John Thomas Hightower Sr. (1692 - 1764)

Born 1692 in Farnham, Richmond, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Winniford (Bryan) Hightower — married 1718 in Richmond County, Virginia

Descendants

Died 4 Sep 1764 at about age 72 in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, Virginia

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Biography

John Thomas Hightower was born in 1692 in Richmond County, Virginia. He was the son of Joshua Hightower and his wife Eleanor (Charnold) Hightower. ^[1]

John Thomas Hightower married Mary Winniford Bryan, daughter of Thomas Bryan and Eleanor Elizabeth (Winniford) Bryan, in 1718 in Richmond County, VA. NOTE: Some genealogies state that her surname was "Bryant" for 2 generations, leading back to "Bryan" in England, but most agree this was a only a local spelling variation and accept Bryan as correct.

John and Mary (Bryan) Hightower had 8 children:^[2]

1. WILLIAM HIGHTOWER b: 20 JUL 1720 in Farnham, Richmond Co., VA
2. Eleanor HIGHTOWER b: 10 JAN 1722 in N. Farnham, Richmond Co., Virginia
3. John Thomas HIGHTOWER , Jr. b: 13 NOV 1725 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
4. Joshua HIGHTOWER b: 14 SEP 1728 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
5. Thomas James HIGHTOWER b: 24 MAY 1731 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
6. George H. HIGHTOWER b: 28 SEP 1733 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
7. Richard (twin) HIGHTOWER b: 27 DEC 1737 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA
8. Rebecca (twin) HIGHTOWER b: 27 DEC 1737 in N Farnham Parish, Richmond Co., VA

John Thomas Hightower was a tobacco plantation owner and a surveyor of highways in Richmond County, Virginia, in the 1730s. He and his family moved in 1748 to Nottoway Parish in Amelia County, Virginia. His plantation was on Hurricane Creek, near Blackstone, land that became part of Nottoway County when it formed in 1788.

John Thomas Hightower wrote his Last Will & Testament, on October 16, 1761. It names all his children except his daughter Rebecca (Rebeckah), so she must have died before that date. It is recorded in Will Book 2X, page 72, Amelia County, Virginia. John Thomas died on September 4, 1764, at his plantation in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, Virginia. His widow, Mary Winniford (Bryan) Hightower, survived him. She died in 1780 at their plantation in Nottoway Parish, Amelia County, Virginia, USA.

Sources

• ID: I00028

Name: John Thomas HIGHTOWER Sex: M Birth: ABT 1692 in Probably Richmond Co Virginia Death: 4 SEP 1764 in Amelia Co., Virginia Note: Info From Sonia Hetherington Conversation Info From Hazel Hightower Smith Letters Will Book 2 Page 27 Amelia County Virginia Family Information From Jack English Hightower Publication

John Hightower, born about 1695, probably in Richmond County Virginia; died Sept 1764 in Amelia County Virginia (Will Book 2X, Page 72, Amelia County Virginia). Moved about 1748 to Amelia County Va and settled on Hurricane Creek, near Blackstone, in present county. Married 1718/1719 in Richmond Co Va to Mary Bryan, daughter of Thomas and Elenor Bryan. They were the parents of six sons and a daughter. From Walter Walker's work on the Hightower Family John Hightower, the son of Joshua Hightower and his wife, Eleanor, was born about 1692, probably in Richmond County, Virginia. He was married when he was about twenty six years of age, in 1718 or 1719, to Mary Bryan, in Richmond County. Mary was the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Winniford Bryan. It is evident that John Hightower was a profitable farmer, most likely in tobacco. In one court reference he paid 5000 lbs of tobacco for 180 acres of land on Turk's Branch of Tutskey Creek in October, 1726. The court records reflect that he was a slave owner in Richmond County in 1729 and by August 28, 1745 he and his wife Mary owned 290 acres of land. At this time they sold it to Nicholas Flood for 50 pounds of Virginia money. Also from the court records we learn that he was a surveyor and was appointed as the surveyor of highways as prescribed by law June 18, 1739. In about 1748 they moved to Amelia County, on Hurricane Creek, near Blackstone, in present Nottoway County, Virginia. They stayed in Virginia their entire lives and their only move was to Amelia County. Between 1748 and 1756 they acquired 1600 acres of land in Amelia County and were granted 400 acres in Lunenburg County. John Hightower died in September, 1764 in Amelia County, Nottoway Parish, Virginia, leaving a will dated October 16, 1761 which was probated September 27, 1764 (See Hightower Family Wills). They had eight children. From "The Family of William Clayton Hightower and Mai Cole" Compiled by Jack English Hightower; Austin, Texas 1988 John Hightower (1692-1764) The birthdate of John Hightower has not been proven but through years of research it has been accepted as about 1692 and that he was the oldest child of Joshua and Eleanor Hightower, the first Hightowers of Virginia, and that this family was residing in Richmond County prior to the 1700's. Our story on John Hightower has been taken from the court records of Richmond and Amelia Counties of Virginia, and the Farnham Parish Register Richmond County, the Lunenburg Parish Register, Richmond County, Virginia. He was about 26 years of age when he married Mary Bryant, daughter of Thomas Bryant and Eleanor Winniford, also of Richmond County, Virginia and their first child, William, was born 20 July 1720. A total of eight children were born of this union, the last, twins, Richard and Rebeckha were born 27 December 1737 and all the children's births were recorded in the Farnham Parish and Lunenburg Parish Registers with the sole exception of Rebeckha. Her birth was recorded only in the Episcopal Church Records of Richmond County, Virginia. There has been no further information found on this child and it has been assumed that she died at birth. It is evident that John Hightower was a profitable farmer and grower of tobacco. In one court reference he paid 5000 lbs. of tobacco for 180 acres of land on Turks Branch of Totuskey Creek in October 1726. As early as 1612, John Rolfe had planted a commercial tobacco crop in Jamestown and the Virginia settlement quickly became a center for the trade of tobacco. Tobacco cultivation spread through the colonies, and as these early records indicate, the early Hightowers were tobacco producers. Court records reflect that John Hightower was a slave owner in Richmond County in 1729 and by August 28, 1745 he and his wife Mary owned 290 acres of land and at this time they sold it to Nicholas Flood for 50 pounds of Virginia money. Also from the court recordes we learn that John Hightower was a surveyor - appointed as the surveyor of highways as prescribed by law, June 18, 1739. (It might be pointed out at this time that this chosen line of work was found in the descendants of not only John, but of his borthers as well). The Hightower families began to migrate around 1748 and John and his wife Mary moved too. They stayed in Virginia. The 1600 acre plantation in Amelia Couty was on Tommihitton Creek, and there were a number of slaves. On September 21, 1757 John Hightower filed six deeds in Amelia County, Virginia, deeding acreage to his six sons as follows: John Hightower, Jr., 250 acres, 10 shillings; Thomas Hightower, 100 acres, 10 shillings; George Hightower, 200 acres, 10 shillings; William Hightower, 400 acres, 10 shillings; Richard Hightower, 200 acres, 10 shillings. John Hightower was about 20 years old, living in Richmond County, Virginia, and in all probablility in the homestead of his parents, Joshua and Eleanor, when he married Mary Bryan, the daughter of Thomas Bryan, Jr. and Eleanor Winniford, in 1718 or 1719. Their first child was born in Richmond County, Virginia, and his birth was recorded in the Farnham Parish Register. They named him William and he was born 20 July 1720. The first reference to John Hightower was in May 1719, p. 166, Richmond County, Virginia. Elizabeth Whittle vs. John Hightower, 794 lbs of crop tobacco due on account. Again in May 1719, P. 166 Richmond County, Virginia, Anthony Sidney, assignee of John Bryan vs. John Hightower. This case was dismissed (Order Book 8, p. 110, Richmond County, Virginia). Newman Brackenbrough, plaintiff and John Hightower and Mary his wife, defendants. Pay out of estate of Thomas Bryan to plaintiff. This is the first record that offers proof that John Hightower is married and that his wife's name is Mary. In the above reference, the Thomas Bryant is the late father of John Hightower's wife, Mary Bryant Hightower. Taking this date, it has been established that this couple was married about 1719. The case of Whittle vs. Hightower continued on into May 1720 at which time John Hightower was found guilty and required to pay damages. Also on p. 189 of May 1720, the claim of John Hightower for taking up one runaway servant named James McCall belonging to John Lomax of Essex County can be certified. The second child of John and Mary Bryan Hightower was born 10 January 1711, Eleanor, and her birth was also recorded in the Farnham Parish Register, Richmond County, Virginia. Through research, it has been established that John and Mary Bryant Hightower had established their domicile near the homestead of Johns's parents, Joshua and Eleanor Hightower, in Richmond County, Virginia. All of these children had been born prior to the sole exception of Thomas, born 20 March 1712. His North birth is recorded in the Farnham Parish - Richmond County, Virginia. Further research of the Richmond County, Virginia court records reveals John residing in the county at the time of his father's death in 1726. Also, their third child, John Jr., was born 13 November 1725 and his birth was recorded in the Farnham Parish Register, Richmond County, Virginia. In August 1727 John Hightower was appointed surveyor of highways for the next year. This profession was carried down through generations and it is interesting to note this is the first reference thereto. The first reference we have to John Hightower acquiring land is found B9, p. 209, October, 1726. John and Catherine Good to John Hightower, Deed recorded (deed is dated Oct 3, 1727, however), 180 acres in exchange for 5000 lbs of tobacco, Turk's Branch of Tutuskey Creek. Another son, Joshua, was born 12 September 1728, and his birth was recorded in the Farnham Parish Register, Richmond County, Virginia. This Joshua, who died in Richmond County, Virginia was named for his grandfather. It is established, and the records of Richmond County, VA., reflect that John Hightower was a slave owner in 1729. The fifth child, another son, Thomas, was born 24 May 1731; the sixth, George, born 28 September 1733; and the last two, twins, born 27 December 1737, Richard and Rebeckah. The court records reflect John and Mary Hightower still residing in Richmond County, Virginia up to and including August 28, 1745, at which time John and Mary Hightower sold to Nicholas Flood 290 acres for 50 pounds Virginia money. This was the last reference to this couple being residents of this county. May 20, 1748, Amelia County, Virginia we find Wood Jones selling to John Hightower 600 acres in Tommihitton Swamp. Again in 1750, John Hightower bought 400 acres for 35 pounds of tobacco. The land was situated near or in the Tommihitton Swamp. May 2, 1754, Charles Williams sold John Hightower 50 acres of 10 pounds, Tommihitton Creek. On September 10, 1755, John Hightower was granted 400 acres in Lunenburg County, Virginia and in August 7, 1756, John Ornsby sold to John Hightower 550 acres of land at the head of Tommihitton Creek. This gave John Hightower 1600 acres in the Tommihitton Swamp and 400 acres in Lunenburg county for a total of 2,000 acres and a number of slaves. Then in March 1758, John Hightower Sr. deeded to his son, Thomas, the 400 acres in Lunenburg County, Virginia, thus leaving 350 acres in Tommihitton Swamp known as the plantation. John Hightower died in 1764, Nottaway Parish, Amelia County, Virginia leaving a will dated October 16, 1761. This will was probated September 27, 1764 in Amelia County, Virginia and it is recorded in Will Book 2X. In his will, John Hightower gave each of his surviving children, six sons and one daughter, his slaves, reserving slaves for his wife, Mary, to be given to John, Jr. upon his mother's death, along with the plantation lands and another small tract. His wife, Mary, to remain at the plantation with her three slaves until her death. Published in Hightower News 96 by Paul Hightower, research based on letters and files of Walter A. Walker and Hazel Hightower Smith WILL OF JOHN HIGHTOWER, SR; Amelia Co, VA.;Will Book 2X, page 72 in 1761 In the name of God Amen I John Hightower Sen'r of the Parish of Nottaway and County of Amelia being of a very weak and low consti- tution of Body but in perfect sence & memory of mink thanks be to almighty God do make and Ordain this my last will and Testament disanuling all other Wills whatsoever: And I do appoint my two well beloved Sons William Hightower and John Hightower to be my executors of this my last Will & Testament: And all that it hath been in the Lords will to endow me with I give and dispose in manner following: Item. First of all I give and bequeath my spirit into the hands of almighty God that give it & my body to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors. Item. I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Mary Hightower during her life four Negros )Viz) Cate, Old Sarah, Fanny, and Adam and the rest of my estate that I do not dispose of in my will. Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved son Wm. Hightower and his heirs forever one negro wench named Nann and her increase and also one negro man named Dick. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elenor Dodson the heirs lawfully begotten of her body one negro wench named Winney and her increase all but Harry one negro named Adam after the death of my wife. Item. I give and bequeath to my son John Hightower and his heirs forever one negro wench named Ales & her increase also one negro man named Charles and also the land & plantation whereon I now live as also a small tract of land lying between George Hightower's line & the land that I bought of Charles Williams. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Joshua Hightower & his heirs forever one negro wench named Eve and her increase and one negro man named Harry and the land that I bargained with William Croucher for. Item. I give and bequeath to my son George Hightower & his heirs forever one negro wench named Judy her increase and also one negro lad named Andrew. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Richard Hightower and his heirs forever my riding Horse & Saddle & two cows and calves & two sows & pigs after the death of my wife three negro wenches (viz) Cate, old Sarah, and Fanny and if either of my sons George & Richard Hightower died without heir their part or parts to be equally divided amongst the rest of my children. Item. My desire is that all the rest my estate real and personal may be equally divided amongst all my children at the death of my wife as WITNESS my hand this 16 day of October 1761. his John X Hightower mark Test John Manier John Kirkland George Connally Hugh Kirkland At a court held for Amelia County the 27th day of September 1764. This will was proved by the oaths of John Manire, John Kirkland, Hugh Kirkland three of the Witnesses thereto sworn to by John Hightower and Executor therein named & ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said Executor who entered into and acknowledged Bond with Joshua & George Hightower his Security as the law directs certificate was granted him for obtaining probate in due form. Teste; T G Peachy Cl Cur Copied from "Precious Memories" by Dona Eason; pages 22-23

HintsAncestry Hints for John Thomas HIGHTOWER

1 possible matches found on Ancestry.com Ancestry.com

Father: Joshua HIGHTOWER b: ABT 1670 in Richmond Co., Virginia Mother: Eleanor CHARNOLD b: 1672 in Richmond Co., Virginia

Marriage 1 Mary BRYANT b: 28 MAY 1697 in Richmond Co., Virginia Married: ABT 1718 in Richmond Co., Virginia Children Has Children William HIGHTOWER b: 20 JUL 1720 in Farnham, Richmond Co., Virginia Has No Children Eleanor HIGHTOWER b: 10 JAN 1721/22 in Richmond Co., Virginia Has Children John Thomas HIGHTOWER , Jr. b: 13 NOV 1725 in Farnham, Richmond Co., Virginia Has Children Joshua HIGHTOWER b: 14 SEP 1728 in Richmond Co., Virginia Has No Children Thomas James HIGHTOWER b: 24 MAY 1731 in Richmond Co., Virginia Has Children George HIGHTOWER b: 28 SEP 1733 in N Farham Parish, Richmond Co., Va Has No Children Richard (Twin) HIGHTOWER b: 27 DEC 1737 in Richmond Co., Virginia Has No Children Rebecca (Twin) HIGHTOWER b: 27 DEC 1737 in Richmond Co., Virginia Boteler Family Genealogy. http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=boteler&id=I00028

1. ↑ Ahnentafel of Linda Nell Boland - 10th Generation, No., 960
2. ↑ "The King's Meadow" Genealogy - John Hightower

See also:

• Ahnentafel of Linda Nell Boland - 10th Generation, Nos., 960 & 961

• "The King's Meadow" Genealogy - John Hightower

Acknowledgements

• WikiTree profile Hightower-43 was created on 19 May 2010 through the import of My Family File.ged.

• Thank you to Chet Snow, a Hightower descendant, for researching this profile, editing the biography and adding sources, January 4, 2016.