“Elizabeth M. Boughan was born the 20 day of February 1781” [Boughan family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 24166]

An undated petition by orators and oratrices Gabriel, Mary, Elizabeth, Lucy, John and Major Boughan and Thos St John & Cary his wife & Catharine & Thos Boughan infants under 21 by John Boughan their next friend states that Major Boughan died in 1812 seized of several tracts of land & a water grist mill & slaves Sam, Ben, Bob, Dick, Latane, Cork, Braxton, Iverson, Tom, Hannah, Phillis, Polly, Delphy, Winney, Keziah, Teley & Rachel, leaving your oratrors and oratrices (except Thomas St. John) and Caston Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-G-47.]

On 18 January 1813, the Court of Essex County ordered the slaves of the estate of Major Boughan divided into ten parts (or to be sold if necessary and the proceeds divided into ten parts) equally to Gabriel Boughan, Mary Boughan, Elizabeth Boughan, Lucy Boughan, John Boughan, Major Boughan, Thomas St. John and Cary his wife, Catharine Boughan and Thomas Boughan (both infants), and Caston Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-G-46.] As a result of the order, Elizabeth Boughan received slaves Delphy and Ben and received a balance of £3 from Lucy Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-G-43.]

On 18 June 1817, pursuant to a decree in chancery court dated 18 January 1813, a division of the slaves belonging to the estate of Major Boughan was made by L. Booker, Carter Croxton, and James Montague, with equal distribution to Gabriel Boughan (slaves Latane and Hannah), Mary Boughan (slaves Cork and Taley), Elizabeth Boughan (slaves Delphy and Ben), Lucy Boughan (slaves Polly and Winny), John Boughan (slaves Tom and Kesiah), Major Boughan (slave Dick), Thomas St. John & Cary his wife (slaves Iverson and Philles), Catharine Boughan (slave Sam), Thomas Boughan (slave Bob), and Casten Boughan (slaves Braxton and Rachel). [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 426–427.]

On 19 [? date partly erased in source] June 1817, a final decree was handed down in a chancery court case. Plaintiffs were Gabriel, Mary, Elizabeth, Lucy, John and Major Boughan, Thos. St. John and Cary his wife, and Catharine and Thos. Boughan infants under the age of 21 by John Boughan their next friend, against Caston Boughan administrator etc. of Major Boughan deceased and in his own right. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 42, page 491.]

In about 1818, orators and oratrices Caston Boughan, Gabriel Boughan, Mary Boughan, Elizabeth M. Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Catharine Boughan and Thomas Boughan an infant under 21 by Caston Boughan his next friend complained to the Essex County Chancery Court that Major Boughan died intestate seised of a tract of land containing about 336 acres leaving your orators and oratrices and Cary C. Boughan who intermarried with one Thos St John and who has since died without leaving issue and Major James Boughan who has also since died and another son John Boughan. That the said tract be divided and that John Boughan be made defendant in the suit. On 21 September 1818, the court decreed that Robt G Haile, Henry H Boughan, Wm T Upshaw, Wm A Garnett, Washington H Purkins and Graves Burke or any three of them were to divide the lands among the eight heirs. On 15 February 1819, Thomas St. John filed for leave to file a bill of review in this case. On 19 April 1831 the decree was made final. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-I-27.]

On 21 February 1820, Castin Baughan, Gabriel Baughan, Mary Baughan, Elizabeth M. Baughan, Lucy Baughan, Josiah Minter and his wife Catharine, and Thomas Boughan sold the water grist mill and 5 acres surrounding it to John Horace Upshaw. This plat was “more particularly described in a survey and Plat recently made by Washington H. Purkins with the report of certain commissioners that divided the Lands of the late Major Boughan…” Caston, Gabriel, John, Josiah, Catharine, and Thomas signed; Mary, Elizabeth, and Lucy wrote Xs. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 40, page 478.]

A loose paper from about 1823 from St. John vs. Boughan, marked “notes for plts” states that Major Boughan died in 1811. Defendants “admit that Major Boughan died intestate about the __ day of Augt 1812”. That “the plt T. St John married Cary B. [sic] after the decease of her father some time about the close of 1812. That she lived only until the __ day of Octr 1813. [The above also in 46-F-31.] Answer of the defendants dated 22 April 1824 signed by John Boughan, Thomas Boughan, Josiah Minter, Catharin [sic] Minter, Mary Boughan, Elizabeth Boughan, Lucy Boughan. [All very literate, nice looking signatures.] [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-F-63.]

In May 1824, Cary Turner willed property to her niece Elizabeth M. Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 229–230.]

In 1828, a case was brought to the Essex County chancery court between John Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Elizabeth Boughan Josiah Minter and Catharine his wife Marinda Boughan and John Thomas Boughan an infant by the said Marinda his mother & next friend and Henry C. Boughan an infant by Josiah Minter his next friend, plantiffs, against Gabriel Boughan. The plaintiffs complained that Mary Boughan had died intestate and without issue in 1827, seized of a small tract of land of 55 acres in the county, leaving orators John Boughan, Elizabeth Boughan and Gabriel Boughan her only brothers and sisters of the whole blood, and oratrix Catharine Minter only sister of the half blood, and Henry and John Thomas Boughan children of Thomas Boughan, who died in 1827 after Mary, a brother of the half blood. The will of Thomas Boughan filed as an exhibit. The plaintiffs request that the land of Mary Boughan deceased be sold at auction to the higest bidder. The answer of Gabriel Boughan to the bill agrees with the allegations. The court decreed on 16 June 1828 that “her land is of so little value” and would be worth less than $300 if divided, that it is ordered to be auctioned. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-I-25; Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 46, pages 374–375.]

On 16 June 1828, in the case of John Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Elizabeth Boughan, Josiah Minter and Catharine his wife, Marinda Boughan and John Thomas Boughan an infant by the said Marinda his mother and next friend and Henry C. Boughan an infant by Josiah Minter his next friend against Gabriel Boughan, the Chancery Court of Essex County decreed that the lands of which Mary Boughan died seized were to be sold at auction to the higest bidder and that one fifth of the proceeds were to be delivered by bond to each Gabriel, John, Lucy and Elizabeth, and that bonds for one tenth were to be delivered to Josiah Minter and Catharine his wife and to Marinda Boughan, except that the last bond was not to be given until Marinda had provided a bond to pay the same at her death or marriage to the infant plaintiffs. The land was sold at auction on 25 September 1828 and purchased by Elizabeth and Lucy Boughan for $311.25. Bonds were issued to the parties; Marinda’s was delivered to the court. The commissioner’s report was returned on 13 February 1830. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-I-23.]

1830 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia:
Written page 121
Boughan, John
1 male under 5 [this could be John T. Boughan]
1 male 5-10
1 male 20-30
1 male 40-50 [this would be John Boughan]
1 female under 5 [this could be his daughter Elizabeth]
1 female 5-10 [this could be his daughter Elizabeth]
1 female 15-20 [this would be his daughter Lucy]
2 females 20-30 [could be Frances, Lucy, or Elizabeth]
2 females 40-50 [could be Frances, Lucy, or Elizabeth]
23 slaves lived with this family.

The estate of Cary Turner in account with Thomas Purkins, executor, from 1825 to 1830, and the estate of John Turner, deceased, in account with Thomas Purkins, administrator, from 1826 to 1830 were ordered recorded 18 April 1831. Includes from Cary’s estate 1/9 share payments ($41.72) to distributees in November 1830: Mary Boughan’s administrator, Elizabeth Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Gabriel Boughan, John Boughan, James Croxton for Sally Crow’s part who was Sally Boughan, W.H. Purkins administrator of Thomas Boughan, ditto the administrator of Josiah Minter who married Caty Boughan; and the heirs of James Boughan (1/4 of 1/9 or $10.43): James Boughan, Mary Boughan, Benjamin Boughan, and Austin Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 270–274.]

On 11 January 1831 an action took place between (1) James Howerton in his own right and also as administrator of Cary Ann St. John and trustee for Thomas St. John, and (2) “Gabriel Boughan, John Boughan, Elizabeth M. Boughan Lucy Boughan, Washington H. Purkins as admr. of Josiah Minter decd. William Ranson as Executor of Thomas Boughan decd. Gabriel Boughan as administrator of Mary Boughan decd. William Ransan Executor of Thomas Boughan decd. who was administrator of Caston Boughan decd. and to each and all his legal representatives…” By a decree in Chancery Court of Fredericksburg on 15 October 1830, James Semple, Henry H. Boughan and George Hill were appointed commissioners “to divide the Lands whereof Major Boughan Serv. died Seized as well as to subdivide the lands which Major James Boughan who was an heir & distributee of his decd. Father Major Boughan was entitled to by virtue of the same.” The three commissioners went with a surveyor “to lay off and divide the the [sic] lands as therein directed, and the parties interested being present in person & by agent or other representative, and believing it would be to their interest not to divide the lands by metes & bounds, did on the day aforesaid and in the presence of the Commissioners aforesaid agree mutually with themselves as well as with the aforesaid James Howerton in his character aforesaid to pay to him in money the sum of one hundred and fifteen dollars, of which sum each distributee agreed to pay their and each of each respective portions.” In exchange, James Howerton, in action for himself and his trustees, etc., quit any claim to the land. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 43, page 327.]

In the name of God Amen I Elizabeth M Boughan do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following, I lend to my Sister Lucy Boughan my whole estate both real and personal during her natural life, and after her death I give to Elizabeth Ann Boughan a negro boy named Heritage to her and her heirs forever. I give to Frances Ann Boughan a negro Girl named Margery to her and her heirs for ever. I give to my friend Philip Montague one hundred dollars to him and his heirs for ever. I give to my Brother John’s son John Boughan a negro man named Thom to him and his heirs for ever. I give to my brother John Boughan all my land to him and his heirs for ever. It is my will further that the balance of my estate to equally divided between my Brother Gabriel Boughan, Brother John Boughan and my sister Catharine Minter to them and their heirs for ever. I nominate and appoint my friend Philip Montague Executor to this my last will and Testament, as witness my hand and seal this Twenty fifth day of Decr. one thousand eight hundred and thirty two—
Elizabeth M her x mark Boughan
Witnesses: James Semple, George Hill, Wiley Fogg
On 20 February 1837 proved by George Hill and James Semple.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 99.]

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

“Elizabeth Boughan departed this life Feb 2d 1837” [Boughan family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 24166]

On 20 February 1837, Philip Montague and Robert G. Haile were bound in the penalty of $12,000 for Philip Montague’s execution of the will of Elizabeth M. Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 100.]

On 25 February 1837, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Elizabeth M. Boughan, deceased, was made by George Hill, Henry H Boughan, and Richard P Banks. Includes:
A man Harrison $900
A man Tom 800
A man Heritage 900
A man Squire 600
A Girl Charlotte 200
A Girl Margery 475
Total valuation $3,938.25.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 108.]

On 27 June 1838, Lucy Boughan was bound unto Philip Montague, executor of Elizabeth M. Boughan, in the penalty of $1,000. The condition is such that whereas the said Philip Montague hath delivered up to the above named Lucy Boughan all the property belonging to the Estate of Elizabeth M. Boughan, deceased, consisting of Slave and personal property which amount to the sum of Three thousand nine hundred and thirty eight Dollars and twenty five Cents. Now if the above bound Lucy Boughan shall pay to the said Philip Montague all Costs and expenses which shall hereafter accrew and of debts which which may be established against him as Executor as aforesaid, then the above obligation to be void. Signed Lucy her x mark Boughan. Witness: M. G. Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 303.]

The estate of Elizabeth M. Boughan, deceased, in account with Philip Montague, executor, from 1837 to 1838 was ordered recorded on 20 August 1838. Includes payments to George Dobyns, Philip Montague, Dr. Brockenbrough, Marinda Boughan, Gabriel Boughan, Catharine Minter, George Taylor, George Wright, Washington H. Purkins, and Frances Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 318–319.]

In the 1840s, orator and oratrice Charles L. Boughan guardian of John T. Boughan and Catharine Boughan petitioned the Court of Chancery. That their aunt Elizabeth M. Boughan died testate and made a bequest to her sister Lucy Boughan who died later that year testate, also leaving to her sister Catharine Minter and brothers John and Gabriel both of whom predeceased her so as to their shares she died intestate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-J-9.]

On 27 October 1843, orator Philip Montague executor of the last will and testament of Elizabeth M. Boughan deceased and of Lucy Boughan deceased complained that the said Elizabeth M. Boughan died on or about 2 February 183[blank] having left a last will and testament making various bequests. But she survived her brothers Gabriel Boughan and John Boughan, to whom bequests were made. The said Elizabeth M. was not much in debt, and debts and legacies have now been paid. The said Lucy died about 4 October 1841 having left a last will and testament in which she gave to her sister Elizabeth M. Boughan and to Gabriel and John, all of whom predeceased her. Both Elizabeth and Lucy died unmarried and without issue. Their heirs are Thomas Boughan, Caston Boughan and Elizabeth Ann wife of Silas Conaly children of Gabriel Boughan deceased a brother of the whole blood; Lucy M. wife of Richard Shearwood, Frances Ann wife of Ephraim Beazley, Charles L., Carey, John T and Catharine Boughan children of John Boughan deceased a brother of the whole blood; Catharine Minter a sister of the half blood; Henry Caston and John T. children of Thomas Boughan a brother of the half blood. For division of the estate. Filed as Montague vs. Minter. All answers were filed on the same day. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-E-25.]