ID: I25570
Name: Henry Downs
Sex: M
Title: Capt.
Name: Henry Downes
Birth: UNKNOWN in England
Birth: ABT 1675 in England
Death: UNKNOWN in Laurens Co., SC
Death: ABT 1765 in Laurens Co., SC
Burial: UNKNOWN Near Huntsville, Laurens Co., SC
Note:
The Pickett Family of Virginia ; In the Virginia Land Patents, 1623-1774 (Land Office, Richmond), we find the following entered in the name of Pickett:

Feb. 9, 1737 [1737/8] John Picket, patent for 100 acres in Orange Co. On south side Staunton River, and opposite Henry Downs.
(Patent Book 17, page 494).

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"CAVALIERS AND PIONEERS", Volume IV, 1741-1749 Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, by Virginia Genealogy Society, pub 1994

Patent Book # 26, p.239--Henry Downs,800 acs. Augusta Co. on the south Riv. of Sharando adj. Another Tract of sd {Jacob Stover} Containing 5,000 acs.; 25 Jun 1747 p. 64. four pounds. Whereas by Pat. 13 Dec 1738 [PB 18 p.148] there was gtd. unto Jacob Stover since dec'd 800 acs. Orange Co. now Augusta, And Whereas Jacob Stover, Son and Heir of the sd Jacob Stover dec'd hath failed to pay Quit Rents and to make Cultiv. & Improv. and Henry Downs hath made humble Suit and hath obtained a G. for the same.

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On November 27, 1740, the estate of Jacob Stover, deceased, was sold (Orange Co., VA Will Book 1, pages 202-206). Some of the purchasers were:
Jacob Stover [Jr.]
Capt. Patten
Jacob Castle, who purchased one heifer, one sorrel mare, and a Negro wench
On March 26, 1741, Jacob Stover [Jr.], Henry Downs, Gent., and Jacob Castle entered into bond unto Thomas Chew, Gent., for 500 pounds (Orange Co., VA Will Book 1, pages 140-141). Jacob Stover [Jr.] was administrator of the estate of Jacob Stover, deceased.
On May 30, 1741, Jacob Castle and Henry Downs, Gent., entered into bond unto Thomas Chew, justice, for 100 pounds (Orange Co., VA Will Book 2, pages 154-155). Jacob Castle was guardian of Abraham Stover, orphan of Jacob Stover.

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Jacob Castle of Castle's Woods

On June 25, 1740, Jacob Cassell purchased 200 acres of land from Jacob Stover in Orange County, VA for 40 pounds current money (Orange Co., VA Deed Book 4, pages 47-48). On June 26, 1740, Jacob Cassel sold 75 acres to Jacob Coger for 17 pounds Pennsylvania money (Orange Co., VA Deed Book 4, pages 52-54). On September 23, 1742, Jacob Castle leased 125 acres in Orange County to Elizabeth Downs for 5 pounds current money (Orange Co., VA Deed Book 8, pages 228-230). This document goes on to say that the 125 acres is the remaining part of the original 200 acres purchased from Jacob Stover after having sold 75 acres to Jacob Coger.

On March 26, 1741, Jacob Stover [Jr.], Henry Downs, Gent., and Jacob Castle entered into bond unto Thomas Chew, Gent., for 500 pounds (Orange Co., VA Will Book 1, pages 140-141). Jacob Stover [Jr.] was administrator of the estate of Jacob Stover, deceased.

On May 30, 1741, Jacob Castle and Henry Downs, Gent., entered into bond unto Thomas Chew, justice, for 100 pounds (Orange Co., VA Will Book 2, pages 154-155). Jacob Castle was guardian of Abraham Stover, orphan of Jacob Stover.

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Old Churches Ministers, and Families of Virginia.
Article LXIII

In the year 1744, there is a suit in King George Court in the name of Henry Downs and Zachary Taylor, (doubtless the ancestor of our late President,) the churchwardens of St. Thomas's Church, Orange Co..

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CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
ABSTRACTS of WILLS of AUGUSTA Co., VA. AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT. WILL BOOK NO. 1.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 10
Page 101.--15th February, 1748. John Stevenson's bond, £500, as administrator of John Hindman, with sureties Henry Downs, Thos. Stevenson, Samuel Givins.
page 13
Page 163.--19th May, 1749. James Lockhart's bond as executor of Patrick Cook, with sureties Henry Downs and Jno. Smith.
page 20
Page 301.--8th February, 1750-51. Mathias Shaup's appraisement, by John Stevenson. Wm. Williams, Henry Downs.

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
ABSTRACTS of WILLS of AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA. AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT. WILL BOOK NO. 2.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 33
Page 32.--25th March, 1749. John Young's estate, Dr. to James C. Young, administrator: To funeral charges, £4. To cash, by Henry Downs, Capt. Danl. McAnare. Capt. John Brown, Hugh Young, Robt. Scott, Robt. Boyd, John Davis.
page 47
Page 223.--15th March, 1758. John Armentrout's appraisement for John Kouts, executor, by Henry Downs, Jacob Nicholas, Augustine Price. Sold by Adam Kittrick before appraisement.
page 54
Page 311.--17th May, 1759. Samuel Scott's estate settlement, by Robert Scott and Robert Hooks, executors. Paid Thos. Stevenson, Christopher Zimmerman, Robt. McFarson, David Nelson, Henry Downs, Saml. Wilkins, Wm. Craig, Wm. Snodon, Margaret Fowler, William Jordan, Jno. Vought, Patrick Cain, Doctor Harrison, Hugh Thompson, Jonathan Gibson, Jas. Beard; 1 coffin for Samuel Scott; 1 coffin for George Scott; keeping 3 negroes one year, nine months, by R. Scott. Vendue to, viz: David Crighton, Jno. Paul Fought, David Logan, Jas. Underwood, James Berkley, widow McDonald, Patrick Quin, Joseph Kinkade, John Love, Bernard Man, Jacob Pence, John Wilkins, Ann Scott. [p.54]

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. 1.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 252
Page 5.--10th February, 1745 (1746). Alexander Thompson to Henry Downs, Sr., of Orange, £60.8.4; 300 acres on both sides South River, Shanando; part of 400 acres of land Alexander now lives on, granted to Alexander 8th July, 1742. Witnesses, Thomas Lewis, Jno. Beanham, Jr,; John Nicholas. Acknowledged, 10th February, 1745.
page 253
Page 39.--27th March, 1746 (not 7, but 1745-6). Timothy Crosthwaite, of County Orange, to James Patton, ---- consideration; 400 acres in fork of James River granted by patent to William Crosthwaite, deceased, 12th February, 1742, and now in possession of Timothy, eldest son and heir of William. Witnesses, Thomas Chew, Henry Downs, Sr. and Jr. Proved by all the witnesses, 14th February, 1746, and 23d May, 1747.
page 261
Page 278.--19th August, 1747. Henry Downs, Gent., of Orange Co., to Henry Downs, Jr., of Augusta, £60.8.4; 300 acres on South River, Shanando, part of tract Henry, Jr., now lives on; patented to Alexander Thompson for 400 acres, 30th July, 1742. Teste: John Harvie, Jno. Ruddle, Jr.; G. Jones. Acknowledged, 19th August, 1747.
page 266
Page 453.--20th November, 1747. £5. Henry Downs, Sr., of Orange, to Ludwick Francisco, 470 acres on south side Shanado patented to Henry Downs, 25th June, 1747; corner of the 800 tract near lower end of the great island. Acknowledged, 19th November, 1747.

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. 2.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 269
Page 1.--Adam Miller to Jacob Miller, 16th August, 1748, on Shanandoe. Witnesses, Jno. Cormichel, Wm. Burk, Henry Downs. Delivered: Henry Miller, 24th July, 1756.
page 271
Page 68.--20th August, 1748. Henry Downs, Gent., and Jane, to John McKemey, farmer, 388 acres on north branch Shanando at end of Buckhill. (See infra, last entry from this book.) Teste: Ro. Rennick. [p.271]
page 271
Page 80.--Henry Downs, Sr., to Wm. Downs, 400 acres on Smith's Creek, patented to Henry 1st October, 1747.
page 274
Page 246.--21st April, 1749. William Beverley to James Patton and other justices, John Lews, John Buchanan, George Robinson, Peter Scholl, James Bell, Robert Campbell, Robert Cunningham, John Wilson, Thomas Lewis, James Mountgomery, Silas Hart, Henry Downs, William Jameson, Rich. Burton, John Christian, Samuel Gay, William Thompson. Courthouse. 25 acres. [p.274]

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. 3.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 289
Page 2.--Back of book reversed. Henry Downs to John McKearney, 20th August, 1748, conveyed to Thos. Chew, George Taylor, Benj. Cave, Justices of Orange, to take privy examination of Jane, wife of Henry, 25th May, 1749. Executed 15th August, 1749. See supra, p. 69.
page 291
Page 79.--29th November, 1750. William Crittenden of Orange, to John Frogg, Gent., of Prince William, 200 acres on Shenandoe, bought of Henry Downs by deed recorded in Orange, part of Jacob Stover's grant, 5000 acres.

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. 7.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 350
Page 529.--18th February, 1758. William Downs to John Madison, £15, 200 acres patented to William, 5th November, 1747; Stover's Mill Creek; land of Wm. Lamb. Teste: Henry Downs, Abraham Miller.

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. 12.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 429
Page 143.--20th August, 1765. Philip Lung, eldest son and heir of Paul Long, deceased, who was eldest son and heir of Philip Lung, deceased, of Frederick Co., to Henry Lung, of Augusta, £200, 350 acres on Shanandore River, at the upper end of Richard Mauding's 2,000-acre tract, purchased bq Philip. Sr., from Henry Downs. pine near Peaked Mountain, Paul Lung's line, Sealer's line. Delivered: Henry Lung, October, 1766.

CHRONICLES of THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS of AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
DEED BOOK NO. XVII.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS of THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 513
Page 404.--21st August, 1771. John McKemey and Agness to William McKemey, son to said John, £100, 107 acres, part of tract conveyed to John by Henry Downs, on branch of North River of Shanando, at end of Buckhill. Teste: Thomas Woddall, John Hogshead, Alex. Kilpatrick. Delivered: William McKemy, 19th June, 1772.

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Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume I
IV--Burgesses and Other Prominent Persons

Henry Downs was a burgess from Orange Co. in the session of May 6, 1742. He was expelled during that session for "stealing a white sheep," in Maryland, before he settled in Virginia. He was at one time a King's justice. In 1751 he is mentioned in an Orange Co. court order as "a runaway."

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AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA - CHALKLEY'S CHRONICLES; Vol 3, PP 250 - 259

DEED BOOK No. 1.
Page 5.--10th February, 1745 (1746). Alexander Thompson to Henry Downs, Sr., of Orange, £60.8.4; 300 acres on both sides South River,
Shanando; part of 400 acres of land Alexander now lives on, granted to Alexander 8th July, 1742. Witnesses Thomas Lewis, Jno. Beanham, Jr.; John Nicholas. Acknowledged, 10th February 1745.
Page 39.--27th March, 1746 (not 7, but 1745-6). Timothy Crosthwaite, of County Orange, to James Patton, _____ consideration; 400 acres in
fork of James River granted by patent to William Crosthwaite, deceased, 12th February, 1742, and now in possession of Timothy, eldest son and heir of William. Witnesses, Thomas Chew, Henry Downs, Sr. and Jr. Proved by all the witnesses, 14th February, 1746, and 23d May, 1747.

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Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia
Volume I
AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT ORDERS.
ORDER BOOK No. I.,
December 9, 1745.
John Buchanan and Henry Downs qualified Deputy Sheriffs.
February 10, 1745/6.
John Hawkins and Henry Downs--Under Sheriffs qualified.
May 13, 1746.
Henry Downs, under sheriff, ordered to get a house for a jail.
July 16, 1746.
New Court--Commission dated 13 June, 1746:
James Patton, George Robinson, Robert Cunningham, James Montgomery, Wm. Jameson, Saml. Gay, John Lewis, Peter Scholl, John Wilson, Silas Hart, Richard Burton, Wm. Thompson, John Buchanan, James Bell, Thomas Lewis, Henry Downs, John Christian.
Henry Downs to be Sheriff and qualified, and John Hawkins and Henry Downs, Jr., qualified Under Sheriffs.

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1744 Vestryman & Church Warden in St. Thomas Espiscopal Church, Orange Co., VA. 1760 obtained land grant from George III in North Carolina. Member House of Burgess. Sheriff in 1746.

From the Old Family Record:

Henry Downes of England married (Lady Jane Douglas og Scotland and came to America before the Revolution. Settled first in Orange Co., VA., reared their family there. Henry Downs was vestryman and Church warden in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Orange Co., VA.,, as early as 1744. he obtained from George III in 1760, a large grant of land in North Carolina, which grant is now in the possession of one of his descendants, who lives upon the land.

Henry Downess and his wife are buried near Huntersville, S. C., Laurens District.

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From: Historical Virginia Families Vol. V ii, by John Bennett Brodde

Capt. Henry Downs, Sr. married in England Lady Jane Douglas of Douglas Castle, Scotland. He was of the Cheshire branch of the English family de Dunes or Downes and served in the English Navy before coming to America, early in the 18th century.

According to historians, court and church records,, Capt. Henry Downs, Sr. was outstanding in church and civic affairs in Orange and Augusta Counties, Va., Vestryman and Church Recorder in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Orange Co., VA., (Chalkley's Abstracts and Records of Augusta Co., VA., p. 19;) member of the House of Burgesses; appointed Sheriff 1746 (an office of responsibility and distinction in Colonial times) (His young son, Henry, Jr. as Under-Sheriff) He was a member of the Court Commission and road over-seer; commissioned to buy the jaio. (Augusta Co. Records)

Land Records in Orange and Augusta Counties show numerous land conveyances by Henry Downs, Sr, his wife, Jane, examined privily. Aug. 20, 1748, Henry Downs conveyed to Thomas Chew et al, Justices, privy exam. of Jane. (Chalkley, V. 2. p.28; Henry Downs, gentleman, conveys ...p270, 295.) Also land sales by Henry Downs, Jr.

Authoritis differ on the date of the Downs families removal from Augusta Co., VA., to Mechlenburg (then Anson) Co., last date of his numerous land sales.

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Record Books in Circuit Court Office, Augusta Co.
Book marked Records, p. 114
Chalkley Volume II, pages 264 & 265

Deed, 9th February, 1745, Thompson to Alexr. Downs of Orange. 300 acres part of above 400 acres.

Deed, Henry Downs to Joseph Hannah, 5th October, 1758, 300 acres.

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Deed Abstracts of Orange Co., VA (1743 - 1759) Abstracted and Published by Ruth L. and Sam Sparacio, 1985

and

Deed Abstracts of Orange Co., VA (1759 - 1778) Abstracted and Published by Ruth L. and Sam Sparacio, 1986


Orange County Deed Book 9
pp. 163 - 165
Indenture 24 June 1744 between Benjamin Cave, Gent., late Sheriff of Orange County, and Henry Downs, Gent. ...Whereas in and by an act of Parliament made 6th year reign of ...George the Second...intitled An Act for the more easy recovery of debts in his Majesties plantation in America ...Amongst other things enacted that from and after 29 December 1732, the houses and lands, negroes and other heriditaments and estate ...in any of the said Plantations belonging to any person indebted, shall be liable to and chargeable with all just debts ...or any of his Subjects, and shall be assessed for the satisfaction thereof in like manner ...Real Estate are by the laws of England liable to the satisfaction of Debts due by Bond or other ...proceedings

....For seizing ...selling ...towards the satisfaction of debts ...Whereas John Mercer of County of Stafford, Gent., at court held Stafford 12 April 1737, recovered against Andrew Harrison of Orange County, Planter, £ 39.02.6 for debts, together with costs. Thereupon John Mercer 14 Apr 1737 prosecuted Court of Stafford ...Andrew Harrison should cause to be made ...The sum of 102 pounds of Tobacco and 15 shillings or 150 pounds of Tobacco, which said John Mercer has adjudged for his damages, and whereas the said Writ ...delivered to Benjamin Cave, then being Sheriff of Orange County, did enter into ...900 acres of land, Parish of St. Thomas, County of Orange (adj. the land where Andrew Harrison then lived ...Publick notice of time and acres of land remained in his hands for want of buyers, whereas John Mercer sued ...Sheriff of Orange, should distrain Benjamin Cave, late Sheriff of Orange ...all his land and chattels in his Bailwick ...so that neither he nor any person should meddle therewith until said Sheriff should expose to sale the 900 acres of Andrew Harrison for highest bidder ...Witnesseth ...for £ 18 paid by Henry Downs ...granted all rights to the said 900 acres adj. plantation wherein said Harrison lived....

Witnesses:

Benjamin Cave (Seal)

Geo. Taylor, Wm. Anderson.
Recored Orange County 28 June 1744
(Sparacio Pg. 19, Deeds 1743-1759)

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Orange County Order Book, 1747-1754, the County Levy for the year 1750

To HENRY DOWNS, Gent., Assignee of HENRY WOOD for one Wolf's head 70
To HENRY DOWNS, Gent. for taking one Inquest on a dead body 93

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Augusta Co., VA Book of Recorded Documents 1745-1800

Date:09 December 1745.

County Court formed--First Justices: James Patton, John Buchanan, Peter Scholl, Robert Campbell, Robert Poage, Thomas Lewis, Robert Cunningham, Richard Woods, Robert Craven, Adam Dickinson, John Anderson, John Lewis, George Robinson, James Bell, John Brown, John Pickens, Hugh Thomson, John Finla, John Christian, James Kerr, Andrew Pickens. James Patton qualified Sheriff. William Thompson
surety. John Madison qualified Clerk. John Buchanan and Henry Downs qualified Deputy Sheriffs. William Russell, James Porteus, Gabriel Jones, John Quinn, and Thomas Chew qualified Attorneys.

Date: 10 February 1745-1746.

Samuel Wilkins--Ordinary License at his house. Thomas Story surety. Petn. Samuel Wallace--Road ordered from William King's to the C.
H., thence to Samuel Gay's.--Wm. King, Morrice Ofrield and John Trimble to lay off 1st part.--Wm. Hutcheson and James Trimble, the residue.

John Grymes--Overseer Road in calf-pasture (vid p. 3 supra) on other side the Ridge and Ro. Armstrong, this side. John Hawkins and Henry Downs, Under Sheriffs qualified. Daniel Griffeths committed by James Kerr for stealing a horse from Edward Franklin of Orange, acquitted. John Newport, Timothy Holdway and Ro. Looney to value improvements of Christian Zimmerman on 400 acres. Wm. Linwell committed and fined for being drunk. Andrew McCord bound to peace towards James McCleary. David Davis--to show cause against
paying William Morrison freedom dues. John Newport and Obadiah Merriot quald. Attorneys.

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Henry Downs petitions for counter security from Janr McDonald, widow and admx. of Randol McDonald, (administration granted in Orange County), now the wife of Joseph McClallan.

Chalkley's Scotch-Irish in Virginia, Vol 1, p. 37. (Augusta Co., VA).
24 May 1744 - Jane McDaniel (SIC) with Henry Downs, Gent., her security, gives Bond in the sum of 250 pds as Administratrix of the Estate of Randolph McDaniel (sic.)Orange County, VA, WB1-321.
24 May 1744 -Certificate for obtaining Letters of Administration of the Estate of Randolph McDaniel (SIC) deceased, Is granted to Jane McDaniel (SIC) the widow and relict of the said Randolph, she having according to law made oath and with Henry Downs, Gent., her security, entered into Bond for her true and faithful administration of said decedents estate and acknowledged the same in open Court, which is admitted to record. Orange County Order Book 4-103.

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Anson Co. N. C. Deed Abstracts, 1749-1766; will Abstracts 31. B:353. 8 Aug. 1753. Henry Downs of Anson Co., planter, part of 500 acre grant to Robert Mills 22 Nov. 1746... ___ Patton line, Parke's line ...

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Marriage 1 Jane Douglas b: UNKNOWN in Scotland
Married: UNKNOWN in Engor, Scotland
Married: 1700
Children
Henry Downs b: 5 MAY 1728 in Virginia
Richard Downs b: ABT 1732
Joshua Downs b: ABT 1734
William Downs b: 1734
Jonathan Downs b: 1738 in Orange Co., VA
George Downs b: ABT 1740
Elizabeth B. Downs b: ABT 1742
Joseph Downs b: 23 APR 1752 in Orange Co., VA
Eleanor Downs b: ABT 1755 in Orange, VA
Ambrose Downs b: 1761