The history of the Foscue (Fosque) family in America begins with SYMON FORTESCUE, who is in the "Original
Lists of Persons of Quality" by Holten (p.268), with a patent for 100 acres in the Corporacon of Charles Cittie, Va., - prior
to 1625. Records show that he did come several years prior to 1625 and that he died at sea on his way back to England to settle
some affairs. Records of the Virginia Company in London, Oct. 31, 1621, show Capt. Henry Ffortescue (uncle and administrator
for the estate of Symon Fortescue "who died at sea on his return to England") asking the court to assist in recovery of lands,
goods and debts for the deceased.
He apparently left a wife and at least one child on the Virginia Eastern Shore where court records show many
generations of Symon Foscues, with many various spellings of the name!
They lived in Northampton County near Hungars Creek, where in 1691, Simon Foscue, with a partner bought
a plantation "or divident of land" called Nevilles Neck (about 675 acres) for 32,400 lbs. tobacco. The home known as Vauxhall stands
today but is no longer in the Foscue family. There is a story that about 200 years ago, it was lost in a card game played
in front of a mirror in which Foscue's cards were seen. The mirror is said to be still in the house.
Simon Foscue and his wife Anne had several children including Barbara who married
Henry Blair and was the grandmother of Christian who married Whitttington Johnson (1st).
The will of Simon Foscue in 1717, mentions "My eldest son Simon, now at the Southerd" which meant Hyde County, NC.
Records of a council held at Bath Town 14th day March, 1745-46, list the Petition of Simon Fortescue, showing he had a patent
granted him for 470 acres of land lying in Hyde County in year 1704-5; that soon after the Indian War broke out: "your petitioner
was shot in the head, his wife and children taken prisoners and carried away; his home burnt down, all lost. And he has continued
ever since to pay just rent, etc." His petition for the land was granted. He remarried and apparently prospered,
for in his will (Hyde County, 1751), he leaves substantial legacies to his 9 children, including two sons, Simon and Richard
(perhaps a third) who had settled on the Trent River in what was then Craven County.
The Foscue
Plantation House built in 1803-04 is open for tours. The house stood at the heart of a sprawling plantation,
reputed to have covered up to 10,000 acres on the Trent River between New Bern and Pollocksville. Today, this tasteful example
of Old South plantation life stands tall as a majestic reminder of the era. During the War Between the States, it served as
a hospital for the Northern troops, and it was the only house left standing along what is now Highway 17. This 200 year old
architectural gem is located on the coast on Highway 17, between New Bern and Pollocksville, NC, about 10 miles from New Bern.
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