Descendants of Richard Branham
of Yorkshire, England

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Generation #2

John (1Richard) Branham of Virginia

John Branham was born 9/20/1690 in Rappahannock (now Richmond) Co VA. On 10/1/1714 in Richmond Co VA, John married his stepsister, Mary Ann Greene b. 6/17/1696 Richmond Co VA. Unfortunately, Mary died 12/27/1726.

Being a widower with young children, John needed to marry again. On 3/16/1727 John married Rachel Webb b. c. 1706 in Richmond Co VA. Rachel was the widow of Francis Gower who died in 1726. This marriage proved to be fruitful for both John and Rachael; as they provided a supportive household for their five children by previous marriages and the ten or so children they had together.

In 1727 John is listed in his father's will where he is left "10 shillings to buy a ring." John is later listed as an attorney who served on multiple juries in Richmond County and represented former Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood in Orange County.

In 1736 John is cited as an "innholder" in Orange Co VA. Also, John was repaid for services to Orange County which supported the courthouse. Later court records state that court was actually held at John's house for eight months during this timeframe.

John died in 1761 in Orange Co VA. According to the Ludlow Branham Family Bible which is recorded at the Library of Virginia, Rachel married Bryan Sisson b. c. 1700. The date is not specified but was about 1765. Rachael died 4/6/ 1782 in Orange Co VA

The Registers of North Farnham Parish 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia compiled by George Harrison Sanford King, 1966:
John Branham, son of Richard and Deborah, was born 20 Sept. 1690, North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 6, page between 270-274:
John Branham, son of Richard (Sr), takes out license in October 1714 to marry Ann Hobbs Green.

Richmond Co., VA Marriages:
1714 October John Branham & Ann Green, Widow
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 327-328:
1718. John Branham, Wm. Woodbridge, and Gilbert Metcalfe take out bond. Obligation bounds John Branham to Edward Spencer to pay him estates due him that come into Branham’s hands or when Spencer comes of age.
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 541-544:
1 Nov. 1720. John Bramham to Nathaniel Norton. Witnessed by Thomas Lewis and Benjamin Rust. Land borders Richard Bramham’s.

Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 544-547:
1 Nov. 1720. John Bramham to Lewis Pugh. Witnessed by Thomas Lewis and Benjamin Rust. Land borders Bramham’s.

Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 8, pp. 10-11:
1 Nov. 1720. John and Anne Bramham to John Dozer. Land part of Anne’s inheritance. Witnessed by Benjamin Rust and Samuel Godwin. Land currently occupied by Samuel Pound. 
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 547-548:
2 Nov. 1720. John and Anne Bramham to Benjamin and Eleanor [Greene] Rust. Eleanor is named as Anne’s daughter. Witnessed by Samuel Godwin and Thomas Thornton. Land is part of Anne’s inheritance.
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 8, pp. 55-56:
1 August 1721. John and Anne Bramham to Samuel Godwin. Deed state’s land belonged to Anne’s grandfather Thomas Meade and descended to her mother Mary Hobbs. Witnesses Benjamin Rust and Thomas Thornton.
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 8, pp. 55-58:
2 August 1721. Samuel Godwin to John and Anne Branham. Deed state’s land belonged to Anne’s grandfather Thomas Meade and descended to her mother Mary Hobbs. Witnesses Benjamin Rust and Thomas Thornton. 
Marriages of Richmond County, 1668-1853
BRANHAM, John  married Rachel Webb, 16 March 1726/7.
(The bride was the widow of Francis Gower who died testate in Richmond County in 1726.  John Branham died testate in Orange County in 1761.)
"Richmond Co., VA Will Book 5," p 95:
Will dated April 4, 1728, and proved on May 1, 1728, in which he refers to himself and "Richard Branham, Senr., of the County of Richmond and Parish of North Farnham. Heirs were his son, Richard Branham, (a gun, a gold ring, and after the decease of his wife, the Plantation and all lands); his son, John Branham, (money); his loving wife, Ann [Hobbs Greene] Branham, (All the rest of his personal estate and the use of the plantation during her lifetime).
Executrix was his wife, Ann Branham
Witnesses were Robert Tomlin, Edward Gill, and Elizabeth Gill.
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 9, p. 100:
Jan. 4, 1734. John Bramham to Benjamin Rust, the 200 acres originally sold to Samuel Godwin and bought back. Land was former wife’s Anne.

Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 9, p. 103:
Jan. 4, 1734. John Bramham to Henry Metford sells about 50 acres which remains of the 271 acres granted to Richard Bramham, late of Richmond County. Wit: John Newport, Richard Brown Benjamin Rust. Rachel Bramham relinquished dower.
Richmond Co., VA Deed Book 9. p. 106:
3 Feb 1734. Edward Spencer to Benjamin Rust for 35 pounds, the same 200 acres as was sold to Saml Godwin and resold back to John and Anne Bramham [8/1721]. Edward Spencer named as grandson and co-heir of Anne [Hobbs Green] Bramham. Wit: John Woodbridge, William Degge, John Raynolds.
Orange County, VA Deed Book 1, pp. 95-99:
In 1735, John Branham took out a "lease for life" of 104 acres on the south side of the Rapidan River, part of the 40,000 acres Spotsylvania tract belonging to Alexander Spotswood, a former colonial governor. The lease was in the name of his son John and his daughter Elizabeth alias Betty. The lease was to remain in effect during the natural lives of the two children and whoever of them outlived the other.
Orange Co., VA Deed Book 1, pp. 95-99, 414-415,Judgments 1736:
In 1736, John Branham, innholder, conveyed by bond to Thomas Chew and William Russell, justices, 11 acres of this land "for the use of the county of Orange to hold Court on and build and erect courthouse, prison, pillory, stocks, whipping post and stable...."
Orange Co., VA Deed Book 1, pp. 95-99, 414-415,Judgments 1736:
That same year, Branham received 1800 pounds of tobacco in payment for keeping court in house for 8 months, taking care of the justices' horses, and tending the court with water and wood. The land was in John and Betty Branham’s names, children of John.
Orange Co., VA Deed Book 1, pp. 445-446:
In 1738, William Payne, smith, leased from John Branham, two ordinaries and in 1741, Roger Mallory leased the ordinary know as "Branham's Great Ordinary" from William Russell. According to the transaction, Mallory could renovate the inn but he could not sell any strong liquor on any part of the tract granted to Branham by Spotswood except for what was sold in "Russell's ordinary" without the liberty of Russell.
Bill of John Bramham for keeping Court at his house eight months, to care of the justices horses and for tending court with water and wood. Total 2600 pounds of tobacco (reduced to 1800 pounds). Judgments 1736, date about July 1738.
John and Rachel Bramham of Orange County to Benjamin Rust of Lunenburg Parish, Richmond County for 33 pds 6 shillings 8 pence, 100 acres, that originally belonged to Francis Gower and Rachel claims as one third as her dowry. Land is known as Gowers. Wit: James Wilson, Alex’r Clark, Taverner Beale. Richmond Co, VA Deed Book 9, p. 633. 6 October 1740
Orange Co., VA Deed Book 7 pp. 272-275:
In 1743, Branham took out a mortgage for 9 years on the 104 acres from Edward Spencer. Included ordinary on the land & cattle.
Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 272:
26 July 1750. John Bramham allowed to have ordinary license. Reviewed.
John Branham took out another "lease for life" for 150 acres on the north side of the Rapidan River in 1756 from the heirs of Alexander Spotswood. This lease was in the names of Spencer Thaddeus and Daniel Branham.
(1757?). On petition of Thomas Thorp for a road. Group to review: John Bramham, Bryan Sisson, and Jeremiah Morton.
John Branham aged about 72 years departed this life on Saturday the 25th day of July 1761, about 6 o'clock in the afternoon.

Boswell's Tavern- 11.2 miles west of Louisa, Va. on highway #4. A few yards to the right of the highway.
Bible records copied from Bible published in Philadelphia for Matthew Carey on Market Street in 1801. This is the property of Mrs. Sally Branham Mitchell.

The will of "John Branham Senr. . .son of Richard Branham and his wife, Ann Branham" dated July 21, 1761, was proved on Thursday, Aug 27, 1761. In the will he refers to himself as "John Branham, Senr." Heirs were his friend, John Lowen, (money); his "well beloved wife, Rachel Branham", ("all the estate both real and personal during her natural life or widowhood"); his "youngest sons, Daniel Branham, Richard Branham, Gaydon Branham, Taverner Branham, and James Webb Branham." (to each an equal share of the estate after the decease of his wife).
Executrix was his "Well beloved wife, Rachel Branham" and executors were his sons, Daniel Branham, and Gaydon Branham. Witnesses were Harbin Moore, William Games, and Margaret Johnson. Since the children to whom reference is made are called "my youngest sons", obviously there must have been one or more older sons not mentioned by name in the will. Other records give evidence that the two older sons were John and Nathaniel.
In the burial place called the Old Court House, in Orange County:
Rachel Branham (Sisson) relict of the above John Branham, departed this life April 6th, 1782. Was interred the Monday after, at Charles Porter's, her former dwelling place, called "The Old Courthouse" in Orange County.

    Children with Mary Ann Green

    1. Nathaniel Branham

    2.Sarah Branham b. c. 1724 Richmond Co VA

    Children with Rachael Webb Gower Branham

    3. John M. Branham

The Registers of North Farnham Parish 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia:
John Branham, son of John and Rachel, born 5 March 1728 North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA.
Orange Co., VA Order book, p. 631:
22 April 1762. John Bramham ordinary license renewal.
In the burial place called the Old Court House, in Orange County:
John Branham, son to the Elder, departed this life the 17th day of January, 1785, about 10 o'clock at night. Age 58 years. Was interred at the burying place of his ancestors, "The Old Court House."

    4. Benjamin Branham 

    5. Spencer Thaddeus Branham

The Registers of North Farnham Parish 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia:
Spencer Thaddeus Branham, son of John and Rachel, born 22 October 1729, North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA.

    6.  Elizabeth Branham

The Registers of North Farnham Parish 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia:
Betty Branham, daughter of John and Rachel, born 21 December 1730, North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA.

    7. Susannah Branham

The Registers of North Farnham Parish 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia:
Susanna Branham, daughter of John and Rachel, born 4 April 1732, North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA.

    8. David Branham (Information is dubious)

Spotsylvania County Records 1721-1800, p. 417:
May 6, 1788. Alexander Spotswood and Elizabeth, his wife, of Spots. Co., to John Brock of same co. £14 6s curr. 74 a. in St. Geo. Par., Spots. Co., etc., etc. Geo. Burbridge, Danl. Branham, David Branham,. May 6, 1788.

    9. Daniel Branham

Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 342:
28 June 1757. Daniel Branham appointed overseer of the road from the Wilderness Bridge to Germanna Ford.
Orange Co VA Will Book 2, pp. 421-422:
11/27/1767 Division of John Bramham estate. £287.10, divided into five lots and drew for according to seniority by Daniel, Taverner, James, Richard, and Gaydon Branham. Divided by W. Pannill, Uriel Mallory, and William Bronaugh. Returned 26 July 1770.
April 18, 1771. James Lewis of Spts. Co. and Elizabeth, his wife, and Sarah Lewis, widow of Wm. Lewis, of Co. afsd., to Jacob Whitley of Fredksbg. £400 curr. Lots 35 & 36 in town of Fredksbg, purchased by sd. Wm. Lewis, father of sd. James Lewis, of Anthony Strother, etc. Witnesses, Jos. Brock, Robert Chew, John Herndon, Daniel Branham, James Cunningham. April 18, 1771.
Spotsylvania County Records 1721-1800, p. 27:
Lewis, Sarah, Spotsylvania Co. d. Oct. 28, 1771. Wit. Daniel Branham, Benjamin Burbridge. Leg. daughter Elizabeth Richards; grandson James Lewis; granddaughter Sarah Richards, daughter Elizabeth Richards, grandchildren William and Sarah Richards, son and daughter of Winifred Richards.
November 20, 1777 Mary [Ball] Burbridge, admx of Benjamin Burbridge, deceased, Daniel Branham and Robert Frank, sec. 2000 pounds (sterling)
Spotsylvania County Records 1721-1800, p. 49:
Branham, Daniel, St. George's Parish. Spotsylvania Co., Administrators Bond dated Jan. 7, 1784.
Wit. Joseph Jones, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Allen, Joseph Brock, Jr. 
Ex. wife, Elizabeth Branham, Capt. Edward Herndon, James Lewis. 
Leg. sons Thomas, John, Daniel, Benjamin, Robert, Richard, and James Branham; daughters Susanna Brock, Sarah Branham, and Polly Branham; wife Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Branham, wife of Daniel, refused the legacy and plead for dower, under date June 1, 1793.

    10. Richard Branham

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, pp. 421-422:
11/27/1767 Division of John Bramham estate. £287.10, divided into five lots and drew for according to seniority by Daniel, Taverner, James, Richard, and Gaydon Branham. Divided by W. Pannill, Uriel Mallory, and William Bronaugh. Returned 26 July 1770.

    11. Taverner Branham

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, pp. 421-422:
11/27/1767 Division of John Bramham estate. £287.10, divided into five lots and drew for according to seniority by Daniel, Taverner, James, Richard, and Gaydon Branham. Divided by W. Pannill, Uriel Mallory, and William Bronaugh. Returned 26 July 1770.
Spotsylvania Co VA Will Book E (1772-1798), p. 47:
Jan 16, 1790 Thomas Burbridge Will:
Executors, Robert Smith, Linsfield Burbridge, George Burbridge
Legatees, son Thomas Burbridge, daughter Mildred Robinson, daughter Sarah Elley, daughter Frances Smith, son Linsfield Burbridge, daughter Mary Bullett, son George Burbridge, grandson Thomas Burbridge son of Robert Burbridge, dec'd; daughter Elizabeth Branham.
Witnesses, Hannon Hanor,Sr, Benjamin Ellis, Hannon Hanon, Jr, George Ellis
Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book J (1774-1782), p. 450:
March 6, 1792. Pursuant to the last will and testament of Thomas Burbridge, Decd., etc., Thomas Burbridge, Benjamin Robinson and Mildred, his wife; Henry Elley. and Sarah, his wife; Tavener Branham and Elizabeth, his wife; Robt. Smith and Frances, his wife; Linsfield Burbridge and Nancy, his wife; Wm. Bullett and Mary, his wife, and George Burbridge and Mary, his wife, to James Lewis of Spots. Co. £230. 200 a. whereon sd. Thos. Burbridge lived, adj. lands of James Lewis, Alexander Spotswood and others, etc., purchased of Wm. Fitzhugh, Esq., as by Ind. dated April 10, 1770, in Spots. Co., etc., etc. Witnesses, Richd. Jones, Frans. Simpson, Mathew Bridges, Richd. Branham-March 6, 1792.

1948 Mt. Sterling Advocate:
Thomas Burbridge d ca. 1790 Spotsylvania Co., VA m Sallie Sharp--children Lunsford, Geo. m Mary Hord, Mildred m Benjamin Robinson, Sarah m Henry Elley, Frances m Robert Smith, Elizabeth m Tavener Branham, Mary m Bullitt, Rowland m Jane Wells, John m Rachel.
Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book J (1774-1782), p. 454:
June 13, 1792. Thomas Burbridge, Benjamin Robinson, Henry Ealey and Tavenor Branham, all of the State of Kentucky, po. of atto. to friends Robert Smith, Linsfield Burbridge and Geo. Burbridge, to sell a tract of land in Spots. Co., Va., part of which is claimed by the parties of the first part as Legatees of Thos. Burbridge, decd., etc., etc. Witnesses, Mathew Bridges, Richd. Branham, Wm. Parker. Septr. 4, 1792.
Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book J (1774-1782), p. 459:
March 13, 1793. Thomas Burbridge, Benj. Robinson and Mildred, his wife; Henry Eally and Sarah, his wife; Robert Smith and Frances, his wife; Tavener Branham and Elizabeth, his wife; Linsfield Burbridge and Ann, his wife; Wm. Bullet and Mary, his wife; George Burbridge and Mary, his wife, to Ann Hull. £180. 213 a. in Spots. Co., etc., etc. Lar. Stanard, Jno. Herndon, Edwd. Herndon, Bevy. Stubblefield, Edwd. Herndon, jr.; Thomas Bartlett, Jas. Lewis, Hezk. Ellis, J. Chew. No date of Record.

    12. Graydon Branham

Orange Co., VA Minute book 1, p. 199:
(1757?). On petition of Lawrence Gillock to have a view for a road to turnout by his home. Wm. Sisson, Joseph Thomas, Geydon Branham, Bryan Sisson or any three appointed to view the way and report to court on conveniences or inconveniences.
Orange Co VA Will Book 2, pp. 421-422:
11/27/1767 Division of John Bramham estate. £287.10, divided into five lots and drew for according to seniority by Daniel, Taverner, James, Richard, and Gaydon Branham. Divided by W. Pannill, Uriel Mallory, and William Bronaugh. Returned 26 July 1770.

    13. James Webb Branham

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, pp. 421-422:
11/27/1767 Division of John Bramham estate. £287.10, divided into five lots and drew for according to seniority by Daniel, Taverner, James, Richard, and Gaydon Branham. Divided by W. Pannill, Uriel Mallory, and William Bronaugh. Returned 26 July 1770.

Generation #3

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This site is provided for reference only. Except where specifically cited, information contained is conjecture and should not be considered as fact.
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