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Doniphan Family of Northern VA

Submitted by Jim Burgess
The Doniphan Family information needs a lot of work. I look forward to receiving your comments, corrections and updates to the Doniphan family. Jim Burgess

Much of this information is taken from original records and a book entitled The Sydney-Smith and Clagett Price Genealogy written by Lucy Montgomer Smith Price back in 1927 printed by Shenandoah Publishing House Strasburg, Virginia 1927.

Several researchers in Fauquier County, Virginia believe that this book sometimes exaggerats the truth. For the purposes I the DONIPHAN family the serious researcher should decide for himself. I am putting these families together as best I can with the information that I have available. I am ALWAYS interesting in what other information or opinions that others may have. Jim Burgess

Thanks to the return of the King George County, Virginia Will Book A1 and Sam and Ruth Sparacio records I believe that our information is accurate for the most part. If you disagree PLEASE let me know.

1A. Alexander DONIPHAN was born about 1650 probably in Spain and may have lived in
Plymouth, Devon, England. Alexander married before 2 Nov 1691 and lived in
Old Rappahannock County, Virginia. Alexander left his will probated 20 Sep 1716
in Richmond County, Virginia.

Alexander married Margaret MOTT who was born about 1661 and lived in Old Rappahannock
County, Virginia. Margaret left her will 23 Mar 1709 in Richmond County, Virginia.
Margaret was the daughter of George MOTT and Elizabeth__________.

Alexander secondly to a lady named Susanna in the will Alexander Doniphan dated 20 Sep 1716 and
will of Gyles TRAVERS.

Children of Alexander and Margaret were: (Alexander, Mott, Robert, Elizabeth, Anne, & Margaret)
2A. Mott Doniphan was born about 1692 in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia.
Mott married Rosanna ANDERSON 6 Feb 1716 in Richmond County, Virginia.
Mott died aout 7 Oct 1776
3A. Alexander DONIPHAN was born about 1718 married Mary WAUGH 17 June 1740 in
Stafford County, Virginia. All their children were born in Germantown, Virginia according
to one record. Mary WAUGH was born about 1718 was the daughter of Joseph WAUGH and
Mary CROSBY of Stafford County, Virginia. Joseph Waugh was born about 1660 and died
1727 of Belle Plaine Pomtomac Creek, Virginia(See Waugh file Fauquier USGENWEB site
under Family Web site)
4a. William DONIPHAN was born 20/30 Mar 1742 Overwharton Parish, Stafford
County, Virginia William was wounded in the Revolutionary War
4b. George DONIPHAN was born 1743 probably in Overwharton Parish, Stafford
County, Virginia George was killed at the Battle of Brandywine in the Revolutionary
War.
4c Elizabeth DONIPHAN was born 18 Apr 1744 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County,
Virginia and married William SMITH about 1773 and lived in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Elizabeth DONIPHAN SMITH died about 15 Jan 1809 in Fauquier County, Virginia.
William SMITH
4d. Margaret DONIPHAN was born in 1746 and married John KEITH
4e. Anne DONIPHAN was born 28 Feb 1747 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County,
Virginia
4f.. Alexander DONIPHAN was born 12 Mar 1750 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County,
Virginia. Alexander married Mary DAVIS. Alexander married Mary DAVIS.
4g. Mott DONIPHAN was born 10 Jun 1752 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County, Virginia
Mott died before 8 Sep 1783 in King George County, Virginia.
4h. Joseph DONIPHAN was born in 1757 in King George County, Virginia
married Ann Fowke SMITH 25 Apr 1784 in Fauquier County, Virginia. Joseph was a
Justice of the Peace in Fredericksburg. Joseph and Mary moved to Kentucky.
Joseph Doniphan served in the Revolutionary War. Joseph DONIPHAN died in 1813.
5a. Alexander W. DONIPHAN was born 9 July 1808 in Mason County, Kentucky.
4i. George Anderson Gowry DONIPHAN was born about 1759 in Overwharton Parish,
Stafford County, Virginia.

3B. Anderson DONIPHAN was born ABOUT 1720 probably in Stafford County, Virginia.
Anderson married Magdelen MONTEITH about 1748 and lived in King George County,
Virginia.
4a. Gerard DONIPHAN
4b. Rosanna DONIPHAN
4c. Mary DONIPHAN
4d. Elizabeth DONIPHAN
4e. Lucretia DONIPHAN
Thomas MONTEITH left his will dated 1 Dec 1746 proved
6 Mar 1746/7 in King George County, Virginia.

3C. Anne DONIPHAN was born about 1722 probably in Stafford County, Virginia. Anne
married George WHITE 4 Aug 1743 in Stafford County, Virginia.

3D. Robert DONIPHAN was born about 1724 probably in Stafford County, Virginia.

3E. Mary DONIPHAN was born about 1727 probably in Stafford County, Virginia.
Mary DONIPHAN married Travers COOKE 26 Feb 1754

3F. Margaret DONIPHAN

2B. Robert Doniphan was born about 1694 in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia.
Robert married Ellen HACKLEY about 1710 and lived in King George County,
Virginia. Robert DONIPHAN left his will in King George County, Virginia 3 Oct 1743
3a Robert DONIPHAN

2C. Sarah DONIPHAN was bonr about 1698 in Old Rappahannock County, Virginia.
Sarah married William HANSFORD 12 Feb 1725/1726 at St Paul's Parish, Stafford
County, Virginia.

2D. Margaret DONIPHAN was born about 1700 in Richmond County, Virginia. Margaret married
Owen DERMOTT about 1720. Margaret died before 5 Jun 1724 in King George County,
Virginia.

2E. Elizabeth DONIPHAN was born about 1702 in Richmond County, Virginia. Elizabeth
married Stephen HANSFORD about 1724 probably in King George County, Virginia were
they lived.

2F. Anne DONIPHAN was born about 1704 in Richmond County, Virginia.

2G. Anderson DONIPHAN was born about 1706 in Richmond County, Virginia. Anderson married
Elizabeth GRANT and lived in King George County, Virginia. Anderson died about 1761
in King George County, Virginia.

1A. Alexander DONIPHAN and Susanna

2H. Annne DONIPHAN married twice:
(1) John CAVE
(2) Gyles TRAVERS

WHO DO THESE CHILDREN BELONG TO?

3a. Mary DONIPHAN was born in 1784 married Dr Anderson KEITH son of John KEITH
and Margaret DONIPHAN
3b. Thomas DONIPHAN was born in 1787 in Fredericksburg, married Rebecca FRAZEE
3c. George DONIPHAN was born was born in 1790 married Mary Ann MARSHALL and
settled in Augusta, Kentucky.
3d. Margaret DONIPHAN was born in 1792 in Kentucky married John HOCKADAY
3e. Lucy DONIPHAN died young
3f. Susan Montgomery DONIPHAN was born in 1794 in Kentucky married DrDr. Ephraim
FRAZEE
3g. Matilda DONIPHAN was born in 1805 married Edward THOMPSON
3h. Alexander William DONIPHAN was born 9 Jul 1808 moved to Missouri and married
Elizabeth Jane THORNTON of Liberty, Missouri. Alexander was influential in the founding
of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri
2h. Anderson DONIPHAN was born 1764

1a. Alexander DONIPHAN's second wife was Catherine DOBBINS

2a. Alexander DONIPHAN Junior married Eleanor KING of
King George County, Virginia.

4c Elizabeth DONIPHAN married William SMITH (Captain). He was born I5 Feb 1741 in Fauquier
County, Virginia. He married Elizabeth DONIPHAN daughter of Capt Alexander DONIPHAN
in 1773. William SMITH died 22 Jan 1803 in Fauquier County, Virginia. William
inherited the home called Mt Eccentric. Elizabeth was born 12 Apr 1744 and died 15
Jan 1809. He was know as "Gentleman William SMITH" From Hennings Statues Volume 7
page 74 "William SMITH, now living in Fauquier County, was a soldier and served in five or
six campaigns in the First Virginia Regiment, was wounded in defending a fort in
October 1758. During the greater part of that term he served as a Sergeant. Given under my
hand this 2nd day of February 1780. Adam Stephen L't. Colonel. Virginia Colonial Militia, Volume 2,
page 48 by Crozier He served in the first company organized in Fauquier County, mustered in 1761
and is mentioned as "William Smith, Sr." His brother in law, William served in the same
company under Capt William Edmonds, 1761. The will of Elizabeth Doniphan SMITH is
found in Fauquier County Clerks office, Book B page 18, dated 3 Jan 1804 and recorded
2 Jan 1809.
3a. Mary Waugh SMITH was born 1 Jan 1775 in Fauquier County, Virginia.
3b. Ann Anderson SMITH was born 7 Oct 1776 married Joseph DONIPHAN ) Captain.
"She was a mere child when she married Joseph DONIPHAN" at age 16 about 1792.
3c. Walter Anderson SMITH was born 1779 in Fauquier County, Virginia. He married
Catherine MOREHEAD 22 Dec 1803 in Fauquier County, Virginia. Walter died in
1845 in Fauquier County, Virginia. Catherine MOREHEAD was the daughter of Presley
MOREHEAD. Walter died in 17 October 1845 at Mt Eccentric. He was buried in the family
graveyard as were his father and grandfather. Walter married (2) Charlotte TRIPLETT daughter of
Francis TRIPLETT daughter of Francis TRIPLETT (Colonel) 9 Children.
Walter Anderson SMITH 's will is in Will Book C page 372 dated 18 Mar 1844 in
Warrenton, Fauquier County, Virginia. "To each of his nine sons he gave 350
acres of land with a fine orchard complete. Colonel R. A. McIntyre states that upon
abstracting titles he finds Walter Smith of "Mt Eccentric" was one of the largest
landowners and wealthiest planters of Virginia.
3d. William Rowley SMITH was born 12 Feb 1781 in Fauquier County, Virginia. William
Rowley married Lucy BLACKWELL 21 Mar 1809 in Fauquier County, Virginia.
Lucy BLACKWELL WAS born 3 May 1793 and died in 1879
3e. Joseph Doniphan SMITH was born 26 Oct 1782 in Fauquier County, Virginia
3f. Elizabeth Doniphan SMITH was born 30 Jul 1784 in Fauquier County, Virginia
married George DENEALE (Captain)
3g. Catherine Harrison SMITH was born 12 Jun 1789 in Fauquier County, Virginia.

1. Joseph DONIPHAN was a Native of King George County, Virginia.
Joseph DONIPHAN married Anne SMITH (sister of Walter SMITH(Colonel).

2a. Alexander W. DONIPHAN was born 9 July 1808 in Mason County,
Kentucky

Brothers John MOTT and George MOTT.

1a. John MOTT of Sittingbourne Parish, Rappahannock died about
17 Jan 1677-1678

1b. George MOTT

2a. Elizabeth MOTT married John FOSSAKER Richmond County
Wills and Inventory 1709-1717
page 83. Mrs Elizabeth FOSSAKER, inventory presented
by the executor Mrs Eleanor Shippie, 4 Jun 1712. (Elizabeth
FOSSAKER was the widower of John FOSSAKER and eldest
daughter of George MOTT. MRC, p. 71.)

2b. Margaret MOTT married Captain Alexander DONIPHAN.

2c. Anna MOTT married John GLENDENNING

2d. Ellen MOTT married Mr. PIGG

NOTES AND DONIPHAN FAMILY TIME LINE

Marriages of Richmond County, Virginia.
DONIPHAN, Alexander (Captain, Gentleman) circa 1653-1717, widower,
married (2) by 2 November 1691 Margaret Mott, second daughter of George
MOTT, Gentleman, of Rappahannock County, patentee of thousands of acres
of land in the North Neck of Virginia. Margaret (MOTT) DONIPHAN
dieddied prior to 23 March 1709 DB#1, p.8; see also Essex County
DB#13, page 320 and 26T275-285, 28T226-238.
Second to: Susannah______. Alexander Doniphan left his will in
Richmond County, Virginia written 20 Sep 1716 and proved 6 Feb 1716/7.
DB#1,p.8 see also Essex County DB #13, p. 320 and 26T275-285, 28T226.238.

1650 Alexander DONIPHAN was born probably in Spain.

1674 Alexander DONIPHAN immigrated to America.

1 Jun 1692 Sworn in as Justice of the Peace Mr. Alexander Doniphan
Richmond County, Virginia Order Book 1.

3 Mar 1693, Deed of Alexander Donipahn and Margaret his wife, coheir
with Elizabeth, Anne and Ellen, daughters of George Mott, of the
County of Rappahannock(now Richmond) Gent. to William Colsten.
William and Mary Quarterly, Richmond County Record 1708-9, Deed
Book 1.

6 Mar 1704-1705. William Tayloe, Colonel and Commander-in-Chief of
Richmond County in behalf of himself and the Militia within said
County, showeth several charges for services in August and September
Also maongst them William Underwood, Captain of a company of foot
October, 1704, Captain Alexander, Doiphan, Captain of a troop
of horse in the upper part of Richmond County. Virginia County Records,
Colonial Militia, Richmond County Order Book, 1651-1776, Book 2 page 100
Virginia Historical Magazine, Vokume XXX, No. 4.

1702-1714 Richmond County, Virginia Captain Alexander DONIPHAN Justice
of the Peace and Coroner

5 Aug 1712. Grant to Captain Alexander Doniphan and Mr. Robert Doniphan of the
County of Richmond, for 482 acres dated August 5th, 1712. Northern
Neck Grant Books, Book 3 page 108.

20 Sep 1716 Captain Alexander Donipahn 20 September 1716, son Alexander-
Virginia County Records, Volumme 11, William and Mary Quarterly.

1716 Alexander DONIPHAN Will probated in Richmond County Virginia
Book 3 page 297. Will of Alexander DONIPHAN Richmond County Virginia Wills and
Inventories 1709-1717 Page 297 - Alexander DONIPHAN, WILL; 20 Sep 1716, 6 Feb 1716/1717.
Son Alexander 250 acres in the fork of Rappahannock bought of George
Jones deceased, Stephen Boweing the other 180 acres of land joining
the aForesaid tract: son Mott 180 acres out of a tract bought of
Joshua DAVIS being 330 acres lying back of my river land; if he has
no heirsto go to grandson. Giles Travers; son Robert; daughter
Margaret 70 acres. bought of Joshua Davis; daughter Elizabeth
remainder of 80 acres and her mother's wedding ring; wife Susannah,
having kept her estate apart and taken it to herself and desiring
nothing of mine...; daughter Ann; ex to give Mrs Mary BELFIELD a ring
of 12 shillings price; ex: son Robert; wits: Peter LOWD, Elias
POWELL, Robert FASSAKER. (Alexander Doniphan married his second
wife Margaret MOTT, by Nov 1691; she died prior to Mar 1709. MRC,
page 57.

1723 Dermott, Owen (d.i., 1723), COB#1, P. 123: 7 June = Margaret Dermot, widow,
came into court and made oath Owen Dermot, deceased, departed this life without
making any will so far as she knows or believes... and administration is
granted to her on his estate. Robert Doniphan, her brother, became her
security and on 5 July 1713 an inventory of the estate of Owen Dermot(t),
deceased, was recorded in I:#1, p. 27-28.

1724 Dermott, Margaret (d.i., 1724). COB#1, p. 181: 1 May 1724 = Administration
on her estate was granted to Robert Doniphan who gave bond and her estate was
ordered to be appraised. On 1 May 1724 Robert Doniphan gave his bond as
administrator of Margaret Dermott, deceased and on 5 Jun 1724 he returned her
inventory to court. (BB#1, p2; I#1, p. 38) She was the daughter of Captain
Aleander and Margaret (Mott) Doniphan and widow of Dermot(t) next below, who
appears on the King George County records 1721-1723. On 1 April 1726 ther son
Mott Dermott, was apprenticed to his uncle Robert Doniphan (COB#1, p. 314) and he
voted in the 1751 Burgess election (DB#3, p. 467).

1732 Grant, William Junior d.t., 1732. William Grant Junior was murdered in late 1732
his widow Mary Grant. .... By 2 Dec 1743 Elizabeth Grant, the elder daughter had
married (as his first wife) Anderson DONIPHAN, Gentleman (C.1720-1761) and shortly
thereafter Mary Grant, the younger daughter married William Wright of Prince William
County and he was gentleman Justice of the Peace there in 1746.

23 October 1743 Will Book A1 Will of Robert Doniphan page 166-167
In the Name of God Amen. I Robert Donipahn of the Parish of Brunswick in the
county of King George being sick and weak of body, but of perfect mind and memory
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.
Item: I give and bequeath to my loving son Robert Doniphan two negro girls
Dinah and Truelove and like wise a Negro man named Sam and two feather beds and furniture
at the day of marriage and likewise sufficient schooling, those Negroes above mentioned
to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Ellen Doniphan three Negroes,
Edinbourough, London and Kate and also a white servant woman named Isabella Gordon and
also a lease of ladn lying in the little fork of Rappahannock River in Orange County
and all the rest of my personal estate I give to her and her heirs forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to my loving nephew Mott Dearmitt all my wearing
cloaths.
It is my desire that James Hackley and my loving wife Ellen Doniphan be Executor
of this my last will and Testament, utterly revoking all former wills by me at any
time made. I do hereby acknowledge this my last will and testament as witness my hand
and seale this Twenty Third day of October One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Three.

Robert Doniphan (her mark)
William Underwood
Elias Sharp
Elizabeth (her X mark) Hackley
At a Court held for King George County the 2d day of March 1743 (1743/4).
The last will and Testament of Robert Doniphan, deceased was present into court by
James Hackley and Ellen Doniphan, his Executors, who made oath thereto which was proved
by the oath of the witnesses thereto and admitted to record, the said executors with
John Fox their security entered into bond in L500 for the same.
Copa. test Harry Turner Cl Cur.

28 Feb 1747 Doniphan, Anne married George White 4 Aug 1743 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford
County, Virginia.

5 Jan 1749 Anderson Doniphan and William Rowley WITNESSES to the will of Jeremiah
Bronaugh. Jno Glendening also a witness.

1752 Tax List King George County, Virginia
"The three Doniphans held large tracts of land in both Stafford and King George
Counties and lived alternatively in both counties."
Doniphan, Alexander
Doniphan, Anderson,
Doniphan, Mott

26 Feb 1754 Doniphan, Mary married Travers

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine Volume 26 1944-1945 page 280.

(1) Alexander Doniphan was born previous to 1716, his grand father Captain Alexander Doniphan so indicating in his will. Captain Doniphan bequeathed two tract of land to his son Mott and othis second son that shall be borne the reversionary interest in the said land, thus indicating Mott already had one son but it was not the grand fathers intention that he shoud inherit any of the land which he bequeather his fahter. The only reason the compiler can ascribe to this action is that Captain Doniphan knew his son Mott had married an heiress and that the eldes son of this couple would inherit a goodly land estate from his mother and it was his desire to provide for the second son of Mott althought he had not yet been born. Perhaps Captain Alexander Doniphan used this same reasoning when he failed to bequeath his son Robert any land, being aware he wsa the eldest son and heir of Margaret Mott Doniphan he was already entitled to a vast acreage; he therefore left the land in which he had a fee simple estate to his other children.

Alexander Doniphan was raised in Overwharton Parish, Stafford County, where he married 17 Jun 1740 Mary Waugh daughter of Joseph Waugh and Mary (Crosby) Waugh. From her father she inherited 1176 acres on Potomac Creek, while her husband was possed of a considerable landed estate by inheritance and purchase in the counties of Stafford and King George.

On 4 Apr 1757 Mott Doniphan for love and affection deeded to his son Alexander my plantation in Fairfax county on Dogue Run now in the possession and occupation of Benjamin Ewell"...."being part of a patent formerly granted to John Matthews on 13 Oct 1694 for 2466 acres.Stafford Count Deed Book P page 142.
Space will not permit further reference to documents relating to Alexander
Doniphan. He died in Stafford County in 1768 his will being recorded now in the now missing Will Book N page 37. We are fortunate to have a copy preserved in the suite paper Doniphan vs Doniphan which pended before the Superior Court of Chancery for the Fredericksburg District.

Mary Waugh (Doniphan) died previous to 1785. Stafford County D.B. S page 307.

Tyler's Quarterly Magazine Volume 25 1944-1945 page 278
III. Mott Doniphan was the second son of Captain Alexander and Margaret
(Mott) Doniphan. Stafford County C.Order Book #1 page 55. By inheritance he was entitled to a vast acreage in King George and Stafford counties and by virture of his marriage with Rosannah, daughter of Captain George and Mary Mathews Anderson of Potomac Creek, Stafford, he had a courtesy right in considerable other land on Potomac Creek, Overwharton Parish. While documentary evidence is lacking, the indication are that Mott Doniphan and Rosannah Anderson were married circa 1710.

On 1 May 1747 Mott Doniphan(Stafford County Book P page 142 and Z page 201). purchased from Thomas Stubblefield and Ellen, his wife lage widow of Robert Doniphan Junior deceased all her dower right in her said deceased husbands deceased estate. (King George County D B #3 page 180. On 5 Jun 1747 Mott doniphan of Overwharton Parish, Stafford Count, "for love and affection he bears to his son Anderson Doniphan(Stafford Record Book Z page 392). he deeds him one half of the plantation whereon my brother Robert Doniphan lated lived and which descended to me by the death of my nephew Robert Doniphan lying and being in Brunswick Parish, King George County. King George County Deed Book #3 page 182. Mott Doniphans appears frequently on the King George and Stafford county records but space will not permit further abstracts from those records.

The name of Mott Doniphan appears upon a panel on the galler of Aquia Church, Overwharton Parish, in a list of vestrymen for the year 1757 being the year the present church was constructed.

Rosannah (Anderson) Doniphan predeceased her husband. The will of Mott Doniphan was of record in Stafford county Will Book N 1767-1783 page 333, now missing, however, the chancery suit Doniphan vx Doniphan states Mott died in "anteriour to 7 Oct 1776", and from his position of the will in Book "N" the writer believes this approximately the date of his death. No copy or abstract of the will of Mott Doniphan has been located, however there is ample evidence that he had two sons both of whom predeceased him and Overwharton Parish Register records the marriages of two Misses Doniphans who are logically his daughter there being no other mail of this name eligible to be their father.
Last Updated: April 2020