James Semple of York County, 1765-1806 Estate
James Semple had only one child, Eliza Harwood Semple. According to Elizabeth Hawes Ryland's manuscript, "History of the Semple Family of Scotland and America," James was born on February 10, 1765 and died March 4, 1806.
York County, Virginia Wills 1783-1811, p. 685:
"I James Semple of the City of Williamsburg being of sound Mind and memory and in good health do make and constitute this to be my last Will and Testament. Item I give unto my well beloved Wife Sarah Semple all my property that I may die possessed of during her natural life except as is hereafter excepted. If I should have issue then my Wife is to support Such child or children until she marries again and then I desire that she may have what is allowed Widows by Law and the remaining part of my Estate to be appropriated to the support of any Child or children this time I may have. If I should have no Child I then desire that all my Negroes may be emancipated at the death of my Wife. Item I leave my Brother Robert B. Semple my residuary Legatee in case I have no children or Child and desire that him his Heirs or assigns may have all property belonging to my Estate at the death of my Wife. I leave my Wife my Executrix my friends Mr. Robert B. Semple and James Semple of New Kent County my Executors. Witness my hand and Seal this 13th day of April 1795. James Semple [seal].
At a Court of Q[cannot decipher] Session held for York County the 18 day of March 1806. This Will was produced in Court and thereupon Robert Saunders, William Hankins and Gann L. Corbin being sworn deposed that they are well acquainted with the hand writing of James Semple deceased and verily believe the said Will with the name thereto subscribed to be wholly written by the Testator whereupon the Court being satisfied that the said Writing is the last Will and Testament of James Semple deceased ordered it to be recorded. And Robert B. Semple and James Semple the Executors therein named by a paper writing under their Hands and Seals this day produced in Court refusing to take upon themselves the burden of the Execution of the said Will on the motion of Peter R. Deneufville who made oath thereto according to Law and together with Thomas Mutter his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of four thousand dollars conditioned as the Law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining Letters of Administration in the Estate of the said James Semple with his said Last Will and Testament annexed in due form. Teste R. W. Wallor, c/c."
York County, Virginia Wills 1783-1811, p. 706:
An inventory and appraisement for the estate of James Semple, Sr., deceased, late of Williamsburg, was created on April 12, 1806 and entered into Court on February 16, 1807. I think the "Sr." part was a mistake, or at least did not refer to him having a son of the same name, but I cannot be certain. There was a document stating that Elizabeth H. Semple was James' only child in an 1822 deed of trust involving her husband William Power (see his notes). However, that document may have been incorrect or perhaps a James, Jr. did exist but died before 1822. Thomas Sands, John Power and John Howston were the estate's appraisers. Several of James' seven slaves were hired out, at least on was as far away as Richmond, or they were involved in deeds of trust. Other items of interest included a new wagon with gear for two horses, fourteen Windsor chairs, thirteen old black walnut chairs, a lot of old books, a walnut writing desk and stool, brass scales with weights, blue-edged place settings, forty-seven new whitewash brushes and a calender. The inventory also revealed that James' house had an upstairs as well as a smokehouse. His estate was given a total value of 748 pounds, 5 shillings and two pence halfpenny.
York County, Virginia Wills 1783-1811, p. 710:
An account of sales for the estate of James Semple, Sr., deceased was created on April 29, 1806 and recorded in Court on February 16, 1807. An advertisement was made on March 26, 1805 to announce the sale scheduled for April 14, 1806 at his former home. Anything under five dollars was to be paid in cash and anything over five dollars was given a year of credit. However, the 14th proved to be unfit for the sale so it was held on the 15th. Several items not included in the inventory were sold including a pair of brick molds, a surveyor's chain, a book entitled "A History of Jews," a volume of Shakespeare, two Virginia law books and a large Johnson's dictionary. The sale brought a total of 289 pounds, 9 shillings halfpenny. His slaves were sold separately, along with one horse, and brought a total of 665 pounds, six shillings. One of the slaves named Daniel belonged to his wife. She inherited him from the estate of her deceased father, H. Harwood. Also, one of the horses sold was "in bad order" and was fed, along with two slaves, by the administrator since March 15, 1805. He wanted to be reimbursed for the burden.
