Christopher M. Parrott

CHRISTOPHER & MARTHA CLARKE PARROTT

Christopher Parrott was included in the first census taken in Maryland in 1790. He and his family were shown as residents of Prince Georges County and the family consisted of 2 free males over 16 years of age, 2 free males under 16, 3 free females and 7 slaves.*

Records show that Christopher Parrott transferred slaves from Maryland to Berkeley County, WV in December 1790. He apparently lived there until at least 1797 when he purchased four hundred acres on New Creek (southwest of Keyser, WV) in what was Hampshire County. Records also show that Thomas Turner, who was to become the father-in-law of three of Christopher's children, purchased a total 822 acres on New Creek on the same day, from the same person (Michael Madden). Deeds show that both Christopher Parrott and Thomas Turner were residents of Berkeley County at the time of purchase. It would certainly appear that they were friends or business acquaintances.

Christopher's personal property records in Hampshire County show the following:

Year

1811

10 Horses

4 Slaves

1812

11 Horses

3 Slaves

1813

 9 Horses

3 Slaves

1814

13 Horses

6 Slaves

Oral history (through his son Joseph) states that Christopher was “of a peculiar disposition,” was proud, and was nicknamed “Kit.”

Attached is his will, prepared shortly before his death in 1820. He made no mention of William, Amelia, John and Samuel in his will. His reasoning in deleting these names is unclear, but the writer will make the following speculations:

William, Amelia, and John had already married three of Thomas Turner's children who one granddaughter of William described as being wealthy, owning slaves. The will of Thomas Turner is shown herein.

Christopher apparently was mad at his daughter Nancy; possibly she married against his wishes. The practice of leaving someone a dollar to show how little you think of them has persisted here in Marshall County, up into the 20th Century.

*Slavery was quite common in Prince Georges County in 1790. Sixty of the ninety-five families listed on the same census page as Christopher Parrott were slave owners. Of the 60, 15 owned one slave and 17 owned more than 7 slaves. This seems to be somewhat typical of the county as a whole.

We cannot account for one male over 16 and one female, after analyzing the ages of Christopher's children. Perhaps Christopher's or Martha's parents were living with Christopher and Martha.

Last Will and Testament

W of W

Christopher Parrott 1820

Copied by M. L. Parriott, Bannen, West Virginia, as recorded in Volume 6, page 450, of the will in Hampshire County, Virginia (now Romney, West Virginia)

In the name of God, Amen.

I, Christopher Parrott, of Hampshire County, Virginia, being weak of body, but sound of mind and memory, blessed by the Almighty God for same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and for (that is to say)

First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Martha Parrott, the one third of my home place during her natural life, also one bed and furniture, my Negro man, Joseph, Women Sara and Nancy (to work) three cows and calves, six sheep, one third of the hogs, and one third of the wagon.

I do also give and bequeath to my son, Dennis Parrott, the one third of my home place, also two negro boys, Wilson and Abraham, and one bed and bedding, colt that came from Old Ball, and one other horse called “Top Gallant,” three cows and calves, six sheep, and one third of the wagon.

I do also give and bequeath to my son, Joseph, one third of my home place, also two negro boys, Lawson and James, the mare called “I-Bit” and her colt, three cows, and calves, six sheep, one third of the hogs and one-third of the wagon.

Also, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Margaret Lynch two cows and calves, one bed, and one pair of sheets and two blankets.

Also I give and bequeath, unto my daughter, Nancy Davis, one dollar.

And lastly, as to all the rest of the residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods, chattels of what kind and notion soever, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Martha Parrott, and Joseph Parrott, whom I hereby appoint sole executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

I witness of whereby I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty.

Signed Christopher Parrott

Witnessed:

Signed, sealed and declared by the above named, Christopher Parrott, to be his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who hereunto set our names and witnesses in the presence of the testator.

Wheeler Gillit

Thomas Sloan

Jacob Pugh