Elizabeth Payne (ca. 1773-1838/9)
There are no birth records for Elizabeth Payne. According to the 1800 U.S. census, she was between the ages of 27 and 45, which means she was probably born between 1755 and 1773.[1] According to the 1820 U.S. census she was over age 45.[2] According to the 1830 U.S. census, she was between the ages of 50-59.[3]
Census records from 1850 to 1880 place her youngest child Hester Ann’s birth year as ranging from 1816 to 1828[4], so taking childbearing years into consideration, Elizabeth was most likely born closer to 1773.
Elizabeth’s Parents
Elizabeth’s parents are John Payne and Elizabeth Porter. In his will dated May 28, 1804, John Payne bequeathed “my daughter Betsey Payne” the house where she was living and two acres of land where her house stood “during her widowhood”.[5] This is consistent with the death of Elizabeth’s first husband, Jacob, around 1803[6], and her marriage to George Bonnewell in 1807.[7]
Elizabeth’s First Husband and Children
On January 8, 1799, Elizabeth was issued a marriage license to marry her first cousin Jacob Payne.[8] The license recorded her name as “Betsey,” a common nickname for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and Jacob had two sons, Jacob and John. On August 7, 1804, Elizabeth paid the Worcester County court $1,000 as Jacob and John’s guardian.[9] Her deceased husband’s cousin, Frederick Conner, and Elizabeth’s brother, James Payne, provided surety for the bond. In October 1808, the court authorized Elizabeth and her second husband, George Bonewell, to retain the profits of the property of the orphans Jacob and John Payne, for their support and education.[10]
Jacob died without a will in late 1802 or early 1803. On February 21, 1803, Elizabeth, along with her uncle Wrixham Payne and father John Payne, paid a $1,000 administrative bond for her late husband’s estate. The court named Elizabeth administratrix and granted her permission to sell the estate.[11] On June 26, 1804, Elizabeth submitted to the court a final accounting of the estate, which indicated a balance of $260.56.[12]
It appears that Jacob’s property holdings were not sold, since the court authorized Elizabeth and her second husband, George Bonnewell, to retain the profits of the property until her sons, Jacob and John, reached the age of fourteen.[13]
Elizabeth’s Second Husband and Children
On December 16, 1807, Elizabeth obtained a marriage license to marry George Bonnewell. Again, her name was listed as “Betsey.”[14] Little is known about George Bonnewell. A George Bonewell appeared in Accomack County, Virginia, as the orphan of Thomas Bonewell.[15] He was apprenticed to Laban Johnson to learn the trade of house carpenter. George Bonnewell paid property tax in Accomack County, Virginia, in 1798.[16]
George may have been a widower, as a marriage bond was paid on December 17, 1800, for the marriage of George Bonnewell and Polly Rodgers in Accomack County.[17] Unfortunately, there is no solid evidence that the George Bonewell who lived in Accomack County, Virginia, is the same George Bonewell who married the widowed Elizabeth Payne.
George Bonewell wrote a will on January 14, 1833.[18] He died sometime between that date and October 10, 1837, when his will was probated. An inventory of his estate indicates that he and Elizabeth ran a substantial, diversified farm, with some touches of comfort including Windsor chairs, china and glassware, and a marble mantel clock. It appears that they owned a second farm that they leased out.[19]
Elizabeth and George had two daughters, Hester Ann and Mary S. On January 14, 1833, George mentioned both daughters in his will.[20] Mary’s husband, Samuel Aydelotte Payne, was the administrator of George’s estate after he died.[21]
Elizabeth’s Death
Elizabeth wrote a will on March 30, 1838.[22] She bequeathed items to her son Jacob, daughters Hester A. and Polly (a common nickname for Mary), grandson Ambrose (Jacob’s son), and daughter-in-law Margaret (Jacob’s wife). She died sometime between the date of her will and April 9, 1839, when her will was probated.
Footnotes
[1] "United States, Census, 1800", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHRC-23H, Entry for Jacob Payne, 1800.
[2] "United States, Census, 1820", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYY6-SCMF, Entry for George Bonnewell, 1820.
[3] "United States, Census, 1830", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYY1-9L76, Entry for George Bonewell, 1830.
[4] United States, Census, 1850", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6Q47-985, Entry for John H. Allen, 1850. "United States, Census, 1860", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9BSF-V3Y, Entry for John H. Allen, 1860. "United States, Census, 1870", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6QB7-VRV, Entry for John H. Allen, 1870. "United States, Census, 1880", FamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBJ-9J5J, Entry for John H. Allen, 1880.
[5] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber J.B.R., 1803-1806, pp. 155-158 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GTBL-STFH.
[6] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber J.B.R., 1803-1806, pp. 35-36 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9TBL-SPKN.
[7] Marriage Licenses of Worcester County, 1795-1865, p. 30 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BJ-N3XK-M.
[8] Marriage Licenses of Worcester County, 1795-1865, p. 226 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BJ-N3FS-8.
[9] Maryland, Worcester County. Orphan Court Proceedings 1804-1805, pp. 49-51 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSB8-T96J-G.
[10] Maryland, Worcester. Orphan Court Proceedings, Liber M.H. 1806-1810, p. 423 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSY2-5DXP.
[11] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber J.B.R., 1803-1806, pp. 35-36 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9TBL-SPKN.
[12] Maryland, Worcester. Inventories, Liber J.B.R. No. 5, pp. 329-330 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYH-Y331-4.
[13] Maryland, Worcester. Orphan Court Proceedings, Liber M.H. 1806-1810, p. 423 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSY2-5DXP.
[14] Marriage Licenses of Worcester County, 1795-1865, p. 30 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9BJ-N3XK-M.
[15] Virginia, Accomack. Orders, 1784-1786, p. 136 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSY6-QH8Z.
[16] Virginia, Accomack. Personal Property 1798, p. 2 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQF-D9LF-J.
[17] Virginia, Accomack. A list of Marriage Bonds and Licenses, 1774-1806, p. 4 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4F-H9JT-S.
[18] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber L.P.S., 1833-1851, pp. 102-104 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T1P-CTN.
[19] Maryland, Worcester. Administrators Accounts, 1836-1846, pp. 134-136 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GTB2-S4PH.
[20] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber L.P.S., 1833-1851, pp. 102-104 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T1P-CTN.
[21] Maryland, Worcester. Administrators Accounts, 1836-1846.
[22] Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber L.P.S., 1833-1851, pp. 141-142 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T1P-CLM.
Will - George Bonnewell
In the name of God Amen. I George Bonnewell being of a sound mind and discerning memory do make and publish this my last will and testament revoking all others heretofore by me made.
First my will and desire is that all my just of debts be paid.
Second I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth Bonnewell the farm whereon I now reside containing all the lands that I now own except the lands which I purchased of Jacob Payne during her widowhood or her natural life which shall first happen and that my daughter Hester Ann Bonnewell to have a home with her mother free of charge as long as she may see proper to live will her mother.
Item 3rd, I give and bequeath to my daughter Hester Ann Bonnewell all the lands devised to my wife Elizabeth Bonnewell after her decease or intermarriage which shall first happened to her the said Hester Ann Bonnewell her heirs lawfully begotten of her body forever, ??? should my said daughter Hester Ann Bonnewell die without lawful heir then it is my will and desire that the said lands go to my granddaughter Mary Ann Pain her heirs and assigns forever.
Item 4th, I give and bequeath to my daughter Polly P. Payne all the land that I purchased of Jacob Payne containing one hundred and eleven acres.
Item 5th, I give and bequeath onto my daughter Polly P. Payne twelve head of cattle to be ??? off by my executor also one young ?? horse also one bed and furniture.
Item 6th, I give and bequeath onto my daughter Hester Ann Bonnewell one bed and furniture.
Item 7th, I give unto my loving wife Elizabeth Bonnewell all the farming utensils that may be on the farm at my decease and at her decease to be equally divided between my two daughters Polly P. Payne and Hester Ann Bonneville also one yoke of steers and ??? to be equally divded at my wife’s decease as aforesaid.
Item 8th, I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Payne daughter of Jacob Payne one bed and and furniture when she arrives at age.
Item 9th, I give and bequeath unto my loving wife during her natural life my negro woman Casa and her child Louis as for her to dispose of at her decease as she may think proper provided she give them to either of my children.
Item 10th, All the residue of my property shall be bound for the payment of my debts and after my just debts are paid, my will and desire is that the said residue of property be equally divided between my wife Elizabeth Bonnewell and my two daughters Polly P. Payne and Hester Ann Bonnewell each to share and share alike.
My will and desire is that my executor shall make an equal distribution of the aforesaid residue of property between my wife and my two daughters before named and the distribution by him made shall be final between the parties.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend William Payne my executor to carry this my last will and testimony to a final termination and my will and desire is that there should be no administration on any estate but for my Executor to close and settle my estate according to the intention of my will.
In Witness Whereof I have subscribed my name or my seal this the 14th January eighteen hundred and thirty three. George {his mark} Bonnewell {seal}
In the presence of the subscribed witnesses George Bishop, W. Kimmey Smach, Jacob Payne.
Worcester County. The 10th day of October Anno Domini 1837. Then came William Payne and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that the aforegoing instrument of writing is the true and whole last will and testimony of George Bonnewell late of Worcester County deceased that hath come to his hands or possession and that he doth not know of any other. Before Samuel F. Spence Reg Wills for Worcester County.
On the 10th day of October Anno Domini 1837 came George Bishop and McKimmey Smach two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of George Bonnewell late of Worcester County deceased and severally made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almight God that they did see George Bonnewell the testator sign and seal this ?? and that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the ??? his last will and testament that at the time ??? the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they with Jacob Jayne the other subscribing witness respectively subscribed their names or witnesses to this will in the presence and at the request of the testator and in the presence of each other. Before Samuel P. Spencer Reg Will for Worcester County.
Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber L.P.S., 1833-1851, pp. 102-104 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T1P-CTN.
Will - Elizabeth Bonnewell
In the name of God Amen, I Elizabeth Bonnewell widow of Worcester County in the State of Maryland being of sound mind, memory and understanding , do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say.
First, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Hester A. Bonnewell one feather bed and bed frame, one sheet, one bed quilt, one blanket, and corner cupboard, one walnut table, one spinning wheel 2nd choice.
2nd, I give and bequeath unto my grandson Ambrose M. Payne my feather bed furniture and ? aches bedstead, also one heifer yearling and one large pine chest.
3rd Item, I Give and bequeath into my son Jacob Payne my gray mare, also my Sigg, one cow with calf, and all the remainer or residue of my property not mentioned in this my last will.
4th, My will is that the first choice of my frocks and the balance of my clothes should be equal divided between my daughters Polly Payne and Hester A. Bonnewell and said clothes to be divided between them by Margaret M. Payne.
In testimony whereof I Elizabeth Bonnewell ? and hereto set my hand and affix my seal this the thirtieth day of March in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-eight.
Elizabeth {her mark} Bonnewell {Seal}
Signed, sealed, published and declared by Elizabeth Bonnewell the above named testate as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. James M. Holland and Johnson M. Jones
Worcester County. The 9th day of April Anno Domini 1839. Then came James M. Holland and Johnson M. Jones, the two subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Elizabeth Bonnewell late of Worcester County deceased and severally oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that they did see Elizabeth Bonnewell the testatrix sign and seal this will and that they heard her publish, pronounce, and declare the same to be her last will and testament that at the time of her so doing she was to the best of the apprehension of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the presence and at the request of the testatrix and in the presence of each other. Before Samuel P Spence Reg Wills for Worcester County
Maryland, Worcester. Wills, Liber L.P.S., 1833-1851, pp. 141-142 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9T1P-CLM.