born: 1720
Buckingham, Bucks, Pennslyvania
married: Mary Vestal
1743
died: March 4, 1773
Berkley Co., South Carolina
Children:
James b. 1744
William b. 1745
Joseph b. 1747
John b. 1752
Mary b. 1755
Rachel b. 1758
Lydia b. 1761
David b. 1763
Mary b. ?
At this time William's tree stops here. Although at least 3 different lines have been offered up as his, there has not been anything to verify this. One belief is that he is the son of John Jay and Anne Orchard, another is that he is the son of Joseph Jay, a plantation owner in the Barbados.
William is said to have sold a farm on Evit's Run, a tributary of the Shenandoah River, near Charlestown, in 1748 and moved to North Carolina, to be followed in 1751 by the mother, Elizabeth Mercer Vestal, and brothers of his wife. He is shown in 1757 as a surveyors helper.
The following Will of William Jay 1720-1772 is typed as it was originally written, with the exception of adding punctuations. The old time spelling is used for the double "s". For example, Witnefs for Witness. It appears that back then, they didn't use many punctuations. It is very unfortunate that William didn't name all his children in this will.
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Will date November 3, 1772.
Proved 31-Aug-1773,
Will Book TT (1774-1778)
p. 22
Will of William Jay
Know all men by these Presents that I William Jay of Berkley County and district of ninety Six and Province of South Carolina though in weaknefs of body but of Perfect Memory do constitute and appoint this my last will and Testament as followeth first I give unto my son John one Certain tract of land containing two Hundred acres sittuate and being in the County and Province aforesaid Joining the Plantation whereon I now live to him and his heirs and afsigns for ever to dispose of as him or them thinks fitt------
Secondly I give unto my Son David two tracts of lands one of one hundred acres the other containing fifty acres on which I now live and Cultivate in the County and Province aforesaid the aforesaid hundred acres Deeded by Robert Bull according to said Bulls bond to me the said fifty being Conveyed to me by by David Mote to him and his heirs and afsigns Provided neverthefefs that my beloved wife Mary Jay to have peacable profsefsion and livelyhood upon said one hundred and fifty acres of land during her Life and all the rest and residue of my goods and Chattles and Personal Estate after payment of my debts and funeral Expences to my beloved wife Mary Jay whom I leave my Sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament. In Wittnefs whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal this twenty third of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy two-----
William (his "W" mark) Jay (L. S.)
MB the above mentioned one hundred and fifty acres of land Left to David Jay in case he should decease before he is of age then the land to be devided among my three daughters viz Mary, Rachel and Lydia in equal parts after my wifes decease and also I leave my son John, Executor along with my wife. Wittnefs my hand the day and year above written.
William (his "W" mark) Jay
Sealed Published and Declared by the above named William Jay as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us.
Wm Wright
Enos Elleman
Thomas Pugh
Proved by virtue of a Dedimus from the Honble Wm Bull Esqr. Lieut. Govr to John Caldwell 31st Augt 1773., at same time qualified Mary Jay
Exrix.
Recorded in Will Book 1774-1779 page 22
