Demse

Demse CARRELL c1710 - c1776
					pulled together by Linda Sparks Starr MAR 2001

[Some may wonder at my 'pulled together by' instead of just plain 'by'; the truth is, very little of this represents my own work, but is a collection of other peoples research, generously shared with me. Several people have shared over the years, but three stand out and deserve special thanks. Nancy Fratt, for sharing her extensive research on the CARRELLs and Marcia Bignall for her work on the PINKSTONs. Last, but certainly not least, Rhoda Fone, whose grasp of numerous Virginia and Georgia families continues to amaze me. Also, she never fails to jump into the research fray, even when the lines are not her own. One other note before I get started -- both CARRELL and Demse appear under numerous spellings; the above is how it appears in his will, and will be my preferred way, 'just because' of that. Also, I will cite the primary source for a record (county will or deed book), rather than the specific source where it is mentioned / cited.]

Birth date circa 1710-11: In a deposition 19 April 1775, Demse said he was 'aged sixty four years or thereabouts.'  [Fratt, quoting Loudoun Co. Deed Bk L, p. 203] Based on circumstantial evidence I won't get into just now, Westmoreland Co., VA is accepted as most probable birth place for Demse and Daniel Carrell is his most likely father. 

Richmond Co. VA: Apparently the first time Demse's name appears in VA's records is in the will of John POORE of North Farnham Parish, Richmond Co. dated 1 JUL 1718, probated Aug. 6 1718. Poore bequested to his 'Godson Demsead Carroll 33 lbs sterling  ... also the cow I delivered to him before [and] ... to Frances Karrill his sister, a small feather bed and furniture.' [Richmond Co. WB 4, p. 44]  Others mentioned in the will: those getting bequests -- Richard and his wife & dau, Sarah Wisdell, John Gluever; witnesses Metcalfe and Phillips and people in whose hands the sterling is located -- Mr's Fantleroy and Moltone.  The John Carroll, whose will was proved in Richmond Co. 1 JUN 1698, might bear looking into. 

Westmoreland Co. VA: [Fratt] the first record for Demse as an adult -- 26 APR 1732 Ann Hutt, singlewoman, entered complaint against him for 'getting a bastard Child on the body of the said Ann.'  Cople Parish required a bond against any charges coming to the parish for the upkeep of this child; they also required a bond for his good behavior toward Ann. His securities were John Baker and William Porter. [Westmoreland Co. Orders Bk 1731-39, p. 18a]

By 16 APR 1739 "Demsey Carrel" is labeled 'planter' of Westmoreland Co. in a lease from Henry Fitzhugh for land that lay in Washington Parish. [Fratt p. 233] 6 NOV 1744 a lease for the same land was assigned by Demse to James REMY, Asbury REMY and Elizabeth his wife.  Frances Carrell signed (by mark) with John SANFORD and Stewtt Minor as witnesses. [Deeds & Wills Bk 10, p. 368-70.]

24 JUN 1740 'witness' Demse appeared before the Westmoreland Co. Court to prove the will of Lawrence Washington. He, Richard Omohundro, John and Richard SANFORD were appointed to appraise the estate. [Orders Bk 1739-1743, p. 55] The will is dated 5 FEB 1739 naming wife Elizabeth and sons John, James and Thomas. No witnesses were listed in the transcription; how this Lawrence fits into the large Washington family is yet to be determined.  24 FEB 1740/1 Demse was chosen guardian by Samuel REMEY, son of John, and Richard Omohundro was one of his securities for the bond. 

Demsy Carrell appears on a list of voters for the Burgess Election in Westmoreland Co. 1741. Voter qualification provided "That no person or persons whatsoever, shall hereafter have a right to vote at any election of members to serve in the general assembly, for any county, who hath not  an estate of freehold, or other greater estate, in one hundred acres of land, at least, if no settlement be made upon it; or twenty five acres with a house and plantation, in his possession, or in the possession of his tenant or tenants, for term of years, in the same county where he gives such vote' and required possession for one whole year unless the lands came to the person within that time by descent, marriage, marriage-settlement, or devise. It should be noted that it was ownership of property within the county and not actual place of residence which constituted qualification. A man could vote in as many counties as he held the requisite property therein." 

Fairfax Co. VA:  [Fratt p.233] Demse "probably removed to Fairfax County sometime before 18 February 1743 when he was a witness for William Carrol." He was there that summer for "1743 July 5 / Nov 17 - Demse Carrell wit'd ind. [witnessed indenture] bet. Lwrce. Debuts of St. Mary's Co. MD & Sam'l REMY of Cople, Westmoreland Co." And then 13 DEC 1744 John Sanford Sr. of Westmoreland Co. leased 100 acres in Truro Parish, Fairfax Co. to Demse Carrell of that parish for the "lives of him the said Demse Carrol, Frances Carrol his wife, & Daniel Carrol his Eldest son & heir." [ Fairfax Deed Bk A, pt 1, p. 542-4]  Two more leases provide the names of sons of Demse and Frances. The first, dated 20 SEP 1747, from Willoughby Newton for 150 acres for the lives of 'William Remey, Ann Omohundro his mother and Daniel, son of Dempsey Carroll". [Deed Bk B, p. 370-2]. And then a partially proven deed 24 DEC 1766 refers to the above lease (land now in Cameron Parish, Loudoun Co.) whereby Newton agreed to add the name of William Porter Carroll, son of Denisy to the lease 17 OCT 1758. [Fratt quoting Partially Proven Deeds Bk 1, p. 805].

July 18, 1746 Willby Newton requested permission "to build a water mill on Rockey Cedar Run affecting lds. adj. to: Francis Summers, Peter Turley, John Hutchinson, Joseph Pinson, Jacob Remy, Daniel Thomas, James Le?, Robt. Thomas, Fielding Turner, Vincent Lewis, Demse Carroll, Paul Turley." [Foster] Thus we have Demse's nearest 'creek side' neighbors.  1748/9 Dempsey Carroll and William Carroll, both identified as "Papist, comes to Church often" by the Reverend Charles Green in a list of 'tithables, persons in his care, and a number of notations concerning their religious and political affiliation ... in Mr. Greene's charge."  Dempsey also appears on Maj. Lawrence Washington's copy of the Fairfax voter lists 1748-9. [Foster] 28 MAR 1751 Demsie Carroll was ordered to take inventory of estate Sarah Brookshire dec'd. 21 JUL 1752 Dempsie Carroll "with others to view most convenient way for a road Alexandria to Rockey Run." [microfiche]

"1749 Dempsey Carroll took runaway Negro, Harry, of Col. Wm Fitzhugh of Westmoreland Co., claimed payment 2 Aug. 1752.  1749 - Dempsey Carroll of Rocky Run, construction of road from Accotink to Rocky Run Chappel Road; 1751 Dec. 3 - Ind. bet. James Nesbet of Dettingen Parish, Pr Wm Co. & Wm Buckley of Ffx Co., 224 acs on Rockey Run ... Demse Carrell wit.; 1753, May 21 - Demsie Carroll inv. of Moses Linton; 1754 Nov. 21 - Demsey Carroll of Cameron Parish presented by Grand Jury for drunkenness & profane swearing; 1755 Dec. 11 - Dempsey Carroll, free holder, list of voters for Col. George Washington, Fairfax, VA Militia, polled for Mr. Wm Elzey; 1759 July 18 - Demsay Carrel accts of Barnaby Curry; 1769/1770 - Demsy Carrol, 1769 tenant on Manor of Leeds, 1770 VA Rent Rolls, Fairfax rental by John Hough; ... Will of Wm Bayly of Ffx Co., ld .. 'lying under the blue ridge ... my son ... sold to Demsy Carroll; ... " [Foster p. 136]  The above William Buckley may be related to the Barbara Berkley, who along with Joseph Reid, sold land to Edward Payne in Jan. 1774 "lying on the West side of Piney Branch being part of a tract of land formerly belonging to George Walker and is bounded, beginning at the same corner of a tract of land formerly belonging to Walter Griffin, now Hardidge Lane's and Demsey Carrol's ..." [Ffx Deed Bk L, pp 143-150.]

Demse is not listed in Fairfax Co. VA in 1760: an Interpretive Historical Map prepared by Beth Mitchell, edited by Donald M. Sweig, publ by Office of Comprehensive Planning, Fairfax, VA 1987. However, two CARROLLs appear in the various lists in the book -- Joseph, a tenant on French Mason's land and Thomas Carroll (along with William Pinkstone) on the list of those, known to be in the county, but who can't be placed on any specific tract.   

Frances: Researchers agree that Frances is likely to be a SANFORD or a REMY. Indications she might be a Remey are the various lease agreements and the Remey orphan choosing Demse as guardian. However, two of their children carry SANFORD as a first or middle name which carries weight for that surname. Remys and Sanfords are so entangled themselves, it may be impossible to determine just where she fits into the whole. The orphaned Samuel was the son of John, whose parents were Jacob and Ann (Sanford). After Jacob's death, Ann (Sanford) Remey married Richard Omohundro. [Fratt quoting Cramb's "Preliminary Notes on the Whaleys of Loudoun Co. VA", 1943 in DAR Library] A discussion offering pros and cons for both those surnames deserves a separate report. The last record of Frances Carrell is the above lease dated 13 DEC 1744. James McConnell speculates they married in Prince William Co. prior to 1740; but he gives her as daughter of John Sanford that most researchers now agree is an error. 

Loudoun Co. VA was created from Fairfax Co. in 1757; therefore, Demse probably didn't move. 
Demse first appears on records in this county 15 MAR 1758 when he is sued for debt by Messrs Maxwell, Guthrie & Co; Edward PORTER was security for his appearance at the next court. [Orders 1757-1758, p. 73] He didn't appear at the April 12th court; the security bond amount was waived upon payment of four hundred eleven pounds tobo and five pounds, sixteen shillings and 3 pence currency with lawful interest from 13 DEC 1755 until payment received. [p. 95] 15 FEB 1759 Eleanor PORTER sued Edward Porter and Demse Carroll for debt, their security was William REMEY. [Orders p. 200] This suit was dismissed, but defendants are to pay Eleanor's court costs [p. 251] 13 JUN 1759. 

A hint where Demse's land was located is discovered within the Grand Jury presentment against him Jun 12, 1760 "for not keeping a Post at the Fork of the roads near Edward Porter's". However, they accepted his excuse. [Order Bk 1759-1761 p. 370.]  Edward Porter's will, dated 16 JUN 1770 names his wife, Mary, and children Edward, Ann Murphy, Daniel, Elias and John Brickey. His four sons are to be bound to his brothers, William and Demsey Porter at the age of 16. Demsey Carroll, William Carr Lane and James Lane are to value his negro Nann. Another negro goes to his daughter after 'Ellender Porters decease.' Demse's son, Sanford Carroll, is listed as one of the executors of this Edward's will. William Porter Carrell and Frances Carrell witnessed it along with Susanna Clark and Aaron Lane. 

An even better description of where his land was located appears in Order Book B, 1762-1765 p. 338. Dated 12 APR 1764, "Ordered that Benjamin Berkley be appointed Surveyor of the Road from Little Rocky Run to the County line and from there on the Road that leads to Alexandria as low as the County line in the room of Demsey Carroll who is discharged from that Office."
 
Elizabeth as Demse's wife appears in Loudoun Co. records beginning 17 JUN 1763. [Order Bk 17, p. 187; p. 199; p. 289.] The last record for Elizabeth is 15 MAR 1764.  

Rebecca (Heath) Smith: Her marriage to Demse is given as 'circa 1765', for Elizabeth was still alive March 1764 and Rebecca and Demse's first child was born in 1766. Rebecca had one child, William Smith, with her former husband. Neither the name of this husband, nor that of her parents is known. She died after 8 MAR 1793, when she gave consent for their daughter Cynthia's marriage in Harrison Co. Virginia. [Marriage Bk 1, p. 22] She is buried in the Haymond Cemetery at Palatine, now called Maple Grove, WV. [per Hutchinson]

Demse is mentioned in the will of Henry Wisheart, 'late of Huntly in Loudoun Co.', dated 31 JAN 1776 -- "the hire of Negro George who is now hired to Demse Carroll of Loudoun Co. at Twelve pounds per annum".  

 Demse's will mentions 'his home plantation' as being the land he purchased from Willoughly Sanford of Westmoreland Co. VA. The land now lies along the border between Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, more specifically between Difficult Run and Rocky Run in 1757 when the survey was run. [Fratt -- from copy of surveys made by G. West surveyor].  Demse's undated will was proven in Loudoun Co. VA 13 MAY 1776. He names his wife Rebekah and 12 children, but not his eldest son Daniel. Executors were his wife and son-in-law Silvester Welch. He and Frances had 10 known children; he and Rebecca three known daughters.  Witnesses to his will were: William Turner Sr., William Turner, Mary Porter and Henry Wisheart. [Henry Wisheart's wife was Ann Neale, dau Presley and Margaret (Sanford). 

Other theories: Feb 2000 Susan H. Hutchinson  Snuzzen@aol.com without providing it, says she has evidence Demse's first wife is Mary RAMEY; they had two children, Daniel and Judith. His second wife was Frances SANFORD with Rebecca Heath being his 3rd wife. She points out that Demse and Frances' son, Dempsey, married Mary Hall, offering the possibility that two Marys are mixed up. 

Children per will in bold; Daniel as eldest son is proven by 1744 deed. He is thought to have died before the 1758 partially proven deed when William Porter Carroll replaced him on the lease.

Frances, now wife of Henry Pinkstone, 50 acres (from plantation going to my wife) adjoining the shop where her husband lives and works. 

Rachel Carrell  plantation & negroes after death of wife divided equally

Mary  Ann Heath Carrell plantation & negroes after death of wife divided equally

Cynthia Carroll plantation & negroes after death of wife divided equally

Athaliah Pinkstone ten pounds current money

William Porter Negro woman Jane and bay horse Jolley -- ten years from time he gets Jane, he is to pay Demsey Carrell Jr ten pounds Cur't money

Demse negro woman Jenny

Jemimah Welch a negro woman Alley with proviso Jeminah or her heirs to pay Sarah ½ estimation of her worth in six months time after my decease

Sanford the already given Liddy and Milley -- all I can afford to give him except my blessing

Ann Jackson the slave already sold/given Linsey/Finsey/Jinsey

Mary Owens' son Thomas Hogan ... at 18 a young horse or mare valued at 10 pounds VA money

After expiration of my son in ?Samstome, who was bound apprentice to Mr. Thomas Sangston of Fairfax, blacksmith, I will until William Smith my son-in-law a young horse or mare with saddle valued at 20 pounds.