[Circa 1640]
Captain Thomas Graves-1; John-2; Thomas-3; John-4; Thomas-5; John-6; Ann-7
There is little doubt among researchers that this line's third generation member was THOMAS GRAVES-3. Whether the line is THOMAS-1 THOMAS-2, THOMAS-3, or whether it is THOMAS-1, JOHN-2, THOMAS-3, is not entirely conclusive, though most researchers favor the second line. It is possible, but not likely, that the line could be THOMAS-1, FRANCIS-2, THOMAS-3, but those are the only three lines possible at this point in the line of descent.
Theron L. Smith states in a Graves Family Newsletter article, [October, 1992, Volume 15, Number 89, pg. 99, ISSN 0146-0269.]:
The connection between THOMAS-3 and JOHN-4 and that between JOHN-4 and the 5th generation has to be based on preponderance of evidence cases but, as wil1 be seen, the cases for both connections are very supportable.[pg 99]
It should be noted in law as well as in Genealogy, where prima facie evidence or proof does not exist or has been lost or destroyed then circumstantial evidence or secondary evidence or the best evidence obtainable in conjunction with logic and reasoning or the logical and reasonable deductions there from is considered by all experts in the fields of both law and genealogy as having proved the contention or allegation. [Ibid. pg. 101]
THOMAS
GRAVES-3 of York County, Virginia, is by
geography and age supposed to be the father of JOHN
GRAVES-4 of King and Queen County, Virginia.
There is no direct proof that he had sons, or what their names were,
but his area of residence seems to point to him as the father of JOHN
GRAVES-4 of King and Queen.