Category Archives: Ferguson of VA

Ferguson of VA, Stubbleson

Stubble Stubbleson of Essex County, Virginia, 1600s

2 Comments

Stubble Stubbleson

Boy! I have to admit that name gave me pause and I had to wonder if it was possible that anyone was ever named Stubble Stubbleson. Not that there aren’t some unusual names in the family tree – Stufflebean isn’t exactly the most common name – but Stubble Stubbleson seemed too far fetched to even be possible.

That is, until I found real documents that named him!

Stubble, as I shall refer to him, was likely a Dutch man who settled in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, probably in the 1660s, as he is first mentioned in 1665. He apparently was married, although nothing is known of his wife, and was the father of one surviving daughter when he died by February 1668/69.

There were two transactions between Stubble and Thomas Rawson on 29 October 1665.

In the first sale, Rawson sold 513 acres of land to Stubble for 1,000 pounds of tobacco in the parish of Sittenbourne.

In the second sale, Stubble sold a cow and heifer to Rawson, although the amount of money agreed upon is not mentioned in the deed.

“Stable Stubleson” settled a dispute with Thomas Rawson over property in December 1667 and in June 1668, Thomas Rawson again recorded a land sale to Stuble for 1,000 pounds of tobacco.

Land Deeds Between Stuble Stubbleson & Thomas Rawson
Old Rappahannock County, VA Deed Book 3:457-461
Source: FamilySearch

There is nothing notable about the details in these deeds. I’ve included the images just to prove that this man existed with his unique name. 🙂

Sometime between 1 July 1668, when that sale was recorded and 1669, Stubble had died.

Land Deed, 2 May 1674
Old Rappahannock County, Virginia Deed Book 5:299
Source: FamilySearch

The parcel of land is described as “land formerly belonging to Stubble Stubbleston alien deceased” and granted to Theophilus Wheele by the governor. Theophilus appointed an attorney to represent him and wife Elizabeth to support his claim to the land.

In 1669, an inquistion was held and determined that Stubble was an alien (non-citizen?), that when he died he owned about 100 acres of land in Old Rappahannock County and that, upon his death, his land was escheated (returned) to the state.  and I posted this deed yesterday in the Farguson story, which includes the verbiage:

 . . . I, the said John Fargisson as marrying Ann, the only surviving daughter and heir of Stubble Stubbleson, deceased, do hereby . . . make over unto . . . William Jewill . . . with . . . the voluntary consent of the said Ann, my now wife . . . a certain piece of land . . . formerly sold by one Thomas Rawson unto the said Stubble Stubbleson . . .

Given that Stubble Stubbleson’s only transactions in Old Rappahannock County involved Thomas Rawson, it makes me wonder if Stubble might have married a daughter of Thomas Rawson?  However, whoever Ann Stubbleson Farguson’s mother was, she seems to have been lost to time.

This is the sole mark that Stubble made on history, besides leaving one surviving daughter. I wonder if he was a young married man and his wife died giving birth to Ann? We may never know the answer to that question.

 

 

Ferguson of VA

John Farguson/Ferguson & Ann Stubbleson of Essex County, VA, 1700s

Leave a comment

Cary Farguson, who married the second Henry Purkins (1685-1738) was the daughter of John Farguson/Ferguson, also of Essex County, Virginia.

John Farguson was a Scotsman and he is thought to be the immigrant ancestor of this family, settling in Essex County, Virginia by 1682. There is a John Fargeson who arrived in Virginia in 1666, along with a James Fargeson, said to be a younger brother. These Fargesons were undoubtedly transported and made a new life in the colonies.

John married Ann Stubbleson, who was the daughter of Stubble Stubbleson.

Deed of John & Ann Farguson, 1683
Old Rappahannock County, VA Deed Book 7:128-131
Source: FamilySearch

The only pertinent portion of this deed, dated 12 February 1682/83 is the statement “John Fargisson married Ann only surviving daughter of Stubble Stubbleson, dec.”

More on “Stubble Stubbelson” in a future post! I had trouble believing this name was real until I found some documents.

John Farguson was likely born c1655, if he was about 25 or so when he married c1681/82, as the land deed stated that he married Ann by February 1682/83. There is no way to tell how long they had been married by that time, but probably not very many years.

John Farguson died between 10 May 1715, when he wrote his will, and 19 March 1717, when it was proved in Essex County Court. Son Joseph and his widow Ann were named executors:

Will of John Farguson, 1717
Essex County Will Book 3: 8-9
Source: FamilySearch

In the name of God, Amen: I, John Fargeson, of Essex County, being in perfect sense and memory and good health, God almighty be prayed, therefore considering the transitoriness of this life and being willing to settle my temporal affairs before I goe (sic) hence have, and do make, ordain this to be my last will and testament in the manner following, viz.

Imprimus, I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it, hoping through the merits, death, and passion, of my blessed Saviour Jesus Christ to receive full and free remission of all my sins at the last day.

Item. I do bequeath and give unto my eldest son John Fargeson all my land that lies on the north side Piscataway Rolling Road to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son James Fargeson my plantation wheron I now live and all my land on that side the aforesaid rolling road after his mother’s decease, to him and his heirs forever, only reserving for my son Joseph Fargeson free liberty to live and work thereon till he can better provide himself.

Item. I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Redd, the wife of Thomas Redd, five shillings to buy her a Bible.

Item. I do give and bequeath unto my grandson John Rogers one young cow and calf.

Item. It is my will and desire that my well-beloved wife Ann Fargeson have and injoy the use of all the rest of my estate during the time she shall continue my widow without any interruption or disturbance of any of my children, and that she shall not give nor convey any of my estate to any other person than as this by will directs.

Item. It is my will and desire that if my wife do marry that then immediately after such her marriage, my two Negroes, Nacher and Bess, and all my personal estate shall be appraised and the whole value thereof be equally divided (after my just debts and funeral charges are paid) between my loving wife Ann and my two youngest sons, Joseph and Samuel Fargeson, but if my wife dies my widow it is my will and desire that my Negroes and personal estate as aforesaid be, immediately after such her death, appraised and the value thereof be equally divided between my two aforesaid youngest sons Joseph and Samuel, and lastly, I do hereby ordain my wife Ann and my son Joseph Fargeson executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking, disannuling, adn making void all manner of wills and testaments heretofore by me made and, of which, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 10 day of May 1715. 

Signed John Fargisson (Seal)

Signed, sealed and published in the  presence of
Daniel Brown
James his(X)mark Sams
Elizabeth her(X)mark Brown

At a Court held for Essex  County on Wednesday, the 19th day of March 1717 this will was presented in Court by Ann Fargisson, the Executor wherein named who made oath thereto and was further proved by the oath of Daniel Brown, Elizabeth Brown, and James Sams, witnesses thereto and is admitted to record.

Teste: /s/ Will. Beverley ClkCur
Wit.: Dannll. Browne, James Sames, Elizabeth Browne.

It is interesting that John Fargeson made no mention of either his daughter, Cary, who was still living at the time, or his Caston grandchildren.

However, John and Ann Fargeson made a deed of gift to Class and Cary Caston:

Farguson Deed to Class & Cary Caston, 1706
Essex County, Virginia Deed Book 12: 208-209

To all Christian people to whom these present shall come John ffargisson…of the Count of Essex, planter …know ye, that I…for the love and affection I bear unto my Son-in-law Class Caston…grant…unto the said Son-in-law Class Caston and Cary his wife…and after their deaths, to my grandson John Caston…one hundred acres of land…it being the plantation whereon…Class Caston now liveth…lying up the branches of Dragon Swamp…part of a dividend of land formerly granted by patent unto Edward Hudson…I do oblige myself to acknowledge my Deed of Gift…unto my Son-in-law…and his wife…and further her right of dower…

Witness my hand and seal this eleventh day of March Anno Domini 1705/6 and in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Ann, by ye grace of God, Queen of England, etc. 

John fargisson (Seal) Signed, sealed & Delivered in the presence of James Baughan, Jr.
John Burt
Acknowledged by John ffargesson to Class Caston (and right of dower relinquished by Ann ffargesson, wife to the said John) In Essex County Court ye tenth day of April 1706 and is recorded. Test.: Richard Buckner Clk Cur

Therefore, Cary is clearly John’s daughter. It may be that this was the legacy to be received from her father and no more. Class Caston died in 1715 and Cary was administratrix of his estate.

Ann outlived John by 16 years and left her own will dated 1731, but not proved until 16 December 1735 in Essex County Court:

Will of Ann Fargeson, 1735
Essex County, Virginia Will Book 5: 386-388
Source: FamilySearch

In the Name of God Amen I Ann Fargeson of the County of Essex and parrish of Southfarnham being in health and of sound mind and memory thanks be given to almighty god for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say

Imprimis I give and bequeath my soul into ye hands of almighty god who gave it hopeing to receive perfect Remission and forgiveness of all my Sins by the Meritts of my only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and as touching such temporal Estate as it hath pleased almighty God to bestow upon me I give and bequeath the same as followeth

Item I give and bequeath and order that first of all my husbands Estate be first made good as it was at his decease and all the rest and remainder both real and personal after my husbands Estate is made good I give and bequeath as follows

Item I give and bequeath to my Grandson John Caston a negroe Boy named Mature to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Redd my Cloak and hood Item my will and desire is that all ye rest of my Estate of what nature and Kind whatsoever be Equally Devided between my four Children

Item I Constitute and appoint and ordain my two sons John and Samuel Fargeson my full and whole Executors of this my last will and testament Revoking Disanulling and makeing void all former wills and bequests by me heretofore made and do ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form aforesaid In Witness my hand and seal this first day of October in this year of our Lord God one thousand Seven hundred and thirty one

Signed Ann her(O) mark Fargesson
Witnesses: Thomas Barker, Thomas Red, Ann her (A) mark Fargeson.

I’ve read some online commentary that Ann Stubbleson might not be the mother of Cary, but her will seems to negate that thought. Although Cary is not mentioned, Ann did leave a bequest of an enslaved person named Mature to “my grandson” John Caston. Since Cary’s first husband was Class Caston, it seems likely that she would therefore be Cary’s mother.

Children, assuming John Fargeson didn’t omit any other children from his will. I also tend to believe that Ann was the mother of all these children:

1. John, born c1683; died after his father wrote his will
2. Cary, born c1685; died after 1742; married (1) Class Caston (2) Henry Purkins, before 25 March 1716, probably Essex County, Virginia
3. Sarah, born c1687; died after her father wrote his will; married Thomas Redd, before 10 May 1715
4. Daughter, born c1689; married Mr. Rogers and had one son, John Rogers; died before her father wrote his will
4. Joseph, born c1691; died between 5 November 1717, the date of his own will, and 19 March 1718, when his will was proved. Joseph was unmarried, left bequests to brothers Samuel and James, John Caston with James as his executor.
5. Samuel, born c1693; died after his father wrote his will

There are several more collateral Perkins lines to cover. Next up is the man with the most unique name – Stubble Stubbleson.

Ferguson of VA, Perkins

Henry Purkins & Cary Farguson, Essex County, VA

Leave a comment

We’ve now moved back into the 17th century with the third Henry Perkins in this branch of the family tree.

Henry Purkins was born c1685, probably in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, the son of Henry and Mary (MNU) Purkins.

An important piece to know about Virginia history – Old Rappahannock County was formed in 1656, but in 1692, it was abolished and divided into Essex and Richmond Counties. Therefore, it is likely that the Purkins family didn’t move – the county just changed named.

Henry Purkins married Cary Farguson, daughter of John and Ann Farguson, before 20 September 1720, when she was called Cary Purkins, administratrix of the estate of Class Caston, probably in Essex County, Virginia. She had previously been married to Class Caston, c1705, and who died in 1715 and with whom she had four children, John, Class, Cary and Elizabeth.

Henry and Cary were parents to four children before Henry’s untimely death in 1738, when he was only in his 50s. Henry survived his own father by only two years.

Will of Henry Purkins, 1738
Essex County, VA Will Book 6:171-172
Source: FamilySearch

In the name of God Amen I Henry Purkins of the County of Essex in P’ish of South farnham being sick & weak in body: but of perfect sence & memory thanks be to God Almighty; and Calling to mind the unsartain State of this Transitory Life & tis appointed for men one to dye do make this my Last will and Testament

Imprimis first I bequeath my Soul to God who Gave it me hoping through the Meritts & mercys of my blessed Saviour to have full pardon and Remission for all my sins; secondly I committ my body to th eEarth from whence it was first taken to be decently buried by my Executors Thirdly as toutching what Small Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I give & dispose as follows Vize ——-

Item I give all my lands to my Son Henry Purkins and his Lawfull heirs for Ever & I will that my Loving wife Cary have as much of my Estate as by Law is allowed; and as toutching Slaves & other Estate Desire that it may be Equally devided among all my Child that hearafter mentioned to witt Henry Sarah & Tabitha provided my daughter Rachel Griggs dyeth without Lawfull Issue of her body; 7 if she hath Lawfull Issue of her body & liveth to be of full age that then that Issue have one fifth part of my Estate Except my land it is my will that all the negroes that my wife holds for her dower & their increase after her death Shall be divided as my other Estate is tis my will that whereas I have given an assignment to a Sartain person for one of my negroes that that assignment Shall be fully Complyed with: which assignment beareth date the Twelfth day of this Instant Lastly I do appoint my loveing wife Cary my son Henry Purkins my whole & Sole Executors of this my Last will & Testament Wittness my hand and Seale this 21 day of Semtpeber 1738

Item I give my Daughter Rachel Griggs one Shilling for her Share of my Estate
Henry Purkins Seal

Item I give to Joannah St. John the wife off John Sr all my & of an her Dower of the Land that I bought of our Sheriff at oction Witt my hand & Seale this 23 day of Septemr 1738 Henry Purkins Seal
Test
Frances X Griggs
John Griggs
Elebeth X (Hortine?)

Henry Purkins either died from the effects of an accident or else he quickly passed from a sudden illness if he was apparently renting out an enslaved person just two weeks before he wrote his will.

Children:

1. Henry, born c1718, probably Essex County, Virginia; died after 2 June 1780, when he wrote his will, in Essex, County, Virginia; married (1) Elizabeth Gatewood, c1740 (2) Mary (MNU), c1758
2. Rachel, born c1720; died after 18 November 1738; married Mr. Griggs, before 1738, probably Essex County, Virginia
3. Sarah, born c1722; died after 18 November 1738; unmarried at that time
4. Tabitha, born c1724; died after 18 November 1738; unmarried at that time

Tomorrow, we will look at the family of the fourth and final (yes!) Henry Purkins, the man who married (1) Mary (MNU) and (2) Tabitah St. John, daughter of Thomas and Mary (MNU) St. John, also of Essex County, Virginia.