Updated December 25, 2023
Background
Caroline County was named for Caroline of Anspach, consort of George II. It was formed from Essex, King and Queen, and King William Counties in 1728, and additional parts of King and Queen were added in 1742 and 1762. Its area is 549 square miles, and the county seat is Bowling Green.
Parishes
Drysdale Parish, 1728
Saint Anne's Parish, 1728
Saint Ansaph's Parish, 1779
Saint Margaret's Parish, 1728
Saint Mar
y's Parish, 1728Overview
It appears that William Gilliam of Caroline is one and the same as William Gilliam of Stafford County who enlisted under Capt Spotswood in 1755. Earlier William of Caroline selected William Sayle/Sale as his guardian.
It appears that this William is also the of William Gilliam of Wilkes County, NC or a near relative, for the Will of William Gilliam of Wilkes County, NC mentions nephew, Elisha Bagby. Elisha Bagby married Rebecca Sale, the granddaughter of William Sale of Caroline County, the guardian of William Gilliam above.
Court Orders
13 Nov 1755
William GUILLIAM being admitted to choose a guardian, made choice of William Sale.
Caroline County, VA, Court Order Book ___, page 118
13 Nov 1755
On the motion of Wm. GUILLIAM against his master John Carnall, it's ordered he be discharged.
Caroline County, VA, Court Order Book ___, page 119
[It appears that William above is the William of Stafford County who enlisted under Capt. Robert Spotswood on 20 Nov 1755. In 1756 he is listed as age 19.]
11 Aug 1757
Petition. William GUILLIAM &c agt. Elias Blackburn. Judgment is granted plaintiff for 476 pounds of tobacco. It's ordered William GWILLIAM pay John Shenolt 70 pounds of tobacco for one day's attendance and coming and going once fifteen miles as an evidence against Blackburn.
Caroline County, VA, Court Order Book ___, page 303
10 Mar 1758
William GUILLIAM agt. Elias Blackburn. In Chancery. On hearing the bill and answer and the arguments on both sides, it is ordered that the bill be dismissed.
Caroline County, VA, Court Order Book ___, page 345
Marriages
11 Dec 1819 or 15 Dec 1820
William Gilman and Eliza P. Hargrave, daughter of Rachel Bibb
17 Dec 1819
John Gilman and Sarah Harris, Valentine C. Long
12 Aug 1833
James L. Gilliam and Mary Ann Luck, John K. Luck
[James is the son of John Gilliam of Albemarle County, VA and Elizabeth Smith, his wife. John and James both removed to Pike County, MO.]
13/14 Oct 1851
Joseph T. Gilman and Mary M. Sanford, E. Sanford, G. W. Trice
Wills and Estates
1752
Estate of Elizabeth Evans
Estate was appraised by Thomas Roy, John Gilliam, Daniel Tripplett and Thomas Peatross
[A John Gilliam of Granville County, NC sells to Francis Taylor of Caroline County, VA, several tracts of land. The Indenture was witnessed by former residents of Caroline County. It is possible, that John of Granville is the John Gilliam, appraiser above.]
Caroline County, VA, Will Book ___, page ___
Sources
- Caroline County, VA, Court Order Book
- Caroline County, VA, Will Book