Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Documentation
William Edmondson was mentioned in the October 1776 will of his brother James Edmondson. He was named a co-executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 13, page 262.]
On 19 May 1778, James Edmondson Junior and Anne McCartey his wife of Southfarnham Parish sold to William Edmondson. For £300, land bordering Thomas Wood, James Booker, Benjamin Jones, James Booker, William Edmondson, Thomas Allen, William Dunn, Elizabeth Dunn, and Nathaniel Dunn, amounting to 300 acres. Signed James Edmondson, Ann Mc Edmondson. Witnesses: James Booker, Thomas Wood, William Dunn. Recorded 15 June 1778. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 31, pages 395–397.]
On 15 May 1780, a division of the estate of Nathaniel Dunn was recorded, made by Thomas Wood, a William Edmondson, and James Booker. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 13, pages 295–296.]
On 20 September 1790, the division of the estate of William Dunn, W. dec’d, a William Edmondson, executor, was recorded, made by Thomas Wood, LeRoy Daingerfield and James Paul. Lots went to Edmund Dunn, Ann Dunn, Pressily Dunn and Julias Dunn, each receiving 18.19.2-3/4-3/4 [sic]. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, pages 224–225.]
The estate of James Edmondson in account with William Edmondson executor from 1779 to 1790 was settled by L Booker, James Wright and James Allen and recorded on 20 January 1794. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, pages 83–85.]
On 16 December 1790, Caty Edmondson of the Parish of Southfarnham in the County of Essex, and William Edmondson and Diana Edmondson of the Parish of St. Stevens and County of King and Queen, for £250 Virginia current money sold to LeRoy Cole a tract of land in the Parish of Southfarnham and County of Essex, by estimation 200 acres as surveyed by John Jones in June 1791 [sic], bounded by lands of Nathanial Dunn, Thomas H. Brookes, LeRoy Cole, Agrippa Dunn (now sold to Sarah Covington), the orphans of William Dunn, and Caty Edmondson. Signed Caty her x mark Edmondson, William Edmondson, Diana Edmondson. Witnesses: William Shepherd, Jeremiah Munday, John his x mark Brooke. On 16 December 1793 proved by the oaths of William Shepherd and Jeremiah Munday, and on 21 September 1795 by John Broocke. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 34, pages 174–176.]
On 20 March 1801, Caty Edmondson, William Purkins and William Edmondson complained in court against Carter Croxton, executor of William Dunn (B). They stated that their complaint was in response to a judgement delivered against them the previous day in favor of Carter Croxton on a bond dated in 1775. That soon after the date of the bond, a deed of gift was made for a mill on Matthews Swamp commonly called Dunns Mill, from Winney Dunn, Caty’s mother, to Caty. The mill had been devised to Winney by her husband William Dunn, and was a running mill at the time. That William Dunn, brother of Caty, was in possession of the mill at the time of the deed of gift and continued in possession, never paying Caty any corn or other necessary. That she was averse to litigation against her own brother, and she assumed that since he never asked for payment of the bond that she would not ask for compensation for the mill. That William Dunn (B) knew well the right of Winney Dunn to the mill and that Winney Dunn died about nine years ago. That when Carter Croxton requested payment of the bond that Caty Edmondson told him that her brother, William Dunn (B) was largely indebted to her. That Carter Croxton has contrived and confederated with persons to injure and oppress Caty Edmondson. Notes on the jacket indicate that this case went on for several years. In 1803, during which there were several dates listed, one reads: May 19th abates as to Wm Edmondson by his death & Contd for Depons. The prior date had been April 19th. The first entry for 1804 reads: 1804 Jany 17th abates as to Caty Edmondson by her death & Contd for Depos. The prior date had been 1803 Decr 20th. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-K-19.]
On 21 June 1802, Carter Croxton filed an ansewr to the bill exhibited against him by Caty Edmondson and others: The answer of Carter Croxton exr &c of Wm Dunn decd to the bill of complaint exhibited against him by Caty Edmondson, Wm Purkins & Wm Edmondson in Essex county court—This deft saving to himself all benifit of exception to every error in the said bill contained for answer to so much thereof as he is advised is material for him to answer to, he answereth & saith that he believes Winney Dunn died about the 20th day of July 1793, but he does not know or believe that his testator ever did hold any mill in which the plt Caty Edmondson was interested except for a very short time. That this deft is totally ignorant of every thing respecting the mill in the bill mentioned as to him own knowledge, but he hath been informed & believes that Winney Dunn never had any interest in the mill of which this Deft’s testator was possessessed [sic] during his life; that this deft believes that the father of his testator died sometime in the year 1767 and previous thereto his testator purchased from one John Tyler the land whereon the mill stood of which his testator was possessed during his life, as this deft hath been informed, & which purchase will appear by a copy of the deed hereto annexed as part of this his answer, and after the deed last mentioned this deft’s testator built the mill, of which he was possessed in his lifetime, pursuant to a petition in his own name & order of court authorising the same, which will appear by a transcript of the record hereto annexed as part of his answer. This deft hath heard that after his testator had built the mill there was some agreement between him & John Edmondson, the husband of the plt Caty, in his lifetime that the said Edmondson should have some interest in the said mill so long as she continued to be in grinding order or until she should want rebuilding, or during the said Edmondson’s life, but the purport of the said agreement is unknown to this deft, and this deft hath understood that the said John Edmondson died in the year 1773 and very soon thereafter the mill run down & was rebuilt by his testator, but after the said John Edmondson’s death until the mill was run down the plt used to get corn from the mill & this deft supposes that if she was entitled to any thing he [sic] recd her full share. And this deft further answering saith that he knows nothing of the deed of gift from Winny Dunn to the plt in the bill mentioned, nor does he know whether or not his testator knew anything of it, and he saith, that the testator afterwards about the year 1788 sold a moity of the said mill to the plt Wm Edmondson, a son of the plt Caty’s, and this deft believes with her privity & knowledge & she never objected to it or made any claim to the mill. And this deft further answering saith, that he denies that the plt Caty told him that his testator was indebted to her on acct of the said mill or on any other acct at the time this deft applied to her for payment of the bond in the bill mentioned, but at first she had supposed it had been paid, but after a little consideration she said she recollected the bond was given for hogs at the breaking up of the mill & that it had not been paid, and that her son Wm had all her effects & must pay it, and on this deft’s urging payment she said she would sell a cow & pay off the bond. And this deft denying all unlawful combination & confederacy without that, that &c prays to be hence dismissed with his reasonable costs in this behalf most wrongfully sustained &c[.] Essex county to wit: Carter Croxton this day made oath to this answer before me in due form of law. Given under my hand this 21st day of June 1802. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-K-18.]
The affidavit of Susannah Cole of lawful age, taken before me this 9th day of November 1805. In a suit in Chancery now depending in the County Court of Essex, between John Smith administrator with the will annexed of William Edmondson Deceased plaintiff, & William Howerton Administrator of Caty Edmondson Deceased defendant. This deponent being duly sworn on the Holy Bible deposeth and saith that she was at Mrs Edmondsons about ten, or eleven years ago, and that she Mrs Edmondson was in a low state of Health, her son William Edmondson being present was applied to by his Mother to write her will. He commenced to write, and she supposed that he was writing her will, but the writing not being read to her, she is not certain whether it was the Will he was writing or not. He was director by Mrs Edmondson to leave her Negroe Woman Sall to her daughter Judith Edmondson, and also that it was her desire Dianna R. Evans the Daughter of Charles Evans should have the first Child, which Sall might have
Question 1st by the defendant—was the writing of sufficient length to will away to above Negroes
Answer I did not see the writing at all, but he appeared to be writing long enough.
Question 2d by the defendant. Did Mr Edmondosn object to his Mother’s Willing away the above Negroe
Answer. He was silent on that subject.
Question 3d by the defendant How long had Mrs Edmondson possession [sic] of the above Negroes.
Answr. I believe ever since I came to this County, as to Sall, which is about twelve or fourteen years, and the Child from the time he was born untill Mrs Edmondson’s deceased [sic].
Further this deponant saith not. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-B-4.]
Deposition of Gabriel Purkins of lawful age, taken 9 November 1805. “…that some where about eight[hole] nineteen years ago, William Edmondson ab[hole] to him that he had discovered a coolness in [ ]thaniel Crow and William Howerton towards him, in Consequence of his taking a bill of sale on his Mothers property, and he Requested this deponant, to inform the said Crow, & Howerton, that he had no other view in taking the Bill of sale, than to save his mother harmless, from his, cosin, Capt James Edmondson…about five or six years ago, he heard Catharin[ ] Edmondson say the above bill of sale was a sham t[ ]ve her harmless from Capt James Edmondson…Question by defendt. did not Catherine Edmondson break up house keeping about the year 1784 and live at old Capt Woods. Answer yes.” [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-A-50.]
On 15 May 1809, John Brookes of lawful age gave a deposition at Tappahannock. That he lived with Caty Edmondson at the time Wm Edmondson executed a deed for land to Leroy Cole. Wm asked Caty to give up her right to the land, she said she would if he built her a house, and he said that he would on 30 or 36 acres she could occupy for life. This was about 17 years ago. The deponent implies that Caty was William’s mother. Q by the plt—“Were you born in this county? Answer I was, as I expect. Question by the Dd—What was your father’s name. Answer his name was Thos Broocke & he was the son of Thos Henry Broocke of Essex County.” [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-B-3.]
On 19 May 1778, James Edmondson Junior and Anne McCartey his wife of Southfarnham Parish sold to William Edmondson. For £300, land bordering Thomas Wood, James Booker, Benjamin Jones, James Booker, William Edmondson, Thomas Allen, William Dunn, Elizabeth Dunn, and Nathaniel Dunn, amounting to 300 acres. Signed James Edmondson, Ann Mc Edmondson. Witnesses: James Booker, Thomas Wood, William Dunn. Recorded 15 June 1778. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 31, pages 395–397.]
On 15 May 1780, a division of the estate of Nathaniel Dunn was recorded, made by Thomas Wood, a William Edmondson, and James Booker. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 13, pages 295–296.]
On 20 September 1790, the division of the estate of William Dunn, W. dec’d, a William Edmondson, executor, was recorded, made by Thomas Wood, LeRoy Daingerfield and James Paul. Lots went to Edmund Dunn, Ann Dunn, Pressily Dunn and Julias Dunn, each receiving 18.19.2-3/4-3/4 [sic]. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, pages 224–225.]
The estate of James Edmondson in account with William Edmondson executor from 1779 to 1790 was settled by L Booker, James Wright and James Allen and recorded on 20 January 1794. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, pages 83–85.]
On 16 December 1790, Caty Edmondson of the Parish of Southfarnham in the County of Essex, and William Edmondson and Diana Edmondson of the Parish of St. Stevens and County of King and Queen, for £250 Virginia current money sold to LeRoy Cole a tract of land in the Parish of Southfarnham and County of Essex, by estimation 200 acres as surveyed by John Jones in June 1791 [sic], bounded by lands of Nathanial Dunn, Thomas H. Brookes, LeRoy Cole, Agrippa Dunn (now sold to Sarah Covington), the orphans of William Dunn, and Caty Edmondson. Signed Caty her x mark Edmondson, William Edmondson, Diana Edmondson. Witnesses: William Shepherd, Jeremiah Munday, John his x mark Brooke. On 16 December 1793 proved by the oaths of William Shepherd and Jeremiah Munday, and on 21 September 1795 by John Broocke. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 34, pages 174–176.]
On 20 March 1801, Caty Edmondson, William Purkins and William Edmondson complained in court against Carter Croxton, executor of William Dunn (B). They stated that their complaint was in response to a judgement delivered against them the previous day in favor of Carter Croxton on a bond dated in 1775. That soon after the date of the bond, a deed of gift was made for a mill on Matthews Swamp commonly called Dunns Mill, from Winney Dunn, Caty’s mother, to Caty. The mill had been devised to Winney by her husband William Dunn, and was a running mill at the time. That William Dunn, brother of Caty, was in possession of the mill at the time of the deed of gift and continued in possession, never paying Caty any corn or other necessary. That she was averse to litigation against her own brother, and she assumed that since he never asked for payment of the bond that she would not ask for compensation for the mill. That William Dunn (B) knew well the right of Winney Dunn to the mill and that Winney Dunn died about nine years ago. That when Carter Croxton requested payment of the bond that Caty Edmondson told him that her brother, William Dunn (B) was largely indebted to her. That Carter Croxton has contrived and confederated with persons to injure and oppress Caty Edmondson. Notes on the jacket indicate that this case went on for several years. In 1803, during which there were several dates listed, one reads: May 19th abates as to Wm Edmondson by his death & Contd for Depons. The prior date had been April 19th. The first entry for 1804 reads: 1804 Jany 17th abates as to Caty Edmondson by her death & Contd for Depos. The prior date had been 1803 Decr 20th. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-K-19.]
On 21 June 1802, Carter Croxton filed an ansewr to the bill exhibited against him by Caty Edmondson and others: The answer of Carter Croxton exr &c of Wm Dunn decd to the bill of complaint exhibited against him by Caty Edmondson, Wm Purkins & Wm Edmondson in Essex county court—This deft saving to himself all benifit of exception to every error in the said bill contained for answer to so much thereof as he is advised is material for him to answer to, he answereth & saith that he believes Winney Dunn died about the 20th day of July 1793, but he does not know or believe that his testator ever did hold any mill in which the plt Caty Edmondson was interested except for a very short time. That this deft is totally ignorant of every thing respecting the mill in the bill mentioned as to him own knowledge, but he hath been informed & believes that Winney Dunn never had any interest in the mill of which this Deft’s testator was possessessed [sic] during his life; that this deft believes that the father of his testator died sometime in the year 1767 and previous thereto his testator purchased from one John Tyler the land whereon the mill stood of which his testator was possessed during his life, as this deft hath been informed, & which purchase will appear by a copy of the deed hereto annexed as part of this his answer, and after the deed last mentioned this deft’s testator built the mill, of which he was possessed in his lifetime, pursuant to a petition in his own name & order of court authorising the same, which will appear by a transcript of the record hereto annexed as part of his answer. This deft hath heard that after his testator had built the mill there was some agreement between him & John Edmondson, the husband of the plt Caty, in his lifetime that the said Edmondson should have some interest in the said mill so long as she continued to be in grinding order or until she should want rebuilding, or during the said Edmondson’s life, but the purport of the said agreement is unknown to this deft, and this deft hath understood that the said John Edmondson died in the year 1773 and very soon thereafter the mill run down & was rebuilt by his testator, but after the said John Edmondson’s death until the mill was run down the plt used to get corn from the mill & this deft supposes that if she was entitled to any thing he [sic] recd her full share. And this deft further answering saith that he knows nothing of the deed of gift from Winny Dunn to the plt in the bill mentioned, nor does he know whether or not his testator knew anything of it, and he saith, that the testator afterwards about the year 1788 sold a moity of the said mill to the plt Wm Edmondson, a son of the plt Caty’s, and this deft believes with her privity & knowledge & she never objected to it or made any claim to the mill. And this deft further answering saith, that he denies that the plt Caty told him that his testator was indebted to her on acct of the said mill or on any other acct at the time this deft applied to her for payment of the bond in the bill mentioned, but at first she had supposed it had been paid, but after a little consideration she said she recollected the bond was given for hogs at the breaking up of the mill & that it had not been paid, and that her son Wm had all her effects & must pay it, and on this deft’s urging payment she said she would sell a cow & pay off the bond. And this deft denying all unlawful combination & confederacy without that, that &c prays to be hence dismissed with his reasonable costs in this behalf most wrongfully sustained &c[.] Essex county to wit: Carter Croxton this day made oath to this answer before me in due form of law. Given under my hand this 21st day of June 1802. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 22, item 22-K-18.]
The affidavit of Susannah Cole of lawful age, taken before me this 9th day of November 1805. In a suit in Chancery now depending in the County Court of Essex, between John Smith administrator with the will annexed of William Edmondson Deceased plaintiff, & William Howerton Administrator of Caty Edmondson Deceased defendant. This deponent being duly sworn on the Holy Bible deposeth and saith that she was at Mrs Edmondsons about ten, or eleven years ago, and that she Mrs Edmondson was in a low state of Health, her son William Edmondson being present was applied to by his Mother to write her will. He commenced to write, and she supposed that he was writing her will, but the writing not being read to her, she is not certain whether it was the Will he was writing or not. He was director by Mrs Edmondson to leave her Negroe Woman Sall to her daughter Judith Edmondson, and also that it was her desire Dianna R. Evans the Daughter of Charles Evans should have the first Child, which Sall might have
Question 1st by the defendant—was the writing of sufficient length to will away to above Negroes
Answer I did not see the writing at all, but he appeared to be writing long enough.
Question 2d by the defendant. Did Mr Edmondosn object to his Mother’s Willing away the above Negroe
Answer. He was silent on that subject.
Question 3d by the defendant How long had Mrs Edmondson possession [sic] of the above Negroes.
Answr. I believe ever since I came to this County, as to Sall, which is about twelve or fourteen years, and the Child from the time he was born untill Mrs Edmondson’s deceased [sic].
Further this deponant saith not. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-B-4.]
Deposition of Gabriel Purkins of lawful age, taken 9 November 1805. “…that some where about eight[hole] nineteen years ago, William Edmondson ab[hole] to him that he had discovered a coolness in [ ]thaniel Crow and William Howerton towards him, in Consequence of his taking a bill of sale on his Mothers property, and he Requested this deponant, to inform the said Crow, & Howerton, that he had no other view in taking the Bill of sale, than to save his mother harmless, from his, cosin, Capt James Edmondson…about five or six years ago, he heard Catharin[ ] Edmondson say the above bill of sale was a sham t[ ]ve her harmless from Capt James Edmondson…Question by defendt. did not Catherine Edmondson break up house keeping about the year 1784 and live at old Capt Woods. Answer yes.” [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-A-50.]
On 15 May 1809, John Brookes of lawful age gave a deposition at Tappahannock. That he lived with Caty Edmondson at the time Wm Edmondson executed a deed for land to Leroy Cole. Wm asked Caty to give up her right to the land, she said she would if he built her a house, and he said that he would on 30 or 36 acres she could occupy for life. This was about 17 years ago. The deponent implies that Caty was William’s mother. Q by the plt—“Were you born in this county? Answer I was, as I expect. Question by the Dd—What was your father’s name. Answer his name was Thos Broocke & he was the son of Thos Henry Broocke of Essex County.” [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 23, item 23-B-3.]