Person Page - 3

     Samuel WASHINGTON, son of Augustine WASHINGTON and Mary BALL, was born on 16 November 1734 at Pope's Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia.¹ Samuel served numerous posts in Stafford County, Virginia including justice of the peace, county magistrate, county sheriff, militia officer, and parish vestryman. He resided at Mount Vernon from 1735 to 1738.

Samuel married five times and had seven children: Jane Champe; Mildred Thornton (about 1741-1763) - possibly died during or shortly after childbirth (Her cousin, also named Mildred Thornton, married Samuel's younger brother Charles); Lucy Chapman; Anne Steptoe (1737–1777)l; and Susannah Perrin.

Samuel WASHINGTON died in 1781 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Samuel left a will dated 9 September 1781 in "Harewood", Berkeley County, West Virginia. To wife the land on which I now live containing 230 acres, also a tract called Rutherfords, son Thornton, dau. Harriet, sons Lawrence Augustine, Ferdinand, George Stephoe, and John Perrin Washington. Executors were his brothers John Augustine Washington, George Washington, and Charles Washington. The will was proven 18 Dec 1781.

     John Augustine WASHINGTON, son of Augustine WASHINGTON and Mary BALL, was born on 15 January 1736 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.¹

He was a member of the fifth Virginia Convention and a founding member of the Mississippi Land Company. During the American Revolution he was a member of Westmoreland County's Committee of Safety and the Chairman of the County Committee for Relief of Boston.

John married Hannah Bushrod on 14 April 1756 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. They lived at the Washington family estate at Mount Vernon. One of their children was Supreme Court Justice Bushrod Washington.

John Augustine WASHINGTON died on 8 January 1787 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, at age 50.

     Mildred WASHINGTON, daughter of Augustine WASHINGTON and Mary BALL, was born on 21 June 1739.¹

Mildred WASHINGTON died on 23 October 1740 at age 1.¹

     Lawrence WASHINGTON, son of Colonel John WASHINGTON and Ann POPE, was born in September 1659 in Bridges Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia.¹ Though he inherited two substantial estates on the Potomac River upon the death of his father, Mattox Creek (1,850 acres) and Little Hunting Creek (2,500 acres) (which would eventually be renamed Mount Vernon by Lawrence's grandson and namesake Lawrence Washington), Lawrence did not add to either property substantially during his lifetime. Indeed, he seems to have been more interested in politics and the law than in planting. In 1685 he was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Lawrence was educated in England and trained as a lawyer. As the eldest son of the Washington family, Lawrence received the benefits of primogeniture, as was common at the time. As would become tradition within the Washington family, he was sent to England to be educated, where he trained as a lawyer.

Lawrence married Mildred WARNER, daughter of Col. Augustine WARNER and Mildred READ, in 1690 at Warner Hall in Gloucester County, Virginia. She was one of three daughters of the wealthy Gloucester County planter Augustine Warner. By her, he had three children: John (1692-1746), Augustine (1694-1743), and Mildred (1698-1747). Unfortunately, however, Lawrence died in February of the same year in which his daughter was born, at the age of 38.²

Lawrence WASHINGTON died in February 1698 at Warner Hall in Gloucester County, Virginia, at age 38. He was buried in Bridges Creek Washington Family cemetery, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia.

     Mildred WARNER, daughter of Col. Augustine WARNER and Mildred READ, was born in Gloucester County, Virginia.

Mildred married Lawrence WASHINGTON, son of Colonel John WASHINGTON and Ann POPE, in 1690 at Warner Hall in Gloucester County, Virginia. Following his death in 1698, Mildred Warner Washington married George Gale, who moved the family to Whitehaven, England. Mildred would die in 1701, however, and though her will stipulated that Gale become the guardian of her children, Lawrence's cousin, John Washington, successfully petitioned to have custody transferred to him in 1704, at which point the children returned to Virginia.¹

Mildred WARNER died in 1701 in Whitehaven, England.² She was buried in St. Nicholas Church.

     Colonel John WASHINGTON, son of Lawrence Washington Jr., was born in 1632 in Purleigh, Essex County, England.¹ At the age of 8 years in 1640, young John Washington was enrolled in the prestigious Sutton's Hospital in London (later to become Charterhouse School) based on a nomination by King Charles I. His future looked very promising – though he had to wait his turn. Which never came. We do not know where or whether he was educated but it has been suggested that he may have been trained in London where there were family connections.

Along with his brother Lawrence, John emigrated from England in 1656. Tradition has it that John traveled to the colonies on a trading venture aboard the ketch Seahorse of London. The idea was to trade European goods for tobacco. The ship, laden with tobacco, was sailing down the Potomac river when it struck an uncharted shoal. About that time, a storm came up and the ship was sunk, ruining the valuable cargo of tobacco. The ship sank near The Cliffs, a plantation owned by Nathaniel Pope. Pope befriended the young Washington and invited him to stay in his home. During this stay, John fell in love with Ann, his host's 20-year-old daughter.²

John married Ann POPE on 1 December 1658 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Ann was the daughter of Col. Nathaniel Pope, the wealthy plantation owner, who had welcomed the young Washington into his home following the shipwreck. The couple eventually had three children: Lawrence, John, and Anne. Their wedding gift from Pope consisted of 700 acres on Mattox Creek in Westmoreland County of Virginia's Northern Neck.³

In 1659 and 1660 John purchased an additional 1,000 acres at Mattox Creek. John took advantage of the "headright" system through which an English land owner in the Virginia colony would receive 50 acres for every indentured servant he agreed to receive in the colony. In 1664 John purchased acreage at Bridges Creek where he made his permanent home. His largest single purchase was in 1674 at Hunting Creek across the Potomac River from the "Piscataway Indian Towne" in Maryland. This land would obtain everlasting fame as the location for Mount Vernon. By 1668 and in a span of 10 years, John Washington by use of headright and shrewd investment had increased his land holdings to 5,000 acres.

John Washington and family established a home a Bridges Creek where he lived until his death in 1677. With John enjoying the comforts of family life and the prosperity of farming and land ownership, he began to rise as a leader of Westmoreland County.

He was elected as county judge and coroner. This post was offered only to the leading members of the community. As a dedicated member of the Church of England, John Washington also served as vestryman in the local Episcopal parish which would eventually be renamed in his honour – Washington Parish. During this period he also transacted legal work for friends, in addition to his activities in maritime commerce with England, in the buying and shipping abroad of tobacco and other products. In return he received general merchandise from England which he sold in Virginia. John received a commission in the Virginia Militia and rose to the rank of Colonel. All of this civic honour culminated with John Washington's appointment to the Virginia House of Burgesses. His service in Jamestown would lead to a friendship with Virginia Governor Berkley.

In 1675 raids by the Doeg Indians began to plague Virginia plantations, especially on the frontier of the colony. Compounding this problem was frustration by lower income planters towards trade with Indians. Bacon's Rebellion occurred when this sizable group of Virginians attempted to seize or stop trade with Indians. Governor Berkley supported the trade with the Indians (some believe he privately profited from such trade). Colonel John Washington was called to arms to investigate Indian raids on the Northern Potomac. Leading a unit of Virginia militia, Colonel Washington met with Maryland militia members. The armed men were met by a couple of Dogue tribe members seeking to avoid bloodshed. The site of the encounter is believed to be modern day Washington D.C. Colonel Washington welcomed a peaceful solution, but before progress could be made, members of the Maryland Militia proceeded to execute the Indians.

There is some evidence that the Indian raids were carried out by members of the Seneca tribe who were willing to blame to the Dogues. With some justice given to the Indians, the Marylanders were punished. While Colonel Washington was quelling Indian conflicts, his home at Bridge Creek was overtaken by Bacon supporters led by Daniel White who physically constrained servants from loading or selling any tobacco or other trade items. By 1676 Bacon's rebellion failed, and Daniel White was ousted by John Washington from Bridges Creek. White was handed over the courts for proper trial. There is some evidence that he was hanged for his misdeeds.

Ann Pope died about the time of John's dispatch with the militia. Luckily the Washington children were in their teen years and were able to take care of themselves probably somewhere removed from Bridges Creek (perhaps in England). John remarried a second time to Ann Gerrad who soon thereafter died, and then John married a third time to Ann's sister Frances in 1676.

Colonel John WASHINGTON died in January 1677 at Washington Parish in Westmoreland County, Virginia. At the time of his death Washington owned more than 8,500 acres. He is buried along with his wife at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County Virginia. His vault is the largest in the small family burial plot.

     Ann POPE was born in 1635 in St. Mary's County, Maryland.

Ann married Colonel John WASHINGTON, son of Lawrence Washington Jr., on 1 December 1658 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Ann was the daughter of Col. Nathaniel Pope, the wealthy plantation owner, who had welcomed the young Washington into his home following the shipwreck. The couple eventually had three children: Lawrence, John, and Anne. Their wedding gift from Pope consisted of 700 acres on Mattox Creek in Westmoreland County of Virginia's Northern Neck.¹

Ann POPE died in 1668 in Bridges Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia. She was buried in Bridges Creek Washington Family cemetery, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, Virginia.

     Samuel ABNEY Jr., son of Samuel ABNEY Sr. and Martha Harriett HAMILTON, was born between 1770 and 1772 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹ Conflicting evidence indicates Samuel ABNEY Jr. was born on 10 October 1776 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The source of this date is unknown and is in dispute. Samuel was a planter.

Samuel married Mary KENNEDY, daughter of Alexander KENNEDY and Jane (?), before 1790 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Samuel ABNEY Jr. appeared on the 1790 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was enumerated as one male 16 or over [Sam] and one female [Mary]. No slaves.²

Samuel ABNEY Jr. sold a tract of land to Thomas Spraggins on 14 August 1793 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. For 8 pounds he sold 18 acres, part of 150 acres originally granted 20 May 1769 unto Stephen Collins and conveyed to Samuel Abney, dec'd, the father of the said Samuel Abney, and he being heir at law. Said tract was on the Saluda River adjacent to branches of Tosetys Creek and land of said Thomas Spraggins. Witnesses were William Kennedy and John Abney.³

Samuel ABNEY Jr. and Mary KENNEDY sold a tract of land to Moses Walton on 20 December 1797 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. For £100 sterling they sold 200 acres orginally granted to Samuel Abney 16 Aug 1778 by Gov. Chas. Montague, the now Samuel Abney being the son and heir of deceased Samuel Abney. Witnesses were William Bladon, William Spragins and Nathaniel Spragins. It was signed by Samuel Abney and Mary (X) Abney. It was proven 26 Dec [written over] by William Spragins before Nathaniel Abney, JP. Recorded 5 Apr 1802.⁴

In 1802 Samuel died in Edgefield County, South Carolina, leaving Mary ABNEY a widow.⁵

His estate was probated on 15 January 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. On that date a citation granted letters of administration to Polly Abney on the estate of Samuel Abney, deceased. The administrator's bond was posted 5 Feb 1802 by Polly (X) Abney, William Kennedy, and Zachariah Abney.

An inventory sworn 23 Oct 1802 included a negro girl Sarah. It was signed by Nathaniel Abney, JP. Appraisers were William Spragins, William Bladen, Paul Abney, and Jas. Carson.

1804 accounts paid notes of William Moore, Thomas Butler, Joseph Goodman, Jonathan Moore tax, Joseph Funas(?), and Thomas Anderson. 1805 accounts paid Willam Moor on open account, notes of hand of Mathew Moore, William Spraggins, James Abney, John Abney, and Manning Towles. Also proven accounts of Meredith W. Moon, Jesse Scurry, Joel Abney, and Sampson Pope. Paid Joseph Reagan tax. Signed Polly Abney, adminstrator.⁶

     Mary KENNEDY, daughter of Alexander KENNEDY and Jane (?), was born in 1777 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was also known as Polly.

In a letter dated 30 Aug 1859, from Thomas Hamilton Abney to his son, Alexander Hamilton Abney, Thomas wrote: "To give a history of your grandmother's family would require a large volume, for it dates back to the reign of King John of England, whom the Norman barons forced to sign the great Magna Carta, which is the foundation of our present liberty.

Suffice it to say, they acted a conspicuous part both in England and Ireland. The great Frederic the Third of Prussia was indebted to my great grandfather and General Gordon, a Scotsman, for a large acquisition to his dominion.

He was a refugee from Ireland when the Hearts of Steele were overcome by the English forces, and took refuge in Prussia and commanded one division of the Army, and Frederic ennobled him and gave him letters patent, which he brought to this county.

Of my mother's family I can say no more. As I said, it would take a volume to hold it..."¹

Mary married Samuel ABNEY Jr., son of Samuel ABNEY Sr. and Martha Harriett HAMILTON, before 1790 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

She was probably the female under listed in the household of her husband, Samuel ABNEY Jr., in the 1790 Federal Census of Edgefield County, South Carolina, They had no chilldren or slaves.²

Samuel ABNEY Jr. and Mary KENNEDY sold a tract of land to Moses Walton on 20 December 1797 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. For £100 sterling they sold 200 acres orginally granted to Samuel Abney 16 Aug 1778 by Gov. Chas. Montague, the now Samuel Abney being the son and heir of deceased Samuel Abney. Witnesses were William Bladon, William Spragins and Nathaniel Spragins. It was signed by Samuel Abney and Mary (X) Abney. It was proven 26 Dec [written over] by William Spragins before Nathaniel Abney, JP. Recorded 5 Apr 1802.³

Samuel died in 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina, leaving Mary ABNEY as a widow.⁴ She was the administrator of Samuel ABNEY Jr.'s estate on 15 January 1802 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.⁵

Mary ABNEY bought land from William Yarbrough of Abbeville District on 13 January 1806 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. For 60 pounds he sold Polly Abney, widow of Samuel Abney deceased, in behalf of herself and four children Thomas Abney, Elizabeth Abney, Maria Abney, and Emily Abney, 250 acres whereon said Polly Abney now resides, originallly granted to John Abney[Jonathon Bay Abney] and conveyed by him to said William Yarbrough, bounded by land whereon James Carson now lives, where Mary Bladen resides, ands belonging to James Hill, John Coleman, Nathaniel Abney, Azariah Abney, and Jesse Sanford. Witnesses were John Bolger and John Carson. Signed by Wm. Yarbrough. Justice Thomas Anderson certifies the relinquishment of dower by Mary Yarbrough, wife of William Abney(sic), on 15 Jan 1806. Signed Mary Yarbrough. Proven 13 Jan 1806 by John Carson and Nathaniel Abney JP. Recorded 25 Mar 1806.⁶

Mary Abney, like her mother-in-law, was left a young widow in 1802. After her son, Thomas, went off to the War of 1812 and Martha Hamilton Abney died, the family pulled up stakes and moved to Richmond, Virginia.^7,8

Mary ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Jane KENNEDY dated 16 October 1823 in Jasper County, Georgia. She left Mary and her othe heirs one dollar each.⁹

Mary ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1830 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as one female age 60-69.¹⁰

Mary KENNEDY appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1840, in the household of Thomas Hamilton ABNEY and Mary Ann Holmes in Bibb (now Chilton) County, Alabama.¹¹

Mary KENNEDY appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of James SAMPLE and Mariah ABNEY in Bibb County, Alabama.¹²

Mary KENNEDY died on 11 October 1852 in Randolph, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Samuel ABNEY Sr., son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, was born between 1735 and 1740 in Halifax County, Virginia.^1,2 He was a farmer.

Samuel ABNEY Sr. was named executor and an heir in the will of George ABNEY dated 13 October 1765 in Halifax County, Virginia. He received 200 acres of land adjoining Captian Spraggins land and James Norrell, Jr.'s land of the Great Creek.^2,3

Samuel ABNEY Sr. sold a tract of land to Thomas SPRAGGINS on 17 July 1767 in Halifax County, Virginia. Both were residents of Halifax county. For £18 he sold 200 acres, part of 2 larger tracts; beginning at said Spraggins' corner to William East's line, including all houses, buildings, orchards. It was witnessed by Nat'l Spragen, Edward Osborn, and D. Hunt.⁴

Michael ABNEY sold a tract of land to Samuel ABNEY Sr. on 29 August 1768 in Halifax County, Virginia. From Halifax county, Virginia deed book 7, page 364 on 29 Aug 1768, "Michael Abney of the Province of South Carolina have appointed my brother Samuel Abney of Halifax County, Virginia, my true and lawful attorney to sell a tract of land in County of Halifax and Parish of Antrim first granted to George Abney, 170 acres."^5,6

Samuel married Martha Harriett HAMILTON, daughter of Unknown HAMILTON, in 1770 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They lived on Tosety Creek, off the Saluda River.⁷

Samuel ABNEY Sr. sold a tract of land to Thomas SPRAGGINS on 19 April 1770 in Halifax County, Virginia. For the sum of 18 pounds he sold him about 100 acres bounded by Thomas Spraggins including all houses, orchards, gardens, woods, etc. It was signed by Samuel Abney and witnessed by William Lawson, Richard Finch and James Hunt. It was recorded that same day. After this date there are no further entries in Virginia for Samuel Abney, all later documents for Sam are in South Carolina.^8,9

He was granted land 19 February 1772 near the town of Saluda, Old 96 District, South Carolina. This land was on Tosety's Creek off the Saluda River. His brothers lived nearby. This may have been the 150 acres sold to him by Stephen Collins who had been granted the land 20 May 1769.¹⁰

Samuel ABNEY Sr. was granted land 28 August 1772 in Colleton County, South Carolina. The grant was for a tract of land containing 200 acres in Colleton County on the waters of the Saluda River bounded on all sides by vacant land surveys. Samuel and his brother, Dannett, also received grants in Old Ninety-Six/Edgfield District and this was where they settled.^11,12

Samuel ABNEY Sr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1779 in Old 96 District, South Carolina. The census also included these related households: Dannett ABNEY, Nathaniel ABNEY, Capt. William ABNEY and Paul ABNEY.¹³

Samuel saw military service in 1781 in Old 96 District, South Carolina, during the American Revolution. He served as a private and sergeant in the Upper Ninety-Six District Militia under Gen. Andrew Pickens. They were in the regiment of Robert Anderson. The group were irrregulars, without bayonets. During the Battle of Eutaw Springs, September 8, 1781 they fought in the front line and Samuel was fortunate not to have lost his life during the battle. Casualties were high, Gen. Nathaniel Green lost 693 men and the British Col. Stewart lost 408. Bodies were everywhere; most had to be buried where they fell. Samuel somehow got home to his family, only to be murdered in front of them by Tory raiders.

From a Biographical Sketch of the Career of Major Wm. Cunningham: "Leaving Cloud Creek, Cunningham, with the main body of his men, proceeded up the Cherokee road towards Saluda Old Town, burning and slaughtering as he went. One of his victims was Samuel Abney, whose houses he gave to the flames. His approach drove the male inhabitants off, either seeking places of security, or in the search after a sufficient force to contend with the unexpected marauders. It was in vain that the women threw themselves at his feet and entreated that their dwellings might be spared to them, at a season when the winter was rapidly approaching. They were perhaps only too fortunate that they got off with their lives."

The story according to the Annals of Newberry is that William "Bloody Bill" Cunningham's Tories found him sick in bed with a fever and in spite of the best efforts and prayers of his wife they hauled him out of the house and killed him in his wife's arms-- the sword that killed him passing through him and entering his wife's body also. His house, corn crib, and everything was burnt, and the only comfort left his widow was her infant son. He had crawled away and hid himself in some tall weeds nearby.

On 19 Aug 1782 South Carolina Revolutionary accounts show "paid Martha Abney, widow of Samuel, killed by Cunningham, 8 pounds 15 pence."^14,15,16

Samuel ABNEY Sr. died in the fall of circa October 1781 in near Saluda, Ninety-Six District, South Carolina.¹⁵

     Martha Harriett HAMILTON, daughter of Unknown HAMILTON, was born circa 1750 in England.¹

There is much doubt as to her parents and siblings. Thomas Hamilton Abney wrote in an 1859 letter to his son, Alexander: "My uncle, after whom I was named, was killed previously at King's Mountain, where Colonel Ferguson commanded a company of British regulars and Torys, and which was one of the most sanguinary battle that was fought during the Revoluton, considering the numbers. We had a great many relatives in that battle, two or three killed and most of them wounded, Uncle Tom on the second assault on the breastworks. Captain [William] Hill, a nephew of my grandmother, commanded the company my uncle was in. He was in his sixteenth year."


John Chapman in his History of Edgefield mentions some Hamiltons that lived on Persimmon Creek not too far from the Abneys: "Captain John Hamilton and his brother Edward. These, however, did not come to Edgefield until after the Revolutionary War. Of this I am not right sure. Captain Hamilton was an officer in the British army, serving under his brother Col. Hamilton, who commanded a regiment in the left wing of the army at the Battle of Camden and aided greatly in the defeat of the Americans. These Hamiltons were Scotch, but they had been living in South Carolina—Lee, in his memoirs, says Norfolk, Virginia—engaged in mercantile pursuits before the war, but, unfortunately, took the wrong side in the contest, as many good men did. At their death they left very little property. I know of no descendants."^2,3

Martha married Samuel ABNEY Sr., son of George ABNEY and Unity Meredith, in 1770 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. They lived on Tosety Creek, off the Saluda River.⁴

Martha Harriett HAMILTON was Following the murder of Sam in the fall of 1781 Martha was left a widow with four young children and one more on the way. in 1781 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Martha Harriett HAMILTON widow of Samuel Abney, killed by Cunningham, received compensation for his military service in the amount of 8 pounds 15 shillings on 15 August 1785 in Edgefield (now Saluda) County, South Carolina.⁵

By her mark, Martha (X) Abney, widow of Samuel Abney and his Administratrix, on 29 October 1785 requested that Sam's payment for "Services done the State in Colonel Robert Anderson's Return" be delivered to William Hill. The original claim dated 7 July 1785 read "Mr. Samuel Abney Sen. his account of Militia Duty as private & Sergt. before, and since the reduction of Charlestown" [Charleston, South Carolina fell to the British on 12 May 1780] and amounted to sixteen pounds, one shilling and five pence sterling.⁶

Martha Harriett HAMILTON appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1790 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as one white male under 16 [Zachariah], four white females [Martha and daughters, Martha, Rebecca, & Dorcas] and one slave.⁷

The land of Martha Harriett ABNEY adjoined land sold by Nathaniel ABNEY to John ABNEY 30 January 1792 Edgefield County, South Carolina. The land was on the long branch of Tosety Creek and adjoined the widow Abney[Harriett?], Paul Abney, and Alexander Kenida[Kennedy].⁸

Martha Harriett ABNEY gave gifts of property to daughters Martha ABNEY, Dorcas ABNEY and Rebecca ABNEY on 13 May 1807 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. Martha Abney, widow, to her daughters Martha Kennedy, Rebecca Brooks and Dorcas Fore, Deed of Gift, for love and affection, to Martha Kennedy one Negro girl now in her possssion named Noon, ten years old; to Rebecca Brooks, one Negro girl named Jane now in her possession about 13 years old; and to Dorcas Fore one Negro girl named Cheney about 8 years old now in my possession. Witnesses were Zachariah Abney, Nancy Davis, and Patsy Davis. It was signed by Martha /x/ Abney and proven 13 May 1807 by Zachariah Abney. William Spraggins, JP. Recorded 15 Apr 1808.⁹

Martha Harriett HAMILTON died in 1817 in Edgefield County, South Carolina.¹⁰

On 7 December 1817 Edgefield County, South Carolina, Zachariah ABNEY applied for letters of administration on the estate of his mother, Martha Harriett HAMILTON.

Administrators of her estate were Zachariah Abney, Richard Coleman and Thomas Spragins. A sale bill was returned to Ordinary 16 Feb 1818, signed by Jno. Simpkins, OED. Buyers inlcuded James Chadwick, table; John Gregg, knives and forks; Zachariah Abney, hackle; Allen Patrick, pewter; Robert Abney, pewter; Moses Walton, plates; John Clark Senr., tinware; Thos. Walton, sundries; Richd. Coleman, books; Azariah Abney, yearling; Gilbert Smith, reel; James Coleman, horse; Patsy Davis, mare; Mark Black, chairs; Mary Abney, bed; William Kennedy, bed; Mrs. McClendon, bed; John Chapman, hay; John Worthington, negro woman & child; Zachariah Abney, negro man. 1818 accounts: paid Hugh Duffy. 1 Feb 1819 accounts: paid James Kennedy and Elizabeth Abney, John Maynard and Martha Davis, and Daniel Fore.

     Sir James HAMILTON was born circa 1720 in Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland. He was the son of Claud Hamilton and his wife.

James married Eleanor STEWART circa 1748 in Northern Ireland.

Sir James HAMILTON died circa 1806.

     Eleanor STEWART was born circa 1723 at Stuart Hall in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. She was the daughter of Robert Stewart and his wife Margaret Edwards.

Eleanor married Sir James HAMILTON circa 1748 in Northern Ireland.

Eleanor STEWART died circa 1806 in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

     Dannett ABNEY Jr., son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born circa 1695 in Halifax County, Virginia. He was a farmer and a carpenter. Dannett married Mary MEREDITH, daughter of Samuel MEREDITH, circa 1717 in Virginia.

On 7 Jul 1724 John Wilkins of St. George's. Parish, Spotsylvania County, Planter, to Dannett Abney, Senr., of St. Margaret's Parish, King William County, cooper, and Dannett Abney, Junr. of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, carpenter. 4600 lbs. tobacco and 280 a. of land in St. Paul's Parish., Hanover County, 400 a. in St. George's. They sold the latter tract in 1733.¹

Dannett purchased a government land patent 28 September 1728 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

On 2 May 1729 the Virginia Council granted a petition to "take up waste land" to Dennet Abney, Junr., Abraham Abney, Richard Hickman, Edwin Hickman, Thomas Graves and John Key for 12,000 acres in Goochland County, beginning at the mouth of Mechamp's Creek on the north side of the north branch of the James River, and upon both sides of said Creek.²

Dannett ABNEY Jr. was granted land 11 June 1730 in Goochland County, Virginia. "Dennet Abney," Richard Hickman, and Edwin Hickman petitioned the Virginia Council to stop the land patent applied for by Robert Adams on two surveys for 400 acres each lying on the branches of Licking Hole Creek in the County of Goochland. On 11 Jun 1730 their petition was continured to allow them to prove that Adams' survey was made on entrys already claimed by the petitioners.

On this same date the executors of the estate of Thomas Randolph, Gent. dec'd, Dennet Abney, Richard Hickman, and Edwin Hickman withdrew their petition to stop the patent of Nicholas Merryweather, Gent. for land lying at the Chesnot Mountains in the county of Hanover. It was ordered that the patent be granted to Merryweather.³

Dannett ABNEY Jr. sold a tract of land to Zachary Lewis on 4 December 1731 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The deed was for 381 acres. Deed book B (1729-1734). p121.

Dannett ABNEY Jr., George ABNEY, Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Mary ABNEY moved from Spotsylvania county  to Henrico County, Virginia, in June 1733. After Dannett, Sr. died in March 1733 in Spotsylvania Co. three of his sons, Dannett, Jr., Abraham & George moved to this area just below Richmond City (sons Paul & Abner went west). Their mother Mary Lee Abney soon followed. She died in this timeframe but her burial location is unknown.⁴

Dannett ABNEY Jr. and Dr. Abraham ABNEY purchased a government land patent 20 June 1733 in Henrico County, Virginia. Daniel (Dannett, Jr.?) and Abraham Abney 570 acres new land, north side James River white oaks being formerly John Robinsons corners, bounded by corner of George Abney and west side of Hell Garden Path adjoining the said George Abney, other land of Daniel and Abraham, south branch of Gilly's Creek and crossing the main road..^5,4

Dannett and Mary Abney sold a tract of land to Richard Phillips on 27 July 1733 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. From the deed abstract: Dannitt Abney, Junr. and Mary, his wife, of St. Paul's Parish, Hanover Co., to Richard Phillips of St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co. for 30 pounds currency, 400 acres in Spotsylvania Co. Witnesses: Thomas Ballard Smith, Elias x Deavenport, Thomas Adams.

Mary Lee Abney and her son, Dannett Abney, Jr., sold a tract of land to Humphrey Hill on 2 October 1733 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. According to the deed abstract, Dannit Abney, the elder, of Spotsylvania Co., planter, and Mary, his wife, and Dannitt Abney, the younger, of Hanover County, planter, and Mary, his wife, to Humphrey Hill of King William Co., Gentleman. Whereas John Wilkins was granted 400 acres in King Willliam Co., now Spotsylvania Co., by patent dated June 2, 1722, and by deed dated July 7, 1724, said Wilkins conveyed to Dannit Abney, the Elder, and Dannit Abney, the Younger, the said parcel or tract of land, for consideration therein named. For 80 pounds currency, the Abneys convey this land to said Humphrey Hill, etc. Witnesses: Roderick Gordon, Thomas Hill, Thomas Todd, Joseph Woolfolk, Anthony Rhodes, Junr. October 2, 1733.⁶

Dannett ABNEY Jr. bought land from James Hunt on 6 April 1752 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. James Hunt of Lunenburg sold Dannett Abney of Lunenburg land on the north side of the Staunton River that was part of a larger tract of land granted to John Ellis in 1736 and 1745. George Abney, William Glass and Jacob Robinson (Roberson?) witnessed the deed.

Dannett left a will dated 3 November 1756 in Hanover County, Virginia. In the name of God, amen. I Dannet Abney of the county of Hanover and parish of St. Paul's; (being sick and weak in my body but sound of mind and memory) Do make & constitute this, my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, Viz. I give and bequeathe unto Jesus Christ my soul, -- which I believe he has redeemed, and my body I commit to the earth in hopes of a Joyful resurrection at the last day; As for my Temporal affairs - (as God has been pleased to blefs me with I give as follows. I do appoint my dear wife Mary Abney, and George Sharrer & Thomas Perry my sons in Law my executors of this Last Will and Testament... Item I give and bequeathe unto my son Reuben Abney this tract of land in Hanover county whereon I now live, and a negro girl called Nanney. I give and bequeathe unto my son in Law Thomas Spragens a Tract of Land in Lunenburg County containing one hundred and seven acres and also in Hallifax County a tract of Land two hundred and fifty acres. I give and bequeathe unto Skip Richardson a tract of Land in Hallifax County in Cotobah Creek, containing three hundred acres. I give and bequeathe unto my brother Abraham Abney a tract of land in Hallifax County on the lower side of __ Cotobah Creek containing four hundred and fifty acres being the entry I bought of George Machan. --Item I empower my executors to sell a Tract of Land in Hallifax County laying on a branch commonly called Lick branch; containing eight hundred acres, which money after paying my lawful debts to be equally divided amongst my wife Mary Abney, Reubin Abney, Ruth Sharrar & Sarrah Abney. Item, my six negroes Viz. Wsquire Will, Roane Oak Will, Hagar, Janey, Hercules -- I desire may be equally divided amongst my Wife, Reuben Abney, Ruth Sharrer and Sarah Abney, as they can agree amonst themselves. Item my Desire is if my wife Mary Abney should depart this life before my son Reubin Abney arrives to the age of twenty one years, that then my son in law Thos Perry move to the place where I now live, & have the care & bringing up of my son Reubin Abney. Item if my son Reubin Abney depart this life before he have any lawful ishue, it is my desire that the land as I have already given to him be equally divided amongst Maacah Spragins, Ruth Sharrer, Millesent Perry -- & Sarah Abney and the negroes, if he depart this life before he have lawful Ishue to be divided between Ruth Sharrer & Sarah Abney, Item I order that their shall be no appraiasement upon my estate, nor any Inventory be returned to Court Signed by my hand & seal this third day of Novenber one thousand seven hundred & fifty six. Dannitt Abney (Seal). Witnesses: Thos Perry, Williams Wills, Nicholas Scherer, George Scherrer.

At court held for Hanover County on Thursday the 7th day of July 1757 This last Will & testament of Dennet Abney deceased was exhibited in Court by Mary Abney the executrix therein named who took oath of an Executrix thereto, & was also proved by the oath of William Willis & Nicholas Scherrer two of the Witnesses thereto & admitted to record. William Pollard DC.HG.⁷

Dannett ABNEY Jr. died in 1757 at St. Paul's Parish in Hanover County, Virginia.⁸

     Mary married Dannett ABNEY Jr., son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, circa 1717 in Virginia.

Dannett and Mary Abney sold a tract of land to Richard Phillips on 27 July 1733 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. From the deed abstract: Dannitt Abney, Junr. and Mary, his wife, of St. Paul's Parish, Hanover Co., to Richard Phillips of St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co. for 30 pounds currency, 400 acres in Spotsylvania Co. Witnesses: Thomas Ballard Smith, Elias x Deavenport, Thomas Adams.

Mary ABNEY was named executrix and an heir in the will of Dannett ABNEY Jr. dated 3 November 1756 in Hanover County, Virginia. In the name of God, amen. I Dannet Abney of the county of Hanover and parish of St. Paul's; (being sick and weak in my body but sound of mind and memory) Do make & constitute this, my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, Viz. I give and bequeathe unto Jesus Christ my soul, -- which I believe he has redeemed, and my body I commit to the earth in hopes of a Joyful resurrection at the last day; As for my Temporal affairs - (as God has been pleased to blefs me with I give as follows. I do appoint my dear wife Mary Abney, and George Sharrer & Thomas Perry my sons in Law my executors of this Last Will and Testament... Item I give and bequeathe unto my son Reuben Abney this tract of land in Hanover county whereon I now live, and a negro girl called Nanney. I give and bequeathe unto my son in Law Thomas Spragens a Tract of Land in Lunenburg County containing one hundred and seven acres and also in Hallifax County a tract of Land two hundred and fifty acres. I give and bequeathe unto Skip Richardson a tract of Land in Hallifax County in Cotobah Creek, containing three hundred acres. I give and bequeathe unto my brother Abraham Abney a tract of land in Hallifax County on the lower side of __ Cotobah Creek containing four hundred and fifty acres being the entry I bought of George Machan. --Item I empower my executors to sell a Tract of Land in Hallifax County laying on a branch commonly called Lick branch; containing eight hundred acres, which money after paying my lawful debts to be equally divided amongst my wife Mary Abney, Reubin Abney, Ruth Sharrar & Sarrah Abney. Item, my six negroes Viz. Wsquire Will, Roane Oak Will, Hagar, Janey, Hercules -- I desire may be equally divided amongst my Wife, Reuben Abney, Ruth Sharrer and Sarah Abney, as they can agree amonst themselves. Item my Desire is if my wife Mary Abney should depart this life before my son Reubin Abney arrives to the age of twenty one years, that then my son in law Thos Perry move to the place where I now live, & have the care & bringing up of my son Reubin Abney. Item if my son Reubin Abney depart this life before he have any lawful ishue, it is my desire that the land as I have already given to him be equally divided amongst Maacah Spragins, Ruth Sharrer, Millesent Perry -- & Sarah Abney and the negroes, if he depart this life before he have lawful Ishue to be divided between Ruth Sharrer & Sarah Abney, Item I order that their shall be no appraiasement upon my estate, nor any Inventory be returned to Court Signed by my hand & seal this third day of Novenber one thousand seven hundred & fifty six. Dannitt Abney (Seal). Witnesses: Thos Perry, Williams Wills, Nicholas Scherer, George Scherrer.

At court held for Hanover County on Thursday the 7th day of July 1757 This last Will & testament of Dennet Abney deceased was exhibited in Court by Mary Abney the executrix therein named who took oath of an Executrix thereto, & was also proved by the oath of William Willis & Nicholas Scherrer two of the Witnesses thereto & admitted to record. William Pollard DC.HG.¹

     Dannett ABNEY Sr., son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON, was born on 26 February 1660 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.

Dannett ABNEY Sr. was baptised on 26 February 1660 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON.^1,2,3 He was a planter and a cooper (barrel maker.)

Dannett ABNEY Sr. was named an heir in the will of Abraham ABNEY dated 28 June 1689 in London, England.^4,3

Dannett ABNEY Sr. migrated from England to Abington Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, before 1690. Later he lived in St. Margaret's Parish, King William County, as well as York, Spottsylvania, and Hanover Counties.⁵

In 1692 Dannett married Mary LEE, daughter of Rev. Joseph LEE and Bathshua STRATTON, in England. Dannett had became engaged to Mary, his mother's stepdaugher, before sailing to America. He evidently returned to England to marry her and returned to Virginia along with her step-brother, John Lee, who had received a patent for transporting settlers to Virginia, dated 1694, Dannett included.^6,7 On 20 Apr 1694 John Lee received a patent for 960 acres in the upper part of Nansemond county, on the east side of Sumerton Creek. It began on a small island on East side of said creek to the northeast side of the Cyprus Swamp, including transport of 20 persons: Dennit Abney, Mary Emerson, Hannah Haines, Elizabeth Evans, Catherine Jones, Rachell Redfera, Alice Godale, Thomas Godale, George Lawrence, Walter Wright, William Knowles, Adam Broath, John Watts, John Saterwhite, and Pallas, Attkena, Jupiter, Vulcan, Mars, Negroes.

John Lee also patented 600 acres of land on the west side of Chowan River in Bertie Co., NC(originally Nansemond Co., VA then Chowan Co. NC) on the north side of Indian Creek joining John Hook, the creek swamp and the Virginia line. Nansemond, VA changed to Bertie, NC when boundary changed in 1728.⁸

Dannett ABNEY Sr. purchased a government land patent 15 April 1704 in King William County, Virginia. Dannet Abney purchased 200 acres in King William County on the southeast side of Mackacomaco Swamp below the ridge road to Mr. Madison's Plantation, being a corner of Matthew Lea's land.

For addition area descriptions we find:.⁹

Dannett ABNEY Sr. was named an heir in the will of his mother, Bathshua LEE, dated on 8 January 1706 in Leicester, England. Dannett was already in Virginia by this time and never returned to England t claim his estate. The estate was escheated to the crown.^10,11,12

On 7 Jul 1724 John Wilkins of St. George's. Parish, Spotsylvania County, Planter, to Dannett Abney, Senr., of St. Margaret's Parish, King William County, cooper, and Dannett Abney, Junr. of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, carpenter. 4600 lbs. tobacco and 280 a. of land in St. Paul's Parish., Hanover County, 400 a. in St. George's. They sold the latter tract in 1733.¹³

Dannett ABNEY Sr. and William HILL patented 419 acres signed by King George II on 2 September 1728 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Dannett patented another 381 acres in the same area. He and Mary lived on a plantation in Albermarle county. After his death, Mary then living in St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, with or near her sons sold part of these grants in Spottsylvania County to Samuel Hickman on 4 Nov 1735.⁶

Dannett ABNEY Sr. sold a tract of land on 4 December 1731 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, conveying 381 acres which had been granted to him in 1728.

Dannett ABNEY Sr. left a will on 5 February 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. It was proved 5 Mar 1733 in Spotsylvania County. The witnesses were Paul, Abner and Mary Abney. He named his wife, Mary, executrix, and she was to have his whole estate, which she is to leave to the children: "...it is my Desire that if ye plantation whear i now live is not Sold before my Wyfes Deathe that Shee wold give ye plantation and land belonging to it to my tow Sons paul Abney and Abner Abney..." [Sic]¹⁴

On 5 March 1733 Dannett died in Charlottesville, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, at age 73 leaving Mary a widow.^15,16

     Mary LEE, daughter of Rev. Joseph LEE and Bathshua STRATTON, was born on 19 January 1663/64 in England.

Mary married Dannett ABNEY Sr., son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON, in 1692 in England. Dannett had became engaged to Mary, his mother's stepdaugher, before sailing to America. He evidently returned to England to marry her and returned to Virginia along with her step-brother, John Lee, who had received a patent for transporting settlers to Virginia, dated 1694, Dannett included.^1,2

Mary LEE was named executrix and an heir in the will of Dannett ABNEY Sr. dated on 5 February 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. She was to have his whole estate, and if the plantation was not sold by the time of her death she was to leave it to their sons Paul and Abney Abney.³

Dannett died on 5 March 1733 in Charlottesville, Spotsylvania County, Virginia, at age 73 leaving Mary ABNEY as a widow.^4,5

George ABNEY, Dannett ABNEY Jr., Mary ABNEY and Dr. Abraham ABNEY moved from Spotsylvania county  to Henrico County, Virginia, in June 1733. After Dannett, Sr. died in March 1733 in Spotsylvania Co. three of his sons, Dannett, Jr., Abraham & George moved to this area just below Richmond City (sons Paul & Abner went west). Their mother Mary Lee Abney soon followed. She died in this timeframe but her burial location is unknown.⁶

Mary Lee Abney and her son, Dannett Abney, Jr., sold a tract of land to Humphrey Hill on 2 October 1733 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. According to the deed abstract, Dannit Abney, the elder, of Spotsylvania Co., planter, and Mary, his wife, and Dannitt Abney, the younger, of Hanover County, planter, and Mary, his wife, to Humphrey Hill of King William Co., Gentleman. Whereas John Wilkins was granted 400 acres in King Willliam Co., now Spotsylvania Co., by patent dated June 2, 1722, and by deed dated July 7, 1724, said Wilkins conveyed to Dannit Abney, the Elder, and Dannit Abney, the Younger, the said parcel or tract of land, for consideration therein named. For 80 pounds currency, the Abneys convey this land to said Humphrey Hill, etc. Witnesses: Roderick Gordon, Thomas Hill, Thomas Todd, Joseph Woolfolk, Anthony Rhodes, Junr. October 2, 1733.⁷

Mary ABNEY, of St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County, Virginia, sold a tract of land to Edwin Hickman on 4 November 1735, conveying 209 acres in Spotsylvania County, half a tract granted to Thomas Hill and Dannett Abney in 1728.⁷

Mary LEE died after 1736.

     George ABNEY, son of Paul ABNEY and Mary Brokesby, was born in 1613 in Leicester, England.

George ABNEY was baptised on 11 July 1613 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, England, son of Paul ABNEY and Mary Brokesby.^1,2,3,4,5 He was a farmer and a maltster. He was admitted a freeman in 1641 and was one of the Borough Bailiffs in 1659.^6,3

George married Bathshua STRATTON circa 1652 in Leicester, England. They had five sons.

George ABNEY, Phillip ABNEY, and Dannett ABNEY were vestrymen of St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, England, between 1652 and 1660. A vestryman is a member of the local church's Vestry, or leading body. The Vestry had the role of supervising local (Parish) public services, such as the workhouse, administration of poor relief, the keeping of parish records (Baptisms, Deaths and Marriages) and so on.

Following George's death in 1661, Phillip and Dannett continued to serve on the vestry. They were joined by Dannett's son, James Abney, in 1666.

On 3 May 1661 George died in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, at age 47 leaving Bathshua a widow.^7,8,3,9 He was buried in St. Mary de Castro Church, Leicester, England. His estate was probated on 5 May 1661. On that date administration of his estate was given to his widow, Bathshua.