I am always on the search for details to fill in the lives of my husband’s Williams ancestors in the pre-1800 time period, especially as they lived in Virginia and migrated to eastern Tennessee about 1805.

The Virginia Memory Chancery Court records are a huge favorite of mine. More and more files are being digitized and added to the online collection of the Library of Virginia.

Recently, I came across a new record – Charles Williams was sued by William Dungee in Cumberland County Chancery Court in 1799. It’s interesting because I think Charles knew he was wrong (whatever the circumstances were) because it is noted that he didn’t bother to show up for court in spite of the fact that the sheriff had served him notice.

William Dungee vs. Charles Williams, 1799, Cumberland County, VA
Virginia Memory: Chancery Court Records, File 1799-003

Cumberland July Term 1799

William Dungee Pltff
against
Charles Williams Deft. In Chancery

On hearing the Pltfs bill, the defendant having failed to answer the same altho duly served with process – the Court are of opinion and the (?) is accordingly decreed and ordered that the defendant be forever foreclosed of all equity of redemption to two negroes viz: a boy named David & a girl named Mourning which said negroes were mortgaged to the plaintiff by the said deft. to secure the payment of £96 with its Interest. unless the Defendant makes payment thereof or unless he answers the plaintiff’s bill on or before the 4th Monday in October next.

A Copy
Teste.
J. Woodson D.C.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the Williams clan had spread far and wide in Virginia with ties not only to Cumberland County, but to Amelia, Buckingham, Bedford and Campbell Counties. I’m familiar with many of the surnames in the Williams FAN club, but Dungee is not a name I’ve ever come across until now.

Apparently, Charles Williams owed £96 to William Dungee. Since there are no further papers decreeing an alternate outcome to this case, it appears Charles must have accepted the court’s decision.