FRANCIS JETT 1735-1791

    Francis Jett, son of Peter and Rebecca Bowen Jett, was born around 1735 in King George County, Va.  He was a successful planter and was the official Tobacco Inspector at the port of Falmouth, where he reportedly gave his son-in-law to be, Archibald Rollow, a job, after his arrival from Scotland.

    Francis' name is listed in King George County records, seeking compensation for property and services he rendered during the Revolutionary War. In Oct, of 1781, he petitioned the court for 325 pounds, as compensation, in 1782 he was paid 600 and 325 lb, for horses he provided the American Army, and in 1785, another 600 lbs...these are large sums of money, for the times, indicating Francis was fairly well-off. 

    Francis married Bathsheba Porch, the daughter of Richard and Mary Porch......if interested in this family, and their inheritance "problems", there is an interesting article in the  Magazine of Virginia, Vol 23.

    Francis died in 1791, leaving inheritance/will problems of his own behind him, that were finally settled by the Superior Court at Fredericksburg, VA.   The following is a brief explanation of what happened - apparently, at the time of Francis' death, family members had gathered at his home, and Thomas Jett, a son, was unhappy with what little he was to receive.  In his anger he gave the will to Archibald Rollow (Francis Jett's son-in-law) and told him to throw it into the fire.  Archibald, unaware of what he had been given, did so.   After hearing the case, the Judge found that Archibald was "wholly ignorant at the time, of its contents and without any fradulent designs whatever" destroyed the will.  The Judge reconstructed the will as listed below, probably to the chagrin of son Thomas, who STILL only got 5 lb;

In the name of God Amen I Francis Jett of Stafford County, Va, being sick and weak but of perfect sense and memory thanks be to God for it and knowing that it is once appointed for me to die, first I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it to me, then my body to be buried in a Christian-like and decent manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter mentioned wand with what little estate it has pleased God to bless me with, I give and dispose the same in manner following;

item; I give unto my beloved wife Bathsheba Jett, all my whole estate during her natural life or widowhood.

Item: I give unto my son Francis Jett, all my land bought of John Pollard up the branch that heads against Darby Sullivan's house.

Item: I give unto my son Berryman Jett, the following negros: Tom, Port, Jane and Billah, and if Francis Jett dies without a lawfully begotten heir, his land is to be devided between Peter and Berryman Jett, and if Peter dies without a lawful heir, his land is to be divided between Francis and Berryman Jett.

Item: I give unto my son John Jett one negro man Tom.

Item: I give unto my son Thomas Jett, 5 pounds.In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day of October, 1791.

     The children of Francis and Bathsheba Porch Jett, were;

1. Thomas, who married Lucinda Owens in 1775, St. Paul's Parish.  They moved to Ohio in 1820.
2. Berryman married Sallie Carter, and died in 1805.  His widow married again, a James Butler.
3. Francis Jr. married (1)Charlotte ? and (2) Ellen, possibly Kelly.  Francis died in 1853 of  Turberculosis.
4. Peter married Lucy Maddox, daughter of Basil and Margaret Maddox.
5. Mary married Daniel Sullivan, and died after 1820.
6. Ann (Nancy) was married to Archibald Rollow, and is my line.
7. Susannah, married her first cousin, William Burton and died sometime before 1820.
8. Sarah married Presley Cox and also died before 1820.
9. Bathsheba married John Cox and died before 1820.
10. Fenton married George Robertson, and lived to be over 90.
11. Judith married Newton Cox, brother of Presley Cox who married her sister.   She died in 1823.
12. John died after 1820

    Francis bequeathed the land he lived on to his son Peter, which included the family graveyard, near the house.  Peter died without children, and his widow married Dudley Shackelforth.  The couple lived in Francis Jetts home, and it came to known as the Shackelford farm and the Shackelford Cemetery.  Unfortunately the Northern Army camped near the spot before the Battle of Fredericksburg, and it has been reported by neighbors that many of the tombstones were destroyed at this time. Archibald Rollow's stone  is there, and reads; Sacred to the Memory of Archibald  Rollow who died in Fred'sburg on the 1 Sept. 1829 in the 73rd year of his age.  The well known researcher and genealogist, George H.S. King, certifies the following;

Here lie buried without tombstones;

Francis Jett and Bathsheba, his wife                                                       Berryman Jett and his sons Peter and John Francis Jett                       Priscilla Jones Jett (1808-1849) wife of John Francis Jett                     Peter Jett, son of Francis Jett                                                               Lucy Maddox Jett Shackelford, wife of Peter Jett and Dudley Shackelford Dudley Shackelford                                                                                  Francis Jett 1777-1858                                                                            a host of Robertsons, Box family,  & Rollows, descendants of Francis Jett

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