This post covers the years 1695 to 1753.

Here are the Hudson generations, like links in a chain, at a glance:

Richard → Robert? → PETER → William → Cairy m. William C. Wilbourn → Champion → Amonet Washington → William Harvey → Ella Washington (Rae) (our grandmother)

Robert has a question marks only because his family connection from him to Peter isn’t proven by court-sworn documents, but there is strong circumstantial evidence that links them. From (underlined) Peter on, however, we do have those sworn documents. In their cases, there is no guesswork about their connection from one generation to the next.

See Cairy Hudson own post here: Cairy Hudson Wilbourn

A Sketch

He was born c. 1695-1700, Henrico County, Virginia. He married Martha (Woodson?) Pride, on August 23, 1723, Henrico County, Virginia. He died between October 7, 1752 and March 20, 1753, Halifax County, Virginia. She was married before, to Holcoat Pride. She died around the same time Peter did (so says his will).

More about them:

October 25, 1725: Henrico County Court Records say about his marriage:

Martha, relict of Halcot Pride, now married to Peter Hudson, failed to appear and comply with orders of the Sept. Court relating to Halcoat Pride’s orphans.

The point of that brief excerpt is that now we have legal proof that Peter was married to Martha Pride.

Source: The Virginia Genealogist, Vol. 27, p. 169, 1983.

Peter is known as First Peter because researchers did not know at first there were three generations of Peters (Peter – Peter Sr. – Peter Jr.) in the Lunenburg / Halifax County area. Since the researchers had already dubbed one Peter as Sr., they opted to call the eldest one “First.”

Source: J. Porter Hudson, pp. 4 and 9.

As to Peter’s death, J. Porter Hudson writes:

Many years ago a member of the Hudsons of Halifax County, Va., told me that one Peter Hudson died from having a thorn in his foot. I have no way of knowing if this was true or not, but maybe it was true, so I will take a look at the first two Peter Hudsons.

J. Porter Hudson goes on to remark that Peter died at about 57 years old, while his son Peter died at 78. This age disparity provides a small hint that the family tradition about the thorn may be right, for the elder Peter died young (p. 37).

Peter and Martha’s Children

Let’s return to Peter and Martha, the subject of this post.

They appear in this order in Peter’s will, but their birth order could be changed, except their son Peter, who is cited as the eldest.

1. Peter

He was born about 1723 and died before February 27, 1804, when his will was probated (written March 20, 1803). He married Mourning Griffin. His father’s will says he is the eldest and one of the executors.

2. William

He is our direct line, so see him in his own post, here:

William Hudson and Sarah

3. James

He was born about 1725, in Henrico County. He married Agnes Burton in Lunenburg County, Virginia, daughter of James Burton, Sr. and Judith, about 1749-1750. (Note the James Burton who appears in Peter Sr.’s will, below). James Hudson died in Charlotte, Virginia, before July 1, 1765, when his will was probated (written in May 2, 1765).

4. Daniel

He married Tabitha Hill (?) about 1733. He died before November 5, 1815, Charlotte, Virginia, when his will was probated (written: January 27, 1808).

5. David

He married Ann.

One researcher writes us:

David Hudson son of 1 Peter:

DAVID HUDSON [1656.6.8] inherited 400 acres on Beaver Creek, which he deeded to John Williams in 1762. David Hudson was married to Ann — likely ANN BOND, when he sold 150 acres on Great Sandy Creek next to JOHN BOND in 1764. Together David Hudson and John Bond, again deeded 700 acres on Cargill’s Creek in Charlotte County to William Hudson of Mecklenburg County and Daniel Hudson of Halifax County 12 May 1766.

6. Phoebe

One researcher says she married Joel Elam, but another researcher says no.

7. Sarah Parker

She married Edward Parker.

8. Judith Harris

She married William Harris. She contributed beef to the Revolutionary War effort, April 10, 1782 (Mecklenburg County Court Order Book 5, p. 136). This qualifies her to be a patriot, per DAR standards.

Source for all the children:

John W. Hudson’s Family Group Sheet and J. Porter Hudson

Peter and Martha’s Four-County Life in Virginia

Peter was a Virginian, born and raised and died. As far as we know, so was Martha. Their documents tell their story.

1. Henrico County: from birth to 1736
2. Chesterfield County: 1736-1749
3. Lunenburg: 1746-1753
4. Halifax: 1746-1753

These years overlap sometimes because a landowner can have property in multiple counties at the same time, and some counties grew out of the others.

The important point of these documents in this section is that Peter interacts with his relatives, like the Fergusons and Bowmans. For example, John Bowman left 200 acres to his godson Peter Hudson. Some deeds pertain to Swift Cr., just as we saw with Robert Hudson’s land (see above). This is strong circumstantial evidence that Peter belongs with the Richard – Robert line of Hudsons.

1. Henrico County

Henrico County was one of eight original shires of Virginia.

February 1, 1711/12: Noncupative will of Mary Ligon. Brother Thomas Bridgewater to have care of eldest daughter Elizabeth; William Kent to have care of her son Peter Ligon, and also her son Simon Ligon; Ann Cardwell to have care of her daughter Ann Ligon; Ann Easly to have care of her daughter Mary; Martha Hudson to have charge of daughter Martha; wit: James Cox, Edward Heathcott, and Martha Hudson; rec: July 7, 1712 (Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part 1, p. 216)

August 3, 1717: will of Jennet Ashbrook. To son Robert Sr., items; to daughter Anne Hopkins, items; to eldest great-grandson John Farguson, Jr., items; to son Peter Ashbrook, 1 shilling; to granddaughter Elizabeth Ashbrook, 1 cow, calf; to grandson John Fargarson, Sr., the other part of estate and to be executor; wit: Peter Hudson, William Baugh; Mary Baugh; rec: Apr 7, 1718 (Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part 1, p. 251)

June 13, 1718: inventory of Thomas Belcher, appraised; value: £17, 06 shillings, 6 pence; appraised by James Townes, Matt Ligon, Holcut (sic) Pride; presented in court by Sarah Belcher; rec: July 7, 1718 (p. 259)

December 3, 1725: will of John Bowman. Son Robert, plantation at Rocksdale, allowing wife Sarah all privileges, also to Robert the tract on Swift Cr. already deeded to him; to godson Peter Hudson, 200 acres being lower part, and adjoining his land called Nut Tree Run; daughter Sarah Knibb, for life, 150 acres of aforesaid tract, below Peter Hudson, and after her death to grandson John Knibb; to granddaughter Prudence, a mare filly; to granddaughter Jane, daughter of son Robert, as yearling heifer; to daughter Sarah Knibb, a 15 shilling ring; to son John, items; also to son John, items; all the rest to wife, and she to be executor; wit: Joseph Royall, Joseph Royall, Jr., James Henry Shorthose; rec: 7 Mar 1725 (Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part 1, p. 5)

September 15, 1728: Peter Hudson of Henrico Co., being just indebted to John Towns is amount of £40 __ shillings by bond, conveys in trust all estate and parcel of land lying on the ___ side of Butterwood Cr. joining John Parish’s line in Goochland Co, being 100 acres; wit: Thomas Akin, Jr., John Bowman, John Ffoster; signed: Peter Hudson; at a court held at Varina for Henrico Co. 1^st Monday in Oct 1728 (#1, Part 2, p. 216)

December 18, 1734: will of John Farguson, Henrico Parish (sic). William Baugh, plantation where John formerly lived; to wife Mary, plantation where he now lives, 100 acres, next to corner formerly Gillis’, and items; daughter Ann Farguson, 200 acres, being lower part of tract Lewis tanner took up, and items; son John, the plantation where he lives, 1065 acres, and he to be executor; wit: Peter Hudson, Benjamin Fernando, Martha Hudson; rec: March 1734 (Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part 1, p. 469)

He is mentioned once in a court record for that county:

Essential Records of a Key Orphans Court, Part 1 (1677-1690)

Essential Records of a Key Orphans Court, Part 2 (1690-1739)

2. Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County was created in 1749 from the parent County of Henrico.

J. Porter Hudson writes:

First Peter Hudson patented his first piece of land in then Henrico Co., Va., but now Chesterfield Co. Va., June 5, 1736, 202 acres of land . . . March 15, 1741, 280 acres. (p. 4)

November 27, 1749: Peter Hudson of Lunenburg County, Virginia sells to Francis Cheatham of Chesterfield County, Virginia, for the sum of £10 6 shillings, 366 acres in Chesterfield County, on the N. side of Swift Cr., a survey granted to Peter Hudson by patents, bounded by Francis Farley, Henry Hudson, John Bowman, Abram Bowman, Tanner & Soprand (?), etc. Wit: John Farguson, Thos. Cheatham, Thos. X Rudd; acknowledgment by memorandum November 27, 1749; registered: January 5, 1749; Ben Watkins, Clc (Source: Hart, vol. 1).

3. and 4. Lunenburg and Halifax Counties

Lunenburg County was formed from Brunswick County, in 1746. Halifax County was formed from Lunenburg County, in 1752.

Peter is in the tithe (tax) lists:

Scroll down until you find 1748, Cornelius Cargill’s District, p. 65:

http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun002.txt

Scroll down quite a ways until you find Cornelius Cargill’s District (pp. 117-18):

http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun003.txt

Do the same for 1750 (p. 131):

http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun004.txt

Do the same for 1752 (pp. 191-92)

http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/sun006.txt

If those links go dead, find this home or main page, and happy hunting!

http://ftp.rootsweb.ancestry.com/pub/usgenweb/va/lunenburg/census/

Here is a sample of his tithe / tax:

Lunenburg County Tithe / Taxes

Cornelius Cargill’s List of Tithes for ye year 1749

……………………………………Tithes … Scalps & Heads
Edward Powell ………………………….. 3…………..18
Wm. Marrable
Son Matthew
Saml. Taylor, overseer ………………….. 8 …………23
Jeremiah Viteto [?] ……………………..  1
Daniel Maclard ……………………………1
Mr. William Byrd
John Lucas

Edward Moorefield ………………………1
Peter Hudson, Junr. ……………………. 1…………..6
Thos. Nuby ………………………….. … 1…………..2
Peter Hudson, Sen’r.
Jas. Daniel ………………………………. 4…………..24
Colo. William Wynne
William Wynne …………………………. 3…………..18
Robt. Wynne ……………………………. 2
Thos. Wynne …………………………….1……………6
Enoch Davies …………………………… 1

[page 118]

………………………..…………Tithes …. Scalps & Heads

David Colwell ………………………………1
William Harris …………………………….1……………6
John Wilbon (sic)……………………….1……………6
Wm. Wilkins …………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Luke Smith, Junr. [Senr.?]
Luke Smith, Junr.
James Wilkins, overseer …………………6…………….36
Hance Hendrick ……………………………1

John Wilbourn is our direct line, and William Harris will be the executor of his will in 1758 (see his post).

Court Documents and Deeds

The Court Order Books and Deed Books are found in Lunenburg County

March 3, 1746:

Upon the Petition of Peter Hudson it is ordered that a road be laid off and cleared the best and most convenient way from Graves’s Ford to Scott’s Ford on Maherrin River and the said Peter Hudson is appointed surveyor thereof. And it is ordered that he with all the male laboring tithable persons, convenient to the said forthwith clear and keep the same in repair according to law. (Order Book 1, p. 132)

August 1, 1746:

George Roberts, Bladen Co. NC sells to Peter Hudson, Lunenburg Co. for £30, 150 acres on south side of Stanton River; signed: George Robards (sic); Edward Parker, Alexander (A) Strange, Thomas Nuby; rec: September 1, 1746 (Deed Book 1, p. 62-63)

September Court 1746:

A deed from George Robert to Peter Hudson was proved by oaths of witnesses; Sep 1, 1746 (Order Book 1, p. 51)

November 23, 1746:

John Ravenscroft of Prince George Co. sells to James Burton of Lunenburg Co. for £20, about 400 acres on north side of Staunton R. known as Thomason’s low ground, patented to Ravenscroft Dec. 1, 1740; signed: John Ravenscroft; wit: Anthony Pouncy, Peter Hudson, Zachariah Ashworth; rec: Mar 3, 1746 (Deed Book 1, p. 109-10)

February Court 1747:

William Embry v. Peter Hudson, in Case} the defendant, not being arrested, ordered that an alias capias issue against defendant (Order Book 1, p. 372)

February Court 1747:

James Scott v. Peter Hudson, on a Petition} the process awarded in this cause being not executed, ordered that new process issue against defendant (Order Book 1, p. 378)

February Court 1747:

Charles Friend v. Peter Hudson, in Case}plaintiff by his attorney and defendant, though called, comes not; therefore it is ruled that plaintiff recover against defendant and his common bail, his damages; at next court a jury will inquire about damages (Order Book 1, p. 380)

March Court 1747:

A deed from William McLain, gentleman, to Peter Hudson was acknowledged by McLain; for £8, 104 acres patented Jul 25, 1746 to McLain, being on south side of Stanton R., bounded by George Roberts, Bowling’s corner; signed Wm Maclin; wit: Cadet Young, Ebenezer Sherman, John Gwin; rec: Mar 7, 1747 (Deed Book 1, pp. 285-87; Order Book 1, p. 388)

September Court 1747:

John Coles v. Robert Bruce, in Case} Plaintiff’s attorney and defendant himself came, and also came Peter Hudson of Lunenburg Co., as bail and pledge for defendant who says he cannot gainsay plaintiff’s action and confesses he has caused plaintiff damages amounting to £2 and 14 shillings and 4 pence; judgment for plaintiff for damages aforesaid, plus costs (Order Book 1, p. 249)

September Court 1747:

Walter Campbell v. Francis Ray, in Case} parties by their attorneys and jury: Francis Elledge, William Andrews, Daniel Firth, James Arnold, John Humphris, John Beard, Charles Allen, William Tabor, John Ashworth, John Cargil, Jonathan Ashworth, and Peter Hudson; jury says defendant is not guilty, and ruled plaintiff take nothing by his bill, but he be in mercy for false claim; defendant go free, and he recover against plaintiff, plus costs (Order Book 1, p. 258)

September Court 1747:

Anthony Walke (sic) v. Peter Hudson, in Case} Plaintiff by his attorney Robert Jones and defendant in person; Defendant says he cannot gainsay plaintiffs action, nor but that he is guilty as charged, nor but that plaintiff has suffered damages of £8 and 2 shillings, and 8 pence half penny; therefore, plaintiff recovers against defendant his damages, plus costs (Order Book 1, p. 272)

November Court 1747:

John Nash, petitioner v. Peter Hudson, defendant, on a Petition} Sheriff’s return says defendant has been duly served with a subpoena and a copy of petition, but he didn’t appear to gainsays justness of petitioner’s demand, who produced defendant’s bill for £3, 9 shillings and 8 pence; judgment for petitioner for debt aforesaid, plus costs, plus lawyer’s fee (Order Book 1, p. 307)

December Court 1747:

Charles Friend v. Peter Hudson, in Case} the sheriff, having returned and defendant arrested, and he not appearing, ordered that unless defendant appear at next court and answer plaintiff’s action, judgment will be entered against him and his common bail for what damages plaintiff appears to have sustained (Order Book 1, pp. 328-29)

December Court 1747:

John Cooper, petitioner, v. Peter Hudson, on a Petition} Defendant has been served with a subpoena and copy of this petition, but comes not; Petitioner produced and made oath to an account against defendant, for £1 13 shillings and 6 pence; ordered that petitioner recover against defendant the debt aforesaid, plus costs, plus lawyer’s fee (Order Book 1, p. 331)

May Court 1748:

James Scott v. Peter Hudson, on a Petition} Defendant has been duly served with a subpoena and a copy of petition, and he, not appearing to gainsay the petitioner’s demand, and petitioner proving his account by his oath, for £ 4 shillings, 1 penny, 3 farthings; therefore it is ruled that plaintiff recover against defendant the debt aforesaid, plus costs, plus lawyer’s fee (Order Book 1, p. 444-45)

May Court 1748:

Charles Friend, mariner, v. Peter Hudson, in Case} plaintiff by his attorney and defendant in proper person; defendant says he’s guilty as charged; judgment to plaintiff of £12 7 pence, plus costs (Order Book 1, p. 447-48)

May Court 1748:

William Embry v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} both parties came by their attorneys and also came Cornelius Cargill of Lunenburg, gent., who has become bail and pledge for defendant and prays and has leave to imparl. (sic) specially and prays and has oyer of plaintiff’s writing obligatory until next court (Order Book 1, pp. 449)

May Court 1748:

John Simmons, gent., v. Humphrey Hewey, in Case} jury: William Pool, William Verdiman, Robert Russell, David Logan, Marmaduke Stanfield, John Cargill, Christopher Irvin, Thomas King, Hampton Wade, William Hatchell, James Arnold, and Peter Hudson; the jury says plaintiff has sustained damage of £11, 7 shillings, 9 pence, and 3 farthings, plus costs (Order Book 1, p. 451)

May Court 1748:

Anthony and Andrew Haynes and Robert Jones Jr. attorney v. Michael McKie; jury: William Pool, Wm Verdeman, Robert Russell, David Logan, Marmaduke Stanfield, John Cargill, Richard Womack, Thomas King, Hampton Wade, Thos. Daugherty, James Arnold, Peter Hudson; plaintiff to recover damages for nonperformance against defendant and John Twitty his bail (Order Book 2, p 1)

May Court 1748:

Wm Embry v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} to plead at next court (Order Book 2, p. 47)

July Court 1748:

John Campbell v. Abel Lee; jury: Samuel Wynne, Peter Hudson, Jeremiah Hatcher, Wm. Embry, Rich’d Griffin, Thos. Satterwhite, Francis Elledge, John Cooper, Rich’d Thompson, Marmaduke Stanfield, Rich’s Womack, Tandy Walker; nonperformance of defendant, so plaintiff to recover £11, 11 shilling damages; July 5, 1748 (Order Book 2, p. 43)

July Court 1748:

Wm Embry v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} to plead at next court (Order Book 2, p. 47)

October Court 1748:

Wm Embry v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} defendant faults by not appearing, judgment entered for plaintiff (Order Book 2, p. 94)

July Court 1749:

Any three of Wm Irby, Peter Hudson, Luke Smith, and Edward Parker to appraise slaves and personal estate of Adlar David, decd (Order Book 2, p. 196)

October Court 1749:

Grand jury sworn: Wm Irby, foreman, John Bacon, Wm Embry, Rich’d Fox, Hugh Moore, Robt. Jones, James Daniel, Wm McGinnis, David Jones, Peter Hudson, Marmaduke Stanfield, Thos. Douglas, John Cargill, Rich’d Brown, Wm Rodgers, John Lucas, Francis Elledge John Speed, and Edward Caldwell (Order Book 2, p. 211)

November 27, 1749:

Peter Hudson of Lunenburg Co. sells to Francis Cheatham of Chesterfield Co., for £18 and 6 shillings, 366 acres in Chesterfield Co. on the north side of Swift Creek, being part of a survey patented to Peter Hudson, beginning at a corner oak of Francis Farley and adjacent lands of Henry Hudson, John Bowman and Abram Bowman, Tanner and Soprand (?), etx. Wit: John Farguson, Thomas Cheatham, and Thomas (X) Rudd; signed: Peter Hudson; acknowledged by memorandum 27 Nov. 1749 (Deed Book 1, p. 39)

Note Swift Creek in these deeds, which indicate how this family clustered together. Robert Hudson, Peter’s (probable) father, owned land by that creek.

May 4, 1750:

Henry Hudson of Chesterfield Co. and Robert Hudson of Cumberland Co. sell to George Turner of Chesterfield Co., £50, 112 acres in Chesterfield on both sides of Swift Cr., also a mill known as Beaver Pond Mill; wit: John Hudson, Henry Hudson, Robert Hudson; signed: Henry Hudson, Robert Hudson (Deed Book 1, p. 118)

February 3, 1750:

Robert Hudson of Chesterfield Co. sells to Joel Hudson of same co., £5 73 acres lying in said co. on north ides of Swift Cr., beginning in Henry Hudson’s line and adjacent lands of Clay, being a separate parcel and of the tract that Robert Hudson now lives on; wit: Henry Hudson, Simon Hudson, and Francis Newby; signed: Robert Hudson and Martha Hudson (Deed Book 1, p. 211)

December 6, 1752:

Henry Hudson of Chesterfield Co., Dale Parish, sells to Joseph Starkey of same place . . .  paid by John Durham, decd, whom the said John Durham is son and heir, 100 acres on south side of Swift Cr., adjacent lands of Thomas Gipson, Miles Hancock, and George Renyer turner, etc.; wit: Robert Hudson, John Newby, Martha Hudson; signed: Henry Hudson and Mary (X) Hudson (Deed Book 1, p. 424)

July Court 1750:

Charles Talbot obtained attachment v. estate of Thos. Newby (abandoned); Sheriff attached all of Newby’s estate in hands of Thos. Hancock garnishee, indebted £4 to Newby, with promissory note assigned to Peter Hudson, Talbot to recover £1, 16 shillings, 5 pence (Order Book 2, p. 312)

July Court 1750:

John Lucas v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} sheriff attached ears of corn of Hudson’s estate, plaintiff to recover £7, 10 shillings; ear of corn to be sold (Order Book 2, p. 319)

October 2, 1751:

Peter Hudson is appointed Surveyor of the Road leading from Graves ford to John Ashworth’s. And it is ordered that he together with the male laboring tithables convenient thereto do forthwith clear and keep the same in repair, according to law. (O. S., p. 474)

June Court 1752:

Michael McDaniel v. Thos Newby and Peter Hudson, defendants, in Debt} dismissed (Order Book 2 ½ A, p. 61)

August Court 1752:

Henry Dixon v. Peter Hudson, in Debt} dismissed (Order Book 2 ½ A, p. 163)

September Court 1752:

Godfrey Jones, and David Jones, surviving executors of Thos. Jones decd. v. Peter Hudson; jury: John Norrice, Wm Dandy, Silvanus Walker, Nath’l Hunt, Julius Nichols, Memucan Hunt, Jeremiah White, Thos. Osborne, Hampton Wade, John Twitty, Jeremiah Hatcher, James Easter; nonperformance; plaintiffs to recover damages (Order Book 2 ½ A p. 257)

November Court 1752:

Robert Wade Jr., v. Peter Hudson, in debt} dismissed (Order Book 2 ½ A, p. 380)

December 5, 1752:

Samuel Ashworth is appointed Surveyor of the road leading from the said Ashworth’s to Peter Hudson’s ford, on Stanton River, and it is ordered that he together with all the male laboring tithable persons convenient thereto forthwith clear and keep the same in Repair According to Law. (N. S., p. 404)

November 5, 1752:

James Cocke is appointed Surveyor of the Road leading from Hudson’s ford to Randolph’s Road, and it is order’d that he together with all the male laboring tithable

Persons Convenient thereto forthwith Clear & keep the same in Repair According to

Law (N. S. p. 404)

October Court 1753:

Godfrey Jones and David Jones, surviving executors of Thos. Jones, decd v. Peter Hudson and Robert Hudson, executors v. Peter Hudson decd; plaintiff to recover debt (Order Book 2 ½ B, p. 471)

August 9, 1764:

On the Petition of Charles Allen Gentleman and Sundry others setting forth that whereas the upper Inhabitants of this County on Stanton River and the inhabitants of Halifax do labor under great ill conveniencies on account of the road that passes from Blank’s ferry through the County to Bolling’s Point and as great numbers trade to that place. They therefore pray the Court to grant and order for a Road to be opened out of the said road that crosses Blank’s ferry from William Tomason’s into Willingham’s Road near Mahering (sic) Bridges along the usual tract that was formerly opened by Peter Hudson, deceased; whereupon it is ordered that the said road be opened and continued according to the prayer of the said petition agreeable to a former order of Court directing the same, and the said William Thomason is appointed overseer thereof. (p. 129)

Note: The executors of Peter Hudson’s estate, deceased, Peter Hudson and Robert Hudson, appear a number of times in the Court Order Books, but these entries are omitted here, since our Peter Hudson is deceased.

Peter Hudson’s Will

October 7, 1752 and March 20, 1753, Halifax County and Lunenburg County, Virginia: Peter Hudson Sr. lived on his plantation in Halifax County, and he owned a thousand acres in that county, but a considerable acreage of his land was also situate in Lunenburg County. The will was drawn up and signed by Peter Hudson October 7, 1752. It was exhibited in court March 20, 1753. By then, Peter Hudson had died, and his wife Martha Hudson is also deceased. So now we know that the couple died between October 7, 1752, and March 20, 1753. Book 69, pages 136-39

Names in the will:

Wife: Martha (executrix)

Children:

Son: Peter Hudson (eldest and executor)

Daughter: Sarah Parker

Daughter: Judith Harris

Son:  James Hudson

Son: Daniel Hudson

Son: William Hudson

Daughter: Phoebe Hudson

Son: David Hudson

Nephews: Robert Hudson (executor) and Richard Hudson

Others: Antony Griffin, James Burton, Samuel Harris, Sherwood Walton, Edward Parker, William Sims, Edward Lester, John Gregory, and George Currie

Geography: Halifax and Lunenburg Counties; Stanton River, Buffalo Creek, Beaver Creek, Benajers (sic) Branch, Piny Branch, and William Perry’s line

The will reads:

In the name of God, Amen. I Peter Hudson of the County of Hallifax [sic], being in perfect Mind and Memory (blessed be Almighty God for the same) do make, Constitute and Ordain this my last Will and Testament and desire it may [careted in: be] received as such.

First and Principally, I commit my Soul to Almighty God, in hopes of a blessed Resurrection at the last Day; and trusting in the Merits of my Blessed Redeemer for the Remission of all my Sins, I do commit my Body to the Earth and desire to be interred in such becoming Manner as my Executors, hereafter mentioned, shall Think Proper.

As for those Worldly Goods that God of his Mercy has been pleased to bestow on me, I Give [careted in: in] manner following.

Imprimis: I Give and bequeath to my Eldest son Peter Four Hundred acres of Land in Lunenburg County and [on?] Stanton River; Beginning on said Stanton River at a [illegible] in the said River at the common land’g [Sandy] place, thence a strait [sic] course to a Walnut Tree, thence on the West side of a new Tobacco House, and thence forward to make the above Four Hundred Acres; the above s’d Land is the upper part of [careted in: my] Tract, in the county aforesaid, which said Land I Give to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my son William Hudson Four Hundred Acres of Land on the North side [of the] Stanton River in the County of Lunenburg; Beginning at the Gut [?] aforesaid and Joining Peter Hudson’s [illegible] Stanton and [at?] the mouth of Buffalow [sic] Creek, thence up the said Buffaloe [sic], as high as a branch that is known by the name of Benajers [sic] Branch, thence up the said Benajers [sic] branch to conclude the above said Four Hundred Acres which said Land I Give to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my son James Hudson a certain Tract or parcel of Land, containing by Estimation Four Hundred Acres, be the same more or less, Situate in the County of Lunenburg, and on Stanton River; Beginning at the mouth of the above said Buffaloe Creek, thence up the Creek to a line of marked Trees, thence on the said Line, thence all the Land that I possess beblow [sic, read: below] the said moth [sic, read: mouth] of the Buffaloe and on Stanton River &c, which said Land I Give to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my son Daniel Hudson a certain Tract or parcel of Land containing by Estimation Four Hundred acres, be the same, more or less, Situate, Lying and being in the County of Halifax, and on Stanton River and Bounded as follows, Viz. Beginning at the mouth of a Creek called Beaver Creek, thence up the said Creek as it meanders, and thence all the Land that I possess on the South side [of] said Stanton, below the mouth of the said Beaver Creek, which said Land I Give to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my son David Hudson Four Hundred Acres of Land in the County of Hallifax [sic], it being on Stanton River, also and to include the Plantation whereon I now dwell; and Beginning at the mouth of the said Creek called Beaver Creek, thence up the Creek and up the said River for the above said Compliment of Four Hundred Acres, which said Land I Give to him, his Heirs & Assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son William Hudson, one above named, [in margin: spankes or sparkes] saddle, one cow and calf, two sows and pigs, one featherbed well [illegible] and furniture, one young ewe and lamb, one iron pott [sic] and frying pan, which above moveables I give to the said William Hudson, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my son Daniel Hudson one Feather Bed well filled and Furnished, two sows and Pigs, One Ewe and Lamb, One Iron Pot & one Good Frying pan which said moveables I give to the said Daniel, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Item: I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Phebe one Good Horse colt, one bridle and Saddle, one Feather Bed and Furniture, one Cow and calf, one Seal [?] [illegible] branded I H A [little flags drawn on brands], One Ewe and Lamb – which said moveables I Give to her, her Heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I Lend to my Loving Wife Martha Hudson, during her natural Life all other [of] my moveable Estate together with my negroes to my son David Hudson to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever.

Whereas [page torn] Lands of me [?] and I as yet have not made Deed to them [illegible] Acknowledge the same I hereby Impower [sic] my Executors hereafter mentioned to make them a Good and Lawful Right by way of Deeds and to acknowledge the same in the County Court where such Lands Lie.

First, Robert Hudson my Nephew Four Hundred Acres on both sides of the Heads of Ashcake Creek where he now lives for which said Four Hundred I have receiv’d Thirty Pounds the full consideration which I am to have for the same.

Second, Anthony Griffin One Thousand Acres to be Laid off from the old path on Piny Branch, thence up both sides for the said Thousand Acres, in Halifax County.

Thirdly, James Burton Four Hundred Acres in Lunenburg on a Creek of Stanton River call’d Buffaloe; Beginning where James Hudson’s [word crossed out] leaves the said Buffaloe Creek, thence up the Creek, on both sides to William Perry’s Line, thence along Perry’s Line for the Compliment of Four Hundred above said.

Fourthly Richard Hudson my Nephew Two Hundred Acres in Lunenburg County on Buffaloe Creek above said; Beginning at the fork where Benajers Branch makes out of the said Buffaloe, thence on Buffaloe Creek and on Benajers branch for the Compliment of Four Hundred Acres [page torn]

Whereas I have several [page torn] in each County, Viz. Lunenb [page torn] –fax will that my executors hereafter mentioned should make [illegible] to the best Advantage and after my lawful Debts are paid that then the remainder of the money arising by the sail [sic, read: sale] of the said Land shall be equally Divid’d among all my Children Viz. Sarah Parker, Judith Harris, Peter Hudson, James Hudson, Daniel Hudson, William Hudson, Phebe Hudson and David Hudson, which said money I give them, their Heirs and Assigns forever.

I do constitute and Appoint my Loving wife Executrix, Peter Hudson my son and Robert Hudson my Nephew Executors of this my Last Will and Testament;

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand Affix my Seal this Seventh day of October, One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Two.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of

William Sims

Edward Lester

Peter Hudson

John (X) Gregory

Upside down: Peter Hudson Will; R’d [Recorded] 1753

20^th Day of March, 1753

The within written last Will and Testament of Peter Hudson, Deceased, was exhibited in Court by Peter Hudson and Robert Hudson, Executors therein Named (Martha Hudson, Executrix, therein also Named being Dead); And the same was Proved by the Oaths of William Sims and John Gregory, one of the Witnesses as thereto and Ordered to be Recorded; And on motion of the said Executors, who made Oath According to Law, and together with Samuel Harris, Sherwood Walton, and Edward Parker their Sureties and entered into Bond and acknowledged the same certificate was granted them for Obtaining Probate of the said Will in due form.

By the Court

Geo Currie, C H C [?] B[?]

Transcription Ends.

Another transcription

Peter Hudson’s Inventory and Appraisement

May 1, 1753. Halifax County, Virginia. Peter Hudson Sr. says in his will that his plantation was situated in Halifax County, though he also owned several tracts of land in Lunenburg County, four hundred acres each. It is in Halifax County where his son and executor Peter Jr. ordered the Inventory and Appraisement of his father’s goods and chattels to be done. The appraisers were John Owen, Wm. M’Ginness, and James Nowlin. The handwriting is good, mostly, but some words are undecipherable, in my view. Also, there are tears and smudges, so some numbers and rows are lost or unclear. On the second page (p. 58), the clerk no longer writes the quantity in the separate column, as he did in the previous page (p. 57). Book 141, pages 57-58

Transcription begins:

 

1753 May	1st	An Inventory of the Estate of Peter Hudson (Deceased) appraised &c.	£	S	D
	3	Cows & Calfs [sic] and a Bull	4	15
	1?	Head sheep	4
	1	P’r old Cart Wheels	1	1	6
	50	Middle sized Hogs	16	5
	32	Small Shoah? Sows?	4?
	20	Pigs	?
	1	Horse	2?	5
	2	Young Stears [sic] & a bull	3?	12	6
	4	Cows and one Heifer	7
	8	Young cattle at a year old	4
	1	Stear [sic] two years old		15
	2	Horses & one mare	13	10
	1	Negro girl	35
	1	Negro fellow	25
	4	Cow Hides	1	4
	4	Illegible 3/ bottles 2/6		5
		About four lines are illegible due to tears and smudges
	1	Woolen wheel & Spindle 4/6		4	6
	3	Potts & one Rack	1	15
	3	Meal bags & two wallets		16
	2	Beds & Furniture & two Bed steds [sic]	11	10
	1	Trooping Saddle	2	5
	1	X-cut [sic, read: crosscut] Saw and file	1		9
	A	Percell [sic, read: Parcel] Carpenter Tools 9/		9
	5	Old Reep [sic, read: Reap] Hooks? 5/		5
	1	Old Side Saddle 2/		2
		Horse Harness & [P’r?] flax hatchet 15/		2	6
	2	Old Bells 3/6 & [P’r?] Collars? 2/6		6
	1	Spice mortar & pepper box 6/		6
		Pewter Dishes & plates 6c/	3
		Knives & forks 5/3 1 Pr Scales & other small Trifles 7/?	12	3
		Books & two old Burs [? Bureaus?] 42/	2	2
		Small Purcell [sic, read: parcel?] of shoe maker’s Tools		8	6
		Carried Forward	151	15
		Book 141, Page 58
1751 [sic] May	1st	Brought forward	151	15
	1	Skillet 6/ illegible Lash or Sash? 5/		11
		Water pales [sic] & Tubs 16/4 1 boll [sic] cream? 3/		19	4
		Old meal sifters 2/6 bread trays ?/7		4	1
		One Table 4/ Chairs 7/9		11	9
		1 Cutting Knife & Staple 1/3		1	3
		A percell [sic, read: parcel?] of hoes & axes & old Iron	5	11	9
		1 Stone pott [sic] & old barrels		4
		1 p’r Mill Stones 15/		15
		2 Chests 15/1 Looking Glass & Burs [bureaus?] 13/	1	7
		1 Trunk 7/6		7	6
		2 Beds and furniture	2	15
		2 Barrels & Tubs 4/		4
		1 Slay [sic] and one rigg [?] 7/9		7	9
		1 Great coat 30/	1	10
		1 P’r Leather Breeches		15
		1 P’r yarn hose & Linnen [sic] Coat 12/		17
		1 G??mon ?arge	2	5
		Several lines are torn or smudged
		2 Lancetts 2/ 148 [illegible] foot plank 89/3	4	11	13
		13 Young Hogs	1	19
		3 Barrels & one Crock & a P’r Scales		10
		1 Salt box 6d			6
			175	12	2

John Owen

Wm M’Ginness

James Nowlin

Appraisers

1753

[signed] Peter Hudson, Executor

At a Court held for Halifax County the 20^th? 30^th? Day of May, 1753, this Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Peter Hudson, Deceased, was returned and ordered to be recorded.

Test. Geo Currie, C H B? C?

Transcription ends.

Peter owned the standard crops, livestock, farm equipment, and household furniture that all farmers did. He owned slaves, too. On how I handle the historical fact of slavery, please see my post My ancestors owned slaves.

Summary of Peter and Martha’s Life

Peter Hudson was a Virginian, born, raised and died. As far as we know, Martha was too. He is called First Peter by researchers because they didn’t know he existed until after his son Peter Sr. and grandson son Peter Jr. had been discovered. Since Sr. and Jr. were taken, the best option was First Peter.

Peter and Martha led the life of many plantation owners back then: they bought and sold land. They raised crops and livestock. He appeared in court. They raised a family. He helped maintain and clear roads. He was wealthy, so he had some slaves. Or he owned slaves, and they helped him become wealthy. Peter and Martha’s family was large, and they helped him become wealthy too.

Some of Peter and Martha’s descendants have kept in contact with me. We are part of a marvelous chain of links, thanks to Peter and Martha. It’s amazing how life rolls on.

Related

Early Hudsons of Virginia

Early Hudsons of Three Virginia Counties (key post)

Bibliography

Evans, June Banks. Lunenburg County, Virginia Order Book 2 ½ A, 1752-1753. New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid, 1997.

—. Lunenburg County, Virginia, Order Book 2 ½ B, 1753-1754. New Orleans: Bryn Ffylliaid, 1998.

Hart, Donald Claire. Hudson Records of Virginia. Vols. 1, 2, 3, Longview, Texas: Hudson Family Association (South), 1984-1986.

Hudson, J. Porter. A Notebook of Early Hudson History, 1991.

Lunenburg County, Virginia Court Orders. 1746-1748, T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.

Nugent, Nell Marion. Cavaliers and Pioneers, vol. 1. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1983.

Weisiger, Benjamin B. Colonial Wills of Henrico County, Virginia, Part One, 1654-1737. Published privately, 1976.

Source for Road Orders: http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/93-r17.pdf