1685 Cornelius Keiffe or Keith b. abt 1685 of Stafford Co, Va m. Dianna Cockarill

Cornelius Keiffe (or Keith) was probably born around 1685 – this is an estimate based on the age of his daughter Mary Keith who married John Going … (Note: several of the following sources on this page are likely/possibly from more than one Cornelius Keith – I have listed them all here as part of my research to help try and verify which one belongs to which).

PARENTS: 

• Unk

CHILDREN: 

• Mary Keith b. abt 1705 who m. John Going Sr b. abt 1705

SIBLINGS: 

• Unknown

States and Counties to research: 

• State – Maryland
• State – Virginia
• State – North Carolina
• Virginia – Stafford County – 1700s to early 1800s
• Virginia – King William County – 1700s to early 1800s
• Virginia – Prince George County – 1700s to early 1800s
• Virginia – Caroline County – 1700s to early 1800s
• Virginia – Brunswick County – 1700s to early 1800s
• North Carolina – Johnston County

FACTS AND SOURCES: 

See also: Keith Family Records on this website.

MARYLAND:  

The first notation/document I have located for any “Cornelius Keith/Keife” in Virginia/Maryland area that I have found is on Nov 17, 1707 for Cornelius Keef’s marriage to Dianna Cockarill in Kent County, Maryland.

1707 Nov 16 -Name: Cornelius Keef
Spouse’s Name: Dianna Cockarill
Marriage Date: 16 Nov 1707
Marriage County: Kent
Maryland, U.S., Compiled Marriage Index, 1634-1777. 3 KE-296.
Ancestry.com. Maryland, U.S., Compiled Marriage Index, 1634-1777 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
Original data: Barnes, Robert, compiler. Maryland Marriages, 1634–1777. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc., 1975.
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/91228?token=DQCKmSeqmSskQcbmb0uSWweZhhlpfAm87KmgVFDR2NQ%3D

OTHER KEITH/KEIFE FAMILIES IN MARYLAND:  

Cornelius Keith likely had other family members in Maryland.  He may have been born in Maryland – or transported from the British Isles to the Americas as a minor, while accompanying his family.  Its worth investigating other Keith/Keif families listed as living in Maryland prior to Cornelius Keith arriving in the Colony of Virginia around 1709.

Keith’s who appeared to have families according to Maryland records include the following people.  (Note: There were other “individual” Keith/Keif’s listed on records in Maryland – to review all the Keith/Keif’s I have noted in Maryland prior to 1709, go to the Keith Family Info page listed below):

(For sources, see the Keith Family source page in this website:  https://goyengoinggowengoyneandgone.com/keith-family-info/ ):

The following Keith/Keif families are the ones of note I have seen that are probably worth investigating:

George Keith:
1670 George Keith wife Dorothy Keith – Calvert and Charles Co, MD locations

Constantine Keife
— 1672 transports his family to St Mary’s Co, MD
wife – Joane Keife
daughter – Elinor Keife
son – Arthur Keife
—1674 Constantine is executor of Roger Shehee decd estate,
—1675 suit against Roger Shehee estate by Garrett VanSweringen for use of his physick (Robert Harper servant) who treated Shehee for illness but wasnt paid.

——–1688 Arthur Keife appears in St Mary’s Co, MD re tobo collections
———1699 Arthur Keeth deceased — St Mary’s Co, MD

William Keeth
—1675 recd a certificate in MD
—1676 granted 100 acres in St Mary’s Co, MD
—1682 survey of 50 acres in St Mary’s Co, MD
—1695 is deceased with Daniel Sheridan as admin of estate in Calvert Co, MD.

James Keith  (Note:  This James Keith appears to live in Calvert Co, MD, and is noted in transactions in Richmond, Virginia – in the Northern Neck of Virginia – and moves to Beaufort County, North Carolina around 1707.  There is no proof of any relationship to Cornelius Keiffe/Keith of Stafford Co, Va – but the fact that the Keith family appears to have come from Maryland into Virginia, and then appears to head to the Virginia/North Carolina border makes this a person to look at and see if any additional documents can be located in Maryland regarding the family he came from and others he was related to in Maryland).
—1692 appears in Richmond, Va recs – as a JP in Calvert Co, MD.
—1693 witnesses Richard Gardner’s will in Calvert Co, MD.
—1699 signs in capacity for St Maries Co, MD on Baker Brooke’s will
—1707 Mr Haynes (or Haines) via his atty Edmond Pearce, conveys 635 acres known as Smith’s Point to Mr James Keith late of Maryland, in Beaufort Co, NC.
—1709 James Keith conveys 635 acres to the Hon Thomas Cary Esq in Beaufort Co, NC
—1709 George Moy appoints James Keith as his atty in Beaufort Co, NC
—1710 John Nelson and wife Ann assign 260 acres on North River by Crany Isl in fork of Eastermore Cr to James Keith in Beaufort Co, NC
—1710 James Keith is appraiser of George Harcole decds estate in Beaufort Co, NC

Robert Keife (Keith) missionary:  wife Mary Keith  (Note:  This is probably the least likely to be related to Cornelius Keith – BUT you never know, he may have had a child who became an adult and stayed in Maryland/Virginia – I’m placing him last on the list, but keeping an open mind in case additional documents regarding any children he may have had in the Americas appear – same with Governor William Keith of PA, and the missionary George Keith (not the same as the George Keith married to Dorothy above).  George Keith the missionary was with the same religious association as Robert Keith – George the missionary (who was in this area around the same time as Robert around 1700-1715) came to Virginia and Maryland, but only appeared to stay for short visits – he appears to have spent most of his time in the New England area).
—1706 recd 446 acres in Somerset Co, MD
—1716 Robert and Mary now in Great Brittain convey 446 acres to Samuel Handy Sr in Somerset Co, MD.

1709 June 30 – John Oldton, Last Will and Testament, Balto. Co., 4th May, 1709 ; 30th June, 1709.
To wife Mary, extx. and hrs., entire estate, real and personal, including 200 A., “Kinness,” 160 A., “The Bold Adventure,” “Pimlico” and all other lands.
Wits: Thomas Long, Cornelius Kieffe, Eliza: Steward. Part 2-12. 105 Balt, MD. Maryland Wills v. 12, p 106.
https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I114266&tree=Tree1  ;  https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/90897?token=DKAOqSrvcWEagc1USfJEIvTYN6Xkxwi3QNPLxQUp8yk%3D

1709 Oct 11 – Capt. John Oldton decd. Inventory. Bk 32A., pg 95.  I £105.14.6 Oct 5 1709 Oct 11 1709
The amount of the inventory also included #3114. Appraisers: John Roberts, Roger Mathews, Sr.
Creditors: Thomas Hutchins, Francis Watkins.
List of debts: Cornelius Keeffe, John Mawhawn, Bray Plat, Andrew Anderson. Balt, MD
https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I114266&tree=Tree1
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/90921?token=tBJrDGxcf2ojTdvJmMT2iwQQb8idMdAf8%2FSz4skXF80%3D (pg 95)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/90925?token=JPX80cYCuJuWzKa%2Fcr0Zf5pE65g%2BSvTwKzGahYhBCWQ%3D (pgs 96 & 97 – Cornelius Keeffe owed 1124 on pg 96)

VIRGINIA: 

Interestingly, Cornelius Keith’s last record in Maryland and his claim in 1739 that he arrived in Virginia in 1709 match identically. Cornelius did not arrive from Ireland or Scotland … he arrived from the Colony of Maryland into the Colony of Virginia. He was still owed for being a settler in Virginia, as the colonies competed with eachother for settlers.

1709 About – arrival to Colony of Virginia – In 1739 Cornelius Keith signs an affidavit indicating he arrived in Virginia around 30 years ago – indicating he arrived in the Colony of Virginia in 1709.  This time/frame fits him getting married in Maryland, and then moving with his family from his old Colony of Maryland, across the Potomac River to his new home in the Colony of Virginia.

1709 approx arrival date of Cornelius Keith to Virginia based on the following entry:
1739 May 3 – John Scott Gent came into Court and made oath that it is now 3 years since his importation from Great Brittain and that he never before now has received the benefit of the Act of Assembly which allows 50 acres of land for every person imported from Great Brittain afsd which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Thomas Avent came into Court made oath that he never yet received his importation right and that it is now 38 years since his importation which is ordered to be certified.
-Also Michael Cadetyoung came into Court and made oath that he never has made use of his importation Rite and that it is now 17 years since his Importation from Great Brittain which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Cornelius Keith came into Court & made oath taht he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time and that it is now 30 years ago since his importation which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Marmaduke Johnson from Ireland about 20 years ago, came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time which is ordered to be certified.
– page 242 –
–John Stephens came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported from Great Brittain into this Colony 6 years ago which is ordered to be certified.
–Patrick Dempsey came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported into this Colony from Ireland 18 years ago which is ordered to be certified.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CKH7?i=140&cat=274982
– page 243 –
–Henry Morris came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding being imported from Great Brittain 21 years.
–William Eaton came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported into this Colony from Great Brittain 20 odd years.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CK4N?i=141&cat=274982
Court Order Bk 1, p 241. Brunswick County, Virginia
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CKH7?i=140&cat=274982
(Note: The headright system in Virginia allowed for 50 acres per person if they paid their own way to the Colony, and 50 acres for every person you paid to come to the Colony of Virginia. This system was used until 1779, but was used less often in the 1700s than in the 1600s)(Note Also: 5 people claim to have arrived from Great Britain, 2 from Ireland, and 3 people give no other country – implying they came from another Colony such as Maryland or North Carolina).
Library of Virginia – Headrights (Va-Notes).
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/va4_headrights.htm

(Note:  It does not say he came from Ireland or Great Britain (see above, several of the affiants indicate that they came from Ireland or Great Britain – but Cornelius Keith only says he arrived in the Colony 30 years prior. 

This must have been Cornelius Keith born in the 1680s.  The text of the Headright Law only allowed 50 acres to the person who paid the way – if you paid your own way, you received your 50 acres, if you paid the way of other people then you received 50 acres for each person you paid for their passage. Cornelius Keith could only claim this 50 acres if he was the person who paid for his travel – so this is not Cornelius Keith who was a minor in 1709/1710, as his father would have the claim, and Cornelius Keith could only claim it as a right of his father’s estate (which is not done here). This was the adult that paid his own way to Virginia in 1709 (at least 21 years of age in 1709) – so the Cornelius Keith making the claim in 1739 was born at least 21 years prior to 1709 (1689 or before). Cornelius Keith is not making a claim based on him being the heir to a deceased parent, he is making a claim for his own payment of his passage. 

Compare this to the Hollis family.  There were several times that the Hollis family travelled back and forth from the Maryland Colony to the Virginia Colony, receiving land grants when they moved across the Potomac River from one colony to the other.  Since this does not say Cornelius Keith came from Ireland or Great Britain, the possibility that he came from Maryland, or another American colony, to Virginia is an open question.  It appears that the Going family moved back and forth from Maryland to Virginia, and there were Keith families in Maryland as well.  Cornelius Keith arriving from Maryland is a possibility).  

1713 Sept 4 – Cornelius Keiffe and Richard Kirkland receive 268 acres. On the North side of Occoquan River. Adj to Richard Ridgewell. Stafford County, Va. (Father of Mary Keith Gowing and Father in Law of John Gowing Sr). 1714 Nov 23, Cornelius Keeiffe (Keith) and Richard Kirkland receive a grant for 268 acres on the North side of the Occoquan River, adj to Rd. Ridgewell (Cornelius Keeiffe is the father of Mary Keith, wife of John Gowing Sr).  Northern Neck Grants No. 5, 1713-1719, p. 6 (Reel 289).  https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990008562300205756

These 268 acres granted to Cornelius Keeiffe and Richard Kirkland are found on the following map (click to enlarge):

Note:  Some time in the mid to late 1720s, Cornelius Keiffe/Keith’s daughter Mary was married to a John Going/Gowen.

1715 Jan 11, Cornelius Keeife, 630 acres; Keeife, Cornelius. grantee.
Title Land grant 11 January 1714/1715.
Summary Location: Stafford County.
Description: 630 acres on the south side of Niapscoe Run. (Note:  Neabsco Creek is in Prince William Co, Va – following the Potomac south, after Occoquan River (Occoquan divides Fairfax from Prince William), heading south, the next larger tributary heading north/inland into Virginia is Neabsco Creek).
Source: Northern Neck Grants No. 5, 1713-1719, p. 34 (Reel 289).
Recorded survey available. Northern Neck Grants No.5 1713-1719. (reverse).
Part of the index to recorded copies of land grants issued by the agents of the Fairfax Proprietary between 1690 and 1781 and by the Commonwealth between 1786 and 1874. Original and recorded surveys are also indexed when available. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990008559590205756
1715 Jan 11, Cornelius Keeife receives 630 acres in Stafford County on the south side of Niapscoe Run. Source: Northern Neck Grants No. 5, 1713-1719, p. 34 (Reel 289).  https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990008559590205756

1721 Nov 4 – At a Council held at the Capitol Nov 4, 1721
On the Petition of James Terry, John Kembro, William Byrd and Cornelius Keith leave is granted the to take up 5000 acres of land lying in the County of New Kent.
Executive Journals, Council of Colonial Virginia. p. 5

1723 – Stafford County Rent Roll – lists [??]ns Keeife 230 acrs, Not Demanded (Note: Abbreviation of Cornelius would likely be “Corns”).
Stafford County Rent Rolls, 1723.

1724 July – Timothy Johnson 283 acres St. Johns Par, N side Long Cr & on both sides Toppin Castle Road adj. John Holloday, Thomas Tomason, Cornelius Keith & Robt Holmes July 1724
[See Caroline Co.] Cavaliers & Pioneers v3

1724 July 9 – p. 268 Thomas Ware 150 acres New Land in King William County, in St Johns Parish on brs of Beverdam Creek; adj Cornelius Keith, Capt James Terry, Thomas Thomason; John Holliday and Thomas Creed. 9 July 1724, Patent book 12 p 51. Virginia.

1725 Oct 4&5 – William Gower in the County of Brunswick, planter deed of 100 acres to Thomas Huckabe of the County of Brunswick Co, Va … lease and release of 100 acres in the County of Brunswick granted to Gower on Feb 18, 1722, adjacent to John Rains and William Smith. Signed: William Gower. Wit: Cornelius Keith, Joseph Shearing, Richard Smith. Mixed Records, 1724-1728. p 918-922. Prince George Co, Va. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99PX-X424?i=207&cat=362985

1726 Oct 31 – P 319 – Capt. James Terry, Gent. 400 acres, new land, King William County in St. Margret’s Parish on the N SIDE OF NORTHANNA RIVER & NORTH SIDE OF NORTH CREEK, on borders of Beverdam Creek; adj. his own, John Holliday, Edward Green, Thomas Thomason, Cornelius Keith on N side of Long Cr., and John Hopkins line., 31 Oct 1726 Patent book 13 p. 28. Virginia

1728 Sept 2 – p. 365 JOHN LEE ; of New Kent County, 130 acres Lapsed land, King William County, in St. Johns Par; on brs of Beaver Dam Creek; adj Cornelius Keith, Capt. James Terry, Thomas Thomason, John Holliday & Mathew Creed’s line 2 Sept 1728, patents 13, p 437. Virginia.

1728 November 16, – Col. William Byrd visited with the Cornelius Keith family: on his return trip after surveying the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina. Byrd gave a most bleak description of their living conditions in his “Histories of the Dividing Line betwixt Virginia and North Carolina.” ….
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1728 Nov 16 – Col. William Byrd’s account number 1 of his interaction with Cornelius Keith’s family:
We landed at the Plantation of Cornelius Keith, where I beheld the wretchedest Scene of Poverty I had ever met with in this happy Part of the World. The Man, his Wife and Six Small Children, liv’d in a Penn, like so many Cattle, without any Roof over their Heads but that of Heaven. And this was their airy Residence in the Day time, but then there was a Fodder Stack not far from this Inclosure, in which the whole Family shelter’d themselves a night’s and in bad weather.
However, ’twas almost worth while to be as poor as this Man was, to be as perfectly contented. All his Wants proceeded from Indolence, and not from Misfortune. He had good Land, as well as good Health and good Limbs to work it, and, besides, had a Trade very useful to all the Inhabitants round about. He cou’d make and set up Quern Stones very well, and had proper Materials for that purpose just at Hand, if he cou’d have taken the pains to fetch them.
There is no other kind of Mills in those remote parts, and, therefore, if the Man wou’d have Workt at his Trade, he might have liv’d very comfortably. The poor woman had a little more Industry, and Spun Cotton enough to make a thin covering for her own and her children’s Nakedness. I am sorry to say it, but Idleness is the general character of the men in the Southern Parts of this Colony as well as in North Carolina. The Air is so mild, and the Soil so fruitful, that very little Labour is requir’d to fill their Bellies, especially where the Woods afford such Plenty of Game.
These Advantages discharge the Men from the Necessity of killing themselves with Work, and then for the other Article of Raiment, a very little of that will suffice in so temperate a Climate. But so much as is absolutely Necessary falls to the good women’s Share to provide.
They all Spin, weave and knit, whereby they make a good Shift to cloath the whole Family; and to their credit be it recorded, many of them do it very completely, and thereby reproach their Husbands’ Laziness m the most inoffensive way, that is to say, by discovering a better Spirit of Industry in themselves.
From thence we mov’d forward to Colo Mumford’s other Plantation, under the Care of Miles Riley, where, by that Gentleman’s Directions, we were again Supply’d with many good things.
pgs 304 & 306. William Byrd’s Dividing Line Histories.
https://ia600504.us.archive.org/7/items/williambyrdshist00byrd/williambyrdshist00byrd.pdf
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1728 Nov 16 – Col. William Byrd’s account number 2 of his interaction with Cornelius Keath’s family:
Meanwell and I made a Visit to Cornelius Keath, who liv’d rather in a Penn than a House, with his Wife and 6 Children. I never beheld such a Scene of Poverty in this happy part of the World. The Hovel they lay in had no Roof to cover those wretches from the Injurys of the Weather: but when it rain’d, or was colder than Ordinary, the whole Family took refuge in a Fodder Stack. The poor man had rais’d a kind of a House but for want of Nails it remain’d uncover’d. I gave him a Note on Maj. Mumford for Nails for that purpose and so made a whole Family happy at a very small Expence.
The man can read & write very well, and by way of a Trade can make & set up Quenstones & yet is poorer than any Highland-Scot, or Bog-trotting Irishman.
When the Horses came up we moved forward to Miles Rileys another of Maj’. Mumford’s Quarters. Here was a Young Steer kill’d for us, and meal ground, and every thing also provided that the Place afforded. There was a huge consumption of Potatoes, milk, & Butter, which we found in great Plenty.
pg. 305. William Byrd’s Dividing Line Histories.
https://ia600504.us.archive.org/7/items/williambyrdshist00byrd/williambyrdshist00byrd.pdf
(Note: These pages are a bit odd – page 304 is the beginning of this tale about Cornelius Keith’s family, and then it skips to page 306. On page 305 it appears that Byrd had begin writing this tale slightly differently – but then edited the story a bit, but forgot to take out page 305. I include both accounts from the book here). See also: https://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/byrd/byrd.html#p123

(Note: I wonder about the account of Col. William Byrd. His description of the land, temperate climate, weather, and how plentiful the area is, and how easy it would to make money there, almost seems like an advertisement to attract settlers to move to the area. If the Keith’s had just moved to the area, they may well have been living in what was considered a “mud-house” temporarily – typically built into the side of a hill or small rise in the ground, until they were able to build a proper house. This was commonly done by settlers moving to remote farming or ranching areas up until the early 1900s). 

1731 Jan 23 – p. 411 John Southland, 400 acres new land, Caroline County in St.Margret’s Parish, brs of Long Creek & Beaverdam Sw; adj Cornelius Keith, John Holliday, on S side of Toppin Castle Road; Thomas Ware; & Capt. James Terry 23 Jan 1731. Patents 14, p 373. Virginia

1734 May 2 – Robert Hix Sr deed of gift 100 acres to Cornelius Keith. Brunswick Co, Va
… I Robert Hix Sr of the County of Brunswick in the Colony of Virginia that for divers good consideration … especially for (smudged here) of seating and cultivation part of a certain tract of land belonging to me in Brunswick County and Colony of Virginia afsd by Cornelius Keith do freely clearly and absolutely give and grant unto the said Cornelius Keith … 100 acres of the said tract, it being the lowermost 100 acres of the said tract beginning upon Col. Mumford’s line and running out along the said line and up Roanoke River … upon a square the said Keith’s improvements and plantation and all other rights and priviledges …
Signed: Robert Hix
Wit: W Battesby, Bird Thos. Lanier.
Will bk 1, p 125. Brunswick Co, Va
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/91201?token=%2F3T0u5wlgKzIf%2F2bl0hMH%2BXFzoGb9gNaNnX9tRfmXcI%3D (p. 125)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/91215?token=I%2F66JEBN3HxpD0lPZN1WfqqPyUDMQxRxehEzRdGZJqs%3D (p. 126)

1734 July 7 – Deed of Gift from Robert Hix, Senr. of St. Andrews Parish in Brunswick County dated July 7, 1734, for “especially for and in consideration of the true love and natural affection which I bear to Samuel Clark, Jr. of the parish and county aforesaid” conveying land to Samuel Clark, Jr., containing by estimation 580 acres lying and being on the North side of Roanoke River in the County of Brunswick, on Richard Jones’ line … at the lower end where Cornelius Keith now lives.
Signed: Robert Hix, Senr.
Wits: Moses Dunkley, Theophilus Feild, Josias Randle.
Deeds and Wills Book 1, page 165-166. Brunswick Co, Va.
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/91110?token=A5C7bq1pPq80zk5FEYr5UK2mB1GJVJaN5Qu8bw0rql8%3D (p. 165)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/91116?token=rSs6jHtXLULtueCzq4p2PC0IcqMYTr7CatCcnXbyA2o%3D (p. 166)

1736 Feb 4 – Thomas Robinson leases and releases 150 acres in 1735 from William Toms and wife Margaret of St Andrew Parish. Land is located on the NS of the Roanoke River in Clemens [Clements] line. Part of a grant to John Davis and sold to Toms. Witnesses to deed are Cornelius Keith, Samuel (B) Buckstone, William Jinkines [Jenkins]. Deed recorded 4/5 Feb 1735/6
Pg 269-271 Brunswick Co VA Deeds.

1736 March 26: Cornelius Keife\Keith appears in the legal records of Brunswick County March 26, 1736 when he is a witness to the will of John Nipper, Sr. of St. Andrews Parish of Brunswick County. Will Bk 2, p. 31-32. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PH-SNVX?i=36&cat=275016

1738 Oct 23: Catherine Patterson appears October 23, 1738 in Brunswick County, Virginia where she, Mary King and Cornelius Keife/Keith are witnesses to the will of Thomas Stroud, according to Brunswick County Will Book 2, page 1. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PH-SNV9?i=21&cat=275016

1739 Mar 12 – Clement Reade, Gent., 913 acres, Brunswick Co., N. side of Sturgeon Run, by Davis and Briggs. For the Importation of 10 persons: John Stevens, John Scott, John Jackson, Cornelius Keith, Marmaduke Johnson, Michael Cadet Young, Henry Morris, William Eaton, Patrick Dempsey and Thomas Avent (Land Patent Book 18, p. 531-532). 12 Mar 1739. (NOTE – see notes below – Clement Reade DID NOT IMPORT these men in 1739. He purchased these mens’ headrights from them obviously). https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLZ-BPV5?i=550&cat=584564 ;  https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/6131/VGS_1987_01_01_0227/517506275?backurl=&ssrc=&backlabel=Return&rc=366,2048,484,2081
(NOTE: COMPARE the names of the people that Clement Reade supposedly “imported” into the colony on March 12, 1739 to those who made claims for headrights on May 3, 1739 just below this entry):
1) John Stevens – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 6 years prior fr Great Britain & never recd headright.
2) John Scott – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 3 years prior fr Great Britain & never recd headright.
3) Cornelius Keith – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 30 years prior & never recd headright.
4) Marmaduke Johnson – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 20 years prior fr Ireland & never recd headright.
5) Michael Cadet Young – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 17 years prior fr Great Britain & never recd headright.
6) Henry Morris – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 21 years prior fr Great Britain & never recd headright.
7) William Eaton – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 20 years prior fr Great Britain & never recd headright.
8) Patrick Dempsey – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 18 years prior fr Ireland & never recd headright.
9) Thomas Avent – May 3, 1739 certified arrived 38 years prior & never recd headright.
(9 out of the 10 men that Clement Reade made his claim for importing in 1739 actually had been imported WELL BEFORE 1739. What obviously happened here is at least 9 of these 10 men SOLD their headright claim to Clement Reade – and they had to go to court to swear they had never received their headright previously).

1739 May 3 – John Scott Gent came into Court and made oath that it is now 3 years since his importation from Great Britain and that he never before now has received the benefit of the Act of Assembly which allows 50 acres of land for every person imported from Great Britain afsd which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Thomas Avent came into Court made oath that he never yet received his importation right and that it is now 38 years since his importation which is ordered to be certified.
-Also Michael Cadetyoung came into Court and made oath that he never has made use of his importation Rite and that it is now 17 years since his Importation from Great Britain which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Cornelius Keith came into Court & made oath taht he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time and that it is now 30 years ago since his importation which is ordered to be certified.
-Also, Marmaduke Johnson from Ireland about 20 years ago, came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time which is ordered to be certified.
page 242 –
–John Stephens came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported from Great Britain into this Colony 6 years ago which is ordered to be certified.
–Patrick Dempsey came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported into this Colony from Ireland 18 years ago which is ordered to be certified.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CKH7?i=140&cat=274982
page 243 –
–Henry Moris came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding being imported from Great Britain 21 years.
–William Eaton came into Court and made oath that he never made use of his Importation Rite and that this is the first time notwithstanding his being imported into this Colony from Great Britain 20 odd years.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CK4N?i=141&cat=274982
Court Order Bk 1, p 241. Brunswick County, Virginia
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CKH7?i=140&cat=274982
(Note: The headright system in Virginia allowed for 50 acres per person if they paid their own way to the Colony, and 50 acres for every person you paid to come to the Colony of Virginia. This system was used until 1779, but was used less often in the 1700s than in the 1600s)(Note Also: 5 people claim to have arrived from Great Britain, 2 from Ireland, and 3 people give no other country – implying they came from another Colony such as Maryland or North Carolina).
Library of Virginia – Headrights (Va-Notes).
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/va4_headrights.htm

1739 May 3 – On the motion of Cornelius Keith, Leave is granted him to keep a Ferry over Roanoak River from his own landing below the Hereford to Alexander’s Landing and that he keep for that purpose a good and sufficient strong flatt 14 foot and a half in her bottom and 6 foot upon her beam and that he receive for his ferriage 6 pence for a man and 6 pence for a horse and as Law directs for wheel carriages, 2 pence for every hogg and 4 pence for each of the cattle kind, also ordered that he give bond and security for the same.
Court Order Bk 1, p 240. Brunswick County, Virginia
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-CKCC?i=139&cat=274982

1739 Aug 14 – James Young exhibited accounts against: Cornelius Keith, Drury Stith, William Parham, John Jones, Thomas Mitchell, William Bobbit, William Green, John Freeman, Patrick Dempsey, James McAn, and William Gun. Prince George County, Virginia. Minute Book 1737-1740. p. 314.

1740 March 5: O. S., Page 406 Upon the Petition of Martha Alexander Setting forth That having Land on the South Side of Roanok River opposite to Cornelius Keith’s Land she humbly desires an Order of this Court Licensing her to keep a Ferry from her Land over the River to Cornelius Keith’s Landing she being ready to give Security as the Law directs It is Ordered That the Clerk prepare a Licence for her accordingly upon her giving such Security — Road Orders. Brunswick County, Virginia.

1741 Aug 22 – Francis Poultney & wife Catherine 350 acre deed to John Gregg. Prince William County, Va. (Land sold to Poultney in 1717 by Cornelius Keef)
THIS INDENTURE made the twenty first & twenty second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & forty one Between FRANCIS POULTNEY of St. Marys Parish in the County of CAROLINE Clerk & CATHERINE his Wife of one part & JOHN GREGG of Hamilton Parish in the County of Prince William gent of the other part. Whereas the PROPRIETORS of the NORTHERN NECK of Virga. by their DEED bearing date at their Office the 13 day of August in the year of our Lord 1715 for the consideration therein mentioned did grant unto one CORNELIUS KEEF late of the County of STAFFORD Planter one parcel of land being in the Parish of Overwharton in the said County of STAFFORD containing 630 acres bounded Begining at a marked white Oak standing on a point of NIAPSCO RUN on the South side thereof & on the upper side of a small Branch extending thence up the said small Branch North ‘West to a white Oak standing in the said small Branch thence North West to a Spanish Oak thence North East to a black Oak thence North East to two black Oaks growing together at the roots thence North East to a white Oak standing by a small Branch thence North West to two red Oak saplings growing near to each other thence North East to a red Oak Sapling standing by a Glade thence North East to a white Oak standing by the side of the said NIAPSCO RUN at the lower end of a peice of Low grounds & thence to the begining together with all the rights as by said Deed appears WHEREAS the said CORNELIUS KEEF by Deeds of Lease & Release bearing date the 8th & 9th days of April in the year of our Lord 1717 made between said CORNELIUS KEEF of the one part & the sd CATHERINE (party to these presents) by the name of CATHERINE RIMER Daughter of MARK RIMER late of the County of RICHMOND deced by MARGARET his Wife of the other part for the consideration mentioned did sell unto the said CATHERINE her heirs & assigns forever 350 acres being the upper part of the said 630 acres of land together with all houses & profits thereof as by said Deeds of Lease & Release may appear Now This Indenture Witnesseth that said FRANCIS POULTNEY and CATHERINE his Wife for the sum of forty pounds current money hath granted unto the said JOHN GREGG in his actual possession now being by venue of a bargain & sale made for one year and by force of the Statute for the transferring uses into possession all that tract of land being in the said Parish of Hamilton (formerly Overwharton) & County of Prince William aforesaid (formerly part of the County of STAFFORD) containing 350 acres being the uppermost part of the before mentioned 630 acres granted to the before mentioned CORNELIUS KEEF and all houses & appurtenances thereunto belonging To Have and To Hold the said lands unto the said JOHN GREGG his heirs & assignes for ever, In Witness whereof the said partys have set their hands & seals
in presence of us ANN MASON, FRANCIS POULTNEY
J. MERCER CATHERINE POULTNEY
At a Court held for Prince William County the 24th day of Augt. 1741
FRANCIS POULTNEY & CATHERINE his Wife (she being first privatly Examined) acknowledged this Lease & Release with Receit endorsed to JOHN GREGG gent to be their acts & deeds & they are thereupon admitted to Record.
Liber E; 1740 – 1741; pp 443-451. Prince William Co, Va.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-Y95G-B?i=752&cat=369642
https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I086913&tree=Tree1

1741 Oct Ct: Certificates granted to Michael Going, Cornelius Keith, and John Mitchell by William Hagood Gent, for 1 old wolfs head 140. Brunswick Co, Va. court orders v 1. pg 37.

1742 Feb 28 – Cornelius Keith 100 acres to Thomas Twitty. Brunswick Co, Va
Indenture made the 28th day of February, 1742, between Cornelius Keith and Thomas Twitty, for 25 pounds, conveying 100 acres, and bounded as in a certain deed of gift from Robert Hix Sr late of the same County decd to the said Cornelius Keith bearing date 2d day of May 1734 … part of a larger tract of land granted to the said Robert Hix in his lifetime.
Signed: Cornelius Keith
Wits: Clement Read, M. Cadet Young, Thomas Lanier.
Acknowledged in Court on March 3, 1742, at which time Elizabeth, wife of the said Cornelius Keith, appeared and relinquished her dower interest.
Deed Book 2, page 236. Brunswick Co, Va.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4C-93X6-K?i=136&cat=281505

1746 Feb 5 – Samuel Clark of Brunswick to Thomas Twitty of same county 480 acres on the North side of Roanoke River & is the remaining part of a tract of 580 acres granted to Robert Hicks deed by letters patent bearing date at Williamsburgh the 28 Sept 1728 & devised to the above mentioned Samuel Clark by said Hicks by deeds of gift which are recorded in Brunswick Co. The former part of tract was conveyed to Cornelius Keith deed by Indentures from the above mentioned Robert Hix and from the said Keith to the above mentioned Thomas Twitty as may appear by the Records of the Court of Brunswick…
Signed: Samuel Clark
Wit: Clement Read, William Hill, Thomas Lanier.
Recorded 1st December 1746.
Deed bk 1, p 99-101. Lunenburg County, Virginia
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4L-8KD8?i=60&cat=372284

1746 June 9 – John Gowen and wife Mary convey 1 half tract of land equaling 268 acres to Edward Kirkland. On N side of Ocuquan, below the mouth of the north fork of the said Ocuquan. Being a tract of land granted to Richard Kirkland decd, and Cornelius Keif, father of said Goen’s wife. Deed Book B part 1, page 32-33. Fairfax Co, Va.
https://books.google.com/books?id=ow4YtNgRT8cC&pg=PR3&lpg=PR3&dq=Fairfax+County+Deed+Book,+B+1&source=bl&ots=EQsBgVO9T5&sig=xyeZnyXYoh06kvI57bYFSKF7qG0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjB5PGIxpTKAhWCWSYKHWyhCvgQ6AEIRjAH#v=onepage&q=Goen&f=false

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

1751 – Name: Cornelius Kief
State: VA. County: Prince William County
Township: Michaelmass.  Year: 1751
Record Type: Rent Role.  Database: VA Early Census Index
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=3578&h=33719226&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE445&_phstart=successSource

1753 – Name: Cornelius Keef
State: VA.  County: Prince William County.  Township: Rental Rolls.  Year: 1753
Record Type: Rent Role.  Database: VA Early Census Index
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=3578&h=33728166&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE445&_phstart=successSource

1754 – Name: Cornelius Keiff
State: VA.  County: Prince William County
Township: Rental Rolls.  Year: 1754
Record Type: Rent Role.  Database: VA Early Census Index
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=3578&h=33728167&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE445&_phstart=successSource

1759 July 26 – … Cornelius Keith of the County of Johnston in the Province of North Carolina planter of the one part ant Elliot Bohannan of the County and Province aforesaid planter of the other part … sd Elliot Bohannon for … consideration … sum of thirty eight pounds … to him the sd Elliot Bohannan … payde by me the sd Cornls Keith … convey … unto him the said Cornelius Keith … a certain tract or parcil of land containing 100 acres more or less lying and being in Johnston County … on the N side of New River … near the mouth of Smith’s Creek running west … in Thomas William’s line … head of Little Branch … containing 100 acres more or less it being a part of a tract of 300 acres sett over to Thos Williams from John Blalock as by his deed… Signed: Elliot Bohannan. Wit: Joshua Houghton, Thos Houghton. Deed bk A1, p 37, Johnston County, NC.   https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L98Y-VSGM?cat=332396

1759 Oct 16 – … between Elliot Bohannan of Johnston County and province of North Carolina of the one part and Cornelius Keeth of the County and Provence afsd planter of the other part – witness that he the said Cornelius Keeth … in consideration of the sum of 20 pounds … paid by Elliot Bohannan … he the sd Cornelius Keeth … sold unto the said Elliott Bohannon … a certain track or parsell of land situate in Johnston County … on the North side of Nuse River … Smith’s Creek … in all 50 acres be the same more or less it being part of a track of land granted to John Blalock … Signed: Cornelius Keeth. Wit: Richd Kemp, Thos Johnson, William Kemp. Proved up in the July 1760 court by Cornelius Keith. A1, p52. Johnston County, North Carolina. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-898Y-VS57?i=36&cat=332396

1760 – Name: Corn Keiff
State: VA.  County: Northumberland County
Township: Hamilton Parish.  Year: 1760
Record Type: Rent Role.  Database: VA Early Census Index
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=3578&h=33568767&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE445&_phstart=successSource

1757, 58, 61 – Cornelius Keith 640 acres: Title Keith, Cornelius. Johnston Co. Years: 1757, 1758, 1761 Creator: Office of Secretary of State; Granville Proprietary Land Office; Call Number: S.108.270 – S.108.283; Location: MFR ( Archive Stacks); MARS Id: 12.12.48.1 (Folder); Scope / Contents: Warrant: 1757 May 11. 640 acres; Descriptive references for land: Elliot Bohannon, Smith Creek, Joshua Horton Plat: 1758 January 31. 579 acres; Descriptive references for land: Smith Creek; Chain carriers: William Abbett, William Manning; Surveyor: William Haywood Deed: 1761 January 10.  Index Terms: Personal Names Abbett, William; Bohannon, Elliot; Haywood, William; Horton, Joshua; Keith, Cornelius.  Manning, William; Geographical Names: Johnston County; Smith Creek; Note: For deed see 12.13.74.35.  http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/

1759 July 26 – … Cornelius Keith of the County of Johnston in the Province of North Carolina planter of the one part ant Elliot Bohannan of the County and Province aforesaid planter of the other part … sd Elliot Bohannon for … consideration … sum of thirty eight pounds … to him the sd Elliot Bohannan … payde by me the sd Cornls Keith … convey … unto him the said Cornelius Keith … a certain tract or parcil of land containing 100 acres more or less lying and being in Johnston County … on the N side of New River … near the mouth of Smith’s Creek running west … in Thomas William’s line … head of Little Branch … containing 100 acres more or less it being a part of a tract of 300 acres sett over to Thos Williams from John Blalock as by his deed… Signed: Elliot Bohannan. Wit: Joshua Houghton, Thos Houghton. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L98Y-VSGM?cat=332396
1759 July 2 Cornelius Keith fr Elliot Bohannan A1, p 37, Johnston County, NC.

1760 Cornelius Keith – living adj to: Title: Hearn, John. Johnston Co. Years: 1760, 1761; Creator: Office of Secretary of State; Granville Proprietary Land Office; Call Number: S.108.270 – S.108.283; Location: MFR ( Archive Stacks); MARS Id: 12.12.47.1 (Folder); Scope / Contents: Land Entry: 1760 October 3. 700 acres; Descriptive references for land: Neuse River, Toms Creek, Cornelus Kieth, Joshua Houghton Warrant: 1760 October 25. 700 acres; Descriptive references for land: Neuse River, Toms Creek, Cornelius Kieth, Joshua Houghton Plat: 1761 May 1. 490 acres; Descriptive references for land: Neuse River; Chain carriers: Lewis Jones, John McDanece; Surveyor: Charles Young Deed: 1761 July 22; Index Terms: Personal Names: Cornelius, Keith; Hearn, John; Houghton, Joshua; Jones, Lewis; Keith, Cornelius; Kieth, Cornelius; McDanece, John; Young, Charles; Geographical Names: Johnston County; Neuse River; Toms Creek. Note: For deed see 12.13.72.7 http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/

1761 Cornelius Keath fr State of N Carolina G Ral, p 14

1761 – Cornelius Keath – 480 acres + 470 acres – Johnston Co, NC
http://www.nclandgrants.com/grant/?mars=12.14.78.693&qid=109400&rn=5 ; https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=60621&h=191330&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE450&_phstart=successSource

1761 Jan 10 – Cornelius Keith – 579 acres: Title: Keith, Cornelius. Johnston Co. Years: 1761; Creator: Office of Secretary of State; Granville Proprietary Land Office; Call Number: SSLG 74K; Location: Archive Stacks; MARS Id: 12.13.74.35 (Folder)
Scope / Contents: January 10, 1761 579 acres Location: Beginning at a white oak in his line 2 copies Deed #65. Index Terms: Personal Names: Keath, Cornelius; Keith, Cornelius; Geographical Names: Johnston County.  Note: See also 12.12.48.1 http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/ ; https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=60621&h=191328&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE447&_phstart=successSource ;  1761 Jan 10 – Cornelius Keath 579 acres of land in Johston County … in said Keaths line … bk 14, pg 225. Grant No. 65. Johnston County, NC. http://www.nclandgrants.com:8081/grant/?mars=12.14.78.693&qid=406473&rn=1

1761 April 17 – Cornelius Keith to Elliot Bohannan …between Cornelius Keith of the County of Johnston in the province of North Carolina planter of the one part and Elliot Bohannan of Granvil County and province aforesaid planter of the other part … Cornelius Keith for … consideration of the sum of thirty pounds … to him the sd Cornelius Keith in hand payed by sd Elliot Bohannan … said Keith hath given … the sd Elliot Bohannan … that hundred acres of land situat … in Johnston County aforesaid and on the lower side of Smiths Creek and bound as followeth … branch of Little Creek commonly called Toms Creek … to the sd Elliots old line … to Smith Creek … being part of a tract of land granted to the said Keeth … bairing date the 10 of Jan 1760 of 579 acres … Signed: Cornelius Keeth. Wit: David Wimpey, William Moore. Deed bk B1, p 282  Johnston County, NC. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-898Y-V9TZ?i=210&cat=332396

1761 April 21 – Cornelius Keith to John Bradley
… between Cornelius Keeth of Johnston County in the provence of North Carolina planter of the one part and John Bradley of the county and provence afsd planter of the other part … said Cornelius Keeth .… for and in consideration of the sum of sixty pounds … to him the sd Keeth by him the sd John Bradley in hand already paid … confirm unto him the sd John Bradley … a certain track or parcel of land situate … in Johnston County and provence afsd on the East side of a creek called Smith’s Creek … below the said Keath’s Mill including the said Mill and one acre of land on the W side of the sd Creek joyning the sd Mill … the sd Keeths line … to Elliot Bohannon’s line … it being 200 acres of land more or less granted to the sd Keeth … the 10th day of Jan 1761 … Signed: Cornelius Keeth. Wit: Wm Bryant, Thos Hunter. Deed bk B1, p. 254
Johnston County, North Carolina. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-998Y-V91Z?i=195&cat=332396

1761 Nov 12 – … between Henry McCulloh and Cornelius Keith of Granville County in the province of North Carolina planter … in consideration of 15 pounds 13 shillings 8 pence … Henry McCulloh hath granted .. all that parcel of land being part of the tract No. 12 lying and being on both sides of the South fork of Beaver Dam Creek … containing 196 acres … Signed: Henrly McCulloh, by Jno Campbell, Alexr McCulloh. Wit: Robt Rainey, Alexr Foord, Augustine Bates.  bk G, p 337. Granville County, NC.    https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9CR-7N34?i=232&cat=360398

1762 Jan 20 – Cornelius Keith – 700 acres; Title: Keith, Cornelius. Johnston Co. Years: 1762, 1763; Creator: Office of Secretary of State; Granville Proprietary Land Office. Call Number: S.108.270 – S.108.283; Location: MFR ( Archive Stacks); MARS Id: 12.12.48.2 (Folder); Scope / Contents: Warrant: 1762 January 20. 700 acres; Descriptive references for land: Richland Creek, Neuse River Deed: 1763 April 1; Index Terms: Personal Names: Keith, Cornelius; Geographical Names: Johnston County; Neuse River; Richland Creek; Note: For deed see 12.13.74.36. http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/

1763 Corn Keeth fr State of N Carolina G Ral p 14

1763 Jan 1 – Cornelius Keeth – 480 acres on north side of Neuse River, in Johnston County, NC. http://www.nclandgrants.com/grant/?mars=12.14.78.695&qid=109394&rn=1 ; Title: Keith, Cornelius. Johnston Co.; Years: 1763; Creator: Office of Secretary of State; Granville Proprietary Land Office; Call Number: SSLG 74K; Location: Archive Stacks; MARS Id: 12.13.74.36 (Folder); Scope / Contents: January 1, 1763 480 acres Location: North side of Neuse River 2 copies Deed #79; Personal Names: Keath, Cornelius; Keith, Cornelius; Geographical Names: Johnston County; Neuse River; Source / Donor: http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/

1763 Jan 1 – Cornelius Keith fr State of N Carolina … between the right honorable John Earl Granville of the Kingdom of Great Britain of the one part and Cornelius Keith of Johnston County in the province of North Carolina of the other part … 2 shillings … paid by the said Cornelius Keith …. that track or parcel of vacant land … in Johston County afsd on the No. side of Neuse River joining his own and Thomas Williams line … on Hidgeos? line … containing 480 acres to the said Cornelius Keith … Signed: Thomas Child. Examined by: Jos Long. Wit: James Causland, John Linton. Deed bk D1, p 123.  Johnston County, North Carolina.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L98Y-JWDK?i=550&cat=332396

1764 Jan 18 – Cornelius Keith to John Bradley
… between Cornelius Keith of Johnston County and province of North Carolina of the one part and John Bradley of said Countyof the other part … consideration of the sum of 42 pounds, 10 shillings … confirmed unto the said John Bradley … a certain tract or parcel of land … in the county aforesaid on the No. side of Neuse River on the upper side Smith’s Creek … at the mouth of said Creek running up the river .. containing 200 acres of land more or less … Signed: Cornelius Keith. Wit: Lodiwich Tamner?, Jacob Hartsfield. Deed bk D1, p 154.  Johnston County, North Carolina.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G98Y-JWCH?i=567&cat=332396

1766 Aug 26 – Cornelius Keith and Sarah, to Joshua Perry E1, p 140
…between Cornelius Keith of the County of Johnston and province of North Carolina of the one part and Joshua Perry of the county of Bute and province aforesd of the other part planter … that the sd Cornelius Keith and Sarah his wife had for the consideration the sum of 65 pounds … by the said Joshua Perry … confirm unto the said Joshua Perry … two certain tracts or parcels of land situat lying and bing in the Parish of St Stephens in the County of Johnston in the sd province and ar bounded as follows ….. to Smiths Creek and down the various courses of sd Creek … the corner of George Reeves line … along the sd Reeves line … to the sd Keeth’s line … 179 acres … the other tract adjoing the above cited tract or parcel land and is bounded as follows … on the river banks of Rigodons line … in his own line … Thomas Williams line … containing in the whole cited land 480 acresof land … granted to the sd Cornelius Keith by Thomas Child … both tracts of land 659 acres of land … Signed: Cornelius Keith, Sarah Keith. Wit: Ben Hardy, James Martain, Nathl Kimbrough. Deed bk E1, pg 140. Johnston County, North Carolina.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9987-GL41?i=86&cat=332396

1778 June 15 – Name: Cornelius Keith, Rev War Svc Recs.
Military Date: 15 Jun 1778
Military Place: South Carolina, USA
Military Unit: Fifth Regiment
Notes: State
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=1309&h=228348&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE450&_phstart=successSource

1777 Feb 3 – Name: Cornelius Keith
Military Date: 3 Feb 1777
Military Place: South Carolina, USA
Military Unit: Fourth Regiment, Artillery
Notes: State
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=1309&h=310769&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE450&_phstart=successSource

1778 June 15 – Name: Cornelius Keith
Military Date: 15 Jun 1778
Military Place: South Carolina, USA
Military Unit: Fifth Regiment
Notes: State
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=1309&h=228348&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=ZPE480&_phstart=successSource

1783 Sept 1 Cornelius Keeth, Jr. grantee.
Land grant 1 September 1783.
Summary Location: Henry County.
Description: 133 acres on the waters of Fish River.
Source: Land Office Grants H, 1782-1783, p. 452 (Reel 49).
Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-.
http://lva-linux-temp.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com:8991/F/J6HKPRRPI3BMC8BDXIDCFSUHRIJ81EBS5AYB4YR3PMC3EXFGGE-66299?func=full-set-set&set_number=002206&set_entry=000044&format=999

1785 – Cornelius Keeth Rev War indents in South Carolina (PDF)
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/ArchivesImages/S108092/S108092008100426000/images/S108092008100426000.pdf

1785 Jan 28 – Cornelius Keith, Plat For 100 Acres On South West Side Of Black Creek, Cheraw District, Surveyed By William Powe. Date: 1/28/1785
People in this record: Keith, Cornelius; Powe, William; Rivers
Places in this record: Black Creek; Cheraw District
Record details: Date: 1/28/1785
Series: State Plat Books (Charleston Series) (S213190)
Document Type: Plat.  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213190 Volume: 0011 Page: 00297 Item: 002
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1789 April 21 – John Keith, Plat For 200 Acres On South West Side Of Pee Dee River, Cheraw District, Surveyed By William Lide. Date: 4/21/1789
People in this record: Keith, Cornelius; Keith, John; Lide, William
Places in this record: Cheraw District; Pee Dee River
Record details:  Date: 4/21/1789
Series: State Plat Books (Charleston Series) (S213190)
Document Type: Plat  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213190 Volume: 0024 Page: 00141 Item: 002  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1802 Dec 21 – Watkins, Samuel, Plat For 240.75 Acres On Twelve Mile Gut Creek, Richland District, Surveyed By Cornelius Keith On December 21, 1802. Date: 2/1/1805
People in this record: Keith, Cornelius; Watkins, Samuel
Places in this record: Congaree River; Richland District; Twelve Mile Creek
Record details: Date: 2/1/1805
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat .  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0040 Page: 00369 Item: 001
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1803 Feb 3 – Sanders, Francis, Plat For 601.75 Acres On Rowells Branch Of Jacksons Creek, Richland District, Surveyed By Cornelius Keith. Date: 2/3/1803
People in this record:  Keith, Cornelius; Rolison, William; Sanders, Francis; Taylor, Thomas.  Places in this record: Jackson Creek; Richland District; Rowell Creek
Record details: Date: 2/3/1803
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat.  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu. Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0039 Page: 00201 Item: 001.  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1803 Feb 7 – Boddan, Andrew, Plat For 537 Acres On Branch Of Broad River, Richland District, Surveyed By Cornelius Keith. Date: 2/7/1803
People in this record:  Boddan, Andrew; Keith, Cornelius
Places in this record:  Broad River; Richland District
Record details:  Date: 2/7/1803
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers:  Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0039 Page: 00198 Item: 001

1811 – Prestwood, Jonathan, Plat For 1,000 Acres On Spring Branch, Darlington District, Surveyed By Joel Bliss. (Copy) Date: 1811
People in this record:  Bliss, Joel; Dohorty, John; Falconer, William; Cornelius Keith; John Keith; Oneal, John; Prestwood, Jonathan; Wilkington, William
Places in this record:  Darlington District; Spring Branch
Record details:  Date: 1811
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0045 Page: 00114 Item: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1813 Dec – Chastain, Benjamin, Plat For 324 Acres On Weavers Creek, Pendleton District, Surveyed By James Jett. Date: 12/1813
People in this record:  Chastain, Benjamin; Huff, Philemon; Jett, James; Cornelius Keith; Roper, Joshua; Slone, David
Places in this record: Oolenoy River; Pendleton District; Saluda River; Weaver Creek
Record details:  Date: 12/1813
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers:  Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0043 Page: 00479 Item: 001
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1815 Jan 24 – Cornelius Keith, Plat For 160 Acres On South Saluda River, Greenville District, Surveyed By Gabriel Benson. Date: 1/24/1815
People in this record: Benson, Gabriel; Keith, Cornelius; Southerlin, James
Places in this record:  Greenville District; South Saluda River
Record details:  Date: 1/24/1815
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0043 Page: 00658 Item: 001
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1816 Committee On Roads, Bridges, And Ferries, Report On The Petition Of Cornelius Keith Asking For A Turnpike Road To Table Mountain. (2 Pages) Date: 1816 C.
People in this record:  Keith, Cornelius; Seabrook, William
Places in this record:  Table Mountain
Topics in this record:  Roads, Committee On
Record details:  Date: 1816 C.
Series: Committee Reports (S165005)
Document Type: Report Of Legislative Committee
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers:  Archives ID: Series: S165005 Year: ND00 Item: 00677 Page: 000
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1816 Nov – Cornelius Keith, Petition For A Turnpike On The Road To Table Rock Mountain. (2 Pages) Date: 11/1816
254152 People in this record: Keith, Cornelius
Places in this record: Pendleton District; Table Rock Mountain
Topics in this record: Streets, Roads, And Highways; Tolls
Record details: Date: 11/1816
Series: Petitions to the General Assembly (S165015)
Document Type: Petition
Images: Online.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S165015 Year: 1816 Item: 00091 ignore: 000.  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1817 Apr 22 – Cornelius Keith, Plat For 153 Acres Near Table Mountain, Pendleton District, Surveyed By Gabriel Benson. Date: 4/22/1817
People in this record: Benson, Gabriel; Keith, Cornelius; Neil, John
Places in this record: Pendleton District; Table Rock Mountain
Topics in this record: Record details:  Date: 4/22/1817
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0044 Page: 00392 Item: 002
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1820 Oct – Pendleton District, Presentment Concerning The Inadequacy Of The Sheriffs Bond, The Influx Of Hawkers And Peddlers, And The Cost Of Providing For The Poor. (2 Pages) Date: 10/1820.  285203
People in this record: Davis, Enoch; Denny, Joshua; Donaldson, William; Ellison, James; Felton, Amariah; Freeman, Wiley; Frick, Jacob; Gravelly, John Jr.; Gravelly, John Sr.; Hubbard, Jeremiah; Hunt, Helm; Hunter, James; Cornelius Keith; Mccarley, Joseph
Places in this record: Pendleton District
Topics in this record: Hawkers And Peddlers; Poor, Care Of; Sheriffs
Record details: Date: 10/1820
Series: Grand Jury Presentments (S165010)
Document Type: Presentment
Images: Online
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S165010 Year: 1820 Item: 00016 ignore: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1824 Dec 7 – Williamson, Abraham, Plat For 1,000 Acres On Horse Pen Branch, Darlington District, Surveyed By Nathaniel Hanks. Date: 12/7/1824
People in this record: Doherty, John; Falconer; Hanks, Nathaniel; Cornelius Keith; John Keith; Kilgore, James; More, Isham; Williamson, Abraham
Places in this record: Black Creek; Darlington District; Horsepen Branch; Middle Branch; Spring Branch.  Record details: Date: 12/7/1824.  Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192).  Document Type: Plat.  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0047 Page: 00329 Item: 000.  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1832 – Ambrose Reed,  Plat For 472 Acres On Adams Creek, Pickens District, Surveyed By John Bowen. Date: 10/23/1832
People in this record: Bowen, John; Eadens, Samuel; Hagood, C.; Cornelius Keeth; Reed, Ambrose; Simmons; Sotherland, James
Places in this record: Adams Creek; Pickens District; Saluda River
Topics in this record: Record details: Date: 10/23/1832
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat.  Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0050 Page: 00099 Item: 001.  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/ (search above terms)

1837 – Cornelius Keith, Petition To Renew The Charter To The Turnpike From Pumpkin Town To Table Rock In Pickens District. (4 Pages) Date: 1837.  256840
People in this record: Keith, Cornelius
Places in this record: Pickens District; Pumpkintown; Table Rock Mountain
Topics in this record: Streets, Roads, And Highways.  Record details: Date: 1837.  Series: Petitions to the General Assembly (S165015).  Document Type: Petition.  Images: Online.  Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S165015 Year: 1837 Item: 00044 ignore: 000.  http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1837 – Committee On Roads, Bridges, And Ferries, Report On The Petition Of Cornelius Keith To Renew A Turnpike Charter. (2 Pages) Date: 1837 C.
People in this record: Irby, James H.; Keith, Cornelius
Places in this record: Topics in this record: Roads, Committee On
Record details: Date: 1837 C.
Series: Committee Reports (S165005)
Document Type: Report Of Legislative Committee
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S165005 Year: ND00 Item: 03344 Page: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1852 – Nancy Keith, Petition To Recharter A Turnpike From Pumpkinton To The Table Rock In Pickens District. (2 Pages) Date: 1852.  258788
People in this record: Cornelius Keith; Nancy Keith
Places in this record: Pickens District; Pumpkintown; Table Rock Mountain
Topics in this record: Streets, Roads, And Highways
Record details: Date: 1852
Series: Petitions to the General Assembly (S165015)
Document Type: Petition  Images: Online
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S165015 Year: 1852 Item: 00046 ignore: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1854 Nov 6 – Archer, A. H. And Cornelius Keith, Plat For 821 Acres On Saluda River And Table Mountain, Pickens District, Surveyed By Thomas D. Garvin. Date: 11/6/1854
People in this record: Archer, A. H.; Garvin, Thomas D.; Keith, Cornelius; Lewis, Maj.; Maverick, S.
Places in this record: Pickens District; Saluda River; Silver Creek; Table Mountain
Record details: Date: 11/6/1854
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0056 Page: 00436 Item: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

1861 Apr 8 – Masters, John H., Plat For 57 Acres On South Saluda River, Pickens District, Surveyed By Alexander Edens. Date: 4/8/1861
People in this record: Archer; Edens, Alexander; Keith, Cornelius; Masters, John H.; Masters, John Sr.; Masters, Thomas; Maverick
Places in this record: Pickens District; South Saluda River
Record details: Date: 4/8/1861
Series: State Plat Books (Columbia Series) (S213192)
Document Type: Plat
Images: Available at SCDAH building or by order. See How to search menu.
Identifiers: Archives ID: Series: S213192 Volume: 0058 Page: 00176 Item: 000
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/

From GRF Newsletter Dec 1995:

Cornelius Keife, father of Mary Keife wife of John Going/Gowen By Jack Harold Goins

By Jack Harold Goins;  Editorial Boardmember
Route 2, Box 275, Rogersville, Tennessee, 37857

Research Report

My wife, Betty and I have just returned from a three-day
genealogy trip to Brunswick, Lunenburg and Halifax Counties
in Virginia. On the first day, we researched in the old
Brunswick Courthouse at Lawrenceville. This county was
formed from Prince George County in 1732, and the old books
are in such poor condition they will not let you make copies.

Our primary reason for going there was to find Cornelius
Keife, father of Mary Keife wife of John Going/Gowen
[formerly residents of Stafford County, Virginia.]

All documents reveal a man named Cornelius Keith came
from Great Britain about 1709, according to the court records
of May 3, 1739 [Court Order Book 1]. From our research,
Keith first appears on a record there dated May 2, 1734 when
he was deeded 100 acres up the Roanoke River by Robert
Hicks, Sr, according to Brunswick County Deed Book 1, page
125. Then on May 3, 1739, he was granted permission to keep
and maintain a ferry on the Roanoke River, according to Court
Order Book 1, page 240. About the same time, Cornelius
Keith requested his Importation “Rite” [right] . which was
“ordered to be certified.”

Cornelius Keith was “paid 5 shillings for burying Sarah
Taylor” October 8, 1742. He was also “paid 2 shillings for
reading the prayer book at noon,” according to St. Andrews
Parish Vestry Book, page 26. I believe all these records
pertain to the same person, Keith, and that he is not Cornelius
Keife, father of Mary Keife Going/Gowen, as suggested by
other researchers.

On the following day, we proceeded to Lunenburg County.

The courthouse is actually out in the country. The county was
established in 1746, and court has been held in the present
courthouse continuously since 1832. Our task here was to
locate the farm of John Going/Gowen [400-acre patent issued
February 14, 1761] and to trace the sales history of this land.

In this we were successful.

All of this farm was sold in December 1761, the same year the
patent was issued. John and Mary may have lived on this
land for several years and may have made improvements on it.

They were probably living elsewhere when the patent was
issued. John and Mary Going/Gowen gave 100 acres each to
their sons, William and John, on July 7, according to
Lunenburg County Deed Book 6, pages 378-380. John, Sr.
was the first to sell, as he sold his remaining 200 acres
December 1, 1761 to William Sandifur. The deed was not
recorded until February 2, 1762, according to Deed Book 7,
page 151.

Mary Keife Gowen used “M” as her signature, and John
Gowen used his initials “JG” overprinting the ascenders to
form a ligature. These unique marks proved that John Gowen
and Mary Keife Gowen of Fairfax and Stafford Counties were
the same ones who later lived in Lunenburg County.

Son William Going/Gowen sold his 100 acres December 13,
1761 to William Hatchel. The land was described as “lying
and being on the Great Branch which makes [its way] out of
Allins Creek, according to Deed Book 7, page 302. William’s
mark was a “W.” Next, son John, Jr. sold his 100-acre gift on
December 18, 1761 to his brother, William for £40 “lying on
the Great Branch which makes out of Allen’s Creek,”
according to Deed Book 4, page 48. The mark of John, Jr.
was an “X.”

The 100 acres William bought from his brother John, Jr. was
sold July 6. 1762. “William Goin of Orange County, North
Carolina conveyed to Francis Norvell 100 acres lying on the
Great Branch, which makes out of Allin Creek,” according to
Deed Book 7, page 302.

We now know by the above deeds that the Great Branch is
made from Allins Creek. Using the 1939 map in the
courthouse we were able to locate Allins Creek, a tributary
about five miles long which divides into three branches. The
largest branch is called the Great Branch which empties into
Couch’s Creek.

In my best estimation, the farm of John Going/Gowen, Sr lay
about 10-15 west of present-day Lunenburg which is near the
center of Lunenburg County.

Earlier, other Gowin individuals had appeared in Lunenburg
County as recorded in the Court minutes, May 1754 term:

“William Jones who intermarried with Elizabeth, Relict
of John Gowin, deceased, is appointed Guardian to
John Gowin, [an in.fant under the age of twenty-one
years, Heir and Son of the said John Gowin, deceased],
to defend a Caveat entered by Peter Fontaine junior
against the said Infant & others [on the Part of the said
Infant] for Eight Hundred Acres of land lying and
being in the County of Halifax on the south fork of
Venable Creek.”

In November 1755 term, William Goins and Rebecca Goins,
his wife, appeared in the Lunenburg County Court minutes:

“An Indenture of Feoffment [Deed of Trust] between
William Goins & Rebecca, his wife on the one part and
Benjamin Bridgford of the one part, with a
Memorandum of Livery of Seizen [legal transfer of
land] and a Receipt thereon Indorsed are proved by the
oaths of two of the witnesses thereto, and the same are
ordered to be Certified.”

Where did John, Sr. and his family go? We know that Halifax
County was formed in 1755 and that this territory then
bordered Granville & Orange County, North Carolina where
William Going/Gowen was living when he sold the 100 acres
bought from his brother John, Jr. on July 6, 1762.

We drove next to the town of Halifax, Virginia in Halifax
County, approximately 40 miles, and only had time to look at
the Court of Pleas books.

Alexander Going/Gowen, a brother to John Going/Gowen, Sr.
was all over the place. In 1762, “Alaxander Going vs.
William Williams” was dismissed when the plaintiff failed to
appear, according to Halifax County Court of Pleas Minute
Book 3, page 405. In the 1764 case of “Alixander Going vs.
John Martin,” Martin was ordered to “pay note of £2, 10
shillings, plus interest,” according to Minute Book 4, page
314.

In the July 1767 term, Thomas Spragins filed suit against
“Alexander Gowing,” claiming debt on an “attachment against
the said defendant’s estate.” The clerk recorded that “for
reasons appearing it is ordered that this suit be dismissed,”
according to Minute Book 5, page 474. In the same year, the
case of “Alexander Going vs. Owen Brady” was dismissed.

The clerk noted, “Plaintiff not residing in this Colony and
failing to give security for cost as the law directs,” according
to Minute Book 5, page 459.

In the May, 1765 Court session “Shadrack Going” & Peter
Rickman were indicted by the Halifax County Grand Jury “for
concealing each one Tithable.” In the August 1766 Court term
charges against “Shadrack Going were dismissed by the Grand
Jury, according to Minute Book 5, [Part 2], page 358.

In the case of “Aron Going vs. Philip Going” held in 1778, the
defendant “confessed judgement £100 pounds current money,”
according to Halifax County Court Minute Book 9, page 304.
I believe all these Goings/Gowens in this neck of the woods
were someway related and will keep trying too prove it. This
search will be continued when we revisit Halifax, Pittsylvania,
Henry and Patrick Counties. We will keep you posted on our
findings.