Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Documentation
On 21 January 1793, John Boughan and Sarah his wife of the County of Essex and parish of Southfarnham sold to a Thomas Crow of the same. For £59.4 current money of Virginia, 59-1/5 acres, more or less, in the county and parish aforesaid, bordering lands of Thomas Wood, James Banks and Major Boughan. Signed John Boughan, Sarah her + mark Boughan. Witnesses: William Jones, John Crow, Moses Crow. Ordered recorded 21 January 1793. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 33, page 436.]
His father-in-law John’s estate was divided on 29 October 1806. Parcels went to Hundley Moody and his wife Catharine (44 acres), widow’s dower (90 acres), Thos. Crow and Sarah his wife (50 acres), Jesse Boughan (61 acres), and James Boughan (61 acres). [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, page 87]
On 16 April 1807, James Boughan and Nancy his wife sold property to Thomas Crow. The land adjoined property of Major Boughan and Jesse Boughan. Nancy made a mark. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 37, page 222.]
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.]
On 21 November 1814, John Games presented in court the will of Jesse Boughan, which was protested by Thomas Crow. Probate was deferred until the next court, and on 18 January 1815, Crow’s objections were dismissed, and the will was ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 86–87.]
On 16 January 1815, Caston Boughan and Thomas Crow were bound in the penalty of $1,500 for Caston Boughan’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of Major James Boughan, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, page 93.]
On 20 March 1815, Moses Crow and Thomas Crow were bound in the penalty of $5,000 for Moses Crow’s adminstration with the last will and testament of James Croxton annexed. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 130–131.]
On 16 September 1816, John Games, Thomas Crow and Lewis G Upshaw were bound in the penalty of $2,000 for John Games’s and Thomas Crow’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of John Boughan unadministered by Edward Wright, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 326–327.]
Thomas Crow was mentioned in the 24 January 1820 will of his father, John Crow, proved 20 November 1820, and was named an executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 155–156.]
On 20 November 1820, Thomas Crow, Moses Crow, Peter B. Davis, Graves Burke, Roger Shackelford and Henry H. Boughan were bound in the penalty of $40,000 for Thomas Crow and Moses Crow’s executorship of the estate of John Crow, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, page 157.]
In about 1825, orators and oratrices John, James Catharine, and Prisilla Games and Thomas Crow and Sally his wife who was Sally Boughan petitioned the Chancery Court. That John Boughan who was the father of your oratrix Sally Crow died in ____ intestate leaving the following children: your oratrix Sally Crow, Caty Moody wife of Hundley Moody who has died intestate without heir, Jesse Boughan and James Boughan who has also died leaving James, Polly, Benjamin and Austin the last two named infants. Jesse has died leaving a last will and testament. John Boughan died soon after Jesse. Jesse’s wife died intestate without issue leaving your orators and oratrices John, James, Catharine and Priscilla Games brothers and sisters of the whole blood her heirs. The said John Boughan left a widow Sally who died in 1824. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 42, item 42-M-21.]
On 21 November 1825, Henry H. Boughan, James Croxton, Thomas Crow and Washington H. Purkins were bound $10,000 for Henry H. Boughan and James Croxton’s execution of the will of Thomas Shearwood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 273–274.]
The will of Thomas Crow of the County of Essex was dated 17 December 1825. He mentions “my children” but names only George Crow. A daughter intermarried with John Croxton jr. Wife Sally. Signed Thomas Crow. Witnesses: Was. H. Purkins, Austin Brockenbrough, Moses Crow, Ambrose his x mark Armstrong. Proved 16 January 1826. Bond follows. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 293–294.]
On 16 January 1826, James Croxton Jr., George Crow, Thomas Pilcher and William Fisher were bound in the penalty of $16,000 for James Croxton Jr.’s and George Crow’s execution of the last will and testament of Thomas Crow, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 295.]
On 24 January 1826, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Thomas Crow was made by Was: H Purkins, Chas Bray, and Josiah Minter. Includes slaves Moses, Joe, Sam, Phill, Peter, Lucy & child, Clary & Banks, Jenny & Esther, Rachel & Henry, Sarah (infant), Caty, Patty, Clary (Younger), Barbara, Mary, Julia, Hannah, Nelson, Alice, Sthreshly, Louisa, Martha, Eliza, and Obediah. Ordered recorded 19 May 1829. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 376–380.]
The estate of Thomas Crow, deceased, in account with James Croxton and Geo: Crow, executors, from 1825 to 1827 was ordered recorded 15 June 1829. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 416–418.]
In an undated petition, orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, John Crow, Sally Crow and Malissa Crow, Elizabeth Crow and Kitty Crow infants by Sally Crow their mother and next friend, complained that Thomas Crow died on ____ 1825 testate. James Croxton has married a daughter Sarah. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 44, item 44-D-17.]
Maps of the division of the lands of Thomas Crow in 1828 show parcels to Mrs Sally Crow, John Crow, Malissa Crow, Kitty Crow, George Crow, James Croxton in Right of his wife, Elizabeth Crow and Nathaniel Crow. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 44, items 44-D-14, 44-D-15, and 44-D-16.]
The estate of Thomas Crow, deceased, in account with James Croxton, surviving executor, from 1830 to 1832 was recorded on 17 December 1832. Includes on 14 March 1831 “this sum recd for hires of the negroes allotted to John Crow Jr decd upon division of his fathers negroes”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 18–21.]
In an undated petition, orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, Benjamin Broocke and Elizabeth his wife, Melissa Crow and Kitty Crow an infant by the said Benjamin Broocke her next friend complained that Thomas Crow died in 1825 leaving a widow Sally and children your orator Nathaniel Crow and oratrices Sarah Croxton wife of James Croxton and Crow and George Crow, the two last died of full age unmarried. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-J-20.]
In an undated petition from Croxton &c vs Crows heirs &c, orators and oratrices James Croxton and Sally his wife who was Sally Crow, John P. Armstrong and Malissa his wife who was Malissa Crow, complained that Thomas Crow the father of Sally and Malissa died in ____ 1825 having left a last will and testament, leaving a widow Sally Crow who died in _____ 1830 and seven children viz Nathaniel John George Sally who married your complainant Croxton, Malissa now married your complainant Armstrong, Cathrine [sic] who intermarried with John C. Brizendine and Elizabeth who intermarried with Benjamin Brooks. George died in ____ of full age intestate and without heir and John died in ____ of full age intestate and without heir. The estate was divided in the case of Crow vs. Crows Exrs. Nathaniel died sometime in the year 1833 or thereabouts leaving 5 children: Lucinda, John, Elizabeth, Thomas and Nathaniel, all under age. Cathrine the wife of John C. Brizendine died in 1833 without issue. That Elizabeth the wife of Benjamin Brooks died in ____ without issue. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 47, item 47-K-5.]
In 1839, orators and oratrices George Saunders and Lucy his wife and George Durham and Polly his wife complained that John Crow their grandfather died in 1820 having left a last will and testament. He asked that the balance of his slaves to be equally divided between his children to wit the heirs of William Crow, namely William, Robert, Patsy, Nancy, Henry, Ennis and John Crow, heirs of William Crow deceased, Thomas, Moses and John Crow, and the children of his deceased daughter Massy Jones and children of deceased daughter Sarah Crane. He asked Thomas to “make profit” on Massy’s children’s shares for them. Thomas, Moses and John were named as executors, but only Thomas and Moses took on the burthen. Lucy Saunders and Polly Durham shew that they with Armistead and Dorothy Jones were the children of the said Massy Jones. Division of William Crow’s estate was made in a previous suit. The children of William Crow presented a bill asking reexamination and the division was affirmed, then reversed. Thomas Crow died in ____ while the appeal was pending and appointed his son George Crow and James Croxton executors. George Crow died in March 1830. Moses Crow was left the surviving executor of William Crow. The orators charge that the accounts have been mismanaged. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-38.]
On 23 October 1839, John P. Armstrong provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of John P. Armstrong of lawfull age taken this 23rd day of October 1839. in the Town of Tappahannock at the House of Thomas Matthews in the County of Essex, at the hour of 10 oclock, to be read as evidence in a suit depending in the Circuit Sup. Court of Law & Chancery for Essex County in which George Saunders and others are ptffs and James Croxton exer of Thomas Crow and others and defts, in pursuance of the notices herewith—
This deponent being first duly sworn deposes and says as follows—
Question by deft’s Counsel. Please state what conversation you have heard between the ptff Saunders, and the deft Croxton in relation to the subject of this suit, and all that passed between them—
Ans: I went with Mr Saunders to Mr Croxton’s House to see him in relation to this matter, there was then no suit depending we found Mr Croxton at a sale and they had a conversation when [where?] Mr Croxton said he was always ready to settle, they then agreed to [illegible] it Mr Croxton asked him to name a time he Saunders said he “could not untill he saw Col Wright and Mr Croxton told him Saunders that Mr Moses Crow was also willing and ready to have the matter settled Mr Saunders said something to Mr Croxton about board of the children he Saunders said it was a fair board and that it should be paid it was reasonable and just and that he would not have any thing that was not just and rather than have any that was unreasonable he would throw it away
Question by same—
Did you, or did you not understand that the children spoken of in your last answer, to be the present wives of the ptffs Saunders and Durham—
Ans yes—
Question by same—What did the ptff Saunders say in relation to the feelings of his wife towards the late Thomas Crow—
Ans He Saunders said that his wife said they (Thos Crow and wife) felt like a father and mother to her
Question by Plaintiffs counsel Did The conversation which occured between Saunders and Croxton as herein before spoken of have reference to any other mode of adjustment of the differences between them than to a compromise
Ans He Saunders spoke of a suit at first saying he would sue afterwards agreed to [illegible] it [illegible] meet him at Tappak afterwards for the purpose of arbitrating it Mr Croxton was present I did see Mr Saunders but heared he was here
Question by same Was it before or after the compromise was spoken of that Mr Saunders expressed his satisfaction with the charge for board—
Ans It was during the conversation but cannot say whether it was before or after
Question by same Did Mr Saunders say that he would pay the board or was it understood that in the proposed difference it should be allowed as charged
Ans He Saunders said he was perfectly satisfied with the board as charged in the account so far as Mr Thos had gone
Question by same Did Mr Saunders have any authority to act for any other persons than himself and wife or did he affirm to be acting under the authority of any other of the parties if any please say Who—
Answer I do not know
And further this deponent sayeth not
John P Armstrong
Subscribed and sworn to before me a justice of the peace for Essex County this 23rd day of October 1839
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, Item 49-D-10.]
On 23 October 1839, Thomas Matthews provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Thomas Matthews of lawfull age taken at the same time & place, to be read as evidence in the same cause—This deponent being first duly sworn on behalf of the defts, deposes and says as follows—
Question by deft’s Counsel—
Please state the time, and all you know in relation to the taking and carrying away of certain negroes from the possession of Moses Crow, by Armstead Jones—
answer
in the winter of 1831 I went to Mr John Jones Senr to see Dr Minor, when I was about half way between the gate and Mr Jones’s House I saw 2 persons come out of Mr Jones’s house & walk off toward a ps of woods between sd Jones’s and Mrs Rennolds. I assertained and Mr Jones’s that one of them was Mr Armstead Jones—having been at Mr Crows the day before on business & he having mentioned to me his intention of selling all or a part of the negroes carried away to Armstead Jones, it excited suspitions in my mind, from Mr Jones’s leaving the House of Mr John Jones, that something was intend [sic] by him not right, on my return to Tappahannock I met Mr James Croxton on his way home & I mentioned to him that he had better see Mr Crow & tell him that he had better, send and have the negroes brought back to his House — in the same walk I heard that Armstead Jones had taken the negroes off—
Question by same—
Please state whether in the conversation referred to with Moses Crow, he the said Moses Crow explained how it was, that the negroes were at the House of Mr John Jones.
Answer
Mr Crow mentioned to me that Armstead Jones had requested him to permit the negroes to go to his uncles Mr Jones & that this might be with some of their connections & that no charge should be made for their support
Question by same—Did he or did he not also say, that he permitted them to stay at Mr John Jones, so as to save the cost & expence of keeping them, untill the arrival of Mr Dawson, a trader, who was kept in the Northern Neck, by the ice in the Rappahannock— Answer, Mr Crow asked me if Mr Dawson had gotten to Tappahannock & I told him that he had not,
Question by same—
What was the state of health, and the bodily condition of Moses Crow at the time referred to— Mr Crow was sick at the time I was at his House—
Question by same.
Was he, or was he not able to attend to business— answer, he was in his bed and appeared to be in considerable pain & had I think a very high fever
Question by Plaintiffs counsel, Did Mr Crow send after the negroes to Mr John Jones—or pursue them after Armstead Jones had taken them away—answer, I do not know—
Question by same Did James Croxton deliver to Moses Crow the message you sent him before spoken of—answer I have no recollection of ever hearing whether he did or not—
Question by same—Did you understand from Mr Crow in the conversation before spoken of that the negroes were at Mr John Jones with the [illegible] and consent of him Moses Crow
Answer—I think that the above question is answered in the 1st question, I having stated that Mr Crow said that Armstead Jones had requested permission for the negroes to go to Mr John Jones’s to be with their connections until sold, he not having said that any objection had been made
Question by same, Please state the circumstances which excited suspicion your [sic] mind relative to Armstead Jonaes before spoken of—Did Moses Crow express suspicion of Armstead Jones, to you or had you heard of any evil intention on his (said A Jones) part relative to said negroes—answer I had transactions with Armstead Jones in my official character as sheriff on[?] [illegible] and I found him to be a very slippery fellow—I did not hear Mr Crow express any want of confidence in him—and further this deponent saith not—
Thomas Matthews
Subscribed and sworn to this 23 Octo 1839
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-10.]
On 23 October 1839, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Was: H. Purkins of lawfull age, taken at the same time & place to be read as evidence in the same cause—This deponent having been first duly sworn on behalf of the defts, deposes as follows—
Question by defts’ Counsel.
Please state all and every fact in your knowledge in relation to the taking and carrying away of any negroes from the possession of Moses Crow and Armstead Jones—the agency you had in the matter, the part performed by you, and every thing else you may know in relation to the matter—
Ansr In the month of January 1831, I was informed by some Gentlemen at Millers Tavern (perhaps A. Finly[?]) that Armistead Jones had taken and carried off from Mr John Jones’s a parcel of negroes belonging to the Estate or to the Children of Massey Jones decd—upon receiving the information I think I told Mr George Durham one of the pltfs in this suit who lived with me and also Mr James Croxton as soon as I saw him about the first of February I was informed by a gentleman who is now dead—that a few days before he had seen three of the negroes in the City of Richmond immediately I again informed Mr James Croxton & also Mr Geo. Durham & proffered to lend my aid in the recovery of the negroes—Mr Croxton came to my house & I went with him to see Mr Moses Crow (who was then confined to his bed & informed me that he had been confined for some weeks past and unable to attend to any business whatever) and I also informed him of the information that I had just recd respecting the negroes—Mr Crow requested Mr Croxton to proceed forthwith to pursue & if possible recover the negroes again—he also requested Mr to [sic] aid Mr Croxton & promised to pay me for so doing—the weather was extremely cold and disagreeable for it was during the large snow that fell in Jany 1839—On Saturday morning Mr Croxton & myself set out for Richmond in pursuit of the negroes as aforesaid and at a late hour of the same night arrive [sic] in Town—On Sunday morning Col Geo Wright & myself commenced walking about the Town and about 11 O’clock AM I discovered a group of negroes and walked amongst them, soon discovered one of the negroes of Jones’s, met with her and was informed that a Mr Jesse Bean of Alabama had purchased them and was then in the act of starting for home—information was immediately given to Mr Croxton, who proceeded to get a Bill of injunction or some legal process to stop the negroes & in the mean time I was requested to Mr Croxton to pursue Bean & the negroes so as to ascertain the Route they had taken
[Here a page of the deposition seems to be missing, as the numbering skips from 9 to 11.]
Jones carried them away, but I do know certainly that Mr Beane had a bill or bills of salve for the three above named woman witnessed by the gentleman aforesaid—There were two other negroes belonging to the Estate of Massey Jones decd named Jack & Suckey which were also carried off by A Jones and sold and I was informed that he sold them to a Trader who sent them off to New Orleans by way of Norfolk only a few days before Mr Croxton & myself reached Richmond in pursuit of them—I have forgotten the name of the Gentleman Trader, I think it was Hawkins, or Walker—Mr Thomas Crow by the last will and Testament of Jno Crow was left the Trustee for the Children of Massey Jones decd & in the year 1825 in the month of Decemr he Thos Crow died & in the succeeding Jany, Mr Moses Crow as the surviving Exor of his Father Jno Crow demanded in my presence of James Croxton & George Crow Exors of Thos Crow decd the negroes belonging to the Children of Massey Jones & they were delivered up to him, and hired out by him from that time untill carried off by Armistead Jones—It was in the latter part of January 1831 that I was told that A Jones had sold the negroes & early in February Mr Croxton & myself pursued them—
Question by same
Please state as well as you recollect whether there has not been several days and places fixed for a reference of the matter involved in this suit, and whether or not the pltf Croxton on those occasions & times, was not in attendance, and answer for the reference—
Answer, I have been several times called on by Mr Croxton to attend as a witness & when in attendance have always found Mr Croxton in attendance and seemingly anxious to have the business brought to a close—he has always manifested to me a great wish to have the suit ended—
Question by same
Please state whether Moses Crow in his lifetime, and Mrs Massy Crow since his death, have been anxious for a reference and settlement of the matter—
Ansr Mr Moses Crow in his lifetime always said he was anxious to have the matter brought to a close & since his death Mrs Crow has manifested a very great wish to get the matter closed either by reference or otherwise
Question by Plaintiff’s counsel, was there not one or more times fixed for a refference [sic] of the matters in dispute between Saunders & & [sic]Croxton the deft at Milers if so what prevented, which of the parties were ready either neither or both—
Ansr I only remember to have heard of one time for a reference at Millers & once at Tappa but why the cause was refered I cannot say—I think Mr Geo. Saunders one of the pltfs was in attendance at both places—
Question by the same How long after you heard that A. Jones had taken off the negroes was it before you informed Mr Moses Crow of it and how long was it after you informed Mr M. Crow before you went in pursuit of the negroes—
Ansr It was several days (I cannot say how many) before I saw Mr Crow and give [sic] him the information after I heard the negroes were carried off by A Jones—but after I did inform him, it was not more than two or three days before he authorized Mr Croxton & myself to pursue them & we did so—I now under [sic] the impression it was the next day but am not certain—
Question by the same was the information which you gave Moses Crow the first time he heard that the negroes were carried off by A. Jones—
Ansr I think Mr Crow told me that he had heard a rumour that Jones had carried them away but said his confinement had prevented him from ascertaining any thing certain & also from doing any thing about the negroes—
Question by the same, Did Mr Crow express any asstonishment [sic] or surprise at hearing that A. Jones had taken of [sic] the negroes—
Ansr he did express astonishment that the negroes were sold by Jones & also that they were carried off & further stated that A Jones requested him to let him take them up to his uncle John Jones’s & keep them at work to avoid expense till the decree’s of Cmr[?] could by finally settled—
Question by the same, How long had A Jones been gone with the negroes before you heard it
Ansr Several days, I cannot say how many—
Question by the same—What became of the negroes after they were brought from Richmond (as herein before stated) and where are they now please state all the particulars so far as you are acquainted with them—
Ansr the negroes are now in Essex and Mr James Croxton states that as the agent of Moses Crow decd he annually hires them out—
Question by defts Counsel—at the time you gave information to Moses Crow that A. Jones had carried away the negroes—please state distinctly the state of the health of Moses Crow, also the state of the weather: and whether under the circumstances Moses Crow used that promptness and diligence in recovering possession of the negroes, as ought reasonably to have been expected of him—
Ansr The evening I give [sic] to Mr Crow the information alluded to he was as well as I remember confined to his bed or chair, I know he could not leave his room & I do not think he could walk at all—he had recd an injury by some means & had been confined some several weeks—& unable to do anything—the weather had been extremely bad for several weeks, a Heavy fall of snow had been on the ground several weeks, and under all the circumstances I think Mr Crow attended to the business as early as he could, for without the aid of some person he never could have done anything untill he got well—
Question by Plaintiffs counsel How long did the negroes remain at Mr John Jones before they were taken off by A. Jones or can you say about what time they were carried to Mr Jno. Jones—
Ansr I heard that they were carried to Mr Jones’s in the month of Jany 1831, but how long before they were carried off I cannot say—
Question by the same. Did Mr Moses Crow make any inquiries or take any steps asscertain [sic] either the rumor of which you say he had heard, was true or not
Ansr I cannot say whether he did or not
Question by the same, did he Moses Crow apply to you or to any other person to act for him, that is to go in pursuit of Jones and the negroes or to take any steps towards their recovery until you offered your services—
Answer—No never to me, I cannot say as to others
And further this deponent saith not.
Was:H:Purkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d day of October 1839—
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box 49, item 49-D-10.]
On 26 October 1839, James Durham provided a deposition in suit of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of James Durham of lawful age taken at the dwelling house of Doctr Jefferson Minor pursuant to notice to be read as evidence in a suit depending in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of Essex County wherein George Saunders and Lucy his wife and George Durham and Polly his wife are plaintiffs and James Croxton surviving Executor of Thomas Crow decd, who was one of the Executors of John Crow decd and Mary M. Crow admix of Moses Crow and in her own right and others are defendants
This deponent being duly sworn
Question by the pltiffs counsel—
Please state any thing you may have heard Moses Crow say in relation to Armistead Jones’s selling the negroes bequeathed by John Crow decd to the children of his daughter Massy Jones and all you may know in relation thereto
Answer
I heard Mr Crow say a little time before he sold the negroes to Mr Hill, that he wished to God, that Armisteed [sic] Jones, would take the whole of them, and carry them off and sell them, for they were so much trouble to him, and no profit.
Question by same—State if you know Armistead Jones’s circumstances whether he held any property also whether he had not been absent for some time out of the state as it was supposed before it was said he carried off the negroes?
Answer—He held no property, except his interest in these negroes, and he had been absent from the state for several years, but returned for twelve months, before it was said he carried off the negroes.
Question by same—State who John P. Armstrong married, & whether his wife is not alive, & whether she has children?
Answer, He married Melissa Crow, daughter of old Mr Thos Crow. His wife is alive, and I know she has a child, and I believe children.
Question by defts Counsel—When Moses Crow said that he wished to God, that Armstead Jones would carry off the whole of the negroes—Do you really and sincerely believe he was in earnest, or whether he was in a fit or otherwise excited—
Answer, It might have been his wish for aught I know.
Question by same—Are you the father of one of the pltf’s in this suit, George Durham and are you the agent of your son in this suit
Answer, I recognise him as my son, I am not the agent of my son in this suit.
Question by same—Have you not been active in attending the various[?] proposed references of the matters involved in this suit, and have you not be active [sic] in the prosecution of this suit.
Answer, Yes, I have, at the request of George Saunders I have taken an active part in this suit, and also to aid my son,
And further this deponent saith not.
James Durham
Subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex this 26th October 1839.
James Semple J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-5.]
On 24 June 1840, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the suit of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Wash. H Purkins of lawfull age retaken by leave of the Court, first obtained at the Tavern of Thomas Matthews in the County of Essex, this 24th day of June 1840, in pursuance of notice herewith, to be read as evidence in a cause pending in the Cir. Sup. Court of Law & Chanc. for Essex in which George Saunders & others are pltfs & James Croxton exor of Thomas Crow decd and others are defts—
This deponent being first duly sworn on behalf of the defts—says—
Question by defts Counsel—Have you read the deposition of Mrs Virginia F. Minor filed in this cause—
Ansr I have
Question by same—Have you any reason to think she is mistaken when she says, that she saw Moses Crow at her Father’s early in Jany 1831 and that A. Jones went off with the negroes in two or three days afterwards—If yes, please state them
Ansr I distinctly remember that some where about the second or third week in January, that George Durham one of the plts in this cause, informed me that one or more of the negroes refered to by Mrs Minor was that morning at his house and informed him that they were going to Mr John Jones’s to avoid incuring any expense that might accrue I cannot state the day of the month, but feel confident it must have been later than the first or second week in January before A. Jones carried the negroes away—
Question by same—
Have you any reason to think that Mrs Minor may also be mistaken in saying that she saw Moses Crow at the House of her Father early in the month of Jany 1831—If so, please state them.
Ansr I have no doubt but that Mrs Minor did see Mr Crow at her Fathers & in the month of Jany 1831—but from the situation I saw Mr Crow in when I informed him that Jones had sold the negroes (which was about 1st Feby) I think several weeks had elapsed since he was in a situation to attend to any business for I think he informed me that he had been confined to his room & bed about three weeks—he was evidently at the time I saw him in very low health, and I think he was confined some considerable time afterwards
Ques. by same—Do I understand from you then distinctly that Mr Crow could not have been at Mr John Jones at all, in any short time before A. Jones carried off the negroes—
Ansr I do not think he could—
And further this deponant saith not
Was:H:Purkins
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-16.]
On 24 June 1840, Thomas Matthews provided a deposition at his tavern in the case of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Thomas Matthews taken at the same time & place, to be read as testimony in the same cause—
Being first duly sworn on behalf of the deft
Question by deft’s Counsel—
You say in your deposition heretofore given, that you saw Mr Moses Crow at his own house, the same week that Armstead Jones took the negroes off—Please say distinctly what was his state of health then, and from what you saw, whether he had been in a situation for some time previous thereto, to attend to any sort of business.
Answer Mr Crow told me that he had been confined for several days, and from his then situation I did not think he ever would recover for really I did not expect he would have his a living man [sic] and certainly his appearance indicated that he had been sick for some time, he was so weak that I had to aid his wife in turning him in his bed—and further this deponant saith not
Thos Matthews
Sworn to and subscribed before me a justice of the peace for the County of Essex this 24th June 1840
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-16.]
His father-in-law John’s estate was divided on 29 October 1806. Parcels went to Hundley Moody and his wife Catharine (44 acres), widow’s dower (90 acres), Thos. Crow and Sarah his wife (50 acres), Jesse Boughan (61 acres), and James Boughan (61 acres). [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, page 87]
On 16 April 1807, James Boughan and Nancy his wife sold property to Thomas Crow. The land adjoined property of Major Boughan and Jesse Boughan. Nancy made a mark. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 37, page 222.]
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.]
On 21 November 1814, John Games presented in court the will of Jesse Boughan, which was protested by Thomas Crow. Probate was deferred until the next court, and on 18 January 1815, Crow’s objections were dismissed, and the will was ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 86–87.]
On 16 January 1815, Caston Boughan and Thomas Crow were bound in the penalty of $1,500 for Caston Boughan’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of Major James Boughan, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, page 93.]
On 20 March 1815, Moses Crow and Thomas Crow were bound in the penalty of $5,000 for Moses Crow’s adminstration with the last will and testament of James Croxton annexed. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 130–131.]
On 16 September 1816, John Games, Thomas Crow and Lewis G Upshaw were bound in the penalty of $2,000 for John Games’s and Thomas Crow’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of John Boughan unadministered by Edward Wright, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 326–327.]
Thomas Crow was mentioned in the 24 January 1820 will of his father, John Crow, proved 20 November 1820, and was named an executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 155–156.]
On 20 November 1820, Thomas Crow, Moses Crow, Peter B. Davis, Graves Burke, Roger Shackelford and Henry H. Boughan were bound in the penalty of $40,000 for Thomas Crow and Moses Crow’s executorship of the estate of John Crow, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, page 157.]
In about 1825, orators and oratrices John, James Catharine, and Prisilla Games and Thomas Crow and Sally his wife who was Sally Boughan petitioned the Chancery Court. That John Boughan who was the father of your oratrix Sally Crow died in ____ intestate leaving the following children: your oratrix Sally Crow, Caty Moody wife of Hundley Moody who has died intestate without heir, Jesse Boughan and James Boughan who has also died leaving James, Polly, Benjamin and Austin the last two named infants. Jesse has died leaving a last will and testament. John Boughan died soon after Jesse. Jesse’s wife died intestate without issue leaving your orators and oratrices John, James, Catharine and Priscilla Games brothers and sisters of the whole blood her heirs. The said John Boughan left a widow Sally who died in 1824. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 42, item 42-M-21.]
On 21 November 1825, Henry H. Boughan, James Croxton, Thomas Crow and Washington H. Purkins were bound $10,000 for Henry H. Boughan and James Croxton’s execution of the will of Thomas Shearwood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 273–274.]
The will of Thomas Crow of the County of Essex was dated 17 December 1825. He mentions “my children” but names only George Crow. A daughter intermarried with John Croxton jr. Wife Sally. Signed Thomas Crow. Witnesses: Was. H. Purkins, Austin Brockenbrough, Moses Crow, Ambrose his x mark Armstrong. Proved 16 January 1826. Bond follows. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 293–294.]
On 16 January 1826, James Croxton Jr., George Crow, Thomas Pilcher and William Fisher were bound in the penalty of $16,000 for James Croxton Jr.’s and George Crow’s execution of the last will and testament of Thomas Crow, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 295.]
On 24 January 1826, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Thomas Crow was made by Was: H Purkins, Chas Bray, and Josiah Minter. Includes slaves Moses, Joe, Sam, Phill, Peter, Lucy & child, Clary & Banks, Jenny & Esther, Rachel & Henry, Sarah (infant), Caty, Patty, Clary (Younger), Barbara, Mary, Julia, Hannah, Nelson, Alice, Sthreshly, Louisa, Martha, Eliza, and Obediah. Ordered recorded 19 May 1829. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 376–380.]
The estate of Thomas Crow, deceased, in account with James Croxton and Geo: Crow, executors, from 1825 to 1827 was ordered recorded 15 June 1829. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 416–418.]
In an undated petition, orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, John Crow, Sally Crow and Malissa Crow, Elizabeth Crow and Kitty Crow infants by Sally Crow their mother and next friend, complained that Thomas Crow died on ____ 1825 testate. James Croxton has married a daughter Sarah. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 44, item 44-D-17.]
Maps of the division of the lands of Thomas Crow in 1828 show parcels to Mrs Sally Crow, John Crow, Malissa Crow, Kitty Crow, George Crow, James Croxton in Right of his wife, Elizabeth Crow and Nathaniel Crow. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 44, items 44-D-14, 44-D-15, and 44-D-16.]
The estate of Thomas Crow, deceased, in account with James Croxton, surviving executor, from 1830 to 1832 was recorded on 17 December 1832. Includes on 14 March 1831 “this sum recd for hires of the negroes allotted to John Crow Jr decd upon division of his fathers negroes”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 18–21.]
In an undated petition, orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, Benjamin Broocke and Elizabeth his wife, Melissa Crow and Kitty Crow an infant by the said Benjamin Broocke her next friend complained that Thomas Crow died in 1825 leaving a widow Sally and children your orator Nathaniel Crow and oratrices Sarah Croxton wife of James Croxton and Crow and George Crow, the two last died of full age unmarried. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-J-20.]
In an undated petition from Croxton &c vs Crows heirs &c, orators and oratrices James Croxton and Sally his wife who was Sally Crow, John P. Armstrong and Malissa his wife who was Malissa Crow, complained that Thomas Crow the father of Sally and Malissa died in ____ 1825 having left a last will and testament, leaving a widow Sally Crow who died in _____ 1830 and seven children viz Nathaniel John George Sally who married your complainant Croxton, Malissa now married your complainant Armstrong, Cathrine [sic] who intermarried with John C. Brizendine and Elizabeth who intermarried with Benjamin Brooks. George died in ____ of full age intestate and without heir and John died in ____ of full age intestate and without heir. The estate was divided in the case of Crow vs. Crows Exrs. Nathaniel died sometime in the year 1833 or thereabouts leaving 5 children: Lucinda, John, Elizabeth, Thomas and Nathaniel, all under age. Cathrine the wife of John C. Brizendine died in 1833 without issue. That Elizabeth the wife of Benjamin Brooks died in ____ without issue. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 47, item 47-K-5.]
In 1839, orators and oratrices George Saunders and Lucy his wife and George Durham and Polly his wife complained that John Crow their grandfather died in 1820 having left a last will and testament. He asked that the balance of his slaves to be equally divided between his children to wit the heirs of William Crow, namely William, Robert, Patsy, Nancy, Henry, Ennis and John Crow, heirs of William Crow deceased, Thomas, Moses and John Crow, and the children of his deceased daughter Massy Jones and children of deceased daughter Sarah Crane. He asked Thomas to “make profit” on Massy’s children’s shares for them. Thomas, Moses and John were named as executors, but only Thomas and Moses took on the burthen. Lucy Saunders and Polly Durham shew that they with Armistead and Dorothy Jones were the children of the said Massy Jones. Division of William Crow’s estate was made in a previous suit. The children of William Crow presented a bill asking reexamination and the division was affirmed, then reversed. Thomas Crow died in ____ while the appeal was pending and appointed his son George Crow and James Croxton executors. George Crow died in March 1830. Moses Crow was left the surviving executor of William Crow. The orators charge that the accounts have been mismanaged. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-38.]
On 23 October 1839, John P. Armstrong provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of John P. Armstrong of lawfull age taken this 23rd day of October 1839. in the Town of Tappahannock at the House of Thomas Matthews in the County of Essex, at the hour of 10 oclock, to be read as evidence in a suit depending in the Circuit Sup. Court of Law & Chancery for Essex County in which George Saunders and others are ptffs and James Croxton exer of Thomas Crow and others and defts, in pursuance of the notices herewith—
This deponent being first duly sworn deposes and says as follows—
Question by deft’s Counsel. Please state what conversation you have heard between the ptff Saunders, and the deft Croxton in relation to the subject of this suit, and all that passed between them—
Ans: I went with Mr Saunders to Mr Croxton’s House to see him in relation to this matter, there was then no suit depending we found Mr Croxton at a sale and they had a conversation when [where?] Mr Croxton said he was always ready to settle, they then agreed to [illegible] it Mr Croxton asked him to name a time he Saunders said he “could not untill he saw Col Wright and Mr Croxton told him Saunders that Mr Moses Crow was also willing and ready to have the matter settled Mr Saunders said something to Mr Croxton about board of the children he Saunders said it was a fair board and that it should be paid it was reasonable and just and that he would not have any thing that was not just and rather than have any that was unreasonable he would throw it away
Question by same—
Did you, or did you not understand that the children spoken of in your last answer, to be the present wives of the ptffs Saunders and Durham—
Ans yes—
Question by same—What did the ptff Saunders say in relation to the feelings of his wife towards the late Thomas Crow—
Ans He Saunders said that his wife said they (Thos Crow and wife) felt like a father and mother to her
Question by Plaintiffs counsel Did The conversation which occured between Saunders and Croxton as herein before spoken of have reference to any other mode of adjustment of the differences between them than to a compromise
Ans He Saunders spoke of a suit at first saying he would sue afterwards agreed to [illegible] it [illegible] meet him at Tappak afterwards for the purpose of arbitrating it Mr Croxton was present I did see Mr Saunders but heared he was here
Question by same Was it before or after the compromise was spoken of that Mr Saunders expressed his satisfaction with the charge for board—
Ans It was during the conversation but cannot say whether it was before or after
Question by same Did Mr Saunders say that he would pay the board or was it understood that in the proposed difference it should be allowed as charged
Ans He Saunders said he was perfectly satisfied with the board as charged in the account so far as Mr Thos had gone
Question by same Did Mr Saunders have any authority to act for any other persons than himself and wife or did he affirm to be acting under the authority of any other of the parties if any please say Who—
Answer I do not know
And further this deponent sayeth not
John P Armstrong
Subscribed and sworn to before me a justice of the peace for Essex County this 23rd day of October 1839
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, Item 49-D-10.]
On 23 October 1839, Thomas Matthews provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Thomas Matthews of lawfull age taken at the same time & place, to be read as evidence in the same cause—This deponent being first duly sworn on behalf of the defts, deposes and says as follows—
Question by deft’s Counsel—
Please state the time, and all you know in relation to the taking and carrying away of certain negroes from the possession of Moses Crow, by Armstead Jones—
answer
in the winter of 1831 I went to Mr John Jones Senr to see Dr Minor, when I was about half way between the gate and Mr Jones’s House I saw 2 persons come out of Mr Jones’s house & walk off toward a ps of woods between sd Jones’s and Mrs Rennolds. I assertained and Mr Jones’s that one of them was Mr Armstead Jones—having been at Mr Crows the day before on business & he having mentioned to me his intention of selling all or a part of the negroes carried away to Armstead Jones, it excited suspitions in my mind, from Mr Jones’s leaving the House of Mr John Jones, that something was intend [sic] by him not right, on my return to Tappahannock I met Mr James Croxton on his way home & I mentioned to him that he had better see Mr Crow & tell him that he had better, send and have the negroes brought back to his House — in the same walk I heard that Armstead Jones had taken the negroes off—
Question by same—
Please state whether in the conversation referred to with Moses Crow, he the said Moses Crow explained how it was, that the negroes were at the House of Mr John Jones.
Answer
Mr Crow mentioned to me that Armstead Jones had requested him to permit the negroes to go to his uncles Mr Jones & that this might be with some of their connections & that no charge should be made for their support
Question by same—Did he or did he not also say, that he permitted them to stay at Mr John Jones, so as to save the cost & expence of keeping them, untill the arrival of Mr Dawson, a trader, who was kept in the Northern Neck, by the ice in the Rappahannock— Answer, Mr Crow asked me if Mr Dawson had gotten to Tappahannock & I told him that he had not,
Question by same—
What was the state of health, and the bodily condition of Moses Crow at the time referred to— Mr Crow was sick at the time I was at his House—
Question by same.
Was he, or was he not able to attend to business— answer, he was in his bed and appeared to be in considerable pain & had I think a very high fever
Question by Plaintiffs counsel, Did Mr Crow send after the negroes to Mr John Jones—or pursue them after Armstead Jones had taken them away—answer, I do not know—
Question by same Did James Croxton deliver to Moses Crow the message you sent him before spoken of—answer I have no recollection of ever hearing whether he did or not—
Question by same—Did you understand from Mr Crow in the conversation before spoken of that the negroes were at Mr John Jones with the [illegible] and consent of him Moses Crow
Answer—I think that the above question is answered in the 1st question, I having stated that Mr Crow said that Armstead Jones had requested permission for the negroes to go to Mr John Jones’s to be with their connections until sold, he not having said that any objection had been made
Question by same, Please state the circumstances which excited suspicion your [sic] mind relative to Armstead Jonaes before spoken of—Did Moses Crow express suspicion of Armstead Jones, to you or had you heard of any evil intention on his (said A Jones) part relative to said negroes—answer I had transactions with Armstead Jones in my official character as sheriff on[?] [illegible] and I found him to be a very slippery fellow—I did not hear Mr Crow express any want of confidence in him—and further this deponent saith not—
Thomas Matthews
Subscribed and sworn to this 23 Octo 1839
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-10.]
On 23 October 1839, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow, in part concerning Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Was: H. Purkins of lawfull age, taken at the same time & place to be read as evidence in the same cause—This deponent having been first duly sworn on behalf of the defts, deposes as follows—
Question by defts’ Counsel.
Please state all and every fact in your knowledge in relation to the taking and carrying away of any negroes from the possession of Moses Crow and Armstead Jones—the agency you had in the matter, the part performed by you, and every thing else you may know in relation to the matter—
Ansr In the month of January 1831, I was informed by some Gentlemen at Millers Tavern (perhaps A. Finly[?]) that Armistead Jones had taken and carried off from Mr John Jones’s a parcel of negroes belonging to the Estate or to the Children of Massey Jones decd—upon receiving the information I think I told Mr George Durham one of the pltfs in this suit who lived with me and also Mr James Croxton as soon as I saw him about the first of February I was informed by a gentleman who is now dead—that a few days before he had seen three of the negroes in the City of Richmond immediately I again informed Mr James Croxton & also Mr Geo. Durham & proffered to lend my aid in the recovery of the negroes—Mr Croxton came to my house & I went with him to see Mr Moses Crow (who was then confined to his bed & informed me that he had been confined for some weeks past and unable to attend to any business whatever) and I also informed him of the information that I had just recd respecting the negroes—Mr Crow requested Mr Croxton to proceed forthwith to pursue & if possible recover the negroes again—he also requested Mr to [sic] aid Mr Croxton & promised to pay me for so doing—the weather was extremely cold and disagreeable for it was during the large snow that fell in Jany 1839—On Saturday morning Mr Croxton & myself set out for Richmond in pursuit of the negroes as aforesaid and at a late hour of the same night arrive [sic] in Town—On Sunday morning Col Geo Wright & myself commenced walking about the Town and about 11 O’clock AM I discovered a group of negroes and walked amongst them, soon discovered one of the negroes of Jones’s, met with her and was informed that a Mr Jesse Bean of Alabama had purchased them and was then in the act of starting for home—information was immediately given to Mr Croxton, who proceeded to get a Bill of injunction or some legal process to stop the negroes & in the mean time I was requested to Mr Croxton to pursue Bean & the negroes so as to ascertain the Route they had taken
[Here a page of the deposition seems to be missing, as the numbering skips from 9 to 11.]
Jones carried them away, but I do know certainly that Mr Beane had a bill or bills of salve for the three above named woman witnessed by the gentleman aforesaid—There were two other negroes belonging to the Estate of Massey Jones decd named Jack & Suckey which were also carried off by A Jones and sold and I was informed that he sold them to a Trader who sent them off to New Orleans by way of Norfolk only a few days before Mr Croxton & myself reached Richmond in pursuit of them—I have forgotten the name of the Gentleman Trader, I think it was Hawkins, or Walker—Mr Thomas Crow by the last will and Testament of Jno Crow was left the Trustee for the Children of Massey Jones decd & in the year 1825 in the month of Decemr he Thos Crow died & in the succeeding Jany, Mr Moses Crow as the surviving Exor of his Father Jno Crow demanded in my presence of James Croxton & George Crow Exors of Thos Crow decd the negroes belonging to the Children of Massey Jones & they were delivered up to him, and hired out by him from that time untill carried off by Armistead Jones—It was in the latter part of January 1831 that I was told that A Jones had sold the negroes & early in February Mr Croxton & myself pursued them—
Question by same
Please state as well as you recollect whether there has not been several days and places fixed for a reference of the matter involved in this suit, and whether or not the pltf Croxton on those occasions & times, was not in attendance, and answer for the reference—
Answer, I have been several times called on by Mr Croxton to attend as a witness & when in attendance have always found Mr Croxton in attendance and seemingly anxious to have the business brought to a close—he has always manifested to me a great wish to have the suit ended—
Question by same
Please state whether Moses Crow in his lifetime, and Mrs Massy Crow since his death, have been anxious for a reference and settlement of the matter—
Ansr Mr Moses Crow in his lifetime always said he was anxious to have the matter brought to a close & since his death Mrs Crow has manifested a very great wish to get the matter closed either by reference or otherwise
Question by Plaintiff’s counsel, was there not one or more times fixed for a refference [sic] of the matters in dispute between Saunders & & [sic]Croxton the deft at Milers if so what prevented, which of the parties were ready either neither or both—
Ansr I only remember to have heard of one time for a reference at Millers & once at Tappa but why the cause was refered I cannot say—I think Mr Geo. Saunders one of the pltfs was in attendance at both places—
Question by the same How long after you heard that A. Jones had taken off the negroes was it before you informed Mr Moses Crow of it and how long was it after you informed Mr M. Crow before you went in pursuit of the negroes—
Ansr It was several days (I cannot say how many) before I saw Mr Crow and give [sic] him the information after I heard the negroes were carried off by A Jones—but after I did inform him, it was not more than two or three days before he authorized Mr Croxton & myself to pursue them & we did so—I now under [sic] the impression it was the next day but am not certain—
Question by the same was the information which you gave Moses Crow the first time he heard that the negroes were carried off by A. Jones—
Ansr I think Mr Crow told me that he had heard a rumour that Jones had carried them away but said his confinement had prevented him from ascertaining any thing certain & also from doing any thing about the negroes—
Question by the same, Did Mr Crow express any asstonishment [sic] or surprise at hearing that A. Jones had taken of [sic] the negroes—
Ansr he did express astonishment that the negroes were sold by Jones & also that they were carried off & further stated that A Jones requested him to let him take them up to his uncle John Jones’s & keep them at work to avoid expense till the decree’s of Cmr[?] could by finally settled—
Question by the same, How long had A Jones been gone with the negroes before you heard it
Ansr Several days, I cannot say how many—
Question by the same—What became of the negroes after they were brought from Richmond (as herein before stated) and where are they now please state all the particulars so far as you are acquainted with them—
Ansr the negroes are now in Essex and Mr James Croxton states that as the agent of Moses Crow decd he annually hires them out—
Question by defts Counsel—at the time you gave information to Moses Crow that A. Jones had carried away the negroes—please state distinctly the state of the health of Moses Crow, also the state of the weather: and whether under the circumstances Moses Crow used that promptness and diligence in recovering possession of the negroes, as ought reasonably to have been expected of him—
Ansr The evening I give [sic] to Mr Crow the information alluded to he was as well as I remember confined to his bed or chair, I know he could not leave his room & I do not think he could walk at all—he had recd an injury by some means & had been confined some several weeks—& unable to do anything—the weather had been extremely bad for several weeks, a Heavy fall of snow had been on the ground several weeks, and under all the circumstances I think Mr Crow attended to the business as early as he could, for without the aid of some person he never could have done anything untill he got well—
Question by Plaintiffs counsel How long did the negroes remain at Mr John Jones before they were taken off by A. Jones or can you say about what time they were carried to Mr Jno. Jones—
Ansr I heard that they were carried to Mr Jones’s in the month of Jany 1831, but how long before they were carried off I cannot say—
Question by the same. Did Mr Moses Crow make any inquiries or take any steps asscertain [sic] either the rumor of which you say he had heard, was true or not
Ansr I cannot say whether he did or not
Question by the same, did he Moses Crow apply to you or to any other person to act for him, that is to go in pursuit of Jones and the negroes or to take any steps towards their recovery until you offered your services—
Answer—No never to me, I cannot say as to others
And further this deponent saith not.
Was:H:Purkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d day of October 1839—
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box 49, item 49-D-10.]
On 26 October 1839, James Durham provided a deposition in suit of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of James Durham of lawful age taken at the dwelling house of Doctr Jefferson Minor pursuant to notice to be read as evidence in a suit depending in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of Essex County wherein George Saunders and Lucy his wife and George Durham and Polly his wife are plaintiffs and James Croxton surviving Executor of Thomas Crow decd, who was one of the Executors of John Crow decd and Mary M. Crow admix of Moses Crow and in her own right and others are defendants
This deponent being duly sworn
Question by the pltiffs counsel—
Please state any thing you may have heard Moses Crow say in relation to Armistead Jones’s selling the negroes bequeathed by John Crow decd to the children of his daughter Massy Jones and all you may know in relation thereto
Answer
I heard Mr Crow say a little time before he sold the negroes to Mr Hill, that he wished to God, that Armisteed [sic] Jones, would take the whole of them, and carry them off and sell them, for they were so much trouble to him, and no profit.
Question by same—State if you know Armistead Jones’s circumstances whether he held any property also whether he had not been absent for some time out of the state as it was supposed before it was said he carried off the negroes?
Answer—He held no property, except his interest in these negroes, and he had been absent from the state for several years, but returned for twelve months, before it was said he carried off the negroes.
Question by same—State who John P. Armstrong married, & whether his wife is not alive, & whether she has children?
Answer, He married Melissa Crow, daughter of old Mr Thos Crow. His wife is alive, and I know she has a child, and I believe children.
Question by defts Counsel—When Moses Crow said that he wished to God, that Armstead Jones would carry off the whole of the negroes—Do you really and sincerely believe he was in earnest, or whether he was in a fit or otherwise excited—
Answer, It might have been his wish for aught I know.
Question by same—Are you the father of one of the pltf’s in this suit, George Durham and are you the agent of your son in this suit
Answer, I recognise him as my son, I am not the agent of my son in this suit.
Question by same—Have you not been active in attending the various[?] proposed references of the matters involved in this suit, and have you not be active [sic] in the prosecution of this suit.
Answer, Yes, I have, at the request of George Saunders I have taken an active part in this suit, and also to aid my son,
And further this deponent saith not.
James Durham
Subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex this 26th October 1839.
James Semple J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-5.]
On 24 June 1840, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the suit of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Wash. H Purkins of lawfull age retaken by leave of the Court, first obtained at the Tavern of Thomas Matthews in the County of Essex, this 24th day of June 1840, in pursuance of notice herewith, to be read as evidence in a cause pending in the Cir. Sup. Court of Law & Chanc. for Essex in which George Saunders & others are pltfs & James Croxton exor of Thomas Crow decd and others are defts—
This deponent being first duly sworn on behalf of the defts—says—
Question by defts Counsel—Have you read the deposition of Mrs Virginia F. Minor filed in this cause—
Ansr I have
Question by same—Have you any reason to think she is mistaken when she says, that she saw Moses Crow at her Father’s early in Jany 1831 and that A. Jones went off with the negroes in two or three days afterwards—If yes, please state them
Ansr I distinctly remember that some where about the second or third week in January, that George Durham one of the plts in this cause, informed me that one or more of the negroes refered to by Mrs Minor was that morning at his house and informed him that they were going to Mr John Jones’s to avoid incuring any expense that might accrue I cannot state the day of the month, but feel confident it must have been later than the first or second week in January before A. Jones carried the negroes away—
Question by same—
Have you any reason to think that Mrs Minor may also be mistaken in saying that she saw Moses Crow at the House of her Father early in the month of Jany 1831—If so, please state them.
Ansr I have no doubt but that Mrs Minor did see Mr Crow at her Fathers & in the month of Jany 1831—but from the situation I saw Mr Crow in when I informed him that Jones had sold the negroes (which was about 1st Feby) I think several weeks had elapsed since he was in a situation to attend to any business for I think he informed me that he had been confined to his room & bed about three weeks—he was evidently at the time I saw him in very low health, and I think he was confined some considerable time afterwards
Ques. by same—Do I understand from you then distinctly that Mr Crow could not have been at Mr John Jones at all, in any short time before A. Jones carried off the negroes—
Ansr I do not think he could—
And further this deponant saith not
Was:H:Purkins
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-16.]
On 24 June 1840, Thomas Matthews provided a deposition at his tavern in the case of Saunders vs. Crow that concerned in part Thomas Crow:
The deposition of Thomas Matthews taken at the same time & place, to be read as testimony in the same cause—
Being first duly sworn on behalf of the deft
Question by deft’s Counsel—
You say in your deposition heretofore given, that you saw Mr Moses Crow at his own house, the same week that Armstead Jones took the negroes off—Please say distinctly what was his state of health then, and from what you saw, whether he had been in a situation for some time previous thereto, to attend to any sort of business.
Answer Mr Crow told me that he had been confined for several days, and from his then situation I did not think he ever would recover for really I did not expect he would have his a living man [sic] and certainly his appearance indicated that he had been sick for some time, he was so weak that I had to aid his wife in turning him in his bed—and further this deponant saith not
Thos Matthews
Sworn to and subscribed before me a justice of the peace for the County of Essex this 24th June 1840
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-16.]
Spouses
Marriagebef 1807
ChildrenJohn (-1828)
Sarah E. “Sally” (~1801-1856)
George (<1808-1830)
Nathaniel (-~1833)
Catharine “Kitty” (~1818-~1837)