Not a lot is known about Richard Carter of Essex County, Virginia. He and his wife, Mary (possibly) Parr, were both young parents when they died and left three young children.
Richard Carter was likely born c1660 and married Mary ?Parr before 3 February 1687/88, probably in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia. Mary was also probably born in the early 1660s and was maybe the sister of Phillip Parr, who died before 10 June 1701, when his will was proved in Gloucester County Court, Virginia. After Mary died, Phillip Parr was called her closest relative. [Note: Some say she was Mary Young, daughter of Robert and Anne (MNU) Young.] Anne died by 10 August 1677 and didn’t mention a daughter named Mary. However, William Young, in his 1697 will, stated that four of his daughters were to buy a slave for Mary Carter.]
Phillip Parr’s first item in his will: I give and bequeath unto my loveing Kinsman, RICHARD CARTER, One hundred and fifty acres of land lying upon the GLEEB SWAMP and to him and his heires forever.
Mary Parr married (1) George Colclough, who died before 3 February 1687/88 when this this order was entered into the court records in Old Rappahannock County:
Judgment is granted to James Webb against Phillip Parr as Securitie of Richard Carter as Marrying the Relict of George Colclough for Six hundred pounds tobb [tobacco] & caske upon Bill, to be paid with cost of suit.
There are no details about the reason for the lawsuit, but it gives the important detail that Richard was Mary’s second husband.
After Richard Carter died, Mary (?Parr) (Colclough) Carter married (3) Henry Smith, but didn’t live long afterwards as on 11 June 1701, Henry Smith was appointed the administrator of Mary his late wife who was the widow of Richard Carter, deceased.
Henry Smith, Administrator of Deceased Wife Mary, Relict of Richard Carter, 1701
Essex County, Virginia Deed and Will Book 10:85
Source: FamilySearch
Richard Carter left no will, but at least two children and possibly three survived him.
Children:
1. Richard, born c1686; living 16 May 1721 to prove the will of Thomas Mountague of South Farnham Parish, but dead by 16 June 1730, when William and Catherine Gatewood sold land bequeathed by Phillip Parr to Richard Carter, who was now deceased, with Catey as the next rightful heir. Richard apparently was unmarried or widowed and had no children.
2. Catherine (Catey), born c1688 or later as William Young was appointed her guardian in 1701. Children aged 14 and older were allowed to request a guardian; died after 20 March 1744; married William Gatewood, c1717.
Some show a third child, Elizabeth, for Richard and Mary Carter, but I find no record mentioning her.