Stewart Geni Blog

The Cocke Family Tree and Its Connection to the Ashen Swamp Stewarts

This simplified version of the Cocke family tree aims to clarify specific relationships between the Cockes, Stewarts, and Finneys, particularly focusing on connections to Judith Stewart, who married into the Cocke family. This post does not reflect all descendants or ancestors of the Cockes in Virginia, but it highlights key individuals linked to the Ashen Swamp Stewarts and early Henrico County land transactions. Again, this site is focused on the Stewart’s of Fighting Creek. However, it is important to rule out which families were not associated with the Fighting Creek line.

The Cocke Family Tree Breakdown

1. Thomas Cocke (1639–1697)

• Married twice, first to Agnes Powell and later to Margaret, establishing a significant family presence in Virginia.

2. Children of Thomas Cocke

• Thomas Cocke Jr. (1662–1707): Married Mary Brasseur and later Frances Anderson. Their daughter, Mary Cocke (1696–1727), married William Finney (1690–1726).
• William Cocke (1670–1717): Married Sarah Perrin and had a son, William Cocke (1693–1734), who married Judith Stewart.
  • After William Cocke’s death, Judith Stewart married Francis Redford, further intertwining the Stewart and Cocke family lines.

This version of the family tree is designed to clarify the connections specifically related to Judith Stewart, as well as to related land and estate transactions in Henrico County.

Key Events Involving the Stewarts, Cockes, and Redfords

1. Judith Stewart’s Marriages

• First Marriage: Judith Stewart married William Cocke (1693–1734). This marriage directly linked the Stewart family of Ashen Swamp to the Cockes of Henrico County.
• Second Marriage: After William Cocke’s death, Judith married Francis Redford. This second marriage is evidenced by estate records where Francis is listed as her husband and administrator of the estate.

2. 1734 Inventory of William Cox (aka Cocke)

• On February 24, 1734, the inventory of William Cox was appraised by John Stuart, John Gills, and Benjamin Burton, indicating John Stewart’s involvement in estate matters within Henrico County. The inventory, valued at 178/3/6 lb., was presented by John Stewart and recorded in March 1734.

3. 1739 Security for Judith Cocke’s Administration

• On June 1, 1739, John Nash and Brazure Cocke, who were acting as securities for Judith Cocke (administrator of William Cocke’s estate), requested to be released due to concerns of potential embezzlement. At this point, Francis Redford, now married to Judith, came forward with John Redford, Gent., and John Stuart to provide new security for the administration.

4. 1742 Administration of Judith Cocke’s Estate

• On January 1, 1742, Abraham Baley, John Redford Jr., Thomas Jordan, and John Burton were granted administration of Judith Cocke’s estate. Appraisers included John Giles, John Hill, John Redford Sr., William Finney, John Stuart, John Hulday, and Benjamin Burton. This record further emphasizes John Stewart’s active role in Henrico County estate matters.

5. 1758 Will of Francis Redford

• The will of Francis Redford was presented in May 1758 by Thomas Watkins, one of the executors. Appraisers for the estate included John Stewart, Alexander Long, Benjamin Childrey, and William Frazer (John Stewart’s (1658-1714) brother-in-law), showing John Stewart’s (1658-1714) continued involvement in estate matters connected to the Cocke-Redford lineage.

Judith Stewart’s Speculated Origins

Judith Stewart’s involvement in these estate matters, along with her marriages to William Cocke and Francis Redford, further supports the theory that she was connected to the Ashen Swamp Stewarts. Speculatively, Judith Stewart could be the daughter of John Stewart (1634–1706) of Ashen Swamp, based on several factors:

• Naming Patterns: The name Judith appears within the Ashen Swamp Stewart line. For instance, John Stewart (1658–1714), Judith’s conjectured brother, had a daughter named Judith, who married James Ligon. This recurring use of the name suggests a possible familial pattern.
• Chronological Fit: The timeline aligns with Judith Stewart being born in the late 1690s or early 1700s, fitting well into the childbearing years of John Stewart (1634-1706) and his wife Dorothy.

Clarifying William Finney’s Connection

While William Finney appears in some of the estate records and the 1722 Fighting Creek land grant, his connection is more likely to the Ashen Swamp Stewarts through his marriage to Mary Cocke, rather than to the Fighting Creek Stewarts. Finney’s role in the 1722 grant seems coincidental and procedural, rather than a direct familial link to the Fighting Creek Stewarts.

Conclusion: Focusing on Key Connections

This post provides a simplified look at the Cocke-Stewart-Redford connections, emphasizing the relationships relevant to Judith Stewart and her marriages. It is clear that John Stewart (1634-1706) of Ashen Swamp and his descendants, including potential grand-daughter Judith Stewart, were involved in various land and estate matters that intertwined with the Cocke and Redford families in Henrico County.

While this version of the Cocke family tree is not comprehensive, it offers insights into the specific interactions and connections that shaped this branch of the Stewarts in early Virginia. By focusing on these relationships, we can better understand how land, marriage, and estate management influenced family dynamics in colonial Virginia.