General Notes

THE WILL OF MAJOR JOHN STITH, SR. WHO DIED IN 1694
Gentleman.
To oldest son John, all land I live on and my mill lately built, and all other lands belonging to me except my land on eastern branch of Herring Creek, which I give to my son Drury.
To my daughter Jane, now wife of Capt. Daniel Luellin, 5 pounds.
To my daughter Ann, now wife of Mr. Robert Bolling, 10 pounds.
To my daughter Agnes, now wife of Mr. Thomas Wynn, 5 pounds.
All rest of my estate divided in three parts to my wife Jane and sons John and Drury. Drury is to take his share of personal estate at plantation left to him, but if more than his share, then surplus to the other two.
To my loving friend Hugh Davis, 20 shillings to buy him a ring.
He is to settle any difference among my executors. Dated 13 Nov 1690
Wit: James Batty, Frances (FH) Batty, John Gay, Hugh Davis
Signed John Stith Recorded 3 April 1694
Codicil: I originally divided my estate in three parts. Since marriage of my son Drury, I have allowed him his third of my personal estate and made over the plantation left in my will. Therefore rest of estate is now divided into 2 parts for my wife and son John. 3 Oct. 1693.
Wit: William Cole, John Jones, Thomas Grig
Signed: John Stith
Recorded 3 April, 1694


Gloucestershire England. He had a land grant of 500 acres on the northside of the James River in Charles City County, VA. on Feb. 15 1663. Healso had grants of 550 acres in 1664 and 636 acres in 1675. In 1656 hewas a Lieutenant according to Charles City records. In 1676 he was aCaptain in the Charles City militia and was actively engaged on thegovernment's side during Bacon's Rebellion. In June 1667 an act waspassed by Bacon's House to disable John Stith and Edward Hill fromholding office. They were accused of creating misunderstandings betweenthe government and the people and were the cause of opressive taxes andother grieveances. This act was later repealed. In 1680 he was a Major inthe Charles City militia, a county magistrate and practicing lawyer. In1685, 1686 and 1692, 1693 he represented Charles City County in the Houseof Burgesses. He was also a Sheriff in 1691. In the later part of 1656 hemarried the widow of Joseph Parsons, Jane. Major John Stith and his wife,Jane, had three children. Capt. John Stith II, who married Mary Randolph,Lt. Col. Drury Stith, who married Susanna Bathurst, and Anne who marriedRobert Bolling.