John Bonnewell Sr.
- Born: Abt 1706, Accomack Co., VA
- Marriage (1): Rachel Lurton
- Died: Abt 1786, Accomack Co., VA
According to the Miles Files, apparently John Bonwell, Senr and his brother James married sisters, Rachel Lurton and Hannah Lurton. The will of John Lurton in 1749 gave his daughters as Hannah, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susanna, and Mary and a son Jacob Lurton (Wills & C 1745-1749, p. 489). Jacob Lurton, who died testate in 1770, left property to two of John Bonwell, Senr's children, Mary Bonwell and Stephen Bonwell and also named one child of James Bonwell (Wills 1767-1772, p. 399). The marriage of John Bonwell, Senr to Rachel Lurton could have been a second marriage, as a John and Jane Bonwell witnessed the will of Elizabeth Smith in 1760 (Wills & C 1757-1761, p. 177).
On 31 August 1768, John Bonwell, Senr entered a petition in Accomack County Court to have a road turned (Orders 1768-1769, p. 154). He stated that a road running through his land" Down to William Wise's Does Great Damage to him & Praying Leave to Turn the said Road to go along the line between him & John Bonewell, Junr.
No will or administration has been found for John Bonwell, Senr. He gave his property away before he died. He gave an estimated 150 acres of land to his son, Jacob Lurton Bonwell, on 3 September 1784, "for natural love and affection I bear him" (Deeds 1783-1788, p. 162). Son Jacob agreed to furnish his father with "necessary board, washing and lodging during his natural life". Son James, "heir-at-law of John Bonewell, Senr" came into court "to Contest the probate of said deed Alledging that said John was Insane and Incompetent to the Conveying of his property" (p. 163). The deed was recorded, not withstanding. John Bonwell, Senr gave slaves and a "still with worm" to his son Stephen Bonewell on 2 February" 1785(p. 281). He gave his son James Bonewell slaves, livestock, household furniture and tools on 23 September 1785 (p. 281). The above transactions show that John Bonwell, Senr had a daughter Mary and sons James Bonwell, Stephen Bonwell and Jacob Lurton Bonwell. Since he died without a will naming his children, it is likely he had other children.
John married Rachel Lurton, daughter of John Lurton and Rachel Badger. (Rachel Lurton was born about 1715 in Accomack Co., VA.)
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