Abraham DentonBorn: ca. 1705, Hempstead, Nassau Co., NY
Died: Aug. 1774 Shenandoah Co., VA
Buried: probably in Toms Brook Cemetery, Toms Brook, Shenandoah Co., VA
Married: 1725 Mary O'Dell in Orange Co., NY - no record of marriage, but widely accepted
Biography: Abraham Denton was born say 1705 in Hempstead, Long Island. The earliest reference to him is dated 19 November 1729 when for £60 he purchased a 87-acre "messuage or track of land" in Haverstraw, New York, from "Abraham Denton Senor" (Orange County Deeds 1:212). The map of original plots in the Kakiat Patent in Orange County shows two adjacent lots belonging to "Abraham Denton," one of 120 acres and one larger, but no deed has been found for either of them, nor for the disposal of the above 87 acres when Abraham left Orange County. His last appearance on the New York record is 30 April 1734 when at the "Court of General Session of the Peace held at Orange Town . . . the King Against Abrm Denton Junr. . . . the Defendt
Confesses the fact & pleads Guilty and submits himself to the Mercy of the Court." He was fined £3 and jailed until fine and fees were paid (Whitley, p. 24).
Shortly afterwards Abraham appeared in the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia as neighbor to his uncle Jonas Denton and cousin John Denton. His ownership of land there is not officially noted until 1 May 1750 when a general survey in Augusta County showed him owning 427 acres "on the branches of Shannadoa and Toms Brook," the property "joining Thomas Gray and James Denton" (Northern Neck Grants K:210). Four years later, as Abraham Denton, Senior, he added an adjacent 150 acres by a deed which for the first time named Abraham Denton, Junior, as chain man. On 13 October 1755 he witnessed he will of his cousin and neighbor, John Denton and signed the inventory of John's estate on 28 September 1765. By that time he himself had become a captain "who served 14 days with 22 privates" (Lloyd DeWi Bockstruck, Virginia's Colonial Soldiers, [Baltimore, 1988], p. 190), remarkable considering his age; this military title was repeated when his will was proved in 1774. On 2 May 1768 he held another title, as there is a deed of gift between "Doctor Abraham Denton of Frederick County . . . and Abraham Denton Jun. his son and heir . . . " (Frederick Co., Virginia, Deeds 12:254-6). The gift was "that messuage or enemen of land in Frederick County of Tom's Brook 238 acres were Abraham Denton Junior now lives;" the "bounding" of the area shows it was part of the original 1750 survey.
It is probable that he married a wife in Orange County, New York, identified only as Mary in his will and other documents of the early 1770s. Walter Bion Denton in a letter of 19 April 1938 identified her as Mary Odell, and most Denton genealogists have accepted the identification, but there is no supporting documentation.
Finally, on 12 August 1774, confessing to "being very sick and weak in body" he drew his last will, but gave no occupation. Besides his wife, to whom he bequeathed a specified "lower part of my land," he mentioned his son Abraham ("he received his part of the land") and two married daughters, Phebe Plumley and Martha Moore (Shenandoah Co., Virginia, Wills A:65-6). A month later, on 17 September, the will was proved, an inventory was taken, and the moveable estate was valued at £76 (Ibid. A:74-5). Mary Denton died a few years later; her estate was inventoried and sold on 25 Nov. 1779 for £102.10.10 (Ibid. A:200, 228-9).
Although Abraham's will identifies only three children, his family could have been larger. Mrs. Whitley quotes one of Abraham Jr.'s alleged grandsons as stating that his grandfather had a brother Joseph, who died in Stockton Valley, Kentucky, c. 1800, and had issue (Whitley, pp. 39-51). She also gives Abraham a son Samuel, without citing evidence (p. 26). Using information from Walter Bion Denton and John L. Allman as well as findings from his own intensive research. Carroll M. Miller adds James to this list. He speculates that Joseph, Samuel and James as younger sons of Abraham could expect at best only small bequests form their father. In 1773-4 when by treaty with the Cherokee Nation the western area of North Carolina opened for settlement, many people with names already familiar in the Shenandoah Valley moved in. In the Sinking Creek area near what is now Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee, Dentons, Odells, Tiptons and others received grants. In 1775 here were specific grants in that area to James Denton, Joseph Denton and Samuel Denton (North Carolina Land Grants in Tennessee 2:11). Needing to establish themselves on the land before applying for a grant, these three putative sons of Abraham could have left in 1774 or earlier, before their father drew his will. Since he had prospered himself but had no land to give them, he possibly sent them off with cash settlements. On the basis of Miller's logic and with the caveat that hard data are lacking, these three are mentioned here as possible sons of Abraham.
Records:
1729 - Nov. 19 - Haverstraw, New York - Abraham purchased 87 acres for £60
1734 - April 30 - Orange Co., New York - Abraham found guilty in criminal court for unidentified offense. He pled guilty, fined £3 and jailed until fine and fees were paid.
1743 - Frederick County, Virginia formed from Orange County, Virginia.
1750 - March 1 Frederick Co., VA - land surveyed for Charles Huddle, assignee of James Denton of Augusta County; no warrant; 400 acres whereon he lives on branches of North Shennnandoa; adj. Abraham Denton. chain carriers - Thomas Grey & Joseph Langon.
1750 - May 1 Augusta Co., VA - land surveyed for Mr. Abraham Denton of Augusta Co., 427 acres where he lives on Toms Brook, on branches of Shannadoa; adjoining Thomas Grey & James Denton. chain carriers - Simon Dehart & James Denton. Surveyed by John Baylis.
1751 - May 17 - Frederick Co., VA - land surveyed for Charles Huddle of Augusta Co.; 346 acres on Toms Brook, a branch of North River of Shannandoah; adj. Christopher Windel, Abraham Denton. chain carriers Caleb Odle & Mathias Gabbert. Marker - Benja. Denton. Surveyed by Robert Rutherford.
1752 - Oct. 30 Frederick Co., VA - Land warrant issued to Isaac Coughman, assignee of Abraham Denton Sen'r. of Augusta Co.; Land was surveyed 26 Apr. 1754; 154 acres on West side of North River; Toms Brook; adjoining his (Denton's) late survey, Martin Funk, James Denton, Abraham Denton. chain carriers - Simon Deheart, John Mauk, Abraham Denton, Jun'r. Marker - John Carrier. Surveyed by Robert Rutherford.
1755 - Oct. 13 - Frederick Co., VA - Abraham witnessed his cousin's John Denton's will
1761 - Abraham Denton land grant from Lord Fairfax, proprietor of Northern Neck, Virginia
This property over time became the Shenandoah County Poor Farm cemetery, known originally as the Beckford Parish Glebe (church land), was owned by the Beckford Parish of the Church of England. This cemetery is located in the general vicinity of Maurertown, Shenandoah County, Virginia. Take Road No. 650 Southeast off of Road No. 11 between Maurertown and Toms Brook, Virginia, for approximately one mile. The cemetery is on the right of 650, after passing the Keckley and Fisher homes on the left.1766 - He served 14 days with 22 other privates on an emergent occasion without full pay. He ought to be allowed the pay of a captain.
1771 - Abraham sold 189 acres to George Storm.
1772 - Dunmore County formed, Abraham Denton didn't move the county boundaries moved around him. Dunmore was renamed Shenandoah County in 1778.
1774 - August 12 -
In the name of God, Amen. I, Abraham Denton of the County of Dunmore and colony of Virginia being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and Testament, that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial at the Discression of my Executors nothing Doubting but that at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again By the mighty power of God, and as touching what worldy Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life, I give, demis [devise?] and despose of the same In the following manner and form.
First leaving my loving kind and true and wife Mary Denton and William Reno Executors of this my last will and Testament. I therefore will and bequeath to my loving kind and true wife Mary Denton the lower part of my land and plantation during her lifetime beginning at the watering place just above the mouth of the run down to the lower corner on the river, running with the line up to Summer's corner crossing to the waggon road and down the said road to the mouth of the said Run, also the legal third of the moveable Estate. Also I give to my well beloved son Abraham Denton my wearing clothes two pr. Boots, two Coats to [two] vestcoats, and one pr Breatches and as he has received his part of the land I give unto him five pounds current money of Virginia to be paid to him out of my two Daughters Phebe Plumby and Marthy Moore there [their] parts of the moveable Estate and the Land after my wife Mary Deceases the said tract of land to be Equally Divided between them both that is to say to Phebe Plumby and Martha Moore and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannull all and every other former Testaments wills Legacies Bequests and Executors by me in anywise before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy four.
Abraham Denton {Seal}
Signed sealed published & pronounced & declared by this sd. Abraham Denton as his last will & Testament In presence of each ____ have hereunto subscribed our names
Mary Little, Elizabeth [her + mark] Smith, Dorothy [her X mark] Clark (?), Mary [+] Parcason (?)1774 - September 27 - will was probated
At a Court held for Dunmore County on Tuesday September the 27th, 1774.
The Last will and Testament of Abraham Denton Dec'd was proved by the oaths of Mary Little and Dorothy Clark witnesses thereto sworn to by William Reno and Mary Denton the Executors therein named and ordered to be Recorded and on motion of the said Executors Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate whereof in due form giving security where upon they together with Elijah Odell and John Clark (?) their security ____ and acknowledged their Bond for their due & faithfull Admr. of the sd. Decedants Estate & performance of his wife aforesaid.
Teste: Thomas Marshall M.C. D.C.1774 - September 28 - executor's bond
Know all men by these presents that we Mary Denton, William Reno, Elijah Odell and John North are held and firmly bound unto Joseph Pugh, Henry Nelson, Abraham Keller, Jacob Holeman & Jonathan Longson (?) Gentleman, Justices of the County of Dunmore now setting in the sum of Five hundred Pounds current money of Virginia to the which payment will and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors we bind our selves and every of us our and every of our heirs Executors and administrators Jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals this 28th day of September 1774. The Condition of this obligation is such that if the above bound Mary Denton & William Reno Executors of the Last will and Testament of Abraham Denton dec'd. do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said Deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Mary Denton and William Reno or unto the hand or possession of any other person or persons for them and the same so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the County Court of Dunmore at such time as he shall be thereto required by the said Court and the same goods chattels and credits of the said Deceased at the time of his Death which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said Mary Denton & William Reno or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them do well and truly administer according to said & further do make a just and true account of their actings and doings therein when thereto required by the said Court, and also do well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testament as far as the said Goods Chattels and Credits will thereunto extend and the law charge them Then this obligation to be void, otherwise foreman in full force and virtue.
Mary Denton {seal}1774 - Oct. 7 - Inventory of Estate
Signed & Sealed in Presence of:
William Reno {seal}
El. Odell {seal}
John North {seal}
At a Court held for Dunmore County on Tuesday September 27th, 1774 Mary Denton, William Reno, Elijah Odell and John North in knowledged this their bond in court, which was ordered to be Recorded.
Test: Thomas Marshall C.D.C.
We the appraisers being first duly sworn Pursuant to an Order of Court held for Dunmore County on the 27th day of September 1774 Do appraise the moveable Estate of Abraham Denton Dece'd late of Dunmore County this seventh day of October
Cask - 3.13.7 1/2
To an account of George Parkerson to the Estate - 1.16.2
To one gray Horse 5.0.0. 1 Bay ditto 8.0.0 - 13.0.0
To one Bay mare 12.0.0 1 waggon & chains - 18.10.0
To waggon gears & lock chain - 1.10.0
To one cow & Bell - 3.5.0
To one Cow 2.15.0 one Do 2.10.0 - 5.5.0 - 5.5.0
To 3 Calves - 1.0.0 - 1.0.0
To Eleven sheep - 2.15.0
To Wheat leaving the widow fifteen bushells - 3.0.0
To Rye leaving the widow five bushells - [0].10.0
To Oats - 1.12.0
To Hay - [0].12.0
To one Hogshead and flax Break [0].3.6
To one old Cart - [0].6.0
To 2 Plows & single Tree & Irons - 1.0.0
To one Bee Hive - [0].3.6
To one Apple Mill - [0].10.0
To one Grindstone - [0].3.0
To old Iron with Hoes and Axes - [0].8.0
To handsaw Drawing knife & Tools - [0].8.0
To maul rings and wedges & old Scythe - [0].3.6
To one saddle & old Bridles - [0].8.0
To one Loom and gears Reeds Whutters Temples & Leather apron - 2.0.0
To one Quill Wheel & swifts (?) - [0].2.0
To old Tubs & Barrels & one wheel - [0].13.0
To one Bushel & Bells, old Iron and Leathers - [0].8.0
To Pewter and Earthen ware - 1.7.0
To 2 Buckets (?) & Two Pails - [0].2.0
To one Pepper Mill - [0].5.0
To one Table Cp. (?) 2 Pots & washing Tubbs 5/ - [0].11.0
To Chairs & wheel one Table, wool cards, old Iron, one smoothing Iron - [0].16.0
To one Bed and Bedstead furniture - [0].10.0
To one Chest, Bottles 15/ one glass and case 3/ - [0].18.0
To a Parcel of Books and Ink Pot - 1.1.0
To old lumber and kettle - [0].6.0
To 2 Pails & half Bushell 3/ Pot rack 3/ - [0].6.0
To H Curtains 6/ money scales 4/ Ball 20/ - 2.10.0
To Ten hogs ? 3. and loom Vol (?) Pot 10/ (?) - 4.8.0
To Calf skin saddle bags Hone w/ Dresser 7/ - [0].17.0
[Total] £76.7.3 1/8
Michael Speagle1774 - December 27th - Inventory turned in.
John Snapp
William Daniel
At a court held for Dunmore county on Tuesday December the 27th 1774. This Inventory and appraisment of the Estate of Abraham Denton Dece'd was returned and Ordered to be Recorded.Children:
Teste. Thomas Marshal C.D.C.
Abraham b. between 1726 & 1733 in New York.
Phebe b. VA md. William Plumley
Martha b. VA, d. Washington Co., TN, md. 1) ca. 1751 Dr. James Moore of Shenandoah; 2) 22 July 1777 in Shenandoah Co., VA, Col. John Tipton as his second wife.
Joseph
Isaac b. 1733 VA, d. 1795 TN md. Ann Whitson ca. 1764
- Isaac b. 1768, d. 1848 md. Martha Crouch, had at least one child George
- Jeremiah
- Martha
- Agnes b. 1770, d. 1836 md. James Crouch, had at least two children Martha, Isaac
- Elizabeth
James
Revised September 30, 2019
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