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 . 

Edward West (b. 1757; d. 23 Aug 1827)

Edward West (b. 1757;  d. 23 Aug 1827)

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

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

This Edward West is often referred to as Edward West, Jr. He lived geographically close to his father in Virginia and also in Kentucky. He was also called “Ned.” There is an abundance of biographical information about West, as he was a highly regarded silversmith and inventor. This summary only touches on a few highlights of his life. Family researchers are invited to dig deep into land and other legal records for a better look at this ancestor.

Biography

Summary. Edward West married Sarah Brown or Browne (b. 1756; d. 7 Feb 1824). Sarah was the daughter of Samuel Brown(e) and Maria Creed. [1] They had twelve children (listed below). Edward and Sarah were originally buried on the grounds of the West home on High Street and Mill Street in Lexington, Kentucky. Then they were moved to the Presbyterian Cemetery. [2] In 1899, this cemetery was closed, and graves were moved to Lexington Cemetery. [3] The notice in the Kentucky Reporter : “Died – Last Week, Mr. Edward West, an old highly respectable citizen.” [4]

Edward West’s Migrates from Virginia to Kentucky. Edward West was most likely born in Stafford County, Virginia, home to his father and grandfather. Although some references say he came to Lexington from Fredericksburg, West’s son, John B. West wrote, “About the year 1785 or 1786 my father came from Falmouth, Virginia, to this place. He was 70 years old when he died. Mr. David A. Sayers administered on his estate, but I know not what became of his papers.” [5] Falmouth is in Stafford County, about 2 miles from Fredericksburg, on the north bank of the Rappahannock River.

Edward West, Sr. (his father) came to the area of Georgetown, Woodford County, Kentucky one year before, in 1784. [6] Georgetown and Lexington are about 15 miles apart. Both Edward Wests appeared in the Stafford County, Virginia, census of 1785 after they came to Kentucky. [7] The explanation may be that the census was published in 1785 (but compiled earlier), or that the census was based on land records, therefore “heads of families” as the whole title suggests.

The Stafford County, Virginia, census shows a “West, Edward” with 9 white souls, 1 dwelling, and 3 other dwellings. Three names down is “West, Edward, Junr” with 4 white souls and 1 dwelling. This would be Edward and Sarah, and possibly their first two children.

Bridwell [8] lists a land grant in 1783 in Fayette County, Kentucky assigned to Edward West. Other land grants include those in Lincoln and Bourbon counties. Bridwell has a seven land grants listed, with a total of 6,728 acres. I have not yet been able to prove this is his and not his father’s, or a combination of these men.

On 9 Aug 1788, the Kentucky Gazette announced, “Edward West, clock and watchmaker, opening a shop on High Street, Lexington” and on 13 Nov 1790, West was advertising for an apprentice “to the gun and silver smith’s business.” [9] Long time friend Samuel McCullough said West could “make a rifle or a gun, or he could mend one; within my recollection he could make or mend anything.” [10]

Edward West’s Inventions. In his spare time, West worked on mechanical inventions of many kinds. He finally applied for patents from 1800 to 1803, but the documentation papers “were burned by the British in our last war with England.” [11] These patents were for metal amulets, a machine for heading and cutting nails, a gun lock, steam boat, and distillation by steam in wooden or other stills. [12]

The distilling patent was taken out by Edward West, Dr. Samuel Brown, and Thomas West. Since the process could be used in distilling whiskey, “distillers using steam were warned in October, 1811, not to infringe on the patent right” of the owners. [13] Dr. Samuel Brown was a medical doctor, and a dear friend to West. Thomas West, also from Lexington, is possibly a brother to Edward West, Jr. However, there was another Thomas West in the area, living in Paris, Kentucky and running a tavern [14] that might have been the Thomas in the patent . He appears to be descended from an unrelated West family (from Maryland). Future DNA results may change this assumption.

Of the many inventions, the one that generated the most press was West’s steam-powered boat (1793). “With top hats bobbing up and down on the banks of the tiny town fork of the south Elkhorn Creek, the local dignitaries congregated to see Mr. West show off his boat.” [15] West made a prototype that worked quite well, but could not find financial backing to carry the invention to the next step. Much has been written about this invention in Kentucky history books. His most useful invention was “a machine which simplified the process of making nails.” By the end of the 18^th Century, Lexington merchants were “selling cut nails to carpenters who were building the important frontier cities of Pittsburg, Louisville, and Cincinnati.” [16] He was paid $10,000 for this invention. “Other inventions for which West was given credit are a pistol, a wire-bound cannon, a hemp breaking machine, and a machine for cutting or pressing molding on tin gutter pipe.” [17]

Records from Fayette County. There are, most likely, court records to be discovered for Edward West, including several for land. Apparently, Fayette County Order Book “A” (page 19) directed Edward West to make the first Fayette County seal. District Court Book “B” (page 465) showed that Edward and Sarah West conveyed land for the German Lutheran Church (now a Methodist Church). Also, Edward West is listed in the 1820 United States Federal Census with 4 free white males, 2 free white females, and 5 slaves. One person (Edward) is “engaged in manufacturing.”

The Will and Inventory. Edward West had a Will, which I have not located yet. Inventory of his estate, filed November 27, 1827 includes personal items plus tools of his trade: lathes, shears, anvils, grindstone, bellows, hammers, and tongs. [18] In 1839, heirs of Edward West announced the sale of real estate: “Said property lies on Mill street, between Water and High streets; and has four good substantial buildings on it; two of them on Water street immediately opposite the head of the Rail Road, and well calculated for business houses; one on High street, a large and commodious family residence.” [19] His land was probably divided among his heirs.

Children of Edward and Sarah West

Edward and Sarah West had twelve children. This is a very brief synopsis. More information is available on-line. [20]

1. Jane West, m. 25 Aug 1806, Joseph Woods. No children. Moved to Nashville. Last residing place of William Edward West, her brother.

2. John Brown West (b. 1786) m. 30 Jul 1812, Jane C. Murdock. Children. Moved to Nashville. [21]

3. William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788; unmarried; d. 2 Nov 1857 in Nashville). He was an acclaimed artist.

4. Catherine West (d. before 1818) m. 11 Jul 1809, Dr. Arthur Campbell. At least three children: William, Norvell, Edward.

5. Maria Creed West, m. 4 Oct 1810, Samuel Price; child Samuella Price. Samuel married

again.

6. Edward West, d. at age 19.

7. Thomas Lewis West (b. 1796?; d. 14 Apr 1806, age 10)

8. Sarah “Sallie” Brown West, m. May 1818, Robert Woods. Moved to Nashville. Six children: Josephine, James, Jane, Robert, Joseph, Julia.

9. Hannah Retta West (b. 29 Jul 1795; d. 10 Nov 1856), m. 1 Mar 1814 in Nashville, Moses Norvell (1786-1853). Eight children:  Emmeline, Henry, Aduella, Joseph, Alexander, Ellen, Martha, Imogene.

10. Eliza Mills West (b. 4 Jan 1800; d. 10 June 1833, Lexington); m. 15 Nov 1818, Simon Bradford (b. 6 Sep 1797; d. 6 Feb 1865 in Memphis).  Eight children: Eleanor, Joseph, Sarah, Edward, Franklin, Cleora, Charles, Eliza. Simon Bradford married again. [22] Note: This is the second instance that a FG#5 individual has married a descendent of the Bradfords of Fauquier County, VA. The other is Leonard West who married Phoebe Morgan (Bradford descendent) circa 1798 in Sumner County, Tennessee. [23]

11. Benjamin Franklin West, unmarried.

12. Patterson Bain West, unmarried.

(Photographed) Portraits by William Edward West, their Son

Edward West, Jr. at: http://tnportraits.org/30056-west.htm

Sara Brown(e) West at: http://www.tnportraits.org/30536-west.htm

References

1. Bridwell, Margaret M., 1947: “Edward West: Silversmith and Inventor.” Filson Club History Quarterly, Vol. 21, p. 301-308. Bridwell’s is the most-quoted of the published works; unfortunately, some errors of previous researchers were continued in her manuscript. The most important error relating to our Family Group #5 DNA results was her reference to Reverend William West. His ancestors, a different John West of Stafford County, are in a different DNA Family Group. In 1960, Mabel Van Dyke Baer attempted to correct the misunderstanding in her article, “The Ancestry of Edward West of Lexington, Kentucky, 1757-1827,” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society; Vol. 58, No. 4, p. 354-363.

2. Ibid, p. 307.

3. Edward West [1757-1827] Find-a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=72971816

4. Kentucky Reporter, September 1, 1827. Provided by: McGuire, Marilyn, 2002: “Re: Edward West of Fayette Co.,” GenForum. (Notes from Kentucky Gazette and Kentucky Reporter). http://genforum.genealogy.com/west/messages/6894.html. His son’s grave marker in Nashville also has a historical marker describing Edward West, Jr.: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7351448

5. 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.

6. Gano, S.F., “History of Georgetown,” in William Henry Perrin, ed., 1882, History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties. Chapter VII, p. 180. Also reprinted in B.O. Gaines, History of Scott County, Vol. 2, 1898 and 1905. Available through Kentucky Digital Library, http://kdl.kyvl.org/.

7. 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

8. Bridwell, p. 301. Her source for this information was Jillson, Willard Rouse, 1925: The Kentucky Land Grants: A Systematic Index to All of the Land Grants Recorded in the State Land Office at Frankfort, Kentucky, 1782–1924. Louisville, KY.

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

10. Klotter, James C., 2012: Bluegrass Renaissance: The History and Culture of Central Kentucky, 1792-1852. University Press of Kentucky, p. 241.

11. McCullough, p. 4. Letter from John B. West.

12. Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents. “Patents for Edward West.” http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/personSearch.php

13. Cottingham, Wayne, 1917: “Distilleries Once Rated Among Bourbon Industries,” Kentuckian-Citizen, Paris, Kentucky. Reprinted in 1957. http://www.frontierfolk.net/ramsha_research/Whiskey/whiskey.html

14. Ibid (Web page, above). The article says “Thomas West who had a part, perhaps a financial interest, in the distilling patent had moved to Paris, Kentucky, before 1788 where he conducted a tavern opposite the courthouse. Serving Bourbon to his customers and chatting with the makers had convinced him, no doubt, of the usefulness of the invention.” The article is referring to Thomas West (1756-1820) who was a son of John West, Jr. and Rachel Perry of Montgomery County, Maryland. http://www.frontierfolk.net/ramsha_research/families/westj.rtf‎

15. Clark, Thomas D., 1942: The Kentucky. Henry Holt and Company. University Press of Kentucky, reprint of 1992, p. 157-158.

16. Ibid, p. 156.

17. Bridwell, p. 305.

18. Ibid, p. 303. Bridwell listed the estate items, therefore a Will might be available in Fayette County records.

19. Kentucky Gazette, August 22, 1839.

20. References include Bridwell, p. 307;  McGuire; Find a Grave; Thomas, Jane Henry, and Leona Taylor Aiken, 1897: Old Days in Nashville, Tenn: Reminiscences. Publishing House, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Nashville, Tennessee; and many more names located with Google searches.

21. Hiden, Mrs. Philip Wallace, 1945: “The Bradford Family of Faquier County, Virginia.” Taylor’s Quarterly, Vol. 27, p. 200. The year of John B. West’s birth was found here.

22. Ibid. A portrait of Simon Bradford, by artist William Edward West (Bradford’s brother-in-law) is found on page 202.

23. Research of Joy Ikelman, September, 2013. 

John West (d. ca. 1744)

John West (d. ca. 1744)

Compiled by Joy Ikelman, 2013. Disclaimers apply.

In October 2010, a DNA result established Family Group #5 connections with John West who died before Feb 12, 1745 in Stafford County, Virginia.[1] What we know about John West is mostly derived from his Will. Land records and possible migrations have not been sorted out. The entire Will of John West and Estate Inventory are provided before the References, below.

Basic Information from the Will

The Will is dated 4 Nov 1744. John West was married to Dorothy, whose maiden name is unknown. She is the Executor of the Will. West lists four sons:  Edward, John, William, and James. No daughters are mentioned.  His wife receives the entire Estate for herself and her sons as long as she remains a widow. The children will receive their “legacies” when they reach a certain (unstated) age. If Dorothy remarries, she will only receive one-third of the Estate.  This wording of the will implies that the four sons are minors.

The Negro man Harry, and Negro woman Jenny, and their heirs are given to wife Dorothy and   the four sons and their heirs. There is no emancipation after a certain date. Two hundred acres of land in Prince William County, Virginia, bought from William Cockrill, are given to Edward and John and their heirs. If they do not have heirs, then the land reverts to William and James.

Any Estate not mentioned specifically in the Will is to be divided equally among the heirs. John West asks that the Estate be appraised.

Names Mentioned in the Will

West mentions the land in Prince William County that he bought from William Cockrill.  Cockrill’s principle residence was in Carter’s Run, Virginia (Prince William County, later Faquier County). [2] The north-western part of Stafford County was incorporated into a (new) Prince William County in 1731; West might have bought the land after 1731.

In 1796, Lynn West, grandson of John West, sold “a tract of land in Prince William County which descended to said Lynn West from his father, James West.” [3] This land might have been part of the 200 acres of land that was originally bought from William Cockrill.  However, it is more likely that this is a different parcel, as it was land adjoining John Lynn’s property. (James West married Ann Lynn.)

Witness J. Rogers was very likely John Rogers of Stafford County. [4]

Witness Will Mills was very likely William Mills. He may have been the father of Elizabeth Mills, who married John West’s son Edward. Or he may have been another relation to Elizabeth – perhaps a brother or uncle. He also appears in Stafford County VA Will Book O along with Lawrence Suddeth (who married Dorothy West) in 1757. [5]

Henry Tyler, Stafford County Clerk, was married to Alice Strother, the daughter of William Strother, Sr. and Margaret Watts. [6] Tyler was a Vestryman at Overwharton Parish in 1757; his children were baptized there. The Strother family was part of this Parish, as was the West family. [7]

The final witness was Thomas West. It is possible that Thomas West was a brother to John West. If he was not a brother, he is another relation. This line has been linked to Family Group #5 by DNA testing. [8]

Summary of Records for Thomas West of Spotsylvania/Stafford County and Thomas West of Orange County, compiled by West Family researcher Ron Roy, is found on this Blog. [9] Thomas was possibly married to Catherine Rebecca Easting or Eastin. The Overwharton Parish Register mentions two children born to Thomas and Catherine West. Catherine West’s maiden name is not recorded. The Blog discussion suggests Thomas was in his twenties at the time. In 1746, Thomas and Catherine West moved to Orange County, Virginia. [10]

Birthplace of John West

West researchers have not found the birth place of John West. Some believe his father was the generation that immigrated to the Colonies. This would make John West a “first generation American.” So far, there is only one clue that is directly related to this family. John B. West (b. 1786) the great-grandson of John West, said of his grandfather, Edward West (b. ca. 1730s): “I do not know the birthplace of my father; but my grandfather was an Englishman and his wife a Welch [sic]–woman.” [11] Edward West might have been born in England. He would have been very young if he had crossed the Atlantic with John and Dorothy West. However, Edward West was more likely born in the Colonies, of English descent. His wife, Elizabeth, may have been of Welsh descent.

The Overwharton Parish Register

Overwharton Parish was located in what is now Aquia (Stafford County), Virginia. Eight records from the Register, spanning 1742 to 1755, pertain to this discussion:

            West, James. Son of John, born September 26, 1742

            West, Carty.  Daughter of Thomas and Catherine, born March 12, 1743

                        [John West died in 1744, but this is not mentioned in the Register.]
            West, Dorothy.  Married Lawrence Suddeth, April 17, 1745

            Suddeth, Elizabeth. Daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy, born November 3, 1745

            West, James.  Son of Thomas and Catherine, born February 10, 1746

            Suddeth, Grace. Daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy, born September 23, 1749
            West, Edward.  Married Elizabeth Mills, October 6, 1752
            West, William Mills.  Son of Edward and Elizabeth, born March 29, 1755

How do we know that the first entry, “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 at the time of the Will (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.

The next entry shows the birth of Thomas and Catherine West’s daughter Carty. The name “Carty” could be a girl or boy in those days. Perhaps this is a reference to a surname in Catherine’s family.

The third is a marriage entry. “Dorothy West” married Lawrence Suddeth, 18 April 1745. Was this the widow of John West? Or was this a separate Dorothy West – perhaps West’s sister, or his cousin? Nothing can be proven with absolute certainty at this time. The Dorothy West in the Register was about two months pregnant when she married Suddeth. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Grace. Lawrence Suddeth (Sudduth) appears in a Stafford County Will with William Mills (see Reference #5) in 1757. William Mills was a witness to John West’s Will.

The fourth entry is James, a child born to Thomas and Catherine West in 1746. After 1746, Thomas West appears in Orange County, VA. [12] The marriage of Edward West to Elizabeth Mills is recorded after this. The last entry records their first child. After these records, the Parish Register continues (through 1790) but there is no more information about the Wests.

Other Information about the Sons of John West

Edward West is the most completely documented of the four sons. This Blog has an entry for Edward West (b. ca. 1730s; d. ca. 1791-1792), his son Edward West (b. 1757; d. 23 Aug 1827), and grandson William Edward West (b. 10 Dec 1788; d. 2 Nov 1857). The discussion on Edward West (b. ca. 1730s) includes information about the Chopawamsic Baptist Church records.

James West and his wife Ann Lynn West died young. Their son, Lynn West (at the age of 9) came to Georgetown, KY with his Uncle Edward. There is a Blog entry for James West (b. 26 Sep 1742; d. ca. 1780) and Lynn West (b. 1775; d. 26 Jan 1836).

John West seems to disappear into history, but surely there must be more information to be uncovered. In the 1785 Census of the United States, there are several Wests listed as heads of households in Stafford County. There are two William Wests, one with “8 white souls,” and one with “3 white souls.” There is Edward West with “9 white souls,” and Edward West, Jr with “4 white souls.” And, there is John West with “2 white souls.” [13] So far, the Edward West Sr and Jr seem to be the only confirmed members of this West family as there are no other known Edward Wests in Stafford County at that time.

In the 1776 petition to divide Stafford County, the names of Edward West, Ignatius {“Nasey”) West, Joseph West, and John West were listed. [14] Other names on the petition that are familiar to this family history include Fristoe, Ficklin, Linn (Lynn), Strother, and Thornton. We have yet to determine if Joseph West is DNA-related.

William West, from what we know so far, did not move with his brother Edward to Scott County or Fayette County, Kentucky. His death date is often incorrectly given as 1831 in some West histories. This is because an obituary in the Kentucky Reporter said that a Captain William West of Lexington, Kentucky, died “at an advanced age” in 1831. [15] Captain West was from a different family [16] and a native of Ireland.[17] He was in the mercantile business; he took out frequent advertisements in the Kentucky Gazette, using only his name “William West” without the Captain designation in front of it. This is has caused confusion for our West researchers.

A highly likely citing of William West is as a witness to the Will of William Garrard, 7 Sep 1786, in Stafford County. [18] Another witness to this Will was John Fristoe. The Garrards lived near Fredericksburg, Virginia (as did Edward West). William Mills West, son of Edward, could have been the witness instead of his Uncle William. However, he generally signed documents with his middle name or initial. The Garrard, West, Fristoe, and other family names that appear in this Will also were in the 1785 census listing.

The Will of John West

Background. The Will is contained in Stafford County, Virginia, Will Book M; 1729-1748. [19] It is also published in abbreviated format by The Antient Press, p. 411-412. Stafford Will Book M has its own intriguing history. In 1862, a Union soldier took the Will book during a Stafford County engagement, most likely because it contained Wills of two members of the George Washington family. Other Will books were lost. Will Book M was passed to others until 1908, when it was in the possession of Civil War reenactors in New Jersey. By 1926 it was given to the Union Historical Society in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and a copy deposited in the Virginia State Library. [20]

The Will. In Name of God Amen I John West of the County of Stafford being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory thanks be given to God for the same and knowing it is appointed for all men to die Do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following revoking all Wills by me at any time heretofore made.

            Item. My precious and immortal soul I give into hands of God that gave it not doubting but that the merits and passion of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer to meet with joyful resurrection and touching what worldly Estate it hath pleased God of infinite Mercey & Goodness to bless me withal I give and devise in the following manner.

            Item. I give and bequeath unto my Dear and loving wife Dorothy the use of my whole Estate during the time she remains my widow for the support of herself & Children on this restriction and proviso that she pay my Children their respective Legacies to them not here bequeathed as they retain their respective ages but it is my desire if my said wife should marry then only to be Entitled to her thirds of my Estate, only my Negro man Harry, I give and bequeath to my said wife and to her heirs and assigns forever.

            Item. I give and bequeath to my four sons Edward, John, William & James West my Negro wench Jenny & her now and future increase to be equally divided among them as they respectively Attain their several Ages & so continually in Equal portions afterwards what Increase the said Jenny shall leave to them and their Heirs forever.

            Item. I give and bequeath two hundred Acres of land lying in Prince William County bought of William Cockrill to my sons Edward and John West to be Equally divided between them and to Heirs of their bodies Lawfully begotten and for want of such Heirs to my sons William and James and the Heirs of their bodies Lawfully begotten and for want of Such heirs to my right Heirs forever.

            As to the residue of my Estate of what kindsoever I desire that after my wife's decease or Marriage may be equally divided among my four children above named Edward, John, William & James West and their Heirs forever and in case of their Deaths then to the Survivour or Survivours in Equal portions as near as may be allotted in Quantity and Quality allowing my said Wife the use thereof during her life or widowhood as before exprest & intended under the above & said Limitations who I appointed my whole & sole Exr. desiring my Estate may and be Appraised.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 4^th day of Nvr 1744.
John West his mark & seal

Sealed and published as the last Will and Testament in the presence of us.

J. Rogers, Will Mills, Thomas West

At a Court for Stafford County Feby the 12^th 1745 – The within last Will and Testament of John West decd was presented into Court by Dorothy West the Exr. therein named who made Oath thereto according to Law and being proved by the Oaths of the witnesses and thereto subscribed is admitted to record and on motion of the sd. Exr. and she having complied with what is usual in such Cases Cert. is granted her for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form.

Teste.  H. Tyler Cl. Ct.

The Estate Inventory of John West

Stafford County, Virginia; Will Book M, p. 425, April 10, 1745 Court. [Note: " . . . " means illegible.]

An Inventory of the Estate which belonged to John West late of Stafford County ordered at the time of his Death, as followoth, viz. One Featherbed and furniture. 2 old beds and their furniture. A Gun and box. Iron and heaters . . . 12 plates pewter . . . 3 Iron potts and potthook, a kettle and a skellott. a pair of . . . & crossed legged table . . . of coopers tools, carpenters tools and . . . 5 flagg chairs. a lott of . . . furniture and two . saddles and outside saddle. A Wine Pipe. 2 hogsheds or water casks & small casks & 2 Bibles & 2 Testaments. 2 Testaments & 2 psalters & one old small Bible and Spire Morter 7 Pestle, a looking glass, vinegar cruet, a pair of stillards. a white servant Edward two years to serve, a negro woman and negro child about 2 years old. & . . . wearing apparrell. 3 cross hogsheds of Tobo. about 850 Tobo. each. 17 barrells Corn, 10 bushels wheat. 2 old horses. 2 young do & 2 young mares. 10 head of sheep. 25 head of cattle. 32 head of hoggs. 10 gees. 300 gallons of cyder. 2 narrow axes. 2 old grubing hoes. 2 old weeding hoes. 2 ploughs old 2 narrow hoes one frying pan a quart tankard 2 house Iron & 2 Potts 2 ton gallon & Do 2 iron candle stands. Hive of bees three sickels & lanthorn. Tin . . . and one pewter funnel pair sheep shares. 3 doz bottle. 1 doz. pewter spoons. 6 . . . of leather a parsel of piggins. Pails Tubs baskets and other old . . .

10 April 1745, Dorothy West (Seal)
At a court held for Stafford County, April the 10th 1745. This inventory of the Estate of John West dec'd being . . . is admitted to record.
Test. H. Tyler Clk. Ct.

References

1. West DNA Project, Family Group #5. Ref: http://web.utk.edu/~corn/westdna/west5.htm#FG5

2. Genealogist Jim Burness has created an excellent summary of William Cockrill/Cockril/Cockerel/Cockrell that may be accessed at: http://gedcom.surnames.com/burgess_jim/np90.htm

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

4. Carolyn Getting gives a bit of information about Rogers at at: http://genforum.genealogy.com/rogers/messages/5331.html

5. Stafford County, Virginia, Will book O. Synopsis: 22 Jun 1757. Thomas Smith, on his death bed, requests that Mary [Sudduth] Bolling receive much of his Estate. He then mentions that Lawrence Sudduth should take care of the rest of the estate for Mary’s son William until the boy comes of age. Sudduth “entered into bond with John Bell and William Mills, his security.”

6. William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Volume 17, page 66. Also: “Capt. Henry Tyler” at http://vagenweb.org/stafford/captainhenrytyler.htm

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

8. West DNA Project, Family Group #5.

9. Roy, Ron, 2013: “Summary of Records for Thomas West of Spotsylvania/Stafford County and Thomas West of Orange County.” The West Family Project Blog.  http://westproj.blogspot.com/2013/08/thomas-west-of-virginia.html

10. Ibid.

11. 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.

12. Roy, 2013. He concludes that because of the timeline, the Thomas West of Stafford appears to be the same Thomas West of Orange. The two counties shared a boundary at that time, and later lost this to Culpeper County.

13. 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

14. Stafford County Virginia Deed Book P, p. 72-73. Found at “Petition List of Signers 1776 to Divide Stafford County.” http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.virginia.counties.stafford/942/mb.ashx?pnt=1

15. Kentucky Reporter, 21 Sep 1831. “Capt. William West, of Lexington. Died Monday night, Sept. 19, 1831, at an advanced age.” Provided by: McGuire, Marilyn, 2002: “Re: Edward West of Fayette Co.,” GenForum. (Notes from Kentucky Gazette and Kentucky Reporter). http://genforum.genealogy.com/west/messages/6894.html

16. Hayse, Joseph M., 1978: “Lexington’s Early Amateur Actors.” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, Vol. 76, No. 4, p. 280. Hayse says that “Two West families lived in Lexington.” He states that they were Captain William West and Edward West, Jr.

17. Leavy, William A., 1943: “Part Four: A Memoir of Lexington and Its Vicinity.” The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, Volume 41, No. 134, p. 44-62.

18. Des Cognets, Anna Russell, 1898: Governor Garrard of Kentucky, His Descendants and Relatives. James M. Byrnes Publisher, Lexington, KY, p. 12. James Garrard, son of William, was the second Governor of Kentucky. He moved to Kentucky in 1783 and settled into what is now Bourbon County.  Also, Stafford County, Virginia, Will and Deed Book S.

19. The Will and Estate Inventory is also found in: 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.

20. Hoppin, Charles Arthur, 1926: “The Lost Will Book, 1730-1748, of Stafford County,” Tyler’s Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine, VIII, p. 111-117.

John F. West b. abt 1880 was in Randolph Co., Arkansas 1903

John F. West b. abt. 1880

John or at least his wife Emaline was in Maynard, Randolph Co., Arkansas when their son Oscar was born 30 Nov 1902/03.  Help us find out more about this family and John's ancestors. 

Below is a note from Pauline on her line that matches Group #5 Little is known about her line, she only goes back to her grandfather, John F. West! Let us help her go back a few more generations or more. I found the Find-A-Grave post for Oscar (this branch is the newest to be done for our group):

"I read the article in today's Post Dispatch. My father, Oscar Lee West, was born in Maynard, Arkansas , 11-30-1903, died 03-07-1960. His father was John F. West, mother was Emaline West. He married my mother Ruby Mitchell October 1927. I was born 02-20-28. They were divorced in 1932. He remarried 04-19-1932. My mother was remarried that same month.

I never knew my father. Earlier this year I was able to contact his children Clifford and Geneva (Geffers) in Galesburg, Ill. They know nothing about the West family other than the immediate members.

I would like to find information regarding where my father's family originated. With this small amount of information can you suggest a course of action."

Pauline
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From Find-A-Grave [JGW]

Oscar L. West
Birth: Nov. 30, 1902
Death: Mar. 4, 1960

Family links:
Spouse: Dora E. Spitzig West (1912 - 2001)

Burial: Maynard Cemetery
Maynard, Randolph County, Arkansas, USA

Created by: Susie & Rod Smith
Record added: May 03, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 89535981

Ignatius West in Virginia

Ignatius West of King George & Stafford Counties VA

I have a small bit to contribute regarding research on our Wests in Virginia. Back in May I ordered 2 additional microfilms from LDS for Orange Co VA: 1) #33016 Deed Books 15 & 16, 1768-1778. 2) #33017 – Birth Records 1751-1778.

Firstly, the Birth Records were a waste of time, effort, and money as they only showed two families, neither being Wests or other known associated families. I sometimes wish there was a way for patrons to leave comments/evaluations for these microfilm. It would be great to review their contents before ordering.

I knew that the deed records on the other microfilm had a specific deed in which we were interested. Ignatius West sold land in which we had previously found a record for his purchase in 1746. Perhaps I should give a little more background information.

About a year ago I was researching a Thomas West who appeared in some records of Orange Co, VA between 1746 and 1753. The only tie that I could find between this Thomas West and ‘our’ Thomas West was the fact that the name Ignatius West also appeared in Orange Co records beginning at the same time. The first mention of this Ignatius West was in 1746 when Ignatius West of King George Co, VA purchased 527 acres of land from James Shorwood (or perhaps Shorwood James).

I knew from deed indices that Ignatius sold this land to William Strother in 1776. However, I wanted to find out if Ignatius West removed from King George Co to Orange Co before he sold the land. In fact, the deed showed that Ignatius West and Patience, his wife, lived in the VA county of Stafford on the date of the deed, 24 Sept 1770.

There have been several other records found showing that an Ignatius West lived in Stafford Co, VA. This deed shows the probability that the Ignatius of King George and the Ignatius of Stafford were probably one and the same person. Some of the Stafford County Records include a 1776 “Ten-thousand Name Petition” which also lists Edward West. Although this petition does not designate in which county of Virginia the petitioners resided, there seemed to be many on that page from Stafford County. Another record for Ignatius would be his appearance on a listing of members of Chopawamsic Baptist Church showing their intention to split and create a church in Stafford Co in 1766. (The original church may have been located in Fauquier County. Since there was another Ignatius West of Fauquier Co, I’m not sure if the Chopawamsic records shows that these are two separate Ignatius Wests, or that the Ignatius of Fauquier and Stafford are the same, also.) There were other Wests on this list including Edward West and James West who appear to be sons of John West of Stafford Co whose descendants are members of our Thomas West’s DNA group.

It appears that I have exhausted all the leads and hints which surfaced in our initial findings of a Thomas West in Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties in Virginia more than a year ago. As I looked back on our discussions of our findings on this site, I found that there were 7 or 8 different discussions documenting and discussing those findings. Perhaps in the next several days I will start a new discussion to summarize those findings and provide links to those older discussions for details.

- Submitted by Ron Roy on the West, Fike MyFamily.com site (addressed to Kevin)