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I'm still attempting to discover the parents of Griffith James - not to mention being able to nail down his children. As you'll soon see, the name Griffith James was hardly unique in an area first settled by so many Welshmen. I've reached no conclusions, but perhaps you might be able to make a connection that still eludes me - or perhaps find your own unrelated relatives. If you have any additions or corrections, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.
Some references below don't have sources. They may nevertheless be valuable as starting points, thus their inclusion.
There is a FamilyTree DNA James Project.
Chester County, Pennsylvania to 1780:
At an unspecified date Aaron James was mentioned owning a land adjoining a tract called Thornbury.[1] Aaron may be a family name.
23 Jan 1687: The will of John Harding of Chichester left property to kinswoman Amy James. Her name may have actually been Anny.[2]
26 Jan 1696/7: Letters of Administration for the George Thomas estate were issued to Morgan and Elizabeth James.[3] Daniel James was their son.
4 Jun 1697: The will of Richard Hayes of Haverford left "the residue of her servitude from 19 years of age" to cousin Sarah James.[4]
19 Nov 1703: Howell James, late of Radnor but now of Philadelphia, sold 500 acres to Edward Hughes of Easttown for £100. Witnesses: James James, Phillip Howell, and Richard Heath.[5]
1 Sep 1704: The will of Joseph Barlow of Haverford left wearing apparel to friend Evan James.[6]
18 Jun 1708: James James signed his will, which was proved 28 Aug 1708 in Haverford. In it, he left Legacies to son-in-law David Lewis, sons George and David, daughter Sarah James, with Rowland Powell and Adam Roades as the latter’s guardians. Executor: Son Thomas James. Witnesses: Richard Hayes and Adam Roades.[7] Son Thomas was probably the father of daughter Ann. See 9 Oct 1731.
17 May 1710: Morgan James was approved as administrator of the Evan Prothers estate.[8] See 26 Jan 1696.
16 Mar 1715: The will of Richard Mankin, a weaver of New Castle County, named sister Anne James and her eldest son Joseph James.[9]
Aaron James appeared on the Tax Lists in Westtown as early as 1715, and in the years 1718-1722, 1725, 1727, 1729, 1730, 1732, 1734-1738, 1740, 1748-1750. In 1748, and again in 1749-1750, Aaron James Junior was also listed there. Robert and Caleb James were also in Westtown, the latter a "free man" in 1756. Aaron’s parents were probably Thomas and Elizabeth James of Westtown. See 18 Apr 1733.
8 Mar 1720: Administration of the estate of Edward Lloyd was granted to Thomas James, a yeoman.[10]
1 Feb 1722: In his will, John Stephen left a legacy to sister Phebe James.[11]
11 May 1724: Joseph James witnessed the sale of land to Anthony Wayne in Chester. Our Leonards supposedly had a family connection to "Mad" Anthony Wayne. General Wayne was born in Easttown, Chester County, 1745, the son of Isaac Wayne and Elizabeth Thomas, and the grandson of the 1724 grantee. His grandfather Anthony died in Radnor in 1739.
29 Mar 1727: The will of William Morgan of Tredyffrin was witnessed by Thomas James and Jenkin David.[12]
9 Oct 1731: The will of Thomas Evans of Radnor named Thomas James of Haverford as executor and mentioned legatees Thomas James Junior and Ann, daughter of Thomas James. Witnesses: Thomas James, Evan Griffith, Catherine Evans, Ann James, and Caleb Evans. Letters of Administration were issued to Thomas James on 4 Dec 1731.[13] Thomas James was probably the son of James James.
3 Feb 1733: Phebe James was born to parents Thomas and Hannah James. Their other children were Robert (14 Mar 1734), Joseph (11 May 1736), Aaron (20 Jul 1738), Thomas (14 Jun 1740), Sarah (2 Dec 1743/4), Lydia (14 Aug 1746), Ruth (2 Feb 1749), and Mary (4 Oct 1751).
4 Feb 1733: Aaron James and Richard Jones witnessed a deed from Nathan and Deborah Dicks to Samuel Jones for 500 acres.[14]
18 Apr 1733: Yeoman Aaron and Elizabeth James of Westtown sold 159¾ acres to their eldest son Thomas James for 5 shillings. The parcel adjoined Benjamin Hickman, Aaron James, and Joshua Hoops. Witnesses: Aaron James Junior, Joseph James, and Richard Jones.[15] Aaron’s parents were probably Thomas and Elizabeth James, residents of Westtown.
3 Dec 1733: Daniel James signed his will, proved 13 Mar 1733/4 in Willistown. Executor: Wife Susanna, brother Joseph, brother [?] George Maris. Witnesses: James and Thomas Massey. He was described in the abstract as the son of Morgan and Elizabeth James of Newtown, and was the father of at least two daughters.[16] See 26 Jan 1696, 17 May 1710. Brother Joseph may have been married to an Elizabeth.
25 Sep 1734: The will of William Evans was witnessed by John Owen, Richard (x) Evan, and Thomas James.[17]
11 Mar 1736: Samuel James witnessed the will of Christian Rodes.[18]
4 Jul 1736: The will of Edward Kinnison appointed friends Thomas Smedley and Thomas James, both of the Goshen Meeting [Quakers], as executors.[19]
10 Mar 1737/8: David James signed his will, proved 2 Jul 1739 in Radnor. Executor: Son Evan James. Witnesses: Griffith, Maurice, and Joseph John Lewellin. Wife Jane’s will was signed 19 Jan 1750, proved 30 Jan 1750 in Radnor. That will mentions stepdaughter Sarah Thomas. Executor: Evan James. Witnesses: Rees Thomas, Evan David.[20] Jane’s maiden name may have been Davis. David's children as named in his will were Isaac, who had a son also named Isaac by 1750, Thomas, Sarah (Sp: _______ Thomas), Rebecca (Sp: ______ Miles), and Evan.
29 Mar 1737: The will of Samuel Hull of Springfield mentioned brother-in-law Aaron James.[21]
14 May 1737: Morgan James signed his will will signed, proved 17 Jun 1737 in Newtown. Executor: Wife Mary. Trustees: Samuel Lewis, Thomas Thomas. Witnesses: Lewis Lewis, Michael Thomas, Elinor Jones. Legatees were his children by 1st and 2nd wives, but only named daughter Margaret and son Joseph.
1737: Thomas James appeared on the Charlestown Tax List.[21a]
11 Jan 1738/9: Mary James, the daughter of Thomas Junior and Elizabeth, was born.
20 Sep 1738: Aaron James was born, the son of Thomas and Hannah James of the Goshen Meeting.
14 May 1738/9: The will of Owen Edwards, a blacksmith of London, England, mentioned his daughter Sessil, wife of Thomas James, and daughter Elizabeth, wife of Abel James. The latter was "gone to Carolina".[22]
18 May 1739: The will of Thomas Richard of Tredyffrin mentioned friend George James.[23]
30 Nov 1739: The will of Thomas Buffington mentioned daughter Rachel James. Thomas named as executors his wife and Samuel James; but Samuel renounced the Letters of Administration, relinquishing that duty to Buffington’s widow.[24] Samuel must have been the son-in-law, husband to Rachel Buffington James.
23 Jan 1740: Hannah James, daughter of John and Ann, was born. She was not their first child as older brother Ezekiel had been born on 24 Oct 1736.
16 Apr 1740: Cecelia James (nee Sessil Edwards) was named administratrix of the John James estate.[25] See 21 Nov 1741 and 14 May 1738/9 below.
1 Jun 1741: The will of James David of Tredyffrin left a legacy to daughter Jane James, wife of Thomas James.[26]
8 Sep 1741: Alice Hubert, a widow residing in Whiteland, signed her will, mentioning friend George James of Tredyffrin.[27]
21 Nov 1741/2 Along with William Williams and Timothy Kirk, John James witnessed the will of Richard Edwards of Nantmeal, a husbandman.[28] See 14 May 1738 and 16 Apr 1740.
28 Sep 1742: John James of East Nantmeal, blacksmith, and his wife Anne sold 134¾ acres to Owen Givin for £130. The tract was bordered by David Stephen, William Branson, Nicholas Reed, and Simon Meredith. Witnesses: Henry Hockley and Richard Jones.[29]
4 Dec 1742: The will of Benjamin Hickman of Westtown, a yeoman, mentioned daughter Hannah James.[30]
In the 1740s John James, David William, and Owen Thomas witnessed the will of Richard Whitting of London, England, a yeoman.[31]
In the 1740s Samuel James and James Rees were named co-executors of the will of John Morgan of Uwchlan.[32]
2 Mar or May 1741/2: The will of Jenkin Lewis of Willistown named wife Martha and Joseph James as his executors.[33]
13 Jan 1742/3: Thomas James, David Davies, and Nathaniel Davies witnessed the will of Jenkin Thomas in Charlestown.[34]
Aaron and Hannah James had children Jane (1 Jun 1742, Sp: _______ Hibberd), Jacob (4 Apr 1744), and Isaac (13 Oct 1745) See 28 Jan 1772.
10 Dec 1742/3: Along with Isaac Servill, Samuel James witnessed the will of Mary Collins, widow of Joseph Collins.[35]
14 May 1743: The will of John Strode Senior named brother George Strode and brother-in-law Joseph James of Willistown as executors.[36]
13 Apr 1744: A deed for 236 acres from Mordecai and Ellen Lewis to Howell Howell was recorded. This had been "delivered in the presence of" Thomas James, Rees Howel, William Lewis, and Thomas Thomas.[37]
4 Apr 1745: The will of John Rowland, yeoman of Whiteland, mentioned daughter Ann, wife of Morris James.[38] See 4 Mar 1747.
6 May 1745: Methusalot Davis of Trydriffin sold 1 acre on Rees Pritchard’s Road to William Moore, Thomas James of Trydriffin, Morris Griffith, Richard Richardson, and John Cuthbert. It was to be held in trust for St. Peter’s Church for a church and burying ground. Witnesses: William Harkey, George Aston, and George James.[39] Robert Leonard married Honor Pritchart or Pritchett.
4 Mar 1747/8: Administration of the Morris James estate was granted to John James.[40] Morris James was married to Ann Rowland. See 4 Apr 1745.
29 Jul 1747: The will of Thomas James of Whiteland left property to his "cousins" Joseph James, Mary Earl, Thomas, Aaron, Jonathan, Martha, and Hannah James, Elizabeth Lewis, Elizabeth James, daughter of Samuel James. Executor: Cousin Samuel James of Whiteland. Witnesses: Llewellin Parry, Thomas Guest, and Richard Thomas.[41]
1747: Evan James and James Davis were named trustees of a will.[42]
9 Dec 1747: Griffith James and David Davies witnessed the will of Thomas Howell of Charlestown.[43] This Griffith was the son of Thomas and Gwellian James. See 1749.
16 Feb 1748/9: The will of Hugh Pugh of Vincent was witnessed by John James, Mordecai Roberts, and John Thomas.[44]
24 Mar 1748/9: The will of John James of Willistown, a yeoman, did not name family. Executor: John Jones and William Rowland. Witnesses: John Bowen and Methusalah Davis.[45]
25 Oct 1748: Thomas James signed his will, proved 30 Nov 1748 in Charlestown. Executors: Wife Gwellian, sons Griffith and John. Trustees and witnesses: David Davies, Owen Howell, Nathaniel Davies.[46] The inventory was submitted on 21 Nov 1748 by Thomas James and Patk Anderson. It included carpenter tools.[46a] See 13 Jan 1742. For Griffith, see 9 Dec 1747 and Tax List; for John, see 1758 Tax List.
Griffith James appeared on the Tax Lists of Easttown in 1748, 1751, 1753, 1754, 1756, and 1758.[47] This Griffith was married to Ann.
1749: Griffith James was on the Tax List in Charlestown. He was also there in 1751 and 1758, being listed as an "inmate" on the latter list, which term meant only that he was living with others. See 9 Dec 1747.
30 Dec 1749: The will of John Vaughn of Uwchlan named Richard Thomas and Samuel James of Whiteland as Trustees.[48]
3 Sep 1750: Anne James was named administratrix of the John James estate.[49]
28 Sep 1750: The will of Sarah Worrall of Edgemont mentioned sister Mary James.[50]
2 Nov 1750: The will of Richard Davis of Vincent was witnessed by James Roberts, William James, and John Thomas.[51]
21 Nov 1750: Aaron James Junior was named administrator of the Hannah James estate.[52] This was probably the Willistown family.
8 Dec 1750: The will of Thomas James of Tredyffrin named wife Anne, son Thomas, nephew George, kinsman Lewis James Junior of Trehaidde in Pembrokeshire, nieces Mary and Ann Jenkins. Executor: Wife Anne. Witnesses: George Aston, John Rowland, Joseph Bartholomew, John(x) Williams.[53]
18 Feb 1751: The will of Owen Phillips of Tredyffrin left a legacy, without explaining the relationship, to Rachel James.[54]
Beginning in 1751 Hannah James appeared on the Tax Lists of Westtown, where she was also listed in 1753, 1754, 1756, and 1758. Since Aaron James of Westtown was last listed in 1750, was Hannah his widow?
18 Oct 1751: Jonathan James, Joseph Sill, and William Quin witnessed the will of Richard Sheldon of Marple.[55]
31 Oct 1751: Aaron and Ann James had daughter Mary. A second daughter, Susanna, was born 20 Jul 1744.
4 Jan 1752: Thomas James signed his will, proved 30 Apr 1752 in Willistown. Executors: Brother-in-law Thomas Goodwin, Benjamin Hibbard. Witnesses: Joseph Lewis, Richard Jones, Lawrence Cox.[56] His wife was Mary Goodwin. Their children were John (16 Jul 1713), Thomas (14 Dec 1715), Joseph (9 Sep 1717), Benjamin (11 Oct 1720), Isaac (19 May 1725), and a daughter who married Richard Battin.
14 Mar 1752: The will of Elinor David of Tredyffrin left legacies to her sister Jane James, Jane’s daughter Rachel James, and to David James, whose relationship wasn’t stated.[57]
1752: Griffith James sold property in Chester County to Thomas Jones, the deed not being recorded until 1774.[58] Deeds in the name of Griffith James continued through 1817.
23 May 1753: The will of Mary Phillips of Nantmeal, a widow, mentioned niece Ann James.[59]
c. 1753: Margaret James, wife of Evan James, was mentioned in her father’s will.[60]
22 Mar 1754: Administration of the Samuel James estate was granted to Joseph James.[61]
6 Apr 1754: Joseph James, Daniel Yarnall, and Abraham Hibberd witnessed the will of Joseph Lewis in Willistown.[62]
23 Sep 1754: Samuel James, Randal Malin, John Todhunter, and Henry Atherton witnessed the will of Richard Thomas of Whiteland.[63]
1754: Samuel James was named co-executor to a will.[64]
11 Oct 1754: Aaron, son of Joseph and Hannah Hickman James, was born in Westtown.[65]
17 Nov 1754: Samuel James signed his will, proved 20 Jan 1755 in Whiteland. It mentioned daughters Elizabeth, Rachel, Magdalen, Sarah, and Hannah; son Samuel; and wife Rachel. Executors: Brother Joseph James, brother-in-law David Lawrence of Havorford. Witnesses: Thomas Morris and William Beale. Rachel Lawrence James signed her will on 26 Mar 1778, proved 3 Feb 1783 in West Whiteland. Executor: William Beale, also named as guardian to Hannah. Legatees: Daughter Sarah Humphries and Hannah James. Witnesses: William Beale, Isaac Spackman, and Benjamin Davis.[66] See 14 Dec 1762. Samuel's daughters Magdalin, who married a Johnson; Elizabeth, who married a Yarnell, and Rachel, who married Mr. Ring; were all half-sisters to son Samuel. Rachel would appear to have been the mother of Samuel, Hannah, and Sarah. See 10 May 1776 and 6 Jan 1770.
1758: John James appeared on the Charlestown Tax List as an "inmate". Was this the son of Thomas and Gwellian?
11 Apr 1758: Joseph James was named executor of the will of Alexander Baily of Willistown.[67] Baily was a kinsman of Geiles Feogan. See 15 May 1760.
14 Jan 1760 and 20 Jun 1760: Letters of Administration were issued to Samuel Grubb and Joseph James for the estate of Samuel Grubb of East Bradford.[68]
15 May 1760: Joseph James was named executor of the will of Giles Feogan of Willistown.[69]
17 May 1760: Joseph James and Mordecai Moore witnessed the will of Nathaniel Grubb of Willistown. He was then named co-executor with Samuel Grubb and John Fairlamb.[70]
23 May 1761: Mordecai James, David Brown, and Micajah James witnessed the will of Rachel Oldham in East Nottingham.[71] Mordecai was the father, Micajah his son.
4 Feb 1762: Mordecai James was named administrator of the estate of Benjamin Kendall of West Nottingham.[72]
27 Nov 1762: Griffith James, Thomas Rowland, and Isaac Hughes witnessed the will of Edward Williams of Easttown.[73]
14 Dec 1762: The will of Sarah Lawrence named daughters Rachel James and Sarah Griffith, and grandchildren Sarah James and Samuel James. She also left a legacy to Hannah James, but the relationship was not stated. The will was proved 15 Mar 1763.[74]
4 Mar 1764: James Wharrey, Andrew Walloch, and Micajah James witnessed the will of James Muirhead in West Nottingham.[75]
11 Mar 1764: The will of Christian Branneman of Tredyffrin instructed his executors to sell his land in Tredyffrin bought of Enoch James.
21 May 1764: John James signed his will in Vincent, proved 11 Jan 1764/5. In it, he named wife Lettice; sons John and William; daughters Elenor Davies and Mary; son-in-law Jeremiah Price; son-in-law George David (who was married to daughter Elizabeth) and his sons Thomas, John, George, and Ephraim. Executors: Sons William and John. Witnesses: Owen Thomas, Rees (x) Evan, David Thomas.[76] For son William, see 2 Nov 1750.
24 Aug 1764: Griffith James signed his, proved 28 Oct 1765 in Easttown. Executors: Isaac Wayne and John Morris. Witnesses: Lewis and Morris Morris, Joshua Evans.[77] Griffith's wife was Ann They had a daughter named Hannah born after 1743. See 27 Nov 1762 and the Tax Lists.
On the 1765 Chester County Tax List:[78]
● Caleb James, Middletown: 52 acres, 1 horse, 2 cattle, 0, 0
● Thomas James, Middletown: Single man
● Caleb James, Upper Providence: 18 acres, 0, 0, 0, 0
● Daniel James, West Whiteland: 0, 1 horse, 2 cattle, 0, 0
● Edward James, Lower Chichester: Inmate
● Evan James, Radnor: 250 acres, 2 horses, 6 cattle, 6 sheep, 0 servants
● Ezekiel James, Westtown: Freeman
● George James, West Nottingham: 128 acres, 0 , 6 cattle, 12 sheep, 1 servant
● Micajah James, West Nottingham: 130 acres, 4 horses, ?, 1 sheep, 0
● Griffith James, Easttown: 100 acres, 3 horses, 4 cattle, 4 sheep, 0. This is almost certainly the Griffith James who died in 1765.
● Jacob James, Thornbury: 0, 1 horse, 1 cow, 0, 0
● John James, Vincent: 194 acres, 4 horses, 8 cattle, 17 sheep, 1 servant
● Joseph James, Willistown: 149 acres, 4 horses, 2 cattle, 0, 0
● Mordecai James, East Nottingham: 30 acres, 2 horses, 1 cow, 1 sheep, 0
● Jos’h James, Westtown: 372 acres, 5 horses, 18 cattle, 30 sheep, 0
● Robert James, Westtown: Freeman
● Thomas James, Tredyffrin: 30 acres, 1 horse, 2 cattle, 0, 0
● William James, East Nantmeal: 200 acres, 3 horses, 6 cattle, 8 sheep, 0
21 Mar 1769: The will of Mary Chandler of Birmingham named nephews Mankin and Philip James.[79]
1769: Griffith James was listed as a freeman in the Radnor Township.[79a]
c. 1770: Thomas James, Thomas Carleton Junior, and Lydia Carleton witnessed the will of a Carleton.[80]
6 Jan 1770: Joseph James signed his will, , proved 12 May 1770 in Willistown. Legatees: Wife Elizabeth; grandchildren Joseph, Samuel, William, Jesse, and Hannah James; grandsons Joseph Hoopes and John Ashbridge; daughter Sarah Ashbridge; daughter Mary Treviller; daughter Ann Yarnell. The will mentioned land in Newtown. Executor: George Ashridge, Joshua Evans. Witnesses, Andrew Buchanan, Thomas Smedley, and Lewis Gronow.[81] Wife Elizabeth might have been a Stroud. Joseph and Elizabeth's children were Sarah (Sp: Jonah Ashbridge), Mary (Sp: _______ Treviller), Ann (Sp: _______ Yarnell) James (who was in turn the father of Joseph, Samuel, William, Jesse, and Hannah), and a daughter who married a Hoopes. See 17 Nov 1754 and 26 May 1778.
On the 1771 Chester Tax List:[82]
● Aaron James, Willistown: 0 acres, 1 horse, 1 cow, 0 sheep, 0 servants
● Ann James, Easttown: 100 acres, 2 horses, 2 cattle, 0 sheep, 0 servants. Ann was the widow of Griffith of Easttown.
● Benjamin James, Middletown: Freeman
There were also four Pritchards on this tax list, one in Upper Providence and one in Charlestown.
26 Aug 1771: Mordecai James signed his will in East Nottingham, proved 24 Dec 1776. Legatees: Wife Susanna, daughter Hannah Churchman, sons Micajah and George. Executor: David Brown. Witnesses: Thomas and Arthur Barrett, and John Kirk.[83] See 23 May 1761 and 4 Feb 1762. Mordecai had first been married to Dinah. Son Micajah was born on 6 May 1737; son George on 10 Oct 1738. See also 23 May 1761.
28 Jan 1772: Isaac James signed his will. It was proved 11 Jun 1772 in Willistown. Legatees: Mother Hannah, brother Jacob, sister Jane Hibberd. Executor: James Gibbons. Witnesse: Isaac and Mary Hoopes, Samuel Oliver.[84] Isaac had been born on 13 Oct 1745.
20 Jun 1772: Thomas Phillips of Willistown, in his will dated 20 Jun 1770, named the children of niece Sarah James, i.e. Mary, Margaret, Ann, and Isaac James.
9 Sep 1772: Hannah James was named administratrix of the Joseph James estate in Westtown.[85] Hannah and Joseph had children: Caleb (4 May 1736; married to Mary Marshall), Mary (25 Jul 1737), Hannah (1 Aug 1739), Ann (3 Jun 1741), Joseph (21 Mar 1743), Elizabeth (25 Nov 1744), Sarah (22 Dec 1746/7), Susanna (20 Feb 1749), Ruth (7 Nov 1750), Moses (20 Dec 1752), Jesse (12 Mar 1756), and Esther (6 Sep 1757). Son Caleb and wife Mary may have been the parents of Aaron James, born 1763, married Mary Mercer, died 14 Apr 1823 in Chester County.[86] See Tax Lists.
12 Jun 1773: Esther James was named administratrix of the Thomas James estate in Tredyffrin.[87]
16 Aug 1773: Joseph James, Joseph and Joshua Hoopes witnessed the will of Francis Smedley in Willistown. The will left the plantation "formerly belonging to Lawrence Cox, James Trevilla, and John James to wife Ann.[88]
28 Dec 1774: The will of Evan Williams of East Nantmeal left a legacy to "child of daughter Hannah James, deceased, late wife of William James".[89]
2 Oct 1775: William Chiddick and William James witnessed the will of David Davies in Vincent.[90]
22 Oct 1775: The will of John Lewis of Radnor was witnessed by Samuel James, Samuel Havard, and Benjamin Livezey.[91]
9 Dec 1775: Ann James was born to Ezekiel and Keziah James. She was followed by Hannah (7 Jan 1778), John (20 Aug 1779), and Ezekiel (6 Jun 1782).
10 May 1776: Samuel James signed his will, proved 30 May 1776 in West Whiteland. He mentioned his mother Rachel; sister and brother-in-law Sarah and Jacob Humphreys and nephew Edward Humphreys; cousin Joseph James of Newtown; sister Hannah; half-sisters Elizabeth Yarnall, Rachel Ring, and Magdalen Johnson. Executors: Samuel Bond and Richard Thomas. Witnesses: William Lawrence, John Jacobs.[92] See 17 Nov 1754 and 6 Jan 1770.
26 Aug 1778: Esther James was named administratrix of the John Griffith estate in Tredyffrin. On that same day, Mary James was named administratrix of the Joseph James estate.[93]
14 Oct 1778: Caleb James, Andrew Kell, and Abraham Williamson were named executors of the will of freed slave Cuff King.[94]
2 Jun 1780: Letters of Administration of the estate of John James of East Nantmeal were granted to Evan James.[95]
7 Jun 1780: In his will William Lawrence of Haverford mentioned his sister Rachel James.[96]
6 Oct 1780: John James was named administrator of the Daniel James estate.[97]
And one past our break off point of 1780: 13 May 1798: William James signed his will, proved 4 Jun 1798 in East Nantmeal. Executor: Sons Evan and John. Witnesses: George Evans, Jacob Vance, Caleb Fitzsimmons. Children named in the will were George, John, Elizabeth, Evan, John, Joseph, Ann, Mary, Hannah. The last four were minors.
No dates in Chester County:
The children of Sarah James were named in the will of their great uncle Thomas Phillips of Willistown. Their names were Mary, Margaret, Isaac, and Ann.[98]
A Hannah Harvey James was the mother of Keziah and Ann
Delaware County, Pennsylvania:
1790: Griffith James, son of Evan James, was residing in Delaware County. The Evan James estate was being settled at that time.[99]
Frederick County, Maryland:
24 Feb 1753: John Webster Junior signed a bond acknowledging his debt to Daniel James of Frederick County, VA for 5,000 pcm MD and pledging mineral rights to a tract of land in Frederick County, MD as collateral. Wording of the abstract is confusing. Witnessed by Sarah Owen.[100]
19 Nov 1755: Daniel James, gunsmith, sold 100 acres called The Fountain on Sugarland Road to Capt. John Thompson, mariner of Great Britain, for £13.17.6. MD. Witnesses: Nathaniel Wickam and David Lynn.[101]
22 Jun 1757: Thomas James, in debt to Charles James for £24.0.3, granted his crop of tobacco and livestock as collateral. Witnesses: Andrew Heugh, George Wilson.
22 Nov 1759: Thomas James recorded a lease made 25 Sep 1759 between Archibald Beall and Jane Beall, his wife, for 70 acres of Labyrinth.[102] Once again, the wording is confusing.
Our Griffith was in Frederick County by 1763.
20 Jun 1764: Daniel James sold 50 acres known as The Dispute to Peter Becraft for £80. The tract was located on a "draft" of Ben’s Branch and on a "draft" of Linganore. Witnesses: John Darnall, W. Cumming.[103]
1 Apr 1786: John James married Martha Hugg.
26 Oct 1793: Daniel James signed his will naming Lucy and John James as executors.[104] William Pritchett had his will dated 24 Jun 1766 in Frederick.
Washington County, Maryland: (Formed 1776 from Frederick)
In 1776 and 1777 the following men served in the Militia:[105]
● Richard James was a Pvt, 2nd Class in Capt. Basil Williams’ Militia Company
● Apparently another Richard James served in Capt. Jeremiah Spire’s Company, 2nd Battalion, as a Pvt. 5th Class
● Evan James served as Pvt, 5th Class in Capt. Daniel Cresap’s Company, 3rd Battalion
● Benjamin James was a Pvt, 3rd Class in Cresap’s Company
● George James was a Pvt, 7th Class in Capt. Barratt Johnston’s Company, 3rd Battalion
● Joseph James served as Pvt, 6th Class in Capt. John Reynold’s Company, 2nd Battalion
Some Marylanders initially served in Frederick County until Washington County was formed in 1776.
The following men took the Oath of Allegiance before 1778:[106]
● Abraham Jemes Junior before the Hon. Richard Davis
● Richard Jeams and Richard Jeams Junior also took their oaths before Richard Davis
● Eran James before the Hon. Lemuel Barritt
● George James before the Hon. John Barnes
Our Grifet James took the Oath in Lower Antietam Hundred before the Hon. Christopher Cruse.
18 Apr 1778: Thomas James, born c. 1756, married Elizabeth McFall.[107] This Thomas later married Mary Egan. He served as a Private from MD during the Revolution, and died on 12 Sep 1842. John McFall, age 26-45, resided in Pendleton District, SC in 1800. Some have claimed that Thomas was another son of our Griffith and Mary James.
28 Sep 1785: An inventory of the estate of Thomas James was filed. Administratrix: Easter [or Esther] James. The inventory included 7 slaves.[108]
In the 1790 Census:
● Easter James: 2 females; 0 males; 5 slaves[109]
● Joseph James: 1 male over 16, 3 under; 3 females.[110] Enumerated next to Griffith James. This is almost certainly Griffith's son.
● Hezekiah James: 1 male over 16, 1 under.[111] This name may be significant in that our Hannah James Leonard named a son Hezekiah.
12 Apr 1791: Our Griffith James purchased 50 acres of "King Cole" from Joseph James for £50.[112]
Pendleton District, South Carolina:
Aaron James was listed in the 1790 Census with 2 males over 16, 2 under; 4 females; 0 slaves.[113]
10 Jan 1791: Aaron James purchased 210 acres on Big Generostee from John Simpson. Witnesses: Jacob Gilleylen, Thomas Turner. The will was proved 26 Jun 1798.[114] Samuel and Gwendolyn James Dean lived on Big Generostee. Notice however, that there are no Leonards, Deans, or Cummins witnessing any deeds for this Aaron.
1 Apr 1791: James Steele and Aaron James witnessed a deed from Thomas Lesley to Isaac Steele for 230 acres on the waters of Great Generostee adjoining Steele and Thomas Lesley.[115]
21 Jan 1793: William (x) and Mary Ann James witnessed a deed from Charles Gates to George Singleton Foster for 140 acres on the south side of the Saluda River.[116]
20 Feb 1796: John James purchased 154 acres adjoining Robert Rankin and Andrew Tate from Sheriff John Harris at public auction. The parcel had belonged to Mary Devaney. Witnesses: Thomas Gorman and Samuel Barr.[117]
13 Mar 1796: Aron James and William Turner witnessed a deed from Asaph Alexander to James Turner for 200 acres on the west side of Big Generostee.[118]
1796: John Singleton apparently sold land to Isaac James. The deed is very faint. The parcel seemed to be located on George’s Creek of the Saludy River. Witnesses: Stephen James and Lewis Singleton.[119]
1 Aug 1796: Thomas Lesley sold Aaron James 87 acres on Great Generostee Creek of the Savannah River. Witnesses: James Turner and Christopher Winder.[120]
7 Oct 1796: David James proved a deed for land on Beaver Creek of Woolonoy of the Saluda River. John Pendergrass also witnessed the conveyance.[121] Thomas Leonard, husband of Hannah James, purchased land on Wollenoy Creek in 1808.
4 Apr 1797: Aaron James was among the purchasers at the estate sale of Thomas Turner.[122]
24 Mar 1798: Isaac James "of Washington district" sold 100 acres on the headwaters of George’s Creek, a main fork of the Saluda River, to David Duncan for $100. Witnesses: William Jamison, Daniel Duncan, and Robert Hammond.[123]
27 Jun 1798: Aaron James sold 40 acres bordering Thomas Turner, John Simpson, William Leasly, and Barton to Bavester Barton. Witnesses: James Turner and Mary Barton.[124]
20 May 1799: When John Shannen sold 200 acres on Choestoe Creek of the Tugaloo River to William Jenkins, the land was described as lying on a conditional line made by Francis Jenkins and Isaac James. Witnesses: Isacc Jones and Thomas Jinkins.[125] Was this man a James or Jones?
In the 1800 Census:
● Isaac James: 4 males under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 over 45; 1 female under 10, 1 10-16, 1 16-26, 3 26-45, 3 over 45[126]
● Isaac James: 1 male under 10, 1 16-26; 1 female under 10, 1 16-26; 0 slaves[127]
● Aaron James: 2 males 10-16, 1 26-45; 1 female 10-16; 0 slaves[128] He was enumerated next to Thomas James.
● Thomas James: 1 male over 45; 1 female 10-16; 0 slaves[129]
26 Jan 1801: Aaron James, James Turner, and Rhody (x) McCurary witnessed the will of William Green.[130]
28 Aug 1801: Along with John Waters and Thomas Hood, Isaac James witnessed a deed from John and Violet Hood to John Waters Junior on both sides of Buck Creek of the Saluda River.[131]
1 Oct 1801: Aaron James sold 87 acres on Great Generostee Creek of the Savannah River to Michael Steele for $150. Witnesses: Nimrod Kelly and John Patterson.[132]
28 Nov 1803: John James sold 50 acres on 26 Mile Creek adjoining Caleb Edmondson, Beazley, Abraham Elledge, and James himself, to Thomas Dean for $25. Witnesses: James Kennedy and [our] Samuel Dean.[133]
14 Jan 1805: Aaron James and Ishom Cox witnessed a deed from James Brasher to Capt. James Turner for 210 acres on Big Generostee Creek that had been conveyed at one time from Simpson to Aaron James to Brasher.[134]
4 Jan 1824: Elizabeth (x) James, widow of Thomas James, signed her will naming son James Brown and daughter Nancy Brown. Executor: James Dobbins. Witnesses: James and Martha Dobbins. The area had become Anderson County. Was James Brown her son from another marriage?
Lincoln County, Tennessee:
2 Oct 1813: Daniel Keeth sold 125 acres on the headwaters of Limestone Creek, a northern branch of the Tessessee River, about one mile north of the state line, to Isaac James. Witnesses: John Lelley, Robert M. White, William Anderson, and Robert Pollock.[135]
1 Jun 1816: Isaac James sold 80 acres on the headwaters of Kelley’s Creek, a southern branch of the Elk River, to Lovel Coffman. Witnesses: John Hodge and William Bonner.[136]
15 Jul 1822: Isaac James "of Giles" sold 225 acres on the headwaters of Limestone Creek to Isaac Smith. Witnesses: Jesse Loveless and A. Isaacs.[137]
Giles County, Tennessee:
In the 1850 Census, Giles County, we find Isaac James age 63, born MD; Eleanor 65, born NC; Elizabeth 32; Mary 30; Samuel 26; William 24; Isaac 22; Sarah 16. He could not be found in the Cemetery Records of Giles County, Tennessee.
Alabama:
In the 1850 Census:
Limestone County:
● Bennett James: Farmer 86, born MD[138]
● Elijah James: Stonemason 48, born TN; Belinda 44; five children[139] Enumerated close to Bennett James.
● Isaac James: Farmer 47, born SC; Lucinda 37; seven children[140]
Madison County:
● Reaves James: Farmer 63, born SC; Sarah 56; Elizabeth Sanderson age 83[141]
Any information is only as reliable as its source. Evaluate the following sources accordingly.
[1] Bryant, Abstracts of Chester County, Pennsylvania Land Records, Volume 2, 1729-1745, p. 21
[2] Martin, Abstracts of Wills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, 1758-1777, p. 436
[3] Martin, p. 578
[4] Martin, p. 441
[5] Bryant, p. 129, from Book F6, p. 159
[6] Martin, p. __54
[7] Martin, p. 681
[8] Martin, p. 586
[9] Martin, p. 631
[10] Martin, p. 590
[11] Martin, p. 482
[12] Martin, p. 485
[13] Martin, p. 595
[14] Bryant, p. 28
[15] Bryant, p. 91, from Book E5, p. 481
[16] Martin, p. 138
[17] Martin, p. 492
[18] Martin, p. 159
[19] Martin, p. 154
[20] Martin, p. 497, 519
[22] Martin, p. 179
[23] Martin, p. 169
[24] Martin, p. 177
[25] Martin, p. 598
[26] Martin, p. 504
[27] Martin, p. 196
[28] Martin, p. 202
[29] Bryant, p. 153, from Book F6, p. 330
[30] Martin, p. 210
[31] Martin, p. 217
[32] Martin, p. 236
[33] Martin, p. 515
[34] Martin, p. 503
[35] Martin, p. 291
[36] Martin, p. 434
[37] Bryant, p. 164
[38] Martin, p. 250
[39] Bryant, p. 183, 186, from Book F6, p. 558, 589
[40] Martin, p. 277
[41] Martin, p. 289
[42] Martin, p. 513
[43] Martin, p. 272
[44] Martin, p. 517
[45] Martin, p. 284
[47] Tax Lists; Futhey, History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, p. 173
[48] Martin, p. 330
[49] Martin, p. 337
[50] Martin, p. 529
[51] Martin, p. 521
[52] Martin, p. 342
[53] Martin, p. 519
[54] Martin, p. 520
[55] Martin, p. 368
[56] Martin, p. 351
[57] Martin, p. 522
[58] Deed Index, original located in Book S, p. 350
[59] Martin, p. 525
[60] Martin, p. 383
[61] Martin, p. 388
[62] Martin, p. 387
[63] Martin, p. 393
[64] Martin, p. 395
[65] Ancestral File, Family History Center
[66] Martin, p. 396
[67] Martin, p. 105
[68] Martin, p. 63
[69] Martin, p. 55
[70] Martin, p. 137
[71] Martin, p. 139
[72] Martin, p. 124
[73] Martin, p. 243
[74] Martin, p. 143
[75] Martin, p. 181
[76] Martin, p. 181
[77] Martin, p. 551
[78] Dix, p. 47
[79] Martin, p. 347
[79a] Charlotte Davis Hoverder, from Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Vol. 11, p. 648
[80] Martin, p. 39
[81] Martin, p. 36
[82] Williams, p. 57
[83] Martin, p. 585
[84] Martin, p. 425
[85] Martin, p. 428
[86] Ancestral File, Family History Center
[87] Martin, p. 456
[88] Martin, p. 469
[89] Martin, p. 565
[90] Martin, p. 557
[91] Martin, Vol, 3, p. 45
[92] Martin, p. 571
[93] Martin, Vol. 3 p. 18
[94] Martin, Vol. 3, p. 248
[95] Martin, Vol. 3, p. 82
[96] Martin, Vol. 3, p. 85
[97] Martin, Vol. 3, p. 87
[98] Martin, p. 449
[99] Louise Rourke
[100] Andersen, Frederick County, Maryland Land Records, Vol. 2, Liber E, Extracts, p. 7, from Liber E, p. 102
[101] Andersen, Vol. 2, p. 82, from Liber E, p. 931
[102] Andersen, Frederick County, Maryland Land Records, Vol. 3, Liber F Extracts, p. 88, from Liber F, p. 877
[103] Andersen, Frederick County, Maryland Land Records, Vol. 5, Liber J Extracts, p. 50, from Book J, p. 653
[104] Flowers, The Frederick County, Maryland Will Index 1744-1946, p. 121, from Book GM-2-498]
[105] Peden, Revolutionary Patriots of Washington County, Maryland, p. 184
[106] Peden, p. 184
[107] Louise Rourke
[108] Louise Rourke
[109] Washington County 1790 Census, p. 2
[110] Washington County 1790 Census, p. 9
[111] Washington County 1790 Census, p. 9
[112] Ann Fleming, from Book G, p. 368
[113] Genealogical Publishing Company, Heads of Families, First Census of the U.S. 1790, South Carolina, p. 82
[114] Willie, Pendleton District, South Carolina Deeds 1790-1806, p. 174, from original p. 414
[115] Willie, p. 108, from original p. 177
[116] Willie, p. 41
[117] Willie, p. 111, from p. 193
[118] Willie, p. 107, from p. 167
[119] Willie, p. 246, from p. 241
[120] Willie, p. 174, from p. 415
[121] Willie, p. 316, from p. 390-391
[122] Alexander, Pendleton District and Anderson County, SC Wills, Estates, Inventories, Tax Returns, and Census Records, p. 16
[123] Willie, p. 276, from p. 77
[124] Stewart, 1800 Census of Pendleton District, South Carolina, p. 88
[125] Willie, p. 210, from p. 54-56
[126] Stewart, p. 25
[127] Stewart, p. 25
[128] Stewart, p. 111
[129] Stewart, p. 111
[130] Alexander, p. 27
[131] Willie, p. 271, from p. 41
[132] Willie, p. 266, from p. 11
[133] Willie, p. 378 from p. 251
[134] Willie, p. 361, from p. 156
[135] Marsh, Land Deed Genealogy of Lincoln County, Tennessee, Vol. 1, 1809-1818, p. 138, from Book C, p. 326
[136] Marsh, p. 171, from Book D, p. 173
[137] Marsh, Land Deed Genealogy of Lincoln County, Tennessee, Vol. 2, 1818-1828, p. 71
[139] Limestone County 1850 Census, p. 66
[140] Limestone County 1850 Census, p. 70