TOSH Families of Botetourt Co. VA Compiled by Linda Sparks Starr Updated APR 1998 from Kegley's Virginia Frontier in section "Community Building on the Roanoke" sent from Nellie Fern Baker's files identified by (*). [I now have the book in 2 vols, reprint Heritage Books: MD c1996. Someone asked me if TOSH is a shortened version of "McIntosh" -- White's book _Roanoke 1740-1782_ says it's Swiss.] Tasker TOSH d. 1762 married Agnes lived near Great Lick (*) chn: James William d. 1772 Jonathan Jeanne Thomas TOSH d. 1778 married Mary (named brother of Tasker) (*) chn: Jonathan Mary married Peter Evans (*) _________ married James Crawford (*) Alexanders were neighbors of Toshes. William ALEXANDER was the first settler on the Roanoke River. He d. 1750. Wife not named. Will probated 28 MAY 1751 per Chalkley [_Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in VA_] naming: George bound out to John Mason Mary bound out to John Mason Agnes James bound to James McKeachy per vol. II (*) Strip of land not in survey of William Alexander's land in 1767 (when divided between sons) was granted to JAMES MASON in 1787, son of John Mason d. 1761. (*) In 1774 James Alexander wrote his will giving 150 acres to MARY CRAWFORD. [Kegley identifies this as the Mary Crawford who married Edward Pate; I question that for she was only three at the time. Is this a sister of Samuel and James? -- my earlier comments -- apparently it is, but still seems strange to me.] (*) In this will James Alexander names his COUSIN James Tosh who received 220 acres on Back Creek;, Mary Tosh, dau of Thomas who received a mare "for many obligations received"; his UNCLE James Heatly (sic) and COUSIN Sarah Heatly. The remainder of his estate was divided among: SAMUEL CRAWFORD (husband of Jennet, dau of John MASON) William Mason (son of JOHN MASON) Joseph Mason (son of JOHN MASON) Jonathan Tosh (son of Tasker or Thomas--I vote for Tasker because Jane and James were also Tasker's chn) Jane Tosh (dau of Tasker) James Eager (husband Mary, dau of John Mason) Joseph Snodgrass (husband Margaret, dau of John Mason) Only other reference to this James Alexander I found in vol I Chalkley was under Petitions and Papers--1768-9: William Preston entered 30 DEC 1767 250 acres between Gil- bert Marshall and JAMES ALEXANDER on Back Creek [Several Alexanders appear in Chalkley--some with the early Craw- fords related to my father-in-law's family who settled north of Staunton. I have found no Samuel Crawford which fits the birth year for this Samuel in that family grouping. I won't even at- tempt a relationship between the Alexanders!] I can't find James Heatly or anything close to that name in the index for vol. I Chalkley or even early deeds Bedford Co. Va. I suspect it's error for Keachy. Could the wives of Tasker Tosh and William Alexander have been sisters of John Mason? James Alexander names one of Tasker's sons as cousin and gives something to all of Tasker's children, but only to one of Thomas Tosh's children and that for "many obliga- tions received". And then he gives something to all of John Mason's children except James Mason. Could he be irritated with James for getting land which he thought was rightfully his father's? Tasker Tosh, John Mason and William Alexander arrived in the val- ley at the same time. Thomas Tosh appears a bit later in offi- cial records, so does James McKeachey. [I'm getting this from road orders per Chalkley and perhaps Kegley.] Obviously the Masons and the Alexanders are closely related and the Alexanders to Tasker Tosh. Where do the McKeachey's come in? The Crawfords? In his will William Tosh, son of Tasker, divides his farm in Botetourt between his two brothers; however, his farm in CAN- NAUGH is to be divided between his brothers and sister Jeanne. Where is Cannough? Sounds Irish. Is there a place in PA with that name? Botetourt Co. Va? [Another researcher found this page 396, _Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1722_: "Lib. X. Several Depositions of... of NEW CONNAUGHT ..." Another researcher found something a bit more specific -- "The Friends of Nottingham Lotts: A Talk Given to the Cecil Co. Historical Society -- May 21, 1956" by George E. Gifford Jr. (page 157 --no exact title of work written on back of paper sent). "The third Lord Baltimore granted in 1680 to his nephew George Talbot Susquehanna Manor (later New Connaught Manor) lying within his province and at the head of the Chesapeake Bay." This is in MD. From: An Index to the Will Books and Intestate Records of Lan- caster County, PA 1729-1850 by Eleanore Jane Fulton and Barbara Kendig Mylin. 1936 James Tosh 1750 BK I, vol. 1 p 433 Jonatha Tosh 1750 Bk I, vol. 1, p434 no Mason--wasn't looking for Alexander, Boyd, McKeachey George Crawford 1743 Bk 1, vol. 1 p 84 William Crawford 1761 Bk B, vol. 1 p 462 Intestate records David Crawford 1773 John Crawford 1748 John Crawford 1778 Michael Crawford 1781 Oliver Crawford 1748 I requested a copy of the two TOSH wills; the Court House sent a typed transcription from Will Book I, vol. 1, pages 433 and 434. With the uncommon name "Tasker Tosh", I never questioned the one in VA wasn't the same person as the one in PA: James Tosh Deceased IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN! the third day of July in the year 1750, I James Tosh of the township of Drumore and County of Lancaster plantioner, (sic) being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto 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, that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent chris- tian manner, at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Inprimis, I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife _Caetrin_ and two children, all my real and moveable estate, my just debts paid of the whole the first ye remendar (sic) shall be equally divided into three shares, one third to my wife, one third to my daughter Elizabeth and the other third to my young child not yet born -- Item I make and ordain Moses Irwin and Catren (sic) my well beloved wife my whole and Sole Executors of this my Last will and testament, I also order that if any of my two children die before they come to age the other child shall have the deceased childs share. I do confirm this and no other to be my Last will and testamet. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above written -- James Tosh seal SIGNED sealed and published, pronounced & declared by the said James Tosh as his last will and testament in the presence of us the Subscribers, David Montgomery, Jonatha Gay, John Mitchel Personally appeared before me this thirty first day of July 1750 David Montgomery and Jonathan Gay two of the witnesses to the within will and upon their Solemon oaths, did depose and declare that they were present and saw and heard James Tosh the testator Sign, Seal publish and declare the within writing for and as his last will and testament, and that at the doing thereof he was of sound mind and memory to the best of their knowledge and belief. Jonathan TOSH Deceased IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN! The fourth day of December in the year of our Lord god, one thousand seven hundred and forty four 5, I Jonathan Tosh of Fishing Creek in the township of Drumore and County of Lancaster, being weak of body, but of perfect mind and memory, and calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make this my Last will and testament in the manner fol- lowing vizt (sic) I recommend my soul to God who gave it me and my body to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my executors, and for what worldly estate the Lord has be- stowed upon me I dispose of in ye manner following vizt I be- queath and I Leave to my well beloved daughter Isabel her horse and saddle, and ye half of the flax, and her bed, and pewtar and some of the little things thats not worth naming, together with twenty pounds leaved (sic) of my estate, to be paid as followeth five pounds at the end of each year after my decease till all be paid. I leave to my daughter Jean and daughter Mary, three pounds to be paid to each of them at the end of two years after my decease, I leave to my sons Tasker and Thomas one english shilling to each of them and the rest of my worldy estate after my funeral charges is paid and all other debts. I leave to my son James whom I ordain to be my executor to this my last will and testament, but provided Tasker and Thomas puts in their estates, along with James, I allow all to be divided into three equal parts, this being my last will and testament I disallow and disan- null all other wills and testaments by me made before this time, as witness my hand and Seal the day and year first above written -- his Jonathan Tosh seal mark Witness present, his John Irvin, John Ramsey, John IB Baxter mark Lancaster County fs By James Gillespie Esquire, personally ap- peared before me John Irwin and John Baxter aged upwards of sicty (sic) years and made oath on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that the_ are subscribing witnesses to the within will, and Saw the within Jonathan Tosh deceased, Sign Seal publish and declare the within will to be his last will and testament, and that he appeared to them at the Same time to be of perfect mind & memory & further saith not. Sworn the 3rd day of Augst 1750 John Irvin his Jas Gillespie John X Baxter mark from _The History of Pittsylvania Co. VA_, by Maud Carter Cle- ment, Regional Publ. Co. Baltimore: 1981 (page 45: "In 1746 Augusta Co. ordered a road to be built in the lower val- ley, then included within the county's limits. This was to extend from the ridge dividing the waters of the New River from the waters of the south branch of the Roanoke (Blackwater River), to end in a road leading over the Blue Ridge which was the main high- way to the markets of the James, and known as the 'Warwick Road.' ... Among the workers appointed for the road were Thomas and Tas- ker TOSH, whose name is perpetuated in Pittsylvania today in the village Toshes." A map of the county shows Toshes as located between Pittsville and Sandy Level -- not on _VA Atlas and Gazetteer_, by Delorme. Over in Bedford Co. Va per Ann Chilton's abstracts of both deeds and wills books (as far as she's gotten -- wills to 1810 and deeds to 1770.) Surnames of interest in this study: 1770 or 1771 deed James and Samuel as "sons of William deceased" -- I have it in my CRAWFORD papers; Inv of John CRAWFORD estate 7 JAN 1778 in book 1; NOV 1790 inventory of Andrew TOSH in will Book 2; also Martha TOSH is named dau of Phillip Feezel in 1789. Inciden- tally, the inventory of _a_ William BOYD's estate by David Er- vine, Joseph Miller and William Irvin was recorded in Will Book 16 APR 1761. I was undecided if it was the same William Boyd in John Mason's will, but don't remember basis of my question right now. [Two Wm Boyds in the county doesn't help situation.] Back to Augusta Co Va. I attached a note to the Lancaster wills saying a "Christian TOSHER" administrator's bond was issued in Augusta Co. VA AUG Court 1758 and Tasker Tosh's in 1767. Here's another connection you aren't aware: [My husband also has a ROBERTSON line. This "mostly" comes from Mona Mattingly who is the most organized genealogist I've ever seen.] Chalkley, vol. III page 421 Augusta Deed Book ???, page 840: 21 MAR 1765 John ROBERTSON and Mary to Thomas TOSH for L40 560 acres on Mason's Creek, branch of Roanoke, corner John Mason's land. Teste: Alex. Stuart, Jams Lessley. Delivered to James CRAW- FORD June 1769. [This John is a younger brother of Matthew Robertson; James Crawford older brother of "my" Samuel:] Matthew ROBERTSON b c. 1713 Coleraine, Ireland m. c1738 Martha. He d. 1786 in Augusta Co. leaving chn: 1. Col. James b. 16 NOV 1738 d. 28 AUG 1833 Montgomery Co. VA m. Margaret POAGE, dau of Robert Sr. 3/5 MAY 1762 -- sister of Robert "Sr" of Botetourt Co. Va 2. Col. Alexander b. 1 MAR 1741 d. 13 JAN 1810 Augusta Co. VA m. Elizabeth "Betsey" CRAWFORD, dau of Patrick. [She might be his 2nd wife.] She b. 18 OCT 1751 3. Capt. William bapt 25 DEC 1748 d. 12 NOV 1731 m. Ann CRAWFORD, possibly dau of John who was bondsman 3 JAN 1788 4. Jane b. c1741/43 d. 25 NOV 1825 m. John Blair, son of Alex. 5. Elizabeth d. bef DEC 1787 m. Sgt Patrick Christian, son of WM 6. possibly Ann -- named in Chalkley, but not in will Here's the group sheet for Col. James and Margaret POAGE who lived 9 miles south of Roanoke VA. 1. Elizabeth b. 4 FEB 1763 d, 11 JUN 1842 Bourbon Co. KY m. Samuel Givens 19 MAR 1785 2. Robert "Billy" b. 1765 d. 1837 Hopkins Co. KY m. Louisa Sugg 1787 3. Martha b. 1768 d. 1825 Butler Co. KY m. Allen Givens, son of John & Rebecca 26 FEB 1793 4. Jane "Jennie" b.APR 1769 d. 1819 Hopkins co. KY m. Elezaer Givens, son of John & Rebecca 27 AUG 1796 5. Margaret b. 1773 d. Augusta Co. VA m. Wm Irvin/Erwin son of Francis 1 FEB 1797 6. Rebecca b. 1777 d. Augusta Co. VA m. Thomas Bell, son of James and Agnes 1799 7. Alexander Hart b. 1781 d. c1823 Montgomery C0. VA m. Martha WOODS 18 DEC 1808 dau James (1st cousins once removed via the POAGES] 8. Mary b. 20 OCT 1785 d. 1856 Montgomery Co. VA m. John Pepper, son of Samuel 9/20 NOV 1807 Now to John ROBERTSON b. probably Co. Coleraine, Northern Ireland d. AUG 1771 Augusta Co. VA. He m. Mary LESSLEY, dau of James and Sarah; Sarah resided in Rockingham Co. VA 1787 when she was given as the mother of Jane Robertson who m. John Henry, this being after John's death. Entries for John from Chalkley: 20 NOV 1761 Silas Hart and Jane to John Robertson 184 acres on North River Shanado, part of 400 acres patent to Robert BRECKINRIDGE 12/1/1740 [his 1st wife was a POAGE and his mother is probably sister of Robert POAGE Sr's wife Elizabeth; his 2nd wife is niece of Elizabeth (Preston) POAGE.] ... delivered to Alexander Robertson 20 JN 1749. 21 MAR 1765 John ROBERTSON and Mary to Thomas TOSH ... 6 AUG 1771 John's will proved 21 AUG 1771; to wife, son Alexander infant, to chn Jane, Mary, Isabella, Elizabeth, Margaret, Alexander and 2 unnamed daus who were ob- viously dec'd when Sarah's mother made her will in 1789. Exors: wife Mary, nephew Alexander Robertson, son of bro Mathew. Teste: Silas Hart, Matthew Robertson, Matthew Matheson. Another ROBERTSON brother of John and Matthew, James Jr. m. Elizabeth CRAWFORD 18 AUG 1743 and a sister Elizabeth married James CRAWFORD d. 1751. James is a brother of "my" George along with Patrick and probably Alexander. Some think the Elizabeth Crawford who m. James Robertson is a dau of Alexander and Ann Crawford of Lancaster Co. PA. I'm too rusty on these connections to discuss where Alexander and Ann fit into the picture -- think it's as alternative versus traditional parents of George, Patrick, James and Alexander. There are HENDERSONs thorugh out this mess. Elizabeth qualified as exec James ROBERTSON's will 11 SEP 1754 proven 20 NOV with sureties John Poage and Sam'l Henderson.16 AUG 1759 John Poage and Samuel Henderson were named admrs with James Bell and Wm Robertson sureties of the estate of Elizabeth Robertson. This William ROBERTSON is "probably" in my husband's direct line -- his daughter Lettice married a William RANKIN (or two IF the grandson's story proves true.) The above John POAGE is "either" son or brother of Robert Poage Sr. of Aug- suta Co. -- probably his son who married the sister of Patrick, "my" George, James d.1751 and Alexander. One of the sons of "my" George -- it might his son George -- married a HENDERSON. The POAGEs. The Poage "Bible" is _Descendants of Robert and John Poage: Pioneer Settlers in Augusta County, VA_ by Robert Bell Woodworth 1954. Actually there were several contributors/editors but Woodworth is one who took the total to press. Robert and John were brothers -- Robert settled three miles north of Staun- ton and attended Augusta Stone Church; John nearer Lexington, Va. Robert b. c1699 Ireland d, before 6 MAR 1774 Augusta Co. VA when his will was proven. He m. c1722 Elizabeth PRESTON b. 1709 near Londonderry, northern Ireland d. by AUG 1759 when didn't release her dower. Her father is "said to be" Richard Archibald PRESTON; her brother was John, father of William Preston later of Montgomery Co. VA who followed his Uncle James PATTON as Col. of Augusta Co. Militia. Chn of Robert and Elizabeth: 1. Sarah b. c1723 d. by 20 OCT 1773 m. Thomas Gordon c1739. Actually some question her as dau because of 10 year gap before another marriage in family. 2. John b. MAY 1726 Ireland m. 3 JUN 1751 Mary CRAWFORD, sister of Patrick. 3. Martha b. c1728 Ireland d. 15 APR 1818 Ripley, Ohio m. Andrew WOODS of Albemarle Co. VA c1750 4. Robert Jr. b. 1730 Ireland d. bef 9 SEP 1788 probably Bote- tourt Co. VA m. Jean WALLACE 1756 5. Mary b. 1732 Ireland d. c1757 m. Col Robert BRECKINRIDGE by 1752. A book on Wm Preston speaks of widower Robert Breckridge in 1754. They had at least one son -- Robert; since Alexander is named Robert's heir-at-law, I suspect both are sons of Mary (Poage). His parents are Alexander and (seems like) Jane (Preston) Breckinridge -- I think we've proven Jane was a PRESTON as was the wife of Robert POAGE Sr.--the "Sr" in Botetourt being "Jr" in my view. 6. Elisabeth b. 1733 Ireland d. by 21 JUN 1790 Augusta Co. VA m. George CRAWFORD; his sister Mary m. her brother John. 7. George b. 1734 Ireland d. 1787 m. Rachel STEVENSON 23 JUL 1754 8. William b. c1735 probably Ireland d. 3 SEP 1778 by Indians at Blue Lick, KY. He married the widow Ann (Kennedy) Wilson 17 APR 1762; their dau was the fourth white child b. in KY 9. Margaret b. 1737/8, baptized 25 DEC 1744 d. 28 AUG 1833 in Montgomery Co. VA m. Col. James ROBERTSON 3 MAY 1762. 10. Thomas b. 1 NOV 1740 VA d. 1802 near Staunton, VA m. Mary McCLANAHAN 27 APR 1762 from _KY Family Records_, vol. XI, page 48-9: [person who sent this didn't provide further documentation] children of Robert and Jean (Wallace) Poage: 1. William b. 18 MAY 1769 m. 1st Susannah Banges 2nd Elizabeth Franklin; fought in the Rev. was pensioned 1832 Botetourt Co 2. Robert b. Botetourt co. d. 25 JAN 1852 Macon Co. MO m. 1792 Mary Goodson 3. Sarah b. c1767 m. Nathan SCOTT 13 FEB 1781; lived Botetourt Co. whre he died 1819. Will dated 26 MAR 1816; probated 19 OCT 1819 names ch: Robert, William, Jane wife of David Short, Sarah, wife Pyhil Whitmore, Isabella, Peggy wife Andrew Mellon. He states 4 daus have moved to western country. also Mary, Rebecca, Nathan, John, Jmaes and Joseph 4. Capt. John b. on Back Creek 24 JUN 1769 d. 24 JAN 1840 m. 1769 Margaret POAGE of York Co. PA 29 AUG 1782. 5. Elizabeth d. FEB 1837 m. Maj. Thomas Goodson 1789 6. Jane d. 1840 m. 1791 James CRAWFORD, lived in Roanoke, Va. [I've yet to identify him.] 7. Mary b. 1777 d. 1800 m. 1797 Charles Deyerle