A note about spelling: while the current family spelling is "Braden," there are numerous variations in older documents. I will try to use the spelling found in the document that is the source material, whenever possible.
In a deed recorded April 1790, Joseph gave his age as 51 years old. That gives an approximate birth year of 1739. I believe that the Joseph Breden, son of Robert Breden, baptized on 9 April 1738 at the Abington Presbyterian Church, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is this Joseph Braden. It would be great to find more evidence to prove this, but for now, that is my theory.
I am not sure, however, about who Joseph's mother was. There was a Frances Breden who married Robert Breden at Abington Presbyterian Church on 21 April 1737, so it would fit nicely for Frances to by Joseph's mother. Again, this is just a theory until further evidence is found.
Also a theory is what happened to Joseph between his birth and his arrival in Loudoun Co., Virginia. I suspect he went to New Jersey with his parents and grew up there, leaving for Virginia shortly before or after his marriage.
Sorting out the various early Joseph and Robert Bradens is confusing and daunting. There is still a lot of research and work to be done, but I am fairly confident about what follows.
Sometime before 1765, Joseph Braden married Sarah (probably Wright). The date and place of this marriage is not known. We do know that their son, Robert, was born about June 1765, so we can estimate their marriage from that. If the Abington Joseph is this Joseph and he married ca 1764, he would have been about 26 years old. That works.
There are birth dates for his first three children: Robert on 10 June 1765, Elizabeth on 8 November 1768, and Mary on 22 November 1769.
Sometime before 1771, Joseph came to Loudoun Co., Virginia and settled on 92 acres in the Broad Run district. He is listed on the 1771 tax list next to his brother-in-law, Robert Wright, in Cameron Parish, and charged with "1 tithable - 5 squirrel scalps." Robert Wright was married to Joseph's sister, Margaret.
He is found on the tax list for 1772 still in Cameron Parish and next to Robert Wright. In 1773, a Thomas Mahan is listed as one of Joseph's tithables, still in Cameron Parish.
His daughter, Frances, was born about 1774.
The 1774 tax list shows Joseph in Cameron Parish with three tithables: himself, Edward Parker, and Thomas Matthews. The 1775 list shows Joseph with two tithables: himself and Thomas Mahan (again). I wonder if Thomas Mahan and Thomas Matthews might be the same person.
On 25 January 1777, his son, John, was born.
In 1778, Joseph and his brother-in-law, Robert Wright, are found next to each other on the tax list for Cameron Parish. On 14 November 1778, Joseph Braden and Robert Wright are listed as appraisers of the estate of Martin Streetman.
In January 1779, Joseph Braden, Robert Wright and James Crooks purchased a mill and lands on Goose Creek, Loudoun Co., Virginia from Major Samuel Cox. A suit over this sale was filed in Loudoun Co. in 1779. James Crooks was another brother-in-law of Joseph and Robert Wright. James was married to Joseph's sister, Anne Braden.
In March 1779, Joseph and his brother-in-law, Robert Wright, appraised the estate of Philip Mogerts.
On 13 December 1779, Robert Wright witnessed the indenture deed in which his brother-in-law, Joseph Braden, purchased a large tract of land from Preston and Elizabeth Hampton. The deed was also witnessed by James Crooks. The deed reads as follows: "Indenture Deed Between Preston & Elizabeth Hampton and Joseph Braden, Loudoun Co., Virginia, (Deed Book N, pg. 70-73, 13 December 1779): "This Indenture made the thirteenth Day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred ----------, and Seventy nine Between Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife of the County of Loudoun of the one part and Joseph Braden of the County of Loudoun aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife for and in consideration of the sum of Eight hundred pounds current money of Virginia to the said Preston Hampton in hand paid by the said --- Joseph Braden at or before the insealing [?] and delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife do hereby acknowledge and thereof do release acquit and discharge the said Joseph Braden his Heirs, Executors and Administrators by these presents they the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife Have granted bargained sold aliened released and confirmed and by these presents Do grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and assigns for and during the natural Life of the said Elizabeth Hampton Wife to the said Preston Hampton and no longer All that Tract or parcel of Land situate Lying and being in the said County of Loudoun aforesaid being part of a larger Tract of Land belonging to Samuel Conner Deceased and granted to him by Deed from Thomas Lord Fairfax bearing date the Twenty third day of July one Thousand Seven hundred and Forty three, relation being thereunto had may more fully and at large appear it being bounded on Carters line on the West side of the Road leading from Cox his Mill to Leesburg the right of which is vested in the said Preston Hampton by virtue of his marriage with the said Elizabeth Widow of Charles Conner Son and heir at Law of the aforesaid Samuel Conner deceased and is the said Elizabeth her one third part of the above mentioned larger Tract of Land Together wit all ways waters watercourses houses buildings edifices gardens orchards privies profits commodities Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said tract of Land and premises hereby granted or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining and the rents issues and profits and also all the estate right title interest use trust property claim and Demand whatsoever of them the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife of in and to the said Premises To have and to hold the said Tract or parcel of Land as aforesaid and all and singular other the Premises hereby granted and released and every part and parcel thereof with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Joseph Braden his heirs and Assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and Assigns for and during the Term aforesaid and no longer and the said Preston Hampton ------ and Elizabeth his Wife for themselves their Heirs Executors and Administrators do covenant promise and grant to and with the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and assigns by these presents that they the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife now at the Time of the sealing and delivering of these Presents are Seized of a good sure and perfect estate of and in the premises hereby granted & released as is before in these presents specified and mentioned and that they have full power and lawful authority to grant and convey the same to the said Joseph Braden in manner and form as aforesaid and that the said premises now are and also during the term aforesaid shall remain & be free and clear of and from all former and other gifts grants bargains Sales dower right and title of Dower, jointures judgments, executions, titles Troubles charges and encumbrances whatsoever made done or committed by the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife or any other person or persons whatsoever (the Quitrents hereafter to grow due or payable for or in respect of the said Premises only excepted and foreprized and the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife and their Heirs all and Singular the premises hereby granted and Released with their appurtenances unto the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and assigns against the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth his Wife and their Heirs and all and every person and persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and for ever defend by these presents In Witness whereof the said Preston Hampton and Elizabeth hisWife have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year first within written. Sealed and Delivered
Preston Hampton ss
Elizabeth Hampton ss in the Presence of
James Crooks Wm Douglass
Alex.r McIntyre Robt Wright
Jonathan Davis ~~~~
At a Court held for Loudoun County March 13th 1780 This Indenture was proved by the oaths of William Douglass Jonathan Davis and Alexander McIntyre Witnesses thereto and ordered to be Recorded Teste Chas Binns Cl Cr"
Daughter, Margaret Braden, was born about 1783.
In September 1784, Joseph and his wife, Sarah, sold their Cameron Parish land to Joseph Lewis. The deed follows: "This Indenture made this 13th day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty four Between Joseph Braden and Sarah his Wife of the Parish of Cameron County of Loudoun and in the State of Virginia of the one part and Joseph Lewis of the same Parish, County of Loudoun and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that said Joseph Braden and Sarah his Wife for and in Consideration of the sum of Sixty Pounds Current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Joseph Lewis the Receipt of which he doth hereby acknowledge and confess by the said Joseph Braden and himself therewith to be fully Satisfied and Paid have Granted Bargained and Sold Aliened Confessed and Confirmed and by these Presents doth Grant Bargain Sell and Alien Confess Releas and Confirm unto him the said Joseph Lewis his Heirs and Assigns forever all that Tract or Parcel of Land and Premises Situate lying and being in the County of Loudoun aforesaid and Parish of Cameron Beginning at a hicory [sic]and a red oak Saplin [sic] corner to William Boyll and Thomas Stone in a line of Sampson Turley’s and extending with Turley’s line Thence S 20 E 92 Poles to two Red oak saplins [sic] in a line of Catesby Cocke, thence with the said line N 72 E 118 poles to a Hiccory [sic] Saplin [sic] near a marked Red oak on the East side of a drain in a line of Anthony Russell. Thence with his line N8 E 28 poles to a marked white oak near the said drain corner to the said Russell and James Spencer and then with Spencer’s line and Stones Line N E 2 W 150 poles to the beginning Containing Forty Eight acres more or less Togethe4r with all rights members and appurtenances thereunto belonging and the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders, Rents, Issues and all and Singular the Premises also all the Estate Right, Title and Interest use Trust Possession benefit Property Claims and Demand whatsoever either in Law or Equity of them the said Joseph Braden of in or to the said premises or any part or Parcel thereof to him the said Joseph Lewis To have and to hold the said Tract or Parcel of land and all and singular and other the premises hereby granted or intending hereby to be granted with all the appurtenances unto the said Joseph Lewis his Heirs and assigns forever To the only proper use and Benefit and behoof of him the said Joseph Lewis his Heirs and assigns and further that the said Joseph Braden for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant Promise Grant and agree to and with the said Joseph Lewis his Heirs and assigns by these Presents that the said Joseph Braden and his Heirs will warrant and forever Defend the said Land and Premises unto the said Joseph Lewis his heirs and assigns, from the claim of him the said Joseph Braden and his Heirs or any other person whatsoever. Claiming by him them or any of them and further the said Joseph Braden doth Covenant and agree to and with the said Joseph Lewis that now at the sealing and Delivering of these presents he is fully and Absolutely Seized of and in the Premises hereby Granted of a good sure perfect and Indefeasible Right and Estate of Inheritance in fee simple and have a good right to grant Bargain Alien Confess and Confirm the same unto the said Joseph Lewis his Heirs and assigns forever So that the said Joseph Lewis shal and may forever have hold occupy Possess and Enjoy the aforesaid Land and Premises without the least hindrance or molestation of him the said Joseph Braden or any claiming in my him them or any of them In Witness whereof the said Joseph Braden and Sarah his wife hath hereunto Set their Hands and Seals the day month and year first within written.
Sealed and Delivered Joseph Braden ss
in the Presence of us (no signature from Sarah) ss
Jas Lewis Gibbs
George Lewis
William Humphries
Received of the within named Joseph Lewis the within mentioned sum of Sixty Pounds current Money of Virginia it being the Consideration for the Land and Premises within conveyed Witness my hand this 13th day of September on Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty four.
Teste
Jas Lewis Gibbs
Joseph Braden
George Lewis
Wm Humphries"
Daughter, Sarah Braden, was born about 1785.
On 22 April 1785, Robert Wright, Joseph Braden and James Crooks placed the following notice in the Alexandria Gazette. The notice was published 28 April 1785 and follows: "We the Subscribers, being informed that Major Samuel Cox is again offering the mill and lands adjacent for sale that he is as present possessed of on Goose Creek, Loudon [sic] County; in consequence whereof, we think proper to inform the public, that we, in January 1779, made a fair purchase of said mill and lands, which will appear from an instrument of writing entered into with said Cox on the date aforesaid. - Said Cox refusing to make us deeds for the same agreeably thereto, we in the aforesaid year, brought suit to compel him, which is yet undetermined. Robert Wright, Joseph Braden, James Crooks. Loudon [sic] County, April 22, 1785."
In October 1785, a deed indicates that Joseph and Sarah had moved to the Catoctin Creek area of Shelburne Parish in Loudoun Co. and took on the 150 acres Samuel Combs was leasing from the Earl of Tankerville. The deed reads as follows: "This Indenture made this eleventh day of October one thousand seven hundred and eighty five Between Samuel Combs of the County of Loudoun and Commonwealth of Virginia of the one part and Joseph Braden of the County and Commonwealth aforesaid of the other part Whereas John Patterson attorney in fact for Charles Earl of Tankerville of the Kingdom of Great Britain did by his certain Indentures of Lease bearing date the twenty fourth day of June one thousand seven hundred and sixty for the considerations therein mentioned did devise set and to farm let unto the said Samuel Combs the Following Tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances situate Lying and being in the said County of Loudoun and parish of Cameron now Shelburne and bounded as follows Viz. Beginning at a Stake in the back line on Kittockton Creek lower Corner to said John Patterson reserved thence So 56 Et 206 poles To a white Oak marked WFX thence North 50 E 99 poles to a stake near a white Oak marked SC thence North 56 West two Hundred and forty poles to a small Hickory in that back line, thence with said back line to the Beginning containing 150 acres of Land To have and to hold the said land & premises (except all Mines Minerals and Quarrys [sic] whatsoever) to the said Samuel Combs for and during the natural lives of him the said Sam’l Combs, Mary Combs & his Son Samuel Combs Jr. and for & during the lives of the longest liver of them Yielding & paying Therefore yearly and every year for the rent of the aforesaid demised Premises five pounds current money of Virginia with several other Covenants restrictions and conditions as by the said Indenture of Lease duly recorded in the said County Court of Loudoun will more fully and at large appear. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Samuel Combs for and in consideration of the sum of seventy Pounds To him in hand paid by the said Joseph Braden at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged; He the said Samuel Combs hath granted bargained assigned transferred and set over [?] unto the said Joseph Braden and by these presents Doth grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over to him the said Joseph Braden all his right title Interest property claim & Demand whatsoever which he now hath or ought to have together with all privileges & instruments and advantages to the same Belonging of the before recited Indenture of Lease To have & To hold the said premises with the appurtenances (except as Before Excepted) to him the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and assigns during all which time and the residue of the term therein mentioned in as full and ample manner as the said Samuel Combs now hath or ought to enjoy the same He the said Joseph Braden performing the Covenants and conditions therein to be done and performed by the said Samuel Combs, and there did Samuel Combs for himself his Heirs, Executors, Administrators doth Covenant promise and grant to and with the said Joseph Braden his Heirs and assigns, That on the said Joseph Braden his Heirs or assigns performing the covenants contained as aforesaid shall and may peaceably and quietly have hold and occupy the said Land and premises during the residue of the Term yet to come and unexpired; as he the said Samuel Combs doth or ought to enjoy the same. In Witness whereof the said Samuel Combs hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year First above written.
Sealed & delivered Saml. Combs ss
In the presence of...
[note: no witnesses listed] Received of Joseph Braden the sum of seventy pounds as above said. As Witness my hand this 11th day of October 1785. Saml. Combs
At a Court held for Loudoun County October 10th 1785 This Indenture and receipt under written were acknowledged by Samuel Combs party thereto and ordered to be recorded. Teste Chas. Binns C Clerk."
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| I have noted the approximate locations of the tax districts (or battalions) on this map. District One in the north west part of the county, District Two east of Goose Creek, and District Three in the middle including Leesburg. |
I believe the areas where Joseph and Sarah lived are as follows, per the above deeds. I think they first settled along Goose Creek in the Broad Run area (District Two which is also Cameron Parish). Then about 1785, they moved to land along Catoctin Creek near Waterford in District One (Shelburne Parish).
The tax list for 1787 shows "1787 B First Battalion Braden, Joseph and Braden, Robert". I believe this is Robert (1765-1827), son of Joseph, but it is possible that it was Robert (d 1794), father of Joseph. The 1788 tax list again shows Joseph Braden with a Robert Braden.
About 30 December 1788, Joseph and Sarah's youngest child, Joseph, was born.
The tax lists for 1789 and 1790 again show Joseph in the First District with a Robert Braden. This could be either Joseph's father, Robert, or son, Robert. A chancery suit filed in relation to his father's estate, indicates that Joseph's father, Robert, lived with Joseph for several years before his death.
An indenture deed filed in April 1790 gives us the ages of Joseph, his daughter, Mary, and her husband, William Fox. "Indenture, 1 April 1790 between Henry Ashley Bennett Esq of Great Britain & Elijah Horton {or Houton; signed it Houghton} ... 100 acres ... to Elijah Houton and natural lives of William Fox aged 25 years, his wife Mary aged 20 years and Joseph Braden aged 51 year or the longest liver of them.... Witnesses were George Muir, Isaac Richee and Joseph Braden."
In November 1790, a deed was made for 210 1/2 acres from the Earl of Tankerville to Joseph Braden. The deed reads as follows: "This Indenture made this 11th day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred & ninety Between the right Honorable Charles, Earl of Tankerville and the Honorable Henry Astley Bennett both of the Kingdom of Great Britain of the one part and Joseph Braden of the County of Loudoun in the Commonwealth of Virginia of the other part. Whereas John Colville, late of the County of Fairfax, deceased was in his lifetime and at the time of his death, seized in fee of and in several Tracts of Land Situate lying and being in the then Counties of Fairfax in Virginia and Frederick in Maryland, and being so Seized, by his last will & testament in writing, after Specifically Devising some of the said lands to his brother Thomas Colville and John West, Jun., did give and devise all the rest and Residue of his said lands (not other ways Disposed of by his will) by particular Descriptions unto the then Earl of Tankerville, his heirs and assigns forever, as by the said will of Record in the County Court of Fairfax, relation [?] being thereunto had will fully appear and whereas the said Earl of Tankerville did by his last Will and Testament in writing bearing date the thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Sixty Two, devise unto his eldest son Charles (the present Earl of Tankerville and party to these presents) and his heirs and assigns forever, Two ninths of a Copper mine and Tract of Land thereunto appertaining upon the branches of Difficult run; and all the rest and residue of the said Lands devised unto him by the said John Colville as aforesaid, he by his said will did give and bequeath the same unto his son the Honorable Henry Astley Bennett (party to these presents) to hold unto and to the use of him the said Henry Astley Bennett, and his assigns, for and during the term of his natural life without Impeachment of waste and from and after his Decease to the Heirs of his body to take as Tenants in Common, not as Joint Tenants. & in case of his decease without issue of his body, then unto his said Eldest son Charles, then Lord Sutton [?] his heirs and assigns forever, & did by his said will give unto his said two sons a power to sell the aforesaid Lands, if they should agree to sell the same, as by the said will of Record in the Dumfries District Court, relation being thereunto had, will more fully appear; and whereas the said Charles Earl of Tankerville and the said Henry Astley Bennett have mutually agreed [page 250] to Sell the aforesaid Land and by their Letter of Attorney bearing date the Twenty Second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred eighty nine, did nominate and ordain Constitute and Appoint, Robert Townshend Hooe [?] and Charles Little, esquires of the County of Fairfax, in the Commonwealth of Virginia their attorneys for them and each of them and in their and each of their names and according to their and each of their respective right, Title, Estate and Interest, to make Sell, Dispose of and Convey all and Singular the aforesaid Lands, as by the said Letter of Attorney of Record, in the County Court of Fairfax, relation being thereunto had, will more fully and at Large appear. Now This Indenture witnesseth that the said Charles, Earl of Tankerville, and Henry Astley Bennett, Esquires, for and in Consideration of the sum of three hundred Pounds Current Money of Virginia to them in hand paid by the said Joseph Braden at or before the sealing and Delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof they do hereby Acknowledge and thereof and every part thereof do acquit, release and Discharge the said Joseph Braden, his heirs, Executors and Administrators by these presents have Given, Granted, bargained, Sold, assigned and Confirmed, and by these presents do Give, Grant, bargain, Sell, assign and Confirm, unto the said Joseph Braden his heirs and assigns forever all that piece or parcel of Land lying and being in the County of Loudoun aforesaid and being that tract or parcel of Land Sold by the said Henry A. Bennett to the said Joseph Braden on or about the 13th day of November 1790 as by Deed recorded in the Records of said County may appear and Containing as by the said Metes & bounds therein mentioned Two hundred & Eleven Acres and for which Bargain & sale this Deed is a Deed of Confirmation the same being part of that Tract of land lying in the County of Loudoun devised by the said John Colville, unto the late Earl of Tankerville, his heirs & assigns and by him devised unto the said Henry Astley Bennett Esqr and Charles, Earl of Tankerville, as aforesaid, and all houses, buildings, gardens, orchards, Meadows, Pastures, woods, and roads, ways, waters & water courses, profits Commodities, Hereditaments & appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining & the reversion [?] & Reversions, Remainder & remainders, rents, Issues, profits thereof. To have and to hold The said Tract or parcel of Land with all & Singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said Joseph Braden, his heirs and assigns forever to the only proper use and behoof of the said Joseph Braden, his heirs and assigns forever, & the said Charles, Earl of Tankerville, the said Henry Astley Bennett, Esquire, do severally for themselves, their heirs, Executors and Administrators, Covenant, promise & Grant to and with the said Joseph Braden, his heirs, Executors, administrators & assigns, that they the said Charles, Earl of Tankerville, and Henry Astley Bennett, Esq. and Each of them, and Each of their heirs, shall and will from time to time and at all times forever hereafter, at the reasonable request, and at the Cost and Charges in the Law of the said Joseph Braden, his heirs and assigns, make, do and Execute, or cause or procure to be made, done and Executed, all & Every such further and other Lawful and reasonable act and acts, thing & things conveyances and Assurances in the Law whatsoever, for the further, better and more perfect Granting, Conveying and assuring all and Singular the premises hereby Granted, with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Joseph Braden his heirs and assigns as by the said Joseph Braden his heirs and assigns or his or their or any of their Counsel learned in the Law Shall be reasonably advised devised or required & Lastly that the said Charles, Earl of Tankerville and the said Henry Astley Bennett, Esqr. and their heirs, all and Singular the premises hereby granted, with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Joseph Braden, his heirs & assigns against the Claims & Demand of the said Charles, Earl of Tankerville and the said Henry Astley Bennett, Esqr. and their Heirs and all and every other person or persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever Define by these presents. In witness whereof the said Robert Townshend Hooe, and Charles Little by Virtue of the aforesaid Letter of attorney, have hereunto set the hands and affixed the Seals of the said Charles, Earl Tankerville, & Henry Astley [sic], Esqr. the day and year first before mentioned. Sealed & Delivered In presence of Tankerville seal Henry A. Bennett seal
At a Court Continued and held for Loudoun County February the 14th 1792 This Indenture was acknowledged to be the Act & Deed of the Honorable Charles, Earl of Tankerville and Henry Astley Bennett Esquire parties thereto by Robert Townshend Hooe Esqr. one of the attorneys in fact & ordered to be recorded. Teste Chas. Binns Ct Clrk[?]"
This deed was recorded 14 February 1792. A newspaper article on "Salome" states: "This nucleus was gradually added to by himself [Joseph] and his descendants, ...we know of the existence at one time of three Braden stone houses, two brick ones and a 'town house' in Waterford on the hill 'back of the corner store.' Besides these there was a prosperous woolen mill built probably by Joseph Braden on the South Branch of the Catoctin near Salome - with still another house near it. This house, now long gone, was occupied by Joseph's son, Robert, who later became a member of the House of Delegates, dying in 1827...."
About 1791-92, Joseph Braden was mentioned in Israel Janney's Ledger Book: 1791, 7th month, 4th day - Joseph Braden purchased 2 sickles; 11th month, 5th day he purchased something called "Tickling Burg"; the purchases totaled .76 pounds; on 7th month, 4th day he paid some cash toward his account and on 8th month 30th day of 1792 he paid the balance in wheat. A note at the bottom apparently by the transcriber says "Joseph Braden's place was about 2 1/2 miles south of Waterford on the road to Harmony, now Hamilton, at the junction of what are now Rtes. 704 and 9."
The 1792 tax list again shows Joseph Braden in district one with a Robert Braden.
In November 1792, Joseph Braden was given power of attorney by his father, Robert, to sell Robert's land in Sussex Co., New Jersey. The document reads: "Power of Attorney from Robert Braden to Joseph Braden 21 November 1792 - Know all men by these presents that I Robert Braden of the County of Loudoun & State of Virginia have made, ordained, constituted, and appointed and by these presents do make, ordain, constitute & appoint
my son Joseph Braden of the County & Common wealth [sic] aforesaid, my true and Lawfull [sic] attorney, for me and in my name and for my own proper use & benefit to bargain, sell, transfer and convey all Lands and property of any kind both real and personal within the State of New Jersey or in any other place, to Bargain, Sell and Convey said Land & Hereditaments & to recover all debts and demands whatever which are now due & owing or which shall hereafter become become [sic] due to me the said Robert Braden within the said [page 250] said [sic] State of New Jersey or in any other place to ask, demand, sue for recover, and receive of and from all persons indebted or which may become Hereafter indebted to me in the said State of New Jersey or in any other place, and use all lawfull [sic] ways and means in my name & for me, for the recovery thereof, and acquittance or other sufficient discharges for the same for me and in my name to make, seal, execute, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said attorney shall Lawfully [sic] do in the premises. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twelfth day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-two. Robert Breden SS Sealed and delivered in the presence of us Chs. Bennet [sic], James McIlheany - Virginia, Loudoun County, To wit, I do hereby certify that Charles Bennett and James McIlheany Gent. Who signed the within acknowledgment of a power of attorney from Robert Braden to Joseph Braden, was at the time of signing the same, and still are Justices duly authorized and assigned to keep the peace in and for the said County, and to all acknowledgments by them so signed, due faith and credit is and ought to be given as well in a Court of Justice as thereout. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court this 21st day of November, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Two. Chas. Binns, CLC SS Exam'd Cha's Rhodes, Clk"
On 26 June 1793, the following advertisement appeared on page 4 of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia, PA), "A FULLER WILL find encouragement, by applying to the subscriber, living in Loudown (sic) county, Virginia, near Leesburgh (sic), who has a mill in good order, and has been occupied by a fuller from the state of Pennsylvania for two years past. None need apply, but such as can come well recommended. June 10, 1793. JOSEPH BRADEN."
On 11 July 1793, Joseph Braden placed an advertisement in the Guardian or New Brunswick Advertiser offering for sale his father, Robert's, land in New Jersey. The advertisement also appeared 24 December 1793 and a transcription follows: "TO BE SOLD, PLANTATION, in Sussex county, one and a half mile from the mineral springs, where a Tavern has been kept for thirty years, containing 100 acres with allowances; there is a large quantity of meadow, and the plow land very good for wheat or Corn, and is well watered, a good well at the door, a frame house, two stories high, with 3 rooms on a floor; also a kitchen and frame barn: it is so well known that it is needless to say more. For terms of sale apply to William Stewart or Edward Bird near the premises, who will shew the land and terms of sale of the premises may be entered on the 1st of April next, in the year 1794, and good title given by JOSEPH BRADEN. Loudon County, in Virginia near Leesbourg, July 11, 1793."
On 23 August 1794, Joseph's father, Robert, made his will and mentioned Joseph as his son. His father's will was probated 12 January 1795.
On the 1795 and 1796 tax lists, Joseph is shown with his son, John, in the first district.
Over the years, Joseph Braden is listed as a witness or appraiser or in other functions in numerous deeds, probate documents, etc. in Loudoun County. I have not attempted to list them all here.
In April 1798, Joseph deeded six acres to his son, Robert. Robert had been married about three years and he built a house on this plot.
Joseph was a "fuller" and also owned a fulling mill. Fulling was a process for cleaning wool in order to make cloth. About 1800, Robert Braden built a merchants mill and jointly owned and operated it with his father, Joseph. It was called Union Mill and was located on 2 acres with a dwelling house. The mill was built of "Rubble Stone & Frame" and was located at Unionville.
In February 1801, a suit was brought against Joseph by his sisters and their husbands stating that he had coerced their father into leaving all his property to Joseph. I will not quote the suit in full here, but save it for the bio of Joseph's father, Robert.
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| Bell Mont, home of Joseph Braden |
Also on 6 August 1803, Joseph and Robert Braden insured their Union Mill for $2,000 with the Mutual Assurance Society. The mill was described as one story of stone and one of wood, 30 by 31 feet, one pair of burrs, stone.
Joseph was listed with his son, John, on the first district tax lists 1800 - 1805.
In April 1805, Joseph reinsured his home and called it by the name "Bell Mont." He describes his farm as being between the lands of Charles Bennett and those of Richard Conner in Loudoun Co. He insured the house for $1,400 against fire. The house was a "brick dwelling house, two stories, 28 by 24 feet, covered with wood," with an attached one story section of 14 by 28 feet. This document contains Joseph Braden's signature. He and his son, Robert, also reinsured their mill. They insured the mill for $2,000 with the Mutual Assurance Society. The mill was described as "wooden Merchant Mill two stories 30 by 37 feet - one story is Built of stone."
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| My scanner won't capture the whole document, but this shows Joseph & Robert's signatures plus a sketch of Belle Mont |
On 14 October 1805, the chancery suit brought by Joseph's siblings was dismissed "by order of Robert Crooks." Robert Crooks was Joseph's nephew, son of his sister, Anne with James Crooks.
From 1806 to 1810, Joseph appears on the Loudoun tax lists in the first district but with no other tithables listed.
On 27 February 1810, Joseph Braden made his will. In it, he left a maintenance allowance for his wife, Sarah; gave his share of the mill he operated with his son, Robert Braden, to his son, Joseph Jr., along with 20 acres of land adjoining the mill. He then gave the balance of his land to his son, John.
The text of the will follows: "In the Name of God, Amen. I, Joseph Braden of the County of Loudoun and State of Virginia being at this time weak in Body but of Sound disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following/Viz/ First I Give and bequeath unto my wife Sarah Braden as much of the profits arising from my plantation as she may stand in need of and be sufficient for her maintenance during her life. Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my son Robert one Negroe [sic] boy called George to him and his heirs. Thirdly, I Give and devise unto my son Joseph my part of the mill and premises at present occupied by my son Robert and myself. Also I give and devise to my said son Joseph twenty acres of land adjoining the mill Lott [sic] to extend down Kittocton Creek with the line of Robert Braden in such a manner that the same may be laid out nearly in a square which said property I give to him and his heirs. Fourthly, I Give and devise unto my son John the balance of my land after my Joseph's part is taken off, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to him and his heirs. Fifthly [sic], my will and desire is that my negroes and personal Estate shall be sold immediately after my decease and the money from the same to be equally divided among my Daughters/Viz/ Elizabeth Fox, Mary Fox, Fanny Hough, Sally Lacy and Margaret White, but my desire that the Negroes may be bought in and kept in the Family. And lastly: I hereby nominate and appoint my son John Braden and my friend Charles Bennett joint Executors of this my last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of February in the Year our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten. Jos Braden seal
Signed Sealed and declared by the said Joseph Braden to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us who have described our names as Witness in the presence of the Testator
W.L. Neale Joseph Talbott Isaac Vandevanter John Vandevanter
At a Court held for Loudoun County June the 11th 1810 This last Will and Testament of Joseph Braden Deceased was proved by William L. Neale, Joseph Talbott, Isaac Vandevanter and John Vandevanter witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of John Braden and Charles Bennett [?] the Executors therein named who made oath according to Law and together with Isaac Vandevanter, Lambert Myers Archibald Mains and Benjamin Shrove, their securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of Eight thousand Dollars with Condition according to Law. Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form. Sarah Braden the Widow under hand and Seal renounced all benefit by the Will, which was proved by William Wright & Thomas D Stephens and claims her Dower according to Law. Teste C Binns"
Joseph died between 27 February and 11 June 1810. His will was probated on 11 June 1810. He was about 72 years old. The site of his burial has not been found, however, I suspect he is buried in the Catoctin Free Church Cemetery that adjoined his property. His son, Robert, purchased the land for the cemetery shortly after Joseph died. There is no stone for Joseph, however, so it is unlikely that his burial site will ever be confirmed.
Joseph Braden, b. circa 1738 at PA, d. before 11 Jun 1810 at Loudoun Co., VA
+Sarah Wright, b. circa 1740, d. between
15 Mar 1816 and 7 Mar 1817 at Loudoun Co., VA
├── Robert Braden, b. circa 10 Jun 1765, d.
14 Nov 1827 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., VA
│
+Elizabeth Stevens, b. 15 Apr 1772 at King
George's Parish, Prince George's Co., MD, m. 29 Jan 1795 at Loudoun Co., VA, d.
22 Feb 1831 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Mary Eleanor Braden, b. 16 Jan 1796 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 18 Apr 1829 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Hector Wright Braden, b. 2 Jan 1798 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 19 Sep 1846 at near Hearn's Plantation, Loachoatco,, north of
Tampa, possibly Benton Co., FL
│
├── Noble Stevens Braden, b. 12 Jan 1800 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 19 Jul 1871 at "Eudora Farm", near Waterford, Loudoun
Co., VA
│
├── Burr Braden, b. 27 Jul 1802 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 6 Dec 1861 at Jefferson, Clinton Co., IN
│
├── Dr. Robert Braden IV, b. 23 Aug 1804, d. 18 May
1833 at Vicksburg or perhaps Natchez, MS
│
├── William Fenton Braden, b. 24 Aug 1806 at Loudoun
Co, VA, d. 1 Jun 1832 at Tallahassee, Leon Co., FL
│
├── Nelson Braden, b. 22 Jun 1809, d. 16 Feb
1810 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Dr. Joseph Addison Braden, b. 8 May 1811 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 7 Feb 1859 at LaGrange, Troup Co., GA
│
├── Sarah Elleanor Braden, b. 8 May 1811 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 19 Dec 1828 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
└── Elizabeth Wright Braden, b. 16 Dec 1813 at
probably Loudoun Co., VA, d. 10 Oct 1838 at about sunrise at 27 degrees
latitude
├── Elizabeth Braden, b. 8 Nov 1768, d. 2 May
1819 at Georgetown, Washington Co., DC
│
+Bartleson Fox, b. 10 Jan 1768, m. 11 Feb
1793 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. 6 Jan 1816 at Georgetown, Washington Co., DC
│
├── Mary Fox, b. 2 Feb 1794 at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
├── Cemelio? Fox, b. after 1795
│
├── Sarah Fox, b. 3 Jul 1796 at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
├── Pamela Andrews Fox, b. 10 Oct 1798 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 1816 at at sunset
│
├── Joseph Braden Fox, b. 5 Dec 1800, d. 10 Mar
1874 at Christian Co., IL
│
├── William Parkerson Fox, b. 11 Jun 1803 at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
├── Elizabeth Fox, b. 6 Oct 1805 at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
└── Delilah Braden Fox, b. 1807 at ? Loudoun Co.,
VA, d. 1849
├── Mary Braden, b. 22 Nov 1769 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. circa Jul 1828 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
+William Fox, b. circa 1765 at Loudoun
Co., VA, m. 22 Feb 1790 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. between 13 Dec 1809 and 12 Feb
1810 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Francis A. Fox, d. 7 Mar 1822
│
├── Mary Fox, b. circa 1793 at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
├── Elizabeth Fox, b. circa 1797 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. Jun 1825
│
├── Alfred Braden Fox, b. after 17 Mar 1803 at
Loudoun Co., VA, d. before 17 Mar 1824 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
└── Bushrod Mason Fox, b. circa Nov 1806 at
Loudoun Co., VA, d. between 1822 and 1823
├── John Braden, b. 25 Jan 1777 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 26 Nov 1847 at at his residence, Loudoun Co., VA
│
+Mary Darnall Stevens, b. 1 Dec 1774 at St.
Johns Parish, Prince Georges Co., MD, m. 7 Jan 1806 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. 11
Mar 1848 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Nimrod Braden, b. 25 Oct 1806 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 31 Jan 1808 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Mary Eleanor Braden, b. 4 Oct 1808 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 30 Apr 1836 at Leesburg, Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Rodney Caesar Braden, b. 19 Mar 1811 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 24 Apr 1864 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Caroline Stephens Braden, b. 29 May 1813, d. 1 Jul
1841 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Cecilia Elizabeth Braden, b. 22 Nov 1816 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 25 Aug 1853 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
└── Oscar Stevens Braden, b. 9 Aug 1819 at Loudoun
Co., VA, d. 4 Jan 1896 at the home of his nephew, Walter Braden, near
Waterford, Loudoun Co., VA
├── Francis Braden, b. circa 1774, d. 12 Nov
1830 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH
│
+Isaac Hough, b. circa 1773, m. 9 Nov
1798 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. circa 1836
│
├── Matilda Hough, b. between 1779 and 1816
│
├── Fenelon Hough
│
├── Robert Hough
│
├── Julia Hough
│
├── Emily Hough
│
└── Sarah Anne Hough, b. before Mar 1816
├── Margaret Braden, b. 1783 at VA
│
+Jozabed White, b. 9 Sep 1785 at VA, m. 6
Feb 1809 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. 1 Feb 1828 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Margaret White, b. after 1809
│
├── Sarah Anne White, b. 17 Apr 1810, d. 25 May
1848 at Loudoun Co., VA
│
├── Theodore Braden White, b. 9 Nov 1812, d. at Loudoun
Co., VA
│
└── John Randolph White, b. 9 Nov 1812, d. 17 May
1879 at Loudoun Co., VA
├── Sarah Braden, b. circa 1785, d. before
8 Dec 1817 at Waterford, Loudoun Co, VA
│
+Thomas Lacey, b. circa 1780, m. circa
1808 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. between 20 Feb 1815 and 13 Mar 1815 at Waterford,
Loudoun Co., VA
└── Dr. Joseph Braden II, b. circa 30 Dec 1788, d.
12 Oct 1816 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., VA
+Mary Neale, b. 17 Oct 1786 at VA, d. 1846 at Loudoun Co., VA
└── Flavius J. Braden, b. between Aug 1810 and
Dec 1810 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. 13 Oct 1832 at on a ship travelling down the
Ohio River
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