He was born about 1694 in the vicinity of Julian’s
Creek in Norfolk County, Virginia. He married a woman named
Dinah who perhaps was the widow of George Ballintine who died in
Jan 1723/4 in Bertie County, North Carolina.
Richard Taylor died about 1734, and his wife
died about 1752 in Norfolk County. The following have been
circumstantially determined to have been sons of Richard and
Dinah Taylor.
1. Richard
Taylor(of whom more separately),
b. c. 1728 Julian’s Creek, Norfolk Co., VA, md. (1)
Dinah _____, md. (2) Charlotte ______, and d. 1807 Edgecombe Co.,
NC.
2. Joseph
Taylor(of whom more separately), b. c. 1730 Julian’s Creek, Norfolk Co., VA, md. Nancy
______, and d. after Feb 1808 [KY?]. Children (at least):
Joseph
Taylor, Jr., b. c. 1751 VA or NC, md. c. 1782 Sarah
Best, and d. 22 Mar 1818 nr. Richardsville, Warren Co., KY; David
Taylor, b. c. 1753 VA or NC, d. bef. 24 Dec 1798 Martin
Co., NC, without heirs; John Taylor, b. 1760 [likely] Tyrrell Co., NC,
md. c. 1785 Ellen Drake, and d. (wd) 21 Mar 1823 Edgecombe Co.,
NC; and [Miss] Taylor, b. c. 1775 [likely] Martin Co., NC, md.
William Best.
__________
The 640 Acres on the Long Branch of
Killem
One Andrew Stephenson was granted
130 acres in Chowan Precinct of Albemarle County, North Carolina, on 12
Mar 1717. The land joined a branch of ‘Killum’ Swamp, said Stevenson
[thus he already had land in the area], William Stevens, and the said
[Killum] swamp. Wit: Charles Eden, Thos. Pollock, Fra. Foster. [Patent
Bk. 8, p. 171, as abstracted in Margaret M. Hofmann, Province of
North Carolina 1663-1729 Abstracts of Land Patents (1979), p. 272
item 2901]
Andrew Stephenson was granted 250
acres on the west side of Chowan River in Chowan Precinct in Jan
1718.
20 Jan 1718, Patent Bk. 1, p. 265 (file no. 293).
"To all to whom &c doe hereby Give unto
Grant unto Andrew Stephenson a tract of Land Cont. 250 Acres
lying on the West side of Chowan River, beginning at Charles Gaven’s
lower Corner tree runing with the sd Land No. 6 Wt. 308 pole to a
pine, then N.E. 320 pole to Patrick Lawley’s Corner tree then along
the River to the first Station … C: Eden, T. Poll., F. Jones, R:
Sanderson, F. Foster."
Andrew Stephenson was granted
another 640 acres in Chowan Precinct, joining Thomas Mann, ye long
branch of Killem, James Boon, ye small branch, and Poley branch on 6 Dec
1720.
6 Dec 1720, Patent Bk. 3, p. 54 (file no. 434).
"To all &c doe give and grant unto
Andrew Stephenson a tract of land containing 640 acres lying in
Chowan prect. beginning at a Sweet gum a line tree of Thomas Manns on
ye. long branch of Killam yn. [then] along his line to a Wt. Oak In
James Boons corner yn. Along his line No. 56 E. 40 pole to ye. Center
of a Wt. Oak & 3 pines James Boons corner yn. Along another of his
lines S. 65 E. 246 pole to a Gum on ye. Small Branch yn. along ye.
Small and poley branch Various courses to a pine James Boons corner
yn. along his line S45 E56 pole to a pine another of James Boons
corner yn. N. 14 Wt. to ye. long Branch of Kellum ye. course of ye.
Said Branch to ye. first Station … C. Eden, Thos. Pollock, Fre. Jones,
Rich Sanderson, John Lovick." [Patent Bk. 3, p.
54, as abstracted by Bill R. Linder in Dec 1999 from a copy of the
original; see also Margaret M. Hofmann, Province of North Carolina
1663-1729 Abstracts of Land Patents (1979), p. 163 item
1756]
In Jan 1723/4, George Ballintine of
the area made his will in Bertie County. His wife was named
Dinagh.
14? Jan 1723 [1723/24] – proved 12 May 1724, Bertie
County.
"Goreg Bollintine – being Sick Weak In
body butt Sound and perfect In Mind and Memory Makes his Last Will and
testement Witfs. I Give and bequeth my body to ye Earth from whence
itt was taken hopeing My Soule will Returne unto God Who Gave itt
–
These I Give and bequeth to My Wife Dinagh my
now Dwelling house plantation and tract of Land thereunto belonging
and all my personal Esftate Making her My Executrix acknowleging and
Ratefiing ye Same In Witnefs My hand and Seale this 14? Day of January
1723 [1723/24] /s/ Georg X Ballintine (Seal) Test Aaron Oliver,
Alexander (A) Bollintine, Elinor (?) Watford."
Did the house, plantation, and tract
of land left to the wife Dinagh Ballintine, involve the same 640
acres she sold in 1737 as Dinah Taylor "of Virginia"? Did
George Ballintine acquire the 640 acres on the Long Branch of Kellum
from Andrew Stephenson sometime between the Dec 1720 grant and the Jan
1723/4 will?
On 13 Mar 1724, Joseph Watford
bought for 34 pounds from Andrew Stevenson, 130 acres on Killem Swamp
adjoining Stevenson. This was the same 130 acres granted to Stevenson in
1717 (see earlier).
Andrew Stephenson’s death is
mentioned in a deed from John Castellan [Castellaw], Treasurer of Bertie
Precinct, to James Holley on 31 Oct 1735: … land on south side Barbeque
Swamp, which was "land formerly mortgaged by Andrew Stephenson, dec’d,
late of said precinct … for non payment … land was sold at Publick?
Venue? to James Holley, highest bidder." Since this is less than
two years before Dinah sells land as a Taylor, it is
intriguing to learn that Andrew Stephenson was deceased when she
sold.
Joseph Watford was from a Norfolk
Co., VA, family and was married to Elinor Weston. His daughter Elizabeth
was married to Alexander Ballintine, brother of George Ballintine.
Notice in the will of George Ballintine that Alexander ‘Bollintine’ and
Elinor Watford were witnesses to the will.
Within three days of her husband’s
death, Dianah Ballentine appointed Joseph Watford power of
attorney to deal with her husband’s will. On 24 Jan 1723/24 "… whereas
George Ballentine dyed the twenty-first day this Instant January …
leaving me … by will January 14, 1723 … executrix …" I do appoint Joseph
Watford to make proof of said will, and have power of attorney to manage
the estate. Wit: William Cranford [Crawford?], Francis Brown. Proved in
May Court 1724. John Sutton D. C/C.
Within six weeks of Ballintine's
death, on 13 Mar 1724, Joseph Watford bought for 34 pounds from Andrew
Stevenson, his 130 acres on Killem Swamp adjoining Stevenson, which has
been mentioned.
Andrew Stevenson was deceased by
1735, and in 1737, after Bertie County had emerged from what was earlier
known as Chowan Precinct, North Carolina, Dinah Taylor "of
Virginia" would sell 640 acres in Bertie County [which lies in
modern-day Hertford County] and the boundaries mentioned in the deed
would distinctly agree with those mentioned in the 1720 Andrew Stevenson
640-acre grant in Chowan mentioned above, i.e., mention of Thomas Mann,
the Long Branch of Killem, James Boon, the Small Branch, and Poley
Branch (see later). This was the same 640 acres granted to Andrew
Stephenson in Dec 1720 and would greatly expand Joseph Hasfort’s area
holdings. No record has yet been found that would indicate how Dinah
Taylor came into possession of the land. Was Dinah Taylor
the same person as Dinagh Ballintine, widow of George
Ballintine? And, had she remarried to Richard Taylor of Norfolk
Co., VA, who subsequently died in 1734?
Curiously, Joseph Watford, planter,
would make his will in Bertie County exactly three days after
Dinah Taylor sold him the 640 acres. This gives the appearance of
being a death-bed transaction made anticipating the death of Joseph
Watford. Dinah Taylor "of Virginia" sold the 640 acres to Watford
on 17 July 1737. Watford made his will on 20 July 1737, and he died
shortly thereafter as the will was proved in Aug Court 1737. Watford’s
wife Elinor and son John were executors. Among the Watford children
named was "daughter Eliza. Volluntine," who was the wife of Alexander
Ballintine. Alexander was a brother to George Ballintine, deceased
husband of a woman named Dinagh. It seems likely that this same
Dinagh was the same person now known as Dinah Taylor.
Alexander Ballentine Buys on Killem
Swamp in May 1726
Alexander Ballentine bought 150
acres in Bertie County at Royall Oak at the fork of Killem Swamp
adjoining Thomas Mans on 10 May 1726. He bought the land, which formerly
belonged to Coll. William Maule, from Robert Evans and his wife Ann.
Wit: William Crawford, Cornelious Perces. Proved in May Ct. 1726.
[Bertie Co., NC, Deeds, Bk. B, p. 117, as abstracted in Mary Best Bell,
Colonial Bertie County North Carolina Volume II Abstracts of Deed
Books B & C 1725-1730 & 1739 (1963), p. 39.
James Boon Sells to Alexander
Valentine in May 1729
James Boonsold to
Alexander Valentine for 40 pounds, 100 acres on Kellum Swamp adjoining
George Valentine on 14 May 1729. Wit: John Askue, Joseph Wadford. Proved
in Aug Ct. 1729, Thomas Crew D. C/C. [Bertie Co., NC, Deeds, Bk. C, p.
133, as abstracted in Mary Best Bell, Colonial Bertie County North
Carolina Volume II Abstracts of Deed Books B & C 1725-1730 &
1739 (1963), p. 93]
Richard TaylorBuys 100 Acres from Edward Hewes in May
1730
Back in Norfolk Co., VA, on 13
May 1730, Edward Hews of Norfolk County sold to Richard Taylor of
Norfolk County for 10 pounds, 100 acres "on the head of all my other
land" adjoining land said Richd Taylor "now dwelleth on"
adjoining Bunting, Thos Owens, land patented by my grandfather Edwd Hews
in 1690 and given to my father Edwd Hews. Signed: Edwd Hewes. Wit: Ralph
Fenley, John Joyce, James + Bruce. Remember the name of the
witness John Joyce.
The Edward Hewes deed to Richard
Taylor was acknowledged and ordered recorded on 15 May 1730.
A string that runs through the
records so far found that relate to Richard and Dinah
Taylor is the name John Joyce. Notice in the above paragraph
where John Joyce was a witness to the deed when Edward Hewes sold
land to Richard Taylor in 1730. Later you will see that John
Joyce appears again in 1734, as both a security and as an appraiser,
when administration of Richard’s estate is granted to ‘Dina’
Taylor. Perhaps John Joyce was Dinah Taylor’s brother,
and her surname was Joyce. Several possibilities for a
surname for Dinah are obvious: Joyce, Watford, and
Stevenson.
Concerning Joyce, lastly but
very importantly, you will see that a few years later, in 1737, John
Joyce witnesses when Dinah Taylor "of Virginia" sells a
section of land (640 acres) in Bertie Co., NC, along the "Long
Branch of Kellum" to Joseph Watford. This transaction is recorded in
Bertie County. No record has yet been found concerning from whom or when
Dinah Taylor acquired this land. She may have inherited it, but
from whom? The answer to this question would likely yield her
surname.
Estate Administration Granted to
Widow in May 1734
On 17 May 1734 in Norfolk
County, "admin. Taylors est. [text]: On the petition of Dina
Taylor and her taking the usual oath admn~on on [left blank] estate
in due form is granted her. John Davis, John Joyce, securitys.
Jno Bowers, Abraham Bruce, John Joyce, and Thos Bruce appraisors.
Mr. Scott to swear them."
Estate Appraised in Norfolk County in May
1734
An appraisal was made on 19 May
1734 of the "estate of Richard Taylor deceased
L29.19.7."
Estate Inventory Ordered for Record in
June 1734
On 21 June 1734, "Idam [Item]
Richard Taylors the same [meaning Richard Taylor’s
inventory returned and ordered for record]."
"Norfolk County. In Obedience to an
order of Court held for the said County ye 17th day May 1734
We underwritten mett at the House of Richard Taylor deced &
first Sworn and appraise the deced’s Estate as followeth . …
29th June 1734 Pf [presence of] us Thos. Bruce Jno. Joyce
Abm: Buler …"
Estate Audit Returned and Admitted to
Record in Mar 1734/5
On 23 Mar 1734/5, the audit of
the estate of Richd Taylor was returned and admitted to
record.
Dinah Taylor Sells 640 Acres in North
Carolina in July 1737
Now back to Bertie Co., NC. In
July 1737, three years after the death of her husband Richard Taylor
in Norfolk Co., VA, Dinah Taylor"of Virginia" sold
640 acres on the Long Branch of Kellum in Bertie Precinct, North
Carolina, for 100 pounds current money of North Carolina, to Joseph
Watsford [Watford], a planter of Bertie Precinct. This was the
same land originally granted to Andrew Stephenson on 6 Dec 1720.
When the land was granted, it was in Chowan Precinct. By 1737, Bertie
Precinct had been created out of Chowan. The 640 acres described
in the deed fits perfectly the description in the 640-acre grant to
Andrew Stephenson. It is obvious that the wording in the 1737 deed
was copied directly from the 1720 grant. Following is the deed
transaction in full that we referred to earlier. [Bertie Co., NC,
Deeds, Bk. E, pp. 255-256, FHL film no. 0018248]
17 July 1737, Bertie County.
"… I Dinah Taylor, of Virginia, …for and in
consideration of the full and just sum of … (100) pounds current money
of North Carolina, paid by Joseph Watsford of Bertie Precinct
in the County of Albemarle … planter, the receipt whereof I do hereby
acknowledge, and for divers other such? Causes and valuable
considerations me thereunto especially moving, have … sold … and
confirm unto the said Joseph Watsford, Senr., … a
certain plantation and tract of Land containing by estimation … (640)
acres, be the same more or lefs, lying in Bertie Precinct … bounded as
followeth: beginning at a Sweet Gum on Thos. Mann’s line on the
Long Branch of Kellum; then along his line 56 pole to a White Oak
James Boons corner tree; then along his line afd 56 degrees
East 40 pole to the center of White Oak and three Pines, James
Boons, then along another of his lines So. 65 degrees East 246
pole to a Gum on the Small Branch; then the various courses of the
Small Branch and Poly Branch to a Pine James Boon’s corner
tree; then So. 45 degrees East 56 poles to a Pine; Then No 14 degrees
Wt to a Poplar on the Long Branch of Kellum; then down the said Branch
to Andrew Stevenson’s line; then along the line of the said
land on the Long Branch of Killum to the first station; … In witnefs
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this … (17 July 1737)
Dinah (her X mark) Taylor & a seal." Wit: John
Joyce, Alexander (his A mark) Vallentine, Jurat. Proved in
May Court 1738 by the oath of Allexander Vallentine and ordered to be
registered.
The Watford family was a Norfolk
County family descended from a John Watford (ca. 1608-ca. 1657) who
arrived in Virginia around 1639 and settled in Norfolk County. The
Joseph Watford in Bertie Co., NC, was John Watford’s grandson (Joseph
Sr. d. 1737), who had a son Joseph Watford, Jr. (b. 1710, d. 1794).
In Norfolk Co., VA, the Taylors were
neighbors of an early Norfolk County Ballentine family. Note that
John Joyce and Alexander Vallentine witnessed the above deed.
Administration of Dinah Taylor Estate
in 1752
The Norfolk County order books
show that on 16 Apr 1752, "Admin [was] granted Joseph Taylor on estate
of Dinah Taylor dec’d. Court orders appraisal of estate by
William Moore, Danl Culpeper, James Bruce?, & Wm Bayly (or any 3)."
The minute book on this date shows: "Ordered Willm Moore, Danl Culpiper,
James Brown?, and Willm Bayley to appraise estate of Dinah Taylor
dec’d., & admin. granted Joseph Taylor.
On 21 May 1752 the order book shows
that an inventory and appraisal was returned. The minute book for the
same date shows: "Appraisal of estate of Dinah Taylor returned
& ordered recorded."
The order book for 16 Nov 1752
shows: "Richard Buntin, William Baily, & William Moore or any 2 to
audit estate of Dinah Taylor dec’d." The minute book reads:
"Richd Buntin, Wm Baily, & Wm Moore to audit estate of Dinah
Taylor."
The order book for 21 Aug
1755 shows that Joseph Taylor, administrator of Dinah Taylor,
obtained L1.1 against the estate of Richard Ballentine dec’d.
Son Sells Norfolk County Land Thirty Years
Later?
In Jan 1785, recorded in Norfolk
Co., VA, a Richard Taylor and wife Dinah Taylor [a younger Dinah Taylor]
and John Taylor their son "all of Conetoe of Martin County in the State
of North Carolina" sold to Robert Owens of Nansemond Co., VA, for 40
pounds, a tract of 75 acres in the Southern Branch of Elizabeth River
adjoining William Oweins and Thomas Hubert at the head & north side
of Julions [The release on the next page says "Julians Creek."]. Was
this Richard Taylor of Martin County a son of Richard Taylor III?
And, was Joseph Taylor his brother?
The deed does not explain how the
Martin County Taylors acquired the land, but it specifically excepts the
right in dower of Ann Taylor [an unmarried sister?] who lives on the
plantation and has dower rights until her death. Signed: Richard Taylor,
Dinah (I [mark with two short lines thru the middle]) Taylor, John X
Taylor. Wit: John Lewelling, John X Ballentine, William X Rogers. Notice
that the Ballentine name again enters the scene.
Latest Clues (Feb 2000
Update)
A Martin Joyce made his
will in Martin Co., NC, on 24 Feb 1812, naming wife Elizabeth, son John
Joyce, son Abnejat (Abjenal) Joyce, son Daniel Joyce, and daughters
Tabitha (or Talitha) Joyce and Patsey Joyce. His wife Elizabeth’s will
was recorded in Dec Ct. 1827; by then, daughter Elizabeth had married a
Morris.
Also, Richard Taylor [Jr.] of
Martin Co., NC, sold 50 acres to John Hawkins of Martin County in Apr
1817. Of significance in this transaction is one of the witnesses:
John Joyce. It has been noted in the preceding that a John Joyce
witnessed in 1737 when Dinah Taylor sold 640 acres in Bertie County to
Joseph Watford. Earlier, John Joyce witnessed when Richard Taylor bought
land in Norfolk Co., VA. Later, John Joyce was mentioned in Taylor
estate proceedings in Norfolk County. The John Joyce who witnessed the
deed below would not have been the same man; however, the existence of
the Joyce surname in Martin County is another clue evidencing
that the same families were in Norfolk Co., VA, and in Martin Co.,
NC.
24 Apr 1817, Martin County.
Richard Taylor, Martin Co. to John Hawkins, Martin Co. for
$125, a tract of land beginning at a corner marked W. (S) Edmonson’s
corner then running south 56 east 82 poles along a line of marked
trees to a corner black oak Edmonson’s and (Powel’s) corner then along
and ( ) of marked trees south 28 west 100 poles to a corner pine a new
made corner then north 34 west 119 poles, north 22 west 34 poles,
north 3 west 36 poles north (65) poles along a line of marked trees to
a corner the center of a pine and red oak then south 57 east along a
line of new made marked trees to a ( ) marked pine then along a line
of marked trees to the beginning , containing 50 acres, signed
Richard Taylor (X) (could be either "Tayloe" or "Taylor"). Wit:
(Dm). Davis, John Joyce. Recorded Sep Ct. 1817.
Surname of Dinah Taylor Still Unknown
Because John Joyce appeared
frequently in connection with Richard and Dinah Taylor,
the Joyce family was investigated to determine whether there was a
relationship. It was thought that Dinah Taylor might have been a
sister to John Joyce [Jr.].
The research showed that Judith
Joyce, daughter of Martin and Judith Joyce and sister of John Joyce,
Jr., was the wife of John Taylor. This John Taylor was a son of Richard
Taylor I and brother of Richard Taylor II (as designated in web pages
concerning them in Family History House). John Taylor was an uncle of
Richard Taylor III whose wife was Dinah. Although no Dinah
Joyce was discovered, it was interesting and informative to learn
that there was a family connection between John Joyce, Jr., and
Richard and Dinah Taylor for whom Joycewitnessed a
number of transactions as set forth in the preceding.
Visitors are invited and encouraged to write or send e-mail
messages offering comments, ideas, corrections, and additions to all
research papers featured in Family History
House.
Bill R.
Linder 4615 9th Street
South Arlington, VA 22204-5922
