On 16 March 1765, Major Boughan witnessed a bond from Henry Griggs of Essex County and the parish of Southfarnham unto John Boughan planter. Ordered recorded 21 October 1765 and proved by John Kerchevall and Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 30, page 59.]

Major Boughan was mentioned in the 18 January 1774 will of his godfather Richard Brown, who stated that Major Boughan should inherit his estate in the event of the death of Richard’s daughter Elizabeth or if she had no issue. Major Boughan was named a co-executor and presented the will in court on 16 January 1787. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, pages 71–72.]

“Major Boughan and Lucy his wife who was Lucy Monday was married the 4th March 1774” [Boughan family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 24166]

On 19 June 1775, Major Boughan and Lucy his wife of Essex County sold to Matthew Mackhan of Essex County for £40, 58 acres of land in Essex County. This land bordered that of Nathaniel Dunn, John Boughan, Thomas Wood, and Elizabeth Munday. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 31, pages 244–245.]

On 15 April 1782 he posted in Essex County, Virginia, the following public service claim for Revolutionary War support: Major Boughan 350 bundles fodder 14s. Under “Account of Expences of Collecting and driving of beeves in Essex County from Sept. 9, 1781” is listed “Major Boughan 8 days.” He is listed under “Acct. of Fodder made use off for stalling of cattle in Essex County for the public use [all certificates were issued in 1781 and were redeemed in dollars]” as “Major Baughan 350 bundles fodder 105.”

On 10 December 1785, Major Boughan was mentioned as a bordering landowner to a tract sold by William Banks, James Banks and Statira his wife (whose name also appears as Stati Re) of the parish of southfarnham and County of Essex sold to Thomas Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 32, pages 424–426.]

On 1 November 1790, Gabriel Purkins and Major Boughan of Essex County were bound unto James Cole of King and Queen County 10,000 pounds of tobacco to be paid on or before 1 April 1792. Signed Gabriel Purkins, Major Boughan. Witnesses: Philemon Purkins, Thomas Crow. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-F-22.]

In 1791, Ann Brown, widow of Richard Brown, complained of Major Boughan’s administration of the estate of her late husband, Major Boughan being the executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 6, items 6-F-61, 6-F-62.]

On 14 April 1792, Major Boughan purchased from Samuel Croxton and his wife Ann some houses and lots in the town of Tappahannock for £150. “Provided nevertheless and upon this Condition that if the said Samuel Croxton his Heirs exors admors or assigns or any of them do and shall well and truly indemnify save harmless & fully exonerate the said Major Boughan from all Costs charges Debts damages & expences which now hath or at any time to come may come against the said Boughan his heirs exors admors or assigns by any ways or means whatever in consequence of said Boughan having become Security for said Croxton unto Henry Hinton, that then this present Writing and every thing herein contained to be void and of none effect otherwise to remain in full force & virtue.” [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 33, page 399.]

On 21 January 1793, Major Boughan was mentioned as a neighboring landowner in a deed from John Boughan and Sarah his wife of the County of Essex and parish of Southfarnham to Thomas Crow of the same. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 33, page 436.]

On 26 September 1794, Major and John Baughan [brothers] have some land surveyed that was formerly land of John Harper. According to notes by Agnes Andrews, this is the same 5 acres that was deeded from John Harper to James Boughan for 4000 pounds of tobacco on 10 December 1705 (date recorded). This helps establish the descent.

On 17 August 1795, Major Boughan and his brother John along with John Hail were appointed processioners of the second district in South farnham Parish by the court. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 33, page 63.]

Pursuant to an order of Essex County Court bearing date 16 September 1793, an inventory of the estate of Caleb Gatewood was submitted on 21 September 1795 by Wm. Howard, Charles Bray, John Boughan, and Major Boughan. Total £208.8.8. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, pages 155–156.]

On 20 October 1795, John and Major Boughan were granted in court an appeal from the previous day’s decision in favor of Thomas Wood, concerning Thomas Wood’s building of a mill “at a place proposed by him below Piscataway old Mill Bridge.” The appeal is to be considered by the next district court. They are bound unto Thomas Wood the sum of £100 for damages, with John Turner as their security. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 33, page 125; and Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 9, Item 9-E-109, which contains the original signatures of John Boughan, Major Boughan, and John Turner.]

On 3 May 1796 John and Major Boughan purchased property from William Burke and Lucy his wife and Thomas Burke. This was the land on which John Kercherval formerly lived. Caston and James Boughan were witnesses. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 34, page 357.]

On 30 November 1796, Philemon Purkins was order to pay to Major Baughan $10.19 for travelling three times to Middlesex County court, a distance of 31 miles, as a witness for Purkins against Nathan Shipley. [Middlesex County, Virginia, Orders 1794–1797, page 191.]

On 28 February 1797, Major Boughan executed a bond payable to John Turner: “On demand for value Receiv’d, I Major Boughan of Essex county do promise to pay or cause to be paid unto William Howard of the same county his heirs or Assigns the Just & full sum of fourteen pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence to which payment well & truly to be made I bind my self my heirs Executors & administrators in the penal sum of twenty nine pounds six shillings & Eight pence like money as witness my hand & seal this 28th of February 1797” Signed Major Boughan. Witness: John Turner. On reverse show interest accumulated through 28 February 1797, a payment to James Webb attorney for Wm Howard, and interest from 2 November 1798. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 13, item 13-I-18.]

On 14 March 1798, Gabriel Purkins and Major Boughan his security bound themselves unto Sthreshley Rennonds 25 pounds 4 shillings. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 17, item 17-G-25.]

On 17 April 1798 John Boughan and Sally his wife, and Major Boughan and Caty his wife, sell 106-1/2 acres to Charles Bray. This is part of a tract that had been purchased by John and Major Boughan from Thomas and William Burke, called Kerchevals. Neither Sally nor Caty could write. This establishes that John was married to Sally and Major was married to Caty in 1798. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed book 35, page 6.]

On 17 June 1799, Major Boughan, executor of Richard Brown, filed a complaint in court. That Richard Brown sometime in 1777 acknoweldged himself indebted to McCall & Shedden. But “yr orator begs leave to observe, that being oppos’d to the principles of our revolution, those merchts did not remain, in America during that conflict, which terminated so honorably to our arms.” He seeks a waiver of the payment due. Dated 17 June 1799. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 17, item 17-K-17.]

On 18 June 1799, “Major Boughan came before us & made oath that his brother John had asked him to examine the books of Capt John Edmondson” over a case of debt. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery 15, item 15-C-29.]

On 2 September 1799, Philemon Purkins late of Essex County and now of Brunswick County sold to Major Boughan of Essex County 130 acres, Purkins being in debt. Witnesses: John Boughan, Caston Boughan, Gabriel Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 35, pages 132–133.]

On 10 March 1800, Major Boughan and John Boughan executed a bond: Know all men by these presents that we Major Boughan & John Boughan are held and firmly bound unto Paul Micou Sheriff of the County of Essex in the Sum of fifty Eight pounds Thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid unto the said Paul Micou his Certain attorney, heirs, Exers, admors, or assigns, to which payment will and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs Exors & admors, Jointly & Severaly, firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals and dated this 10th day of March 1800 The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas William Howard hath Sued out of the County Court of Essex a writ of capias ad respondendum against the body of the above bound Major Boughan for a plea of Debt for twenty nine pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence damage five pounds Now if the Said Major Boughan do and Shall will and truly make personal appearance before the Justices of the Next Quarterly Court to be holden for the said County of Essex at the Courthouse thereof and do not depart from there without leave of the said Court then the above obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and Virtue
Signed Major Boughan, John Boughan. Witness: Gabriel Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 13, item 13-I-17.]

On 22 July 1802, a suit was in chancery court with John Turner and Cary his wife and William Howard and Elizabeth his wife, plaintiffs, against Major Boughan, executor of John Boughan deceased, defendant. “Came the parties aforesaid by their attornies, and the defendant having file his answer in this cause, the office decree of the 19th of March 1801 is set aside, and this suit thereupon ordered to the rules.” [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 37, page 152.]

An undated bill of complaint stated that John Boughan died in May 1776 “leaving Cary his widow & mother of his children & John & Major Boughan his sons & Mary wife of Richd Burnett & your oratrices his daughters” namely Cary (wife of John Turner) and Eliza (wife of William Howard). That Cary died without having married again. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery 15, item 15-B-52.]

On 22 July 1802 John Boughan and Sally his wife sold to Major Boughan (all of South Farnham Parish) their rights to the water grist mill for £150, the mill being known as Boughan’s mill. Major and John are brothers; they received this property according to the will of their father. Caston Boughan’s signature is in the margin of the deed book. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 36, page 319.]

On 20 June 1803, Major Boughan, with Elizabeth Bray and Carter Croxton, was bound $10,000 for Elizabeth Bray’s administration of the estate of Charles Bray. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 16, pages 219–220.]

On 11 September 1804, Caston Boughan and William Howard provided an affidavit: The affidavit of Caston Boughan and William Howard junr both of lawful age taken at Capt Lewis Bookers Store, in a suit in Chancery now depending in Essex County Court between John Turner and Cary his wife and Wm. Howard Senr and Eliza his wife Pltffs and Major Boughan Executor of John Boughan deceased defendant, these deponants being duly sworn deposeth and Saith, that they was [sic] in company with John Turner, William Howard Senr, and Major Boughan at William Howards junr sometime after being there a conversation took place, something about the account of Sale of the Estate of John Boughan Deced (the particulars we do not recollect) however it was agree’d on by each party that we Caston Boughan and William Howard junr should take the Copy of the Acct of Sales and examine it, and on examination we found some small errors in it, and not knowing how to rectify it acurately without seing the original Sale Book, we apply’d to William Howard Senr who kept the said original Sale Book on the day of Sale, we then rectifyd it and William Howard Senr said it was right. we then deliver’d the said Copy of the account of sales to Major Boughan Exrs of John Boughan Deceas’d
First Question by John Turner one of the Pltffs Was the account of Sales recorded? Answer we do not know but neither the original Sale Booke nor the Copy alluded to above was from the office
Essex County to wit,
Caston Boughan and William Howard Junr personally appeared before me and made oath that the above affidavit contained the truth
Given under my hand this Eleventh day of September 1804
LBooker [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 15, item 15-B-5]

On 11 September 1804, James Croxton provided an affidavit: The affidavit of James Croxton of lawful age taken at Capt. Lewis Bookers Store in a suit in Chancery now depending in Essex County Court between John Turner & Cary his wife and William Howard Senr & Elizabeth his wife Pltffs and Major Boughan Executor of John Boughan Decd Defendt this deponant being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith—First, Question by Major Boughan the Defendt Do you recollect the Mare that my Mother gave to Cary Boughan (now Cary Turner) and what do you Suppose She was worth? Answer Yes I remember her & suppose her to have been worth twenty two pounds Specie at that time—Second Questn by the defendant, Do you recollect, the horse that my Mother gave to Wm Howard Senr and what do you suppose he was worth?—Answer yes I remember the horse and Suppose him to have been worth twentytwo pounds Specie at that time,—Third Question by the defendant, Do you remember the Mare that my Mother sold to Richard Jeffries junr, and what do you suppose She was worth? Answer yes I remember the Mare and suppose her to have been worth one Hundred dollars Specie at that time—Fourth Question, by the defendant, Do you remember the horse my Mother Sold to William Tigner, and what do you suppose he was worth?—Answer yes I remember the horse & suppose him to have been worth Fifty Shillings Specie at that time—Fifth Question by the defendant—Do you recollect that my father hired a Negro fellow of me (by name of General)?—Answer yes I remember he did—Sixth Question by the deft Do you remember William Griggs living on the plantation as Overseer for my Father the year he hired the sd Negro General?—Answer yes—Seventh Question by the defendt Do you know who lived on the plantation after my Mothers death untill the day of Sale? Answer yes, Cary Boughan, (now Cary Turner) Eighth Question by the defendt, Did you know the Negroes belonging to my Fathers Estate on the day of Sale?—Answer yes, Peter, Esther, and Ell,—
Ninth Question by the deft, Do you remember that there was Horses, Cattle, & Hogs, sold on the day of Sale?—
Answer, yes, I remember there was—
First Question by John Turner, one of the pltffs, What time was it, When Mrs Cary Boughan gave a mare to Miss Cary Boughan, (now Cary Turner)—
Answer I do not recollect,—
Tenth Question by the deft Do you know whether the pltffs intends to hold me to the apprasment [sic] of my Father Estate or not?—
Answer, I heard Mr John Turner Say he Should—
Essex County to wit,
James Croxton appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that the within affidavit contained the truth
Given under my hand this Eleventh day of Septr 1804.
LBooker [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 15, item 15-B-12.]

On 11 September 1804, Gabriel Purkins provided an affidavit: The affidavit of Gabriel Purkins of lawful age taken at Capt Lewis Booker’s Store in a suit in Chancery now depending in Essex County Court, between John Turner and Cary his wife and William Howard senr and Elizabeth his wife Pltffs, and Major Boughan Executor of John Boughan deceased defendant this deponant being duly sworn deposeth and saith—
First Question by Major Boughan the defendant, do you recollect the Mare my Mother gave to Cary Boughan now Cary Turner and what She was worth?—
Answer yes I remember her and suppose her to have been worth twenty two pounds specie at that time—
Second Question by the defendant, do you recollect the horse that my Mother gave to Wm Howard Senr and what do you suppose he was worth?—Answr I rememember [sic] the Horse and suppose him to have been worth twentytwo pound Specie at that time,—Third Question by the defendant, do you remember the Mare that my Mother sold to Richard Jeffries junr, and what do you suppose She was worth?—Answer yes, I remember the Mare and suppose her to have been worth one Hundred dollars specie at that time.—Fourth Question by the defendant, do you remember the horse my Mother sold to William Tigner and what do you suppose he was worth?—Answer yes, I remember the horse and suppose him to have been worth fifty Shillings Specie at that time—Fifth Question by the defendant, do you recollect that my Father hired a negro fellow of me by name of General?—Answer yes, I remember he did Sixth Question by the defendant, do you remember Wm Griggs living on the plantation as Overseer for my Father the year he hired Said Negro Genrl Answer yes—Seventh Question by the defendant, do you remember the Cattle Wm Purkins bought of my Mother and what he gave for them?
Answer yes I rember [sic] he bought a Cow and calf and the price was three pounds or three pounds ten Shillings Eighth Question by the defendant, do you know who lived on the plantation after my Mothers death untill the day of Sale? Answer yes, Cary Boughan (now Cary Turner)—Ninth Question by the defendant, did you know the Negroes belonging to my Fathers Estate on the day of Sale?—Answer yes, Peter Esther and Ell—Tenth Question by the defendant, do you remember that there was Cattle Horses & Hogs sold at the sale? Answer I remember there was—
Eleventh Question by the defendant, do you know whether the pltffs, means to hold me to the appraisment of my Fathers Estate?—Answer I heard John Turner say he should—
Essex County to wit
Gabriel Purkins personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid and made oath that the above affidavit contained the truth
Given under my hand this Eleventh day of Septer 1804.
LBooker [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 15, item 15-B-13.]

On 11 September 1804, John Boughan provided an affidavit: The affidavit of John Boughan of lawfull age taken at Capt Lewis Booker’s store house in Essex County between John Turner and Cary his wife and William Howard Senr and Elizabeth his wife pltfs and Major Boughan Executor of John Boughan decd Deft, this deponant being duly sworn deposeth and saith
Qust 1st by deft. Major Boughan do you remember that a Negro man by name General belonging to me leving [living] with my Farther in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five? Ansr I do and that he was to give seven pounds ten shilling for his hire that year further Question by the deft do you know if William Griggs livid with my Farther the same year that my Negro man General lived with him. ansr I do, and that the said Boughan let the said Griggs have cloth and trimings for a Coat but the price I do not know further Question by deft do you recollect what number of Negroes belongd to the Estate of John Boughan decd Ansr there was three Peter, Esther, & Ell, which was apprais’d to one hundred & fifty pounds and was devided by consent of parties between William Howard & Cary Boughan the wife of John Turner pltfs
further Quest by deft. was there any sheep belonging to the Estate of John Boughan decd at the time of the sale — Ansr I do not know that there was.
Question by deft was there a side saddle bottle and Jugs belonging to the Estate Ansr there was, and I know that Cary Boughan had the side saddle and since she has been maried I have seen it at John Turners a [sic] noted Jugs and bottle at his house that did belong to the Estate and one Jugs at Williams Howards further Question by deft do you recollect what became of the beds belonging to the Estate of John Boughan decd? Ansr I do there was three devided between Cary Boughan the wife of John Turner & William Howard and one was sold by Major Boughan.
Further Question by Deft do you recollect what became of a young mare belonging to the Estate of John Boughan decd — Ansr I do she was sold by my mother the Widow of the said John Boughan decd and to Richard Jeffries Junior and she also Sold an old Horses [sic] to William Tignor and gave a mare to Cary Boughan the wife of John Turner and a young Horse to William Howard senr further Question by deft do you know wheather there was any thing belonging to the Estate of John Boughan decd Secreted by me or my order? Ansr I do not further Questioned by deft do you know whether the mare and horse that was Sold by my mother as mentioned by you above was apprais’d when my Fathers Estate was apprais’d? Ansr I beleive they was. further Questioned by Deft who liv’d on the plantation from the time of my mothers death untill the day of sale? ansr Cary Boughan, and Cary Griggs was there the greater part of her time, and all the Negroes that belong’d to the Estate.—
Question by John Turner one of the Pltffs — Do you know that the Negroe General which Major Boughan hired to John Boughan decd was the sold property of the s’d Majr Boughan, — Answer I do know one half of the s’d Negroe General was the property of Elizabeth Munday.—
Further question by John Turner, — do you suppose your Father, or the estate was not able to have paid the hire due for General before this. — To be sure they were able—
Question by Majr Boughan the Defendt how long did John Boughn dec’d live after the money became due for the hire of General — Answer he died the may following.—
Essex County to wit,
John Boughan personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the aforesaid County and made oath that the above affidavit concained [sic] the truth,
Given under my hand this Eleventh day of Septemr 1804.
LBooker. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 15, item 15-B-4.]

To William Newbill admr of Agrippa Doggins from Major Boughan take notice that I will take the affidavits of sundry Witnesses on Sat the 12th—you may attend. Caston Boughan made oath that he delivered a copy of this notice to William Newbill on 12 July 1806. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 28, item 28-E-21.]

On 12 July 1806, John Croxton of lawful age made an affidavit at the house of Major Boughan in the suit of William Newbill admr of Agrippa Dogins decd plt & Major Boughan deft. Re a debt. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 28, item 28-E-20.]

On 14 October 1806, Major Boughan purchased property at the estate sale of his brother John Boughan. His total purchase was£26.1.6, including a large walnut table, a side of leather, 2 old tubs and an oxcart. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, pages 274–275.]

In an undated petition from after the death of Major’s brother John, Edward Wright, administrator of John Boughan’s estate, complained that Major had never paid John for his half of the mill as he had agreed to do in John’s lifetime. The amount due was £150. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 4, item 4-M-59.]

On 16 June 1807, Gabriel Purkins and Major Boughan were bound unto Henry Dunn administrator of Winifred Dunn 2,500 pounds of tobacco. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 19, item 19-G-47.]

On 10 May 1808, Major Boughan and Jesse Boughan were bound 51.17.2 unto George Grundy & nephew assignees of Lawrence Muse assignees of Beverley Robinson for a negro boy named Iverson. Signed Major Boughan, Jesse Boughan. Witness: H. H. Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 18, item 18-G-3.]

On 20 June 1808, Major Boughan and Joseph Bohannan were bound unto George Grundy and nephew £100. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 18, item 18-G-2.]

The estate of John Boughan in account with Major Boughan and John Jones’s arbitration of the division of the estate on 6 June 1809 is recorded in a loose paper. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery 15, item 15-B-20.]

An undated answer (early 1800s) of John Baughan, Major Baughan and Charles Bray to a bill of complaint brought by Cary Griggs states that John and Major admit they sold land leased by John Griggs to John Kerchival and his wife for their lives. But they say that John Griggs never had any title to the land “as by the annexed deed from Richard & Wm Holt to James Baughan and the will of James Baughan both of which writings are recorded in this workshipful Court it will appear that the said land was entailed upon the issue of the body of James Boughan. That this def: John Baughan as the eldest son of his father who was only tenant in tail was entitled to the said land”. Charles Bray now owns the land. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery 15, item 15-A-6.]

On 19 June 1809, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Sally Chamberlayne, deceased, was submitted to court by Hundley Moody, John Collins and Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, page 126.]

On 14 August 1809, Major Boughan and John Armstrong bound themselves unto George Hoffman asignee of Henley Woodward the sum of £153.10.8. Witness: Purkins Armstrong. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-M-24.]

On 24 March 1810, Joseph Mann, assignee of Joseph Bohannon, complained of Major Boughan and Moses Crow in an action of debt. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 19, item 19-K-21.]

On 25 May 1810, James Boughan, Jesse Boughan, Thomas Crow and Sally his wife, and Hundley Moody and Caty his wife, all of the county of Essex, sold to Major Boughan of the same county. Whereas John Boughan deceased late of the county of Essex was bound and liable to convey to the said Major Boughan a third part of a tract of land situated in the parish of South Farnham & County of Essex which was recovered in the name of the said John Boughan in an action of ejectment in King & Queen district Court against John Chenault, but before any such conveyance was made the said John Boughan departed this life intestate and the legal estate in the said Land descended to the above named James Boughan & Jesse Boughan and the said wives of the said Crow and Moody as the children and heirs of the said John Boughan, and since the decease of the said John Boughan a division hath been made of the said land recovered from the said John Chenault, as aforementioned, and on the said division a third part of the said land hath been allotted to the said Major Boughan for his proportion of the same. Bounded by lands of William Howard, the heirs of John Boughan, Rickard Burke deceased, Charles Bray deceased. For $1 paid by Major Boughan, the parties of the first part release claim. Signed Jesse Boughan, Thomas Crow, Sally her x mark Crow, Hundley Moody, Caty Moody. Witnesses: Winter Bray as to J.B. T.C. & HW, Jas Burke, Major JB Turner, Gabrel [sic[ Purkins Sen, John Boughan, Jess Boughan, Othniel Davis. Presented in court on 17 September 1810. Presented in court again on 20 July 1812, not signed by James Boughan but further proved and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 38, pages 275–277.]

1810 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia:
Boughan, Major
1 male 0-10 [possibly Thomas]
1 male 26-45
1 male over 45 [presumably Major]
1 female 10-16 [probably Catharine]
2 females 16-26
2 females 26-45

On 16 August 1810, Major Boughan gave an affidavit in a case between Thomas Clarke and Henley Woodward: “The Affidavit of Major Boughan in his sixty third year taken at Millers Tavern in a suit now depending in the county court of Essex in chancery between Thomas Clarke pltf. and Henly Woodward defdt. this deponant being duly sworn was asked by the pltf how long did he suppose it was since Arthur Tate lived at the place called the stone chimney’s on piscataway creek until this day. answer. I think it is between forty and fifty years—
“Question by the defdt. do you know that one John Tyler was in possession of the above land before Arthur Tate was in possession of the said land. answer. yes and it was called Tylers land but afterwards it was called Tates land Question 2d by defdt. do you if [sic] Tyler’s widow and children lived at the placed called the stone chimney’s after the death of Tyler answer. yes.
“Question by the pltf. who did you suppose the above mentioned land belong to at the time of Tyler’s widow & children lived on it. answer. I suppos’d it belongd to the estate of John Tyler but did not know
“Essex county to wit
“The above affidavit davit [sic] taken and sworn to before me this 16th day of August 1810
“JBohannan” [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-H-35.]

On 18 June 1811, a final decree in the cases of William Snodgrass vs. Henry Purkins’s exor and Purkins and other vs. Henry Purkins’s exor was handed down. The decree stated that William Snodgrass was to reimbursed £731 and other amounts plus interest, and that after his satisfaction, the plaintiffs Gabriel Purkins, John Purkins, Major Boughan who had intermarried with and survived Caty Purkins, Thomas Purkins, John Armstrong and Sally his wife, Philemon Purkins, Gideon Purkins, Young Dimake Purkins and Thomas L. Dunn and Cary his wife were to obtain satisfaction. The defendant in the case was William Purkins as administrator of the estate of Henry Purkins. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-G-40.]

On 16 November 1812, Caston Boughan, Major J B Turner, John St John and John Games were bound in the penalty of $8,000 for Caston Boughan’s administration of the estate of Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, page 435.]

An inventory and appraisal of the estate of Major Boughan, deceased, with Caston Boughan, administrator, was made on 16 November 1812 by James Montague, Gabriel Purkins senr, and Carter Croxton. Includes 17 slaves, no total valuation. Recorded 21 June 1813. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, pages 473–475.]

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.]

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.]

The estate of Major Boughan Senior, deceased, in account with Caston Boughan, administrator for the period 1813 to 1818 was settled on 21 January 1817 by Was. H. Purkins, Carter Croxton, and James Croxton jr and returned to court of 18 May 1819. Includes 1811 and 1812 payments for tuition for Thos. Boughan; June 1818 “paid Caty Griggs Alias Banks to relinquish her right in land recovered by her mother, which land had been sold by Boughans to Bray and had been warranted by said Boughans”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 43–44.]

On 21 February 1820, his children sell land which they gained from the division of his estate, including a mill on Piscataway Creek. See Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 40, pp. 478-481.

On 16 September 1823, a bill was submitted to the Superior Court of Chancery in Fredericksburg District. Orators Thomas St John and James Howerton jr of Halifax county in the state of Virginia. That the sd Thomas St. John on 25 October 1821 was indebted to Philip Howerton of the said county $115.25 and to Isaac Brookes of Essex County $98.01. To secure the debt he conveyed his interest in the estate of Major Vaughan Senr decd [alias Major Boughan] and Major Vaughan junr decd [alias Major J. Boughan]. Mentions children of Major Boughan. That Thomas St. John married Cary Boughan soon after the death of the said Major “—upon the lands and at the dwelling house of the said Major decd—that all of the sd heirs and coparceness of the sd Major, were at and after the marriage of the sd Cary…” “before her death which happened sometime in the year 1813, a daughter called Cary Ann who survived her mother and lived to the age of about three years, and then died sometime in or about the spring of the year 1816.” In 1818 Thomas St. John instituted suit to recover rents of the mill. That Major James Boughan died sometime about November in the year 1814, unmarried and without issue. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, items 46-F-49 and 50.]

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.]

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.]

On 24 February 1831, William Burke made an affidavit at Millers Tavern. Question — Did you Father Graves Burke once rent a Mill of Mr John H Upshaw which formerly belonged to Major Boughan Senr decd. Regarding the mill. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-F-46.]

On 24 February 1831, Wm Croxton and Henry H Boughan made affidavits concerning a mill once owned by Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-F-46.]

On 31 March 1831, James Durham of lawful age deposed that he has for many years been living near and been acquainted with the Lands & Mill belonging to the late Major Boughan. Regarding operations of the Mill. Signed James Durham. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-F-45.]

On 31 March 1831, James Croxton made a deposition in a case concerning a slave that had been owned by Major Boughan. Quest — Do you know when Major Boughan died? Answer — I belive [sic] he died in the year 1812. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 46, item 46-F-45.]