Rachel THOMAS

Notes:

Peter and Elizabeth Goodwin Thomas lived in Willistown, Chester County, PA for the greater part, if not all, of their married life. They had twelve children.

Peter married Elizabeth GOODWIN in 1711. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas GOODWIN and Elizabeth) was born in 1683 in Llandewi, Brefi, Cardiganshire, Wales; died on 20 Sep 1739. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The THOMAS descendant information comes primarily from: THE HISTORY OF THE FAMILY OF PETER AND SARAH STEADMAN THOMAS with revisions and additions by Pauline R. Ward and presented to the Indiana Daughters of American Colonists February 1,
1980.



Apparently, Sarah lived in Springfield, Delaware Co. since Peter is said to have married Sarah of Springtown (Springfield) and they first lived there. However, at the time of his death they were living in Willistown. An early map shows
that he was a landholder in Springfield township with land held on either side by John Steadman and Joseph Steadman.

Peter appears to have come over with the Welssh settlers soon after William Penn obtained his charter for Pennsylvania.

"Att a Court held att Chester for the County of Chester the 1st and 3rd day in the 1st Weeke of yt 8th Month being the 6th day of ye month1685, William Johnson made over a deed dated this Instanr for fifty (acres) of land lying on the
North side Chester Creek to Peter Thomas and his heres for ever, he the said Peter Thomas allowing a convenient highway through the said land from the house of the said William Johnson leading to Chester Road".



At that time, Chester Monthly Meeting of friends had not begun to keep a special record of marriages and Peter took his certificate to Haverford Monthly Meeting which was strictly Welsh while Chester was English.

In the Haverford records it is shown that Peter Thomas and Sarah Stedman, both of Springtown (later Springfield) were married April 15, 1686 at a meeting held at John Simcock's house in Ridley Township.

By deed of 8th month 4, 1697, Peter Thomas purchased 500acres on Crum Creek. Chester Co. Court Records 1697-1710 George Willard acknowledged a deed to Peter Thomas for 500 acres of land lying in Westtowne the deed bearing the date of 8th
day, 4th mo. 1697.

Frederick A. Thomas, reported 1949? that the little stone cottage where Peter and Sarah lived is still standing. THe property remained in the family until recent years, when it was sold to Charlton Yarnall, a wealthy man whose ancestor
was a nex door neighbor to the original Peter Thomas. This was no doubt in Willistown township near the Deleware border.

From Abstracts of Wills, Chester Co. 1711-1758 Peter Thomas, Willistownsigned Dec. 29, 1719 Proved July 3, 1722 Provides for wife Sarah. To oldest son Peter, 160 acres of the easterly end of tract now in his possession. To son Jacob 200
acres at West end of my tract now in his possession. To son Joseph the plantation & lands I now live on being 150 a. Executor son Peter. Witnesses: John Hood, Jona Hood, Samuel Bethell(?). Recorded BookD. p316 City Hall, Philadelphia.
Chester County at that time included all ofwhat is now Delaware and Lancaster Counties and part of (B)erks also.

Peter married Sarah STEDMAN on 15 Feb 1686 in in Ridley, settled at Williston. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the Chester County GENWEB site:

(the folowing information comes from) Futhey & Cope's History of Chester County, Walter Sheppard's Ships and Passengers Prior to 1684, and George McCracken's The Welcome Claimants. Though not all of these ships reached port in Chester County,
many of those who came over aboard these vessels did settle in and around Chester.

Ship: The Vine

Date of Arrival: 9/17/1684  Master: William Preeson

among the passengers were Elizabeth Stedman and children: Sarah, and Joseph John Stedman

Notes:

When Thomas and Elizabeth Goodwin came to Emont (Edgement) township Delaware County, Pennsylvania, they brought with them in addition to Elizabeth who married Peter Thomas, Jr., Mary, Sarah and Thomas Jr. Their son John initially remained in
Wales Wales when the family moved to Pennsylvania. Evidently he came later as he is mentioned as a minister in the Society of Friends. Mary married Thomas James in 1712. Sarah married John Worre(a?)ll in 1714. Thomas Jr. born 1694 died
4-16-1775.

All of the family were mentioned as ministers among the Friends except Elizabeth and there is some reason to think that Elizabeth sometimes spoke in meetings.

Thomas married Elizabeth. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]