William* Withers, Sr

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: Bef 1698, Arkholm, Lancastershire, England

Notes:

The name of William Withers' wife is not known. He left at least two sons, one of whom was James Withers, and one William Withers, Jr.
Robert Edwin Withers, assisted by Katherine Cox Gottschalk of Washington, D.C. and A. May Osler of Beckenham, Kent, England, professional genealogists, in 1947 compiled and published the book "Withers Family of the County Lancaster, England,d of Stafford County, Virginia."
This book contains charts which purport to record the ancestry of William Wither (1636-1698), the immigrant ancestor of the Withers families through many generations, to Sir John Wyther and his wife Joan. Sir John lived at Pendleton Hall, Lahire and was Seneschal to Robert de Lucy, Constable of Chester (1179-1189). A Seneschal was a powerful official in the household of a mediveal noble.

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was a member of the House of Burgesses for Stafford co in 1692. An account preserved in several branches of hte family states that in 1690 James Withers emigrated from Liverpool, England to VA where he had an only son, John Withers; but that is an error - he had six.

Notes:

Will dated May 8, 1703; proved in Stafford Aug 11, 1703. He gives all of his lands to his son John and divided his personal estate between his wife Mary and son John.

William married Mary Littlejohn after 1698 in Stafford Co, Virginia. Mary (daughter of Oliver Littlejohn and (Mrs. Oliver) Littlejohn) was born about 1682 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co, Virginia; died on 22 Feb 1740/41 in Hamilton Parish, Prince William Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 8 Jul 1746, Stafford Co, Virginia

Notes:

(The Wigfield and Nelson Families)
James Withers was born at his father's home on Potomac Creek in Stafford Co, Va.
In 1681, the year of his birth, Louis XIV of France was at the zenith of his power, and in England William Penn, an English Quaker, received a charter from King Charles II for lands that become the State of Pennsylvania.
James was one of at least two sons of William Withers who had emigrated from England, and together with his brother, Capt John Withers, had settled on Potomac Creek. There are several references to John Withers in "The Cultural History of Marorough, Virginia" published by the Smithsonian Institution as it's Bulletin 253 (1968). One such reference states, "John Withers, one of the first feoffees and a justice of the peace, was a lot owner also." John Withers was an uncle of James Withers.
Upon the death of his father, William Withers, in 1698, James Withers, not yet 18 years of age, and his brother William, not yet 21, went to live with a neighbor, Capt Edward Mountjoy.
About 1706 he married Elizabeth, the only child of matthew Keene and Bridget, his wife. In "Withers Family of County Lancaster, England and of Stafford County, VA," by Robert Edwin Withers, The Dietz Printing Co, Richmond, VA (1947) it is std "Matthew Keene was one of the nearest neighbors to the Withers family on Potomac Creek, he was wealthy and well connected socially...as the years went on James Withers bought much land and acquired much personal wealth."
Not only did he buy large parcels of land along Potomac Creek and Potomac Run in Stafford Co, but he bought three large tracts which now lie in Fauquier Co, one such tract being on Licking Run,

**(Second Stage in the Settlement of Fauquier Co (Period of the Manors) 1723-1724 -- entry:
WITHERS, James 1723 Head branches of Licking Run)**

another on Tin Pot Run, and still another, it being a one-half interest in the original tact of 2900 acres known as the North Wales Tract. He owned two mills, one of which was on potomac Run, as shown on an old map of Stafford Co. An examination of this map reveals that it likely is the same mill which until about 1925 was operated by Henry Wiggington. It was located about two miles west of Mountain View.
Quoting futher from the book above referencd:
"Even though so many records have perished, a fairly clear picture of the life of James Withers can be drawn. Born and raised near the old county courthouse, which was located at Marlboro, knowing and mingling with friends and neighbors ofs father and of his uncle John, enjoying all the sports and entertainments which the prominent families of his neighbors afforded for the young people, settling down with his young wife near his old home place close to her parents, and continuing in the same locality. His large family of boys and girls growing up and in their turn marrying among the daughters of his close friends. These children he set up on lands of their own and let them develop such resources as he, out of his increasing wealth, could give them to their better advancement in living."
As recorded in the "Register of Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co, VA, 1723-1758" George H.S. King (1961), James Withers died 3 June 1748 "in the 66th year, of his age." He lived and died on the land patented by his father William Withers ans uncle, Capt. John Withers.

______
From: wmadavis@kih.net (William A. Davis)
Sender: va-roots@vsla.edu
I understand there have been some recent posts about Rice Hooe and his Taliaferro connections. Would the person who posted the original query respond to me, and forward to me any responses he received? I also have additional information for you.
Thanks,
Bill Davis



Will:
Although the will of James Withers is lengthy and somewhat tedious to read, it is thought that it contains sufficient genealogical data to warrant repeating it in full:
"In the name of God, Amen, I, James Withers of Stafford County, Planter, being sick of body but of sound sense and perfect memory, thanks to Almighty God, and calling to remembrance how frail all flesh is, have thought fit to make this my laill and testament in manner and form as follows. I give and bequeath my soul to the hands of Almighty God who gave it, hoping for forgiveness of all my sins through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, my Savior and redeemer. My body I desire may be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named after my lawful debts are paid.
IMPRIMIS I give to my son James Withers and his heirs forever, a dividend or part of that land which I bought of Rice Hooe lying in Prince William County containing four hundred acres and bound as follows:
Beginning at the beginning tree of the said Patent and running East S. E. 320 poles, thence N.E. 185 poles, thence No. 64 degrees, W. 396 poles to the West line of the said Patent and from thence along the line of the said Patent to the first beginning, and also my negro Robin now in his possession, a man called Breechy and a feather bed and furniture.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son-in-law Henry Mauzy and his wife, Ann, and their heirs forever, another part of the said land bought of Rice Hooe, containing 200 acres to beging where the second course of the said James' ends, to run ue main line of the patent so far as the line across the same may include that quatity, and also a negro man named George, a feather bed and furniture and four cows and calves and the half the hogs he raised where he now lives.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son-in-law Joseph Hudnall and his heirs forever, two hundred acres of land whereon he now lives lying in the upper part of that land which I bought of Rice Hooe bounded on the north side by the line which dis John Hooe's land and mine on the South side by a parallel line quite across the said Patent, and a negro boy named Frank in his possession.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Withers and his heirs forever a dividend or part of my land on Licking Run in Prince William County, to be laid off according to the survey made by John Allen and at the time marked from Racoon h to the back line of the main Patent and also the following negroes Sam, Denbon, Flory and her last child Will and Sall and their increase.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son Keene Withers and his heirs forever, a dividend or part of my land on Licking Run in the Southwest part of the said Patent bounded as follows, beginning at the beginning White Oak of the said patent and ng North along the line of his brother Thomas, 138 poles, thence North 47 degrees west till it intersects the out lines of the main Patent thence along the line of the Patent reversing them to the first beginning including the old Manor Plantation and also the following negroes, Sam, Samsine, Nan, Phillis, Esther and their increase and a set of Blacksmith's tools and a feather bed and furniture and it is my will and desire that my son John take into his care my son Keene till he arrives to the age of twenty-one years.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son William Withers and his heirs forever, the remaining part of my Licking Run land not yet bequeathed, with the provision that if Henry Mauzy is obliged to remove from where he now lives he shall have the lty of living upon the Mill Plantation on the said land till he has time to clear a plantation on the land already bequeathed to him, as also the following negroes, Peter, James, Sarah, Mowl and jack and their increase, and a feather bed and furniture.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son John Withers and his heirs forever, 250 acres of land whereon he now lives bought of Henry Field as also 200 acres of land bought of William Waugh lying on the South side of Rocky Run and 50 acres which ght of Snodal Horton, as also the following negroes, to wit: Matt, Harry, and a negro boy named Caesar.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth during the time of her natural life only, all the household goods and furniture which she brought from her father's of what kind soever and cattle with the mill on Potomac Run, and ae tract of land on which I now live, likewise, the following negroes, Tom, Dick, Peg, Dinah, Roger, Bess, Jugg, Hannah, Winnie, Priss, and Daniel, and after her decease the said negroes and their future increase to be equally divided among my five sons, such of them as shall be living.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my said son James a negro Woman Jenny and her child, in full satifaction of his part of the negroes which are to be divided at his mother's death.
ITEM. I give to my loving wife Elizabeth a negro man named Ben during her natural life and after her decease to be equally divided among my four sons, John, Thomas, William and Keene.
ITEM. I give to my son Keene Withers, a negro girl named Sue to him and to his heirs forever.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Ursula, the wife of John Allen, the two following negroes, Lydia and Nan now in her possession.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Elizabeth, the wife of Abraham Field, twenty shillings to buy a ring.
ITEM. All the rest of my estate movable and immovable, I give to be equally divided among my five sons immediately after my decease.
ITEM. Whereas there is an action depending in the General Court between Edward Herndon and me about a negro, my intention is that if I am cast in the said suit, my wife shall pay the money debt and I desire that my said five sons shall ey pay the tobacco (the medium of exchange) that shall be due for the costs and charges attending it and that if any of them shall fail to pay their equal part thereof they shall forfeit their legacies already bequeathed to them, to the others willing to perform it.
ITEM. The remaining part of the land I bought of Rice Hooe not yet bequeathed, I give to my sons William and Keene to be equally divided between them.
ITEM. I give to each of my five sons twenty pounds current money and the remainder part of my cash, I give to my wife to pay of my cash debts, the money to Herndon, if he recovers any against me.
ITEM. I give to my said wife during her natural life one hundred acres of land lying on the south side of Potomac Run, bought of Joseph Waugh, where my quarters now stand and after her decease to my son John and his heirs forever.
ITEM. I do appoint my loving wife Elizabeth, and my sons, John, Thomas and William, executrix and executors of this my last will and testament revoking all former wills by me heretofore made declaring this only to be my last will and testa. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of June 1746.
James Withers (Seal)
Signed, sealed and published in presence of
Andrew Rosse
Charles (X) Hinson
Joyce (X) Hinson
James (X) O'Neil
H. Tyler.

The will was admitted to probate in the Stafford Co, VA Court 8 July 1746 and is recorded in Will Book M at page 468.

It will be noted that the will disposes of the testator's 39 slaves, all being kept in the family, some to his wife, and the remainder to his sons and daughters. It seems likely that the slave Bess, mentioned in the foregoing will (left ts wife) is the "Old Bess" (valued at one shilling) named in the will of Thomas Withers, one of the sons of James Withers.

James* married Elizabeth* Keene about 1706 in Stafford Co, Virginia. Elizabeth* (daughter of Matthew* Keene and Bridget* (..) Keene) was born about 1682 in Stafford, Stafford Co, Virginia; died on 26 Jul 1769 in Potomac Creek, Stafford Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"Wigfield & Nelson says she is mentioned in the will of her grandfather Matthew Keene as Elizabeth Field. The will was dated 21 Jul 1786. That date cannot be correct.

Elizabeth married Abraham Fields before 21 Jul 1723. Abraham was born about 1706; died after 1724. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her will was dated 12 Aug 1789, probated in Fauquier Co, VA in 1793.

query found on Internet - no responses:
"I have a will of James Allen of Fauquier County Virginia, 1802, leaving property to his children John Field Allen, Sarah Kirk Pendleton, Ursula Withers Allen, and Betsy Allen. Can anyone give me more detail on the genealogy of these families? Cordially, Margaret Schmidt Chicago"

Ursula married John Allen about 1729. John was born about 1705 in Prince William Co, Virginia; died on 26 Mar 1761 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Joseph Hudnall about 1731. Joseph was born in 1700; died in 1783. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living in 1746 but died before 1788. She was the twin of Mary.

Martha married James McDaniel about 1731. James was born about 1711 in of, Stafford Co, Virginia; died after 1731. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Hannah Allen was the dau of William and Margaret Allen.

John married Hannah Allen about 1735. Hannah was born about 1714 in of, Virginia; died on 17 Jul 1801. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He died in infancy.

Notes:

She was the twin of Keene and also died in infancy.

Notes:

WITHERS, James Private Fauquier b. 22 Sep 1757, d. 16 Oct 1836, Cpt William Pickett's Co; 1777-1778, Ensign Cpt John Lee's Co, Col George Gibson's 1st VA State Regt; 1779, served as LT in Cpt Winsor Brown's Co, Col Gibson's Regt; 1781 served as Pvt (sic) in Cpt Armstead White's Co, Culpeper Militia; served in battle of Long Bridge *

James married Catherine Barbee before 1748. Catherine was born about 1717; died after 1749. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Jemima Garner after 1748. Jemima was born about 1717; died after 1749. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He died in infancy.

Notes:

She was the twin of Irvine, and she also died in infancy.

Bridget married William Allen on 15 Feb 1743 in Stafford Co, Virginia. William was born about 1720 in of, Stafford Co, Virginia; died after 1744. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After she died, Henry Mauzey married Elizabeth (Taylor) Morgan.

Ann married Henry Mauzey on 11 Nov 1744 in Stafford Co, Virginia. Henry was born about 1722; died after 1767. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas Withers was born 15 Feb 1723/24 at his father's home on Potomac Creek in Stafford Co, VA, the fourteenth of sixteen children of James Withers and Elizabeth Keene. Some significant events of that year and the following year:
1. The Iroquois Confederation of Six Nations made a treaty with Virginia, agreeing not to cross the Potomac River nor the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Boylston used statistics to prove the success of his smallpox inoculations. Lady Mary Wortley Montague won the public's approval of inoculation against smallpox in England.
3. The cornerstone was laid for Boston's "Old North Church."
4. J.S. Bach was appointed the Cantorship in Leipzig. Here he conducted the first performance of this "St. John Passion" on Good Friday.
By the standards of his day James Withers was considered to have been an extensive land owner. During his lifetime he gave his sons large tracts upon which they established plantations. One such tract located on Licking Run in Fauquiere gave to his son Thomas, who named it Green Meadows.
Thomas Withers died 12 Nov 1794 at the home of his son, Joseph, in Fauquier Co, VA, his wife having preceded him in death on 27 Mar 1783. Both were buried on the plantation of Jonas Williams, his wife's father.
Susannah "Sukey" Withers was the youngest child of Thomas Withers and Elizabeth Williams. Her descendant Ann Devall Mays of New Orleans, Louisiana, was admitted to membership in the National Society of the DAR (National No. 516808) on the s of services rendered by Thomas Withers in the establishment of American Independence during the War of the Revolution as follows:
1. Fauquier Co, VA, Rev Claims allowed Apr 3, 1782, Thomas Withers for five days waggoning--Thomas Withers made oath he waggoned 1 and 1/2 days for the use of Gen Wayne's Brigade for which he had a certificate which is lost. 22/6 allowed.
2. Rev. War public Service Claim filed in Fauquier Co, Court: "I hereby certify that I have received of Mr. Thomas Withers twenty gallons of brandy furnished by the said Thomas Withers for the use of the Commonwealth ageeable to an Act of Asmbly, entitled "Act for prucuring and Supply of Provisions and other necessaries for the use of the Army, Sept 22, 1780."

(Wigfield & Nelson Families) The Will of Thomas Withers was proven in the Fauquier Co, Va. Court 25 1795 and because it contains much genealogical data of interest, it is copied in full:
In the Name of God, Amen, I, Thomas Withers of the County of Fauquier, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory, Thanks be to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and Form followingizt: In the first place I desire all my just debts to be paid and funeral charges.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son John Withers and to his heirs my negro man Aaron, now in his possession, and whatever else I have heretofore put him in possession of, also the money due me on Bond from my son Enoch Withers, and in cas oy said son dying without lawful issue, then I desire that the said money and negro be equally divided between such of my children as are then living.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son Matthew Keene Withers, my Negro man Will Mercer, whom he formerly possessed, also my negro Dick and the second choice of my beds and the furniture belonging to it, and after my roan horse and two cows witheir calves are taken out of my Stock for my Daughter Susannah Chinn, I give the residue of my Stock of all kinds and of my Furniture (my son Joseph Withers having first taken out his choice of my beds and the proper furniture belonging to it) to be equally divided between my aforesaid sons, Matthew Keene Withers and Joseph Withers, to them and their heirs--except out of the above bequest of Furniture,my Warming Pan to be disposed of hereafter.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son William Withers, my Negroes, Buck and Tom, now in his possession, but if my Negro, Moses, for whom I have a suit now depending in Fauquier Court with my son Enoch Withers, be recovered to my estate, then Ive to my son William Withers the said Negro Moses, in liew of Tom above mentioned. I give the above to my said son William and to his heirs. I also remit to my son William, whatever money he may owe me at my Death.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son Enoch, my Negro woman Hannah, also sundry atricles which I left in his possession, amounting by list of the same to the sum of Eighty Pounds. I give the above to him and to his heirs.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son Benjamin and to his heirs, the two negroes now in his possession, by name Winny and Clara, and also his wife's share of her Father's Estate which I purchased of him.
Item: I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Withers and to his Heirs, the following four Negroes now in his possession to wit: Caesar, kate, Cato, and Peg, also my Negro John, and his first choice of my Beds and the half of my stock and furnre, as above declared.
Item; I give and bequeath to my Daughter Hannah winn, and her Heirs, my Negro, harry, now in her possession, and one hundred pounds out of the sale of the land which I am now at law with my Brother, William Withers, for, if the same shall becovered.
Item: I give and bequeath to my Daughter, Betty Winn, and to her Heirs, my Negro woman Liz and her child Armistead, and my warming pan.
Item: I give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancy Jordan and to her Heirs, my negro Caesar now in her possession, also my negro boy Chandler Fowke.
Item: I give to my Dauther Sally West and to her Heirs, my negroes Phil and Dinah, now in her possession and Dinah's increase.
Item: I give to my Daughter, Susanna Chinn and to her Heirs, my negroes, Solomon and Bett and Bett's increase, also my roan Horse and two Cows and Calves as above delared.
Item: I give and bequeath to my Grandaughter Hannah Winn, daughter of Betty Winn above mentioned, my negro girl Hannah, which said negro is to be under the direction of Capt. Minor Winn till my said grandaughter marries or comes of age and iy said grandaughter shall die without lawful Heirs of her body, then I give the aforementioned negro girl to my daughter Betty Winn and her Heirs, and I also give to my said daughter Betty Winn whatever money Capt Minor Winn, her husband, may owe me at my death.
Item: My desire is that my Mulatto boy Roger, alias Martin, be bound to a shoemaker for the term of two years, or to any other trade at the discretion of my Executors, till he shall learn the same, after which he is to serve my Executors ul he comes to the age of thirty-one years, when I hereby declare him to be free for the rest of his life.
Item: My Will and Desire is that my old negro woman Bess shall go to whichever of my children she shall choose, which said child shall be obliged to maintain her during her life out of the profits of what I have hereby bequeathed to him or h
Item: My Will is that if the land for which I am now at law with my Brother William Withers shall be recovered, the same shall be sold by my Executors who are first to offer it to my Brother William, the land at forty shillings per acre ande mill at fifty pounds, and on his refusal to take it, they are then to set it up at public sale for ready money, and the produce thereof (afte paying to my daughter Hannah Winn, one hundred punds as above ordered) to be equally divided among all my children then living. I likewise desire that whatever money I may recover of Mr. Isaac Hite, Adm'r. of Mr. James Buchanan, dec'd. and any other monies or other estate of which I die possessed not herein devised, may in like manner be equally divided among my children then living. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son William Withers and Capt. Minor Winn, Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all others by me heretofore made.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 5th day of November, Anno Domini 1794.
Thos. Withers (L. S.)
Signed, Sealed &
Acknowledged in the
Presence of us:
P. Grant
Benjm. Bronaugh
Withers Smith

The foregoing will was proven by the witnesses thereto and admitted to probate by the Fauquier County Court 25 Jan 1795. On the same date bond in the penalty of $20,000 was executed by Thomas Keith, Charles Marshall, John Withers and Jaers, sureties.
The Appraisement of the personal property of Thomas Withers was filed in the Fauquier Co. Court where it is recorded in Will Book 6 at pages 17 and 18. It is not copied here in full but it is of interest to note tht the decedents "war" was valued at 12 shillings and that the "old negro woman Bess" referred to in the will was valued at one shilling.
James Withers, the eldest son of Thomas Withers died three years before his father, which may explain the absence of any reference to him in his will.

_____________________________
Deeded: aft 1763 Place: His father Thomas Withers gave him 130 acres of land in Fauquier
Military Veteran: bet 1776 and 1781 Place: American Revolution
Military Unit: bet 1776 and 1781 Place: Fauquier County Militia
Military Rank: 24 Mar 1778 Place: Appointed to Second Lieutenant
Sold: 8 Mar 1780 Place: 130 acres of land in Fauquier
Patented: May 1786 Place: 1200 acres of land on the Kentucky Rive and Rough Run in Woodford, Kentucky
Will Prepared: 4 May 1791 Place: Warrenton, Fauquier, Virginia, USA
Will Probated: 25 Jul 1791 Place: Warrenton, Fauquier, Virginia, USA

Thomas* married Elizabeth* Williams about 1743 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. Elizabeth* (daughter of Jonas* Williams) was born in 1723 in Stafford, Stafford Co, Virginia; died on 27 Mar 1783 in Warrenton, Fauquier Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 23 Nov 1804, Fauquier Co, Virginia

Notes:

WITHERS, William Private Fauquier b. 1754, son of Thomas, d. 1809; Cpt William Pickett's Co; 1781, Pvt in Cpt John Ball's Co, Fauquier Militia
____
Inherited: 6 Jun 1746
Part of Licking Run land and the 'Mill Plantation" in Fauquier Co., Va.
Owned: 1793
786 acres in Fauquier Co., Va.
Bought: 1793
Large tract of landon the Ohio River in Hardin, Kentucky, which he gave to his daughter Mary Withers
Will Prepared: 21 Nov 1803
Albemarble, Sussex, Virginia
Will Probated: 23 Jan 1804
Albemarble, Sussex, Virginia
(source: FamilySearch CD-ROM Disc #52)

William married Elizabeth Hord on 15 Dec 1756 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. Elizabeth was born on 22 Sep 1732 in King George Co, Virginia; died on 17 Oct 1781 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After Keene died in the autum of 1756, Elizabeth remarried Andrew Edwards (his 2nd wife) on 19 Jan 1758. She married third Thomas Walker.

Keene married Elizabeth Cave on 21 Dec 1747 in Stafford Co, Virginia. Elizabeth was born about 1728; died after 1760. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]