Prudence (Sanders) Woodyard (abt. 1730 - abt. 1780)

Born about 1730 in Charles, Maryland

Wife of Leonard Francis Mitchell — married about 1751 in Maryland

Wife of John Woodyard — married 1770 in Charles, Maryland

Descendants

Died about 1780 at about age 50 in Prince William, Virginia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Mary Ellen Stephens [send private message]

Biography

NOTE TO SANDERS & WOODYARD RESEARCHERS: Below are research notes regarding the parentage of Prudence Sanders, the alledged wife of John Woodyard (1734-1795) . There are no primary sources of evidence showing that John Woodyard had a wife named Prudence Sanders. His first wife is not named in his will of 1795; nor does Walter Ward Woodyard reference his mother in his "ancient diary". If anyone has any sources for this marriage I would be extremely grateful if you would please share it. This is a work in progress as I try to sort out the relationships of the different Johns, Thomases, Edwards, and Janes among the Sanders of Charles County at the time. All suggestions & help are welcome.

Personally, I believe Walter Ward Woodyard's mother to be a Ward. The daughters of the Ward family tended to give one (sometimes two) of their children the middle name of 'Ward'. [Kelly Enzor]

Hypothesis of Prudence Sanders' Parentage:

1. Edward Sanders (c. 1658-1698), m. by Apr 1682, Jane Caine, dau. of John Caine/O'Caine and wid. of Henry Brayne whom she married by 1680.^[5][6]
   1. John Sanders (c. 1684-1730), m. Mary Rookwood
      1. Thomas Sanders (d. c. 1740), m. Eleanor
         1. John Sanders
         2. Thomas Sanders, Jr.
         3. Sarah Sanders
         4. Mary Sanders
      2. Mary Sanders (c. 1704- ), m. Power
         1. John Power (<1724- )
      3. Edward Sanders (d. 1739)
         1. Joshua Sanders
         2. John Sanders
      4. Jane Sanders (c. 1709-c. 1729), m. Ethelbert Doyne
         1. Ethelbert Doyne, Jr.
         2. Mary Doyne, m. Roger Smith
         3. Jane Doyne
      5. Anne Sanders [m. James Howard?]
      6. John Sanders, Jr. (c. 1710-1731/2), m. Verlinda (d. 1755); she m. 2) Feb 1733/4, Alexhis/Electius Semmes/Sims
         1. Ignatius Sanders (c. 1726-1750/1)
         2. Prudence Sanders (c. 1727-1782), m. Leonard Mitchell
         3. Richard Sanders (c. 1728- )
      7. William Sanders
         1. John Sanders III
   2. Edward Sanders, Jr. (1680-1720)
   3. Thomas Sanders (1688-1735)
      1. 1. Joseph Cain Sanders (c. 1708-1737)
         2. Edward Sanders (<1722-1778)
   4. Charles Sanders (1690-1728), m. Prudence Cooper (1692-1757); she m. 2nd Leonard Green (d. 1733) [Prudence and Leonard has a son named Francis Green]
      1. Jane Sanders (>1712-c. 1799)
      2. Charles Sanders, Jr. (c. 1713-1751)
   5. Jane Sanders (c. 1687-1711)

In his will Edward Sanders leaves son John all lands in Virginia, except 400 acres, which he leaves to his son Thomas (if he should die without issue land to pass to son Charles and dau. Jane). Mentions son Edward having already received his share of real estate. Wife Jane extx.^[7]

According to Gregory, Prudence Sanders married John Woodyard about 1770 in Charles County, Maryland, and was the daughter of John Sanders and Mary Rookwood ^[8].

In his will of 1724, John Sanders, of Charles County, Maryland mentions his daughter Mary Power and grandson John Power; dau. Jane Doyne, each of whom he leaves 20s; son John 100 a. “Cane’s Purchase” at Portobacco; son Edward part of “Cane’s Purchase” adjoining land of bro [John]; dau. Ann; son William, residue of land at Portobacco, being plantation where Thomas Osborn lived; eldest son Thomas executor, residue of estate except land sold by father, Edward Sanders to Nicholas Russell. John does not mention a dau. Prudence. According to Smith, this could be due to Prudence being born in the years between 1724 when his will was written and 1730 when he died.^[9]

Codicil: 6 Jul 1729, testator [John Sanders] states that estate of Ethelbert Doyne, deceased with 3 small children being in his hands to be distributed as follows: Grandson Ethelbert to care of Clement Gardiner until of age to receive estate; granddaughters Mary and Jane to care of Thomas Thompson, Portobacco.

For Jane to have three small children in 1729, she would have to be at least 20 years old; given that her father’s will was written in 1724 and she had 3 children in 5 years, this suggests a birth date of about 1709. If, as Smith hypothesizes, Prudence was born between 1724 when John wrote his will and 1730 when he died, he would have certainly amended his will to make provisions for his infant daughter at the same time he made the codicil for the Doyne children. Even if Prudence wasn’t yet born, his wife would have surely been pregnant at the time and he would have made plans for his unborn child. Also, given that the Woodyard children were born between 1772 and 1780, it seems unlikely that their mother would have been born in 1730 or earlier; she would have been 40 years old at the time of her marriage to John Woodyard, and 50 years old when son John Woodyard, Jr. was born in 1780.

These are to satisfy whom it may concern that I THOMAS SANDERS the Son of Mr. EDWARD SANDERS deceased hath this day reced & taken into my possession 400 acres of land on the South side Acquia Creek in Stafford County from my Brother JOHN SANDERS the 400 acres of land being left to me by the Last Will & Testament of my Father Edward Sanders beginning at a bounded red oak standing back in the woods by a path side in the NW line 150 pearches a bound white oak that stands in a swamp by a run side so running from the red oak aforesaid NE til it comes to a bounded mulberry tree that stands in an old field by the water side thence with the creek upwards by the waterside til it intersects a parcel of land sold by my Brother John Sanders to one THOS. COLLINS that back round with the said Collins line to a bound hickory that stands back in the woods in the first NW line thence SE to the first bound red oak conta. my 400 acres of land more or less .. this 10th day Sept. 1706. Presence Richard Fossaker, Thos. Sanders, Edward Mountjoy And John Sanders doth acknowledge & approve the land to be the proper land of his Brother Thos. Sanders as it was left to him by the Last Will & Testament of my Father. /s/ John Sanders At a Court held ye 11th day Sept. 1706 This Division of land was acknowledged in Court by both persons and ordered to be recorded & is recorded.^[10]

Recorded at request of John Sanders:

25 Mar 1708; Indenture from Edward Sanders, planter, to John Sanders (his brother); for £100 and the 1st year's rent; parcel formerly belonging to John Ocaine and now in possession of Edward Sanders, grandson of John Ocaine; land resurveyed for John Ocaine 18 Jan 1675 called Caines Purchase; patent dated 6 Jun 1676 for 700 acres; on the north side of the Potomac and west side of Portobacco, Creek; containing 350 acres; formerly in possession of Giles Blizzard by virtue of a gift from John Ocaine dated 10 Feb 1693; Edward Sanders and Jane his wife, late dec'd, father and mother to afsd. Edward Sanders conveyor of this indenture to his brother John Sanders; /s/ Edward Sanders; wit. Thomas Sanders, John Thomas, Richard Thomas; 25 Mar 1708 John Sanders paid alienation; 26 Mar 1708 Edward Sanders ack. deed.^[11]

Jane Sanders 32B.191 I CH £91.5.8 Mar 26 1711
Appraisers: Phill. Hoskins, John Beall.
Next of kin: John Sanders, Thomas Sanders, Charles Sanders

Charles Sanders 13.117 CH £319A.8 Mar 27 1727 May 22 1728
Appraisers: Matthew Stone, John Manning
Creditors: William Chandler, Gustavus Brown
Next of kin: Thomas Sanders, John Sanders
Administratrix: Prudence Sanders

John Sanders, Jr. (c. 1710-1731/2)

These two documents suggest that John, father of Prudence, was the son of John, not Edward Sanders:

Apr 2, 1753 from Thomas Mitchell of CC, planter, to Leonard Mitchell of CC, planter, for 65 £ sterling and for divers other good Causes, part of a tract of land lying on the west side of Portobacco Cr in CC, it being that part of Cains' Purchase, which John Sanders devised to his son, John Sanders, and afterwards descended to Thomas Ignatius Sanders (son to John Sanders the Latter) by whose death the same became the right of his sister Prudence, now the wife of sd Leonard Mitchell, and by sd Leonard Mitchell and Prudence, his wife, sold to sd Thomas Mitchell, containing about 100 acres. Signed - Thos Mitchell. Wit - Thos Stone, Jno Winter. Recorded Jun 13, 1753.^[12]

Oct 21, 1760 from Leonard Mitchell of CC, planter, to Hugh Mitchell of CC, merchant, for 100 £ sterling, and for divers other good causes, all that part of a tract of land lying on the west side of Portobacco Cr in CC, being that part of Cains Purchase which John Sanders devised to his son, John Sanders, and afterwards descended to Francis Ignatius Sanders (son to John Sanders the latter) by whose death the same became the right of his sister Prudence, now the wife of the sd Leonard Mitchell, and by them, sd Leonard and. Prudence, sold to Thomas Mitchell, and by sd Thomas Mitchell sold to sd Leonard Mitchell, containing about 100 acres. Signed - Leonard Mitchell. Wit - Dan of St. Thos Jenifer, Dan Jenifer. Recorded Mar 21, 1761.^[13]

At the time of John Sanders, Jr.'s will, written on 18 Nov 1731, his daughter Prudence was under the age of 16, putting her birth between 1715 and 1731; if she was born on the later end of these dates it is possible for her to be the wife of John Woodyard; although she would have been about 40-years-old at the time of their marriage in 1770. John left to his son Ignatius, lands and dwelling plantation at Portobacco left to him by will of his father. He also had a son named Richard, both sons were under the age of 18. Test.: Sarah Coombs, Thomas Sanders, William Sanders.
Next of kin: Thomas Sanders, Jr. and Edward Sanders. His wife Verlinda was executrix.^[14]

According to Smith, Prudence married 1) William Clarke and 2) Leonard Mitchell.^[15]

Sanders, John, Charles Co.,, 18th Nov., 1731; 7th Feb,, 1731/2.
To son Ignatius and hrs., lands and dwell. plan. at Port Tobacco as left testator by will of his father -----; sd. son to pay to his bro. Richard, at age of 18 yrs., the sum of 21000 lbs.; and personalty.
To wife Valinda, extx..., residue of estate to be divided bet. 3 child., viz. Ignatious, Prudence and Richard; sons to be of age at 18, dau. at 16 yrs. or day of marriage.
Test: Sarah Combs (Coombes), Thomas Sanders, William Sanders^[16]

John Sanders 16.448 CH £69,0,11 May 11 1732 Jun 6 1732
Appraisers: John Manning, Matthew Stone.
Creditors: Gustavus Brown, Francis Ware.
Next of kin: Thomas Sanders, Jr., Edward Sanders.
Executrix: Virlinda Sanders.

Sanders, Thomas, planter, Charles County, 25th June 1740; 23rd May, 1741.
To priest, Mr. Mullineux., personalty.
To wife Eleanor, personalty an life interest in "Cow Branch" where Robert Thompson now lives. At her death to pass to youngest son Thomas.
To eld. son John, 400 As "'St. Mathews."'
To daus. Mary and Sarah, personalty. Mary to live with her aunt--- Howard.
Testator desires his ex. to sell 100 A. "St. Mathews" in order to pay bond at Annapolis.
Ex.. Bro. William.
Test: Jacob Clement, Sr., Alexander McPherson, Sr., Thomas Mudd, Jr. and James Mudd

Howard, Ann, Charles Co. 5 Oct 1744; 6 Oct 1744
Child.: Sarah, Mary Ann
To sister Prudence Sanders, 1 suit apparrell, saddle and furniture
To sister Mary Poore [Power], 1 suit apparrell.
Desire that trusty friend, Joseph Lancaster and wife Jane have bringing up and educating of Sarah and Mary Ann, and that their share of estate shall be paid them at age of 16 or on the day of marriage
Ex. Jos. Lancaster
Francis Hammsley, Justice of Peace, made oath that he read above will to Anne Howard and asked her if she approved. She replied, "Yes." Asked if she would sign it, answered she would, but after taking pen was unable to do so and requested sd. Hammsley to sign for her, which he did. MCW 24.15. [It is likely that Ann is talking about her sister-in-law, Prudence (Cooper) Sanders, who married Anne's brother Charles]

Anne Howard 31.137 CH £381.0.0 Apr 3 1745; Jun 12 1745
Appraisers: Robert Yates, Barton Warren.
Creditors: John Boarman, Mary Neall.
Next of kin: Mary Power [Poore], William Sanders.
Executor: Joseph Lancaster.

When Virlinda died in 1755, her son-in-law Leonard Mitchell was made the administrator of her estate. Meaning he was at least 18 years old, but likely older. Giving him a birth date of about 1735 or earlier. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 gives his birth date as 1732, but given that this is an Ancestry.com publication without a link to scanned documents, it is not concrete. This same record give Prudence's birth date as 1731.

On 18 Sep 1782, Hoskins Hanson purchased from Catherine Mitchell, spinster, "Cain's Purchase" of 100 a., lying on the west side of Port Tobacco Creek which had been willed Catherine by her father Hugh Mitchell.^[17]. [granddaughter of Prudence and second husband Leonard?]

Sanders, Edward., Dorchester County, 18th Sept., 1739; 16th Jan., 1739.
To son Joshua and hrs., tract "Ann's Delight" lying in Charles Co. on South side of Zackia Swamp,, tract "Eton's Delight" in Nanjemy Parish, Charles Co.
To son John and hrs., dwelling plantation, Part of, "Keen's Purchase."
To sister Mary Poor (Power) and to priest who shall act at testator's funeral, personalty.
Testator wills that should either son die without hrs, his portion to pass to other son and should both die without hrs, their estates are to be divided between Thomas Sanders [son of kinsman Thomas] and William Sanders [son of testator's bro, William], and Ignatius [son of bro. John.]
Testator desires that John Howard should have care and education of his children.
Exs.: Bro.-in-law James Howard and bro. William
Test: Robert Rackett, Edward Sanders, Jr., and Joseph Allford. 22.135.

John Saunders 19.126 A CH £989.0.11 £61.5.8 Jul 8 1742
A second inventory is cited in the amount of £0.18.3.
Sureties: Thomas Sanders, Richard Coombs, Jr.
Received from; Prudence Green, James Glascok.
Payments to: George Godffrey, Francis Ware, Walter Maddox, Dr. Gustavus Brown, Rand. Morris, George Carby, Charles Calvert, Esq., Thomas Mathews, Thomas Osburn, Thomas Sanders, William Boling, Dr. Alexander Adair, John Walker, Mr. George Herold, Same Hanson, Walter Hanson.
Executrix: Virknda Semmes, wife of Alexhis Semmes (also Alexhis Simms).

HOW DOES THIS JOHN SANDERS FIT INTO THE MIX??
Note mentions John Woodyard and Henry Ward.

1. John Sanders, Jr.
   1. Matthew Sanders, m. Eleanor
      1. Margaret Sanders (bef. 1700-1774), m. Henry Ward (1676-1739)
      2. Robert Sanders (d. 1717)
      3. Matthew Sanders, Jr.
      4. John Sanders of Mattawoman (c. 1684 -c. 1722), m. Elizabeth ____; she m. 2) James Parnandier
         1. Sarah Sanders (c. 1704- )
         2. Matthew Sanders (c. 1706-1726)
         3. John Sanders, Jr. (c. 1708->1767), m. Eleanor ____
         4. Mary Sanders (c. 1710-<1765), m. William Smallwood Taylor
         5. Martha Sanders (<1722-1774), m. Joseph Gardiner
      5. William Sanders
      6. Francis Sanders, m. ___ Robertson/Robinson

Sanders, John, Charles Co.
29 Aug 1720; 30 Apr 1722
Will of John Sanders of Mattawoman, Charles Co., MD.
To eldest son Mathew and hrs., 100 A. in "Christian Temple Mannor", sold by Thomas Allison to Gerard Brown and bought of sd. Brown; 100 acres of "Sympson's Supply", "Woodstock Bower", north side of Collier's Branch; personalty.
To son John and hrs., 450 acres "Whittland"; personalty.
To dau. Sarah and hrs., pt. of "William's Purchase"; personalty.
To dau. Mary and hrs., half of last-named tract; personalty at age of 16 or marriage.
To dau. Martha and hrs., pt of "Woodstock Bower"; personalty at age of 16 or marriage. Sons to be free at 18 yrs. of age.
To wife Eliza., extx., residue of personal estate. Should she die before children are of age, dau. Sarah to have care of the 2 youngest.
To Nimrod Duncan, an orphan boy, his freedom and personalty.
Overseers: Wm. Sanders and Henry Ward. [brother and bro-in-law?]
Test: Stephen Chilton, John Woodyard, James Sympson.^[18]

Henry Ward (1676-1739) m. Margaret Sanders (bef. 1700-1774), whose mother Eleanor (wife of Matthew Sanders) mentions Jane Newton (nee Browne) in her will. Jane would later marry John Woodyard; they are believed to be the grandparents of our John Woodyard (1734-1795). There were connections between the Ward, Sanders, and Woodyard families going back a couple of generations. See the following indenture:

15 Aug 1717; Recorded at request of John Sanders: 26 Feb 1716; Indenture from John Woodyard, planter, and Jean his wife, d/o Gerrard Browne, dec'd, and John Newton, s/o Richard Newton, dec'd, to John Sanders; for 3,000 lbs. tobacco; a parcel on the south side of St. Thomas Creek; part of Christian Temple Manor; bounded by 100 acres purchased by Garrard Brown from Thomas Allison, Gent., dec'd, and then in possession of heirs of Gerrard Brown, now in possession of John Saunders of Mattawoman; /s/ John Woodyard (mark), Jno. Newton (mark); wit.: Henry Ward (mark), James Simpson (mark); ack. in count; wife of sd. Woodyard secretly examined.^[19] Jno. Newton is Jane's son by her first marriage to John Newton.

Will of John Ward, probated Jun 1687... to John Sanders; for 3000 lbs. tobacco; a parcel on the south side of St. Thomas Creek, part of "Christian Temple Manor"; bounded by 100 acres of John Saunders of Mattawoman.

Jul 1714; Recorded at request of William Sanders, planter:
10 May 1714; Power to Attorney to John Sanders of Mattawoman to ack. deed of gift given by me to William Sanders for a tract of land on Mattawoman; /s/ Matthew Sanders (mark); wit. Richard Houldin (mark), James Simson; proved in June Court 1714.
6 Aug 1713; Deed of Gift from Matthew Sanders, planter, for love and affection to son William Sanders; part of a tract called Prichard purchased from Philip Lynes 8 Jun 1683; sd. moiety lying on south side of St. Thomas Creek; /s/ Mathew Sanders (mark); wit. James Simson, Richard Houldin (mark); in open court by John Sanders^[20]

6 Mar 1715/6; Recorded at request of John Sanders:
7 Jul 1715; Indenture from William Sarjant, planter, to John Sanders; for 1,500 lbs. tobacco and one young horse, bridle and saddle; a parcel of land called William's Purchase at the head of Carpenter's Branch of the Avon River; last in possession of William Serjant; /s/ William Serjant; wit. Geo. Noble, Joseph Bowman; 6 Feb 1715 ack. by William Serjant^[21]

15 Aug 1717; Recorded at request of Francis Robertson:
13 Aug 1717; From Mathew Sanders, Sr., planter, for fatherly love, to dau. Francis Saunders, now Francis Robinson; moiety of tract called Sanders Pleasure on the south side of Mattawoman Creek; bounded by 450 acres surveyed for John Wheeler and head of Gilses Branch; /s/ Mathew Sanders; wit. John Woodyard (mark), John Hewtton (mark); Aug. Ct. 1717 John Saunders ack. by power of attorney; Martha Saunders gives power to attorney to John Sanders of Mattawoman to ack. moiety of tract called Sanders Pleasure to Francis Robinson; /s/ Martha Sanders; wit. John Woodyard (mark), John Hewtton (mark); Aug Ct. 1717 proved in court.^[22]

22 Mar 1717; Recorded at request of John Sanders:
7 Mar 1717; Indenture from John Woodward [Woodyard] and Jane his wife and John Newton to John Sanders; for a tract called St. Margaretts containing 80 acres for a term of 58 years from Sanders; do assign a tract called Simpsons Supply on the east side of Piscataway River and south side of Mattawoman Creek; bounded by Christian Temple Manor; containing 100 acres now in possession of Woodyard and Newton; /s/ John Woodyard (mark), John Newton, (mark); wit. James Parrandar; 14 Mar 1717 ack. by John Woodyard and Jane his wife and John Newton.

8 Jun 1720; Recorded at request of John Sanders of Mattawoman:
28 May 1720; Indenture from Gerrard Marshall of St Mary's Co. to John Sanders; for 1,500 lbs. tobacco and £3; a parcel called Simpson's Supply; also one half of parcel lying within Christian Temple Manor by Thomas Allison, dec'd, to Gerard Browne, dec'd; /s/ Gerrard Marshall (mark); wit. John Woodyard (mark), James Simpson; 31 May ack. by Gerrard Marshall.^[23]

7 Aug 1721. John Smoot and Posthuma his wife conveyed to John Sanders for 7,500 lbs. of tobacco a portion of "Christian Temple Manor" which had been willed Posthuma by her father, Edward Ford, "whereon Richard Coombs lately dwelt..."

22 Nov 1721; Recorded at request of John Sanders:
7 Aug 1721; Indenture from Elizabeth Wickaly, widow, to John Sanders, planter; a parcel called Doegs Point; for 6,000 lbs. tobacco; "during the natural life of Elizabeth;" /s/ Elizabeth Witchaly (mark); wit. John Smoot (mark), James Simpson;
23 Sep 1721 ack. by Elizabeth Witchaly.^[24]

23 Nov 1721; Recorded at request of John Sanders:
7 Aug 1721; Indenture from John Smoot and Postuma his wife to John Sanders; for 7, 500 lbs. tobacco; a tract being part of Christian Temple Manor where Richard Coombs formerly lived; land bequeathed Postuma Smoot by the will of her father [unnamed]; /s/ John Smoot (mark);
23 Sep 1721 ack. by John Smoot and Postuma his wife.^[25]

15 Mar 1753, from Joseph Clements of CC, planter, to John Sanders at Mattawoman, of CC, planter, for 40,000 lbs. of tobacco, that parcel of land in CC on the south side of Mattawoman or St Thomas Cr., being part of Christian Temple Manor. (Charles County Land Records, p. 18).

May 10, 1753 from John Sanders of Mattawoman in CC, planter, son and heir to John Sanders of Mattawoman in CC, decd, to Bayne Smallwood of CC, planter, for 10,000 lbs of tobacco and for divers good causes, all that part of a tract of land formerly sold by Thomas Alanson to Garrard Brown for 100 acres, being part of Christian Temple Manor, taken up by sd Thomas Alanson on Apr 13, 1659. Also, all that part of a tract of about 50 acres, lying on the south side of Cites' or Collins Branch, being part of a tract of land called Woodstock Bower, formerly taken up by the above sd John Sanders decd. Signed - John Sanders. Wit - Thos Stone, R Harrison. Jane, the wife of John Sanders, came into Court, and being first privately examined, voluntarily relinquished her right of dower to the lands conveyed. Recorded Jun 9, 1753.^[26]

To all Christian People .. I THOMAS SANDERS of Charles County in Colony of. Maryland Gentl. this 15th day September 1709 for sum Twenty thousand pounds of Tobo paid by JOHN MILBY of afsd county & Colony .. have sold all that parcel of land lying in Stafford County conta by Estimation 400 acres granted by Pattent & bounded .. beginning at a bounded red oak standing back in the woods by a path side in the NW line 150 perches from a bound white oak standing in a Swamp by a run side so running from the red oak NE till it comes to a bounded Mulberry Tree that stands in an old field by the water side thence with the said creek upwards until it intersects a parcel of land sold by my Brother JOHN SANDERS to one THOS. COLLINS thence back round with the said Collins's line to a bound hiccory that stands back in the woods with the first No. Wt. line then So. Et. to the first bounded red oak conta the 400 acres be it more or less and by a division upon the records between my Brother John Sanders and myself may appear ..
Presence George Mason, Thos. Sanders Rice Hooe
The within deed of sale was acknowledged in Stafford County Court the 13th day of September 1709 by Thomas Sanders in person which is ordered to be re-corded & is recorded.^[27]

Jane Clements Final Account. Apr 18, 1778.
The account of Walter Clements and John Sanders, executors of Jane Clements, late of CC, dec'd, viz - Debts: the inventory of sd decd's estate, exhibited into the Prerogative office on Feb 14, 1777, in all, 421 £ 5 shillings 2 pence; tobacco left by the dec'd unstrapped, inspected in 1776. The whole amount: 453 £ 13 shillings 10 pence.
Disbursements went to Jameson Johnson and Co., Doctor Joseph Adderton, Doctor Gusta Brown, Sheriff William Hanson for levies, a legacy left by the dec'd to the Poor of Portobacco Parish, Deputy Commissary's fees paid Daniel Jenifer, Com. Genera'ls fees paid William Fitzhugh, Esq, fees paid Walter Hanson as Register, afd Walter Clements. Balance to be disposed of according to the decd's will - 420 £ 12 shillings 2 pence.
Final Account: 453 £ 13 shillings 10 pence.
Securities: Leonard Green and John Clements.
Proved on Apr 18, 1778 by afd Walter Clements and John Sanders.^[28]

Recorded May 29, 1741. May 9, 1741 from John Sanders of CC, planter, son of John Sanders, late of Mattawoman in CC, deceased, to William Smallwood Taylor of CC, planter, in consideration of a tract of 195 acres of land called William's Purchase in CC this day granted to sd John Sanders by deed by sd William Smallwood Taylor & Mary, his wife and also for 5000 lbs tobacco by Taylor paid to Sanders and for divers other causes, Sanders sells Taylor a parcel of land near Mattawoman Cr on the south side of Allisons Branch, part of a tract of land called Christian Temple Manor, being the land and plantation whereon Richard Coombs formerly dwelt, which parcel of land before mentioned to be sold, was purchased of John Smoot of CC and Posthuma, his wife, by John Sanders, the father of the sd John Sanders, by deed, (this part crossed out: and by the will of- sd John Sanders, the father, devised to his son, the afd Jno-Sanders.) Signed -John Sanders. Wit-Robt Hanson*, Saml Hanson Jr*.^[29]

Recorded Jun 20, 1741. May 9, 1741 from William Smallwood Taylor of CC, planter, & Mary, his wife, to John Sanders of CC, son of John Sanders, late of Mattawoman in CC, dec'd, in consideration of a parcel of land (which is part of a tract of land called Christian Temple Manor lying at Mattawoman in CC) that was purchased by deed of John Smoot & Posthuma his wife of CC by the afd John Sanders dec'd and by the will of sd John Sanders devised to his afd son John Sanders who by deed dated today conveyed the same to sd William Smallwood Taylor, in consideration of a tract of land called William's Purchase, hereafter mentioned, and also 5000 lbs tobacco, and for divers other causes, Taylor sells Sanders a tract of land called William's Purchase, lying in CC, originally granted to William Seargent of CC, and by him sold to the afd John Sanders decd, who, by his will, devised it to his daughter, the aforementioned Mary, and is bounded by the head of one of the branches of the white marsh about a mile from Richard Carpenter's, the head of Daniels branch, the head of another branch of sd marsh, then down sd white marsh branch, containing and laid out for about 195 acres. Signed-William Smallwood Taylor, Mary Taylor. Wit-Robt Hanson*, S Hanson*.^[30]

Recorded Jun 22, 1741. Jun 11, 1741 from John Sanders of CC, planter, to Joseph Gardiner of CC, planter, and Martha, his wife, in consideration of a parcel of land, being part of a tract of land in CC on the south side of Colters Branch, containing about 100 acres, the whole tract called Wood Stock Bower, which sd parcel of land was bequeathed by the will of John Sanders, late of CC, dec'd, to Martha Sanders, his daughter, now wife of the afd Joseph Gardiner, and also in consideration of 7500 lbs tobacco, and for divers other causes, Sanders sells to Gardiner, a tract of land called William's Purchase, lying in CC lately conveyed by William Smallwood Taylor and Mary, his wife, to the afd John Sanders, by a deed dated last May 9, bounded by one of the branches of the white marsh about a mile from Richard Carpenters, the head of Daniels branch, the head of another branch of the sd Marsh, then down the sd white marsh branch, containing and laid out for 195 acres. Signed-John Sanders. Wit-S Hanson*, William Eilbeck*.^[31]

Recorded Jul 15, 1741. Jun 11, 1741 from Joseph Gardiner of CC, planter, and Martha, his wife, to John Sanders, son of John Sanders, late of Mattawoman in CC, dec'd, in consideration that sd John Sanders has sold to sd Joseph and Martha Gardiner, by deed dated today, a tract of land in CC called William's Purchase, containing 195 acres, and for divers other good causes, Gardiner has sold to Sanders a parcel of land in CC on the south side of Collers Branch, containing about 100 acres, being part of a tract of land called Woodstock Bower, containing 200 acres formerly taken up by John Sanders, father, as afd, as per the patent of sd land, which part was by afd John Sanders dec'd, by his will, bequeathed to his daughter, Martha Sanders, now wife of the afd Joseph Gardiner. Signed-Joseph Gardiner.^[32]

At the request of Joseph Noble of CC, the following deed was recorded on Jan 13, 1743[/4].
Nov 26, 1743 from John Sanders of Portobacco in CC, Gent. to Joseph Noble Jr of CC, saddler, for 70 £ and for divers other good causes, a parcel of land, part of a tract of land called St. Mathews, lying in CC, whereon sd Sanders now dwells, which parcel is bounded by the west side of Piscataway Road, the 2nd bound tree of 100 acres now belonging to William Sanders, being part of the afd tract, containing 100 acres. Signed - John Sanders. Wit - Robert Hanson, S Hanson.^[33]

At the request of Jeremiah Mudd of CC, the following lease was recorded on Jan 31, 1743[/4].
Dec 1, 1743 from John Sanders Jr, planter, of CC, to Jeremiah Mudd, planter, of CC, for and in consideration of the rents and covenants hereinafter expressed, the lease of 100 acres lying near the Irish Race in CC, which land is bounded by the road that leads from the said John Sanders dwelling house to the afd Race, thence to a tract of land belonging to Thomas Boarman Mudd of CC called Brierwood. The lease is from Dec 1, 1743 for the term of 21 years. The yearly rent is 800 lbs tobacco. Signed - John Sanders, Jeremiah (X his mark) Mudd. Wit - Robert Hanson, S Hanson. Eleanor, the wife of the afd John Sanders Jr, released her dower.^[34]

May 10, 1753 from John Sanders of Mattawoman in CC, planter, son and heir to John Sanders of Mattawoman in CC, dec'd, to Bayne Smallwood of CC, planter, for 10,000 lbs of tobacco and for divers good causes, all that part of a tract of land formerly sold by Thomas Alanson to Garrard Brown for 100 acres, being part of Christian Temple Manor, taken up by sd Thomas Alanson on Apr 13, 1659. Also, all that part of a tract of about 50 acres, lying on the south side of Cites' or Collins Branch, being part of a tract of land called Woodstock Bower, formerly taken up by the above sd John Sanders dec'd. Signed - John Sanders. Wit - Thos Stone, R Harrison. Jane, the wife of John Sanders, came into Court, and being first privately examined, voluntarily relinquished her right of dower to the lands conveyed. Recorded Jun 9, 1753.^[35]

May 25, 1757 from Bennet Hanson Clements of CC and John Sanders, Mattawoman in CC, planters, to Bayne Smallwood, for 12,000 lbs of crop tobacco and for divers other good causes, all that moiety or one half part of a tract of land called Simpsons Supply, lying on the south side of Piscotoway river [Cr] and on a south side of a Creek in sd river called Mattiwoman or S. Thomases Cr, next adjoining to Christian Temple Manor, laid out for Thomas Allison, containing and laid out for about 100 acres. Signed - Bennet Hanson Clements, John Sanders. Wit - Dan of St. Thos. Jenifer, Dan Jenifer. Recorded Jun 25, 1757.^[36]

May 25, 1757 from Bennet. Hanson Clements of CC, and John Saunders, Mattawoman, in CC, planters, to Bayne Smallwood, for 12,000 lbs of crop tobacco and for other good causes, all that moiety or half part of a tract of land called Simpsons Supply, on the south side of Piscatoway River and on the south side of a Cr[eek] in sd river called Mattewoman or St. Thomases Cr, next a[joining] to Christian Temple Manor laid out for Thomas Allerson, containing and laid out for about 100 acres. Signed - Bennet Hanson Clements, John Sanders. Wit - Dan of St. Thos. Jenifer*, Dan Jenifer*. On Jul 29, 1763 came the wife [unnamed] of. Bennet Hanson Clements, and released her right of dower to the within mentioned lands. Recorded Jul 30, 1763.^[37]

Aug 18, 1767 from John Sanders and Matthew Sanders of CC in Durham Parish (Planters), to Bayne Smallwood of CC, for 199 £ 10 shillings and for divers good causes, part of a tract of land in CC in Durham Parish called Whitland, bounded by the land we sold to Francis Robertson out of sd tract, land called Colby now in the possession of afd Bayne Smallwood and taken up by Thos Cole on Apr 14, 1659, thence to the SE line of sd Whitland, containing about 173 acres. Signed - John Sanders, Mathew Sanders. Wit - J Hawkins*, Jno Dent*. Jane, the wife of the afd John Sanders, relinquished her right of dower. Recorded Aug 26, 1767.^[38]

Sources

1. ↑ Smith, Ralph D. The Early Ward Families of Southern Maryland, Vol. 1. Being primarly the records of John Ward of Charles Co., MD (immigrated 1646, d. 1687), his wife Damaris, and 6 of their children: Mary Ward, John Ward [Jr.], Thomas Ward, James Ward, Henry Ward, and Catherine Ward. Salt Lake City, UT. Jul 1998. p. 20.
2. ↑ Smith Source: The Maryland Calendar of Wills, Vol. 2, p. 14.
3. ↑ Smith. p. 29.
4. ↑ Family Legal Advocacy Group. Colonial Divorce was not an Unheard-of Act. In Maryland, divorces were granted by the General Assembly. Even at a time when there was little privacy in a community, a person must have been desperate to air his or her problems at that level of government. Imagine having the entire legislature knowing the ins-and-outs of your business. Also, divorce was not what we now call “absolute,” but a type of legal separation in which the parties could not wed another while the former spouse still lived. Maryland, settled as a Catholic colony, was granting only about 30 divorces per year by the early 1800s. However, as more and more people resorted to divorce to solve their marital woes, the legislature turned the hearing of divorce petitions over to the courts in 1842. By 1851, legislative divorce was made illegal.''
5. ↑ Charles County, Maryland Court Records, Liber H, p. 292.
6. ↑ Maryland Prerogative Court, Testamentary Proceedings, Liber 12B, p. 38 (erroneously calls Jane "Sarah")
7. ↑ Maryland Calendar of Wills, 1635-1743, Will Book 6. p. 248.
8. ↑ Gregory, Nathan (2014). Gregory Family Origins: Stories of the Gregory Families of Colonial Virginia and their moves to Kentucky, Missouri and Points West. p. 143.
9. ↑ Smith, Ralph D. (1998). The Early Ward Families of Southern Maryland, vol. ii. p. 5.
10. ↑ Stafford County Va Deed & Will Book 1699-1709. The Antient Press. p. 351-352.
11. ↑ Charles County Land Records, Liber C#2. p. 99.
12. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book A#2, 1752-1756. p. 117.
13. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book G#3, 1756-1761. p. 525.
14. ↑ The Maryland Calendar of Wills, vol. vi. p. 213.
15. ↑ Smith, Ralph D. (1998). The Early Ward Families of Southern Maryland, vol. ii. p. 5.
16. ↑ Maryland Calendar of Wills, 1635-1743, vol. vi. p. 339.
17. ↑ Deeds, Libers Z no. 3, folio 1; V no. 3, folio 616.
18. ↑ Maryland Calendare of Wills, vol. v. p. 168.
19. ↑ Charles County Land Records, Liber H#2, p. 73.
20. ↑ Charles County Land Records, Liber F#2. p. 18.
21. ↑ Ibid. p. 89.
22. ↑ Ibid. p. 76.
23. ↑ Ibid. p. 347.
24. ↑ Ibid. p. 465.
25. ↑ Ibid. p. 466.
26. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book A#2, 1752-1756. p. 113 (99).
27. ↑ Stafford County VA Deed & Will Book 1699 - 1709. The Antient Press. p. 472-473.
28. ↑ Charles County Maryland Will Book 1777-1780. p. 136a.
29. ↑ Charles County, Maryland, Land Records, 1733-1743; Book O#2. p. 386.
30. ↑ Ibid. p. 507.
31. ↑ Ibid. p. 509.
32. ↑ Ibid. p. 514.
33. ↑ Charles County Maryland Land Record Liber X#2, 1743-1744. p. 52.
34. ↑ Ibid. p. 55.
35. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book A#2, 1752-1756. p. 113 (99).
36. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book G#3, 1756-1761. p. 79.
37. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book L#3, 1761-1765. p. 349.
38. ↑ Charles County Land Record Book O#3, 1765-1770. p. 254.