John Davis

     John Davis was born about 1754 in Augusta Co., Virginia.¹ He married Jane Clendenin, daughter of Archibald Clendenin Jr. and Ann McSwain, in 1774, probably in Botetourt Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He died in 1800 in Greenbrier Co., Virginia.^5,6,7
      On 22 Feb 1782 John was granted a patent for 363 ac. in the Big Levels in Greenbrier Co., Virginia, The parcel adjoined the land of John Rogers, Henry Hunter, Alexander Welch, Charles Arbuckle, Henry Hendricks and John Lewis.⁸
     John left a will dated 17 Mar 1800, in which he left his "wife Jean" (Jane Clendenin) 150 ac. including their dwelling for her life, half of which would go to "daughter Polly" (Mary) when she became of age or married, and the balance when her mother died. His wife was to receive the household furnishing and livestock, and slaves Sam and Milly (Sam only until she remarried), with the slaves to go to Polly upon the death of her mother. Daughters Sally, Jean, and Rebecka were to receive any issue born to Milly while his wife lived. He gave to "daughter Sally" (Sarah) 100 ac. of land. He gave "daughter Betsy" (Elizabeth) 200 ac. of land and slave Alce, except that Rebecka would have the choice of any issue born to Alce. He left to "daughter Jean" and to "daughter Rebecka" (Jane and Rebeccah) each half of the tract where he lived after the 150 ac. was given to his wife. To "daughter Nancy" he left a tract known as the Mill place and the right to continue living on the property given to Rebeccah rent-free for eight years. Slaves James, Saul, and Rodger were to be employed on his plantation for the benefit of his wife and unmarried children until the youngest daughter became of age, then they were to be sold and 150£ to go to Betsy and the balance divided between daughters Sally, Jeaney, Rebecka & Polly. His still and still vessels were to be sold and the proceeds used to support his wife and children. His wife and Wm Rennick, John Stuart, and Joseph Maze were named executors.⁹ His will was probated in Apr 1800 in Greenbrier Co., Virginia.⁹