Pearly Jake Midkiff

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1917, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1920, Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1942, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Family/Spouse: Tencie Florence Bowler. Tencie (daughter of Ellis G Bowler and Ida Lee Shelton) was born on 8 Sep 1902 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 18 Oct 1996 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. F.T. Midkiff
2. Ellis Henry Midkiff was born on 12 Feb 1922 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 15 Feb 2000 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
3. Pearly Jake Midkiff was born on 6 Feb 1923 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Feb 1923 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.
4. C.C. Midkiff
5. Carroll Colman Midkiff was born on 30 Aug 1926 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Oct 1993 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA.

John married Sybil William Yeatts. Sybil (daughter of William D Yates and Mary B Lipford) was born on 18 Mar 1858 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 12 Dec 1920 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

William married Mary B Lipford. Mary (daughter of Amos Lipford and Elizabeth Frizzell) was born in 1820 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in Jun 1873 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1860, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Samuel married Mary Polly Davis on 17 Mar 1795 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Mary (daughter of Thomas Davis and Isbel) was born on 5 Oct 1774 in , Charlotte, Virginia, USA; died on 18 Apr 1858 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Birth:
The 1858 register of deaths for Pittsylvania County shows that Molly was 90 years old when she died and was born in Pittsylvania County.

Amos married Elizabeth Frizzell. Elizabeth was born in 1792 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1878 in , McNairy, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Event-Misc: 1777, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Yates Tavern is located 1/4 mile South of Gretna, Va. === Yates Tavern is the only block-house standing in Pittsylvania County, Va. and possibly the state. It is located on U.S. 29 business about a fourth of a mile south of Gretna. It was built around 1750 and sheltered travelers in what was then a western wilderness. It is said to be the only dwelling in Virginia constructed with Elizabethan or Tudor over-hangs or front and back jetties. It is deemed a blockhouse because of the 10-inch overhang of the second story. Indian campgrounds were mentioned in deeds on Potter's and Reddies' creeks a few miles away. Saponi Town, near Altavista, was only about 12 miles away. The Yates family came to Pittsylvania County earlier than 1767 when both John Yates and John Yates Jr. were listed among the first tithables. It is not clear which of the Yates family members built the tavern. According to 18th Century Landmarks of Pittsylvania County by Madalene Vaden Fitzgerald and Frances Hallam Hurt, Stephen Yates paid a tax of $8.50 in 1813 to keep an ordinary at his house. In 1818, Yates paid the sum of $1.67 tax and a license was granted him "to keep a house of private entertainment where he now resides." The house is made from weather-boarding and has a rock chimney. There is a large public room with a rock fire-place beneath an impressive mantel. A smaller adjoining main floor room has an under the staircase closet. The corner stairway leads to a two-roomed loft upstairs. The English basement, half in and half out of the ground, has walls two-feet thick. It was in the enormous basement fireplace that meals were prepared. There is trap door access from the main floor into the basement. One of the first acts of the Gentlemen Justices in 1767 was to set prices for liquors and lodging. Overnight lodging with breakfast or dinner was six shillings, with the same for a horse. Brandy was eight shillings a gallon; whiskey, six; West India rum, 10; with Virginia beer and cider going for two shillings, six pence. Near the tavern was Pigg River Road which ran from Peytonsburg to Smith Mountain and from which Yates Tavern drew its customers. Several members of the Yates family are buried in a nearby cemetery. The tavern was restored through grants from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Virginia Landmarks, Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors and the late DeWitt Wallace of Reader's Digest.

THREE LIPFORD BRIDES FOR THREE YATES BROTHERSJohn Yeardley Yates, William D. Yates, and Byrd R. Yates were sons of Samuel Yates and Mary (Polly) Davis Yates. They were grandsons of Stephen Yates and Lydia Parsons Yates, all of Pittsylvania County. Elizabeth Feline Lipford , Mary B. Lipford, and Julia R. Lipford were all granddaughters of Anthony Par Lipford and Elizabeth Robinson Lipford. John Yeardley Yates, born January 1, 1807 in Pittsylvania County, married Elizabeth Feline Lipford on December 16, 1825. Elizabeth, born December 1, 1814 in Pittsylvania County, was the daughter of Daniel Lipford and Elizabeth (Betsey) Robertson Lipford. Her grandfather Anthony Par Lipford was bondsman for her marriage to John. John Yeardley Yates and Elizabeth Feline Lipford Yates had thirteen children: William Anthony Yates, Henry Fleming Yates, George Washington Yates, Richard Davis Yates, Susan Jane Yates, Beverly Arnold Yates, Ferdinand N. Yates, Thomas Monroe Yates, Hartwell F. Yates, Elvira A. Yates, Mary Elizabeth Yates, John David Yates and James B. Yates. The family was living in Pittsylvania County in 1850 and by 1860 they had moved to Patrick County. John Yeardley Yates was listed on the Muster Roll of the 53rd Regiment of Pickett's Division during the Civil War, and five of his sons served in the war. Shortly after 1870 the family moved to Floyd County, where John died on February 16, 1882, and Elizabeth died on March 24, 1908. They are both buried in the Yates Cemetery. William D. Yates, born April 20, 1813 in Pittsylvania County, married Mary B. Lipford on November 20, 1838 in the county. Mary was born 1823, the daughter of Amos Lipford (who consented to the marriage) and his wife Elizabeth Frizzell Lipford, and the granddaughter of Anthony Par Lipford. William and Mary had eight children: Margaret F. Yates, Abram Yates, Eliza Virginia (Jenny) Yates, Rebecca Jane Yates, Isaac Anthony Yates, Jacob Thomas Yates, Benjamin G. Yates, and Sybil William (Sibby) Yates. William inherited Yates Tavern, located ¼ mile south of Gretna, from his father Samuel Yates in 1840 (Pittsylvania County Deed Book 44, page 157). William D. Yates died about 1864 in Gretna. After the death of her first husband, Mary B. Lipford Yates married William S. Yates, son of William Thomas Yates and Mary (Polly) Shelhorse Yates. Mary B. Lipford Yates died June 1873 in Gretna and her second husband William S. Yates died August 1873. Byrd R. Yates, born about 1823 in Pittsylvania County, married Julia R. Lipford October 27, 1842. Julia was the daughter of Amos Lipford and Elizabeth Frizzell and also the granddaughter of Anthony Par Lipford. Julia and Byrd had two children: Elizabeth Ann (Bettie) Yates and James Yates. Julia died 1846-1847 in Pittsylvania County. After Julia's death, Byrd married Perninah "Nina" Keesee. Byrd R. Yates died December 1, 1860 in the county.
Source: Pittsylvania County Heritage Book, Volume Two.

In 1815, with his son Samuel, Stephen Yeatts took out a license to operate an ordinary (an early American term for a bar or tavern) at the Yates Tavern (see notes below), in Gretna, Virginia. In the feverish days of 1777, Stephen took the oath of allegiance to the new country and against the King from Abraham Shelton. The Yates Tavern, called the only building of its kind in Virginia by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission, is unique for its jetties. These are second-floor protrusions of some 10 inches giving a bit more space in the upper floor. This little building, constructed in the mid-1700's, was home to several generations of the Yates family, who also from time to time took out licenses to operate an "ordinary," a sort of frontier bed-and-breakfast. It was strategically located along the old Pigg River Road and only a few miles from Hickey's Road, the first major road
penetrating this part of western Virginia from the east. It is likely to have been an especially convenient stop during the Revolutionary War days, at which time Peytonsburg (14 miles to the southeast) was one of nine busy supply depots in Virginia.

Stephen married Lydia Parsons in 1770 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Lydia (daughter of Richard Parsons and Lydia Briggs) was born in 1757 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 4 Oct 1805 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Lydia Yates

Thomas married Isbel. Isbel was born in 1740 in , Pitt, North Carolina, USA; died in 1800. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Fact 1: 1777 left will in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
• Fact 2: 1770 tavern owner, Pittsylvania County, Virginia
• Residence: 1767, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; 1767 list of tithables, Pittsylvania County

Notes:

John Yates is listed in the 1767 Tithables of Pittsylvania Co. with his son John and slaves Bob and Cate. John Yates left his will in Pittsylvania County in 1778. He is known in family history circles as John Yates of Dan River. His will was dated October 24, 1777 and was probated April 23, 1778. He owned a tavern near Gretna, Virginia (on Rte. 29 near Chatham) that is on the Historic Site register. The Blue Ridge Park created in this century took part of the Yates land. There is a Yates reunion in Patrick Springs. The were all Primitive Baptists. Could be the John Yates who received a grant of 356 acres in Virginia in 1735 (Bishop Meade) and the John Yeates who received 204 acres in Brunswick County, July 26, 1747 (No. 28, p. 89). A John Yates also received 348 acres in Pittsylvania County, March 1, 1773; alternatively this could have been his son, John L. Yates. He continued to record most of his land dealings in Halifax Co. even after Pittsylvania was formed in 1767.

Known children: Lydia, John, George, Stephen, Elijah, Hannah, Ann, Martha.



Around 1753 John Yates/Yeatts built the first blockhouse in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, now the Yates Tavern in Gretna, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This became a waystation on the much traveled Wagon Road to North Carolina, which corresponded with the Great Indian Warpath for much of its length. The blockhouse's purpose was to protect the Indians in nearby Saponi-Town and a nucleus of pioneer families of what became Pittsylvania County from hostile Indians, chiefly the Cherokee and Shawnee. Some of the surnames are Yates, Winn , Sizemore, Adkins, Shelton , Gregory, Tapley, etc. This documents that the Saponi had become "fort Indians" with many intermarriages with the Virginians and at least one of their towns was about ten miles NE of present-day Danville in the 1750s. In the courthouse records of Pittsylvania Co. you will find many taxpayers, slave owners and landowners who are also registered as "Indian" or "Free Colored." Most of these are likely Saponi.

Source-RED RIVER SETTLERS-Yates P.94 Found on Ancestry 18 May 2018
John Yates was born about 1720 in Maryland or Virginia. Was he a brother of George Yates, Elijah Yates, Hannah Shelton, Ann Gibson, and Martha Wells, children of John and Elizabeth Yates? Tradition has it that he married a Miss Kilgore and had at least three sons: *William, +Thomas, & ^James. John Yates (I THINK HE DID NOT GO TO NC SINCE HIS WILL IS PROVED IN PITTSYLVANVIA COUNTY, VA. AND HE DIDN'T NAME THESE 3 SONS IN HIS WILL BECAUSE THEY HAD MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE) and his three sons are said to have fought in the Revolutionary War and moved from HALIFAX COUNTY, VA to Caswell County, NC soon afterwards. They remained in NC only a few years then moved to Cross Plains, Robertson County, TN in the Kilgore Party. *William Yates was born in 1744 and married Agnes Price in Virginia. +Thomas was born in 1752 in Bedford County, VA and was married in 1776 in NC to Rebecca Ragsdale, the daughter of William Ragsdale. ^James married Lydia Kilgore, said to have been the daughter of Thomas & Phoebe Lee Kilgore. John Yates son of either William or Thomas , is said to have married a daughter of George and Mary Isabell. John and his wife were the parents of sally (who married Lewis Ragsdale, Mary, Agatha, and Nancy.

One *William Yates, a Lieutenant Colonel, was muster master general, 11 April 1777. He was married in Virginia to Agnes Price. About 1780, he moved to Caswell County, NC and later to Robertson County, TN, where he died. His father was John Yates (1720) who it is believed moved to VA from Anne Arundel County, MD.
**********************************************************
John Yates Will-1777-78 Pittsylvania County, Virginia, USA

Transcription of John Yates' will with source data at bottom. The will establishes: that John and Elizabeth had at least six children, that John was the eldest son, and the surnames of the husbands of three daughters. It also establishes the names of several slaves tied to the family. The will fixes John Yates' date of death between 24 Oct 1777 and 23 April 1778.

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOHN YATES
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
D & W5, page 439
MADE: 24 October 1777
Recorded: 23 April 1778
I, John Yates of the County of Pittsylvania and the Colony of Virginia, being of sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory do first give my soul to God and my body to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and now I dispose of my worldly estate as follows to wit. First, I leave unto my beloved wife, Elizabeth Yates , during her life all my estate, real and personal, and after her decease the Negroes and land to be divided as follows: First I give unto my eldest son John Yates and his heirs a part of my land where on I now live, beginning at the corner tree on Hugh's Creek and taking the full mouth of the land up Dan River to a branch at the lower end of my plantation and with the said branch to the back line and a Negro man named Bob.

ITEM:I give unto my son George Yates and his heirs another part of the land whereon I now dwell beginning where my son John's land ends, and running with the branch to the back line likewise a part of a survey last made adjoining where I now dwell and extending up Thomas Watts line but the land on the river is to extend upwards to a branch that runs below Gibson's plantation and with the said branch to the back line and a Negro man named Sam and all my Smith's tools.
ITEM:I give unto my son Elijah Yates and his heirs forever all the remainder of the tract of land, whereon I now dwell beginning at the branch below Gibson's and running up the river including all the remainder of the two tracts whereon I now dwell and a Negro Judith.

ITEM:I give unto my daughter Hannah Shelton, wife of William Shelton and her heirs two Negroes married big Cate and her daughter Chloe.

ITEM:I give unto my daughter Ann Gibson and her heirs one one Negro girl named Esther. Likewise I give unto her and her heirs forever all the remainder of a tract of land whereon she now dwells adjoining a made line between her and the plantation where Thomas Watts lived allowing one hundred acres to the plantation where Thomas Watts lived.

ITEM:I give unto my daughter Martha Watts and her heirs one hundred acres of land whereon she lived and all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep and all my household furniture and a Negro woman called Little Cate to be divided among my children at the discretion of my wife at or before her decease. I also appoint my wife Elizabeth Yates and William Shelton executors of this my last will and testament revoking and annulling all other wills and this only to be taken for my last will as witness my hand and seal this twenty-fourth day of October in the year of 1777.

his
John X Yates
mark
Sealed and acknowledged in
the presence of George Rop, Tom Elliot & Thomas X Wright

AT a court held for Pittsylvania County the 23rd day of April 1778
**********************************************************

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
Name John Yates
Gender Male
Birth Place VA
Birth Year 1699
Spouse Name Elizabeth Kilgore
Spouse Birth Place of VA
Marriage Year 1748
Household Members
Name Age
John Yates
Elizabeth Kilgore

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900
Name John Yates
Gender Male
Birth Place VA
Birth Year 1715
Spouse Name Elizabeth Yates
Spouse Birth Year 1718
Marriage Year 1740
Marriage State VA
Household Members
Name Age
Elizabeth Yates
John Yates

U.S., Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783
Name John Yates
Gender Male
Military Date 28 Jan 1776
Military Place USA
State or Army Served Miscellaneous
Regiment Spencer's Regiment
Rank 1st Lieutenant

U.S. War Bounty Land Warrants, 1789-1858
Name John Yates
Warrant Number 98"
North Carolina and Tennessee, Early Land Records, 1753-1931

Thomas Yates, Sr.
(Shows how early in TN)
Name Thomas Yates
Record Date 07 Jun 1814
Location Robertson, Tennessee
Warrant Number 9340

Suggested edit: After my research I have concluded that there are 2 different John Yates "The Immigrant (Emigrant)".
1. The first is a "2nd Baronet" born and died in England, never coming to America. His descendants, specifically George (b. 1639) (m. Mary), came to Anne Arundel, MD. George's son John Yates (b. 1672) (m. Elizabeth) also of Maryland - John II (1694-1731) born Maryland - John Estes Yates III of Dan River (1715-1777) (m Elizabeth (Kilgore?)) *notice-title above says "IV" - then son John L Yates IV (b. 1737) (m. Sarah)
2. The second is a John Yates “The Emigrant (Immigrant)” born in England (abt. 1599) and died (abt. 1648) in Upper Norfolk, VA. (m. Joan Jobe) – Son John “of Nansemond County” Yates (1635-1731) (m. Jone Keesee or Elinor) born in England, death probably around Nansemond Co. – John Yates of Dan River (no Estes)(b. 1672) – Son Stephen Yates (1756-1836)(m. Lydia Parsons) --There are no I, II, III, IV in this tree—

John married Sarah Elizabeth Ann Kilgore in 1748 in , Brunswick, Virginia, USA. Sarah was born on 15 Jan 1718 in , Caroline, Virginia, USA; died on 3 Feb 1793 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; was buried in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Fact 1: 1782 Taxpayer list, Pittsylvania County, 4 white 9 black
• Fact 2: 1795 Will Pittsylvania County
• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Will: 22 Dec 1783, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Joseph Parsons 1690-1770 and Sarah Woodson's son Richard Parsons born was abt 1713 Henrico, Va married Lydia Biggs 1725-aft 1758 Richard wrote his will on 22 Dec 1783 in Pittsylvania, Va, his wife Lydia was in the will, and recorded on 21 Feb 1785 in Pittsylvania, Va. After Sarah Woodson Parsons died in 1746 Henrico. Joseph Parsons married Suzannah Woody on 7 Feb 1750 in Henrico, Va, and she was mentioned in Joseph's will written 6 Aug 1762 Henrico.

Will of Richard Parsons
Court Orders Book 5, page 139 Pittsylvania County, VA
December 22, 1783

In the Name of God Amen I Richard Parsons of the County of Pittsylvania being old and weak in body but enjoying my usual reason and memory and calling to mind the mortality of man do make and ordain this my last Will and testament in manner and form following, to wit, First my desire is that my Soul assends and rest with God that gave it and secondly my desire is that my body be decently buried,
Thirdly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff and their heirs forever.
Forthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Agness Madkiff and to her Husband John Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughter Agness Madkiff and her husband John Madkiff and their hiers forever.
Fifthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son George Parsons one shilling Sterling to him my said Son George Parsons and his heirs for ever,
Sixthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Joseph Parsons one shilling sterling to him my said son Joseph Parsons and his heirs forever,
Seventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son John Parsons one shilling sterling to him my said son John Parsons and his heirs for ever
Eighthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Samuel Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided by a line which my said son Samuel and my son William marked themselves to him my said son Samuel Parsons and his heirs and assignes for ever
Ninethly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son William Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided as above mentioned to him my said son William Parsons and his heirs and assignes forever
Tenthly on the land above mentioned is mortgage for which my son Samuel Parsons is liable to pay said mortgage if he does not then my will is that his part of the land that is to say the land whereon he now lives is to be sold by my executors to off said morgage
Eleventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates all my Black Smith tools to her my said daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates to them and their heirs for ever
Twevlthly and lastly as I and my wife is now living with my daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates and they using us with the greatest kindness my will and desire is that they the said Lydia and Stephen Yates to have all the remainder of my estate that is to say my cattle and my black mare and also all my household furniture which is now in their possession but not til after my decease and the decease of my Wife.
Furthermore I revoke all former wills by me made and do confirm this my last will and testament. I do appoint and constitute my loving sons Joseph and William Parsons executors of this my last will and testament Witness my hand and seal.

Richard (his mark) Parsons SS

Test
John Parks, Samuel Parks, Richard Johnson

At a Court held for Pittsylvania County February the 21, 1785 This last Will and Testament of Richard Parsons deceased was presented in Court and proved by the Oathes of two of the witnesses Hands and by the Court ordered to be Recorded

THE HISTORY of PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA
CHAPTER IV A PART OF LUNENBURG COUNTY, 1745-1752

page 53

There were three very early roads which led across Pittsylvania to the west, known as Hickey's Road, the Irish Road, and the Pigg River Road. Hickey's Road led from a point on Staunton River in northern Halifax to the settlement that had been made at the foot of Wart Mountain in western Patrick, a distance of near 120 miles. The Wart Mountain isnow called Bull's Mountain and lies east of the main range of the [p.53] Blue Ridge, as shown on Jefferson's and Fry's map. Mayo River takes its rise near by and for this reason the settlement was called the Mayo settlement.

Hickey's road was authorized at a court held for Lunenburg in June, 1749:

'It is ordered that a road be laid off and cleared the best and most convenient way from Staunton River to the Mayo Settlement at the Wart Mountain, and it is ordered that Joseph Mayes and all the male Laboring Tithables convenient to the said road forthwith mark off and lay open the best and most convenient way from Staunton River to Allen's Creek and keep the some in repair according to law. [p.54] 'Richard Parsons is appointed surveyor of that part of the New Road leading from Staunton River to the Mayo Settlement at the Wart Mountain, to-wit from Allen's Creek to Banister River.

THE HISTORY of PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA
CHAPTER V A PART OF HALIFAX COUNTY, 1752-1767

page 62

'The emigrants usually left Pennsylvania in the early fall, after harvest was over, reaching Virginia or North Carolina before hard winter set in. Almost all were farmers, but were artisans as well, making almost everying they needed. The Germans were industrious and economical;the Scotch-Irish, ambitious, alert and grasping.' These upper inhabitants of Halifax had increased in numbers until now they began to petition for more roads. In March,19 I753, Richard Parsons and William Adkins were ordered to mark a road from the mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road. In July the inhabitants on Pigg River and Snow Creek (Franklin County) petitioned for a road from the uppermost of the inhabitantsto the Snow Creek Road, and Thomas Hall and William Hill were orderedto lay off the road. The following year the same inhabitants begged that the road laid off by Hall and Hill be extended to the top of the Blue Ridge, which was accordingly ordered, with Tully Choice as surveyor. This road led across Franklin County to the mountains.

Will of Richard Parsons
Court Orders Book 5, page 139 Pittsylvania County, VA
December 22, 1783

In the Name of God Amen I Richard Parsons of the County of Pittsylvania being old and weak in body but enjoying my usual reason and memory and calling to mind the mortality of man do make and ordain this my last Will and testament in manner and form following, to wit, First my desire is that my Soul assends and rest with God that gave it and secondly my desire is that my body be decently buried Thirdly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff and their heirs forever. Forthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Agness Madkiff and to her Husband John Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughterAgness Madkiff and her husband John Madkiff and their hiers forever.Fifthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son George Parsons oneshilling Sterling to him my said Son George Parsons and his heirs foreverer, Secondly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Joseph Parsons one shilling sterling to him my said son Joseph Parsons and his heirs forever, Seventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son JohnParsons one shilling sterling to him my said son John Parsons and hisheirs for ever Eighthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Samuel Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided by a line which my said son Samuel and my son William marked themselves to him my said son Samuel Parsons and his heirs and assignes for ever Ninethly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son William Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided as above mentioned to him my said son William Parsons and his heirs and assignes forever Tenthly on the land above mentioned is mortgage for which my son Samuel Parsons is liable to pay said mortgage if he does not then my will is that his part of the land that is to say the land whereon he now lives is to be sold by my exxecutors to off said morgage Eleventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates all myBlack Smith tools to her my said daughter Lydia Yates and her husbandStephen Yates to them and their heirs for ever Twevlthly and lastly as I and my wife is now living with my daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates and they using us with the greatest kindness my will and desire is that they the said Lydia and Stephen Yates to have all the r remainder of my estate that is to say my cattle and my black mare and also all my household furniture which is now in their possession but not til after my decease and the decease of my Wife. Furthermore I revoke all former wills by me made and do confirm this my last will and testament. I do appoint and constitute my loving sons Joseph and William Parsons executors of this my last will and testament Witness my hand and seal.

Richard (his mark) Parsons SS

Test
John Parks, Samuel Parks, Richard Johnson

At a Court held for Pittsylvania County February the 21, 1785 This last Will and Testament of Richard Parsons deceased was presented in Court and proved by the Oathes of two of the witnesses Hands and by the Court ordered to be Recorded

Teste Will Turnball (?)

FHC Film #31671
Goochland County Court Orders Books 1,2, & 3
Goochland County Virginia Order Book No. 3 1731-1735

August Court 1732
page 110
Parsons VS Davis
On the complaint of Richard Parsons that William Davis hath beat him it is ordered that a capias do yous against this said Davis in the sum of one hundred pounds sterling for his appearance at the nex t court to answer in the promises
Ordered that Edward Scott to summons a witness
Page 118
To Richard Parsons constabe for inspecting stands (?)
Page 123

October Court 1732
The complaint against William Davis for beating Richard Parsons is dismissed

August Court 1734
On the motion of Lydia Briggs she is permitted to choose Richard Parsons her guardian who accepts the charge. Alliford(?)S. Hughtes and Isaac Hughes offer themselves securities.
The last will and testament of George Briggs deceased is presented in Court by Richard Parsons guardian to Lydia Briggs the excecutrix and the same being proved by his oaths of Robert Carter and Jeremiah Dumas (?) Jun to have been signed by Jeremiah Dumas Jun. with the testators name and by his direction it is admitted to record on the motion of the said Richard Parsons Certificate is granted him for obtaining Letters of Administration with the will ann------- is due form during the minority of the executrix. Alliford Hughes and Isaac Hughes, Securities

LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA, DIGITAL COLLECTION
Parsons, Richard 30 Jany 1741 Goochland County, 80 A on the brances of the North Branch of Muddy Creek alias Little Muddy Creek Patents 20, 1741-43, P. 129

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEEDS, 1741-1745

Deed Book 4 Page 510 February 25, 1744 from Francis Amoss of Goochland and Parish of Southam, to Richard Ligon of same, for 45 lbs, all that tract of land in Goochland on both sides of the upper branc h of Muddy Creek alias Little Muddy Creek, and bounded by Richard Parsons, Major Bowler Cocke, James Terrel, containing 400 acres. Signed Francis Amoss. Wit - John Alexander, Abrm Womack, Abrm Womac k Jr. Recorded March 19, 1744. Judith, the wife of Francis Amoss, relinquished her right of dower to the conveyed lands.

Deed Book 4 Page 346. December 17, 1743 from Richard Parsons, and Lydia, his wife, of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, to John Alexander of same, for 70 lbs, a certain tract of land of 200 acre s in Goochland on the south side James River on the west side Muddy Cr, being half of 400 acres of land granted to George Briggs by patent dated Jun 20, 1733, which the said George Briggs, by his Gooc hland will, gave to his sister, Lydia Briggs alias Parsons. The tract is bounded by Bowler Cocke, new lines run by Robert Walton on the division of the said 400 acres. Signed Richard Parsons, Lidi a (L her mark) Parsons. Wit - Francis Amoss, Isac Hughes, Abram Womack, Miles Gathwrit, Joell Chandler, Recorded May 15, 1744.

Deed Book 4 Page 325. January 16, 1743 from Robert Yancey of the Parish of St. Martin and County of Louisa, to Francis Amoss of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, for 40 L, a cerain tract of land of about 400 acres on the south side of James River in the Parish of St. James and Goochland, and bounded by Richard Parsons, Major Bowler Cocke, James Terril. Signed - Robert Yancey. Wit - Tarlton Fleming, Charles Fleming, Simon (SW his mark) Ward. Recorded March 20, 1743. Recorded June 19, 1744.

Deed Book 4 Page 201 August 13, 1743 from Richard Parsons, and Lydia, his wife, of Goochland, to Nicholas Davies of Goochland for 20 L, a certain tract of land of 200 acres on Muddy Creek in Goochlan d on the south side of James River, and bounded by [trees]. Signed - Richard Parsons, Lydia (X her mark) Parsons. Wit - William Dillon, William Dillon [sic], John (B his mark) Burk, John ( his mark ) Burnet. Recorded September 20, 1743.

Deed Book 4 Page 203. April 22, 1743 from Richard Parsons of Goochland, to Nicholas Spears of Goochland, for 5 L, a certain tract of land of about 80 acres on Muddy Creek in Goochland on the south si de of James River, and bounded by Major Bowler Cocke, James Terril, Robert Yancy. Signed - Richard Parsons. Wit - Nicholas Davies, Elizabeth Dewes, John (his mark) Creasie. Recorded September 20, 1 743.
At a Court of November 20, 1745, this deed was proved by the oath of William Dillon to be the act and deed of Lydia Parsons, wife of Richard Parsons, and ordered to be recorded.

SUNLIGHT ON THE SOUTHSIDE LISTS OF TITHES LUNENBURG COUNTY VIRGINIA 1748-1783, Compiled by Landon C. Bell, Clearfield Company, Philadelphia, 1931, Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 74-5468

Tax List for 1749 taken by William Caldwell "from Falling River to Little Ronoke River".
Richard Parsons ....1 (pg 91)
Christopher Parsons.....1 (pg 94)

Tax List for 1750 taken by William Caldwell "from Falling River to Little Ronoke River".
Richard Parsons....1 (pg 126)
Christopher Parsons....1 (pg 128)

LUNENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA LAND PATENTS 1746-1916, T.L.C. Genealogy, PO Box 403369, Miami Beach, Fl 33140-1369
Patent 28-487, 180 acres, January 10, 1748, Richard Parsons, both sides Banister E, mouth Rocky Branch
Patent 28-488, 204 acres, January 10, 1748, Richard Parsons, both sides Great Cherrystone Cr.
Patent 31-743, 1148 acres, September 10, 1755, Chirstopher Parsons, left side Cub Creek and both sides Maple Swamp

HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOKS 2,3,4,5,&6, MARIAN DODSON CHIARITO, G929.3755661 C431haLt Denver Public Library, Denver, CO

P. 131 20 June 1764 Christopher Gorman of Halifax Co. to John Gorman of same, for L10, 100 acres on the brances of Mill Cr., being the upper part of the land sd Gorman lives on... All houses, building ...
Signed: Christopher (X) Gorman
Wit: Shadrack Turner, Richard Parsons, Thomas Townsend
Recorded 21 June 1764

P. 214 18 December 1766 Jeremiah Hatcher & Margate, his wife, of Mecklenburg Co. to John Adams of Halifax Co., for L30, 616 ac., part of a tract of 1,616 ac. granted to sd Hatcher 6 June 1765; on th e north sode of Banister Ri., beg. on sd river thence west... All appurtenances...
Signed Jeremiah Hatcher
Wit: Philemon Payne, John Pigg, Benja. Hatcher Recorded 18 December 1766

P. 217 18 Decmber 1766 Jeremiah Hatcher & Margate his wife, of Mecklenburg Co. to Richard Parsons of Halifax Co., for L70, 400 ac. beg. at a white oak th. north... All tress, woods, underwoods...
Singed: Jeremiah Hatcher
Wit: Philimon Payne, John Pigg, Benja. Hatcher Recorded 18 December 1766

P. 219 18 December 1766 Jeremiah Hatcher & Margate, his wife, of Mecklenburg Co. to Richard Parsons of Halifax Co., for L30, 600 ac., part of a tract of 1, 616 ac. granted sd Hatcher by patent 5 Jun e 1765 on Little Cherry Stone Cr., on the north side of Banister Ri., eg. on the south side of sd creek thence south.. All appurtenances..
Signed: Jeremiah Hatcher

THE HISTORY OF PTTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA by Maud Carter Clement, pages 53-54
"Hickey's road was authorized at a court held for Lunenburg in June, 1749: It is ordered that a road be laid off and cleared the best and most convenient way from Staunton River to the Mayo Settlemen t at the Wart Mountain, and it is ordered that Joseph Mayes and all the male Laboring Tithables convenient to the said road forthwith mark off and lay open the best and most convenient way from Staunton River to Allen's Creek and keep the same in repair according to law."
"Richard Parsons is appointed surveyor of that part of the New Road leading from Staunton River to the Mayo Settlement at the Wart Mountain, to-wit from Allen's Creek to Banister River."
"This road led from a point on Staunton River in Northern Halifax, by Mount Airy, Chalk Level and Chatham, crossing Banister River near the Poor Farm, and turning west led across Henry and Patrick counties. The eastern part of this road continues a well known highway today. It took its name from John Hickey, who had made a settlement and opened a store near its western limits."

Page 62
"These upper inhabitants of Halifax had increased in numbers until now thay began to petition for more roads. In March, 1753, Richard Parsons and William Adkins were ordered to mark a road from the m outh of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road. In July the inhabitants on Pigg River and Snow Creek (Franklin County) petitioned for a road from the uppermost of the inhabitants to the Snow Creek Road, and Th omas Hall and William Hill were ordered to lay off the road. The following year the same inhabitants begged that the road laid off by Hall and Hill be extended to the top of the Blue Ridge, which wa s accordingly ordered, with Tully Choice as surveyor. This road led across Franklin County to the mountains."

From the PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA ABSTRACTS OF WILLS 1768-1800 the will of Richard Parsons (not dated) from the Deed and Will Book 11, p 159 lists daughter Hannah Madkiff (Midkiff) and her husband , Joseph Madkiff, daughter Agnes Madkiff and her husband John Madkiff, sons George, Joseph, John, Samuel, William and daughter Lyda (Lydia) and her husband Stephen Yates. Richard's wife's name is not given but the will states that he and his wife are living with Lyda and her husband Stephen. Executors were sons, Joseph and William, witnesses were, John Parks, Samuel Parks and Richard Johnson.

ENTRY RECORD BOOK 1737-1770 (LAND ENTRIES IN THE PRESENT VIRGINIA COUNTIES OF HALIFAX, PITTSYLVANIA, HENRY, FRANKLIN, AND PATRICK) TRANSCRIBED BY MARLAN DODSON CHIARITO US/CAN 975.56R2c v.1
Joseph parsons 400 acx. Land on Little Cherrystone Cr. Adj.g the Lines of Richd. Parsons, Jos. Hixs and Richd. Southerlon's runing up
Trans.d to Saml. Parsons 17 Sapr.1779) Also 400 on the Sth. of the Mill Cr. and Callaways Cabbin Running on Kennons Line and both sides of the new Waggon road for Complement.
Thos. Dillard Jrnr. 400 Ac begin: on the upper Line of Richard Parsons's Land on Cherrystone Creek thence off and up both sides.
(Surv.d W.S.) At a Council June 14, 1749 Richard Parsons had leave to take up 2000 Acres of Land including the Place he lives on and one other Survey on Mill Creek. Mem.d see if neither of these tra cts have not had the fees due for them return'd insolv.t.
Richard Parsons 400 on the S. Side Mill Creek Begin: at Hugh Henry's Cornr. Maple thence up the Br. and Parallel with Parsons's old line.
(Void) Richard Parsons 400 on both sides Sycamore Creek Begin: at a Beach on the Nth. Side the sd Creek mark't I E thence up and down.
(Surv.d S.W.) Henry Pruett 400 on both sides the South Fork of Great Cherrystone Creek Begin: at Richard Parsons's upper line thence up both sides.
(Surv.d J.T.) Elisha Walling 400 Acrs on both sides Br Cherry Stone Cr. begin: just below the Fork thence up including the Fork. for Richard Parsons
Joseph Parsons 400 Acs. Land on Little Cherrystone Cr. Adj.g the Lines of Richd. Parsons, Jos. Hixs and Richd. Southerlon's and runing up.
In Plea Book 1 of Halifax County Virginia, 1752-1755: " The petition of Richard Parsons to build a water grist mill is granted, he being proprietor of land on both sides Little Cherry Stone Creek, a djacent to his dwelling house
Richard sold land, 100 acres each, to Joseph and George for 10 pounds in 1764. These were recorded in deed books of Halifax County.
In Plea Book 1 of Halifax County Virginia, 1752-1755: " The petition of Richard Parsons to build a water grist mill is granted, he being proprietor of land on both sides Little Cherry Stone Creek, a djacent to his dwelling house."
1749 - Richard Parsons, surveyor, (Lunenburg Co)
1765 - George Parsons, Richard Parsons (Halifax Voters List)
1767 - Richard Parsons, to mark road from mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's
Road (Snow Creek later in Franklin Co)
1767 - John Parsons, Richard Parsons, George Parsons, Joseph Parsons (Camden
Parish Tithes List)
1768 - George Parsons (Antrim Parish, Halifax Co)
1771 - Richard Parsons, Pitts Co Ct Order Records
1782 - Joseph Parsons, Pitts Co (written complaint)
1786 - George Parsons, Pitts Co Ct Order Records
1787 - William Parsons, Pitts Co Ct Order Records
1788 - Samuel Parsons, Pitts Co Ct Order Records
1796 - William Parsons, Pitts Co Ct Order Records
Virginia Census of 1782
Pittsylvania County
George Parsons 0 3 0 0 0 S1782
John Parsons 0 5 0 0 S1782
Joseph Parsons 0 8 0 0 S1782
Richard Parsons 0500
Samuel Parsons 0 3 0 0 S1782
William Parsons 0 3 0 0 S1782

Richard married Lydia Briggs in 1743 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA. Lydia (daughter of Ralph Briggs and Mary Elizabeth Wright) was born in 1720 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA; died in 1787 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Briggs/Parsons confirmation

banjosmama originally shared this on 16 Jun 2012


Richard Parsons is the son of Joseph Parsons and Sarah Woodson. He was born before 1714 in either Henrico County, Virginia. His will was written on December 22, 1783 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and his estate was probated there on February 21, 1785.

Lydia Briggs was the daughter of Ralph Briggs and Elizabeth Mary Wright and brother of George Briggs. She was born in 1720 in Goochland County, Virginia. She died in Pittsylvania County Virginia in 1787.
John Wright (probably an uncle) was appointed as her guardian after both of her parents died (I do not have this date). John Wright died between March 14, 1729/30 and May 1730 at which time her brother George must have been of age, and become her guardian, because when George died in June of 1734, Lydia chose a new guardian, Richard Parsons. Hence, George must have been her guardian at the time. Lydia also inherited 400 acres of land from George on the south side of the James River along Muddy Creek.

Richard and Lydia were married in 1740 in Goochland County, Virginia. They had the following children, all born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia:

Joseph (abt 1742 - 13 Aug 1833) m1. bef 1764, Margaret "Peggy" Griffith; m2. 26 Aug 1824, Sarah "Sally" Thompson
Mary Agnes (abt 1744 - ) m. 1760, John Midkiff, Sr.
Hannah (abt 1746 - ) m. Joseph Midkiff, Sr.
George (abt 1750 - 16 Jun 1846) m1. Anne Griffith, m2. Sarah Hardin
Samuel (abt 1752 - 1819) m. 21 Dec 1779, Rebecca Farthing
James (1753 - )
William (abt 1756 - 16 Mar 1818) m. Mary Blanks
Richard (1758 - )
Lydia (1760 - Aft 1805) m. 1775 Stephen Yates, Sr.
John (abt 1762 - d. 20 Jun 1808) m1. Mary Simmons, m2. bef 1784, Sarah (Sary) Adkins

The Richard Parsons who married Lydia Briggs is documented from 1735 to about 1745 in Goochland County, Virginia. The Richard of Lunenburg/Halifax/Pittsylvania County is documented from 1748 to his death around 1785. He died testate in Pittsylvania County, Virginia naming his children and mentioning his wife only as 'my wife'. So far, I have not found a document that states Richard of Goochland and Richard of Pittsylvania are the same Richard. However, Richard sold his land in Goochland County and then a Richard appears in Lunenburg/Pittsylvania County shortly thereafter. Also, Christopher Parsons also appears in court records in Goochland and then appears in Lunenburg in the same year as Richard, as well as some other Pittsylvania families. The Richard Parsons of Surry County, North Carolina was married Elizabeth Feathers. He died 30 years after the Richard of Pittsylvania County also leaving a will. There is no documentation that links the two.

In August of 1734, Lydia Briggs, both her parents having previously died, was permitted to choose Richard Parsons her guardian. This indicates that she was a minor and he was at least 21 years of age.

On January 30, 1741, Richard Parsons patented 80 acres on the branches of the North Branch of Muddy Creek (alias Little Muddy Creek) in Goochland County, Virginia. [Library of Virginia, Digital Collection, Patents 20, 1741-43, P. 129].

On January 16, 1743 from Robert Yancey of the Parish of St. Martin and County of Louisa sold to Francis Amoss of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, 400 acres on the south side of James River in the Parish of St. James and Goochland, that was bounded by Richard Parsons

On April 22, 1743 Richard Parsons of Goochland County, Virginia, sold to Nicholas Spears 80 acres on Muddy Creek on the south side of James River for 5 pounds.

On August 13, 1743 Richard and Lydia Parsons of Goochland County, Virginia, sold to Nicholas Davies 200 acres on Muddy Creek on the south side of James River for 20 pounds. This is the first mention of his wife.

On December 17, 1743 Richard and Lydia Parsons of the Parish of St. James and Goochland sold to John Alexander 200 acres on the south side James River on the west side Muddy Creek for 70 pounds. [Goochland County Deeds, Virginia Deeds, 1741-1745, Deed Book 4, Page 346]

Lydia's brother George Briggs was first granted the above 400 acres in 1733. George died about 1634 and Lydia inherited the land.

On February 25, 1744 Francis Amoss of Goochland and Parish of Southam sold to Richard Ligon 400 acres on both sides of the upper branch of Muddy Creek alias Little Muddy Creek, and bounded by Richard Parsons.

On November 20, 1745, Richard Parsons is mentioned []Goochland County, Virginia 1741-1745, Deed Book 4].

On March 7, 1747, Richard is granted 400 acres on both sides of Great Cherrystone Creek in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

On Noveber 2, 1748, Richard is granted an additional 400 acres in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, adjoining his other lands.

On June 14, 1749, Richard Pasrons is grated 2000 acres on Mill Creek in Virginia.

In June of 1749 Richard Parsons was appointed as surveyor of the new road between Staunton River and the Mayo Settlement at the Wart Mountain in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

In July of 1752, Richard sells land to John Watson in Halifax County, Virginia.

Between 1752 and 1755, Richard Parsons is granted permission to construct a grist mill on Cherry Creek in Halifax County, Virginia.

In March of 1753, as surveyor, he was ordered to mark a road from the mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road in the same county.

On March 20, 1760 is in Halifax County, Virginia.

In a deed recorded in Halifax County, Virginia, April 19, 1764, Richard Parsons sells his son Joseph Parsons 100 acres of land for 10 pounds [Halifax County Deed Books 2-6, compiled by Marian Dodson Chiarito] .

On May 14, 1764, Richard Parsons sold to his son George Parsons, both of Halifax County, Virginia, for 10 pounds, 100 acres on the south side of Little Cherrystone Creek, being the land that George was living on at the time. It was recorded June 21, 1764

In 1765, Richard and George Parsons were listed in the Halifax Voters List. [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]

On June 10, 1767, Richard (Persons) and his son Joseph are named for Cambden Parish in Pittsylvania County's first list of Tithables (The History of Pittsylvania County, Viginia, by Maud Carter Clement. Reprinted by The Pittsylvania Historical Society, 1988, page 278).

In 1767, Richard Parsons, as surveyor, was ordered to mark the road from mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road (in Franklin Co) [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]

In 1768, George Parsons was in Antrim Parish [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]

On July 29, 1768, Francis Bucknal was granted a patent in Pittsylvania County for 238 acres on both sides of Great Cherry stone Creek adjoining Parson's Land. [Land Office Patents No. 37, 1767-1768, p. 243 (Reel 37), Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41].

In 1771, Richard Parsons is found in the Pittsylvania County Court Order Records [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]

On August 3, 1771, John Hicks was granted a patent in Pittsylvania County for 400 acres on the branches of Little Cherrystone Creek adjoining Richard Parsons. [Land Office Patents No. 40, 1771-1772, p. 516 (Reel 39), Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41].

In May of 1777, Richard signed the Oath of Allegiance in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

In 1782, Richard and his sons, William, Samuel, John, Joseph and George are named in the Pittsylvania County Census. Richard had 5 persons. [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]

On December 22, 1783, Richard and Lydia according to his will, are living with their daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates. Stephen ran the Old Yates Tavern in Gretna, Virginia. (The old Yates Tavern still stands today about ten miles from town.)

In the Pittsylvania County, Virginia Deed and Will Book #11, p. 159, probably February 21, 1785, Richard Parsons' will is recorded.

I hope this helps someone....
Nancy
Born in Virginia
Story of Lydia Briggs' Childhood
Posted 25 Mar 2014 by jtynotme

Retrieved 7 Jun 2011 from RootsWeb WorldConnections, Ancestors of Margaret Pansy Sanderson, http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=sbeddes&id=I20315
William C Burgess listed as a researcher of this line

Lydia Briggs--She had a brother named George Briggs who had given Lydia 400 acres of land on the south side of the James River. This was sometime between 1733 date of the patent to George Briggs and 1743, when Richard and Lydia sold 200 acres of the 400 to a John Alexander. (Goochland Co, Virginia Deeds 1741-1745)

After her parents died, Lydia chose John Wright as her guardian. He died in Goochland Co. Lydia's brother George, chose Robert Hughes.

In the will of Lt. Col. George Jordan, dated May 28, 1671, he gives to "George Briggs, alsoe God-Children, each a silver soon, worth ten shillings." I have a George Briggs with sister Lydia in Goochland County in 1733 when he patented land. George died abt. 1734 when his will was presented in court and Lydia, the executrix, was allowed to choose Richard Parsons as her guardian, because she was not of age.

Also wonder about Lydia Briggs. It appears she starts out with John Wright as her guardian, but shifts to Richard Parsons later. Her brother makes a move as well, which I suppose indicates the death of John Wright. Do you have a copy of his will you could share online?? 1730 John Wright of Goochland County, Virginia, died between March 14, 1729/30 and May 1730. That would have clearly necessitated the appointment of a new guardian for Lydia Briggs.

Per comments that I have read, Joseph Parsons of Henrico County, Va, did NOT mention a son named Richard in his LWT. so unlikely Joseph was Richard’s father.


JEAN Thomas From what I read it said that Richard was Joseph father.

In 1782, Richard and his sons, William, Samuel, John, Joseph and George are named in the Pittsylvania County Census. Richard had 5 persons. [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]her.

sscottmath Color me confused

William married Elizabeth Shelton on 9 Oct 1728 in Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Ralph Shelton, Sr and Mary Jane Crispen) was born on 25 May 1711 in Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA; died in 1749 in , Hanover, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]