The Earliest Tyree Immigrants

The variable spellings of the family name stand out. It is the early system -- a scribe wrote what he heard and the general public let it go at that. Many descendents from these surnames will be found later using the Tyree spelling. Strangely, variable spellings are rarely found on tax or census records south of the James River; but here there were many Tynes. This could be just another variable; but as these Tynes moved out into the developing Country, they tended to keep the spelling of Tynes. Those people with the name of Tyrus form a separate family; and are so documented.

Collected and compiled by Elinor F. Tyree, 1996
TexasET@AOL.com

 

EARLIEST TYREE IMMIGRANTS: came to the Virginia Colony to engage in subsistence farming (land privately owned after 1616) with a cash crop of tobacco (after John Rolfe got his newly developed, practical tobacco accepted in 1617); towns were unnecessary.

The first administrative divisions of land in Virginia were called "Hundreds" (Martin's Hundred, Bermuda Hundred, etc.) -- destined to hold 100 families. These families quickly came together for protection and the bartering of needed supplies. Some Hundreds were like one household; others were more like a group of neighbors.

As certain independent planters prospered, their "Plantations" became self sufficient supply bases. Less progressed neighbors could arrange to ship from their facilities (the earliest Plantations had water access) and barter with their workmen. A "Tyree Plantation" was founded near Rockahock Path, which ran from a northwestern dockage on the York River to a southeastern dockage on the James. "The Middle Plantation" on this Path became a convenient meeting place; and a Church (Bruton Parish) and School (The College of William and Mary) were established there. In 1698, when the record house at the debarkation Port of Jamestown burned (for the 4th time); and the colonists reconsidered Jamestown's history of marsh borne diseases and water based attacks; it was decided to rebuild a real Capital Center at the Middle Plantation site -- to be named for the King, Williamsburg.

To James River north side --

1620 John Tryre, 20 years old, boarded the ship "Abigaile" with the muster of Dr. Potts' Men in the Maine (Potts planned to establish a Hundred with the 1610 plantation known as Hampton), destination James Cittie (not a County until 1634, the name meant the settlement of Jamestown, his docking and registration site). John Tyree arrived safely and patented 50A on the Chickahominy River (his personal headright?).

May 23, 1642 Sir William Berkeley granted Georg Adkins and Wm. Foster 250A of land (county not named) on a "reedy swamp", " which divided the land of Thomas Woodhouse, adj. land of John Tirey" (?same John as above).

July 6, 1648 Sir William Berkeley granted to John Tirey 200A of land in James Cittie County on the main branch of Powell's Creek, "adjoining lands of Thomas Hart, Orpt. of William Foster". This was granted for the transportation of 4 persons: Henry Alsopp, Richard Rytherland, Henry Hill & Abbigale Jorden (?same John as above; but now southside of the James River).

To James River south side --

1679 John Tirrey and Dorothy, Surry Co., Va. sale of a slave.

1696 John Tirrey of Martin's Brandon Parish, Charles City Co., deed for 713A (unusually large).

Aug. 20, 1700 John Tirrey, Gentleman (in the class system of 1700, this title had clout), died and is buried (his tomb still visible) on the Brandon Estate in Prince George County at "Church Pastures". Wm. Armstrong Crozier stated that the arms on the tomb were those of John Tirrey of London, confirmed June 13, 1616. The tomb commemorates a John Tirrey who was born Feb. 4, 1649 in London. His widow, Dorothy, later m. a Mr. Tucker; but when she d. Dec. 12, 1708, she was buried beside her previous husband, John Tirrey.

Charles City County created 1634 and Surry County created 1652 were adjacent in 1679; Prince George County created in between them 1702.

To York River --

1655, Alexander Tyree bought with James Reed a parcel in York County, North side of York River, in Hampton Parish, on Hughes Neck up to Chesapeake Path (in present Gloucester or King and Queen County).

Dec. 27, 1655, James Reed sells a parcel of land in Parish of Hampton, binding on Hughes Neck, N.E. and S. up to the path commonly called Cheescake (Chesapeake) Path on the E.S.E. and S. from a standing ash by the fence side and going up to the aforesaid Cheescake Path and S., butting upon the path thereof to Mr. Johnson's quarter. Wit: Thomas Waide, Arthur Dickenson. Signed: Stephen Page, Alexander Tyre, Jr. (his mark) and James Reed (his mark).

Oct. 20, 1656, James Reed and Alexander Tyree assigned lease on above to Stephen Page.

Oct. 20, 1656, Stephen Page sells unto Alexander Tyree and James Reed, land in Hampton Parish, being part of a parcel formerly taken by Martin Westerlinke: one half of the corn field, beginning at the great Poplar, cross the ground to S.W. side of the fence and down a dry valley that runneth into the marsh, then from the Poplar along the fence to the Old Field. Wit: Jane Glann (her mark), Adam Miles. Signed: Stephen Page, Alexander Tyre (his mark), James Reed (his mark).

Feb. 24, 1658, Stephen Page assigned lease on to John Glann.

Mar. 18, 1662 Alexander Tyree and James Reed granted 313A, originally the Francis Burwell land (1655) and Edward Reed's spring in New Kent County on Warreny Line near Rockahock Path toward Williamsburg; later it became the Tyree Plantation.

1674 Alexander Tyre made deposition in York Co., age c. 44 and formerly a servant to Richard Jones on Filegates Creek, Hampton Parish. Although Alexander Tyre is a name found among the Old World Tyrees of Nevay (therefore a possible immigrant from that place), it is found noted that Alexander Tyre was born 1630 in York County (son of whom?).

Maybe it's just a bad hunch; but it seems to belong here: -- July 7, 1701, will (proved Oct. 9. 1701) of John Sergeant, a weaver of St. Mary Magdalens, Bermondsey, County Surry, Eng., mentions his son-in-law, James Tyre on south side of the York River in Virginia, who is married to John's daughter, Rebecca (widow of Jacob Voll) and their three children: John Voll, Rebecca Voll and Elizabeth Tyre. Another notation of 1701 says James Tyree lives in New Kent Co., towards Williamsburg. Several generations later, one James Tyree, a Lt. in the American Revolution, is claimed as the inheritor of the Tyree Plantation of New Kent County.

From June 28 thru July 25, 1781 Lafayette put up his troops at the Tyree Plantation. He marched from Doncastle Ordinary to the Tyree stop on the road from Barnhamsville to Tabernacle Church. Today this Tyree stop is on Highway 60 about 20 miles west of Williamsburg. Later it became known as the Farinholt home, then the residence of the Chapman family before it burned. William Tyree (the owner in 1781) presented the government a bill for Lafayette's use of his home.

To Catholic Maryland north of the Potomac (1675-1711), where tobacco was so profitable the land was too soon depleted, which caused many settlers to move along --

1675 John Bowles, gent. (married to Margery, widow of Capt. Wm. Batten) left a large estate (500A St. Mary's Co.) to his nephew, James Tyre.

1675 James Tyre m. Elizabeth Parker.

1680 will of Peter Carr to James Tyre, son of James Tyre and Rebecca.

1686 James Tyre died (had been married to Rebecca Bowles -- as widow she m. Robert Yates) of Chas. Co., Md. That same year James Tyre, Jr. m. Elizabeth Young.

1695 a Bowles Tyre appeared in Maryland records.

1697 Jacob Tyre entered Calvert Co., Md.

July 1, 1702, Alexander Tyror, 19, from Liverpool to serve Mr. Thomas Jameson of Md. for 9 years.

1705 Bowles Tyrer inventory taken in Charles Co., Md.

1706 James Tyre and w. Margaret sell 700A called Ondale's Dessart, "inherited from Bowles", St. Mary's County, Md.

1711 James Tyre's will shows daus.: Ann, Margaret, Rebecca; wife Margaret.

1712 James Tyrer will in Charles Co., Md.

1716 James Tyree of Charles Co., Md. son of Jane Jones, a sister to Robert and Charles Yates (could she have adopted her brother's step-son?).

1727 John Tylee, agent for John Cooke of Md.

The above suggests the following listing:

    John Bowles m. Margery Batten; Bowles d. before 1675 St. Mary's Co., Md.
    Rebecca Bowles m. James Tyre; he d.1686; as widow m. 1868 Robert Yates.
        James Tyre, Jr. m.1686 Elizabeth Young; m. 2nd Margaret; he d. 1711.
            Ann Tyree
            Margaret Tyree
            Rebecca Tyree

....

Another Maryland group found around the Chesapeake and on the Eastern Shore --

1678 John Tirry, headright of Col. Southy Littleton for part of 1000A, Accomac Co., Va.

1678 Thomas Tier, planter, immigrated with wife Ann and sons James and Thomas.

1646-1679 Thomas Tyree took land in Baltimore Hundred, Delaware.

3-1-1682 Thomas Tyree abstract of indenture.

1695 will of Wm. Overton, Somerset Co., Maryland; Thomas Tyree appeared as grandson; later Thomas Tyree m. Isanna Richards, dau. of John Richards.

1713 Robert Tyree, son-in-law to Wm. Overton and Catherine, died; his wife was Matilda.

1739, Oct. 13, Thomas Tyree, Accomac will; left estate to w. Johanna, then to son Wm. and dau. Anne Tyree.

1739, John Tyre's will in Baltimore, Md.

The above suggests the following listing:

    Thomas Tyree and w. Ann immigrated 1678 and took land in Delaware.
        James Tyree
        Thomas Tyree indentured 1682.
        Robert Tyree m. Matilda Overton, dau. of William & Catherine Overton; Robert 
        d. 1713.
            Thomas Tyree m. Isanna Richards, dau. of John Richards.
                Ann Tyree
                William Tyree

....

1775 Charles Co., Md. Census showed Wm. Tyer, Sr. & Jr., Joseph and John and Charles.

Nov. 16, 1794 John Tyse m. Elizabeth Kesecker in Washington Co., Md.

Mar. 27, 1818 John Tyre m. Susanna Farrel.

Maryland Census of 1820 showed only John Tyre (Libe.); and the Census of 1830 shows only Jacob Tyer (Worc.).

And then there's the faceless, placeless conglomerate --

WALTER PRESTON TYREE III SENT THIS notation: Richard Tyree came to the Colonies 1622 on "The George" with Master Percye. "The George" made annual trips 1617-1623. Richard took 50A. He and his son, John 12 years old, are on the Census of 1624 (also found in the book: Adventures of Purse and Person, Va. 1607-1624, where the father's name is given as Richard Tree).

Aug. 12, 1650 Robert Scott was a headright of Richard Tye and Charles Sparrowe.

....

May 28, 1635 Samuel Tyres, age 21, embarked on the ship, "Speedwell" of London, having passed the examination of the Minister at Gravesend as to his "confatie to the order and discipline of the Church of England" and having taken the oath of allegiance (from Persons of Quality Who Went from Great Britain to the American Colonies by. J.C. Hooten).

....

Oct. 24, 1635 William Tyse, age 21, boarded the "Constance" in England bound for Virginia.

....

1654 (from Bristol to America) Jonathan Tyre (n.a.) sailed from Bristol to Barbadoes as a bound servant to Evan Rice for 4 years (?then on to the Colonies).

....

June 9, 1663 Major Abraham Wood brought into Charles City County (on the "S.S. Appomattack"): 20 persons to qualify for 1557A (by claiming the headrights of 50A each after he had paid for their passage): among these, Daniel Tyres, Jane Pryse, Charles Featherstone, Ellin Parker, Barbara Richardson, John Joanes.

....

Nov. 7, 1673 Henry Trent took 200A in Henrico County on the n. side of the James River; lists Charles Tyree, Henry Trent, Margaret Rayes, Alice Sleek (headrights) -- at Mr. Place, half a mile from the River at the head of Coleson's.

....

Oct. 4, 1675 Mr. Thomas Cooke took 1983A in Charles City County on the north side of the James river -- presenting 40 persons to assure the headrights to 720A of same. Among these persons was Henry Tyree. Cooke took land s. side of Chickhominy River.

....

1698 James Barber arrived on the ship "Eleanor" of Liverpool and was bound to John Tyrer for 7 years.

....

9-23-1699 Christopher Tyrer, age 18, of West Darby, bound to Ralph Williamson for 6 years.

....

1702 Jonathan Tyrr of Liverpool, 18 years old, assigned Neham Jones.

....

1702 Richard Webb, 16, son of Edward Webb of London, Innkeep, to m'George Tyrer, assigned to m' Tildesly for 7 years.

....

Jan. 4, 1706 George Tyrer took assignment of another 16 year old, Robert Dixon, Ulfall, in Cumberland for 7 years.

....

Rent Rolls from English records:

Rent Rolls of 1704 of Va. James Tyrrey owned 150A in New Kent County. James Tyrie was also listed as a member of the available militia of New Kent Co., 1701/1702.

Rent Rolls of 1704 of Va. Alexander Tyrrey owned 210A in New Kent County (?tie to notation under York River 1662). Alexander Tyrie was also listed as a member of the available militia of New Kent County 1701/1702.

Rent Rolls of 1704 Thomas Tyrrey owned 190A, paying taxes to the St. Peter Parish. New Kent County,Va.

Tax Rolls of James City Co., Va. 1704 William Tyery for 1590A. (an exceptionally large parcel; could this be our immigrant William Tyree's grandfather, who d. 1740 leaving land in Charles City Co.?).

Beginning of OUR TYREES --

Oct. 5, 1726 William Tyree (grandfather to our William Tyree) took 550A from Isaac Williams for 100 pounds in Westover Parish, Charles City, Co.,Va., bounded by western branch of Ware Cut, Halie's Corner, Philip's Line, Hawks' Nest Cut, Mayser's Creek, with all houses; among witnesses Edward Cooke.

Feb. 1, 1727 he took 150A with all houses from Thomas Spraggins, where John Grice now dwells, on west side of Chickahominy River for 44 pounds; among witnesses Francis Tyree.

Nov. 19, 1728 Francis Tyree took 2A mill site Charles City, Co., Va. from Bates for 30 pounds (Francis was the "friend" who finally handled William's estate after he died 1740).

Sept. 17, 1729 recorded in Charles City County, undated deed in which William Tyree takes 225A (escheated from William Armiger, dec'd) known as "The Brick House Tract", beg. on the Chickahominy River in the mouth of the shipyard bottom; to Pease Hill Road, to main watercourse of Pease Hill S.W.; to Col. David Bray's line near below the Brick House path; near a cove next above the Bay Spring. The Brick House was described as having two rooms up and two rooms down. This type of brick cover "to be established on high land from marsh to marsh" had been requested since 1680 for tobacco warehouses; the most noted one was on the York River opposite West Point.

William Tyree died; his will was presented by Francis Tyree "friend" 1740: it was proved by John Dancy; Francis Tyree was the executor. Francis then took on the care of desc'd William's estate. Francis m. Mary, the widow of Edward Cooke, Sr. who had died 1736; Francis and Mary had at least 3 children: Francis Tyree, Jr., Mary Tyree and Susannah Tyree. Francis Tyree d., his will, probated April 3, 1754 left all his property to the charge of his wife, Mary Cooke Tyree (as a Cooke she had lived among the big Charles County land owners, was probably very capable, and wisely used her son Francis Tyree, Jr. in negotiations on the William Tyree estate).

June 2, 1756 feoffment William Tyree sued Mary Tyree, widow of Edward Cooke, Sr. and Francis Tyree, Sr. for use of his land; and the Court of Charles City County ordered that she pay 22 pounds 12 shillings and 8 pence current money for 14 years rent of 300A of land left to him. This was to be paid out of the estate of Francis Tyree desc'd; with costs.

A William Tyree worked in a clerical capacity at the Charles City Court House before 1760 (?). Some William Tyree (obviously too old to be OUR immigrant of 1760) was appointed constable July 2, 1755; June 4, 1760 he resigned the office as constable and was ordered to appear in court 1761 for debt. Oct. 17, 1761 a promisory note of Charles City County in which William Tyree promises to pay Nathaniel Maynard 7 pounds on or before Nov. 1 next, signed Will Tyree; then Nov. 19, 1763 the sheriff is commanded to take and safely keep William Tyree to answer Nathaniel Maynard, from Dec. Court loose papers. June 9, 1763 William Armistead was William Tyree's bail for debt against Thurmond Southall (from Loose papers, box 11-82). June 13, 1764 Johnson and Wyatt against William Tyree (from Loose Papers).

July 6, 1762 petition against Thomas Tyree and B. Williams by David Jackson is dismissed.

Nov. Court of 1762 Catherine Tyree is presented for having a bastard child.

Heir to desc'd William was a "grandson" (OUR ANCESTOR) who appeared in Charles City County in the April Court of 1760. He was identified as William Tyree "feoffment" (word then used to identify owners of property who had not yet taken possession); and was indentured at that time (possibly as an innkeeper) to Francis Dancy, neighbor to old William Tyree's holdings.

Over the years the charge of the "William Tyree estate" seems to have passed wholly to Francis Tyree, Jr., but Francis, Jr.'s will was dated Nov. 1, 1767 and in it he left everything to his mother.

Oct 4, 1769 William Tyree charges the administrators of Mary Tyree's will, her Tyree daughters and their husbands: Benjamin Goodrich and Mary his wife, and Edward Finch and Susannah his wife, to show cause why the will of Francis Tyree, Jr. should not be recorded. Obviously Mary Tyree too had died.

1770 our William sold 155A to Abram Brown for 96 pounds (probably alloted him on the death of Francis Tyree who had been controlling his property) with the financial participation of John Wayles and with William's wife, Sarah, waiving her dower, June 6, 1770.

By 1773 the bulk of William's inheritance had made a long journey, passing from the hands of Francis Tyree, Sr. to Francis Tyree, Jr.; then on Francis, Jr.'s death to his mother Mary Tyree (who, as the widow of Edward Cooke before she married Tyree, had Cooke sons and was assisted by them). Then Mary died; the acting son, Littlebury Cooke, died; and the property rested briefly with Littlebury's daughter named Rebecca Hubbard Cooke, who was desirous of marrying a man named James Bray Johnson. According to the law at that time, all property that a wife brought to a marriage passed to her husband; so Rebecca Hubbard Cooke filed a listing of William Tyree's due inheritance of the 217A "Westbury", naming his 16 slaves; she also made a public statement that it was not to become the property of James Bray Johnson. Shortly after that, the property seems to have finally passed into William Tyree's control.

Dec. 1, 1773 William Tyree sells a slave "Will" to Amos and Alan Ladd for 50 pounds.

1782 tax list of Charles City County, William Tyree is charged with 219A, 16 slaves, 14 cows and 5 horses, also he is charged with one tithable beside himself (a boy over 16, named William).

July 25, 1783 William Tyree, Jr. promissory note: I promise to pay or cause to be paid unto John Marston, Jr. 24 pounds officers' or soldiers' certificates, such as was granted to him for their pay money due them from the State of Virginia, on demand. Signed, William Tyree, Jr. Testator, Wyatt Walker. (Chas, City Co., Loose Papers)

1783 tax list of Charles City County charges Amos Ladd with the 219A "lately charged to William Tyree".

1785 William Tyree was on the tax rolls of New Kent County showing 9 slaves, 5 of them with names of those listed by Rebecca Hubbard Cooke in 1773; he also showed a wife and 3 younger sons (because of the time between William Tyree, Jr. and these last 3 boys, it could have been a 2nd wife); and he is charged with a billiard license, usually issued to a tavern or inn.

The above legal records have been used to create the family lists on these Tyrees in the following chapter under Charles City County (see Chapt. III, pp 2-3).

A little farther north --

Jacob Threye arrived on the ship '"Edinburg", James Russel, Capt., from Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth Sept. 14, 1753 (from Immigrants to Pa. 1727-1776).

....

Richard Tyer, baptized Dec. 25, 1726, son of Henry Tyree, innholder, admitted from St. Stephen, Coleman St., Mar. 23, 1742 to his mother Elizabeth Noyes and Mr. Thomas Lane of London, merchant, to serve Mr. Peter Faneuil of Boston, New England, merchant.

....

Captain James Tyree (1759-1806) was master of a trading ship operating out of New York; he was a member of the St. Andrew's Society in New York City (1801-1803); but no Tyrees appear on the New York Census of 1800.

....

Benjamin Tyree, a New Jersey Loyalist (Tory), repeatedly volunteered with the British, serving in all 1779-1783, always as a Private and always(?) in Capt. Thomas Hunlock's Company. In the 3rd Battalion he fought with the Savannah, Georgia group Nov. 29, 1779. He was with the 96th of S.C. Feb. 24, 1781. He was with the 2nd Battalion (location not shown) Dec. 25, 1782.

....

Northern census records are sparse on Tyrees.

Go to  Home Page or  Genealogy Page