Information courtesy of Wini Geniella, Yuba City, CA
We will begtin with the marriage of Abraham Riggs to widow of Billings BRITT. He came in possession of the BRITT estate with this union. At this period of history all wife's lands became property of husband unless she retained her dowry rights. Mary had a first, childless marriage to John MACOMEE> (Virginia Eastern Shore, History of Northampton and Accomac Counties Vol I and II. Author Ralph Whitelaw, published by Virginia Historical Society, 1951.
Will of Abraham Riggs (page 165 from Wills and Administration by Stratton Nottingham 24 September 1783, proved in court August 3, 1783. To wife, Mary, whole estate during her widowhood. To son, George, one shilling, to four children, William, Abraham, Esther, and Leah Riggs, all my land and rest of estate to be divided equally between them. Executor, wife Mary, Order of probate, William Riggs, heir-at=law to testator. Witnesses: Solomon Jackson, Benjamin Royall, John Tilshett
Son William Riggs (our ancestor) served three years in Accomac County, Virginia Navy during the Revolutionary War. Galley ship 13 H.H 865. His brother, George, is also certified as a sailor.
In Kentucky we find the marriage bond of William Riggs to Ann Stayton, Bond...Nelson County, 28 February 1788 with her Father's consent. Marriage ceremony 17 March 1788 by Rev. Terah Templin, Presbyterian minister.
William Riggs purchased 400 acres of land lying on Cartwright Creek from John Grundy--on Thomas Stayton and McCracken lines. Deed Book 2, page 358, Nelson County, Kentucky.
William Riggs' name was on tax lists 1789 to 1817 in Nelson and Washington Counties.
1789 Tithable List on Hardin and Cartwright Creeks by Capt. John Caldwell and Capt. Gulkey: William Riggs...three white and no blacks.
Washington County was formed from east side of Nelson County in 1792.
Tax list of 1792, Washington County William Riggs: four horses, 13 cattle, 200 acres
It appeared as though William and Ann were well situated with an excellent farm adjoining lads of her Father and brothers and sisters.
In 1800 to 1801 William Riggs and wife, Nancy (her name must have been Ann Nancy) sold to her brother, Obadiah Stayton, part of the farm. Deed Book B, p 386. Also, sold to Ann's sister, Martha Stayton, for 21 pounds, 55 acres on South Branch of Cartwright Creek. Deed Book 2 page 438.
Tax list of Washington County, 1803 Ann Riggs, 244 acres.
What has happened to the Riggs? With William selling off land and Ann with land in her own name, it appears as there were some marital problems. Nevertheless, William was still residing in the county.
Order Book 2, p 156, Washington County Court. William Riggs received bounty for wolf's head---8 schillings.
Order Book 2 p 453, 5 April 1807, Riggs appointed to jury for trial of Benedict Worthen vs. William Pils.
Order Book 2 p 457, 4 May 1807, ordered William Riggs, John Sandusky and Jesse Head appraised estate of Benjamin Dean and reports.
Washington County Kentucky Federal Census 1810.
William Riggs, males: two under 10, one over 45. Females: one female 10-16, one 16-25. It appears no female Ann's age and none of the older children were living in William's household.
Children of William and Ann Riggs:
(1) Abraham Riggs, born 1789-90. Named for grandfather Abraham Riggs. Married Polly CHAMBERLAIN, Washington County bond 11 April 1815, ceremony by Rev Nathan H Hall. Book 1 p 140, consent for marriage by fathers of both bride and groom. Abraham was in the War of 1812 under Capt. Presley Smith, 9th Regiment, Mounted Kentucky Volunteers. Mustered out Maysville, Kentucky. He made deposition for pension in McLean County, Kentucky for 77 days service. Was at Battle of Thames when Tecumseh was killed. Pension in 1871 #10760.
(2) "Polly" Mary Riggs named for grandmother Riggs of Accomac Co., Virginia, born 1791, married John CEASEY, Jr., 3 March 1810.
(3) Nancy Riggs married 1st Joseph Byrns, 1819, Washington County, KY bondman was brother-in-law John Ceasey, Jr. 2nd Charles BURRIS
(4) James Riggs, War of 1812, 9th Kentucky Regiment of Mounted Volunteers under Capt. Presley Smith, with his brother Abraham. He was one of Ann Riggs' heirs selling land 28 September 1836.
(5) Thomas Riggs married Rebekah B JENKINS, bondsman Richard Jenkins, 9 January 1829. Book 2 p 240. Thomas is on tax list of Washington County through 1843. Served as bondsman for niece, Nancy CASEY's marriage to Lewis WRIGHT. Especially esteemed by the Wright family. My father called him "Old Grandpa Tom Riggs." (Only he was a great uncle.)
(6) Isaac Riggs, resident of both Washington and Hardin County, Kentucky. The 1860 Washington County census showed him as age 55, so he was born in 1805. Wife was Elizabeth. He was granted pension #9048.
There may have been other children.
Washington County, Kentucky Order Book C page 16, 18 May 1817--William Riggs absconded the state, leaving destitute minor sons, Thomas and Isaac Riggs.
John Hughes, county clerk, bound Isaac to age 21 years to Thomas Pearson to learn art of tanning. Thomas was bound to Thomas Honts but was released. Evidently, Thomas was old enough to help mother Ann farm.
In the 1820 Washington County, Kentucky Federal Census, Ann Riggs: four males under age 10, one male 16-25 years, one female 16-25 years, one female over 45 years.
In the 1830 Washington County Census it appears a young family was residing with Ann. The southeast area of Washington County was formed into a new county, Marion, whose court records were destroyed by General Morgan in 1863 during the Civil War, so all records between 1834-1862 are missiong. This was period of Ann Riggs' death. We ascertain by sale of land by three of her heirs (28 September 1836, Deed Book 11, p 576) that she had died by 1834-1835.
For many years I wondered why William Riggs deserted his family. RecentlyI read an account by his great-grandson in McLean County, Kentucky, history with many unauthentic dates. He gave a different name than Ann for wife of William Riggs and the residence of West Virginia. He gave the marriage of his grandfather, Abraham Riggs (William's oldest son) in West Virginia instead of registered marriage in Washington County, Kentucky. He suggested name for William Riggs' wife which was the name of a neighbor widow who had resided on Cartwright Creek, Washington County. Of course, West Virginia was not a state until the time of the Civil War when several western counties of Virginia seceded. Riggs did not go to West Virginia but to Old Virginia. Now the mystery is perhaps accounted for. He evidently eloped with neighboring widow. I will not reveal her name (note of Wini Geniella--BURDINE)--just read the account in McLean, Kentucky history.
Accomac County, Virginia, Court Order of 1836 granted petition of William Riggs' sisters Leah Riggs (now REW) and Elizabeth Riggs (now CASE) for pension and 100 acres bounty land for William Riggs' Revolutionary War service. These sisters claimed to be only heirs of William Riggs.
Had they no knowledge of a large family living in Kentucky? I have on file William's service records.
Accomac County, Virginia, Riggs Record:
Marriages 1774-1806 by Stratton Nottingham.
1. Betsey Riggs married Major CASE 12 Jan 1789, Jacob Andrews surety.
2. Leah Riggs married Reuben REW 6 January 1792.
Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors by Stratton Nottingham publishe 1927 at Quancock, Virginia, page 55
Ordered William Riggs to be certified--died intestate 28 January 1834 (page 247)
Possibly only heirs to William Riggs, Seaman, were Leah REW and Elizabeth RIGGS, p 67. Same claimants for estate of George B Riggs, seaman. Certainly erroneous, as William Riggs left children and wife in Washington County, KY"
