Capt. John B. Ware

• ********************************************************************************** BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN WARE

1736-1816

John Ware, was the first born son and oldest child of James and Agnes (Todd) Ware. His parents resided in Gloucester Co., Virginia and he was born there, December 12, 1736, along with his brothers, Nicholas, James, Richard, William and Edmund. And sister, Clara.

The family moved to King and Queen Co., Virginia, a portion of which later became Caroline, Co. (Caroline county was formed from Essex, King and Queen and King William counties in 1728. Additional parts of King and Queen were added in 1742 and 1762.)

Nothing is known of John’s early life until his father, James, gave permission for John to marry Ann Harrison, born in 1740. She was the daughter of Andrew Harrison and his second wife Jane Dillard, sister of Andrew’s first wife Mary Dillard. The Harrisons lived on Byrd Creek in north-western Goochland, Co., north of the James River. Ann was known as “Ann on the Byrd.”

“In 1728 ( the Act passed in 1772), when Henrico County was divided and Goochland County was formed, St James’ Parish fell in Goochland and then became St;. James’ Parish in Goochland County. Goochland County and St. James’ Parish extended indefinitely westward. …”

(Source: Parish Lines Diocese of Southern Virginia – Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia)

(Copies of actual documents provided by James Richmond, Clerk, Goochand Co., VA, Circuit Court.)

”WARE, John, in Caroline, & Ann Harrison on the Byrd in the County 1756, May 27 p. 2” (The Douglas Register)

”PARISH REGISTER OF GOOCHLAND begun ANNO 1756 by WILLIAM DOUGLAS, MINISTER–

I came to Goochland Decr. 12 1750, & preached for the first time in Dover Church, dec: 16th Sunday following: & have officiate as Minister since that time. But there being no Register in the Parish Since I came till now, in the cause why it has not been kept till this time.”

(The Douglas Register, by Rev. William Douglas, Being a detailed record of Births, Marriages and Deaths together with interesting notes…from 1750 to 1797, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1985)

It is important to write that John Ware’s (1736 – 1816) genealogy is often confused with another John Ware (1735 – 1801) who lived in Fluvanna County and who married Mary Watson. Both were married by Rev. Douglas at St. James Northam, however the union between John Ware and Mary Watson was in 1762. Part of the confusion also rests with the fact that John Ware, son of James and Agnes Ware, also owned property in Fluvanna Co.

Click on to enlarge.

The following is a condensed biography.

 ”John Ware (ca.1735-1801)

John Ware was one of the first permanent inhabitants of the Seven Islands. After coming of age in the 1750′s, John moved to Seven Islands after being willed half of the land his father, Peter Ware III, (ca. 1703-1741) owned in the future Fluvanna County, which was located along the James Rivers roughly between the Hardware River and Bremo Creek. …Besides farming his vast lands, John Ware also built at least two grist mills in the area … John Ware was also very involved with his community as were most wealthy citizens of the day. Before Fluvanna was created in 1777, Mr. Ware was a judge in Albermarle County. After the formation of Fluvanna County Mr. Ware became a member of the new county’s first court of justices. …John Ware also had five children: Ulysses, Washington, John, Polly and Peter.”

(Source: Excerpts taken from Seven Islands Fluvanna County, Virginia, on-line)

Records kept in the Vestry book for St. James Parish Northam list John Ware as a Vestry man in 1782 and he served for one year. I have seen a copy of the book on micro-film and I do not know which John Ware. The biography of John Ware of Fluvanna County, above, claims it was he.

Reverend Douglas kept meticulous records diligently written. A descendant of his did not wish the volumes to be published and through carelessness, 30 pages have been lost. The Register was eventually transcribed and published. All of John and Ann’s known children’s births were listed except two, William and Mary (Mollie). According to Judy C. Ware and information she possesses, there was another daughter born before Mollie. That girl lived to adulthood and married, but may have died before her father, because she is not mentioned in his Will.

“John Ware & Ann Harrison a Son named James born dec: 27, 1756. Baptized 1757 Ap: 8. p. 50

…a Son named Andrew born May 24, 1758. Baptized 1758 June 25. p. 53”

(William Ware was born May 13, 1760 in Goochland Co.)

“…a Son named John born Jun 10, 1762. Baptized 1762 Jul: 18. p. 63

…a Daughter named Betty born May 27, 1764. Baptized Jun: 24, 1764. p. 68

…a Daughter named Milley born Sep. 27 1766. Baptized Nov: 2, 1766. p.75

…a Daughter named Jeanie born Dec: 14, 1768. Baptized Jan: 29, 1769. p. 83

…a Daughter named Anne born Jun: 30 1771. Baptized Sep: 22, 1771. p.90”

(Mollie was born in 1778 in Goochland Co.)

John and Ann made their home near Rock Castle.

“Rock Castle was probably named for a large outcropping on nearby James River that resembles a rock castle. Important Indian settlements were located nearby, centuries before the colonies existed. In 1732, William Byrd persuaded Tarleton Fleming, …to move from New Kent to the frontier at Rock Castle. The property was passed down through the Flemings for several generations, then changed hands several times. …”

(Source: Excerpt from a newsletter for the Goochland County Historical Society, dated May 7, 2006, found on-line.)

Ben Glade Farms is where the graves of Millie and Mollie are located; possibly John Ware’s grave also.

At this point it is important to mention some of the families who were related to or lived near John and Ann.  The vestry- men of St. James included such notable families as the Paynes, who would later be the in-laws of John and Ann’s son William, by his second marriage, to Susannah Payne.  (William Ware’s first wife was the daughter of Ann’s brother, William; Susannah Harrison.)  Susannah Harrison’s maternal great-grandparents were the Flemings. The Burtons were her maternal grandparents.  The Millers were the in-laws of  the Wares first son James.  The Bollings and the Randolphs were related to Thomas Jefferson.  The Woodsons, related to the Flemings and Coles, were the ancestors of Jesse James.

Confusing, but like most families of the time, the bonds of marriages tied the groups together for mutual support. When families relocated elsewhere it was often with other family members or neighbors. Sometimes this makes it easy to find our ancestors, but untangling the lines in rather like trying to sort out strings of Christmas tree lights after you have taken them off the tree.

The patriarch of the Harrison family, Andrew, Ann’s father, moved to southern “Virginia in 1761, and bought land in Pittsylvania and Halifax counties” and Orange Co., North Carolina, which later became Caswell Co. ”He had a mill on Moore’s Creek. ‘My dwelling house sits on land that was a drill ground for Major Thomas Harrison’s battalion in the Revolution. He camped for one winter on his own land. ‘ ”

Andrew died in 1774 and among the bequests to his children was the following to Ann Harrison Ware: “Item, I give and bequeath unto by my daughter Ann Ware and her heirs forever one Negro girl named Isabella.”

‘”hen Andrew died Jane occupied his plantation on the Dan River near Providence, NC. Jane Dillard Harrison died in Caswell Co., NC in 1809.”

(Source: Harrison Family Tree, by Mary Louise Heckenkemper LeBoeuf, 2008. Posted on-line September 12, 2010.)

John was appointed one of the executor’s of Andrew Harrison estate. The slave girl Isabella stayed in the possession of Jane Harrison until her death. John may have traveled to North Carolina to bring Isabella to his wife, Ann. “Old Is’bel” was later bequeathed by daughter Mildred Ware in her Will. A family story says John inherited Reuben from Jane Dillard Harrison.

William Harrison, Ann’s brother, married Ann Payne in Goochland Co., December 4, 1763. They may have moved to southern Virginia at the same time as Andrew Harrison. William became an important citizen of Pittsylvania County. (More information about him can be found in the biography of William Ware.)

Prior to William Harrison’s relocation to Pittsylvania, an incident occurred involving a slave named Dick owned by William, a slave girl named Peg, owned by John Ware, and John’s brother, Richard. Richard is said to have died at the hands of these two slaves. (More information can be found in Judy C. Ware’s book, “New Nation – New Land.”)

John was building a plantation, but just how he acquired his first land is a mystery. Ann may have had some property and relinquished her dower rights, but there is no record of property or transfer of title to her husband. Possibly Andrew, gave land to his new son-in-law. (John’s Will bequeaths land to four of his grandsons on the Big Byrd and Little Byrd Creeks.)

You will notice from the portion of the Goochland Co. map above, that John Ware lived very close to where the boundaries of Goochland, Fluvanna and Cumberland counties meet in the Rock Castle area. His plantation was located in all three counties as described by inventories attached to his Will; the primary part being in Goochland Co.

“Pleasants Family Cumberland County Records Samuel Pleasants, an infant, son and heir to John Pleasants, late of Cumberland Co., deceased. Deed from John Ware, 275 acres in Cumberland Co., on Jones’ Creek, which the sd. John Ware holds by deed from Thomas Jefferson, of Albemarle Co., and adj. Thomas Turpin, June 20, 1767.”

(Source: Valentine Papers, Vols. 1-4, 1864-1908, Ibid. p. 344)

“A deed made 17 November 1767 between Jonas Lawson Jr. of the County of Goochland and John Ware of the same County for the sum of one hundred pounds, deeded two hundred acres of land in Goochland County to Ware. Bounded by George Payne, Col. John Payne, William Harrison and Capt. James Cole, deceased and Benjamin Johnson on the branches of Little Byrd Creek, being two hundred acres received by Jonas Lawson Jr. from John Bostick and where Jonas Lawson Jr. lately lived. Signed by Jonas Lawson Jr. Recorded 17 November 1767.”

(Source: Goochland County, Virginia Deed and Will Book 9, 1756-1769, pages 103-4)

“At a Court held for Goochland County on Beaverdam the third Tuesday in November being the 17th day of the month, 1767, Jonas Lawson Jr., acknowledges a deed with Livery of Seizin and receipt endorsed to John Ware to be his Acts and Deeds, which are ordered to be recorded. Then Mary, his wife (she being first privately examined) relinquishes her right of Dower in the land by the said Deed conveyed, which is also admitted to record.

(Source: Goochland County, Virginia Order Book 11, Page 129, 17 November 1767 Court)

“The area which is now Fluvanna County was once part of Henrico County, one of the original shires of the Virginia Colony. Henrico was divided in 1727 and the Fluvanna County area became a part of Goochland County. In 1744 Goochland was divided and the area presently known as Fluvanna became a part of Albemarle County. Finally, in 1777, Albermarle County was divided and Fluvanna County established.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

According to John’s Will, ”One other tract or parcel of land laying in the County of Fluvanna on the Rivanna River, my son James is to try to endeavor to get an Act of Assembly passed for building a Mill on the said tract of land by taking the water from the Rivanna River, and if he gets leave to build a Mill, he is to have it built out of my estate, and after the death of my son James, I give the aforesaid tract or parcel of land to the sons of William Ware and John Mosby, to them and their heirs forever, subject to a regulation hereafter to be made.”

John Mosby sold 2/5ths of the aforesaid property. “Whereas John Ware formerly of Goochland Co., in his will bequeathed to his two grandsons John Ware Mosby and Alfred Daniel Mosby sons of John Mosby an interest in a tract of land lying in Fluvanna County on the Rivanna river; said John Ware by his said will as aforesaid did give sd. land to two afd. grand children together with three others to wit; John Ware, Robert Payne Ware, & Wm. Ware the children of Wm Ware of Pittsylvania Co. and the grandchildren of said John Ware decd, and aforesaid John Mosby considering that he will be promoting the interest of his sons John Ware Mosby and Alfred Daniel Mosby by selling their interest in aforeesaid Land, hereby conveys to said Petit (for sum of $1900, 2/5 of said tract of land devised as aforesaid, which is the portion his own two sons are entitled to under the aforesaid will of their Grandfather Ware.

Recorded May 25, 1819”

(Source: The Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers; Abstracts of Records in the Local and General Archives of Virginia Relating to the Families of …Mosby, …edited by Clayton Torrence, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1979, page 884)

This information in Mildred Ware’s Will implies the sons of William Ware may never have received their shares of the property.

“Item. I give to the children of my brother William Ware, five hundred dollars in bonds, as compensation for the loss they sustained in the sale of the land, left them by my father.”

(Source: Excerpt from Will of Mildred Ware.)

John also held property in Pittsylvania County and bequeathed the land to his son William.

“I give unto my son William Ware my tract of land on Dan River, laying near the lands on which my said son lives, containing six hundred and thirteen acres, also the rents which he owes me for the rent of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever the aforesaid lands and rents, being his full proportion of all my estate, both real and personal.”

(Source: Excerpt from Will of John Ware.)

The Virginia Tax Census records for 1790 and 1800 state John paid taxes in Goochland and Fluvanna Counties.

1789 Tax Record

John Ware was a very wealthy man. His land holdings were vast. He had over 130 slaves and possessions which determined his station, specifically a carriage and 2 carriage horses. His house-hold furniture consisted of enough pieces to furnish a five bedroom house. He also had tannery and blacksmith shops. (At his death, receipts to these businesses were due to his estate.) He derived money from rented property.

Most plantation owners in that area probably grew tobacco. Several notations in the St. James Northam Parish Church Vestry Book were made concerning debts being paid by or to parishioners, with tobacco. I believe John grew either cotton or flax. Spinning wheels and carding implements were left to his daughters Milley and Molley.

Towards the end of his life, John was focused on another business, milling. He died before the two mills could be constructed. His Will directed them to be completed and the profits to be given to his oldest son James as the conservator of John’s perpetuating estate for his grandchildren.

The mill on Whittle Creek was completed in 1817 with money from the estate, but I cannot find evidence of the proposed mill on the Rivanna River in Fluvanna Co. Profits, or lack thereof, for the Whittle Creek Mill did not flow into the estate as directed by John. The property ultimately was to be given to John’s grandson, Nicholas Miller Ware, son of James. Nicholas told his father he was going to sell the property regardless of the directive of John’s Will; which he did.

During the Colonial times, plantation owners banded together to form Militia’s and Safety Committees for protection against Indian attacks. With the approach of civilization, many of these groups were disbanded and were reorganized when Virginia called upon them in time of war. John and many of his wealthy neighbors probably bought their commissions as was customary in England. He became a Captain and his oldest son James was his Second Lieutenant.

“The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

“When in 1775, committees were organized in various counties, who were to have virtual control of preparations of impending was, Goochland acted promptly and the following citizens were named: …John Ware, …”

(Source: Twelve Virginia Counties Where the Western Migration Began, by John H. Gwathmey, Originally Published in Richmond Virginia, 1937, page 226)

“August 1777, Book 12, page 501

Waller Johnson, Lt.; James Ware 2nd Lt.; and James Overstreet, Ensign in appt. in Capt. John Ware’s Company; …”

(Source: Goochland County’s Militia Officers (1730-1777) by Margaret Henley, Goochland County Historical Society Magazine, Vol. 8, No. 2, Autumn 1976, page 47)

“Ware, John, Goochland Militia serving as Captain in 1777; replaced as Captain by Samuel Richardson, Apr. 20, 1778”

(Source: Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution; Soldiers-Sailors-Marines, by John H. Gwathmey, Deitz Press, Publishers, Richmond, Virginia, 1938)

(Note: You may be confused after reading the information below regarding the service of James Bibb, but as it was pointed out to me, there may have been several Captains in the Goochland Militia, John Ware being only one. We, also, know John’s son, James, ultimately served as one of his lieutenants. Towards the end of this biography is information about John’s children and you will read that William Ware, Johns’ third son, served as Ensign in Captain Samuel Richardson’s Company.)

James Bibb, was a member of John Ware’s Company in 1779 and detailed on the first page of the transcribed letter below is Mr. Bibb’s Revolutionary War service record. The letter was signed by A.D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

(Source: www.Footnote.com)

These two important documents authenticate John Ware’s service record with the Goochland Militia. According to Mr. Bibb’s testimony and verification with the War Department, he did not engage in any battles and further, he was with Capt. Ware’s Company at Albemarle Barracks.

”Albemarle Barracks was a prisoner-of-war camp for British prisoners during the American Revolutionary War.

Following Gen. John Burgoyne’s defeat at the Battle of Saratoga, in 1777, several thousand British and German (Hessian and Brunswickian) troops, of what came to be known as the Convention Army, were marched to Cambridge, Massachusetts. For various reasons, the Continental Congress desired to move them south. One of Congress’ members offered his land outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. The remaining soldiers (some 2,000 British, upwards of 1,900 German, and roughly 300 women and children) marched south in late 1778 – arriving at the site (near Ivy Creek) in January, 1779. As the barracks were barely sufficient in construction, the officers were paroled to live as far away as Richmond, Virginia and Staunton, Virginia. The camp was never adequately provisioned, and yet the prisoners did manage to make something of the site, including building a theater. Hundreds escaped Albemarle Barracks, owing to lack of an adequate number of guards.

As the British army moved northward from the Carolinas, in late 1780, the remaining prisoners were moved to Frederick, Maryland, Winchester, Virginia, and perhaps elsewhere.

The former site of Albemarle Barracks is on private property, northwest of downtown Charlottesville, in the vicinity of ”Ivy Farms.” In 1983, the Albemarle County Historical Society erected a plaque for the Albemarle Barracks burial site. Located on what is now Ivy Farm Drive, the spot marks the location of several graves found when the land was developed for residential use.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

There is no information on John or Ann after the war, save for mention of John’s trip to Pittsylvania County after his mother-in-law died in 1809. At some time he must have purchased the land “adjoining’ William Ware’s tract” as bequeathed to William in John’s Will. Williams property was near the border of Halifax County and the property might have been located there.

Ann’s death was not recorded. My hope is there might be a grave-stone for her in the small Ben Glade Cemetery. Milley and Molley stayed on the plantation after their mother’s death to take care of their father. And in consideration for this, John left them part of the plantation land where the house was located and all of its contents.

John was a benevolent slave owner. His Will divided most of his slaves among his living children who resided close to the plantation because he did not want to greatly separate families. William received no slaves, because he lived too far away. A provision of his will stipulated for enough corn and bacon to feed the remaining slaves on his property for a year.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JOHN WARE

Transcribed by Marti Martin

I, John Ware, of Goochland County, do make this testament as my last will and testament, revoking all other wills or instruments by me heretofore made.

1st. I lend to my son James Ware the following lands, and after his death to be disposed of in the following manner. Viz: two tracts of land containing four hundred acres, called thereon by the names of Lawsons and Cole, John Payne’s tracts extending on the Little Byrd creek from Robert Pace’s to the widow Pace’s, and after the death of my son James, I give the aforesaid four hundred acres of land to my four grandsons, John Ware, Robert Ware, Richard Ware, and James Ware, to them and their heirs forever, subject to a regulation hereafter to be made, also one other tract or parcel of land on the little Byrd creek, running on the said creek from the widow Pace’s line to Stephen Johnson’s line so as to include the tract of land that I purchased of Ben Johnson’s estate, making in the whole two hundred and forty acres, and after the death of my son James, I give the aforesaid tract or parcel of land to my two grandchildren, Betsey Wyett and Richard Wyett, to them and their heirs forever, subject to a regulation hereafter to be made. One other tract or parcel of land lying on the Whittle Creek where I am building a Mill, it being the lands formerly owned by John and Susanna Pace. And running up to a new line to be made or run from a corner of Jesse Pace’s line to Jesse Miller’s line so as to make the aforesaid tract to contain about one hundred and eighty acres. And after the death of my son James, I give the aforesaid tract of land of one hundred and eighty acres to my grandson, Nicholas Ware, to him and his heirs forever, subject to a regulation hereafter to be made. One other tract or parcel of land laying in the County of Fluvanna on the Rivanna River, my son James is to try to endeavor to get an Act of Assembly passed for building a Mill on the said tract of land by taking the water from the Rivanna River, and if he gets leave to build a Mill, he is to have it built out of my estate, and after the death of my son James, I give the aforesaid tract or parcel of land to the sons of William Ware and John Mosby, to them and their heirs forever, subject to a regulation hereafter to be made. It is my express will and desire that all the above tract or parcels of land requiring a division that it be done equally agreeable to its value and in no case those to whom I have given it shall be at liberty to make sale of it to any person during their lifetime without it is to one of the parties who claim in the aforesaid lands or to one of the heirs of my estate, being desirous that it should continue in my family during their lives.

2nd. I give to my two daughters Milley Ware and Molly Ware the tract or parcel of lands whereon I live, beginning on the Big Byrd creek with the line of William Yates and running down the said creek to the lands formerly owned by Howell Lewis, and adjoining the lands on which Mrs. Tinsley lives, the lands of Jesse Pace, and to run with the new line to be made from the said Pace’s line to Jesse Miller’s line and with the said Miller’s line to William Yates line to the beginning. Also two tracts of land called thereon by the name of Merrious, containing eighty four acres each, which tract of eighty four acres each are to be rented out until the Mill on the Whittle Creek is finished and then to go to the use of my said daughters. Also, I give to my two daughters Milley and Molly all the blacksmith tools, all the tools or implements for carrying on the tan yard, the three blacksmiths, Joe, Jack, and Jim, and the two tanners, John and Reuben, my carriage and the two carriage horses, the loom and the implements belonging to it, two desks and bookcases, the bureau, 5 feather beds and furniture, two curtain bedsteads and curtains, three common bedsteads, 4 dining tables, 2 dressing tables, two looking glasses, all the sitting chairs, all the pictures and maps, all the window curtains, the clock, six trunks, two pair fire tongues and shovels, all the cupboards and all the earthen ware, glassware, knives, forks, and spoons, all the waiters, grindstone, all the cyder casks, and all the salt. All the aforesaid lands and property are to return to my estate at the death of my two daughters, Milley and Molly should they have no heir or issue of their bodies, and be divided among those of my grandchildren who have had no lands from my estate, but if they or either of them should have heirs or issue of their bodies, then it shall go to my said daughters, to them and their heirs forever. Also, I, John Ware, give to my said daughters, Milley and Molly, the following slaves, viz: Lewis, Salley, Malenday, Jenny, Isham, Nelly, Simon (called Lewis Simon), Celey, Mary, Judy, Jesse, Moses, Fielding, Jordon, and little Isbell, making fifteen in number, also as much corn and bacon as will be sufficient for their use for one year after my death, as also the sum of one hundred dollars cash for pocket money. All the slaves together with all the increase of the females I give to my said daughters to them and their heirs forever. All of the aforesaid lands and property is given to my said daughters in consequence of advances made all my other children on their marriage.

3rd. I give unto my son William Ware my tract of land on Dan River, laying near the lands on which my said son lives, containing six hundred and thirteen acres, also the rents which he owes me for the rent of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever the aforesaid lands and rents, being his full proportion of all my estate, both real and personal.

4th. I give to my granddaughter Betsey Wyatt one Negro boy called and known by the name of Philling Ned, to her and her heirs forever.

5th. I request that my Executors select out of my young Negroes one for each of my grandchildren and give it to them, which shall be theirs and their heirs forever, except for Betsy Wyatt, she having one already given, and the children of my son William Ware, and they shall have the sum of one hundred dollars paid them in lieu of a young Negro, as they live at so great a distance, and I not wishing to divide or separate parents and children.

6th. My will and desire is that all the balance of my estate, both real and personal which has not been heretofore disposed of shall be equally divided among my five children, (without making sale of any of it). Viz: James Ware, Nancy Wyatt, Jenney Mosby, Milley Ware, and Molley.

7th. My will and desire is that my son James Ware make use of as much of the lands first left to him during his life as he may want for his own use, and the rest of them to rent out, and the rents arising from them to be applied to the building or finishing the Mill on the Whittle Creek, and should the aforesaid rents not be sufficient to finish the said Mill, he is to make use of as much of the money belonging to my estate as will finish it.

8th. I nominate my son James Ware and Richard Wyett my executors to carry this my last will and testament into effect and it is my wish that they not be held to security. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of February 1816.

John Ware

Witnesses: Jesse Pace Sr., Jesse A Miller, Stephen Crank, Wm S Appleby, Jeremiah F Pace, J Napier

A codicil to the foregoing will is that my daughters Milley Ware and Molley Ware shall be at liberty to select from among my kitchen furniture as much as they may want for their use so as to include a large copper kettle with the articles selected.

I, John Ware, do make and annex this codicil as a part of my last will and testament. I give and bequeath to my daughter Jenney Mosby the sum of five hundred dollars to be paid to her in cash, and I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Wyatt the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to be paid to her in cash. Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my two daughters Milly Ware and Molley Ware all the cotton wheels, flax wheels and cards so as to include all the implements for carding and spinning. 4th I give and bequeath to each of my great grandchildren, except the grandchildren of my son William Ware, one of the smallest young Negroes, to each of them and to their heirs forever, and should my son William have any grandchildren, I give and bequeath to each of them the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to them in cash, and it is further my will and desire that if any part of this, my will, should not be perfectly understood by my executors, that my friend John Napier shall be called on to explain it to them, this explanation to be admitted as I consider him to have the best information of my intentions. As witness my hand and seal the day and date above.

John Ware

Signed, sealed, and acknowledged in presence of

J Napier

Wm M Puryear

At a Monthly Sessions Court held for Goochland County at the Courthouse on Monday, the 17th day of June 1816, this writing was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of Jesse Pace Sr., Stephen Crank, and John Napier to be the last will and testament of John Ware, dec’d. And the first codicil was also proved by the oaths of the said Jesse Pace Sr., Stephen Crank, and John Napier. And the second codicil annexed was also proved by the oath of the said John Napier, and ordered to be recorded.

At a Quarterly Session held for Goochland County at the Courthouse on Monday the 19th day of August 1816, Inventory and Appraisement of the estate of John Ware, deceased, in Goochland County, was presented in Court and ordered to be recorded. (Value $23,019.70)

Inventory of the personal estate which belonged to John Ware of the County of Goochland, deceased, at the time of his death, produced for appraisement according to law by James Ware and Richard Wyatt, executors.

The foregoing contains a true inventory of all the personal estate of the late Capt. John Ware, dec’d, in the County of Fluvanna which has been in our possession since his death. (Value $5,985.00)

At a Quarterly Session Court held for Goochland at the Courthouse on Monday, the 19th day of August 1816, this inventory and appraisement of the estate of John Ware, deceased, in the County of Fluvanna was presented in Court and ordered to be recorded.

List of appraisement of the estate of John Ware, dec’d, taken and made this 13th August 1816 at Hoopers Rock, Cumberland County.

At a Monthly Sessions Court held for Goochland County at the Courthouse on Monday, the 16th day Sept 1816, this inventory and appraisement of the estate of John Ware, dec’d in Cumberland County, was presented in Court and ordered to be recorded. (Value $1,988.50)

(Note: The Will contains several inventories for all the properties, but were omitted from this biography. There is also a plat map for the property surrounding Whittle Creek that was given to four of James’ sons.)

Mollie married George Washington McLein. Milley continued to live on the plantation until her sister, Mollie, died in 1824. She left the plantation and moved to Louisa County to live with another sister, Nancy (Ann) and brother-in-law, Richard Wyatt. She died at their residence in 1830. Her will made “handsome presents” to her nieces and nephews.

The children:

James married Elizabeth Miller, September 22, 1786. They had 11 children; Clara, Elizabeth, James, John, Martha, Mary, Nancy, Nicholas, Richard, Robert and Susan. James appointed Ensign in John Ware’s Company, Aug. 18, 1777. James Sr. died in 1818.

Andrew took the oath to serve as Ensign in the Goochland Militia, Oct. 16, 1780

William, Goochland Militia appointed, 2nd Lieutenant in Captain Samuel Richardson’s Company, July 16, 1782. William married his cousin Susannah Harrison, February 10, 1875. She died shortly after the birth of their daughter, Susannah H. (Her death-bed letter to her family can be found on this site.) William married another cousin, Susannah Payne, October 17, 1789. They had six children; Agnes, Ann, John, Robert, Susan and William. William Sr. died January 16, 1828.

John married Margarett Lady September 6, 1780. It is presumed he was involved with the merchant trade from Ware’s Neck to England and died at sea.

Elizabeth married James Poindexter, April 21, 1806. She is not mentioned in her father’s Will and it is presumed she proceeded him in death.

Mildred never married and died March 3, 1830.

Jane (Jeanie) married John Harris Mosby, April 10, 1799. They had four children; Alfred, Annie, John and Sarah. (Alfred’s son, John Singleton Mosby, was the notorious “Grey Ghost” of the Confederacy.) She died in 1811.

Nancy married Richard Wyatt, December 16, 1796. They had four children; Anne, Elizabeth, Richard and Sarah. She died April 17, 1838.

Mary (Mollie) married George Washington McLein in 1816. They had no children.

( Military information contributed by Judy C. Ware. Source: Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution; Soldiers-Sailors-Marines, 1775-1783, by John H. Gwathmey, Dietz Press, Publishers, Richmond Virginia, 1938.)

John and Ann’s descendants migrated to different places and different states. A few have searched their roots, trying to preserve the available information and documentation. Much has been lost over time. For me it has been hard to step back 200 years and imagine what life was like for them, however I have a better knowledge due to this research. One item in one inventory has told me all I needed to know about John. The inventory lists a blind mule. Apparently John found this animal to still be of use when many a farmer would have destroyed such a beast. I am proud to be descended from a man with such values and principles.

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URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=401&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 16 June 1789. Summary Location: Amherst County. Description: 95 acres on both sides of the Irish Creek. Source: Land Office Grants No. 20, 1788-1789, p. 401 (Reel 86). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Amherst County Subject -Geographic Amherst County (Va.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Amherst County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837924

URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=450&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 1 May 1816. Summary Location: Fluvanna County. Description: 15 acres being an island of Fluvanna River opposite the mouth of Great Bremo Creek. Source: Land Office Grants No. 65, 1815-1816, p. 450 (Reel 131). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Fluvanna County Subject -Geographic Fluvanna County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Fluvanna County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837930

URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=605&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 12 January 1801. Summary Location: Amherst County. Description: 152 acres on the waters of Irish Creek. Source: Land Office Grants No. 46, 1797-1801, p. 605 (Reel 112). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Amherst County Subject -Geographic Amherst County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Amherst County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837926 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=503&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 12 August 1793. Summary Location: Amherst County. Description: 90 acres on both of Pedlar above the mouth of Irish Creek. Source: Land Office Grants No. 29, 1793, p. 503 (Reel 95). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Amherst County Subject -Geographic Amherst County (Va.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Amherst County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837925 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=647&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 26 May 1785. Summary Location: Fayette County (Ky.). Description: 1000 acres on Mile Creek a branch of the North Fork of Licking. Source: Land Office Grants O, 1785, p. 647 (Reel 55). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Kentucky -- Fayette County. Subject -Geographic Fayette County (Ky.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Kentucky -- Fayette County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837928 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=297&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 1 February 1781. Summary Location: Pittsylvania County. Description: 394 acres on the branches of Dann River adjoining the land of John Wilson, Thomas Owens, &c. Source: Land Office Grants C, 1780-1781, p. 297 (Reel 44). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Wilson, John. Owens, Thomas. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Pittsylvania County Subject -Geographic Pittsylvania County (Va.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Pittsylvania County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837931 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=193&last=&g_... Grant Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 20 July 1780. Summary Location: Fluvanna County. Description: 254 acres on the north side of Hardware River and on its branches. Source: Land Office Patents E, 1775-1776, 1780-1781 (v.2 p.463-930), p. 193 (Reel 46). Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Fluvanna County Subject -Geographic Fluvanna County (Va.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Fluvanna County. Added Entry Virginia. Land Office. Register. Land grants, 1779- Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837929 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=5&last=&g_p=... Patent Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 1 December 1748. Summary Location: Albemarle County. Description: 300 acres on the south side James River and on both sides Hollyday River. Source: Land Office Patents No. 27, 1748-1749, p. 5 (Reel 25). Part of the index to the recorded copies of patents for land issued by the Secretary of the Colony serving as the colonial Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia -- Albemarle County Subject -Geographic Albemarle County (Va.) -- History -- 18th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia -- Albemarle County. Added Entry Virginia. Colonial Land Office. Patents, 1623-1774. Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837923 URL (Click on link) http://image.lva.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/GetLONN.pl?first=17&last=&g_p... Patent Author Ware, John. grantee. Title Land grant 14 May 1653. Summary Location: County location not given. Description: 700 acres lying upon the north side of Rappahannock River: begineth upon Clifts Creek. Source: Land Office Patents No. 3, 1652-1655, p. 17 (Reel 2). Part of the index to the recorded copies of patents for land issued by the Secretary of the Colony serving as the colonial Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia. Other Format Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41. Subject - Personal Ware, John. grantee. Subject - Topical Land titles. -- Registration and transfer -- Virginia Subject -Geographic Virginia -- History -- 17th century. Genre/Form Land grants -- Virginia. Added Entry Virginia. Colonial Land Office. Patents, 1623-1774. Library of Virginia. Archives.

System Number 000837922