NANCY'S DEAD RELATIVES

Ashford: Generations 1-2

The Michaels

The ancestry of  our John Ashford of Woodford County, Kentucky is speculative.  There's no documentary proof that John was the son of William Ashford of Fairfax County, VA or that William Ashford was the son - as opposed to grandson - of Michael Ashford of Prince William County.  There is, however, a strong probability.   I've attempted to address the many questions where appropriate, but the reader is encouraged to use a healthy skepticism.  And if any researcher can provide clues not presented here, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.

Michael Ashford & Rachel Neville

No one now knows the year or place of Michael's birth.  There was mention of a Michael and Deborah Ashford, and judging by chronology and geography, they were probably his parents. 

c. 1658: Rachel Neville was supposedly born in "Pos the Clefts", Calvary County, MD, the location of father John Neville's home; but I've seen no primary source for year or place.  She was described at least once as the "natural" daughter of Johannah Porter Neville, conceived and born in England while husband John remained in Maryland.  Another version claimed that, shortly after giving birth to Rachel, biological daughter of John, Johannah had committed adultery with another man in order to conceive a son.  This information was second hand even then, and has since been interpreted by countless researchers.  In addition, the term "natural", while most often connoting bastardy, was also used on occasion to differentiate between step-children and biological children.  John Neville died in Jan 1763/64 and Joanna Porter Neville married Thomas Hussey before Aug 1666.  Both had children from first marriages.  As the reference was made in 1784, the purpose may have been to distinguish Rachel from any of Johannah's stepchildren. 

13 Jun 1670: Thomas and Joan Hussey sold 150 acres known as Newport to John Alward and Francis Heydon.  Mrs. Hussy signed as "Joan H. Hussy".  This is based on a transcription.  Was the "H" actually her mark?   Witnesses: Michaell Ashforth and William W. B. Brewer.[1]  Was the witness Michael I or Michael II?

1671: There had been an attachment against the estate of Michaell Ashford, which attachment was "layd in the hands of Tobias Crayford".  The court now ordered Cranford to prove that he had paid what was due Ashford "for Deborah his wife", or otherwise pay Jacob Peterson 1,000 lbs of tobacco plus costs.  In addition, the attachment against the Michaell Ashford estate granted to Henry Adams for 9,000 of tobacco, was continued until the next court.[2] 

1674: Henry Adams attached the estate of Michael Ashford "in the hands of "Thomas Hussey in Charles County", MD, who'd married the widowed Johannah Neville.[3]  The court order, dated 11 Nov 1673, specified attaching all goods to the value of 9,000 lbs of tobacco. 

13 Nov 1677: Joan and Thomas Hussey, gentleman, deeded 500 acres known as Moore's Ditch to Rachell Ashford, wife of Michael Ashford and natural daughter of Johannah.  The parcel was described as lying on the west side of Zachia Swamp adjoining George and Robert Goodrick.  The stipulation was made that were Rachel to be without issue, the land was to be divided between Mary and Elizabeth Hussey, their natural daughters, and if Mary and Elizabeth were without issue, to the heirs of Margaret Pope, Johanna's sister.    Witnesses: Cleborne Lomax and Thomas Jenkins.[4]   Sister Margaret, deceased, had been the wife of Francis Pope.  Notice that "natural" was used as we might use "biological".

18 Feb 1680: Michael Ashford was impaneled as a juror in the Provincial Court.[5]

c. 1680:  Francis Wynne and Capt. Michael Ashford were sureties for Thomas Marshall as the administrator of the Samuel Raspin estate. When Francis Wynne died, Thomas Hawkins, who'd married Francis' widow, became the new co-surety.  In 1783, Thomas testified that Michael Ashford had gone to Virginia.[6]  The name Hawkins was associated with the Ashfords for the next 150 years.

1681: The Maryland General Assembly ordered the payment of 120 lbs of tobacco to Michael Ashford of Port Tobacco Hundred.[7]  This was presumably in Charles County, MD.  That year he had to pay 300 lbs tax to Maryland for taxes on 300 acres.  The following year he was taxed on 560 acres.

1 Feb 1682: John Lawrence was apprenticed to Michael Ashford for five years.  Witnesses: Thomas Hussey and John Richards.[8]  Michael was a carpenter.

1682: Michael patented 60 acres known as Totsoll in Charles County.[8a] 

14 Feb 1683: Michael petitioned the court for a speedy trial in his suit against Phillip Lynes which had been "continued from court to court".  He also petitioned that 12 pence in pounds sterling or 20 pounds of tobacco be paid "hereafter" to the Doorkeeper of the Council.[9]  Was he the doorkeeper?

4 Aug 1683: Michael and Rachel Ashford sold 60 acres to John Butcher for 4,500 lbs of tobacco.  Witnesses Randolph Brandt and Thomas Robinson.  This parcel, with 40 acres "laid out", was in the possession of James Smallwood.[10]  Did "laid out" refer to a survey or cleared and ready for planting? 

12 Sep 1683: Michael Ashford agreed to renovate the courthouse at Port Tobacco, Charles County.  The contract specified that he was to add ten feet in length, erect a judge's bench, lawyer's table, and  a place for the placement of Lord Baltimore's arms, the construction to be completed by the March court.   His pay was to be 10,000 lbs of tobacco.[11]  The courthouse had been initially finished by Thomas Hussey in 1677, presumably Michael's stepfather-in-law. 

26 Apr 1684: He was a lessee of Robert Shaw, who'd just won a legal dispute with Phillip Lynes.  Upon the petition of Michael's attorney Thomas Buford, the land and premises in question was ordered to be put into Michael's possession.[12]

4 Jun 1691: Michael Ashford, carpenter,  and his wife Rachel sold 500 acres known as Moore's Ditch in Charles County to Thomas Hussey for 35,000 lbs of tobacco.[13]  The tract was described as lying on the west side of Zachia Swamp.  All 500 acres were "laid out".  Both Michael and "Rashell" signed with their marks.  Witnesses Robert Thompson, Cleborne Lomax, and William Stone.[14]

  21 Feb 1693: Mary Ashforth, "ye daughter of Michael and Rachel Ashforth", testified that Christopher Gregory had fathered her child.[15]

11 Dec 1798: Rachel Ashford witnessed the will of Edward Boothby in Baltimore County, MD.  The executor was John Kemball.[16]

13 Dec 1701: Rachel Ashford was buried at John Kemball's in Baltimore County, MD.[17]  This land reportedly lay at the mouth of Spesutia Creek.   A Jane Ashford had been named a beneficiary in the will of John Kimball Senior, proved 12 Apr 1705 in Baltimore County, MD.[18] Another beneficiary was Mary Capell.  Much later, Rachel and Michael's great-grandson married a Mary Cappell.    What was the Ashford's relationship to the Kimballs?  Had a daughter married a Kimball? 

Children[19] of Michael and Rachel Neville Ashford:

Mary Ashford (c. 1678 -     )

21 Feb 1693: Mary Ashforth, "ye daughter of Michael and Rachel Ashforth", testified that Christopher Gregory had fathered her child.[20]

Esther Ashford (c. 1680 -     ; m. John Thomas Dowden 1694)

Michael Ashford (     - 1734; m. Ann ______)

Johannah "Hannah" Ashford (c. 1685 - 24 Oct 1733; m. 1st Thomas Gilbert 1 Apr 1703, m. 2nd Thomas Gash 22 Dec 1715)

Johannah was the second wife of Thomas Gilbert, Sarah Bedford being his first.

2 Jun 1714: Hannah Gilbert posted bond as the Administratix of the Thomas Gilbert estate.  When he died Thomas owned a tract called Gilbert's Adventure [also called Stony Hill].

Jun 1751: Thomas and Hannah Gash sold tracts called New Westwood and Gash's Purchase.[21]

1 Apr 1758: Thomas Gash signed his will mentioning wife Hannah and children Thomas and Blanche.  Witnesses: William Parry, Michael Gilbert, and William Perry Junior.  It was proved 7 Jun 1859.[22]

The reader should be aware that any of the references below may refer to Michael I or Michael II.  Some researchers believe that Esther Ashford Dowden and Hannah Ashford Gilbert Gash were the daughters of Michael II.

Michael & Ann Ashford

19 Jul 1690: Michael Ashford made a gift of one bay mare to Anne Bought, daughter of William and Sarah Bought.[23]  Who was Ann Bought?  Was this Michael's future wife?

9 Jun 1691: He purchased 500 acres known as Hadduck's Hill in Charles County "in the freshes of the Potomac" from Ninian Beall, gentleman, who held power of attorney from the owner Benjamin Hadduck.  Michael was once again described as a carpenter.  Witnesses: Henry Hardy, John Godshall, and William Hutchison.[24]

1695: The provincial government paid Michael 4,200 lbs of tobacco under "Original Rangers Allowances for Seven Months.[25]  All the men were paid this amount, and the commanders 5,600.  When founded, the Rangers were to protect the Colony from the Susquehannocks.

Jan 1696: Michaell Ashford brought suit against John Deakins for trespass in Prince George's County, asking the court to subpoena Richard Brightwell, James Wapple, and Elizabeth Palmer.  John Deakins, however, asked to recover 365 lbs of tobacco from Michael Ashford.[26]  The wording is confusing, but the court apparently found against Michael.  Prince George's County was created in 1696 from Charles and Calvert Counties.

That same court term, Michael Ashford, carpenter, late of Prince George's County, was sued by Henry Thompson for trespass.  According to plaintiff's attorney, Michael was indebted to Thompson from 8 Mar 1691 for 505 lbs of tobacco "paid one Mr. Phillip Lynes of Charles County, gentleman, at the request of the said Michael", who promised to repay; but "fraudulently intended him the said Henry in this behalfe craftily and subtilly to deceive and defraud the said sume of 505 lbs.  Michael pleaded for a continuance until the next court, which was granted.  He didn't appear, however, at that court, and so judgment went to the plaintiff for 505 lbs plus 220 lbs for costs.[27]  The description of Michael as being "late of Prince George's" would indicate that Michael was already residing in Virginia, but seems to have retained land in Maryland for several more years.

Nov 1696: John Deakins sued Michael Ashforth, late of Prince George's County, planter, for trespass.  Deakin's attorney claimed that Michael had owed 2,875 lbs tobacco and 11 shillings sterling from 15 Apr 1696 for divers goods sold, work done, and money lent.  The debts were listed in pounds of tobacco: "For making a coffin 200, for the stoking a gunn 100, to 1 powdering tubb 100, to two barrells 100, to a washing tubb 80 . . . . [subtotal] 580 . . . . to 1 tunn of tobacco caske 80, to looking after your cattle 1 month 400, to 2 barrells of corne 400 . . . . [subtotal] 880 . . . . to goeing to Kent to send your men and coate home 400, to 4 bushells 1/2 of corne 180, to 3/12 yards vermillion 140 . . . . [subtotal] 720 . . . . to 1 drest dow skinn 60, to howing, sowing and fenceing your wheate 60, to bring in your bed from Pescattaway 40 . . . . [subtotal] 160 . . . . to going to mill 40, to planting and plowing your corn field and cutting and housing your corne and topps 600 . . . . [subtotal] 640 . . . . to hanging and housing your tobaccoe 40, to lbs of powder 40, to 2 days serving in your place at the garryson 40 . . . . [subtotal] 120 . . . . to money lent eleven shillings sterling . . . . per Contra Credit . . . . By tobaccoe you gave me credit on my account 225, which you sued me for in Charles County Court . . . . [subtotal] 0225 . . . . By balance due in mony ___ and in tobaccoe . . . . 2875".[28]  The total services claimed amounted to 3,100 lbs, minus the 225 lbs credit.  The jury found for plaintiff Deakins in the amount of 2,875 lbs plus costs expended by Deakins and the court of 1,088 lbs.  Pescattaway  Creek of the Potomac was one of two garrison locations, the other being Port Tobacco.

John Deakins entered upon the record "the said account Michaell Ashforth brought in barr of John Deakin's action in folio 70", as listed in pounds of tobacco: To 8 months dyett 800, to one Leavie 202, to a pair shews 70, to a white shirt and a blew ditto 250 . . . . [subtotal] 1322 . . . . To 1 peviston waiscoate 250, to a pair shews paid for you 50, to tobaccoe paid Mr. Hagaman for you 250 . . . . [subtotal] 0550 . . . . To 1 dimoty waiscoate 200, to 1 felt hat 80, to 2 pair shews 140, to 5 yards kersy and the makeing 600 . . . . [subtotal] 1020 . . . . To 1 shirt and 1 pair of drawers . . . . 0200 . . . . per Contra Credit . . . To one deere skinn 60, to 4 yards of dimity 140 . . . . [subtotal] 0200 . . . .by balance due . . . . 2892 . . . .  3092".   So the total owed was 3092 minus the credit of 200 = 2892.  The account was proved by Michaell Ashforth.[29]   Michael was also ordered to pay Elizabeth Palmer, servant of Robert Taylor, 30 lbs per day for the five days she attended court as a witness for him against Deakens.[30] 

23 Aug 1698: Ninian Beale, granted power of attorney from Benjamin Haddock on 5 Jun 1686 before the latter's departure for England, had sold 500 acres known as Haddock Hills (but formerly Seaman's Delight) in Prince George's County, MD to Michael Ashford of Prince George's County, carpenter, on 9 Jun 1691.  The price was 21,000 lbs of tobacco.  The sale was disputed by Benjamin Haddock, however, when he returned to Maryland from England.  Haddock was satisfied by a payment of land and tobacco from Beale, but the General Assembly had to pass an act declaring the transfer "valid and effectual" on 7 Nov 1712.[31]  By then, of course, Michael was described as being "late" of Prince George's.

23 Aug 1698: Michael Ashforth, carpenter of Prince George County, sold 100 acres, part of Seaman's Delight to John Deakens of Prince George County for 4,000 lbs of tobacco.  Witnesses: Thomas Hollyday and William Barton.[32]  Was he selling only part of the tract - or had he cleared the timber for his carpentry business, then sold the cleared, ready for planting, land at a profit.

1703: Michael witnessed the will of Walter Elliot in Prince George's.[33]

5 Aug 1705: Phillip Lynes sold 100 acres called Thomas Street to Michael Ratchford of St. Mary's County for 11,000 lbs of tobacco.  Witnesses: James Cotrell, Edward Philpott, and Thomas Orrell.[34]  Was that a different man or bad spelling?

10 Mar 1707: Michael witnessed a land sale between James Graves and Francis Redman in Stafford County.[35]

13 Nov 1707: Michael  and John Gosling turned in their appraisal of the William Harwood estate made 5 Nov 1707 in Stafford County, VA.[36]  Michael was also listed in the estate accounts as having made four coffins (880 lbs) and gathering the stock (100 lbs), as well as his serving as appraiser for one day (60 lbs).

11 Sep 1711: Michael and Ann Ashford of Stafford County, VA  sold 400 acres of Haddock's Hills/Seaman's Delight to John Bradford of Prince George's, the tract described as being on the north side of the Eastern Branch of the Potomac River.  This location would have been formerly in Charles County.  Witnesses: W. FitzRedmond, James (x) Bunefant, and Humphrey (x) Beckett.[37]

10 Mar 1714: Michael Ashford, carpenter of Stafford County, VA sold part of Moore's Ditch in Charles County to Ignatius Luckett for 7,000 lbs of tobacco.  The land was located on the west side of Zachia Swamp adjoining George and Robert Goodrich.  Witnesses: Samuel Hanson and Robert Hanson.  The deed was recorded in Aug 1715 by Michael.[38]  As part of Moore's Ditch, had Michael inherited this parcel?

12 Nov 1725: He was granted 151 acres on Doog's Run, Stafford County, adjoining Col. George Mason.[39]  This area became Prince William County in 1730 and Fairfax County in 1742.

18 Nov 1725: He was granted 112 acres on a branch of Accotinck Creek adjoining William Daniel.[40]

14 Apr 1726: Michael Ashford, planter of Stafford County, VA sold his right to the tract Tatshall, 60 acres in Charles County, which had supposedly once belonged to James Smallwood to John Smallwood for 600 lbs of tobacco.  Yet a patent was issued for 60 acres in the name of Michael Ashford for Totsoll in 1682.  It lay on the east side of Portobo Fresh, adjoining Moredam, the Exchange, James Smallwood's tract Eltham, and Edmond Lindsey.  Witnesses: John Fendall and Robert Hanson.[41]  Could Ann have been a Smallwood? 

7 Jan 1728/29: Michael testified that George Smith of Stafford County had died owning 270 acres on land on Doges Run, granted 30 Sep 1695.  As Smith was an alien without heirs, an "escheat grant" was given to Michael on 29 March. [42]

29 May 1729: Michael purchased land acres from William O' Daniel, who was the original grantee on 8 Nov 1720.[43] 

9 Mar 1730: John Warner had 1,000 acres on Piney Branch of Dogue Run surveyed.  The tract adjoined William Williams, Michael Ashford, the land of West, Pearson, and Harrison, the Ravensworth Tract, Nicholas Carryll, Robert Stevens, and Edward Violet.[44]

10 Mar 1730: When John Lewis recorded the survey of 400 acres on Dogue Run, the adjoining property owners included Michael Ashford.[45]

12 Nov 1731: He was granted 400 acres in Prince William County on Little Hunting Creek adjoining Col. George Mason, Spencer's land, and Samuel Dorrel.[46]

16 Apr 1733: Michael Ashford took the oath as vestryman of Occoquan Church in Truro Parish[47]. 

9 Jun 1733: The Vestry appointed William Godfrey and Michael Ashford to supervise the building of the new church at the crossroads near Michael Reagan's.  Michael and Ann's son William married Margaret Reagan.

20-21 Nov 1734: Michael made out his will . . .

Will of Michael Ashford

In the name of God, Amen, the Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty -four, I Michael Ashford of Prince William County, Virginia, being sick & weak in body, but of sound and perfect memory, thanks be to God for the same, and knowing the uncertainty of the life on earth & being desirous to settle things in order to make, constitute & ordain this my last will & testament in manner and form following, that is to say first and principally I commend my soul to almighty God my creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon & remission of my sins & be saved by the precious blood & merits of my blessed Savior & Redeemer Christ Jesus, and my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in such Christian & decent manner as to my Executrix hereafter named shall be thought meet & convenient, and as touching such worldly goods & estate as the Lord in his mercy hath sent me my will and meaning is the same shall be employed as bestowed as by this my last will & testament is expressed and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate & make void all wills by me formerly made, and declare & appoint this my last will and testament.

I give & bequeath to my son John one horse named Roger and one black foal & two cows and two calves.

I give & bequeath to my son Michael a horse called his & a young bay mare and two cows and two calves.

I give & bequeath to my son William a bay horse called his own & two cows & two calves.

I give & bequeath to my son Michael all that tract of land lying at the head of Doge Run & feather bed with the furniture.

I give & bequeath to my sons George and William that tract of land at Doge Run not before bequeathed to be equally divided between them, allowing their brother Michael timber sufficient to supply his necessity.  According to Beth Mitchell, this was the 270 acres obtained from the estate of George Smith.

I give & bequeath to my son John a tract of land lying between Doge Run & Little Hunting Creek & one feather bed with ye blanketts & rugg and sheets belonging to it. 

Item.  I give & bequeath to my daughter Ann a little white horse called Credit [or Cordit].

Item.  I give & bequeath to my son George a black mare which came of a dun mare.

Item.  I give & bequeath unto my daughters Mary & Constance two filly foals between them.

I do constitute and appoint & ordain my loving wife to be my sole Executrix of this my last will & testament and none other in witness whereof hereunto I have set my hand & seal.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of  [broken off]

Item.  I give & bequeath unto my son George one negro named Dick.

Item.  I give & bequeath unto my son John that tract of land upon the head of Accotinck.   

Item.  I give unto my son William a bed with the rugg, blanketts & sheets belonging to it.

Item.  I give unto my sons George & William one bed apiece with ye ruggs, blanketts & sheets belonging to them. 

Item.  I give unto my daughter[s] Ann, Mary & Constance each of them, one bed & furniture with the ruggs, blanketts & sheets belonging to them.

Item.  I do constitute & appoint my well beloved wife my sole Executrix of this my last will & testament, in witness whereof the preceding will on the other side mentioned I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty-first day of November 1734.

Mic. Ashford

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of 

John Camplin

Joshua (x) Oxely

The will apparently broke off, then was continued/added to the following day - at least that's what the dates would indicate.

25 Nov 1734: Ann Ashford signed her will . . .

Will of Ann Ashford[48]

Ann Ashford, being sick and weak in body.  Unto my daughter Ann a young negro boy named Sam.  Unto my daughter Mary and Constance a negro boy named Peter and the woman servant named Mary for the time she has to serve.  All the pewter belonging to the house to be equally divided among all my children as well sons as daughters.  All hoggs belonging to me to be equally divided amongst all my children.  All my sheep belonging to me to be equally divided amongst all my children.  To my daughter Mary a horse named Champion.  To my daughter Mary a horse named Shaver.  All the remainder of my cattle not before bequeathed by my husband to be equally divided amongst all my children.  Unto my son John one oval table.  To my son Michael square table of oak.  A piece of Holland to be equally divided amongst my daughters.  I do constitute, ordain and appoint son John as my sole executor.  All the tobacco that remains clear to the estate when all the debts are paid due from the estate to be equally divided amongst all my children.

Ann  Ashford

Witnesses:

John Chamlin

Joshua (x) Oxeley.

Both wills were proved on 20 Mar 1734/35, which was not yet 1735 under the Old Calendar.  John posted a bond of £300 as executor of Michael's will, with Thomas Smith and Edward Emms as securities, Catesby Cocke and Thomas Robinson as witnesses.

25 Jun 1735: In a deed from John Warner to Adam Crump for 100 acres on Piney Branch of Dogue Run, Michael Ashford was mentioned as an adjoining landowner.[49]  Was this a reference to his estate or to Michael Junior?

Who was the Ann Ashford who, along with Mary Payne, was named godmother at the baptism of Elizabeth Barry, daughter of Edward and Mary Barry on 28 Sep 1735 in Truro Parish, Prince William County, VA?

Children of Michael and Ann Ashford:

John Ashford (1710 -Oct 1765; m. Elizabeth Stonestreet)

William Ashford (m. Margaret Reagan)

George Ashford (1723 - 31 Jul 1814; m. Mary ______)

Ann Ashford (13 Dec 1725 - 13 Oct 1796; m. John Walker)

John and Ann moved to Orange County, NC.

Constance Ashford

Mary Ashford

21 Feb 1693: Mary Ashforth, "ye daughter of Michael and Rachel Ashforth", testified that Christopher Gregory had fathered her child.[50] 

A Mary Barry gave birth to a daughter Elizabeth, who was baptized on 28 Sep 1735 with Ann Ashford and Mary Payne as godmothers.  There was also a Mary Ashford who married James Bird in Old Swede's Church in Newcastle County, DE in 1745.  Obviously, all of these Marys were different individuals.

Michael Ashford (m. Mary ____)

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.  However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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