Robert Denton1

#8773, (1714 - 1778)
Relationship4th great-grandfather of Nelle Belle Bridges

Family

Jane Moon b. s 1720, d. c 1787
Children 1.Sarah Denton+10 (s 1739 - 1831)
 2.Jacob Denton+11 (s 1741 - c 1816)
 3.John Denton10 (s 1746 - )
 4.Margaret Denton10 (s 1747 - )
 5.Elizabeth Denton10 (c 1749 - )
 6.Thomas Denton+10 (s 1752 - 1807)
 7.Mary Denton12 (c 1752 - )
Krumm states that it "now appears extremely doubtful" that Robert Denton was the son of Jonas Denton, the grandson of Rev. Richard Denton (1603-1662) of Wethersfield, Stamford and Hempstead and minister of the first Presbyterian Church in America.2 
From Denton Genealogy: "Robert Denton was born in 1714. died in 1778 in Hampshire Co., VA (now Hardy Co., WV). Robert owned land by 1751 in present-day Hardy Co. on both the Lost River and Cacapon River west of Strasburg, VA. Following the last Indian uprising in 1766, Robert was involved in the purchase of more land in the Great North Mountain Range in what is now West Virginia. Robert stayed in this area though his brother James and others found Tennessee alluring, as well as Kentucky. He amassed some 1,600 acres of land in the area. He must have become ill in the late 1760s for he began to sell off the Lost River parcels, mostly to his family. In 1768 he sold 323 acres to his daughter Margaret and her husband, Joel Robinson. At his Lost River Plantation he began to see the great migration into the countryside begin. Surveyors were in Kentucky laying out the best lands for those who participated in the long conflict with the French and the Indians. The English crown still forbade movement across the Alleghanies, but their Virginia governor, John Murray, Lord of Dunmore, instituted an expansionist attitude after he took office in 1771. The land-greedy pioneers were impatient with the "rights" ascribed to the Indian tribes. [Robert Denton] married Jane Moon on 13 Feb 1738 in Burlington Co., NJ. Jane Moon was born in 1714 and died in 1787 in Hampshire Co., VA. They had the following children: Margaret, Jacob, John, Sarah, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary."3 
Birth*1714He was born in 1714.1 
Marriage*13 February 1738He married Jane Moon on 13 February 1738 at Evesham, Burlington Co., New JerseyG; (license.)4,5 
16 October 1777He left a will on 16 October 1777 at Hampshire (now Hardy) Co., Virginia (now West Virginia)G;
Be it remembered that on the sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven 1777, I, Robert Denten [sic] of Hampshire County in the colony of Virginia, yoeman [sic], being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to god [sic], therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like, decent manner at the discretion of Executors and for any such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give and devise, and depose of the same in the following manner and form:
Imprimis, It is my will and I do order that in the first place all my last debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
Item, I give and bequeath unto Jane Denten, my dearly beloved wife, the use and benifit of the plantation, which I now lives on, during her natural life or she continues my widow and after her death or marriage to goe to my son-in-law, Joel Robinson, unto him, his heirs, and assigns forever, the said Joel Robinson to pay unto my son Jacob Denton['s] oldest son Robert Denten the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds good and lawful money of Virginia to be paid at my beloved wife's decease, if the said Robert should become of age of twenty one years, but not to be paid till he comes to that age [see note in typescript below-VWH].
Item, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife one full third part of my moveable estate to her own proper use for ever.
Iem, I give and bequeath unto my oldest son Jacob Denten a certain track [sic] of land containing eighty [inserted "eight'] acres that lies joying [sic] his own plantation to him, his heirs, and assigns for ever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my second son, John Denton, one negro boy two year old next May. The boys name is Gilburd, to him, his heirs, and assigns for ever.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my third son, Thomas Denten, the sum of five shilings as [inserted "an"] acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequ acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
Item[sic] Jacob Denton and John Denton, and my son-in-law Joel Robinson all the remaining part of my moveable estate to be equally divided amongst them and theirs [sic] heirs, but to be continued on the place and not divided till after my beloved wife's decease.
Item, I do hereby constitute, make, and ordain my loveing sons Jacob Denten and Joel Robinson my only and sole Executors of this, my last will and testament and I do hereby verily disallow, revoke, and disanull all and every [inserted "other"] former testament, wills, legacies and Executors by me in any ways before this time named, willed, and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
[note in typescript] ["]but not to be paid till he comes to that age["] was interlined before sealing and delivery.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by Robert RD Denton (Seal)
the said Robert Denton as his last will and testament in
the presents of us the subscribers.
Stephen Ruddell
John McNeer
George Claypool

[Note on the editing in the second paragraph of "my son Jacob Denton['s].6 oldest son Robert Denten," adding the possessive. The will in the records is a typewritten copy and the original has not been viewed. This is the only reading that makes sense. Additionally, Robert is said to be a minor. Early Records of Hampshire County Virginia (Sage and Combs, privately published 1939), on p. 113, has an abstract of the will which also states that Robert was the son of Jacob - VWH] 
Death*1778He died in 1778 at Hampshire (now Hardy) Co., Virginia (now West Virginia)G; (between dates of will and probate.)7 
Probate*12 May 1778His estate was probated on 12 May 1778 at Hampshire (now Hardy) Co., Virginia (now West Virginia)G;
At a Court held for Hampshire County the 12th day of May, 1778, this last will and testament of Robert denten [sic], deceased, was presented in Court by Jacob Denten and Joel Robinson the Executors therein named, proved by the oaths of witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of the said Executors, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, giving security, whereupon they together with Stephen Ruddell and John McNees their securities entered and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of two thousand pounds for their due and faithful administration of the said decedent's estate and performance of his will.
Test Gabriel Jones Cl. Cur.8
 
25 October 1849Robert Denton acquired real estate at Augusta (now Hardy) Co., Virginia (now West Virginia)G, on 25 October 1849.9 
ChartsAncestors of Nelle Belle Bridges

Citations

  1. [S828] Denton Genealogy, online www.dentongenealogy.org, Robert DENTON was born in 1714. Died in 1778 in Hampshire CO, VA (Now Hardy CO, WV). Robert owned land by 1751 in present-day Hardy CO, WV on both the Lost River and Cacapon River west of Strasburg, VA. Following the last Indian uprising in 1766, Robert was involved in the purchase of more land in the Great North Mountain Range in what is now West Virginia. Robert stayed in this area though his brother James and others found Tennessee alluring, as well as Kentucky. He amassed some 1,600 acres of land in the area. He must have become ill in the late 1760s for he began to sell off the Lost River parcels, mostly to his family. In 1768 he sold 323 acres to his daughter Margaret and her husband, Joel Robinson. At his Lost River Plantation he began to see the great migration into the countryside begin. Surveyors were in Kentucky laying out the best lands for those who participated in the long conflict with the French and the Indians.

    The English crown still forbade movement across the Alleghanies, but their Virginia governor, John Murray, Lord of Dunmore, instituted an expansionist attitude after he took office in 1771. The land-greedy pioneers were impatient with the "rights" ascribed to the Indian tribes.

    Robert died in the early part of 1778.

    He married Jane MOON on 13 Feb 1738 in Burlington CO, NJ. Jane MOON was born in 1714. Died in 1787 in Hampshire CO, VA. "License of Marriage on the thirteenth Day of February A.D. 1738 was granted by his Excellency Lewis Morris Esq. Gov. unto Robert Denton of Evesham in the County of Burlington, Yeoman, of one party and Jane Moon of the same Township, Spinster of other party. Arch Home, Secry"

    They had the following children:

    Margaret DENTON
    Jacob DENTON
    John DENTON Sr.
    Sarah DENTON
    Thomas DENTON
    Elizabeth DENTON
    Mary DENTON.
  2. [S2077] Walter C Krumm, "Descendants of the Rev. Richard Denton", The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, Vols. 120-122 (1989-1991): Vol. 122, pp. 217-219.
  3. [S828] Denton Genealogy, online www.dentongenealogy.org.
  4. [S1075] A. van Doren Honeyman, William Whitehead and others, editors, Documents Relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey (Newark, NJ: Archives of the State of New Jersey, 1880–1949), 22:106, Marriage Records 1665-1800. "Denton, Robert, Burlington, and Jane Moon, Burlington 1738 Feb 13". Hereinafter cited as Documents Relating to the History of the New Jersey.
  5. [S828] Denton Genealogy, online www.dentongenealogy.org, "License of Marriage on the thirteenth Day of February A.D. 1738 was granted by his Excellency Lewis Morris Esq. Gov. unto Robert Denton of Evesham in the County of Burlington, Yeoman, of one party and Jane Moon of the same Township, Spinster of other party. Arch Home, Secry."
  6. [S2075] West Virginia, Hampshire Co. Wills 1756-1970, FHL 815334 - 815343, online FamilySearch.org, Vol. 1, pp. 14-15, Film 815334, img. 28/394. No. 11, typescript of Robert Denten's [corrected to Denton] Will.
    Be it remembered that on the sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven 1777, I, Robert Denten [sic] of Hampshire County in the colony of Virginia, yoeman [sic], being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to god [sic], therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like, decent manner at the discretion of Executors and for any such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give and devise, and depose of the same in the following manner and form:
    Imprimis, It is my will and I do order that in the first place all my last debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto Jane Denten, my dearly beloved wife, the use and benifit of the plantation, which I now lives on, during her natural life or she continues my widow and after her death or marriage to goe to my son-in-law, Joel Robinson, unto him, his heirs, and assigns forever, the said Joel Robinson to pay unto my son Jacob Denton oldest son Robert Denten the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds good and lawful money of Virginia to be paid at my beloved wife's decease, if the said Robert should become of age of twenty one years, but not to be paid till he comes to that age ], therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like, decent manner at the discretion of Executors and for any such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give and devise, and depose of the same in the following manner and form:
    Imprimis, It is my will and I do order that in the first place all my last debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto Jane Denten, my dearly beloved wife, the use and benifit of the plantation, which I now lives on, during her natural life or she continues my widow and after her death or marriage to goe to my son-in-law, Joel Robinson, unto him, his heirs, and assigns forever, the said Joel Robinson to pay unto my son Jaco], therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like, decent manner at the discretion of Executors and for any such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give and devise, and depose of the same in the following manner and form:
    Imprimis, It is my will and I do order that in the first place all my last debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto Jane Denten, my dearly beloved wife, the use and benifit of the plantation, which I now lives on, during her natural life or she continues my widow and after her death or marriage to goe to my son-in-law, Joel Robinson, unto him, his heirs, and assigns forever, the said Joel Robinson to pay unto my son Jacob Denton oldest son Robert Denten the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds good and lawful money of Virginia to be paid at my beloved wife's decease, if the said Robert should become of age of twenty one years, but not to be paid till he comes to that age ], therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a Christian like, decent manner at the discretion of Executors and for any such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this life I give and devise, and depose of the same in the following manner and form:
    Imprimis, It is my will and I do order that in the first place all my last debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto Jane Denten, my dearly beloved wife, the use and beni[see note in typescript below-VWH].
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife one full third part of my moveable estate to her own proper use for ever.
    Iem, I give and bequeath unto my oldest son Jacob Denten a certain track [sic] of land containing eighty [inserted "eight'] acres that lies joying [sic] his own plantation to him, his heirs, and assigns for ever.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my second son, John Denton, one negro boy two year old next May. The boys name is Gilburd, to him, his heirs, and assigns for ever.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my third son, Thomas Denten, the sum of five shilings as [inserted "an"] acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequ acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, John Crow, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item, I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law, David Williams, the sum of five shilings as an acknowledgement.
    Item[sic] Jacob Denton and John Denton, and my son-in-law Joel Robinson all the remaining part of my moveable estate to be equally divided amongst them and theirs [sic] heirs, but to be continued on the place and not divided till after my beloved wife's decease.
    Item, I do hereby constitute, make, and ordain my loveing sons Jacob Denten and Joel Robinson my only and sole Executors of this, my last will and testament and I do hereby verily disallow, revoke, and disanull all and every [inserted "other"] former testament, wills, legacies and Executors by me in any ways before this time named, willed, and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
    [note in typescript] ["]but not to be paid till he comes to that age["] was interlined before sealing and delivery.

    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
    Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by Robert RD Denton (Seal)
    the said Robert Denton as his last will and testament in
    the presents of us the subscribers.
    Stephen Ruddell
    John McNeer
    George Claypool

    At a Court held for Hampshire County the 12th day of May, 1778, this last will and testament of Robert denten
    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
    Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by Robert RD Denton (Seal)
    the said Robert Denton as his last will and testament in
    the p
    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
    Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by Robert RD Denton (Seal)
    the said Robert Denton as his last will and testament in
    the presents of us the subscribers.
    Stephen Ruddell
    John McNeer
    George Claypool

    At a Court held for Hampshire County the 12th day of May, 1778, this last will and testament of Robert denten
    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day an[sic], deceased, was presented in Court by Jacob Denten and Joel Robinson the Executors therein named, proved by the oaths of witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of the said Executors, who made oath according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, giving security, whereupon they together with Stephen Ruddell and John McNees their securities entered and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of two thousand pounds for their due and faithful administration of the said decedent's estate and performance of his will.
    Test Gabriel Jones Cl. Cur.
  7. [S520] VWH.
  8. [S2075] West Virginia, Hampshire Co. Wills 1756-1970, online FamilySearch.org, Vol. 1, pp. 14-15, Film 815334, img. 28/394. No. 11, typescript of Robert Denten's [corrected to Denton] Will.
  9. [S2079] Surveying Orders 1748-1749; Film No. 585 (5 images) (Richmond, Virginia: Virginia Colonial Records Project, 1958), Item No. 12. Warrant for survey for lands of Robert Denton of Augusta Co. Virginia given 25 Oct 1749. Survey to be completed by George Washington by 25 Apr 1750, authorized by G W Fairfax. Description: 400 acres on the Lost River of Cacapchon. [Augusta Co. VA was formed in 1738 but not organized until 1745. At the time it (and Frederick Co., formed from Augusta Co.) included all Virginia Colony lands west of the Blue Ridge. Hampshire Co. was formed from Frederick Co. in 1753, and Hardy. Co. from Hampshire Co. in 1785.]
  10. [S2076] West Virginia, Hardy Co. Wills 1786-1970, online FamilySearch.org, Vol. 1, pp. 6-7, "Will of Jane Denton", q.v.; and West Virginia Hampshire Co. Wills, Vol. 1, "Will of Robert Denton", q.v. Jane gives the married names of "my three Daughters" (Sarah, Margaret and Elizabeth, in that order), while Robert's will gives the names of the three sons-in-law. Robert's will also names the birth order of three sons, Jacob, John and Thomas; Jane's will also names three sons - Jacob, John and Thomas, in that order. The order of daugter/son is not known from these documents.
  11. [S2076] West Virginia, Hardy Co. Wills 1786-1970, online FamilySearch.org, Vol. 1, pp. 6-7, Will of Jane Denton, q.v.; and West Virginia Hampshire Co. Wills, Vol. 1, Will of Robert Denton, q.v. Jane gives the married names of three daus. (Sarah, Margaret and Elizabeth, in that order), while Robert's will gives the names of the three sons-in-law. Robert's will also names the birth order of four sons, Jacob, John, Thomas and Robert (a minor on the date of the will); Jane's will names only three sons - Jacob, John and Thomas, in that order. The order of daugter/son is not known from these documents.
  12. [S2077] Walter C Krumm, "Descendants of the Rev. Richard Denton", Vol. 122, pp. 219. Names Mary as the youngest child and fourth dau. of Robert Denton and Jane Moon and that Mary marr. Francis McBride and they moved to Lincoln Co. KY. [The article also says that the will of Mary's father, Robert, names four sons-in-law but the copy cited here has only three]