On the Chesterfield–Amelia borderlands, where the Appomattox River bends through tobacco fields and ferries cut across the James, a young militiaman named Ezekiel Dance spent the Revolutionary War marching from alarm to alarm. Never famous, never decorated, but always present when danger pressed closest to home, Ezekiel’s service reflects the lived reality of thousands of Virginia militiamen whose stories survive only in fragments — pension testimony, court orders, land records, and the memories of the men who served beside them.

Although no birth record survives, the best evidence places Ezekiel’s birth between 1752 and 1758, among the broad network of middling planters who farmed the lands between the Appomattox and James Rivers. By the late 1770s, he was a young adult living in the Chesterfield–Amelia borderlands, well positioned to be swept into the militia mobilizations that intensified as the war moved south.

Four pension applications filed in 1832–1833 — by Isham Andrews, Joseph Bass, Larkin Pinkinton, and Littleberry Wells — illuminate Ezekiel’s wartime service. Together, they reveal a dependable junior officer who served continuously through the most dangerous years of the war, rising from subaltern to acting company commander, and eventually receiving his first surviving formal appointment in 1781.

Entering the War: 1778 — A Subaltern Under Captain Thomas Goode

The earliest reference to Ezekiel’s service comes from the pension application of Littleberry Wells, who entered the militia in September 1778 and joined the army at Petersburg. [1]  Wells stated that he served under Colonel Robert Goode, Captain Thomas Goode, and Lieutenant Ezekiel Dance — “Lieutenant” in militia terminology meaning simply a subaltern officer below captain. Wells described a defensive circuit typical of the period:

“From Petersburg, we marched to Chesterfield Courthouse – from there to full creek church – then crossed James River & went to Richmond – recrossed the River & went to Manchester.”

This two month tour places Ezekiel in the heart of Southside Virginia’s defensive zone during a period of rising British activity.

1779–1780 — Acting Company Commander Under Colonels Haskins and Goode

In Wells’s 1779 and 1780 tours, Ezekiel appears not merely as a lieutenant but as the man commanding the company. Wells refers to him as “Captain Dance,” almost certainly reflecting memory rather than a documented commission.[2] The historically accurate interpretation is that Ezekiel was still a subaltern, temporarily placed in command — a common practice when captains were absent or companies reorganized.

March 1779 — Hood’s Fort

Wells joined the company at Dinwiddie Court House and marched down the Appomattox and James Rivers to Hood’s Fort, arriving just after a British attack. The company remained there until May 1779.

September 1779 — Under Colonel Haskins

Wells again entered service “under Captain Dance,” with Lieutenant William Cheatham and Colonel Haskins commanding the regiment. He recalled marching to Norfolk and being discharged by Ezekiel.

Larkin Pinkinton’s Testimony

Pinkerton volunteered under “Captain Ezekiel Dance” and marched to Surry County, Warwick County, and Averitt’s Mills, where 2,000–3,000 regulars and militia gathered. He remembered the execution of a spy at Mackey’s Mills — a stark reminder of wartime tensions.[3]

February 1780 — Richmond and Manchester

Wells’s fourth tour began in February 1780. He joined Ezekiel’s company at Manchester while British forces burned houses across the river in Richmond. He was verbally discharged by Ezekiel in April.

Joseph Bass’s Testimony

Bass served under Ezekiel in early 1780, marching to Broadway, Randolph’s Mill, and Proctors Creek, guarding key supply points until the expiration of his three month tour.[4]

October 1780 — Cabin Point and Norfolk

Wells’s fifth tour placed Ezekiel at Cabin Point, Norfolk, and back to Cabin Point, where Wells was discharged by Lieutenant Cheatham.

These movements reflect the intense defensive operations of 1779–1780, when British raids threatened mills, ferries, and river crossings throughout Southside Virginia. Ezekiel’s repeated appearance as the officer in command shows that he was trusted, experienced, and regularly deployed — despite the absence of surviving formal commissions from this period.

6 April 1781 — First Surviving Formal Appointment

The earliest extant official record of Ezekiel’s rank comes from the Chesterfield County Court: he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in Captain Benjamin Ward’s Company under Colonel Robert Goode’s Regiment. [5] This occurred during the height of British incursions into Chesterfield, Petersburg, and the James River corridor. Ward’s Company operated across Amelia, Chesterfield, Surry, Isle of Wight, and Nansemond Counties, guarding ferries, mills, and river landings. Ezekiel’s placement here reflects both his experience and the urgent need for capable officers.

1781 — Active Service During the Southside Defensive Crisis

The pension application of Isham Andrews provides the clearest picture of Ezekiel’s role in 1781. [6] Andrews wrote:

“Ezekiel Dance was one of the subalterns of the said company.”

His tour places Ezekiel at Chesterfield Court House, Cabin Point, Smithfield, Mackie’s Mills, and Sleepy Hole — all front line defensive posts guarding the James River corridor from British raids launched out of Portsmouth.

Whether Ezekiel personally marched to Yorktown or remained in the Southside defensive zone, his service in 1781 placed him in the most active and strategically important militia operations of the war.

A Historically Accurate Rank Progression

Based on surviving evidence, Ezekiel’s wartime rank progression can be reliably reconstructed:

•      1778 — Subaltern (likely 2nd Lieutenant) under Captain Thomas Goode

•      1779–1780 — Acting company commander under Colonels Haskins and Goode

•      6 April 1781 — Formally appointed 2nd Lieutenant

•      1781 — Active subaltern in Ward’s Company

Civilian Life and Family

Ezekiel was one of five sons[8] of Henry Dance who died in Chesterfield County in 1783 and named Ezekiel in his will.[9] He was likely the youngest brother – mentioned last – and bequeathed “all the rest of my land.” Also named an executor, Ezekiel appeared in court on 7 November 1783 to give bond and take the required oath.[10] While the metes and bounds of Ezekiel’s inherited tract are not mentioned, his father did mention these in bequests to his brothers. Henry Dance received 125 acres bounded by Joseph Vaden’s line, John Williams Line, Bass’s line, Joseph Royal’s line and Edward Osborne’s line. Ethelred Dance received 100 acres bounded by Nooning Creek Road, Edward Dance’s line, Buckner Traylor’s line, Silvester Andrews line and Winterpock Road. Drury Dance received his father’s land on the north side of the Main Road.                   

He continued to serve in the county militia and in March 1784 was appointed a 1^st Lieutenant under Captain Thomas Goode[11] He was again recommended as a 1^st Lt.. in the county militia on 14 June 1787[12] and appeared in court on 9 November and took the oath required by law.[13] Sometime later he was appointed a Captain and resigned from that post on 12 June 1797[14]

Ezekiel married Asenath Hatcher, daughter of William III & Lucy (———-) Hatcher. Both “daughter Asenath Dance” and “son in law Ezekiel Dance” are named in Hatcher’s 13 March 1788 Dale Parish, Chesterfield County will.[15] Lucy (———-) Hatcher made her will in 1812 [day and month blank], which was recorded 24 June 1816. Among others, she named granddaughters Lucy H. Dance, Polly W. Dance, Asenath G. Dance, William S Dance, Nancy F Dance, Becca B Dance, Betsey E Dance, sons and daughters of Ezekiel Dance and daughter Asenath Dance.[16]     

Chestnut Level – A Place Called Home

From 1789 to 1819, Ezekiel bought and sold more than two dozen tracts in Chesterfield County, centered around Chestnut Level, near modern day Ivey Mill Road and River Road (see Attachment) His deeds reference Middle Creek, Cattail Creek, Stony Creek, the Appomattox River, Exeter Mills Road, Petersburg Road, Namozine Road, and Winterpock Road. His consistent neighbors included Brooking, Goode, Gill, Grainger, Mann, Robertson, Royall, and Vaden.

Ezekiel Dance died on 5 November 1819.[17] On 13 December 1819, his widow Asenath (Hatcher) Dance renounced her right to administer his estate and his sons William S. Dance and John W. Dance stepped in to fill that role.[18] On 15 December 1819, W.S. Dance and J.W. Dance, administrators, and their securities (which included sons-in-law Edward Moore and William Jackson and future son-in-law Nelson Farmer) posted a $20,000 bond.[19] 

Chesterfield Land Division

On 29 October 1822, a survey of the lands of Ezekiel Dance dec’d, amounted to 568 acres 17 chains. Two days later an agreement was made between the widow and children of Ezekiel Dance to divide the estate and recorded the heirs and distributees. These included “Asenath Dance, the widow, and Edward Moore and Lucy H. his wife, William Jackson and Nancy F. his wife, Nelson Farmer and Rebecca B. his wife, Peter Ivey and Sally L. his wife, William S. Dance and Jno. W. Dance, which said Lucy H. Moore, Nency . F. Jackson, Rebecca . B. Farmer, Sally L. Ivey, William S. Dence and Jno. W. Dance are the heirs and distributees of the said Ezekiel Dance decd.” Asenath (Hatcher) Dance received her one-third dower share during her widowhood. The other two-thirds was divided into six equitable parts with one going to each child.

The land was divided as follows:

Lot 1 – Rebecca B. Farmer, wife of Nelson Farmer (63 acres and 10 chains)[21]

Lot 2 – William S. Dance (69 acres and 63 chains)

Lot 3 – John W Dance (61 acres and 38 chains)

Lot 4 – Sally L. Ivey (61 acres and 38chains)

Lot 5 – Nancy F. Jackson, wife of William Jackson (61 acres and 38 chains)

Lot 6 – Lucy H. Moore, wife of Edward Moore (61 acres and 38 chains, including the mill)

Lot 7 – Asenath Dance, widow (189 acres and 32 chains including the dwelling house)

Each tract was valued and some offsetting payments were ordered to make each Lot equitable for each heir. The mill tract included shared rights to the dam, canal, timber hauling, and maintenance — a rare glimpse into the practical workings of a rural Virginia mill.[22] 

The Enslaved Community

Like many planters of his means, Ezekiel enslaved men, women, and children. Personal property tax lists from 1786–1819 show 5–10 enslaved people aged 12–16 or older, not counting younger children or elders. [23]^{,[24],[25],[26],[27],[28],[29],[30],[31],[32],[33],[34]}  The 1810 census records 14 enslaved people in his household. [35]  

After Ezekiel’s death, Asenath received two enslaved men, Lewis and Peter, as her dower share. The remaining enslaved people were sold, with proceeds divided among the children.

One interesting record found was about an enslaved woman named Lucy: 

One of the most striking records from 1818 is the trial of an enslaved woman named Lucy, accused of attempting to poison Ezekiel and his family. After testimony and argument, the court found her not guilty — an uncommon outcome in such cases.[36]      

Land Speculation and Coal Mining

Ezekiel Dance also bought and sold land in Amelia County, where more than a dozen deeds record transactions from 1808-1819 (see Attachment). He often retained 50% of the coal mining rights.        

As of 3 Nov 1827, Ezekiel Dance’s Estate owned land in Amelia County totaling 562 acres, which after an unsuccessful attempt to sell at a satisfactory price, was divided among his widow and children. [37] Asenath (Hatcher) Dance’s one-third dower portion amounted to 240 acres while the other two-thirds was divied into six lots:  

Lot 1 – 95 acres – Edward Moore (wife Lucy H. Dance)

Lot 2 – 84 acres Nelson Farmer (wife Rebecca B. Dance)   

Lot 3 – 121 acres – William S Dance

Lot 4 – 102 acres – Peter Ivey (wife Sally Lawson Dance)

Lot 5 – 106 acres – William Jackson (wife Nancy H. Dance)

Lot 6 – 74 acres – John W Dance

He also speculated in land in Monongalia and Randolph Counties (now West Virginia), Nash County, North Carolina, and Greene County, Tennessee.

A Breeder of Racehorses  

Horse racing was a popular pastime among Virginia’s elite, and Ezekiel bred horses at Chestnut Level. One of his mares, Lady Chesterfield, born in 1801, descended from the famous stallion Diomed. Newspaper notices from 1813 and 1828 mention Ezekiel’s horses, and after his death, his sons offered mares and colts from the estate for sale.

Final Thoughts

Ezekiel Dance’s life — part soldier, part planter, part enslaver, part land speculator, part horse breeder — reflects the complexity of early American lives. His story is not one of battlefield glory but of steady, necessary service: guarding ferries, mills, river crossings, and supply depots during the most dangerous years of the Revolution.

In tracing his footsteps through pension testimony, court orders, land divisions, and family records, we recover not only a man but a community, a landscape, and a moment when the Revolution reached into the everyday world of Chesterfield County.

Ezekiel Dance Deeds

CHESTERFIELD DEEDS

9 September 1789 – Deed Joseph Vaden & Elizabeth his wife to Ezekiel Dance, both of Chesterfield County, for £20, 18 acres bounded by Charles Buton’s line, Middle Creek, Thomas Woresham’s line, said Ezekiel Dance’s line. Recorded September Court 1789. There is a margin note indicating the original deed was delivered to Ezekiel Dance 12 December 1808 signed Wm S. Dance, D.C. [his son and deputy clerk].^[1]

23 February 1791 Deed. Henry Dance to Ezekiel Dance for £120, 125 acres in Chesterfield County bounded by Ezekiel Dance’s line, John Wilkenson’s line, Royall’s line, Thomas Goode’s line. Recorded July Court 1791.^[2] 

10 January 1793 Deed. Peter Gibbs to Ezekiel Dance for £212, 148 acres in Chesterfield County, all that tract or parcel whereon Matthew Gibbs formerly lived and where the said Peter Gibbs now lives except 23 acres sold to Thomas Watkins and Francis Patram and is bounded by known and recorded bounds thereof. Recorded January Court 1794.^[3] Dance sold this tract to John Wilkinson on 14 September 1796 for £200.^[4]   

17 December 1793   Deed. Joseph Vaden & Elizabeth his wife to Ezekiel Dance for 25 shillings, 1 acre, bounded by Armistead Daves, Winterpock Road, and said Vaden’s line. Recorded at February 1796 Court.^[5]

9 January 1801;    Deed. Ludson Perkinson to Ezekiel Dance for £74, 53 acres bounded by Drury Wilson, Joseph Vaden, Worsham Mann, Benjamin Andrews, William Wilson, Est. of Geo. Robertson, Joseph Gill, to the beginning.^[6]    

9 April 1803;    Deed. James Gill & wife Susannah and Joseph Rogers & wife Ann to Ezekiel Dance for £258, 129 acres bounded by main road to Petersburg, Grief Royall’s line, Gates line, Dunnavant’s line, Grainger’s line, the main road.^[7] A month later, on 9 May 1804, Ezekiel Dance sold this tract to Joseph Perkinson for £258.^[8]  

13 September 1804; 11 February 1805 Deed. William H Vaden, Joseph Vaden and Elizabeth his wife, and Abel Bowman to Ezekiel Dance for £150, 18 acres, bounded by Worsham Mann, the main road as it meanders to Ezekiel Dance’s line.^[9]    

19 February 1805; 4 Sep 1805 Deed. Robert Andrews to Ezekiel Dance for £43.4, 36 acres bounded by Joseph Perkinson, a spring branch as it meanders to Stony Creek, down the creek to Patsy Grainger’s, William Gates line, to the beginning.^[10] 

14 July 1806; 14 July 1806 Ch Deed. Joseph Gill, exor of Stephen Gill, decd to Ezekiel Dance, both of CC, for £118.18, 58 acres bounded by John Dodd, Grief Royall, said Dance, Martha Graniger, Joseph Gill, Sr., Thomas Goode and road leading from Chesterfield Courthouse to Exeter Mills.^[11]  

8 September 1806;     Deed. Edward Willson and wife Catherine to Ezekiel Dance for (price left blank), 100 acres on Cattail Creek on Daniel Moore’s line, down the creek to Thomas Goode’s line at the mouth of Sarah Perkinson’s Spring Branch, up said branch to Daniel Moore’s line, to the beginning. And whereas the said Edward Willson and the said Ezekiel Dance obtained leave of the county court of Chesterfield aforesaid to erect a water Grist mill on Cattail Creek on the aforesaid tract of land; and the said Edward Willson doth hereby forever release all the right and title which he has to the said Mill unto the said Ezekiel Dance, and to his heirs forever; with this reserve only, that Sarah Perkinson, who has a life estate in the said land, and now lives thereon, is to have quiet and peaceable possession of the same for and during the term of her natural life.^[12]  

8 September 1806; 8 September 1806  Ezekiel Dance to Herbert Brown for $1,000, 72 acres bounded by the main road leading to Goode’s Bridge to Petersburg on Worsham Mann’s line, Est of George Robertson, Joseph Gill, Sr. Drury Williams.^[13]   

23 February 1810; 9 April 1810 – Chesterfield Deed. Ezekiel Dance to Daniel Dishman, both of Chesterfield, for £15, 10 acres bounded by Joseph Perkinson, Grief Royal, Ezekiel Dance, Patsy Granger. Daniel Dishman.^[14]   

20 Feb 1811; 14 October 1811  Deed. Drury Wilson to Ezekiel Dance for £24, 13 acres bounded by Joseph Gills line, Ezekiel Dance’s line, Joseph Vaden’s line, sd Dance’s line, Herbert Brown’s line, to the beginning.^[15] 

20 Feb 1811; 14 Oct 1811 Deed. William H Vaden to Ezekiel Dance for $1 and to pay a debt of £96.18, 90 acres bounded by a spring branch on Ezekiel Dance’s line, Drury Wilson’s line, Ezekiel Dance’s line (bought of Ludson Perkinson), Winterpock Road, John Dodd’s line, Anderson Phillips, down the spring branch to the beginning.^[16]    

14 September 1812; 14 Sep 1812 Chesterfield Deed. Ezekiel Dance to Herbert Stow, both of CC, for $336, 84 acres bounded by John Dodd, Grief Royall, Daniel Dishman, Martha Granger, Joseph Gill, Sr. & Thomas Goode.^[17]

17 March 1813;   Deed. Ezekiel Dance to John S. Berry for $800, 57 ¾ acres bounded by Joseph Gill, Ezekiel Dance, the Petersburg Road, Worsham Mann, Mrs. Andrews, Wilson, to the beginning.^[18] 

13 January 1813; 8 March 1813 Deed. Herbert Brown and Daniel Totty to Ezekiel Dance for $440, 57 ¾ acres (formerly in a deed of trust because Brown owed Dance money, Totty and nelson Farmer were trustees and Brown couldn’t pay the debt) bounded by Joseph Gill, sd Dance, the Petersburg Road, Worsham Mann, W. Mann, Mrs. Andrews.^[19]   

22 July 1813; 9 Aug 1813 Deed. Uriah Hatcher of Christian County, Kentucky to Ezekiel Dance for $500, 237 acres bounded by Obed Hatcher’s line, James Magee’s line, Francis Farmer’s line, Est. of John Franklin, Major Winfree, Leonard Nunnally, sd Beasley, to beginning.^[20]    

10 May 1814;     Deed. Lodowick Wilson and Sawney Mann, trustees of Robert Mann, decd to Ezekiel Dance for $80, ___ acres bounded by a branch on Frederick Moore’s line, Sloman Vaden’s line, Thomas Mann’s line, to the beginning.^[21]

8 August 1814; 10 October 1814 Chesterfield Deed. Ezekiel Dance to James Magee, both of Chesterfield, for £300, 237 ½ acres bounded by Obed. Hatcher, Wm Beasley, Nunnally, Major Winfree, Kesiah Fournoy, Francis Farmer.^[22]     

6 May 1815; 10 July 1815 Chesterfield Deed. Ezekiel Dance to Daniel Vaden, both of CC, for $135 (subject to the widows dower), 27 acres bounded by Sloman Vaden, spring branch, Est of Robert Mann, Frederick Moore, Est. of Thomas Mann.^[23]    

21 April 1817;    Deed. Bullard Andrews and wife Sally to Ezekiel Dance for $840, 144 acres bounded by Geo. Moore, said Dance, Sylvester Andrews Spring Branch, Est. Daniel Moore, Est. John Mann, Herbert Traylor.^[24]  

20 Feb 1818; 10 March 1818 Deed. Littleberry Royall and Jane his wife and John Royall and Sarah his wife to ALL OF Nottoway County to Ezekiel dance of Chesterfield County for $1, land on the Appomattox in Chesterfield, 600 acres bounded on the south by Appomattox River and John Goode, and land of said Ezekiel Dance, on the east by Herbert Stow and Wm Bass.^[25]           

12 November 1818; 9 July 1919 Deed. William H Vaden to Ezekiel Dance for $488, 61 acres bounded by Winterpock Road on Phillips line, up the sd road to Dance’s line to a spring branch, along sd branch from Phillips spring, to the beginning.^[26]    

13 October 1819; 10 January 1820 Deed. Ezekiel Dance and wife Asenath to John S. Goode of Mecklenburg County for $2,344, XX acres bounded by Appomattox River a little below the mouth of Cattail Creek, land lately sold by sd Goode to Daniel Boisseau, Elizabeth O. Goode recently sold by her to John S. Goode, the old race path, John Perkinson, Royall’s old line, Tucker’s line, Bass’ line to the River at the mouth of Model [Middle?] Creek, and up the River to the beginning.^[27]         

AMELIA DEEDS

22 September 1808; 22 September 1808 Amelia County Deed. Ezekiel Dance of Chesterfield to Francis Brooking for £240, 200 acres bounded on the west by Wintopomake Creek, on the south by Cain Mann’s land, on the east by Vivian Brooking’s land, on the north by the said Francis Brooking’s land.^[28]   

22 September 1808; 22 September 1808 Amelia County Deed. Francis Brooking to Ezekiel Dance for £200, 200 acres, between Brooking’s and Dance’s land, down Dance’s line to John Talley, Robert Cousins, Cain Mann, Vivian Brooking, said Francis Brooking.^[29]     

3 April 1809; 3 April 1809 Amelia Co. Deed. Edward B Brooking and wife Rebecca to Ezekiel Dance of Chesterfield for £540, 496 ½ acres in Amelia bounded by Thomas Bolling, River Road, Richard Cousins.^[30]      

6 July 1810;  25 October 1810 Amelia County Deed. Robert C. Brooking to Ezekiel Dance for $4,385, 877 acres in Amelia bounded by Namozine Roads at the Estate of Robert Bolling, Ezekiel Dance’s line, Robert Cousins line, sd Dance‘s line, Francis Brooking’s line, Cain Mann’s line, Doctor Meade’s line, to the beginning.^[31]  

21 October 1810;     Ezekiel Dance of Chesterfield and Robert E Brooking of Amelia. Brooking sold 877 acres to Dance for $2,953 and is still due part of that amount. Dance executed two bonds to Brooking dated 26 July 1810 for $1,476.50 each one due 1 January 1812 and the other 1 January 1813. To secure the debt Dance reconveys for $1 to Brooking the tract bounded by Namozine road on the estate of Robert Bolling, thence along the said Bolling’s line to Ezekiel Dance’s line, thence along the said Ezekiel Dance’s line to Francis Brooking’s line, thence along the said Francis Brooking’s line to Cain Mann’s line, thence along the said Mann’s line to Doctor Meade’s line, thence along the said Meade’s line to Namozine road, thence down the said road as it meanders to the beginning. Part of the land whereon Vivian Brooking lived and Robert E. Brooking now lives, on which the mansion house stands. Reconveying deed  void if Dance pays the two installments and cost to prove and record the deed.^[32]       

13 November 1813; 13 November 1815 Amelia Co. Deed. 1^st part, George Cox of Chesterfield and 2^nd part Thomas Howlett of same to 3^rd part Ezekiel Dance. In order to secure payment of $3,103 owning by the said Dance conveyed in trust to Howlett for $1. Land in Amelia on the Appomattox purchased by Dance from William Brooking, Edward B Brooking, Robert E Brooking, contains 1,990 acres. Part paid and Dance wants trust to be released. Land now Dance’s. Refers to earlier deed date but not filled in.^[33]         

19 November 1814; 27 April 1815 Deed. Francis Brooking to Ezekiel Dance for £1,200, 664 acres in Amelia on Appomattox river, Dance’s line, Giles line, Jesse Southall’s line.^[34]       

6 March 1815; 24 August 1815 Amelia Co. Deed. Ezekiel Dance and Asenath his wife to William Bowdin and Patrick Corron of Petersburg, for $2,050, one half or a moiety in 664 acres that Dance bought from Francis Brooking. Bowdin and Corron have rights to search   This was to start a coal business: “if such coal can be found in a large body sufficient and suitable for carrying on the coal business to advantage that then the parties and their heirs and assigns shall jointly work and be interested in the said Coal to found and be jointly concerned in the coal pits above the same in such parts and proportions that the said Ezekiel and Asenath Dance and their heirs shall hold and be entitled to one moiety thereof and the said Bowden and Coron between them to the other moiety. Iin case Coal Cannot be found in a large body sufficient and suitable to carry on the coal business on the land herein above conveyed after making sufficient search for that purpose then the said Bowden and Coran to their heirs or assigns shall have liberty to reach for coal on the adjoining land of the Ezekiel and Asenath Dance in such part or part thereof as may afford the greatest promise of furnishing that article.”^[35]

31 January 1816; 25 April 1816 Deed Ezekiel Dance and Asenath his wife to James Clarke all of Chesterfield, for $1,250, 250 acres in Amelia County, bounded by Cousins road, Ezekiel Dance, Namozine road, if coal found parties agree to share expense and profit 50/50.^[36]   

16 January 1817; 24 April 1817 Amelia Co. Deed. Ezekiel Dance to Robert Cousins for $2,850, 357 acres bounded by Cousins corner, John Tally’s line, Robert Cousins line, Robert Cousins line, Jr.’s line, Appomattox river, Dance’s line. Dance gives up all “Estate right, title, Interest, claim, and demand whatsoever except there be coal found on the said Land and if there be any coal found on the within Land the said Dance or his heirs has a right to half.”  ^[37]    

21 April 1817; 27 November 1817 – Amelia County Deed. Ezekiel Dance and Asenath his wife of Chesterfield to William Jackson of Amelia £360, 200 acres on the  north side Namozine road and both side of Cousins road adjoining the lands of the said Dance, bounded by Braxton Cousins, Field Robertson, Clarke’s corner. Parties agree that if any coal should be found on land Dance gets 50% of it sand bears half the expense of searching and working it.^[38]      

23 April 1817; 24 April 1817. Amelia County Deed. Robert Cousins to Ezekiel Dance. Whereas the said Ezekiel Dance by his deed dated on or about the 18th day of November 1814 and recorded in the County Court of Amelia in order to secure the punctual payment of the sum of Three thousand dollars due by him to a certain Francis Brooking late of the County of Amelia conveyed in trust to the said Robert Cousin one certain tract or parcel of Land lying in the County of Amelia adjoins – ing the Lands of the said Ezekiel Dance and Jesse Southall now Braxton Coleman and William B Giles and bounded by the same and by Appomattox River containing by estimation Six hundred and Sixty four acres be the same more or less and the said sum of three thousand dollars having been fully paid off and discharged by the said Ezekiel Dance he hath requested the said Robert Cousins to reconvey to him all the Estate right title and Interest which was conveyed to the said Robert Cousins in the tract of Land aforesaid by the aforesaid Deed of Trust. Dance pays $1 to Cousins to release.^[39]   

21 April 1817;      Deed Ezekiel Dance and wife Asenath to William Jackson (their son-in-law) for £360, 200 acres on the North side of Namozine Road and both sides of Cousins Road adjoining the lands of the said Dance. “It is understood by the said William Jackson and Ezekiel Dance as . agreed when bargained for the said Land If there ever should be any coal found on the said Tract of Land the said Ezekiel Dance and his heirs shall have one half of all the coal so found but the said Ezekiel Dance or his heirs shall be at one half of all expenses in searching for the said coal and working of it the said contract extends to him and his heirs forever.”^[40]   

1 March 1819; 25 September 1819 Amelia Deed. William Bowdin and Elizabeth his wife of Petersburg, William Bowdin administrator of the last will and testament pf Patrick Corran to Ezekiel Dance for $2,988, an equal and undivided moiety a tract in Amelia of 664 acres – same land Dance bought of Francis Brooking, bounded by the Appomattox, Ezekiel Dance, Braxton Coleman and the Wintopomake Creek.^[41]

17 April 1820; 25 August 1820 – Amelia County Deed. John Clarke and wife Martha to Asenath Dance, widow of Ezekiel Dance, decd and Lucy H Moore, Nancy F Jackson, Rebecca B. Dance, Sally L. Ivey, Wm S. Dance and John W. Dance, children of the said Ezekiel Dance, decd, for $1,125, 250 acres in Amelia County adjoining the lands of Ezekiel Dance estate, Mrs. Seigniora Bolling, William B Hamblin, and said Clarke. Same tract as Clarke sold to Ezekiel Dance in his lifetime being the same tract Dance sold to Haley Dunnavant and by Dunnavant to Clarke.^[42]              

3 Oct 1820; 4 Oct 1820 – widow and all children sell to Shadrack Alfriend for $5,000, 1000 acres on L/S pf Wintopomake Creek and on Appomattox River bounded by Braxton Coleman, Robert Cousins, and others, Cousins road^[43]   

---

[1] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 11, 1786, p. 568; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-LSDW-2?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 291 of 394; Image Group Number: 008578894

[2] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 12, 1790-1793, p. 80; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4X-W9MZ-Y?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 45 of 160; Image Group Number: 007895970

[3] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 13 1793-1796, p. 281; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKH-777P?view=explore : Jul 27,

[4] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 14, 1797, p. 31; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-LSFV-9?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 27 of 293; Image Group Number: 008578897

[5] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 13, 1793-1796, p. 318; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-XK42?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 208 of 298; Image Group Number: 008578896

[6] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 15, 1800-1802, p. 265; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-G9ZH-J?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 96 of 239; Image Group Number: 008141142

[7] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 16, 1802-1805, p. 317; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-G9HZ-Q?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 167 of 272; Image Group Number: 008141142

[8] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 16, 1802-1805, p. 414; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-KX3Q?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 219 of 277;Image Group Number: 008578899

[9] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 17, 1805, p. 5; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-CQ4W-6?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 13 of 382; Image Group Number: 008578900

[10] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 17, 1805, p. 294; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-PDH5?view=explore            : Aug 1, 2026), image 159 of 212; Image Group Number: 008141143

[11] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 17, 1805, p. 259; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-CQ78-Y?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 140 of 382; Image Group Number: 008578900

[12] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 17, 1805, p. 293; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-CQQ9-8?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 157 of 382; Image Group Number: 008578900

[13] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 17, 1805, p. 278; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-CQ3P-Y?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 150 of 382; Image Group Number: 008578900

[14] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 18, 1809, p. 320; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-L96G-S?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 170 of 330; Image Group Number: 008578901

[15] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 29, 1811, p. 136; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C377-FSDQ-3?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 80 of 340; Image Group Number: 008574235

[16] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 29, 1811, p. 134; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C377-FS84-M?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 79 of 340; Image Group Number: 008574235

[17] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 29, 1811, p. 351; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C377-FSH9-6?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 187 of 340; Image Group Number: 008574235

[18] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 29, 1811, p. 590; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C377-FS83-C?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 306 of 340; Image Group Number: 008574235

[19] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 29, 1811, p. 430; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C377-FSZ7-9?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 226 of 340; Image Group Number: 008574235

[20] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 19, 1811-1814, p. 543; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-P9WM-C?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 84 of 138; Image Group Number: 008141144

[21] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 20, 1814, p. 152; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-P94Y-7?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 84 of 329; Image Group Number: 008141144

[22] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 20, 1814, p. 149; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-M98Q-7?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 86 of 339; Image Group Number: 008578902

[23] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 20, 1814, p. 322; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-M9DT-6?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 173 of 339; Image Group Number: 008578902

[24] Chesterfield County, Virginia Deed Book 21, 1814-1817, p. 506; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-LSLZ-H?view=explore   : Aug 1, 2026), image 273 of 395; Image Group Number: 008578903

[25] Chesterfield County, Virginia Deed Book 22, 1817-1819, p. 382; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-89KL-9?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 204 of 372; Image Group Number: 008578904

[26] Chesterfield County, Virginia Deed Book 23, 1819-1821, p. 83; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C373-8SVR-9?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 53 of 216; Image Group Number: 008572346

[27] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 23, 1819-1821, p. 170; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C373-8SVL-X?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 98 of 216; Image Group Number: 008572346

[28] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 22, 1804-1808, p. 498; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLD-1SZP-X?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 22 of 43; Image Group Number: 008190015

[29] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 22, 1804-1808, p. 499; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLD-1SZP-X?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 22 of 43; Image Group Number: 008190015

[30] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 23, 1808-1814, p. 42;  “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9HX-W?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 37 of 364; Image Group Number: 008190016

[31] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 23, 1808-1814, p. 352; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9HC-Q?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 192 of 364; Image Group Number: 008190016

[32] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 23, 1808-1814, p. 303; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9HZ-M?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 168 of 364; Image Group Number: 008190016

[33] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 24, 1814-1817, p. 228; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9H9-4?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 123 of 251; Image Group Number: 008190016 

[34] Amelia County Virginia Deed Book 24, 1814-1817, p. 80;  “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9HS-2?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 49 of 251; Image Group Number: 008190016

[35] Amelia County Virginia Deed Book 24, 1814-1817, p. 133; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M9HW-M?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 75 of 251; Image Group Number: 008190016

[36] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 572; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SKWL?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 301 of 365; Image Group Number: 008190017

[37] Amelia County Virginia Deed Book 24, 1814-1817, p. 415; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M941-6?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 216 of 251; Image Group Number: 008190016

[38] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 28; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SKDW?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 26 of 365; Image Group Number: 008190017

[39] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 24, 1814-1817, p. 412; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-M94Y-9?view=explore          : Jul 28, 2026), image 215 of 251; Image Group Number: 008190016

[40] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 28; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SKDW?view=explore : Aug 2, 2026), image 26 of 365; Image Group Number: 008190017

[41] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 306; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SK4Z?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 167 of 365; Image Group Number: 008190017

[42] Amelia County, Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 494; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SVL4?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 261 of 365; Image Group Number: 008190017

[43] Amelia County Virginia Deed Book 25, 1817-1821, p. 626; “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL6-SV86?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 327 of 365Image Group Number: 008190017

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[1] Pension application of Littleberry (Littlebury) Wells, Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files; “United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9XY-9LJG?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 926 of 1156; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 007583590                     

[2] After the war, Ezekiel served in the Chesterfield County Militia rising to the rank 1^st Lt. in 1784 and Captain sometime after 1787. He resigned from his Captaincy in 1797. 

[3] Larkin Pinkinton 1832 Pension application,  Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32443; “United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHK-X7MP-6JP1?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 5 of 33; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Image Group Number: 116077197

[4] Joseph Bass 1832 Pension application, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5765;  “United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHK-F7MP-N724?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 4 of 45; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).Image Group Number: 116090761

[5] Chesterfield County, Virginia Order Book 6, 1774-1784, p. 318; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-JQ7W-Z?view=explore : Jul 28, 2026), image 178 of 300; Image Group Number: 007897743

[6] 1833 Pension Application of Isham Andrews, Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files; “United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XY-5H6F?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 634 of 710; United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Image Group Number: 007583956

[7] AI‑generated historical illustration imagined by P. Steven Craig and created with Microsoft Copilot, August 2026. Depicts Virginia militia defenses along the James River during the Revolutionary War, showing British ships and smoke from riverfront engagements.

[8] Henry Dance had six children who he named in his will: sons Edward, Henry, Ethelred, Drury, Ezekiel and daughter Rhoda.    

[9] Chesterfield County, Virginia Will Book 3, 1774-1785, p. 484; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9PC-3B8?view=explore : Jul 30, 2026), image 201 of 278; Image Group Number: 007644374

[10] Chesterfield County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, 1774-1784, p. 495; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-JQQ1-1?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 266 of 300; Image Group Number: 007897743

[11] Chesterfield County, Virginia Court Order Book 6, 1774-1784, p. 514; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-JQQY-P?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 276 of 300; Image Group Number: 007897743

[12] Chesterfield County, Virginia Court Order Book 7 1784-1787, p. 529; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-JS8G-S?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 281 of 307; Image Group Number: 007897744

[13] Chesterfield County, Virginia Court Order Book 8, 1787-1791, p. 7; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-JSXQ-C?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 7 of 280; Image Group Number: 007897744

[14] Governor’s Office Militia Commission Papers, 1797, Chesterfield County, Virginia; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-V3DW-79MM-9?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 3 of 8; Image Group Number: 008713714

[15] Chesterfield County, Virginia Will Book 4 1785-1800, p. 214; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PH-YVF6?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 222 of 339; Image Group Number: 007644375

[16] Chesterfield County, Virginia Will Book 8, 1813-1818, p. 505; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-Y72C?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 264 of 350; Image Group Number: 007644377

[17] William S. Dance, Etc. vs. Asenath Dance, Etc., Amelia County Chancery Case 1828-014, p. 6 of 15; Virginia Chancery Records, Library of Virginia   

[18] Chesterfield County Virginia Court Order Book 22, 1818-1820, p. 456;  “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C91H-44S2-C?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 228 of 261; Image Group Number: 007738548

[19] Chesterfield County Virginia Will Book 9, 1818-1823, p. 233; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PH-Y799?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 125 of 367; Image Group Number: 007644377

[20] Laprade, J. E. (1888) Map of Chesterfield County, Va. [Virginia: s.n] [Map] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2012592116/.       

[21] A “chain” is a traditional surveying unit of length equal to 66 feet or 22 yards. It comes from Gunter’s chain, a physical measuring device made of 100 iron links.

[22] Chesterfield County Virginia Deed Book 25, 1823-1824, p.p. 45-50;  “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-H3QY-K?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 35 of 391; Image Group Number: 008578484

[23] Chesterfield County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Books, 1786; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-9S1N-9?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 19 of 38; Image Group Number: 007849101

[24] Chesterfield County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Books, 1794;  “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-9S18-W?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 7 of 31; Image Group Number: 007849101

[25] Chesterfield County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Books, 1798; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-93M9-1?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 8 of 40; Image Group Number: 007849101

[26] Chesterfield County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Books, 1799; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-93MM-N?view=explore : Jul 27, 2026), image 7 of 36; Image Group Number: 007849101

[27] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1810; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-9S1J-S?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 8 of 41; Image Group Number: 007849101

[28] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1812; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-49ZK-7?view= : Aug 1, 2026), image 19 of 56; Image Group Number: 008151952

[29] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1813; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37H-4S26-M?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 8 of 43; Image Group Number: 008575071

[30] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1814; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-4987-2?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 135 of 209; Image Group Number: 008151952

[31] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1816; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37H-4SJW-Z?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 42 of 99; Image Group Number: 008575071

[32] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1817; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-49Z1-P?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 80 of 208; .Image Group Number: 008151952

[33] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1818; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37H-4SNJ-W?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 5 of 36; Image Group Number: 008575071

[34] Chesterfield County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Books, 1819; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37H-4SJ3-P?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 8 of 50; Image Group Number: 008575071

[35] 1810 U.S. Federal Census, Census Place: Chesterfield, Chesterfield, Virginia; Roll: 67; Page: 55; Image: Vam252_67-0059; FHL Roll: 0181427; www.ancestry.com

[36] Chesterfield County, Virginia Court Order Book 21, 1816-1818, p. 12; “Chesterfield, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJD-RSM8-Z?view=explore : Aug 1, 2026), image 44 of 100; Image Group Number: 008098384

[37] Amelia County Virginia Order Book 35, 1827-1828, p. 392;  “Amelia, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37Q-JSXR-Z?view=explore : Jul 29, 2026), image 220 of 225; Image Group Number: 008572303

[38] William S. Dance, Etc. vs. Asenath Dance, Etc., Amelia County Chancery Case 1828-014, p. 6 of 15; Virginia Chancery Records, Library of Virginia Digital Collections;    https://old.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=007-1828-014   

[39] Wood, J., & Virginia. Board of Public Works. (1820). Amelia County. [Map]., Library of Virginia            

[40] Richmond Enquirer, Tuesday, Feb 01, 1820, Richmond, VA, Vol: 16, Page: 2; http://www.genealogybank.com

[41] Pedigree Online: Thoroughbred Database; https://www.pedigreequery.com/lady+chesterfield2                  

[42] Virginia Argus, Thu, Mar 11, 1813 ·Page 1; www.newspapers.com   

[43] Richmond Enquirer, Tue, Mar 18, 1828 ·Page 1; www.newspapers.com

• Amelia County Connections