William & Sara Stone in Virginia

The Three Rivers Chronicle
Publication of the Three Rivers Historical Society at Hemingway, S.C. 29554
Volume VII March, 1987 No. 1

William and Sarah Stone of the Northern Neck of Virginia, by Bertha C. Chandler

The Northern Neck of Virginia is more than an historic Place. It's past history lives and breathes with you, and it's pulse beats with yours if you walk along the old Indian Paths, and the creeks that still bear Indian names. In that ancient land where the "Rappahannoc" Indians were the first settlers, and were members of the powerful "Powhatan Confederacy", there is much history. Their tribe along with others made a strong group on the east coast. They traveled by water or on land by foot, and made the first roads which were paths made by animals. They followed the animal paths that went to water, and these paths later became the roads that the settlers used to roll their tobacco hogsheads to the nearest port.

The Indians left their names behind when they were pushed further and further inland. Names like "Rappahannoc Indian Towne", Indian Banks, Menokin, Morattico, Tappahannock, Powhatan and Totuskey are still in use there. I found the Northern Neck of Virginia to be a neck or peninsular of land lying between the Potomac and the Rappahannock Rivers. It is almost an island. It most likely was referred to by the early settlers at Jamestown as the Northern Neck. The name appears in print in early records as "Ye Northern Necke". It is a narrow strip of land about twenty miles wide and runs inland between the two rivers for about one hundred miles before it narrows at Fredericksburg, Virginia. There the Rivers almost join, almost making it an island. It was to this place that William and Sarah Stone brought their young family and seated their Plantation on Totuskey Creek, Old Rappahannock County.

William Stone bought 200 acres of land on Totuskey Creek from Gyles and Mary Cole on October 20, 1672. (deed book 5, p. 86 & 87, Essex County Court House in Tappahannock, Va., for 600 Lbs. of tobacco received from Wm. Stone...a conveyance of 200 acres of land on Totuskey Creek;)

Another deed in Essex County, where the Old Rappahannock County records are kept at Tappahannock, is dated April 3, 1680. On page 105, Robert Bedwell to William Stone....Robert Bedwell of Farnham Parish of Rappahannock County, Planter, with consent of wife, Susanna, and for 250 lbs. sterling paid by William Stone, of Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Planter, do sell....720 acres in Farnham Parish." April 3, 1680
Witnesses:
Dominick Rice Robert and Susanna Bedwell
Henry Albin Recorded 7th, April, 1680
Peter Ellis Edmo. Craske cl cur.

Another deed for William Stone is recorded on Page 106.
Deed: Richard Gregory to William Stone - "Richard Gregory of Farnham Parish, Rappahannock, Planter...in consideration of 12 lbs. 10 shillings sterling, and a breeding mare...from William Stone of the Parish of Kinston, County of Gloucester, do sell...250 acres in Farnham Parish Rappahannock County on south side of Hoskins Creek." 14th February, 1679/80.. Richard Gregory
Witness: rec: Rappahannock; 7th April 1680
George Seaton Edmo. Craske c l cur
George Axe

William and Sarah Stone's homestead on Totuskey Creek was close to the Lancaster County line and not far from North Farnham Church. When the North Farnham Parish Register opens (1663-1814), there was no such Parish. It was simply Farnham Parish and covered both sides of the Rappahannock River in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia. In 1684 Farnham Parish was subdivided into North Farnham Parish and the Rappahannock River as the natural boundary. Then, in 1692 Old Rappahannock County was abolished and became the parent of two new counties, South Farnham Parish fell into Essex County and North Farnham Parish Fell into Richmond County.

Totuskey Creek; an Indian name of unknown meaning, is a big creek, with lots of branches. It arises near the Northumberland County line and flows northerly, then westerly, and finally southwest into the Rappahannock River. I walked along the banks for a ways and stood by the bridge where the Highway #3 crosses it on it's way to Lancaster County; and I thought of these ancestors who, three hundred and thirteen years ago, bought their first land on Totuskey Creek, fought the Indians, cleared the land by girdling the trees like the Indians, and planted their seeds in between the stumps like them. It is really peaceful there. No noise and no one is hurrying. Many families with names familiar to us here also lived along Totuskey Creek, and the Rappahannock River. Along with William and Sarah Stone there was living in the Northern Neck of Virginia in 1680 William, Thomas and John Chandlor; John , William and James Creel; Robert, James and Henry Austin, who also lived on Totuskey Creek. There was Charles and Thomas Dodson; Charles, John, William, and Alexander Fleming; William, John, George, and Robert Taylor; Samuel Godwin, many Turners and Tunes, Many Colemans and Coles, and Pursells and others.

Since we have gotten pretty well into the history of the Northern Neck of Virginia I want to enter some other histories of families living in this part of Virginia at the same time. At times the histories cross as with the mention of Epaphroditus Lawson in both the Payne and Harper histories.
One of the oldest families was that of Councillor Robert Carter

Old Rappahannock Co. Va., Farnham and North Farnham Parish Register, Preserved by the Circuit Court of Richmond Co., at Warsaw, Va; Photostat in the Virginia State Archives. The records prior to 1692 were made in Old Rappahannock County, and are here listed as follow; Born Tobias son of John and Elizabeth Phillips July 12, 1687 (My mothers family)

This is taken from the Dale Family Ancestry Sullivan Co., Maryland, Descendants of Dale, Microfilm No. 1320946.

More on Dale Family
This Thomas Dale first appears in 1653 as an immigrant to Warrick, Co., Virginia. There is also another, unrelated Thomas Dale, who is the son of Nicholas Dale. Nicholas came over in 1638. Many land grants ascribed to the 1653 immigrant Dale actually belong to Nicholas's son.

Several members of the Dale family claim Sir Thomas Dale, early governor of Virginia, as their ancestor. Sir thomas Dale died in 1619 in the East Indies leaving no children. the will of his wife Elizabeth Throckmorton Dale was proved on May 7, 1641, and is recorded in North Hampton Co, Va. She mentioned no children. An Edward Dale was sworn in as clerk of Lancaster Co. on Dec. 7 1655. He died in that county on Feb. 2, 1695. He mentions two daughters, Elizabeth Rogers, wife of William, and Katherine Carter; and the Carter grandchildren. his wife was Diana Skipwith, daughter of Sir Henry Skipwith and his wife Amy, who was daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Kempe, Knt.
Also some on the Blackmore family of Lancaster Co., Va.

Capt. John ROGERS was born in 1620 in Eng/VA.1 He was in May 1655 a justice of Co. vestry man of Chicacone parish. He was in 1665 a Sheriff for 1655-56.3 He died before 21 Jul 1680 in VA. His will was presented for probate, but is no longer of record in Northumberland Co.
Capt. John Rogers was the first of this family in VA, on 8/4/1655 stated his age was 45. He purchased 250 acres in Northumberland Co. from James Claughton on 1/20 1652/3. On Nov 30, 1656 he repatented the 300 acres he had originally patented in 1654 (Virginia Patents, v 4 pp 39-40.v. 3 p 277). He added another 200 acres on 8/31/1657 (VA Patents v 4, p 204) and on 1/9/1662/3 repatented this land and his 250 acres originally patented in 1654. (ibid., p. 569) On 7/20/1654 John conveyed a calf to each of his children Katherine, Elizabeth and John (Northumberland co. VA, Record Bk. 14, p 47r)

In all likelihood Thomas Dale whose name appears in the land grants of Jan. 4 1653 where he was patented 900 acres in New Kent Co., Va, and 350 acres in Gloucester Co. on the north side of the Mattaponi River. Because of the changes in the county boundaries, this smaller grant was in New Kent Co., in 1654 and in King and Queen Co. in 1891. The smaller grant was renewed on May 24, 1664. Reuben Dale appears in the records of Old Rappahannock Co. in 1685 and 1689. This Reuben Dale was dead by 1692 and his wife Elizabeth was his executrix. Richmond and Essex Counties were formed from Old Rappahannock Co. in 1692. Abraham, thomas, and a younger Elizabeth Dale lived in Richmond Co. in the Northern Neck of Virginia. They must have been the heirs of this Reuben Dale, but the proof is yet to be found. {April 4, 1960}. The daughter of and William Rogers. This William Rogers was a grandson of Edward Dale.

Elizabeth Dale Rogers died in 1728 in Lancaster Co., Va, leaving six children: Thomas Young, Robert Young, Reuben Young, William Dodson, Charles Dodson, and Ann Rogers.

Much of this information came from F. Hiner Dale, former District Judge from Guyman, Oklahoma in 1960.

In the book Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, 1656. by Thomas Hoskins Warner.
AN ORDINARY: William Moss was issued a license to keep an ordinary in 1686. Each license cost him two pounds sterling. The names of several blacksmiths and wheelwrights have survived. Among them are John Chambers; William Morgan, 1688; John English; Charles Dodson, who used peach trees to make cart axles. Edward James was a brick-layer, John Payne was a joiner, 1670.

There are many instances of Mr. John and Robert Payne in the Old Rappahannock County History. In the next statement page 105. The following is a list of equipment left by a carpenter and wood worker, December 28, 1623. (D. 6B, 18.)
Part of a turning lave one plow and two irons
One Maindrill 14 moulding plaines
four turning tools 2 augers
2 old fore plaines one piercer
one smoothing plaine 3 mortis chisells
one old Joynter 2 pieces of plank
"Mr. John Payne & John Sanders according to their Judgment have appraised them at 350 lbs. of tobacco. Signed, John Payne and John Sanders.
This John Payne was born abt. 1658 and married Ann Enos
Robert Payne married Elizabeth Lawson
All the Paynes in Rappahannock Co. this early were believed to be the son of Ralph Payne
Payne Records compiled by the Media Research Bureau, Washington, D.C. Simpson Genealogy, Sherrill Genealogy

July 4, 1688.... Charles Dodson was listed as a juror in Old Rappahannock Co., Va.
This Charles Dodson was the son of Jesse Dodson and Judith Hagger.

The Dodsons orginate from the Jamestown colony and to the orginal John Dodd.

John Dodd(son) came to America from England aboard the Susan Constant, commanded by Captain Christopher Newport. There were two other ships on this voyage, the Goodspeed, with Capt. Bartholomew Gosnold and the Discovery, with Capt. John Ratcliffe. They saw the Virginia Capes on April 26, 1607. After exploring the waters of Hampton Roads they proceeded up a broad river about thirty-two miles. They named this river the James. After exploring the river, Capt Newport left one hundred and four to form a settlement, and sailed to England.

Due to the poor location of the colony and the Indians, by September there were only forty-six survivors. The colony which had been named Jamestown in honor of King James, was the site of disease, starvation and internal problems, however our John Dodd(son) survived. After a period of twelve years and more than eighteen hundred immigrants having come from England to Jamestown, there still were only six hundred colonists surviving.

In the year 1619 a ship brought over to Jamestown eighty women as prospective wives. The colonist could get a wife, with her permission, by paying her transportation in the amount of one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco. It is not known for sure whether John Dodson bought a wife or married an indian wife, however he is known to have two sons - Jesse and William. There may have been other children, one of whom may have been Benjamin. Jesse was born about 1621 and William about 1623. - Diane Nicholson Smith More on Dodson

From John Holt, McLean Va.
Rappahannock Co. Marriage Contract, Eve Williams and William Smyth/Smith D.B 6-179 William Smyth Will 2/9/1699; Proven October 2, 1699. Eve Williams Smith Will, April 24, 1704. Probated October 4, 1705, Richmond Co., W.B 2-86. John Williams Will dated April 24, 1709, Va Wills & Inventories, 1699 - 1709 p. 101.

From History of Old Rappahannock Co. Virginia, 1656 - 1692 by T. H. Warner.
From his account an act in 1665 that was passed may have stimulated the people of the lower end of the North Farnham Parish to revise the organization of their vestry, for there is recorded in Will Book 2, 109, the following item: "The names of the Gentlemen of the vestry of Farnham in Rappa County as they were sworn the third day of November 1665. Viz. "Mr. Francis Doughty, Minister Lt. Col. Thomas Goodrich James Samford Thomas North John Grigory Thomas Button Robert Bayley Thomas Robinson John Williams "Recorded this 4 die 9 bris 1665 Pr. Robert Davies, Cl. Cur." (There may be a hint here with Francis Doughty - He was married to Bridgett STONE - sister of Gov. William STONE of Maryland.

John Williams was the father of Katherine Williams who married Abraham Goad in 1682 in North Farnham Parish.
More on Abrahm Goad
The Earliest Goads in Virginia pg. 3 Cavaliers & Pioneers Vol. 3 by Nell Marion Nugent Page 51 Richard Gourd. 100 Acs. Charles City Co.: on North Side of Jones Hole Creek, otherwise called Barlthrop Creek on North side of Nottaway River, Oct. 24, 1710.

P. 395 Beginning at Mr. Thomas Busby; on Nottaway Path; to Salmond's Meadow Branch out of Said Creek; By 2 cross pathes neare a wollfe pitt, & Transcription of 2 Personal Notes; Rights paid for to William Byrd, Esqr., Auditor. What may be another earlier record of Richard Goode appears in Old Rappahannock , Co., Va History 1656 - 1692 by T. H. Warner. page 166
Associated with Occupatia Creek were the lands of Richard Lawson, James Gaynes, Peter Johnson, Wm. Lowry, Geo. Morris, Wm. Moseley, Peter Rucker, (my line have more information) John Weir, (another Payne associated name) Thos. Hawkins, Richard Coleman, Ralph Rowzee, Augustine Smith, Farmer, John Warren (Warring, now spelt Waring), John Pyne (Payne), Robert Payne, (not my line but have more information) Geo. Eaton, John Gillett, John Phillips,(my line) John Watson, Phillip Rowsey, John Johnson, George Pley, Henry Berry, William Gray, Henry Tandy, Alex. Newman, Valentine Allen, Cornelius Nowell, and Hugh Owen.

This is a list from the names of land owners taken at random and are in no order but supposed to represent the most prominent land holders prior to about 1692, nor to be all the land owners on the respective streams.
21. Ralph's Creek, also called Parry's Creek and Perrin's Creek, was named after Ralph Payne, (have more information on this line) the first settler who made his home upon it. It was near Kilman's Beaverdam Swamp. It was later known as Fisher's Bridge Swamp; and is today called Mussel Swamp. It flows into Piscataway at longitude 76 deg. 51 min. 4 sec. Among those who owned land on it were Ralph Payne, Samuel Parry, Thomas Harper, Robert Clement, Richard Bray, Thos. Meader, Jr., Wm. Young, Thos. Edmondson, Richard Jones, Oliver Segar, Geo. Turner, John Cable, Richard Paine, James Henneygam.
46. Chestixent Creek or Chesituxent Creek was the principal southwest branch of Farmer's Hall or Little Occupacia Creek.
47. Cheavneck or Charvneck Creek is a branch of Occupacia. The plantation of Richard Goode was on the west side of its main swamp.
48. Grimes Creek, called the Island Neck Creek or Sharp's Creek, lies back of Paynes Island, which was also called Sawson's Island.

Simpson Genealogy, Sherrill Genealogy Parentage: Old Rappahannock Co., Virginia, Deed Book 7, pg. 513-516, 17 Jan 1688: "Thomas Payne of Middlesex County sells to Tobias Mickelbarrow 100 acres of land lying in Farnham Parish on the south side of the river, being part of a devident of 300 acres of land granted to Ralph Payne father of the said Thomas Payne by William Hall dated 4 Sep 1655. Said land adjoining Maj. Henry Smith, Mr. Thomas Bowler, and Poplar Neck Swamp."
This Thomas Payne married Mary Monteque and Elizabeth Elliot

Also in this part of Virginia was what Col. Brooke Payne calls the "Paynes of Virginia"

1652: Mr. John Payne brought suit in Lancaster County against Christopher Ripham, whose wife used abusive language with respect to Mrs. Payne. Witnesses were Mrs. Martha Brice, wife of Mr. Thomas Brice, and Mary Arundell. Christopher Ripham was fined and his wife was ordered to make public apology to the Court.

1653: John Payne resided on Payne's Creek in Lancaster Co., VA on the West side of the Corrotoman River. John Payne bought from Francis Hobbes 940 a. on Pepetick Creek, on the North side of the Rappahannock River, in that region of Lancaster County, VA then known as Rappahannock. He did not occupy this land until some years later. Lancaster County, VA Court paid John Payne for provisioning and transporting Burgesses from Lancaster to James Town. Mr. John Payne charged with five tithables in Lancaster County, VA.

From 1653 - 1666: Nine land patents aggregating over 5,116 a. issued to John Payne. 1,356 a. of this were for importing 28 persons into the colony. Of the total, 3,443 a. bordered on Pepetick Creek and its branches.

1654: Mr. John Payne ordered by the Court to appraise the contents of Mr. Raleigh Travers' tobacco warehouse. John Payne made a trip to England.

1655: John Payne returned from England. John Payne moved to and occupied his plantation on Pepetick Creek, then in Lancaster County, VA. John Payne was granted land for the importation of his wife Margaret. She may have been his 2nd wife. Mr. John Payne appointed collector of tithes for Lancaster County, VA. Mr. John Payne charged with seven tithables in Lancaster County, VA.

1656: Mr. John Payne appointed collector of tithes for Lancaster County, VA. Mr. John Payne charged with seven tithables in Lancaster County, VA. Lancaster County, VA Court ordered Mr. John Payne to make one pair of stocks and a whipping-post for the county, for which he was to receive 400# for the wooden-work thereof, the iron-work being otherwise provided. These implements were possibly for the new county of Rappahannock, which was organized in this year.

1658: Mr. John Payne and Mr. John Catlett witnessed the noncupative will of Richard Lawson, brother of Epaphroditus Lawson whose daughter Elizabeth married Robert Payne of old Rappahannock Co., VA.
(This John Payne may not have been the John Payne of Col. Brooke Payne's book. )

1660: 7 Feb 1659/60 - John Payne made an affidavit in connection with his bill for transporting 1500 lbs. of pork to James Town by boat, his age being recorded in the affidavit as "44 years or thereabouts".

1665: Mr. John Payne was one of the Vestrymen of Sittingbourne Parish, old Rappahannock Co., VA. Mr.Francis Doughty was Rector.

1674: Margaret Payne joined John Payne in a deed.

As late as 1689: Court records in which John Payne is mentioned imply that he is living.

Before 1690: John Payne died in old Rappahannock Co., VA. On 7 April 1690, a deed Henry Thacker (who married John Payne's granddaughter) of Middlesex County, VA referred to John Payne as "late of Rappahannock County, deceased".

More on Raph Harper
WKS Bk 11 p 21-25, IGI Yorkshire, A2467 Leeds, St. Peter's.
WKS Bk 10 P 119 Lancaster Co., VA Record Book 2 1654-1666 records deed of gift 22 Jan 1655 by William Harp Sr. of Rappahannock Co., to son John Harper, thus establishing a son William Jr. and a son John.
WKS Bk 11 p 2 Cavalier & Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents 1623-1666, from Patent Book 3 John Harper listed as brought over to Lancaster Co. 1654, assuming age of at least 21 gives birth as approx. 1633, England.
WKS Bk 10 p 127 Early Virginia Immigrants by Green, p 147/8 lists William Harper brought over to Upper Norfolk Co., VA 1638 by Epaphroditus Lawson. By investigating birth place of other men brought over by Epaphroditus Lawson suggests Yorkshire, England as place of origin. WKS Bk

11 p. 25 IGI Yorkshire A2467 lists Wm. son of Raph Harper, c. 31 Oct 1607, Leeds, St. Peter's, Yorkshire. Also marriage of William Harper to Mary Gray, 20 Jan 1630. WKS Bk 12 p 10 Rappa. Co. Deed Bk 3 p 63-63 1663-1668 William Harper names a daughter as Elizabeth 3 July 1666.
WKS Bk 12 p 12 Rappa. Co. Deed Bk 5 1672-1676 p. 182 Mary Harper named as widow, son William Harper. 6 Jan. 1673/4 p. 181 Henry Berry (Henry Berry married Sarah Harper) sells a parcel of land to William Harper 11 December 1673.
WKS Bk 12 p 15 Abstracts of Lancaster Co., 1652-1655, p. 164 6 Oct 1654 William Harper is paid 1000 lbs tobo for informing against Toby Horton who loaned a gun to the Indians.

Assumption is made that the above Thomas Harper was born 1618 and is the Thomas Harper detailed in the will of Thomas Harper dated 4 Dec 1683 proved 2 Apr 1684 in Rappahannock Co., VA WKS Bk 10 p 113
Wills of Rappahannock Co., VA p 105 Farnham Parish. WKS Bk 12 p 13 Rappa. Co. Orders 1683-1686 p. 45 Court held 3 Oct 1684. "Reference is granted between William Lake (as marrying the relict of Thomas Harper, dec'd.) pltf and Richard Hale, def....on the south side of the river.
WKS Bk 12 P 197 Thomas Hoskins Warner, "History of Old Rappahannock Co., VA 1656-1692" p. 162 states Thomas Harper owned land on Ralph's Creek which flows into Piscataway at 76deg.51'43", now called Mussel Swamp.
WKS Bk 11 p 21-25, IGI Yorkshire, A2467 Leeds, St. Peter's. Wife: WKS Bk 11 p 67 Essex Co., VA Records 1707-1711 p. 311 Will of Mary Lake. WKS Bk 11 p 57 Marriages of Essex and Old Rappahannock Co., VA 1655-1900 1684 Widow of Thomas Harper married William Lake Court Orders O 1,59
WKS Bk 11 p 67 Will of Mary Lake identifies Ledey as daughter-in-law.
WKS Bk 11 p 66 Lidia, wife of John Harper, relinquishes her right of dower, 10 July 1709. Living in S. Farnham Parish, Essex Co., VA William, Mary, and John Harper identified as children of John Harper in will of Solomon Harper, Essex Co.
Deeds & Wills 1699-1701, p. 20-21. William Harper and Edward Harper listed as Garnishees in attachment of estate of John Harper obtained by Richard Tyler, 18 August 1719.
Essex Co. Order Book 1716-1723, part II, p. 360. WKS Bk 12 P 197 Thomas Hoskins Warner, "History of Old Rappahannock Co., VA 1656-1692" p. 161 The southeast branch of Piscataway is called King's Swamp. John Harper is listed as a landowner in or near this swamp.
WKS Bk 12 p 85 Essex Co . Wills & Orders 1694-95 p. 189 "Solomon Harper exempted from paying of levies by reason of his lameness and sickness, 10 Jun 1694.
WKS Bk 11 p 66 Essex Co., VA Records 1707-1711 p 296-7, Will dated 17 Jan 1710, proved 10 Mar 1710. Children assumed to be of age at time of will since no mention made regarding their coming of age.
WKS Bk 12 p 84 gives date of will of Thomas Harper.

Another family that I have the database on but not much history is Henry Reeves born 1624 in Warwick Parish, Middlesex, England died Abt. Mar 1687/88 in Essex Co., Va., his wife Elizabeth Izard Bagnall.



The Rappahannock River is a very big tidal river. John Smith designated the river "Toppahannoc Flu" on his 1606 Map. Prior to that it was sometimes called Queen's River. The river arises in the Blue Ridge mountains, falls more than 4000 ft. during it's course, and its lower portion forms the county boundary of the Northern Neck of Virginia.

The settlers along Totuskey Creek and Rappahannock River were planters. They grew tobacco, corn, peese, and garden vegetables. They all had a few cows and hogs and several horses if they were fortunate. The animals all ran loose in the swamps and each planter had his own mark or "crop" on each one so they could recognize them. In reading the Virginia Court records, there were many law suits in those day too. The settlers concentrated on growing tobacco, and had their problems in that too; mostly with the prices of their tobacco. I read that they transplanted the tobacco plants between the stumps the first week in May. Then it bloomed; they pinched off the blooms and harvested the tobacco in Fall, and hung the leaves up to dry. When the weather turned wet, they gathered it up in "Hands" and "Prized" it by packing it tightly in barrels called Hogsheads. When the time was ready they simply rolled it over the Indian paths to the plantation landings where it was put on boats for Europe. But, after some years without fertilizer, the land was depleted and the prices dropped, and they had to look for new land.

Again they had to push the Indians further inland to get more land. They had many skirmishes and many lost their lives. In the old records the Indian paths are often referred to. One of these I found was the "Chickacoon" Path, that led upward from the "Chicacoon Indian Village" and was the trail up the Northern Neck. It always crossed the creeks where wading was possible. On this path the largest stream that the Indians waded across was at "Cross Creek". It was the East Branch of the Totuskey Creek. This ancient path passed near where Farnham Church stands and near by William and Sarah Stone's homestead, and on to Passapatancy; to the Great North and South Indian Trail that became known as Port Tobago Path (now Port Tobacco); where it crossed the river there and joined the Kings Highway. The Kings Highway was first known as "Rappahannock Path". It was ordered developed in 1662. References to it can be found in Deed Book 4, pp. 144 and 246; Deed Book 5, p.3, Deed Book 8, p. 230 and in Land Trails Vol. 2, p. 15.

Rappahannock County was short lived. It was formed from Old Lancester County in 1656 and abolished in 1692. It was a big county, covering all that territory on both sides of the river that was drained by the river. By 1692, a separation was necessary. In the fourth year of Reign of King William and Queen Mary of England it was enacted that Rappahannock County be divided into two counties, "So that Rappahannock River divides the two, and that part which is on the North side be called by the name of Richmond County, and that part on the South side be called Essex County...., That the records belonging to the county seat of Rappahannock before, shall be kept in Essex County, that belonging to Their Majesties, and the other to the proprietors of the Northern Neck...." The name of the new county of Richmond was put in the County Court Records on the 12th Day of May, 1692.

Richmond County has nothing whatever to do with the city of Richmond. There was no city of Richmond at that time. Richmond City sits in Henrico Co., Va, but it has no Court House. The county was named for His Grace, The First Duke of Richmond, or for Richmond in Surry County, England.

William and Sarah Stone's land fell in Richmond County, not far from North Farnham Church which was built in 1737. William and Sarah were dead by then, but their Grandchildren's birth records are recorded there. Also, some marriage and death records. We stayed over the week end so we could attend a service there on Sunday, October 26th, 1986. The Church is kept in perfect condition and it is beautiful inside and out. The communion silver was given in 1720 by Queen Ann. It is engraved with "Pharnham Parish" since it was given before the new Church was built. William Stone and his children most likely helped to build the first Farnham Church which stood a little nearer the river or the creek. Only the foundation remains, the records are not to be found. The county seat for Richmond County was first called "Richmond Court House" but was changed to Warsaw about 1831 in sympathy with the polish struggle for liberty. It is a quiet little village. I saw the old hand written register in the Court House there. When I opened it the first page had this written, "Original North Farnham Parish Register, from about 1672 to 1800; property of the Circuit Court of Richmond, Virginia, to be kept on file in the Clerk's Office forever" in Warsaw, Virginia.

In the War of 1812 the Church was bombarded, bullet holes may be seen in the Church walls from a skirmish with raiders from the British in 1814. In 1838, repairs were done and a service of consecration was led by Bishop Meade, Author of "Old Churches, ministers, and Families of Virginia." During the Civil War Federal and Confederate troops used the Church as a stable, a granary, and as a shelter for themselves. In 1871 restoration was again begun. Today it is very beautiful. No history of Richmond County has been published but you can read of the affairs of the county in countless volumes in the Virginia State Historical Society or the Virginia State Library in Richmond.

William and Sarah Stone died in Richmond County on Totuskey Creek. His Will was written or dated Nov. 7, 1704 and is recorded in Warsaw in Folio F. 114V and it was recorded on Jan. 31 1707/08. He mentions wife, Sarah, sons Philip and Joshua, son-in-law Robert Schofield, Grandsons Gregory and John Glascock, Daus. Elizabeth and Mary Fann. Exor. Wife.
No Witnesses. He does not mention his youngest son William or his daughter Sarah Glascock, or the daughter who married Robert Schofield.

Recorded in Warsaw in Folio F 113R is a statement of the mother, Sarah Stone, dated Jan. 31, 1707. The old documents are 279 years old now and very hard to read. There was a strong controversy about the Will and it disappeared for a while. Philip Stone was the eldest son and therefore the heir-at-law of his father. William Stone in the Will, says that he has provided for Philip and Joshua, and for the daughters, and it must have been his intent for William II, to have the homestead place after his wife died. After much sorrow, Sarah Stone found the Will and succeeded in getting it on record.

Sarah Stone, wife of William Stone I, died in Richmond County, Va. at her homestead on Totuskey Creek about ten years after her husband died. Her Will is dated July 2, 1711 and proven on May 1, 1717. William and Sarah lie buried in one of the old cemeteries along Tutuskey Creek that have long been forgotten, and now lost.

William Stone II, youngest son of William and Sarah, was named in his mother's Will as Executor. I do not yet know the parents of Sarah Stone. I'm now studying records of adjoining counties and I hope that some one in some of these old counties will have information for her. She may have been from Gloucester County since they were living there in Kingston Parish in 1679/80 when he bought land on Totuskey Creek from Gyles and Mary Cole in 1672, and he may have gone to Gloucester and married Sarah and then came back to Totuskey Creek with his family. Gloucester County Records are lost but I have found there are some in the counties near by.

I do not know if William Stone I, had a family here or if he was the emigrant. There is a Francis Stone and Col. John Stone in Old Rappahannock County with him, and they witnessed several documents together, but I have no proof of their relationship. Besides the other names of Stones coming to America there were thirteen William's who immigrated to Virginia from England from 1619 until 1666.

William Stone II and Elizabeth, his wife left Richmond County and moved to Amilia County, Virginia in 1740. There is a deed recorded for him in Amelia County Court House at the village of Amelia Court House, Virginia, dated May 15, 1740. In deed Book I, 1735 - 1743, on page 299 - "Deed. Thomas Day of Nottoway Parish, Isle of Wright County, Va. to William Stone of North Farnham Parish in Richmond County, Va... May 15, 1740"... Consideration (none given), WIT: (none given) 400 acres. Deed Acknowledged by Thomas Day and ordered recorded.
At Court held May 15, 1741. Also, on page 297 is a similar deed, dated May 14, 1741. Thomas Day of Nottoway Parish, Isle of Wight County, Va. to William Stone of North Farnham Parish, Richmond, Va., Consideration; 17 pounds. Wit: none. 400 acres, Bounded in part by a small branch, the County line, and Birchen Swamp. Deed Ackn. by Thomas Day and ordered recorded at Court held May, 15, 1741....

Amelia County was created by a Legislative Act in 1734, and in 1735, it was formed from Prince George County and Brunswick County. Then in 1754, Prince Edward County was cut off from Amelia, and later in 1789, Nottoway Co., was cut off. Amelia County's Court House sits today on a two acre square in the center of the little village of Amelia, Virginia.

Amelia County is about forty miles southwest of Richmond, Virginia in beautiful surroundings, with a pleasant and peaceful way of living, and with a proud respect for their past. The countryside is picturesque, with narrow roads creeping among well-kept houses and barns. The pastures were dotted with mostly black cattle, and they were harvesting soy beans, corn and hay in a very easy moving manner when we were there in October. The same silent-moving Appomattox River that the Indians claimed hunting grounds and fields beside, still cradles the county along most of her boundary.

The soil was rich for growing tobacco when William and Elizabeth Stone moved with their family to Amelia County in search of new land. Neighbors of them went to Amelia with them. Dodsons and Creels went along and had deeds of land in the county.

William and Elizabeth Stone died in Amelia County, Virginia. His will is recorded in Will Book 1 - 1735 - 1761, on page 55, in Amelia County Court House. The Will is dated Dec. 2, 1748, and proven April 21, 1749. Witnesses: Dibdall Holt, Hugh Williams, and Poindexter Mosbey... Exor. son-in-law, William Manire and Joseph Harper. (This Joseph Harper is not the same family as the HARPERS of the Raph HARPER Family, but not proven!!!) Leg.... Land and all my estate in Northern Neck of Virginia be sold and money equally divided between my children, viz.: Ann Manire, Margaret Hammond, Philip Stone, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Stone, Katherine Stone, Sarah Harper and Lucey Green..... The Will is very long because he then gives directions for each child to have the rent from his Plantation on Nottoway on separate years, and leaves slaves for them, all named...for the son Henry, he says "Son Henry; if William Read, father of my son Henry's Wife refuses giving them a legacy or some assistance towards living, then the horse, saddle and gun given Henry be returned to my other children.... 200 acres to Joshua Hightower. Hightower to pay Exor. 20 Pounds.... William Stone

Most of William and Elizabeth's children had married before they left Richmond County and their husbands and wives moved to Amelia with them. The daughter, Katherine later married Charles Connally after her father's death, but it seems that he went to Amelia County from North Farnham Parish too.

The son, Philip Stone left Amelia County about 1750 and went to Johnston County, North Carolina. In 1750, Philip Stone of Johnston County, N.C. sold land in Amelia County, Virginia, left to him by his father. Ref: Amelia County Deed Book 4 pp. 31, 32, 33.
On November 14, 1750, Philip Stone of Johnston County, N.C. conveyed to Charles Connely and wife Katherine 200 acres for 5 shillings...Land left by his father. Ref. ibid., p. 84.
On April 23, 1752.. Conveyed to Charles Connally and Robert Taylor, 100 acres in Nottoway Parish, Amelia Co., Va. for 16 pounds, were Dibdall Holt now lives, Ref. ibid, p. 33.

New River Valley Research