James Curtis (abt. 1641 - 1720)

Born about 1641 in Gloucester County, Virginia

Descendants

Died 18 Nov 1720 at about age 79 in Middlesex County, Virginia

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Biography

James Curtis married Elizabeth Obert by March 31, 1683. Their 3 eldest children were named in the will of her half-brother John Vaus dated 8 September 1691. Three additional children were born to James and Elizabeth after the death of John Vaus.

The will of John Vaus dated September 8, 1691 and proved October 6, 1691. This record named Vaus' own wife Elizabeth; daughter Agatha; and nephews and nieces, William Daniel the son of my sister Constance; James Curtis, Averilla Curtis and Chichley Curtis, children of my loving sister Elizabeth Curtis; and nephew Christopher Robinson. Witnesses: Christopher Robinson, Abraham Weekes.^[1]

Children:^[2][3]

1. James, bap. 12 April 1687 at home
2. Avarilla, (married John Curtis - probably a cousin)
3. Chichester,
4. Agatha, bap. 25 July 1692
5. Elizabeth,
6. Charles

James Curtis' will was dated just 13 days after he'd witnessed the will of his eldest son, James Curtis, Jr., who's death he indicated by leaving a bequest to his grandson Christopher Curtis, the only child who was named in the will of this deceased son.^[4][5] He named his daughters Agatha, Elizabeth Dudley, and Avarilla and made his sons Chichester and Charles as his executors. He also made a bequest of 40 shillings to his housekeeper Mary Hartgrove who had witnessed both his will and that of his son James. She officially became part of his family when she was married his son Chichester 31 March 1722.^[6]

Will

In the name of God Amen. I James Curtis in the County of Midd'x being Sick and weak but in sound and perfect memory do make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following
First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God who gave it trusting in the passion of my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ for ye remission of all my Sins and for a blessed resurrection to Eternal life
Item I will that all my just debts and funeral Charges be first paid
Item I give my daughter Agatha one negro called Tony now in her possession in full of her share of my Estate
Item I give to my grandson Chichester Dudley twenty pounds to be paid by my son Chichester within one year after my decease
Item I give to my daughter Elizabeth Dudley five Shillings and no more of my Estate
Item I give to my son Chichester Curtis a Negro girl called Phillis he paying my grandson Chichester Dudley twenty pounds as aforesaid also my rideing horse
I give ye rest and residue of my whole Estate to wit negroes the horses hoggs household goods &c to be equally divided between my sons Chichester & Charles and my daughter Avarilla Curtis
I give to my grandson Christopher Curtis five Shillings and no more of my Estate and to my housekeeper Mary Hartgrove forty shillings more than her wages
And I do appoint my sons Chichester and Charles to be my Executors of this my last will & testament. Witness my hand and seale this 15th day of November 1720.

James Curtis

Signed Sealed and Delivered
in he presence of us
Harry Beverley
Lewis To?ke?
Mary (M) Hartgroves

Sources

1. ↑ [1]Will of John Vaus. Middlesex Wills Etc. 1675-1798 Part 1, p. 69-70.
2. ↑ Dorman, John Frederick. 2004. Adventurers of Purse and Person: Virginia 1607-1624/5, Volume 1, Fourth Edition. Geneaological Publishing Company, Inc., p. 786
3. ↑ The parish register of Christ Church, Middlesex County, Va., from 1653 to 1812 by Christchurch, Va. Christ Church; National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Virginia. Richmond, W. E. Jones, Printer, 1897. pgs. 31 & 51.
4. ↑ [2]Will of James Curtis. Middlesex Wills (1675-1760).
5. ↑ [3] Will of James Curtis, Junr. (his son) dated 2 Nov 1720. Middlesex Wills Vol 1713-1734, p. 152. FHL Film # 007645442, image 95/474.
6. ↑ The parish register of Christ Church, Middlesex County, Va., from 1653 to 1812 by Christchurch, Va. Christ Church; National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Virginia. Richmond, W. E. Jones, Printer, 1897.