Brickwall Braden: Robert Braden died 1794 and his unknown wife

So as I have been writing about the Braden line, I finally have reached my Braden line brick wall:  Robert Braden who died in ca 1794 in Loudoun Co., Virginia.  While I have sorted out some information on Robert and have some theories about other parts of his life, he has been a brick wall for me and every other Braden researcher I have encountered.  I will start by discussing what I am fairly confident about and then discuss my theories about him and his wife and children.

Robert Braden's birth date and birth place are not known.  The name and origins of his wife have not been confirmed, nor the date of their marriage.  (There are some theories about this, however, and I will discuss them later.)

We know he had a son, Joseph, born about 1738, place unconfirmed (again, there are theories to discuss).  Joseph seems to be the oldest child, so we can estimate that Robert and his wife were probably married in 1737 or slightly earlier.  From Robert's will, we also know he had a son, Robert, and a daughter, Margaret, who married Robert Wright.  From a chancery suit filed against his estate, we believe he had three other daughters who were not named in his will:  Elizabeth, who married Dillon Downing; Anne, who married James Crooks; and Mary, who married John Crooks. It is possible, however, that some or all of these three (Elizabeth, Anne and Mary) are granddaughters (daughters perhaps of son Robert about whom we have confirmed very little).  I have done only a little research on these children and they are certainly a line of inquiry I need to pursue further.

On 25 Aug 1761, a Robert Braden was vested in a tract of 100 acres of land by a deed of conveyance from Samuel Johnson late of Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey (deceased) and Mary, his wife.  The land was partially in Independence Township and partially in Mansfield Township, in Sussex Co., New Jersey.  The land was near the Musconetcong River and included an island in the river.  I am fairly confident that this is "my" Robert. 

I found an 1825 map of Warren Co., New Jersey (formed from Sussex Co. in 1824) that has the township lines and so allows us to see the approximate location of Robert's 100 acres (my mark is not to scale).

Mansfield Township was formerly called Mansfield Woodhouse.  And Independence Township was formed from Hardwick Township in 1782.  So when Robert bought this land, it was in Hardwick Township in Sussex Co.  That property is now in Warren County and is part of what is now the Hackettstown area.

So the first confirmed information on Robert is his acquiring of this land in August 1761 in Hardwick Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey.

Then in August 1763, a Robert Braden/Breden (spelled both ways in the same document) of Hardwick, Sussex Co., provided bond for Robert Wright as interim administrator for the estate of William Wright of Roxbury, Morris Co., New Jersey (across the Musconetcong River from Robert's lands).   Also named in that document was a John Todd.  I am fairly confident that this is the same Robert Braden.  His daughter, Margaret Braden, married a Robert Wright, so it is likely this is the same man and so, Robert Braden's son-in-law.  In addition, a John Todd was associated with Abington Church outside Philadelphia (more on Abington Church in the theories section below) and married a Judith Bredin there in 1724, so it seems likely there was a connection.

In the May 1771 term of the Sussex County Court, Daniel Landon was one of two sureties furnished as required by law, in connection with the granting of licenses to the following tavern-keepers: William Heddon of Newton, Robert Breden of Hardwick, and Stewart Martin of Mansfield-Woodhouse.  Again, this is probably the same Robert Braden.  In March 1772, Stewart Martin obtained a marriage license to marry Elizabeth Braiden in Sussex Co.  I suspect this is the Elizabeth Braden who was Robert Braden's daughter and who later married Dillon Downing sometime after Stewart Martin died in 1778.  I have not confirmed that, however.

The following appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2214, dated May 30, 1771:  "Sussex County West New Jersey, May 10, 1771.  Five Pounds Reward.    Whereas some time ago, I became security for one Andrew M'Calla, that he should answer to an action of Bastardy, at our Court of Quarter Sessions.  And since the said M'Calla has run away, and as it is like to prove very detrimental to myself and family, it is to be hoped that all lovers of honesty and Justice will use their endeavors to apprehend him.  He is a person about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, 25 or 26 years old, thin-faced, assumes the character of a kind of a schoolmaster, but is no great scholar; he has been heard of on Long Island, and passes by the name of Steward, and it is very probable he may make towards Philadelphia, as he has a mother resides there, who keeps a dram-shop (as he says) and goes by the name of Rosanna Henderson.  Any person taking up and securing him in any of his Majesty's goals on the continent, and giving notice thereof to Samuel Adams, of Philadelphia, or Joseph Braden, of Upper Dublin, or to me the subscriber, shall have the above reward, paid by Robert Braden."


The marriage bonds index indicates that James Crooks and Robert Braden, Jr., both of Sussex Co., New Jersey, provided bond on 4 August 1773 and James Crooks obtained a license of marriage for himself and Anne Braden of the same county.  It was witnessed by Thomas Anderson.  This Anne Braden was probably one of Robert's daughters.  It is possible that the Robert Braden Jr. named in the bond was her brother, not her father, but it is not clear which.  It is also possible that Anne was Robert Jr.'s daughter and so a granddaughter of Robert who died 1794. 


On 30 November 1775, a Robert Braden's daughter, Mary, married John Crooks at Robert Braden's house in Hardwick Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey.  The marriage was performed by William Norcross, Justice of the Peace for Hardwick Township.  Again, like Anne, Mary might be the daughter of Robert (died 1794) or his son, Robert Jr.


A Robert Braden begins appearing to the tax lists for Loudoun Co., Virginia in 1775.  In 1776, he appears with a negro named Moses.  In 1778, Robert and Moses are both shown as tithe ables of a William Humphries.    The 1779 list has this entry:  "Braden, Robert; Negro Moses - 2 tithables.  List taken by Har. Lane in 1779."  For 1780:  "Braden, Robert; Negro Moses - 2 tithables.  List taken by Hardage Lane, Gt. for 1780."  In 1782 in Loudoun Co., Virginia, Robert Braden was listed on the personal property tax lists as "1782 A  Second Battalion  Braden, Robert."  While there is nothing to indicate which Robert Braden this is, I have assumed it was Robert (died 1794).  This may not be correct.  It is possible this is his son, Robert Jr. 


On 22 Apr 1782, a Robert Braden leased 300+ acres in Loudoun Co., Virginia, from William McClellon.  It should be noted that Robert Braden (son of Joseph and Sarah) would have only been 17 in 1782.  So the Robert who leased this land was probably his grandfather, Robert Braden (died 1794) or his uncle, Robert Jr., son of Robert (died 1794).


In 1783, a Robert is again shown on the titheables list in Loudoun County's Second Battalion.


A Robert Braden is mentioned in a deed dated 11 June 1783 in Sussex Co., New Jersey Deeds, Book A: p 448 from Robert Glass of Roxbury, Morris Co. to Christopher Hoffman of the same place. This deed transfers 100 acres in Mansfield Woodhouse on north side of Muscongetong River.  Mentions: Samuel Johnson, Alexander Rogers, William Roseborough to Robert Glass, Robert Braden.  Signed Robert & Ann Glass.  I have not seen this actual deed, so I can't say what Robert's role was.  And again, was this Robert (died 1794) or his son, Robert?


In 1784, Robert is again shown on the titheables list in Loudoun Co.  and on 13 December 1784, according to Loudoun Co., Virginia Court Order Book H, (page 435):  Robert Braden against Dilling Downing - on attachment - David Cline a garnishee declares he owes the Defendant 1,000 lbs. of crop tobacco and order to retain the same till farther orders of the ct.

And according to Loudoun Co., Virginia Court Order Book H, dated 10 Jan 1785 (page 444):  Robert Braden against Dilling Downing - upon attachment - Defendant failed to appear, Plaintiff to recover L11.4.3 & costs.  David Cline a garnishee declares he owes the Defendant 1,000 lbs. of crop tobacco and ordered to pay to the plaintiff so much as to satisfy this judgment and costs.


The 1787 tax lists show a Robert Braden with Joseph Braden.  From other documents it seems that Robert lived with his son, Joseph, for a number of years before his death.  The tax lists seem to verify this, though it is possible this Robert is Joseph's son, not his father.


In November 1792, Robert Braden gave his son, Joseph, power of attorney to sell his property in 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 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 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.  This was the same 100 acres from the 1761 deed mentioned above.  The advertisement 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 28 March 1794, an indenture deed from Robert Braden (also shown as Breden) (by son Joseph Braden as power of attorney) to Jacob Hagar sold his 100 acres in Sussex Co., New Jersey.  The indenture deed reads as follows:  (Indenture Deed from Robert Braden to Jacob Hager, Sussex Co., New Jersey Deed Book V A-B, pg 250-251)

"This Indenture made this Twenty eighth day of March in year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four Between Robert Braden of the County of Loudoun and State of Virginia of the one part and Jacob Hager of Roxburry in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey.  Whereas the said Robert Braden did on the Twelfth day of November Seventeen Hundred and Ninety two by an Instrument of writing under his hand and seal, given in the presence of two Justices of the peace in and for said County of Loudoun as attested by the County Clerk, to which is affixed the County seal, and recorded in the Clerk's Office of the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey in Book ................ constitute and appoint his son Joseph Braden his Lawfull [sic] attorney for him and in his name to sell, Transfer and Convey all Lands the property of him the said Robert Braden in the State of New Jersey Now This Indenture Witnesseth that the said Robert Braden by his said Attorney Joseph Braden for and in consideration of the Sum of Four Hundred Eighty pounds (dollars at Seven Shillings and Six pence each) to him in hand paid at or immediately before [pg 251] before [sic] the Sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and himself to be therewith fully Satisfied contented and paid, and thereof and from every part thereof doth acquit, exonerate, release and discharge him the said Jacob Hager his Heirs, Executors and Administrators and every of of [sic] them forever by these presents Hath Granted, Bargained, Sold, Aliened, Enscossed, Released, Conveyed and Confirmed, and by these presents Doth freely, fully and absolutely, Grant, Bargain, Sell, Alien, Enscoss, Release, Convey and Confirm unto the said Jacob Hager his Heirs and Assigns forever, all that certain Lot or Tract of Land (on which Colonel William Bond now lives) which became vested in the said Robert Braden by a deed of Conveyance from Samuel Johnson late of Kingwood in the County of Hunterdon deceased & Mary his wife bearing date the Twenty fifth day of August Seventeen Hundred & Sixty one reference being thereunto had will fully appear, Situate, Laying and Being part in the Township of Independence, and part in the Township of Mansfield, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey aforesaid, Butted and Bounded as follows, Beginning at a pine Tree standing on the North west side of the river Musconetcong a little below a run of water emptying itself into said river, thence running North near Three degrees West, Sixty one chains to a whiteoak tree, Thence South fifty three  degrees West, Sixteen chains and Fifteen links to a post, Thence South near Three degrees East Seventy eight chains to an Ash Tree standing by the side of the river, Thence up the stream of said river including the Island to the place of Beginning containing One Hundred Acres, be the same more or less, Together with all and singular the privileges, buildings, outbuildings, orchards, meadows, ways, woods, waters, watercourses, mines, minerals, improvements and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Tract of Land belonging or in any wise appertaining To Have and To Hold the said Lot or Tract of Land hereby granted, will all and singular the privileges thereunto appertaining as above mentioned and every part and parcel thereof unto the said Jacob Hager his Heirs and Assigns, and unto the only proper use, benefit and behoof of him the said Jacob Hager, his Heirs and assigns forever.  And the said Robert Braden by his Attorney Joseph Braden doth hereby covenant and grant to and with the said Jacob Hager, his Heirs and Assigns, that he the said Robert Braden the above granted Tract of land with the privileges & appurtenances against all persons whatsoever Lawfully claiming or to claim will Warrant and forever defend him the said Jacob Hager his Heirs and Assigns forever in the peaceable enjoyment of the above granted tract of Land with the privileges and appurtenances as a sure Indefeasible Estate of Inheritance in Fee Simple.  In Witness Whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto Interchangeably set their hands and Seals, day and year first above written - Robert Breden by his attorney Joseph Braden {ss} Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us - W. Helms, John Sharpensteen Received Twenty eighth day of march AD Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Four from Jacob Hager Four Hundred and Eighty pounds being the full consideration money within mentioned - Joseph Braden attorney for Robert Breden - Present W. Helms - New Jersey, Sussex County - Be it remembered that on this Thirty first day of March AD Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four, Came Before me Robert Beavers Esquire one of the Judges of the Court of Common please for S'd. County of Sussex, Joseph Braden who acknowledged that for and in behalf & in the name of his father Robert Breden [sic] for whom he is attorney, he Signed, Sealed and as his Act and Deed delivered the within Instrument of writing for the uses and purposes therein contained.  Done before me at Mansfield date above written R'bt Beavers -  Exam Cha's Rhodes Clk"

On 24 August 1794, Robert Braden made his will.  The will reads:

"In the name of God Amen, I Robert Braden, late of the State of New Jersey but now of the County of Loudoun & State of Virginia, being weak in body but of sound mind & memory & knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament.  First I recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it, & my body to the Grave to be buried in a decent manner; And as to my worldly Estate, I dispose of in the following manner.

First, I give & bequeath to my Son, Joseph Braden, all my Land in the State of New Jersey (in consequence of which I gave him a Power of Attorney some time past) to him his heirs & assigns forever, he paying all my just Debts & to pay to my son, Robert Braden, the sum of Thirty pounds current money of New Jersey, & to my Daughter, Margaret Wright, the sum of Thirty pounds money as afsd., And Lastly I do appoint my Son, Joseph Braden, & Robert Wright, Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoaking all others heretofore made; in witness thereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal this Twenty fourth day of August one thousand seven hundred & ninety four 1794.
   
Signed Seal'd Publish'd & Deliver'd as my Last Will and Testament in the presence of
    Bartleson Fox    Christian Climor   Robert Braden

At a court held for Loudoun Co., Jany the 12th 1795; This will was proved by the Oaths of the subscribing witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded & on the motion of the Executor therein named, Joseph Braden, who made oath according to law & together with Anthony Wright, his security, entered into & acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of one thousand pounds conditioned as the law directs.  Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.  Test Chas. Binns, Cl Cur"

While Robert's exact date of death has not been found, he must have died between signing his will on 24 August 1794 and 12 January 1795, the date it was entered into probate.  We can be relatively certain that Robert's wife was deceased by the time he wrote his will in since she is not mentioned in the will or the probate records.


On 14 February 1801, individuals who were probably Robert Braden's daughters and their husbands (or some of them may have been children of his son, Robert, who is not named in the suit) brought suit in Loudoun Co., Virginia against Joseph Braden over Robert's will.  They stated that Robert was not mentally capable of making a will, that he was infirm, and that Joseph had coerced him to leave all his property to him.  The suit against Joseph Braden was brought by Robert Wright and Margaret, his wife; John Crooks and Mary, his wife; James Crooks (his wife, Anne Braden Crooks died in 1786); and Dillon Downing and Elizabeth, his wife.  It is one of the great frustrations of my research that in these documents, the space where Robert's childrens' names were to be written was left blank!

The text of the suit follows:

"Chancery Suit - Joseph Braden vs Robert Wright, Margaret Wright, John Crook, Mary Crook, James Crooks, Dillon Downing, Elizabeth Downing - Loudoun Co., Virginia - Feb. 14, 1801 -

The Commonwealth of Virginia, to the Sheriff of Loudoun county, Greeting:  WE command you to summon Joseph Braden To appear before the Justices of our said County Court in Chancery, at the Courthouse thereof, on the Second Monday in March next, then and there to answer a Bill in Chancery exhibited against him by Robert Wright & Margaret his wife, John Crook & Mary his wife, James Crooks, Dillon Downing & Elizabeth his wife and this he shall in no wise omit under penalty of 100 pounds, and have then there this writ.  Witness Charles Binns, Clerk of our said Court, the 14th day of Feby, 1801 and the 25th year of the Commonwealth.      [signed] C Binns

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Green County of
State of Pennsylvania-  The deposition of Christian Clymer taken before me Samuel Hyde one of the Justices of the peace In and for the Said County in the presents [sic] of John Wright of Louden [sic] County in the state of Virginia son of Robt Wright of Hampshire County and Joseph Braden of Louden [sic] County and State of Virginia after being duly sworn Deposeth and Sayeth that he thinks sometime in August he thinks seven or eight years past last August he was at the house of the above named Joseph Braden and asked the father of Joseph Braden how he did he said he was very low and weak he the deponent asked him (Robt Braden) if he had made a Will  he thinks the said Robt Braden said he had a Will wrote but he had not Signed it but said he would sign it in the morning  he the deponent advised that it was not best to put off the signing  With that the said Robt Braden signed the said will.
Question asked by John Wright- have you heard your wife or any other persons say that the said Robert Braden was far advanced in his Dotage and that he was very troublesome
Answer'd by the Deponent- he had not heard his wife But others say so
Question  was you [sic] particularly acquainted with Robt Braden
Answer  No  Ques. Was Robt Braden in the same capacity or strength of mind that he had been in for three or four years before he signed the Will    Answer Yes
Question asked by Joseph Braden   Do you believe that Robt Braden was in his senses and capable of making a Will   Answer it seemed so to me

                            Christian Clymer
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The Within Deposition was sworn & subscribed to before me this fourteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and one and in the presents [sic] of the Rev. John Corbly, Jacob Fondue, John Wharton, William Caldwell.     [signed]  Samuel Hyde

John Corbly
Jas Fordice
John Wharton
William Caldwell
[next page]

To the Worshipfull [sic] Court of Loudoun County sitting in Chancery - Humbly Complaining your orators and oratrixes Robert Wright and Margaret his Wife, John Crooks and Mary his wife, James Crooks, Dillon Downing and Elizabeth his wife

Shew [sic] unto your worships that a certain Robert Braden late of this County dec'd was in his life time seized and possessed of a considerable real and personal estate.  That at the time of his death he was very aged and infirm and entirely incapable of making any will or other disposition of his property   that he had been in this state for some years before his death, and was during that time generally considered by those who knew him to be incapable of making any dispositions of his property.  Your orators and oratrixes further shew [sic] that the said Robert Braden for several years before his death lived with his son Joseph Braden who they pray may be made a defendant to this bill of complaint, and during the time he lived with him, he the said defendant prevailed on the said Robert Braden to execute a paper purporting to be his last will and testament and kept the same until his death when the said defendant brought if forward and alleged it to be the Will of the said Robert Braden dec'd  and contrived to get it recorded in this Worshipful Court as such  Tho [?] your orators and oratrixes believe he well knew that the said Robert was totally incapable of making the said will at the time the same was executed - Your orators and oratrixes say that they made no opposition to the probate of the said pretended will nor knowing that the same would be offered for proof at the time it was.  But they do aver that they shall be able to prove that when the said paper was executed that the said Robert Braden was not in a state of mind to make any disposition of his property and that the defendant himself [next page] contrived to get the said paper executed.  Your orators and oratrixes beg leave to refer this worshipful court to the said will a copy of which is herewith exhibited, which will show the unjust and inequitable disposition which was made of the said property.  Your orators and oratrixes further show that the said Robert had and left the following children to wit.
[blank space on paper of several lines; apparently children were to be filled in and never were]

Your orator and oratrixes further show that the said defendant after getting the will proved as offered [?] took possession of the real and personal estate of the said Robert Braden dec'd and claimed the same under the said will, and altho' your orators and oratrixes applied to him to make a fair and equal division of the same between himself and your orators and oratrixes according to their respective interests therein yet the said defend't altogether refused any such division and continues to hold and possess the said property under the said will all which cutings [?] and doings of the said defendant are contrary to equity and good conscience and tend to the manifest wrong and opposition of your orator.  In Tender consideration whereof and Forasmuch as your orator and oratrixes are remediless [?] in the premises [?] by the third rule of the Common Law and cannot try the validity of the said without the interposition of this worshipful court where matters of this nature are properly cognizable.  To the end therefore that the said defendant very true and perfect answer make to all and singular the premises [?] as fully and particularly as if the same were herein again repeated and interrogated and that this court may set aside the said paper purported to be the will as aforesaid and for that purpose may direct or issue [?] a Law to try validity of the same and that this Court may make such other decree in the premises as shall seem consistent with equity and good conscience.  May it please the court to grant to your orator and oratrixes the Commonwealth's most gracious writ of Subsee [?] see [?]  Sworn for the Counsel [?]"


The above suit was dismissed 14 October 1805 "by order of Robert Crooks."  This was probably the Robert Braden Crooks who was a son of James Crooks and Anne Braden.


That is all the information I have that I am confident relates to Robert Braden who died ca 1794 and was the father of Joseph Braden.  

*****

What follows is theory, supposition, and conjecture.  Please do NOT take it as verified.  I have a lot of work to do before I will move any of what follows to the confirmed section.  IT IS CLUES ONLY.

The Abington Presbyterian Church was founded in 1711 in Philadelphia Co. (now Montgomery Co.) Pennsylvania.  On the list of founders were Joseph Breden, Margaret Breden, Joana Breden, Marey Breden, and Elisabeth Breden.

The Abington records provide many interesting clues to the extended Braden (also spelled Breden, Breeding, Bredin, etc.) family.  And there are a number of other family names in the Abington records that keep recurring in the same areas of the country as the Bradens I am researching (McKemie, Adams, Charlesworth and Todd, for example).  We have not yet found proof of the connections, but there is enough circumstantial evidence to allow us to speculate.

There are no Bradens in the church's death or burial records, leading to the supposition that the Braden families moved away from the area.

On 21 June 1735, Joseph Breeding's estate was probated in Philadelphia County.  These probate documents show Margaret Breeding as the widow of Joseph Breeding.  Benjamin Charlesworth and Robert Breeding/Bradon (spelled both ways) posted bond.  Francis Braden was one of the persons receiving a payment from the estate. Joseph Charlesworth and William Adams inventoried the estate.

On 3 August 1735, Francis Breden was admitted as a member of Abington Presbyterian Church. And on 21 April 1737, Francis Breden married Robert Braden at Abington Church.  On 9 April 1738, a Joseph Breden, son of Robert, was baptized at Abington Church.  These events all fit well with what we know of Robert Braden (died 1794) and his son, Joseph.  I suspect, therefore, that Robert Braden's wife was Francis Breden and that Francis was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Breeding, founding members of Abington Church.  The son, Joseph, baptized in 1738 could indeed be Joseph Braden, son of my Robert, who later married Sarah Wright.

One more mention of Robert Braden in the Abington records is the baptism of an unnamed daughter on 4 December 1750.  IF this is indeed Robert (died 1794) and his family, then they did not leave the Abington area until after December 1750.    Our first confirmed record of this Robert is not until his land purchase in New Jersey in 1761.  I suspect, though, that this is a daughter of the Upper Dublin Robert (see below), not the Robert who died 1794.

There was, however, a will of a William Miller, probated 24 February 1746 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey.  Robert Hazlett, Robert Breaden & Francis McKemie were to appraise the property.  Executors: Francis McKemie and Robert Breden.   This seems likely to be Robert (died 1794) and so places him in Hunterdon Co., New Jersey in 1746.

Additionally, we know of six probable children of Robert and his wife: Joseph (born 1738), Robert, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anne.  If the daughter baptized in 1750 is indeed part of this family, then 12 years passed between her birth and her oldest brother, Joseph's, birth, for a spacing of a baby every 2 years or so, which is certainly possible.  It must be noted, however, that except for the first son, Joseph, none of these children appear in the Abington records.  That leads me to believe that the family moved away from the Abington area in the early 1740s.

So here is a POSSIBLE family chart, based on various church and probate records:

Notice that if this family chart is correct, Francis MacKemie, John Todd, and Robert (died 1794) were brothers-in-law.  The Joseph Breden shown as a son of James is the person I wrote about here.

To add to the confusion, there are some 'stray' Robert Bradens that may or may not be Robert who died 1794. Here are a few:

Apparently there was a Robert Braden (various spellings) who was a ship owner or captain:

On 26 May 1746 in Pennsylvania a Robert Breaden is listed on ship's passenger lists as follows:  "June 16th.  Robert Breaden assigns Daniel McGowan (a servant from Ireland in the snow Happy Return) to William Lockard of Chester County, for four years and a half from May 26th, 1746, customary dues, assigned before Edward Shippen Esq."


On 03 Mar 1757 in The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on a list from the Custom House in Philadelphia, shown as "inward entries" was the Ship Dursley Galley, Robert Braden from Lisbon & New York and then as "outwards" Ship Dursley Galley, Robert Braden, for Dublin.


On 21 Jul 1757 in The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a list from the Custom House in Philadelphia, shown as "cleared" is "Sloop Mulberry, Robert Braden, to Halifax."

On 03 Apr 1760 in The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a list from the Custom House in Philadelphia, shown as "cleared" is "Ship Roebuck, Robert Braden, to Hollyhead."

A Robert Breden was a resident of Upper Dublin, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania before his death in 1759.  This Robert married Mary Campbell at Abington Church in 1749.  While this Robert died in 1759 and so can't be the Robert I'm researching, his probate documents make it clear that he was associated with the Abington Church and include the following names of interest:  Wife: Mary; Children: Elizabeth and Sarah; Sister: Sarah Adams; Presbyterian Congregation at Abington.  Cousins: John Adams, Robert Breden.  Exec.: Mary Breden, Abraham Charlesworth.  So it is possible that the daughter of Robert Breden baptized in 1750 at Abington was the daughter of THIS Robert, not "my" Robert.

And finally, the following notations in the Sussex Co., New Jersey court minute book for 1764-1765 may relate to one of our Robert Bradens (Robert died 1794 or his son, Robert), but which one is not certain:

"May 1765 - The King vs. Robert Braden - indictment for perjury on motion of D. Hart as due process against defendant; 
Aug 1765 - The King vs Robert Braden - Caps. Indictment for perjury. Non est. Hart.;
Nov 1765 - The King vs Robert Braden - Caps. 666. Indictment for perjury, Defendant called, appeared, being charged pleaded not guilty.  Not finding security for his appearance was committed to the custody of the sheriff.;
Nov. 1765 - John Hackett, Esqr. vs Robert Braden - Caps Case 140. Idem."

I don't know if there is a way to follow up on these court records, but they might provide very interesting clues.

*****

So what do I think is the story of Robert Braden who died in 1794 in Loudoun Co., Virginia?

Here is my THEORY:

His birth date and birth place are not known, but he MAY be the immigrant ancestor, arriving in Philadelphia and settling in the Abington area for awhile with relatives who had already arrived.  We suspect he was a relative of the Robert Breden who died in Upper Dublin in 1759.  Some early Braden researchers said he married his cousin, which would fit with the marriage to Frances Breden.  He and Frances marry in 1737, have their son Joseph in 1738 and then move on, perhaps to Bethlehem Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey along with other family members, including Francis MacKemie and John Todd, where we find him in 1746.  By 1761, the group had moved to Hardwick Twp. in Sussex Co., New Jersey.  Robert operated a tavern along the Muscongetong River.  More children were born, grew up, married.  Wife Frances died.  Perhaps it was after his wife's death that he decided to move to Loudoun Co., Virginia, where several of his children had settled (Joseph and his wife Sarah Wright; Margaret and her husband Robert Wright; Anne and her husband James Crooks; Elizabeth and her husband Dillon Downing).  The story of his son, Robert, has not been discovered; he does not seem to have gone to Loudoun Co., but it is possible that the first Robert Braden we find in Loudoun (on the titheables) was Robert, Jr., son of Robert (died 1794).  Robert lived his final years in Loudoun Co. with his son, Joseph's family.  He died there at an advanced age in 1794 and was buried there, perhaps in the Catoctin Free Church Cemetery that adjoined Joseph's land (though it was not officially a burial ground for another decade or so).

Additional notes on Robert Jr. (son of Robert died 1794; brother of Joseph who married Sarah Wright): 

From the records I have found so far it is often impossible to determine whether the Robert Braden mentioned is the Robert who is the subject of this blog or his son, Robert Jr.  Earlier Braden researchers assumed that Robert Jr. never left New Jersey, but I have not verified that assumption.  These researchers also assumed that Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary Braden mentioned in the chancery suit were daughters of Robert (died 1794), though it is also quite possible that they were his granddaughters and were actually daughters of his son, Robert Jr.  The fact that Robert Jr. was named in his father's will indicates that he was probably still alive in 1794.  The fact that he was not a party to the chancery suit MAY indicate that he was deceased by 1801, but that is not confirmed.

A possible ALTERNATE THEORY is that Robert Jr. (son of Robert died 1794) did indeed go to Loudoun County, Virginia, where his brother Joseph and sister Margaret Wright were living.  We find Dillon Downing and James Crooks there, too, so whether Anne and Elizabeth were Robert Jr.'s sisters or his daughters, they also seem to have gone to Loudoun.  In this scenario, Robert Jr. is the man on the tax lists in Loudoun and the man who rented the land from William McClellon in 1782.  The father, Robert, came later, perhaps only a few years before his death, and lived with Joseph.  I do find it curious that Robert (died 1794) needed to name a power of attorney (son, Joseph) who was living in Loudoun to sell his New Jersey lands.  If his son, Robert Jr., was still in New Jersey, why not give him the power to sell the land? 

I hope that someday I am able to prove or disprove this theory and to sort out the various Robert Bradens.  I would be very pleased to hear from anyone with additional information on this line.  I will add a descendant chart, but please note that it is NOT confirmed:

  

Robert Braden, b. ? d. between 24 Aug 1794 and 12 Jan 1795 at Loudoun County, VA

+Frances Breden, b. ?, m. 21 Apr 1737 at Abington Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia Co. (now Montgomery), PA, d. before 24 Aug 1794

├── 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 Braden, b. 8 Nov 1768, d. 2 May 1819 at Georgetown, Washington Co., DC

│   ├── Mary Braden, b. 22 Nov 1769 d. circa Jul 1828 at Loudoun Co., VA

│   ├── John Braden, b. 25 Jan 1777, d. 26 Nov 1847 at  his residence, Loudoun Co., VA

│   ├── Francis Braden, b. circa 1774, d. 12 Nov 1830 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH

│   ├── Margaret Braden, b. 1783

│   ├── Sarah Braden, b. circa 1785, d. before 8 Dec 1817 at Waterford, Loudoun Co, VA

│   └── Dr. Joseph Braden II, b. circa 30 Dec 1788, d. 12 Oct 1816 at Waterford, Loudoun Co., VA

├── Robert Braden, b. after 1739, d. between Nov 1794 and 1801

├── Margaret Braden, b. Mar 1740, d. after 1803 at Hampshire Co., VA

│   +Robert Wright, b. 15 Nov 1740, d. between 28 Feb 1803 and 19 Sep 1803

│   ├── William? Wright, b. circa 1758

│   ├── Frances Wright, b. 6 Jan 1766, d. 17 Nov 1843 at Clark Co., KY

│   ├── Elizabeth Wright, b. 1768

│   ├── Joseph Wright, b. circa 1770

│   ├── Pegga Wright, b. circa 1770

│   ├── John Braden Wright, b. 1771, d. 31 Jul 1858 at B. F. (Benjamin Franklin) Carter's residence, Loudoun Co., VA

│   ├── Anna Hickey Wright, b. circa 1780, d. 1838

│   └── Sarah Wright, b. 27 Sep 1782, d. 1858 at at the home of her son, Robert, called "Pleasant Retreat", Hampshire Co., Virginia (now West Virginia)

├── Elizabeth Braden,

│   +Dillon Downing,

├── Anne Braden,  d. 13 May 1786

│   +James Crooks, b. 1745 at Hunterdon Co., NJ, m. 4 Aug 1773 at Sussex Co., NJ, d. 22 Feb 1823 at Bath Co., KY

│   ├── Uzual Crooks, b. 13 Aug 1774 at MD, d. 1 Aug 1824 at Bath Co., KY

│   ├── Mary Elizabeth Crooks, b. 13 Oct 1776, d. 5 Jul 1848 at Wood Co., WV

│   ├── Robert Braden Crooks, b. 18 Jan 1779, d. 6 Dec 1845

│   ├── Frances Crooks, b. 8 Mar 1781, d. 29 May 1819

│   ├── Margarete Crooks, b. 12 Oct 1783

│   └── James Crooks Jr, b. 16 Apr 1786, d. 17 May 1839

└── Mary Braden, b. circa 1755

    +John Crooks, m. 30 Nov 1775 at Robert Braden's house, Hardwick Twp., Sussex Co., NJ