BEGATS AND BEQUEATHALS

Or, Subtitled: “Perhaps there was no man in this back settlement more important than Capt. James Montgomery, Gent.”

This posting has a discrete focus. It’s to see what can be established by solid documentation regarding the names of the sons of James Montgomery, who died in Augusta County, Virginia, before 19 November 1756, the date on which his widow Ann gave bond with John Dickenson and James Sim(p)son for administration of his estate.[1] On 16 March 1757, an inventory and appraisal of James’ estate was filed in Augusta County by Francis McKowan, John McKowan, Jacob Anderson, and John Buntin.[2] On 19 August 1758, Augusta County court minutes state that James’ administrator Ann had moved out of Augusta County with his effects and Hugh Martin, a creditor of the estate, was filing suit.[3] See p. 2 of this posting for digital images of these estate documents.