John Varnell 1639
In 1657, John Varnell was listed with the House of Corrections of London, charge unknown, he was sentenced to be transported to Colonial America. John Varnell was transported to Colonial America in the New Kent area in 1657, ironically aboard the ship"Increase", which was in command of his father, Thomas Varnell. Approximately 6 years later two of John's children were also listed with the House of Corrections in London, under sentence of death, unless they agreed to be transported to Colonial America, in Feb. of 1663 they were transported to America. They were Johanna & Arthur Varnell, they arrived in late 1663. (There is some debate about the foregoing event and the trial that was documented may have referred to a different individual. EC)

From " Cavaliers and Pioneers" Mr. Wm. Presly, 1000 acres, in Petomeck Freshes about 3 miles above land called Mr. Robert Clerke's land. Ely. upon sd. river, Sly. upon land of Mr. Francis Grey & John Lancelott. 15 July1657, pg. 116,Trans. if 20 pers., listed is Jno Varnell. ( John). Between 1740 and 1770, Hundreds of Virginians moved to North Carolina as a result of the Virginia Legislature passing a law requiring all colonist that were not residents to acquire ten acres of land for each head of stock they owned ranging in the colony of Nansemond County, Virginia, or to become citizens of Nansemond County, which meant higher taxes and purchasing land for England, and then paying taxes to England for such lands purchased. This action caused many colonist to migrate to the Albermarle Precient of North Carolina, some settled in Gates County, while others went on to Onslow County. It is believed that John settled in the Gates County area in the Edenton District. It seems that the last name of the family began to have different spellings at this time. In the Albemarle Precinct council minutes, there are several variations of the spelling of Varnell. The most common in reference to the "Minutes" is Varnham, and Farnell.
                      [Council Minutes, Wills, and Inventories State Statute 874.2 1677 - 1701. ]
Albermarle County, November Court 1679 (1) Present: John Harvey Richard Foster Jno. Willoughby,John Jenkins,Antho Slocum, Robert Holden, William Crawford, James Bluntt, John Varnham (Varnell).
This is a list of County Council Members, and Public Adminestrators, Doly Elected and sworn to up hold the beliefs and will minded interst of said county. 9-(5) 12 Feb 1679 Lords Proprietors deputies: Anthony [ torn], (probably Slocum), Will. Crawford, Robart(Robert) Holden; Assistants James Blountt & John Varnham(Varnell). Stephen Hanncock at Berkeley Precinct Court held 12 Feb 1679 past was granted administration of Robert Pane who died intestate. Sd Hancock had married sd Pane's relict.- Granted. 15- (5) John Varnham (Varnell) of this said county, as attorney to Calleb Lambe of New England, appears as greatest credit of Thomas Bellerby. Administration granted. 26- (16)
   29 Mar 1680. William Therill applies by his marriage to the relict to administer the estate of Francis Godfrey of sd county who died intestate and the executrix has also died. John Hunt, Timothy Meades, George Durant, and Thomas Finkley to appraise. Signed:John Jenkins, Anthony Slocum, Robt. Holden, William Crawford.29 Mar 1680. William Sherill, Capt. Varnham (Varnell), and Goerge Durant of Albemarle County post bond of 300 pounds sterling of England to administer the estate. Witnessed: John Jenkins, Robt. Holden. 27- (18)
   29 Mar 1680. Capt. Varnall (Varnell), of sd county applies as attorney to Caleb Lambe merchant of New England as greatest creditor to administer the estate of Thomas Bellerby of this sd county who died intestate. Joseph Gilbert and Edward Smithwick to appraise.Signed: John Jenkins, Anthony Slocum, Robt Holden, William Crawford.
   29 Mar 1680. John Varnham (Varnell), William Wilkiston, and Edward Smithwick of sd county post bond of 30,000 pounds of tobacco to administer the estate. Witnessed: John Jenkins, and Robert Holden. 32- (26)
   1680 Anthony Waters of Albemarle County as "nearest con,erned"applies to administer the estate of Henry White of sd county who died intestate. If he refuses, then Capt. James Blount and Capt. John Varnham (Varnell) may assign administration to whom they choose.
   ?1680. Posted bond of 20,000 pounds of tobacco to administer the estate. (No names listed as administrators). From "Cavaliers and Pioneers" Pat. Bk. 4 Herbert Smith, Gent., 500 acres Westmoreland County, 3 oct 1656, pg. 57, ?S. Wly. upon upper Matchoticke River & to the head line of Thomas Peake, dec'd., now land of said Smith 250 acres granted to him 15 Sept 1651 & the residue for trans. of 5 pers. John Ingrum, John Varnell, John simmes, Edward Stephens, Math Skipp. Renewed 18 Mar 1662. Mr. Richard Whitehead, 2000 acres, Rappa & New Kent Co. on W. side Portobago Path; 8 Apr 1674, pg 508. Listed is John Varnell, actually listed as Jno Varnell. He eas shipped to Americaq on father (Tom's) ship Increase).   [LDS files]

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