Descendants of William Crosthwait of England

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Generation #1

William Crosthwait 

There are questions about William Crosthwait of Orange Co VA and his many wives. The first fact which positively identifies this William Crosthwait is the 8/8/1733 deed in Spotsylvania (now Orange) Co VA which states "William Crosthwait, late of Pennsylvania." And from this record, we have to work backwards to prove his many wives.

By the time William and family migrated to Virginia, he was married to Sarah Metcalf of New Jersey. Evidence for this marriage comes from the 1732 will for Jacob Metcalf, probable brother of Sarah, which lists William Crosthwait and Abraham Bickley as a witnesses. Prior to William's marriage to Sarah, he was married to Hannah Chew of New York. And, that marriage is well documented. Prior to William's marriage to Hannah, he was married to Eliza (?) Richardson. Evidence for the Richardson marriage is found in the 1725 will for the previously mentioned Abraham Bickley in Philadelphia. Through this circumstantial evidence, we tie William's relations from his last marriage to his first marriage.

CE Lewis

William Crosthwait was born 1686, reportedly in Keswick, Cumberland County, England. In about 1720, William married Elsa Richardson b. c. 1700 in England. And in about 1720, the family migrated to Philadelphia PA. William and Elsa lived together in Philadelphia until her death in 1725.

On 7/16/1725 in Philadelphia PA, William married Hannah Chew Ward b. 1680 in Flushing NY. Evidently, this was Hannah's third marriage. William and Hannah lived together in Philadelphia until her death on 12/10/1728.

In 1729 in New Jersey, William married Sarah Metcalf b. c. 1705 in New Jersey. Sarah was probably the sister of Jacob Metcalf who left a 1732 will in Gloucester Co NJ. William and Sarah were the final pairing for this family.

The Crosthwait Family migrated by 8/1733 to Spotsylvania (now Orange) Co VA, probably after the birth of daughter Elizabeth. And, William is first documented in Virginia in a 3/1733 will. Next, he purchased land from Thomas Jackson and wife Margaret. In 1741 William was first licensed to run an ordinary in his home. Son Timothy and later son Abraham would also run ordinaries.

William and Sarah lived the remainder of their lives in Orange Co VA. Reportedly, William was a land speculator. And that profession would have taken him to many different locals. According to credible researchers, William was killed by Indians in the vicinity of the Cumberland Gap. William's date of death is listed as 9/22/1743. And, Sarah died sometime later in Orange Co VA.

Philadelphia Will Book D, p. 446:
Will of Abraham Bickley. Written 10/13/1725,. Proved 3/28/1726.
Sons: William (property in Burlington now in tenure of Ann Stevenson, widow); Samuel; Abraham. Daughters: Elizabeth Polgreen; Hannah, Susannah and Mary Bickley (house in New York). Wife Dorothy. Sister Sarah Graves (debts due in Shrewsbury, East Jersey).
Patrick Baird, William Croswhit, Benjamin Pascall, Richard Clymer, George Cunningham, Matthias Aspden, Thomas Wetharell, Giles Cambridge, Thomas Chase, Abraham Griffith, Joseph Webb, Cornelius Cohoon, Randal Spakeman heirs of son Abraham's grandfather, Sam'l Richardson [will dated 6/6/1719]. . . .

Abraham Bickley m. Elizabeth Richardson d/o Samuel Richadson.

The children of Samuel and Eleanor Richardson were: Joseph, married Elizabeth Bevan, June 20, 1696; Mary, married William Hudson, Mayor of Philadelphia; Elizabeth, married Abraham Bickley; Anne, married Edward Lane, from Bristol, England, before mentioned, owner of a large tract of land lying along the southwestern boundary of Bebber's township, before referred to, in Providence township, and lying between it and the Manor of Gilbert's, where he died in 1710. His widow, Anne (Richardson) Lane, married Edmund Cartledge, of Conestoga, Lancaster county. 

Samuel Richardson of Philadelphia. Gentleman. 4/6/1719. Wife Elizabeth. Children: Joseph, daughter Ann Cartlidge, wife of Edward Lane, daughter Mary married Wm. Hudson and daughter Eliz. married Abraham Bickley. Grand-children William, Samuel, James, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Anne the issue of daughter Ann by Edward Lane, and three children of said Ann by Edmund Cartlidge, names not given; Ambrey, Edward, Richard, William, Eleanor, Barbara and Elizabeth the children of said Joseph and Elizabeth Richardson; Samuel, William, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Susannah, Hannah and Rachel children of son-in-law William Hudson, tanner, the name of wife not given. Great grand-daughter Hannah child of Joshua Cockfield. Executors: William and Samuel Hudson.

William Hudson m. Mary Richardson d/o Samuel Richardson.

WILLIAM Hudson, Jr. possessed valuable lands and tanneries in Yorkshire, England. He was an outspoken QUAKER and was fined and jailed for preaching "Quakerism."
The 5 children born to WILLIAM Jr. and MARY (Head)

WILLIAM HUDSON III born 1664; died 1742; married (Ist) Mary Richardson in 1688 (died 1708) by whom 14 children were born. He married (2d) HANNAH (OGDEN) BARBER in 1709. No children by second marriage.

HANNAH HUDSON born 1704; married JACOB METCALF in 1723.
6 Jan 1732. Will of Jacob METCALF of Newton, Gloucester Co., yeoman.
Son Mathew, to have all my land and meadows (200 acres) on Little Timber Creek adjoining William HARRISON.  If said son dies under age without issue, the premises to go to my sons William and Jacob (minors); and in case of their death childless, wife Hannah [Hudson] shall have the same.  Legacies to daughter Rachel, and cousin Hester MEDCALF.
Executors:  brother-in-law William COOPER, Joseph COOPER and William HUDSON, Jr.
Witnesses:  Silvanus SMOUT, Willm. CROSTHWAITE (of Philadelphia), James ARMSTRONG.
6 Jan 1732.  Codicil.  On consideration that children are small, the interest from the sale of house and lands at Gloucester may be insufficient for their support; therefore executors shall sell said 200 acres and the interest therefrom shall be for their maintenance during Mathew’s minority, but, when of age, he shall have the principal.  (same witnesses)
21 Jan 1736.  Codicil.  Since the above will was made my son Jacob died, and two daughters, Susanna and Hannah, have been born to me.  Witnesses:  William HUDSON, William MOODE, Abraham BICKLEY, Richard BUCKELE.  Sworn and affirmed 11 Aug 1736.
Spotsylvania Co VA Will Book A:
William Crosthwait witness to a will in March 1733.

Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book B, p. 239:
7 Aug 1733.  Thomas Jackson ack deed to William Crossthwait. . .
 Margeret relinq dower. . .
wit: John Red, Henry Downes & John Skelton.

Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book B, #126:
8/8/1733. Thomas Jackson and Margaret, his wife, of St. Mark's Aug 8, 1733 Par., Spts. Co, to "William Crosthwait, late of the province of Pensilvania, but now of the parish, county," etc., aforsd. l50 curr., 100 a. whereon sd. Crosthwait now lives etc., part of a pat. granted Colo. James Taylor in Spts.Co. July 21, 1722, and made over to sd. Jackson by sd. Taylor as by deeds July 6, 1725. John Red, Henry Downs, John Scelton. Augt 7, 1733.
History of Orange County, p. 31:
The first jury impaneled in the new county (Orange) met at the August term, 1734. Included on the jury were: ... William Crosthwait... The jury tried an assault case.
5/25/1734. William Crosthwait received a patent grant of land [400 a.] from the Crown north of the Rapidan River, then in Orange but after 1748 in Culpeper.

Spotsylvania Co VA Deed Book C, p. 145:
April 25, 1738. Anthony Golston of Spts. Co. to William Crosthwait of Orange Co. Lbs. 8 curr. 115 a. in Spts. Co.
Wit: Richard Pickering, James Rallings, Adam Gordon. July 5, 1738.

Orange Co VA Order Book 3, p. 62:
27 November 1741. On the Petition of Wm. Crosthwait for Leave to keep ordinary at his own house in this County. Licence is granted him, he having entered into Bond according to Law.
Augusta Co Deed Book 1, p. 39:
27 May 27 1746. Timothy Crosthwaite of Orange Co. to James Patton, 400 acres in the Fork of the James River, granted by patent to Wm. Crosthwaite, deceased on 12 Feb 1742, and now in possession of Timothy, oldest son and heir of William...
Orange Co VA Deed Book 7, p. 150:
24 March 1742. William Crosthwait sold to Edward Franklin 400 acres [in St Thomas Parish] for 50 £ current money; "the same being a patent granted to said Crosthwait bearing date the 25th of May, 1734"
Orange Co Will Book 2, p. 195:
The estate of William Crosthwait was probated in 1754 at Orange Co., Virginia by Timothy Crosthwait.

    Children with Elsa Richardson

    1. Timothy Crosthwait

Orange Co VA Order Book (?), p. 6:
22 September 1743. On the Petition of Timothy Crosthwait Licence is granted him to keep Ordinary at his house in this County he having with John Smith & Hugh Martin his Securities entered into Bond According to Law & pd the Governours fees.
Augusta Co Deed Book 1, p. 39:
27 May 27 1746. Timothy Crosthwaite of Orange Co. to James Patton, 400 acres in the Fork of the James River, granted by patent to Wm. Crosthwaite, deceased on 12 Feb 1742, and now in possession of Timothy, oldest son and heir of William...
Orange Co Will Book 2, p. 195:
The estate of William Crosthwait was probated in 1754 at Orange Co., Virginia by Timothy Crosthwait.
1755. Sale of family homestead by Timothy Crosthwait: Original purchased Aug. 8, 1733 by "William Crosthwait, late of the province of Pensilvania," aforsd. l 50 curr., 100 a. whereon sd. Crosthwait now lives etc. . . .
Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my brother William Crosthwait all & hail my lands lying in Culpeper County as also one tract of land in Spotsylvania County containing 150 acres more or less which is to be his share of my whole estate. . .to Abram Crosthwait my brother one tract of land in Orange County containing 100 acres less or more joining Mr Alex Marr & Erasmus Taylor which is to be his whole share of my estate. . .my brothers Isaac & Jacob Crosthwait equally one half of my moveable estate after paying my debts above. . .my sister Sarah spouse to John Thomson. . .my sister Elizabeth spouse to Jacob Medley. . .my brothers William & Abram be my executors as also Peter Tucker and M Erasmus Taylor be likewise executors.
Test Alexr Marr, Test Andrew Shephard

    2. William Crosthwait

Culpeper Co VA Warrants & Surveys Vo. III, p. 49:
3/11/1747. William CROSTHWAIT of Orange Co 353 acres on fork of Rappahannock on ye Lost Mt.; adj. Jacob MEDLEY, ye honble Jno GRYMES, John TERRELL, William PHILLIPS, John BARNET.
CC: Jacob MEDLY & Timothy CROSITHWAIT. Surv. George HUME.
Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my brother William Crosthwait all & hail my lands lying in Culpeper County as also one tract of land in Spotsylvania County containing 150 acres more or less which is to be his share of my whole estate. . .my brothers William & Abram be my executors as also Peter Tucker and M Erasmus Taylor be likewise executors.
Test Alexr Marr, Test Andrew Shephard
Culpeper Co VA Deed Book F #225:
Wm. Croswert and Mille his wife of Culpepper Co. Octr. 22 to Paul MacClarna of St. George Parish.
Wit. John Johnes, Alxr Wright, Chas. Harrison. Dec 7, 1761."
Culpeper Co VA Will Book for 1771, p. 17-18:
Will of William Crosthwait. Written 7/10/1771. Probated 4/15/1772.
I William Crosthwait of Bromfield Parish in ye county of Culpeper. . .make this my last will and Testament. . .
First and Principally, I desire that all my just Debts may be punctually paid.
Secondly, I lend to my loving wife the use of all my Personal Estate during her Widowhood 
Thirdly, It is my desire that as soon as my youngest son or daughter living that come of age, that all my Personal Estate be Equally Divided amongst what Children I have then living (Except my wife's dower which is likewise to be Equally Divided between them at her death.)
Also, It is my Desire that when my youngest son or daughter comes of age that ye Land whereon I now live may be sold and the money Equally divided between my two sons Jacob and William Crosthwait.
And Lastly I nominate and appoint Mr. Joseph Early, Majr. James Barber, Mr. John Terril Executors and my wife Milley Executrix. . .
Testators: Reuben Terrill, Jonathan Cowherd, William Bates

    Children with Hannah Chew Ward

    3. Abraham Crosthwait b. 1725 in Philadelphia PA

    4. Isaac Crosthwait

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my brothers Isaac & Jacob Crosthwait equally one half of my moveable estate after paying my debts above. . .
18 April 1770. Isaac Crosthwait bought land from father-in-law, John Rippeto.
Clark County, Kentucky Will Book 3. p. 54:
12/11/1810. Will of Isaac Crosthwait of the County of Clark and State of Kentucky. . .my beloved wife Elizabeth Crosthwait. . .my son William Crosthwait. . .my daughter Frances Crosthwait. . .the residue of my estate. . .to wit: Sally Greenings, wife of James Greenings, Thomas Crosthwait, Patsy Greenings, wife of Robert Greenings, John Crosthwait, Molly Morris, wife of Daniel Morris, Betsey Stone, Frances Crosthwait, William Crosthwait, Nancy Robinson. . .my grandson Waring Crosthwait, son of Sally Greenings. . .
Ex: John Ously, Thomas Robinson and my beloved wife Elizabeth Crosthwait. . .this 11th day of December 1810 signed Isaac Crosthwait.
Witness: O. Young, Caleb Embree, E. Crosthwait. Probated: 28 January 1811.

    5. Jacob Crosthwait

    Children with Sarah Metcalf

    6. Jacob Crosthwait

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my brothers Isaac & Jacob Crosthwait equally one half of my moveable estate after paying my debts above. . .
Clark County Will Abstract
Will of  Jacob Crosthwait: Written 3/18/1803. Probated 12/28/1807.
My son Samuel. to John Irelan & Eleanor his wife, Aron Crosthwait, her former husband.  My children and my four grand children, Brockman, Elizabeth, Asa, Aaron Crosthwait.  
Exec: Elijah Crosthwait and John Coons.
Witness: James Sympson and Ellis Spellman.

    7. Sarah Crosthwait

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my sister Sarah spouse to John Thomson. . .

    8. Elizabeth Crosthwait

Orange Co VA Will Book 2, p. 229:
Will of Timothy Crosthwait. Written 6/15/1756. Probated 8/26/1756.
I, Timothy Crosthwait - do hereby make my last will & testament in the manner following. . .my sister Elizabeth spouse to Jacob Medley. . .

Generation #2

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