Person:Sterling Dugger (1)

Sterling Dugger was born ca 1768 or earlier, most likely in Surry Co, VA, though possibly in Brunswick Co, VA instead. I have found no direct proof as to who Sterling's parents were, but I feel that Henry Dugger and Ann Bailey are the best choice. However, the evidence linking Sterling to Henry is weak at best. Sterling was named in the Will (1778) of Mary Scarborough Dugger, and listed as her "Grandson". This proves that he was a child of one of Daniel and Mary's children. Henry's son Henry Jr named one of his sons "Sterling", and that name (odd as it is) doesn't show up in other branches of the family.

On 27 Jan 1778 Sterling Dugger was named as heir in the Will of his grandmother Mary Scarborough Dugger. In fact he was left all of personal estate. She listed him as her "grandson", but did not state who his parents were. Since he was not appearing on other records at this time, I suspect he was still young (under 21). (Brunswick Co, VA Will Book 2 page 22)

Sterling Dugger was not listed on any of the tax lists in Brunswick from 1782 through 1789.

On 7 Apr 1789 Sterling Dugger obtained a marriage bond in Brunswick County, VA to marry Sally Dugger. John Dugger was the security (bondsman). Although it doesn't say so, I believe this is John Dugger Sr, who is probably her father. In his Will (1802), he named his daughter "Sally Duke", but by then, Sterling had been dead for about 10 years, so she might have remarried in the interim. So it is still somewhat questionable whether or not Sally Dugger is John Sr's daughter.

Sterling Dugger was probably listed on the 1790 census, but unfortunately, the 1790 census for Virginia was lost for the entire state.

Sterling Dugger was listed on the 1790 Brunswick Co, VA Personal Property Tax list. He was charged for 1 white Poll (himself), and no blacks.

Sterling was not listed on the 1790 Real Property tax list, showing he owned no land at that time.

On 1 Apr 1790, Sterling Dugger, William Goodrum, Daniel Dugger (his brother-in-law) and Henry Dugger (his father) witnessed a deed between John Dugger, Surry and wife Frances (Sterling's 1st cousin) and Jerman Dugger (Sterling's nephew-in-law). The land was 220 acres on north side of Rocky Run. (Lot of Duggers in this deed!). (Brunswick Co, VA Deed Book 14 page 630).

In July 1790, in Brunswick Court, Richard B. Owen brought a petition against Sterling Dugger. The defendant (Sterling) did not appear, and the court ruled for the petitioner. (Brunswick Co, VA Order Book 15 page 382)

The deed date 1 Apr 1790 was the last record we find for Sterling while he was alive. The July 1790 court case shows he didn't show up in court, but it didn't state that he had died.

Sterling was not listed on the 1791, 1792, 1793 nor 1794 personal property tax lists in Brunswick Co, VA.

Sterling Dugger was certainly dead by 29 Jun 1794, for on that date he was mentioned in a deed between John Dugger Sr to Sampson Dugger. The deed was for 179 acres and mentioned the line between Sampson Duger and Sterling Dugger, deceased and John Dugger Jr. This shows two things, one, is that Sterling was dead. Two, that he apparently owned land (though I've found no deed showing him acquiring any land). (Brunswick Co, VA Deed Book 17 page 448)

If Sally Dugger Dugger, widow of Sterling Dugger, was indeed a daughter of John Dugger Sr, as I believe, then she married a Mr. Duke sometime between ca 1790 and 1802 when her father's will named her as daughter "Sally Duke". If she isn't a daughter of John Dugger Sr, then I'm not sure where she belongs.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} GEDCOM file submitted by Ancestry.com, Turgeon, Authier, Huff, Dugger 2009, jaturgeon@comcast.net. Imported on.

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