James Gresham (abt. 1715 - 1770)

Born about 1715 in King and Queen County, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Williams) Gresham — married 1745 in Goochland, Virginia

Descendants

Died 21 May 1770 at about age 55 in Goochland, Goochland, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: David England [send private message]

Biography

James Gresham was born about 1715 d. 1770

• His deed of 1745 in Goochland County states that he and Elizabeth "are from King & Queen County."

There is no birth record for James at Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, VA and placing him as a brother to Thomas Gresham and John Gresham, the known sons of John and Ann Carnen Gresham as written in The Gresham Family by Thomas Gresham was just a theory. Both Thomas and John have baptismal citations at Christ Church naming their parents John and Ann Carnen, but James does not. Why would you baptize 2 sons and not a 3rd?

The theory in the Gresham genealogy was that there was a John Gresham who patented land in Goochland in 1744 near James Gresham's patent of 1745 on Licking Hole Creek, but that is not enough to prove James is his son, nor that John of the 1744 patent is John with wife Ann Carnen of Middlesex. This John may be a cousin or brother to James?. Research needed.

The John Gresham patent of 1744 was never completed and the land was eventually sold to the Carys. Since many Gresham sons of Thomas Gresham b. 1689 d. 1721 died young leaving orphans, this John may have also died before he completed the terms of the patent.

If you are interested in this line, please refer to my research notes that link him to the family of George and Sarah Dunweddie Gresham of King & Queen. George was on the Byrd Bridge Petition in King & Queen and his children are well documented in Miss Bagby's Bible.

James' widow Elizabeth, his daughter Sarah and her husband Benjamin Ainsley, his sons John, Thomas, James and Joseph all migrated to Georgia together. Joseph held the earliest land patent. He was the first to migrate to Georgia.

James' widow, Elizabeth Williams Gresham moved with the noted Southern Preacher, Edmund Byne and his family to Burke County, Georgia showing close ties to the family of George Gresham and Sarah Dunweddie of K&Q. Elizabeth Williams Gresham died in Burke County in 1781 and her obit was posted to the Atlanta Newspaper by her son in law, Benjamin Ainsley. I It took me years to find it.

Edmund Byne's dau had married Job Gresham, son of George and Sarah Dunweddie Gresham of K&Q. These two separate lines of children of James b. 1715 and George b. 1710 were possibly 1st cousins, eventually all moved to Georgia.

The sons of James and Elizabeth Williams Gresham

• Thomas Gresham, son of James and Elizabeth Williams died at age 44 in Wilkes County in 1800
• Col. John Gresham fought in the Rev. War went to Oglethorpe County
• Capt. James Gresham fought in the Rev. War went to Wilkes County
• Capt.George Gresham fought in the Rev War and died in New Jersey is buried in Pennsylvania.
• Williams Gresham witnessed his sisters will in 1762

Note: The Joseph Gresham who patented land in Burke County abt 1762 is believed to be the son of George and Sarah Dunweddie and James's nephew. Joseph is not named as one of James's 5 sons in his will of 1770 but included at the ending as one would do for an adopted son. See https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Gresham-140

George has a very colorful hand written application on his WIKI profile for his Rev. pension that details his travels after the War. He states that he visited relatives at Bowlers Ferry which is Dragon Swamp/ Byrd Bridge in K&Q County.

• James b. 1715 did not fight in the Rev. war, but was a Colonial Soldier in the Militia for Goochland County, Virginia. (The Rev. War record available for a James Gresham belongs to different James and Elizabeth Gresham. Read the records carefully on this)

These two sets of probable 1st cousins witnessed each other's wills, bought from the estate sales of their deceased families and were appointed guardians for children orphaned. Thomas and his son James Dillard Gresham both died very young. Numerous records are in the Orphan Court Records of Wilkes County and Taliaferro County.

Gresham records in Goochland by Carlton Wood

sent to Mary Gresham https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/6989691/person/-1151387222/media/aa34ef68-b497-4377-81da-862b6b2882a5?_phsrc=glz1134&usePUBJs=true

• Extracts of Court Records and Tithes

James Gresham of K&Q and Goochland Cos., VA. 8 Feb. 2011.

19 November 1745- Goochland Co. DBk 5, p. 52. “This Indenture made the Nineteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and forty five Between Martin Duncan & Mary his Wife of the County of Albemarle of the one part and James Gresham & Elizabeth his Wife of the County of King & Queen of the other part, Witnesseth that the said Martin Duncan for and in Consideration of fifty pounds of Lawfull money of Virginia to him the sd. James to him the sd. Martin in hand paid … doth Grant Bargain Sell… unto the said James Gresham… one Certain Tract or parcel of Land…in the County of Goochland on the branches of Lickinghole Creek … by Estimation two hundred & ten acres … Beginning … on the Creek in James Hopper’s line thence along ye Deviding line to Thos. Samons (Salmons) line thence to William Spurlocks on the Creek then up the Creek according to its meanders to ye place begun it being the Land the sd. Martin Duncan lately dwelt on …”/s?: Martin (MD his mark) Duncan. Wit: Arthur Hopkins, John Smith.

19 November 1745- Goochland Co., Court OB #6, p. 112. Martin Dunkin acknowledges deed with “Livery and Seizin” to James Gressam. Mary Dunkin relinquished her “right of dower”. (This was a conveyance of 210 acres on Licking Hole Creek in Goochland Co. from Martin and Mary Duncan of Albemarle Co. to James and Elizabeth Gresham of King and Queen Co.)

Note: Genforum posting #770 by Elaine Owens 4 Nov. 2000. She is a descendant of Sylvester Proffitt, friend and neighbor of James Gresham, Sr. (1718-1770) of Goochland Co. James is believed to be son of Edward Gresham of K & Q Co. where Edward resided at time of his death. This Edward may be son of Edward Gresham the immigrant who died in New Kent Co. Elaine’s posting states “James Gresham, Sr. is supposed to have John, Thomas, George and Mary (b. 1704) as siblings”. James Sr. and Elizabeth Williams his wife supposed to have had 10 children: James, Joseph, Jane (m. Edmund Duke), Anne, William, Sarah, Elizabeth (d. testate 1762), George, Thomas and John all b. 1746-59. James died testate in Goochland Co. 1770. James Gresham, Jr. married (1) Mary Christian.

• St. James Northam Parish Vestry Book 1744-1850:

1747 thru 1759- Goochland Co., St. James Northam Parish Vestry Book 1744-1850: Shows that James Gresham and others were given an allowance for keeping Mary/Mercy/Massey Gresham from 1747-1759. James Gresham was given an allowance for burying her in 1760. An examination of original documents might determine if this was only Mary Gresham or if the other names Mercy & Massey represented one or more other persons. Who could Mary Gresham be?

Allowances for services: 18 Jan.1747- James Gresham for keeping Mercy Gresham 6 months. p. 16

27 Jan.1748- James Gresham for keeping Mercy Gresham 8 months. Robert Page for keeping Massie Gresham 3 Months. p. 26

6 March 1749- John Payne for goods delivered to Robert Page for the use of Mercy Gresham. Robert Page for keeping Mercy Gresham. p. 31

5 Oct. 1750- Robert Page for keeping Mercy Gresham. p. 35

6 Feb 1752- Robert Page for keeping Mercy Gresham. James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. James Gresham agrees to keep Agnes Ward for the future. p.40

6 Dec. 1752- James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. Robert Page for keeping Mercy Gresham. p. 43

17 Jan. 1754- James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. p. 45. Robert Page for keeping Mary Gresham. p. 46

18 Dec. 1754- James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. Robert Page for keeping Mary Gresham p. 49

14 Oct. 1755 – James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. Robert Page for keeping Mary Gresham. p. 58

9 Nov. 1756- James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. Robert Page for keeping Mary Gresham. p. 60.

7 Nov. 1757- James Gresham for keeping Agnes Ward. p. Robert Page for Keeping Mercy Gresham. p. 70.

10 Dec. 1758- John Cox for keeping Agnes Ward. Maj. John Smith for keeping Agnes Ward. Mercy Gresham for her use in Maj. Smith’s hands. Maj. John Smith to keep Mercy Gresham. p. 71.

9 Oct. 1759- James Gresham for keeping Mercy Gresham p. 73

25 Sept. 1760- John Cox for keeping Agnes Ward. James Gresham for burying Mary Gresham. p. 78. WHO is MARY (or MERCY) Gresham?? Who is Massie Gresham END “St. James Northam Parish Vestry Book 1744-1850”. (Note: Mary, it is my belief that this is the mother of James. There was a Maria/Marie Gresham who attended Caroline Court about 1734 to testify for Richard Meaux against John Williams. She traveled, as I recall, 40 miles to and from where she lived which I think probably was in K& Q Co. I think she spent her last years with her son, James and some time with Robert Page as seen above.

Sept. 1748- Goochland Co., Ct OB #6, p. 487. “Ordered that James Gresham guardian of Sarah Chapman be summoned to appear at the next Court then and there to Exhibit an account of the Estate of the said Sarah Chapman”.

25 March 1748/49- Goochland Co., Ct OB #6, p. 519. Case of debt. John Hopper against James Gresham for 3 pds., 12 shillings due for 18 bbls of corn. Court ordered Gresham pay 44 shillings and cost. James Gresham ordered to pay Guy Smith, John Mosely and James Prophet a total of 675 lbs of tobacco for attending as witnesses ranging from 6 to 10 days each. Smith had to come and return 65 miles.

2 Feb. 1756- Goochland Co. DBk 7. p.121-122. William Christian of the County of Albemarle conveys to Jacob Oglesby of Goochland Co. “… one Tract of … in Goochland County among the branches of Treasurers run containing fifty acres… being part of the land gave him by his father Thomas Christian Dec’d … Beginning at a corner pine Majr. Josias Payne’s line … to a corner red oak so on the other Deviding lies according to its meanders to the first station…” /s/: William Christian. Wit: Samuel Coleman, John Daniel Coleman, Ann Mourning (A her mark) Coleman.

10 February 1756- Goochland Co. DBk 7, p. 96. Bartholomew Turner conveys to the Body of the People called Quakers in Virginia for one pound one Shilling six pence current Money of Virginia “… forever one Acre of Land it being part of the tract of Land whereon I now live and laid off some years since by Benjamin Watkins Senr. and James Turner Deceased by them bounded and being by the name of Geneto Meetinghouse Land …” /s/: Bartholomew (X his mark) Turner. Wit: Willaim Johnson, Joseph Johnson, James Johnson. (NOTE: See above 1713/1714 ESSEX Co. and New Kent Co. for Watkins, Turner et all)

18 November 1760- Goochland County DBk8, p. 111-112.Humphry Parrish (the Elder) of Goochland County conveys to Thomas Denton of the County of Hanover “… a certain Tract or parcel of Land on the East Branches of Wild Boar Creek and bounded as follows (to Wit) Beginning at Charles Christian’s corner Spanish Oak within Louisa County line thence a long line of marked trees to a black oak which divides Owens’s land thence along the said dividing line crossing the said Louisa line to a large pine on John Parrishe’s Land thence along the said Parrish’s line to a corner pine of the said Parrish’s thence along the sd Parrish’s line to a corner pine of the Land where Geo. Hilton did live, thence along the said line to a corner pine of Cha’s Christian’s Land thence along the sd Christian’s line to the first Station to include one hundred and Sixty two and a half Acres of Land be the same more or less…” /s/: Humphry (H his mark) Parrish. Wit: Jos. Payne, Jr, Wm Williams, Hu’ph Parrish Jr. (Notes: 1. Jos. Is probably Josias. 2. The Denton family was neighbors to Thomas Gresham Jr. and Sr. on Sandy River in Pittsylvania Co, VA)

14 Feb. 1761- Goochland Co., Pat. Bk 34, 792. James Gresham 400 acres on the lower side of Willis creek on its branches, adjoining William Chumley, Joseph Terry, Mr. Henry Cary and Archer. 2 pounds. Whereas by Pat. 1 Oct. 1747 granted Phillip Huggins (Pat. Bk 26, p. 129) and whereas the said Phillip Huggins hath failed to pay Quitrents and to make Cultivation and Improvements and James Gresham hath made Humble Suit and obtained a grant for same.

12 July 1761-Goochland County DBk/WBk 8, p. 268. Elizabeth Gresham makes her will. “… I Lend to my mother my Negro Winch Cloey till such time as my daughter Molly Gresham Comes to the years of sixteen or Marys upon Condition that my Mother take her & Bring her up or Causes her to be Brought up till that Age or she Marrys.. If the sd. Negro Cloey should have three Children the third Child she has it is my will that my Brother John Gresham has that… I Give my Daughter Molly Gresham my Negro Winch Cloey & her increase forever only as I have mentioned above to my Brother. I give my Daughter Molly Gresham one Feather Bed & Furniture… if my Daughter Molly Gresham should Die before she comes to the year of Sixteen or Marrys then it is my Desire that my Estate be Equally Divided between my Brothers & Sisters, only that have mentioned to my Brother John. … I Leave my Father Executor of this my Will this Twelth Day of July one thousand seven hundred & Sixty one.” /s/: Elizabeth Gresham. Wit: Thos. Starke, Jane Starke, WilliamS Gresham. Proved at Court 17 August 1762 by the Witnesses hereto.

1 October 1762- Goochland County DBk 8,p. 298. “To all Christian people I Thomas Whorton in the parish of St. James Northam upon the Branches of Lickinghole Creek in the County of Goochland in Virginia send Greeting. Know ye that I the said Thomas Whorton as well for and in consideration of the natural affection and neighborly Love which I have unto my friend William Michell doth by these presents give grant and Confirm unto my friend William Michell Five Acres of Land more or less, the Land he now Liveth upon the said Beginning at James Gresham’s Line where it crosses the spring branch so up the Branch to the Spring from the Spring up the drane about sixty or eighty yards from thence a Cross to a white oak from thence down to Mr. James Gresham’s Line and so run down the Line to the beginning… this present the 1st of October in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty two.” /s/: Thomas (X his mark) Whorton. Wit: James Gresham, Joyce (X her mark) Toney, Ann Yarbrough. Prov. At Court 19 October 1762 by the oaths of the witnesses hereto.

1762-1774 Goochland Co. Deed Index. Grantors include Gresham: Elizabeth 1762 (will) 1772 (deed), Joseph and wife 1765, James 1770 (2)-1772, James and wife 1774

27 April 1763 Goochland County DBk 8, p. 338. Sillvester Prophet of Goochland County & Saint James Northam Parish conveys to Joseph Gresham of Albemarle County “… one certain Tract or parcel of Land Lying in Goochland County Containing one hundred and fifty Acres… Lying on the South Branch of Lickinghole Creek Joyning & Bounded by the lines of James George, George Payne Jun’r, George Southerland, & James Hopper…” /s/: Silvester (reverse “S” his mark) Prophet, Alce (horizontal “S” her mark) Prophet. Wit: Robert Coleman, Wil Michell, James Gresham. Prov. At Goochland Court 17 May 1763. (Note: Coleman intermarried with Gresham and Williams).

22 Nov. 1764- Orange County, VA MB #1, p. 42. “A deed from James Gresham and Elizabeth his wife to Jane Buckner was acknowledged by the parties ... ordered to be recorded”. Elizabeth relinquished her dower right. (This may not be James Gresham d. 1770)

23 & 24 November 1764- Goochland Co., VA DBk 8, p. 499-501. William Colvard of Goochland County made Bond and Trust Deed to Joseph Elam with George Holland and Richard Anderson of Louisa County as his securities. These apparently involved Thomas Pleasants, Merchant of Goochland County in a Chancery Case. Acknowledged in Court 18 June 1765. William Colvard’s signature witnessed by Mer’th Price and Williams Gresham. 4 December 1764- Goochland Co. DBk 8, p. 525. Thomas Griggs Yarbrough and Mary his wife conveys to John Payne, Gent., all of Goochland County, eighty acres of land on one of the West Branches of Lickinghole Creek and joining the Land of the said John Payne which he purchased of George Southerland and is the whole Dividend Tract or parcel of Land whereon the said Thomas Griggs Yarbrough now lives. Wit: Sto.s McCaul, Edward Burroughs, James Brooks, James Gresham, Robt. Coleman.

14 June 1765- Goochland Co., VA DBk 8, p. 496. Charles Christian Senr. makes a Dedd of Gift to his son Charles Christian for “… forever a Certain Tract of Land lying and being in the above mentioned County containing two hundred and Eighty six Acres … lying on the East side of Deep Creek of Lickinghole opposite to Mr. Robert Page’s & joins Houchinges Tract of Land Danrs? Wilborns etc …” /s/: Charles Christian Sr. wit: William Wilkerson, Thos. Edwards, John Humber. Prov. 18 June 1765.

17 June 1765- Goochland Co., VA DBk 8, p.502. Thomas Edwards, Senr. of Goochland makes Deed of Gift to his son Charles Edwards of same county for 300 acres of land “…beginning at Jno. Bolling’s Line on Licking hole Creek thence up the sd. Creek to Leaks line thence along his Line to Colson Hilley’s Thos. Davison’s and thence to the place begun…”. /s/ Thos. Edwards, Senr. Wit: Charles Christian Junr., James Turner, Francis (X his mark) Hilley. Prov 18 June 1765. 19 June 1765 – Goochland Co., VA DBK 8, p. 503. Charles Christian Senr. makes a Deed of Gift to his daughter Elizabeth Humber “… a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the above mentioned County Containing two hundred acres… being part of the tract I bought of Thos. Paterson beginng at a Corner pine on Jos. Leaks and Thomas Edwards’ Line thence along a new line to my line & thence to the place begun, Including the Plantation whereon she now lives…”. /s/: Charles Christian. Wit: Thomas Riddle, William Robards, James Gresham. Prov in Court June Session 1765.

20 August 1765- Goochland County DBk 8, p. 516. George Payne Junr. conveys to Josias Payne (the Elder), both of Goochland County. 254 acres in Goochland on the Branches of Lickinghole Creek the land and Plantation where said George Payne formerly lived adjoining Silvester Prophit and William Webb. Wit: John Payne, George Payne, Wm. Williams. Proved in Court 20 August 1765. (Note: Some of these Payne folks migrated to Pittsylvania Co. where one of their children married Israel Curry, brother of my Isaac Curry, Sr. Israel eventually ended up in Indiana were a bunch of the Gresham folks went.)

21 October 1766- Goochland Co. DBk/WBk 9, p. 70-71. Sylvester Prophet makes his will. Legatees: Wife-Alice to have Plantation for Life. Sons-James, David, John, William. Daughters- Ann Emmery, Lucy Macomack. Grand Daughter- Susanna Hopper. Grandson- David Hopper. Executors- James Gresham and William Prophet. “… this 21 Day of October In the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and sixty six.” /s/: Silvester (his mark) Prophet. Wit: James Gresham, James Gresham Juner. Proved in Court 21 April 1767. p. 74- Inventory taken May 16, 1767, returned to Court May 19, 1767 by Josias Payne, Robert Page and Robert Cardin with notations “We find on a Bond of William Michells for 13 pounds, 6 shillings 10 pence. We find a Balance due on James Gresham’s Bond-19 pounds.” (Note: Some of these Payne and Coleman families moved to Pittsylvania Co. Robert Coleman was husband of Anne Gresham daughter of James Gresham, Sr. Permenas Williams’s daughter Mary married Stephen Coleman in Pittsylvania Co. where one of the Payne girls married Israel Curry) Permenus Williams married Dorothy (Dolly) Gresham., either in NC or SC. They both died in TN.

Will

23 June 1769- Goochland County DBk/WBk 10, p. 44-45. James Gresham makes his will. “… and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian Like and Decent Manner at the Direction of my Executors nothing Doubting but at the General Resurection, I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to bless one in this Life I give Devise and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form…. My Desire is that my whole Estate real and personal do Remain in the hands of my Executors for and During the Term of seven years and no Longer and the money Arising there from to be applied in paying of all my Just and Lawful Debts, Raising and Schooling of all my small Children….I Lend to Elizabeth my Dearly beloved wife one half of my whole Estate from and after the Expiration of Seven years for and During her natural Life or Widowhood … son WilliamS Gresham One Feather Bed and Furniture … son James Gresham One Feather Bed and Furniture… son Thomas Gresham One Feather Bed & also one Horse Value Five Pounds… son John Gresham one Feather Bed and furniture and also one Horse Value five pounds …son George Gresham One Feather Bed and Furniture and also one Horse Value Five pounds…My Desire is that after my wifes Decease that my Land whereon I now Live be sold by my Executors then surviving and the money Arising there from to be Equally Divided between my sons WilliamS Gresham, James Gresham, Thomas Gresham, John Gresham and George Gresham… My Desire is that after the Legacies paid, half of my Estate be Equally Divided at the Expiration of seven years, and the other half after my wife’s Decease, between all my Children- Joseph Gresham, Anne Coleman, Williams Gresham, James Gresham, Sally Anslow, Jane Duke, Thomas Gresham, John Gresham and George Gresham & my Desire that my three youngest sons be Bound to trades as the Ex.rs shall think proper… I do Constitute make and Ordain Elizabeth my Dearly beloved wife, Williams & James Gresham my well beloved sons to be my Executors of my last will and Testament In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal the Day and year above written.” /s/: James Gresham. Wit: Wil. Mitchell, Edm’d Duke. Proven in Court 21 May 1770 by William Michell and Edm’d Duke. DBk/WBk 10, p. 70-71. Inventory of the Estate of James Gresham taken by John Hopkins, William Swift and Robert Cardin 16 June 1770, returned to Court 15 October 1770.

(Notes: Was Thomas, John and George the 3 youngest sons? My opinion is YES!! Was Joseph the oldest. My opinion is YES! Was he the namesake of an uncle or maternal grandfather? Most likely, and all the others were probably named in honor of some close relative or in-law. I wonder why the 7 year term before final settlement of the Estate was imposed. Could it be so that all his children were to have reached legal age when the Estate was divided? It could explain why George left when he did. Being the oldest, he could plow a lot of his own corn in 7 years. It might also indicate about when Elizabeth joined Joseph in Georgia???).

Headright and Bounty Land Grants of Georgia (Pre 1800 Gresham) Year Granted-Grantees Name-Location-Grant Book-Page-Acres 1770-Joseph Gresham-St. George -I-3-200 1772- “ - “ -I-740-200 1774- Jno. Gretion?- - “ -M-318-100 1785-Geo. Gresham -Wilkes -HHH-727-420 1787-Archer Gresham -Greene -NNN-160-230 1789-Archibald Gresham-Greene -RRR-132-690 1789-Archibald Gresham-Greene -RRR-131-460 1791- Jno. Grisham - *----- -VVV- 11-100 1793-Thos. Gresham - Franklin-XXX-367-920 1793-Thos. Gresham - Franklin- XXX-367-920 1796-Wheeler Gresham - Burke -XXXX-162-200

Sources

• Mary Louise Gresham Research notes on Gresham, Robinson & Allied Families Tree on Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/6989691/person/-1151387222/media/b4f60b62-da4a-44fb-b7af-20d105b84ce9?_phsrc=glz1134&usePUBJs=true

• James Gresham Will redacted: https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/6989691/person/-1151387222/media/aa34ef68-b497-4377-81da-862b6b2882a5?_phsrc=glz1134&usePUBJs=true

• Military Service https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/48434/VAColonialSoldiers-007024-17?pid=342682&backurl=https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/6989691/person/-1151387222/gallery&usePUB=true&_phsrc=glz1133&usePUBJs=true

• Marriage Record: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/48439/VAMarriageRecords-001268-187/346600?backurl=&ssrc=&backlabel=Return

• Douglas Register death record: https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/25436/dvm_LocHist010582-00204-1/394?

• See Research Shared by Private Researcher on WIKI Profile https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Gresham-86