1.1.1.4. John Kirby (1718-1774).

John Kirby, the son of Thomas and Frances Lowry Kirby, married Mary, daughter of Robert Shield, whose will (proved 21 May 1755, York County court) named daughter Mary Kerby and grandchildren: John, Sally, Frances, Mary and Rachel Kerby.

John Kirby's will was proved 20 Jun. 1774 in York County court. In it he named sons: Robert, Thomas, William and John Kirby; younger children: Robert, Martha, Thomas, Ann and William; younger daughters: Sarah, Frances and Mary. Sons-in-law, Thomas Kerby and Joseph Needham, were executors. He gave his land in Lunenberg County to be equally divided between his sons Robert and Thomas.

In York Co. Court 21 Nov. 1774, Thomas Kirby was appointed Guardian to Thomas Kerby, Anne Kerby and William Kerby Infants, Orphans of John Kerby deceased.

In a chancery suit in York Co. Court 19 Dec. 1774, styled Robert Kerby Plaintiff against Thomas Kerby Infant Defendant, Thomas Kerby, Senior, was appointed Guardian to the Infant Defendant, to defend him in this suit. The outcome was an order that equal Partition and Division be made of the Lunenburgh Co. Tract, which was estimated to contain 730 acres. Half of the 730 acres was awarded to Robert Kerby, and the other half to Thomas Kerby, infant.