found no official record of this purchase. The only record I found concerning an Island Gideon bought, was a New Kent Co. land patent of 1694, stating that he “...purchased 155 acres and 4 persons on April 12, 1694”, and also,“155ac. It being the Island on the North East side of the main run of the Chickahominy swamp, at the wading place near Meraday's plantation”. Patent 8, page 357. However, this must be another Island. Gideon renamed the cemetery on the Island, Macon cemetery, where several generations of Macons were buried. See the essay, “Macon Plantations”, on this blog.

1680.

The title of Colonel was given to him about this time, because he was the Commander in Chief of the New Kent County Military.

1681.

Gideon married Martha Woodward. She was born about 1657, in King William County. She died about 1727 in New Kent Co. Her father was William Woodword, a Quaker from Penn. He took up 2000 acres with the Pamunsky Indians, at their invitation. It was a large tract of land near the Pamunsky river, on the Pamunsky Neck of the river above John's creek, (Jack's creek), in King William County. William Woodword had two daughters, Martha and Anne, who inherited this land when their father died. William Woodword's will was filed on Feb. 6, 1797 in King William County, Virginia. Martha's mother was Mary Hobson. All of Gideon and Martha's children were born in the 1680's and1690's. Some people say she was married first, about 1675, to a Mr. Biggar before she married Gideon. After Gideon's death, she married Nathaniel West and had a daughter named Unity West. Unity married William Dandridge, the brother in law of Francis Jones Dandridge, (daughter of Martha Macon and Orlando Jones, Martha Macon was Gideon's daughter). Capt. West was a representative in the House of Burgesses, as Gideon had been. (Martha died about age 70)

1682.

Gideon and Martha's first child, Gideon Jr. was born in 1682. St. Peters Parish Records. Also, in 1682, the first slave child (recorded), among others that were born later, are in the St. Peter's Parish Records, as belonging to “Gedeon” Macon. The following are the few that were listed. From 1682 to 1701.

“Sarah a Negro girl belonging to Mr. Gedeon Macon borne ye 29^th day of Jan'y 1682

Will a Negro boy belonging to Mr. Gedeon Macon born ye 2d day of Febry 1683

Nan b July 1692 belonging to Gedeon Macon

Moll b 6^th Nov 1695” as above

“Merrea b Jan'y 1695” as above

“Phiil b ye 17 Jany 1696” as above

“Isavk b Jany ye 28 1697” as above

“Sara b Sept 1698” as above

“Will b Nove ye 25 1700” as above

“Liddia b ye 1^st Apr 1701” as above

Trefana b 24 Decenber 1701” as above

1684.

Gideon's father, William died. On Nov.14^th Gideon donated a “large sum” of money to the St. Peter's Church in his father's name. The money was to help build a new brick church to replace the old wooden one. The church still stands on the Duke of Gloucester St. in Williamsburg, Virginia. The church was dedicated in 1684, by the Rev. Roland Jones. He was the father of Orlando Jones, who married Gideon's daughter, Martha.

1684.

At this time, Gideon became a church Wardon for St. Peter's church.

1693.

Gideon was a first time representative for New Kent County in the House of Burgesses for Virginia. He also served every year from 1696 until his death in 1702.

1694 to 1701 - Land Patents (5)

In 1694, Gideon purchased 155 acres and 4 persons on April 12 1694. New Kent County land patent, “155ac. It being the Island on the North East side of the main run of Chickahominy swamp, at the wading place near Meraday's plantation.” Patent 8, page 357. This is the only record I found of Gideon buying an Island in New Kent Co. However, it must be a different Island.

1698.

On Oct. 15, 1698. Land Patent, “ Henrico County, 148ac., on the South side of Chickahominy swamp, being three small Islands, Begg. &c. on Queen's cabin branch”. Patent 9, page 172. Gideon Macon Jr. inherited this land when his father died in 1702, he sold part of it 1704, according to Virginia Land records.

1700.

On Nov.7 1700. Land Patent. “New Kent County, 545ac., Beg. g &c. Standing in the fork of the Chickahominy river, at the south side of the said fork, & where the swamp of the said river ends”. Patent 9, page 289.

1701.

On April 25 1701. Land Patent., “King and Queen County, 425ac.,Beg. g. $c. In Pampatike swamp. Adjoining Tho. Spencer's land. North &c. crossing John's creek”. Patent 9, page 354.

1701.

Another patent on the same day and year, April 25 1701.Land Patent. “King and Queen County, 172ac., In Pamamkey neck, on the East side of Pampatike swamp. Beg. g. &c. in the head line of his 425ac. Parcel of Pullams patent”. Patent 9, page 354.

Gideon bought 1,445 acres of land between 1694 and 1701, not counting the Mount Prospect and Macon Island land, or any of the land, or the Tavern House, he may have been left by his father, William, before he died in 1684.

1682 to 1701 - Their Children

Gideon and Martha Macon had the following six children:

Dates of his children's birth are in the St. Peter's Parish records.

1)Gideon Macon Jr. b. June 22 1682. d. Dec.20 1761. He was the oldest son, named after his father. Even though his younger brother, William inherited Gideon's plantation, he seemed to be the one to inherit his fathers land patents of 1,445ac.and maybe more. He was on record as having sold one of his father's land patents in 1704, after his father's death in 1702. He was 11 years older than William, and may have been already established somewhere else. He inherited a silver tankard from his grandmother, Ann Macon, in her will. In 1704 Gideon Jr. was on the New Kent County Rent Rolls for 270 acres of land, he was listed as “Gideon Meacon”.

2)Martha Macon b. 1683 d. May 4 1703. She was the oldest daughter, named after Gideon's wife, Martha. She inherited six silver spoons from her grandmother,Ann Macon, in her will. She married Orlando Jones on Jan 31 1695-6. He was the son of Rev. Roland Jones of Bruton Church, now at Williamsburg. She had a daughter, Francis Jones, who married John Dandridge. They had a daughter, Martha Dandridge who married John Custis and later, George Washington. Martha, daughter of Gideon, later became the grandmother of Martha Washington. Martha Washington was named after this grandmother. The White House in Washington D.C. Was named after Martha's (wife of George) plantation, The White House in Virginia. This plantation was later owned by the son of Robert E. Lee. Martha's plantation bordered the Macon plantation of Gideon's Mount Prospect. By 1794, the majority of Washington's slaves , about 300, did not belong to him, but were dower slaves of Martha's and her heirs. Martha and George had no children of there own. The father of Martha's children was John Custis, her first husband. Martha, Gideon's daughter's headstone is now in the Bruton Church of Williamsburg next to the headstone of her husband, Orlando Jones. Her headstone was moved during the last 100 years from Macon Island where she was originally buried , to the church. (See the essay, “The Macon Plantations”, on this blog.)

3)Ann Macon. b. Dec. 15 1684 d. No death date, but she was alive when her grandmother, Ann Macon, made out her will in 1699. Her grandmother left her a silver porringer in her will. She was the second oldest daughter, and according to the English naming patterns of the time she was named after Gideon's mother, Ann Macon. She married James Christian. (Or Charles Massie ?)

4)William Macon. b. Nov. 11 1693. (Parish record), b. Nov. 4 1694 (His headstone) d. Nov. 1773 (His headstone) He married Mary Hartwell on Sept. 24 1719. He was the second oldest son, named after Gideon's father, William. This was still according to the English naming patterns. This son inherited his father, Gideon's plantation, Mount Prospect on Macon Island, in New Kent County. However, Gideon Jr., the oldest son (11years older), inherited Gideon's land patents, of 1445 acres at the least. and probably was established somewhere else. Mary Hartwell was b. June 8 1703. d. Nov. 19 1770. After his father established the plantation in 1680, this William started the line of inheritance of Mount Prospect Plantation that was still in his line in 1974, or maybe longer. Total about 300 years. (See the essay, “The Macon Plantations”, on this blog.) William's line through his sons Hartwell and Henry Macon, would lead to South Carolina, Alabama, and later Ark. (Note to my family, we are descended from William's line and his son , Hartwell.)

5)John Macon. b. Dec. 17 1695. d.1740. He married Ann Hunt on Dec. 17. 1715. He died in Goochland County, where he had 400 acres of land. He started the line through his son, Gideon Hunt Macon that went to North Carolina, some would go to Tenn. and later, Ark, others would go to Ala. This line would lead to Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina, Member of Congress, and later, Speaker of the House, and friend of Jefferson. Later in Ark. There was another Member of Congress, Robert Bruce Macon, in this line also. (See the essay, “Gideon Macon's Son, John Macon to Robert Macon”, on this blog. See also, on this blog, the essay, “The Two Henrys And The Wife, Rebecca Mayo”,

6)James Macon. b. Oct. 28 1701. No information for him.

1700

Gideon's will was dated and filed on Oct. 10, 1700. Martha, his wife was made executrix of the will. Gideon died in 1702 and probably was buried on Macon Island. His will was “proved” in court on June 24, 1703. Some say his will may be in the “Executive Journals, Council of Colonial, Virginia, Vol. 2, page 296. (Gideon died about age 64). It is said that he left 200 pounds, (English currency), to each of his daughters.

1702

After Gideon Macon's death in 1702, there was a law suit “pending in York County, on June 24, 1703, between Martha Macon West, (Gideon's widow and wife of Nathaniel West), the Executrix of Gideon Macon, late of New Kent County, deceased,and Richard Pocke of London, merchant”.

Bib:

1)“Gideon Macon of Virginia and Some of His Descendants, and Allied Families”, by Alethea Jane Macon, pub.1956, revised by Jarvis Wood, 1979. Page 6 for the French references.

2)The Merchant Taylors Company of London, England

3)The Drapers company of London, England

4)Land Office of Patents and Grants of Virginia

5)York County Court Records of Virginia

6)“The Minutes of the General Court of Colonial Virginia”

7)The Records of Bruton Church, Williamsburg, Virginia

8)“The Historical Southern Families”, by John Broddie, Vol.VII, pages 139-41.

9) St. Peters Parish Records, New Kent County, Virginia

10)“The Relevance of Surnames in Genealogy”, from The Society of Genealogists in Britain.

11)The Internet Surname Base

12)Rays Place.com, for the ship Bonaventure, 1634-5

13)The Macon Surname.com

14)Consistory of London Register, Redman, (1670 – 1720), fo.94, for Ann Macon's will

15) A Huguenot Society of America letter, dated Nov.1, 2010