Bartholomew Owen

Notes:

Bartholomew Owen was born in Steventon Parish, Berkshire, England, ca. 1619, and was christened on 24 August 1619. His parents were Robert Owen, born in Steventon Parish ca. 1583, christened 7 November 1583, and Joanne White, born in Stevento n Parish ca. 1592, christened 20 July 1592. Robert was the son of Richard Owen, born ca. 1555 in England and Joanne Daniel, born ca. 1560. Bartholomew came to Surrey County, Virginia in the 1650's and married ca. 1663, Johanna Jennings, born ca . 1640 and died after 1693, believed to be the daughter of Edmund Jennings. There are four known children: Katherine (ca.1667-1719), Robert (ca. 1668-1717), William (ca. 1671-1752) and Thomas (ca. 1673-1744). Bartholomew died intestate ca. 167 7 with the inventory and appraisal of his estate made on 14 February 1677, and filed in the Surrey County, VA court on 17 January 1678. Johanna was appointed administrator of the estate (see inventory below). After Bartholomew's death, Johanna mar ried Thomas Brooks, and moved with her two younger sons, William and Thomas, to James City, Virginia and then to Henrico County.

After his arrival in Virginia, Bartholomew immediately made a name for himself. The Surrey County, Virginia 1652 - 1663 court records are full of his dealings and escapades. In 1658 he was involved in a fight with Thomas Gray, a prominent plant er. A suit was filed in Surrey County and several witnesses testified that they had heard Bartholomew Owen making many "disparaging, malicious and threatening remarks" against Gray. On 29 January 1658, the Court granted a continuance in the differ ence between Gray and Owen.

On 5 September 1660, in Court held at Southwarke Parish for Surrey County, further evidence was introduced in the case. In a deposition, dated 16 August 1660, Robert Spenser, aged 30, son of Edmund Spencer, undersheriff of Surrey County, state d that he had heard Bartholomew, on several occasions and in various places speak very "scandulous" words against the Commissioners of Surrey County, saying he would never have justice done him in that Court." Further, both in James City an d in Surrey County, Bartholomew had highly reviled Captain George Jordan, calling him "Raskell and Rogue" and "shouten Raskell" and several other such base terms. Spenser rebuked Owen for his "mullitious" words. Owen replied, swearing, "God Dam m him, of that raskell" George Jordan.

In the second deposition in James City, 19 August 1660, Roger Rawlins, aged 26, said that he heard Owen "disparrage" Captain Jordan and the Court, threatening him "publicky" in company saying "he longed to kick that man's arse." In Septembe r 1660, Mrs. Fortune Mills, a relative of the reviled Captain George Jordan, "deposeth" that Bartholomew Owen of Surrey County, hath several times, in her hearing, spoken "dispairaging and scandalous" words against the Commissioners and wholly aga inst Captain Jordan saying "he never had justice done him in that Court." The court found Bartholomew guilty of scandalous and defamatory language and appointed Captain George Jordan to sue and prosecute the said Owen at the next Quarter Court wi th full power and authority to use all lawful means, for their consideration. Robert Stanton, the court clerk recorded this judgement, on 10 September 1660.

Despite this verdict and the controversy, Bartholomew was apparently considered a man of some substance since he was referred to as a gentleman in the records. He was a Church Warden of Southwarke Parish Church, Surrey County, served on seve ral juries and coroners juries, sold and bought land and appeared to have served as a cattle broker.
Bartholomew owned a 648-acre plantation, but was far from being considered well off. He died intestate and his estate was valued at a modest £30 and probably, for inheritance tax purposes, was inventoried as follows: "one ould diseased horse an d ould saddle and bridle, a bull, heyfer 12 years old, and a heifer calf, 6 shoates and 2 sows with 12 pigs." His household goods "comprised a passell of ould pewter, 2 ould iron pots, 2 pair pot hooks, 2 spits, and a pair of ould tongs." Furnitur e included "2 very ould thin feather beds and boulsters and 1 very ould, woolen cloth blankit, 2 tables and a fourme (bench) very ould, and 1 ould chest without a lock. A parcel of lumber and ould iron and 1 barrill of a gun and an unfixed lock an d an ould rifle" completed the inventory. Will Foreman and John Moring made the appraisal on 14 February 1677, Jone Owen also signed by mark.

Bartholomew married Joanna Jennings in 1666 in , Surry, Virginia, USA. Joanna was born in 1650 in , Surry, Virginia, USA; died in 1700 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

OWEN FAMILY
Richard OWEN - b. about 1550. Married Jan. 14, 1580, Steventon Parish, Berkshire. Joane DANIELL - b. about 1555-1560; d. after 1604. Daughter of Robert DANIELL.

Robert OWEN - bap. Nov. 7, 1583, Steventon Parish, Berkshire. Son of Richard OWEN and Joane DANIELL. Married Nove. 21, 1613, Steventon Parish, Berkshire. Joane WHITE - b. about 1595.

Bartholomew OWEN - bap. Aug. 24, 1619, Steventon Parish, Berkshire, England; d. 1677/8, Surry Co., VA. Probable son of Robert OWEN and Joane WHITE. The earliest record of Bartholomew in America is 1658, but the related Court records in Surry Co., VA from 1658 to late 1660 indicate he was probably well established had some sort of dispute with Thomas GRAY, an early Planter. The Court found that Bartholomew was guilty of scandalous and defamatory language in the case. On Oct. 17, 1659, Bartholomew served on an Inquest Jury in an accidental death. He was a Church Warden of Southwark Parish in 1661. In a land sale of Mar. 1, 1661 and cattle sale of Apr. 1, 1662, Bartholomew was called Gentleman. On Nov. 3, 1663, Bartholomew lost a suit and forfeited 2129 pounds of tobacco, and in 1664 he was co-surety on a King's bond of 10,000 pounds of tobacco. These and other land and Court records between 1658 and 1670 indicate that Bartholomew OWEN held considerable wealth in land and commodities and was called upon to serve the community in positions of trust and responsibility. Bartholomew may have been married first on May 9, 1641 in England to Ann CHARLES, by whom he had no known children. Bartholomew's wife is named as Joanna in a conveyance dated Jan. 3, 1670, and in the Sep. 9, 1674 sale of 150 acres in Surry Co., VA to William FOREMAN. A 648 acre land patent by Bartholomew on May 14, 1673, and a 1689 patent by Edmund JENNINGS including headrights for Robert OWEN, Jone OWEN and William OWEN, together the absence of Bartholomew from Court records from early 1670 to mid 1673, suggests that the family may have made a trip to England during this time. Bartholomew granted a power of attorney to Nicholas Meriweather on Oct. 8, 1677, and on Jan. 31, 1677/8, Joanna OWEN was granted administration of the estate of Bartholomew OWEN, deceased. The estate was inventoried and appraised at 30 pounds by Will FOREMAN and John MORING on Feb. 14, 1677 in Surrey Co., VA. Married Joanna about 1666.

Joanna - b. about 1652; d. after 1704, New Kent Co., VA. It has been suggested that she was the daughter of Edmond JENNINGS. On Apr. 17, 1693, Joanna deposed that she was "about 40 years." She had four minor children when she was name administrator of her husband's estate.

Married second in James City to Thomas BROOKES (1695, Henrico Co., VA; will dated Feb. 23, 1694/5 and proved Oct. 1695).  I was likely born in the Colony of Virginia. Since the early records of Henrico County where I lived are mostly missing, I can tell you nothing about my father, who died when my brother, William, and I were very young. Our mother, Joanna, who was born about 1655, married second Thomas Brookes. His 1694-will in Henrico County left one shilling each to Thomas and William Owen, whom he called his “sons-in-law,” a term that then meant stepson. In 1704 mother was living in Henrico County on a large farm belonging to Capt. William Walker of New Kent County and I had my own 68 acres. Mother was likely dead by 1710 when Captain Walker’s son sold the land, calling it the plantation where Joan Brooks formerly lived. William and I lived on the south side of the Chickahominy River near Seth Rench, whose will I witnessed in 1704. Elizabeth and I were the parents of 3 sons and 2 daughters. Since I deeded property to sons, John and William, in March 1740, my 1741-will left them one shilling each. I divided two slaves between the families of daughters Priscilla Fuqua and Elizabeth Britton and expressed my desire that Thomas receive the remainder of my property after the death of his mother. Since I outlived Elizabeth, I deeded my home plantation to Thomas in 1743. I was dead by May 1744.  Land activity Thomas Owen purchased 100 acres on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp 2 February 1712/3, of which he deeded half to Daniel Fitzpatrick 7 February 1714/5. After Rench’s daughter Sarah Rench married Lancelot Armstrong, they sold her half of Rench’s land to Owen 1 September 1728. Thomas deeded 50 acres to Watson Brumfield 3 March 1734/5 and 350 acres to Isaac Winston 30 May 1735. As Thomas Owen of Henrico County, he purchased a tract of land on the north side of the James River in Goochland County 2 June 1737. His wife, Elizabeth, relinquished her dower right when he deeded 190 acres in Goochland County to John Simkins 17 September 1737, the same day Simkins sold Owen a neighboring 150 acres in Henrico County. Thomas Owen, planter living in Henrico County, appointed “loving friend Ralph Fuqua” his attorney 5 April 1743. Thomas Owen, in his own words If he could speak to us today, Thomas Owen might describe his life as follows.  I was likely born in the Colony of Virginia. Since the early records of Henrico County where I lived are mostly missing, I can tell you nothing about my father, who died when my brother, William, and I were very young. Our mother, Joanna, who was born about 1655, married second Thomas Brookes. His 1694-will in Henrico County left one shilling each to Thomas and William Owen, whom he called his “sons-in-law,” a term that then meant stepson. In 1704 mother was living in Henrico County on a large farm belonging to Capt. William Walker of New Kent County and I had my own 68 acres. Mother was likely dead by 1710 when Captain Walker’s son sold the land, calling it the plantation where Joan Brooks formerly lived. William and I lived on the south side of the Chickahominy River near Seth Rench, whose will I witnessed in 1704. Elizabeth and I were the parents of 3 sons and 2 daughters. Since I deeded property to sons, John and William, in March 1740, my 1741-will left them one shilling each. I divided two slaves between the families of daughters Priscilla Fuqua and Elizabeth Britton and expressed my desire that Thomas receive the remainder of my property after the death of his mother. Since I outlived Elizabeth, I deeded my home plantation to Thomas in 1743. I was dead by May 1744.  Land activity Thomas Owen purchased 100 acres on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp 2 February 1712/3, of which he deeded half to Daniel Fitzpatrick 7 February 1714/5. After Rench’s daughter Sarah Rench married Lancelot Armstrong, they sold her half of Rench’s land to Owen 1 September 1728. Thomas deeded 50 acres to Watson Brumfield 3 March 1734/5 and 350 acres to Isaac Winston 30 May 1735. As Thomas Owen of Henrico County, he purchased a tract of land on the north side of the James River in Goochland County 2 June 1737. His wife, Elizabeth, relinquished her dower right when he deeded 190 acres in Goochland County to John Simkins 17 September 1737, the same day Simkins sold Owen a neighboring 150 acres in Henrico County. Thomas Owen, planter living in Henrico County, appointed “loving friend Ralph Fuqua” his attorney 5 April 1743. 

WILL OF THOMAS OWEN 13 October 1741 To wife Elizabeth, use of Negroes for life and then 2 of them to my son Thomas. Also to wife, items and parts of land, as law directs, for life, and then to son Thomas. To son Thomas, all my lands, except that Martha Robards may have life on the land; also to him, Negroes & items. To son John, 1 shilling. To son William, 1 shilling. To Martha Robards, 1 cow and calf. After wife’s death, my Negro girl to Ralph Fuqua and Priscilla, his wife, for life, and then to their son John, if he live to 21. If he dies, then to Elizabeth Fuqua, daughter of said Ralph & Priscilla. Elizabeth Fuqua also to get the Negro Jack, after the death of her parents provided William Britton Sr. will give his son William Britton one Negro to the value of the Negro girl Lucy, then I give my grandson William Britton, if he reach 18 years of age, the Negro girl Lucy. If he dies, said Lucy goes to his sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Britton. All rest of estate divided between wife and son, Thomas. Thomas did not identify Martha Robards as a daughter, although perhaps she was. 

John Owen (-1767) John Owen, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Owen, married first Sarah Brackett. Sarah joined John on a deed in August 1731 but was dead by 1739 when John’s wife was Phoebe. William Bratchett, perhaps Sarah’s brother, was residing in John’s household in 1749. During his lifetime, John acquired large tracts of land in present-day Prince Edward County, including 4,273 acres by patent. A resident of St. Patrick’s Parish, he helped procession farms in the fork of the Sandy River in 1760. John left a will in Prince Edward naming wife, Phoebe, and twelve children (will dated 24 Feb. 1767, recorded 28 Aug. 1767). Prince Edward County charged the estate of John Owen on five tithables and 773 acres in 1767.

William Owen (-1804), a patroller, was charged on one tithe in Amelia County in 1749. He was deeded 100 acres on the upper side of Mountain Creek by his father 25 December 1750 and got a neighboring 100 acres from Mumford DeJarnette 13 April 1762. After selling DeJarnette 8 acres in 1759, he was left with 192, which he deeded to his brother Brackett Owen 7 October 1762. William secured a patent to 400 acres in present-day Halifax County 29 May 1760. Pittsylvania County charged William Owen Sr. on one tithe and 100 acres in 1770. William deeded 100 acres to son John in 1772, 42 acres to son William in 1774, 41 acres to son Hatcher in 1783, 100 acres to son Hatcher in 1790, and 100 acres to son Thomas in 1797. During the Revolution, William escorted prisoners and contributed oats and corn, for which he was later compensated. William was head of a household of seven whites in Halifax County in 1782 and five whites in 1785. William left a will in Halifax County naming sons John, Hatcher, and Thomas Owen, daughters Lucy Powell, Susanna Brady, Agnes Thomas, Hatcher’s son William, and Thomas’ son William (will dated 10 Aug. 1804). Hatcher Owen married first Elizabeth Roberts in Halifax County 27 July (bond) 1781. She died soon afterwards because Hatcher was living alone and owned one “Negro” slave in 1782 and 1785. He married second Mary Abbott 16 October 1787. Daughters of Hatcher Owen who married in Halifax County Rebecca Owen married Edwin Vaughan in Halifax County 29 November 1819.

Thomas married Elizabeth Brookes in 1693 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Brooks and Joana Brookes) was born on 18 Feb 1665 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA; died in 1746 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Priscilla married Ralph Fuqua in 1734 in , Henrico, Virginia, USA. Ralph (son of Guillaume Fouquet and Jane Eyre) was born in 1693 in , Charles City, Virginia, USA; died on 1 Jul 1770 in Russell, Bedford, Virginia, USA; was buried in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1776, , , Virginia, USA

Notes:

Sources for John FUQUA:
Probate Records, VA, Abstract of Will of John FuquaBedford Co, VA Pages JOHN FUQUA Will 184-186 Dated: 17 April 17 96 Lend my beloved daughter Edy Milam and Moses Milam her husband during their natural life a negro boy named Nick. At her decease the said Nick to their son John Milam. To my beloved wife Ann Fuqua during her natural life a negro woman named Ester. At my wife's decease Ester to live along with any of my children she pleases. Also to my beloved wife Ann Fuqua during her widowhood all the rest of my negroes except Lucy. Also my plantation whereon I now "life" with all my household and kitchen furniture, stock of horses, hogs, cattle, sheep and plantation utensils. Lucy to be hired out and the money arising to go to the schooling of my two youngest children William and Celey Fuqua. Should my beloved wife Ann Fuqua marry again the negroes with their children and the children of Ester to be equally divided between my eight youngest children (to wit) Ralph, John and Joseph Fuqua, Elizabeth, Magdalen, Ann and Celey Fuqua and my son William Fuqua. To each of my four youngest daughters Elizabeth, Magdalen, Ann and Celey Fuqua to be raised out of my estate one good horse, saddle and bridle, also a good feather bed and furniture. Desire that my Mountain tract of land on the south side of Otter River m Bedford County be sold. After my wife's widowhood all my stock of all kinds so lent with my household and kitchen furniture and plantation utensils be sold and the money arising from the sale of the land, stock and household furniture together with my outlying debts" with all the money that shall fall to me by virtue of Thomas Harriss will left me in North Carolina now in the hands of David Shelton Executor after paying my just debts, be equally divided between my eight youngest children above mentioned". To my son William Fuqua 300 acre s of land whereon I now live beginning at the upper end on both sides of Otter River including the "mation house" and plantation to take in his possession after my wife's widowhood at the age of 21 years. The balance of the land whereon I now live to my son Joseph Fuqua to take in his possession after my wife's widowhood at the age of 2l. I also give my land left me in North Carolina by Thomas Harris now in the hands of David Shelton Executor of the said Harris to my two sons Ralph and John Fuqua to be equally divided between them to take in their possession at the age of 21 years. If either of the three boys' land shall be of more value than the other they shall pay to the other til they shall be all of one value. Executrix and Executors: my beloved wife Ann Fuqua, Joseph Fuqua, Senior and Thomas Haynes Memorandom. As Nick given to my daughter Eady Milam is now sick, if he should die then Eady Milam to have one more if any should be born after this day. Lucy to be made part of the division as were the others who were lent. If my widow should live til my son William comes to the age of 21 she is to take her choice of any of the negroes, also household furniture and of the stock sufficient for her and then the division of the rest to take place. Witnesses: Henry Jeter, Bettey Jeter, John Bondurant Proven: 26 September 1796 by Henry Jeter, Betsey Jeter and John Bundurant Executrix and Executor: Ann Fuqua, Joseph Fuqua, Senior. Liberty being reserved to Thomas Haynes to join in the probate thereof when he shall think fit. Securities: Thomas Logwood, John Quin Bond: 1000 Pounds
Humphreys Co, TN History, Pages 180, 181See source for Jesse Jerome Fuqua, Sr, rin 1657
Deed Records of VA, Bototourt Co, VASee source for John Fuqua 2691

This is after John Fuqua's supposed death but the names are right..

Nov. 15, 1806; Edward Reynolds & Celia Fuqua, dau. of Nancy; William Fuqua, Surety. (These are the parents of Mary B. Reynolds, later wife of Socrates Goodman). The will of John Fuqua, (Be WB 2:184-186) names wife Ann, Joseph Fuqua, Senr. as Executor, probably a brother, daughter Edy, wife of Moses Milam, sons William, Joseph, Ralph, John, daughters Elizabeth, Magdalen, Ann, Celey (Celia). Wit. Henry Jeter, Bettey (Bethea?) Jeter, John Bondurant.

http://www.goodmanhistory.com/virginia-goodman/va-bedford-county-goodman.html

John married Elizabeth Bedford in 1756 in , , Virginia, USA. Elizabeth was born in 1738; died in 1765. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Anney "Nancy" Harrison in 1767 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. Anney was born in 1740 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA; died in 1826 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1779, , Bedford, Virginia, USA

Thomas married Judith Estes in 1768 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. Judith was born in 1740 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA; died in 1815 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1810, , Bedford, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1820, , Bedford, Virginia, USA

Elizabeth married John Stovall in 1759 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. John was born in 1740 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Jun 1778 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Augustine Sr Leftwich on 2 Aug 1779 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. Augustine was born in 1712 in , Caroline, Virginia, USA; died in 1795 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married James Roberson in 1756 in , Albemarle, Virginia, USA. James was born in 1737 in Bestland, Essex, Virginia, USA; died on 3 Jan 1828 in Pikesville, Bledsoe, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Susannah married John Richardson in 1779 in , , Virginia, USA. John was born on 21 Sep 1755 in , Prince Edward, Virginia, USA; died on 2 Nov 1822 in , Prince Edward, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1800, , Bullitt, Kentucky, USA

Notes:

There were 2 churches that arose out of the Bedford Baptist Church(then called Little Otter Church), the Suck Spring and Timber Ridge churches. Isham Fuqua was the pastor of the Little Otter Church and ministered to these two congregations after they were formed. His Father, Joseph Fuqua, and another man, John Hewitt, were the first deacons of the Timber Ridge church which began its meetings in a one room log cabin on land purchased from William Lowry. Fuqua and Hewitt took named ownership of the property. The one room church was replaced in the 1820's by a larger building and Isham was replaced by Reverend William Leftwich.

On July 3, 1969, BEDFORD BULETIN-DEMOCRAT published a "Believed List of County Men in Revolution," which apparently contained the name of Isham Fuqua.
Isham Fuqua moved to Davidson County, Tennessee, in about 1805. His son, Nathan Fuqua, married Mille Carter in 1812 in Tennessee and died about 1852 in Monroe County, Mississippi. As a result of his service in the War of 1812, he was granted land near Aberdeen, Mississippi. Joshua Fuqua is listed in the Tract Book of Original Entries of Land in Monroe County, Mississippi, as purchasing land on 4 July 1836.

Isham Fuqua was a Baptist minister of Bedford Co., Virginia. On 27 June 1796, he was given permission to perform marriage ceremonies, and many of his relatives were married by him, including his eldest son, the Rev. Peter Fuqua. Isham Fuqua had a family of nine children, two daughters and seven sons. Six of the seven sons also because Baptist ministers, as well as several of his grandsons.
On September 25, 1804, John Otey sold to the "trustees of the Baptist Church lately convened in Liberty in the county of Bedford under the care of Isham Fuqua, their pastor, to wit: James Bramblet, John Hancock, Joseph Fuqua, and John Otey, for $15.00, one and one-half acres adjoining the town of Liberty, for the purpose of building a Baptist Meeting house on." This transaction can be found in Bedford Co., Va. Deed Book K11, on pages 1071 and 1072.
The house was built of brick and was used as a church, called "Little Otter" until 1850 when it was sold and converted into a residence. In 1850, the turstees of Little Otter Church - Armistead Otey, Benjamin H. Mansfield, Abner Fuqua, Abraham Fuqua, and Adam J. Boyer - purchased from the estate of James Meyse, for $290, the lot on Main Street where the present church stands. At that time, the name was changed to Liberty Baptist Church. In 1901, the name of the town was changed to Bedford, and the name of the church then became Bedford Baptist Church.
In 1805, Isham Fuqua organized Suck Spring and Timber Ridge Baptist Churches in Bedford Co., Virginia, and apparently migrated shortly after that time - or at least by 1810 - to Davidson Co., Tennessee, near Nashville. He was accompanied by most of his children. Isham Fuqua apparently died before the 1820 census, since the census lists only his wife and two children at that time.

Isham married Mary Hammons on 27 Jan 1777 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Mary was born in 1755 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA; died on 3 Feb 1840 in , Davidson, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1810, , Bedford, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1820, , Bedford, Virginia, USA

Notes:

At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the town of Bedford lies the Fuqua family cemetery. The location, restoration and dedication in May, 1975 was undertaken and supported by the Peaks of Otter Chapter, Virginia, DAR.Within the walls, still surrounded by the original mock orange, the graves of Joseph and Ralph Fuqua, Revoluntionary soldiers of the 5th Virginia Regiment are found along with thirthy-five others of family members and Revolutionary soldiers.
In 1782 Joseph Fuqua and William Downey gave one hundred acres of land upon which the town of Liberty, now Bedford, was built. At the dedication ceremonies this landmark was presented to the City of Bedford.
District Chapters
Alleghany...General James Breckinridge
Botetourt County...General Joseph Martin
Colonel Abram Penn...General William Campbell
Colonel William Christian...Margaret Lynn Lewis
Colonel William Preston...Nancy Christian Fleming
Floyd Courthouse...Patrick Henry
Fort Lewis...Peaks of OtterFort Mayo...Roanoke Valley

Birth: May 4, 1756 Lunenburg County Virginia, USA
Death: May 10, 1829 Bedford Bedford City Virginia, USA

The settler who gave the town of Liberty his land, and Texas his sons. Born on May 4, 1756 and dying May 4 seventy-three years later, Joseph Fuqua led a generally quiet life as a farmer and family man. He is remembered in Bedford today for an outstanding act of generosity he shared with another man who went on to obscurity. Joseph Fuqua and William Downing donated the 100 acres that became the site of the town established in 1782 as Liberty. He had fought in the Revolutionary War before settling in this area, enlisting Feb.22, 1776 and fighting in the battles of Cowpens and Brandywine. He was discharged in 1778. His father Ralph Fuqua had also been a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1782, the same year he donated the land for Liberty, he married the former Celia Bondurant, and they had six sons and five daughters, most of whom eventually moved to Texas.

The Fuqua's were Baptist (Joseph Fuqua was the first deacon at Lowry Meeting House, now Timber Ridge Baptist Church). The family was renowned for its hospitality. The cemetery off Orange Street in Bedford, where Joseph Fuqua is buried, was uncovered a few years ago by Mrs. R. N. Krebs, who was curator of the Bedford City/County Museum. When it was found Joseph's will provided the cemetery should never be sold , the company that had purchased it, deeded the site to the city, which maintains it today. Joseph Fuqua is also appreciated in Texas, where so many of his descendants settled. A grandson of his, 16-year old Galba Fuqua, was the youngest soldier to die at the battle of the Alamo.

Coincidentally, another one of Joseph's descendants was instrumental in providing one of Bedford's best - known landmarks. Fred Fuqua of Lynchburg, Virginia, a direct descendant of Joseph's son Abraham Fuqua, who stayed in Bedford County, was the contractor who built the present courthouse in 1930. It was Fred Fuqua who formally presented the Fuqua Cemetery to the city in the dedication ceremony, that took place in 1975.

Land Processioners in
Bedford County, Virginia, in August 1795
Transcribed by James Pylant
From Court Order Book 11 (1795-1799), pp. 30-32
Ordered that this County be laid off in Districts agreeable to the boundaries of the several Militia Companies for the purpose of processioning all the lands within the limits of said County and the persons nominated in each District shall divide the same into two precincts and in it is Ordered that where the Boundary line of a Company Divides any tract of Land that the processioners in the bounds where the mansion House stands shall perform the business, and, also in the largest part of an unimproven tract of land.

Ordered that Samuel Hancock, Edward Hancock, John Nichols & Levi Squires be appointed [-smudged word-] procession all the lands in the bounds of Capt. Saml. Hancock's Company & to make return thereof to Court according to law.

Lawrence M George, Lewis Turner, John Board, and Jeremiah Meador in Capt. Jos. Board's Company.

Joseph Stith, Benjamin Stith, James Board, & John Dent in Capt Joseph Stith's Company.

Matthew Pate, Thomas Pate, Robert Nimms, & George Scott in Capt John Pate's Company.

William Leftwich Junr., Charles Moorman, William Davis (Jr.), & Admin Turner in Capt. Wm. Leftwich's Company.

Isaac Winfrey, Robert Dallier, John Dearen, and Mordecai Morgen in Capt. Isaac Winfrey's Company.

Stephen Preston, Augustine Leftwich, Wm. Trigg (Col.o) & John Wright (other) in Capt Stephen Preston's Company.

Jesse Leftwich, Silas Garrett, John Coffee, and Wm Pidgeon in Capt Jesse Leftwich's Company.

John Clayton, James Ayres Junr., Edward Terrill & John Murphy Senr. in Capt. John Clayton's Company.

Stephen Hook, William Bagby, William Arthur (Ensign) & William Sutphin in Capt. Stephen Hook's Company.

Henry Buford, John H. Otey, William Ewing & Thomas Campbell in Thomas Campbell's Company.

George Dooley Senr., Wm Quarles Senr., John Dooley Senr. and James Pettross in Capt Wm. Quarles's Company.

John Buford, Robert Sinkler, George Dixon, & Joseph Holt in Capt. John Buford's Company.

Julius Hatcher, Henry Jeter, Joseph Fuqua & Thomas Haynes in Capt. Julius Hatcher's Company.

Col.o Charles Gwatkin, Thomas Hubbard, Charles Jones, & Francis Halley in Capt. Thomas Hubbards Company.

David Saunders, Jabez Leftwich, Isaac Wade, & James Austin in Capt. Jabez Leftwich's Company.

Samuel Mitchell, Michael Graham, Samuel Wilks & Griffin Dobbins in Capt. Saml. Mitchell's Company.

David Jones, John Leftwich, Samuel Clayton, & Jacob Anderson in Capt. David Jones's Company.

Simon Miller, William Miller, Benjamin Robinson, and David North in Capt. Simon Miller's Company.

Ordered that William Burton, Charles Bright, Junr., James Gatewood, & Robert Price be app.d Processioners in Capt. William Burton's Company.

***


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Pension Application of Celia Bondurant Fuqua, widow of Joseph Fuqua: W7345
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris

State of Virginia, Bedford County S.S.
On this 27th day of January 1840 personally appeared before the County Court of Bedford, of said State at its January term – holden on the said 27th day of January 1840. at the court house of said County Mrs. Celia Fuqua (whose maiden name was Bondurant) a respectable resident of said County, aged 77 years – who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision, made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled “An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows”– That she is the widow of Joseph Fuqua dec’d of said County – who was a private in the regular service, in the revolutionary war. That he enlisted under Cap. Gross Scruggs on the 22nd day Febuary 1776, and served two years as a regular soldier – as will appear from the letter of the 3rd Auditor – which is no doubt true, as she has frequently heard her dec’d husband Joseph Fuqua speak of, and relate his revolutionary services – that she understood him to say that he was at the battle of B. Wine [Battle of Brandywine PA, 11 Sep 1777] St’d [situated?] to the North. And she the said Celia Fuqua, further declares, that she was married to Joseph Fuqua above named in said county by the Rev’d. Jno W Holt, on the 13th day of November 1782, as will appear by the records in Clerks office of said County. That her husband the aforesaid Joseph Fuqua died on the 4th day of May 1829. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but, the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, Viz: at the time above stated. And further that the said Celia Fuqua whose maiden name was Bondurant, has remained unmarried ever since the death of the said Joseph Fuqua her dec’d. husband to the present time – and now claims a pension at the hands of the Gen’l. Government as the widow of said Fuqua in consideration of said services. Celia herXmark Fuqua

State of Virginia Bedford County S. S.
On this 25th day of May 1840, before me R. C. Steptoe a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Col. Armistead Otey a respectable resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say – That he is 63 years old that he was well acquainted with Joseph Fuqua dec’d (a Revolutionary soldier of the United States whose widow Celia Fuqua is now living) some thirty years previous to his death – which was about the year 1829 – and he this deponant has always regarded Mr. Joseph Fuqua above named as a man in independent circumstances – that from the year 1818 to 1829 the time of his death he was the owner of a valuable tract of Land near Liberty in said County and also many negroes, and other pinshable[?] property – and in fact at no time while deponant knew him could he have applied for a Pension under the law of 1818 – which as deponant understands it – grants pensions only to needy persons – or to persons who owns but little property – and further that he Fuqua left his widow in quite independent circumstances when he died. [signed] A. Otey



Land Processioners in
Bedford County, Virginia, in August 1795
From Court Order Book 11 (1795-1799), pp. 30-32

Ordered that this County be laid off in Districts agreeable to the boundaries of the several Militia Companies for the purpose of processioning all the lands within the limits of said County and the persons nominated in each District shall divide the same into two precincts and in it is Ordered that where the Boundary line of a Company Divides any tract of Land that the processioners in the bounds where the mansion House stands shall perform the business, and, also in the largest part of an unimproven tract of land.

Ordered that Samuel Hancock, Edward Hancock, John Nichols & Levi Squires be appointed [-smudged word-] procession all the lands in the bounds of Capt. Saml. Hancock's Company & to make return thereof to Court according to law.

Lawrence M George, Lewis Turner, John Board, and Jeremiah Meador in Capt. Jos. Board's Company.

Joseph Stith, Benjamin Stith, James Board, & John Dent in Capt Joseph Stith's Company.

Matthew Pate, Thomas Pate, Robert Nimms, & George Scott in Capt John Pate's Company.

William Leftwich Junr., Charles Moorman, William Davis (Jr.), & Admin Turner in Capt. Wm. Leftwich's Company.

Isaac Winfrey, Robert Dallier, John Dearen, and Mordecai Morgen in Capt. Isaac Winfrey's Company.

Stephen Preston, Augustine Leftwich, Wm. Trigg (Col.o) & John Wright (other) in Capt Stephen Preston's Company.

Jesse Leftwich, Silas Garrett, John Coffee, and Wm Pidgeon in Capt Jesse Leftwich's Company.

John Clayton, James Ayres Junr., Edward Terrill & John Murphy Senr. in Capt. John Clayton's Company.

Stephen Hook, William Bagby, William Arthur (Ensign) & William Sutphin in Capt. Stephen Hook's Company.

Henry Buford, John H. Otey, William Ewing & Thomas Campbell in Thomas Campbell's Company.

George Dooley Senr., Wm Quarles Senr., John Dooley Senr. and James Pettross in Capt Wm. Quarles's Company.

John Buford, Robert Sinkler, George Dixon, & Joseph Holt in Capt. John Buford's Company.

Julius Hatcher, Henry Jeter, Joseph Fuqua & Thomas Haynes in Capt. Julius Hatcher's Company.

Col.o Charles Gwatkin, Thomas Hubbard, Charles Jones, & Francis Halley in Capt. Thomas Hubbards Company.

David Saunders, Jabez Leftwich, Isaac Wade, & James Austin in Capt. Jabez Leftwich's Company.

Samuel Mitchell, Michael Graham, Samuel Wilks & Griffin Dobbins in Capt. Saml. Mitchell's Company.

David Jones, John Leftwich, Samuel Clayton, & Jacob Anderson in Capt. David Jones's Company.

Simon Miller, William Miller, Benjamin Robinson, and David North in Capt. Simon Miller's Company.

Ordered that William Burton, Charles Bright, Junr., James Gatewood, & Robert Price be app.d Processioners in Capt. William Burton's Company.
***
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Joseph married Celia Bondurant on 13 Nov 1782 in Russell, Bedford, Virginia, USA. Celia (daughter of John Peter Bondurant and Pauline Marshall Allen) was born on 23 Dec 1762 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA; died on 28 Mar 1847 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]