Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
Thomas Moore’s Genealogy Site - Person Sheet
NameWilliam Dunn 
Birthbef 1705
Death1767
ResidenceEssex County, Virginia
FatherWilliam Dunn (-~1732)
MotherAlice
Documentation
On 10 March 1725, Richard Tyler of the parish of Southfarnham in the County of Essex sold to William Dunn junr of the same. For £10 Sterling good and lawfull mony of England, my Plantation & parcell of Land containing twenty five acres (be the same more or less) Situate in the aforesaid Parish on the North side of the main run of Perry Creek, being part of a peace or parcell of Land which I the said Richard Tyler purchased of Benja Mathews Senor, bordering land of William Dunn senor and Mathews Bridge. Signed Richard his R mark Tyler. Witnesses: Edward Hayes, James Wooddrwoof. [Essex Couny, Virginia, Deed Book 18, pages 178–179.]
On 17 January 1726, William Dunn sener & Thomas Dunn both of the parish of Southfarnham in the County of Essex sold to William Dunn junr: of the same. For £15 good and Lawfull money of England, a peice or parcell of Land Situate lying & being within the County of Essex in the parish of Southfarnham & on the North Side of a branch that divides the plantations of William Dunn Senr: & William Dunn junr: & bounded as followeth begining at a corner white oak being the Begining corner of the said Devident whereon the said William Dunn Senr: & Thomas Dunn now holds & dwells on & running along the line of the said pattent to a branch as before mentioned thence down the Several courses of the branch untill it comes to the opposite line of the said pattent or devident which line divides this Land from the Land of Mr: Richard Taylor thence along the said line to a corner Spanish oak Standing in Mr: Richard Taylors old feild thence to the place where it first begunn Containing one hundred acres be the same more or less. Signed Wm: Dunn, Thos. Dunn. Witnesses: Richard Jones, Edwd: Hayes. On 17 January 1726, memorandum that the land was conveyed by a turft & a twigg, and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 18, pages 242–243.]
William Dunn was mentioned in the 5 February 1731 will of his father William Dunn, proved on 19 July 1732. “I give and bequeath after my wifes death or marrige again all my negros to be equaly divided amongst my five sons namely Thomas Dunn, William, John, Benjamin & Jonathan Dunn and all the rest of my estate real, and personal to be equally divided amongst my six youngest Children namely Alice Hayes, Sarah Williamson, John Dune, Benjamin Dunne, Jonathan Dune, & Anne Dunne”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 92–93.]
On 19 July 1732, Alice Dunn, William Dunn, Thomas Dunn, William Gray and Samuel Clayton were bound £300 sterling for Alice Dunn’s, William Dunn’s and Thomas Dunn’s execution of the will of William Dunn. Signed Alice her A mark Dunn, Wm Dunn, Thos Dunn, Wm Gray, Samll Clayton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 94–95.]
On 13 September 1733, Keziah Brown, Henry Brown, Wm Dunn and Jonathan Haile were bound £100 sterling for Keziah Brown’s execution of the last will and testament of Henry Brown. Keziah signed with a mark. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 235–236.]
On 24 June 1738 (year missing from the document but provided by surrounding context), William Williams late of late of the Couny of Essex Constituted his trusty and well beloved friend William Dunn of the aforesaid County to be his true and Lawfull Attorney to receive outstanding debts. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 21, pages 405–406.]
On 10 July 1738, On consideration of the matter referr’d to me concerning the right of fifty acres of Land in dispute between John Tyler of the parish of Southfarnham in the county of Essex & William Dunn of the said parish & County; wch said Land was sold by William Dunn father to the said Wm Dunn to Richard Tyler father of the sd John Tyler, by deed bearing date the 18th day of September 1691 — I am of Opinion that Wm Dunn the father had not any right or title to the sd Land so that his deed to Richd Tyler is void & of no Effect. I do therefore arbitrate determine & my Judgement is that the abovesd John Tyler shall relinquish & Surrender peaceable possession of the sd fifty Acres of Land to the first abovemention’d William Dunn, and that they give each other full discharges for any debt or damages that heve accrued by means of the disputes of their Richard to ye sd Land & this shall discharge their bonds to each other bearing date the 7th day of June Anno. Dom. MCDDXXXVIII. Signed Joh: Robinson. On 21 August 1739, presented in court by the said Tyler & Dunn and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 22, page 73.]
On 18 December 1739, William Gray and William Dunn were bound £100 current money for William Gray’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of Willm Allen deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 216–217.]
On 19 October 1742, Mary Gray, William Dunn, Edward Hayes, and John Smith were bound £1000 sterling for Mary Gray’s execution of the last will and testament of William Gray, deceased. Signed Mary her M mark Gray, Wm Dunn, Edwd Hayes, John Smith. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 389–390.]
On 7 April 1743, an inventory of the estate of Richard Jones Tayler deceased was made by Wm Covington, Richd Gatewood, and a Wm Dunn. Edwd Hayes, executor. Total valuation £95.13.3[page torn]. Ordered recorded 21 June 1743. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 12–15.]
An appraisal of the estate of William Gatewood ordered on 20 March 1743 was given on 16 April 1744 by WTyler, Wm Dunn, and John Croxton. Total valuation £303.6.3. Ordered recorded 17 April 1744. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 115–117.]
On 20 August 1744, Benjamin Fisher of the County of Essex and Parrish of Southfarnham sold to William Dunn of the same. For £25 Currt. money of Virga., one half part of one Grist Water Mill Commonly Called or known by the name of Fishers Mill, Scituate lying and being in the County and Parrish aforesaid and the Ground and Soile whereon the said Mill do stand Containing by Estimation Two Acres of Land be it more or less together with the moiety and half part of all the Scite and Soile hereof together will all Mill polls Mill Dams Stanks Banks ponds & Streams, water water Courses, ways, paths, passages Easments, profits, Commodities advantages and apprutenances. Signed Benja. Fisher. Witnesses: Thos. Barker, WTyler, James his E mark Webb. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed book 23, pages 178–180.]
On 23 April 1745, Wm Dunn witnessed the will of John Pagett of the Parish of South Farnham and County of Essex. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 329–330.]
An inventory of the estate of John Pagett was made by Wm Dunn, James Boughan Jr and John Edmondson. No total. Ordered recorded 20 August 1745. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 357–358.]
On 20 August 1745, Wm Dunn, Thomas Dunn and Edward Hayes were bound £500 sterling for Wm Dunn’s administration with the will annexed of the goods, chattles and credits of Benja Fisher deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 359–360.]
An inventory of the estate of Benja Fisher deceased ordered 20 August 1745 was made by Thomas Edmondson, John Edmondson and William Covington. Wm Dunn administrator. Ordered recorded 17 March 1746. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 504–505.]
On 25 August 1747, James Fisher of the county of Prince George and parish of Barth sold to William Dunn of the County of Essex and Parish of Southfarnham. For £5 Current money of Virginia, one moiety and one fourth part of one grist water mill Commonly Called or known by the name of Fishers Mill in the County of Essex and parish of Southfarnham and the ground and soile where on the said Mill do Stand Containing by Estimation Two acres of Land be it more or Less. Signed James Fisher. Witnesses: Wm Edmondson, Wm Dunn Jr, Eliza her E mark Atkins. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 24, pages 176–178.]
On 16 August 1748, William Dunn of the County of Essex, Planter, and Winnifred his wife sold to John Tyler of the aforesaid County, Gent. For £25 good and Lawfull money of Virginia, three fourth parts of one water Grist mill Commonly Called and known by the name of Fishers mill Scituate lying and being in the County aforesaid and the Ground and soil whereon the said mill doth stand Containing by Estimation two acres more or Less (Excepting and Reserving to Elizabeth Atkins her Right of Dower in the said mill during her Life). Signed William Dunn, Winnifred her W mark Dunn. Witnesses: James Scott, James Boughan jr., William Dunn jr. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 24, pages 291–292.]
On 18 September 1750, Richard Jones, Wm Dunn and James Banks were bound £500 sterling for Richard Jones’s administration with the will annexed of Richard Jones. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 8, pages 362–363.]
On 11 August 1752, William Dunn witnessed a deed from Richard Tyler to Richard Gatewood. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 26, pages 110–113.]
On 31 August 1753, William Dunn Senr of the county of Essex Planter sold to James McCall Mercht of the same. For £56 currt Money paid by the said James McCall, two Slaves named Landiff a Wench bought of Willm Carril & Jacob bott. of Doctr. Jones. Provided upon this Condition nevertheless, that if the said Wm Dunn shall pay to James McCall the aforesd sum of £56 at or upon the First day of May next ensuing, then this deed to be void. Signed Wm. Dunn. Witnesses: Archibald McCall, J. Edmondson, Robt. Loury. Memorandum that before signing Scratched before us & negro Will Put out & Negro Jacob put in. On 16 October 1753 ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 26, pages 361–363.]
On 4 December 1755, William Dunn Sr. cast votes for Mr. John Upshaw and Colonel Francis Smith for burgesses of Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 27, pages 248–252.]
On 19 April 1758, a William Dunn was mentioned in the will of Joseph Greenhill of the County of Essex. He was to be co-executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 11, pages 116–117.]
On 18 July 1758, a William Dunn and John Edmondson bound £500 current money for William Dunn’s execution of the last will and testament of Joseph Greenhill. Signed Wm Dunn, John Edmondson. [Essex County, Will Book 11, pages 117–118.]
On 20 November 1761, William Dunn Senr. & Winnifred his Wife and Waters Dunn of the County of Essex, Planters, sold to William Roane of the same, Attorney at Law. For £150 Current money of Virginia, a Tract of Land whereon the said William Dunn and his wife now Dwells Containing by Estimation One hundred and seventy five Acres more or less, and also all that Tract of Land containing by Estimation One hundred and Fifty Acres whereon the said Waters now lives, Situate lying and being in the County aforesaid & in the Parish of Southfarnham and also the Ten following Slaves (to wit) Jacob, Landiff, Violet, Alick, Lucy, Lilly, Jacob, Will, Rose & Tom. Signed Wm. Dunn, Winefred her x mark Dunn, Waters Dunn. Witnesses: Wm. Dunn junr., Nathaniel Dunn, Lucy her x mark Dunn. On 16 February 1762 ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 29, pages 73–75.]
On 11 October 1765, William Dunn, Winifred Jones, Richard Dunn, and Aristipus Boughan witnessed a deed from Thomas Callaway and Mary his wife of the County of Halifax and Colony of Virginia to Waters Dunn of the same. Signed Thos. Callaway, Mary Callaway. Witnesses: Wm. Dunn, Winifred Jones, Richard his R mark Dunn, Asirtips. his x mark Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 30, pages 58–59.]
On 5 December 1767, an appraisal of the estate of a Mr Wm Dunn was made by James Banks, Thos Dennett and a Wm Dunn whit. Total valuation £138.9.6. Recorded 15 May 1769. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 361–362.]
On 15 December 1773, the appraisal of the estate of John Edmondson deceased was made by James Booker, James Banks, a William Dunn and Thomas Wood. No total. Recorded 17 October 1774. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 597–599.]
On 21 August 1775, Winney Dunn of the Parish and Southfarnham and County of Essex made a deed of gift to Caty Edmondson of the same. For and In consideration of the love, goodwill and affection which I have and do bear toward my loving daughter Caty Edmondson, all my right and Title to the Mill which formerly belonged to my land Husband William Dunn and Thomas Dunn his Brother, and lately was held by my son William Dunn and John Edmondson Deceased, Husband to the said Caty, situated on Matthews’s Swamp. Signed Winney her + mark Dunn. Witnesses: James Booker, John Webb Junr., William Edmondson, James Edmondson jr. On 16 October 1775 proved by James Booker, John Webb Junr. and William Edmondson and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 31, pages 254–255.]
On 18 July 1791, the inventory of the estate of a William Dunn deceased, John Dunn administrator, was recorded, made by Dickinson Dunn, Thos Crutcher and John Crow. Total valuation £18.18.6. Recorded 18 July 1791. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, page 249.]
On 21 October 1799, Carter Croxton and Lewis Booker were bound $7,000 for Carter Croxton’s execution of the last will and testament of a William Dunn. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, page 507.]
On 20 March 1801, Caty Edmondson, William Purkins and William Edmondson complained in court against Carter Croxton, executor of William Dunn. The complaint concerns the old Dunn mill and states that Caty’s mother was Winney Dunn. [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.]
On 19 August 1807, orator Gabriel Purkins executor of Mary Purkins issued a bill of complaint that states that in 17__ your orator’s testatrix and mother became indebted to her mother Winnefred Dunn. After Winnifred’s death her son Henry Dunn obtained administration of her estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 19, item 19-G-51.]
The estate of Henry Purkins deceased in account with William Purkins and William Dunn (B) executors from 1783 to 1818 is recorded in Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 20, item 20-J-19. It includes £4 paid to Thomas Wood for a coffin.
On 17 January 1726, William Dunn sener & Thomas Dunn both of the parish of Southfarnham in the County of Essex sold to William Dunn junr: of the same. For £15 good and Lawfull money of England, a peice or parcell of Land Situate lying & being within the County of Essex in the parish of Southfarnham & on the North Side of a branch that divides the plantations of William Dunn Senr: & William Dunn junr: & bounded as followeth begining at a corner white oak being the Begining corner of the said Devident whereon the said William Dunn Senr: & Thomas Dunn now holds & dwells on & running along the line of the said pattent to a branch as before mentioned thence down the Several courses of the branch untill it comes to the opposite line of the said pattent or devident which line divides this Land from the Land of Mr: Richard Taylor thence along the said line to a corner Spanish oak Standing in Mr: Richard Taylors old feild thence to the place where it first begunn Containing one hundred acres be the same more or less. Signed Wm: Dunn, Thos. Dunn. Witnesses: Richard Jones, Edwd: Hayes. On 17 January 1726, memorandum that the land was conveyed by a turft & a twigg, and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 18, pages 242–243.]
William Dunn was mentioned in the 5 February 1731 will of his father William Dunn, proved on 19 July 1732. “I give and bequeath after my wifes death or marrige again all my negros to be equaly divided amongst my five sons namely Thomas Dunn, William, John, Benjamin & Jonathan Dunn and all the rest of my estate real, and personal to be equally divided amongst my six youngest Children namely Alice Hayes, Sarah Williamson, John Dune, Benjamin Dunne, Jonathan Dune, & Anne Dunne”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 92–93.]
On 19 July 1732, Alice Dunn, William Dunn, Thomas Dunn, William Gray and Samuel Clayton were bound £300 sterling for Alice Dunn’s, William Dunn’s and Thomas Dunn’s execution of the will of William Dunn. Signed Alice her A mark Dunn, Wm Dunn, Thos Dunn, Wm Gray, Samll Clayton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 94–95.]
On 13 September 1733, Keziah Brown, Henry Brown, Wm Dunn and Jonathan Haile were bound £100 sterling for Keziah Brown’s execution of the last will and testament of Henry Brown. Keziah signed with a mark. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 5, pages 235–236.]
On 24 June 1738 (year missing from the document but provided by surrounding context), William Williams late of late of the Couny of Essex Constituted his trusty and well beloved friend William Dunn of the aforesaid County to be his true and Lawfull Attorney to receive outstanding debts. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 21, pages 405–406.]
On 10 July 1738, On consideration of the matter referr’d to me concerning the right of fifty acres of Land in dispute between John Tyler of the parish of Southfarnham in the county of Essex & William Dunn of the said parish & County; wch said Land was sold by William Dunn father to the said Wm Dunn to Richard Tyler father of the sd John Tyler, by deed bearing date the 18th day of September 1691 — I am of Opinion that Wm Dunn the father had not any right or title to the sd Land so that his deed to Richd Tyler is void & of no Effect. I do therefore arbitrate determine & my Judgement is that the abovesd John Tyler shall relinquish & Surrender peaceable possession of the sd fifty Acres of Land to the first abovemention’d William Dunn, and that they give each other full discharges for any debt or damages that heve accrued by means of the disputes of their Richard to ye sd Land & this shall discharge their bonds to each other bearing date the 7th day of June Anno. Dom. MCDDXXXVIII. Signed Joh: Robinson. On 21 August 1739, presented in court by the said Tyler & Dunn and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 22, page 73.]
On 18 December 1739, William Gray and William Dunn were bound £100 current money for William Gray’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of Willm Allen deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 216–217.]
On 19 October 1742, Mary Gray, William Dunn, Edward Hayes, and John Smith were bound £1000 sterling for Mary Gray’s execution of the last will and testament of William Gray, deceased. Signed Mary her M mark Gray, Wm Dunn, Edwd Hayes, John Smith. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 389–390.]
On 7 April 1743, an inventory of the estate of Richard Jones Tayler deceased was made by Wm Covington, Richd Gatewood, and a Wm Dunn. Edwd Hayes, executor. Total valuation £95.13.3[page torn]. Ordered recorded 21 June 1743. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 12–15.]
An appraisal of the estate of William Gatewood ordered on 20 March 1743 was given on 16 April 1744 by WTyler, Wm Dunn, and John Croxton. Total valuation £303.6.3. Ordered recorded 17 April 1744. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 115–117.]
On 20 August 1744, Benjamin Fisher of the County of Essex and Parrish of Southfarnham sold to William Dunn of the same. For £25 Currt. money of Virga., one half part of one Grist Water Mill Commonly Called or known by the name of Fishers Mill, Scituate lying and being in the County and Parrish aforesaid and the Ground and Soile whereon the said Mill do stand Containing by Estimation Two Acres of Land be it more or less together with the moiety and half part of all the Scite and Soile hereof together will all Mill polls Mill Dams Stanks Banks ponds & Streams, water water Courses, ways, paths, passages Easments, profits, Commodities advantages and apprutenances. Signed Benja. Fisher. Witnesses: Thos. Barker, WTyler, James his E mark Webb. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed book 23, pages 178–180.]
On 23 April 1745, Wm Dunn witnessed the will of John Pagett of the Parish of South Farnham and County of Essex. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 329–330.]
An inventory of the estate of John Pagett was made by Wm Dunn, James Boughan Jr and John Edmondson. No total. Ordered recorded 20 August 1745. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 357–358.]
On 20 August 1745, Wm Dunn, Thomas Dunn and Edward Hayes were bound £500 sterling for Wm Dunn’s administration with the will annexed of the goods, chattles and credits of Benja Fisher deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 359–360.]
An inventory of the estate of Benja Fisher deceased ordered 20 August 1745 was made by Thomas Edmondson, John Edmondson and William Covington. Wm Dunn administrator. Ordered recorded 17 March 1746. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 7, pages 504–505.]
On 25 August 1747, James Fisher of the county of Prince George and parish of Barth sold to William Dunn of the County of Essex and Parish of Southfarnham. For £5 Current money of Virginia, one moiety and one fourth part of one grist water mill Commonly Called or known by the name of Fishers Mill in the County of Essex and parish of Southfarnham and the ground and soile where on the said Mill do Stand Containing by Estimation Two acres of Land be it more or Less. Signed James Fisher. Witnesses: Wm Edmondson, Wm Dunn Jr, Eliza her E mark Atkins. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 24, pages 176–178.]
On 16 August 1748, William Dunn of the County of Essex, Planter, and Winnifred his wife sold to John Tyler of the aforesaid County, Gent. For £25 good and Lawfull money of Virginia, three fourth parts of one water Grist mill Commonly Called and known by the name of Fishers mill Scituate lying and being in the County aforesaid and the Ground and soil whereon the said mill doth stand Containing by Estimation two acres more or Less (Excepting and Reserving to Elizabeth Atkins her Right of Dower in the said mill during her Life). Signed William Dunn, Winnifred her W mark Dunn. Witnesses: James Scott, James Boughan jr., William Dunn jr. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 24, pages 291–292.]
On 18 September 1750, Richard Jones, Wm Dunn and James Banks were bound £500 sterling for Richard Jones’s administration with the will annexed of Richard Jones. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 8, pages 362–363.]
On 11 August 1752, William Dunn witnessed a deed from Richard Tyler to Richard Gatewood. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 26, pages 110–113.]
On 31 August 1753, William Dunn Senr of the county of Essex Planter sold to James McCall Mercht of the same. For £56 currt Money paid by the said James McCall, two Slaves named Landiff a Wench bought of Willm Carril & Jacob bott. of Doctr. Jones. Provided upon this Condition nevertheless, that if the said Wm Dunn shall pay to James McCall the aforesd sum of £56 at or upon the First day of May next ensuing, then this deed to be void. Signed Wm. Dunn. Witnesses: Archibald McCall, J. Edmondson, Robt. Loury. Memorandum that before signing Scratched before us & negro Will Put out & Negro Jacob put in. On 16 October 1753 ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 26, pages 361–363.]
On 4 December 1755, William Dunn Sr. cast votes for Mr. John Upshaw and Colonel Francis Smith for burgesses of Essex County. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 27, pages 248–252.]
On 19 April 1758, a William Dunn was mentioned in the will of Joseph Greenhill of the County of Essex. He was to be co-executor. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 11, pages 116–117.]
On 18 July 1758, a William Dunn and John Edmondson bound £500 current money for William Dunn’s execution of the last will and testament of Joseph Greenhill. Signed Wm Dunn, John Edmondson. [Essex County, Will Book 11, pages 117–118.]
On 20 November 1761, William Dunn Senr. & Winnifred his Wife and Waters Dunn of the County of Essex, Planters, sold to William Roane of the same, Attorney at Law. For £150 Current money of Virginia, a Tract of Land whereon the said William Dunn and his wife now Dwells Containing by Estimation One hundred and seventy five Acres more or less, and also all that Tract of Land containing by Estimation One hundred and Fifty Acres whereon the said Waters now lives, Situate lying and being in the County aforesaid & in the Parish of Southfarnham and also the Ten following Slaves (to wit) Jacob, Landiff, Violet, Alick, Lucy, Lilly, Jacob, Will, Rose & Tom. Signed Wm. Dunn, Winefred her x mark Dunn, Waters Dunn. Witnesses: Wm. Dunn junr., Nathaniel Dunn, Lucy her x mark Dunn. On 16 February 1762 ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 29, pages 73–75.]
On 11 October 1765, William Dunn, Winifred Jones, Richard Dunn, and Aristipus Boughan witnessed a deed from Thomas Callaway and Mary his wife of the County of Halifax and Colony of Virginia to Waters Dunn of the same. Signed Thos. Callaway, Mary Callaway. Witnesses: Wm. Dunn, Winifred Jones, Richard his R mark Dunn, Asirtips. his x mark Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 30, pages 58–59.]
On 5 December 1767, an appraisal of the estate of a Mr Wm Dunn was made by James Banks, Thos Dennett and a Wm Dunn whit. Total valuation £138.9.6. Recorded 15 May 1769. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 361–362.]
On 15 December 1773, the appraisal of the estate of John Edmondson deceased was made by James Booker, James Banks, a William Dunn and Thomas Wood. No total. Recorded 17 October 1774. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 597–599.]
On 21 August 1775, Winney Dunn of the Parish and Southfarnham and County of Essex made a deed of gift to Caty Edmondson of the same. For and In consideration of the love, goodwill and affection which I have and do bear toward my loving daughter Caty Edmondson, all my right and Title to the Mill which formerly belonged to my land Husband William Dunn and Thomas Dunn his Brother, and lately was held by my son William Dunn and John Edmondson Deceased, Husband to the said Caty, situated on Matthews’s Swamp. Signed Winney her + mark Dunn. Witnesses: James Booker, John Webb Junr., William Edmondson, James Edmondson jr. On 16 October 1775 proved by James Booker, John Webb Junr. and William Edmondson and ordered to be recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 31, pages 254–255.]
On 18 July 1791, the inventory of the estate of a William Dunn deceased, John Dunn administrator, was recorded, made by Dickinson Dunn, Thos Crutcher and John Crow. Total valuation £18.18.6. Recorded 18 July 1791. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, page 249.]
On 21 October 1799, Carter Croxton and Lewis Booker were bound $7,000 for Carter Croxton’s execution of the last will and testament of a William Dunn. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, page 507.]
On 20 March 1801, Caty Edmondson, William Purkins and William Edmondson complained in court against Carter Croxton, executor of William Dunn. The complaint concerns the old Dunn mill and states that Caty’s mother was Winney Dunn. [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.]
On 19 August 1807, orator Gabriel Purkins executor of Mary Purkins issued a bill of complaint that states that in 17__ your orator’s testatrix and mother became indebted to her mother Winnefred Dunn. After Winnifred’s death her son Henry Dunn obtained administration of her estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 19, item 19-G-51.]
The estate of Henry Purkins deceased in account with William Purkins and William Dunn (B) executors from 1783 to 1818 is recorded in Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 20, item 20-J-19. It includes £4 paid to Thomas Wood for a coffin.
Spouses