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George, Samuel, and William Davidson of Albemarle County , Virginia

Submitted by Sue Elfving

19 December, 2008  

Records show that George, Samuel, and William Davidson of Albemarle County , Virginia , were closely associated and all three of them appear in numerous records with the Woods family.

No records have been found to associate these three Davidson's with any of the other distinct groups of Davidson's in early Albemarle Co., Virginia, namely David Davidson, Hezekiah Davidson, and Alexander Davidson.

Also no records have been located to prove this Davidson group was related to any Davidson found in the earliest of August Co., Virginia records.  

Having said the above, it is interesting to note that many of the associated families and neighbors mentioned in Albemarle records also appear in mid to late 1700 Augusta County , Virginia , records. Several children of Michael Woods Sr. removed to Augusta Co. As a result, I would think a close review of Augusta records is warranted. It is possible that either George, Samuel, or William may have migrated in that direction when they left Albemarle . George Davidson is known to have been in Lincoln Co., Ky. , by 1784 when his daughter Martha married Hugh Leeper.

Researchers believe George Davidson of Lincoln Co., Ky. , (d. c1826) married Mary Woods, a member of the Michael Woods Sr. family of Albemarle County . George had a son named Michael Davidson. There was no wife mentioned in George’s Lincoln Co., Ky., will.   A George Davidson is the first of Albemarle group to pop up in that county’s records. He obtained a patent for land on Grannies Hill in 1747. He and his wife Elizabeth sold this land in 1766. Prior to that date, a George Davidson and wife Mary sold land in 1764 that George had patented in 1763. It is not known if there was only one George Davidson who married Mary first and Elizabeth secondly (between 1764 and 1766). There was a Mary Davidson who was a witness in 1771. No records have been found to indicate multiple George Davidsons. This group of Davidsons is found in records from 1747 through 1775 and then they disappear. There is a 20 year gap in records between 1747 when the first George Davidson is found and 1767 when the next Davidson surfaces (Samuel). By 1771, Samuel Davidson is married to a Martha, and by 1775, William Davidson is married to an Elizabeth Unfortunately, a major portion of early Albemarle County court records do not exist.

Below are various abstracts taken from published abstracts. The original records should be consulted for a more complete review and for accuracy of the abstracts. These records are being presented in the hopes they may help other researchers and generate interest in participation in the Davidson-Davis(s)on DNA study.

1747 - One George Davison is listed as a paying (tithing) member of the Lebanon Church (Presbyterian). Source: “Papers Of The Albemarle County Historical Society”, v.2, 1941-2, p. 20. George is not found in earlier Albemarle records including the earliest tithe lists; therefore, I believe he just arrived or came of age about this time.

1747 – 25 June. Patent to George Davidson for land in Albemarle, Patent Book #26, for 250 acres of land in Albemarle being on Grannies Hill…beginning at John [possibly Greer’s?] corner…Charles Hudsons line… (Source: original image from LOVA digital database). George and Elizabeth sell this land in 1766.

1762 – 8/9 Dec. Indenture made 8/9 December 1762 between John Lockhart and David Lockhart  of Albemarle of the one part and John Kinkead of the same….in consideration of 80 pounds current money of Virginia to John Lockhart and David Lockhart in hand paid doth grant until John Kinkead one certain parcel of land containing 356 acres in Albemarle County on the South Branch of the North Fork of Mechums River….beginning at Mathew Mills pointers…to a red oak in George Davidsons line….signed John Lockrd, David Lockhart. Acknowledged in Albemarle County court on 9th day of December 1762 by John Lockhart and David Lockhart (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 3, 12 February 1761-9 August 1764, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1988, p. 71, original p. ALB DB3: 268-272).

Note: This land, described as being in St. Anns parish, was sold by John Kinkead of St. Anns Parish in Albemarle on 4 October 1765 to David Lewis Junr. John’s wife Margaret relinquished her right of dower (ALB DB4:195-7). John Kinkead also patented land in Albemarle on Stockton ’s Creek in 1756.

1763 – 7 July. Patent to George Davison for land in Albemarle (PB#35)…170 acres on the south side of the blue ridge of Mountains…beginning at a hickory near the top of the mountain (Source: LOVA digital image database). This land sold by George and Mary in 1764.

1763 – August Co. 21 Sept. Sam’l Davidson, a witness from Albemarle (Chalkey’s Augusta Chronicles, VI, p. 109, orig. Order Book VIII:238).

1764 – 9 Aug. Indenture made 9th  August 1764 between George Davidson and Mary his wife of Albemarle of one part and James Wharey of the same county…for 5 shillings (in Lease) forty pounds (in the release) current money of Virginia to the said George Davidson paid doth sell to James Wharey and his heirs one certain parcel of land containing 170 acres in Albemarle on the South side of Blew Ridge Mountains…beginning at a Hickory near the Top of the Mountain…signed George Davidson, Mary Davidson. Acknowledged by George Davidson and Mary his wife on 9th Aug. 1764 and recorded (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 3 12 February 1761-9 August 1764, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1988, p. 120-1, original p. ALB DB3: 494-497). This land patented by George in 1763.

1766 – 10 July. Indenture dated 10th day of July 1766 between George Davison and Elisabeth Davison his wife of Albemarle of one part and John Woods of the same of the other part…for 82 pounds current money of Virginia do sell unto the said John Woods and to his heirs…land containing 250 acres in Albemarle on Grannies Hill…beginning at Jno Greers corner chestnut in the top the the said Hill…to a white oak on Hudsons line…in David Stocktons line….on the side of Mount Scrutiny…signed George x Davison, Elizabeth x Davison. In the presence of James Johnston, Robt. Weir, Thos Kinkead. On 9th day of July, this indenture memorandum & receipt were acknowledged by George Davison and Elizabeth his wife (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 4  9 August 1764-12 August 1768, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1989, p. 55, original p. ALB DB4: 253-255).  

1767 – 10 March. Indenture dated 10th day of March 1767 between Michael Woods Senr. of the County of Albemarle of one part and David Lewis Junr. of the same of the other part…for the sum of 150 pounds current money of Virginia…sold until David Lewis and his heirs…land containing 153 acres in Albemarle among the branches of Likinhole and beginning at pointers in Michael Woods line……….which said 153 acres was granted unto the said William Woods by Patten dated the 10th day of June 1737. Signed by Michael Woods in presence of John Woods, Saml. Davidson, William Woods. At Albemarle March 1767 court the Indenture memorandum and receipt was proved by the oaths of John Woods, Samuel Davidson, & William Woods the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 4  9 August 1764-12 August 1768, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1989, p. 75, original p. ALB DB4: 343-344).

Note: Augusta Co., court records (per Chalkley’s Chronicles) show that one Michael Woods of Paxtunk, Pennsylvania, appears in an account book in 1733. This would likely be Michael Woods Sr. Researchers state Michael Woods Sr. died in 1762 at the age of 78 (b. 1684).

 1768 – 13 Feb. Indenture made the 13th day of February 1768 between William Woods of Albemarle County of one part, John Bowyer, William Hall, Hugh Cunningham, Robert Ervin and Samuel McDaill [?] of Augusta County of the other part….for the sum of 380 pounds 11 shillings and 3 pence current money of Virginia hath sold unto the said John Bowyer, William Hall, Hugh Cunningham, Robert Ervin and Samuel McDewell [McDowell?] ...land in Albemarle containing 400 acres whereon said William Woods now lives and joining the land of Alexander Henderson and Samuel Davidson and the lands which the said William Woods mortgaged to Thomas Walker and whereon there is a sawmill & grist mill and known by the name of the Mountain Rains [Plains?] at Woods Gap to hold provided and delivered that if said William Woods shall pay or cause to be paid unto said John Bowyer, William Hall, Hugh Cunningham, Robert Ervin and Samuel McDewell the said sum with lawful interest from the date hereof on or before the 12th day of November next ensueing that then this present Indenture and all the Estate hereby granted shall be voyd. Signed Willm. Woods. In presence of David Lewis Junr., George Davidsonj. [sic], Michael Woods Junr., James McDewell, Arthur Woods. At a court held for Albemarle County the 20th day of May 1768 the indenture was proved by the oath of George Davidson, Michael Woods Junr., & Arthur Woods…..(Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 4  9 August 1764-12 August 1768, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1989, p. 122, original p. Alb DB4: 519-520).

 Note: A later deed shows William Woods and his wife Susanna of Fincastle Co., Virginia selling land to Thomas Adams of New Kent County described as having been conveyed to William by his father Michael Woods. See the 1773 deed abstract. Also of interest may be this suit in Augusta Co., Virginia Court records: Wm M Davidson vs Jno Davidson &c that mentions the Infant Heirs of Robert Erwin ( Irvine ) of Rockbridge County …(Chalkley’s Augusta Chronicles, Vol II, p. 238)

 1768 – 11 May. “Know all men by these presents that I William Whiteside of Albemarle County doth sell in open market unto George Davidson of same County one pawing gray Mare about ten years old and about thirteen hands and an half high and Branded on the Near Buttock thus W Likewise on mans old Saddle, one Bell and one Bagg. These Articles for Fourteen pounds Currt. Virginia Currancy to me paid & doth deliver the same and will Warrant from claim of any person whatsoever. As Witness my hand and Seal this Eleventh day of May 1768. William [mark of M] Whiteside. Test Michael Woods Junr. Samuel Davidson. At a Court held for Albemarle County the XIIth day of May 1768. This Deed was proved by Oath of Michael Woods Junr. & Samuel Davison Witnesses thereto & ordered recorded”. (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia Deed Book 4  9 August 1764-12 August 1768, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1989, p. 120, original p. ALB DB4: 512).

 Note: One William Whitesides is found in the 1767 tithables list of William Bowyer in Augusta Co.

 1768 – (no date on indenture). This Indenture made [blank] in 1768 between Samuel Davidson of Albemarle County of the one part and Josias Huntsman of the same of the other part…for the sum of 45 pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid…doth bargain sell & confirm to Josias Huntsman…land containing 238 acres in Albemarle on the branches of Stoney Run…the same being a track which formerly belonged to Joel Terrell…signed Saml. Davidson. Signed and sealed in the presence of Abraham Musick, Neil McCleaster, William Huntsman. Memorandum that one the day of the year of our Lord 1768 Quiet & peaceable possession & seizen of the lands within mentioned was had & taken by Samuel Davidson and by him delivered to Josias Huntsman and his heirs & assigns forever. Signed Saml. Davidson. In presence of Abraham Musick, Neil McCleaster, William Huntsman. Indenture memorandum & receipt was proved by the oath of Abraham Musick, Neill McGlester & William Huntsman in Albemarle January Court 1679. (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1768-1770 “Being our Part I on the Albemarle County Deed Book 5 1768-1772  August Court 1768 – December Court 1770”, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1989, p. 27, original p. ALB DB5:46-47).

 Note: The fact there is no spouse may mean that Samuel has yet to marry or that his wife is deceased. Wives in Albemarle County records typically relinquish their right of dower.

 1771 – 12 June. Indenture made 12th day of June 1771 between Samuel Davidson and his wife Martha of Albemarle and parish of St. Anne of the one part and William Davidson of the same of the other part…for sum of 30 pounds current money of Virginia to them in hand paid…doth bargain sell and confirm…a tract of land in Albemarle part of land whereon Samuel Davidson now liveth containing 110 acres beginning at a red oak…on William Woods line….[signed] Saml Davidson, Martha x Davidson. Sign’d seal’d delivered in presence of George Davidson, Archibald Woods, John Cleaveland. Indentured proved by oath of George Davidson, Archibald Woods & John Cleavland in Albemarle June court (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1771-1772 “Being our Part II on the Albemarle County Deed Book 5 1768-1772  January Court 1771 – August Court 1772”, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1990, p. 26-27, original p. ALB DB5:323-324).

 Note: This may be land that William and Martha Davidson sold in 1775.

 1771 – 12 June. Indenture made 12th day of June 1771 between Samuel Davidson and his wife Martha of Albemarle and parish of St. Anne of the one part and George Davidson of the same of the other part…for sum of 60 pounds current money of Virginia to them in hand paid…doth bargain sell and confirm…a tract of land in Albemarle part of tractnd whereon Samuel Davidson now liveth containing 287 acres beginning at a red oak on the north side of Walters Branch…pointers on Stony Run…William Davidson corner red oak…[signed] Saml Davidson, Martha x Davidson. Sign’d seal’d delivered in presence of Archibald Woods, John Cleaveland, Wm. Davidson. Indentured proved by oath of William Davidson, Archibald Woods & John Cleavland in Albemarle June 1771 court (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1771-1772 “Being our Part II on the Albemarle County Deed Book 5 1768-1772  January Court 1771 – August Court 1772”, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1990, p. 27, original p. ALB DB5:325-26).

 1771 – 15 Nov. Indenture between Andrew Woods and wife Martha of County of Botetourt and Daniel O’Harah of Augusta County….for sum of 30 pounds current money…bargain sell and confirm a parcel of land containing 250 acres in Albemarle on east end of Armers Mountain between land of William Greggard and the widdow Jane Kinkead…[signed] Andrew Woods…signed sealed and delivered in presence of James Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, Archibald Woods, William Davidson, Mary Woods, Hugh Alexander, James Henderson, John Henderson…Memorandum on 14th day of November 1771…[signed] Andrew Woods in presence of James Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, Archibald Woods, William Davidson, Mary Woods, Hugh Alexander, James Henderson, John Henderson (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1771-1772 “Being our Part II on the Albemarle County Deed Book 5 1768-1772  January Court 1771 – August Court 1772”, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1990, p. 51, original p. ALB DB5:387-90).

 1771 – 12 Dec. Indenture made 12th day of December 1771 between William Woods of Albemarle and Adam Woods, son of William Woods of same…for 25 pounds current money…trace containing 68 acres in Albemarle on Spring Creek and Meechum’s River…[signed] William Woods. Witnessed by William Davidson, Archibald Woods, John Trimble, and Samuel Bocock. Memorandum on 12th day of December 1771 quite and peaceable possession and seizen of the premises within mentioned was had and taken by William Woods and by him delivered unto Adam Woods and his heirs. [signed] William Woods.

In presence of William Davidson, Mary Davidson, Archibald Woods, John Trimble, Samuel Bocock. Indenture memorandum and receipt proved by the oath of Samuel Bocock, Archibald Woods and Willliam Davidson (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1771-1772 “Being our Part II on the Albemarle County Deed Book 5 1768-1772  January Court 1771 – August Court 1772”, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1990, p. 46, original p. ALB DB5:372-74).

 Note: Another indenture made on the same day identifies Archibald Woods as the son of William Woods. William Davidson and Mary Davidson also witnessed this indenture (ALB DB5, part II, p. 377-78)

 1772 – 11 Dec. Promissory note of Samuel Davidson of Albemarle Co., to pay Alexander Stuart of Augusta County, 11 Dec. 1772, witnessed by Adam Wallace and Andrew Wallace. Order to arrest Davidson in above suit dated 16 March. (Source: Albemarle County, Virginia Court Papers 1744-1783, Abstracted and Compiled by Benjamin B Weisiger III, p.33, original from 1772 Folder #1, 2 items).

 1773 – 15 Sept. Indenture made 15th day of Sept. 1773 between William Woods and his wife Susana of the County of Fincastle of the one part and Thomas Adams of the County of New Kent of the other part….for 700 pounds of current money of Virginia paid or to be paid…grants several tracts of land….(1) parcel in Albemarle containing 247 acres commonly called by the name of Mountain Plains formerly conveyed to the said William by Michael Woods, father of the said William…(2) one other tract in Albemarle containing 294 acres being the same granted to William from the Crown by Letter Patent dated 12 July 1751…and (3) one other tract in the same county adjoining one or both of the other tracts containing by estimation 85 acres being the same granted to said William from the Crown by Patent dated 25 Sept. 1762 which several tracts of land are under several Mortgages to Thomas Walker, John Bowyer, Samuel McDowell, William Hall, Hugh Cunningham and Robert Irwin for divers sums of money still unpaid…….”it is hereby convenanted [sic[ by the said Thomas and his heirs at their proper charge and expense shall at all times hereafter to inclose [sic] and keep inclosed the place called The Graveyard parcel of the premisses [sic] in which are Buried some of the ANCESTORS and Relations of the said William and for that purpose at all times into and from the premises to have free Ingress and Regress and that the said Thomas and his heirs the sd. Place called the GRAVEYARD shall not at any time dig cultivate and build on or otherwise occupy but the same shall suffer to remain inclosed unmolested and injoured [sic]”… [signed] William Woods Susanna Woods.

Signed sealed and delivered by the sd. Thomas Adams as his act and deed in presence of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas [mark #] Morgan, Randolph Jefferson.

Signed sealed and delivered by the sd. William Woods and his Wife as their act and deed in presents of George Davidson, William Davidson, John Jones, John Woods

At Albemarle October Court 1773 This indenture proved by the oaths of George Davidson William Davidson, John Hones & John Woods, witnesses thereto, & ordered to be recorded (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1772-1776 Being Albemarle County Deed Book Book 6  September Court 1772 – November Court 1776, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1992, p. 77, original p. ALB DB6:300-303).

 Note: The above indentures provides information about the location of an old family graveyard and further establishes that George and William Davidson were closely associated with William Woods, son of Michael Woods. The 1768 deed wherein William Woods mortgaged the Mountain Plains parcel states the land adjoined that of Samuel Davidson who also sold his land to Thomas Adams in 1775. The indenture also confirms that William and Susana were of Fincastle County by 1773. Archibald and William and wife Susanna Woods witnessed an Augusta Co., Va., deed in 1745.

 1774 – Account of Mr. Samuel Davidson with Carter & Trent, Nov. 1769 to March 1773, mentions Richard Harvie. Sworn before William burton. Order to arrest Samuel and George Davidson at above suit (Source: Albemarle County, Virginia Court Papers 1744-1783, Abstracted and Compiled by Benjamin B Weisiger III, p.52, original from 1774 Folder, 3 items).

1774 – 25 April. Edmund Stephens, assignee of Richard Poindexter, shows Abraham Musick and William Davidson indebted to him by note and they are to be summoned, 25 April (Source: Albemarle County, Virginia Court Papers 1744-1783, Abstracted and Compiled by Benjamin B Weisiger III, p.51, original from 1774 Folder).

 Note: Abraham Musick witnessed a 1768 deed for Samuel Davidson (see above).

 1774 – Richard Poindexter shows that William Davidson and James Stephenson are indebted to him. Primissory note from Davidson and Stephenson to Poindexter, 10 Nov. 1772, witnesses: Jos. Poindexter, John Yancey. Summons to Davidson and Stephenson to answer above (Source: Albemarle County, Virginia Court Papers 1744-1783, Abstracted and Compiled by Benjamin B Weisiger III, p.54, original from 1774 Folder, 3 items).

 1775 – 23 May. Indenture dated 23rd day of May 1775 between William Davidson and Elizabeth his wife of Albemarle and Parish of St. Anne of one part and William Shelton of same of the other part…for 35 pounds current money of Virginia…tract of land in Albemarle beginning at a red oak…in William Woods line…[signed] William Davidson, Elizabeth Davidson. Signed sealed and delivered in presents of us Wm Ragland, Edward Johnson, Saml. Davidson, Richard Woods. Indenture was proved by the oaths of 3 witnesses at Albemarle October 1775 court. (Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1772-1776 Being Albemarle County Deed Book Book 6  September Court 1772 – November Court 1776, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1992, p. 124, original p. ALB DB6:471-472).

 1775 – 2 Sept. Indenture made 2nd day of Sept.1775 between Samuel Davidson and Martha his wife of Albemarle of the one part and Thomas Adams of New Kent of the other part…for 100 pounds current money to them paid…have granted one certain tract containing 177 acres bounded according to the Ancient known and reputed bounds thereof…[signed] Samuel Davidson, Martha x Davidson. Signed sealed & delivered in presence of Edward Johnson, William Ragland, Jenny Stuart, Eliz: x Ragland.

Indenture was proved by oaths of three witnesses at Albemarle County 1775.

(Source: Deed Abstracts of Albemarle County, Virginia 1772-1776 Being Albemarle County Deed Book Book 6  September Court 1772 – November Court 1776, Edited & Published by Ruth & Sam Sparacio, 1992, p. 123-4, original p. ALB DB6:469-70).