Lewis is the kind of person that always pays his taxes on time, he didn't get in trouble with the law and he only owned land once in his marriage life; renting the rest of the time.
He didn't have much of worldly wealth, for in 1815 when Virginia taxed on everything a person had Lewis was shown as having 1 horse and 1 cattle and 1 bureau of wood other than mahogany. (1)
Every person over 16 was required to pay a tax both on real property (land) and personal property. The personal property included any male over 16 and any horses they had. In some years a person was taxed on their cattle. Early in the year each person had to bring in a list of their tithables and give them to the tax collector. ( see the example at the end of the story). The state figured up how much it had taken to run the state the year before and that amount was divided up into the counties who in turn figured how much each person would pay. To keep someone from lying on their tithable list, their list was tacked to the church door so everyone in the area could read it and squeal on their neighbor if he wasn't paying his fair share.
The personal property tax list found in Rockbridge and Botetourt county for Lewis Williams
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LIST:
County Year Male over 16 Slaves Horses Cattle
Botetourt 1772 1
Botetourt 1774
Rockbridge 1786 1
Rockbridge 1787 1 1
Botetourt 1788 2 2
1789 1
1790 1 1
Rockbridge 1791 1 1
Botetourt 1793 1 1
Rockbridge 1794 1
Rockbridge 1809 1 1
1811 1 2
1812 1 1
1812 Land Tax
1813 1 3
1813 Land Tax
1814 1` 1
1814 Land tax
1815 1 1 1 1 bureau
1815 Land Tax
1816 1 1
1816 Land Tax
Botetourt 1817 1
Rockbridge 1817 1 2
1817 Land Tax
Botetourt 1818 1
Rockbridge 1818
1818 Land Tax
1819 1
County Year Males above 16 Slaves Horses Cattle
Rockbridge 1819 Land Tax
Botetourt 1820 1
Rockbridge 1820 1
1821 1
1821 Land Tax
1822 1
1822 Land Tax
1823 Land Tax
1823 1
1824 1 1
1825 1 1
1826 1
1827 1
1828 1 1
1829 2
1830 2
Rockbridge 1831 2
1832 2
1833 1
1834 1
1835 2
1836 1
None between 1837 and 1840
1841 1
1842 1
1843 1
1844 Dead
The first record of Lewis I have found is in Botetourt County, Virginia in the Tax records of 1772 showing 1 tithable. (2) In 1786 Lewis had 1 tithable (3) and again in 1787 Lewis appears on the personal property tax list with 1 horse and 1 cattle. (4)
Lewis Williams and Thos Williams were listed as being delinquent in their 1794 taxes. (5)
The court records show they were summoned into court and when they didn't appear they were fined.
As a result of non-payment of taxes Lewis was summoned into court "on the motion of John Robinson one of the commissioners for the tax of this county ordered that summons for William Melhaney, Lewis Williams and William Chandley to appear at the next court to show cause why they have not given in a return of their property according to law." (6)
"Commonwealth against Lewis Williams. The dependants in these several suits for failing to make returns of their taxable property according to law. The sheriff having returned on each of the summonies "not found a copy left" and defendants each of them failing to appear through solemnly called, on the motion of the attorney for the commonwealth ordered that each of them be fined in the sum of five pounds and trible faned and the same fees are allowed the officers of court out of the said fine as are by law allowed in case. Which fees on each of these units are 126 pd tobacco and 15 shillings. (7)
October 6, 1795 "The petition of James Mason assignee of Robert Armstronge against Lewis Williams the sheriff having obtained on the summons "No Inhabitant" therefore it is dismissed. (8)
It appears that Lewis had left the area or died.
On December 15, 1802 a David Williams born December 15, 1787 was bound to Peter Nace. Lewis Williams was bound to John Garman on the same day they were both orphans. If this is our Lewis this would make his birth date February 15, 1793. (9)
Pro? That the overseers of the poor blind out according to Law David Williams age 15 year the 25th of December 1802 to Peter Nace to be taught the trade of Blacksmith and Lewis Williams to John Garmon age 10 the 15th of February 1803 to be taught the act and mystery of weaver. (10)
Botetourt County Marriage records show a Pete Crush and Elizabeth Williams widow of Lewis Williams deceased taking out a marriage bond, on 29 June 1802. (11) Was this our Lewis's mother?
On June 6, 1806 in Bedford County Virginia James McCraw and Aggetha Williams were married. Lewis Williams and James McCraw put up the marriage bound. (12)
Later that same year in Bedford county August 28, 1806 "on the motion of Adorn Craigg by his attorney an injunction is granted order to stay all further proceedings on a inditement at law recovered against him in this court by Lewis Williams til the matter can be heard in equity on a bill now filed who made oath and gave bond according to law." (13)
Bedford County is a beautiful place it has more churches then bars and everyone takes great pride in the appearance of their homes. It lies at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bedford County was the scene of the marriage between Mary Bailey and Lewis Williams. The marriage bond (which was a guarantee by the groom that the wedding would take place) was issued 12 October 1808. Nelson Bailey along with Lewis Williams put up the money for the marriage bond. $150.00. Mary must not have been of age because a note from her parents Philip Bailey Sen and Mary Bailey Sen. was attached. (14) I have found no record of the marriage actually taking place. If this is the same Lewis who was orphaned in Botetourt he would have been married at the age of 15.
After the marriage Mary and Lewis moved to Rockbridge county to live. A distance of 21 miles.
Although Rockbridge County isn't far away it is quite different from Bedford. The county is situated on rolling hills with a lot of farm area while Bedford is at the foot of the mountains. There are no forest trees there.
The 1810 Census of Rockbridge County shows the following. (15)
Ages -10 10-16 16-26 26-45 45+ Slaves
Males 1 1 2 0 0
Females 0 1 2 1
Since Lewis and Mary had only been married one year. They could not have that many children in their family so either there was another family living with them or Lewis had been married before.
In 1811 Lewis witnessed a marriage bond between William Williams and Mary Saunders daughter of Philip Saunders dated September 5, 1811. Danl. Trosall and William Williams put up the marriage bond. Philip Saunders of Rockbridge County gave permission. Ja Cloyd, Daniel Troxall and Lewis Williams were witnesses. They were married July 11, 1811 by Saml. Houston of the High Bridge Presbyterian Church, Rockbridge County. The High Bridge Presbyterian Church is located on a hill overlooking what use to be the town of Springfield.
On June 3,1811 with a growing family Lewis bought a lot in Springfield, Rockbridge County, Virginia for $20.00 (16). It was lot six. All that is left of Springfield today is the High Bridge Presbyterian Church. The town itself is now an interstate. Lewis nearest neighbors were Thomas Williams and William Williams. It seems that the Williams liked the town and were settling there. Thomas himself owned six lots while William owned 5 lots. There were a total of 36 lot in the town.
Springfield is located south of High bridge Church and two miles from the Botetourt County Line. It was along the old valley road. The town was founded about 1797 by John McConkey who had been a captain in the Continental Army. Near the village was a Large Cherry tree which was considered to be the geographical center of Virginia, including West Virginia. (17)
In 1811 Lewis was summons to appear in court as a witness. "The common wealth of Virginia to the Sheriff of Rockbridge County, Greeting you are hereby commanded to summon Lewis Williams to appear before the Grand Jury at the courthouse, now sitting and this he shall in no wise omit under penalty of 100 pds and have him there this writ. Witness Andrew Reid, Clerk of our said Court at the courthouse, the 3 day June 1811 and the 35th year of the commonwealth"
"Court 1811, Lawrence Kennr for Retailing Spiritous liquors viz whiskey by the half pint to be drunk where sold without license within six months last? By Lewis Williams Cooper. Who was sworn to give evidence before the jury. Jas Templeton Foreman". (18)
Lewis's trade was listed in this court order as a cooper. (One who makes or repairs vessels made of staves etc: hoops, such as casks, barrels, tubs, etc.)
In 1814 a daughter Eliza Jane was born in Rockbridge County to Lewis and Mary.
In 1815 the State of Virginia taxed the people on everything that they owned which was of any value to finance the War of 1812 (19). It is then that you can see how wealthy a person is. At that time Lewis had 1 horse and 1 cattle and 1 bureau of wood other than mahogany. (20) Not much as far as this worldly wealth is concerned.
On September 30, 1816 Lewis must have been well financially for he bought lot 16 from William McCorkle and his wife. (21)
In 1819 a daughter Minervia Ann (our ancestor) was born in Botetourt, Virginia.
Rockbridge and Botetourt were adjacent counties and the name of Lewis is found in both places.
There were two Lewis Williams in the area at this time, one in Botetourt and one in Rockbridge.
The 1820 Census for Botetourt County Virginia (the neighboring county)shows.
1820 Census Botetourt County Page 300 on Roanoke River
Age -10 10-16 16-18 16-25 26-45 45+ Other Slaves
Male 2 1
Female 1 1 1
. Lewis employment was agriculture. (22)
This same year there is a Lewis Williams in the Rockbridge County Census: He lived on Roanoke River. In that census it showed.
Rockbridge 1820 Census page #300
Age -10 10-16 16-18 16-26 26-45 45+ Other Slaves
Male 4 1
Female 2 1 (23)
By now it was twelve years since they were married and their family was growing.
August 21, 1821 Lewis was listed in a estate sale of Thomas Williams, deceased.. A neighbor in Springfield. (24)
Lewis bought 2 volumes of the Dictionary of Bible, Josephus works (4 volume), and 1 bible. (25)
I can not help but think that this bible was a family bible and that Thomas Williams was a relative of Lewis's. It is amazing to me that he bought Josephus works a book hard to read even in our own day.
The 1821 personal property tax list of Rockbridge County shows Lewis at Reids. (26)
On June 1, 1818 Lewis sold lot 6 in Springfield to Peter Harclay for $25.00. (27) Thus he made a profit of $5.00. Perhaps he didn't want to stay there anymore with Thomas Williams gone.
On 14 September 1822 Lewis sold lot 16, which he had previously brought from William McCorkle, to Thomas Armstrong for $25.00. (28)
Another daughter Phebe Matilda was born in 1828 in Rockbridge.
The 1830 Census for Rockbridge County shows:
Ages -5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100
Males 1 1 2 1
Female 1 1 1 1 1 (29)
Lewis and Mary's children were now becoming of age to married and establish a home of their own. October 5, 1835 Lewis gave his consent for his daughter Elize Jane to marry John Coflin. John Coflin and James White put up the surety bond. They were married by Andrew B. Davidson, a Presbyterian Minister. (30)
In 1834 Lewis was forced to sell his coopers tools to satisfy a debt of $5.35 to James Hart.
Even with everything that he sold he only collected $2.99 1/4 cents. (31) Not much for all of his tools.
Our Minervia Ann Williams fell in love with John Richardson and were married about 1837. No marriage records has been found.
Alexander Williams was born in 1837 in Botetourt to Lewis and Mary. Mary was 44 years old and I can picture the pregnancy and delivery as being hard on her.
1840 Census for Rockbridge Shows
Age 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90=100
Male 1 2 1
Female 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (32)
About 1841 Phebe Matilda was married to Benjamin Rice in Rockbridge County. I have not found a copy of their marriage but based the date on the year before the first child was born.
This left only Alexander at home.
4th December 1843 in Rockbridge county "on motion of Charles P. Dorman who made act according to law and together with Thomas L. Miller his security entered into an acknowledged bond in the penalty of $500.00 conditioned as the law directs. Certificate is granted the said C. P. Dorman for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Lewis Williams decd in due form."
Lewis had died intestate at the age of 60, leaving no will.
"Ordered that Thomas L. Miller, William Shields, John D. Houston and Madison
Petticrew or any three of them being first duly sworn for that purpose do appraise in current money the personal estate of Lewis Williams decd and return an inventory thereof to the court." (33)
I can find no mention in the court records of an inventory. Perhaps Lewis didn't have enough property to list with the courts. Mary went to live with her daughter Phebe Matilda and son-in-
law Benjamin Rice.
In the 1850 census Mary is listed as age 55 and Alexander is listed as 13 years old.
1850 Census for Botetourt Virginia (34)
Botetourt, Virginia 1850 Census
Dwelling #618 Rice, Benjamin 40 Miller VA
Pheba 22
Benjamin 8
Frances 6
Agnes 4
William 3
Martha 10/12
Williams, Polly 55
Williams, Alexander 13
Mary died December 9th 1856 in Botetourt Virginia while living with Phebe. Her death was attributed to Rheumatism. She was 63. (35)
In 1865 the last child Alexander was married to Ann Eliza Stephens a widow in Kanawha County West Virginia. (36)
1. Rockbridge County Virginia Personal Property tax of 1815.
2. 1772 Botetourt County Virginia delinquent tax list.
3. 1786 Botetourt County Virginia Tax list
4. The 1787 census of Virginia by Netti Schriner-Yantes. Volume 3 FHL #975.5 R4sn
5. Virginia State Library Rockbridge: Processions, A list of delinquents & insolvents Tithables in Bounds of Joesph Leyle Commission. In the year 1794
6. Rockbridge County Virginia order book 1787-94 page 7
7. Ibid page 41, September 4, 1787
8. lbid. Page 101 book 1795-1799
9. Botetourt County Virginia, Children Vol. #1 by Charles Burton. Salt Lake City Family History Library # 975.538 D2b.
10. Botetourt County Virginia, Court Order book 1800-1804. Page 429 Wednesday the 15th of December.
11. Botetourt County Virginia Marriage Records.
12. Bedford County Circuit Court McCraw & Williams 1806
13. Bedford County Virginia Order book No. 13.
14. Bedford County Virginia Surety bond
15. United States 1810 Census Rockbridge County Virginia page 393
16. Rockbridge County Virginia Deed Book G page 300 FHL #33764
17. Proceeding of the Rockbridge Historical Society Volume X 1980-1989 edited by Larry I. Blane located at the Rockbridge Regional Library, Lexington, Virginia.
18. Virginia State Archives, Schedule of Insolvence, Grand Jury, Presentments, Rockbridge
Rockbridge County.
19. Rockbridge County Personal Property Tax List of 1815
21. Rockbridge County Deed book K, page 170 FHC #33766
22. Botetourt County 1820 Census page 75. Salt Lake City Family History Library #193,689
23. Rockbridge County Virginia census page 300 Microfilm #33-130
25. Rockbridge County Virginia Wills page 607.
26. Rockbridge County Virginia Person Property Tax 1821
27. Rockbridge County, Virginia Deed Book L page 182 FHL 33,766
28. Rockbridge County Deeds Book N Page 396 FHL #33767
29. Rockbridge County Virginia Census 1830
30. Rockbridge County Circuit Court
31. Virginia State Library Rockbridge County 1812-1886. Sale of Delinquent Lands, corres.
Warrants, etc.
32. United States Census Rockbridge County Virginia 1840 page 180
33. Rockbridge County Court Records
34. United State Census Botetourt County 1850 line #618
35. Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health - Division of vital records line #36
36. Kanawha County Commission 1865 line 230.