Generation One:

John Ferguson , Sr. ABT. 1650 in Scotland 1 1717 in Essex Co., Virginia My Ferguson Ancestors in America, 1680-1973" by James Edward Ferguson

pg. 1: John Ferguson's..."first known purchase of a tract of land in Virginia on 5 November 1680...It appears he lived at this site for the remainder of his life. His second son, James Ferguson, was born here."

1676/7. Old Rappahannock was one of the counties that had suffered from the depredations by marauding bands of Indians. After the rebellion ended, the colonial government appears to have been anxious to protect the frontier settlers. At least, in the case of Rappahannock Co., we have two records of an event involving John Ferguson, that indicate this to be the case.

 "At a Court held South Side of River 2 April 1684, it did appear that Jno. Fargisson was Imprest in the Countrys Service with himself & horse by the ord[er] of Col. Jno. Stone to bring down corn and lumber belonging to the Rapp'a Indians from their fort to the River side In which he was
employed nine days, for satisfaction whereof is referred to the assembly."

This quote is found in Order Book #1, 1683-1686, p. 23.

Action of the Assembly on the matter is found in the JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES OF VIRGINIA, 1659/60-1693, p. 253, as follows: "ATT A GENERALL ASSEMBLY begun att James Citty the 16 day of Aprill in the Thirty sixth yeare of His Maj 'ties Raigne And in the yeare of our Lord 1684. These following Orders of Publique Charge and Levy were made:
Rappahannock County
. . .
To Rich'd Cowthorne Chiefe of the men Imprest by the late president's Order for the Removall of the Rappahannock Indians for ten days service himselfe and horse allowance for Caske Included 324 [Tobacco lbs.
. . .
To francis Brown Jun'r for [nine days] 243
. . .
To Jno fforgison for nine days 243
To Abraham Browne for nine days 243
To Daniell Browne for nine days 243 . . .

Considerably more men than those whose names have been copied here were involved in the job of removing the Indians. We have included the Browns because they were closely involved with the Fergusons, and John Ferguson's youngest son, Samuel, married the daughter of Daniel Brown.

The earliest equivalent of a census in VA is the Quit Rent Roll of 1704, which exists in two parts. The roll with which we are concerned includes the fourteen counties of VA that paid their tribute to the Crown. Essex, the home of the Fergusons, was one of those counties. In 1704, John owed quit rent on 150 acres; at least, he admitted to having that much land.

Apparently he had prospered since arriving in VA, since he was able to make a gift of land to his daughter and her husband, Class Caston, as evidenced by the Deed of Gift found in Essex Co., VA, Deed Book #12, 1704/07, page 208;

 "To all Christian People to whom these presents shall come John ffargisson . . . of the County of Essex, planter . . . know ye, that I . . . for the love and affection I bear unto my Son-in-law Class Caston . . . grant . . . unto the said Son-in-law Class Caston and Cary his wife . . . and after their deaths, to my grandson John Caston . . . one hundred acres of land . . . it being the plantation whereon . . . Class Caston now liveth . . . lying up the branches of Dragon Swamp . . . part of a dividend of land formerly granted by patent unto Edward Hudson . . . which was later conveyed by deed to Roger Smith and since his death was, at my petition, found to escheat to our Sovereign Lady the Queen, etc . . . I do oblige myself to acknowledge my Deed of Gift . . . unto my Son-in-law . . . and . . . his wife . . . and further her right of dower . . . Witness my hand and seal this eleventh day of March Anno Domini 1705/6/ and in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Ann, by ye grace of God, Queen of England, etc.

/s/ John fargesson(Seal)
Signed, sealed & Delivered)
in the presence of

/s/ James Baughan, Jr.
/s/ John Burt

Acknowledged by John ffargesson to Class Caston (and right of dower relinquished by Ann ffargesson, wife to the said John). In Essex County Court ye tenth day of Aprill 1706 and is recorded.

Test.: /s/Richard Buckner Clk Cur"

In the Deed of Sale, Ferguson to Jewell, John Ferguson refers to his wife as " . . . the said Ann, my NOW wife . . . ". In his Deed of Gift to Class and Cary Caston he makes the statement " . . . and further oblige myself to CAUSE my wife, Ann Fargisson to acknowledge her right of dower . . . ". These two statements and the fact that we will find that in his will he did not mention his Son-in-law and daughter, Cary, lead one to speculate that Ann Stubbleson may have been his second wife and not the mother of Cary.

Class Caston was not destined to enjoy the ownership of this gift of land for long. On 8 July 1714, Cary Caston, his administratrix presented the appraisal of his estate. His death had occurred prior to 6 July 1714 for that was the date on which the appraisal was made. [NOTE: Class and Cary Caston are the ancestors of the Glass Caston who settled in Lancaster Co., SC, about the same time that James and Agnes (Adams) Ferguson settled in Chester Co. In Landcaster Co., the Christian name Class became Glass.

An item in TYLER'S QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, Vol. 14, entitled "Governor J. Hoge Tyler' Family" includes the following statement: Henry Perkins, Jr . . married Cary, daughter of Jno and Ann Ferguson and widow of Class Caston (d. 1714) . . . When Henry Perkins, Jr . . died in 1739, Wm Tyler and her (Cary's) son-in-law, Richd. Brown, went on Cary Perkin's bond as guardian for her dau. Sarah Perkins."]

Will of John Fargeson of Essex County, dated May 10, 1715:

In the name of God Amen I John Fargeson, of Essex County being in perfect sense and memory and Good health (God Almighty be praised therefore) considering the transitoriness of this life, and being willing to settle my temporall affairs before I goe hence, have and do make and ordain this to be my last will and Testament in the manner following Vizt.

Item Primus I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it hopeing through the merrits death and passion of my blessed Savour Jesus Christ to receive full pardon and free remission of all my sins at the Last day.

Item I do give and unto my Eldest son John Fargeson all my land that lyes on the North side piscataway Roleing Rode to him and to his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son James Fargeson my plantation whereon I now live and all my land on that side of aforesaid Roleing Rode after his mothers deceas to him and to his heirs forever only reserveing for my son Joseph Fargeson free liberty to live and work thereon till he can better provid himself.

ITEM. I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Red the wife of Thomas Red five shillings to buy her a bible.

ITEM. I do give and bequeath unto my Grandson John Rogers one young Cow and Calf.

ITEM. It is my will and desire that my dear and well beloved wife Ann Fargeson have and Injoy the use of all the rest of my Estate both real and personal dureing the time she shall continue my widow without any interruption or disturbance of any of my Children and that she shall not give nor Convey any of my Estate to any other person than as this by will directs.

ITEM. It is my will and desire that if my wife do marry that then immediately after such her marriage my two negros Nacher and Bess and all my personal Estate shall be appraised and the whole value thereof to be eakqually divided (after my Just debt and funerall Charges are paid) between my loving wife Ann and my two youngest sons Joseph and Samuel Fargeson. But if my wife dyes my widdow it is my will and desire that my negroes and personal Estate as aforesaid be immediately after such her death appraised and the value thereof be Eakqually divided between my two aforesaid Youngest sons Joseph and Samuel Fargeson.

And Lastly I do hereby ordain and appoint my said wife Ann and my son Joseph Fargeson Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revokeing disanuling and makeing void all manner of Wills and Testaments heretofore by me made. In testamony of which I hereunto sett my hand and seal this 10th day of May in 1715.

John Fargisson (Seal)

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of
Daniel Brown, James (X) Sams, Elizabeth (X) Brown

At a Court confd. and held for Essex County on Wednesday, the19th day of March 1717.

This will was presented in Court by Ann Farguson, the Executor Therein named who made oath thereto and was also further proved by the oath of Daniel Brown, Elizabeth Brown and James Sams witnesses thereto and is admitted to record.
Test Will: Beverley ClkCur

Ann Stubbleson Birth: ABT. 1668 Death: ABT. 1735 in South Farnham Parish, Essex Co., Virginia
Essex Co Wills, Will Bk 5, pg 386

Will of Ann Farguson 1 Oct 1731 - 15 Dec 1735

Ann Farguson of Southfarnham Parish, County of Essex being in good health & sound mind.

I give to my grandson, JOHN CASTON a negro boy named Mathis.

I give to my daughter, SARAH REDD, my cloak & hood.

All the rest of my estate to be divided between my four children.
 
I appoint my two sons John & Samuel Fargeson to be my exors.

Signed: Ann (O) Farguson

Witt: Thomas Barker, THOMAS RED, Ann (A) Fargeson

The last will of Ann Farguson dec'd was presented in court by John Farguson, one of the exors & proven by the oath of Thomas Barker & Thomas Redd, two of the wittnesses thereto. Jno Farguson with Frans Jones & Jno Croxton gave bond for 300 pounds (executor bond) 15 Dec 1735

NOTE: This Thomas Red, the witness was her grandson, for her son-in-law Thomas Redd could only sign his name with a fancy mark. This Thomas Redd could well sign his name.

Father: Stubble Stubbleson b: ABT. 1630

Marriage John Ferguson , Sr. b: ABT. 1650 in Scotland, Married: BEF. 12 FEB 1682/83 in Old Rappannock Co., Virginia

Children

Cary Ferguson b: BEF. 1683 in Old Rappanhannock Co., Virginia
Sarah Ferguson b: ABT. 1684 in Old Rappanhannock Co., Virginia
John Ferguson b: ABT. 1685 in Old Rappanhannock Co., Virginia
James Ferguson , Sr. b: ABT. 1687 in Essex Co., Virginia
Joseph Ferguson b: ABT. 1691 in Essex Co., Virginia
Samuel Ferguson b: ABT. 1693 in Essex Co., Virginia
Mary Ferguson b: ABT. 1695 in Virginia
James Ferguson , Sr. Birth: ABT. 1687 in Essex Co., Virginia, Death: ABT. JUL 1741 in Goochland Co., Virginia

My Ferguson Ancestors In America 1680-1993 p. 16, by James E. Ferguson.

The events surrounding the removal of James Ferguson and his wife Ann to Goochland County indicate that they were following their son James. He had settled in Goochland County and married, prior to 1738, Agnes Adams, daughter of Robert Adams, Sr. and his wife Mourning (Lewis?).

Deed Book No. 3 1737-1742 Part 2 Goochland County

In the name of God amen, the Twelveth day of November in the year of Our Lord God One Thousand Seven hundred and forty, I, James Fargesson of Goochland County of Virginia being of Sick and weak of Body but of Sound and perfect memory and the Uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of Death I have thought fitt to make Ordain Constitute and Declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.

Item, I give and bequeath to Eldest son James Fargesson my pistols and holsters and four head of sheep.

Item, I give and bequeath to my Eldest daughter Elizabeth Scanland Craine one cow and calf.

I give and bequeath to my Daughter Ann Croxen one Shilling but if my beloved Ann Fargesson thinks fitt to give her the Bed whereon they now lay, She may use her pleasure.

I give and bequeath to my Son John my Rideing horse and saddle. And all the rest of my whole Estate both Real and Personal I lend to my Dear Beloved Wife Ann Fargesson dureing the time of her Widowhood and after her Death to equally divided amongst the Children that now lives with her and of this my Last Will and Testament I do make Ex. my Dear beloved wife Ann Fargesson and my Son James Fargesson.

In Witness whereof I have Sett my hand and Seal.
James Fargesson (Seal)
Witnesses: William Crenshaw, Jos. Crenshaw

At a Court held for Goochland County July 21, 1741
This Will as proved by the Oaths of the Witnesses hereto to be the last Will and Testament of James Fargesson Decsd And was there upon Admitted to record.

 

Essex County 

Essex Co. Deeds and Wills 1714-1717

 

[page 64 in book]

 

Page 499 - Lease and Release.  1 Nov - 1 Dec 1715.  Thomas Jewell, planter, of St. Anns Par., sells John Bagge of same Par., 149 acres in St. Anns Par., “being bounded as followeth, vizt.  Beginning at a marked white oake by the side of Gilsons Creek, near the place where the old Corner red Oak stood, thence along a line of marked trees West Northwest three hundred and twenty poles crossing several branches of Gilsons creek to a white oak and red oak standing on the west side of a branch thence south by west half west one hundred and seven poles to a white oak by the side of Gilsons swamp thence down the sd swamp and Creek the several Courses thereof to the place it began”, being part of a tract first granted 22 Nov 1653 to Andrew Gilson and sold by him, 6 May 1657, to Thomas Reson, and by him sold to Stubble Stubbleson 29 Jun 1668, “wch sd Tract of Land upon the death of the sd Stubble Stubbleson an alien by an Inquisition taken in the County of Rappahannock the first day of May one thousand Six hundred and Sixty nine, being found Escheat was granted by patent bearing date the thirteenth day of November Anno Domini one thousand Seven hundred and thirteen to Thomas Jewell aforesaid party to these presents, saving reserving and Excepting a parcel of the land containing twelve foot Square, where his Grave y’d is now”.  Signed Thomas Jewell. 

 

Wit: Thomas Streshley Junr., Wm. Bagge.  On page 450 the price paid the Rev. Mr. Bagge for this 149 acres is shown: “That the said Thomas Jewell for and in Consideration of the sum of thirty five pounds Sterl, four Gallons of rum and four pounds of Sugar to him in hand or Secured to be paid by the sd John Bagge”.  Francis Jewell wife to Thomas reling. dower rights.  Rec. 21 Dec 1715.  [Note:  Stubble Stubbleson is ancestor of many American families, his daughter Anne having married John Ferguson.  This means Pendleton, Willis, Washington, Ryland, etc. 

 

 

[page 72 in book]

 

Page 558.  Lease and Release.  18 and 19 Jun 1716.  Francis Smith of St. A. Par., planter, sells John Spicer Junr. of the Par. of Sittenburn in the Co., of Richmond, Gentleman, 100 acres in St. A. Par., formerly bought by John Smith of William Catlett, adj. Rappa River and the land of Robert Payne.  Signed ffran Smith.  Wit:  Nicho Smith, Joshua ffarguson.  Rec. 19 Jun 1716.

 

[page 75 in book]

 

Page 615.  Appraisal of “som of Gibsons Estate for faruson” probably meaning for Ferguson.  Total value 890 lb. tobo.  Signed Henry Shackelford, John Haile, Henry Boughn.  Rec. 17 Jul 1716.

 

Essex Co., Records, 1703-1706

Number 11.  Wills and Deeds.  1702-1704.

 

[page 100 in book]

 

Page 125.  Lease and Release.  9 and 10 Dec 1703.  Benj Goodrich of James City Co., Gent., sells Wm Aylet of King William Co., for £84, 900 acres in Essex, which is ½ of 1800 acres granted to Lt. Col. Thomas Goodrich 15 Oct 1669, who by will dated 15 Mar 1678/9 devised it to his son Joseph Goodrich who after possessing it some time died and left it by will to his son Danby Goodrich, who dieing in his minority, the land came by inheritance to said Benj Goodrich.  The land bound according to a division made 15 Nov 1681 concluded betw Joseph Goodrich, in his lifetime, and John Lightfoot gent who married Ann Goodrich sister to said Joseph.  The land was bequeathed by said Lt Coll Thomas Goodrich except 100 acres to Jno Fergeson and 100 acres sold by Joseph Goodrich in his life time to Thos Wood.  Signed Benj’a Goodrich.  Wit: Will Young, James Edmondson, Natt Fogg.  Bond on above.  Ack. and rec. 10 Dec 1703.

 

 

[page 115 in book]

 

Page 81.  To explain the term "procheinamy" which appears in the entry to follow.  It is "Prochein ami", next friend.  As an infant cannot legally sue in his own name, the action must be brought by his prochein ami.  That is some briend (not being his guardian) who will appear as plaintiff.  10th February 1704/5, Jury in land dif betw John Games, Procheinamy of Thomas Games pltf and Joseph Edmondson deft.  With Mr. Harry Beverley Surveyor, laid out the land and find the Def't a trespasser.  Damages at 2 shillings.  Francis Merriwether foreman,John x Fargeson, Erasmus Allen, John Meade, Saml Parry, Henry Adcock, Henry x Boughan, Will Journey, John x Brasier, Timothy Driscoll, Henry x Woodnot, Francis Shakelford.

 

[page 118 in book]

 

Page 103.  Deed of Gift.  10 Jul 1705.  Henry Boughan gives his son James Boughan 100 acres to be taken immediately after his death, it being the plantation he lives on.  Adjs Piscattaway Pickoson, land formerly belonging to Coll. Thomas Goodrich and now to John Fargeson, and so along Fargeson's line to the Western branch and down the branch to Main Pickoson, etc.  Signed Henry x Boughan.  Wit: John Boughan, James Boughan Junr.  Rec. 10 Jul 1705.

 

[page 126 in book]

 

Page 181.  “To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting know yee that I Thomas Day of the parish of South Farnham in the County of Essex in VA being in a sickly weake and low Condition and noe waies Capable to take care of, or provide for myself and that Little Estate it hath pleased God to bestow upon me (it chiefly lying in Perishable Creatures) have and by these presents doe Bargaine Sell Bind and firmly make over unto Jn’o Fargason of the parish and County aforesaid planter all and singular my said Estate”, etc.  In consideration Fargason “to maintain and keep me the said Day Dureing my naturall life with sufficient accomadation of victuals Cloathes washing and Lodging and give to Eliz’a Mary Angillica Day my Daughter when she shall arrive to the age of Eighteen or when married one Cowe and Calfe”.  5 Dec 1705.  Signed Tho x Day, John Fargason.  Wit: Wm Aylett, Adam Denning.  Ack. and rec. 11 Feb 1705/6.

 

[page 128 in book]

 

Page 208.  Deed of Gift.  11 Mar 1705/6.  John Fargeson of Essex Co., planter, gives his son-in-law Class Caston and Cary his wife, "and after their decease, to my Grandson John Caston son of the aforesaid Class Caston", 100 acres where Caston now lives, on branches of Dragon Swamp, being part of land formerly granted to Edward Hudson of Essex Co., which land was afterward conveyed by Wm. Hudson to Roger Smith, and after Smith's death found to escheat, etc.  Signed John Fargeson.  Wit: James Boughan Junr., John Burt.  Dower rights relinquished by Ann Fargeson wife of John Fargeson.  Ack. and rec. 10 Apr 1706.

 

[page 131 in book]

 

Page 255. Appraisal of est of John Jones decd taken by Court Order dated 10 Jun 1706.  Total value £48.8.0.  Signed James Fullerson,John x Fargison, William x Cox.  Presented by Constant Jones admr and sworn 10 Jul 1706 before James Boughan.

Father: John Ferguson , Sr. b: ABT. 1650 in Scotland
Mother: Ann Stubbleson b: ABT. 1668

Marriage 1 Anne Unknown, Married: ABT. 1710 in Essex Co., Virginia 1


Children

i	Elizabeth Ferguson, b. abt. 1706, Essex Co., Va
ii	Samuel Ferguson
iii	James S. Ferguson, Jr. b. abt 1715, Goochland Co., VA
iv	Ann Ferguson, b. abt. 1719
v	John Ferguson, b. abt. 1721, Essex Co., VA, md. Sarah Gatewood
vi	Rachel Ferguson b: ABT. 1725 in Essex Co., Virginia
vii	Sarah Ferguson b: ABT. 1732 in Essex Co., Virginia
viii	Mary Ferguson b: ABT. 1734 in Essex Co., Virginia, md. John Rogers
ix	William Ferguson b: ABT. 1736 in Essex Co., Virginia

The year 1717 was not a good one for the Ferguson household, which experienced two tragedies. John, the patriarch, and his third son, Joseph, both died within the year. Perhaps the statement in his father's will that Joseph should have . . . "free liberty to live and work thereon till he can better provide (for) himself", was a clue to his poor health.

On the same day that his mother presented his father's will to the Court, his older brother James presented Joseph's will. As he was not married, he left his younger brother Samuel " . . . all my land as I have in Beverley Park Patent . . . "and " . . . the rest of my estate to my brother James Fargisson . . . saving only one horse. I give and bequeath unto John Caston . . . ". His brother, James, was the Executor of his estate.

The will is recorded in Essex Co., VA Will Book #3, 1717-1722, on page ten.
On page 208 of Will Book #3 is recorded the fact that on 20 September 1720, Cary (Ferguson) (Caston) Perkins presented to the Court an inventory of the debts that were owed to the estate of Class Caston. Among the debtors was Ann Ferguson who paid eight shillings current money.

During the period between the deaths of John and Joseph and the death of Ann (Stubbleson) Ferguson, there are many entries in the Essex County Records concerning the activities of John, Jr., James, and Samuel Ferguson.

The four children between whom the rest of her estate was to be divided would have been John, Jr., James, Sarah Redd, and Samuel. She did not mention Cary, but did name "my grandson" John Caston. When Ann (Stubbleson) Ferguson signed her will, she made her mark as follows: (O): and, when her witness Ann Ferguson signed, she made her mark this way - (A). It is reasonable to assume that the witness Ann (A) Ferguson was the
wife of second son, James Ferguson. Ann (Stubbleson) Ferguson was the last of the immigrant generation, and her death marks the real beginning of the story of the descendants of John and Ann Ferguson.

To reach Cherry Walk Plantation, drive north on state road 620 from Millers Tavern for 4 miles.