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Will of Richard Parsons, Pittsylvania Co. Order Book 5, p. 139; Pittsylvania Co. Deeds & Will 11, page 159-160
December 22, 1783
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Parsons of the County of Pittsylvania being old and weak in body but enjoying my usual reason and memory and calling to mind the mortality of man do make and ordain this my last Will and testament in manner and form following, to wit,
First my desire is that my Soul assends and rest with God that gave it and
Secondly my desire is that my body be decently buried
Thirdly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughter Hannah Madkiff and her husband Joseph Madkiff and their heirs forever.
Forthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Agness Madkiff and to her Husband John Madkiff one shilling Sterling to them my said daughter Agness Madkiff and her husband John Madkiff and their hiers forever.
Fifthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son George Parsons one shilling Sterling to him my said Son George Parsons and his heirs for ever,
Sixthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Joseph Parsons one shilling sterling to him my said son Joseph Parsons and his heirs forever,
Seventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son John Parsons one shilling sterling to him my said son John Parsons and his heirs for ever Eighthly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Samuel Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided by a line which my said son Samuel and my son William marked themselves to him my said son Samuel Parsons and his heirs and assignes for ever
Ninethly I give and bequeath to my well beloved son William Parsons the land whereon he now lives to be divided as above mentioned to him my said son William Parsons and his heirs and assignes forever
Tenthly on the land above mentioned is mortgage for which my son Samuel Parsons is liable to pay said mortgage if he does not then my will is that his part of the land that is to say the land whereon he now lives is to be sold by my executors to off said morgage
Eleventhly I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates all my Black Smith tools to her my said daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates to them and their heirs for ever
Twelvethly and lastly as I and my wife is now living with my daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates and they using us with the greatest kindness my will and desire is that they the said Lydia and Stephen Yates to have all the remainder of my estate that is to say my cattle and my black mare and also all my household furniture which is now in their possession but not til after my decease and the decease of my Wife.
Furthermore I revoke all former wills by me made and do confirm this my last will and testament. I do appoint and constitute my loving sons Joseph and William Parsons executors of this my last will and testament Witness my hand and seal.
Richard (his mark) Parsons SS
Test
John Parks, Samuel Parks, Richard Johnson
At a Court held for Pittsylvania County February the 21, 1785 This last Will and Testament of Richard Parsons deceased was presented in Court and proved by the Oathes of two of the witnesses Hands and by the Court ordered to be Recorded
Teste Will Turnball (?)
Adams, Abstracts of Pittsylvania County, Virginia Wills 1767-1820
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This is what I have on Richard and Lydia Briggs Parsons
Richard Parsons is the son of Joseph Parsons and Sarah Woodson. He was born before 1714 in either Henrico County, Virginia. His will was written on December 22, 1783 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and his estate was probated there on February 21, 1785.
Lydia Briggs was the daughter of Ralph Briggs and Elizabeth Mary Wright and brother of George Briggs. She was born in 1720 in Goochland County, Virginia. She died in Pittsylvania County Virginia in 1787.
John Wright (probably an uncle) was appointed as her guardian after both of her parents died (I do not have this date). John Wright died between March 14, 1729/30 and May 1730 at which time her brother George must have been of age, and become her guardian, because when George died in June of 1734, Lydia chose a new guardian, Richard Parsons. Hence, George must have been her guardian at the time. Lydia also inherited 400 acres of land from George on the south side of the James River along Muddy Creek.
Richard and Lydia were married in 1740 in Goochland County, Virginia. They had the following children, all born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia:
Joseph (abt 1742 - 13 Aug 1833) m1. bef 1764, Margaret "Peggy" Griffith; m2. 26 Aug 1824, Sarah "Sally" Thompson
Mary Agnes (abt 1744 - ) m. 1760, John Midkiff, Sr.
Hannah (abt 1746 - ) m. Joseph Midkiff, Sr.
George (abt 1750 - 16 Jun 1846) m1. Anne Griffith, m2. Sarah Hardin
Samuel (abt 1752 - 1819) m. 21 Dec 1779, Rebecca Farthing
James (1753 - )
William (abt 1756 - 16 Mar 1818) m. Mary Blanks
Richard (1758 - )
Lydia (1760 - Aft 1805) m. 1775 Stephen Yates, Sr.
John (abt 1762 - d. 20 Jun 1808) m1. Mary Simmons, m2. bef 1784, Sarah (Sary) Adkins
The Richard Parsons who married Lydia Briggs is documented from 1735 to about 1745 in Goochland County, Virginia. The Richard of Lunenburg/Halifax/Pittsylvania County is documented from 1748 to his death around 1785. He died testate in Pittsylvania County, Virginia naming his children and mentioning his wife only as 'my wife'. So far, I have not found a document that states Richard of Goochland and Richard of Pittsylvania are the same Richard. However, Richard sold his land in Goochland County and then a Richard appears in Lunenburg/Pittsylvania County shortly thereafter. Also, Christopher Parsons also appears in court records in Goochland and then appears in Lunenburg in the same year as Richard, as well as some other Pittsylvania families. The Richard Parsons of Surry County, North Carolina was married Elizabeth Feathers. He died 30 years after the Richard of Pittsylvania County also leaving a will. There is no documentation that links the two.
In August of 1734, Lydia Briggs, both her parents having previously died, was permitted to choose Richard Parsons her guardian. This indicates that she was a minor and he was at least 21 years of age.
On January 30, 1741, Richard Parsons patented 80 acres on the branches of the North Branch of Muddy Creek (alias Little Muddy Creek) in Goochland County, Virginia. [Library of Virginia, Digital Collection, Patents 20, 1741-43, P. 129].
On January 16, 1743 from Robert Yancey of the Parish of St. Martin and County of Louisa sold to Francis Amoss of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, 400 acres on the south side of James River in the Parish of St. James and Goochland, that was bounded by Richard Parsons
On April 22, 1743 Richard Parsons of Goochland County, Virginia, sold to Nicholas Spears 80 acres on Muddy Creek on the south side of James River for 5 pounds.
On August 13, 1743 Richard and Lydia Parsons of Goochland County, Virginia, sold to Nicholas Davies 200 acres on Muddy Creek on the south side of James River for 20 pounds. This is the first mention of his wife.
On December 17, 1743 Richard and Lydia Parsons of the Parish of St. James and Goochland sold to John Alexander 200 acres on the south side James River on the west side Muddy Creek for 70 pounds. [Goochland County Deeds, Virginia Deeds, 1741-1745, Deed Book 4, Page 346]
Lydia's brother George Briggs was first granted the above 400 acres in 1733. George died about 1634 and Lydia inherited the land.
On February 25, 1744 Francis Amoss of Goochland and Parish of Southam sold to Richard Ligon 400 acres on both sides of the upper branch of Muddy Creek alias Little Muddy Creek, and bounded by Richard Parsons.
On November 20, 1745, Richard Parsons is mentioned []Goochland County, Virginia 1741-1745, Deed Book 4].
On March 7, 1747, Richard is granted 400 acres on both sides of Great Cherrystone Creek in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
On Noveber 2, 1748, Richard is granted an additional 400 acres in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, adjoining his other lands.
On June 14, 1749, Richard Pasrons is granted 2000 acres on Mill Creek in Virginia.
In June of 1749 Richard Parsons was appointed as surveyor of the new road between Staunton River and the Mayo Settlement at the Wart Mountain in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
In July of 1752, Richard sells land to John Watson in Halifax County, Virginia.
Between 1752 and 1755, Richard Parsons is granted permission to construct a grist mill on Cherry Creek in Halifax County, Virginia.
19 Dec. 1752 Richard Parsons of Halifax Co. sold tp William Adams of Louisa Co., VA, 180 acres on both sides of the Bannister River, bounded by the river, Rocky Br., Nowell Burton’s line. all houses, orchards, woods etc. Signed by mark. Wit: Joseph Collins, James Hunt. Halifax Co. Deed Book 1, p. 15 (Chiarito, p. 2)
In March of 1753, as surveyor, he was ordered to mark a road from the mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road in the same county.
On March 20, 1760 is in Halifax County, Virginia.
In a deed recorded in Halifax County, Virginia, April 19, 1764, Richard Parsons sells his son Joseph Parsons 100 acres of land for 10 pounds [Halifax County Deed Books 2-6, compiled by Marian Dodson Chiarito] .
On May 14, 1764, Richard Parsons sold to his son George Parsons, both of Halifax County, Virginia, for 10 pounds, 100 acres on the south side of Little Cherrystone Creek, being the land that George was living on at the time. It was recorded June 21, 1764
In 1765, Richard and George Parsons were listed in the Halifax Voters List. [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]
On June 10, 1767, Richard (Persons) and his son Joseph are named for Cambden Parish in Pittsylvania County's first list of Tithables (The History of Pittsylvania County, Viginia, by Maud Carter Clement. Reprinted by The Pittsylvania Historical Society, 1988, page 278).
In 1767, Richard Parsons, as surveyor, was ordered to mark the road from mouth of Snow Creek to Hickey's Road (in Franklin Co) [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]
In 1768, George Parsons was in Antrim Parish [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]
On July 29, 1768, Francis Bucknal was granted a patent in Pittsylvania County for 238 acres on both sides of Great Cherry stone Creek adjoining Parson's Land. [Land Office Patents No. 37, 1767-1768, p. 243 (Reel 37), Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41].
In 1771, Richard Parsons is found in the Pittsylvania County Court Order Records [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]
On August 3, 1771, John Hicks was granted a patent in Pittsylvania County for 400 acres on the branches of Little Cherrystone Creek adjoining Richard Parsons. [Land Office Patents No. 40, 1771-1772, p. 516 (Reel 39), Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41].
In May of 1777, Richard signed the Oath of Allegiance in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
In 1782, Richard and his sons, William, Samuel, John, Joseph and George are named in the Pittsylvania County Census. Richard had 5 persons. [Halifax County, Virginia Deed Books]
On December 22, 1783, Richard and Lydia according to his will, are living with their daughter Lydia Yates and her husband Stephen Yates. Stephen ran the Old Yates Tavern in Gretna, Virginia. (The old Yates Tavern still stands today about ten miles from town.)
In the Pittsylvania County, Virginia Deed and Will Book #11, p. 159, probably February 21, 1785, Richard Parsons' will is recorded.
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/PARSONS/2010-01/1262895600
Will of Joseph Parsons, Sr. of Henrico Parish, 6 Aug. 1762
To Daughter Agnes Woodson, 2 shillings. To daughter Elizabeth Anderson 2 shillings. To son Joseph Parsons, 2 shillings To son Samuel Parsons, all my land, 250 acres, on south side of Turners Run in Henrico, purchased of Martha Hobson and Stephen Pankey, and bounded by John Owen, Thomas Owen, and Martha Hobson; also 230 acres on west side of Beachen Run in Henrico, purchased of Jane Lane, and bounded by John Owen, John Orange and John Watkins. If he die without heirs, then to the next male child of my wife Susannah. If she has none, then to my daughter Judith Parsons; and if she die, then to next female child my wife has. If all chidren by my wife Susannah die without issue then lands to my son Jospeh Parsons. To wife Susannah, one negro, and I also lend her 7 negroes during widowhood and also lend her the land purchsed of Martha Hobson and Stephen Panky, provided she raise and sufficiency school my children and likewise the negro children, and also pay my debts. If she marry, she is to get three negroes and 1/3 of goods and chattels. My negroes are not to be sold to make division of my estate. Rest of estate to be divided between my children and wife Susannah. Division to be by my executors or appointee of the Friends of the Monthly Meeting of Henrico. Exec: to be wife Susannah, and my friends Robert Pleasants, Sr. Robert Pleasants, son of Thomas Pleasants, dec'd, John Crew, son of John Crew, dec'd and Joseph Ellyson.
(NOT SIGNED)
Wit: Joseph Elam, Thos. Owen, Royal Brittain, Benjamin Clarke. (No probate date given, however Joseph Parsons' Inventory was recorded in Henrico County 3 Dec 1770 and dated 1769)
Sources:
Marian Dodson Chiarto, Halifax County, Virginia Deed Book 1, 1752-1759 (Nathalie, VA 1985)(Chiarito)
Goochland County, Virginia Deeds Book 4, 1741-1745
August 13, 1743 from Richard Parsons, and Lydia, his wife, of Goochland, to Nicholas Davies of Goochland for 20 L, a certain tract of land of 200 acres on Muddy Creek in Goochland on the south side of James River, and bounded by [trees]. Signed - Richard Parsons, Lydia (X her mark) Parsons. Wit - William Dillon, William Dillon [sic], John (B his mark) Burk, John ( his mark) Burnet. Recorded September 20, 1743. At a Court of November 20, 1745, this deed was proved by the oath of William Dillon to be the act and deed of Lydia Parsons, wife of Richard Parsons, and ordered to be recorded. Goochland Co. Deed Book 4, p. 201.
April 22, 1743 from Richard Parsons of Goochland, to Nicholas Spears of Goochland, for 5 L, a certain tract of land of about 80 acres on Muddy Creek in Goochland on the south side of James River, and bounded by Major Bowler Cocke, James Terril, Robert Yancy. Signed - Richard Parsons. Wit - Nicholas Davies, Elizabeth Dewes, John (his mark) Creasie. Recorded September 20, 1743. Goochland Co. Deed Book 4, p. 203.
January 16, 1743 from Robert Yancey of the Parish of St. Martin and County of Louisa, to Francis Amoss of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, for 40 L, a Certain tract of land of about 400 acres on the south side of James River in the Parish of St. James and Goochland, and bounded by Richard Parsons, Major Bowler Cocke, James Terril. Signed - Robert Yancey. Wit - Tarlton Fleming, Charles Fleming, Simon (SW his mark) Ward. Recorded March 20, 1743. Recorded June 19, 1744. Goochland Co. Deed Book 4, p. 325.
December 17, 1743 from Richard Parsons, and Lydia, his wife, of the Parish of St. James and Goochland, to John Alexander of same, for 70 lbs, a certain tract of land of 200 acres in Goochland on the south side James River on the west side Muddy Cr, being half of 400 acres of land granted to George Briggs by patent dated Jun 20, 1733, which the said George Briggs, by his Goochland will, gave to his sister, Lydia Briggs alias Parsons. The tract is bounded by Bowler Cocke, new lines run by Robert Walton on the division of the said 400 acres. Signed Richard Parsons, Lidia (L her mark) Parsons. Wit - Francis Amoss, Isac Hughes, Abram Womack, Miles Gathwrit, Joell Chandler, Recorded May 15, 1744.
February 25, 1744 from Francis Amoss of Goochland and Parish of Southam, to Richard Ligon of same, for 45 lbs, all that tract of land in Goochland on both sides of the upper branch of Muddy Creek alias Little Muddy Creek, and bounded by Richard Parsons, Major Bowler Cocke, James Terrel, containing 400 acres. Signed Francis Amoss. Wit - John Alexander, Abrm Womack, Abrm Womack Jr. Recorded March 19, 1744. Judith, the wife of Francis Amoss, relinquished her right of dower to the conveyed lands. Goochland Co. Deed Book 4, p. 510.
See Forsythe Saga
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- Bef 1785