John Scott (bef. 1750)

Husband of Elizabeth (Dillard) Scott — married 10 Feb 1772 in Amherst, Virginia

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Biography

Marriage

John Scott married Elizabeth Dillard (spinster) 10 February 1772 in Amherst, Virginia. Bondsman was James Dillard.^[1]

Family

Chancery Court Case - Estate of James Dillard^[2]

Joseph Cowper & Wife versus James Dillard (Case #1804-030)
Amherst County, Virginia
https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=009-1804-030

Below are abstracts of the papers found in the above case file.

Nov 1802
Plaintiffs are Joseph Cowper & Jane (daughter of James Dillard) his wife.
James Dillard died intestate.
At the time of his death there were five children, John Dillard, James Dillard, Elizabeth married to John Scott, Mary Ann married to Thomas Gresham, and Jane Cowper.
The Plaintiffs believe they are entitled to one-fifth of the estate of James Dillard. Some time after the death of the father, the afore mentioned James Dillard of Amherst took out letters of administration in the estate of his father and took possession of the considerable estate. There was an agreement amongst the heirs that James Dillard was empowered to sell the lands and distribute the monies. The defendant has taken possession of the lands and receives the rents and profits from them. The defendant also purchased one of the tracts of land. The defendant has paid John Dillard 225 pounds as his share. He has paid Thomas Gresham 135 pounds. The defendant wrote a letter to the Plaintiffs dated 5 September 1795 promising to pay them. The Plaintiffs have asked for an accounting of the estate numerous times and have received none. They believe unknown persons are conspiring to defraud them of their share. They have heard that the defendant has sold some land of the intestate. The Plaintiffs ask for a full accounting of the estate and answers to their questions.

22 November 1797
Answer of James Dillard
My father departed this life 24 August 1794. He did qualify as the administrator. He did possess the estate of his father, but made a full inventory and appraisal to the court. The negroes were divided among the representatives of the estate. The Complainant and Elizabeth Scott did not get an equal share. We agreed to wait and have their part out of the sale of the estate when it could be collected. The sale was made, but not enough monies have been collected to discharge the debts of the estate. An agreement was made between the parties and is attached to the case. The Respondent agrees that the children of James Dillard are as stated. The Respondent states he has paid John Dillard 291 pounds and Thomas Gresham 218 pounds. He states he paid Joseph Cowper 108 pounds and 133 pound to Elizabeth Scott (she being a widow at the time ?). There are considerable debts against the estate and the estate has not yet been settled.

Letter from James Dillard to sister (presumably Jane Cowper, but not stated)
Buckingham, VA - September 1795
Along with familial greetings, James explains that he doesn't think he can settle the estate for a while due to various reasons.

Bond by McHay for Captain Joseph Cowper of Wilks County, Georgia (not dated)

Payment receipt
20 May 1802
Received of James Dillard to Joseph Cowper, 131 pounds full settlement for interest in the estate of James Dillard. Signed by Joseph Cowper and witnessed by James Christian and Joseph S. Dillard

Property

Deed of Trust^[3]
7 July 1783
Amherst, Virginia
John Scott conveys to George Coleman, Joseph Penn and Gabriel Penn as trustees for his wife, Elizabeth and his children.
310 acres on South branch of Buffalo where Scott now lives and adjoining Drury Tucker as well all slaves, furniture etc of the plantation. If a reconciliation occurs between John Scott and wife Elizabeth , the property will be conveyed back to him. If not, after his death, it will be conveyed to his children by Elizabeth.
Witnesses: S. Meredith, Wiatt Powell, Samuel Meredith Jr., and William Meredith.

Deed^[3]
3 July 1790
Amherst, Virginia
John Scott sold 10 acres on Buffalo Creek toDrury Tucker, part of the tract where Drury Tucker lives.
Witnesses: Jesse Tucker, David Snodgrass, Daniel Tucker and Matt Tucker Jr.

Deed^[3]
4 October 1790
Amherst, Virginia
John Scott and wife Elizabeth sold to Henry Camden 364 acres on South branch of the Buffalo for 150 pounds.
Lines: John Penn, Spring branch, Drury Tucker's spring branch, William Camden.

Sources

1. ↑ Sweeny, William Montgomery, and Lenora Higginbotham Sweeny. 1999. Marriage bonds and other marriage records of Amherst County, Virginia, 1763-1800 / Marriage records of Amherst County, Virginia, 1815-1821 and subscription for building St. Mark's Church, Amherst County, Virginia / by Lenora Higginbotham Sweeny. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co.
2. ↑ Amherst County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1779-1912. Joseph Cowper and Wife v. James Dillard, 1804-030. Local Government Records Collection, Amherst Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Davis, Bailey Fulton. 1900. The deeds of Amerst County, Virginia, 1761-1807, and Albermarle County, Virginia, 1748-1763. Easley SC: Southern HIstorical Press.