I was just wondering who the first Stovall was to the US. I found him. Bartholomew Stovall, born on August 24, 1664 in Guildford, Albury Parish, County Surrey, England, fatherless as an infant and orphaned at the age of ten, was born during the worst of times in English history. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds against him, he dared to do the extraordinary and embarked on a journey that not only changed his life but also reshaped the future of his family. On November 11, 1683, he was baptized in Albury, Surrey, England. It is thought the baptism at the age of 18 was in an Episcopal Church (Church of St. Peter and St. Paul) at Albury. Before boarding the ship, Bartholomew, who could not write, had signed, with his mark, July 7, 1684, an Indenture to John Bright,[2] a merchant, for a term of four years as payment of his passage. In the late year of 1684, he was the First Stovall to come to America, sailing on a flat bed bottom boat called Booth Ship, which was bound for Jamestown, Virginia. Bartholomew was a Quaker. Bartholomew was married twice. His first wife was unknown but apparently he had a daughter by her, Hagar Stovall born 1686 - died 1723, who is mentioned in an estate settlement. Then he married his second wife , Susannah Ann Burton on August 8, 1693 at St. Johns Church in Henrico County, Virginia. He and Ann had seven children, George Stovall Sr., William Stovall, Bartholomew Stovall Jr., Hannah Stovall, John Stovall Sr., Margaret Stovall and Thomas Stovall. In August 16, 1715, he purchased up to 318 acres next to Deep Creek and the James River in what is now Powhatan County, Virginia, USA. It is near Powhatan, Virginia, about 30 miles west of Richmond. He signed a will, June 14, 1718 in Powhatan County, Virginia. It was not probated until May 1, 1721, a month after his death in Henrico County. In Virginia, Bartholomew served plantation owner Richard Kennon and his infamous wife, Elizabeth Worsham Kennon, who quickly recognized that he was a remarkable person. By the time he completed his indenture obligation a trust bond formed between master and servant. When offered a secure life working for the Kennons he refused and opted for land and tools, and began the task of attaining his foreseen destiny. This compelling chronicle is based on the known facts of an English immigrant and his adventure filled journey to a new life and future. It relays a powerful message of hope, courage, and the sacrifice that must be made in order to achieve ones dreams. This is the story of Bartholomew Stovall - The English Immigrant written by [Stovall-455|Bill Stovall]
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 03:01:49 +0000