Purnell

• Surname List
• Introduction
• First Generation
• Second Generation
• Third Generation
• Fourth Generation
• Fifth Generation
• Sixth Generation
• Seventh Generation
• Eighth Generation
• Index

Introduction

UNPLACED:

William Purnell of Snow Hill, father of Mary Purnell d. 1768, who m. 1724 John Dennis d. 1766 Somerset

Purnell Henry Dryden b.c. 1810 s/o James Henry Dryden & Elizabeth

Purnell Brittingham

Mary Purnell Marshall daughter of ___

Mary P. Marshall d. 1816, m. Thomas M. Purnell d. 1841

Dryden Purnell and his relation to John Purnell, with whom he was living when filing Revolutionary Pension

Cpt. Isaac Purnell m. Hetty Williams, father of William H. Purnell who m. Sarah M. Hudson. Census containing his son Augustus shows that Isaac was born in Scotland.

Zadock Purnell m. Mary Davis, father of William H. Purnell m. 1869 Julia A. LeCompte

NOTES ON PURNELLS OF TALBOT & CAROLINE COUNTIES, MD: by Vernon L. Skinner, Jr.

Richard Purnell: 1628-9, warrant for 100 acres of land in Talbot Co., MD granted to Richard Purnell. In his will, he names his wife, Anne, and his brother, William is a witness. Richard inherited half of his father's estate in England. (George I. Purnell, The Purnell Family Farm Tour, Santa Cruz, CA, 1999)

William Purnell:, d. 1703, wife Margaret, had two children: William Purnell, Jr., d. 1742, and Margaret Purnell.

William Purnell, Jr. d. 1742, wife Juliana, had a daughter, Mary Purnell, and a son, William Purnell, III, d. 1786.

William Purnell, III, d. 1786, wife Ann. In 1777 served as a Private in the Revolution. 1783 Tax List shows him with 256A "Purnell's Forest", Upper Choptank District, Caroline Co. Estate inventory in 1786. William and Ann had children: William Purnell, IV; Thomas Purnell; Juliana Purnell; Ann Purnell; John Young Purnell. William, Thomas and John Young all served in the Revolution (Rev. Patriots of Caroline Co.)

John Purnell: 1715-1783, Worcester Co., MD. Tax Lists show a John Purnel in Baltimore Hundred, and a John Purnell in Mattapony Hundred; no others. (John at Mattapony is probably son of Thomas) By Comfort Armstead, he had a son, William Purnell, 1745-1820, who married Ann Sylvester in 1770 Worcester Co. William and Ann had a son, Sylvester Purnell b. 1776 Caroline Co. Sylvester had a son, Thomas Hargadine Purnell, who had a son, John Sylvester Purnell 1837-1884 New Castle Co. NOTE: John and Comfort also had children: Armistead, John, Malvina, Frank, Mathew, Louisa, and James Purnell (notes of Tim Stuart).

There appears to be confusion concerning two John Purnells in Worcester County. A National Society of Daughter of Founders & Patriots of America submission by Carrie Purnell shows John 1715-1783 to be the son of John Purnell & Martha Bowen; however, Martha probably didn't marry John Purnell of Mattapony until after 1717, so their son would have been born after that date; and Martha only named one Purnell grandson in her will, Robert. The John Purnell, son of John & Martha Bowen Purnell, died by 1766 when Mary Holland administered his estate. With the death of William Purnell, son of John d. 1783, in 1820 Caroline Co., and his marriage to a Sylvester and further connection to the name Hargadine, it would appear that the John Purnell d. 1783 m. Comfort Armistead is connected to the Talbot/Caroline family in some way and not the son of John & Martha Bowen Purnell.

1. Thomas¹ Purnell (I) was born in England about 1619. Thomas died 1694 in Somerset Co., MD.

He married twice. He married Elizabeth (N) (wife of Thomas Purnell) before 1673. Elizabeth died about 1674. He married Sarah (N) (wife of Thomas Purnell) about 1674. Sarah died before 1693.

He made a will in Somerset Co., MD, March 5, 1693. Thomas's will was probated in Somerset Co., MD, May 31, 1694. Thomas was from Gloucester, England and arrived on the eastern shore of Virginia on the ship "George" on August 21, 1635 (Passenger Lists 1600-1700, John Camden Hotten). He moved to Somerset Co., MD (now Worcester) about 1666, (Matthew Wise, The Littleton Heritage, p. 421) and recorded his cattle mark there in 1669 (notes of F. Edward Wright). Court orders for Acomack/Northampton Counties VA show Thomas was originally in Virginia. (notes of Vernon L. Skinner) Thomas was assigned "Fairfield" in 1676, an 800 acre tract originally patented to William Stevens.

Thomas immigrated to Talbot County from Northampton Co., VA, by 1663 and transported his wife Elizabeth by 1673. Deeds of 1674-5 show that Thomas' wife was named Sarah. Several researchers have believed that Thomas married first an Elizabeth Dorman and others indicate he married second Sarah Dorman, daughter of John Dorman and Sarah (some show her as Hickman).

NOTE: A typescript of Somerset Co., MD shows a Sarah Percell married John Dorman Dec. 31, 1672. A judicial record of Nov. 9, 1675 indicates that Sarah "Percell" Dorman had a sister, Elizabeth, who had married John Teague and had a daughter, Elizabeth, in 1669. After Teague's death, Elizabeth married Richard Turner in 1671, and she died by 1675, when Turner brought the child Elizabeth to the Dormans because 'she has no other relatives in this county.' It is not known if this marriage and judicial record are for the same John Dorman who conveyed "Dorman's Delight" to Thomas Purnell in 1675. It is not known if the surname of Sarah and Elizabeth was Percell or Purnell and what, if any, relation they were to Thomas Purnell. This report does not suggest a surname for the wives of Thomas Purnell: Sarah and Elizabeth.

No other record of a Thomas Purnell in the proper time frame appears in Talbot County and it is presumed that this is the same Thomas who moved to Somerset Co., MD. (notes of F. Edward Wright) There is nothing definitive to show a relationship between Thomas of Somerset and the Purnells of Talbot & Caroline.

In his 1693 will, Thomas left "Paggi" and "Cold Harbor" to his daughter, Sarah. He left "Fairfield" and "New Fairfield" to his son, Thomas. He left his son, John, land. Worcester land records indicate John having land at "Paggi" "Cold Harbor" "Fairfield" and "New Fairfield." Thomas named his daughter, Elizabeth Nutter.

Deed to Christopher Nutter from Thomas Purnell and Wife, Dorman's Delight, Recorded 3 Feb 1678 Liber W. W 1676 to 1679, p. 416 Somerset Co., Md. Deed between Thomas Purnell and Sarah, his wife, of Somerset Co., Md., and Christopher Nutter, consideration 8000 lbs. tobacco, patent 10 March year of Dominion of Cecillus 1670 to John Dorman, cooper, land on east side of Chesapeake bay on a river called Nanticoke on the south side of the river in the creek of said river called Quantico on the east side of the Creek beginning at a marked pine being the marked tree of a parcel of land of Christopher Nutter standing in the creek running * * * Southeast angling with the creek one hundred and fifty * * * with a line drawne into the woods for length northeast three hundred and twenty perches with a line drawne northwest one hundred and fifty perches bounded upon the land of Christopher Nutter with a line drawn Southeast three hundred & twenty perches bounded upon the said land till it intersects the first bounded tree then laid out for three hundred acres. * * * Thomas Purnell (Seal) Sarah Purnell (Seal) Witnesses: Wm. Stevens, John White. Recorded 9 Febr. 1678.

Item 11 - Deed Book O-5, page 416. Somerset County Records. Recites that on March 10, 1675, a Patent was granted to John Dorman, cooper, called "Dorman's Delight", on East side of Chesapeake Bay, on Nanticoke River, on Quantico Creek, containing 300 acres; that on March 10, 1675, John Dorman conveyed to Thomas Purnell, and that now Purnell and wife, Sarah, convey to Christopher Nutter.

Item 21 - Vol O-5, page 416, Somerset County Records. January 28, 1676. Thomas Purnell, of Somerset County, Maryland, and Sarah, his wife, to Christopher Nutter, of the same County. Recites that on March 10, 1674, a Patent was granted to John Dorman, cooper, of the said County of Somerset, for a tract of land called "Dorman's Delight' lying on the Nanticoke River, on the south side of the river and on a Creek of the said river called Quantico, on the east side of the Creek. Beginning at a marked pine, being the marker for a parcel of land of Christopher Nutter ... containing 300 acres; that on March 10, 1675, John Dorman conveyed 300 acres to said Thomas Purnell, and that the said Purnell and wife Sarah now conveys to Christopher Nutter.

In the name of God amen. March 5th anno dom. 1693/4 I Thomas Purnell of the County of Somersett and Province of Maryland planter being at this present time Sick and weak in body but of good and perfect memory ~~ Thanks be to the Allmighty God and Calling to remembrance the uncertain Estate of this transitory Life and that all flesh must Yield unto Death when it shall Please God to Call I do make Constitute ordain and depute this to be my Last will and Testament Revoking and annulling by these presents all and Every testamt. and Testaments will and wills heretofore by me made or declared Either in word or writting and this is to be taken for my Last will and Testament and none other. First being penitent and Sorry from the bottom of my heart for my Sins past most humbly desireing forgiveness for the Same I give and Committ my Soul unto the almighty God my Saviour and Redeemer in whom and by the Merrits of Jesus Christ I trust and believe assuredly to be Saved and to have full pardon and remission of all my Sins and that my Soul with my Body at the Generall Day of Resurrection Shall rise again with Joy and through merrits of Christ Death and Passion possess and inherit the Kingdom of heaven prepared for his Elect and Chosen and my body to the Earth to be buried with decent buriall and now for the Settling of my Temporall Estate of what Goods Chattels and Debts as it hast pleased God far above my Deserts to bestow upon me I do give order and dispose of the Same in manner and form following That is to say I will that all those Debts which I owe in right or Conscience to any manner of person or persons whatsoever shall be well and truly Contented and paid or ordained within Convenient time after my decease by my Execs. here after named. Item my will and Desire is to give and bequeath unto Nathaniel Veasey a parcell of Land Containing about ninety or one hundred acres it being part of a tract of Land called Coule harbor the said ninety or hundred acres to be Laid out as followeth to begin at Nathaniel Veaseys Corner Tree Standing on the side of a branch running up the Said Branch unto the first small branch that issues out of the afd. branch thence Running up the Small branch unto the head of it, thence with a direct Line unto Nathaniel Vesseys Line Containing about ninety or a hundred acres. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Purnell unto her and her heirs for Ever a tract of Land called paggam Containing two hundred acres I also give and bequeath unto my foresaid Daughter Sarah part of a piece of Land which lyes both sides of the Deep branch part on the head of timber Quarter and part on the head of pagam which said part on the head of paggam I give unto my Daughter Sarah Purnell to her and her heirs for Ever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Purnell unto him and his heirs for Ever a Tract of Land called new Fairfield of four hundred acres I likewise give and bequeath unto my Son Thomas Purnell to him and his heirs for Ever a parcell of Land Joining on Fairfields of one hundred and Thirtie acres I also give and bequeath unto my Son Purnell unto him and his heirs for Ever a parcell of Land Lying between new Fairfield and the Tract of Land formerly belonging to Edward Smith which Said Land was Entered with Mr. William Whittington and Surveyed by him. Item I give and bequeath unto my Son John Purnell unto him and his heirs for Ever all the rest of my Lands which I have or bear Title to. Item my will and Desire is that my Daughter Sarah Purnell shall have priviledge in the Land and marsh that I have given to my Son John Purnell to make hay and winter Ten head of Cattell Durering her Naturall Life. Item my will and Desire is that my daughter Elizab Nutter shall have the Molette Girl Jane not as part of her portion but a particular gift and the rest of my Estate withindoors and without of what nature quality or Condicon Soever Either in the Goods Negros or Cattells I desire may be Equally divided amongst my four Children and Each of Them to have their parts & portions allotted them as soon after my decease as can Lawfully be divided: Elizabeth Nutter haveing received already part as in Cattell and I do further appoint my two Sons John Purnell and Thomas Purnell to be Joint Executors of this my Last Will and Testament in Wittness of the truth hereof I have here unto sett my hand and seal the day and year above written. Thomas Purnell (Seal) Signed Sealed and Delivered In the presence of -- Daniell Selby Silas Chapman Parker Selby Christian Harmanson Under the foregoing will was subscribed this viz. Memorand. that this Last day of May 1694: Probat of this Will was made by the oathes of the above said wittnesses viz: Daniell Selby Christian Harmanson and Parker Selby who were sworn on the holy Evangelist before me Samll Hopkins Depty County (Hall of Records, Annapolis, MD: Wills Liber 2, fols. 319-22)

Thomas Purnell (I) had the following children:

+ 2 i. Sarah² Purnell was born about 1660.

+ 3 ii. Thomas Purnell (II)(Mjr.) was born about 1670.

+ 4 iii. Elizabeth Purnell was born about 1670.

+ 5 iv. John Purnell was born about 1673.

2. Sarah² Purnell (Thomas¹) was born about 1660. Sarah died before 1743 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Affradozi Johnson. Affradozi died 1744. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, May 3, 1743. Affradozi's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, October 3, 1744. Somerset Rent Rolls 1666-1723 show 235 acres "Cold Harbor" possessed by Afradozi Johnson. He named his son, George, and left him 200 acres of "Rochester," to son Thomas he left 87A "Friends Choice" at Rockawalkin" in Somerset County. He named his son Purnell and grandson Samuel Dennis.

A Samuel Johnson, in his will dated August 5, 1750 Somerset Co., MD, left "Cold Harbor" in Worcester to his daughter, Mary. "Cold Harbor" came to Affradozi's wife, Sarah, by her father, Thomas Purnell. Samuel Johnson also left "Friends Choice" in Wicomico to his son, Benjamin, saying it had been willed to him by his father. Affradozi left his son, Thomas, "Friends Choice."

Sarah Purnell and Affradozi Johnson had the following children:

+ 6 i. Sarah³ Johnson.

7 ii. George Johnson. George died 1750. He married Ann Truitt. She was the widow of William Jarman. (notes of Vernon L. Skinner) His father left him 200 acres of "Rochester" in Worcester County. (marriage & dod-notes of Vernon L. Skinner) Distribution of his estate was made January 21, 1757 by Ann Hall, wife of Joshua Hall, and distributed to the widow and William Jarman, minor.

8 iii. Thomas Johnson. His father left him "Friends Choice" in Somerset County.

9 iv. Purnell Johnson. Purnell died about 1777. He married Joanna Byrd. Living in 1743, named in his father's will. (dod & marriage-notes of Vernon L. Skinner)

10 v. Samuel Johnson. His father left him the residue of "Friends Choice."

3. Thomas² Purnell (II)(Mjr.) (Thomas¹) was born about 1670. Thomas died 1723 in Somerset Co., MD.

He married twice. He married Elizabeth (Hammond) about 1695. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Hammond(Sr.). It is generally thought that Elizabeth Hammond, daughter of John, was the first wife of Thomas Purnell and mother of his children, except daughter, Ann, who may have been the daughter of Thomas' second wife, Katherine.

He married Katherine Gooden about 1705. Katherine died 1753 in Worcester Co., MD. She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, July 23, 1753. Katherine's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, August 17, 1753. Catharine named sons-in-law Thomas, Elisha and Walton and lands given by her husband Thomas to Benjamin and Elizabeth were to go to Walton. She named her daughter Ann's children.

He made a will in Somerset Co., MD, February 27, 1720. Thomas's will was probated in Somerset Co., MD, April 2, 1723. Thomas was a Burgess of Somerset Co. Maryland from 1712 to 1723. (Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family, p. 2) His wife at the time of his will was Katherine. John Godden patended "Long Acre" in 1688 and the tract descended to Katherine, who married Thomas Purnell. They sold the tract to William Beddard. (notes of F. Edward Wright)

He received "Fairfield" from his father's will and patented "Adams Fall" and "Fernhill." In his will, he named sons Thomas, Matthew and Benjamin, John, Elisha and Walton, daughters Elizbeth and Anne and wife Katherine and his brother John.

Thomas Purnell (II)(Mjr.) and Elizabeth (Hammond) had the following children:

+ 11 i. Thomas³ Purnell (III) was born September 9, 1695.

+ 12 ii. John Purnell (Mjr.) was born about 1698.

+ 13 iii. Matthew Purnell was born about 1700.

14 iv. Elizabeth Purnell was born about 1701. Elizabeth died before 1753 in Worcester Co., MD. She married Unknown Fullerton. (Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family) She received land from her father in 1720 which was given by Catharine Purnell in 1753 to her brother, Walton.

+ 15 v. Elisha Purnell was born about 1702.

16 vi. Benjamin Purnell was born in Somerset Co., MD 1704. Benjamin died after 1768. Benjamin received "Fern Hill," "Fairfield," "Chance," "Spalding" and "Rochester" from his father. His brother, Thomas gave "Rochester" 'which was devised by my father Thomas Purnell to my brother Benjamin.'

+ 17 vii. Walton Purnell was born about 1705.

Thomas Purnell (II)(Mjr.) and Katherine Gooden had the following child:

+ 18 viii. Ann Purnell was born about 1706.

4. Elizabeth² Purnell (Thomas¹) was born about 1670. Elizabeth died 1738 in Sussex Co., DE.

She married twice. She married John Nutter. John died 1702. She married Isaac Watson. Isaac was born in Queens, NY 1677. Isaac died 1730 in Sussex Co., DE. In his will of 1693, her father called her Elizabeth Nutter. (marriages & children-notes of Vernon Skinner)

Elizabeth Purnell and John Nutter had the following children:

19 i. Mary³ Nutter.

20 ii. John Nutter (Jr.). John died 1725. He married Mary (wife of John Nutter, Jr.).

21 iii. Christopher Nutter. Deed to Christopher Nutter from Thomas Purnell and Wife, Dorman's Delight, Recorded 3 Feb 1678 Liber W. W 1676 to 1679, p. 416 Somerset Co., Md. Deed between Thomas Purnell and Sarah, his wife, of Somerset Co., Md., and Christopher Nutter, consideration 8000 lbs. tobacco.

Elizabeth Purnell and Isaac Watson had the following children:

22 iv. Isaac Watson (Jr.).

23 v. Thomas Watson. Thomas died about 1755. He married Elisabeth Manlove. (marriage-notes of Vernon L. Skinner)

24 vi. Elizabeth Watson. She married William Burton(Esq.).

+ 25 vii. Bethuel Watson was born about 1710.

5. John² Purnell (Thomas¹) was born about 1673. John died 1742 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married three times. He married Director Smith before December 12, 1694. Director was the daughter of John Smith and Joyce(wife of John Smith & Maximillian Gore). Director died after 1696. Her step-father, Maximillian Gore, named John Purnell as his son-in-law. Director Purnell was a witness to the will of Daniel Selby on December 12, 1694, along with Thomas Smith, John Purnell, John Roussalls and Cornelius Shahan. (notes of F. Edward Wright)

He married Tabitha Bailey before February 25, 1714. Tabitha was the daughter of John Bailey and Edith Robinson. Tabitha was named in her father's will, as was her first husband, Parker Selby, second husband John Purnell, and her children, Parker Selby, Jr. and Edith Selby.

He married Martha Bowen after 1717. Martha was the daughter of William Bowen(II) and Mary Hammond. Martha died 1780 in Worcester Co., MD. She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, February 13, 1780. Martha's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, October 13, 1780. Martha was legatee of her father's estate and shown as daughter of William and wife of John Purnell on March 13, 1735. (Vernon L. Skinner, Maryland Probate Records, Prerogative Court Abstracts, 1731-1737, Libers 11-15)

As Martha Selby, she is shown as next of kin with her son, Hezekiah, on the inventory of John Purnell in 1765.

As Martha Selby, her 1780 will named her grandsons, Robert Purnell, Thomas Purnell Sturgis, granddaughter Martha Sturgis and daughter, Martha Sturgis, and grandchildren: John, Thomas Purnell, Joshua and Mary (no surnames).

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, April 15, 1741. John's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, March 3, 1742. John owned land at "Cold Harbor," "Paggi," "Fairfield," and "New Fairfield." John and Tabitha Purnell witnessed the will of Francis Joyce on February 25, 1714-15 (Cotton & Henry, MD Calendar of Wills 1720-1726, Vol. 5, Family Line Pub., Westminster, MD, 1988). In 1716-17, he was named executor for the will of John Bayly and in 1720 was named in the will of his brother, Thomas. In his will, he named youngest son, John, son Hezekia, daughters Bathsheba, Sophia Jenkins, Mary Purnell, Martha Purnell, Sarah Kellam, Joyce Nubold, Tabitha Croper, Elizabeth Major. Tabitha, Elizabeth and Sophia not to claim any part of my estate due them on account of their grandfather Bayly's estate. Wife Martha and grandson Purnell Rackliff. Witnesses: Charles Rackliff, Pregrave Turvill and Daniel Sturgis. On March 3, 1742-3, Martha, now the wife of William Selby and lately the widow and relict of John Purnell, elected to take her thirds.

Probably the John Purnell Sr. who stated his age as 60 in 1733 and 64 in 1736.

John Purnell and Director Smith had the following children:

+ 26 i. Sarah 'Sary'³ Purnell.

+ 27 ii. Joyce Purnell was born about 1685.

28 iii. John Purnell was born before 1707. John died about 1725. A John, Jr. appears in the 1723-25 Tax Lists in the household of John Purnell at Mattapony Hundred, and disappears after the 1725 Tax List. (notes of Vern Skinner) Apparently deceased before the birth of John Purnell to Martha Bowen.

John Purnell and Martha Bowen had the following children:

+ 29 iv. Martha Purnell.

30 v. Mary Purnell. Mary died 1752 in Worcester Co., MD. On October 30, 1752, her next of kin are listed as Martha Selby and Martha Purnell and administration appointed to Hezekia Purnell. (Vernon L. Skinner, Jr., Abstracts of Inventories of Prerogative Court of MD 1751-1756, Brookeville, MD) The administrative account for her estate (45:10) shows her three sisters as wife of Outten Sturgis, wife of Arthur Johnson and wife of John Jenkins. (notes of Vern Skinner)

31 vi. Bathseba Purnell. Bathseba died before 1780. She married twice. She married William Walton before 1751. She married Arthur Johnson about 1752. She is shown as wife of Arthur Johnson in the administrative account for her sister, Mary, in 1752. She was not named in her mother's 1780 will.

+ 32 vii. Hezekia Purnell was born after 1724.

+ 33 viii. John Purnell was born about 1725.

John Purnell and Tabitha Bailey had the following children:

+ 34 ix. Sophia Purnell was born after 1714.

35 x. Tabitha Purnell was born after 1714. She married Bowman Cropper. Bowman was the son of Sebastian Cropper(Sr.). Bowman died 1782 in Accomack Co., VA. He made a will in Accomack Co., VA, May 8, 1782. Bowman's will was probated in Accomack Co., VA, July 30, 1782.

36 xi. Elizabeth Purnell was born after 1714. She married Littleton Scarborough Major before 1741.

6. Sarah³ Johnson (Sarah² Purnell, Thomas¹) birth date unknown. Sarah died 1742.

She married Donnack Dennis in Somerset Co., MD, 1732. Donnack was born before 1716. Donnack was the son of John Dennis. Donnack died about 1752 in Worcester Co., MD. He was named in the will of his grandfather in 1716. (descendants-Pauline Batchelder, A Somerset Sampler, Lower Delmarva Genealogical Society, 1994) Sarah is thought to be the second wife of Donnock and may not have been the mother to all of his children. Her father named a grandson, Samuel Dennis in 1743.

Sarah Johnson and Donnack Dennis had the following children:

37 i. Sarah⁴ Dennis.

38 ii. Affradozi Dennis.

39 iii. Annanias Dennis.

+ 40 iv. Johnson Dennis.

41 v. Samuel Dennis was born before February 3, 1743. His grandfather, Affradozi, left him a heifer.

11. Thomas³ Purnell (III) (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD September 9, 1695. Thomas died August 7, 1769 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Mary Outten after 1721. Mary was born September, 1702. Mary was the daughter of John Outten(Sr.) and Mary Gray. Mary died June 27, 1772 in Worcester Co., MD. On September 2, 1739, Thomas Purnell and wife Mary, relict of Daniel Selby, gave 500 acres of Mt. Ephraim to son John Purnell. Mary named her son, Thomas, and grandchildren: Peter Marsh, Mary Moll, Thomas Marsh, John Marsh, Phillip Marsh, Purnell, Hezekiah, Polly and Zadock Wright, John and Nancy Fisher, Zeporah, Charles, John, James and Polly Rackliff, Mary Purnell, Elizabeth Zadock, Esther, Sarah and Thomas Purnell, John Purnell, Polly, Nancy, Sally and Charlotte Atkinson.

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, June 4, 1768. Thomas's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, September 15, 1769. Thomas received "Fern Hill," "Fairfield," "Chance" and "Spalding" from his father. "Three brown sandstone grave markers decorated with distinctive New England-style carving are found at "Fairfield." The stones mark the graves of Thomas Purnell, Sr. 1695-1769, Mary Purnell, Thomas's wife 1702-1772 and their daughter, Ann 1734-1751. The headstones are made of chocolate brown sandstone which were carved in New England and then shipped to Worcester County, probably on one of the Purnell family ships." (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 249)

It is thought that the house at "Watermelon Point" was built under Thomas' ownership about 1760. He left this property to his wife and then his daughter, Comfort, calling it "land and plantation where I now live." "Watermelon Point Farm" stood along Tan House Creek facing Chincoteague Bay on land that had been part of the large tract called Mt. Ephraim. (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 247)

Thomas Purnell (III) and Mary Outten had the following children:

+ 42 i. Daughter⁴ Purnell.

+ 43 ii. ?Daughter Purnell.

44 iii. Thomas Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD January 2, 1722. Thomas died May 19, 1727 in Worcester Co., MD.

+ 45 iv. John Purnell was born March 31, 1725.

+ 46 v. Esther Purnell was born August 21, 1728.

+ 47 vi. Elizabeth Purnell was born March 20, 1730.

+ 48 vii. Mary "Polly" Purnell was born February 27, 1732.

49 viii. Ann Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD June 11, 1735. Ann died October, 1751 in Worcester Co., MD. Ann was buried at "Fairfield" and her headstone records the dates. (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 249)

+ 50 ix. Comfort Purnell was born December 8, 1737.

51 x. Sarah Purnell was born in Somerset Co., MD April 7, 1741. Sarah died February 16, 1768 in Worcester Co., MD.

+ 52 xi. Thomas Purnell(IV) (Col.) was born February 28, 1745.

12. John³ Purnell (Mjr.) (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD about 1698. John died about 1755 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Elizabeth Rackliff about 1719. Elizabeth was born about 1700. Elizabeth was the daughter of Charles Rackliff (III) and Hannah Richardson. Elizabeth died before 1755.

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, 1755. John received "Adams Full Quality" in his father's will and his father named his wife, Elizabeth. He sold to his grandson, John Purnell Robins "Fairfield" and "Fern Hill." (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records, p. 222) John was a Burgess for Worcester County from 1744 to 1748 and from 1751 to 1754. He served as Captain of the Maryland Militia in 1746 and was County Commissioner from 1742 to 1754. (Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family, p.10)

Major John Purnell had the home at "Genesar" built about 1730 on the south end of Sinepuxent Neck and across from the Sinepuxent Inlet, one of the few navigable openings in the barrier islands. For the time, "Genesar" had an impressive house and an extensive complex of support buildings. His estate inventory of April, 1755 showed at least 37 slaves and crops of tobcco, wheat, Indian corn, oats and 110 bushels of salt, along with substantial numbers of livestock and domestic animals, "17 gees" and 5 hives of bees. His movable estate was estimated at 2425.7.6 pounds "well within the wealthiest class of Somerset planters." "Genesar" was divided among John's sons. (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 239)

John Purnell (Mjr.) and Elizabeth Rackliff had the following children:

+ 53 i. Elizabeth⁴ Purnell.

54 ii. Anna Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD. (Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

+ 55 iii. Aralanta Purnell was born about 1722.

56 iv. Zadock Purnell (Col.) was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1725. Zadock died 1805 in Worcester Co., MD. He married Sarah Marshall in Worcester Co., MD, 1754. Sarah was the daughter of Isaac Marshall (Sr.) and Sarah Peale. His father left his "Genezzer," "Strife," "Mill Angle," and "Penewell's Choice." A picture of "Genesar" can be found in Paul B. Touart's "Along the Seaside" on page 234. Built about 1730, it is situated on the south end of Sinepuxent Neck. Zadock received a portion of this tract which was later distributed to the descendants and heirs of his siblings.

From various properties listed in Ruth Dryden's Worcester Land Records, these heirs include: Isaac Ayres, Sewell Turpin, John Bishop, Thomas N. Williams, Samuel Ennis & William Ennis, heirs of Zadock Purnell sold "Burton's Chance" and "Dioce"; John, Elizabeth, Zeporah, Ester, children of Thomas Purnell, sold rights of Uncle Zadock "Genezar;" Boaz Ennis & Mary, Samuel Ennis & Rachel sold right from Zadock; John Bishop, Edward Robins sold rights from Zadock; Zadock Purnell Gibbs of KY sold rights from Zadock; Zadock Marshall & Peggy, Joshua Prideaux, Zeporah P. Fassitt, Sally White, Elizabeth P. Marshall sold rights from Zadock; Walton, Elizabeth & Thomas, of Thomas Purnell, sold rights that Zadock Purnell had as heir to his mother Elizabeth Rackliffe, daughter of Charles Rackliffe. Mary S. Gillis (granddaughter of Zadock's sister, Atlanta), wife of Joseph, was named an heir and joined with her husband to convey her right to Sen. Zadock Purnell in 1807.

Zadock served as county clerk in Worcester Co. militia in 1748. Captain by 1767, Lt. Col, Worcester Militia 24th Bn., January 6, 1776. Colonel Sinepuxent Bn., august 30, 1777 to March 23, 1778; resigned due to advanced age. Served in the Lower House of the MD Legislature 1758-1761, 1768-1770, and attended the Maryland Convention in 1775. He signed the Association of the Freemen of Maryland on July 26, 1775. He took the Oath of Allegiance in Worcester Co. in 1778 in Buckingham Hundred before the Hon. Thomas Purnell. Zadock rendered patriotic service by supplying corn for the use of the military on June 14, 1780 and July 10, 1780, and supplying port on September 20, 1781. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos. MD, Willow Bend, Westminster, MD, 1999, p. 240-1)

+ 57 v. Lavinia Purnell was born 1727.

+ 58 vi. Thomas Purnell (of Sinepuxent) was born 1732.

+ 59 vii. John Purnell (Jr.) was born about 1734.

+ 60 viii. William Purnell (Col.) was born about 1735.

+ 61 ix. Zipporah Purnell was born 1736.

13. Matthew³ Purnell (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD about 1700. Matthew died 1761 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Martha McClemmy before 1730. Martha was the daughter of Owen "Woney" McClemmy and Elizabeth Jones. Martha was named in her parents' wills and her husband, Matthew, was called "son" by Martha's mother in her 1730 will.

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 8, 1760. Matthew's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, May 29, 1761. Matthew received "Fern Hill," "Fairfield," "Chance," and "Spalding" from his father's will and obtained "Purnell's Security," "Addition," and "Sherbourne." (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Co. MD Land Records; Melanie A. Merryweather, The Purnell Family, 2001)

Matthew Purnell and Martha McClemmy had the following children:

+ 62 i. Levi⁴ Purnell (Sr.).

63 ii. Azariah Purnell. Azariah died 1780 in Worcester Co., MD. He married Mary Walton. (her surname - Melanie Ayres Merryweather "The Purnell Family")

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, August 19, 1778. Azariah's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, February 1, 1780. His father left him "Purnell's Security" and "Addition to Sherborn." He took the Oath of Allegiance in 1778 Worcester Co., Buckingham Hundred. (Henry C. Peden, Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset)

64 iii. Catherine Purnell.

+ 65 iv. Matthew Purnell (Jr.).

+ 66 v. Jeptha Purnell.

+ 67 vi. Rachel Purnell.

+ 68 vii. Thomas Purnell was born 1738.

+ 69 viii. Elisha Purnell was born after 1739.

+ 70 ix. Benjamin Purnell was born 1740.

+ 71 x. John Purnell was born about 1740.

+ 72 xi. William Purnell was born about 1745.

+ 73 xii. Mary Purnell was born about 1745.

15. Elisha³ Purnell (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD about 1702. Elisha died 1767 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married twice. He married Mary Selby about 1727. Mary was born about 1708. Mary was the daughter of William Selby and Sarah(wife of William Selby). Mary died before 1761 in Worcester Co., MD. (her given name from Bible record compiled by Charles H. B. Turner-Karen L. Robert & George I. Purnell III, Descendants of Thomas Purnell, private, 1999)

He married Mary Ann Givan after 1748. Mary was the daughter of Robert Givan. Mary died after 1788. Wise's 'Littleton Heritage', p. 215, shows Mary Ann who married Bowdoin Robins to be daughter of Robert Givan d. 1732 and widow of Adam Bell d. 1748 and widow of Elisha Purnell d. 1767.

The administrative account of the estate of Robert Givan on June 25, 1741 shows one of the legatees was the unnamed wife of Addam Bell (Admin. Acct. 8:248). Inventory of Dr. Adam Bell was filed January 29, 1749 by Mary Ann Purnell, admin. (MD Inven. 42:125) Distribution of the estate of Adam Bell of Worcester County was made on April 4, 1752 by Elisha Purnell and Mary Ann Purnell, admin. of Adam Bell. (MD Dist. 1:35) (research of F. Edward Wright)

Mary Ann, wife of Bowdoin Robins, made her will October 4, 1788, Worcester Co., MD, naming Henry Ackworth, Walter Smith (to have family Bible, Marianna Andrews, wife of John, Caty Riggin, wife of Darby, Robert and John Schoolfield, and the wife of Ishmael Andrews.

Elisha's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, April 17, 1767. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, May 16, 1767. Elisha received "Adams Full Quality," and "Rochester" from his father. He obtained "Fairfield" (perhaps at his brother Benjamin's death). Elisha left "Fairfield" to his son William. He named tracts lying on the seaside called "Old Fairfield," "Rochester" "Partner Choice" and Cypress Swamp called "Creddals Choice."

Elisha Purnell and Mary Selby had the following children:

+ 74 i. Cheseed⁴ Purnell.

75 ii. Sarah Purnell was born about 1730. She married John Franklin. Elisha named as his children, Sarah and John Franklin.

76 iii. John Franklin Purnell was born about 1730. John died after 1767. Elisha Purnell's will, "I give to William, Chessed, and John Franklin Purnell, all the land I possess in the Cypress Swamp called "Breddals Choice." (Karen L. Robert, Descendants of Thomas Purnell, 1999)

+ 77 iv. Lemuel Purnell (Judge) was born October, 1730.

+ 78 v. William Purnell (Col.) was born about 1739.

17. Walton³ Purnell (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born about 1705. Walton died 1787 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Catharine Murray. Catharine died 1811 in Worcester Co., MD. She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, March 1, 1810. Catharine's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, April 15, 1811. Catharine was named in the will of her husband's step-mother. (Surname provided in notes of Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum). She named her sons Stephen and Lemuel and daughters Nelly Fassitt and Polly Mitchell. She also named a grandchildren: Serena Catharine Purnell, Erexene Henry, Margaret C. Henry and John F. J. Henry. A Catherine Purnell is shown in the 1800 census as a female 45+ and in the household is a female 26-45.

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, August 25, 1787. Walton's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, October 29, 1787. He was named son-in-law by his step-mother, Catherine, in 1753. That will also named his wife. He received "Adams Full Quality" and "Rochester" from his father and otained land at "Rumney Marsh" and "Holly Grove" and patented "Purnells Choice" and "Turkey Point." Walton named his wife Katharine and children in his will. He took the Oath of Allegience in Worcester County in 1778. (Henry C. Peden, Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset)

Walton Purnell and Catharine Murray had the following children:

79 i. Stephen⁴ Purnell. Stephen died 1837 in Worcester Co., MD. He married Elizabeth Purnell Prideaux Marshall in Worcester Co., MD, November 14, 1818. Elizabeth was the daughter of Isaac Marshall (Capt.) and Unknown Prideaux(Mrs. Isaac Marshall).

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, February 5, 1835. Stephen's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, June 9, 1837. Stephen named a John S. Purnell and his three sons: John, Jenkins and James; he named niece Adeline Purnell (daughter of his brother Isaac) and a Lovey Tindle and Levenia Pendelton, daughter of Edward B. Pendelton (this would be the daughter of Stephen's niece Levenia, daughter of Isaac Purnell).

80 ii. Benjamin Purnell. Benjamin died after 1787. He was Justice of the Peace for Worcester County, appointed November 29, 1777. Catherine Wildman left him money from rents of her Snow Hill properties on August 25, 1787. Probably the Benjamin Purnell with 652A "Rochester" in 1783.

+ 81 iii. Isaac Purnell.

82 iv. Lemuel Purnell (Judge) was born in Worcester Co., MD. Lemuel died after 1835 in Queen Ann Co., MD. He married Charlotte Wright Pratt. Charlotte was born 1783. Charlotte was the daughter of Henry Pratt and Ann Wright. Lemuel was living in 1835, when he was named by his sister, Nancy and brother, Stephen. Stephen left him "Chance," "Hog Quarter," "Grays Endeavor," "Grays Lott Enlarged," "Purnells Lott, "Purnells Neglect," "Oak Hill," "Grays Lot," "Rochester," and "Purnells Outlet." Lemuel went to Queen Ann Co., MD. (Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum)

+ 83 v. Frances "Fanny" Purnell.

+ 84 vi. Mary "Polly" Purnell.

85 vii. Nancy Purnell. Nancy died 1834 in Worcester Co., MD. Nancy's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, May 21, 1834. She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 13, 1834. Nancy named John S. Purnell andhis two sons: John Henry & Jenkins, and her niece Margaret C. Purnell and her daughter, Nancy. Witnesses to her will: John P. R. Gillis, Thomas G. Laws and Joseph I. Gillis.

+ 86 viii. Eleanor "Nelly" Purnell.

+ 87 ix. Thomas Purnell was born before August 15, 1755.

+ 88 x. William Henry "D" Purnell (Dr.) was born about 1771.

18. Ann³ Purnell (Thomas², Thomas¹) was born about 1706. Ann died before 1753 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married John Fullington. Ann was not named in her mother's will of 1753, but her children were. John & Ann Fullington went to Kent Co., DE. (notes of Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum)

Ann Purnell and John Fullington had the following children:

89 i. Catherine⁴ Fullington.

90 ii. Ann Fullington.

91 iii. John Fullington(Jr.).

92 iv. Elizabeth Fullington.

93 v. Thomas Fullington.

94 vi. William Fullington.

25. Bethuel³ Watson (Elizabeth² Purnell, Thomas¹) was born about 1710. Bethuel died ?1792.

He married Elisabeth Smith. (research of William B. Watson)

Bethuel Watson and Elisabeth Smith had the following child:

+ 95 i. Jesse⁴ Watson was born January 10, 1744.

26. Sarah 'Sary'³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) birth date unknown. Sarah died before 1752.

She married twice. She married John Outten (Jr.) before 1735. John was born May 23, 1687. John was the son of John Outten(Sr.) and Mary Gray. John died about 1735 in Somerset Co., MD. He made a will in Somerset Co., MD, August 29, 1733. John's will was probated in Somerset Co., MD, March 2, 1735-6. John left "Ware Point" to his son, Purnell in 1733. (Leslie & Neil Keddie, Somerset Co., MD Wills EB9, pp. 42-43)

She married John Kellam (Jr.) before 1739. John was born about 1680. John died 1744 in Somerset Co., MD. He made a will in Somerset Co., MD, March 2, 1739. John's will was probated in Somerset Co., MD, May 21, 1744. John signed his will March 2, 1739-40, devising to son Isaac "Kellam's Choice;" son William "Addition" and 30 acres of "Kellam's Choice" the westernmost side; son Joshua the remainder of "Kellam's Choice" and part of "Addition." To daughter Sarah "the daughter of Sarah Kellam" one bed; wife Sary, son John 50 acres of "Improvement;" three daughters Sarah Poynter, Charyty Landfort and Ann Hall and daughters Mary and Jemima, the "side saddle that was my wife's"....to her daughter, Mary. Witnesses: Sampson Wheatley, Henry Potter and Bell Maddux (EB9:256) She was called Sarah Kellam in her father's 1741 will.

Sarah 'Sary' Purnell and John Outten(Jr.) had the following children:

+ 96 i. Purnell⁴ Outten.

97 ii. Director Outten. Director died before 1737. She married Abraham Harris.

98 iii. Obed Outten. He married twice. He married Esther Shockley before 1754. Esther was the daughter of David Shockley. He married Isabel Denwood before November 17, 1777. Isabel was the widow of Ezekiel Selby, who she had married December 17, 1758.

99 iv. Tabitha Outten. She married Zacharias Harris. (Pauline M. Batchelder, A Somerset Sampler)

100 v. Edith Outten. She married twice. She married Samuel Henderson in Conventry Parish, Somerset Co., MD, June 3, 1751. Samuel died before 1764. She married Jacob Henderson in Conventry Parish, Somerset Co., MD, August 7, 1764.

+ 101 vi. Mary Outten.

102 vii. John Outten(III) was born about 1715. John died before 1737.

+ 103 viii. Abraham Outten was born 1722.

Sarah 'Sary' Purnell and John Kellam (Jr.) had the following child:

+ 104 ix. Sarah Kellam.

27. Joyce³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) was born about 1685.

She married Thomas Newbold (Jr.). Thomas was the son of Thomas Newbold(Sr.) and Adriana(wife of Thomas Newbold). Thomas died about 1746 in Somerset Co., MD. Received "Acquintica," "Friendship" and "Gift" from his father in 1712. Administration of his estate was submitted by Purnall Newbold, accountant, May 12, 1747. Distribution included widow, Joyce Newbold, accountant, Elijah Brittingham and Micajah Brittingham, Thomas Newbold and Comfort Newbold. (children-Pauline M. Batchelder, A Somerset Sampler, p. 192)

Joyce Purnell and Thomas Newbold(Jr.) had the following children:

+ 105 i. Sarah⁴ Newbold.

+ 106 ii. Tabitha Newbold.

+ 107 iii. Thomas Newbold(III).

108 iv. Comfort Newbold.

+ 109 v. John Newbold.

110 vi. Smart Newbold.

111 vii. Frances Newbold.

+ 112 viii. Mary Newbold.

+ 113 ix. Purnell Newbold was born about 1719.

29. Martha³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) birth date unknown. Martha died after 1780.

She married Outten Sturgis (Capt.). Outten was born about 1730. Outten was the son of Jonathan Sturgis and Esther Outten. Outten died 1796 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, September 18, 1795. Outten's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, October 25, 1796. Outten served in the Lower House of the Maryland Legislature from Worcester County 1778-1779; Committee of Observation 1776; Commissioner of the Tax 1777-1778; Judge of the Court of Appeals under the Act to Procure Troops 1778; County Court Justice 1787-1795. He took the Oath of Allegiance in Worcester County in 1778 before the Hon. Nehemiah Holland and rendered patriotic service by supplying corn for the use of the military on March 8, 1780, and July 10, 1780. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Counties, Willow Bend Books, Westminster, MD, 1999)

In 1755, Outten bought part of "Pharsalia" called "Buck Neck"; In 1795, he left 300 acres to daughters Polly, Martha and Esther. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records, p. 472). In 1768, George & Martha Stewart of Accomack sold 295 acres "Kings Neck" to Martha Sturgis. In 1790, Outten and Martha sold the 295 acres fo Joshua. In 1796, George Turner sold 39 acres to Joshua of Outten. The 1783 tax list shows Outten with "Pharsalia," and "King Harry's Neck," 2 males, five females.

He is called son-in-law by Martha Selby in her 1780 will. His wife at the time of his death was Sarah. Outten and Sarah are named in a claim of Atkinsons heirs against James Townsend's estate and that Outten and Sarah are guardians to William Cord Townsend. (David V. Heise, Worcester Co. MD Orphans Court Proceedings Vol I) he mentions a grave for his wife now deceased. He named granddaughter Elizabeth Custis Sturgis, grandson William Custis and granddaughter Polly Custis, and sons-in-law Benjamin Gunby, James Selby and Benjamin Aydelotte as executors. He names his daughters Polly Selby, Martha Aydelotte and Esther Gunby. Outten added a codicil naming Esther, daughter of Abraham Outten Sturgis. Her mother's will calls her Martha Sturgis; the administration of her sister's estate calls her wife of Outten Sturgis in 1752.

Martha Purnell and Outten Sturgis(Capt.) had the following children:

+ 114 i. Thomas Purnell⁴ Sturgis.

+ 115 ii. Joshua Sturgis.

116 iii. Esther Sturgis. She married Benjamin Gunby in Worcester Co., MD, July 12, 1796. Named in her father's 1795 will and her grandmother's 1780 will. She joined with her sisters and their husbands to sell land given them by their father.

+ 117 iv. Mary Sturgis.

+ 118 v. Daughter Sturgis.

+ 119 vi. Martha Sturgis was born before 1780.

32. Hezekia³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) was born after 1724. Hezekia died 1768 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Sarah Scott before 1755. Sarah was the daughter of John Scott (Capt.) and Jane Pittman Gray. Sarah died after 1780. John Scott named his daughter, Sarah Purnell, and she is very probably the Sarah, wife of Hezekiah Purnell.

Sarah Parnell signed inventory of Mr. John Scott of Dorchester Co. in 1755 as next of kin. (MINV:59:64)

Peden shows a Sarah Purnell rendered patriotic service in 1780 and 1781. A Sarah Purnell is not found in the 1783 Tax Assessment. (Research of Vern Skinner) Hezekiah does not appear on the Tax List in his father's household in 1740, so he was under age 16 in 1740. His father left him "Purnells Exchange," "Pharsalia," and "Piny Island." In 1752, Hezekiah was administrator of the estate of Mary Purnell. Hezekiah was named next of kin, along with his mother, Martha Selby, on the 1765 inventory of his brother, John. Hezekiah and Sarah Purnell sold two acres of "Pharsalia in 1750 and he sold two acres in 1765. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records)

The names of his children are not known or proved. A John Purnell, son of Hezekia, took the Oath of Allegiance in Worcester County in 1778. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos. MD, Willow Bend, Westminster, MD, 1999, p. 238) Hezekia, son of John and Martha, is the only Purnell of that given name found in the Mattapony family.

In 1768, bond was given by Sarah Purnell. Inventory of his estate was presented in 1768 and no males are named as next of kin. Administration account for Hezekiah Purnell in 1770 shows Sarah P., widow, as administrator and cites seven children, but does not give their names. (Adm. Accouts Liber 65, folio 159 researched by Vernon Skinner)

Hezekia Purnell and Sarah Scott had the following children:

+ 120 i. John Scott⁴ Purnell.

121 ii. Matthew Purnell. He is shown as next of kin to John Scott Purnell in 1799. He is not found in 1800 census. (research of Vern Skinner)

122 iii. Elizabeth Purnell. She married (N) Bonnewell. She is shown as Elizabeth Bonewell, next of kin to John Scott Purnell in 1799. Both Benjamin and Edward Bonnewell are candidates for her husband with a wife age 26-45 in census.

+ 123 iv. John Purnell was born 1755.

33. John³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) was born about 1725. John died before June 21, 1765 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Mary (wife of John Purnell) about 1748. John does not appear on the Tax List in his father's household in 1740, so he was not yet age 16 in 1740. His father called him "youngest son," and left him "Purnells Lot," "Mattapany Marsh," and "Brothers Love." John was not named in his mother's will; however, his son, Robert, was called "grandson."

Administration account of June 21, 1765 Worcester Co. shows appraisers: Bowdoin Robins & Nehemiah Holland, creditors: Martha Selby & Thomas Parramore, and next of kin: Martha Selby and Hezekiah Purnall, with administrator: Mary Purnall. (Vern Skinner, Jr., Abstracts of the Inventories of the Prerogative Court 1763-1766, Brookeville, MD, 1989) Administration of his estate was submitted August 22, 1766 by Mary Holland, administrator, wife of William Holland. Deceased was former guardian of Fisher Walton. (notes of F. Edward Wright)

NOTE: some genealogies of this family show the son of John Purnell d. 1742 was John Purnell b. February 6, 1715, d. 1783, m. Comfort Armstead June 7, 1743 Worcester Co., MD. Children for this John 1715-1783 are shown in various genealogies as: William b. May 10, 1745, d. February 27, 1820 in Caroline Co., MD, m. Ann Sylvester in 1770; Armistead Purnell b.c. 1744 m. Julia Comfort Outten; John Purnell d. 1788 Worchester; Malvina Purnell; Frank Purnell; Matthew Purnell; Louisa Purnell; and Major James Purnell. This family and the connection of John 1715-1783 appears to go back to a submission by Carrie Purnell b. 1868 to National Society of Daughter of Founders & Patriots of America, which papers are on file at the DE Archives. Tax Lists, will of Martha Selby, land abstracts and next of kin for John Purnell d.c. 1765 show this John Purnell 1715-1783 was NOT the son of John Purnell d. 1742 & Martha Bowen d. 1780.

John Purnell and Mary(wife of John Purnell) had the following children:

+ 124 i. Robert⁴ Purnell was born about 1748.

125 ii. John Purnell was born about 1748. John died before January 5, 1789 in Worcester Co., MD. In her 1780 will, Martha Selby named grandson, John, but did not give a surname. John Purnell d. 1742 left "Brother's Love" to his son, John. The 1783 tax list shows a John Purnell of John with 357 acres of "Brother's Love" in Mattapony Hundred. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records) 1783 Tax Assessment: 764 acres Brothers Love, Mattapony Marsh, Purnells Lott, 1 male and no females (research of Vern Skinner)

Will dated February 19, 1788, probated January 5, 1789 named wife Elisabeth and brother, Robert, as executors. (Vernon L. Skinner, Worcester Co. Will Bk JW13, f.222) In 1789, Robert Purnell, wife Nancy, and Elizabeth Purnell, widow of John Purnell, sold 5A of "Purnell's Lot," another piece of property left by John Purnell d. 1742 to his son, John. Robert Purnell and Betsey/Elizabeth Purnell are shown as executors of the estate of a John Purnell in orphans court records 10/15/1790, 12/17/1790, 2/11/1791 and 4/15/1791. At the April 15, 1791 court, receipts from Elizabeth Purnell & Robert Purnell presented to Thomas Mitchell, Admin. of Zadock Wright; and Thomas Mitchell was to file deposition proving he had paid ten pounds to Isaac Purnell. (David V. Heise, Worcester Co. MD Orphans Court Proceedings, Vol. 1)

This is probably the John Purnell shown as John of John, who served in the Revolution as a Private, Worcester Militia, Wicomico Battalion, Cpt. Fisher Walton's Co., 6th Class, 7/15/1780 (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos, p. 238).

34. Sophia³ Purnell (John², Thomas¹) was born after 1714.

She married John or Jesse Jenkins before 1741. Her father called her Sophia Jenkins in 1741 and the administration of her sister, Mary's, estate, called her wife of John Jenkins.

Sophia Purnell and John or Jesse Jenkins had the following child:

126 i. John⁴ Jenkins.

40. Johnson⁴ Dennis (Sarah³ Johnson, Sarah² Purnell, Thomas¹) birth date unknown.

He married Nancy (wife of Johnson Dennis) in Somerset Co., MD, 1750. (descendants-Bill Wilkins; LDS record)

Johnson Dennis and Nancy(wife of Johnson Dennis) had the following children:

127 i. Johnson⁵ Dennis (Jr.).

128 ii. Kezziah Dennis.

129 iii. Thomas Dennis was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1757.

130 iv. William Dennis was born about 1758.

131 v. John Dennis was born about 1760.

132 vi. Mathias Dennis was born about 1767.

42. Daughter⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) birth date unknown. Daughter died before June 4, 1768 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Milby Atkinson. Milby was born about 1736. Milby was the son of Samuel Atkinson and Mary Milby. Milby died 1775 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, March 7, 1774. Milby's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, August 22, 1775. In her will of 1772, Mary Purnell named her Atkinson grandchildren but not their mother. Sometime after the death of John Purnell, Jr. (son of John & Elizabeth Rackliff Purnell), Euphamie Arbuckle Purnell, John's widow, married Milby Atkinson. It would appear that Mary's daughter and mother to the Atkinson grandchildren named by Mary was the first wife of Milby Atkinson.

Daughter Purnell and Milby Atkinson had the following children:

133 i. Mary "Polly⁵ Atkinson. Named granddaughter by Thomas and Mary Purnell.

+ 134 ii. Sarah "Sally" Atkinson.

135 iii. Ann "Nancy" Atkinson. Named graddaughter by Thomas & Mary Purnell.

136 iv. Charlotte Atkinson. Named granddaughter by Thomas & Mary Purnell.

43. ?Daughter⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) birth date unknown.

She married John Smith (Sr.). John died 1770 in Worcester Co., MD. John's will dated November 4, 1768, probated May 10, 1770 named his sons Fletcher, John and Abraham and daughters Rebecca Porter, Mary Hetter, Eleanor Selby and Eliphal Smith, and his wife, Ann. 41 acres of "Streights Addition" was given to Fletcher and Abraham (part of tract Timber Grove); unnamed land and plantation of 50 acres bought of Thomas Pointer was given to son, John. Witnesses were Hugh Nilson, James Townsend and Purnell Fletcher Smith. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Co. MD Wills 1769-1783, JW-4, f. 34) Sureties for the administration bond was given by Purnell Fletcher Smith and Edward Davis. (Vernon L. Skinner, Abstracts of Worcester County Estate Docket 1742-1820, p. 66)

John's wife at the time of his will was Ann. Because one of his sons is named Purnell, it is thought his wife was a Purnell, most probably a daughter of Thomas and Mary. Thomas and Mary did have a daughter, Ann, who never married and died in 1751, so Ann, wife of John Smith was probably a second marriage and mother to his younger children.

John Smith patented "Streights" in 1748 and "Streights Addition" in 1756 (41 acres). He left "Streights" to sons Fletcher Smith and Abraham Smith. On July 29, 1785, Outten Truitt with wife Eliphal Truitt, sister of John Smith, sold to Eleanor Selby, widow of Jesse Selby another sister, that John Smith willed to Peter Smith now deceased. December 17, 1785 Jesse Selby with wife Eleanor Selby daughter of John Smith sold to Thomas Purnell 140 acres "Streights," "Streights Addition," and "Timber Grove." (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records)

A John Smith purchased 38 acres of "Batchellors Lott" on November 8, 1751 from Samuel Smock. In 1785, Eleanor Smith Selby, wife of Jesse, and sister of John Smith, Jr., sold to her sister, Eliphal Smith Truitt, wife of Outten. It is not yet clear if it was John Smith Sr. or Jr. who purchased the 38 acres in 1751.

Dr. William R. Bishop believes John was the son of Abraham and Rachel Smith. It would appear that a Purnell daughter married John Smith d. 1768. Smith named his sons Fletcher (Purnell Fletcher Smith), John and Abraham and his daughter, Rebecca Porter. John Smith had land at "Timber Grove/Edward's Lot." Her son, John Smith, Jr., named Thomas Purnell of Wallops Neck, who would have been her brother, as executor and guardian, further supporting the wife of John Smith Sr. as a daughter of Thomas Purnell & Mary Outten.

A Sarah Smith left a will in 1785 naming her son Purnell Smith. It doesn't make sense that Thomas Purnell would have had two daughters named Sarah, so the Purnell-Smith connection may be in another place; however, it would most probably be in this generation and with Purnells owning land in this vicinity.

Rebecca Smith apparently married James Porter d. 1772, blacksmith. James and Rebecca Porter sold 100 acres of "Timber Grove" to Thomas Purnell of Thomas. Among other children, James and Rebecca Porter had a son, Purnell Smith Porter who married Zeporah Brittingham d/o Belithia and who was in possession of "Pointers Gift to Purnell" and 100 acres of "Porters Double Purchase/Edward's Lott" on the 1783 tax list.

"Pointers Gift to Purnell" was patented in 1755 by John Purnell of Thomas, as a resurvey of "Edward's Lott."

?Daughter Purnell and John Smith (Sr.) had the following children:

+ 137 i. Rebecca⁵ Smith.

+ 138 ii. Purnell Fletcher Smith.

+ 139 iii. John Smith (Jr.).

140 iv. Abraham Smith.

141 v. Mary Smith. She married (N) Hetter before 1768.

142 vi. Eleanor Smith. She married Jesse Selby before 1768. Jesse died before 1785.

+ 143 vii. Eliphal Smith.

45. John⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD March 31, 1725. John died March 30, 1758 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Zipporah Purnell before 1758. Zipporah was born in Worcester Co., MD 1736. Zipporah was the daughter of John Purnell (Mjr.) and Elizabeth Rackliff. Her father left her "Bowens Choice" and "Deep Swamp."

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, March 28, 1758. John's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, May 19, 1758. John owned tracts "Brandt Pond," "Boys," "Point Lookout" and "Muddy Branch." Land records for "Mt. Ephraim" show John and wife Zipporah sold the land to his father, Thomas. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records). In "Genealogy of the Purnell Family" by Melanie Merryweather, he is called Captain. His wife, Zipporah married second John Rackliffe. (dates-Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family, p.15) John patented "Pointers Gift to Purnell" in 1755 as a resurvey of "Edward's Lott." Edward Pointer had willed to friend John Purnell of Thomas in 1751. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records, p. 203)

John Purnell and Zipporah Purnell had the following children:

144 i. Thomas⁵ Purnell.

145 ii. Ann Purnell.

146 iii. Mary Purnell.

147 iv. Elizabeth Purnell.

46. Esther⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD August 21, 1728. Esther died January 23, 1769 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Peter Marsh. Esther's parents named her children.

Esther Purnell and Peter Marsh had the following children:

148 i. Phillip⁵ Marsh. His grandfather left him "Mt. Ephraim."

149 ii. Thomas Marsh.

150 iii. John Marsh.

151 iv. Mary (Maul or Noll or Marsh) Marsh.

152 v. Peter Marsh.

47. Elizabeth⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD March 20, 1730. Elizabeth died April 9, 1775 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married twice. She married Anthony Wright before 1760. Anthony died 1761 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, June 15, 1761. Anthony's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, September 17, 1761. She married Jabez Fisher in Worcester Co., MD, about 1761. Jabez was born March 1, 1733. Jabez was the son of John Fisher(Yeoman). Jabez died February 22, 1786 in Sussex Co., DE. A Jabez Fisher was married first to Deborah Eldridge in 1755, when his marriage was reported at meeting on October 18, 1775 at Duck Creek Meeting. On October 22, 1763, there was a complaint against Jabez who had married outside the society, Duck Creek Meeting. (F. Edward Wright, Vital Records of Kent & Sussex Co., DE)

His father named him in his 1770 will, along with his sons, Joshua and Thomas. Rhoda (Brittingham) Purnell, widow of Thomas Purnell d. 1774, is shown as Rhoda Fisher (not a Quaker), wife of Jabez Fisher (Quaker) when she submitted the administrative account for Thomas Purnell on November 15, 1775.

Jabez named his children: Thomas, Joshua, John, Esther, Elizabeth and Ann. His son, Thomas, was executor and witnesses were Peter Fretwell Wright and John Wolf. (Will Book D, f.102-103, Calendar of Sussex Co. DE Probate Records, Public Archives Commission, 1964, State of DE) Her father left her "Unity," "Spaldwin," "Old Fairfield", "New Fairfield," "Chance," and "Puzzel." Her father named her children in his will. Elizabeth was named in her mother's 1772 will. (Ruth Dryden, Worcester Co., MD Wills JW4, p.10; dates-Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

Elizabeth married first Anthony Wright and by him had children: Zadock Wright, Hezekiah Wright, Purnell Wright and Mary "Polly" Wright.

Elizabeth Purnell and Anthony Wright had the following children:

+ 153 i. Zadock⁵ Wright.

+ 154 ii. Hezekiah Wright.

155 iii. Purnell Wright. He received land at "Rochester."

156 iv. Mary "Polly" Wright. She married Joshua Glover. Of Sussex Co., DE. (notes of Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum)

Elizabeth Purnell and Jabez Fisher had the following children:

+ 157 v. Thomas Fisher(Gen.) was born about 1762.

+ 158 vi. Hester "Hesse" Fisher was born January 13, 1765.

+ 159 vii. Elizabeth "Betty" Fisher was born January 30, 1767.

160 viii. Nancy Fisher was born in Worcester Co., MD 1769. Nancy died 1795 in Worcester Co., MD. She was not named in her grandfather's will, but was included by her grandmother in 1772. (dates-Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

161 ix. John Fisher(Hon.) was born in Worcester Co., MD May 22, 1771. John died April 22, 1823 in Worcester Co., MD. He married twice. He married Lavina Rodney. He married Elizabeth Wilson. John was not named in his grandfather's will, but was named by his grandmother in 1772. (dates & marriages-Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum; dates-Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

"The father of Hon. John Fisher, having died when he was very young, his brother, Gen. Thomas Fisher, gave him a classical education, and placed him under the tuition of their cousin, Joshua Fisher, Esq. of the Dover bar, to which John was admitted to practice in 1792. Though he had not the advantage of a collegiate course of study,he was regarded by his brethren of the bar as a remarkably fine Latin and Greek scholar, and ranked high in his profession. He possessed a genius as well as a fine taste for poetry, and was, withal, a great wit and humorist. He was an ardent Democrat of the old regime, and was appointed United States District Judge for the Distict of Delaware by President Madison in 1816. This position he filled with great fidelity and ability until the time of his death. (Anna Wharton Smith, Genealogy of the Fisher Family, 1896, Philadelphia, PA)

48. Mary "Polly"⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD February 27, 1732. Mary died April 9, 1778 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Charles Rackliff (Jr). Charles was the son of Charles Rackliff (Sr) and (Comfort) Purnell(wife of Charles Rackliffe II). He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, 1783. Charles's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, 1784. Charles named his children and also his cousin Sophia Miller, daughter of William Fassitt, to whom he left "Dont Puzzell." Her father gave her "St. Lawrence," "St. Lawrence Neck," "Mt. Ephraim," "Partnership," "Purnells Inheritance," "Patricks Choice," "Reserva," "Simpleton," "Cow Quarter," and "Addition to Cow Quarter." Her children were named by their grandother, Mary Outten Purnell, in 1772.

Mary "Polly" Purnell and Charles Rackliff (Jr) had the following children:

162 i. Charles⁵ Rackliff (III). His father left him land.

163 ii. John Rackliff. John died 1786 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, May 13, 1786. John named his uncle Thomas Purnell of Wallops Neck and Aunt Sarah Purnell. His father left him "Assateague Beach," "Hammocks," and "Cows Quarter."

164 iii. James Rackliff. James died 1790. He made a will May 14, 1790. His father left him land.

+ 165 iv. Zipporah Rackliff.

+ 166 v. Thomas Purnell Rackliff was born 1763.

50. Comfort⁴ Purnell (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Somerset Co., MD December 8, 1737. Comfort died January 10, 1798 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Thomas Purnell (of Sinepuxent). Thomas was born 1732. Thomas was the son of John Purnell (Mjr.) and Elizabeth Rackliff. Thomas died November 21, 1796 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 20, 1795. Thomas's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, March 2, 1796. Thomas received "Strife" from his father's will. By his will, he left "Goshen" in Synapuxant, "Mayfields" "Mill Angle" "Strife" "Cow Quarter" and "Purnells Purchase" to his wife, Comfort. He named his grandchildren: William, Walton, Thomas and Elizabeth Purnell.

Purnell tradition places Thomas and Comfort living at "Genesar" at the time of the Revolution. The "Genesar" lands passed to his son, Zadock. (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 239) Comfort had received "Watermelon Point Farm" from her father. They probably rented it, and the property was later held by her son, Zadock. (Paul B. Touart, Along the Seaboard Side, Worcester County, MD, 1994, p. 247)

Information from a chart made from the John Selby Purnell Bible indicates his middle name was Selby, as was the middle name of his son, John (MHS, John Selby Purnell Bible, copied by Vernon L. Skinner) (Dates of birth a death-Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

Thomas served in the Lower House of the MD Legislature from Worcester Co., 1777-1779, County Court Justice, 1777-1790, Commissioner of the Tax, appointed in 1777, and Captain by 1790. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos. MD, Willow Bend, Westminster, MD, 1999, p. 239-40) Comfort received "Watermillion" from her father's will.

Thomas Purnell (of Sinepuxent) and Comfort Purnell had the following children:

+ 167 i. John⁵ Purnell was born about 1753.

168 ii. Elizabeth Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD March 16, 1762. Elizabeth died October 28, 1821 in Worcester Co., MD. She was living in 1805 when she sold her rights to "Genezar" which came to her by her Uncle Zadock to Zadock son of Thomas Purnell. Elizabeth received land at "Strife" "Mill Angle" and "Desert" from her father's will. (dates-chart at Maryland Historical Society from John S. Purnell Bible, copied by Vernon L. Skinner) Elizabeth named in her will dated December 13, 1818, probated November 16, 1821: niece Sarah Marie Spence, niece Elizabeth Purnell, nephew William Purnell, brother Zadock Purnell, deceased brother John Purnell; Walteron, William and Eliza Purnell. Wit. David K. Hopkins and Milby Purnell. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Co. Wills MH2, f.495)

+ 169 iii. Zadock Purnell (Senator) was born 1764.

170 iv. Sarah Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1768. Sarah died 1803 in Worcester Co., MD. She married Isaac Marshall (Capt.). Isaac was the son of John Marshall and Elizabeth Purnell. Isaac died March 4, 1797 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, February 13, 1797. Isaac's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, March 24, 1797. Isaac was in Worcester Co. MD in 1790 (census). He had two females under 16 and 10 slaves. (1790 census; Jim Marshall) In his will, he named his wife, Sarah, and left her half his lands and named her executor. He named his father, John Marshall. After his father's death, the plantation devised him by his uncle, Isaac Marshall, was to go to his brother, William Purnell Marshall. Isaac named his brother, John P. Marshall, and his children. Witnesses: James B. Robins, Edward Henry and Zadock Marshall (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Will Book JWB, p. 30)

She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, December 20, 1802. Sarah's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, February 18, 1803. Sarah was the 2nd wife of Isaac Marshall. Sarah named her brother, Zadock, and left him one-half of tract "Cow Quarter," as devised by her deceased father, Thomas Purnell. She named niece Elizabeth Purnell and left to her the other half of "Cow Quarter." She named nephews Walton, William and Thomas Purnell, niece Sarah Maria Purnell; sisters Elizabeth, Hetty and Zipporah Purnell and brother John Purnell. She named Thomas Prideaux Marshall and left him a woman called Rachel devised by her deceased husband, Isaac Marshall; and named John Purnell Marshall and Elizabeth Purnell Prideaux Marshall. Witnesses: Jacob Teague, George Brattan, Lemuel P. Spence. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Will Book JBR p. 2)

171 v. Esther "Hetty" Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1768. Hetty was living in 1805 when she sold her rights to "Genezar" which came to her by her Uncle Zadock to Zadock son of Thomas Purnell. She received "Johns Industry" from her father.

172 vi. Thomas Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD January 1, 1771. Thomas died January 26, 1797 in Worcester Co., MD. Thomas was not named in his sister Sarah's will of 1802. His father left him land at "Mt. Ephraim," "Middle," "Patricks Hill" and "Winchester." (dates-chart John S. Purnell Bible, copied by Vernon L. Skinner; Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

Thomas served as Justice of the Peace for Worcester Co., commissioned on November 29, 1777 and November 21, 1778 and March 27, 1779. Special Commission of Judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer and Goal Delivery issued to him and five others in Worcester Co. by the Governor and Council of Maryland on December 10, 1783. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos. MD, Willow Bend, Westminster, MD, 1999, p. 239)

+ 173 vii. Mary Purnell was born before 1772.

174 viii. Zipporah Purnell was born June, 1773. Zipporah died July 25, 1824 in Worcester Co., MD. She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, February 3, 1823. Zipporah's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, April 19, 1825. Zipporah was named in her sister's 1802 will and in 1805 sold her rights to "Genezar" which came to her by her Uncle Zadock to Zadock son of Thomas. She received "Cow Quarter" "Purnells Venture" and "Purnells Grove" from her father. She left to her niece Sally Maria Spence "Cow Quarter." To niece Elizabeth Purnell, she gave "Cow Quarter" and "Purnells Grove" in the forest was to be sold to Thomas King by her brother Zadock. She left to nephews Walton & William land on Phenixes Island and she named her niece Henrietta Zipporah Spence.

175 ix. Ann Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD July 26, 1779. Ann died February 10, 1797 in Worcester Co., MD. Ann's father gave her "Purnells Grove." (dates-John S. Purnell Bible, copied by Vernon L. Skinner; Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Genealogy of the Purnell Family)

52. Thomas⁴ Purnell (IV) (Col.) (Thomas³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Worcester Co., MD February 28, 1745. Thomas died May 8, 1790 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Sarah Marshall in Worcester Co., MD, about 1770. Sarah was born in Northampton Co., VA January 2, 1748. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas Marshall and Sarah Marshall. Sarah died February 11, 1803 in Worcester Co., MD. Sarah's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, March 15, 1803. Sarah named her sons Thomas M. and Zadock Purnell, and daughter, Molly O. Purnell. She gave ten pounds each to grandchildren Molly O. Purnell and Thomas M. Purnell. Witnesses: Joseph Miller, Levin Duncan and Stephen White. She is buried in the family cemetery where her husband, Thomas Purnell, and sons, Zadock, Thomas M. and John are buried. Dates from gravestone (1.75 mi SE US 113, "Wallops Neck" SW of Bay's End Lane, located and noted by James R. Trader)

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 14, 1788. Thomas's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, August 12, 1790. Known as Thomas of Wallop's Neck, his father left him "Wallops Neck," "Baysend" and "East Gate." A piece of land in Northampton Co., VA, N51J descended from Thomas Marshall to his wife, Sarah, and then to his daughter, Sarah. In 1788 Thomas & Sarah Purnell sold this land to Sally Atkinson and John Purnell Marshall and they resold to Thomas Purnell, all of Worcester County; in 1801 a Zadock Purnell of Maryland sold the northeast 80 acres. (Ralph T. Whitelaw, Virginia's Eastern Shore, Camden, ME, Picton Press, 1951, p. 308)

In 1770, Thomas (as Thomas of Thomas) purchased 100 acres of "Timber Grove" from James and Rebecca Porter. Also in 1770, Thomas Purnell & Nathaniel Ennis sold "Edward's Lot" & "Pointer's Gift to Purnell" to James Porter, blacksmith. "Pointer's Gift to Purnell" had been patented by Thomas' brother, John, in 1755. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records)

Thomas was elected to serve in the Lower House of the MD Legislature from Worcester Co. in 1778, but did not attend. He was a County Court Justice, 1777, Commissioner of the Tax, 1778-1790, and was called Colonel in 1783. He took the Oath of Allegiance in Worcester Co. in 1778 before the Hon. Nathaniel Miller. He was a Captain in the Worcester Militia, Sinepuxent Bn., August 30, 1777, and Lieutenant Colonel on June 13, 1782. He was the Justice who administered the Oath of Allegiance in Worcester County in 1778. He was commissioned a Judge of the Court of Appeals for Worcester on May 27, 1778. (Henry C. Peden, Jr., Revolutionary Patriots of Worcester & Somerset Cos. MD, Willow Bend, Westminster, MD, 1999, p. 240)

In 1782, Thomas was named executor for the estate of John Smith Jr. and guardian to Smith's son, Peter Smith. It is thought that John Smith Jr. was Thomas' nephew, his mother being a sister of Thomas Purnell IV.

Dates from gravestone (1.75 mi SE US 113, "Wallops Neck" SW of Bay's End Lane, located and noted by James R. Trader)

Thomas Purnell(IV) (Col.) and Sarah Marshall had the following children:

+ 176 i. John⁵ Purnell (Cpt.) was born December 17, 1770.

177 ii. Thomas Marshall Purnell was born in Worcester Co., MD September 28, 1775. Thomas died February 14, 1816 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, June 13, 1813. Thomas's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, February 23, 1816. Thomas' will asked that the graveyard at Wallops Neck where his mother and father and brothers Zadock and John are buried to be enclosed with brick 50 square feet and the graves be covered with marble slabs. He named his sister, Mary O. Purnell, and children of his brother, John; but, he did not name them individually. Witnesses were John S. Spence and Henry Franklin, Jr. and was entered for probate by George W. Purnell. (The will abstract shows him Thomas M. Purnell of Thomas M. - unable to confirm a middle name for his father or another Thomas M. Purnell who would be his contemporary) Melanie Ayres Merryweather shows him with the military rank of Corporal. Dates from gravestone (1.75 mi SE US 113, "Wallops Neck" SW of Bay's End Lane, located and noted by James R. Trader) Graves in this family cemetery are brick borders with marble tops.

178 iii. Zadock Purnell was born October 8, 1779. Zadock died October 25, 1807 in Worcester Co., MD. Upon Zadock's death, his estate was administered in Worcester Co., MD, November 13, 1807. Administration bonds posted by Thomas M. Purnell, George W. Purnell, Littleton R. Purnell and Isaac Franklin. Dates from gravestone (1.75 mi SE US 113, "Wallops Neck" SW of Bay's End Lane, located and noted by James R. Trader)

+ 179 iv. Mary "Molly" Outten Purnell was born August 13, 1782.

53. Elizabeth⁴ Purnell (John³, Thomas², Thomas¹) birth date unknown. Elizabeth died about 1803 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married John Marshall. John was the son of Isaac Marshall (Sr.) and Sarah Peale. John died August 4, 1797 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, March 23, 1797. John's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, August 15, 1797. John appears on the 1790 Worcester Co. MD census with 2 males +16, 1 female -16, 4 females +16 and 23 slaves. His son, Zadock, and Thomas Priddeaux, Jr. lived on either side. (1790 census) John left 1/3 plantation to his wife Elizabeth, "Timmons Choice" to son, John; son Thomas; son Zadock land purchased of Zadock Selby; daughters Polly, Rachel and Sally; son William "Hudsons Ruin" on north side of Betty Gut; deceased son Isaac's wife, Sarah, land. John left to his grandson, John Marshall, son of Isaac, lands I now live on: Plantation part tract Laurence's Neck, part tract Deal, Marshall's Addition, Sea Brant, Shirley Venture, part tract Hudson's Ruin. He also named grandson, Thomas, son of Isaac and granddaughter, Betsy, daughter of Isaac. Witnesses: James B. Robins, Thomas P. Rackliffe and Richard Hall. (Ruth Dryden, Will Book JBR, p. 6; Suzanne B. Hurley, Research of Langmaid Farm, 1998)

Bible records from a Bible belonging to Gordon A. Marshall indicate John was called "Uncle Jack."

Elizabeth's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, December 6, 1803.

Elizabeth Purnell and John Marshall had the following children:

+ 180 i. Zadock⁵ Marshall (Sr.).

181 ii. Mary "Polly" Marshall was born in Worcester Co., MD. Mary died April 19, 1832 in Worcester Co., MD. She married Thomas N. Williams. Bible records from the John Marshall Bible show Mary Marshall Williams, wife of Thomas N. Williams died in 1832, age 35. (The original Bible record needs to be looked at; if she was age 35 at her death, her birth would be 1797 and she'd be 34 years younger than her siblings. Her age may have been transcribed incorrectly from the original record and more probably she was age 65, born in 1767) Thomas N. Williams was shown as an heir of the estate of Zadock Marshall. It is thought that Mary "Polly" Marshall, daughter of John & Elizabeth, is the Mary who married Thomas Williams. She and her husband would be heirs of Zadock Purnell, as her mother was Zadock's sister. Unable to find a marriage record for a Thomas N. Williams to Mary/Polly Marshall or Mary/Polly Ennis.

Marriage records show a Mary Marshall married Boaz Ennis in 1803. It is not clear if this is the same Mary/Polly and further information on Boaz Ennis is not known. Mary's sister, Rachel, married a Samuel Ennis, which is shown in the Bible record. Mary may have married first Boaz Ennis in 1803 and married second Thomas N. Williams. It would be odd that her name would be shown as Marshall rather than Ennis if she had married Boaz Ennis first. Marriage records for a Thomas N. Williams show a 1833 marriage to Elizabeth D. Hudson and a Thomas N. Williams married in 1842 Harriet Henderson. (Mary Beth & Vanessa Long, Worcester Marriage Records)

182 iii. Rachel Marshall. Rachel died August 13, 1810 in Worcester Co., MD. She married Samuel Ennis in Worcester Co., MD, November 17, 1800. Samuel went to Delaware in 1810. (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Co. MD Land Records, p. 92)

+ 183 iv. William Purnell Marshall.

+ 184 v. Isaac Marshall (Capt.).

185 vi. Thomas Purnell Marshall was born in Worcester Co., MD. Thomas died after 1809. Thomas patented "Bell Vale" with his brother, John, in 1809, Worcester Co. MD. He had 392 acres.

186 vii. Levin Marshall.

+ 187 viii. John Purnell Marshall (Capt.) was born February, 1761.

+ 188 ix. Sarah "Sally" Elizabeth Marshall was born September 28, 1763.

55. Aralanta⁴ Purnell (John³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1722. Aralanta died 1782 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married Thomas Robins (Cpt.) in Worcester Co., MD, about 1745. Thomas was born 1702. Thomas was the son of Thomas Robins and Elizabeth Bowdoin. Thomas died September 25, 1765 in Worcester Co., MD. He was a member of the Lower House of the Maryland legislature from Worcester Co. 1744-51. (Meyers & Dorman, Adventurers of Purse & Person, p. 465)

She made a will in Worcester Co., MD, September 19, 1781. Aralanta's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, December 12, 1782. Her father left her "land left by my father Thomas Purnell" called "Four Fields" and "Fern Hill." (Ruth T. Dryden, Worcester Land Records). Aralanta was the 2nd wife of Captain Thomas Robins. Arlanta named her daughters Mary Purnell, Andasiah Spence, Esther Robins, Elizabeth Winnings, Arlanta Robins, son Littleton Robins, and grandchildren John Purnall Robins and Arlanta Purnell Robins.

Aralanta Purnell and Thomas Robins (Cpt.) had the following children:

+ 189 i. Mary⁵ Robins was born 1743.

+ 190 ii. Elizabeth Robins was born about 1745.

+ 191 iii. John Purnell Robins was born 1748.

192 iv. Littleton Robins was born in Worcester Co., MD about 1749. Littleton died June 16, 1816 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 13, 1815. Littleton's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, June 25, 1816.

+ 193 v. Andasia Robins was born about 1751.

194 vi. Bowden or Bowdoin Robins was born about 1755. Bowden died before February 3, 1786 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, July 7, 1778. Bowden's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, February 3, 1786. Bowden names his sisters Andrea Spence and Elizabeth Winants and his mother, Arlanta.

+ 195 vii. Esther Robins was born about 1760.

+ 196 viii. Aralanta Robins was born about 1763.

57. Lavinia⁴ Purnell (John³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born in Worcester Co., MD 1727. Lavinia died after May 20, 1789 in Worcester Co., MD.

She married twice. She married Lambert Fassitt before 1754. Lambert was born about 1726. Lambert was the son of William Fassitt (Col.) and Mary Rouse. Lambert died 1755 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, December 30, 1754. Lambert's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, January 31, 1755. Lambert was probably married first before his marriage to Lavinia and this first wife was mother to his older daughters. She may have been Mary Horsey.

Will dated December 30, 1754, probate January 31, 1755. My daughter Mary Fassitt, plantation I now live, description, (gut that divides between sister Bowen and myself) William Wallop and John Pann mentioned in description of land. My two daughters Sarah Zipporah, land bequeath to me by my father William Fassitt . My daughter Elizabeth Fassitt, 125 acres being ½ land devised between my brother Rouse Fassitt and myself Golden Valley. Also receives Rumbell Marsh. My daughter Mary. My wife Levinah Fassitt EX. My children Mary, Mary Elizabeth, Sarah, Zipporah. Wit. Rachael Rackliffe, Rouse Fassitt, Thomas Prideax. (transcribed by Suzanne B. Hurley, Ocean City Lifesaving Museum)

She married Thomas Prideaux after 1755. Thomas died 1789 in Worcester Co., MD. He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, May 20, 1789. Her name was also spelled Levinar and Leveniah. Her father left her "Spittle Fields" and "Truitt's Lott." Her children, Joshua Prideaux and Zipporah Fassitt are shown as heirs of Col. Zadock Purnell.

Lavinia Purnell and Lambert Fassitt had the following child:

197 i. Zipporah⁵ Fassitt. Zipporah died before 1760. Administration accounts for her father show payment to her representatives.

Lavinia Purnell and Thomas Prideaux had the following child:

+ 198 ii. Joshua Prideaux (Mjr.) was born about 1767.

58. Thomas⁴ Purnell (of Sinepuxent) (John³, Thomas², Thomas¹) was born 1732. Thomas died November 21, 1796 in Worcester Co., MD.

He married Comfort Purnell. Comfort was born in Somerset Co., MD December 8, 1737. Comfort was the daughter of Thomas Purnell (III) and Mary Outten. Comfort died January 10, 1798 in Worcester Co., MD. Comfort received "Watermillion" from her father's will.

He made a will in Worcester Co., MD, November 20, 1795. Thomas's will was probated in Worcester Co., MD, March 2, 1796. Thomas received "Strife" from his father's will. By his will, he left "Goshen" in Synapuxant, "Mayfields" "Mill Angle" "Strife" "Cow Quarter" and "Purnells Purchase" to his wife, Comfort. He named his grandchildren: William, Walton, Thomas and Elizabeth Purnell.

Purnell tradition places Thomas and Comfort living at "Genesar" at the time of the Revolution. The "Genesar" lands passed to his son,