JOHN BEALL OF TROUBLE ENOUGH

Jack Day's

Worlds -- -- Browningsville Connections

John Beall of Trouble Enough
ca 1743 - 1816

Major thanks to my fifth cousin, Janice Taylor who did the majority of the research looking up all the Beall wills and deeds that could be found.

Browningsville Area map

This map generated by Mapquest.com. Click here to obtain adjacent maps and zooms.

Bennetts Creek is the blue line proceeding from the red star at Browningsville downstream to Green Valley. One or more of the blue lines flowing downstream (up on the page) from Purdum to Bennetts Creek may be Maple Branch referred to in deeds. Long Lookt For is just to the north of Lewisdale, on the road to Browningsville.

John Beall was probably not born later than 1743 since he should have been at least 21 when he first obtained property in 1774. He was probably a brother of Alexander Beall and therefore a son of William Beall who had been born about 1720 and was granted a warrant for Long Lookt For in 1753.

When William died between 1762 and 1767, John would have been between 19 and 24 years old.

On 19 Mar 1774⁽¹⁾ John obtained from his brother Alexander and Alexander's wife Elizabeth Beall Trouble Enough, part of Long Looked For.

Revolutionary War Service. Several John Bealls from Montgomery County had Revolutionary War Service. In September 1777, two Johns were listed; the more likely candidate is "John Beale", private, 6th Co, Middle Bn, Militia⁽²⁾ because so many others who were or who became neighbors were in the same 6th company. On February 28, 1778, John Beall took the Oath of Allegiance. Of the two who took the Oath that day, he was most likely the one, who, like his neighbors, took the oath of allegiance before the Hon. Edward Burgess On July 15, 1780, three John Bealls were listed from Montgomery County, including one from the 6th Co, Middle Bn. One of the John Bealls rendered aid by providing wheat for use of the military in 1780 and 1781⁽³⁾. One of the other Johns was probably B-ALEX-225/1728 John Beall of Ninian of Alexander, who was b. 1728 (1776 Census) and lived in George Town Hd (three taxables) in 1777. Another John Beall lived in Rock Creek Hundred (one taxable) in 1777⁽⁴⁾

On 4 Sep 1781 Alexander Beall and John Beall were the witnesses to Daniel Lewis' will.⁽⁵⁾

John Beall's wife was named Margaret. Inferring from their children's births, they were married about 1786. In 1783 a John Beall was taxed in the Linganore and Sugarloaf Hundreds on total value of Ł157, with 10 white inhabitants.⁽⁶⁾ If this was the same John Beall, who was only about to marry for the first time at age 40, who were these 10 persons?

On 14 Oct 1789, John Beall paid Ł300 to Alexander Beall of Montgomery County for 50 acres of Cecil's Chance and 40 acres of Trouble Enough.⁽⁷⁾ Alexander Beall's wife Elizabeth waived dower.

Between 1789 and 1792 a tract of land called Berbadoes was surveyed to be patented by John Beall of Montgomery County.

On 30 Nov.1793⁽⁸⁾, at the request of Alexander Beall...Indenture between Nicholas Hall of Ann Arundle County of the one part and John Beall and Alexander Beall both of Frederick County of the other part...for eleven pounds...doth sell to John Beall and Alexander Beall...lotts of ground called...Front lott number 48 and 49 also two back lotts adjouning...numbers 116 and 115...laying on the South Side of Main Street...in New Market.. On 8 Feb.1794⁽⁹⁾ at the request of John Beall...Indenture between Alexander Beall of Montgomery County and John Beall of same county...Alexander Beall in consideration of fifty three pounds fifteen shillings current money paid by John Beall...in joint tenancy...

On 16 Jun 1795⁽¹⁰⁾, at the request of John Beall...indenture between William Ballenger of Frederick Co....and John Beall...for 159 pounds current money...tract of land called "Henry and Elizabeth"...part in Montgomery Co. and part in Frederick Co....next to land called "None Such"...

On 3 Dec.1795⁽¹¹⁾, at the request of John S. Hale...deed...Indenture between John Beall of Montgomery County and John Stephens Hale of Frederick County...said John Beall for and in consideration of a Negro Wench sold and delivered to him by the said Hale and of the sum of 20 pounds...paid by the said Hale...hath granted etc...two lots in the town of New Market...number 48 and number 115...which said lots with other lots were heretofore surveyed to the said John Beall and Alexander Beall by Nicholas Hale...and made over to the said John Beall by the said Alexander Beall. No wife waived dower.

36 Nov. 1799⁽¹²⁾ At the request of John Beall the following bill of sale was recorded...I Jacob Lazier of Montgomery County...for the sum of forty pounds current money paid by John Beall of Montgomery County...have bargained sold, etc., to John Beall two pied cows, one red ditto, one sorrel gelding with a blaze face, four white feet branded S and a quantity of tobacco now hanging in the house.

1810 Census. In the 1810 Census, John Beall is shown on p. 320⁽¹³⁾ as over 45 with wife over 45. 5 children are at home, 2 males and a female b. 1785-1794, and a male and female born 1794-1800. This is a match for the children shown below except below there are 3 males born 1785-1794. Also in the household are 15 slaves and 8 other free persons. The presence of free non-white persons, plus the reference in his will to "during the time of servitude" would suggest that John Beall had joined the Methodists, who opposed slavery and who in Montgomery county required persons to set their slaves free when they had become able to earn their own living. Near to John in the Census of 1810, with a Daniel Beall in between, is his son Nehemiah.

Will John Beall's will was written 16 Aug 1816 and recorded in Montgomery County.⁽¹⁴⁾ A full transcription appears below. For ease of reading, I have broken the text into paragraphs, placed in bold the names of persons related to John Beall, and underlined the names of other persons named in the will.

In the name of God amen, I John Beall of Montgomery County and State of Maryland, being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life doth make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First my Body to be decently Buried and all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid.

Second item i give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret Beall one third of all my real and personal estate, the real estate only during her natural life, and also my negro girl named Rachel until she arrives to the age of thirty years also all the balance of my personal property should there be any after the legacies is paid as hereafter mentioned.

Third item. I give and bequeath unto my son Hezekiah Beall two Hundred and Fifty Dollars in cash provided after my just debts, funeral expenses, and my wife's third is taken out of my personal property, there should remain to that amount.

Fourth I give and bequeath unto my Grandson Reuben Lashure one blk Heifer about two years old.

Fifth Item I give and bequeath unto my sons Elisha Beall and Basil Beall all my real Estate I own and possess unto them and their Heirs or assigns in Fee Simple, to be equally devided between them to share and sahre alike, but when a devision doth take place between them Elisha shall ahve his choise.

Item my negro woman Ruth aged about forty two years to be free and liberated at my decease, my negro boy Joseph to be free and liberated from and after Ten Years from the date hereof, my negro boy Isaac to be free and liberated from and after fourteen years from date hereof, my negro boy named David to be free and liberated from and after twelve years from date hereof, my negro Boy named Bob to be free and liberated from and after Eifghteen years from date hereof, my negro girl named Cate to free and liberated from and after eighteen years from date hereof, my negro girl named Sarah are to be free and liberated from and after twenty years from date hereof, my negro girl named Rachel to be free and liberaqted from and after the arrive to the age of thrity years of age.

Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth one feather Bed two quilts and one blankett, and also my negro girl Cate during the time of her servitude.

item I give and bequeath unto my son Nehemiah Beall my nbegro Boy David during the time of his servitude.

My request is that none of my negroes above named that be sold or let go to McCrekey or any the persons called Burgess or the Belts.

Lastly I do hereby apoint William Wilson of John my sole Executor of this my last will and testament acknowledging this to be my last will and testament annulling and revoking all former Wills by me made. In Testimony whereof I the said John Beall hath affixed my hand and seal this sixteenth day of August in the eyar of ou Lord Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen.

Signed sealed and delivered by the Testator John Beall: John Beall X his mark (Seal)
to be his last Will and Testament in presence of each of us who hath subscribed our names:

Valentine Rine (his + mark)

Daniel Browning (his + mark)

Jeremiah Browning

Montgomery County. On the 1st day of April 1817 came Valentine Rine, Daniel Browning and Jeremiah Browning all three of the subscribing Witnesses to the within last Will and Testament of John Beall late of said county, deceased, and severally made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the Testator therein named sign and seal this will and thaty have heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to e his last Will and Testaqment that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they respectively subscribed their names to this Will as Witnesses in the presence and at the request of the Testator and in the presence of each other.

Certified by Solomon Holland, Regr

Widow Margaret. Widow Margaret Beall on Aug 12, 1822 for $1400 with sons Elisha and Basil sold to John's nephew William S. Beall (oldest son of John's brother Alexander) "part of Berbadoes lying next to Resurvey on Long Looked For...also lying next to Trouble Enough Indeed...also next to Cecil's Choice.⁽¹⁵⁾ Apparently the same property was sold back 15 years later: On 20 Jun 1837 William S. Beall and Elizabeth his wife of Montgomery County for eight hundred dollars convey to Basil Beall of John of aforesaid County part of a tract of land called Berbadoes lying next to Long Looked For, Trouble Enough Indeed and Cecil's Chance...120 acres

Children of John and Margaret Beall

1. Nehemiah Beall, b. about 1787, to receive Negro boy David during time of his servitude. Possibly same Nehemiah Beall m (MCML) Eleanor Palmore 2 Mar 1810. Possibly same Nehemiah Beall, among those who formed themselves into the Concord Uniform Company 30 July 1808, Montgomery County (Wright 1812, 7(Montg):3). Possibly same Nehemiah Beall, b. ca 1784-1794, aged 16-26, with wife aged 16-26; plus 1 female over 45 and no slaves on p. 320, Census of 1810, Montgomery Co (Russell/Census 1810)

2. Hezekiah Beall , b. 1789 to receive $250 by 1816 will. Possibly same Hezekiah Beall, b. G1788, among those who formed themselves into the Concord Uniform Company 30 July 1808, Montgomery County (Wright 1812, 7(Montg):3). Acc to Bernardine Beall, b. 1789, d. Dec 20 1876 age 87, and m. Priscilla. Possibly same Hezekiah Beall, b. G1790, m (MCML) Prissilla Keith 18 Nov 1811. Children: Horace, father of Luther, father of Arthur, all of Purdum, MD.

3. Elizabeth Beall, b. abt 1791. By 1816 will to receive one feather bed, two quilts and blanket, plus Negro girl Cate during time of her servitude. Acc to Bernardine Beall, abt 1809 m. Reuben Lashure. Son Reuben Lashure, b. in MD before 1817, named in John Beall will and to receive one heifer. May have moved to Kentucky, or it may have been the next generation that did so. Reuben d. Ohio Co, KY Sept 25, 1882

4. Elisha Beall, b. abt 1793 to divide real estate with Basil and have his choice at time of division. On 12 Aug 1822, with brother Basil and mother Margaret, sells part of Berbadoes, lying next to Resurvey on Long Looked For, Trouble Enough Indeed, and Cecil's Choice, to William Simpson Beall. (MCLR W:179). Note that William Simpson Beall of Alexander, who was cousin to Elisha Beall of John, also had a son named Elisha.

5. Basil Beall b. 12 June 1796, d. 27 Apr 1877, age 80 years, 10 months, 15 days; bur. Bethesda Meth Ch Cem, Browningsville. Bernadine Beall believes full name was Basil Barry Beall and he was named for Basil Barry, Methodist Circuit Rider in 1790s. Land Transactions. Basil Beall named in 1816 will of John Beall of Trouble Enough; to divide real estate with Elisha, giving Elisha his choice. Mother Margaret Beall on Aug 12, 1822 for $1400 with sons Elisha and Basil sold to William S. Beall "part of Berbadoes lying next to Resurvey on Long Looked For...also lying next to Trouble Enough Indeed...also next to Cecil's Choice.⁽¹⁶⁾ These properties were in the Lewisdale area. Marriage and Children Basil Beall m (1) Feb 30, 1819 (MCML) Matilda Mark. Complete list of children provided by Marshall Beall. In Census of 1850, there were six children at home, three from Basil's second marriage and three of the four from Basil's first marriage.

1. Elizabeth Ann, b. Dec 14, 1827, d. 14 Feb 1908 (at home and age 21 in 1850) , m. Greenbury Boyer (B15 James Day Book)

2. Sarah Wilson, b. May 20, 1830, d 1 Oct 1909. (Not at home with parents in 1850) After 2 Nov 1849 m. James Wilkerson Day. (C4, James Day Book)

3. Basil Barry, b. Nov 3, 1831 (at home and age 18 in 1850)

4. Edward Larkin, b. 6 Oct 1835, d 1875, (at home and age 15 in 1850) m. Ruth Griffith Purdum, dau of Charles R. Purdum & Mary Show, b. Feb 20 1836, d. Mar 27, 1915.⁽¹⁷⁾

Father of Edward M Beall, who in turn was father of William Beall, father of Edward William Beall of Cedar Grove. (Bernardine Beall) (+)

Marraige 2. Basil Beall m (2) 21 May 1842 (FCML) Priscilla Purdum, b. Feb 7, 1806, d. 9 Apr 1866. Basil Barry Beall listed as President of Bethesda Sunday School, 13 Aug 1843 with four children in Sunday School at that time: Elizabeth A, Sarah W, Basil B, Edward L. Basil (1850) or Bazil (1860) Beall, b. 1794-1797 (age 53 in 1850 Census; age 66 in 1850 Census) with Priscilla Purdum, b. 1806-1808 (age 42 in 1850, age 54 in 1860) had household which included six children in 1850 (including the three born before marriage to Priscilla) and three children in 1860:

5. Caleb Asbury, b. Jul 20, 1843, (age 6 in 1850 and age 17 in 1860) m. Margaret L. Ancestor of Bealls in Browningsville. (Edward Beall); Lucinda Watkins, mJ233 (Marshall Beall); father of (a) Jane who m. William Chapman; (b) Filmore; (c) Luther - son Marshall; (d) Webb; (e) Roy; (f) Windsor; (g) Ellsworth; (h) Belle) -- Bernardine Beall

6. Margaret Rose Cronin (Edward Beall) or Cronin Rebecca (Marshall Beall), b. June 1845, d June 10 1891 (Edward) or Jan 1893 (Marshall). (age 5 in 1850 and age 15 in 1860) On 3 Jan 1861 m. John Wesley Beall (Edward) or John William Beall (W842-1) Marshall

7. Lucretia, b. 12 Oct 1847, (age 2 in 1850 and age 13 in 1860). m. John Nelson Beall (W841-7), 1840-1914.

Marriage 3. In 1870 Census, Basil Beall, age 74 resided with wife Angeline, age 44 [sic]. No children. Basil Barry Beall d. Apr 27 1877 and bur. with Anjeline, wife, b. 19 Aug 1825, d. 26 Feb 1878, aged 52 years, 5 months, 24 days in Bethesda Meth Ch Cem, Browningsville. Will: Will (MCW RWC6 (CR43) 148-150), prov Jun 6, 1873 and therefore may well be a different Basil, if Basil Barry died 1877. Inventories: RWC10 (CR11, 973) ff 419-420, Acct 1879. ff 19-20 inventory; ff 103-105 sale of real estate; ff 189-194, sale; ff 200-201 list of debts due. (RWC12 (CR11, 973) 159-160: Acctg 1880). Hall of Records, Annapolis.

Endnotes

1. Frederick County Land Records Liber V folio 159.

2. Ref M-197, T-5:41.

3. Ref o-330, o-386, o-443.

4. Ref K-1:193, R-31:3, R-31:9, R-31:16.

5. Montgomery County Wills, recorded 4 Sep 1781 (Liber B, folio 220), proved 11 Jun 1787 (Liber 1, folio 190)

6. Montgomery County Tax List, 1783.

7. Montgomery County Land Records Liber D folio 278.

8. Frederick County Land Records, Liber 12, folio 200.

9. Frederick County Land Records Liber 12 folio 201.

10. Frederick County Land Records, Liber G, folio 195.

11. Frederick County Land Records, Liber 13, folio 663.

12. Frederick County Land Records Liber I, folio 36.

13. Russell, 1810 Census, Western Maryland Genealogy, Volume 10, p.175.

14. Montgomery County Wills, Liber K, folio 221. Major thanks to Betty Herrell of Prescott, AZ, who forwarded a complete photocopy of John Beall's will.

15. Montgomery County Land Records, Liber W, folio 179.

16. Montgomery County Land Records, Liber W, folio 179.

17. Line of Descent: (1) Edward Larkin was father of (a) Laura Washington Beall, b. 9 Jan 1859 m. American Addison Day; (b) Basil James, b. Mar 2, 1860 (c) Mary Matilda, b. Jan 5, 1863 (d) Ruth, b. 20 Dec 1869 and (e) Edward Maurice, b. Sep 30, 1870, d. 1938, m. 1898 Mary Jane Purdum, b. May 5, 1882, d. Jul 5, 1964, dau of John R. Purdum b. 8-10-1827 & Mary S. Watkins, b. Feb 22 1827. (2) Edward Maurice Beall was father of (a) William Edward, b. Oct 12, 1902 and (b) Bertha Marie Beall, b. Sep 22 1901, m. Leslie Crittenden King, b. May 24 1896, d. Nov 27 1794. (3a) William Edward was father of (4a) Edward William Beall, b. Apr 21, 1926. (3b) Bertha Marie Beall and Leslie C King were parents of (4a) Paul Richard King, b. May 22 1938, m. Oct 9 1960 Kathy Beall.

©1998 Jackson H. Day. All Rights Reserved. Aggregation of the information on this page has represented a considerable investment in time and effort by many persons and is intended for publication by the author in the future. Please feel free to use this material for your research, but please coordinate with the author if you intend to use this material in your own publication. This notice is not intended to try to 'claim' facts, or to take them out of circulation, but to promote the extension of professional courtesy.

Updated Jan 10, 1999