Updated November 24, 2022
In 1804, James GILLIAM of Cumberland makes three land purchases in what is then Powhatan County.
1. On 16 Jun 1804, James GILLIAM of Cumberland purchases from Joseph and Susanna McLaurine 86 acres for $946 bound by road leading from Cumberland old C. House to Cumberland Courthouse, on west by lands of Hanse Steger, Senr, on the south by the land of John Steger, Senior, & on the east by the lands of Absalom Davenport, Thomas Davenport and John P. Steger, Junior.
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 219
[In the mid 1700’s,this 86 acre tract, then in Cumberland, was owned by Absalom Davenport. In 1774 the widow Elizabeth Blaikley McLaurine purchases 50 acres from Davenport. In the 1775, 1779, and 1783 Southam Processioning the tract falls in Precinct 18; however, Absalom Davenport and no McLaurine by any spelling appears in any of the Southam processionings. In 1775, the processioners for Precinct 18 are Joseph Harris, John Steger, Thomas Steger and Hans Steger. There were no returns for 1775. In 1779, the processioners for Precinct 18 are Joseph Harris, Francis Steger, Thomas Steger and Hans Steger. There were no returns for 1779. In 1783, the processioners for Precinct 18 are Joseph Harris, Thomas Steger and Hans Steger. There were no returns for 1783. Elizabeth McLaurine’s son, James, bought an additional 36 adjoining acres in 1788. Elizabeth appears in the 1790 Powhatan Personal Property Lists with Joseph as a tithable. She owns 2 “houses, etc.” James sold the additional 36 acres to his mother in 1791. Elizabeth, then, in turn, on 21 Jul 1791 for love and affections sells for 5 shillings, 86 acres to son, Joseph. Somerset lies on this 86 acre tract. In the 1800 Powhatan Personal Property Lists, Joseph appears with 1 house. Elizabeth dies in 1803. It is from Joseph and Susanna McLaurine that James GILLIAM, Jr, purchases 86 acres in 1804. This estate was known as Somerset.]
2. On 16 Jun 1804, James GILLIAM of Cumberland purchases from Thomas and Fanny Davenport, 40 acres for $546 bound on the south by the lands of John P. Steger, Junior, on the west by the lands of Joseph McLaurine, on the north and east by the lands of Absalom and John Davenport
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 220 (partially read, page 2 is missing from my records)
3. On 15 Dec 1804 James GILLIAM of Cumberland purchases From John and Francis Steger, 90 acres for £229.10.0 bound by Parrott Steger, Hanse Steger, __ Branch
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 257
Thus giving James 86 + 40 + 90 = 216 acres.
In Nov 1809 James GILLIAM, Jr., wills the tract "where he lives" to his son John. It appears son Charles M. may have died by this time for three months later the administration of his estate is recorded in the Feb 1810 Court.
In 1815 Susanna, wife of James GILLIAM, Jr., was listed as living on Middle Road.
In 1816 (according to the Grantor/Grantee Index and National Register of Historic Places report, Somerset) John and Mary GILLIAM and Susannah, the widow of James GILLIAM, Jr., sell to Littleberry H. Mosby the above lands (report states it was 216 acres).
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 6, page 93.
Sources
- Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 219
- Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 220
- Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 257
- Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 6, page 93.