Notes |
Robert Easley
Sex: M
Birth: ABT. 1655 in probably England
Death: BEF. MAR 1711/12 in Henrico County, Virginia
The first person of the name Easley who has been located in America is
Robert Easley, who is found in 1680 living in Henrico Co., Va. He was
probably born c. 1655, and he died in Henrico Co., Va., between
October 1711 and January 1712 (see documentary evidence below). The
records give no clue as to his origin or ancestry, but it is presumed
that he is the immigrant ancestor of the family. The great majority of
Easleys in America descend from him.
He may have been in Virginia for several years prior to the 1680 date,
as a headright was issued for him to Col. William Byrd in March of
1676:
Foley, Louise Pledge Heath. Early Virginia Families Along the James
River. Their Deep Roots and Tangled Branches. Henrico County -
Goochland County Virginia. Volume I. Richmond, Virginia, 1974.
p. 24. Land Patent Book No. 6. Capt. Wm. Bird, 1751 A., 2 R., 24 P.,
Henrico Co., N. side James Riv. 15 Mar. 1675/6, p. 604. Beg. (at)
Shoccores Cr. mouth, up the river bet. W. & N. W. &c. 1280 acres
granted him 27 Oct. 1673; the residue for trans. of 122 pers:
including "ROBT. ESTLY (?)".
The following is a list of documentary records pertaining to Robert
Easley. Since he is the first of the line, they are copied in full.
Part of them were located in the Henrico Co., Va., Colonial Records by
Charles Hughes Hamlin, C.G. The remainder were found by the compiler.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 1, p. 175. 18th Xber 1680.
Robert Easly (his mark "O") is witness to an assignment of right of
title to 200 acres of land from Henry Trent to John Pleasant.
Weisiger, Benjamin B. III, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1677-1705
(Richmond, Va., Privately Printed, 1986.
p. 13. (p. 175) William Berkeley, Knt., Gov., grants to Henry Trent,
200 acres on north side of James River, next to Mr. Place, for
transport of 4 persons to the colony. 7 Nov. 1673. Signed: William
Berkeley Recorded 7 Nov. 1673. Henry Trent assignes his rights in
above grant to John Pleasant. 18 Dec. 1680. Wit: Robert (O) Easly,
James (HH) Lisle Signed: Henry (HT) Trent Recorded 1 Aug. 1681.
Henrico Co., Va. Records, Deeds & Wills 1677-1692, Part 1, p. 177.
Deed from John Woodson junr. to Martin Elam. 20th day of 6th month
1681. Wits.: Robert "O" Easly, Hugh Davis. Recorded Aug. Court 1681.
Weisiger, Benjamin B. III, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1677-1705,
p. 13. (p. 177) I, John Woodson Jr. as marrying the orphan of Samuel
Tucker, assign my right in above tract to Martin Elam. 20 Aug. 1681.
wit: Robert (O) Easly, Hugh Davis. Signed: John Woodson, Jr. Recorded
20 Aug. 1681
I, John Woodson, Jr. as marrying orphand to Samuel Tucker, dec'd,
vist., Mary Tucker, have released to John Pleasants as guardian of
said Mary, all claim to above land. 15 Dec. 1680 Wit: Zacheus Ellis,
Robt. (O) Easly. Signed: John Woodson, Jr. Recorded 20 Aug. 1681
Henrico Co., Va., Records, Deeds & Wills, 1677-1692, Part 1, p. 177.
Deed from John Woodson junr. as marrying the orph. of Samuel Tucker
deced. viz. Mary Tucker to Jno. Pleasants. 15th day of 12th mo. 168-.
Wits.: Garhons Ellis, Robt. "O" Easly. Recorded Aug. Court 1681.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 170. October Court 1684.
Judgment is granted Robert Easley, Plt., against Mrs. Katherine
Milner, Administratrix of John Milner, dec'd., Deft., for 289 lbs.
tobacco and cask, due by account, etc.
Henrico Co., Va., Records, Deeds & Wills 1677-1692, Part 2, p. 286.
Oct. 1, 1684. Inventory of Estate of John Milner. "These particulars
following belonging to ye orphs. of Will Parker decd. being included
in ye above Inventory & Apprisz. of their Guard. John Milner's Estate
were upon ye peticon of Mrs. Kath. Milner ye Admx. & proof thereof by
her made Orderd to be sett apart for ye use of ye sd. Orphs & ye sd
Admx shall not be charge wth them as part of ye estate of ye sd deced.
Viz: One feather bed & furniture belonging to Mary Parker, one feather
bed & furniture & Gun belonging to Will Parker & two new pewter
dishes, one Iron pot & one pewter tankard belonging to one of ye sd
Parker's orphs. now wife to Robert Easly."
Weisiger, Henrico County, Virginia Deeds 1677-1705, p. 39.
(p. 417) 1 Feb. 1686 Hon. William Byrd, Esq. of County & parish of
Henrico, to Henry Ayscouth of same, planter, and Mary his now wife,
for life for L 5, a tract of 150 acres Byrd purchased of Ayscough; and
also a corner of land adjoining this on lower side between James River
and a valley above Robert Easley's now dwelling house, known as St.
Katherines Gutt. Wit: Hen Randolph, James Cocke Signed: Wm Byrd
Recorded 1 Feb. 1686.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 313. October Court
1689/90. Judgment granted unto Captain William Randolph, assignee of
Mr. Henry Hartwell, assignee of Mr. John Brodnax, Plt., against Robert
Easley, Deft., for 4,488 lbs. tobacco and cask, etc.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 350. Oct. 10, 1690. Robert
Easley is member of a jury.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 346. October Court 1690.
Robert Easley being to this Court arrested at ye suit of Mr. William
Sutton . . . and having made default in his appearance, etc., ordered
to appear at next court. (Next court Robert Easley confessed debt due
for 400 lbs. tobacco).
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 354. October Court 1690.
Robert Easly brings suit against the estate of John Johnson, deceased,
for his trouble in his sickness, funeral charges, etc., the said
Johnson dying intestate and having neither wife or child, etc.
NOTE: A. E. Casey, Eslea, p. 7, notes that this John Johnson was
apparently included among John Pleasant's 13 tithables in the 1679 tax
list. Casey speculates that Robert Easley might also have been among
these 13 tithables of John Pleasants in 1679, as he does not appear in
the list under his own name.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 5, p. 190. April 1, 1691.
Inventory of estate of John Johnson, deceased, taken at the houses of
William Drury and Robert Easley this 24 March 1690/91.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 2, p. 386. October Court 1691.
Robert Easley given 1,300 lbs. tobacco from the estate of John
Johnson, deceased, for coffin, sheet, funeral expenses, attendance,
sickness, etc.
Henrico Co., Va., Records, Deeds, Wills, Etc., 1688-1697, p. 211. Aug.
1, 1691. Ro. Easly purchaser at the auction of John Johnson's estate.
(The purchase consisted of clothing).
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 3, p. 49. April 20, 1695. It is
ordered that Mr. John Goode, Henry Ascough, Henry Sherman, Henry
Trent, Robert Easley, or any four of them appraise the estate of
Thomas Buck, Decedent.
Colonial Records, Henrico Co., Va., # 5, p. 322. June 1, 1692. Robert
Easley presented to the Grand Jury for swearing.
Nugent, Pioneers and Cavaliers, Vol. III, p. 88.
ROBERT EASLY (Easely-Esely), 315 acs., Henrico Co; on E. side of Reedy
Cr., 20 Oct. 1704, p. 624. Trans. of 7 pers.* Note: Paid Wm. Byrd,
Esqr., Auditor for 7 rights.
Executive Journals, Council of Va. Land Patent Book 9, p. 624, Oct. 2,
1704 -- "Mr. Auditor Byrd represented as proceeding in laying out land
appropriated by the Gen. Assembly for the use of the French Refugees
settled at Manicantown and produced two Platts of the tracts of land
now laid, wch. with what was laid out formerly for them amounts in all
to ten thousand and thirty three acres, etc. - - - lying contiguous
upon James River - - - etc." ". . . having called for the patents wch
were granted to several persons last April General Court for lands in
Henrico Co. for the signing of them until the land for the refugees
was laid out: Exec. did sign the same. Jermiah Benskin, 324 acres,
Robt. Easeley 315 acres, Walter Scott 250 acres . . . ." (This 315
acres was on the east side of Reedy Creek.)
Executive Journals, Council of Va., May 22, 1706. "Upon reading the
Petition of Robt. Easley stating forth that he obtained a patent for
315 acres of land in Henrico Co., and entered rights for the same and
upon further enquiry he found that the said land was included in a
Patent formerly granted to Colo. Byrd whereupon his Petition to the
General Court, the Court ordered that (he) should have his rights,
again upon delivering up his Patent, & now haveing the Patent ready to
be delivered he prayed his rights may be returned to him, which
Petition being thought reasonable Mr. Secretary is desired to deliver
up the said Rights to the Petitioner."
On the basis of the above abstracts, it has been traditional to assume
that Robert Easley arrived in Virginia as a French Huguenot refugee.
However, considering that he was already in Virginia 30 years earlier,
eleven years before the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and 26 years
before the arrival of the Manakin Town settlement, this dos not seem
probable. Rather, it would seem that the land patents mentioned had
been granted earlier, and that their confirmation had merely been held
up until the land for the Huguenots at Manakin Town had been laid out.
Other clearly non-French persons, such as Col. William Byrd and Walter
Scott, had land patents in the Manakin Town area, as is also clear
from the above documents. Since there is no other indication that
Robert Easley was of French Huguenot origin, this claim must be left
as unproven at best, in spite of the claims made in The Huguenot,
Publication # 5, and in spite of the fact that Easley descendants have
joined the Huguenot Society on the strength of it.
Weisiger, Benjamin B. III. Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia.
Vol. I. 1654-1737. Richmond, Virginia, 1976.
This book reveals further evidence on Robert Easley's career:
p. 56. Henrico County Wills & Deeds 1697-1704, p. 238. Inventory of
Andrew Martin appraised 15 July 1701 by Robert Easly, Thomas Howlett,
Mat. Branch, Thos. . Value L 45/8/3. Presented in court by Capt. Giles
Webb and recorded 1 Aug. 1701. Mary, relict of Andrew Martin says this
is a true inventory.
p. 59. Henrico County Wills & Deeds 1697-1704, p. 305. Inventory of
Daniel Blanch taken Dec. 7, 1702 by Henry Ascough, Robert Easely,
Philip Pursell, and Charles Snuggs. Recorded 2 Feb. 1702.
p. 65. Henrico County Wills & Deeds 1697-1704, p. 421. Inventory of
William Catling July 26, 1704. Value L 149/9/3 by John Goode, John
Stewart, Jr., Thomas Baly, Robert Easly. Recorded 1 Oct. 1704.
Henrico Co., Va., Order Books 1707-1709, p. 39, May 1, 1708. Robert
Easely being subpd. as an Evidence in behalf of Giles Webb Gent. in
his suit against Mary Shaw, and haveing made oath that he has attended
four days, Order is Granted him on his prayer against the said Webb
for one hundred and sixty pounds of Tobacco with Costs. Also. Exo.
(Other witnesses in this case were Phillip Pursell, Thomas Howlet,
James Collins, Elizabeth Martin, Mary Paine, Henry Randolph, John
Barefoot, Gilly Gromarine, John Baly.)
Wright, Louis B., and Marion Tinling, eds. The Secret Diary of William
Byrd of Westover 1709-1712. (Richmond, Va., The Dietz Press, 1941).
In evaluating this following series of references, the researcher
should keep in mind that Robert Easley had, according to the quotation
cited above from the Executive Journals, a couple of years before
obtained patent to 315 acres of land originally granted to Col. Byrd.
Diary of William Byrd, p. 34. May 12, 1709. "When I came to Falling
Creek I had some complaints against Robin Easely, which seemed to be
the effect of quarrelling. However I desired Mr. G-r-l to keep a watch
on him."
Diary of William Byrd, p. 89. Oct. 2, 1709. ". . . By the way I met
Will Bass who gave me a sad account of Robin Easely, who is a lazy
fellow."
Diary of William Byrd, p. 417. Oct. 6, 1711. (Concerning military
exercises.) "Robin Easely got the prize in wrestling."
Henrico Co., Va., Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 82. July Court 1711. In
the Action of Trespass brought by Robert Easly against Giles Webb for
Ten pounds damage by means of the Defendants not Complying with his
promise made to the Plaintif as in the Declaration is set forth, The
Defendant appears and pleads non Assumpsst, Whereupon the Plaintif
moves for time to bring his Witnesses, which motion is overruled, and
the Plaintif failing to come to tryal the Suit is dismist with Costs.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 96. Aug. Court 1711. The
Action of Trespass upon the Case brought by Robert Easly against Giles
Webb on the Defts. motion is Referd till the next Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 103. October Court 1711.
In the Action of Trespass upon the Case depending between Robert Easly
Plantif and Giles Webb Defendant for ten pounds damage by means of the
Defendant not paying the Plantif five pounds which he won of him upon
a wager as in the Declaration it is set forth, the Defendant appears
and pleads that he is not Guilty in such manner and form as the
Plaintif above in his Declaration hath Complained and of this he puts
himself upon the Country and the Plaintif likewise. Whereupon the
Sherif is Commanded to impannel a Jury of good and lawful men of this
County to try the fine and thereupon he causes to come Henry Hatcher,
John Farlo, Thomas Chetham, William Blackman, Thomas Chetham Junr.,
Christopher Branch, Seth Ward, Joseph Watson, Henry Farmer, Thomas
Howlet, Henry Anderson and John Worsham, who being Sworn and having
heard the evidence withdrew and after some time Returnd this Verdict
We find for the Plaintif which Verdict on the Plaintifs motion is
Recorded, and also on his motion, it is ordered that the Defendant do
pay him the sum of ten pounds with Costs. Als. Exo. Upon Reading this
over the Defendant moves for time till the next Court to Show his
Reasons to arrest the said Judgment which is granted.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 105. October Court 1711.
Joseph Hill being Summoned as a Witness for Robert Easly against Giles
Webb in a suit brought by the said Easly against the said Webb and the
said Hill failing to appear when Called on the motion of the said
Easly it is entered on Record.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 106. October Court 1711.
John Easly having made Oath that he hath attended three days as a
Witness for Robert Easly against Giles Webb, it is ordered that the
said Robert do pay him for his said attendance with costs. Als. Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 106. October Court 1711.
Philip Martin having made Oath that he hath attended three days as a
Witness for Robert Easly against Giles Webb, it is ordered that the
said Robert do pay him for his said attendance with costs. Als. exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 106. October Court 1711.
James Corbin having made Oath that he hath attended three days as a
Witness for Robert Easly against Giles Webb, it is ordered that the
said Robert do pay him for his said attendance with costs. Als. Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 107. October Court 1711.
The Action of Case brought by Abraham Womack Admr. with will annexed
of Allenson Clerke Deced. against Robert Easly is Referd on the
Defendants motion.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 112. January Court
1711/12. The Suit depending between Robert Easly Plaintif and Giles
Webb defendant is dismist the Plaintif being dead.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 116. February Court
1711/12. The Action of Case brought by Abraham Womack Admr. with the
will annexed of Allanson Clerke Deced. against Robert Easly is
dismist, the Defendt. being dead.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 123. March Court 1711/12.
The Last will and Testament of Robert Easly decd. was presented in
Court by Anne easly his Exerx, who made oath thereto and the same
being proved by the oaths of Philip Martin and Jno. Green the
Witnesses thereto, it is admitted to Record and on the motion of the
sd. Anne Esely Ordered that a Certificate be granted her for obtaining
a Probat thereof in due form. Jno. Easly and Philip Martin entering
themselves her securitys for the same and it is further ordered that
she do present to the next Court an Inventory of the said Decds.
Estate. Ordered that Mathew Branch Thoms. Harris Thomas Howlet Henry
Gee or any three of them (being first sworn by Giles Webb or Thoms.
Jefferson Gentlemen) do appraise the Estate of Robt. Esely decd. &
make return thereof to the next Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Records, Deeds & Wills, 1710-1714, Pt. 1, p. 116.
March Court 1711/12, Henrico Co., Va. Will of Robert Easley.
In the name of God, amen, I, Robert Esley of the parish and county of
Henrico, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory praise be
to God, do make and ordain my last will and testament in manner and
form following: First, I recommend my soul to God that gave it, hoping
through the mercies of Jesus Christ to receive free pardon and
forgiveness of all my sins, and as for my temporal estate I dispose of
it as follows:
Item. I give and bequeath to my son John Esley and to my son Warham
Esley and to my daughter Margaret Dupray, wife of Thomas Dupray, 500
acres of land lying upon Fine Creek to be divided among them as
followeth: 200 acres to one to be taken off the upper ends, to each of
the other two, 150 acres each which said land I give to them and their
heirs forever, but in case any of them die before age and without
issue, then to return to the survivor or survivors.
Item: I give and bequeath to my three younger children, Elizabeth
Esley, William Esely and my youngest son Robert Esely 400 acres of
land lying between Fine Creek and Mannakin upper cree. to them and to
their heirs forever, two of which said lots to be upon Fine Creek and
the other upon Mannakin Creek, but in case any of them die before they
come of age and without issue, then to return to the survivor or
survivors.
Item: I give and bequeath to my loving wife Ann Esely all moveables,
goods and chattels whatsoever, and make her whole executrix of this my
last will and testament, and I do hereby make void all former wills by
me heretofore made.
Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of December Anno Domini 1711.
Robert "O" Esely (seal)
Signed sealed and delivered
in the presence of
Philip "X" Martin
Jno. Green
At a Court held for the County of Henrico the first Monday in March
being the third day of March Anno Domini 1711. This Will was made oath
to by Ann Easley the Executrix, herein named and the same being proved
by the oath of Philip Martin & John Green, the witnesses thereto, it
was ordered to be recorded and on the motion of said Executrix and her
performing what is usual in such cases a certificate for a probate is
granted her. Teste
William Randolph, CC.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 137. May Court 1712. Anne
Easly presents upon oath an Inventory of the Estate of her Deceased
husband Robt. Easly wch is ordered to be Recorded.
Henrico Co., Va. Deeds & Wills. 1710-1714, Part I, p. 129-130. May
Court 1712. Inventory of Robert Easley's Estate, appraised by Math.
Branch, Thom. Harris, Thom. Howlett, Henry Gee. Total value of 36
lbs., 15 s., 03 d., (which by comparison seemed to be about the size
of the average estate at the time--it certainly was not large enough
to indicate wealth). Among the items inventoried were 4 cows and 1
bull, 5 yearlings and 1 three-year-old steer, 1 breeding mare, 4 sows
and 10 shoats, 4 ewes, 5 lambs, and 1 ram, flax, a harrow and howt, 1
cart and wheels, 1 plow, an old horse harness for two horses, flax, an
old loom, two feather beds, pots, barrels, a saddle, etc.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders, 1710-1714, p. 138. May Court 1712. In
the Action of Debt brought by Robt. Blaws against Anne Easly Exerx. of
the last will & testament of Robt. Easly decd. for two pounds ten
shillings due by bill dated the 15th day of June 1711. The plt. making
Oath that twenty-five shillings of the said sum is justly due to him
it is ordered that the Deft. Exerx. as aforesaid do pay him the same
with Costs out of the said Decds. Estate in her hands. Als. Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 138. May Court 1712. In
the action of Case brought by Wm. Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly Exerx.
of the Last will & Testament of Robt. Easly dec. the plt. having
failed to file his declaration of the Defts. motion he is nonsuit &
ordered to pay damages wth. Costs according to law. Als. Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 138. May Court 1712. The
Action of Case brought by Abraham Womack Admr. with the will annexed
of Allenson Clark Decd. against Ann Easly Exx. of the last Will &
Testament of Robt. Easly decd. is on the Defts. motion referd to the
next court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 138. May Court 1712. The
action of Case brought by Joseph Pleasants against Ann Easly Exerx.
(p. 139) of the last will & Testament of Robt. Easly is on the Defts.
motion referd to the next Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 139. May Court 1712. In
the action of Case brought by Jno. Woodson against Anne Easly Exerx.
of the Last Will & Testament of Robt. Easly Decd. for one pound
fifteen shillings due to the plaintif by account & dated in the Year
1711. The Plaintif being a Quaker makes his following affirmation in
manner prescribed by law that eighteen shillings of the said sum is
justly due to him & thereupon Ordered that the Deft. Exerx. as
aforesaid do pay the plt. out of the said Decds. Estate in her hands
the sum of eighteen shillings with Costs. Als Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 140. May Court 1712. In
the action of Debt brought by Jno. Woodson against Anne Easly Exerx.
of the Last will & Testament of Robt. Easly decd. for four pounds due
to the plaintif by note under the said decds. hand dated the 20th day
of September 1711. The plaintif being a Quaker makes his solemn
affirmation in manner prescribed by Law that the said debt is justly
due to him and thereupon Ordered that the Def. Exx. as aforesaid to
pay the plt. out of the said decds. estate in her hands the said sum
of four pounds with Costs. Als Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 140. May Court 1712. The
action of Case brought by William Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly Exrx.
of the last will & testament of Robt. Easly Deced. is by Consent of
the partys referd to the next Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 148. June Court 1712 In
the action of Case depending between Abraham Womack admr. with the
will annexed of Allanson Clarke Decd. plaintif and Anne Easly
Executrix of the Last will & Testament of Robert Easly decd. Defendt.
for five pounds thirteen shillings due to the plt. adminr. as
aforesaid by account dated in the year 1709 the partys appearing the
plaintif Exhibits the book of accounts of the said Allanson whereby it
appears that the said Money is due and the Deft. shewing no reason to
the contrary it is ordered that the Executrix as aforesaid do pay the
Plt. administrator the said sum of five pounds thirteen shillings with
Costs. Als. Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 171-1714, p. 148. June Court 1712. The
action of case brought by Joseph Pleasants against Ann Easly Executrix
of the Last will and Testament of Robert Easly decd. is on the plts.
motion referd to the next court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 149. June Court 1712. The
action of Case brought by Wm. Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly Exercs. of
the Last Will and Testament of Robert Easly Decd. is on the plts.
motion Referd to the Next Court the Deft. Consenting thereto.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 159. July Court 1712. In
the Action of Case brought by Joseph Pleasants against Anne Easly
Exerx. of the Last Will & Testament of Robert Easly decd. for thirty
four shillings and sixpence due to the plt. by account. The Deft.
appears & prays the said account may be proved, Whereupon the plainf.
being a Quaker makes his solemn affirmation in Manner prescribed by
Law that fourteen shillings & sixpence of the said account is justly
due to him and thereupon it is ordered that the Defendant Exerx. as
aforesaid to pay the plaintif out of the said Decds. Estate in her
hands the said sum of fourteen shillings & sixpence with Costs. Als.
Exo.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 162. August Court 1712. In
the action of Case brought by William Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly
Exrx. of the Last Will & Testament of Robert Easly decd. for the sums
of four pounds Eighteen shillings & Ninepence & five hundred & thirty
pounds of Tobacco due to him by account, the Suit being at the Last
Court referd, & the Deft. now failing to appear Judgmt. by nihil dicit
is granted against her for the said Money & Tobo. with Costs, On
Condition Nevertheless that the deft. shall have Liberty at the Next
Court to Appear & plead.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 170. August Court 1712. In
the action of Debt brought by William Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly
Exerx. of the Last Will & Testament of Robert Easly decd. for forty
Nine pounds three shillings & four pence Sterling due by bond etc. the
Defendant appears & prays Oyer & ch. & granted her--p. the Suit Referd
to the Next Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 173. September Court 1712.
In the action of Case brought by William Byrd Esqr. against Anne Easly
Exerx. of the Last will and testament of Robert Easly Deced. for the
sums of twenty four pounds of tobacco due by account the deft. appears
and pleads she oweth nothing and for tryall puts herself upon the
Country and the plt. likewise, wch. tryall is referd till the next
Court.
Henrico Co., Va. Court Orders 1710-1714, p. 186. October Court 1712.
In the action of Case depending between William Byrd Esqr. plt. and
Anne Easly Exerx. of the Last will and Testament of Robt. Easly deced.
deft. for the sums of twenty four pounds Eighteen shillings and Nine
pence and five hundred and thirty pounds of tobacco, due to the plt.
from the said Deceds. Estate by account, the deft. at Last Court
pleaded that she ow'd nothing and for tryal did then put herself upon
the Country and the plt. likewise wch tryall was referd to this Court
and the partys now appearing by their attornys the Sherif is Commanded
to Impannel a Jury of good and Lawfull men of this County to try the
Issue, who thereupon Caused to Come Benjamin Hatcher Samuel Newman
Edward Stratton Tom Pucket Jno. Robinson Jno Blackman Jno. Watson
Peter Ashbrook Philip Turpin Jno. Pucket Jno. Stewart and Alexander
Marshall and they being Sworn the plts attorny produced an acct.
Legally proved in the Court of Charles City County, Whereby the
aforesaid Sum of Money and Tobacco is due to the plt. and the first
article in the said Account being lbs. 49:3:4 due by bond. The defts
attorney Objects against the same for that the plt. hath a Suit now
depending in this Court against the defendant upon said bond wch
appearing to the Court to be true they direct the Jury not to allow
the said article, and then the Jury withdrew and after some time
return'd their verdict, we find for the defendt. Which verdict on the
defts. motion is Recorded, and Ordered that the Suit be dismisst wth
Costs. Whereupon the plt. Appeals to the Sixth day of the Next Genl.
Court for the prosecution Whereof Thomas Eldridge Enters himself
Security.
In 1718, Robert Easley received another land patent, apparently
posthumous, together with Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Turpin, and John
Archer, for bringing eighteen persons to the colony (Book 10, p. 378).
This grant was for 1500 acres as a whole. If it were divided equally,
Robert Easley's share would have been 375 acres. This grant was in the
area which subsequently became Goochland, Cumberland, and Powhatan
Cos.
Nugent, Pioneers and Cavaliers, Vol. III, p. 204.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, THOMAS TURPIN, JOHN ARTCHER, & ROBERT ESELEY, 1500
acs. (N.L.), Henrico Co; at a place known by the name of Fine Creek;
beg. above the upper fall of the sd. creek; to br. of the up. Monakin
Town Cr; to mouth of Spring Run, &c; 12 July 1718, p. 378. 3 Lbs. &
Imp. of 18 pers: Geo. Cole, Charles Peters, Geo. Wall, William Ball,
Francis Horse, Luke Shaw, George Roades, Mary Elders, Marth. Bridgers,
Jane Lewis, Robr. Busill, Thomas Howarth, John Hatchell, Nich.
Hatcher, Joseph Smith, John Evard, Thomas Benbridge, Constant
Benbridge.
Nugent, Pioneers and Cavaliers, Vol. III, p. 240.
MATTHEW COX, 400 acs. (N.L.), Henrico Co; S. side of James Riv., on
Fine Cr; down Easley's line; 18 Feb. 1722, p. 159. 40 Shill.
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