On 21 February 1826, a complaint was filed in the Chancery Court of Essex County by orators & oratrices John Minter & Ann his wife, Robt Mann & Susan his wife, Peter Campbell & Mary his wife, Fontaine Wood, and Ambrose, John, Thomas & Sarah Hunley infants under the age of twenty one years by Elizabeth Hundley their Guardian and next friend, & Josiah Ryland, stating that in 1825 Richard Ryland had died intestate leaving no children and petitioning for the division of his estate. Numerous amendments and affidavits were filed during the course of the case. Papers filed state that Richard left heirs Peter Campbell and Mary R. his wife who was Mary Hundley, Ambrose Hundley, Robert Mann (who died between the decree on 19 February 1827 and the division of the estate on 14 June 1827) and Susan D. his wife who was Susan Hundley, Mary and Thomas Wood, children of Fontaine Wood and Anne H. his wife, deceased, who was Anne H. Hundley, Richard Hundley, John Hundley, Thomas Hundley, and Sarah Hundley, the said Mary, Ambrose, Susan, Anne, Richard, John, Thomas and Sarah being children of Ambrose Hundley deceased, Richard Hundley (who lived in Kershaw District, South Carolina) and Absalom Hundley (long removed from Virginia), the said Ambrose, Richard and Absalom children of Ambrose Hundley and Mary his wife who was Mary Ryland, a sister of the full blood to Richard Ryland [although family Bible records indicate otherwise] and who married after the death of Ambrose a James Ferguson and moved to Kershaw District, South Carolina; Mary “Polly” Shelor (or Shetor, the name appearing both ways), Thomas Shelor, Joseph Shelor and Sally Gee who was Sally Shelor, the said Mary, Thomas, Joseph, and Sally being children of Elizabeth Shelor deceased who was married to Jacob Shelor, Thomas Ryland, John Ryland, Hundley Ryland, John Simmons and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Ryland, the said Thomas, John, and Hundley Ryland and Nancy Simmons and Elizabeth Shelor being children of Thomas Ryland deceased, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland; Thomas Jones who died without heir, Robert Jeffries and Elizabeth his wife who was Elizabeth Jones and who had previously married James McFarlane, Richard D. Dunn and Peggy his wife who was Peggy Jones, James Durham and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Jones, Patsy Jones and Betsy Jones, children of Joseph Jones deceased, Mary Thompson who was Mary Jones, Sophronia Jones a daughter of Richard Jones deceased, Benjamin Jones, and Coleman Jones and Susan his wife, the said Thomas, Elizabeth, Peggy, Sally, Nancy, Joseph, Mary, Richard, Benjamin and Susan being children of Elizabeth Jones deceased, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland who had married Richard Jones; John Minter and Ann his wife who was Ann Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Lewis Mickleburrough and Henrietta his wife who was Henrietta Haile, Joseph McTyre and Polly his wife who was Polly Haile, Joseph Haile and Jonathan Haile, the said Henrietta, Polly, Joseph and Jonathan being children of Mary Haile, deceased, wife of Wheeler Haile and who was Mary Croxton, a daughter of Thomas Croxton and Sarah his wife who was Sarah Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland (the said Thomas and Sarah also having had children Joseph, Thomas, Richard, and Susan (who married a Miller) who have been long removed from Virginia); Lewis Whittemore and Jane his wife who was Jane Ryland and Wyatt Whittemore and Nancy his wife who was Nancy Ryland, the said Jane and Nancy being children of John Ryland a brother of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; George and Samuel Durham, children of Mary Durham deceased who was Mary Faucett, a daughter of Rice Faucett and Susannah his wife who was Susannah Ryland, a sister of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Edward, Allen, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth and Polly Ryland and Joseph Tellman (also Tillman) and Sally his wife who was Sally Ryland, the said Edward, Allen, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Polly and Sally being children of Iverson Ryland deceased, a brother of the whole blood to Richard Ryland; Josiah Ryland, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland who is still living; Parker Tod Hunter and Catharine his wife who was Catharine Ryland, Joseph Barnett and Elizabeth his wife who was Elizabeth Ryland, John, James, Edwin and Joanna Ryland, the said Catharine, Elizabeth, John, James, Edwin and Joanna being children of Joseph Ryland who died in Kentucky, a brother of the half blood to Richard Ryland; and Jacob Tod Hunter and Joanna his wife who was Joanna Ryland, a sister of the half blood to Richard Ryland. The property was divided and distributed by 14 June 1827. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 35, many items in Folder J.]

In 1827, orator Austrin Brockenbrough, sheriff of Essex County and Committee of the estate of William Dunn D, deceased, complained to the County Court of Essex in Chancery sitting. That William Dunn departed this life intestate, and administration of his estate was granted to George Taylor, with Richard Dunn and Fontaine Wood his securities. Taylor was directed under an order of the court, made at the instance of Fontaine Wood, to execute a new bond for his administration, but failed to comply with the requisition of the said order, whereupon his administration was revoked by the court. Administration was granted to George W. Lee, the then sheriff of Essex, now deceased, and subsequently the administration of the estate was committed to the hands of your orator. When Taylor’s accounts were settled on 16 May 1825, they showed a balance of $307 with interest due to the estate. That George Taylor, Fontaine Wood and Richard Dunn maybe made defendants hereto. [Essex County, Virginia, Chancery Causes, Committee of William Dunn (D) v George Taylor et als, 1827-013.]

“Essex County to wit:
“Inquisition indented taken at Jno Crows in the County aforesaid on the 2d of Febry 1835, before me Thos. Wright Sr Coroner for the County aforesaid upon the view of the body of Alexr. Houston late of said County then and there lying dead and upon the oaths of Richd. L Covington Foreman, Richd. D Dunn, Sthreshley Dunn Jno H Smith, Walter G. Covington, Leroy Taylor, Thos. Greenwood, Lowry Norris, Fontaine Wood, Robt T Shackelford, H H Cauthorn, Ach Lumpkin good & lawful men of the County aforesaid who being sworn & charged to enquire on the part of the said Commonwealth when where how and after what manner the said Alex Houston came to his death do say upon their oaths that having examined the said Houstons body are of the opinion that his death was caused from blows inflicted upon his head — by whom they were inflicted we know not — In witness whereof as well the aforesaid Coroner as the Jurors aforesaid have to this Inquisition put their seals on the day and year aforesaid and at the place aforesaid—“
Richard L Covington, Richard D Dunn, Sthreshley Dunn, John H Smith, Walter G Covington, Leroy his x mark Taylor, Thomas Greenwood, Lowry Norris, Fontaine Wood, Robt T Shackelford, H H Cauthorn, Achilles Lumpkin. Thomas Wright Cr. Doctor J Minor attended as a physition. Ordered recorded 17 March 1835.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 318.]

On 21 January 1836, an inquisition was taken on the death of Ben, a negro boy the property of Geo. Hill of Essex County, and upon the oaths of Robt. M. Davis, James Semple, William Cox, Thomas Harper, Geo Rose, Richd. D Dunn, Geo Skelton, John Clarke, Philip Coleman, James Owen, Charles H Blake, and Obediah Alexander, they “do say … that the said Ben came to his death from blows received by Nelle a female servant, on and about the head of the deceased with helve of a hoe, said Nelle the property of said George Hill”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 458.]

On 16 July 1838, Richard D. Dunn and Sthreshley Dunn were bound in the penalty of $200 for Richard D. Dunn’s administration of the estate of Mary Thompson, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 306.]

On 16 July 1838, Richard D. Dunn and Sthreshley Dunn were bound in the penalty of $200 for Richard D. Dunn’s adminsitration of the estate of Susanna Jones, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 307.]

On 17 September 1838, Sthreshley Dunn and Richard D. Dunn were bound in the penalty of $200 for Sthreshley Dunn’s administration of the estate of Elizabeth Moody, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 321–322.]

In 1839, orators and oratrices Robert Jeffries and Betsy [later written as Elizabeth] his wife, Richard Dunn and Peggy his wife James Clarkson and Ann his wife John Smether and Bakey[?] his wife Willis Brooks and Betsy his wife William McFarlane and Sophronia his wife Obadiah J Alexander and Dorothea his wife and Polly Thomas complained that your orators and oratrices are the descendants of Richard Jones who died in 1805 in Essex County. James Durham intermarried with Nancy Jones a daughter of the said Richard Jones. That the said Nancy died this year without issue and that her husband survives. That James Durham is now in possession of slaves. A chart provides further clarification: Benjamin Jones had issue: Lucy wife of Geo Saunders, Betsy wife of O. Alexander, Polly [also listed as Dolly] wife of Geo. Durham; Richd Jones had issue Sophronia wife of W McFarlane; Joseph Jones had issue Betsy wife of W. Brooke, Patsey wife of Jno: Smether; Thomas Jones died without issue; Nancy Jones married James Durham; Susanna Jones died without issue; Betsy Jones wife of plaintiff Robert Jeffries; Sally Jones left Ann wife of Jas Chowning; Peggy Jones married Richard Dunn plaintiff; Polly Jones married Jno Thomas [in 48-J-20 corrected as Thompson]. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 48, item 48-J-15.]

The estate of Susanna Jones in account with Richard D Dunn, administrator, from 1838 to 1839 was ordered recorded 18 November 1839. Includes a division of the estate: $8.27-4/7 each to James Durham in right of wife, Robert Jeffires in right of wife, Ann Games in right of her mother, Richard D Dunn in right of his wife, and William McFarlane in right of his wife; $2.16-3/4 + 1/7 to George Durham in right of his wife Polly, George Saunders in right of his wife, Obadiah Alexander ditto, and Armistead Jones in his own right; and $4.13-1/2 + 2/7 to Willis Brooks in right of his wife, and John H Smither ditto. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 418–419.]

The estate of Mary Thompson in account with Richard D Dunn, adminsitrator, from 1838 to 1839 was oredered recorded on 21 October 1839. Includes distributions of $8.24-4/7 to James Durham in right of wife, Robt Jeffries in right of wife, Ann Games in right of her mother, Richard D Dunn in right of wife, and William McFarlane in right of wife; $2.06-3/4 + 1/7 to George Durham in right of wife Polly, George Saunders in right of wife Lucy, Obadiah Alexander in right of wife, Armistead Jones in own right; $4.13-1/2 + 2/7 to Willis Brooks in right of wife and John H. Smither in right of wife. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 419–420.]

On 20 August 1840, James Durham answered a bill exhibited against him by descendants of Richard Jones. That Benjamin Jones also left one other child named Armistead Jones. Polly Thompson, who is not Polly Thomas, has been absent from the state for many years and has not been heard from for at least 12 years. In fact, Richard D. Dunn, one of the plaintiffs, obtained letters of administration on her estate. That the descendants of Benjamin have no right as their father took the insolvent debtors oath and surrendered all claim. Dated 20 August 1840. Signed James Durham (os). [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 48, item 48-J-20.]

On 17 November 1840, Richard D Dunn, Philip Broocke Jr and Zachariah Brizendine were bound in the penalty of $200 for Richard D Dunn’s administration of the estate of Gregory Taylor, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 543.]

On 21 June 1847, Richard Dunn and Sthreshley Dunn were bound $200 for Richard Dunn’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of William R. Allen. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 181–182.]

The estate of William R. Allen in account with Richd D. Dunn from 1847 to 1848 was ordered recorded 21 January 1850. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 501–502.]

On 15 April 1849, a deed of trust was executed between George Taylor of the first part, R. D. Dunn of the second part, and John C. Brizendine of the third part, all of the County of Essex and State of Virginia. Whereas George Taylor is indebted to Richard D. Dunn $149 by bond and wishes to secure him harmless. For $1 from John C. Brizendine, George Taylor sells his growing crop of corn and wheat, one youk of oxen, one ox cart, tow [sic] beds and furniture, ond hawlling seign and bout, one flootting seign, tow [sic] Cows, and six sheep. 12 May 1849. Signed George Taylor, Richard D Dunn, John C Brizendine. Ordered recorded 15 May 1849. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 49, pages 619–620.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 87
Dwelling 381, Household 381
Dunn, Richard, 50, male, merchant, value of real estate $2,300, born in
Virginia
Dunn, Peggy, 51, female, born in Virginia
Dunn, Iverson, 20, male, laborer, born in Virginia
Dunn, Richard, 18, male, clerk in store, born in Virginia
Dunn, Muscoe, 16, male, salesman, born in Virginia

The will of Richard D. Dunn was dated 1851, with blank spaces left for date and month. To wife, land life or until her remarriage. After her death to son Richard H. Dunn, also to him a Negro. The remainder divided into five equal parts: Dr. Leonard Henley in trust for my daughter Martha Jane Brizendine and her children; Dr. Leonard Henley in trust for daughter Milsey Ann Dunn, wife of Tazewell Dunn and her childreno son Iverson L. Dunn; to son Richard H. Dunn; to son Muscoe R. Dunn. Son Iverson and son-in-law Tazewell Dunn to be executors. Signed Richard D Dunn. Witnesses: A. M. Trible, Sthresley Dunn, Temple Brizendine. Proved 17 November 1851. Tazewell Dunn refused executorship, which was granted to Iverson Dunn. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 27, pages 114–115.]

He is listed as the father of his son Muscoe in Muscoe’s marriage to Emma Conoly.

On 12 November 1866 a case was in court between Winter M. Dunn, trustee for Milcey A. Dunn and her children, plaintiff, against Milcey Ann Dunn, Winter M. Dunn, Selden Dunn and Margaret H. Dunn, the last 2 under 21, children of Tazewell Dunn. [That is not entirely clear to me.] The case is regarding the division of the estate of Richard D. Dunn. Milcey Dunn was deceased as of 16 November 1869 as the case continued. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Chancery Book 2, 1852–1873, pages 363, 366, and 501.]

Richard D. Dunn died “considerably indebted”. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 41, item 41-J-6.]