Private Patriot Theodorick 'Theo' of Halifax Carter

Notes:

The lineage for the Giles Carter lines listed by the American Genealogical Research Institute titled "A History of the Carter Family" Compiled and edited by the American Genealogical Research Institute Washington DC 20001; Copyright 1972, Library of Congress Card Catalog #: 75-187586

This research shows that Theodrick, s/o John of Halifax and Mary Cunningham is the Theo who married Molly Elbank. This Theo owned two lots on Main Street in Farmville which he sold 1/2 interest in, to Augustus Watson who then sold it to Edward Dillon. If this is true, (that this Theo married Ms. Ellbank, she was not mentioned in the Chancery suit of 1825. Other researchers believe the Theodrick who married Ms. Elbank is the Theo who later married Judith Cunningham and Ms. Townes. Need accurate death date for Theo, s/o John and Mary Cunningham Carter. Land transfers to Dillon will give better grasp on the date of death for Theo and Augustus Watson who bought the lots and then sold to Edward Dillon. SEARCH PRINCE EDWARD DEEDS FOR SALE OF THEO LOTS No 10 & 11 ON THE WEST SIDE OF MAIN STREET IN THE TOWN OF FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA.

Although this Theodorick is shown as Theodorick of Halifax, it is questionable that he lived in Halifax as did his other family; a Prince Edward Co., Virginia Chancery Suit names his brothers and sisters as his heirs, and states he died intestate. If he had been married,(some genealogists attribute the Ellbank - Carter marriage to this Theo) no proof record has been found to my knowledge. - Mary Frances Eggleston

John Carter was born in St. Peter's Parish, New Kent Co, VA on 26 AUG 1737, and baptized on 30 OCT 1737. This Parish is south of the York and Pamunkey Rivers and was also the home of the Waddill family.

John Carter's Will was executed 18 JUN 1781, and probated before the court held for Halifax Co., VA on 20 SEP 1781. The witnesses were Benjamin Hobson, David Bates, Noel Waddill, Theodrick Carter (Third) and Charles Carter, a son of Theodrick Carter(Third). The Executors named were his wife, Mary Carter, Captain James Turner, William Boyd and John Carter's brothers Richard and Theodrick (Third).

John Carter's three eldest children, Richard, Theo, and Robert filed a chancery suit in Halifax county in 1799 [19 years after the death of John] charging the Executors [Mary Carter, their mother] and Richard Carter, dec'd and his executor Susannah Powell (nee Carter) for monies not accounted for when Richard Carter bargained and sold land privately. Mary Carter (nee Cunningham) is still alive and gives testimony referring to Richard Carter's affidavit. Many pages of testimony follow demonstrating not only that money was paid to Richard, but never passed on to the family. The position of David Powell and Susannah is that the children were educated and provided for, out of the estate of their father, John Carter, dec'd. Robert appears to act as attorney and questions many witnesses. The suit is then refiled in Richmond County and continues. Polly Powell (nee Carter), wife of Mastin Powell and d/o Susannah Carter Powell (nee Bigger) testifies to angry words between Robert and Susannah, his aunt. The suit continues whereby Robert questions numerous witnesses as to the quality of his education, and of the ability of the estate of the dec'd John Carter to produce enough to keep the widow and children adequately. [it is obvious to this researcher that Robert is an ambitious, determined and combative individual and probably was of the same personality since his childhood, when he admits he would not be schooled.] He challenges that his education and that of his siblings was less than he considered their due. Both he and Theo, though, can write and sign their names, as does Susannah. [While the content of this matter is tedious reading, it offers more insight into the characters of this family, than previously seen.-mfe]




Name:
Called 'The' in his Father's Will.

Died:
The Chancery record naming Theo's heirs as his brothers and sisters names his sister as the wife of Alexander Kent. Alexander Kent married Mary Carter in 1783; therefore, Theo died after his sister's marriage and before 1825 Chancery.

I believe the Pay Roll Document showing Theodorick Carter and John Carter in the 1814 is attributed to this Theo whose Chancery Record shows that he died intestate before 1825 and leaving as heirs, his siblings. The John Carter shown on this document is either the s/o Waddill, Richard or Wm. T. of Prince Edward- Mary Frances Eggleston