John Anderson

Would have been married in the old Spring Swamp Chapel, Albemarle Parish, Virginia, located a couple miles NE of the current town of Jarrat, Virginia. Mary lived only a mile or so west of the chapel. The replacement church (St. Andrew's Church) was being built by her brother-in-law and husband in the 1747 to 1749 time period but no services took place in the new chapel until 1751.

[Thomas Anderson.FTW]

Grant J. Anderson in his book "Genealogy in Part, of the Anderson - Owen - Beall Families", Whittet & Shepperson, Printers, Richmond, VA., 1909; gives the date of John's birth as 1725. This appears reasonable. No contemporary record has been found. He would have been born at his fathers Surry County estate called "Arnols". This is located in the southwest corner of current Surry County, Virginia along the north side of the Blackwater River. The family tradition of Grant James Anderson and the land patents of James Anderson, Sr. imply that his four sons and daughter Faith, removed from "Arnols" in Surry County about 1733, and settled in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County. This was along the east side of the Little Nottoway River across from Samuel Jordan just north of where Jordan' Bridge now crosses the river. It is very likely that these Amelia lands were speculative and I cannot be certain of how much actual development took place on them. It is likely that a home was built on the 1735 patent of John's father on the east side of the Little Nottoway River. Jordan's Bridge (due west of Blackstone) is the exact terminus of the "Church" road leading west from Petersburg, marked on the 1755 Fry-Jefferson map of Virginia, indicating that James Anderson's property was at the very edge of what was considered civilization in that year. Blackstone was built at the junction of Church road and the Colonial Road (route 40) which led along the ridge north of the Nottoway River from John's father's "Arnols" plantation. The land was sold in 1755 to Charles Hamlin and 1787 court records refer to "Hamlin's Tavern" at this location. In 1743 John's father James leased his Nottoway lands to his elder three sons and returned with his second wife to "Arnols" in Surry County. John appears with his older three brothers in Nottoway Parish tax rolls in 1747, four years after their initial leases from their father. This would have been the year John came of legal age. John is listed with his brother James Anderson,Jr. (carpenter) until 1750. John was likely assisting James in the construction of the church at Spring Swamp in Surry County during these years 1747-1750. About 1749 John Anderson marries Mary, the young daughter of the widow Hannah Bell, whose family lived one mile from the Spring Swamp Church. John's father grants John 200 acres in 1750 in Amelia County adjacent his brothers. James Anderson dies at his "Arnols" plantation in Surry County in 1751 and in his will leaves John "the remainder of a tract of Land given to the said Thomas and Jordan Anderson containing by estimation two hundred acres more or less". John does not re-appear in Amelia tax records again until 1753, and he likely remained in Surry County from 1750-1753, as the birth of his eldest daughters are recorded in the Albemarle Parish Register in 1750 and 1752. It is possible that he was resident in the home of his wife's widowed mother adjacent St. Andrews Church (Spring Swamp renamed) on Spring Swamp, in light of the protests in Hannah Bell's will about the absence of her sons. The land granted him by his father James in 1750, was 200 acres of headland (not creek side) that James had withheld from the original leases to his older three sons. James states in his will that he had intended to give John land near him in Surry County, but gives him 15 pounds in lieu of that land. Notice that this is the second generation of the family that has lost the old family estate due to the presence of a second wife of the father, wherefrom must derive the reputations of stepmothers in literature. He returns to the lands that his father willed him in 1753 and again is listed in the Amelia County tax rolls. Listed in his tax account is John Orgain, perhaps a servant, but more likely an apprentice carpenter. In 1754 he sells half of the first 200 acres to Jordan Anderson, his brother. He witnesses the deed of Greenham Dodson to Peleg Ferguson on May 22, 1754 for 29 acres on the first spring branch out of Great Hurricane Creek below Peleg Ferguson's mill. His sister Faith Anderson had married Peleg Ferguson about 1750. In 1754 his brother Jordan Anderson moves off his Little Nottoway 300 acres to Cumberland County to marry Mary Watkins but retains the title to his Little Nottoway lands. In 1755 John's brothers James and Thomas sell their lands on the Little Nottoway River and move away. In 1755 John sells the other 100 acres of his first 200 to his brother Jordan Anderson now of Cumberland County. John witnesses the deed of neighbor Patrick McQuaid to Samuel Jordan on Mar 27, 1758. In 1764 John Anderson and Jordan Anderson grant a deed to Frances Eppes selling 993 acres at Little Nottoway and it is signed by both John and Jordan and their wives. The tax list for Jordan Anderson indicated in 1763 that he owned 500 acres (300 inherited + 200 bought of John) and thus it appears that the land had been resurveyed and our John had received a windfall through the "remainder" wording of his father's will perhaps as much as 93 acres over and above the 400 he got from his father. Additionally it seems likely that John Anderson was acting as overseer for Jordan Anderson's lands throughout 1754 until 1764. No contemporary document exists which declaritively states the surname of John Anderson's wife. John's wife Mary's dower signature is recorded in the 1754, 1756 and 1764 sale of their Nottoway estate to Jordan Anderson then Francis Epes. My research has shown the surname of John's wife Mary is Bell. Mary Bell was a resident of Surry, later Sussex, County living approximately one mile from the Spring Swamp Chapel at the time John's brother James built St. Andrews Church. According to the wills of John and Hannah Bell their daughter Mary Bell married an Anderson sometime between 1746 and 1768. In the 1766 tax roll John is listed as John Anderson, Carpt. without any indication of land acreage. In 1767 he purchases 103 acres from Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife adjacent Mr. Arthur Leath along Long Branch falling just within the southern town limits of current Blackstone, Virginia. This is very near the estate of his sister Faith Ferguson. In 1768 he is identified as taxed on the 103 acres that he purchased in 1767. Most importantly, in 1768 he is taxed on one slave named Patt. A woman slave, named Patt, is left to his wife Mary Bell by Hannah Bell, her mother in her 1768 will in Sussex county, and this provides the confirming evidence that John married Mary Bell. Patt appears in his tax list for many years later including the 1782 Amelia county list which includes his son Allen, so we know that it is this John that married Mary Bell. In 1786 he acquires a 30 acre piece of land adjacent to him from Mr. Leath along Long Branch. This acquisition is witnessed by his son Armstead Anderson who has returned home from his legal troubles in Henry County, VA and was likely intended for his use. The 1787 Nottoway County tax roll credits John Anderson with two land plots one of 103 acres and another of 30 acres, identified as 10 miles SE of the courthouse on Long Branch. There are two Long Branch Creek's in Nottoway. One is just above his original deed from his father, however his 1767 purchase was along Long Branch just south of Blackstone, Virginia. The 1815 Nottoway Tax lists indicates that the 135 acres of John Anderson were acquired by Edmund Irby in 1815. I suspect that John Anderson had mortgaged his property to Edmund Irby as he grew elderly. Edmund Irby likely handled the affairs of John's estate, but no record was found at the courthouse. Edmund Irby was the executor for his daughter Hannah's estate who also died in 1815, after John, in light of subsequent litigation. An old home of Nottoway County, "The Elms" , originally known as "Poplar Hill" was constructed in 1812 by Edmund Irby. John would have been 85 years old in 1812. This house still stands. "The Bowry" was built by John Freeman Eppes son of Captain Thomas Eppes, year unknown. His son Samuel Eppes did not like the name and changed it to "Battleview", because of its proximity to the battle of "The Grove", whereat the Union Cavalry under Kautz and Wilson were repulsed on 06/23/1864 during the Civil War. John Anderson is listed on page 17 in the 1810 Census of Nottoway County contiguous to Thomas and John Eppes,Sr. John Anderson is often listed as a carpenter in the county tax records. Such a notation is not common for other occupations other than Minister of the Gospel (M. G.) and implies that the tax collector considered his skill and implements noteworthy. The tax lists indicate that he was not a major slave holder, the 1792 tax lists credits him with 2 slaves. He was due one other slave from the estate of his step mother who died in 1770 but there is no indication that he ever received that legacy. His lands and those of his children are around and about the town now called Blackstone, which was in colonial times was called Black's and Whites. It is logical to assume that he was in some part responsible for the construction of buildings at the junction of Cocke's road and Church road which developed into that town. In fact his land faced onto Cocke's road which was a segment of the colonial post road from Richmond to the south. The colonial stage coaches traveling south from Richmond would have passed his home. Today the place his 1767-1815 home would have occupied is a super Walmart. Only one building in town today survives from that period which through serendipidy is called Anderson House (aka Schwartz Tavern), though named after a much later Anderson family. In addition, just a few miles northwest along Church road a two story wooden church was built before the revolution which survived until it was destroyed in a hurricane in 1836. Also along Jordan's road the Green Church was built before the Revolution which served first as the Methodist church, then as a Presbyterian Church until it was destroyed by arson in 1827 by a neighbor who complained that she couldn't keep a ladle at her well because of the church go-ers. There was considerable enterprise involved in building what is today a significant southern Virginia town, and it is likely that this enterprise provided John's livelihood. __________________________________ Records of John Anderson

John Anderson from James Anderson and Rebecca 03/19/1750/1 200 acres Amelia County Amelia County Deed Book 4 Page 39 This Indenture made the Nineteenth day of March in the Year of our Lord One thousand sevenhundred and fortynine & fifty between James Anderson Senior of Surry County of the one part and John Anderson of Amelia County of the other part Witnesseth that the said James Anderson for an [sic] in consideration of the sum of One Shilling Currt. money of of [sic] Virginia to him in hand paid by the said John Anderson the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge he the said James Anderson hath granted bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell unto the said John Anderson his heirs and assigns One Tract or Parcel of Land containing by estimation Two hundred Acres be the same more or less lying and being in the County of Amelia on the Southside of Little Nottoway River and bounded as follows (to wit) Beginning on Jordans Little Run on Samuel Jordans Line thence along his Line South twelve Degrees West to a corner red oak thence West fifteen Degrees North fore hundred and forty five poles to a small red oak thence North along the head kine to a large Srub white oak blas'd three ways thence a Direct cors [sic] to a large Srub white oak blas'd four ways at the head of Jordans Little Run thence down the said run as it meanders to the beginnign and the reversion remainder and remainders thereof and all the Wright title interest claim and demand whatsoever of him the said James Anderson of in or to the premisses or any part thereof to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said John Anderson his heirs and assigns forever and the said James Anderson from him heirs the said land and premises with the appurtenances of the said land unto the said John Anderson his heirs and assigns will warrant and forever defend by these presents In witness whereof the said James Anderson with Rebeckah his wife hath hereunto set there [sic] hands and sfixed there seals the day and year first above written.

Signed Sealed and Delivered James Anderson {seal} her In presents of ........... Rebeckah Anderson {seal} mark Exd. James Anderson,Junr: Edward Eppes: Daniel Eppes. S.C. At a Court held for Amelia County the 16th day of November 1750 this deed from James Anderson Senr. to John Anderson was proved by the oaths of James Anderson, and Daniel Eppes. And at one other court held for the said County the 19th day of April 1751 the same was also proved by the Oath of Edward Eppes the other witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. /s/ Samuel Cobbs Clk ______________________________ John Anderson to Jordan Anderson 05/13/1754 100 acres Amelia County Amelia County Deed Book 5 Page 156 This Indenture made the Thirteenth day of May In the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fiftyfour Between John Anderson of the County of Amelia of the one part and Jordan Anderson of Cumberland County of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Anderson for and in consideration of the sum of fifty pound Current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Jordan Anderson the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge he the said John Anderson hath granted bargained sold and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell unto the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns all that Tract and Parcel of Land containing by estimation One hundred acres be the same more or less lyning in the fork of Nottoway and on the head of Jordan's Little Run in the said County of Amelia bounded as follows. Beginning at a large Srub white oak at the head of Jordan's Little Run thence West twenty six Degrees North along a line of Marked Trees to a large srub white oak at the head line thence along the head line South to the corner thence East fifteen Degrees South one Hundred and Sixty seven poles to a small red oak marked three ways with a braoad ax thence North four Degrees East to the Beginning and the reversion remainder and remainders thereof and all the Estate Right Title Interest Claim and Demand whatsoever of him the said John Anderson of in or to the premisses or any part thereof To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of Land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns forever and the said John Anderson for himself and their heirs the said Land and premisses with the appurtenances unto the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns will warrant and for ever Defend by these presents In witness wherof the said John Anderson and Mary his Wife hath hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written The word County Interlined before affixed and the letter e

Signed Sealed and Delivered John Anderson {seal} In the Presents of us... Mary Anderson {seal} Richard Ellis Chrispin Skelton James Anderson

At a Court held for Amelia County the 23d Day of May 1754 John Anderson and mary his wife came into Court and acknowledged this their written Deed unto Jordan Anderson which was ordered to be recorded. /s/ Samuel Cobbs C.C. ____________________________________ John Anderson to Jordan Anderson 11/20/1755 100 acres Amelia County Amelia County Deed Book 5 Page 437 This Indenture made the Twentieth day of November In the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fiftyfive Between John Anderson and Mary his wife of the Parish of Nottoway and County of Amelia of the one part and Jordan Anderson of the County of Cumberland of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Anderson and Mary his wife for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty nine pounds Current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Jordan Anderson the Receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge they the said John Anderson and Mary his wife hath granted bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns forever all that Tract or Parcel of Land containing by estimation One hundred acres lying in the fork of Nottoway River in the said Parish of Nottoway and County of Amelia bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning on Walker Boyds upper line where it crosses Jordan's Little Run thence along Boyds and Jordans lines South twelve Degrees West to a corner red oak. Thence West fifteen degrees North to Jordan Andersons corner black srub oak. Thence along his line North two Degrees East to a large srub white oak at the head of the North fork of Jordan's Little Run. Thence down the said branch as it meanders to the beginning. And the reversion remainder and remainders thereof and all the Estate Right Title Interest Claim and Demand whatsoever of them the said John Anderson and Mary his wife of in or to the premisses or any part thereof To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns for ever to the only use and behoof of the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns for ever and the said John Anderson and Mary his wife for themselves and their heirs the said Land premisses with their appurtenances unto the said Jordan Anderson his heirs and assigns will warrant and for ever by these presents In witness wherof the said John Anderson and Mary his Wife hath hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written

Signed Sealed and Delivered John Anderson {seal} In the Presents of us... Mary Anderson {seal} Chrispin Shelton Charles Hamlin James Anderson Memorandum That this day full and peaceable possession and seisure of the within mentioned Land and premisses were given and delivered by the within named John Anderson and Mary his wife to the within mentioned Jordan Anderson. In presence of Chrispin Shelton John Anderson {seal} Charles Hamlin James Anderson Mary Anderson

At a Court held for Amelia County th 22 day of April 1756 John Anderson presented and acknowledged this deed with livery and seisure theron endorsed to Jordan Anderson and ordered to be recorded /s/ Samuel Cobbs C.C. ____________________________________ Jordan Anderson & Mary of Chesterfield John Anderson & Mary of Amelia to Francis Eppes May 24, 1764 Amelia County Book 8 Page 354 993 acres in Amelia County for consideration of 484 pounds In the fork of the Nottoway River adjacent a small branch, Jordan's Little Run, Boyd, Polecat Branch, & Whetstone Creek as it meanders with all houses, woods, etc. Amelia County Book 8 Page 354 Commission to Wood Jones, David Greenhill, John Winne, Alexander Erskine, Richard Jones, & Robert Munford, Gent. - two of these men to receieve the dower relinquishments of both of the foregoing wives, done June 25, 1764 returned June 28, 1764 and recorded. ____________________________________ John Anderson from Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife all of Nottoway Parish 11/23/1767 103 acres Nottoway Parish Amelia County Amelia Deed Book 9, page 290 recorded March 24, 1768

This Indenture made in the seventh year of his Majestys Reign George the Third by the grace of god of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith Etc. and the twenty third day of November in the Year of our Lord god One thousand seven hundred and sixty seven by and Between Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife of the Parish of Nottoway in the County of Amelia of the One part and John Anderson of the aforesaid Parish and County of the Other Part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife for & In consideration of the sum of Twenty five pounds Ten shillings Current money of Virginia in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and thereof and evry part and parcel thereof Clearly and absolutely - requit exoneerate and discharge the said John Anderson by these presents and for divers other good causes and consideration him the said Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife especially thereunto moving hath granted Bargaind, sold and enscoffed & confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell enscoff and confirm unto the said John Anderson all that Tract of parcel of Land Lying situated and being in the said Parish of Nottoway in the county of Amelia Containing One Hundred and three acres of Land Beginning at Leaths Corner White Oak on the Long Branch thence up the said Branch as it Meanders to a Corner Willow Oak on the Same thence West fifteen Degrees North Forty one Poles to afaced Corner on the road thence on the said Road as it meanders to afaced Corner on the same in Leath's Line thence East Thirteen Degrees North Eighty two poles on Leath's line to the Beginning and the Reversion and Revershions Remainder Remainders Right Estate Interest Claim benefit and Demand Whatsoever of him the said Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife to the same or any part thereof To Have And To Hold the said tract or parcel of Land and all and singular the premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto him the said John Anderson and his heirs to the only use and behoof of him the said John Anderson his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever and the said Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife for himself and his heirs the said tract of land with all and singular premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto him the said John Anderson his heirs Executors Administrators & Assigns shall and will Warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witness whereof he the said Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. Signed Sealed & acknowledged before Tho. X Morgan John Winn, Peter Pincham Robt Munford, Sr; Thos. Williams Rachel X Morgan

Memorandum: That Peaceable and quiet possession and seizur of the within mentioned Land and Premises was had and taken by the within Named Thomas Morgan and Rachel his wife and by him delivered to the said John Anderson this Twenty third day of November 1767. Signed Sealed & Delivered In Presence of Tho. X Morgan John Winn, Peter Pincham Robt Munford Sr., Thos. Williams Rachel X Morgan

____________________________ This Indenture made this twenty fourth day of May One thousand seven hundred and eighty six between John Leath of Amelia County of the one part and John Anderson of the aforsaid county of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Leath for and in consideration of the sum of Eighteen Pounds six shillings to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth acknowledge doth grant bargain and sold afixed and confirmed unto the said John Anderson his heirs Executors and Assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing thirty acres and a half be the same more or less bounded by Mills and Bridgeforth and also all hereditments ways waters water courses and appurtenances whatsoever to the said tract or parcel of land belonging or any way appurtaining and also the Revision and Revisions Remainder and Remainders of the said premises and every part thereof to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land and all singular the premisses above mentioned and that the said John Leath his heirs or assigns to the only proper and behoof of him the said John Anderson his Heirs Executors and Assigns forever and that the said John Leath for him self his heirs and assigns against all and any person or persons whatsoever to the said John Anderson his heirs Executors and assigns will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witness whereof I have to these presents set my hand & seal the day and year above written. Signed Sealed & acknowledged before John X Leath Richard Cross Am Cross John Cross Armstead Anderson William Manly At a court for Amelia County the 22nd day of June 1786 this indenture was acknowledged by John Leath the party thereto and ordered to be recorded. Teste Holmes ____________________________ The will of John Anderson, dated 11/04/1807 was not probated until 04/06/1815. He mentions his widow Mary, and his three unmarried daughters Hannah, Lucy, and Rebbeca.

In the name of God Amen I John Anderson of Nottoway County being in a low state of health but sound in mind and memory & calling to mind the uncertainty of life; Do make and ordain this my last Will Testament, Hereby revoking all former Wills by me or for me made. In manner and form following Viz. Inprincius: my will and desire is that all my just debts be paid. Secondly I lend to my beloved wife Mary Anderson all my estate both real and personal during her life to have it in quiet & peaceable possession. Item I give and bequeath to my three daughters, namely Hannah Anderson Rebekah Anderson & Lucy Anderson all my Estate both real and personal that I have lent to my wife ( at her death ) to them and their heirs forever. My will and desire is that there be an appraisement on my Estate; Lastly I nominate and appoint my three daughters, namely Hannah Anderson Rebekah Anderson & Lucy Anderson my sole Executrices of this my last Will & Testament given under my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ Eighteen hundred & seven, Signed, sealed & acknowledged to be the last Will and Testament of John Anderson and witnessed at his request on the day and year above written. by attest John Anderson seal Saunders Crenshaw Alain Crenshaw

At a Court held for Nottoway County the 6th day of April 1815. The last Will and Testament of John Anderson dcd. was exhibited into Court, proved by the Oaths of Saunders Crenshaw and Alain Crenshaw witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded Teste F. Fitzgerald,Jr. Clk. ________________________ Tax Data

Amelia County, Virginia Tithables

1747, 10 Jun Below Deep Creek and Above the Cellar Anderson James,Jr. John Anderson Thomas Raines & Jack & Cate 5

1748, Jun List taken below Deep Creek and above the Sellar by Charles Irby James Anderson,Jr. John Anderson Thomas Raines, Jack and Cate 5

1749 Charles Irby's List of Nottoway Parish James Anderson,Jr. Thomas Raines, John Anderson, Edward Eppes, Daniel Eppes, Jack, Cate 7 5

1750 Charles Irby's List of Nottoway Parish James Anderson,Jr. Ed. Eppes, John Anderson, Jack, Daniel Eppes, Cate 6 27

1752 James Anderson,Jr. Edward Eppes, Daniel Eppes and Cate 4

1753 James Anderson,Jr., et. al. 5 John Anderson, John Orgain 2

1763 Bookes List Anderson, Jordan's list Dick Bruce 3 500 acres

1765 Winn's List of Nottoway John Anderson 1

1766 Erskine's list of lower part of Nottoway John Anderson, Carpt. 1

1768 Munford's list John Anderson & Patt 2 103 acres

1770 Cooke's list John Anderson Patt 2 100 acres

1771 John Anderson Patt 2 100 acres

1781 Cooke's list John Anderson, Patt 2

1782 Stephen Cooke's list of Nottoway John Anderson Carpt., Patt 2 Allen Anderson 1

1782 tax roll Amelia County, Virginia John Anderson 11 whites, 2 blacks

1785 tax roll Amelia County, Virginia John Anderson 15 whites, 2 dwellings, 3 outer

1810 Census Nottoway County, Virginia 017 John Anderson Male 0 1 0 0 1 2 female 0 0 0 2 1