| Notes |
JAMES STAFFORD (Safford) was born after 1701 -- died 1771 in Dorchester County, MD. He was married (apparently only once) to MARY (surname 'unknown). He left a will (provided below) in which he named ten (10) children consisting of six sons: Abraham, Jarius (Jarvis), John, Trice, James,Jr. and Reveal (Revel) and four daughters: Betse, Jeane, Sarah and Mary Cole.
According to info found in "Abstracts of Maryland Will Book 38, part II" by Bettie Carothers, p. 895 thereof lists a will "James Safford - Dorchester Co., 31 Oct. 1771/12 Aug. 1772. The Executrix is wife Mary; Children: Sarah, Jean, Betsy, Mary Cole, Abraham, James, Rearel, Jarius, John, Trice.
Wits.: Wm. Dean, John Wingate, John Scott
Tracts: William's Desire, Carrindens Privilege, Robin Hood, Little John, Andrews Fountain (Fortune?), Parrish, Safford's Venture.
Some researchers have erroneously identified these ten children as the offspring of a "John Stafford" who reportedly also died, circa 1771 and is said to have left a will also dated 31 Oct. 1771, proved 12 Aug. 1772. This error was repeated in a posting by Wanda which states that a "John Stafford III", b. abt. 1722, in Dorchester Co. MD., m. (1) Sarah Hackett, widow of Thomas Hackett, m. (2) Mary d. Oct. 31, 1771 in Dorchester Co. MD; John III left a will naming his Children: Sarah, Jeane, Betse, Mary Cole, Abraham, James, Rearel, Jarius, John, Trice. SOURCE: John Stafford will dated Oct. 31, 1771, Proven Aug. 12, 1772, book 38,p. 893. These errors may possibly be attributed to incorrect information found in Volume 7 of "Colonial Families of the Eastern Shore of Maryland", page 219.
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"JAMES STAFFORD, bricklayer, m. Mary (last name unknown). On 15 Nov 1745, ANDREW INSLEY, Junr. of Dorchester County conveyed to James Saford (Staford), bricklayer, part of "Andrew Forton" adj. BETTY'S LOTT and land of William Dean, containing 100 a. [Dorchester Land Records 12 Old 210].
Another entry therein states that "on 23 Jul 1757, Thomas Strahan, blacksmith, and his wife Mary, conveyed to JAMES STAFFORD, bricklayer, "Buck Harbor" on n. side of Cornelius Branch which issues out of the Northwest Fork of Nanticoke, 50 acres [DO Land Records 15 Old 502.
Another entry states "On 14 Mar 1767 JAMES STAFFORD of Dorchester, and his wife Mary, conveyed to Abraham Mister, "Garvis" and "Edinborough" on branches of Fox Creek, 112 1/2 acres; "Joseph Goodwill," 13 acres, "Edenborough," 2 acres, part of "Northampton" 3 acres [DO Land Records 21 Old 300]."?
1774, Abraham Safford (Stafford) and Michael Todd are sureties to Mary Safford (Stafford), executrix of James Safford (Stafford), dec'd, of Dorchester County. (DCGM Vol. V #1, pg. 3, MD Accounts Lib. 70 fol. 231)???
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Made 18 Aug. 1767, Recorded 12 Nov. 1767, Folio 78
James Safford to Lott Pritchett land called "Robin Hood" containing 100
Witnesses: Edward Trippe, Dan/Don Sullivane
Note: Apparently James Safford (Stafford) retained a portion of the land called "Robin Hood" because, as stated in his will below, he left it to his "sons John Safford and Trice Safford all the residue of the track of Land belong to me now called Robbin Hood".
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On 19 November 1784, Trice Stafford &John Stafford, of Guilford County, North Carolina and Mary Stafford of Sussex County, Delaware, their mother, sold to Michael Todd of Caroline County, farmer, for £50 part of "Robin Hood" containing 46 ½ acres, adjoining "Todd's Venture." (RBL, Lib. GF#A fol. 797) There seems to have been some problem with this transaction as Michael sold back this land to John Stafford (Safford) of Guilford County, North Carolina on 16 September 1785 and on the same day Trice Stafford of Guilford County, North Carolina, attorney for his brother John Stafford, sold it back to Michael Todd. (RBL, GF#A fol. 866 &869). Trice and John apparently migrated to Guilford County during or after the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
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JAMES STAFFORD (Safford) left the following will, dated 1771, in Dorchester Co., MD. A photostat copy of that will was graciously provided to me by Susan Smith who earlier had received it from Deanna Spingola, [email protected], a descendant of Jarius (Jarvis) Stafford.
"In the name of God amen, I James Safford of Dorchester County being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto almighty God, therefore calling into mind the mortalety of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make an ordain this my last will and testament that is to say first and principally of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave it me, and for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a christian and desent manner at the descretion of my Executor and Executrix hereafater named, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such earthly goods wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with this life. I give devise and dispose of in the manner and form following first.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Mary Safford all my dwelling plantation and all the Land that I hold of that tract called Andrews Fountain during her life and widowhood and one half of the Orchard and a barn and the Chicking and the Cyder House and a small corn field that is called the Fox trap field and two houses Liberty an the Pasture and upon any of the Land for her creatures that I bought of Isaac Summers and likeways twenty acres of Land called Williams Desire and Likeways to have Liberty to get Timber and put her creatures if she thinks proper unon a track of land called the Carrienders Previlidge and likeways all my moveable Estate during her life and widowhood excepting six pounds a piece to my three daughters Sarah Safford and Jeane Safford and Betse Safford and after my wifes decease or marriage all the remainder of my Estate to be equally divided between my four daughters Mary Cole and the other three before named and if it should happen as my daughter Mary Cole decease should before my wifes, my desire is as my other three daughters may have the whole equilly divided among them and their heirs and I likewise give unto my wife a gold ring.
Item: I give unto my son Abraham Safford one hundred acres of Land called Parrish and the said Land I have already deeded two him and if he dies without heirs or issue of his one two to his two brothers James Safford and Reavel Safford and no more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
Item: I give unto my son Jarius Safford and his heirs my Plantation where William Harp_ is now living upon and all the Land belonging to the track as the Plantation is upon an ____ called by the name of Saffords Venture upon the consideration of paying the Executrick five pounds current and noe more of my Estate neither personally or real.
Item: I give unto my son James Safford and his heirs my dwelling plantation part of Andrews Fountain after his mother decease or marriage and twenty five acres of Land called Williams Desire and no more of my Estate neither personally or real.
Item: I give unto my two sons John Safford and Trice Safford all the residue of the track of Land belong to me now called Robbin Hood two be equally divided between the two and if either of them should die without heirs of there own, the longest lived to have it all two himself and his heirs and noe more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
I give unto my son Reavel Safford and his heirs all the residue of my Land called Parrish and another small track called the Carrindens Privilege and likewise another small track called Little John being in Walls Neck and that in Walls Neck my desire is as it may be sold to give him schooling and no more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
I likewise constitute make and ordain my wife Mary Safford my only sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament and have hereby utterly disannul and revoke all and every other will or Wills before this named will and bequeath ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the thirty first day of October 1771.
Signed sealed published &pronounced and delivered and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presents of us the Subscribers
William Dean
John Wingate
John Scott
Annexed to the foregoing Will was this writtenViz:
On the 12th day of August Anno Domini 1772 Mary Safford the appointed Executrix in the foregoing Will &made oath on the holy Evangels of almighty God that the aforegoing Instrument of writing is the true and last Will and Testament of James Safford late of Dorchester County Deceased that hath come into her hands and possession and that she does not know or ever heard of any other will made since by the said Testator.
Certified by Jno. Goldsborough dp County of D_.
On the 12th day of August 1772 William Dean and John Wingate two of the Subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing Will being duly and solemnly sworn on the holy Evangils of almighty God deposed and said that they saw the Testator James Safford sign the foregoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind &memory and that they together with John Scott the other subscribing Witness to the aforegoing Will Subscribed their respective names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator and at his request.
Examined &Certified by Jn. Goldsborough dp County of D_."
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The following appears to be a probate action pertaining to James Stafford b. after 1701 - d. 1771:
Prerogative Court Abstracts, 1770-1777, Libers 6 & 7
James Safford Dorchester County Jan 19 1776
Sureties: Abraham Safford, Michael Todd.
Legatees: Sarah Safford, Jane, Betsey Safford.
Residue to : widow (unnamed) during her life.
Executrix: Mrs. Mary Safford.
Note: Only Abraham, one of James' sons, is named as a 'Surety'. Could it be that in 1776 ALL of his other sons, i.e., Jarius (Jarvis), John, James, Trice and Reveal (Revel) were in North Carolina, possibly earlier? Also not mentioned as a 'legatee' was his daughter, Mary. Was she married (and thus provided for) or was she deceased? Also, the mention of Michael Todd in the will is very interesting; Todd apparently was a neighbor who later (see below) purchased land (Robinhood) from James' sons, Trice and John Stafford. The land, which adjoined "Todd's Venture" then owned by Michael Todd, had been willed by James to his sons, Trice and John.
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19 November 1784, Trice Stafford &John Stafford, of Guilford County, North Carolina and Mary Stafford of Sussex County, Delaware, their mother, sold to Michael Todd of Caroline County, farmer, for £50 part of "Robin Hood" containing 46 ½ acres, adjoining "Todd's Venture." (RBL, Lib. GF#A fol. 797) There seems to have been some problem with this transaction as Michael sold back this land to John Stafford (Safford) of Guilford County, North Carolina on 16 September 1785 and on the same day Trice Stafford of Guilford County, North Carolina, attorney for his brother John Stafford, sold it back to Michael Todd. (RBL, GF#A fol. 866 &869)
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James Layton was granted a warrant of resurvey July 5, 1776, of a tract of fifty acres called "Young Man’s Venture," originally patented by Maryland, November 26, 1751, to his father. When resurveyed it contained forty-eight acres, to which was added two hundred and thirty-six acres of vacant land, and the whole renamed "Layton’s Just Division." It was adjoining "Turkey Point," "Merritts Discovery," Rogers Adams’ surveys of "Puzzell," and "Triangle," and "Saffords Venture." Robert Layton had a warrant of resurvey granted on "Layton’s Partnership" in 1776, and Thomas Layton, "Neighbors Agreement" in 1777. Robert Layton also purchased of David Williams, February 24, 1776, a tract called "Young’s Addition," originally granted to Nathan Young, September 29, 1756, for seventy-five acres. It is located on Bridge Branch, about one-half mile above the Bridge. Among those who now own parts of the Layton lands are W.J. Coates, M.A.G. Coates, G. Bissell and G. Trout.
Note:
a. James Layton is believed to be the husband of Mary Stafford/Safford, b. after 1703, a sister of James Stafford (above), b. after 1702, and the daughter of John Stafford, b. abt 1683 -- d. bef Feb. 20, 1755.
b. "Saffords Venture" was willed (see above) by James Stafford to his son Jarius Safford and his heirs.
The following persons were on the assessment roll of North West Fork Hundred for the year 1785. North West Fork, at that time, embraced Seaford Hundred:
Layton, Thomas.
Layton, Robert. (believed to be the husband of Rosanna Stafford/Safford, daughter of John Stafford II, b. 1701 - d, Feb. 21, 21, 1749/50)
Stafford, Henry. [belived to be the son of Henry Stafford, b. abt 1725 - d. June 2, 1776]
*Safford, Levi. (believed to be the son of Henry Stafford, b. abt 1725 - d. June 2, 1776)
. *Safford, Thomas.
*Safford, Abraham. (believed to be the son of James Stafford, b. abt 1701/2 -- d. 1771)
*Safford, Zadock. (believed to be the son of Henry Stafford, b. abt 1725 - d. June 2, 1776)
*Note: The name "Safford" was either mispelled or was used interchangably with "Stafford"
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On 19 Sep 1740 John Stafford (II) [Safford] Junr. (b. abt 1701 -- d. Feb. 1749/1750) and his wife Elinor conveyed to Henry Wingate, "Bettys Lott", where grantor's dwelling house is located on e. side of Hunger River on a branch of Fox Creek 100 a.; also "Safford's Desire" at the head of the middle branch of Fox Creek adj. "Bettys Lott" and "Andrews Fortune", 50 a. exceting 25 a. of said 50 a. belonging to Robert Safford; also "Saffords Hermitage" on the middle branch of Fox Creek adj. "Bettys Lott" and "Andrews Fortune", 50 a.
Question: Could "Andrews Fortune" be the same tract of land that was spelled (or mis-spelled) "Andrews Fountain" in the will of James Stafford, 1702 -- 1771? Was the above John Stafford II a brother of James ( 1702 - 1771)?
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The evidence strongly suggests that at least two lines which descended from William Stafford (b. abt 1660 -- d. unknown) and his son, John Stafford I (b. abt 1683 -- d. before Feb. 20, 1755) migrated from that portion of Dorchester County, MD -- which later became Caroline County, MD -- to North Carolina in the 1780-1790 timeframe or, possibly, earlier circa 1771.
One of these two lines included some of the sons and daughters of Henry Stafford (b. about 1725 -- d. June 2, 1776); the other line included at least five sons of James Stafford (b. after 1702 -- d. 1771), i.e., Jarius (Jarvis), John, Trice, James,Jr. and Reveal (Revel).
These descendants settled in an area known today as Guilford, Randolph, Stokes and Forsyth Counties, NC.
For example Guilford County was formed from a portion of Orange & Rowan Co., NC in 1771; Surry County was formed from Rowan County, NC in 1771; Randolph was formed from a southern portion of Guilford County in 1779; Stokes County was formed from Surry County, NC in 1787 and Forsyth County was formed from the southern half of Stokes Co., NC in 1849.
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15 Nov 1745 James Saford/Stafford, bricklayer, purchased from Andrew Insley, Junr. of Dorchester Co., part of "Andrew Forton" adj. "Bettys Lott" and land of William Dean, containing 100 Acres.
23 July 1757 James Stafford, bricklayer, purchased 50 Acres "Buck Harber".
14 March 1767 James Stafford and his wife Mary conveyed to Abraham Mister, 112 1/2 Acres "Garvis" and "Edenborough" on branches of Fox Creek; 13 Acres "Josephs Goodwill"; 2 Acres "Edenborough"; 3 Acres, part of "Northhampton".
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1. James Safford, "Safford's Venture," 50 ac. surveyed --/04/1740, poss. 1 1/2 years.
2. James Safford, "Garvis &Edinburgh?" 112 1/2 ac. surveyed 08/28/1750, poss. 2 years 1 month.
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A number of James' sons, e.g., Trice, Jarvis, James. Revil/Reveal and John were all living along "Abbots Creek" (Rowan/Guilford County, NC) and other nearby areas circa 1783 -- 1796, possibly earlier and after 1796.
Will:
- James Stafford left a Will in Dorchester Co., 31 Oct 1771, proved 12 Aug 1772.
Extx., wife Mary. Children: Sarah, Jeane, Betse, Mary Cole, Abraham, James, Revel, Jarvis, John, and Trice.
JAMES STAFFORD (Safford) left the following will, dated 1771, in Dorchester Co., MD. (underlining was added by me for easier identification): A photostat copy of that will was graciously provided to me by Susan Smith who earlier had received it from Deanna Spingola, [email protected], a descendant of Jarius (Jarvis) Stafford.
"In the name of God amen, I James Safford of Dorchester County being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto almighty God, therefore calling into mind the mortalety of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make an ordain this my last will and testament that is to say first and principally of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave it me, and for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a christian and desent manner at the descretion of my Executor and Executrix hereafater named, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such earthly goods wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with this life. I give devise and dispose of in the manner and form following first.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Mary Safford all my dwelling plantation and all the Land that I hold of that tract called Andrews Fountain during her life and widowhood and one half of the Orchard and a barn and the Chicking and the Cyder House and a small corn field that is called the Fox trap field and two houses Liberty an the Pasture and upon any of the Land for her creatures that I bought of Isaac Summers and likeways twenty acres of Land called Williams Desire and Likeways to have Liberty to get Timber and put her creatures if she thinks proper unon a track of land called the Carrienders Previlidge and likeways all my moveable Estate during her life and widowhood excepting six pounds a piece to my three daughters Sarah Safford and Jeane Safford and Betse Safford and after my wifes decease or marriage all the remainder of my Estate to be equally divided between my four daughters Mary Cole and the other three before named and if it should happen as my daughter Mary Cole decease should before my wifes, my desire is as my other three daughters may have the whole equilly divided among them and their heirs and I likewise give unto my wife a gold ring.
Item: I give unto my son Abraham Safford one hundred acres of Land called Parrish and the said Land I have already deeded two him and if he dies without heirs or issue of his one two to his two brothers James Safford and Reavel Safford and no more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
Item: I give unto my son Jarius Safford and his heirs my Plantation where William Harp_ is now living upon and all the Land belonging to the track as the Plantation is upon an ____ called by the name of Saffords Venture upon the consideration of paying the Executrick five pounds current and noe more of my Estate neither personally or real.
Item: I give unto my son James Safford and his heirs my dwelling plantation part of Andrews Fountain after his mother decease or marriage and twenty five acres of Land called Williams Desire and no more of my Estate neither personally or real.
Item: I give unto my two sons John Safford and Trice Safford all the residue of the track of Land belong to me now called Robbin Hood two be equally divided between the two and if either of them should die without heirs of there own, the longest lived to have it all two himself and his heirs and noe more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
I give unto my son Reavel Safford and his heirs all the residue of my Land called Parrish and another small track called the Carrindens Privilege and likewise another small track called Little John being in Walls Neck and that in Walls Neck my desire is as it may be sold to give him schooling and no more of my Estate neither personally nor real.
I likewise constitute make and ordain my wife Mary Safford my only sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament and have hereby utterly disannul and revoke all and every other will or Wills before this named will and bequeath ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the thirty first day of October 1771.
Signed sealed published &pronounced and delivered and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presents of us the Subscribers
William Dean
John Wingate
John Scott
Annexed to the foregoing Will was this writtenViz:
On the 12th day of August Anno Domini 1772 Mary Safford the appointed Executrix in the foregoing Will &made oath on the holy Evangels of almighty God that the aforegoing Instrument of writing is the true and last Will and Testament of James Safford late of Dorchester County Deceased that hath come into her hands and possession and that she does not know or ever heard of any other will made since by the said Testator.
Certified by Jno. Goldsborough dp County of D_.
On the 12th day of August 1772 William Dean and John Wingate two of the Subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing Will being duly and solemnly sworn on the holy Evangils of almighty God deposed and said that they saw the Testator James Safford sign the foregoing will and heard him publish and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind &memory and that they together with John Scott the other subscribing Witness to the aforegoing Will Subscribed their respective names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the Testator and at his request.
Examined &Certified by Jn. Goldsborough dp County of D_."
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The following appears to be a probate action pertaining to James Stafford b. after 1701 - d. 1771:
Prerogative Court Abstracts, 1770-1777, Libers 6 & 7
James Safford Dorchester County Jan 19 1776
Sureties: Abraham Safford, Michael Todd.
Legatees: Sarah Safford, Jane, Betsey Safford.
Residue to : widow (unnamed) during her life.
Executrix: Mrs. Mary Safford.
Note: Only Abraham, one of James' sons, is named as a 'Surety'. Could it be that in 1776 ALL of his other sons, i.e., Jarius (Jarvis), John, Trice and Reveal (Revel) were in North Carolina? Also not mentioned as a 'legatee' was his daughter, Mary. Was she married (and thus provided for) or was she deceased? Also, the mention of Michael Todd in the will is very interesting; Todd apparently was a neighbor who later (see below) purchased land (Robinhood) from James' sons, Trice and John Stafford. The land, which adjoined "Todd's Venture" then owned by Michael Todd, had been willed by James to his sons, Trice and John.
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19 November 1784, Trice Stafford &John Stafford, of Guilford County, North Carolina and Mary Stafford of Sussex County, Delaware, their mother, to Michael Todd of Caroline County, farmer, for £50 part of "Robin Hood" containing 46 ½ acres, adjoining "Todd's Venture." (RBL, Lib. GF#A fol. 797) There seems to have been some problem with this transaction as Michael sold back this land to John Stafford (Safford) of Guilford County, North Carolina on 16 September 1785 and on the same day Trice Stafford of Guilford County, North Carolina, attorney for his brother John Stafford, sold it back to Michael Todd. (RBL, GF#A fol. 866 &869)
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Bef 1722 - Bef 1772 (< 50 years)
