Person:Margaret Sherrill (3)

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Margaret Sherrill (d. date unknown) Margaret Sherrill (daughter of William Sherrill, Sr. and Margaret Rudisill) died date unknown. She married (1) Christopher Hoomes. She married (2) Elisha Perkins, Sr. on December 01, 1718 in St. George Parish, Maryland, son of Richard Perkins and Mary Belcher.

Notes for Margaret Sherrill:

Notes from Linda Goda "Sherrills of North Carolina"

As to the story of Elisha Perkins, Sr. and Margaret Sherrill. Well, what a story it was. Margaret Sherrill married Elisha Perkins Dec. 1, 1718 in St. George's Parish, Maryland. There was some confusion there. Supposedly their marriage was never recorded and this is the date when it was recorded not when it actually took place. If you look at the birthdate of their first son it is Nov. 18, 1718. Before there marriage. Now to the meat of the story. It seems that Elisha Perkins was a horsethief and spent up to 10 years in jail. During this time Margaret took up with Christopher Hoomes and they had a child together. They named this child, William Sherrill, however, he was raised by Christopher. It seems that Christopher was never married but did have several children by another woman at the same time he was living with Margaret.

Here are some notes is have:

Elisha had quite a colorful history. Elisha was a "sometimes horse theif" and may have spent as much as 10 years in jail for horse stealing. It was during this period, that Margery began an affair with Christopher Holmes (Hoomes) and became pregnant with his child and had child out of wedlock which she named William Sherrill, after her father. There were numerous legal proceedings, whereby a Grand jury found that Christopher Holes doth live in adultery with wife of Elisha Perkins in St. Marks' Parish. Elisha was brought into court and accused of "barbarously using his wife Margery" who had sworn a peace bond against her husband Elisha Perkins. Margaret asked for separate alimony against Elisha, but the suit was dismissed. Problems continued with Margaret being brought into court accused of being a common disturber. Finally Jan. 26, 1745 Grand Jury vs. Christopher Holmes, defendant to answer ... committing fornication with Margery Perkins, case dismissed but on this same day the grand Jury against Margery Perkins...found her guilty of being a common distruber of the peace...sent to jail for l year and a day...however, on March 28, 1745..the sherriff set her at liberty.

On April 8, 1721 Elisha's Mother, Mary Belcher, petitions the court asking for clemency for her son, who had been accused of stealing a horse from John Baldwin of Ann Arrundell Co. MD and taking it out of the county.

To make things even stranger, in Elisha's will he named Christopher Homes, Orange Co., VA as sole executor of his will but Christoper refused to serve.

Elisha inherited from his father 127 acres in the western portion of Swan Creek, Maryland. Elisha and Margerey came to Augusta Co., VA later part of Frederick Co., VA then Berkeley Co., W VA. He owned land near Lapidum, obtained a patent Dec. 3, 1719 for a tract of land he called "Elisha's Lot" which contained 50 acres situated on the Susquehanna River in what is now York co., PA

Elisha Perkins will:

In the Name of God, Amen. this tenth day of Sept. in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred forty and one, I Elisha Perkins of Orange Co. and the Colony of Virginia yeoman being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind understanding and memory thanks be given to God, therefore calling to Mind the Mortality of my body and knowing that it is Appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in ye manner and form following that my soul into the hands of Almighty God that is and my body to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the Discretion of my heirs....hereafter named, and as for such goods and chattels wherewith it hath pleased God to bless in this life I leave and bequeath as follows (after my debts and funeral charges is paid and discharged Impremes I leave and bequeath to my well beloved son Jno Perkins four hundred acres of Entry Land lying and being in this County with my Plantation called the Swan Pond in Sd County containing one hundred and fifty acres which plantation one George Williams of Prince Georges Co. and province of Maryland Blacksmith is oblighed to make a firm title to.

Item I I give and bequeath to my son Elisha Perkins my home manner plantation.

Item I give and bequeath to my loving friend Mary Swearingen daughter to Van Swearingen one pacing Stone Colt to be by her freely possessed and injoined, and the residue and remainder of my goods & chattels after my debts be and is paid discharged to be equally divided betwixt my six children Ute, John, Elisha, Eliza, Phillip, and Margaret.

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Joshua Perkins the sum of one Shilling to be levied and raised out of the estate and also do constitute and apoint Christopher Holmes of Orange Co. and colony of Virginia gent my sold and whole exr. of that last will and testament in testament whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above wirtten.

signed Sealed Published and procured by Elisha Perkins as his last will and testament in presence of Peter Van Bebber, Jno., William, Charles Hyatt at a court held for Orange Co. on Thursday the 27th day of May 1742.

A look at Margaret's background reveals a father, Wiliam Sherrill Sr. the Conestoga fur trader, credited by history as helping open the Susquehanna Valley to settlement; prominent enough that his daughter Mary listed her daughter as his granchild on St. George's Parish birth records. He was an early settler and Indian guide of some repute in Lancaster Co., PA, unless this was, in fact, his son, William Sherrill Jr. Her brother Adam is recorded in NC history as the first permanent white settler west of the Catawba River, and there is a memorial marker to him there in Sherrill's Ford. Adam's sons, Adam Jr. and Samuel Sherrill were signers of the Watauga Petition, and along with Gen. John Sevier, who became Samuel's son in law, they helped organize the temporary state of Franklin, and were instrumental in creating the State of Tennessee, and Bonny Kate Sherrill Sevier, Samuel's daughter became the first lady of TN. She is recorded in the journals of Andrew Jackson, whom she entertained, as a most charming lady. Bonnie Kate is buried along with her husband, on the courthouse grounds at Knoxville, TN. Margery Sherrill Perkins son, Gentleman John, became a protege and guide for the Earl Granville, served NC as a State Senator, and was even encouraged to run for President of the US.

Elisha Perkins acknowledged seven children in his will.

Elizabeth Perkins, b. Nov. 18, 1718, St. George's Parish, Maryland

Phillis Perkins

Margaret Perkins, m. John Bridges

Ute Perkins. A Ute Perkins used the alias of Anderson and was the leader of the Perkins gang. This Ute appears to be the son of Elisha and Margaret based upon the fact that the Frederick Co., VA records, Order Book l, page 497, show that Adam Sherrill had charges brought against him for harbouring Ute Perkins a horse thief. It does not seem likely that Adam would harbour a thief unless he were his nephew. Ironically enough Ute seems to have followed the pattern of both his parents. Not only is he charged with horse stealing, and worse crimes, but he apparently became involved with and had children by a married woman, who went by the name of Skelton.

Elisha Perkins, Jr. Box Aug. 31, 17__ at St. George's Parish in Baltimore, Maryland. The name of his wife is presently unknown. He had one child, a daughter, Elizabeth Adelaide "Betsy" Perkins. Elisha Perkins, Jr. made his will April 9, 1759 and died sometime between that time and the time the will was entered for probate in Frederick Co., VA, now Berkeley Co, WV. Will book 2, p. 358, shows Elisha Perkins, Jr. left his land and estate to his baby daughter Elizabeth and his roan horse, by horse, rifle, gun and wearing clothes to his beloved brother John Perkins.

John Perkins, known as Gentleman John, b. Sept. 15, 1733 and died April 13, 1804. Married Catherine Lawrence.

Joshua Perkins, m. Mary Sherrill, daughter of Capt. William Sherrill, Margaret's nephew, and Captain William's wife, Agnes White.

William Sherrill, son of Christopher Hoomes and Margaret Sherrill Perkins.

Adam Sherrill was found guilty of harbouring Ute Sherrill, a common horse theif, and Adam was ordered to pay l00 pounds for such offense.

MARGARET SHERRILL PERKINS By: Wanda L. Clark

As in the case of Adam Sherrill, the Pioneer, Margaret's brother, we are not certain where she stands chronologically among the children of William Sherrill, the Conestoga Fur Trader. We have arbitrarily assigned her the osition of his fifth child. That she is a child of William is documented by the fact that her son, Gentleman John Perkins, is listed as a nephew of her brother, Adam Sherrill; that she and her husband moved to the area in Virginia where he brothers Adam and William Sherrill, Jr. are known to have moved.

Margaret Sherrill is one of the most fascinating of the Sherrill women besides her great niece, Bonny Kate Sherrill, wife of the first Governon or Tennessee, General John Sevier. Her story is the most neglected, probably simply because she was embroiled in so much turbulence in her hectic and uneven marriage with Elisha Perkins, Jr., son of Richard and Mary Perkins of Mosquito Cree, Baltimore County, Maryland. Richard Perkins was a cooper as he had been in Plymouth, England, and was a land owner in Maryland as were the Sherrills. In this era, this automatically made them members of the landed gentry. After the organization of the new country, following the revolution and independence, only those citizens who were property owners were allowed to vote.

We do not know where Margaret Sherrill was born, or exactly when, but we presume Maryland, and about 1700. We have found no record of her so far in Pennsylvania, but William Sherrill, her father, seems to have crossed back and forth from Pennsylvania and Maryland.

We know that Margaret Sherrill married Elisha Perkins Sr. in St. George's Parish, Baltimore, Maryland, on Dec. 1, 1718.

Elisha Perkins Sr., and his wife Margaret "Margery" Sherrill migrated to the area known as "Lapidum" in York County, Pennsylvania where he patented 50 acres on Dec. 3, 1719, known as Elisha's Lot. Here again we are faced with an inconsistency in the records. One Perkins genealogist indicates he and Margery moved from Pennsylvania to Orange Co., VA. This appears not to be the case. His mother, Mary Perkins, married John Belcher after the death of Richard Perkins I. Elisha was still probably in Baltimore in 1721, Margery may have been in York Co., PA> In Baltimore Co., Maryland in March 1721, Elisha Sr. and his brothers Richard and William were indictied for having neglected to register their marriage and the birth of a child. (Baltimore County court proceedings IS#C, pp 445). This action could be the explanation of two incidents which have caused Perkins genealogists problems. Elisha Perkins, Jr.'s birth was recorded only as 31 August and the year not shown. It was obviously a late entry. He could have been this child Elisha was cited for, and thus his birth 31 August 1820. This seems consistent with the fact that W. W. Scott referred to him as Gentleman John's older brother, and that the first born son is usually named fro his father. Some records show Elisha, Jr. born in 1734, but there is no record proving that and appears to be an error. Then, Elisha Sr. in a later suit called uon Margery to prove she was married to him and she denied having been. However, the marriage was recorded. Whether it was after the fact or not is not known, but the indictment was probably enough to make Margery question whether she was really married or not.

Again in Baltimore Co., Maryland Co. Court proceedings, Mary Belcher, mother of Elisha Perkins Sr. (she had remarried after the death of Richard Perkins I, to John Belcher) filed a petition on 8 April 1721 for the release of her son Elisha Perkins from the guilty charges found against him for horse stealing, based upon his allegation of innocence and her need of his presence in her old age. Whether his mother filed the petition while he was in York County is not known. Elisha Sr. eventaully sold his land in York Co., PA, probably around 1728 or 1729. For on 27 May 1729, he gave Power of Attorney from Baltimore Co. to his wife, Margery Perkins, also of Baltimore Co., to recover money, debts, etc. from persons or persons whatsoever in the province aforesaid and in the Province of PA. The Power of Attorney was witnessed by his brother, Richard Perkins. (IS #L: p. 21-22.) Then again on 17 August 1730, Margery Perkins of Spotsylvania Co., VA gave Power of Attorney to William Perkins of Baltimore Co., Maryland. (IS #L) If Margery were back in Baltimore Co., Maryland by 1729, whe probably left that year for Spotslyvania Co., VA, in St. Mark's Parish. For some reason, Elisha Perkins Sr. did not immediately go to St. Mark's Parish, probably his mother's petition was unsuccessful, and he was still in jail. Thus, Margery left for land she probably purchased in his name in VA, and left Power of Attorney with her brother-in-law William. Because of the pag in the ages of their children, some people have speculated that Margery Sherrill was a second wife. Recods indicate that she was Elisha Perkins Sr's only wife, and the gap is caued by the fact that he spent a number of years in jail for horse-stealing. This also gives some explanation as to why she became involved with Christopher Hoomer in St. Mark's Parish. In 1730, she appears to be in St. Marks Parish by herself, awaiting Elisha's release from jail or at least awaiting his arrival from Baltimore Co., Maryland.

In Virginia, also lived Christopher Hoome (Holmes). As were the Perkins and Sherrills, he too was of the "landed gentry". He must have been a charming, persuasive man to have talked at least two married women into his household and had chidlren by them, which he acknowledged and apparently reared. There has so far, been found no record of his having been married. According to his Culpepper Co., VA will, he had children by two women, Margaret Sherrill, alias Margery Perkins, as quoted in his will, and Elizabeth Freeman. His will, made in Culpepper Co., Colongy of VA on May 20, 1780, leaves among his estate, land to his "reputed son" whom I have reared from his infancy, William Sherrill, son of Margaret Sherrill, Alias Margery Perkins, and names his executor of his estate. Elisha Perkins Sr.'s land in St. Marks Parish, Spotslyvania Co, VA lay between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers in modern Culpepper, Madison, or Rappahannock Counties. The land may have been located in the more eastern portions of the county of Culpepper. Margery's court appearances are in St. Mark's Parish, even after the Parish of Frederick was set up. The affair with Christopher Homes probably began while Elisha Perkins Sr. was away. Based upon the records, he may have spent as long as ten years in jail for the crime of horse stealing. Since some of Christopher Holmes neighbors witnessed against Margaret and Christopher in the subsequent charges against them, it appears possible that also during this period, Margaret Sherrill was living with Christopher Hoolmes in St. Park's Parish, and may have, at least pat of that time, had the care of her son by him. Her son, Gentleman John Perkins, whom Elisha Perkins Sr. acknowledged as his according to his will, was born in St. Marks Parish in 1733. We can presume that Elisha probably came to St. Marks Parish betweeen 1730 and 1733, and was reunited with Margery.

Elisha Perkins Sr. sold his land in St. Mark's Parish, Spotslyvania Co, VA in 1734. Margery, his wife, acknowledged her dower.

Based upon the records up to this time, and upon the subsequent trials, it is completely possible that Margery remained with Christopher Hoomes and refused to move with her husband, or moved and returned to Hoome later, as noted below.

The next recorded deed found for Elisha Perkins Sr. is when he purchased land located on the Potomoc River, Orange Co., VA in what is now Berkeley County, West VA, from Cornelius Cockerine in 1737. It consisted of 172 acres. It was located in Mary's Parish, which was first Spotslyvania Co., later Augusta, then Orange, then Frederick and as noted before, portions of it are now in West VA. It was his manor place in what is now WV, which he subsequently left to his son Elisha Perkins Jr. This implies that he owned other tracts of land, other than that purchased from Cockerine. The Cockerin land was eventually inherited by Elisha Perkins Jr.'s daughter, Elizabeth, who married Jacob Sherrill, Jr., her second cousin. Other lands are proven by his will in which he leavesland in Orange Co., specifially his plantation called Swan Pond, containing 150 acres to his son John Perkins, together with 400 other acres.

One interesting aspect of the Elisha Perkins Sr., Margery Sherrill Perkins and Christopher Hoomes affair, is the will of Elisha Perkins Sr. Charges against Margaret filed in the Orange County courts began at least by 1737. Elisha Perkins Sr. wrote his will after these filings began, in 1724, and he made no reference to his wife, but named Christopher Holmes as his executor. Holmes refused to serve. Since he gave a colt of his "loving friend" Mary Swearingen, this may have influenced his attitude at this time. Elisha Perkins Sr. died prior to May of 1742. He apparently forgave Christopher Holmes, but not Margaret. Margaret, as a relict, refuses to abide by the will and claimed her third under the law. But, the death of Elisha Perkins Sr. neighbors and members of the church, continued to take Margaret to court on various charges. These charges appear to have been filed almost up to the time that Adam Sherrill Sr., her brother, pulled up stakes leaving his rich lands, later called "Sherrill's Folly" behind, taking Margaret,s son John Perkins with him to North Carolina. One Sherrill genealogist, who had no knowledge of Margaret's history wondered what caused Adam to move. Unless other records exist that have not been obtained, the trials against Margaret appear to have ended just prior to the move to North Carolina. How much time Margaret spent in jail because of the charges is not known, but she was found guilty on more than one count. Christopher Holmes appears to have gotten off scott free. By 1747 Margery may have died, been in jail, or even possibly moved to North Carlina with her brother Adam Sherrill.

But, from this triangle emerges one of the most fascinating public record accounts in the history of any family. Since no ohter records or written accounts have been found regarding them, the court records must speak, and anything beyond them is theory and speculation.

We know that at least two of Elisha Perkins Sr. and Margaret Sherrill's children were born in Baltimore County, Maryland, and Gentleman John Perkins was born in St. Mark's Parish, Spotslyvania County, VA. Their daughter Elizabeth, who eventually acted as executrix of her father's will was born in St. George's Parish on Nov. 18, 1719, according to Parish Records. She appears to be their first born. It is believed that Elisha Perkins Jr. was probably born there Aug. 31, 1720, for reasons cited previously. It is a shame that in W. W. Scott's book, " Gentleman John Perkins", he only recorded the fact that on the fly-leaf of Shaws Justice was recorded the birthdates of John's older brother, Elisha Perkins, and that of Elisha's daughter Elizabeth. He failed to give the dates recorded. Willaim Sherrill, son of Margarey Sherrill Perkins and Christopher Homes, appears to have been born in 1742. It seems highly probably that Margery moved in full time with Christopher Holmes after the death of Elisha Perkins Sr. One presumes they did not marry after Elisha's death because to do so may have verified the charges against them. But indications are, that while Holmes was very responsible where his illegitimate chidlren were concerned, but had no tast for marriage. Or, it is possible that he already had a wife.

Mason W. Sherrill, bookseller of Louisville, KY, wrote M. V. Sherrill on May 23, 1887, that his grandfather, Williams Sherrill's family came from Virginia to North Carolina, and that William Sherrill (son of Margaret Sherrill Perkins by Christopher Hoomes/Holmes) died in Greensburg, KY about 1830 in his 100th year. This letter did much to cloud the issue on William Sherrill. It is doubtful that William died at the age of 100 years, and from records, it appears he was born, as noted, in 1742, since the 1742 trial indicates the "bastard" child was born 6 months prior to the trial.

Christopher Holmes will was proven Feb. 21, 1785. On March 17, 1791, William Sherrill, Homes son by Margaet, sold the land he had inherited from his father Christopher Holmes, and moved to Burke County, on Johns River, a branch of the Catawba named for his half-brother, Gentleman John Perkins. Both he and his sone James Hoomes Sherrill appear in Burke County records. By 1810 they had moved to Green County, KY. He probably moved from Culpepper county VA to Burke Co., NC not only to be near his relatives, but the probabe of Holmes' will probably revived the scandal.

Some Perkins descendants feel the illegimate child may have been Joshua, recorded son of Elisha Sr. and Margery, since Elisha Sr. virtually cut him out of his will. If so, Christopher Holmes did not acknowledge him, and he did not appear to be shy about acknowledging his illegimate off-spring. Elisha Sr. may have made other settlements on Joshua, or may have even questioned that he actually was his father.

Orange County VA Court Records contain the following:

Nov. 24, 1737, Grand Jury finds that Christopher Hoomes doth live in adultery with wife of Elisha Perkins in the Parish of St. Marks. (This entry makes one wonder if Margery moved to the Cockerine place. Both she and Elisha may have been living with others, Margery more openly, and Elisha with his "loving friend".

April 26, 1738. Elisha Perkins was brought into court, accused of "barbarously using his wife "Margery" who had "sworn peace against him". He was taken into custody and fined. Note that earlier on Aug. 21, 1735, her brother Adam Sherrill brought charges against Elisha for trespass. Margery may have left him that early and gone to her brother's temporarily.

May 25, 1738. Margery, the wife of Elisha Perkins having presented into the court a petition setting forth therein that by reason of the said Elisha's abusing and treating her barbarously, she desires a separate alimony. It is ordered that the said Perkins be summoned to Ye next court to show cause why a separate alimony should not be allowed her, and it is further ordered that ye Sheriff summon the said Perkins accordingly. Order Book 1, p. 316.

Jnue 22, 1738, in the suit by Petition brought for a separate alimony by Margaret Perkins against her husband Elisha Perkins, the defendant being called, appeared and desired the plaintiff to prove his being married to her. Whereupon the woman being asked whether Ye said Elisha Perkins was not her husband, in open court disowned his being her husband and the suit is dismissed. Order Book 1, p. 329.

In a series of contradictory allegations, the above is the most mystifying. The marriage of Elisha and Margaret was a matter of record in Maryland. Possibly Margaret thought she could not obtain a divorce, and this was the easiest way out of an unhappy situation. But no doubt, she sued for separate maintenance because she needed the money, but denial of her marriage would not solve that. It will be observed later that after the death of Elisha Sr. she is referred to in documents as his "relict". Other than this suit above, the actual will of Elisha Perkins Sr. is the most strange of all the documents in this case.

July 24, 1740 action of debt was brought against Elisha Perkins by William Sherrill. (note: This is probably her brother, William Sherrill, Jr.)

Sept. 26, 1740 the afore noted suit, being agreed, is dismissed. Order Box 2, p. 231 and 254.

November 25, 1742 the grand Jury made presentment as followeth: We likewise present Margery Perkins alias Sherrill by the information of Ye Mr. Francis Slaughter for having a bastard child in St. Mark's Parish within this six mohths past. Case continued. Order Boox 3, p. 292.

At this stage of the troubles of Margaret Sherrill Perkins, it appears the neighbors and the Church are entering the picture.

Feb. 26, 1741 case continued. Order Book 3, p. 379

June 24, 1743: in the Grand Jury presentment against Margery Perkins, alias Sherrill, defendant, for having a bastard child, the defendant pleaded "not guilty" and Zachary Lewis, Gentleman, Attorney for Ye Churchwardens of St. Mark's Parish, joining the issue thereof, the trial is referred until the next court. Order Book 3, p. 477.

Nov. 26, 1743, case continued (Order book 4, p. 38)

May 24, 1744 at the Court held for Orange county, VA, the Grand Jury presented Margery Perkins of St. Marks Parish, as a common disturber of the peace. Order book 4, p. 104.

May 26, 1744 continued until next court.

June 30, 1744 Richard Bridges VS Margery Perkins alias Sherrill, in case: On motion of Mr. Lewis, attorney for the defendant and special ________, is granted and the suit is continued until the next court. Order book 4, p. 169.

July 27, 1744 Grand Jury vs. Margery Perkins. Presentment. This suit on motion of William Waller, Gentleman, attorney for the defendant, is continued until the next court. Order book 4, p. 185.

Grand Jury vs. Margery Perkins presentment: Ordered that all summons issued against defendant returnable to next court to answer the Grand Jury for being a common disturber of the peace. Order book 4, p. 90.

Nov. 23, 1744, Richard Bridges Plaintiff, vs. Margery Perkins on the case: The defendant pleads not guilty and the plaintiff joining in the issue, the trial thereof is referred until next court and leave to give the special matter in evidence.

Jan. 26, 1745 Grand Jury vs. Christopher Hoomes, Presentment: The Sheriff having returned on the summons for the defendant to appear to answer the presentment aforesaid for connitting fornication with Margery Perkins, executed and this day came Zachary Lewis, Gentleman, attorney for our Sovereign Lord the King, and William Waller, Gentleman, attorney for the defendant and thereupon came a Jury (to-wir) - - - - who being duly selected, and sworn to try the issue joined, in their verdict in these words: "We the Jury find for the defendant, Christopher Hoomes, Isaac Smith, Foreman, which is considered by the court that the said plaintiff recover nothing against the said defendant, and that the suit be dismissed and the defendant go therefore hence without. Order book 4, p. 253.

Jan. 26, 1745 Grand Jury vs. Margery Perkins, presentment: The Sheriff having returned on the summons for the defendant to appear to answer the presentment aforesaid for being a common disturber of the peace, executed and the court upon hearing of all evidences and agreements concerning the same is of the opinion that she is guilty and it is ordered that the said Sheriff take the said Margery Perkins and commit her to prison until she enter into Bond to our Sovereign Lord the King, the sum of twenty pounds and two good and sufficient securities in the sum of ten pounds each. That the said Perkins be of the peace and good behavior to all His Majestie's loyal people during a year and a day and the cost of said presentment.

Charles DeWit having made oath that he had attended eleven days as an evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that she pay him for the same two hundred and seventy five pounds of net tobacco, according to law.

Catherine DeWit having made oath that she had attended ten days as an evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that the said Perkins pay her for the same two hunderd and fifty pounds of tobacco according to law.

Susannan Latham having made oath that she had attended seven days as an evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that the said Perkins pay her for the same one hundred seventy-five pounds of tobacco according to law.

David Corbin having made oath that he had attended eleven days as an evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that the said Perkins pay her for the same two hundred Seventy five pounds of tobacco according to law.

Edward Diller having made oath that he had attended three days as an evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that the said Perkins pay him seventy five pounds of tobacco according to law.

Samuel Parks having made oath that he had attended nine days as evidence for our Sovereign Lord the King against Margery Perkins, it is therefore ordered that the said Perkins payher for the same two hundred twenty five pounds of tobacco according to law. Order book 4, p. 253

Note that Margaret Sherrill lPerkins was not only required to pay her accusers for testifying against her, but she was found guilty on the same day Christopher Hoomes was found innocent of fornication with her. Apparently her neighbors had tried every charge against her, and finally hit pay dirt with disturbing the peace. Nothing is indicated as to what constituted her disturbing their peace, but it is a fairly safe guess that Margaret either got fed up with the gossip they were probably dishing out, or one of the men decided he would try to fill Christopher Hoomes' shoes with her and she retaliated.

March 28, 1745 At a Court held for Orange Co., VA, the 28th day of March in the 18th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Geo

More About Margaret Sherrill and Elisha Perkins, Sr.: Marriage 1: December 01, 1718, St. George Parish, Maryland. Marriage 2: December 01, 1718, Date it was recorded not date of marriage..

Children of Margaret Sherrill and Christopher Hoomes are: William Sherrill, d. date unknown.

Children of Margaret Sherrill and Elisha Perkins, Sr. are: Elizabeth Perkins, b. November 18, 1718, d. date unknown. +Elisha Perkins, Jr., b. March 31, 1720, d. date unknown. Margaret Perkins, b. Abt. 1721, d. date unknown. Phillis Perkins, b. Abt. 1725, d. date unknown. Joshua Perkins, b. 1728, d. date unknown. Ute Perkins, b. Abt. 1729, d. date unknown. +John Perkins, b. September 15, 1733, Saint Marks Parish,Spotsylvania, Virginia, d. April 13, 1804, Lincoln County, North Carolina.