Temple Farm - Some History of York County; William and Mary College Quarterly V.2, No.1 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project. ************************************************************************ 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. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** "Temple Farm" Lyon G. Tyler William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Pepers, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Jul., 1893, pp. 3-21. 3 "Temple Farm" --------- BY THE EDITOR. On the 7 of January, 1633-4, court was held at a place called "York," on Charles River. By deed dated 2d May, 1634, "Martin Becker of Plimouth, Eng- land, merchant" leased for 11 years a tract of land in York plantation to Thomas Trotter, Thomas Jefferyes, and John Baylis. Martin Baker patented 600 acres "from Robert Bue's agst. Capt. Martur's(1) land," 24 April, 1635. Martin Becker was sheriff of New Kent in 1657. "Baker" and "Becker" were the same name. George Ludlow obtained a patent 26 July, 1646 for 1452 acres lyeing in Yorke Co., "beginning at the mouth of Wormeley's Creek, and from thence running up the River 555 poles unto certaine marked trees, "&c. 600 acres, part thereof formerly granted unto Martin Baker by patent dated 24 April, 1635, and 750 acres called "Yorke plantation," purchased from George Menifie, Esq. unto whom the same was mortgaged by Sir John Harvey. Ludlow's land adjoined on the west the land patented by Capt. Nicholas Martian on 14 March, 1639. This land, and not Ludlow's, was the present seat of Yorktown. Martian's daughter, Elizabeth, married Col. George Reade of the Coun- ----------- (1) Same as Capt. Martian, whose daughter, Elizabeth m. Col. George Reade of the Va. Council, dau. Mary m. Major John Scarsbrook of Warwick Cou., and dau. Sarah, m. Capt. William Fuller, Gov. of Maryland. 4 cil, and his son Benjamin Reade sold fifty acres for a town to the County in 1691. Old "York" was quite a different place from Yorktown. Court was often held there during the early part of the 17th century. Kiskiack was the first settlement in York County (1630). York was next (1632) and the Middle Plantation (1632) was the third. In September, 1632, and again in 1632-33, York was represented by Lyonell Goulston,(1) a Justice of York County.(2) George Ludlow came of a prominent family (3) of Wiltshire in England, and in Virginia was for many years a member of the Virginia Council, with rank of Colonel. He was baptized at Dinton 15th Sept., 1596, and his will was proved Aug. 1st, 1656. He left the farm on Wormeley's Creek, together with the rest of his property to a nephew, Lt. Coll. Thomas Ludlow, the sone of Gabriel and Phillis Ludlow. Thomas was baptized at Warminster 1st Nov. 1624, and John Ludlow, his brother, qualified on his estate in Vir- ginia, 20 Dec., 1660. (4) ----------- (1) Hen: Stats, i, 179,203. But in the York records and Hen. i, 148, the name is spelt, "Lyonell Rowlston." Commissioner for Eliza- beth City in March, 1628-9. The following year he sent 2 men to Chis- kiacke to plant corn. Hen., i, 139. (2) It is to be kept in mind that until 1642-3 the County was called Charles River. (3) For the English pedigree of the Ludlow family, see "New England Historic and Genealogic Register," Vol. 42, 181-184. The arms of the family: arg: a chevron between three martins' heads erased, sable. CREST: A demi-martin rampant sable; Motto, omne solum forte patria. (4) The inventory of Lt. Coll. Thomas Ludlow, deced, by vir- tue of an order of Court, bearing date 20 Dec., 1660, was recorded Jan. 26, 1660-1; amount, though all the personalty was not valued 113,686 pds. of tobacco and 449L 6s 5d. in money. Among the articles, "Judge Richardson to ye Wast in a picture," 0050 (pds. tob.) The books . . 0250. One rapier, one hanger and black belt . .0250; "three ---------- 5 Mary Ludlow, widow of Thomas, married Rev. Peter Temple of York Parish, and moved with her three children to England. Her son, George, and daughter, Mary, died without issue and her daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of Rev. John Wiles. In 1686, "Ludlow's Land" was sold (1) to Major Law- rence Smith, of Gloucester County. This gentleman was a man of great consequence in his day. In March, 1675-6, the General Assem- bly in order to stop Indian depredations appointed (2) a number of forts, and Major Lawrence Smith commanded "111 men out of Gloucester Co." at a fort near the falls of Rappahannock river. These forts helped to exasperate the people in Bacon's favor and Major Smith, who led the "trained bands" of Gloucester the next year against the rebels, was de- serted on the field by his troops, who surrendered to --------- p'r of new gloves and one p'r of worn buckskin gloves - - 070," one small silver Tankard new, one new silver hat band, two pair of silver breeches buttons, one wedding Ring, one scaled Ring, one flint-stone ring of gold, "a pcell of sweet powder and two p'r of band strings," "several small bookes T. Ballard had weh hee rated at 00137," 12 white servants and ten negroes, 43 cattle, 54 sheep and 4 horses, &c.-- York Co. records No. 3, pp 108-09. (1) "This Indenture made the 6th day of November, &c., 1686, between John Wiles of the Parish of culford in the County of Suff, Clerke and Elizabeth, his wife, sister and heir of George Ludlow, late of the Parish and County of Yorke in Virginia, Gent Decd whoe was sone and heire of Lieutenant Coll Thomas Ludlow, late of the said Parish and County of York in Virginia Decd, who was nephew and hey- re of Coll. George Ludlow, Esqr late of the said parish and county of York in Virginia Decd And Peter Temple of Sible Henigham in the county of Essex, Lerke and Mary his wife, Relict of the said Lieutenant Coll. Thomas Ludlow of the one ptie and Laurance Smyth of the County of Gloucester upon York River in Virginia, Esqr of the other ptie," conveys to Lawrence Smith that tract "knowne by the name of Ludlowe's Land now or late in the occupacon of the said Peter Temple, &c., between the mouth of Wormeley's Creek and the land of George Reade, Esqr &c., containing 1700 acres," &c. Wit- nesses, Tho: Cracherode, Tho: Heyward, James Andrews. (2) Henings Stats. i, p. 327. ---------- 6 Ingram.(1) He was surveyor for the Counties of Gloucester and York in 1686. (2) In 1691, he laid out Yorktown on the land of Benjamin Read. In 1699, the Governor recommended him among "the gentle- man of estate and standing" suitable for appoint- ment to the Council. (3) He died in 1700, and the honor of which the father was deemed worthy fell upon his son, John of Gloucester Co., who became Councillor and County-Lieutenant, and died about 1719-1720. Another son, Col. Lawrence Smith, became the owner of the plantation at Wormeley's Creek. (4) We have the title set out in 1716, as follows: At a court held for York County: ----- ---------- (1). The author of "Ingrams Proseedings," facetiously describes Major Smith "as a gent : man that in his time had hued out many a knotty piece of worke, and soe the better knew how to handle such rugged fellows as the Baconians were famed to be." Force His- torical Tracts. (2). York records. (3). Sainsbury MSS. (State Library.) (4). the follwoing are on record in York County Court: 1. Deed, ack. June 25, 1703, from John Smith of the Parish of Ab- ingdon to Laurence Smith, his brother, reciting the terms of a clause of their father's will -- "Laurence Smith, late of ye sd Parish of Abingdon & County of Gloster decd." The tes- tator had given 1300 acres in Abingdon parish to John Smith and his lands in York parish and county, to his son, Lau- rence for life, remainder to his grandson, John, who died Oct. 12, 1701. Mutual confirmation of title between the two broth- ers, Laurence and John. Witnesses: Wm. Buckner, Au- gustine Smith, William Smith. 2. Deed, (ack. 1708), from "William Smith of Abingdon parish in the Co. of Gloster Gentle" to the "Honble John Smith, brother of the said William and of the parish and County aforesaid Esq." for certain lands patented by John Jackson in Charles Parish 17 Aug., 1637. 3. Deed, ack. May 11, 1735, from Laurence Smith of the Parish of Abingdon in the County of Gloster, Gentleman, "son & heir of John Smith, late of the same parish, Esq., decd who was the eldest son & heir of Laurence Smith, late of the same parish, Gentleman, also decd" confirms lands in York to Lawrence Smith of the parish of York in the County of York, gent. ---------- 7 We the Jury Impannelled & Sworn to try ye matter in Is- sue in ye Ejectione firmae between Robert Westlake plt. & Lauce Smith, Deft. do find ye Patents granted by Nicholas Spencer, Esp. for ye Land in question unto William Cole, Esq., bearing date ye 20th day of November, 1683, being for six hundred and eighteen acres of Land. We also find ye deed of Wm Cole, bearing date ye 12th day of June, 1685, whereby ye Lands mentioned therein are conveyed by ye sd Wm Cole unto one Daniel Sheldon of London & that ye Lands in Controversie are thereby con- veyed by ye sd Cole to ye sd Sheldon by virtue of which ye sd Daniel was seized of ye same & dyed seized thereof. We also find that by ye decease of ye sd Daniel ye land now in question & in ye Patents & deeds aforesd mentioned is come or descended unto Gilbert sheldon, Son & heir to ---------- [Hening Stats, vi, 407 say, Lawrence Smith of Gloster, whose wife was Mary, gave June 12, 1691, two plantations in Gloster to his son, John, who was succeeded by his son and heir, Lawrence, alive in 1753.] 4. Deed, dated 18 May, 1734, between Lawrence Smith of Abingdon parish, Gloster Co., gent, and Henry Starchey of St. Margarets parish, Westmr in the Co. of Middlesex, Gent. 5. Deed between John Stachey, "late of Sutton Court in the Parish of Chew Magna in the County of Somerset, Esq., now in Virginia, and Laurence Smith of the County of Gloster, Gent," recites that "John Smith, late of Abingdon parish in the Co. of Gloster in the Colony of Virginia, Esq." and Elizabeth, his wife, were in right of said Elizabeth, seized of land adjoining the Brewer house yard in the Parish of St. Margarets; that they sold the same to said John Starchey by deed 30 Aug., 1705, and, as security for the confirmation of the title by the children of the said John Smith, they mortgaged 719 acres in Ware parish, patented by major Laurence Smith 20 July, 1662, and 1200 acres in Abingdon parish, patented 20 Oct., 1690; that said John Starchey, who is father of said Henry Starchey, in the next above deed now releases the said mort- gaged lands in Gloster Co. to Lawrence Smith, "son & heir of said John Smith, Esp." The deed mentions also a suit between the parties in the High court of chancery in Great Britain and a decree therein dated 26 Oct., 1731. ---------- 8 ye sd Danl w hich sd Gilbert (1) hath demised & leased ye same to ye plts. For ye Deft we find a Patent for six hundred acres granted to Martin Baker and his heirs forever ye Twenty- fourth day of april, 1635. We find a Patent dated ye 21st of July, 1646, by which 1452 acres of Land are granted to Geo. Ludlow, Esqr and his heirs forever in which Patent ye Land granted to ye sd Martin Baker is included. We find a Patent dated the 12th day of March, 1652, by which 1500 acres of Land are granted to ye sd George Lud- low & his heirs forever in which Patent ye sd 1452 acres are included. We find the ye sd Geo. Ludlow dyed seized of ye sd Land in ye sd patents mentioned & that after his death the Lands did descend to Tho: Ludlow, his nephew and heir who dyed seized thereof. We find ye sd Thomas Ludlow left only three children, George, Elizabeth and Mary & that ye sd George, son of ye sd Thomas, was seized of ye sd Lands & dyed so seized with- out issue. We find that after ye death of ye sd George Ludlow ye ---------- (1). In Berry's History of Sussex Co. Judith, eldest dau of George Rose and of Judith his wife, dau. of sir John Chapman, mar. (1) Sir Maurice Digges, (2) Daniel sheldon of Ham, Co. Surry and by last marriage had 1. Gilbert. 2. Judith, 1680. 3. Mary. Sir Maurice Digges was eldest son of Thomas Digges, heir of Sir Dudley. In York Co. Court, Virginia, is the record of a power of Attorney from "Gilbert Sheldon, Esq., only son and heir at law of Daniel Sheldon, late of London, Esqr" decd to "William Sheldon of York County in Virginia in partes beyond the seas, Jno Clayton of James Citty County in Girga Esqr and Joseph Walker in York County aforesd Mercht". Dated 7, Dec. 1715 Also a power of Atty. from "Gilbert Sheldon of Queen's Square in a County of Middlesex, Esq." to Cole Digges of York Co. to ac- knowledge a lease and release to Joseph Walker of York County in the Dominion of Virginia, Esq. of lands formerly patented by Robert Kinsey and conveyed 12 June, 1685 to Daniel Sheldon of York Coun- ty, who by his last will dated 16 Feb., 1696, devised the same to Gilbert Sheldon, his only son, parties to these presents." Proved March 21, 1719. William Sheldon, above mentioned, died s. p., but his name is preserved in the Sclater family of Virginia. ---------- 9 son of ye sd Tho: ye lands did descend to ye Eliza his sis- ter & heir. We find that ye sd Elizabeth together with John Wiles, her husband & Peter Temple & Mary, his wife, by Inden- ture of bargain & sale, bearing date ye 6th day of Novembr 1686, did legally convey all ye Lands mentioned & contained within ye bounds of ye sd Patents to Lawrence Smith, fa- ther of ye sd Deft. & to his heirs forever. We find ye sd Law Smith hyed Seized of ye sd Lands. We find ye will of Colo Lawrence Smith dated ye 8th of August, 1700, hereto annexed. We find ye Deposition of Edwd Moss hereto annexed. We do not find ye bounds of ye Land Claimed by ye Plt. to have been ascertained or described otherwise than in ye sd Patent to ye sd Wm Cole nor before the time of granting ye sd Patent to ye sd Wm Cole. We find that ye Lands in ye sd Patents & Indenture men- tioned are part of ye Lands claimed by ye Plt. And if up- on ye whole matter ye Law be with ye plt we find for ye plt one shilling damage, if not we find for ye deft. MATTHEW BALLARD, Form The Court decided the law for Col. Smith. And thereupon an appeal was taken by the plaintiff to the General Court, but it does not seem with any success, as Smith and his heirs held the land. Lawrence Smith was Colonel, Justice, Sheriff of York County, one of the feoffees of Yorktown, and a member of the House of Burgesses. He married 1st Mildred, daughter of Capt. Thomas Chisman, (1) brother of Major Edmund chisman of Bacon's Re- bellion and 2dly Mildred, daughter of John Reade (1) ---------- (1) Will pr. 18, July 1715 [erroneously stated in Oct. (1892) Quarterly to have died in 1722, by confusing him with son of the same name who died that year]. Capt. Thomas Chisman, m. Eliza- beth, dau. of Col. George Reade. Col. Augustine Warner, m. Mildred, another daughter of Col. George Reade. Thomas Chisman, named in text, mentions in his will, children: Thomas, Jane, Sarah, Anne, Mildred Smith, Eliza Lucas. (1) John Reade was eldest son of Col George Reade and mar- ried Mary, dau. of John Lilly (so stated in a deed, 1688). He was ---------- 10 and widow of James Goodwyn, (1) Col. Smith's will reads as follows: (2) Will of Lawr Smith, dated 11th March, 1736-7, and wit- nessed by John Buckner, John Ballard, William Nelson, Ish- mael Moody. I give and bequeath to my son, Lawrence Smith, one parcel or moiety of Land lying on the other side of the Creek on which Creek the mill stands and up the Southernmost branch of the said Mill pond, commonly called Y known by the name of Flowers branch, which parcel of Land is com- monly known by the name of Miller's Field, containing about one hundred acres be the same more or less and also one other parcel or moiety of Land within the same patent joing to Esq. Wormeley's Land, and running down over a Swamp, called the Brook to Chisman's Land, containing three hundred acres be the same more or les to him and his Heirs forever. Item, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Mildred Smith, the neck of Land whereon I now live from the mouth of Wormeley's Creek up the River to my Pasture fence, which now is along the said fence to the Pasture Gate that now is, and from thence South two degrees West to the Mill Swamp during her natural life, and then to my son Robert Smith, and his heirs forever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son, Edmund Smith all the remaining part of the Land within the same patent, formerly known by the name of Ludlow's Pat- ---------- Justice of York in 1692, and for many years later. His will proved 16 march, 1712 mentions children: John of King and Queen; Mar- garet, wife of Thomas Nelson; Thomas, George, Samuel and Mildred, who married 1st, James Goodwin, 2d Col. Lawrence Smith. Wife, Mary. Brothers, Benjamin and Thomas Reade. Overseers to see his will performed, "brother Thomas Reade, Cossn Capt. Lawrence Smith and my son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Nelson." Will of Mary Read was proved 20 Nov., 1722; mentions sons, John, Samuel and Francis; grand dau., Mary Nelson and her brother, John; grandson, William Nelson: son of John Exor., and Mr. Benjamin and Mr. Thomas Reade, trustees. (York records). (1). "Lawrence Smith and Mildred, his wife, late Mildred Good- win, complts. and John Goodwin, Exors. of James Goodwin, &c.," 1720. York Records. (2) tuesday morning last, at his house near Yorktown, died Col. Lawrence Smith, many years Justice of the peace and representa- tive. From the Va. Gazette, 1739. ---------- 11 ent to him and his Heirs forever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son, Lawrence Smith one lott or half acre of Land ly- ing in Yorktown, joining upon Mr. Robert Reade's Lott upon the South side of the Main Street, to him & his Heirs forever. Item, I give & bequeath my mill to my three sons and my wife during her widowhood, but, if my wife should marry, my will & pleasure is to give my mill to my three sons to be equal sharers together with my old negro Jemmy among them. I give and bequeath to my son, Edmund Smith all the negroes, stocks, Goods, House-hold stuff and all other per- sonal Estate that I have formerly Possessed him withall. Item, I give and bequeath to my Loving wife and to my five children, which I had by her, viz, Margaret, Catherine, Rob- ert, Lucy and Lawrence and all the remaining part of my Estate of what kind or nature soever within his Majesty's Dominions to be equally divided among them. And it is my further desire that my Loving wife should have the manage- ment of my whole Estate during her widowhood without giv- ing any security for the same, but if my wife should marry, then it is my desire that she give good security for my chil- dren's part of the Estate or deliver it up to my two trustees hereafter named. Item, I constitute and appoint my beloved friend, William Nelson, son to Mr. Thomas Nelson of York- town and my son, Edmund Smith to be Trustees of this my Last Will and Testament." &c Pr. March 19, 1738." Edmund Smith, Col. Smith's eldest son by Mil- dred (Chisman), married Agnes, (1) dau. of Richard Sclater of York Co. ---------- (1) William Booth, J. P. of York Co. (w. dated 13 May, 1691; (d. May 16, 1692, m. Margaret, (I think she was the d. of Col. James Bray) had I, Hope m. John Tomer, dand d. Jan. 19, 1686, issue John Tomer, Jr. II, Elizabeth, who m. Capt. Thos. Nutting, J. P. of York Co., d. July 31, 1717; w. pr. Sept. 16, 1717, and had I. Booth, d. s. p. April 5, 1701-02. 2. Mary m. Richard Sclater. 3. Elizabeth m. John Dos- well, Jr. (w. pr. Dec 15, 1717). 4. Katharine, who m. 1st Capt. Wil- liam Sheldon, m. 2d Robert Armistead, son of Col. Anthony Armi- stead of Elizabeth city Co. and had issue. 5. Jane. (2) Richard Sclater, (d. Nov. 7, 1718; w. pr. Nov. 17, 1718) appointed by Peter Beverley, Gent, surveyor of York Co., 21 May, 1715, and Mary (Nutting), his wife, issue: I. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 4, 1703, m. 1st James Sclater, son of Rev. James Sclater, 2d Daniel Moore. 2. Agnes of the text, b. May 6, 1707. 3. Mary, b. Mch 9, 1712, m. Samuel Reade, brother of Mildred (Reade) Smith. ---------- 12 They had a daughter, Mildred, (1) who married David Jameson, a prominent Merchant of Yorktown Va., but she left no children. David Jameson, her husband, was from Scotland, with which Yorktown before the Revolution drove a flourishing trade. He became Lt. Governor of the new ---------- (1) Her tomb, ornamented with the Jameson arms impaled with the arms of Smith, is found at Temple Farm. The inscription is (Va. Hist. Society Coll. vol. xi, p. 102). Underneath this marble lies the Body of MILDRED JAMESON, Wife of David Jameson, and Daughter of Edmund and Agnes Smith of York County. She departed this Life the 10th Day of December, 1778 in the Forty-sixth Year of her Age. David Jameson had a brother, Thomas, died 1771, who married Mary, dau. of Rev. Thomas Robinson, Master of the Grammar School in the College of William and Mary, and Edith Tyler, his wife, aunt of Judge John Tyler. Mary Jameson's will pr. 19, Aug. 1771. The children of Thomas and Mary were: Dolly Graham and Thomas Jameson. the former married Samuel Ayres and David J. Ayers of Keokuk, Iowa, is his grandson. David Jameson was Lieutenant Governor, a member of the State Senate, &c., and his will is recorded in the Hustings Court Record book of Yorktown. He gave one-half of his property to John Jame- son to whom Major Andre was delivered and w ho was Lt. Col. in the Continental line and one-half to David Jameson of Culpeper and David Jameson, Jr. of Caroline, his nephews. The arms on the tomb above mentioned are dexter: a saltire can- toned with four ships. Sinister: a chevron betw: 3 acorns slipped and leaved. Crest: a ship. Motto: viv -- * * * ut vivas (partially worn away). The first corresponds in Burke to the arms of Jameson of Scot- land, and the sinister, in Grazebrook's "Family of Smith," to the arms of Smith of Tottne, Co. Devonshire, England. ---------- 13 commonwealth. Edmund Smith died (1) in 1750, in Yorktown. His son, Lawrence, apprenticed himself to David Jameson "to learn the mart of merchantdize and book keeping," 15 June, 1753. Lawrence's will, dated 7 July, 1787, pr. 15 Dec., 1788, mentions wife, Elizabeth and children. An Elizabeth Smith died about 1812, and her will proved Oct. 19, 1812 men- tions sons, Peyton and George. The will of Lawrence, son of Col. Lawrence Smith, was proved Feb. 15, 1779, and in 1805, Rob- ert, Lawrence's son, sold to Robert Gibbons of York- town, 120 acres on Wormeley's Creek devised to him by his father's will after a life estate in his mother Damaris (Gibbons). Robert (3) dies about 1814. By the will, however, of Col. Lawrence Smith, the neck of land whereon he now (1750) lived at the mouth of Wormeley's Creek went to Mrs. Mildred (Reade) Smith for life. He will (4) was proved Jan. 21, 1754, and the land under her husband's will went to her son, Robert, (5) who by deed ack. 20, Feb. ---------- (1) Will, pr. 18 March, 1750, mentions sons, Lawrence and Thomas, daus. Mildred and Mary. Witnesses, Gwyn Reade, Samuel Reade, John Payras and Robert Smith. (2) Damaris m. afterwards William Mitchell, Merchant of Yorktown. Her will, pr. 17 Mch., 1806, mentions son, Robert Smith, dau Lucy Smith, and Lucy's children, Mary Calthorpe Smith and Eliza Smith, Bro. Robert Gibbons and friend John Smith. (3) Will of Robert Smith, d. Feb 1, 1813 -- proved, 16 May, 1814, mentions his uncle, Robert Gibbons. (4) Disposes of lots in Yorktown to her sons, Robert and Law- rence Smith; mentions her dau. Lucy Moore; her Bro. Samuel Reade. (5) Robert Smith's will pr. 21 Apr., 1777 bequeaths to his wife, Rachel, his portion of the undivided personalty of her father, John Kerby. From Charles Parish register, Robert Smith, (who m. 1st Mary Calthorpe, b. Feb 8, 1733, dau. of Elimelech Calthorpe, son of James, who was son of Col. Christopher Calthorpe of York Co) had ---------- 14 1769, sold it for 1200L to Augustine Moore, (1) who married his sister Lucy. On his death (2) in 1788, without issue, Moore left the estate to his "ever ---------- i. Calthorpe Smith, b. Sept. 14, 1767, ii. Lucy and George, twins, b. Oct. 4, 1769; m. 2d Rachel (Kerby) and had iii. Mary, b. Aug. 29, 1772. According to a bond dated 21 August 1780, given by Thomas Nelson, Jun., "as guardian of Augustine and Thomas Smith, orphans of Robert Smith, deceased," there appear to ahve been two other sons, probably by Mary Calthorpe as the Calthorpe name appears among the children of Augustine Smith -- "Page Family," p. 71. John Smith, who makes his will in 1814, was another son, as he calls Augustine Smith, brother. (1) Augustine Moore, patent June 29, 1652, headrights, Anne is wife, Augustine 2 his son. Capt. Augustine2 Moore lived in the "old pocoson" precinct in Elizabeth City County, of which he was Justice, High Sheriff, &c. in 1697, probably the son mentioned in the patent above (June 29, 1652.) Daniel3 probably the son of Augustine2 lived in the "new po- coson" in York County, was Justice, Sheriff, &c. W. pr. 16, Mch 1767, m. 1st Elizabeth, d. of James Sclater, (and Mary Sclater) son of Rev. James Sclater, issue: i. Mary, b. Oct. 27, 1729; w. pr. 19 Apr., 1790, m. Edmund Tabb, (w. pr. 15 Mch, 1762), who had Elizabeth, m. ----- Smith, Augustine, and Fanny m. ------ Powell. ii. Augustine b. March 6, 1731; w. pr. 15, Sept. 1788. iii. Martha b. May, 1734, m. ----- Sweny. Daniel Moore, married 2d Mary, daughter of John Lewellin, who survived him. The Moore families of Elizabeth City, York and King William in whom the name, Augustine, appeared to be a family name, were prob- ably all descended from Augustine (1) Moore above mentioned. (2) An order of court in 1746, binds Augustine Moore as ap- prentice to President William Nelson, (father of Gen. Thomas Nel- son) who inherited the large business at Yorktown, founded by his father, "Scotch Tom," of Penrith, Cumberland Co., England. In the will of Gen. Nelson, pr. 16 Feb., 1789, Doctor Augustine Smith [his name was not John Augustine Smith] "not to be called upon to repay one shilling that I have expended on his maintenance and education." Dr. Smith, m. Alice Page, dau. of Gov. John Page and died in 1805. His widow married Dudley Digges. (See Quarter- ly Jan., 1893, p. 96). The Nelson arms are: Per pale, argent and sable, a cehvron be- tween three fleurs counterchanged. ---------- 15 worthy friend, Gen. Thomas Nelson," subject to the life estate in his wife.(1) These researches make it very evident that the conclusion of Mr. Wm. H. Shield in his letter (2) to Bishop Meade, that Temple Farm was once the resi- dence of Gov. Spotswood, and that he lies buried there, is ill founded. I doubt not that Mr. Shield out of fragments of tombstones put together the name of Spotswood, but without further words this is not conclusive of its being his tombstone. The weight of evidence is that he was buried at his home at Germanna. The name, "Temple Farm," does not appear to have been used in desig- nating the place till after 1818. (3) Or if an earlier date shall be assigned to it, it is more natural to re- fer the origin of the name to Rev. Peter Temple who married the widow of Ludlow, and occupied it at the time of its transfer to the Smiths. What is pointed out as an ancient temple is evidently the ruins of old York Church situated at or near the old York plantation described in the patents. This suggestion is confirmed by the simple fact that Christian settlers did not build Greek tem- ples, but churches; and within the enclosure (proving the antiquity of the ruins) were several defaced and broken monuments of which only one, ornamented with the Gooch arms, is now legible, placed there ---------- (1) Her will pr. 16 Oct., 1797, mentions her nieces, Mildred and Lucy Smith, and nephews John, Thomas, George and Dr. Augustine Smith. Witnesses, Wm. Reynolds, Abraham Archer. ex'or Dr. Augustine Smith. (2) Meade's "Old Churches," & c., I. p. 227. (3) It was then called "Temple Field." In this year the proper- ty was surveyed and found to contain 454-1/2 acres. Robert Smith es- timated the acreage at 500 in 1768. (Deed). ---------- 16 55 years before Spotswood came to Virginia in mem- ory of Major Gooch, (1) a member of the Virginia Council. The old York church and its monuments were abandoned when Yorktown was laid out in 1691. To this once busy emporium of trade the Court House and the Church of York parish were soon transferred -- the one from the Half-way house, near the "French ordinary" on the road leading into Mar- tin's Hundred and other other (2) from the old forgotten plantation of Martin Baker and George Menifie. the articles of surrender were signed in 1781, in the old Smith mansion, then occupied by Augustine Moore, who was not the Bernard Moore, whom Kate Spotswood married. The present building, inhabited by Mr. John Cruikshank, was originally the centre building to which was attached two wings. The following facts gleaned from the York records may be added in support of these conclu- sions. Till Jan 20, 1679-80, the Court for York County met at private residences. Then the place of adjournment was changed to the French ordi- nary. Then Court was held at the Half-way house near the "French ordinary." In 1691, pursuant to an act (3) establishing ports, the Justices purchased ---------- (1) Gooch arms: Per pale, ar. and sa. a chev. between three talbots pass counterchanged; on a chief gu. as many leopards; heads ar. Crest -- A talbot pass. per pale. ar. and sa. Motto -- Fide et virtute. For inscription see Va. Hist. So. Coll. vol. xi, p. 102. Major William Gooch's dau. Anne m. Capt. Thomas Beale, son of Col. Thomas (and Alice Beale) of the Council. (2) Near the "Half-way" house long kept by the Hansfords, are the ruins of old Hampton parish (formerly Chiskiack) Church. Some years after the establishment of Yorktown, in 1706, York and Hampton parishes wre united in one and called -- York-Hampton parish. The silver service in use at the church at Yorktown is inscribed with the name of old Hampton Church. (3) Hen. Stats. ---------- 17 50 acres from Benjamin Reade, for port on York river. The town was laid out in half acre lots by Major Lawrence Smith, surveyor. Lots were pur- chased by Francis Nicholson, Governor from 1690 to 1692, and by other leading citizens. Nicholson was Governor of Maryland from 1694 to 1698, and in 1699, was Governor a second time of Virginia. In 1695, the Governor of Maryland presented his three half acres of land and houses thereon to the Court of York County "to be disposed of for the use of Mr. Robert Leightenhouse, the present schoolmaster, and afterwards to the use and advantage of such per- sons as shall teach school by ye approbacon and al- lowance of ye Court aforesd." At a court held Novemb. 26th, 1696, the follow- ing letter of gift was recorded: York County, October ye 26th, 1696. I promise to give five pounds sterl. towards building the cort house att Yorke Town. And twenty pounds of sterl. if within two years they build a brick Church att ye same Town. As wittnesse my hand ye day and year above written. FFRA: NICHOLSON, STEPHEN FFOUACE (1) ROBERT BILL Finally, march 24, 1697-8, the following order was entered: Itt is Ordrd by this Cort yt ye sherr remove to York Town ye standard of this County and all other implements & materiales yt are moveable & belonging to this County from ye old Cort House, ye prison stocks & pillory And yt ye same be duly pformed sometimes betwixt this and ye next cort. The following is an abstract of title to Temple Farm since the day of Gen. Nelson, prepared by the ---------- (1) Minister York Parish. ---------- 18 distinguished lawyer, J. F. Hubbard, Esq. of York Co. ----------- ABSTRACT OF TITLE TO TEMPLE FARM IN YORK COUNTY FROM 1789. 1. By the will of General Thomas Nelson, admitted to probate at the Court held for the County of York on the 16th Day of Feb: 1789 General Nelson devised the reversion in fee, subject to the life estate of Mrs. Lucy Moore, in the said tract of land, to his son, Hugh Nelson. 2. By deed bearing date 22nd May, 1818, recorded in D. B. No. 8, p. 507, York Co. Clerk's Office, Hugh Nelson conveyed to Thomasin Nelson, Thomas Nelson and George W. Nelson, heirs of Thomas Nelson deced, the said tract of land, (then called "Temple Field") "and his interest in a grist mill adjoining the above named tract of "Temple Field." 3. By deed dated 8th May, 1821, Recorded in D. B. No. 9, p. 92, Thomas Nelson, George W. Nelson, Carter Berkeley and Francis N. his wife, and William Meade and Thomasin, his wife, conveyed to John Bailey, said tract of land called "Temple Farm" containing 454-1/2 acres. 4. By deed dated 28th August, 1824, recorded in D. B. No. 9, p. 450, John Bailey conveyed the said tract of land to Matthew Guy. 5. By deed dated 27th Feby: 1830, recorded in D. B. No. 11, p. 106, Matthew Guy conveyed to Thomas Newman, the said tract of land described as "containing 454-1/2 acres, by survey made in 1818, and bounded as follows: beginning at small cedar on York River shore opposite the end of a ditch, which divides from the land of Major Thomas Griffin, running with the meanders of the River to Wormeley's Creek, thence with the meanders of the Creek to an old mill pond, thence with the meanders of the said mill pond, on the north side, to the intersection of a line drawn due south from a small syca- more at the distance of two poles from the said mill pond, thence to the said sycamore, thence a due north course 192 poles. 6. By deed dated Jany. 1st, 1835, recorded in D. B. No. 12, p. 26, Thomas Newman and wife conveyed "Temple Farm" to Wm H. Sheild, containing 474 Acres, "with the Mill Seat thereto attached, and with the privilege to said W. H. Sheild 19 to rebuild the mill without claiming any damages, which may arise or may be assessed from the overglowing any portion of the land recently purchased by the said Newman of the heirs of the late Robert Gibbons -- opposite the said Temple Farm tract and runing along the former mill pond of said Temple Farm tract. 7. By deed dated Jany. 1st, 1840, recorded in D. B. No. 13, p. 542, W. H. Shield & wife conveyed to Wm M. Petitt, Temple Farm, containing 474 A: bounded on the north by York River, on the east by Wormeley's Creek, on the south by land of Thomas Newman and on the west by the lands of Peter Goodwin and Bailey I. Elliott. 8. By deed dated Jany. 1st, 1854, recorded in D. B. No. 16, p. 39, Wm M. Pettit & wife conveyed Temple farm and Water grist mill to James P. Selby. 9. By deed dated Jany. 1st, 1854, recorded in D. B. No. 16, p. 41, James P. Selby conveyed to James W. Custis, trus- tee, the Temple Farm tract of land and water grist mill to se- cure the payment of certain notes to Wm. M. Pettitt. This deed has been released. Se below, No. 10. 10. By deed dated 10th, Decr. 1857, recorded in D. B. No. 16, p. 263, James P. Selby & wife, James W. custis, trus- tee, and Wm M. Pettitt, (Custis & Pettitt uniting to release the trust deed just above recited) conveyed to Samuel C. White Temple Farm, containing 475 A: more or less, and a "water grist mill, the dam of which abuts one side against the said tract of land and on the other side against the lands of Thomas Newman's devisees." 11. By deed dated 10th, Decr: 1857, recorded in D. B. No. 16, p. 261, Samuel C. White conveyed to Wm S. Peachey, trustee, Temple Farm & water grist mill, described as above, to secure to James P. Selby, the payment of eight bonds (being part of the purchase money: This deed of trust has been released. See No. 18, below.) 12. By deed dated 12th, April 1866, recorded in D. B. No. -----, p. -----, Samuel C. White & wife conveyed to Nathaniel Williams, trustee, Temple Farm, described as above, subject to deed of trust last recited, to secure the payment of a bond to Martha E. Williams and another to Clara M. Hewson. 13. By deed dated 6th Feb: 1868, recorded in D. B. No. ----, p. ----, Samuel C. White conveyed to Isaiah H. White the Temple Farm tract, subject to all liens, sales and encum- brances. 20 14. By deed dated 22nd, July 1869, recorded in D. B. No. 17, p. 231, Nathaniel F. Williams, trustee, conveyed Temple Farm to Clara M. Hewson, subject to deed of trust from Sam- uel C. White to W. S. Peachey, trustee, dated 19th Decr: 1851. This conveyance was passed on and sustained by the Court of Appeals of Va. See Shurtz & als. vs. Johnson & als. 28th Gratt: 657. 15. Quit Claim Deed dated 13th, Nov. 1869, recorded, D. B. 17, p. 265, from Anthony M. Kember, Richard Cadburry and Ellisston P. Morris to Clara M. Hewson, releasing inter- est in Temple Farm. 16. By deed dated 28th Feb., 1870, recorded in D. B. No. 17, p. 293, Clara M. Hewson conveyed to W. D. Shurtz Temple Farm tract in York County. 17. By deed dated 28th Feb., 1870, recorded in D. B. 17, p. 294, W. D. Shurtz & wife conveyed to Nathaniel F. Wil- liams, trustee, Temple Farm in York containing between 475 & 500 A: to secure payment of certain debts to Clara M. Hew- son. (See No. 19 below.) 18. By deed dated 29th March, 1881, recorded in D. B. No. 19, p. 491, W. S. Peachy, trustee in deed of trust executed by Samuel C. White, dated Decr: 10th, 1857, released his title & estate to W. D. Shurtz. (See No. 11, above.) 19. By deed dated 16th April, 1881, recorded in D. B. No. 19, p, 504, N. F. Williams, trustee for Clara M. Hewson, released Temple Farm from deed of trust executed by W. D. Shurtz. Bearing date Feb: 28th 1870 -- (See No. 17, above.) 20. By deed recorded in D. B. No. ----, p. ----, W. D. Shurtz & wife conveyed to Walter B. Brooks, trustee, Temple Farm with other property, to secure payment of certain debts. 21. By deed dated 4th April, 1881 recorded in D. B. No. 19, p. 503, Walter B. Brooks, trustee, conveyed to W. D. Shurtz, all his right and interest in "Temple Farm." 22. By deed dated 5th May, 1881, recorded in D. B. No. 19, p. 555, W. D. Shurtz & wife conveyed Temple Farm, including the mill seat, dams & abutments, etc. to the York- town Centennial Association. 23. By deed dated 3rd May, 1881, recorded in D. B. No. 19, p. 521, The Yorktown Centennial Association conveyed to R. Foster, trustee, Temple Farm upon certain trusts, among others to secure the payment of part of the purchase money to W. D. Shurtz. 24. Under decree of the Cir: Court of York County en- tered in the Chancery Cause therein pending under the style of R. J. & Jno. R. Neely vs. The Yorktown Centennial Associ- ation, etc., Temple Farm was sold to satisfy debts thereon & bought by B. W. Ford.