Records from Richmond City, Virginia
1699 – 9 Jan 1699 in Richmond, Edward PRYOR appraised the estate of John Lovell (or Lovett), appraisers Peter Ellis, Ralph Bartlett (See Hanover Co. Records – Samuel Pryor on 1732 Vestry record with with John Lovell).
1779 Ad
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. RUN away the beginning of last September, from a Mr. Crocket’s waggon, on its way to Montgomery couny, 20 miles above the Rocky Ridge, a very likely negro woman called HANNAH, about 19 years of age, well set, rather short, dresses very neat, bred to house business, is a very passionate temper, and when angry, talks very much and fast. She having a variety of clothes, it is impossible to describe her dress; and as she is very sensible, may endeavor to pass as a free woman. Also about six weeks past, a negro lad, about 13 years old, called PHILL, remarkably well made, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, has large lips, a fly down look, talks little, and generally thick. He formerly belonged to Mr. John Pryor, about the time he owned the running horse Shad, and was well known by being much about with him, had on, when he went away, a dark broadcloth coat, Virginia cloth mixed waistcoat and breeches, straw hat, yarn stockings, shoes, silver buckles. Have a wife at Newcastle, I expect he is lurking somewhere about that place. I will give 50 dollars for the fellow, and pay reasonable charges, and 100 for the wench, if taken 50 miles off, and fifty if at a smaller distance.
WILLIAM DANDRIDGE, Jun.
N. B. I am in want of some twine spinners and hacklers; such personsl will meet with goog encouragement by applying to
Richmond town, November 24, 1779.
(The Virginia Gazette. December 18, 1779. John Pryor is probably Major John Pryor of Richmond who was a known race horse owner as well as an associate of the Dandridge family–see post)
1781 Revolutionary War Service – Nathan Fry states on his pension application in 1822 that he was at Corwallis’ surrender (the Battle of Yorktown) and that he was known by Maj. J PRYOR of Richmond and David Meade Randolph (Randolph was related to President Thomas Jefferson whose mother was a Randolph).
1791 Personal Tax Record – Recorded May 28, 1791, John PRYOR, 1 free male, 1 black over 16, 1 black over 12 and under 16, 3 horses, mares, colts, mules, 4 carriage wheels, 1 “coach” (written in because there was no category for “coach”– perhaps this was like owning your own private jet?)
1800 Tax List –
Lewis Burwell – 4 blacks above age 12, 2 horses, 2 carriages.
(In 1823 Will, Maj. John Pryor left part of his estate to his friend Lewis Burwell).
John Pryor – 4 blacks above age 12, 2 horses (This is Maj John Pryor.)
1807 Revolutionary War Land Warrant – I do certify that John PRYOR was c— (commissioned?) in a Captain Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Artillery on Continental the 13th of January 1777 – in the service until the end of the war. Given under my hand this 29th day of June 1807. Samuel COLEMAN. [from Revolution Bounty Warrants, Library of Virginia online Catalog. The back side of this document states that Captain Pryor was given 4000 acres. This is supported on the affidavit of Susan Lowery, Pryor’s sister in law– she filed the affidavit to support Pryor’s second wife’s application for his Revolutionary War Pension. Mrs. Lowry stated he had already been awarded a “considerable” amount of land for his service.]
1803 Richmond City Deed
John Pryor of the County of Henrico and City of Richmond attorney in fact for Henry Diggs of the county of Matthews and state of Virginia. 36 pounds current money of Virginia, paid by Col. Mark Vandewall of Henrico County. Witnesses Archd Denholm, John Davis, Rihcd Bowler
signed 22 June 1803. Deed book 3, page 587.
1810 Census Richmond, VA
Susanna PRYOR no names counted in household, no children in household.
Samuel PRYOR 00301 (one male 45 or over) – 0102 (two females 26-44)
1812 – Major J. PRYOR was living in Richmond during War of 1812. He was descirbed as decrepit and very fat. (Richmond During the War of 1812, The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 7, No. 4 (Apr., 1900), pp. 406- 418)
1820 Birth in Richmond, VA – Edmund PRYOR (bl) age 43 in 1863 was in Co A, 6th US Colored H. Artillery. Deserted May 1864 in Natchez, MS. Stated Richmond as his place of birth, occupation servant.
1820 Census Richmond, VA
Alsey PRYOR 1 “free colored” female over 45 years.
1820 Revolutionary War Pension Application – on 19 Feb 1820 John PRYOR testified that he was acquainted with Major General Robert Howe of Richmond (note: Pryor’s signature is on this document. It also states that Pryor was deceased in 1823.)
1823 Death – Death of Maj John PRYOR announced in the Richmond Enquirer on 23 Mar 1823
1850 Chancery Court Case Notice – TO RICHARD PRYOR AND DOLLY HIS wife, George W. Turner and Catharine G. his wife, Ursula D. Ragland, John Brown, —-Anderson and Octavia his wife, and A. Cook and Judith his wife. As you are not residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have no agent therein known to us, you will hereby take notice that we shall proceed on Thrusday, the 28th of February, 1850, and between the hours of 9 o’clock, AM and sunset of that day, at the office of Messrs. Meredith and Young. Attorneys at Law in the City of Richmond, to take the depositions of John Sheppard, Wellington Godin and others, to be read as evidence on behalf of the defendants in a certain suit now pending in the Superior Court of Chancery for the Richmond Circuit, in which you and others are plaintiffs, and ourselves and William Davis, Hardin Davis, Spotswood G. Waldrop, Alfred Winston, John Clas, and others, are defendants, and which suit is now on the rules docket of said court; and if from any cause the said depositions be not commenced, or being commenced shall not be completed on that day, the taking thereof wil be continued from day-to-day at the same place, and between the same hours, until the taking thereof shall be completed.
JAMES S RYALL SAMUEL DAVIS Executors of John D Brown, deceased. (Richard is on the 1840 Census in Madison Co., AL. He is possibily a plaintiff on an 1841 suit filed in Brunswick County, VA)
1850 Census Richmond, VA
City of Richmond, page 269a, house 2 living in the household of Mosby Johnson blacksmith… Samuel A. PRIOR 28 coach maker VA.
City of Richmond, page 375a, house 547 Mildred Taylor 58 VA, Junius PRYOR 25 carpenter VA, Caroline PRYOR 30 VA, James Lumpkins 26 wheelwright VA, John Drew 33 hatter England, Martha Drew 23 VA, Thomas Allen 18 machinist VA. (Junius B Pryor married Caroline E Gregory in Henrico Co in 1849. Junius Pryor served in the Confederate military during Civil War– 1st regiment, VA Infantry, Co. G, Private)
1852 Hotel Register – Columbian Hotel in Richmond, VA, J. PRYOR of Hanover (Richmond Dispatch, 27 Jan 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – American Hotel in Richmond, VA, W. PRYOR of Petersburg (Richmond Dispatch, 17 Feb 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – American Hotel in Richmond, VA, R. A. PRYOR of Petersburg (Richmond Dispatch, 25 Mar 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – Exchange Hotel in Richmond, VA, W. H. PRYOR and S. PRYOR of Lynchburg (Richmond Dispatch, 20 May 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – American Hotel in Richmond, VA, R. A. PRYOR, his wife and servant of Petersburg (Richmond Dispatch, 25 Mar 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – Exchange Hotel in Richmond, VA, C. R. PRYOR of Amelia (Richmond Dispatch, 22 Jul 1852)
1852 Hotel Register – Exchange Hotel in Richmond, VA, C. R. PRYOR of Amelia (Richmond Dispatch, 11 Sept 1852)
1854 Letters Held at Post office – (gentlemen’s list) S W PRYOR 2 (This is possibly Samuel W. Pryor of Charles City, son of Samuel Wyatt Pryor and Sarah Dudley Graves, who was killed in June 1861, Civil War casualty)
1857 Ad – FOR RENT — The house on Cary Street between 2d and 3d, recently occupied by R. A. PRYOR, Esq. It contains 11 rooms and has been recently thoroughly repaired. For terms apply DIBRELL & JOHNSON, Opposit Shockoe Warehouse
(Richmond Dispatch, 24 April 1857)
1858 News Report – Watchmen, Pryor and Gillman, passed by Main St and Wall St where they found Albert G. Hobson dying from wounds. Dr. James Dove was called (see 1861 report that also involved Dr. Dove. This may be Benjamin Pryor who was a policeman on the 1860 census in Henrico County, VA).
1859 Birth – Laura PRYOR born 5 Jan 1859 to Junius B Pryor and Mary J.
1860 Delinquent State Taxes – Jas. E. Heath and C. B. PRYOR‘s Estate (Richmond Dispatch, 8 Sept 1860)
1861 News Report – A slave named Aleck Bagby, owned by Dr. Sam’l Fauntleroy, of King and Queen, on yesterday evening bit off the entire lower lip of Fleming Pryer, a slave, owned by W. R. Robinson, Esq., in a fight, at the factory of the latter, on Franklin, below 20th street — Dr. James Dove was summoned in haste, and stitched on the dissevered part. (Richmond Dispatch, Richmond VA 4 March 1861)
1890 Marriage – Randolph Bailey married Ann Pryor on 25 Nov 1890. Groom’s parents Sam Baily and Nancy Baily, bride’s parents Junius PRYOR and Rachel PRYOR. Bride’s age 25 (born 1865), born in Powhattan Co., VA. Bride was widowed at time of marriage.
Records from Roanoke County, Virginia
1870 Census Roanoke Co., VA
Cave Spring, Salem PO, page 328b, Noah F. Wertz farmer 50 VA, Emily (PRYOR) 41 VA, George N. 18 VA, James 15 VA, Christian R. 14 VA, Nanny 3 VA, (Emily Pryor daughter of Richard Pryor and Nancy Cash Bibb of Amherst Co., VA)
1900 Census, Roanoke City
Ward 2, house 109, Patty Gilmer b. Jan 1843 57 wodpw VA VA VA school teachter. Mary J. Minor sister b. July 1849 50 single VA VA VA millinier. Ida Johnson roomer b. Nov 1874 25 MD NY ND milliner. Azalea Ramos? roomer b. Jan 1876 24 VA MD MD milliner, William H. PRYOR roomer b. Sept. 1827 md 47 years VA VA VA Civil Engineer. Margaret H. Pryor roomer b. Oct 1831 68 7 children/5 living VA VA VA (William Hamlin Pryor and wife Margaret Walker Pryor)
Records from Rockbridge County, Virginia
1786 Chancery Court Case – Filed in Rockbridge Co against JOSEPH PRYOR of Botetourt County. Thomas Morris vs Joseph Pryor.
1792 Rockbridge County Deed
Nicolas Pryor of Amherst County to Joseph Paxton of Botetourt County. 25 pounds for land in Rockbridge, on the waters of the south fork of Buffalo Creek, 46 acres. Witnesses Benjamin Coleman, William Paxton, Joseph McAddams, Robert Tucker, Jno Paxton. 5 December 1792
Deed book B, page 482
1807 Rockbridge County Deed – The Indenture made this fifteenth day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and seven Between Eli[zabeth?] Paxton Relict of William Paxton Senr decd and Andrew Alexander, John Paxton, William Paxton, James Paxton, & Elisha Paxton of the county of Rockbridge state of virginia and David Swyer of the county of Augusta said state and James P. Pryor of the cou[nty] Kanawah said state of the one part and John Mc Nutt Jr [of] the said county of Rockbridge of the other part. Witnesses Wm McNutt, Alex McNutt, James Laird, J[?] Bailey.
Deed book F, page 262.
1807 – James P. Pryor of Kanawah county “being on of the heirs of William Paxton senr decd late of the county of Rockbridge.” Nominated William Paxton Junr. as his attorney sign the deed to John McNutt Jr. Signed on 30 December 1807. Deed book F, page 315.
1809 – John Paxton, David [Sawyers?], and Elizabeth his wife, Andrew Alexander and Isabella his wife, James Paxton, & James P Pryor, heirs of William Paxton Decd to William Paxton & Elisha Paxton. 5 October 1809. Deed book G, page 82.
1809 Chancery Court Case – Filed in Rockbridge County by POSTON PRYOR against Nicholas Spring. This is a partial case, so it’s unclear what were the circumstances or the result of litigation.
1812 – James P. Pryor of Kanawah. 24 October 1812. Deed book H, page 235
1829 Land Grant – John PRYOR grantee, 143.25 acres west slope of South Mountain and adjoining Amherst Co. line
1830 Census Rockbridge Co., VA
Peter PRIOR family counted as free black males 000201 – no females
Pantow? PRIOR. free black household 0001 – no females
William PRIOR 0220001 – 11001
1832 Deed of Trust – William Pryor of Lexington in Rockbridge, put his household furniture as collateral on loan. The item are from “the estate of James Caruthers decd that Pryor had a share–a crop, a lot, furniture. Lienholder was James D. Davidson. 21 November 1832. Deed book R, page 459.
1833 Deed – This Indenture made & entered into this 23rd day of January 1833 between John Pryor & Sarah his wife of the County of Amherst of the one part and Kilbourn Rowsey of the county of Rockbridge. Land lying in Rockbridge west side of blue Ridge, on waters of North fork of James River, Pryors Gap, adjoining estate of Jno Robinson decd, David Lair, John Robinson decd, Wm Weavers land formerly Henry Banks. Refers to a survey made 24 July 1826 and patented to John Pryor on 17 September 1829. Deed book R, page 494
1837 Rockbridge County Deed
John Jordan and Lucy his wife of Rockbridge to William Pryor of sd County. $1800 for a town lot in Lexington by Randolph Street. Signed 6 June 1831.
1835 Washington College – Joseph William PRYOR attended Washington College in Lexington. (He is on the 1850 Census in Fayette Co., VA. He later settled in Marion Co., MO)
1840 Census, Rockbridge Co., VA
page 199, P. PRYOR (black) Free blacks: 00001 – no females
page 197, Military Institute, S. B. PRYOR 00001 – no females (counted as a single male resident with other students. (possibly Samuel B. Pryor of Brunswick Co. and later the first mayor of Dallas, TX was in the first class of cadets at VMI – Virginia Military Institute.)
1850 Census Rockbridge Co., VA
Dist. 51, page, house 304 living in the household of Andrew Patterson 48 merchant… R. N. PRYOR (male) 18 clerk VA. (R.N. Pryor aged 29 is on the 1860 Census in Harris Co., TX)
1899 Notice – Quetta Pryor and Samuel Pryor vs Lucy Kerr, Lizzie Kerr, Vergie Styles, Ada Burton, (formerly Kerr), Orotta Kerr and infant, Kizzie Pryor, John Pryor, and Oscar Pryor. Filed in circuit court on 14 Jan 1899. (Lexinton Gazette, 8 Feb 1899)
