It has been established that Joseph Darke, born 1702, moved to Virginia ca 1741 with his wife Mary and children, including William Darke, who became General William Darke (1736-1801). It is also well established that Joseph’s sister Mary married Edward Lucas and they also moved to Virginia to the same area, along with the Buckles family.

I am trying to get the context of other Darke family members in Virginia’s Northern Neck who show up in the land records and also make sense of the fact that most family trees show Joseph dying in 1742.

Edward Lucas shows up in relationship to land ownership in 1749/50, 52, 53, ,61, 62/63. Land is adjacent that of Robert Buckles.

Samuel Darke shows up in relationship to land ownership in 1750 (“he lives on the main road”), 52, 54

Joseph Darke shows up in relationship to land ownership in 1754 (through an assignee), 1758 (letter), 1761/62, 82/63, 70

John Darke is a chain carrier with Joseph in 1762-63

William Darke has a property marker in 1762/63 used to establish someone else’s survey; he intervenes in a property dispute in 1766.

First point is that there is no evidence to support Joseph’s death in 1742 (which is about when he moved to Virginia) and every reason to believe he lived until at least 1770. The land he owned is in the same location as that owned later by his son William. Second point is that the only Samuel Darke I can figure this to be is Joseph’s brother. It may be that he owned land briefly and then left with others for North Carolina because of Indian troubles. Finally, is John Darke the other brother? I don’t know who else it could be.

Any thoughts or information appreciated. I am a descendant of Joseph and his son William.