1790 Census, G. Washington, Ferry Farm
Hello Cousins,
I thought I'd share a deadend lead with you, in hope that someone might have a good idea. I would like to someday find where Thomas and Mary Arrasmith and their many sons lived in Virginia during the late 1700's.I wrote to the foundation which runs G. Washington's Ferry Farm, with the following reply:
Greetings,
I am writing in hope that you will be able to answer a few quick questions.In the 1790 Federal Census for Stafford County, Virginia is listed a General George Washington.Would you know if this entry refers to Ferry Farm, or were there other properties in Stafford County owned by Washington?
My ancestors, Thomas and Mary Arrasmith (sometimes Arrowsmith) and their 8 sons are listed on the same census page as Washington.The names are not alphabetized, and it gives the impression they are listed in the order in which the census taker found them, as he traveled down the road.I am trying to use this information to pinpoint the location of my ancestors' farm.Does your foundation know of a platt map of some type that would indicate the ownership of land in the neighborhood of Ferry Farm around 1790?
I also came across a scrap of information that both Washington and my ancestor maybe were awarded bounties for killing wolves. Does this seem plausible in pre-Revolutionary Fredricksburg?
Thank you for your time and attention.I enjoyed your website and look forward to visiting Ferry Farm this coming summer with my family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven R.Arrasmith
46 Marion Street
Rochester, NY 14610
[email protected]
From: "Dodd, Anita"
To:
Subject: Ferry Farm in 1790 Census
Dear Dr. Arrasmith,
Your inquiry about Gen. George Washington and Ferry Farm was forwarded to me
for a reply.
The 1790 census entry for Gen. George Washington could have been for any one
of a number of properties that he owned in Stafford County.Pieces of what
was Ferry Farm, in the time period that you are interested in, where sold
and put back together several times.However, the Arrasmith (Arrowsmith)
name does not appear to be one that is associated with the Ferry Farm lands.
It is possible that the 1790 census entry is referring to one of the other
properties that he owned.
As for the bounty on wolves, that would be very appropriate for the 1790
time frame.
I hope this info is of some help to you.If we can be of any further help,
please let me know.
Sincerely,
Anita Dodd
Archaeological Lab Supervisor
I haven't had a chance to do much research "on the ground" in Virginia.I wonder if there is someone local who would have an idea of how to proceed?
Thanks,
Steven R. Arrasmith