PRETTYMAN GENERATION TWO

P28. JOHN2 PRETTYMAN, (JohnA-1, RobertB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE, WilliamF, WilliamG, WilliamH, JohnI), b ca 165383 Northampton Co., VA, d bet 24 Mar 1723/4 and 31 Mar 1723/4 m1^st Unknown m2^nd bet 17 March 1690/91 and 20 Sep 1693 Mary Marriner b ca 1649 apparently the widow of Richard Marriner.84 Mary Marriner was sued in Accomack County, VA on 20 Sep 1693, but because she was married to John Prittiman the suit was dismissed.85 Mary Marriner testified in court on 19 May 1675 that she was aged about 26 years.86 Richard Marriner and Mary Marriner deeded their interest in land of Henry Sudbury in 1678.87 It appears that Richard Marriner died by 17 March 1690/91 as he was sued in Accomack County and could not be found by the sheriff.88 Richard Marriner sued on 17 Oct 1664 in Accomack County for his freedom, and he testified he was imported as servant 5years before [1659].89 On 21 November 1694, John Prettiman sued John Bloxsom for 520 pounds of tobacco.90 Giving a deposition in this case on 20 March 1694/95 was George Mariner. George, aged about 23 years, stated sometime in October 1693, He was at the house of Jno. Prettiman, his "father-in-law [step-father], when John Bloxum agreed to pay 30 pounds of tobacco per head to winter cattle. Another deposition given in support of Prettyman was by Edward Moore, aged about 56 years. The court found that in 1693 John Bloxum Sr., pastured 15 head of cattle on Prettiman’s plantation at Messango, and awarded Prettiman 420 pounds of tobacco.91

In Accomack County, Virginia John sued Howell Glading on 7 February 1683/4.92 In 1683 William Anderson sued John Prettiman, Jr for trespass. In this court case Roger Milles, 48 years old, on 3 July 1683, testified that about last November he was at John Priteman’s house at Messongo where John Pretteman, Jr, told him about a large white stray horse, side hobbled with a small cord and very much galled. Roger advised Prettiman to ride the horse to John Baylie’s or some place where he might hear of an owner. Two or three days later when Roger saw Prettiman on the horse at Hunting Creek Mill, he told Prettiman that it was William Anderson’s horse. Xopher Roberts, 25 years old, testified that some days before Christmas John Prettyman yelled over a creek to Roberts to help a horse, they thought it was William Anderson’s, out of an otter hole. Three days later three of Mr. Anderson’s servants came and inquired about the horse, and Roberts showed them where it was located. They led with a rope the horse about three quarters of a mile and then tied him for fear of his rambling before they came back again, and they pretended they were bound to Matchetanck before they could go home. Roberts believed the horse might have done fine if they had taken it home or turned it loose. Later he saw the horse lying dead not more than ten yards from the place they had tied him. A jury with Henry Curtis, foreman, Thomas Bagwell, John Bayley, Richard Bundick, Robert Burton, William Burton, Thomas Crippin, Isaac Dix, Arthur Frame, William Jarman, John Rowles and John Wheeler found for Prettiman. The court confirmed the verdict and dismissed the suit with Anderson paying the court costs. Anderson appealed the judgment to the next general court with John Parker as his security. Prettiman presented Cap. Henry Curtis as his security.93

On 7 July 1683, the Accomack Court appointed John Prettiman, Jr as Surveyor to care for necks and roads from the School House Branch to the wading place at the head of Messongo Creek up to the road.94 On 6 February 1683/4 as John Prettiman, Jr he admitted to owing 1105 pounds of tobacco to William Parker as the assignee of Peter Parker, and the Accomack Court ordered him to pay the debt and court costs.95 On 7 July 1685, Cantus Bence admitted owing Mr. George Nicholas Hack 457 pounds of tobacco. The court accepted John Prettiman, Jr as security for Bence’s payment at the next court.96 John Prettiman Jr, on 2 September 1685, requested to be discharged from his office of surveyor as he had served two years, and Richard Hinman was appointed surveyor in his place.97 He must have continued to serve as he, as John Prettiman, surveyor, presented, Robert Burton, Timothy Coes man, Morris Denis, John Gener, Richard Hinman, Richard Hinman’s man, George Johnson’s man, Denis Morrice, Denis Morrice’s son, John, and George West for not clearing the roads.98 The court, on 3 February 1685/6, because of their defect to clear the road from Morris Dennis’ to William Aylworth’s and to the head of Messongo and each person was to pay court charges.99

On 7 July 1686, John Kiggin was convicted of petty larceny and Constable William Willet was to convey him to Cap. Richard Hill’s where he was to receive ten lashes. Willet was then to convey him to John Prettiman, Constable. Prettiman was to take him to Mr. William Anderson’ where he was to receive another ten lashes. Kiggin was a servant of Richard Swetman of Talbot County, Maryland. Prettiman was then to take him to the sheriff of Somerset County [Maryland]. Prettiman was to take care to secure the irons on Kiggin and return them to the jailer of this county.100 John petitioned on 21 June 1687 to be discharged from his office of Constable, and Sebastian Delastatius was appointed in his place.101

On 2 April 1688, John petitioned the court and was granted the administration of the estate of his late father, John Prettiman, who died intestate.102 His securities were Henry Williams and Thomas Stockley. He was also appointed to the Accomack County Grand Jury, on 2 April 1688, for the coming year101 He gave his deposition on 20 September 1688 as John Prettiman, 35 years old, and testified that he was present when John Cole and Ben Eyre swapped horses. Eyre was to give John Cole a two year old sheep to boot. Eyre asked for two allowances of food one for himself and one for Prettiman.103 On 21 December, John was sued by Robert Thompson apparently as administrator of his father estate, and since no cause of action was apparent the suit was dismissed.104

On 16 March 1688/89, Charles Holden on behalf of himself and the King informed the court that John Prettiman transported six head of cattle out of Northampton County without giving notice to four of the nearest inhabitants so special notice could be taken of the ear marks and color of the cattle. Prettiman appeared and pleaded that he was not guilty and put himself upon the judgment of the court. Morgan Williams, on 14 September 1688, testified that at his plantation or pen was a cow and year old heifer belonging to John Prettyman Sr that were driven away by John Prettyman Jr. John Green testified that there were two cows and two heifers, and he did not know who drove them away or what became of them. Alice Green, wife of John Green, testified that at her husbands pen or plantation were two cows, a heifer and a steer belonging to John Prettman Sr. John Glading, age 24, testified on 21 November 1688 that last summer he helped John Prettyman drive seven head of cattle out of Northampton County. Two of the cattle belonged to Morgan Williams. He helped drive the remaining five almost to Prettyman’s plantation, and when night approached he left Prettyman to drive them on alone. He heard that these cattle were in dispute between Robert Thornton and John Prettiman.104 The court after considering the law and the depositions produced by Holden judged Prettiman not guilty and ordered that the suit be dismissed.105 John, on 20 March 1688/9, as administrator of the estate of John Prettiman, decd, sued Robert Thompson.106

On 18 September 1689, Lt Col John West sued William Anderson over a 3 year old stallion declaring that Anderson "took him up". West alleged that the horse broke from Roger Crotof [servant of John Prettyman] employed to break the horse as Roger was riding him along the road. The horse ran off with a rope around his neck and bridle. Anderson admitted taking up the horse. The court found for West. John Prittman, on 21 November 1689, testified that his servant, Roger Crotuff, brought home a 3 year old stallion. Crotuff claimed he was to break the horse for its owner, Mr. Brooks. Prittiman seeing the horse was docked and had a mark on him questioned his servant, but Crotuff maintained that Brookes’ mare had the colt the year he lived there. This would have made the horse only two years old. Prettiman also said that Roger is a person of very evil fame and badly indicted to lying and cheating and of strife and differences amongst the neighborhood. When he bought Crotuff from Colonel West; West then said Crotuff to be greatest rogue and liar in nature and such a one as was neither to be trusted nor believed in any matter. Also on 21 November 1689, Roger Crotoufe, 25 years old, testified that three years ago he went to live at Mr Brooks house. He was often employed by Brooks to drive his horses from his plantation into the marshes. Among the horses was a mare that Brooks had purchased from Howell Glading. The mare had a three or four month old horse colt. Last June Lt Col West hired him to break the horse and he was thrown by the horse and it ran away.107 Probably as a result of this suit; John Brooks with his wife and Roger Crotuff, servant of John Prittman, were bound to the court by virtue of a precept signed by Lt Col John West, Capt William Curtis and Mr Joseph Robinson at the complaint of Prittiman. It appeared to the court that Prittiman was in apparent danger of his life and utter ruin. Prittiman swore that he believed they were conspiring against him. The accused were ordered to the county’s prison till they found security for keeping the peace. Crotuff confessed that they had wickedly combined to destroy the said Prettiman108 Roger Crotofe, former servant of Colonel John West, volunteered to give John Prettiman, Jr one year more of service than the four years for which he was bought.109 Crotofe gave as his reason for the gift of service that Prettiman bought him from his late master for the time of four years.

On 19 March 1689/90 John purchased 140 acres of land on Messongo Creek in Accomack County, Virginia from Dorcus Aylworth, executrix of William Aylworth.110 John purchased this land for one horse, one cow and calf, two barrows [male hogs] and one sow.110 On 5 October 1703 as John Prittiman of Sussex County, Pennsylvania [Delaware], he sold this land to John Morris for 6890 pounds of tobacco.111 A question is on what land was John living on before this purchase of land. His father’s land on Messongo had been sold in 1677 to John Michaels, and the last of his father’s land in Northampton County had been sold in 1683. So from 1677 to 1690 it appears that John was living in Messongo area and owned no land, and question is was he leasing land or was he living on his wife’s or father-in-laws land.

On 17 September 1691 John with John Stratton was a witness to the deed of Thomas Gillett, planter, to John Dyer of Sussex County, Pennsylvania for 200 acres of land where Gillett was then living.112 This land was south of Wattsville, Virginia.113 On 21 June 1692 John with Robert Scott and Robert Pitt was a witness to the deed of John Stratton, gentleman to John Lawes, tailor, of 200 acres on southern branch of Forked Neck.114 This land at its north edge bordered Temperanceville, Virginia, and on the southern part of the land the present town of Hallwood is located.115 Then on 15 November 1692, John with Ed Brotherton and John Blockson was a witness to the deed of 100 acres and at the head of Back Creek by John Abot Sr to his grandson, John Abot, son of Robert Abot.116 This land is just north of Parksley, Virginia.117 In 1688, 1689 and 1690, John is on the Accomack County, Virginia tithables list with two tithables. In 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694 and 1695, John only has one tithable.36

Robert Burton, on 16 February 1691/92 petitioned the Accomack Court to be discharged from the office of constable as he had served three years. John Prettiman was appointed in his place.118 As Mr. John Prettiman he served on the Accomack County jury 18 February 1691/92 to 20 December 1693.119 Constable John Prettiman on 22 March 1692/93, complained to the court that John Bloxum had "violently and insolently demeaned himself towards him" while he was executing a warrant issued by Mr. William Anderson. The court considered tht the action was done in contempt and fined Bloxum 400 pounds of tobacco, court costs and he was to be taken into custody till giving bond for his good behavior.120 On behalf of himself and his neighbors, John Prettiman, on 2 October 1693, petitioned the court that all of the roads between Muddy Creek and Messango were very foul and much required clearing which was neglected by the remissness of the overseers in those precincts. The roads between Messango and Pocomoke and also between Assawamon and Samuel Tayler’s bridge on the sea had also been neglected. It was ordered that the surveyors in the above precincts clear the highways and repair the bridges before the next court,and sheriff was to give them the order.121 Henry Brookes, on 18 December 1693, as surveyor of the highways in the upper precincts of the county, petitioned the court that he had obtained a warrant from Mr. William Burton, Justice of Peace, for Constable John Prittiman to notify all tithable persons to clear the highways. Prittiman did not do it, so it was ordered that he be summoned to the next court.122 John Bloxum, in May 1694, accused Elizabeth Morris of illegally taking a calf belonging to Bloxum. Constable John Prettiman on a warrant made a search and found the calf in Elizabeth’s possession.123 John Kelly sued John Prettiman for assault and battery, and Prettiman confessed the fact. The Court, on 20 June 1694, ordered that Prettiman pay Kelly 25 pounds of tobacco.124 On 18 September 1694, John Prettiman sued John Bloxum for 420 pounds of tobacco, and Bluxom had obtained a nonsuit against Prettiman. Prettiman presented 52 pounds of tobacco to Court in payment of the fine on 20 February 1694/95.125 John Morris and John Prettiman sued each other in November 1695 and the suits were dismissed. Prettiman failed to appear on his suit on 18 December 1695.126 On 18 December 1695, Sheriff Capt. George Parker brought action against John Prettiman for 1718 pounds of tobacco, but the case was dismissed because Parker failed to appear to prosecute.127

John’s son, John, testifying in the Maryland and Pennsylvania border dispute stated "that his father about 43 years ago [1696] removed from Virginia and came into the Inlet near Fenick’s Island, and loaded his goods upon the same Island; and that he this Deponent resided on the said Island and in the neighborhood thereof for a month or six weeks."128 It appears that John may have moved to Sussex County, Pennsylvania [Delaware] in 1695. There was filed with the Accomack County Court a list of the cattle that John took out of a pen on Messongo and transported out of Accomack County on 5 September 1695. The livestock he took out of the county was two black horses six years old; four cows and calfs; three cowes with a yearling; one four year old bull; one two year old steer and three two year old heifers.129 James Davis, George Gwine, Joseph Glading and Ingold viewed the cattle before they were taken out of the county. That he moved to Sussex County in 1695 is further indicated by Accomack County Court records on 19 December 1695. Capt. Thomas Welburene sued John in Accomack County for 565 pounds of tobacco, but Prettiman could not be found. Attachment was granted against Prettiman’s estate to pay the debt and court costs.130 By 1 March 1697/8 John was overseer of the highways to the Indian River in Sussex County as he was presented to the court for not mending the bridges and clearing the roads.131. In 1698 he was on the Grand Jury for Sussex.132 On 5 September 1699, John served on jury, and in 1709 was on the Grand Jury with his son John.133

On 2 March 1696/7 John Prettyman purchased 250 acres of land from John Stuckbury called "Hooknorton" on North side of Indian River in Sussex County, Delaware.134 Then on 8 December 1697, John Prettyman purchased 200 acres of the 400 acres of land called "Tower Hill" from James Peterkin on Pagan Creek in Sussex County.135 On 2 September 1701 as John Prittiman Sr, Yeoman, he deeded for 50 pounds 250 acres of "Hook Norton" to John Prittiman Jr Planter.136 The deed describes the land in Sussex County as back in the woods on north side of Indian River and land beginning on a branch of Back Creek and near the tract of land called "Shotton Hill".

We have found no record of the name of John’s first wife, but we believe she is the mother of all his children. We have based the ages of John’s sons on when they first performed jury service in Sussex County. John’s son, John, first served on a jury in 1699 when he was 22 years old. We have assumed that a man started service on a jury at age 21, and for William we have also used the fact that he owned land in 1701. We have given John the title John II. John made his will on 24 March 1723/24 and it was probated on 31 March 1723/4.

"In the Name of God Amen I John Prettyman Senr of this County of Susex being in Great misery of body but of Sound and perfect mind and Memory praise be therefore given to Almighty God do make and Ordain this my present Last will and Testament in manner and form Following that is to Say First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping Through the merrits death and passion of my Savour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and to Inherit Everlasting Life and my body I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the Discreation of Executors hereafter named and as Touching the Dispossition of all Such Temporal Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon mee I Give and Dispose thereof as Followeth

March 1723/4 John Preteman (Seal) [witness] John (X) West, Ann Handzor Anderson Parker137

In his will John did not mention his sons, Robert and Thomas, who died before he did. The will of Thomas Prettyman Sr made on 24 December 1719 and probated on 17 July 1719 mentions his brothers William, Robert and John Prettyman.138 Who is the grand daughter Ann West mentioned in John’s will? It appears that she could not be a daughter of one of John’s sons. We feel that she was probably the daughter of a deceased daughter of John. Children:
+ P31. (i) JOHN3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1677 Accomack Co., VA m Elizabeth ______.
+ P32. (ii) WILLIAM3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1679 Accomack Co., VA probably  m1st Frances Enloe m2nd Elizabeth Burton m3rd Temperance _______.
+ P33. (iii) MARY3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1681 Accomack Co., VA m William Day.
+ P34. (iv) ROBERT3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1683 Accomack Co., VA m Sarah Burton.
+ P35. (v) THOMAS3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1685 Accomack Co., VA m Comfort Burton.
P36. (vi) FEMALE3 PRETTYMAN b ca 1689 Accomack Co., VA m John West.
               P37. (i) Ann4 West.

            
           
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