No discourse on the well-known family names of Harwell would be complete without mention of those who bear the name of the village as their surname. In medieval times, the trade or following of an individual came to be used as a surname and many of these are still in common use, e.g. Smith, Baker, Taylor, etc. In other cases such as a member of a profession or a freehold landowner the place of origin was added after the name, particularly if the individual travelled or was known away from his locality. Thus in the thirteenth century some few villagers would have been known as, for example, … de Harwell or more correctly de Harewell as the present spelling did not come into general use until the seventeenth century.
In 1981, the descendants of John de Harewell (1320 -1386) donated a stained glass window to the Harwell Parish Church to commemorate their ancestry. John was born in the village, the son of a freeholder, and having studied at Oxford University he became a priest. In the service of the Black Prince he rose to become Governor of Aquitaine in southwest France during the Hundred Years War and finally Bishop of Bath and Wells. A stone effigy lies on his table tomb in Wells Cathedral. The fascinating story in America is traced by local historian John Fletcher and a descendant from Texas, Jan Whittaker, in their booklet “The Harwell Trail”.
John de Harewell following the priesthood, of course had no issue. It is to his brother Roger who married an heiress from Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, that the direct lineage has been uncovered. Several branches of the family were known in the early seventeenth century in Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester, Evesham and Suffolk. A Thomas Foulk Harewell abandoned the impoverished family home at Besford, near Worcester, and sailed with his brother in 1636 as colonists to Virginia, from where the family eventually spread across the southern states of America.
No doubt other descendants bearing the name Harwell spread across England. Now however, the surname is extremely rare in England. There are no known descendants in the village now although a scientist at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment can trace a link through marriage to the Harwells who lived in Suffolk in the late seventeenth century. When the surname Harewell became extinct locally is not known. Another John Harewell was known to have been a copyhold tenant in the neighbouring parish of Didcot in the middle of the fourteenth century but a century later the name had disappeared from the list of tenants. The only trace of the family name is on the recent stained glass commemorative window in the church bearing the coat of arms of Bishop John, a shield containing the heads of three golden hares.
Fittingly, if somewhat irreverently, the logo for the 1985 Millennium celebration depicts a pair of hares’ heads back to back with the slogan “Harwell Rules 1K“.
Comments
- The Harwell Family Tree
Webmaster –
1 May 2010
By chance I found these links: Thomas Foulk Harewell (1606 – )Edmund Harwell (1524 – 1594) There are many more Harwells listed, the earliest with dates is
Edmund Harewell (1532 – ) Edmund Harewells grandfather is noted as William Harewell. The slices of time website is maintained by someone in Texas, who presumably is a descendant of the Harwell family. All the English Harwells/Harewells listed are from Besford Court, Worcestershire, England. [June 2016: these links no longer work, and I can’t find references to Har(e)well on the webiste anymore] - Harwell booklet availability
Jamie Harwell McHenry –
9 Jun 2011
I would like to purchase a booklet(s) if possible…we had one that has become “misplaced”. We are from Mississippi. Thank you. - Booklets
Webmaster –
14 Jun 2011
The main book – Village for a 1000 years – is out of print; but the contents are presented in full on this website. If you are looking for other booklets mentioned in the links above, you will need to contact them direct. Good luck. - THE HARWELL TRAIL
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Whittaker) –
10 Apr 2013
I’m so sorry for the delay–I just found this website. I’m afraid that I have no more copies of THE HARWELL TRAIL, the book that Dr. John Fletcher and I published in 1981. I still hold the copyright, though, and so I could potentially reprint in the future. Dr. Jan Jenkins 515 Country Cove Ln Russellville, AR 72802-1276 - Photos of Harwell Parish Church
Suzanne E. Harrel Chapman –
2 Sep 2013
Thomas Foulk Harewell who sailed to Virgina with his brother in 1636 was my 9th great grandfather. I am in the process of creating a lengthy scrapbook using the information I have discovered through Ancestry.com and recent Harrel photos for my family both near and far. I am wondering if anyone has photos of the stained glass installed in 1981, the Harwell village, etc. that they would allow me to use to for my family’s use. I am willing to donate to the Harwell church in the photographer’s name or any other charitable donation for any pictures.Thank you for your consideration, Suzanne E. Chapman - Harwell family
Carole W. Parker –
4 Jul 2014
I am writing reply to Suzanne E. Chapman. Were you able to obtain any photographs of the window, or other photographs. My fourth grandmother was Rhoda Harwell married to Joel Rivers. Alabama Thanks,Carole Parker
Lea Harrington says
I think I may be a direct descendant. Do you offer a digital copy for purchase? I would like to use THE HAREWELL TRAIL as a reference. Did the name transform to Harrell?
Lea Harrington
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Jenkins Whittaker) says
Dear Lea Harrington, yes, in the U.S., the Harwell name was transformed into “Harrell” in a number of places, especially on the frontier, where the semi-literate may not have been absolutely certain how to spell the name. In fact, year after working with Dr. Fletcher on THE HARWELL TRAIL (I was Jan Whittaker then), I found out that my paternal grandmother (a Harrell) was descended from the Harwells, just as my maternal grandfather (Harwell) was. So I am descended from the Harwell family on both sides.
Dr. Jan Jenkins
Thomas Harrell says
Is it possible to get a copy of ‘The Harwell Trail’? Either written or digital format would be acceptable. And, of course, I would be willing to reimburse you for the cost. I have only recently traced my ancestry back to Harewell and I am very interested in gaining this bit of additional information concerning my name.
Deborah Froneberger Scheumann says
Hello,
I am also searching for my Harwell ancestors. My forefathers landed in North Carolina north of Charlotte. The spelling has remained the same as the original spelling. I am just starting this journey for my paternal grandmothers family, Janie Victoria Harwell Froneberger.
Thank you.
Debbie Froneberger Scheumann
Crissie Cudd says
My family was from near Charlotte, in Rutherford County, though that branch had become Harrills. The story I grew up with was that the Harrill name came first and the Harrell branch was just too lazy to dot the “i”. It appears that’s wrong and we’re all from Harrells and Harwells. I’m on Ancestry but I’m new to all this so if you’d like to share info I’d be happy to. This is much harder than I realized. So far what I’ve found on Family Search seems to be accurate and if it continues to be so we go back to the 1200s.
Phyllis Harwell High says
My father Raymond Wallace Harwell did a great amount of Harwell genealogy &!traveled to all sites known to before Charlemagne. I have a trunk full of the lineages (lady Godiva was a great…..aunt), photos of the paintings of Sir Edmund he took,. He filled in many questions left in the Harwell Trail.
Short version is that by 1800 a branch of Plantation slaveowning VA Harwells met John Wesley & became abolitionist Methodists. They moved to NC Lincoln County & later others in between & South of Greensboro/Wake Forest/West of Charlotte where other abolitionist & pacifist groups came, Moravians, Quakers (my parental grandmother was born Quaker became Methodist. My dad’s family is mainly from Lincolnton in Lincoln County, a cotton mill town, so they became dirt farmers & factory workers. There are still cousins on that land, though no Harwells left in N C we know of, like Harwell England, they all moved on. He became a nuclear scientist on the GI bill, advising Ike on new submarine weapons & lifelong activist, we lived in MD/D C.
Another branch moved to GA to keep their plantations since it wasn’t “convenient” in VA so much. Newt Gingrich married one of those, her dad a judge Harwell. Others scattered to Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma. the name became Harwell in the states, Harrell, Harville, Harvel, Harrell,… ANY such spellings all from the original Anglo-Saxon/Norman “de Harewell”. But never Hartwell, that’s a deer.
If you see British History & follow Harewell names, you’ll see Harwells LOVE to joke & play with words, Sir Edmund a poet from Shakespeare’s county (actually Will was from Harwell manor, married in that chapel), so educated men & the women some too. My dad had a hard time finding which branch he was from since leaving Jamestown to buy land, two brothers named I think Mason & Morgan named their sons Morgan Mason & Mason Morgan! Many after Thomas were many Samuels—aka Sam, Sammy, Big Sam, Little Sam,… as the families expanded in VA, so spellings began to change to avoid confusion. May explain my branch’s aversion to nicknames, usual or family names, his siblings Opal, Eugene, Beatrice,…who lived, though it is a tradition to gave a middle family name. I doubt highly that the spelling change was an oversight that lasted!
My dad made a big deal about the special nature of hares as contrasted to “bunnies” which infuriated him when expensive Coats-of-Arms had Disney “bunnies”. Hares were the original Goddess Oester ‘familiars’ (Mad March Hare with Lapwing spotted eggs) & were slaughtered by The Church across Europe, more UK island hares escaped that fate. Somehow these hares are a political/religious statement.
There is so much to find & know about Harwell history, my dad went to every Parish or County Records known on the US East Coast, England, Germany, Ukraine & made notes when many had no copiers, so most of what I have that’s newer than the booklet is by his hand I have a few things from my short trip in the late 80s, after the 1000-year anniversary, vivid memories staying in the manor with the original hearth, saw Uncle Bishop John’s chubby effigy @ Bath Wells Cathedral, 3 sculpted hard @ his feet..
I hope someday an author will write a historical novel, an ‘Everyperson’ story since Harwells are usually close to History.
~~~
PS: Thomas Foulke was a paid passenger on the slave ship he came to America on, his brother Neville was indentured to the ship’s captain. That ship went to Barbados & as far as we know Neville was never heard from again.
Patty H. Mauney says
Hello Phyllis, You do have Harwell relations remaining in NC and the same neighborhood where a Westley preached. Many left this Lincoln County(now Catawba Co) for Tennessee and many other states, but many are still here. The info collected by you and your Dad sounds wonderful. My sister, daughter and I attended the national Harwell gathering in Richmond Virginia years ago. I would love to have the updated information you have….. looks like you need to update The Harwell Trail. Patty Harwell Mauney. Sherrills Ford, NC
Bobby Darrin Harwell says
I too am a Harwell located in Hickory, NC. Not many remaining with the Harwell name here, as there are only a few males to carry the name. I have two sons who will carry the name, one in the military and the other living in the UK. Would love to get a copy of the book to pas along to my children and future grandchildren. Thank you
Sean says
I have great infromation about the harwells and the me church in sherrills ford. They are the original founders with daniel asbury of the hopewell church. They came down to nc with the Abernathy’s from prince charles and from a town called hopewell ,va. . Contact me at sean28673@gmail.com. i have the deeds in 1792 that prove this and another one in 1800
Katie says
I’m stuck trying to find out who the parents of Watson A Harwell are. My family is from Maiden, NC
My email address does not have dashes, I’m trying to avoid getting spam emails.
Crystal Harwell Rogers says
My family and I would love to get a copy of The Harwell Trail. We are in North Carolina. 828-962-4466. My extended family would purchase several copies.
Sonya Sorrels Jones says
I am a descendant as well. My grandmother is a Harrell. Her grandfather is Walter Gilford Harrell.
Charles harwell says
I am a direct decedent of the Harwell family, I too would like a copy if possible, or how I might acquire one
Mary H. Pierson says
To Suzanne Chapman: I am Mary Harwell Pierson. My Harwell family settled in Tennessee. My birth family is settled mostly in Mississippi. I have some very crude photographs of the window in St. Matthew’s Church taken almost 2 years ago on a trip to Harwell. I’m happy to pass them along. Just let me know how/where.
Crystal Jackson says
My mame is Crystal Jackson my mother is Dena Harwell I am interested in photos if you still have them our Harwell family lives mostly in Arkansas and Oregon
Liz Roberts says
Hello Crystal,
I can’t help you with photos of the family but if you are on Facebook you can follow some Harwell heritage at St Matthew’s church (where the Harwell window is) and in related posts about the village at the page called Harwell St Matthew’s Friends.
I look forward to seeing you over there sometime! Liz Roberts
linda says
i just got stared doing my family tree and i am trying to find out about my grandmothers father his name was joe(joesph) harwell my grand mother is viola she was born in clevland ms.he married myrtal higgaothom anyone cane tell me anny info ,i greatly thank youmy grandmother was born 1928.I was told he was half indian
Marcia Vernon Hunter says
I sure hope you are still able to get this.:-) My name is Marcia Vernon Hunter. I am Uncle Sonny’s oldest daughter. I just went through an old trunk I had brought from my folks’ house and found emails from your dad and you to Daddy. I just want you to know that Daddy did write a book that I can get you a copy of. Your dad is mentioned a LOT in there since that’s who he mostly spent time with. LOL
I am SO excited to hopefully connect with you. There are many family members who I don’t know how to reach except 2 of my first cousins.
Dr. Jan Jenkins (formerly Jan Jenkins Whittaker) says
By the way, the misspelling of “Governor” in the Harwell window was corrected shortly after the installation in 1981.
Dr. Jan Jenkins
Kristin Kuhlmann says
Dr. Jenkins:
Is the Harwell Trail still available? My husband is a Harrell, and we would like to obtain a copy. Information would be much appreciated.
Charles harwell says
Dr. Jan. Do u know how I might acquire a copy of the Harwell Travels. I am a direct decedent of the Harewell ( Harwell) family And would love several copy’s. Sincerely Charles Harwell
Bob Harrell says
I just returned from London and also took a side trip to Harwell. I have some satisfactory photos of the window and other items of interest inside St. Matthew’s, including the Gatekeeper Tapestry and accompanying narrative. Feel free to request copies via email. Cheers!
Thomas Harrell says
I would like to receive copies of your info. Can you email to me? I have traced my ancestry back to this time and place. It is a fascinating adventure!
Jessica Harville Pritchett says
I would love to have copies of the pics you took or any other information. I am Harville from the Harewells who came to Virginia!!! Jessicapritchett6711@gmail.com thanks!!!!!
Chapan Harwell, son of Homer, Son John, son of Hennry says
I would love to have copy’s of those photos.
Crystal Jackson says
Hi my mother is a Harwell could you email me some pictures please Im trying to put together our family history my email is
babble_berry82@yahoo.com
Thank you
Ps please label HARWELL HISTORY so I recognize it
Cyndi says
Hi Bob, I would like any photos or information on the tapestry and the window. Thanks I am a Harwell and doing some genealogy . All info welcomed.
Many thanks And God bless.
Cyndi Harwell
CyndI_harwell@yahoo.com
Chapan Harwell, son of Homer, Son John, son of Hennry says
My family has a xerox copy of The Harwell Trail, but im very interested in getting an official copy. Also i would like to have a flag made with the crest of John de Harewell. If any one has pictures i could work from i would be grateful.
Thomas Harrell says
Please email to me any info you have. Also, I would really like to get a copy of The Harwell Trail. Can you also email to me and let me know if you find a way to get an official copy?
Thanks, Thomas Harrell
Mary Pierson says
Please tell me how to send photos we took on a trip we took circa 2013. I’d love to have a copy of The Harwell Trail – Xerox or otherwise. I’m happy to pay for it.
Charles harwell says
I would also like to have a copy. Could you please help me? Thanks Charles Harwell
Liz Roberts says
Chapan Harrell, you may have had a response already since you posted 3 weeks ago but did you see the comment I posted yesterday about finding pics of the coat of arms, people and other things of village historical interest on Harwell St Matthew Friends Facebook page? Spread the word and we can share wider …
Mary Pierson says
Thank you, Liz! I fully intend to sit with a cup of tea and spend some time on the Facebook page. In-the-mean-time, I’ve sent some pics and docs to Jessica via email. Nothing so detailed as what’s available thanks to the village’s collection! I would love to return to England for a week of family research some day! MHP
Liz Roberts says
You’ve put it in writing now, so you’ll have to come over one day and we do very much look forward to welcoming you. If you’re into everything ancient, you may have read about an unparalleled discovery of a Roman villa in the South of England a few days ago. That’s less than 50miles/80km from Harwell. If and when you do come, please allow St Matthew’s to treat you: page 6 of http://harwellandchiltonchurches.org.uk/Publisher/File.aspx?ID=151392. We have quite a little tour in mind! All good wishes.
Liz Roberts says
How lovely to see all these comments – and some so recent. If you’re interested in St Matthew’s Church, where ancestors will have worshipped and where The Window is located, you can keep up with weekly new pics over on Facebook – check out Harwell St Matthews Friends. Scroll back to the beginning of this year for pictures of it and the Gatekeeper tapestry.
Timothy Lynn Harwell says
Searching for my roots. Earliest Ancestor I could find is George Dalton Harwell. Buried at Whitewater Church, near Griffin Ga. (Brooks Station),1890.
From what I read the Harwell’s have all moved from Harwell England.
Liz Roberts says
Hi Timothy Lynn Harwell, we don’t have anyone in the village called Harwell, now, that’s for sure. But if you fancy keeping up with photographic and documentary finds about the church, where your ancestors will have worshipped, there is a Facebook page called Harwell St Matthew’s Friends. It would be nice to see you over there!
Best wishes, Liz Roberts
Betty S. Turner says
My great grandfather was Willie Arnold Harwell. His brother was a Methodist minister in La Grange GA. after the Civil War. W. A. Harwell married my grandmother, Ella Thomson Shepard in 1870. They lived in Turin, GA. Could he be related to your ancestor?
Crystal Jackson says
Timothy is your father’s name Gordon BeBe Harwell?
Liz Roberts says
I am writing to contact Suzanne E Chapman and Carole Parker. Have you found what you need? Would taking a look at the Facebook page Harwell St Matthew’s Friends (https://www.facebook.com/HarwellChurchFriends/?ref=bookmarks) help? It’s been created since your first enquiries.
Liz Roberts, Harwell village.
Doug J. Roark says
All of the preceding notes are very informing and quite valuable. My humble thanks to John M. Fletcher and Dr. Jan Whittaker Jenkins and their
accomplishments
My maternal grandmother was a Harrill from Tennessee. It has been a blast to go back to medieval history and the manor system. Apparently, an Atte Halle changed his family name to Harewell (Harwell) in honor of the feudal village in which he lived. Also, did the English name Attel Halle become Hall?
Did Harewell become Harrell/Harrill after family members reach America? I had assumed that. Some of my relatives use the Harrill spelling while other use Harrell. Also, how did Harrold come into the mix? I had thought that that spelling was Germanic.
Spelling changes over the years have created many research problems. I have found over thirty different spelling variations of my surname, Roark. As a retired history teacher, I realized that illiteracy and partial literacy contributed to this problem. Attribute this to census takers and officials in port of entries as well as the people themselves. Thanks to all the hard work and research that so many of you do and have done.
Phyllis Harwell High says
Please see my previous post. Harewells were highly educated but they also always loved to play with words. Sir Edmund wrote poetry. The first Anglo-Saxon Freeman Harwell, Atte Halle was so smart his lord sent him to Oxford to become “de Harewell”, his sons successful at the highest levels, regent to The King!! I doubt it’s illiteracy, just pique.or cheek. 😂
You’d love this as a teacher. After leaving Harwell Village, the family moved to other Shires or counties built Manors with the crest carved into mantels or walls. All those manors were turned at least for the 20th century, into GIRLS’ schools.
Stan McCombs says
My mothers maiden name was Harwell. Her father was T M Harwell of Mcnairy Co. Tn. Can anyone that have any info on his family send it via email. I have not been able to go any further than his name. Thanks
Wesley Harwell says
Stan,
My name is Wesley Harwell, and she must be closely related to my branch of the family, since my grandfather’s side of the family lived in McNairy County and Chester County for well over 100 years. My wife and I did some research a couple of years ago and we’d have to revisit it, but I’m sure we could find the link. What’s your email, I’d be glad to get in touch.
Jay Harrill says
This is fascinating! I traced my heritage on ancestry.com the best I could and find that John Harrell Archbishop of Bath was in my tree… that is if what I was reading was correct. My Harrill family is from Cleveland County in NC and I have found traces back to Virginia in the 1600’s. If anyone has any information, pictures, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. I am happy to fill in any blanks for others if possible.
Mark Harwell says
My father’s name is John Harwell we are descendants of the brothers who went to Virginia that’s all I know so if anyone has more information about it I would love to see it thanks
Paul B Harwell says
Hello Mark. If you know that your Harwell family ancestry traces back to the brothers that came to Virginia then you have done well. As you may know all Har(e)wells came from Besford Court in England dating back to the 1500’s. They were landowners and the old manor house is still there today. You may also know this was a very tumultuous time in European history. At some point the two brothers you mentioned became disillusioned with their existence and bailed for the New World around 1636. Keep in mind that the Pilgrims had settled Plymouth only as recently as 1620. Skip forward 156 years to the unrest in the colonies and the Revolution. My last record is that a Harwell was a shipwright and contracted w/ the Royal Navy that was based in Va to re-tar the hulls of the British Man-o-Wars. Apparently the Brits were unhappy with his work and hauled him into court over claims that the tar he was using was “leaky” causing some loss to His Majesty’s Navy. I have a British friend that was quite indignant when I related this story.
After the episode in Va, I only know that more immediate ancestors settled (escaped?) in Tennessee. Sometime in the mid-1800’s a branch of the family moved to Texas and settled around what is now Grand Prairie. My grandfather’s family then became farmers and ranchers in West Texas near Lubbock.
Debra Manuel says
Paul, who is your grandfather? My grandfather was a Harrell, cotton farmer in West Texas, with lots of brothers and nephews. I bet there is a connection there.
Debra Manuel
Jimmy Harwell says
Hello Paul , my name is Jimmy Harwell my great grandfather settled on mountain creak and opened a tanning Yard in tarrent county after the civil war his name was Littleton Theodore Palm Harwell he married Nancy Emely Goodnight
Crystal Harwell Rogers says
My family and I would love to get a copy of The Harwell Trail. We are in North Carolina. 828-962-4466. My extended family would purchase several copies.
Maria Karg says
I recently discovered that my 11th great grandfather is John Harwell of Felsham, Suffolk (died 1559) through his daughter Julianne who married Leonard Tillett of Rougham. Looking at their wills, John and his sons were wealthy. My family didn’t move far…. My uncle lives in the adjacent village of Thorpe Morieux and my great grandmother Winifred Tillett was born in nearby Woolpit. I’m interested in learning who was the first Harwell to move to Felsham and how he relates to the Harwell’s of the village of Harwell. The earliest record I’ve found for Harwell’s in Felsham is 1511. I see that Felsham was listed on the 1981 church inscription.
Ann Jayne says
Dr. Jan Jenkins 515 Country Cove Ln Russellville, AR 72802-1276
I’d appreciate a copy of The Harewell Trail. We are direct descendants and will be traveling to Harwell in June.
Ann and Gary Jayne
ajayne1963@gmail.com
Angela B. says
Hello,
My grandmother-Lena F. Harwell, granddaughter of Rufus Harwell and direct descendant of John Harewell (Ann M. Middleton-Harewell). I am located in Oklahoma! Please let me know where I may purchase the Harwell Trail publication.
Greatly appreciate any additional information,
Angela B.
Allen Spivey says
This is all very interesting. Our Harrells came down from Tidewater area of Virginia, presumably ancesters of Thomas Foulk Harewell, and settled in then Albemarle, NC which consists today of Chowan County, Gates County areas. They live there still today. My Grandfather was Webster Worcester Harrell of Chowan Co. We have a lot of info., but gets pretty sketchy in the late 1600s and early 1700s because of same names living in same areas. Any info helpful.
Carla Pesce says
My set of Harrells is also from Chowan County. Did your grandfather have a brother named Benjamin?
Phyllis Harwell High says
This is incorrect about the first John Harewell who went to Oxford. He did not become a priest but married the new lord a cousin of William the Conqueror’s who now had Harwell Village land, John the Anglo-Saxon Freeman who managed the Village estate. His oldest son John De Harewell was the priest also who went to Oxford (‘de’ from the Norman marriage), who with his brother Roger made a fortune that lasted until Thomas Foulke Harwell traded his 3 VA shares for land & slaves in 1636 Jamestown. His brother Niles was indentured to the captain of the slave ship on which Thomas was a paid passenger, the shop went into Barbados, Niles disappeared.
Phyllis Harwell High says
This is incorrect about the first John Harewell who went to Oxford. He did not become a priest but married the daughter of the new lord, a more scholarly cousin of William the Conqueror who now had Harwell Village land. John the Anglo-Saxon freeman managed the Village estate. His oldest son John De Harewell was the priest also who went to Oxford (‘de’ from the Norman marriage), who with his brother Roger made a fortune that lasted until Thomas Foulke Harwell traded his 3 VA shares for land & slaves in 1636 Jamestown. His brother Niles was indentured to the captain of the slave ship on which Thomas was a paid passenger, the shop went into Barbados, Niles disappeared.
Charles Harvell says
My records show the 3 shares of the VA Company were purchased by Sir Thomas Harwell,, son of Sir Edmund Harwell (II). When he died the shares went o his brother Sir Edmund Harwell (III). When his finances went south, he sold them to their other brother Frances Harwell. Grants to establish land in the Virginia Colony were granted to Frances and another business partner. I have seen documentation that Frances did go to Virginia in 1619 but returned to England. This was in the time period in which the VA Company went defunct or was taken over by the crown. So far have not found anything as to whether the grant was ever established (or perhaps sold to someone else). Evidence does show Thomas Harwell (most probably son of Sir Thomas and nephew of Francis sailed to Barbados and assumed from there on to Virginia but no other records for Thomas (very possibly lost or destroyed). John Harwell (assumed brother of Thomas) sailed to Virginia and was listed among the”head count” for John Cheeseman in Charles River County. Perhaps as a indentured servant but shows up with a land grant near John Cheeseman. There are also records for John Hartwell in the general area which I think is a different man. In any case John Hartwell died without children and his wife remarried. I found a brief record of John Harwell on the opposite side of the Charles River some years later. A 1663 Charles City Court Record shows a Samuel Harwell among a group of men from Charles City County being summoned down to James City regarding a militia court martial. While there an event the men witnessed an event which led to a civil suit between one of the men on the boat and the captain of a small ship in the harbor. It was in regard to the latter matter that Samuel Harwell appears as a witness stating he was 30 years old or about. There are also showing a Samuel Harwell receiving a bounty for killing wolves in this time period. I suspect Samuel Harwell was the son of the aforementioned John Harwell. Likely Samuel had siblings but records are sparse due to fires and destruction of records in the following wars. We believe that the brothers Samuel (Jr.) and Thomas Harwell of Prince George County are sons of “Charles City County”, they showing up on the Appomattox River which at that time was part of Charles City County. Samuel Harwell (Jr.) of Prince George shows up on a Charles City militia list and also owning land. Brother Thomas shows up there also. This Samuel ‘s sons were “Little Samuel”, John, and Mark, and likely daughters) Thomas of Prince George’s only “known” son was “Long Samuel Harwell” (my ancestor) but I suspect he also had other siblings. Other Harwells are in the area in all likelihood descend from Samuel of Charles City or maybe other brothers who are not recorded. Most of us who have been able to trace our lineages back into the colonial period seem to trace our lineages back to Samuel and Thomas of Prince George as shown by records and close DNA”. For others who show a connection there, probably indicate that for sure Samuel Harwell (born 1630 in England or Virginia, was not the only Harwell in Virginia (or other colonies) in that time period.
Pam Long says
Charles, I have interest in the lineage of Samuel, Thomas Harwell of Prince George Co, VA.
We think that our line of Harwell goes back to a Thomas Harwell b 1795, NC a potential son of Frederick Harwell and Jemima Rankin. However, we have no paper trail to prove this. We have but 4 male Harwell’s of this line living and it will die out, daughter out with these 4 men. We are looking into Ydna testing to prove/save the lineage. Does anyone have info about the potential of ydna testing proving these lines?
rplong at comcast dot net
Carla Pesce says
Hello! I was born a Harrell, but it seems Harwells are in the lineage back in the 1600. Our connections seem to be Thomas Harrell/Harley/Harwell. Do you know anything about the lines they moved to northeastern NC?
Larry Singer says
My 5th generation grandmother was Mary Harwell born circa 1701. She was the daughter of Samuel Harwell that was married to Mary Coleman. Mary Harwell married Robert Abernathy III (1695-1772). They were both born in Prince George Co. Virginia and married in 1725, Charles City, Virginia. Both Mary and Robert died in Tryon, County (now Lincoln County), North Carolina. Much of my descendancy is from the Abernathy family, originally from Scotland and ended up as indentured servants in Jamestown in 1651.
I am not sure of the ancestry of Samuel Harwell, but I am confirming what I have. Good luck.
Larry A. Singer: cryingcowboy39@yahoo.com.
Cornelius, N.C.
Charles Harvell says
The “Samuel Harwell” you are referring to is “Long” Samuel Harwell. He was the son of Thomas Harwell of Prince George and nephew of Samuel Harwell of Prince George. We are pretty Thomas (and brother Samuel) descend from a “Samuel Harwell of Charles” City who according to a court document was born in 1634/5. Your Frederick Harwell was a son of Long Samuel Harwell and had two brothers Samuel and James Harwell (our 6th great grandfather.
Long Samuel (“generation 5) may “have” married Mary Coleman but no actual documentation to prove. However evidence may strongly suggest that. His widow was Mary, had a daughter named Mary (married John Abernathy) and the Coleman surname appears with several male descendants in the lineage.
The Harwell Trail suggests that Samuel Harwell of Charles City was the son of either Thomas or John Harwell, sons of Sir Edmund Harwell III, with Thomas Harwell on the ship list of “The Falcon” which sailed to the Barbados (and then on to VA?) about 1619, or John Harwell who was “sponsored as a head count” by John Cheeseman on a ship arriving in Jamestown in 1634).
Tammy says
I have etchings of John Harwell Esq. And his wife Anne. From Warwickshiire.. I want to know who etched them.
Susan Harwell-Okerstrom says
My thanks to all who offered all of the info they have. The Harwells as it turns out have quite a tangled web, ha ha.
If my research is correct, I also descend from the Samuel Harwell line, wherein he was born in Prince Co., Virginia in 1637. When you have such large families, its easy to lose track of the lines (as in my GGG & GG grandparents, who had at least 9 children each, and as another commenter stated, often name offspring in honor or memory of others, confusing things even more.)
If anyone learns if The Harwell Trail will be reprinted please put me on the list of those who’d love to receive same. I am hoping to make a pilgrimage to the homelands of the UK, and of course plan on visiting the Village of Harwell. Someday! Soon! I hope!
Best wishes to all descendants and/or relatives. Stay well.
Tina Harrell says
As an ancestor of the line Of Richard,John,James,Gilbert, Edward, Samuel, Elizabeth, Moses, and Mary lines..all repeated throughout History With 9 or more children and 2-3 wives due to sickness/war..Huge Line… Harrold, Harold, Harreld, harril, harrill, Harle, currently Harrell line of US. moved on out due to growing colonies, states and war/disease moved from Pennsylvania, Virginia(Northumberland/Bedford,Rappahonnock,Namesmond/Lancaster,Shenandoha County, Fredrick Co, Rowan CO, Rutherford co to North Carolina: Bertie/Perquimans,Edgecombe,Rutherford,Gates,Hertford), State lines changed ….N. Carolina, Tenn (Trigg CO, Sumner,, and settled in Land Between the Lakes of Ky!
I noticed some Falkes, Folkes, Boone, Faulk, traveled with the group that settled in Ky/Tenn area and buried in the LBL Cemetery.
I also noticed the Harrold, Faulk, Godwin were also on the same ships and traveled together from England in early 1600. Some were ship builders, indentured servants, House of Common/Housand/Housen Harrold and can trace his wife Philidephia Street back to the line of Jeconiah Ben Jehoiakim line through Kings and Queens through early entry of Land given by the King …They were Plantation Owners, preachers, that lived near the Ball Family and attend the same Christ Church in VA and married into the family of Balls.
I have also notices the Harold, Harrold, Godwyns, Godwin were always mentioned in History of Norway, Sweden, Ireland, England, and France! The Harrold, and various sons spellings were Kings of different spellings all over Europe …..very interesting! They were also in Ireland with the battle of Hastings, Earls of Nobility, High Sheriffs of Limerick, Bishops, etc….As my DNA is located in all these areas of importance!
Jenny Watson Ohayon says
My grandmother‘s maiden name was Nan Harwell of Alabama. I think she was Jan Whittaker’s aunt. Anyway Jan Whittaker gave her a copy of the Harwell Trail booklet, which I still have. My husband, Charles, and I visited Harwell, England, last year and saw the stained glass window gifted to the church there from the American Harwells. I live in Jacksonville, Florida.
Cynthia M.Luke says
My mother was Myrtle Marie Harwell born in Corinth, Mississippi in 1924. Her father was George Richard Harwell. I’m researching my Ancestory and will go to Facebook to apply to join the Harwell group.
Thank you for all the information above.
Joan H Vest says
Thanks Charles Harvell for the information. I am one of the Lincoln CATAWBA County Harwells that decended from one of the 5 brothers. I met you at the Richmond reunion. We are from Francis (Frank) Harwell. My great great grandfather was Nelson and then his son James Turner Harwell. Others brothers came here and then moved on. There is another group of local Harwells that we don’t know where the connection is. My bucket list is to go to Harwell. I have watched services at the church there during Covid.
Allyson Harwell says
Im a Harwell. Most of my family lives in Texas. I am a descendent of littleton Theodore Palm Harwell. But im 14 so the dude is like 200 now.
Joan says
My family members are decedents from Francis Harwell, one of the 5 brothers from Virginia. We come from his son Nelson, grandson James Turner Harwell and his great grandson Robert Esten Harwell. Nelson’s other brothers moved to Tennessee. The county was Rowan, Tryon, Lincoln and now Catawba. Some of Nelson’s land is still in the family. There are other Harwell’s in the area that we are not sure the relation. They must be from one of the 4 other brothers that moved out of state.
Joan says
These relatives are in North Carolina.
S Kirk says
Hi everyone, I recently discovered that I am a Harwell from my paternal side whom are from Texas. Finally know who my father was after 50+ years of not knowing. I Would love to get a copy of The Harwell Trail.
John Harwell says
My name is John D Harwell living in south Texas . My great grandfather Ambrus Edward Harwell was born in Palaski Tennessee late 1800’s My great great grandfather was Samuel Harwell . My wife has studied and has gone back to England late 1500’s . She has found out two brothers came to Jamestown early 1600,s . They were Knights of Bath .They married prominent people of Virginia.Brolins etc. There is a lot of history on the Harwell Family. Feel free to contact me