POSSIBLE PARENTAGE:
Upper Nansemond Co, VA Vestry Book
Lower VA Antiguary Vol 3, p. 78
Norfolk Co, Deed Book 10, p. 56-57. Witness 1741-42 3N 78
-a John Denby owned land in Nansemond Co, VA
1730 Chowan Co, NC Records - First mention of a Denby in NC was a John Denby of Nansemond Co, Virginia buys land in Chowan Co, NC
Thomas BOON - Isle of Wight Co., VA -Ratcliff R. Sr, Ratcliff R. II, William, Kinchin Sr
The Norfleet - Denby marriage may have taken place in Nansemond Co., VA, but soon thereafter, the couple removed to that part of Granville Co., NC which later fell into Bute Co.,, when that Co., was formed in 1764.Granville Co., NC deeds involving a certain Thomas Norfleet of Suffolk VA:
- 08 February 1762: James Denby of Granville Co., NC conveyed a 624-acre tract of land, situated on Cypress Branch Swamp, to Thomas Norfleet of Nansemond Co., VA. The land had been originally granted to James Denby on 14 March 1760. [See Granville Co., Deed Book E, page 106]
- 08 February 1762: Thomas Norfleet of Suffolk VA conveyed a 150-acre tract of land, situated on a Branch of Cypress Swamp, to Francis Gosoign of Granville Co., NC. The land had been part of a tract of land originally granted to James Denby on 14 March 1760. [See Granville Co., Deed Book E, page 78]
This Thomas Norfleet, I believe, was Thomas Norfleet (d. 1777) of Nansemond Co., VA. Thomas seems to have always resided in Nansemond, but he probably acquired the Granville Co., NC land for speculation purposes. Thomas Norfleet was the Royal Tobacco Inspector for the Suffolk Warehouse and also was a member of the Vestry of the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co.,. His wife, Janetta Wilson, belonged to a Scottish family - her father, John Wilson, was one of those Scottish "Factors" that the VA planters hated so much (they were almost always deeply in debt to these factors).
Thomas Norfleet's son, Nathaniel Norfleet (1760-1836), married Priscilla Milner, daughter of Pate Wills (Patewells?) Milner.
- 1766, May - Bute Co, NC
Ordered that the hands of JAMES DENBY, John Milner, Jacob Jones, Robert Sheffield, John Massey, PATEWELLS MILNER, William Edwards, Parson Rackley, David Anthony, James Hunt, Richrd Yarbrough, Jesse Bird, Thomas Bonner & Robert Johnson, work on the road from Tar River Bridge to the Cypress, and that PATEWELLS MILNER be appointed Overseer of the samePatience, wife of James Denby, is believed to be a son of Thomas Norfleet from a marriage before Janetta Wilson.
*652 JAMES DENBY --- 10 Mar 1756 --- VPB 32:691 --- 168a in the county of Nansemond
Osborn Jeffreys to James Denby for 40 pds. 470 acres on Tar River at Jeffreys back line, being part of patent to John Pope for 300 acres July 26, 1743 and conveyed to Henry Hunt June 20, 1744, and by him to David Kelly March 1747, and by him to Robert Moody March 1749, who conveyed to Osborn Jeffreys Sept 16, 1752, the other 300 acres is upper part of tract granted to Jeffreys Oct 30, 1752. Wts: Osborn King, John Woodlief
James Denby patented 640 acres in the Parish of St. John on the branches of Cypress Swamp, joining Ratley s line, Brinkley s old line and Simmons line. (This was part that later became Bute and then Franklin Co, NC)Witnesses: John Hawkins and Will Johnson
surveyed April 3, 1758
SCC: William Edwards
Surveyor: Sher Haywood
Grant to John Ratley of Granville for 680 acres on James Denbe's line, N side of Tar River at Massey's line, then to John Massey's line
Thomas Norfleet of Suffolk Co VA to Francis Goscoign of Granville Co NC for 15 pds., 150 acres on a branch on Cypress Swamp in Rackley's line, which is part of tract granted formerly to James Denby Mar 14, 1760.Wts: William Williford, Danl Potter
James Denby to THomas Norfleet of Nansemond Co VA for 10 pds., land on Cypress Branch Swamp in Granville Co., NC on Simmons' line containing 624 acres granted Denby Mar 14, 1760.Wts: Danl Potter, Francis Gaseoigne
William Edwards to John Bishop to 10 pds., 400 acres on both sides of Buffalo Creek in Jeffries' line, Morgan's line, and Simmons' line, granted for 600 acres to Edwards Mar 14, 1760.Wts: James Denby, James Hunt, Richard Crutchfield
Hezekiah Massey to Paul Patrick(Sarah, wife of Massey, also signs deed) for 60 pds., 218 acres on John Rackley's line on both sides of Sycamore Creek, granted John Bishop for 637 acres Oct 1753.Wts: Saml Eley, James Denby, Eley Eley
Tax List - James Denby
Ordered that the hands of James Denby, John Milner, Jacob Jones, Robert Sheffield, John Massey, Patewells Milner, William Edwards, Parson Rackley, David Anthony, James Hunt, Richrd Yarbrough, Jesse Bird, Thomas Bonner & Robert Johnson, work on the road from Tarr River Bridge to the Cypress, and that Patewells Milner be appointed Overseer of the same
Deed- John Stalling and wife to James Denby, Planter, for 210 acres proved by oath of Osborn Jefferies
DB-2, page 16. 28 July 1767. JOHN STALLINGS, Planter, & MARY, his wife, to JAMES DENBY, Planter, all of Bute Co. 120 Pds. Va. money for 210 A. in Bute Co. on NES Tarriver (sic), on the Buffelow Creek, adj. JAMES DENBY& HUNT. About 130 A. of this tract, the lower part on the river bank, was bought from OSBORN JEFFREYS 27 July 1761, he having bought it, 15 Sept.1752,from ROBERT MOODY who had bought it, 3 March 1749 from DAVID THELLY who had bought it, l0 March 1747, from HENRY HUNT who had it from JOHN POPE 20 June1744, it being the remaining part of a grant of 300 A. to JOHN POPE, dated 26 July 1743. The other 80 A. of this tract adjoins the above part and was a grant from EARL GRANVILLE, executed by his agents JAMES INNES & FRANCISCORBIN in his Office 30 October 1752, to OSBORN JEFFREYS, for 640 A., and sold by him to JOHN STALLINGS 27 July 1761.Wit: WILLIAM HUNT, JAMES KING,OSBORN JEFFREYS
Proved by OSBORN JEFFREYS, Bute October Court 1767
BEN McCULLOCH, C.C.Reg: 4 February 1768, by WILLIAM JOHNSON, P.R.
Witness to will of John Rackley - William Hunt, James Denby, and Kezia Denby
Bute Co, NC (Grand Jury) (Wednesday after the second Tuesday)Thomas Cook, David Walker, Jesse Bird, John Brown, James Denby, David Walker, Hardige Walker, Britain Harris, Browning Williams, Richard Williams, Thomas Pinion, Paul Patrick, Jesse Hunter
"Thomas Norfleete of Nansemond Co., VA, Gentleman, to Elias Stallings, Planter, of Bute Co, NC., 20 pounds of Proc. money for 150 acres in St. John's Parish, Bute Co.,, NC on banks of Buffalo Swamp - adjoining lands of Rackley and Brinkley, an Early Granville Grant to James Denby (see March 1760)Witnesses: James DENBY, Patwell MILNER, Joseph BAKER.
Proved: by Patewell Milner, Bute Nov Court 1770
Registered: Feb 17, 1777
Ordered that the hands of James DENBY, John Milner, Jacob Jones, Robert Sheffield, John Massey, Patewells Milner, William Edwards, Parson Rackley, David Anthony, James Hunt, Richard Yarbrough, Jesse Bird, Thomas Bonner & Robert Johnson, work on the road from Tarr River Bridge to the Cypress, and that Patewells Milner to be appointed Overseer of the same.
James Denby made oath to his acco't of attendance as a Witness for Thomas Bridges at the suit of Daniel Potter amounting to £2.7.4.
Will of John Rackley, proved by oath of James Denby, one of the executors
Will of John Rackley, to wife (not named) then to grandson Henry Hunt, equal shares to all my children, Parson Rackley, Martha Smith, Susanna Hunt, Mills Rackley, Saul Rackley, Mary Hunt, Lucretia Anthony, Stevias Rackley, daughter Seletee WheelerExecutor: James Hunt and Passon Rackley
Witnesses: William Hunt, James Denby, Kezia Denby
A deed of bargain from Alexander Burnet to James Merony was proved by oath of Keziah Denby, a witness thereto
"THOMAS NORFLEET & JENNETT, his wife, of Nansemond Co., Va., to WILLIAM WARD, of Bute Co. 100 Pds. Va. money for474 A. in Bute Co. on the Cypress, bought from JAMES DENBY & adj. RACKLEY, STALLINGS, BRINKLEY, DENSON, HUNT, BURD & BONNER. Wit: PATEWILLS MILNER, THOMAS SHarrod, JOHN MILNER. Ack: by THOMAS NORFLEET & JENNETT, his wife, she having been first privately examined by JETHRO SUMNER, Esq.,Bute November Court 1770, BEN McCULLOCH, C.C.
Reg: 20 Feb. 1771 by WILLIAM JOHNSON, P.R.
* Tax List - James Denby - 3 slaves
A deed from John Stalling to James Hunt was proved by oath of James Denby
(Petit Jurors to wit:)Christopher Strother, James Denby, John West, Benjamin Hill, Thomas Woodiff, George Bledsoe, John Stone, Thomas House, Moses Joyner, John Haynes, Thomas Cooke and William Hudson
Arthur Durley of Bute Co.,, NC to John Hudman of Halifax Co, NC 100 acres lying on both sides of Wolf Pitt, swamp adjoining Robert Duncan, Mackie and Tar River.Witnesses: James Denby, Priscilla Denby
Ordered that the road now going over William Hills mill dam be turned the most convenient way and that James Denby be overseer of the same in the room of John Milner.Deed-Richard Cruthfiels (Crutchfield) to James Denby - proved by the oath of Wm Denson
Will of William Baker gives to son James Baker, after my father's death, land in Nansemond Co.,, Virginia, daughters Charity Baker, Alice Baker and Mary Baker. Executors, friends James Denby and William Andress, Sr.Witnesses: Wm. Denson, Thomas Hunt, Hinde Hilsman
(when probate was granted February Court 1777, the widow Mary Baker objected)
James Denby is appt guardian to Charity Baker, orphan of William Baker, deceased
Will of John Massey, Sr.- March l777 - wife Frances Massey, sons Wm Massey, John Massey, daughters Sarah Bird, Amey Massey, Frances Massey, Elizabeth Perry,Witnesses: Patewells Milner, Patience Denby
On motion of Bennit Hillsman and Mary Baker to prevent the administration of James Denby on behalf of the orphans of William Baker, deceased on one Negro wench called Ester and one bed and furniture, one pot and one an and one heifer, it is the opinion of the court that James Denby return said Negro to Bennitt Hilsman and the goods to be returned to Mary BakerJurors to view road turning by William Hills mill, John Massey, William Brickle, William Green, James Barrow, Christopher Strother, Jesse Bird, Needum Bird, Miles Rackley, James Marvary, Patwell Milner, James Denby, Thomas Nelms, William Denson
A deed from James Denby to James Walker was proved by the oath of Henry Hill Jr.
William Yeats of Franklin Co., to Elijah Denby of same 133 acres on east side of Buffalo Creek, joining John Rackley said Denby and the road (Note: Elijah Denby must have been 21 at this time)
Ordered that James Denby -exempt from listing and paying a poll tax for a Negro woman, Hester-- judged by the court to being over 50 years old
Ordered that Elijah Denby be appt overseer of the road from Buffelo to the Granary - keep the same in good repair with the hands of Joel Conyers, George & Wm Hunt, James Hunt Jr., Jacob Jones, Elias Stalllions, James Denby, Moses Babb, Jesse Bird, & Joshua Rackley
Deed of gift from James Denby to his grandchildren Jethro Bird, Susanna Bird, Bathsheba Bird, Mary Bird and Norfleet Bird, for love and affection
James Denby (2 males over 16, 3 males under 16,3 females, 11 slaves)------Elijah Denby is living next door
Elijah Denby of Caswell Co, NC to John Denby of Franklin Co,NC 133 acres in Frankin Co., beginning at John Rackley s, line on the east side of Buffalo Creek joining said Rackley s road and James Denby.Witnesses: Thomas Brickel, John Milner and David Mabry
Richard Browning of Franklin Co, NC to Elijah Denby of Persons Co, NC 474 acres in Franklin Co., joining Rackley, Stalling, Brinkley, Denson, Hunt, Byrd and Bonner- it being a tract of land conveyed to William Ward by Thomas Norfleet and wife.Witnesses: J. Gray, Thomas Lanier
James Denby, William May & his wife Penellopy, John Moody Jr, John Parker, Elijah Stallions, Stephen Williams - to appear in Robert Hightower vs Elias Stallions
Deed of gift from James Denby to his granddaughter Martha Eley
In the name of God Amen, I, James Denby of Franklin and State of North Carolina being in Health of Body and of Sound Mind and Memory (thanks to Almighty God) but calling to mind the mortality of the Body and the uncertainty of this present life do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner & form as followeth (Viz)Imprimis, I give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of my Gracious Lord who gave it me and my Body to the Earth to be Buried in a plain Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors, hereafter named Nothing Doubting at the General Resurrection. I shall Receive the Same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching my wordly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give Demise and dispose of in the following matter (Viz) first my will & desire is that those debts I in law of conscience owe be paid.
Item
I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Priscilla Denby one Negro man named Connon (?), one Negro boy named Bartley & one Negro girl named Amey. I also give to my aforesaid Daughter one Horse bridle and saddle, three cows and calves, one feather Bed and furniture, and the Ewes and lambs and two Sows & pigs. My Desire also is that my aforesaid daughter may have, occupy and enjoy the best Room of my Mansion House, for and during the time of Celibicy, or Single Life, but in case of aforesaid should die without lawful issue my will is that the above Negroes Lammon (?) and Bartley Shall Return to my family and to such of them as my Said Daughter may choose to give them.Item
I give & bequeath to my Beloved Daughter Keziah Byrd one Negro woman Sarah to her and her heirs forever.Item
I give & bequeath to my granddaughter Nancy Nazette Byrd one Negro girl named Penny to her and her heirs forever.Item
I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Barsheba Denby one Negro girl named Diasey to her and her heirs forever.Item
I lend to my beloved Son Elijah Denby (after the Death of my Wife Patience) during his natural life my land & plantation whereon I now live & after his decease I give and bequeath my plantation and all my land lying West of the Buffaloe old (?) field (to be divided by a North and South line) to his Son James Denby, & the Residue of my land East of the Aforesaid land I give and bequeath to his Son John Denby, to them their Heirs forever.Item
I lend to my beloved wife Patience Denby during her natural life my land and plantation wheron I now live as also all the Negroes that I have not already given away. Also the Stock of all kinds, Household furniture & plantation utensils, nothing of which is excepted but that which I have already given away, and after my wife's death my will and desire is that all the Negroes which I have lent her, be equally divided (by my Executors) between my son Elijah Denby, Josiah Eley, Council Jones & James Walker & the stock of all kinds, household furniture & plantation utensils that may be found at the death of my wife, I desire may be equally divided (by my extras) between Christiana Walker, Keziah Byrd, Charity Eley, Susanna Jones & Elijah Denby.Lastly I nominate and ordain Josiah Eley, Elijah Denby and Council Jones my whole and sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament utterly revoking & disannuling all other wills by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal this twenty fourth day of April A.D. one thousand Seven Hundred & ninety five.
Signed Sealed & Acknowledged in presence of us:
Wm. Lancaster
Jean Lancaster
James Denby (Seal) Wm. Andrews
*Tax List - (for Patience Denby) --shows 680 Acres, 3 black polls
--Widow Patience Denby (1 M born 1774-84; 1 F < 1755, 1 F born 1755-74)
