William Douglas, Sr.
(ca. 1692 - 1766)
Map of Early Settlements
Along the James River, Virginia
William Douglas, Sr. was born circa 1692 in Charles City County, Virginia, which was later established as Prince George County, Virginia. This area flourished as a result of shipping and settlements along the James River, the primary mode of transport and commerce during the period. A son of John Douglas, William would eventually migrate into a region which would become Brunswick County, Virginia. Records demonstrate that many settlers of Brunswick County originated in Prince George County, Virginia.
According to a Brunswick County, Virginia, court record, William's wife was identified as Rebecca (MNU). The document, dated December 6, 1734, ordered William Battersby to compensate William and Rebecca for attending court as witnesses in a lawsuit between the King (plaintiff) and William Battersby (defendant). Based upon information contained in William's will, at least two children have been positively ascertained as follows:
a) Robert (ca. 1712 - 1742)
b) Margaret (born ca. 1715)
William first appears in the historical record on September 28, 1728, when he acquired 100 acres of land in Isle of Wight County, Virginia (later Brunswick County), on the "southside of the Meherrin River...next to Thomas Reves' (Reeves) land. This property was located due northwest of Halifax, North Carolina, to which William would eventually migrate and settle.
William next appears on a document authorizing the clearing of a road in Brunswick County, Virginia, with his son, Robert Douglas, on October 4, 1733. A gentleman by the name of Matthew Parham was appointed to coordinate the road clearing project located near the property of Nathaniel Perry intersecting with Henry Cooks Road. The project was located near the plantation of Michael Wall (then occupied by a "Widow Trap"). William and Robert were to receive payment for assisting with this project, along with a number of other men including Charles Jenkins, Thomas Hewit, William Smith, Sr., William Smith, Jr., Batte Petterson, Mr. Battles Quarter (Gentleman), Thomas Reaves (Reeves), Sr., James Lunday, Nathaniel Perry, Timothy Reaves (Reeves), William Cate, Burrell Brown, Edmond M. Carty, Thomas Carther, Thomas Reaves (Reeves), Jr., Jeremiah Brown, Foster Reaves (Reeves), and Robert Hicks.
William appears on an estate account document of William Hogin, deceased in 1735.
Map Indicating the Meherrin River of Southern Virginia
William Douglas, Sr. Owned 250 Acres Along This Waterway
Alongside William is his son, Robert Douglas, and possibly a brother or son, John Douglas. During this period, Samuel Clerk proved a deed for William, which was witnessed by his son, Robert Douglas, and Burrell Brown. Burrell Brown also worked with William during the aforementioned road clearing project.
William acquired an additional 150 acres of land in Brunswick County on August 2, 1736, located on the "southside of the Meherrin River" near the property of Nathaniel Perry. In August of 1737, William leased and released 100 acres of land in this same area from his close friend, Michael Wall. This transaction was witnessed by Cadet Young, Robert Clark, and T. Field.
On November 6, 1740, William sold the 100 acre tract adjoining Thomas Reeves' land to Samuel Clark. This transaction was witnessed by his son, Robert Douglas.
Upon the death of his son, Robert, William and Michael Wall submitted security in the court of Brunswick County on behalf of Mary Douglas, widow of Robert, in order to enable her to serve as the administrator of Robert's estate-- April 1, 1742. Robert's sons, Robert Douglas, Sr., and Thomas Douglas, were named as heirs to portions of Robert's estate. Also mentioned in the will were Peter Martin, Henry Ive, Charles Stewart, William Richardson, Thomas Rives (Reeves), and Joseph Rives (Reeves).
On 10/30/1744, William sold 150 acres of land to Burrell Brown for 25 pounds along the south side of the Meherrin River. The land document was witnessed by Nathaniel Perry, Thomas Rives (Reeves), and James Turner.
It is highly likely that William began preparing to migrate out of Virginia during the early part of 1745 as the historical record reports that he undertook the process of selling off his land holdings. In a Brunswick County, Virginia, court document dated May 2, 1745, William sold a parcel of land in Brunswick County to Robert Lundy of Nottoway Parish in Isle of Wight County. The parcel, described as bounded by a "red oak near the lower end of Dutchman's Meadow," was sold for 35 pounds. The document was witnessed by Batt Peterson, Burrell Brown, and Timothy Reeves. It is noteworthy that the Brown and Reeves families remained close to the Douglas family for several generations.
Typical Pioneer Cabin
Early North Carolina
William migrated into North Carolina in 1745 as a later patent (see below) granted to him on August 20, 1745, is noted in a transaction between James and Thomas Douglas. On September 6, 1746, William purchased 100 acres of land from Edward Sharpton on "Jacket's Swamp" for "20 pounds of Virginia money." The fact that William was still using Virginia currency suggests that he had not likely been in North Carolina for very long. This data, combined with the aforementioned land patent, strongly suggest a migration date of 1745.
On November 27, 1748, William received a land grant in Edgecombe County, North Carolina (in 1758, Halifax County would be created from land in Edgecombe County). William would spend the remainder of his life in this region.
In 1757, William and his grandson, Robert, registered the marks and brands of their cattle holdings in Edgecombe County. Interestingly, John Woodlief appeared with
William and Robert during these proceedings. A Woodlief appeared on the estate paperwork of William's father, John, thereby serving as an additional documentary link between the two men.
On June 3, 1760, William received a grant of 640 acres in Halifax County located in the fork of Breeches and Jacket Swamps at Golikely's Corner and Burnt Coat Swamp. This property was located southwest of the modern city of Halifax, North Carolina.
William composed a will on January 1, 1764, wherein he named a number of close relatives including a son, Robert, a grandson, Robert, Sr., and a great grandson, Edward. William's will, written in the standard syntax and verbiage of the time, proves a bit difficult for the modern reader. The will has been edited in order to provide the greatest clarity and original intent of the document (note that "Douglas" is spelled "Douglis"):
In the name of God, Amen. The first day (of) January, in the year of our Lord Christ, One thousand seven hundred and sixty four. I, William Douglis, of Halifax County, in the Providence of North Carolina, being sick in body, but of good and perfect memory -- thanks be to Almighty God -- and calling to mind the uncertain estate of (this) transitory life, and that all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call, (I) do make, constitute, ordain, and declare this my Last Will and Testament...
...this is to be taken...for my last Will and Testament and...being penitent and sorry for my sins past...(and)...humbly desiring forgiveness in the same, I give and commit my soul unto...my Savior and Redeemer in whom and by (the) merits of Jesus Christ I...believe assuredly to be saved, and have full remission and forgiveness of all my sins, and that my soul, with my body, at the general resurrection shall rise again with joy. And through the merits of Christ's death and passion, (I hope to) possess and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven prepared for his elect and chosen. And (that) my body...(be)...buried in such a place where hereafter shall be appointed...for the setting of my temporal estate...such goods, chattles, (and) assets (as) pleased God far above my deserts...bestowed upon me, I do order, give, and dispose the same manner and for (the) following...
...First, I will that all...debts and dues that I owe...shall be...truly paid and contented or ordained to be paid within conscience (in due) time after my decease...
I give and bequeath to Shadrick Monk, three hundred acres of land -- two hundred lying in the fork between Burnt Coat and Jacket (Swamps), and one hundred lying at a place called Simmon's Old Cabin....and if (he) dies before (he) comes to (the) age of twenty one, it is to be sold and the money to be equally divided between the sons of Mary Thomas and Elizabeth Ward (and the) two children (of) John Ward and William Thomas...
I give and bequeath unto Betharbell Monk, the daughter of Margaret Monk, two hundred and ninety acres of land joining (the property of) William Douglis, Jr.'s...plantation, and if she dies without issue, (then)...the money (shall be) equally divided between all the sons of my Robert Douglis, Decd., and his two grandsons, William Thomas and John Ward.
I give and bequeath to Sarah Monk, the daughter of Margaret Monk, my manor plantation (and) two hundred acres of land to her heirs lawfully begotten forever, and if (she) dies without issue...then (the estate shall pass) to Sharwood Douglis...and his heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to Edward Douglis, the son of Robert Douglis, fifty acres of land joining his father's plantation -- beginning at a water oak and running out to (a) scrub white oak by (the) line of trees.
I give to (Edie)Thomas seventy five acres of land joining David Thomas' and Richard Bowels' properties. If she dies (without) issue...(I bequeath this inheritance) to her sister, Mary Thomas, (and) to her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to Charles, the son of John Likely, one bed...furniture...one chest, and all the cattle and everything else that is (now) called Charles' if he lives to the age of nineteen...(If he does not live to the age of nineteen)...then (this inheritance shall) fall to Robert Douglis, the son of Thomas Douglis.
I give to Shadrick Monk two cows and calves -- (one of) which is red -- ninety and two sows and pigs, six barrels, and (all) the work horses...I give one bed to Margaret Monk and her daughter, Betharbell.
I give and bequeath to James Douglis three hogs that (are presently) with David Thomas' sows; and (regarding the) thirty shillings that (David Thomas) owes me, I do hereby make, nominate, and appoint John Douglis and Charles Likely to be sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. In witness where I hereunto...affirm my seal this day and year first were written signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Benjamin Merryman, Michael Wallace, and John Wallace.
William's name is mentioned on a deed transaction dated February 27, 1765, between James Douglas and Thomas Douglas (both of Halifax County). The deed notes that the acreage in question had originally been "patented to William Douglas" on August 20, 1745.
William would die in 1766 in Halifax County. His will was probated in July of that same year. William is buried in a now unmarked grave in Halifax County.
Addendum:
Researchers have concluded that several of the individuals noted in William Douglas, Sr.'s biography were likely related to him by marriage or as cousins. Efforts are ongoing to formally establish these relationships, but several cases remain worthy of note. Of primary interest is Burrell Brown, who appears frequently on documents related to William. It is noteworthy that William's grandmother was named Welzebertus Brown, which may lend researchers a clue regarding the kinship of William and Burrell.
Burrell Brown is believed to have been born circa 1700 and died in 1750. He served as a surveyor in Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1737. He also served as Justice of the Peace in 1746. His will, dated January, 1750, names his wife, Mary, and other immediate family members. He does not name any Douglases, but he does name several other individuals known to be associated with William Douglas, Sr. For example, the witnesses to his will are Batt Peterson (half brother of Burrell, who witnessed a land document for William Douglas, Sr.), Jeremiah Brown (brother of Burrell, who worked with William on the aforementioned road project in Brunswick County, Virginia), Nathaniel Perry (who was also involved on the road project), and Thomas Reeves (who signed a number of documents for William, was his neighbor, and likely a relative).
Burrell was the son of Mary Martha (her first name is debatable) Batte, who married first, John Peterson, Jr., and second, John Brown. Thus, Batt(e) Peterson was a half brother, and Jeremiah Brown a full brother of Burrell. All of these men also appeared on documents naming William Douglas, Sr. The Batte family connection is highly significant as William's father, John Douglas, appears on a document naming Henry Batte, thereby demonstrating the close relationship between these two families. Moreover, a Henry Batte appears in the same baptismal/marriage record book in Saint Margaret's Church, Westminster, London, England, as the Douglas family.
William's father, John Douglas, may have worked on the plantation of Colonel Henry Brown, Burrell's grandfather (see John's biography for additional details). William's father and Burrell's great grandfather were both born in Westminster, London, England, and as previously noted, the Browns and Douglases both appear in the official records of St. Margaret's Church.
When Burrell Brown died, his widow, Mary, married a member of the Wall family. As previously noted, the Walls were closely associated with the Douglases in Virginia. In fact, William's brother, John Douglas, worked with John Wall in administering the estate of Thomas Godwynn in 1733. Additionally, this John Douglas would maintain property adjacent to Michael Wall along Douglas' Run in Brunswick County, Virginia.
The Cook (variously spelled Cocke) family is also worthy of note. Henry Cook, who assisted William with the Brunswick County, Virginia, road project, had a son named John. John married Burrell Brown's daughter, Betty, and together, they had a son named Burrell Cook (named, of course, after Burrell Brown). Each of these families remained very close during this period.
A number of individuals closely associated with William appear on a roster of the Brunswick County, VA, militia. Burrell Brown was a Captain in the militia in 1746. Michael Wall was also a Captain the same year. Batt Peterson was a Captain in 1748. Several members of the Hicks family (Burrell Brown was an executor of the estate of Elizabeth Hicks in 1740) served, as well as other individuals who maintained regular interactions with William. Perhaps with the discovery of new historical documents, a better understanding of the exact relationship of each of these individuals will finally emerge.