William Shapard (1741-1807) - Sources 1

SOURCES:

WILLIAM SHAPARD (1741-1807) AND HIS FAMILY

 

Note: December 28, 2013 – After a month of toiling with the family lineage found in every previous Shapard book, I decided to only link family members based on actual primary sources and disregard ALL of William Shepards William & Mary entries as I have come to believe most or all of the letters seemed altered, manufactured or placed ‘out of context.’ The wording was often odd in its over emphasis on family history. Nevertheless, once those 100 year old records (which had been the starting point for past Shapard genealogists) were removed off the table and the family line was reexamined it became clear… All the pieces fit beautifully.

 

HISTORY OF KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA

In 1691, King and Queen County, Virginia was founded from a section of New Kent County, Virginia. Present day King and Queen County covers 327 square miles and is long and narrow in shape. The county is approximately 60 miles long and no more than 10 miles wide at any given point. The population has remained fairly consistent over the years. In 1700, there were 4,306 inhabitants, which during that time made it the second most populated county in Virginia, in part due to the booming tobacco production. Present day population is around 6,000 inhabitants, making it rural in comparison to other Virginia counties. The King and Queen County courthouse was also established that year near the Matttaponi River in the town of King and Queen Court House, at the same location as it exists today. Regretfully, for research genealogists, King and Queen is considered a “burned county,” whereby the vast majority of early public records have been lost. In 1828, many records were destroyed during a fire at the County Clerks office; However, most records were lost under the vengeful hand of Federal soldiers, when in 1864, invading Union troops purposely burned down the Clerks Office, County Court House and other public buildings. The records that remain today were pieced together from private sources and the public records of neighboring counties.

Under British rule, the Church of England was the established church of the colonies in America of which all residents were required to support with yearly taxes called tithes. The Virginia General Assembly through legislation partitioned geographical regions into Parishes to serve the civil and religious needs of that population. Each parish had a central church and a few chapels attended by a single minister who traveled to each one on a timely circuit. The parish was governed by a “vestry” composed of men of power and influence within the local community. The vestry not only served the religious needs of the community, but also had a civil role via appointing individuals to maintain roads and ferries, reaffirming the property lines between neighbors every four years, caring for the poor, regulating the expense of raising bastard children, etc. In 1784, after the Revolutionary War, freedom of worship was demanded by Virginians, resulting in the disestablishment of the Church of England and vestries and the end of mandatory financial support to this institution

                        In 1702, King and Queen County had 2 parishes: St. Stephens (upper part of county) and Stratton Major (lower part of county). Since 1723 to the Present day King and Queen County has three parishes: Drysdale (upper part of county), St. Stephens (middle part of county) and Stratton Major (lower part of county). Stratton Major Parish was bounded on the southeast by the Poropotank Creek creating the border between King and Queen and Glouster counties; bounded on the southwest by the York River and Mattaponi River creating the borders between king and queen and New Kent and King William Counties; bounded on the Northeast by Dragon Run creating the border between King and Queen and Middlesex; and bounded on the Northwest by the border of St. Stephens Parish.  The Shapard family lived on a plantation in the lower part of King and Queen, County, within Stratton Major Parish. The location, even today, has a road by the name of “Shepards Warehouse.”

In 1725, the Episcopalian minister of Stratton Major Parish, John Skaife reported that the parish had about 200 families, and that church was conducted every Sunday, provided the weather was good. He administered the Lord’s Supper four times per year to the congregations. Rev. Skaife also reported that there we no public schools or libraries located within the parish at this time. The churches of Stratton Major were spaced about 10 miles apart. The main churches were the Upper Church and the Lower Church, named based on their location within the parish, with smaller chapels in between. The main churches were approximately 60 foot by 30 foot made of two foot thick brick walls which rose 20 feet high to a timber ceiling. The Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments were inscribed in gilt letters on the plastered walls inside the church. There was a high pulpit and elevated family pews and the floors were sporadically accented with marble slabs under which a few honorable dead were interred. Upper Church was constructed circa 1725 and exists today, whereas, Lower Church was abandoned in the late 1760s and has long since fallen to ruin and vanished. The location of the Lower Church is unknown, however, there is evidence of an old church near the town of Cologne, southeast of Shacklefords. In 1768, Corbin’s Church was erected near Laneville to replace the smaller Upper and Lower Churches, however, this church fell to ruin due to nonsupport during the Revolutionary War.     

 

Note: In 1702,                       King and Queen County had 2 parishes: St. Stephens and Stratton Major

                                                Essex had 3 parishes: South Farnham, Sittenburn Part and St. Marys

                                                Middlesex had one parish: Christ Church

 

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Under British rule, the Church of England was the established church of the colonies in America of which all residents were required to support with yearly taxes called tithes. The Virginia General Assembly through legislation partitioned geographical regions into Parishes to serve the civil and religious needs of that population. Each parish had a central church and a few chapels attended by a single minister who traveled to each one on a timely circuit. The parish was governed by a “vestry” composed of men of power and influence within the local community. The vestry not only served the religious needs of the community, but also had a civil role via appointing individuals to maintain roads and ferries, reaffirming the property lines between neighbors every four years, care for the poor, regulating the expense of raising bastard children, etc. It is of interest to note that while, the Church of England was the official church during the colonial era in Virginia there was a Presbyterian congregation in the area as early as 1755. In 1784, after the Revolutionary War, freedom of worship was demanded by Virginians, resulting in the disestablishment of the Church of England and vestries and the end of mandatory financial support to this institution

In 1745, St. James Northam Parish was partitioned along the James River. The region north of the river remained Northam Parish, while the region south of the river became St. James Southam Parish. The vestrymen of Southam created a functioning parish with officials and properties, services and taxes. Southam Parish served its community with the building of churches, the provision of a regular minister, the dependability of the vestry committee, and the annual payments of parish debts. The first church established in Southam Parish was Tar Wallett Hill built on the land of Daniel Coleman. Other churches were Petersville Church, Ham Church, South Chapel… Rev. McClaurine was the minister of Southam parish from 1751-1772, and Rev. Hyde Saunders was the minister from 1773-1791.

Within a few years, the residents of Goochland County south of the James River requested a separate county, so in 1749, Cumberland County was formed; which included all of Southam Parish and part of King William Parish. The county was named in honor of Prince William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland, being the second son of King George II. In 1772 Littleton Parish was created from the western portion of Southam Parish.

 In 1777, Cumberland County split along parish lines with the formation of Powhatan County. Therefore, for the time period of 1745-1772, Southam Parish had the general shape of present day Cumberland and Powhatan Counties combined (560 square miles). For the time period of 1772-1792, Southam Parish looked like present day Powhatan County (260 square miles) and Littleton Parish looked like Cumberland County (300 square miles). Rev. Christopher Macrae was the minister of Littleton Parish in 1773-1774, 1776 and 1785. During the Revolutionary War, Rev. Macrae did not express enthusiasm and was suspected by many locals of being a Loyalist to the King. As this reputation grew, he was condemned by many locals and was even assaulted and nearly killed. A petition arose to dismiss him from the Parish, however, Patrick Henry, having an acquaintance with the minister, vouched for his character and greatly quelled the disharmony. 

Settlement began in the area of Cumberland County in 1723, when Thomas Randolph acquired 2870 acres while it was still part of Goochland County. Roads were developed following the natural topography of the ridges and creeks, with their destination being the main rivers of the area: Appomattox River, James River and Willis River. Goods were imported and exported via these rivers. The county is also watered by four creeks: Bear Branch Creek empties into the Willis River, Great Guinea Creek runs 20 miles and empties into the Appomattox River, Angola Creek runs 12 miles and empties into the Appomattox River, and Green Creek runs 3 miles and empties into the Appomattox River. Taverns developed along the roads, offering food, boarding, merchandise and entertainment to travelers.

 The first Courthouse in Cumberland County was established in1749 at Mosby Tavern at Deep Bridge Creek. The courthouse and jail was located in the eastern section of the county which became Powhatan County in 1777. On April 22, 1776, at the Cumberland courthouse, Carter Henry Harrison read a resolve drafted for the Committee of Safety (militia) and presented to the House of Delegates which is considered the first positive call for American Independence by a governmental body in the 13 colonies. John Mayo and William Fleming presented the resolve to the Virginia Convention which led to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. 

After Powhatan County was established in 1777, Cumberland County needed a new courthouse and on August 26, 1777, the county officials selected a new site for a “courthouse, prison, pillory and stocks within the old field of Maurice Langhorne.” Surrounding the new Cumberland Court House the town of Effingham was laid out, but never fully realized, only building a few houses and a tavern. In 1783, Marquis De Chastellux visited Cumberland County Court house and described it as a small village of 7 or 8 houses and a tavern. He remarked that the judges, who were dressed in “the Virginia manner” (everyday clothes) “performed their duties with grace, order and simplicity.”  In 1790 the census of Cumberland County reported 8,153 inhabitants. (Source: The Vestry Book of Southam Parish and Livingspaces.com ).

 

 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY VIRGINIA DEEDS OF INTEREST:

 

George Wright [Sr.] patented 1,200 acres of land in Cumberland County on September 20, 1751. (Note: George Wright will dated September 29, 1760 was probated on December 18, 1769 in Essex County, Virginia and gave his sons John, George, Ambrose and Thomas the four hundred acres of land each of them was then living on.)

 

George Wright, Jr., bought of his father George Wright, Sr., in 1756. In Cumberland County 400 acres beginning at pine corner Vincent Lees east 30 degrees north 159 poles to corner oak; thence north 45 degrees west 80 poles to gum corner of __ Mayo standing on the east side of Bear Branch; thence on Mayo’s line east 45 degrees north 230 poles to pointers; thence to Thomas Wright’s land south 9 degrees 45east 46 poles to an oak standing on west side of Randolph’s Road; thence south 2 degrees 40 west 116 poles to corner pine standing near head of Bear [Barr] Branch; thence west 10 degrees 15 south 136 poles to white oak; thence to pointers on Thomas Wright’s land; thence __ on Ambrose Wright’s land to pointers on Vincent Lees [Laws]; thence on Laws [Lees] to beginning.

 

Thomas Wright bought of his father George Wright, [Sr.] in 1756. In Cumberland County 400 acres beginning at pointers on corner of George Wright, Jr., on the west side of Randolphs Road and thence east 45 degrees north 67 poles to oak on west side of Guinea Branch; thence south 30 degrees east 40 poles to corner oak in fork of Guinea Branch on Col. William Mayo’s land; thence east 39 degrees 45 south 158 poles to a white oak on east side of Angola Branch; thence south 45 degrees west 349 poles to an ash corner of Ambrose Wright’s standing on south side of Green Creek; thence north 38 degrees 30 west 300 poles binding on Ambrose Wright’s land to line of George Wright, Jr.; thence east 6 degrees north 75 poles to white oak; thence east 10 degrees 15 south 130 poles to pine; thence north 2 degrees 10 east 116 poles to oak sapling on west side of Randolphs Road; thence north 9 degrees west to beginning.

 

Ambrose Wright bought of his father George Wright, [Sr.] in 1756. In Cumberland County 400 acres beginning at white oak corner of Joseph Woodson’s, riding on Woodson’s line west 31 degrees south 72 poles to pointers; thence west 30 degrees north 60 poles to pointers corner of Capt. Charles Anderson; thence north 2 degrees 30 west 84 poles to corner pine; thence west 29 degrees north 146 poles to pine; thence north 1 degree west 70 poles to corner of Anderson’s; thence west 5 degrees south 73 poles; thence north 1 degree 20 west 27 poles; thence east 6 degrees north 187 poles; thence south 38 degrees 45 east 300 poles; thence south 40 degrees west 49 poles to pointers on Woodsons; thence south 8 degrees west 71 poles to beginning.

 

John Wright bought of his father George Wright, [Sr.] in 1758. In Cumberland County 400 acres on both sides of Green Branch of Appomattox River, being the same tract purchased by George Wright from Thomas Wood. Beginning at Spanish oak John Pleasant’s corner and running new lines south 72 degrees west 278 poles to pointers; south 136 poles crossing Green Creek to white oak; west 123 poles to pointers at Green Creek; north 30 degrees west 110 poles to pointers; north 102 poles to pointers; north 72 degrees east 380 poles to pointers; south 40 degrees east 124 poles to beginning.

 

Holman bought of John Cook in 1758: 360 acres in Cumberland County on branches of Green Creek on North side of Appomattox River. Pine stump on corner of Peter Randolph and William Patterson thence on line north 89 degrees east 96 poles to a trunk and white oak; thence north 4 ½ degrees east crossing long branch several times 302 poles to a white oak; thence north 49 degrees east 19 poles to John Plesants corner pointers in Col. Randolphs line; thence on Pleasants line north 45 degrees west 132 poles to J. Cooks corner black oak; thence on Cooks line south 30 degrees west 220 poles to a corner pine; thence south 89 degrees west 64 poles to William Pattersons border pointers; thence on Pattersons line south 30 degrees east 238 poles to the beginning. (Cumberland County Deed Book, 1758, p. 407)

 

[John] Woodson bought of Joseph Woodson in 1757: In Cumberland County on Green Creek 574 acres, 111 acres of which were part of a parcel of 423 acres granted to Joseph Woodson by patent.

 

John Lee bought of John Mayo in 1760: 239 acres in Cumberland County on both sides of Angola Creek. Beginning at pointers on Charles Lees line thence on Ann Mayo a new line south 410 poles to red oak sapling on John Wrights line; thence on John Wrights line south 72 degrees west 82 poles to a white oak on Thomas Wrights line; thence on Thomas Wrights line north 50 degrees west 102 poles to a white oak; thence north 40 degrees east 126 poles to pointers; thence north 50 degrees west 68 poles to a black oak sapling; thence a new line north 25 degrees east 258 poles to pointers on C. Lees line; thence on C. Lees line west [actually East] 17 poles to the beginning.

 

John Lee bought of Joseph Woodson in 1772. In Cumberland County 175 acres begin at broken red oak in John Wrights line; thence on his line north 61 degrees east 69 poles to a __ corner __; thence a new line north 3 degrees west 405 poles to a ___ corner in Joseph Lees line; thence on his line south 87 ½ degrees west 69 poles ___ corner; thence on John Lees line [south?] 3 degrees east 425 poles to the beginning.

 

Richard Price bought of Stark Boulware in 1777. In Cumberland County 200 acres beginning at white oak [corner] of Ann Rice on Shapard’s line thence south 33 ½ east 186 poles to corner on John Wrights line; thence south 38 degrees west 47 poles to pointers; thence south 3 degrees east 69 poles to corner white oak on Andersons line south 58 degrees west 69 poles to pointers; thence north 65 degrees west 65 poles to another pointer in the said Andersons line; thence north 5 degrees west 85 poles to a corner pine; thence north 65 ½ degrees west 90 poles to a red oak; thence new line on Ann Rices north 38 degrees east 170 poles to the beginning. Signed in presence of John Woodson, Samuel Williams and William Shepard, April 28, 1777.

 

Thomas Johns bought of John Mayo (son of William Mayo) in 1760. In Cumberland County 400 acres both sides of Great Guinia Creek. Beginning at black oak sapling in Thomas Wrights line thence on Thomas Wrights line north 50 degrees west 96 poles to a red oak; thence north 48 poles to a white oak; thence west 66 poles to pointers; thence on George Wrights north 210 poles to a white oak; thence on Alexander Trents south 50 degrees east 81 poles to a pine; thence north 25 degrees east 12 poles to a white oak; thence north 67 degrees east 66 poles to a white oak; thence on Charles Lee south 35 degrees east 210 poles to pointers; thence a new line south 25 degrees west 258 poles to beginning.

 

1789 William Meredith purchased “Wright’s Ordinary” 635 acres sold by decree of Cumberland Court for benefit of Henry Wright’s creditors by John Woodson. Deed of conveyance from executors of George Wright deceased endorsed by Woodson to Flamstead Ransone.

 

 

WILLIAM SHAPARD – (about 1740 -  d. May? 1807)

Note: There is no listing of William Shapard in Cumberland County prior to 1762 in any documents I have located.

 

1762 (approximate)

                        William and Mary Booker were married

 

October 12, 1762 (Cumberland County Deed Book 3, page 374)

                        [“William Sheperd of the County of Essex” bought a tract of land on the branches of Green Creek in Cumberland County, Virginia, bounding the lands of John Woodson*. The land was purchased from Thomas Wright]

                        Wright and Shepherd

                        This indenture made the 12^th day of October in the year of our Lord 1762 between Thomas Wright of the County of Cumberland of the one part and William Shepherd of the County of Essex of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Thomas Wright for and in consideration of the sum of $65 pounds current money of Virginia to the said Thomas Wright in hand paid by the said William Shepherd the receipt where of he doth hereby acknowledge have granted bargained and sold __ and confirmed by these presents do grant bargain sell __ and confirm unto the said William Shepherd his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land lying in the County of Cumberland on the branches of Green Creek and on both sides of Randolph’s Road it being part of the tract of land that Mr. George Wright, Sr., gave to the said Thomas Wright by Deed of Gift remaining in the office of the aforesaid county of Cumberland and containing 300 acres and bounded as followeth, Viz: Beginning at Lee’s two corner white oaks standing on the east side of Angola Branch thence along the said Lee’s and John Woodson’s bounds of their lands South 37 degrees West 351 poles to an ash standing on a branch on the bounds of the land of the said Woodson thence up the said branch North 36 degrees 15’ West 257 poles 10 links to the line of the lands of Mr. George Wright, Jr., which is two red oaks and a white oak thence North 78 degrees 15’ East 42 poles to a white oak corner of the aforesaid Wright Jr.  thence by a line of new marked trees North 89 degrees East 122 poles 20 links to pointers corner red oaks thence by another new made line North 48 degrees 30’ East 174 poles over Guinea Road to pointers on Y^e line of John’s thence by the said John’s and the aforesaid Lee’s lands South 52 degrees 15’ East 88 poles to the beginning. Together with all the buildings , gardens, orchards, fences, woods, water and water courses, privilages, profits, commodities, ___ and appurtenances to the same belonging  or in any wise appertaining and all the estate right and title interest property claim and demand of him the said Thomas Wright of in and to the premises aforesaid and every part and parcel thence of the …(fades out) …him the said Thomas Wright or his heirs of any other person or persons whatsoever and the said Thomas Wright the said tract or parcel of land and premises – the appurtenances unto the said William Shepherd his heirs and assigns against the said Thomas Wright and his heirs and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness where of the said Thomas Wright have to these presents interchangeably set his hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of George Wright, John Wright and Richard Brown. (signed) Thos. Wright, S.S.

                        Memorandum – That peacable and quite possession and seisin of the lands and premises within mentioned was had and delivered of the within named to the within named William Shepherd by Turf and Twig** in parcel thereof in lieu of the whole according to the ___ of the within mentioned deed as witness my hand and seal. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of George Wright, John Wright and Richard Brown. (signed) Thos. Wright, S.S.  

                        October 12 day 1762 then received of William Shepherd $65 pounds current money of Virginia it being the full consideration money of the within mentioned land and premises of the within written deed of witness my hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of George Wright, John Wright and Richard Brown. (signed) Thos. Wright, S.S.

 

Note: “Lee” is John Lee, son of Charles Lee and Anne Dabbs. He married Susannah Guthrey on Jamuary 13, 1764 (daughter of Henry Guthrey). They moved, between 1780-1793, to Campbell County, Virginia and founded the town of Leesville. He married (2) Frances ___?___. In 1760, John Mayo sold to John Lee 239 acres in Cumberland County (Cumb Co., Deed Book 2, p. 530). 1765, John Lee applied for license to keep and ordinary which was granted in 1766. In 1772, John Wright sold to John Lee 175 acres in Littleton Parish (Cumb. Co., Deed Book 5, pg 70). In 1794, John lee of Campbell Co., sold to Saymore Wright 359 ½ acres being part of the land whereupon John Lee formerly lived adjacent to John Wright, Yancy Holman, Joseph Lee, William Russell, David Robinson, Hamstead Ransom, Elisha Meredith (Cumb. Co. Deed Book 7, p. 396).

 

*Note: Mary Booker Shapard’s sister, Joanna Booker (b. 1749) married John Woodson of Cumberland Co. Va. They migrated to Granville County, North Carolina about 1782. (John was a Judge.  H is listed as a Judge in Cumberland County records as early as 1764, and as late as 1782.  Court record lists a John Woodson as a “Gentleman Justice.” During colonial times, four Justices heard every court case.

                        (Source: Historical Geneology of the Woodsons and their Connections) John Woodson was the son of Mary Miller and John Woodson, Sr., and was born about 1747. He was nicknamed, “Poplar Foot John,” due to his large feet. He married Joanna Booker and had five sons and one daughter. After Joanna’s death, he married Elizabeth (Raine) Venable, widow of John Venable and daughter of Capt. John Raine. John and Elizabeth had five daughters and one son. John served in the Revolutionary Army and in 1800 represented Cumberland County in the legislature. He was considered a very elegant speaker and a man of splendid stature.

In 1774 William was a witness on the will of George Wright (possible relation to Thomas Wright). Note that William’s sister, Elizabeth Shepard, MAY have married Archibald Wright who died circa 1774. This same Elizabeth  remarried in 1775 to Mary Booker’s father James Booker, Jr.

 

**Note: The Turf and Twig ceremony was used in the transfer of property during the colonial era in America. Basically, the land seller and buyer go to the land. The seller cuts a handful of turf from the ground and the buyer drops two shillings (or perhaps the price of the sale) in the hole. The seller then cuts a twig and sticks it in the turf placing it in the buyers hand, saying,” This turf and twig I give to thee…” The seller takes the money out of the hole and the buyer, now the new land owner, replaces the turf in the hole. This ceremony was an English custom of land transfer since medieval times.

 

Note: George Wright b. 1682 and died in Essex County, Va., in 1769. His wife was named Elizabeth (maiden name unknown). He was a planter and moved from Gloucester County, Va., to South Farnham Parish Essex County, Va., after buying 125 acres in that county on December 9, 1726. Over the years he added to his Essex County land holdings, which was located on Piscattaway Creek. In 1749, he acquired land in that part of Goochland County, Va., that became Cumberland County. In 1751, he patented 1,200 acres in Cumberland County. In 1756, he conveyed his Cumberland County land to his sons: George Wright, Jr., Thomas Wright, Ambrose Wright and John Wright. His will dated September 29, 1760 was proved on December 18, 1769. His wife Elizabeth died in Essex County. Her will was dated July 13, 1775 and was proved on September 18, 1775. Elizabeth and George Wright had the following children: John (d. 1770), George, Jr. (d. 1774), Ambrose (d. 1771), Thomas (d. 1790), James (~1742 – 1814), William (d. 1772), Samuel (d.1772), Benjamin (d.1801), Griffin (d. 1816), Richard, Stephen, Ann Cox, Susanna Gatewood, and Elizabeth. (Source: Delia McMahan papers, Library of Virginia)

                        John Wright (son of George Wright, Sr.) died before March 29, 1770. He was living in South Farnham parish, Essex County, Va., from the 1740s through the 1750s, however, by 1758 he was established in Cumberland County, Va., on land containing a grist mill which his father had purchased in 1747. John sold his land in Essex County to his father and acquired this land in Cumberland County in 1758 containing 400 acres. In 1769, John petitioned the Cumberland County Court to build a water grist mill on his land, which was granted. It is unknown who John married yet his children were John (d. 1803), Benjamin (d. 1805), Seymore. (Source: Delia McMahan papers, Library of Virginia)

 

Note: John Woodson last will and testament dated August 24, 1791 (Cumberland County Virginia Wills) (may or may not be our John Woodson). Lists wife as Elizabeth, son John (whom he gave land on Dry Creek), son Anderson, daughter Martha Gannaway. Exectutors: Samuel Williams, John Woodson and Richard Allen. Note that John and Elizabeth  Woodson continued to sell land to Samuel B. Shapard into the 1800s (see Samuel B. Shapard entries).

 

Note: From studying the deeds, The Shapard property originated from the 1,200 acres patented by George Wright in 1751, then 400 acres passed to his son Thomas Wright in 1756, then Thomas sold 300 of his 400 acres to William Shapard in 1762, William Shapard sold his 300 acres of land to Richard Wilson in 1785. From everything I have found it appears to have been located between Raine’s Tavern and Brown’s Church on the East side of Randolph’s Road. I believe the Guinea Road is the present day Cook’s Road near Raine’s Tavern.

 

April 25, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 170)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William Shepherd, Defendant. In case. An attachment ordered against the defendant’s estate for ten pounds.

 

May 23, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 180)

An Indenture of Feoffment between Thomas Wright and William Shepherd and Memorandum of Livery and Seisen and receipt.

An Indenture of Feoffment between Thomas Wright and George Wright and Memorandum of Livery and Seisin and receipt endorsed and acknowledged by Thomas Wright and ordered to be recorded.

 

Note: Livery and Seisin means a ‘transfer of possession,’ basically the transfer of the possession of land.  Livery means ‘delivery’ and seisin means ‘possession.’ The ceremony of the transfer was called feoffment, meaning a ‘gift,’ whereby, in the presence of a witness an actual piece of the land itself (a handful of soil, a twig, key to the buildings, etc.,) was transferred from the old owner to the new.

 

May 24, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 210)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. John Holman became Special Bail for the defendant and the defense pleads non assumpset and the plaintiff joins the issue.

 

Note: John Holman, Sr. (d.1818) was a judge in Cumberland County and a friend of William Shapard. (Cumberland County Deed Book, 1758, p. 407) 1758. Holman bought of John Cook: 360 acres in Cumberland County on branches of Green Creek on North side of Appomattox River. Pine stump on corner of Peter Randolph and William Patterson thence on line north 89 degrees east 96 poles to a trunk and white oak; thence north 4 ½ degrees east crossing long branch several times 302 poles to a white oak; thence north 49 degrees east 19 poles to John Plesants corner pointers in Col. Randolphs line; thence on Pleasants line north 45 degrees west 132 poles to J. Cooks corner black oak; thence on Cooks line south 30 degrees west 220 poles to a corner pine; thence south 89 degrees west 64 poles to William Pattersons border pointers; thence on Pattersons line south 30 degrees east 238 poles to the beginning.

 

July 26, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 275)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

August 23, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 309)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

September 27, 1763 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 342)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

November 12, 1763 (date of deed of gift dated November 12, 1784 when he came of age, being 21)

                        William and Mary have a son named Samuel Booker Shapard

 

November 28, 1763 (Cumberland County Deed Book 3, page 420)

                        Cumberland County, Virginia. William Butler sold 100 acres, bound by Thomas Cole, John Woodson and Charles Cottrell, to Nicholas Johnson. Witness by John Holman, William ShApard and Aaron Butler. Received November 28, 1763.

 

March, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 427, 445)

                        John Woodson – witness for Charles Bailey against William Prosser ordered that Charles pay him 470 lbs tobacco for 8 days attendance and 5 times coming and returning 18 miles and ferriage

                        John Woodson and his wife Mary…

 

Note: John Woodson is listed as a judge “gentleman of the court” in 1764 and 1765. He lived 18 miles from court…this may be the same John Woodson that lived next to William Shapard. Note that there was a John Woodson, Sr. and Jr. during this time. One married Joanna Booker, Mary Booker Shapard’s sister.

 

March 27, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 432)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

May 29, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 488)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

June 25, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 497-498)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. This day came the parties and by consent of the parties the determination of this cause is referred to John Raine, Henry Macon, and John Hobson or any two of them and they agree that their award thereupon be made the judgment of the court but if such two should disagree the parties agree that they may choose an umpire and his award to be the judgment of the court. On the motion of Alexander Richee, a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd, ordered that John pay him twelve hundred and thirty pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and six times coming and returning sixty miles. On the motion of Robert Wood a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd, ordered that John pay him one thousand fifty five pounds of tobacco for five days attendance and five times coming and returning sixty two miles. On the motion of Thomas Harvey a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd, ordered that John pay him six hundred and twenty four pounds of tobacco for three days attendance and three times coming and returning sixty one miles. On the motion of John Routon, a witness for William Shepherd against  John Harvey, ordered that William Shepherd pay him eight hundred and seventy pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and six times coming and returning forty miles. On the motion of Catherine Routon, a witness for William Shepherd against  John Harvey, ordered that William Shepherd pay her four hundred and thirty five pounds of tobacco for three days attendance and three times coming and returning forty miles.

 

July 24, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1762-1764, pg 536)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

September 23, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

October 23, 1764 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

1765 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a daughter named Mildred Shapard

 

February 26, 1765 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

February 27, 1765 (Vestry Book of Southam Parish, Cumberland County, Virginia, pg 167) 

(Apparently the property lines between neighbors had to be continually marked and clarified.)

In obedience to an order of Vestry held for Southam Parish the 23^rd day of July 1763, we the subscribers have processioned the land between Randolph and Clover Forrest Roads and the County Line and is as followeth: the lines of George Wright, William Sheppard, Ambrose Wright, Charles Anderson, Charles Williams, Saymore Scott, Mary Richerson, Col. Richard Randolph, James Anderson, Roger Williams, John Woodson and Samuel Phelps. [Reported to the Vestry on February 27, 1765]

 

Note: Southam Parish was established in 1745to serve the religious needs of the local population. The vestrymen created a functioning parish with officials and properties, services and taxes. Southam Parish served its community with the building of churches, the provision of a regular minister, the dependability of the vestry committee, and the annual payments of parish debts. Within a few years, in 1749, the residents south of the James River requested a separate county, so Cumberland County was formed; which included all of Southam Parish and part of King William Parish. In 1772 Littleton Parish was created from the western portion of Southam Parish; therefore, for the time period of 1745-1772, Southam Parish had the general shape of present day Cumberland and Powhatan Counties combined (560 square miles). For the time period from 1772-1792, Southam Parish looked like present day Powhatan County (260 square miles).  During the colonial era in Virginia, the Church of England was the official church which all residents were required to support with yearly taxes called tithes. However, there was a Presbyterian congregation in the area as early as 1755. During the American Revolution, the church attempted to continue business as usual, however, the records became less complete and briefer. After 1785, freedom of worship was demanded by Virginians, resulting in the disestablishment of the Episcopal Church and the end of mandatory financial support.  (Source: The Vestry Book of Southam Parish).

 

Note: Processioning was a procedure to formally determine and agree on the boundaries between property owners. The vestry assigned leaders in each precinct to walk the property lines with all the landowners and to report back to the vestry with agreements and disagreements duly included. Following the law, the vestry ordered processioning of the property lines every four years beginning in 1747, except 1767. Southam Parish was divided into about 40 precincts to accomplish processioning. When Littleton Parish was carved from Southam’s western lands in 1772, Southam Parish dropped to 19 precincts.

 

February 27, 1765 (Vestry Book of Southam Parish, Cumberland County, Virginia, pg 163) 

(Apparently the property lines between neighbors had to be continually marked and clarified.)

Due to an Order of Vestry of Southam Parish on July 23, 1763…[Line between] John Raine and John Holman, present Thomas Webb. Between John Raine and John Cook, present John Cook. Between John Cook and John Holman, present John Cook. Between John Cook and John Wright, present John Cook. Between William Shapard and John Lee, present John Lee. Between John Lee and John Wright, present John Lee. Between John Wright and John Mayo, present John Lee. Between John Wright and William Sheppard, present John Lee. Between John Wright and Thomas Carter, present John Lee. Between William Sheppard and Ambrose Wright, present John Lee. [Reported to the Vestry on February 27, 1765]

 

Note: John Raine was a Judge in Cumberland County as early as 1764.

 

February 27, 1765 (observation from processioner returns)

Precinct #1 boundaries: between Randolphs Road, the Clover Forrest Road and the County Line. Landowners: Charles Anderson, James Anderson, Samuel Phelps, Richard Randolph, Mary Richards, Saymore Scott, William Shapard, Charles Williams, Roger Williams, John Woodson, Ambrose Wright, George Wright.

William also appears in Precinct #5 boundaries: between Angola Creek, Appomattox River, Green Creek and Randolphs Road. Landowners: James Angola, William Anglea, Sr., and Jr., James Archdeacon, James Brown, John Brown, Zachariah Brown, Thomas Carter, john Cook, Valentine Corley, Isaac Duffy, Joseph Hammon, John Holeman, John Lee, john Mayo, John Nelson, Matt Nelson, William Owen, John Pleasants, John Raine, Peter Randolph, Flamstead Ranson, James Renolds, Jonas Renolds, William Shapard, James Townes, William Walker, Richard Ward, Nat Watkins, Thomas Webb, Ambrose Wright, John Wright.

 

 

September 24, 1765 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

On motion of George Wright, a witness for William Shepherd at the suit of John Harvey, It is ordered that the said William pay him 75 pounds of tobacco for three days attendance according to law.

 

October 29, 1765 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

Robert Hastie & Co., plaintiff, against William Sheppard, defendant, on petition, continued at the motion of the plaintiff.

 

Note: It appears that Hastie & Co. was a local store as numerous lawsuits by Hastie are filed and often deal with debt.

 

October 29, 1765 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

1766 (Cumberland County Virginia Tithables, Library of Virginia Manuscripts Collection)

                        …Col. Peter Randolph’s quarters – 20; John Lee – (torn); William Sheppard – 3; Mathias Nelson – 6, Ward quarter – 6…

 

Note: This is the first dated listing of William Shapard in the Cumberland County tithables report; However, each district had its own tithable report and his district reports prior to this date may not have survived. Reports from 1763 and on have been checked. Note that surviving tithable reports are sporadic and many years are not accounted.  Tithable is white male and slaves 16 years old and older.

 

July 29, 1766 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

August 26, 1766 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

September 23, 1766 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

November 24, 1766 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767)

Mildred Shepherd an infant by William Shepherd her next friend*, plaintiff, against John Holeman, defendant. On petition. This petition was dismissed, the plaintiff failing to prosecute.

 

*Note: “Next friend” is a legal term for an individual who is appointed by the court to act on behalf of another individual who does not have the legal capacity to act on his own behalf. Often this included minors, the mentally ill, infirmed, senile, etc.

 

1767 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a daughter named Elizabeth Shapard

 

February 24, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 405)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

March 23, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 433)

Edward Williams petitioner against William Shepherd defendant. On petition continued at motion of petitioner.

 

March 23, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 438)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

April 27, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 459)

William Shepherd is appointed Surveyor of the road from George Wright up the Sandy Ford with the usual gang.

 

April 27, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 464)

Gerard Ellyson (petitioner) against William Shepherd and John Holeman (defendants). In debt. An attachment is ordered against the defendant’s estates.

 

May 25, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 479)

Gerard Ellyson (petitioner) against William Shepherd and John Holeman (defendants). In debt. This day came as well the petitioner by his attorney as the defendant William in his proper person and the said William saith that he cannot deny the petition action and the attachment affirmed in this case against the defendant’s estate being returned executed upon one small book of the said John’s estate. The said John was solemnly called and came not but made default. Therefore it is considered by the court that the petitioner recover against the defendant the debt in the declaration mentioned amounting to $24.9.0 [pounds] together with his costs by him in this behalf expended and the defendant in mercy, etc.

But the judgment except as to the costs is to be discharged by the payment of from the 26^th day of November 1765 until paid. And it is ordered that the Sheriff sell the aforesaid attached estate according to law and pay the money arising thereby to the petitioner toward the discharge of this judgment. The petitioner agrees to stay execution on this judgment two months.

 

May 26, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 488)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

June 23, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 512)

John Harvey, plaintiff, against William  Shepherd, defendant. In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

June 23, 1767 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1764-1767, pg 520)

Edward Williams against William Shepherd. On petition. Continued by motion of the petitioner.

 

August 25, 1767 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1767-1770, pg 13)

                        Edward Williams (plaintiff) against William Shepherd (defendant). This petition is dismissed, the plaintiff failing to prosecute.

 

1768 (Cumberland County Virginia Tithables, Library of Virginia Manuscripts Collection)

                        Moore Lumpkin Constible, Tithables 1768: …Col. Richard Randal – 51, Saymore Scott – 5, William Shaperd – 3, John Wright – 10, John Cook – 7, Joseph Sharp – 1…

 

Note: This is the first dated listing of William Shapard in the Cumberland County tithables report; However, each district had its own tithable report and his district reports prior to this date may not have survived. Reports from 1763 and on have been checked. Note that surviving tithable reports are sporadic and many years are not accounted.  Tithable is white male and slaves 16 years old and older.

 

1769 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named James Shapard

 

1769 (Cumberland County Tithables, Library of Virginia Manuscripts Collection)

                        List of Tithables for James Brown: (first name on list) William Sheppard – 3, Joseph Sharp – 1, John Holman – 3, Zachariah Brown – 2, Flamstone Ransome – 5, John Raine – 7…

Note: This is the first dated listing of William Shapard in the Cumberland County tithables report; However, each district had its own tithable report and his district reports prior to this date may not have survived. Reports from 1763 and on have been checked. Note that surviving tithable reports are sporadic and many years are not accounted.  Tithable is white male and slaves 16 years old and older.

 

August 22, 1769 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1767-1770)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) against William Johnson (defendant). On petition.

                        Abates the defendant being no inhabitant of this county.

 

October 22, 1769 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 4, p. 415, 417)

                        Ambrose Wright and Elizabeth his wife of South Farnham Parish, Essex County, Va., convey to John Price of parish of St. Anne’s, Essex County 416 acres of land in Parish of Southam, Cumberland County, Va., on branches of Green Creek and Dry Creek, adjacent: Shepherd, Woodson, Chas. Anderson, George Wright. Recorded October 23, 1769.

 

February 26, 1770 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1767-1770)

                        Neil Buchannon, Jr. and Co. (plaintiffs) against William Shepherd (defendant). In debt.

                        Conditional judgement the defendant and Seymore Scott his common bail.

 

February 26, 1770 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1767-1770)

                        Neil Buchannon, Jr. and Co. (plaintiffs) against William Shepherd (defendant). In debt.

                        This day came the plaintiffs by their attorneys and the defendant although solemnly called came not but made default. Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff’s recover against the defendant the debt and Seymore Scott his common bail the defendant in the declaration mentioned amounting to £48.8.9. Together with their costs by them in this behalf expended and the said defendant in mercy, etc.

                        But this judgment except the costs is to be discharged by the payment of $24.4.4, with interest thereon to be computed after the rate of 5 percentum perannum from the first day of July 1768 until paid.

 

May 28, 1770 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) against John Woodridge (defendant). On petition. Dismissed the parties having agreed.

 

May 28, 1770 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772)

                        John Harvey (plaintiff) against William Shepherd (defendant).

                        John Holman who is special bail for the defendant renders him the said defendant in court in discharge of his recognition whereupon Joseph Calland became special bail for the said defendant.

 

November 26, 1770 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772, pg 127)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Randolph (defendant). In case.

                        William Fleming became special bail for the defendant and an impaslance is granted him the said defendant.

 

1771 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named Booker Shapard

 

February 26, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772, pg 183)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Randolph (defendant). In case. Nonassupset of issue.

 

February 26, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Randolph (defendant). In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

February 26, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772, pg 242)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Randolph (defendant). In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

June 25, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book)

                        William Shapard (plaintiff) against John Randolph (defendant). In case.

                        This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury, to wit: Charles Scott, Jesse Merryman, William Holland, Jacob Whiteholing, Micajah Mosby, Daniel Jones, John Winfree, James Gilliam, Jesse Robinson, Nathaniel Carrington, Creed Haskins and David Parker, who being elected tried and sworn the truth to say upon the issue joined upon their oath do say that the defendant did assume upon himself in manner and form as the plaintiff against him  hath declared and they do assess the plaintiffs damages by occasion of the nonproper performance of that assumption to £20.10.10 besides costs. Therefore it is considered by the court that the said plaintiff recover against the said defendant his damages aforesaid in form aforesaid assessed and his costs by him in this behalf expended and the said defendant in mercy, etc.

                        On the motion of Zachariah Davis a witness for William Shepard against John Randolph it is ordered that the said William pay him 775 pounds of tobacco for 4 days attendance and 3 times coming and returning 75 miles according to law.

On the motion of Daniel Dejannet a witness for William Shepard against John Randolph it is ordered that the said William pay him 50 pounds of tobacco for 5 days attendance according to law.

On the motion of James Tretwill a witness for William Shepard against John Randolph it is ordered that the said William pay him 209 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance and 1 time coming and returning 53 miles according to law.

On the motion of Samuel Williams a witness for John Randolph against William Shepard it is ordered that the said John pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one day attendance according to law.

On the motion of John Morton a witness for John Randolph against William Shepard it is ordered that the said Randolph pay him 285 pounds of tobacco for 3 days attendance and twice coming and returning 35 miles according to law.

On the motion of Archer Allen a witness for John Randolph against William Shepard it is ordered that the said Randolph pay him 204 pounds of tobacco for 3 days attendance and once coming and returning 43 miles according to law.

 

July 29, 1771 (Vestry Book of Southam Parish, Cumberland County, Virginia, pg 185) 

(Apparently the property lines between neighbors had to be continually marked and clarified.)

At a Vestry held for Southam Parish at the Courthouse of Cumberland County [July 29, 1771] for laying off the Parish into small precincts and appoint positioners to position the same.

Ordered that Joseph Michaux, William Sheppard and John Chambers or any two of them between the last day of March and the last day of September next begin and procession all the lands and renew and mark the several lines between Appamattox River, Green Creek and Randdolphs Road and make their return according to law.

 

September 24, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1770-1772)

                        John Harvey (plaintiff) against William Shepherd (defendant). Continued at the motion and cost of the plaintiff.

On the motion of Aron Butler a witness for William Shepherd at the suit of John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 75 pounds of tobacco for 3 days attendance according to law.

On the motion of John Routon a witness for William Shepherd at the suit of John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 315 pounds of tobacco for 3 days attendance and coming and returning 40 miles according to law.

On the motion of John Holman a witness for William Shepherd at the suit of John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 75 pounds of tobacco for 3 days attendance according to law.

 

September 25, 1771 (Cumberland County Will Books 1 & 2, page 43)

Will of Jacob Ammonette, dated 20 August 1771. Probated September 23, 1771. Daughter Mary Ann Ammonette, all my land in Chesterfield County on Falling Creek and lying between my brother William Ammonette and Andrew Ammonette and all the rest of my estate but if my daughter, Mary Ann, should die without issue, I give the above mentioned land to John Ammonette, Jr., son of my brother, John Ammonette. Executors: John Woodson, Jr. and Aaron Butler.

Witness: John Raine, Thomas Davenport, Jr. At a court September 25, 1771 presented by executors John Woodson, Jr. and Aaron Butler. Securities: John Holman and William Shepherd.

                       

September 25, 1771 (Cumberland County Will Book 1 & 2 1749-1782)

William Shepherd gave security with John Holeman* for John Raine, Thomas Davenport, Jr. at Cumberland County Court on September 25, 1771 and was presented by executors John Woodson, jr. and Aaron Butler.

 

*Note: John Holeman was the father of Susanna Holman who married William’s son Samuel in 1788.

 

October 28, 1771 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book)

                        John Harvey (plaintiff) against William Shepherd (defendant).

                        This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury, to wit: Creed Haskins, Clive Roberts, Nicholas Speirs, Edmund Toney, William Daniel, James Drake, John Flipper, Richard Richardson, Benjamin Weaver, James Dandy, John Phelps and Thomas Gunter who being elected tried and sworn the truth to say upon the issue joined upon their oath do say that the defendant did assume in the manner and form as the plaintiff against him  hath declared and that the plaintiff hath  sustained damages by the nonperformance thereof to five pounds two shillings and six pence besides costs. Therefore it is considered by the court that the said plaintiff recover against the said defendant his damages aforesaid in form aforesaid assessed together with his costs by him in this behalf expended and the said defendant in mercy, etc. 

On the motion of David Tyree a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd it is ordered that the said John pay him 278 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance and twice coming and returning 38 miles according to law.

On the motion of Robert Wood a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd it is ordered that the said John pay him 470 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance and twice coming and returning 70 miles according to law.

On the motion of Thomas Harvey a witness for John Harvey against William Shepherd it is ordered that the said John pay him 410 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance and twice coming and returning 60 miles according to law.

On the motion of John Holman a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one days attendance according to law.

On the motion of Baron Butler a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one days attendance according to law.

On the motion of John Routon a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 145 pounds of tobacco for one days attendance and once coming and returning 40 miles according to law.

On the motion of Warren Walker a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said William pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one days attendance according to law.

 

1772 (Cumberland County Chancery Court; William Shepherd vs John Harvey)

                        To the Worshipful Court of Cumberland County in Chancery sitting. Humbly complaining  show unto your worships your orator William Shepherd that one time in the year 17__ he agreed with a certain John Harvey defendant hereto to remove your orator, his family, his household goods from the county of King & Queen to the place where he now is, being a distance of about ___ miles, that your orator was to load the said Harvey’s wagons personally but with whatever things he thought proper; that the said Harvey was to travel 25 miles per day for all the time that he should be reasonably engaged there in. That the said Harvey immediately [accepted the] engagement aforesaid; that is to say sometime in the month of November, again your orator removed from the place aforesaid and though the weather was accordingly fine for the season said orator frequently hurried him, ___ your orator charges and expects to prove, not more than 12 to 15 miles per day throughout the journey, that sometime in the second day of setting out the said Harvey forced a male Negro boy the property of your orator to quit the wagon and would carry him no more during the journey  pretending that his horses were tired, when your orator___ by charges can prove that the said wagon was so moderately loaded and the horses in such condition, that the said Harvey engaged in ___ races with another wagon in company, evidently driving at a considerable distance at a rate of 5 or 6 miles per hour. That the said Harvey by his tardiness aforesaid having been engaged in this service ___ days charged your orator $5-2-6 which however he refused to pay, offering the said Harvey the sum of $4-0-0 which in his conscience your orator thinks was more than he deserved or if he was dissatisfied with that to leave the dispute so as to [offer] other of which reasonable proposals your orator well hoped the said Harvey would readily have accepted as an equally good conscience he ought to have done. BUT NOW so as it pleases your worships that…the defendant refused said orators proposals aforesaid swearing against your orator that if it was in his power would ruin him, that the said Harvey actually brought suit against your orator for the services aforesaid which after some time was referred to be settled out of court, that your orator made [many] appointments and accordingly frequently attended the references for a settlement of this affair but never could get the said Harvey to meet for that purpose, that the order of reference was discharged and a trial had in Court upon which your orator being unable to prove [some] of the allegations aforesaid particularly the said Harvey’s  engagement with said orator to travel 25 per day, a judgment passed against your orator for the sum of  $5-2-6 with very considerable __ that __ of this judgment was levied upon your orators estate which your orator…

 

 

The answer of John Harvey defendant to the bill of complaint exhibited against him by William Shepherd complainant… The defendant  agreed to remove the complainant from King & Queen [County] to his present dwelling place near the upper end of Cumberland [County] but positively denies he agreed to travel 25 miles per day or any particular distance, the complainant agreed with the defendant at the Rocky Ridge* and was to give him 10 shillings per day till he got to his own house in Charlotte County so to find the defendant horses and drivers [get] provisions and a bottle of Brandy each day until the service should be performed. That the defendant set out from Rocky Ridge on the aforesaid service went to the house of the said William Shepherd near the lower end of King & Queen County  [delivered him to] his land and returned home in 10 days which is near 200 miles in which time he crossed the James River twice and went considerably out of his way by the said William Shepherd who was his pilot, carrying him a wrong road besides while on his return through [King] William County he was forced to go so considerably out of his way by reason of a milldam having been broken, which happened while this defendant’s wagons were in the creek below the mill___ as he was going down, which had like to have drowned the defendants horses and driver, which happened in the night and the weather was cold that the defendant and his drivers were near perishing, their death having __ upon them before they could get to a house to warm; one of the defendants wagons was employed to remove the complainant and the other to remove one John Routon who paid the defendant his charge, which was the same he made of the complainant. The defendant during the journey found two bushels of corn __ for which he gave 1/6 and provision for himself and ___ from the Rocky Ridge down to the complainants house ___during the aforesaid journey in as in generally ___ cold for the season and one very rainy day and night…But the defendant explicitly swears the complainant agreed to pay him $5-2-6 as a satisfaction for his services after the same was performed, 2 shillings, five pence of which was for corn…

 

*Note: Rocky Ridge was a town in Chesterfield County, Virginia, later renamed Manchester, which was located across the James River from Richmond, Virginia. The towns of Manchester and Richmond were consolidated in the early 1900s.

 

June 27, 1772 (Cumberland County Deeds)

Wright to Wright. June 27, 1772 between John Wright [grantor] and Saymore and Benjamin Wright (infants) [grantee] 764 acres: Beginning at a corner of John Pleasants deceased thence on said Pleasants line to a corner poplar on said John Wrights line then on the said Wrights line to John Lees line thence on John Lees line to William Sheppard’s line thence on Sheppards line to Stark Bowler’s line thence on Bowlers line to a corner on Charles Andersons line thence on the said Anderson’s and John Woodson’s lines to a line of Thomas Cooke deceased thence on said Cooke’s and John Cooke’s  lines to the beginning…

 

Note: John Wright died about 1770 and this is a division of his lands among his sons.

Note: Stark Bowler is of the Bowler family of Cumberland County who originated from Scotland. 

 

July 27, 1772 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book)

                        John Harvey (plaintiff) against William Shepherd and George Wright (defendants). On replevy bond.

                        On the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney and the defendants having had legal notice it is considered by the court that the plaintiff have execution against the said defendants for six pounds three shillings and four pence halfpenny and four thousand seven hundred forty pounds of net tobacco with lawful interest thereon from the fourth day of November last past until paid and it is further considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his costs by them in this behalf expended.

                        On the motion of William Shepherd and George Wright by their attorney it is ordered that the proceedings at common law on a judgment this day obtained on a replevy bond by John Harvey against the said William and George be stayed until the matter in equity therein shall be heard and determined or until the further order of this court and it is ordered that the said William and George do find ___ and file their bill at the next court.

 

August 1, 1772 (Vestry Book of Southam Parish, Cumberland County, Virginia, pg 197) 

(Apparently the property lines between neighbors had to be continually marked and clarified. This entry indicated that “the above lines in quite and peaceable possession 22^nd January, 1772.”)

Due to an Order of Vestry of Southam Parish on July 23, 1771…[lines between] Joseph Lee and Thomas johns, Robert johns present. Between John Lee and William Shapard, John Lee present. Between Thomas Johns and William Shapard, George Wright and Robert Johns present. Between William Shapard and George Wright, George Wright present. Between Thomas Johns and George Wright, George Wright and Thomas Johns present… [Reported to the Vestry on August 1, 1772]

 

Note: Southam Parish was established in 1745. In 1772 Littleton Parish was created from the western portion of Southam Parish; therefore, for the time period of 1745-1772, Southam Parish had the general shape of present day Cumberland and Powhatan Counties combined (560 square miles). For the time period from 1772-1792, Southam Parish looked like present day Powhatan County (260 square miles); and Littleton Parish took on the shape of Cumberland County (300 square miles).  The last entry of William Shapard in the Southam Vestry book (1745-1792) is the above 1772 entry. It is therefore suggested that William Shapard resided in the portion of Southam Parish that became Littleton Parish. 

Note: William’s land is listed as crossing into multiple districts: Precinct #3 boundaries: between Appomattox River, Green Creek and Randolphs Road. Landowners: no returns recorded. Processioners: Joseph Michaux, William Shapard, John Chambers.

 

Note: William Shapard is found in 1772 in Precinct #7 as well as #3. No returns of landowners for precincts #1 or #5 (Shapard land may reside in these precincts. See Feb 27, 1765)

 

1773 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named William Shapard, Jr.

 

August 23, 1773 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 320)

Add tithables to Littleton Parish of William Shepherd and Phill, Nancy and Esther.

 

August 24, 1773 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1772-1774)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) against John Harvey (defendant). In chancery. Further time to answer.

 

June 28, 1773 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Book 1772-1774)

                        Alexander and Peterfield Trent (plaintiffs) against William Sheppard (defendant). In debt.

                        This day came the plaintiffs by their attorneys and the defendant in his own proper person and by consent of the parties it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum of £91.8.0, being the debt in the declaration mentioned together with the cost by them in this behalf expended and the said defendant in mercy, etc.

                        But this judgment except the costs is to be discharged by the payment of £45.14.0, with interest thereon to be computed after the rate of 5 percentum perannum from the 24 day of April last until paid.

                        The plaintiffs agree to stay execution upon the judgment for 3 months which is accordingly ordered.

 

1774 (Cumberland County Will Book 1 & 2 1749-1782)

                        William Shepard was a witness for George Wright’s will dated 1774 of Littleton Parrish, Cumberland County, Virginia.

 

July 8, 1774 (Cumberland County Will Books 1 & 2, page 152)

Will of George Wright of Littleton Parish, dated July 8, 1774. Probated September 26, 1774. My loving friend Elizabeth Armstrong during her life, one negro man named Joe and negro Wason Cole and negro girl Hannah, also an equal part with my children of my personal estate, also 1 feather bed and furniture, also I lend her for life 300 acres of land joining Samuel Williams and Alexander Trent to be laid off by my executors and it is also my will that she may have a good dwelling house 16 X 24 feet, a kitchen and all other necessary houses and gardens built on said land and that she have possession of the houses where I now live for the term of 5 years after my decease and after her decease it is my will that the land and all the other estate I have lent be sold and equally divided amongst all my children hereafter named, Henry Wright, George Wright, William Wright, Archibald Wright, Thomas Wright, Mary Wright, Gabriel Wright, Sarah Wright; I leave a slave to each of children, the remaining part of my land to be divided among my sons, and also negros to be divided; the remaining personal estate due me (debts) to be collected and my part of the mill to be equally divided among my children. Executors: My two brothers Thomas Wright and Griffin Wright and my two sons, George and William Wright. Witness: John Lee, Griffin Wright, Saymore Scott, William Shepard.

 

1775 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named Lewis Shapard

 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR In Cumberland County, Virginia (Source: The Story of Cumberland County).

During the Revolutionary War, a number of skirmishes are supposed to have taken place in the county, but no major engagements occurred within its boarders. Throughout the war, however, the county militia stood ready for a call, and was thinned to a very few by its members going off to war in other parts of the country. The remaining county militia added to what ever feeling of security was left in the county and provided the necessary force to quell guerrilla warfare and widespread robberies and crime, usual concomitance of a rebellion. Both Benjamin Wilson and Henry Skipwirth were not only Justices of the peace, but also Lieutenant-Colonels of the Cumberland County Militia during the war. For the first two years of the war, very few occurrences were felt in Cumberland County. Life moved at its usual pace, heightened a little by the fear that the theater of war might shift to central Virginia at any time. As war clouds continued to grow darker, Beverly Randolph, Colonel of the County Militia, was constantly expecting the British to turn inland. He and his associate officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Skipwith and Major George Carrington, Jr., constantly drilled their men in expectation of a call to service. Upon the retirement of Beverly Randolph, George Carrington, Jr., was promoted to Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia. One such occurrence was when American Colonel William Campbell passed through Cumberland County giving chase to British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarlton, who immediately preceded him, camping near the county court house. The war left its indelible print on the county. Morals fell to a low ebb. Immorality and vicious practices were widespread. The Order Books of the period are filled with stories of law violation. Freedom had its undesirable concomitants. Licentiousness and lawlessness were widespread. Church support and attendance fell to a minimum. Whiskey was distilled and retailed without license. In 1780, many of the law violators were brought to court and given heavy fines in a county-wide attempt to stamp out the practice. Education, never very highly organized in the county, was mostly smothered by the war. Even the Littleton Parish School (advertised in the Virginia Gazette in 1775) seems to have fallen through during the perilous days of the war. Without schools, few educational opportunities were open. A boy could study law with some practicing lawyer. Parents could teach in the home or hire a tutor, if financially able. Not many books were to be found anywhere. Even the most substantial planters had only a few books on the shelf. The tide of immorality began to ebb, as new churches gained greater strength in the county. The Presbyterians were the first to gain much ground over the doomed Church of England. Following the Presbyterians, the Baptists came and then much later the Methodists. In 1800, there were 500 Methodists in the county. The end of the war found Cumberland County in an ecomomically unstable condition. Currency was inflated and produce was scarce.  

 

1775 – 1781 (Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary War, by J.T. McAllister, 1913)

                        A statement issued by the Secretary of War in 1832 says, that there are in his department no rolls of the State Troops except those of Virginia and no rolls of the Militia except those of New Hampshire – thus in regard to the militia very little is known and what is preserved is extremely fragmentary. In 1776 the avalaible militia in Virginia is thought to have numbered about 40,000.

                        In the Spring of 1775, Virginia committed herself to the cause of American independence. In June of 1775, Lord Dunmore the Tory Governor of Virginia fled to a British war vessel in the Chesapeake where he by the safety of water, used the ship’s cannons to destroy plantation houses and burn down the town of Norfolk. In January of 1776, Lord Dunmore was driven away by Virginia forces whereby he sailed to England. For the next three years, the British had no foothold on Virginia soil. In the Summer of 1780, General Cornwallis overran South Carolina. North Carolina was threatened from the south and Georgia was already under British Control. Further British success would place Virginia in peril and this time few Virginia regular troops could be mustered as Virginia Continental soldiers had already been sent to the South and to the North to defend the state. In the Fall of 1780, the militia was called to defend the state. The militia was mostly untrained unlike the highly experienced Virginia Continental troops. Eventually the British were defeated at Kings Mountain, at Richmond, and Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781 at Yorktown. Overall, Virginia soldiers and militia initially battled Lord Dunmore, then phased to battles with Indians on the western frontier, and finally to fend off and defeat General Cornwallis.

                        It is known that Samuel B. Shapard served two tours in the Virginia Militia out of Cumberland County. It appears that his father, William Shapard, was drafted in 1780 when Cornwallis threatened the state, however, he sent his son Samuel to serve for him, whereby in return he would give Samuel his estate. It is unknown which company Samuel enlisted, however, records show that a wealthy plantation owner named William Mayo, whom lived in close proximity to the Shapards, organized a militia troop. In 1781 Captain William Mayo’s Company served with General Lafayette. In January of 1781, Capt. William Mayo’s Company marched to Suffolk. On one occasion the Company was surprised at night by the enemy. The Captain tried to make the men fight but they ran, despite the fact that they were in larger number than the enemy. Capt. Mayo’s Company was always on the move and did much of their marching at night. One night they captured 5 or 6 British loaded with jewelry and other plunder.

 

Known Militia Companies from Cumberland County, Virginia

1776 – Capt. Robt. Hughes Co.        

1779 – Capt. Edward Munford Co.

1779-1780 – Capt Clarkes Co.

1780 - Capt. Richard Crumps Co.

1780 - 1781 - Capt. Crad Haskins Co.

1781 - Capt. Littleberry Mosby Co.

1781 – Capt. William Mayo Co.

1781 – Capt. William Meredith Co.

1781 – Capt Robert Pout

 

August, 1775 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 35, No. 3, p. 191; Legislative Petitions; The 10,000 Name Petition)

                        The final petition regarding religious “toleration” or freedom presented to the House of Burgesses by the Baptists was read on 13 June 1775: A petition of Sundry Persons of the Community of Christians, called Baptists, and other Protestant dissenters, whose names are thereunto subscribed, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the Toleration proposed by the Bill, ordered at a former session of General Assembly to be printed and published, not admitting public worship, except in the day time, is inconsistent with the laws of England, as well as with the practice and usage of the primitive Churches, and even of the English Church itself; that the night season may sometimes be better spared by the petitioners from the necessary duties of their callings; and that they wish for no indulgencies which may disturb the peace of the Governemnt; and therefore praying the House to take their case into consideration, and grant them suitable redress. Ordered, that the said Petition do lie upon the Table.

                        The bill never came to a final vote. In August, 1775, at a joint meeting of the Northern and Southern district associations at Dupuy’s Meeting-house in Cumberland, a resolution to circulate petitions for the abolition of the established Church and the establishment of religious freedom was passed. These petitions were to be presented to the Virginia Convention.

                        Signatures are:…John Holman, Edward Arms, Powell Hughes, Mills Woodson, John Bealk, Wm. Shapard, Saml. Phelps, Wm. Sampson, Aaron Butler, John Raine…

 

1777 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named Thomas Shapard

 

April 28, 1777 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 5, p. 469)

Richard Price bought of Stark Boulware in 1777. In Cumberland County 200 acres beginning at white oak [corner] of Ann Rice on Shapard’s line thence south 33 ½ east 186 poles to corner on John Wrights line; thence south 38 degrees west 47 poles to pointers; thence south 3 degrees east 69 poles to corner white oak on Andersons line south 58 degrees west 69 poles to pointers; thence north 65 degrees west 65 poles to another pointer in the said Andersons line; thence north 5 degrees west 85 poles to a corner pine; thence north 65 ½ degrees west 90 poles to a red oak; thence new line on Ann Rices north 38 degrees east 170 poles to the beginning. Signed in presence of John Woodson, Samuel Williams and William Shepard, April 28, 1777.

 

 

May 10, 1777 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 30, No. 2, p. 85; Legislative Petitions of Cumberland County)

                        In habitants of Cumberland County again petition the General Assymbly of Virginia to divide their county into two distinct  counties agreeable to parish lines. Signitures are: …Wm. C. Guthrey, Edward Arms, Wm. Shapard, Warren Walker, John Woodson, Jr., Joseph Sharp, John Woodson…

 

March 24, 1778 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 445)

William Shepherd vs. Thomas Wright and George Wright

 

May 25, 1778 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books, pg 462)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Ralph Ransone, William Ransone, and Henry Wright (defendants). In debt.

                        This suit – to the defendants Ralph and William Ransone being no inhabitants of the county [not from Cumberland County] and an attachment is expected against the estate of the defendant Henry Wright.

 

July 28, 1778 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books, pg 501)

                        William Sheppard(plaintiff) against Henry Wright (defendant). In debt.

                        The attached issued in this case being examined executed upon and assessed of the defendants estate and he failing to appear it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the debt, the sum of £6 by the debt in the declaration mentioned, together with his costs by him in this behalf expended and the defendants mercy, etc.

                        About this judgment except as to the costs is to be discharged by the payment of £2.10.0 with interest thereon to be computed after the rate of 5 percentum perannum from the first day of June 1777 until paid.

 

1779 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a daughter named Polly Shapard

 

May 24, 1779 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 22)

                        On motion of William Shepherd it is ordered that a license issue for him to keep an ordinary at his home in this county the ensuing year, where upon he with John Holman his security entered into bond according to law.

 

October 25, 1779 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 74)

                        On motion of William Shepherd a witness for the Commonwealth against Richard Price it is ordered that the said Richard pay him 150 pounds of tobacco for three days attendance according to law.

 

November 23, 1779 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784)

                        William Shepperd (plaintiff) against Richard Price (defendant). In trespass, assault and battery. [The defendant is found] not guilty of issue.

 

November 23, 1779 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784)

                        Timothy Tr__ a ___ of George Wright (plaintiff) against Henry Wright.

                        On motion of William Shepperd a witness for Timothy in regard to Henry Wright it is ordered that Thomas Gutten, George Wright and William Wright, executors of George Wright, deceased, the lessor of the said Timothy pay him 350 pounds of tobacco for 7 days attendance according to law.

 

November 23, 1779 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784)

                        William Shepperd (plaintiff) against Richard Price (defendant). In case.

                        This defendant by his attorney comes into court and for his plea in the aforesaid suit admits to speaking of the words in the declaration mentioned as charged therein and for his justification alleges that the same are true and that he is ready to verify and thereupon puts himself upon his county and the plaintiff likewise.

 

May 22, 1780 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 119)

                        On motion of William Sheppard it is ordered that a license issue for him to keep an ordinary at his home in this county the ensuing year, whereupon he with Edmund Pearce his security entered into bond according to law.

 

Note: In 1780, the county court listed the rates for ordinaries to be: West India Rum & Brandy - $8 per gill; Whiskey - $5 per gill; dinner or breakfast - $10; a diet for servants - $6; stable or pasture for horses - $1 (for 24 hours); oats or corn (dry measure) - $5 per gallon; clean bed for night lodging - $4…” The war had greatly inflated currency as well as due to the scarcity of produce. This list also shows the small value of the early dollar (source: The Story of Cumberland County, Virginia). 

 

August 29, 1780 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784)

                        William Shepperd (plaintiff) against Richard Price (defendant). In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

August 29, 1780 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784)

                        Timothy Trittle (?) __ of George Wright (plaintiff) against Henry Wright, in trespass. On motion of William Shepherd a witness for Timothy against Henry Wright it is ordered that Thomas Wright, Griffen Wright, George Wright and William Wright executors of George Wright, deceased, the lessor of the said Timothy pay him 50 pounds tobacco for one day attendance according to law.

 

November 10, 1780 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 30, No. 2, p. 89; Legislative Petitions of Cumberland County)

                        Sundry inhabitants of Cumberland County petition the House of Delegates to reject a bill forbidding the use of depreciated currency in payment of debts. The substance of the bill is that no paper currency shall remain a tender and pass in payment of debts and contracts as heretofore but that all debts and all loan office tickets be paid in as much money as will purchase such a quantity of tobacco as the money would have purchased at the time the contract was made or the money lent. Signatures are: … Wm. Sims, Wm. Shapard, Wm Davenport, Thos. Davenport….

 

November 10, 1780 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 30, No. 2, p. 90; Legislative Petitions of Cumberland County)

                        A memorial of inhabitants of Cumberland County represent that they feel the preachers who refuse to give allegiance to the state should not enjoy the same privileges as citizens who have fulfilled all requirements of the government. Signatures are: … Robert Colquit, Wm. Shapard, John Walker, William Walker…

 

February 15, 1781 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 150)

(Trial of Ham, a negro man of Henry Wright, who on September 13, 1780 entered the tanning vat on William Shepherd’s property and stole 4 sides and one skin. He was found guilty and ordered to be burned in the hand).

At a court of oyer and terminer held at Cumberland county court house the fifteenth day of February 1781 for the trial of Ham a negro man slave belonging to Henry Wright for felony. Present George Carrington, Richard James, Henry Skipwith, Fredrick Hatcher, Saymore Scott and John Woodson, gentlemen justices.

                        William Shaphard in behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia comes into court and gives the court now sitting to understand and be informed that Ham a negro man slave belonging to Henry Wright on the 13^th day of September in the year of our Lord 1780 at the parish of Littleton in the county aforesaid the tan vat belonging to the said William Shapherd this situate did break and enter and four sides and one skin of leather of the value of  40 shillings of the goods and chattels of the said William Shapherd then and there being found feloniously did steal, take and carry away against the form of the act and assembly in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the said Commonwealth. Whereupon the said Ham was led to the __ in custody of the sheriff of this county to whose custody for the court aforesaid he was before committed and, being ___ of the ___ said he was thereof guilty and the court being of the opinion that the prisoner is entitled to the benefit of clergy it is ordered that he to be burnt in the hand which being done in open court he is discharged. (signed) George Carrington.

March 5, 1781 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 30, No. 2, p. 93; Legislative Petitions of Cumberland County)

                        A petition to the General Assymbly by inhabitants of Cumberland County asks that legislation passed in the previous session by that governing body be suspended. The legislation required raising new recruits and funds for the war effort. Signatures are:…Ben Wilson, Jr., Wm. Ballow, Wm. Shapard, Chas. Ballow…

 

March 29, 1781 (Revolutionary War Certificates, Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia)

                        Cumberland County, March 29, 1781

                        The commonwealth of Virginia is indebted to William Shapard the sum of one hundered and seventy pounds for eight and one half bushels of wheat and ten pounds four shillings for carriage of the same to Skipwith’s Mill. (signed) Henry Skipwith, Com. – 170 + 0.10.0 = £180.0.0.

 

September 18, 1781 (Revolutionary War Certificates, Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia)

                        Cumberland County, September 18, 1781

                        The commonwealth of Virginia is indebted to William Sheppard three pounds nineteen and two pence specie for two beef cattle adjudged top weigh four hundred and seventy five pounds for public use. (signed) Ben Wilson, Com. - £3.19.2, 475lbs.

 

November 26, 1781 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 168)

                        William Shepperd (plaintiff) against Richard Price (defendant). In case. Continued by consent of the parties.

 

November 26, 1781 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 168)

On motion of William Shepherd a witness for Timothy Trutitle against Henry Wright it is ordered that Thomas Wright, Griffen Wright, George Wright and William Wright executors of George Wright, deceased, the lessor of the said Timothy pay him 175 pounds tobacco.

 

1782 (Cumberland County Chancery Court, Shapard vs Wright)

                        Commonwealth of Virginia to Sheriff of Cumberland County greetings. We command you to summon Henry Wright and Thomas Wright to appear before our justices of our said court at the court house on the fourth Monday next month to answer a bill in Chancery exhibited against them by William Shepherd and this they shall in no wise omit, under penalty of each $100 lbs. Witness Geo. Cunningham, Clerk of our said Court at the said Court house the 13^th day of March in the 6^th year of our independence [1782].

 

1782 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named John S. Shapard

 

1782 (Cumberland County Virginia Tax Roll for 1782)

                        William Shepherd – 11 whites, 10 blacks.

 

April 29, 1782 (Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia, Court Booklet, Cumberland County Virginia Order Book 1779-1784, pg 191)

                        At a court held for Cumberland County at the courthouse the 29^th April 1782, for the recovery of claims against the public on account of horses and other property impassed or taken for public service. The following claims were received and allowed and ordered to be reported to next session of assembly.

                        William Shepard:

                        8 ½ bushels wheat, [when taken and certified] March 29, 1780, [by whom certified] Henry Skipwith, Com., [for use by] State Militia, [value] £1.11.0

                        Carriage of the same [bushels of wheat above] [when taken and certified] March 29, 1780, [by whom certified] Henry Skipwith, Com., [for use by] State Militia, [value] £0.5.0

                        475 lbs beef, [when taken and certified] September 13, 1781, [by whom certified] Ben Wilson, Com., [for use by] State Militia, [value] £3.19.2.

                        1 bushel corn, [used by] General Lawson’s Brigade, [when taken and certified] March 6, 1781, [by whom certified] Stephen Cook, Q.M., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.1.6.

                        2 bushels corn, [use by] the use of [horse] teams belonging to the Continental service bound to Pennsylvania, [when taken and certified] February 28, 1781, [by whom certified] John Stewart, W.C., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.3.0

                        4 bushels corn and oats, [use by] Capt. Lee’s Troop of horses belonging to General Lawson’s Brigade, [when taken and certified] June 1, 1781, [by whom certified] Samuel Luck, Q.M., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.6.0.

                        29 bushels wheat, [when taken and certified] December 7, 1781, [by whom certified] Ben Wilson, Com., [for use by] State [Militia], [value] £5.16.0.

 

June 24, 1782 (Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia, Court Booklet, pg 68)

                        William Shepherd:

                        Pasturage one night for 14 horses, [used by] the first and second Maryland Regiments on their way to the Southern Army, [when taken and certified] September 20, 1781, [by whom certified] John Ecclastron, Major, Maryland Regt., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.7.0.

                        70 bushels fodder, [used by] a detachment of Col. Lee’s legion, [when taken and certified] November 18, 1781, [by whom certified] George Guthrey, D.P.L., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.5.10.

                        12 bushels fodder, [used by] a detachment of Col. Lee’s legion, [when taken and certified] November 18, 1781, [by whom certified] George Guthrey, D.P.L., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.18.0.

                        Stableage for 7 heifer, [used by] a detachment of Col. Lee’s legion, [when taken and certified] November 18, 1781, [by whom certified] George Guthrey, D.P.L., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.3.6.

 

October 28, 1782 (Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia, Court Booklet)

                        At a court held for Cumberland County the 28^th October 1782, the following claims against the public were received and allowed and ordered to be certified to the next session of assembly.

                        William Shapard:

Carriage of 800lbs bacon, From Cumberland County to Prince Edward [County] collected for General Greens Army, [when taken and certified] September 29, 1781, [certified by] Miller Woodson, A.D.C.P., [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £0.10.0.

Securing, __ and smoking the same [bacon as listed above], [value] £0.10.0.

Provision for 17 men, 32 jells and fruit, forage for one horse and lodging for three men, [purpose] for General Steven’s Brigade, [when taken and certified] November 7^th 1780, [certified by] Thomas Davenport, S.M.V.M, [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £2.8.10 ½  

 

October 29, 1782 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 280)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Land (defendant). In case.

                        The defendant called came not but made default whether he say anything in ___ of the plaintiff action whereby the plaintiff remain thereof against him unfounded therefore it is  considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his damage occasioned by the issue to be inquired by a jury at the next court.

 

October 29, 1782 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 285)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against Henry Wright and Thomas Wright (defendants). In chancery.

This day came the plaintiff by his council and the attachment ___ came being returned and examined and the defendants failing to appear to answer the plaintiffs bill of complaint. The said bill is taken as confessed, thereupon as decree and ___ ordered that the surveyor of this county survey the lands the bill ___ conveyed by the defendant Thomas to the plaintiff and by the defendant Thomas to George Wright into the bill named, and that after he maketh such ___ survey he with Miller Woodson, Samuel Williams, William Anderson and Anderson Cooke, gentlemen or any three of them, run a dividing line and add to the lands of the complainant (left blank) acres, taking off the quantity from the tract of Henry Wright or the tract of land which George Wright purchased off the defendant Thomas as the most convenient side. To suit are circumstances and boundaries of each tract and the defendant execute a proper deed to the complainant as the complainant charges and expects for the said quantity of (left blank) acres with a special warrant.

 

1783 (Cumberland County Personal Property Tax List for 1783)

                        William Shepherd – Name of Taxable Property: himself, Phill, Peter, Pegg, 3 – Aham, James, Harry, Ishmael, Hannah, Jack, Nancy, 7. Number of tithable above 21 years: 1; Number of slaves above 16 years: 3; Number of slaves under 16 years: 7; Number of horses: 8; number of cattle: 20. Amount of tax: 6-11-0.   

 

February 25, 1783 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 323)

Peter Francisco witness for John Land vs. William Shepherd paid for five days attending and twice coming and going 19 miles.

 

Note: Peter Francisco was the legendary Revolutionary War hero of herculean stature who married in December of 1784, Miss Susannah Anderson of Cumberland County, Virginia. Susannah was the daughter of Capt. James Anderson and Elizabeth Tyler Baker Anderson.

 

February 25, 1783 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 321)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Land (defendant). This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury, to wit (list of names)… and upon their oath do say that the defendant thereof  guilty in manner and form as the plaintiff against him hath declared and they do assess the plaintiffs damages by occasion thereof to 25 pounds, besides costs.

On the motion of John Holman a witness for William Shepherd against John Land it is ordered that the said William pay him 100 pounds of tobacco for four days attendance according to law.

On the motion of Charles Lee a witness for William Shepherd against John Land it is ordered that the said William pay him 50 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance according to law.

On the motion of John Lee a witness for William Shepherd against John Land it is ordered that the said William pay him 100 pounds of tobacco for 4 days attendance according to law.

On the motion of James Blanton a witness for William Shepherd against John Land it is ordered that the said William pay him 50 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance according to law.

On the motion of John Blanton a witness for William Shepherd against John Land it is ordered that the said William pay him 50 pounds of tobacco for 2 days attendance according to law.

 

April 29, 1783 (Public Service Claims, Cumberland County Virginia, Court Booklet)

                        Cumberland Court 29 April, 1783. The following claims against the public were received and allowed and ordered to be certified to the next session of assembly.

                        William Shepherd: 1 ½ bushels corn, 80 lbs fodder, 12 [lbs fodder], [purpose] 4^th Regiment L D on their march to the northern aid, [when taken and certified] February 21^st, 1783, [by whom certified] J. Halleth, Lt. 4.L.D, [for use by] Continental [Army], [value] £1.3.4 ¾

 

May 27, 1783 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 344)

                        William Shepard (plaintiff) against John Harvey (defendant). In chancery.

                        The plaintiff failing to prosecute his bill it is ordered and decreed that the same be dismissed and that the said plaintiff pay to the defendant his costs by him about this in this behalf expended.

 

May 27, 1783 (Cumberland County Court Order Book 1779-1784, page 347)

                        At a court continued and held for Cumberland County the twenty seventh day of May one thousand seven hundred and eighty three. Present: Henry Skipworth, Benjamin Wilson, Seymour Scott, Thomas Nash, Cary Harrison and John Langhorne gentleman. Abraham Charlton plantif against William Shepardd defendant – In debt. This day came the plaintiff by his attorney as also the defendant in his proper person and by the consent of the parties it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum of sixteen pounds fifteen shillings being the debt in the declaration mentioned and his costs by him in this behalf expanded and the defendant in mercy, &c. But this judgment except as to the costs in to be discharged by the payment of eight pounds seven shillings and six pence with interest thereon to be computed after the rate of five percentum perannum from the twenty third day of October last past until paid, and by consent of the parties it is ordered that execution of this judgment be stayed three months. On the petition of Abraham Charlton plaintiff against William Shepherd defendant for a debt said to be due by note this day came as well the plant if by his attorney as the defendant in his proper person and on hearing the parties it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum of two pounds three shillings and one penny with interest thereon on be computed after the rate of five percentum from the eighteenth day of February last past until paid and his costs by him in this behalf expended.

 

July 1783 (Charlotte County Virginia Order Book)

                        William Shepherd, who stands charged before Francis Scott, Gentleman one of the magistrates of this county of being guilty of ___ stealing and carrying away a negro man named Abram the property of John Harvey of the said county, was brought to the __ before the court now sitting by William Martin, Gentleman Sheriff of this county to whose custody for the causes aforesaid he was before committed. And the said William Shepherd waving all advantages and exceptions prayed the Court to ___ in the ___ at this day, on his denying the charge of which he stands accused. The court proceeded to the examination and on hearing the witnesses as well on behalf of the Commonwealth as the said Shepherd, are of opinion that he is not guilty of the crime of which he stands accused. Therefore it is ordered that he be forthwith discharged out of custody and go home without dely.

                       

July 1783 (Charlotte County Virginia Order Book)

                        William Shepherd came into court and made oath that he was in fear of his life __of some bodily harm ___done to take __ to be done him by a certain John Harvey and his son Thomas Harvey of this county and therefore prayed the peace against them. Thereupon it is ordered that  the sherriff take the said John Harvey and Thomas Harvey into custody until they give security, that is to say the said John and Thomas, and on the sum of one hundred pounds and these securities on the sum of fifty pounds each of ___ and to the Commonwealth___. Yet upon this condition nevertheless that the said John Harvey and Thomas Harvey shall be of good behavior and keep the peace towards all the good people of this State, and especially towards the said William Shepherd for and during the term of one year [then void security].

 

August 1, 1783 (Commissioners Books for Revolutionary War, Cumberland County Virginia, p 232, 234)

                        William Shepherd for beef, wheat. corn furnished C.P. ___ and ditto [allowed by the court of Cumberland]. – 5.18.9 +2.7.6 +1.14.8^3/4 = 9.10.11^3/4.

                        (pg 234) Southern Expedition

                        Warrant to William Sheppard for waggonage, etc., furnished General Greene’s Army and Cert. [certificate] allowed by the Court of Cumberland – 3.9.6.

                        Militia

                        William Sheppard for corn furnished June 1781 & ditto [allowed by Court of Cumberland] – 0.9.0.

(pg 232) William Shepherd for beef, wheat, corn. furnished C.P. ___ and ditto [allowed by the court of Cumberland]. – 5.18.9 +2.7.6 +1.14.8^3/4 = 9.10.11^3/4.

 

August 22, 1783 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 400)

Examination of William Shepherd for stealing a negro boy of John Harvey of Charlotte County on July 7, 1783. Shepherd said that he had already been acquitted of this charge in Charlotte County on July 8, 1783. The charge was dismissed in Cumberland County.

 

August 26, 1783 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 417)

Commonwealth vs. John Land for trespass, assault and battery against William Shepherd.

 

August 26, 1783 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 417)

On the motion of William Shepherd a witness for the Commonwealth against John Land it is ordered that the said John Land pay him 325 pounds of tobacco for 13 days attendance according to law.

 

November 24, 1783 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books)

                        Grand Jury for concealing thithables: (many names listed for concealing themselves, slaves or family members) William Shepherd for concealing his son Samuel Shepherd.

 

 1784 (Heads of Family Census taken in Cumberland County Virginia 1784)

                        William ShApard (Head of Family), 11 White souls (including William), 1 dwelling house, 3 other buildings.

 

Note: From this Census 1784, being the first Census taken in the United States, we can approximate that William, Mary, Samuel, Mildred, Elizabeth, James, William, Lewis, Booker, Thomas, Mary, and John S., were born. It appears that Samuel had moved out or was elsewhere as he was not on the list of tithables of 1783. Thus, 9 children living at home and two parents, equaling eleven. More will have to be done on this for verification; however it is apparent that Lewis’ birth cannot have been in 1759 as was formally believed, but more around 1773-1775; which also places him as too young to have fought in the American Revolution)

 

1784 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a daughter named Ann Shapard

 

February 23, 1784 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 496)

Joseph Michaux claims William Shepherd hath insulted and treated him with contempt.

 

February 23, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 502)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Thomas Charlton (defendant). On an attachment against the defendants estate.

On the motion of Daniel Allen the judgment obtained against him in court in November last as a guardian of the defendant in the case is set aside and the said Daniel confessing in court that he is indebted to the defendant in 1,000 pounds of tobacco it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the said Daniel Allen the said 1,000 pounds tobacco…

 

March 22, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 510)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Saymore Wright and John Worton(?) (defendants). In debt.

On the attachment by William Shepherd plaintiff account the estate of Pleasant Merideth, defendant for £6.13.11, this day came the parties by their attorneys and the sheriff having made return upon the said attachment ___he had attended all the situate with the defendant in the hands of John Woodson, had summoned him to appear here to under an account thereof the defendant was solemnly  called and came and but made default nor ___ he repay the said attachment effects, whereupon the said John Worton (?) appeared and confessed he owed the said defendant a sufficient sum to satisfy the plaintiff demanded and the plaintiffs command__ to be just for the sum of £3.16.0. It is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the said John the said sum of £3.16.0 and his costs by him in this behalf expended.

 

May 14, 1784 (Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol 30, No. 2, p. 96; Legislative Petitions of Cumberland County)

                        Residents of Cumberland County petition the House of Delegates to pass an act to regulate the payment of amount due legatees. It appears that, due to the fluctuation in value of paper money, residual legatees receive a much greater part of their ancestors estates than was originally intended while the pecuniary legatees receive less. Signatures are: …John Lee, Wm. Anderson, Wm. Shapard, Stephen Cooke, John Woodson…

 

March 22, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1779-1784, pg 510)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Saymore Wright and John Woodson (defendants). In debt.

On the attachment by William Shepherd plaintiff account the estate of Pleasant Merideth, defendant for £6.13.11, this day came the parties by their attorneys and the sheriff having made return upon the said attachment ___he had attended all the situate with the defendant in the hands of John Woodson, had summoned him to appear here to under an account thereof the defendant was solemnly  called and came and but made default nor ___ he repay the said attachment effects, whereupon the said John Worton (?) appeared and confessed he owed the said defendant a sufficient sum to satisfy the plaintiff demanded and the plaintiffs command__ to be just for the sum of £3.16.0. It is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the said John the said sum of £3.16.0 and his costs by him in this behalf expended.

 

May 24, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Saymore Wright (defendant). This day came the plaintiff by his attorney and the defendant having been summoned and now called failed to appear, whereupon the plaintiff ___ the defendants amount for £224 pounds of tobacco, therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum aforesaid…

 

June 15, 1784 (Charlotte County Virginia Order Book)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) vs. John Harvey (defendant). In trespass and battery. This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury (names of jurymen), who being elected, __ and sworn the truth to speak of and upon the issue aforesaid joined, on their oaths do say that the defendant is guilty of the trespass and battery on the declaration mentioned in manner and form as the plaintiff against him hath alleged and that he hath sustained damage by occasion thereof to the sum of five pounds five shillings. Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the said defendant in damages aforesaid by the ___ aforesaid assessed. Together with his costs by him on this behalf expended, and the said defendant in mercy. C392. S120. Wit 130.8. fee 15f. 15 June 1784.

                        On the motion of John Holman a witness for John Harvey on the suit of William Shepherd it is ordered the said Harvey pay him 630 pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and four times coming and returning thirty miles according to law.

                        On the motion of Richard Allen a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said Shepherd pay him 758 pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and four times coming and returning 38 miles according to law.

                        On the motion of Henry Bohannon a witness for John Harvey on the suit of William Shepherd it is ordered the said Harvey pay him 560 pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and four times coming and returning 26 miles according to law.

                        On the motion of William Wright a witness for John Harvey on the suit of William Shepherd it is ordered the said Harvey pay him 678 pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and four times coming and returning 33 miles according to law.

                        On the motion of Samuel Williams a witness for John Harvey on the suit of William Shepherd it is ordered the said Harvey pay him 678 pounds of tobacco for six days attendance and four times coming and returning 33 miles according to law.

                        On the motion of Thomas Sowell a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said Shepherd pay him 175 pounds of tobacco for seven days attendance according to law.

                        On the motion of Amy Sowell a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said Shepherd pay him 100 pounds of tobacco for four days attendance according to law.

                        On the motion of Richard Weatherford a witness for William Shepherd against John Harvey it is ordered that the said Shepherd pay him 75 pounds of tobacco for three days attendance according to law.

 

June 15, 1784 (Charlotte County Virginia Order Book)

                        William Shepherd (plaintiff) vs. John Harvey and Thomas Harvey (defendants). In case. This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury (names of jurymen), who being elected, __ and sworn the truth to speak of and upon the issue joined, on their oaths do say that the defendants are guilty of beating and abusing the plaintiffs slave Peter in manner and form as against them is alleged, and that he hath sustained damage by occasion thereof to the sum of one shilling current money. And because it appears to the court that the trespass committed was malicious on the part of the defendants, Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendants his damages aforesaid  by the ___ form aforesaid assessed together with his costs by him in this behalf expended, and the said defendant in mercy. C192. S70. Fee 15f. 15 June 1784.

                        On the motion of John Raine a witness for John Harvey on the suit of William Shepherd it is ordered the said Harvey pay him 560 pounds of tobacco for four days attendance and three times coming and returning 30 miles according to law.

 

July 27, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786, pg 121)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Henry Wright (defendant). This day came the parties by their attorneys and there upon came also a jury (names of jury)… and do say that the defendant hath not paid the debt and costs in the writ aforesaid mentioned. Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff have execution against the said defendant for the sum of 6 pounds debt also 191 pounds of tobacco and 15 shillings or 150 pounds of tobacco – costs on the writ aforesaid mentioned and for his costs by him on this behalf expended.

 

November 12, 1784 (Cumberland County Deed Book 6, page 320)

                        Be it remembered on the 12^th day of November in the year of our Lord Christ 1784, that I, William Shapard, of Cumberland County for __ and __ more especially for the natural affections I have unto my son Samuel Shapard do by these presents ___ and consent and agree to give my estate thereafter mentioned and I do hereby fully absolutely divest myself of all manner of claim interest and title to the same to have and to hold to my aforesaid son Samuel Shapard except some debts I shall mention, I give to my son James ____. I give unto my son James one debt due from George Wright’s executors, a debt due from Saymour Wright, a debt due from Robert Lawson, money that he has received of mine and waggonage done by me. I give unto my son Samuel Shapard all my negros (to wit) old Ishmael, Phil, Peter, Peg, Tamas, Harry, Young Ishmael, Hanner, Jack and Van my wagon and all my horses all my stock o f any kind that I should hereafter purchase ___. I give unto my son Samuel Shapard all my estate be it of what kind it will all judgment that may be obtained. I give unto my son Samuel  the land where I now live with all the things thereunto  belonging if he or I should sell the land the money arising from the sale I give unto my son Samuel on his making a right to the purchase. In testimony whereof I hereunto  set my hand  and seal the day and year above written.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wm Shapard

At court held for Cumberland County 27^th July 1785 this deed was acknowledged by William Shapard a party hereto and ordered to be recorded.

 

The commonwealth of Virginia to John Raine, Seymore Scott and John Woodson of the county of Cumberland gentlemen Justices greeting. Whereas William Shepherd and Mary his wife and Samuel Shepherd of the county of Cumberland by this certain indenture bearing note the 27^th day of June1785 sold and conveyed to Richard Wilson the ___ estate of three hundred acres of land with the appurtenances lying and being in the county of Cumberland and whereas the said Mary cannot conveniently travel to the court of the said County of Cumberland to make her acknowledgement of the said conveyance. Therefore power is hereby given you to  review the acknowledgement  which the said Mary shall be willing to make  before you of the conveyance contained in the said indenture which is hereto ___ and you are hereby commanded that you do go to the said Mary and receive her acknowledgement of the same and examine her ___ and apart from the said William her husband whether she doth the same freely and voluntarily  without his persuasions or threats and whether she be willing that the same may be recorded in the said court and when you have received the acknowledgement and examined her as foresaid that you ___ and openly certify the Justices of the said court thereof  from and your hand and seal ___these there her indenture and this writ. Witness M. Woodson clerk of said court and the courthouse the 27^th day of July in the 10^th year of our commonwealth.                                                                     Creed Taylor, D.C.

 

By virtue of the within writ we did go to the within named Mary Shapard and she acknowledges the indenture hereto ___ and her ___ examination ___ and apart from her husband she said she did the same freely and voluntarily without the persuasion threats of her said husband and is willing the same shall be recorded in the county court of Cumberland. Given under my hand and seal the ___ day of ___ 178___. (Signed) Saymore Scott, L.S. and John Woodson, L.S.

 

November 22, 1784 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786, pg 184)

William Shapard (plaintiff) against Thomas Wright, George Wright and John Wily (defendants). On a writ ordered that a ___ issue to take and to ___ the deposition of Samuel Shapard a witness for the plaintiff.

 

March 30, 1785 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786, pg 268)

William Shepherd (plaintiff) against Saymore Wright and John Woodson (defendants). In debt.

                        This day came the parties by their attorneys who upon the issue in the cause joined, the attorney for the defendants sayeth that he is not instructed by the said defendant what to say in defense of the plaintiffs action. Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum of 14 pounds being the debt in the declaration mentioned and his costs by him in this behalf expended.

 

April 26, 1785 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786, pg 338)

                        On the motion of Samuel Shepherd a witness for William Shepard against Thomas Wright, George Wright and John Wily, it is ordered that the said William pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one day attendance according to law.

                        On the motion of Thomas Williams a witness for William Shepherd against Thomas Wright, George Wright and John Wily, it is ordered that the said Shepherd pay him 25 pounds of tobacco for one day attendance according to law.

 

June 22, 1785 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 349-350)

Sale of William Shepherd and wife Mary Shepherd and Samuel Shepherd to Richard Wilson.

 

June 27, 1785 (Cumberland County Deed Book 6, page 317)

                        Shepard to Wilson. This indenture made the 27 day of June in the year of our Lord 1785 between William Shapard and Mary (his wife) and Samuel Shapard of the county of Cumberland of the one part and Richard Wilson of the same county of the other part. Witness that the said William Shapard and Mary his wife and the said Samuel Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of $525 pounds to them in hand paid by the said Richard Wilson have granted bargained and sold by these presents do grant, bargain and sell unto the said Richard Wilson one certain tract or parcel of land laying and being in the aforesaid county of Cumberland on the branches of the Green Creek and on both sides of Randolph’s Road containing 300 acres be the same more or less bounded by the adjourning lands of John Wright, deceased, John Lee, Flamstead Ransone and Richard Price and is the same land purchased by the said William Shapard of Thomas Wright and is conveyed by the said Thomas to the said William by deed of indenture among the records of Cumberland County Court…  (signed) Wm & Samuel Shapard

 

At a court held for Cumberland County 27^th June 1785 this indenture was acknowledged by William and Samuel Shephard.

 

July 27, 1785 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books 1784-1786, pg 392)

                        A deed from William Shapard to Samuel Shapard is acknowledged by the said William and is ordered to be recorded.

 

September 26, 1785 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 419)

Joseph Sharpe witness for William Shepherd vs. Thomas Wright, John Wright and John Wily.

 

December 26, 1785 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg. 564)

Joseph Sharpe witness for William Shepherd vs. Thomas Wright, George Wright and John Wily.

 

1786 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed with 282 acres, two free polls, 6 slaves, and 4 wheels, and no stud horses.

 

1786 (North Carolina Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index 1790-1890)

                        William Shepard is listed as living in Granville North Carolina in the County Line District in 1786. His household had two white males 21-60 y/o; six white males under 21 y/o and/or over 60 y/o; four white females of all ages; six blacks 12-50 y/o; and three blacks under 12 y/o and/or over 50 y/o.

 

Note: According to this census, the six male children under 21were: James, Booker, Wiliam Jr., Lewis, Thomas and John S. It appears that Robert was not yet born. The four females were most likely, Mary (wife of William), Elizabeth, Polly and Anne. It appears that Mildred may have remained in Cumberland County as she married there in 1786.

 

Note: William and Mary Booker Shapard continued to hold land in Cumberland until 1785 when they sold out and moved to Granville County, N.C. There they settled near Mary’s sister Amy Booker Webb (b. Aug. 27, 1752 d. March 25, 1835) wife of Col. John Webb (married Feb 20, 1772 in Essex County, VA) who had  migrated to Granville, Co. NC about 1782. The three Booker sisters (Mary, Amy and Joanna (b. ~ 1750 married John Woodson of Cumberland Co. VA.)) were very close. Joanna was deceased by 1790. (Source: The Booker Family of Virginia and the Virginia Genealogist)

 

Note: John Webb is listed in the Goshen District for 1786 census of Granville as having a household of: 1,3,5,7,8.

 

Note: (Source: History of Granville County North Carolina) In 1767 population was approximately 5,000 inhabitants. In 1782 population was approximately 8,000 inhabitants. As part of the British Empire, Granville religious life was under the jurisdiction of the Church of England divided since 1746 into St. John Parish and Granville Parish. In 1757 St. John Chapel was built at at Williamsboro, and enlarged in 1772. In 1755 the first Baptist ministers arrived. Everyone in the Parrish was taxed by the Anglican Church whether they went to the Church of England or went to another church.   In 1755 the first Presbyterian minister arrived and by 1765 Grassy Creek and Nutbrush Presbyterian congregations had a full time minister (Rev. James Criswell, followed by Henry Patillo in the 1780s).

 Nutbrush was located in the North east part of current day Vance County and was one of the most prosperous communities during the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Williamsboro was the principle town in the Nutbrush community and served as the cultural and economic center of the community with approximately 12 buildings. Many wealthy planters lived in the Nutbrush area. Williamsboro grew because it ws as a cross-roads of the leading trade routes (from Fayetteville to Petersburg, Va; and from Hillsborough to Halifax).

Williamsboro had numerous schools: Henry Patillo’s Seminary, Williamsboro Academy for Boys and Judge Leonard Henderson’s Law School (he taught law before 1808 and ran school circa 1826-1833. He was the son of Richard Henderson who surveyed land and was a Superior Court Judge…see Peter Shapard (son of John Shapard). The schools in the area were Granville Hall Academy (classical education) which was chartered in 1779 by trustees Gov. Richard Caswell, President of the senate Abner Nash and Speaker of the House Thomas Benbury. Granville Hall trustees were authorized to purchase 500 acres and build buildings. In 1788 Henry Patillo began the Nutbrush Seminary, which was later named Williamsboro Academy for Boys in 1790. The University of North Carolina was founded in 1792 at the town of Chapel Hill and educated many privileged planter’s children. Other Universities were Princeton, Hampden-Sydney and William & Mary.

In 1782 there were in Granville County, 1,251 heads of families (white men 18 years or older) of which 505 heads of families (40%) owned 3,508 slaves. Of these 505 men: 110 owned only one slave; 294 owned between 2 to 9 slaves ; and 59 owned between 10 – 19 slaves. The three largest slave holders in the County were Thomas Person – 98; John Penn – 61 and Charles Easton – 57. In 1782, of the 1,251 heads of families, 819 were land owners. Of these 819 landowners: 35 had less than 100 acres; 548 had between 100 – 499 acres; 149 had between 500 – 999 acres; and 87 had more than 1000 acres. The largest land holders were Thomas Person – 64,437; Philmon Hawkins – 7,333; Memucan Hunt – 6,448. By 1789 the 819 landowners decreased to 694 as land prices began to rise; thus only half of the white male population owned land. Granville produced much tobacco. The railroads became established in 1840s. The population in 1790 was 6,504 inhabitantes, and in 1830 was 9,430. The County Court was held at Oxford after 1772 for regular sessions. Entertainment consisted of cockfights, horse racing, going to church, attending court sessions.

 

Note: In the mid-1700s, many families of Virginia gentry removed to the back country of North Carolina in the fertile region ranging from Williamsborough on the east to Hillsborough on the west. There soon arose in this section of the colony a society marked by intellectual distinction, social graces, and the leisured dignity of the landlord and the large planter. Williamsborough had numerous academies for the classical education of the youth.

 

Note: An Act for Establishing a Town on the Land of Robert Burton, Esquire, in the County of Granville. Whereas it hath been represented to this General Assymbly that part of the lands of Robert Burton, Esquire, in Granville County, on the great road and the fork thereof, on leading from Petersbburgh in Virginia to Fayetteville, and the other from Hallifax to Hillsborough and the western parts of this state, is a high healthy and pleasant situation, well watered with cool refreshing springs, and also well calculated for an inland manufacturing town…” 75 acres are to be laid off in one acre lots measuring 148 feet in front and 300 feet in back along both sides of the main road measuring 90 feet in width. Directors of the town were John Williams, Broomfield Ridley, Philemon Hawkins, jr., John Somerville, Thomas Satterwhite, Leonard Henldly Bullock, Robert Burton, Howell Lewis, Sr., and Jr., Thornton Yancey, John Young, Robert Colman, Samuel Smith and Thomas Mutter. The act was passed January 1, 1787. (source: Laws of North Carolina 1786)

 

(Source: Land by the Roanoke, edited by William Hill. Description of Mecklenburg County Virginia (above Granville) prior to the Revolutionary war. “Our planters lived of necessity on a simple scale. All mercantile goods had to come over land from Petersburg, some seventy miles or more away, and all tobacco had to find its way back there. Many large tracts of land had been taken up before by great landowners of Tidewater. The land was rich in promise; there were broad fertile river lowgrounds, and creek bottoms as well. But the problem of the planter was to get his produce to market, and this was always to be a determining factor in the history of our economy. A traveler who visited Mecklenburg on the eve of the revolution, Dr. John F. D. Smythe, wrote of the back country people: A planter raises his own meats, beef and bacon, his own corn and bread, his drink, cyder, and brandy, his fruit, apples, peaches, etc. and a great part of his clothing, which is cotton. He has no market to repair to but the nearest store; which chiefly supplies him with finery, besides the useful and necessary articles for agriculture, and what little clothing his slaves requires, for which he pays his crop of tobacco, or whatever else may be his staple produce, and is always in arrear. The houses here are almost all of wood, covered with the same; the roof with shingles, the sides and ends with thin boards, and not always lathed and plastered within; only those of the better sort are finished in that manner, and painted on the outside. The chimneys are sometimes of brick, but more commonly of wood, coated on the inside with clay. The windows of the best sort have windows in them; the rest have none, only wooden shutters.”

 

Granville County Districts/Towns/Etc.  (Between 1867 and 1872, the old districts (i.e. Country Line, Goshen, etc…) defined by rivers and roads were changed to square-gridded boundaries i.e. Oakville, Sassafras Fork, etc…)

Nutbush = "Nut Bush Distr bounded by Hico Road from Bute Line to Taylors Road, by that Road to the County Line, by the County Line to Bute County Line, and by Bute Line to Hico Road. 17 Jul 1770" = northern Vance
Henderson = "Hendersons Distr bounded by Hico Road from Bute county Line to the Fork above Laniers Ordinary, by the Road from thence to the old County House [this doesn't say Court house], by Hawskins's [sic] Road from the old Court House to Bute County Line and by Bute Line to Hico Road. 17 Jul 1770" = central Vance
Epping Forest = "Epping Forest Distr bounded by Captain Hawkins Road from the old Colurt House to Bute County Line, by that Line to Tarr River, by the River to the Mouth of Tabbs Creek and by Tabbs Creek up to the old Court House. 17 Jul 1770" = southern Vance
Raglands = "Raglands Distr bounded by the Hico Fork of the Road from Laniers Ordinary to Andersons Path above Woods plantation, by that Path down to Fishing Creek by the Creek down to the Bridge by the Road from thence to the old Court House and by the Road that leads from thence to Hico Road. 17 Jul 1770" = western central Vance and a bit in eastern Granville
Fishing Creek = "Fishing Creek Distr bounded by Tabbs Creek from the mouth to the old Court House Road, up that Road to Fishing Creek Bridge, by that Creek to Tarr River and by the River down to the mouth of Tabbs Creek. 17 Jul 1770" = eastern Granville in the central part and slightly into southwestern Vance
Island Cr = "Island Creek Distr bounded by Taylors Road from the County Line to Hico Road, by that Road up to Grassy Creek, by Grassy Creek down to the County Line and by the Couinty Line to Taylors Road. 17 Jul 1770" = northeast Granville, dipping into Vance
Tabbs Creek = E Granville and SW Vance
Country Line = "Country Line Distr bounded by Grassy Creek up to the Hico Road, by that Road to Orange County Line, by the Orange Line to the County Line, and by that Line to Grassy Creek. 17 Jul 1770" = northwest Granville, although there were several throughout history on the various boundaries of Granville; one is in today's Caswell, another in today's Person, and another in Halifax VA.
Spew Marrow = "5 May 1774 a new district is provided for and described: Spewmarrow, bounded as follows beginning where Taylors Road Crosses the County line and by that Road to Howel Lewis's to Hico Road, then up the sd Road to Knotts Fork, from thence to Mountain Creek, then down Mountain Creek to Grassey Creek, then down Grassy Creek to the Virginia line then by that to the Beginning." = northeast Granville, the creek runs from Stovall to the north and a bit west
Oxford = "Oxford Distr bounded by Fishing Creek from the mouth to Andersons Path, by Andersons Path to Hico Road, by Hico Road to Boyds Path, by that path to Boyds ?Ford on Tarr River and by the River down to Fishing Creek. 17 Jul 1770" = Granville, central
Tarr River = "Tarr River Distr bounded by Tarr River from Boyds Ford up the South Fork to Orange County Line, by the Orange Line to Hico Road, by that Road to Boyds path and by that Path to Boyds Ford on Tarr River. 17 Jul 1770" = central western Granville
Goshen = "6 May 1778 new distr: Goshen. no real description, but Thomas M. Owens who had copied these court records says: "Goshen District was in the upper part of the County and was taken from the County line District." = central western Granville, very near Person. Goshen NC is midway and a bit north between Roxboro and Oxford close to Person/Granville line, dead east of Roxboro)
Dutch = "Dutch Distr bounded by Tarr River from the mouth of Fort Creek to Hambleton's Mill, by the Trading Road from thence to Orange County Line, by the Orange Line to Johnston County Line, by Johnston Line to where the Long Branch crosses it, by Long Branch from thence to the path that leads to Mrsl. Bradfords on Fort Creek and by Fort Creek to the mouth. 17 Jul 1770" = southern Granville
Nap of Reed = "Nap of Reeds Distr bounded by the South Fork of Tarr River from Hambletons Mill to Orange County Line, by Orange Line to the Trading Road and by the Trading Road to Hambletons Mill. 17 Jul 1770" = southwest Granville
Beaverdam = "6 May 1778 new district: Beaverdam Distr. no real description, but Thomas M. Owens who had copied these court records says: "From the names it appears that 'Beaverdam' was in the lower part of the County, probably near or adjoining the Bute & Johnston Co line and was taken from Fort Creek Distr." = Granville [Based on the location of Beaverdam Creek, it was cut from Dutch, not Fort Creek.]
(fr genforum - South central Granville abutting Wake, Beaverdam Crk flows south from central Granville into Neuse Rv (now Falls Lake). also: 1 May 1780: "Fort Creek & Beaverdam district are divided by the following bounds vizt beg at the Mouth of Adcock Creek then up the same to Woods a-- path, then by that path to Tarborough Road, then by that road down to the County line."
Fort Creek = "Fort Creek Distr bounded by Fort Creek from the mouth to Mrs. Bradfords, by the Path from thence to the Head of the Long Branch, by the Long Branch to Johnston County Line, by that Line to Bute County Line, by Bute Line to Tarr River and by the River up to the mouth of Fort Creek. 17 Jul 1770" = southern Vance

Tabbs Creek = was the border between Fishing Creek and Epping Forest, so southeast Granville, southwest Vance, probably cut from Epping Forest
Abrams Plains = northwest of Stovall in the northeast of Granville
Ledge of Rocks = Granville on Wake County Line, Ledge Creek runs NS fr SW Granville to NW Wake, it seems to be a variant for Ledge of Rocks.

Hillsboro District= This was a military district which covered a great portion of Granville County.

 

 

1786 (approximate)

                        William and Mary have a son named Robert Shapard most likely born in Granville County, North Carolina.

 

April 24, 1787 (Cumberland County, Virginia Court Order Books 1767-1787, pg 285)

Thomas Wright, Griffin Wright, George Wright, William Wright executors of George Wright vs. William Shapard.

 

1788 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed with 640 acres, two free polls, 7 slaves, and no wheels, and no stud horses.

 

1788 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books)

                        Lawsuit between Dudley Street and ___ Scruggs (plaintiffs) against Edward Barber (defendant). On motion of Samuel Shapard a witness he is to be paid £25.1.0 for traveling 80 miles.

 

February 1, 1788 (Granville County North Carolina Roads)

                        To the worshipful Court of Granville. We the subscribers after being legally sworn agreeable to an order of Granville County Court November Term 1787 have proceeded to view and lay off the said road agreeable to the directions of said order do report and give it as our opinion that the new way proposed by Mr. Sheppard to turn the said road is a good and convenient way and will be no disadvantage to the public and of great advantage to the said Sheppard. Given under our hand this first day of February 1788. (signed) Ambrose Jones, foreman, Chas. Harris, Wm. Royster, John Stovall, Booth Harrell, Robert Puryear, Joel Chandler, James Yancy, Philip Yancy, Charles Wade, Jos. Chandler, Thomas Appling. 

 

Note: Granville County Court Minutes 1746-1829, #47 (date not given, find original): “Road from Thomas Mutter’s old store by Ambrose Barkers to County Line to be laid off by Charles Harris, Ambrose Jones, William Royster, John Stovall, Robert Puryear, Joel Chandler, James Yancey, Philip Yancey, Henry Bohannon, Charles Wade, Joseph Chandler, Josiah Mitchell and Thomas Appling.” Note that the names are similar to the February 1, 1788 entry regarding the road. The above record probably predates the February 1, 1788 record and is the same road by the Shapard land. Granville County 1797 there was a road with a fork near “Parker’s old field, leading to Mutter’s old store and Person’s” and one of the names living in the vicinity was Francis Royster.

 

Note: According to the List of Taxpayers in Granville County in 1788, Ambrose Jones, Sr., owned 640 acres; Joseph Chandler owned 562 acres; Charles Wade owned 1,010 acres; and Thomas Aplin owned 350 acres. ALL of these men lived in Goshen District, where John Webb lived who owned 306 acres. By this record we can show that William Shapard resided in the Goshen District after he moved to Granville County, most likely near or with John Webb. John Webb’s first deed in Granville County is Deed Book O, p. 234 dated 1782.

 

February 1788 (Granville County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1786-1789, pg. 46)

                        Ordered that William Shepherd have leave to turn the road agreeable to his petition and the report of the jury thereon, and that the said Shepherd be overseer of the road with the hands formerly on the said road.

 

April 26, 1788 (Granville County, North Carolina Deed Book T, pg. 48)

                        Be it remembered that on the 26^th day of April in the year of our Lord 1788 that I Samuel B. Shapard of the County of Granville for diverse good causes and consideration more especially for the natural affection I have and do bear unto my father William Shapard do by these presents consent and agree to give my estate, hereafter mentioned, I do hereby fully and absolutely divest myself of all manner and claim interest and title to the same to have and to hold to my aforesaid father William Shapard him and his heirs forever, provided he makes me a good right to two hundred acres of land out of the tract where on he now lives, any part of that I shall chose on the south side of the road that leads from Mr. Thos. Mutters to Stoneborough, the same land and by Mr. Ambrose Barkers and delivers me a likely sound healthy Virginia born negro boy between the ages of twelve and twenty-five, whenever I call for him otherwise to be no effect. I give to my father William Shapard all my Negros, to wit. Old Ishmael, Phil, Peg, Peter, Tamas, Harry, Young Ishmael, Hanner, Jack and Van, my wagon, all my horses except my sorrel horse that I had of William Samuel Hicks, all my stock of every kind and the money due from the sale of land that was sold in Cumberland County in the State of Virginia. In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal the date and year above written. Test: John Webb, James Shapard, William Shapard

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Samuel B. Shapard

The written deed is intended as a conveyance of all he property that my father gave to me by a deed of gift recorded in Cumberland County Virginia [see Book of Deeds to Cumberland County, Virginia for July 27, 1785] except the property I have reserved for myself and the judgment against Henry Wright obtained in Superior Court of Virginia and a small judgment in the County of Cumberland and also the money that has been received. Test: John Webb, James Shapard, William Shapard

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Samuel B. Shapard

State of North Carolina Granville County Court. February Court 1807. The foregoing deed of gift and conveyance from Samuel B. Shapard to William Shapard well as memorandum there unto respecting was duly proven in open court by the oath of John Webb a subscribing witness there unto and ordered to be registered.

 

Note: Granville County, North Carolina was formed in 1746. The original settlers to the area were drawn due to availability of inexpensive land. An early trading path extended from Virginia to North Carolina, via the Counties of Caswell through Person to Granville, which allowed a route to unsettled areas. Most settlers briefly resided in Granville before moving on to other areas.

 

Note: Granville County Court Minutes 1746-1829, #47 (date not given, find original): “Road from Thomas Mutter’s old store by Ambrose Barkers to County Line to be laid off by Charles Harris, Ambrose Jones, William Royster, John Stovall, Robert Puryear, Joel Chandler, James Yancey, Philip Yancey, Henry Bohannon, Charles Wade, Joseph Chandler, Josiah Mitchell and Thomas Appling.” Note that the names are similar to the February 1, 1788 entry regarding the road. The above record probably predates the February 1, 1788 record and is the same road by the Shapard land. Granville County 1797 there was a road with a fork near “Parker’s old field, leading to Mutter’s old store and Person’s” and one of the names living in the vicinity was Francis Royster.

 

Note: Ambrose Barker was born in Surry County, Virginia and moved to Granville County in 1771. In 1788 he is listed as owning 769 acres in the Goshen District. He was a Justice for the County Court in 1786.

 

Note: Thomas Mutter was an immigrant from Scotland. He married Elizabeth Moore in 1767. He was a successful merchant initially establishing a store (prior to 1769) in Granville County. Later he had establishments in Petersburg and Norfolk Virginia. In 1788, he is listed as having 2580 acres in the Abram Plains District. Thomas died in 1799.

 

1789 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed with 840 acres, two free polls, 7 slaves, and no wheels, and no stud horses.

 

1789 (Granville County, North Carolina Deed Book O, pg. 627)

                        William Royster, Sr., to John Royster. 548 acres. On one of the branches of Grassy Creek called Jonathans Creek, beginning: William Royster, Jr., corner pine in John Pembetts [Pomfret] line, thence along his line N to William Shapards line, thence along Shapards line 300 poles to a corner pine, thence still along Shapard line E to John Stovalls line, thence along Stovalls line 202 poles to a Spanish oak corner, thence along Joel Chandlers line S 28 poles to a corner hickory, thence along Stovalls line 40 poles to a corner white oak in Bartholomew Stovalls line, thence S 22 poles to a corner ash on a small creek, thence up creek along William Roysters line W 35 poles to a corner beech, then along William Royster line S 70 poles to a corner pine on Jones Road, thence up road S 20 degrees W 302 poles to the beginning.

 

Note: John Pomfrett  (1720-1814) married Ann Hunt (1723-1794). John purchased the land that came to neighbor William Shapard’s land in 1785 from his father-in-law John Hunt. John Pomfrett sold this same tract of land in 1795 to his son-in-law John Blackwell (1740-1818), whom married his daughter Francis Pomfrett (1747-1818). Note also that Lt. Col. John Webb, Lt. James Smith and Capt. John Blackwell all served in the 3^rd Va. Reg. of the Continental Army during the war and then all moved to Granville County after the war.

 

February 2, 1789 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Mr. William Shapard to Samuel B. Shapard Do in Virginia Currency.

February 2^nd 1789: To cash expended going from North Carolina to Essex County Virginia and self and mother – 1.17.11 ½

                        To do. expended by Mr. Lewis Booker, and self and mother returning from Cumberland to Essex – 1.11.0

                        To cash paid Daniel Allen Attorney at Law to defend the attachment against you as security for Bowler – 0.15.0

                        To do. paid do. to pay William Watts – 3.4.10

                        To paid for furniture for Lester Williams – 2.15.9

                        To paid for 40 feathers for do. – 6.0.0.

                        To cash paid for pork for Anderson Williams instead hire of a negro – 7.0.0.

                        To a bay mare – 20.0.0

                        To season of do to Brimmer – 2.8.0

                        To cash and order and James Johnston – 6.0.0.

                        To Ross’ judgment against you paid off by me – 8.2.2.

                        To an order on James Johnson – 5.10.9 ½

                        To cash paid John Leay – 0.1.3

                        To do. paid Willis Wilson which Mr. Sam’l Williams borrowed for you – 0.14.0

                        To your bond against me for fifty eight pounds or thereabout being for part of the money received out of your bonds against Richard Wilson – 58.0.0.

                        To cash paid sundry persons as and credit on the above bond – 10.2.0

                        To cash received out of a bond due from Wilson by you – 101.4.8 ¾

                        To do. on another sworn by Richard Wilson – 31.11.9 ¼

                        To a deduction made out the money before this 58 bond was given – 5.0.0.

                        To 200 acres land and bond at 10 – 100.0.0

                        To a negro boy and do. – 50.0.0

                        To 2 years hire – 14.0.0

                        To Trent’s judgment against you which will amount to judgment and costs to about 45 pounds – 45.0.0

                        [Total owed] Cr.  = 480.19.3

 

                        By the bonds received of Richard Wilson the money that you received out of them are charged to you in this account – 325.0.0.

                        By your bonding to me being charged in this account to show that it was for a part of the money received of Richard Wilson – 58.0.0.

                        That 10.2.0 was credit on the 58.0.0 bond is charged also in this account

                        [Total already paid out] – 383.0.0

                        Errors, etc. excepted – 97.19.3

                                                                        -3.8.11 ½

                        Samuel B. Shapard [balance to be paid to him from his father] – 94.10. 3 ½

 

1790 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed with 1,458 acres, eight black polls*, and 0 wheels, and 0 stud horses.

 

*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.

 

May, 1790 (Granville County, North Carolina May 1790 Court)

                        Barnett Pulliam, Thomas Owen, John Brodie as presiding Justices. John Degraffenreid*, orphan of Baker Degraffenreid, bound to William Shepherd until 21 years of age to learn carpentry and house joiner. William Degraffenreid, orphan of Baker Degraffenreid bound to William Shapard until 21 years of age.

 

*NOTE: In the early 1700s, a Swiss nobleman named Baron Christopher DeGraffenreidt came to North Carolina and in 1709 was granted 10,000 acres upon which the town of New Berne was established. In 1711, Indians invaded the town, killing 112 inhabitants. The name of DeGraffenreidt is descended from this nobleman. The orphan Baker DeGraffenreidt was probably the nephew of Miller Woodson and Mary DeGraffenreidt (daughter of Tscharner DeGraffenreidt and Mary Baker). Miller was the County Clerk of Cumberland for 49 years and a brother of John Woodson “Poplar Foot.” John lived next to William Shapard in Cumberland County, Virginia and married Mary Booker Shapard’s sister, Joanna Booker. (Source: Historical Geneology of the Woodsons and their Connections). There is a possibility that the apprentice was bound to William Shapard, Jr., as Baker would have been abou t the same age as William Jr., not Sr.

 

May 3, 1790 (Granville County North Carolina Apprentice Bonds)

State of North Carolina. This indenture made the 3^rd day of May 1790 between John Brodie, Esq., of Granville County state aforesaid, on behalf of the Justices of the said County and their successors of the one part and William Shapard. Witnesseth, that the said John Brodie, Esq., in pursuance of an order of the said County Court made the 3^rd day of May and according to the directions of the act of assembly, in that case made provided doth put place and bind unto the said William Shapard – William Degraffinreidt  orphan of Baker Degraffinreidt deceased, with the said William Shapard to live after the manner of an apprentice and servant until the said apprentice shall attain the age of 21 years during all which time the said apprentice his master shall faithfully serve; his lawful command every where gladly obey, he shall not at any time absence himself from his said masters service without leave but in all things as a good and faithful servant shall behave towards his said master. And the said William doth covenant promise and agree and with the said John Brodie, Esq., that he will teach and instruct or cause to be taught and instructed the said William Degraffinreidt to learn the art and mastery of a carpenter and house joiner and also to read and write and that he will constantly find and provide for the said apprentice, during the aforesaid term, sufficient  diet, washing, lodging, and apparel fitting for an apprentice and also all other things necessary both in sickness and in health. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have set their hands and seals the day and year above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of: (signed) John Brodie, William Shapard. 

 

May 3, 1790 (Granville County North Carolina Apprentice Bonds)

State of North Carolina. This indenture made the 3^rd day of May 1790 between John Brodie, Esq., of Granville County state aforesaid, on behalf of the Justices of the said County and their successors of the one part and William Shapard. Witnesseth, that the said John Brodie, Esq., in pursuance of an order of the said County Court made the 3^rd day of May and according to the directions of the act of assembly, in that case made provided doth put place and bind unto the said William Shapard – John Degraffinreidt  orphan of Baker Degraffinreidt deceased, with the said William Shapard to live after the manner of an apprentice and servant until the said apprentice shall attain the age of 21 years during all which time the said apprentice his master shall faithfully serve; his lawful command every where gladly obey, he shall not at any time absence himself from his said masters service without leave but in all things as a good and faithful servant shall behave towards his said master. And the said William doth covenant promise and agree and with the said John Brodie, Esq., that he will teach and instruct or cause to be taught and instructed the said John Degraffinreidt to learn the art and mastery of a carpenter and house joiner and also to read and write and that he will constantly find and provide for the said apprentice, during the aforesaid term, sufficient  diet, washing, lodging, and apparel fitting for an apprentice and also all other things necessary both in sickness and in health. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have set their hands and seals the day and year above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of: (signed) John Brodie, William Shapard. 

 

August 1790 (Granville County, N.C. Deed Book N, p.14)

                This indenture made this – day of – anno Dom. 1790 between William Gill of the County of Granville and state of North Carolina of the one part and William Shapard of the same county and state of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Gill for and in consideration of the sum of forty pounds Virginia money 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 bound as the followeth: Beginning at Puryears and James Yancys corner, thence west to James Yanceys corner white oak, thence north on his line  to Bohannons Corner white oak thence west  to Wades corner pine in the crab orchard, thence south on Wades line to his corner pointers, thence west along Wades line to his corner white oak, thence south on Charles Harris’ line to a pond, thence east on Harris and Shapard line to a pine, thence north to an oak, thence east on Shapards line to a red oak in Puryears line, thence north to the beginning. Containing 228 acres…

Signed: Wm Gill

Registered Granville County August Court 1790.

 

1791 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed with 1,452 ½ acres, one white poll, 8 black polls, and 0 wheels.

 

January 25, 1791 (Caswell County North Carolina Will Book 1777-1814, Book B, pg 388)

                        Arbitrition between John Mann and William Mann bind themselves to comply with the disposition by Andrew Barnett and Thomas N. Williams chosen as Arbitrators to decide controversy with regard  to a land dispute. Witness: William Sheppard, Daniel Hicks, Nimrod Ellis, Peter Pullar.

 

Note: Unknown if this “Sheppard” is a relation.

 

August 24, 1791 (Cumberland County Virginia Wills)

                        Will for John Woodson (may or may not be our John Woodson). Lists wife as Elizabeth, son John (whom he gave land on Dry Creek), son Anderson, daughter Martha Gannaway. Exectutors: Samuel Williams, John Woodson and Richard Allen.

 

June 4, 1792 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book A, pg 118-119)

                        Charles Mitchell to William Shepard, for 200 pounds, 168 ½ acres on Adam’s Creek adjacent Sarah Barnett, Kinchen Finch on Hillsborough Road.

 

June 14, 1792 (Granville County, N.C. Deed Book N, p. 135)

                This indenture made this fourteenth day of June 1792 between John Angus of Prince George County and State of Virginia of the one part and William Shapard of County of Granville and state of North Carolina of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Angus for and in consideration of the sum of twenty thousand pounds of inspected crop tobacco at PeterG. [Petersburg?] 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 on the Grassy Creek and bounded as the follows: Beginning at a pine Parsons corner – now Stovalls [going]thence by  his line north 180 poles to two red oaks, thence west 172 poles to two red oaks, thence by Harris line south 378 poles to a pine his corner, thence by his other line east 172 poles to a pine, thence on his line south 124 poles to a red oak by Johns line east 117 poles to a red oak, thence by Roysters line north 232 poles to a pine, thence his line east (?) 70 poles to a white oak, thence north 96 poles to a white oak, thence by Parsons line –now Stovalls- west to the beginning. Containing 700 acres…

Signed: John Angus

 

December 15, 1792 (Person County North Carolina Deeds,Book A,  pg 95-96)

Josias Dickson to James Mitchell, for 15 pounds, 60 acres on Adam’s Creek adjacent William Shepherd, Michael Dickson – said tract Dickson purchased of Thomas Brooks, Sheriff, 16 June last.

 

November, 1792 (County Court of Granville, North Carolina 1792-1795)

                        John Angus deeds to William Shapard, proven by James Lyne

 

Note: James Lyne is listed on the 1788 tax list for Granville as living in the Island Creek Dirstrict. William moved here from the Goshen District where he lived close to or with John Webb. This is the deed which became his 1,484 acre tract by 1794.

 

1793 (approx) (County Court of Granville, North Carolina 1792-1795, page 155)

                        Overseers appointed. Orphan boy Martin Duncan bound to William Shapard to learn carpentry.

 

Note: this is probably Martin Daniel – see entry May 1794

 

1794 (approx) (County Court of Granville, North Carolina 1792-1795, page 190)

                        Robert Burton vs. William Shapard

 

Note: Robert Burton, Esq., is listed as owning 3,854 acres in Granville County in 1788 tax list. This is Col. Robert Burton (1747 – 1825) who was a Rev. war soldier and buried in John Williams Cemetery 1 ½ miles from Williamsboro in Granville County. Others in this cemetery are Judge John Williams (father to Agatha) 1731 – 1799, Agatha Williams (1757 – 1831) who married Col. Robert Burton  in 1775. John W. Burton (1776 – 1795), Hutchens Burton (1777 – 1811)

 

Note: The City of Williamsboro is named for judge John Williams who donated land for the town. John Williams, Sr., (1704-1770) settled in Granville circa 1745. His sons included: William Williams (1733-1775), Charles Williams (1735-1819), Nathaniel Williams (1737-1831) and John Williams (1731-1799) who was a judge, founder of Williamsborough and built Montpelier (plantation). Judge John Williams married Agnes Bullock (1720-1802). Their daughter Agatha Williams (1757-1831) married Col. Robert Burton (1747-1825).

 

1794 (Person County North Carolina Tax List for St. Lawrance District )

                        William Sheppard is listed as having 270 acres with 2 white poles and 3 black poles taxed.

 

1794 (Granville County Tax List 1767-1823)

List of Taxables on Island Creek District for 1794.

Anderson Williams – 1 white pole, 1 black pole

John Johnson

John Burge

William Shapard – 1,484 acres, 2 white poles, 5 black poles

William Cocke – 720 acres, 1 white pole, 5 black poles

Zachariah Hester – 150 acres

Abraham Hester

Samuel Creath

Philip Sneed – 491 acres, 1 white pole, 2 black poles, 2 wheels

John Gooch – 294 acres, 1 white pole, 1 black pole

William Gooch 558 acres, 1 white pole, 1 black pole

 

Note: There is a high possibility that the whole Shapard family resided in Island Creek District. The two white poles could have been William Sr., and Booker (age 19), providing that the older sons (Lewis age 21, William Jr, age 23 and James age 25 were living elsewhere) Thomas, having an August 1778 birthday may have been 15 years old and thus not tithable in 1794.Lewis is in Caswell County in 1795.

 

February 17, 1794 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book B, pg 13)

                        William Shepherd to James Williamson, for 68.19.6 which he owed Williamson, Shapard sold a negro girl Lucy about 15 years of age. Witness: Ed Atkinson, P. Bennett.

 

March 5, 1794 (Granville County, North Carolina Wills, Inventories, Accounts & Divisions of Estates Book 3, #281-287)

                        William Shapard was owed 10 pounds from Rev. Henry Patillio [Patillo].

 

Note: Rev. Henry Patillo was born in Scottland in 1726 and immigrated to Virginia approximately 1740. He married Mary Anderson in 1755, and was licensed as a Presbyterian minister about 1759. He migrated to Orange County North Carolina in 1765, then to Bute County in 1774 and finally to Granville County in 1780. He was the second Presbyterian Minister to minister to the Grassy Creek and Nutbrush communities in Granville County. Due to the rigors of his job and concern over the well-being of his family, his congregation gave him 300 acres in the Island Creek District upon which to live, provided that he remain in Granville as their pastor. He began the Henry Patillo Nut Brush Seminary in 1788 which was renamed to the Williamsboro Academy in 1790. In 1801, Rev. Patillo died. His gravesite is unknown.

 

May 1794 County Court of Granville, North Carolina 1792-1795, page 162)

                        Martin Daniel bound to William Shapard on petition of David Robards.

 

Note: Martin Daniel was the son of John Daniel who died young in 1779, leaving a wife Celia and baby son (Martin). John’s brother was William Daniel who died about 1782. The estate files for John Daniel are in the Hillsboro District Court files and include papers used for a lawsuit by Martin Daniel against one of his former guardians (I have not seen this but may have some info on William Shapard?). Peter Bennet was an early guardian to Martin (prior to 1785). After Martin came of age, he moved to Mecklenburg, Virginia where he had land. Since the early 1770s, the Daniel family lived at Tranquility Plantation located on the lower edge of Mountain Creek by Satterwhite.

 

December 22, 1795 (Cumberland County Will Book 1 & 2 1749-1782)

Abraham Starkey married Elizabeth Cayce. William Shapherd was witness. (Was this William Sr. or William Jr.?)

 

1796 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,484 acres, one free poll, 12 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

 

February 1796 (Granville County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1796-1799, pg. 29)

                        Robert Burton, Esq. vs. William Shapard. Reason for setting aside the award. An argument the court were of the opinion that they and insufficient that the award be entered from which judgment the defendant ___ an appeal which is granted. He gives Thomas Person and Ruben Talley.

 

February 20, 1796 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book B, pg 321-322)

                        Benjamin Cochran to George Duncan for 65 pounds, 200 acres adjacent Thomas Barnett, Sergent, Mrs. Pinkerton, John Chambers. Witness: William Shepherd, Thos. Jefferies.

 

March 7, 1796 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book B, pg 186-187)

                        William Shepherd to Charles Mitchel, for 100 pounds, 168 ½ acres on Adam’s Creek adjacent Andrew Barnett, Richard Finch old line, James Mitchel on Hillsborough Road.

 

November 1796 (Granville County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1796-1799, pg. 153)

                        Ordered that William Hunt, James Swan, Esq., Robert Hyde, Benjamin Nomoad, Jordan Nomoad, Henry Lyne, Jr., Henry Johnson, Rauland Terry, William Marshall, Jessie Barnett, William Gober, John Lyon, Daniel Glover, William Shepard, Samuel Smith, James Lyne, John Taylor, and James Wortham or any twelve of them view and lay off a road from Robert Hyde’s to the road leading from William Borough to Genl. Person’s to strike the said road at or near the place where the road leading to Granville Courthouse leaves the said road and that the sheriff summon or ___ thoroughly.  

 

Note: These men resided in the Island Creek District.

 

Note: Col. William Hunt (1757 – 1833) and his wife Elizabeth (1764 – 1822) are buried in the Edmund Townes Cemetery 1 mile east of Townesville.

 

Note: Samuel Smith(1720 – 1800) was the husband of Mary Webb (1740 – 1827) daughter of James Webb and Mary Edmundson of Essex County, Virginia.  He moved to Granville in 1766 living on 415 acres off Grassy Creek. Over the years Samuel acquired well over 3,000 acres which became known as Abram’s Plains Plantation. His sons all settled on this land. Samuel was a member of Grassy Creek church of which he was a very active member. Rev. Henry Pattillo preached his funeral sermon when he died in 1800. He is buried in the family plot on his plantation near Stovall.

 

November 1, 1796 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book C, pg 61)

                        Henry Fuller to Paul Walters for 140 pounds, 205 acres on Stories Creek. Witness: William Shepherd, Paul Walters, Daniel Walters, John Lee.

 

1797 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,484 acres, one free poll, 9 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

 

January 19, 1797 (Granville County North Carolina Roads)

                        Agreeable to an order of the worshipfull Court of Granville County to us directed, we the subscribers have after being first sworn, proceeded to view and lay off a road beginning at Robert Hydes and from thence the nearest and best way into the road leading from Williamsborough to Granville Court House, falling into said road about half a mile below where Person’s Road leaves the Williamsborough Road as witness our several hands this 19^th day of January, 1797. (signed) Robert Hyde, Wm. G___, Henry Lyne, Saml. Smith, Jas. Wortham, Daniel Glover, Rowland Terry, John Lyon, Benj. Howard, W. Shapard, Henry Johnson, Wm. Marshal.

 

May, 1797 (Granville County, North Carolina Wills, Inventories, Accounts & Divisions of Estates Book  4, #123-#125)

                        William Shapard bought items from the estate sale of Rebecca Cocke

 

May 12, 1797 (Granville County Deed Book)

                        This indenture made this 12^th day of May in the year of our Lord 1797 between Robert Burton of Granville County and State of North Carolina on the one part and William Shapard, Sr., of the County aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that Mr. Robert Burton for and in consideration of the sum of $350 pounds 14 shillings Virginia Currency which sum is now paid of to the said Robert Burton in ___ work to him in hand paid before the sealing and delivering of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, sold, ___ released and delivered unto the said William Shapard one certain tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the County of Granville on the east side of Little Island Creek and bounded as followeth: Beginning at a white oak on the east side of the said creek Potter’s corner running thence along his line east 148 poles to a stake thence along the said Potter’s line north 81 degrees east 152 poles to a hickory Thomas Lanier’s corner thence along his line north 24 poles to a post oak his corner thence along his other line east 110 poles to a pine the said Lanier other corner thence along his and Taylor’s line to Taylor’s Ferry Road thence down the said road north 29 west 17 poles, north 10 west 64 poles, north 5 east 32 poles, north 34 west 56 poles to a post oak on the west side of the said road William Shapard’s corner thence along Taylor’s other line west to a red oak in Robert Hides line the said Taylor’s other corner thence south 46 poles to a dead post oak Shapard’s corner thence west 182 poles to a hickory Hides corner thence along Barnett’s line south 192 poles to a hickory the said Barnett’s corner thence along his line west 52 poles to a sweetgum standing on the east bank of the said creek thence up the creek as it meanders to the first station containing by estimation 584 and half acres to have and to hold the aforesaid granted premises with all and singular rights and privileges, etc., the appurtenances to the same belonging unto the said William Shapard Senr., his heirs and assigns forever by the said Robert Burton doth by these presents warrant and will ever defend the aforesaid __ and bargained premises unto the said William Shapard, Senr., his heirs and assigns forever.

 

Note: Potter was most likely Abraham Potter who was deceased by 1792 and his son Robert was apprenticed to James Shapard. In 1777, William Webb bought land from Abraham and Sarah Potter in Granville County.

 

Note: A Thomas Lanier of Granville County on November 2, 1790 by Deed of Gift gave his son William Lanier his manor, plantation and houses, together with lands adjacent containing in the whole about 1,900 acres lying on Little Nut-Bush… John Angus originally sold a tract of land next to Robert Burton’s land to William Shapard in 1792, thus William is expanding his land by this purchase.

 

Note: Taylor’s Ferry was a crossing point of the Roanoke River. The land north of the ferry in Mecklenburg County, Virginia was owned by Thomas Anderson (after 1750). The land south of the ferry in Mecklenburg County, Virginia was owned by James Mitchell, who sold it to Edmund Taylor. Thomas Anderson sold his land across the river to Edmund Taylor in 1762. The ferry became known as Taylor’s Ferry. This was a crucial crossing point for supplies and men during the Revolutionary War. A magazine was built to store military supplies. When General Gates marched south under instructions from General Washington, Gates found that the ferry counld not support the weight of his 12 pound cannons and left them at the ferry and build into the defenses of the ferry. British General Cornwallis considered Taylor’s Ferry to well defended to attack during the war. The Magazine was used as a barn through the 1870s. Today the site of Taylor’s Ferry is below the waters of Bugg’s Island Lake, having been deliberately flooded.    

 

August 1797 (Granville County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1796-1799)

                        William Shepard, Jr., proves a deed from Robert Burton, Esq., to William Shepard for 584 ½ acres of land which is ordered registered.

 

1798 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,484 acres, one free poll, 8 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

 

1799 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Nut Bush District [should be Island Creek District] with 1,484 acres, one free poll, 8 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

 

August 1799 (Granville County North Carolina County Court Minutes 1796-1799, pg. 553)

                        William Shapard, Sr., acknowledges a deed gift to Thomas Shapard for 300 acres of land which is ordered registered.

 

August 6, 1799 (Granville County Deed Book Q, page 281)

                        Be it remembered that on the 6^th day of August in the year of our Lord 1799 that I, William Shapard, Senr., of Granville County and State of North Carolina for diverse good and consideration especially for the natural  affection I have and do bear unto my son Thomas Shapard do presents covenant and agree to give unto my son Thomas a tract of land hereafter mentioned and do hereby fully and absolutely divest myself of all manner of claim, interest and title to the same to have and to hold unto my aforesaid son Thomas Shapard and his heirs forever; I give unto my son Thomas Shapard the following tract of land that is to say part of a tract I bought of John Angus on the waters of Grassey Creek in the County and State aforesaid. Beginning at a white oak John Royster’s line John Stovall’s corner running north on his line 101 poles to Thomas Shapard’s corner, thence west on Paryears line 212 poles to his corner called Pig Pen then south a new made line between William Shapard, Senr., and Thomas Shapard to his corner then east on William Royster line to his corner then south on his line 129 poles to Shapard’s corner then east 120 poles cornering on Blackwell then north on John Royster line 233 poles to his corner then east on his line 76 poles to the beginning, containing 300 acres be the same more or less with all singular rights and privileges and the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Thomas Shapard and his heirs forever and I William Shapard Senr.,  do oblige myself my heirs executors, administrators or assigns to warrant and ever defend the right and title from any persons laying claim to interest to the same in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.                                                 (signed) W. Shapard

 

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of said State of North Carolina Granville County August Court A.D. 1799. The forgoing deed of gift was duly acknowledged in open court by William Shapard and ordered to be registered.                                                      

 (signed) Stephen Sneed, Clerk

 

1800 (1800 U.S. Federal Census)

Note that the 1800 U.S. Federal Census does not exist for Granville County, except for the Hillsboro township.

 

1800 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,234 ½ acres, one free poll, 8 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the Goshen District with 300 acres, one free poll, 0 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

June 1800 (Person County North Carolina Record Book, Book 2, pg 257)

                        Thomas Barnett, Sen., will dated September 25, 1794. Wife Mary: sons: John, William, Thomas; daughter: Margaret Douglass. Exec: son Thomas. Witness: William Sheppard, John Shepperd, Rose Shepperd. Proved in June Court 1800.

 

1801 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,234 acres, 0 free poll, 8 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the Tarr River District [ should be Goshen District/ County Line Dist] with 300 acres, 2 free polls, 0 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

1802 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,229 ½ acres, 0 free poll, 7 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the Goshen District with 300 acres, 1 free polls, 2 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

February 1802 (County Court of Granville, North Carolina 1800-1802, page 241)

                        Jurors for grand jury…William Shapard [picked as juror].

 

August 2, 1802 (Granville County Deed Book R, page 66)

                        This indenture made the 2^nd day of August in the year of our Lord 1802 between William Shapard  of  Granville County and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Shapard of the same County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of $80 pounds Virginia money to him in hand paid at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the amount hereof the said William Shapard doth acknowledge hath given granted bargained sold___ released confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell___ release and confirm unto the said Thomas Shapard a certain piece or parcel of land situated lying or being in the County of Granville. Beginning at a pine the Pigpen corner thence west 35 chains to a red oak and pointers Harris’s corner thence south with the said line ___ to a pine thence with his line east 32 chains to a red oak Shapard’s corner thence with his line north 50 chains to the beginning containing 165 ¼ also the ___rights___ and all the estate right title property interest claim and demand whatsoever of the said William Shapard his heirs and assigns and to the said land and premises with the appurtenances to have and to hold the said land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Thomas Shapard his heirs and assigns and to the only proper use and ___ of him the said Thomas Shapard his heirs and assigns forever the said William Shapard doth for himself his heirs the covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Shapard his heirs and assigns the above mentioned land and premises against the claim or claims of all and every other person or persons will warrant and ever defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said William Shapard hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and yea above written.                                                                                                (signed) W. Shapard

 

                        Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Stephen Beasley, Sam. Blackwell.

 

State of North Carolina Granville County November Court 1802.The within deed was duly proven in open court by an oath of Stephen Beasley a subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be registered.

                                                                                                                                                                                                (signed) Stephen Sneed, Clerk

 

 

1803 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,064 acres, 0 free poll, 7 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 465 acres, 1 free polls, 4 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

1804 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is not listed in tax record for this year.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 465 acres, 1 free polls, 2 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

                        John S. Shapard is listed in the Goshen District with no land, 1 free poll, 0 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

 

1805 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is listed in the Island Creek District with 1,064 acres, 0 free poll, 7 slaves, and 0 town lots, and 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 465 acres, 1 free poll, 3 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

 

1806 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is not listed in tax record for this year.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 465 acres, 1 free poll, 4 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

                        John S. Shapard is listed in the Goshen District with no land, 1 free poll, 0 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

 

January 3, 1806 (Granville County Deed Book S, page 259)

                        This indenture made the 3^rd day of January in the year of our Lord 1806 between William Shapard of the one part of Granville County and the state of North Carolina and Lewis Shapard of the County of Caswell and the state of North Carolina of the other part. Witness that the said William Shapard for and in consideration of the love, good will and affection he has for his son the said Lewis Shapard has granted and freely given to his said son Lewis Shapard one certain tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the County of Granville state of North Carolina and bound as follows (viz.): Beginning at Paryear and Philip Yancey’s corner white oak then west to John Downey’s corner pine in the crab orchard, thence south on the said Downey line to his corner pointers, thence west along said Downey’s line to his corner white oak, thence south on Charles Harris’s line to a pond, thence east on said Harris’s line to Shapard’s line to a pine, thence north to an oak thence east on said Shapard’s line to a red oak on Paryear line thence north to the beginning, containing 220 acres be the same more or less, together [with the]…rents, rights, title, interest, proper claim and demand whatsoever of him the said William Shapard of in and to the said land and premises to have and to hold the said land and premises to unto the said Lewis Shapard his heirs, assignees and the said William Shapard doth  hereby and himself and his heirs to warrant and defend the title of the aforesaid premises to him the said Lewis Shapard his heirs and assignees forever to be free and clear of all manner of encumbrances and from the just right claim or demand of any person or persons whatsoever. In witness whereof the said William Shapard have set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (signed) W. Shapard, Sen.

Witness: Thomas Shapard, John Paryear

                        Granville County February Court A.D. 1806. The written deed was duly proved in open court by the oath of Thomas Shapard  as subscribing witness there to and ordered to be registered.

 

1807 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        William Shapard is not listed in tax record for this year.

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 672 acres, 1 free poll, 4 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

 

February 1807 (Granville North Carolina County Court Minutes 1806-1810)

                        Deed gift to William Shapard from Samuel B. Shapard for negros.

 

February 2, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page 49)

(William Shapard places all of his property in trust with Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster in return for an annuity to be provided each Christmas by his children: ”Samuel, Mildred, William(s), Elizabeth Royster, James, William Lewis, Thomas, Mary, John, Anne, Barnett and Robert.”)

                        This indenture made the 2^nd day of February A.D. 1807 between William Shapard Sr. of the County of Granville and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Shapard for and in consideration of the trust therein after mentioned and of the sum of 5 shillings to have in hand paid by the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster, the receipt of where is hereby acknowledged hath given, granted, bargained, sold and delivered to them the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns all his the said William Shapards property where so ever situate both real and personal legal and equitable, things in activation as well as in possession, except one bay mare called Kate, one saddle and bridle, and one feather bed and furniture, to have and hold the aforesaid property to them the aforesaid Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns on the trust hereinafter mentioned (to wit) that the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster shall forthwith convey and transfer to John S. Shapard son of the said William Shapard one Negro boy named Abram and to Robert Shapard son also of the said William Shapard one Negro boy named Dick as their own absolute right and property of which the said William is now possessed, and also that the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster as soon hereinafter as convenient sell for cash at public sale, giving 10 days notice as much of the property here in conveyed as shall be sufficient to satisfy all the just debts which the said William Shapard at this time owes and pay the same and after the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster shall secure from the children of the said William Shapard hereinafter mentioned an annuity of $50 payable on the 25^th day of every December during the life of the said William Shapard in Virginia money or dollars at 6 shillings each which the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster are to secure to themselves in trust for the said William Shapard then they shall expose to public sale on 12 month credit after giving due notice the rest due of the aforesaid property and divide the proceeds of said sale together, what moneys they may collect due to the said William Shapard among the following children of the said William (to wit), Samuel, Mildred, William(s), Elizabeth Royster, James, William Lewis, Thomas, Mary, John, Anne, Barnett and Robert. Deducting on such division sale advancements by the said William made to any of his said children as in case of __ and that the property here so far reserved by Samuel, one of said Wiliams children, in a deed by him executed to the said William be considered as an advancement made to him and the two Negros by this deed directed to be conveyed to John and Robert, sons of the said William, be taken in the same way and it is further understood that the said William Shapard, Sr., may reside where he pleases. In witness where of the parties to these presents have here unto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year above written, Test: Joseph Barnett, Thomas Terry.                                                                                                                                     (Signed) William Shapard, Sr., Thomas Shapard, Frances Royster  

 

Note: This entry, with its errors of commas, was the ‘Rosetta Stone,’ in combination with the other entries from Ganville County, which eventually broke the puzzle of the Lewis –William relationship, correcting the Shapard family tree and reintroducing William [E] Shapard to his rightful place in the line of patriarch of the Shapard family and possibly the first to use “Shapard” as his surname.

 Note: that in William Shapard, Sr., estate papers the children are listed with proper commas and it is as expected.

 

February 11, 1807 (Granville County, North Carolina, Deed Book T, p. 221)

                        State of North Carolina Granville County. Whereas I purchased a tract of land lying in the County aforesaid in Island Creek supposed to contain 584 acres and a half or thereabouts adjoining the lands of Stephen Sneed, Col. Robert Burton and others, which said land was sold by the Sheriff sometime in the year 1805 as the property of William Shapard Senr., to satisfy a debt due to James and Henry Lyne, being willing for the title to revert back to Mr. Shapard for the benefit of himself and his children, therefore be it known and remembered that I have this day relinquished and given up to the said William Shapard, Senr., all the right and title and interest I now have or ever had of in and to said land, given under my hand the 11^th February 1807.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (signed) Alex. Smith

 

Note: Robert Burton, Esq., is listed as owning 3,854 acres in Granville County in 1788 tax list. This is Col. Robert Burton (1747 – 1825) who was a Rev. war soldier and buried in John Williams Cemetery 1 ½ miles from Williamsboro in Granville County. Others in this cemetery are Judge John Williams (father to Agatha) 1731 – 1799, Agatha Williams (1757 – 1831) who married Col. Robert Burton  in 1775. John W. Burton (1776 – 1795), Hutchens Burton (1777 – 1811)

 

Note: In will of John Taylor, sr. (Vol 13 1833 – 1837) dated 1827 and proved in 1837. John wills his son John C. Taylor his lands on northwest side of Taylors Ferry Road bought of Timothy Driscoll and adjoining late Stephen Sneed and south of Bartholomew Strum. He willed to his son James H. Taylor all land on east side of Taylor’s Ferry Road.

 

March 5, 1807 (Granville County, North Carolina, Deed Book T, p. 352)

                        (Lewis Shapard of Caswell County sold to Thomas Shapard of Granville County 207 acres in Granville County)

                        This indenture made the 5^th day of March anno Domini 1807 between Lewis Shapard of Caswell County and state of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Shapard of Granville County and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Lewis Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and ten pounds Virginia money to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge before the sealing and delivery of these presents hath granted bargained sold and delivered unto said Thomas Shapard one certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of Granville and bounded as followeth, beginning Payears and James Yancey’s corner thence west to James Yanceys corner white oak thence north on his line to __ Yanceys corner white oak, thence west to Downies corner pine in the crab orchard thence south on Downes line to his corner pointers, thence west on Downes line to Harris’s corner white oak, then south on Harris’s line to a stake in the pon, Harris’s corner, thence east on Harris’s line to a black jack – Harris’s corner in Shapards line, north on Shapards to a red oak Shapards corner east on Shapards line to a red oak Shapards corner in Preyears line thence north on Preyars line to the beginning containing two hundred and seven acres – more or less, together with the titles and previleges, etc. the said Lewis Shapard doth warrant and defend all rites and titles of said land to the said Thos. Shapard himor his heirs to have and to hold in peaceable possession forever. (signed and seal) Lewis Shapard

                        Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of John S. Shapard, William Royster.

                        State of North Carolina Granville County May Court A.D. 1807, the foregoing deed was duly proven in open court by the oath of William Royster a subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be registered  (signed) Sneed, clk.

 

June 5, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page 126)

                        This indenture made this 5^th day of June in the year of our Lord 1807 between Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard Trustees for the estate of William Shapard, Sr., of Granville County and State of North Carolina of the one part and John Shapard of the same County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard as trustees to the said estate for and in consideration of the sum of $224 pounds  19 shillings Virginia Currency to them in hand paid before the delivery of these presents the receipt whereof we hereby acknowledge hath granted, bargained, sold, delivered, released and confirmed unto the said John Shapard and his assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situated and lying and being in the County and State aforesaid containing 196 acres be the same more or less. Beginning at a pine Paryear corner thence north 45 chains and 57 links to a red oak thence west 43 ½ chains to a red oak thence south 45 chains and 57 links to a stake and pointers Thomas Shapard’s corner along his line east to the beginning together with the profits and ___ attending the same or thereabouts belonging to the said Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard as trustees do bind themselves, heirs to warrant and forever defend a proper right and title in ___ to the said tract of land with the appurtenances  unto the said John Shapard his heirs, assigns forever aquit the claim or demand of all and every person whatsoever. It witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and date above written.                                                                                                   (signed)      Francis Royster, Thomas Shapard

 

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Young, John Paryear, John Graves

 

State of North Carolina Granville County August Court A.D. 1807. The forgoing deed was duly proven in open court by the oath of John Graves a subscribing witness there to and ordered to be registered.

 

Note:  (The Booker Family Addendum by Cameron Allen published in the Virginia Genealogist; Granville County, North Carolina Will, Inventories, Vol. 6, page 422; Granville County Deed Book T, page 49;)

                        “William Shapard died intestate in Granville County, North Carolina between February 2, 1807 when he was grantor in a deed and February 20, 1808 when his administrator Francis Royster sold his “last known property” (Granville County, North Carolina Will, Inventories, Vol. 6, page 422) [this death date is further narrowed by the estate records to around October of 1807].  Despite the fact that he left no will, he did on February 2, 1807 make its practical equivalent, a deed of all his property to Trustees Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster in return for an annuity to be provided each Christmas by his children: ”Samuel, Mildred, William(s), Elizabeth Royster, James, William Lewis, Thomas, Mary, John, Anne, Barnett and Robert.” (Granville County Deed Book T, page 49). The Punctuation in this list of children is seemingly very careless and consequently misleading.” (The Booker Family Addendum by Cameron Allen published in the Virginia Genealogist).

 

Note: I agree with Cameron Allen’s assessment of the poor punctuation while listing the children’s names. By simply altering the commas, we have: Samuel, Mildred Williams, Elizabeth Royster, James, William, Lewis, Thomas, Mary, John, Anne Barnett and Robert. One missing child is Booker who died in 1802, thus would not be on this 1807 list.

 

1808 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 672 acres, 1 free poll, 4 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard for William Shapard, deceased, County Line District, 582 ½ acres, 0 polls, 0 slaves, 0 stud horses.

 

February 20, 1808 (Granville County, North Carolina Wills, Inventories, Accounts & Divisions of Estates Book  6, #422)

                        The estate of William Shapard was sold by Francis Royster.

 

February 20, 1808 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        An account of the last of the known property of William Shapard, deceased, sold by Francis Royster administrator on the 20^th of February 1808 – Virginia money:

                        William Graves to one bed – 4.0.0.

                        William Royster to one bed sted – 0.9.0

                        John Shapard to one pair of saddle bags – 0.17.0

                        John Shapard to one chest – 0.10.0

                        Francis Royster to one horse – 16.15.0

                        Francis Royster to one saddle and bridle – 0.18.0

                        Francis Royster to one case and razors – 0.4.11

                        Francis Royster to one counter pin – 0.10.0

                        Francis Royster to one sheet – 0.8.0

The amount of the sale = 25.11.11

(signed) Francis Royster.

(on back) State of North Carolina Granville County. May Court A.D. 1808. The forgoing account of sales of the estate of William Shapard, deceased, was returned in open court on oath by Francis Royster, administrator, and ordered to be recorded.

 

July 31, 1808 (Raleigh Minerva newspaper, September 22, 1808, Trustees Notice)

                        WE, Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster of Granville County, N.C., being authorized by virtue of a deed of trust executed to us on the 5^th day of February, 1807, by William Shapard, deceased, of the County and State aforesaid, to collect all debts, discharge all debts, etc., and to do all other things relative to said estate that are requisite; do hereby give notice  to all persons that have any demands against said estate, to present them on or before the 25^th day of November next, or within the time directed by law, and all those indebted to said estate to make payment immediately, as we intend so soon as the law will admit to bring the whole of the business relative to said estate to a close, and deliver up to each Legatee his portion of said estate. Those who fail to comply with their notice and bring their demands against us after the limited time by law, will find this place in bar against them. July 31, 1808. (signed) Thos. Shapard & Francis Royster, Trustees.

 

 

1809 (Granville County North Carolina County Tax List)

                        Thomas Shapard is listed in the County Line District with 672 acres, 1 free poll, 5 slaves, 0 town lots, 0 stud horses.

                        Thomas Shapard for William Shapard, deceased, County Line District, 273 acres, 0 polls, 0 slaves, 0 stud horses.

 

August 31, 1809 (Granville County Deed Book)

                        Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster were trustees for the property of William Shapard, deceased. Dated August 31, 1809.

 

August 6, 1811 (Granville County, North Carolina, Deed Book V, p. 223)

                        Thomas Shapard of Person County, N.C. to John Puyear of Granville County for 200 pounds Virginia Money, a tract or parcel of land in Granville County beginning at a pond [p. oak?] P. Yancey’s corner thence W 70 poles to a pine, in the crab orchard, thence S 152 poles to a pine now an old hog pen, thence W 182 poles to a white oak, thence S 112 poles to a supposed corner on the old field, thence E 92 poles to a blackjack, thence N 42 poles to a red oak, thence E 174 poles to a red oak, thence N 138 poles to a small post oak, thence W 10 poles to a corner, thence N to the beginning. 211 ¼ acres. Witness: P. Yancey and Robert Puryear. Signed Thos. Shapard. Recorded August Court 1811.

 

September 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina Granville County. In Equity. To Lewis Shapard Greeting. Whereas Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster hath executed their Bill of Complaint against you the said Lewis Shapard and others to the Honorable the Court of Equity for the County aforesaid, we command you that you all and all manner of business and excuse ceasing you personally appear before the Judges of our said Court at the court house on the first Monday in March next and answer the several matters in said Bill of Complaint contained and stand to perform such order as our said Court shall make and this you shall in no wise omit under penalty of one hundred pounds. Witness Nathaniel Robards Clerk and Master of our said Court at office and under seal of office the first Monday of September A.D. 1811 and the XXXVIth year of our Independence.

                        (on back) Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster vs. subpoena Samuel B. Shapard and others, for Lewis Shapard G.C. Court of Equity March Term A.D. 1812. To hand 14^th January 1812.

 

Note: There were the same subpoenas also issued for the other children of William Shapard to appear in Court.

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. Know by all men presents that we Thomas Shapard, Francis Royster, David Chandler, and Woodson Daniel of the County and State aforesaid are held and firmly bound unto Samuel B. Shapard, Anderson Williams and Mildred his wife, Joseph Barnett and Ann his wife, Lewis Shapard, James Shapard, William Shapard, Mary Shapard, John Shapard, and Robert Shapard in the sum of one hundred pounds to which payment will and truly to be made we bind our heirs and jointly and seperatly, firmly by these presents signed with our seals and dated the 2^nd day of September, A.D. 1811.

                        The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster have filed a Bill of Complaint against the parties aforesaid in the Court of Equity for the county of Granville. Now in case they prosecute said Bill with effect or incase of failurepay of and discharge of all costs thereon ___ to be paid, then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force. (signed) Thomas Shapard, Francis Royster, David Chandler, Woodson Daniel.

 

Note: Woodson Daniel (1776 - 1853) was the son of Chelsey Daniel (1730-1814) and Judith Woodson (1738-1825) and was raised on the Tranquility Plantation on the waters of the Mountain Creek above Satterwhite. He was a judge for Granville County.

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

State of North Carolina Granville County. In Equity. To the honorable judge of the court of Equity for the county aforesaid. Humbly complaining hereunto your honor your orator Thomas Shapard of the county of Person and Francis Royster of the county of Granville and state aforesaid. That on the 12^th day of November 1784 one William Shapard then residing in the county of Cumberland state of Virginia and having possessed of a considerable estate both real and personal gave and executed a Deed of Gift to his son Samuel B. Shapard, thereby conveying to his said son all his said estate, with the exception of a few debts which he gave to his son James Shapard, and the said deed was ordered to be recorded at court held for Cumberland County aforesaid in July 1785 to which deed, to which deed, for more certainty your orator can have to refer. Your orators further show, yhat on the 26^th day of April 1788, the said Samuel B. Shapard gave and executed to his said father a Deed of Gift, with a postscript endorsed thereon, by which he conveyed to his said father all the estate his father had given to him by the deed aforesaid, with a condition that his father shall make title to him  for two hundred acres of land and deliver to him a negro boy of a certain description, and with the exception of some of the property which is therein reserved to him. This latter deed with the postscript was proved in Granville County aforesaid at the February Court 1807and was ordered to be registered, and was afterwards duly registered in the said County. To this deed also and its postscript, your orators beg leave for more certainty, to refer. But prior to the execution of the latter deed the land held by the said William in Cumberland County aforesaid he or his said son Samuel had sold and he had purchased a tract of land in the County of Granville aforesaid whereon he the said William resided at the date of the said latter deed. And on the first day of August 1788 the said Samuel B. Shapard made and executed another Deed of Gift to his father,, conveying to him all the estate his father had given to him by deed as aforesaid, except three judgments, to which latter deed your orators also beg have to refer, the same having been recorded in Granville County aforesaid by order of a court for said County in August 1788. You orators further show that on the second day of February 1807, the said William Shapard made and executed the following Deed of Trust, to wit, “This indenture made the 2^nd day of February A.D. 1807 between William Shapard Sr. of the County of Granville and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Shapard for and in consideration of the trust therein after mentioned and of the sum of 5 shillings to have in hand paid by the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster, the receipt of where is hereby acknowledged hath given, granted, bargained, sold and delivered to them the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns all his the said William Shapard’s property where so ever situate both real and personal legal and equitable, things in activation as well as in possession, except one bay mare called Kate, one saddle and bridle, and one feather bed and furniture, to have and hold the aforesaid property to them the aforesaid Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns on the trust hereinafter mentioned (to wit) that the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster shall forthwith convey and transfer to John S. Shapard son of the said William Shapard one Negro boy named Abram and to Robert Shapard son also of the said William Shapard one Negro boy named Dick as their own absolute right and property of which the said William is now possessed, and also that the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster as soon hereinafter as convenient sell for cash at public sale, giving 10 days notice as much of the property here in conveyed as shall be sufficient to satisfy all the just debts which the said William Shapard at this time owes and pay the same and after the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster shall secure from the children of the said William Shapard hereinafter mentioned an annuity of $50 payable on the 25^th day of every December during the life of the said William Shapard in Virginia money or dollars at 6 shillings each which the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster are to secure to themselves in trust for the said William Shapard then they shall expose to public sale on 12 month credit after giving due notice the rest due of the aforesaid property and divide the proceeds of said sale together, what moneys they may collect due to the said William Shapard among the following children of the said William (to wit), Samuel, Mildred, Williams, Elizabeth Royster, James, William, Lewis, Thomas, Mary, John, Anne Barnett and Robert. Deducting on such division sale advancements by the said William made to any of his said children as in cases of intestacy and that the property here so far reserved by Samuel, one of said Williams children, in a deed by him executed to the said William be considered as an advancement made to him and the two Negros by this deed directed to be conveyed to John and Robert, sons of the said William, be taken in the same way and it is further understood that the said William Shapard, Sr., may reside where he pleases. In witness where of the parties to these presents have here unto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year above written.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (Signed) William Shapard, Sr., Thomas Shapard, Frances Royster  

The said Deed of Trust has been dully proved and registered in Granville County aforesaid, and is ready to be produced whenever this honorable Court shall so direct. Samuel B. Shapard aforesaid at the time of executing his last mentioned Deed of Gift to his father reserved to himself some interest in the said property by way of land, all the dowers under the said Deed of Trust (except Samuel B. Shapard) agreed to have the respective advancements to the children valued by men chosen for that purpose and the same was done and certified by the men so chosen, and assented to by Robert one of the dower since his arrival at full age; which appraisment your orators are ready to produce, and all the said dowers (except the said Samuel B. Shapard) have sanctioned the said Deed of Trust and agreed to divide and take under it according to its __ and effect; and the said Samuel B. Shapard also agreed to divide and take under the said Deed of Trust and conform the same in condition that he should be permitted to take a full share without accounting for the property reserved to himself as aforesaid. Your orators as trustees as aforesaid proceeded to execute the several trusts contained in said Deed and have faithfully performed the same as far as they concern themselves safe and justifiable in doing without an indemnity or a decree of this honorable Court; for they say that some doubt is entertained whether the said Deed of Trust is binding upon the heirs and distributors of the said William Shapard, Sr.; it being alleged on one hand that at the time the same was executed he was not of sound mind, which on the other hand it is contended that as all the heirs and distributors of the said William are dowers under the said deed and have agreed to divide according the __ and provision of the same they are concluded by such argument and must take under the deed whether the same be in itself valid or not. To this however it is urged by the said Samuel B. that his argument was conditional as aforesaid; and he has forewarned your orators not to settle with and pay over to the other dowers, but upon the principal that the property reserved to him as aforesaid shall not be collated with the other property and the other dowers have on their part forewarned your orators not to settle with him in the way he contends for; but neither party has offered to indemnify your orator. Thus your orators are placed in a hazardous situation by the acts of the said parties though they have done all in their power to avoid it. Your orators charge that they have been faithful and vigilant in the execution of the Trust aforesaid and were at all times ready and willing to settle upon any terms the other parties might agree upon as to their own rights and the right of Elizabeth wife of your orator Francis; that they have been put to much trouble, labor and expense in the promises that the sale of land was postponed by all the parties concerned in interest which delayed for a time the completion of business, that your orators have paid over some monies to some of the dowees and taken receipts therefore; and have been ready and willing to pay over all in their hands according to the just and legal rights of the parties, ever since the receipts of the same, but could not bring the parties to an accommodation. That William Shapard, Sr., aforesaid departed this life about eight months after the date of the said Deed of Trust and his wife (the mother of said dowers) is also dead. Your orators are now ready to render a full and complete amount to pay over to the parties respectively all which of right may be due  and in such way as well indemnify your orators; but the said parties will not agree among themselves and threaten to take advantage of your orators. All which acting are contrary to equity and good conscious, and tend to your orators wrong and peril. In tender consideration whereof and for as much as your orators are without complete remedy in the preceding  but in a Court of Equity where matters of this nature are properly  cognizable, and where your orators may compel the said claimants to interplead and settle  and adjust their rights and demands between themselves so that your orators may be enabled to pay over the said monies and proceeds of sale with safety; and where your orators may cause all parties to come and to an account and discover the advancements to each ___ the validity of said Deed of Trust if they be so disposed to the end therefore that the said parties, to wit, Samuel B. Shapard who has no fixed residence, and Anderson Williams and Mildred his wife of Campbell County in the State of Virginia, Joseph Barnett and Ann his wife of Granville County aforesaid, Lewis Shapard of Caswell County in North Carolina, James Shapard of Orange County, Elizabeth Royster wife of your orator Francis of Granville aforesaid, William Shapard of the City of Richmond in the State of Virginia, Mary Shapard of Caswell County aforesaid, John Shapard of Halifax County, Virginia and Robert Shapard of Richmond aforesaid (who are dowers under the said Deed o Trust with your orators) may upon their respective corporal oaths, full true and perfect answer make (according to the best of their knowledge, rememberance, information and belief) to all and singular the matters aforesaid as fully and effectualy, to all intents and purposes as if the same were here repeated, and they particularly and distinctly interrogated; that they may make full discovery in the premises and come to a full and final account, allowing to your orator a just renumeration for all expenses and labor, that the said parties may interplead and settle and adjust their said demands between themselves, your orators being willing to pay the monies aforesaid to the said parties in such way and proportions as the same shall appear of right to belong being indemnified; and that your orators may be at liberty to bring the same into this honorable Court for the benefit of the said parties as they shall appear respectivally to be entitled thereto; and that your orators may have and receive such further and other relief in and touching all and singular the matters and things aforesaid as to your Honor shall seem proper and agreeable to Equity and good conscience; May it please your Honor to grant unto your orator the proper Writs of Subpeona and direct to the said parties commanding them to appear and answer, etc. And your orators do hereby offer each for himself and your orator Francis for his wife Elizabeth, that the rights of the said Francis and his wife Elizabeth and of the said Thomas under the said Deed of Trust shall abide the decision of the parties herein named and shall be governed by the same rules as the rights of the said parties generally shall be by a decree of this Honorable Court; and service of this Bill on the said ElizabethRoyster is hereby admitted by your orator Francis.

State of North Carolina, Granville County. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster complainants in the foregoing Bill, make oath that they do not collude with either of the defendants touching all or any of the matters in question, nor are any way indemnified by either of the defendants; nor do exhibit it their bill at the request of either party, but merely of their own free will and to avi=oid being doubly vexed touching the matters contained in their bill. Sworn and subscribed before me this 2^nd day of September, 1811. Leo Henderson

(signed) Thos. Shapard, Francis Royster.

 

Note: Accounting records of the estate of William Shapard begin on February 28, 1807. However, according to the above document he lived until approximately October of 1807 (eight months from the date of the Deed of Trust in February 2, 1807. He may have had declining health and his sons began to manage his finances and affairs for him.

 

March 1812 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

North Carolina, Granville County. In the Superior Court of Equity. The answer of Lewis Shapard, James Shapard, John Shapard and Joseph Barnett for himself and his wife Ann to the Bill of Complaint of Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster.

                        These defendants saying for answer do say – it is true that the said William Shapard in the Bill named made the deed of Gift of the year 1785 to his son Samuel also in the Bill named, with the reservation to James Shapard one of the defendants, of which he never had any benefit, and that the said Samuel afterwards made the second Deed of Gift in the Bill mentioned for the purpose of restoring in his father the said William the property which the latter had conveyed to the former without consideration, at a time when he was in great difficulties.

                        They admit that the said William Shapard made and executed the deed of Trust of the 2^nd of February 1807 to the complainants, which they believed is fully and truly set forth and recited in the Bill – The object of which is apparent on the face of it – namely to make a fair and equal distribution of his estate among his children. They do not intend by any means to contest the validity of said deed of Trust on the ground of the said William being of unsound mind when the same was executed – and insist only on its being fulfilled by the said Trustees according to its true intent and meaning.

                        These defendants insist that whatever the said Samuel Shapard may have received of the estate of his said father at any time, either by virtue of the before mentioned deed of Gift or otherwise, should be considered as an advancement to him, and charged to his distribution share under the said deed of Trust – and they further insist that the said Samuel cannot claim under and against the said Deed of Trust.

                        These defendants have offered repeatedly to the said Trustees to give their ample indemnity against the pretensions of the said Samuel to the rights reserved under the deed of Gift to his father and to a full share of the estate under the deed of Trust which they, the said Trustees, have refused to accept, as they ought to have done, and to have divided the estate according to the proposition made by these defendants.

                        These defendants further show that the complainant, the said Trustees, have ___ denied either in their Bill of Complaint, or otherwise to these defendants, any statement or account of the estate of the said William which has come to their handunder the deed aforesaid – neither have they or either of them ever offered to come to any account with these defendants or either of them, for their administration of the estate of the said William  under the deed aforesaid, or to pay them, or either of them their respective shares of the same according to the true intent and meaning of the said deed, although they have sold the whole of the estet,and have had ample sufficient time to collect the debts due the ___, and have been after requested to come to said settlement and account, and make payment of what might be due to these defendants respectively.

                        These defendants [insist] that they have always been both ready and willing to take their proportion of the estate of the said William, according to the promisies of the deed of Trust aforesaid, nor have they or either of them ever set up any protest on a claim adverse to the same, and they have respectfully offered the complainants ample indemnity provided they would proceed to divide said estate to and among the children of the said William, or in case of the ___ of the said William, which they have refused to do.

                        They pray honor to be dispensed with their oaths in this____. The defendants named in this claim make oath that the facts stated in this answer to be of their own knowledge are true and those not of their own knowledge they believe to be true.

                        (signed) Lewis Shapard, Jas. Shapard, John S. Shapard, Joseph Barnett

 

September 10, 1812 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

North Carolina, Granville County. In Equity. The answer of Mary Shapard one of the defendants to the Bill of Complaint exhibited against her and others by Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster.

                        This defendant saving for answer saith it is true that the said William Shapard in the Bill named made a deed of Gift of the year 1785 to his son Samuel also in the Bill named, with the reservations to James Shapard one of the defendants, of whichshe believes the said James never had any benefit, and that the said Samuel afterwards made the two __ deeds of Gift in the Bill mentioned for the purpose of restoring in his father the said William Shapard the property conveyed by the latter to the former in stout consideration at a time when he was in great difficulties.

                        She admits that the said William Shapard made and executed the deed of Trust of the 2^nd of February 1807 to the complainants, which she believes is fully and truly set forth and recited in the Bill, the object of which is apparent on the face of it, to make a fair and equal distribution of his estate among all his children, she by no means contests the validity of the said deed of Trust either for ____ of mind or any other claim, and insists only on its fulfillment by the said Trustees according to its true intent and meaning.

                        This defendant insists that whatever the said Samuel Shapard has received at anytime of the estate of the said William Shapard either by virtue of the said Deed of Gift, or otherwise should be considered as an advancement to him and charged to his distribution share under the said deed of Trust, and she further insists that the said Samuel cannot claim under and against the said Deed of Trust.

                        This defendant has offered to give indemnity to the complainants against the pretensions of the said Samuel to the rights received under the Deeds of Gift to his father, and to a full show of the estate under the Deed of Gift, which they the Trustees have refused to accept.

                        This defendant further states the complainants, the Trustees, have not rendered either in their Bill of Complaint, or otherwise to her, any statement or account of the estate of the said William, which has come to their hands, under the deed aforesaid, neither have they, or either of them even offered to come to any account with this defendant, for their administration of the estate of the said William under the deed aforesaid; although they have sold the whole of the said estate, and have had sufficient time to collect the debts due the same, and have been after requested to come to such settlement and account and make payment of her share.

                        This defendant [insists] that she has always been ready and willing to take her proportion of the estate of the said William Shapard according to the provisions of the said Deed of Trust, nor has she at any time ever set up any presentations or claims adverse to the same.

                        She denies all combination with the other defendants and prays honor to be dispensed with her ___.Mary Shapard make oath that the matter contained in this answer and stated as of her own knowledge are true – not of her own knowledge she believes to be true.                                                                                                           (signed) Mary Shapard

 

October 2, 1812 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Take notice on the 7^th day of November next at Mr. Alexander Hambletons Store in the County of Granville and State of North Carolina we intend to take the depositions of Mr. John Oliver, John Webb, William Royster and James Smith to be read in evidence in the Suit in Equity brought by us against you and others and now pending in the Court of Equity for the County of Granville aforesaid 2^nd October, 1812. (signed) Thos. Shapard and Francis Royster.

                        October 3 - I delivered John S. Shapard notice compared with the above. October 5, 1812 – I delivered James Shapard, Polly Shapard and Lewis Shapard notice compared with the above. October 10, 1812 – I delivered Joseph Barnett notice compared with the above.

                        (on back) The within is a true copy of notice to be served on the Legatees of William Shapard. (signed) John Bailey.

                        State of North Carolina Granville County. John Bailey maketh oath that he delivered a true copy of the within notice to John S. Shapard on the 3^rd October 1812, Mary Shapard on the 5^th, James and Lewis on the same day and on the 10^th to Joseph Barnett. Sworn to before me this 2^nd March 1813.

 

Note: This affidavit, if accurate, would mean that Lewis had not left North Carolina until after October of 1812, and in all reason due to winter would most likely not have left until spring of 1813. 

 

November 7, 1812 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        James Smith deposition. Sometime in the year 1797 I was appointed or chosen by William Shapard and his son Samuel B. Shapard to settle a grievous controversy between them to settle all their accounts which Mr. John Webb, myself and Mr. Gideon Gooch agreed to decide. And after a considerable time looking over the papers by us stated above, the said William Shapard for the money we found due to said Samuel Shapard and by both of their consents we burnt all their papers to prevent further litigation between them. Sometime previous to the death of Mr. William Shapard, Sr., Mr. John Webb and myself were called on to meet at Mr. Francis Royster’s who married his daughter, and the tract of the ___ that hold in Granville after conversing with Mr. William Shapard, Sr., we found him incapable of disposing his property. His children, all that were present, agreed to draw up an__ by deed of Trust in the hands of Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster hands to make late pay of his debts and after they could collect the money keeping a sufficiency in their hands to support the old man the surplus to be divided amongst his children agreeable to the deed. His son Samuel B. Shapard, not present at this meeting. And after the death of William Shapard, Sr., I was at Thomas Shapard’s they all were present except for William and Robert. Mr. Webb their agent present he heard Samuel [ask] Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard not to let his claim go out of their hands and further this despondent saith not. Sworn before us November 7, 1812. (signed) James Smith

 

November 7, 1812 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Pursuant to the __ Commission to us directed , at the store of Alexander Hamilton in Granville County in the state of North Carolina in the seventh day of November A.D. 1812. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster complainants being present and James Shapard and Lewis Shapard of the defendants being present. We have caused John Webb and James Smith and William Royster, Sen., to come before us and after being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty  God deposeth and saith:

                        John Webb deposeth and saith that he was informed after William Shapard father of Samuel B. Shapard moved to North Carolina that the said William had made a Deed of Gift to the said Samuel of all his property, I observed to the said William he ought not to ___ so ___ uncertain Samuel had it in his power to keep the whole of his property, and his wife and children might be left without support. Afterwards the said William and the said Samuel called on me to meet at said William’s house. When I met the said Samuel agreed to reconvey to his father the said William all the property that had been conveyed to him and his father giving him a Trust of land, a negro man between the age of 15 to 20. I do not recollect the quantity of land (it however may be known by a reference to the conveyance made by said William to said Samuel). The deed Samuel __ to his father he did not receive it as a gift, the services he had rendered him he conceived to be worth as much as the property he said he claimed. Said he for two years had made him break up school to do his the said William’s business and [letterwork?] said he had served two tours of duty in the militia for him the said William the said Samuel told the said William if he did not pay him he should hold his property. But this deposeth does not recollect the reply of said William. An ___ of ___ was made and assigned in my presence and said Samuel was to receive the above property (a negro and a quantity of land) there was a considerable sum of money due said William in Cumberland County Virginia which money the said Samuel undertook to collect for the said William and for his trouble was to  have the use of it for a certain length of time agreed on between them. After the money was collected said Samuel and said William could not settle their amounts they agreed that James Smith and myself should settle all their accounts. We met at ___Smiths and after we got there a ___ Gooch was by the parties called to witness in making the settlement, which settlement after considerable difficulty was made and bears date the 28 August 1797 and accompanies this deposition. And the said William executed a Bond to the said Samuel to the amount of an award ($125 V. Currency) after we had made the settlement as award we by the consent of the parties burnt the papery which were committed with the settlement to prevent further claim, disparity or litigation between the parties. About a year before the death of the said  William, his son James and some of his brothers came to my house. The said William had assigned an instrument of ___ conveying his property to his son James which conveyance had produced considerable discontent amongst most of the children of said William. This [discontent] prevailed and said James and he consented to give it up and we agreed on a day and the old man was brought to Francis Royster’s who married his daughter. James Smith and myself met there and most of the children of said William were present. After conversing with the old man we found him not capable of disposing of his property. He told us he would do anything we thought right. We in the presence of his children present drew up an instrument of ___ in vesting his estate by Deed of Trust in Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster to make sale of and to pay off his debts and after collection, the money to keep a sufficiency within hand to support the old man and the surplus to be divided amongst his children awarding them the Deed of Trust above mentioned. His son Samuel was not present. All the children of said William then present insisted that their brother Samuel ought or should not share with them in the property of the said William, saying he had received a good share already. William Shapard (son of William) lived in Richmond Virginia, at the time he wrote to ___ to ask as __ for him and his brother Robert who were underage and who also lived in Richmond. It was the wish of all the children present of said William that Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster should do the business. After the death of said William soon the deposant met at Thomas Shapard’s all the children being present except said William and Robert. It was late when I got there, they had been trying to settle and could not agree. Said Samuel contending for an equal share of the estate. The said Samuel then and there forwarned said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster from paying his part of their hand. Several of the rest then forwarned the said Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster from paying the claim of said Samuel out of their hands.

                                                                                                                                                                        (signed) John Webb

[John Webb] Questioned by Thomas Shapard one of the complainants: Were you at the sale of William Shapard, deceased?

                        Answer: I was.

                        Question: Was the land __ out on __?

                        Answer: It was.

                        Question: Did not the legatees wish for the __ to __ the estate?

                        Answer: They did __.Thomas Shapard and yourself commented it should.

                        Question: Did you not understand that after this the land was sold?

                        Answer: I was so informed by the parties and Lewis Shapard bought it and I assisted as agent for the land to return back into the hands of the Trustees to make the best sale they could of it.

                        Question: Did you understand that the making at my house was intended for a final settlement?

                        Answer: I think I was requested by Thomas Shapard to meet that day and that he said Samuel would there be present and they would endeavor to settle their dispute. It was late when I came and they did not agree.

                        Questioned by Lewis Shapard one of the defendants: Do you recollect the time they met at Thomas Shapard’s?

                        Answer: I do not recollect the year but I recall it was a very cold day.

                        Question: Has it been three years ago?

                        Answer: I suppose it was.

                                                                                                (signed) John Webb

 

Question by the complainant to William Royster, Sen.: Was that day intended for a final settlement or not?

                        Answer: I understood so by all the parties.

                        Question: Did you or did you not hear us call on the (torn off)

                        Answer: I did.

                        Question: Did you or did you not hear Lewis Shapard say that he was going to get advice?

                        Answer: I did.

                        Questions by Lewis Shapard one of the defendants: At what date did this happen?

                        Answer: As well as I recollect in fall of 1809. I recollect we were getting in corn.

                        Question: What did you conceive the contract at the time mentioned?

                        Answer: I understood the contract to be that Samuel had received more than his share and therefore should not receive an equal share.

                        Question: When the contract took place about Samuel’s claim, what propositions were made by us?

                        Answer: You proposed to hear his ___ to Virginia to get vouchers to support his claims.

                        Questioned by the Complainant: Who executed the ___ that ___ this business?

                        Answer: I understood something was said by Samuel which displeased the rest. Lewis as well as ___ said ___ might do his own business.

                                                                                                                                                                                                (signed) William Royster

 

February 2, 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        North Carolina Granville County. In the Superior Court of Equity. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster (complainants) vs. James Shapard and others (defendants).            

                        The depositions of John Oliver, John Webb and William Royster will be taken for the defendants in the above named suit at the house of Alexander Hambleton’s Store in Granville on the 26^th day of February 1813 and the depositions of Stephen Sneed, Bartholomew Strum and Harper Booth will be taken for the defendants at Stephen Sneeds Tavern in Williamsborough on the 27^th February 1813. The defendants by Dun, Cameron their attorneys. February 2^nd 1813.

                        (on back) State of North Carolina Granville County. Edmund Shelton maketh oath that he delivered a true copy of the within notice to Thomas Shapard on the 5^th day of February last.           (signed) Emd. Shelton.

                        Sworn before me this 1^st March 1813.

 

February 26, 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. Commission directed to us William Gill and Woodson Daniel both Justices of the Peace for the County of Granville of the State of N. Carolina. We have caused John Webb to come before us at the store of Alexander Hamiltton on the 26^th day of February, 1813. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster Complainants, being present, and James Shapard, one of the defendants, being also present, who after being duly sworn disposeth and sayeth that –

                        Questions by James Shapard one of the defendants: Had you any ___ from the use old Mr. Shapard made of his property when he first came to the state, that it was not his?

                        Answer: I thought it was his.

                        Questions by Thomas Shapard one of the complainants: At different times when the defendants were passing your house, did you ever hear them express any disposition to allow Samuel Shapard claims, after the meeting at my house?

                        Answer: I never did.

                        Question: But did you not hear them say they were opposed to allowing his claim?

                        Answer: Yes.

                        Question by James Shapard one of the defendants: On what grounds were they opposed to the allowance of the claim?

                        Answer: I understood on the ground that they conceived he had got his trust before.

Sworn to before us the day and year written. (signed) Wm. Gill, J.P., Woodson Daniel, J.P. and John Webb.

Allowed 10^th March 1815.

 

 February 26, 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. Commission directed to us William Gill and Woodson Daniel both Justices of the Peace for the County of Granville of the State of North Carolina. We have caused John Oliver to come before us at the store of Alexander Hamiltton on the 26^th day of February, 1813. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster Complainants, being present, and James Shapard, one of the defendants, being also present, who after being duly sworn disposeth and sayeth that –

                        Questions by James Shapard one of the defendants: Were you present when depositions were heretofore taken at this place?

                        Answer: I was.

                        Question Were you at Thomas Shapard’s at the time there was one attempt made to  settle Samuel Shapard’s claim?

                        Answer: I was.

                        Question: Were William Royster and John Webb there on that day?

                        Answer: Yes.

                        Question: Do you recount the day?

                        Answer: I think it was the month of November or December in the year 1808.

                        Question: Did you understand by the Legatees that they were willing Samuel Shapard should be allowed what he claimed of his father’s estate on his bringing vouchers to support his claim?

                        Answer: On certain conditions I understood they were.

                        Question: What were those conditions?

                        Answer: That he would go to Virginia (they preferring to hear his [witness] and one of them to go with him) and on his bringing vouchers to support his claim they would settle or allow it. But there arose a contention between Samuel Shapard and Lewis Shapard upon which they all forwarned the Trustees, Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster, from paying Samuel Shapard anything. Samuel Shapard then declaring that his papery in the hands of J___ Smith and John Webb were sufficient to support his claim to whatever property he had.

                        Question by Thomas Shapard one of the complainants: Did I not extress a strong wish that the Legatees should settle without a suit?

                        Answer: Yes, and offered a hundred dollars if they would do so. And further this depsitionist sayeth not.

Sworn to before us the day and year written. (signed) Wm. Gill, J.P., Woodson Daniel, J.P. and John Oliver

Allowed March 10, 1815.

 

February 26, 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. Commission directed to us William Gill and Woodson Daniel both Justices of the Peace for the County of Granville of the State of North Carolina. We have caused William Royster to come before us at the store of Alexander Hamiltton on the 26^th day of February, 1813. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster Complainants, being present, and James Shapard, one of the defendants, being also present, who after being duly sworn disposeth and sayeth that –

                        Questions by James Shapard one of the defendants: I think you said in your deposition taken at this place in November last that the meeting which took place at Thomas Shapard’s alluded to in that deposition happened in 1809. Have you not [come] to believe you were incorrect?

                        Answer: I have. I think I was under a mistake and that it was the same time of the year as there mentioned in the year 1808. I have however no recollection of having been incorrect in any other part of that deposition.

Sworn to before us the day and year written. (signed) Wm. Gill, J.P., Woodson Daniel, J.P. and William Royster

Allowed March 10, 1815.

 

 June 19, 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)  

                        Pursuant to the ___ commission to us directed we have met at the house of Jno. Raine (Tavern) in Cumberland County Virginia on the nineteenth day of June 1813, have caused to come before us Samuel Williams, Richard Wilson, Mathew Cox and Thomas Johns. I have examined them as witness in the said suit in the Court of Equity of Granville County North Carolina wherein Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster are complainant and Sam’l B. Shapard and others defendants. The said Sam’l Williams being of lawful age and being first duly sworn on the Holy evangelist of almighty god, deposeth and saith. This deponent recollect that he Samuel Shapard and Reid Wilson went and viewed two bay mares which said Wilson purchased and let Samuel Shapard have one at twenty pounds and the other  at thirty pounds and for the said Samuel Shapard observed that twenty pound mare was for his father which would make them about even.

                        Direct by James Shapard defendant: Do you not know that Samuel Shapard assigned his name to an indemnifying bond to Reid Wilson which accompany?

                        This deposition answer: I do and joined in with him.

                        Question: Do you know any of the schools Sam Shapard made up in this country?

                        Answer: I know of but two and sent to one only myself and paid him the said Samuel the money for tuition. And farther saith not. (Signed) Samuel Williams.

                       

                        The deposition of Reid Wilson taken as above. This deponent recollect of purchasing of the two bay mares spoken of before and gave the sums mentioned for them and delivered them the Samuel Shapard at which time the said Samuel observed that the oldest mare was for his father which was the twenty pound mare and farther said that it would make him and his father about even and the balance of the money was his.

                        Questioned by James Shapard defendant: Do you not know that Samuel Shapard assigned his name to an indemnifying bond given to you which accompanies this deposition?

                        Answer: He did with Samuel Williams.

                        Question: Do you recollect of the item of 31.11.91/4 charged in __ of William Shapard to Samuel Shapard in which it states  sworn to by Reid Wilson that accompany this deposition?

                        Answer: I don’t believe I ever swore anything about it and farther saith not. (signed) Reid Wilson

 

                        The deposition of Mathew Cox taken as above. Questioned by James Shapard: Do you recollect how long Samuel Shapard engaged to keep school at Brown Church in this county?

                        Answer: As well as recollect it was for six months.

                        Question: How long a time did you pay the said Samuel for?

                        Answer: I think five months and farther saith not. (signed) Mathew Cox

 

                        The deposition of Thos. Johns taken as before.

                        Question: Do you recollect how long Samuel Shapard engaged to keep school at Brown Church in this county?

                        Answer: As well as I recollect about six months and paid him for five only which was all the time he kept as well as recollect, and farther saith not. (signed) Thomas Johns, Sr.

Passed and allowed March 9, 1815

 

Note: Brown’s Church is a town in Cumberland County, Virginia about 1.8 miles north of Raines Tavern on John Randolph Road. In 1774, Davis Brown sold two acres of land to the Vestrymen on Littleton Parish for the establishment of Brown’s Church.

 

Note: John Raine was a justice of the court for Cumberland County and a vestryman for Littleton Parish. He w s the son of George Raine (judge in Goochland County) (b.c.1709 – d.c.1735) and Mary Shelton. John Raine was born July 5, 1726 and died May 26, 1787 in Cumberland County, Virginia. He married Susannah Mitchell on August 3, 1754 in Goochland County, Va., and after her death married Keziah Anderson (daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Anderson) on December 23, 1761 in Cumberland County. John “Poplar Foot” Woodson married Elizabeth (Raine) Venable the daughter of John Raine circa 1785. She being the widow of John Venable. John Raine was the owner of Raine’s tavern located on the road from Richmond to Lynchburg. The tavern was well known for its accommodations, food and liquor, as well as, its half-mile horse race track on the property. In the 1800s it was a stage stop for travelers.

 

September 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        North Carolina Granville County. In Equity. The answer of Anderson Williams one of the defendants to the Bill of Complaint of Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster. This defendant ___ and ___ for answer, saith:

                        That he hath seen, ___ and fully considered the answer of Lewis Shapard, James Shapard, John Shapard and Joseph Barnett other defendants in this cause, to the Bill of Complaint of the complainants, filed on the 3^rd March, 1812 and adopts the same as his answer to the said Bill, with the following exception and additions, Viz.,  that he never did directly offer to give security to the complainants in his proper ___, to in ___ them against the claims of Samuel B. Shapard, because this defendant resides in Virginia, but Lewis Shapard one of the defendants , did for and on behalf of this defendant and all other the legatees who resided in Virginia, offer fully to indemnify the said Trustees from and against the pretended rights and claims of Samuel B. Shapard as set forth in the said answer returned to which the said complainants did wrongfully refuse to accept.

                        This defendant further answering saith, that the said Samuel B. Shapard ___ ___ this defendant previous to the reconveyance by him to his father the said William Shapard, of the estate mentioned in the Bill, that he would reserve to himself such a full share of all the estate of his father, as he might be entitled to in the wish of the said William dying intestate, before he __ recovery to the said William – and the said Samuel often the execution of the reconveyance to his father did employ ___ to this defendant, that he had reserved and received out of the estate of his father such full share as aforesaid, before and at the time of the reconveyance, and that thereafter he had no claim or demand on his said father, or for any part of the estate of which his father might be possessed or entitled to at the time of his death

                        The defendant denies all collaboration and prays honor to be dispensed. Anderson Williams named within, maketh oath that the matter of fact stated in the foregoing answer to be of his own knowledge and true, and that not of his own knowledge he believing to be true.                                                                         (signed) Anderson Williams

 

August 19, 1814 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Deposition of Anderson Williams questioned by James Shapard one of the defendants at the house of Anderson Williams in Campbell County, Virginia on August 19, 1814. Anderson Williams said that when Samuel Shapard held the estate of William Shapard, that he would not reconvey the estate to William Shapard again unless he reserved as much of the estate as he thought would be his proportional part of said estate___, and the reason why he would reserve as much of the estate as his proportion was that his father might fall out of with him and give him no part of the estate. [Anderson said] Samuel told me that he had reconveyed the estate except what he thought was his proportion. And I, Anderson Williams, was present at Thomas Shapard’s when Lewis Shapard was also present and Thomas proposed that a division of the estate should take place provided the Legatees gave County security and Lewis Shapard said that he would see that County security should be given provided he would make a division of the estate and Thomas refused to do so.

 

March 4, 1815 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. In Equity 1814. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster vs. Samuel B. Shapard and others. Pursuant to an order made in this cause I have caused the parties to appear before me on the 4^th day of March 1815 and adjourned from day to day until the 9^th and have proceeded to take an account of the estate conveyed by the Deed of Trust from William Shapard, deceased to complainants. Also of the estate which was conveyed by said William Shapard in his lifetime to his children; And find from the evidence laid before me that the property conveyed by said Deed of Trust which came to the hands of the complainants amounts to the sum of 3084.0.4 ½  and that they have paid away the sum of 593.8.10 ½ leaving a balance in the hands of the Trustees of the sum of 2490.11.6 which will now fully appear by ___ to the annexed amount which I pray may be taken as a part of  this report. I also find that the said William Shapard conveyed in his lifetime to his children as follows, Viz. to Anderson Williams and wife property to the amount of 175.0.0; to Joseph Barnett and wife property to the amount of 120.16.8; to Lewis Shapard property to the amount of 249.17.8; to James Shapard property to the amount of 135.6.8; to Francis Royster and wife property to the amount of 135.4.8; to Thomas Shapard property to the amount of 258.10.0; to William Shapard property to the amount of146.13.4; to Mary Shapard property to the amount of 130.0.0; to John S. Shapard property to the amount of103.0.0 and to Robert Shapard property to the amount of 83.6.8 as appears from a valuation of persons chosen for that purpose which was admitted by the parties. I beg have to remark that according to the order, notice of this ___ was served on all but Sam B. Shapard who from inquiry had gone to parts unknown. But from the evidence introduced it clearly appears that the property awarded to him by William Shapard amounts to the sum of 328.4.0. I further find that the complainants have paid as Trustees since the death of said William Shapard to John S. Shapard the sum of 8.10.0 and voucher No. 33; to Anderson Williams the sum of 115.10.0 and voucher No. 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38; to Robert Shapard the sum of 250.5.10 and voucher No. 39 and 40; To William Shapard the sum of 125.0.0; and to James Shapard the sum of 91.6.11 and voucher No. 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45.

                        Whole estate including balance now on hand and all advancements in the life time of William Shapard, deceased – 4356.10.2

                        Each part being 1/11 is – 396.0.10

1.      Anderson Williams and wife were advanced – 175.0.0

                                Balance due A. Williams and wife – 221.0.10

2.      Joseph Barnett and wife were advanced – 120.0.0

Balance due J. Barnett and wife – 276.0.10

3.      Lewis Shapard was advanced – 249.17.8

Balance due L. Shapard – 146.3.2

4.      James Shapard was advanced – 135.6.8

Balance due Jas. Shapard – 260.14.2

5.      Francis Royster and wife advanced – 135.4.8

Balance due him – 260.16.2

6.      Thomas Shapard advanced – 258.10.0

Balance due him – 137.10.10

7.      William Shapard advanced – 146.13.4

Balance due him – 249.7.6

8.      Mary Shapard advanced – 130

Balance due her – 266.0.10

9.      John S. Shapard advanced – 103.0.0

Balance due him – 293.0.10

10.     Robert Shapard advanced – 83.6.8

Balance due him – 312.14.2

11.     Samuel B. Shapard advanced 328.4.0

Balance due him – 67.14.10

 

1815 (no date) (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster Trustees vs. Samuel B. Shapard and others. The Clerk and Master having agreeable to the order made in this cause of the last term reported at this term and this cause coming to be heard on the Bill answers, forever orders,___ directs, exhibits,___ after full argument of council on both sides it is ordered adjusted and rendering by the Court that the complainants Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster, within thirty days hereafter, pay 276.0.10 to Joseph Barnett; 105.10.10 to Anderson Williams; 146.3.2 to Lewis Shapard; 169.7.3 to James Shapard; 124.7.6 to William Shapard; 266.0.10 to Mary Shapard; 284.10.10 to John Shapard; 62.8.4 to Robert Shapard; and 67.16.10 to Samuel B. Shapard. The said several sums being the balance due to the said defendants respectively from the complainants of the said estate conveyed to complainants by William Shapard Sen., received in Trust as in the said Deed mentioned as set forth in the Bill, after making each of the said defendants of the complainants account for the estate received by them from the said William, deceased, in his lifetime, accordingly to the terms and conditions contained in the said deed and allowing the complainants credit for all items heretofore paid by them to said defendants___. It is further ordered and decreed that all the said complainants and the defendants pay the costs of the Clerk and Master equally and alike and that the Clerk and Master be allowed the sum of 15.0.0 for making the report in this cause; and that no other cost be allowed to or recovered by either party. It is further ordered and decreed that the bonds given the defendants for their purchases at the sale of the Trust property be taken in discharge of the sums due them respectively as far as they go.

 

Note: This is the final settlement of the court case. 

 

 

MARY BOOKER – (b. September 4, 1746- died between 1790 and 1799)

  Note; The Booker family apparently arrived in York County, Virginia from England in 1648. This family then settled in the Virginia Counties of Gloucester, Halifax and Amelia. There were other Bookers from German descent, originally named ‘Butcher.’

      (The Virginia Genealogist, The Booker Family: Addendum, Vol. 5, p. 172-174; Ibid. Vol. 5, The Booker Family…, p. 51-64) 

Mary’s father, James Booker, Jr. (son of James Booker, Sr.) was born In Gloucester County about 1723 and died in Essex County, Virginia in 1793. He migrated from Gloucester, County, Virginia to South Farnham Parrish in Essex County about 1750, where he acquired enough land for a plantation that he named “Laurel Grove.”  James Booker first married  Elizabeth Howlett (Hubbard) the mother of his children. It is believed that she came from Gloucester, Petsworth Parrish. James Booker’s second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Wright, married circa 1775. Elizabeth was a ‘Shepard’ apparently from Petsworth Parrish. She had been widowed by her husband, Archibald Wright. On November 30, 1775, James Booker and Mrs. Elizabeth Shepard Wright drew up Articles of Agreement in anticipation of a “marriage shortly intended between” them; “Elizabeth to have free liberty to dispose of her estate and shall not claim dower right in the estate of the said James.” (Essex County Virginia, Deed Book 31, p. 270). On July 24, 1777, James Booker of Essex County [Virginia] caused to be published and announcement that “all persons who have any demands against the estate of Ambrose Wright, deceased, or against my wife are desired to bring in their accounts by the 1^st day of September…” (Virginia Gazette, August 15, 1777, p. 7). Elizabeth Shepard died before 1790, as she is not mentioned in her husband’s will, dated 1790. She is believed to be either the sister, or more likely the aunt, of William ShApard.

In his will dated 1790, (which was probated June 18, 1793) James Booker, Jr., father of Mary Booker, lists his children as:”My daughter Mary Shapard” as well as, Joanna Woodson (deceased) and her widow Captain Thomas [John] Woodson, Lewis Booker, Ann Wild (or Wyld) (deceased), Elizabeth Jefferies and her husband Richard Jefferies. He also mentions his son-in-law John Webb. James left them 20 slaves. (Essex County, Virginia Will Book 15, p. 206 and p. 101).

James and (Elizabeth Howlett (?) had the following children:

Joanna Booker (b. February 25, 1749- died about 1780) married John Woodson of Cumberland Co. Va. Who was born there in about 1747, son of John and Mary (Miller) Woodson. After Joanna died about 1780, John remarried to Elizabeth (Raine) Venable, widow of John Venable. John and Joanna Booker Woodson had numerous children while in Cumberland County, Va.: Booker Woodson (B.1768), Peter Woodson (b.1770), Benjamin Woodson (b. 1772), Joseph Nathaniel Woodson (b. 1774), James Woodson (b. 1776), Elizabeth Woodson (b. 1779) She married William Wright in Cumberland County, Va.

Amy Booker (b. August 27, 1752-March 25, 1835) born in Essex County, Va. married John Webb (son of James and Mary Edmondson 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 [later named Oak Hill Chruch] 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), Thomas (b.1776), James (b. 1779), Mary (b. 1782), Ann (b. 1784) she married John F. Patillo (son of Rev. Henry and Mary (Anderson) Patillo) in 1808; John Webb (b. 1787), 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).

 

Note: John Webb’s first deed in Granville County is Deed Book O, p. 234 dated 1782.

 

*(Note: John Webb’s brother William Webb (m. Frances Young) is listed in Granville County Deed Books: “Wm. Webb of Essex Co.” bought land from Edward Bond on August 20, 1771; Wm. Webb bought of Abraham and Sarah Potter on August 4, 1777; Wm. Webb and wife Frances gave deed to trustees of United Presbyterian congregation of Grassy Creek and Nut Bush Creek on December 26, 1778)

 

Note: John Webb, deceased,  inventory was taken on November 4, 1826 in Granville County. 

 

Lewis Booker (May 21, 1754 - December 23, 1814) born in South Farnham Parrish, Essex Co. Va. He inherited “Laurel Grove” plantation after the death of his father James in 1793. Lewis was a Lieutenant in Gloucester militia. Commissioned Captain-Lieutenant Company 8, Colonel Charles Harrison’s Virginia and Maryland Regiment Artillery, January 13, 1777; At Valley Forge, June 3, 1778; At Smith’s Clove, July 4, 1779; Furloughed from park of artillery at Morristown, 1780. Received military warrants for 4,667 acres, January 31, 1784, 555 acres, February 11, 1808. He married Judith Dudley of Gloucester on February 7, 1788. They had the following children: Dorothy (b. 1790), James (b.1791), Elizabeth (b. 1793), Mary (b. 1796), George Tabb (b. 1797), Lewis Jr. (b. 1799), Sarah H. (b. 1802), William (b. 1807), Judith (b. 1808).

Mary Booker (b. ~1756-died before 1799). She married William ShApard, Sr. They migrated to Granville County, North Carolina.

Elizabeth Booker (b. January 27, 1756). She married Richard Jeffries.

Ann Booker (b.October 28, 1757- died before 1790). She married  Thomas Wyld. They had two daughters; Elizabeth Howlett Wyld and Ann Booker Wyld. Thomas and Ann both died before 1794 and Ann’s brother Lewis Booker became guardian of their two girls.

 

Booker Family: (Hoskins of Virginia and related families)

                        James Booker (1) lived in Petsworth Parish, Glocester County, Virginia in the immediate vicinity of Poplar Springs Church. The Bookers had high social standing, “married into the best families, and when they moved to other counties continued to be community leaders with strong religious convictions.” James (1) Married Amy Lewis (1700-1751) and had a son, James Booker (2) who was born in Petsworth Parish, Glocester County, Virginia. James (2) married Elizabeth Howlett of Gloucester about 1745, by whom he had all of his children (5 girls – Joanna, Amy, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth and 1 son - Lewis). She died on March 29, 1760, age 33 years and 5 months. He later married Ann Camm, daughter of John Camm, sheriff of King and Queen County. After her death in 1775, he then married Elizabeth [Shepard?], widow of Bohannon and Archibald Wright. James (2) moved to Essex County, Virginia where he acquired land. The first deed of record in Essex County for James Booker is dated 1747 (note that in Essex County prior to this there are records for Edmund, Edward and Richard Booker – not sure of relation). After the death of his first wife he established a plantation named “Laurel Grove” in Essex County. Deeds from the 1750s-1760s lists the names of his neighbors as: Keizia Brown, Francis Boughan, Hezekiah Brown, John Croxton, John Edmundson, Joseph Ryland, Henry Brown, Jas. Mann. James (2) was a patriot and signed the Leedstown Resolution in 1766. James Booker’s (2) only son was named Lewis Booker and was born on May 21, 1754 in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. Due to the destruction of the Gloucester records little is known of Lewis’ youth until the winter of 1775-1776 when he enlisted in the 7^th Virginia Contenental Regiment. He was appointed as a lieutenant on January 13, 1777. His regiment eventually became the 1^st Continental Artillery becoming a Captain-Lieutenant. Lewis Booker was on the muster rolls at Valley Forge, Camp White Plains, Camp Fredericksburg, Pluckemin, Middlebrook, Smiths Cove, New Windsor, and Morristown. After the Revolution, on September 30, 1783, Lewis retired from active service after 7 years of duty. He was awarded land grants in the amout of 4,666 2/3 acres in 1784, 300 acres in1796 and 555 acres in 1808. After the was Capt. Lewis Booker returned to Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. In 1784 he was elected as a vestryman of Petsworth Parish until 1792. Lewis married Judith Dudley of Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. Lewis’ father, James Booker (2) died in 1793 and in his will left his son Lewis his Essex County plantation at “Laurel Grove” and 1/6^th part of his slaves. Lewis was an active church member. Initially he was a member of the Episcopal Church in Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, however, after his move to “Laurel Grove” in Essex County, he attended Howertons Baptist Church which was located one mile from Millers Tavern.  Lewis became an inspector of flour, tobacco,  etc. and was a magistrate until his death. Lewis Booker died of diphtheria on December 23, 1814 at 61 years old and was buried on the grounds of Laurel Grove, which either became or he was moved to the Cemetery of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church (built 1838) at Millers Tavern, Essex County, Virginia. 

 

Note: St Pauls Episcopal Church of South Farnham Parish. Located on the county line between Essex and King and Queen County near Miller’s Tavern. The cornerstone was laid in 1838. The land was probably donated by Jefferson Minor or the Hoskin’s family, though no deed has been found. The church sits in the fork of two roads, one leading to  Hoskin’s Mill and on to Bruington Church and the other road leading to Minor’s land and on to Dunkirk. Lewis Booker has a headstone located there, as it was near or part of Laurel Grove, the Booker ancestorial home.

Note: Millers Tavern. James Townley ‘s will dated 1785 listed “my uncle Thomas Miller.” Thus, Thomas Miller must have married an unknown sister to John Townely (who married Mildred Shapard). Thomas probably operated and owned Miller’s Tavern and for a while the tavern at Dunkirk, which he rented to Mistress McCandlish from 1801-1804. Thomas Resided in King and Queen County as early as 1782 where he is listed in the taxable on 527 acres. Thomas had a son named John who seemed to take ownership of the tavern. (source: Townley Family Notes, Library of Virginia)

Note: (Library of Virginia Jones-Sullivan-Noel-Booker Bible Record) Bible record held at Library of Virginia has list of Booker children (note that it is all written at same time i.e. copied from earlier text) “Mary Booker daughter to James Booker and Elizabeth his wife  was born the 4^th of September, 1746; Joanna Booker was born the 25^th of February, 1749; Amy Booker was born the 27^th of August, 1752; Lewis Booker was born the 21^st of May, 1754; Elizabeth Booker was born the 27^th of January, 1756, Ann Booker was born the 28^th of October, 1767; Elizabeth Booker departed this life the 29^th of March, 1760, aged 33 years and 5 months.