On 20 April 1812 in Essex County, Virginia, a bond was issued for the marriage of William Beazley, with Richard Gatewood his security, and Betsey Burke, by her guardian John Jones. Both parties were single. [Essex County, Virginia, Marriage Register 1, page 228.]

On 25 May 1812, a William Beazley filed against John H. Upshaw for debt. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 25, item 25-A-17.]

In 1814, Rickard Burke’s estate was taxed for 256 acres of land in Essex County. A marginal note states: “On land book 1813 - 290 thereof put to Wm Beazly upon transfer.” [Essex County, Virginia, 1814 Land Tax Book.]

In 1814, William Beazly, a resident of Essex County, was taxed for 34 acres of land in Essex, bounded by Hunly Moody, Moses Crow and others. “On transfer from Burk of Kentucky part of Rickd Burks land—” [Essex County, Virginia, 1814 Land Tax Book.]

In 1818, William Beazley was taxed for 34 acres of land in Essex County, Virginia. In this year, the estate of Rickard Burke was taxed for 222 acres, and a note states: “34 Acres taken from quantity charged last year conveyed by Wm Burke to Wm Beazley & heretofore charged to him & not taken from the Estate” [Essex County, Virginia, 1818 Land Tax Book.]

On 7 July 1819, Robert Rudd and Polly his wife of Chesterfield County sold land to William Beazley of Essex. For $140, 35 acres more or less, bounded by lands of William Beazley, Hundley Moody, Moses Crow, and Nancy Burke. Signed Robert his + mark Rudd, Poley her x mark Rudd. Recorded 7 July 1819. Polly examined by Wm Goode, Henry Tatum, to acknowledge the deed.

In 1820, William Beazley was taxed for one white male above the age 16, one black over the age of 12, one black over the age of 16, and 1 horse, mare, colt or mule. [Essex County, Virginia, 1820 Personal Property Tax Book.]

In 1820, William Beazley of Essex County was taxed for 69 acres of land in Essex, bordering Thomas Crow and others. His listing is followed by that of John Burke, residence unknown, taxed for 34 acres of land bordering Moses Crow and H Moody. Both are 4 miles southwest of the courthouse. A note states: “Quantity charged last year increased by assessors Books & by purchase from Ro: Rudd & wife” [Essex County, Virginia, 1820 Land Tax Book.]

On 5 April 1825, Vernon Eskridge and Polly his wife of Essex County sold to William Beazley. For $115, 50 acres, be it more or less, in South Farnham Parish bounded by estate of William Gatewood deceased, Hundley Moody and William Beazley, it being part of the lands of the late Rickard Burke deceased. This land went to Rickard’s son Martin, then to Polly, daughter of Martin. Signed Vernon Eskridge, Mary Eskridge. Polly examined by Robt P. Waring Jr., James Hunter to acknowledge the deed. Ordered recorded 30 December 1825. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 41, pages 464–465.]

In 1826, William Beazley was taxed for 119 acres in Essex County. “50 acres in addition to quantity charged last year Conveyed to you by Vernon Eskridge” [Essex County, Virginia, 1826 Land Tax Book.]

In 1827, William Beazley was taxed for 119 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1827 Land Tax Book.]

In 1828, William Beazley was taxed for 119 acres in Essex County. This land bordered that of Hundley Moody and was located 4 miles southwest of the courthouse. [Essex County, Virginia, 1828 Land Tax Book.]

In 1829, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. “34 acres added purchased of James Burke and wife” [Essex County, Virginia, 1829 Land Tax Book.]

In 1830, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1830 Land Tax Book.]

In 1831, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1831 Land Tax Book.]

In 1832, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1832 Land Tax Book.]

In 1833, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1833 Land Tax Book.]

In 1834, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1834 Land Tax Book.]

In 1835, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1835 Land Tax Book.]

On 12 February 1835, John C. Dalley, in debt to R. L. Pitts $40 by bond, and to several other people, sells all his property to William Beazley. William Beazley then grants the use of the property to John Dalley. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 44, page 452.]

On 31 July 1834, William Beazley made purchases at the sale of the estate of Major Arthur L. Barnes for a total of $22.32:
1 Canister & powder — .30
1 China-press — 12:30
1 Cotton Umbrella $1.15 1 L. P. China Turene — 8/3 2:55
1 Dozen L. P. China Soup plates — 1.55
2 Cake plates — .42
1 pr. Sheets $1.15 1 Dressg Glass — $2 3.15
1 Dressg Table 2.7
[Essex County, Virignia, Will Book 24, pages 12–20.]

On 10 November 1835, William Beazley purchased property at the sale of the estate of Gabriel Boughan, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 1–2.]

On 21 December 1835, William Beazley and Washington H. Purkins were bound in the penalty of $200 for William Beazley’s administration of the estate of John C. Dalley, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 433–434.]

In 1836, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1836 Land Tax Book.]

In 1837, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1837 Land Tax Book.]

On 4 April 1837, sales of the estate of John Boughan were made, with purchases by Mrs John Boughan, Richd Sherwood, Thos Boughan, Jas Croxton, Thos N Clarke, H H Boughan, Lucy Boughan, William Bezley, Robert Brooks, Mrs Minter, Dr J Miner, Frank Coleman, Jas Semple, Jas Phillips, John Rouzee, Jos Wilmore, Robert Moody, Mrs Frances Boughan, Ro: G Haile, Charlott Howerton, Susan Jones, and John Coleman. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 118–119.]

In 1838, William Beazley was taxed for 153 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1838 Land Tax Book.]

On 17 September 1838, James R. Micou Jr., commissioner under decree, sold to William Beazley. The land, 27 acres, is from the forced sale of the land of Robert Wilson, which was bought by William A. Wright and then sold to William Beazley. Signed W. A. Wright. Ordered recorded 17 September 1838. The signature of William Beazley is in the deed book margin. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 46, pages 104–106.]

In 1839, William Beazley was taxed for 180 acres in Essex County. “27 acres added conveyed to you by J R Micou jr Com” [Essex County, Virginia, 1839 Land Tax Book.]

1840 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia:
Beazley, William
1 male age 10-15 [this would be John Beazley]
1 male age 50-60 [this would be William Beazley]
1 female age under 5 [this would be Martha Ellen Beazley]
1 female age 10-15 [this would be Elizabeth F. Beazley]
2 females age 15-20
1 female age 30-40 [this would be Elizabeth Ann Burke]

On 3 September 1840, James Croxton of Essex County for $47.84-1/2 sold to William Beazley 1 dining table, 6 chairs, 1 side board 1 seat board 3 pitchers, 1/2 doz cups saucers & cream pot one sugar dish knives & for 1 clock 1 [illegible] cart 1 bay horse 1 frying pan 2 water tubs 1 spider 1 oven 1 large iron pot 3 pairs pot hooks & jug. Signed Jas: Croxton. Witnesses: James Wright, Anderson his x mark Griggs. Recorded 21 November 1842. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 47, pages 417–418.]

On 22 November 1842 William Beazley lent for life to his daughter Nancy Taylor, wife of George Taylor, a large number of household items that he had purchased from James Croxton and others. This property was all sold by William Beazley to his son Henry Beazley for $1, but was to remain with Nancy and/or her children. George Taylor was to exercise no control over the property. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 47, page 422.]

On 8 July 1843, a deed of trust was executed between George Taylor and Amos Cauthorn. This Indenture made this 8th day of July in the year one thousand Eight hundred an forty three beetween Geo: Taylor of the County of Essex of the one part and Amos Cauthorn of the second part Witnesseth that the said Geo: Taylor in order the secure William Beazely as secuirity for the some of thirty dollars to B F Jones payable the first day of January 1844 from the said Geo Taylor due by Bond from the said Geo: Taylor and William Beazley security and in consideration of one dollar in hand paid by the Amos Cauthorn at or before the insealsing and delivery of these presants the wright whereof is hereby acknowledg by the said Geo: Taylor hath Granted bargained sold and by the presants do grant Bargain and sell unto the said Amos Cauthorn all my oats crop of corn now growing on the Land of B F Jones to secure the said William security for the said Rent Land the said Amost Cauthorn so soon as Conveneant he can after haveing advertized the place and time of the sail of the of the said Oats and corn before mentioned at some pullick place near the Residence of the said Geo: Taylor for ten days then proseed to sell to the hiest bidder for the best price that can bee obtained in Cash and out of the moneys arising from the sails in the first place to pay and satticefy all Reasonable charges attending such sails and then the debt above mentioned and the residue of the money arising from such sales as afforesaid to the use of the said Geo: Taylor his heirs Exetors &c or to such purson or pursons as he shall appoint writing under his hand and it is hereby covenanted and agreed uppon between the parties to theis presants that as soon as the debt afforesaid shall bee discharged that the above olligation shal be Nul and Voide, and if not paid and discharged by the said Geo: Taylro to remain in full force and Virtue. Given unde our hands and sal this 15 day of July 1843. Signed Geo: Taylor, Amos Cauthorn. Ordered recorded on 17 July 1843. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 84–85.]

In 1844, William Beazley Senr was taxed for 180 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1844 Land Tax Book.]

On 16 February 1848 a deed of trust was executed between William Beazley of the County of Essex of the first part, Benjamin W Brockenbrough of the same of the second part, and Austin Brockenbrough, James Roy Micou and Robert S. Hipkins merchants & partners trading under the firm of Brockenbrough and Micou of the third part. Whereas William Beazley is indebted to Brockenbrough Micou & Co $484.50 by bond dated 24 January 1848 and is willing to secure the said sum of money with interest, this deed. For $1, William Beazley has bargained to Benjamin W. Brockenbrough the following negro slaves: boy George, between 15 and 17, and Martha, about 15 and 16. William Beazley is to remain in undisturbed use and enjoyment of the said slaves until 16 February 1849, at which date if he has not paid the slaves are to be auctioned. Signed William Beazley. Ordered recorded 16 February 1848. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 448–450.]

In 1850, William Beazley Senr was taxed for 180 acres in Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, 1850 Land Tax Book.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Dwelling 589, Family 589
Beazley, William, 62, farmer, $1,800 real estate, born in Virginia
Beazley, Elizabeth, 55, born in Virginia
Beazley, John, 26, laborer, born in Virginia
Beazley, Martha, 13, born in Virginia

The will of William Beazley was dated 29 March 1845: “I William Beazley of the County of Essex and State of Virginia do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament First, I desire that my just debts be paid, Second after the payment of my debts I give and devise to my wife all my estate both real and personal during her life or widowhood — and that she keep up the estate in order that it may be a home for my children who may be single or wish to remain with her after my death free of charge, Third after the death of my wife, I devise to my youngest Daughter Martha Ellen the choice of my negro woman Judith three youngest children to her and her heirs forever — Fourth I desire that the balance of my personal Estate be equally divided among all my children or their heirs — Fifth — I desire that, that portion of my estate devised to my daughter Nancy be held in Trust by my son Henry for her during her life and at her death I give and devise the same to her heirs forever — Sixth It is my will and desire that if any of my children die without a Lawful child or children that the portion of my estate given to them be equally divided among the balance of my children and their heirs forever — Seventh at the death of my wife I desire that all my real estate be equally divided between my two sons Henry and John and that my son John take the part on which the house stands without estimating the value of the improvements, Eighth I desire that my two sons Henry & John pay my Daughters the sum of One hundred and Seventy Dollars a piece. Lastly I appoint my two sons Henry and John Executors to this my last Will and Testiment. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal this 29th day of March 1845—”
Signed William Beazley. Witnesses: Joshua L Boughton, Jno Bray, Arthur J Derieux, Richd. Croxton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 618–619.]

On 3 September 1846, a deed of trust was executed between George Taylor of the first part, Muscoe Garnett of the second part, and Wm Beazley of the third part. Whereas George Taylor is indebted to William Beazley $52 by bond bearing the same date as this indenture, and George Taylor is willing to hold William Beazley harmless, therefore this deed. George Taylor sells to Muscoe Garnett "all of his said Taylor’s crop of Corn & fodder now growing upon the lands of the said Taylor…" Muscoe Garnett "shall permit the said Taylor to remain in quiet and peaceable possession of the said Crops until default be made in the payment". Auction will be made on the demand of William Beazley if George Taylor should default. Signed Geo: Taylor. Ordered recorded 5 September 1846. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 153–154.]

On 2 April 1850, a William Beazley of the first part, William A. Wright of the second part and Robert G. Haile of the third part executed a deed of trust. Whereas William Beazley is indebted to Robert G. Haile $825 with interest from the 22nd day of March last by bond, for $1 paid by William A. Wright, the said William Beazley conveys slaves Sam, Cheney, George and Martha (the 2 lasts named subject to a deed of trust executed by the said William Beazley to B. W. Brockenbrough to secure a debt due to Brockenbrough Micou & Co on 16 September 1848. William A. Wright is to allow William Beazley to remain in possession of the slaves until default of $825, at which time the slaves are to be sold at auction. Signed William his x mark Beazley, W. A. Wright. Ordered recorded 2 April 1850. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 49, pages 726–727.]

On 18 April 1850, a deed was executed between Benjamin Waller Brockenbrough of the first part and a William Beazley of the second part. Whereas William Beazley on 16 February 1848 in order to secure debt conveyed property to Benjamin Waller Brockenbrough, and whereas William Beazley has now satisfied the debt in full, for $1 Benjamin Waller Brockenbrough sells negroes to William Beazley. Signed B. W. Brockenbrough. Ordered recorded 18 April 1850. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 49, pages 749–750.]

On 18 November 1850, Henry Beazley and Mourning Johnston bound $6,000 for Henry Beazley’s administration with the will annexed of William Beazley. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 619–620.]

On 19 December 1850, an inventory of the estate of William Beazley deceased, Henry J. Beazley, administrator, was taken by Elzer Fogg, Mace Clements and Leonard Henley. There is no total valuation, but it is a lengthy inventory that includes slaves Sam, Sally, Judy and child Mary, George, Martha, Charles, Turner and Dick. Ordered recorded 16 June 1851. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 27, pages 67–68.]

On 20 December 1850, a sale of the estate of William Beazley was made by Henry Beazley, administrator. Most of the property was purchased by John R. Beazley. Total sales were $332.46-1/2. Recorded 16 June 1851. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 27, pages 68–69.]

On 10 January 1851, Elizabeth Beazley and John R. Beazley of the first part sold to Leonard Henley of the second part, all of the County of Essex. For $10, Elizabeth and John sold 1/2 acre of land in the County of Essex supposed to contain one half acre adjacent the lands of Leonard Henley purchased of Mary M. Crow and being also contiguous to the fork near the residence of the late Wm Beazley, it being a part of the tract held by the said Beazley during his lifetime. Signed Elizabeth her x mark Beazley, John R. Beazley. Witnesses: Ed: R. Boughan, Caston Boughan. Ordered recorded 20 January 1851. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 50, pages 101–102.]

On 16 March 1852, a negro man Sam, property of the estate of William Beazley, was scheduled to be sold by Henry Beazley as representative of the estate to satisfy a debt to Robert G. Haile. This account was settled by W. A. Wright, trustee. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 50, pages 272–273.]

On 17 May 1852 Henry Beazley reported on the estate of William Beazley. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 50, page 272.]

The account of the estate of William Beazley for 1853 and 1854, Henry J Beazley, administrator, was recorded on 1 June 1854. Payments include $5.00 to George Taylor for a coffin. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 27, page 471.]

In 1855, Nancy Taylor, Elizabeth Verlander, Henry Beazley, John R. Beazley, and William R. Johnson and Lucinda his wife complained to the County Court of Essex in Chancery sitting. That William Beazley late of this county departed this life several years ago, testate. Your orator Nancy Taylor is the widow of George Taylor, deceased, who died sometime in the year 1852, and that she is a daughter of William Beazley. Elizabeth Verlander is the widow of James Verlander, deceased, who died sometime in 1853, and a daughter of William Beazley. And that Nancy Taylor, Elizabeth Verlander, Henry Beazley, John R. Beazley, Lucinda the wife of Wm. R. Johnson, and Martha Ellen an infant under 21 are the children and only children of the said William Beazley. In his will, the testator lent his estate to his wife, Elizabeth. After her death, he gave to Martha Ellen the choice of megro woman Judith’s three youngest children, the personal estate to be equally divided, and real estate is to be divided between his two sons Henry and John. Elizabeth the widow died in 1854. Martha Ellen cannot agree to division except through a court of equity.
In a division of slaves, James Robert (or James and Robert?) went to Henry Beazley; Sally went to Nancy Taylor; page with others apparently not scanned. A plat with the division of the land is included.
[Essex County, Virginia, Chancery Causes, Nancy Taylor et als v Martha Ellen Beazley, infant, 1855-032.]

On 26 August 1856, John R. Beazley sold to Henry Beazley, both of the County of Essex and State of Virginia. John R. Beazley "in consideration of the natural love and affection he bears to the said Henry as well as the further consideration of one dollar" sold his right title and interest in and to 88 acres of land in the County of Essex being the same tract alloted John in the division of the real estate of his father William Beazley decd, one negro man named George, nine head of hogs, and one ox. Signed John R. Beazley. Ordered recorded 26 August 1856.[Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 51, page 13.]

In 1858, orator and oratrix Moses T. Crow and Martha Ellen his wife complained to the Circuit Court of Essex County that William Beazley, the father your oratrix, died testate in 1850. He devised to his wife Elizabeth Beazley during her life or widowhood all his estate, and after her death he bequeathed to your oratrix the choice of the three youngest children of his negro woman Judith, and further that the balance of the personal estate was to be divided between all his children or their heirs. The testator nominated his two sons Henry Beazley and John Beazley his executors, and administration was granted to Henry Beazley. Henry Beazley sold personal property to settle debts, and the estate remained with Elizabeth Beazley until she died intestate on 5 July 1854. On 25 January 1855, Henry Beazley sold the estate’s personal property other than the negroes for the sum of $105.17-1/2. In January 1855, the said negroes were divided between the legatees under a decree of the County Court of Essex in the Chancery suit of Taylor v Beazley, but Henry Beazley has never accounted with your complainants for their distribution share of the estimated hires of said negroes nor for the $105.17-1/2. Just before the said division took place, your oratrix having under said William Beazley’s will, the selection of one of the three youngest children of the testator’s negro woman named Martha, made choice of a negro boy named Charles, and in the said division she drew the negro woman Martha, but Henry as adminsitrator took possession of Charles and Martha, and hired out Charles for 1855 to Aubrey H. Jones and Martha to George H. Van Ness. William Beazley left children your oratrix the said Martha Ellen, who intermarried with your orator on the 5th July 1856, the said Henry Beazley and John Beazley, Nancy, who intermarried with [blank] Taylor, now deceased, Elizabeth, who intermarried with James H. Verlander, now deceased, and Lucinda R. who intermarried with William C. Johnson. The said [blank] Taylor and James H. Verlander departed this life before the said Elizabeth Beazley.
The answer of Henry Beazley in his own right and as administrator with the will annexed of William Beazley, deceased. He denies that he has not settled an account of his administration on the estate of William Beazley, deceased. That Charles and Martha were hired out for 1855 prior to the decree dividing the estate in January 1855. That on 4 August 1856, Martha Ellen Beazley entered into a marriage contract with Moses T. Crow in which she conveyed all her estate in trust to Richard P. Banks, who should have been a plaintiff.
[Essex County, Virginia, Chancery Cause, Moses Crow et ux v Henry Beazley, 1858-029, Box 66.]

In 1866, orator Wm. M. T. Crow and oratrix Martha E. his wife, daughter of William Beazley, decdeased, complained to the Essex County Court in Chancery sitting. That William Beazley died in 1850 testate, loaning to his wife all his estate, and she died without having remarrried. William left children Henry Beazley, Lucinda wife of Wm. R. Johnson, Elizabeth Verlander, Ann E. Taylor and John W. Beazley with your oratrix. John W. Beazley died in 1864 never having married and leaving no lawful children. For division of the land. In 1867 a decree for partition was entered, but for some reason this case remained on the docket; a later note from 1879 states, “It appearing that more than seven years have elapsed since any order has been entered in this cause, it is ordered to the stricken from the docket with leave to either party to have the same reinstated at any future time—” [Essex County, Virginia, Chancery Causes, William M. T. Crow et ex v Henry Beazley et al, 1879-021.]