John Ballard, the son of Thomas Ballard, Jr of York county, was a merchant and Captain of the Militia in Yorktown, York county, Virginia, born 25 August 1700, died 31 August 1746 in Yorktown.¹  His estate inventoried at 2,727.6.8 ¼ pounds.  He married in 1724 Elizabeth Gibbons, who was born in 13 September 1699 and died 3 August 1787.²  The Family Bible notes that on “____ 20^th 1724 being Sunday I was married to Elizabeth Gibbons by the Rev. Wm. Francis Fontaine.”³

On the death of his father Thomas Ballard, John Ballard became the ward of John Gibbons.  On 15 August 1720, a Bond entered into the records of York County records: “John Gibbons, Robt Ballard & Richard King of York Co. are firmly bound unto the justices of said county for 200 pd … the condition of this obligation is such that whereas the aforesaid John Gibbons became guardian of John Ballard son of Thomas Ballard decd & hath received into his care & custody the whole estate of the said orphan, if the said John Gibbons do well & truly perform the trust he hath undertaken relating to the said orphan & his estate & pay his full dues when he shall attain to lawful age & shall save harmless & indemnify the said justices from all damages that shall or may accrue concerning the said estate then this obligation to be void.  Acknowledge 15 August 1720 and admitted to record.  Attest: Phi Lightfoot clerk.  York Co. Va. Deeds, Orders, Wills (1718-1720), p. 672.  John Ballard later married John Gibbons’ daughter, Elizabeth.

One of its leading citizens, John Ballard was appointed Coroner for York county on 18 February 1739.⁴  John Ballard is the likely witness to a deed from Philip Lightfoot, Esq. of York county to Clement Handcock of Surry county that was dated 11 December 1739 and recorded among the records of Surry county on 16 April 1740.  It appears to have been executed in York county, for he witnesses an attestation that Mrs Lightfoot is unable to travel to Surry because of “her sickly state”, and the other witnesses were prominent merchants and neighbors in Yorktown.⁵

Genealogical researchers at times fail to consult original, or primary sources, and as a consequence many errors creep into print unchallenged, the fact of publication being taken as a sign of veracity.  Many researchers have taken for face value, for example, the genealogy of a branch of the Ballard family contained in John Bennett Boddie’s Southside Virginia Families,⁶ which erroneously stated (without providing a source) that the wife of John Ballard of Yorktown was Elizabeth Bland, daughter of William Bland.⁷  Boddie appears to have been trying to tie this Ballard family to the family that settled in Albemarle county, which is incorrect.  Indeed, many assertions presented in that account of the family have been dis-proven by the discovery in 2007 of the John Ballard of Yorktown Family Bible.

Correct information on the family appears in Clyde F. Trudell’s Colonial Yorktown, a study of that town and its citizens published in 1938, but overlooked (or ignored) by later writers.⁸  The will of Elizabeth’s father, John Gibbons/Gibbins (1650-1727) proves that a lot in Yorktown was devised to his daughter Elizabeth,⁹ Use Gibbons acquired it by escheat from Stephen Fuller, as shown here. ¹⁰

Will of John Gibbins:

In the name of God Amen, I John Gibbins of York Town in York Co. being Sick in Health but of perfect Sound & memory do make my Last Will & testament in manner following Imprimis. I leave my Soul to God that have it to me and my body to the Earth from where it came to be decently buried by my …., hereafter named.

Item, I Give and bequeath to my son John my two lots in York Town which I brought of Parson Andrews numbers 64 and 65 to him and his heirs forever but if my son John should die without heirs then my will is that my two lots above mentioned should be sold and the proceeds equally divided between these my three children Lawrence, Thomas and Sarah

Item, I Give and bequeath to my son John my tract or parcel of land laying in Yorkhampton parish in the Co. of York to him and his heirs forever And I Give to my Son John my Watch

Item, I Give and bequeath to my Son Lawrence my lot in York Town Number 71 where my Ordinary now stands to him and his heirs forever and I Give to my Son Lawrence my …. ?[illegible]

Item, I Give and bequeath to my son Thomas my lot in York Town which I brought of Stephen Fuller facing the lot which I have given to my son John Ballard to him and his heirs forever

Item, I Give and bequeath to my Son John Ballard & my Daughter Elizabeth Ballard my lot in York Town which I Escheated from the Gibsons to them their heirs forever

Item, I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Gibbins my lot in York Town joining to the ordinary lot known by the number 67 to her and her heirs forever

Item, I Give and bequeath unto my loving Wife the bed we usually lye upon with all its furniture and one trunk which was her mother’s; my black horse and furnishings Item I give and bequeath unto my son John that bed and furniture which is in the house that Dost Armor?? now lives in

Item, I give to my daughter Mary Baptist one bed and rug one pair of blankets and one pair of holland sheets

Item, I desire that the rest of my beds with the furniture belonging to them be sold my grandson John Harvey to have six pounds of it of the produce thereof the remainder to be equally divided between my these three children Lawrence Thomas & Sarah

Item, I give and bequeath unto my loving Wife half dozen chairs (viz) three leather chairs and three rush chairs one tea table and three cows My will and desire is that all the rest of my estate both real and personal of what kind be Sold the payment of my debts to be made and the remainder if any be given as follows to my daughters Mary Baptist Elizabeth Ballard Sarah Gibbins each of them one gold ring of fiveteen shillings price and likewise to Sarah Nelson Mary Phillips Rebecca Phillips each of them one gold ring of fiveteen shillings price if any then remains I desire it may divided equally between my wife & children (viz) John Gibbins, Lawrence, Thomas and Sarah

Lastly I nominate institute appoint my loving wife Anne Gibbins and my Son John Gibbins my whole and sole Executors of this my last Will and testament revoking all wills heretofore by me made in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this ninth day of March in the year of our Lord 1726…

Sealed signed and delivered in the presence of us….

At a court held for York Co. May 15, 1727 John Buckner Gent came into court and exhibited a copy of the last will and testament of John Gibbins deceased and made oath that the same is a true copy of ye original will of John Gibbins and that the said Buckner wrote both the copy and the original … William Nelson & James Mc…. made oath that they were witnesses to John Gibbins sighning sealing publishing and declaring his last will and testament 7 that they heard the same read and verily believe the paper now produced by Mr Buckner to be true and perfect copy of John Gibbins will and that the legacys and bequeaths in this paper are the same as were contained in the will signed sealed published and delivered by the said John Gibbins deceased and to which said original will they set their hands as witnesses thereto which original copy of John Gibbins will by the courts ordered admitted to record  Test …Lightfoot…

page 448 – Gibbins Deposition. Anne Gibbins Relect of John Gibbins Decd being Sworn & Examined in open Court declares that this last Will of the said John Gibbins being in her possession the Same was acidentally (left or lost) and since she knows nothing of the said Wills and further sayeth not

page 448 – Gibbins Deposition. (parts are missing) John Gibbins the oldest Son of John Gibbins desed being Sworn and Examined in Court declares that he heard the last Wills of his Father John Gibbons …. that he knows nothing more of it and further saith not

page 448 – Gibbins Will proved (much is missing) John Buckner Gent as one into Court and Exhibited a Copy of the last Will and testiment of John Gibbins deced and made Oath that the Same is a true Copy of the Original. W….. Gibbins and that the said Buckner wrote both the …….. Nelson & James M….& made Oath the…….John Gibbons also gave a lot to his son Thomas. It was one that he brought of Shepherd Fuller, lot #58 “Facing the lot which I have given my Son John Ballard.”

John Ballard later disposed of the same lot in his will of 1744, which is presented here in full:

The Will of John Ballard of York Town, dated 24 December 1744, recorded 16 September 1745.

In the Name of God Amen, I John Ballard of York Town in the Co. of York M… being in good health at present But not knowing when it may please God to take me out of this World. Therefore for forwording a contention after my Death I so make this my last Will and Testament.

My Desire is that all my just Debts and funeral Expenses be first paid and then I lend unto my beloved Wife Elizabeth Ballard during her Widowhood for the better enabling her to maintain and bring up my children the following six Slaves Namely Mingo, Frank, Old Will, George, Jenny and Mary but in case of her Marriage or Death then I give the said six slaves with their Increase to my son Thomas Ballard and to his Heirs.  I likewise lend unto my said wife during her Widowhood all my Household furniture and Kitchen furniture that shall be in Use at the time of my Death also my Chaise Harness and Horses and Cart and Horses but in case she Marrieth again or at her Death then I Give all those things to my Son Thomas and to his Heirs. And if my said Wife Marrys or Dies before my son Thomas arrives to the Age of twenty one years then I desire that all the household furniture, kitchen furniture, Chaise Harness Horses and Cart and Horses be sold at Publick Auchion unto twelve months credit and the produce there of I give unto my son Thomas and if he dies before he comes to the age of twenty one years then I desire that the Produce thereof be equally divided amongst all my surviving children. I Likewise desire that the rent of these two lotts and houses of mine werein & Henry Walters and Susanna Thompson now live may be paid to my said wife until my sons to whom they shall be given come of age for the better enabling her to maintain and bring up my Children as aforesaid.

Item- I give unto my Son Thomas Ballard and to his Heirs the Lott or half  acre of Land whereon I now live described in the Plan of the Town by the Figures 54 together with all the Houses and Appartmances there unto belonging and also an acre of Ground which I bought of M Gwyn Read lying on the South West side of two …. Town.  Lotts where Capt William Rogers lately dwell also my Plantation near York Town called Rich Neck Joining to the Land of Edward Baptist also my warehouse at the Water Side also two young Negro Men named Giles and Jerry and also my Gun, Pistols Sword and Watch.

Item. I give unto my son John Ballard and to his Heirs one half acre of  Land which I bought of Mr Gwyn Reade and whereon Henry Walters now lives joining to the South West side of a Town Lott belonging to Col Digges together with the Houses and Appartmances thereto belonging and also a Negro boy named William, Son of Negro Madge.

Item. I give unto my son Robert Ballard and to his Heirs one half acre of Land which I bought of Mr  Gwyn Reade joining to the half acre of Land before given to my Son John and joining to a Town Lott of Reichard Ambler and whereon Susanna Thompson now lives together with the Houses and Appartmances thereon and also a Negro Boy named Ben.

Item. I give unto my son William Ballard and to his Heirs one acre of Land which I bought of Mr Gwyn Reade lying and joining to two Town Lotts described in the Plan of the Town by the Figures 67 & 71 and also a Negro boy named Michael and a Negro Girl Named Kate

Item. It is my Will and Desire that if it shall please God that either of my Sons John or Robert should dye before they come to age of twenty one years that their land with the houses and Appartmances given and divised to him dying shalt descend and go to my son William Ballard and to his Heirs and if both my said sons John and Robert should dye before they come to twenty one Years of Age that then my Son William shall have his choice of the Lands and Houses with the Appartmances given and devised to them and my son Thomas Ballard to have the other to him and his Heirs

Item. I give unto my Daughter Catherine Ballard and to her Heirs one Young Negro Woman named Phillis and her child Lucy and a Negro Girl named Hannah Daughter of Negro Mary and twenty pounds current Money to buy her a peice of Plates.

Item. I give unto my Daughter Elizabeth Ballard and to her Heirs one Negro Woman Named Rose and one Negro Girl named Moll and twenty Pounds current money to buy her a peice of Plates.

Item. I give to my Daughter Ann Ballard and to her Heirs one Negro Girl Named Hannah and a Negro Girl named Grace.

Item. I give unto Miss Sary Gibbons the Sum of ten Pounds to be paid her a year after my death.

Item. It is my Will and desire that all the remainder of my Estate of what kind soever which I have not already particularly given and bequeathed away and all the Goods which may come into me after my death be sold upon twelve months credit the buyers giving good security but it is my desire that the goods which may come into me after my death be sold intire without being broke and the produce of the whole together with what cash I may have by me and all outstanding debts when received be equally divided between my said Loving Wife Elizabeth Ballard and my four sons Thomas, John, Robert and William and my three Daughters, Catherine, Elizabeth and Anne.

Item. It is my Will and desire that my son Thomas Ballard be bound to Messrs Thomas and William Nelson or to Thomas Nelson Jr. Esq. until he comes to the age of Twenty one years and that my son John Ballard be bound when he comes to the age of sixteen years to the sea if he shall approve of that if not then to some other calling as my Executors shall think proper til comes to the age of twenty one years and that my other two sons Robert and William be bound to some Trade or calling as my Executors shall think proper when they arrive to sixteen years of age and to service they arrive the age of twenty one and that my sons live with their Mother till bound out and my daughters till marriages or till they respectively arive to lawful age.

Item. It is my desire that as the Money arising upon the sale of the goods ordered to be sold and all other Money as fast as it shall be received be paid to Mr. William Nelson Jr whom I desire to put the same out to interest taking two good Securities for each Sum … by him put out and the Principal and Interest to be paid to my Children when they shall respectively capable to demand it. And Lastly I do appoint my said loving Wife Elizabeth Ballard, Maj. John Buckner, Mr. Matthew Hubard, Mr Edmund Smith, and Mr Samuel Reade Executors of this my last Will and Testament to whom I give each a Gold Ring of a Ginea Price to be bought in England hereby revoking all other Wills and Testaments by me before any manner made.

In Witness wereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal this 24th Day of December 1744. Signed Sealded and Declared by the above named John Ballard for and as his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us: Edw. Smith, John Gibbons, Philip Dedman, Thomas Loyd….. signed John Ballard (L.I.)

The Family Bible of John Ballard records in on the back of the title page “John Ballard Son of Thomas Ballard – Born August 25^th 1700.  And Departed this life the 31^st of August 1746 it being Saturday night 10 o’clock.  Aged 46 years the 25^th of the same Month.”  At the end of the Old Testament it notes “Capt. John Ballard Sen. departed this life August thirty first 1746 it being Saturday Night at ten of the Clock.  Aged 46 years the 25 Day of the same Month.  He was taken Wednesday Night at 10 of the Clock & remained_____(?) Till Death which was 72 hours.  Tho sick: ____ to be sensible most of the Time.  The same Day before the Night when he was taken, he musterd his Company at York & went to Bed in perfect Health.”¹¹  His wife Elizabeth survived him until 3 August 1787.  The Family Bible notes “Elizabeth Ballard [relict] of John Ballard departed this Life 3^rd of August 1787 Aged 83 years intered in York Church yard.  A sermon was preached by the Rev. Sam. Shield, the ____ 2^nd for in the 5^th Chap and 1^st Verse For we know that if _____.¹²

Given the importance of the John Ballard Family Bible, a complete transcription of the information contained therein appears at the end of this page.

Elizabeth (Gibbons) Ballard, John’s widow, removed to Norfolk, Virginia with her son William Ballard.  She left a will recorded there in 1787:

Norfolk, Virginia Original Wills, Vol. 1, 1774-1779.

In the name of God amen I Elizabeth Ballard of the County of Norfolk in the State of Virginia being of sound mind and memory do make this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following, that is to say –

I desire that all my just debts be first paid then it is my desire that what worldly goods I possess may be disposed as followeth.

Imprimis, I give to my granddaughter Elizabeth Andrews the negro Girl Hannah that that has for some years lived with her, with the whole of the increase of said Hannah.

Item, I give to my granddaughter Ann Ballard my Negro girl Betty.

Item I give to my granddaughter Catharine Boush my young wench Grace Sister to Betty.

Item I give to my granddaughter Elizabeth Hutchings & Catharine Hutchings three Certificates for money I put into the Treasury amounting to Five hundred & four pounds or thereabouts.

Item I give to my son William Ballard a Bond signed by Mordecai Booth, Francis Whiting & James Paisley the said Bond being the same on which a suit was brought in the General Court some years past.

I likewise give to my said son William Ballard my Negro Boy Joe son of Frankey.

I give my largest truck to my granddaughter Elizabeth Hutchings.

I give my chest of drawers to my granddaughter Catharine Hutchings.

I further give to my said son William Ballard my bed which I lie on.

Signed with my seal & dated this eight day of July One thousand seven hundred & eighty-five.

— Elizabeth Ballard

Sealed & signed in presence of: Travis Tucker, John L[illegible]

[obverse]

Eliz. Ballard
Will
Sept 6, 1787 proved
Sept Court 1787
admin granted

Recorded and (?)
Jno. Bousch cnc (perhaps “Clerk Norfolk Court”?)

The children of John Ballard and Elizabeth Gibbons were:

Katherine, born 16 January 1725; married Samuel Boush 7 July 1745.  The Family Bible notes “January 16^th 1725 my wife deliverd of a girl child named Katherine, and was baptized the ____ of February by the above Fontaine.  The Day happened to be Sunday seventeen minitts apast three a clock in the afternoon Rob Ballard Godfather Mary Relfont Jane Ballard Godmother.”  And later: “Katharine Ballard, Daughter John Ballard Married to Mr Samuel Boush July 7^th 1745.”¹³

Thomas, born 4 July 1728, died at sea September 1747 without issue.  The Family Bible once owned by Capt. John Ballard notes “Thomas Ballard Son of John & Elizabeth Ballard – Went from York for the Eastern Shore, the September 1747 and was never after heard after.”¹⁴

John, born 24 September 1730.  “On the 24^th September 1730 my wife delivered of a boy.  Baptis’d 3 October.  John Buckner & Jones Irwin Godfather & Mary Philips Godmother who named John, according to my desire.  The day he was born was Thursday – By the Rev. Wm. Fontaine.”¹⁵  Some researchers assert (without providing sources) that he married Anne Sayer, who was born c. 1730 in York county, Virginia.¹⁶ Other researchers claim that he is the John Ballard who appears in the records of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, though there are other candidates that originate in Charles City County, close to where that John Ballard’s wife’s family (Faitha Edmunds, who came from Surry County) was seated. Also, the fact that John’s younger brother Robert came into possession of their father’s plantation Rich Neck and the lots in Yorktown once owned by Thomas, then sold them in 1761 and 1762 strongly suggests that John pre-deceased him, given that the will of John Ballard devised the plantation to his eldest son Thomas, who we know died without issue, and thus the principle of primogeniture would call for the property to pass to the next eldest son, and for failure of issue, to the next son.

ROBERT, born 8 August 1733,¹⁷ married Ann Newton.

Elizabeth, born 15 December 1735; died young.  “Monday the 15^th December 1735 Elizabeth Ballard (Daughter of John & Elizabeth Ballard) was born.  Baptized Sunday 21 December by Rev Fontaine.”¹⁸

Elizabeth, born 8 October 1737, married May 1755 Anthony Lawson, died 25 January 1756.  The Family Bible notes “October 8^th 1737 Elizabeth was born being the second daughter of this name.  Edm. Smith, his wife Rebecker Philips stood for her Baptised by Rev. Rup. Hewitt.”¹⁹  And later: “Elizabeth Ballard daughter of John & Elizabeth Ballard born October 8^th 1734.  Married Anthony Lawson May 1755 departed this Life 25^th January 1756.”²⁰

Ann, born 20 August 1741,²¹ married (1) _____ Ramsey and (2) John Hutchings.  According to the Family Bible, “Ann the Daughter of John Ballard was Born on Thursday 20^th day August 1741 Baptised 23 of the Same Instant by Mr Fontaine.  Mr Robert Martindale Wife Sarah Nelson & Catherine Ballard stood for her – half an hour after five in the afterNoon she was born.”  A later entry notes “John Hutchings was married to Ann Ramsey widowed daughter of Mr John Ballard November 25^th 1766.  The above Ann Hutchings was born Aug 20, 1741.”²²  Issue: 1. Elizabeth Hutchings, born 19 October 1767; 2. William, born 9 February 1770, died 17 February 1770; 3. Ann, born 9 January 1771, died 10 September 1771; 4. Catharine, born 28 June 1772; 5. John, born 13 November 1774.²³

William, born 31 October 1743.²⁴  “William, Born Monday the 31^st Day October 1743 Baptised 13 November following by Mr Fontaine.  John Steth, my Son Thomas & my Nice Jane Dudley Stood for him (child birth was about eleven aclock in morning).”  On 21 July 1760 when he was 16 years of age, he placed himself apprentice to David Jameson of York “to be instructed in the art of merchandize and book keeping until he arrives at the age of 2[ ]…²⁵  By 18 June 1770 he had removed to Norfolk, when for £140 he is described as “of the Borough of Norfolk” and sold to William Mitchell of Yorktown “one lot or ½ acre of land in the Town of York bounded by lot number 39, a lot the property of John Davis, land which Elizabeth Ballard purchased of the executors of Robert Martindale & Church Street, & is the same lot which was devised to the sd William Ballard by the will of John Ballard late of York merchant.”²⁶  His mother Elizabeth apparently removed with him to Norfolk, for on 12 October 1770 “Elizabeth Ballard late of York Town & Co but now a resident at Norfolk for £40 sold to William Stevenson of York Town & Co all that lott or ½ acre of ground lying upon the street & opposite to the lott & houses of the sd William Stevenson in York Town being ½ of the ground she formerly purchased of the executors of Robert Martindale decd.”²⁷ He may have been the William Ballard residing in Norfolk in 1789, when a William Ballard is enumerated in the personal property tax lists of that year (see Binn’s Genealogy).   A newspaper notice published in the Norfolk Gazette and Publick Ledger (p. 2, Col. 4) on 20 March 1812 announced: “Died – Yesterday  morning, Mr. William Ballard, in the 69th year of his age, many years since a Merchant of this place.”  That age puts the year of his birth as 1743, which is the year recorded in the John Ballard Family Bible.  We have found no evidence that he married or left issue.

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 Endnotes

1. John Ballard Family Bible; information provided by Lynne D. Miller in the Ballard-L Archives, message dated 28 December 2007.  Also Lynne D. Miller, The Descendants of Thomas Ballard and Anne Thomas (privately published, 2008), p. 21 [hereinafter TB].

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid, p. 25.

4. “John Ballard, Gent., appointed Coronor for York Co.” York Co. Va. Deeds, Orders, Wills Book 18, p. 550.

5. Philip Lightfoot, Esq. of York Co. & wife, Mary Lightfoot, to Clement Handcock of Surry Co., for 35 pounds. Two tracts of land on the n. side of Nottoway River in Albemarle Parish (with one being 150 acres bounded by William Jones, Henry Jones, George Pasmore & the other being 150 acres. Philip Lightfoot reserves one acre on the River for a landing place. Witnessed by Robert Handcock, William Dansie, Cannon Roe. There is a note that “on 15 December 1739, Mary Lightfoot is unable to come to court due to her sickly state, as per John Buckner, John Ballard, Thomas Nelson, William Nelson & Richard Ambler, Gentlemen.” Surry Co. Va. Deeds, Wills #9, 1738-54, p. 143.

6. John Bennett Boddie, Southside Virginia Families, Vol. I (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1966) pp. 17-24.

7. Boddie, p. 20. Boddie also erroneously states Thomas Ballard, son of John Ballard of Yorktown, patented land in Lousia County in 1738, which is impossible, for John Ballard’s will recites that he was not yet of age 21 in 1744. We now know from the Family Bible that this Thomas Ballard died at sea in 1747 at 19 years of age. Further, the land patent he describes recites that the patentee is “John Ballard of Caroline county.”

8. Clyde F. Trudell, Colonial Yorktown (Old Greenwich: Chatham Press, 1971), pp. 115-117.

9. Lot 54 was owned by Edward Fuller (married to Anne) of Hampton Parish as of June 10, 1706. He was a baker by trade, and quickly conveyed the lot to Use Gibson, but for some reason this was cancelled and Stephen Fuller, son of Edward inherited this property in 1709. (This cancellation is possibly the cause of confusion in the later in the clear title which had to be re-established). The land is described as follows: All that lott or half acre of Land Situate in York Towne being part of ye Port land there known by ye Numr (54) as by Ye plat on Record doth appear. York Co. Va. Records Deeds & Bonds, No. 2, 1701-1713. An entry also appears in the Land Patent Book 13, p. 43, dated 6 May 1727: “Mr John Ballard. ½ acre, York Co., in York Town, known by the No. 54. Escheated from Peter Gibson, dec’d, by inquisition under Edmund Jenings, Esq., esch’r etc. 1 lb. Tobacco. Said land purchased by Use Gibson, dec’d of Edward Fuller.”

10. York Co. Va. Records, Orders, Wills, No 16 1720-1729 pt 2, p. 458 Deeds No 6 1755-1763 p. 360.

11. Miller, TB, p. 21.

12. Ibid, p. 22.

13. John Ballard Family Bible, cited in Miller, TB Vol. 1, p. 21.

14. Ibid.

15. Ibid, p. 25.

16. Lynne Miller claims Anne Sayer married the John Ballard who settled in Albemarle county, but the author is unable to reach a similar conclusion, based on the evidence. Miller, TB Vol. 1, p. 44.

17. Ibid, p. 25.

18. Miller, TB Vo. 1, p. 25.

19. Ibid.

20. Ibid.

21. Ibid.

22. Ibid, p. 22.

23. Ibid, pp. 22-23.

24. Ibid.

25. York Co. Va. Deed Book, 1755-63, p. 264.

26. York Co. Va. Deed Book, 1769-77, p. 49.

27. York Co. Va. Deed Book, 1769-77, p. 86.

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John Ballard Family Bible

Family Bible Records of Capt John Ballard, courtesy of Lynne D. Miller.

The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New.  London: Printed by John Baskett, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, and by the Assigns of Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, deceas’d.  MDCCXVI [1716].

Ballard Bible Handwritten Notations ~ 1st Handwritten Page on back of Title Page, a couple pages prior to “Genesis”

John Ballard Son of Thomas Ballard – Born August 25th 1700 ___. And Departed this life the 31st of August 1746 it being Saturday night 10 oclock. Aged 46 years the 25th of the same Month. [Note: he died in 1745, as proven by probate records; 1746 was written in error.]

Thomas Ballard Son of John & Elizabeth Ballard – Went from York for the Eastern Shore, the September 1747 and was never after heard after

Elizabeth Ballard daughter of John & Elizabeth Ballard born October 8th 1734. Married Anthony Lawson May 1755 departed this Life 25th January 1756.

Handwritten notations in “Ballard Bible” located at end of Old Testament, prior to New Testament (on back of printed page “The end of the Apocrypha”) :

Ann the Daughter of John Ballard was Born on Thursday 20th day August 1741 Baptised 23 of the Same Instant by Mr. Fontaine. Mr. Robert Martindale Wife Sarah Nelson & Catherine Ballard ____ (Stood?) for her. ~ Nigh half an hour after five in the afterNoon she was born

William, Born Monday the 31st Day October 1743 Baptised 13 November following by Mr. Fontaine. John Steth, my Son Thomas & my Nice (niece ?) Jane Dudley Stood for him, (child birth was about eleven aclock in morning)

Katharine Ballard, Daughter John Ballard Married to Mr. Samuel Boush July 7th 1745 ~

Capt. John Ballard Sen. departed this Life August thirty first 1746 it being Saturday Night at ten of the Clock. Aged 45 years the 25 Day of the same Month __(3?). He was taken Wednesday Night at 10 of the Clock & remained _____ (?) till Death which was 72 hours. Tho sick: ____ to be sensible most of the Time. The same Day before the Night when he was taken, he musterd his Company at York & went to Bed in perfect Health.

Elizabeth Ballard Relict of John Ballard departed this Life 3rd of Aug. 1787 Aged 83 years intered in York Church yard.  A sermon was preached by the Rev. Sam. Shield, the ____(?) 2nd for in the 5th Chap and 1st Verse For we know that if _____(?)

Roes a Negro Woman Delivered of a boy November 4th 1743 & Named Miles, Miles Dyed in 1744

Roes Delivered of Girl July 20th 1745 ~

(?) 20th 1724 being Sunday I was married to Elizabeth Gibbons by the Rev. Wm. Francis Fontaine.

January 16th 1725 my wife delivered of a girl child named Katherine, and was baptized the _____ of February the the above Fontaine. The Day happened to be Sunday seventeen minitts apast three a clock in the afternoon Rob Ballard Godfather Mary Relfont Jane Ballard Godmother

On Thursday the fourth day of July, forty minits past seven a clock in the morning in the year (?) Christ 1728 my wife was delivered of a fine boy child, baptized on Sunday 14 of same month by M. Fontaine Wm. & (?) Nelson Godfather & Sarah Nelson Godmother: which named him Thomas according to my desire.

On the 24th September 1730 my wife delivered of a boy. Baptis’d 3 October. John Buckner & Jones Irwin (?) Godfather & Mary Philips Godmother who named John, according to my desire. The day he was born was Thursday ~ By the Rev. Wm. Fontaine

Wednesday, the 8th day of August 1733 at eleven a clock at night, my wife was delivered of a boy baptized 21st, Ism (?) Moody & John Gibbons Godfathers & Mary Hanes Godmother ~ Baptised by the Rev. Rup. Hewit Minister of Warwick, named him Robert.

Monday the 15th December 1735 Elizabeth Ballard (Daughter of John & Elizabeth Ballard) was born. Baptized Sunday 21 December by Rev Fontaine

(Along Left Margin)

October 8th 1737 Elizabeth was born being the second daughter of this name. Edm. Smith, his wife (?) Rebecker Philips stood for her Baptised by Rev. Rup. (?) Hewitt.

Marriages

John Brown and Elizabeth Hutchings was Married December 12th 1797 in Norfolk Va

Rev Samuel Low and Ann E B Brown was Married December 19th 1816 in Norfolk Va

Wm B Brown and Jane S Scott was married October 27th 1825 Culpeper Co Va

Ann E B Brown and W W P Doddridge was Married February 19th 1843 Circleville O

Ann E. Doddridge (widow) and George Fairchild was married May 24th 1870

William P. Brown and Maria Louisa Hess were married April 30th A.D. 1873 at residence of John Moses Hess – Clinton Township, Franklin County, Ohio by Elder Daniel Hess, her cousin, Old School Baptist Minister

Deaths

Elizabeth Brown wife of John Brown Died September 15 1814 Shocco Springs Warren Co, NC Aged 47 Years and Five Days

John Brown Died April 9th 1813 – in Norfolk Va Aged 58 Years and 2 Months

A E Low wife of Samuel Low Died in Norfolk Va May 16th 1817 Aged 18 Years and 6 months & 8 days.

John H Brown Died at St Salvador Brazil buried in English burying Ground on the 28th September 1824 Aged 22 Years 10 months and 21 days

Charles Scott Brown Died May 12th 1834 Aged 3 Years 2 Months and 22 days – Buried in Lot 122 Columbus O.

Wm B Brown Died January 20 1839 in Pickaway Co. O. Aged 5 Years 8 months & 27 days Buried in Judge Florence (burial) Ground (moved).

Virginia Brown Died December 9th 1841 in Circleville O. Aged 6 Years 10 months and 2 days.

Births

Ann Hutchings daughter of John and Ann Hutchings born May 14th 1777

Susannah Hutchings daughter of J and A Hutchings born September13 1779

Elizabeth Harrison Daughter of Nath. Harrison and Elizabeth Gillian his wife ~ P George Co Va born August 17th 1770

Elizabeth Hutchings Daughter of John and Ann Ballard his wife born in Norfolk Va October 9th 1767

Ann E Ballard Brown Daughter of J and E Brown born in Norfolk Va November 8th 1798

John H (Hutchings) Brown son of J and E Brown born in Norfolk Va November 6th 1801

Wm B (Ballard) Brown Son of J and E Brown born Norfolk Va September 3rd 1803

Jane Selden Scott Daughter of John C and Ann Scott born in Fairfax Co Va October 16th 1806

Notations from Ballard Bible (1st of lighter colored blank pages) prior to New Testament

Written along left margin:

The following certificate was attached to the pages from which this was copied – the Bible from which it was taken was sent by Wm B. Brown to Sally Glassel of Culpeper Co. Va. Who died at Warrenton Va. since 1863.

At top of page:
I hereby certify this afore going to be a true and faithful extract from the family record in a Bible purchased by me from William Cammack Esq. Enoch M. Lowe Rector of Christ Church, Norfolk.

John Hutchings was married to Mary Long, widow and daughter of Col. Benjamin Edwards, Feb 24th 1757.

John Hutchings the son of John Hutchings & Mary his wife – was born Dec 31st 1758 & died Feb 27 1759.

Amy Hutchings, the daughter of John & Mary Hutchings was born on Saturday the 6th day of June 1761.

Mary daughter of John & Mary Hutchings, Tuesday 11th of September 1764 at 12 o’clock in the day.

Mary Hutchings, wife of John Hutchings and daughter of Col Benjamin Edwards, died Dec 7th 1764.

John Hutchings was married to Ann Ramsey widowed daughter of Mr. John Ballard November 25th 1766.

The above Ann Hutchings was born Aug 20, 1741.

Elizabeth, daughter of John & Ann Hutchings, was born October 19th 1767.

William, the son of John & Ann Hutchings, was born 9th Feb 1770 & died 17th of the same month.

Ann Hutchings, the daughter of John & Ann Hutchings was born 9th Jan 1771 & died 10th Sept following.

Catharine, the daughter of John & Ann Hutchings, was born the 28th June 1772.

John Hutchings, the son of John & Ann Hutchings was born November 13th 1774 – being 1 oclock Sunday morning.

1784 – Sept 26th on Sunday, died Ann Hutchings aged 79 years & Susana aged 5 years youngest daughters of Mr. John Hutchings & Ann his wife, after a very short illness, one of them was ill only 24 hours.

1786. April 8th on Saturday, died Mr. John Hutchings of the Borough of Norfolk aged 55 years, the son of Col. John Hutchings & Amy his wife.

Doctor James Ramsay son of Doctor George Ramsay and Sarah his wife of the borough of Norfolk & Ann daughter of John & Eliza. Ballard of York were married 28th October 1761 being St Simon and St Judes day.

James, son of James Ramsay & Ann his wife was born September 8th 1762.

Doctor James Ramsay departed this life this 18th September 1762 in the 32nd year of his Age.

Doctor James Ramsay, son of Doctor James Ramsay departed this life December 15th about 8 oclock in this morning 1797.

John Hutchings, son of John Hutchings & Ann his wife departed this life 27th September 1800 in Alexandria aged 25 years.

Catharine Cammack, daughter of John and Ann Hutchings died 4th July 1818.

Norfolk Jan 2 1822

Ann Hutchings, the daughter of John & Ann Hutchings was born 14th May 1777

Susannah Hutchings, the daughter of John & Ann Hutchings was born 13th Sept 1779.

Ann Hutchings the wife of John Hutchings, died 15th November 1813. 72 years 2 months And 15 days old.