This post goes from 1647 to 1733, covering a gateway ancestor, William Clopton. Ann Booth’s father, Dr. Robert Booth, was an early co-founder of Jamestowne.
Here are the Clopton family generations, like links in a chain, at a glance:
WILLIAM → Walter → William → Mary m. William Perrin → Rebecca m. Robert Anderson → Elizabeth Ann m. Champion Wilbourn → Amonet Washington → William Harvey → Ella Washington (Rae) (our grandmother)
THE BASICS
William Clopton was born in 1655 in Eastwood County, Essex, England, the son of Rev. William Clopton and Elizabeth Sutcliffe. He died between September 29, 1731 and October 29, 1732, in New Kent County, Virginia, closer to the latter date, in 1632. He married Ann Booth Dennett before January 24, 1689/90.
In a vestry record dated 29 Sep 1731, William Clopton is paid 600 pounds of tobacco for keeping Charles Barker. Yet in another vestry record dated 29 Oct 1732, Clopton’s executors are mentioned, though unnamed. So we know he died between those dates (see below).
The fact that he has executors to see the probate through means he left a will. Unfortunately the records in New Kent County were destroyed in a fire, many decades later.
A deposition dated April 24, 1685 says that William Clopton is 30 years old, which means he was born in 1655 (slightly edited): “The deposition of William Clopton aged about thirty years sayeth” (see below for the rest)….
In a deposition by Elizabeth Cole, dated April 24, 1683 (see below), Ann Clopton implies that her husband William Clopton is poor—though poor in comparison to Capt Archer. This may simply be rhetoric spoken at the moment of disappointment in court. Also, that was Elizabeth Cole’s report of what Mrs. Clopton was alleged to have said.
Lucy Lane Erwin, a prominent Clopton researcher of an earlier generation, says that Ann was born in 1647. But which county in Virginia? Probably in York County, where her father lived. She died March 4, 1716, in New Kent County.
The Register of St. Peter’s Parish says: “Ann Clopton, wife of Mr. Wm. Clopton, departed this life March 4th, 1716” (p. 57).
She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Booth, one of the earliest immigrants to Jamestowne and vicinity.
Robert Booth can be considered a qualifying ancestor for Jamestowne Society. See his post here:
Robert Booth and Jamestowne Society
William and Ann were Anglicans. They are buried in the churchyard of St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent County.
Coat of Arms?
Back in England the Cloptons were prominent enough to have their own coat of arms. Please see these links at JSTOR for the image (or a close proximity):
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1915490.pdf
https://www.jstor.org/stable/1915490?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Motto
Sperate fortes fortibus et bonis
Rough translation: Have hope, brave people, in brave and good people.
Bonis could also be translated as “resourceful.” The motto encourages unity in community; it’s good to depend on one’s virtuous family.
Gateway Ancestor
William Clopton is considered a gateway ancestor. This means he descends from royalty generations back and immigrated to the American colonies. Please see this link for more information:
William Clopton and Our Royal Heritage
Lucy Lane Erwin
She is considered the dean of early Clopton researchers. Here are the pages relevant to William Clopton.
Lucy Lane Erwin, the Ancestry of William Clopton of York County, Virginia (Rutland, Vermont: Tuttle, 1939), pp. 133-37.
Biographies
Here is the first biography of the family:
The Clopton Family
William Clopton … was born in Suffolk, England, and came to Virginia around 1673. The Cloptons had lived in the County of Suffolk for several generations. He was in York County for several years. And in 1682 was made Constable. He married Ann Booth (1647-1717), daughter of Dr. Robert Booth, a physician and sometime clerk for the County of York, and the widow of Thomas Dennett, who dies testate, leaving a will made in April 1673 which was proved August 1673 at York County.
William Clopton moved to New Kent County and established his residence in St. Peter’s Parish. Her was deputy sheriff in 1709 and served until 1719. He was vestryman in St. Peter’s Parish and asked to be excused from vestry duties because of age and debility.
In 1715 Ann Booth Clopton died and was buried in the churchyard at St. Peter’s where a gravestone over her grave may be seen to this day:
Here Lyeth the body of
Ann Clopton
the wife of Willian Clopton (2) of the
County of New Kent. She departed
this Life ye 4: day of March Anno Domini 1716
In the 70th year of her Age.
She left three Sons & two Daughters
By Her said Husband, viz:
Robert, William, Walter, Ann & Elizabeth.
[Arms.][1]
On the right side of Ann Clopton’s in St. Peter’s Churchyard is a stone of equal dimensions which is believed to be the gravestone over the grave of William Clopton. In recent years a thick layer of marble has been superimposed over the stone bears this legend:
Here Lyeth the Body of
William Clopton, Gent.
Born 1655 in Essex England
Died before 1733 in New Kent Co. Va
Son of Rev. William Clopton and
Elizabeth Sutcliffe of
Eastwood County Essex, England
A Vestryman of St. Peter’s Church
New Kwnt Co. Virginia from
May 1694 to April 23, 1728
This legend duplicates the information described on the original upon which this was placed by the Estate of Lila Clopton McKay.
Concerning the children of William and Ann Clopton, who were named on her tombstone, there is considerable data.
Elizabeth Clopton, the eldest daughter, had married for her first husband, William Walker and after William Walker’s death married on 12 September 1718 her second husband, Alexander Moss, by whom she had one daughter, Ann, born September 30, 1721. Alexander Moss died testate in Cumberland County in 1772.
Ann, the second daughter of William and Ann Clopton, married Nicholas Mills. They moved up to St. Martin’s Parish where he died testate. His will was dated 6 April 1741. The descendants of this marriage are legion in middle Virginia. In his will, Nicholas Mills named his wife, Ann, and his children: Charles Mills, Nicholas Mills, Jane Rice, David Mills, David Mills, Robert Mills, Ann Jackson, and Elizabeth Anderson; grandson Nicholas, son of Charles Mills, William Mills. Son of Robert Mills, Nicholas Rice, son of Jane Rice, Frances Jackson, daughter of Ann Jackson, and William Anderson, son of Elizabeth Anderson.
Robert Clopton, the oldest son of William and Ann Clopton, married Sarah Scott on December 18, 1711. It is probable that as the oldest son he fell heir to the home place of his father, which was located on the south branch of Black Creek near the present Crump’s Mill (1969). Sarah, wife of Robert Clopton, departed this life October the 24th, 1719. He married as second wife, Mary Crump on 22 March 1720. The children of Robert Clopton by his two wives were named in St. Peter’s Parish Register.
A daughter born August 19, 1712
A daughter born _____ 1715
Margaret born April 8, 1717
Frances born Feb. 2, 1722/23
William born Nov. 11, 1725
Robert born July 28, 1728
Abner born 29 Nov. 1731
William Clopton, the second son of William and Ann Clopton, married on January 27, 1718, Joyce Wilkinson, daughter of Thomas Wilkinson, whose wife was a daughter of Francis Izzard and wife Frances, who lived on the southern branch of Black Creek. William Clopton and Joyce had the following children who appears on the Parish Register.
Waldegrave born 19 November 1719
Ann born 16 January 1720/21
William born 2 February 1722
George born 24 January 1723/24
William Clopton died before 1733. He appeared in the Processioning records of St. Paul’s Parish in Hanover County. He lived in Hanover County and had his home at the Clopton place where his son William Clopton later lived.
Walter Clopton, the third son of William and Ann Clopton, married on September 4, 1711, Mary Jarratt, of St. Peter’s Parish. Their children were recorded in the Register of Births and Baptisms:
Anne born July 8, 1712
William born 19 Nov. 1714
Mary born August 9, 1716
Walter born 24 March 1720/21
Robert born Jan. 4, 1725
Devereux born August 30, 1727
Benjamin born ca. 1732
Norma born 11 June 1735
Walter [sic] born 13 February 1740
Source: Malcolm Hart Harris pp. 227-30.
Another biography comes from William and Mary College Quarterly (slightly edited):
William and Mary Quarterly (vol. 10, no. 1) http://www.jstor.org/stable/1919806 (slightly edited):
The ancestor of this family in Virginia was WILLIAM’ CLOPTON, aged about thirty in 1685. In 1682 he was constable of Hampton Parish, York county, and on January 23, 1682-’83 he made a deed of gift to his daughters Ann and Elizabeth. He married Ann Booth, widow of Thomas Dennett, and daughter of Robert Booth, clerk of York court.
Robert Booth died in [about] 1657, leaving a widow Frances and three children, viz.: A daughter Elizabeth, who married Dr. Patrick Napier, of York county; a son Robert, who married Anne Bray, and who is mentioned in the General Court Records as heir to lands in New Kent patented by his father, and a daughter Anne already mentioned as marrying, first Thomas Dennett; second, William Clopton. Dennett’s will, proved in York court August 25, 1673, names children Anne, John, Sarah, and Ellinor, and makes his “loving brothers John Baskervyle and Robert Booth overseers” of his will. Dennett calls Baskervyle “brother” be- cause Baskervyle married Mary, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel William Barber, one of the justices of York county (born 1602), and his wife Mary, widow of John Dennett (died before 1646), and mother of Thomas Dennett, first husband of Anne Booth. On March 24, 1679-’80, “Ann Clopton, as relict of Thomas Dennett, deceased,” swore to his inventory in York court.
The following, taken from the records of York, illustrate the times. It appears that Mrs. Clopton was not satisfied with the length of the service awarded her by the court against Elizabeth Cole, her servant girl, for running away:
“26 February, 1682-3. Ordered that Elizabeth Cole, servant of Mr. Wm. Clopton, serve her said master for forty-four days for being absent from her master’s service twenty-two days, and pay to her master one pound five shillings or serve for the same, being for the charges in retaking of her.”
April 24, 1683. Elizabeth Cole, servant to Mr. William Clopton, coming before Otho Thorp and Samuel Tympson, two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace, this 28th day of March, 1683, Examineth saith that on the 26th day of Feb’ry last in the house of said Mr. William Clopton, did hear John Dennett, son to the said Clopton’s wife, say that there was no justice done at York Court, but what was done for Esq. Bray.* Then Mr William Clopton did say no, no, Jack, if there had been any done today I should have had some done. Then this Examinant did hear Mrs. Clopton make reply, no, Jack, if thy father had been as rich a man as Capt. Archer** he had justice done him as well as Capt. Archer, but he being a poor man, there was none for him, belike; and yt [that] on the 26th day of this Instant March this examinant did hear the said Mrs. Clopton say upon the delivery of the last order of York Court to Mr*** William Clopton yt [that] she care not for her nor her order neither meaning York County Court’s order and that she would certainly baist [baste?] her, this Examinant, duly every day for the time she had to serve, for all the order of York Court, to which this Examinant is ready to depose & hath subscribed her name the day and year above.
(Signed) ELIZ. [E.] COLE.
This Examination taken the day and year above Sd [said] before us Tho. Thorpe, Samuel Thompson, April 24th, 1683. Sworn to in open Court & is recorded. Teste, E. JENNINGS, e1. Cur.
William Clopton moved, not long after this, to New Kent county, where the family was resident for many years.
* The term “Squire” at this time was a title given in Virginia to members of the Council only. Squire Bray was James Bray. Anne Clopton’s brother, Robert Booth, married Squire Bray’s daughter Anne.
** James Archer, Jr., is meant, an ensign in the regiment of Col. Herbert Jeifreys, sent over to subdue Bacon’s Rebellion. He settled in York county, and was at this time one of the justices.
*** The title “Mr.” was one of respect. Persons below the status of yeomen or gentlemen had either no handle to their names or were addressed as “goodman.”
ANN’S CHILDREN WITH THOMAS DENNETT
Ann and her first husband Thomas Dennett, son of John Dennett, had these children (Wright p. 57):
- John
- Eleanor
- Ann
- Sarah
We have not researched those children.
WILLIAM AND ANN’S CHILDREN
They had five:
- Ann
For more information, please see her thorough page at the Clopton Chronicles:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clopton/anncmill.htm
- Elizabeth
So far the Clopton Chronicles has not posted information about her. Here is a sketch at another site:
http://booth.genecharris.com/getperson.php?personID=I57
- Robert
For more information, please see his thorough page at the Clopton Chronicles:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clopton/robertc.htm
In addition to that link, here is another write up at the William and Mary Quarterly (vol. 10, no. 1) http://www.jstor.org/stable/1919806 (slightly edited):
… ROBERT CLOPTON married, first, Sarah Scott December 18, 1711. She died October 24, 1719, after which Robert Clopton married, second, Mary _____. Issue by first wife: 7 Bertha, born August 19, 1722; 8 daughter, born July, 1714; 9 Margaret, born April 8, 1717. Issue by second wife, 10 Frances, born February 2, 1722223; 11 William, born November 11, 1721; 12 Robert, born July 28, 1728. There is preserved an old deed dated July 12, 1733, from Robert Clopton, Walter Clopton, of New Kent, Nicholas Mills, of Hanover county, who married Ann Clopton, and Alexander Moss, of New Kent, who married Elizabeth Clopton, empowering Micajah Perry, of London, merchant, and Ebenezer Adams, of New Kent, to get possession of an estate left by one William Hammond, of Stepney Parish in the county of Middlesex, in Great Britain, gent., to William Clopton for his life, and afterwards to the children of said William, or to so many as should survive him, and the said Robert and Walter Clopton, and Anne Mills and Elizabeth Moss are the survivors in 1733. William Hammond, of Ratcliffe, in the Parish of Stepney, als [alias] Stebonheath, it seems, made his will in July, 1732, and devised all that his freehold farm with the buildings at Thundersley, in the county of Essex, and two copy hold farms at Eastwood, in same county, “to my uncle William Clopton, of Virginia, for life, and to his children surviving him”; two freehold messuages in possession of John Thompson, watchmaker, and Joseph Scrafton, perukemaker [big wig], he devised to friends Samuel Skinner, of Ratcliffe, Esq., and Josiah Cole, of Ratcliffe, apothecary, to sell the same, and out of the proceeds to give ?500 “to my servant Christian Walters, and ?500 to Mary Hamond, als [alias] Waters,” to whom he gave also his plate and jewels.
Robert’s Land Record
5 April 1734
Indenture. Robert Clopton of St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent Co., to William Pasley of the parish and county aforesaid; £ Virginia money; 200 acres beginning at a corner by the said of a road … part of a patent of 400 acres granted to said Robert Clopton 24 Feb. 1724; wit: Wm. Taylor, John Sanders, Wm. 
Vaughn; 5 April 1733 acknowledged by Robert Clopton (pp. 44-45)
Bond. I Robert Clopton of St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent Co., am firmly bound unto William Pasley, his heirs, Exors. Admin. In the full sum of £100. 5 Apr. 1734. Condition: if the above bound Robert Clopton maintain all articles, grants, clauses, and agreements which on his part to be observed in an indent. Dated with these presents, then this obligation is void. Robert Clopton; wit: Wm. Taylor, John Sanders, Wm. (WV) Vaughn; 5 April 1734 acknowledged by Robert Clopton (p. 45).
Source: Rosalie Edith Davis, Hanover County, Virginia Court Records, 1733-1735: Deeds, Wills and Inventories (Manchester, Missouri, 1979.
Lunenburg County, Virginia
Robert Clopton’s son William appears in several deeds in Lunenburg County.
This explains why his cousin Mary Clopton could find William Perrin in that county.
16 Mar 1762
From William Clopton of Hanover County to Matthew Turner of Lunenburg Co. for 13£ 15 shillings and for other good causes, all that tract of land containing about 400 acres in Lunenburg whereon John Cooper lived, which I have excepted to my deed to Robert Moore; signed William Clopton; wit: Richard Leak, William X Ussery, Elizabeth X Turner, Matthew Turner, Robert Turner; rec. 12 Apr 1787 (DB 14: 417-20)
23 March 1763
His property line appears in a deed from Robert Moore to James Gallimore, both of Lunenburg Co., 15 pounds, 300 acres, on Crooked Run Cr., adj. Geo. Musick, John Williams, William Clopton, Edwin Waller, Henry Mash; wit: Robert Moore, James X Moore, Elexious X Musick; signed Robert Moore; rec: 11 June 1767 (DB 11: 28-30)
19 Apr. 1765
His property line appears in a deed between Stephen Cooke of Amelia Co. from Henry Marsh of Lunenburg, 50 pounds 11 shillings, 6 pence, 100 acres; part of land granted Wm. Clopton and conveyed Robert Moore (Brunswick Co.), adj. E. side of Blackwell’s great branch, Mathew Lince (Lindsey, Edward Waller; wit: Joseph Hightower, Tavenor Hightower, John Gunn, Elizabeth Cocke; rec. 10 Sep 1772 (DB 12: 178-80)
19 Apr 1772
His property appears in a deed from Henry Marsh of Lunenburg Co. to Stephen Cocke of Amelia County, for 5£ 11 shillings & 6 pence, a certain tract of about 100 acres of land in Lunenburg and bounded by Blackwll’s Great Branch, Mathew Lines (?), Edward Weller, James Gallemore, being part of a tract granted Wm. Clapton (Clopton) and conveyed by the said Calpton to Robert Moore, as will appear on the records of Brunswick Co. and since conveyed by the said Robert Moore to Henry Marsh; signed Henry Marsh; wit: Joseph Hightower, Tavenor Hightower, Elizabeth Cocke, John X Gunn; memorandum of livery seizen is dated 10 Arp 1765; purchase money received 19 Apr 1765; rec: 10 Sept 1772 (DB 12: 178-180)
11 June 1774
Wm. Clopton’s property line appears in a deed from John Hightower of Lunenburg Co. to John Graham, 40 pounds, 40 acres, part of land where Peter Smith lives, N. side of Crooked Run Cr. Adj. Burnet’s Spring Branch, Jonathan Moat’s old line, Clopton; wit: Lew Jones, John Jeffrey, Thomas Leverett, Thomas Edwards; signed Jno. Hightower; rec. 8 Sep 1774 (DB 12: 403-04)
11 Dec 1777
His property line appears in a deed from George Philips and his wife Anne to Lazarus Maddox, all of Lunenburg Co. 125 pounds, 250 acres; plantation tract from mouth of Ambrose’s Great Branch of Cedar (?) Cr., mouth of Luke’s branch, Pool, Church Road, Matthew Truner, Stith’s old line, Clopton; signed George Philips, Ann Philips; wit: Robert Blackwell, David Parrish, Thomas X Morgan; received on 2 Dec 1776 of Maddox, the 125 pounds; rec. 11 Dec. 1777 (DB 13: 64).
1 Jan 1787
His property line appears in a deed from Ralph Hubbard to Lewis Lamberth, both of Lunenburg Co. 67.10 pounds, 135 acres; adj. Jones, Dance, Clopton, Goodwin; wit: Jno. Mallory, Martha X Lamberth, Sarah X Lamberth; signed Ralph X Hubbard; rec. 12 July 1787 (DB 15: 81)
2 April 1788
His property line appears in a deed between Robert Blackwell to Lazarus Maddox, both of Lunenburg Co.; 60 pounds, 64 acres; branches Cedar Cr. Adj. Ben Taylor, said Maddox, Clopton, up road to said Taylor; wit: Benn Waller, Nat. X Laffoon, Anne Moore; signed Robert Blackwell; rec. 9 Apr. 1789 (DB 15: 346)
- William
Please see his thorough page at the Clopton Chronicles:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~clopton/william.htm
Please look up Knights of the Golden Horseshoe for an interesting and true story involving this William Clopton.
In addition to that thorough link, here is another write up at the William and Mary Quarterly (vol. 10, no. 1) http://www.jstor.org/stable/1919806 (slightly edited):
… WILLIAM CLOPTON married Joyce Wilkinson on January 27, 1718, and had issue, 13 Waldegrave, born Nov. 19, 1719. 14 Anne (who married William Divers), born January 16, 1720/21. 15 William, born February 2, 1721/22. 16 George, born January 14, 1773. This William Clopton was dead before 1733, as already seen, and in 1761 (as shown by an old bond from Waldegrave Clopton, of New Kent, to William Clopton, of Hanover) his children, Waldegrave, William, George and Anne, wife of William Divers, had commenced suit in the General Court against Walter Clopton, Alexander Moss and others for the property devised by another Hammond, Henry Hammond, of London. By this bond Waldegrave Clopton sells his interest to William Clopton, of Hanover, for 10,000 pounds current money.
What’s interesting about the name Waldegrave is that it is found in the Clopton lineage several generations back. So it seems they kept track of family history in the New World back to the Old.
See William Clopton and Our Royal Heritage for more information about the generations.
His children left many records in Henrico County, Virginia, so their descendants can start there in their search.
- Walter: our direct line, so see his post here:
Walter Clopton and Mary Jarratt
WILLIAM CLOPTON’S CHURCH RECORDS
William Clopton was a prominent leader in church life and governance of St. Peter’s Parish, often serving as the clerk, church warden, and vestryman.
Please see these links to the Vestry Book and do a ctrl-f name search on Clopton:
https://archive.org/stream/vestrybooksaint00vagoog/vestrybooksaint00vagoog_djvu.txt
The pdf file of the Vestry Book may be easier to read; also do a ctrl-f name search on Clopton:
https://ia802702.us.archive.org/2/items/vestrybooksaint00vagoog/vestrybooksaint00vagoog.pdf
If either of those two links go dead, google search: text vestry st peter’s parish.
For the records of the Register of the parish, please click on either of these two links:
http://www.archive.org/details/parishregisterofOOstpe
https://archive.org/stream/parishregisterof00stpe/parishregisterof00stpe_djvu.txt
Do a ctrl-f search on Clopton
If either of those links go dead, do a google search: text register st peter’s parish
For a shortcut to only the Cloptons appearing in the Register, please click on this post (onsite):
Clopton Birth, Marriage and Death Records in St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent Co., Virginia
Here are the highlights of the entries, omitting some repetitive data:
5 Jan 1695
Wm Clopton attends vestry meeting
10 Apr 1696
“it is ordered that Mr. Gideon Macon & Mr. William Clopton do officiate as Church wardens of this parish two years ensuing the date hereof in the room [place] & stead of Capt. John Lydall & Mr. John Parks, who have officiated the time aforesaid.”
16 Nov 1696
Wm Clopton is the church warden; and this entry in the vestry book is repeated on 19 Jan 169-;
18 Dec 1697
“Capt. Thomas Bray is elected to be one of the vestry of this parish in place and of Will Clopton who was this day chosen clark [clerk] of the vestry & requested to be at the next vestry to take the oath according to law & and that the clark give him notice thereof.”
We now know he went by the nickname “Will,” as so many other Williams did.
The next several entries (many are omitted) show him carrying out his clerical duties.
3 Oct 1698
To Will Clopton, clk …………………… 2289
He got that many pounds of tobacco for his services
Same date: “Will Clopton this day sworn Clark of this vestry”
Same date: “Whereas at a vestry held for this parish on the 27 Sept’. 1697 it was ordered that Mr. Gideon Macon, Mr. John Roper, and Will Clopton should meet such Gen’l [gentlemen] as the vestry of Blissland parish should appoint & remark the line between the two parishes, which order hath not yet been executed.
25 Nov 1700
In an account list:
To Clopton, his acct. for recording proclamations and drawing over the lists of tithables …… 0220
Same date
Ordered that William Clopton be continued clerk of that parish and vestry for this insuing year and to be paid accordingly.
“William Clopton being appointed Surveyor of the highways in the place and stead of Stephen Crump and aploying [applying] himself to defray for help to do the work is ordered those tithables following, viz. Capt. Thomas Bray, Stephen Mitchell, Stephen Nichol, Jr., Will Forgison [Ferguson], William Crump, William Bourne, Stephen Crump, Richard Crump, the widow Crump’s tithables, Pelham More and John Crump Jr., all which did formeraly belong to Stephen Crump’s precincts.”
22 Oct 1701
To William Clopton, Cla’k for one year ……….. 2289
To William Clopton for Record procla. …………. 110
“The Parish Levy being proportioned amounts to eighty four pounds of tobacco p polo [sic], which same of eighty-four pounds of tobacco William Clopton is hereby ordered and empowered to collect and receive from each and every tithable person in this parish and in case of nonpayment to Levy the same by distress and that the same Clopton give bond to the Church wardens of the said collection.”
Ordered that Will. Clopton be continued cl’k of this parish and vestry for this ensuing year and to be pad as formerly.
23 Sep 1702
At the house of Mr. John Park, Jr.
To Wm Clopton, cl’k for one year ……………. 2289
To Wm. Clopton, miscast last year, 128 C.C., 101…. 829
Ordered that Mr. Wm. Clopton be continued clerk for the ensuing year and to be paid as usual.
1 June 1704
“Pursuant to an Act of Assembly made at a General Assembly begun the 20th April 1704 for the division of this parish the freeholders and housekeepers of this said parish who are Capt. Richard Littlepage, Mr. Geo. Poindexter, Mr. Will Bassett, Mr. Rich’d Allen, Mr. Thomas Butts, Jr., William Clopton, Col. John Lightfoot, Mr. John Forster, Mr. John Parke, Jr., Mr. John Scott, Mr. Thomas Massie, Mr. William Waddell, who have accordingly taken the oaths pointed [sic] by law subscribed to the Test and to be conformable to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, all the above gentlemen except Mr. William Bassett and Mr. John Parke, Jr. sworn before Col. Joseph Forster.”
14 June 1704
“William Clopton not any way relinquishing or foregoing the place and office of a vestryman is continued clerk of this vestry and parish till the 1st day January next, and to be paid as formerly.”
29 Aug 1704
In an accounts list:
To Wm. Clopton, clerk for 5 months ……… 893
1 Nov 1704
Col. John Lightfoot, Mr. Wm. Waddill, Mr. Wm. Bassett, Mr. Rich’d Allen, Mr. John Park, Jr., Mr. Tho. Massey, Mr. John Forster, Mr. Wm. Clopton, vestrymen.
In an accounts list:
To Wm Clopton, Clerk, for 7 months ……. 1394
To Wm Clopton p acct. …………………… 100
6 Jan 1704
Ordered that Wm. Clopton be clerk of this vestry & to be paid five hundred pounds of tobacco p annum.
Church wardens: Wm Clopton, Geo. Poindexter.
Wm. Clopton, one of the surveyors of this county, applying himself to this vestry for help to clear the Road in his precinct is ordered all the tithables belonging to those persons following, viz. Madd. Sarah Bray, Dan’l Park, Esq., Ju’r Ashew, Stephen Mitchell, James Crump, Wm. Burrow, Stephen Mitchell, Jr., Wm. Forgasen [Ferguson], Robt. Crump, Wm. Crump, John Waddill, Jr., Rich’d Crump, Stephen Crump, Chas. Barker, Thos. Shroasby, Eliza Crump, widow, & Thos. Brigman
John Scott, Thos. Massey, John Park, Jr., Wm Clopton, Wm Waddill, Geo. Pointexter, Ric’d Allen, Wm Bassett, Church wardens
14 June 1704
“William Clopton not in any way relinquishing or foregoing the place and office of vestryman, but that he is continued in the full power and office of a vestryman is continued Clerk of this vestry and parish till the 1st day of January next, and to be paid as formerly.”
8 May 1707
Mr. William Clopton is elected church warden to assist Mr. Richard Allen the ensuing year, according to an order of Vestry, etc.
6 Nov 1710
In an accounts list:
To Mr. Wm Clopton, Sr., his acco. Allowed ……. 0093
This is the first time that Mr. Clopton is referred to as “Sr.”
To Mr. Clopton, Jr., his acct. allowed ……. 0633
21 Nov 1715
In an accounts list:
To Wm. Clopton Jr. Acct. Allowed ………………. 539
29 Sep 1719
To Thomas Weaver for Jane Price, Walter Clopton etc. 275 – Elizabeth Harris 458
This is the first time that Walter Clopton appears in the records.
Same date
“Ordered that Walter Clopton deliver unto Rich’d Allen and Mr. William Clopton, church wardens, the servant man’s mare, which come out of Essex County and that the said church wardens detain the said mare until such time as the owners of her make satisfaction unto the parish for the sum of two hundred and seventy five pounds of tobacco, which was allowed the said Walter Clopton by the vestry for burying and other charges of Thomas Burdenwin or else to pay cash for the said 275 pounds of tobacco at twenty shillings p[er] hundred.”
This is the first time Walter and William appear in the same record. (And at least we know that a hundred pounds of tobacco is the equivalent to twenty shillings.)
20 Oct 1720
Ordered that Mr. Wm. Waddill be church warden in the room [place] of Mr. Wm. Clopton, Sr.
So begins Mr. Clopton’s decline in leadership—he’s pulling back. However, in later meetings he may be attending. It’s difficult to sort out William Sr. from William Jr.
20 July 1722
“Mr. Wm Macon and Mr. Walter Clopton having first taken the oaths according to Law were appointed Vestrymen of the said Parish, having taken the oaths in that case appointed.”
This is the first time that Walter is recorded as being appointed vestryman.
20 Dec 1722
In a list of names attesting to a church meeting, father and son are named:
Hen. Colling, John Scott, Thos. Massie, Rich’d Allen, Wm. Clopton, Eben’r Adams, Wm Macon, Wm Wadill, Will Clopton
30 Sep 1723
Mr. Henry Collings, Minster
Maj. John Scott, Mr. George Poindexter, Mr. Thos. Massie, Mr. Eben. Adams, Mr. Wm Macon, Wm Clopton, Wm Wadell, Walter Clopton. Mr. John Parke, Mr. Thomas Butts, Ch. wardens
This is the first time that father and son appear together as vestrymen, though Wm. could be Walter’s brother.
7 Apr 1724
In a list of names called witnesses to the church proceedings (Wm. could be Walter’s brother):
Henry Collings, Minister; Thos. Massie, Will’m Macon, Wm Clopton, Rich’d Allen, Wm Waddill, Walt’r Clopton.
13 June 1724
Mr. Charles Massie & Mr. Walter Clopton are appointed to view and number Tob’co plants according to law: from the long bridge upon Chickehominy Swamp along the main Road by Mr. Adams’ to the Burnt mill & down black creek by the mouth thereof & to the extent of the parish upward.
Mr. Robt. Clopton & Mr. David Pettison are appointed to view & number tobo. Plants as aforesaid from Mr. Thomas’s Store along the main road by Col. Scott & so to Alex’r Pattison the full breadth of the parish to Black Creek.
17 June 1725
The previous order is repeated.
12 Apr 1726, Easter Sunday
Minister: Mr. John Lang
Vestryman: Mr. Eben’r Adams, Capt. Wm Macon, Mr. John Netherland, Mr. Wm. Clopton, Mr. Wm Waddill, Mr. Walter Clopton;
Church warden: Capt. Thos. Massie
Mr.William Clopton could be Walter’s brother.
But then on the same date, 12 Apr 1726, they appear together as church wardens.
And they are vestrymen together on 19 June 1726 and 24 June 1727; but on 13 June 1727 they appear in the same list as church wardens.
12 Apr 1726 (same date as above)
Mr. Charles Massie and Mr. Walter Clopton are ordered and appointed to view and number tobacco plants according to law the Long Bridge upon Chickahominy Swamp along the main road by Mr. Adams’s to the burnt mill and so down Black Cr. to the mouth thereof and so to the extent of the parish upwards.
Mr. Robert Clopton and Mr. David Pattison are ordered and appointed to view and number tobacco plants according to law from Mr. Thomas’s former store along the main road by Col. Scott’s and so to Alex’r Pattison’s. So to the extent of the parish downwards.
19 June 1726
The previous order is repeated.
29 Sep 1726
In an accounts list:
To Rich’d Crump for work at the Church, Wm. Clopton, Jr. his acct. 172 ½ …… 372 ½
24 June 1727
At a vestry held, Mr. William Clopton and Mr. Walter Clopton are found in the same list of church wardens, and then on the same date their names appear together.
This William is probably Walter’s brother, not his father.
14 Oct 1727
Mr. David Mossom, Minister
Mr. Eben’r Adams, Mr. Thos. Butts, Mr. Wm Waddell, Capt. Wm Marston, Mr. Wm. Clopton, Mr. Walter Clopton, Vestrymen.
Capt. Wm. Macon and Mr. Wm. Browne, Church wardens.
“Ordered that Elizabeth Taylor be allowed 700 pounds of tobacco per annum for keeping May Hazzard.
Signed by David Mossom, Eben’r Adams, Wm. Marston, Thos. Butts, Wm. Clopton, Wm. Waddill, Walt. Clopton, Vestrymen. Will Macon, W. Browne, Ch. wardens”
William here could be the son of William Sr.
23 Apr. 1728
William Clopton is said to be getting old and cannot fulfill his duties as vestryman of St. Peter’s Parish in New Kent County:
“Mr. Wm Clopton being very aged and not of ability to attend on vestries, declineth the office of a Vestryman” (Vestry Book of St Peter’s 150).
14 June 1728
Mr. Walter Clopton appears in a church warden list of names. Then on the same date Mr. Charles Massie and Mr. Walter Clopton are nominated and appointed to view and number tobacco plants (see 12 Apr 1726).
Mr. David Pattison & Mr. Robt. Clopton are also renominated and reappointed.
23 June 1729
The previous order about the viewers is repeated.
29 Sep 1731
In an accounts list:
To Wm Clopton for keeping Charles Barker ….. 800
29 Oct. 1732
In a list of accounts, Mr. Wm Clopton’s executors are mentioned (without naming them). This means he died before that date and that he left a will. However, the records of New Kent County were destroyed years later. The item in the list says:
“To Exe’rs of Mr. William Clopton for keeping Cha. Barker” (Vestry Book p. 163).
On the same day the record reads: Robt. Clopton hath agreed to keep Cha. Barker for 800 [pounds] of tobacco” (p. 164).
And on the same date, business carries on: “Ordered that Capt. Jos. Foster, Mr. Robt. Clopton & Mr. Rich’d Crump or any two of them do view the glebe and make their report to the next vestry of the sate and condition the houses & garden paling [sic] at present is in.”
On the same date: Mr. Charles Massie is chosen Church Warden in the room [place] of Mr. Walter Clopton and taken the oath of a Church Warden.
RECORDS OF WILLIAM AND ANN CLOPTON
22 April 1673
Will of Thomas Dennett, decd. of Hampton Parish, York Co. … To son John Dennett, all my lands in Hampton Parish, York Co., and 500 acres in New Kent County, but if he dies underage the tracts to go my next heir by me and my loving wife Anne. The lands in New Kent are not to be let out and at no time cut what is needed to build plantation. To my daughter Eleanor Dennett, a young mare called “Diamond.” My wife Anne may peaceably dwell at land I live on or land in New Kent for life and at my death to my son John. To my wife, ½ my estate and she to be executrix. The other ½ to my children Anne, Sarah, John and Eleanor Dennett; and I also appoint my loving brothers Mr. John Baskervyle and Mr. Robert Bouth overseers of my will; signed Thomas Dennett; wit: Mathew Cutler, William Swinnerton; rec. 15 Aug 1673 (p. 53)
1682
Mr. William Clopton was constable of York-Hampton Parish.
25 Apr 1685
The deposition of William Clopton aged about thirty years sayeth (see below for the rest)
That the coming French Ordinary in the ninth of March of March last he happened to meet with Mr. Thos. Watkinson who asked your deponent to give him a drink of which he asked your deponent why he was so unkind to attach his wife’s silver cup. I answered I had done nothing but what I did by court’s order; the he said the court had done more than they could answer and that he would justify and further the deponent sayeth not; signed Wm Clopton; April 24 1685; sworn to in York Court and is recorded; test: Wm. Maltyward ….
24 May 1688
Judgment is granted John Williams against William Clopton for 274 pounds of tobacco.
25 March 1689
A nonsuit is granted Mr. William Clopton against Henry Powdis, as he not appearing to prosecute his action
24 May 1689
An order against the sheriff is granted Mr. James Archer for the nonappearance of William Clopton.
24 May 1689
An order against the sheriff is granted William Clopton for the nonappearance of Richard Davis.
24 May 1689
An attachment is granted the sheriff against the estate of Richard Davis for £5.2.9 sterling for his nonappearance at the suit of William Clopton.
24 July 1689
Judgement granted William Clopton against Richard Davis for £4.15.3 sterling.
24 July 1689
Judgement granted Richard Davis against William Clopton for £3.10 sterling.
Date
Mr. William Clopton did confess judgment against Col. Thomas Beale for 526 pounds of tobacco.
Date
William Garbin suing Mr. William Clopton upon a former account between them and it appearing that there is due Mr. Clopton 74 pounds of tobacco, Garbin is ordered to pay.
Date
An order against the sheriff is granted William Clopton assignee Mr. Thos. Barbar, for the nonappearance of John Seaburne, rewturnable to next court for judgment.
Date
An attachment is granted William Clopton assignee William Pulham against the estate Darcy Nevyle for £1.10 sterling due per bill.
Date
William Clopton sits on jury in matter of John Williams and William Wade, who return their verdict that they find for the plaintiff 1000 pounds of tobacco.
Date
A nonsuit is granted Mr. William Clopton against Mr. Henry Powers, he not appearing to prosecute his actions
24 Jan. 1689/90
27 Dec. 1689 William and Ann Clopton appoint our trusty and well beloved Mr. Robert Bouth and Mr. Nicholas Harrison attorneys for us to acknowledge unto John Dennett all our interest in a plantation lying on King’s Cr. in Northampton Parish, York Co. Signed William Clopton and Ann Clopton; wit: John Woodmanton, David Clarkson; 30 Dec 1689 New Kent proved by witnesses.
24 Jan. 1689/90 (court held)
14 Dec. 1689 John Dennett of Hampton Parish, York Co., Gent. and Elizabeth his wife to Jane Morce (Morse) of James City County, widow, for £70. 220 acres part of 400 acres granted to Thomas Dennett, father of John Dennett, by patent 15 Aug 1642, which was granted on an elder patent 15 Jan 1670 for 400 acres then granted unto John Dennett grandfather of said John Dennett … bounds renewed in the last survey which was surveyed my James Minge 17 Sep 1683; signed John Dennett, Elizabeth E D Dennett; wit. John Eaton, Richard Wood, Alexander (A W) Wimbish;
24 Jan 1689/90. Acknowledged by John Dennett and Elizabeth his wife; likewise Mr. Robert Booth by virtue of a letter of attorney from Mr. William Clopton and Ann his wife did relinquish all their right to the land herein expressed.
14 Dec. 1689. Bond of John Dennett of Hampton Parish, York Co. unto Jane Morce (Morse) of James City County. For £140. To keep the covenants contained in one deed of foeffment or sale on behalf of himself and Elizabeth his wife; signed John Dennett; wit: John Eaton; 24 Jan 1689/90 Acknowledged by John Dennett (pp. 374-78)
24 Jan 1689/90
Acknowledged by John Dennett and Elizabeth his wife; and likewise Mr. Robt. Bouth by virtue of a letter of attorney from Mr. William Clopton and Ann his wife did relinquish and acknowledge all their right and title of land herein expressed. (p. 29)
22 July 1710
From William and Mary College Quarterly (1896), p. 81.
Mr. Clopton turns up next in New Kent, where he was one of the justices. There is an original deed dated July 22, 1710, from “john Bacon of St. Peter’s Parish and New Kent Co. yeoman to Wm Clopton Jr. of same parish and Co., yeoman,” with arms are the same as on the tomb of Ann Clopton and agree in Burke with arms of Clopton, of Co. Suffolk, 1586: Sa. A bend erm. Betw. Two cotises dancette or. Crest—a wolf’s head per scale or. And az. On the tomb the bend has a mullet for difference, indicating a third son.
Again, see this link for an image of the arms: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1915490
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
John Frederick Dorman, York County, Virginia, Wills Orders, Deeds, etc., no. 8, 1687-1691 Part Two (Washington, D.C. 1975)
—. John Frederick Dorman, York County, Virginia, Wills Orders, Deeds, etc., no. 9, 1691-1694 Part One (Washington, D.C. 1976)
Judith Banks Evans, Lunenburg County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, 1767-1771, New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid Publications, 1990.
—, Lunenburg County, Virginia, Deed Book 12, 1761-1777, New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid Publications, 1990.
—-, Lunenburg County, Virginia, Deed Book 13, 1777-1784, New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid Publications, 1991.
—-, Lunenburg County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, 1787-1790, New Orleans: Bryn Ffyliaid Publications, 1991.
Malcolm Hart Harris, Old New Kent County Some Account of the Planters, Plantations and Places in New Kent County, vol. 1, (West Point, Virginia, 1971).
Lunenburg County, Virginia Deeds, 1764-1771. Miami: T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.
Lunenburg County, Virginia Deeds, 1761-1777. Miami: T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.
Lunenburg County, Virginia Deeds, 1784-1787. Miami: T. L. C. Genealogy, 1990.
The Vestry Book of St. Peter’s: New Kent County, Va. from 1682-1758.
Benjamin B. Weisiger, York County, Virginia, Records, 1665 to 1672 (privately published 1987)
—, York County, Virginia Records, 1672-1676 (privately published 1991).
The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 5, no. 2 (Oct. 1896) pp. 81-80
The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 10, No. 1 (July, 1901), pp. 54-56 http://www.jstor.org/stable/1919806
The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 11, No. 1 (Jul., 1902), pp. 67-73 http://www.jstor.org/stable/1915490
The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 4 (Apr., 1909), pp. 294-296
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1915538
F. Edward Wright, York County, Virginia, Marriage References, 1636-1800 (Lewes Delaware: Colonial Roots, 2012).
Footnote
[1] Online Source and print source: William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine Vol. V. October, 1896 No. 2.
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