Chapter 1   The Earliest American Bandys

Links to the Chesapeake

 

Perhaps the most important unresolved puzzle for those interested in the history of the Bandy family is how the earliest Americans with the name are related to later Americans.  For now, the answer remains an enticing mystery.  The earliest American Bandys are found all around Chesapeake Bay beginning in the 1600's, and records of their presence in the area are found  as late as the early 1800's.  Yet, there is no clearly established relationship between any of these individuals and other Bandys who, beginning in the mid-1700's, are found in both central Virginia and central North Carolina.  Nevertheless, it seems likely that some of these individuals are descendants of the earliest American Bandys.   Although yet to be established, some of the early settlers may have moved from around the Chesapeake onto both central Virginia and  North Carolina. Circumstantial evidence of links between these groups is presented at the end of this chapter.

 

To understand the earliest American references to individuals named Bandy, it is necessary to study records of individuals with similar names including Band and Banning.  It is possible that they may be related to the early Bandys found around the Chesapeake. This possible relationship is based on the fact that individuals with these names (and several variations) lived in the same locations at the same time, and the fact that in several instances the same individuals are referred to both as Bandy and Banning, and possibly Bandy and Band.

 

Bandys Around Chesapeake Bay Including Accomack County, Virginia

 

What we do know is that in 1637, John Band was brought to New Norfolk County, Virginia by Henry Catyler[1], and that same year John received a land grant in New Norfolk.[2]  These are the earliest known American references to a name that may have  evolved into Bandy.[3]   In a 1660 lawsuit, John Band of Bristol, England was identified as a mariner, age 42, and a member of the crew of the ship Delight.  In the lawsuit he testified that David Warren  loaned 2,200 pounds of good Virginia tobacco to a Yeamans in November 1657.[4]  It is possible that John was a sailor who did not remain in Virginia.

 

In 1661 (or perhaps it was 1668), Eliz. Bandy received a grant in New Kent County, up the James River from New Norfolk.[5]  She received part of a grant that was for a total of 12,000 acres.  This is the earliest known American use of the precise name Bandy.

 

Robert Band testified in Northhampton County in 1646.[6]   In 1654, Col. Argoll Yardley  brought Wm. Band  to Northampton County, Virginia.[7]   William received a land grant in "Ackomack in Northpton Co."  during the same year.[8] 

 

Math: Bandy was granted a land certificate for a 50 acre track in Accomack County, Virginia on March 3, 1672 or 1673.[9]   This listing for Matthew in Accomack County does suggest a tie between him and William and Robert and possibly John and Elizabeth.

Northhampton and Accomack Counties are not contiguous with the rest of Virginia, but  rather are located on Cape Charles, a peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean often called the Eastern Shore.  The counties are located across Chesapeake Bay from the James River and Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States.  The peninsula also includes counties of  Maryland as well as the entire state of Delaware. 

 

Although there is 100 year time gap, other Bandys can be found in Accomack County through 1810.  For example, in the 1772 will of Joshua Riggs, daughter Mary Bandy is listed as a residual legatee.[10]  Mary's 1775 will lists Isaac Riggs as her administrator.[11]  I assume it is the same  Mary.  Sally Bandy is listed as an heir in the 1777 will of Isaac Riggs where she is identified as "my cousin."[12]   Kendall Bandy married Rosey Bunting on October 26, 1799.[13]  Kendall is listed in the census of 1800 for Accomack County.[14]  His age is listed as between 16 and 25 as is his wife (Rosey).  They are listed as having two children, a boy and a girl, both under age 10.  Kendall married Rachel Penn on July 5, 1804.[15]  Caleb Bandy is listed in the 1810 census of Accomack County (p. 12).  It is not clear whether Caleb and Kendall are the same person.  Caleb's  age is listed as being between 26 and 45, and he is listed as living with a boy under age 10 and a girl between the ages of 10 and 15. As noted later in this chapter, it is possible that Caleb’s last name may possibly be Bundy.  In 1820, Kendal Bandy is listed in the Elizabeth City County census (p. 115).  Elizabeth City is across the Chesapeake from Accomack County.  He and the only female in the household are both listed as being over age 45.  The only other member of the household is a boy between ages of 10 and 15.

 

It is of course possible that these individuals are all somehow related, possibly as descendants, of the early persons with the name Band and/or Bandy.  Given the very small population of Virginia in the 1600's and geographic proximity of the individuals it is very possible that the Bands and Bandys are the same family.  In 1635, just before John Band acquired land, the population of Virginia was only 5,119.[16]  As many individuals at that time could not write, the varied spellings may simply reflect the recorders’ interpretations of the names reported to them.

 

The descendants of this early group could have spread explaining, perhaps in part, the several pockets of Bandys along the eastern seaboard.  These records of Bandys in Virginia in the mid-1600's establish that Bandys were among the earliest European settlers, and suggest that the group could be ancestors of some, perhaps many, Bandys in America today.  The time gap between the earliest group found in the area in the 1600's and the latter group found in the late 1700's is puzzling.  Did members of the group move away or die out?  If they did move on, was it to Maryland?

 

Bandys/Bannings of Talbot County, Maryland

 

The name Bandy is found not only on both sides of Chesapeake Bay  in Virginia, but also in nearby Talbot County, Maryland beginning in the early 1700's. Talbot County also is located on Cape Charles north of Accomack County, Virginia indicating that it would have been a short move.

 

Two theories are offered here regarding the origin of this group.  One obvious theory is that the Bandys of Maryland are descendants of the earlier Virginia Bandys.  A second theory is that this second group is unrelated to the Virginia Bandys.  The Maryland group may consist of individuals who were originally named Banning (or Bannin or Baning).  As noted, surviving records refer to several members of the groups sometimes  as Bandy (or Bande) and other times  as  Banning (or Bannin or Baning). For example, apparently the first Edward Banning is identified as Ed Bandy in the  list of debtors owing money to Abraham Johnson in 1701 in Maryland, county not listed.[17]

 

The first reference to either name in Maryland is to Edward Banning (referred to here as Edward (I)) in Talbot County land records on February 16, 1676 when he witnessed a deed.  He purchased land himself in 1690.  Edward died in 1710 and his will was probated in 1712.[18]  He  married two or more times.[19]  His will lists Thomas and Eliza as young children born of his former wife.   They  are left to the charge of his wife Susannah.  The will also lists sons John, William, Edward, and Andrew.  The will raises an obvious question.  Why are the children born of his former wife identified as his young children?  One would expect the children born to his former wife to be his older children.  If John, William, Edward, and Andrew were older, were they Susannah’s children?  Three possible theories are offered.  One is that the four older sons are the children of Edward (I) and yet another, earlier wife.  The second theory is that they are actually Edward’s step-children, the sons of Susannah and her first husband.  The third theory is that all of the children were all born to Edward’s first wife.  Edward‘s mention of the younger children is intended to make clear his desire that the minor children be left to the care of his widow. 

 

Of course, there is the possibility that some of the older sons are from one marriage, and some from another.  A combination of the first two theories would explain why the sons do not share equally in Edward’s estate.  It would also explain why some of the descendent’s seem to be referred to as Bandy.  That is, their father’s name was Bandy.  As his will was written in 1704, Thomas and Eliza may well by grown and even married by the time of their father’s death in 1710.  In 1727, Susannah left her estate to daughter Susannah Bannin (Jr.).[20]  This daughter may possibly have been born to Susannah and Edward after he wrote his will in 1804.  The six children mentioned in Edward’s will are:

 

·                     Elizabeth Banning of whom no definite record of has been found.  An Elizabeth Banning married John Brocking about 1700.  On July 27, 1730 an Elizabeth Bandy married Joshua Clark in St. Peter's Parish.[21]   Given the elapsed time she is assumed to be someone other than Edward’s daughter, thought it could be Elizabeth’s second marriage.

 

·                     Thomas Banning ( ? - by 1726) apparently married Hannah Jones.  John, William, and Richard (sons of Thomas’ brother John) lived with Thomas in 1719, after John's death.  Hannah was given land by her father, in Queen Ann, Maryland in 1721.  It is not clear whether Thomas and Hannah had children of their own.  By 1726, Thomas is dead.  Edward’s will, written in 1704, identifies Thomas as a minor.  During the next 20 years he reached maturity, married, gained custody of three  nephews, and died.

 

·                     John Banning (? - by 1724)  married a daughter of Richard Purnell, and they had three sons John,  William, and Richard. After their father’s death, the three sons lived with their uncle Thomas and his wife Hannah (see above). After Thomas died, they lived with their uncle Andrew.

:

??        John Banning about whom little, if anything, is known.  It is possible that he could be the John Bandy who moved to Virginia and is identified as serving in the Militia in Augusta County in 1758 (see below).   Could be the John Bandy who is found in Halifax County, North Carolina in 1765 and 1779 (see Chapter 3).  Could he be the John Bandy who died in the 2^nd Maryland Regiment during the American Revolution? See below.

 

??        William Banning ( ? - 1780) married an Ann and they had at least four children.[22]  It is not clear that this William is John’s son as the records are from Caroline County.

 

???     William Banning (March 17, 1750 - 1796) married Rebecca Cheezum on June 21, 1774.

 

???     Thomas Banning (? - buried July 14, 1756)

 

???     John Banning (September 5, 1755 - buried October 8, 1756)

 

???     Elianor Bell Banning (February 2, 1756 - ? ).  See Chapter 10, for possibly more regarding Elianor.

 

??        Richard Banning [23] (about 1715 - 1742) who married Ester Millson (more likely Wilson) on November 30, 1737. After Richard’s death, Ester married Matthew Jarratt.  Richard and Ester lived in Dover, Delaware and had sons:

 

???     John Banning (1740- February 15,1791) was a contributor of money and services helping establish the state government of Delaware.  John was a member of the electoral college casting Delaware’s vote for George Washington as first president. John married Elizabeth Alford, daughter of Philip and Charity Alford, in 1766.[24]  Their children include:

 

???·    John Alford Banning

 

???·    Sarah (Sally) Banning

 

???     Phineas Banning (1740 - 1791) is referred to as Bandy or Bundy in his father-in-law's will.  Phineas first married Priscilla Cardeen, daughter of William and Rachel Cardeen, and then married Phebe, last name unknown. Phebe later married Joseph Barker. Phineas is attributed five children.  It is not known which children were born to Priscilla and which to Phebe.

 

???·    Elizabeth Banning

 

???·    Ester Banning

 

???·    Nathaniel Banning

 

???·    Priscilla Banning

 

???·    Gertrude Banning

 

???     Richard Banning (1730's -  1811) married Mary Russell ( ? - by 1779). One account reports children:

 

                                                                        ???·    Charles  Banning

 

???·    James  Banning

 

???·    Ester  Banning

 

???·    White  Banning

 

???·    Sanford  Banning

 

An alternative report lists only a daughter:

 

???·    Elizabeth Banning

 

·                     William Banning  (1692 - by 1746) married Jane Spencer (?- by 1767) about 1722, and they had somewhere between three and five sons. After William’s death, Jane married Nicholas Goldsborough, Jr. (February 17, 1704 - November 14, 1756) who adopted the sons.  After Jane’s marriage to Nicholas, the sons continued to go by the name Banning.  Nicholas' will, probated in 1756 in Talbot County named Jane, Jeremiah, Henry, and Anthony as heirs.[25]    (By many accounts James was the father, and William was the grandfather of  Jeremiah and his brothers. It is not certain which is the case. It is possible that some are the sons of James and others are the sons of William.) However, on November 5, 1744 the Vestry Minutes of St. Michaels Parish indicate that Nicholas Goldsborough, Jr. and Jane Banning, wife of William Banning were to come forth and show cause why they should not be proceeded against on a suspicion of lewdness and or incontinency. They declined to appear and the charge was postponed to another meeting. This does indicate that William and Jane were married.

 

William also wrote his name as William Bandy,[26] and his name is listed as William Bandy in the 1833 Talbot County Tax List.[27] William Bandy sold 50 acres of land called Goose Neck on April 30, 1745 (land he apparently inherited from his father Edward).  He and his wife leased the land back on May 8, 1745.  In the lease William's wife is listed as Jane, and the last name is listed as Banning. Children include:

 

??        James Banning (about 1724 - July 27, 1767) married Anjelica Frazier (1726 - ?) daughter of Benoni and Cecilah Frazier.[28]    Is it possible he is the James Bandy found in central North Carolina?  The dates of birth and death are consistent with the known activities of James Bandy.  The Banning family record reports his birth and death in Dorchester, Maryland. Nevertheless, son Benoni did move to Burke County in western North Carolina. Several believed descendants of the central North Carolina group did move to Burke County. James and Anjelica’s children include:

 

???     Benoni Banning (June 26,1744 - February 25,1827) married Ann Clark (December 3, 1749 - March 3, 1824) daughter of Abraham Clark and Elizabeth Williams  (December 3,1749 - March 3, 1824) on January 3,1769 in Dorchester County, Maryland. They moved to Washington County, Virginia and then to Burke County, North Carolina. The proximity to various Bandy households suggests some tie. Their children include:

 

???·    Clark Banning (September 25, 1769- ? ) married Ann Wiley about 1790 in Talbot County. They lived in Maryland and West Virginia then moved to Cumberland County, Kentucky in 1806, and on to Greene County, Illinois.   He was a Methodist minister. Clark and Ann’s 14 children include:

 

????? James Banning (December 6, 1792 - October 13, 1817)

 

????? Thomas Wiley Banning (March 19, 1794 - April 30, 1873)

 

????? Ann Banning (October 23, 1795 - November 6, 1798)

 

????? John K. Banning (August 26, 1797 - November 6, 1798)

 

????? Benoni Banning (January 11, 1799 - ? ) married a Mary, last name unknown.

 

????? Alexander Banning (May 20, 1800 - ? ) married Elizabeth Smith.

 

????? Clark Banning (February 14, 1804 - February 22, 1874) married Jane Beaty.

 

????? Frazier Banning (August 14, 1804 - February 22, 1874) married Rebecca Watson.

 

????? Mary Banning (April 4, 1806 - ? ) married a Johnson.

 

????? Jeremiah Banning (December 31, 1807 - ? ) married Isabel Matilda Campbell.

 

????? Williamson Banning (September 23, 1809  - ? ) married Nancy Johnson.

 

????? Elizabeth Banning (May 15, 1811 - ? ) married William Johnson.

 

????? Nancy Banning (March 10, 1813 - ? )

 

????? Henry Banning (April 16, 1814 - ? ) married Mary, last name unknown.

 

????   Elizabeth Banning (March 18,1772 - October 27, 1851) married William Fullwood (November 10, 1763 - October 27, 1851) on April 6, 1797, and they had seven children.

 

????   Angelica Banning (April 26, 1775 or  76- October 5, 1863) married Jonathan Bird (January 22, 1764 - July 12, 1848) on January 9, 1798, and they had 11 children.

 

????   Sarah Banning (May 2, 1778 - ? ) married John (or possibly Abram) Hill on November 25, 1815.

 

????   Frazier Banning (January 1, 1781 - August 6, 1844) married Elizabeth Allison (about 1784 - May 9, 1863) about 1804, and they had nine children. She was the daughter of Thomas and Cassandra (Bird) Allison.

 

????   James Banning (March 31, 1783 - 1860's) married Jemima Allison

(1791 - 1870's) about 1808, and they had six children.

 

????   Alexander Banning (October 1785 - 1848) married Lucinda (last name unknown) ( ? - 1842) about 1828.  He married Nancy C. Petty (1802 - ? ) on September 9, 1846.  They had nine children.

 

????   Jeremiah Banning (August 26, 1788 - May 1861 ) married Elizabeth Ann Brooks in 1811 in Buncombe County, North Carolina.  They lived in Cumberland County, Kentucky in 1820, and later moved to Shelby County, Illinois.  He married Ann Redmon on September 4, 1849, and Sarah Simmerman or Ammerman on January 26, 1858.  He had eight children.

 

????   Henry Banning (March 19, 1790 - 1869) married Nancy Glass (1798 - ? ), and they had three children.

 

????   Philadelphia Banning [29] (February 4, 1794 - 1874) married John Kelly on September 12, 1850, and they had 3 children. 

 

???     James Banning ( November 30, 1746 - November 9, 1826) married Mercy Coffin (April 5, 1753 - November 6, 1833) of Edgartown,  Massachusetts. on July 21, 1774 and they had seven children:

 

????   James Banning (January 2, 1778 - ? )

 

????   Infant

 

????   Henry Banning (May 24, 1782 - ? )

 

????   William Banning (May 2, 1784 - ? )

 

????   Frazier Banning (May 25, 1786 - ? )

 

????   Mercy Banning (July 11, 1790 - ? )

 

????                                                               Jeremiah Banning (October 31, 1792 - October 2, 1872) died in Goshen, Indiana.                                   

 

???     Anjelica Banning (December 17, 1749 - ? )

 

???     Sarah Banning (May 25, 1752 - ? ) or (May 2, 1743 - ? ) or (October 10, 1748 - ? ).  The different birth dates may be the result of confusion between different Sarah Bannings.

 

???     Jeremiah Banning (March 5, 1756 - ? )

 

???     Alexander Banning (September 16, 1759 - ? )

 

??        Andrew Banning (1726 - 1797)

 

??        Jeremiah Banning (March 25, 1733- December 23, 1798) was a merchant and mariner who married. He had or adopted three children. He was Colonel in the 38^th Battalion of Militia during the American Revolution.  He represented Talbot County in the General Convention held in Annapolis to ratify and confirm the federal government (that is, Convention to ratify the U. S. Constitution).

 

???     Robert Banning (January 16, 1776 - September 17, 1845) “left a numerous family” including:

 

????   Mary E. Banning

 

???     Clementine  Banning married a Hopkins.

 

???     Freeborn  Banning  (1777 - 1826) married the daughter of Henry Geddes. He perhaps also married Elizabeth Mankin on January 2, 1821 in Talbot County, Maryland.  Freeborn received his name because he was born shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

 

????   Henry Banning

 

??        Henry Banning (ca. 1736-1818) was a Maryland state legislator.  Henry Banning's children included:

 

???     Anthony Banning

 

???     Thomas Banning

 

???     John Wesley Banning

 

???     Jane Banning who married Richard Parrott.

 

???     Ann Banning who married James Earle Denny (? - ca. 1802) .

 

???     and a daughter who married John Kersey.[30]

 

??        Anthony Banning (1740- February 27, 1787) lived in Chestertown, Kent County.  He married Anna Calder (1740 - December 1, 1773) daughter of James Calder and Anna Murry. They had one son and two daughters.

 

·                     Edward Banning (II) had two sons Charles and Edward, Jr. and perhaps a daughter Susanna.   The 1733 Talbot County Tax List includes Edward Bandy and Edward Bandy Junr/2 along with William Bandy.[31] There is no information on his wife’s identity.

 

??        Charles Banning’s (August 1, 1700 - 1742) birth is recorded in the records of St. Michael's Parish, Talbot County on August 1, 1700.[32]   Charles Banning married Jane Marshall on February 5, 1721.[33]    They had two sons and four daughters.

 

???     Rachel Bandy was born on October 2, 1723. Rachel (Banning) married Isaac Edwards on October 9, 1740.  She, perhaps is the Rachel Banning who married William Moon in December 1744. 

 

???     Thomas was born on March 2, 1728 (although in this instance the parents’ last named is spelled Bande).[34]

 

???     Charles Bandy  (Jr.) was born on April 4, 1730.[35]  Martha Bandy is listed as the heir to her father’s 1752 Talbot County, Maryland will along with her husband Charles Bandey Her father was Charles Ganon, planter, and her mother was Rachel Draper. Rachel islater  identified as Charles’ widow, now the wife of Solomon Draper.[36]

 

???     Elizabeth Baning was born to Charles and Jane on March 21, 1731.

 

???     Jane Bandy was born on May 2, 1734.

 

???     Sarah Bandy was born on September 2, 1736.  

 

Charles apparently married a second time. Charles Baning married Rachel Humphryes on January  9, 1739. His 1742 will lists wife Rachel and all children except daughter Rachel.

 

??        Edward Banning (III) who is referred to as Edward, Jr.  In 1733, Edward Bandy, Edward Bandy, Junr., and William Bandy were all listed as taxpayers in Bullenbrook Hundred, Talbot County, Maryland.[37]  It is unclear whether the William listed in the tax record in a third son, Edward's brother William, or Edward's nephew (John's son William).  In 1748, brothers Charles and Edward were privates in Captain Thomas Parker's Talbot County militia.[38]

 

??        Susanna Banning (May 20, 1703 - ? )

·                     Andrew Bande ( ? - by 1763) married Deborah Wilson Dudley, on April 25, 1728, in St. Peter's Parish in Talbot County.[39]   She was previously married to Richard Dudley (in 1718).  Her maiden name was Wilson, and she was the sister of Ester who married Richard. Andrew Bandy received payment from the estate of Isaac Cox in 1755 in Talbot County. Maryland. Andrew Banning received payment from the estate of John Dyas in 1756 in Talbot County, Maryland.[40] 

 

After the death of their father John and uncle Thomas, nephews John, William, and Richard lived with Andrew. In 1724, nephew William selected Andrew as his guardian.  In 1733, nephew Richard is listed in Andrew’s household in the Talbot County tax list. Andrew’s 1763 Talbot County estate lists William Banning as his accountant.   William is assumed to be Andrew’s nephew (son of brother John).  Next-of-kin are listed as Elizabeth Modey and Andrew Banning who are assumed to be Andrew’s children.  If William were Andrew’s son it seems that he would also be listed as next-of-kin.

 

??        Elizabeth Banning who married a Modey.

 

??                                                        Andrew Bande                      

 

·                     No information is available on daughter Susannah Banning.

 

John Bandy of Maryland

 

The only known death of a Bandy in the American Revolution is John who served in Col. Thomas Price's 2nd Maryland Regiment.[41]  Where he lived prior to his service is unknown. Perhaps he is Edward Banning’s descendent through his son John.  As many as eight other Bandys served in the Revolution in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and possibly Georgia.[42]

 

John Bandy of Augusta County, Virginia

 

John Bandy received pay for 100 days of service under Col. John Buchanan on January 8, 1758.[43]  No other definite record of this John is found.  Is this John a descendent of the John Band who acquired land in costal Virginia in 1637?  Is he the same John or father of the John who died in the Revolution?   Is he John Banning discussed above?  Is he the John who was a witness to two real estate transactions in North Carolina?

 

Other Maryland Residents

 

There are other references to Bannings who may be another group or alternatively may simply be references to this same group.  The principal reference is found in the Genealogical and Biographical Records of the Banning and Allied Families.[44]  The discussion found in that work is somewhat difficult to follow, but does refer to three brother John, James, and Richard Banning.  John Banning is listed as living in Talbot County, Maryland.  Their father’s name is not listed.  He is referred to as “John Doe” Banning. They are described as descending from Robert Banning of Burbage, England through John (I), born 1539, John (II.), born 1565, John (III), born 1613, Stephen (I),  Stephen (II) and “John Doe.”  The most curious aspect of the information is that the names of the three brother match the names of three early Bandys who were found in Virginia and North Carolina.

 

Others who remain unattributed include Sarah Banning who married Sam’l Small on May 29, 1739.[45]  The Talbot County will of Philip Banan (Banin) probated February 2, 1738 lists wife Mary, daughter Mary, and sons Philman, William, Quilton, and Henry.[46]

 

David Banning, son of Isaac and Hulda, had daughters Harriet (1726 - ? ) and Susanna (1732 - ? ) and sons Hyrum (1728 - ? ) and Milo (1730 - ? ).

 

How they are related to the other members of the group is unknown.

 

The Bannings of Connecticut

 

John Banning (1678 - 1759) married Sarah Tiffany about 1703 and Mary Daniels Roland about 1751. They lived in Lyme, Connecticut.  Their children include Elizabeth Banning (1705 - April 26, 1738) who married John Brockway on March 1, 1726 or 27. A second daughter, name unknown,  was born about 1707 and died about 1730.  John Banning (1712 - 1755) married Margaret De Wolfe on July 15, 1734 and Jeremine Marvin on May 22, 1744. John and Margaret had Benjamin (1740 - ? ). Jeremine and John had William (November 5, 1747 - ? ),  Ebenesor (February 6, 1745 - ? ),  Joseph (August 6, 1748 - ? ), Margaret (August 6, 1750 - ? ), and Sarah (April 20, 1753 - ? ). Information relating to the two Johns may be confused.

 

Samuel Banning (1713 - April 22, 1803) married a Hannah about 1738 and Eleanor Barnes about 1768.  One source lists his date of death as 1760. He may have married Lydia Scoel, and their children included David, Samuel (1710 - 1800), Abner, and perhaps Elizabeth (1705 - April 26, 1738).[47] Note that Samuel’s birth date and the birth date of the children are inconsistent. Mary Banning (1718 - March 4, 1742 or 43) married John Wood and George Reed.

 

The Bundys of North Carolina

 

Most early records were hand written and many are difficult to read.  As a result, words that are similar in appearance are often very difficult to tell apart--especially when context is not sufficient to determine the actual meaning.  The Bundy family settled in eastern North Carolina in Pasquotank and Perquimans counties around 1683 or 1684, and over time spread into several locations where the Bandy family members are also found.  That creates a significant challenge. Often it is very difficult to determine whether a written record refers to an individual named Bandy or an individual named Bundy.  In a number of instances references to the same individual are sometimes listed as Bandy and other times as Bundy. Here are a few instances were references may well be to individuals named Bundy.

 

Revolutionary War records refer to a Simon Bandy serving in North Carolina, and a Simon Bundy moved to Tennessee in the early 1800's.

 

Caleb Bandy is listed in the 1810 Accomack County, Virginia  census. Caleb Bundy and Caleb Bundy, Jr. are both listed in the 1820 Pasquotank County, North Carolina census. The two locations are geographically close.

 

David Bundy son of Benjamin and Ruth Bundy moved to Wilson County, Tennessee from Pasquotank County, North Carolina prior to May 10, 1812. There he married Frances Martin. David Bandy is listed in the 1820 Sumner County, Tennessee census on the same page as several individuals named Bandy. As the identity of this David is not known he could be David Bundy.  However, there is a record David Bandy in Virginia in the late 1700, and the David  listed in the 1820 census is shown as being over age 45 indicating he is old enough to be the same individual. The Sumner County taxable Property and Polls list for 1812 list David, Henry, and John Bundy as well as Jamison, Joseph, Perren, and Solomon Bandy. Bundy family records suggest that David eventually moved on to Kentucky.  

 

Nathan Bundy married Hannah Munden on February 25, 1817 in Pasquotank County, North Carolina.  Nathan Bandy is listed in the 1820 Wilson County, Tennessee census.  However, two Nathan Bundys are listed in the 1820 Pasquotank County, North Carolina census and one is listed in the Perquimans County. 

 

At this point it seems unlikely that the two group descend from the same ancestors as the Bundy family  record seems fairly complete.  That is, the early family members names and relationships are established.  Nevertheless, it is possible that there was come confusion with respect to individuals in the early 1800's when individuals from both groups are found in the same vicinities.  Therefore, it is not assumed that the Bandy and Bundy families are related.  It is, however, noted that John Bandy who moved to Kentucky, Indiana, and on to Iowa and who reported a Virginia birthplace could possibly be descended from Caleb if he did spend time in Virginia.  There is no real evidence to support a conclusion that they are definitely related. Some early reference to John do spell the name  Bundy as well as the name Bandy and Banda. See Chapter 2 for details regarding John’s descendants.

 

Conclusions

 

The early Maryland group is identified by variations of  the names Banning and Bandy, a fact that creates, at the same time, curiosity and confusion.  The variations include Banning, Banin, Bannin, Banen, Bannen, Bannett, Banott, Bande, and Bandy.  It is more than just a coincidence.  These three facts are noted:

 

·                     As noted a John, James, and Richard Banning are listed in the Genealogical and Biographical Records of the Banning and Allied Families as living in Maryland, but there is little record of their having descendants.  Did they move to Virginia and North Carolina and become known as Bandy?

 

·                     In several cases the same individual is identified by the names Bandy and Banning. Some examples of this are noted earlier in this chapter.

 

·                     The first names associated with the early Maryland residents include names common to many Bandys later found in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and elsewhere.  Examples include Richard, Solomon, Robert, James, Greenbury, William, Thomas, John, and Hugh.

 

·                     Both families report traditions of a Huguenot origin, a move to England to avoid religious persecution, and an eventual move to the colonies.  Not all facts match. The Banning family  reportedly is Dutch while the Bandy family reportedly had its origin in France.  Neither family has any direct evidence of its origin.  

 

·                     Finally, is the fact that several Bannings left Maryland and moved to the same areas where Bandys chose to settle.  For example, Bandys and Bannings are both found  in Burke County, North Carolina in the late 1700's and  early 1800's.   The Bannings (sometimes spelled Baning) include Benoni (discussed above) along with James and Alexander (Benoni’s sons) and Francis (who probably is Benoni’s son Frazier).  The Bandys include George, David, Bryant, Jesse, and William. George eventually settled in Lincoln County in a part that eventually became Catawba County.

 

Benoni had previously lived in Washington County, Virginia which at the time included part of what became Tazewell County  where the town Bandy, Virginia is now located. This area is still home to many Bandys.

 

In 1820, Benoni’s sons, Clark and Jeremiah, both lived in Cumberland County, Kentucky as did George Bandy, son of 1795 Richard. Clark moved to Greene County, Illinois, and Jeremiah (along with brothers Alexander and Frazier) moved to Shelby County, Illinois.  Elihu and Horatio Bandy (sons of Thomas and grandsons of 1795 Richard) both lived in Greene County at the time.   Also, Thomas Bandy (Horatio’s son) settled in Montgomery County which is adjacent to Shelby County.  Other Bandys settled in Edgar (e.g., Amborse, John,  and Jubel) and Vermillion (e.g., William) Counties, both one county away from Shelby.

 

John Banning (1764 - 1833 or 39) and Thomas (thought to be the great grandson of the first Edward, grandson of William, and son of Henry), both settled in Rockbridge County, Virginia which is adjacent to both Botetourt and Bedford Counties where 1795 Richard lived.

 

Nevertheless, the specific relationships that exists between members of these groups is yet to be established.