William Marvel

*William Marvel is proven to be father of Mary Marvel who married James Shiles via his will where he mentions the Shiles grandchild. There is quite a bit of confusion amongst genealogists - both amateur and professional as to William Marvel who fathered Mary Marvel and who his parents were. Most indicate Philip Marvel, born 1735, as Philip mentions son William in his will. But, was it THIS William? It seems probable but the proof is not obvious to this compiler - yet.

It appears William may be living as the elder in the Thomas Marvel household in 1820/1830. An obituary in the Delaware Obituaries 1826-1849 places William Marvel at age 85 at his death on Jan 15 1848.

William Marvel, of Broad Creek Hundred, Sussex Co., DE wrote his will Apr 27 1847 and it was probated May 2 1848. In it, he made the following behests:
- wife Sarah, land the "Home Place" about 220a for her for her life and land formerly owned by Manaan Bull, 250a, land that adjoins John Moore, Joseph Chipman. Also negroes Andrew, Polis, Harry.
- son William J. Marvel, negro boys Jevvis?, Menos? and Sharp and negor woman Harriett, my mahogany secretary, farm wagon, bed/bed stead with usual coverings and bed linens, old single barrel gun and two belt horses.
- daughters Eleanor and Christina Marvel, my farm in Broad Creek Hundred formerly owned by William Moore, 150a, adjoining land of Meshack Elliott and Cyrus Ward, divided equally. Also, each a bed/bed stead with usual coverings and linens.
- granddaughters Margaret W. Wootten, Sarah E. Wootten and Letitia Elain, $250 each
- grandson William J. Shiles, farm in Broad Creek Hundred formerly owned by Thomas Skinner, 100a, adjoining Peggy Ellegood and Josiah Neal (O'Neal?)
- grandson James E.P. Wootten, $250 when he reaches age 21
- son William J. Marvel, my farm in Broad Creek Hundred, 230 a formerly owned by Joseph Ward adjoining William Shiles, Solomon Short and others. He to pay trust to my daughter Sarah Ann Vaughan full and separate from her husband.
- grandson William W. Cooper, one hundred half part or ninty of that portion of my farm in Broad Creek Hundred formerly owned by Jonathan Martin situated on east side of raod from Graces Mill dam to Thomas Short's house adjoining Thomas Short, Cyrus Ward and others containing 160a. the part not included he to pay in trust to daughter Julia Ann Hastings (as Hasty) and it be without control of her husband.
- grandsons William T. and John Knowles, farm in Broad Creek formerly owned by Levin Booth, 140a adjoining land of Samuel Taylor, Elias Taylor and others.
- grandson William T. Knowles my new half stocked gun and
- my negro man Andrew to be manumitted after death of wife Sarah and assign son William to provide money to defray his expenses
- son William J. Marvel gets the rest and becomes executor with friend George Green
Witnesses: John West, Nathaniel P. Harris, Joseph A. Bayard Jr.

William married Sarah (?) about 1807. (Sarah (?) was born in 1780-1790 in Sussex Co., DE and died after 1847 in Sussex Co., DE.)