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Robert Singleton, husband of Sarah Crow

Proposed Singleton Lineage

Compiled by Judy Griffin, 2007 - email address

Robert Singleton (ca. 1556 - ) + Ann Southworth
...... 2 Robert Singleton (circa 1575 or 1590 - ) + _?_ Mary
.......... 3 John Singleton
.......... 3 William Singleton
.......... 3 Henry Singleton (1620 - ) + Susan Newman
................ 4 Robert Singleton ( - 1725) + (1) Sarah Crow, (2) Elizabeth Thornton
...................... 5 Susanna Singleton ( - 1724) + Thomas Smither
...................... 5 Robert Singleton (1687 - )
...................... 5 Joshua Singleton + Ann Gowen or Gower
............................ 6 Robert Singleton (1724 - 1760)
............................ 6 Sarah Singleton (1725 - 1775) + John Rust
............................ 6 Joshua Singleton (1727 - 1773) + Ann Samford
.................................. 7 Robert Singleton (1750 - 1781) + Drucilla Webb
.................................. 7 Fredric Singleton, killed in the Revolutionary War
.................................. 7 Ann Singleton + James Edmondson, Jr. ( - 1779)
.................................. 7 Joshua Singleton (1759 - )
.................................. 7 James Singleton (1762 - )
.................................. 7 John Singleton (1765 - )
.................................. 7 Samuel Singleton (1767 - )
............................ 6 Anne Singleton (1730 - 1730)
............................ 6 Stanley Singleton (1731 - 1794)
...................... 5 Mary Charlotte Singleton (1696 - 1789) + George Foster (see Foster-Haney history)
                Second wife of Robert Singleton (2) Elizabeth Thornton
...................... 5 Isaac Singleton (ca. 1702 - ) + Rebecca Robins
............................ 6 William Singleton ( - 1829)
............................ 6 Isaac Singleton
............................ 6 Thomas Singleton
............................ 6 Elizabeth Singleton + John Ransome
............................ 6 Jane Singleton + James Tatum
............................ 6 Joshua Singleton (1745 - 1833)
............................ 6 John Singleton ( - 1839) + Joicey Ransome
...................... 5 Averilla Singleton (daughter)

The Early Singletons of America (1)

“The Singletons are one of the oldest families in America, coming from England to the early settlements in Virginia. Henry Singleton arrived in the corporation of Elizabeth City, Virginia after 1616 and is thought to be the progenitor of this family. No age was given for him on the passenger record. A John Singleton, age 18, is said to have arrived about 1635 on the ship Thomas & John, and may have been a brother, son or other close relative of Henry.

“Elizabeth City Corporation was the area that is now the city of Hampton, Virginia. From there Henry moved up the Virginia Coast to settle in Gloucester County. Tradition says that Henry was above average in wealth, holding several hundred acres of land and building a mansion in the 1650s. Existing records show that between March and May of 1651 he patented 320 acres of land on the east side of the Eastermost River in Mobjack Bay in Gloucester County, Virginia. (2) Other records show an additional 400 acres purchased November 20, 1661, which also lay on the east side of the Eastermost River, and 300 acres purchased December 20, 1667 which was originally granted to Thomas Morgan in 1660 and bordered that of Henry’s 1651 tract. (3)

“These lands were located in Kingston Parish of Gloucester County, Virginia. In 1791 the entire area of Kingston Parish became Mathews County, Virginia. Henry’s land was located a few miles southwest of the present city of Mathews, Virginia. A visit to that area revealed that there are no gravestones in existence for that time period.

“Some researchers feel that Henry Singleton had a son named Joshua who was born and died in Gloucester County, Virginia. Most of the early records of that County have been destroyed or lost, so it is difficult to determine the genealogy with certainty. Joshua may be the father of the Henry, Samuel and Robert Singleton who in 1704 were taxed on 600, 300 and 650 acres, respectively, in Kingston Parish of Gloucester County, Virginia. This Henry and Samuel were brothers according to a 1687 land record. (4) Robert Singleton was probably also a brother. This Robert is the earliest ancestor that has been documented with any certainty.”

The Singleton line has been one of the most difficult to research. Not only did they often give their children the same names; but it is not certain if some of the later families in America belonged to Robert Singleton’s family line. The information below is sometimes conflicting and a fair amount is undocumented.

Singleton Family

“Among the Charter members of the Second London Company in 1609 was Mary Singleton Foster’s ancestor, Robert Singleton, . . . This Robert was an investor in the Company and probably never traveled to America. He was the father of three sons, John, William and Henry. Since William, known as William of Dublin, remained in Ireland, it is assumed that Robert and sons, John and Henry, emigrated from Ireland.” (5)

There is conflicting information on this Robert Singleton, born circa 1575 or 1590 in England, who was a subscriber and charter member of the second Virginia Land Company that arrived at Jamestown in 1608. (6) He is said to have been from Sussex County, England, possibly Singleton Parish and married Mary _?_ who was born circa 1599. His possible children were William, Henry and John. However, researcher Gary Singleton stated that Roberte Shingleton (later updated by Stith to Singleton) was one of the subscribers to The Second Charter of the Virginia Company of London, signed by the King on May 23, 1609. The said Charter had 659 men listed as subscribers, of which 96 were Knights, and Robert Singleton was not listed as one of the 96 Knights. Robert was a Citizen of London, not of Sussex and his Parish was Saint Mildreds in the Poultrey, not Singleton Parish. He died in 1612 leaving no direct heirs.

The father of the Robert Singleton born circa 1575 is said to have been Robert Singleton, born circa 1556 in Samlesbury, Lancashire, England. He married Ann Southworth, who was born circa 1550 in Samlesbury. His son is said to have been a Robert Singleton who married Mary, and had three sons: John, William, and Henry (possibly the grandfather of Mary Singleton).

Mary Singleton’s father, Robert, was a well-to-do plantation owner. (7) His father is said to be Henry Singleton, born circa 1620 in England and died in Gloucester County, Virginia, who married Susan/Ann Newman in 1651; and his grandfather may have been a Robert Singleton, born circa 1575 in England. Henry arrived in Virginia after 1616, as headright of John Graves of Elizabeth City. (8) He married Susan Ann Newman, who was born circa 1630 in England, the daughter of Thomas (born circa 1600) and Susanna Newman (born circa 1604).

In May 1651 a Henry Singleton patented 320 acres of land on the East side of the Eastermost River in Mobjack Bay, Gloucester Co., VA. He received his headright of 50 acres per person for paying passage for John Hilliard, Mark Nethrock, Thomas Newman and his wife Susanna, as well as their daughters Anne and Susan Newman. It appears that Henry married both daughters, Susan first. Henry enlarged his holdings with 400 acres in 1661 and 300 acres in 1667.

Robert Singleton

Robert Singleton (Henry³, Robert², Robert¹)was born in 1652 or 1667 in Gloucester County Virginia. (9) He may have been born circa 1650 and died in 1724. (10) He married Sarah Crow circa 1686 or 1688 in Elizabethon [sic?]. (11) There is an undocumented source that states an Elizabeth Sarah Crow, wife of Robert Singleton, was born in 1658 in Gloucester County and died in 1698 in Gloucester County. (12) Robert Singleton had extensive land holdings in early Virginia. He paid quick-rent on 650 acres in 1704 in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County. (13) He was listed on a tax list in 1704 in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County. By 1705 he was granted 600 Acres in Stafford County, Virginia. (14) It lay on the Occaquan River at the mouth of Sandy Run, three miles above the falls. At the present time this land is in Fairfax County, Virginia and is owned by and included in the area of the Fountainhead Regional Park.

Robert and his family lived on Winter Harbor in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia. This area is now Mathews County, and Winter Harbor is located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the county just to the east of the lands settled earlier by Henry Singleton. Robert left this Winter Harbor Plantation to his youngest son, Isaac Singleton. He signed his will in 1724 in Gloucester County, that named our Mary Singleton, the wife of George Foster. (15) The will of Robert Singleton of Gloucester County, transcribed by George H. S. King: (16)

“In the name of God Amen. I Robert Singleton being very sick &c; but in perfect sense and memory do make this my last will and Testament as Followeth.

Item: I give unto my loving son Joshua Singleton all my Lands in Richmond Count to him and his heirs forever and also I give unto my son Joshua Singleton three hundred acres of Land lying upon Ocaquan River in Stafford County and to have choice our of Pattent of six hundred acres which I have upon Ocaquan River and other three hundred acres belonging that Pattent. I give unto my two daughters Susannah, the wife of Thomas Smither and Mary, the wife of George Foster. I give it to them and their heirs forever and to be equally divided between them.

Item: I give unto my youngest son Isaac Singleton all my lands on Winter Harbour to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give unto my eldest son Robert Singleton Thirty pounds to be paid him in current Money out of my estate and my Executors is for to have the time for to raise the thirty pounds in Current Money between this date now Present the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty and one pay sooner if they can. I likewise do ordain that my cattle (only six steers to be chose out of them for the use and raising of my youngest children) the rest of my cattle, horses and sheep to equally divided amongst my and all my children.

Item: I give all my household goods that is my bedding, pewter, potts, kittles, still, sider cast, and all my goods whatsoever belonging to house or plantation two thirds parts to my son Isaac Singleton and other third part of my daughter Avrilla Singleton to them and their heirs forever.

Item: I give unto my son Issac Singleton two Negro men named Dick and Tony to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give unto my daughter Averilla Singleton and her heirs forever. Likewise my will is that no land shall be cleared belong to my home Plantation or timber wasted whilst my son Isaac Singleton is under age and I do desire that the fences about my orchards may be made good and threes kept from damage and likewise I desire that my houses may be kept in repair…my son Isaac Singleton is to possess his estate at age twenty one years of age and my desire is that my son Isaac Singleton shall be put to school until he comes to the age of fourteen or fifteen and then to be bound an apprentice to some good trade by my executors or trustees which shall have the keeping of my youngest children Isaac and Averilla and if my son Isaac shall die without lawful Heir of his body and then the Land aforementioned given to him shall fall to my eldest son Robert singleton and his heirs forever my wife holding the third part of the land during her life. My son Robert Singleton has already received two pounds ten shillings of the thirty pounds above mentioned.

Lastly, I appoint my well beloved friend Robert Smith and my loving wife Elizabeth Singleton to be my Executor and my loving wife Elizabeth Singleton to be my Executor and Executrix of this my last will and Testament. As Witness my hand seal this 15th day of April 1724.

Robert Singleton SEAL

Sign’d Sealed in the presence of: John Smith, John Foster, John Dicken. At a Court held for Glouster County on the 25th day of March 1725. This will was this day proved in open Court by oaths of John Smith and John Foster witnesses thereto and admitted to record and is recorded.

The transcription above may not be complete. Another researcher states that the youngest daughter, Averilla, received household goods and slaves and that four slaves were mentioned in the will.

On May 7, 1742 George and Mary (Singleton) Foster sold their 150 acres to John Gregg as recorded in Prince William County. In 1751 Susanna Smither, of Caroline County, and John Smither her son and heir-at-law, sold her part of the land. Joshua left his 300 acres to his sons, Robert and Stanley Singleton.

According to one researcher his first wife may have died in child birth, as did the child, and he had 6 or 7 children by his second wife. His middle name may have been Henry. Another researcher stated that at the time of his death, Robert had remarried and had two children by a second wife named Elizabeth. His first wife (Miss Crow) had four children, not in any order – Robert, Mary, Susuanna, and Joshua. His second wife Elizabeth’s children were Averilla and Isaac.

The following 1744 Fairfax County deed named some of Robert’s children, in particular our Mary Foster.

Indenture xvi day of May 1744 between Benjamin Addams and Elizabeth his Wife, sole Executrix of the Last Will and Testment of John Gregg, late of Hamilton Parish in County of Prince William, deced. and Charles Taylor, sells Plantation in Truro Parish in Fairfax County containing 150 acres purchased by John Gregg in his lifetime of George Foster and Mar { }, by Deeds of Lease and Release dated 21st and 22d May 1742, recorded in County of Prince William, part of a larger tract of land containing 600 acres late in the possession of Robert Singleton, lste of County of Gloucester, Planter, deced, who by his Last Will and Testament dated 15th April 1724 did devise unto his Son, Joshua Singleton 300 acres, other 300 acres to his Daugher, Susanna, Wife of Thomas Smither, and Mary Foster another Heir to be equally divided between them duly proved and remaining of Record in the County of Gloucester. (17)

According to the IGI for Gloucester County, Virginia, Robert Singleton and Sarah Crow had the following children:

• Robert Singleton was born in 1687 in Gloucester County. See below.

• Joshua Singleton was born circa 1690 in Gloucester County and died February 1 or 5, 1731/32 in Richmond County, Virginia. See below.

• Mary Singleton was born in 1696. She married George Foster circa 1720 in Fairfax or Gloucester County. (18) See Foster-Haney history.

• Susanna Singleton was born circa 1693 or 1700 in Gloucester County or Caroline County and died after 1751. She was a widow living in St. Mark’s Parish, Caroline County on October 28, 1751. She married Thomas Smithers by April 15, 1724 in Fairfax County, Virginia. (19) Thomas was born circa 1700 in Gloucester County. He was living in Gloucester County in 1740 and died by October 1751 in Caroline County. He is believed to have been a descendant of John Smither who had land patents on Garden Creek in Gloucester County in 1683 and 1687. Their children were: Susanna Smither; Thomas Smither; and John Smither was born by 1730 in Virginia. John was living in St. Mary’s Parish, Culpepper County, Virginia in October 1751.

After Sarah died, Robert is said to have married Elizabeth Thornton. Their children were:

• Averilla Singleton was listed on an Amelia County, Virginia tax list in 1787, one black and two heads of cattle. She was not listed as a tithable, probably because of her status as a widow. She is said to have married Richard Singleton. The son of Averilla was William, born on October 2, 1762 in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, baptized on October 24, 1762. He was listed on the 1787 Virginia tax list, surveyed on March 12, 1787, the same day as his mother. He was listed with two horses, mares, colts and two head of cattle. He could have been the William Singleton in the 1800 Kentucky Census, Bullitt County.

• Issac Singleton was born circa 1719 in Virginia and died circa 1803 in Gloucester County. See below.

Robert Singleton

Brother of Mary Singleton

Robert Singleton (Robert,⁴, Henry³, Robert², Robert¹) was born in 1687 in Gloucester County. Robert married Aves/Avis _?_, who was born circa 1700 and died after 1777 in Amelia County, Virginia. (20) It is important to note that one researcher has stated that the Robert Singleton, Jr., born circa 1687 in Gloucester County is not the same Robert Singleton who died on February 23, 1760 in Amelia County. The information below should be viewed with caution.

Robert was listed on a tax lists in 1746, 1747 and 1751 to 1756 in Amelia County, Virginia, described as between Flatt Creek and Appomatox River and/or above Flatt Creek, Notoway Parish. He owned 200 acres in Amelia County, probably near his brother James, as noted in an August 27, 1752 deed: Henry (X) Nelson of Nottoway Parish to Robert Singleton of Nottoway Parish. D. Aug. 27, 1752. Consid: 50 pounds. 200 acres on head branches of north fork of Sandy Creek, adj. lines of Dawson, John Hampton, & James Singleton. Wits: (none listed). Possession obtained by Robert Singleton on Aug. 27, 1752 & deed ordered rec. after Mary, wife of Henry Nelson, relinquished her right of dower.

He purchased 50 acres in 1754, Deed: John Hampton to Robert Singleton. Deed 3/28/1754. Consid: 7/5/0. 50 acres adj. line of Quarles, Sandy Creek, James Singleton & Robert Singleton. Wits: (none listed)

Robert signed his will on February 23, 1760 in Amelia County. Robert Singleton Est. I & A d. February 23, 1760, r. February 28, 1760, Appraisers. John Hampton, Stephen Howell, Benjamin Hawkins. Value 25 pounds, 7 shillings, 3 or 9 pence. (21)

Robert Singleton’s Will Inventory, An Inventory of the Estate of Robert Singleton Deceased Taken February 23rd 1760: (22)

Two Horses and 1 Saddle
Bells & reign
a Parcel of Leather
a Parcel of old Iron
a Parcel of Pewter1 Iron Pot & frying pan
a Parcel of Earthen Ware
1 Washing Tubb & 2 Trays
1 Pair of harness follow & Traces
6 head of cattle
2 Sows and nine Pigs
1 Bed furniture & Hide
1 Bed, bedstead, furniture & ford
a Parcel of Lumber
1 Chest
1 Iron Pot & frying pan
1 Piggen, 2 knives & 5 forks
1 Jugg & Cooking (unreadable)
a Parcel of Tobacco
1 Table 1 Box 1 Box Iron & (unreadable)

Given under our Hands the day & Date above Written. John Hamton, Stephen Howel, Benjamin Hawkins. At a court held for Amelia County the 28th Day of Feb. 1760. This inventory was returned and Ordered to be Recorded. Test (unreadable) Peachy

Just who these Robert Singletons, who were found in the records for 1743 and died circa 1743, was is not determined. Caroline County Court Order Books: 11 March 1743 Upon the petition of Eliza. Singleton and Mathew Singleton, orphans of Robert Singleton, they being this day admitted to choose a guardian, made choice of Robert Singleton, and Robert Singleton with Richard Hampton and Richard West his securities acknowledged their bond. Same day ordered Wm. Lawson, Wm. Lawson Jr., Charles Holloway and James Taylor divide the estate of Robert Singleton between the widow and children and also set apart the widow’s thirds. This Robert Singleton, who died in 1743, left an adult son, Robert, who became the guardian of his underage sister and brother, Elizabeth and (Col.) Matthew. Another researcher has stated that the Robert Singleton, Caroline County, who died in 1743 was the father of (Col.) Matthew, Christopher born 1737, Robert and Elizabeth. In the Order Books of Caroline County a Robert Singleton died before March 1743, leaving a widow (possibly Anne) and children: Robert born circa 1721, Elizabeth born circa 1725, Matthey born circa 1729, and Christopher circa 1735/37 - 1814. Also in March, or early April 1743 Action of detinue. Robt. Singleton agt. Daniel Farguson. Dismissed, being agreed. On 8 Apr. 1743 the report for dividing the estate of Robt. Singleton returned. Robert Singleton acknowledged his deed of sale indented to Richd. Hampton. Richard Hampton acknowledged his bond to Robert Singleton. 8 Apr 1743. Though both Elizabeth and Matthew Singleton have been listed as children of Robert and Aves/Avis Singleton.

The children of Robert and Aves/Avis were:

• Michael Singleton was born circa 1725 in Brunswick County, Virginia? He was excused from military duty in Brunswick County on June 23, 1757. He was living in Amelia County on April 13, 1761, the settlement of Samuel Jordan in will book 2x, page 6, #46 mentions Michael. He was listed on a tax list in 1762 in Amelia County. (23) He was the only Singleton listed in the tax list book for 1762. He was mentioned in a will settlement in Amelia County on September 26, 1765. He died after 1765. The connection as son of Robert is based on circumstantial evidence. He was in Amelia County at the right time and Robert was the only known head of family currently known.

• Elizabeth Singleton.

• Capt. Matthew Singleton married Mary James, the only daughter of Sherwood James, Sumter District, South Carolina. This Matthew Singleton is said to have been born circa 1730 in the Isle of Wight, England, the twin brother of Sarah. His birth date estimates range from 1718 to 1735 with most circa 1730. He emigrated in 1752 from Sumter County, South Carolina, Craven County at the time. Other families included the Moores and James came at the same time. The settlement was called the Virginia Colony. He was living in 1760 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. He was living in 1775 in Colonial Territory, South Carolina. He was elected as delegate in 1775 in District Eastward of Wateree and served in the first Provincial Congress which met in Charleston on January 11. They approved the Continential Association which was to be signed by by all the colonies. It was an agreement to stop trade in articles which were important to Britian. In St. Mark’s District the committee of 13 selected to enforce this included Matthew Singleton. This is the original roll of the volunteer company formed in St. Mark’s Parish, Colleton County in 1775: (24)

  “We The Subscribers Whose Names Are here Under Written do Volluntarely list & Inroll Our Selves In a Volluntur Company to be Commanded by Capt. Matthew Singleton, Isham Moore, John Singleton in the Parish of St. Mark’s subject to the resolves of the General Provinsial Congress & the Counsell of Safety for the service of the Collinies hereby to Act within this Collony & to be ready upon any & every Emergency when thereunto cauled by the Counsell of Safety and do hereby bind Our Selves in A band by all the Ties of religion & honour to be furm in Our duty to Our Officers And agree Willingly and Unanimously to be subject to the Act for Mutiny & dissertion as other Companies in like Surcomstances are so far to be Tried by our own Officers of ridgment & Companies to Which We belong in Witness Whereof We have hereunto set our hands this 26th day of August, 1775. Mathw Singleton, Isham Moore, John Singleton, William Williams, Charles Brunson, George Brunson, Mathew Brunson, John Malone, Edward Lane, John Foster, Joseph Singleton, William O’Harrow, Francis Martin, Thomas Wells, Joseph Rodgers, Jas. McCormick, Isaac Jackson, Henry Wheeler, Willis Ramsay, Billington Taylor, Robert Fleming Tynes, Thomas Jackson, Drury Fletcher, Josiah Dayle, Junr., Edward Hill, Samuel Dwill, Sabe Stom, John James, Joseph Hill, Thos. Moffett, William Brunson, Jacob Chambers, Daniel Jinnings, Peter Matthews, James Farmer, Jesse Temple, Caleb Gayle, Samuel Tynes, Rich Wills, Elliott Holaday, Richard Harvin, Epheram Petty Pool, junr., Jacob Brigman, James Brunson, Charles Goodwin, Hope Ridgeway.”

  According to one researcher Captain Matthew Singleton served with General Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox. Gen. Marion and his group hung out on Snow’s Island in the Peedee area. From the Sumter District book by Janie Revill, Matthew Singleton presented his petition of May 1, 1753 of Council Journal 21, page 408, “That the Petitioner is lately come into this Province to settle himself and family on, or near, the Waterees, or the waters thereof. That he has a wife, two children and two slaves for whom, nor yet for himself, has any land been given, and therefore he humbly prays his Excellency and their Honors to issue an order to the Surveyor General to give out his precept for laying out to the petitioner 300 acres of land on or near the Waterees, or the waters thereof, and that he may have a grant for the same, and the petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. Charles Towne, the 30 April, 1753, Matthew Singleton.” He was not a poor man when he came and, he established a place to race horses. He and his son John conducted a race track about 1780’s to 1790s.

• Richard Singleton, son of Robert, Jr., married Dorothy _?_. He died in 1853. They were the last Singleton owners of “Bloomsbury” at Ware Neck, Virginia. Richard Singleton owned most of the land on the eastern side of Ware Neck which bordered the North River. Prior to 1844 he donated the land for Singleton’s Chapel, now known as Singleton’s United Methodist Church at Ware Neck, Virginia. Some of his descendants are buried in the cemetery of this church. The original Singleton’s Chapel was built of logs and the pews were also of logs. The first Singleton to own property on Ware Neck was Issac Singleton (husband of Rebecca Robins, see below) who bought the Thomas Booth homestead on the north side of the Ware River in 1784. A few years later Robert Singleton, brother of Issac, bought the estate on the south side of the North River from James Morris called Bloomsbury, renamed Ditchley in 1863. Bloomsbury was owned by only two generations of Singletons – Robert and his son Richard, and wife Dorothy, from about 1788 to 1862.

• William Singleton.

• Edmund Singleton evidently lived in Orange County, Virginia. He was mentioned in records for 1781. In 1781, Ordered, agreeably to Act of Assembly for supplying army with clothes, provisions, and wagons, that each tithable person pay the sheriff seven pounds, current money, to purchase a wagon and team and hire a driver. This tax realized about $50,000, and the purchase was made and the outfit delivered to Benjamin Winslow, deputy commissioner. The sheriff was ordered to pay James Madison $6,500 for repairing public wagons, Benjamin Head $36,000 to purchase a wagon and team for the public, and Edmund Singleton $800 for collars for the team. (25)

Joshua Singleton

Brother of Mary Singleton

Joshua Singleton (Robert⁴, Henry³, Robert², Robert¹) was born circa 1690 in Gloucester County and died February 1 or 5, 1731/32 in Richmond County, Virginia. He married Ann Gower in 1722 in Richmond County, Virginia. Ann was the daughter of Stanley Gower. There was a Kathleen Taylor Anne Gower who signed a will in Richmond County in 1734. Joshua had a plantation in Richmond County on land that had been purchased by his father Robert Singleton of Gloucester County and bequeathed to Joshua in his 1724 will: (26) “I give to my loving son Joshua Singleton all my Lands in Richmond Co. to him and his heirs forever and also I do give unto my son Joshua Singleton three hundred acres of Land lying upon Ocaquan River in Stafford County and to have choice out of a Patent of six hundred acres which I have upon Ocaquan River and . . .” They resided in North Farnham Parish of Richmond County the land that Robert Singleton had purchased in 1711. Joshua was listed as a slave owner in 1730 in Richmond County. Joshua signed his will on December 28, 1732 in Richmond County, naming children Robert, Stanley, Joshua, Sarah and his wife Anne.

Joshua Singleton’s will was proved in court on the fifth of February 1732 (Richmond County Will Book 5, p.184). The Stafford County land on the Occaquan River, which Joshua had inherited from his father, was now in the newly formed Prince William County and was to be equally divided between sons Robert and Stanley. Joshua’s estate inventory shows a wealthy slave owner, with personal goods valued at 300 pounds. The children were young when Joshua died and he provided for their education. He stated that it was his will that his “three sons, Robert, Joshua and Stanley be kept in school till they are perfect readers in the Holy Bible and capable of writing a good, legible hand and proficient in Arithmetick as far as the rule of three.” Daughter Sarah was to “have one whole year’s schooling.”

Joshua Singleton, Lun. Par., will; 28 Dec 1732, 5 Feb 1732/33. Sons Robert and Stanley all land in Pr. William Co. lying on the branches of Occoquan; son Joshua the plant. where I now live in Rich. Co.; three sons to be kept at school til they are perfect readers in the Holy Bible and capable of writing a good, legibile [sic] hand and proficient in arithmatic as far as the rule of three; dau. Sarah to have one whole year’s schooling; ex: wife Anne; requests fr. Benjamin Rust to take care of chil. est; wits: John Spendergrass, Thomas Dickenson, Mary Thornton. (27)

Robert and Joshua, Jr. became surveyors and Robert’s name is found often in the old surveys of Fauquier County, Virginia. The occupation of a surveyor was normally reserved for the privileged gentleman who had an eye for speculative opportunities.

The children of Joshua and Ann were:

• Robert Singleton was born in 1723 in Virginia and died in 1781. He was a slave owner in 1773 in Richmond County.

• Sarah Singleton was born August 3, 1725 and was married by November 8, 1743 to John Rust. (28)

• Joshua Singleton, Jr. was born on July 23, 1727/8. (29) Joshua, Jr. received the home plantation and all of the Richmond County lands. He was married in 1749 to Ann Samford, the daughter of James and Mary (Barber) Samford. He died on the 20th of February 1773 in North Farnham Parish of Richmond County. Most of his children were under the age of twenty one when he wrote his will on August 17, 1772, probated on 3 March 1773. His eldest son, Robert was to care for the younger children. The children of Joshua, Jr. and Ann (Samford) Singleton were:

• Robert Singleton was born November 7, 1750 and died in 1781. He married Drucilla or Priscilla Webb. Information on his will, dated September 2, 1781, recorded August 5, 1782, was recorded in Frederick County, Virginia where James Singleton was living. Robert had a large family, the head of a family of six with 17 blacks in 1783. His son, James Cuthbert Singleton, was the only child mentioned in his father’s will. He derived the name Cuthbert from his uncle and godfather Cuthbert Webb.

  18 Oct 1786 – TO ALL to whom these Presents shall come be it known that, WHEREAS Robert Singleton late of Richmond County dec’d. in his last Will and Testament bearing date 2nd Sept. 1781 left the following clause viz: “And in case my said James should die before he attains to the age of twenty one Years or marries it is my Desire that my said wife (whom in a preceding Clause he calls Drusella Singleton) “have the use of the whole of my Estate during her Life and at her death the Land where on I live descend to my Brother James Singleton and his Heirs forever and the residue of my Estate to be equally divided between my Brother Joshua and Samuel Singleton and James Singleton” ... Under which Clause the said Drusilla widow and Relict of the said Robert Singleton stands possessed of the said Lands and Slaves for Life .... whereas several parties interested in the property disposed of in the aforesaid Clause are willing and desirous to compromise the matter that each shall have a certain and full property right ... It is agreed Between Drusilla Singleton of County of Richmond ... that she shall and will on the first day of Jan. next for consideration hereafter mentioned surrender yield up and quit claim to all the Lands and Also all and every of the Slaves and Increase which her said Husband dyed [sic] possessed of and she at the time held for Life under his Will ... And she said Drusilla Singleton doth further agree to pay to said Drusilla Singleton the sum of one hundred and eighty pounds in Gold coins ... Wit: William Barbey, Drusilla Singleton. (30)

  There was a marriage between a Drucilla Singleton and William Ball on July 18, 1790 in Frederick County and a William P. Ball and Elizabeth Singleton circa 1808.

• Fredrick Singleton inherited land in Lunenburg Parish and was killed in the Revolutionary war.

• Ann Singleton married James Edmondson, Jr. on April 19, 1775 in Richmond County. James died in 1779 in Essex County, Virginia with no children. Ann then married an Eppa/Epaphroditus Hubert on October 20, 1785 in Fauquier County.

• Joshua Singleton was born December 20, 1759. Joshua lived in Fauquier County, Virginia, later in Lunenburg County, Virginia and in Kentucky. Joshua inherited the home plantation.

• James Singleton was born on August 2,1762 and lived in Frederick County, Virginia. He was a General and a member of the Virginia legislature.

• John Singleton was born on January 3,1765. He was omitted from his father’s will and was likely dead by 1772.

• Samuel Singleton was born on January 16, 1767.

  Joshua and Samuel moved to Lunenburg County, Virginia where their father owned land. About 1789 they removed to Kentucky. Kentucky records show a large number of Singletons from Virginia who settled in Lincoln, Fayette, Jefferson and Jessamine Counties.

• Anne Singleton was born on August 27, 1730 in Richmond County, North Farnham Parish and died on November 15, 1730 in Richmond County. (31)

• Stanley Singleton was born on October 2, 1731 in Richmond County, North Farnham Parish and died circa 1794. (32) He was listed in the 1820 and 1840 censuses for Breckenridge County, Kentucky. He served in the military in Prince Edward County, Virginia, included in a list of claims which “ought to be allowed,” as a Trooper for 93 days service, Stanley Singleton. He was a fifer in the Revolutionary War, Virginia. He was listed in General Store records as living in Northern Virginia in the 1700s. His wife may have been a Nancy Winn and they may have had eight sons.

Isaac Singleton

Brother of Mary Singleton

Isaac Singleton (Robert⁴, Henry³, Robert², Robert¹) was born circa 1719 in Virginia and died circa 1803 in Gloucester County. He married Rebecca Robins, daughter of Col. William Robins and Elizabeth Coleman, after 1739 in Gloucester County. The IGI lists this marriage as 1736. In 1739 a Thomas Waring was listed as the guardian of Assas Singleton. (33) He was living in Gloucester County in 1782 when he was taxed on 92 acres. He was listed on the 1784 census for Gloucester County, listed with eight whites, one dwelling and six other buildings in Ware Parish. This 1784 census of Ware Parish, with Isaac’s family of eight, indicates that there were six children still at home. The 1787 Ware census has two males between 16 and 21 listed for Isaac.

In his will William Robins left acreage to his son-in-law Isaac Singleton. Sometime around 1783 or 1784 he apparently sold this property and purchased the Booth homestead in Ware Neck, across the river from Robins Neck. He died by 1804 when this property was divided amongst his heirs.

As noted above, in his father Robert Singletons’ will, Isaac was listed as his youngest son and was given all his lands on Winter Harbour and 2/3rds part of his household belongings. He also asked that no land be cleared or timber wasted on his home Plantation while Isaac was under age and the property was to be kept in good repair. Isaac was to possess the plantation upon becoming 21 years old, to be sent to school until 14 or 15, then bound an apprentice to a good trade.

In 1804 there is a record of a survey of Isaac Singleton’s land between John, Isaac, Thomas and William Singleton. Isaac’s children were named in their grandfather Robins’ 1782 will. The children of Isaac and Rebecca were:

• William Singleton died in 1829.

• Isaac Singleton.

• Thomas Singleton was born circa 1739 in Gloucester County. There was a Thomas Singleton listed in the St. Andrew’s Parish Vestry Book in 1760. (34) Thomas Singleton joined the Navy and died, probably in New Orleans, without issue. Thomas may have married an Elizabeth Eppes in 1785, Dinwiddie County. (35) In 1794 this Thomas was named in the estate of a Major William Eppes. In 1791 there was a connection with Benjamin Andrews and in 1796 with a John E. Lamb. At various times up to 1805 a Thomas B. Singleton conveyed land in the Dinwiddie area.

• Elizabeth Susan? Singleton. In a suit filed July 23, 1825 in Williamsburg, Virginia, “Ransome vs. Jones.” John Ransome married Elizabeth Singleton & James Tatum married her sister Jane.

• Jane Singleton married James Tatum.

• Joshua Singleton was born circa 1745 in Gloucester County. He served in the military in 1776 in Virginia. (36) He was a lieutenant in the Navy from 1776 to 1780, entering service as Lt. on the Galley Manly, then turned over to the Galley Henry commanded by Capt. Tomkies and lastly to the ship Dragon commanded by Capt. Markham. He was awarded 4,000 acres on the Dragon on September 12, 1779. He drew a pension of $288 per year. He signed a will on October 16, 1833 in Gloucester County. He died on October 22 or 29, 1833 in Gloucester County or Ware Neck, Virginia. He left no widow on his death and part of his estate went to Richard Singleton, his nephew. Will of Joshua Singleton:

  Give unto George Green and Claruisa Green 15 acres from the tract I now live to be laid of on Bent Point. To William Green the balance of my tract of land I now live during his life and then to his heirs. If he dies without lawful heir then to George and Claruisa Green. Negros Stump and Lavina lend to William Green then to George and Claruisa. 15 acres of my estate in upper part of this county to be sold and together with my pension money to pay my debts and funeral expenses. Balance to my nephew Richard Singleton. Personal estate to William Green. Appt. friend William K. Penn exor. 16 Oct 1833. Rec. 2 Dec. 1833.

  Note that one researcher stated that Lieutenant Joshua Singleton of Gloucester was probably not the son of Isaac Singleton & Rebecca Robins. When Joshua (S7510) applied for his military pension on 6 Aug 1832, he listed his age as 87, making his year of birth about 1745. Rebecca Robins was the daughter of Col. Wm Robins (1715-1786) and Elizabeth Coleman. William & Elizabeth were married on 1 Dec 1737, according to published Robins Genealogies and, if correct, Rebecca Robins could not possibly be the mother of Joshua (ca 1745-1833) of the Navy. Rebecca did have a son named Joshua, but he would have been born in the early 1770s.

• John Foster Singleton died in 1839 and married Joicey Ransome.

Ann Southworth, wife of Robert Singleton

The undocumented ancestors of Robert Singleton begin with the Robert Singleton who was born circa 1556 and died circa 1595 in Samlesbury, Lancashire, England. Robert married Ann Southworth who was born circa 1550 in Samlesbury, the daughter of John Southworth and Mary Aston.

According to one researcher, (37) John Southworth was born circa 1520 at Samlesbury and died on November 3, 1595 at Samlesbury. He married Margaret/Mary Ashton/Asheton on July 23, 1547 at St. Leonard’s, Middleton, England. Margaret/Mary was born circa 1525 in England, the daughter of Richard Asheton. Their children were: Thomas, born August 1561 at Wells, Somersetshire, England and died on November 30, 1616, married (1) Jane Mynne, (2) Rosamund Lister; Mary, married George Talbot; Jane; John; Margaret, married Bartholomew Hesketh; Richard; Christopher; Anne, married Robert Singleton; Gilbert; Leonard; and Stanley. Mary’s father, Richard Asheton was born circa 1500 in Middleton, Lancaster and buried on January 14, 1549. Richard’s father was Sir Richard Asheton, born circa 1475. He married Ann Foulhurst, who was born circa 1480.

The Southworth family of England has a long history. Most of the information on this family comes from Frederick Weis, Ancestral Root of Sixty Colonists Who Came to New England between 1623 and 1650.

John Southworth, Sir John Southworth was born in 1526 in Samlesbury and died on November 3, 1595 at Samlesbury. He was the son of Sir Thomas Southworth and Margery Boteler. He married Mary Asheton on July 23, 1547 at St. Leonard’s, Middleton, England. Sir John was knighted in 1547, was the high sheriff of Lancashire in 1562, a M.P. in 1566. He was commended for valor in the Scottish wars of 1557, owned vast estates; but he was land poor, imprisoned for harboring Catholic priests.

A possible brother of Ann Southworth, was the John Southworth who was born in 1592 in Lancashire and died in 1654 in Tyburn, England, buried in Westminster Cathedral.

Endnotes