Affra Coming

Affra Harleston "in 1670 reached South Carolina in a ship called 'Carolina,' of which Joseph West was the captain, and John Coming the mate. She became the wife of the latter in 1672. By her Will dated 28th December, 1698, she divided equally all her lands, negro and Indian slaves, cattle, furniture, goods, debts, etc., between her nephew, 'John Harleston, of Dublin, son of John Harleston, late of Malling, County of Essex, gentleman, deceased; and Elias, son of William Ball, half-brother of her deceased husband, John Coming.'"

Sources: James Irving of Ironshore and his Descendants, 1713-1917, by Sir Aemilius Irving, edited by L. Homfray Irving. Probate Court, Charleston C.8, Will Book, 1687-1710, page 23

According to Julia Cherry Sprull, author of "Women's Life and Work in the Southern Colonies," Affra was a servant when she came to S. Carolina in 1669. She was one of the first European settlers in the area.