Hi, do you have anymore info on John Bennett. Perhaps the area of England he was born in.

Shelly,
Thanks for responding to my inquiry. The information I have is that there was a John Bennett born in Mucklestone Wood, Staffordshire, England to Thomas Bennett (1738-1785) and Margaret Poulson (1742-1761) who were married Jan. 28, 1761. John was christened June 28, 1761. There is no more information about John such as marriage or death. However the couple had another son whom they named John, christened Jan 1, 1784. Other children were George, Mary, Sarah,Edward,
Thomas, William. another George.

Our family genealogy in this country states that "John "Bennett" Gilbert was born abt. 1761 in England and died 1832in Patrick County, VA." Further it states "In mid-December 1774, John Gilbert, age 16, from Norfolk, departed London, England for Virginia on the ship Carolina." William "Pet" Gilbert (b. 1846 d 1939) wrote "About the year 1775, BENNETT, in his youth ran away from home in England and came to America. Here be became fearful that his family might have him sent back to his native land. With this in mind, he immediately changed his name to John Gilbert, and settled in Virginia."

In THE DESCENDANTS OF JOHN "BENNETT" GILBERT OF PATRICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA by Cecil Wayne Taff and Romona Turner Hartley it is stated, "Assuming this is the correct JOHN GILBERT, he must have changed his surname from BENNETT to GILBERT prior to boarding the ship Carolina and may have exaggerated his age by one, possibly two years."

There have beens family rumors concerning the reason he may have left England and changed his name, but we've found no documentation concerning any scandal which may have provided an impetus for his action.

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

Eddie REID Gilbert
5937 N Placita Del Baron
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-615-1717
ergenator@gmail.com

Hi,

I don't have John Bennett Gilbert in my Bennett records. I had a quick look around for you and there sure was a lot of information on the net about him but not one said where in England he was born.

When you have a name with a surname in the middle, which I have found alot in my research, it is usually the mothers maiden name. One tree I found had a John Bennett Gilbert b. 29 Jun 1760, Damerel Devon son of Shadrack Gilbert and Rebecca Bennett.

If you haven't already, I would suggest having a look on the origins.net site. Amongst the wide range of British records they have
apprentice records for 1710-1774. Apprentice's often ran away, perhaps John was one of them.

Good luck in your research and if I come accross anything regarding John I will let you know.

shellyb,
Thank you so much for your information, which may provide more reliable info than our family oral traditions. My ancestor was listed as John "Bennett" Gilbert with the understanding that he changed his name from Bennett to Gilbert. He may actually have been John Bennett Gilbert as referred to in your note. You are right about some boys being given their mother's surname. My brother was named Arthur Brinkley Gilbert, using my mother's maiden name Brinkley. Where did you find the name John Bennett Gilbert? I've searched but with no success. He was certainly born at about the right time. Is there any indication that he may have left England about 1775?
Reid

Hi,

I found it on the family search site, it was an individual igi record so there was no further information. I will double check that for you and let you know.

i know its been a while. im a descentant of John Bennett Gilbert down through Green Berry Gilbert to Grace Gilbert. I haven't been able to find any info on Thomas Bennett's father. The one mentioned above. If anyone has anything it would be very helpful thanks.

If you are a descendant of John Bennett Gilbert, would your information about Green Berry Gilbert perhaps be Samuel Green Gilbert who had a daughter named Grace, who married John Jamison?
Do you know Barry Jamison?