On August 6th, I placed a query regarding Susannah, wife of Solomon DAY of
Stafford Co., VA and following his death, of John DAVIS.   To recap, I cited
several secondary sources that listed her as being a WYATT before her
marriage and outlined several theories regarding her birth.

Following a trip to my local library and an examination of the early records
of Stafford County, Virginia, I can now confirm her parentage with one
hundred percent certainty.

The will of "Dannel Mathena" (Daniel MATHENY) of Stafford County, Virginia
was written 26 Nov 1683 and recorded 8 Sep 1686.  In it he mentions his wife,
Sarah "Mathena."  He also lists his "daughter, Susanna Day," bequeathing her
a "mair now in her husband's possession and one cow called Yellow  both of
them and their increase to her and heires of her owne body for ever." (sic)

On 8 June 1687, Susanna Day, "the Widdow of Solomon Day" presented the
inventory of her husband's estate. 

On 10 June 1691, John DAVIS and his wife, Susannah, "late the relict of
Solomon Day," of Stafford Co., VA became involved in litigation with William
and Sarah Matheny involving a land dispute regarding land bought by Solomon
Day and Susannah's father.   

So, it can be proven that Daniel and Sarah Matheny had a daughter, Susannah
Matheny, who was born about 1662.  She was married to Solomon Day, of
Stafford Co., VA who died in 1687.  She was married by 10 Jun 1691 to John
Davis of Stafford Co., VA. 

This should be a cautionary tale for those who to willingly accept what they
see in print in secondary sources.  For the better part of the last century
Susannah, this lady of mystery, has been identified as a Wyatt and various
theories have been put forth regarding her ancestry.  One thorough
examination of the primary source records, taking less than an hour, refutes
a century of speculation in secondary sources.

I would welcome any comments and observations.

Charles Ward
CMW12635@aol.com

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