Rev. Pvt. William Elliott

1754 - 1836  (81 years)

• Name	William Elliott  [1, 2]
  Prefix	Rev. Pvt.
  Birth	20 Oct 1754	Accomack Co, Virginia   [3]
  Gender	Male
  Anecdote	11 Jun 1770	Accomack Co, Virginia   [4]
  	In his will of 11 Jun 1770 Hugh Roberts left a legacy to William Elliott, son of Thomas.
  Anecdote	1773	Accomack Co, Virginia   [5]
  	According to Rev. John W.A. Elliott's Ledger Book, his grandfather, William Elliott the second son, in early life was rather disposed to enjoy the dance, the coonhunt, and other diversions peculiar to young men of the times. He was fond of the company of his friends and neighbors and was frequently associated with them. In those days the oyster roast was a great entertainment. Neighbors were invited to come and partake and make it a means of social enjoyment. At other times a potato roast. At such gatherings our fathers of olden times used to spend an evening but generally closed the scene with prayer. The social glass was not considered out of order in these olden times. Few farmers but had the case of bottles well filled with liquors. It was their medical chest and few cases of acute diseases which was relieved from the medical chest. The case contained twelve half gallon glass bottles with a place to put each bottle. These bottles were labeled what they contained. Some domestic brandy, others with West Indies rum, one bottle in front was marked camphor, another ----- . Another with Bitters, various barks, lightwood splinters that formed a bitter, another bottle marked apple blossom. With this medical chest each farmer was his own Doctor. Onions were kept for colics in horses. Several onions were tied up in a rag beaten and juice squeezed out in some vessel. Half pint molasses and half pint of spirits mixed well together and put in a chunk bottle always on hand for the purpose and the horse was drenched with this mixture. If it was not a very bad case, one drench(ing) relieved him. If the horse had trenchers supposed half pint of new milk was added. These were the customs and the usual treatment of horses in those olden times. He was not intemperate in the use of intoxicants. Peach brandy was the principal liquors made by all the farmers from their own peach orchards. West Indies rum was obtained from West Indies traders, their source of supply. The article of clothing was from their flax, cotton, and wool, all raised by each farmer, prepared, spun, woven and made up by the farmer's wife and their daughters. Their groceries were obtained by the shipment of their flaxseed, black eyed peas, beans, supplying the farmers with his necessary outfits for the year through corn, oats, barley and such products of the far was used to pay rents and other family expenses. The surplus money was put out at interest or in the till of the big blue chest. These were the happy days, the people of those times did not desire to be rich, having food and raiment and a little over was their chief desire.
  Rev War Veteran	1775  [6, 7]
  	It appears to the court that William Elliott, a revolutionay soldier made his declaration before this court as required by the War Department on 1 Aug 1832 in order to effect the benefits of the Act of 7 Jun 1832. William Elliott was a resident of this county and died on 23 Sep 1836, left a widow Anzele Elliott and she died on 7 Oct 1841 and left one child Anzele Wallace who still survives. William Elliott married Anzele on 10 Dec 1781. More specifically he was a private in the Militia Company of Capt. William Polk, which was attached to the Regiment Commanded by Col. Southy Simpson and that he was principally engaged in guarding and defending the exposed places on the sea and Bay side. According to Rev. John W.A. Elliott's Ledger Book, his grandfather William Elliott, after fighting through the Revolutionary War as a common soldier braving its hardships, suffered at times as a prisoner of war, lived through the campaign and returned to his native home.
  Will - Fathers	19 Nov 1784	Accomack Co, Virginia   [8]
  	He was shown as a son William Elliott in the will of Thomas Elliott Sr.
  Anecdote	1785	Oak Grove Chapel, Accomack Co, Virginia   [9]
  	The Sunday School started in 1785 by William Elliott is believed to be the earlist which is still in existance, as it is yet carried on at Oak Grove Church (tract A48A).
  Anecdote	1786	Accomack Co, Virginia   [10]
  	William Elliott was said to have been, with William Downing, one of the two original Methodists on the Virginia Shore. Elliott's contribution to the life of the early Methodist Church on the Shore was unique: he neither exhorted nor preached nor built a chapel, but instead founded a Sunday school. Because of it he is still at the center of a minor historical controversy. He lived in Bradford's Neck near the modern town of Quinby and was a member of the Burton's society after the chapel was built in 1801. Like many another Methodist of his day, he was a firm hater of slavery. He had been a prisoner of war for a time during the Revolution, and politically was a Whig. He used slaves to work his sizable plantation, but always purchased them with the distinct understanding that, after the slave had worked out his purchase price at a fair wage, he would be free. He also employed local white workers and had "poor white boys bound to him until they became of age." In 1785, just five year after a man named Robert Raikes in England founded the first Sunday school anywhere in the world, William Elliott established a school on Sundays in his home in Accomack County. Its purpose was simple: to teach reading and writing to members of his own family, as well as to those bondsmen and slaves on the plantation who wanted learning, in hopes that all would be able to study the scriptures on their own. Elliott set aside a regular hour on Sunday afternoons when his own children and the white bondsmen would be taught reading. Slaves and black servants and their children were also taught once a week, but on a different day and in another part of the plantation away from the main house. In 1818 Burton's congregatoin invited him to locate the school in their church. He directed the school until his death in 1836, and the Sunday School he began in 1785 is still meeting each week over 200 years later. The original Elliott records and documents, including William Elliott's own Bible, were handed down in his family for generations, but the particular document involving the Sunday School was lost. Wessie Nock Eason, Elliott's great-great-granddaughter, studied the available documents and the family tradition in 1901, and it was she who first made the claim for priority of the Eastern Shore school.
  Anecdote	1790	Accomack Co, Virginia   [5]
  	According to Rev. John W.A. Elliott's Ledger Book, Rev. William Elliott made a profession as a Christian under the first Methodist preaching, two evangelists or missionaries that made their first efforts in his neighborhood. He never doubted his conversion, lived in the practice of his profession all through life. Husband was a true Methodist and the wife a true Baptist. They lived in Christian harmony equally devoted. After the conversion of the husband they made a covenant agreement to establish family prayers night and morning. They further agreed that the wife to conduct the services at night and the husband in the morning, this covenant continued through life, no exceptions to the rule. This course of religious conduct had a weight of influence in the community in which they lived. Rev. Elliott was called the chimney corner preacher and it was true he preached at home to all that visited him. He invariably devoted a part of his conversation to religious subjects and the wife was equally so in her conversation to carry out her religious influence. She was very liberal with her means in assisting the poor and afflicted of her neighborhood. Rev. Elliott was a staunch Whig, a true American and fought for American independence and freedom and always claimed the right of freedom politically and religiously as to his own opinion. He was opposed to American slavery. His servants at hand were white men, boys or women was preferred. This act associated him with a large lot of white children that was raised in the family. All were taught to read the Scriptures. For this purpose he had his after work Sunday schools and evening schools spelling reading in 1785. His colored people that he bought he understanding was to be freed when they worked out their purchase money but at regular wages. This promise encouraged them to be faithful as servants. They also learned to read the Scriptures, not in class with the white children but he gave them time to learn when they had a desire to do so. Their long religious life led them to realize many religious changes. At times religion would become down very low. Many would backslide, but the changed did not move them in the least, knowing in whom they trusted. Their confidence was in the Lord in whom there was no variableness or shade of turning, and the last end was peace, which will be noted more at large with the peculiar incidents connected with their last end, extracted from an obituary written by their only surviving daughter.
  Will - Mothers	10 Jul 1793	Accomack Co, Virginia   [11]
  	He was shown as a son William Elliott in the will of Ann Ellioitt, widow of Thomas Elliott, dec'd.
  Will - Brothers	25 Dec 1804	Northampton Co, Virginia   [12]
  	He was shown as a brother William Elliott in the will of Thomas Elliott of Northampton County. His son Thomas Elliott was also named as a nephew.
  Will - Witnessed	3 Jan 1805	Accomack Co, Virginia   [13]
  	It was on this date that Charles Elliott, William Elliott & Fanny Damberlin witnessed the will of Elizabeth Rodger.
  Census head of household	1830	St. George Parish, Accomack Co, Virginia   [14]
  	He was shown as William Elliott Sen, a head of household, age 70-80. Listed with him were 2 males, age 10-15; 1 male, age 15-20; 1 male, age 20-30; 1 male, age 30-40; 1 male, age 40-50; 1 female, age 10-15; 1 female age 30-40; 1 felmale age 70-80; and 1 free colored person.
  Will	20 Apr 1832	Accomack Co, Virginia   [15]
  	To daughter Angela Wallace 1/3 of my moveable property after my widow's dower is taken out. To my daughter Angela & William Wallace her husband during their lives 1/3 of my lands in Northampton County which I obtained in right of my brother Thomas Elliott (at) the death of John Elliott of Northampton excepting the dower now held by the widow of John Elliott dec'd. To my grandsons John W. Elliott & William T. Bell (both under age 21) the balance of my moveable property & the balance of my land in Northampton County. To John Kelly (of S.) if he is living at my dec'd my ... Friend Jacob Bell & grandson John W. Elliott Extrs. Witt: John S. Bundick, Nancy Bundick & Joshua Burton.
  Land cause	29 May 1833	Northampton Co, Virginia   [16]
  	He was shown as William Elliott, who was living at the time of his nephew John T. Elliott's intestate death in N'hamp Co, VA, some 10 years earlier.
  Anecdote	1835	Accomack Co, Virginia   [5]
  	According to Rev. John W.A. Elliott's Ledger Book, the old gentleman at length became so old and infirm that he was paralyzed unable to stand alone for some two years before his death. Yet in his helpless state family prayers were strictly attended to, a great many social calls by his friends, which proved to be of much enjoyment to him and was never forgetful to tender his thanks for their attentions to hmm. He was patient under affliction, never was known to murmur at or wish his suffering less. Departed this life Sept 1836 leaving his widow and one daughter and two grandsons in his 82 year his widow died in Sept 1841 aged 83.
  Death	23 Sep 1836  [3]
  Probate	31 Oct 1836	Accomack Co, Virginia   [15]
  	Garrison Burton & George H. Bell securities.
  Anecdote	30 Dec 1850	Accomack Co, Virginia   [17]
  	On 30 Dec 1850 it was recorded that William Elliott, Rev. Soldier, was a resident of this county and died circa 23 Sep 1836 leaving a widow, Anxell Elliott; she died 7 Oct 1841 leaving one child, Anzell Wallace who still survives. William Elliott and Anzell married 10 Dec 1781.
  Reference Identifer	DAR Patriot #A037628 (Pvt. with Capt. William Polk & Col. Southy Simpson)
  Record ID	42466
  Burial	Bradford-Burton Cemetery, Quinby, Accomack Co, Virginia   [3]
  	His tombstone shows him as William Elliott, husband of Anzele Elliott, 20 Oct 1754 - 23 Sep 1836, age 82 years.
  Person ID	I42466	MilesFiles23
  Last Modified	19 Mar 2023

  
  

  Father	Thomas Elliott, (mechanic),   b. Abt 1705, England d. Jan 1790 (Age 85 years)
  Mother	Ann Wescott,   b. Abt 1718, Northampton Co, Virginia d. Jun 1795 (Age 77 years)
  Marriage	1738  [5]
  	According to Rev. John W.A. Elliott's Ledger Book, this marriage took place as supposed in year 1733. Their marriage was performed by a church parson. Mr. Elliott was brought up in the Episcopal Church in England and some of his ancestors were ministers of that order. They became as one by a marriage union, lived in loving friendship and raised a family of interesting children. Sons of the offspring yet remain of Elliotts, Bells, and Mearses. His wife was a lady of high esteem in Northampton County, a Miss Anne Wescott, a lady of some means and who proved to be a most excellent wife. This connection brought Thomas Elliott among the first families of Northampton. He was refined, handsome, and his manners took him amidst the best societies. That intermarriage is respected to the present-day by the Wescott and Elliott families.
  Family ID	F16468	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Anzele (83) Bradford,   b. 16 Sep 1757, Bradford Neck, St. George Parish, Accomack Co, Virginia d. 7 Sep 1841 (Age 83 years)
  Marriage	10 Dec 1781	Accomack Co, Virginia   [17, 18]
  Children	+ 1. Rev. Thomas Andros Elliott,   b. 1780, Accomack Co, Virginia d. 11 May 1815 (Age 35 years)   2. William Elliott,   b. Abt 1784, Accomack Co, Virginia   3. James Elliott,   b. Abt 1786, Accomack Co, Virginia   4. Anzele A. Elliott,   b. 8 Oct 1790, Accomack Co, Virginia d. 20 Aug 1865 (Age 74 years)   5. Ann Elliott,   b. Abt 1792, Accomack Co, Virginia + 6. Margaret B. 'Peggy' Elliott,   b. Abt 1795, Accomack Co, Virginia d. Bef 28 Nov 1825, Accomack Co, Virginia (Age < 30 years)   7. Catharine Elliott,   b. Abt 1797, Accomack Co, Virginia
  Last Modified	13 Mar 2023
  Family ID	F13475	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos

  DAR Patriot Image

  
  

• Sources

  [S570] Stratton Nottingham, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1663-1800, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1990), p. 428 (will of Ann Elliott, widow of Thos.) & p. 384 (will of Thomas Elliott Sr.), 570. [S3025] JoAnn Hines, Hines, JoAnn - DAR Patroits of Accomack Co, VA, (Provided to MK Miles by Mary Jane Burn, 10 Mar 2018), 3025. [S502] Jean Merritt Mihalyka & Faye Downing Wilson, Graven Stones of Lower Accomack County, Virginia, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1987), 502. [S570] Stratton Nottingham, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1663-1800, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1990), p. 252 (will of Hugh Roberts), 570. [S885] Elliott, Rev. J.W.A. - Ledger Book, 885. [S577] Walker & Turman, Acc Soldiers & Sailors in Rev, (Parksley, VA: A Project of the Eastern Shore Chapter National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1975 (Manuscript at the E.S.P.L.)), 577. [S258] Accomack Co, VA, Court Orders, 1848-1851, p. 5 & p. 13 (qualifying for Rev. War Pension), 258. [S570] Stratton Nottingham, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1663-1800, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1990), p. 384 (will of Thomas Elliott Sr.), 570. [S572] Ralph T. Whitelaw, Whitelaw, Ralph T. - Virginia's Eastern Shore, (Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1968), p. 1405 (Religion), 572. [S883] Kirk Mariner, Mariner, Kirk - Revival's Children, (Salisbury, MD: Peninsula Press, 1979), p. 55-59, 883. [S570] Stratton Nottingham, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1663-1800, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1990), p. 428 (will of Ann Elliott, widow of Thos.), 570. [S854] N'hamp Co Wills &c, No. 32, 1802-07, p. 255 (will of Thomas Elliott), 854. [S688] Moody K. Miles III & Barry W. Miles, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1800-1860, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 2000), p. 451 (will of Elizabeth Rodgers, m/o George & others), 688. [S580] Jody Powell, 1830 Accomack Co, VA, Census, (Roanoke, TX: Jody Powell, 1991), 580. [S688] Moody K. Miles III & Barry W. Miles, Accomack Co, VA, Wills & Administrations, 1800-1860, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 2000), p. 192 (will of William Elliott Sr.), 688. [S884] Nottingham, Lancaster & N'hamp Co Land Causes, (Bowie, MD: Heritage Books, Inc., 1991), p. 119-126 (suit for division of land of John T. Elliott), 884. [S575] Nottingham, Soldiers & Sailors of the E.S. of VA, (Westminster, MD: Family Line Publications, 1995), p. 70, 575. [S259] Accomack Co, VA, Court Orders, 1851-1854, p. 13 (qualifing for Wm. Elliott's Pension), 259.