James BERRY

Notes:

The surname is sometimes spelled Barry in court records.

The following information is adapted and/or quoted from Miles Files Version 7, compiled by Moody K. & Barry Miles and posted online at the website of Eastern Shore Public Library [http://www.espl.org/research.htm]:

James Berry bought land in 1770 in Accomack Co., VA. He bought a portion of Whitelaw's tract A140, which is north of Mappsville and east of present US Route 13 up to Temperanceville. In 1782 James Berry left 4 acres to John Berry, alias Hickman, and directed that the balance be sold, which was done the next year, to Thomas and Robinson Custis.

James Berry's will, dated 11 Mar 1782 at Accomack Co., VA, mentions no heir at law within the United States. It does mention John Berry, alias Hickman, son of Sarah Hickman; John is to receive 4 acres of James's land. It also mentions a friend Levin Joynes; estate is to be sold and proceeds divided between Rebeckah and Allah, sisters who are daughters of William Berry of the Parish of Burt, County of Donnegal in Ireland, and eldest son of uncle Thomas Berry. James's clothing is to be divided between John Berry, alias Hickman, and Nathaniel Polk. Executors: friend Levin Joynes, David Bowman, and Alexander Stockly. Witnesses: Joseph Matthews and Henry White.

On 14 Oct 1767 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry witnessed the will of Edmund Allen.

On 25 Sep 1771 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry was named administrator of the estate of Robert Walker. On the same date he was named as security on the administration of the estate of Thomas Justice.

On 27 Apr 1774 at Accomack Co., VA, James Berry was granted administration of the estate of William Rowley.

My notes:
By the wording of James's will, it can be assumed that John Berry, alias Hickman, is his biological son and heir, although not born within marriage. Another possibility is that James could have been John's guardian or caretaker and that their relationship was neither biological nor legally binding. However, the wording of the will, naming John and his mother, implies that James is the father.

James's friend Levin Joynes may have been a son of William & Margaret Joynes. They had a son named Levin; William Joynes died in 1775. (source: The Joynes Family of Accomack and Northampton Counties, Virginia, compiled from court records by Susie Warren Johnson)

James — Sarah HICKMAN. Sarah was born Abt 1743. [Group Sheet]

1. John Hickman BERRY was born Abt 1763, Accomack Co., VA; died 25 Jun 1843, Accomack Co., VA.