John Major ¹

John Major gave a deposition in April 1634 at Accomack-Northampton, VA. In the first place the oath of John Major aged 27th or there abouts swore that in February last there was a bargin made between Capt. Scarborough and Phillipe Taylor for half of an Ox and one old Bull for which Phillipe Taylor was to pay to Capt. Scarborough 200 lbs of tobacco in comodities this ship and 200 lbs of tobacco more, at the next cropp.

He was named in a lawsuit on 19 May 1634 at Accomack-Northampton, VA. A suit preferred by Susan Helline, widow, against John Major for satisfaction of her paynes and tyme in looking to his wife the tyme she did lay in childbed and upon due examination and the oath of Agnis Williams it is ordered that the said John Major (shall pay) unton Susan Helline 18 hens within this month with ___ of the payment according to the tyme that (______) the said Susan by September next 30(?) hens and also (all charges in) this suite. Agnis Williams, age 24 years, sworn and examined sayeth that Maudlen, the wife of John Major, did bargin with Susan Helline widow, for to keep her while she lay in Childbed and did promise to give her 12 hens, this is all that this deponent can say, which 12 hens was to be paid in 1632.

John was named as an appraiser of an estate on 13 May 1638 at Accomack-Northampton, VA. It was on this date that a true inventory of such goods as belongs to the widdow Roach was taken and prized by William Roper and John Major.

John Major patented land on 10 September 1640 at tract N107, north side of Nassawadox Creek, Northampton Co, VA. He was shown as John Major who received 400 acres for transporting 8 servants: Joane Filby, Henry Larramore, John Major, Jane Major (first written Henry), Anthony, (-----), Christian Fisher & Francis a Negro. It was reissued to him three years later. In 1646 Major assigned to Sarah Hinman, formerly relict of Thomas Smith. He patented land on 10 November 1643 at tract N111, Silver Beach, Northampton Co, VA. Patent to John Major for 200 acres in Northampton Co on the north side of Nuswattocks Cr. called Sandy Point. Due by former patent dated 30 Jan 1640. In 1651 a son John Major exchanged this land with Stephen Charlton for 200 acres of N75 which later became the Westerhouse land.

He was named in a deposition in October 1647 at Northampton Co, VA. A deposition taken 20 July 1648 indicated that in October 1647 this deponent being present at a bargain of work for building concluded between Peter Barnfield, John Major & Michaell Ricketts, the said Peter Barnfield & Mr. Major agreed with the said Michaell Ricketts if he should help him about the Church work, that they would pay him the said Ricketts in work again in the same kind.

He made a will on 4 March 1647/48 at Northampton Co, VA. In his will John Major gave to my son William Major my house and the land whereon I now dwell. My loving wife Jane Major extrx. in trust over the rest of my estate in behalf of my children as follows. My whole estate to be eq. div. by my wife and four children, my wife to enjoy my whole estate during her widowhood. The £30 due from Abraham Johnson for my sallaeye, dyett and other trouble, to be layd out in Holland in goods for my wife and children. My friends (Capt.) William Stone and Mr. Stephen Charlton to oversee. Witt: Leonard Peddocke, John Edwards. (Marshall's Notes: The widow married Thomas Johnson. His estate documents refers to land due John Major the orphan son of John Major, dec'd. The orphans' account of John Major's children names the children John, Alice, and Jane Major.) John died before 28 April 1648 at Northampton Co, VA. It was on this date that his will was probated.

John married Maudlin (?) about 1632 in Northampton Co., VA. (Maudlin (?) was born about 1614 and died before 1640 in Northampton Co., VA.)

John next married Jane Larrimore about 1640 in Northampton Co., VA. (Jane Larrimore was born about 1620.)