Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
NameBenjamin Boughan 
Birth1805/1807
ResidenceEssex County, Virginia
FatherJames Boughan (<1784-<1825)
MotherNancy (<1790-)
Documentation
On 25 May 1807, James Boughan of South Farnham Parish sold to John Brown property from the estate of his father, John Boughan, who had recently died intestate. This was done “in trust however & upon this consideration that the said John Brown his heirs Executors administrators or assigns shall hold true the said property above conveyed for the sole and exclusive use & benefit of Nancy Boughan the wife of the said James & of John Boughan, James Boughan, Mary Boughan & Benjamin Boughan children of the said James & Nancy Boughan & of such other children as the said Nancy may bear during the life of said James, managing the said property in such manner as the judgment & discretion of the said John Brown may direct...” Signed by James Boughan and John Brown. Witnesses were Richard Beazley, Rind. Jones, and Henry Brown. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 37, page 192.]
In May 1824, Cary Turner willed that profits from the sale of her land be given to the heirs of her two brothers John Boughan and Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 229–230.]
On 17 January 1825, Austin and Benjamin Boughan, orphans of James Boughan, made choice of Henry H. Boughan as their guardian. Henry H. Boughan entered into $200 bound with Washington H. Purkins as his security. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 44, page 254.]
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 19 March 1830, an inquisition was taken on the death of George Crow in which Benjamin Boughan was held responsible: Essex County to wit, Inquisition indented taken at the Farmers Hotel in the town of Tappahannock in the County aforesaid the 19th day of March in the year 1830 before one Thomas Wright, one of the Coroners of the Commonwealth for the County aforesaid, upon the viewing of the body of George Crow late of the County aforesaid then and there lying dead and upon the oaths of Ephraim Beazley, Thomas Pilcher, John H. Upshaw, Fontaine Wood, Robert Clarke, James Durham, Lewis L. Jones, William Fisher, Laurence Crouch, John Games, Thomas Hundley and Thomas Jesse—good and lawful men of the County aforesaid who being sworn and charged to inquire on the part of the said Commonwealth when and where how and after what manner the said George Crow came ot his death, do say upon their oaths that one Benjamin Boughan labourer late of the parish South farnham in the County aforesaid, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil on the evening of the 15th of the present month (March) in the year aforesaid with force and arms in the street before the door of the Farmers Hotel in the Town of Tappahannock in the County aforesaid in and upon the body of the said George Crow then and there being in the peace of God, and of the said Commonwealth feloniously made an assault, and that the aforesaid Benjamin Boughan then and there with a certain pocket knife made of Iron & steel of the value of twenty five cents which he the said Benjamin Boughan then and there held in his hand the aforesaid George Crow in and upon the left breast of the said George Crow near the heart, then and there violently feloniously struck and pierced and gave to the said George Crow then and there with the knife aforesaid in and upon the aforesaid left breast of the said George Crow near the heart, one mortal wound of the breadth of one Inch & one half and of the depth of two Inches of which said mortal wound the said George Crow languished until the 19th of said month March when he the said George Crow died and so the said Benjamin Boughan, then and there killed the said George Crow against the peace and dignity of the commonwealth, and moreover the Jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do say that the said Benjamin Boughan at the time of committing of the felony aforesaid had lands and tenements of the value of eight dollars. In witness whereof as well the aforesaid Coroner as the Jurors aforesaid have to this Inquisition put their seals on the day & year aforesaid and at the place aforesaid— E Beazley (seal), Thomas Pilcher (seal), Jno H. Upshaw (seal), Fontaine Wood (seal), Robert + Clarke (seal), James Durham (seal), Lewis L. Jones (seal), Wm. Fisher (seal), Lau: Crouch (seal), John Games (seal), Thomas Hundley (seal), Thos Jesse Jr. (seal), Thos Wright, Cor: (Seal). At an Intervening Court begun and held for Essex County at the Courthouse in Tappahannock On the 19th day of April 1830—This Inquisition was returned and Ordered to be Recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 83–84.]
On 23 March 1830, Benjamin Boughan was brought to court charged with the murder of George Crow. The attorney for the Commonwealth declined to prosecute and Benjamin Boughan was released from custody. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 47, page 25.]
On 29 March 1830, Benjamin Boughan was brought to court charged with the murder of George Crow: At a called Court held for the County of Essex at the Courthouse in Tappahannock on Monday the 29th day of March 1830 for the Examination of Benjamin Boughan charged with murdering George Crow by stabbing him the said George Crow
//
Present: Archibald Ritchie, Edmund F Noel, Warner Lewis, Thomas Wright jr, Richard Rouzee, Walter Bowie, Laurence Roane, Justices
//
The said Benjamin Boughan was led to the bar in custody of the Jailer of this County, upon hearing the evidence of the Witnesses and the arguments of counsel as well in behalf of the Commonwealth, as the prisoner, It is the opinion of the Court, that the Prisoner be sent on to the next Superior Court of Law to be held for this County for further trial for the murder of George Crow, with which he stands charged and thereupon the prisoner is remainded to Jail
//
The Deposition of Richard S. Taylor of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he in company with John W Hoomes and William C Haynes was walking up the street on his way to Mr Bamers on the evening of the 15th March 1830, when he was intercepted by the Prisoner, who caught hold of his the Witnesses coat—The Deponent demanded of the Prisoner what he meant by such conduct upon which the Witness broke the prisoners hands loose—The Prisoner then advanced upon Mr Haynes and seised him, when he Haynes knocked the Prisoner down—That immediately after this George Crow and Haynes engaged in a fight, Mr Haynes having pulled off his coat, the Witness took it upon his arm, and walked a little out of the crowd which was assembled around, when the prisoner again approached the Witness, and said to him that he thought he was more of a Gentleman, which remark he the Witness did not notice—That at this time Mr Hoomes proclaimed that the Prisoner had a knife, and cautioned the company to be on their guard, shortly after which he heard that the Prisoner had stabbed George Crow; that the Prisoner so soon as it was proclaimed, that he had stabbed George Crow, walked across the street as if he were going off—the prisoner was met by a gentleman, who expostulated with him the prisoner, and who told the Prisoner that he had advised him, to put that knife of his up—That the Witness together with Mr Pilcher and some other gentlemen took hold of the Prisoner, and made search for the knife—Mr Pilcher feeling for the knife in the Prisoners pockets—Mr Pilcher observed he could not find the knife; the Witness then told him to shake the Prisoners clothes, which caused the knife to fall just at the Prisoners feet—The Prisoner having placed the knife between his pantaloons and shift, instead of putting it in his pocket—and he the Witness thought the Prisoner was intoxicated but not so much as he pretended to be—
//
The Deposition of George Stubblefield of lawful age he being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he was present when the fight took place between Mr Haynes and the Prisoner, and also Witnessed the fight between Mr George Crow (the deceased) and Mr Haynes, alluded to in the Depositions of Mr Richard S. Taylor and Mr John W Hoomes—That the Deponent advised the Prisoner to shut a knife which he held in his hand and to give it to the Deponent to keep for him till the morning, which he the Prisoner refused to do; that immediately after this he heard it proclaimed that the Prisoner had stabbed George Crow—The Deponent does not think that the Prisoner intended to stab George Crow from the circumstance of Mr Crows being the only person in the crowd who seemed to be his the Prisoners friend, at the time of the fight between Mr Haynes and the Prisoner; Mr Crow having said that the Prisoner should not be imposed on which produced the fight which has already been related between Haynes and Crow
//
The Deposition of Thomas Pilcher of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says that on Monday the 15th day of the present month about dusk he was standing in the door of the Farmers Hotel in this place That he the Deponent saw the Prisoner and Crow engaged in a scuffle and immediately after they disengaged, George Crow claimed, that he was stabbed and advanced towards the Tavern door, and was in the act of falling, when he the Deponent caught him in his arms, and supported him—The Deponent heard the knife shut and advised the bystanders to arrest the Prisoner—The Deponent took hold of the Prisoner himself; the Prisoner denying that he had a knife—that diligent search was made for the knife, when it was seen to fall first at the Prisoners feet—The Prisoner having concealed it between his pantaloons and shirt, as the Deponent now believes—The Deponent took the knife into his possession which he has exhibited this day in Court
//
The Deposition of John W Hoomes of lawful age he being first duly sworn deposes and says that on the evening of the 15th day of March 1830, he in company with Richard S Taylor and William C. Haynes, was passing by Col: Daingerfields Tavern on their was to Mr Parners, that he saw a large company collected at the Tavern among which was the Prisoner, who had his coat off; that he advised Mr Haynes not to go into the crawd, having understood that he had had a fight with the Prisoner just before—That the Prisoner came to the spot where Mr Taylor, Mr Haynes and himself were standing and seised Mr Taylor by the coat, who disengaged himself from the Prisoner that the prisoner then advanced upon Mr Haynes who knocked the Prisoner down; that the Prisoner arose and was again knocked down by Haynes; that shortly after this a fight took place between Haynes and George Crow after the termination of which he saw the Prisoner with an open knife in his hand, that he the Deponent kept the Prisoner off with a stick; that the Prisoner then went into the crowd where Haynes and Crow were standing, that immediately after he heard a blow, and he the Deponent exalimed that Crow was stabbed, that the Prisoner then left the crowd, and was apparently making off, that he heard the Prisoner shut his knife, and he thinks made an effort to put it in his pocket, that the Prisoner was pursued by Mr Taylor, and held till a search was made for the knife, which was found at the Prisoners feet and taken in charge by Mr Pilcher—
//
The Deposition of Austin Brockenbrough of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he was called upon the see Mr Crow after he was stabbed, that he found Mr Crow at the Tavern lying down and bleeding profusely; that he examined the wound and found it had punctuated into the chest he felt the wind issuing in and out of the wound, and as he supposes passing into the lungs that he has no hesitation in saying that the said Crow came to his death by means of the violence of the wound—The Deponent further states that he examined the wound after the death of Crow, at the request of the Coroners Jury, and believes that the wound punctuated into the covering of the heart, and that said Crow died on the morning of the 19th Instant
//
The Deposition of Eliza Alexander of lawful age, she being first duly sworn deposes and says that about three weeks previous to the death of George Crow, the said Crow and the Prisoner were at her house, when a quarrel arose between them and the said Crow, and the Prisoner the Prisoner [sic] remarked to the said Crow, that there were more ways to whip a man than fist fighting, that the Prisoner cursed the said Crow very much, and after staying there sometime they both went away in anger
//
William Burke on oath deposes and says, that he was present, on the evening of the 15th Instant about the time that the said Crow was stabbed, that he saw the Prisoner advance upon the said Crow; that he Crow pushed the Prisoner off several times, that Crow then carried the Prisoner off several yards, but returned towards the Tavern himself, upon which the Prisoner followed him Crow and a scuffle ensued, and shortly after the said Crow came towards the Deponent, and exalimed that he had been stabbed—The Prisoner then came out of the crowd towards the Deponent in a slooping attitude, with a knife in his hand, and he the Deponent was alarmed, and seised the Prisoner and asked him if he meant to stab him, the Deponent, and the Prisoner replied that he did not, for that he knew who he the Deponent was—Upon this the Prisoner left the company and was taken in custody by Mr Taylor; that he thinks that the Prisoner was intoxicated but knew very well what he was about //
Richard S Taylor, and John W Hoomes, George Stubblefield William Burke Eliza Alexander, Thomas Pilcher and Austin Brockenbrough, severally acknoweldge themselves to owe and stand indebted to John Floyd Esq. Governor or chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of One hundred Dollars each, to be levied of their respective lands and tenements goods and chattles; and to the said Governor and his successors for the use of the said Commonwealth to be rendered—Yet upon this Condition, that if the said Richard S Taylor, John W Hoomes George Stubblefield, William Burke Eliza Alexander, Thomas Pilcher and Austin Brockenbrough shall severally make their personal appearance before the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for this County, on the first day of the next term of the said Court, to give evidence in behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia against Benjamin Boughan, charged with murdering George Crow, and shall not depart thence, without the leave of the said Court, then this recognizance to be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue—
Signed: Archibald Ritchie, W. . . . .Lewis [sic], Richard Rowzee, Edmund F Noel, Walter Bowie, Thos Wright jr, Laurence Roane
[Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 47, pages 22–25.]
On 21 April 1830, Benjamin Boughan sold to Henry H. Boughan, land “to which he is entitled as one of the heirs of Caty Moody decd. who was before her intermarriage with the said Moody Caty Baughan.…” [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 43, page ?]
The estate of Cary Turner in account with Thomas Purkins, executor, from 1825 to 1830, and the estate of John Turner, deceased, in account with Thomas Purkins, administrator, from 1826 to 1830 were ordered recorded 18 April 1831. Includes from Cary’s estate 1/9 share payments ($41.72) to distributees in November 1830: Mary Boughan’s administrator, Elizabeth Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Gabriel Boughan, John Boughan, James Croxton for Sally Crow’s part who was Sally Boughan, W.H. Purkins administrator of Thomas Boughan, ditto the administrator of Josiah Minter who married Caty Boughan; and the heirs of James Boughan (1/4 of 1/9 or $10.43): James Boughan, Mary Boughan, Benjamin Boughan, and Austin Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 270–274.]
In the early 1830s (probably 1831), orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, James Croxton and Sally his wife, Melissa Crow, Benjamin Brooks and Elizabeth his wife and Catharine Crow an infant by the said James Croxton, (who show that they are the only heirs of the late Sally Crow, who was one of the heirs of John Boughan), and your orators and oratrices James Boughan, Polly Boughan, Benjamin Boughan by Henry H. Boughan his trustee and Austin Boughan that they are the only heirs of James Boughan deceased filed complaint with Chancery Court in Essex County. That the late Jessee Boughan was the remaining heir of the late John Boughan deceased. That Jesse died many years ago, leaving a widow Elizabeth, deceased for many years. That administration of his estate was granted to John Games. That John Boughan and his brother Major had two small tracts of land in Essex on Piscataway, 13-1/2 acres known as Kerchevall. Major Boughan’s heirs transferred their interest in the land to John H. Upshaw. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 38, item 38-F-6.]
On 21 April 1830, a deed was executed between Benjamin Boughan of the first part, Henry H. Boughan of the second part, and John Boughan of the third part, all of the County of Essex. Whereas John Boughan is security to Benjamin Boughan in two bonds for $50 each dated 16 March 1830, one to James Garnett and the other to William A. Wright, and whereas Benjamin Boughan seeks to indemnify John Boughan, for $1 paid by Henry H. Boughan, Benjamin Boughan sells to Henry H. Boughan title to land bounded by Mrs. Sally Crow and others, a tract on which Hunley Moody lives, to which he is entitled as one of the heirs of Caty Moody decd who was before her marriage Caty Boughan. Henry H. Boughan is to sell this land to the highest bidder and to pay John Boughan. Signed Benjamin Boughan, Henry H. Boughan. Witnesses: Wm H. Frank, Geo: A. Daingerfield, Henry A. Lumpkin. Ordered recorded 22 April 1830. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 43, pages 174–175.]
In May 1824, Cary Turner willed that profits from the sale of her land be given to the heirs of her two brothers John Boughan and Major Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 229–230.]
On 17 January 1825, Austin and Benjamin Boughan, orphans of James Boughan, made choice of Henry H. Boughan as their guardian. Henry H. Boughan entered into $200 bound with Washington H. Purkins as his security. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 44, page 254.]
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 19 March 1830, an inquisition was taken on the death of George Crow in which Benjamin Boughan was held responsible: Essex County to wit, Inquisition indented taken at the Farmers Hotel in the town of Tappahannock in the County aforesaid the 19th day of March in the year 1830 before one Thomas Wright, one of the Coroners of the Commonwealth for the County aforesaid, upon the viewing of the body of George Crow late of the County aforesaid then and there lying dead and upon the oaths of Ephraim Beazley, Thomas Pilcher, John H. Upshaw, Fontaine Wood, Robert Clarke, James Durham, Lewis L. Jones, William Fisher, Laurence Crouch, John Games, Thomas Hundley and Thomas Jesse—good and lawful men of the County aforesaid who being sworn and charged to inquire on the part of the said Commonwealth when and where how and after what manner the said George Crow came ot his death, do say upon their oaths that one Benjamin Boughan labourer late of the parish South farnham in the County aforesaid, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil on the evening of the 15th of the present month (March) in the year aforesaid with force and arms in the street before the door of the Farmers Hotel in the Town of Tappahannock in the County aforesaid in and upon the body of the said George Crow then and there being in the peace of God, and of the said Commonwealth feloniously made an assault, and that the aforesaid Benjamin Boughan then and there with a certain pocket knife made of Iron & steel of the value of twenty five cents which he the said Benjamin Boughan then and there held in his hand the aforesaid George Crow in and upon the left breast of the said George Crow near the heart, then and there violently feloniously struck and pierced and gave to the said George Crow then and there with the knife aforesaid in and upon the aforesaid left breast of the said George Crow near the heart, one mortal wound of the breadth of one Inch & one half and of the depth of two Inches of which said mortal wound the said George Crow languished until the 19th of said month March when he the said George Crow died and so the said Benjamin Boughan, then and there killed the said George Crow against the peace and dignity of the commonwealth, and moreover the Jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do say that the said Benjamin Boughan at the time of committing of the felony aforesaid had lands and tenements of the value of eight dollars. In witness whereof as well the aforesaid Coroner as the Jurors aforesaid have to this Inquisition put their seals on the day & year aforesaid and at the place aforesaid— E Beazley (seal), Thomas Pilcher (seal), Jno H. Upshaw (seal), Fontaine Wood (seal), Robert + Clarke (seal), James Durham (seal), Lewis L. Jones (seal), Wm. Fisher (seal), Lau: Crouch (seal), John Games (seal), Thomas Hundley (seal), Thos Jesse Jr. (seal), Thos Wright, Cor: (Seal). At an Intervening Court begun and held for Essex County at the Courthouse in Tappahannock On the 19th day of April 1830—This Inquisition was returned and Ordered to be Recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 83–84.]
On 23 March 1830, Benjamin Boughan was brought to court charged with the murder of George Crow. The attorney for the Commonwealth declined to prosecute and Benjamin Boughan was released from custody. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 47, page 25.]
On 29 March 1830, Benjamin Boughan was brought to court charged with the murder of George Crow: At a called Court held for the County of Essex at the Courthouse in Tappahannock on Monday the 29th day of March 1830 for the Examination of Benjamin Boughan charged with murdering George Crow by stabbing him the said George Crow
//
Present: Archibald Ritchie, Edmund F Noel, Warner Lewis, Thomas Wright jr, Richard Rouzee, Walter Bowie, Laurence Roane, Justices
//
The said Benjamin Boughan was led to the bar in custody of the Jailer of this County, upon hearing the evidence of the Witnesses and the arguments of counsel as well in behalf of the Commonwealth, as the prisoner, It is the opinion of the Court, that the Prisoner be sent on to the next Superior Court of Law to be held for this County for further trial for the murder of George Crow, with which he stands charged and thereupon the prisoner is remainded to Jail
//
The Deposition of Richard S. Taylor of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he in company with John W Hoomes and William C Haynes was walking up the street on his way to Mr Bamers on the evening of the 15th March 1830, when he was intercepted by the Prisoner, who caught hold of his the Witnesses coat—The Deponent demanded of the Prisoner what he meant by such conduct upon which the Witness broke the prisoners hands loose—The Prisoner then advanced upon Mr Haynes and seised him, when he Haynes knocked the Prisoner down—That immediately after this George Crow and Haynes engaged in a fight, Mr Haynes having pulled off his coat, the Witness took it upon his arm, and walked a little out of the crowd which was assembled around, when the prisoner again approached the Witness, and said to him that he thought he was more of a Gentleman, which remark he the Witness did not notice—That at this time Mr Hoomes proclaimed that the Prisoner had a knife, and cautioned the company to be on their guard, shortly after which he heard that the Prisoner had stabbed George Crow; that the Prisoner so soon as it was proclaimed, that he had stabbed George Crow, walked across the street as if he were going off—the prisoner was met by a gentleman, who expostulated with him the prisoner, and who told the Prisoner that he had advised him, to put that knife of his up—That the Witness together with Mr Pilcher and some other gentlemen took hold of the Prisoner, and made search for the knife—Mr Pilcher feeling for the knife in the Prisoners pockets—Mr Pilcher observed he could not find the knife; the Witness then told him to shake the Prisoners clothes, which caused the knife to fall just at the Prisoners feet—The Prisoner having placed the knife between his pantaloons and shift, instead of putting it in his pocket—and he the Witness thought the Prisoner was intoxicated but not so much as he pretended to be—
//
The Deposition of George Stubblefield of lawful age he being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he was present when the fight took place between Mr Haynes and the Prisoner, and also Witnessed the fight between Mr George Crow (the deceased) and Mr Haynes, alluded to in the Depositions of Mr Richard S. Taylor and Mr John W Hoomes—That the Deponent advised the Prisoner to shut a knife which he held in his hand and to give it to the Deponent to keep for him till the morning, which he the Prisoner refused to do; that immediately after this he heard it proclaimed that the Prisoner had stabbed George Crow—The Deponent does not think that the Prisoner intended to stab George Crow from the circumstance of Mr Crows being the only person in the crowd who seemed to be his the Prisoners friend, at the time of the fight between Mr Haynes and the Prisoner; Mr Crow having said that the Prisoner should not be imposed on which produced the fight which has already been related between Haynes and Crow
//
The Deposition of Thomas Pilcher of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says that on Monday the 15th day of the present month about dusk he was standing in the door of the Farmers Hotel in this place That he the Deponent saw the Prisoner and Crow engaged in a scuffle and immediately after they disengaged, George Crow claimed, that he was stabbed and advanced towards the Tavern door, and was in the act of falling, when he the Deponent caught him in his arms, and supported him—The Deponent heard the knife shut and advised the bystanders to arrest the Prisoner—The Deponent took hold of the Prisoner himself; the Prisoner denying that he had a knife—that diligent search was made for the knife, when it was seen to fall first at the Prisoners feet—The Prisoner having concealed it between his pantaloons and shirt, as the Deponent now believes—The Deponent took the knife into his possession which he has exhibited this day in Court
//
The Deposition of John W Hoomes of lawful age he being first duly sworn deposes and says that on the evening of the 15th day of March 1830, he in company with Richard S Taylor and William C. Haynes, was passing by Col: Daingerfields Tavern on their was to Mr Parners, that he saw a large company collected at the Tavern among which was the Prisoner, who had his coat off; that he advised Mr Haynes not to go into the crawd, having understood that he had had a fight with the Prisoner just before—That the Prisoner came to the spot where Mr Taylor, Mr Haynes and himself were standing and seised Mr Taylor by the coat, who disengaged himself from the Prisoner that the prisoner then advanced upon Mr Haynes who knocked the Prisoner down; that the Prisoner arose and was again knocked down by Haynes; that shortly after this a fight took place between Haynes and George Crow after the termination of which he saw the Prisoner with an open knife in his hand, that he the Deponent kept the Prisoner off with a stick; that the Prisoner then went into the crowd where Haynes and Crow were standing, that immediately after he heard a blow, and he the Deponent exalimed that Crow was stabbed, that the Prisoner then left the crowd, and was apparently making off, that he heard the Prisoner shut his knife, and he thinks made an effort to put it in his pocket, that the Prisoner was pursued by Mr Taylor, and held till a search was made for the knife, which was found at the Prisoners feet and taken in charge by Mr Pilcher—
//
The Deposition of Austin Brockenbrough of lawful age, he being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he was called upon the see Mr Crow after he was stabbed, that he found Mr Crow at the Tavern lying down and bleeding profusely; that he examined the wound and found it had punctuated into the chest he felt the wind issuing in and out of the wound, and as he supposes passing into the lungs that he has no hesitation in saying that the said Crow came to his death by means of the violence of the wound—The Deponent further states that he examined the wound after the death of Crow, at the request of the Coroners Jury, and believes that the wound punctuated into the covering of the heart, and that said Crow died on the morning of the 19th Instant
//
The Deposition of Eliza Alexander of lawful age, she being first duly sworn deposes and says that about three weeks previous to the death of George Crow, the said Crow and the Prisoner were at her house, when a quarrel arose between them and the said Crow, and the Prisoner the Prisoner [sic] remarked to the said Crow, that there were more ways to whip a man than fist fighting, that the Prisoner cursed the said Crow very much, and after staying there sometime they both went away in anger
//
William Burke on oath deposes and says, that he was present, on the evening of the 15th Instant about the time that the said Crow was stabbed, that he saw the Prisoner advance upon the said Crow; that he Crow pushed the Prisoner off several times, that Crow then carried the Prisoner off several yards, but returned towards the Tavern himself, upon which the Prisoner followed him Crow and a scuffle ensued, and shortly after the said Crow came towards the Deponent, and exalimed that he had been stabbed—The Prisoner then came out of the crowd towards the Deponent in a slooping attitude, with a knife in his hand, and he the Deponent was alarmed, and seised the Prisoner and asked him if he meant to stab him, the Deponent, and the Prisoner replied that he did not, for that he knew who he the Deponent was—Upon this the Prisoner left the company and was taken in custody by Mr Taylor; that he thinks that the Prisoner was intoxicated but knew very well what he was about //
Richard S Taylor, and John W Hoomes, George Stubblefield William Burke Eliza Alexander, Thomas Pilcher and Austin Brockenbrough, severally acknoweldge themselves to owe and stand indebted to John Floyd Esq. Governor or chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of One hundred Dollars each, to be levied of their respective lands and tenements goods and chattles; and to the said Governor and his successors for the use of the said Commonwealth to be rendered—Yet upon this Condition, that if the said Richard S Taylor, John W Hoomes George Stubblefield, William Burke Eliza Alexander, Thomas Pilcher and Austin Brockenbrough shall severally make their personal appearance before the Judge of the Superior Court of Law for this County, on the first day of the next term of the said Court, to give evidence in behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia against Benjamin Boughan, charged with murdering George Crow, and shall not depart thence, without the leave of the said Court, then this recognizance to be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue—
Signed: Archibald Ritchie, W. . . . .Lewis [sic], Richard Rowzee, Edmund F Noel, Walter Bowie, Thos Wright jr, Laurence Roane
[Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 47, pages 22–25.]
On 21 April 1830, Benjamin Boughan sold to Henry H. Boughan, land “to which he is entitled as one of the heirs of Caty Moody decd. who was before her intermarriage with the said Moody Caty Baughan.…” [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 43, page ?]
The estate of Cary Turner in account with Thomas Purkins, executor, from 1825 to 1830, and the estate of John Turner, deceased, in account with Thomas Purkins, administrator, from 1826 to 1830 were ordered recorded 18 April 1831. Includes from Cary’s estate 1/9 share payments ($41.72) to distributees in November 1830: Mary Boughan’s administrator, Elizabeth Boughan, Lucy Boughan, Gabriel Boughan, John Boughan, James Croxton for Sally Crow’s part who was Sally Boughan, W.H. Purkins administrator of Thomas Boughan, ditto the administrator of Josiah Minter who married Caty Boughan; and the heirs of James Boughan (1/4 of 1/9 or $10.43): James Boughan, Mary Boughan, Benjamin Boughan, and Austin Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 270–274.]
In the early 1830s (probably 1831), orators and oratrices Nathaniel Crow, James Croxton and Sally his wife, Melissa Crow, Benjamin Brooks and Elizabeth his wife and Catharine Crow an infant by the said James Croxton, (who show that they are the only heirs of the late Sally Crow, who was one of the heirs of John Boughan), and your orators and oratrices James Boughan, Polly Boughan, Benjamin Boughan by Henry H. Boughan his trustee and Austin Boughan that they are the only heirs of James Boughan deceased filed complaint with Chancery Court in Essex County. That the late Jessee Boughan was the remaining heir of the late John Boughan deceased. That Jesse died many years ago, leaving a widow Elizabeth, deceased for many years. That administration of his estate was granted to John Games. That John Boughan and his brother Major had two small tracts of land in Essex on Piscataway, 13-1/2 acres known as Kerchevall. Major Boughan’s heirs transferred their interest in the land to John H. Upshaw. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 38, item 38-F-6.]
On 21 April 1830, a deed was executed between Benjamin Boughan of the first part, Henry H. Boughan of the second part, and John Boughan of the third part, all of the County of Essex. Whereas John Boughan is security to Benjamin Boughan in two bonds for $50 each dated 16 March 1830, one to James Garnett and the other to William A. Wright, and whereas Benjamin Boughan seeks to indemnify John Boughan, for $1 paid by Henry H. Boughan, Benjamin Boughan sells to Henry H. Boughan title to land bounded by Mrs. Sally Crow and others, a tract on which Hunley Moody lives, to which he is entitled as one of the heirs of Caty Moody decd who was before her marriage Caty Boughan. Henry H. Boughan is to sell this land to the highest bidder and to pay John Boughan. Signed Benjamin Boughan, Henry H. Boughan. Witnesses: Wm H. Frank, Geo: A. Daingerfield, Henry A. Lumpkin. Ordered recorded 22 April 1830. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 43, pages 174–175.]