Francis Arnold (abt. 1682 - aft. 1755)

Born about 1682 in England [uncertain]

Husband of Rachel Arnold — married before 14 Dec 1727 in Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania, Virginia

Descendants

Died after 3 Jun 1755 after about age 73 in Spotsylvania County, Colony of Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Dennis Sly [send private message], Jason Webb [send private message], and Joe Arnold [send private message]

Biography

Francis Arnold was born about 1682 in England. He lived in King William and Spotsylvania Co., Virginia. He may have had a wife named Frances before marrying Rachel Arnold. Specifics on his birth and death dates or parentage are not known. Francis and Rachel were the parents of Ann (married William Davenport), Ambrose and Francis, Jr.

TIMELINE for Francis Arnold:

Jan 1702/03 Deed of Trust: Francis Arnold to Francis Fenton, both of King William County, for 4000 pounds of Tobacco and cask, one cow and two yearlings marked with James Johnson's mark, one servant girl named Mary Bagwell, one feather bed and furniture, all my old stock of hogs, two hoes, and all my [missing]... /s/ Francis Arnold. Wit: Joseph [illegible], Charles Berry, John Pincus. Acknowledged by said Arnold in King William Court on 30Oct1703. Test: William Aylett, Clerk of Courts. (Sparacio’s King William Abstracts I, 6364)

21 Aug 1704 - Assignment: Francis Arnold, wife Frances, assign right and interest in a parcel of land to Michael Waldrop, it being the land that said Arnold formerly bought of said Waldrop.-.. /s/ Francis Arnold, Frances Arnold. Wit: None. Acknowledged by Francis Arnold at King William County Court same date. Test: William Aylett, Clerk of Courts. (Sparacio’s King William Abstracts, 1:89)

20 February 1719 Francis Arnold is recorded as being transported to New Kent Co., VA in 1719 by Reuben Welch. This land sat in the Parish of St. Johns between the College lands, the Long Branch and the Great Swamp, beginning at the mouth of Long Branch. (src. Virginia State Land Office. Patents 1-42, reels 1-41). The "College Lands" lie along the Pamunkey River.Reuben Welch of Essex co. 3273 ac. in New Kent, fork of Pamunkey River between Little and New Found River 20 Feb 1719 Importation of 66 including Thomas Grove (Grone), Francis Arnold. William Davenport, Richard Joanes, Margaret Joanes (src. CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS by Nugent, Bk. 11, pg. 9)

6 Oct 1724 - Road Order: On petition of William Russell, on behalf of himself and other inhabitants of the County, to have a road from Franklyn’s Road to new Chapel now building, and from thence to East North East Bridge, [the petition is] granted. Ordered William Bartlett and William Brandigan do view and mark that of it [the said road] from Franklyn Road to the New Chapel, and that John Gambrill and Francis Arnold do view and mark that part of the road from the new church to East North East Bridge, the most convenient and less prejudicial to any proprietor of land [way], and they do make return of their proceedings to the next Court. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders 1724-1730, No. 2:17)

3 Nov 1724 - Road Order: On the return of John Gambrill and Francis Arnold for the new road from East North East Bridge to the new church on the River Ta, along by the lands of John Waller and on the ridge below his house, [the way marked] is approved. Ordered that Dannit Abney, Jr., be Overseer thereof and that the following tithables do help clear and serve on that Road only, viz., Colonel John Robinson’s Quarter where Thomas Hubbard is overseer, and his [Colonel Robinson’s] Quarter called Pa-Pa where John Moore is overseer, Daniel Brown, Mr. Robert Coleman, John Wilkins, Dannit Abney, John Waller, Mr. Robert Baylor’s Quarter, and John Smith’s Plantation, all the male tithables that belong to said plantations. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:27)

3 Nov 1724 - Road Order: Ordered Thomas Gambrell be discharged from being Overseer of the Road from the County Line to Rich Neck, and that Edwin Hickman, Gentleman, do serve in his room, and that the following tithables of ye several plantations do help him [Hickman] clear the same, viz., Augustine Moore’s Lower Quarter, Captain Thomas Carr’s Quarter, Francis Arnold, William Jobs, John Trusty, Edwin Hickman, Gentleman, Thomas Gambrel-l, John Gambrell, Captain William Smith’s Quarter, and Edwin Downers. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:30)

4 May1725 - Grand Jury Presentment: Francis Arnold of the County of Spotsylvania and Parish of St. George indicted for absenting himself from his parish’s church during the month of April last contrary to Law. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:46)

4 May 1725 - Writ Awarded: In the matter of Zachary Lewis vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, a suit for L2/5/0 owed, the Sheriff made return that a copy of the summons had been left at said Arnold’s house, and said Francis not appearing, a Writ of Alias Capias was granted. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:48)

8 Sep 1725 - Fined: Francis Arnold failing to answer the presentment of the Grand Jury, stands in contempt of Court, ordered to pay five shillings for absenting himself from church services. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:71)

2 Nov 1726 - Writ Hard to Serve: In the matter of William Thomas, administrator of Thomas Jones, Decd., vs. Francis Arnold in case, the Sheriff made return on an execution ordered by the last Court that he could not execute by reason of the said Arnold=s shutting himself up in his house and locking the door, Aso that I could not get at him, but reported that a copy of the Writ had been pushed under the door. The report was signed by Wm Johnson, DS [Deputy Sheriff]. A Plurius Capias Writ ordered. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:119)

2 Nov 1726 - Arrest Ordered: In the matter of William Russell vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Sheriff having made return of being unable to serve the Writ, with a copy left at said Arnold’s house, on motion of Plaintiff an Alias Capias ordered. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:120)

14 Dec 1727 - Minutes of the Governor's Council: At a Council held at the Capital [Williamsburg]: George Woodroof having Petitioned for a grant of Three Hundred and Eighty acres of land in the County of King William surveyed for Benjamin Arnold, Decd.., in the year 1715, which said Benjamin did devise to his daughter Rachel, now the wife of Francis Arnold, but no patent ever issued out for same, and it appearing to this Board that Ann Arnold, the widow of the said Benjamin, hath surreptitiously obtained a copy of the aforesaid survey and returned same to the Secretary's office, with intent to take out a patent thereon, It is Ordered that no Patent issue to the said Ann, and the said Francis Arnold and the Petitioner [George Woodroof] do attend this Board on the 6th of February next to make out their several petitions for this land." (src. VIRGINIA PATENTS BOOK 32, pg. 256)

6 Feb 1727/28 - Minutes of Governor's Council: At a Council held at the Capitol: "On reading this day at the Board the several pretensions of George Woodroof and Ann Arnold, widow, in behalf of herself and of Rachel, her daughter now the wife of Francis Arnold, to 380 acres of land lying on East North East River, surveyed in 1715 for Benjamin Arnold, Decd., but no patent ever issued out: It is the Opinion of the Board and Ordered according that the said George Woodroof have a patent on said land, upon his giving bond to convey the same to Ann, daughter of the said Rachel Arnold, when she shall come of age or marry according to his decision this day signified to this Board." (src. VIRGINIA PATENTS BOOK 32, pg. 373)

4 Nov 1729 - Indicted: Francis Arnold was presented by the Spotsylvania Grand Jury for not frequenting his parish church for the space of two months within five month last past. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:356)

3 Dec 1729 - Fined with Whipping Threatened: Francis Arnold when called to answer the presentment of the Grand Jury for not frequenting his parish church for the space of two months, September and October last, failed to appear. Ordered the said Francis be fined 10 shillings or 100 pounds of Tobacco, and to pay Court costs. Ordered further that said Francis do pay the said fine or give sufficient security for payment of same at Aye laying of next Parish Levy unto the Churchwardens of St. George Parish. Otherwise, if not able to pay same, to have 20 lashes well laid on his back at the public whipping post, and pay costs. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:368)

5 Feb 1729/30 - Dismissed: In the matter of William Smith, Gentleman, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Plaintiff failing to file his declaration, ordered his suit dismissed. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 2:377)

28 Jul 1731 - Deed: George Woodroof of St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, to Joseph Temple of St. Margaret's Parish, King William County, merchant, for L25, 180 acres in St. George Parish, Spotsylvania County, on East North East River, adjoining John and James Taylor, the east side of said river--part of a 380-acre patent to said Woodroof dated 17Apr-1728... /s/ George Woodroof. Wit: Martin "M" Davenport, Frank Arnold, Rachel Arnold, Benjamin Arnold. Jane, wife of George Woodroof, by a Power of Attorney to John Waller, Gentleman, relinquished dower on 7Sep1731. (src. Spotsylvania Co, VA, Deeds, B:214)

6 Mar 1733/34 - Dismissed: The petition of Joseph Bickley against Francis Arnold for L4/10/0 due on account being called, there being no appearance by either party, cause dismissed. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 3:294)

5 Oct 1736 - Life Estate Deed: William Davenport, wife Ann, of St. Martin's Parish, Hanover County, to Francis Arnold and Rachel, his wife, of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, gift, 100 acres in Spotsylvania County-part of 200 acres deeded to said William and Ann by George Woodruff on 1Oct1736-whereon said Francis and Rachel may live for their natural lives for rent of one ear of Indian corn annually... /s/ William Davenport, Ann "X" Davenport. Wit: John Minor, Wm Spencer, Wm Wilson Holmes. (src. Spotsylvania Co., VA, Deeds C:202)

13 Aug 1738 - Attachment: In the matter of Humphrey Bell of London, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold for Trespass and damages of L10, the "Alias Capias" returned as not Executed, ordered the Plaintiff be granted an attachment against the said Arnold�s estate. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:18)

3 Oct 1738 - Judgment: In the matter of William Johnston, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold of Spotsylvania County for a debt of L10 and 20 shillings damages, the Defendant failing to appear although summoned, ordered the said Arnold to pay the Plaintiff the amount of the debt and damages. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:18)

8 Aug 1739 - Mortgage: Francis Arnold, of Spotsylvania County, to Humphrey Bell, Merchant, of London, mortgage [Sundry goods and chattels]... /s/ Francis Arnold. Wit: Larkin Chew, Anthony Strother, and W. McWilliams. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Deeds, C:?, from Crozier�s abstracts, 148)

4 Sep 1739 - Mortgage Proved: Francis Arnold�s mortgage and sale of sundry goods and chattels to Humphrey Bell of London, Merchant, was proved by the oaths of Larkin Chew and John Blake. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:57)

7 Jul 1741 - Mortgage: Francis Arnold to Thomas Graves, Richard Phillips, and John Minor, all of St. George's Parish, Spotsylvania County, for L25, mortgage on 100 acres "whereon said Arnold now lives"... /s/ Francis Arnold. Wit: Thomas Graves, Jr., John Graves. (src. Spotsylvania Co., VA, Deeds C:?, from Crozier's abstracts, 155)

7 Jul 1741 - Mortgage Proof: Francis Arnold�s mortgage to Thomas Graves, Richard Phillips, and John Minor was proved by Thomas Graves, Jr., and John Graves, witnesses thereto. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:129)

3 Aug 1742 - Attachment: In the matter of John Smith vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Defendant not appearing, an Attachment ordered against said Arnold�s estate. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:183)

8 Dec 1742 - Judgment: In the matter of John Smith vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, having attached one broad hoe of the Defendant�s estate, and he not appearing although summoned, judgment for Smith for L41/9/6 and costs, to be discharged as to debt by payment of L20/14-/9 with lawful interest from 10Nov1741 until paid. Sheriff ordered to sell the attached hoe at public venue and apply proceeds to the judgment. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:194)

11-12 Jul 1745 - Lease & Release: Mary Carr, widow; John Carr; John Waller, wife Agnes; John Minor, wife Sarah, said Carrs being Executors of Thomas Carr, Gentleman [late of Caroline County], Decd., to John Pettus of the Parish of St. Martin, Hanover County, for 5 shillings lease, L135/15 release, 970 acres in Louisa County beginning on the North Anna River a little below the mouth of Little Rocky Creek at a former corner of Martin Davenport's now Garret's corner, adjoining Richard Wright, Henry Gambill, Thomas Wash, Thomas Lipscomb, Thomas Graves, and the North Anna River.../s/ Mary Carr, John Carr, John Waller, Agnes Waller, John Minor, Sarah Minor. Wit: James Winston, Thomas Bond, Richard Eggleston, Frs Arnold. (src Louisa Co., VA, Deeds A:243, 245)

6 Dec 1748 - Arrest Ordered: In the matter of Humphrey Bell of London, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, an Alias Capias ordered. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:483)

7 Feb 1748/49 - Arrest Ordered: In the matter of John Parrish vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, an Alias Capias ordered for said Arnold. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:489)

4 Jul 1749 - Plaintiff Dead: The matter of John Parrish vs. Francis Arnold in Debt abates, the Plaintiff having died. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 4:520)

7 Mar 1749/50 - Judgment Confirmed: In the matter of Humphrey Bell of London, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, judgment for the Plaintiff confirmed, and a Writ of Inquiry issued. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:46)

4 Jul 1750 - Arrest Order: In the matter of Samuel Garlick vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Defendant not appearing, ordered an Alias Capias be issued. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:77)

6 Feb 1751/52 - Dismissed: In the matter of Peter Copland vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Alias Capias not having been executed, and the Plaintiff declining to prosecute further, case dismissed. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:155)

6Feb1751/52 - Still Trying to Get Arnold to Court: In the matter of James Mills vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Alias Capias issued earlier not having been executed, and the Defendant not appearing, order for Alias Capias renewed. (src Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:157)

7 Nov 1752 - Still Not Found: In the matter of Samuel Garlick vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Sheriff returned the Writ of Plurius Capias against Arnold with notation, Not to be found, and reported that a copy of the Writ had been left at Arnold�s house, and the Defendant failing to appear although solemnly called... Continued. (src Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:212)

5 Sep 1753 - No Progress: In the matter of Samuel Garlick vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, and an Attachment granted, and the Sheriff reporting not yet executed, case continued. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:332)

5 Sep 1753 - Yet Another Creditor: The matter of James Miller vs. Francis Arnold in Debt being called, Continuance granted on motion of the Plaintiff. (src Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:332)

5 Sep 1753 - Not to be Found: In the matter of Matthew Bogle, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Sheriff reporting that the said Arnold Anot be found for execution of the Capias, ordered another Alias Capias be granted said Bogle. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:348)

7 Mar 1754 - Judgment: In the matter of James Miller vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Defendant not appearing, judgment against said Arnold for L7/9/5, to be discharged by payment of L1/8/10 with legal interest from 18Apr1749 until paid. The Sheriff having attached one pillow from said Arnold�s estate, ordered the pillow be sold at public auction and proceeds be applied to said judgment. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:393)

3 Apr 1754 - Still Not Found: In the matter of Matthew Bogle, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Sheriff returned the Alias Capias as Not Executed. On motion of Plaintiff, an Attachment ordered. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:410)

7 Aug 1754 - Judgment: In the matter of Matthew Bogle, Merchant, vs. Francis Arnold in Debt, the Defendant not appearing and the Sheriff having attached one old bell of said Arnold�s estate, judgment for the Plaintiff for L24/13/6, to be discharged by payment of L12/6/9 with legal interest from 1Jan1753. Ordered the Sheriff to sell the said bell at public auction toward satisfying this judgment. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Orders, 5:476-477)

3 Jun 1755 - Road Order: Joel Parrish appointed Overseer from East North East Bridge to ye County Line with his gang, viz. his own hands, John Woolfolk, Thomas Hill, William Davenport, Francis Arnold, Mr. Temple�s Quarter, George Woodroof, Benjamin Woodroof, David Woodroof, John Minor, John Waller, John Sutton, John Lewis, attorney, and their tithables. (src. Spotsylvania County, VA, Court Minutes 1755-1765, 9)

Notes

(1) "Descendants of Benjamin Arnold," by Mrs. McIvor, p.41. Cites: (a) "Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial VA," ed. by H.R. McIlwaine (VA State Lib., Richmond, 1930) Vol. IV, p.74,157,162. (b) Spotsylvania Co. Deed, Bk. B, p.119; Bk. C, p.142,148,155,324.

Birth: (1) d/o Francis Arnold/Rachel Arnold (see notes below). Marriage to William Davenport: (1) (1a) 1727, 14 Dec: George Woodruff petitioned the Council of VA at Williamsburg in reference to the question of a patent to 380 acres of land in King William Co. on the East North East River. The petition states that Benjamin Arnold "did devise the said land to his daughter Rachel, now the wife of Francis Arnold. But no patent ever sued out for same. It appeareing to this Board that Anne Arnold the widow of the said Benjamin hath surreptitiously obtained a copy of the aforesaid survey and returned the same into the Secretary's Office with intent to take out a patent thereon. It is ordered that no patent issue to the said Anne, but that as well the said Anne as the said Francis Arnold and the petitioner do attend this Board on the 6th day of February next to make out their several pretensions to the said lands." (1a) 1727/8, 6 Feb: The Council ordered that George Woodruff have a patent for the land upon his giving bond to convey the same to Anne, the daughter of Rachel Arnold, when she came of age or married. (1b) 1731, 28 Jul: George Woodruff deeded 180 acres of the 380 acres he was to hold in trust for Anne to Joseph Temple. Martin Davenport, Frank and Rachael Arnold and Benjamin Arnold were subscribing witnesses. (1b) 1736, 1 Oct: George Woodruff deeded 200 acres to William Davenport and Ann his wife. The deed states that Woodruff received the grant 17 Apr 1728. (1b) 1736, 5 Oct: William Davenport and Anne, his wife, deed to Francis Arnold and Rachael, his wife, 100 acres of a 200 acre tract deeded to them by George Woodruff on 1 Oct, part of the 380 acres held in trust for Anne Arnold by grant dated 17 Apr 1728.

Virginia County Records SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY 1721-1800 DEEDS DEED BOOK C 1734-1742 page 148 Francis x Arnold, mortgage to Humphrey Bell of London, etc. Witnesses: Larkin Chew, John Blake. Dated, Augt. 8, 1739. Recd. Sep. 4, 1739.

Virginia County Records SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY 1721-1800 DEEDS DEED BOOK C 1734-1742 page 155 Francis x Arnold, for £25 curr. mortgage, 100 a. of land, whereon he now lives, etc., etc., to Thomas Graves, Richard Phillips and John Minor. Dated, June 1, 1741. Witnesses: Thomas Graves, Jr., John Graves. July 7, 1741, Recd.

From John Scott Davenport: As a descendant of two Colonial Virginia Arnold lines, namely Anthony Arnold who was hung in 1676 by Governor Berkeley for his leadership role in Bacon's Rebellion, and Francis Arnold, an immigrant from England before 1704, who married Rachel Arnold, daughter of Benjamin the Indiana Trader and granddaughter of Anthony the Hung (as differentiated from Anthony the Planter, his son--no Sr. or Jr. used in records). My ancestor William Davenport married Ann, daughter of Francis Arnold, Sr., and Rachel Arnold Arnold. Our Davenport family history since 1696 is Arnold-related, associated, intermarried, neighbored, joint ventured, and, in at least once instance, common flight to avoid prosecution for embezzlement and land fraud.

The Davenports and Arnolds made common cause in settlement in King William, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Louisa, Goochland, Cumberland, and Halifax counties in Virginia; Randolph County, North Carolina; Laurens, Abbeville, and Greeneville districts, South Carolina; and Shelby and Boone counties, Indiana--and doubtless many others in Georgia and westward. Would be interested in exchanging data with any who have substantive data concerning Anthony the Hung, his sons: Benjamin the Indian Trader, Anthony the Planter, and Edward?, William? Francis Arnold, Sr., wives (1)Frances [?], (2) Rachel Arnold. There are more Benjamin Arnolds and William Arnolds in Colonial Caroline, Spotsylvania, and Louisa records than there appear to have been sires.

3 Jun 1755 - Joel PARRISH appointed overseer of the road from E.N.E. bridge to ye county line, his gang Vis. his own; Jno. Woolfolk; Thos. Hill; Wm. DAVENPORT; Fra. ARNOLD; Mr. Temple's qtr.; Geo. Woodroof; Benj. Woodroof; David Woodroof; John Minor; John Waller; John Sutton; John Lewis, ordinary keeper, tithes". [Spotsylvania County Minute Book, 1755-1765, pg. 9]

More Notes

This is Francis Arnold, who married RACHEL Arnold and he appears to still be a resident of Spotsylvania County in 1755 as shown in the above record. All listed are neighbors. I find the families of Woodroof, Davenport, Hill, Lewis and Arnold together from South Carolina to Mississippi. D) Francis Arnold - 1769 witnessed deed with Thomas Davenport Jr. and John Hendrick. Is living in Halifax County but still had dealings with Cumberland County. Halifax County, located in southside Virginia, was created in 1752 from Lunenburg County. At the time of its creation, its territory included what is today Pittsylvania, Patrick and Henry Counties and parts of Franklin and Floyd Counties. Its present-day boundaries were established in 1766 when Pittsylvania County was created from the western portion of the County. In addition to the Virginia Counties of Pittsylvania, Charlotte, Campbell and Mecklenberg, Halifax County is also bordered by the North Carolina Counties of Caswell, Person and Granville.

Sources

• Anthony Arnold Family of Colonial Virginia and the Southern States, Website p.1: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~arnoldfamilyquestion/genealogy/Anthony%20Arnold%20of%20Colonial%20Virginia

Website p.2: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~arnoldfamilyquestion/genealogy/Anthony%20Arnold%20Family%20page%202.html

Acknowledgements

Arnold-4157 was created by Joe Arnold through the import of Joe Arnold family tree.ged on Jan 4, 2014.