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Note: N1 Nicholas Meriwether I
© The Meriwether Society, Inc.
Nicholas Meriwether I was born in 1631 Norfolk county, England, and waas baptized on 9 Aug 1631 in Little Walsingham Parish. He was the eldest child of John Merywether and his wife Joane Browne. According to Norfolk church records he had younger siblings John, Anne, Fayth, Joane and Francis. His father was a Fellow at New College, Oxford (1618-1629), until he became Rector of the Stratton St. Michael Parish from 1629 until 1653. John died sometime between 1653 and 1660 onboard a ship sailing to Virginia, reportedly "to join his son already there."
Based on the careers of Nicholas in Virginia, he was obviously well educated. Where he received his education and training has not yet been determined.
Nicholas arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, about 1652; as no record of him being transported has been located, it is possible he was among the officials sent with the Parliamentary Fleet to force the surrender of Virginia to the Cromwellian government. The first confirmation of his existence in Virginia was 4 July 1653 when he patented 300 acres of land in Lancaster County. From at least 13 Oct 1653 until 13 Dec 1656, Nicholas served as a clerk of the Quarter Court and Governor's Council for the Colony in Jamestown. Although many researchers state he was clerk of Surry County, there is no evidence that he was.
Sometime in the early to mid 1660's, after the English monarchy was reestablished, Nicholas removed to Surry County and seems to have retired from public office to pursue land speculation and tobacco production and shipping. Since his entire government career was during the reign of Cromwell and he ceased upon restoration of the throne, this seems to contradict those who claim Nicholas was one of the "Cavaliers", supporters of the Crown who came to the Colony to escape persecution.
Nicholas lived in Jamestowne for a number of years, and purchased the "Island House" tract about 1661. In 1666 he purchased "Indian Spring" or "Indian Springs" in Surry county and that is where it is believed he reared his family.
Nicholas died 19 Dec 1678, probably in Surry county. His wife was appointed the executrix of his estate.
The Meriwether Society asserts that Nicholas married twice, based on several lines of reasoning. In 1660, "N. Merriwether" and "E. Merriwether" witnessed a document for Thomas Woodhouse. It is believed that these individuals are Nicholas and his first wife, establishing that he was married by 1660 and lending some support to the supposition that her name was Elizabeth. They had one child, a daughter named Elizabeth who married Rev. John Clough and then Francis Clements.
The name of the presumed second wife is known to be Elizabeth, as "Elizabeth Meriwether" was appointed adminitrix of Nicholas' estate and also became the wife of Lt. Col. William Browne about 1680. Nicholas and Elizabeth were the parents of five known children: Nicholas II, Francis, Jane, Thomas and William.
For a detailed account of the life and accomplishments of Nicholas Meriwether I, see "The Meriwether Family in America: Volume I, The Colonists", published in 2017 by The Meriwether Society, Inc.
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Note: N8 <b>The Meriwether Family in America: Volume I, The Colonists</b>
The Meriwether Society, Inc., has recently published a new book that comprehensively covers the first two generations of the Meriwether Family in America, including a review of Meriwether history in England. To order a copy, visit the Meriwether Society's Home Page:
http://MeriwetherSociety.org
Volume I Table of Contents
Chapter 1 British Origins
Chapter 2 The Colonies, A Choice
Chapter 3 First Colonial Meriwethers
Chapter 4 Nicholas Meriwether I
Chapter 5 Colonial Ladies To Match
Chapter 6 Family Matures and Thrives
Chapter 7 The Settled and the Restless
Chapter 8 Nicholas Meriwether II
Chapter 9 Francis Meriwether II
Chapter 10 Thomas Meriwether
Chapter 11 Clough, Clements, Williamson Connections
Chapter 12 Crawford Connections
Chapter 13 Bathurst Connections
Chapter 14 Browne Connections
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