The Family of Thomas  Mercer 1646 & Katherine Bigge 1655
First Child of Christopher Mercer 1612 & Mary Simson
s/o William Mercer 1590

Contact : Coyle@Whitten.com

Research by Don Mercer
Don Mercer Charts at Mercer University Library, Macon GA
page by Coyle Whitten
MERCER NAME INDEX

1. 02 Thomas Mercer/1646
Born: Mar 11, 1646/47 in Foxes Lane, Stepney, Middlesex, England
Died : May 16, 1718  in Lower Norfolk VA
Father : Christopher Mercer/1612
Mother : Mary Simson
Married : Abt 1671 in London England
Spouse  : Katherine Bigge/1655
Born : 1655 in Norfolk Co. , VA
Died : Sept 15, 1727
Father : John Bigge
Mother : Johanna Sawyer

Note: # before The Mercer Name is # 910 Don Wayland Mercer's Research index number to help track
the many Mercers that you will find here- No number before the name indicates
Family Members located by other sources. Documentation is generally found at the
bottom of the pages. Click on the blue links to navigate the Web Site.
Comments & Corrections Welcome!!

Children Thomas Mercer 1646& Katherine Bigge 1655


1. 03 Christopher Mercer 1672
Born: Abt 1672 in Norfolk Co. , VA
Married :
Died : June 27, 1711 in Norfolk Co. , VA

Spouse # 1 : Francis Hall
Born : 1674 in Norfolk Co. , VA
Father : John Hall
Mother : Francis Hall
Died :
Spouse # 2 : Sarah Randall Abt 1695
Born : 1676 in Norfolk Co. , VA
Father :
Mother :
Died :


2. # 7 Mary  Mercer
Born: 1678 in Norfolk Co. , VA
Married :  Abt 1698 in Currituck Co. NC
Died : Before. 1713 in Currituck Co. NC

Spouse #1 : George White Abt. 1698
Died : Before. 1712
Children :
1. Joseph WHITE Born: 1700
2. Thomas WHITE Born: 1702
3. Mary WHITE Born: 1704


Spouse # 2 : Richard Grey Abt. 1712


3. # 4 Joseph Mercer /1680
Born: 1680
Married : Feb 07, 1702/03
Died : May 1735 in Isle of Wight, VA

Spouse  : Amy Ives
Born :
Father :
Mother :
Died : after 1733

4. # 5 Thomas Mercer Jr./1685
Born: 1685
Married :  Abt 1718 in Currituck Co. NC
Died : Sept 1759 in in Currituck Co. NC

Spouse #1 :Elizabeth ?
Spouse # 2 : Mary
Born :
Father :
Mother :
Died :
In 1727 Thomas Mercer/1685 & wife Elizabeth sell Manor Plantation to Brother # 06 John Mercer .
Children of  # 5 Thomas Mercer Jr. /1685
1. 5A Jeremiah Mercer/1719
b 1719 Norfolk-VA
d 1797 Currituck-NC m Wineford ( 10-16-1773 Jeremiah Sr to Jr land that was given by his father , Thomas Mercer/1648 , deceased by D/G on 7-8-1742 on James Mercer Line. (See 4D above ) Book 2 Page 476
1. 500 Thomas Mercer/1740
b 1740c Currituck-NC
d 1809 Currituck-NC
m Mason (Thomazin)
d 9-27-1817b Currituck-NC
Children of Thomas/1740 & Mason (Thomazin)
1. 501 Malachi Mercer/1765
b 1765c d 1809c Currituck-NC
m Unknown
Children of 501 Malachi Mercer/1765 & Unk
1. 502 John Rozell Mercer/1796
2. 503 Jesse Rozell Mercer/1797
3. 504 Sarah Mercer
4. 505 Mary Mercer
5. 506 Thomasen Mercer d 1815b

2. 507 Thomas Mercer Jr/1760
b 1760c
d 1809 Currituck-NC
m Euphan ( Pheobe) she m2 Elder William Leary, Baptist Minister
Children of  507 Thomas Mercer Jr/1760 & Euphan ( Pheobe)
1. 508 Silas Mercer m Dorcas

3. 509 Ruth Mercer
m Bell
Children of Ruth Mercer & Mr Bell
1. 510 Will Bell
2. 511 Grace Bell
3. 512 John Bell

4. 513 Daughter Mercer
m Halstead
Children of Daughter Mercer Halstead
1. 514 Thomas Halstead
2. 515 Malachi Halstead

5. 516 Jeremiah Mercer Jr/1750
b 1750c
d 1815 Currituck-NC
m Franky  widow of Jordan Sawyer ( Book 2  Page 476)
d 1814b
Children of  516 Jeremiah Mercer Jr/1750 & Franky Sawyer
1. 517 Jeremiah Mercer lll , soldier War of 1812
2. 518 Cornelius Mercer Soldier War of 1812
3. 519 William G Mercer
m Nancy Doxey
d/o John Doxey
4. 520 Mary Mercer
d 2-1816 Currituck-NC

6. 521 Sarah Mercer
m Mr Baxter

7. 522 Ruth Mercer
m Chas Cherry
d 12-12-1805a Beaufort-nc ( A-225)
s/o Samuel Maund Cherry & Gatsey Llewellyn
Children of 522 Ruth Mercer & Chas Cherry
1. 523 John Cherry m Mary
2. 524 Charles Cherry Jr /1781c
b 1781c d 7-27-1818
m Montgomery-TN
Spouse : Rosannah Yarrell
3. 525 Jeremiah R Cherry d 1845 Beaufort-nc
4. 526 Mercer Cherry d 1838a Beaufort-nc
5. 527 Wineford Cherry
6. 528 William Cherry
7. 529 Elizabeth Cherry
8. 530 Sarah Cherry
9. 531 Ruth Cherry

8. 532 Elizabeth Mercer
m Maxmillian Jarvis
d Nov 1790b
Chlidren of 532 Elizabeth Mercer & Maxmillian Jarvis
1. 533 Elizabeth Jarvis
2. 534 Wineford Jarvis
3. 535 Mercer Jarvis, Soldier War of 1812 d May 1815b
4. 536 Soloman Jarvis
5. 537 Maxmillian Jarvis

9. 538 Wineford Mercer m Mr Chittam

10. 539 Mary Mercer m Mr Whitehouse




5. John Mercer Jr./1690
Born : Abt. 1690 in Norfolk Co. VA
Died : June, 1777 in Norfolk Co. VA
Married #1 : Constant Caswell 1710, Born.1695
Died : 1739
Married #2 : Martha Conden Abt. 1739

Anthony, you are mixing two John's together. There was John Jr. son of Thomas who married first Constant Caswell and then married Martha Condon after Constant died. The other John was John Sr. who married Ruth Sikes & Suggs. This John was also raised by Thomas and Catherine Biggs Mercer,but he was his nephew. I see this posted over and over. Check out the wills, both John's left wills. The John ( SEE # 8A John Mercer Sr./1685)  who married Ruth Sikes & Suggs died in 1751 and John JR. died in 1777.
Marilyn

Mercer Family Recearch by Don Mercer 1985 page 9

Records indicate that Thomas Mercer reared his nephew John Mercer Sr. , the son of his brother Joseph Mercer. No record has been found in Norfolk County , Virginia of Joseph Mercer, Brother of Thomas Mercer ( 1648-1718). John Mercer Sr.'s Will Dated May 10, 1751 ,Norfolk County , Virginia does not name his son Samuel Mercer, however Tithables of Norfolk County , Virginia on July 10, 1735 name John Mercer and his son Samuel Mercer. ( Tithables of Norfolk County , Virginia by Elizabeth B. Wingo and Bruce Wingo). Samuel Mercer died in 1764 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, leaving at least two sons Henry Mercer and Peter Mercer.


Anthony data





Credits : Research by Skip Kitchens/Don Mercer


Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 5

March 13, 1647/48 Foxes Lane , Stepney , Middlesex County , England - Thomas Mercer, new born son of Christopher , Cooper , and Mary Simson Christened

August 16, 1669-Norfolk County, VA, Court Minute Book page 36 Thomas Fenford 100 acres for the transportation of himself and Thomas Mercer.

April 18, 1671 Barbados, West Indies Thomas Mercer , His Brother Joseph Mercer and William Hart are named in Christopher Mercer, deceased will.

August 16, 1671 Norfolk County, VA Deed Book page 165 William Payton and wife Jane of Lower Norfolk County, VA sell to Thomas Mercer of the same place 125 acres on the North side of Tanner's Creek, bounded Eastward on the land of Alexander Gwin and Westward on the Payton and Southward on the Creek. Witness A. Toppin, Joshua Bigge . Recorded 8-15-1674

February 17, 1672-Norfolk County, Virginia, Deed Book, page 36-Michael Waybourne sells to Thomas Mercer, 200 acres on the Purcell Creek, patented by Richard Starling on April 20, 1653 and sold to Payton by Joseph Newton and Dennis Morris who married daughters of Richard Starling on February 1, 1669. Witness William Colie , William Porteen.

July 2, 1762 Norfolk County, Virginia, Court Minutes Book page 124 - Richard Batchelor empowers John Bigge to sue for his bill of William Chadwell. Witness Thomas Mercer

February 17, 1673-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 89-Judgement contested by William Goulston to Thomas Mercer, assignee of Richard Batchelor for payment of 260 # of tobacco. Judgement contested by William Goulston against Thomas Mercer for 500 # of tobacco.

May 5, 1675 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 127 - Whereas Edward Hassell sued John Moore in chancery for taking away a caste of tame from his landing and on oath of Moore what tame he took was by order of Hassell and part satisfaction due Plummer Bray from Hassell , being 649 # of tobacco due Bray from Mercer and Hassell promised to pay in tar.

October 15, 1675-Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 7, Differences between William Payton and Edward Hassell -slander. Hassell fined, Thomas Mercer security for Hassell; John Jones security for Payton. Hassell admits he abused Payton and withdrew his appeal.

March 15, 1675-Norfolk County, Virginia Patent Book 6, pages, 488-699.Governor Sir William Berkeley, grants to Thomas Mercer 602 acres of land in ye county of Norfolk, 200 acres conveyed by Waybourne to ye Mercer on February 17, 1672 and 402 acres for the transportation of eight person into this Colony.

August 4, 1678 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes Book page 63 - Order granted Edward Hassell against the Sheriff for non-appearance of William Payton, Thomas Mercer and William Hart.

August 15, 1678-Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 4, page 35, Thomas Mercer, cooper with consent of my wife, Katherine and my free will give unto Jonathan Folke, son of John Folke, 60 acres of my divident of land I now live upon lying betwixt ye branch called Muddy Branch and Richard Whitby.

October 15, 1678-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 70- Grand Jury presents Edward Hassell, Informants: William Payton, Thomas Mercer , and Thomas Willoughby . Later Hassell charged for carrying a gun on the Sabbath Day.

Jan 15 , 1678/79 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 76 _ Suit William Porteen against Robert Woody, Sr. Jurymen among others Thomas Mercer and William Hart.




Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 6

June 15, 1681-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-ordered Timothy Ives, Sr. to pay Thomas Mercer tobacco for wife's attendance in case against William Hart. Order Edward Williams to pay John Falke for wife's attendance in case against William Hart.

August 18, 1684 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 249 - Attachment granted William Porteen against the Estate of William Hart. Order Thomas Mercer and Giles Randolph be summoned to court to tell what they know of Hart's Estate in County.

October 15, 1684-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute-page 254 Difference between Richard Jones and John Ives. Thomas among others a Juryman.

February 16, 1684/85 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 267 - Whereas William Porteen had attachment granted of Thomas Mercer who upon oath said nothing in his hands belonging to Hart, but now attachment being executed in his attachment suit of Giles Randal and a bond of Thomas Mercer produced for 500 # tobacco for non payment of cows and calves appears due him by Hart, Thomas Mercer ordered to next court to give security.

February 16 , 1684/85 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes page 270 - Suit between Richard Swan and Morris Veale . Jurymen among others Thomas Mercer and John Sanford.

May 15, 1685-Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 280 - Thomas Mercer having an attachment granted him against the Estate of William Hart , He having nothing to attach , Dismissed.

Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 281 - Difference between Richard Church and Thomas Mercer. Referred to next court by Plaintiff. request that John Sanford bring bond with him to court and Sanford failing.

July 15, 1685 Norfolk County, Virginia Minutes page 283 - Difference between Thomas Mercer and Matthew Caswell returned to next court at the request of John Bigge , Sr. in defendants behalf. Page 284 - Attachment granted Thomas Mercer against Giles Randal.

September 15, 1685-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 292 Suit Thomas Mercer against Richard Church. Order Mercer to let survey in his neighborhood and lay out patent of 200 acres formerly granted Richard Starling according to an award by Jacob Johnson and William Tompison. Richard Church patent may cover some of Mercer's land and Mercer should not object to a survey.

March 15 , 1686/87 Norfolk County, Virginia Deeds - Lemuel and Martha Millison, Planter sell land to Thomas Harrison on Tanners Creek near John Cooper , Anthony Lawson, plantation my father James Millison formally lived on. Witness Thomas Mercer , John Sanford, William Bustian.

Jan 17 , 1686/87 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 30 - Case dismissed between Joseph Smith and Thomas Mercer

July 16, 1688-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 103-Thomas Mercer summoned to Court for not working on the Bridge-fined.

March 17, 1690 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 170 - Case dismissed between Stephen Pew & Thomas Mercer.

May __ ,1691- Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book-Will John Falke Will - Wife Ann to get 1/3 and the rest to small children, my daughter Sarah Holloway her share already, Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer to be my full and whole executors - to sell my vessel. Witness William Maud and John Manning.

June 16, 1691 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 225 - Probate Will of John Falke, deceased, administration granted Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer. Court appointed Robert Burgess, John and Timothy Ives and James Wilson to appraise the property of John Falke, deceased.



Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 7

July 15, 1691 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 233 - Judgement contested by Roger Hodges and Thomas Mercer, Executors of John Falke , Deceased for payment of 2 barrels of tar and Indian corn to John Wallis.

January 17,1693-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Probate of Last Will and Testament of Jabez Bigge, granted to John Bigge, Sr., he being the executor of the Will dated September 18, 1691 and witnessed by Thomas Mercer.

May 13, 1694 Norfolk County, Virginia Will of William Hayley of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, to be buryed at the discretion of my friend Thomas Mercer unto Thomas Mercer all of my Estate. Witness Giles Randall and John Batchelor. ( Note: William Hayley imported by and was a servant to John Bigge, Sr. )

Sept 17, 1694 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minutes-page 331 - Petition of Thomas Mercer to probate the Last Will and Testament of William Hayley he named Executor therein.

November 16, 1695 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book Jurymen Thomas Mercer among others.

November 18, 1695 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 7 - Order granted Thomas Mercer against James Mahone for payment of 5 shillings money due by bill.

May 11, 1696 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 36 - Inventory of William Porteen, Deceased Merchant. Thomas Mercer had seven folios Numbers 87 to 92 and No. 102

March 15, 1696/97 - Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 71 & 77 - Petition of John Bigge to probate Will of his father John Bigge , he being named Executor therein. John Bigge's Will is dated September 4, 1694 named daughters Ann Faux, Kathryn Mercer, Elizabeth Whitby, Jean Sikes, Pheobe Bigge, Dorothy Bigge , to each of them twelve pence or one shilling, Sons John and Thomas and Deceased son Jabez, Grandsons John and George Whitby, Son-in-law Matthew Casewell, Grandchildren John Hassold, Francis, Jabez, William, Matthew, Martha and Jean Casewell. ( Note these are children of his deceased daughter Johanna Bigge Hassell Casewell.)

March 17, 1696-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 97-Complaint of William Maund , Randolph Sigmoor and Elebon Ward Sr. , against Matthew Casewell. Deposition of Thomas Mercer age 48 or thereabouts that one time being at Matthew Casewell's home in Deep Creek and he saw some things not the Casewell's , asked what they were and Casewell's wife replied they were old father Hampton's shaft moulds, but they were brass gagirs for shott.

March 15, 1697/98 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 115 - John Corphew against John Bigge. Thomas Mercer one of jurymen.

March 15, 1697/98 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 116 - Suit between Thomas Mercer and George Sugg dismissed .

July 15, 1700 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 201 - Suit Frances Sayer suing Thomas Mercer as assignee of David Duncan for 300 # tobacco to be paid in Cooper Ware at Norfolk Town and said Mercer appearing by his Attorney Thomas Sayer and having nothing to object against the debt whereupon order is granted said Sayer against said Mercer for 300 # tobacco and defendant has liberty at the request of his attorney until next court to make his discount.

May 13 , 1703 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book-page 278 - Grand Jury for the following year among others Thomas Mercer and his Son Joseph Mercer.

1704 English Duplicates of lost records page 194 - Quits Rents , Norfolk County , Virginia - Thomas Mercer 600 acres.

June 27 1711-Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 125-Thomas Mercer came into court and made oath that his son, Christopher Mercer departed life without making a will, so far as he knows or believes and on his motion and giving security for his just and faithful administration of said estate, certificate is given him for obtaining administration in due form.



Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 8

October 17, 1711-Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 pages 125-126 Thomas Mercer gives deed of Gifts to sons Joseph, Thomas, and John Mercer , Jr. , grandsons Thomas Mercer, and Joseph Mercer , sons of my son Christopher Mercer, deceased.

December 21 , 1711 True Inventory of the Estate of Christopher Mercer Deceased, sworn by Thomas Mercer in open court and recorded.

Jan 18 , 1711/12 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book Deeds of gifts of Thomas Mercer to his sons and grandsons acknowledged in open court and ordered recorded.

August 15, 1712 Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 page 250 - Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer for the natural love and affection convey to John Mercer , Sr. and Ruth His wife a tract of land called Chinopine Ridge where John and Ruth Mercer now live. Witness Peter Melbourne, John Portlock. ( Note: This was a rental - see instrument.) Instrument acknowledged in open court the 15 th day of May 1713 by Thomas Mercer , Sr. and Joseph Mercer and ordered to be recorded.) ( Note ; See John Mercer Will dated May 10 , 1751, Probated September 20, 1751, had a son Samuel Mercer. John Mercer , Sr. was a House Builder an possibly the son of Joseph Mercer, the Brother of Thomas Mercer, Sr. mentioned in Christopher Mercer's Will dated December 5, 1670 in Barbados, West Indies)

May 12, 1716 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book page 150 - Upon petition of William Falke , Orphan to John Falke, deceased Sheriff summon Thomas Mercer and Edward Davis ( Note ; Davis married the Widow of Roger Hodges ), Executors of the Last Will and Testament of John Falke , deceased to appear at the next court , later minutes state they did not show and case dismissed.

January 16, 1718-Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book 10, page 69 Thomas Mercer confirms his deeds of gifts to his sons Joseph, Thomas , and John Jr., his grandsons Thomas and Joseph Mercer , sons of his son Christopher Mercer deceased and gives to his grandson Christopher Mercer , Son of John Mercer one gun and unto his grandson William Mercer , son of Joseph Mercer one gun and to his loving wife Catherine Mercer all the rest during her natural life and to be at her disposing to whom she shall give or bequeath as she sees fit. Son Joseph and my son Thomas and my son John to be sole Executors.

May 16, 1718 Norfolk County, Virginia Court Minute Book - Will of Thomas Mercer, deceased acknowkedged in open court and ordered to be recorded. Certificate granted Joseph Mercer and Thomas Mercer for the administration of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Mercer Deceased



COMMENT

Thomas Mercer inherited the manor plantation of 150 acres after his Mother's decease, on September 15, 1727 he sells to his brother John Mercer, who lived there until February 24,1764 when he gives to his son John Mercer , Jr. , who lived there until his death in December 1771 and by will gave to his son Thomas Mercer who lived there until May 15, 1777 and then sells to William smith.

Joseph Mercer sells his inheritance of 150 acres to his brother John Mercer on August 18, 1733, who in turn gives to his son Malachi Mercer on July 27, 1768 and on February 21, 1777 sells to William Smith.

Thus 300 acres of the original 602 acres of Land Patent to Thomas Mercer dated March 15, 1675 stays within the family for 102 years.


Note Don spells Folke & Falke , Caswell and Casewell , what is correct ??




Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 10

LAND PATENT OF THOMAS MERCER , MARCH 16, 1675

To all who whom etc. & wherever, etc. now know ye that I , Governor Sir William Berkeley , Knight, etc. do give and grant unto Thomas Mercer ye 602 acres of land in ye County of Lower Norfolk on a creek of ye Southern Branch of Elizabeth River called Purcell Point Creek beginning at a marked white oak by ye creekside , then running from there northeast 100 poles to a pine standing by a grist mill, then southeast 262 poles, then west southwest 518 poles then north northeast 100 poles to a marked beech, being a corner of his land, again north northeast 100 poles to a marked pine near a run side, so down by ye Run or Creek to ye first station - 200 acres part thereof being formerly granted by patent dated ye 20th April 1673 to Richard Starling the Elder, bounded as followeth (viz) beginning at ye above mentioned white oak standing at ye creek side and so running for breath south southeast poles to a marked pine and soe forlength west southwest 320 poles to a marked beech and soe again for breadth north northeast 100 poles by certain marked pines to ye reek side and soe down by ye Creek side east northeast 320 poles to ye firstmentioned marked pine and by Joseph Newton and David Morris, who married ye co-heirs of Richard Starling conveyed to Michael Waybourne as ye said deed Recorded in ye Records of Lower Norfolk 16th October 1671 will appear and ye Waybourne conveyed to ye Mercer as recorded in ye Records of Lower Norfolk aforesaid 17 February 1762 will also appear , and 402 acres , as Recorded being due by and for ye transportation of E ght persons into this Colony to have and hold and to be held ect. and is recorded and dated 15 th day of March ,1675Ruth Robson, John Gregory, Lew Baker, Peter Porter, John Simonds, Alexander Rosse, Richard Harper, Mark Lewis.


Mercer Family Research by Don W. Mercer 1985 page 11


Thomas Mercer Will Norfolk County, Virginia Deed Book 9 , Pages 125-126

To all to whom these presents shall come - Know ye that I Thomas Mercer of the County of Norfolk in Virginia, for diverse considerations, not hereunto incurring, but more especially for and in consideration of paternal love and affection that I bear unto my sons , Joseph Mercer, Thomas Mercer and John Mercer, and unto my two grandsons Thomas and Joseph Mercer , sons of my son Christopher Mercer, lately deceased, do freely give, grant, release and confirm, and by these presents, have given , granted, released and confirmed unto my said sons and grandsons those parcels of lands as followeth: that is to say , unto my son Joseph Mercer, the land he lives on now, in his tenure and occupation, being one hundred and fifty acres , more or less, bounded (viz) betwixt the Muddy branch and the bever dam branch, and soe into the woods, he paying the yearly quit rent for the same, and unto my son Thomas Mercer, I give the Manor Plantation I live on with one hundred and fifty acres of land bounded (viz) betwixt the bever dam branch, Stirling's run and Timber work branch and soe into the woods, being part in his tenure and occupation and now living on it, and to be possessed with the Mannor plantation after mine and his mother's deceased , paying the yearly quit rent for the same, also I give unto my son John Mercer Junior, one hundred and fifty acres of wood land ground, more or less , bounded (viz) on Narsworthy Lines And Whidon's Line and soe to run southwest till he meets with his brother Thomas, his land, so paying the yearly quit rent for the same ; also I give unto my two grandsons, Thomas Mercer and Joseph Mercer , the lands their father Christopher Mercer Deceased, leased of being one hundred and fifty acres , more or less , to be equally divided betwixt them, bounding (viz) lying betwixt the Timber Work Head line and John Hueth's land, they paying the yearly quit rent for the same. To have and to hold by said lands and to enjoy purtenances, as to it is a lone given unto my said sons and grandsons and to the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever, always and provided it hereby excepted that the said Thomas Mercer the Elder doe reserve unto himself during his life privileges on the said lands given of, anything upon it as shall have occasion of. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal , this 17 th day of Xber 1711.TEST : John Ferebee, Jr. William Wilkins Thomas Mercer (Seal )


TEST : John Ferebee, Jr.
William Wilkins                              Thomas Mercer (Seal )
Acknowledged in open court this 18th day of January 1711 and ordered to be recorded



Thomas Mercer Will   Dated Janurary 16, 1718 - Probated May 16 1718


Thomas Mercer of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk County in Virginia give unto my son Joseph Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift I given him my said son Joseph and is recorded in the above county records, unto my son Thomas Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift I gave him my said son Thomas and is recorded in the above county records, unto my son John Mercer 150 acres of land be it more or less according to a deed of Guift given by me to my said son John and is recorded in the above county records, to my grandsons Thomas Mercer and Joseph Mercer 150 acres to be divided between them with said land was given before, unto my grandson Christopher Mercer son of John Mercer, one gun, unto my grandson William son to Joseph Mercer one gun, to my Loving wife Catherine Mercer all the rest during her natural life and to be at her disposing to whom she shall give or bequeath it as she sees fit. Son Joseph and my son Thomas and my son John sole executors.

Witness : William Wilkins, Joseph Mercer, John Willis      Thomas Mercer ( SEAL)





Other Internet Works


roots web

Mercer Info By Tim Freeman
In 'Historical Southern Families' by Boddie vol 15 there is 'Mercer of Lower Norfolk County, Virginia. It states: "Mercer is a Scottish name and the family is found there as early as the twelfth century, (Fr: "Le Mercier"). In 1214 Serle Mercer, Mayor of London, helped to complete the building of the first stone bridge across the Thames - the famous "London Bridge". (P.F. Newland: History of the Mercer Family; George F. Black: Surnames of Scotland -- Their Origin and History.) Two families of this name appear in Scottish records ca 1200; Mercer of Aldie in Perthshire, and the Mercers of Innerpeffry in Strathern. The founder of the Perthshire branch appears to have been one Thomas Aictus Mercer, who held land there in 1332. The family had long associations with St. John's Kirk (church) in Perth, where the following inscription appears, with the original crest of the Mercers: "1380: Here beneath lies the Mercer Vault Built by John Mercer, First Laird of Aldie" (Ref: Colonial Families of America, vol II, p30, Mackenzie: Lineage of Mercers of Aldie Castle, Perthshire, Scotland; seal shown.)
The first of this family in America was Thomas Mercer, who patented land in Virginia in 1673. Patent Bk. 6, p 488, shows: Land Grant from Governor Berkeley to Thomas Mercer, 200 ac. on Puzzle Creek on the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River, Oct 3, 1673. Ibid, p 599: Land Grant from Governor Berkeley to Thomas Mercer in Lower Norfolk County, Virginia, 602 ac. (at same place) for transporting 8 persons. March 15, 1675.
Thomas1 Mercer married twice. The name of his first wife is not known. He married (2) Kathryn Bigge. She was too young to have been the mother of his eldest son Christopher, but she was the mother of the other three sons, Joseph, Thomas, and John and of Mary.

In the above where it states that Katherine Bigge was too young to have been the mother of Christopher Mercer Born. 1672, I disagree. If Katherine was born 1655 and Christopher was born in 1672 this would make her age 16-17 years old which is old enough to have been Christopher's mother. I would appreciate any input on this.

The first of our Mercer line that I have seen listed is William Mercer Born. Abt 1590 of Hartford, Eng.
Has anyone traced our Mercers back further than this?

My Biggs Ancestry by Holli Boone Kees

Biggs Documentation - Part 1 1624-1659

Biggs Documentation - Part 2 1660-1720

The Biggs Lineage