Thomas Anderson, III

[Thomas Anderson.FTW]

There were people by the name of Anderson in Charles City County, between 1650 and 1700 but examination of those individuals has not yet assisted me in confirming the identity of Thomas' father. No birth record, contemporary or otherwise, is known for Thomas Anderson. As it was common practice at the time to obtain a patent upon reaching the age of 21 Thomas was born before 1662 but not likely much before that. The Westover Minister, Reverend Charles Anderson, born in 1670, owned land adjacent on the west of Thomas in the period 1692 to 1711. I am investigating him as a possible brother. There is mention of a Thomas Anderson as early as 1655 in Charles City County and in addition, Thomas, John and Rev. Richard Anderson sons were born at this time in York County. Any of these Virginia men could be his father or he may have arrived in 1673 from Great Britain as named in WIlliam Peebles patent. On September 20, 1683 Thomas Anderson, identified as "Mr.", obtained his own patent of 400 acres along Cattail Creek, which drained southward from the head lands of Powell's Creek into the Blackwater River. These lands are near the triangular boundary of Prince George, Surry and Sussex Counties just north of current Disputania, Virginia. At the time titles still retained social significance. A member of the colonial council would be referred to as "Esquire", a member of the County Court would be called "Gentleman", a member of the county militia would be addressed by his rank "Colonel", "Captain", or Lieutenant". The title Mister was reserved for civilian men who had significant merchant or propertied standing. The remainder of acceptable society were made up of men of assets greater than 50 pounds who were eligible to serve on juries and vote. Beyond that were the residue of servants and slaves. That he was titled "Mr." on a document prepared for signature by the governor indicates that he was a propertied man. As he was young it is likely that this property had come from his father's estate.

Mr. Thomas Anderson 09/20/1683 400 acres Westover Parish, Charles City Co. Virginia Patent Book 7 1679-1689 page 303 To all [insert] whereas [i] now know ye that I the said Nicholas Andros, Esqr. President [i] and with the consent of ye Council of State accordingly give and grant unto Mr. Thomas Anderson an irregular tract of land containing four hundred acres lying and being in the County of Charles Citty, and in ye P.ish of Westopher, and on the South side of James River, Viz. beginning At a corner white oake, standing on the Line of Capt Robert Lucy, & running thense along ye said Lucies Line South South East four hundred seventy four poles, crossing the Cattaile Maine Branch, to a corner black oake, thense East North East sixty four poles to a corner white oak, thense North thirty six poles to a corner gum, thense East North East seventy poles, crossing a branch to ye corner bockibery, thense North and by West, six degrees westerly eighty poles to a corner black oake, thense North ward forty five crossing ye Cattaile Maine Branch to a corner oake saplin, thense North North East eighty five poles to a corner black oake, thense North North West one hundred sixty eight poles, crossing Mr. Wallises path to a corner line, thense west two hundred & one poles to a corner black oake, thense west and by North two degrees northerly twenty six poles to ye place we began, including ye aforesd four hundred acres of Land. The said Land being due by [i] for ye transportation of eight persons into this colony whose names are mentioned in ye records with this Patent. To have and to hold [i] hold [i] yielding & paying [i] proved and dated this twentieth day of September 1683. [head rights] Eliz: Kish, Valen: Taylor, Tho. Barrow, Wm Shofforld, Tho: Barret, Wm Stock, Jon Stewart, Joseph Fells

The [insert][i] were points in the record where text from the patent form, recorded at the begining of book 7 were to be inserted. An original full text version of this patent would have been given to Thomas Anderson but only the abstract above was recorded in book 7. Captian Robert Lucy was married to Sarah Barker, the daughter of William Barker who founded Merchant's Hope plantation, James Wallice owned a plantation at the mouth of Powells Creek and one south of Thomas Anderson on the Blackwater River; and his path connected the two passing through Thomas' land. The Charles City County Court Orders for 10/03/1688 indicate that Thomas Anderson was to be summoned before the next Grand Jury for "planting tobacco on the Sabbath." No mention of the charge is given at the next court. Thomas Anderson, along with James Anderson, recorded his livestock earmarks on 04/13/1693. Thomas Anderson, "Cropp and upper hole in ye right, and upper Hole in ye left"; and James Anderson, "The same only an under hool on the left". This James Anderson was apparently the eldest son of Reynard Anderson and appears actively in County records of 1693. He was of the same age as Thomas and the wording of their livestock earmarks may imply an unknown relationship. Thomas witnessed a deed of Ralph Jackson, Joseph Maddox and John Douglas on 02/10/1692/3. He served to appraise the estate of Charles Williams on 08/03/1692, of William Taylor (John Jane Executor) on 10/03/1693, of Morris Calagham on 11/08/1694, and posted bond for Sarah (remarried to Robert Reives) the widow of Morris Calagham on 08/05/1695. Roger Rees the father of his daughter Mary's husband served as an appraiser with him. He served as foreman of a grand jury on 08/03/1692; and as member on 10/03/1692, 01/03/1692/3, 08/03/1693, and 06/04/1694. In 1701, Thomas Anderson, with other gentlemen of Charles City Court, signed a petition to the Crown Government. This was a loyalty Oath taken in consideration of the recent war with Spain. This can be found detailed in "Autographs, 1701/2", By Elizabeth Lawrence Dow, Richmond Virginia, 1976. Therein, can be found his signature, in a small neat hand, using the script s as "Tho: Ander§on". Data from the 1704 Rent Rolls would indicate that Thomas held a comparable amount of land in comparison to other Anderson families of Virginia. Source "The Quit Rents of Virginia, 1704"; by Smith, Annie Laurie Wright; Virginia State Archives; 1957.

Anderson, Tho. Prince George County 450 acres Anderson, Charles Mr. Prince George County 505 acres Anderson, Henry Prince George County 250 acres Anderson, John Prince George County 228 acres Anderson, Matthew Prince George County 349 acres Anderson, Wm. Prince George County 235 acres Anderson, David New Kent County 300 acres Anderson, John New Kent County 100 acres Anderson, John New Kent County 100 acres Anderson, Richard New Kent County 200 acres Anderson, Robert New Kent County 700 acres Anderson, Robert New Kent County 900 acres Anderson, George Isle of Wight County 150 acres Anderson, John York County 50 acres Anderson, Richard King and Queen County 650 acres Anderson, William Cpt King William County 150 acres

No deeds of Thomas Anderson have been found, although he reputedly purchased 100a. from John Janes and lived on it. This purchase likely occurred before 1692 and would have been filed with the lost county records of Charles City County. The description of this land is as follows in the next deed. Notice that being on the Old Town Run and belonging to Edward Goodrich this land is adjacent the Rev Charles Anderson who died in 1718.

Margaret Goodrich to Abraham Odium 02/09/1721 100 acres Prince George County Book 1713-1728 page 516 This Indenture made the Ninth Day of February in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred twenty one, Between Margaret Goodrich Executrix of the Last Will and Testament of Edward Goodrich late of Prince George County Dcscd: of the one part, and Abraham Odium of the County aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Margaret Goodrich for divers good causes and considerations her thereunto moving and for the rents and covenants hereafter mentioned, hath let lease and to Term let, and by these presents doth let lease and to Term Let, unto the said Abraham Odium his Executors and Administrators, one certain Tract or parcel of Land Lying and Being in the Parrish of Martin Brandon and County of Prince George, bounded Westerly on the old Town Run, Northerly on the Lands of Phillip Jane and Easterly on the Lands of Edward Hill dcsd. and Southerly on the main woods and the Lands of Richard Pace, containing by Estimation One hundred acres, be the same more or less, which tract and parcel of Land was formerly purchased of and conveyed by John Jane to Thomas Anderson as by a Deed for the same acknowledged and recorded in the records of Charles City County Court will appear, and by the said Anderson in his Last Will and Testament given and devised to Mary his relict during her natural life, and thereafter to come and decend to his eldest son James Anderson and his heirs forever as by the said Will proved and recorded in the records of the County Court of Prince George will appear, and by Cornelius Cargill and Mary his wife the aforesaid relict of the said Thomas Anderson, and also by the said James Anderson sold and conveyed to the aforesaid Edward Goodrich, as by Deeds for the same acknowledged and recorded in the records of the said County Court of Prince George the Fourth Day of January 1720 given to and vested in the aforesaid Margaret his Executrix to be sold for payment of his debts as by the said Will it more plainly appears. To have, use, occupy, and enjoy the said tract and parcel of Land, with all and singular the appertenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining unto the said Abraham Odium and his Executors Vz: for & during the Term of one whole year to commence from the day of the date hereof, and fully to be completed and ended, yielding and paying for the same at the expiration of the Term aforesaid the Fee Rent of One Shilling Current money if the same shall be lawfully demanded unto the said Margaret Goodrich her Executors Vz: to the Intent and purpose that by Virtue of these presents and of the Statute made in the Seven and Twentyeth year of the Reign of King Henry the Eight for Transferring of uses unto possession the said Abraham Odium may be in actual and peaceable possession of the said Land and Premises and thereby the better enabled to take and [?] of a grant or conveyance of the Reversion and Inheritance thereof to him and by his heirs, to the Use of him his heirs and assigns for ever In Witness whereof the said Margaret Goodrich hath hereunto set her hand and seal the day and year first above written Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Margaret Goodrich sealed with Richard Cureton a wafer John Chues Charles Ryall At a Court held at Merchants Hope for Prince George County on the second Tuesday in February being the thirteenth day of the said month Anno Dom: 1721 The above written Deed of Lease of Land (Indented and Sealed) was in Open Court acknowledged by Margaret Goodrich the subscriber thereto to be her act and Deed to Abraham Odium named therein on whose motion the same by order of the Court is truly recorded.

A Deed of Sale of the identical property follows in the County records. This process reflects the practice at the time of initially granting a let lease, until after occupation of a property at which time final payment and execution of a Deed was performed. Alternatively, an endorsement of the deed reflecting peaceable possession was made.

Cornelius Cargill to Robert Hunnicutt of Prince Georges county of Prince Georges County 02/01/1726 150 acres Prince George County Book 1713-1728 page 957 THIS INDENTURE made the First Day of February, in the Year of our Lord Christ, One Thousand, Seven hundred and Twenty Six, Between Cornelius Cargill of the Parrish of Martin Brandon in the County of Prince George of the one part, and Robert Hunnicutt of the Parrish and County aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Cornelius Cargill for and in consideration of the sum of Eighteen pounds current money to him in hand paid by the said Robert Hunnicutt, at and before the en sealing and delivery hereof, the receits whereof he the said Cornelius Cargill doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof and therefrom doth clearly acquit and discharge the said Robert Hunnicutt, his heirs, executors, and Administrators and every of them forever by these presents, Hath given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, en scoffed [?] and confirmed, and doth by these presents give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enscoffe and confirm unto the said Robert Hunnicutt, and to his heirs and assigns forever, one tract or parcell of Land containing by estimation one hundred and fifty acres, be the same more or less, together with all houses, orchards and appurtenances to the said one hundred and fifty acres of Land belonging, or in any way wise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders of all and singular the premises, and every part and parcell thereof, which said bargained and sold lands and premises are situate, lying and being on the south side of the Cattail Swamp, on the north side of the Blackwater Swamp, and on both sides of the Reedy Branch of the said Cattail Swamp, in the Parrish and County aforesaid, and formerly were in the tenure, holding, and occupation of one Thomas Anderson now deceased, and by James Anderson and Charles Anderson two of the sons of the said Thomas Anderson after his decease sold and conveyed to the said Cornelius Cargill and to his heirs forever that is to say, One hundred and five acres of the aforesaid Land was sold and conveyed to the said Cornelius Cargill, by the aforesaid James Anderson, by Deed dated the fourteenth Day of April, One thousand seven hundred and nineteen, and the same day acknowledged and recorded in the records of the said County Court. And the residue of the aforesaid tract of land was sold and conveyed to the said Cargill by the aforesaid Charles Anderson by Deed dated the Tenth Day of March, One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighteen and the same Day acknowledged, and recorded in the records of the County Court aforesaid, as by the said Deeds relation being thereunto had, will appear. Which said one hundred and fifty acres of land are bounded according to the ancients and known bounds thereof, and as in the aforesaid Deeds is mentioned. To Have and to hold the said hereby granted bargained and sold houses lands and premises and to his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use, benefit, & behoof of him the said Robert Hunnicutt, his heirs and assigns for evermore. And the said Cornelius Cargill doth for himself covenant and grant to and with the said Robert Hunnicutt, his heirs and assigns, by these presents, that he the said Cornelius Cargill is at the time of the ensealing and delivery hereof lawfully seized of a good, perfect, and Indefeasible estate in Fee Simple, to him and his heirs and assigns forever, in his own right and to his own use, without any manner of condition, and that he hath good right full power and authority to grant, convey, and assure the said lands and premises & every part thereof, unto the said Robert Hunnicutt, and to his heirs and assigns in manner aforesaid, and according to the true intents and meaning hereof. And the said Cornelius Cargill doth further covenant and grant to and with the said Robert Hunnicutt his heirs and assigns that the said lands and premises and ever part thereof, now are and be, and so from henceforth for ever hereafter shall remain and continue unto the said Robert Hunnicutt his heirs & assigns free and clear and defended of, from and against all manner of former and other bargains, sales, gifts, grants, leases, judgements, dowers, and of and from all other titles, troubles, charges, Incumbrances, and demands whatsoever levied suffered or executed by him the said Cornelius Cargill his heirs or assigns, or any other person or person's whatsoever, and that the said Robert Hunnicutt his heirs and assigns shall and may for ever hereafter peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy and enjoy the said premises with the appurtenances, without any loss, trouble, denyall, or eviction of or by the said Cornelius Cargill his heirs or assigns, or any other person or persons whatsoever. And lastly the said Cornelius Cargill for him self his heirs, executors and Administrators, shall and will warrant and forever defend to the said Robert Hunnicutt, his heirs and assigns forever, the said land and premises and every part thereof, with the appurtenances, against him the said Cornelius Cargill, his heirs, and assigns, and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever claiming by, from, or under him the said Cornelius Cargill, his heirs or assigns, or any other person or persons whatsoever. In Witness whereof the said Cornelius Cargill hath hereunto set his hand and seal, the day and year first above written. Sealed and Delivered in presence of us. Cornelius Cargill Sealed with James Gee a wafer James Fletch Wm Hamlin Memorandum. That on the First Day of February, Anno Dominis, One Thousand Seven Hundred, Twenty Six. Quiet and peaceable possession and seizin of the houses lands and premises above mentioned was delivered unto the above named Robert Hunnicutt and his heirs for ever, according to the form and effect of the above written DEED, by delivery of a Turf and Twigg of the said Land, in the name of all the lands and premises contained in the said Deed, by Cornelius Cargill [etc.]

Thomas Anderson's will referred to the the deeds above, was lost for a period of time due to the confiscation of Prince George County records in the civil war and has recently been recovered. In the 1980's a women in Cincinnati, Ohio mailed the Prince George County book for 1710 to 1713 to the county. An transcript of his will was published in the "Magazine of Virginia Genealogy", Volume 29, Number 1, February 1991, page 65 but unfortunately identifies his plantation as "Callactes" instead of "Cattails". Thomas' will names wife Mary and three married children and one grandchild Thomas Reese. Mary re-marries in 1712 to Cornelius Cargill and has two more children in 1713 and 1718. Since Thomas' three married children likely were at a minimum 18, 20 and 22 in 1711 this necessitates that an only wife had her first child by 1689 and her last in 1718 which implies her last child was born at age 48. In light of Thomas' age and since the gap betwen births was likely earlier and longer, for these reasons and for the reason that Mary acted with Cornelius as guardians of Charles and Jane I have concluded that Mary was a second wife. Mary's surname has not been established by contemporary record or family tradition, although from circumstances it is likely that she was a second wife, Mary Lucy, daughter of Robert Lucy and Sarah Barker. Mary Lucy was then the mother of Charles and Jane. Thomas' three eldest married children are believed born of an unknown first wife. The identification of Thomas Anderson's children cannot be considered complete. As son-in-law William Sanders is named without reference to a daughter that he married, it is possible that other children were not named. It is also possible that William Sanders was the son of his first wife by a previous marriage. Thomas mention of his tools in his will suggests that he also was a carpenter as were the next generations of the family. Thomas was a literate man who could read and write and it is my suspicion that he authored his own will. This is because it is somewhat unstructured as though it was a single draft. In addition it contains a serious legal flaw in that after bequeathing the use of his Cattail plantation to his wife during the nonage of his youngest son by her, Charles, it fails to clearly state the reversion of that Cattail estate to either of his sons after the nonage or upon the marriage of his widow. The impact of this is that his son lost the main Cattail plantation to his step-mothers second husband Cornelius Cargill.

Prince Georges Wills and Deeds 1710-1713; P. 36 Will of Thomas Anderson of Westover Parish, Prince George Co. In the name of god Amen, I Thomas Anderson of prince Geor County and parris of Westopher, being sick and weak but of perfect sense and memory Thanks be to God for ye same do make and appoint and ordain this my Last will and Testament In manner and form, following hereby nullifying and making void all former wills and testaments by me made, and declared and this onely to be taken for my last will and testament. Firstly I give and bequeath my soul to God that gave it me hoping by the merits of my blessed savior Jesus Christ to Inherit Eternall Life and my body to ye earth to be buryed In such dessent maner as my Exec. hereafter named shall think is fitt. Secondly I give and bequeath the plantation I now live on for and during her natural life, and do give her to make use of any firewood upon any part of my land. For repearing the plantation and too give to my loving wife Mary Anderson, the plantation and privilege, and liberty during my son Charles his non age of the increase of hogs at the plantation commonly called The Cattails and after to keep hoggs upon the land during her natural life except she marry and then not to keep hogs there and I too here give unto my loving wife her Choyce of my Beds with Boulster and blankets and yarnset rug curtains and vallens one pare of sheets and to pillars and one small feather bed and the choyce of my horses for her own house and all my hogs running of the plantation I now live on. Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my son James Anderson my plantation I now live upon and all the land I hold adjoiyning to the sd plantation and to his heirs for ever after the deces of my loving wife and fifty acres of land next to Capt Taylors Cart path westardly being part of the Cattail Land and one great Chest in the inward room which of the To he pleases and the father bed he lyes upon and one rugg and a pare of Blankets and sheets boulster and pillow one cutlis and gunn one pot which his mother picks. Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Anderson my first tract of land at the Cattail that is now leased and to his heirs for ever and one featherbed boulster and yarnset rugg and blanket and a pear of sheets and two pillows and one gunn formerly Wm Landry gun one iron pot pothooks Fifthly I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Rees forty HHD in cask for her one particular use after my decease If she lives and one cow and calf and one to year ould hefer to my grandson Thos Rees and one mare filly the first that be fallen of any of my mares after me decease. To my said daughter Mary Rees. Sixthly I give and bequeath unto my daughter Jane Anderson one negro girl name Hannah and her first child If the sd negro have any To my son Charles Anderson and the negro Hannah to remain with my wife during my wifes life, and I give to my daughter Jane one feather bed in the trundle bedstead bedstead and the furniture belonging to it and I give my sd daughter one cow with calf and a hefer of to years ould. One chest and one silver tumbler and one small pott & pot hooks and to pewter cups. Seventhly my will and meaning Is that all my wearing clouse whatever that be maid for my use in my lifetime equally divided between my to sons James and Charles, and all my working tools and books, excepting sundry moveables to be equally divided between my to sons. Eighthly My will and meaning Is that all my cattall Sheep & Horses & what moveables soever I have not disposed of in this my will shall be equally divided between my loveing wife & my two sons by my loveing friends Wm Harrison Senr. Jethro Hairston if they be liveing at me decease & if they or one of them be dead at my decease then my loveing wife to make choice of such other friend or friends as she pleases to make the sd division so that it leeds to ye full satisfaction of my beloved wife and what goods may be sent me out of England for ye Tob. I have sent & what debts I have due to me at my decease to be equally divided between my sd wife & sons. 9thly I give & bequeath to my son in law Wm Sanders five hundred pounds tobacco 10thly I constitute appoint & ordain my loving wife & my son James Anderson jointly & severally my Executors of this my last will & testament, I give to my son Charles my chest that was Wm Lucys & my rapior & belt. Sealed & delivered in presence of Wm Harrison Geo Hamilton Thomas Anderson Wm X Sanders On 11 June 1711, will proved by above witnesses and probate granted to the relict and James Anderson.

His place of burial is unknown. The most likely location is his Prince George County plantation along "Old Town Run". No burials are believed to have occurred at Merchant's Hope Church (Westover Parish chapel south of the James River) in the early colonial era. If the Rev. Charles Anderson was indeed his brother, then it is likely that he was buried at old Westopher Churchyard north of the James River with Charles officiating. Conversation in 1987 with the current owners of what is believed to be the "Cattail" plantation grounds revealed no knowledge of Thomas Anderson, of the initial patent holder or of any burials of that time period. So little of the 1670-1800 history of the site was known however, that no possibilities could be limited. The current home was built before 1846, but does not likely predate that by much. The grounds that the home is built on however, contain numerous large oaks and poplars common to the colonial period which may well date to that early period and indicate that the home site easily predates 1846. The following patent was issued after his death, but it was to this Thomas, as his son James signs a deed to this land to Cornelius Cargill in 1712 mentioning that his father had had it surveyed recently. It was not unusual at all for that time to get a patent issued three years after your death. If you had paid for the survey and the patenting fees the process itself for the issuance of the patent might take years. The secretary of the colony spent months preparing them and the governor signed them once each quarter.

Thomas Anderson 06/16/1714 105 acres Prince George County Virginia Patents Book 10, 1710-19, page 157 Anne To All Know Ye that for divers good causes & considerations but more especially for & in consideration of the sum of Ten shillings good & lawful money for ourselves paid to our Revenuer General of our Revenues within our sd Colony & Dominion of Virginia We have Given Granted & Confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs & successors do Give Grant and Confirm unto Thomas Anderson one certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred & five acres lying & being in the County of Prince George on the Cattails and Reedy Branch and bounded by lands, to wit, beginning at a corner Gum of his own land thence along his line South forty eight and half degrees East sixty poles and fifteen links to a corner pine, thence East twenty one degrees South one hundred and two poles & fifteen links, to a gum in a branch, thence East one degrees north eighteen poles to a scrub white oak, thence East eighteen degrees North twenty one poles seven links to a Spanishe oak, thence North twelve degrees east forty one poles to a corner hickory, thence North fourty degrees east fifty two poles to a corner stake, thence West thirty degrees North eighty five poles eleven links to a red oak, thence West five degrees South fourty eight poles ten links to a black oak, thence West thirty four degrees forty five poles to a corner hickory of the Sd Anderson, thence along his own line West twenty five degrees South one hundred two & half poles to the beginning with all To Have and to Hold To be Held Yielding and paying provided in witness witness our Trusty & Welbeloved Alexander Spotswood our Ld Governor at Williamsburg under the seal of our Sd Colony this sixteenth day of June one thousand seven hundred and fourteen in the Thirteenth Year of our Reign. /s/ A. Spotswood

Bibliography

Autographs, 1701/2, By Elizabeth Lawrence Dow, Richmond, Virginia, 1976. Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, 1666- 1695, Nell Marion Nugent. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia, 1977. Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, 1695- 1732, Nell Marion Nugent. Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia, 1986. Charles City County, Virginia, Court Orders, 1687-1695, Abstracted and Compiled by Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, 1980. Prince George County, Virginia, Wills & Deeds 1710-1713, Compiled by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, 1992 Prince George County, Wills and Deeds, 1713-1728, Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, 1973. The Quit Rents of Virginia, 1704, by Annie Laurie Wright Smith, Virginia State Archives, 1957. Wills and Administrations of Surry County, Virginia, 1671-1750; Eliza Timberlake Davis, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, 1980. Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Volume 29, February 1991, Number 1