A Guide to the Cary Family Papers, 1748-1772
A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 21434
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000
USA
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Fax: (804) 692-3556 (Archives Reference)
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© 2002 By the Library of Virginia.
Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Processed by: Trenton Hizer
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Cary family papers, 1748-1772. Accession 21434, Personal papers collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
Acquisition Information
Purchased from M.P. Harrison, 2016 West Grace Street, Richmond, Virginia, 14 September 1938.
Biographical/Historical Information
The Cary family arrived in Virginia when Miles Cary (1623-1667) of Bristol, England, immigrated to Warwick County about 1645, establishing the family home at "The Forest." Miles Cary's grandson, Henry Cary (ca. 1675-1749) moved to Henrico County in 1730, establishing his home "Ampthill" south of the James River in that part of Henrico County which became Chesterfield County. His son Archibald Cary (1721-1787) extended the family holdings in Chesterfield County and into Buckingham, Cumberland, Albemarle, and Goochland Counties. He extended the Cary family manufacturing concerns to include not just the family mill, but also a furnace and foundry. Archibald Cary held offices in county government, including justice of the peace, and he served in the Virginia conventions of 1775 and 1776. A friend of George Washington, Cary supported the colonial cause during the Revolution with his time and money. Cary served as speaker of the Virginia Senate from 1776 to his death in 1787.
Scope and Content Information
Chesterfield County County records, 1748-1772, consisting of will of Henry Cary (ca. 1675-1749) of Henrico and Chesterfield Counties, and release from Elizabeth Cary (d. 1751) to Archibald Cary (1721-1787), both of Chesterfield County. Also includes deeds for 1,000 acres and 644 acres from William Byrd III (1728-1777); deed for 1000 acres from David Bell (ca. 1716-1806) and Judith Bell (1726-1798); deed for 736 acres from Benjamin Watkins (ca. 1725-1781); and deed for 240 acres from Seth Ward (d. 1772) all to Archibald Cary. Also contains a bond, power of attorney, and a deed for slaves from Alexander Speirs to Cary.