Stephen J K Smith (1703 - bef. 1784)

Born 2 Apr 1703 in Abingdon Parish, Gloucester, Virginia Colony

Ancestors

Husband of Mary (Hawkins) Smith — married 1729 in Orange, Virginia

Descendants

Died before 27 May 1784 before age 81 in St Thomas Parish, Orange County, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Rebecca Morris [send private message] and Stephanie Ross [send private message]

Biography

Stephen Smith was a Virginia colonist.

Stephen J. K. Smith was 2 April 1703 in Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia Colony.^[1] He used the name Juststephonicus which meant, Just Stephen. After he served with the local militia he changed his name to Stephen J. K. Smith and has also been recorded as Stephen I. K. Smith.

Stephen married Mary Polly, whose last name might have been Hawkins and they had six children between 1730 and 1739.

A deed in Orange County, Virginia between Stephen J. K. Smith and Joseph Hawkins is dated 14 May 1738 for the lease of 60 acres. Joseph Hawkins may have been a relative of Mary Polly.

The 1738 Orange County Tithe Lists, precinct of Henry Rice, Constable, Stephen is shown as Jostophonice Smith.^[2][3]

Lieut. Just Stephonicus Smith is mentioned in a claims report ordered to be certified to the General Assembly in 1755^[4]

Stephen was too old for fighting during the Revolutionary War, but he did support the war with large amounts of beef and pork. In the records of Court held by the Justices of Orange County Court, at the Courthouse during April 1782, the following Public Service Claims are noted and found just and reasonable.^[5]

• 12 October 1781 Stephen I.K. Smith for 225 lbs. beef, certified by W. Terrill.
• 21 November 1780, Stephen Smith for 1925 lbs. beef, certified by Thomas Bell, Com.
• 21 April 1781, for a gun impressed for Orange Militia by Capt. Robert Daniel and never returned.
• 5 July 1781, Stephen Smith for 116 lbs. bacon for the guard at Brock's bridge, certified by Lt. William Thomas.

Stephen J.K. Smith made his will on 24 Feb 1781.^[6]He was 80 years old when he died. His will was proved 27 May 1784, Orange County, Virginia.^[7]Inventory and appraisal was recorded on 24 September 1784.^[8]

Will of Stephen J. K. Smith, Orange Co., Virginia
24 February 1781
"In the name of God Amen. I Stephen J. K. Smith of the County of Orange and the parish of Saint Thomas being in years but of Perfect mind and memory thanks be given to almighty for the same and calling to mind the uncertainty of this transitory life do make and ordain this my last will and testament.
First, of all I give and bequeath my soul to the hands of the almighty that gave it me and my body to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner. According to the direction of my executors.
Secondly, I desire that all my debts may be satisfied and paid by any executors.
Thirdly, unto my wife Mary Smith all my whole estate during her life.
Fourthly, after my wife decease the Land whereon I now live I give and bequeath to my son James Smith he paying his brother ten pounds current money and the rest of my children namely William Smith, Gracy Mallory (wife of John Mallor, Jr.), Sarah Richards, (wife of Philemon Richards) my desire is that they shall pay three pounds a peace (sic) of the like money to their brother Charles Smith also my two grandchildren Osten Smith and Mary Smith three pounds between them of the like money to the said Charles Smith.
Fiftly, I give and bequeath to Granddaughter (Patty or Polly) Richards one bed and furniture and one cow and calf to her and her heirs forever.
Sixly, I give and bequeath to my grandson Osten Smith and his sister Mary Smith two hundred acres of land at the upper side joining Claborn land as I Bought of James Herndon to be divided between them to them and their heirs forever and my desire is That after my wife deceases that all the remainder part of my Estate to be equally divided among all my children namely, Charles Smith, William Smiith, John Smith, James Smith, Grace Mallory, Sarah Richards and two grandchildren Osten Smith and Mary Smith to have a childs part between them to them and their heirs forever.
Lastly, I do constitute and appoint my two sons William Smith and James Smith executors of this my last will and testament, Revoking all other wills hereunto made by me. In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of February one thousand seven hundred and eighty one. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Joseph Chandler and John Chandler. Signed Stephen J. K. Smith."

"At a court for Orange County on Thursday 27 May 1784 This last will and testament of Stephen J. K. Smith being presented into court by William Smith and James Smith executors therein named and proved by the oath of Joseph Chandler and John Chandler Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said executors who made oath according to law certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form whereupon therewith Nathaniel Mallary and Edm'd Dile their securities entered into bond for the same in the sum of five hundred pounds, Teste James Taylor Clerk of Court."

He passed away in 1784 Orange County, Virginia and is buried in Blue Run Baptist Church Cemetery, Somerset, Orange County, Virginia.^[9]

Sources

1. ↑ Abingdon Parish Register, 1678-1761 Lee, C.H. and Sallie Nelson Robbins. MSS. Library of Virginia.
2. ↑ Orange County Tithe Lists, page 25
3. ↑ William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 27, No. 1. pp. 19-27
4. ↑ History of Orange County, page 260
5. ↑ Patriots of the Upcountry, Orange County, Virginia in the Revolution, by William H. B. Thomas
6. ↑ Will Book 3, 1778-1801 (Reel 24), Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
7. ↑ Orange County Wills and Administrations (1735-1800), p. 82-83
8. ↑ Orange County Wills and Administrations (1735-1800), p. 89.
9. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #215809213

Acknowledgments

• Researched by Rebecca A. Tucker, [Tucker-5631]
• Personal Info from Gale Judkins and Kirk Sheap
• Thanks to Scott Ledbetter and Rebecca Morris for starting this profile.