Notes

Note in brief clarification related to the allegation that Jacob Harley was the "Earl of Oxford" by Doug Couch, owner of this website:

This family legend seems to be unfounded. One website (site not recorded) which cited this "title" stated that it was a term of endearment, rather than a bona fide English title. This is a more likely scenario.

The earliest Earls of Oxford (20) all lived too early to have been the father of a Jacob Harley married to Mary Adkins, except perhaps the last, Aubrey de Vere, the 20th Earl of Oxford, rather than the 3rd as often cited as Jacob's father. Records from peerage show both those Earls who succeeded to the position, and those who did not. The Earls of Oxford held the position from 1110-1703.

Also called Earl of Oxford, were the Earls of Oxford and Earl Mortimer. The time period for these Earls is more compatible with the Jacob legend, holding the position from 1661-1853. Of these,
   • the 1st Earl was Robert Harley (1661-1724) who had two sons: Edward & Robert (who died in infancy);
   • the 2nd Earl, Edward Harley (1689-1741) son of Robert (1st Earl) who had only one son, Henry (who died in infancy). Edward failing providing a male heir, was succeeded by his first cousin, Edward Harley (3rd Earl);
   • the 3rd Earl, Edward Harley (1699-1755) cousin of Edward 2nd Earl, had three sons:
      • Edward Harley 4th Earl, (1726-1790) who died without issue and failing providing a male heir was succeeded by his nephew Edward Harley 5th Earl and son of John Harley,
      • John (father of Edward the 5th Earl), and
      • Thomas (Mayor of London).
   • the 5th Earl Edward Harley (1773-1848).

None of these more contemporary Earls' nor any of their sons were named Jacob. This does not prove there was no Jacob son; however, it "may" indicate that if such a son existed, he was illegitimate and not in line for the Earldom and yet could have had substantial wealth.

There were also the Earls of Oxford and Asquith from 1852 to the present day. These Earls were all born too late to have a son named Jacob married to Mary.

If Jacob was known to be a descendant or other relative of an Earl of Oxford, and thus lovingly called an Earl by his family, no connection has been shown. One or two authors of genealogy works have cited him as such, but unless someone produces the basis of such a citation, it has no value.

If there had been a Jacob, Earl of Oxford, or a Jacob in line to become Earl of Oxford, it is unlikely he would run off to North America and abandon such a vast wealth, and there are protocols and expectations involved. It is also unlikely that such a man would have a son, Jacob (Jr.), who would inherit all this wealth and then ignore it in favor of a trip across the Allegheny's, as is sometimes also part of the family legend. Whether a term of endearment or simply a wild family tale, there is little reason to accept it as a fact. If Jacob returned to England, where is the record of such a voyage, as there surely would be one?

It is not proven what the last name of Jacob was; some say it was Harley, others called him Jacob Oxford, but that was not his name.

From Family notes of Virginia Pierce, 290 Gardenia Dr. N, Salem, OR 97303, is listed:
"Mary Adkins is the mother of Jacob Adkins, who married Phoebe Bradshaw. There are several stories about the marriage of Mary Adkins and Jacob __________. We are not sure what his last name is. Some say it is Harley. However, it seems to be a fact that he was sent to America as a tax collector for the crown. They had seven children. Mary's brothers did not like him and fought with him. He was supposed to be the son of an English Earl - the Earl of Oxford. Some people called him Jacob Oxford, but that was not his name. When the Revolutionary War arose, he was called back to England and he did not take Mary and their children wit h him. He never returned to America. When he died he left some money for Mary and the children, but they would have had to go to England and present their claim for it, so they never received anything. Mary raised her family alone and they all turned out to be good people. The children all took their mother's name ADKINS."

children
David
Mark
John
Christina
Jacob Oxford
Sherrod
Nancy

REFN: 1136
From Adkins Family History:
"Mary death is calculated between 1814-20 in Cabell Co. She is buried in an unmarked grave on Beech Fork at the mouth of Bowen's Creek. She settled in land that was granted to her oldest son David for his service in the Revolutionary war. David himself settled in what is today Lawrence Co. Kentucky on land that he also had been granted for Revolutionary service. On Ancestor Chart of Virginia Pierce, it lists Mary Adkins as born 5 Sep 1735 in Cabell Co., Virginia" [huffmanjr.ged]

_P_CCINFO1-65642
[1247726.ftw]
"Mary Adkins is the mother of almost all Adkins descendants of Southwestern West Virginia. With most family researchers her descendants make up the so-called "Royal Line". This Royal Line theory comes from the family oral tradition that Mary lived common law with a descendant of the Earl of Oxford. According to the tradition, he deserted Mary and her children during the Revolutionary War and returned to England. Because the family name of the person that held the title 'Earl of Oxford' during the mid 1700s was Harley it was assumed by almost all researchers that this man's name was Jacob Harley. Mary Adkins is buried in an unmarked grave on Beech Fork at the mouth of Bowen's Creek."