Surname Saturday: Drake

The surname Drake comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "draca" which means a dragon or sea serpent.  Draca has its roots in the Latin terms "draco" or "drago."  As a nickname, they could apply to someone fierce in battle, or a standard bearer.  Draca was used in medieval England to mean a battle standard as well as dragon.  Soon after the Norman invasion in 1066, the name appeared in the Isle of Wight and Hampshire area in the south of England.  From Saxon times, the name was found at Musbury in Devon.  A John Drake was recorded as holding lands at Musbury as early as 1272.

Outside Devon, Drakes were found in Somerset, Dorset, Buckinghamshire, and East Anglia.

In the 17th century, Drakes came to America.  Richard Drake arrived in Virginia from Somerset in 1658.  His descendants were planters in Isle of Wight county.  The Drake name cropped up in North Carolina in the early 1700's, particularly in Nash County.  These are the Drakes I am descended from. 

I have information about 11 generations of my paternal Drake line:

- Richard Drake

My 9th great-grandfather.  Birth and date information unknown, except the assumption that he was born in England.  His spouse is unknown.  I know only about three children: 

John Drake
Mary Drake
Thomas Drake
 
- John Drake

My 8th great-grandfather.  He was born about 1647 in South Petherton, Somerset, England and died about 1690, presumably in Virginia.  He married about 1670 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Jemima Parnell, birth and death information unknown.  They had the following children (there were probably more):

   John Drake
  Thomas Drake
  Richard Drake
 
- John Drake

My 7th great-grandfather.  He was born about 1675 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia and died in 1753 in Southhampton County, Virginia.  His spouse is unknown, and I only have information about one of his children: 

- Barnaby Drake Sr

My 6th great-grandfather.  He was born about 1710 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia and died in 1797 in Southhampton County, Virginia.  He married Mary Scott, and I only have information about one of their children:

- Exum Drake Sr

My 5th great-grandfather.  He was born about 1745 in Southhampton County, Virginia and died after 1820 in Georgia.  He married Keziah MNU (maiden name and birth and date information unknown).  They had the following children:

  Richard Drake
  James Drake
  FNU Drake
  Exum Drake Jr
  Brittain Drake
 
- Richard Drake

My 4th great-grandfather.  He was born about 1775 in Southhampton County, Virginia and died 24 January 1857 in Emanuel County, Georgia.  He married 24 February 1803 in Southhampton County, Virginia, Pherabah Bryant, birth and death information unknown.  I only have information on one child:
 
- Francis Bryant Drake

My 3rd great-grandfather.  He was born 17 October 1806 in Nash County, North Carolina and died 27 December 1875 in Johnson County, Georgia.  He married 6 November 1828 in Washington County, Georgia, Selina King, born 21 July 1812 and died 27 May 1899.  They had the following children:

  James William Drake
  Pheribah Elizabeth Drake
  Bathsheba Winfred Drake
  Eliza Jane Drake
  Francis Milton Drake
  Richard Franklin Drake
  John Saffold Drake
  Thomas Lamar Drake
  Sarah Ann Selina Drake
  Robert Lemuel Drake
  Infant Drake
  Adra Ann Sarusha Drake

- James William Drake

My 2nd great-grandfather.  He was born 19 December 1829 in Washington County, Georgia and died 14 December 1908 in Emanuel County, Georgia.  He married 29 June 1856 in Washington County, Georgia, Mary Ann R. Brantley, born 19 December 1837 in Georgia and died 5 May 1891 in Emanuel County, Georgia.  They had the following children:

  William John Drake
  Francis Richard Drake
  James Thomas Drake
  Willie Elizabeth Drake
  Martha Loueazer Drake
  George Franklin Drake
  Mary Selina Drake
  Nancy Elizabeth Winfred Drake
  Lovick Pierce Drake 

- William John Drake

My great grandfather.  He was born 23 September 1857 in Emanuel County, Georgia, and died 19 August, 1927 in Emanuel County, Georgia.  He married (1) 24 July 1879 in Johnson County, Georgia, Willie Elizabeth Allen, born 23 January 1864 and died 21 January 1882.  They had one child:

  Samantha Augusta Drake

He married (2) 30 July 1883, Emma Vermell Harrell, born 4 September 1867 in Emanuel County, Georgia and died 19 October 1935 in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia.  They had the following children:

  Hattie Lay Drake
  Kenneth Catherine Drake
  Willliam Lovick Drake
  Nealie Vermell Drake
  William Robert Drake
  James Weldon Drake
  Keland Lawton Drake
  Nancy Mary Ann Drake
  Martha Lou Drake

- Nealie Vermell Drake Tapley

My grandmother was born 29 January 1895 and died 4 July 1970 in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia.  She married 5 April 1914 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia, Lusion Keman Tapley, born 31 March 1870 in Johnson County, Georgia and died 3 July 1935 in Wadley, Jefferson County, Georgia.  They had the following children:

  William Lamar Tapley
  John Russell Tapley
  (Hugh) Dorsey Franklin Tapley
  Jack Dempsey Tapley
  Irene Tapley
  Gilbert Earl Tapley

- Gilbert Earl Tapley

My father was born 19 June 1928 in Johnson County, Georgia and died 15 December 2008 in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia.  He married (1) Margaret E. Skipper, born 7 November 1927 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and died 27 May 1984 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida.  They had two children.  Gilbert married (2) Annie Eloise Lee, born 27 February 1910 and died 8 July 1988 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida.  They had no children.  (3) He and my mother had the following children:

  Michael Edward Tapley
 
- And ME. 

Sources:  

House of Names.com, http://www.houseofnames.com/drake-family-crest
Select.Surnames.website,  http://selectsurnames.com/drake.html

Amanuensis Monday: Deed of Sale to Exum Drake

Nash County} At a County Court of [?] quarter Sessions held for the County aforesaid at the Court house in Said County on the Second Monday of August & The Eleventh day of Said Month Anno Domini 1806

Present
Redman Green}
George Baddir}               Esqr

Then the Court adjourned until Tomorrow
10 OClock
Tuesday Morning the Court met according to adjournment

Present
George Baddir}
John Vick}                     Esquires
Saml [?]}

Grand Jury qualified
[list of names]

... 3.  A Deed of Sale from Lewis S. Hatten to Exum Drake proven by the Oath of Richd Drake

 

Nash County (NC), County Court Minutes, 1804-1815, 2 vols., Microfilm C.069.30002, p. 139-140.

The actual, full-length deed has not been located in Nash County records.

Exum Drake was my 5th great-grandfather.

Mary Elizabeth Tapley	Me
Gilbert Earl Tapley	My father
Nealie Vermell Drake Tapley	My grandmother
William John Drake	My great-grandfather
James William Drake	My 2nd great-grandfather
Francis Bryant Drake	My 3rd great-grandfather
Richard Drake	My 4th great-grandfather
Exum Drake (Sr.)	My 5th great-grandfather

Mappy Monday: My Tapleys and Drakes in North Carolina

 After being inspired by my genealogy friend, Annette, I decided to map my Tapley and Drake families' origins in North Carolina.  It was an experiment in using the Paint program, so don't expect perfection!   But it gives you the general idea.  The Tapleys migrated from Virigina and arrived in North Carolina first, in the late 1740's.  The Drakes also migrated from Virginia, but about 30 years later, in the late 1770's.  The Tapleys left North Carolina about the time the Drakes arrived and migrated to South Carolina for a few years and then ultimately to Georgia.  The Drakes left North Carolina in the early 1820's and headed straight to Georgia.

Please click each map to view them larger in another window. 

Hosea Tapley was my 6th great-grandfather.  His son, Joel, of course, was my 5th great-grandfather.

 

Exum Drake was my 5th great-grandfather, with his son, Richard, being my 4th great-grandfather.

Maps courtesy of Catawba County NCGenWeb site at http://www.ncgenweb.us/catawba/countyfm.htm.

Amanuensis Monday: William Drake Indenture

"This Indenture made this Twenty first day of March in the year of our Lord Anno Domini Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Between William Drake Trustee of the State of NoCarolina and County of Nash of the one part & Lawrence Battle of the same State and County of the other Witnesseth that whereas John Arrington Jnr of the same State and County as aforesaid executed a Deed in trust to one the aforesaid William Drake for Certain purposes therein Named on the fourteenth day of September eighteen Hundred and Nineteen which Said Deed was duly proven and Registered as the Law Directs & then agreeable thereto I the aforesaid William Drake did legally impose to the highest Bidder as the property of the aforesaid John Arrington Jnr at this Court House Door Four Hundred And Twenty acres of Land adjoining Benj a Atkins & Atkins on [?] Called the Burgh Land for which Lawrence Battle gave One Hundred And Six Dollars and five Cents he being the highest bidder Also at the Same time & plan all the aforesaid John Arrington Jnr sight title Interest [?] [?] Tract of Land known by the Name of the Alston Land supposed To Contain four thousand acres  - And on Peach tree break Adjoining George Bodder & others & the [?] on [?] adjoining Jayms O. Atkins for which Lawrence Battle gave Two hundred & Sixty Dollars he being the highest bidder all of which Lands was publickly and fairly Sold Therefor then for and income collection of the Sum of Three Hundred and Sixty Six Dollars and five Cents To me In hand paid by the aforesaid Lawrence Battle before the Sealing and Delivering of these persons I the aforesaid William Drake trustee do hereby bind myself, my Heirs & to him the said Lawrence Battle his Heirs & forever to Defend the Right title Interest benefit and behoof to him The Said Lawrence Battle his heirs and assigns forever of all the aforesaid Lands Interest benefits & so far as my official authority Extends in the same In testimony thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and Date first above written.

Wm Drake Trustee {Seal]

Signed Sealed and Delivered
In the presence of us}
James Avent}
James Allann}
Benj [?] Blunt}

Nash County/Feby Session 1821

the within Deed was In Open Court Duly proven by the Oath of James Avent and an motion ordered to be registered.

And is registered by [?] Ellis PR"

Nash County (NC) Deeds, Vol. 10, 1818-23 p. 212-213

 At this time, I do not know how this particular William Drake fits into my Drake family.  He appears as a witness to several Drake deeds in both Virginia and North Carolina, which leads me to believe that he is a close relative.

Can anyone explain to me exactly what this indenture is?  My interpretation is that William Drake was entrusted to sell others' land.  I suspect it was more complex than that.  I would appreciate any help.

Amanuensis Monday: Exum Drake Deed 1820

This Indenture Made the thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty between Exum Drake sr of the County of Nash and State of North carolina of the first part and George W Woodman of the County of Edgecombe of the Other part Witnesseth that the said Exum Drake Doth bargain & sell & delivers to the s'd George W Woodman a Certain Tract or Parcel of Land lying and being in the County of Nash on the waters of [?] branch Beginning at the Mouth of the Maple branch at a pine & from thence up the Said branch North thirty Degrees East one hundred and sixteen poles thence North thirty West ninety two poles to a pine thence West One Hundred and thirty six poles thence Down the branch to the beginning Containing one Hundred Acres being More or less together with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to have and to hold [?] and, I the said Exum Drake doth bind myself  my heirs Executors Admins & and assigns To For Ever Warrant and Defend the right and title of said Land to him the said Woodman his Heirs and Assigns forever for and In consideration of the Sum of One Hundred and thirty five dollars and 90 [?] cents in hand Paid Before the signing sealing and Delivery of said lands Signed Sealed In the presence of us

         his
Exum X Drake {Seal}
       mark

Samuel Winstead of Nash County { Feby Session 1821
the within Deed of Sale was Duly proven in Open Court by the Auth of Samuel Winstead & ordered to be registered attest Wm [?]
And is Registered by [?] [?] Ellis PR_____________

Nash County Register of Deeds, Vol. 10, 1818-1823, p. 234 from Nash County Real Estate Conveyances, 1816-1829, Vols. 10, 11, 12, Microfilm C.069.4004

Amanuensis Monday: Richard Drake Deed

"To all to whom these presence shall come greeting Know ye that I Richard Drake of the County of Nash and state of North carolina  For certain causes me hereunto moveing have given granted bargained and by these presence do give grant and Confirm unto William Flemmons Jn'r of the County and State aforesaid a certain parcel or Tract of Land lying and being in the County aforesaid lying on the Head Waters of Town Creek and Bounded as follows Beginning at a Pine Winstead corner and running North three hundred and ninety six poles to a corner pine in Vivisetts line thence along said Vivesetts line South forty degrees west one hundred & Ten Poles to a Maple and pine thence South three Hundred and Twelve poles to a red Oak thence East to the first Station Containing by Estimation One hundred & fifty acres be the same more or Less worth all and Singular the appearances thereunto belonging To have and to hold the said tract of Land and premises unto the said William Flemmons Jn'r, his heirs & assigns forever, and the Said Richard Drake for himself his heirs Executors & Admin's this afores'd Tract of Land and premises unto the afores'd William Flemmons his heirs and assigns shall and will Warrant and [?] Defend by these presents In Witness whereof the said Richard Drake hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his Seal this 7th Day of May 1819 the said Richard Drake hath before the Delivering of this aforesaid Tract of Land made an Exception of a Certain Grave Yard ten feet by fourteen feet square

Signed Sealed and Delivered

      his
Richard Drake {Seal}
     mark

In presence of
J Shaun Daniel
Benjamin Crumples

{Nash County { February Term 1820
{the foregoing Deed of Gift was Exhibited
{In Open Court for propate and an Motion Ordered to be recorded
{And is Recorded By
[???]
[?] Ellen PR"

Nash County [North Carolina] Real Estate Conveyances, 1816-1829, Vols. 10, 11, 12, Microfilm C.069.40004, Vol. 10 page 130.

 Richard Drake was my 4th great-grandfather.

Amanuensis Monday: Richard Drake Deed

"This Indenture made this the twenty fifth day of October One thousand Eight hundred and Eight Between Jordan Joyner of the County of Nash and State of North carolina of the one part and Richard Drake of the County and state aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of one Hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by the said Richard Drake at or before the Sealing and Delivering of those presents the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge myself fully satisfy'd contented and paid hath granted Bargained sold conveyed and confirmed unto Richard Drake his heirs Excr's Adm's and assigns for Ever a certain Tract of Land Situated lying and being in the County of Nash and on the head Waters of Town Creek lying and bounded as follows  Beginning At a  pine Winsteads corner and runing north three hundred and ninety six pole to a corner pine in Lamkins line thence along said Lamkins Line South forty degrees west one hundred and Ten pole to a maple and pine thence South three hundred and Twelve poles to a red oak thence East to the first station containing By Estimation one hundred and fifty Acres be the same more or Less to have and to hold the aforesaid Land by the bounds thereof and thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining Unto the said Richard Drake his heirs Exc's and Adm's and assigns For ever and the said Jordan Joyner for myself my heirs Exec's Adm's and assigns do promise & use possess and enjoy the said Land and premises without any lawfull suit lot [??] trouble or In..tention of me the said Jordan Joyner my heirs Executors And assigns or any other person or persons claiming in by From or use them or any of them the same clearly aquited and Discharged from all Manner of Gifts grants bargains sales Leases Mortgages whatsoever and I the said Jordan Joyner for Myself my heirs and assigns the said Land and premises to the said Richard Drake his heirs and assigns and do Warrant And for Ever defend by these presents In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal The day and Date above written

Signed Sealed and Acknowledg'd

Jordan X Joyner (Seal)
      his mark

In the presence of us

John L. Lamkin
Wright W. Joyner

Nash County February Court 1812 the within Deed was In open court duly prov'd by the oath of John L. Lamkin and ordered to be Registered  Test

W'm Hall CC
and Is Registered Test ___  _______ P,Rv"

Nash County (NC) Record of Deeds, 1782-1813, Vols. 3, 4, 5, p.307-8, Microfilm Call #C.069.40002

 Richard Drake was my 4th great grandfather.  He was the son of Exum Drake.

Tombstone Tuesday: Francis Bryant Drake

Francis Bryant Drake

b. Oct 16 1806 in Nash County, North Carolina

d. Dec 27 1875 in Johnson County, Georgia

husband of

Selina King Drake

son of

Richard and Pherabah Bryant Drake

laid to rest at

Poplar Springs Methodist Church cemetery

Francis Bryant Drake was my 3rd great-grandfather.