At 07:32 PM 2/18/00 +0100, you wrote: > >Hello List, > > > >I don't want to sound like a troublemaker, but with all the information that I have up to now, I cannot show proof that Joseph even existed. I'm sure someone can enlighten me with some kind of proof that he did in fact exist and where he came from. I would like for somebody to at least tell me what documentation was used to prove Joseph came from Gloucestershire, or any other place for that matter. > >I have hired Tim Cooper a professional Genealogist in England to do some research for me, mainly looking for information about Joseph and his ancestors. Tim came up just about empty handed. Below is the last letter I received from Tim Cooper regarding his search. > >I do have information from another source that Joseph's father was Richard Vick b. 1604, Grandfather Thomas Vick B. 1581, and Great Grandfather Richard Vick b. 1556 all in Kings Stanley, Gloucestershire, England. The only thing is I received no proof along with the information and up to now have not found any proof. > >If anybody can offer me anything, which is, somewhat convincing it would be highly appreciated. > >Thank you in advance. > > > >Jim Vick And there you put your finger on the problem of tracing family members from records over 300 years old! I have a copy of a deed, from Hodges Councill, giving fifty acres of land to Joseph Vick, dated Dec.20, 1674. The land is located in Isle of Wight, Virginia. Also a Land grant from Sir Henry Chichely, dated Sept. 22, 1682, granting Joseph Vick 360 acres of land adjoining the estate of Hodges Councill. These grants were given to first generation settlers, and rarely to second generation. (Patent book 7, 1679-1689) It also appears that Joseph Vick bought land from Rowland Burkley, June 9, 1683. There is considerable debate as to when Joseph Vick came to America, and indeed , if he stayed here. Some hold that having made his fortune, he retired to England, dividing his land holdings among his children. There has already been a tremendous amount of searching for his name among shipping lists, with no luck. This has lead some to remark that he may have used a different name, although there is no proof to this speculation. In fact, we don't even know the name of the woman he married. Some state he married Lucy Councill, a daughter of Hodges Councill, but there is no proof of this. Joseph Vick's mark, as shown on the few documents we do have, show a half circle, with the bottom closed by a horizontal line. Good luck with the search, if you find anything, it'll be most welcome! Ronald Vick