Bazil Riggs

Other Events:

• Census: 1776, Frederick County, Maryland, United States
• Census: 1810, Elizabeth Township, Ohio County, Virginia, United States; as Bazil Riggs, with 4 slaves
• Census: 1820, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; as Bazel Riggs, with 2 female slaves
• Census: 1830, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; as Bazel Riggs, with 3 male slaves, 2 female slave
• Census: 1840, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; as Bazel Riggs, with 1 male slave, 2 female slaves
• Will: 19 Oct 1844, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; Mentioned in the will: daughter Harriett, son Bazil W. Riggs and Deborah his wife, son Isaac, son Greenbury, son William, daughter Susan, son James, son Hezekiah, son Squire, son Edmond, black boy Jack, black woman Sally, black girl Joanne and grandson Porter Riggs.
• Census: 1850, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; as Bazel Riggs, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1850, Tyler County, Virginia, United States; Slave Schedule
• Probate: Dec 1850, Tyler County, Virginia, United States
• History / Bio: 1881; History of Washington County, Ohio (H. Z. Williams & Bro., 1881) p593

Notes:

Will:

In the name of God Amen, I Bazil Riggs of the County of Tyler and State of Virginia, being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and memory. Considering the Certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof being desirous to settle my worldly affairs, and thereby be the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence do therefore publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say. First and principally, I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to the earth to be decently buried and after the expenses of my last sickness and Burial and debts are paid I devise and bequeath as follows:
Towit, First I give to my daughter Harriet all my household and kitchen furniture, and I further will and devise to her three fourths of all my home farm containing one hundred and seventy four acres, excepting thirty acres lying back of the farm owned by William Hammond and to be divided so that my daughter Harriet’s share will lay at the corner end to have during her natural life and should she marry and have children the same to belong to her heirs; otherwise to impart to my natural and legitimate heirs.
Secondly; to my dear son Bazil W. Riggs and Deborah his wife I give and bequeath, during their natural life a certain lot of land known as lot N°6 of the land formerly belonging Abraham Lazrus, and at their death to belong to their legitimate children.
Thirdly; It is my wish that the remaining one fourth of my home farm and the thirty acres lying back of the Hammond farm, together with all my personalty estate not otherwise devised, should be sold, and after paying my debts to be divided as Follows;
Towit, First I give to my dear son Isaac fifty dollars, including twenty five dollars which he is indebted to me. To my dear son Greenbury twenty five dollars, To my dear son William Twenty five dollars, To my dear daughter Susan twenty five dollars, and Secondly The residue to be divided equally amongst all my children.
Fourthly; I give to my son James the two hundred dollars which he has received, to my son Hezekiah I give the Two hundred dollars which he has in his own hands. To my son Squire I give one hundred and Sixty Six dollars, which sum he is indebted to me, and to my son Edmond who owes me one hundred and forty dollars, I give forty dollars, and I give him Two years to pay the one hundred to be divided amongst my heirs equally.
Fifthly; It is my desire that my Black boy Jack shall at the expiration of six years be free, and that should he be a faithful and good servant until his 28 years of age, then shall be given him a good horse saddle and bridle from that farm. It is also my desire that my Black woman Sally remain in the Family her life time, and it is further my desire that the small Black Girl Joanne shall belong to my dear daughter Harriet her heirs or assigns.
Sixthly; It is my request and will that my daughter Harriet shall raise and take care of my grandson Porter Riggs and I commit to her discretion whether to give him anything, and in case of her death my administrators must take care of him.
Seventhly; I do hereby appoint my son Hezekiah of Washington County, Ohio, and my son Greenbury of Tyler County, Virginia to be the administrators of this my last will and Testament, revoking all others, and ratifying and conforming this.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of October in the year of our Lord 1844.
Bazil Riggs
Signed, sealed, published and declared by Bazil Riggs as and for his last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Joseph Taylor
James L. Bailey
Edmond Riggs

Census:

1 age 60 female, black
1 age 30 male, mulato
1 age 18 female, mulato

History / Bio:

Basil Riggs was born in Maryland in 1775, and died in 1850. Mary Robey, his wife, was born in 1777, and died in 1836. Their children were—James, Susan, Harriet, Isaac, Edmund, William, Hezekiah, Hazil, Asbury, and Squire Dilly. Hezekiah was born in 1810, and was married to Elizabeth Moorland, who was born in 1812. They had a family of eight children—James W., Mary, Susan, Daniel, Hezekiah, Nance E., Angeline, and Harriet.

Bazil married Mary Roby in 1793. Mary (daughter of Otha Owen Robey and Susannah Bartholow) was born on 28 Jul 1777 in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, United States; died on 23 Dec 1836 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; was buried in Dec 1836 in Sistersville, Tyler County, West Virginia, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. James Riggs was born on 16 Mar 1794 in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, United States; died on 15 Jul 1870 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Jul 1870 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States.
2. Rachel Riggs was born on 13 Mar 1795 in Maryland, United States; died on 2 Aug 1863 in Ludlow, Washington County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Aug 1863 in Monroe County, Ohio, United States.
3. Susannah Riggs was born in 1796 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died in 1850 in Galveston, Texas, United States.
4. Isaac Riggs was born in 1799 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 16 Nov 1861 in Pleasants County, Virginia, United States.
5. Hariett Riggs was born on 27 Aug 1800 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 28 Mar 1869 in Sistersville, Tyler County, West Virginia, United States; was buried in Mar 1869 in Sistersville, Tyler County, West Virginia, United States.
6. Edmond Riggs was born on 25 Dec 1804 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 5 Mar 1885 in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States; was buried in Mar 1885 in West Virginia, United States.
7. William Roby Riggs was born about 1808 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died in 1849 in California, United States.
8. Hezekiah R. Riggs was born on 23 May 1810 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 1 Jul 1903 in New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Jul 1903 in Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio, United States.
9. Bazel Wesley Riggs was born on 22 May 1812 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 1 Jan 1872 in West Virginia, United States.
10. Squire David Riggs was born on 17 Oct 1816 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 13 Jun 1897 in Ohio, United States; was buried in Jun 1898 in Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio, United States.
11. Greenbury B. Riggs was born on 25 Jul 1818 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 25 Mar 1865 in Saint Marys, Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States.
12. Adeline Riggs was born on 30 Jan 1820 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States; died on 4 Sep 1832 in Tyler County, Virginia, United States.

Other Events:

• Military: Revolutionary War
• Occupation: Farmer
• Census: 1776, Frederick County, Maryland, United States
• Misc: Aft 1776, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, United States; migrated
• Beneficiary: 24 Nov 1783, Montgomery, Maryland, British Colonial America; in the will of his father as son James Riggs
• Executor: 24 Nov 1783; co-executor in the will of his father
• Misc: Abt 1799, New Matamoras, Washington County, Northwest Territory; migrated and settled
• Census: 1800, Newport Township, Washington County, Northwest Territory
• Census: 1803, Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio, United States
• Tax Record: 1808, Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio, United States
• Tax Record: 1809, Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio, United States
• Will: 29 May 1813, Washington County, Ohio, United States
• History / Bio: 1881; History of Washington County, Ohio (H. Z. Williams & Bro., 1881) p593

Notes:

It is believed he was married twice. The census taken August 22, 1776, in Maryland, shows James Riggs living in Lower Potomac Hundred. His two oldest sons were Robert, aged 12 (born circa 1764), and Thomas, age 9 (born circa 1767). As his wife was not born until circa 1749, it is doubtful whether she was the mother of these two children. [Source: Riggs Family of Maryland]

James was born in Rock Creek, Maryland which is now Washington, DC. He was a soldier in Revolutionary war. He was a farmer, hunter, trapper and fisherman. Started West just prior to Revolutionary War. Lived in Bedford County, Pennsylvania for a while. Enlisted at Bedford, Pennsylvania and served in Pennsylvania Regiment. [Ref. National Numbers 256 255 and 405497, also National D.A.R. Magazine October 1929 Vol. 63, Page 632, also National No. 311750.]

Moved to Ohio in October 1799, settled near Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio. He cleared timber on land that is now New Matamoras. Floated logs down Raven Rock Creek and built a home for Bazel, his son.

Will probated January 10, 1795. [Source: Letter from Stephen Clark dated March 20, 1962]

Birth:
(now Montgomery County)

Will:

In the name of God, Amen, I, James Riggs, of the County of Washington and state of Ohio, calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and the mortality of my body but of sound mind and perfect memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament.
First, I resign my soul to God who gave it and my body to be interred at the discretion of my friends no doubting but I shall receive the same at the General resurrection by the mighty power of God the estate it has pleased God to bless me with I give devise and disperse of in manner as following.
Item first - I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Riggs all my goods, chattels lands and tenements for and during her natural life in case she remain a widow, but if she should marry, then the said estate to be disposed of in the manner herein after directed with the exception of her right of dower.
Item second - I will and bequeath to my four sons: Bazel Riggs, John Riggs, Edmund Riggs, and Samuel Riggs all my estate in land after the death of my wife Mary Riggs, the said land to be equally divided among my said four sons, by me executor herein after named according to the quality of said land taking into consideration all improvements of whatever description and valuing the land so that the four above named legatees may each receive and [sic] equal share of the real value in said land, which I give and bequeath to the said four legatees, their heirs and assigns forever.
Item third - I give and bequeath at the death of my wife Mary Riggs all the personal property belonging to my estate to the eight following legatees - namely, my four sons Bazel Riggs, John Riggs, Edmund Riggs, and Samuel Riggs, my three daughters Maxie Sheets, Mary Ridgway, Jane Williamson and my grand daughter Mary Sheets daughter of Martin Sheets each to receive an equal share and the division to be made to the aforesaid legatees by my executor herein after named.
Item fourth - It is my will and desire that my son Samuel Riggs be permitted to live on and cultivate the farm that I now live on, that he may have a favorable chance of improving his stock and that he be paid for improving the house and orchard and the sum of forty five dollars by his three brothers to be paid out their part of said estate.
I wish it be understood as a part of my will that if my wife should marry after my decease that from the time of such marriage she is to receive no part of my estate real or personal other than her right of dower which is to be defined by the law of the state of Ohio.
Lastly, I consider and appoint my beloved son Edmund Riggs and my beloved son-in-law Anthony Sheets, executor of this my last will and testament. In witness wherein I have set my hands and affixed my seal this 29th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen and of the Independence of the United States the thirty seventh.
James Riggs
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged as the last will and testament of James Riggs esquire of Grandview
Henry (his mark) Jolly
John (his mark) Collins
Richard (his mark) Tabbott
Martin (his mark) Sheets
Probated in Common Pleas, June Term 1815

History / Bio:

James Riggs came from Maryland and made the first settlement in what is now Matamoras, about 1799, and built his log cabin on what is now First street, where the residence of Mr. Thornbury now stands. This house was made of hewn logs, after the style of early times. He first encamped on the opposite side of the river, where he kept his family until the cabin in Ohio was completed, when he moved over. He was born in what is now Washington, District of Columbia, in 1742, and died February 27, 1815. He was accompanied by his wife Mary Johnson, and children—Basil, Hezekiah, John, Samuel, Edmund, Maxey, Polly, and Prissa; also his son-in-law, Martin Sheets. He, with the latter, entered two hundred acres of land along the Ohio river, he taking the northern, and the son-in-law the southern part, all of which subsequently was transferred to Martin Sheets. On the northern part of this land the town of Matamoras was founded.

James married Mary Johnson in 1768 in Frederick County, Maryland, British Colonial America. Mary (daughter of Living) was born on 10 Jul 1748 in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, British Colonial America; died on 9 Nov 1818 in New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Nov 1818 in Washington County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1776, Frederick County, Maryland, United States

Notes:

Daughter of Benjamin Johnson of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Other Events:

• Name: Edmond Riggs
• Beneficiary: 21 Aug 1744, Prince George's County, Maryland, British Colonial America; in the will of his father as Edmond Riggs
• Will: 24 Nov 1783, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States
• Probate: 11 Apr 1784, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States

Notes:

Will:

In the name of God Amen, I Edmund Riggs of the County of Montgomery and Province of Maryland considering the uncertainty of this Mortal Life and blessed with sound mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same, Therefore I do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament-viz:
First and principally, I recommend my body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix in a Christian like manner, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection to receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God, and my soul to God that gave it me. And as touching what worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I Give and bequeath the same in the following manner,—
Imprimis:—It is my will and I do ordain that all my Just Debts be paid and satisfied,
Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Ruth Riggs all my Real and Personal Estate during her Natural life or while she remains my widow, she making no waste of the same but to the best of her skill and understanding Keep things together for the good of her children and after her Decease the whole both Real and Personal to be sold at public action.
Item. I give unto my beloved son James Riggs Eight pounds current money of this province—
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Elizabeth Leech Eight pounds of like currency—
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Verlander Caton Eight pound Ditto—
I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Greenbury Riggs Eight pound—
I give and bequeath unto my beloved son John Riggs Eight pound—
And as touching the Remainder or Residue of my Estate after the above Legatees is satisfied, the same to be Equally divided amongst the Rest of the children that are then living.—
And Lastly. I do will and ordain my beloved wife Ruth Riggs and my Beloved son James Riggs Executor of this my last will and testament. Revoking and Disannulling All former wills by me made, whereunto I have set my hand and seal the Twenty forth Day of November One thousand seven hundred and Eighty Three.
Edmund Riggs
Published, Pronounced and Declared in the presence of
Newton Chiswell
Charles Clagett
Lawrence Owen

Montgomery County April 11th 1784, Came Stephen N. Chiswell and Charles Clagett two of the subscribing witnesses to the within last Will and Testament of Edmund Riggs late of said County deceased and severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the Testator herein named sign and seal this will and that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding and that they and Laurence Owen the other subscribing Witness to this will respectively subscribed heir names to this will as witnesses in the presence and at the request of the Testator and in the presence of each other.
Certified by Saml. Turner, Register

Edmund married Mary Brooke about 1741 in Montgomery, Maryland, British Colonial America. Mary was born on 8 Oct 1709; died in 1750. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Will: 21 Aug 1744, Prince George's County, Maryland, British Colonial America
• Probate: 4 Mar 1744/5, Prince George's County, Maryland, British Colonial America

Notes:

Will:

Prins Georgs County, ?, Maryland. In the name of God Amen the twenty first day of August in the year of our Lord God one thousand Sevin Hundred forty fore I James Riggs Se⸀. In this County aforsᵈ. being in perfect Mind and Memory thanks be to Almighty God I do make this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form as followeth that is to say Item I leave to my dear and beloved Wife Elizabeth Riggs All my goods Chattles Moveables Horses and every thing as I do clame as my own Excepting a Fether Bed and furnitur and a Brindle Cow Heffer which I shall dispose as followeth to her during her natrel Life And after her decease to be Equle Devided amonst my Children and there Ears forever: James Riggs John Riggs Edmond Riggs Sary Riggs and Jane Cramphen. Secondly I give to my beloved Daughter Sary Riggs a feather Bed furnitur and a bendle Cow Heffer to her and her Ears forever. Thirdly after my Wife Desease I give to my Son Edmond Riggs a Melatto boy named Samuel Redbun to him and his Ears And it is my Will that my Son Edmond shall have his Equle Part notwithstanding. I give this Melatto Boy to him over and above his Equle Part with the Rest of his Brothers and Sisters. Forthly I do make my beloved Wife Elizabeth Riggs my Exet˟ and Administater. In Witness whereof I have Set my hand and Seal this day and year above written.
James Riggs
Sinᵈ Seald in presents of us
Saml. Riley
Mattʷ M. (his mark) Sparrow
Thomas Lucas Jun⸀
On the back of this Will was enclosed Mar 4 1744. Then came Samuel Riley and Thomas Lucas Jun⸀, two Subscribing Evidences to the foregoing Will and being duly Sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God declair and say they Saw James Riggs late of Prince Geo County deceᵈ. Sign the foregoing Will and heard him Publish and declair the Same to be his last Will and Testament and at the time of his so doing he was of sound and disposing Memory to the best of their apprehention and in his Presence and at his request they Subscribed the Same as evidences and they beleve the other Subscribing Evidence Saw and heard the Same as they did. Sworn before Pet Dent Dᵗᵞ Comᵐᵞ of P⸀. Geo. County.

James married Elizabeth _____ about 1684. Elizabeth died after Jan 1746. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Riggs
• Beneficiary: 21 Aug 1744, Prince George's County, Maryland, British Colonial America; in the will of her husband as wife Elizabeth Riggs
• Executor: 21 Aug 1744; executrix and administrator in the will of her husband James Riggs