James Merritt (abt. 1660 - bef. 1704)

Descendants

Died before 1704 before about age 44 in Essex, Virginia

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Biography

James comes into possession of his father’s lands after the death of his elder brother William in 1695. James sells the well known property to Francis Meriwether immediately, but retains the key property purchased by his father from Nicolas Faulconer which will pass on to his eldest son, thus helping to trace out the hierarchy of particular family.

Aleanor Merritt, wife of James SR, gave up her right of dower but mentions him as the son of James Merritt, not as her son, which gives us the hint that James may be a son from an earlier marriage. For now I list Aleanor as all of the children's mother.

In 1696, after his father’s death, James bought 30 acres of land adjacent to Humphrey Booth. James does not appear in the Rent Rolls of 1704, but his son Joseph does with the same 30 acres in 1715. This suggests to me that James dies before 1704.

Various records from his life:

• 4 Feb 1695: This Indenture made 4th day of Feb 1695, to James Merriott, Essex County, planter and Francis Meriwether, other part ... for and in consideration of 3,000 lb. tob. and cask with 2,008 lb. nails.. do sell his house and appurtances, all that plantation.. whereon the said James Merriott now lives, containing 154 acres.. owned by the said James Merriott bearing sale of 3 day of Feb 1663... wherein James Merriott lived and died, and now in the tenue and occupation of Eleanor Merriott, his widow, both parcels adj. to each other and lawfully comes unto the said James Merriott as son .. of the dower on 4 Feb 1695 ... Signed James Merritt, his mark. Witness: Ar. Spicer, John Lesile, John Hawkins. Rebecca Merriott gave up her right of dower on 4 Feb 1695. ^[1]

• 7 Nov 1696: James Merritt bought 30 acres of land from Humphrey Booth. ^[2].

• 5 Dec 1701: James Merrett appraised the estate of John Stoakes. Essex County.^[3]

• 1704: James is NOT listed int he 1704 rent rolls, even though his brothers John and Thomas are. There are no further records of James, suggesting that he died before 1704.

• 1715: Son Joseph appears in the rent rolls on the 30 acres purchased in 1696, indicating for sure that James has passed on by this date.

Sources

1. ↑ Essex County Deeds, Bk 9, 1696-1699, taken from Merritt Families of Va by LS Turner
2. ↑ Deed of sale from son Joseph in 1735
3. ↑ Cavaliers and Pioneers, per Merritt Families of Va by LS Turner

• Sources listed in text