Madaris, Medearis, Medaris, McDaris, McDearis, Medaries
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Brian "Kelly" Madaris
Our Current Theories
Our first traceable ancestor in this country was a man named Domingo Maderas. We suspect he was born about 1620-30, but the place of his birth is uncertain. We believe he was born in either Spain, Portugal or in the new colonies of America, but how Domingo came to America or when is not known for sure at this time. With current research it is believed that we are beginning to narrow down his story. We are working on several theories regarding Domingo and how he came to America. They are listed below by order of probability and the strongest evidence.
Theory # 1 - Domingo came to America as a Spanish Huguenot on a Dutch Ship.
Theory # 2 - His family was here before the establishment of Jamestown and he was connected to the Saponi Indians.
Theory # 3 - Domingo was the son of a Portuguese tobacco trader.
Lets take a look at the possibilities that brought Domingo to the US.
Theory 1:
Did Domingo come to America as a Spanish Huguenot on a Dutch Ship?
There are several possibilities that could have brought Domingo to North America. Current discoveries suggest that Domingo likely came here on a Dutch ship in the 1650's with Dutch and French Huguenots. You may be asking yourself the same question I did at first; "a seemingly Portuguese or Spanish name mixed in with Dutch people ?" "How can that be ?" Well it turns out that Spaniards from Holland are not as uncommon as one might think; especially during the time period we are looking at. The Netherlands were under Spanish control from 1579 - 1713. Many in this area were Protestants who during the late 1500's to the 1700's were persecuted for their beliefs by the Catholic Church.
Prior to persecution by the French crown under pressure from the Pope and French Catholics, the south of France contained a large population of French Protestants, known as Huguenots. This same southern region of the country borders the French and Spanish Basque regions of the Pyrenees Mountains and is home to the famous ancient Kingdom of Navarre. Long an area of dispute with a historical independence from both the French and Spanish governments, this same region is home to the Huguenot movement as well as Basque and Spanish variations of the Maderas surname. As further discussed below, this linkage, encompassing a relatively small geographic area provides a potential unraveling of the Domingo uncertainty.
To learn Domingo's story, I now believe that some early associations may give us some clues as to how and when he arrived in America. I suspect that Domingo would first appear in Nansemond County, Virginia, records if they existed. Very early records, which would have been in Nansemond County, have likely been lost. The borders of this county changed several times as other counties were created and many records were lost in three different fires. The county was burned in the Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War. The records that we have found so far show Domingo first in Lancaster County in 1558. Next he shows in Old Rappahannock County (Essex County) in 1660 then in 1668 he obtains property in New Kent County, Virginia. In 1694 this property is listed in King and Queen County. It does not appear that Domingo was moving around, but rather the County borders were moving around him. In 1658 Lancaster County was on both sides of the Rappahannock River. The settlers on the south side of the Rappahannock complained about how difficult it was getting to the courthouse located on the north side of the river. So in 1669 Middlesex County was created dividing Lancaster and Middlesex with the Rappahannock River. Many family records are found in Middlesex County for the next 50 years.
By current landmarks Domingo lived
specifically in the area of Upper or Western Middlesex County
along the border with Essex. 
His neighbors were the
Minors, Cockes, Montagues, Jones and Toseleys. We also know that
he had a close relationship with the Johnsons. He had a
partnership in headrights with James Johnson, and together they
imported people for indentureship, likely to help work their
farms. The area shaded in red on the map to the right is the area
inhabited by these settlers. (click map to enlarge map)
(click here to see the details of the red area)
Although we may not be able to trace Domingo further back because of the lost records, we can trace his associates. We can trace the Montagues, Doodes (Minors), Jones and Cocks to the Rappahannock area of Middlesex County, Virginia around 1656. We know that they moved there from Nansemond Co, Virginia. We also know that there was a common bond between these residents of western Middlesex County that brought them all there together. There are definite traceable relationships to many of them before moving into the Rappahannock area where they would settle. In other words they did not move here and become acquainted with each other, they were already acquaintances and they moved here together. The Maderas family shows in this group as early as 1658 where "Domingo Madoras" witnesses a deed for "Nicholas Cocke" in Lancaster County, part of which would soon become Middlesex County.
The common bond for them all may have been Meindort Doodes who was a Dutch sea captain. He settled in Nansemond County, Virginia in the 1650's and later Americanized his name to Minor Doodes. The pronunciation of Meindort is very similar to Minor which is much easier to spell. He gave all of his children and descendants the surname of Minor. The Minors, Montegues, Cocks, Jones, Johnsons, Smiths, Toseleys and Maderas' would all intermarry and become related through both direct blood and in-law-ship from the 1660's to 1700's. The lifestyles and conditions in this area known as Dragon Swamp would bring all of these people closer by blood.
The Montegues were English and came in early to Jamestown. The Minors, Johnsons and Cockes were all naturalized under an act giving encouragement to foreign settlers which was passed by the Colonial Assembly in March, 1657 [1658]. It provided citizenship for people after living in an area for a certain amount of "years" and have a "firme resolution to make this country their place of residence". Englishmen did not have to be naturalized, but immigrants from other countries outside of England did. All of these person's mentioned are Dutch Huguenot refugees to Virginia.
- Documents, Chiefly Unpublished relating to the Hugenot Emigration
- to Virginia and to the Settlement at Manakin Town,
- Published by the Virginia Historical Society in 1886, Richmond Virginia
In March, 1659 [1660], and October, 1660, acts of naturalization in favor of John Johnson, millwright, being a Dutchman; and of Nicholas Boate, severally, were passed An act passed September, 1671, allowed "any stranger * * upon petition to the grand Assembly, and taking the oaths of allegiance and supremacy to his Majesty" to be naturalized, and be capable of office, traffique, and trading, of taking up, purchasing, conveying, devising and inheriting of lands," etc.
ACT VII. LAWS OF VIRGINIA, OCTOBER, 1673 --- 25th CHARLES II.
An act for the naturalization of John Peterson, Rowland, Anderson and others.*
WHEREAS at a grand assembly holden at James Cittie the twentieth day of September, in the twenty-third year of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord the King that now is, and in the yeare of our Lord 1671, it was enacted and ordained that any stranger desireing to make this country the place of their constant residence, might upon their petition to the grand assembly, and takeing the oaths of allegiance and supremacy be admitted to a naturalization. Whereupon John Peterson, Rowland Anderson, Michaell Vanlandigam, Minor Doodes, Doodes Minor, and Herman Kelderman, aliens, makeing humble suite as aforesaid, Bee it therefore enacted by the governour, councill and burgesses of this grand assembly and by the authority thereof, that the said John Peterson, Rowland Anderson, Michaell Vanlandigam, Minor Doodes, Doodes Minor, and Herman Kelderman, and every of them be and are by vertue hereof, and the afore recited lawe, whereon this is grounded capable of free traffique and tradeing of takeing up and purchaseing,
LAWS OF VIRGINIA, CHAP. LVI. October 1705
An act confirming the Naturalization of Joshua Mulder (Dutch) and others.
WHEREAS by former acts of assembly, Joshua Mulder, Henry Weedick, Christopher Regault, Henry Fayson Vandoevarage, John Mattoon, Dominick Theriate, Jeremy Packquett, Nicholas Cock, Henry Wagaman, Thomas Harmenson, John Peterson, Reynold Anderson, Michael Vanlandigham, Minor Doodes, Doodes Minor, Herman Kelderman, Christian Peterson, Garret Johnson, Abraham Vinckler, John Michael, Jacob Johnson, John Pimmitt and John Keeton, aliens, received grants of naturalization.
Be it therefore enacted by the governor, council and burgesses of this present general assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the said Joshua Mulder, Henry Weedick, Christopher Regault, Henry Fayson Vandoeverage, John Mattoon, Dominick Theriate, Jeremy Packquett, Nicholas Cock, Henry Wagaman, Thomas Harmenson, John Peterson, Reynold Anderson, Michael Vanlandigham, Minor Doodes, Doodes Minor, Herman Kelderman, Christian Peterson, Garret Johnson, Abraham Vinckler, John Michaell, Jacob Johnson, John Pimmitt and John Keeton, and all other persons whatsoever having heretofore received any grant of naturalization by virtue of any former acts and their heirs for ever shall have, hold and enjoy all and singular the estates, priviledges, capacitys, rights, immunitys, libertys, propertys and advantages of the naturall born subjects of this colony and dominion in the same manner, and as fully and amply to all intents and purposes as they, or any of them might or ought to have done if they and every of them had been expressed named in this or any other particular act of assembly for that purpose made or provided.
This tells us that most of our interrelated group in Upper Middlesex were new Dutch immigrants to America. Domingo may have died prior to 1671 when the naturalization process started. If he had lived just a few years longer we may have had the documented proof that we needed. But how would we tie Domingo Maderas to this group of Dutch, French and English immigrants? How do we get a Spanish or Portuguese surname intermixed with these English, French and Dutch surnames? To further understand how this group may have come together we have to look at the events of the time period that could have brought this meeting about.
In northern Spain along the French
border is an area called Navarre (Navarra). Living there were the Spanish Basque and 
a people who were
dissenters from the Catholic Church, the Huguenots. They were
Protestants, followers of Calvinism and they were French, Spanish
and Spanish Basque. The Huguenots were found in Northern Spain,
Southern France, England, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands,
which as I pointed out before was under Spanish rule. These
Huguenots were persecuted because of their beliefs but were
strong supporters of religious freedom. The Huguenots were
Protestants, believed in the Christian Bible and did not support
nor follow the Catholic Church. This was not well tolerated in a
Catholic ruled France. (Click
Map to Enlarge)
Persecution of the Huguenots began under the rule of Francis I (1515 - 1547) when an edict was issued for the extermination of the Huguenots on 29 January 1536. Catherine De Medici, Queen of France and wife to King Henry II, tried to promote peace in 1562 between the Catholics and Protestants by granting certain privileges to the Huguenots by means of the Edict of St. Germain. This peace was short lived and in 1652 a large number of Catholics attacked a Huguenot assembly in Vassy in France. This started the "Wars of Religion" which nearly devastated France for three decades. In August of 1570 the Huguenots were in danger of taking France and Catherine De Medici was forced to declare the Edict of St. Germain in order to bring peace. Gaspard de Coligny, the leader and spokesperson for the Huguenots managed to obtain religious freedom for everyone except for the city of Paris. The Catholics feared that this would bring power to the Huguenots and they feared this time they would lose Paris. They became determined once again to eliminate these supporters of religious freedom.
In August of 1572, the Catholics saw an opportunity to destroy the Huguenots. Prince Henry of Navarre was to marry Marguerite de Valois, daughter of Catherine de Medici. Thousands of Huguenots came to Paris for the wedding celebrations. The decision was made at the Louvre to kill Coligny and the Huguenot leaders gathered around him. This was a huge event attended by King Charles IX, Catherine de' Medici as well as the Huguenot leaders. Thousands of people were in attendance from all over the region. Possibly under the influence of Catherine, Charles IX declared "Well, then kill them all that no man be left to reproach me."
Coligny was taken from his bed early on a Sunday morning, killed and thrown from a window to the streets below. The militia as well as the common people went on a rampage. Catholics marked with white crosses on their hats carried on a three day massacre killing more than 8000 Huguenots assembled for the wedding. This was Sunday, 24th August 1572 and was the Feast of St. Bartholomew and this event has since been called the St. Bartholomew Massacre.
The massacre spread throughout the Huguenot region over the next few months. Some of the Huguenots fled northward through France into Germany, England, Ireland and the Netherlands where they were given shelter. Over time these areas of shelter also brought problems to the Huguenots. The Wars of Religion continued until 1598 when the Edict of Nantes was published, which granted Huguenots freedom of worship and civil rights for nearly a century, until Henri IV's descendant Louis XIV revoked it in 1685.
Between the years 1618 and 1725 some 7,000 to 10,000 Huguenot refugees reached the shores of America in pursuit of freedom and shelter from persecution. Another event that added to this mixture was the outbreak of Civil War in England. Between 1642 and 1651 there were actually three conflicts between the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers). These wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I and the Parliament ending with the trial and execution of King Charles I. His son Charles II was exiled and the English monarchy was replaced by Commonwealth of England leading to the rule of Oliver Cromwell. This ended the monopoly of the Church of England and lead to the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. During this period of turmoil, Protestants fled England into Holland joining up with the Huguenots of France, Navarre, the Spanish Netherlands and boarded ships to the new Colonies of America.
So we can see how a man named Maderas intermixed with Dutch and English surnames could have come into colonial Virginia in the 1650's. These refugees came into the Colonies establishing New Netherlands but many others arrived near Jamestown, Virginia where they were setup in Manakin Town on the Nansemond River. Many then migrated along other rivers northward from the Bay where they felt protected from Pirates. This pattern of movement follows the trek of our group of settlers who moved from Nansemond County into southern Lancaster County which would soon become Middlesex County, Virginia.
Are there Other Possibilities that could explain a Portuguese or Spanish family coming here with Dutch immigrants?
At first look I said "Yes". However, after investigating these other options they do not fit the historical facts and patterns. I will discuss them here as others will surely question the possibility as well.
Is it possible that Domingo ran into his French Huguenot friends at Hispaniola or Santo Domingo in the Caribbean? These same Huguenot refugees fleeing religious persecution came to Hispaniola in the early 1600s and built colonies at Point-de-Paix, Port-au-Prince, and Petit Goave. Hispaniola was a trading port with the American colonies at the time. They also had settlements at Santo Domingo and other surrounding islands. The Portuguese and Spanish inhabitants were under persecution from Catholics as well. Perhaps if he was not already on board with these travelers, he joined their trek to the new colonies at his place.
At first glance this seemed very plausible. But further study shows that many of these ships returned to the Netherlands and many of the Portuguese and Spaniards fleeing persecution in the inquisition actually fled to the Netherlands where they were accepted. The few ships that did come to the new colonies of America went to New Netherland and there is no evidence to support that they moved southward into Jamestown, Nansemond or Middlesex Counties during this time period.
In Brazil, the Dutch leadership was reportedly corrupt. The Dutch surrendered after a Portuguese revolt on 25 January 1654. The Dutch were given three months to either leave or convert to the Roman Catholic religion and become Portuguese citizens. In April 1654, there was a fleet of sixteen Dutch ships in the Harbor of Recif to evacuate the Dutch Protestants together with a small number of Dutch and Portuguese Jews. One of these ships was the St. Charles. On 7 Sept. 1654 Capt. Jacques de la Motte, skipper of the St. Charles, appeared in New Netherland court with a petition. He asked for payment for freight and board of the Jews whom he brought here from Cape St. Anthony". He further stated that "the Netherlanders who came over with them" are not included in his suit and that they have paid him. Solomon Pietersen "a Jew" appears and says that "900 guilders of the 2500 are paid and that there are 23 souls, big and little [meaning adults and children] who must pay equally" (Olive Tree Genealogy - Passenger list of the St. Charles)
The 23 Portuguese Sephardic Jews that came to the Colonies were the only Portuguese to come here. The remaining 15 ships sailed to the Netherlands. The St. Charles was separated from the group and landed on the Shores of America. The 23 have all been identified and Domingo was not among this crew.
Thoughts
A tool in the persecution of the Huguenots was the use of "Draggonades" by the French. They placed militia soldiers called Dragoons into Huguenot households as was a common practice to maintain a militia. These soldiers, however were intimidating, harassing and tried to force the Huguenots to convert to Catholicism. A soldier of protection, intimidating and dangerous at times. Could it be that the Huguenot settlers named their home after these soldiers? They lived in Dragon Swamp which provided protection to the residents as well as superb fertile ground for planting, yet also proved to be intimidating and dangerous at times.
During the Civil War in England (as mentioned above) was started by the supporters of King Charles I and the Parliament. His son Charles II was exiled and the English monarchy was replaced by Commonwealth of England leading to the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Charles, Oliver and Cromwell are all common names found in our ancestry especially in the first seven generations.
We also must consider that Charles Madaris (3), grandson of Domingo Maderas was involved in a dissent from the Catholic Church in 1771 where many of his neighbors and some family members were jailed for teaching the Protestant religion against the rules of the Catholic Church. This all occurred on this same land in upper Middlesex County, Virginia, settled by their grandparents who were looking for religious freedom. You will read more about that in Generation 3.
Theory 2 :
Was his family here before the establishment of Jamestown?
Was he connected to the Saponi Indians?
The second option is that Domingo's family could have been here in the soon to be New England well before the establishment of Jamestown in 1600. We all learned that Columbus sailed the ocean blue and about the Mayflower but things were already happening around the New England coast well before the settlement of Jamestown in 1600 or the pilgrimage to Plymouth Rock in 1620. The Portuguese and Spanish were already here settled among the Indians well before these times.
In 1500 - 1501, Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte Real and his brother Miguel sailed along the (soon to be) New England coast. The two ships became separated and Gaspar's ship was never heard from again. In 1502, Miguel returned to look for his brother but he too never returned. Many years later a stone was discovered near Dighton, Massachusetts, that became known as the Dighton Rock. This stone contained engravings of Christian Crosses and the Portuguese Coat of Arms along with the inscription "Miguel Cortereal, by the will of God here chief of the Indians." Portuguese explorers commonly placed monoliths at newly claimed land. The origin of this stone and its authenticity, however, has been the subject of much debate. It's origin and connection with the Corte Real's has not been verified.
There is an old stone tower in Newport, Rhode Island which was not made by Indians and the design suggests a Portuguese origin. This stone tower is located near the Dighton Rock. Is it possible that Miguel Corte Real and his Portuguese crew members established a settlement and relationship with the Indians in the area of Massachusetts in 1511? Evidence says it is entirely possible.
The Wampanoag Indian tribe was identified in 1643 as having light-skinned members. They also used words such as "cabbo" for cape, "pico" for peak, and "sementels" for grain; these are all Portuguese words. In 1566 the Spaniards built a fort and city on the site of the previous French settlement of Charlesfort. This new settlement was called Sante Elena and its inhabitants were Spaniards and Portuguese. Sante Elena was the capital of Spanish Florida, for 21 years until it was abandoned because of a conflict with the Indians. The inhabitants escaped to Florida but some of them may have traveled northward and established more settlements. The settlements of Sante Elena and Charlesfort were located on the site of present day Charleston, South Carolina.
In 1634 many Sephardic Jews fled persecution in Portugal and came to the new colonies of New England. In 1654, 23 Shephardic Jews fled persecution in Brazil and also came to the new colonies. They formed what they called a new Portuguese nation in New Amsterdam with other Portuguese settlers in the area. (credits 128, 129)
When the English settlers came to the new colonies from England, they were told by the Indians of a people who lived nearby who were light skinned and similar to the new settlers. They said they called themselves "Portygees". Were they the children of the Corte Real brothers? Or possibly the displaced Sante Elena residents?
So we can see that the Spanish and Portuguese influence in the US started very early and shortly after the voyages of Columbus. The fact that no immigration records have ever been found for our ancestors into this country lends much credence to the theory that our ancestral presence was very early in, if not before US colonial history.
Theory 3 :
Was he the son of a Portuguese tobacco trader?
Is it possible that Domingo was born in this country in the area of recently settled Jamestown? With a treaty in place between Portugal and England, the Portuguese were traders with the new colonists. They traded furs and tobacco. In fact the production and trade of tobacco from the Portuguese settled Island of Barbados in the Indies, is what created the financial success of the new colonies. The colonies nearly failed before the importation of this "fine" tobacco, replacing the Indian (domestic) tobacco which most Englanders found to have a "bite".
Summary of our Theories
In summary for our three current theories, we can see that there is ample opportunity for Domingo to have arrived here from Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands or even England. We are continuing to search records and registers in hopes of the piece of evidence that will give us a definite answer. The fact that the settlers of upper Middlesex County have provable relationships that brought them all there together is our strongest evidence to support Domingo's migration here in the 1650's from the Spanish Netherlands. Our answer may lie in modern science with the analysis of DNA evidence.
Why are there so many varied spellings of our Surname ?
Madaris, Medearis, Medaris, McDaris, McDearis, Medaries or McDaries?
How are we all related?
Our surname, with all of its various spellings, is quite unique. We believe that Domingo is the one common ancestor of everyone with a surname of any of these known spellings. The spelling of the Surname has taken several distinct branches in the last 300 years. Early in the 1600's - 1800's, correct spelling seemed to be what ever created the phonetics desired. They spellings were often changes as they were "Americanized". Remember how I explained how "Meindort" was changed to "Minor"?
Webster's dictionary had not been written yet and phonetics was the most common way of recording documents, especially since many of our ancestors were illiterate during the re-settling years of the 1800's. This was particularly true for those who ventured out into the unexplored new territories. When the census takers or clerks were filling out documents they would have to spell the names phonetically, as best they could, based on the pronunciation of the individual providing the information. Foreign accents, draws and other speech patterns of the time can be analyzed by reading these phonetic spellings. This is why so many of our early documents spell our ancestors names so differently from one document to another. These seven common spellings of today may have been settled on by the children of the late 1800's and early 1900's who became the first of several generations to attend school. They may have settled on these spellings themselves or on the recommendation of their teachers based on the speech pattern of a child. They may have relied on spellings from family records such as Bibles or marriage bonds. Almost every branch of our family has varied in the spelling of their surname at some time.
Many families have stories as to why the spelling changes took place. The stories I have heard say the spelling was changed to distance ourselves from various family black sheep from horse thieves to murderers. Records have all but disproved those stories.
Bruce Medaris, son of General John Bruce Medaris, told me their spelling "Medaris" was taken from an old marriage record. I believe the "Mc" used in McDaris or McDearis developed from the Irish accents of the wives and mothers such as Rachel McPheeters, wife of Rice. If we look at all of the evidence it may become clear how this change took place. All of the documents based on Rachel's phonetics produce the McDaris spelling, yet none of the records produced by Rice use the "Mc" spelling. Not all of Rice's descendants use the "Mc" spelling and in fact this particular line has more varied spellings than any other. It is believed that the descendants of Rice took so many diverse spellings because of a land dispute after Rice's death. The use of "Mc" did not become common until after 1830.
I believe simple changes such as the "Ma" from "Me" developed after the Civil War where brothers and cousins fought on opposing sides causing riffs in the family. This change is noted especially in the Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas branches where members of the same family fought on opposing sides. Thomas P. and Jackson Madaris, who enlisted as Confederate soldiers, were captured and swore allegiance to the United States. After the war they both moved west where they adopted the spelling "Medaries".
Why do we believe that Domingo was Portuguese or Spanish?
Domingo's parents are unknown but as you have already read there are several possibilities as to where our ancestry came from. There is very strong evidence that we are of Spanish Basque descendancy as mentioned in our first theory.
Our earlier theories had Domingo immigrating from one of the areas in Portugal. One piece of evidence that is strong is Domingo's name. During the Inquisition, when Catholic Christianity took over the Jewish and Muslim Portuguese, they were forced to convert. In order to prove their dedication to their new Christian religion, the converts would name their first born son after the Sabbath. Domingo is Spanish and Domingos is Portuguese for "Sunday". It is believed that many of these "moriscos" fled to the new colonies.
Domingo = Spanish
Domingos = Portuguese
Sometimes the correct spelling of a Surname can be determined by locating the place of origin for your original ancestor into this country. It is likely that the original spelling of the surname is Mendariz, Mediaras (Spanish Basque), Medeiros, Madeiras (Portuguese) or Medearis. The basic meaning of all three spellings mean Wood or Timber.
The "z" in Mendariz would be pronounced like an "s". There is no Spanish equivalent sound for "z". All we do is drop the "n" to make the name easier or Americanized and we have Medaris, one of our most common found spellings in Colonial documents.
It was common for Portuguese immigrants to drop the "i" from their surnames as they came to this English country. This would produce the spelling Mederas from Medeiros or Maderas from Madeiras which is another spelling we see in our very early records.
The spellings Maderas and Mederis are found quite frequently in pre-1800 census records. John Medearis (4) who was born in 1744 was not only an officer in the American Revolution but he was also a teacher. Several branches of his family maintained the ability to read and write throughout their generations unlike most of our branches. The family was not very mobile and except for the move to Tennessee in the very early 1800's from North Carolina, they were always close to each other. The spelling of the name Medearis is consistent in all branches of John's descendancy. I feel this is a great indicator for us to determine the original spelling of our surname. It is possible that the spelling did change from Mendariz or Medeiros to Medearis in the time between Domingo and John, but since all spellings are interchangeable phonetically it will be very difficult to tie down to one spelling.
The oldest handwritten signatures we have are from John's brother Abraham (5), who wrote a letter to his brother in 1816 on which he signed his name Medearis. We have a letter written by William H. Madearis Jr. (7) (William 6, Rice 5) in 1852. William signs his name in this letter as Madearis.
Brian Kelly Madaris,
(updated in 1996, 2003, 2006)
Domingo Medeiras (1)
I will use a numbering system to denote individuals and their lineage. Their name will be followed by their number representing their generation. Then they will be listed with their ancestry in order.
For example: Charles Medaris (5) (John Thomas 4, Charles 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1)
When we look at this example we know that Charles is the 5th known generation in this country (or from Domingo) and his father was John Thomas son of Charles who was the son of Charles who was the son of Domingo.
I have adopted this method from Charles Carrow Cabiac editor of "The Med(e)aris/McDaris Miner" 1987-88.
Generation 1
Domingo Maderas (1) Current belief is that he was born about 1620 but the exact location is not know. He could have been born in Portugal, Spain, the Spanish Netherlands or even England. He may have traveled from the Basque area of Navarre in Northern Spain or Southern France. He could have been born in the Netherlands as his parents fled northward to avoid persecution. He may have even been born here in Virginia. Although there is uncertainty as to where he was born, we do know where he lived in the new Colonies of America. He lived in Lancaster, Essex, New Kent and Kings & Queens County, Virginia in the mid 1600's. This land in an area known as Dragon Swamp eventually became Middlesex County. This land would become home to all of his children and for the next four generations the Maderas family would live, grow up and die in the Dragon.
Domingo settled in the area along the Rappahannock River where he would grow tobacco, raise cattle and farm. We believe he married Elizabeth ???? and although we do not yet know Elizabeth's maiden name, it is suspected that she was related to the Johnson's or Cocks.
Domingo received property by "headrights". He was a tobacco farmer and cattle rancher and owned a vast amount of property in Virginia. Records indicate that he imported his ranch help through indentureship. In the 1600's, indentured servants outnumbered slave labor in this country. Primarily from England and Germany, these servants would bind themselves by indenture or contract to a specified period, usually 4 to 7 years, of service in return for payment of their passage. At the end of their period of indenture, former servants were given clothing, a gun, and land. The financier would receive land as "headrights" for financing the trip of the individuals; 50 acres for each person transported. Other than the land mentioned above, Domingo owned another 1500 acres in Virginia that was received through headrights.
Let's take a look, a snapshot if you would, of Domingo's life in Middlesex County, Virginia. Domingo lived between the Rappahannock River and Dragon Swamp. This fertile ground was perfect for the production of tobacco, the production of which would make these farmers prosperous. These farmers used a method taught by the Indians to grow their tobacco. The farmer would cultivate the soil in a circle several feet in diameter with a hoe. The soil would be worked into a hill in the center. Each circle was three to four feet apart. The tobacco plants after sprouting were placed one to each hill. The plants would be topped to prevent the production of seed allowing the leaves to spread. After drying the leaves in a special house they were packaged in large wooden casks called "hogsheads". This tobacco, which was originally imported from Barbados, was a Spanish Tobacco and it had a "sweet scent". In the early Colonies it was used for money and exchange. Tobacco was the whole economy of this new country.
If we are standing in front of the Maderas home and could take
a 360' panoramic view; what would 
we see? First
the house; a simple bare wood framed structure sitting on the
ground with no foundation. About 20 feet long and 16 to 20 feet
wide the home would only have a single great room. A fireplace
made of brick or stone would be at one end representing the
kitchen and the heat and light for the home. It would be massive
by today's standards capable of holding a four foot log.
The interior would have temporary as well as implied partitions. A space for eating, conversing and a partition made of curtains would separate the sleeping space for Domingo and his wife. A stair or ladder would lead to an attic space where supplies were stored and the children would sleep. A dirt floor and bare wooden walls, openings for windows that had no glass or screens, merely wooden shutters to seal the opening during the cold or rain.
The farm is surrounded by a picket fence. A large tree was placed on the line; several stakes hammered into the ground, leaning against the tree and forming an X to support a rail above, possibly several. This provided a barrier to smaller animals such as wild pigs from crawling under and larger animals from stepping over. Off to one side of the property would be a long narrow structure made of bare wood, specially made for the curing and drying of tobacco. The fields would be sprinkled with mounds for growing tobacco mixed in with stumps form recently cleared forest. The cattle would roam near the property and home along the wood line or in the woods nearby.
Narrow paths would wind through the area leading to neighbors and relatives homes and eventually leading into one main path to the Upper District Church. South of the home was the main road that lead some 35 miles to the bay. Some 15 miles down the road was the main Christ Church lying in the Middle District. Most of the homes north of the road, south of the road lies the Dragon and eventually the Piankatank River. The Rappahannock River was less than one half mile to the north.
We do not know for certain when Domingo died. An early researcher states that in 1668 there is a document relating to Sarah, a daughter of Domingo, being left orphaned. Although an early researcher mentions this document, it has never been found otherwise to prove its existence. If this document does exist it would indicate that Domingo died in 1667 or 1668 which could fit our time line of known events. It is believed that after Domingo's death Elizabeth re-married to Thomas Toseley around 1690. He definitely died before 1694 when the Zachary Lewis document was written. There is also no explanation for the land being deserted as described in the Zachary Lewis document, but it was not uncommon for settlers to abandon land obtained through headrights. Often the owner would obtain more land than they needed or could work. They brought in farm labor resulting in 50 acres of land per person, but did not need the land. Could Domingo have willed this land to his children? He could have but had Domingo died first, the land would have been solely James Johnson's and not likely inheritable by Domingo's descendants. Not only does it appear that Domingo died intestate, James Johnson shows in records past 1700.
Although there is no will or hard document to tie this family group together the circumstantial evidence leaves little doubt. The circumstantial ties by time line and geography are quite strong. These individuals do fall in place by their Middlesex, New Kent and Essex County connections and their ties with Dragon Swamp in other documents. The grandchildren of Charles (2) were born in Dragon Swamp; the same land area we know was owned by Domingo. The other branch's span out from this one central location and into the surrounding counties. All of these lines point directly back to Dragon Swamp and Domingo Maderas.
It is believed that Domingo had the following children:
- Charles Maderas (2) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles married Mary Beamon.
- John Maderas (2) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. Died 01 Aug. 1722. He apparently had no children. (Once listed as Jonas. See note below for Bolivar.)
- Sarah (2) (no hard evidence, but is listed in the William Clinton Madaris and Floyd McKinley Medaris documents.)
- James (2) married Sarah ????. James and Sarah are the originators of the line of Maderra or Madara. Most researchers in their line believe they are not connected to our line, but James shows in New Kent County, Virginia about the same time as everyone else appears. I have included him here in this spot to aid in research purposes. Although there is no hard evidence to place James here, the locality and dates may be strong indicators. Naming trends in this branch, however, differ considerably from those in the line of Charles (2).
- Bolivar (2) I have not personally seen any documents with either Jonas or Bolivar listed, however, several early researchers apparently did. These names show on several family group sheets including the ones created by William Clinton Madaris and Floyd McKinley Medaris both very avid and reliable researchers. If anyone has any info on these two individuals please let me know.)
(credits 00, 14, 15, 16, 17, 84, 181)
Supporting Documents
VIRGINIA COLONIAL ABSTRACTS
Vol. 1, pg. 186 - 9 Feb. 1658 /9 Lancaster County Records Book.
Domingo Madoras was a witness to a deed of Nicholas Cocke and Rodger Radford.
Whereas there was 300 acres of land held by and betw. Nicholas Cocke and Roger Radford, decd., half of which land “being given by will to Mary Cole by sd Radford, know therefore that I George Marsh for good consideration of 1000 lb of Tobo recd for the use of my aforesd Daughter in Law Mary Cole” sells to Nicholas Cocke that part of land formerly owned by Radford. Dated 9th Feb. 1658/9. Signed: George Marsh
- Wit: John Webb
- Domingo Maderas recog 25 May 1659 Rec 1 July 1659
ESSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA RECORDS
deed book 4, page 292 date 1660
Domingo Medaris --- cattle mark (registration) two cropps and two holes in the right ear.
CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS PATENT BOOK NO. 6
Domingo Mederis & James Johnson, 1000 acs New Kent Co., bet. Dragon Sw. & Axells Br., 8 Apr. 1668, p. 160. 500 acs. part granted to Tho. Cleborne in 1662, who was assingned to the abovenamed, 500 acs. for trans of 10 pers: Roger Tomson, Rich Arton, Peter Grange, Ann Denew (?), Robet. Fuller, Mary Ingersten, Rice Jervis, Absolon Stringer, Morris Avery, Jno. Carter.
Zachery Lewis. 20 April 1694
500 acres in King and Queen County. Adjoins Dragon Swamp. A patent granted to Thomas Clayborne now belonging to Mr. Christopher Lewis. This 500 acres formerly granted to Domingo Maderas and James Johnson 8 April 1668 and deserted. Due for importing 10 persons. Headrights include Dorcas Lewis and Sarah Lewis.
Description - Dragon Swamp
River of Rappahannock & the said Dragon Swamp which said Swamp runneh into ye said Peanketanck River, & is the main head thereof 10 miles of which distance pasrt of ye said 35 miles is a very narrow Neck or Poynt of land next to ye mouth of the said Rivers, & the other part of the County upwards containes about 3, 4, or 5 miles in breadth according to the several windeings & turninges of the said Rivers, & the said County is bounded on the head with the lower lilne of the land of John Jones, deced., which runs off from Rappahannock River on the uper part of Cocks Bay next above ye Land of James Blaise, & so crossing The Ridge along the Land of Thomas Toseley including the same & from the out line of Thomas Toseley's land down a great Branch devideing the land of Edward Thomas, deced., & the land of Rice Jones, deced. including the said Rice Jones's land
Mary Medearis Metz, (credits 13) spoke of Domingo in an article she submitted to the "Med(e)aris, McDaris Miner", VII, #II, April 1988 published by Charles Carrow Cabiac (credits 18) . In this article she says:
".......It is the Massey C. genealogy, beginning with Domingo Madera . This is the correct spelling. I have known about him since I was in my teens. My grandmother Medearis knew about him from her husband Francis Massey (7)(John Wesley 6, Massey C. 5, John Thomas 4, Charles 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1). Francis Massey Med. traveled for a tobacco co. as then representative in SC, NC and Va, both before and after the Civil War. He was stationed in Smythe Co., Va., in the Quarter Master Corps under Col. Morgan, who headed a Cavalry Unit...........At sometime either as the tobacco representative or during Civil War or both, he ran into people who knew about Domingo - 1600's."
Charles Maderas (2) (Domingo 1 ) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles is found in the Christ Church Parish Register and in documents relating to his stepfather Thomas Toseley. It is believed that he married Mary Beamon, the daughter of John and Mary Beamon between 1690 and 1700 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
Charles lived next to Thomas Toseley on the family land settled by Domingo in the 1650's. He was probably in the second or third house built on the land as most houses during the time, exposed to the weather, would require rebuilding every ten to 15 years. Charles likely built the first house on a rock or brick foundation, situated at the corners and along the length. This home would be the first in our family to have a wooden floor, laid out on joists. He may also be the first home to have glass in the windows.
We do not know very much about Charles and Mary. Charles is mentioned in a document in 1712 regarding the estate of John Hickey. Mary was mentioned in a 1717 document found in Middlesex County regarding the Nicholas Howse estate. She also asks for her son Charles to be added to the list of tithables in 1718. (see under Charles 3) It is unknown when Charles died, but we have Mary passing away on 05 Feb. 1720 and buried on the 7th.
Charles and Mary had the following children listed in the Christ Church Parish Register of Middlesex County, Virginia.
- Charles Madaris (3) b. 10 of February 1702, married Mary Elles (Ellis).
- John Thomas Medearis (3) b. 21 February 1704, married Rachael Davis.
- Mary Maderas (3) b. 24 Apr 1707 married John Gore Sr.
This family was originally based on the research of William Clinton Madaris (credits 62) . His work was the basis of many early charts for our first three generations. William felt Charles and Mary Beamon were generation 3, and Charles and Mary Toseley were generation 2. However the discovery of more documents and the knowledge of the Toseley family disproved a whole generation. The idea that Charles had married Mary Toseley was based on the will of Thomas Toseley where he named Charles and John Maderas as his "sons in". It was originally thought that they were his "sons in law", but it has since been proved that this term was used for "step-son" rather than "son-in-law, the husband of ones daughter". Thomas Toseley had married Elizabeth Maderas, mother of Charles and John.
In some of our older charts, there were additional children; Bowler, Thomas and Rachel added here under Charles (2) and Mary. However it appears that these additions came from the will of Bowler Madieros and it would be incorrect to do so. The will of Bowler was written 16 April 1781 as Bowler entered the Continental Army for the Revolution. It is very unlikely that he would have been born in the time period to be a brother to John and Charles listed above. He would have been around 80 years old in 1781. A little to old for battle field use! Bowler and his siblings would have to be in generation 5. His correct placement is currently unknown.
Supporting Documents
Va. Co. Court Records Deed Abstracts of Middlesex Co., Va. 1694 - 1703. Deed Book 2,
Part III by Ruth & Sam Sparacio. Pages 355 - 356.
This Indenture made the fourth day of M( ) Between John Beamon and Mary his wife of County of Middlesex of one part and Charles Madorions of other part Wittnesseth that the said John and Mary his wife for and in consideration that the (missing) shall from time to time and all times during (missing) Life be decently and well maintained in meat drink....lodging of the payment of charges of the said Charles ....orion that if he good living Clothing, Linning, Shoes, Stockings hatt and all necessary fitting and convenient for...with all such as may be reasonably adjudged sufficient for such a person hath granted and sold unto the said Charles Madorions for and during the natural life One hundred acres of land in said Couty the said one hundred acres of land formerly by Thomas Tosoley to the said Jno. Beamans by deed dated the first day of June 1691 accordcing to the said deed and the said John Beamons and Mary his wife for them selves their heirs granted that he the said Charles Madorions assigned forever all their personall Estate whatsoever only Excepting one Bedd and covering to it one great chest...cattle, hoggs... In Presence of John Madorions,
- Thomas Gambel
- John Beaman
- Mary Beaman
Att a Court for the County of Middlesex the 6th day of may 1700 then personally appeared Edwin Thacker and by vertue of a Power of Attorney from John Beamon acknowledged the above Deed to be his act & deed.
John Beamon purchased this land originally from Thomas Toseley in 1691.
PP. 357 - 178
Known all men by these presents that I Charles Madorions am indebted to John Beamon of the County of Middlesex in the sum of one thousand pounds of good swt. Tobacco and Caske the ( ) of ( ) 1700.
The condition of this obligation is such that the above named John Beamon hath (missing) said Charles Maderion his Plantation One hundred acres of land during his (missing) excepting a bedd a chest for the (missing) of him said John Beamon and Mary his Wife natural life in consideration of Washing and Lodging (missing) to lodge and dwell in dureing his natural life then his obligation to be voyd else to stand.
- In presence of John Madorions
- Charles Madereons
- Thomas Gamble
Att a Court held for County of Middlesex the 6th day of May 1700 This bond was acknowledged and admitted to record.
Charles Mederas & Mary--Middlesex Co. VA Order Book 1707-1708 Call # F232 M6, S7684 1998 p. 22
Middlesex Co. Court 8 July 1707--p. 128--Mederas to be summoned--Ordered Charles Mederas & Mary his wife be summoned to next Court to administer upon ye Estate of John Beamon, dec'd
Middlesex Co. Order Book 1708-1710 Call # F232 M6 S7685 1998 p. 318 (this book p. 96-97
Toseley will proved. The last will and testament of Thomas Toseley, dec'd was this day proved in court (7 Aug 1710) by the oaths of John Mercy and Robert Clarke, two of the witnesses to it and admitted to record.
Toseley's estate to be appraised. Ordered John Hoar, Minor Minor, Thomas Beuford, Henry Beufore and Wm. Wood or any four of them, sometime between this and the next court appraise the estate of Thomas Toseley, deced., being first sworn before the justice of the peace for this county, and make a report of their preceedings to next court when John and Charles Maderus are hereby ordered to appear and make oath to ye inventory.
Middlesex Co. Court 5th Feb 1711/12 p. 65
Hickey's Estate to be appraised--Charles Mederus & 4 others sworn before Justice of Peace for this Conty--any 4 of them hereby ordered to appraise estate of John ? Hickey.
Middlesex Co. VA Order Book 1716-1719 Call # F232 M6 S7689 1999 p. 321 (this book p. 20)
Middlesex Co. Court 7th May 1717
Maderia v. Howses' Estate--Order-Mary Maderis produced a Bill under the hand of Nicholas Howse deced for 600 pounds of taobacco & made oath that she has received nothing in satisfaction thereof; whereupon it is ordered that the sheriff deliver to Mary Maderis so many of the Bills taken of the buyers of Howse's Estate as will satisfie the sum and costs after the rate of 2 pence per pound
Middlesex County, Virginia. Wills and Inventories, 1637 - 1812 and Other Court Papers.
Will Book E. 1760 - 1772
- Elizabeth Beamon, 23 Jun 1770 Aug 1770. Brother John Beamon and his daughter Ann Beamon, Goddaughter Ann Madaris.
- Exors. John Brim and Ann Madaris.
- Wit. Henry Street, James McHan and Mary (Madaris) McHan.
The only Ann Madaris we know of is the wife of Benjamine (4) son of Charles (3) . This is the family listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. This Ann would fit the time requirement of being of age to be executor of the will of Elizabeth Beamon.
Obviously from these documents it can be concluded that John Beamon and his wife Mary are elderly. Some have concluded that John and Mary had no children to leave their land to and therefore gave it to Charles Maderion, his neighbor, in exchange for the Beamons being able to live there and be taken care of by Charles and his wife. However the will of Elizabeth Beamon above demonstrates that the Beamons did have children. The more probable conclusion was made by William Clinton Madaris (credits 62) . He concluded that Charles married their daughter Mary Beamon and thus the reason for the transaction. It is not the kind of agreement you would likely carry out between mere neighbors or friends. This is likely a contract between Charles and the parents of his wife.
I agree with William's conclusion based on the documents. I further believe that the 1707 document that names "Charles Mederis & Mary his wife" being named as administrators of the Beamon estate also cinches this family tie.
"Piscataway Creek, in Rappahannock Co., VA is a navigable creek with many streams flowing into it. A large branch that flows into Piscataway from the southeast was considered by many to be Piscataway. It took a ruling of the court to fix the same Piscataway as that of the west branch. The other large branch became known as the southeast branch of Piscataway or King's Swamp. On this swamp were five water grist mills, most of which were built before 1692. The south swamp was also called Green Swamp, Beeby's Swamp, Webb's Mill Swamp, Covington's Mill Swamp, Dunn's Mill Swamp, and then Essex Mill swamp. Landowners on or near this swamp were ALEXANDER MacKENNY, JOHN LACY, ROSCOE OVERTON, Capt. JOSIAS PICKENS, THOS BOWLER (Bowler's Quarter), PETER TREBLE (TRIBLE), HENRY WOODNUT, EDWARD HUDSON, JAMES WEBB, HENRY SMITH, JOHN HARPER, WM. EDWARDS, JOHN JONES, JOHN GIBBS, RICHARD BUSH, THOMAS BROUGHTON, RALEIGH TRAVERS, THOS. TOSELEY, HENRY WILLIAMS, RALPH PAIN and SAM. PARRY."
(Boulware Family Website)
John Maderas (2) (Domingo 1) was likely born between 1665 and 1670 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Listed in the Christ Church Parish Register. Died 01 Aug. 1722. He apparently had no children and there is no indication he ever married. He is mentioned in some of the records listed above with his brother Charles in reference to the Beamon estate as well as the documents listed below.
Will Book A 1698-1713 p. 49 (this book p. 60)
Inventory of Estate of Randolph Seger/ Debts owed the estates--Thomas Ellis & others 3 Feb 1700
p. 55 Inventory of Richard Willis--Debts owed--John Maderious
James Maddera (2) (Domingo 1 connection is assumed for research purpose) married Sarah ????. Had the following children:
- Zachariah (3)
The Will and Deed Book 1 of Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight
John Murray sells James Maddera 100 acres in U.P. adj. Thomas Took. Eliz. Murray also signs. 20 Jan.1681. Sam. Cook.
Charles Madaris (3) ( Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) b. 20 Feb. 1702 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Charles married Mary Elles (Ellis) 04 February 1732 in Middlesex Virginia at Christ Church. Mary was the daughter of Hezikiah and Mary Ellis.
Charles was one of the originators of the Protestant Church in the new colonies. There are several documents in the "William and Mary Quarterly" about Charles and his neighbors who were imprisoned for 46 days in 1771 for preaching without a license in the home of his neighbor and son-in-law, James McHan, and for not preaching in line with the Church of England.
Click here to read more about it.
Charles died abt. Oct. 1774 in Middlesex, County, Virginia. His will was probated on 24 Oct. 1774 at the Urbanna Courthouse. Charles name is listed in his will as Charles Madaris, but signs it as Carlos or Carles Madris. From statements made in Charles' will, he was ill for some time and was 72 years old. Click here to read the Will.
Charles and Mary had six children all documented in the Christ Church Parish Register of Middlesex County, Virginia:
- John Maderas (4) b. 19 May 1734, Middlesex County, Virginia, d. abt 1806. Middlesex County, Virginia, Married Lucy ????.
- Charles Maderas (4) 09 May 1737,
- Mary Maderas (4) b. 07 Dec 1739, married James McHan.
- Elizabeth Maderas (4) b. 17 Oct. 1742
- Benjamine Medearis (4) 04 Sept. 1745
- Johanne Maderas (4) b. 26 May 1748
Middlesex Co. Court 7th Oct 1718 p. 395 (this book p. 86)
Maderus's Tythables to be listed. On the motion of Mary Maderus it is ordered that her son Charles Maderus be added to the List of Tythables.
- Vestry Book of Christ Church Parish 1663-1767
- by C. G. Chamberlayne 1927
- Vestry held Tues Dec. 1, 1767
- Nov. 15, 1768 (this book 274-5)
- p. 258
To Charles Medeares 100 pounds Tobacco
At a Vestry held for Christ Church Parish in Midd County the 2nd day of Oct. 1749--To Will M. Buford, John Beamon, Edward Southarn, John Lee, William Cloudas, John Berry, Thomas Dudley, John Deagle, William Owen, James Gibson & William Haley, Patrolers, each 51 pounds Tobacco.
Notice: Current research is in progress on this generation. Generation 4 is the same as Generation 5. We are looking at shifting the generations backwards from 5 on up, but we want to confirm all of our thoughts before doing so.
John Thomas Medearis (3) ( Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) was born in 21 February 1704 in Middlesex County, Virginia. John married Rachael Davis who was b. 20 Nov. 1715.
John first appears in an August Court in 1744. In this case in Essex County, Virginia Records, Court Order Book No. 14. p. 38, Philoman Bird and als against Ann Smith and als, Petition for a Road. John appears on the side of Ann Smith petitioning against a bridge to be built over the Dragon Swamp. Their fear is that a charge would be placed on those wishing to travel over the bridge to take their tobacco to "Boulware's Warehouse". The importance of this court document is that it not only gives us the location of John's residence (Dragon Swamp for a tie to Domingo), but also tells us his occupation (Tobacco Farmer). The court document also gives us the name of a neighbor John Massey. This may be who his son Massey was named after.
Philoman Bird, by the way, won the court case and the bridge over Dragon Swamp was built.
John and Rachel lived across the river from George Washington. Rachel Davis Medearis and George Washington were 2nd cousins / 1 x removed. This makes the children of Rachel and George Washington 3rd cousins. This explains why the name Washington is passed down to John and Rachel's children and grandchildren. (see lineage below)
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEEDS (BOOK 6)
Indenture MADE the 20th day of June, 1761, between Moses VINCENT and Sarah VINCENT, his wife, parties of the first part, and John MEDEARIS, for 37 pounds, conveying 90 acres on South side of Fountains Creek. Signed by Moses VINSON and Sarah VINSON. Witnesses were John MEDARIS Junr. and Wm. BUFORD. Indenture acknowledged in Court on June 22, 1761, by Moses VINCENT. Deed Book 6, page 683.
John and Rachael had the following children, that make up most of our family branch's.
- Abraham Medearis (4)(5)
born in Essex County, Virginia, likely in the early 1740's, Abraham lived in Caswell County, Morgan District at the time of the 1790 Census. Abraham wrote a letter to his brother John on 11 Nov. 1816 and addresses him as "Dear Honorable Brother". He apparently never married and his line ended there. In the letter he referred to himself as "monastic". Abraham spent 3 years in service for his country in the American Revolution .
North Carolina Person County November 1th, 1816.
Dear Honorable Brother I have kind embraced this opportunity of righting to let you kno that I and mine is in reasonable state of helth at present. Thanks be to god for it and hoaping these lines will ifind you and yours in the like and I should be glad to see sum of you to have some chat with you about the country. I have the soryst crop that I ever had in my life and the drouth has been so severe that corn sels now at fore do form the stack rotten and all together, pork at 12-2/3 pr hundred. Cows between 20 and 30 doler by reaon of destemper and nomore at present. But stil remane your loving brother til deth and hope that if we neveer may see each other in this life that we may meat ....there to remane. But stil wish to se you and all your in life. I am dear Brother with esteam your dear loving brother until death and I stil remain in the monastick way.
Abraham Madeares
- To Mr. John Madeares
- Bedford County
- Tinnessee State
- From Abraham Meadeares
- Charles Medaris (4)(5) born about 1745, in Essex County, Virginia in the area known as Dragon Swamp. He married Elizabeth "Betsy" Gregory in 1765.
- John Medearis (4)(5) born 22 February 1744, in Essex County, Virginia, between the Rappahanock and the Dragon Run, married Sarah Hicks Bell.
- Sarah Medaris (4)(5) born about 1745 in Virginia. Sarah married Henry Mitchell.
- Rice Medaris (4)(5) born about 1745-50 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Rice married Rachael McPheeters.
- Massey Chrisman Medearis (4)(5) born about 1752 in Essex County, Virginia, married Celia Bell.
- Oliver Medearis (4)(5) born about 1759 in Middlesex County, Virginia in the area known as Dragon Swamp. He married Wilmuth Redmond.
Notice: Current research is in progress on this generation. Generation 4 is the same as Generation 5. We are looking at shifting the generations backwards from 5 on up, but we want to confirm all of our thoughts before doing so.
The Kinship of George Washington, 1st President of the United States
and
Abraham, Charles, John, Rice, Massey, Oliver, Sarah (4)
Robert Reade, born in Linkeubolt Parish, Hauts, England. Died abt. 1626. Married 2) Mildred Windebank. Robert was Knighted 23 July 1607, Clerk of the Signet for Queen Elizabeth and King James. He died in the field, London, November 25, 1607.
- Col. George Reade, (brother) born 25 Oct. 1608 in England. He came to America in 1636, died 1674. He married Elizabeth Martiau in 1641 in Yorktown. She was the daughter of Capt. Nicholas Martiau, who was born in France in 1591.
- Frances Reade, (Sister) married Jane Chrisman
- Mary Reade, (Cousin) married Edward Davis
- Rachel Davis, (2nd Cousin) married John Thomas Medearis (3)
- Abraham Medearis (4)
- Charles Medaris (4)
- John Medearis (4) (3rd Cousins)
- Rice Medaris (4)
- Massey Medearis (4)
- Oliver Medearis (4)
- Sarah Medaris (4)
- Mildred Reade, (Sister) born 1642 in Glaouster, Va, Died 1694. Married Col. Augustine Warner.
- Mildred Warner, (Cousin) married Lawrence Washington
- Augustine Washington, (2nd Cousin) married Mary Ball
- George Washington, (3rd Cousin) 1st President of the United States
Mary Maderas (3) ( Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) b. 24 Apr 1707. Mary married John Gore on13 May 1725.
Mary and John had the following children:
- Rachel Gore (4) b. 21 Feb. 1725. She married ???? Parks.
- John Gore Jr. (4) b. 02 Feb. 1730 in Middlesex County, VA; died 1816 in Culpeper County, VA.
- Henry Gore (4) b. 10 Sept. 1736. Henry is the 5th great Grandfather of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., former Vice President of the United States.
- Joseph Gore (4) b. abt. 1738, d. 10 Sept. 1775, married Mary Allison bef. 1691.
- Mary Gore (4) b. February 1728. She married ???? Breedlove.
- Sarah Gore (4) b. 1732. She married John O'Neal.
( For more information on the Toseley's and the Gores, please click here to visit Joyce Gore Locke's home page )
Zachariah Maddera (3) (James 2 , Domingo 1 connection is assumed for research purpose) (what's in a name? Zacarias) Listed as a gaoler in Urbanna, Virginia. (A gaoler is the British term for jailer). Zachariah witnessed many documents such as wills, and land deeds. Zachariah died around Jan 1752, his WILL was recorded on 12 Feb. 1752.
Zachariah was married twice, 1) Prescilla Deberry in 1712. She was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Deberry. He married 2) Johanna Hurdle.
Zachariah had the following children:
- Joel Maddera (4) lived in Surry County. He bought 200 acres of property from Nathaniel Thompson in Surry Co., on the 26th day of Oct. 1779 which he resold in 1782 to Jacob Faullcon. Jacob Faullcon being the court clerk who recorded many of the will's of the Maddera family. Joel married 1) Lucy Warren 02 Feb. 1774 2) Ann Cocke Thompson, 02 Sept 1779 in Surry Co.,VA.
- James Maddera (4) married Mary Wombell, daughter of Thomas Wombell in 1784 in Isle of Wright Co., VA.
- Joseph Maddera (4) married Margaret Wombell, daughter of Thomas Wombell in 1784 in Isle of Wright Co., VA.
- Priscilla Maddera (4)
- John Maddera (4) lived in Surry County.
- William Maddera (4)
- Lucy Maddera (4)
- Martha Maddera (4)
- Ann Maddera (4)
Supporting Documents
Portion of Will of Peter Deberry, father of Priscilla Deberry
Deberry, Peter: Leg. Daughter Priscilla, wife of Zacharias Maddera ; son John land adjoining William Thomas; daughter Sarah the wife of John Warren, part of Piland's patent; son John the bed on which I now lie at the house of James Sampson; wife Elizabeth. Exs., wife and brother John Brantley.
D(ied). December 30, 1712. R(ecorded). March 28, 1712
Wit. Nathaniel Ridley, James Sampson, James Madera, Mary Sampson. Page 554
(Credits 00,17, 27, 38, 84, 99 )
John Maddera (4) (Zachariah 3 , James 2 , Domingo 1 connection
is assumed for research purpose)
wrote his WILL
on 10 July 1782 and it was recorded 27 Aug. 1782. This
likely indicates John was killed in action during the
Revolutionary War. Most soldiers wrote their will upon
joining the Continental Army.
John lived in Surry County where he married Elizabeth ????.
John and Elizabeth had the following children:
- John Maddera (5)
- Thomas Maddera (5)
- Mecajah Maddera (5)
- Rebekah Maddera (5)
- Nancy Maddera (5)
- Martha Maddera (5) married Francis Jackson, 10 Feb 1778, in Amelia Co., VA.
- Dicey (Diana) Maddera (5) married Henry Crawley, 9 March 1809 in Surry Co., VA.
- Priscilla Maddera (5) married Samuel Chapman, 23 June 1807 in Surry Co., VA.
- Mary Maddera (5) (this may be Martha above) married Joseph Williamson , 9 Jan. 1817 in Surry Co., VA.
(Credits 00, 17, 38, 84)
William Maddera (4) (Zachariah 3 , James 2 , Domingo 1 connection
is assumed for research purpose) It
appears that William died around Jan. 1773. He wrote his WILL
in 1772. These dates likely indicate his being killed during his
involvement in the Indian Wars of the time or during early
British skirmishes leading up to the American Revolution..
Further research will be needed to make this tie. He lived
in Surry County, Virginia and married Elizabeth (Rae ?).
William and Elizabeth had the following children:
- Christopher Maddera
- Samuel Maddera (5)
- Bob Maddera (5)
- James Maddera (5)
- Silviah Maddera (5) married Richard Schammell (Schamell) 17 Oct. 1778 in Surry Co., VA.
- Lenor Maddera (5)
- Elizabeth Maddera (5)
- Lucretia Maddera (5) married Amos Gwaltney, 7 Oct. 1786 in Surry Co., VA.
John Maderas (4) ( Charles 3 , Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) b. 19 May 1734, Middlesex County, Virginia, d. abt 1806 in Middlesex County, Virginia. John married Lucy ????. They were neighbors to John Owens and John Beamons per records. John first shows in 1790 Middlesex Co., VA Census.
John and Lucy had the following children:
- James Maderas (5) born likely in the 1750's, d. about 1815 married Milly ????. They had the following children who were likely born in the 1770's to 1790's:
- John Maderas (6) b. 1770's
- Henry Maderas (6) b. 1770's, lived in New Kent County, VA, in 1790
- Ann Maderas (7) married Benjamin F. Carlton on 10 Jun. 1846 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
- Moriah Maderas (6)
- Harriett Maderas (6) married Thomas Hundley bond 11 Feb. 1823. Her father James is listed as deceased on the bond, her brother Henry acted as surety.
- Betsey Maderas (5) born likely in the 1750's, she married ???? Hardy. They had the following children:
- John Hardy (6)
- Judie Maderas (5) born likely in the 1750's, she married ???? Dickerson.
Supporting Documents
- Middlesex County, Virginia. Wills and Inventories, 1637 - 1812 and Other Court Papers.
- Will Book F. Page 297
James and Judy (sic) Maderas were witnesses to the will of James McHan.
- Orders 1758 - 1767 Page 2
- Mary (Mederis) McKan 14 Aug 1793 / 24 Feb. 1794
Wit: Jude Mederis
- Will book #2 p. 311 1799 - 1812
- Middlesex Co., Virginia Courthouse, Saluda, Virginia.
John Medearres 15 Apr 1805 / 23 Jun 1806
John leaves his plantation to his son James Medearras during his life and to his grandson John Medearras & his heirs forever. He gives to his son his gun & clothes--to his daughter Betsey Medearras 1 bed & furniture etc and to his wife Lucy Medearras 1 bed & furniture--to grandson John Hardy 1 Shilling sterling-- to give the residue of his estate to be equally divided between his 2 daughters, Judie Dickerson & Betsey Medearras
Exors: his friends John Street and John Clark
Wit. Major Wyatt, Eligha Wyatt and Major Turner.
- Will Book 3 1812-1821 Middlesex Co. Courthouse Saulda VA p. 181
- Will of James Medearres--June 9, 1810
James leaves to his loving wife Milley Medearras all his estate--son Henry Medearris his plantation--daughter Moriah Medearris 1 negro girl by the name of Fanney--daughter Harriat Medearras 1 negro girl
Harriet Maderis
Hundley, Thomas Sr. & Miss Harriet Maderis Bond 11 Feb. 1823. James Maderis, deceased, father of Harriet. Sur & Wit. George M. Hundley & Henry Maderis p. 87 (this book p. 48)
Mary Maderas (4) ( Charles 3 , Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) b. 07 Dec 1739, married James McHan on 05 Jan 1762. They had the following children:
- John McHan (5) b. 19 Jul 1762 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
- Philip McHan (5)b. aft. 1762 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
- Elizabeth McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia, married ???? Birch.
- Rachel McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia, married ???? Olmore.
- Henry McHan (5) b. aft 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia.
Middlesex County, Virginia, Wills page 122
In the Name of god amen I mary Mckan of Middlesex County and parish of Christ church do make an order this my last will and testament in manner and form as followeth Item Item [sic] my will and desier is that my son Philip Mchan shall have one cow and calf a bed and furnetue to him and his heirs forever Item my will and desier is that my Daughter Elizabeth Burch [Beurch?] shall have one bed and furnetue to her and her heirs forever Item my will and desier is that my Daughter Rachel Olmore shall have my mair and side saddle one cow and calf and one bed and furnetue to her and her heirs forever. Item my will and desier is that my son Henry Mckan shall have my sorrol horse and bed and furnetue to him and his heirs forever. Item my will and desier is after paying my Just debts that the rest of my Estate be equally devideed between all my children John Mckan Philip Mckan Elizabeth Birch Rachel Olmore Henry Mckan Item I [...] John Sadler and John Owens my Executor
- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal August 14, 1793.
- Mary Mackan
- (Witnesses)
- Jukey Cole
- Juda Medaris
Presented to Court in Urbanna on Monday 24th day of February 1794.
George Cundiff McKann, Jr. 1977, Partial History of the Mackans, MacKans, McKans & Mckanns, An Early Virginia Family, p. 63, citing Middlesex County, Virginia, Guardian Bond Book 2, p. 185. Bond is given of John Healy & John McKan for one hundred pounds to administer estate of Mary McKan, dated 24th day of February, 1794, signed by Jno. Healy and John Mackan
Sarah Maderias (4) (John Thomas 3 , Charles 2 , Domingo 1 ) was born abt. 1745 in Virginia. Sarah married Henry Mitchell, son of Henry and Pricilla Jones Mitchell. Henry was b. 31 Aug. 1745 in Virginia.
This family resided in Burke County, Morgan District, North Carolina in the 1770's. Henry served in the Continental Army for North Carolina. After the war they moved to the northwest corner of Jones County, Georgia, to a place called Cornucopia in early 1800, then to Falling Creek, Jones County, Georgia, where he built a Grist Mill. He was there 3 years grinding corn for the Indians and white settlers. Henry sent for his wife Sarah after being established.
Records of County Line Primitive Baptist Church show that "brother henry mitchell and sarah his wife came forward with letters of dismishion and was received" date being 17 March 1810. On 14 Nov. 1812 "brother Henry" and his wife applied for letters of "dismishion" and they were granted.
New Hope, Caney Creek Church, was organized 06 Feb. 1813, where Henry and Sarah, along with 18 other sturdy pioneer settlers banded themselves under the constitution. New Hope was constituted upon the old line primitive Baptist principals belief and bible doctrines, on 12 Dec. ????. Henry Mitchell was president of the church senate and passed an act to prohibit dueling. This information can be found in "Family Sketches of Jones County Georgia" by Mrs. Carolyn Mitchell Black, Gray Georgia.
Sarah and Henry had the following children:
- Drury Mitchell (5) b. 1765 in Virginia, d. 10 July 1857 in Butler County Alabama. Drury married Rhoda Rebecca Lassiter on 30 Dec. 1800 in Green County, Georgia. They moved to Jones County, Georgia in 1811 along with his brother Sterling. Drury is buried in Garland Community Cemetery near McKenzie, Alabama. They had a son whose name is important to tying this family into our line.
- Ricey Maderias John Mitchell (6) b. 25 Jan. 1804 in Green County, Georgia, d. 01 Sept. 1890 in Butler County, Alabama, in the later census of Alabama his name appears as Rice Mitchell. Rice is buried in Elizabeth Primitive Baptist Church in McKenzie, Butler County, Alabama. He died in McKenzie on 01 September 1890.
- Henry Mitchell Jr. (5)
- Joshua Mitchell (5)
- Nathaniel Mitchell (5)
- Robert "Ricey" Maderias John Mitchell (5) b. 01 Feb. 1770, d. 23 Sept. 1834 in Jones county GA. He married Martha Elizabeth Flournoy on 18 Jan. 1797. Robert's name is also important to tying this family into our line.
- Ransom Mitchell (5)
- Mathew Mitchell (5)
- Sterling Mitchell (5) b. 1776, d. 1816 in Jones County GA. He married Elizabeth Brewer on 31 Aug. 1800 in Green County, Georgia.
- Susanna "Sukey" Mitchell (5) b. 17 April 1777 in North Carolina, d. abt 1853 in Nocogdoches, Texas. She married Henry Brewer on Aug. 31, 1800 in Green County, Georgia.
Bowler Madieros (?) fought in the Revolutionary war. What is known about him is from his Will . He wrote his will, pending his service in the war and "cause of my not returning from the Continental Army" on the 16th of April 1781. Bowler must have had a feeling of his fate. He apparently died in the Revolutionary War. His will was recorded on the 28th of Jan 1782 in Middlesex County, Virginia. Bowler signed his name as Madieros.
At this time it is unknown where Bowler falls in our tree. He is obviously too young to be the son of Charles (3), and should be in the group of generation 5. Hopefully, when more wills and documents are obtained from the Archive's of Virginia and North Carolina, Bowler's place will be found. Bowler had a brother named Thomas and a sister named Rachel who are named in his will.
Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution
Madderas, Boler, of Middlesex, E.
(E = Index of the Revolutionary Records in Virginia State Archives)
Indian War's, War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish American War "Rosters"
E-mail comments or questions to Kelly Madaris
