HODNETT FAMILY HISTORY

JOHN HODNETT OF BUCKINGHAM CO.

     Dr. Abner Baker, or Captain Abner Baker as he was sometimes called, states in his

"Life Book,. that his mother was Catherine Hodnett, daughter of John Hodnett of Buckingham County, Virginia son of John Hodnett Sr. of Ireland. This is also proven by court records. It is not known to the writer just how many children John Hodnett had. If he had a will, it was destroyed when the Court House of Buckingham County was burned sometime after the Civil War. Besides Catherine who married Caleb Baker Jr.of Prince Edward Co., VA and Ayres who married Mary McGegee, and reared a large family there was Phillip who lived with his father in BuckinghamCounty.
   At the time the Court House in Buckingham County was destroyed, there were tax records in the hands of tax assessors in the County these were saved, and are now found in the Virginia State  Library, Richmond, Virginia. Along with this Land Tax, there is a list of personal taxes giving names of those over 16, of his household, in this  list is that of Phillip Hodnett as well as names of his titheable slaves.
     It seems that Phillip Hodnett lived with his father until the time of his death, when Phillip is taxed with this property from 1796 (supposed to the time of John Hodnett' s death)until 1814 the last of the tax list. In 1814 Phillip Hodnett's residence is given as that of his fathers 1000 acres, on Little Willis' River distance bearing from Court House 14 miles S.E.
 
The following copied from an  "Old Order Book" now in the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia.
 
     This is to certify that the following is a true copy of an entry in a Booklett deposited in the manuscript division of the Virginia State Library, Richmond Va. Designated "Buckingham County Public Service Claims". Being an account of disbursements ordered by theCounty Court of Buckingham County, in the settlement for supplies furnished for the use of the Army during the Revolutionary War.
     "At a court held for Buckingham County the 8th Day of April 1782, Pursuant to an Act of Assembly entitled: "An Act for adjusting claims for property impressed or taken for Public Service" the Court proceeded to receive and adjust claims of the different claimants produced to them in Specia as hereafter mentioned.
The Public                                                  To John Hodnett                        Dr.
                                d
     To 6 lbs. Bacon at 9 forthe use of the Botetourt Militia on their return from Marquss' s Headquarters as by Certificate of the 13th. Augt. 1781 given by Joseph Luney Capt. L 0. 4.6
     To 30 lbs. Bacon at 3 furnished Andrew Henry, W.A. Master for the State, for the public use by his certificate of the 10th. November 1780. L 1. O. O.
     30 lbs. Bacon 9 To 2 Bushels of Peas B/ for the use of the 3rd Regt. Of L. Dragoons as by Cert. Of the 12th. April 1781 given by L 1. 10.6
     To side of sole leather for the use of the 3rd Regt. L Dragoons as by Certificate ofthe 8 th March 1781 given by Jas. Simons L O. 12.6.
 Richmond, Virginia, June 22d, 1935.

A TRUE COPY

(Signed) F. W. Sydnor, RECORD SEARCHER.


Supreme Court of the United States

Office of the Reporter

Washington, D. C.

May 23, 1949
Mrs. James G. Johnson,
1810 Dandridge Pike,
Knoxville, Tenn.
 
Dear Mrs. Johnson:
 
     Many thanks for your kind reply to my recent letter.
 
     It is a pity that copies of the Life Book of Dr. Abner Baker were not filed with the Library of Congress and the D.A.R.
 
     I am going to make a determined effort to locate the Hodnett Family cemetery in Buckingham County and copy inscriptions,and have already taken steps to that end. If I get them, I shall file copies with the D.A.R. Library and try to remember to send you a copy.
 
My Hodnett line is as follows:
 
I.  John Hodnett of Buckingham County, Va. had a son.
 
II. Ayres, who married Mary MeGehee of Cumberland County moved to Pittsylvania County, Va. where he died in 1779. Their son.
 
III. Benjamin Hodnett, born Cumberland County, Va. 1753, married Elizabeth Collier, Jan. 28, 1784, they settled in Prince Edward County, Va. But moved to Georgia and died there in 1820. Their son.
 
IV. William, born May 2, 1795, died Sept. 29 <illegible> married  Caroline Finley, March 1, 1824. He was one of the original settlers in Troup County, Ga. Their son.
 
V.  Benjamin Franklin Hodnett, born Troup County, Ga. Feb. 11,18??, died Senoia, Ga. Nov. 28, 1912, married Sarah Jane Taylor Dec. 6,18??, Their daughter:
 
VI  Sarah Caroline Mindora Hodnett, born July 6, 1867, now livingin Washington, DC married Nov. 15, 1892 Walter Wyatt, Sr. born Salisbury,   N.C. Dec. 30, 1860, died New Orleans, La. June 12, 1916. I am their son.
 
VII  Walter Wyatt, Jr. born Savannah, Ga. July 20, 1895 married   Sarah Almira Graves of Sryia, Va. July 8, 1918. We have lived in Washington and suburbs all our married life and have two daughters born in Takoma Park, Md. See Who' s Who in America.
 
My great great grandfather, Benjamin Hodnett, had a son named JohnHodnett who served in the War of 1812 from Georgia. Benjamin Hodnett servedin the Confederate Army.
Sincerely,

Walter Wyatt


HODNETT FAMILY HISTORY

LAND GRANT OF
JOHN HODNETT GOOCHLAND COUNTY
VIRGINIA, 1759

     George the Second, by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith & c. TO WHOM ALL These Presents Shall come Greeting: KNOW YE that for Divers good causes & considerations but more especially for the and in considerations of the sum of Ten Pounds Ten Shillings or good and Lawful money for use paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia. WE HAVE Given Granted and Confirmed and by these presents for use our HEIRS and Successors do give Grant and Confirm unto John Hodnett one certain Tract or Parcel of Land containing Two thousand one hundred acres lying & being in the County of Goochland on the branches of Willis' s River and bounded as followeth (to wit) BEGINNING  at several pointer s. running thence on Richard Randolph Gent. North fifty five and a half Degrees East, fifty two poles to a pine south eighty eight Degrees east thirty poles to a Hickory, thence new lines north thirty-five  degrees east eighty four poles to a pine North fifty-five degrees west  three hundred sixty poles crossing Willis' s River South branch to a White Oak north twenty degrees east five hundred and sixty-four poles to a White Oak by Willis' s River middle branch the same course continued across the said branch twenty four poles north seventy degrees west one hundred and seventy poles to a hickory Saplin south fifty degrees west six hundred poles crossing Willis. s River middle branch to a pine south two hundred  and forty six poles crossing Willis. s River South branch to a red oak   south forty degrees East two hundred and fifty poles to a pine East Three  Hundred and fifty poles to a Poplar south forty Degrees East eighty poles to a pine east forty six poles to a Pine South Forty Degrees east seventy  two poles to the first Station. WITH ALL woods underwoods Swamps Marshes  Low grounds Meadows Feedings and his due share of all Veins Mines Quarries   as not discovered within the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said  quantity of Two Thousand one Hundred Acres of land and the Rivers Waters and Water Courses therein contained together with the privileges of Hunting, Hawking Fishing Fowling and all other Profits Commodities and Here  ditaments whatsoever to the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining   TO HAVE HOLD posses and Enjoy the said tract or Parcel of Land and allother the before granted Premises and every part thereof with their andevery of their Appurtenance unto said John Hodnett and to his Heirs Assigns  forever; to the only use and behoof of him the said John Hodnett his Heirs and Assignes forever. TO BE HELD of us our Heirs and Successors as of our  Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in Free and common Soccage& not in Captive by Knights Service YEALDING AND PAYING unto us our  Heirs and Successors for every fifty acres of land and so proportionally for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty Acres the fee of rent of one  shilling Yearly to be paid upon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angeland also Cultivate and Improving three Acres of part of every fifty of  the tract above mentioned, within three years after the date of these Presents PROVIDER alwaies that if three years of the said Fee Rent shallat any time be in arrear and unpaid or if the said John Hodnett his Heirs  and Assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the date of these Presents Cultivate and improve three acres part of everyfifty of the tract above mentioned. Then the estate hereby granted shall Cease and be utterly Determined and thereafter it shall and may be Lawful to and for us Heirs and Successors to grant the same Land and Premises with the Appurtenances unto such other persons as we our Heirs and Successors   shall think fit.

     In WITNESS whereof we have caused these Letters Patent to be made.

John Hodnett Land Grant . page # 2

     Witness our Trusty and Well beloved William Gooch Esq. Our Lieutenant at Williamsburg under Seal of our Said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg

Under the Seal of our Colony the Twenty sixth Day of March one thousand seven hundred and thirty nine in the Twelfth Yearof our Reign.

William Gooch

 
 
                       PATENT BOOK # 18, PAGE 281.
                       LAND OFFICE RICHMOND, VA.
Patent Book 18, page 201.
Date: February 1, 1738.
Acreage: four hundred acres
Name: John Hodnett
Consideration: forty shillings of good and lawful money to him paid and his heirs and successors in Goochland County, Virginia.The land was located on a branch adjacent to the north side of the Appomattox and both sides of Fish Pond Creek, with all appurtenances.
                        Patent was signed by Governor Gooch of Virginia.
                        (William Gooch, Governor)
 
Patent Book 18, page 269
Date March 29, 1739.
Acreage: Twenty-one hundred acres of land.
Name: John Hodnett.
Located on a branch of the Willis River, running to the land of Richard Randolph, Gent, and Willis River, from south branch of Willis River, to a white Oak, the latter located on Meade' s Branch and also a south branch of Willis River. The patent called for twenty-one hundred acres with all water courses and appurtenances thereon contained, together with all privileges. Same was signed by Gov. William Gooch.
- --------------------------------------------------------------

There was also a Richard Hodnett who came over about the same time as John Hodnett came but nothing to indicate they were related.

The first Hodnetts were in Pennsylvania, however, for in the Colonial records of the state we find James and John Hodnett were listed as having served in the Colonial War.


OTHER HODNETT FAMILY RECORDS

     The following was copied from page, of Ayres Hodnett' s Bible, now in possession of Mrs. E.S. Bennett, Ringgold, Virginia, this was torn from an old Bible. At the top of the page is written: " John Hodnett, was born". but this date was scratched out and the following are only remaining inscriptions.
        1. Sarah Hodnett was born the 13 of March 1765.
         2. John Hodnett was born the 30 of June 1767
         3. James Hodnett was born 20 of March 1769
         4. Daniel Hodnett was born the 21 of November 1773
         5.Lucy Hodnett was born the 20 of November 1775
         6. Nancy Hodnett was born 25 of January 1777
         7. Ayres Hodnett was born the 11 of December 1779..
 
     The following was copied by Mrs. Bennett from a book in her possession, which she describes as " Great grandfather Bates account book."
              1." Ayres Hodnett and Nancy D. Bates married June 2, 1808.
              2.Richard J. Hodnett was born April 25, 1809.
              3.Mathew B. Hodnett was born 15 of May 1811.
             4.Mary B. Hodnett was born 17 of October 1813.
              5.John Hodnett was born 16 of April 1816.
              6.James Hodnett was born 14 of June 1818.
              7.Thomas Jones Hodnett was born 7 of July 1821.
            8.Nancy B. Hodnett was born 25 of February 1824.
              9 Elizabeth R Hodnett was born 19 of March 1827.
              10.Ayres Hodnett was born 14 of August 1829.

                                                                         From Blanford T. Anderson

                                                                                            Cedar Grove, North Carolina
.
     In Deed Book #5 of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, page 498, is recorded a deed where under date of January 27, 1774, William King conveyed to . Ayres Hodnett of County of Buckingham. for L 250, 272 acres of land on Sandy Creek.
 
     " Hodnett's Adm' s Pace' s A dm' r 84 Va.873,. is a case decided by the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia in1888.  The suit was brought originally in Pittsylvania County July 9, 1881 by the Administrator of G.T. Pace against M.B. Hodnett as suretyof a Bond. Hodnett died and the suit was revived against his Administratrix, Narcissa Hodnett. The published report of this case can be found in any good Virginia Law Library, and it makes interesting reading. This may be the Narcepa A. and Mathew Hodnett you inquired about.
 
     The Albemarle County Va. Deed BK. 2, page 29, is recorded the Will of Peter Brooks, dated January 31, 1759, and probatedJune 14, 1759. It names:
                     "My beloved Wife, Catherine,
                      My daughter Jane F. Coles,
                      My daughter Susannah Brooks,
                      My son Michael Brooks,
                      My daughter Mary Toole,
                      My daughter Elizabeth Brooks
                      My grandson Peter Stoner."
     This probably is the father of Catherine Brooks, whose marriage to Daniel Stoner on June 20, 1739, Witnessed by John Hodnett, is recorded on P. 263 of the Marriage Register of Goochland County, Virginia.
 
     Buckingham County, Va., Personal Tax Lists, Deposited in Virginia Library Archives Division, Richmond, Virginia.
 
     1782, A list returned by John Johns,Precinct No. 5:
 
John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett,                                                                                            2 White Male Tithes
(Slaves: Will, Tom, Dick, Harry, Jean, Poll, Rachel, Rode, Lay, Daniel and Phoebe)           6 tithable slaves
                                                                                                                                         5 slaves under 16 yrs of age


                                                                                                                                         12 horses

                                                                                                                                         38 Cattle
1783, John Hodnett, 2 Free Males over 21 yrs. 10 slaves, 8 tithes, 9 horses, 29 cattle.
1783,  John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, 2 white tithes over 21 yrs., 6 blacks over 16, 3 blacks under 16, 12 horses
1785 John Hodnett, 2 free males over 21, 9 slaves, 5 tithable slaves, 7 tithes in all, 9 horses, 28 cattle.
1786 John Hodnett , 2 Free males over 21 yrs., 11 slaves, 6 tithes, able slaves, 8 tithes in all, 11 horses 28 cattle.
1787 John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, WilliamCox, 3 White males over 16 yrs. , 7 slaves over 16, 4 slaves under 16,8 horses, 33 cattle.
1788 John Hodnett, P.H. &W.C., 3 white  tithes, 7 blacks over 16, 8 horses.
1789 John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, 2 white tithes, 7 black over 16, 8 horses.
1790 John Hodnett, Philip Hodnet 2 white tithes, 9 black over 16, 9 horses.
1791 John Hodnett, ". P.H.". 2 white males, 8 blacks over 16 yrs., 9 horses.
1792 John Hodnett, " P.H.. 2 white tithes, 8 blacks over 16, 1 black between 12 and 16, 8 horses.
1793 (Book for this district missing)
1794 John Hodnet, . P.H.S.R.. 3 white tithers, 7 blacks over 16 yrs., 7 horses.
 1795 John Hodnet 2 white tithes, 7 blacks over 16 years age, 1 black between 12 and 16 yrs. age 7 horses.
 1796 John Hodnet, 2 white tithes, 7 blacks over 16 yrs age, 1 black between 12 and 16 yrsage, 7 horses.
 1797 John Hodnett Exempt, Philip Hodnet, 1 white tithe, 10 blacks over 16 yrs. age 8 horses
 1798 John Hodnett, Exempt, Philip Hodnet 1 white tithe, 9 blacks over 16 yrs age, 1 black between 12 and 16 years age, 9 horses.
 1799 Philip Hodnett, . John H.. 2 white tithes, 6 blacks over 16 yrs age, 9 horses.
 1800 Philip Hodnet . P.B.. 2 white tithes, 7 blacks over 16 yrs age, 6 horses.
 1801 Philip Hodnet, 1 white tithe, 6 blacks over 16 yrs. age, 6 horses, 1 two wheelriding chair.
 1802 Philip Hodnet 2 white tithes, 6 blacks over 16 yrs age, 6 horses.
 1803 Philip Hodnet 1 white tithe, 6 blacks over 16 yrs age, 8 horses.
MEMO:  John Hodnet appears on the 1782 tax lists for Buckingham County paying on himself, his son Philip, 11 slaves, 12 horses, 38 cattle and 800 acres of land, his personal property variesfrom time to time, but land continued the same amount.
For 1797 and 1798 John Hodnet was exempt for paying personal taxes on himself probably by reason of his extreme age or physical condition.
 
In 1799 we find his property charged in the name of his son Philip Hodnett, who pays on two white tithes, himself and . JnoH.. the latter undoubtedly his father, which is the last time John Hodnett  appears on the tax lists and is believed to be the date of his death. John Hodnets place of residence was on Little Willis River, 14 miles Southeast from Buckingham Court House, where his son Philip later resided.
                                                                          (Signed) F.W. Sydor, Record Searcher.

 

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY VIRGINIA, Land Tax Lists Deposited in the Virginia State Library, Archives Division, Richmond, VA

1782John Hodnett, 800 acres, 6/ per acre Value 240. Tax L2.8.0

1798John Hodnett, 800 acres, 7/ per acre, Value L280 Tax $3.55
 1799Philip Hodnett 800 acres, 7/ per acre Value L280 Tax $4.48
 1800Philip Hodnett 800 acres, 7/ per acre Value L280 Tax $4.48
 1801Philip Hodnett 1000 acres, 7/ per acre Value L350 Tax $5.50
 1813 Philip Hodnett 1000 acres, 7/ per acre Value L350 Tax $7.47
 1814 Philip Hodnett, Resident, 1000 acres on Little Willis R. distance & bearing from Court House 14 mi. S.E., Value per acre 7/0, total Value L350, Tax $9.92
 This is to certify that the following is a true copy of an entry in a Booklet deposited inthe Manuscript division of the Virginia State Library, Richmond, Virginia  ,designated . Buckingham County Public Service Claims.. Being an accountof the disbursements ordered by the County Court of Buckingham County in settlement for supplies furnished for the use of the army during the RevolutionaryWar:
   . At a court held for Buckingham County the 11th Day of Nov. 1782. (Pursuant to an Act of Assembly entitled . An Act for adjusting Claims for property impressed or taken for public Service.. The Court proceeded to receive and adjust the claims of different Claimants produced to them in Specia as hereafter mentioned.)
d. Dr.
Page 36 .
                             To John Hodnett
                             To 850 lbs. Grass Beef a 2  L7.1.8
Richmond, Virginia, June 22d, 1855, A true Copy:
                                                                      (Signed) F.W. Sydnor, Record Searcher.
The above furnished an Eligibility for membershipin the National Society, D.A.R.
                                                                                 Mrs James G Johnson
                                                                                 1810 Dandridge Pike,
                                                                                 Knoxville, Tennessee

 

John Hodnett of Buckingham County, Virginia, Data from the Virginia State Library

The Virginia Gazette for October 22-29, 1736, p. 4 col. 2 contains the following advertisement:
. Williamsburg, October 29, 1736: This is to give Notice, That if Mr. John Hodnett, Merchant, from London,should arrive in any of these Parts of America, he may apply to the Printer   hereof, and be inform. d where his Father-in-Law now lives..
 
Unfortunately, the advertisement is not signed; but family tradition  says John Hodnett married Katherine Brooke; and, in the same column of the same issue of the Virginia Gazette, appears the following: .Strayed or Stolen of strayed, about 3 weeks since, from Parson' s  Branch, 13 miles from Ashby' s in Orange County . . . II2 horses . . . They belonged to Major Robert Brooke of Essex County, who was on a journey to the Frontiers Occasion of settling the Bounds of the Lands between the King and the Lord Fairfax . . ..
The will of the same Major Robert Brooke, dated  April 25, 1736 and probated March 19, 1744 (Essex County Will Book No.7 p 265) lists four sons and four daughters, including a daughter named  Katherine; but apparently all four daughters were single and unmarried when the will was written on April 25, 1736 and October 29, 1736? Sincethe advertisement describes him as being . from London,. he might have been living somewhere else in America and planning to move to Virginia when the ad was published. Or he might have married Catherine Brooke while   on a visit to Virginia and might have taken her on a visit to London while  he settled up his affairs then before returning to Virginia to settle.Or Katherine Brooke might have been on a visit to London and might have met and married him there. Since Major Robert Brooke' s will mentions land  in both Essex and Orange Counties, the marriage records of both counties  shouldbe searched.
 
The Virginia Gazette for June 24, 1773, p.3, col. 3 contains the following:
"Taken up, in Buckingham, a bay mare about 7 years old, 4 feet 4 inches, has a small star and some saddle spots, but no perceivable brand. Posted and appraised to $1.
                                                                      " John Hodnett"
Goochland County Order Book No. 4 (1735-41), p.451 contains the following:
" On the motion of John Hodnett his Earmark is recorded Viz two crops and a slit in the left ear". (February Court, 1739)

Id., p. 433, August Court, 1739:

"Alexander Stinson is appointed Surveyor of the Road from Brooke's Mill to Arthors his gang to be Will M. Grays tithes, Peter Brooke, John Hodnett, John Payne, James Glen . . ." and many others.

Ia., p. 522, contains an entry showing that John Hodnett was on the 25 gentlemen recommended by the Court as one of those men fitto be Commissioner of the Peace.

Goochland County, Va. Order Book No. 5 contains the following entries at the pages indicated:

p. 94 July Court 1742: ". In the Action of Debt between John Hodnett, Asan. ce of William Battersly plf. And Alisford (?) Hughes Deft. For Six pounds seventeen shillings and eight pence curr. Money due by note dated xvth July MDCCXI (?) the Deft. Confesses judgment . . ."
 

p. 17:

" At a Court Oyer & Terminer held for Goochland County the fifteenth Day of December MDCXVI (?) (1741?) for the Tryal ofDavy a Negro Slave belonging to Joseph Anthony.
" A Commission from the Honorable William GoochEsq. His Majesty Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of this Colonyand Dominion unto John Fleming, William Mayo, Isham Randolph, Daniel Stoner,Carlton Fleming, William Randolph, George Carrington, Peter Jefferson,Miles Cary, Arthur Hopkins, Benjamin Coles (?) , Nicholas Davies, James Helman, Allen Howard, Wade Netherland, James Daniel, Joseph Thompson, William Allen, Charles Smythe, John Hodnett, and Richard Moseby Gent. To  be Justices of Oyer and Terminor for the tryal . . . ." (Italics supplied).
p. 39 (May Court 1742) contains an order that various gentlemen take the list of tithables in various parts of the county, ."John Hodnett Gent. Between Willis. s and Appomattox River".
p. 83 " At Court of Oyer and Terminor for the Goochland the XXX th day of June MDCXXDII (?) (1742) for the Tryall of Jack (?) Yorkshire and Lucy three Negro slaves belonging to Richard Randolph Gent for Murder of John Lee A commission from Lt. Gov. William Gooch lists JohnHodnett as one of the . Gent to be justices of Oyer and Terminor for the Tryal".
p. 154 County Levy Court, Oct. 18, 1742, JohnHodnett listed eight times as certifying claims for bounties for wolves'heads. Isham Randolph and Thomas Turpin also made similar certifications.
p. 307 County Levy Court, Nov, 13, 1743, John Hodnett again listed several times as the person certifying wolves heads for various claimants.
p. 325, County Levy Court for 1743:
                         " Present, Arthur Hopkins, Benjamin Corks (?), Wade Netherland, JohnHodnett , Rich. d Mosby, Gent, Justices".(This appears to be the only time he is listed as actually being present, and serving as a Justice.He was not present the following day)
p. 336, Court of Oyer and Terminor, January 22, 1743 to try Jack a Negro man slave belonging to Francis James. John Hodnett listed as one of the Gentlemen commissioned by Lt. Gov. William Gooch to be Justice of Oyer and Terminor.
The following additional entries also appear in the Goochland County Order Book No. 5:
p. 466, July Court, 1744:
          Action of Debt by Joseph Dbvs v. John Hodnett for 3000 pounds oftobacco for not listing three tithables persons belonging to him. Deft.By Edward Gray, his atty. Confesses judgment.
p. 476 July 24, 1744:
     John Hodnett listed in commission from Lt. Gov. William Gooch as one of the ". Gent. To be Justices of Oyer and Terminor for the trial of Hosey (?) a Negro man slave belonging to Thomas Lawton of Amelia County.
p. 512, Nov. Court, 1744:
     James Crosby v. John Hodnett in debt. Debt had been paid but costs were assessed.
p. 530:
     John Hodnett again certifies wolves. heads.
(NOTE: This order book was not searched beyond this page and Order Book 4 was not searched beyond page 522.)


Records of Ayres Hodnett

The Virginia Gazette for October 10, 1766, p. 4, col. 1, contains the following:

"Taken up, in Buckingham, a small sorrel horse   about 8 or 9 years old, with a star in his forehead, some saddle spots, hanging mane and bob tail, has middle size bell paces slow, and branded on the near buttock R; posted and appraised to 5L.

                                                                                                          "Ayres Hodnett".
A book entitles ". First Census of the UnitedStates - - Virginia",. which really is based on tax records, contains thefollowing:
p. 42, Heads of Families, Virginia, 1782, Pittsylvania County:
                      Hodnett, Mary - - 9 whites, 3 blacks
p.99 Heads of Families, Virginia, 1785 Pittsylvania County:
                     Hodnett, Mary - - dwellings - -, 3 other buildings.
p. 101: Heads of Families of Virginia, 1785 Prince Edward County:
                    Hodnett, Ben - - 3 whites one dwelling 4 other buildings.
 
Pittsylvania County Records.
Deed Book 5, page 450:
Will of Ayres Hodnett, Sr.
Made 1, August 1779
Recorded September 21, 1779

In the Name of God Amen, August first one thousand seven hundred seventy nine, I, Ayres Hodnett, of Pittsylvania County being very sick, but of a sound memory, and calling to mind the mortality of  the body that it is appointed for all men once to die, and knowing not whence it may please the Almighty God to call me from time into Eternity do constitute and ordain this is my last Will and Testament, and first of all I give my Soul unto the Almighty God that gave it and my Body tothe Earth from whence it was, to be buried in a Christian Like Manner at the discretion of my Executers and what Worldly Goods the Almighty has been pleased to bless me with I do distribute in the following manner.Viz., I will that the land which I sold to Jeremiah White I make him a  Right to him and his Heirs in this my will if he pay the money accordingto our Bargain. Second, I will to my son Benjamin Hodnett, one shilling  Sterling to him and his Heirs forever. Third, I will that the Balance of  my land Equally be divided between my three sons, John, James, and Daniel,  and if my wife should conceive and bring forth a son in nine months after  my death be shall come in for an equal part with the other sons, and if a daughter to share with my daughters as I shall hereafter in this will,and their Heirs forever. Fourth, I will to my sons all my Shop and Tools to them and these things forever. Fifth, I will the whole pf my Estate of Negroes, Stocks of every kind, and all my household furniture to be  equally divided between my children after my wife's decease. Item. I will that my Wife should have her life time in the land, which I will to my sons, and after her death to be divided in the above manner. I appoint  Clay Tanner and Benjamin Terry Executors, and my wife Executrix of this  my last Will and Testament and I do here unto set my hand and seal, theday of year above written.

                                                                                                              Ayres Hodnett

Signed, sealed and Delivered in the presence of

Clay C. Tanner
Ben Terry
George Hardey
The above was again presented in Court Jan. 19, 1818 to prove heirs of Ayres Hodnett in settling the estate of William McGeehee, brother to Mary McGehee, who was the wife of Ayres Hodnett.
                                                                                     Teste - - - Will Tunstall Clk.
At a Court held for Pittsylvania County the twenty first day of September 1779 The Within Last Will and Testament of Ayres  Hodnett Dec. d was Exhibited into the Court by Benjamin Terry One of the Executors there in Named and Proved by the oaths of two Witneses thereto and Ordered to be Recorded and on the motion of the said Executor who made Oath according to Law Certificate is Granted him for Obtaining a probate thereof in due form of Law Giving Security . Whereupon he Together with Sylvanus Stokes and Thomas Hardy his Securities entered into Bond Acknowledging the same according to Law.
Teste: Will Tunstall Clk.
At a Court held in Pittsylvania County the 19 thday of January 1818 This Last Will and Testament of Ayres Hodnett heretofore proved recorded was again presented in Court and on the motion of Ayres Hodnett Jr. who made Oath thereto According to Law with Allen G. Tanner  and William Fergurson his Securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of $2000 conditioned as the ________ directs certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the Estate of said Die - - - unadministers by his Executor in due form.
Exam'd                                                                        Teste Will Tunstall C.P.C.
 
Pittsylvania County Will and Deed Bk. 11, pg.488:
Will of Mary Hodnett
In the Name of God Amen November 28, 1817 I Mary Hodnett being very sick but of sound memory and calling to mind the mortalityof the body that it is appointed for all once to die and knowing not when it may Please the Almighty God to call me unto eternity do Constitute Ordain this my Last & Testament and first of all I give my Soul unto the Almighty God that gave my body to the Earth from whence it came to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executor. And what worldly goods the Almighty has been pleased to bless me with I do distribute in the following manner. Item I give and will to my daughter Lucy Davis, wife  of Joseph Davis . her lawful heirs of her body forever all my part that is coming from my son James Hodnett's Estate together with what I had  on hand at the time I went to live with the said James Hodnett, my son.Given under my hand the day and the year above written.
Witnep:                             her
Jr. White                   Mary X Hodnett
Jepee Woodson               mark
 
At a Court held for Pittsylvania County the 19th day ofJanuary 1818 The within Last Will and Testament of Mary Hodnett Dec. d was presented in Court and proved by the Oaths of the two Subscribing Witneses and ordered to be recorded. And at another Court held for said County the18th day of May in the Year aforesaid the Same was again presented in Court and Upon the motion of William Davis who made Oath thereto accordingto the Law and together with Joel Willis and Ayres Hodnett his securities entered into acknowledged their bond in the penalty of $500 conditioned  as the Law directs Certificate is granted for obtaining the letters ofadministration and the Estate of Mary Hodnett with her Said Will annexed in due form.
                                                                                                                 Teste: Will Tunstall      C .P.C.
Pittsylvania County Records
Deed Book 3, page 498:
This Indenture made this twenty-seventh day of January in the year of our Lord Christ 1774 Between William King of the County of Pittsylvania County and Ayres Hodnett of the County of Buckingham in which King deeds to Ayres Hodnett for and in consideration of 150 pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid for all that tract or parcel of land situated, lying and being in the County of Pittsylvania on both sides of Sandy Creek containing 272 Acres, it being the whole and entire Tract of land that the said William King and his father purchased of Joseph Echols.
                                                                                                              William King  SEAL

 

Among some old Baker records is this statement says Mrs. James G. Johnson of Knoxville, Tennessee, a descendent : . John Hodnett was the son of John Hodnett Sr.; it says it states he was first living in Prince Edward County, VA but later of Buckingham Co., Va.; that Caleb Baker Jr. married his daughter and that he had three sons: Ayres Hodnett, Philip Hodnett and John Hodnett. This Caleb Baker Jr. (or Esq.As he is sometimes called, had a son Abner Baker born September 18, 1775,in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He states in his . Life Book. that his mother Catherine Baker died in 1804 and his father being lonely and alone married a second Catherine Baker, widow of his cousin Andrew Baker of Virginia.She lived several years and at her death he employed as housekeeper, a needy relative of his wife Nancy Davis, niece of Ayres Hodnett. Caleb Baker Jr. died March 10, 1824 in the 90th year of his age..

Catherine Hodnett, daughter of John Hodnett married Caleb Baker Jr. who was born in 1734 in Lancaster Co., Pa. They were married in 1796 in Lincoln County, Kentucky.

Mrs. Johnson' s father was Caleb Hodnett Baker Jr., grandson of Abner Baker.

The Hodnett Baker Family

The following names of the ten children of Caleb Baker Jr. and his wife Katherine Hodnett Baker were furnished by their son Abner Baker:

1. William, died in Lincoln County Kentucky, 1806.

2. Lucy, married 5 June 1790 Prince Edward County, Virginia, John Hudson.

3. Susannah, married a Mr. Greenwood.

4. A daughter married a Mr. Eldridge

5. Patsy married a Mr. Greenwood.

6. Sally married 8 Jan. 1795, Arthur Jones of Buckingham County, Va.

7. Katherine, married a Mr. Hendrix.

8. Caleb md/18 March 1782, Jane Thompson, Prince Edward County, Va.

9 Brooks

10 Abner,  born 18, Sept. 1775, Prince Edward Co.,Va. married 19 Oct. 1793, Elizabeth Buford, dau. Of William Buford and  his wife Mary Welch, dau. Of Nicholas and Mary Welch, of Bedford County,Virginia. Elizabeth Buford was born 15 November 1781 and died January 11,1826, Garrard County, Kentucky. Abner. s Will in Gerrard Co., Kentucky,1861.

NOTE: Caleb Baker Esquire, Jr. died in Prince Edward County, Virginia on March 10, 1824.
 

Pittsylvania County Records.

Court Record Book.
Record Book 34, pg. 184:
Dated July 12, 1838

Satisfactory evidence being produced to the Courtof Pittsylvania County now sitting it is ordered to be certified that Mary Hodnett, widow of Ayres Hodnett, deceased, late of Pittsylvania Co. State of Virginia, was formerly Mary MeGeehee and sister to the late William McGeehee of Boulden County, State of Georgia; that she departed this life in the year 1817; that Benjamin Hodnett, Sally Terry now the wife of John Terry, Lucy Davis now the wife of Joseph Davis; John Hodnett, Daniel Hodnett,Nancy Davis now the wife of John Davis, James Hodnett, and Ayres Hodnett were the children of the said Mary Hodnett; and only children; that Benjamin Hodnett her son removed to the State of Georgia, that John Hodnett departed this life in the year 1807 and left 5 children, to wit, James, Elizabeth, John, Asa and Philip; that all of them are above the age of twenty-one years; that James Hodnett son of Mary Hodnett departed this life about the year 1816 and left no child or widow; that Daniel Hodnett departed this life in the year 1825 and left 8 children to wit: Letty now the wife of Jeremiah White, Mary, William, James, Jincy now the wife of Morton McHodge, Nancy, Philip and Daniel, and that they are the heirs, and only heirs of the said Mary Hodnett deceased.

Data relating to This Particular Family of Hodnetts:

     Asa Hodnett, son of John  Hodnett was born in 1802 and died in 1874. He was a well to do farmer and also a Primitive Baptist preacher. He lived three miles West of Chatham and before the Civil War owned many slaves. He also owned a large flour mill or sometimes called a grist mill known as Eagle Mill, but more recent years was called Hodnett. s Mill. This was the tallest mill in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Asa Hodnett married Nancy Stone, Sept. 28, 1826. Nancy   Stone Hodnett died April 29, 1848. They had no children. On Jan. 23, 1849, Asa Hodnett married Lucy Jones who was born April 23, 1803. There were no children from this second union. Asa Hodnett died in the year 1874.

Data relating to This Particular Family of Hodnetts cont. d:

Philip Hodnett, brother of Asa Hodnett, left Pittsylvania County and went to live in Caswell County, North Carolina where he held a prominent place in his community. Family tradition is that he at one time was a member of the State Legislature. He had two sons, who returned to Virginia to live and their descendents live in Martinsville, Virginia.

James Hodnett and his wife Mary (Polly) Jones had  six boys and all served in the Civil War; two lost their lives during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Pittsylvania County Records.

Will Book 2, pg 400:
Will of James Hodnett;
Made 4 June 1862;
probated, 20 October , 1862.

I,   James Hodnett, Sr., of the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life do on this fourteenth day of June in the year of 1862 make the following my last will and Testament of by these presents hereby revoking all wills by me heretofore made:

First, I wish my Executors herein after named to pay all my just debts as soon after my decease as circumstances will justify.

Second, I give my beloved wife, Mary Hodnett, during her life one-third of my estate both real and personal, she having the liberty to choose from my servants and real estate and other property tothe amount of one-third in value.

Third, I give to James Hodnett Junior, Trustee for sole use benefit and support of my daughter Harriet Yeatts (the wife ofDaniel Yeatts) and her children one-tenth part of the remainder of my Estate  after deducting three hundred dollars being amount advanced by me for one-halfof a Negro man purchased jointly by John Yeatts and myself from Daniel Yeatts. My interest in the Negro aforesaid I hereby convey to James Hodnett Jr., Trustee as aforesaid. The Negro girl I gave to Harriet Yeatts having died soon afterwards so not to be accounted for.

Fourth, I give to my sons James Hodnett Jr., John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, George A. Hodnett and to Ann Elizabeth Williams, wife of Charles B. Williams, Jane Shelhorse, the wife of John Shelhorse, Rebecca Smith, the wife of William Smith and Nancy Tucker, the wife of Creed Tucker, the balance of my Estate both real and personal to be equally divided between them.

Fifth, at the death of my wife the one-third of my estate given to her during her life as embraced in the second clause of this will I hereby give one-tenth of the same to James Hodnett Jr., Trustee for the sole use benefit and support of Harriet Yeatts the wife of Daniel Yeatts and her children and in the event of any one or more of my said daughter, Harriet Yeatts. children dying before they arrive at the ageof twenty-one years or marry than such child, or each of such child. s interest shall revert to the survivor, or survivors of such child. s children. no distribution however is to be made of the estate hereby given to James Hodnett Jr., Trustee as aforesaid during the lifetime of Harriet Yeatts, the same principal embraced in this clause is to govern the property embraced in the third clause.

Sixth, I give to Thomas Hodnett, James Hodnett Jr., John Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, George A. Hodnett, and to Ann Elizabeth Williams, wife of Charles B. Williams, Jane Shelhorse, wife of John Shelhorse, Rebecca Smith, wife of William Smith, and Nancy Tucker, wife of Creed Tucker, the balance of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided between them, this clause embraces the property both real and personal given tomy wife during her life and at her death to be equally divided among my children named in this clause of my will after the one-tenth is assigned to James Hodnett Jr., Trustee as aforesaid for the sole use benefit and support of Harriet Yeatts. Seventh, I hereby nominate and appoint Thomas  Hodnett and James Hodnett Jr., my executors . as witness my hand and sealthis day and year aforesaid.

Signed, sealed and acknowledged before us:
Witness
C.D. Bennett
W. Davis                                                                                          James Hodnett SEAL

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Data taken from J.C. Faust farm cemetery July 9, 1968 near Hollywood Church, Chatham, Virginia:

Virginia R. Hodnett
Born: November 1, 1854
Died: July 29, 1918
" How desolate our home beneft of thee,
My own dear one I hope to see"
John H. Hodnett
Born: February 23, 1844
Died: June 7, 1913
" How desolate our home benefit of thee,
My own dear one I hope to see"
 
JOHN HODNETT
     The first generation of  the Hodnett family in Virginia began with the arrival of John and Lucy Brooks Hodnet from London, England. The first record of them was publishedin the Virginia Gazette of October 22-29, 1736, and can be found in the state archives at Richmond, Virginia. It was published at Williamsburg,Virginia on page 4 column 2 of the issue mentioned, and worded as follows:. This is to give Notice, That if Mr. John Hodnet, Merchant, from London,should arrive in any of these parts of America, he may apply to the printerhereof, and be informed where his Father-In-Law now lives.. No exact date of his arrival is known, but it seems it probably occurred shortly afterthe published notice.
     The next record found ofJohn Hodnet was dated February 1, 1738. It. s preserved in the same archives mentioned above, and is in the Virginia Land Grants Patent Book 18, 1738-.39, page 194. That was the first of four patents included in that department,made by John Hodnet. The first two were for 400 acres each , and were located   in Goochland County, Virginia. They were located . adjacent to the northside of the Appomattox River.. A copy of that first patent is includedwith this - - - - account in order to furnish the details of the transactions,  including the exact location, price, terms, requirements for development.The second patent is recorded on page 201, and it was dated February, 1738.The two tracts of land were adjacent. The third patent made by John Hodnet  was recorded March 26, 1739 in Book 18, page 281. It was located about  ten miles from the first of two tracts in the same county, and contained  2100 acres of land. It was described as being located on the branches of the Willis. s River, adjoining Richard Randolph. The fourth patent madeby John Hodnet was dated September 5, 1749, and can be found in patent  Book 28, 1746-49 on page 697, containing 425 acres. It was located in Albemarle County, Virginia, which was originally part of Goochland County, Virginia.It was described as being on both sides of the Lower Fish Pond Creek ,adjoining his own land, and that of Obediah Woodson. s. The fourth patent was signed by Thomas Lee, while the others were signed by William Gooch,  Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Colony of Virginia. With  a total of 3,325 acres of undeveloped land patented, John Hodnet showed his faith in the future of the Virginia Colony. It required courage and considerable risk for a former merchant from London to attempt the development of raw land, when his past experience was so very different! The contract under which it was purchased was very strict and demanding of performance in a limited time! It required a great amount of labor and there was no machinery available at the time.
     John and Lucy Hodnet built their first home in Virginia on a larger tract of land purchased, which was near the property of Peter and Catherine Brooke, parents of Lucy Brooke Hodnet.The Brookes also came from England, and probably influenced the younger couple in going to Virginia. Several accounts of the Brooke family have confused the given name of Mrs. Brooke' s  and that of her daughter .Proof that the mother was named Catherine, and her daughter named Lucy is found in the will of Peter Brooke. That will can be found recorded in Will Book 2 page 49, Albemarle County, Virginia. Some accounts list Peter Brooke as being an English Lord, but no proof has been found to support that.
     In 1951 Mr. Walter Wyatt found the original home of John and Lucy Hodnet, which had been built two hundred years before. At that time, the old building was occupied. It was located near the present settlement of Curdsville and ten miles north of Farmville, Virginia. It is now in Buckingham County after being in two other counties due to the division made from Goochland and Albemarle counties in 1744 and 1761. Mr. Wyatt also found that there had been a log building,then a small one story building and later a two story frame building with tall columns in the front. The two frame buildings were joined together,and one story part was used for kitchen and dining area. When the place was again visited in 1974, it had become too decayed for use. The undergrowth in the yards had not been kept down, and the house was in a bad state of  decay. Mr. Wyatt also found the burial place near the old building with a number of graves but only one was marked. The marked grave was that of Philip Hodnet, oldest son of John and Lucy. Apparently Philip lived with  his parents in that first home all his life. It is supposed that John and  Lucy Hodnet moved to another place in their old age, but that has not been determined.
The entire list of the children of John and Lucy Hodnet was not found in one place but, but were located in various legal documents. All of them were married except Philip. Due to destruction of the Buckingham Court House by fire, the dates of birth and death of most of the children are not known. Also, the exact age of most of them is unknown.The following is a list made from available information:
Philip . Born May 2, 1737; died March 17, 1822 (Unmarried)
Ayres . Born (?); died 1779; married Mary McGehee, April 8, 1760 . 7 children?
Catherine . Born Died 1804; married Caleb Baker,Jr. in Lincoln Co., KY, 1796. They lived in
Prince Edward County, VA. Caleb died March 10, 1824 . 90 years.
Jane . married Daniel McGehee; had six childrenand lived in GA.
Lucy . married a Stewart.
Mary . married a Baker.
Ester . married William Anderson . no children known by legal entry showing that slaves left Ester were transferred to her sisters after her death. Their father left slaves to all his daughters, with requirement that in case no children the property would be transferred to the remaining daughters. In the case of Ester. s inheritance of slaves, they were rented to others and the rental returns given to Ester by two men chosen by John Hodnet.
     John Hodnet was very active in many ways, and was appointed to important groups, chosen by the colonial governor, for various services. He served with such men as Peter Jefferson, father of Thomas Jefferson. John Hodnet began selling some of his landabout twenty years after the time purchased. He probably had more land than he needed for farming, and records give the details of some of his land sales. The following are just two of those sales to show prices received etc. A deed dated November 8, 1758 shows that John Hodnet conveyed 408 acres of land to Isham Richardson, alone and without witnesses! The location of the land was on the south fork of the Willis. s Creek, adjoining land of Richard Randolph, and John Cannaway, and Alexander Trent. The consideration was 124 pounds, and it was recorded in Deed Book 2, page 73, AlbemarleCounty. Another land sale was dated May 7, 1758 and showed that John Hodnet and Lucy Hodnet signed the deed and there were two witnesses. The description of the property sold included: . Hodnet Springs, with all houses, orchards,gardens, fences, woods and waters, and water courses.. Grantor is statedto be John Hodnet of the County of Albemarle, but there was nothing toshow the relation  of Lucy Hodnet and the grantor. This deed was recorded  in Deed Book 2, page 268 Albemarle County, Virginia. The considerationwas stated to be 335 pounds, and there was acknowledgment of payment onpage 270 of the same book as the deed.
     Other records have been  preserved in the archives of the Virginia State Library at Richmond, Virginia,  which were transferred before the fire destroyed most of the records later.There are tax records paid by John and Philip Hodnet over a considerable  period between 1782 and 1814. The first of those records was dated 1782, which shows the following details: . John and Philip Hodnet: Slaves: Will,Tom, Dick, Harry, Poll, Rachiel, Rode, Lay, Daniel, Pheby; 2 whites; six   tithables slaves; 5 slaves under 16; 12 horses; 58 cattle; Land tax list;800 acres land-value 240 pounds - - per acre in taxes 2:90 pounds. Thelast tax list which included John Hodnet. s name was as follows: . John  Hodnet Exempt; Philip Hodnet, 1 white tithe; 9 black slaves over 16 years;1 black slave under 16 years; 9 horses; land 800 acres; value 280 pounds;7/ per acre; tax 3.55 pounds.. It is supposed John Hodnet was near theend of his life when exempted. The tax lists continue with Philip listed  through 1814, which shows: Philip Hodnet, Resident: Land 1000 acres on  Little Willis. s River: 7? Per acre; Total value 750 pounds; tax 9.02 pounds.  Apparently, Philip was no longer farming, and had retired, since he listedno labor, or livestock. He was 77 years of age and died at the age of 85  years. Mrs. E.S. Bennett, of Ringhold, Virginia wrote that her grandfather, Ayres Hodnet, Jr. and others received a legacy from both John and Philip Hodnet of Buckingham County, Virginia.
     During the Revolutionary War John Hodnet was too old to serve for combat duty, but he is known to have served in other ways, and is listed as a Patriot in the lists preparedby the D.A.R. organization. His grandson, Benjamin, son of Ayres Hodnet and Mary McGehee Hodnet, served in the Colonial army. The Virginia state  legislature passed a bill requiring every county in that state to furnish two calvary units for defense purposes. It is likely that John Hodnet was  active in the organization of those units. There is frequent mention of a Major John Hodnet of Hodnet. s Horses, but it is evident that he was  too old for combat service. He is known to have been active in procuring   supplies for the Colonial army.
     Lucy Hodnet raised a large family of seven children to maturity and is likely that she may have lost several infants, as it seems to have been the usual occurrence in most families of that period. One of her granddaughters wrote thay her grandmother was always loyal to the English crown. However, all of her descendents  were loyal to the Colonial cause, and spoke of Lucy as being . a grand  old Tory.. There were many Tories among the colonists, who sincerely thought  the revolution was wrong. The mother of General Washington is said to have  been among other prominent Tories.
     The descendents of John  and Lucy Hodnet owe their ancestors much appreciation and respect for their sacrifices and courage as pioneers in the early period of our nation. Leaving a comparative ease and safety of their former home, they sacrificed much when they moved to America. Their bravery and fortitude should be an inspirationto their descendents to carry on the good work in the future of this great nation.
- - - - - - -

Virginia Land Grants.Patent Book 18 . 1738-39

Page 194: George the Secondby the Grace of God and Great Britain, Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith,etc. TO ALL WHOM these presents come greeting NOW YE for divers good causesand considerations but more especially for and in consideration of fortyshillings of good and lawful money for our use paid to our Receiver Generalof our Revenues, in this Colony and Dominion of Virginia WE HAVE given, granted and confirmed, and by these presents for us Our Heirs and Successors do give, grant and confirm, unto John Hodnet one certain tract or parcel of Land containing 400 acres lying and being in the county of Goochlandadjacent the north side of Appomattox River above Fish Pond Creek and boundedas followeth (to wit) BEGINNING at a Current tree a little above the Rivera little above the mouth of the Run, running thence new lines north 10degrees east 274 poles to a red oak Saplin east 220 poles to a Black OakSaplin thence on the other land surve. d for the said HODNETT south 242poles to a Sweet Gum by the River thence up the same according to it's meanders to the Beginning WITH ALL woods, underwoods, Swamps, Marshes, Lowgrounds, meadows, Feedings and his due share of all Veins, Mines, Quarries as well as discovered as not discovered within the bounds aforesaid and being part of the same Quantity of 400 acres and Rivers, Waters and Water Courses therein contained together with the Privileges of Hunting, Hawking,  Fishing, Fowling, and all other Profit Commodities and Hereditaments whatsoeverto be the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining TO HAVE Hold Possess and enjoy the said Tract of Land and all other before  granted Premises and every of their appurtenances unto said John Hodnet and his Heirs and Assigns forever. TO BE HELD of us our Heirs and Successorsas our Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in free and common soccage and not in Carite or by Knights service, yielding and paying unto us our Heirs and Successors for every 50 acres of land and so proportionably for a lesser or greater quantity of 50 acres the Fee Rent of 1 shilling  yearly to be paid upon the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and also  Cultivating and Improving 3 acres part every 50 of the Tract above mentioned within 3 years after the date of these Presents.  Provided always that if 3 years of the said Fee Rent shall at any time be in arrears and unpaid or if the said JOHN HODNETT his Heirs or Assigns do not within thespace of three years next coming after the date of these Presents Cultivate and Improve 3 acres part of every 50 acres of the Tract above mentionedThen the Estate hereby granted shall cease and be utterly Determined and  thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for us and our Heirs and Successors to grant the same Lands and Premises with the Appurtenances unto such other Person or Persons as we our Heirs and Successors shall think fit. IN WITNESS Whereof we have caused these our Letters Patent to be made. Witness our  trusty and beloved William Giitch Esq. Our Lieutenant Governor and Commander  in Chief of our said colony and Dominion at Williamsburg on the Seal of our said Colony 1st day of February 1738 In the 12thyear of our Reign.

                                                                                                                William Gooch

Ib. Page 201. JOHNHODNETT 400 acres.

George II etc etc. for  the sum of 40 shillings etc. etc. is granted unto JOHN HODNETT 400 acres in Gootchland adjacent north side of Appomattox River on both sides of the Fish Pond Creek etc. etc. we issue Letters of Patent etc. at Williamsburg under seal of the Colony etc. February 1738 in the 12th yearof our Reign, (Signed . William Gootch)
 

Ib. page 281 JOHN HODNETT 2100 ACRES.

George II etc. etc. more especially for the sum of L/ 10 etc., we grant and confirm unto JOHNHODNETT ONE Tract containing 2100 acres in Gootchland on the branches of Willis. s River adjoining Richard Randolph, etc. etc. 26 March 1739.(Signed William Gootch)

Patent Book 28 1746-49.

Page 67. JOHN HODNETT 425 acres George II etc. etc. for the sum of 45 shillings etc. to JOHN HODNETT one Tract of 425 acres across in the county of Albemarle on both sides of the lower Fish Pond Creek of the Appomattox River etc. adjoining his own land, Obediah Woodson. s etc. etc. Letters Patent 5 September 1749.(Signed . Thomas Lee)
NOTE: Although the above grants are marked in Gootchland and in Albemarle yet they are on the Appomattox River, which is north side of the James, and would now be in what is called Buckingham, Powhatan or Cumberland Counties. Gootchland County began in  1728 and was divided into Albemarle County in 1744, and into Cumberland Co. in 1749. The Albemarle Co. was divided into Buckingham Co. in 1761and Cumberland Co. was divided into Powhatan Co. in 1777.

 

Goochland
1728

___________________________________________________________

Albemarle                                                                                 Cumberland

        1744                                                                                     1749

Buckingham                                                                              Powhatan

The above was transcribed by Dianne Delitto from the papers of Mrs. Anderson, Deceased


            HODNETT FAMILY HISTORY

The following copied from Mrs. E. S. Bennett's records but I am sure recorded in Pittsylvania Court House, Chatham, Virginia

Original Records:
Ayres Hodnett administrator of Ayres Hodnett 1819 Dec'd to the Clerk of Pittsylvania County Court.
Febry  Order for settlement of his account Current 26 copy 18. ' 44
       Order for Division of said Estate 26 Copy 18. . . ; 44
                                   Will Tunstall
                           _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
In Mrs. Bennett's handwriting: Ayres Hodnett, JohnTerry, & Sally his wife, Joseph Davis & Lucy his wife, Nancy Davis, James Hodnett, Eliza Hodnett, John Hodnett, Asa Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, children of John Hodnett deceased:
        Jeremiah White & Sally his wife,: Mary Hodnett, Wm. Hodnett, James  Hodnett, Morton Hodge & Jency his wife, Nancy Hodnett, Philip Hodnett, & Daniel Hodnett children of Daniel Hodnett. To the Clerk 1838, the County Court of Pittsy. July Order concerning Mary Hodnett's  will.
                                   Wm. Tunstall Clerk.
Daniel's Children: James, Nancy, Jane, Philip, Daniel
John's Children: James, Eliza, John, Asa, Philip
Appoint Sydnor McGehee, Caswell Co., N.C. as attorney
Wm. McGehee's Baldwin County, Georgia.
In Pittsylvania Court Order Book 12, pg. 500 is recorded an order showing that Lucy Hodnett, widow of John Hodnett, dec'd has filed a bond to assure proper administration of his estate. This is dated  uly Court 1807
Recorded in Cumberland County, Virginia Will Book  2, pg. 32
                                       Sons of Edward McGehee April 4, 1770

                                       John McGehee        Prince Edward County                                       700
                                      Mary Hodnett                                                   5 shillings
                                      Elizabeth Wright                                                                                 400
                                      Micajah McGehee   Prince Edward County                                        700
                                      Munford McGehee  Prince Edward County                                        700
                                     Daniel McGehee      Prince Edward County                                         700
                                    William McGehee     Prince Edward County                                         700
                                    Jacob McGehee       Prince Edward County                                         700
                                    Samuel McGehee     Prince Edward County                                         700
                                    Anne McGehee                                                                                    400
wife, Elizabeth McGehee               400
                                     6000

Copied from Original Papers in Mrs. Bennett's Possession
October 9th 1822 Received of Mr. Ayres Hodnett administrator of James Hodnett Dect. $14.49 cents being a balance in full of a part that fell to James Hodnett's from Ayres Hodnett Deceisted estate.
                                                                                        William Davis
Witnep                                                                         administrator of Mary Davis
James G. Davis                                                                          Deceist
 
                                   HODNETT FAMILY HISTORY
 
Copied from Original Records in Possession of Mrs. E.S. Bennett, Ringgold, Va.
October 9th 1822 Received of Mr. Ayres Hodnett administrator of James Hodnett Deceist $14.49 being a balance in full of a part that fell to James Hodnett from Ayres Hodnett Deceit estate                                       her
  James G. Davis                 Lucy X Davis
                                             mark
May 15th 1802 Received of Ayres Hodnett the Sum of fourteen pounds Two Shillings & Seven pence in full of all Claims against him in the Division of the Estate of John Hodnett.
Test
    James Hodnett
May 18th 1801 Recd of the Legatees of Ayres Hodnett Deceist thirteen pounds three Shilling & 1/4 in part of my Claim from the Estate.
     Teste                                Ben Terry
       T. Robertson
8th May 1830 then Received of Ayres Hodnett Admr.on the estate of James Hodnett Late of Pittsylvania County State of Virginia deceased thirty dollars in part of a distributive shear on the part of Benjamin Hodnett Late of the State of Georgia.
                                          Thomas Hodnett
Original (year torn off) October 7th Then received of Ayres Hodnett Admr. Of James Hodnett Decd. And Admr. of Ayres Hodnett Decd. payment in full for all my Interest in the two Estates except a Bond I hold against the commipioner appointed to sell the land of James HodnetDecd.
                                          Joseph Woodson
Teste Tho. Williams
      Daniel Terry
Rec'd the 22nd Day of October 1818 of Ayres Hodnett Admr. of James Hodnett decd. the sum of Nine dollars and 34 cents in full for 1/5 of 1/8 part of the realle Estate of said Hodnett decd. as settled by Commipioners appointed for that purpose & I do hereby promise and Oblige myself my Heirs &c. to pay a Proportionable part of all debts that may be due from the said decedents Estate.
Witnep                                    Jospeh Woodson
   Joel Willis
Recd. Of Ayres Hodnett Admr. of James Hodnett Decd. Forty-six dollars and seventy two cents being the Nett amount due to the Heirs of Benjamin Hodnett Decd from the personal Estate of the said J.Hodnett Decd. which Interest is one seventh part May 19, 1830. Intrest down to the present date twenty three Dollars 28/100 cents in full of said Legacy.
                                          Thos. Hodnett
Witness
1818 James, John, Asa, Betsey, Philip Hodnett infant children of John Hodnett Decd. Daniel Hodnett, Ayres Hodnett, John Terryand Sally his wife, Joseph Davis and Lucy his wife, and John Davis and Nancy his wife, the Clks of Pitts Dr.
   Augs. Entering attorney at the suit of Dafix Administrator & filing two answers  36     44.
 
Pittsylvania Co.                   HODNETT FAMILY HISTORY
Court Order
Book 12, pg. 500       July Court 1807
          On the motion of Lucy Hodnett widow of John Hodnett Dec'd. who made Oath According to Law and together with James Hodnett, John Bennett, and John White her Securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of Ten Thousand Dollars Conditioned as the Law Directs. Certificate is Granted herefore Obtaining Letters of Administration on the Estate of said Decendant in due form.
          Ordered that Benjamin Terry Senr. Benjamin Terry jr. Samuel Mottley andDaniel Mottley Gentlemen or any three of them being first Sworn as the Law Directs do appraise in Current money the personal Estate of John Hodnett Dec'd. and report.
 
Court Order Bk. 17, pg. 78.
          It is Ordered that James W. Williams, William Hall, Jeremiah Terry, Abraham Sydnor and Champness Terry or any three of them, who are hereby appointed Commissioner, for that purpose, do examine, state and settle the account current of the Estate of John Hodnett dec'd. with Jesse Woodson his administrator in right of his wife Lucy from the time of his intermarriage with said Lucy the widow of said John Hodnett Dec'd. And that they also state and settle the acocunt current of the said Lucy from the time of her qualificationas a admr.X. until sd. Jesse Woodson ; and make report thereof to the Court .
 
Court Order Bk. 19, page 129.
An Out Court of Jesse Woodson Gudnship of the orphs. Of John Hodnett dec'd. recorded and OR.
Court Orders 19, pg. 46.
          James Hodnett appointed Guardian of John Asa Philip Hodnett orphans of John Hodnett Dec'd. and with Jesse Hardy and Meredith Jennings his - - -- - - entered into bond and acknowledged the same in the penalty of $4000.Condd as the law directs for that purpose.
 
Court Order 19, pg. 227, year 1820
          James Hodnett Guardian of John, Asa and Philip Hodnett orphans of John Hodnett Dec'd. came into Court and Ordered bond with Thomas B. Jones hisSecurity in the penalty of $10,000 and order to indemnify and relieve Jesse Hardey one of the former Secys. Of said James Hodnetts Gar. as aforesaid.
 
Court Order 25, pg. 241 ; September Court 1825
On the motion of Elizabeth Hodnett and Jesse Woodson who made oath acknowledging to law and having entd into and ackd bond in the pen. Of $5000 Cond. as the law requires with William Mottley, Jessee Hardy, John Hardy, and James Hardy, Secys. Wit. is granted them for obtaining letters of oman on the cot. of Daniel Hodnett in due form
It is ordered that Daniel Terry, John Hardey, Jessee Hardy, Ro. Terry or any three of them being first Sec. for that purpose do apprs. in Current money the Est. of Daniel Hodnett Dec'd. and report Court Order 25, pg. 282 &ndash; November Court 1825.
          Daniel Terry's apptd. Gudn. Of Wm., James, Jane, Jackson, Nancy, Philip and Daniel Hodnett orphans of Daniel Hodnett, Dec'd. and with Obadiah P. Terry and Robt. Terry his Secy. entd. into & ackd. bd. in the pen of $10,000 Cond. acdg. to Same.
 ___________________________________________
Virginia Pittsylvania County to wit;
     We Stokely Turner & Samuel Fitzgerald Justices of the Peace in the County of Pittsylvania and Commonwealth of Virginia do hereby certify that John Terry & Sally his wife, James Hodnett, Asa Hodnett, Elizabeth Woodson, Philip Hodnett, Joseph Davis & Lucy his wife, Ayres Hodnett, Nancy Davis, William Davis, Jeremiah M. White & Letty his wife, Daniel Terry Guardian for James Hodnett, Nancy Hodnett, Jane Hodnett, Phillip Hodnett & Daniel Hodnett orphans of Daniel Hodnett decd.
Parties to a certain Deed and power of Attorney bearing date the 20th day of October 1825 and here to annexed Personally appeared before us in our County of Pittsylvania aforesaid and acknowledgedthe same to be their Act and ----------------
ledgment to the Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania in order that the said power of Attorney may be Recorded Given under our hands and Seals the 20th day of October 1835.
                                   Sto. Turner          Seal
                                   Samuel Fitzgerald    Seal
Since the above was recorded we have thought it necessary to State that the records Richard R. Hines Milledgeville Georgia of the Estate second August and John Hodnett wave credit before the ----------of the above Power of attorney and So was the words of Philip Hodnett heirs of John Hodnett dec. Sidnor McGehee of Caswell County North Carolina twenth  and October Interlined
                                   Samuel Fitzgerals
                                   Sto. Turner
Virginia to wit
          I Wm. Tunstall clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Stokely Turner and Samuel Fitzgerald Esqr. who have signed the within certificate are acting Justices of the Peace in & for the said County duly commissioned and qualified .
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 21st day of October One thousand eight hundred and thirty five.
                                   Will: Tunstall
Virginia to wit
          I James M. Williams sen. presiding Justice of the County Court of Pittsylvania in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that William Tunstall is clerk for the County Court of said County and that his attestation is in due form of law.
          Given under my hand this 21st day of October 1835
              J. M. Williams Sent.   P. Justice
On back Sydnor McGehee from Jno. Terry & others ; Power of Attorney.
John Terry
Joseph Davis
Ayers Hodnett
Wm. Davis
James Hodnett     )
Asa Hodnett      )
John Hodnett      ) Heirs of John Hodnett
Philip Hodnett    )
Elizabeth Woodson )
Daniel Terry Guardian for Nancy Hodnett
Phillip Hodnett; Danl Hodnett Inf.
Children of Danl. Hodnett : Jerry M. White / Morton M. Hodges
 
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Copied fromThe Old Bates Account Book; in possession of Mrs. E.S.Bennett
Ayres Hodnett & Nancy D. Bates married the 2nd day of June 1808
Richard I. Hodnett was born the 26th day of April1 809
Matthew B. Hodnett was born the 15th day of May 1811
Mary B. Hodnett was born the 17th day October 1813
John Hodnett was born the 16th day of April 1816
James Hodnett was born the 14th June 1818
Thomas I. Hodnett was born the 7th day of July 1821
Nancy B. Hodnett was born the 23rd of February 1824
Elizabeth R. Holland was born the 19th of March1827
Ayres Holland Jr. was born the 14th of August 1829
 
Old Bates Book
A register of Thos. Jones of the County of Pittsylvania. Thomas Jones and his wife Mary was maryed the 12th day of May 1763. Children born viz
Anne Iverson born the 1st March 1764
Thomas Brooks born the 19th June 1766
Mary Brooks born the 14th October 1769
Mary B. Nowlin departed this life October 29, 1847 age 78 years 15 days.
Eml. (Emanuel) born the 14th April 1771
James Bates married Winifred Hicks (Hix) and were the parents of