I don’t see any reference to Elizabeth’s last name on a document and since many references say that her name is unknown I leave it with a question for research later.

TIDEWATER VIRGINIA FAMILIES, PG 543

William's wife was Elizabeth, but her maiden name is not known. Their son, WILLIAM repatented the land above the head of Chippokes Creek that William I had patented in 1649. He identified himself as "sonne and Heire". (Land Patent Book 6, p 390) In his will in 1675, WILLIAM II left instructions that his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Short was to be cared for. (Surry County Deeds, Wills, etc. Book 2, p. 106)

William and Elizabeth had three children who lived to adulthood. Their two sons, WILLIAM and Thomas Short may not have been of age when their father died, although no record has been found of their guardian. Both William and Thomas were transacting business by 1668, but it is not known how much earlier they had reached their majority. They also had a sister Sarah, who must have married George Middleton. William II left a bequest to his sister Sarah Middleton ,and William and Elizabeth sold land to George Middleton. William died between April 23, 1658 and May 2, 1659, as his wife, Elizabeth identified herself as a widow on that date. (William had been in court himself on the earlier date.) She further stated that she lived in Surry County and later stated that she was living at "Moseley's Choice.

As her sons were taking their place in the affairs of the new county, Elizabeth went about her business. She empowered Francis Selo as her attorney to collect her debts and then later, Hezachiah Bridgers, blacksmith to do the same.

In July 1659, Elizabeth Short negotiated with the King of the Wianokes for the sale of a boy of his "nacon named Weetoppin for full term of his life" in exchange for a "younge horse foall aged one yeare" for the King's use. They each signed the agreement with their mark. It was against the law to take Indians into bondage, but many of the settlers did it anyway. This was before the time of the importation of Negro slaves into the colony, and Elizabeth needed someone to work for her. It is likely that Elizabeth felt an indentured servant would be too costly. When her husband had engaged the use of George Potter, he was required to pay Anthony Wyatt £5 sterling or full value in beans or other rendible (sic) commodity. (Charles City County Records, op.cit., p. 77)

Elizabeth and her son, William sold land to George Middleton in Charles City County in August 1668. 17 William sold his brother, Thomas, land adjoining Thomas Busby the same date, and sold 100 acres to Thomas Greene.

This was on the southeast side of the western branch of Upper Chippokes Creek. William II stated that he was moving. He must not have moved far, for he continued to live in the same area and to look after his mother. When William Short II made his will on January 11, 1675, he made it known that it was his desire that his mother, Elizabeth should have sufficient maintenance during her lifetime from his estate.

Elizabeth and William Short I were the progenitors of the Short family of Surry County. The Shorts have been spoken of in the history of the county as being among the leading families of Southwark Parish "in olden times".