Peter Ragsdale

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Ragsdale-46
Peter Ragsdale (abt. 1680 - 1747) ID/Link/URL/Cite

Born about 1680 in Henrico County, Virginiamap
ANCESTORS
Son of Godfrey Ragsdale II and Rachel (Rowlett) Ragsdale

Brother of Rachel (Ragsdale) Jones, Godfrey Ragsdale III, Daniel Ragsdale, Benjamin Ragsdale Sr. and John Ragsdale

Husband of Alice (Drury) Ragsdale — married [date unknown] [location unknown]
DESCENDANTS
Father of
Drury Ragsdale,
Frances Ragsdale,
Ragsdale,
Joseph Ragsdale,
Godfrey Ragsdale,
Ann Ragsdale and
Rachel Ragsdale

Died 1747 at about age 67 in Dale Parish, Henrico, Virginia

Ragsdale-46 created 19 Oct 2010 | Last modified 13 May 2023
This page has been accessed 955 times.
Contents
[hide]
1 Biography
2 Sources
2.1 Time Line
2.2 Additional References to Peter Ragsdale
3 Acknowledgements
Biography

This profile is part of the Ragsdale Name Study.
Peter Ragsdale, son of Godfrey Ragsdale and Rachel ?Rowlett

BIRTH AND DEATH:
Birth Date: about 1680, based on a rough estimate
... assume age 21+ (born before 1689) when he had land transaction in 1710
Birth Place: assume Henrico County Virginia, based on his father's location in 1688
Death Date: assume 1747, based on Apr-1747 probate date of his will
... assume probate was weeks or months AFTER his death
Death Place: Dale Parish in Henrico County, Virginia, based on location of his will
... border changes since death; Dale Parish in present-day Chesterfield Co., VA

NOTES about death location:
It is likely that Peter died on the property he purchased in the 172x's.
There were many border changes between then and his death in 1747.
The land he owned on Smacks Creek was originally in Bristol Parish.
Bristol Parish, at that time, straddled the border between Henrico County and Prince George County. Bristol Parish served both counties.
Dale Parish (where his will was written) was formed in 1735, and included that part of Bristol Parish in Henrico County.

Notice that several of his children have Christening records in Bristol Parish of Prince George County. It is likely Peter's children were born on the property he purchased in 1724.
The book "The Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, Virginia, 1720-1789", published in 1898, page 52, says "Upon the petition of the remote Inhabitance of this Parrish for a Chaplil to be built between Smacks and Knibs Creek..."

BORDER CHANGES:
Prior to 1728, Henrico County VA was a vast area, with Prince George on its southern border.
In 1728, Goochland County was formed from the western two-thirds of Henrico County VA.
In 1735, Amelia County VA was formed from the western half of Prince George County VA.
In 1749, Chesterfield County VA was formed from the southern half of Henrico County VA
In 1752, Dinwiddle County VA was formed from the western half of Prince George County VA.
In 1754, Prince Edward County was formed from the western half of Amelia County VA.

EVIDENCE OF PARENTS & SIBLINGS:
Peter is named in his father Godfrey's 1697 will.
Father's will includes wife Rachell, and children Godfrey, Peter, Daniel, Rachell.
Father's will is in Bristol Parish, which is also the area where Peter lived.
WIFE:
Wife's name is Alice, per Peter's deed in 1710.
Alice's maiden is possibly Drury, per undocumented source.
Possible 2nd wife is Mary Drury, per undocumented source.
Assume both wives died before the 1742 writing of Peter's will.
Some theorize that 1st wife Alice had a previous marriage to a WITTON.

The WITTEN theory is based on son Godfrey's 1751 will, where Godfrey says he has a brother "Richard Witton". In addition, a Richard Witton was a witness (not an heir) in Peter's 1742 will.
MARRIAGE:
Peter married Alice sometime BEFORE 1710.
This is when Alice appeared on a deed with Peter.
Sources
CHRISTENING OF CHILDREN:
There are 4 Christening records who appear to be children of this Peter.
All 4 of these records are in Bristol Parish of Prince George County, Virginia.
Source: familysearch.com.Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917
1) Faith Radgsdale, christened 27 Dec 1722, born 24 Oct 1722, parents Peter Radgsdale and Alice
2) Joseph Radgsdale, christened 23 May 1725, born 17 Jan 1725, parents Peter Radgsdale and Alice
3) Ann Ragsdail, born 25 May 1727, parents Peter Ragsdail and Alce
4) Rachel Ragsdail, christened 15 Mar 1732, born 27 Feb 1732, parents Peter Ragsdail and Alice
Note: it appears that 3 daughters Faith, Ann, and Rachel died before Peter wrote his will in 1742.
ABSTRACT OF WILL:
Henrico Co, VA, Will Book 1737-1781, p 294
Will of Peter Ragsdale
Written: 8 Jan 1742 in Dale Parish of Henrico County, Virginia
Probated: April 1747
Inventory presented & recorded: August 1747
Wife: not mentioned (assume deceased)
Sons: Drury, Joseph, Godfrey
Daughter and son-in-law: Frances Matthews and her husband William Matthews
Kinsman: George Ragsdale
Unknown relationship: Daniel Ragsdale
Executor: son Drury
Witnesses: Richard Witton, Henry Royall, Edward Ragsdale
Notes:
Assume son Godfrey is under age 21 in 1742, based on term "when he comes of age"
Assume Drury is the eldest son because he is named the executor
TRANSCRIPTION OF WILL:
Henrico Co, VA, Will Book 1737-1781, p 294
Will of Peter Ragsdale
[James Maloney, from transcription by Bob Ragsdale]
In the name of God, Amen, this 8th day of January 1742. I Peter Ragsdale of Dale Parish in Henrico County, planter, being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, principally and first of all, I give and commend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and my body I commend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian-like manner at the discretion of my Executor, not doubting that at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate therewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Drury Ragsdale (whom I likewise constitute, make and ordain my sole Executor of this my last will and testament) the plantation I now live upon and one feather bed.
Item. I give to my well beloved son Joseph Ragsdale, the plantation at Smack's Creek where [Peter's nephew] George Ragsdale now lives, joyning to George Wilson, quantity 200 acres of land.
Item. I give to my well beloved daughter Frances Matthews, and to her husband William Matthews for his life, one hundred acres of land joyning my son Joseph's land at Smack's Creek in Amelia County and to William Worsham's Branch. If she should die without issue, then it is my will the said land shall return to my son Drury Ragsdale.
Item. I give to my loving kinsman, George Ragsdale, 50 acres of land in Amelia County, joining the [sic] William Worsham's line, lying between two branches which runs up to the road.
Item. I give to my well beloved son Godfrey Ragsdale all the remaining part of my land in Amelia County which Daniel Ragsdale now lives upon, and all the cattle upon the same plantation when he comes of age. Till he comes of age, it is my will [that] Daniel Ragsdale should live upon said plantation and have use of the stock, upon condition he does not lessen the stock or let the plantation go to ruin.
Item. My negro Sam I likewise give to my well beloved son Godfrey Ragsdale when he comes of age. Till that time, it is my will that my son Drury should have the use of the said negro Sam.
Item. I give to my son Godfrey my gray mare on the plantation I now live upon.
Item. I give to my son Joseph the gray horse at the plantation I now live upon, but if Drury will give him 5 pounds when he wants it to buy another, it is my will he should have him for the use of the plantation.
Item. I give to my daughter Frances a gray 3-year-old colt in the woods.
Item. I give to my son Godfrey the feather bed I now lye upon.
Item. I give to my son Joseph a feather bed.
Item. All the remainder of my household goods I desire may be divided among my three sons at the discretion of my Executor.
Item. All the cattle on the plantation I now live upon, it is my will my son Drury should divide as he thinks proper to himself, his brother Joseph and sister Frances.
I do utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former wills, legacies and bequeaths and executors by me in any way before named, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Peter Ragsdale
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Peter Ragsdale as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers.
Richard Witton
Henry Royall
Edward Ragsdale [Probably the son of Godfrey & Elizabeth Baxter Ragsdale]
RAGSDALE BOOK:
Book title: The Ragsdale Family in England and America
Author: Mrs. Blake Ragsdale Van Leer
Compiled by June Hart Wester
Privately Printed by Industrial Printing Service, by order from the compiler
Copyright (C) 1975 by June Hart Wester
Page 26 - see middle-of-page, starting with heading "Peter [3] Ragdale".

[Note: This book has errors, but regardless, is a valuable resource.]
[Note: It appears this book is the source for many many family trees.]
RAGSDALE BOOK:
Book title: Godfrey Ragsdale from England to Henrico County, Virginia
Author: Caroline Nabors Skelton
Published: Advocate Press - 1969
p 26 1782 Tax lists of Mecklenburg Co show Peter Ragsdale with 9 white people in his family, viz: self, wife, 7 children
p 33: Peter sold land on Bluestone Creek November 10, 1783, Grant of 194 acres in Greenville County October 5, 1784,
p 26 says Peter sold 50 acres of the Bluestone Creek land to his brother William, Mecklenburg Co, Book G, p 322
p 34: Peter Ragsdale and his brother-in-law Rev. Mark Moore (married to Peter's sister Rachel) founded a quasi-boarding school in 1787. Ragsdale children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended the school as late as the Civil War.
Secondary source: http://www.ourfamilysearch.com/html/nti01935.htm
[The Peter on page 34 is Peter, son of Benjamin (not son of Godfrey II)
Time Line
[this timeline and its sources originated from Ancestry username JaneE19 who originally shared it on 26 Sep 2011]
Peter Ragsdale & Alice Drury Witton
c. 1680: Peter was born in Henrico County, VA.
Peter married Alse or Alice Drury Witton, a widow with one son, Richard Witton. [theory]
20 May 1710: Godfrey Ragsdale of Henrico County and "Elizabeth his wife" sold 65 acres to Peter for £20. The parcel was described as lying on the north side of the Appomattox River, "near the Old Town, called the Convict Field, next to John Bevill, Thomas Webster, and my brother Peter Ragsdale". Witnesses: George Archer and Henry Cabanis.[41]
22 May 1710: Peter Ragsdale "and Alice his wife" sold Godfrey Ragsdale 65 acres on the north side of the Appomattox River, "near the Old Town, Thomas's Meadow, my brother Daniel's line, and convict Creek". The witnesses were again George Archer and Henry Canbanis. Alice signed with her mark.[42]
23 Mar 1724: Peter Ragsdell was named as an adjoining owner in a survey for George Roberson on the lower side of Smacks Creek.[43]
16 Jun 1727: Peter Ragsdell was granted 400 acres on the lower side of Smack's Creek in Prince George [later Amelia] County, VA.[44] The tract had been surveyed for Peter Raggsdell on 27 Mar 1724.
Patents to other men in the Smack's Creek area mentioned Peter Ragsdale as an adjoining landowner: George Robertson on 13 Oct 1727; Thomas Roberts on both sides of Smacks Creek on 28 Sep 1730; George Wilson on 28 Sep 1732; and William Dunnevant on both sides of Bark Hours of Flatt Creek on 28 Sep 1732.[45]
Jun 1728: William Worsham presented the appraisal of the George Worsham estate in court. The appraisers had been Peter Ragsdale, Peter Rowlett, and George Wilson.[46]
2 May 1729: Richard Kennon, Edward Tanner, and Peter witnessed the will of Essex Bevill.[47]
15 Oct 1729: Peter, John Bevill, and Henry Royall witnessed the will of George Archer.[48]
15 Apr 1732: He, Alexander Horton, and Thomas Webster witnessed the will of Elizabeth Bevill.[49]
1 Aug 1734: Peter Ragsdol received a patent for 399 acres on the upper side of Smack's Creek adjoining George Wilson, William Worsham, and his own line.[50]
In the Henrico County Tax List of 1736, Peter was assessed for 2 levies and 130 acres: "Clks fees. 1 qt rum. Paid. By cash and an Inspectors' note".[51]
Mar 1738: Along with Christopher Martin, Henry Royal, and William Archer, he was appointed to appraise the estate of James Vaughn.[52]
Aug 1738: Peter Ragsdale, Henry Royal, and Thomas Webster were appointed to appraise the estate of George Archer.[53]
8 Jan 1742/43: Peter signed his will in Henrico County.[54]
1 Feb 1745/46: He purchased 150 acres at the "Old Town" from James and Mary (x) Bevill for £150. It was described as adjoining Col. John Bolling, Peter himself, Bates Run, and the cart path. The deed was witnessed by George Ragsdale and John Herbert.[55]
20 Mar 1745: He and William (x) Worsham "the elder" sold 100 acres to [grandson] George Ragsdale for £10. It consisted of two tracts, one granted to Peter and one to Worsham, and adjoined George White, Worsham, and Matthew Jackson. Witnesses: Daniel Worsham and William Herringham.[56]
21 Mar 1745/46: He sold 360 acres on Smacks Creek and Worsham's Branch adjoining John Anderson and Daniel Wilson to George Christopher White for £120. Of this, 200 acres were part of a patent to Peter dated 16 Jun 1727.[57]
14 May 1745: Peter was mentioned as an adjoining landowner in a deed from William (x) Dunnivant to Peter Worsham on Smacks Creek. Others adjoining were George Ragsdale, Thomas Walthal, Phillip Dunnivant, and Matthew Jackson.[58]
Apr 1747: Peter's will was proved in court by Richard Witten and Edward Ragsdale. Son Drury turned in the appraisal the following August. The appraisers were Christopher Martin, Richard Witton, and William Archer.[59] Christopher Martin was the son of Elizabeth Baxter Martin Ragsdale, wife of Godfrey III.
[41] Weisiger, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1796-1737, p. 26, from p. 59
[42] Weisiger, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1796-1737, p. 26, from p. 62
[43] Weisiger, Prince George County, Virginia Wills & Deeds 1713-1728, p. 108
[44] James Maloney, from Land Office Patents #13, p. 126
[45] James Maloney, from Land Office Patents #13, p. 273, 526, #14, p. 485, 488
[46] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One 1654-1737, p. 121 from p. 187
[47] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One 1654-1737, p. 124, from p. 244
[48] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One 1654-1737, p. 129, from p. 320
[49] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One 1654-1737, p. 131, from p. 339
[50] James Maloney, from Land Office Patents #15, p. 268
[51] Fleet, p. 42
[52] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part Two 1737-1781, p. 3, from Court Order Book, p. 68
[53] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part Two 1737-1781, p. 2, from Court Order Book, p. 58
[54] James Maloney, from transcription by Bob Ragsdale
[55] Weisiger, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1737-1750, p. 22
[56] McConnaughey, Deed Book 2 Amelia County, Virginia, p. 45, from p. 268
[57] McConnaughey, Deed Book 2 Amelia County, Virginia, p. 47, from p. 283
[58] McConnaughey, Deed Book 2 Amelia County, Virginia, p. 30, from original p. 156
[59] Weisiger, Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part Two 1737-1781, p. 29, from p. 294
Additional References to Peter Ragsdale
In September 1732 George [Willson] acquired 1,450 acres across the Appomattox River on both sides of Smacks Creek in Prince George (now Amelia) County. The tract included 200 acres he had bought from Peter Ragsdale.
Reference: http://www.vagenweb.org/mecklenburg/families/Wilson_John/Untangling...
1 Feb 1745/6 - James Beville and Mary his wife to Peter Ragsdale, for £150, 150 acres at place called Old Town, plantation where said Beville lives on, left to him by his grandfather John Beville, bounded by Col. John Bolling, said Ragsdale, Bateses Run and the cart path; wit: John Herbert, George Ragsdale; signed James Beville, Mary (X) Beville; rec. 1st Mon Apr 1746 (Henrico Co., VA, Wills and Deeds 1744-1748, p. 122)
Reference: https://liveasfreepeople.com/2017/02/28/early-bevilles-of-four-virg...

Acknowledgements
WikiTree profile Ragsdale-258 created through the import of Turnham Family Tree.ged on Mar 6, 2012 by Blake Turnham. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Blake and others.
WikiTree profile Ragsdale-272 created through the import of Turnham Family Tree.ged on Mar 6, 2012 by Blake Turnham. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Blake and others.
WikiTree profile Ragsdale-254 created through the import of Turnham Family Tree.ged on Mar 6, 2012 by Blake Turnham. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Blake and others.
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