Sons of Jacob Darden

John entered the public record first, so I'm presuming him to be the eldest son. The home place was bequeathed to Jacob, however, so even birth order is uncertain.

20 Apr 1694: John secured a grant to 300 acres near Chuckatuck in Nansemond County, land originally owned by Stephen Darden that "had been allowed to escheat to the King". The inquisition had taken place on 28 Jul 1692; the patent was confirmed on 28 Oct 1697.[1]

John may have spent a period in Maryland since a headright grant to Patrick Wood on 28 Oct 1702 for transport of 6 persons included a John Darden.[2]

John married Elizabeth Powers, probably shortly before 1710. She may or may not have been his first wife.

14 Apr 1717: In his will signed on that date, father Jacob left half his lands at Corecuck to John.[3]

John Darden (1710 - 1781; m. 1st Mary _______ c. 1727; m. 2nd Charity _______)

Stephen must have been at least 18 years of age in 1714 when he received his first land grant, resulting in a birth year before 1696. Weldon Jelks claims a birth year c. 1671.

While Elizabeth's birth date isn't known, she was undoubtedly the daughter of Robert Carr, a man whose property adjoined that of Stephen's in 1714. On 6 Feb 1703 Robert Carr and Thomas Mann were mentioned as adjoining landowners in a deed from from Mark Alsebury to Thomas Page on the south side of "Currawjock Swamp". On 5 Aug 1710 Robert and Mary Carr and John Mashborne witnessed a deed from John and Charity Dawtry to William and Prisilla Dawtry for 200 acres at Kingsale.[4] Robert's will mentioning his daughter Elizabeth Darden was dated 10 May 1734 and proved 26 May 1735 in Isle of Wight County. The executors were wife Mary and son Robert. Hardy Council, Michael Council, and Charles Council were witnesses. In light of these witnesses, Jacob's widow may have been born a Council. (Of course, Mary may have been a second or third wife and thus not the mother of our Elizabeth Carr.)[5]

1714: Thomas Lawrence received a headright in Nansemond County, VA for the transport of Stephen Darden.[6] Such a headright could be the result of transportation from another colony. Had he sojourned in Maryland in his youth - or NC?

16 Jun 1714: Stephen received his first recorded grant of 54 acres adjoining the land of [Elizabeth's father] Robert Carr in Nansemond County. The grant may have been recorded later as he was shown owning land adjoining John Cotton as early as November 1713.[7] An earlier occupation adjoining Robert Carr does not conflict with the headright granted to Thomas Lawrence or the 54 acres granted in 1714. Transportation and occupancy occasionally preceded the legal record by several years.

16 Dec 1714: Stephen witnessed the deed or patent of Thomas Lawrence in Upper Parish, Nansemond County.[8]

14 Apr 1717: He received land at Wainoke Neck plus one shilling in his father's will signed on that date.[9]

February 1724: He received a grant for 350 acres, later called "Southhampton", in Isle of Wight County.[10]

28 Sep 1728: According to Nell Marion Nugent, Stephen received a grant of 200 acres on the south side of the Blackwater River, the east side of "Creader", on the Indian Branch in Upper Parish, Nansemond County. Newton Jasper Darden refers to a grant of 300 acres that year.[11]

28 Sep 1730: Stephen received a patent for 45 acres on the southwest side of the Blackwater at the "High Banks" in Upper Parish, Nansemond County.[12]

26 Jun 1731: He received a patent for 25 acres on the northeast side of the Blackwater in Upper Parish.[13]

23 Jan 1732: Along with Jacob Darden and William Powell, he witnessed the revocation of the will [dated 26 Nov 1730] of Walter Walters in Lower Parish, Isle of Wight County.[14]

24 Jan 1743: Stephen and Elizabeth Darden of Upper Parish, Nansemond County sold 200 acres on the south side of Blackwater containing a grist mill in Nottoway Parish, Isle of Wight County to Albridgton Jones. The deed was witnessed by Elisha Darden.[15] Elisha Darden might – or might not – have been one of Stephen's sons.

30 Aug 1743: He received a grant for 304 acres on the west side of the Blackwater River.[16]

31 Aug 1747: He assisted in the processioning of lands within the bounds of No. 14 that had been ordered by the Vestry of Upper Parish.[17] Was this father or son?

9 Nov 1752: Stephen was obviously deceased when four of his sons signed a petition to divide their father's lands.[18]

1 Dec 1763: Along with William Murphrey and John Lawrence Junior, Elizabeth Darden witnessed a deed conveying the home place with grist mill of Jacob and Catherine Darden to John Lawrence.[19]

1783 Tax List, Nansemond County, VA: Was she the Elizabeth Darden listed with 5 whites and 13 blacks? The List of Elisha Darden also contained an Elizabeth with 3 whites and 13 blacks. Was one of these women Elizabeth, the widow of Jacob and mother of John?[20]

1784 Tax List, Nansemond County, VA: Was she the Elizabeth Darden listed next to Elisha Darden with 5 whites, 0 dwellings, 0 buildings?[21] Did the lack of dwellings indicate that Elizabeth was residing with one of her sons, paying taxes on an unoccupied property she owned? Does that mean that both Elizabeths on the 1783 Tax List may have in fact been the same woman?

Children of Stephen and Elizabeth Carr Darden: Stephen and Elizabeth may also have had a son named Elisha.

It's generally accepted that Stephen Darden of William's Creek, Warren County, GA was the grandson of Stephen and Elizabeth Carr Darden, but through which son? While the line is usually claimed to have been through Stephen, no documentation has been discovered – at least not by this researcher in an admittedly not very exhaustive search. Thus the descent from Stephen (III) through Stephen (IV) must remain tentative.

It's possible that some records mentioning a Jacob Darden before 1711 are actually referring to Junior rather than Senior. Thus Jacob may be the eldest child in light of his inheritance of the "home place".

28 Apr 1711: Jacob Durden received a grant for 470 acres in Isle of Wight County, VA on the northeast side of Corowaugh Swamp adjoining Richard Booth, Robert Johnson, and Col. Bridger.[22] But was it Senior or Junior?

16 Jun 1714: Jacob Durden received a patent for 171 acres on the east side of "Black Water, alias Chowan, River" in the Upper Parish of Nansemond for 20 shillings.[23] But was this Senior or Junior?

14 Apr 1717: He was residing on his father Jacob's land at Corecuck at the time the latter signed his will. In it, he was bequeathed a mill plus one-half the home plantation upon the death or remarriage of his mother Ann.[24]

Dorothy Wulfeck stated that Jacob Darden, the son of Jacob, married a Miss Williamson before 1721 and that the will of George Williamson dated 1723 in Southampton County mentioned grandson John Darden, the son of Jacob Darden.[25] Most researchers have determined, based upon whatever sources, that while Jacob's first wife was indeed Mary Williamson, their son was named Jacob rather than John.

28 Sep 1719: As co-executor with mother Ann, Jacob turned in the inventory of his father's estate.[26]

26 Oct 1719: Along with Phillip Rayford and John Mackmail, appraised the estate of John Williams.[27]

27 Feb 1720: He and Thomas Gail, Thomas Sikes, and John Pope, appraised the estate of Robert Lawrence.[28]

24 Jul 1721: John Pope, Richard Pope, Thomas Gale, and Jacob Darden appraised the estate of William Murfree.[30]

Newton Jasper Darden believed that Jacob "may well have been a lawyer" since he appraised 13 estates, witnessed 5 wills, examined 2 accounts, and divided 1 estate in the period from 1695 to 1738.

14 Sep 1726: He was a witness to the will of Simon Everitt in Lower Parish, Isle of Wight County. Other witnesses were William Thomson and Thomas Dixon.[31]

6 Mar 1728: He witnessed the will of Isack Cooke in Newport Parish. Other witnesses were John Murfrey and John Sikes.[32]

22 Dec 1728: Jacob witnessed the will of John Mackmaill, and was named "overseer" of that will, along with Richard Pope.[33]

28 Jul 1729: Along with Thomas Gale and Michael Murphrey, Jacob appraised the estate of Roger Tarleton.[34]

25 Jan 1730: Working once again with Thomas Gale and Michael Murphrey, and also Benjamin Beal, he returned an appraisal on the estate of Samuel Everitt. They made their return on 22 Feb 1730.[35]

23 Mar 1730: Jacob was ordered to appraise the estate of Thomas Sykes, this time with Michael Murfee and Robert Eley.[36]

26 Oct 1730: He was ordered to appraise the estate of Thomas Hampton, along with Robert Smelley and John Marshall.[37]

26 Nov 1730: Jacob and Sarah Darden and John Chapman witnessed the will of Walter Walters in Lower Parish. He later witnessed the revocation of certain behests.[38] Jacob had obviously married Sarah Lawrence before this date. She is said to have been the daughter of Samuel Lawrence of Nansemond County.

24 Apr 1731: He appraised the estate of John Powell. Fellow appraisers were John Marshall and Michael Murphry.[39]

27 Mar 1732: Along with Thomas Gale and Robert Eley, he appraised the estate of William Coggan.[40]

24 Mar 1734: Jacob entered his return on the sale of the John Mackmaill estate.[41]

22 Nov 1736: Along with John Munro, Jacob examined the accounts of the James Jolley estate in Isle of Wight.[42]

24 Apr 1738: He examined the accounts of the estate of Thomas Caleclough, once again with John Munro.[43]

25 Mar 1739: Jacob signed his will in Isle of Wight, it being proved 27 Apr 1741. Executors: "Son Jacob Darden" and "brother-in-law Samuel Lawrence". The will names only sons Jacob and Charles, the latter to remain with Samuel Lawrence until the age of 19. Witnesses: George Lawrence and John Marshall.[44]

25 May1741: The estate was appraised by John and Jacob Darden, Thomas Bullock, and Theophilus Joyner. The return was signed by Jacob Darden.[45]

Children of Jacob and Sarah Lawrence Darden: Charles was most probably, but not certainly, the child of second wife Sarah.

14 Apr 1717: Joseph received no land in his father's will, although he was left all the cattle at Wainoke Neck plus 3,000 lbs of tobacco at age 21.[46]

14 Nov 1717: Joseph was mentioned in the will of William Murfree, who bequeathed "land I [William] purchased of Robert Hooks and Joseph Darden" to son Michael Murfree.[47]

17 Feb 1818: Father Jacob made a revocation to his will. Now any bequest to Joseph was to be left to Ann Darden's discretion.

Joseph purchased Samuel's patrimony of 237 acres in Isle of Wight County, which he later conveyed to Michael and Alice Reynolds.[48]

He migrated to Chowan Precinct, NC as early as 1719 as his name is supposedly mentioned in a court order there.[49]

7 Aug 1732: He was mentioned in the will of [mother] Ann Leigh in Beaufort Precinct.

Alse may - or may not - have been his only wife. Certainly, she was the last one.

18 Feb 1733: He signed his will, which was proved August 1733 in Bertie Precinct, NC. Executors: Wife Alse and Arthur Williams. Witnesses: Elizabeth Jones, Mary Powers, and John Egerton.[52]

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com. However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone.

Any information is only as reliable as its source. Evaluate the following sources accordingly.

[1] Nugent, Cavaliers and Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, Vol. II, p. 12, 393, from Book 8, p. 374

[2] Nugent, Vol. III, p. 63, from Book 9, p. 478

[3] Darden, Darden Family History, p. 133

[4] James Story, from original p. 420, p. 147

[5] Darden, p. 135; Isle of Wight Records, p. 3, from Book 4, p. 59

[6] Darden, p. 135

[7] Darden, p. 135

[8] Nugent , Vol. III, p. 161, from original Book 10, p. 205

[9] Darden, p. 133

[10] Darden, p. 135

[11] Nugent, Vol. III, p. 363, from Book 13, p. 424; Darden, p. 135

[12] Nugent, Vol. III, p. 384, from p. 52

[13] Nugent, Vol. III, p. 396, from p. 169

[14] Darden, p. 135

[15] Darden, p. 135, from Book 6, p. 175

[16] Darden, p. 135, from Book 21, p. 268

[17] Darden, p. 135

[18] Darden, p. 135, from Book 1, p. 398

[19] Darden, p. 136

[20] Genealogical Publishing Company, Heads of Families, First Census 1790, Virginia: Records of the State Enumerations 1782-1785, p. 58, 57

[21] Genealogical Publishing Company, p. 72

[22] Darden, p. 137, from Land Office Patent Book 10 1710-1719, p. 41-42

[23] Nugent, Vol. III, p. 145, from Book 10, p. 145

[24] Darden, p. 133

[25] Wulfeck, Marriages of Some Virginia Residents 1607-1800, p. 223, copy provided by Constance Hutchinson

[26] Darden, p. 133

[27] Isle of Wight Records, p. 2, from Book 2, p. 11

[28] Isle of Wight Records, p. 10, from Book 2, p. 65

[29] Isle of Wight Records, p. 8, from Book 2, p. 56

[30] Chapman, Wills and Administrations of Isle of Wight County, Virginia 1647-1800

[31] Isle of Wight Records, p. 29, from Book 2, p. 17

[32] Isle of Wight Records, p. 34, from p. 63

[33] Isle of Wight Records, p. 52, from p. 205

[34] Isle of Wight Records, 48, from p. 172

[35] Isle of Wight Records, p. 56, from p. 246; Chapman

[36] Isle of Wight Records, p. 57, from p. 264

[37] Isle of Wight Records, p. 55, from p. 229

[38] Isle of Wight Records, p. 60, from p. 297

[39] Isle of Wight Records, p. 58, from p. 269

[40] Isle of Wight Records, p. 60, from p. 295

[41] Isle of Wight Records, p. 73, from p. 51

[42] Isle of Wight Records, p. 83, from p. 148]

[43] Isle of Wight Records, p. 90, from p. 202

[44] Isle of Wight Records, p.103, from p. 332; Chapman, p. 138

[45] Isle of Wight Records, p. 104, from p. 342; Chapman, p. 139

[46] Darden p. 133, from Book 2, p. 654

[47] Chapman

[48] Darden, p. 133

[49] Darden, p. 133

[50] Darden, p. 133

[51] Darden, p. 133

[52] Gremes, Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, p. 91, copy provided by Constance Hutchinson

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