Question #2 Answered For Capt. William Odeon/Odean/Odain

Using the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), the second question I needed to answer about Capt. William Odeon: 

I am trying to prove that Capt. William Odeon, who immigrated to Virginia, wrote the will of 25 Jan 1662, and proved 16 Feb 1662, in Elizabeth River, Lower Norfolk County, Virginia. He was the commander of the ship called the Planter.

NOTE: During this time period in Virginia, the new year started March 1. That means that Feb was the last month of the year. All the court records and my timeline reflect this. 

Click this link to see the Analyzing Evidence Sheet.

GPS:
1. Reasonably exhaustive research. - Done
2. Complete and accurate source citations. - Done
3. Thorough analysis and correlation. - Done
4. Resolution of conflicting evidence. - None found
5. Soundly written conclusion based on the strongest evidence. - See below

The Lower Norfolk County, Virginia court records have been microfilmed by the Genealogical Scoiety of Utah and the Norfolk County Courthous Portsmouth, Virginia in June 1950. Family Search has posted the microfilms here.

These are original sources since they are microfilms of the original deed and will court records.  The evidence is primary since they represent real time as the court reported recorded the testimony. The evidence is direct evidence since it answers the question.

The will of William Odeon dated January 25, 1662, is signed "William Odeon".  I wanted to make sure this will was Capt. William Odeon's will.

Firstly, court records of Charles City County, Virginia has an ongoing lawsuit between William Odeon and John Flowers. On June 3, 1661 a respite allowed in dif between John Flowers and Cap’t William ODean, until ODean “come into these parts of the Country.” The court records for the lawsuit end here. Since Capt. William Odeon died in Jan/Feb 1662, he may have died before this issue could be resolved. (Fleet, Beverley,. Charles City County court orders, 1658-1661. Baltimore: Genealogical Pub. Co., 1961. Vol. 12.)

Secondly, on Feb 15, 1662, Francis Sayer, executor, petitions court for the probate of the last will and testament of Capt. William Odeon. Petition granted. The court ordered the appraisal of Capt. William Odeon's estate. On Feb 16, 1662 he  presented the will to the court to be proved and recorded.  (Norfolk County Virginia, Deed Books D - E 1656 - 1675. Subtitles of sections: Deed Book D - 1656-1666, Deed Book E - 1666 - 1675. FHC microfilm number 32824, Family Group number 7645626, image 226 of 630. page 366 Deeds and Wills, V. D - E 1656 - 1675. Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Norfolk County Courthouse Portsmouth, Virginia. June 20, 1950.)

Thirdly, on October 15, 1663, Francis Sayer, executor, acts on behalf of the orphans of Capt. William Odeon, dec'd: William Odean, Ellen Odean, and Richard Odean. Also mentioned were Mary Williams, Elizabeth Manning, and Sarah Weaver. There were three others whose last names I could not decifer. (Norfolk County Virginia, Deed Books D - E 1656 - 1675. Subtitles of sections: Deed Book D - 1656-1666, Deed Book E - 1666 - 1675. FHC microfilm number 32824, Family Group number 7645626, image 243 of 630. p. 383Deeds and Wills, V. D - E 1656 - 1675. Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Norfolk County Courthouse Portsmouth, Virginia. June 20, 1950.)

In conclusion, Capt. William Odeon/Odean/Odian of Elizabeth River, Lower Norfolk County, Virginia, was the person whose last will and testament was signed January 25,1662 and proved on February 16,1662. His executor, Francis Sayer, referred to him as Capt. William Odean and estate papers list his three children who were named in his will. 

As I may have mentioned, Capt. William Odeon is not in my line. Because of an error in this line, I have decided to research him and his children to correct the error. This will slowly happen over the next few posts. 

Happy Hunting - until next time