Revised as of February 6, 2006.

Including information on
Thomas Brewster and his wife Mary ??,
John Nodding and his wife Priscilla Brewster Nodding,
William Nodding Sr. and his wife Mary ??,
and the children of William and Mary Nodding.

of Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, Virginia, and Washington County, Tennessee.

By Robert Fillerup

• Who were the parents of William Nodding?

      An older document states that the parents of William Nodding Sr. were John Nodding and Priscilla Brewster Nodding and that his maternal grandparents were Thomas and Mary Brewster. The document was written by Elijah Embree Hoss, a grandson of Samuel Bayless and Mary Nodding Bayless. The document was aparently written sometime before Elijah's death in April 1919. Elijah was born in 1849 in Washington County, Tennessee and was ten when his grandmother Hannah Bayless Hoss died, and 35 when his father Henry Hoss (II) died. It is possible that Elijah learned the genealogy contained in the document from them.

      A transcript of the document was provided to the "Bulletin of the Watauga Association" in 1987 by Irene Bachner of Fort Worth, Texas, who had the original in her possession. The transcript can be found here. William R. Phillips in the "Bulletin of the Watauga Association of Genealogists," Vol. 18, No. 2, 1989, p. 148 also identifies John and Priscilla Nodding as the parents of William Nodding, Sr., although no source was given.

      There are several factors, however, which weigh against John and Priscilla Nodding being the parents of William Nodding Sr. and against Thomas and Mary Brewster being his grandparents. These factors are:
  
  

  1. Apparently none of the daughters of Thomas Brewster, including Priscilla Brewster were married at the time their father Thomas Brewster wrote his will in 1755. William Nodding was already alive, and probably over 21 by this time.
  2. John Nodding first appears in 1769 as a tithable in the household of William Nodding Sr., indicating that he "became of age" at that time [there is some confusion whether the age to be included as a tithable was 16 or 21].
  3. Mary Brewster was apparently pregnant when Thomas Brewster died in 1755, because her son Perrione (Perry) Brewster first shows up as a tithable in 1778 - meaning that he was not of age to be counted before then. Perry Brewster is not mentioned in Thomas Brewster's will, indicating that he was not yet born.
  4. John Nodding only mentions his wife Priscilla as an heir in his will. It seems highly unlikely that if William Sr. was his son that he would have omitted his mention as an heir.
  5. The inventory of the estate of John Nodding (1783) mentions a brother William, but not a son William. ["... one rifle Gun he gave to his Brother in Law -- Pannune Brusler, all his clothes he gave to his Brother William Nodding -- ..."]
  6. The will of William Nodding Jr. (1792) mentions a brother John who appears to be deceased. ["mill seat where my brother John Noding lived."]
  7. Mary Brewster did not die until December, 1804. If she was indeed the grandmother of William Nodding Sr., and if Priscilla was born when Mary was as young as 13, and if William Sr. was born when Priscilla was as young as 13, and if William Nodding Sr. was born as late as 1730, it would mean that Mary Brewster was born no later than 1704 and lived to be 100! [It is possible, of course, that Mary is a younger second wife of Thomas Brewster, and was not the mother of Priscilla, Ann and Mary.]
  8. To match up with the Hoss scenario, there would have to be at least three William Noddings (William Jr., William Sr., and William the brother of John) and at least two John Noddings (John the brother of William Jr. and John the father of William Sr.) However, I have encountered no references which would suggest a third William or a second John.

      The explanation which allows the best fit is if John Nodding who married Priscilla Brewster is a brother to William Jr. and a son of William Nodding Sr. This would mean that Elijah Embree Hoss was confused in his account. Unless additional documents are discovered, we may never know the actual relationship between John Nodding and William Nodding Sr.

  ---

      Numerous "online" genealogies show William Nodding's wife as Mary Brewster, the daughter of Thomas Brewster. It is clear, however, that Thomas Brewster's daughter Mary married Thomas Finch, and not William Nodding. The maiden name of William Nodding's wife Mary is currently unknown. All of this is explained more fully below in the entry for 10 Dec 1755.

  ---

  William Nodding Sr. was born by at least 1728, with the place of his birth being currently unknown. The date of birth of 1728 is estimated from the Fairfax County, Virginia List of Tithables for 1749. He would have been 21 by that date to appear separately as a tithable (a taxable person). After extensive searching, (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania) this is the earliest document that I have found which mentions our subject Noddings. This could indicate that the family (including perhaps the Brewsters or Bruisters) were immigrants near that time. William Brewster, who is somehow connected to Thomas Brewster, on 19 June 1749 received parts of two tracts of land that were originally patented by James Carter. The heirs of Thomas Brewster also divide up land that was originally patented by James Carter, further affirming a connection.

  When and where William Nodding Sr. married is unknown. His was probably married by 1749 when he appears on the list of tithables. He mentions his wife Mary in his will. His wife Mary, however, was NOT the daughter of Thomas Brewster. See the entry for 10 December 1755 below.

  William Nodding Sr. lived in an area in Virginia which became part of Prince William County in 1731, part of Fairfax County in 1742, and then part of Loudoun County in 1757. This was about 1 1/2 miles above the Great Falls of the Potomac River - on the north side of Difficult Creek. The Brewsters apparently lived south of William Nodding Sr., but apparently still on the north side of Difficult Creek (Difficult Run). This was in an area that was part of Fairfax County in 1742, became part of Loudoun County in 1757, but then became part of Fairfax County again in 1798. It is possible that Thomas Brewster's land eventually ended up partly in Loudoun County and partly in Fairfax County, since deeds ultimately disposing of the land by his heirs are recorded in the land records of both counties.

  The Brewsters and Noddings were either Baptists before they appeared in Fairfax County, or were converted during the religious "revivals" that were sweeping the area. The names of John Nodding, Daniel Hill, Daniel McCreay, and Thomas Finch appear on the "Ten-thousand Name Petition" that was circulated during the summer of 1776 and presented to the Virginia House of Delegates on October 16, 1776. Virginia was still heavily under the influence of the Anglican Church during this period, and there was severe persecution of the Baptists in northern Virginia. The fact that Ann Nodding and Elizabeth Nodding went down the Potomac River from their father's property to Cabin John, Montgomery County, Maryland to be married by an Anglican minister, Joseph Threlkeld, is rather curious however. Perhaps there was some conflict with the religious leaders of the Cameron Parish where they resided.
  Some have speculated that Elizabeth Nodding married William Calvert in Montgomery County, Maryland, because William was from there.

  Sometime in late 1780, [based upon the sublease in June 1780 by William Nodding of the land he was leasing in Loudoun County, Virginia, and the marriage date of William Calvert and Elizabeth Nodding in July, 1780], William Nodding, Sr. and his family, including his sons-in-law Daniel McCray, Samuel Bayless, Daniel Hill, John Brown, and William Calvert, John and Priscilla Nodding, William Nodding Jr., and at least others of the Bayless and Brown families moved down the "Wilderness Highway" on the western edge of Virginia to Washington Territory, then part of North Carolina. Whether they went as a large group and all at the same time is unknown. John and Priscilla Nodding appear to have signed a deed on October 8, 1781 in Loudoun County, so perhaps they remained behind, or else the group moved after that date. They arrived at least by November 6, 1782, because John Nodding executes his will in Washington County on that date.
  The area where they settled was at the time part of North Carolina. Shortly thereafter it was part of the envisioned State of Franklin (1784-1788) and then became Sullivan and Washington Counties in the new state of Tennessee in 1796. We find land grants to William Nodding Sr., William Calvert, Samuel Bayless, and John Brown in the North Carolina records in 1780, in this same area.

  The area where the families settled was later named TSamuel and Mary Bayless, William and Mary Nodding, Daniel and Sarah McCray, and Priscilla Nodding are among the earliest members of the Limestone Baptist church organized there in the early 1780s.

  William Nodding Sr.'s will was dated in 1804, but was not admitted to probate until May, 1812. Since he appears in the Washington County, Tennessee tax records up through 1812, it can be concluded that he died in early 1812 in Washington County. He was undoubtedly buried there also.

  Little is known about John Nodding, other than he married Priscilla Brewster, daughter of Thomas Brewster and his wife Mary, and that he died on December 28, 1782, in what is now Washington County, Tennessee. The first mention of John Nodding that I have been able to locate is in the List of Tithables for Loudoun Co., VA for 1775. Thomas Finch, (Thomas Brewster's son-in-law) also first appears in the Tithables for 1775, suggesting that they both either turned 21 about then, or else moved to Loudoun County from elsewhere in that year.

  ---

  The following is a chronological listing of dates associated with William Nodding Sr., John and Priscilla Brewster Nodding, and Thomas and Mary Brewster. Also included are documents associated with the three daughters of Thomas and Mary Brewster, i.e.; Priscilla Brewster Nodding, Mary Brewster Finch, and Ann Brewster Lewis. Links are provided to transcribed documents and sources. Curly brackets {in red} surround my comments inserted into documents.

  5 Feb 1725 - Prince William Co., VA
  The date of a grant to James Carter for 393 acres on the Potomack River 1 1/2 miles above the Great Falls. [Grant No. 121, Narrow Neck Grant C:15]. This is the same property that had been granted to John Radford of Maryland [Grant No. 120, Narrow Neck Grant A:189, Reports of Survey 1:47], which was adjacent to William Harrison. Radford's grant had been canceled.
  Source: Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), pp. 139, 233; Gertrude E. Gray, Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants, 1694-1742, (Baltimore, Gen. Pub. Co., 1988), pp. ___, 100.

  13 Jun 1731 - Prince William Co., VA
  A grant to James Carter of 607 acres above the falls of the Potomack adjacent to his own land. [Grant No. __, Narrow Neck Grants, C:159. John Carter, an heir of Charles Carter, later sold part of this and the 393 acre tract to William Brewster - see below for 19 Jun 1749.]
  Source: Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), p. 139; Gertrude E. Gray, Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants, 1694-1742, (Baltimore, Gen. Pub. Co., 1988), p. 109.

  27 Sep 1744 - Fairfax Co., VA
  Thomas Brewster is a sworn chain carrier for a 602 acre survey for the Honorable William Fairfax near Potomac River about 1 1/2 miles above the Great Falls. Daniel Jenkins is the surveyor.
  Source: Fairfax County, Virginia, Record of Surveys, Survey No. 8. FHL Film# 31320-2; Card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche# 6331436-4.

  25 May 1745 - Fairfax Co., VA
  Grant to John Jenkins of Fairfax County, of 602 acres called "Salem Downs" in Fairfax County. On the Potomac 1 1/2 miles above the Great Falls, adjacent to John Reed, James Carter, Edward Emons, William & John Harle. Surveyor was Mr. Daniel Jennings. [Grant No. 373, Northern Neck Grants F:215]
  Source: Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), pp. 198; Gertrude E. Gray, Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants, 1742-1775, (Baltimore, Gen. Pub. Co., 1988), Vol. II, p.11.

  28 May 1745 - Fairfax Co., VA
  John Jenkins sold to William Fairfax 602 acres.
  Source: Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), pp. 198.

  17 Jun 1749 - Fairfax Co., VA
  John Carter, an heir of Charles Carter, sold part of James Carter's 393 acre and 607 acre tracts to William Brewster.
  Source: Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), pp. 139.

  1749 - Fairfax Co., VA.
  [List of Tithables]
  Bruster, Tho - Wh.4, Neg. 2 [Whites 4, Negroes 2]
  Noddin, Wm - Wh. 1 [Whites 1 – meaning one male over 21 years of age.]
  Source:"Loudoun County Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786," vol 1, compiled by Marty Hiatt & Craig Roberts Scott, Athens GA, 1995, pp.3 & 13.
  Note: William Nodding would have been 21 years old by this time in order to be listed as a "tithable", therefore he would have been born by at least 1728.

  1750 - prob. Fairfax Co., VA
  Estimated year of birth of Sarah Nodding, daughter of William Nodding Sr. and Mary.
  Source: See the entry for 23 Nov 1769 where Sarah McCrae is listed as the wife of Danile McCrae. Since Sarah was married by that date, she would have been born somewhere around 19 years earlier.

  24 Sep 1751 - Fairfax Co., VA
  William Nodden ordered with John Summers, Roger Wiggington & John Trammell to inventory and appraise the estate of William Bruester, deceased.
  Source: Fairfax Co. Order Book, 1749, p.163, from card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche US-Can#6330141.
  Note: I have not tried to determine the relationship between William Bruester or Brewster and Thomas Brewster.

  1752 - prob. Fairfax Co., VA
  Estimated year of birth of Mary Nodding, daughter of William Nodding Sr. and Mary.
  Source:[Simply a guess at this point!]

  24 Mar 1754 - Fairfax Co., VA
  Survey of part of 570 acre tract on Deep Branch and Potomack River, surveyed for William Carter, shown as William Carter's part, now Thomas Breweter's land - was about 3 miles above the Great Falls.
  [same date] William Noddy was chain carrier for survey of 570 acre tract on Potomack River and Deep Branch, requested by William Carter.
  Source: Fairfax County, VA Survey Book, p.93 from card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche# 6331436-4 and 15.

  15 July 1755 - Fairfax Co., VA
  William Noddon was discharged from attachment in the case of Carter (James) v. Holyfield (Ralph)
  Source: Fairfax County, VA Court Records, p.93 from card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche# 6330162.

  10 Dec. 1755 - Fairfax Co., VA [back]
  The date of the will of Thomas Brewster. The will mentions his daughters Mary, Anne and Priscilla, and his wife Mary. The married names of his daughters are not stated in the will. William Nodding (spelled "Nodin") was appointed as an executor. One of the witnesses to the will was Mary Nodding. The copy of the will as recorded in the County Will Book is damaged at the bottom of the first page and has portions of at least two lines missing. The married names and spouses of the daughters of Thomas are given in a Loudoun County, Virginia document dated 5 Feb 1796, which divided the land among them. They are: Mary Bruister [who later married Thomas Finch]; Anney Bruister [who later married Daniel Lewis]; and Prisilla Bruister [who later married John Noding]. See entry for 5 Feb 1796. But it is clear from the referenced deed that Mary's married name was "Finch" and was not "Nodding."
  If William Nodding Sr. was the grandson of Thomas Brewster, he could not act as a witness, (which he was not) although he could be an executor (which he was). The common law and most state laws preclude an heir or beneficiary from acting as a witness to will, because of the potential for fraud. Since Mary Nodding was a witness to the will, she also could not have been an heir or beneficiary. Conclusion: Mary Nodding, the wife of William Nodding Sr. is NOT the daughter of Thomas Brewster!
  

  19 Aug 1756 - Fairfax Co., VA
  William Noddy leased 402 acres of land in Fairfax Co., VA. This land was part of 602 acres originally granted to John Jenkins on 24 May 1745. It was on the "Potomac 1 1/2 miles above Great Falls." Jenkins sold to William Fairfax on 28 May 1745 (Fx. Deeds A:428) and William Fairfax leased 402 acres to William Noddy.
  [As you read the following, keep in mind that during this time, lawyers were often paid by the word for writing legal documents!]
  [On margin: 21 July 1765 delivered]
      This Indenture made the xix day of August in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred & fifty six Between William Fairfax, Esq^rof the County of Fairfax of the one part and William Noddy of the same County Planter of the other part.
  Witnesseth that he the said William Fairfax in consideration of the rents & covenants hereafter mentioned and reserved on the part & Behalf of the said William Noddy to be paid & performed hath demised granted & to Farm Let & by these presents doth demise grant & to Farm Let unto the said William Noddy a certain tract or parcel of Land situate lying & being in the County aforesaid about one mile and an half above the great Falls of Potormack river & Bounded by a survey thereof made by M^r Guy Broadwater as followeth Beginning at a white oak upon the top of a hill it being a corner of John Reeds tract of Land now - - thence N. 21^o E^t ninety poles to a Scrubby Black Oak another corner of the S^d Rieds S^t 80 E^t Eighteen poles to a white Oak standin upon the river side the upper end of a piece of low grounds upon Potormack river side the Beginning tree of S^d Reeds tract thence upon the S^d River the several meanders thereof & binding therewith to a hickory Lying down and a post past by about five yards distance from the banks from the river which is the beginning corner of the late __________ tract of land thence binding with his Line N^o 76 W^t three hundred & seventeen poles __________________ five hundred & thirty ___________ along a dividing line between the s^d Noddy & a Lot survey [p. 319] Made for Daniel McCarty to the Beginning white oak and containing four hundred & two acres under the reservation hereafter mentioned & excepting all mines minerals & Quarries whatsoever only such stones as may be needful to be used on the premises reserving out of this present demise Liberty of Ingress Egress and Trespass from time to time and at all times during the continuances of this demise to & for the said William Fairfax his heirs Executors Administrators & Assigns into & from the said demised premises with horses Oxen Carts & Carriages To have & to hold the S^d four hundred & two acres of Land with the appurtenances unto the said William Noddy his heirs Ex^rs Adm^rs and assigns for & during the natural Lives of them the S^d William Noddy & Mary his wife & Sarah his Daughter yielding & paying therefore to the s^d William Fairfax his heirs & Assigns on or before the twenty fifth day of June yearly & every year during the continuation of this demise the annual rent of one thousand & sixty pounds of good merchantable Inspected Tobacco in Cash together with the _________ of the s^d Land & the tenant in possession shall not make or suffer to be made any waste or spoil ____ on the woods underwood trees or timber to the S^d tenant & premises belonging or by an Person or Persons whatsoever by his or their procurement consent or knowledge But he they & every of them shall hinder & withstand the same to the utmost of their power & the S^d Tenant in possession shall likewise keep & preserve some likely growing Saplins in different parts of the demised Land & he shall not cut down the same in order to be a standing nursery for timber trees in time to come and the Said William Noddy at the Expiration or termination of this demise his heirs &c shall deliver the houses Orchards & Trees on the S^d Land in good tenantable repair and if it shall happen that all or any part of the yearly rents herein recorded shall be unpaid by the space of ninety days after becoming due in any year during the Demise altho the same be not demanded & no sufficient Distress can be found on the premises whereby to Levy the same that then & from thence forth it shall be Lawfull to & for the S^d William Fairfax his heirs Executors Administrators & Assigns unto the demised Premises wholly to reenter & the same to have again repossess & enjoy as if this demise had never been made anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding And the said William Fairfax for himself his heirs Ex^rs Adm^rs and Assigns doth covenant promise and grant to and with the S^d William Noddy his Ex^rs Adm^rs & Assigns by these presents that it shall & may be Lawful to & for him the s^d William Noddy his Ex^rs Adm^rs & Assigns for & under the covenants rents and agreements herein before contained To have hold occupy possess and enjoy all & singular the s^d Premises with the appurtenances except as before excepted In Witness whereof the parties above mentioned to their presents have Interchangeably set their hands & seals the Day & year above written.
  

  Wm Fairfax (seal)
  
  Source: Fairfax County, VA Deeds, Book D, pp. 318-320; Beth Mitchell, Beginning at a white Oak, Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia, (Fairfax, Va., Fairfax Admin. Services, 1977), pp. 198.

  1757 - Fairfax Co., VA - Loudoun Co., VA
  The northwestern portion of Fairfax County, [Cameron Parish] where William Nodding had leased property, became Loudoun County.

  1757 - prob. Loudoun Co., VA
  Estimated year of birth of Elinor Nodding, daughter of William Nodding Sr. and Mary.
  Source: [Guess based upon birth date of husband in 1757.]

  1 Feb. 1757 - Loudoun Co., VA
  Date of the will of Charles Marcy "of the County of Fairfax and Parish of Cameron." Sarah Noding is listed as a "dear and loving Cousen", and W. Noding is appointed the sole executor. The will was entered for probate on 13 March 1757, where "William Noding" is listed as a witness.
  Source: Virginia County Court Record, Will Abstracts of Loudoun County, Virginia, Will Book A, 8 November 1757 - 9 December 1771, Ruth and Sam Sparacio, eds., McLean, VA, 1988, p.3; Index to Loudoun County, Virginia Wills 1757-1850, Lousia Skinner Hutchison, Willow Bend Books, Lovettsville, Va, p.[1], will A:10.
  Note: How this Charles Marcy (or perhaps Mcray) is related to either William or Mary Nodding or Daniel McCray, the husband of Sarah Nodding is unknown. There are other Marceys in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. The fact that Daniel and Sarah Nodding McCray named a son Charles is interesting. If Sarah Nodding was a first cousin to Charles, then Charles was either the son of a sister of William, Sr., or the son of a brother or sister of William's wife Mary. If the Sarah Noding referred to in the will is the one that married Daniel McCray, then this will suggests that Sarah was born earlier than others have previously estimated, i.e., she probably would have been at least in her middle to late teens to have been mentioned as she was.

  14 Mar 1758 - Loudoun Co., VA
  "Mary Green, a Servant of William Nodding, came into court and agreed to serve her Master one year and three months over & above her Indented time in consideration of said William paying her fine and Costs to the Churchwardens of Cameron Parish for having a Base Born Child, &c.
  William Nodding came into court and obliged himself to pay to the Churchwardens of Cameron Parish by taxing the next Parish Levy the fine imposed on Mary Green for having a base born child and the costs including a lawyer's fee."
  Sources: Loudoun County, Virginia, Court Order Book, Vol. A, p. 67; Virginia County Court Records, Loudoun County, Virginia, Orders, 1757-1758, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, eds., The Ancient Press, McLean, VA, 1997, p.44; The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, John T. Phillips, Vol. I, p. 372.

  8 Aug 1758 - Loudoun Co., VA
  Mary Bruster, the widow, [aka Mary Brewster] qualifies as the Administratrix of the Estate of Thomas Bruester, dec'd.
  Sources: Loudoun County, Virginia, Court Order Book, Vol. A, p. 136, also LDTX/1 pp. 2 and 6; The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, John T. Phillips, Vol. I, p. 505.

  1759 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  Mary Brewster, John Ryley, Job Dundass, Negroes Dick, Rose, 4.
  [followed by:]
  William Nodding, Henry Spurrel, 2.
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.31.

  17 Apr. 1759 - Fairfax Co., VA
  Know all men .. I THOMAS GRAFFORD of Fairfax County have bargained and sold unto SAMUEL CANTERBURY one dark Bay Guilding. I worrent the said horse to said Canterbury if I do not pay (him) the sum of Two pounds Ten shillings in three months from this date .. 17th day Aprill 1759.
  Presence of Joseph Stephens

  Thos. Graffert
  E. Cockeril, Willm. x Noddy
  Deed recorded 20th June 1759.
  Source: Ruth & Sam Sparacio, Deed Abstracts of Fairfax County, Virginia (1750-1761), (McLean Virginia, 1986).

  1760 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  William Nodding, Henry Spurrel, 2
  Mary Brewster {widow}, Job Dundass, Negroes Dick, Rose, 3.
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.47

  1760 - prob. Loudoun Co., VA
  Estimated year of birth of Alice Nodding, daughter of William Nodding Sr. and Mary.
  Source:[Guess based upon marriage date in 1778.]

  14 May 1760 - Loudoun Co., VA
  Henry George Green, age 2 "on the 16th day of January last past," is bound to William Noding, who is to teach him the trade of a cooper.
  Sources: Loudoun County, Virginia, Court Order Book, Vol. A, p. 349; The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, John T. Phillips, Vol. I, p. 358.

  1761 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [Rent Rolls]
  Breuster, Thos: deced, 360 acres, 5 ars
  Noddy, William, 402 acres
  Source: Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Administration Accounts of Loudoun County, Virginia, 1757-1800, with Miscellaneous Data, J. Estelle Stewart King, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1978, p.55; Virginia County Court Records, Deed Abstracts of Fairfax County, Virginia (1761-1768), Ruth and Sam Sparacio, eds., McLean, VA, 1987, pp.114, 117.

  1761 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  William Noding, Negro Linn, 2
  Mary Brewster, Job Dundass, N. Dick, Rose
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite pp.81-82.

  29 Feb 1761 - prob. Loudoun Co., VA
  Date of birth given for Elizabeth Nodding, daughter of William Nodding Sr. and Mary. This date is impossible, since the 29th of February [leap year] can only fall in even numbered years.]
  Source:Ella Foy O'Gorman, Descendants of Virginia Calverts,

  8 Sep 1761 - Loudoun Co., VA
  "Cate a Negro Girl belonging to William Noding is adjudged ... to be thirteen Years of Age."
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia, Court Order Book, Vol. A, p. 491; The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, John T. Phillips, Vol. I, p. 396.

  1762 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  William Noding, Negro Linn, 2
  Mary Bruster, Negroes Dick, Rose, 3
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.97, 100

  11 Aug 1762 - Loudoun Co., VA
  Mary Bruster, the Executrix of the Estate of Thomas Bruster, is summoned "to Answer the Petition of Job Dundass for Freedom Dues." Dundass obtains judgment for "£2, ten Shillings (the same being the ballance [sic] of his Freedom Dues) and also his Costs."
  Sources: Loudoun County, Virginia, Court Order Book, Vol. A, pp. 591 and 629, and Book B, pp. 13 and 35. The Historian's Guide to Loudoun County, Virginia, John T. Phillips II, Vol. I, p. 373.

  28 Aug 1762 - Loudoun Co., VA
  William "Noding" is a witness to an indenture between John Watson and Richard Vallindigham for 133 acres "on the Great Falls Branch of the Potowmack River." William signed with his "X" mark.
  Source: Loudoun County Deed Book, 1762-1765, vol. 2, pp. 404-408.

  12 Jan 1764 - Fairfax Co., VA
  "It was ordered by the Fairfax Court that 'Sampson Trammell, William Noding, Hugh Conn, and William Trammell, or any three being sworn, view the most convt. [convenient] way for a Road to be Opened from the Great Falls to Difficult Run to meet a Road to be cleared from thence thro' part of Fxx. [Fairfax] County to the Fall's Warehouse and Report."
  Source: Falls Church by Fence and Fireside, Melvin Lee Steadman, Jr., Falls Church Public Library, Falls Church, VA, 1964, p. 35, citing Fairfax County records, Minute Book (beginning March, 1764), page 12.

  1765 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  William Noven [Nodding], Negro Lyn, 2
  Mary Bruister, James Taylor, Negroes Dick, Rose, Hannah, 4
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.132, 147.

  1765 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  Mary Brusters tithables, James Taylor, Negroes Dick, Rose, Hannah
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.153.

  1767 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  Mary Bristoe's tithables, Guy Groadwater [O.], N. Rose, Hannah, Lucy, [300a].
  William Noveing [Nodding], Charles Scott, Negroes Lyn, Cate 4
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.196, 199.

  1768 - prob. Loudoun Co., VA
  Estimated date of marriage of Daniel McCray and Sarah Nodding.
  Source: History of Washington County Tennessee 1988, complied by the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Upper East Tennessee, p.421.

  1768 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  Mary Bruster's Tiths, Guy Broadwater {O.}, Negroes Ross, Hannah, Lucy, 4.
  William Novin, Negroes Len, Cate 3
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite pp. 236-237, repeated on pp. 263-264.

  1769 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  William Novin, {4s}, Jno Novin, Negroes Linn, Cate, 4.
  Danl McRae, 1
  Bowsten, Mary Tiths N. Rose, Hannah, Lucy, Prudence Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite p.323, 324, repeated on p.342, where William's surname is spelled "Nodding" John's is spelled "Noddy", and Daniel's is spelled "McCray".
  Note: This is the first appearance of John Nodding and Daniel McCray in the Lists of Tithables. Possibilities are that either or both had just moved into Loudoun County; or that Daniel had just turned 21 so as to be included on the list. It appears that this John Nodding is the same John Nodding that married Priscilla Brewster, since in the 1775 Tithables, he is listed with slave Prue, who was inherited by Priscilla from her father. Where John and Priscilla were before 1769 is unknown.

  23 Nov 1769 - Fairfax Co., VA
  William Noddy ordered to pay Daniel McCrae 169 lbs. tobacco as payment for his wife Sarah McCrae, services as a witness against John Hunter 4 days & once coming and going from Loudoun 23 miles.
  Source: Fairfax County, VA Court Records, 1768, p.264, from card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche US-Can#6330221.

  18 Dec 1769 - Fairfax Co., VA
  William Noddy plt[plaintiff] vs John Hunter, petition, awarded £ 24.2 & costs.
  Source: Fairfax County, VA Court Records, 1768, p.279, from card index of records of Fairfax Co., VA, FHL Fiche US-Can#6330221.

  21 Dec 1770 - Loudoun Co., VA
  William "Noddy" was a witness to a lease between Richard Graham of Dumfries, Prince Williams County and "Daniel Macrae of County of Loudoun, Planter, of other part" for land "about a mile above the Great Falls of Potomack River." Later, the document mentions "Daniel Macrae, Sarah his Wife, and Charles his Son." The legal description of the property is interesting: ... bounded by a survey made by Jno. Gunnel beginning at C a Chestnut and three red Oaks the corner of Jno Semple thence So. 79 Ft. 385 poles to B a little below the first Glade from the said MacRea's House and near some Red oak saplins thence No. 2 W to Brewsters thence up Brewsters line to the beginning containing one hundred and fifty acres ..."
  The lease is witnessed by, among others, William Noddy, who had John Gunnell actually sign his name ... "William Noddy Signed by John Gunnell by his Consent."
  Source: Loudoun County Deed Book H, 1770-1772, vol. 4, pp. 177-179.
  

  24 Aug 1772, Loudoun Co., VA
  William Nodding is a party to an "Article of Agreement" with Thomas Mason. Two pages are apparently missing in the deed book, so the nature of the agreement is unknown, although Ella Foy O'Gorman in Descendants of Virginia Calverts, indicates that this was "an agreement to lease to Mason Thompson proved by William Noddy."
  Source: Loudoun County Deed Book H, 1770-1772, vol. 4, p. 549.

  1775-1781 - Loudoun County, VA.
  [The following appear in entries in the lists of Tithables for 1775 through 1781:]
  (1) William Nodding, and William Nodding Junr., along with Henry Green, Richard Lewis, Samuell Morgan, and slaves Linn, Cate & Hannah -8
  (2) John Nodding, with John a servant and slave Prue -3
  (3) Mary Brewster, with William Henderson, overseer, William Majer, and slaves Rose and Lucy
  (4) Thomas Finch and slaves Pete and Hannah
  (5) Samuel Bayless
  (6) Daniel McCray.
  Source: Loudoun County, VA, Tithables, op cite.
  Note: Samuel Bayless and Daniel McCray disappear after 1778, and John Nodding, William Nodding Sr. and William Nodding Jr. disappear after 1779, suggesting that they moved about that time.

  1778 - Loudoun Co., VA
  [List of Tithables]
  Mary Bruester, Colvin Finch, Perry Bruster, N. Luce, Rose Source: Loudoun County, VA, Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite, p. 895.
  

  12 June 1780 - Loudoun Co. VA
  "William Noddy leased to Ignatius Wheeler of Prince George Co., Md. (Loudon Co., Book N, p.23 or 123.)"
  Source: Ella Foy O'Gorman, Descendants of Virginia Calverts, 1947, p.661.

  18 July 1780 - Montgomery Co., MD
  The marriage date and place given for William Calvert and Elizabeth Nodding.
  Source: Ella Foy O'Gorman, Descendants of Virginia Calverts, 1947, p.662.

  8 October 1781 - Loudoun Co., VA
  "Bargain and sale from John Nodding and Priscilla, his wife, to Franklin Perry proved by Jas Himan, Wm Buchanan, & Richard Vallendingham & ordered to be rec."
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia Minute Book, 1780-1783, T.L.C. Genealogy, Miami Beach, FL, 1990, p.61.

  Early 1780’s - Washington Co., TN
  "The area that is now Telford, then known as Millwood, began to be settled. Among the earliest settlers were William Nodding, Sr., Daniel McCray, Samuel Bayless, and William Calvert.
  In the early 1780's, a Baptist Church was located east of Telford, its exact location is unknown, but it is believed to have been in the vicinity of the present David Crockett High School. Known as the Limestone Church, its early members were Samuel Bayless, Nicholas Fain, William Nodding, Daniel McCray, Francis Baxter, John Bayless, Mary Nodding, Sarah Wood, Elizabeth Dilling, Sarah McCray, Lynn Russell, Ann Bayless, Martha Hannah, Mary Bayless, Priscilla Nodding, and Mary Baxter."
  Source: History of Washington County Tennessee 1988, complied by the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Upper East Tennessee, p.69, 211.

  6 Nov 1782 - Washington Co., TN
  The will of John Nodding is executed in Washington County. It lists his wife Priscilla as his sole heir, and also mentions "negro Prue."
  Source: Washington County, Tennessee, Will Book 1, p.6. The will was published in the Bulletin of the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Vol. 28, #1, 1999, p.71. FHL# 976.897 B2w.

  28 Dec 1782 - Washington Co., TN
  {Date of death of John Nodding, as stated in inventory of his estate. See entry below for May, 1873.}

  3 Feb 1783
  The last will and testament of John Noding Dec'd was proven by the oaths of Sam'l Wood and James Scott & tghe same is Or'd to be Recd'd.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 10, p. 2. FHL Film# 1486596.

  3 Feb 1783
  The Court has appointed Priscilla Noding and Christopher Taylor as executors of the estate of John Noding Dec'd.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 10, p. 3. FHL Film# 1486596.

  5 May 1783 - Washington Co., TN
  Priscilla Noding exectrix of the estate of John Noding dec'd has returned the inventory of said John Noding's estate and was ordered rec'd by the Court.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 10, p. 23. FHL Film# 1486596.

  May, 1783 - Washington Co., TN

  JOHN NODDING estate
  STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA }
  WASHINGTON COUNTY            } An Inventory of the estate of John Nodding Decd. who departed this life the 28th day of December 1782--
        One negro woman named Prue about thirty three years old Second a negro girl named Lin about fourteen years old third a negro girl named Rose about twelve years old, fourth a negro girl named Sale about Seven years old, fifth a negro boy named dick about five years old, two horses, one mare, cattle eleven sheep Six Hogs eighteen, Beds two, ploughs two, hoes four axes three, one pewter dish, & bason Seven plates, two pans two iron kettles and one Skillet one trunk five knives & 1is filed with the court - mentions his "brother William." The inventory i three forks, one Lennen wheel, one saddle, one pair of iron traus, one pair of wool cards, one rifle Gun he gave to his Brother in Law -- Pennune Brusler, all his clothes he gave to his Brother William Nodding-- filed at May Session 1783.
  Source: TENNESSEE, Records of Washington County, Inventories of Estates Volume 00, 1779-1821, p.8, [p. 13 in original record], Typescript, W.P.A. Historical Records Survey, 1938. FHL Film# 024849.

  4 Sep 1783 - Washington Co., TN
  Sometime in 1782-83 the "Limestone" Baptist Church merged with the Cherokee Baptist Church. The minutes for 2 April 1783 show the following among the members: Samuel Bayless, William Nodding, Mary Nodding, Sarah McCray, Daniel McCray, John Brown and Priscilla Nodding, Colvin Finch, Sarah Finch. On September 4, 1783, the members of the Cherokee Church pledged that "we do not look upon ourselves {as} infallible {but} we still look to be further taught by the word and spirit of God ... and in testimony of our sincerity and that we have no reserve, we have hereunto set our hand." Among the signers of this covenant were: Mary Nodding, Samuel Bayless, William Nodding, Daniel McCray, and Sarah McCray.
  Source: History of Washington County Tennessee 1988," complied by the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Upper East Tennessee, p.69, 167, 211.
  Note: Colvin or Calvin Finch appears to be the son of Thomas and Alice Brewster Finch.

  1784 - Loudoun County, VA.
  [List of Tithables] Mary Bruister, Perry Bruister, Parris Bruister, N. Rose, 3
  Source: Loudoun County, Virginia, Tithables, 1758-1786, op cite, p. 1327.

  9 Aug 1785 - Loudoun County, VA.
     This Indenture made the 9th day of August in year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and eighty five Between Daniel Lewis and Ann his Wife, Thomas Finch and Mary his Wife and Franklin Perry and Elizabeth his Wife all of Loudoun County of one part and Peronee Bruister of said County of other part
  Witnesseth that for and in consideration of sum of One hundred pound to said Daniel Lewis and his Wife, Thomas Finch and his Wife and Franklin Perry and his Wife in hand paid by said Peronee Bruister by these presents so bargain sell and confirm unto Peronee Bruister and to his heirs the Fourth part of the lands which we the said Daniel Lewis and Ann his Wife, Thomas Finch and Mary his Wife, Franklin Perry and Elizabeth his Wife claimeth under the Will of Thomas Bruister deceased by virtue of his last Will and Testament or otherwise, the said Fourth part of land to include the Plantation whereon Mary Bruister now lives the same lands being situate in County of Loudoun and is part of two tracts of land Patented by one James Carter of the County of Stafford deceased. To have and to hold said lands with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to Peronee Bruister his heirs free and clear of all Incumbrances whatsoever.
  In Witness whereof we the said Daniel Lewis and Ann his Wife, Thomas Finch and Ann, {should be "Mary"} his Wife, and Franklin Perry and Elizabeth his Wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first written.
  Sealed and delivered in presence of      {no witnesses given}

  	Daniel Lewis	Ann Lewis
  	Thomas Finch	Mary Finch
  	Franklin Perry	Eliza. Perry

  
     August the 9th Then received of Mr. Peronee Bruister One hundred pounds Virginia Currency each of us as Witnes or hands and seals

  	Daniel Lewis	Ann Lewis
  	Thomas Finch	Mary Finch
  	Franklin Perry	Eliza. Perry

  
     At a Court held for Loudoun County August the 8th 1785
     This Indenture and the receit thereon endorsed were acknowledged by Daniel Lewis and Anne his Wife, Thomas Finch and Mary his Wife & Franklin Perry and Elizabeth his Wife, parties thereto, (the said Femes being first privily examined as the Law directs) relinquished their right of Dower therein and ordered to be recorded
  {on margin} Exd. & deld. by shff. to Capt. Stanhope Feby the 15th 1796
  Source: Loudoun County, VA Deed Book 0 (Part II) 1784-1785, pp. 397-398.

  Aug 1786 - Washington Co., TN.
  "The underwritten names are the persons who voted at the election for the county of Washington on the third Fryday and Saturday in August 1786 at the court house in Jonesborough."
  ... Wm Calvert
  ... Wm Noding
  ... Calvin Finch
  Dan'l McBray [probably is "McCray"]
  Source: Bulletin of the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Vol. 12, #1, 1983, p.39, "contributed by Mildred Kozsuch, who transcribed it from material in the North Carolina State Archives."

  1787 - Washington Co., TN
  Tax list [first number = acres, 2nd = white males, 3rd=slaves]
  248 - Colvin Finch 143, 1, -
  253 - Willm Nodding Jun. 200, 1, 1
  255 - Willm Nodding Sr. 300, -, 5
  496 - Danl McCray, 100, 1, -
  498 - Wm Calvert, 127, 1, -
  Source: Early East Tennessee Taxpayers,Pollyanna Creekmore, (East Tenn. Hist. Soc. Pubs), Chap XI, pp. 203-209.

  31 Jan 1788 - Washington Co., TN

  RENDOLPH CRESILIUS estate
  William Nodding Jr., John Dobkins and Abraham Riffe sworn to appraise the estate. Filed at February Sessions 1788.
  His
  William   X   Nodding
  mark
  John Doakens

  Abraham Riffe
  
  Source: TENNESSEE, Records of Washington County, Inventories of Estates Volume 00, 1779-1821, Typescript, (W.P.A. Historical Records Survey, 1938), p.225, [p. 354 in original record]. FHL Film# 024849.

  25 Mar 1788 - Washington Co., TN
  Charles McCrea and Betsy Dickens married, with William Noding as bondsman. Charles is the son of Daniel McCray and Sarah Nodding McCray.
  Source: Norma Rutledge Grammer and Marion Day Mullins, comps. Marriage Record of Washington County, Tennessee 1787-1840, (Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co., 1981) p.1; Goldene Fillers Burgner, Washington County, Tennessee Marriages 1780-1870, p.2 [indicates that rites were by William Nodding].

  2 Nov 1788 - Washington Co., TN
  Ordered that William Noding be released from payment of his poll tax for the year 1788.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 17, p. 1. FHL Film# 1486596.

  11 May 1790 - Washington Co., TN
  {Entries of deeds into the Court Record}
  One other from Jonathan Bird to William Calvert for one hundred and twenty seven acres of land was proven by the oath of Samuel Wood. Let it be registered.
  One other from Dan'l Bayless to Sam'l Bayless for one hundred acres was proved by the same. Let it be registered.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 17, p. 44. FHL Film# 1486596.

  12 May 1790 - Washington Co., TN
  {Plaintiff's name is smudged} vs. William Parker - Jury sworn. #6 = William Nodding.
  Source: Washington County, TN, Court Records 1779-1806, Box 1, Folder 17, p. __. FHL Film# 1486596.

  15 Sep 1792 - Washington Co., TN
  Date of will of William Nodding Jr.
  "... to sister Elizabeth Calvert, negro Adam, ... to nephews Charles McCray and John Calvert, land on Camp Creek if my father William Noding obtains a deed for it. Sisters Sarah McCray, Mary Bayless, Elinor Hill and Alis Brown's (decd) children, "mill seat where my brother John Noding lived." Executors: Daniel McCray and William Calvert - Signed "William Noding."
  Source: Bulletin of the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Vol. 18, #2, 1989, p.148; Washington County, Tennessee Wills 1777-1872, Goldene Fillers Burgner, Southern Historical Press, Easley, South Carolina, 1983, p.5.

  May 1793 - Washington Co., TN
  Will of William Nodding, Jr. admitted to probate.
  Source: Bulletin of the Watauga Association of Genealogists, Vol. 18, #2, 1989, p.148.

  17 June 1793 – Washington Co., TN
  Sale of estate of William Nodding.
  
  Source: TENNESSEE, Records of Washington County, Inventories of Estates Volume 00, 1779-1821, p.46, [p. 72 in original record], Typescript, W.P.A. Historical Records Survey, 1938. FHL Film# 024849.

  26 May 1794 – Washington Co., TN
  
  

  WILLIAM NODDING estate
  Western Territory Washington County May 26th 1794.
        An Inventory of the estate of William Nodding, deceased the Sale Being on the 17th day of Jun 1793 Twelve months credit being given the purchasers, dollars at Six Shillings Charles McCray his legacy paid to him in property eight pounds sterling Sworn appraisers, Charles Robertson & James Allison Esqrs and Mr. James Charter to the value of thirty four dollars and twenty three cents

  	£	s	d
  Samuel Bayless One tract of land Ninety four acres	47	1
  Capt Jacob Brown one tract of land one hundred thirty eight acres	41
  Samuel Erwin one hundred acres	19
  Daniel Hill one Mare & colt, one Bed & one Book	16	9
  Col Charles Robertson One Bed Coverlid & one blanket	4	10
  William Bayles one horse colt	2	2
  George House one Mare colt & Baylis Dictionary	2	18
  James Allison eight head of sheep	2	15
  Peter Bowman four acres of wheat	1
  William Nodding for hogs shaving box & vials	3	1	6
  Charles McCray for corn, wheat shot bag & powder horn	2	5	3/4
  Samuel Erwin for rye at 25d per bushel 15 bushels	1	16	3
  William Nodding 28 gallons whiskey	2	3	6
  Giles Brooks one halter chain		6
  Ezekile Buchanan one vial of the oil of Fla		3	2
  William Calvert one cow & calf & one pocket book 84 1/3 lb of Iron	3	17	9
  Daniel McCray Wearing apparel & sundries	3	11	9
  John Brown for one pair of shoes		6
  	154	5	11 3/4

  The above Inventory is Just and true to the best of our knowledge.
  Filed at May Sessions 1784
  Daniel McCray
  William Calvert
  Executors
  
  Source: TENNESSEE, Records of Washington County, Inventories of Estates Volume 00, 1779-1821, p.46, [p. 72 in original record], Typescript, W.P.A. Historical Records Survey, 1938. FHL Film# 024849.

  5 February 1796 - Loudoun County, VA [back]
  pp. 351-352     Agreement of heirs of Thomas Bruister.
  (On margin: LEWIS et Ux. to FINCH &c. Assignment)
  AN AGREEMENT entered into & concluded on Between DANIEL LEWIS & ANN LEWIS, THOMAS FINCH & FRANKLIN PERRY. This Agreement Witnesseth that Whereas Thos. Bruister, deceased, did give by his Last Will to his three Daughters a tract of land to be equally divided between them, vizt. MARY BRUISTER who after intermarried to THOMAS FINCH, ANNEY BRUISTER who after intermarried to DANIEL LEWIS & PRISILLA BRUISTER, who after intermarried to JOHN NODDING & the said PRISILLA & JOHN NODING conveyed their part to FRANKLIN PERRY and as no Division hath yet been recorded and each party is desirous to have the land divided and bounds fixed that each may hereafter know their bounds, mutually agree that IGNATIOUS WHEELER, WM. STANHOPE & WILLIAM GUNNELL JUNR., do make an equal division of the land according to Quantity & Quality to which we said DANIEL LEWIS, and ANN LEWIS, THOS. FINCH & FRANKLIN PERRY do bind ourselves our & each of our heirs to each other in the penalty of Two thousand pounds each, provided we do not abide by and stand to the Division of the aforesaid IGNATIOUS WHEELER, WILLIAM STANHOPE and WILLIAM GUNNELL JUNR. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this fifth day February 1796.
  Sealed & Acknowledged in the presence of

  	IGNATIOUS WHEELER, WM. STANHOPE,	DANL. LEWIS
  	JOHN L. PERRY, PEGGY PERRY	ANN LEWIS
  	JOHN OWENS, JS. HOUGH	THOMAS FINCH
  		FRANKLIN PERRY

  (On margin: Exd. & Dd. to Mr. WM. GUNNELL Jany. 10th 1797. S. BINNS)
  At a Court held for Loudoun County March the 14th 1796
  This Agreement was proved by the Oaths of WILLIAM STANHOPE & JOHN OWENS, witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded.

  Teste CHAS. BINNS, Cl Cur

  
  Source: Deed Abstracts of Loudoun Co., Virginia, 1795-1796, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, eds., The Antient Press, 1993, p.110.

  14 March 1796 - Loudoun County, VA
  pp. 350-351     (On margin: BRUISTER to LEWIS & als. Bond)
  Loudoun County Sct. {Superior Court} KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I MARY BRUISTER of said County am held & firmly bound unto DANIEL LEWIS his heirs, THOMAS FINCH and his heirs & FRANKLIN PERRY his heirs in the full & just sum of One thousand pounds current money of this State, the which payment well and truly to be made I bind myself my heirs firmly by these presents. Signed with my Seal & dated this 5th day of March one thousand seven hundred & ninety six
    NOW THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such Whereas DANIEL LEWIS & his heirs, THOMAS FINCH & his heirs, FRANKLIN PERRY & his heirs did in consideration of my Right of Dower in a certain tract of land devised to me by my deceased Husband, THOMAS BRUISTER, hath conveyed to my Son, PERINOR BRUISTER one fourth of said tract of land by Deed in consideration whereof I do by these presents acknowledge my self fully satisfied for any claim or right to the said land under the above penalty. In (blank) whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above written.

  Witnesses present	IGNATIUS WHEELER,	MARY her mark † BRUISTER
  	JOHN OWINS

  At a Court held for Loudoun County March the 14th 1796
  This Bond was proved by the Oath of JOHN OWENS a witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.

  Teste CHAS. BINNS, Cl Cur

  Source: Deed Abstracts of Loudoun Co., Virginia, 1795-1796, Ruth & Sam Sparacio, eds., The Antient Press, 1993, p.109.

  24 May 1799 - Washington Co., TN
  

  GILES BROOKS estate
  William Calvert, Martin Sidener and Calvin Finch were appraisers. Inventory was filed with the Court August Session 1799.
  Source: TENNESSEE, Records of Washington County, Inventories of Estates Volume 00, 1779-1821, p.81, [p. 125 in original record], Typescript, W.P.A. Historical Records Survey, 1938. FHL Film# 024849.

  2 May 1801 - Washington Co., TN
  A petition by William Nodding of Washington County, to the State Legislature of Tennessee for a law allowing him, as well as others who may so desire, to manumit slaves "on such terms as they may think proper ..." He fears that Sheriffs of other counties might seize and sell them. 17 Sep 1801 (1 page).
  {Note: Manumit literally means "to let go from the hand," but generally is used to mean to set free from slavery.}
  Source: Petitions to the General Assembly of Tennessee, Abstracted from Tennessee State Library and Archives Microfilm, Legislative Petitions 1799-1801, Roll No. 1; printed in Ansearchin' News, The Tennessee Genealogical Magazine, Spring 1993, Vol. 40, No. 1, p.17.

  31 Aug 1803 - Washington Co., TN
  38-1-1803     Petition of William (his X mark) Nodding ... "being and aged and infirm person, and being possessed of the following Negro Slaves, Lenn(?), Doney/Dorkey, {this is probably "Darkey," who is called "Dark" in his will}, Geo(?) Bett Thomas, Mille, Karey, Letty, Dorcas, Linn, Peter & George, which negroes your petitioner is informed and believes that by the Laws now inforced any Person willing to manumit his Negroes and is {sic} give bond and Security to Keep them from being chargable to the County, which your Petitioner conceives as a Grievance especially if they are liberated at an age when th__ will be in their power by their industry to acquire not only a comfortable living, but a Handsome property, and your petitioner conceives they ought to have the same opportunity of doing well that any person becoming a citizen & free man of the State at that age or under would have, and that the door ought not to be kept shut against them more than any other of the human race, your Petitioner then having conscientious Scruples as to the propriety of their being longer detained in Bondage than they compleately recompence him for their bringing up and the Laws as they now Stand will incumber his real Estate, and friends after him, perhaps, he therefore prays your Honorable Body will take his case into consideration, and pass a Law authorizing him, if not to pass a General Law on the Subject, either by Will or otherwise to manumit any Negro Slave not exceeding thirty-five years of age and place it in his power to vest them with any property he may think proper for their Support, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. Washington County. 31st August 1803." (2 pages)
  Source: Ansearchin' News, Spring 1995, Vol. 42, p. 32-33.

  24 Oct 1804 - Washington Co., TN
  The will of William Nodding, Sr. is dated 24 Oct 1804, but was not admitted to probate until May, 1812, indicating that he died in late 1811 or early 1812, and in Washington Co., TN.
  The will mentions his "beloved wife Mary Nodding," daughter Sarah McCray and husband Daniel McCray, daughter Mary Bayless and husband Samuel Bayless, daughter Elizabeth Calvert and husband William Calvert, the five orphan children of John Brown, and daughter Ellinor Hill. Daniel McCray and William Calvert were appointed executors, and the witnesses were William Bayless, Reuben Bayless, and Hannah Bayless.
  William Sr. was determined to give his slaves their freedom, as his will orders that each one is to be set free upon reaching a certain age or upon a certain date.
  Source: Washington County, TN Will Book, Vol 1. pp. 88-89.
  [For my transcription of the will go here.]
  

  5 Dec 1804 - Fairfax Co., VA
  [The date of the will of Mary Brewster]
  In the Name of God Amen, I Mary Brewster of the County of Fairfax and State of Virginia being weak in Body but of sound mind and memory, doth constitute this my Last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say, I give and Bequeath unto Daniel Lewis and Ann Lewis his wife, negro Sarah, and George, Andrew and Prue, the said Sarah's children. Also Sylvia and her children, to the said Daniel Lewis, his Heirs Executors, Administrators, Or assigns forever, together with all my property Both real and Personal, of whatever kind soever. - Lastly I do hereby Constitute and Appoint my friend Daniel Lewis Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all other , or former Wills, or Testaments by me heretofore made. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this 5th day of December One thousand Eight hundred and four.
  Signed Sealed & Acknowledged }      Mary her X mark Brewster SS
  In presence of us
  Lewin Jones,
  Zachariah Kerby,
  Levi Lewis
  At a Court held for Fairfax County the 18th day of February 1805, This Last Will and Testament of Mary Brewster deceased, was presented in Court, and the same being proed by the Oaths of Lewin Jones, and Levi Lewis, witnesses hereto is on Motion Ordered to be recorded.
  Exam'd A Moss      Teste Wm Moss, Cl[erk]

  18 Sep 1809 - Fairfax Co., VA
  Page 312. [left blank] 1809 I am willing that Mr. Daniel Lewis shall have a road thro my land on the condition of paying all charges of the motion which he has made at Fairfax Court: beginning at Difficult Run at the old pond, thence thro my land at the back of my field between said field & run, thence thro my old field to a small branch that leads out of the field to the edge of my woods, thence along said woods some distance in a direction to the land of said Henry Gunnell & Thomas Fairfax; thence with their lines to a chesnut & white oak corner of said Henry Gunnell, Thos. Fairfax & Jno. Hunter, where this road will fall in Doctr. Gantts mill road which leads to Fairfax old Court House.
                 H. Gunnell
       At a Court held for Fairfax County the 18th day of September 1809 this instrument of writing from Henry Gunnell to Daniel Lewis was acknowledged by the said Henry Gunnell & Ordered to be recorded.                                                         Teste Wm. Moss Cl[erk].
  Source: Jane Dawkins & Joyce Browning, Fairfax County, Virginia, Deed Book J-2, August 1808-March 1810, (Willow Bend Books, 2004), p. 136.

  ---

  Children of William and Mary NODDING

  
  

  John Nodding

  b.
  m. Priscilla Brewster
  d. 28 Dec 1782, Washington County, Tennessee

  William Nodding, Jr.

  b.
  m. Apparently never married - no wife or children mentioned in his will.
  d. After 15 Sep. 1792 (date of his will) and before May, 1793 (will admitted to probate), Washington County, Tennessee

  
  

  Sarah Nodding

  b. About 1750
  m. About 1768 - Daniel McCray, d. 1 Mar 1819, Washington County, Tennessee.
  d. 8 May 1809, Jonesboro, Washington County, Tennessee.
  
  Children:
  • Charles McCray
  • Elisha McCray
  • Sally McCray
  • Henry McCray
  • Thomas McCray
  • Priscilla McCray
  • Jane McCray
  • William McCray
  • Sally McCray
  • Rebecca McCray
  • Philip McCray
    
    Websites:
    • Daniel McCray & Sarah Nodding
      
    • Daniel McCray
      
    • The McCray Family
      
    • McCray Family History
      

  Mary Nodding
  

  b. About 1752
  m. 16 Jan 1774 - Samuel Bayless, b. 11 Apr 1751, Middlesex County, New Jersey, d. 1825, Washington County, Tennessee.
  d. 1805, Washington County, Tennessee.
  
  
  Children:
  • William Bayless
  • Daniel Bayless
  • Mary (Polly) Bayless
  • John Bayless
  • Samuel Bayless
  • Hannah Bayless
    • Isaac Hoss and Mary Bayless Hoss
  • Reuben Bayless
  • Phoebe Bayless
  • Hezekiah Bayless
  • Alice Bayless
  • Martina Bayless
    
    Websites:
    • Samuel Bayless, Sr. and Mary Nodding
      
    • Descendants of John Bayles I
      
    • Bayless
      
    • The Nodding Family
      

  
  
  

  Ellenor (Ellinor) Nodding
  

  b. About 1757
  m. 1768 - Daniel Hill, b. 5 Sep 1757, New Jersey, d. 1 Nov 1846, Purdy, McNary County, Tennessee.
  d. 1836, McNary County, Tennessee.
  
  
  Children:
  • Samuel Hill
  • James Hill
  • Abraham Hill
  • Nodding Hill
  • Sarah Hill
  • Elijah Hill
  • Eleanor Hill
  • Daniel Hill
  • Jeremiah Hill
  • John Hill
  • Mary Hill
  • Jefferson Hill
  • Elizabeth Hill
  • Massey Hill
    
    Websites:
    • The Nodding Family
      

  
  

  Alice Nodding
  

  b.About 1760
  m. 1 Oct 1778, Cabin John, Montgomery County, Maryland - John Brown, b. 1760 d. 1822.
  d. before 1792.
  
  
  Children:
  • William Brown
  • Mary (Polly) Brown
  • Peter Brown
  • Alice Brown
  • John Brown Jr.
    
    Websites:
    • The Nodding Family
      
    • The Nodding Family - [with a listing of the Brown children]
      

  
  

  Elizabeth Nodding

  b. 29 (?) Feb 1761, prob. Loudoun County, Virginia.
  m. 18 July 1780, Cabin John, Montgomery County, Maryland - William Calvert, b. 26 Feb. 1757 d. 31 May 1834, Cooper County, Missouri
  d. 6 Nov 1826, Cooper County, Missouri
  
  
  Children:
  • John Calvert
  • Willam Calvert
  • Nancy Calvert
  • Leonard Calvert
  • Sarah Calvert
  • Mary Calvert
  • Alice Calvert
  • Elizabeth Calvert
  • Nodding Calvert
  • Jabez Calvert
    
    Websites:
    • Ella Foy O'Gorman, Descendants of Virginia Calverts.
      
    • William Kinte Calvert and Elizabeth Nodding [the origin of the middle name "Kinte" is not given]
      
    • Lord William Calvert - [a curious site which shows descendants of "Lord" William Calvert who married Elizabeth Nodding.]
      

Prepared and maintained by Robert Fillerup a descendant through William and Elizabeth Nodding Calvert. (1) If you have additional information; or (2) if you would like to assume responsibility for a webpage for one of the children; or (3) if you have information that should have a link on this page; or (4) if you have other comments, please email me.