Miscellaneous Early Via Records

Miscellaneous Early Via Records

The miscellaneous records are organized by VA county: Albemarle|Augusta|Buckingham|Franklin|Halifax|Hanover|Louisa|Unknown
TN counties: Rutherford
France: History of French given name of Aymer

Albemarle Co. VA

Religious petitions|Fredericksville Parish Vestry Records

1751
James Johnson and John Branch complain of John Via, that on 1 Dec 1751 he became in debt to them for goods, etc. Order to Sheriff of Bedford Co. to arrest Via in above suit, dated 16 Feb 175_
-- from p. 14, Albemarle Co. VA Court Papers 1744-1783 abstracted and compiled by Benjamin B. Weisiger III

1766
Francis Viah shows Robert Emperson is indebted to him. Order to arrest Emperson dated 13 June. Promissory note of Emperson to Francis Viah, dated 30 Jul 1766. Witness: David Laird
-- from p. 43, Albemarle Co. VA Court Papers 1744-1783 abstracted and compiled by Benjamin B. Weisiger III, Iberian Publishing Co., 1995

1788
Micajah Via signs a petition in Albemarle Co. for the issuance of paper money.  "We pray and wish you to emit as much paper money as will pay our domestic debt, and said money to be lawfull Tender, in all debts due and Demands whatsoever."
--from pp. 213-6, William and Mary Quarterly, Second Series, Vol. 2, Number 3, Jul 1922; thank to Judy Pons

1791
Micajah Via, Sr. appointed surveyor of the road from Mechums River at Roads Ford to run by John Rode's & McCullocks Mill to the Cove road above the mill with the following male laboring tythes for his gang:  Benjamin Clar, John Rodes, Maryan Turner, Daniel Maupin, Wade Via, Micajah Via Jr., Reverend Wm. Woods and Henry Mills.
--from Albemarle Co. Road Orders 1783-1816, Virginia Highway Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville,
VA, 1975; thanks to Judy Pons

1792
Micajah Via, Sr. appointed surveyor of the road from Moormans River, 600-700 yards above Robert McCullocks mill to the ford of Mechums River, below Johnb Rode's about 2-1/2 miles distance--"a bad road to keep in repair."
--from Albemarle Co. Road Orders 1783-1816, Virginia Highway Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, VA, 1975; thanks to Judy Pons

15 Aug 1799
Know all men by these presents that we Micajah Viar & William Viar of the County of Halifax hath made ordained Constituted and Appointed Chapman Poindexter of said County our true and lawful attorney for us and in our Name to contract Bargain Sell and Convey by deed in fee Simple Two Hundred Acres of Land by Estimation be the same more or less lying and being in the County of Albemarle on the North side of North Fork of James River opposite to the Mouth of Ivery Creek, it being the Land Will'd us by our Grand-father William Viar as will more fully appear by Will recorded in the county Court of Albemarle, as fully and effectually to all intents and purpose as if we were present hereby notifying and confirming whatever our said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done in or about the premises.  In Witness whereof we have here unto set our hand and seals this 15th Day of August 1799.

Micajah Viar (his mark)
William Viar (his mark)

Teste
Geo Predy
Epas. Sydna
William Adams

Virginia, Halifax County
I John Wimbush Clerk of the County Court aforesaid Certify that William McDaniel and William Hudson Gent before whom the annexed Power of attorney was acknowledged and whose signatures are affixed to the Certificate of Acknowledgment thereon endorsed, are Acting Justices of the Peace in and for the said County to whose official acts, all due faith and credit is, and ought to be given.

In Testimony whereof I have signed the Certificate and caused the seal of the said County Court to be affixed at office this 27th day of August in the year of our Lord Christ 1799 in the 14th year of the Commonwealth.

John Wimbush       CHC

We William McDaniel and William Hudson of Halifax County do hereby certify that the within named Maccajah Viar and William Viar acknowledged the within Writing to be their act for the purpose Contained therein.  Given under our hands this 26th Day of August 1799.

William McDaniel
William Hudson
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

9 Mar 1803
To the Worshipful Court of Albemarle County now sitting in Chancery Thomas C Fletcher of the said county complaining sheweth unto the court, that sometime in the spring of the year 1799 a certain Chapman Poindexter of the County of Halifax, who alleged that he was duly authorized by a Certain Micajah Via, of the same county, to make sale of a tract of Land in the County of Albemarle entered into a contract your Orator for the sale of One Hundred Acres more or less part thereof for the Sum of Ninety Pounds, Ten pounds of which was paid in hand and for the balance your orator entered into two separate bonds of Forty five pounds which payable at distant periods; that at the time of the contract the said Poindexter produced a power of attorney from the said Via, which not being authenticated as required by law, it was agreed, that one more formal should be exhibited at the time of executing the deed and be entered of record with the deed itself; that a certain Phillip Day, having purchased another part of the same Land insisted on having the power of attorney annexed to his deed which was accordingly done, and in a deed made by the said Poindexter to your orator which is hereto annexed as part of this Bill reference is made to said Power of attorney as being annexed to the deed of the said Phillip Day; the said Phillip Day having cancelled the contract made with the said Poindexter neither the said deed nor power of attorney has ever been committed to record, nor is there any thing, to shew that the said Poindexter had any authority to sell and convey the said land.  Your orator further sheweth that not having had an opportunity of consulting counsel, at the time the deed has made from the said Poindexter to him they were both ignorant of the forms proscribed by Law in which conveyance of that kind ought to be made, but having since obtained advise of counsel he is assured that the deed itself is quite informal and insufficient to convey the title intended to pass. Your orator also sheweth that having since sold the land the purchaser's dissatisfied with the title which is likely to involve him in serious difficulties, unless a title can be provided in the form directed by law.  He also sheweth that a suit has been instituted on his bonds in the court and judgment obtained on one of them to injoin which, till a title can be procured by a decree of the court or otherwise is object of the present bill.  Your orator expressly avers that in applying to the court for their interposition he neither wishes to avoid the contract nor to procrastinate the payment of the money further than a regard to his own safety renders unavoidable.  He therefore prays that the said Via & Poindexter may true answer to make to the foregoing allegations & may be coupled by the decree of the court, to convey to him by proper and legal conveyance a fee simple estate in the said land agreeable to the original contract, and in the mean time that all further proceedings in the said judgment may be stayed till your orator can be fully heard in equity, All which &c intended consideration &c.  To the end & c.  May it please &c.

Wm W Hening for complt

Albemarle County to wit
This day Thomas C Fletcher came before me a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid and made oath that the foregoing bill contained the truth.
Given under my hand this 9th day of March 1803.

A Copy Teste

John Nicholas   CHC
Sworn to in open Court the 10th of March 1803.

John Carr  DC
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

19 Mar 1803
Know all men by these presents, that we Thomas C. Fletcher, Whittika Carter, Minan Mills are held and firmly bound unto Chapman Poindexter in the just and full sum of one Hundred & fourteen pounds five shillings & two pence to be paid unto the said Chapman Poindexter his executors, administrators, or assigns; to which payment, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.  Sealed with our seals, and dated this 19th day of March in the year of our Lord 1803.

The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas Thomas C Fletcher hath obtained from the county court of Albemarle an Injunction to stay all further proceedings on a judgment obtained in the said court by the said Poindexter against the said Fletcher and costs of suit, until the further order of the said court.  Now if the said Thomas C Fletcher shall well and truly pay and satisfy the said Chapman Poindexter the judgment and costs aforesaid, and such other costs as shall be awarded against him in case the injunction aforesaid shall be disolved; then the above obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.

                      Tho C Fletcher
                      Minan Mills
                      Benjamin Cave
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

6 Jun 1803
The separate answer of David Anderson to a Bill of complaint exibited against himself & others in the Court of Albemarle County by Thos C Fletcher Comptl.  This respondent for answer to the said Bill or so much thereof as he is advised it is material for him to answer unto answereth & sayeth That he as agent for Mr William Galt is entitled to receive the amount of the Judgment recovered by Poindexter against the sd Thomas C Fletcher which judgment the sd Fletcher has by his Bill aforesaid injoined.  That as to the contract for the lands mentioned in the complainants Bill he knows nothing more of it than what appears upon the face of the Deed & other papers relative thereto __ to any defects in the said Deed of the sd Poindexter to the sd Fletcher either in form or substance, this respondent supposes that the sd complainant cannot avail himself so as to authorize withholding payment of the Judgment aforesaid inasmuch as the sd Deed was of the sd Complts own inde_ing as this respondent is explained & believes.  And the respondent further answering sayeth that not since the exibition of the sd Complaint's Bill, he this respondent has procur from a certain Charles Goodman in who's hands it had been lodged for safekeeping the Power of Attorney under which the sd Poindexter sold the lands aforesaid to the complainant, & hath had the same recorded in this court.  This respondent therefore supposing that the sd Complainants title to the lands aforesaid is either full & complete, or if not so that it is a consequence growing out of his the complainants own act, prays that he the sd complainants Injunction may be dissolved & that this respondent may have the benefit of the Judgment of law aforesaid & be hence dismissed with his costs.

B. Brown for resp

Albemarle County
This Day David Anderson personally appeared before me Edward Garland a Justice of the Peace & made oath to the foregoing answer according to Law given under my hand this 6th June 1803.

Edward Garland
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

24 Dec 1803
This Indenture made this 24th day of December 1803 between Micajah Via of the County of Halifax of the first part, Chapman Poindexter of the said County of the second part and Thomas C Fletcher of the County of Albemarle of the third part Witnesseth That whereas the said Micajah Via in the year 1799 being seized and possessed of a Certain Tract of Land laying in the said County of Albemarle which he was desirous of Selling, he the said Micajah on the 15th day of August in the year 1799 executed to the said Chapman Poindexter a Power authorizing him the said Chapman as his Attorney in fact to make sale of the said Tract of Land and to execute the necessary Conveyance or Conveyances to pass the fee simple right to the said Land to whomsoever he might sell the same; and whereas the said Thomas C Fletcher became the purchaser from the said Chapman Poindexter of One Hundred Acres part of the said tract, for which, he the said Chapman executed a Deed of Bargain and Sale to him the said Thomas C Fletcher  bearing date the 9th day of September 1799 and which is now of record in the County Court of Albemarle and whereas doubts have arisen as to the vallidity or sufficiency of the said Thomas C Fletcher's title to and in the said One Hundred Acres of Land so as aforesaid conveyed by the said Chapman Poindexter to him the said Thomas C Fletcher shall have a good and perfect title in fee simple to and in the aforesaid One Hundred Acres of Land so as aforesaid sold and Conveyed to him by the said Chapman Poindexter.  This Indenture witnesseth That they the said Micajah Via and the said Chapman Poindexter for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred pounds to them in hand paid by the said Thomas C Fletcher at or before the ensealing and delivery of the se presents the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, have granted bargained and Sold, __ released and forever quit claimed, and by these presents do Grant Bargain and Sell, Re__ Release and forever quit claim to the said Thomas C Fletcher his Heirs and assigns forever all and every part and parcel of the said one Hundred Acres of Land so Sold and conveyed as aforesaid by the said Chapman Poindexter to the said Thomas C Fletcher.  That is to say One Hundred acres more or less laying on the Rivanna River in Albemarle County adjoining the lands of John Beaver, Joseph Hackley and William Via and given to the said Micajah Via by the Will of his Grand Father as will more fully appear by the records of the County Court of Albemarle.  To have and to hold the said Tract or parcell of Land together with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said Thomas C Fletcher his Heirs and assigns forever.  And the said Micajah Via and the said Chapman Poindexter doth hereby Covenant to and with the said Thomas C Fletcher his Heirs and assigns as followeth.  That is to say That he the said Micajah Via for himself his Heirs and assigns will do and shall forever warrant and defend to the said Thomas C Fletcher his Heirs and assigns the Tract or Parcel of Land aforesaid with its appurtenances against the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whatsoever.  And the said Chapman Poindexter that he doth shall and will for himself his Hiers and assigns forever warrant and defend to the said Thomas C Fletcher his heirs and assigns the said Tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances against the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whatsoever claiming by thru or under him.  In witness whereof they the said Micajah Via and Chapman Poindexter have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written in the presence of us.

Wm Hudson
Micajah Viah      (his mark)
Wm Cole
Chapman Poindexter (his mark)
Marbell Camden

At a court held for Halifax County the 26th day of December 1803

The foregoing Indenture was presented in court and proved by the oaths of William Hudson, William Cole and Marbell Camden to be the several act and deed of the said Micajah Viah and Champan Poindexter and Ordered to be Certified, that the same may be entered of record in the County court of Albemarle.

   Teste     John Wimbish    CHC

Jan 2d 1804 duly Certified & to be recorded.
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

24 Dec 1803
The separate answer of Chapman Poindexter to a Bill of Complaint exhibited against himself and Micajah Via in the County Court of Albemarle by Thomas C Fletcher. This respondent for answer to the said Bill or to so much thereof as he is advised it is material to him to answer unto. Answereth & Sayeth that it is true that he sold to the Complainant the Lands in his Bill mentioned by virtue of a written power made by the said Micajah Via to him for that purpose which power was at the time of the sale shewn to him the said Thomas C Fletcher and with the sufficiency of which he expressed entire satisfaction and in pursuance of the Sale aforesaid this repondent executed to the sd Complt a Deed dictated and written to the sd Complainant himself, and what was deemed by both parties as being amply sufficient to pass the fee simple right to the land therein mentioned, and this respondent further sayeth thatif there is any defect in the title of the complainant to this said land, it is unknown to the respondent as he done every thing required by the complainant to be done on his part at the time of executing the Contract. And this respondent further sayeth that the annexation of the power of attorney aforesaid to the Deed which was made to Day was done with the knowledge and consent of the complainant.  This respondent further Sayeth that he hath neither Sold or conveyed or Contracted to Sell or convey to any person whatsoever any title or Interest whatsoever to or in the Said 100 acres of Land or any part thereof Since the Sale made of the Same to the complainant and denying all fraud hopes hence to be dismessed with his costs. This respondent further Sayeth that the Power of Attorney was put in the hands of Charles Goodman with the knowledge and consent of the complainant.

Chapman Poindexter (his mark)

Sworn to before me Wm Hudson a juctice of the peace for the County of Halifax this 24th Day of December 1803.

William Hudson
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

24 Dec 1803
The separate answer of Micajah Via to a Bill of Complaint exhibited in the County Court of Albemarle against himself and Chapman Poindexter.  This respondent for answer to the said Bill or to so much thereof as he is advised it is material for him to answer unto. Answereth & sayeth That it is true that he authorized the said Chapman Poindexter to sell for him the land in the Complainants bill mentioned, & for that purpose made the sd power of attorney to the sd Chapman which what he at the time thought amply sufficient. That the said Poindexter informed this respondent of the sale and conveyance which he had made to the complainant, and which the respondent thought amply sufficient to vest a full & perfect title to the said Land in the sd Complaint.  This respondent further sayeth that he never untill now knew that the complainant was dissatisfied with his title to the said land, that had it been made known to him, he should at all timess been ready and willing to have executed any Deed or other conveyance to the said Complainant for further assuring his title to the said lands.  This respondent further sayeth that considering that he had fully & fairly departed with his title to the said land, he has never since the execution of the power to the sd Chapman Poindexter, in any manner Sold or Conveyed or bargained concerning the sd land with any person or persons whatsoever. This respondent further sayeth not but prays &c.

Micajah Vier   (his mark)

Sworn to before me Wm Hudson a Justice of the peace for the County of Halifax this 24 day of December 1803.

Wm Hudson
--Library of Virginia, Chancery Cases, Albemarle County, Virginia, Index Number 1805-025

5 Nov 1806 Micajah Via resigned his office of Constable in Albemarle Co. (from an Order Book)

6 Nov 1807 "Ordered that the overseers of the poor of this County bind out John via, son of Mary Via, to Joseph Bishop until he arrives to the age of twenty-one years." (Order Book 1807-1809, part 1)  -- submitted by Brenda Clark

8 Sep 1813 It is ordered that the following hands (and others who may hereafter reside on the plantations on which the said hands are now employed) be the gang directed to work under John Rodes who is appointed Overseer of the road from Mechums River to McCullocks Mill dam to wit Matthew Roder Jr. Per list Matthew Rodes William Rogers David Owens William Watson, Elijah Garrison, Robert & Matthew Turner Frederick Lewis Richard Via Obediah Via Wade Via and Pleasant Via.
--Albemarle County Road Orders 1783-1816, by Nathaniel Mason Pawlett, Virginia Highway & Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, Virginia, December 1975, as determined from Albemarle Co. VA Order Book 1813-1815, pg. 189

7 Oct 1822 Menoah Via appointed guardian of Mary Ann Garrison, his niece and daughter of John Garrison.  Security given by Matthew Turner.

19 Jul 1828 Micajah Viar had a letter left in the post office (from advertisement in the Virginia Advocate--Charlottesville newspaper)

Religious Petitions
November 1, 1776     Albemarle, Amherst Dissenters for disestablishment and religious equality (Library of Congress; submitted by Judy Pons) [This petition was signed by Micajah Via]

To the Honourable, the Delegates & Senators, Representatives of the Common Wealth of Virginia assembled at the City of Williamsburg.

The Memorial & Petition of the Dissenters from the Church of England, & others, in the Counties of Albemarle and Amherst, humbly __

That your Memorialists have never been on an equal footing with the other good People of this Colony, in respects of religious Priviledge having been obliged by Law to contribute to the Support of the established Church, while at the Same Time they were moved from a Principle of Conscience to support that Church of which they called themselves Members:  Yet, in as much as this was the Mode of Government, established, either when they came into the Colony, or being Natives, when they became Dissenters from the Church of England, for the sake of good Order they have patiently submitted to their Grievences, continuing to be peacable & Loyal Subjects, always ready & willing to stand up with the foremost, in the support of Government & in the Defense of the just Rights & Property of the Subjects.

That when it became necessary, that the Form of Government should now be moddeled, in consequence of our having thrown off our Dependance, on the Crown & Parliament of great Britan, Your Memorialists flattered themselves, that this Form of Government, that would secure just & equal Rights to the Subject, would be the Choice of every Individual, both from the Consideration of the Justice, & good Policy that would be contained in it, and also from the Consideration that, by Join'd and strenous Endeavours of every one our Liberty, our, all __ be defended against the unjust violators, thereof & that therefore all should enjoy equal Priviledge.

That your Memorialists cannot disguise their real Concern to observe, that instead thereof there are many who are still violent for a re establishment of the Episcopal Church, and to have been informed, that to the End, there are sundry Petitions about to be presented to the House, signed by the Bulk of the People nor can they forbear signifying to this Honourable House their  __ of the great Iniquity, contained in the Establishing of any one religion Denomination of People worshiping the same God, and all strugling in the same common Cause, in preferences to all others and that all and every other religious Sectary should be obliged to contribute to the support of that Church, thus established, when it is with the greatest Difficulty that they can support publick Worship in that Way and manner that they rather choose.  Your Memorialists judge however, that they may rest quite easy, on refering it to the known Wisdom, Candour & Integrity of this Honourable House, how for such Petition should be heard & granted & also how for such a Mode of Government should be established.

Your Memorialists conceive that to put every religious Denomination on an equal footing to be supported by themselves in dependent of one another would not only be a reasonable & just Mode of Government, but, would certainly have an happy Influence, on the greater Purity of the several Churches; on their __ __ and friendly Intercourse with each other; on suppressing any thing like Feuds & Animosities amongst the People, and on attaching all of every denomination to Governt

Such a Form of Government is all that your Memorialists Desire, and what they Pray this Honourable House for, nor can they doubt of obtaining this, or any other reasonable Request from a Body so respectable, whom we trust have the equal Happiness of their Constituents in particular, and of the Common Wealth in general as their highest Motive.

That all propitious Heaven may inspire this Hon: House with Wisdom equal to the Importance of the Business devoted upon them & that this Common Wealth may become the Envy of the Nations & the Glory of the World, shall ever be the ardent wish of your Memoralists and humble Petitioners.

20 Oct 1785 Another religious freedom petition signed by Micajah Via (Library of Congress; found by Judy Pons; transcribed by Earl Marshall) [This petition was signed by Micajah Via]

To the Honble the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia
A Memorial and Remembrance.
    We the subscribers, inhabitants of Albemarle county, having taken into serious consideration a Bill printed by order of the last Session of General Assembly, entitled, "A Bill establishing a provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion"; and conceiving that the same if finally armed with the sanctions of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power, are bound as faithful members of a free State to remonstrate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determined.  We remonstrate against the bill
    Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that Religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence".  The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it, as these may dictate.  This right is, in its nature an unalienable right.  It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the existence contemplated by their own minds, cannot follow the dictates of other men.  It is unalienable also; because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator.  It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only, as he believes to be acceptable to him.  This duty is precedent both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society.  Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe; And if a member of Civil Society, who enters into any subordinate Association, must always do it with a reservation of his duty to the General Authority; much more must every man, who becomes a member of an particular Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign.  We maintain, therefore, that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society, and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance.  True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority.
    Because, if Religion be exempt from the authority of the Society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the Legislative Body.  The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former.  Their jurisdiction is both derivative and limited.  It is limited with regard to the co-ordinate departments: more necessarily it is limited with regard to the constituents.  The preservation of a free Government requires, not merely that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power, be invariably maintained; but more especially, that neither of them be suffered to overlap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people.  The Rulers, who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants.  The people who submit to it, are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves.
    Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties.  We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution.  The freemen of America did not wait till Usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents.  They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle.  We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it.  Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity in exclusion of all other Religions that the same authority which can force a Citizen to contribute three pence only of his property, for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment, in all cases whatsoever.
    Because the Bill violates that equality which ought to be the basis of every law, and which is more indispensable, in proportion as the validity or expediency of any law is more liable to be imp___ed.  "If all men are by nature equally free and independent;" all men are to be considered as entering into Society on equal conditions, as relenquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, one than another, of their natural rights.  Above all, are they to be considered as retaining an "equal title to the free exercise of Religion according to the ___ of conscience".  Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us.  If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man: To God therefore, not to man must an account of it be rendered.  As the Bill violates equality by subjecting some to peculiar burdens; so it violates the same principle by granting to others peculiar exemptions.  Are the Quakers and Mononists the only Sects who think a compulsive support of their Religions unnecessary and unwarrantable?  Can their piety alone be entrusted with the care of public worship?  Ought their Religions to be endowed above all others with extraordinary privileges, by which proselytes may be enticed from all others?  We think too favorably of the justice and good sense of these denominations to believe that they either covet preeminences over their fellow Citizens, or that they will be seduced by them from the common opposition to the measure.
    Because the Bill implies, either that the Civil Magistrate is a competent judge of Religious truth, or that he may employ Religion as an engine of Civil policy.  The first is an arrogant pretension, falsified by the contradictory opinions of Rulers in all ages and throughout the world: the second, an unhallowed perversion of the means of Salvation.
    Because the establishment proposed by the Bill is not requisite for the support of the Christian Religion.  To say that it is, is a contradiction to the Christian Religion itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the powers of this world: it is a contradition to fact; for it is known that this Religion both existed and flourished, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them; and not only during the period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence: nay it is a contradiction in terms, for a Religion not invented by human policy must have preexisted and been supported, before it was established by human policy: it is moreover to weaken in those who profess this Religion a pious confidence in its innate excellence and the patronage of its Author; and to foster in those who still reject it, a suspicion that its friends are too conscious of its fallacies, to trust it to its own merits.
    Because experience witnesses that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation.  During almost fifteen Centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial.  What have been its fruits?  more or less, in all places pride and indolence in the Clergy; ignorance and servility in the Laity; in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution.  Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre.  Those of every Sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with civil policy.  Propose a restoration of this primitive state, in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks; many of them predict its downfall.  On which side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?
    Because the establishment in question is not necessary for the support of Civil Government.  If it be urged as necessary for the support of Civil Government, only as it is a means of supporting Religion, and it be not necessary for the latter purpose, it can not be necessary for the former.  If Religion be not within the Cognizance of Civil Government, how can its legal establishment be said to be necessary to Civil Government?  What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society?  In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyrrany on the ruins of Civil Authority; in many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyrrany; in no instance have they been seen the Guardians of the liberties of the people.  Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty may have found an established Clergy, convenient auxiliaries.  A just Government instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not.  Such a Government will be best supported by protecting every Citizen in the enjoyment of his Religion, with the same equal hand that protects his person and his property; by neither invading the equal rights of any Sect, nor suffering any Sect to invade those of another.
    Because the proposed establishment is a departure from that generous policy, which offering an asylum to the persecuted and oppressed of every nation and Religion, promised--a lustre to our Country and an accession to the number of its Citizens.  What a melancholy mark is the Bill of sudden degeneracy.  Instead of holding forth an Asylum to the persecuted it is itself a signal of persecution.  It degrades from the equal rank of citizens all those who opinions in Religion do not bend to those of the Legislative Authority.  Distant as it may be, in its present form, from the Inquisition, it differs from it only in degree.  The one is the first step, the other the last, in the car___er of Intolerance.  The magnanimous sufferer under this cruel scurge in foreign regions must view the Bill as a beacon on our Coast, warning him to seek some other haven, where liberty and ___ ___ in their due ___ ___ ___tain repose from his troubles.
    Because it will have a like tendency to banish our Citizens.  The allurements presented by other situations, are every day thinning their number.  To superadd (sic) a fresh motive to emigration, by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing Kingdoms.
    Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony which the forebearance of our laws to intermeddle with Religion has produced among its several Sects.  Torrents of blood have been spilt in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm to extinguish religious discord by proscribing all differences in religious opinion.  Time has at length revealed the true remedy.  Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to assuage the disease.  The American theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and compleat liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently destroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State.  If with the salutary effects of this system under our eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of religious freedom, we know no name that will too severely reproach our folly.  At least let warning be taken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation.  The very appearance of the bill has transformed that "Christian forbearance, love and charity" which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities and jealousies which may not soon be appeased.  What mischiefs may not be dreaded should this enemy to the public quiet be armed with the force of a Law?
    Because the policy of the Bill is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity.  The first wish of those who enjoy this precious gift ought to be, that it may be imparted to the whole race of mankind.  Compare the number of those, who have as yet received it, with the number still remaining under the dominion of false Religions, and how small is the former?  Does the policy of the Bill tend to lessen the disproportion?  no: it at once discourages those who are strangers to the light of truth, from coming into the region of it; and countenances, by example, the nations who continue in darkness, in shutting out those who might convey it to them.  Instead of levelling as far as possible, every obstacle to the victorious progress of truth, the Bill with an ignoble and unchristian timidity, would circumscribe it, with a wall of defense against the encroachments of error.
    Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to so great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society.  If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case where it is deemed invalid and dangerous?  And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government on its general authority?
    Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy, ought not to be imposed, without the clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of Citizens; and no satisfactory method is yet proposed, by which the voice of the majority in this case, may be determined, or its influence secured.  "The people of the respective counties are indeed requested to signify their opinion respecting the adoption of the Bill to the next Session of Assembly."  But the representation must be made equal, before the voice, either of the Representatives or of the Counties, will be that of the people.  Our hope is that neither of the former, will after due consideration, espouse the dangerous principle of the Bill.  Should the event disappoint us, it will still leave us in full confidence, that a fair appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our liberties.
    Because, finally, "the equal right of every Citizen to the free exercise of ___ Religion according to the dictates of Conscience," is held with the same ?tenure? with all our other ___.  If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance it cannot be less dear to us; if we consult the Declaration of those Rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia as the basis and foundation of Government, "R it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather with studied emphasis.  Either then we must say, that the will of the Legislature is the only measure of their authority; and that, in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away ___ our fundamental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred:  Either we must say that they may controul(sic) the freedom of the press; may abolish the trial by Jury; may swallow up the Executive and Judiciary powers of the State; nay, that they may annihilate our very right of suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary Assembly; or we must say that they have no authority to enact into a law, the Bill under consideration.  We the subscribers say that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority; and that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous a usurpation, we oppose to it this Remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may, on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative or violate the trust committed to them and, on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his blessing, may redound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly to the liberties, the prosperity, and the happiness of the Commonwealth.


Vestry Book of Fredericksville Parish
For a list of early processioning records, please goto Processioning Records.

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish September 2nd 1772 On the motion of William Via in behalf of his helpless Parents. 'tis agreed by this Vestry that he be allow'd one thousand pounds of Tobacco annually for their support.

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish Novr 30th 1772 To William Via for services to his parents from 2nd Septr. at two pr. annum being 3 ms 250 Lbs of Tobacco

1774 November 28th To Wm. Via for services to his parents 1000 Lbs. To William Martin for paying Wm. Via for the year 1773

At a Vestry held at Charlottesville 9th day of May 1776 To William Via for services to his parents 1000 Tob.

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish at William Tinsleys March ye 24th 1777. To Wm. Via for services to his parents 12 ms. 1000 lbs of Tobacco

At a vestry held for Fredericksville Parish at Will'm. Tinsley's June 30th 1777 To William Via for keeping his Father & Mother one year to commc. from the 1st Jany 1777. 14.

1777 December 17th At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish at the Poor House this day. To William Via for keeping his Father & Mother 1 year to commence as above (1st January 1778) 17.10

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish at Stephen Jame's Feby 15th 1779 To William Via for keeping his Mother 1 year comming from the 1st Jany. last finding her provisions 45.

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish at the Widow Fargusons September 8th 1780. To William Via for his support to the 1st Jany. next. 100.

1781 Feby 15 At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish the 26th of Feby 1781 at Charlottesville. To William Via for do. do. (his support) 600

At a Vestry held for Fredericksville Parish the 18th April 1782 To William Via Senr one year 6.

Augusta Co. VA

25 Nov 1760
A Grand jury being this day impannelled the Court appointed John Micky Foreman who was Sworn and then the rest of the Jury to Wit Robt Embry, Henry Ford, Bicknal Alverson, Wm. Johnson, Will. Hendrick, Stepn Bourn, Jno Freeman, Jno Gilbert, Willm White, Wm Robinson & Hez Rice, Edmd Stringer, David Via, Richd Cory, Alex Freeman & Philip Thurman & having recd their Charge withdrew and made a Presentmt and were discharged.

19 May 1767 Augusta Co. Court Order Minutes, p. 65, 134.  Joseph Bousant to be summoned to show why he retains William  Via, son of Frances Via (Viges).

24 Nov 1767 Augusta Co. Court Order Minutes, p. 483.  Order summoning Joseph Bonsant, on complaint of Frances Viers, is dismissed.

18 May 1768 Augusta Co. Court (Chalkley's Abstracts of Augusta County Records, vol. 3, p. 149) "Robert Via aged 6 year, on the sixth of this month, son of David Via deceased, to be bound out."

21 Mar 1769 (Chalkley's Abstracts of Augusta County Records, vol. 3, p. 154) Mildred Viers was ordered to be bound to John Campbell, Elizabeth Viers to Robert Campbell, Gideon Viers and David Viers to David Laird.

22 Aug 1770 Francis Viers is bankrupt (Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish, p. 494)

Buckingham Co. VA

October 17, 1787...A second petition requesting the Glebe in Tillison Parish be sold and proceeds used for the benefit of all rather than for the exclusive use of Episcoplians.

Signed by Berry Via (and several others)

--Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume XXVIII, Number 2, May 1, 1900; thanks to Judy

7 Nov 1791
A number of Freeholders in Buckingham County show the General Assembly of Virginia that an Inspection of tobacco at the mouth of Bent Creek in this county will be of infinite utility - it being the most eligible situation on the river between Lynchburg and Warminster with an easy road for the conveyance of produce from the adjacent counties (to wit) Campbell, Prince Edward, Charlotte, and Amherst.  The petitioners ask that an act be passed for erecting warehouses at the mouth of Bent Creek on the lands of John Horsley.

Signatures:
William Barksdale
Francis Eperson
Jno Chambers
Jesse Layn
Wm Goin
L Bery Via
Jno Layn
Charles Lane
John Wright
Gidin Vier
William Vier
David Vier
Robt Via
Wm Horsley
(and others)

-- Virginia Genealogical Series Society Quarterly, Series XXXII, Vol. 4, November 1, 1994; thanks to Judy

23 Jun 1814 Gideon Via living in Buckingham County, Virginia, deposed in a chancery suit, says that he was born in 1730. (Chancery Suit: Allen vs Hylton O.S.244;N.S. 86 - Bill 1814)

Franklin Co. VA

Jan Court 1793  Order Book 2/233
Administration is Granted Nancy Ward of the Estate of John Ward Dec'd who Entered into Bond with Security Accord'g to Law.  Thomas Jones, John Via, John Peak & James Radford Or any 3 of them being first Sworn are appointed to appraise the Estate of the sd Decedent & make return thereof to Court.

Inventory of the Estate of Robert Hairston Dec'd ret'd & recorded.

21 Jan 1793 Inquisition, taken at the plantation of William Keneday of Franklin.  WB 1/76
On the view of the body of John Ward, lying dead before Hugh Innes, Franklin Coroner, and upon the oaths of David Barton, John Peak, Wm Robinson, George Station, John Via, Wm Thorp, Peter Sicklan, William More (Moore), Isaac Ginnis, Wm Stevenson, John Carter, Wm Oaks, in Franklin, upon their oaths say that a certain Joseph Smith struck the said Ward with a stone or some such thing, on the head, which might have occasioned his death, as by the other circumstances, it appeared he was not properly taken care of & that the said Smith has never been taken in custody for the same.  Recorded at Franklin Court of Feb, 1793.
August Court 1794  Order Book 3/72
ComWealth vs. Martin & Via - Stephen Heard is allow'd 1 Days attendance as a Witness. Same vs. same Elizabeth Peak the same.  Sames vs same Anne Cannaday the same.  Same vs same Nancy Cannaday the same.  Same vs. same John
Via Jr. the same.
2 Mar 1795  Order Book 3/102
ComWealth vs. Martin Cont'd at the Co of the Com Wealth.  Martin adr Com Wealth John Peek is allow'd 1 days att.  Same adr same George Straton the same.  Same adr same Mary Vier the same.
August Court 1795  Order Book 3/127
At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Franklin County on Monday the Third day of August 1795.  Present Peter, Saunders, John Early, Benjamin Cook, John Hook & Stephen Smith & Thomas Hall.  Martin vs. Vier Dism'd Pltf not
for Prosecuting.  A Grand Jury to Wit: Guy Smith (foreman), Duval F. Croul, John Brammer, Alexander Reeves, Charles Crabaugh, Josiah Willes, John Choice, Robert Boulton, Benjamin Potter, James Boulton, Ashford Napier, Burwell
Reeves, Tarlton Brown, Charles Pinkard, David Con_ult, of their Presentment.
August Court Continued 1795  Order Book 3/129
Com Wealth vs Martin &c a Jury Sworn to Wit: Richard Comer, William Stanley, John Wilks, David Jones, Thomas Fowler, George Ferguson, Dudley Lumsden, Peter Gurkart, William Chitwood, Champion Terry, Stan_ Rickeson &
Shadrack Woodson.  Verdict in the following Words Viz, We the jury find for the Com Wealth against Peggy Martin & John Vier 3.7.0.
August Court 1795  Order Book 3/129
Martin vs. Com Wealth John Vier Junr is allowed 1 Days att.  Same adr Same John Peak is allow'd 1 Day att.  Same adr same George Staton the Same.
November Court 1801  Order Book 4/91
John Heard vs John Viers & als leave given to the plaintiff to take the Deposition James Pembleton who is about to move out of the States & that a commission issue accordingly.
December Court 1801   Order Book 4/98
Deed of Trust from Samuel Underwood to John Via Jr. proved & recorded.
August Court 1802  Order Book 4/154
At a Court continued and held for Franklin County at the Courthouse on Wednesday the 4th day of August 1802.  Present Levinfield Hill, Moses Greer, John Hook & John Forbes Gent. Justices.  On the complaint of Nancy Dority on oath against Mary Roberts stating that she conceives herself in danger of bodily harm from the menaces of the said Mary, it is ordered that she enter into Recog to keep the peace for her good behaviour in that behalf, herself in $50 dolls. & two securities in 25 dolls. Each Whereupon the said Mary Roberts together with David Vier & Benjamin Hale her securities came into Court and severally acknowledged themselves indebted to his Excellency James Monroe Esquire Governor or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia the said Mary Roberts in the sum of 50 dollars, and the said David Vier & Benjamin Hale in the sum of 25 dollars each of their respective Lands & Tenements goods and Chattels to be Levied to the said Governor and his Successors for the use of the said Commonwealth rendered.  Yet upon this condition that if the said Mary Roberts shall keep the peace and be of good behaviour towards all the citizens of this Commonwealth and especially towards the said Nancy Dority for one year and a day from this time then this recognizance to be Void.

On the complaint of Nancy Dority on oath, against John Heard stating that she conceives herself in danger of bodily harm from the menaces of the said John It is ordered that he enter into Recognizance to keep the peace for his good behaviour in that behalf, himself in 50 dollars & two securities in 25 dollars each Whereupon the said John Heard, together with John Tyre and John Vier his securities came into Court and severally acknowledged themselves to be indebted to his Excellency James Monroe Esquire, Governor or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the said John Heard in the sum of 50 dollars and the said John Tyre and John Vier in the sum of 25 dollars each, of their respective Lands and Tenements, goods and chattels to be levied, and to the said Governor, and his Successors for the use of the said Commonwealth rendered.  Yet upon this condition that if the said John Heard shall keep the peace and be of good behaviour towards all the Citizens of the Commonwealth, and especially towards the said Nancy Dority for one year and a day from this time, then this Recognizance to be Void.

August Court 1802 Order Book 4/155
John Heard v John Viers & George Wright (on Ref D. vs Dority) W. E. set aside - not Guilty & issue severally a Jury sworn to try the issue joined agt Geo Wright & John Viers, to wit, Hartwell Allen, Patrick _ia,  William Wray, Samuel Higgs, Stephen Wood, Soloman Harkrider, Daniel Perdue, Shadrack Richards, James Patterson, Abedingo Hodges, John Tyre and James Marcum, retd for the Plt a Verd for 112 dolls. & 17 cents.  Damages for the motion of the Defts by their atts.  A new trial is granted them, on their paying to the Plt his costs at this term.
3 Nov 1802  Order Book 4/176
3rd November 1802 Present Stephen Smith, John Forbes, Samuel Hairston, John Early & Levinfield Hill Gent. Justices.  John Heard, John Vier and George Wright on jury sworn to try the Issue Joined to wit: Thomas Campbell, Pleasant Saunders, James Malloy, John Arthur, Haynes Morgan, James Beard,  Ze_ Massey, Gary Smith, George Rives, Soloman Davis, Clifford Stone and Wyatt Woody ret'd a Verd for the Deft.  John Vier and a Verd for Plt agst Deft Geor
Wright for 60 dollars Dam & Judt accordingly.
December Court 1802  Order Book 4/184
6th day of December 1802  Deed from John Vier Sen to Henry Rakes proved & recorded.  Sarah the Wife retd &c.
February Court 1803  Order Book 4/194
Sally Via daughter of Robert Via deceased being of Lawful age for that purpose came into Court and chooses Stephen Akers for her Guardian, who thereupon executed bond with William Akers & Jacob Webb his securities in the sum of 1000 dollars conditioned according to Law.
[Note: This Sally was the daughter of Robert Via of Hanover County, Virginia and his wife Fanny Ann Ingram.]
March Court 1803  Order Book 4/202
James Hall v. John Vier - W.E. Set aside, not guilty & issue with leave to give the special matter in evidence, a Jury sworn to try the same, to wit, William Chitwood, Tarleton Brown, Jonathan Hall, Joseph Down, Soloman Davis, James Pri_ty, Sam'l Helm, William H. Shelton, Guy Smith, John Lavender, James Wray and John Arthur returned a Verd for the Pltff for 6 doll & 69 Cents, Damages & Judt accordingly.
November Court 1803  Order Book 4/269
A Deed from Jno Peak to Jno Vier To James Canaday proved & recorded.
March Court 1804  Order Book 4/288
John Vier v. James Hall Atta. - Deft. called & not appg.  Jud. For Plt. For 1250 & 80 of the Lynchburg inspection & for costs - atta Effects cont'd.
April Court 1804  Order Book 4/295
A Deed from Jno Vier to Will Martin ack'd & recorded.
April Court 1804  Order Book 4/297
April Court 1804  A Deed from John Via to William Hale proved & recorded.
April Court 1805  Order Book 4/380
A Deed from George Staton to David Via Jr. proved by 2 wit.
May Court 1805  Order Book 4/391
John Vier Sr v William Allen Dism'd plt not for. pro.
June Court 1805  Order Book 4/400
A Deed from James Edwards to John Via Jr proved & recorded.
June Court 1809  Order Book 5/283
Henry Lawassee, William Farmer on Jury sworn and affirmed to the issue joined to wit Giles Martin, Samuel Davis, Francis Belcher, John Wilks, Larkin Price, James Vier, Thomas Dun, George Asbury, Clifford Stone, David Willes, John Campbell and Sterling Thornton, returned a Verdict for the Plaintiff for the Debt in the Declaration mentioned with Interest from the 25th day of December 1807 til paid, and one penny damages, and Judgment for the same and costs.
June Court 1809  Order Book 5/299
Thomas Gibson v. John Wilks - A Jury sworn to by the issue joined to wit Joseph Webb, Sterling Thornton, Clifford Stone, Joseph Cunningham, George Hunter, John Chitwood, William Campbell, David Woodall, Thomas Whitworth, Gabriel Mattox, James Vier and Barnet Price, and by consent Joseph Webb a Juror withdrawn & the suit continued.
August Court 1809  Order Book 5/301
Justus Boitnitz v John Snyder - A Jury sworn to inquire of Damage to wit Christopher Clark, Fleming Saunders, Abraham Jones, James Via, John Hale, John Chitwood, Granville Henderson, Joseph Chilton, Joseph Hale, William Callaway, Charles Wade, & Edward Dennis returned a Verdict for the Plaintiff for one cent Damages, and Judgment accordingly.
10 Aug 1809  Order Book 5/302
Daniel Ross Sr. v. James Via - By agreement of the parties by their attorneys all matters in difference between them in this suit so far as regards the Interest claimed by the Plaintiff against the Defendant, are refered to the final determination of Christopher Clark, Peachy R. Gilmer, and Nathaniel H. Claiborne & their award is to be made the Judement of the Court & the same or ordered accordingly.
Apr 1859 Order Book 11, 1855-1860
Ordered that one of the overseers of the poor of this county do bind to Anderson Via, Sr. by process indentures Andrew Jackson a free boy of color, the son of Lucinda Foley a free woman of color, said boy being 5 years of age, said boy to be taught the occupation of farming and to be furnished with sufficient diet, lodging and apparel.  The said boy to be bound until he is 21 years of age and the said Anderson Via, Sr. to pay the said Andrew Jackson for his services at the end of the last year of his service the sum of $75.00.

Halifax Co. VA

Oct 1799  Plea Book 19/206
Ordered that William be paid for two days court appearance as a witness for Charles Harris in a suit brought by Thomas Yates. ($1.06)
Feb 1800  Plea Book 19/299
He again is to be paid in the same suit - one day. ($.53)
Dec 1803  Plea Book 22/165
Ordered that the Indenture between Micajah Viah and Chapman Poindexter of one part and Thomas C. Fletcher of the other is accepted and "ordered to be certified to
the County Court of Albemarle there to be recorded."
Dec 1820  Plea Book 37/188
there is mention of "Cajah Viar" and his tithables being ordered to assist in maintenance of the new road to Barksdale's mill.

Hanover Co. VA

6 Jun 1783 Petition (Contributed by Mrs. Jean Talley Hooper, Silver Spring, MD, with courtesy of the Virginia State Library, Archives Division)
    To the Honble the Speaker and other Members of the House of Delegates of Virginia The remonstrance of sundry, the Freeholders and other freemen of the County of Hanover humbly sheweth that from the vicinity of our situation to the seat of Government we have had an opportunity of hearing that there now lies before your honble house a Bill to exclude particular classes of British subjects from the rights of Citizenship within this Commonwealth.
    The propriety of this measure appears so obvious to us that we should not have offered to your Honble Body our sentiments upon the subject had we not been to our great surprise informed that the Bill was like to meet with warm opposition in its passage. We have even been informed but know not how to believe that some gentlemen of great influence in the Legislature mean to exclude those only who having taken the oaths of allegiance to our Government have afterwards adhered to the British interest. Men whose lives are already forfeited as Traitors to their country and against whom we conceive no prohibitory laws are now necessary.
But we as a part of that great community over which you preside beg leave to present to you our opinion on this very important point, submitting it to you, with determination and the ( ? ) relyance on the wisdom and patriotism of your Honble house.
    As wisemen sensible of and putting in proper value upon those blessings we have just obtained, and for which we have risqued [risked] everything that is dear to us, we cannot bear without the utmost concern that there exists the most distant probability of admitting to an equal participation of those blessings with our selves, men who have ever been zealous in opposition to our cause; and who have in many instances exacted their whole powers to reduce us to the most servile subjection to British tyranny. We conceive that those persons who are most obnoxious and who cannot with safety be suffered to return among us may be classed under three heads:
    1st all natives of America who have taken part with Britain in the late contest, or who have resided in the British dominions without giving some assurance of attachment to our interests.
    2nd Those who have previous to the War resided in this country and enjoyed with us all the blessings of tranquility, but who in the day of danger left us alone to combat British oppression.
    3rd. The third class we wish to distinguish are a set of men who having received the most benevolent indulgencies from a Convention of our Representatives so abused those unmerited favors as to render it necessary for a subsequent assembly to take off those indulgencies and by enforcing the statute staph [?] of Edward the 3rd compelled them to leave a country which they proved themselves inimical to.
    These different destinctions of men are so extremely obnoxious that we never can again live in harmony with them; and we so much dread the great and fatal influence that they may have over the inhabitants of this country that we consider it as our duty to entreat you in the most supplicating terms that you will not suffer those dangerous people ever to be re?established amongst us
Signed 5 June 1783

James Hayes
Geo. Anderson
Wm. Anderson, Junr.
Chris Tompkins
James Turner
Isaac Dabney, Kg.Wm.
Thos. Trevilian
D. Truehart
Edwd. Garland
R. Brooke
Thomas Hill
Parke Goodall
Geo. Clough
David Hall
John Lawrence
John Norvell
George Wily
Herman Hill (?)
Wm. Woody
Jno. Barker Senr.
Littleberry Wade
John Pasley
Charles Talley
Joseph Talley
Richar Mathew
William Talley
Chilbion White
Nicholas Mills Junr
Jno.Alexr Hill
Jos. Cross, Sr.
Edward Bass (or Boze)
W. Lawes
James Hill
David Gentry
Francis Mills
Tho. Dickenson
Wm. Armstrong
John White
Chas. Turner
Robt. White
George Meredith
John Winn
J. Syme
H. Watkins
Thos. Austin
John Cockburn
Henry H. Mallory
Tho. Richardson
Wm. Radford
David Meredith
John Meredith
Patrick Longan
Joseph Goodman
Richd. Anderson
Henry Timberlake
Reuben Turner
Will: Thomson, Junr.
Wm. Hickman
Tho. Porter
Owen Dabney
Ambrose Lipscombe
Wm. 0. Winston
James Richardson
Bowler Cocke
John Hickson
John Hill
Burnett Timberlake
O.Harris Thomson
Smith Blakey
Christopher Cauthorn
Charles Via Jr.
David Rowland
Heseka (Hezekiah ?) Bowles
Nathan Talley
John Winston
Wm. Ellis
Billey Talley
William Cocke
Wm. Street
?m. Earnest
Wm. Henderson
Barttlet Talley
David _____ke (?)
Thos. Bowles
John Ross
Solomon Pasley
John Hendrick
Wm. Norvell
Jeremiah Glinn
Jas. Richardson
Wm. Tinsley, Junr.
Shadrach Watts
John Christian
John Crenshaw
Thos. Green
Peter Christian
Robt. Kimbrough
Wm. Thompson (?)
Mor. Abrahams
Wm. Lemay
Peter Foster
Fortunatus Crutchfield
Thos. Tinsley
Richd. Taylor
Benj. Temple
Pettus Ragland
Geo. Dabney
Nathl. Anderson
John Thomson
Tho. Garland
J. Anderson
Gwan. Smith
Geddes Winston
Jas. Winston
Wm. Castlin
Armstead Carter
Richd. Timberlake
Jno. Clarke
Jno. Jones
J. McDougle
John Cobbs
Zachariah Hornaday
John Austin
Wm. Harris
Wm. Nelson
Fra. Taylor
Isaac Butler
Benjamin Thomson
John Starke, Jr.
Nelson ?
Will. Terrell
Ballard Smith
John Parsley
John Garland
John Anderson
Richd. Timberlake
W. Brame
William Brame
Wm. Jones
John Roberts
Samuel Butler
Major Winfree
Wm. Peatross
Zach. Stephens
Wm. Thomson
Wm. Sims
Archd. Vick
Jno. Hickman
Nelson Anderson, Jr
Thomas Smith
Claudius Vial
Zach. Clarke
Wm. Spiller
 ? Webb
Philip Tinsley
James Blarkroth
Wm. Jones
Jno. Catlett
Wm. Littlepage
Andrew Carter
Benja. Fokes
Edwd. Cocke
James Nelson
John B. Anderson
Thomas Mallory
Walter Austin
Littleberry Via
Richard Austin
Joseph Valentine
John Wingfield, Junr.
Benja. Mills
Wm. Barret
John Priddy
Edmund Anderson
Peter Vial
John Wingfield
T. Rootes
William Lumpkin
Wm. Lawrence
Saml. Crutchfield
D. Taylor
Jno. Crimes
George Crawford
Chaps. Austin
Ben. Johnson
Charles Hundley
Elisha Archer
John Timberlake
Charles Knight
John Cocke
William Powel
John Bowles
John Foster
John Overton
Geo. Hollan
Walter Grantland
Jno. Thomson
Wm. Gilliam
John Crenshaw
Nath. Talley
William DuVal
Ja. Tate
James Turner
Step. Davis
J. Johnson
Thomas Hardin
Thomas Hanes
Jeremiah Pate
John Bumpass
Joseph Hix
John Richardson
An. Morris
Robt. Sharp
William Hanes
Joseph Peace
Isaac Burnett
Walter Davies
Wm. Hooper
John England
Benjamin Harris
John Hite (?)
Henry Hicks
Stephen Pettus
Byrd Hendrick
Wm. Alexander
Peter Mallory
Wm. Harris
John Wingfield
Matthew Abbott
William Hines
John Carter
Matthew Whitlock
Jno. Harris
Foster James
John Ellis
Jno. Davis
John Priddy
Wm. Bowe
Christopher Butler
Thos. Coleman
Thomas Wingfield
Joseph Hicks
Saml. Winston
John ?
Wm. Quarles
Obadiah Harper
William Ogelsby
Dabney Turner
Thos. Batchelder
Demark May
William Barlow
William Claybrook
Jam.McFall
Reubin Davenport
John King
Pettus Ragland, Junr.
Paul Woolfolke
Jacob Williams
J. Heasenpat (?)
Wm. Bacon
Parkes Bailey
John Tinsley
Henry Cross
Finch Ragland
John Walker
Isaac Perrin
Jno. Miller
Stephen Hawke
David Hanes
James Lawrence
John Bow
Roger Gregory Junr.
John Beal
W. Johnson
John Wyatt
Henry Hicks
Wm. Hughes
Nathl. Pope, Jr.
John Roberts
Joseph Abrams
Joseph Valentine
John Pridy
Shelton Ragland
Thomas Billand
Thomas Wingfield
--thanks to Janelle Via McKown

Louisa Co. VA

1755
INDENT.  (blank) day of (blank) 1755 Thomas Meriwether & Thomas Paulet Gent., Churchwardens of Fredericksville Par., Louisa Co., and Andrew Ray of same Parish and Co.; sd. Churchwardens do bind Benjamin Via a poor mulatto boy with the consent of his mother Mary Via which boy was born the 4th day of July 1754 until age of thirty one years.  Ray to provide sd. child schooling according to law and sound wholesome lodging clothing and diet and other conveniences according to Law and provide for him at the expiration of his time according to Law.
                                                               Andrew Ray
                                                               Thos. Paulett
                                                                Thos. Meriwether
Wit: Richd. Hammack, Patrick Belechess
--Louisa County Court Orders; thanks Judy
["In 1691 the Assembly prohibited the manumission of slaves unless they were transported out of the colony. It also prohibited interracial marriages and ordered the illegitimate, mixed-race children of white women bound out for 30 years" from Hening, "Statutes at Large", volume III pages 86-87.]

1756
PARTRIDGE STORE ACCOUNTS

p. 185 The Sherif of Louisa. (The following entries represent a bookkeeping operation for the Sheriff of Louisa Co., Benjamin Brown, maintained in this ledger, probably as a convenience to certain customers for payment of fees.  The size of the fees, expressed in pounds of tobacco suggests they are land taxes, possibly against owners of land in Louisa who resided in Hanover.)
1756 To:  Nicholas Gentry 184 lb., Henry Edwards 113 lb., Nicholas Gentry Senr. 46 lb., David Via 36 lb. Bal. carried to credit of B. Browns Acct., p. 21 Credits:  By: Their acct. agst. Maj. Snelson, Charles Smith, & Wm Snelson last year 2,239 lb., Charles Smith for this year 355 lb., Robt. Eastis Junr. 143 lb., John Snow 254 lb., Samuel Winston 407 lb., Nicholas Gentry Junr. 184 lb., Richard Thurmond 113 lb., Henry Edwards 113 lb., Griffith Dickason 355 lb., Nicholas Gentry Senr. 46 lb., David Via 36 lb.
--Magazine of Virginia Genealogy [need volume number]  Thanks to Judy Pons

******************************************************************************
Mr. James Currin. Jan. 1; Aug.20; Nov.25.  Credits: (n.d.) (By Edmond Shinger): Nov. 25 (By David Via) (Account settled and not carried forward.
(Note:  this transcription may be in error.  Most likely the above name Edmond Shinger is actually Edmond Stringer)

******************************************************************************
Mr. David Via. Jan 1, 12; Feb 13 (to Charles Smiths Acct.); May 6; Jun. 24; Aug. 20; Nov. 25 (pd Jas. Currin); Dec. 18.  Credits:  May 6 (By His Bond).

VA (Unknown Co.)

1758
Several Claims of William Robins, David Via, William Price, David Smith,
William Robertfon, and Stephen Garrett, for taking up Runaways therein
mentioned, were feverally prefented to the Houfe and received.

Saturday, the 24th of February, 1759
That the feveral Claims of William Robins, David Via, William Price, David
Smith, William Robertfon, Stephen Garrett, John Brown, John Smith, John
Vuaghan, Paces Turner Affignee of Jofeph Godwin, Thomas Barbour, Tillman
Weaver Affignee of Jacob Weaver, Valentine Bethell, George Neavill, Samuel
Boufh, James Thrailkeld, William Jett, Francis Thornton, Richard Poyne,
William Johfton, John Jones Affignee of James Herndon, John Tankerfley, Hays
Whitloe, William Rayborn, Mitchell Baughan, Elizabeth Gray, Thomas Attwell,
Jeconias Randal, James Mullin, William Barkfdale Affignee of John Burnett,
William Johnfton, Richard Vernon, William Afhford, Robert Jones, Samuel Bland,
Samuel Puryear, James Gray, Garrett Ridley, John Puryear, John Palmer, Lewis
Neale, William Dunn, Francis Kirkley, Andrew Hutchinfon, John Sandige, Abraham
Eftes, Hugh Sanders, Thomas Brocks, Jofeph Jeffrys, Robert Coleman, Edward
Herndon, Henry Gatewood, Alexander Spence Head and Lawrence Young, for taking
up Runaways therein mentioned, were feverally prefented to the Houfe and
received, and referred to the Confideration of the next Seffion of Affembly.

Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1758-1761, edited by H.R. McIlwaine, Richmond, Virginia

The Guion Miller rolls-- the National Archives. "Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906-1909."  M1104.
Roll 280 Andrew Jackson Viar (application number 35712) claims that his grandmother was Cherokee
Roll 269 Robert Viar (application number 33956), brother of Andrew Jackson Viar
--thank to Jeff Viar

Rutherford Co. KY

17 Aug 1829 Obediah Via paid $20 for keeping his sister, a pauper, for one year.
--Rutherford, TN County Court Minutes, M/69
--thanks to Judy Pons

History of French given name of Aymer

"Aymer"--a French "given" name or "first name."  See "Webster's Biographical Dictionary, 1st Ed.," p763, the entry for Isabella of Angouleme, French-born Queen of England, to wit:  ". . .daughter of AYMER, Court of Angouleme. . .".   Thus AYMER is a centuries old, familiar given name in France; it also has the variants AYMERE and AYMERIC (for example, contemporary France writer AYMERIC de Dampierre).  Hence one feels compelled to conclude that our purported ancestor's given name was AYMER not "Amer" which means "bitter."
--Dr. Harry Lee King, retired professor of romance languages at Wake Forest Univ., as reported by Rebecca Dyer