James Tate

The following information, adapted from Updike's book, is written by Ann Blomquist:

James Tate was born about 1718 in St. Paul's Parish, New Kent County, Virginia. Throughout his life, this area changed name numerous times with James probably never moving very far. In 1720, the area changed to Hanover County. In 1743, the area became Louisa County.

He married first about 1741, but his wife's name is unknown. They had about 5 children before her death. About 1750, James married Abigail (surname unknown) and they had about 5 children.

In 1750, his brother John sold land adjoining James on the North Anna River, "land had of our father Robert Tate."

On May 19 1757, James Tate of Fredericksville, Louisa Co, bought 200 acres from Francis Hester and his wife Agnes, land adjoining Robert Hester, Robert Tate, and Henry Bibb on Tomohawk Creek. On Oct 23 1759, James bought 150 acres on Tomohawk Creek from his brother Nathan Tate and wife Elisheba, "part of 400 acres patented to their father Robert Tate." On Sep 3 1770, he bought 100 acres from Walter Goldsmith; witnessed by son James Tate Jr.

James died in 1776 about age 58. His will, written Oct 17 1776, and probated Nov 11 1776, mentioned his children and wife. Abstract of will: To my grandson John Tate, son of Uriah Tate, all the land I purchased of my brother Nathan Tate, also the land purchased of Walter Goldsmith; if the said John Tate dies without issue, then the land to be sold and the money equally divided between his two sisters Anne and Agnes. To my grandson James Tate, son of James Tate, all the land I purchased of Francis Hester; if the said James Tate dies without issue, then to Zimri Tate's 3 sons Mayfield, Thomas, and Zimri Tate. To my son-in-law Enos Tate the land given to me by my father; if Enos Tate dies without issue, then to my brother Robert Tate's son Robert. To my loving wife Abigail, £100. To my children Uriah Tate, Cicily Garnder, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Margaret Tate, £100 each. To my grandchildren equally except Cicily Gardner and Charles Hester. To my executors £20 each and balance to be divided equally between my brother John Tate's daughters. Executors William Gardner, Enos Tate; witnesses Zimri Tate, Peter Schooler, Charles Daniel, and John Gardner.

Abigail protested her husband's will and the suit went to Chancery Court. The court declared what the widow's part would be and found that a daughter Rachel Hester died prior to the decedent, leaving a son Charles Hester living. They also found that John and Nathan Tate entered the Continental Army previous to the death of the decedent and have not been heard from since. And they stated that the decendent had 7 other children viz: Uriah, James, Robert, Elizabeth, Cicily, Abigail, and Peggy Tate. Commissioners Aaron Fontaine and Garrett Minor.

Abigail Tate survived her husband by 16 years. Between August and October 1792, she died in Louisa Co. Abstract of her will: to my son Robert, my daughters Abigail McAlister and Margaret Tate, equally among my three children. Executors Garrett Minor and William Quarles.

Interestingly, two Tate daughters married Tate relatives: Daughter Elizabeth married her first cousin Enos Tate and daughter Margaret Tate married her first cousin William M. Tate.

The only evidence that James had two wives is found in Abigail's will. Since sons John and Nathan were not found, and Abigail mentioned her "3 children," this implies that she was the mother of only 5 children. The older children then must have had a different mother.

References Louisa Co VA Records: Deed Bk A p 336, 410. Deed Book B p 185, 336; Bk D1/2 p 232 Will Bk 2 p 239, Bk 3 p 492, 507 Order Bk 1700-1802 p 309; Bk 6 p 61. Updike, Ethel. Tate and Allied Families of the South, 1972. p 14-15. Researched and written by Ann Blomquist, 1992. This narrative is copyrighted material and may not be posted or published except by the author.

References: Chamberlayne, C.G. St. Paul's Parish. p 67,74,117,128,279,352,388. VA Patent Bk 14-167, 422.

Father: Robert Tate b: 27 FEB 1690/91 in New Kent Co VA Mother: Anne b: ABT 1693