James Bourland (1723-1761) did NOT marry Mary Crawford, it was a different James
There are several genealogies and message board queries posted throughout the internet claiming that James Bourland (b. abt. 1723, some say in Bath County, Virginia?, d. bef. 12 Dec. 1761 in Augusta County, Virginia) married Mary Crawford, daughter of George Crawford.THIS IS INCORRECT!This (older) James Bourland married Sarah Dean, daughter of William Dean and Sarah Campbell.
The James Bourland that married Mary Crawford was a much younger James Bourland (possibly a son of the older James Bourland's son Andrew, but just a first (and unproven) guess).
Exhibit #1:
The following lawsuit in Augusta County is the cause of the mis-information (notice date of suit and that James Bourland is a DEFENDANT in this lawsuit):
1823, 1824, 1825 (I to N).
Henry Miller and Hannah, late Hannah Crawford, Peter Hanger, Jr., and Patsey, late ____ Crawford, vs. James Bourland, et al.--Daughters of George Crawford. George died intestate, leaving six children, viz, the two
female plaintiffs, Polly Bourland, who married James Bourland; Nancy Miller, late Nancy Crawford, who married John Miller; Jane McCue, who married Franklin McCue, Peggy Crawford, minor. Bill for petition.
Report of Commisisoners filed, 25th December, 1824.
Exhibit #2:
The older James Bourland had been murdered prior to 12 Dec. 1761 in Augusta County, VA, as listed in this Chalkley's reference:
DECEMBER 12, 1761.
(150) Called Court for examination of Thomas Murray, charged with the felonious killing of James Boreland. Committed for trial at General Court.
Obviously, the older James Bourland could NOT have been the same James Bourland that was a defendant in the above-listed lawsuit, since it occurred some 60+ years after his death.
Exhibit #3:
William Dean, the father of Sarah Dean (who married the older James Bourland) purchased land adjoining James Bourland in 1754 (prior to James' death) in the following ?Chalkley's transaction:
Augusta Co., Order Book XVI, pg 318, 5/19/1754:Adam Dickinson to William Dean, £75,327 acres part of 820 acres patented to Adam as above on Jackson River;corner James Boreland on Indian Camp Creek. Teste: Archibald Boreland.Delivered to John Dean. 1765.
Exhibit %4:
William Dean (same as in #3 above) sold the same 327 acre tract to his son (Sarah's brother) John Dean in the following Chalkley's record:
Page 195.--17th July, 1765. William ( ) Dean and Sarah ( ) to John Dean, £100, 327 acres, part of 820 acres patented to Adam Dickenson, 1st June, 1761, on Jackson's River; corner James Borelan, white oaks on Indian Camp Branch. Teste: John Shields, Thos. ( ) Brown, Mathew Thomson.
Delivered: Jno. Dean, 16th March, 1772.
Exhibit #5:
In William Dean's will, written 17 Sept. 1771, proved 17 Aug, 1773, his daughter Sarah (Dean) Bourland and her son, Andrew Bourland both acted as testators on William Dean's will:
Chalkley’s Chronicles, Vol 3, pgs 130-139…
Augusta Co., Will Book, pg 107, 9/17/1771:William Dean's will--To wife; to daughter, Mary; youngest daughter, Elizabeth; son, John; to son, Adam, executor. Teste: Saml. McClung, Andrew Bourland, Sarah Bourland.Proved, 17th August. 1773, by McClung and Sarah Bourland. Adam Dean refuses to qualify. Administration granted Sarah, the widow, who qualifies (__ her mark) with Adam Dean, Saml. McClung.ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/augusta/court/3court13.txt
The only other child of the older James Bourland that I have in my records is Rebecca Bourland, b. 1749, Augusta County that married Samuel McClung (1744-1806), son of John McClung and Rebecca Stuart.
Anyone with additional information on the families of either James Bourland (since they are probably related), would be appreciated.