The Compendium of American Genealogy, Volume VII, Lineage Records, Page 662, Came from Wales to Henrico County, VA ante 1641
LOV book 6 p 211, Archives Richmond lists Godfrey Ragsdale buying 450 acres on the north side of the Appomattox River in Henrico County from John Butler
From Godfrey Ragsdale by Caroline Skelton, p 7: Henrico Co, VA, book 6, p 211 land purchase 300 acres on the north side of the Appomatox River from John Butler, February 25, 1642, joined 150 acres granted to John Cookney at "Old Town" May 18, 1638
Tradition says that the entire family was wiped out by the Indians, except a baby, Godfrey b. 1644, "Opechancanough Day" or "Massacre Day", April 18, 1644 was celebrated in Virginia for years. It was named for the instigator, the half brother of Powhatan, father of Pocohontas.
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Historical Notes on Isle of Wight County, Helen Haverty King, Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors, 1993, pp 6-8
On Good Friday, March 22, 1622, Powhatan led an Indian attack on plantations and settlements along the James River killing 347 or the 1240 inhabitants in a few hours. After Powhatan's death his brother, Opecancanough, who bitterly hated the whites, organized the tribes. On Good Thursday, April 17, 1644, the Indians killed from three hundred to five hundred persons, mostly on the northern side of the James RIver. Sir William Berkeley, governor at the time, led a counter attack, captured Opecancanough and imprisoned him. A peace was again established, this time lasting for a generation.
