Sources and notes related to Samuel Shapard (c.1700-1752) and his family

SOURCES AND NOTES:

 

RECORDS RELATED TO THE EARLY SHAPARD FAMILY OF VIRGINIA

 

King and Queen County/ Middlesex County:

King & Queen County was formed in 1691 from New Kent County. King & Queen is a “burned records” county, whereby, records were lost in fires in 1828 and 1865. Only one plat book and three mid-nineteenth century Superior Court record books survive (New Kent County records were lost in 1787 and 1865). Unfortunately almost nothing survived from the 1700s.

 

February 2, 1721/2 (Middlesex County Court Orders 1721-1726, pg 22)

Boyd vs. Mayo. Order of attendance.  Samuel Shepard an evidence from King and Queen County for James Boyd against Anne Mayo having attended three days it is ordered that the said Boyd pay him for the same and for coming 16 miles and returning 16 miles twice with cost. Orders 1721-1726. Dated February 7, 1721.

 

Note: Anne Mayo was a widow living in Middlesex County. This was most likely a lawsuit for the collection of a medical debt. Dr. James Boyd (heir to Pinkill Castle in southern Ayrshire Scottland) was a physician from Ayrshire Scotland who arrived in Virginia in 1721. Dr. Boyd married Mary Thatch and had two sons: Spencer Boyd (b. – 1727 – d. 1779) whom married Lucy;  and James Boyd [Sr.] whom married Betty Gaines (daughter of Capt. Robert Gaines). Both Spencer and James signed the will of John Crockford as witnesses. In 1751, Spencer Boyd was to procession the land between “the branch  next above William Hunts and the Extent upwards.” In 1759, Spencer and James processioned the land between Tarsatyan Swamp and Great Heartquake Swamp.

            Dr. James Boyd traveled as a physician to Gloucester County and Middlesex County as he is listed in the Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. At a vestry held on October 4, 1721, Dr. James Boyd was issued 1000 pounds of tobacco for visits and medicine to Mary Yates. On October 9, 1730, “Dr. James Boyd was allowed by the vestry of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, 1280 pounds tobacco, the amount of his account against the parish.” [Vestry Book of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Va., pg. 223].

In King and Queen County, Dr. James Boyd was a near neighbor of Richard Shackleford [from Penkill Manuscripts dated 1753] who lived at Farm Hill plantation located on the wedge of land which runs down the Mattaponi River between Burnt Mill Creek and Tastine or Tarsaoryan Swamp (now called Corbin’s Mill Creek). Shackleford lived there from 1727 – 1779. John Townley sold the Shapard Slaves to Richard Shackleford prior to his death. 

Dr. James Boyd was the second son of John Boyd of Trochrig. Penkill Manuscripts report that Dr. James Boyd first came to Virginia 1721 and if he was successful as a physician he would stay in the colony. He married Mary Thatch on May 13, 1726 in Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen County and on February 12, 1727 they had a son, Spencer Boyd (in Stratton Major). Penkill Manuscripts report James died on May 2, 1734 in Stratton Major Parish. Born circa 1695.

Note: Penkill manuscripts are held at the Scottish Records office in Edinburg dealing with Penkill Castle and its heirs. It records that Spencer Boyd, son of Dr. James Boyd, became the ninth laird [Lord] of Penkill Castle, through inheritance after the death of his uncle Robert Boyd. Spencer remained in Virginia as did his son James after he became the tenth laird; however James’ son Spencer, the eleventh laird, went to Scotland to claim his inheritance.

 

Note: In the Vestry Book of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Va., Anne Mayo is listed as the wife of Valentine Mayo. Valentine married Anne Jordan, a widow, in 1710. Valentine died on October 5, 1716. Anne is listed in the parish records as her slaves gave birth up through 1722. Beyond this date there is no record of Anne Mayo.

 

Note: This note shows that, in 1721, there was a Samuel Shepard living in King and Queen County sixteen miles from the Middlesex Court House, where he traveled for this case. Note also that Middlesex County Court House was located at Urbanna prior to 1850, then after moved to Saluda. By tracing the roads from Urbanna to the area between Hockley Creek and Goalders Creek we end up near Cologne (close to the lower church of Stratton Major).

 

1730 (Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some Account of the Planters…, by Malcolm Harris, Vol. 1, p. 301; Shepherd’s Warehouse)

            Shepherd’s Warehouse

            The Act of the General Assembly passed in 1730 gave authority for the establishment of the warehouse in King and Queen County at Shepherd’s. This warehouse stood close to the site of Roger Gregory’s dwelling house on the upper side of the Mattapony River across from West Point. There is a public landing at the place to this day. The salary of the Inspectors, and the rental for the warehouse, which was privately owned by Samuel Shepherd, were written in the laws concerning Warehouses in 1734…This place was the site of the warehouse, which was operated by the Shepherds from 1731 until the warehouses were abandoned. The site of the early warehouse was on the upper Mattapony River, a short distance below the mouth of Arracaico Creek, which is now called Burnt Mill Creek.

 

May 1730 (Laws of Virginia)

            XLIII. And for settling the number of public warehouses, and appointing the places where the same shall be kept, pursuant to this act, Be it enacted and declared, that a public warehouse or warehouses shall be kept at the following places, to wit: …at Mantapike and Shepherd’s in King and Queen County, under one inspection….

           

 

Note: In 1730 the Tobacco Inspection Act was passed which established only 40 locations in Virginia where Tobacco had to be inspected. Prior to the passage of this Act, there were laws that prevented the sale of bad or “trash” tobacco; however, by 1730, these laws were no longer effective in regulating tobacco quality. Public warehouses were established for the inspection of tobacco “at or near all heads of rivers and creeks.” Warehouses were built on the Mattapony, one being Shepard’s Warehouse. The inspector stations occupied one acre of land, owners were allowed 4 shillings per year for “every hogshed of tobacco received, inspected and delivered” from their warehouse. The owners were expected to construct a brick square or funnel 6 feet high and at least 4 feet in diameter with a proper arch at the bottom for burning tobacco refused at a warehouse. The Act gave the inspectors power to destroy substandard tobacco as well as to issue bills of exchange that served as currency. Two inspectors were employed at each warehouse to make decisions on the quality of the incoming tobacco. These officers were bonded and forbidden under strict penalty to pass bad tobacco. In 1762, the ferry that ran from West Point to Shepard’s landing was regulated to cost 6 pence per person. In 1787, inspectors at Shepard’s Warehouse earned $25 pounds per year. By 1825, the land at Shepard’s Warehouse was owned by the Hart family. The land records prior to this have been lost for King and Queen County. The warehouses were eventually abandoned in the 1800s.

 

Note: Shepard’s Warehouse was located on the Upper side of the Mattapony River just below the Arracaico Creek mouth. The Arracaico Creek was renamed Burnt Mill Creek and is north of Highway 33 going from West Point to Shackelfords. The Peptico Creek which is below Highway 33 was renamed Goalders Creek. This area is in the lower end of King and Queen County.  North of Highway 33 is a road called Chain Ferry Road this intersects just before it reaches the Mattapony River, Osprey Lane goes north and Shepards Warehouse Road goes south. There is a town called Shackelfords nearby. The Shapard family lived south of Shepards warehouse a very short distance. I have come to believe that whoever owned Shepard’s Warehouse was most likely the father of Samuel Shapard, as he was too young in 1730 to have owned this land; or, more importantly by 1730 the area was already known as “Shepherd’s” thus they would have been there years prior to 1730.

 

September 17, 1734 (Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1727-1734, 1736-1740. H.R. Mcllwaine)

            Resolved, That the rents of the public warehouses heretofore settled by commissioners, and the rents of the warehouses hereafter to be built, be reduced to, and settled at the following rates, per annum, viz. …Shepherds – 12 [pounds]…

            Resolved, That where any room for the receiving of tobacco, or prizes, or wharfs or repairs, shall hereafter be wanting, the county courts, respectively, shall order the same to be built and erected by the owners of such warehouses; and if they refuse to do it, it shall be done  at the charge of the county; and the justices of such county shall receive a proportionable part of the rent; and if any difference shall arise between them, the same shall be determined by appeal to the governor and council: And there shall be an immediate occasion to hire houses, before the same can be built, the charge of hiring houses shall be born by the county wherein such warehouses lie.

            Resolved that in all places where the public warehouses have been built at the charge of any county, upon the lands of private people; and where lands have been taken away, and built upon by other private persons, the proprietor shall be restored to his former right, and receive the rents hereafter; after he shall reimburse the county, or other private builder, so much as remains unsatisfied of the expense of such buildings.

            Resolved, That the inspectors saleries, which do not exceed thirty pounds per annum, be not lessened; and that the saleries of inspectors, at the several warehouses herein after mentioned, be settled at the rates following, per annum, vis. … Shepherd’s – 35 [pounds]…

            Resolved, for preventing of frauds… no tobacco shall be bought or sold but by inspectors notes, under penalty both upon the buyer and the seller.  

 

Note: There were penalties for transporting tobacco beyond the borders of Virginia (i.e. North Carolina). 

 

 

July 25, 1739 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.23)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parrish at the Upper Church on Wednesday the 25^th day of July, 1739… It is ordered that Samuel Shapard, William Richards, and William Berry, or any two of them, do meet on the first Wednesday in Xbr [December] next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Matassip and Pepetico Swamp plainly marked continuing their proceeding in all suitable weather till the whole precinct be finished and that all the inhabitants of the said precincts do attend the said processioners according to law, and the said processioners are further ordered to make and return to this Vestry  at their next sitting after the last of March next a true account of what lands processioned what not the reasons in case of failure, and what persons present in their whole proceedings.

 

Note: The vestry book of Stratton Major covers the years from 1729-1783.

 

Note: The Laws of Virginia for October 1710 discuss procession of land that every four years between June and September the parish will be divided into precincts and the landholders (freeholders) within those precincts must then walk and mark their land boundries with their neighbors between September and March. The Vestry will appoint “at least two intelligent honest freeholders of every precinct to see such processing is preformed, and take and return to the vestry an account of every person’s land they shall procession, and of the persons present at the same, and of what lands in their precinct they shall fail to procession, and of the particular reasons of such failure.” By these standards it is known that from 1739-1751, Samuel Shapard was a land owner (freeholder) in King and Queen County, was educated (intelligent), was viewed as honest within the community, and was young and able enough to travel the precinct.

 

Note: The Peptico Creek which is below Highway 33 was renamed Goalders Creek. Matassip Creek lies south of Peptico Creek and was renamed Hockley Creek. Lower Church is within these two creeks. The zone of processioning between these two creeks is approximately 5 miles (from the York River to the County line) by 2 and ½ miles (from Golders Creek to Hockley Creek). Thus Shepard’s Warehouse is only a few miles from this area, increasing the probability of relation.

 

Notes: In 1664, records of Conway Robinson show that there were two churches in Stratton Major Parish, New Kent County. The upper of these two churches was absorbed into the land set aside for the formation of St. Stephen’s Parish in the 1670s. This is proved by a 1680 petition which states, that this parish already had a church “old enough to have gone to ruin.” We can then assume that the Lower Church of Stratton Major was originally built soon after the formation of the parish in 1655 (this is supported by boundry references to a church in early land patents at the lower end of King and Queen). The earliest land patent is dated 1669 for John Livingston on a tributary of the Mattasup Creek that crosses “a path that goeth to the church.” Other references are the road that runs to the church and a creek named Church Run. Lower church is believed to have stood about  six tenths of a mile west of Cologne Post Office (at Buena Vista). The church yard, marked with a headstone of 1723, lay only an eighth of a mile west of a small stream, presumably Church Run and forms the headwaters of a branch of the present Hockley Creek. Colonial records show Hockley Creek by the name of Mattasup Creek as evidence in processing records in the vestry book.

            By 1729, there were again two churches in Stratton Major Parish: Upper and Lower Churches, which were separated by a distance of 7 miles. Neither seemed to hold precedence over the other, seemingly on even footing and alternately used for vestry meetings as evidence of the parish vestry book. Upper Church seems to have been built between 1724 and 1729 and is still in existence today. After 1768, Upper church was used by the Methodists.

            Both Upper and Lower Churches were abandoned in 1768, upon completeion of a new large parish church in a central location, midway between the two older buildings. The location is east of Burnt Mill Creek, on the North side State Road 14, 31/2 miles east of the Upper Church and 1 1/8 miles west of Shacklfords.  The new church was the costliest and largest house of worship in the state, the dimentions being 80 feet long, 50 feet wide with 27 foot high walls of three foot thick brick. The doorway was 6 foot wide and twelve feet high on the north and south sides, and a main entrance on the west side of 6 foot by 16 foot. The windows were five feet wide and 13 feet high. The floor was flagstone. Seating was arranged by geography, those from the Lower Church would sit on the North side and those from the Upper Church would sit on the south side. Women and men were seated seperatly. The men on one side and the women on the other. In the New Church the women were seated on the sides of the church and the men in the center, due to the new pew configuration. (See illustration pg 300). The church had a mohogany organ with gilt pipes. The new church was abandoned around 1783 due to distaste of the Church of England after the American Revolution.

The Baptists were the last to use the old Lower Church and called it Poroporone Church. The ruins of the old church have long since vanished, however archeological evidence suggests that its foundation was 50 feet by 20 feet with 18 inch thick walls. It was later enlarged with the addition of north wing 22 feet wide by 28 feet long. The church also had a porch, most likely an open brick structure at the west entrance.    (Source: Colonial Churches of Tidewater Virginia)

 

October 10, 1740 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg. 27)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parish at the Upper Church on Friday October 10, 1740… Samuel Shapard, William Berry and William Richards processioners returned their report and it was ordered to be registered.

 

1743 (King and Queen County? Old family papers at Valley Front. Genealogy.com, Edmundson)

            John Townley and his wife Sarah of Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen County, sold 250 acres on the Poropotank Creek to John Livingston for 8 pounds. Land adjoining David Wedderburn. Witness: William Todd Livingston, A. Shackleford, George Livingston.

Note that in 1741, Sarah Edmundson, daughter of James, married Townley (Marriages of Old Rappahannock and Essex County)

 

August 3, 1743 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.32)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parrish at the Lower Church on Wednesday the 3^rd day of August, 1743… It is ordered that Samuel Shapard, William Richards, and William Berry, or any two of them, do meet on the first Wednesday in Xber next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Matassip Swamp and Pepetico Swamp plainly marked continuing their proceeding in all suitable weather till the whole precinct be finished and all the inhabitants thereof are required to attend ye said processioners according to law, and the said processioners are further ordered to make and return to this Vestry  at their next sitting after the last of March next a true account of every persons land they have processioned and of the person present at the same, and of what lands they have not processioned and the particular reason of such failure.

 

October 10, 1743 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.35)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parish at the Upper Church on Monday October 10, 1743… Samuel Shepherd is reimbursed by the Parish the amount of 250 pounds of tobacco for “keeping and burying Mr. Lanktra.”

Note: This is probably “Mr. Lankford” as there were Lankfords in the area but never a Lanktra.

 

October 13, 1746 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.42)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parish at the Upper Church on Monday October 13, 1746… Samuel Shepard, was reimbursed by the Parish in the amount of 100 pounds of tobacco “for benches at the Lower Church.”

To Saml Shepard’s account for benches at the Lower Church - 100

 

August 17, 1747 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.44)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parrish at the Upper Church on Monday the 17^th day of August, 1747… It is ordered that Samuel Shapard, William Berry, and John Waller* or any two of them, do meet on the first Wednesday in Xber next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Matassip and Pepetico Swamp plainly marked continuing their proceeding in all suitable weather till the whole precinct be finished and all the inhabitants thereof are required to attend ye said processioners according to law, and the said processioners are further ordered to make and return to this Vestry  at their next sitting after the last of March next a true account of every persons land they have processioned and of the person present at the same, and of what lands they have not processioned and the particular reason of such failure.

 

Note: John Waller owned and operated Dudley’s Ferry in 1739. Williamsburg Gazette June 10, 1739, “The ferry commonly called Grave’s Ferry over the York River near West Point, formerly kept by Robert Willis , is now kept by the subscriber… John Waller.”

 

April 14, 1748 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg. 50)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parish at the Upper Church on Thursday the 14^th day of April, 1748… Samuel Shapard, William Berry and John Waller processioners returned an account of their proceedings which was ordered to be registered.

 

1750-1751 (Virginia Geneological Society Quarterly, Vol. 28, #4. Merchant Account Book King & Queen 1750-1751)

            John Foster to: bal. from ledger B: Ninian Boog. By 4 Hhds at Urbanna; 4 at Shepherd’s [King and Queen]; at Turner’s [Middlesex]; 2 at Mantapike; 4 at Poropotank [Gloucester]; 3 Hhds pr. Mr. Lynys.

 

Note: this is an account from a merchants book showing a delivery or collection from Shepherds in King and Queen County. In other entries Hhds seems to be a measure of weight of tobacco.

 

July 22, 1751 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.56)

At a Vestry held for Stratton Major Parrish at the Lower Church on Monday the 22^nd day of July, 1751… It is ordered that Samuel Shepard, William Richards and James Pryor or any two of them, do meet on the first Wednesday in December next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Matassip and Pepetico Swamp plainly marked continuing their proceeding in all suitable weather till the whole precinct be finished and all the inhabitants thereof are required to attend ye said processioners according to law, and the said processioners are further ordered to make and return to this Vestry  at their next sitting after the last of March next a true account of every persons land they have processioned and of the person present at the same, and of what lands they have not processioned and the particular reason of such failure.

 

Note: There is no listing for Samuel Shapard after 1751 in the Vestry Book.

 

June 4, 1751 (King and Queen County Records, pg. 347)

On motion of John Major Executor etc of Richard Major decd. It is ordered that John Foster, Nicholas Dillard, Henry Collins and Samuel Shepherd or any three of them (being first sworn before on of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of King and Queen) to value the personal estate and negros (if any) of said Richard Major in the said County of King and Queen and that the executor return an inventory and Appraisment thereof here to the next Court. June 4^th, 1751.

 

Note: John Foster was the son of Thomas Foster (vestryman for K & Q County Stratton Major Parish from 1729 – 1740). Thomas died 1741. John in 1743 was a processioner with Nicholas Dillard and Gregory Smith for the precinct between Peptico Swamp and the southern branch of Arracacoe.     

 

November 9, 1751 (Middlesex County deeds 1687-1750, p. 253; Will of Samuel Shepherd 1751)

           

King and Queen County November 9, 1751

In the name of God, Amen, I Samuel Shepherd of King and Queen County being at present in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this last Will and Testament in manner and form following, first I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God who gave it hoping by and through the merits of my ever blessed Savior and redeemer Jesus Christ to have pardon and remission of all my sins and my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named and as touching my worldly estate which it hath pleased God to bestow on me I do give it in manner and form following -  Item - I give and bequeath unto my loving son Robert Shepherd one negro boy named June and all my smiths tools to him and his heirs forever – Item  - I give unto my son Samuel Shepherd twenty shillings cash with what he has now in possession to him and his heirs forever – Item – I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Mildred Shepherd all my lands and all the rest of my estate real and personal during her natural life or widowhood and she at her discretion to have power to sell my lands and to divide the money amongst my five daughters Elizabeth Shaperd, Ann Shapard, Mary Shapard, Mildred Shapard and Frances Shapard and if my wife should bring a daughter as now she goes with she to have part of the money the land is sold for and the rest of my estate as Negros and movables to be divided amongst her children at the disposal as she thinks fit. Lastly, I do revoke all other wills by me made here before and this to be my last Will and Testament and I do appoint my loving wife Mildred Shapard whole and sole Executrix of this my last will and testament having hereunto set my hand and seal this 9^th day of November 1751. Signed sealed and published in the presence of us: Daniel Hayes, Sam’l Fleming, John Newton

                                                                                                            Signed Sam’l Shepherd

Back of will states: Shephards Will a copy [also noted as] Shepherds Will copy No. 1. [Probated Feb. 11, 1752] At a Court held for King and Queen County the 11^th day of 1752 this will was presented in Court by Executrix therein named who made oath thereto and the same being proved by the oaths of Samuel Fleming and John Newton two of the witnesses. Thereto was admitted to record

 

Note: According to the Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish of King and Queen County, Samuel Fleming is listed in 1767, where he was allotted pew #5 in the new church (Corbin’s Church); and in 1772, when he was granted 800 lbs tobacco for “keeping Jonathan Gardner.” A Daniel Hayse is listed in 1729, where he was appointed to number all the tobacco plants in the precinct. A Daniel Hayes is listed in 1725 as a witness to the deed of John Guttery of Middlesex to John Nicholls of King and Queen for land on the Dragon Swamp. In the vestry book, there is no mention of John Newton, however, on September 24, 1764, Alice Newton was buried in Stratton Major Parish of King and Queen County.

 

Note: There are multiple spellings of Shapard in the document (Shepherd, Shephard, Shepard, Shapard). Though I think it is very important to note that in the second half of the document nearly all the names are spelled Shapard…I would not imagine this unique spelling would occur unless the writer was directed to do so.

 

Note: None of the daughters are listed as married. Sarah is the unborn baby mentioned who was born in 1752. This must indicate that this was a fairly young family (daughters probably 14 years old and under). His sons are listed as Robert and Samuel (probably the two oldest sons). I originally found  it unusual that his sons John and William were not mentioned in the will, causing me to speculate a wide variety of possibilities (transcription error, were they already gone by this time to remote locations, were “Robert and Samuel” actually “John and William,” were they children adopted from a deceased brother; or had they already received their inheritance? So many possibilities). Then one night, I re-read the will and focused on the line, “and the rest of my estate as Negros and movables to be divided amongst her children at the disposal as she thinks fit.” I now believe the simplest explanation is that John and William were too young to be listed for specific inheritance and instead would inherit slaves and items when their mother deemed them old enough. Update: After my trip to the Library of Virginia in 2015, I now believe that Samuel II and Robert were sons from a different marriage (the wife dying) and they were named specifically to insure their inheritance. Then Samuel remarried Mildred Crockford and had Elizabeth, et. al. including John and William. I believe that John is the oldest son of the marriage between Samuel and Mildred (which is why she fought so hard for him to inherit her fathers estate) and Elizabeth is the eldest daughter between that same marriage. I believe that Elizabeth may be the name of Mildred Crockford’s mother as both she and two of her sisters (Mary Faulkner and Mrs. Jefferies) had daughters they named Elizabeth.

 

Note: Marriage age in 1700s. According to Katie Cannon, assistant curator of education at the DAR Museum in Washington D.C., the more rural the area the younger the age at marriage. In Pennsylvania in 1700s, women married at age 23 and men at 26, however in rural South Carolina and Virginia during the same timeframe, women married at 19 and men at 22, on average. Due to illness and high death rate, second marriages were common. In the 1700s, the average marriage age for first marriages was 22.7 years. Any free white person obtaining the age of 21 could marry, provided they obtained a license or had banns (intention of marriage) published by the church. Those under 21 years, could marry with the consent of parent or legal guardian. An apprentice had to obtain permission from their master prior to marriage. Virginia did not recognize marriages between slaves. Weddings were generally held at the house of the bride, with invitations extended to family, friends and neighbors. After the ceremony by a minister, a celebration occurred with supper, toasts, songs, dancing and card playing. Women often died in childbirth.

 

Note: In Samuel’s will he gives all of his “smiths tools” to his son Robert. Smith’s tools were tools used by blacksmiths, silversmiths, and gunsmiths. Chances are that Samuel was a blacksmith that had acquired wealth, land and slaves. Blacksmiths were generally regarded as prominent members of their community, and socially ranked as upper-middle class citizens. They were often elected for offices or positions within their community due to their job instilling them with intellect, an understanding of math, and a solid business sense. To make a living, a smith had to preserve and protect his good reputation. In colonial America, to become a blacksmith required an apprenticeship at an early age. Most boys were apprenticed between 12-14 years of age and remained bound for about five years or less if the master deemed him fully capable in the mastery of his trade. During their apprenticeship they were to be fed, clothed, housed, and educated in reading, writing and arithmetic by the master, and were to be totally obedient in return for learning a specialized skill. Blacksmiths were vital to the survival and growth of the colonies in America. During this time before machining and mass production, smiths made, by hand, every tool, every plow, every utensil, every gun part, every nail, etc., that the community needed. Before the Revolutionary War, the British placed restrictions on the colonists making iron, thus it was hard for smiths to obtain. What iron was produced, was done so under the permission of the King, and as such, most iron was shipped to England to be made into tools and hardware that were then exported to the colonies for purchase at inflated costs.  Due to the high cost of new tools, the majority of a blacksmith’s work consisted of reworking worn down tools to make them functional again. His workshop consisted of a coal burning forge to heat the iron, a bellow to increase the temperature of the fire as needed, an anvil upon which to work the metal, and other tools such as hammers, tongs, chisels, vices. The forge and bellow was normally located near a wall and the anvil in the center of the room. The room was dimly lit as smiths judged how to work the metal based on the color of the glowing hot iron. The workshop was kept clean by the apprentice or slaves and the master smith focused on the metal work. The smith was normal was outfitted in a linen shirt and breeches, which absorbed sweat and kept him cool, a heavy leather apron and face shield to protect him from the heat, shrapnel and sparks. Some smiths specialized in specific smithing, such as making barrel loops as a “cooper,” making wagon wheels as a “wheelright,” making horseshoes as a “farrier,” etc. By the 1850s, due to the age of industrialization and mass produced machined parts, blacksmiths became nearly obsolete.        

 

Note: From the records (based on order of names, inheritance, marriage records, Crockford will, etc.) I have hypothesized the birth order and birth dates to be: Samuel (b. 1727), Robert Shapard (b. 1728), Elizabeth (b. 1736), John (b. 1738), William (b. 1740), Ann (b. 1744), Mary (b. 1746), Mildred (b. 1748), Frances (1750), Sarah (b. 1752). By this order, at the time of their father’s death, Samuel was 24 years old, Robert 22 years old, Elizabeth 15, John 13, William 11, Ann 7, Mary 5, Mildred 3, Frances 1and Sarah unborn. This would place John at 19 years old when he was living at his grandfather Crockford’s and helping him run the plantation. This would place William at 21 years old when he married in 1761 and 67 years old when he died in 1807. This birth order would also suggest that Samuel and Mildred married circa 1735 (as their first child was born circa 1736).  If we further speculate that Samuel was 36 years old at the time of his second marriage (to Mildred Crockford), his birth date would be circa 1698, and Mildred, at 21 years old, would have been born circa 1714.

 

Note: By 1784, the only surviving daughters of Samuel are Sarah Vass, Mildred Burch and Frances Crittenden. There is no mention of their brother’s Robert or Samuel (probably deceased); however, John and William are both listed as living in North Carolina.

 

Note: Mildred Burch lived in King and Queen County until her death. She is listed on the June 14, 1790 tax list for King and Queen County, as having 3 blacks above 16 years old and 2 horses. Her son Shepherd [Shapard] Burch is listed as the male tithable. The 1799 tax list does not list Mildred, however her son Shepherd [Shapard] Burch is listed as being taxed for 1 white male above 16 and one black male above 16. It is assumed that Mildred died between 1790 and 1799. Shepherd Burch is listed on the 1810 Federal Census for King and Queen County as having one white male under 10, one white male 26-44, one white female under 10, one female between 16-25, and three slaves. There is a record of a Shepherd Burch born in 1812 who married Susanna Moore and lived in Kentucky in 1838 and Indiana in 1840. It is unknown if this is Shepherd [Shapard] Burch’s son, though due to the uniqueness of the name it is highly probable.

 

Note: The 1790 tax list for King and Queen County lists Richard Crittenden, Jr. estate as having 178 acres. This is also repeated in the 1799 tax list. According to Vass vs. Shackelford lawsuit of Middlesex Co., Richard Crittendedn, Jr., died in 1787.

 

April 2, 1756 (Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1752-1758)

            A petition of sundry inhabitants, of the County of King and Queen, setting forth, that the warehouses at Shepherd’s and Turner’s, in the said county, now being under one inspection are very inconvenient to them, and pray that they may be put under separate inspections, was presented to the House and read.

 

 Note: This petition was rejected in the April 1757 session.

 

1757 (Will of John Crockford; Middlesex County Deeds 1687-1750, Misc. Records 1752-1831, p. 255)

            In the name of God Amen I John Crockford of King & Queen County being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory thanks to almighty God for the same do make and ordaine this to be my last Will and Testement in manner and form following first I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my creator and preserver stedfastly [asking] for pardon of all my sins and eternal salvation through the merits and sufferings of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ my body I bequeath to the Earth from whence it was taken to be buried in such Christian manner as my friends shall seem fit and as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with all I give and dispose thereof as followeth I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Faulkner my whole dividend of land whereon I do dwell with power to give to her children as she shall think fit and to no one else. Item I also give to my daughter Mary Faulkner a negro woman called old Beck a negro man named Sawney a negro girl named Beck with power to her to give her children as she shall think fit and to no one else Item I give and bequeath to my grandson John Shepherd one yoke of oxen two cows and calfs one bed and furniture and one half of my sheep and one half of my hogs Item I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Eliz’a Mariah Jeffries one negro girl named Frank one feather bed and furniture and one trunk with power to her to give to her children as she shall think fit and no one else Item I give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Lucrecy Carter a negro boy named George with power to her to give to her children as she shall think fit and to non one else as also one bed and furniture one chest one young Bay mare branded JC with power to her to give as aforesaid Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Faulkner all my personal estate after the legacies are discharged with their paying a proportionate part of all my debts to be first deducted out of the legacies with power to her to give to her children as she shall think fit and to no one else Item I give to my daughter Mildred Townley twenty shillings sterling she having no more of my estate Item I give to my son in law William Gore twenty shillings sterling he having no more of my estate lastly I appoint my beloved daughter Mary Faulkner whole and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven. John Crockford (seal). Signed and sealed in the presence of Spencer Boyd, James Boyd, Sam’l Petty.

At court held for King & Queen County the 8^th day of November 1757 This Will was presented in court by the Executrix therein named who made an oath to the same and it being proved by the oaths of the several witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

 

Note: This is the will of Mildred Crockford Shapard’s father. After her husband Samuel Shapard died, Mildred married John Townley. Mildred’s son John Shapard is also listed in this will. John lived with his grandfather.

 

Note: John Townley of King and Queen County, Va., married Sarah Edmundson, daughter of James Edmundson and Judith Alleman who was the widow of Philip Parr. John began buying land in Essex County in 1742 near the Edmundson family – in South Farnham Parish by Bestland Swamp and east side of Rappahannock Road and Dragon Swamp. In 1745, court deed records identify John Townley as living in Essex County, whereas before he is listed as being from King and Queen County. Sarah, his wife died before 1753, as the will of her mother, dated March 6, 1753, does not list her. It appears that after the death of Sarah, John Townly moved back to Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen County where he married Mildred Shapard widow of Samuel Shapard. His sons, James and John remained on his lands in Essex County, which boardered King and Queen County by Millers Tavern. James reports in his will as having an “uncle Thomas Miller”, who was perhaps the owner of Miller’s Tavern. The fact that some of John Townley’s land was over the border into King and Queen County is evident in the Essex County Orders for August 17, 1761: “Ordered that William Estes pay unto James Townley 215 pounds of tobacco for attending this court five days and three times coming and returning ten miles from King and Queen County as witness for him against Richard Thomas Haile.” John died before March 16, 1772, when his son James sold land in Essex County on Smart’s Swamp and Bestland Swamp willed to him by his father. His will is part of the records lost in King and Queen County.

His son James (son of John Townley and brother of John) married Ann Collier daughter of William and Frances Collier of Stratton Major Parish, King and Queen County. James’ and Ann’s children were William, John (married Lucy Johnson), James, Frances (married Roger Shackelford), Sarah (married Joseph Mann) and Ann. James’ will was made June 2, 1785, and was probated in Essex County on October 17, 1785.

John Townley (son of John Townley and brother of James) married Sarah Mann, daughter of Joseph Mann and Mary of South Farnham Parish, Essex County. John and Sarah had the following children: Mann, John, Buckner, Sarah, Mary, Ann and Joannah. John Townley’s will was made in Essex County on July 18, 1787(source: Townley Family Notes, Library of Virginia)

Essex County deeds in the 1750s show that James Booker resides in proximity to John Edmundson plantation. On Dec. 15, 1773, James Booker appraises the estate of John Edmundson, deceased. James Edmundson last will and testament dated August 19, 1741 lists son John and gives him house and land on west side of main swamp that runs to Dunns Mill Dam. Gives to his grandson John the plantation were his father lived on the on the South side of the said Mill Swamp. Daughter Susannah Edmundson three negros. Daughter Elizabeth Hay give negro and cattle. Give to daughter Sarah TOWNLEY 25 pounds cash. Wife Judith. Son Thomas. Thus showing that John Townley plantation was near the Booker Plantation.

 

Note: It appears that the Crockfords lived in Gloucester County Petsworth Parish from 1711 until 1722 based on Parish records of John Crockford. In 1719, John Carter, Clerk of Petsworth Parish, bound and orphan boy, Edward Carter, unto John Crockford, whereby John would educate him by giving him schooling for three years and all him to read any part of the Bible. This may have become the husband of one of his daughters whereby John in his will gives some inheritance to a granddaughter “Lucrecy Carter”. It appears the family moved to Middlesex County after Gloucester due to the fact that there are many marriages of John’s children there: Mary Crockford married Jacob Faulkner on July 19, 1729 in Middlesex County; Lucy Crockford married William Goar [Gore] on May 19, 1732 in Middlesex County. John Crockford, Sr. married Lucretia Goar in 1728 (this was a second marriage for both of them).

 

Note: It was reported that John Crockford was a vestryman for King and Queen County, however this is not confirmed via the parish vestry book, which covers the time that Mr. Crockford supposedly resided there.

 

1759 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

Robert Pollard 29 years old says he lived with Samuel Shepherd when the negro Beck first came there where she stayed about one year and having returned to John Crockford came back again to Samuel Shepherd and returned about 4 or 5 years. After Beck had her baby, there was a conversation between Crockford and Shepherd about the negro and her child – whereby Crockford said to let them stay and after the negros were always reported to be Shepherd’s. Mrs. Shepherd told Robert Pollard that her father gave her the slaves and the said slaves were returned to her father after he became sickly and in low circumstance she lent them to him to assist him. That Samuel Shepherd clothed the said Beck the year Robert lived with them and that he has been informed by the taylor who worked for the said Shepherd that he always cut out clothes for the said Beck as well as the said Shepherd’s negros.

 

1759 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            John Wallis 45 years old – was called to write the Will of Samuel Shepherd a few years before his death and that John Crockford was there and signed it as witness. Depositionist said he had seen and heard John Crockford Sr., read in church. The Negro Beck lived with the Shepherd’s 4 years and was reported in the neighborhood that Beck and the boy Sawney belonged to John Crockford Jr., and that after the death of John Crockford Jr., the slaves became Shepherd’s.

 

 

1759 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            Worshipful Justices of the Court of King and Queen County sitting Chancery. Humbly complaining there unto your Worships your supplicant John Townley and Mildred his wife, that John Crockford late of this County now deceased being in his lifetime possessed of considerable real and personal estate, sometime in the year 1749 being minded to make his Last Will and Testament and disposed of his estate between his two daughters and only surviving children, your oratrix Mildred and Mary the wife of Jacob Faulkner, send for your oratrix who was his favorite child and for whom he always expressed the strongest affection in order o know in what manner it would be most agreeable to her to have his estate divided and after some consultation with your oratrix he made his Will and thereby made an equal portion of his land and negros (excepting the negro Frank whom he left to his grand daughter Elizabeth Jefferies) between your orartix and  the said Mary and was Mildred to divide his personal esate in the same manner but your oratrix responding to him said father that Samuel Shepperd (your oratrix’s husband) was possessed of more valuable personal estate than the said Mary’s husband prevailed upon him to leave her the said Mary all of his household goods and stock excepting ½ of the hogs which the said Crockford bequeathed to your oratrix with which the said Mary was well pleased and often declared and assured or oratrix that she would never procure or consent to any alteration in the said without the knowledge and appropriation of your oratrix; so that the said Will continued for some years unaltered, ___ upon the application of your oratrix the said John Crockford agreed to divide the land he intended for your oratrix to her son John Shepperd and afterwards mentioning this request of your oratrix to the said Mary seemed very loath and unwilling to have it from your oratrix but at the same time declared that as it was your oratrix’s desire to have it left to her so he would comply with her request and accordingly had his will altered so far as to give the land formerly divised to your oratrix to her said son John Shepperd; And your orator and oratrix further show that the said John Crockford being greatly advanced in years and falling into a long and dangerous illness was much impared in his understanding and your oratrix living at a considerable distance so that she could not be with her said father so often as her inclination led her the said Jacob Faulkner and Mary his wife taking advantage of your oratrix’s absence and infirmity and datage of the said John Crockford ___ by many groundless and unfair injustices to alienate the affection of the said John Crockford  from your oratrix and her said son and by their continual importunity so wearied him as he lay in that weak state both mind and body as to prevail on him to alter his will to the disadvantage of your oratrix and her son, although your oratrix had always behaved with the greatest duty and affection to her said father and neither your oratrix nor her said son had ever to her knowledge or behalf given him the least cause of disconsent on the contrary your orator and oratrix are [convenced] that the said John Crockford had retained the same personal affection for your oratrix which he had always possessed for her and that he was forced against his own purpose and inclination to disinherit your oratrix being perpetually harassed by the false suggestions and indignant solicitations of the said Jacob and Mary Faulkner; which preservation of your orators is strongly confirmed by the great insultation of the said Crockford in regard to his will (it having been altered 4 or 5 times within the space of as few months before his death) and by the declaration of the said Mary who has been heard to say that she was obligated to sit down by her ___ father and add tears to her ___ before she could prevail on him to leave his dwelling plantation which he had always intended for your oratrix from which declaration most evidently appears that the will executed by the  said John Crockford is not his free and voluntary act but ___ from him by the …malice and artful insultations of the said Mary and her husband which have been so effectual as to deprive your oratrix of any share of the estate and have induced an affectionate father to disinherit (a child for whom he had never made any provision) with a trifling legacy of 20 shillings intended as rather a disgrace and more disapproval to your oratrix than as to any benefit to her; and your orator and oratrix further show unto your worships that John Crockford the younger the only son of  the said John Crockford the elder being in his lifetime possessed of two negro slaves Sawney and Beck died some time in the year 1742 intestate and without issue whereby the property of the said slaves became vested in your oratrix and the said Mary, as sisters and coheirs of the said John Crockford the younger, but the said John Crockford the elder took the said slaves into his possession claiming them as his own sometime pretending that the right of the said slaves descended to him as the next heir to his said son and at times giving out that they were purchased whith his money and that the said John Crockford the younger had only the lease use and possessionof the said slaves; but Samuel Shepperd (your oratrix’s then husband) and the said Jacob Faulkner being satisfied that the said John Crockford the younger had the whole property of the said slaves consulted with a lawyer conserning the aforesaid claim of  the said John Crockford the elder and were advised that the father could not claim by descent form his son but that the right to the said slaves was by law vested in your oratrix and said Mary; However as the said father would not give up his claim they chose to permit him to keep possession during his lifetime rather than incur his resentment by bringing any lawsuit against him; and your orator and oratrix further show that sometime after the said John Crockford the elder still claiming the property of the  said slaves gave the negro wench Beck to your oratrix and upon the said negro being delivered of a child told the said Samuel Shepperd that the said child and the mother were both his the said Samuel Shepperd’s but happening afterwards to have the misfortune  of losing [title] of his [other] negros, desired your oratrix to lend him the said negro Beck which your oratrix very readily did, not doubting but he would have returned the said slave and her child as the property of the said Shepherd and by virtue of the aforesaid gift but your oratrix finds that the said John Crockford the elder has been induced to devise the said negros Sawney, Beck and her child to the said Mary Faulkner; And your orator and oratrix further show unto your Worships that they have often paalied to the said Jacob Faulkner and Mary his wife  who is appointed Executrix of the said presented will and in a friendly manner represented to them that the said Will was by them obtained in so unfair a manner and so greatly to the disadvantage to your oratrix for whom the afavorite and ___ child her said father had removed any provision  in his lifetime they ought in conscience and in justice to let your orator and oratrix have that portion of the said estate which the said John Crockford always intended for them and which he had expressly devised to your oratrix by the will first above mentioned but the said Jacob Faulkner and Mary having (tho in so unjust a manner) got an advantage at law altogether refused to comply with the said request upon which refusal your orator and oratrix further presented to the said Jacob and Mary that as the said negros Sawney and Beck were the property of the said John Crockford the younger they ought to make partition of the said Sawney and Beck and her child with your orator and oratrix accordingly to the law but with this request also they refused to comply, and prestnded that  the said slaves were bought by John Crockford the younger with the money and for the use of the said John Crockford the elder whereas you orator and oratrix expressly charge that the said slaves were bought by John Crockford the younger for his own use and that he always during his life had the said slaves in his possession and received the crops and profits of them and your oratrix swears that she has seen the bill of sale for the said negros which were taken in the name of John Crockford the younger which said bill of sale the said Jacob and Mary have “got into their hands” and now refuse to produce or show them to your orator and oratrix. Your ortor and oratrix lastly presented to the said Jacob and Mary that if the said John Crockford the elder had ever any right to the said slaves, he parted with the same by the aforesaid gift of the negor Beck to your oratrix and therefore requested them to deliver up the said Beck and her child to your oratrix as executrix to the said Samuel Shepherd but this they also absolutely refused to do, All which actings and doings and pretenses of the said Jacob Faulkner and Mary his wife contrary to equity, Justice and good conscience and lend to the manifest injury and oppression of your orator and oratrix. In tender consideration whereof and for as much as your orator and oratrix are remedyless in the premises by the ___ rules of Common Law and are only and properly releavable in a Court of Chancery…  

 

Note: In the counter deposition given by Mary Faulkner (sister to Mildred), she said that Mary shared the same affection from her father as he gave Mildred. She said her father altered his will because he had heard that Mildred was going to give his estate to her son John Shapard. Mary said that John Crockford the elder was greatly neglected by his grandson John Shapard who lived with him after he got ill and helpless. Mary lived near her father and attended to him often. John Crockford the elder was in a languishing state of illness for one year before his death. Just before his death Mary claims that Mildred requested that her father change his will and give her part to herself and not her son John – and for that she lived unhappy with her husband, as John Crockford called in John Shapard and told him to give his part to his mother. Mary said that John Crockford the elder lent Mildred the slave Beck, who was a house servant, to assist her for some time, and Margery a child of Beck’s went with her to the house of Samuel Shepherd where Beck remained for  2 or 3 years and there delivered a child named Young Beck. John Crockford paid the midwife for the delivery of the child and Mildred gave her father cotton to repay him for the clothes he sent the slaves. Mildred did this without the knowledge of her husband Samuel Shepherd.

 

Note: The Court in August 13, 1759 allotted old Beck and Young Beck to Mildred and John Townley; allotted Sawney to Mary and Jacob Faulkner; allotted $14 pounds to be paid to Mildred by Mary for profits due by them keeping the slaves in their possession unlawfully.

 

Note: Jacob Faulkner made a statement that he lived in Orange County circa 1740s and after the death of John Crockford, Jr., John Crockford Sr., called on him to move near him in King and Queen County, of which he agreed to only if Mr. Crockford willed him his estate in return.

 

December 11, 1767 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia)

            Pews allotted to the families &c., in the New Church [Corbin’s Church]: Pew #7 – Richard Crittenden and his wife…John Townley and his wife. Pew #6 – Jacob Faulkner (no wife listed). Pew # 4 - Nicholas Burch Pew # 3 – Nicholas Burch wife.

 

Note: The higher the # of pew (the highest is 11) the more powerful the rank of person.

Note: The first entry of Nicholas Burch in the parish register is September 29, 1766.

Note: James Boyd and Spencer Boyd and their wives are also assigned to pew # 7.

 

Note: In Essex County document from 1767, it lists John Townley as a vestryman from Stratton Major Parish. This is NOT confirmed in the Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, which does not list him as a vestryman.

 

November 14, 1770 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia)

Thomas Vass appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 800 lbs of tobacco for serving as “reader” for 8 months.

 

October 1, 1771 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia)

            Thomas Vass appears in the Vestry Book as a “reader” (payment in tobacco is not listed).

 

March 16, 1772 (Essex County Virginia Deed Book 23, p. 21, 65, 241)

            Deed dated March 16, 1772, James Townley sold a piece of his land in Essex County that had come to him by the will of his father John Townley. The land on which two of John Townley’s sons (James and John) dwelt had been bought by their father in three purchases of tracts between the Dragon and Bestland Swamps. 

 

Note: The above deed shows that John Townley (husband of Mildred Shapard) died in 1771 or 1772. This is further supported as records of John Townley in King and Queen County cease after November 14, 1770.

 

1775 (Abstracts of Will From Goochland County, Virginia 1727-1777 by Margaret V. Henley, pg. 70; Deed Book 11 page 38-40)
            Thomas Pleasants: May 8, 1775. August 21, 1775. To son, Robert, 15 acres north of his 50 acres on south side of my land to include the houses and plantation where I now live, also 1 red heifer. To my daughters, Anne Martin and Elizabeth______ (?), 1 heifer featherbed and furniture to each of them. After all debts are paid, balance to be divided between my children: Robert, Thomas, Anne, Elizabeth and Jesse. Executors: My brother, John Pleasants, and my nephew, Joseph Pleasants. Wit: Robert Shapard, Stephen Nowlin, and William Rogers.

 

Note: Robert Shapard is listed on the Goochland County Virginia 1789 Persoanl A Tax List page 9

Note: This Robert Shapard is most likely the Robert listed in the Will and Testament of Samuel Shapard.

 

September 30, 1780, (Public Service Claims, Virginia State Library)

Received of Thomas Vass 2 gal, 3 qts, 1 pt brandy. $17.17.6. signed Robert Hill. (Probably as provisions for soldiers).

 

November 9, 1780 (King and Queen County Petitions to the General Assembly of Virginia; VA state archives)

            Sundry Inhabitants of King and Queen County, regarding Turner’s and Shepherd’s warehouses. 76 signatures include names of prominent persons.

 

May 31, 1781 (Chancery case Vass vs Shackleford from Middlesex County, VA dated May 31, 1781)

            (abstract) John Crockfield of K&Q d.c. 1749 leaving several children including a son John Jr. who died in 1742 without issue, a daughter Mary who m. Jacob Faulkner (marriage included in the parish register of Christ Church of Middlesex County), and a daughter Mildred who married Samuel Shepherd. Mildred died in either October or November 1781. Samuel Shepherd died November 9, 1751 and his wife Mildred then married John Townley.

 

Note: that Samuel Shepherds will is dated November 9, 1751 and was proved February 11, 1752 in K&Q County. The will mentions that Mildred was with child at the time, this must have been Sarah who married Thomas Vass.

 

Note: Thomas Vass and Sarah his wife replied to Zachariah Shackleford that his father, Richard Shackleford, purchased two slaves (Beck)  from John Townley in 1760. (Mildred’s second husband)

 

Note: John Townely’s first wife was Sarah Edmundson daughter of James Edmundson of Essex County, Virginia.

 

Note: James Edmundson (d.1741) (son of Thomas) married Judith Alleman (d. 1763) of South Farnham Parish, Essex County, Virginia. His will of 1741 lists his children as “John, Elizabeth Hay, Sarah Townley, Thomas and Susanna Edmundson. Their son Thomas Edmundson of Essex County served as a captain in the French and Indian Wars and married Dorothy Todd (daughter of Col. William Todd of King and Queen County). After Dorothy’s death, Thomas married Hannah Graves (daughter of William Graves of Essex County) Thomas died in 1759 and his will names his children as James, William, John, Judith, Sarah and Dorothy. Their son James Edmundson married Elizabeth Webb (daughter of John Webb). She died in 1773 and is buried at Jones Neck in Essex County. Her tombstones reads; “Here lies the body of Elizabeth Edmundson who departed thie life on Friday the 19^th day of November 1773 in the 37^th year of her age [b. 1736], she was the wife of Mr. James Edmundson and daughter of Mr. John Webb and Jane his wife, and at her request is interred on the left side of her mother, and in her grandfather Jones’ burial place on Friday the 5^th of December following. (Source Geneologies of Virginia Families: From Tyler’s Quarterly Vol. 1). This John Webb who married Jane Smith was the brother of James Webb who married Mary Edmundson.. John and Jane Webb’s daughter Elizabeth married James Edmundson. Whereas, James and Mary Edmundson’s daughter Elizabeth married Philip Vass.  The Mary Edmondson who married James Webb was the daughter of Benjamin (son of Thomas) and Margaret Edmundson who was the brother of James Edmondson (d. 1741) (son of Thomas) who’s daughter was Sarah Townley.   

 

October 1781 (King and Queen County Virginia Certificates)

            Received from Mary Faulkner 325 lb beef for use of the Army. [value] 4.1.3. signed Rob Hill.

 

June 1, 1782 (Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Valuation of Land Records for King and Queen County, Virginia)

            Richard Crittenden, Jr. – 178 acres*

            Mary Faulkner – 333 acres

            William Shepherd – 140 acres [note: this is not our William]

            Mary Shepherd – 100 acres

            Thomas Vass – 250 acres**

 

*Note: in 1787 a Richard Crittenden of King and Queen County sold 140 acres of land to Zachariah Crittenden
**Note: Thomas Vass is listed on the King and Queen tax list for the years 1781- 1800. After 1800 he is absent from the records. No Vasses are listed on the Personal Property Tax List of 1790s. Thus he had land in K&Q which he sold circa 1800, and he was living elsewhere, leaving K&Q circa 1783-1788, when he appears in Granville County NC. 

October 1, 1783 (source unknown)

Thomas Vass is mentioned as an assignee in a K&Q record originally dated Apr 1781

 

1784 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            To the worshipful Court of Middlesex sitting in Chancery. Humbly complaining show unto your Worships your orator and oratrix – Thomas Vass and Sarah his wife, Richard Crittendon and Frances and Mildred Burch widow; that Samuel Shepperd late father to your oratrix being in his lifetime and also at the  time of his death__ and possessed of considerable Negro slave and personal estate, duly made and published his Last Will and Testament in writing, bearing the date on or about the 9^th day of November Anno Domini 1751 and gave and bequeathed to his wife Mildred (your oratrix’s mother) a certain portion of his estate in the words following, viz. “Item I give and bequeath to my loving wife Mildred Shepperd all my lands and the rest of my estate real and personal during her natural life of widowhood, and she at her discretion to have the power to sell my lands and to divide the money amongst my 5 daughters; Elizabeth Shepherd, Ann Shepherd, Mary Shepherd, Mildred Shepherd and Frances Shepherd and if my wife should bring a daughter as she now goes with she is to have a  part of the money the land is sold for, and the rest of my  estate and negros and movables, to be divided amongst her children at her disposal as she thinks fit;” Then by appointed his said wife whole and sole Executrix of said last Will and Testament and shortly after died without revoking or altering the same, … the Last Will and to which your orator and oratrix beg leave to refer; and your orator and oratrix further show that during the life of the aforesaid Samuel Shepherd and Mildred his wife, father and mother to your oratrix and also during the life of a certain Jacob Faulkner and Mary his wife, who was sister to the aforesaid Mildred Shepherd, John Crockford, Jr., who was brother to the aforesaid Mildred Shepherd and Mary Faulkner, died intestate with out wife or child, ___ and possessed of 3 negro slaves viz., Old Beck, Young Beck and Swanney, and as the said John Crockford had no brother or sister except the aforesaid Mildred and Mary they as co-heiresses were fully entitled each one to [a certain percent] (according to the value0 in and to the said negro slaves of their deceased intestate brother, in consequence of which mutual right the said Samuel Shepherd husband to the said Mildred and the said Jacob Faulkner husband to the said Mary divided the aforesaid 3 negro slaves between them; The said Jacob taking into possession as full part or proportion of the aforementioned negro slave Swanney, and the said Samuel taking the two Becks as satisfaction for his [percent of the inheritance] in the aforesaid slaves, and your orator and oratrix show further that John Crockford Sr., the father-in-law of the aforesaid Samuel Shepherd and Jacob Faulkner, being in very indignant and needy circumstances, the said Samuel Shepherd (father to your oratrix) about 3 or 4 years after he had been given possession of the said 2 becks lent them to the said John Crockford his father-in-law and permitted him to keep the possession of them  whilst he the said Samuel lived; sometime after the death the said John Crockford departed this life having first  duly made his Last Will and Testamant in writing by which he undertook  to divide the said two becks lent to him by the said Samuel Shepherd, to the aforesaid Mary Faulkner, sister to the said Mildred Shepherd your oratrix’s mother, by virtue of which bequeaths the said Mary and her husband took possession of the said two Becks and refused to divide them to Mildred Shepherd aforesaid your oratrix’s mother, who was entitled to them during her natural life by the will of her deceased husband, and your orator and oratrix further show that the said Mildred mother to your oratrix sometimes after the death of her said husband Samuel Shepherd, intermarried with a certain John Townley (since dead, who in his life time in the names of himself and his wife Mildred as Executrix of Samuel Shepherd commenced a suit in Chancery Court in the County of King and Queen against the said Jacob Faulkner to recover the aforesaid  two Becks, whom he the said Jacob pretended to claim under the will of the aforesaid John Crockford, Sr., and your orator and oratrix further show that the said John Townley and Mildred his wife obtained a decree for the aforesaid two Becks as Executrix of Samuel Shepherd the former husband of the said Mildred, for the proof and illustration of which your orator and oratrix beg leave to refer to all the proper determination and decree in the said suit between the said  Townley and wife and the said Faulkner and wife now of record in the County Court of King and Queen and pray that the same may be taken as part of this their Bill, and your orator and oratrix further show that immediately after the said John Townley had recovered the said Becks he sold them to a certain Richard Shackelford for the sum of 82 Pounds ($), which said Richard is since dead, having first duly made his Last Will and Testament by which he constituted his son Zachariah Shackelford one of his Executors and who is now the only surviving one by virtue whenst the said Zachariah possessed himself of the negro slaves of which his said father deceased possessed amongst the ___ of the two Becks with their increase; and your orator and oratrix further show that the said John Townley departed this life on the on the __ day of ___anno domini his wife the said Mildred (your oratrix’s mother) surviving him and your orator and oratrixshow further that the said Mildred having given all her children by her former husband Samuel Shepherd their full and just parts and propriations of the estate of their deceased father (except your oratrix) agreeable to the Will above recited, she the said Mildred some time before her own decease but after the death of her husband John Tonnley gave to your oratrix some small part of the estate of their father Samuel Shepherd and desired to make a respective dividends of all the children as nearly equal as possible she also gave to your oratrix the said two Becks with their increase; and your orator and oratrix further show that they ___ in a ___ manner applied to the said Richard Shackelford in his lifetime for the said two Becks and their increase which he often acknowledged to be your oratrix’s right, but at the same time said he wished them to be removed by a suit, that he might legally call upon the Executor of John Townley who sold them to him for satisfaction in damage your orator and oratrix did accordingly order a suit to be brought and employed a certain John Pen, Esq.,  to prosecute it, but before it was executed the said Richard himself died and your orator and oratrix further show that as soon as they knew that the said Zachariah was the surviving Executor of the said father Richard they applied to him in a friendly manner to deliver the said two Becks with their increase and annual profits of them since the death of the said Mildred Shepherd (also Townley) mother to your oratrix who died the __ day of ___ anno domini and as the said Zachariah knew that you r orator and oratrix  had a good legal right and title in and to the said Becks together with all their increase and profits they hoped he would in due comply with this their reasonable request without a suit as in Justice and Equity he ought to have done but NOT SO IT IS may it please your worships that the said Zachariah combining and confederating himself to and with other persons at present to your orator and oratrix is inknown whose names when discovered they pray may be made parties here to with apt words to charge  them, non to defraud and defeat your orator and oratrix in the premisis aforesaid, some time pretends that Samuel Shepherd father to your oratrix never made any such Last Will and Testament as above set forth and at other times he acknowledged that the said Samuel  did make such Last Will and Testament, but at the same time pretends that the said Negro slaves, the two Becks, were not his the said Samuel’s property to dispose of; All which acting and pretenses of the said Zachariah are contrary to equity and good conscience, and lend to your orator and oratrix great injury and wrong; In tender consideration whereof if for as much as your orator and oratrix are all together remediless in the premises by the Statutes of Common Law, and cannot be relieved but by the favorable aid and interposition of a Court of Equity where matters of fraud and of this nature are properly to be discovered and inquired into and the matter, for that your orator and oratrix witnesses who would prove the truth of the said premises are either dead or removed to remote parts by means whereof your orator and oratrix are deprived of the benefit of their testimony. To the end therefore that the said Zachariah may upon his corpral oath fully here and [answer] to the best of his knowledge information and belief; to all and singular the premises as___ as if the same were here again repeated and he then to ____ and more especially that he may set forth and discover whether the aforesaid Samuel Shepherd and his wife Mildred were not the father and mother of your oratrix; Whether the said Samuel Shepherd did not make such Last Will and Testament as is above recited, thereby constituting his wife Mildred Executrix; Whether his said wife did not after his death marry John Townley aforesaid ; Whether there did not as ___ of the said Samuel commencing a suit in Chancery in the County of Knig and Queen against the aforesaid Jacob Faulkner to recover the aforesaid two Becks as above mentioned; Whether they did not obtain a decree for and recover them the said Becks accordingly; Whether the aforesaid Richard Shackelford father to the defendant did not purchase the said Becks of the said John Townley; Whether he the said Richard did not die possessed of them and their increase and that he may set forth what he increase of the said Becks amounts was at the death of his said father; And also discover what and how many the increase of the said Becks amounts  to at present, their respective names and ages and if the said Zachariah has not them all in his possession then who has them or any of them; Whether the said Richard did not make a Last Will and Testament and thereby constitute him the said defendant one of his Executors; Whether he did not accordingly take upon himself the burden and ___ thereof ; And whether he is or is not now the only surviving Executor of his said father’s Will; And that he may particularly declare whether he has not heard his father in his life time say that the said Becks of right belonged to your oratrix or at best to the children of Samuel Shepherd aforesaid; And that he may discover what he hath even heard his said father say on that subject or occasion; Whether your orator and oratrix have not applied for the said Becks and their increase of the said Richard Shackelford in his lifetime; Or whether he had heard not say he was convenced that the title of the said Becks was in your orator and oratrix [right]…

 

Note: Richard Shackelford purchased the slaves (2 Becks) from John Townley in or about the year 1760 for $82 pounds. Richard Shackelford died in 1774 or 1775. One of the Becks died while in the possession of Richard Shackelford.

 

Note: When the oratrix talks about witnesses being removed to remote parts, she is referencing her brothers John and William who moved to North Carolina.        

 

Note: In the testimony, Mary Faulkner stated that her husband moved from his home in Orange County, Virginia to King and Queen County soon after the death of John Crockford, Jr., at the request of John Crockford, Sr.

 

September, 1787 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            “Answers filed September rules 87 [1787] abates as to Crittenden by his death and time for replication.”

            His will was filed in King and Queen County.

 

Note: Richard Crittenden, Jr., died in 1787 circa September (husband of Frances Shapard).

 

1784-1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            Deposition of Zachariah Shackleford: This defendant further answering saith that under the division aforesaid, he is now in possession of said Beck and that her increase are as follows: to wit. Philitia of the age of ten years or thereabouts and Beck of the age of six years or thereabouts.

 

 

July 25, 1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

Middlesex County. John Collins deposition of July 25, 1789: John Collins age 63 years or thereabouts…saith that about the year 1760, he frequently saw two negros by the names of Beck (that were sometime before that in the possession of Mr. Crockford Sr.) at Mr. John Townley’s oftentimes at work; which said negros he afterwards saw at Mr. Richard Shackelford’s at work there likewise; that he supposed that Mrs. Frances Crittenden, Mrs. Mildred Burch and Sara Vass are the daughters of Samuel Shepherd and Mildred as they lived with them during the life of Mr. Shepherd and after his death continued with Mrs. Shepherd until her intermarriage with Mr. John Townley; were acknowledged by Mr. Shepheard as his children as will appear from his Will; further this depositionist saith not.

 

July 25, 1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            William Wright of lawful age being first sworn deponeth, saith that Mr. John Townley informed him the negros by the names of Beck which he recovered of Mr. Jocob Faulkner he sold to Mr. Richard Shackelford, Sr.; that Mr. John Townley intermarried with Mrs. Mildred Shepheard widow of Mr. Samuel Shepherd; that the complainants are the daughters of Mr. Samuel Shepheard; further this deponent saith that the two Becks above mentioned were recovered by Mr. John Townley and his wife of [from] Jacob Faulkner and his wife in a suit in King and Queen Court. Further this his deponent saith not.

 

Note: William Wright had knowledge of John Townely and the Shapard children and may have been connected to the Wright family who sold land to William Shapard in Cumberland County in 1762.

 

 

July 25, 1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

Robert Ware Sr., of lawful age…saith that about the month of October or November of 1781, Mrs. Mildred Townley [Shepherd] the reputed widow of John Townley departed this life; that the complainants are the reputed daughters of the above Mrs. Townley; that the two negros by the names of Beck as mentioned in the bill, one of which is now in the possession of Mr. Zacharaiah Shackelford by his confession were formerly in the possession of Mr. Richard Shackelford, Sr.; ___ to that were in the possession of Mr. John Crockford; after his death were in the possession of Mr. Jacob Faulkner; that he never knew Mr. Faulkner to own any negros by the name of Beck but the above, the said Ware being a near neighbor to the said Faulkner for some time; and further this deponent saith not.  Given on July 25, 1789

 

Note: Robert Ware of K&Q was a Baptist minister. In the 1770s there was a religious revival spurred by the Baptists. In 1771, he was imprisoned for 46 days with other Baptist ministers by “exercising religion, in other manner that according to the liturgy and the practice of the Church of England.” They preached to the sympathetic crowds and were released. Robert Ware was the first preacher in Wares Church (then known as the Lower King and Queen Church) which was begun in 1772.

 

1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            John Crittenden age 22 or thereabouts…Saith that the spring before the death of Mrs. Mildred Townley (grandmother to this deponent) she the said Mildred Townley desired the the negros that had been and for might be equally divided between her two daughters Frances and Sarah; that his mother Frances informed him the above negros was given by his grandmother on condition that they should not injure his uncle Robert Townley; that his father Richard Crittenden acknowledged that Mrs. Mildred Burch should have part of the negros provided she would pay part of the expense which she hath done; he saith not. Given…July 25, 1789.

 

Note: There is a report that Richard and Frances Crittenden are listed on a 1783 King and Queen County Census along with their children: John, Elizabeth, Frank [probably Frances], Richard and William. (I have not verified this record). However, in King and Queen County Taxable Land records there is a Richard Crittenden, Sr. with 140 acres and a Richard Crittenden, Jr., with 178 acres. There is also a William Shepherd with 140 acres. I have found records for Richard Crittenden in King and Queen County from 1752 -1780. A Richard Crittenden Jr., on July 9, 1781 bought 250 pounds of beef from Rob Hill “for use of the Army.”

           

1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            (To Benj. Dabney) Sir, it is supposed that Mr. John Shapard is still living though he has not been in Virginia since June 1^st, 1767 his abode was North Carolina. William Shapard lives in North Carolina. Those are Mrs. Crittenden’s brothers.  (signed ) E. Williams

 

Note: The above document is the only known primary source linking William Shapard to his sister Frances Crittenden, which also links William to his father as Samuel Shapard and his mother as Mildred Crockford.

 

November 8, 1802 (Warehouse Inspectors, King and Queen County)

            At a quarterly court held for King and Queen county at the courthouse on Monday the 8^th of November 1802. The Court doth recommend unto his excellency James Monroe Esq., Joseph Collier, Thomas Metcalf, John Campbell and Zachariah Crittenden as fit and able persons to be commissioned inspectors of tobacco at Shepherd’s Warehouse within this county. Richard Bagby and John Watts as fit and able persons to be commissioned Inspectors of tobacco at Mantapike Warehouse and Gabriel Dix and William Gatewood as fit and able persons to be commissioned Inspectors of tobacco at Todds Warehouse within this county.

                                                                                                Test: William Todd, D.C.C

 

Christ Church Parish (Middlesex Co.) Register Virginia (marriages associated with Shapards?) (source: Vestry Book of Christ Church Parish)

            Catherine Shephard married Thomas Crittendon Feb. 13, 1777

            Richard Crittenden Married Frances Sykes Dec. 22, 1781 (in King and Queen County) (NOTE: SEE IF THIS COULD BE 1787 OR 89)

Note: In Vass vs Shackleford, John Crittenden (grandson of Mildred Townley?) mentions his father Richard Crittenden and his uncle Robert Townley.

            Frances Crittenden married John Walden Mar. 24, 1792 (in King and Queen County)

            Betsy Shepard Crettinden married Thomas Dudley Dec. 19, 1789 (in King and Queen County)

            John Crittenden married Polly Ware Dec. 17, 1789 (in King and Queen County)

            William Sheppard married Sarah Edey (both of this parish) on May 20, 1686

            Mary Shephard married Thomas Gilley on Feb. 17, 1708

 

Note: There is a report that Richard and Frances Crittenden are listed on a 1783 King and Queen County Census along with their children: John, Elizabeth, Frank [probably Frances], Richard and William. (I have not verified this record). ” The above Christ Church marriages seem to be the children of Richard and Frances: John married 1789, Elizabeth “Betsy” married 1789, Frances married 1792 and Richard married 1781.

 

 

Henrico Co., Virginia (John Shapard and Samuel Shapard) Goochland County was formed in 1728 from Henrico County. 

 

In Henrico County, there was a William Sheapard arriving around 1713 and given land for importing persons. William had a son named John, born circa 1710 whom he left his entire estate (no other issue?).  John Shepherd appears to have had two sons, William and Benjamin. All of these Shepherds lived between Turner’s Run to Hungry to Brook to Chichhominey Swamp. Samuel Shepherd [Shapard] appears in the 1760s and lives in a different precinct than the other Shepherds (may be no relation). Samuel lived between Westham to Tuckahoe Creek.

Note: could this John be brother to Samuel (d. 1751)…and uncle to Samuels children…why Samuel (d. 1781) moved there?

 

 

May 2, 1713 (Virginia Patent Book 10, p. 82, Henrico County)

William Sheapard and Richard Baker granted 400 acres (new land) of land in Henrico County on the south side of main branch of Chicahomony Swamp beginning at a corner poplar standing on the said swamp then south 140 poles to two corner white oaks, west 20 degrees north 400 poles to several corner pines, north 128 poles to several white oaks standing on said swamp, up the swamp according to the meanders 662 poles to the place began at. [Land given] For the importation of eight persons: Wm. Lawson, John Robinson, Thomas Harton, Wm. Lattimore, Robert Avery, John Whatley, John May and John Rogers.

 

October 1, 1714 (Henrico County Virginia Court Order Book)

Richard Baker to James Sheppard of King William County, weaver, for seating and saving 100 acres in Henrico by said Sheppard, sells him 100 acres of above land, bounded by said Baker, Wm Sheppard and Chickahominy Swamp and opposite to John Johnsons house in New Kent, County.

 

July 2, 1716

            Division of land patent between William Shepherd and Richard Baker. Witness James Shepherd.

 

January 5, 1729 (Henrico County Virginia Court Order Book)

Richard Woodson of Henrico County to James Hambleton land on north side of James River on a branch of Upham Brook. Witness: John Redford, Jr., John Sheperd.

 

May 26, 1732

William Shephard of Henrico County for the love and affection to my son John, my whole estate, May 26, 1732.

 

August 1, 1734 (Land Patents Book 15)

            John Shepherd - 200 acres, new land, Henrico County, on Chickahominy Swamp; on the said Shepherd’s line of a former survey.

 

January 1735 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            John Shepherd Processioner

 

July 21, 1739 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            John Shepherd is processioner “from William Gorden’s Road to the head of the parish thence to the Main Road Swamp, thence down to Turner’s Run, thence up to Hungry Branch to the head of Upland Brook from thence to Gorden’s aforesaid.”

 

October 1, 1739 (Henrico County Virginia Court Order Book)

            Jacob Sheperd of Goochland Co to John Shepherd of Henrico Co for 12 pounds, 100 acres bound by said John on Chickahominy Swamp, being part of parcel William Shepherd transferred to Richard Baker. Witness: Daniel Jackson, ___ Williams, David Evans.

 

November 5, 1739 (Burton Chronicles of Colonial Virginia)

            John Shepherd is guardian for Mary, orphan of Joseph Moseley. Security: Hutchins Burton and John Williamson (Williamson was a vestryman of Henrico Parish).

 

March 1740 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            In obedience to the within order, we have renewed the bounds of all ye lands wihin mentioned, in peace and quietness, with consent of the owners. Given under our hands this 31^st day of March, 1740. John Royal, John Shepherd, Robert Webb, James Powell Cocke.

 

July 1740 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            John Price deeds to Thomas Lacy. Hanna, the wife of John Price, relinquished her right of dowery.

 

September 1740 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Orphans accounts – John Shephard, guardian of Mary Mosby. (September Court 1740)

 

1741 (Land Grants Henrico County, Virginia, Book #19)

            John Shepherd granted 389 acres.

 

August 1741 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Orphans accounts – John Shephard, guardian of Mary Mosby. (August Court 1741)

 

August 4, 1747 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            John Shepard – 3^rd Precinct - between Turner’s Run to Hungry to Brook to Chichhominey Swamp.

 

November 14, 1748 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Robert Willis of Henrico County deeds to John Lipscomb of Caroline County land on Jordan’s Branch which was given to him by John Price, bound by John Williamson and Col. Byrd. Witness: John (I) Price (his mark).

 

April 3, 1756 (Henrico County Deeds 1750-1774 Abstracted by Gary Murdock Williams, Edited by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis)

John Price of Goochland County to Samuel Shephard of Henrico Co., for 100L, 258 acres of the branches of Deep Run (Flat Branch and Scraping Branch) and part of a great tract granted by patent unto George Freeman and by the said given to his son, John Freeman, who by last will and testament sold the land to John Price. Wit William Street, William (X) Willis, Susannah (X) Willis Rec: 3 Apr 1756.

 

April 3, 1756 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            This indenture made the 3^rd day of April in the year of our Lord 1756 between John Price of the county of Goochland of the one part and Samuel Shepherd of the parish and County of Henrico of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said John Price for an in consideration of  the sum of 100 pounds sterling money of Great Britain to him in hand paid by the said Samuel Shepherd the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be fully satisfied contented and paid he hath given granted bargained sold enfeoffed and confirmed by these presents Doth give grant bargain sell enfeoff and confirm to the said Samuel Shepherd his heirs and assigns forever one certain parcel or tract of land containing by estimate 258 acres more or less lying and __ and being in the parish and county  of Henrico and on the branches of Deep Run and is part of a greater tract granted by patent unto George Freeman in his lifetime and by the said George Freeman given to his son John Freeman in his last will and testament  and by the said John Freeman sold unto the said John Price and the said parcel or tract of land is bounded as followeth: (to Wit): beginning on a branch of Deep Run which by the said George Freeman called Flat Branch and beginning at the mouth of a small branch which the said George Freeman called by the name of Scraping Branch an running up the said Scraping Branch according to its meanders to the value of 186 poles to a corner white oak thence along David Stapleses line south 46 degrees east 104 poles to a corner red oak thence south 74 degrees west 54 poles to a red oak thence south 32 degrees west 96 poles to a corner red oak in Randolphs line thence along Randolphs line west 88 poles to a corner white oak thence south 30 degrees west 110 poles to the said Flat Branch thence up the said Flat Branch according to its meanders about 220 poles to the beginning at the mouth of  Scraping Branch aforesaid with all houses, orchards, gardens, fences, woods, waters and advantages to the same…(legal stuff)…signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us: William Street, William (X) Willis (his mark), Susannah (X) Willis (her mark). Signed John (E) Price (his mark).

            Memorandum that on the third day of April 1756 full and peaceable possession and seizen of all the lands and ___ within granted was made by the said John Price unto the said Samuel Shepherd by turf and twig. In the presence of us: William Street, William (X) Willis (his mark). Signed John (E) Price (his mark).

            April 3^rd 1756 then received of Samuel Shepherd the within mentioned sum of 100 pounds sterling in full satisfaction for the within mentioned tract of land received on me. John (X) Price (his mark).

            At a court held for Henrico County the 3^rd day of April 1756, this indenture of feoffment with the livery and seizen and receipt thereon endorsed from John Price to Samuel Shepherd was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.

 

1758 (Land Grants Henrico County, Virginia, Book #33)

            John Sheppard granted 52 acres.

 

March 27, 1758 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Thomas Owen of Henrico County, to Samuel DuVal, for 15 pounds, 496 acres granted by patent dated 1744, adj. John Sheppherd, Robert Webb, Robert Moris, Wheeler, Holland and Royall. Witness: John Bryan, Groves Harding, James Briton, Benjamin DuVal.

 

June 5, 1758 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            John Williams, Jr., to Leonard Henley, both of Henrico County for 30 pounds, 100 acres at the mouth of Sampson’s Slash, adj. the Honorable Col. Peter Randolph. Witness: Robert Shapard, William Ellis, William Roundtree.

 

March 4, 1760 (Henrico County, Virginia, Ellis Collection, Virginia Historical Society)

“Sir, Pleas to send me two bushels of corn by the negro boy and you’ll obli__ (damaged).

March 4, 1760.

Your sert [servant], Sam’l Shap__ (damaged)

Capt. John Ellis”

 

Note: John Ellis III (1738-1794) was a Justice of the Peace for Henrico County, Virginia. John’s father was also named John Ellis (Jr.) (died 1782) was commissioned in 1743 as a captain of the Virginia Militia.

 

August 25, 1760 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            David Hall and Darkes [Dorcas] Hall, his wife, of Henrico County, to John Price of Goochland County for 30 pounds, 50 acres adjoining: John Blackburn, William Hall, Alexander Patterson, Thomas Alley, Staples and Ellis. Witness: Christopher John Thomas, Samuel Shepard, William Price.

 

September 8, 1761 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            John Sheppard, planter, to William Sheppard, planter, for 8 pounds, a tract on the south side of the Chickahominy Swamp lying at the lower end of the land said John Sheppard now lives on the swamp and running up the swamp to the mouth of the Miry Branch and thence up said branch, being the land patented by the said John Sheppard. Witness: Benjamin Bowles, Robert Webb, Benjamin Sheppard.

 

September 18, 1762 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            John Sheppard to Joseph Sheppard, both of Henrico County, for 50 pounds, 200 acres to be laid off at the upper end of the land whereon I now live. Witness: Benjamin Bowles, William Sheppard, Benjamin Sheppard.

Note: John Sheppard had a daughter Isabella who married John Hicks prior to Johns death which occurred before July 17, 1767. There is a will for John Shapard found in Henrico County Court Order Book for October 1764, whereby Mathew Hobson, Nathaniel Wilkerson, Thomas Wilkerson and Henry Stake appraised his estate. His will was proved in October of 1765 by John Boin and Hannah Boin.

 

November 17, 1762 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            David Staples of Henrico County and William Ford of Amelia County, to Joseph Brown of Henrico County, for a negro named Jacob paid and delivered to them by Joseph Brown, 150 acres on the north side of the Deep Run, adjacent: Thomas Randolph, Samuel Shepard, Richard Cottrell, Nathaniel Dennis and Thomas Alley. Witness: Leonard Henley, Thomas Lewis, John Gording.

 

October 24, 1763 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            John Shepherd – 125 pounds.

 

October, 1764 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Mathew Hobson, Nathaniel Wilkerson, Thomas Wilkerson and Henry Starke to appraise the estate of John Shapard, deceased. (October Court 1764).

 

December 12, 1764 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            William Shepherd and Joseph Shepherd to Benjamin Shepherd, all of Henrico County, for 200 pounds, all the land which John Shepherd possessed at the time of his death, being about 600 acres, lying between the lands of William Shepherd and Joseph Shepherd in Henrico County.

 

May 9, 1765 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Nicolas Amos to Thomas Ellis, both of Henrico County, for 70 pounds, 171 acres on the branches of Deep Run; being the same land Amos lately purchased of Thomas North; adj. Anthony North, John Lankester’s Spring Branch called the Old House Branch, Randolph and Roland Blackburn. Witness: William Street, Robert Shephard, Jesse Ellis, William Flowers.

 

October, 1765 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Will of John Shapard further proved by John Boin and Hannah Boin. (October Court 1765).

 

November, 1766 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Will of Henry Woody proven by Westly Woody, one of the executors; William Woody and Stephen Spurlock, security. Stephen Spurlock, the other executor refuses burden of executorship. Thomas Ellis, Samuel Shapard, Richard Cottrel to appraise (November Court, 1766).

 

August 12, 1766 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Will of Roland Blackburn. To my son John – all my land on the north side of Deep Run, 50 acres, where he now lives. The part of my land on the south side of Deep Run, 93 acres, to be sold by my executor, and debts paid and after that $12 [pounds] to my grandson William Blackburn when of age. All the rest to my son John and he to be executor. August 12, 1766. Witness William Street, Samuel Shapard, Joseph Brown. Recorded April 6, 1767.

 

April, 1767 (Henrico County, Virginia, Wills 1737 – 1781 and Court Order Books)

            Roland Blackbond’s will presented by John Blackbond, executor, and proved by witnesses: Samuel Shapard, security. (April Court 1767).

 

November 9, 1767 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            Samuel Shepherd for [keeping] Catherine Freeman – 40 pounds

 

June 6, 1768 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Thomas Man Randolph, Gent., of Goochland County, to Samuel Shepard of Henrico County, for 87 pounds and 10 shillings, 175 acres on the Deep Run, part of a greater tract of land belonging to the said Randolph. Adjoining: Samuel Shepard, Benjamin Brown, Joseph Brown.

 

November 1768 (Henrico County Virginia Court Order Book)

November Court 1768. Richard Cottrell granted administration of estate of Elizabeth Earles. Samuel Shapard, security.

 

November 5, 1768 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Samuel Shepard to Benjamin Duval, both of Henrico County, for 5 pounds and 5 shillings, 14 acres on Deep Run, and being part of a parcel which Samuel Shepard bought of Thomas Randolph, Gent. Beginning at Flat Branch on Randolph’s line which comes from the river. Witness: Thomas Ellis, Benjamin Brown, William Street.

 

November 6, 1769 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            John Ellis, Gent., to Samuel Shepard, both of Henrico County, for 42 pounds, 17 acres on Deep Run, adj. Joseph Brown, John Blackburn and Thomas Randolph. The land has an old mill, at present out of repair, being first built by David Staples and formerly known as Old Staple’s Mill, afterwards sold by said Staples to John Ellis.

 

Note: John Ellis III (1738-1794) was a Justice of the Peace for Henrico County, Virginia. John’s father was also named John Ellis (Jr.) (died 1782) was commissioned in 1743 as a captain of the Virginia Militia. (see entry 1760)

 

 

July 8, 1771 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            Samuel Shepherd [processioner] – Precinct 1 – From the mouth of Great Westham to William Gordons to James River to head of parish.

 

July 8, 1771 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            William Shepherd and Benjamin Shepherd – Precinct 9 - between Turner’s Run to Hungry to Brook to Chichhominey Swamp.

 

September 16, 1771 (Henrico County Virginia Wills, Will Book 1, 1781-1787)

Will of Thomas Ellis. To John Crouch liberty to dig my land for coal for use at his smith’s furnace for life. To son Jesse, that part of land I bought from Richard Randolph on upper side of Rocky Branch, also 2 negros and items. To daughter Susanna Crouch, 4 negros and items. To son Thomas all the land I bought of Col. Richard Randolph below the Great Branch, to lower end of Richard Cottrell’s plantation, also two negros and items. To daughter Mary Maddox four negros and items. To son John all the rest of my tract of land, also 2 negros and items. To daughter Sally Ellis, 4 negros. To wife Anne, 6 negros and the rest of my estate. Dated Sept. 16, 1771. Witness: William Street, Sam’l Shappard, Joseph Brown, Joseph Ellis. Recorded March Court 1776.

 

December 9, 1771 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            William Shepherd, Benjamin Shepherd [processioners returning report] March 25, 1772.

 

December 9, 1771 (Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, Henrico County, Virginia)

            Samuel Shepherd [processioner returning report] April, 1772.

 

April 21, 1772 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Pouncey Anderson and Henry Martin, executors of Mitchell Holland, deceased, to Joseph Shepherd of Henrico County, for 36 pounds a tract of land. Witness: Benjamin Shepherd, William Morris, William Morris, Jr.

 

May 17, 1773 (Henrico County Virginia Deeds)

            Samuel Sheppard and Elizabeth, his wife, to Royal Richard Allen, all of Henrico County, for 110 pounds to be paid and wholly satisfied by 25 December next, all of their useful and necessary utensils and furniture with 17 acres on both sides of the Deep Run Trail. Adj: Joseph Brown, William Willis, John Blackburn, Royal Richard Allen, and Col. Thomas Randolph. Witness: William Duvall, attorney, Archibald C. Brice, William Burton.

 

1781 (Henrico County, Virginia Order Book 1, 1781, Page 20)

            Estate of Samuel Sheppard

 

November 19, 1781 (Marriages of Goochland County, Virginia 1733-1815)

            November 19, 1781. Thomas Shoemaker, Jr., and Frances Shepherd of Henrico County. Thomas Shoemaker, Sr. is Frances’ guardian. Surety: Joseph Woodson. Witness: John Lewis and Stephen Crouch. Thomas is the only son of his father.

 

November 23, 1781 (Henrico County Virginia Wills)

            Inventory of Samuel Sheapard, deceased, ___ and approved by John Ellis, Thomas Ellis, Gathright Brown and Joseph Brown, being first sworn November 23, 1781: Carry a negro man £100, (torn) £100, (torn) £40, (torn) the child Mary £100, (torn)y a girl £40, (torn) Rhoda a girl £30, (torn) Shadrock £90, James a boy £50, Peter a boy £45, Sucky a girl £25, Nelly a girl £30, Roger a man £17.10, Sue a woman £20, Sarah and her child Anny £130, Sury a girl £50, Isaac a boy £75, 5 horses £54, 42 head of cattle £70.10, 46 head of sheep £18, 73 head of hogs £49.6, one pair cartwheels £4, one pair of cart wheels and cart £4.10, ___of horse harness £1.15, cross cut saw £0.15, scythe and cradle £0.7.6, six axes £1.10, 5 ploughs and colters £1.5, 10 hoes £1.10, parcel of carpenters tools £0.10, 150 barrels of corn £75, 5 fether beds and furniture and bedsteads £46, one desk £4, walnut table £_.5, three tables (torn), 4 chests (torn), chest of drawers (torn), walnut stand (torn), two looking glasses (torn), six stove plates £0.4, five stove pots with some butter and hog lard £0.19, one quart stove mug £0.1.3, five stove jugs £0.7.6, parcel of glassware £0.4.6, parcel of books £0.16, parcel of feathers £0.12.6, parcel of cotton seeds £10, parcel of slays and harnesses £1, parcel of flax £1.10, two side saddles £7, parcel of reap hooks and old iron £2.10, parcel of leather £2.5, two guns and powderhorn and shot bag £4, two hackles £0.10, two pictures £0.1.3, one pair stillards £0.7.6, one pair spurs £0.2.6, one cedar __ £0.2.6, eleven rush chairs £1.2, two candlesticks and pair snuffers £0.3.9, razor and strap and hone £0.7, parcel powder £0.7.6, pair money scales £0.5, horse ___ £ 0.2, (torn), frying pan £0.5, five iron pots and three pair pot hooks £3.5, dutch oven £0.15, two pot racks £1, small parcel of kitchen furniture £0.10, five iron wedges £0.15, weaving loom and warping box and cards £1.2.6, three wollen wheels £1.7, two linen wheels and two ginst reel £1.16, mans saddle and three bridles and saddle ties £1.5, five pair cards apparel of wool £2.15, three meal sifters and apparel of cydar casks £2.13.6, cowhide, sheep skin___and 10 tobacco hogshead £1.12.6, parcel of oats £8, parcel of fodder £9.1, parcel of wheat and six bags £47.16.6, parcel of mans clothes £7.10, seven geese £1.5.6, parcel of fowls £0.12, wheat fan £0.10, womans saddle £0.10, two bee hives £0.7.6; TOTAL £1412.6.9. [Appraisal] returned unto Henrico County Court 1781.

 

Note: Samuel Shapard died without a Last Will and Testament. His wife died before him as she is not listed in the records of the lawsuits that occurred after his death. He and his wife had nine children: Mildred (married Wm. Coutts), Elizabeth (married Joseph DuVal), Mary (married Charles Cottrell), Francis (married Thomas Shoemaker), Susannah (over 21 in 1782 and not married), Samuel (oldest son and under age of 21 in 1782), William (under age of 21 in 1782), Reuben (under age of 21 in 1782)

 

December 3, 1781 (Henrico Co. Virginia Will Book No. 1, 1781 – 1784, page 19-24)

            An inventory and appraisement of the estate of Samuel Sheppard, deceased, was this day returned and ordered to be recorded.

 

December 3, 1781 (Henrico Co. Virginia Will Book No. 1, 1781 – 1784, page 19 - 24)

            Will of Samuel Sheapard, pages 19 – 24 Inventory and Apprasial, received 3 Dec. 1781.

 

1781 - 1782 (Henrico Co. Virginia Court Order Book No. 1, 1781 - 1784)

            Charles Cottrell guardian to Samuel Sheppard an orphan of Samuel Sheppard deceased, and thereupon with Michael Johnson, Peter Clark and Joesph Brown his securities entered into and acknowledge their Bond in the penalty of two hundred thousand pounds of tobacco, for securing the said orphan’s estate and indemnifying the Court.

 

Note: There was a Charles Cottrell who lived near William Shapard in 1763 in Cumberland County. This Charles Cottrell was the husband of Mary Shepard (orphan Samuel Shepard’s sister).

 

1781 - 1782 (Henrico Co. Virginia Court Order Book No. 1, 1781 - 1784)

            Reuben Sheppard and William Sheppard orphans of Samuel Sheppard deceased being admitted by the Court chose Joseph Duvall for their guardian, and thereupon he with Michael Johnson and Peter Clarke his securities, entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of fifty thousand pounds of tobacco, for securing the said orphan’s estate and indemnifying the Court.

 

January 7, 1782 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records)

            At a Court held for Henrico County the 7^th day of January, 1782. William Coutts, and Mildred his wife, Joseph DuVall, and Elizabeth his wife, Charles Cottrall, and Mary his wife, Thomas Shoemaker, and Frances his wife, Peter Cotteral, and Susannah his wife, and Hannah Shepherd (plaintiffs) vs. Charles Cotterel, Peter Cotterel and Joseph DuVall administrators of Samuel Shephard, deceased, and Samuel Shephard, Reuben Shephard and William Shephard infants of the said deceased (defendants). In Chancery. This came the parties by their attorneys and by mutual consent it is decreed and ordered that Daniel Hylson, Thomas Prosser, David Bowles and Michael Johnson, gentlemen or any three of them do make distribution of the said decedent’s estate among the said parties, reserving to the heir at law his right of contesting the same after he arrives of age.

 

 

Note: William Coutts was a Minister for the Church of England. He and his brother, Patrick Coutts, moved to Virginia from (Aberdeen) Scotland circa 1750. On June 7, 1768, the Bishop of London licensed William to officiate in Virginia. In 1772, William Coutts presided over the marriage of Thomas Jefferson to Martha Wayles Skelton in Charles City County, for which he was paid 5 pounds by Jefferson. Rev. Coutts presided over Martin’s Church in Brandon Parish, Prince George County, Virginia, from 1773-1776. Rev. Coutts acquired much land in or near Richmond, and many lots in Richmond on Shockoe Hill. He also aquired the South Ferry across the James River in 1767. His brother Patrick, became a wealthy merchant in Richmond, operating a ferry across the James River known as Coutts Ferry. Patrick died in 1776, leaving no legal heir, but an illegitimate son named Reuben Coutts of Richmond. William Coutts was the executor for his brother’s estate. After the death of his brother, William resided in Richmond and withdrew from the clerical profession, perhaps also as a response to the American Revolution and the withdrawal of support for the church. William Coutts died on January 18, 1787 (approx. 47 y/o). William had married Mildred Brown Shepard before 1782. She was the daughter of Samuel Shapard and the widow of Samuel Brown. William’s will mentions neither wife nor children, thus it is assumed that Mildred predeceased him, and they had no children. William had significant wealthy at his death, listing 19 slaves, 22 head of cattle, 9 horses, 4 pigs…(Source: The Reverend William Coutts: Tory or Whig? By Otto Lohrenz).

 

January, 1782 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records)

            To the worshipful justices of Henrico County Court sitting in Chancery. The bill of complaint  of William Coutts, and Mildred his wife, Joseph DuVall, and Elizabeth his wife, Charles Cottrall, and Mary his wife, Thomas Shoemaker, and Frances his wife, Peter Cotteral, and Susannah his wife, and Hannah Shepard. Humbly complaining. Sheweth unto this worshipful court that Samuel Shepard formerly of this county lately deceased, at the time of his death was besides a considerable real estate possessed in his own right of a number of slaves and other ___ more than sufficient to discharge all the debts by him and left behind by him alive nine children, to wit, your complainants Mildred, the wife of William Coutts, Elizabeth the wife of Joseph DuVall, Mary the wife of Charles Cotterall, Frances the wife of Thomas Shoemaker, Susannah the wife of Peter Cotterall, and your other complainant Hannah who is still unmarried, and three sons, to wit, Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard who are yet under age and the said Samuel Shepard having died intestate, administration and estate was by the County Court of Henrico granted to Charles Coterall, Peter Coutterall and Joseph Duvall who having filed in the said court as __ and appointment of the personal effects of the said intestate to which your complainants  further ___ information of your worships believe to refer; and your complainants concerning that they are justly entitled to claim and equal distribution between themselves  and they said three sons of the said intestate of all the salves and personal effects of the said intestate __ and remaining unexhausted by their payment of the said Samuel Shepard’s debts, they have repeatedly applied to the said administrators Charles Coterall, Peter Coutterall and Joseph Duvall as also to the aforesaid Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard sons of the said intestate Samuel Shepard deceased, praying them to make an equal division of the said slaves and the effects among all the children of the said intestate, but it is that the said administrators first pretending that the debts due by the said intestate ___discharged and ___ under ___ these pretenses, and they said Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard lacking advantages of their infancy, have hitherto refused to ___ the said estate or to concur on any partition of it by ___ your complainants are unjustly kept out of their equitable and legal proportions of the said estate ___ to their judgments as many of the articles are of a personal nature and all of them subject to injury and can have no relief agreeable to equity and good conscience without the impositions of this worshipful court where matters of this nature are proper cognizable. In tender consideration whereof and to this and that the said Charles Cotterall, Peter Coterall and Joseph Duvall in their capacity of administrators in the estate of the said Samuel Shepard and the said Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard his sons may full true and perfect answer make to all, and every allegations in this bill contained in as ample and explicit  a manner as of the same ___ here repeated and particularly interrogated, and more especially that they and each of them may severally  out forth and say, whether the said Samuel Shepard did not depart this life without having made any will or testament? Did he not die possessed of a considerable number of slaves and other personal estate his own property? Have not the said administrators filed an inventory thereof in the County Court of Henrico, and is there any other personal estate of the said intestate than what is mentioned in the said inventory, and wherein does it consist? What are the amounts of the debts __ by the said intestate, have they not been discharged since his death, and if are not paid say the reason why? Were there not after the payment of all his debts less or larger surplus of his said estate remaining in the hands of the said administrators? And what will that surplus consist of? Did not the said intestate leaving nine children who are now living, to wit, daughters Mildred, Elizabeth, Mary Hannah, Frances and Susannah, your now complainants, and three sons Samuel, Reuben and William? Are not the said three sons being under age ___ five of the said daughters married as having before expressed? Are not the said minor children entitled to sharing equally  all the surplus of the intestates personal estate wholly consisting of slaves, stock and household goods; and have not the complainants frequently applied to the said administrators, and to the said Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard for an equal division thereof __? Have not the said administrators and infant sons as often ___ to ___ and such a division, and what is the reason thereof? May it please your worships to grant unto your complainants __ or __ want or wants of subpoenas to the said Charles Cotterall, Peter Coterall and Joseph Duvall administrators of the said Samuel Shepard’s estate, and to the said Samuel, Reuben and William Shepard ___ commanding them and each of them ____ to appear before your worships in Chancery then and there to answer this Bill of Complaint… (signed) Andrew Donald    

 

January 7, 1782 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records)

The answers of Samuel Shepard an infant by Charles Cotterell his guardian to the Bill of Complaint against him and others in this court exhibited by William Coutts, and Mildred his wife, Joseph DuVall, and Elizabeth his wife, Charles Cottrall, and Mary his wife, Thomas Shoemaker, and Frances his wife, Peter Cotteral, and Susannah his wife, and Hannah Shepard.

            This despondent reasoning to himself all and all manner of benefit of exceptions to the ___ and imperfections in the said Bill contained, for answer thereunto or unto so much thereof as he is advised is any way material for him to make answer unto, by him the said guardian answereth and sayeth, that, true it is he has been informed and believes that his father Samuel Shepard in the Bill contained died without having made any will or testament duly and legally executed, and leaving behind him the several children in the said bill specified and a considerable property in slaves, stock and household goods and other movable effects more than sufficient to pay all his debts, and has understood that by law all the children of the said intestate his father have a right to an equal share in the surplus of his personal estate remaining after the discharge of his debts, funeral expenses and other incidental charges; but is led to believe, having information that as he is the oldest son and heir at law to his said father, he has exclusive right of appropriating to himself all the slaves belonging to the said estate and agreeing to pay the other children their proportions of the valuations or appraisements of the said slaves in money; but by reason of his tender years he is incapable of forming any determinations or of giving any position or answer and ___ altogether unacquainted with the truth or falsehood of many of these allegations in the said bill contained, but believes them in general to be true. And this despondent acknowledging his readiness to acquiesce in the orders and decrees of this worshipful court, prays that in all orders and decrees which your worships shall think proper to make respecting the distribution of the deceased Samuel Shepard’s personal estate all equitable and just rights of your despondent may be taken care of at present, or reserved to him in future, and that he may ___ dismissed with his costs in this behalf sustained. Sworn to by Charles Cotterell this 7^th January 1782 before me Isaac Younghusband. (signed) Charles Cottrell, guardian. 

 

January 7, 1782 (Henrico Co. Virginia Order Book No. 1, page 20)

            Mention of estate of Samuel Shepard who died circa 1781. His wife was named Hannah [note: I believe this is his daughter not his wife] and their children were: Mildred who married William Coutts; Elizabeth wife of Joseph DuVal; Mary wife of Charles Catterall [Cottrell]; Frances wife of Thomas Shoemaker; Susanna wife of Patrick Catterall [Cottrell]; Samuel; William; Reuben (the 3 sons being minors).

 

Note: the Douglas Register of Goochland County lists the marriage of Hannah Shepherd & Shadrack Walker, 12 Apr. 1783. There is a high probability that this could be the daughter of Samuel.

 

Note: The Cottrell Bible (library of Virginia) has an entry for Peter Cottrell who married Susannah Sheppard Nov. 6, 1778

 

Note:  Reuben Sheppard married Sally Cocke (daughter of Richard Cocke) on April 24, 1793 in Henrico County, Virginia. Samuel Hayes Sheppard  [note: I have found no record of Hayes as a middle name] married Mary “Polly” Allen (daughter of David and Mary Allen) on December 3, 1787 in Henrico County, Virginia. Polly married second, Charles Cottrell, Jr. on Sept. 25, 1799. William Sheppard/Shapard married Fanny Shaw (daughter of Elizabeth Shaw) July 9, 1797 in Henrico County, VA. Peter Cottrell, surety.

            (Other names that may be of relation who married in Henrico County Virginia: John M. Sheppard to Sarah Pulliam Dec. 16, 1789, Thomas Prosser, surety; Joseph Sheppard to Judith Brown, Dec 21, 1792; Nathaniel Sheppard to Nancy Pointer April 19, 1794, Priestly Sheppard to Elizabeth Phillips, Jan. 17, 1793)

 

Note: Cottrell Family Bible 1837-1961: Joseph Duval married Elizabeth Sheppard, Joseph’s parents were Benjamin Duval and Ann Kay (d. 1800). Joesph and Elizabeth Duval had a son Stephen DuVal of “Cedar Grove,” Chesterfield County, Va. (1782-1850), who married Lucy Johnson (1808) and then Susan Halsey (widow of William Cottrell). Stephen and Lucy had a son Edwin Joseph DuVal (b. 1817)  who lived at “Oak Grove” plantation near Manakin in Goochland Co.

 

Note: Goochland County marriages show Hannah Shepherd married Shadrack Walker on April 12, 1783. Her first born son was named Samuel Shepherd Walker, verifying that this is our Hannah.

 

Note: In 1800 Census for Henrico County VA, Samuel Sheppard is listed as owning 367 acres; Reuben Sheppard   - 35 acres (and 94 in 1802); William Sheppard (22 acres)

 

Note: One can conclude based on the near perfect similarity of family names that this Samuel Sheppard is in fact Samuel Shapard, son of Samuel Shapard (1712 – 1751).

 

Note: See will of Richard Cottrell, In Henrico County, Virginia Will Book 2 (1788-1792), page 225 for information on Mary Sheppard. Also Census of Henrico County, 1820, lists Mary Cottrell.

 

Note: Wills in Henrico County, Virginia: Samuel Sheapard 1781; William Sheppard 1783; Samuel Sheppard 1796; Joseph Sheppard 1783, 1794; Benjamin Sheppard 1796.

 

March 7, 1782 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records)

            The Commonwealth of Virginia to the Sheriff of Henrico County, greetings. You are hereby commanded to summon Charles Cotterall, Peter Cotterall and Joseph DuVall, administrators of the estate of Samuel Shephard deceased, and Samuel Shephard, Reuben Shephard, and William Shephard infant children of the said decedant, to appear before the justices of our said county, at the courthouse in the town of Richmond on the first Monday in next month to answer a bill in chancery exhibited against them by William Coutts and Mildred his wife, Joseph DuVall and Elizabeth his wife, Charles Cotterell and Mary his wife, Thomas Shoemaker and Frances his wife, Peter Cotterall and Susanna his wife and Hannah Shephard and this they shall in no wise omit under the penalty of £100 each. And have then there this Writ. Witness, Adam Craig Clerk of our said court the eleventh day of March1782, in the sixth year of the Commonwealth.

 

June, 1782 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records)

            (The settlement of the estate of Samuel Shapard deceased between his children)

Joseph Duval and Elizabeth his wife: one negro man Harry- 100.0.0, five head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 517 pounds gross pork-6.9.3, four pounds wool-0.5.0. (subtotal) 117.14.3. One horse received of Sam Sheppard deceased in his lifetime-10.0.0, two ews and lambs and one side saddle and one iron skillet and one sow and pigs [all] received in Sam Sheppard’s lifetime-4.13.0 one bed and furniture-9.4.0, cash to receive out of the sale of the personal estate-24.18.11. (total) 166.10.2.

            William Couatts and Mildred his wife: two negros Dinah and child, Mary Ann- 100.0.0, five head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 517 pounds gross pork-6.9.3, one dish and plates and a bason-0.15.0. (subtotal) 118.4.3. One horse received of Sam Sheppard deceased in his lifetime-15.0.0, one bed, etc.-9.4.0, cash to receive-24.1.11. (total) 166.10.2.

            Charles Cotrell and Mary his wife: three negros James, Milley and Sue- 100.0.0, five head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 547 pounds gross pork-6.16.9, four pounds wool 0.5.0, one dish and plates and a bason-0.15.0. (subtotal) 118.16.9. One bed, etc,-9.4.0, cash to receive-38.9.5. (total) 166.10.2.

            Samuel Sheppard, orphan: two negros Sarah and Annis- 100.0.0, six head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 522 pounds gross pork-6.10.6, four pounds wool 0.5.0, four dish and plates-0.15.0. (subtotal) 118.10.6. One bed, etc,-5.0.0, cash to receive-42.19.8. (total) 166.10.2.

            Reuben Sheppard, orphan: Three negros Ann, Sukey and Shadrick-110.0.0, six head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 524 pounds gross pork-6.11.0, four pounds wool 0.5.0, five plates and two old basons-0.15.0. (subtotal) 128.11.0. One bed, etc,-11.0.0, cash to receive-26.19.2. (total) 166.10.2.

            William Sheppard, orphan: one negro man John-100.0.0, six head of cattle-10.0.0, ninety pounds of cotton in the seed-1.0.0, 504 pounds gross pork-6.6.0, four pounds wool 0.5.0, four plates and one basons-0.15.0. (subtotal) 118.6.0. One bed, etc,-11.0.0, cash to receive-37.4.2. (total) 166.10.2.

            Pursuant to an order of Henrico Court hereunto ___ we the subscribers have stated and divided the estate of the Sam’l Sheppard, deceased, among his nine children agreeable to the above state certified under our hands this 10^th of May 1782.

 

1783 (Henrico Co. Virginia Tax List)

(Precinct 6)

            Benjamin Sheppard – 16 slaves

            Mary Sheppard – 7 slaves

            Robert Sheppard – Samuel Sheppard and 4 slaves

 

            (Precinct 5)

            William Sheppard – Ben Sheppard, William Sheppard and 7 slaves.

 

December 3, 1787 (Henrico County, Virginia Marriage Records)

            Samuel Sheppard married Polly Allen (daughter of David and Mary Allen) on December 3, 1787.

 

1790 (Henrico County Virginia Personal Property Tax List)

            (Name of person chargeable with tax) Samuel Sheppard – (Name of white tithables) Samuel Sheppard -2 (black males above 16 years), 2 (horses)

            (Name of person chargeable with tax) Reuben Sheppard – (Name of white tithables) Reuben Sheppard – 1 (black males above 16 years), 1 (horses).

            (Name of person chargeable with tax) Benjamin Sheppard, Jr. – (Name of white tithables)  Benjamin Sheppard, Jr., Phillip Sheppard, William Shepard – 7 (black males above 16 years), 6 (horses).

           

1791 (Henrico County Virginia Personal Property Tax List)

            List of taxable property within the district of Jacob Ege, commissioner in the city of Richmond for the year 1791.

March 30: Joseph Sheppard (name of person chargedable with tax) 1 (number of free male tithables) 1 (blacks over 16) 1 (horses mares colts and mules).

April 6: Samuel Sheppard (name of person chargedable with tax) 1 (number of free male tithables).

May 26: Nathaniel Sheppard (name of person chargedable with tax) 1 (number of free male tithables).

 

April 24, 1793 (Henrico County, Virginia Marriage Records)

            Reuben Sheppard married Sally Cocke (daughter of Richard Cocke) on April 24, 1793.

 

Note: Reuben and Sarah had the following children: Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah W. (b. July 3, 1797 – d. April 23, 1855), Jane, Mildred (b. 1800 – d. Jan 29, 1837), Reuben, Richard C., Lucinda and Robert (all born in Virginia)

 

Note: Daily Dispatch, Richmond Va., April 24, 1855: Died. April 23, in Sydney, at the residence of her Son-in-law, James Patterson, Mrs. Sallie W., wife of Samuel Cottrell, SR., of Henrico, in the 58^th year of her age. Her relatives and friends, and those of her son, S.S. Cottrell, are invited to attend her funeral to-day, April 24^th at 4 o’clock, without further notice. (Sarah Warrock Shepard born July 3, 1797 was a daughter of Reuben and Sally Cocke Shepard. Sarah W. and Samuel Smith had 10 children).

            At his residence, in the county of Henrico, on the 14^th July, Samuel Cottrell, in the 74^th year of his age. His funeral will take place at 10 o’clock at the residence of his son-in-law James Patterson, in Sydney. His relations and friends, and those of his son, Samuel S. Cottrell, are invited to attend. (Samuel Cottrell was born January 27, 1782 in Henrico County, son of Charles Waddell Cottrell and Mary).

 

 

July 9, 1796 (Henrico County, Virginia Marriage Records)

            William Sheppard married Fanny Shaw on July 9, 1796.

 

 

1798 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Court, Widow of Samuel Sheppard vs. children of Samuel Sheppard)

            From the chancery case the following information is ascertained: Samuel Sheppard was the son of Samuel Shapard (Jr.) (d. 1782). Samuel Sheppard married Polly and had the following young children: Royall Fleming Sheppard, Betsy Sheppard, Samuel Sheppard, Polly Sheppard and David Sheppard. Samuel died around July 10, 1795 and Samuel Woodward was the administrator of his estate, which included land, slaves and livestock. There is a survey of his land in the chancery records. Samuel Woodward became guardian of the orphan children and he filed lengthy reports of purchases for the widow and children for clothing, schooling and board. The widow Polly Sheppard married Samuel Woodward on September 26, 1799.

            Samuel Woodwards report:

March 10, 1796, to the amount of sundry property sold at the sale as per vouchers produced – 66.0.6; To the balance due on David Allen’s bond – 4.11.0.

March 9, 1798, Widow thirds of the real and personal [estate]. 135 acres of land; one negro woman Annis – 70.0.0; one negro boy Porter – 40.0.0; one negro boy David – 32.11.0; one bay mare – 10.0.0; one cow and calf – 5.0.0; one yearling – 1.11.0; one sow – 1.13.4; one bed and furniture – 12.0.0; one chest – 1.5.0; one looking glass – 0.10.0.

The lots drew by the legatees of Samuel Shepherd deceased. David Shapard drew lot No. 1: 116 acres - 87.0.0; one negro girl Maryan – 65.0.0; one bed – 4.0.0; six chairs – 0.15.0.

Polly Shepherd drew lot No. 2: 104 ½ acres – 90.0.0; one negro woman Sary – 50.0.0; one bed – 12.0.0; eleven shoats 3.6.8; one side saddle -1.10.0.

July 10, 1795 by cash paid sundry debts due from the estate as per vouchers produced to the present day 1798– 68.15.9. February 1797, by twenty one barrels corn purchased for the estate at 20/per barrel – 21.0.0 

Betsey Shepherd drew lot No. 3 = 51 acres – 85.0.0; one negro girl Nancey, value – 40.0.0; young bay mare – 20.0.0; one red and white cow and calf – 4.10.0; one black and white cow – 4.10.0; one black horse – 2.0.0; one bleu chest – 0.15.0.

Royal F. Shepherd drew lot No. 4: 49 acres – 90.0.0; one negro man Dick – 25.0.0; one negro boy Talton – 20.0.0; one bed – 14.0.0; one red and white cow and calf – 5.0.0; one red yearling – 2.0.0; one bleu table – 0.7.6; one decanter and trunk, books and slate – 0.7.6.

Samuel Shepherd drew lot No. 5 = 84 ½ acres – 84.10.0; one negro Ben, value – 70.0.0; one walnut table – 2.0.0; one sugar box – 0.6.0.

 

 

Note: Royal F. Sheppard married Polly Cottrell on April 4, 1810, and then married Mildred Shepherd in April 1820 daughter of Sally (possible daughter of Reuben Sheppard who married Sally Cocke – thus Royal and Mildred are cousins)

 

Note: Findagrave: Royal F. Shepherd b. Jan. 12, 1789 - d. January 9, 1850 Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Henrico County, Richomnd, Virginia

 

March 14, 1814 (Henrico County Marriage Bonds)

            Jacob Hopkins married Mary Sheppard, ward of Royal F. Sheppard. Royal F. Sheppard, surety.

 

 

October 15, 1816 (Henrico County Marriage Bonds)

            Samuel Cottrell married Sally Sheppard, with consent of her mother Sally Sheppard. Royal F. Sheppard, surety.

 

1820 (Census, Henrico County Virginia)

            Royal F. Sheppard: one male 26-44, two white females under 10, one white female 16-25, 8 slaves.

 

1826 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records, Samuel Cottrell, Jr., et al., vs George W. Brown, et al., 1826)

            To the worshipful County Court of Henrico in Chancery sitting humbly complaining sheweth unto your worships your orators Samuel Cottrell, Jr., and Samuel Cottrell, Sr., and your oratrix Elizabeth Cottrell, wife of your orator Samuel Cottrell Cottrell, Sr., that in the year 181_ (left blank) one Charles Cottrell then of the county of Henrico departed this life first having made __ last will and testament which has heretofore been proved and admitted to record by this worshipful court. That by this will the said Charles Cottrell bequeathed to Mary Cottrell his wife for and during her natural life a certain piece or parcel of land lying therein and in the said county, supposed to contain about 300 acres with remainder in fee with his son Benjamin Cottrell. That some short time after the death of the said Charles Cottrell and during the lifetime of the said Mary Cottrell the wife of the said Charles Cottrell, the said Benjamin Cottrell the son and ___ departed this life intestate without issue leaving the following persons his heirs at law, to wit, your orator Samuel Cottrell, Jr., and your oratrix Elizabeth his brother and sister; George W. Brown, Elizabeth Brown and Overton Brown the only children of the deceased sister Judy Brown who was before her marriage with Samuel Brown, Judy Cottrell and daughter of the deceased Charles Cottrell; Charles Cooke, Sarah Cooke, Samuel Cooke, Mary Cooke, Martha Cooke children of Mary Cooke who before her marriage was Mary Cottrell daughter of the said Charles Cottrell and who is now also dead; Elizabeth Shepherd and Mary Shepherd infant children of Mary Shepherd deceased who before her marriage was Mary Cottrell and daughter of the said Charles Cottrell, deceased; John and Mary Cottrell children of Charles Cottrell deceased and who was son of the said Charles Cottrell the elder. That the ___ children of the said Judy Brown, Martha Cooke, Mary Shepherd and Charles Cottrell the son are all infants and under age and are by the law of this land…

 

1830 (Census, Henrico County Virginia)

Royal F. Shappard, two white males under 5, two white males 5-9, one white male 40-49, one white female under 5, two white females 10-14, one white female 30-39, 7 slaves.

 

 

1840 (Census, Henrico County Virginia)

 Royal F. Sheppard (Richmond Ward 2, Henrico County, Va.) one white male under 5, one white male 5-9, six white males 20-29, one male 50-59, one white female 10-14, one white female 20-19, 4 slaves.

 

 

Goochland County, Virginia Goochland County was formed in 1728 from Henrico County. 

 

 

July 9, 1724 (Goochland County Virginia deeds)

            John Price aquires 390 acres land on a branch of the Tuckahoe Creek from ____ Hudson. Land boarders Charles Hudson’s line.

 

April 1736 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders)

            John Price and Hanna (his wife) acknowledge his deed to Henry Clay.

           

April 1736 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders)

            Robert Willis acknowledges his deed to John Price

 

 

March 7, 1740 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders)

            Robert Willis acknowledges his deed to John Price.

 

May 1740 (Goochland County Virginia Court Order Book 1735-1741)

Orphan to be bound. Ordered that the Church Wardens of Saint James Parish do bind William Sheppard on orphan to Henry Atkinson.

 

May 1740 (Goochland County Virginia Wills and Deeds)

            Robert Willis of St. James Parish and County of Goochland to John Price of the county and parish of Henrico for £40, 200 acres on the branches of Tuckahoe Creek, bound by Price.

 

October 1742 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders)

            Robert Willis and his wife Mary acknowledge their deed to John Price.

 

June 30, 1743 (Cavilers and Pioneers, Vol. 5: 1741-1749, Richmond, 1994; Goochaland County land records)

 (Patent Book 21): JAMES SHEPARD, 400 acs. Goochland Co. adj. to the N. side of Appamattox Riv.; 30 Jun 1743, p 310; 2lbs.

 

1744 (Goochland County Virginia Court Order Book 1741-1745)

Shepherd vs Dameril. In the action of trespass between James Shepherd plaintiff and Richard Dameril defendant…

 

August 30, 1744 (Cavilers and Pioneers, Vol. 5: 1741-1749, Richmond, 1994; Goochaland County land records)

(Patent Book 22): RICHARD DAMRIL, 200 acs. Goochland Co., Beg. at a White Oak marked BW standing on the N side of Hardwar Riv., adj. JAMES SHEPARD; 30 Aug. 1744, p 145. 1lb. (BW possibly Benjamin Woodson's mark).

 

September 25, 1746 (Cavilers and Pioneers, Vol. 5: 1741-1749, Richmond, 1994; Goochaland County land records)

(Patent Book 24): CHARLES BOND, 150 acs. Goochland Co. on both sides of Shepherds Cr., adj. JAMES SHEPARD; 25 Sep 1746, p 470. 15 shill

 

1747 (Goochland County Virginia Tithables)

            …Margaret Martin – 5, Saml Shepard – 1, Joseph Barnet & Thomas Barnet – 6, Henry Witlow – 1, Robert Crawhorn – 4, Goulder Hix – 1, Daniel Marro – 5, John Price – 4, Nicholas Nelson – 2…

 

Note: Tithables are taxes on white males 16 years and older and on male and female slaves 16 years and older.

 

1748 (Goochland County Virginia Tithables)

Tithables taken by William Miller:

            …John Price – 4, Daniel Price – 3… Rene LaForce – 2, Richard Wade – 1, John Good – 3, Saml Shepard – 1, William Ford & Thomas Ford – 7, William Webb – 1, Richard Pruit – 1…

 

Note: Tithables are taxes on white males 16 years and older and on male and female slaves 16 years and older.

 

July 9, 1748 (Goochland Co., VA. Deed Book 5, p 436)

Richard Wade of Goochland County gave 45 acres to his son William Wade on July9, 1748. William was already residing on the tract, which was on Little Tuckahoe Creek adjoining the land of Price, Willia and Henley. Deed was witnessed by Daniel Price, Rene LaForce and Samuel Shepard..

 

July 18, 1748 (Goochland County Virginia Wills and Deeds)

            John Price deeds to his son Daniel.

 

July 1748 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders Book 1744-1749, pg 445)

            Deed from Price to Price with livery and seizen. Receipt endorsed from John Price to Daniel Price is proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto to be act and deed of the said John Price which we order to be recorded.

 

July 18, 1748 (Goochland County Virginia Wills and Deeds)

            John Price deeds to his son-in-law Samuel Shapard, and his daughter Elizabeth [Price].

 

July 1748 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders Book 1744-1749, pg 445)

            Price to Shepherd. A deed with livery and seizen from John Price to Samuel Shepherd is proved the oaths of the witnesses thereto to be the act and deed of the said John Price which was ordered to be recorded.

 

July 18, 1748 (Goochland Co., VA. Deed Book 5, p 448. John Price Samuel Shepherd Deed,)

To all men to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. Know Ye that I John Price of the county of Goochland for divers good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the love good will and affection that I bear forward my well beloved Son in Law Samuel Shepherd and my well beloved Daughter Elizabeth Shepherd I have given granted and confirmed and by these presents do give grant and confirm unto my said Son in Law and Daughter and to their heirs and assigns for ever one certain parcel or tract of land containing one hundred acres lying and being in Goochland County on a branch of Tuckaho Creek and is part of the same tract whereon I now live and which I bought of Robert Willis and the said one hundred acres is bounded as followeth. To Wit: beginning at a Corner White Oak standing in a branch and running up the said branch according to its courses in the value of sixty eight chains to a corner Willow Oak in the said branch thence south seventy two degrees east sixty two chains to a Willow oak in a flash (slash?) thence thirty five degrees west one hundred and five chains for a corner thence north sixty two degrees west forty chains to a White Oak by the side of the first mentioned branch thence up the said branch to the first beginning with all houses orchards gardens fences woods waters and advantages whatsoever to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining To Have and to hold the said one hundred acres of land and premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto my said Son in Law and Daughter their Heirs and assigns for ever and I do by these presents warrant the said one hundred acres of land and premises with their and every of the appurtenances unto my said Son in Law Samuel Shepherd and my Daughter Elizabeth Shepherd their Heirs and assigns forever against me my Heirs Ex'rs and Adm'rs and against all other persons whatsoever in Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal this eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty eight. Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of us Giles Letcher, Daniel Price, Rene Laforce /s/ John (I) Price (his mark and seal).

 

            At a court held for Goochland County July 19, 1748. This deed with livery of seizing endorsed was proved by oaths of the witnesses hereto to be the act and deed of John Price which was ordered to be recorded.

 

1749 (Goochland County Virginia Tithables)

Tithables taken by John Martin:

            John Woodson & Stephen Sampson – 13, William Womack – 4, John Bullock – 1, Margarett Martin – 5, Saml Sharpard – 2, John Utley – 4, Ralph Graves – 3, Thomas Lorkin – 1, Charley & Samuel Jordan – 3, Richard Wade – 1, Joseph Pleasants – 4, Francis Kelly – 1, Richard Crouch Sr. & Jr – 3, Henry Willis – 1, William Farrah – 1, Richard Willis – 4…

Note: Tithables are taxes on white males 16 years and older and on male and female slaves 16 years and older.

 

November 20, 1753 (Goochland County Virginia Deeds)

            This indenture made this 20^th day of November in the year of our Lord 1753 between William Brooks of the county of Lunenburg of the one part and Samuel Shepherd of Goochland County of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Brooks for and in consideration of the sum of 15 pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Samuel Shepherd the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be fully satisfied contented and paid Hath given granted bargained sold enfeotted and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell enfeott and confirm unto the said Samuel Shepherd his heirs and assigns forever one certain parcel or tract of land containing 86 acres lying and being in Goochland County on the branch of Tuckahoe Creek on the north side of the James River and is bounded as followeth (to wit): Beginning between two white oaks in John Utleys line and running thence along Hanover County line south 74 degrees east 140 poles thence along Henrico County line south 20 degrees west 110 poles to pointers thence on Robert Willis’s line north seventy and a half degrees west 121 poles to an ash and dogwood on the east side of a run of Tuckahoe Creek and thence on John Utley north ten and a half degrees east 103 poles crossing the said run to the first station, with all the houses orchards, gardens, fences woods waters…(etc. legal stuff) Witness whereof he hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day month and year first above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us (signed) William Lewis, James Cocke, Jr., Rene Laforce. (Signed) William (X) Brooks (his mark).

At a court held for Goochland County November 20, 1753, William Brooks acknowledged this deed with the livery of seizing endorsed to be his acts and deeds which were ordered to be recorded.

 

Note: William Brooks aquired the above mentioned 86 acres of land in Goochland County, Virginia, in 1737(that boardered the Hanover County line) probably from his fathers tract. He was the son of Richard Brooks (d.1734) and Mary Gibson of Hanover County, Va. The link is that a John Price (perhaps son of the above John Price?) married William Brooks’ sister Sarah Brooks circa 1739 and lived in Lunenburg County, Virginia. John and Sarah (both illiterate) were living in Lunenburg as late as 1759. William Brooks is living in Lunenburg County in 1750s.

 

 

November 1753 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders Book)

            William Brooks acknowledges a deed with the livery and seizen. Endorsed to Samuel Shepherd to be his act and deed which was ordered to be recorded.

 

March 1754 (Goochland Co., VA March 1754 Court term)

Price Willis and William Willis chose Samuel Shepherd as his guardian. 

Note: An orphan had to be age 14 to chose their own guardian. 

 

Note: October 7, 1751 (Henrico County Deeds 1750-1774 Abstracted by Gary Murdock Williams, Edited by Virginia Lee Hutcheson Davis)

John Freeman of Henrico County to John Price of Goochland Co., for 60L, 258 acres adjacent Col. William Randolph, Davis Staples, Scrapping Branch, Hall Branch ND Fish Branch. Wit: Charles Ellis, William Harding, William Allen, Agnes Allen, William WILLIS Signed: John Freeman, Abigail Freeman Rec: 1st Mon in Dec 1751

 

Note: Susannah Willis is the former Suannah Freeman sister to John Freeman. Susannah married William Willis son of David Willis and brother to Edward Willis.

 

 Note: In Oct 1750 Agnes Willis, the widow of Robert Willis dec'd (1749) buys 100a on Deep Run. Agnes later marries William Allen. Agnes and William Allen are witnesses to the Oct 1751 Freeman to Price deed along with a William Willis.  This William Willis is likely the son of David Willis later husband to Susannah Freeman since Agnes Willis Allen's son William would not have been of age to be a witness.

 

March 12, 1757 (Goochland County Virginia Deeds)

            This indenture made this 12^th day of March in the year of our Lord Christ 1757 between Samuel Shepherd and Elizabeth his wife of the parish and county of Henrico of the one part and William Price and Susanna his wife of the parish and county of Goochland of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Samuel Shepherd and Elizabeth his wife for and in consideration of the sum of 100 pounds sterling to him in hand paid by the said William Price and Susanna his wife at or before the ensealing and delivering of these presents the receipt whereof the said Samuel Shepherd and Elizabeth his wife doth hereby acknowledge and whereof every part thereof doth fully and absolutely acquit exonerate and discharge him the said William Price and Susanna his wife there executors adm., and assigns by these presents Hath given, granbted, bargained, sold aliened, ___ and confirmed and doth hereby grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoy, and confirm __ the said William Price and Susanna his wife their heirs and assigns forever, all that tract or dividend of land situate lying and being in the parish and county of Goochland containing by estimation 186 acres be there more or less and is bounded on the lines of John  Watson, Richard Loving, Samuel Leging and William Waid, together with all houses, edifices, etc… (legal stuff) In witness whereof the said Samuel Shepherd and Elizabeth his wife to these presents their hands and seals hath set the day and year first above written. Sealed and delivered in presence of Robert Willis, John (I) Crow (his mark), Leon (*) Henley (his mark). Signed Sam’ll Shapard, Elizabeth Shapard.

 

Memorandum that on the 12^th day of March 1757 full possession and seizen was had and taken of the land and premises within granted by the within named Samuel Shepherd and Elizabeth his wife and by him delivered over to the within named William Price and Susanna his wife to hold to them and their heirs forever… (signed) Robert Willis, John (I) Crow (his mark), Leon (*) Henley (his mark). Signed Sam’ll Shapard, Elizabeth Shapard.

Received of the within written William Price and Susanna his wife 100 pounds sterling being in consideration of the within mentioned. In presence of Robert Willis, John (I) Crow (his mark), Leon (*) Henley (his mark). Signed Sam’ll Shapard, Elizabeth Shapard.

At a court held for Goochland County May the 17^th 1757. This deed with livery of seizen and receipt endorsed was proved by the witnesses hereto to be the act and deeds of Samuel Shapard and Elizabeth his wife, which were ordered to be recorded.

 

May 26, 1759 (Goochland County Virginia Deeds)

This indenture made the 26 day of May in the year of our Lord 1759 between William Price of the one part and John Shapard of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Price for and in consideration of the sum of 100 pounds current money to him in hand paid by the said John Shepard the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and thereof doth acquit and discharge the said John Shapard his heirs exec. and administrators and for diverse other causes and considerations him thereunto moving hath granted bargained sold and aliened endorsed and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain, sell, alien, endorse and confirm unto the said John Shapard his heirs and assigns on tract of land containing 186 acres be there more or less and being in the county of Goochland on Tuckahoe Creek and is bounded as followeth (to wit): ) Beginning at a white oak standing on the south side of Turkey Branch thence up the said branch to John Watsons line along the said Watsons line to Richard Lovings line thence along Lovings line to Samuel Ligons line thence along Ligons line to William Wades line then along Wades line to my line which divides the above mentioned and the tract where John Price now liveth then along that line to the place where it began…(legal stuff)… Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Edmond Alley, Richard Loving, Richard Clayton. Signed William Price, Susannah (X) Price (her mark).

Memorandum that on the 26 day of May 1759 William Price did deliver unto John Shapard full and peaceful possession and seizen of the within mentioned lands with the appurtenances to be held by him according to the form __ and effect of the within written deed. (signed) Edmond Alley, Richard Loving. (signed) William Price.

At a court held for Goochland County September the 18^th 1759 William Price and Susanna his wife acknowledged this deed to be their act and deed and the said William acknowledged the livery and seizen endorsed to be his act and deed which were thereupon ordered to be recorded. Then the said Susanna (she being first privately examined) relinquished her right of dower in the land by this deed conveyed which was also admitted to record.

 

July 21, 1761 (Goochland County Virginia Deeds)

This indenture this 21^st day of July in the year of our Lord 1761 between John Shapard and Anna Shapard of the county of Goochland of the one part and William Price of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Shapard and Anna Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of 100 pounds  current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said William Price the receipt whereof the said John Shapard and Anna Shapard doth hereby acknowledge hath granted, bargained, sold and confirmed by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said William Price one certain tract or parcel of land containing 186 acres be there more or less situate lying and being in the county of Goochland and is the same land as the said Price sold unto the said Shapard and is bounded as followeth: (to wit) Beginning at a white oak standing on the south side of Turkey Branch thence up the said branch to John Watsons line along the said Watsons line to Richard Lovings line thence along Lovings line Samuel Ligons line thence along Ligons line to William Wades line along Wades line to the beginning. To have and to hold the said tract of land and premises with the appurtenances to him the said William Price his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said William Price his heirs and assigns forever together with the revershions  and revershions remainder and remainders rents issued and profits thereof and the said John Shapard and Anna Shapard doth covenants for themselves their heirs exc. and admin. that the said land and premises is free and clear from all encumbrances and that the said Shapard hath good right true title to sell and convey the same in manner and form aforesaid and that he will defend the same to him the said William Price his heirs and assigns against him and the said John Shapard and Anna Shapard their heirs exec. and admin. and against all other persons whatsoever. In witness whereof the said John Shapard and Anna Shapard hath hereunto set their hands and seal the day and year above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of George Channing, Randol Rountree, Thomas Hubbard. Signed John Shapard, Anna (X) Shapard (her mark).

Memorandum that on the 21^st day of July in the year of our Lord 1761 John Shapard and Anna Shapard did deliver unto William Price full and peaceful possession with livery and seizen of the with mentioned land and premises according to the form and affect of the within written deed. Signed John Shapard.

July 21 – 1761 Received of Mr. William Price the consideration of 100 pounds in full satisfaction for the within mentioned land as witness our hands and seals George Channing, Randol Rountree, Thomas Hubbard. Signed John Shapard, Anna (X) Shapard (her mark).

At a court held for Goochland County July 21, 1761. John Shapard acknowledged this deed with the receipt and livery of seizin endorsed and Anne his wife acknowledges the said deed with the receipt endorsed to be their acts and deeds which were ordered to be recorded. Then the said Anne (she being first privately examined) relinquishes her right of dower in the land by the said deed conveyed which was also admitted to record.  

 

May 8, 1775 (Abstract of wills from Goochland County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, p. 38-40)

            Thomas Plesants. To son Robert, 15 acres… To daughters Anne Martin and Elizabeth ____?, a heifer and furniture. After all debts are paid, balance to be divided between my children: Robert, Thomas, Anne, Elizabeth and Jesse. Executors: My brother, John Pleasants, and my nephew, Joseph Pleasants. Witness Robert Shapard, Stephen Nowlin and William Rogers.

 

1778 (Goochland County Virginia Deeds)

            William B. Shepard of Goochland County made his last Will and Testament. He listed his brother as Benjamin, his sister as Mildred. His will was witnessed by Turner Class and Samuel Shepard.

 

Note: These are the children of Robert Shapard.

 

1779 (Goochland County Virginia Court Orders)

            Deed or articles of agreement between Robert Shepard and Sarah Shepard are proved by the witnesses thereto and admitted to record.

 

August 9, 1779 (Goochland County, Virginia, Will Book 12, 1777-1779, p. 309) 

It is this day agreed between Robert Shepherd and Sarah, his wife, of the Parrish of Saint James, Northam and County of Goochland, that whereas in the year of our Lord 1776 the said Robert did make proposals of Marriage to the said Sarah (then Sarah Clarke) and in consequence of such proposals a marriage contract was drawn up and executed between the parties, bearing date the      day of        (left blank) in the aforesaid year by which the said Robert did make over and secure unto the said Sarah and her heirs forever two negro slaves named Rachel and Lucy with their increase together with one feather bed and furniture, and whereas the said instrument or marriage contract was casually lost without ever being admitted to record, and the parties being mutually consenting to do to each other all manner of justice, consistent with equity and a good conscience, and with the advice of their nearest connections and best friends, setting aside the prerogative of the husband and the wife's coventure and all laws customs and usages now in force or in any wise concerning the same, and that they and each of them will do and execute any other agreement deed or conveyance jointly or severally in order for the better securing and fulfilling this agreement such as they or either of them or their council learned in the laws hath think fit and convenushe (?).  Now the said Robert Shephard doth agree ___ and with the said Sarah, his wife, that the said Sarah shall have the aforesaid negro slaves Rachel and her youngest child Nelly and their increase together with one feather bed and furniture after the decease of the said Robert to her during her life and at her decease the one half of these negros and their increase shall go to the children of the s'd Sarah by the said Robert and the survivors of them and the other half to remain free to the said Sarah and at her disposal to whomsoever she shall choose and the said Sarah further agrees to pay all the costs arising from the suit in Chancery lately commenced for the recovery of the s'd estate from the s'd Robert without any charge against or expense to the said Robert and that she doth now and forever hereafter will relinquish her claim of Dower to all and every part of the state of the s'd Robert as well as from the above mentioned former marriage contract.  In Witness whereof the parties have herein to let their hands and affixed their seals this 9th day of August 1779.   /s/ Robert Shapard    /s/  Sarah Shapard

 

Sealed and delivered in presence of:

Nathaniel Webster

Luke Webster  

George Robertson                  

 

At a Court held for Goochland County October the 18th 1779.  This agreement was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto to be the acts and deeds of the parties, ___ their motion admitted to record.

 

December 20, 1779 (Indenture Goochland County)

            James Shepard sold to Shadrock Alvis, both of Goochland, for $1,300 pounds, a tract of land being 100 acres on Great Byrd Creek bordering the lands of James Shepard, Charles Rice, Robert Lewis.

 

March 15, 1783 (Indenture Goochland County)

            James Shepard of Goochland County sold to William Tate of Louisa County for $2,200 pounds, a tract of land, being 90 acres, in Goochland on the north side of Carter’s Ferry Road, bordered by William Smith, Gideon Bowles and George Payne (son of Josias Payne).

 

1789 (Personal Property Tax Lists, Goochland Co., VA, Personal A) 

Person taxable:  Robert Shapard (name of male tithable above 21 years) - 1; (Free [white] male above 16 and under 21) - 1; (Blacks male over 16) - 1, (Black 12-16) -1, (horses or mules) -2, total taxes $1.40. 

 

Note: The free male between 16 to 21 years old would be the youngest son Benjamin born 1771. The next oldest son was Thomas born 1766 and by the time of the tax list would have been 23 years old, and most likely living elsewhere.

 

1794 (Goochland County, Virginia, Deed Book 17, 1796-1800, p 483)

            Robert Shepard and Sarah Shepard, his, wife, both of Goochland County, sold to Forrest Hunter, 235 acres bordering Abraham Fontaine.  Land description mentions Three Chop'd Road, Little Byrd Creek.  (Microfilm very dim with heavy horizontal lines).  To further identify the area of the county in which the land was located, Goochland County Deed Book 16, p 140, states:  "At a court held for Goochland County sthe 21st day of November 1791:  "On motion of Tha. Meriwether ordered that the Surveyor of this County procede to run and marke the County line between Abraham Fontaine of the County & Benjamin Crenshaw of Louisa, that William Pryor, Joseph Payne and James Howard do attend the Survey as Commissioners for the running the said line and that the same be reported to this court.  Teste W. Miller CC"  On the same page with this order is a description of the survey and the recording of the same January 1693.

 

Note: Where the branches of Little Byrd Creek intersect  Three Chop Road is just west of Hadensville, Virginia. Near the north west corner of Goochland County.

 

February 15, 1796 (Goochland County Deeds)

            Order Samuel Woodward, John Woodward, Philip Tinsley and John Grouch or any three of them who being first sworn before some justice of the peace for this county do appraise in current money all the personal estate of Robert Sheppard, deceased, and that his administrators do return the same.

            Inventory taken this the 26^th of November 1796: parcel of clothes £1.7, one pine chest £0.9. (signed) Benjamin Sheppard (administrator), (signed) Philip Tinsley, Sam Woodward, John Woodward.

 

___

 

(Gail Tomlinson Notes obtained from Ancestory.com. I have added updates to the original information)

 ROBERT SHEPARD [SHAPARD] died abt. 1797 in Goochland Co., VA. He married Elizabeth Blackstone. I believe that this is Samuel’s (1712 – 1751) “beloved son” Robert. Sources for Robert Shepard [Shapard]: THE DOUBLAS REGISTER; MARRIAGES OF PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, VA, by Catherine L. Knorr; Rev. War Service Pension Application of Samuel Shepard of Wilson Co., TN, (#S3894); appraisal of Estate of Robert Shepard, of Goochland Co., VA, recorded Sept. 1797, Benjamin Shepard, Adm. Children of Robert Shepard [Shapard] and Elizabeth Blackstone are: (Children may not be in birth order. There could have been other children):

Frances Frankie Shepard, m. William Wilson, 21 Apr 1792, Pr. Edward Co., VA.

William B. Shepard b. abt. 1760; d. Bef. 20 Apr 1779, Goochland Co. VA.

Notes for William B. Shepard:
He enlisted in the Rev. War in 1778 with his brother Samuel. Samuel was 16 years old, thus William would have been an older brother possibly 18 years old. He was killed in Revolutionary War according to his brother Samuel's pension application; evidently he died from wounds sustained in the war. William B. Shepard, Goochland County, Virginia, executed a will 7 March 1778, giving 25 lbs. to his brother Benjamin Shepard when he came of age and 25 lbs. to his sister Mildred Shepard upon her marriage. Will was witnessed by Twiner Claps and Samuel Shepard. Executors were his beloved friends David Thaxton and Peter Thaxton. Will was recorded 20 April 1779 upon oaths of the witnesses. (Died without children – thus namesake vanished).

Samuel Shepard, b. 03 Jun 1762, Goochland Co., VA; d. Dec 1846, Wilson Co., TN. He married Jane “Jenny Guill on 23 Dec 1790 in Prince Edward Co, VA. Note: he was illiterate – he signs with an “X”. (thus spelling name as Shapard vanishes).

Notes for Samuel Shepard: Rev. War patriot; He was 16 years old when he enlisted in 1778; He was at Yorktown at the time of the surrender of Cornwallis; filed for pension in 1832 at Wilson Co. TN; brother Thomas, living in Rutherford Co.,TN, collaborated his affidavit. Goodspeed says Samuel Shepard came to Wilson County about 1800. He cast his first vote for George Washington and his last vote for Henry Clay. Goodspeed, W. A., History of Tennessee, Wilson County; 1886; Nashville; p 1116. For heirs see: Wilson County Misc. Records, 1800-1875, Thomas Partlow, Southern Historical Press, 1982, pg. 151. He was buried in Wilson Co., TN. Marriage Notes for Samuel Shepard and Jane Guill: Prince Edward County, VA, Marriage Bonds lists as "Jennie" Guill. Thomas Shepard was surety for marriage. The children of Samuel Shepard and Jane Guill are:

James M. Shepard, married (1) Phoebe Martin and (2) Mary G. Roberts. Married Mary G. Roberts, Jan. 1846, Wilson Co., TN. See Marriages from Early Tennessee Newspapers, 1794-1851, Silas E. Lucas, Southern Historical Press, Easley, SC, pg. 432. Other marriage to Phoebe Martin given by Margaret A. Freeman Leavell in her correspondence.

Samuel M. Shepard

Martha Shepard, m. Henry Ligon, 07 Aug 1823, Wilson Co., TN.

Mary Ann Shepard, M. James A. Guill on 30 Dec 1834, Wilson Co., TN. Married in Wilson Co., TN, on 30 Dec. 1834. It appears that it is James A. Guill. This marriage would be late in life for Mary.

William Shepard, b. 19 Sep 1791, Prince Edward Co, VA; d. Perry Co., TN; m. Jane Price Brightwell, 02 Sep 1813, Pr. Edward Co., VA. Notes for William Shepard: Married 2 Sept. 1813, in Prince Edward Co., VA, to Jane Price Britewell (born
27 Feb. 1789). See Bible record of Egbert Haywood Shepard, of Perry Co., TN. William Shepard and wife Jane Brightwell moved their family from Wilson County TN to Perry County TN about 1830. They settled on Cane Creek and farmed there
until their deaths. Both William and Jane are buried in Shepard's Cemetery on Cane Creek. The dates of their deaths have not been ascertained, but William was living as late as 1841, as his name appears in the Perry County Circuit
Court Minutes, Vol 3, 1838-1841. He is buried in Shepard Cemetery, Perry Co., TN

John Shepard, b. 23 Feb 1794, Prince Edward Co, VA; d. 02 Jun 1836, Wilson Co., TN; m. Frances Graves, 1827, Wilson Co., TN. See reference, History of Tennessee, Wilson County, Goodspeed, Nashville, pg. 1116. See Bible Records and Marriage Bonds, Acklen, 1933. Was father of Lt. Col. Samuel G. Shepard, C.S.A. Col. Shepard is frequently mentioned in Civil War histories, and fought at Gettysburg. He was known as one of the "Fighting Parsons" from Wilson Co., Company G., Seventh Tennessee Infantry. He is mentioned in "Lee's Lieutenants." Some information about John is found in Goodspeed entry on his son, Samuel G. Shepard. Goodspeed says John Shepard was a teacher by profession and also farmed. He died of cholera.

Robert Shepard, b. abt. 1795, p. Prince Edward, VA; d. abt. 1880, p. Perry Co., TN; m. Susan Guill, 06 Jun 1822, Wilson Co., TN. Issued W. Tenn. Land Grant of 107 acres on Buffalo River in Perry Co., TN, in 1849. See copy of Grant # 20279. Marriage record from Wilson County, TN.  His land grant deeded in Margaret Jane Shepard Barham, March 1879. She sold to George F. Dittmer in 1899, see Perry Co. Roll #27, Book W, page 129. See newspaper clipping from Linden Times, "Beardstown" news report interviewing "Uncle Bob" Shepard (Thursday, May 13, 1880). He is buried in Perry Co., TN. His wife is buried at old Wilburn Cemetery, Hwy 22, Perry Co., TN Stone exists, is lying on the ground. 1880 Tenn. Mortatility Schedule says Susan Shepard died of disease of the liver.
Thomas Shepard, was born 1766, and died Aft. 1840. He married (1) Easter Simmons 30 Sep 1794 in Pr. Edward Co., VA, daughter of John Simmons. He married (2) Hettie Peek 16 Jan 1800 in Prince Edward Co. VA8, daughter of Henry Peek. Thomas could have been the son of Elizabeth Baxter. The Douglas Register lists a Thomas Shepard b. 15 Nov. 1766 to Robert Shepard and Elizabeth Baxter. Or this could have been a typo the scribe mis-hearing “Blackstone.” Witness to Samuel Shepard's Rev. War Pension Application in 1832. Lists county of residence as Rutherford Co., TN. Thomas Shepard is listed in 1830 and 1840 Tennessee Census as a resident of Rutherford County, Tennessee. His wife is listed as living in both censuses. Son, Peyton is in same household in 1840. In the 1850 census, Peyton is still in Rutherford County and has a daughter, Hettie C. Shepard. Peyton and his wife, Mary were both born in Virginia. Children of Thomas and Hettie Peek: Robert Shepard b. abt. 1800; Peyton Shepard, b. abt. 1808, Virginia; m. Mary Davis, 18 Dec 1834, Rutherford Co., TN. Peyton Shepard is listed in the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Tennessee as living in Rutherford Co. In 1840, he is in same HH as his father. In 1860 Census, Peyton is still in Rutherford Co., and has living with him two additional children, Martha 17 and Sarah 15. Are these his children? Note: he was illiterate – he signs with an “X”. (thus spelling name as Shapard vanishes).
Elizabeth Shepard, b. 09 Apr 1769, Goochland Co., VA; m. John Fielder, 18 Nov 1791, Pr. Edward Co., VA.

Notes for Elizabeth Shepard: Birth record in The Douglas Register also gives names of both parents.Married John Fielder, 18 Nov. 1791, Prince Edward Co., VA. John Thaxton was surety for their marriage; father of Elizabeth listed as Robert Shepard of Goochland Co. VA

Benjamin Shepard, b. 06 Jan 1771, Goochland Co. VA; d. Aft. 1850; m. Mary Judith Hurt, 10 May 1798, Pr. Edward Co., VA6.

Notes for Benjamin Shepard: Birth record gives names of both parents; indicates he was baptised March 24, 1771. Married Mary Hurt, 5 May 1798, Prince Edward County, VA. Benjamin Shepard listed as recipient of 25 lbs. from his brother, William B. Shepard, who died prior to 20 April 1779. Will recorded in Goochland County, Virginia, that date. 1850 Prince Edward Co. VA census: age 76, living next door to Reuben & Salenia Beard Guill.

Notes for Mary Judith Hurt: Father was deceased at the time of her marriage; Massanello Womack, her guardian, consented; surety was David Thackston. Marriage bond listed name as Mary Hurt; minister's return gives Judith.

Mildred Shepard, b. 18 Jul 1773, Goochland Co. VA; d. Bef. 1841. She married Reuben Guill 19 Dec 1801 in Pr. Edward Co., VA.Birth record gives names of both parents; states she was baptized 22 Aug. 1773. Surety for marriage was Samuel Shepard; father of Mildred listed as Robert Shepard. She was dead before the 1841 marriage of Reuben Guill to Salenia Beard. Reuben Guill was a carpenter according to 1850 census of MO. Reuben Guill served in the War of 1812, 7th Regiment (Grey's) Virginia Militia; later in Capt. Joseph Penich's Company of Light infantry attached to the 7th Reg. He appeared on the census of 1820 at Prince Edward Co., VA, pg. 153. He last appeared on the Pr. Edward Co. Personal Property Tax Lists in 1830. His son, Elijah Nimrod Guill, moved his family to Livingston Co., MO, about 1837 and then in 1860 to Chillicothe (Chico) in Butte Co., CA.

Child of Mildred and Reuben Guill was Elijah Nimrod Guill: b. 01 Nov 1807, Prince Edward Co. VA; d. 13 Jun 1878, Chico, Butte Co., CA; m. Elizabeth Hudson Baldwin, 24 Nov 1830, Prince Edward Co., VA.

 

1761 - 1777 (The Douglas Register, Goochland County)

John Shepherd and Mary Lilly had a son David born on June 9, 1761 and was baptized on November 9, 1761

John Shepherd and Mary Lilly had a daughter Ann born Nov, 7, 1764 and baptized July 6, 1765

John Shepherd and Mary Lilly had a daughter Frances born December 2, 1766 and baptized June 11, 1767

John Shepherd and Mary Lilly had a son John born May 1, 1771 and baptized June 16, 1771.

 

Note: The Douglas Register is the journal of Rev. William Douglas was minister of Dover Church in St. James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia. Dover was the first church in Goochland County.

 

1766 - 1773 (The Douglas Register, Goochland County)

            Robert Shepherd and Elizabeth Baxter [Blackstone] had a son Thomas born Nov. 15, 1766, baptized January 18, 1767.        

Robert Shepherd and Elizabeth Blackstone had a daughter Elizabeth born April 9, 1769, and baptized June 11, 1769.

Robert Shepherd and Elizabeth Blackstone had a son Benjamin born January 6, 1771, and baptized March 24, 1771.

Robert Shepherd and Elizabeth Blackstone had a daughter Mildred born July 18, 1773 and baptized Aug. 22, 1773

 

Note: The Douglas Register is the journal of Rev. William Douglas was minister of Dover Church in St. James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia. Dover was the first church in Goochland County.

 

1775 - 1777 (The Douglas Register)

            Mildred Shepherd [married] William Coats both of ys parish (Goochland) Sept. 28. 1775 (note: it has been reported that Mildred married Samuel Brown prior to her marriage to William, if this is the case, then why is she not listed as Mildred Brown in the marriage registry? Casts doubt on this previous marriage theory)

            Sarah Shepherd [married] David Thackston both of ys parish (Goochland) March 16, 1777

            Mary Shepherd [married] Charles W. Cotterel, both in Henrico, September 4, 1777

            Nancy Shepherd [married] William Lindsay, both of Orange October 3, 1781.

            Robert Shepherd and Sarah Clark, both of ys parish (Goochland) February 23, 1777

 

Note: The Douglas Register 1750-1777  is the journal of Rev. William Douglas was minister of Dover Church in St. James Northam Parish, Goochland County, Virginia. Dover was the first church in Goochland County.

 

 

 

 

Middlesex County Records:

NOTE: Rev. John Shepard was the minister of Christ Church Parish Middlesex County in the late 1600.

 

March 19, 1672/73 (Middlesex Co., Virginia. Land Patent Book 6 p. 448)

            Lt. Wm Gordon, 245 acres in Middlesex, adj land John Sheapherd, John Cant (son of David Cant), Alex Smith.

 

1683 (Middlesex County Deed Book 2, p. 123-124)

In Middlesex County Virginia in 1679-1688 there is a listing of a John Sheppard and a William Sheppard.

            John Sheppard was a minister of Christ Church from 1668 until his death in 1683. He was married to Frances. He, at the time of his death, was building a mill at the head of Nimcoct Creek with Raulph Wormely and Christopher Robinson.

            William Sheppard and Sarah Edey, both of Middlesex County, were married 1686. He does not appear to be in our family line based off of the research of this line according to other researchers.

 

Land Book of King and Queen County 1782-1799. “list of valuation of land returned June 1, 1782”

William Shepherd 140 acres [this is not our William Shapard as he is in Cumberland County by now]

 

Bishop John Robinson (d. 1723) had a sister Frances Shepard who lived in Middlesex County Virginia in 1693. (was she the Frances from the 1683 record above?)

 

May 20, 1686 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            William Shepard & Sarah Edey both of this parish married

 

November 23,1687 (Virginia Colonial Militia 1651 – 1776, Vol. 2)

            Middlesex County Militia, 1687. At a Court held for the County of Middlesex the 23^rd day of November, 1687… That the persons whose names are underwritten are by this Court thought of Sufficient ability to find a man, horse and armor…William Sheppard…      

 

September 2, 1705 (Christ Church Parish Register, Middlesex County Virginia)

Ann Shepherd, an illegitimate, the daughter of Mary Shepherd was baptized.

 

February 16, 1708 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Joseph Goare & Lucretia Tugwell married.

 

February 17, 1708 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Thomas Gilley & Mary Shephard married.

 

February 4, 1710 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Ann daughter of Joseph and Lucretia Goar baptized.

 

March 8, 1714 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            William son of Joseph and Lucretia Goare born March 8, [1714/5], baptized April 3, 1715

 

November 3, 1717 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

Joseph son of Joseph and Lucretia Goar born November 3, 1717, baptized December 4, 1717.

 

Note: Joseph Goar, Jr. died on December 7, 1717 and was buried on December 8, 1717. (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

 

May 16, 1719 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Henry son of Joseph and Lucretia Goar born May 16, 1719, baptized June 7, 1719

 

February 12, 1721 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Lucretia daughter of Joseph and Lucretia Goar born February 12, 1721, baptized February 25, 1721.

 

Note: This is not the Lucretia Gore whom married in 1728, else she would have been married at 7 years old.

 

March 20, 1721 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Anne daughter of Henry and Anne Faulkner born March 20, 1721, baptized April 1, 1722

 

February 1, 1722 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Charles a slave belonging to Joseph Goar dyed.

 

August 18, 1722 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Charles son of Beck a slave belonging to Joseph Gour [Gore] born August 18, 1722.

 

February 15, 1723 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Sampson son of Beck a slave belonging to Joseph Goar born.

 

June 2, 1724 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Josee son of Joseph and Lucretia Goar born June 2, 1724, baptized July 5, 1724

 

August 4, 1724 (Middlesex County Virginia Court Orders)

            Ordered that John Crockford’s negro Jack be added to the list of tithables.

 

September 27, 1724 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Mary daughter of Thomas and Ellis Faulkner born August 23, baptized Sept. 27, 1724

 

October 30, 1724 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Jack a slave belonging to John Crockford hanged himself.

 

December 8, 1726 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Jenny a slave belonging to Joseph Goar dyed.

 

December 8, 1726  (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Joseph Goar dyed December 8, 1726, buried December 10, 1726.

 

Note: Will of Joseph Gore (Middlesex Co. Va. Wills 1713-1734, Vol. 5, pg 73-74) “Joseph Goare of the parish of Christ Church in the county of Middlesex being of sick and weak, dated December 6, 1726. Unto my two daughters Elizabeth Goalden and Sarah Anderson, each one shilling. Unto my daughter Mary Shelton, one Negro boy, Robin. Unto my loving wife, all land during her natural life. After her decease, all my land unto my son John, and if he died, my son William and if he dies without heirs unto my son John. All the rest of my estate equally divided between my loving wife and my six children John, William, Henry, Jose, Ann and Lucretia, each to possess their part as they marry or come to the age of one and twenty. My wifes part shall be in __ of her power.

 

Note: On December 3, 1683, Joseph Goare petitioned that his mother, Margaret Ascough be appointed his guardian. On September 1685, Henry Goare (Joseph’s brother) made a similar petition. This would place Josephs birth at about 1666-1669 and Henry’s birth at 1668-1671. Joseph and Henry married sisters: Mary and Elizabeth, daughters of David and Joanne Allison.

 

Note: (Middlesex County, Virginia Deed Book 2, pg 509. February 1, 1691/2) “Joseph Goare of Middlesex County planter and Mary his wife one of the daughters and coheirs of David Allison late of Middlesex County”… [who] died intestate possessed of three tracts of land, one of 360 acres being in Rapanhannock County. His daughters were: Ann wife of Edward Clerke (Clark), Catherine wife of Benjamin Marsh, Mary wife of Joseph Goare, Elizabeth wife of Henry Goare. They each received one-fourth of the land.

 

Note: Joseph Gore’s first wife was Mary Allison and after her death he married Lucretia Tugwell.

 

Note: Notice all the death associated with the Gore family in December of 1726 (may have been a hard winter or disease).

 

December 14, 1726 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Anne Goar dyed December 14, 1726, & was buried December 16, 1726.

 

January 5, 1728 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Judy a slave belonging to John Crockford was born.

 

January 10, 1728 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Judy a slave belonging to John Crockford dyed.

 

December 27, 1728 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Molly a slave belonging to John Crockford was born.

 

November 22, 1728 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            John Crockford [Sr.] & Lucretia Goar married.

 

Note: I originally assumed that this was the marriage of John Crockford Jr., however Lucretia’s age would have been much too old for this marriage as she was born circa 1688 and John, Jr. would have been born circa 1716. Therefore this marriage was between John Crockford Sr., informing us that his first wife died before 1728.

 

June 19, 1729 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Jacob Faulkner & Mary Crockford married.

 

September 28, 1730 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Bob son of Beck a slave belonging to John Crockford was born.

 

November 6, 1730 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Bob a slave belonging to John Crockford dyed.

 

December 16, 1730 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Lucretia Crockford dyed.

 

May 19, 1732 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            William Goar & Lucy Crockford married.

 

October 20, 1732 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Nan a slave belonging to John Crockford dyed.

 

October 30, 1732 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Swaney son of Beck a slave belonging to William Goar born.

 

May 25, 1733 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Toney a slave belonging to John Crockford dyed.

 

December 30, 1733 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Elizabeth and Mildred daughters [twins] of Jacob and Mary Faulkner born December 14, 1733 and baptized December 30, 1733.

 

February 2, 1734 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Sussanna daughter of William & [Lucy] Goar born February 2, 1734, baptized March 2, 1734

 

June 17, 1736  (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            A slave belonging to William Gore was born.

 

July, 1736 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            A slave belonging to William Goar died.

 

February 1, 1736 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Mary daughter of William & Lucy Goar was born February 1, 1736.

 

August 3, 1742 (Middlesex County Virginia Court Orders)

            Messers Reid and Cheap vs. William Goar. The sheriff having returned that he served the said attachment in the hands of John Crockford who this day appeared and on oath declared that no effect of the said William Goar remained in his hands. Therefore by consent of the paintiff the said attachment is dismissed.

 

October 5, 1742 (Middlesex County Virginia Court Orders)

            Seth Seekright vs. Barnaby Badtitle, regarding 250 acres in Christ Church Parish Middlesex County of the demise of Robert Dudley. Jose Goar by John Crockford his guardian admitted defendant instead of the said Badtitle pleaded not guilty for lease entry and ouster and instead only on the title and by consent of the parties the cause is continued until next court for trial.

 

June 7, 1743 (Middlesex County Virginia Court Orders)

            Seth Seekright vs. Jose Goar, regarding 250 acres in Christ Church Parish Middlesex County of the demise of Robert Dudley. A jury was called and the verdict was for the defendant [Goar] and the plaintiff [Seekright] moved for a new trial and then Goar was granted an appeal on the date of the next General Court with Henry Whitening, Gent., and John Crockford his security.

 

August 25, 1746 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Nanny daughter of Henry and Tabitha Shepherd born.

 

1755 (Middlesex Court Papers 1754-1758)

            Henry Shepherd and his wife Tabitha…

 

May, 1767 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 1)

Willaim Fleet and Susannah, his wife, of King & Queen County VA., sell to Jeremiah Sheperd, of Middlesex County, aforesaid, for 60 pounds a tract of land in the Parish of Christ Church, Middlesex County, aforesaid, beginning at a gum tree on the Dragon Swamp close to ___ Bridge and running along a line of trees to a point near Daniel’s Mill Pond, and then to a gum in Brainy Swamp at the foot of the mill dam, then down the run to Dragon Swamp and then back to the beginning, being 100 acres, MOL. Witness: William McDuff, Thos. Cartwright, John Stringer, Benj. Daniel, Henry Shepard. Recorded: July 4, 1767.

 

Note: Jeremiah and Henry Shepard were Baptists. In 1771 when Robert Ware was imprisioned for preaching the Baptist faith, Jeremiah and Henry Shepard were both on the petition to free the ministers, as well as, to establish a “place of publick worship.”

 

February 2, 1768 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 27)

 Joseph Milby and Nanny, his wife, sell to Jeremiah Shepard, Middlesex, Co., VA., for 10 pounds, 15 shillings, and one negro girl, for a tract of land in the Parish of Christ Church, Middlesex Co. 100 acres beginning at a point on Dragon Swamp close to ___Bridge and then to a corner near Daniel’s Mill Pond, and then to a point at the foot of the mill dam, and then down the river to the mian Dragon Swamp, and then up the Dragon to the beginning, being the inheritance of the said Nanny, descended to her from her father, John Guthres. Witness: Agustine Carter, Henry Shepard, James Kiddy, Tobias Allen. Acknowledged: February 2, 1768.

 

January 4, 1769 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 55)

            Henry young of Essex Co. Virginia, sells to Thomas Segar, of Middlesex County, VA, for 250 pounds a tract of land now in possessionof Henry Young, being 363 acres in Middlesex County, aforesaid, bound by Dragon Swamp, and the ladns of Tabetha Shepard, Ralph Watts, William Daniel, and Jeremiah Shepard. Witness: Wm. Graham, John Daniel, James Wortham. Acknowledged: January 1, 1769.

 

August 12, 1769 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 72)

James Smith and Frances, his wife, James Daniel, James Mountague, Phillip Mountague, William Segar, William Roane, John ___, Maurice Smith, John George and Henry Shepard, of Middlesex County, VA., sell to John Jackson of the aforesaid place, for 70 pounds a tract of land containing 120 acres in the Parish of Christ Church, Middlesex County… Acknowledged: October 3, 1769.

 

(King and Queen County Records)

Mr. Wm. Shepherd (K & Q) to James Edmondson 1770

To paid Jno. Bagby 37 lbs Tobacco

To 1 cow and calf

To 1 bull

To ¼ rum in 1769 from ferry store.

 

June 4, 1770 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 81)

I, Thomas Bourn, of King & Queen County, VA., have sold and delivered unto Henry Shepherd one black mare with a saddle and bridle, for 7 pounds, 10 shillings. Witness: John Yarrington, John Daniel. Acknowledged: June 5, 1770.

 

April 27, 1771 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 131)

John Meachum of Middlesex County, VA., and Ann, his wife, sell to Henry Sheperd of the aforesaid place, for 100 pounds, for a tract of land in the Parish of Christ Church in the aforesaid county, being 1?? Acres, beginning at Mary Meachum’s Island and then along her line of the Swamp to James Bristow’s line, and then along same to a corner of Alexander Graves to Cordwels Spring Branch and then along the run to the aforesaid Island. Acknowledged: April 11, 1771.

 

June 12, 1771 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 151)

Alexander Roane, of Caroline County, VA., sells to William Daniel of Middlesex County, VA., for 62 pounds, 10 shillings for 62.5 acres in Middlesex County, Va… Witness: James Daniel, Henry Shepard, John Seward, W. Owen. Acknowledged: August 26, 1771.

 

May 1773 (Chancery Suits: Court Papers 1754-1791 Orders 1758-1762 Part 2 (includes wills 1794-1795, Will Book F 1772-1787)

From case: Shepherd vs. Daniels and Orders 1758-1762 Part 2 (includes wills 1794-1795)

Henry Shepherd and Mary his wife [daughter of Henry Daniel] were married before Janueary 1769 when Henry Daniels died. The children of Henry and Mary were: Henry, Robert, George, Katy (all under 21 in 1775). Executors of Henry Shepherd’s will in 1775: Milley Shepherd, William Shepherd, John Shepherd. 

 

February 13, 1777 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Thomas Crittenden & Catherine Shephard married.

 

June 17, 1777 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 370)

William Daniel and Susanna, his wife, of Middlesex County, VA., sell to Nelson Daniel, of the aforesaid place, for 7 pounds, for 14 acres of land in the aforesaid place… Witness: Lansford Daniel, Thomas Crittenden, John Shepard. Acknowledged: January 27, 1777.

 

Note: This John is descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. His sister married Thomas Crittenden in 1777. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

 

Sept 18, 1780 (King and Queen County)

            Rec’d from Wm. Shepherd 1 gal, 3 qts Brandy. Signed Rob. Hill

 

January 20, 1781 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 437)

John Shepard, of Orange County, North Carolina, of the one part and John Jackson, of Middlesex County, Virginia of the other part. Witnesseth, that for and in consideration of two negros, Frank and Jannan, to the said Shepard by John Jackson in hand paid on or before the delivery of same, Shepard sells unto the said Jackson a tract of land in Middlesex County, aforesaid, being 100 acres. Beginning at a point above Ware’s Bridge on the Dragon Side, then along a line to a corner near Daniel’s Mill, and then to the swamp at the foot of the said Mill Dam and then down the run to the Dragon Swamp and then to the beginning. Witness: Henry Vass, Thomas Crittenden, John Jackson, Jr., Nelson Daniel. (Signed) John Shepard. Note- received of the said Jackson on the date this indenture the within two negros, Frank and Jannan, it being the consideration. Acknowledged February 26, 1781. Recorded.

 

Note: This John is descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. His sister married Thomas Crittenden in 1777. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

January 27, 1781 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 440)

John Shepard of Orange County North Carolina sells to Thomas Crittendon, of Middlesex County, Virginia, for 1,860 pounds a piece of land in the aforesaid county being 75 acres bound by the lands of John Taylor Corbin, Esq., Henry Vass, John Sears, and Capt. Thomas Segar. It being the plantation and land of Henry Shepard, late of the aforesaid County, deceased, and grandfather to the aforesaid John Shepard, of these presents. Witness: Nelson Daniel, John Seward, Benjamin Seward, Joseph Hardee. (Signed) John Shepard. Acknowledged March 26, 1781. Recorded.

 

Note: This John is descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. His sister married Thomas Crittenden in 1777. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

December 22, 1781 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Richard Crittenden & Frances Sykes, of King and Queen, married.

 

June 20, 1782 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Zachariah Crittenden & Elizabeth Ware (of King and Queen) married.

 

March 20, 1783 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 468)

John Jackson Sr., of Middlesex County Virginia gives to his son John Jackson, Jr., of the aforesaid place, for the natural love and affection he bears unto his son, and for 5 shillings, forever to said Jackson, Jr., and his heirs, etc., a negro man named James, which said negro man James in now in the possession of my said son, AND, also a piece of land in the aforesaid County, whereupon said Jackson, Jr., now lives, being 100 acres and it being the land and plantation which John Jackson, Sr., purchased from John Shepard, of Orange County North Carolina, by deed dated January 23, 1781. Witness: Martha Vass, Adam Aldridge, William Jackson, Leonard Jackson. (Signed) John Jackson, Sr. Acknowledged, March 24, 1783. Recorded.

 

Note: This John is descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. His sister married Thomas Crittenden in 1777. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

July 29, 1783 (Middlesex County Virginia Land Records 1767-1785, pg 474)

Thomas Crittenden and Caty, his wife, of Middlesex County, VA., sell to William Bowden, Sr., of King & Queen County, VA., for 200 pounds, for a piece of land in Middlesex County. Being 75 acres, bounden by the lands of John Taylor Corbin, Esquire, Henry Vass, John Sayers, and Capt. Thomas Segar, and it was the land  and plantation formally of Henry Shepherd, deceased, late of Middlesex County… Acknowledged: September 22, 1783.

 

Note: Christ Church Parish Register Virginia lists that Catherine Shephard married Thomas Crittendon on Feb. 13, 1777

 

Note: Henry Shepard married Mary Daniel in 1760 their children were: Henry Daniel., Robert, George Daniel, and Katy (all under 21 in 1775). “Katy” Shepard married Thomas Crittenden and had the following children: Polly Ripley, Zachariah, Thomas, Jr. In 1775 (source: Middlesex County Virginia Wills and Inventories 1673-1812)

 

Note: There was a Henry Shepard in 1765 who was married to Tabitha and had a son Jeremiah. (source: Middlesex County Virginia Wills and Inventories 1673-1812). William Richards’ (married Katherine) will dated January 19, 1786 had a daughter Elizabeth who married Jeremiah Shepard and had the following children: William, Elizabeth, Jeremiah.

 

December 17, 1789 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            John Crittenden & Polly Ware (King and Queen) married.

 

December 19, 1789 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            Thomas Dudley & Betsey Shepard Crittenden (King and Queen) married.

 

March 24, 1792 (Vestry Book Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County)

            John Walden & Frances Crittenden (King and Queen) married.

 

October 24, 1803 (Will Book 2, 1799-1812)

            Inventory of Robert Shepherd decd, for George Shepherd, admin. Division to Mary Shepherd, George D. Shepherd, the heirs of Thomas Crittenden and Cathrine Crittenden: Polly, Ripley, Zachariah, and Thomas. Heirs of Henry D. Shepherd: Caty Price and Judith D. Shepherd and Nelson Daniel a half brother to the deceased.

 

 

 

ESSEX County VIRGINIA

 

Note: Epheriam Shepard of South Farham Essex County married Milly and had the following children: John, Reuben, Jeremiah, Anna, Elizabeth, and Tabitha. (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

Note: William Shepperd (d.1719-1720), brother of Robert Shepperd, married Elizabeth and had the following children: Jeremiah (minor in 1719) and Elizabeth Shepperd. (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

Note: John Shepard of Essex County (b. ca 1692-d. 1723) m. bef., 18 May 1720, Jane, widow of Joseph Reeves. (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

Note: John Shepard of essex county (d. 1749) had Admix. Sussanah Shepard. (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

Note: John Townley of South Farnham Parish Essex County (son of John Townley) died ca. 1792, married Sarah (d. 1792) daughter of Joseph Mann. Children: Mann, John, Buckner, Sarah, Mary, Ann (m. William Guthrie) and Joannah (m. Samuel Boulware). (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

Note: James Townley (d. ca 1785) of South Farnham Parish Essex County (son of John Townley d.  by 1772) married Ann before March 16, 1772. Children: William, John, James, Frances, Sarah, and Ann. (source: Essex County Va. Marriage References and Family Relationships).

 

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

            Jeremiah Shepherd – 300 acres

 

March 29, 1705 (Will of Simon Copnell of Essex Co)

            To Hannah Sheppard “the whole plantation whereon I now live until John Moody, Jr. (son of John Moody, Sr.) shall attain the age of 21 years,” then she to have half for life and at her death to John Moody.

 

Note: Hannah Sheppard married Thomas Bell by June 1705.           

 

August 13, 1713 (Records of Essex County, Va. No. 14, p. 144)

            Lease and release. 1^st and 2^nd June 1713. Larkin Chew of Essex County, gentlemen, sells to Jeremiah Clowder of Country of King and Queen, Gentleman, 1/16 part of 4020 acres of land for L 15 sterling. See forging entry. Signed Larkin Chew. Witness: Wm. Roy, Jno. Roy, Robert Shepard (X – his mark). Recorded the 13, June 1713.

 

1715 (Tax records of Virginia; quit rent roll for essex co. 1715)

            William Sheperd – 200 acres

 

January 13, 1743 (Essex County Will Book 7, p. 88)

            Will of Nathaniel Newbill of Southfarnham Parish, Essex County. Dated Ja. 13, 1743 and probated March 20, 1743. Witnessed by Ja’h Shepard, Vincent Hudson and Francis Hudson.

 

May 16, 1743 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between Thomas Coleman of King and Queen County and Robert Coleman of Spotsilvania County of the one part and John Townley of King and Queen County of the other part. Sold 239 acres on Reedy Branch and Bestland Swamp, adjoining the lands of Francis Attwood, Henry Baker and Halliard. Indenture is for one year, Townley paying 5 shillings and then rent in Indian corn to the Colemans.

 

May 17, 1743 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between Thomas Coleman of King and Queen County and Robert Coleman of Spotsilvania County of the one part and John Townley of King and Queen County of the other part. Sold 230 acres for 46 pounds current Virginia money.

 

 

July 15, 1743 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between Elizabeth Greenhill of the Parish of St. John in the County of King William of the one part and John Townley of Stratton Major Parish King and Queen County of the other part. For 52 pounds 10 shillings she sold 300 acres land formerly owned by Henry Hickman (deceased) late of Stratton Major Parish King and Queen County, whom he purchased from Thomas Hilliard. Mr. Hickman willed this land to Elizabeth Greenhill. Land located on Rappahannock Road and Dragon Swamp and adjoining the lands of Giles Rodger, Thomas Hart.

 

December 6, 1743 (Essex County Virginia Wills)

Will of Jeremiah Shepard, Sr., of South Farnham Essex County: Wife Elizabeth, children: Henry, Jeremiah, Ephraim, Ann, Elizabeth, Rachel, Rebeckah, Tabitha, Cathorine and James. Ephraim inherited the plantation upon which his father lived. The rest of the estate to be divided between the 8 children. Witness: Griffen Purkins, Richard Covington, Thos. Hourton.

 

April 17, 1744 (Essex County Bonds, p. 41)

            1000 pounds sterling. Henry Langford of Essex County and Joseph Hunt of King and Queen County to Richard Gatewood and Richard Covington. Whereas Gatewood and Covington were sureties at request of Elizabeth Shepard, now wife of Henry Langford while she was single on an obligation dated April 17, 1744 for 500 pounds sterling for said Elizabeth as executrix of the will of Jere’h Shepherd, deceased, etc.

 

April 16, 1745 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between Francis Attwood of South Farnham Parish Essex of the one part and John Townley of the same parish on the other. Sold for 75 pounds 300 acres land formerly owned by William Covington, Jr., late of the county of South Farnham and now owned by Attwood, located at the mouth of Reedy Branch on the Bestland Swamp

 

April 13, 1746 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between William Covington of essex on the one part and James Webb of the same county on the other part. Sold for two pounds three shillings one acre on south east side and adjoining to the Old Mill Dam now called Covington’s Old Mill in essex. Witness: Richard Hodges, Ninian Boog, John Townley.

 

February 4, 1747 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Indenture between Richard Gatewood of South Farnham, essex, and Frankie, his wife, on the one part and Thomas Edmundson of the same parish on the other. Sold 110 acres adjoining lands of Joseph Burnett, Richard Gregory, Moors School House, Piscattaway Ferry Road. Witness: John Townley, Thos. Haile, Richard Coleman, John Edmundason, Ben Johnson, John Boughan.

 

March 19, 1750 (Essex County Virginia Deeds)

Know by all men these presents that we Richard Jefferies, James Booker and John Vass, Jr., are hold and firmly bound unto Thomas Waring, Frances Smith, Simon Miller and James Jones, Gent., Justices of the peace for the county of Essex, their heirs and Successors in the sum of 50 pounds sterling to ye which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs exec., and admin., jointly and severally firmly by these presents.

            The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Richard Jefferies guardian of Daniel Campbell, his heirs, Exec., and Admin., do and shall and truly pay or cause to be paid unto ye said orphan all such estate or estates as now are hereafter shall come to the hands of the said Richard as soon as he shall attain to lawful age or when required by the said court.

 

September 8, 1775 (Virginia Gazette)

            Sussex – August 28, 1775 – a mulato girl that appears to be about 14 years old came to my quarter in Sussex the 25^th inst. She says her name is Cressie and that she belongs to William Shepherd of Essex County – she appears to have been severely whipped. I shall give orders that she may stay till her owner comes for her. Augustine Claiborne.

 

Note: William ShApard was living in Cumberland County Virginia since 1762. This may have been an uncle?

 

1782 (Public Service Claims Booklet for Essex County, Virginia)

            James Booker two cows at 575 lbs valued at 7.3.9.

At a court held for Essex County at Tappahannock on Monday 15, April, 1772:

            James Booker 96 handcuffs for prisoners valued at 4.16.0

            111 lbs of bacon valued at 67.7.0

Account of cattle collected by Thomas Wood Comissioner of Essex County and stalled for public use:

            James Booker 4 cattle valued at $4,000 and 96 lbs bacon valued at $1,920.

 

1791 (Essex County Virginia, Book D 16, p. 107)

Elizabeth Shepard, daughter of Elizabeth, grand-daughter of William Richards, married John Williamson.

 

Note: William Richards will dated January 19, 1786, had a daughter Elizabeth who married Jeremiah Shepard and had the following children: William, Elizabeth, Jeremiah.

 

Note: William Bird Richards resided at his birth place on the Dragon and later moved to the upper part of Drysdale Parish, and in 1731, he was appointed an inspector at Todd’s Warehouse (King & Queen Parish). In 1752, he was named in the Commission of Justices for the County of King & Queen. He had two sons, one being Capt. John Richards (1734-1785) who married Susanna Coleman of Tappahannock. (source: Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some account of the planters… Vol. 1 by Harris)

 

Note: See Samuel Shapard records in The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, as he seemed to be associated with William Richards in the 1750s.

 

 

Gloucester County:

Gloucester County was formed in 1651 from York County and is considered a “burned records” county, whereby, the county records were destroyed in 1820 and again in 1865. Only 6 minute books and 2 surveyers record books survive.

 

Feb. 16, 1665 (Gloucester County Book 5, p. 573)

Mary Shepard was witness for William Thornton

 

June 4, 1763 (Records of Colonial Gloucester County Virginia, pg 425)

            Mary and Warner Roane to John Meachum. Mary and Warner, her son, of the county of Gloucester and parish of Petsworth to John Meachum of the Parish of Christ Church and the county of Middlesex for 125 pounds sold 130 acres in the parish of Christ Church and county of Middlesex. 4^th June 1763. Witness: John Seward, George Blackley, Henry (X) Shepherd, Henry Shepard, Jr.

 

November 18, 1642 (Records of Colonial Gloucester County Virginia, Book 1(2), pg. 873)

            Stephen Gill. York River County. 2500 acres. [Lists as associated with deed a Jon. Sheppard and his wife Ann].

 

Note: Headright settlers were people who were brought into the colony to help swell its population. Landowners were given 50 acres for every person whose transportation to the colony was paid by the landowner.  Jon and Ann were headrights of Stephen Gill.

 

September 26, 1678 (Records of Colonial Gloucester County Virginia, Book 6, pg. 661)

            Richard Longest. Kingstone Parish. 680 acres. [Lists associated with deed a Jon. Sheppard].

 

Note: Headright settlers were people who were brought into the colony to help swell its population. Landowners were given 50 acres for every person whose transportation to the colony was paid by the landowner.  Jon was headright.

 

February 16, 1665/6 (Records of Colonial Gloucester County Virginia, Book 5, pg. 573)

            William Thornton. Petsoe Parish. 164 acres. [Lists associated with deed a Mary Shepard].

 

Note: Headright settlers were people who were brought into the colony to help swell its population. Landowners were given 50 acres for every person whose transportation to the colony was paid by the landowner.  Mary was headright..

 

October 20, 1691 (Records of Colonial Gloucester County Virginia, Book 8, pg. 193)

            William Brooklin. Pettsoe Parish. On a branch of the Poropotank Creek adjoining his own land, 450 acres. Headright: Edward Shepheard…

 

October 5, 1709 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Crockford for Keeping Sarah Alling 5 months – 0084 [lbs of tobacco]

 

October 4, 1710 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Crockford for Keeping Sarah Allin - 0800

 

July 7, 1711 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            …it is ordered by this vestry that from this day their shall be no more allowed for Sarah Allins maintenance then 400 pounds of tobacco per year and that the church warden give John Crockford present notice thereof.

 

September 26, 1711 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Crockford for Keeping Sarah Allin – 0664

 

November 25, 1717 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Crockford for Keeping Eli Gibson 13 months and 23 days – 900

 

October 6, 1718 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            Ordered that ye Clerke and ye Vestry sign Indentures to bind Christians Rosses child John Crockford…

 

February 21, 1718/19 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            This indenture made ye 6^th day of July in the year of our Lord God 1719 and in ye fifth year of our soverine Lord George of Great Brittiane, France and Ireland King defender of ye faith &c. Witnesseth that I John Carter Clerke of petso parish vestry in Gloucester County do firmly in ye name and behalf of ye parish above said bind unto John Crockford of ye same parish and County on orphan boy named Edward Carter of ye age of ___ years old ye __ Day of ____ until he arrives at ye age as ye law directs to serve him ye said John Crockford his heirs and &c: In all maner of lawful service and employments ye he shall set him about and ye said John Crockford doth bind and oblige himself his heirs &c to give ye said orphan three years schooling and carefully instruct him afterward that he may read well in any part of ye Bible, also to instruct and learn him ye said orphan such lawful ways or ways that he maybe able after his indentured time expired to get his own living and allow him ye said orphan sufficient meat, drink, washing and lodging and apparel until ye expiration of ye said time…

 

October 3, 1722 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Crockford for Keeping Elizabeth Gibson one year - 300

 

March 9, 1722/3 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            Upon the petition of John Shepard to this P’sent Vestry that he being very old and past his labor the Gentlemen of the vestry thought fit to set him leivie free for the future.

 

October 16, 1751 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard for taking care of Lucy Clarks child – 800*

 

*Note: This amount appears to be pounds of tobacco

 

November 14, 1752 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard for care of Clarks child the ensuing year – 500

 

November 9, 1753 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard for Clarks child, to discharge the Parish of the same – 800

 

October 11, 1758 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard [for his child] - 150

 

November 19, 1759 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard for relief – 200

 

November 18, 1760 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Sheppard for relief – 300

 

November 18, 1772 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            Ordered that the Collector pay Wm Austin out of the deposit 150 lbs of tobacco and John Shepard 138 lbs of tobacco…

 

November 29, 1774 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            The balance of the deposit to be applied to wards clothes for John Shepard and Hurt Washer.

 

March 2, 1778 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Sheapard for relief – 400

 

January 12, 1779 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard to buy corn – 300 lbs tob. or 15 pounds $.

 

February 10, 1780 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To John Shepard - $100 pounds

 

January 22, 1781 (Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County)

            To Wm Blake for John Shepard’s coffin – 100 lbs tobacco or 40 pounds $.

 

April 5, 1782 (Public Service Claims Booklet for Gloucester County, Virginia)

            At a court held for Gloucester County 5 April, 1782 for receiving and adjusting claims agreeable to the act and assembly for that purpose the court doth set and estimate:

            Lewis Booker for 500 lbs beef, 183 lbs beef, one ax lost, one horse 20 years [total value =] 23.13.8 

 

May 8, 1784 (Public Service Claims Booklet for Gloucester County, Virginia)

            Lewis Booker for one days service cart, driver and four oxen.

 

 

 

Isle of Wright County

1686 – John Sheephard – wife Alice, son William, daughter Susannah.

1689 – John Shepherd, dying intestate, administration requested by James Riddick who married the relict of the sd’ Shepherd.

 

Princess Anne County

June 5, 1727 – John Shepherd apprenticed as a mariner to master John Brett, Jr. His father Samuel Shepherd was deceased.

 

Accomack County

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

William Shepherd - 200

 

York County

1717 (Charles Parish Records York Co.)

Benjamin Shepherd died

1718 (Charles Parish Records York Co.)

            Catherine Shepherd died

1645 – (Cavilers and pioneers abstracts of Virginia land patents and grants, 1623-1666, Vol. 1)

            John Shepard – 179 acres York Co. betwixt land now in possession of Thos. Hudson on the east, and on the west bounded with land of Henry Bullard. Due said Sheppard for transporting of 7 persons: Richard Haines, George Haynes, Hugh Aden, Charles Hill.

1646-1648 – York County

            Tho. Hayles and Thos. Sheppard sued by Wm. Hockaday.

 

Note: Thos Hayles and Thos Sheppard passed over their crops of tobacco and corn to Robert Holt for him to pay their debts to Rooe, Pryor, Hill, Wigmore. Hayles and Sheppard have “privately run away out of the county.” 

 

King William County

1780-1782 (Public Service Claims Booklet, Virginia)

            At a court held for King William County:

Robert Shepherd to Mrs. Wright for 1 bu corn 0.2.0.

            Robert Shepherd to Mrs. Wright for wintering a cow and calf 0.10.0.

 

King and Queen County

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

Joseph Shepherd – 100 acres; Isaac Shepard – 100 acres      

 

1780 (Public Service Claims Booklet for King and Queen County, Virginia)

            Account for procuring a supply of provisions and other necessities for the use of army within the county aforesaid, do certify that I have received of sundry persons the articles mentioned below, viz., for the year 1780.

            Mary Faulkner 4 gallons brandy 100.0.0

            Richard Crittenden 15 ¾ gallons brandy 377.6.10 ½

            Richard Crittenden, Sr., 13 gallons, 3 pints brandy 384.7.6.

            Thomas Vass 2 gallons, 7 pints brandy 71.7.6.

 

1781 (Public Service Claims Booklet for King and Queen County, Virginia)

            Certificate given for providing for use of army

            Richard Crittenden, Sr., 231 lbs beef [valued at] $1,150

            Richard Crittenden, Jr., 217 lbs beef [valued at] $1,085; 250 lbs beef [valued at] $1,250

 

April 9, 1782 (Public Service Claims Booklet for King and Queen County, Virginia)

            At court held at the court house of King and Queen County 9 April, 1782 for receiving and adjusting the claims against public certificates given from 1780-1782.

            Richard Crittenden, Sr. certificate by Robert Hill for 231 lbs beef valued at 2.17.9; 217 lbs beef valued at 2.14.3.

            John Walton property Thomas Vass certificate given by Robert Hill for 225 lbs beef valued at 2.16.3.

 

June 11, 1782 (Public Service Claims Booklet for King and Queen County, Virginia)

            Richard Crittenden, Jr. certificate by Thomas Freeman 2 bushels and one peck of corn [valued at] 0.4.6

 

 

Prince Edward County, Virginia

April 21, 1792 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            William Wilson married Frances Sheperd, daughter of Robert Shepherd who consents. Surety: Samuel Shepherd

 

May 8, 1792 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            William Wingo married Fanny Shepard

 

November 18, 1791 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            John Fields married Elizabeth Shepherd daughter of Robert Shepherd of Goochland County who consents. Surety: John Thaxton.

 

December 24, 1801 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            Reuben Guill married Mildred Shepard, daughter of Robert Shepard. Surety: Samuel Shepard.

 

January 1804 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            DanielGodsey married Patsey Shepherd daughter of Isaac Shepherd who consents

 

May 13, 1787 (Prince Edward County Marriages 1754 – 1810)

            William Waddell married Mary Sheppard daughter of Isaac Sheppard.

 

New Kent County:

 (New Kent County Vestry book and Register of St Peters Parish 1684-1786)

Mary daughter of George Sheperdson baptized Nov. 13 1698

John son of George Sheperdson baptized the 19 September 1697

John son of George Sheperdson baptized the 21 nov. 1703

 

Warwick County:

June 9, 1667 -Mylles Carey – will – [I give to my] son Henry Carrey and Mylles Carey land by Andrew Farmer’s field, land adjacent to Capt. Thos. Bernard (deceased), John Lewis and Capt. Samuel Shepherd. (Source: Some Wills from Burned Counties of Virginia 1632-1800, pg 136, Hopkins)

 

James City County:

Feb. 1, 1632 – Thomas Sheppard lived in upper parts.

Oct. 1, 1644 – John Shepherd lived in James City

Nov. 20, 1645 and 1646 and 1647 – Capt. Robert Shepheard lived there.

 March 20,1650 – John Shapard was granted 1000 acres of land in the counties of James City and York, lying between Powhatan Swamp [which extends to the James River] and Queen’s Creek [running into York River] (later adj. lands of Bradshaw, Vardy, Kemp, Ford). 400 acres purchased by Peter Efford of York Co. Va. in 1660. John’s wife may have been Lucy.

 

Elizabeth City County:

July 5, 1652 – John Sheppard lived in Elizabeth City

 

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

            John Shepherd – 210 acres

 

North Thumberland County:

 

Feb. 5, 1627 - Will of Mr. Thomas Roper states that Thomas Shepard was the father of John, Elizabeth and Constance Shepard.

1632 – Thomas Shephard and James Claughton granted 150 acres in Norththumberland April 26, 1632.

Jan 17, 1651 - Thos Shepard age 30 (or thereabouts) died

April 13, 1652 - Thos Shepard signs oath to Commonwealth of England.

May 6, 1652 – Thomas Sheppard and James Claughten are granted 300 acres in North Thumberland as compensation for transporting 6 people to the colony

May 6, 1652 – John Shapperd patented 1,000 acres Noththumberland Co adj. Wm. Hockaday for said Sheppard transporting 20 persons including Thomas Sheppard, Sr., John Sheppeard, Thomas Sheppard, Jr…

 

July 5, 1653 – Thomas Shepherd patented 66 acres Norththumberland Co

August 23, 1664 – Jno. Tucker who married Thos. Shepard’s widow (Thos. born ca. 1621 m. Rose)

Lewis Shepard owed Jos. Jepson 650 lbs tobacco Jan 21, 1668

Lewis Shepard formally owned land sold to Tho. Brewer, which he sold to Richd Linsfield on south side division Creek. Oct 21, 1681.

Hinmore Shepard (father) had the following children: George (b.feb 13, 1741), Judith (b. Aug 23, 1734), John (b. dec 20, 1751), Thomas (b. Dec 25, 1754).  

Henry Shepard (father) had the following children: William (b. march 13, 1746). Note his father may be “Hinmore” (see above).

 

 

Nansemond County:

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

            Izraell Shepherd – 200 acres

 

Heritage:

Note:  There are two references (one from Thomas Shapard Webb and the other from Sallie Shapard in 1914) of Lewis Shapard being descended from the French Huguenots that went to England and then came to America.

Note; This may have occurred due to the Shapard family living in Cumberland County Virginia in Southam Parish, where there was a section of the parish reserved for the Huguenots.      

 

Essex County Massachusetts

Note: In the town of Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts there are numerous early graves and records of Shapards: Samuel Shapard married Lydia Boyton in 1734. They had children: Phebe b.1737, Samuel b. 1739 and d. 1741. Elizabeth Shapard married Joseph Johnson in 1732. Jonathan Shapard Jr., married Mary Graves and had children: Mary b. 1754, Mary b. 1759 and d. 1762, Mary b. 1769, Sara b. 1761 and d. 1762.

How or if these Shapards relate to our line is unknown currently. This could have been an original landing point from England or they moved here from Virginia.

 

Gloucester Co. New Jersey

Source: Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey – March 26, 1715. Simeon Ellis of Springwell, Gloucester Co. deed for land on Coopers Creek. Witness: John Kay, Joseph Bate, Samuel Shapard. Proved May 12, 1715.

 

Northhampton County, Virginia

There is a will for Thomas Shepard/Shaphard/Shapard dating from 1718. Could this be linked?

 

1704 (Quit Rent Rolls)

            John Shepherd – 200 acres; Thomas Shepherd – 140; Widdo Shepherd – 830.

 

Misc. Records  for John Shepard:

 

August 1764 (Orange County, North Carolina Court Minutes, 1762-1766, Book 2, [782] 225)

            Ordered that the Road from Hodges Ford to Copelands Island on Haw River be opened and repaired by the following hands:Wm. Riddle, Thomas Holden, James Holden, Richard Kirk, Richard Holden, Cary Menter, Wm. Gamblin, George Wooter, James Brantley, John Shepheard and Benjamin Braswell.

 

Note: This John may be descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

August 1796 (Orange County, North Carolina Court Minutes, 1794-1797, Book 5, [2511] 251)

            The execution of a deed from Benjamin Rhode to John Shepperd was duly proven in open court by oath of John Edwards one of the subscribing witnesses.

 

Note: This John may be descended from Henry Shepard of Middlesex. As far as I can deduce there is no connection to our Shapard line.

 

 

OTHER PEOPLE OF INTEREST

 

September 5, 1755 (Virginia Gazette)

            Taken up by the subscriber, living in King and Queen County, near Dudley’s Ferry*, a bright bay horse….. June 10, 1755. Richard Crittenden.

 

*Note: Dudley’s Ferry was a ferry, located at the site of “Graves” on the Fry Map of Virginia 1751, that had been running across the York, Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers since about 1695. Originally operated by Edward Guthrie, he sold land around 1705 to Mr. Graves, who ran the ferry until 1737 when Robert Willis purchased the land. John Waller was the next owner in 1739, and in 1748, William Dudley was in ownership of the land and ferry. It landed at West Point, Brick House and Graves.

 

1787 (King and Queen County Valuation of Land Record, Virginia Colonial Abstracts)

            Richard Crittenden in 1787 sold land to Zachariah Crittenden (140 acres).

 

1782 (King and Queen County Valuation of Land Record, Virginia Colonial Abstracts)

            Richard Crittenden is listed as having 178 acres

            Mary Faulkner is listed as having 333 acres

           

1776-1784 (Turner Southall Receipt Book, Colonial Armory, Westhapmton, Va.)

            Samuel Shapard page 34

(Could this be William’s brother Samuel? Or is this his son Samuel B. Shapard?)

 

Note: Turner Southall Receipt Book was for money paid out by Col. Turner Southall, Commissioner, in connection with the establishment and building of the State foundry at Westham on the James River, above Richmond, Va., where arms and ammunition were manufactured during the

Revolution.

 

July 27, 1759 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.80)

            Ordered that John Foster, John Abbot & Richard Crittenden or any two of them do meet on the first Monday in December next and go in procession of and see all the lands between Portopotank Creek and Matasip Swamp plainly marked.

 

November 8, 1763 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.91)

            Ordered that Lyne Shackelford, Richard Crittenden & Alexander Wedderburn or any two of them do meet on the first Monday in December next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Portopotank Creek and Matasip Swamp plainly marked. Continuing &c.

 

December 3, 1767 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.102)

            Ordered that Lyne Shackelford, Richard Crittenden & Alexander Wedderburn or any two of them do meet on the first Monday in December next and go in procession of and see all and every persons land between Portopotank Creek and Matasip Swamp plainly marked. Continuing their processions in all suitable weather, until the whole precinct be finished.

 

 

November 14, 1770 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish, King & Queen County, Virginia, pg.114)

            To John Townley for keeping John Gardner – 700 [lbs of tobacco].

 

September 4, 1751 (The Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia)

            Mr. Lewis Booker and Mr. Conquest Royston see land processioned in the fourth district to begin on the land of Mr. Richard Crittenden (deceased) on 4^th Monday in October.

 

Note: Lewis Booker was processioner in forth district in 1755, 1759, 1763, 1767, 1775.

 

December 1, 1767 (The Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia)

            Lewis Booker is chosen Vestryman

 

Note: Lewis Booker was also Vestryman in 1774

 

November 15, 1770 (The Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia)

            Lewis Booker be Church Warden

 

Note: Lewis Booker was also Church Warden in 1787

 

February 8, 1800 (Papers of James Webb, attorney)

            Indenture February 8, 1800, between Richard Dunn and Peggy his wife of the parish of St. Stephens and County of King and Queen and James Webb of the parish of South Farnham and County of Essex. Dunn and wife sell to Webb 140 acres situated in the Parish of St. Stephen and County of King and Queen and partly in the parish of South Farnham and county of Essex. This land bounded as follows, to wit, by the land of the said James Webb which formerly belonged to John Townley, deceased,…(other names bounded as Hoomes, Crane, Brizendine, Durham).

 

March 16, 1772 (Essex county deeds)

            Deed dated March 16, 1772, James Townley sold a tract of land in Essex County, that had come to him by the will of his father John Twonley, the land on which the two brothers dwelt (James and John) had been bought by their father in three purchases between the Dragon Swamp and Bestland Swamps on record in Essex County [Deed Book 23, pg 21, 65, 241).

 

Note: John Townely died between Nov. 14, 1770 (last entry in Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish) and March 16, 1772 (his son James sells land bequeathed by his deceased father).

 

Note: The will of James Edmondson (father to Sarah Edmondson Townley) dated 1741 lists the children of John and Sarah as Thomas, John, Susanna, Elizabeth and Sarah. Their son James would have been born after 1741. The marriage date of John and Sarah is estimated at 1732. 

 

Vass family of King and Queen

(Attempting to find the lineage between Thomas Vass who married Sarah Shapard and Phillip Vass who married Elizabeth Webb.)

Vincent Vass (1660 – 1727) of South Farnham Parish, Essex County, Virginia married Ann Sharpe Gilette in 1688 in Essex County. Vincent and Ann had only one son, John (1693 – 1755) who married Rachel Pendleton in Essex County. Rachel was the daughter of Philip Pendleton (1650 – 1721) of England who migrated to King and Queen County Virginia. The name of Philip in the Vass lineage is derived from Philip Pendleton. John and Rachel had numerous children as listed in his will: Philip Vincent Vass (b.1710, m. Mary Curtis) John Vass, Jr., Henry Vass, Reuben Vass, Ann Brooks, Catherine Jones. Note that in the will of Vincent Vass (1660 – 1727) he lists his grandson as Vincent (son of John) and wills him a negro woman and her increase. This may have been “Philip Vincent” Vass or another son named “Vincent” who is not listed in his father’s will of 1755. Notice that there is much interaction with Vincent Vass of King and Queen County and this Vass family (see research below). Regardless, it is very clear due to the Philip namesake, that the Philip Vass who married Elizabeth Webb was from the lineage of John Vass and Rachel Pendleton. There is a high chance that he and Thomas Vass who married Sarah Shapard (daughter of Samuel and Mildred Shapard) were cousins or even brothers, as they are both of the same generation and would have resided in either King and Queen County (Thomas) or Essex County (Philip).

 

1. On 18/19 March 1750/51, JOHN VASS of South Farnham parish, Essex County, and his wife Rachel executed a deed of lease and release to VINCENT VASS of Stratton Major parish, King and Queen (K&Q) County. The deed gives a M.B. description of the tract which is described as 240 acres lying in South Farnham parish.

2. On 22 Jul 1751, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q. The record reads: "Order'd that Robert Garrett John Leigh & VINCENT VASS or any two of them do meet on the Second Fryday in December next and go in Processon of & see all and every Persons Land between Tarsatyan and great Heartquake swamps..."

3. On 30 Sep 1751, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 400 lbs of tobacco for being the reader of the Upper Church.

4. On 17 Nov 1752, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 1200 lbs of tobacco for being the reader of the Upper Church.

5. On 7 Jul 1753, VINCENT VASS of Stratton Major parish K&Q executed a deed of mortage to JOHN VASS of South Farnham parish, Essex County. The property involved was a 250 acres tract in South Farnham parish. The deed of mortgage was signed by JOHN VASS Jr. and HENRY VASS. The land was described as adjacent to and bounded by the land of Capt. William Beale, Mr. Rich. Adams and Mr. John Boughton.

6. On 5 Oct 1753, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 716 lbs of tobacco for being the reader of the Upper Church. This same vestry record notes that Griffith Elrington was paid 484 lbs of tobacco for "Officiating as Clk in the absence of VINCENT VASS from the 15th April till the 9th Day of 7ber 22 Sundays." Clk refers to "clerk" a term sometimes applied to a rector in the early days. 7ber is short for September. From this, it appears that VASS was absent from the Upper Church of Stratton Major parish from 15 April to 9 Sep 1753. It may be of interest to note that the will of JOHN VASS of Essex was dated 13 Jan 1753 and proved 15 Sep 1755.

7. On 7 Oct 1754, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 100 lbs of tobacco as the reader of the Upper Church.

8. On 26 Sep 1755, VINCENT VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 850 lbs of tobacco as the "late" reader of the Upper Church for 8 1/2 months. This suggests he left the church (or perhaps died) in about June of 1755.

9. On 17 Feb 1759, VINCENT VASS and WINNIFRED his wife of Essex County, conveyed 240 acres of land to HENRY VASS of Essex. From the M&B description,it is clear this is the same tract lying in South Farnham parish which Vass bought from JOHN VASS and wife Rachel in March 1750/51. The Essex deeds show that this same 240 acre tract was sold on 20 Jan 1787 by HENRY VASS and wife Catherine of Christ Church parish, Middlesex County, to John Beale of South Farnham parish, Essex County.

10. On 21 Jul 1764, VINCENT VASS of K&Q and William Lyne of same executed an indenture deed to Archibald Ritchie of Essex for a 245 acre plantation, including slaves, household goods, etc. which were purchased at auction from the estate of Nicholas Pamplin of K&Q.

11. Records for the year 1765 show that PHILIP VASS was a student at Donald Robertson's school in K&Q. The payment was for Latin lessons.

Note: Donald Robertson ran a school in Drysdale Parish of K&Q County in the 18th century. Donald was from Scotland and arrived in Virginia in 1752. He became a private tutor for the Baylor family and after five years started the Robertson school on his 150 acre farm, as there were very few secondary  teachers in colonial times, and there was a need. Prior to his school, if a wealthy planter wanted higher education for his children he would have to send them to England, as other than homeschooling there were no other options available in the area until the Robertson school. One of the few sources of information about Robertson's school is an account book that he kept from 1758 to 1775. In it he records the names of those who attended his school, what he charged for books imported from abroad, laundry done under the supervision of his wife, and the instruction given in various subjects and languages, including Greek and Latin. He additionally records the expenditures he made for household repairs, hiring teachers and seeing to the everyday needs of his pupils. In 1765, this book records that PHILIP VASS paid for Latin lessons. There is an additional mention of PHILIP VASS in Robertson's entries for 1769. From this account, it appears the 1769 tuition for PHILIP VASS was paid in 1771 by a Mr. S. Boyd who is very probably Spencer Boyd. Note; in 2015, I went to the Virginia Historical Society and looked through this book, there were no Shapards listed.

 

Note: Lost Records of King and Queen Co., Exrs. of  Thomas Nelson vs. Administers of Spencer Boyd, 1792 – Anthony Gardner was administrator of will of Spencer Boyd “the 8^th day of April Anno Dom 1755 at the parish of St, Stephens and county aforesaid [K&Q]  in the county court of King and Queen by the Judgment of the same court hath recovered against one Vincent Vass (now dead) and the said Spencer Boyd and one James Boyd their security deceased the sum of 500 pounds cur.  money as also 152 lbs tobacco or 150 lbs tobacco for his expenses and costs by him the said Thomas [Nelson]…”

12. Records for the year 1769 show that PHILIP VASS was a student at Donald Robertson's school in K&Q.

13. On 14 Nov 1770, THOMAS VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid 800 lbs of tobacco for serving as “reader” for 8 months.

14. On 1 Oct 1771, THOMAS VASS appears in the vestry book of Stratton Major parish K&Q when he was paid (amount of not given) as the church reader.

15. On 30 Sep 1780, the records note that THOMAS VASS provided a quantity of spirits, probably as provisions for soldiers.

16. On 31 May 1781, THOMAS VASS and his wife Sarah reply to Zachariah Shackleford, in a deposition taken in Middlesex County as part of a chancery suit [Vass vs. Shackleford], that father of Zachariah, RICHARD Shackleford, purchased two slaves [old Beck and Beck] from John Townley in 1760. He also states that RICHARD VASS died [in K&Q] in 1774 or 1775 after making his will. From the testimony in this suit, it can be ascertained that SARAH VASS was born Sarah Crockford and that she married Samuel Shepherd of K&Q before she married Vass. Samuel Shepherd died in 1751. [this is in error. It was Richard Shackleford who purchased the slaves not Richard Vass…the scribe made an error.]

17. On a K&Q tax list of 1 Jun 1782, THOMAS VASS is shown charged with tax on 250 acres of land.

Note: Thomas Vass is listed on the King and Queen tax list for the years 1781- 1800. After 1800 he is absent from the records. He held land here yet did not live there according to the absence of his name in the Personal Property Tax Lists of the time, leaving sometime between 1782-1788. It appears that Thomas Vass moved to Granville and Person County North Carolina. On November 17, 1786, in Person County NC, Charles Breedlove sold 200 acres in the corner of what is now Person County to Philip Vass, and witnesses were Thomas and Sarah Vass.  In 1788, Rev. Thomas Vass is listed on the Flat River Church records of Person County. September 1^st, 1788, “met with the assistance of brethren Rucks, Vass and Marshall had a great deal of debating and appearance in church…Sunday brethren Rucks, Marshall and Vass all preached…” Rev. Vass was pastor of Grassy Creek Church in Granville County from 1791 – 1805, when he moved to Stokes County, NC with some of his children. He was recalled to be pastor of the church in 1808, serving until 1814 when he retired. He died in 1817, being over 80 years old (born 1738) and was interred in the family burial ground near Mountain Creek Church in Granville County. He married 1^st – a daughter of Thomas Foster of K&Q County, VA; 2^nd – Sarah Shapard, who appears to have died after may 1791, yet before 1800 census (she is not listed); 3^rd – circa 1811 he married Lucretia Cooke, widow of Edward Cooke. His children were: Thomas, Jr. (1777 – 1857), Reuben, John, Vincent, Philip, Elizabeth, Lydia, Rhoda, Ann (Nancy), Mary, Fanny and Sarah.

 

 Note: further evidence that Sarah was the wife of Rev. Thomas Vass was that one of his grandchildren was named Samuel Shepherd Smith.

 

Note: Granville County, NC Deed Book P, p. 372. February 1797. Between Abraham Crenshaw and Thos. Harvey 227 acres on Mountain Creek bound by Thomas Vass, Thos. Person, Robert Elliott and Gideon Crenshaw.

18. On 1 Oct 1783, THOMAS VASS mentioned as an assignee in a K&Q record originally dated Apr 1781

 

 

THE WEBB FAMILY OF KING AND QUEEN AND ESSEX

The Webb and Smith families resided in Essex and King and Queen Counties, Virginia, and Kentucky and North Carolina. James Webb (son of James Webb) was born on 5 December 1705. He married Mary Edmondson in 1731. He died on 11 April 1771. They had four sons, James (1734-1773), William (1745-1809), John (1747-1826), and Thomas (1751-1783), and two daughters, Mary (1740-1827) and Elizabeth (1754-1830) who lived to maturity.

James Webb was born on 2 July 1734. He married Mary Smith in 1757. He was a justice of the peace for Essex County, a signer of the Northern Neck Association against the Stamp Act in 1766, as well as a planter with interests in several grist mills on Piscataway Creek near Tappahannock. He died in December 1773. William Webb was born 1 May 1745. He married Frances Young. They resided at Tallyho in Granville County, North Carolina. He died in 1809. John Webb was born on 18 January 1747. He married Amy Booker in 1772. They also resided in Granville County. He died in 1826. Thomas Webb was born on 27 February 1751. He was a successful merchant in the West Indies. He never married. He died in England in 1783. Mary Webb was born in 1740. She married Samuel Smith. They resided in Granville County. She died in 1827. Elizabeth Webb was born on 30 June 1754. She married Philip Vass (b. 1750). They lived in Granville and Person Counties, North Carolina, and later Halifax County, Virginia. She died in 1830. Philip Vass came to Granville County as early as 1780. He was appointed commissioner for Granville County for tax collection on August 7, 1781. He migrated from Granville County (1780 – 1783) to Caswell County (1783 – 1792), and then to Person County (1792 – 1805) where he owned land in the extreme northeast corner of the county. One step north was Halifax County, Virginia, One step east was Granville County, North Carolina. In 1805 he purchased land in Halifax County, Virginia where he lived out the remainder of his life, dying in 1825. Phillip Vass appears to have been born in King and Queen County, Virginia (was a student of Donald Robertson School in King and Queen 1765-1769). He may have been brothers with Thomas Vass of King and Queen County who married Sarah Shapard (daughter of Samuel and Mildred Shapard). Philip was a County Commissioner (Commissary) during the revolutionary war in Granville County, a sheriff of Person County in 1792, and became blind around 1809 in Halifax County.

James Webb and Mary Smith had four sons and three daughters: 1) Francis Webb was born in 1759. He married Frances Walker in 1786. They had eight children, including James Webb (1792-1856), a federal judge, secretary of state of Texas, and minister to Mexico. Following his wife's death in 1809, Francis Webb removed to Georgia, and died in Hancock County in 1811. 2) James Webb was born in 1762. He married Dorothy Throckmorton on 22 July 1790. They resided first at "Harewood" in Essex County, and later at "Smithfield" in King and Queen County. He was an attorney. They had no children. He died in 1832. 3) William Webb was born in 1768. He studied medicine in Philadelphia. He married three times. He settled in Winchester, Clarke County, Kentucky, and died in 1845. 4) George Webb married Patsy Lane in 1798. He settled in Illinois. 5) Mary Webb married Albion Throckmorton. They moved to Berkeley County, Virginia. Following her husband's death, she resided in Wichester, Clarke County, Kentucky. She died there. 6) Lucy Webb was born in 1761. She married James Gray in 1778. They resided in Kentucky. 7) Jane Meriwether Webb married William J. Tunstall. They lived in Henry and Pittsylvania Counties, Virginia, and later moved to Kentucky. She died in 1828.

James Webb (1) had two sons: John Webb who married Jane Smith. John and Jane had a daughter Elizabeth who married James Edmundson. James Webb’s (1) other son was James Webb (1705 – 1771) married Mary Edmundson (1712 – 1795). They had a daughter Elizabeth Webb (b. June 30, 1754 in Essex County, Va. – d. 1830 in Halifax County, Va.) who married Philip Vass (b. 1750 – d. 1827 in Halifax County, Va.). Elizabeth and Philip had seven children: Elizabeth (m. John S. Shapard in 1808), Mary (m. Alexander Boyd), Anna B. (m. Preston Parker in 1827), James P. (m. Nancy Akin in 1818), Sarah L. (m. Edward Womack in 1827), Apphia (m. George B. Ewing in 1823), Phillip E.

            Elizabeth Vass (daughter of Phillip Vass and Elizabeth Webb) married John S. Shapard in 1808 and had three children: Mary E. (m. Richard Carter in 1830), Emily B. (m. Joseph A. Haden in 1838) and Martha T.

John Webb was born on 18 Jan. 1747 in Essex Co VA. Married 1772. Died 29 Aug 1826 in Oak Hill, Granville Co VA. Leonidas Webb says: "A plain, blunt man of a great deal of rugged force of character.": Our Webb Kin of Dixie says of John: "John Webb was an elder in the Grassy Creek Pres Church until 1822, when he with other members of that church organized Spring Grove church (later Oak Hill) nearer his home. There is a memorial tribute to him in the old session book of Spring Grove. His wife Amy was a Methodist, member of the Ebenezer church at Oak Hill. At a memorial service held for Amy Webb at Ebenezer 24 May 1835, Rev Jesse Rankin, a Pres and Rev HT Weatherly a Methodist each delivered a funeral sermon. A printed copy can be seen at the Univ Lib at Chapel Hill NC."

Amy Booker was born on 27 Aug 1752 in S Farnham Parish Essex CO VA. Died 25 Mar 1835 in Oak Hill Granville Co., NC. She was the daughter of James Booker (b 1723) Gloucester Co VA) and Elizabeth Hubbard. James Booker was the son of another James Booker and Amy___. At Amy's death in 1835 at age 82, she had 13 children, and 9 surviving grandchildren and great-grand children.

John Webb was Captain of the 4th Company of the 7th Virginia Regiment, raised March 5, 1776. Muster rolls exist from Dec. 1776 to Nov. 1779 (National Archives) which chart his career. His company was originally commanded by Col. Alexander McClenahan, under Gen. William Woodford, in George Washington's army. The 7th Regiment joined Washington at Morristown in January, 1777, where they suffered due to a lack of tents. They were nearly destroyed at Brandywine in September, 1777. John Webb was promoted to Major on Jan 26, 1778. He was at Valley Forge until March, 1778 when all the officers of the 7th went on furlough to Virginia. There are pay warrants from the Board of War to Capt. Webb of the 7th Regiment, dated March 27 and 28, 1778, for recruiting services and mileage. It is presumed the officers of the 7th were recruiting in Virginia. He had returned by July when the musters were taken at White Plains. At the Arrangement at White Plains, Sept. 14, 1778, the 7th Virginia Regiment was renamed the 5th, and John Webb was thus transferred to the 5th Regiment. Muster rolls "of the Field Officers of the 5th Virginia Regiment", written by Maj. John Webb, exist for Nov 1778 through Nov 1779. A "Return of the 5th and 11th Virginia Regiments, commanded by Col., as reviewed by the Inspector General May 25, 1779", written by Baron Von Steuben, states, "All the Field Officers Except Major Webb are in Virginia....This regiment is in great disorder, and if more Officers are not put to it, will be entirely ruined."

Following muster rolls place him at Smith's Clove, Ramapough, Haverstraw and Morristown. July 4, 1779 he was made Lt. Colonel. After Nov 1779, the 5th Regiment was combined with the 1st Regiment and sent south. Many of its officers were captured at Charlestown, South Carolina, in May 1780. Feb 12, 1781, the 5th VA became a "paper regiment" as a result of the Chesterfield Court House arrangement and remained so until it was dissolved in Jan 1783. Thus, John Webb was "retired" as of Feb 12, 1781. When on Jan 27, 1783 certificate for his final pay was given, it was received by a family friend, Capt. Henry Young.

 

* Note: By this time, John had moved his family to Granville Co., North Carolina. On Jan. 1, 1782, John Webb purchased 316 acres in Granville Co. from his brother-in-law, Philip Vass. His home was two miles north of Oak Hill (a photo of this house can be seen in Our Webb Kin of Dixie). When he left Virginia, he broke with the Anglican Church and became an elder in the Grassy Creek Presbyterian Congregation. In 1822 he was one of the founders of a new congregation nearer his home, Spring Grove Church. John died Aug 29, 1826. At his widow's memorial service, Rev. Rankin said of John Webb, "The venerable child of God (John) was wont to go up with the people of God here to the house of worship. Then this neighborhood felt the healthful influence of his candid, honest intercourse, of his firm uncompromising adherence to fixed principles of action." A granddaughter of John and Amy Webb, Frances M. Bumpas, remembered, "He was a man of the strictest integrity; plain in his manners; he thought and acted candidly, was remarkable for his firmness of character. His actions were governed by fixed principles. Though his heart was sympathetic, he never permitted feeling to interfere with duty." (Our Webb Kin, p.43)

 

Amy Booker (b. August 27, 1752-March 25, 1835) born in Essex County, Va. married John Webb (son of James and Mary Edmundson Webb of Essex County, Va.) on February 20, 1772 in Essex County, Va.  John (Jan 18, 1747 – Aug. 29, 1826) was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army, having his own Company. On January 26, 1778, he had advanced to the rank of Major and then on July 4, 1783 he was made a Lieutenant Colonel in the 5^th Virginia Regiment. They migrated to Granville County, North Carolina about 1782.Early in the war he was used heavily for recruiting purposes, and acquired men from the Counties of Essex, King and Queen, and Middlesex. John and Amy moved to Granville, County, North Carolina about 1782 where his brother William Webb* had settled before the outbreak of the Revolution. They lived two miles north of Oak Hill. Note that her sister Mary (Booker) and William Shapard settled near them. John was affiliated with the Grassy Creek Presbyterian Church, where he became an elder, and helped organize the Spring Grove Church near his home. He died on August 29, 1826 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Oxford, Granville County, Virginia. Despite her husband’s Presbyterian affiliation, Amy Booker Webb was a member of the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church at Oak Hill. Upon her death on March 25, 1835, it was noted that she had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 48 years. (Funeral sermon of Amy Webb, Webb Family Papers, North Carolina Dept. of Archives). Amy Booker Webb is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Oxford, Granville County, N.C. John and Amy had the following children: Elizabeth (b.1773 - d. 1829. m. Thomas Owen, Jr.), Thomas Sr. (b.1776. m. Mary Jane Thomas), James (b. 1779. m. Ann Hunt Smith), Mary (b. 1782. m. John Webb Smith), Ann (b. 1784) she married John Franklin Patillo (son of Rev. Henry and Mary (Anderson) Patillo) in 1808; John Webb (b. 1787 – 1853. m. Elizabeth Moorman), William (b. 1787), Lewis (b. July 15, 1789) married Ann Nutall in 1818, he was a merchant in Richmond, Va. and was partners with William Shapard, Jr., Lewis lived in the former home of Judge Spencer Roane; Isaac (b. 1709), Amy (b. 1794) and Susanna (b.1796).

            James Webb (b. 1779) who married Ann Hunt Smith (b. 1784) had a son James Lewis Webb (b.1840) who married Arianna Shapard (b. c. 1815). James and Arianna had a son, Thomas Shapard Webb (b. 1840) who married twice: Blanche McClung and Mary Polk Yeatman (b. 1877).

 

George Wright, Sr. of Essex County, Virginia, was born about 1682, resided in 1726 at Gloucester County, Virginia, resided in 1728 and thereafter at Essex County, Virginia. He married Elizabeth _____. His will was probated on December 18, 1769, at Essex County, Virginia. The children of George Wright and Elizabeth (_____) Wright were the following:
1. John Wright (d. 1770) of Cumberland County, Virginia, whose wife was Elizabeth possibly Shepard,
2. George Wright (d. 1774) of Cumberland County, Virginia, whose wife was Mary (Wright) (Wright) Williams,
3. Ambrose Wright (d. 1771) of Essex County, Virginia, whose wife was Elizabeth (_____) (Bohannon) (Wright) Booker,
4. Thomas Wright (d. 1733) of Cumberland County, Virginia, whose wife was Elizabeth (McGeehee) Wright,
5. William Wright (d. 1773) of Essex County, Virginia. whose wife was Martha (possibly Lowry) Wright,
6. James Wright of Essex County, Virginia,
7. Samuel Wright (d. 1773) of Cumberland County, Virginia,
8. Benjamin Wright (d. 1795) of Essex County, Virginia, whose wife was Alfrica (Stuart) Wright,
9. Griffin Wright (d. 1816) of Franklin County, North Carolina,
10. Richard Wright, who died between 1775 and 1785,
11. Stephen Wright, who married Peggy Brooks in 1784 in Buckingham County,
12. Ann (Wright) Cox, whose husband was possibly Henry Cox,
13. Susannah (Wright) Gatewood (d. 1823), whose husband was Phillip Gatewood,
14. Elizabeth (Wright) Cox whose husband was probably Matthew Cox.

 

1772 Ambrose Wright married Elizabeth, Widow of Ambrose Bohannon (Book W 11, pg 412).

Note: If their marriage was in 1772 then this is not the connection I was looking for as William was in Cumberland in 1762.

1774 Elizabeth Wright, widow, marriage agreement with James Booker (Book D 31, pg 270)

1787 Ambrose Wright, former husband of Elizabeth Booker (Book W 16, pg 44)

Note: This seems to imply that Elizabeth and Ambrose Wright divorced as he is mentioned in 1787.

 

 

*****

 

Notes of the early Shepard family by Gail Tomlinson of Mississippi:

 

James Shepard is a possible father of Robert I Shepard [note this is incorrect – father is Samuel Shapard/Shepard].  Samuel Shepard who married Elizabeth Price is just as possible, given the location of his land in the northern part of Goochland County near the Hanover County line.  See information below.  Robert, Isaac, Augustine, John and Phillip Shepard were all listed by William Douglas as fathers of children born 1760-1786 in the Goochland County area.  Sarah could be a daughter of James, or she may be a daughter of one of the sons attributed to this family.

 

The following data may be pertinent to the identification of the father of Robert I Shepard of Goochland County, Virginia, who died in 1796.  Robert I is the earliest fully documented Shepard in our line.

 

James Shephard, 400  acs. Goochland Co., on both sides of Hardware Riv. 2 lb.; 30 June 1743, Patent Book 21.,  p. 310.  Dennis Ray Hudgins, editor, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants," Volume 5, 1741-1749, p. 53.

 

Jacob Shephard, 211 acs., Goochland Co., on both sides of Hardware Riv., crossing Steven's Cr., adj. John Stevens; 30 June 1743.  Hudgins, Cavaliers, 5:55.

 

Charles Bond, 150 acs. Goochland Co. on both sides of Shepherds Cr., adj. James Shepherd; 25 Sept. 1746, Patent Book 21., p. 470.  15 Shill. , Hudgins, Cavaliers 5:177.

 

James Shepard is mentioned again in the entry of Richard Damril, N side of Hardware Riv., adj. James Shepard.  Hudgins, Cavaliers, 5:77.

 

John Shepperd is listed as an adjoining property owner when Thomas Owen purchased 496 acs. in Henrico Co., 15 Mar. 1744/45.  Other neighbors were Robert Webb, Robert Morris, Wheeler, Holland and Royal.  Hudgins, Cavaliers 5:128.

 

1783, 15 March, Goochland County, Virginia:  James Shepard sold approx. 90 acres on the north side of the Carter's Ferry Road to William Tate of Louisia, County for 2,200 in lawful Virginia money.  Neighbors were William Smith, Gideon Bowles, George Payne son of Josias Payne.  Transcription published to USGenWeb Archives by Karen L. Salisbury (now deceased).  Accessed by GST June 2013.

__________

 

Paid research provided by Goochland County Historical Society, to GST June 8, 1997, indicates the following with regard to early SHEPARDS in that county.  Copies of sources in writer's file.

 

Goochland Wills Abstracts 1742-49, by Ben Weisiger, III, p 52:  documentation of land in Goochland Co. willed to Samuel and Elizabeth Shepherd by her father, John Price.

 

Tomlinson notes for Robert 1:

Marriage and Children of Robert Shepard and Elizabeth Blackstone/Baxter/Blackston:

 

The family of Robert Shepard of Goochland County, Virginia, has been constructed by the writer from four documents and several Goochland County, VA, microfilm reels of county records.  (1)  W. Mac Jones, compiler, The Douglas Register, Being a Detailed Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths ...as kept by the Rev. William Douglas from 1750-1797 (Baltimore, MD:  Genealogical Publishing Co., reprt. 2001);  (2)  Catherine Lindsay Knorr, compiler, Marriages Bonds and Ministers' Returns of Prince Edward County, Virginia 1754-1810 (Pine Bluff, Arkansas:  self-published, 1950);  (3)  the Revolutionary War Service Pension Application (#S3894) of Samuel Shepard of Wilson Co., Tennessee, ; and  (4)  the appraisal of estate of Robert Shepard, of Goochland Co., VA, recorded Sept. 1797, Benjamin Shepard, adm.  Copies of these documents are in writer's file.

 

August 9, 1779 (Goochland County, Virginia, Will Book 12, 1777-1779, p. 309) 

It is this day agreed between Robert Shepherd and Sarah, his wife, of the Parrish of Saint James, Northam and County of Goochland, that whereas in the year of our Lord 1776 the said Robert did make proposals of Marriage to the said Sarah (then Sarah Clarke) and in consequence of such proposals a marriage contract was drawn up and executed between the parties, bearing date the      day of        (left blank) in the aforesaid year by which the said Robert did make over and secure unto the said Sarah and her heirs forever two negro slaves named Rachel and Lucy with their increase together with one feather bed and furniture, and whereas the said instrument or marriage contract was casually lost without ever being admitted to record,and the parties being mutually consenting to do to each other all manner of justice, consistent with equity and a good conscience, and with the advice of their nearest connexions and best friends, setting aside the prerogative of the husband and the wife's coventure and all laws customs and usages now in force or in any wise concerning the same, and that they and each of them will do and execute any other agreement deed or conveyance jointly or severally in order for the better securing and fulfilling this agreement such as they or either of them or their council learned in the laws hath think fit and convenushe (?).  Now the said Robert Shephard doth agree ___ and with the said Sarah, his wife, that the said Sarah shall have the aforesaid negro slaves Rachel and her youngest child Nelly and their increase together with one feather bed and furniture after the decease of the said Robert to her during her life and at her decease the one half of these negros and their increase shall go to the children of the s'd Sarah by the said Robert and the survivors of them and the other half to remain free to the said Sarah and at her desposal to whomsoever she shall chuse and the said Sarah further agrees to pay all the costs arising from the suit in Chancery lately comenced for the recovery of the s'd estate from the s'd Robert without any charge against or expence to the said Robert and that she doth now and forever hereafter will relinquish her claim of Dower to all and every part of the state of the s'd Robert as well as from the above mentioned former marriage contract.  In Witness whereof the parties have herein to let their hands and afixed their seals this 9th day of August 1779.   /s/ Robert Shapard    /s/  Sarah Shapard

 

Sealed and delivered in presence of:

Nathaniel Webster

Luke Webster  

George Robertson                  

 

At a Court held for Goochland County October the 18th 1779.  This agreement was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto to be the acts and deeds of the parties, ___ their motion admitted to record.

 

1789 (Personal Property Tax Lists, Goochland Co., VA, Personal A) 

Person taxable:  Robert Shapard,  1 (white male 16-21), 1(Blacks male over 16), 1(Black 12-16), 2(horses or mules), total taxes $1.40. 

 

Note: If this entry is accurate, this is not the Robert who married Sarah Clarke due to the fact that this Robert is 16-21 years old. If this is in error, it may be.

 

1794 (Goochland County, Virginia, Deed Book 17, 1796-1800, p 483)

            Robert Shepard and Sarah Shepard, his, wife, both of Goochland County, sold to Forrest Hunter, 235 acres bordering Abraham Fontaine.  Land description mentions Three Chop'd Road, Little Byrd Creek.  (Microfilm very dim with heavy horizontal lines).  To further identify the area of the county in which the land was located, Goochland County Deed Book 16, p 140, states:  "At a court held for Goochland County sthe 21st day of November 1791:  "On motion of Tha. Meriwether ordered that the Surveyor of this County procede to run and marke the County line between Abraham Fontaine of the County & Benjamin Crenshaw of Louisa, that William Pryor, Joseph Payne and James Howard do attend the Survey as Commissioners for the running the said line and that the same be reported to this court.  Teste W. Miller CC"  On the same page with this order is a description of the survey and the recording of the same January 1693.

 

1796 (Robert Shepard's Estate Settlement and inventory:  Goochland County, Virginia, Deed Book 17, 1796-1800, p 147)

  

"Goochland County Court, Feby 15th, 1796.  Ordered that Samuel Woodward, John Woodward, Philip Tinsley and John Crouch or any three of them who being first duly sworn before same Justice of the Peace for this county do appraise in current money all the personal estate of Rob.t Sheppard Dec.d and that his administrator do return the same to this court.

         R. Copy, Wm. Miller CGC

 

"The Inventory of the Estate of Robert Sheppard, Dec;d taken this the twenty-sixth day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety six:

     To(sic) Parcels of cloaths (lbs. 1-7-0),

     To(sic) 1 pine chest (lbs. 0-9-0)

     (Total)  (lbs. 1-16-0)

We the subscribers being first worn have appraised the within estate agreeable to the order of Court hereunto annexed (?)

     Phillip X Tinsley (his mark)

     Sam'l Woodward

     John Woodward

     Benj'n Shepperd, Adm.

At a Court held for Goochland County on 18th day of Sept. 1797.  This inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Rob't Sheppard, Dec'd is returned to Court and Ordered to be recorded.

         Teste:  Wm. Miller, CGC

___________

 

Paid research provided by Goochland County Historical Society, to GST June 8, 1997, indicates the following with regard to early SHEPARDS in that county.  Copies of sources in writer's (Tomlinson) file.

 

1.  Goochland Wills Abstracts 1742-49, by Ben Weisiger, III, p 52:  documentation of land in Goochland Co. willed to Samuel and Elizabeth Shepherd by her father, John Price.  N.B.  This is a generation prior to Robert Shepard and his wife Elizabeth.

 

2.  Goochland County Historical Society Magazine, Vol. 5, #1:  Tithe list of 1776:  Wm. Shepherd - not titheable - counted under proprietor, Daniel Clark.  (His not being titheable perhaps indicates advanced age.  Also this could be the disabled William Shepard, son of Robert, who died of injuries sustained in the Revolutionary War.  GST) 

Robbart Shepard - 2 titheables  (A titheable person was a person over 16 yrs. of age who was able to do work.)

 

3.  Personal Property Tax Lists for 1787, by Netti Schreiner-Yantis, p 798:  Robert Shepard--owns no slaves (He was the only Shepard by any variation of spelling, listed; GST)

 

4.  From The Hanover Co. Vestry Book:  mention of a James Shepard, orphan, 1779

______________________________________________

 

According to Robert N. Taylor (11rnt@utxdp.dp.utexas.edu), the earliest mention of Shepards in what eventually became Prince Edward Co., VA, known to him is that of George and Isaac [Shepard] in Amelia Co. in the mid-1730s.  The name Isaac appears off-and-on in Amelia and Prince Edward records down into the 1780s, but it is not certain it is the same man.  George Shepard died in Amelia in 1743 and left a will abstracted thus:  Shepard George (X). d. Apr. 8, 1743, p. July 15, 1743.  Wit:  Peter Jones, Jr., Samuel (X) Young.  Ex.  Wm. Clemmons.  Leg:  dau. Susannah Green land on Ballinger's Creek in Goochland Co., VA; collect to sell for funeral expenses articles at Abraham Eades' in Goochland Co., 200 lb. tobacco in Samuel Jones' hands, and other articles at Henry Lestor's, others at Emanuel Jones' and Hugh Cadie's.

 

Goochland County was formed in 1728 from Henrico County.  Prince Edward County was formed from Amelia County, Virginia, in 1754.   Part of Prince Edward County became Appomattox County in 1845.

Marriage and Children of Robert Shepard and Elizabeth Blackstone/Baxter/Blackston:

 

The family of Robert Shepard of Goochland County, Virginia, has been constructed by the writer from four documents and several Goochland County, VA, microfilm reels of county records.  (1)  W. Mac Jones, compiler, The Douglas Register, Being a Detailed Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths ...as kept by the Rev. William Douglas from 1750-1797 (Baltimore, MD:  Genealogical Publishing Co., reprt. 2001);  (2)  Catherine Lindsay Knorr, compiler, Marriages Bonds and Ministers' Returns of Prince Edward County, Virginia 1754-1810 (Pine Bluff, Arkansas:  self-published, 1950);  (3)  the Revolutionary War Service Pension Application (#S3894) of Samuel Shepard of Wilson Co., Tennessee, ; and  (4)  the appraisal of estate of Robert Shepard, of Goochland Co., VA, recorded Sept. 1797, Benjamin Shepard, adm.  Copies of these documents are in writer's file.

  

A William Blackstone is in Orange Co., NC, by 1765, where he purchased items from estate of Martin Doyle, along with Moses Rice.

 

Children may not be in birth order; there could have been other children.  Marriage of Robert Shepard to Sarah Clark is provisional; it is not certain, but it is likely, that this is our subject Robert Shepard's marriage.  The Thackston brothers' mother was a Clark, and it is known that the families were close.  Perhaps Sarah Clark was a widow and this was a late life marriage for both.  Turner Clark had a daughter born in 1749 whose name was Sarah.  If this is the correct Sarah Clark, it is a first marriage for her.

 

The Douglas Register lists the following marriages for persons by the name of Shepherd (these are apparent marriages due to entries in the birth registry:

     Males:

     Robert Shepherd & Elizabeth Baxter, 15 Nov. 1766 (at birth of Thomas)

     Robert Shepherd & Elizabeth Blackstone, 9 Apl. 1769 (at birth of Elizabeth, then Benjamin and Mildred, with assigned birth dates)

     Augustine Shepherd & Sarah Shilton, 21 Dec. 1760 (at birth of dau. Frances)

     John Shepherd & Mary Lilly, 9 June 1761 (at birth of son David; later had daughters Ann, Frances, son John)

     William Shepherd & Martha Arrington, 7 Apr. 1762 (at birth of dau. Annas)

     Philip Shepherd & Susanna Thomson, both of Spottsylvania , 23 Dec. 1785 or 86.

    

     Females:

     Elizabeth Shepherd & Joseph Duval, 24 Sept. 1773

     Frances Shepherd & John Ashline (Ashley) 29 Mar 1758

     Frances & John Alphine 5 Apr. 1767

     Hannah Shepherd & Shadrack Walker, 12 Apr. 1783

     Rebekah Shepherd & Robt. Smithey, 6 Oct. 1756

 

The Douglas Register marriage records:

    

     Rachel Shepherd & Sam Walden, 22 Jan 1756

     Sarah Shepherd & David Thackston, 16 Mar. 1777 (David b. 7 Feb. 1756 to James & Elizabeth Clark Thackston;  siblings:  Peter, William, Peggie, James, John)

     Mildred Shepherd & Will Coats, 28 Sept. 1775

     Robert Shepard & Sarah Clark, 23 Feb 1777, both of St. James Northam's Parish

     Mary Shepherd & Charles W. Cotterel, Henrico Co., 4 Sept. 1777

     Nancy Shepherd & Will Lindsay, Orange Co., 3 Oct. 1781

    

The early Shepherd brides and grooms could be the siblings of Robert Shepard.

_________________________________________

 

Various early landholdings in Goochland Co. and central Virginia may hold clues for earlier generations of Shepards:  Cavaliers and Pioneers, Vol. 4:  1732-1741; edited by Denis Hudgins; Virginia Genealogical Society, Richmond, 1994, records the following land records:

 

Page 58:  ISAAC GARRISON, 220 acs. Sherrando L., to be Orange Co., on W. side of Sherrando Riv., S. side of Cohongoluta Riv, at the upper end of an Island, above the Wagon Road; adj.  WILLIAM SHEPHERD plantation, & Samuel Taylor: 3 Oct 1734, p 335.

 

MIGRATION TO PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY:  A Prince Edward County, Virginia, census was taken in 1785, and evidently the Shepards had not migrated to the county at that time.  However, there were Askews, Thackstons, Simmons, Ligons, Fowkes, Fielders, Brightwells, Peeks and Clarks there.  John Hubbard was there, as well as Wm. Gills.  No Guill family by that spelling.  It seems the sons and daughters of Robert Shepard moved to Prince Edward Co. 1785-1790, when their marriages began to be recorded there.  Prince Edward County was only a short distance from Goochland County.  Only Powhatan County stood between the two.

 

Benjamin Shepard, adm. of his father's estate, remained in Prince Edward Co., Virginia.  He is listed on each census through 1850.

 

***** (end of Tomlinson research)********

 

 

1635 – 1656 Robert Sheppard [1], 300 acres near the head of Chippoaks Creek - due, 50 acres for his own personal adventure, 50 for the personal adventure of his wife Priscilla Sheppard, and 200 for the importation of 4 servants, Wm. Mauldon, Jon. Shawbrooke, Eliz: Borne, and Edw'd Owen. By West July 19, 1635

 

NOTE: Captain Robert Shepheard was a member of the House of Burgesses from James City county (then including Surry) in October, 1646, and November, 1647, and was in November, 1647, appointed collector of public levies from Lawnes creek to Sunken Marsh, including Hog Island. The following are recorded in Surry: (1) Deed dated January 5, 1652, from Robert Shepard of Lawnes creek, gent., to Lieutenant William Caufield, conveying 1,100 acres at the mouth of Lawnes creek; (2) Deed from Major Robert Shepard, Surry, August 14, 1653; (3) Letter dated London, September 14, 1646, and recorded in Surry, from John White to Captain Robert Shepard at his house on Chipooks; salutes him and his wife, and acknowledges the receipt of two hogsheads of tobacco from him; also writes in regard to a debt due him, White, by Mr. Fowler, deceased, which he hopes Captain Browne and Captain Freeman will pay; has received certain tobacco from your neighbor Mr. Webb; (4) Marriage contract, Surry, September 25, 1654, between Mr. Thomas Warren, of Smith's Fort, Surry, Gent., and Mrs. Elizabeth Shepherd, widow, of Lower Chippooks. Thomas Warren is to have and enjoy all the estate of Major Robert Shepherd, deceased, now in the possession of the said Elizabeth (his relict) except the land, and the following articles, which Mrs. Elizabeth shall dispose of at her own pleasure (viz): one gold seal ring marked D. S., one pair of silver tongs marked R. S., and one gold seal ring marked D. S., one pair of silver tongs marked R. S., and one silver neckhorne [?] marked I. S.; and she may appoint feoffees in trust to oversee her children's estate; and it is agreed that on September 29, 1656, Mr. Thomas Warren shall give to Anne, John, Robert, and William Sheapard certain horses and cows, and to Priscilla and Susanna Shepard their full share of their father's estate, and besides, give each a cow, and calf, &c.

 

(Library of Virginia, Townley Family Bible)

            “January 1, 1896. The rumor in the Townley family (mine J.B.T.s) is that the family came from france to England, probably with William of Normandy. A Townley monument is in France at this time and the rumor also says my branch came to Virginia with Gov. Berkeley where my grandfather, John Townley, was born in Essex County, though domicile in King and Queen Co., where they raised a family of 7 children, viz John Townley who settled and died in Lynchburg, Va. ___ Townley who settled 1^st in Albermarle Co. and ultimately moved to Kentuck where he died. Buckner Townley, the youngest child (my father) settled in Albemarle Co., Va. in the town of Charlottsville, Va. and ultimately died near Red Hill Sta V.M.R.R., North Graden District..where I now reside. (signed) John Buckley Townley”

            Buckner Townley of King and Queen Co. Va. was born 8^th of May 1779, nearly 82 years old when died (in 1861). Raised in Essex County. Frances G. Townley, wife of Buckner Townley was born 1^st of December 1785, Louisa Co., Va., (died 1828). John Buckley Townley, son of B and F.G. Townley was born 3 day of November 1823…Barboursville, Va., (died 1899).

 

NOTE: POLL TAX. A “poll” means “head” and is a tax on heads or people over a certain age, who were of “workable” age. In Virginia, a white poll is a tax on a white male between the age of 16 and 50. A black Poll is a tax on a slave over the age of 16. It seems that for the white pole the age is either 16 or 21depending on the colony. In Virginia, a thithable is a tax on a male from  the age of 16 to 21 (depending o the colony) until they reached the age of 50 to 60 (depending on the colony). In 1705, the House of Burgesses listed tithables as, “all male persons sixteen years of age or older, as well as all negro, mulatto and Indian women sixteen years and over.” Note that masters who concealed tithables were fined.

 

 

Granville County North Carolina (John Shapard)

 

June 5, 1754 (Granville County Deed Book B, #317)

            Richard Hargrove to John Shepherd, alias Hargroves, for $70 Pounds, 700 acres on both sides of Nut Bush Creek on John Smiths line to Hendersons line and Trevelions line and Dodsons line; which was granted to Richard Hargrove April 29, 1754. Witness: William Williams, John Norwood, John Searcey, Jr.

 

Note: The above1754 deed  is not the John Shapard from our family, as it will be about 9 years until our John Shapard is in Granville county.

 

December 4, 1754 (History of Genealogies Old Granville County, North Carolina 1746-1800)

            John Shepherd’s petition for a mill; referred March 6, 1755; Granted.

 

Note: The above1754 deed  is not the John Shapard from our family, as it will be about 9 years until our John Shapard is in Granville county.

 

March 1, 1763 (Granville County Deed Book F, 1746-1765, #146)

            James Wood of Northhampton County, N.C. to Robert Boyd of Granville County, N.C. for $120 Pounds, 300 acres both sides of Tar River above trading path. Witness: John Shapard, Wm. Loring.

 

May 16, 1763 (Granville County Deed Book F, 1746-1765, #368)

            Wm. White to Jane Brasswell widow for $60 Pounds, 180 acres on Reves line and Meadow Branch. Witness: John Shapard, Jonathan White.

 

November 14, 1763 (History of Genealogies Old Granville County, North Carolina 1746-1800, #93)

            John Shapard of Granville County to William Williams and Isaac Arnold sale November 14, 1763. Conveys Negro girl Milley and Negro boy Moses. This sale to secure grantees for going grantors __ for his appearance at next Superior Court at Hallifax. Witness John Vaughn, Jeremiah Fowler.

 

May 18, 1764 (Colonial Granville and its People)

            Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Session held at Granville County – John Shepard vs Nicholas Cook.

 

October 8, 1766 (Granville County North Carolina Deeds 1766-1772, Book H)

Gibby Chavas of Granville County, North Carolina to Giles Hudspeth of same, 8 October, 1766 for 60 pounds proclamation money of North Carolina, one certain tract divided or parcel lying on the north side of Tarr River in the county above mentioned, containing by estimation 300 acres (MOL), beginning at Aquilla Snelling’s line at a pine, running west 240 poles to a white oak, then north 200 poles to a pine, then east by a course of marked trees to a beech 240 poles to Snelling’s line, 200 poles to the first station, taking in the plantation where John Shapard now liveth, the same being part of a tract of land purchased by the said Gibby Chavas of John Metistock. Gidea Chavas. Witness: Isham Parham, John Parham.

 

December 9, 1771 (Granville County North Carolina Deeds 1772-1778)

Deed. Joseph Harp of Granville County to William Nailing of aforesaid for land on north side of Middle Creek. Witness: John Shapard, James Kelley

 

September 26, 1773 (Granville County North Carolina Deeds 1772-1778, Book K)

Deed. James McGehee of Granville County to Nathaniel McGehee* aforesaid tract of land. Witness: John Shapard, Reuben Searcy

 

*Note: August 15, 1803 (Jackson County, Georgia, Will Book 1803)

            Will of Nathan McGehee, Jackson County , Georgia. August 15, 1803. In the name of God Amen, I Nathan McGehee of the County of Jackson and State of Georgia do make my last Will and Testament in the manner and form following, I give my soul to almighty God, hoping for pardon for all my sins, through the sufferings of my Lord & savior Jesus Christ, and for my worldly estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me. I do give in measure and form following. I give  to my son Nathan Mcgehe five shillings sterling & with all that he has received of me to him and his kin forever. I give to my son Jesse Megehe one negro boy named Simon and eighty pounds to be paid in dollars at six shillings cash to him and his heirs forever. I give to my daughter patsey Megehe a negro Peg and a feather bed and a black horse named Jack and eighty pounds to be paid in dollars at six shillings each during her life and at her death to be equally divided between my four sons – Jesse, Robert, Osburn & Solomon to them and their heirs forever. I give to my son Robert Mcgehe a negro man named Mat and one feather bed and furniture and eighty pounds to be paid in dollars at six shillings each to him and his heirs forever. I give to my son Osburn Megehe one negro boy named Pete and eighty pounds to be paid in dollars at six shillings each to him and his heirs forever. I give to my son Solomon Megehe a negro boy named Manchester and eighty pounds to be paid in dollars at six shillings each to him and his heirs forever. I give to my son Miel Megehe five shillings sterling to him and his heirs forever. I give all the rest of my este be it of what kind or quantity so ever to be divided between my sons Jesse, Osburn and Solomon equally. I do appoint my son Jesse and my friend John Shepard to be my executors of this last will and testament in witness thereof I have set my hand & seal this 15^th day of August 1803. Sealed & delivered in the presence of (signed) John Shapard, John Chapman, Nathan (X) Mcgehe, Abraham Chandler, Gabriel Anderson.

            Georgia, Jackson County. Came into open counrt John Chapman and Gabriel and being duly sworn saith that they saw Nathan Megehe sign and acknowledge the within Will to be his last Will and Testement and that they were subscribing witnesses together with John Shapard and Abraham Chandler. Sworn to in open court this 29^th day of October 1803.

           

Note: Nathaniel McGehee b.c. 1738 in Hanover Co. Va., d. October 29, 1803. His father was James McGehee. He owned land on both sides of Tarr River in Granville County, N.C. He served in the Granville Militia in 1771.  He sold his Granville land between 1800 and 1803, after which he moved to Jackson Co. Ga.

 

May 8, 1776 (History of Genealogies Old Granville County, North Carolina 1746-1800, p. 149; Vol. 5 Minutes)

            Asa Tynes held $20 Pounds to keep peace at complaint of John Sheperd, for 6 months.

 

August 26, 1778 (Granville County North Carolina Land Entries 1778-1877)

John Shapard enters 100 acres boardering: Chavis, Harris, Ragsdale. Includes his own improvements on waters of Tab’s Creek. 50 acres surveyed. Warrant August 26.

 

September 24, 1779 (Granville County North Carolina Deeds 1755-1782, State Grant)

Governor Richard Caswell to John Shepherd 24 September 1779, 50 shillings for every 100 acres granted, a tract of land containing 50 acres in Granville County on the waters of Tab’s Creek. Beginning at Ragsdale’s corner on Chavis’ line, thence south on Chavis’ 166 poles to a red oak, thence his other line west 44 poles to a white oak on Harris’ line then his line north 166 poles to a red oak on Ragsdale’s line then to his line east to the beginning. Richard Caswell, J. Glasgow, Sec.

 

May 16, 1781 (Granville County, N.C. Deed Book O, p. 266)

This indenture made the 16^th day of May in the year of our Lord 1781 between John Shapard of Granville County [and state of North Carolina] of the one part and Hugh Snelling of the same aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of 80 pounds gold or silver to him in hand paid…he doth hereby…granted, bargained sold aligned enfoffed released and confirmed unto the said William Shapard one certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of Granville and lying on the waters of Tabb Creek and bound as the followeth: Beginning at a red oak Chavez old corner on Ragdels lin, turning south along the said line now Ben Sowels line to a blackjack cornering and turning to Ned Harris to a white oak, thence north on Harris line to a red oak, thence along Harris line to Ragdels line, thence on Ragdels line to the first station.

Signed: John Shapard

Witnessed: John Pope, John Nevill, Gorobabel Williamson

Recorded in November Court Granville County 1783.

 

1789 (Virginia Memory Digital Collections; Middlesex County, Virginia, Chancery #1791-002; Vass vs. Shackleford)

            (To Benj. Dabney) Sir, it is supposed that Mr. John Shapard is still living though he has not been in Virginia since June 1^st, 1767 his abode was North Carolina. William Shapard lives in North Carolina. Those are Mrs. Crittenden’s brothers.  I am ___ (signed ) E. Williams

 

Elbert County Georgia, John Shapard

July 21, 1798 (Elbert County, Georgia Deed Book E, pg 78)

            Middleton Woods and Martha his wife to John Statham all of Elbert County for $440, 177 acres on Doves Creek waters, adj: Statham, Robert Shepherd, Middleton Woods.

 

 

1805 (Elbert County Georgia, Probate Records, Estate records 1790-1900)

            In the name of God Amen, I John Shapard of the County of Franklin and State of Georgia do make this last Will and Testement in manner and form following. First I commend my soul to God that gave it ___ worldly estate which the Lord has blessed me with, I give in form following –

            I give to my son Samuel Shapard one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my son George Dillard Shapard one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my son Peter Shapard one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my daughter Anna Ware Colman one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my son Robert Shapard one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my daughter Anna Dillard Nellums one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my daughter Betsy Ridgdell one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I give to my daughter Clary Burden one dollar six and half cents to him and his heirs forever.

I lend to my beloved wife Anna Shapard during life all the rest of my estate of whatsoever form or quantity it may be and after her death to be equally divided between George Dillard Shapard, Peter Shapard, Robert Shapard and Clary Burden to them and their heirs forever. I likewise constitute and appoint my loving wife Anna Shapard, Peter Shapard and Robert Shapard executrix and executors to this my last Will and Testament in witness hereof I have set my hand and seal this 8^th day of June 1805. Sealed and delivered in the presence of (signed) Joakin Hudson and Ellen (X) Westbrook. (signed) John Shapard

 

(on back) Will John Sheepherd. John Shappards Will. Court of Ordinary February Term 1806 the within will proved in open court by the oath of Joakin Hudson and ordered to be recorded.

 

Note: November 8, 1763 (The Vestry Book of Stratton Major Parish King and Queen County Virginia) Ordered that James Didlake, George Dillard, and William Bland or any two of them do meet on the second Monday in December next, and go in procession of and see all the lands between the Eastern and Western Branch of the Arracaco Creek plainly marked.

Note: in 1767, George Dillard and his wife were granted seats at Corbin’s Church. George pew # 6 and his wife pew #5. In 1778, George dillard was appointed Church Warden and also Collector of the Parish, He was also a vestryman in 1778.

Note: In 1751, The estate of Richard Major was appraised by John Foster, Nicholas DILLARD, Henry Collins and Samuel SHAPARD.

 

Note; John Shapard is found in Franklin County Georgia on 1800 census, in Franklin County Tax List 1803 lists John Shepard (our John). In 1790, a John Shepard was issued a Georgia passport to travel through Indian Territory.

 

1801 (Elbert County Tax Digest)

Peter Shepard, Robert Shepard and Samuel Shepard all found in Elbert County in Higgonbotham District in 1801.

 

Note: Elbert County Tax List is only available for 1801 and 1814 all others lost.

 

January 9, 1802 (Elbert County, Georgia Deed Book H, pg 72)

            Peter Shepard was a witness to a land deed between Joseph Peen and his wife Sally to McCarty Oliver (all of Elbert County) for 281 acres on Deep Creek.

 

February 8, 1806 (Elbert County, Georgia Deed Book K)

            Peter Shepherd was a witness to a deed Between Abner Ponder, et. al. to Archibald Burden, et. al., for 200 acres on Beaver Dam Creek.

 

November 29, 1809 (Elbert County, Georgia Deed Book N, pg 202)

            Robert Sheppeard and Precious his wife deed to James Sheppeard, all of Elbert County, for $50 in said county on Doves Creek waters 50 acres: adj. Statham, being part of said tract Sheppeard now lives on. (signed) Robert Shepeard, Preshous (X) Shepeard. Witness: Peter Shepeard, Lemuel Pledger, James  Christian. Recorded October 17, 1811.

 

1814 (Elbert County Tax Digest)

Peter Shepard, Robert Shepard and Samuel Shepard all found in Elbert County in Penn District in 1814.

 

December 6, 1817 (Elbert County, Georgia Deed Book R, pg 191)

            Moses Presley of Putnam Co. GA to Peter Shepherd of Elbert County GA for $280, 143 ½ acres in Elbert on both sides of north fork of Beverdam Creek, adjacent Thomas Oliver. Witness: Nathan Shepherd.

 

1806 (Land Lottery)

A lottery was held in 1806 opening up Creek Indian land in Baldwin and Wilkerson County for residents of Georgia. Those who qualified to draw for land had to be an inhabitant of Georgia for the last three years who paid taxes and a citizen of the U.S. and over 21 years (qualified for one draw). If they had a wife and child that qualified them for two draws. A widow qualified for one draw. Children under 21 whose father had died qualified for a draw. The lottery had blank cards and land cards. If a land card was pulled out then you received land, otherwise you received nothing. In Captain Thomas Oliver’s District of Elbert County in 1806, Robert Shepard – two draws; Samuel Shepard – 2 draws; Peter Shepard – 3 draws; Anna Shepard (widow) – 1 draw; Nancy Shepard – 1 draw.

           

FRANKLIN COUNTY, GEORGIA JOHN SHAPARD

November 15, 1804 (Franklin County, Georgia Deed Book)

            Power of attorney. Franklin County. From Peter Shepherd of Franklin to his friend Nicholas Tuttle of Jackson County, Georgia, to ask and receive of the proper officers a certificate or testimony concerning service done by said Shepherd as a soldier in the service of the United States under Gen. George Roger Clark and others, and also to receive and sell any bounties due said Shepherd for his service, described as follows: In 1780 at falls of the Ohio River and below the mouth of that river, on Mississippi also up the Mississippi at the Illinois settlement and also at Fort Vincent up the Wabash which service ended at the falls of Ohio where he was discharged by his Capt. John Bailey, Maj. Wailes and General Clark. Witness: S. Lane J.P., Jas. Pullium

Note: Peter Shepherd Rev. War Pension reports that Peter and George both enlisted In Captain John Bailey’s Company Illinois Regiment under Gen. George Roger Clark on February 12, 1780 and were discharged in February of 1783. George reported he was living in Logan’s Station in District of Kentucky a part of Virginia when he enlisted…Peter there too? Peter enlisted as a Private and was discharged as a Corporal. Peter married Mary Ann Wade Posey on July 26, 1786 by Jeremiah Walker, Esq. Peter died on March 13, 1825 in Fayette Co. Georgia. Mary Anne Wade Shepherd died on February 16, 1855 in Meriwether Co. GA. They had a son named John W. Shepherd who lived in Harris Co. GA in 1842 and Meriwether Co. GA in 1848.

 

1805 (Land Lottery)

A lottery was held in 1805 opening up Indian land for residents of Georgia. Those who qualified to draw for land had to be an inhabitant of Georgia for the last three years who paid taxes and a citizen of the U.S. and over 21 years (qualified for one draw). If they had a wife and child that qualified them for two draws. A widow qualified for one draw. Children under 21 whose father had died qualified for a draw. The lottery had blank cards and land cards. If a land card was pulled out then you received land, otherwise you received nothing. In 1805, in Franklin County, Georgia, John Shepherd had two draws and drew two blanks.

 

JOHN SHAPARD’S CHILDREN

Samuel Shapard b.c. 1758 in Virgina. Died after November 30, 1835 in Elbert County, Ga. May have lived in Abbeville District, SC in 1790 (Census). On August 24, 1797 purchased 160 acres from William Higginbotham in Elbert County, GA. Unknown if he had children. May have fought in Rev. War and received land allotments. Unknown if married. Note: There is a marriage bond from Granville County, North Carolina dated November 14, 1781 between Samuel Shapard “X” and Lucy Hockley. This Samuel was illiterate and may have been our Samuel, as this is the only Shapard family known to be in Granville County at this time.

 

George Dillard Shapard b. January 25, 1760 in Virginia (from George F. Shepard bible) d. May 26, 1836 in Maysville, Mason, KY. Fought in Rev. War (1832 pension W8723, Mason Co., KY). Married Mary Ann McDermid February 25, 1783 in Lexington, Fayette, KY. Buried in Shepard Cemetery on Old Halfhill Rd, Orangeburg, Mason, KY. George Shepard is listed on the Tax Lists of Mason Co. KY in 1788, 1793. In 1820 Census located in Mason Co., KY. His son Robert S. Shapard spelled his name as Shapard and is listed in Clark County, Indiana records. Descendants of George Dillard Shapard spell their name as Shapard, Shepherd and Shepard.

 

Peter Shapard b. Feberuary 1762 d. March 30, 1825 in Oconee River, Elbert County, Ga. He drowned while setting a fish trap on the river. Married Mary Ann Wade Posey, daughter of Richard Posey and Elizabeth Wade, circa 1768. February 12, 1782 enlisted in George Rogers Clark’s Virginia Line. Peter found in 1790 Elbert Co., Tax List and 1803 Franklin Co., Tax List. May 1, 1820, Peter and wife Mary A.W. of Fayette Co. Ga., witnessed a land transaction from James Shepard to William Chambers. Peter sold his land in Elbert Co. Ga to Nathan Shepherd on Beverdam Creek. 1838 Virginia Bounty Land claimed by heirs of Peter. May 2, 1842, widow Mary Ann granted RW pension #9553. His descendants use the spelling Shepherd.

 

Anna Ware Shapard b. c. 1764 died after 1806. Married Mr. Coleman.

 

Robert Shapard b. December 18, 1766 in NC, d. October 20, 1854 in Leeds, Jefferson, Al. 1790 a Robert Shepard is listed in Abbeville District, SC. From 1792-1816 is in Elbert Co., GA. 1810 Robert is on jury duty in Elbert Co. GA. 1820 and 1830 he is in Shelby Co., Al. 1840 and 1850 is in Jefferson Co, Al. Fought in Rev. War and received land and pension for service (8^th Va. Reg.) His will is in Shelby Co., Al 1818-1845, pg., 125-126. Robert married Precious ‘Presha’ Posey, daughter of Richard Posey and Elizabeth Wade, circa 1786. He married Elizabeth Johnson (widow) on August 3, 1825 in Shelby Co., Al. His descendants spell their name as Shepard.

 

Anna Dillard Shapard b.c. 1769 d. after 1806. She married William Nelms circa 1786. On 1806 Elbert Co. Tax List records “Anna Nelms, widow,” and “William Nelms’ orphans.”

 

Elizabeth “Betsey” Shapard b. c. 1771 and d. after 1840 in Ga. She married David Ridgdill before 1807 in Orangeburg District, SC.

 

Clarissa “Clara” Shapard b. March 15, 1777 and died August 27, 1835 in Elbert Co, Ga. She married William Burden, Sr., in 1798 in Elbert Co, Ga. She is buried at Holly Springs Baptist in Elbert Co., Ga.

 

 

 

Bible of John Stedam Shepard transcribed in 1954 by Gracie Booher Shepard in her manuscript “Booher-Shepard and Collateral:”

Robert Slaughter Shepard, b. December 18, 1766, d. October 20, 1854

Presha Shepard b. August 7, 1763, d. September 26, 1824

*

George Fletcher Shepard, b. August 18, 1806, d. September 3, 1863

Lucretia Jordan, b. January 5, 1812, d. June 1, 1878

Married April 2, 1828

*

William Marion Shepard, b. January 8, 1829

Franklin Shepard, b. July 19, 1830

Madison Shepard, b. December 9, 1831

Colin Shepard, b. March 28, 1833, d. November 4, 1833

Thaddeus Shapard, b. September 7, 1834

Elizabeth Dickerson Shapard, b. March 6, 1836

Almira Shepard, b. March 17, 1838

Mary Shepard, b. July 4, 1839, d. February 14, 1841

Amanda Shepard, b. August 30, 1841

Presha Shepard, b. April 29, 1843, d. March 9, 1856

Jordan Chilton Shepard, b. November 1, 1844, d. October 30, 1858

Joicy Ware Shepard, b. March 22, 1846

Mary Shepard b. September 26, 1847, married W.H. Watson, April 1, 1866

John Stedam Shepard, b. February 2, 1852, d. January 4, 1921

George Fletcher Shepard, b. May 27, 1854

[continues on with family of John Stedam Shepard]

 

 

Mystery Shapard solved:

Solved after Utah Trip 10/21/15: Robert S. Shapard is the son of George Dillard Shapard.

September 1, 1789 (Clark County, Indiana, Deed Book 13, p. 152)

            George Sheppard is granted 100 acres of land in section 195 from the commissioners for war bounty.

This indenture made the first day of September 1789 between John Campbell, George Rogers Clark, Alexander Breckenridge, Richard Ferrell, William Crogham and William Clark and Robert Breckenridge gentlemen commissioners for appointing the lands granted to the Illinois Regiment and  C of the one part and George Shepard assignee of David Baily of the other part. Witnesseth that whereas a certain tract of parcel containing 149,000 acres lying and being on the northwest side of the Ohio River was granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia by patent bearing date at Richmond the fourteenth day of December 1786 unto certain commissioners in trust to be laid out and divided among the claimants agreeable to an act of assembly entitled an act for surveying and appointing the lands granted to the Illinois Regiment and establishing a ___ within the said grant and one other act to amend the act aforesaid passed in October session 1786, the same being laid out commissioners herein first mentioned having received of the said George Shepard the proportion of the fees payable to the register of the land office for so much land as is hereby to be conveyed do grant and confirm unto the said George Shepard __ his heirs and assigns a certain tract or parcel and in the part aforesaid containing 100 acres part of number 195 allowed he said David Baily by the board of commissioners in consequence of military services by him performed in the Regiment aforesaid and bounded as followeth, to wit: beginning at two black oaks the north corner of Edward Bulgers 100 acre survey and in a line of George Rogers Clarks 500 acre survey… [etc.] Signatures of Commissioners.

 

August 17, 1832 (Clark County, Indiana, Deed Book 29, p. 352)

            George Sheppard and wife grant 50 acres of section 195 to R.S. Shepperd (note: this page is missing from the record book due to damage…only the above title entry exists).

 

September 1, 1736 (Clark County, Indiana, Deed Book 30, p. 343)

            Robert S. Shapard together with Mary his wife of Clark County sells lot 195 to Abraham Cartner of Clark County. Signed “Mary Shapard” and “Robert S. Shapard.”

 

 

 

(Source Fold 3: Revolutionary War Pensions for Charles Hagan) There is a list of signatures, circa 1830s, of citizens of Charlestown, Clark County, Indiana, supporting Mr. Hagan’s Revolutionary War claims. One of the signatures is of “Robert Shapard.”

Census of 1850 for Silver Creek, Clark County, Indiana, shows a Robert. S. Shapard (born c. 1800 in Kentucky), married to Mary Shapard (born c. 1798 in Kentucky), with children: Gabriel (born c. 1828 in Kentucky); Francis (female born c. 1830 in Kentucky); Mary A. (born c. 1832 in Indiana); Greenbury (born c. 1834 in Indiana); George (born c. 1836 in Indiana) and Silas (born c. 1839 in Indiana).

Census of 1860 for Silver Creek, Clark County, Indiana, shows a Robert. Shappard (born c. 1801 in Kentucky and is a farmer) with children: Francis (female born c. 1833 in Kentucky); Mary Ann (born c. 1835 in Indiana); Greenbury A. (born c. 1837 in Indiana and is a farm laborer); George C. (born c. 1839 in Indiana and is a farm laborer) and Silas (born c. 1840 in Indiana and is a farm laborer).

Census of 1860 for Charlestown, Clark County, Indiana, shows a Gabriel. Shepard (25 y/o b. KY), Eliza J. (27 y/o), Margaret C. (7), Alice M. (4), George C.

Census of 1860 for Charlestown, Clark County, Indiana, shows a William Shapard (35 y/o b. KY), Mary (30 y/o b. KY), James R. (9), Mariah J. (5) and John W. (3)

 

There is a grave in Sellersburg Cemetery in Clark County, Indiana, with headstone: “Robert S. Shapard died November 12, 1862, 62 years, 1 month 3 days.”

(Source: Ancestory, U.S. Civil War Draft Registration Cards, 1863-1865, Indiana, 2^nd, Vol. 4 of 4: for George Shapard) August 14, 1863, Silver Creek, Clark Co., Indiana, George Shapard- 24 y/o, white, blacksmith, married?, born in Indiana former military service in 4^th Indiana Cavalry (discharged).

Fold 3 (source) George C. Shepard Co. D, 4^th Indiana Cavalry, private

 

(Source: Ancestory, U.S. Civil War Draft Registration Cards, 1863-1865, Indiana, 2^nd, Vol. 2 of 4: for Silas Shapard) July 8, 1863, Silver Creek, Clark Co., Indiana, Silas Shapard- 22 y/o, white, farmer, married, born in Indiana.

 

Fold 3 (source) Greenbury A. Shepard Co. E, 53 Indiana Infantry, private

Greenberry Sheppard married Feberuar 27, 1866 to Jane E. Honey [Heney] in Daviess, Indiana….this is possibly our Greenberry. Need further investigation.

Findagrave (source) Greensbery A. Sheppard b. Jan. 9, 1833, died Feb. 1900 buried in Union Chapel Cemetery, Martin Co. Indiana….this is a high possibility of being our Greensbery! Need further investigation.

 

Robert Shapard is the grandson of John Shapard (d. 1806) via his son George Shapard. George Dillard Shapard served in Gen. George Roger Clark’s Virginia Regiment. After the war, the State of Virginia granted 150,000 acres to reward the service men of this regiment. In 1784, the land was surveyed and allotted to the entitled men. Each private received 108 acres. Listed as privates were George Shepard who received 8 acres in section 74, and 100 acres in section A116 (each section held 500 acres); Peter Shepard who received 8 acres in section 196, and 100 acres in section 195 (note that George was granted 100 acres in section 195); Francis McDermid who received 8 acres in section 196 and 100 acres in A211 (Francis was the father of Mary Ann McDermid who married George Dillard Shapard). Lots 116, 95, 96 and 74 were all located south of Charlestown, north of the Ohio River and just west of 14 Mile Creek. (See Hathitrust, “Baird’s History of Clark County, Indiana,” by Lewis Baird, pg 34-35, for a plat map of Clark County). Clarksville was founded in 1784 and Clark County was organized in 1801.

George Dillard Shapard lived in Mason County, Kentucky whereas Peter seemed to live in Georgia.

 

(Source: History of California and an Extended History of the Southern Coast Counties, Vol. 2, 1907, by Guinn) Biography of James M. Shepard. States that James M. Shepard was born in 1837 in Mason Co. KY. He married Rebecca Van Winkle, Aug., 18, 1862 in Jackson, Ill and had five sons. His father, George Shepard, Jr., was also born in Mason Co. Ky and lived in KY until 1856, moving to Missouri where he died on August 26, 1856 (his wife Malia died in KY a few months before his move). George and Malia had children including James M. and Thomas W. (born 1812 in Mason Co and died on July 8, 1891- reports that in 1818 they moved to Indiana and then to Putnam Co., Illinois in 1825 or 1835. He married Catherine Hamm in 1844). His Grandfather, George Shepard, Sr., was a native of Virginia and fought in the Rev. War, and married Miss McDermid while at the fort in Lexington, Va. George Sr., had a sister Sally (Sarah) whom married in Mason County, KY, October 22, 1810 to Wesley Browning. (George, Sr. signs his name as “Shepard:” See Francis McDermid Pension Papers R6686). In George Sr.’s, Rev War Pension papers, it states that he was born in 1760, married Mary Ann McDermidt and that he and Francis McDermid, Jr., had spent most of the war together in Clark’s Regiment and after they were discharged in 1783 they lived for the next 10 years in Lexington Kentucky. In 1823 George reported that he lived only 4 to 5 miles from Francis in Mason Co. KY. Francis’ father Francis McDermid, Sr. died on April 1, 1792 and willed much land to his children (Mason County, KY, Deed Book A). In 1793, it appears that the heirs sold land (“including Stone Lick”) in Mason Co. Ky to George Shepard husband of Mary Ann McDermid, daughter of Francis Sr.

 

George Slaughter Revolutionary War Pension W8729: He was a Colonel in Gen. George Roger Clarks Division. He married Mary in February of 1770 or 1771 in Culpeper County, Virginia where they were living. He died June 17, 1818 in Charleston Clark County, Indiana.

George Slaughter in December 8, 1786 sent a note from Louisville, Ky. George Slaughter, Louisville, to George Roger Clark letter about Indian captives Jan 19, 1781.

See Archives.org “The Slaughter family” for geneology

Slaughters seemed to come from Culpeper County, Va, prior to the war.

 

(Clark County, Indiana Probate Book A) April 18, 1826. Francis Slaughter, Minor of Gabriel Slaughter, deceased chose James, her brother as guardian.

(Clark County, Indiana Probate Book A, Letters of Administrations) 1819 John Field (administrator) to George Slaughter (deceased).

 

(Source: History of Lexington, Kentucky, by Ranck, 1872, pg 100) “In this year (1783), the trustees reserved three lots where the garrison stands, for public use, and the other lots were disposed of to the following persons, viz: Humphrey Marshall, Benjamin Netherland, Caleb Williams, Robert Todd, John Carty, Martin Dickenson, Samuel January, Christopher Greenup, Wm. Anderson, John Sharp, Thomas Marshall, Patrick Owens, Robert Parker, Valentine Dickson, Widow McDonald, Christopher Kirtner, George Shepherd, John Mikins, Archibald Dickson, Andrew Steele, John McDowell, William Steele, Stoffre Zunwalt, James Mitchell, Benjamin Hadydon, Jane Todd, David Blanchard, Widow Kirtner, Amor Batterton, John Brooke, Mathew Patterson, William Galloway, Adam Zunwalt, Jacob Zunwalt.”

(Source: History of Lexington, Kentucky, by Ranck, 1872, pg 73) “On the 26^th of December, 1781, the trustees of Lexington station adopted a plan for the town, and the lots defined in it were disposed of by them to the inhabitants, who were required to pay a proportionable part of the money necessary to build the public houses and expenses arising toward good order and regularity in the town. The names of those who secured lots at this time are recorded as follows in the Trustees’ Book: …Francis McDermid…”

(source: Francis McDermid Rev. War Pension: I George Shepard of Mason County Kentucky do state on oath that I am personally well acquainted with Francis McDermid…ever since the fall of 1781…I was one of the party of Henderson and Walker in 1779 running the line between Virginia and North Carolina and Kentucky and Tennessee and enlisted in the service of the U.S. as a soldier in January 1780 and in the later part of 1781. I became acquainted with Francis McDermid while in the army and we lived near each other for ten years after the war in Lexington Kentucky, we both being mechanics…I now live not more than 4 to 5 miles from him. (signed) George Shepard.

Note: Daniel Smith’s Journal (1779-1780) documents in February of 1780 [George enlisted on February 12, 1780 at Logan’s Station] that it was cold and they had been hunting buffalo and turkey and they were sheltered at Station Camp. They began in August of 1779 and finished in August of 1780, traveling  from southern Virginia, to the falls of the Ohio (Louisville) and back to Virginia. Notice that due to the threat of Indians the party had a 25 man military escort.

Note: Richard Henderson lived in Granville N.C. beginning in 1745 (born in Hanover Co. Va. in 1735). He was a lawyer and Judge and businessman. In 1770s he began the Transylvania Company to negotiate lands from the Cherokee Indians in Kentucky for settlement. His negotiation with the Indians succeeded but Virginia laid claim to the land of Kentucky and would not agree to the settlement. Daniel Boone made a road to the proposed settlement “wilderness road” which was used by settlers many years later. Henderson of North Carolina was asked to verify the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina with Dr. Thomas Walker of Virginia. They both disagreed on the line and separated, each performing their own survey. Richard Henderson’s last Will and Testament is found in Granville County records 1784. It states he was living on the east side of Nut brush Creek and Anderson Swamp. His children were educated By Rev. Henry Patillo.