Capt. Benjamin J. Clement, I

A Patriot of the American Revolution for VIRGINIA. DAR Ancestor # A022963

Benjamin Clement was a Justice of the Peace (Halifax County, 1751), and Captian of a local militia Ranger company (1755) organized for protection against hostile Indians. He began amassing land holdings in the Staunton River Valley area in the 1740s. He planted tobacco in the rich lands south of the river, and obtained permission to build a water powered grist mill but it is not certain whether he completed it. In partnership with Charles Lynch they built the area's first gunpowder mill, which provided gunpowder for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

His 3 daughters predeceased him (Will dated 3/30/1780). Their share of his estate was given to their children. James Clement also predeceased his father and his share was given to his widow. The estate was valued at 27,664 pounds, 4 shillings and 8 pence.

Benjamin received a land grant in 1741 and built a house on a hill overlooking the Staunton River valley, at what is now Hurt, Va. All 12 children were born in that house. "Clement Hill" passed through the Clement family to the Hurt family through marriage. John L.Hurt, Jr. left Clement Hill to the city of Hurt, VA. In 1986 the house was purchased by Altavista attorney Harold E. Pugh, lifelong resident of Hurt, who has since beautifully restored the building. There is a historical marker on Hwy. 29 in Hurt, commemorating Clement Hill and its first owner, Benjamin Clement..

Complete records of this family have never been completed due to the destruction of the court records of Eastern Virginia Counties. TheVirginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 32, published in 1924 states that the founder of the family came to Virginia in 1611. She was Mrs.Elizabeth Clemens a woman of "gentle birth", a niece of Sir Nicholas Fuller and Lady Elizabeth Layghton. She brought with her, three sons and a daughter.

In Land Patent Book, Vol. II, page 306, in Surry County, Jeremiah Clements, son of Mrs. Elizabeth Clements, deceased, is mentioned. In various old Virginia records Jeremiah, Bartholamew, and Francis, Sr., are mentioned but these genealogical records are vague. No positive direct lineage is provable until we see William Clements of King William County (Land Patent Book 17, page 164, Richmond) being granted 1227 acres in Amelia County on the Appomattox River and Bent Run in the year 1736.

This William Clement served as one of the presiding judges of the Court of Amelia from1741-1755, when he was appointed sheriff (Amelia County Records). He died in 1760 and his will, probated in February of that year, named sons Benjamin, John, William, Francis, and daughters, Elizabeth, Ann, and Barsheba.

Benjamin1 Clement, to whom an accurate tracing can be made, was the son of William Clement of King William County. William's father is unknown, also his wife.

William Clement of King William County patented 1225 acres in Amelia County on the Appomattox River in 1736 (5) and moved to that county. His will lists children: Benjamin, William, John, Francis, Elizabeth Ford Ellyson, Ann Major and Barsheba Major.

In 1741, Benjamin Clement, son of William, of Amelia County patented land on Staunton River, Pittyslvania County. About 1725 he married Susanna Hill of King and Queen County. In 1748 he moved his family to Pittsylvania County, then Lunenburg, and built his home, "Clement Hill".

• 1. & 2: History of Pittsylvania County, Maude Carter Clement, p. 145.

Benjamin Clement and William Lawton were Captains of Companies of Rangers for Halifax for defense against the Indians in the French and Indian Wars, 1755.

"Sometime ago, my having made powder was mentioned in your paper, but as I wish for no more merit (should there be any in it) than I deserve, I inform the public that Mr. Benjamin Clement is a partner with me in making powder, and that he was the first in the colony that I know of who attempted to make it, altho' he did not bring it to perfection. Since our partnership, we have brought it to such perfection with salt-petre of our own making that the best riflemen approve of it; and with the little mill that we have we can make fifty pound weight a day. Salt-petre, only, is wanting, which may very easily be made by observing the following directions; and when it is considered how much we want powder and that salt-petre is the principal ingredient, it is hopeful that those who have the good of their country at heart will exert themselves in making it. Without it we can have no powder, consequently, no means of defense; but with it we shall soon have both. I am, Sir, your very humble servant, Charles Lynch, August 5, 1775"

The directions for making the salt-petre were to dig up the dirt floor of old meat houses - boil the dirt and strain through straw.

Benjamin Clement was now 75 years old. He died in 1780 and is buried at the foot of "Clement Hill". His estate was valued at £27,664.4.8. Charles Clement, son of Adam and Agnes, inherited "Clement Hill". It passed to the Hurts through the marriage of John L. Hurt to Nannie Clement, granddaughter of Charles, Sr., and daughter of Charles, Jr. and wife Lucy Hunt. 3

• 1, 2, & 3: From Maude Clement's History of Pittsylvania County, pp. 67, 144 & 145.

Benjamin Clement's (great-great- grandfather of MarkTwain) will names his wife Susanna and children: (Will Book 2, p.115). Sons, Adam & Isaac named Executors (Account Book I, p.86).

Adam, one of the founders of Lynchburg, and great grandfather of Mark Twain, married Agnes Johnson of Louisa County, Virginia. Agnes' ancestry can be traced back to Scotland through the Johnson and the Clark families.

Adam was Sheriff of Campbell County 1784, 1792, and 1805 and also commanded a company of Bedford Militia as related in the comments concerning his brother Isaac. He was also the great grandfather of Mark Twain. The children of Adam and Agnes Johnson Clement are listed in the Douglas Summers Brown's Lynchburg's Pioneer Quakers. They are:

• Adam, Jr. - War of 1812 (CC Chronicle p. 379).
• Alexander - Served as Commonwealth Attorney, Campbell County from 1825 until he moved to Tennessee.
• Samuel - married Pamela Goggin and had (a) John Marshall Clemens married Jane Lampton; moved to Florida, Missouri. At Mt. Olive Cemetery is Flat Stone on which is lettered, "Passed on, John M. Clemens, born in Campbell County, Virginia, August 11, 1798; died in Hannibal, Missouri, March 14, 1847". Among their children:(a) Mark Twain
• William Johnson
• Benjamin
• George Washington (Dr.) of "Turkey Cock" married Sarah Turner. He died 1867. Their son Henry C. Clement, Sr.,married Harriet Morrison who had:
  • (1) Col. Harry C. Clement, Jr., married Jane Rose of Indiana
  • (2) Caroline
  • (3) Bushrod Morrison married Margaret Lee of S.C.
  • (4) Mary Royall
  • (5) Nathaniel Elliott married Maude Carter, daughter of James & Nannie Pigg Carter on June 24, 1902.
  • (6) James Turner - Judge of 7th Judicial Court.
  • (7) Stephen Preston - Tobacconist of China. Married Margaret Clary.
  • (8) Samuel A. (U.S. Navy) married Agnes Taliaferro Ref: History of Pittsylvania County

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DEED - Benjamin Clement to Isaac Clement Deed Benjamin CLEMENT to Isaac CLEMENT , 20 Jun 1760 Halifax County, VA, Deed Book 2, 1759-1766, pp. 254-256 Transcript by Marna L. Clemons, 21 October 2001 This Indenture made the Twentyeth Day of June annye Domina one thousand and seven hundred and Sixty Between Benjamin Clement of the County of Halifax and Susanna his Wife of the one part and Isaac Clement of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Clement And Susanna his Wife for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen pounds Current Money by the said Isaac Clement to the said Benjamin Clement in hand paid at and before the insealing and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof he the said Benjamin Clement doth hereby Acknowledge and the said Isac Clement his Heirs and Assigns thereof and therefrom doth hereby forever acquit Exonerate and discharge hath granted Bargaind and sold and by these presents doth grant Bargain and sell Elien and Confirm unto the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns All that tract or parcel of Land Containing by Estimation Two hundred and sixty six Acres lying and being in the County of Halifax on both sides of Branch of Straight Stone Creek and Bounded as followeth to wit Beginning at Francis pollards Corner red Oak thence new Lines north fifteen degrees west one hundred and eighty one poles to a poplar on a Branch north fifty degrees East one hundred and ninty seven Poles to a Pointers in hunts line thence on his Line south seventy five degrees East weventy five Poles to a red Oak south twenty five degrees East one hundred and ten poles to a pointers in Pollards line and thence on his Line south fifty degrees west two hundred and eighty six poles to the first Station Together with all and Singular the houses Buildings fences orchards underwoods ways Waters meadows feeding and all together Benefits and Advantages whatsoever to the said Land belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the Estate wright Title interest use Property Reversion Clame or Demand of the Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife in or to the same or any part or parcel thereof To have and to hold the said two hundred and sixty six Acres of Land be the same more or less with all and every Apurtenance to the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns forever to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns forever and to no other use Intent or purpose whatsoever and the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife for themselves and their Heirs do Covenat agree to and with the said Isaac Clement the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife shall and will Warrant and forever defend the said Land and Premises hereby granted with the said Isaac Clement and to his Heirs against the Claim or Claimes of all and every Person or Persons whatsoever and the said Isaac Clement hisHeirs and Assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times hereafter freely Peaceably and Quietly enter into and upon have hold use occupy Possess and Injoy the said Land and Premises granted without the Lawfull Lett Suit Trouble Denial Molistation or disturbance of them the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife their or either of their Heirs or Assigns or any other Person or Persons whatsoever and also that the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife shall and will at any time hereafter at the Request and the Proper cost and Charge in the Land of him the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Signs make and Execute or Cause to be made and Executed such further or other Lawfull and Reasonable act and Conveyances and Asurance whatsoever shall be adjudged Necessary of the Quiet enjoyment of the above mentioned granted Land and premises to the said Isaac Clement hisHeirs and Assigns forever In witness whereof the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wive have hereunto set there hands and seals the day and year first above written.

John Jones Adam Clement } Benja. Clement {seal}
Anne Flanagan } Susannah Clement {seal}

Memorandom That on the within mentioned Day and year Quiet and Peaceable Possession of Livery and Syson was made by the within named Isaac Clement to him and his Heirs forever In witness whereof he the said Benjamin Clement have hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first within Mentioned
Benja. Clement {seal}
Susanah Clement {seal}

Received of Isaac Clement fifteen pounds Curent Money being the consideration for the within mentioned Land Premises Witness my hand this twentyeth Day of June annoye Domina 1760 Benja. Clement

At a Court held for Halifax County the xxth Day of November 1760

The within Indenture and the Memorandum of Livery of Seizen and Recet. hereon indorsed were by the within named Benjamin Clement acknowledged to be his Several Acts and Deed and Susannah his Wife being privately Examined as the Law directs, relinquished her right of Dower in and to the Land and Premises Conveyed. All which were Ordered to be Recorded. TestExam.d & truly Recorded Robert Mundord CHC http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/104314/person/-2112182279/media/8?pg...

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Will of Benjamin Clement Will of Benjamin CLEMENT , dated 30 March 1780Pittsylvania County, VA, Will Book 2, pages 115 - 116

In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Clement of the County of Pittsylvania in Virginia being sick in body but sound and perfect memory do make and declar this Then to be my last Will and Testament revoaking and making void all other Wills by me formaly made and in order to dispose of my Worldly Estate to my satisfaction I have it in manner and form following Vis Item I do lend to my wife Susanna Clement one third part of my moveable Estate as the Law alows her Vis Item to give to my grand daughter Susana Clement daughter to Benj.a Clement one of my best Beds and furniture and five pounds in Cash to be delivered to her by my Executors when she comes of proper age to receive it Vis Item I do give to the heir at Law of my Daughter Jeriah Gilbert deceast one shilling Vis Item do give to the heir at Law of my daughter Rachel Abston deceast one shilling Vis Item do give to the heir at Law of my daughter Elizabeth Butterworth deceast one shilling I give and bequeth to my son John Clement the tract of Land he now lives fifty Acres more or less which Land I purchased of John Goad lying on the frying pan Creek Item do lend to my said wife Susana the use of the tract of Land I now live on with all my inclusive Survays joyning of it with the third part of the prophas of the Mill during the time of her widowhood and my will is that my said Wife Susana shall not Lease, Sell nor lett the sd. Land nor Mill nor any part thereoff to any person or persons whatever and at her deseas or marrage the Land and Mill may be sold or any time after to the best advantage And all my Legaseas excepted movable to be sold to the best advantage Neagroes and all that can be collected before or after the Sale of the Land and that the whole amount of my Estate after charges taken oute may be divided into ten equal parts one part to be divided between James Gilbert and Rachal Gilbert Children of Jeriah Gilbert deceas'd one part to be divided between John Abston Frances Abston Susana Abston and Rachal Abston Children of Rachal Abston deceas'd one part to be divided between Isaac Butterworth, Stephen Butterworth, Jane Butterworth and Susanna hill Butterworth Children of Elizabeth Butterworth deceased the above mentioned Children of the deceased is to be paid these parts of the Estate by the Executors when they come of Lawful age to receive it, the other seven parts to be equally divided amongest my Children one part to Stephen Clement his heirs or assigns for ever, one part to Isaac Clement his heirs or assigns for ever, one part to Benj.a Clement his heirs or assigns for ever, one part to Adam Clement his heirs or assigns for ever, one part to John Clement his heirs or assigns for ever one part to Susanna Evans her heirs or assigns for ever. One part to be divided to Martha Clement Widow of James Clement deceased and her Children according as the Law provides Lastly I do appoint my Son Isaac Clement and my Son Adam Clement whole and Sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament in Witness whereoff I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this the thirtyeth day of March one thousand seven hundred and eighty

W Test his Benja Clement .LS. John Bobbitt William M Cash his Mark Benjamin X Foster her Mark his Ruth R Cash Thomas T Roberson mark Mark

At a Court held for Pittsylvania County the 18th day of April 1780 This last Will and Testament of Benjamin Clement deceased was exhibited into Court by Isaac Clement one of the Executors herein appointed and the same was proved by the Oaths of the witnesses hereto and ordered to be recorded and the said Executor having taken the Oath by Law prescribed and with John Wilson and William Todd his securities entered into bond and acknowledged the same Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form And afterwards, to wit, At a Court held for the said County the 20th day of June in the year aforesaid came here into Court Adam Clement the other Executor in the said Will named and prayed leave to be joined in the probate thereof which is granted him having first taken the Oath of Exor and together with John Wilson and Abraham Shelton Gent. His Securities entered into bond and acknowledged the same.

Great Great Grandfather of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). son of William Clement --King William Co Virginia.

Married Susanna Hill abt 1725 of King and Queen County VA daughter of Isaac Hill and Anne Christian.

1748 he moved the family to Pittsylvannia County,then Lucenburg built his home "Clement HIll" Captain of Rangers for Halifax for defense against the Indians in the French Indian Wars,1775 He was a partner of Charles Lynch in the manufacturing of Gun Powder.

Family links: Benjamin Clement, to whom an accurate tracing can be made, was the son of William Clement of King William County. William's father is unknown, also his wife.

William Clement of King William County patented 1225 acres in Amelia County on the Appomattox River in 1736 (5) and moved to that county. His will lists children: Benjamin, William, John, Francis, Elizabeth Ford Ellyson, Ann Major and Barsheba Major.

In 1741, Benjamin Clement, son of William, of Amelia County patented land on Staunton River, Pittyslvania County. About 1725 he married Susanna Hill of King and Queen County. In 1748 he moved his family to Pittsylvania County, then Lunenburg, and built his home, "Clement Hill". 2

1. & 2: History of Pittsylvania County, Maude Carter Clement, p. 145. Benjamin Clement and William Lawton were Captains of Companies of Rangers for Halifax for defense against the Indians in the French and Indian Wars, 1755.1

"Sometime ago, my having made powder was mentioned in your paper, but as I wish for no more merit (should there be any in it) than I deserve, I inform the public that Mr. Benjamin Clement is a partner with me in making powder, and that he was the first in the colony that I know of who attempted to make it, altho' he did not bring it to perfection. Since our partnership, we have brought it to such perfection with salt-petre of our own making that the best riflemen approve of it; and with the little mill that we have we can make fifty pound weight a day. Salt-petre, only, is wanting, which may very easily be made by observing the following directions; and when it is considered how much we want powder and that salt-petre is the principal ingredient, it is hopeful that those who have the good of their country at heart will exert themselves in making it. Without it we can have no powder, consequently, no means of defense; but with it we shall soon have both. I am, Sir, your very humble servant,

Charles Lynch August 5, 1775"2 The directions for making the salt-petre were to dig up the dirt floor of old meat houses - boil the dirt and strain through straw. Benjamin Clement was now 75 years old. He died in 1780 and is buried at the foot of "Clement Hill". His estate was valued at £27,664.4.8. Charles Clement, son of Adam and Agnes, inherited "Clement Hill". It passed to the Hurts through the marriage of John L. Hurt to Nannie Clement, granddaughter of Charles, Sr., and daughter of Charles, Jr. and wife Lucy Hunt.3

1, 2, & 3: From Maude Clement's History of Pittsylvania County, pp. 67, 144 & 145. Benjamin Clement's (great-great- grandfather of MarkTwain) will names his wife Susanna and children: (Will Book 2, p.115). Sons, Adam & Isaac named Executors (Account Book I, p.86).

DEED - Benjamin Clement to Isaac Clement Deed Benjamin CLEMENT to Isaac CLEMENT , 20 Jun 1760 Halifax County, VA, Deed Book 2, 1759-1766, pp. 254-256 Transcript by Marna L. Clemons, 21 October 2001 This Indenture made the Twentyeth Day of June annye Domina one thousand and seven hundred and Sixty Between Benjamin Clement of the County of Halifax and Susanna his Wife of the one part and Isaac Clement of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Clement And Susanna his Wife for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen pounds Current Money by the said Isaac Clement to the said Benjamin Clement in hand paid at and before the insealing and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof he the said Benjamin Clement doth hereby Acknowledge and the said Isac Clement his Heirs and Assigns thereof and therefrom doth hereby forever acquit Exonerate and discharge hath granted Bargaind and sold and by these presents doth grant Bargain and sell Elien and Confirm unto the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns All that tract or parcel of Land Containing by Estimation Two hundred and sixty six Acres lying and being in the County of Halifax on both sides of Branch of Straight Stone Creek and Bounded as followeth to wit Beginning at Francis pollards Corner red Oak thence new Lines north fifteen degrees west one hundred and eighty one poles to a poplar on a Branch north fifty degrees East one hundred and ninty seven Poles to a Pointers in hunts line thence on his Line south seventy five degrees East weventy five Poles to a red Oak south twenty five degrees East one hundred and ten poles to a pointers in Pollards line and thence on his Line south fifty degrees west two hundred and eighty six poles to the first Station Together with all and Singular the houses Buildings fences orchards underwoods ways Waters meadows feeding and all together Benefits and Advantages whatsoever to the said Land belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the Estate wright Title interest use Property Reversion Clame or Demand of the Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife in or to the same or any part or parcel thereof To have and to hold the said two hundred and sixty six Acres of Land be the same more or less with all and every Apurtenance to the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns forever to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Assigns forever and to no other use Intent or purpose whatsoever and the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife for themselves and their Heirs do Covenat agree to and with the said Isaac Clement the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife shall and will Warrant and forever defend the said Land and Premises hereby granted with the said Isaac Clement and to his Heirs against the Claim or Claimes of all and every Person or Persons whatsoever and the said Isaac Clement hisHeirs and Assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times hereafter freely Peaceably and Quietly enter into and upon have hold use occupy Possess and Injoy the said Land and Premises granted without the Lawfull Lett Suit Trouble Denial Molistation or disturbance of them the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife their or either of their Heirs or Assigns or any other Person or Persons whatsoever and also that the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wife shall and will at any time hereafter at the Request and the Proper cost and Charge in the Land of him the said Isaac Clement his Heirs and Signs make and Execute or Cause to be made and Executed such further or other Lawfull and Reasonable act and Conveyances and Asurance whatsoever shall be adjudged Necessary of the Quiet enjoyment of the above mentioned granted Land and premises to the said Isaac Clement hisHeirs and Assigns forever In witness whereof the said Benjamin Clement and Susanna his Wive have hereunto set there hands and seals the day and year first above written. John Jones Adam Clement } Benja. Clement {seal} Anne Flanagan } Susannah Clement {seal}

Memorandom That on the within mentioned Day and year Quiet and Peaceable Possession of Livery and Syson was made by the within named Isaac Clement to him and his Heirs forever In witness whereof he the said Benjamin Clement have hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first within Mentioned Benja. Clement {seal} Susanah Clement {seal}

Received of Isaac Clement fifteen pounds Curent Money being the consideration for the within mentioned Land Premises Witness my hand this twentyeth Day of June annoye Domina 1760 Benja. Clement

At a Court held for Halifax County the xxth Day of November 1760

The within Indenture and the Memorandum of Livery of Seizen and Recet. hereon indorsed were by the within named Benjamin Clement acknowledged to be his Several Acts and Deed and Susannah his Wife being privately Examined as the Law directs, relinquished her right of Dower in and to the Land and Premises Conveyed. All which were Ordered to be Recorded. TestExam.d & truly Recorded Robert Mundord CHC

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