Virginia: Botetourt County

Botetourt County, Virginia was formed 1769 from Augusta County

1763 Solomon Simpson and William Simpkins were awarded land grants for their service in the French & Indian War. The location of the grants wasn’t provided (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers, p. 1418)

1763 June William Simpson was not able to settle all the debts left by his father-in-law Malcolm Campbell and had to spend 2 months in “goal” for indebtedness. In Malcolm’s will of 23 Feb. 1761, his daughter was named Elizabeth Campbell so apparently she married William Simpson between 23 Feb 1761 and June 1763. (per Kegley’s Virginia Frontier & Article by Bonnie Simpson Valko in The Simpson Clan Spring 2003)

1764 “During this year, and while in the employ of John Simpson (a trapper who had come there in quest of furs) they determined on removing further west. Simpson was induced to this by the prospect of enjoying the woods free from the intrusion of other hunters. A quarrel arose between Simpson and one of the Pringles and they parted company. Simpson crossed over the valley river, near the mouth of Pleasant creek and passing another water course, gave it the name of “Simpson’s Creek”. Thence he went westwardly and fell over a stream which he called Elk: at the mouth of this he erected a camp, and continued to reside for more than twelve months. During this time he neither saw the Pringles nor any other human being and at the expiration of it went to the South Branch where he disposed of his furs and skins and then returned to and continued at his encampment at the mouth of Elk, until permanent settlements were made in its vicinity.” (Chronicles of Border Warfare or a History of the Settlements by the Whites of Northwestern Virginia and of the Indian Wars and Massacres in that section of the State by Alexander Scott Withers).

1770 February 14 James Simpson was appointed surveyor of the road “from the said Gilmore’s to Buffalo Creek” (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 64).

1770 June 16 Samuel Simson appeared on the tax list with one tithable (from the head of Reed Creek to Stolnackers). Also on the list were John and Robert Crow and Archibald Buchanan. William Simpson had one tithable in the list taken by John Bowman. Also on that list was Thomas Smith. William Simpson was on the list of delinquents. An Alexr. Suter was on this list. (The Virginia Genealogist Vol. 10, 1966)

1770 June 25 Soloman Simpson purchased 196 acres on Looney’s Creek from William and Susannah Preston. Witnesses: Martin Baker, Robert Bowen and George Robinett (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 537)

1770 October 9 A jury was appointed to plan a road from James Simpson’s to the mouth of the South River (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 92)

1771 March 14 Solomon Simpson served on a jury (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 111)

1771 March 15 James Simpson proved a certificate for 540 pounds of hemp (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 112)

1771 April 11 William Simpson vs. Andrew Boyd. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 116-117)

1771 May 16 James Simpson was replaced as surveyor of the road (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 124) James and wife Jane Simpson sold 100 acres on a small branch of James River called Hazley Bottom to Uriah Humphries (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 542)

1771 July 10 Willm Simpson and William Robinson were neighbors, each with one tithable, on the tax list of James Robertson on the north and south fork of Roneoak in Capt. David Robinson’s company. James Simpson was on Benjamin Estill’s list with 3 tithables and 243 acres of land. James Simpson was on the list taken by John Bowman with 1 tithable. Saml. Simpson, Robert Crow, Thos. Crow and Archibald Buchanan were on the list of tithables in Capt. Campbell’s Company. (The Virginia Genealogist Vol. 10, 1966)

1771 August 12 James Simpson with 3 tithables appeared on a tax list by Benj. Hawkins who was ordered to take Robinson’s and Arbuckle’s tithables. (The Virginia Genealogist Vol. 10, 1966)

1771 October 11 Willm. Simpson vs. Willm. Herbert (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 138)

1771 November 13 William Simpson vs. William Herbert (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 142)

1772 September 9 Jas. Simpson served on a jury (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 152) Solomon Simpson served on a jury (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 155)

1773(?) or earlier Arch. Campble and Wm. Simpson appeared on an undated list of delinquent tax payers (“Botetourt County Delinquents” by Barbara Vines Little in Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Vol. 41, No. 3, August 2003 – Ms. Little notes that this list was probably made before the Revolutionary War)

1773 March 12 James Greelee vs. James Ritchey and Wm. Simpson (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 181)

1773 May 12 Church wardens bound out John Simpson, orphan of Andw. Simpson, to Saml. Thompson, John and Wm. Simpson served on a jury (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 187)

1773 July 14 Wm. Simpson was appointed Constable (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 195)

1773 September 16 Solomon Simpson served on a jury (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 207)

1774 January 8 The will of Archibald Campbell (son of Malcolm) was written and probated 12 April 1774. He gave to William Simpson’s son, John Simpson, a plantation in Botetourt County on Mill Creek. He also gave to William Simpson’s son, Archibald Simpson, a tract on Mill Creek (Article by Bonnie Simpson Valko in The Simpson Clan Spring 2003)

1774 March 30 James Simpson’s land on Indian Creek was surveyed (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 497)

1774 April 12 The will of Archibald Campbell was probated. He left a plantation to John Simpson, son of William Simpson on Mill Creek. To William’s son, Archibald Simpson he left a tract of land on the lower side of Mill Creek. (Will Book A, p. 78 article by Bonnie Simpson Valko in The Simpson Clan Winter 2002/2003)

1774, Sept. 10. John Simpson Sgt and Wm. Simpson, Pvt were in John Murray’s Company of volunteers. Daniel and James Simpkins were also privates in that company. James Simpson was in Capt. Phil Love’s company (Documentary History of Dunmore’s War pp. 406-407 and Annals of Southwest Virginia 1769-1800 by Lewis Preston Summers, p. 1410-1411)

1774 November 8 Solomon Simpson was one of several men appointed to consider a road “from Wm. McClelan’s . . .” (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 235)

1774 John Simpson, son of William Simpson, inherited 42 acres on Evans Spring Branch by the will of Archibald Campbell (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1775 May 9 Solomon Simpson bought 125 acres on Looney Creek from William Hair (Hare) (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1777 February 11 William Simpson was appointed surveyor of the road “from his shop to the line of Montgomery County . . .” (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 258)

1779 August 13 Andrew Henry vs. Solomon Simpson and Margaret, his wife, in case for slander. Damages in the amount of 3 £3 awarded to Henry. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 292-293)

1779 October 12 Jas. Simpson purchased 242 acres on Roanoke from John Bryan Sr. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 564)

1779 December 10 Solomon Simpson’s successfully proved in court that he had served as a soldier in the first old Virginia Regiment commanded by Colo. Washington. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 301)

1780 February 10 William Simpkins [sic] proved his claim that the served in the old Virginia Regiment commanded by Colo. Washington and Solomon Simpson was his “heir at law” (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 304) William Simpson, deceased soldier of the 1st Virginia Regiment under Col. Washington, Solomon Simpson, heir-at-law (Article by Bonnie Simpson Valko in The Simpson Clan Winter 2002/2003)

1780 April 13 The court recognized Solomon Simpson’s right to a land grant. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 313)

1780 John Simpson, son of William Simpson, died. He left 42 acres to his brother, Archibald Simpson (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1780 May 11 Alexander Simpson failed to appear for jury duty (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 320)

1780 May 16 Samuel Givens sold 133 acres on James River to Alexander Simpson (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net, Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 565)

1781 February 12 James and wife Jean Simpson sold 54 acres on the north west side of Cowpasture River to James Cooper. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 567)

1781 May 3 Mary Simpson and James Hughes were married. She was born about 1773 and died after 1810, possibly in Bath Co., Kentucky. (Thanks to Jim Veregge for this link to the record.)

1781 Jas. & Jean Simpson are shown as the parents in the marriage between Margaret Johnston and Jas. Hughes. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 513)

1782 Alexander Simpson taxed for 183 acres, Solomon Simpson was taxed for 325 acres and John Simpson’s estate was taxed for 24 acres (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1782 June 13 Alexander Simpson appeared for jury duty (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 358)

1783 May 8 James Simpson served jury duty (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 372)

1785 Solomon Simpson died. His wife was Margaret inherited 325 acres on Looney Creek. (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1785 Alexr Simpson appeared on the state census with 8 white persons, 1 dwelling house and 6 other buildings. He was on Capt. Pryor’s list which was south of the James River in present-day southwestern Botetourt County (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Vol. 45, No. 3, Aug. 2007)

1786 January 10 Alexander Simpson was allowed to build a grist mill over Mill Creek on his own land. (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 407)

1786 May 14 Wm. Campbell was appointed guardian of Archibald Simpson, orphan of Wm. Simpson, decd. Henry, Wm., and David Wright securities (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 409)

1786 August 8 Wm & Mary Lawrence sold land on James River to Alexander Simpson (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1787 February 13 William Hill was appointed Capt. “…in the company lately commanded by Geo. Frazer; Joseph Simpson, Lieut., and Robert Galloway, Jr., Ensign (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 418)

1787 April 11 Alexander Simpson was appointed to view a road proposed by James Wright (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 421)

1787 May 9 Alexander Simpson sold 133 acres on James River to David May (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net) James Simpson appeared in court (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 422)

1787 September 13 Alexander bought 320 acres on Cowpasture River from Aaron Hughes (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1790 April 6 Alexander Simpson obtained a grant of 120 acres adjoining McBell (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1790 April 7 Alexander Simpson obtained a grant of 400 acres on Craigs Creek (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1790 September 7 Archibald Simpson, son of William Simpson, inherited 42 acres from John Simpson (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1790 August 24 Archibald Simpson, son of William, sold 72 acres to William Campbell (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1790 September 7 Archibald Simpson’s (son of William Simpson) inheritance from John Simpson is disputed by Nathaniel Evans’s estate (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1791 Wm. Higginbotham and Peggy Simpson were married (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 512) Mary Simpson married Randol Hughes (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 513)

1792 May 5 Alexander Simpson obtained a grant of 250 acres on Longs Entry Creek (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1792 September 11 Alexander Simpson was appointed surveyor of the road (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 451)

1793 Soloman Simpson and Eliz. Lantern, daughter of Reuin Lanter, were married (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 523)

1793 June 11 Solomon Simpson’s 40 acres on Back Creek of James River was sold by the executor of his estate to Jacob Johns. (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1794 July 17 Alexander Simpson sold 250 acres on Longs Entry Creek to Matthew Harvey (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1794 July 22 Margaret Simpson obtained 26 acres on Looney’s Creek from a grant. This land was reduced later by survey to 13 ¾ acres. (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1794 August 11 Alexander Simpson sold 120 plus 400 acres on Craigs Creek to James Breckenridge (Botetourt Co. VA Settlers by Charles T. Burton, Bonnie Simpson-Valko bsimpson@tcsn.net)

1796 Elisabeth Sempson [sic] married Thomas Otey (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 519)

1797 July 11 James Simpson appointed surveyor of the road (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 472)

1797 September 14 Thomas Simpson was granted a license to keep an ordinary at his house (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 473)

1798 June 12 Thomas Simpson appointed Constable (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 475)

1800 James Simpson appeared on the tax list with one white male and 6 horses. (The Virginia Genealogist Vol. 10, 1966)

1800 January 17 Jas. Simpson was listed a a parent in the marriage between John Hicks and Margaret Hewett (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 512)

1800 Alexander Simpson and Nancy Phillips were married (Annals of Southwest Virginia by Lewis Preston Summers p. 523)