Ann & Henry Motley

Ann & Henry Motley

Written by Julie, latest revision 19 Feb 2023

Henry Motley was the son of John Motley and Elizabeth. He had a brother named William that died in 1735. Henry was a neighbor to Elias Newman and lived near the Occupacia Creek and Rappahannock River. Elias Newman and Henry Motley witnessed a number of things for each other as early as 1738. Elias Newman willed Ann the house for the rest of her life. After Ann died, Elias’ oldest son Thomas and his heirs were to inherit the property. It was not sold until 1784, by Thomas’ son, the grandson of Elias. This Thomas was a resident of Prince William County, Virginia.

Julie’s opinions: I believe the house sold when Ann died, and that she died in 1784. Henry most likely preceded her in death in the summer of 1759, during multiple epidemics in Virginia. Henry would not have had a will because he had sold his enslaved individuals and was living at his wife’s estate. He began but did not finish doing an inventory for the court in May 1760. Henry was the guardian of Ann’s children with Elias. The guardianship changed to Thomas Newman, the heir of Elias Newman, in June 1760. I believe it was at this time that Henry died. I also believe that the Henry that married Catherine Fogg and moved to North Carolina was a close family member, but not the same person. His name was Henry Nance Motley and he was married to Catherine Fogg the same time that a different Henry Motley was married to Ann. There are three Henry Motley’s often mistakenly assumed to be one man.

Henry Motley and Ann married about 1750, probably in Essex County, Virginia. Ann was first married to Elias Newman about 1741.County, Virginia.