Southampton County Probate Records

Southampton County was created in 1749 from Isle of Wight County, and part of Nansemond County was added later. During the 17th century, shortly after the establishment of Jamestown in 1607, English settlers explored and began settling the areas along Hampton Roads. Most of Southampton County was originally part of Warroquyoake Shire, later called a county. In 1637 the Warrosquyoake Shire was renamed Isle of Wight County. It was in 1749 that the portion of Isle of Wight County west of Blackwater River became Southampton County. The first courthouse was built on the eastern bank of the east bank of the Nottoway River in 1752. The current courthouse building was built in 1834 and is the latest of several which have served the county. Southampton County is the origin of many families of southern Virginia and northern North Carolina. Some early settlers were Edmund Gay, Edmund Jenkins, Edward Lundy, Benjamin Kitchen, Benjamin Harris, Benjamin Clements, Arthur Vick, Ann Kennebrew, Ann Fort, Ambrose Grizard, John Barron, Jesse Drew, Jesse Drake, James Fowler, and more.