CHRONICLES OF THE SCOTCH-IRISH SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA; Vol 2, pp 96-103 by Lyman Chalkley http://www.rootsweb.com/~chalkley ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ dated 6th February, 1792, Thomas Boydstone of Berkley County to Joshua and John Writson Browning and Roseman Keating, all of Maryland. Recorded in Berkeley 21st February, 1792. Recites that John Browning, deceased, in his life time bought from Jost Hite 1,200 acres on Potomac in present Berkeley, then Orange, by title bond dated 6th November, 1736, which grantees are entitled to by several mesne devises under and from sd. John Browning. Anthony Turner deposes 13th February, 1798, that he came to Berkeley with his father, Anthony Turner, deceased, in 1740, when he was between eight and nine. He lived there until 1752, when he moved to New Castle, and made several moves before August, 1762, when he went to Carolina, remained there two years, returned to Virginia and in August, 1765, removed to North and South Carolina, made several other moves and is now living in Berkeley. In 1741-1742 Jeremiah Yorke was living on the land in controversy. John Hite, aged 43, deposes at same time as above. He is grandson of Jost Hite. Nicholas McIntire deposes 6th September, 1797, in Berkley: He has known the land (Terrapin Neck) upwards of 50 years. Jeremiah York and Van Swearingen were the first settlers. Presley Boydston, brother of Thomas and Benjamin Boydston, deposes. David Osborn deposes September, 1797: He was on the land first in 1766-67. Joseph Foreman deposes, that he knows the land since 1761. John Van Meter says he was born in Berkeley in the neighborhood of the land. John Welch, brother-in-law of Benj. Bordstone, deposes: He married a sister of Benjamin's wife. Thomas Boydstone is very old, without either wife or children. Jacob Bellar, born in 1736, moved with his father in 1742 on land adjoining Terrapin Neck. Defendants in this suit are, viz: Abraham Shepherd; Joshua and John Writson Browning; William Keating, Jr.; Thomas Sappington and Mary, his wife, late Keating; Richard Johnston and Sarah, late Keating; John and Mary and Sarah Williams, daughters and heirs of Rachel Williams, deceased, late Keating; heirs and representatives of Rozamond Keating, deceased, late Browning--also Benjamin Biggs and Priscilla Israel, his wife, late Priscilla Israel Metcalf; Benjamin Beaths and Margery, his wife, late Metcalf; George, John, Alien, Andrew, Thomas Metcalf. David Owens is son and heir of Lucy Owens, deceased, late Metcalf. Heirs, representatives and devisees of Allen Metcalf, deceased. Spa. addressed to Jefferson. Arbuckle vs. Arbuckle--O. S. 68; N. S. 23. Orators are, viz: John, James, Mathew, Thomas and Samuel Arbuckle, sons of Capt. Mathew Arbuckle of Greenbrier, who died 1781-82 intestate, leaving children, viz: above orators, and Charles Arbuckle, who was eldest. Capt. Mathews' wife was Frances. William Arbuckle was his brother. Charles Arbuckle sold one of his father's tracts of land to Alexander Welch, who married complainant's mother, for his trouble and care in bringing up his half brothers (the complainants). Capt. Mathew resigned his military commission. James McNutt had been an officer under Arbuckle. Burns (Brenn) vs. Beall's executors--O. S. 68; N. S. 23--Will of George Beall of Hampshire County dated 27th June, 1797, proved in Hampshire 18th September, 1797. Wife Prudence, daughter Ann Thompson (wife of John Thompson), sons Elisha and Ely. John Parril refused to qualify executor. Prudence was widow of David Ferguson (?). In 1798, in Hampshire, Peter Burns was appointed guardian of Catherine, John, David 96 and Andrew Ferguson, orphans of David Ferguson, deceased. After David's decease his widow, Prudence, married George Beall. Prudence had administered on Ferguson's estate in Berkeley. Archibald Morrison, heir-at-law of Archibald Morrison, deceased, and Archibald Mains of Loudoun, vs. William Buchanan--O. S. 69; N. S. 23-- Bill filed in Ohio County 7th November, 1803. At a very early day, Isaac McCracken improved a tract on Middle Wheeling Creek and sold it to Archibald Morrison, Sr., who placed his brother William Morrison on it, who resided there until 1776, when he was driven off by Indians. William Buchanan, a brother-in-law of Archibald Morrison, deceased. Robert McCoy deposes that he came to the Western country in spring of 1775. David Hosack deposes that in May, 1773, he, with Archibald Morrison and five others, came into present Ohio County, shortly after McCracken came. Thomas Orr deposes he was acquainted with the land in September or October, 1773. John Maxwell deposes he was present when the survey was made. Samuel McConnell testifies McCracken's claim in 1773. Coalter vs. Beverley--O. S. 70; N. S. 24. Memorandum books of Thomas Lewis, which Gabriel Jones deposes, are genuine. They come down to about 6th January, 1790. He died on 30th January, 1790, of a cancer with which he had long been afflicted. William Lewis deposes that William Bowyer purchased from Wm. Long, Jr., 32 acres, part of a larger tract, that had been leased by Wm. Beverley to Col. John Lewis and by him given to his daughter Margaret, mother of said Wm. Long. Numerous letters of Thomas Lewis. Numerous letters of Robert Beverley (he speaks (1772) of "at the ensuing Fair"). Catlett vs. Henderson--O. S. 70; N. S. 24. In 178_ Alexr. Henderson filed bill in High Court Chancery vs. Nathaniel Burwell, son of Hon. Robert Burwell, deceased; Thos. Nelson, John Page, John H. Norton, Robert Carter Burwell (then an infant) to have division of lands of Robert Burwell in Frederick. Deed dated 7th July, 1798, proved in Frederick 3d December, 1798. Robert Carter Burwell to Harfield Timberlake of Berkeley County. Deed 3d June, 1803, proved in Frederick, 5th September, 1803. Harfield Timberlake and Mary, his wife, to Geo. Catlett of Shenandoah. Deed dated 17th January, 1791, proved in Superior Court of District of Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, Hardy and Shenandoah, 5th October, 1798, between Alexr. Henderson of Dumphries and his wife to Thomas Massie of Frederick. Deed 5th October, 1796, Robert C. Burwell of Frederick County to Alexr. Henderson of Dumfries. No certificate of record. Thompson vs. Askew--O. S. 72; N. S. 24. Deed dated 6th March, 1792. John Drinker of Berkeley to William Askew of Berkeley, proved in Berkeley 25th April, 1797. Daniel Fall of Augusta vs. John Crawford--O. S. 72; N. S. 24--Bill filed 18th June, 1805. Patrick Crawford of Augusta died testate, but intestate as to much of his estate. He left children and grandchildren, among them Margaret Crawford, wife of complainant and daughter of John Crawford, who at Patrick's death was infant and only child of Margaret Crawford, one of daughters of Patrick had married John Crawford and died before Patrick. Matty Anderson deposes that John Crawford married her sister, who died shortly after birth of her first child. Before death she wished her sister Betsey Robertson to take the child. Fall's wife had an aunt (McFeeters). 97 William and Mary College vs. Alex. Herring--O. S. 72; N. S. 24. List of surveys made by defendant as surveyor of Rockingham from 19th November, 1792, to 1st July, 1805. Craigen vs. Thorn--O. S. 73; N. S. 25--Bill filed 1st April, 1796. Peter Thorn made a settlement on South Branch of Potomac, divided it between his sons, viz: Henry, Michael, Tobias and Lazarus, and then in 1758 died testate. Tobias died intestate 1764, leaving a widow Eve and an only son (infant) named Michael. Eve sold the land to Henry Crouchman, who died 1767 testate. Will dated 4th September, 1767, devising the land to his only son John Adam Crouchman, infant (who and Michael also was infant in 1773), who while still infant married oratrix Phoebe Crouchman, and while still under age made his will dated 4th February, 1782, devising the land to Phoebe. He lived to be 21 and then died, leaving two children who died infants. Susannah Crouchman, who married John Wilson, and Margaret Crouchman, who married George Reid, were sisters of John Adam Crouchman. Answer by Michael Thorn, a citizen of Fairfield County, Ohio: He was moved over the Alleghanies before he was one year old. His mother married John Stradler. The land lies now in Hardy County. (Colonel) Moses Hutton, aged seventy years, deposes in Hardy County 5th November, 1803: He lived near when Henry Crouchman lived on the land. William Heath, aged 45, deposes same place and time: He knew George Snyder who lived near the land and removed from it to Redstone about 31 or 32 years ago; also knows Edward Williams for 35 years and who moved to Patterson's Creek 35 years ago and then to Kentucky, then to the Army, and then returned to Patterson's Creek. Anthony Baker deposes same time and place: For 42 years he has lived within 3 miles of the land. Isaac Van Meter deposes 25th June, 1803: John Sebely, whose father was killed by the Indians, and lived in South Branch Manor. George See, aged 66, deposes in Hardy County 15th May, 1798, that Thorn was in possession in 1766-1767. Anthony Baker, Sr., deposes 15th May, 1798: Daniel Tevebough married widow of Henry Crouchman. Michael Moore deposes at Morgantown 11th June, 1799, aged 62 years, that he was a neighbor of Peter Thorn. Peter's eldest son Henry died, leaving widow who married Adam Harpole. Michael Thorn's father was killed by falling of a tree. Deponent moved over the Alleghanies with Stradler. George Snyder, aged 56, deposes same time and place as above, that he knew the land before Tobias Thorn was married. Tobias married Eve Bryerly. Adam Harpole, aged 64 years, deposes at Moorefield 24th March, 1798, that about 43 years ago Tobias Thorn was in possession of the land. Adam married Henry Thorn's widow. Adam Crouchman of Hampshire County, will dated 21st February, 1782, proved in Hardy County 17th March, 1786. Wife and father-in-law George Lee (See?). Peter Thorn, will dated 30th January, 1758, proved in Hampshire 14th February, 1758. Tobias and Lazarus shall administer and provide for their mother, but Christian's cattle to be sold separately. Deed 3d August, 1773, Fairfax to John Adam Crouchman, recorded in Hampshire, 10th November, 1773. George Fry, Jr., vs. George Fry, Sr.--O. S. 75; N. S. 25. In consideration that George, Jr., sohuld marry Ann Johnson, George, Sr., promised to convey to him a tract on New River in Montgomery County, where Ann, widow of George Fry, deceased, then lived. 98 Page's executor vs. Fairfax--O. S. 76; N. S. 26--Deed, 25th May, 1801, proved in General Court, 13th November, 1801. Ferdinando Fairfax and Elizabeth Blair Fairfax (his wife) of Shannon Hill, Berkeley County, to Wm. Fleming Gaines, acting executor of Robert Page, late of Broad Neck, Hanover County. Conveys land in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties which Ferdinando purchased of John Page of Rosewell. John and Wm. B. Page (sons of John Page of North River). Gannaway vs. Sanders, trustee--O. S. 77: N. S. 26--Bill in Wythe County Court, 12th December, 1804. William Gannoway devised to his wife, Elizabeth, for her life, and remainder to four sons, of whom John (orator) is one. Elizabeth, intending to marry John Newland, made Stephen Sanders and Henry Hamilton trustees for benefit of her children, but by a mistake the instrument was drawn so that the profits went to her daughters. Defendants are, viz: Joseph Brownlow and Caty, his wife, late Gannaway; Susanna, Patsey and Frances Gannaway, heirs of Wm. Gannaway, deceased. The sons are John, William, Thomas and Seymour Gannaway. Robinson Gannaway and Sarah, his wife, depose. Money Gannaway and Drucilla, his wife, depose. Will of William Gannaway of Wythe County dated 11th November, 1799. Proved in Wythe, 14th June, 1800. Wife Elizabeth, daughter Mary Williams, daughter Bety Love, daughter Nancy Hambelton, daughter Sally Gannaway; sons John, William, Thomas, Seymour; four youngest daughters Caty, Susanna, Patty and Frances. Henry vs. Henry--O. S. 77: N. S. 26--Bill filed 8th July, 1805. Orator is John Henry of Augusta, one of sons of James Henry of Augusta. About 10 years ago orator came of age. His father had a large family, but promised him land if he would not go away. This was in 1795 or 1796. Henry and John McFadden, brothers, lived near. William Haynes vs. Hunter's administrator--O. S. 77: N. S. 26--Bill filed 3d August, 1799. Major George Walls, formerly in Public Service, died several years ago appointing Moses Hunter his executor, who received a considerable sum in military certificates. Jacob Walls of Kentucky in 1793, son of George, sold some of these certificates to orator. Deposition of Thomas Lewis of Chesterfield County taken in Petersburg, Va., says he resided in Kentucky previous to 1795. Moses Hunter lived in Martinsburg. Hites, &c., vs. Huddle--O. S. 78; N. S. 26--Bill filed 21st September 1796. Plat of land granted 5th November, 1752, by Fairfax to Reynard Borden in North Mountain Grant, same land decreed to Augustine and Frederick Borden, sons of Reynard. Plat of land granted 10th June, 1767, by Fairfax to Frederick Parrot (part in North Mountain Grant), same land decreed to Henry, Jacob and Frederick Parrot, sons of said Frederick. Ditto granted 8th June, 1751, by Fairfax to Charles Huddle in North Mountain grant, at present in possession of Daniel Huddle, son of said Charles, deceased, and Abraham Brubaker and Henry Wolf. Ditto granted 23d July, 1750, to Augustine Wendal in North Mountain Grant, at present in possession of Augustine and John Wendal, sons of said Augustine, deceased. (Said plats made in 1801.) Copy of decree of 1786, Hite, &c., vs. Fairfax. John Mauk, aged 62, deposes 14th August, 1799, in Shenandoah County. Peter Wendle, aged 46, ditto. Son of Valentine Wendle. The Run was first called Taylor's Run, and after Thomas Little had settled there it went by the name of Tom's Brook. John Wendle, Jr., son of Valentine, aged 36, 99 deposes as above. Frederick Parrot first bought the land from Hite in 1739. Hosack vs. Dorsey--O. S. 78; N. S. 26--Bill filed in Ohio County, 17th November, 1796. Joseph Dorsey is orator. In 1773 John Black made a settlement on Middle Wheeling Creek in Ohio County adjoining Charles Dodd's lands, lived there some time, but was called into service of his country (U. S.) as a soldier. He obtained a patent to his land, however, and on 4th February, 1796, conveyed the land to orator by deed recorded in Ohio County in September, 1796. Both John Black and Joseph Dorsey were of Washington County (Penna.). In 1796 John Black says he was an officer in the Army. Johnson vs. Thompson--O. S. 78; N. S. 26--Bill in Hampshire, 1798. Orator is John Thompson, heir-at-law of David Thompson, deceased. David's will is dated 28th November, 1774; wife Mary; son John; son David; son Francis. Five youngest children are, viz: Abraham, Isaac, Mary, Jacob, and William Thompson, all infants. David died shortly after date of will. The widow remarried. The land came into possession of Rodham James, who died leaving heirs, viz: Huldah James, his widow; Thornton Basey James, his son; Elizabeth James, his daughter, infants. Will of David Thompson of Hampshire County, farmer, dated 28th September, 1774; proved April Court, 1777. Alexander Wells vs. Decker's Heirs--O. S. 78; N. S. 26--Bill in Brooke County, 1799. Defendants are Joseph, Abraham, Moses, and Luke Decker, and George Cox and Susannah, his wife, heirs-at-law of John Decker, deceased, who died intestate. Isaac Cox claimed to have made a settlement before 1779. Richard Elson deposes, 14th August, 1801, that in 1773 he saw a cabin on the land; it was called Cox's; Isaac moved to the Mingo bottom in 1775. George Cox of Brooke County, deposes, 14th August, 1801, that in September, 1772, he raised a cabin on the land. Certificate by Dunmore, 24th March, 1774, to Surveyor of Augusta County, that Sarah Gibbs, as representative of John McNeely, deceased, is entitled to 200 acres by his proclamation of 1763. Thos. Lewis's certificate, 10th May, 1774, that Alexr. Wells, assignee of Sarah Gibbs, wishes to locate above on 200 acres at the Mingo Path. Sarah has assigned to Alexr. Wells, of Baltimore County, Maryland. Johnson vs. Culbertson--O. S. 80; N. S. 27--Bill dated 15th April, 1806. Complainants are, viz: John B., Thomas M., Chapman, William, Jane, Ann Johnson, Patrick Machie and Dorathy, his wife, late Johnson. In 1785 Thomas Johnson of Louisa sold, &c., and above, with Richard C. Johnson, are children and heirs of Thomas. Richard C. died (after Thomas) in December, 1802, intestate, without children or wife. In 1802, Chapman left college and took administration of Thomas's estate, when he found James Culbertson had been dead a considerable time; his will was dated 17th April, 1788. He speaks of 4,000 acres he is entitled to as a Captain in the Virginia line. He served as commissary and quartermaster and forage master to Polaske's Legion. He was also issuing commissary for the prisoners stationed at Staunton, of Burgoyne's army. His property to be divided among his brothers and sisters, viz.: Robert, Molly Anne and Margaret. Robert was of Sherman's Valley, Penna. Johnston vs. Rankin--O. S. 80; N. S. 27--Will of Martin Johnson, Jr., dated 4th March, 1786. Proved in Orange County, 22d June, 1786. Mother Grace; uncle Martin, Sr. 100 Sitlington Heirs vs. Sitlington's Widow--O. S. 79; N. S. 27--Bill, 3d December, 1805. Orators are viz: James Kelso, and Eltzabeth, his wife, John Young and Polly, his wife; Nathan Crawford and Jane, his wife; Jennet Sloan (Kean?), Andrew Beaty and Agness, his wife; Edward McLaughlin and Jane, his wife; of whom Elizabeth, Polly, Jane Crawford, Jennet and Agness are the daughters and Jane Erwin is granddaughter of John Sutlington, deceased. John was brother of whole blood of Andrew Sutlington, of Bath. Andrew died 1787 without issue, widow Elizabeth. He made a will, dated 1801, and this suit is to contest it on account of inability by age and infirmity, being 90 years old. Andrew had written to John in Ireland to come to Virginia. He married Elizabeth when aged. She was a Montgomery? Her brother (?) John was a preacher. Defendants are viz: Elizabeth Sutlingon (widow of Andrew), Jacob Warwick, Andrew Sutlingon Warwick, Andrew Sutlington (son of Robert Sutlington), John Montgomery, and Andrew Erwin. Jacob Warwick answers that oratrix, Jane McLaughlin, is niece of Andrew Sutlington, who is understood to have had a half-sister, Mrs. Sherman, living in Pennsylvania at his death. Andrew had married the mother of Jacob. Elizabeth answers that John Sutlington had a son, Robert, now living in Bath. James Erwin is brother of Jane McLaughlin. Andrew died 15th April, 1804. He was in his 85th year. John Sutlington came to this country in 1774. Andrew and Elizabeth were married in 1779. Andrew Sitlington's will dated 12th October, 1801. Proved in Bath County, June, 1804. Wife Elizabeth; legatee Gean Crawford, wife of Nathan Crawford. Legatee Andrew Sitlington Crawford, son of Nathan. Legatee Gennet Sloan and her daughter, Polly Sloan. Legatee Polly Young, wife of John Young. Legatee Agness Beaty, wife of Andrew Beaty. Legatee Elizabeth Kelso, wife of James Kelso. Legatee Elizabeth, Sitlington Kelso, daughter of Elizabeth Kelso, Legatee nephew, James Erwin. Legatee nephew, Andrew Erwin. Legatee niece Jean McGloughlin, wife of Edward, and her son, Andrew McGloughlin. Legatee Andrew Sitlington McDonald, son of Samuel. Legatee Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of John. Legatee Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of Samuel. Legatee Andrew Sitlington Warwick, son of Jacob. Legatee Andrew Sitlington, son of Robert. Letter by Andrew to John dated Greenbrier, 25th September, 1776, speaks of brother William (in Pennsylvania), and brother Thomas, of sister Elizabeth. Jno. Wiley vs. McCampbell--O. S. 79; N. S. 27--Bill, 1804. John Wiley bought land on Carr's Creek from Borden and got deed in 1770, which he divided between his sons John and Andrew. The description calls for the lines of William McCampbell. Edward Gaylor deposes that in 1753 he lived with Frank McCown on the land in dispute. Kercheval vs. Davis--O. S. 81; N. S. 27--Bill filed 23d August, 1805. Orators are William Kercheval and Mary, his wife. Edward Doyle died intestate, February, 1804, leaving personal estate, of which a certain William Davis "by virtue of a supposed noncupative will, unproved, has possessed himself." Mary claims to be the nearest relative. Doyle was over 80. His wife died before him. He had no children. Answer says Mary is natural daughter of Nancy Doyle, in no way related to Edward. Answer sworn to in Frederick County. Rebeccah Dyerly, aged 51, deposes in Frederick, 18th October, 1806. She was intimate with Edward and his wife. 101 He said Mary was his second cousin and only relative in America. William Kercheval's son Elijah married Elizabeth Green's daughter. Mrs. Green had also a son William. Michael Pierce's deposition, aged 28, at house of Thomas Stribling, in Frederick, 12th November, 1806. William Kercheval was a Baptist living near Battletown. Mary Parker, aged 63, deposes at Millwood in Frederick County, 24th October, 1806. Jeremiah O'Connor deposes in Frederick, 26th September, 1806, both he and Edward were from Ireland. Edward said his father died when Edward was young, his mother remarried. His stepfather was cruel; he ran away and came to America when he was 15; said he had traveled much in America; had been in the war. Mary's father was Col. Beale, of the British Army. James Benn deposes, 25th September, 1806, both he and Edward were from Dublin. Peter Routt, aged 82, deposes 25th September, 1806. George Shipler (Schoebler), aged 48, deposes 1806. Joseph Drake, aged 67, deposes 18th August, 1806. Anna Blackmore, aged 71, deposes 18th August, 1806. Benjamin Berry, aged 80, deposes 18th August, 1806. Thomas Berry, aged 73, deposes 20th August, 1806. About 46 years ago he removed to Frederick and settled near Lord Fairfax. Nancy Doyle (mother of Mary) married a Mr. Campbell, removed to Fredericksburg and died there. Elizabeth Green, aged 50, deposes 20th August, 1806. Morgan vs. Stealey--O. S. 82; N. S. 28--Bill in Monongalia, January, 1802. Orator, Levi Morgan. Defendants are viz: Morgan, James, Uriah, Lodock, Horatio, Zackquill, Sarah, Hannah, Drusilla, and Rachel Morgan, William Stevenson and Anne, late Morgan, James Cochran and Temperance, his wife, late Morgan, Jacob Scott and Catherine, late Morgan, children, heirs, and legal representatives of Zackquill Morgan, Robert Minnis and John Stealey. Zackquil Morgan, Sr., laid off town of Morgantown. Orator took a trip to New Orleans and was believed to be dead when his father sold the lot in Morgantown in controversy. Defendant Stealey came to reside in Monongalia in 1787. Deed by Robert Minnis of Monongolia to John Stealey of Monongalia, dated September, 1800; proved at Monongalia District Court, September, 1800. Benj. Reeder deposes; mentions Major Jno. Williams and his son, Isaac. Catherine Evans deposes. Her husband, Thomas Evans. Noah Linsley deposes. Levi Morgan from 1787 to 1795 was generally in service when the Indians were troublesome. John Davis deposes he has lived in Morgantown since 1787. Shinn vs. Martin--O. S. 82; N. S. 28--Bill in Harrison County, 21st November, 1796, by Clement Shinn against Charles Martin. In 1772 Jonathan Shinn settled land in Harrison County on Mud Lick Run, but sold to his brother David Shinn who entered upon it 1772 or 1773, and then returned to his native State, New Jersey, where he entered the army. Levi Shinn was his brother. Martin got a patent. Daniel Stevens deposes, 4th January, 1797, in Harrison County. He was born in 1717. John Simpson deposes 13th July, 1798, in Harrison County. In 1772 he made an improvement on "Mud Lick Run." David Shinn deposes 11th August, 1798. He was a soldier at battle of Red Bank and Yorktown; took the oath before 1780. Eve Miller vs. George Miller's Executors--O. S. 82; N. S. 28--George Miller died in Shenandoah testate. Will proved in Shenandoah. Devised property to his children, viz: John, George, Philip, Frederick, Salome, 102 Barbara, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Jacob, Ann, Abrahan, Sarah, Joseph. Left widow, Eve, oratrix. Richard Muse vs. Thomas Muse's Executor and Devisee--O. S. 84; N. S. 28--Bills filed 3d August, 1804. Richard is only brother and heir of Thomas Muse, who died 1802; wife Susannah. Wife and her friends persuaded Thomas, a hypochondriae, to revoke a will in favor of Richard and make another dated 19th July, 1802. This will was drawn by Alexr. Smythe, who married Susannah's sister and is father of devisee Malvina. Defendants are, viz: Susannah, Alexr. Smythe; Henry Stephens and Catherine, his wife; Malvina Smythe; James Newell and Sarah, his wife; Stephen Sanders and Matty, his wife. Answer of William Murrah and Susanna, his wife, formerly relict of Thomas Muse, says Richard was only full brother of Thomas, but he had half brothers and sisters (of same mother) viz: John Chattan of Pittsylvania; Cornelius Deforst; Betsy, wife of Daniel Lockett, and Louisa, wife of William Lockett, of Wythe. Alexr. Smythe's wife was Nancy, sister of Susannah. Noland vs. Margaret Cromwell--O. S. 86; N. S. 29--Bill, 25th November, 1797. Orator, Thomas Noland of Berkeley. In 1772 Philip Noland got a warrant for land under Fairfax and in 1774 sold it to orator, brother of Philip. Philip and Catherine Noland depose in Madison County, Kentucky, 1799. Michael Altreith, aged 69 years, deposes 1798 Edward Mercer, aged 54 years, deposes 1798. John Mount, aged 39 years, deposes 1798. Poage's Heirs vs. Taylor & Ingles--O. S. 86; N. S. 29--Saml. Walker deposes that in 1771 he came to App's Valley and found a settlement belonging to Isaac Blangy, or Ballingy, and in the fall of that year he showed Robert Poage some land, where he settled. The Indians came: and he had to move his family to Col. Cloyd's. John Peevy (blacksmith) deposes that in 1772 he came with Jacob Harman, Samuel Walker, James More and others to App's Valley and saw a cabin belonging to Luna (Looney), also Blangy's cabin. The next fall he came again with Robert Poage and others. Thomas Ingles lived in the Valley and left only because, after the battle at the Point, the people were afraid the Indians would revenge Cornstalk's death. Thomas had been a prisoner among the Indians. Thomas did not settle under Blangy, but under his father William's military claim. John Taylor purchased the land when Ingles moved off. From 1774 to 1781 there was great danger from Indians, especially in Abb's Valley. There were many people killed, but none in Abb's Valley. James Moore and John Davidson resided in Abb's Valley from 1773 to 1782. Moore was killed with part of his family by the Indians, in 1786. Danl. Harman deposes, 1806 that he has known the Abb's Valley by that name 46 years. George Peery, brother of Thomas, deposes 1806. Cap. Moore and Robert Poage were brothers-in-law. Moore's wife was Poage. Cap. Moore was killed by Indians in July, 1786. When Robert Poage left this country he went to Georgia. Joseph Allen swears, 1806, that William Mitchel of Kentucky is a material witness. Mitchel said he went with Poage to Abb's Valley in 1772. There was then a cabin called Blangy's or Ballanger's. Porter vs. Paul--O. S. 87; N. S. 29--Deed by John Paul, of Rockbridge, to William Porter and John Porter, Jr., of Rockbridge, dated 17th February, 1804. Releases all claim as legatee under will of John Porter, Sr. Bill states, few years ago, John Porter, father of orators, William and 103