Skaggs researchers working thorough 17th century records may encounter the time-waster Capt. Thomas Stegge (a.k.a. Stagge, Stagg, Stegg). In 1651 he was sent to America by the English Crown to subdue the colonies of Virginia and Maryland. He was lost in an Atlantic storm on his return to England. He left a son, Thomas Stegge Jr., who died c. 1671 without male issue.
Thomas Stegge Sr. was the first Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses in the 1643 session. Researchers are likely to find references to him in the 1630-1651 time frame in Virginia and perhaps Maryland. References to his son, Thomas Stegge Jr. are likely found in the 1650-1671 time frame. It is important to note that Thomas Jr. did not have a male heir, therefore Stegg, Stagg, Skagg, etc. references after 1671 refer to a different family, perhaps the Skaggs family.
Update: Thomas Stegge Jr. signed a June 1667 complaint by the Governor and Council of Virginia against Lord Baltimore here.
Thanks so much for clarification! Other than Richard Skaggs (1658), who are other possible candidates for being original immigrants for the Skaggs surname?
ReplyDeleteThomas Scag to Virginia prior to 7 September 1654.
DeleteI believe the Thomas Stegge Sr. you mention had a daughter named Grace who was married to John Byrd and together they were parents of Col. Wm. Byrd a well documented early Virginian and progenitor of an influential family. This may contribute to why Skaggs researchers come across the Stegge name and wonder if they connect.
ReplyDelete