his wife being more loving than I expected. She was George Keith's daughter, and in her younger days showed great dissatisfaction with Friends, but after her father's death the edge of that bitterness abated, and her husband was very loving and hearty to Friends, frequently having meetings at his house." Bownas stayed at Hampton eleven day, and left there May 29, 1728.
In 1727, Mr. William Hopkins was deputy attorney for the King. In 1728, Mr. John Markland was recommended to be the King's deputy attorney. The same year Alexander McKenzie was commissioned to be lieutenant colonel of the militia, and Wilson Gary, major.
Learning in Elizabeth City County
More than the usual attention was paid to learning in Elizabeth City. The court and vestry were particularly vigilant in seeing that all poor children were bound to useful trades and taught by their employers to read and write. The following may be given as examples:
16 June 1725. Upon the petition of Ann Grove setting forth that James Servant had not learned her son, Armisteal House, to read, write and cipher according to his agreement when he took him by Indenture, The court are of opinion that the said Indenture is void and of no effect and it is, therefore, considered that the said Armistead House be discharged from the service of his late master James Servant.
17 Nov. 1723. Thomas Wilson and Mary Randall came into Court and made oath that Thomas Davis was 14 years of age the 24th October Last who not having Estate sufficient to maintain him. It is Ordered that he be bound an apprentice to Nicholson Parker till he attain the age of twenty-one years, who is to teach him the trade of Shoemaker as also to have him taught to read and write. It is further ordered that they sign Indentures before any justice of this county.
15 Dec. 1725. Francis Berry is bound apprentice to Mathew Small til he is of Age; the said Small obliges himself to learn him the trade of a Taylor and to read and write. The Boy is eleven years of age.
