Newman Virginia Roots

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 slaves 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.