John Parker I ¹

In 1660, John Parker received a patent for 600 acres on which he established his plantation "Mattappany." The custom of using the name of a plantation in association with a gentlemen's name was used in England and Scotland, and in early Virginia. This was about four miles west of Onancock, on the south point at the entrance of Onancock Creek. Today it would include all the land from Broadway Road to Parker's Creek, a tributary of Onancock Creek. The dwelling house was on the end of the point, where the housing development is now. The house, which lacked architectural beauty, was torn down in the 1920's and a home built on the foundation. John Parker was a good business man, who accumulated a considerable estate in several parts of the Eastern Shore (E. Spencer Wise via Gail M. Walczyk).

John was named as an heir on 20 August 1678 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as John Parker, husband of Amy Parker, parents of my grandson George Parker, in the will of Amy Fowkes.

He made a will on 9 January 1693 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as John Parker Sr., of Mattapany. To eldest son George Parker 20 s. To each of his children (no names) sheep &c. To second son John Parker plantation called Mattapany where I now live, containing 400 acres after the decease of my wife Amy. To son John 1/2 of my great sloop to hold in partnership with my wife. To son William Parker 300 acres in Pocomoke River in Somerset County, Md. called Winter Quarter, also my sloop called Arlington. To son Edward Parker 200 acres, being part of 600 acres of Mattapany patent, as by deed of gift to him dated 21 Dec. 1692. To son Matthew Parker my plantation called Little Gargaphia containing 400 acres, also 1/2 the hammocks & marshes at Marumscoe in Maryland to hold with his brother Thomas Parker. To son Anderson Parker 385 acres near Bloxoms Bridge. To son Thomas 200 acres at the head of Messongo Branch & plantation purchased of Maximilian Gore containing 295 acres & 1/2 the marshes at Marumscoe in Maryland. To grandson John Ayres. To William Williamson. Bal. of estate including the 1/2 of my great sloop to my wife Amy - Wife Exec. Witt: Charles Scarburgh, Bennett Scarburgh, John Watts. Codicil dated 12 Jan. 1692 - Whereas I have 200 acres of marsh, being the northermost of Pungoteague Island not expressed in the foregoing will, the said 200 acres to be appropriated to my 400 acres at Mattapany & I give the same to my son John Parker; likewise I have 200 acres of marsh by a later patent upon Pungoteague Island to the southward of the aforesaid 200 acres which is also omitted in the aforesaid will, but is given by deed of gift to my son Edward Parker, which said 200 acres I give and bequeath to the said Edward. Witt: William Anderson, George Hope, George Parker, Sr.

John married Amey Anderson, daughter of Garrett Anderson and Amey (?), about 1660 in Accomack Co., VA. (Amey Anderson was born about 1642 in Accomack Co., VA and died after 1700 in Accomack Co., VA.)