This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Nichols Nicholls Owen Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/IBC.2ACI/2472 Message Board Post: Are there any researchers with information pertaining to the Nichols or Nicholls family of Caroline County, around 1728-1740 I've been able to trace my family back to John Nichols, born around 1698 in Virginia. John married Mary Owen, daughter of Richard Owen (as evidenced by Richard Owen's will). John Nichols was given 7000 acres of land in Halifax Co., VA by the Council of VA in 1743/44. He began selling land that he owned in Goochland County after 1744. This land was purchased in 1733 from Elizabeth Wright, and the transaction reads "from Elizabeth Wright to John Nicholls of Caroline County." Therefore, we've now traced John Nichols/Nicholls to Caroline County. Caroline County was formed in 1728 from King and Queen, Essex and King William counties. Since most of the records from this area were destroyed in the Civil War, I've been having a hard time determining the families' ancestry before the land purchase in 1733. I was able to find a petition signed by two individuals, William Nichols and Richard Owen. The petition was regarding the leader of St. Stephen's Parish in New Kent County and is dated 1682, 9 years before the formation of King and Queen County. According to another researcher, the issues raised in the petition were basis for the formation of the new county. Therefore, I believe William Nichols is the father of my ancestor John Nichols. Does anyone have any other information on the Nichols, Nicholls, or Owen families of Caroline County, Virginia?