John Stringer was born circa 1610 (Mihalyka & Houston: 100). John died before 21 December 1689. He married Mary circa 1635. Mary, was born circa 1617. Her surname is unknown. She died before 1688 (Marshall: 141.)
John Stringer first appears in the Court records of Accomacke / Northampton on 12 February 1637 practicing medicine (Walczyk Book 1: 75). The text reads:
It is thought fit and so ordered that Richard Hauser shall pay 176 lbs. of tobacco unto John Stringer for certain physick administered unto Roger Williamson the said Hauser being the lawfull attorney of the said Roger Williamson that appearing to be justly due.
He witnessed the will of Nicholas Harwood on 1 April 1639 in Accomacke/Northampton. It was proved 6 May 1639 (Marshall: 4). (See a transcript of the will here.) An abstract of his will reads:
HARWOOD, NICHOLAS - 1 April 1639 / 6 May 1639 - My debts to Mr. Stringer (for my physicke) and to Goodman Grainger (for my dyett and attendance) to be paid. To my godson Nicholas Granger 500#t To John Park my clothes To John Webster my best coat. My friend John Tomkin extr. Mr. Cotton to make a sermon for me. To the boy Stephen my crop tooles. John Toulson to make my coffen. Witt: John Stringer, Nicholas Granger.
John Stringer was the plaintiff in a court case on 28 November 1642 in Northampton Co., VA (Ames 1640-1645: 218). The court case reads:
Whereas it appeareth to this Court That John Stringar Carpenter doth owe and stand indebted unto John Stringar Chirurgion by bill and Accompt of Quantity of seven hundred thirty and three pounds of tobacco and the Summer of five pounds seven shillings eight pence sterling It is therefore thought Fitt and soe Ordered that the said John Stringar Carpenter shall satisfy and pay the said John Stringar Chirurgion his assigns the said quantity of seven hundred thirty three pounds of tobacco and the Summer of five pounds seven shillings eight pence sterling in tobacco after the rate of sixe pence per pound with all Court Chargers otherwise execution etc.
On 6 March 1642/3 has attended to Edward Newport (Ames: 257). The record reads:
Whereas it appeareth to this court that John Stringer Chirurgion hath given his Attendance upon Edward Newport gen deceased being visited by the Contagwus disease called the Plague for the space of six or eight dayes. It is therefore thought requisit and accordingly ordered by this Court that in satisfaction for his said Care the said Stringer shallbe satisfyed and paid Five hundred pounds of tobacco out of thetate of the said Edward Newport and shall enjoy the weareing apparell that did belong unto the said Newport.
Two entries later it any legal actions pertaining to John Stringer were deferred to the next court (258). The entry reads:
It is thought Fitt by this Court That what cause suite or action any person or persons hath this present Court Comenct agaynst John Stringer Chirurgion and Likewise what Action or Actions soever the said Stringar hath Commencet against any person or persons shallbe referred to the next Monthly Court the said Stringar being now sicke.
On 26 June 1646 in Northampton Co., VA was granted unto John Stringer due per rights (Mackey 1645-1651: 82). The text reads:
A certificate granted to John Stringer Phylom for 750 Acres of Land John [Stringer] Stephen [Stringer] ffrances [Stringer] Richard [Stringer] George Vaux Wm Gower John Price John Billiad Joseph Green Martha Humprheyes Sari Buxdon John Nagarrett James Gunter Tho: Christian
On 29 January 1655 John Stringer testifies in court that Stephen Stringer was his brother . The text reads:
It is ordered by the court that a commission of Administration be granted unto Mrs. Susanna Stringer ye relict of Mr. Steph. Stringer decd (upon his estate) provided she put in security to ye court & pay charges.
This day came Jno Stringer that he hath heard some reportes that he intended to claim part of the estate of his decd brother (Mr. Steph. Stringer) As next heyre [here] thereunto; whereupon the sd [said] Capt Jno Stringer made this answer. That he did love his Brother so well; That he had rather add to the Estate of his sd decd brother than take any thing from the widow (Mrs. Susanna Stringer)
Recorded 16 die Febur. 1655. Per Edm. Matthews Clir Cur.
On 1 September 1665 John Stringer's Cattlemark was recorded (Walczyk. Cattlemarks 2). The text reads:
The several marks belonging to Col. John Stringer entered September 1st 1665. The buttock mark of His mark of cattle underhalfed both ears.
By 28 October 1679 John Stringer was tanning his own hides and building housing (Walczyk 1678-1683: 33, 34.)
John made a will on 10 February 1688 in Northampton Co., VA. It was probated 21 December 1689 (Marshall: 141, 142). (See the transcript of the will here.) An abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, JOHN - 10 February 1688 - 21 December 1689 - My body to be buried in my orchard with my dear dec'd wife and my tender children. all my moveable estate to be eq. div. By my son Hillary Stringer, My daughter Frances Mosely, and my daughter Ann Thoroughgood, with Hillary to have first choice. My friends Thomas Harmanson, Sr. and (Maj). John Robins to make div. To so Hillary 400 A. Where I now live. To my grandson John Stringer son of Hillary 600 A. at the head of Occohannock Creek purchased by me from William Taylor dec'd as by patent and sale recorded in Accomacke county Court. To grandson Hillary Stringer son of Hillary 600 A. Also purchased from the said Taylor by record in Accomacke Court. To grandson Thomas Stringer son of Hillary the 400 A. Remainder of the 1000 A. My said three grandsons to receive their land when 21, but in case their father dies before they are of such lawful age and their mother remarries, then my sons Edward Mosely and John Thoroughgood to have the management of the said land for the profits of my grandsons. To my granddau. Ann Stringer malotto girl Susan Groton. To my granddau. Ann Thoroughgood (dau. to John and Ann) n. girl Black Moll. To granddau. Mary Stringer dau. of Hillary Malotto boy John Sanderson son of Bridget Negro. To Sarah Tankard wife of John Tankard one cow and calf. To my godson John Waters son to (Lt. Col). John Waters one heifer. To my cousin Mary Pettit. Widow. To Elizabeth Powell dau. Of Samuel by Ann his wife dec'd one heifer. Disbursements made by me to my dau. Mosely regarding her dec'd husband Taylor's estate, not to be regarded as part of her present division. To my son Hillary my 1000 A. Of lease land for the term of the 99 year lease. For this lower Parish of Northampton County (when the new church is built), 1000#t for the purchasing of the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments to be set in the same. Son Hillary extr. to build a brick wall around my burial place in the orchard where his mother and other relations lye. My debts not only in Virginia but also in any part of America or Europe to be paid by my extr. Witt: Thomas Teackle, Adam Michael, Daniel Neech.
John Stringer and Mary his wife had the following children that lived. (In his will he mentioned being buried along with his wife and thier small children.
+ 1. Hillary Stringer was born circa 1637.
2. Frances Stringer was born circa 1646. She first married Bartholomew Taylor (Walczyk 1683-1686: 121) circa 1664. Bartholomew Taylor was born circa 1639. On 1 September 1684 administration of the estate of Bartholomew Taylor was granted to his widow, Frances Taylor (62). She married Edward Moseley after 1684. Edward was born circa 1639. She was mentioned as Frances Mosely the wife of Edward Mosely and the widow Taylor in her father John's will (Marshall: 141, 142).
On 1 September 1665 her Cattlemark was recorded (Walczyk.. Cattlemarks 2). The text reads:
Francis Stringers mark of cattle underhalfed and overhalfed on both ears.
Frances Stringer and Edward Moseley had the following child:
(i). William Moseley was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1685.
3. Jacob Stringer was born circa 1740. On 1 September 1665 his Cattlemark was recorded (Walczyk. Cattlemarks 2). The text reads:
Jacob Stringers mark is underhalfed and a hole in both ears.
Jacob died before 1688. He is not mentioned in his father's will.
4. Ann Stringer was born circa 1640. She married John Thorowgood circa 1658. She was named as Ann Thoroughgood in her father John's will (Marshall: 141, 142).
NOTE: Some have stated that she married John Thorowgood, the son of William Thorowgood and Ann Edwards with no citation. Others have stated that she married John Thorowgood, the son of Adam Thorowgood and Frances Yeardley (Dorman: 335). Dorman cites the will of John Stringer in which but Stringer names his daughter Ann and her husband John Thoroughgood, not saying who John's parents were.
Second Generation
1. Hillary Stringer was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1637. Hillary died before 10 February 1695.
He married Mary circa 1662 in Northampton Co., VA. Mary, was born circa 1644. Mary, died before 1696.
On 1 September 1665 Hillary Stringer's Cattlemark was recorded (Walczyk. Cattlemarks 2). The text reads:
Hillary Stringer mark underhalfed on both ears and outbitten on the right ear near the root of the ear.
Hillary made a will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA. It was probated 10 February 1695 (Marshall: 152). (See the transcript of the will here.) An abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, (Capt). HILLARY, Gent. - 7 October 1694 - 10 February 1695 - To my youngest daughter Mary Stringer (under 16) n. girl Etty and L20. To my youngest son Jacob Stringer (under 18) 200 A. Given by county deed by my late dec'd father, and also the adjoyning 100 A. leased from Samson Webster for 99 years, reserving for my loving wife Mary Stringer her lifetime in the above 300 A. To wife 20,000#t to build a house on the said land. To son Jacob L10 and mallatto boy Delight Saunderson. To son Hillary the plantation whereon John Northam now lives for the full term of the lease. To my son John Stringer the plantation whereon Cornelius Berry now lives for the term of the lease. To son Thomas Stringer (under 18) n. boy Tytus. Remaining personal estate (excepting items set aside for my dau. Willett) to be eq. div. By my wife and four sons. Wife extrx. Friends (Maj. John Robins and (Capt). John Custis to assist her and they to each be given a deaths head gold ring of 15s Witt: Nathaniel Capell, William Jarvis, Hannah [H] Capell.
On 1 March 1696 the estate of Hillary Stringer was administered to Hillary Stringer (Walczyk, Frank V. 1689-1698: 97). The text reads:
On the petition of John and Hillary Stringer administration is granted them on the behalf of themselves and their brothers Thomas and Jacob Stringer on the estate of their father Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased they entering into bond with security for performance thereof as the law in such cases provides and enjoins.
Hillary Stringer and Mary had the following children:
(i).. Hillary Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1664. On 10 February 1688/9 Hillary was named as heir in his grandfather's will (Marshall: 141, 142). He married Grace Robins, the daughter of John Robins (Marshall: 184). circa 1690. She was born circa 1672. Hillary died before 10 July 1722 (Marshall: 52).
In his father Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, Hillary was named as an heir. It was probated 10 February 1695 (Marshall: 152:).
Hillary Stringer was the administrator of the estate Hillary Stringer dec'd. on 1 March 1696 in Northampton Co., VA (Walczyk, Frank V.1689-1698, 97). The text reads:
On the petition of John and Hillary Stringer administration is granted them on the behalf of themselves and their brothers Thomas and Jacob Stringer on the estate of their father Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased they entering into bond with security for performance thereof as the law in such cases provides and enjoins.
In his uncle John Stringer's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, Hillary was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698 (Marshall: 160)..
In John Batson's will, Hillary was named by John to handle his estate on 13 September 1704 in Northampton Co., VA. The will was probated 28 September 1704 (Marshall: 176). An abstract of his will reads:
To my sons Francis and William Badson my 100 acre plantation where I now live. Remaining estate to my loving wife Grace Badson during her widowhood, and the to be equally divided by my wife and children. Son Francis extr. My friend Ralph Pigot, Hillary Stringer, and Benjamin Nottingham to oversee. Witt: Richard Carvy, Alie Sanders, Benjamin Nottingham.
Hillary made a will on 18 March 1721/2 in Northampton Co., VA. It was probated 10 July 1722 (Marshall: 241). An abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, HILLARY - 18 March 1721/2 / 10 July 1722 - To my son Hillary my 270 Acre plantation whereon I now live. to my son John (under 21) my 1000 Acres in Accomacke Co. To my son Hillary the reversion of the 2 plantations (700 Acres) where Richard Davis and Abraham Collins now live, and a large silver tankard. To my daughter Anne Stringer 6 silver spoons marked "IRE", large silver clasps, silver bodkin, 20 s, and the side saddle that was my wife's. To son John 6 silvery spoons. To my daughter Esther Stringer 5 silver spoons and 2 gold rings. Resid legatees my four children Hillary John Anne and Esther. To each of my sons John and Hillary a gold ring. To daughters Anne and Esther my wife's clothes. friends (Col). George Harmanson, Mr John Robins, Mr Jacob Stringer and Mr. Thomas Harmanson to act as overseers. Mrs. Katherine Robins and Mrs. Elizabeth Harmanson to bring up my two daughters. sons Hillary and John Extrs. Witt: Edward Carter, William Ware, George Harmanson, Jacob Stringer.
Hillary Stringer had the following children: (1). Hillary Stringer was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1696. He married Alicia Harmanson on 23 January 1722 in Northampton Co., VA (Mihalyka Marriages: 108). Northampton Co., VA (Mihalyka & Houston Residents:100). She was the daughter of George Harmanson and Elizabeth Yeardley (Upshur: 10). Hillary made a will on 12 March 1743 in Northampton Co., VA. It was probated (Marshall: 314). (2). John Stringer was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1702.
(ii). John Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1667. John died before 28 July 1698. He married Margaret Teackle circa 1696. Margaret was born circa 1678. Margaret was the daughter of the Reverend Thomas Teackle. She married Littleton Robins before 31 January 1699. The text reads:
Northampton, January the 31st anno 1698 the within mentioned proclamation read and published in open court of the said county. Teste Daniel Neech Clk. Cur. Recorded Daniel Neech Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton
Northampton, At a court held by his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the said county the 31st day of January in the tenth year of his Majestys reign anno 1698.
Present; Capt. Isaac Foxcroft, Capt. Phillip Fisher, Mr. John Powell, Mr. Ralph Pigot, Mr. Jacob Johnson
On the petition of Hillary Stringer one of the sons of Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased (by his guardian Mr. Wm. Harmanson) to this court thereby desireing their opinions concerning the dividing a parcel of goods at Mr. Wm. Waters sent out of England since the rest of the estate of the said deceased was divided, and the death of his eldest brother John Stringer whether the right of part of them belongs to Mr. Littleton Robins as intermarrying with Margaret the widow and executrix of the said John Stringer deceased as aforesaid. It is the judgement of the court that the said Littleton Robins ought to have his due part of the said goods in the right of his said wife as much as if the said John Stringer had been living himself.
NOTE: The date was written old style. It should read: 31 January 1699
In her husband John Stringer's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, Margaret was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698 (Marshall: 160).
Margaret Teackle and Littleton Robins had one son John who was named as heir in Littleton Robins' will dated 19 January 1818/9 and proved 17 March 1718/9 (Marshall: 222). Margaret was not mentioned in the will.
In his father Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, John was named as an heir. It was probated 10 February 1695 (Marshall: 152)
John Stringer was the admistrator of the estate father Hillary Stringer's estate on 1 March 1696 in Northampton Co., VA (Walczyk, Frank V. 1689-1698: 97). The text reads:
On the petition of John and Hillary Stringer administration is granted them on the behalf of themselves and their brothers Thomas and Jacob Stringer on the estate of their father Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased they entering into bond with security for performance thereof as the law in such cases provides and enjoins.
John made a will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA. It was probated 28 July 1698. (Marshall:160). (See the transcript of the will here.) An abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, JOHN Gent. - 9 April 1698 / 28 July 1698 - To my cozen and godson John Willett one cow when he shall come to age to receive it. To my goddau. Elizabeth Pike one ewe and lamb to be delivered when my wife thinks. To my brother Hillary Stringer a set of silver buttons. To my brother Thomas Stringer a set of silver buttons. To my brother Jacob Stringer 4 silver buckets. To sisters Ann Willett and Mary Stringer one ewe lamb a piece. To my cozen William Tankard a coat. To my cozen Sarah Tankard, Sr. S vest. To my brother William Willett. My loving wife Margaret resid. legatee and extrx. My friends William Waters and William Harmanson to assist her. Witt: George Corbin, William Jarvis, Elizabeth Nicholson.
(iii). Ann Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1673. She married William Willett circa 1691. William was born circa 1666. In her brother John Stringer's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, William was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698. (Marshall:160).
In her father Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, Ann was named as an heir. It was probated 10 February 1695 (Marshall: 152). Ann was named as heir in her brother John stringer's will (Marshall: 160).
Ann Stringer and William Willett had the following child: (1). John Willett was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1693.
(iv). Mary Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1680. In her father Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, Mary was named as an heir. It was probated 10 February 1695.(Marshall: 152)
In John Stringer 's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, Mary was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698. (Marshall: 160).
(v). Thomas Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1683. Thomas died before 29 September 1747. He married Frances Custis circa 1707. Frances was born circa 1689. Frances was the daughter of Henry Custis and Rachel Revell.
In Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, Thomas was named as an heir. It was probated 10 February 1695 (Marshall: 152).
On 1 March 1696 in Northampton Co., VA distribution of the estate Hillary Stringer was made to Thomas Stringer . (Walczyk 1689-1698: 97). The text reads:
On the petition of John and Hillary Stringer administration is granted them on the behalf of themselves and their brothers Thomas and Jacob Stringer on the estate of their father Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased they entering into bond with security for performance thereof as the law in such cases provides and enjoins.
On 28 July 1697 in Northampton Co., VA Thomas Stringer chose William Waters for his guardian (119). The text reads:
This day Thomas Stringer son of Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased being fourteen years of age by the affirmation of his brother Hillary Stringer made choice of Mr. Wm. Waters (and by him accepted) as his guardian.
In his uncle John Stringer 's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, Thomas was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698 (Marshall:160).
Thomas made a will on 6 September 1744 in Accomacke Co., VA. It was probated 29 September 1747. (Nottingham Wills: 149). An abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, THOMAS - 6 Sept. 1744 - 29 Sept. 1747 - To son Fereby Stringer 110 acres where Timothy Kelly formerly lived. To son Thomas Stringer. To daughter Ann. To son Jacob Stringer 50 acres at the head of my land, also my water mill & 2 acres adjcent Son Jacob residual legatee & Exr. Witt: Thomas Goffigon, Thomas Hunt, John Goffigon, Jr.
Thomas Stringer and Frances Custis of Henry had the following children: (1). Fereby Stringer was born circa 1709. Fereby died before 23 February 1779. (Nottingham Wills: 315). (2). Ann Stringer was born circa 1712. (3). Jacob Stringer was born circa 1715.
(vi). Jacob Stringer (Hillary, John) was born in Northampton Co., VA circa 1688. He married Elisha Harmanson. circa 1713. Elisha was born circa 1695. On 31 March 1709 she was named as heir in the will of her father Thomas Harmanson. The will was proved 28 May 1709 (Marshall: 186). She was named as heir in the will of her husband, Jacob. (Marshall: 299).
Jacob was named as an heir in his father Hillary Stringer's will on 7 October 1694 in Northampton Co., VA, It was probated 10 February 1695.(Marshall: 152)
On 1 March 1696 the estate of Hillary Stringer was administered to Hillary Stringer (Walczyk 1689-1698: 97). The text reads:
On the petition of John and Hillary Stringer administration is granted them on the behalf of themselves and their brothers Thomas and Jacob Stringer on the estate of their father Capt. Hillary Stringer deceased they entering into bond with security for performance thereof as the law in such cases provides and enjoins.
In John Stringer 's will on 9 April 1698 in Northampton Co., VA, Jacob was named as an heir. It was probated 28 July 1698. (Marshall: 160).
Jacob wrote his will on 26 July 1737. It was proved 14 December 1737 (Marshall: 298, 299). And abstract of his will reads:
STRINGER, JACOB - 26 July 1737 / 14 December 1737 - To my loving wife Elisha Stringer my mulatto fellows Lity and Peter, n. woman Nanny and n. girl Pleasant, and the use of my mulatto fello Cesar during her widowhood, and then to my daus. Elisha and Isbell Stringer. To wife Elisha the 200 A. Plantation I now live upon during her widowhood, and then to my daughter Betty Harmanson Tilny. To dau. Mary Blocksom n. fellow Jonas, n, woman Lucy, and L20. To dau. Betty Harmanson Tilney mulatto woman Tamer, mulatto boy Peter, and silver cup. To dau. Elisha Stringer n. woman Hannah, n, girls comfort and Bett, m. boy Perry and a mare bought of Mr. Piner. To dau. Isbell Stringer n. woman Sarah, n. girls Amy and Abigail, n. boy Daniel and 6 silver spoons. To son-in-law Hezekiah Tilney. To cousin Hillary Stringer. To grandson Stringer Tilney my silver hilted sword. Wife and my daus. Elisha and Isbell resid. legattees. Wife and my son-in-law Hezekiah Tilney extrs with my friends (Capt). William Tazewell, Hillary Stringer and Thomas Cable to assist them. Witt: Anne Custis, Margaret Cable, Thomas Cable.
The children of Jacob Stringer and Elisha Harmanson were; 1. Elizabeth Harmanson Stringer born circa 1715, married Hezekiah Tilney. 2. Mary Stringer born circa 1717 married a Bloxom. 3. Elisha Stringer born circa 1719. 4. Isabell Stringer born circa 1721 married Levin Denwood, son of Levin Denwood of MD on 12 March 1744 (Mihalyka: 26).
Below are two Ejectment Proceedings That explain some of the early Stringer genealogy. (Nottingham Causes: 27-29).
NOTE: Ejectment is an action to restore possession of property to the person entitled to it. Not only must the plaintiff establish a right to possession in himself, but he must also show that the defendant is in wrongful possession. If the defendant has only trespassed on the land, the action is for trespass (i.e. damages). (Black's Law: 516, 517).
Thomas Stringer
vs. - Ejectment Proceedings.
Hillary Stringer
Deposition of Sarah Joyne of Northampton County, age 86 or there abouts, saith that she was formerly acquainted with Capt. Hillary Stringer of Northampton County, and she knew a son of his named John; that sometime after the death of the said Hillary Stringer and his wife, the said John married Margaret Teackle, a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Teackle of Accomack, and lived with her a year and upwards, and she believed that the said John died without issue; that the said John appeared to be a man from the time that his sister Ann married Capt. Willett of Northampton County, and that the said Ann was a great while married before her father and mother died; that the said Hillary Stringer departed this life sometime before his wife, at what particular time she cannot remember, but she remembers that the widow of the said Capt. Hillary Stringer, after her husband's decease, was at this deponent's mother's house, there having been an intimacy in the families as Col. John Stringer had brought up this deponent's mother, and she also says that the said John Stringer, the son of Hillary, did not marry as aforesaid until sometime after his mother's death, but what age he was at the time of his marriage she cannot undertake to determine - Deposition dated 10 May, 1769
Deposition of William Harman, age 79 years and upwards, saith that about 30 years ago he saw a division of the 600 acres now in the possession of the defendants Hillary, Fereby and Elizabeth Stringer and William Ward made by Hillary Stringer, father to the aforesaid Hillary, and Thomas Stringer, his uncle, father of the aforesaid Fereby, and that he saw the sheriff put Hillary, the father, in possession of that part of the 600 acres now in the possession of the defendant Hillary, and saw the sheriff deliver the other part of the 600 acres to the aforesaid Thomas Stringer; that he heard John Stringer, father of the complainant, offer this deponent board timber on some part of a thousand distinct from this 600 acres aforesaid, but this deponent does not know that the aforesaid John had any right to lands about there &c.
Deposition of John Kellam, age 74 years - Same as above.
Deposition of John Sill, age 76 years & upwards - That he knew that Thomas Stringer, father of the defendant Fereby, lived near where William Ward now lives about 60 years ago, and that the said Thomas had possession of the whole 600 acres and leased part of it to several; that about 30 years ago he heard that a division was made of the said land by the aforesaid Thomas Stringer and Hillary Stringer and Hillary Stringer father of the defendant Hillary, and that he knew the said Hillary the father to lease the land where Hillary the defendant now lives to John Darby - Depo. dated 28 May 1770
Jury impaneled and returned the following verdict.
That John Stringer, Gent., formerly of Northampton County was seized in fee simple of two tracts of land in the county of Accomack adjoining each other, containing by two several patents to William Taylor - Patent from Francis Morryson for 600 acres in Northampton at Occohannock Creek, the said land being formerly granted to the said Taylor by patent dated 21 May, 1651, and not renewed in his majesties name, dated 20 Oct. 1661; Patent from William Berkely for 1000 acres in Accomacke, als Northampton County in the woods between Occohannock Creek and Matxhapungo, adjoining 600 acres belonging to the said Taylor, &c., the said land formerly granted to the said William Taylor by patent dated 13 Oct. 1669, and now confirmed to the said Taylor, dated 25 Oct. 1673, which said two tracts were conveyed by one deed by the said William Taylor in fee to the said Stringer by deed dated 16 July, 1674, the said land containing in the whole 1600 acres, and being so thereof seized on the 10 Feb. 1688, the said John Stringer made his last will and testament whereby he devised 600 acres, part of the said 1600 acres, and particularly the land now in question, unto his grandson, John Stringer, in fee tail, in these words: I will and bequeath unto John Stringer, my grandson, the son of Hillary Stringer, 600 acres of land lying and being at the head of Occohannock Creek, purchased by me from William Taylor &c. And the said testator by his said testator by his said will devised unto Hillary Stringer, another of his grandsons 600 acres of land, being part of 1600 acres so purchased of William Taylor, in these words: I give and bequeath unto my grandson Hillary Stringer 600 acres of land being part of 1000 acres of land also purchased from the aforesaid William Taylor, &c. And the testator likewise by his said will devised unto his third grandson, Thomas Stringer, the remaining 400 acres, the residue of the 1600 acres in the following words: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Stringer, my grandson & son to Hillary, the other 400 acres of land belonging to the 1000 acres so purchased from William Taylor, dec., &c.
That soon after the making and publishing of the said will the testator, John Stringer departed this life so seized of said 1600 acres, which will was soon afterwards duly proved and recorded in Northampton County Court; that after the death of the said testator the said three grandsons, John, Hillary and Thomas by their father and guardian entered upon the said 1600 acres and were thereof severally seized; that the said John Stringer, the grandson, did attain to the age of 21 years and departed this life without issue sometime in the year 1698; that soon after the death of the said John the said Hillary, his next eldest brother and heir at law to the first testator, entered upon the said 600 acres or some part thereof so devised to John, and was thereof seized in fee; that the said Hillary of Northampton, the devisee, by deed dated 3 Oct. 1704, purchased of Thomas Stringer of Accomack, his brother, the third grandson and devisee of John, the 400 acres devised as aforesaid to the said Thomas by their grandfather; that the said Thomas also by his deed dated 3 Oct. 1704, purchased of the said Hillary, the grandson, 300 acres said to be part of the 600 acres devised to John as aforesaid by his said grandfather, by virtue of which two several deeds the said Hillary entered upon the 400 acres conveyed to him by Thomas, and the said Thomas entered upon the 300 acres so as aforesaid conveyed to him by Hillary, and were thereof respectively seized;
That the said Hillary being so seized of the 400 acres conveyed to him by Thomas, of the 600 acres devised to him by his said grandfather, and of the residue of the 600 acres whereof his brother John had been seized, which he had not conveyed to his brother Thomas, on the 18 Mar. 1721/2 made and published his last will and testament whereby he devised unto his second son John, who was the father and ancestor of the lessor of the plaintiff, his Accomack lands in these words: I devise, will, give and bequeath unto my son John Stringer all that my tract of land lying and being in the county of Accomack in Virginia, being 1000 acres more or less, as may more fully appear by the records of the said Court of Accomack, &c. That the said Hillary, the last named testator, soon after the making and publishing of his said will departed this life seized of the said lands in Accomack, and after his death his said will was duly proved and recorded in Northampton County, having left issue at his death two sons, Hillary, his eldest son and heir at law, father of the defendant Hillary, and the said John, his second son, father and ancestor of the said lessor of the plaintiff; that the said John after the death of the said Hillary, his father, entered upon the 400 acres which his father and testator had purchased of Thomas Stringer by deed of 1704, being part of the land devised to him, and was thereof seized and continued so seized until sometime in the autumn of the year 1750, when the defendant Ferriby, son and heir of the said Thomas, entered upon his seizen and took possession of the said 400 acres; that the said Hillary and Thomas, the two surviving grandsons of the first testator, and the defendants who claim severally under them have been uniformly in possession of all the residue of the said 1600 acres to this time, and the defendant Ferriby and those claiming under him have continued in possession of the said 400 acres since his entry there in the year 1750.
That the said last named John Stringer departed this life sometime between the months of Feb. and Apr. next following the entry of Fereriby on the 400 acres of land of which he had been seized, leaving issue the lessor of the plaintiff his eldest son and heir at law; that an infant of about three or four years of age;
That the defendant Hillary through a course of regular descent is heir at law of Hillary the grandson mentioned in the first John Stringer's will; that the grandson Thomas held possession of the 600 acres which had been devised to the grandson John by the said first John Stringer, from the date of the death of the said grandson John until about 37 years past, when he gave up the possession of 300 acres thereof unto the father of the defendant Hillary, which was from thence held by the said father in possession till his death, and since that time the possession thereof has been in the said defendant Hillary until the commencement of this suit - 28 Feb. 1769.
NOTE: The above land in question is located between the Lesser Otterdam Branch and the Great Otterdam Branch of Occohannock Creek. The old road from Belle Haven to Pungoteague runs through the land. Fereby Stringer's son Sacker was on the land in St. George Parish District 6. (See the Processions section of this web site.)
(Accomack Land Causes 34, 35)
Thomas Stringer
vs. - Ejectment Proceedings.
Hillary Stringer
Deposition of Elizabeth Benthall, aged about 75 years, taken 7 Aug. 1779, in Northampton County. - That she knew John Stringer, father of the plaintiff, when he lived in Savage's Neck, and heard him say he owned land in Accomack and should have lived on it but his wife craved to live near her mother, and he built on her land, and that the said land he owned in Accomack was given to him by his father; that she has heard her mother, who was sister to the plaintiff's great uncle, John Stringer, say that said John was older than her, and that her brother Hillary was also older then she was; that she has also heard her mother say she had two children before the death of the said John, and this deponent does not know that her mother ever had twins. That she heard that some of the Stringers in Accomack intended to take some land there that some of the Stringers own; and further saith that her mother said that her uncle John was older than her uncle Hillary.
Deposition of Jonathan Garrison, taken 7 Aug. 1779, in Accomack County, age 61 years and upwards. - That about 45 years ago John Stringer, father of Thomas Stringer, at present of Northampton County, claimed 1000 acres of land in the county of Accomack, adjoining the lands of Jonathan Garrison, dec., father of this deponent; that his reason for knowing that the said John Stringer claimed said land is because he heard Abel Roberts say that he bought timber off said land of said John Stringer, and further that he saw the said Roberts getting timber off said land at the time of this information, and further that he saw a tree deaded on said land and ground hoed up about, which he understood by the information of the neighbors was done by Hillary Stringer, father of the said Hillary Stringer of Northampton, which he understood was done by way of taking possession of said land from said John Stringer, father of the said Thomas, whom he understands has brought suit for the said land.
Deposition of Jacob Savage, age 77 years and upwards, taken in Accomack County taken 7 Aug. 1779 - Same as above.
Deposition of Joseph Kellam, of lawful age, taken in Accomack County 7 Aug. 1779 - That he knew Thomas Stringer, great uncle of both the plaintiff and defendant about 50 years ago &c. - Same as above.
Deposition of Smart Stringer, age 68 years & upwards, taken in Northampton County 7 Aug. 1779 - That said William Mears, Thomas Stringer and several persons from Accomack came to her husband John Stringer to buy staves off his land in Accomack, devised him by his father Hillery Stringer, &c. Suit instituted 30 June, 1762 - p. 52
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