Peter Elder III (abt. 1661 - abt. 1687)

Born about 1661 in Virginia

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1687 at about age 26 in Rappahannock County, Virginia

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Biography

BIRTH

Peter Elder, son of Peter Elder

Birth estimated about 1661, based on the following:

1) born between 1653-74, based on his father's 1674 Will, where Peter was a minor (age 0-21).

2) assume born after 1656, based on the detailed instruction given about Peter's guardianship in his father's Will. This suggests Peter was at least several years away from his 21st birthday. The age 21 is specifically mentioned in this father's Will.

3) born on/before 1669, based on purchase of a bed and household goods in 1685, which suggests he was married or preparing for marriage. Assume Peter was at least age 16+ to consider such a purchase.

4) born between 1656-66, -IF- Peter was age 20-30 when his child William was born in 1686.

Place of Birth: unknown, but probably Virginia, based on the following:

1) Peter was a minor when his father (Peter Elder) died, and

2) his father's will was in written/proved in Rappahannock County, Virginia.

DEATH

Death about 1687 in Rappahannock County, Virginia, based on the following items:

1) Death after 31 May 1686, when debt of Peter Elder was recorded in the Inventory Appraisal of Docr. Henry Willoughby, deceased, in Rappahannock County, Virginia

2) Death on/before 1687, marriage of widowed wife to 2nd husband, in Rappahannock County, Virginia (see wife's records)

Note: Richmond County was created 16 April 1692 from Rappahannock (Old) County.

MARRIAGE

Married: on/before 1685, based on purchase of a bed and household goods in 1685, which suggests that he married or preparing for marriage.

Married: about 1685, based on birth of child William (born about 1686)

WIFE

Elizabeth (maiden name unknown)

Possible maiden name PRESLEY, daughter of Peter Presley, (no supporting documentation can be located)

Wife's 2nd Marriage:

A Court record from 1687 says that Edward Morris married Elizabeth, relict (widow) of Peter Elder of North Farnham Parish [Wilkerson, Index to Marriages of Old Rappahannock and Essex Counties, Virginia, 1655-1900, page 172]

CHILDREN

It appears as if Peter and Elizabeth only had one child together. Child William Elder is named in the Will of Elizabeth, along with the Morris children from her 2nd marriage.

Reference profile of wife Elizabeth, for transcription of her Will.

FATHER

Peter is listed in the will of his father (Peter Elder).

His father's will entrusts Peter unto the care of Richard Peacock (Godfather of Peter).

Below is the Will of his FATHER, Peter Elder.

Peter Elder's Will, dated 28 April 1674, proved 5 August 1674

(Old) Rappahannock County, Virginia, Wills, Deeds, etc. Book 1, Pages 161-162

In the name of God Amen. The last will & testament of Peter Elder being in pfect sense and memory I do bequeath my soul to God and my body to the earth ~ I do bequeath my sonn Peter Elder unto Mr. Richard Peacock, he being my sons Godfather whom I have made choice of above all others and as for what stock of cattle I have I give to my son Peter, and a heifer of three years old due by bill from John Arnold due to be paid according to bill – and as for what stock of cattle I give to my son Peter, Mr. Peacock to have the benefit of them until my sonn comes to be one and twenty {page 162} years of age Mr. Peacock to have the male and my sonne the female and as for my Plantation and all moveable goods etc Mr. Peacock to take into his custody until the boy comes to be one and twenty In this appoint my loving friend Mr. Richard Peacock to bee my Executor in full in whole and to the true fform and of this my last Will & Testament I sett my hand and seal this 28th of April 1674

Signum
Peter E Elder Seal

PURCHASE of HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

1685: Estate Sale Abstract: Peter Elder, purchaser:

Deceased: Robert Henley

Reported by: Will. Barber and Edward Jones

Authority: Order of Court dated 4 March 1684/1685

Purchaser: Peter Elder with Richard Peacock his security confesseth Judgmt for one flock bed and chaff boulster a rugg & blankett, two pillows, 5 milk trayes, a Skillett & a Cleaver – 450


Source:

1) Ruth and Sam Sparacio, Will Abstracts of Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, 1682–1687, Virginia County Court Records, pages 54–55

2) Microfilm Reel 5 (Old Rappahannock County) – Records 1682-1687, pages 65-67, Library of Virginia

Note: Richard Peacock was Peter's guardian after the death of Peter's father, but that does not necessarily mean Peter was still a minor in 1685. Men of all ages used co-signers for a variety of legal documents.

DEBT to DOCTOR

1686: Inventory Abstract: Peter Elder, debt:

Deceased: Docr. Henry Willoughby

Appraisers: John Suggett, Dan McCarty, Jno Bayley and Samll Travers

Authority: Order of Court dated 3d March last

Names mentioned:
 In possession of Willoughby property: Mr. Peachey, Jno Taverner, John Battin

In debt to Willoughby: John Dery (200), Rodrick Jones (400), Peter Elder and Richd Peacock (200), Tho Mason (200), Samll Wallow (200), Mr. Samll Travers (200)

Date reported: 31 May 1686

Recorded: 22 July 1686

Source:

1) Ruth and Sam Sparacio, Will Book, 1682–1687, (Old) Rappahannock County, 
Virginia, Virginia County Court Records, pages 75–76

2) Microfilm Reel 5 (Old Rappahannock County) – Records 1682-1687, Library of Virginia

Sources