John Rowley could be one of two Jhn Rowleys who provided their sponsor with land in Colonial Virginia. He was confused with one of Henry's grandsons who disappeared from New England records. Since John (Moses, Henry) [1-3.004] of Plymouth was born in 1667 and John of Virginia [7-1.001] had his third son in Virginia in 1667, these are not the same man.
The following chart is actually a combination of three families that 'should' be connected, but the research has not yet shown the connection. Moses (Moses, William, John) [ 7-3.005] was a bastard son of Moses Rowley and a servant woman. He has not been linked to either Mary Rowley (mother of [15-2.001]) nor Major Rowley [16-1.001], but it appears that there should be a connection. Any information on these families would be appreciated.
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This chart is presented, listing descendants from various sources. There may be, and very probably are, errors in this list. Please do us, and everyone who makes use of this, a big favor by notifying me at of any inaccuracies you spot. (If you don't see an email address in the previous sentence, you will need to turn on JavaScript in your browser).
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[ 7-1.001] John1 Rowley was born circa 1645. He married Amey (-----) based on subsequent court records and claims of kinship by William Wood. John Rowley appears first in Virginia records as one of the two men referenced: Major John Washington granted 1100 acres for transporting 22 persons including Jno Rowley on 1 June 1664 and Patent Book #5 shows that Copeland received a land patent based on recruiting Jno. Rowley in 1665.
John gave to his "eldest son, Rich'd half of his lands at the upper End of my line and joyning upon John Jones, Stephen Fewell, and Wm Smith formerly belonging to Rich'd Rosier and purchased. If said Rich'd shall dye without issue the aforesd land shall returne to his younger brother & he dying w/out issue from Bro to Bro till there be no more found." Signed w/ I crossed; prepared by Thomas Park and witnessed by Geo Garret and Geo Palmer. He executed a deed in 1691 when
John received a levy for killing a wolf with a gun in 1691 and ditto one by pitt. Also inventoried estate of Thomas Folio in same year; signed with I crossed in center. He died between 1732 and 1734.
John gave to his "eldest son, Rich'd half of his lands at the upper End of my line and joyning upon John Jones, Stephen Fewell, and Wm Smith formerly belonging to Rich'd Rosier and purchased. If said Rich'd shall dye without issue the aforesd land shall returne to his younger brother & he dying w/out issue from Bro to Bro till there be no more found." Signed w/ I crossed; prepared by Thomas Park and witnessed by Geo Garret and Geo Palmer.
2 [ 7-2.002] William2 Rowley was born circa 1665 King George Co., VA, based on deposition of William Rowley, aged about 60 years on Oct. 6, 1725. He married Mary King say 1690. In 1725, William and Mary, his wife, sell to T. Grigsby 50a in Hanover Parish, King George Co., part of 500a which belonged to Catherine, daughter and heiress of Hugh Williams, late the wife of John Rowley, deceased, and was escheated by William Wood (Catherine's brother), who in his will bequeathed it to said William Rowley. The will of William (senior) of Brunswick Parish mentions son Moses, daughters Amey Proctor and Ann Marders, the heirs of his daughter Margery Smith, deceased, and of his daughter Elizabeth Armstrong, deceased, and his son William who is made executor. He died King George Co., VA.
2.1 [ 7-3.004] William3 Rowley was born circa 1692 King George Co., VA. He left a will on 11 May 1744. He married Ann Griggsby in 1773 (Newspaper reported that "Col Wm Rowley of Kg Geo Co. aged 62 mar, Miss Nancy Grigsby of the same co in her 63rd year, a maiden lady, and who, it is said, is in a likely way of increasing the colonel's family (VG 6 May 73)." He died on 20 May 1774 King George Co., VA, without issue.
2.2 Amey3 Rowley married George Proctor. She was born circa 1695 King George Co., VA. She died after 23 Oct 1751.
2.3 [ 7-3.005] Moses3 Rowley was born circa 1698 King George Co., VA. He married Janet (-----) (widow of Joseph Sumner jr and John Peddicoart) on 16 May 1739 VA. He also married Elizabeth (-----) before 1783. 6 Nov 1783 Moses and wife Elizabeth deeded to Michael Wallace; Moses was tenant in free tail in 1776 of tract of 200 acres granted to his grandfather John by patent dated 4 Mar 1690/1 and also a tract of 150 acres purchased by said John Rowley from Richard Rossere & part of patent granted to Richard William and John Heaberd.
2.3.1 [ 7-4.001] Moses4 Rowley was baptized on 16 Sep 1744 Potomac Church, Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co., VA, 'a bastard' son of Moses and a servant woman.
3 [ 7-2.001] John2 Rowley was born circa 1667. He married Catherine Williams, daughter of Hugh Williams and Mary Webb, circa 1700. He died on 30 Aug 1704 King George Co., VA,.
John and his wife Catherine (Williams) Rowley were murdered by Nanzatico Indians at John's plantation on 30 Aug 1704. Some six or seven Indians came to John's house. He was in the loft (upstairs), and two women and a girl in the lower room. The Indians called him down, and while talking to him struck him a fatal blow. They pursued and killed both "the young woman" (Catherine) and the "old woman" (Catherine's mother Mary Webb) as they attempted to escape. Catherine's niece Ann Hinson escaped. "The infant" William Rowley, probably son of John and Catherine, was seized by one of the Indians, who exclaiming that "he loved children", held the child "between his legs and stuck him like a pig."
3.1 William3 Rowley was born circa 1702 King George Co., VA and died circa Aug 1704.
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Mary Rowley and Major Rowley, listed below, are NOT documented children of Moses Rowley. They are included here rather than as two separate branches because they appear to be part of this family. Any documentation supporting or contradicting this would be appreciated.
2.3.1.1 Mary5 Rowley left a will King George Co., VA, naming her son, William Rowley as her executor and stating that her name was Mary Rowley and she was not married (implying had not ever married). She was born circa 1777.
2.3.1.1.1 [37-2.001] William6 Rowley was born circa 1806. He married Sarah Lee, daughter of James Lee and Mary Mahorney, circa 1826. William appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA and died in 1857 King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.1 Frances7 Rowley was born in 1827. She married John Rogers (Rodgers) on 6 Jan 1850 King George Co., VA and died 15 Apr 1874.
2.3.1.1.1.1.1 Almina (Almeria, Almelia)8 Rogers (Rodgers) was born in Dec 1850.
2.3.1.1.1.2 [37-3.001] John7 Rowley was born in 1832 King George Co., VA. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA. He married Lucinda Rollins, daughter of Austin Rollins and Jane Dickerson, on 7 Jan 1857 King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.2.1 [37-4.001] James H.8 Rowley died intestate.
2.3.1.1.1.2.2 Jennie Florence8 Rowley married Gibbons Allensworth in 1886.
2.3.1.1.1.2.3 Eva8 Rowley married J. W. Grigsby.
2.3.1.1.1.3 [37-3.002] William7 Rowley was born in 1834 King George Co., VA. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA. He married Martha Lee, daughter of James Lee and Elizabeth Staples, on 26 Dec 1856 King George Co., VA and died in 1913.
2.3.1.1.1.3.1 Julia B.8 Rowley never married. She was born in 1857 and died in 1917.
2.3.1.1.1.3.2 Virginia8 Rowley never married. She was born in 1859 and died in 1929.
2.3.1.1.1.3.3 Elizabeth8 Rowley was born in 1860. She married Randolph Griffin, son of Lewis Griffin and Martha Lee, in 1882 and died in 1931.
2.3.1.1.1.3.4 Roseanna8 Rowley never married. She was born in 1861 and died in 1940.
2.3.1.1.1.3.5 Ada8 Rowley was born in 1864 and died in 1943.
2.3.1.1.1.3.6 [37-4.002] William Walker8 Rowley was born in 1868. He married Maria Scott, daughter of John Scott and Martha Lee and died in 1947.
2.3.1.1.1.3.6.1 Martha Belle9 Rowley married George Waterholder. She was born on 2 Mar 1886. She was living in Dec 1954 Washington, DC.
2.3.1.1.1.3.6.2 Florence9 Rowley married C. A. Grigsby. She was born on 2 Aug 1887 and died before Dec 1954.
2.3.1.1.1.3.6.3 [37-5.201] John Thomas9 Rowley was born on 14 Dec 1890. He was living in Dec 1954 Edge Hill, VA.
2.3.1.1.1.3.7 Annie8 Rowley never married. She was born in 1870 and died in 1945.
2.3.1.1.1.3.8 [37-4.003] Fred Watson8 Rowley was born in 1876. He married Maria J. Griffin, daughter of Charles Griffin and Marion Crismond, on 25 Jan 1899 and died in 1949.
2.3.1.1.1.3.8.1 Ida M.9 Rowley married [15-4.006] Frank B. Rowley, son of [15-3.007] Thomas Howard Rowley and Cordelia B. Moore. She was born on 3 Jul 1900.
2.3.1.1.1.3.8.2 [37-5.301] Roger9 Rowley was born on 30 Sep 1901.
2.3.1.1.1.3.8.3 Nannie9 Rowley was born on 12 Apr 1905. She married John Fenwick.
2.3.1.1.1.3.8.4 [37-5.302] John W.9 Rowley was born after 12 Apr 1905.
2.3.1.1.1.4 [37-3.003] Major7 Rowley was born circa 1840 King George Co., VA. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA. He married Jane E. Owens on 30 Dec 1867 King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.4.1 [37-4.005] Charles C.8 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.4.2 [37-4.004] Clarence S.8 Rowley was born say 1870. He married Adelaide Taylor.
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.1 [37-5.402] Conway9 Rowley married Nettie Brown and died in 1940.
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.1 Phyllis10 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.1.2 Muriel10 Rowley married (-----) Hardin.
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.2 [37-5.403] Oliver T.9 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.3 [37-5.404] Cecil H.9 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.4.2.4 [37-5.401] Clarence Alvin9 Rowley was born say 1900.
2.3.1.1.1.5 [37-3.004] James7 Rowley was born circa 1842 VA. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.6 Sarah7 Rowley was born circa 1844 King George Co., VA. She appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA. She married John Rogers (Rodgers) on 4 Nov 1877 King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.7 [37-3.005] Fenton7 Rowley was born circa 1845. She appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.8 [37-3.006] Robert7 Rowley was born in 1847. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA and died in 1864.
2.3.1.1.1.9 [37-3.007] Thomas Howard7 Rowley was born in 1849. He appeared on the census of 17 Aug 1850 King George, King George Co., VA. He married Virginia (-----). He married Cordelia B. Moore on 4 Jan 1883 King George Co., VA and died in 1923.
2.3.1.1.1.9.1 [37-4.006] Frank B.8 Rowley married Ida M. Rowley, daughter of [15-4.003] Fred Watson Rowley and Maria J. Griffin.
2.3.1.1.1.9.2 [37-4.007] Robert Jesse8 Rowley married Blanche Olive Owens. He died in Sep 1975 Caroline Co., VA.
2.3.1.1.1.9.2.1 Marvin Hamilton9 Rowley was born in Sep 1930. He died in Dec 1981 Spotsylvania Co., VA, at age 51.
2.3.1.1.1.9.2.1.1 David Hamilton10 Rowley was born in Mar 1956 Fredricksburg, VA.
2.3.1.1.1.9.5 [37-4.008] Thomas U.8 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.9.6 [37-4.009] John Rixley8 Rowley
2.3.1.1.1.9.7 Florence8 Rowley
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2.3.1.2 [17-1.001] Major5 Rowley was born on 20 Aug 1787 Brunswick Parish, King George Co., VA. He married Alyza Skinner after 31 Dec 1807, King George Co., VA and died on 18 Mar 1854 Union Co., KY, at age 66. Major Rowley, his wife Lya, and a number of their children/grandchildren, as well as a few others, are buried in what we call the "Major Rowley" Cemetery in Union County Kentucky. This is in a heavily wooded and overgrown area and is owned by a "coal" company. Shaft mines are rife in the area. All of the stones are down but one. We call this the "Major Rowley" cemetery to distinguish it from the Rowley Cemetery in another part of the county.
At some point, the family moved to Wheeling West Virginia (then Virginia). (This is from Starling's History of Union County Kentucky.) Length of stay there indeterminate at this point. They later came down the Ohio river, probably by flatboat, arriving in Union County about 1832 or 1833. They landed at Raleigh and lived in that area. (Raleigh is no longer there: the Ohio River claimed the remnants of it in the 1930s). Based on the 1850 census, among other things, they were fairly wealthy for that place and for that time.
2.3.1.2.1 [17-2.001] John B.6 Rowley was born on 20 Feb 1809 and died on 17 Jul 1853 at age 44.
2.3.1.2.2 [17-2.002] Robert E.6 Rowley was born on 10 Dec 1814 VA and died 1 August 1880, Union Co., KY, aged 66. He married Mary Anne Duval, daughter of Lucius Claiborne Duval and Tabitha Adams Russell, on 30 Mar 1843 Union Co., KY. She died in 1875. Both buried Antioch Church Cemetery, Union County KY.
2.3.1.2.2.1 [17-3.21] Robert Lucius7 Rowley married Lucy Hodge, daughter of James L Hodge and Sarah Jones Sanders. He was born 8 March 1848; died 15 August 1919. Robert and Lucy moved to OK in a covered wagon, but still owned farms in Union County. Both are buried in Fairlawn Cemetery, Oklahoma City. (note: the Hodges family were big slave traders.)
2.3.1.2.2.2 [17-3.22] Dr. James Alexander7 Rowley married 2 Feb 1874 Julia Anna Hodge, daughter of Lucius Claiborne Duval and Tabitha Adams Russell. He was born on 3 Aug 1850. He died on 22 Nov 1912 at age 62. He was a farmer, and a "country" doctor (e.g., no formal training). He was also a deputy sheriff from time to time. Buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Union County Kentucky.
2.3.1.2.2.2.1 [17-4.221] Grover Cleveland8 Rowley was born on 26 Jul 1883 Union Co., KY and died on 30 Dec 1940 Union Co., KY, at age 57. He was buried on 1 Jan 1941 Morganfield, Union Co., KY.
2.3.1.2.2.3 [17-3.23] Willie Jeff Davis7 Rowley was born 13 June 1861. After his father died in 1880, William moved to New York City.
2.3.1.2.2.4 [17-3.24] Edmond Lee7 Rowley was born 20 November 1864; died 31 March 1893.
2.3.1.2.3 Ann Frances6 Rowley was born on 15 May 1812 VA. She married Benjamin Franklin Riddle on 28 Dec 1836 Union Co., KY and died on 17 Aug 1862 Unionton, Union Co., KY, at age 50.
2.3.1.2.4 Jane S.6 Rowley was born on 16 Mar 1819. She married Solomon Deweese in 1859 and died on 7 Feb 1886 Union Co., KY, at age 66.
2.3.1.2.5 [17-2.003] James6 Rowley never married. He was born on 4 Jun 1822 and died on 11 Mar 1850 at age 27.
2.3.1.2.6 [17-2.004] Gustavus6 Rowley was born circa 1824 VA. He married Harriet Mary Pool, daughter of William B. Pool and Rebecca E. Burroughs, on 30 Jul 1851 and died in 1896 Union Co., KY.
2.3.1.2.6.1 Elizabeth7 Rowley was born 31 December 1857 and died on 11 Feb 1935.
2.3.1.2.6.2 [17-3.41] John W.7 Rowley was born circa 1857.
2.3.1.2.6.3 [17-3.42] Ezekial7 Rowley was born circa 1858. He married Mildred Steward in 1883.
2.3.1.2.6.4 Laura A7 Rowley was born 24 March 1861; died 16 October 1939. She married V. M. Morris. Both are buried at Woodland Baptist Cemetery in Union County, Kentucky.
2.3.1.2.6.5 [17-3.43] Millard7 Rowley was born in 1867 and died in 1925.
2.3.1.2.6.6 Augusta Jane7 Rowley was born on 13 Nov 1868. She married James Hartsock Freeburger in 1888 and died on 31 Oct 1959 at age 90.
2.3.1.2.6.7 [17-3.44] James7 Rowley was born in 1871. He married Pearl (-----) circa 1903 and died in 1937.
2.3.1.2.6.8 [17-3.45] Claud7 Rowley was born in 1873. He married Edmonia M. Boyle circa 1898 and died in 1931.
2.3.1.2.6.9 Ella Rebecca7 Rowley married [-----] Thompson. She was born on 19 Dec 1877 and died in 1914.
2.3.1.2.7 Sarah E.6 Rowley born 1829; died 16 June 1869. She married (1) John K. St. Albin 23 March 1853 and (2) John Ezechiel Henshaw 16 February 1856. There were no children known from the first marriage and 8 children from the second marriage. Sarah and husbands are buried at Rowley Cemetery, Union Co., KY.
2.3.1.2.8 Mary V.6 Rowley was born in 1834 probably KY. She married Dr. J. J. Barnett between 1850 and 1854.
2.4 Ann3 Rowley was born circa 1702 King George Co., VA. She married James Davis. She married William Marders (Mardis).
2.4.1 Catherine4 Davis was born on 20 Nov 1750.
2.5 Margary3 Rowley was born circa 1704 King George Co., VA. She married Joseph Smith in 1744. She died before 23 Oct 1751.
2.6 Elizabeth3 Rowley married Thomas Armstrong. She was born circa 1707 King George Co., VA. She died before 23 Oct 1751.
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Last Modified 02/07/17