Crumrine, Boyd. Virginia Court Records in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1974.
Minute Book of the Virginia Court Held at Fort Dunmore (Pittsburgh) for the District of West Augusta 1775-1776.
Note: in copying these minutes no portions will be omitted, save certain lists, here and there, containing the names of cases called and unintelligible memoranda concerning them, with nothing identifying the parties, the causes of action, or the localities whence they came.
The formal organization of the court - His Majesties Writ for adjorning the County Court of Augusta from the Town of Staunton to Fort Dunmore, and with a new Commission of the Peace and Dedimus and a Commission of Oyer & Terminer and Dedimus from under the hand of John, Earl of Dunmore, his Majesties Lieutenant & Governor in chief, bearing date the Sixth day of December One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy four, directed to . . . Samuel McDowell, George Moffett . . . Alexander Robertson . . . David Shepherd . . . Gentlemen, being read, & thereupon, pursuant to the said Dedimus, the said George Croghan, John Campbell, John Connolly, John
Gibson, George Vallandegham, William Goe, Gentlemen, took the Usual Oaths to his Majesties Person & Government, Subscribed the Abjuration Oath and test, and also took the Oaths of Justices of the Peace, and of Justices of the County Court in Chancery, and of Justices of Oyer & Terminer, all which Oaths were administered to them by Thomas Smallman and Dawsey Penticost, and then John Campbell and John Connolly administered all the aforesaid Oaths to the aforesaid Thomas Smallman and Dawsey Penticost, who took the same and subscribed the Abjuration Oath and Test, on which the Court being Constituted the following Members were Present, February 21st, 1775 . . .
At a Court con'd and held for Augusta County at Fort Dunmore February 22d, 1775 . . . On the petition of Alexr. Duglas and others, It is Ord that . . . Morgan morgan . . . Henry Taylor . . . they being first sworn, View a road from Providence Mounce's Mill by Ausberger's Ferry and from thence to Catfish Camp, and make a report of the Conveniences and Inconveniences to the next Court.
Ordered that . . . John Robinson . . . they being first sworn, View a Road from Fort Dunmore to Beckets fort, and make a report of the Conven and Inconveniences to the next Court.
. . . James Taylor . . . are app'd Constables, and It is Ord that they be summoned to be sworn before a Majestrate, or Attend at the next Court to be Sworn.
Ordered that .. . Thomas Galbreath . . . Chas. Wheeler . . . Jno. Robertson . . . George Rodgers Clark . . . are humbly recommended to his Excellency, the Governor as proper persons to be added to the Commission of the Peace for this County.
At a Court Con'd and held for Augusta County at Fort Dunmore Feby. 24th 1775, . . . Andrew Robertson . . . took the Usual Oaths to his Majesty's Person and Governm, Sub the Ab Oath and Test, and then took the Oaths of Constables. . . .
Ord that Chas Bruce, Geo Aston, Abraham Slover and Josiah Osburn, or any 3 of them, being first sworn, View the nearest and best way from Fort Dunmore to Chas. Bruces on Racoon Creek, and make a report of the conv and Inconv to the next Court.
At a Court Com'd and held for Augusta County May 17th, 1775 . . . On the petition of Rezin Virgin and others, it is Ord that Philip Shute, Rich'd Waller, Abraham Teagarden, Wm Teagarden, Geo Teabolt and Rezin Virgin, or any three of them, being first sworn, View a road from the foot of Laurel Hill, by Wm Teagarden's ferry, to the Mouth of Wheeling, and make a report of the Conven and Inconv to the next Court.
At a Court held for Augusta County at Pittsburg, Jan'y 16th 1776, According to an Ordinance of Convention, held at Richmond . . . A Mortgage from Andrew Robinson to Jacob Saylor was proved by James Berwick and John McCallister, two of the Wits, and Ordered to be Certified.
At a Court Con'd and held for Augusta County, April 17th, 1776 . . . James Innes, John Munn and Thos. Edginton, 3 of the persons appointed to View a road from Froman's Mill on Shirte to Fromans Mill on the East side of the Monongohela; It is Ord that the s'd Road be Est, and that John Munn be Surv from Froman's Mill on Shirtee to the fork of the road to that goes to Henry Spears, and that Tobias Decker from thence to the Mill on the Monongohala, and that the tithe's within 3 Miles on Each side work thereon.
Phillip Whitezell is App a Consta[ble] in the room of Andrew Robertson.
On the Petition of Andrew Heath &c., Ordered that Robert Henderson, Zadock Wright, John Robertson, John Crow, Thomas Applegate and Andrew Dye, view a road, the nearest and best way from Pittsburg to Andrew Heaths ferry on the Monongahela River, and from thence to Becket's fort.
Bargain and Sale. Paul Froman to Dorsey Pentecost for fourteen hundred acres of Land in this County was proved by the Oaths of James Allison, Isaac Leet, John Crow && John McDowell Gent. also the receipt thereunto annexed was proved by oaths of the said John McDowell and John Crow, the Subscribing Witnesses to the Said Bargain & Sale & Receipt as aforesaid & ordered to be recorded.
What was Pennsylvania Doing? - It has already been noted, perhaps, that a large amount of business of almost every nature and kind was transacted in these Virginia courts, and it would appear that a large majority of the inhabitants of the Monongahela Valley submitted their persons and property to the laws and courts of Virginia; indeed, it is undoubted that many landholders under Pennsylvania titles, and perhaps Pennsylvania sympathy, were suitors in these courts. Why was this? Doubtless it was because, the Revolution being on, and other causes existing, the power of the laws of Pennsylvania was not strongly felt west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Note the following facts:
Bedford County, the seventh Pennsylvania county established, was formed from Cumberland County, on March 9, 1771, and extended "Westward to the Western Boundaries of the Province," which boundaries, however were not defined. The first term of court for that county was held at Bedford, about a hundred miles east of Pittsburgh, on April 16, 1771, and George Wilson, Esq., living near the mouth of George's Creek in what is now southern Fayette County, was of the justices, as were also Colonel (then Captain) William Crawford, living on the Youghiogheny River nearly opposite what is now Connellsville, Fayette County, Thomas Gist, son of Christopher Gist, settled near Mount Braddock in the same county, and Dorsey Pentecost, then living on his "plantation" called "Greenaway" in the "Forks of the Yough" settlement.
Now, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was formed on January 26, 1773, from Bedford County, and embraced all the lands west of "the Laurel Hill," to the "limits of the Province." Old Westmoreland was thus organized two years before the Virginia Court at Fort Dunmore, and its first Court of Quarter Sessions, then the principal court of every county, was held at Hanna's Town, about three miles northeast of what is now Greensburg, on April 6, 1773. This Court of Quarter Sessions was the first court of justice ever held by English speaking people west of the Allegheny Mountains, and it was held "Before William Crawford, Esq., and his associate Justices."
On January 25, 1775, about one month before the organization of the Virginia court at Fort Dunmore, the following entry was made upon the minutes of the Supreme Executive Council:
"At a Council held at Philadelphia, 25th January 1775, . . . Captain St. Clair appearing at the Board and representing that William Crawford, Esquire, President of the Court in Westmoreland County, hath lately joined with the Government of Virginia in opposing the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania in the County, the Board advised the Governor to supersede him in his office as justice of the Peace and common Pleas. A Supersedeas was accordingly ordered to be issued;" X Col. Records, 228.
Others of the Justices of the Westmoreland County court were Arthur St. Clair, afterward a Major-general in the Revolution; Thomas Gist, above mentioned, Alexander McKee, afterwards with Simon Girty and Matthew Elliot, a deserter to the British Indians; Robert Hanna, William Louchy, George Wilson, above mentioned, Eneas McKay, Joseph Spear, Alexander McClean and James Caveat.
The early courts of Westmoreland County appear by their records to have been regularly held from April 6, 1773, to the second Tuesday of April, 1776. Observe that this last date was but a short time before the meeting of the Provincial Conference at Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, resulting in the great Declaration of Independence by the American colonies. At this session there were orders made relating to township lines, roads and recognizances in criminal cases; and then there was an interregnum, and there are no records of any court held for Westmoreland County afterward until January 6, 1778. But the court for Yohogania County continued right along in a varied and extensive business, as will appear from the transcript of its records now publishing.
A court held in 1778 - Deed poll William Price to Andrew Robertson was acknowledged by the said Price party thereto, and ordered to be recorded.
Court met according to adjournment May 25th, 1779 - Wm. Henry Spears vs. Joseph Jones. Then came a Jury towit. Gabl. Cox John Decker Wm. Long Benja. Collins John Crow Henry Hougland Uriah Johnston Andrew Devoir James Wright John Springer Joseph Wherry Jno. Wall. Judgt. for Plaintiff nine hundred pounds damages. . . .
Joseph Beeler v Benja. Wills. Then came a Jury (towit) Thomas Bond Samuel McAdams Samuel Devoir Nicholas Christ John Johnston And'w Dye Henry Spears John Bradley Nathl. Blackmore Wm. Fry John Hougland & Jacob Long. Ve't for Plt. £33.16 Debt one penny.
Court met according to adjournment September 29th, 1779 . . . Cox v Williams & Irwin. Then came a Jury towit. John Robertson, John Hopkins, Zekiel Hopkins, Michl. Humble, Jno. Quick Ezekl. Bernard, Adam Alex'r. James Vannater Hezekiah Applegate Charles Records Jno. Collins Abraham Miller. Verd't & Judgmt. for plaintiff £50. Costs.
No date - Grand Jury Presentment
- v Robertson fine
- v Duncan fine
Hopkins v. Johnson. Att'a.
October 27th 1779 Court met according to adjournment - Spears v Winemiller. then came a Jury, Towit. john Kinkaid, John Embley, James Wright, Henry Hogland, John Bowley, Hugh Brawdy, Zadock Wright, Joseph Perkerson, Richd. Crooks, Isaac Newkirk, John Crow & William Crow. Verdi't for Plaintiff & Judmt for £19.17.4.
Crow v Williams. Then came a jury, towit, Enoch Springer, John Springer, Andrew Robertson, Thomas Spencer, Saml. Devoir, Saml. St. Clair, Samson Beavers, Saml. Hinch, Saml. Brice, Robert Johnston, Elisha Ritinghouse & Moses Holliday. Verdi't for plaintif & Jdm. £300.
Spears v Gist. Then came a Jury towit. John Kinkaid, John Embly, James Wright, Uriah Johnston, John Bowley, Hugh Brawdy, Zadock Wright, Joseph Perkerson, Richd. Crooks, Isaac newkirk, Thomas Bond, William Crow. Vedt. for plaintiff & Judm £11.16.
At a Called Court held for the Trial of David Donee who stands charged with passing one eight and one five Dollars. continental Counterfit Bills of Credit . . .
James Spear being bound in recognizance appeard. Ordered to be bound to the next G. Jury. James Spears with Andrew pearce Ju. his secr. held £500 each.
ca. 1780 - Whiteside v Girty. Then came a Jury towit, Gabl Cox Jno Johnson Jos. Wirght, Jno Wall, Saml Devoir Stephen Hall, Elija Rittenhouse Wm. Crow, Andw. Dye, Henry Newkirk, James Spears, Andrw. Pearce. Verdict for plf. 170 Damages & Judgmt.
At a Court held for Yohogania County March 29, 1780 - Crow v Dye. Then came a Jury towit, John Johnson John Robertson James Machen John Dean Thos. Spencer David Day Henry Newkirk Stephen Hall Samuel Devore Elija Ritenhouse David Williams, James Peirce. Vdt. for Plntf & Judgt. . . .
On motion Andw. Heth Administn. is granted him on the estate of Patrick McEllroy deceased. John Robertson, Gabl. Cox, Samuel Newil, Benjn. Keykindall, apprs. of the estate.
Braudy v Beever. then came a Jury towitt, John Johnson, John Robertson, James Spear, David Day, Henry Newkirk, Andw. Dye, Stephen Hall, Saml Devore, Elija Rittenhouse, Thos. Spencer, Joseph Warner, Jacheriah Connal Verdt. for Plantff & Damage £2000. . . .
James Spear v John Backingrig
Ed. War v Jno. Robertson. Bill & Time
At a Court held for Yohogania County May 22, 1780 - The Last Will & Testament of Stephen Richards deceas'd proved by the oaths of Charles Morgan and Samuel Park the two Subscribing Witnesses. O.R.
1780 - The Grand Jury present the following Bills. against Garsham Hull: for an assault on the body of John McDonald N.G.; against John Brackinrig an assault on Mary Spear, order a Capias Isue: against Do. assault on the Body of Jas. Spear, Cap.; against Joseph Parkeson assault on the Body of Sarah Jacob. Cap. Isue.
At a Court held for Yohogania County on the 24 day of July, 1780 - Then came a Jury, towit. Alexan. Steel, James Spear, Benjn. Pegg, Jacob Knight, Archibell Hull, John Boley, David Philips, Paul Mathews, Sampson Beever, David Richie, Robert Creghead, Edward King, W. Enquy, Judg. & Damage £17, Plff.
County July the 6th 1778; Press'nt Solomon Hedges, Edward Robinson, Silas Hedges, George McColloch, Esqr. Gentlemen.
Jacob Wolf produced to this Court a commission from his Excellency appointing him Lieutenant of the Militia of this County, which was Read & sworn to accordingly.
Jacob Wolf Enters himself Defendant at the suit of James McBride in Ejectment. Chrisly Wolf Enters himself Defendant in the suit wherein James McBride is plaintiff in Ejectmont.
No date - Mcbride v Spindall; Jacob & Chrisley Wolf enter themselves deft, Confess the Lease Entry & ouster plead N.G. joined P.
No date - Present Edward Robinson, gent, John Boggs, & James Miller, gent.
Ordered that the Sheriff pay the money for the Publick buildings as soon as collected to Isaac Taylor, Rob't Taylor - (David Williamson, Jacob Wolf, Sarah Taylor, David Williamson, Jacob Wolf)
Wolf vs. Maulson, Acc'd: proved & Judg
No date - Ordered that Samuel mason do act as an ove[rs]eer to make a Road from Jacob Wolfs to Thomas Wallers, and that he Sammons the tithables within Three Miles Each side said Road to work thereon.
Ordered that a Review be made for a Road from Wm. Hawkins to the Forks of Whelan, & that Wm. Hawkins, Wm. McEntire, David Shepherd & Samuel Mason, or any three of them . . .
No date - The Court Met According to Adjournment. Present . . .Edward Robinson, gentleman
Ordered that a License be Granted unto Jacob Wolf for Keeping an Ordinary at his house, he Complying with the Law. Whereupon sd Jacob came into Court & Gave James Clemence as his Surety.
Davidson vs Wolf, Cond.
The Six Nations to William Trent, in Trust - To all people to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:
Know ye that we, Abraham, a Mohawk Chief; Sennghois, a Oneida Chief; Saguarisera, a Tuscarora Chief; Chenaugheata, Chief of the Onondaga Council; Tagaaia a Cayuga Chief & Gaustarax a Senca Chief; Chiefs and Sachems of the Six United Nations, and being and effectually representing all the Tribes of the Six United Nations, send Greeting:
Whereas [list of names including] Joseph Spear . . . in and by their several and respective letters or Powers of Attorney duly signed, sealed and delivered by them and now produced, interpreted and explained to us, have constituted, nominated and appointed William Trent, of the County of Cumberland and Province of Pennsylvania, Merchant, their lawful Attorney and Agent to ask, Sollicit, demand and receive for the Sachems, Councellors, and Warriors of the said Six United Nations, a Grant of a Tract of Land as a Compensation, Satisfaction, or Retribution for the Goods Merchandise and Effects of the said William Trent and the Traders aforesaid, Which the Shawanese, Delaware and Huron Tribes, Tributaries of the said Six Nations (Contrary to all good faith, and in Violation of their repeated Promises of Safety and Protection to their Persons, Servants and Effects whilst Trading in their Country), did, in the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty three, Violently seise Upon and unjustly appropriate to their own Use:
And Whereas, we are now convened in full Council by Order of our Father the King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c., at Fort Stanwix, in the province of New York, in order to agree for, ascertain and finally fix and settle a permanent and lasting Boundary Line between the Hunting Country which we, at the Conference aforesaid, shall and will reserve for ourselves, our Children and our Tributaries, and the Territories of the said King of Great Britain.
And Whereas applications was formerly made to the Six United Nations by Sir William Johnson, Baronet, at the Requisition of the aforesaid Traders who had sustained and suffered the losses aforesaid, for a Retribution for the same, which the Six United Nations promised and agreed to, whensoever He the said Sir William Johnson, Baronet, should be empowered by his said majesty, the King of Great Britain, to establish the Boundary Line aforesaid;
And Whereas, the said Sir William Johnson, Baronet, has now at this present Congress reminded the said Six United Nations of their said Promise, and at the earnest desire of aforesaid Traders, by their Attorney, Strongly recommended to the Six United Nations to make them a Restitution by a Grant of a Tract of Land to his said Majesty the King of Great Britain, his Heirs and Successors, to and for the Only Use Benefit and Behoof of the said William Trent, in his own Right and as Attorney as aforesaid;
All Which the said Six United Nations, having taken into their Consideration and being heartily disposed to agree thereunto as an Instance of their Justice and Concern in the said losses, do therefore, by these Presents, signify publish and declare that notwithstanding the Grant and Gift hereby made and given by them Unto his said Majesty the King of Great Britain, and So forth, To and for the Only use Benefit and Behoof of the said William Trent, in his own Right and as Attorney as aforesaid, will be included within the Cession, Sale and Boundary Line which the said Six United nations shall and will make, sell and grant to the said King of Great Britain, at the Conference aforesaid, holden at Fort Stanwix aforesaid, by the said Sir William Johnson, Baronet, yet nevertheless the said Six United Nations have neither asked, demanded, nor received from Him the said Sir William Johnson, Barnet, nor from any other Person or Person in Behalf of the said King of Great Britain, any Consideration for the hereby given and granted Premises, neither shall nor will the said Six United Nations, nor their Heirs nor Descendants, (and by these presents They the Six United Nations wholly and intirely interdict and prohibit them from so doing), demand nor receive from the said King of Great Britain, nor from his Successors, nor from his or their Ministers or Servants, any Consideration whatsoever or howsoever for the hereby granted, bargained or now given premises, or any part, purpart or parcel thereof, the same being their own Voluntary Act and Deed Solely and bona fide designed and intended by Them as a Compensation, Satisfaction and Retribution for the Losses sustained by the said William Trent and the Indian Traders aforesaid by the Depredations of the Shawnesse, Delaware and Huron Tribes of Indians aforesaid In the aforesaid Year one thousand seven hundred and sixty three:
Now This Indenture Witnesseth That we the said Abraham, Sennghois, Saguarisera, Chenaugheata, Tagaaia, and Gaustarax (Chiefs and Sachems of the said Six United Nations, and being and effectually as aforesaid representing all the Tribes of the said Six United Nations), for and in the consideration of the Sum of Eighty Five Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixteen Pounds, Ten Shillings and Eight Pence, lawfull Money of the Province of New York, (the same being the amount of the Goods and Merchandise which were unjustly seized and taken as aforesaid by the Shawnesse, Delaware and Huron Tribes of Indians aforesaid, from the said William Trent, [list of names including] Joseph Spear . . . in the aforesaid year one thousand seven hundred and sixty three, Whereof just and fair Accounts have on Oath and Affirmation been produced, interpreted and explained to Us and which at our Desire are now lodged and deposited with the said Sir William Johnson Baronet; And for and in Consideration of the Sum of Five Shillings, lawfull Money aforesaid, to us in hand paid by the said William Trent, the Receipt whereof We do hereby acknowledge, Do give, grant, bargain and Sell Unto his said Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, to and for the only use Benefit and Behoof of the said William Trent, in his own right and as Attorney aforesaid:
All that Tract or parcel of Land Beginning at the southerly side of the mouth of little Kanawha Creek, where it empties itself into the River Ohio, and running from thence south east to the Laurel Hill; Thence along the Laurel Hill until it strikes the river Monongahela; Thence down the Stream of the said River Monongahela, according to the several Courses Thereof, To the southern boundary line of the province of Pennsylvania; thence westerly along the course of the said Province Boundary line as far as the same shall extend, and from thence by the same course to the river Ohio; Thence down the said River Ohio according to the several courses thereof to the place of Beginning.
Together with all and Singular the Trees, Woods, under-Woods, Mines, Minerals, Oars, Waters, Water-Courses, Fishings, Fowlings, Huntings, Profits, Commodities, Advantages, Rights, Liberties, Passages, Hereditaments and Appurtences, whatsoever, to the said tract or parcel of land belonging or in any wise appertaining, or which now are or formerly have been accepted, reputed, taken, known, and Occupied, or enjoyed, to or with the same or as part, parcel or Member Thereof; and the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders, Rents, Issues and Profits of all and singular the said premises above mentioned and every part and parcel thereof, with The Appurtences; and also all the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, property, claim and demand, whatsoever, whether Native, legal or equitable, of Us the said Indians and Each and Every of Us and of all land every other person and persons whatsoever or or belonging to the said Nations, of, in, to and out of all and singular the Premises above mentioned and of, in , to, and out of Every part and parcell thereof, with the appurtenances,
To Have and to Hold all and singular the said Tract, Parcel and parcells of Land, given, granted and bargained Premises, with their Appurtenances, Unto his said Majesty King George the Third, his Heirs and Successors, but to and for the only use Benefit and Behoof of the said William Trent, in his own Right and as Attorney aforesaid, his Heirs and assigns forever;
And the said Abraham, Sennghois, Saguarisera, Chenaugheata, Tagaaia and Gaustarax for themselves and for the said Six United Nations and all and Every Other Nation and Nations, Tribes, Tributaries, and Descendants of the said Six United Nations, and their and Every of their posteritys, the said Tract and Parcell of Land and Premises and Every Part thereof, against them the said Abraham, Sennghois, Saguarisera, Chenaugheata, Tagaaia and Gaustarax, And against the said Six United Nations and their Tributaries and Descendants, and all and Every of their posteritys, to his said Majesty, his heirs and Successors, but to and for the Only Use Benefit and behoof of the said William Trent, in his own Right and as Attorney aforesaid, his Heirs and Assigns Shall and will Warrant and forever defend by these Presents.
In Witness Whereof, we the said Chiefs and Sachems, in behalf of Ourselves respectively and in behalf of the whole Six United Nations aforesaid, have hereunto set Our hands and seals, In the presence of the persons Subscribing as Witnesses hereunto, at the Congress held at Fort Stanwix aforesaid, this the Third day of November, in the Ninth year of his Majesty's Reign, and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and Sixty eight.
- Abraham or Tychaurisera {Seal}, Chief of [Totem] the Mohawks
- William or Sennghois {Seal}, Chief of [Totem] the Oneidas
- Hendrick or Saguarisera {Seal}, Chief of [totem] the Tascaroras
- Bunt or Chenaugheata {Seal}, Chief of [Totem] the Onondogas
- Tagaaia {Seal}, Chief of [Totem] the Cayuagas
- Gausterax {Seal}, Chief of [Totem] the Senecas
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us - The letters (d n and the words to said) being first interlined; the words Sennghois, Saguarisera, Chenaugheata wrote in a Razure.
- Wm. Franklin, Governor of New Jersey
- Fre. Smith, Chief Justice of New Jersey
- Thomas Walker, Commissioner for Virginia
- Richard Peters & James Tilghman, of the Council of Pennsylvania
- John Skinner, Captain of the 70th Regt.
- Joseph Chew of Connecticut
- John Witherhead of New York
- John Walker of Virginia
- E. Fitch of Connecticut
- Thomas Walker, Jun., of Virginia
- John Butler, Interpreter for the Crown
Recorded in the office for recording of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia, in Book J., vol. 5, page 243, etc.
Certified under my Hand & Seal of my Office aforesaid, This 12th day of January 1769.
Will Parr, Recd. {Seal}
This is the Copy of the Grant mentioned in the annexed Affidavit of John Skinner, Esquire , Sworn before me this Day.
Dated the Third Day of February, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six.
William Atkinson, Mayor, of New Castle upon Tyne in the Kingdom of Great Britain
William Trent, the grantee of the foregoing deed, was the Captain Wm. Trent, under whom Ensign Edward Ward, with his small force of men, was constructing the fort at the Forks of the Ohio, when, on April 17, 1754, he surrendered to the French and Indians, who completed the fort and called it Fort Duquesne. Subsequently Trent must have executed a sufficient conveyance to his beneficiaries for their interests in this grant, for at a session of the Court for the District of West Augusta held on April 17, 1716, there were proved and ordered to be recorded a "Deed of Lease and Release of Trust from William Trent, to the many persons named, and a "Deed of Partition from and between the same Persons," showing how very many individuals had by that time become interested in this celebrated grant . . .
Fisher, Therese, ed. Marriage Records of the City of Fredericksburg, & of Orange, Spotsylvania, & Stafford Counties, Virginia, 1722-1850, Baltimore, MD: Heritage Books, Inc, nd.
- Dogged, Bushrod & Anne Stribling, 6 Oct 1737 StM - grandparents
Gilreath, Amelia. Frederick County Virginia Deed Books 1-4, 1743-1758, Nokesville, VA: Gilreath, 1989
Book 2, page 358, 31 May 1751 - [Lease] between James Robinson, Adm. & Heir at Law of Francis Robinson Deceased late of the County of New Castle in the Province of Pennsylvania [to] John Woodfin of County of Frederick . . . Consideration of five shillings . . . all that Tract of Land Scituate lying and being in Frederick County being part of a patent of 5,018 acres granted to Jost Hite Ear of Indian Corn on Lady day next . . . James Robinson
Wit: John Lindsey, John Harrow, James Carter, J. Wood, Recorded: 13 Nov 1751
Book 2, page 359, 1 June 1751 - [Release] between James Robinson, Adm. and heir at law of Francis Robinson late of Newcastle in Province of Pennsylvania [to] John Woodfin of County of Frederick . . . Consideration of Sixty pounds sixteen shillings . . . 168 acres (same as above) . . . James Robinson
Wit: same as above, Recorded: 13 Nov. 1751
Gilreath, Amelia. Frederick County, Virginia Deed Books 9-11, 1763-1767, Nokesville, VA: Gilreath, nd
Book 10, page 619, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] William Colgan . . . consideration of Three pounds . . . all that Lott or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. 22 . . . part of a Tract of Land containing two hundred & twenty two acres Granted until said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd Oct. 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: John Hogdon, Alex. Caldwell, 1 wit. signed in German, Recorded 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 621, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] Christian Miller . . . Consideration of five Pounds . . . all that Lott or half Acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. Six . . . part of a Tract of Land containing two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: Wm. Shepherd, Alex Caldwell, Wm. Colgan, Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 624, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] Philip Low . . . consideration of Eight pounds . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. 5 . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: Alex. Caldwell, Wm. Shepherd, Wm. Colgan, Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 626, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] Nicholas Hane . . . consideration of Nine pounds ten shillings . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. 20 . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: Wm. Shepherd, Alex. Caldwell, Wm. Colgan, Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 626, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] Alexander Caldwell . . . consideration of eight pounds . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. four . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: John Hogdon, Wm. Colgan, Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 631, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] William Clinkenband . . . consideration of five pounds . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. eighteen . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: Wm. Shepherd, Alex. Caldwell, Wm. Colgan Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 10, page 634, 29 Sep 1765 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] Michael Byerly . . . consideration of forty shillings . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. seventy . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: John Hogdon, Alex. Caldwell, Wm. Shepherd, Recorded: 2 Oct. 1765
Book 11, page 144, 5 Aug 1766 - Between Thomas Shepherd & Elizabeth his wife of Parish & County of Frederick [to] William Clenkenbeard . . . consideration of four pounds . . . all that Lot or half acre of Land in the Town of Mechlenburgh in County aforesaid known by No. 19 . . . part of a Tract of Land Containing Two hundred and twenty two acres Granted unto said Thomas Shepherd by Patent the 3rd day of October 1734 . . . Thomas Shepherd, Elizabeth (E) Shepherd
Wit: Wm. Shepherd, John Shepherd, Thos. Shepherd, Recorded: 6 Aug. 1766
Knorr, Catherine. Marriage Bonds & Ministers' Returns of Pittsylvania County, Virginia 1767-1805, Knorr, 1956.
8 February 1790 - Richard Beasley & Susanna Terry. Sur. Thomas Terry. Married by Rev. James Kinney. Married by Rev. Thomas Douglas, p. 12
27 Apr. 1789 - Elijah Dove & Massy Kendrick, dau. of Thomas & Sarah Kendrick who consent. Sur. joseph Akin. Married by Rev. Richard Elliott. p. 11
17 Dec. 1804 - George Dove & Caty Bruce. Sur. James Bruce. Married. by Rev. Griffith Dickenson, p. 36
1 Feb. 1800 - John Foster & Winney Thurman. Sur. Joseph Thurman p. 28.
Knorr, Catherine. comp. Marriages of Orange County, Virginia 1747-1810, no imprint
History of county formation:
York, 1634 original shire > Northumberland 1648 > Lancaster 1651 & Westmoreland 1653
Westmoreland 1653 > Stafford 1664 > Prince William 1731 > Fairfax 1742
Lancaster 1651 > Rappahannock 1656-1692 & Middlesex 1673
Rappahannock 1656-1692 > Essex 1692 & Richmond 1652
Richmond 1692 > King George 1721
Essex 1692 > Caroline 1728 & Spotsylvania 1721
Spotsylvania 1721 > Orange 1734
28 Jan 1802 Eason Fitzgeral & Mary Self, md by Rev. George Bingham
14 Nov 1787 Stephen Fitzgerrell & Catherine Bruce, Sur. William Fitzgerrell, wit. Jacob Ahart. Stephen son of James Fitzgerall - maybe
Neal, Rosemary. Elizabeth City County, Virginia: Deeds, Wills, Court Orders, Etc., 1634, 1659, 1688-1702, Heritage Books, Inc., 1986
- Map of Elizabeth City County, 1700
Elizabeth City County, Virginia, began its life as the Plantation of Kecoughtan. In 1609 the Jamestown Colonists erected a small fort at Point Comfort to protect the entrance to the broad estuary of James River, the great harbor now known as Hampton Roads, and the peaceful Kecoughtan Indians were driven from their nearby village in 1610. Ralph Hamor tells us that when Sir Thomas Dale arrived in May 1611, "his first care was to employ all hands at setting out corn at the two forts seated upon Kecoughtan, Henry and Charles, near Point Comfort." Hamor names the wild beasts of the area, including lions, and confesses, "Of each of them, the lion excepted, myself have many times eaten."
On 16 November 1618, the Virginia Company of London instructed newly appointed Governor George Yeardley to establish four plantations, one of which was to be the Burrough of Kecoughtan which sent two Burgesses to the first General Assembly in 1619. At that session a petition for a change in the "savage name" was presented and the Council in London ordained on 17 Mary 1620 that Kecoughtan should "hereafter be called Elizabeth City, by the name of his Majesty's (James I) most vertuous and renowned daughter."
At this date the Corporation of Elizabeth City occupied all of the lower peninsula between the James and York rivers south of James City, and also the territories on the southern shores of Hampton Roads. It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to establish with exactitude the dates new jurisdictions were formed from Elizabeth City County, and the endlessly repeated date for the initial formation of eight shires has been proven a myth by John Kukla in his article, "The Founding of Virginia Counties - 1634?"
The Warwick River area lying between Elizabeth City and James City was holding monthly courts by 5 March 1623; Commissioners for Warwick River were named in 1631/2; and in 1634 other officials were designated for that jurisdiction. Warwick River became Warwick County and its early boundaries were established by Acts of Assembly in 1642/3. Newport News Point remained a part of Elizabeth City County until 1882 when by Act of Assembly boundaries were defined and Newport News fell into Warwick County. The southwestern corner of Elizabeth City County was annexed by Warwick in 1927.
The Back River, also known as the Old Poquoson, formed part of the boundary between Elizabeth City County and Charles River to the north, for which officials were also appointed in 1634. Charles River became York County in 1642/3.
Upper and Lower Norfolk counties were in existence by January 1639/40 and in 1645/6 Upper Norfolk became Nansemond. Princess Anne and Norfolk counties were formed from Lower Norfolk in 1691.
Thus Elizabeth City County's borders remained fixed from about 1639 until 1882. The county became extinct in 1952 when it was incorporated into the Independent City of Hampton, Virginia.
Old Point Comfort became the site of several forts, successively deserted or destroyed by the elements, and in 1618, on the east side of Hampton (or Southampton) River, the Virginia Company allotted 3000 acres to be "occupied by the Company's tenants for half profits as before," 1500 acres of common land and 100 acres for a glebe. Landmarks in leases and grants here include Strawberry Banks, Buckroe and Fort (later Downes) Field, referring to Fort Henry. The precise location of Fort Charles had not yet been determined. Private grants were recorded in this area by 1635.
New colonists were received at Elizabeth City to recuperate after their long voyage to Virginia and probably included some of the 100 children provided by the Lord Mayor of London, who were to serve "until age 24, or at least seven years, if they live;" the 800 "choice person"sent at public charge; 100 boys for apprentices, and 100 servants "for planters who will pay" sent around 1619/20. . . .
Colonists from outlying areas fell back on Elizabeth City following the 1622 massacre, and the Lists of the Living and the Dead (1623/24) and the Muster of 1624/25 show settlements within the Corporation limits at Elizabeth City, the Indian Thicket, Buckroe and Newport News.
As terms of service began to expire some of the Ancient Planters were allowed to remain within the Common Land until recompensed for building houses and clearing land there. By 1624 several of these persons "of Kecoughtan in Elizabeth City Corporation" had obtained their dividends along the "Great River" (Hampton Roads) between Kecoughtan and Newport News. On the west side of Hampton Roads, near its mouth, archaeological investigations in 1940 and 1945 indicated the possibility of an early trading post on the Dunthorpe patent, described as lying "upon Church Creek dividing this from the Glebe land." Settlement soon spread to Fox Hill on the Bay, up both sides of Harris Creek and along the branches of Back River.
As late as 1634 there were two parishes in the county, apparently divided roughly north to south by the Southwest Branch of Back River and Hampton River. A careful reading of the extant land grants seems to indicate that Elizabeth City, the lower parish, lay east of the rivers and Kecoughtan, the upper parish, surely lay west of this line. In 1622 William Tucker was named commander "over all the people in the plantation adjoining to Elizabeth City at Keycotan, that is to say from Newportnewes to Edwed Hill his house, on the west side Southampton river . . . "
There were glebes laid out on each side of Hampton River. The foundations of a church built on the eastern glebe about 1623 in Elizabeth City Precinct, where Hampton University is presently located, are still extant. Unfortunately no parish records exist prior to 1751.
It is probable that another church or chapel of ease was in Kecoughtan parish, perhaps concurrently. At an undetermined date the two parishes united as Elizabeth City Parish, perhaps in response to the 1661 Acts of Assembly requiring establishment of four precincts in each county and instructing that parishes which had a "paucity of tithable persons" be annexed to adjoining parishes. Certainly there were few people living east of the river in 1667 when the fort at Old Point Comfort was finally abandoned and there were "not 50 men able to bear arms within four miles of the place." Another church was built west of Hampton River around 1667 near the intersection of all the main roads then existing in the county.
The 1667 church foundations and graveyard are still extant, and it is possible that this location might have also been that of a central market which Commissioners were required to set up around 1655. Although evidence is lacking, it may also be conjectured that a courthouse complex with prison, gallows, stocks, whipping posts, pillory and ducking stool might also have been here. As late as 1910 a public gallows stood just a block away from the church ruins.
When half-acre lots were laid out for the new town of Hampton in 1680, mercantile activities moved to this site on the river, center of the present-day city. However, the name "Kecoughtan" was still used as late as 1737 on a navigational map to Kuiquotan or Hampton in James River. "
Monthly courts were to be held in 1619 "to do justice to the redressing of all small and petty matters, others of more consequence being referred to the Govr. Counsell and General Assembly." The County Court in 1662 consisted of eight Justices of the Peace, formerly called Commissioners, appointed by the Governor and Council after recommenation of the self -perpetuating County Court. Four members were to be "of the quorum" and one of these was required to sit at each session of the court.
Probates of estates were heard by the General Court at James City until 1645 when county courts were allowed to handle estate matters and send reports to General Court for issuance of a quietus est under seal. After 1676 two Justices of the quorum could hear probates and send a certificate to the Secretary's office. If orphans were "of mean estate" they were apprenticed to age 21. Orphans not bound were allowed to have "the produce of their own labors" at age 17. . . .
In the latter part of the century levies for operating county and church were set annually by the Court and Vestry. Requirements as tithables changed several times. In 1629 all those who worke din the ground were liable; in 1643 all freemen that were hired servants were added; in 1662 all males of any age imported into the country; all imported negroes and all Indian servants however procured at age 16 were tithable, except that Christians native to the country or imported free by their parents were not liable under age 16. All women working the crop were included in the same year and free negro women specified in 1668. In 1680 the ages of imported negro children and Christian servants were to be adjudged by the court, the negroes tithable at age 12 and the Christians at 14, and all Indian women were liable to tithes as were negro women.
At the close of the 17th century the area suffered from the depredations of pirates, and the Virginia Court of Vice Admiralty sat i Hampton Town in 1700 to try the pirates of the vessel La Paix and another Admiralty case involving the Pennsylvania sloop, George.
Little evidence of the major events in the Virginia Colony is found in the 1688-1699 county court records, but the picture of everyday life in a community whose business involved shipping, mercantile, and agricultural pursuits is clearly outlined. . . .
All court records of Elizabeth City County, Virginia, prior to 1688 have been lost except for a very few loose papers. From 1700 until after the Civil War the records are incomplete.
The earliest extant record book "Deeds, Wills, Etc. 1689-1699," was restored in 1933 and is again in need of repair.
Sammll. Rosier's estate. (The following names are listed in the accounts.) Contra: Mr. Curle, Mr. Wythe, Capt. Armistead; Mark Parrish for a coffin; charles Jenings; (--?--) Proby; Mrs. Royall; mrs. Thomas Taylor; (--?--) Batte. Dr. 1690: William Mallyward; Mychaell Brittonell; John Archer; Petter Price. Error Excepted by Me, George Eland. No date given. p. 118 (32).
An appraisement of the estate of Jno. Powers, dec'd "this 28th of Nov." Total value - £32:16:10. A very long list of household items appears in both inventory and appraisal. Appr. dated 28 Nov 1693. Returned by : Anthony Armistead, Pasco Dunn, Edmund Sweny, Willm. Mallory p. 136(50), p. 137(51).
Thomas & Mary Gray's deed to Capt. Armistead. "I, Thomas Gray of Elizabeth City County and Mary, my wife," for £20 grant to Capt. Anthony Armistead, planter, land formerly purchased of Abraham Woodward, possessed of Owen Davis of York County. 50 acres or thereabouts, lying on the north side of Back River in the afsd County . . . bounded between 50 acres now in the right of Jno. Simmons and other land belonging to Matthew Watts, Senr. Dated: 6 Feb 1693. Signed: Tho. Gray, Mary (X) Gray. Wit: Tho. Ellyson, Hannah Armistead, Tho. Brooke.
Livery & siezin executed by Tho. Gray and Mary, his wife, in the presence of Tho. Brooke. Dated: 17 Feb 1693. Signed: Wm. Walterson, Sarah (X) Badcock. Acknowledged: 19 Feb 1693/4 by Tho. Gray et ux. Rec: 25 Feb 93/4. p. 149(63)
At a Court held 28 Nov 1692 for Laying the Levy - Present: Mr. Pascho Curle; Mr. Lowery; Mr. Swany; Mr. Wythe; Capt. Armistead; Mr. Proby - Justices. It is ord that a public levy be raised in this County for paying & defraying the several sums hereafter mentioned by 405 tithable Persons, viz: . . .
To Capt. Wm. Armistead as Burgess 22 days at 130 lbs day 02860
The suit between Xtopher Dasy, plt, and Phillip Durrell deft, is referred to next Court.
At a Court held the 29th of September 1693 - Judgment granted agt Phillip Durell for 80 - lbs tobacco in cask to Xtopher Dewsey. Dewsy is to pay Court charges at exon.
Capt. Wm. Armistead - sheriff
Order is granted agt the Sher. according to Act for the non-appearance of James Baker to answer the suit of the Wido. Durell for ( _ ) lbs tobacco.
Page 102 - Judgment granted agt James Baker for 270 lbs tobacco due by specialty to Elizabeth Durell, with costs at exon.
Mr. Thomas Curle, plt, suing Thomas Joanes, defndt, for 700 lbs tobacco and 40 shillings, and he not appearing in defense. It is ordered that in case Capt. William Armistead, Sher., do not produce the body nor goods of the deft at next Court, then Judgement shall pass agt the Sher. for what appears due.
Judgment is granted agt Capt. Wm. Armistead for 456 lbs tobacco in cask, due by balance of acct, produced in Court, to Mr. Thomas Curle, with costs.
1698 - Certificate is granted to Capt. Wm. Armistead for 200 acres of land due for importation of four persons into this Colony. Namely: Tony, Peter, Nancy & Jeffereyes.
Daniel Preddy: Surveyr for Black River
November Court 1698 - Capt. Wm. Armistead, late High Sheriff, brought his action agt Robt. Taylor for 2692 lbs tobacco by acct for levies, quit rents and fees, and he not appearing in defense, it is ordered that in case mr. Augt. Moore, Sher., do not produce his body nor goods at next Court, judgment shall pass agt the Sher. for what appears du.
Attachment is awarded agt the estate of Robert Taylor for his non-appearance to answer the suit of Capt. Wm. Armistead for 2692 lbs tobacco, at the suit of Augt. Moore, gent., Sher.
1699 - Mr. Robert Beverley this day proved a lease to him made by Henry Morryson of the County of Middlesex in the Kingdom of England, Esqr., dated 29 Dec 1698, for three tracts of land in this County, proved by the oaths of Capt. Robert Ranson, Mariner; John Morgan, Mercht, and Samuel Malbon, Mariner, three of the witnesses subscribed & by the motion of the sd Robert, it is ordered that the deed be recorded. Deed of Release dated 30 Dec 1698 and receipt of consideration endorsed, proved by the same witness (is) also ordered recorded, together with the depositions of Rachell, Vicountess dowager Faulkland and Edward Morryson, gent, taken before one of the Lord Judge of England & deposition of John Brunskill taken before a Master in Chancery in England, and two certificates of Henry Morryson's birth & relations.
At a Court held the 20th of August 1699 - Present: Major Wm. Armistead; Mr. Pascho Curle; Mr. Tho. Curle; Mr. Tho. Harwood; Capt. Augt. Moore; Mr. John Minson; Mr. Mattw. Watts; Mr. Walter Bayley - Justices
At a Court held the 20th of November 1699 - It is ordered that the Sheriff summon John Colwell to next Court to answer the complt of Eliz. Durell, Wido.
At a Court held the 18th of January 1699/1700 - Present: Col. Wm. Wilson; Major Anthony Armistead; Capt. Augt. Moore; mr. Walter Bayley - Justices.
The complain of Eliza. Durell agt Jno. Colwell, having made no appearance in prosecution, is dismist.
Sum (Summoned) At the bar at last Court held 18th of this instant 9 2/3 Mr. Taylor sum Nathl. Vitscar & Roger Massenburg Dr. George Elyn sum Joseph Milbey & his wife & Jno. Howard Jacob Walker sum Joan Wayan - George Burtenhead sum Majr. Wilson & Capt. Armistead agt Tho. Taylor of James Citty Malyn sum Hen. Jenkins agt Armistead ditto sum Henry Jenkins & Ben. Dod agt Armistead. Sum for Armes--- agt Malyn his daughter Hannah Armistead & Isaac ------ Powel & Matthew Joanes Mary Doxen & Tho. Walterson William Walterson & John Archer & Christopher Dawcey Henry Royall Ben. Ridge
Pendleton, Wm. C. History of Tazewell County & Southwest Virginia, 1748-1920, Richmond, VA: W.C. Hill Printing Company, 1920.
- Draper's Meadows Massacre
Sparacio, Ruth. Deed Abstracts of Orange County, Virginia, 1759-1778, Heritage Books, Inc. 1986
Indenture 20 Oct 1762 between Thos. Ballard Smith & Ann his wife, of Parish of Trinity, County of Louisa, and James Fitzgarel of Orange County . . . for £32 . . . thereunto moving . . . granted 400 acres bought of Edward Watts Junr . . . bounded . . . Richard Dirret . . . Barthalomew Dirret . . . county line . . . Ann Smith, Thos. Bald. Smith. Recorded Orange County 28th October 1762.
Indenture 22 June 1763 between James Fitzgerrell & Mary, his wife, Orange County and Charles Douglass of County of Albemarle . . . for £16 . . . grant 200 acres being in the counties of Orange and Albemarle on the Branches of Pretty's Creek bounded . . . James Isbell . . . Benjamin Winn . . . William Sims
James (X) Fitzgerrel, Mary (X) Fitzgerrell
Witnesses: Christopher Clark, William Sumter, Isaac Crosthwait
Indenture 23 June 1763 between James Fitzgerrel & Mary his wife, and Isaac Crosthwait . . . for £15 . . . grant 100 acres lying in Counties of Orange and Albemarle on the Branch of Pritties Creek . . . bounded . . . James Isbell . . . Benjamin Winn . . . John Ripetoo . . .
James (X) Fitzgarrel, Mary (X) Fitzgarrel
Witnesses: Christopher Clark, William Sumter
Recorded Orange County 23 June 1763
Indenture 27 Aug. 1766 between Rice Curtis, Senr. & Jane Curtis, daughter of said Rice Curtis . . . for £27.17 . . . gives 278 1/2 acres (being part purchased of John Mitchell) . . . bounded . . . Wolf Branch . . . Rippin's line . . . Joseph Philips . . . William Lucas . . . Walter Fitzgerald's path . . .
Rice (X) Curtis
[Witnesses:] Wm. Bell, John Bell
John (X) Brown, Rice Curtis Junr., Thomas (X) Fitch Garril. Recorded Orange County 25th September 1766.
Indenture 11 march 1769 between Jane Curtis of Spotsylvania County & John Askew of Orange County . . . for £27 . . . sells 278 1/2 acres . . . bounded Wolf Branch . . . Joseph Philip's corner . . . William Lucas . . . Walter Fitzgarrels . . .
Presence: Thomas Price, Jenny Curtis
[Witnesses:] Barnard Franklin, Joseph Patterson, Recorded Orange County 24th August 1769.
Sparacio, Ruth, comp. Deed Abstracts of Orange County, Virginia 1778-1786, no imprint
Indenture 28 Sep 1780 between Isaac Crossthwaite & Elizabeth, his wife, and Hopewell Wood . . . for £1000 . . . sell 100 acres bounded by lands of Thomas Wells; James Fitzgerald; John Dollin & Peter Rippetoe . . .
Isaac Crosthwait, Elizabeth Crosthwait, Recorded Orange Counyt 26th October 1780
Indenture 19 March 1783 between Peter Rippeytoe & Sarah his wife, & John Jones . . . for 10,000 weight of Richmun Tobacco paid by John Jones . . . sell 100 acres on Pritties Creek it being part of Patent of 420 acres granted Thomas Walker bounded . . . Rippin's line; said Rogers . . .
Peter (X) Rippeto, Sarah (X) Rippeto
Witnesses: Hopeful Wood, Nehemiah Grinning, James Fitzgarrel, Robert Grinning, Recorded Orange County 23rd October 1783
Sparacio, Ruth, comp. Will Abstracts of Orange County, Virginia 1778-1821, no imprint
Guardian account of Mary Neal by James Beazley, guardian. Some entries: one habit, one frock, one coat, three shifts, one handkerchief, one pair shoes, Bonnets, pair neck lace, two pairs stockings, two years schooling, twelve months' boarding. Returned into court 27 Apr 1801. Will Book 4 1801-1814
Will of James Madison [father of President James Madison] . . . I give & devise to my son, James, the tract of land whereon I now live which was given and bequeathed to me by my late Father by his last will and testament being date the 31st day of July 1732, containing about one thousand eight hundred acres . . . unto my son, Ambrose the lands I bought of the late George Brooks, Gent., . . . the lands to the use of my daughters, Sarah and Frances Taylor Madison . . . Thomas Fitzgerald, a warrant from the land office for fifty acres for military service performed by him . . . devise unto my three daughters Nelly Hite, Sarah and Francis Taylor Madison . . . guardians to my daughter, Frances Taylor Madison, during her minority . . . appoint my four sons, James, Ambrose, Francis & William executors . . . this 17th day of Sept 1787.
James Madison - signed
In the presence of: Eras. Taylor, Robt. Alcock, Andrew Shepherd, George Shepherd, Ben Hansford, Chas. Dickason Will Book 4 1801-1814
Sale of the estate of William Henry which took place on the 10th day of April 1809. Sales listed to Jeremiah Henry, Elizabeth Henry, Capt. May Burton, James Warren, Jarvis Rucker, Joseph Eddins, Senr., Peter Nash, Jeremiah Sims, Benjamin Walker, William A. Jollett, Abraham Eddins, James Sampson, William Sampson Junr., William Sims Junr., Benjamin Rucker, james Clark, James Davis, Jacob Cook, Fortunatus Winslow, Isaac Smith, Joseph Eddins Junr., Thomas Sorrille, William H. Stanard, Robert Branham, Reuben Boston, Jesse Head, David Goodall, Robert M. Beadles, Garland Jarrell, Benjamin Smith, Thomas Miller, Charles Hume, William Payton, Holland Goodridge, Downin Smith, Downin Smith, Junr., Reuben Thomas, Jane Stevenson, Benjamin Long, James Jarrell, James Powell, Thomas Sampson, Junr., William Sims Senr., Larkin Taylor, Elisha Edwards, Zachariah Fitzgerald, Beverley Stubblefield, Thomas Cave, Reuben Clark. Sale amount £503.5.7 3/4 equal to $1677 no cents. Returned into court 25th September 1809. Will Book 4 1801-1814
Will of William Sims . . . my desire that all I have heretofore given to my children, Sarah Jarrell, Jeremiah Sims, Mary Walker, Frances Jarrell, William Sims, Fanny Fitzgerald, Nancy Cave, John Sims, James Sims and Elizabeth Cave shall remain to them . . . to my daughter, Lucretia Sims . . . appoint Jeremiah Jarrell, William Sims and John Sims sole executors . . . this first day of January 1811.
William Sims - signed - his mark
In the presence of James Clark, John Warren, James Jarrell
At a court held . . . 25th February 1811 . . . proved with james Clark, Thomas Sorrille and John Head, his securities . . . bond in penalty of five thousand dollars. Will Book 4 1801-1814
Sale of a part of the estate of William Sims, dec'd., commencing this 5th day of April 1811. Sold to Nancy Sims, John Sims (legatee), Charles Hume, Abner Cave (legatee), James Sims (legatee), Jeremiah Sims (legatee), Pemberton Sims (legatee), James Jarrell (legatee), William Sims (legatee), Jeremiah Jarrell (legatee), William Sims (legatee), Jeremiah Jarrell (legatee), Benjamin Walker (legatee), Zachariah Fitzgerald (legatee), Lucretia Sims (legatee). Amount of sale £897.8.4. Jeremiah Jarrell, William Sims, john Sims, executors. Returned into court 23rd Sept 1811. Will Book 4 1811-1814
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