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John was a tobacco farmer. Residences & events: Middlesex Co, VA. 11/2/1700 He was mentioned in a will that his father witnessed for aJohn Sheare. 1711 He and brother, George, apparently had a difference of opionionwith their mother about their father's estate and sued her. The suitwas later dismissed when the difference was resolved. From Middlesex Co Court Abstracts: 3/3/1712 "in an action of debt between William Stanard, plaintiff,and John Purvis, defendant, Judgement for plaintiff for 463 lbs oftobacco. The attachment which the Sheriff obtained against the estateof John Purvis for his non-appearance at the suit of William Stanard,is discontinued." Same date "in an action of debt between John Townsend, plaintiff, andJohn Purvis, defendant, the defendant appeared in the Sheriff'sCustody and confessed judgment for 800 lbs of tobacco and cask. Atplaintiff's motion, ordered that the defendant remain in the Sheriff'sCustody till he be thence lawfully discharged." 3/31/1718 A notation in Christ Church vestry minutes recorded anorder that one of the church wardens take care of John's newly borntwins, indicating his wife's death and, either his incapability ofcaring for them while working, or his absence. The whereabouts of theother children is unknown. 10-7-1719 Vestry records ordered reimbursement given to two men whowere caring for John's son, George, and another child. Bef 1720 Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Co, VA. It is possible Johnwas preparing to bring the family to the new home at the time of hiswife's death. He accumulated a large amount of land there. 9/28/1728 He acquired 770 acres "on the branches of Terry's Run.Beginning at three white oaks by a horse lick in the fork of abranch." 2/4/1730 St George's Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA. He transferred theabove 770 acres to a carpenter named Phillip Walters in addition to5000 lbs of tobacco. Considering the family tradition that a Purvishad built the first wood frame house in Fredericksburg, thistransaction may have been compensation to the carpenter for buildinghis house, a sign of his success as a tobacco farmer. He also helpedall his sons become prosperous planters and farmers. |