Julian vs Gregorian Calendar Dates

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

Julian vs Gregorian Calendar Dates

Nathan Boone, son of Daniel Boone, once said in an interview:

“I’ve shown you the family records, which, in my father’s own handwriting, show his birth to have been October 22, 1734. The date is according to the old calendar, or Old Style, as he and my mother always expressed their disapproval of adopting the New Style calendar.” [1]

What was Old Style? What is New Style? How do these effect genealogy?

The Julian Calendar

The “Old Style” calendar was the Julian calendar, which had been introduced by Julius Caesar in about 45 BC. This was the first, standardized, calendar used around the world to organize societies, religious celebrations, and commerce. It had 365 days in it, more or less, but needed to be adjusted occasionally. Not every country used it this calendar; many cultures had their own. [2] However, the Julian calendar was used in most of Europe, and in European settlements in the Americas through the mid-1700s.

The Gregorian Calendar

In 1582, the calendar was “reformed” under Pope Gregory VIII’s edict. This was the Gregorian calendar. It was what people called the “New Style.” The goal was to create a more logical placement of Easter. [3] In the Julian calendar, Easter was tied to the Spring Equinox. This “pagan” association, along with others, was against Catholic doctrine. Another example that caused concern was Winter Solstice and Saturnalia combined with Christmas.

The calendar reformers mathematically corrected several other vexing errors of the Julian calendar, such as extra days and inconsistencies. The Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582 by most Catholic countries of Europe. [4] It took five Centuries for all countries to adopt the new calendar, at least for commerce and trade purposes. In September 1752, Britain and the British Empire (which included the eastern part of the United States) officially adopted the Gregorian calendar as a result of the British Calendar Act of 1751. [5]

The Calendars and Genealogical Records

My research on the Wests in New England has led me to the early records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The records from the 1600s in Essex County, Massachusetts (including Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Ipswich, Bradford, etc.) are often oddly dated. [6] As an example, Valentine’s Day could be recorded in court documents as:

14 Feb 1663-1664

14 Feb 1663, 1664

Febr 14, 63,64 (no space between years)

14 da 12 mo 1663 (this style is often used in Quaker records)

14: 12: 63 (found in early Salem records before 1640)

Where did that “12” come from? Isn’t December the twelfth month of the year?

In the (Old Style) Julian calendar, February was the last (twelfth) month of the year. March was the first month of the new year. The etymological origins of September, October, November, and December were seven, eight, nine, and ten. We still retain the month names but now these are the last four months of the year. New England would not officially adopt the (New Style) Gregorian calendar for nearly one hundred years.

Court Records and Church Records

In court record transcriptions in New England (1600s), the double-dating most often occurs in the months of January, February, and March. Church records of the time generally avoided double-dating. The reasoning for this was partly political. Many churches refused to give any authority to the Catholic Church. Therefore, they continued to use the Old Style of dating until they absolutely had to change, which was in September of 1752.

How to Place Dates into Your Research

The best advice is to copy the dates EXACTLY as you see them in the source material. That is, copy the abbreviations, commas, colons, and whatever else you see. [6] Explain to the reader a bit about the Old Style/New Style calendars if this needed. If you must rework a date from Julian to Gregorian for any reason, do it the correct way, and then inform the reader what you have done. Go to Cyndi’s List (free service) for conversion calculators. [7]

What do you do if you are entering a year into a genealogy software program? You will want to use the earlier of the two year-dates. For example, if the source material says “1663, 1664” use “1663.” Most programs now have an area for notes. This is where you could explain the calendar difference.

Conclusion: George Washington

Here is an example you might recognize. George Washington was born (under the Julian calendar) on 11 February 1731. Under the Gregorian calendar, the date is 22 February 1732. Congress moved his birthday to the “New Style” calendar. [8] This is why we celebrate Washington’s birthday on February 22, instead of his original birth date of 11 February.

References

1. “My Father, Daniel Boone. The Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone.” Neil O. Hammon ed; The University Press of Kentucky, 1999.

2. Information derived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar.

3. Information derived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar.

4. Ibid.

5. The text of the British Calendar Act of 1751 is found at:  http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/year-text-British.html

6. Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts. Volume I through 9; 1636-1686. These are court records of the Massachusetts Colony. Preserved by the Essex Institute in Salem.

6. Genealogy in Time Magazine suggests that you do not use a “slash” such as 14 Feb 1663/64. You should, when possible, write this out as 1663, 1664. http://www.genealogyintime.com/GenealogyResources/Articles/understanding_julian_calendars_and_gregorian_calendars_in_genealogy_page5.html

7. Cyndi’s List calculators are at http://www.cyndislist.com/calendars/calculators-and-converters/

8. National Archives Web site: http://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/washington/

William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788; d. 2 Nov 1857)

William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788;  d. 2 Nov 1857)

Photograph of self-portrait, about 1820: http://tnportraits.org/30256-west.htm

[Click on image to enlarge it]

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

William Edward West, noted American painter, is descended from John West (d. 1744) of Stafford County, Virginia, and therefore is a part of Family Group #5:

John West (d. 1744) m. Dorothy ________

            Edward West (b. ca. 1730s; d. ca. 1791) m. Elizabeth Mills

                        Edward West (b.1757;  d. 23 Aug 1827) m. Sarah Brown (b. 1756; d. 7 Feb 1824)

                                    William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788; d. 2 Nov 1857)

William was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His father, Edward “Ned” West Jr., was a gifted silversmith and inventor.  William did not marry, and had no (known) children. This page briefly explores his career and points to examples of his work on-line.

Biography

The Young Artist. William West’s talent was encouraged at an early age. He and his brother John were students of artist George Beck, who had established a boys’ school in Lexington. [1] Dr. Samuel Brown (his father’s friend) assisted West in becoming a student of Thomas Sully of Philadelphia. [2] From 1809 (age 21) through 1817, West kept a studio in Philadelphia, and worked with the famous American portraitist. [3]

After leaving Philadelphia, West went to the Mississippi Valley – including Natchez and New Orleans – creating portraits in the homes of patrons. “The visit to Natchez was a homecoming for William Edward West. His life had long been intertwined with those of families in the Mississippi Territory. As a boy he had visited ‘near Natchez in the home of Edward Turner, a connection by marriage.’” [4, an extended notation]

Working in Europe. In 1822, Dr. Brown made it possible for West to study abroad at the Academy in Florence, Italy. West wrote to his father, “How happy I would be to see anyone from Kentucky. Give my best respects to Dr. Brown . . .” [5] By the summer of 1822, West was at Lord Byron’s estate, painting Byron’s portrait. He is often cited in art books for his portrait of Lord Byron, although other works are more exceptional. Part of West’s account of this sitting and other incidents are included in art historian Estill Curtis Pennington’s writings. [6]

After 1824, he moved to Paris, and met author Washington Irving, who became his friend. West eventually did illustrations for Irving’s stories. [7] In 1825, West moved to London and mingled with the American expatriate community. [8] Always congenial and charming, he became known for telling stories of the South. He was called “Kentucky West.” [9] From 1826 to 1837, he exhibited at the Royal Academy, and at other London exhibitions. [10] He had a prosperous career, and was introduced to English nobility.

West Returns to America. In 1837. He returned to America in poor health, and financially wrecked by poor investments. He moved to Baltimore and regained his financial success. He wrote, “Before one year passes over my head, I shall have paid every cent I owe and have a considerable surplus in the bargain.” [11] In 1840 West moved to New York City. He is found in City directories from 1840 to 1850, and 1852. [12]

In 1855, he settled in Nashville at the home of his sister, Jane West Woods. “He was soon at work in his indefatigable fashion, and is still remembered as he daily walked to his studio, which soon became a popular place.” [13] He died in 1857 at the age of 67. He is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. [14] 

The Art of William Edward West. Pennington wrote, “The career of William Edward West was like a bright ribbon drawn through the fabric of early Kentucky portraiture.” [15] He clearly influenced other artists that became more famous than himself. Patti Carr Black, Mississippi historian, describes his work based on a portrait of Natchez resident Catherine Bingaman. The portrait displays “all of the characteristics of West’s work: elongation of form, producing an elegant and aristocratic bearing, large, liquid eyes in an expressive face, soft colors, loose brush-strokes, and vague backgrounds that were neo-classical in feeling.” [16]

Several of West’s paintings are on-line; a few are linked below. Some of his letters and other documents are at the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art. [17]

Some of William Edward West’s Portraits

Robert E. Lee: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/10/17/arts/1017-HIST_3.html?_r=0

Henry Lee, father to Robert E: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HenryLee.jpeg

Elizabeth Steuart Calvert: http://thejohnsoncollection.org/william-edward-west

Three paintings by West from the BBC Trust; the third is George Gordon, Lord Byron: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/artists/west-william-edward-17881857/paintings/slideshow#/0

Stephen Minor (1809), painted during West’s early career in Philadelphia at age 21; scroll down for painting detail: http://minerdescent.com/2013/01/24/stephen-minor-last-governor-of-natchez/

Sarah Carter Gaut (1855), painted near West’s end of life, age 67: http://www.civilwarshades.org/sara-carter-gaut/

Photograph of self-portrait, about 1820: http://tnportraits.org/30256-west.htm

References

1. Black, Patti Carr, 1998: Art in Mississippi, 1720-1980. University Press of Mississippi, p. 45.

2. Dunn, N.P., 1907: “An Artist of the Past; William Edward West and His Friends at Home and Abroad,” Putnam’s Monthly, Volume 2, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, p. 658.

3. Pennington, Estill Curtis, 2011: Lessons in Likeness: Portrait Painters in Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley, 1802-1920. Featuring works from The Filson Historical Society. The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, p. 213.

4. Black, p. 45. In her footnotes, Black attributes the genealogical note to an article in the Natchez Tri-Weekly New-Era, 14 Mar 1818. Her comments continue, “The relative was probably Turner’s wife, Mary West, daughter of Cato West of Jefferson County. She married Turner in 1802 . . .” (his first wife). Cato West was the grandson of William West, who was born about 1708 in what was then Stafford County. Cato West was mentioned in William West’s Will, which was written in 1769 in Loudoun County (Will Book A, p. 226-229). Also mentioned in William West’s Will was Ann West, his daughter who married Craven Peyton. Here is another West connection – this one by a land deed. Ann West Peyton’s brother-in-law was Colonel Henry Peyton, who bought land from James West (son of John West FG#5) in 1779. (Prince William County Deed Book U, p. 33-34). It is still unknown if William Edward West, the artist, is related (by DNA) to William West (b. ca. 1708, d. 1769).

5. Dunn, p. 660. Letter of William Edward West to his father, February 4, 1822.

6. Pennington, p. 19-20. Also, Estill Curtis Pennington, 1985: William Edward West, 1788-1857; Kentucky Painter. Washington, D.C., National Portrait Gallery.

7. Malone, Dumas, ed., 1936: Dictionary of American Biography. Volume 20, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, p. 12-13.

8. The Johnson Collection, 2013: William Edward West, 1788-1857. Spartanburg, South Carolina.  http://thejohnsoncollection.org/william-edward-west

9. Pennington, p. 299.

10. Malone, p. 13.

11. Dunn, p. 667. Letter to Col. Aspinall, January 1839. Aspinall was left in charge of West’s business dealings in London.

12. Malone, p. 13.

13. Dunn, p. 669.

14. See marker at: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7351448

15. Pennington, p. 19.

16. Black, p. 45.

17. Smithsonian Institution, 2013: “William Edward West papers. [ca. 1818-1961]”. Inventory of items donated by Gertrude M. Meissner, West descendent, in 1983.   http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/william-edward-west-papers-8627

Lynn West (b. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836)

Lynn West (b. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836)

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

Lynn West is descended from John West (d. 1744) of Stafford County, Virginia, and therefore is a part of Family Group #5:

John West (d. 1744) m. Dorothy ________

James West (b. 26 Sep 1742; d. ca. 1780) m. Ann Lynn (Anne Linn) (b. ca. late 1740s; d. ca. 1780)

            Lynn West (b. ca. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836) m. Susan Jackson (b. 1777; d. 8 Aug 1860)

Biography

Birth Date: 1775? Or 1770? Lynn West was born about 1775, or perhaps as early as 1770, to James West and Ann Lynn West. The primary source [1] sets the date as 1775 based on the story of Lynn coming to Kentucky in 1784 at age nine. However, the Lexington Observer and Reporter reported in his death notice: “Capt. Lynn West, of Georgetown [Kentucky]. One of the oldest settlers of that place. Died Jan. 26, 1836, aged 66 years.” [2]

I chose the 1775 date based on the migration story of Lynn West and his Uncle Edward West which has been repeated in various independent accounts. Lynn had three sisters: Ann (Nancy),  Catherine (Katy), and Jane. In legal documents, Lynn is always listed third, and sister Jane West is mentioned last. In a deposition of 1795, Francis Lynn, brother to Ann Lynn West says:

“He [the grandfather John Lynn] had charge of the 4 children viz Nancy West, Katy West, Lynn West & Jane West at a very early period of their infancy; the oldest of Children not exceeding 10 years of age, at the time of his administering on West’s Estate.” [3]

It is likely that sisters Ann and Kate were older than him by say, four and two years. Lynn would have been perhaps five years old when his father died - certainly if the 1755 birth date is assumed. If the 1770 birth date is used, then Lynn West was the child that was 10 years old, and that would not fit the fact that he came to Kentucky at the age of nine.

Lynn West and his sisters were probably born in Prince William County, Virginia. Perhaps the birth records of these West children might have been recorded in Hamilton Parish or Dettingen Parish, but neither Parish records are available at this time.

He was named after his mother’s family. James and Ann West and their four children probably lived on land next to their grandparents John and Isabell Lynn. [4]

His Father and Mother Die. Sometime before 3 July 1780, James West died.[5]  He died intestate (without a Will). Because Ann Lynn West was not mentioned after this, she may have died at the same time, or before him. This is not known for certain.  John Lynn, Lynn West’s grandfather, became the Administrator of James West’s estate, and raised the four very young children along with the children of his own that were still living at home.

He is Bonded to a Blacksmith. Francis Lynn’s deposition continues:

“These Girls remained with my father, until they became women & were supported by him. The son also continued with him until he was of age to be bonded out to Daniel Davies to learn the blacksmith trade.”[6]

This phrase meant that Lynn was legally bound to a Master blacksmith, usually for a period of seven years. Becoming an apprentice was one way that boys could receive an education and prepare for future employment. In general, apprenticeship started at age 14. But certainly it could have started sooner. Perhaps Lynn West was only seven or eight years old. Francis West, above, implies that the “bonding” was carried out.

Apparently, Uncle Edward West found the arrangement unacceptable and brought his 9-year-old nephew to Kentucky in 1784.

Lynn West Migrates West to Kentucky with Edward West. Edward West, Sr. and Lynn West came to the Woodford County, Kentucky area (now Scott County) in 1784. This area was still part of Virginia at that time. Earliest Kentucky histories say Edward West came from his land in Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Virginia. [7] One of his sons, Edward West, Jr. arrived one year later from Falmouth, Stafford County, Virginia [8] which is about 2 miles away. Since both were listed in close proximity in the Virginia census of 1785 [9], both probably came from Falmouth, Virginia.

The place Edward West and nephew Lynn settled was originally called Lebanon.  It was a sparsely populated and wild land, located on the Elkhorn River and its branches. The area had been first settled by White people about 10 years before. [10] In 1790, after a petition by settlers, the town was renamed George Town, and later Georgetown. Lebanon residents that signed the petition in 1790 included Edward West, and his sons William Mills West, Lewis West, and James West. [11] By this time, Lynn was 15. In 1792, Kentucky became a State; in 1793 Scott County was carved from Woodford County.

Lynn West, Gunsmith of Georgetown. Uncle Edward West brought his business with him:

“Firearms were a necessary household article in these early times, and in 1784 Mr. Edward West, from Fredericksburg, Va., settled in Georgetown [Kentucky] as a gunsmith. He erected a log house near the Spring Branch, where he manufactured rifles chiefly, for which there was great demand. He also invented a mold for casting or molding pewter into plates and basins, then in great request and almost indispensable to every housekeeper.” [12]

He taught Lynn West the gunsmith trade. Later, Lynn West later taught his son Lewis H. West (b. 1800) the trade, and the two were renown for their skill. Here are photos of rifles made by Lynn West and his son Lewis, on display at the 2012 Lake Cumberland Show in Kentucky. Scroll down the page; click on the pictures to enlarge.

http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2012/06/kentucky-rifle-foundation-display-at.html

Lynn West Returns to Virginia about 1795. In 1794, his grandfather John Lynn died. In litigation (chancery) in 1795, William and Ann Davis, William and Catherine Jackson, Lynn West and Jane West brought suit against the administrator of John Lynn’s Will, believing they were wronged in the distribution of the estate of their father, James West. [13] The document gives us an idea of the extent of James West’s wealth:

“. . . [We] are informed that he [James West] was clear of debt and possessed of a personal estate of considerable value, that a certain John Lynn obtained letters of administration on the said James West’s estate from the County Court of Prince William . . . [and] further state that the said John Lynn never underwent any inventory of appraisement of said estate. And they have been advised that . . . an amount of sales of a part of the said estate having appropriated the . . .” [illegible . . .] 

The suit also demanded the whereabouts of some of West’s personal items such as furniture, cow and calf, pewter, clothing, and a man’s saddle, that “was by the said Lynn [West] carried home [by John Lynn] and converted to his own use.” Francis Lynn explained that he knew of the fate of some items, but “I do not know that any other property belonging to the Estate of James West then that which before have mentioned ever came into my Father’s hands.”[14]

Whatever the tone of the wording or the resolution of the litigation, one thing is clear. Lynn West received the land of James West. He sold it to Enock Renoe on 1 Dec 1796. Here is the complete description [15]:

This indenture made and entered into this first day of December in year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six Between Lynn West of County of Scott and State of Kentucky of one part and Enock Renoe of County of Prince William of other part; Witnesseth that Lynn West for sum of One hundred and twenty pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by Enock Renoe do by these presents bargain sell and confirm unto Enock Renoe his heirs a certain tract of land lying in Prince William County which decended to Lynn West from his Father, James West containing One hundred & two & three quarter acres and is bounded; Begining at a white Oak on East side of Philemons Branch, corner to William Pearson, etc. and extending thence North 68 East 84 poles to a red Oak, thence with a line which divides this land from Isaac Farrow So. 65 E. 91 poles to a corner of said Farrow and Francis Renoe, thence S. 18 Wt. 106 poles to Philemons Branch, thence down said Branch the meanders thereof N. 80 W. 16 poles, S. 33 W. 3 poles, No. 53 W. 21 poles, No. 72 W. 2 poles, S. 80 W. 4 poles to the mouth of a Ditch, thence with the Ditch N. 77 W. 30 poles, No. 74 W. 40 poles to a Sycamore and Poplar at the mouth of an Old Mill Race, thence down said Mill Race W. 76 poles to Philemons Branch, thence down the Branch N. 50 W. 26 poles, N. 70 W. 4 pole, N. 51 W. 4 poles to the mouth of Spunk Branch, thence to the Begining, excepting Two and a quarter acres sold by Lewis Renoe (when said land was in his possession) to William Ashomre for a Mill Seat and also the Revertion thereof, and all houses profits with the appurtenances of every kind; To have and to hold the aforesaid bargained premises unto Enock Renoe and his heirs; and Lynn West his heirs doth warrant and for ever defend the bargained premises unto Enock Renoe and his heirs against all claims of any persons; In Witness whereof the said Lynn West hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first written.

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of

Thomas Chapman, Philip Dawe, Wm. Smith,

Lynn West, Bernard Gallagher, Abraham Sullivan

Dumfries December 1st 1796. Received of ENOCK RENOE One hundred and twenty pounds current money of Virginia the consideration for the within mentioned Deed Witness (same five as above) – Lynn West

This Deed and receipt thereon from Lynn West to Enock Renoe were proved by the Oaths of William Smith, Abraham Sullivan & Philip Dawe & ordered to be recorded. Teste John Williams Cl Cur.

Continuing Life in Georgetown, Kentucky. A month later, West married Susan Jackson, 26 January 1797, in Prince William County. [16] She was most likely kin to William Jackson who married his sister Catherine. “Before going to Virginia, he had erected a dwelling on the corner of Hamilton and what is now called Bourbon street.” [17] When he returned to Georgetown he continued his gunsmith business, and started his life with Susan. He was about 22 years old.

Children of Lynn and Susan West. The Wests had nine children. [18] They were:

            1. Lewis H. West (b. 16 May 1800 in Georgetown, KY; d. 28 Jan 1895, Gatesville, TX) m. Sarah Mahoney d. 1874. Five children.

            2. Elizabeth West, m. Mortimer Price

            3. Susan West,  (b. 28 Feb 1812; d. 25 Jan 1887) m (1) Crockett; m (2) George G. Stiffee, 1842 in Georgetown

            4. Preston West (b. 1802; d. 31 Oct 1894, Charleston, IN). m (1) Elizabeth Crawford; m (2) Elvira Crawford; m (3) Elizabeth [19]

            5. Clinton West

            6. Juliann West, m. Elgin

            7. Permelia West, m. Stevenson

            8. Emeline West, m. Osburn

            9. John West

Lynn West, Captain 1^st Regiment, War of 1812. “Already active in Scott County’s 77^th Regiment before war against Great Britain was declared, Captain West offered his military abilities and training to the war effort and was commissioned captain in the 1^st Regiment August 7, 1812. Records indicate that men from his company were detailed for the Raisin march but that Captain West did not accompany them to Frenchtown. . . He resigned his commission as captain 77^th Regiment, May 6, 1815.” [20]

The reference to Frenchtown and the Raisin march is “The Battle of Frenchtown” which was fought January 18–22, 1813. The location was Frenchtown in the Michigan Territory; today it is the city of Monroe, Michigan. There were 397 Americans killed in this battle, hundreds were taken prisoner by the British, and dozens were killed by Indians in a subsequent massacre. [21]

Horse Breeder and Race Track Owner. “Captain West was an energetic, industrious and high-toned man. He was fond of the blooded horses, of which he raised and ran a good many.” [22] He also established the Gano Race Track along the Elkhorn creek about one mile outside of Georgetown. It was the first race track established in Scott County. [23]

Miscellaneous.

Scott County Court, Sep 1803. Lynn West and two other men were appointed Commissioners in charge of repairs to the Cincinnati and Bourbon bridges in Georgetown.

March 10, 1804. Lynn West was elected to the Board of Trustees in Georgetown.

1810 United States Federal Census. Lynn West’s entry has 7 free white males, 3 free white females, and 4 slaves.

Scott County Court, 1816. Lynn West and two other men are appointed to devise an extension of Bourbon Street and Washington Street, to intersect with the road leading to Paris, Kentucky. [24]

1820 United States Federal Census. Lynn West’s entry has 9 free white males, 6 free white females, and 9 slaves. Three persons are “engaged in manufacturing.”

Scott County Deeds of 1829. Lynn West deeded several lots to his son Lewis H. West to run his own business. [25]

The Will of Lynn West. Unfortunately, the Wills for Scott County from 1832 to 1836 were lost in a Court House fire of 1837. [26] However, much more information on Lynn West will probably be found in thorough examinations of records of Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky.

References

1. Gano, S.F., “History of Georgetown,” in B.O. Gaines, History of Scott County, Vol. 2, 1898 and 1905. Available through Kentucky Digital Library, http://kdl.kyvl.org/. Gaines’ publication was reprinted several times, so page numbering varies. S.F. Gano’s account is widely copied by other Kentucky history books. S.F. Gano was a medical doctor in Georgetown.

2. Lexington Observer and Reporter, January 27, 1836 issue. Listed in Clift, G. Glenn, 1942: “Kentucky Marriages and Obituaries, Volume 2.” Register of Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 40, No. 130, p. 65.

3. Deposition of Francis Lynn dated from about 13 November 1795, Fauquier County, Virginia, in response to the litigation brought by the children of James and Ann West.

4. A document of 6 July 1779 is a land sale between James and Ann West and Henry Peyton; this land adjoined the John Lynne property. Mr. Peyton bought the property from James West. Prince William Deed Book U, p. 33-34. The information is listed in Timeline.Lynn in Prince William, Virginia which may be found at:

http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Timeline.Lynn_in_Prince_William,_Virginia

5. The first deed that mentions “James West, dec.,” is from 3 Jul 1780. (from Timeline.Lynn in Prince William, Virginia). Prince William County, VA Bond Book, August 1753-1782, p. 7 (abstracts compiled by June Whitehurst Johnson). The other names mentioned are John Lynn, Admin, Wm. Gains and Wiliam Lynn.  I have not been able to find the complete abstract or the deed.

6. Deposition of Francis Lynn, 13 November 1795.

7. Baer, Mabel Van Dyke. “The Ancestry of Edward West of Lexington, Kentucky, 1757-1827,” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society; Vol. 58, No. 4, p. 354-363.

8. McCullough, Samuel D., 1859: “Interesting Reminiscences of an Early Experiment in Steam Navigation.” The Scientific American, Vol. 1, No. 1, New York, p. 4. Letter from John B. West.

9. U.S. Census Bureau, First Census of the United States; Heads of Families – Virginia, 1783-1786. Stafford County begins on page 107 and contains approximately 450 names; the header gives the date of 1785. http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790m-04.pdf

10. Gano, p. 177.

11. Apple, Lindsey; Frederick A. Johnston, and Ann Bolton Bevins, 1993: Scott County, Kentucky: A History. Scott County Historical Society, Georgetown, Kentucky, p. 39.

12. Gano, p. 180.

13. Fauquier Minute Book 13-230, about 13 November 1795. Portions retrieved for me by Ron Roy, West Family researcher.

14. Deposition of Francis Lynn, 13 November 1795.

15. Prince William County Deeds 1796-1799, pp. 45-47.

16. Clift, Garrett Glenn, 1961: Remember the Raisin! Kentucky and Kentuckians in the Battles and Massacre at Frenchtown, Michigan Territory, in the War of 1812. Genealogical Publishing Company, p. 164.

17. Gano, p. 236.

18. Pearson, Will and Sandy, 2003: “The West Family: Descendants of John West.” This is the first complete list I’ve seen. http://www.users.uswest.net/~willmurray/West/johnwestgenealogy.htm

19. Mary D., 2007 to present: “Fast Horses, Buns, and Bourbon,” Mary’s Genealogy Blog: Family History Stories and Personal Reflections. 1 Sep 2008. Mary is a descendant of Preston West. She has done a great job searching for information on Preston; adding new material to the data in 2013. http://marysgenealogyblog.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

20. Clift, p. 164.

21. Wikipedia, Battle of Frenchtown. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Frenchtown

22. Gano, p. 236.

23. Gaines, B.O., 1898: History of Scott County, Vol. 2, p. 107. Available through Kentucky Digital Library, http://kdl.kyvl.org/

24. All three are brief news reports in Gains, above.

25. Pearson, Will and Sandy, 2003: “The West Family: The West Family of Kentucky.” http://www.users.uswest.net/~willmurray/West/westfamilyofkentucky.htm

26. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kyscott/Wills.htm

Edward West (b. ca. 1730s; d. ca. 1791)

Edward West (b. ca. 1730s; d. ca. 1791)

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

Edward West, is descended from John West (d. 1744) of Stafford County, Virginia, and therefore is a part of Family Group #5:

John West (d. 1744) m. Dorothy ________

Edward West (b. ca. 1730s; d. ca. 1791) m. Elizabeth Mills

Biography

The Early Days. John West’s will of 1744 (Stafford County, Virginia, Will Book M, p. 411-412) lists his sons in this order: Edward, John, William, and James. We might surmise, then, that Edward was the oldest of the sons. No daughters were mentioned. At the time of his father’s death, Edward West was unmarried. Since his brother, James (b. 1742) was only 2 years old at this time,  Edward might have been younger than 16, and thus I have placed his birth year in the 1730s.

Edward West is often referred to as Edward West, Sr. because his son Edward stayed geographically close to him in Virginia and Kentucky.  West may have been born in Stafford County, Virginia.  West’s grandson, John B. West wrote, “I do not know the birthplace of my father; but my grandfather was an Englishman and his wife a Welch [sic] -woman.” [1] It is possible (though unlikely) that West was born in England, but he was probably of English descent. His wife, Elizabeth, may have been of Welsh descent. [2]

West’s marriage to Elizabeth Mills is recorded in the Overwharton (Aquia, Stafford County) Parish Register, 6 October 1752. The Register also records the birth of their first child, William Mills West, 29 March 1755. [3]

Land Near Falmouth, Virginia. In 1755, there is a possible reference to Edward West and land in King George County (bordering Stafford County, and later reverted to Stafford County). It is an indenture between Anthony Smith of Stafford County and Edward West of King George County, witnessed by Gerard Banks (who also signed the petition to divide Stafford County, mentioned below). [4] In 1767, another document mentions “Edward West’s Mill Branch” and a “main road leading to Falmouth.” [5] In 1784, Edward West was said to have come to Kentucky from Fredericksburg, and his son, Edward Jr. from Falmouth in 1785. It is more likely that they both came from the same land or location.

Chopawamsic Primitive Baptist Church. It is possible that Edward West, or some of his children, are recorded in the membership rolls of the Chopawamsic (or Chappawamsic ) Primitive Baptist Church. [6] This church was established with a constitution signed 22 Nov 1766. Among the signers were members of the Fristoe family who also appeared in the Overwharton Parish Register. Fristoes knew the Lynn family that married into the Wests. A Fristoe also signed the petition to divide Stafford County (below).

In the Primitive Baptist doctrine, baptism is the method for membership into the church. Children must understand basic doctrine before they are baptized (often ages 11 to 13).  Adults may be baptized at any time. Here are all of the names of the Wests appearing in the Baptist Church list. My opinion is that they are all children of Edward West rather than adults. The exception might be Jenatious/Ignatius, a real mystery.

         May 21, 1768  Edward West. If this is Edward Sr.’s son, he would be about 11, as he was born ca 1757. If this is Edward West (Sr.), he would be about 38 years old.

         July 24, 1768   Jenatious West. This is assumed by family researchers to be “Ignatius.” This is a mystery. Edward may have had a son, Ignatius, who died before his Will was written in 1791. Or, this may be Ignatius West who appeared in various Stafford County records. In the latter case, he may have been in his late 30s or older.

         June 1769?      William W. West – possibly should read “William M. West.” His birth date was March of 1755. He would be 14. William West, brother to Edward, did not have a known middle name. There is a question mark by the date in the transcription.

         June 1769?      Elizabeth West. This daughter “Betsey” would later marry a Grimmins or Grimmons, whose family also belonged to the church. If this Elizabeth is not Betsey, it could be Edward’s wife Elizabeth Mills West, who would likely be in her late 30s. There is a question mark by the date.

         May 1770        James West. If this is a son of Edward, he could have been 13 to 15 years old. If this is James, brother to Edward, he would be 28 years old.       

Petition to Divide Stafford County. This petition was dated 15 Oct 1776. “Petitions of the freeholders and inhabitants of the County of Stafford for a division of the Potomac to Rappahannock River and a more convenient boundary.” [7]  Edward West was among those who signed a petition to adjust the borders of Stafford County, Virginia.  Other Wests that signed were Ignatius (“Nasey”) West, Joseph West, and John West. The issue was with King George County, whose border with Stafford was an inconvenience. Edward West’s land in/near Falmouth was part of King George County until 1777, when it reverted to Stafford.

Ten Thousand Name Petition. This was presented to the Assembly in October of 1776. Edward West and Ignatius West (also Family Group #5) signed the “Ten Thousand Name Petition.” [8] This petition was a call for disestablishment of the Church of England and religious equality for all. It was signed (or approved by those who could not write their names) by 10,000 citizens of Virginia. The document was crucial to the debate of church and state in Virginia. [9]

First Census of the United States. In 1785, West, Sr. and West, Jr. appeared in the Stafford County, Virginia. [10] This census was probably compiled earlier than 1785. The Stafford County census shows a “West, Edward” with 9 white souls, 1 dwelling, and 3 other dwellings. This is probably West, his wife, and seven of his ten children. Three names down is “West, Edward, Junr” with 4 white souls and 1 dwelling.

The Move to Kentucky. Edward West, Sr. came to the Woodford County, Kentucky area (now Scott County) in 1784. This area was still part of Virginia at that time. Earliest Kentucky histories say he came from Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Virginia. [11] His son, Edward West, Jr. arrived in 1785 from Falmouth, Stafford County, Virginia. [12] Since both were listed in close proximity in the Virginia census of 1785, both probably came from Falmouth, Virginia. Fredericksburg and Falmouth are only 2 miles apart, separated from each other by the Rappahannock River. Today, Falmouth is a suburb of Fredericksburg.

The Petition of Lebanon (Georgetown), 1790. The place he settled was originally called Lebanon. In 1790, after a petition by settlers, the town was renamed George Town, and later Georgetown. Lebanon residents that signed the petition in 1790 included Edward West, and his sons William Mills West, Lewis West, and James West. [13]  In 1792, Kentucky became a State; in 1793 Scott County was carved from Woodford County. Edward West’s Will was written in 1791, in Woodford County.

Edward West, Gunsmith. Edward West, Sr. was a gunsmith. “Firearms were a necessary household article in these early times, and in 1784 Mr. Edward West, from Fredericksburg, Va., settled in Georgetown [Kentucky] as a gunsmith. He erected a log house near the Spring Branch, where he manufactured rifles chiefly, for which there was great demand. He also invented a mold for casting or molding pewter into plates and basins, then in great request and almost indispensable to every housekeeper.” [14]

Edward West, Sr. brought his orphaned nephew Lynn West (son of James West) with him to Georgetown, Kentucky. Lynn was nine years old in 1784. Lynn learned the gunsmith trade and became a noted citizen of Lexington. [15] Lynn West passed along his skills to his son Lewis H. West.

Edward West Dies in late 1791. The Will is posted below. I have not found the date of Elizabeth Mills birth or death. It seems likely that they would have been buried in Georgetown.

Estate Sale of 1793. In 1793, a notice of an estate sale appeared in the Lexington Gazette, July 6: “To Be Sold: By public vendue [sic] in George Town on the 23d day of next July, (being Court day,) The estate of Edward West deceased consisting of House-hold furniture, Negroes, Horses, Cattle and shop utensils, together with one in-lot in said Town, whereon it’s a commodious dwelling house, Smith’s shop and garden, also an out lot, containing four acres, and joining the town cleared and under good fence. – Six months credit will be given for all sums exceeding twenty Shillings, the purchaser giving bond and approved security. – Sale will commence at ten o’clock where due attendance will be given by Thomas Martin, Ex. June 25. [16]

Children of Edward West and Elizabeth Mills

Children surviving Edward West, Sr., according to the will were:

            1. William Mills West (b. 29 Mar 1755) [17]. Living in Georgetown in 1790.

            2. Edward West (b. 1757; d. 23 Aug 1827). Came to Kentucky in 1785. Lived in Lexington. Set up shop in 1790.

            3. Elizabeth West (b.ca. 1756 per baptism). Married into Grimmons or Grimmins family from her church.[18]

            4. James West (b. ca. 1759 per baptism). Living in Georgetown in 1790.

            5. John West

            6. Thomas West

            7. Lewis West (d. possibly 9 Apr 1813 in Lexington, KY) [19] Living in Georgetown in 1790.

            8, 9, 10. Polly West (Mary?), Peggy West (Martha, Margaret, Jane?), and Sally West (Sarah?). These three women were mentioned in Bridwell, 1945 [20]. However, they were described as sisters of Edward West, Sr. when actually they were his daughters.      The information was from a family member who told Bridwell that these were “Polly, who married a Williams, Sarah, who married first a Beasley and second a Keith, and Jane, who married a Blanchard.” [21] Occasionally these three names will appear as children of John West in today’s listings on-line. They are not children of John West.

The Will of Edward West

Will Book A, p. 51-52; Woodford County, Kentucky, December 5, 1791 [22]

I, Edward West of Woodford County and state of Virginia being weak of body but sound in memory and understanding do make this my last Will and testament. First my will and desire is that all my just debts be first paid out of my estate by my Executors which shall hereafter appointed. Secondly I give to my son and daughter, Edward West and Betsy Gunnins (Grimmins?), five shillings each out of my personal estate as they have received a proportionable part formerly and each of them an equal part of the said with the other children to them and their heir[s] forever; Thirdly I give and bequeathe to my beloved wife Elizabeth West and my sons William West, John West, Thomas West, Lewis West and James West and my daughters Polly West, Peggy West and Sally West all the rest of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided amongst them to them and their heirs forever, my son William West is to have the lands obtained by a warrant for twelve hundred and nine acres and number 11828 which is in my name but was purchased with said William West money and is now a part of my estate, therefore it is not to be charged in his properties, my son Thomas West hath received of my estate to the amount of seventy pounds, Beside Bond to be collected to a considerable amount and my desire is that my son Thomas West is to be charged with the seventy pounds aforementioned in his proposition of my estate so that he may have an equal part with the others and no more. Also that my Son John West hath property in his hand to a considerable amount which is part of my estate which he is to account with my executors for, my desire is that my estate shall be kept together as long as it may be convenient others divided, And lastly I nominate and appoint my son William West and Thomas Martin my executors. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one.

Edward x (his mark) West (Seal)

Signed in the presence of James Martin, Adam Johnston

Woodford County, April Court 1792

The last Will and testament of Edward West deceased was produced in Court proved by the oaths of James Martin and Adam Johnston two subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of William Wills [Mills?] West and Thomas Martin, the executors therein named, who made oath thereto according to law said together with John Grant and James Martin, their securities entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of eight hundred pounds conditioned as the law directs, certificates is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste Cave Johnson CCJ

References

1. McCullough, Samuel D., 1859: “Interesting Reminiscences of an Early Experiment in Steam Navigation.” The Scientific American, Vol. 1, No. 1, New York, p. 4. Letter from John B. West. Another source cites this West family as having origins in England:  N.P. Dunn, 1907: “An Artist of the Past; William Edward West and His Friends at Home and Abroad,” Putnam’s Monthly, Volume 2, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, p. 658. Dunn was not a member of the West family.

2. Baer, Mabel Van Dyke. “The Ancestry of Edward West of Lexington, Kentucky, 1757-1827,” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society; Vol. 58, No. 4, p. 354-363. Elizabeth Mills family came to Stafford from Fairfax County.

3. Boogher, Wm. F., 1899: Virginia; Overwharton Parish Register, 1720 to 1760; Old Stafford County. Saxton Publishing Co., Washington, D.C., p. 189. http://archive.org/details/virginiaoverwhar00will)

4. Stafford County Virginia Deed Book P, p. 72-73. Found at “Petition List of Signers 1776 to Divide Stafford County.” Thanks to Kevin West, West Family researcher, for directing me to this and other important data. http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.virginia.counties.stafford/942/mb.ashx?pnt=1

5. King George County Virginia, Deed Book 5, p. 743-745. Found at “Bland Ballard, Sr of Spotsylvania County, Virginia (c. 1700-1791)” http://ballardofvirginia.wordpress.com/the-children-of-thomas-ballard-of-james-city-county-virginia-william-ballard-of-york-caroline-counties-virginia-c-1668-c-17/bland-ballard-sr-of-spotsylvania-county-virginia-c-1700-1791/

6. Chopawamsic (aka Chappawamsic) Baptist Church existed from 1766-1919. Currently the Quantico Marine Corps Base is at the location of the church and cemetery land. Some Chopawamsic Baptist Church records are found at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vastaffo/cemeteries/chopawamsicbapchurch.htm

7. Stafford, Virginia Legislative Petitions, 1776-1781. Virginia State Library, p. 306-307. The names of the signers are at: http://vagenweb.org/stafford/pioneers/pritchart.htm

8. Roy, Ron, 2013: “Ignatius West of King George & Stafford Counties VA,” The West Family Project Blog. http://westproj.blogspot.com/2013/09/ignatius-west-in-virginia.html

9. Library of Congress, 2012: “Petitioning in Eigheenth-Century Virginia; The Church and State Debate,” American Memory Collection.  Thanks to Ron Roy for this information. On-line images of the 125 pages of names are at: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/petitions/rpessay3.html

10. U.S. Census Bureau, First Census of the United States; Heads of Families – Virginia, 1783-1786. Stafford County begins on page 107 and contains approximately 450 names; the header gives the date of 1785. http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790m-04.pdf

11. Notes in Baer, p. 356.

12. McCullough, p. 4.

13. Apple, Lindsey; Frederick A. Johnston, and Ann Bolton Bevins, 1993: Scott County, Kentucky: A History. Scott County Historical Society, Georgetown, Kentucky, p. 39.

14. Gano, S.F., “History of Georgetown,” in B.O. Gaines, History of Scott County, Vol. 2, p. 236. Available through Kentucky Digital Library, http://kdl.kyvl.org/.

15. Ibid, p. 236.

16. Back issues of the Kentucky Gazette can be accessed at the Kentucky Digital Library: http://kdl.kyvl.org/  - The issues are searchable.

17. Boogher, p. 191.

18. Shirley Winkelhoch, 1999: “Miscellaneous Data,” RootsWeb WEST-KY-MO-L Archives, 19 Sep 1999. Winkelhoch noted that she reviewed the hand-written Index to Wills in person. Her reading of “Betsy Gunnins” (daughter) was “Betsey Grimmins.” Her reading is very likely correct, as there was a “Grimmons” family member listed in the Chopawamsic Baptist Church listing.

19. Kentucky Gazette, 13 Apr 1813, “Lewis West, a citizen of Lexington. Died Friday, April 9, 1813. It is not known for certain if this is the son of Edward West.

20. Bridwell, Margaret M., 1947: “Edward West: Silversmith and Inventor.” Filson Club History Quarterly, Vol. 21, p. 301-308.

21. Ibid, p. 306.

22. The Will is copied from Baer, p. 357.

James West (b. 26 Sep 1742; d. ca. 1780)

James West (b. 26 Sep 1742; d. ca. 1780)

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

James West is descended from John West (d. 1744) of Stafford County, Virginia, and therefore is a part of Family Group #5:

John West (d. 1744) m. Dorothy ________

James West (b. 26 Sep 1742; d. ca. 1780) m. Ann Lynn (b. ca. late 1740s; d. ca. 1780)

Biography

The Overwharton Parish Register Record. John West’s Will of 1744 (Stafford County, Virginia, Will Book M, p. 411-412) [1] lists his sons in this order: Edward, John, William, and James. The birth of James was recorded in the Overwharton Parish Register two years earlier as: “West, James. Son of John, born September 26, 1742.” [2]

How do we know that “West, James, Son of John . . .” refers to John, the writer of the Will? Could this James West actually be John Jr.’s son? Here is the answer. When the Will was written, no heirs of his sons (including John Jr.) existed.  The legal wording of the Will states: “Heirs of their bodies Lawfully begotten and for want of such Heirs.”  All four brothers are unmarried, and without heirs. Therefore, James was the son of John Sr., the writer of the Will. James was two years old when his father died.

His mother, Dorothy West, married again, to Lawrence Suddeth, 18 Apr 1745. They had two known children. Elizabeth Suddeth, born 3 Nov 1745, and Grace Suddeth, born 23 Sep 1749. [3] The combined West and Suddeth families was what we would call today a “blended family.” Because of James’ age, we can guess that he barely remembered his biological father. He was raised by Dorothy and Lawrence Suddeth.

He Marries Anne Lynn. James West married Anne Lynn of Prince William County after 1764 (after he was 22), but likely before 1771 (estimated year of their first child). Anne Lynn was the daughter of John and Isabell Lynn. She was not yet married in 1764. This is mentioned in the Will of Robert Fristoe, son of Richard Fristoe, in 1764. Fristoe’s Will reads in part:

“I give to Ann Lynn the Daughter of John Lynn & Isabell his wife, 10 pounds & in case she should die before she is married or arrives to the age of 18, then it is my desire that it shall go to her Brother Frank Lynn and in case he shall die before he arrives to age of 21, then go to the next Lawful heir.” [4]

The Will of Robert Fristoe suggests that in 1764, Ann is not yet 18 years old, and unmarried. So, as an example, if Ann is as old as 17 or as young as 13 in 1764, her birth year would be circa 1746 to 1751. Thus, I have placed her birth date as circa late 1740s. (As an aside, the Fristoe Family interacted with the West Family over the years in Stafford County.)

Ann Lynn’s siblings were John Lynn, Lewis Lynn, Francis Lynn, Fielding Lynn, Thompson Lynn, and Sukey Lynn (m._____ Thomas). This is the order they were mentioned in father John Lynn’s will of 1794. (5)

Children of James and Ann West. In legal documents, the children are mentioned in this order:

1. Ann “Nancy” West (b. ca. 1771?) married William Davis

2. Catherine “Katy” West (b. ca. 1773?), married William Jackson

3. Lynn West (b. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836). Moved to Georgetown, Kentucky in 1784, age 9, with his Uncle Edward West. [6] Married Susan (or Susannah) Jackson 26 Jan 1797 in Prince William County. [7]

4. Jane West (b. ca. 1777?) was mentioned in the Will of John Lynn in 1794. In documents dated 1797, was still not married. She may have married later.

James and Ann West Acquire Land. John West willed “two hundred Acres of land lying in Prince William County bought of William Cockrill” to his four sons. (See John West (d. ca. 1744) on this Blog.)  We do not know if James received this land, a portion of this land, or received a portion of its resale. We know, however, that James West acquired land in Prince William County.

A document of 6 July 1779 “mentions an indenture between James and Ann West and Henry Peyton as having land adjoining the John Lynne property.”[8] It appears from the deed that Mr. Peyton bought this property from James West. Peyton’s Will includes:

“. . . tract of land bought of James West and all remaining part of land I purchased of Bristoes [Fristoes?] tract, stocks, etc during natural life and after her [his wife Margaret Peyton] death to be equally divided between my children: Mary, John, Frances, Betty, and grand child Robert Peyton.” [9] [10]

James and Ann West had more land. It was passed down to his son Lynn West who sold it in 1796, sixteen years after his father’s death. The full description of the land is described elsewhere. (See Lynn West (b. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836) on this Blog.) The abstract of this transaction reads:

1 December 1796 – Indenture in which Lynn West, of the County of Scott, State of Kentucky sells to Enoch Renoe, of the County of Prince William, State of Virginia for 120 pds. Current money, a tract of land in Prince William County which descended to the said Lynn West from his father, James West, containing 102 and three-fourths acre,  adjoining land of Francis Reno, Isaac Farrow, William Pearson, etc., excepting 2 and one-fourth acres sold by Lewis Renoe when said land was in his possession, to William Ashmore for a mill seat, etc. Recorded December 1796. [11]

The Death of James and Ann West. Sometime before 3 July 1780, James West died.[12]  He died intestate (without a Will). Because Ann Lynn West was not mentioned after this, she may have died at the same time, or before him. This is not known for certain. John Lynn, Ann’s father, became the Administrator of James West’s estate, and raised the four very young children along with the children of his own that were still living at home.

By 1794, when John Lynn died, Catherine West was married to William Jackson, Ann West was married to William Davis, and Lynn West was living in Georgetown, Kentucky, supported by his Uncle Edward West. Lynn West was not yet married.  Only Jane West remained at John Lynn’s residence. In John Lynn’s Will, he divided his land and possessions among his adult children. He also left “five pounds to my Grand Daughter Jane West to buy her a Suit of Clothes.”[13]

After John Lynn died, the administration of any of James West’s estate was possibly assumed by Peter Grant of Fauquier County. (The name of Peter Grant appears in at least one other FG#5 West-related document, for Ignatius West.) In litigation (chancery) in 1795, William and Ann Davis, William and Catherine Jackson, Lynn West and Jane West brought suit against the administrator of John Lynn’s Will, believing they were wronged in the distribution of the estate of James West. [14]

A deposition by Francis Lynn, son of John Lynn, stated in response:

“He [father John Lynn] had charge of the 4 children viz Nancy West, Katy West, Lynn West & Jane West at a very early period of their infancy; the oldest of Children not exceeding 10 years of age, at the time of his administering on West’s Estate. These Girls remained with my father, until they became women & were supported by him. The son also continued with him until he was of age to be bonded out to Daniel Davies to learn the blacksmith trade.”[15]

The document also gives us an idea of the extent of James West’s wealth. The adult children state:

“. . . [We] are informed that he [James West] was clear of debt and possessed of a personal estate of considerable value, that a certain John Lynn obtained letters of administration on the said James West’s estate from the County Court of Prince William . . . [and] further state that the said John Lynn never underwent any inventory of appraisement of said estate. And they have been advised that . . . an amount of sales of a part of the said estate having appropriated the . . .” [illegible . . .]  

The suit also demands the whereabouts of some of West’s personal items such as furniture, cow and calf, pewter, clothing, and a man’s saddle, that “was by the said Lynn [West] carried home [by John Lynn] and converted to his own use.” Francis Lynn explained that he knew of the fate of some items, but “I do not know that any other property belonging to the Estate of James West then that which before have mentioned ever came into my Father’s hands.”

There is no available document that mentions the resolution of this effort. However, we do know that Lynn West received the land of James West and sold it in 1796. And then, before he went back to Kentucky, Lynn married Susan Jackson, perhaps a sister to William Jackson, who married his sister Catherine West.

References

1. See John West (d. ca. 1744) on this Blog for a transcription of the Will of John West.

2. Boogher, Wm. F., 1899: Virginia; Overwharton Parish Register, 1720 to 1760; Old Stafford County. Saxton Publishing Co., Washington, D.C., p. 179. http://archive.org/details/virginiaoverwhar00will)

3. Ibid, p. 160, 162, and 181.

4. Will of Robert Fristoe. Stafford County Will Book “O”, 15 Sep 1764. This was recorded in full on Timeline.Lynn in Prince William, Virginia. I am very grateful for the work of “Janiejac” in compiling this information on the Linn family through proven documents. The Timeline may be found at http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Timeline.Lynn_in_Prince_William,_Virginia

5. 18 Aug 1794, Fauquier County, Will Book 2, p. 345. Will of John Lynn. Abstract found at Timeline.Lynn in Prince William, Virginia, linked above. The full Will was retrieved for me by Ron Roy, West Family researcher.

6. Gano, S.F., “History of Georgetown,” in B.O. Gaines, History of Scott County, Vol. 2, p. 236. Available through Kentucky Digital Library, http://kdl.kyvl.org/.

7. Clift, Garrett Glenn, 1961: Remember the Raisin! Kentucky and Kentuckians in the Battles and Massacre at Frenchtown, Michigan Territory, in the War of 1812. Genealogical Publishing Company, p. 164.

8. Document dated 6 July 1779. Prince William Deed Book U, p. 33-34. The abstract is mentioned in the John Lynn Timeline. See reference #4, above. I was unable to find this document.

9. Prince William County, Virginia, Will Book G, p. 119-122. Abstract found at “Henry Peyton,” 1658-1758 Charles County MD Famlies “The first 100 years.” Compiled by Mike Marshall. Found at: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=mrmarsha&id=I32622

10. Henry Peyton was a brother to Craven Peyton, who married Ann West, daughter of William West (b. ca. 1709 in Stafford County; d. 1769 in Loudoun County). It is unknown at this time if William West was related (by DNA) to John West, father of James West. An extended note about the possible relationship is in Reference #4 at William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788; d. 2 Nov 1857) on this Blog.

11. Hamlin, Charles Hughes, 1975: Virginia Ancestors and Adventurers. Genealogical Publishing Company, p. 15. Abstract, Prince William Co., VA Deed Book Z, page 45.

12. The first deed that mentions “James West, dec.,” is from 3 Jul 1780. (from Timeline.Lynn in Prince William, Virginia, linked above). Prince William County, VA Bond Book, August 1753-1782, p. 7 (abstracts compiled by June Whitehurst Johnson). The other names mentioned are John Lynn, Admin, Wm. Gains and Wiliam Lynn.  I have not been able to find the complete abstract or the deed.

13. Will of John Lynn, 18 Aug 1794.

14. Fauquier Minute Book 13-230, circa 13 November 1795, Fauquier County, Virginia. Portions retrieved for me by Ron Roy, West Family researcher.

15. Deposition of Francis Lynn in Fauquier Minute Book 13-230, circa 13 November 1795 .