Sarah (Mills) Magruder (abt. 1669 - 1734)

Born about 1669 in Calvert County, Province of Maryland

Wife of Samuel Magruder Sr. — married 1686 in Calvert, Province of Maryland

Descendants

Died 9 May 1734 at about age 65 in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Province of Maryland

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Sarah (Mills) Magruder resided in the Southern Colonies in North America before 1776. Join: US Southern Colonies Project Discuss: southern_colonies

Biography

1669 Birth and Parents

This is the profile for Sarah, the wife of Samuel Magruder.

Various theories have been proposed regarding the parents of Sarah who married Samuel Magruder. While this has been disproven, the most prevalent legend regarding Sarah's origins is that she was Sarah Beall, daughter of Ninian. A fuller discussion of the theories is recorded under the following free space profile: The Mystery of Sarah Magruder and Mary Pottenger.

While the relationship is not proved, the best evidence today points to Sarah's father as William Mills, born 1628, England and died 26 Apr 1676, Calvert County, Maryland, and to her mother as Tabitha Wight, born 1647, Metfield, Suffolk, England and died 20 Jan 1700/01, Prince George's County, Maryland. ^[1] Mike Marshall estimates that William and Tabitha were married about 1666 in Calvert County, Maryland ^[1]

Mike Marshall estimates Sarah's birth between 1666 and 1670 in Calvert County, Maryland, say 1669. ^[1]

Sarah was sometimes thought to be the daughter of Ninian Beall. Edward Papenfuse of the Maryland State Archives, for instance, stated that Samuel married Sarah (?-1734), daughter of Ninian Beale (ca. 1625-1717/18) and wife Ruth Moore. ^[2] However, neither Ninian's will not the various deeds of gifts establishing his proven children include a Sarah Beall.

Donna Cooper has detailed the rationale for considering William and Tabitha Mills to be Sarah's parents:

• At the death of William Mills in 1676, his will (Calvert County) named his wife Tabitha, were William Jr. and John and three unnamed daughters. Overseers of the estate were Alexander Magruder, Samuel Tayler and Ninian Beall. One of the witnesses to the will was Richard Chaffey. ^[3]
• In 1677 when Alexander Magruder died in Prince George's County, MD, his will named almost the same people. And mentioned overseers: Samuel Taylor, Ninian Beall and Nathaniel Truman. ^[3]
• After the death of William Mills, Tabitha, widow of William Mills, remarried to Thomas Blanford. Thomas Blanford's will of 1698 (Prince George's County) names as overseers: Samuel Magruder, William Mills (William Jr.), and Edward Willett (husband of Tabitha's daughter, Tabitha Mills). ^[3]
• Richard Chaffey, a witness to the will of William Mills, Sr. has a will proved in 1698 Prince George's Co., MD. The overseers were Samuel Magruder and Edward Willett. ^[3]
• Samuel Magruder, Edward Willett, and John Smith were asked in the will of Thomas Sprigg, Sr. to divide the residue of his estate in 1704 in Prince George's Co., MD. Thomas Sprigg's daughter, Eleanor, married Thomas Hilleary. When Thomas Hilleary died, William Mills, Jr. signed the inventory as next of kin. ^[3]
• Samuel Magruder's will of 1711, Prince George's County, MD, was witnessed by Edward Willett, Tabitha Willett (Edward's wife) and Ann Smith. Anchovie Hills, the home plantation of Alexander Magruder, bordered "Trenant", the home plantation of William Mills, Sr., which adds to the fact that Sarah was probably one of the unnamed daughters in William Mills' will. ^[3]
• Benjamin Berry, in his will of 1719, Prince George's County, MD, named as overseers: Samuel Magruder Jr., Thomas Hilleary Jr., Edward Willett and John Clagett. Benjamin Berry's wife was Mary Hilleary, brother to Thomas Jr. ^[3]
• Samuel Magruder and Sarah named a son William. And the most revealing part of this family connection is that they had a grandson by their son Samuel, who was named William Mills Magruder. ^[3]

Detailed discussion of various theories of Sarah's parenthood, past and present, are given at The Mystery of Sarah Magruder and Mary Pottenger.

1686 Marriage to Samuel Magruder

Estimating the year from the births of her children, in 1686 in Calvert County, Sarah married Samuel Magruder, who was born, say, 1661, Calvert County, Maryland and died before 16 Apr 1711 in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland, based on his probate record. ^[1]

Sarah bore Samuel's 12 children over the next 17 years commencing in 1687 and ending 1704.

1701 Ninian Beall sells "Troublesome" to Samuel Magruder

After Samuel's death in 1711, Ninian Beall bought back a tract called "Troublesome" he had sold Samual Magruder in 1701.

Prince George's Land Records 1710-1717 - Liber F - Folio 85: Indenture, 27 Jul 1711

• From: Samuel Magruder the Younger, planter of Prince George's County
• Sarah Magruder, widow & exectrix of the late Samuel Magruder
• To: Col. Ninian Beall of Prince George's County, Gent.
• 25 Jun 1701 Ninian Beall sold for 81£14s to Samuel Magruder the Elder a tract of land called Troublesome on the north side of the southwest branch of the Western Branch of the Patuxent River; bounded by land now owned by Mr. Charles Carroll and Beall's Gift; containing 325 acres to be held of the Manor of Calverton; then Richard Marsham paid Samuel Magruder the Elder 81£14s on behalf of Ninian Beall after the 25 Jun 1701
• Signed: Sarah Magruder (mark & seal), Samuel Magruder (seal)
• Witnessed: Thomas Sprigg and Thomas Clagett
• Acknowledged: Elenor Magruder, wife of Samuel Magruder the Younger
• Alienation: Richard Marsham paid 13s/6p for 325 acres of land; recorded 30 Aug 1711 by Robt. Hall, Clk.

1711 Husband's Estate

Mr. Samuel Magruder 33A.38 A PG £501.15.4 £83.18.8 Dec 31 1711 ^[1]

• Received from: William Head, Elisabeth Clark, Nin. Magruder.
• Payments to: Mr. Benjamin Bradley & James Bradley, Mr. Josiah Wilson, Benjamin Berry, Thomas Applegate, Joseph Story, Mr. John Gerrard for Millner & Co., Rebecca Ellis, John Lane.
• Legatees: Elisabeth Beall (daughter).
• Mentions: Mr. Isaac Millner.
• Executrix: Mrs. Sarah Magruder.

1711 Mulatto Servant and Bastardy

On 22 November 1711 Sarah Magruder delivered to the Prince George's County court her mulatto servant, Isabella Grimes, born, say, 1690, who had completed her indented time. Because Isabella had a prior conviction for "Mulatto Bastardy" the court sold her to Major Thomas Spriggs for seven years as punishment.^[1] The record reads: Sarah Magruder brings into open Court Isabella Grimes and delivers her up to the Court she haveing accomplished her indented time serve Major Thomas Sprigg 7 years said Grimes having been presented for haveing a Mallatto Child. [Page 124, Prince George's Co., MD, Court Records, Maryland Archives, Court Record 1710-1715, Liber G] ^[3]

1727 Another Mulatto Servant and Bastardy

In November 1727 Priscilla Gray was a "malatto" servant of Mrs. Sarah Magruder, Sr., of Prince George's County and confessed to the court that she had an illegitimate child by a "negroe." ^[1]

On 23 March 1730/1 the court presented Priscilla Gray for having another child by information of the constable for Mount Calvert Hundred. She admitted her guilt, and the court ordered that she receive five lashes and serve her mistress an additional nine months. The court called her "Priscilla Gray alias Malatto Priscilla" when it bound her son Dick, aged about three months, to Lingan Wilson until the age of twenty-one. ^[1]

After moving from Sarah Magruder's household, Priscilla Gray had additional encounters with the court for bastardy. ^[1]

1730 Sarah Magruder Gifts Enslaved Girl to Daughter

In 1730 Sarah Magruder gave her daughter Eleanor Wade an enslaved girl named Hagg.

Prince George's Land Records 1730-1733 - Liber Q, Page 210

• Enrolled at request of Nehemiah Wade 6 Feb 1730:
• From Sarah Magruder, widow, for love and affection to dau. Eleanor Wade, wife of Nehemiah Wade; a Negro girl named Hagg;
• /s/ Sarah Magruder (mark); wit. Wm. Robinson (mark), Rupert Butler. ^[1]

1732 Will, Death, Estate

Sarah Magruder wrote her will in 1731. It was proved three years later in 1734. (See Complete Will under Research Notes)

Magruder, Sarah, widow, Prince George Co., 16 Jan. 1731: wrote will, probated 28 Sept. 1734 (Orphans court Bk J, p. 2325-36) ^[1]

• Land, called HEAD AKE, lying in the Eastern Branch of Potowmack, containing 300 acres, to be equally divided bewteen daughter, Eleanor Wade, wife of Nehemiah Wade and Sarah Claggett, daughter of George Clagett and my daughter Mary Claggett, decd.
• to dau. Elizabeth Beall, wife of William Bell, one silver tankard
• to dau. Verlinda Bell, one silver tankard
• to dau. Eleanor Wade, two silver tumblers, two silver salts and six silver spoons
• to Mary Edmonson, six silver spoons
• to William Selby, son of William Selby, six silver spoons and one negro girl
• to Sarah Magruder, daughter of Ninian, my son, one negro man called Will
• to John Magruder, son of said son, Ninian, one malotto boy named Bailey
• to Samuel Bell, son of Ninian Bell, desc., one negro boy named Batchelor now in possession of said Samuel Bell
• to Sarah Clagett, one negro girl
• to sons and daughters: John, James, Verlinder, Alexander, Eleanor: one working negro
• to sons and daughters: Samuel, Ninian, Elizabeth, John, James, Verlinda, William, Alexander and Eleanor and granddaughter Sarah Clagett ...
• execs: John Magruder and John Bell
• wit: Jno. Baldwin Adamson, Anne Adamson
• June 1734: inventory five pages long; kin: Samuel and Ninian Magruder; creditors Jo: Coswell, Joseph Casser, exec: John Magruder, John Beal (merchant)

Death and Burial

Sarah Magruder died 9 May 1734 in Prince George's County, Maryland (Probate). ^[1] She was buried in the Beall Bacon Hall Plantation Cemetery, Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland ^[4]

Estate

Mrs. Sarah Magruder 20.54 PG £543.17.4 Sep 3 1734 Sep 28 1734 ^[1]

• Appraisers: Thomas Clagett, Richard Keene.
• Creditors: John Caswell, Joseph Baser.
• Next of kin: Samuel Magruder, Ninian Magruder.
• Administrators/Executors: Mary Magruder, John Magruder, John Beal (merchant). ^[5]

Sarah Magruder (widow) 13.31 A PG £543.17.4 £185.19.8 Apr 22 1735 ^[1]

• Received from: Jonas Lewis, John Magruder, Joseph Adams.
• Payments to: Dr. John Haswell, Joseph Ensor, Peter Hoggins, John Beal (accountant), Nehemiah Wade, John Gibson due Daniel Dulany, Esq.
• Legatees: Elisabeth Beal (daughter), Virlinda Beal (daughter) wife of John Beal (accountant), Elloner Wade (daughter), William Selby, John Magruder (accountant), James Magruder (son), Alexander Magruder (son).
• Executors: MM John Magruder, John Beal (gentleman). ^[5]

Sarah Magruder 15.38 A PG Jun 22 1736 ^[1]

• Received from: William Hunt, Samuell Hide, James Magruder.
• Payments to: Benjamin Tasker & Danniell Dulany, Esq., Peter Dent, Danniell Dulany, Esq., Alexander Contee, Dr. Joseph Coleman, Dr. Thomas Creigo.
• Payments to (in equal amounts): Samuell Magruder, Ninian Magruder, William Beale, James Magruder, William Magruder, Alexander Magruder, Nehemiah Wade, John Magruder (accountant), John Beale (accountant).
• Legatees: John Magruder (grandson), James Edmonson for Mary Edmonson (granddaughter).
• Executors: MM John Magruder, John Beal (gentleman). ^[5]

Children

Samuel and Sarah Magruder had the following children:

1. Elizabeth Magruder, (1685-1764) married Ninian Beall, Jr. and then William Beall of Alexander; ^[2]At least two children.
2. Ninian Magruder (1686-1712) married Elizabeth Brewer. Several children. ^[2]
3. Samuel Magruder, (1687-1739). Married Elinor, daughter of Robert Wade; ^[2] Numerous children.
4. Sarah (1691-1712) married William Selby.
5. Mary Magruder (1693-1734). Married George Clagett. ^[2] Possible children.
6. John (1694-1738) married Susanna Smith. Children.^[2]
7. Verlinder Magruder (1698-1745) married John Beall of Alexander. Numerous children. ^[2]
8. James (1699-1775), married Barbara Coombs. At least one child. ^[2]
9. William, (1701-1765) married Mary, had children.^[2]
10. Elinor Magruder (1705-?) married Nehemiah Wade and had children. ^[2]
11. Alexander (1706-1751). Married Ann, daughter of Robert Wade. ^[2]Children.
12. Nathaniel (1707-1734);^[2] married Susanna Blizzard; no children.

Research Notes

Disambiguation

The following profiles can be confused with each other:

• Sarah Bell-15180 born 1655. Immigrant, recorded by Skordas. Records under Sarah Bell and Sarah Beall. married James English, had daughter Elizabeth English.
• Sarah Beall-849 born 1656 married Francis Watts-5512. Currently unsourced. Married Francis Watts, who has better documentation. No children linked.
• Sarah Beall-1027, born 1656 Fife, Scotland. No data. Unsourced. Birth in Fife would reflect the belief that she was Ninian Beall's daughter, but he had no daughter Sarah. Propose for Disproven Existence.
• Sarah Mills born 1669. Wife of Samuel Magruder, born 1654.
• The Mystery of Sarah Magruder and Mary Pottenger discusses the various theories regarding parents of Samuel Magruder's wife Sarah which were previously proposed.

Complete Will of Sarah Magruder

• In the name of God, Amen. I Sarah Magruder of Prince George's County in the Province of Maryland, Widow, being well and in health of body and of sound disposing mind and Memory, praised be almighty God therefore Considering the Certainty of Death and the Uncertainty of the time thereof, do make and declare these present for and in my last Will and testament in manner and form following. That is to say,
• first & principally my Soul I recommend into the hands of almighty God my Creator who gave it trusting & assuredly believing that in and through the alone merits and mediation of my blessed Savoir and redeemer Jesus Christ, to obtain free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and life everlasting in the World to Come.
• my Body I comit to the Earth from whence it came to be Decently interred at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named. And to the disposing of my Worldly Estate wherewith God of his Goodness hath blessed me in this World after my Just Debts and funeral expenses being thereout first paid and Satisfied I give and dispose thereof in manner and form following:
• Imprimis: my land called Head Ake lying in the Eastern Branch of Potowmack Containing three hundred Acres I will and bequeath to be equally Divided between my Daughter Eleanor Wade, wife of Nehemiah Wade, and Sarah Claggett, Daughter of George Claggett and my daughter Mary Claggett descd and the Heirs of their Bodies lawfully begotten and to be (held) by them forever.
• My Said Daughter Eleanor Wade to have new Quarter on the said land Woodland Ground thereunto Conveniently adjoining the whole to Contain one hundred and fifty acres and the said Sarah Clagett to have the Plantation lately in possession of the said George Clagett and the remainder of the said Land but if either of them shall Decease without Heirs Lawfully begotten then the said Land to go to the Survivour and the Heirs of Her Body lawfully begotten forever.
• Item: I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth Beall, wife of William Bell, one Silver Tankard to her own use benefit and disposal.
• Item: I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Verlinda Bell one Silver Tankard to her own use benefit and Disposal.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto my Daughter Eleanor Wade two Silver Tumblers, two Silver Salt and Six Silver Spoons to her own use Benefit and disposal.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto Mary Edmonson Six Silver Spoons. Item: I Will and bequeath unto William Selby, son of William Selby, Six Silver Spoons and one Negro Girl.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto Sarah Magruder, Daughter of Ninian Magruder, my Son, one Negro Man called Will.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto John Magruder, Son of my said son Ninian Magruder, one Mulatto by name of Bailey.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto Samuel Bell, Son of Ninian Bell, desc, one Negro boy named Bachelor now in Possession of the said Samuel Bell.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto the said Sarah Claggett one Negro Girl.
• Item: I Will and bequeath unto my Sons and Daughters John, James, Verlinda, Alexander, and Eleanor each one working Negro all the rest and residue of my Personall estate not before bequeathed I Will and bequeath to be equally Divided between my Sons and Daughters Samuel, Ninian, Elizabeth, John, James, Verlinda, William, Alexander, and Eleanor and my said Granddaughter Sarah Clagett.
• Lastly I do hereby revoke make Null and Void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made Ratifying and Confirming these presents for and as my Last Will and Testament and do hereby nominate ordain Constitute and appoint my Son John Magruder and John Bell Executors of this my Last Will and Testament.
• In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal this Sixteenth Day of January in the year of our Lord God one Thousand seven Hundred thirty and one.
• Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared In the presence of Jas Baldwin, Adamson, Ann Adamson, Rupert Butler.
• On 1 May 1734 came John Baldwin Addamson and Ann Addamson ... Prince George's Co., MD, Will Liber T, fol. 235 ^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14} Mike Marshall. Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties. Profile for Sarah (Unproven) Mills Accessed 26 July 2020 jhd
2. ↑ ^{2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11} Samuel Magruder. Edward C. Papenfuse et al. A Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature 1635-1789. Volume 426, Page 570 Archives of Maryland online. Entry for Samuel Magruder Accessed 17 August 2020 jhd
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8} Research notes by Donna Cooper. Cited by Mike Marshall, Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties. Profile for Sarah (Unproven) Mills Accessed 26 July 2020 jhd
4. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #108750828. Accessed 13 August 2020 jhd
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} Norma Lundgren, My Bunch. Sarah Mills. 24 Jul 2008. http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=nlndgrn&id=I54733
6. ↑ Will of Samuel Magruder. Included in research notes by Donna Cooper at Mike Marshall, Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland and Virginia's Northern Neck Counties. Profile for Sarah (Unproven) Mills Accessed 26 July 2020 jhd