Francis Lockett and Cheatham
Husband Francis Lockett
Born: Christened: Died: Abt Apr 1801 - Chesterfield Co., Virginia Buried:
Father: Benjamin Lockett ( -1793) Mother:
Marriage:
Other Spouse: Mary Elam ( -Bef 1800) - Bef 1772
Wife Cheatham
Born: Christened: Died: Bef 1772 - (Chesterfield Co., Virginia) Buried:
Father: Francis Cheatham ( -Abt 1788) Mother:
Children
1 M James Lockett
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
2 M Francis Lockett
Born: Bef 1763 Christened: Died: 1803 - Chesterfield Co., Virginia Buried:Spouse: Rhoda Wooldridge ( - ) Marr: 16 May 1783 - Chesterfield Co., Virginia 1
General Notes: Husband - Francis Lockett
CENSUS:
1783 Chesterfield Co., Virginia
Francis Lockett, Sr. -- 11 white, 32 black
http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1790m-03.pdf
WIVES:
The will of Francis Cheatham of Manchester Parish in Chesterfield Co., dated December 3, 1785, left one child's part to be divided between his two grandsons James Lockett and Francis Lockett. Additionally he bequeathed one Negro to Francis. One of the witnesses was Benajah Lockett. It seems very likely that James and Francis are the eldest sons of this Francis Lockett, that Francis's wife is therefore a daughter of Francis Cheatham, and that she died before December 1785.
Another will in Chesterfield Co., specifically the November 7, 1784 will of William Elam, makes a bequest to Mary Lockett. It seems likely that Francis Lockett's first wife died after giving birth to two sons, James and Francis, and that their father then married Mary Elam, who was the mother of the remainder of his children.
GUARDIAN:
Chesterfield Order Book No. 8, pg 493 (October Court 1790, Thursday, October 14):
"Anne Cheatham Mikey Cheatham & Francis Cheatham orphans of Henry Cheatham making choise of Francis Lockett for their Guardian he gave Bond."
CHESTERFIELD CO. TAX RECORDS:
Land tax records are available from 1791 onward. I have seen them through 1810. Personal property tax records are available from 1786 onward. I have seen them through 1810. Some of the unusually large number of white tithables in his household are his sons; I suspect that others of them are employees in his mill.
<pre>
Acres Value Tax
1791 1201.5 £503 12/6 £7 11/5 Francis Lockett
1792 1201.5 £503 12/6 £7 10/4 Francis Lockett
1793 1201.5 £503 12/6 £7 10/4 Francis Lockett
1794 984.5 £412 4/3 £6 2/7 Francis Lockett
200 £85 16/8 £1 5/? of Rudd's Est.
200 £69 11/4 £1 -/10 of Jno. Baugh
1795 1384.5 £567 12/3 £8 9/2 Francis Lockett
1796 1384.5 £567 12/3 £8 9/2 Francis Lockett
1797 1234.5 £502 4/9 £7 9/9 Francis Lockett
4 £1 14/4 -/6
1798 1048 $1498 $5.69 Francis Lockett
1799 illegible
1800 234 $314 $1.50 Francis Lockett Sen'r
1801 230 $314 $1.50 Francis Lockett's Est.
1802 230 $314 $1.50 Francis Lockett, Est.
1803 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Sen'r, Est.
1804 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Est. Sr.
1805 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Sr. Est.
1806 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Sr. Est.
1807 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Sen'r Est.
1809 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Est. Sr.
1810 205 $293 $1.40 Francis Lockett Est. Sr.
</pre>
1) white tithables (1786 white males over 21; 1791 & later white males over 16)
2) whites between 16 & 21 (1786 only)
3) black tithables (in 1790 and later blacks over 16)
4) blacks above 12 & under 16
5) total blacks (1786 only)
6) horses (horses, mares, colts, mules; 'horse' often means 'gelding')
7) covering horses/stud horses and rate of covering
8) cattle (1786 only)
9) chair wheels (a chair is a type of horse drawn vehicle)
10) ordinary licenses (ordinary = place with set meals at a fixed price)
11) tax
<pre>
wh wh bl bl bl ho stud c'tle wl ord tax
1786 1 0 12 19 12 1 20s 40 2 1 Francis Lockett, Sen'r
1788 2 16 2 17 2 Francis Lockett, Se'r
1790 3 15 4 13 1 Francis Lockett, Sr.
1791 4 11 1 9 1 Francis Lockett
1792 6 10 2 11 1 18s Francis Lockett
1793 4 17 4 18 1 Francis Lockett
1794 6 9 3 15 1 15s 2 1 Francis Lockett
1795 2 13 15 2 1 Francis Lockett
1796 4 12 7 1 Francis Lockett
1797 2 13 5 1 Francis Lockett
1798 1 7 3 1 $12.70 Francis Lockett
1799 4 6 1 4 1 $16.06 Francis Lockett, Sen'r
1800 2 4 2 2 1 $14.50 Francis Lockett, Sen'r
1801 1 4 3 $2.12 Francis Lockett's Est.
</pre>
In 1788 the two white tithables are Francis Lockett and Benj. Lockett., presumably his father. In no year do both Francis, Sr. and Francis, Jr. have stud horses, but in some years both have an ordinary license.
GEOGRAPHY:
West of Richmond the James River flows mostly eastward, somewhat southward. At Richmond it turns south and flows due south for about 8 miles before resuming a southeastwardly flow. Falling Creek flows southeastwardly into the southernmost part of this north-south segment of the James River. I think that it is likely that the mill was where the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line crosses Falling Creek. I don't know how far west of the James River that point is.
Swift Creek runs southeastward from Powhatan County through Chesterfield Co. until it reaches the Appomattox River. Dry Creek flows northeasterward into Swift Creek about 12 miles west of where Falling Creek flows into the James River. Today the confluence of Dry Creek and Swift Creek is part of a large reservoir. I doubt that the mill on Swift Creek was on the Fall Line. The maps at
http://virginia.hometownlocator.com/features/physical,class,stream,scfips,51041.cfm
suggest that Spring Run enters Swift Creek about 1.5 miles downstream from Dry Creek. Dry Creek is south of Swift Creek and Spring Run is north of it.
Deep Creek is about 2 miles upstream from Dry Creek and probably south of Swift Creek. Tomahawk Creek is about 1.5 miles upstream from Dry Creek and probably north of Swift Creek. Nuttree Branch is about 3 miles downstream from Dry Creek and probably north of Swift Creek. All are tributaries of Swift Creek. According to the maps Horsepen Creek is another tributary of Swift Creek, but the deed that mentions it (9/341) seems to be relative to Francis Lockett's lands near Falling Creek.
SUMMARY of LAND TRANSACTIONS:
Francis Lockett might be called a wheeler-dealer in modern terminology. His story might be called the rise and fall of Francis Lockett.
Francis Lockett's land holdings were concentrated in two places in Chesterfield Co. -- near the confluence of Dry Creek and Swift Creek and further east on and near Falling Creek. It appears that at one time he owned 950 contiguous acres and maybe more near the confluence of Dry Creek and Swift Creek. In 1796 he mortgaged an 800 acre tract there and a few months later gave 150 acres adjoining the mortgaged tract to his son Elam.
In 1756 Francis Lockett bought 110 acres from his father on the south side of Swift Creek. In the deed records there is no indication of another purchase until 1772. In that year he sold the 110 acres to his brother Charles for £65, the same price that he paid, and he entered the milling business by purchasing from Dionysius Oliver a 25 acre tract mostly on the south side of Swift Creek containing a water grist mill. Four months later in February 1773 he purchased 157 acres on the south side of Dry Creek from his brother Charles. Three months later in May 1773 he purchased 150 acres on the north side of Swift Creek and on both sides of Spring Run. Swift Creek flows southeastwardly; Dry Creek flows into it from the southwest and Spring Run is on the north side of Swift Creek and flows into it about a mile downstream from Dry Creek. We know the mill was on Swift Creek, but we do not know where it was relative to Dry Creek and Spring Run. A little over a year later in July 1774 Francis Lockett bought another 176 acres, probably near the 150 acres that was on both sides of Spring Run. (Joseph Bowman is an adjoining owner in both cases.)
In September 1773 Francis expanded his milling business by buying another grist mill from Dionysius Oliver. It was on a 340 acre tract on both sides of Falling Creek and was the plantation that Oliver was living on. He paid £560. Six weeks earlier Francis had mortgaged the plantation of 186 acres on which he lived on the south side of Swift Creek plus 7 slaves, 8 horses, 30 head of cattle, 40 hogs, 4 feather beds, and a few other items. He owed £1151 3s. I assume that he used part of that money to buy the mill and perhaps also the 150 acres he bought in July 1774. Falling Creek is 12 miles or so east of the confluence of Dry Creek and Swift Creek.
Francis not only borrowed money; he lent it. In January 1775 his brother Charles owed him £100 and he took a mortgage on a tract of 113 acres on the north side of Dry Creek where their father Benjamin was living. I suspect that he lent money to Charles only because Charles was in trouble and he felt obligated to lend him money.
In 1778 and in 1780 Francis bought more land near the tract on Falling Creek and then in 1783 sold to William Trabue a 650 acre tract on both sides of Falling Creek with a mill on it for £2000. He had owned the mill on Falling Creek almost ten years. He now owned land only on or near Swift Creek, and he continued to acquire land there. In August 1783 he bought 130 acres on the north side of Swift Creek and in June 1785 he bought 137 acres on the south side of Dry Creek adjoining his other land.
In March 1786 Francis gave his son Francis, Jr. 433 acres somewhere in Chesterfield Co. He had purchased it in February 1780 for £5000 -- a very high price in comparison with most other transactions. Also in February 1780 he paid £2500 for 150 acres presumably near his mill on Falling Creek. Then in 1783 he sold all his land near Falling Creek for only £2000.
In 1786 Francis became the owner of the 113 acres his brother Charles had mortgaged to him almost 12 years earlier. He paid £169. I suspect that he never fully recouped the money he lent to Charles. In 1786 Francis also bought 47 acres from his brother Richard. He paid £117. Both tracts adjoined Francis's other land. In the same year Francis sold 2 tracts near Swift Creek. Together they contained 144 acres.
In January 1787 Francis bought a tract of 100 acres from William Jenkins for £100 and two years later in February 1789 he sold it for the same amount.
It appears to me that by 1788 Francis Lockett was facing an indebtedness or cash flow problem. In May he owed William Branch £100 and he mortgaged 4 slaves. In December he sold 44 acres to his cousin William Lockett. In January he sold a small tract to James Akin and in February he sold the Jenkins tract. Once again he had to come to the rescue of his brother Charles, who had borrowed £195 10s with Francis as security. In November 1789 Francis took a mortgage on 190 acres on which Charles was living. He gave Charles £391. It appears that the debt was paid. After Charles's death, the 190 acre tract was sold at public auction in December 1791. Francis was the highest bidder at £190. In 1798 he sold the property for £240. I don't know whether he made money or lost money.
In March 1791 Francis mortgaged 6 slaves to secure a loan of £200. In July 1792 he mortgaged 7 slaves, the 25 acre tract on Swift Creek containing the mill, and the 190 acre tract he had bought at auction. In December he mortgaged a tract of 80 acres on the north side of Dry Creek. Finally two years later in December 1794 he mortgaged as security for a debt of £700 to Robert Craig nine slaves and a tract of 800 acres on Dry Creek. He may have paid that debt because in February 1796 he mortgaged the same 800 acres to Robert Craig to secure a debt of £340.
After all of the above sales and mortgages Francis still owned unmortgaged property. In October 1796 he gave his son Elam 150 acres on a small branch of Spring Run and in July 1798 a slave. In February 1799 he sold to William Lockett (presumably his son William) for £175 a tract of 150 acres being part of the plantation on which he, Francis, then lived. It was a strange transaction because William owed £175 to Elam Lockett and Henry Cheatham, Jr. and immediately appointed two trustees to sell the property at auction in order to pay his debt. Finally in April 1799, less than a year before he wrote his will, Francis Lockett sold a 100 acre tract containing coal deposits for £400.
After Francis's death his executors sold the 25 acre tract where the grist mill was located, suggesting that Francis had managed to retain possession of it amidst all the other sales and mortgages.
The land tax records indicate that in the 1790's Francis Lockett owned more than 1200 acres with a taxable value of £500-£600. In 1800 he only owned 234 acres.
DETAILS of DEED RECORDS:
On July 1, 1756 Benjamin Lockett of Chesterfield Co. sells to his son Frances Lockett of the same place for £65 a tract of 110 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. on the south side of Swift Creek. It adjoins John Russell, Spring Branch, John Pride and Henry Clay. (Chesterfield Co. Deed Records 3/65)
On June 12, 1764 Charles Cheatham of Chesterfield Co. mortgages to Francis Lockett of the same place 4 Negroes (Boatswain, Tim, Hannah, Kate). Francis Lockett has made bail for the said Charles in the amount of £102 12s 6d 3 farthings. (5/255)
On August 8, 1764 Charles Cheatham of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place 4 Negroes (Lucy, Sarah, James and Tom) for £67 8s 11d. (5/259)
On October 9, 1766 Benjamin Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £12 one Negro girl Hannah and her offspring. (5/398)
On September 13, 1769 Francis Lockett of Dale Parish in Chesterfield Co. gives his sons James and Francis Lockett his Negro woman Amy and all her increase. (6/216)
On August 6, 1772 Francis Locket of Chesterfield Co. sells to Charles Locket of the same place for £65 a tract of 110 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. adjoining lands of Benjamin Lockett, Richard Lockett, James Hill and Wm. Akin. (7/236)
On September 28, 1772 Dionysius Oliver of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £265 a tract of 25 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on the south side of Swift Creek including the water grist mill erected on the said creek with one acre of land adjoining on the north side, it being the land and mill said Oliver purchased of John Clay. (7/245)
On February 5, 1773 Charles Lockett of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £157 a tract in Chesterfield Co. on the south side of Dry Creek adjoining lands of Jessey Russell, John Baugh and John Farmer containing 157 acres, more or less. (7/30)
On May 7, 1773 James Akin of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £300 a tract in Chesterfield Co. of 150 acres, more or less, on the north side of Swift Creek and on both sides of Spring Run. It adjoins Francis Lockett, Lewis Baugh, Shadrick, Joseph Bowman and Elizabeth Clay. (7/71)
On August 12, 1773 Francis Lockett of Manchester Parish in Chesterfield Co. conveys in trust to James & Robert Donato & Co., merchants in Glasgow, the following property to secure a debt of £1151 3s owed to them: 1) the plantation on which Francis Lockett now lives containing 186 acres (except 1/2 acre for a burying place) lying on the south side of Swift Creek and joining lands of Lewis Baugh and John Russell, 2) the following slaves: Emanuel, Punch, James, Samuel & York, fellows, Kate & Bess wenches with their future issues, 3) 1 black stallion, 1 black mare, 2 bay colts, 1 bay mare, 1 gray horse, 1 black horse, 1 black colt, 4) 30 head of cattle, 40 hogs, 5) 4 feather beds with all their furniture, 6) 1 waggon and gears, and 7) two sets of blacksmith's tools. (7/327)
On September 29, 1773 Dyonisius Oliver of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £560 a tract of 340 acres by estimation in Manchester Parish of Chesterfield Co. on both sides of Falling Creek including the said Oliver's grist mill on the said creek and the plantation the said Oliver now lives on. It adjoins Ellyson, Railey, Hancock and Elliot. (8/127)
On July 3, 1774 Lewis Baugh of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place a tract of 176 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. adjoining Jesse Russell, John Baugh, Allison Clarke and Joseph Boman. (8/168)
On January 16, 1775 Charles Lockett of Henrico Co. conveys in trust to Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. the land and plantation whereon his father Benj'n Lockett now lives in Chesterfield Co. on the north side of Dry Creek containing 113 acres, more or less, and also one Negro boy named Gary now in the possession of the said Benja. Lockett. Charles Lockett owes £100 to Francis Lockett. (8/62)
On July 11, 1778 Mary Lowell sells to Francis Lockett for two hundred and ____ty pounds a tract in Chesterfield Co. of by estimation one hundred and ____ty acres adjoining the lands of the said Francis Lockett, Cornelius Eliott, William Hancock and Akins, being the land the said Mary Lowell purchased of John Hancock. (8/346)
On February 24, 1780 William Trabue of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £2500 a tract of 150 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. bounded by William Hancock on the south, the said Francis Lockett on the east, John Railey on the north, and said William Trabue on the west by a new dividing line, being part of a tract on Horsepen Branch. (9/341) This land appears to be near Falling Creek although Horsepen Creek is in another part of the county.
On February 29, 1780 William Cheatham and William Walthall of Chesterfield Co. sell to Francis Lockett of the same place for five thousand pounds (£5000) a tract of 433 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. known by the name of Cheatham Old Field adjoining James Rudd, Henry Turpin, Thomas Cashion, James Puckett, James Cashion, Thomas Patram, Matthew Gibbs, John Worsham and ________. (14/151) See 11/115.
On December 3, 1780 Shadrick Clarke and Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. sell to Ellison Clarke of the same place a tract of 56 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on both sides of Spring Run. It consists of 50 acres which said Shadrick inherited from his father and which adjoins Francis Lockett, William Bowman and Ellison Clarke and 6 acres which Ellison Clarke lately purchased from Francis Lockett and which adjoins said Clarke, Lockett and William Bowman. (10/46)
On January 16, 1783 Francis Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. sells to William Trabue of the same place for £2000 a tract of 650 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on both sides of Falling Creek with a mill thereon. It is the tract purchased by Lockett from Dionilicias Oliver, Mary Lowell and William Trabue, except 40 acres sold to John Railey lying on the west side of the head of the mill pond. (10/175)
On August 21, 1783 Isham Akin and John Watkins of Chesterfield Co. sell to Francis Lockett of the same place for £200 a tract of 130 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. on the north side of Swift Creek, being the land on which said Akin lives. It begins on the road at the bridge over said creek. It runs along Thomas Wooldridge's line to the creek and thence up the creek to the beginning. (10/217)
On June 9, 1785 Jesse Russel of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £274 a tract containing 137 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on the south side of Dry Creek adjoining lands of Lockett, William Akins, and John Baugh. (10/562)
On March 10, 1786 Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. "for and in consideration of the love good will and affection which I have and do bear unto my son Francis Lockett Junior of the same County" gives him a tract of 433 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. purchased by Francis Lockett Senior of William Cheatham. (11/115) See 14/151.
On May 9, 1786 Francis Lockett and Mary, his wife, of the Parish of Manchester and County of Chesterfield sell to Jesse Crump of the same place for £51 a tract of 34 acres by estimation in Manchester Parish. It begins at a hickory on the old Church Road and adjoins Ellyson Clarke, Spring Run, and Eleazor Clay. Spring Run is part of the boundary. (11/151)
On May 9, 1786 Francis Lockett and Mary, his wife, of the Parish of Manchester and County of Chesterfield sell to Eleazor Clay of the same place for £110 a tract of 110 acres, more or less, in Manchester Parish. It begins on the south side of Swift Creek and appears to be on both sides of the creek. The metes and bounds description refers to a "corner white oak on the creek near the said Francis Lockett's mill Dam" and to Thomas Wooldridge's corner. (11/157)
On December 14, 1786 Charles Lockett of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett, Sen'r of the same place for £169 a tract of 113 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on the north side of Dry Creek adjoining lands of William Akin, Joseph Akin, Richard Lockett, and the said Francis Lockett. (11/277)
On December 15, 1786 Richard Lockett of Bedford Co. sells to Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. for £117 a tract of 47 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. on Dry Creek and adjoining lands of Francis Lockett, John Farmer and William Lockett. (11/246)
On January 17, 1787 William Jenkins of Chesterfield Co. sells to Francis Lockett of the same place for £100 a tract of 100 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. adjoining lands of Henry Cheatham, Josiah Cheatham, Daniel Wooldridge and others. (11/356)
On November 22, 1787 Enos Moody sells to Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. for £200 his interest in a tract of 100 acres in Chesterfield Co. on Falling Creek adjoining lands of John Harris and John Amonet. (11/515)
On May 8, 1788 Francis Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. mortgages to William Branch of the same place 4 Negroes (Manuel, Effe, Yellow Cate, Garce). Francis Lockett owes William Branch £100. (11/479)
On December 9, 1788 Francis Lockett and Mary, his wife, of Chesterfield Co. sell to William Lockett of the same place for £60 a tract of 44 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. which begins at a corner on William Lockett's line near Richard Lockett's old ______. It adjoins John Hill, Joseph Akin and James Akin, and Spring Branch is part of the boundary. (11/546)
On January 9, 1789 Francis Lockett sells to James Akin for £51 15s a tract of 34 1/2 acres, more or less, in the Parish of Manchester in Chesterfield Co. It begins at the lower post of Dry Creek bridge, and the creek is part of the boundary. It adjoins Wm. Akin. (11/545)
On February 27, 1789 Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. sells to John Cole of the same place for £100 a tract of 100 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co., being the tract purchased by Francis Lockett of William Jenkins and bounded by lands of Henry Cheatham and others. (11/576)
On November 19, 1789 Charles Lockett of Chesterfield Co. mortgages to Francis Lockett of the same place for £391 the following property: 1) a tract of 190 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. adjoining lands of the estate of William Trabue, Daniel Trabue, John Miles, the estate of Edward Johnston, David Morrsett, and Cornelius Elliott, it being the whole of the lands on which the said Charles Lockett now lives and 2) one Negro man slave by the named of Garey. Charles Lockett has executed 3 bonds unto William Trabue, now deceased, in the amount of £195 10s with Francis Lockett as security, and if Charles Lockett pays that amount with interest and costs this instrument to be void. (12/37)
On March 11, 1791 Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. conveys in trust to Francis Goode of the same place 6 Negroes (Joe, Sam, York, Pool, Bratcher, Ned) to secure a bond for £200 dated March 11, 1791 and payable to Creed Haskins of Chesterfield Co. (12/41)
In July 1792 the following agreement is acknowledged by all the parties at a court held for Chesterfield Co. Francis Lockett of that county conveys in trust to Francis Goode, George Markham, and Jesse Cogbill of the same place the following property: 1) a tract of 25 acres by estimation on both sides of Swift Creek commonly called the mill tract and containing Francis Lockett's grist mill on Swift Creek, 2) another tract lying near Falling Creek whereon Francis Lockett's brother Charles Lockett lately lived containing by estimation 190 acres, and 3) the following Negro slaves: Miller, James, Young, Joe, Cesar, Patt, and Milly. Amount of debt not mentioned. (12/228) See 12/37.
On December 8, 1792 Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. and Mary, his wife, mortgage to William Akin of the same place a tract of 80 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. on the north side of Dry Creek adjoining lands of James Akin and William Lockett. It is all the land owned by Francis Lockett on the north side of Dry Creek. Francis Lockett owes William Akin £182 18s, and this mortgage is intended as security for the payment of as much of the debt as possible at 40s/acre. (12/360)
On August 15, 1793 Francis Lockett and Mary, his wife, and Geo. Markham, Francis Goode and Jesse Cogbill, all of Chesterfield Co., sell to Daniel Trabue of the same place for £4 a tract of 4 acres, being part of a tract of 190 acres formerly belonging to Charles Lockett, dec'd, and mortgaged to Markham, Goode and Cogbill. (12/448) See 12/228.
On April 5, 1794 Francis Lockett of the Parish of Manchester in Chesterfield Co. sells to Jeremiah P. Baugh of the same place for £157 19s a tract of 133 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. adjoining James Cheatham, Spring Run road and Allison Clarke. Signed Francis Lockett (seal) and Mary Lockett (seal). (13/30)
Francis Lockett Senior of Chesterfield Co. owes Robert Craig of the town of Manchester £700 and on December 2, 1794 he conveys in trust to William Ball and John Hendrick of the town of Manchester the following property: 1) a tract of 800 acres, more or less, on Dry Creek. It begins at the Dry Creek bridge on James Akins's line. Swift Creek and Dry Creek are part of the boundary. The description mentions Spring Run, William Lockett, John Farmer, Joseph Akin, John Russell, James Cheatham and others. 2) nine Negroes. They are Joe aged about 59, Sam, his son, about 28, York, his son, about 26, Poole about 29, Bratcher about 25, Ned about 22, and Kate, a Negro woman about 26 and her two children Cynthia and Mary. (13/312)
On December 29, 1796 Joseph Akin and James Akin, sons of William Akin, relinquish unto Francis Lockett all claims that they may have to the mortgaged property described in 12/360.
On January 5, 1796 Robert Craig, merchant in the town of Manchester, paid them £218 8s 6p at the request of Francis Lockett. (14/285)
Francis Lockett Senior owed Robert Craig £700 by bond dated December 2, 1794 and he conveyed an 800 acre tract and 9 Negroes in trust to two trustees. He now owes Robert Craig £340 by bond dated February 16, 1796 and on that date he conveys the same 800 acre tract and the same 9 Negroes in trust to Robert Craig of the town of Manchester. If Francis Lockett pays the £340 plus interest and costs before December 2, 1797, this conveyance will be void. (13/505)
On October 29, 1796 Francis Lockett of Chesterfield Co. "for the love, good will and affection I have for my son Elam Lockett of said county" gives to Elam Lockett a tract of 150 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. adjoining John Baugh, James Cheatham, Jeremiah Baugh, Allyson Clarke, the old mill called Turpins, a small branch on Spring Run, and land mortgaged to Robert Craig. (14/21)
On February 12, 1798 George Markham and Jesse Cogbill, surviving trustees, and John Hill, for whose sole benefit the deed of trust in 12/228 was made, relinquish all their claim to the 190 acre tract. (14/214) See 12/228.
On February 13, 1798 Francis Lockett, Senior of Chesterfield Co. sells to Daniel Trabue of the same place for £240 a tract of 190 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. Charles Lockett, late of the said county, deceased, by indenture date November 19, 1789 mortgaged to Francis Lockett this 190 acre tract, which he had purchased of William Trabue. If Charles Lockett had paid the sum of £195 10s with interest and costs to William Trabue, then the mortgage would have become void. It appears that he did not and that after the death of Charles Lockett, Francis Lockett paid the full amount of the debt. The ink is badly faded and the deed is hard to read. It appears that Francis Lockett initiated some sort of legal proceeding in the Chesterfield County Court against Susanna Lockett, widow and relict of the said Charles Lockett, and against Jiminah Lockett, Susanna Lockett, and Mary Lockett, children of Charles Lockett, and against Edward Moseley, their guardian. The court made a ruling in November 1791, and the property was sold on December 26, 1791 at public auction. Francis Lockett was the highest bidder and paid £190. (14/218)
On March 10, 1798 Francis Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. "for and in consideration of the Love and affection that he hath for his Daughter Mary Akin" gives to Arthur Akin and Mary, his wife, daughter to the said Francis Lockett, a Negro man slave by the name of Sam, about 35 years old. (14/301)
On July 21, 1798 Francis Lockett, Sen'r. of Chesterfield Co. "for the love and affection I have and do bear unto my son Elam Lockett" gives him one Negro man named Bratcher. On September 10, 1798 Robert Craig relinquishes any interest he may have in the man named Bratcher. (14/332)
On July 20, 1798 Francis Lockett and Robert Craig of Chesterfield Co. sell to John Hill of the same place for £70 10s a tract of 47 acres, more or less, being part of the land conveyed in trust by Francis Lockett to William Ball and John Hendrick to secure the payment of a sum of money to the said Robert Craig and part of the land on which John Baugh formerly lived. It begins on Spring Run where the road crosses the same and adjoins John Hill, John Farmer's estate, Ann Farmer, Elam Lockett, and the road from Goode's Bridge to Manchester. (14/332) On the same date Francis Lockett and Robert Craig sell to Ann Farmer of Chesterfield Co. for £36 a tract of 40 acres, more or less, formerly belonging to John Baugh and conveyed in trust by Francis Lockett to William Ball and John Hancock to secure the payment of a sum of money to Robert Craig. (14/333)
On December 1, 1798 Francis Lockett and Robert Craig of Chesterfield Co. sell to Eleazer Clay of the same place for £1069 10/6 a tract of 577 acres by estimation in Chesterfield Co. 565 acres of which were conveyed in trust to Wm. Ball and John Hentrick to secure the payment of a sum of money to Robert Craig and were sold by the trustees for £1046 14/10. It begins on the south side of Swift Creek at the mouth of the Meadow Branch, thence up the creek to the mouth of Dry Creek, and thence up Dry Creek as it meanders to a bridge. It adjoins James Akin, Joseph Akin, William Hill, and Farmer. (15/97) The description is probably of the larger 577 acre tract.
On February 18, 1799 Francis Lockett, Sen'r. of Chesterfield Co. sells to William Lockett of the same place for £175 a tract of 150 acres, more or less, in Chesterfield Co. being part of the tract on which Francis Lockett now lives. It begins at a sweet gum on Spring Run on Eleazer Clay's line, and Ellison Clarke's line, Elam Lockett's line, and the old mill path are parts of the boundary. (14/412) On the same date William Lockett, who desires to secure the payment of a debt of £175 to Elam Lockett and Francis Cheatham, executors of Henry Cheatham, Jun'r, dec'd, with lawful interest from September 23, 1797 until paid, appoints Maj. John Hill and Robert Haskins his trustees to sell at public auction the above tract of 150 acres or as much thereof as shall be necessary to pay the debt of £175 with interest and costs. (14/459) William Lockett is probably Francis's son.
On April 20, 1799 Francis Lockett and two commissioners appointed by the court, Geo. Markham and Thos. Watkins, all of Chesterfield Co., sell to Jno. Murchie of the same place for £400 a tract of 100 acres, more or less, adjoining lands of John Cunliff, Harry Heth and others and commonly know by the name of Cunliff's & the Blackheath coal pits. The sale is pursuant to to a court order of March 3, 1798 described in the deed. (14/461)
On January 1, 1801 Francis Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. mortgages to Elam Lockett and Arthur Akin of the same place a tract in Chesterfield Co. beginning on Eleazer Clay's line, thence along his line to Swift Creek, thence down Swift Creek to Spring Run, thence up Spring Run to William Lockett's line, thence along his line to the road and along the road back to Clay's line. Elam Lockett and Arthur Akin are bound as securities for Francis Lockett to a considerable amount. (16/184)
On January 29, 1801 Francis Lockett, Sen'r of Chesterfield Co. "for & in consideration of love good will and natural affection that I do bear unto my two Daughters Polly Akin and Nancy Lockett" gives to them a tract in Chesterfield Co. on Swift Creek of two acres, more or less. It begins "at a Branch that come into Swift Creek just below the old Bridge that ust to go across the creek below my mill" and adjoins Eleazer Clay. (15/271)
On June 24, 1802 Arthur Akin and Elam Lockett, executors of Francis Lockett, dec'd, sell to Eleazer Clay for £800 a tract in Chesterfield Co. "lying on both sides of Swift Creek with a Grist Mill thereon known by Lockett's Swift Creek mill and mill tract of land bounded by the lines of the said Eleazer Clay entirely ______ and including the piece of land given by Francis Lockett, dec'd, to his two Daughters to wit Polly Akin and Nancy Lockett now Beasley and all the Land belonging to the de__________ home House tract from Spring run up the meanders of Swift Creek to the meadow Branch on Clay's line which will be covered in water at high mark when the mill pond is full, containing by estimation twenty five acres". (16/23)
WAR of INDEPENDENCE:
Chesterfield County, Virginia Revolutionary War Service Claims (Ethel Courtney Clarke, 1937);
Francis Lockett, July 1780, bacon, 70 lb
Francis Lockett, July 1781, wheat, 600 bu
Richard Lockett, Sept 1781, beef 200 lb
William Lockett, Sept 1781, beef, 505 lb
Archibald Logwood, Nov 1781, beef, 175 lb
WILL:
Chesterfield Co., Virginia Will Book No. 5, pg 381 (LDS microfilm 30374):
<pre>
In the name of God amen I Francis Lockett sen'r of Chesterfield County do make and ordain this my last will & Testament in manner and form following, to wit:
Imprimis. I give & bequeath unto my son James Lockett the sum of five Shillings to him his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Francis Lockett the sum of five Shillings to him his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Elam Lockett the sum of five Shillings to him his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to my Daughter Nancy Lockett three negroes named Melly, Lizza and Molly to her, her Heirs & assigns forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to my two Daughters Polly Akin & Nancy Lockett four acres Land, beginning at a Branch on Eleazer Clay's lie thence down the Branch to the Creek thence across the Creek a South course to the said Clay's line being all the Land I hold below the said Branch, which Branch runs into the Creek just below the old bridge that stood across the Creek below my Mill, be the same more or less to them their Heirs & assigns forever.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Mickey Lockett the sum of one Hundred Dollars a year during her natural life to be paid out of my Estate.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my three sons Rob't Lockett, Green Lockett & King Lockett my whole Estate (after paying my just debts) both real and personal that I have not already given away to be equally divided among them their Heirs & assigns forever.
Item. My will & desire is that it shall be discretionary in my Executor which I shall hereafter mention to make my son Wm. Lockett equal in fortune with his three younger Brothers provided what I have given him is not equal to theirs and provided that either of the four younger Boys should die before they marry or arrive to the age of twenty one years the survivor or survivors of the four youngest to divide equal, also my will and desire is that my Executors keep my Estate together untill the younger arrives to the age of twenty one years if it can be done without injury to the Estate. Lastly I appoint & ordain George Markham, John Hill, Arthur Akin, Rob't Haskins and Elam Lockett to be my whole & sole Executors of this my last will & Testament.
As witness my hand & seal this 4th day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred.
Francis Lockett (seal)
Signed sealed & ack'd
in presence of
Samuel Fluornoy
John (his + mark) Crosstick
Jesse (his X mark) Russell
</pre>
Chesterfield Co. Order Book No. 14, pg 79 (LDS microfilm 30914), April Court 1801 (April 13):
The last will and testament of Francis Lockett, dec'd, was proved by oaths of Samuel Fluornoy and John Crostick. A certificate of probate was granted to Arthur Akin and Elam Lockett.
ESTATE:
Chesterfield Co. Will Book No. 5, pg 430 (LDS microfilm 30874):
Appraisal of the estate of Francis Lockett, dec'd; April 27,1801:
<pre>
Jim, Isaak, Absolam & Simon £376
Milley & her children Lizey & Molly £100
1 bay mare & 1 grey mare £43
5 sows and 25 shoates £7 10s
11 ewes and 14 lambs & one yoke of steers £27 6s
3 steers and 2 cows & calves £21
2 cows & calves one heifer & 1 steer £20 10s
4 beds and furniture £34
chairs waggon, p'r of low wheels & cart £12 14s </pre>
There are 21 additional items, mostly household items and tools. The total value is £712 10s 6p. Signed Josiah Fluornoy, James Akin, Peter Clarke, Jeremiah Baugh.
Will Book No. 6, pg 310 (LDS microfilm 30874):
The executors make a report to the court. It is accepted February 10, 1806. Total value of assets in the estate is £1875 12s 9.5d. The assets appear to consist principally of the following items:
<pre>
£352 15s 11.5d -- sale
£105 1s 6d -- Absalom
£140 -- Isaac
£167 2s -- Jim
£39 -- hire of Jim one year
£55 -- rent plantation, 3 years
£3 10s 6d -- sale of Simon
£800 -- sale of mill
£17 8s -- sale of wheat
£180 1s -- sale of 4 Negroes by sheriff (Milley, Hannah, Susannah, Lucy)
£10 19s 9d -- judgement against Elam
£18 3s 9.5d -- judgement obtained by warrants against sundry persons
£21 15s 1.5d -- by open account against Elam Lockett
£28 14s 6.5d -- by open account against 14 other persons
£54 -- by bond against 3 persons
£12 8s 4d -- by bond against Charles Lockett
</pre>
On page 88 of Book 7 is another report presented by the executors October 29, 1808.
AGES of CHILDREN:
The will of Francis Lockett gives us a list of his 10 children who were alive in March 1800. We have very little information about when they were born. Elam was born about 1772 based on the census. According to the will the three youngest boys were under 21 in March 1800. William is older than they are, and the will does not say he is less than 21. We can assume he was 21 or older in 1800. Francis married in 1783. It is reasonable to assume that he was at least 20. He was probably older. Mary married in 1789. She was probably 20 or older.
General Notes: Wife - Cheatham
Francis Cheatham wrote his will December 3, 1785. He makes a bequest to his two grandsons James and Francis Lockett, but he does not mention their mother. We deduce that their mother was deceased when the will was written.
Elam Lockett was born in about 1772 according to the 1850 census. He is a son of Francis Lockett's second wife. Hence Francis's first wife died before 1772.
1
Catherine Lindsay Knorr, "Chesterfield County, Virginia Marriage Bonds and Minister's Returns 1771-1815" (1958), pg 78. Repository: Clayton Genealogical Library, Houston, Texas.
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