Abel Savage

Researched by Nora Miller Turman 21-Nov-1988

Abel Savage was the eldest son of Parker and Sarah Savage. Abel inherited the land southwest of the present village of Melfa, which his father had purchased in 1736. Although this land was not on the water, it was located not far from ports on Pungoteague Creek. Abel was a full time farmer and cattle raiser. Inventories of other family members indicated that they also had trades.

Abel was twice married and the father of eight children. His first wife was Barsheba Gunter, the daughter of Joseph Gunter, who named "daughter Sheba Savage, wife of Abel Savage" in his will dated 1-Oct-1758. Barsheba is the lineal ancester in this study. His second wife was Nancy, whose maiden name was unknown. Nancy survived Abel by four years and left a son Abel, born after his father's death.

Abel Savage made his will on 28-Jan-1793. It was probated on 29-Dec-1794. He named his son John and wife Nancy as executor and executrix. John qualified. Abel left 75 acres of land and the house to his son William, but Nancy was to have use of the house for an additional 10 years in order to finish rearing his children. John inherited the other 75 acres of land owned by his father, Abel.

Abel named seven children and a grandson Abel, the child of Parker Savage, deceased, in his will. Before the estate was settled, John, the executor, entered a suit in order to have the court decide the status of the half-brother, Abel, who was born after their father's death. The ruling allowed Abel the same rights as would have been his if the father had died without a will.

Nancy Savage made her will on 20-Jun-1796 and it was probated on 26-Dec-1796. She left her stepson John in charge of the interest in the land which was hers for 10 years and cattle to start a herd for her young son Abel. It appears that John assumed the responsibility and that he and his wife Sally lived in the Savage home.

When Abel's estate was finally settled, each child got 10 pounds, 15 shillings and 7 1/2 pence current money. The court's ruling divided the land between John, William and Abel. Abel got use of the house and a smaller acreage.

Children of Abel Savage and his two wives, Barsheba and Nancy:

NAME
BIRTH
DEATH
MARRIED 1st
MARRIED 2nd
Parker
b.
d. 1785
Sally
m.
N/A
John
b.
d. a 1820
Sally
m.
N/A
William
b.
d.

m.
N/A
Jacob
b.
d.

m.
N/A
Elizabeth
b.
d. a 1802

m.
N/A
Sarah (Sally)
b.
d.

m.
N/A
Nancy
b.
d.

m.
N/A
Abel
b. 1794
d.

m.
N/A


Notes and References:

There were three Abel Savage wills in the same book in 1794 and four young Abels still on the records. There were three contemporary John Savages. It is fortunate for researchers that the John in this study was designated as John of Abel and that his son was designated as George of John.
... NMT Nov-1988

Wills & c 1757-1761 p. 86
Wills & c 1794-1796 p. 60
"Accomack County Land Causes" by Stratton Nottingham p. 38
"Eastern Shore" by Ralph T. Whitelaw p. 798
Wills & c 1796-1798 p. 62
Wills & c 1800-1805 pp. 356-359, Inventory and record of the sale of Abel's estate dated 15-Dec-1794. Nancy and John had bought most of the household items and farm implements and supplies.

Web site copyright 1996-2005 by Barbara Cox. Page updated February 20, 2005


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