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Based on information from Families of Warren, Franklin, & Granville Counties, North Carolina & Virginia Ancestry, by Gayle King Blankenship (Poquoson, VA 1989/1995), pages 170-173. It has been suggested by others that William BRIDGES may have been a son of Joseph BRIDGER of Isle of Wight, VA. Any confirmation of this connection is desired.

William BRIDGES - b. about 1680, probably in VA; before May 1762, Granville Co., NC. Parents unknown. Saddler and tobacco merchant. Land records of Surry Co., VA between 1714 and 1754 include five transactions by William Bridges. In 1714 he purchased 100 acres with 3000 pounds of tobacco. His major land holdings appear to have been on the south side of the Nottoway River in Albemarle Parish, with adjacent landholders including Thomas FREEMAN and William FREEMAN. In 1749 William BRIDGES sold 100 acres to Thomas FREEMAN, with Bridges FREEMAN as one of the witnesses. William was witness to the will of Arthur JONES in 1715/6, and of John FREEMAN, Sr. in 1725. The will of William BRIDGES was made Aug. 1, 1756 in Granville Co., NC, and proved at the May Court 1762. Married about 1709, probably in Surry Co., VA.

Note: It is believed that the persons named in the above documents are related as follows.

Arthur Jones             John Freeman, Sr.                         William Bridges
  |                        |                                         |
  |                 ------------------------------                   |
  |                 |              |             |                   |
Prudence Jones -- Henry Freeman  John Freeman  William Freeman --- Elizabeth Bridges
                                   |                            |
                                 Thomas Freeman               Bridges Freeman

Susannah - b. about 1680; d. after Jul. 1756. Named in husband's will.

1. Mary - d. after 1775. Married Henry PORCH, whose will was made in 1775, Sussex Co., VA. Children: Peter; Henry; Bridges; Thomas; Wilmut (dau.); and James
2. Joseph - b. before 1710. In Granville Co., NC by 1748.
3. Elizabeth -b. about 1715, Surry Co., VA; d. after 1771, Bute (now Franklin) Co., NC. Married William FREEMAN.
4. William - b. before 1716, Surry Co., VA. Sold all land in Surry Co., VA in 1749. Son: Thomas married Anne LASHLY.
5. Susannah - Married John HANCOCK.
6. Thomas - Probably married Martha WYCHE, daughter of James WYCHE (will dated 1748), before 1745 in Surry Co., VA. Living in Granville Co., NC by 1750. Children: Mary; and Ben.

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