THE BRISTOW FAMILY
LAST WILLS AND TESTAMENTS
(ABSTRACTS IN KENTUCKY AND VIRGINIA)
by
J. Gary Woodward
201 Crestview Court
Lansing, Kansas 66043
Phone: (913) 727-1290
E-Mail: gpwoodward@lvnworth.com
February, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ii
PART ONE - KENTUCKY
ARCHIBALD BRISTOW (Clark Co.; August 2, 1837) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
ELIJAH BRISTOW (Todd Co.; May 24, 1850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
JAMES BRISTOW (Clark Co.; March 12, 1804) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
JASPER BRISTOW (Daviess Co.; June 1, 1843)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
JOHN BRISTOL (Bath Co.; April 8, 1813)
JOHN BRISTOW (Clark Co.; November 2, 1835)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
JOHN BRISTOW (Bath Co; November 12, 1839) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
WILLIAM BRISTOW (Cumberland Co.; May 15, 1830)
8
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART TWO - VIRGINIA
BENJAMIN BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; July 8, 1781) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
BENJAMIN BRISTOW (Prince William Co.; January 14, 1794) . . . . . . . . .
10
CHARLES BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; March 22, 1748/9) . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
EDWARD BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; January 2, 1775) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
JAMES BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; May 7, 1765)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
JOHN BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; February 20, 1716) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
JOHN BRISTOW (Tazewell Co.; June 21, 1801)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
MARY BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; April 2, 1741) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
WILLIAM BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; March 20, 1740) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16
WILLIAM BRISTOW (Middlesex Co.; October 21, 1780) . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
PART THREE - OTHER BRISTOW WILLS
GEORGE BRISTOW (Granville Co., North Carolina; June 1, 1783). . . . . .
ROBERT BRISTOW (London, England; September 20, 1700). . . . . . . . . .
- ii -
11
PART ONE
KENTUCKY
All of the wills shown in this section
were transcribed from the original documents,
obtained from the Clerks in the Court Houses
of the various counties where they were recorded.
They make-up the entire list of all the Bristow wills
found Index To Kentucky Wills To 1851 - The Testators,
published by Accelerated Indexing Systems; 3346 South
Orchard Drive; Bountiful, Utah 84010; in 1977.
ARCHIBALD BRISTOW
In consequence of life being so uncertain, and myself far advanced in
age, it is my wish and desire for this to be my last will and testament and for
what little property I have to be disposed of in the following manner:
My servant, JUDITH, to have her freedom at my decease.
My servant, WILLIAM, to be free at thirty-five years old, which will
expire the 14th of January 1849, and for him to be hired to some humane person,
until that time, and for him to have ten dollars each year of his hire until
the time expires, and as I shall leave my son FRANCIS, my sole executor, for
him to dispose of the proceeds of WILLIAM's heire as he may think most
advisable.
My servant, JOHN, to be free at thirty-five years old also, which will
expire the 3rd of June 1862, and for him to be hired out to some humane
persons, so he can live near or with his mother, and for him to have dollars
out of his hire each year until he is a fifteen year old, and after that time
it is my desire for him to have ten dollars out of his hire each year until his
time expires, and for fear of any mistake, JOHN was born the 3rd day of June
1827. The proceeds of JOHN's hire to be appropriated for the sole use of my
daughter PHILADELPHIA.
And, whereas my servant JUDITH is now far advanced in a state of
pregnancy, at her request I will and bequeath the child to her (JUDITH), if it
should live until it is eighteen years old and then to have its freedom, and if
in the future, she (JUDITH) should have one or more children for them to be
disposed of on the principles as the one she is now pregnant with.
There are also a bed and bedding, a set of silver table spoons, a large
silver ladle, my family bible and some few other books, that is intended
specially for my daughter PHILADELPHIA.
And it is also my wish for my son FRANCIS to be my sole executor to
execute this my last will and testament, and for him not to be bound to give
security in the execution of this my last will and testament, and for credence
that this is my last will and testament I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal this 2nd day of August 1837.
ARCHIBALD BRISTOW
After some years reflection I have concluded that if I should die before BILLY
is thirty-five years of age that the remainder of his time shall be
appropriated to the sole use of CAROLINE ASHBOURN and her children, but not to
diminish the ten dollars that is appropriated to his use, and for which I have
set my hand and affixed my seal this 9th day of April 1844.
ARCHIBALD BRISTOW
CLARKE COUNTY OCTOBER COURT 1846:
This last will and testament of ARCHIBALD BRISTOW, deceased, was produced
in open court and proven according to law by the oaths of THOMAS WRIGHT and
THOMAS T. DOBYNS to be in the proper hand writing of the said testator and
ordered to be recorded. [Will Book 11, page 123]
Att: JAMES W. BULLOCK, CCCC
- 1 -
ELIJAH BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, ELIJAH BRISTOW, a free man of color, of the
County of Todd and State of Kentucky, being at the present time in a sound
state of mind, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament:
First, I desire that all my personal property that I may die possessed
of, such as my household and kitchen furniture, horse, cattle, and hogs (with
the exception of Bed and Bedding for my Grand Children) to be sold, and all my
just debts to be paid out the sale of such property; also, one gig and ploughs
and other farming tools.
If any money shall be left, after my debts are paid, to be put in the
hands of my Executor for the benefit of my Grand Children, hereafter named.
I do hereby appoint JOHN K. GAMMON, of the aforesaid County of Todd, my
Executor and Guardian in Trust for my Grandchildren, to wit: JOHN, SARAH JANE,
and LAURA.
I desire that the Boy, JOHN, shall be bound out by my Executor to learn a
trade, the other two to be raised by my Executor, the said JOHN K. GAMMON,
until they shall attain the age of twenty-one years.
I also give and bequeath the proceeds of the sale of my land unto my two
children, MORRIS and DAVY, and my three grandchildren- JOHN, SARAH JANE, and
LAURA, to be by my Executor equally divided among them, the portion belonging
to my Grand children to be put out at interest, by my Executor, for the benefit
of said Children when they attain the age of twenty-one years.
I do desire that my Executor shall faithfully and truly carry out this my
last will and testament.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 day of May
1850.
Att:
his
PETER X KEELING
mark
JOHN K. GAMMON
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Todd County Court
Clerk's Office
his
ELIJAH X BRISTOW
mark
June 10, 1850
I, WILLIS L. REEVES, Clerk of the Todd County Court aforesaid, do certify
the foregoing instrument of writing, purporting to be the last will and
testament of ELIJAH BRISTOW, a free man of color, deceased, was at a County
Court, Began and held for Todd County, Commonwealth of Kentucky, at the Court
house in Elkton, on Monday the 10 day of June 1850, produced in open court and
proven in open court, by the oaths of PETER KEELING and JOHN K. GAMMON,
subscribing witness's thereto, to be the act and deed of said ELIJAH BRISTOW
and the same was ordered to be recorded. Whereupon, I have truly recorded said
will together with this certificate in my office. [Will Book G, pages 272-273]
WILLIS L. REEVES
- 2 -
JAMES BRISTOW
To all who these presents may concern, know ye that it is my desire that
what property I may leave behind may be disposed of in the following manner,
Viz:
The hundred acres of land whereon my son JOHN BRISTOW now lives, I
formerly intended for my son GIDEON BRISTOW, but he being not willing to live
thereon, at his request I suffered him to sell it to my son JAMES BRISTOW, and
he the said JAMES to my son JOHN BRISTOW. It is now my desire that the said
JOHN BRISTOW shall have the said hundred acres of land, with all its
appurtenances, to dispose of it in any manner he may thereto prefer.
The balance of the tract of land, above mentioned, my will and desire is
my son ARCHIBALD BRISTOW shall have, him and his heirs forever.
For certain services rendered, I give and bequeath unto my son JOHN
BRISTOW- a Negro boy by the name of ELIJAH, by his giving a clear receipt for
all demands against my estate.
Not believing that I have given my son JAMES BRISTOW as much as the rest
of my children, my will and desire is that he shall have fifty-pounds extra.
Before any division shall be made, my will and desire is that my wife
MARGARET BRISTOW shall have a decent support out of my estate; andAfter all my just debts are paid out of the balance, whatever remains, my
will and desire is it may be equally divided between my four sons- JOHN,
GIDEON, JAMES, and ARCHIBALD.
If there should any dispute arise between MRS. GIST or the heirs of
NATHANIEL GIST and there should be any loss in the above tract of land, the
loss shall be equally divided between my three sons- GIDEON, JAMES, and
ARCHIBALD, but not to affect the hundred acres of land where on my son JOHN now
lives.
My desire is that my sons- JOHN BRISTOW and JAMES BRISTOW and ARCHIBALD
BRISTOW shall be my executors of this my last will and testament.
Given under my hand and seal, this twelfth day of March, one thousand
eight hundred and four.
Signed in the presence of:
Seal
Kentucky, Clarke County, to wit:
Whereas JAMES BRISTOW, deceased, of Clarke County and state aforesaid,
died in the fall of the year 1806 and, before his death, had the foregoing
instrument drawn, which we believe was his intended will, and we JOHN BRISTOW,
GIDEON BRISTOW, JAMES BRISTOW, & ARCHIBALD BRISTOW, legal heirs &
representatives of the said JAMES BRISTOW, deceased, feel a willingness and
desire that the said instrument of writing shall stand in law as though the
said writing had been signed, sealed, and acknowledged by the said JAMES
BRISTOW, deceased, and become his lawful will. Therefore, we the aforesaid
JOHN BRISTOW, GIDEON BRISTOW, JAMES BRISTOW, & ARCHIBALD BRISTOW do bind
ourselves to each other in the sum of one thousand dollars, to stand to the
aforesaid instrument of writing and divide the estate of the said deceased
accordingly. Witness our hand & seal this 5th day of March 1807:
Signed and acknowledged
in Presents of:
THOMAS WORNALL
JOHN DONALDSON
THOMAS GIST
JOHN BRISTOW
GIDEON BRISTOW
JAMES BRISTOW
ARCHIBALD BRISTOW
- 3 -
At a Court held for Clarke County on the 22nd day of June 1807:
This instrument of writing, purporting the last will and testament of
JAMES BRISTOW, deceased, without signature to which is annexed, an article of
agreement between JOHN, GIDEON, JAMES, and ARCHIBALD BRISTOW, heirs and
representatives of the said JAMES BRISTOW, deceased, and which said article
being proven by the oaths of THOMAS WORNALL & JOHN DONALDSON. Witnesses
thereto subscribed is ordered to be recorded together with the will aforesaid
annexed. [Will Book 2, page 261]
D. BULLOCK, CCC
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JASPER BRISTOW
June 1st, 1843
I, JASPER BRISTOW, being in good health and sound in mind, leave these
lines as my last will and testament, that all my just debts be faithfully paid
and, after that is done, the balance of my property to be used as follows:
I will that ROBERT BARNHILL sell and convey my title to fifty acres of
land, laid off along the north end of the tract, including the place THOS. LONG
lives on, as soon as ten dollars per acre can be had for the same land should
he decease his administrator) and that ELIZABETH JOHNSON receive one hundred
dollars of said money, for the benefit of her and her heirs; and that HARRIET
STOUT's heirs receive one hundred dollars for their benefit; and that ELINOR
JONES receive one hundred and sixty dollars for her benefit and heirs; and that
JAMES HENDRICKS' heirs receive the balance of the money, as they come of age,
paid for said tract, and that said BARNHILL attend to the same.
I will that the balance of my property belong to my RACHEL, during her
life or widowhood and that, at her death or marriage, it to be divided equally
between my children, to wit: BENJAMIN T. BRISTOW, HANNAH ANN BRISTOW, JASPER
BRISTOW, JR., ANCEL BRISTOW, SAMUEL BRISTOW, WILLIAM H. BRISTOW, RACHEL
BRISTOW, HIRAM BRISTOW, and unborn heirs, if any, and that said BARNHILL make
WILLIAM MILLER a general warrantee deed to twenty-six and one-half acres of
land, which is surveyed.
JASPER BRISTOW
Joining him, Binding my property and heirs, when the money is paid, at my
death, prove this will by my hand write.
To WILLIAM CRAWFORD
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Daviess County Court Sct.
July Term 1848
The within aforegoing writing, purporting to be the last will and
testament of JASPER BRISTOW, deceased, was produced in Court & duly proven by
the oath of WILLIAM CRAWFORD, a subscribing witness thereto, and was also duly
proven to be wholly in the handwriting of said JASPER BRISTOW by the oaths of
JEREMIAH BARNHILL and ELISHA BURTON, and was ordered to record as for the last
will and testament of said JASPER BRISTOW, deceased. [Will Book A-B, page 177]
Att: Wm. B. Watt(?), Clk.
- 4 -
State of Kentucky
Daviess County Court, June Term 1867
The book containing the foregoing will having been destroyed, it is
ordered that the same be so recorded.
Witness my hand, this 10th June 1867
T. G. Jones
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JOHN BRISTOL
In the name of God, amen, I, JOHN BRISTOL, of the County of Bath and
State of Kentucky, being of sound memory, but calling to mind that it is
appointed for all men once to Dye and the mortality of my body, Do Constitute
and Ordain this as my last Will and Testament. That I do commit my body to the
earth to be buried with Decent and Christian burial to be paid out of my estate
and after paying all of my lawful Debts and funeral expenses the balance of my
property to be Disposed in the following form and manner, to Wit:
1st, I Do will and bequeath unto my beloved wife SARAH her bed and furniture,
her Chest, her white sheete, the whole of my Table & Cupboard furniture, except
six (small pewter plates & six spoons) Allso two I ____ potracks and shovel and
tongs andirons a four gallon pot midsize oven and flat skillet, two flat irons
and mare a bell cow and calf her bible & Wilsons afflicted mans companion &
meditations & all my chairs table & ____ wave.
2nd, I will and bequeath to my son EZRA his bed and furniture mare and
cattle cow and calf and all my farming utensils and tools of every description
his bible and slate and all my waring apparel and ten gallon kettle.
3rd, I will and bequeath to DOVE WALKER, my sister's daughter, her bed
and furniture cow & calf and sorrel filly and six small pewter plates and six
spoons a ten gallon kettle and my byble.
The balance of my personal estate, except as disposed above, to be
equally divided among the three above named after paying all just debts &
expenses out of the same. And I do by these presents constitute and ordain
SARAH BRISTLE my wife & JAMES M. GRAHAM my Executors to attend to the Due
execution of the above and Recording of these presents & further I ordain that
no security be required of my Executors. In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 8th Day of April 1813.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
in the presence of:
JOHN BRISTOL, (seal)
Teste:
ROWLAND RICHARDS
ALEXANDER FARIS
At a Court held for Bath County on the 14th Day of June 1813:
This Last Will and testament of JOHN BRISTOL, Decd., was proven in court by the
oaths of ROWLAND RICHARDS and ALEXANDER FARIS (FAVIS) Witnesses thereto & ____
and ordered to be recorded. [Will Book A, page 34]
- 5 -
JOHN BRISTOW
The following is the manner I wish my property to be disposed of at my death:
My Negroes to be free and my executor will go to Todd County or that
neighborhood and lay out $1800 in good land for that county as soon as he can
get the money and move ELIJAH & his family and THIRSAY and her family and
divide the land between them and at THIRSAY's death her part of the land to go
to her children. I give ELIJAH and THIRSAY my wagon and three horses and buy
each of them a cow to give them milk in that county. I am in hopes in a few
years they will find it their interest to go to Liberia; in that case, the land
to be sold and appropriated to that purpose, or to any other colony the United
States may provide.
My will is that STEPHEN have $300 to be loaned out by my executor at the
best interest possible and give him the interest annually and keep principal
until he shall need it or not able to maintain himself.
$80 dollars to be appropriated to move the above named Negroes and buy
them provision IC my executor to give each of my Negroes, old and young, a
blanket out of the house.
My real and personal estate to be sold, my land to be sold at private or
public sale, at the discretion of my executor, and my executor is fully
impowered to make the conveyance, when sold, out of the second and third
payment.
My will is my executor pay my wife $1000, as there is a marriage contract
between us, and she is not entitled to any part of my estate by law, nor have I
any thing to do with hers.
I have two notes on WILLIAM DONALDSON, in Shelby County, one for three
hundred and fifty dollars, the other for $21. My will is my executor collect
the money and lend it out for 8 percent and collect the interest annually and
lend it out, i.e., until SALLY B. DONALDSON, daughter of LUCY DONALDSON,
deceased, becomes 12 years old; then, the whole of the interest to be
appropriated to clothe and school the children. When married, the money to be
paid over to her; if she dies before she is married, the money to be paid over
to CEALEY SCRUGGS, sister to my former wife.
My will is that JOHN B. DOBYNS and PHILADELPHIA BRISTOW have each of $500
to be paid out of the sale of my land; PHILADELPHIA have hers out of the second
payment and the said $500 to be lent out and the interest to be applied to her
use at the discretion of my executor, and my executor for his services shall
have one thousand dollars and his expenses borne and a dollar per day every day
he is in actual service for my legatees and after all the above legatees are
paid off, that the balance be paid to SALLY G. DOBYNS and VIRGINIA PARRISH, and
I hereby appoint EDMUND H. PARRISH my sole executor of this my last will &
testament. Given under my hand & seal this second day of November 1835.
JOHN BRISTOW
Codicil: The first- my will is wife shall have two of my mares, viz: a mare
called Beck and a young sorrel mare with a blaze face, 4 years old,
and my carriage IC, done this 20th of January 1838.
Acknowledged in presents of:
MATTHEW D. HUME
JOHN BRISTOW
- 6 -
Codicil: The second- my will is instead of the legacy to my wife be paid to her
out of the second and third payment of the sale of my land, my will is
she shall have one-half paid to her at my death, the other half in
twelve months. Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of March
1838.
Acknowledged in presence:
E. V. SCRUGGS
PERRY WORNALL
JOHN BRISTOW
Codicil: The third- It is my will that my legatees, SALLY G. DOBYNS and
VIRGINIA PARRISH, pay to my wife fifty dollars per annum, commencing
one year after my death, as long as she may live. It is also my will
that my wife have a man cow, the mother of the bull calf I gave ABRAM
IRVIN, also one of the twin calves that was calve last summer. Given
under my hand this 21st February 1840.
Attest: JAMES R. WORNALL
JOHN BRISTOW
Clark County April Court 1840.
This last will and testament of JOHN BRISTOW, deceased, was produced in
Court and proved, according to law, to be in the hand writing of said testator
by the oaths of THOMAS WRIGHT and ARCHIBALD BRISTOW; the first codicil, by the
oath of MATTHEW D. HUME, a witness thereto subscribed; the second codicil, by
the oaths of PERRY WORNALL and E. V. SCRUGGS, all to be in the testator's
proper hand writing; JAMES R. WORNALL proved the last codicil, a witness
thereto subscribed; and ordered to be recorded and, on the motion of EDMUND H.
PARRISH, the executor therein named, who made oath thereto as the law directs,
certificate is granted them for attaining a probate thereof, in due forms,
giving security, whereupon he, together with MATTHEW D. HUME and CALEB PARRISH,
entered into and acknowledged their bond in penalty of $20,000, conditioned as
the law directs. [Will Book 9, page 437]
Att: JAMES P. BULLOCK, CCCC.
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JOHN BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, JOHN BRISTOW, of Bath County and State of
Kentucky, being weak in body, but of sound mind and memory, thanks be to God
for the same, do make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all
other wills by me before made.
In consideration of some peculiar services rendered to myself and my
deceased wife in our sickness, previous to her death, we mutually agreed to let
be the following disposal of the property which it has pleased God to give us:
Item. One bay mare, one bed and furniture, one red cow, and one cupboard,
is to be the property of my daughter SALLY BROWN, after my death.
Item. One side saddle & one red coverlet to belong to MARGARET BRISTOW,
the daughter of my said daughter SALLY BROWN.
- 7 -
Item. One bed and furniture, including a blue coverlet, to be the
property of my daughter LINNEY ANN ROGERS.
Item. One red heifer to said LINNEY's son- THOMAS ROGERS.
Item. One small black heifer and one bed quilt to belong to MARTHA MAYS,
my daughter, which quilt she helped her mother to make.
Item. One clock to be returned to my son- ANDREW BRISTOW.
Item. One family bible to my son- JOSEPH BRISTOW.
Item. As to any other articles of myself or deceased wife, not herein
before named, I wish my dear children to hold a mutual consultation
and make a right division of the same. November 12th 1839.
Attest:
CHARLES WHITTINGHAM
REZIN(?) R. RICE
his
JOHN X BRISTOW
mark
CODICIL
Be it known that I, JOHN BRISTOW, do make this codicil to this my last will, in
consequence of the assiduous attention of my daughter SALLY BROWN to her
mother, in her last sickness, and to myself in my present illness, I do hereby
change the last item in my foregoing will, and every article referred to in
said last Item, and I hereby declare it to be my will that every species of
property belonging to me and not named in the previous Items in said will is,
after my decease, to be the property of my said daughter SALLY BROWN.
REZIN R. RICE
her
PATSEY X LOWRY
mark
mark
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his
JOHN X BRISTOW
[Will Book D, pages 66-67]
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WILLIAM BRISTOW
THE LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF WILLIAM BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, WILLIAM BRISTOW, of the County of
Cumberland and State of Kentucky, being weak in body, but of sound & perfect
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner
and form following:
I give and bequeath unto my wife, MARTHA BRISTOW, all my personal estate,
goods and chattels, of what kind and nature so ever, to have and to hold
with full power and authority, during her natural life, and after her
death,
I will unto my son- JOHN BRISTOW my land, which I now Live on, with one
bed and furniture.
- 8 -
All the rest and residue of my estate to be sold and equally divided
between my heirs, and then after the death of my said son- JOHN,
My land to be also sold and divided among the heirs.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal on the 15th day of
May, in the year 1830.
Signed, sealed, published and declared
by the above named WM. BRISTOW to be
his last will and testament, in the
presents of us who have subscribed our
names as witnesses in the presents of
the testator:
WILLIAM BRISTOW
THOMAS BRISTOW
LEVEN BRISTOW
KENTUCKY, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
SCT.
I, MILTON KING, Clerk of the Cumberland County Court, do certify that the
within last will and testament of WILLIAM BRISTOW, deceased, was produced in
open court at the May term, 1835, and proven by the oaths of THOMAS BRISTOW and
LEVEN BRISTOW, the two subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to record,
and the same is truly entered of record in Will Book C, page 146.
Given under my hand this 5th day of June 1835.
M. KING
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PART TWO
VIRGINIA
All of the
wills in this section were
transcribed from the original documents,
obtained from the Clerks in the Court Houses
of the various counties where they were recorded.
They make-up the entire list of all the Bristow wills
found in Virginia Wills and Administrations 1632-1800 An Index, compiled by Clayton Torrence and published by
Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, in 1977.
BENJAMIN BRISTOW
In the Name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN BRISTOW, of the Parish of Christ Church,
in the County of Middlesex, Virginia, being of sound & disposing memory, do
make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, in the Manner & Form
following:
First, I lend unto my loving Wife- SARAH BRISTOW, during her natural Life or
Widowhood, all my Estate, both real & personal, excepting so much of it
as may be necessary for the Maintenance of my Brother- WILLIAM BRISTOW,
who, it is my will, shall be maintained out of my Estate in the same
Manner as he has been hitherto.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son- BENJAMIN, the land whereon I now do live, of
which, at the Death of my said loving Wife- SARAH or upon her intermarrying again, he is to be put in immediate possession, to him & his
heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son- JACK PHIPS, the sum of one hundred Pounds in
spices(?) or the Value thereof, to him and his heirs forever.
It is my Will & Desire that, if anything of my Estate shall still remain after
satisfying the Legacy aforementioned, the same residue or remainder to be
equally divided among my two sons- BENJAMIN BRISTOW & JACK PHIPS BRISTOW, to
them & their heirs forever.
Lastly, I do hereby appoint my Wife- SARAH BRISTOW, Executrix, & WILLIAM MURRAY
& SAMUEL KLUG, Executors of this my Last Will & Testament. And, in
Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 8th Day of
July, one Thousand seven hundred & eighty-one.
Signed, sealed & acknowledged to be
the last will & Testament of
BENJAMIN BRISTOW, in presence of:
ELIZABETH KUG
SAMUEL KLUG
JOSIAH BRISTOW
BENJAMIN BRISTOW
At a Court held for Middlesex County, at the Courthouse in Urbanna, on Monday,
the 28th day of July, 1788:
This last Will & Testament of BENJAMIN BRISTOW, deceased, was presented
in Court by SARAH BRISTOW, one of the Executors thereof in named, and the same
was proved by the oaths of SAMUEL KLUG and JOSIAH BRISTOW, two of the Witnesses
thereto, who made oath according to law, and ordered to be recorded, and the
Motion of the said Executrix, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a
Probate in due form, giving security, entered into and acknowledged their bond
in the penalty of five hundred pounds with condition according to law. SAMUEL
KLUG, one of the Executors mentioned, came into court and deposed to qualify to
the said will. [Will Book F, page 27]
Test: WILL CHURCHHILL
Truly recorded Test: WILL CHURCHHILL CtC
- 10 -
BENJAMIN BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, BENJAMIN BRISTOW, of the County of Prince
William, Commonwealth of Virginia, Planter, being in a low state of health in
body, but of perfect mind & memory, blessed be God for it, and calling to mind
that all men once must die & the mortality of my body, do make this my last
will & testament, that is to say- principally & first of all, I recommend &
give my soul to God who gave it to me & my body I recommend to the earth, to be
buried in a decent and Christian manner, the discretion of my Executors,
nothing doubting, but at the general resurrection I am never the same again, by
the mighty power of God, and touching my worldly estate that God has been
pleased to bless me with in this life, give & demise & dispose of in the
following manner & form intended:
First, I give & bequeath to my son-in-law, WILLIAM FAGINS TANEYEAR(?), all that
I possess after my decease & funeral in Scarges(?).
Test:
SAMUEL BALLINGER
JOHN PETTY
BENJAMIN BRISTOW
January 14th, 1794
At a Court held for Prince William County, the 6th day of October 1794:
This Last Will & Testament of BENJAMIN BRISTOW, Deceased, was presented
to the Court by WILLIAM FEAGAN, the Executor therein named, who made oath to
the same, according to Law, & the said Will being proved by the oath of SAMUEL
BALLINGER is ordered to be recorded, and the said Executor, having performed
what is usual in such cases, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate
thereof in due form.
Test: ROBT. GRAHAM, CtC
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CHARLES BRISTOW
I In the name of God, Amen. I, CHARLES BRISTOW, of the County of
Middlesex and parish of Christ Church, being sick and weak of Body, but in
perfect sound sense and memory, do make this my last Will and Testament.
First, I leave my soul to Almighty God, hoping to receive pardon for all my
sins.
Secondly, I bequeath my Body to the Earth to be decently buried as my friends
shall think fit.
Item. I give unto my two sisters- MICHEL BRISTOW and ANN DANIEL, one Negro boy
named Ben, to be equally divided as they shall agree, which Negro was
left to me by my Loving Father, after the death of my dear mother.
All the Rest of my Estate I give to my Loving Brother- WILLIAM BRISTOW to
do as he shall think fit, my just debts being first paid. I do hereby
constitute & appoint my Brother- WILLIAM BRISTOW Executor of this my Last Will
and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
- 11 -
22nd day of March 1748/9.
CHARLES DANIEL
VIVION DANIEL
his
NICHOLAS X JACOBS
mark
CHARLES BRISTOW
At a Court held for Middlesex County at Urbanna, on Tuesday, the 3d day of July
1750:
This Will of CHARLES BRISTOW, deceased, was presented in Court and proved
by the oaths of CHARLES DANIEL and VIVION DANIEL, two of the Witnesses thereto,
and ordered to be Recorded and WILLIAM BRISTOW the Executor, therein named,
having taken the oath of an Executor. Therefore, Certificate is granted him
for obtaining a probate in due Form. [Will Book D, page 120]
Test: THO. PRICE
Truly Recorded, Test: THO. PRICE
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EDWARD BRISTOW
In the Name of God, Amen.
I, EDWARD BRISTOW, of the Parish of Christ Church, in the County of
Middlesex, being sick and weak, but in perfect sense and memory, thanks be to
Almighty God for the same, do make this my Last will and Testament, in manner
and form following, Viz:
First, my Will and Desire is that My Loving Daughter- ANN BRISTOW have her
choice of one of my best feather beds & furniture.
Secondly, my Desire is that all my Whole Estate, both Real and Personal, be
sold by my Executor, hereafter named, and the money arising from the sale
thereof be applied as followeth, Viz: that all my debts be first paid and
that I leave to my granddaughter= RACHEL BRISTOW, & my son RICHARD
BRISTOW, CHARLES BRISTOW, JOSIAH BRISTOW, JOHN BRISTOW, ALEXANDER
BRISTOW, ELIZABETH HARDIE, and SARAH OWEN- five shillings each, to be
paid out of the overplus after paying my debts and all the remainder and
residue of my Estate.
I give to my Beloved son- BENJAMIN BRISTOW, upon proving he will take
care and maintain my son- WILLIAM BRISTOW, as long as my son- WILLIAM BRISTOW
shall live.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my Loving son- BENJAMIN BRISTOW my Whole and
sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, As witness my hand and
seal, this second day of January 1775.
Test:
THOMAS(?) WORTHAM
ROBERT MURRAY
her
ANN + BRISTOW, JUNR.
mark
EDWARD BRISTOW
- 12 -
At a Court held for Middlesex County at the Courthouse in Urbanna, on Monday,
the 23rd day of January 1775:
This Last Will and Testament of EDWARD BRISTOW, deceased, was presented
in Court, by BENJAMIN BRISTOW, the Executor therein named, and the same was
proved by the Oaths of JAMES WORTHAM and ROBERT MURRAY, two of the witnesses
thereto, and ordered to be recorded, and the said BENJAMIN BRISTOW, having
taken the Oath of an Executor, Certificate granted him for obtaining a Probate
in due form. [Will Book F, page 50]
Test: WILL CHURCHHILL
Truly recorded, Test: WILL CHURCHHILL
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JAMES BRISTOW
Pursuant to an Order, Middlesex County Court, dated at Urbanna on
Tuesday, the 5 Day of February 1765, We, the Subscribers, being first Sworn,
have met & Appraised the Estate of JAMES BRISTOW, deceased, Vizt: . . .
AGNES BRISTOW
Administ. Executrix
Given under our Hands,
this 27th Day of February 1765.
WILLIAM SEGER
JOHN SEGER
JAMES MONTAGUE
At a Court held for Middlesex County, at the Court House, in Urbanna, on
Tuesday, the 7th Day of May 1765:
This Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate of JAMES BRISTOW, deceased,
was this day returned, and ordered to be recorded. By the Court.
[Will Book E, page 237]
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Truly Recorded, Test
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JOHN BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, JOHN BRISTOW, being sick and weak in body,
but sense and memory, do make this my last will & testament:
First, I bequeath my soul to God that made it & my body to the earth from
whence it came, & all my worldly goods as followeth:
Item. I lend unto my loving wife, MARY BRISTOW, one Negro woman named JUDY,
during my wife's natural life & then to return to my estate again.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son, NICHOLAS BRISTOW, one Negro man named
JACK, to him and his heirs.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter, ANNE BRISTOW, one Negro woman named
BESS with increase to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my grandson, JOHN BRISTOW, son of THOMAS BRISTOW,
one Negro boy named MAJGER, to him & his heirs.
- 13 -
Item. I give & bequeath unto WULLIAM OWEN, son of MICHAELL OWEN, one Negro girl
named LETTY, her & her increase, forever
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son, WILLIAM BRISTOW, one Negro girl named
ROSE, her and her increase forever.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son, JAMES BRISTOW, one Negro woman GINEY,
her & her increase forever.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my two sons, NICHOLAS & JAMES BRISTOW, my land, to
be equally divided between them, to them & their heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath my whole personal estate, to be equally divided
between my wife & children, after my debts are first paid; &, lastly, I
appoint my sons, NICHOLAS and JAMES BRISTOW, Executors of this my last
will & Testament, as witness my hand & seal this 20 day of Feb. 1716.
Signed, sealed & delivered
in presence of us:
WILL DANIELL
WILLIAM DANIELL, JUNR.
signing
MARY MR RICE
JOHN BRISTOW
At a Court held for Middlesex County, this 6th day of November 1716:
This will of JOHN BRISTOW, deceased, was proved in open court, by the oaths of
WILLIAM DANIELL, WILLIAM DANIELL, JUNR., and MARY RICE, the witnesses to it,
and NICHOLAS BRISTOW & JAMES BRISTOW, the Executors having made oath to the
same, according to law, it was admitted to record. [Will Book B, page 51]
Test: R. HICKMAN, ff CoCur ?
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JOHN BRISTOW
In the Name of God, Amen. I, JOHN BRISTOW, of Tazewell County and State
of Virginia, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and disposing
memory, for which I thank God, and calling to mind the uncertainty of human
life, and being desirous to dispose of all such worldly estate it hath pleased
God to bless me with, I give and bequeath the same in the manner following,
that is to say I give and bequeath to my son JOHN BRISTOW twenty pounds in
trade to be taken out of my estate the first of all besides his natural share
and to my son JAMES BRISTOW one certain parcel of land taken of my tract
whereon I now live on, and I give it to him it having no connection with the
rest of my estate and the bounds is as this beginning at a peach that comes
from RICHARD STEEL's where my line crosses, and then straight across at his
side of the Waggon road that is next to my house to a conditional line between
my son ISAAC BRISTOW and myself and all of the other side, it is my request
that he shall have a rite made to him, and besides, I give to my son JOHN the
plantation I now live on that is after the decease of my wife, for him to have
it all to his own yuse to do as he pleases with it, he and his heirs, and as
for the rest of my estate, that is to say all the movable property, I give in
the following manner, that is after JOHN gets his twenty pound, for all the
rest to be valleyed and it equally divided betwixt my four sons, that is to say
my wife ELIZABETH BRISTOW and my son JAMES BRISTOW, and my son ISAAC BRISTOW,
and my son JOHN BRISTOW, and as for a debt that is owing me in Kentucky, I
would wish for my three sons to have it to themselves, every one an equal part
- 14 -
of it and every one to be an equal part of the expenses in getting of it, and
further I leave my trusty friend JAMES BRISTOW, ISAAC BRISTOW, and JOHN BRISTOW
executors to manage the same according to this my last Will and Testament and I
do hereby revoke all other or former Wills or testaments by me heretofore made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this twenty
first day of June one thousand eight hundred and one.
Signed, Sealed published declared
as and for the last Will and
testament of the above named JOHN
BRISTOW in presents of u
DAVID FANNIN
WILLIAM ROMINE
POLLY WEBB
his
JOHN X BRISTOW
mark
At a Court held for the county of Tazewell, Augt. 13th, 1807, this last Will
and Testament of JOHN BRISTOW was produced in Court and proven by the oath of
DAVID FANNIN & WILLIAM ROMINEwitnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be
recorded. [Will Book No. 1, page 2]
Teste
JOHN WARD
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MARY BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen: I, MARY BRISTOW, of the County of Middlesex,
being in perfect sense and memory, do make this my Last Will & Testament, in
manner following:
First, that all my debts be paid.
Item: I give unto my Daughter, MARY AMMONS, two Negro Girls named JANEY and
LETTEY. to her and her heirs forever.
Item: I give unto my grandson, WILLIAM DANIEL, my Best Bed and Furniture
belonging to it.
Item: I give unto my son, JEDIDIAH BRISTOW, all the Rest of my Estate, both
real and personal, to him and his heirs forever. And I do constitute
and appoint him, the said JEDIDIAH BRISTOW, Executor to this my Last
Will.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seall, this second
day of April 1741.
Signed, SEaled, published and declared
to be my last Will, in the presence of:
JAMES CAMPBELL
his
JOHN X PRICE
mark
her
MARY X CARTER
mark
- 15 -
MARY BRISTOW
hand and seal
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This Will was proved by the oath of JAMES CAMPBELL, one of the witnesses
thereto, and ordered to be recorded. And the within named JEDIDIAH BRISTOW,
having taken the Oath of an Executor, Certificate is granted him for obtaining
a probate in due form. [Will Book C, page 175]
Seal: THOS. PRICE CMC
Truly Recorded, Test: THOMAS PRICE
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WILLIAM BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, WILLIAM BRISTOW, of Middlesex County and of
Christ Church Parish, in Virginia, being in perfect sense and memory, thanks be
to Almighty God for the same, do make this my last Will and Testament, as
followeth:
First, I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God, trusting through the
merits of my blessed service to receive pardon for all my sins.
Secondly, I bequeath my body to the Earth, from whence it was taken, to be
buried in such decent manner as my Executrix, hereafter mentioned, shall
think fit.
Item. I lend all my whole Estate to my Loving wife- MARGARET BRISTOW, during
her Natural life, and, after her decease, to be divided as followeth:
Item. I give to my son- CHARLES BRISTOW, my Negro boy called BEN, to him and
his heirs forever.
Item. I give to my daughter- MICHAL BRISTOW my Negro girl called HANNAH, to her
and her heirs forever.
Item. I give to my daughter- ANN BRISTOW my Negro boy called WILL, to her & her
heirs forever.
All the rest of my Estate to be Equally divided among all my Children:
EDWARD, WILLIAM, CHARLES, MICHAL, & ANN, and I do appoint my Loving Wife,
MARGARET BRISTOW, my whole and sole Executrix of this my Last Will and
Testament, she neither to give security for them, whereas witness my hand and
seal this 20th day of March, 1740.
Signed & sealed in the presence of:
JAMES DANIEL
VIVION DANIEL
MARGARET DANIEL
WILLIAM BRISTOW
At a Court held for Middlesex County, this Seventh day of December 1742:
This will was proved by the oaths of JAMES DANIEL & MARGARET DANIEL, two
of the Witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded and the within named MARGARET
BRISTOW, having taken the oath of an Executrix, certificate is granted her for
obtaining a Probate in due form. [Will Book C, page 72]
Test: THO: PRICE CMC
Truly Recorded Test. THO. PRICE
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WILLIAM BRISTOW
I, WILLIAM BRISTOW, of the Parish of Christ Church & County of Middlesex,
being sick & weak of body, but of perfect sense & memory, do make & ordain this
my last will & testament, in manner & form following, Viz.:
First, my will & desire is that all my just debts be first paid and discharged.
Item. I give & bequeath the land & plantation, whereon I now live, to be
equally divided among my three sons- JAMES, WILLIAM, & BARTHOLOMEW
BRISTOW, to them & their heirs. But, in case my son BARTHOLOMEW should
die, under lawful age or without lawful issue, I give, then, the part
intended for him I desire may be divided between his surviving brothers.
Item. My will & desire is that all the remainder of my Estate be sold at public
sale & the money arising therefrom to be equally divided among all my
children, but in case, either of my three unmarried children, die without
lawful issue, then my desire is, that, that's part be equally divided
among all my surviving children.
Lastly, I nominate & appoint my sons, WILLIAM & BARTHOLOMEW BRISTOW, Executors
of this my last will & testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand & affixed my seal, this twenty-first Day October, one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty.
Signed, Sealed, Published & Declared
by the testator as his last will and
testament in presence of:
MAURICE SMITH
ROBERT MURRAY
ROBERT MURRAY, JUNR.
JOSIAH BRISTOW
WILLIAM BRISTOW
At a Court held for Middlesex County, at the Courthouse in Urbanna, on Monday.
the 28th Day of May, 1781:
This last will and testament of WILLIAM BRISTOW, deceased, was this day
presented in Court by WILLIAM and BARTHOLOMEW BRISTOW, the Executors therein
named, who made oath according to law, and the same proved by the oaths of
MAURICE SMITH, ROBERT MURRAY, and JOSIAH BRISTOW, three of the witnesses
thereto, and ordered to be recorded, And on the motion of the said Executors
certificate is granted for obtaining a Probate in due form, and the said
Executors came into Court and acknowledged themselves bound with MAURICE SMITH
and BENJAMIN BRISTOW, their securities, in the sum of two hundred thousand
pounds, for the said Executors just administration of the said estate.
[Will Book F, page 212]
Test: WILL CHURCHHILL
Truly recorded Test: WILL CHURCHHILL, Ct. C.
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PART THREE
OTHER BRISTOW WILLS
GEORGE BRISTOW
In the name of God, Amen. I, GEORGE BRISTOW, of the County of Granville
and the State of North Carolina, being in perfect mind and memory, do make,
Constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form
following, and touching th worldly goods that it hath pleased God to bestow on
me, I give and dispose of in manner and form as followeth, xiz:
Item. I lend to my beloved Wife- ELIZABETH BRISTOW, during her natural life,
and then to be disposed of as I shall hereafter mention: one light gray
mare, two cows and calves, four head of sheep, six hogs, one iron pot,
two pewter dishes, two basins, four plates, one spinning wheel, two pair
of cards, and one flax wheel, and at her death my will is that it shall
return to my two daughters- MARY BRISTOW & AVERILLA BRISTOW and their
heirs forever.
Item. I give to my son- JAMES BRISTOW one cow and calf, to him and his heirs
forever.
Item. I give to my son- JOHN BRISTOW one shilling sterling.
Item. I give to my son- GEORGE BRISTOW one shilling sterling.
Item. I give to my son- PHILEMON BRISTOW one shilling sterling;
to them and their heirs forever.
My will is that the land I live on shall be sold and all the remainder
part of my estate to be sold and the money to be equally divided between my two
daughters- MARY BRISTOW and AVERILLA BRISTOW, and all money due me after my
just debts are paid, to them and their heirs forever.
Item. I nominate and appoint my friend- THOMAS GREENWOOD my whole and sole
executor to this my last Will and Testament, whereof, I, GEORGE BRISTOW,
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this first day of June, one thousand
seven hundred and Eighty-three.
Signed and sealed, proclaimed
and declared before me, Test:
WILLIAM CURRIN (his mark)
HENRY DUNCAN (his mark)
CLAIBORN PARISH (his mark)
GEORGE BRISTOW
Grnville County Court, August A.D. 1783: This will was duly approved by the
oaths of HENRY DUNCAN and CLAIBORN PARISH and ordered to be recorded, then
THOMAS GREENWOOD qualified as executor to said will.
Test: ASA SEARCY, CC
- 18 -
ROBERT BRISTOW
ROBERT BRISTOW, of the parish of Gabriel Fenchurch, London, Merchant.
Will 20 September 1700; proved 29 November 1707.
To be interred in the family burying ground in Tabernacle Alley belonging to
the parish of Gabriell Fenchurch or in burial ground in or near Bunhill Feilds.
To poore of Brinstead, County Southampton, where I was born, L10; to poore of
Micheldever in said county L5.
Executors to pay to loving wife in case she survive and not otherwise L4000 as
by marriage agreement as in recognizance in Court of Common Pleas at
Westminster 24 November 1680 in lieu of her third as a Freeman's Widow of
London; also to wife a necklace of pearls, diamond ring, and gold watch
presented her before marriage.
To my daughter-in-law CATHERINE BRISTOW, widow of my dear son ROBERT BRISTOW
lately deceased, L1000 in trust for my granddaughter AVARILLA MADGWICK, wife of
WILLIAM MADGWICK of London, Merchant, or to AVARILLA's children if she die; and
said AVARILLA to release personal estate pretence to custom of London, etc.
To my granddaughter KATHERINE BAILY L500 at 21, and in case of her father
ARTHUR BAILY Esq'r pay to said AVARILLA MADGWICK L500 and discharge her real
estate of L500 part of L1000 payable in right of her mother his late wife, then
to said KATHERINE BAILY L500 more, she to release as other granddaughter is
directed to.
To WILLIAM BLANCHARD and JOHN BLANCHARD, sons of my sister JANE BLANCHARD, L20
each.
Release to JOHN STEVENS son of sister ALICE STEPHENS two bonds of L95.
To ANN BLANCHARD, Widow, relict of nephew THOMAS BLANCHARD, L20.
To my six granddaughters the daughters of my said son ROBERT BRISTOW deceased,
viz: KATHERINE, AVARILLA, ELIZABETH, ANNE, FRANCES, and REBECCA BRISTOW L1000
each at 21, etc. To granddaughter KATHERINE BRISTOW L100 more at 21 or
marriage.
To grandson WILLIAM BRISTOW- all my land in the parish of St. Mary Overeys, in
the Burrough of Southwark, purchased of Mr JOHN LORAIN, being the Talbott Inn,
and other houses leased at L240 per annum, and in default of issue of said
WILLIAM BRISTOW to my grandson JOHN BRISTOW, then to my grandson ROBERT
BRISTOW.
To grandson JOHN BRISTOW, youngest son of said son ROBERT BRISTOW, lands at
Brittlewell in Hundred of Rocheford, Essex, lately purchased of THOMAS WERG,
Esq'r., being the Moiety of Manner of Earls Hall and Lordshipp of Brittlewell
and Farm lett to WILLIAM FERRYS, and Rectory lett to THOMAS SHORT, all of L180
per annum, other Moiety whereof belongs to Mr. JOHN CHAMBERS, and also 120
acres in parish of East Wood Bury, Hundred of Rocheford, of annual value of
L30, in default of issue of JOHN, to grandsons WILLIAM and ROBERT.
- 19 -
To my grandson ROBERT- lands and all money and debts owing to me in VIRGINIA,
in default of issue the same to my grandson WILLIAM BRISTOW, in default, to my
grandson JOHN BRISTOW.
To my daughter-in-law KATHERINE BRISTOW, the said WILLIAM MADGWICK, and
BENJAMIN WOOLLEY of Mortlack, Gent., all the lands in the hundred of Rocheford,
Essex, which I purchased of the Right Honorable DANIEL EARLE of Nottingham, in
trust for my grandson ROBERT BRISTOW with remainder as aforesaid.
My daughter-in-law KATHERINE BRISTOW to be executrix until she marry or the
said ROBERT, WILLIAM, and JOHN BRISTOW are 21, then they to be executors with
granddaughter KATHERINE BRISTOW.
Residue of estate, other than in VIRGINIA, to 6 granddaughters, children of son
ROBERT BRISTOW.
If any, except ROBERT, claim custom of London, legacies to be void.
claim, said claim to be charged out of his legacy.
If ROBERT
To my wife and daughter-in-law L20 each for mourning.
To my said son-in-law ARTHUR BAILY and said WILLIAM MADGWICK L10 ditto.
To each of my servants L5 ditto.
Codicil, 3 April 1707:
Whereas I have bought the Mannor of Havering, in Parish of Hornechurch,
Essex, and several Farms in Essex from JOHN WOOLLEY, merchant, to my daughterin-law KATHERINE BRISTOW and LAWRENCE HATSELL of London, Scrivener, in trust
for the nine children of my said daughter-in-law, the same, to be sold and the
money to be equally divided among the said nine children of my said daughter
BRISTOW by Mr. ROBERT BRISTOW, my son, her Husband, deceased.
Witness to both will and codicil:
ROBERT BRISTOW
EDWARD NORTHEY
WILLIAM LANG
JA: GIBBON
Proved, 21 March 1743/4, by JOHN BRISTOW, Esquire, one of the grandsons and
surviving executors, reserving to other surviving executors WILLIAM BRISTOW and
KATHERINE BRISTOW, grant to KATHERINE BRISTOW, Widow, expiring by reason of
said JOHN BRISTOW attaining age of 21.
_______________________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In Burke's Landed Gentry, edition of 1847, is a pedigree of the family to which
the testator belonged. It states that ROBERT BRISTOW, Esq., second son of
ROBERT BRISTOW, Esq., of Ayot, St. Lawrence, Hertfordshire, was born in 1643,
and settled in Virginia, about 1660 (as stated in Byshes Visitation of Herts., 1669). In
Virginia he purchased in 1663, and following years, various estates in the
counties of Lancaster, Gloucester and Prince William (which was then Stafford).
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He married in Virginia, AVARILLA, daughter of MAJOR CURTIS. Returning to
England about 1680, he became a merchant in London, and acquired a considerable
fortune, and purchased estates in London and elsewhare, His only son, ROBERT
BRISTOW, Esq., associated with him in business, was also very successful, and
bought property in Sussex and Essex. He was M. P. for Winchelsea in the
Parliaments of 1698 and 1700. The family seems to have been one of
considerable wealth and social standing.
This account is borne out by our records. ROBERT BRISTOW received the
following grants: (1) One thousand acres on Fleet's Bay, Lancaster county,
formerly granted to Humphrey Tabb by patent, March 22, 1654, and by Thomas
Tabb, son and heir of the said Humphrey, assigned to Philip Mallory, and by
said Mallory assigned to BRISTOW and Edmund Welsh, who sold his share to
BRISTOW, September 29, 1663; (2) 398 acres in Gloucester, on North River, in
Mockjack Bay, and adjoining the lands of Harris, Thomas Morris, MAJOR CURTIS,
and Mr. Richard Young - 288 acres, part thereof was formerly granted to MRS.
AVARILLA CURTIS April 4, 1661 (being part of a grant of 410 acres), and by the
said AVARILLA assigned to "the said MR. BRISTOW's husband" (evidently "MR.
BRISTOW, her husband," is meant); October 25, 1665; (3) 184 acres in
Gloucester, on Ware River, adjoining his own land and that of Harris, May 7,
1666. After his return to England he became a partner with Brent and others,
about 1689 in the purchase of 30,000 acres in Stafford, now in Prince William,
called Brent Town or Brenton. BRISTOW Station, well known during the Civil
War, doubtless derives its name from the BRISTOW estate in Prince William,
which remained in the possession of the family until the Revolution, when it
was confiscated.
ROBERT BRISTOW evidently returned to England about 1677. In the report
of the Bacon's Rebellion Commissioners on the sufferers in that insurrection,
made October 15, 1677, they say:
"MAJOR ROBERT BRISTOW, a Gentleman of a good estate and an Eminent
sufferer in his stock, Provision, Armes, Ammunition, Mr'chts Goods &
considerable Quantitys of Strong Liquors, as also in his person by being
kept a prisoner until Bacon's death and after, he hath had a general
knowledge of most passages relating to the late unhappy Troubles, and is
able not only to justify most Particulars of our Narrative, But also a
person very fitt & necessary to be examined to divers particulars in the
generall & personall Grievances. Being a man of good understanding in
the Virginia affaires and one of Integrity and moderaction, soe that wee
could wish hee might bee sent where there shall bee occasion & use of him
in any of the aforesaid affaires being now an Inhabitant in Tower Street,
London, Agt. Barking Church."
ROBERT BRISTOW married AVARILLA, daughter of MAJOR THOMAS CURTIS, of
Gloucester, and AVARILLA, his wife. They also had a daughter, SARAH CURTIS,
born in Ware Parish, Gloucester, August 16, 1657, who married, first, William
Halfhide, and secondly, Richard Perrott, of Middlesex county.
________________
*SOURCE: Withington, Lothrop. Virginia Gleanings In England - Abstracts of
17th and 18th Century English Wills and Administrations Relating to
Virginia and Virginians. (A Consolidation of Articles from The Virginia
Magazine of History and Biography). Genealogical Publishing Company,
Baltimore, 1980, pages 114-117,
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MORE INFORMATION ON ROBERT BRISTOW:
AVARILLA CURTIS, daughter of THOMAS and AVARILLA CURTIS, patented 410
acres in Gloucester County, 3 April 1661, adjoining MAJ. CURTIS, which included
a 350 acre grant to JOHN CURTIS assigned to her. On 25 Oct. 1665 MR. ROBERT
BRISTOW patented land on Mockjack Bay which included part of her grant,
assigned to "said BRISTOW her husband" [Patent Bk. 4, p. 464; Patent Bk. 5, p.
523].
ROBERT BRISTOW, born 1634 at Brinstead, Hampshire, son of JOHN and JANE
BRISTOW [P.C.C. 159 Twisse, in MHM XXII, pp. 225-28], was appointed with his
brother RICHARD to the Grocers Company and came to Virginia about 1660. He
favored Governor Berkley during Bacon's Rebellion and for a time was imprisoned
by Bacon. He returned to England in the summer of 1677 and was reported in the
"List of Persons whose Sufferings have been most signal," 15 Oct. 1677, as "an
Inhabitant in Tower Street, London, ag[ains]t Berking Church," and as "a man of
good understanding in the Virginia affaires, and one of Integrity and
Moderaction." He shortly afterward moved to the Parish of St. Gabriel
Fenchurch, London, where he was a wealthy merchant engaged in Virginia trade.
On 17 June 1692 he was elected a Warden of Grocers Company. and he was a member
of Parliament for Winchelsea, Sussex, 1698 and 1700, and a Director of the Bank
of England. He married (2), Nov. 1680, SUSANNA (______) MADGWICK. His will,
20 Sept. 1706-29 Nov. 1707, named his children and grandchildren. . . .
ROBERT BRISTOW, son of ROBERT and AVARILLA (CURTIS) BRISTOW, born about
1662, married, 1 Jan. 1684/5, KATHERINE WOOLLEY, daughter of ROBERT WOOLLEY,
vintner of London, who died 28 Oct. ____. He purchased, with his father's
assistance, the Manor of Micheldever in Hampshire, was a freeman of London, and
also owned land in Essex, at Winchelsea and at Rye in Sussex. His will, 10
Aug. 1706-29 Aug. 1706, named his children. Issue:
1.
ROBERT BRISTOW - born 17 Feb. 1685/6; died 19 May 1686.
2.
ROBERT BRISTOW - born 18 Oct, 1688; died 3 Nov. 1737; married,
29 Nov. 1709, SARAH, daughter of Sir John Warde of Westerham, Kent,
Lord Mayor of London. He was one of the commissioners of His
Majesty's Board of Greencloth, member of Parliament for Winchelsea,
one of the Barons of the Cinque Ports and clerk comptroller of the
Household.
3.
KATHERINE BRISTOW - born 12 April 1690; married, 16 Nov. 1711, GEORGE
DASHWOOD of Heveningham, Suffolk, member of Parliament for Stockbridge, Hampshire. She was a woman of the Bedchamber to Queen
Charlotte.
4.
AVARILLA BRISTOW - born 2 Aug. 1693; died 4 Nov. 1762.
5.
ELIZABETH BRISTOW - born 23 Nov. 1694; died 12 Sept. 1762 at
Richmond, Surrey; married, 10 Feb. 1728/9, at St. Paul's Cathedral,
London, as his 2nd wife, JOHN HOBART, member of Parliament for St.
Ives, 1715-27, and for Norfolk, 1719-56, one of the Lords of Trade,
1721-27, Knight of the Bath, 27 May 1725, Treasurer of the Chamber,
1727-44, Assay master of the Duchy of Cornwall, 1730-38, Lord
Lieutenant of Norfolk, 1739-56, created Baron Hobart of Blickley,
Norfolk, 28 May 1728, and Earl of Buckingham, 5 Sept. 1746; died
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22 Sept. 1756 at St. James' Square, Middlesex, aged about 61.
6.
ANNE BRISTOW - born 27 Jan. 1695/6; died 15 Nov. 1774 at Hampton
Court Palace; married, 23 May 1728, at St. Dunstan's in the East,
London, as his 2nd wife, FRANCIS; 7th Baron Howard of Effingham,
Governor of Virginia; baptized 20 Oct. 1683; died 12 Feb. 1742/3
at Great Bookham, Surrey; constituted Deputy Earl Marshal of England,
13 Dec. 1731; Brigadier General of the Horse Grenadier Guards.
7.
FRANCES BRISTOW - born 25 March 1697; married, SIR JOHN WARDE of
Westham, Kent.
8.
WOOLLEY BRISTOW - born 15 April 1698; died 21 Sept. 1703.
9.
WILLIAM BRISTOW - born 4 Nov. 1699; died unmarried, 1758; secretary
to his brother-in-law, the Earl of Buckingham, while Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland, 1746, Chief Commissioner of Revenue in Ireland and a
Fellow of the Royal Society.
10.
JOHN BRISTOW - born 25 April 1701; died 1770; Deputy Governor of the
South Sea Company, 1742, and Sub-Governor, 1756, the King being the
Governor; a Governor of the Bank of England; member of Parliament for
Beeralston, Norfolk, 1740, and for Arundel, Sussex, 1762, who resided
at Quiddenham Hall, Norfolk, and had a town house in London; married,
30 Oct. 1733, ANN JUDITH FOISSIN, who died 19 Sept. 1788, aged 86.
11.
BENJAMIN BRISTOW - born 2 Nov. 1703; died 30 Nov. 1703.
12.
REBECCA BRISTOW - born 25 June 1705; died 1775, unmarried.
AVERILLA BRISTOW, daughter of ROBERT and AVARILLA (CURTIS) BRISTOW,
married (1st), aged 16, June 1679, WILLIAM WAGSTAFFE of St. Benet Grace Church,
London, and (2nd) ARTHUR BAILEY, merchant of London, with extensive trade in
Virginia, who died before 9 June 1714.
__________________
*SOUCE: Meyer, Virginia M. and Dorman, John Frederick. Adventures of Purse and
Person, Virginia 1607-1624/5, Second Edition. [First Edition
originally compiled and edited by Annie Lash Lester, in collaboration
with Martha Woodroof Hiden, in 1956]. The Dietz Press, Inc., Richmond,
Virginia, 1964, pages 228-233.
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