Person:Nicholas Copeland (10)

Disputed Parentage

Some sources have Nicholas Copeland as a son of John Copeland and Sarah Ratcliffe, others have him as a son of William Copeland and Mary; more research/sources necessary to determine which is correct.

Records of Nicholas Copeland

• 8 March 1665 - Nicholas Copeland purchased 250 acres on the south side of the Rappahannock River, adjoining the land of Henry Corbin and against the land of William Copeland.

• 1 May 1672 - Nicholoas Copeland was Assigned a small parcel of land by William Gibson, of the parish of Sittenbourne in the County of Rappahannock for a certain sum of tobacco. Witness: Thomas Parker and William Goode. [Source: Old Rappahannock County, Virginia Deed Abstracts, Part 1, 1672-1676, pg. 22].

• 29 September 1674 - Nicholas Copeland granted land with James Andrews, 567 acres on the south side of the Rappahannock River on the branches of Occupasse Creek on the south side of the main swamp, adjacent land of Thomas Barber's land, near the Indian Path - transport of 12 persons. Rapahannock County. [Source: Cavaliers and Pioneers, Nugent, Vol. 2, pg. 155].

• 21 April 1690 - Nicholas Copeland purchased 145 acres on the south side of the Rappahannock River and on the north west side of Occupation Creek on the Potomac. [Source: Cavaliers and Pioneers, Nugent, Vol. 2, pg. 343].

• 10 June 1701 - Last Will and Testament of William Copeland, deceased. Nicholas Copeland, Richard Goode and Charles Atkinson of Essex Co., Virginia bound to Jno. Catlett, gentleman, for estate of William Copeland. Witnesses: Henry Goare, Salvatr. Muscoe, Thomas Snowden, Nicholas Copeland, Richard Goode and Charles Atlinson. Essex County, Virginia. (Note: William Copeland was the son of Nicholas)

• 11 August 1701 - Land Transfer: Nicholas Copeland of Essex County, Virginia to son and daughter, Charles and Anne Atkinson of Essex County, Virginia. 100 acres on south side of Rappahannock River bounded by William Beasley, John Dower's land. After their death, land to grandaughter, Mary Atkinson, daughter of Charles and Ann Atkinson. Witnesses: William NOrth and Charles Ramsey. Anne, wife of Nicholas Copeland, relinquishes her dowry rights. Essex County, Virginia.

• 1704 - Nicholas Copeland listed on Rent Rolls with 300 acres, John Copeland listed with 175 acres. [Source: English Duplicates of Lost Virginia Records, des Cognets,I., Jr., pg. 135].

• 1 June 1708 - Nicholas Copeland sells 1,000 acres on Rappahannock River in Essex County, VA.

• 8 September 1714 - Nicholas Copeland of St. Ann's Parish, to Samuel Henshaw, in consideration of 30 acres sold by Henshaw and wife to Arthur Oneby, 30 acres in St. Ann's Parish on the west side of Popoman Swamp, etc. (signed) Nicholas Copeland (his "N" mark). Wit: John Man (his mark), Samuel Biswell, John Boughan. Ann Copeland, wife to Nicholas relinquished her dower rights. Recorded 9 September 1714. [Source: Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Fleet, B., Vol. 11, pg. 97].

Will of Nicholas Copeland

Will of Nicholas Copeland of the county of Essex being very sick and weak in body, dated 9 Oct. 1712.

Unto Ann, my beloved wife the division of land where I now live and all my personable estate so long as she shall remain a widow.

Unto my grandson Nicholas Copeland the division of land where I now live after my wife's decease. If he should dye without heirs, then my granddaughter Mary Brown. If she should dye without heirs to return to my grandson Charles Atkinson.

Unto my grand daughter Mary Brown one hundred and seventy acres of land adjoining to the land of James Boulware.

After my wife's decrease my personable estate shall be divided into three parts. One-third unto my grandson Nicholas Copeland, one-third unto my grand daughter Mary Brown and the remainder to be equally divided amongst the rest of my grandchildren.

Unto my daughter, Ann Phillips one shilling.

My beloved wife Ann Copeland executrix.

(signed) Nicholas (N) Copeland

Presented 17 May 1720 in Court by Ann Copland. Proved by Samuel Stallord and Mary Williams.

[Essex County, Virginia. Will Book page 138-139].

citations

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/g/i/Alison-Agins-CA/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0185.html

http://www.luginbuel.com/CemeteryDocuments/Family%20Trees/Copeland%20Family%202006!.pdf