352. Robert (Stapheldon) Stapleton
In US by 12/14/1748 - Married Catherine Reichard in Coventrytown, PA
Came to America
Was a Quaker, the only son of John I to leave decendants.
In the name of God, Amen! I, Godfrey Fowler of Henrico County, VA., being of perfect health and sound memory--thanks be to God!--but knowing the uncertainty of this life, do make, constitute, and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following: First, I desire that my son John Fowler may have the whole use and benefit and advantage of the plantation on which he now lives, with all the land on the north side of the Spring Branch, during his natural life, or his abode upon the said plantation. After his death or removal I give and bequeth the aforesaid plantation and tract of land to my grandson Godfrey Fowler son of Mark Fowler [i.e., the second Mark] to his heirs forever. Then I give my son Godfrey Fowler"[i.e., the second Godfrey, known as the Quaker]" the plantation and tract of land whereon he now lives, lying on the south side of the aforesaid Spring Branch, crossing Cattail Creek to William Dunnifants, Spring Branch, thence keeping that branch to the line, to him and his heirs forever.
Then I desire that my daughter (in law) Phebe, widow of my deceased son Thomas Fowler, may have the whole use and benefit and advantage of the tract of land and Plantation whereon my deceased son dwelt containing two hunddred acres, the same more or less, as it is already laid off by Mark't Trees &c during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or marriage I give the aforesaid Plantation and Tract of Land to my two Grandswons William and Josiah Fowler, sons of my aforesaid son Thomas Fowler, to them and their heirs forever, to be equally divided between them.
Then I give and bequeath unto Thomas Ellis the Plantation and Tract of Land whereon he lately dwelt containing 200 acres more or less as laid off by Mark't Trees &c to him and his heirs forever, it being the Tract of Land which he bought of my son Joseph Fowler and the right not yet conveyed.
Then I give and bequeath unto John Smith 100 acres of land be the same more or less joyning upon land which I have given to Thomas Ellis to him and his heirs forever, he having fully satisfied me for the said land and the right not conveyed before.
Then I give my son Joseph Fowler One Shilling Sterling.
Then I give my Daughter Anne Hill one Sealskin Trunk.
Then I give my son Mark Fowler all the Cattle he has of mine in his possession and the debt he owes me.
Then I give my Daughter Martha Vadin one Leather Chair which she has now in her possession.
I desire that my Estate may not be appraised. All of the rest of my Estate of (what) nature or kind soever I give unto my Son Godfrey Fowler my whole and Sole Executor of my last will and testament ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 29th of June, 1743. (Signed) " Godfrey Fowler- Religion: Society of Friends (Quakers)
-Godfrey petitioned for the return of 200 acres of his father's estate. Godfrey being the only surviving heir was given the land. Godfrey, together with George Archer, his brother in law, were granted land on Jan. 22, 1717 in Bristol Co and Godfrey was granted land on July 9, 1725 near his other land. He also received a grant August 17, 1725 or 400 acres. At death, Godfrey owned 1408 acres of land, 7 slaves, 4 horses, 16 head of cattle. His personal property after his death sold for 858 Pounds, 5 Shillings and 5 Pence.
Virginia 1705 Rent Rolls (Note: This was closest thing to a census, showing Colonial Planters in Virginia: April, 1705 - Henrico Co - The number following the name is the amount of acres the person held. Fowler, Godfrey - 250, Archer, Jno - 335, Archer, Geo
-Developed the family estate in Chesterfield, patenting with George Archer over 750 acres in Henrico Co, VA
-Henrico Deeds, page 379, Feb 1, 1692. Deed of Godfrey Fowler, planter, to John Wilson, both of Bristol Parish, Henrico County, 100 acres on the north side of Old Town Creek, etc, being part of a patent to John Fowler, father of Godfrey, Sept 12, 1662, James Cittie.
-Godfrey Fowler vs Thos. Batt, June 1, 1691. A copy of the will of John Fowler, the elder, deceased, was produced in court, which will gave each of his three sons, John Mark and Godfrey, an interest in the estate of 398 acres. Godfrey's 2 elder brothers, being dead, leaving no issue, Godfrey was declared the only heir at law.
-Henrico County Deeds, page 618, Feb, 1695. "Deed from Godfrey Fowler, planter (and signed by his wife, Susannah) to John Wilson, Sr., 50 acres. All parties to the transfer were of Bristol Parish, Henrico County." Note: This proof of marriage by 1695
-Godfrey inherited his father's lands as his brothers died young leaving no children. Godfrey increased this lands. He received one grant from A. Spottswood, 1717.
-From University of VA: 1717, Colonial Land Patents - Patents 10, page 347
Henrico Land Grants, vol 10, p. 347 or 341. To Godfrey Fowler and G. Archer, 500 acres of land, Jan 22, 1717. To all whom it may concern, know ye that for good causes and considerations, but especially in the importation of ten persons to dwell within our Colony and Dominion of Virginia, to wit, (gives names), we have given and granted and confirmed and by these presents to give and grant onto Godfrey Fowler and George Archer one certain tract of land containing 500 acres, lying and being on the north side of Appomattox River in the Parish of Bristol in the county of Henrico and bounded as follows - Beginning at a corner butterwood tree and the line of Col Epes & Co and runneth thence along the line of Wm Taylor, etc, hence on the line of John Parkenson - crossing Cattail Creek at the fork - hence to a black oak on the line of Col. Esps & Co. to have and to hold, etc. Signed: A. Spottswood-July 9, 1724, 300, Vol. 12, pag 8: To all whom it may concern - Know ye that for divers good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of Thirty Shillings of good and lawful money for our use paid to our Receiver General of our Revenue in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia, we have given, granted and confirmed to Godfrey Fowler one certain tract of land containing 300 acres, lying and being in Henrico County on the north side of the Appomattox River, bounded as follows.
-To Godfrey Fowler, 400 acres on north side of Appomattox River, Co of Henrico, August 17, 1725.
-The 1st patent granted to John Fowler was in 1662, in James City, later in Henrico, and lastly to Godfrey in Chesterfield County. Old Town Creek is between Richmond and Petersburg, the old Fowler homestead being situated nearer the latter place, the scene of horrible carnage in the war between the states, when Petersburg and Richmond fell.
--Library of Virginia, Land Office Patents & Grants/Northern Neck Grants & Surveys: 1.
Grantee: Fowler, Godfrey. grantee.
Date: 9 July 1724
Location: Henrico Co
Description: 300 acres on the north of Appamattox River, begg. &c. on the East side of a small branch of Nooneing Creek.
Source: Land Office Patents No. 12, 1724-1726, p. 8 (Reel 11).
Note: Part of the index to the recorded copies of patents for land issued by the Secretary of the Colony serving as the colonial Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
2.
Grantee: Fowler, Godfrey. grantee.
Date: 17 August 1725.
Location: Henrico County.
Description: 400 acres on the north side Appamattox River; begg. &c. of Frans. Mans, standg. on the south side of Haistains Branch.
Source: Land Office Patents No. 12, 1724-1726, p. 304 (Reel 11).
Part of the index to the recorded copies of patents for land issued by the Secretary of the Colony serving as the colonial Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
Both available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41.