arrow arrow arrow
Capt. John LIGHTFOOT II
(1622-1686)
Elizabeth (?) TAILOR
(-Bef 1686)
Hon. Henry CORBIN
(1629-1675)
Alice ELTONHEAD
(1627-ca. 1685)
Capt. Phillip LIGHTFOOT Sr., Esq.
(Abt 1643-1708)
Alice CORBIN
(1660-)
Col. Philip LIGHTFOOT Esq.
(1689-1748)

 

Family Links

Spouses/Children:
Mary ARMISTEAD

Col. Philip LIGHTFOOT Esq.

  • Born: 1689, VA
  • Marriage: Mary ARMISTEAD in 1720 in VA
  • Died: 30 May 1748, Charles City County, VA at age 59

   Another name for Philip was Phillip LIGHTFOOT Jr.

  Noted events in his life were:

• Biography. The Honorable Phillip Lightfoot "of Sandy Point" Charles City Co., Virginia was also known as "The Merchant Prince" who amassed a sizeable fortune through the wise investment of his inheritance from his father Phillip Lightfoot, Sr. In 1707 he was appointed the Clerk of York County and moved to Yorktown where he built and resided in the Lightfoot Mansion located on a high bluff that commanded the port there. Between then and 1742 he expanded his property holdings in Yorktown that were used for commercial purposes as well as dwelling and gardens.

He owned large estates in York, Surrey, Charles City, Brunswick, Goochland, New Kent, and Hanover Counties; houses, storehouses, and lots on Yorktown, Williamsburg, Blandford; slaves, silver, chariots, horses, cattle etc., and amassed the immense Lightfoot fortune. He served as Clerk of York County, 1707-1733; Agent for Public Storehouses, 1715; King's Council, 1733; and was a liberal supporter of the Established Church. He left to the Yorktown Church a flagon and chalice with his arms engraved thereon and 40 pounds of goods to be given to the poor. He also left to William and Mary College 500 pounds for the education of two young men for the ministry of the Church of England. He married Mary Armistead Burwell who was the widow of the Honorable James Burwell.

it possible that Philip III had been given his inheritance, perhaps
at the time of his marriage to Susanna? This might explain why only a
pittance was left to his widow and son.

Philip Lightfoot's widow, Mary Armistead, outlived two husbands and all
her children dying 29 June 1775 at Yorktown at age 80. It has been
written that she lost six more as children, two in one day.

It was the widow of the below mentioned Edward Athews, who forced the
sale of much of the property of Armistead Lightfoot, to pay Armisteads
large debts to the merchant.


[http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/h/a/Michael-P-Shaver/FILE/0019text.txt]

• Biography. The connection of Philip Lightfoot and his son, William, with Yorktown and the estate at Sandy Point, Charles City County is much clearer than with Williamsburg. They seem to have owned lots and houses in Williamsburg, but to have lived elsewhere.
Philip Lightfoot, gentleman of Yorktown, born in 1689 and died in 1748, (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), pp. 105-106) became one of the wealthiest merchants in York County. A partial explanation of his financial success was given by a neighbor in a letter written Sept. 25, 1739 to a London merchant, Edward Athawes. Richard Chapman wrote:
Since my being in Virginia Col. Lightfoot was Clerk of York Court and one of our most Considerable Merchants at one and the same time... near to that Gentlemans own Genius, and the Friends which that merited and procured him on your side of the water, the Business of the Office concurred to the Increase and Establishment of the other; of which he was so sensible, that he would never give it up till the King, by his Letter, called him up to the Council. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXI (1), p. 90-92)
The records shows that he was clerk of the court as early as 1707. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), p. 106)
He was a member of the Council from 1733 (Executive Journals of the Council of Virginia, Vol. IV, p. 307) to his death. (Legislative Journals of the Council, Vol. II) On August 23, 1734, he with John Carter was appointed to see when and where the governor would be attended with the address of the Council. (Ibid., p. 818, Vol. II) He and William Byrd were appointed to manage a conference with the House on amending a bill to regulate ordinary keepers and retailers of strong liquors on October 2, 1734; (Ibid., p. 834) and in 1739, he and Thomas Lee were appointed to examine the Treasurer's Account. (Ibid., p. 879) On May 23, 1740, as a result of an appointment by the Council, he reported that the governor would hear an address from that body in the Council Chamber (Ibid., p. 886)
In 1723, Lightfoot petitioned in court for an acre of land on the opposite side from his land on King's or Uby's Creek. He wanted to build a public grist mill on the creek. His petition was granted. The court appointed Joseph Walker and Thomas Nelson to measure the acre. (Ibid., Book XVI, p. 220)
His house at Yorktown was among those praised by a traveller as"equal in Magnificence to many of our superb ones at St. James's". (Observations in Several Voyages and Travels in American in the Year 1736 printed in William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XV (1), p. 222)
Another way in which Lightfoot built up his wealth was by legal practice. In 1708, he was empowered as attorney by George Wray of London; (York County Records - Deeds, Orders, Wills, Book XIII, p. 168) in 1709 by Hannah Bates, (Ibid., p. 269) and by Rebecca Tyler in 1713. (Ibid., Book XIV, p. 308) In 1745-46, he was the administrator of Theophilus Pugh's estate. (Virginia Gazette, Parks, November 5, 1745 and April 3, 1746)

In 1735, James Bray sold Philip Lightfoot 45 acres in York County for £67 10s. (York County Records - Deeds, Book IV, p. 344)
On March 1, 1737 and September 22, 1738, he advertised for a mulatto male slave which had run away. (Virginia Gazette, William Parks) The advertisement seem to apply to two different slaves.
A record of May 11, 1745 shows that William Dering, dancing Master, gave a mortgage on personal property, and slaves and lots 165 and 166 on East Palace Street to Philip Lightfoot as security for a loan of £286 15s. (York County Records - Deeds, Book V, p. 136) Failure to"life the mortgage"-- a failure of which there is some evidence since Dering after Philip Lightfoot's death, renewed the mortgage to William Lightfoot (York County Records - Deeds, Book V, p. 343) --would have caused the property to pass to the Lightfoots. There is no definite proof that this exchange took place.
Philip Lightfoot married Mrs. Mary Armistead Burwell by whom he had the following children: William, Philip (died before 1748, William and Mary Quarterly, Book III (1), p. 106), John who died without issue before 1769 (Hening, Statutes, Vol. VIII, pp. 457-60) and Armistead.
In his will made July 31, 1747, Philip Lightfoot gave his third son, John"and his Heirs forever, all my Lots and Houses in the City of Williamsburg". The estate was entailed. If John died without issue, his property went to the youngest son, Armistead. In case Armistead, too, died without issue, the property was to revert to William Lightfoot. (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book XX) It seems that it was through the death of the childless John (Hening, Statutes, Vol. VIII, pp. 457-60) and the failure of Armistead to have a son, (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1) p. 106) that the property passed to William Lightfoot.
One of the clauses in Philip Lightfoot's will provided that five hundred pounds current be"for a foundation for two poor Scholars forever to be brought up to the Ministry of the Church of England or such other publick employment as shall be most Suitable to their Capacity...and it's my Will and desire that my son William Lightfoot have the Nomination and preference of the first six Scholars". This gift was at the root of the statement in 1753 that William Stith and Ed. Wilcox were scholars at William and Mary on Capt. Lightfoot's foundation. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. I (2), pp. 39-41)
Philip Lightfoot died May 30, 1748. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), pp. 105-106) He was buried at Sandy Point, Charles City County. (Ibid., Vol. IV, pp. 122-123) The death of Lightfoot brought relief to one merchant, Francis Jerdone, who had found in Lightfoot, apparently, his greatest financial rival. Of the latter's removal from the earthly scene he wrote:
Col. Philip Lightfoot is now dead, so that you can never have so fair a way open'd to you for establishing a store, as at this present time; his great riches whiles he continued in health deterred everybody from settling here, none being of ability to vie with him but Mr Nelson, who always had an equal share of trade with him. (Ibid., Vol. XI (1), p. 154, Letter to Messrs. Buchanan & Hamilton, London, June 28, 1748)
Less than two years later, his widow was attracting the attention of the President of William and Mary. An observer wrote on September 4, 1750 that "The President [Rev. Dawson] is laid out for the Widow Lightfoot". (Dawson Papers)
William Lightfoot on whom there is much less information died circ. 1767. (Virginia Magazine, Vol. VI, p. 398) Just when the Lightfoots got lot 13 and 14 in block 11 is not clear from the records, for these lots were included in the James City County Records, since destroyed, until 1769 when it was transferred to York County. At that date, the boundary between York and James City Counties was redrawn. It was to run
down the middle of the main street to the eastern end of the Market place, thence into the lane which divides the store-house of James Anderson merchant, from the lots of the orphan of William Lightfoot, esq. deceased as far as the middle of the palings of said lots, thence through the middle of those lots. (Hening, Statutes, Vol. VIII, pp. 405-6)
This statute locates the Lightfoot property, shows that there were more than one lot, that William Lightfoot was dead and that he left an orphan, presumably his son, William, in possession of the lots. Lack of information in the York County Records was due to the fact that the property stayed in the hands of the Lightfoot's until 1840. If the house (or houses) was rented, records in the court were not necessary.
William Lightfoot's son, William, possessed two lots in Williamsburg in 1806. (James City County Tax Records) There were no records of lots in 1787, 1791, nor in 1797. His name appears in 1801, but the number of lots is not given, due to an incomplete page.) From 1810 through 1819, William Lightfoot's Estate was taxed for two lots. His will was made April 27, 1809 (Munford's Reports, Vol. V, p. 42 in William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), pp. 108-09) From 1820 through 1838, William Lightfoot's Estate was taxed for only one lot.
The second William Lightfoot was a member of the House of Delegates from James City County 1799-1800; 1805-1806. (Virginia Magazine, Vol. VII, p. 398) He was designated"William Lightfoot of Tedington." (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), p. 108) It would seem that not even the third generation lived in Williamsburg.
Additional proof that the Lightfoots did no occupy their lots in Williamsburg in the late eighteenth century, if at any time in that century, is found in two facts. No Lightfoot was a head of a family in Williamsburg in 1782. (First Census of the United States, 1790, Virginia State Library) In the list of taxable articles in Williamsburg for 1783, no Lightfoot name appears. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. XXIII (1), p. 137)
On the map of the unknown draftsman (circ. 1790?) a Lightfoot is shown in possession of lots 13 and 14 directly east of the Market Square on the south of the Duke of Gloucester Street. One Teagle (?) was the owner of
lot 15. The only change in the Bucktrout map of 1800 was the name Lee is the lot that corresponded to 15 on the former map.
On September 23, 1809, Peter Rob Deneufville insured his buildings"situated south of the main street in Williamsburg east of the Courthouse Square, north of Francis Street and west of a cross street dividing Lightfoot's lot". (Insurance Policy No. 970, p. 22)
In 1840, George W. Southall is shown in the James City County Tax Records in possession of 1 lot. The buildings on it were valued at $1500. The property had been secured"via Lightfoot & others"and had been"heretofore charged to Wm Lightfoot's estate".
An article of agreement was entered into on March 14, 1842 between Doctor John Mercer and George W. Southall. For $3300, Mercer got the right
To that lot of land & the buildings and improvements thereon now held & owned by the said Southall situated on the South side of the Main or Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City, being the same House & Lot formerly owned by William Lightfoot and purchased by the said Southall. (Southall Papers, William and Mary College)
It would seem that Dr. Mercer never carried out his part of the agreement for in 1846, William S. Peachy got the property, the house valued at $3100 and the house and lot valued at $3500 from George W. Southall. (James City Tax Records for 1847)
Mr. Charles in his Recollections, p. 42, says "The 'Peachy' house appears now, very much as it did then, the lower room on the east wing was then used as the law-office of Mr. Wm. S. Peachy. In the yard of this old home, on the site of the present"tin-shop"there was a very well preserved dutch roof house, with end to the street and door on the west side. A picket ran from the main building to a partition fence on the east side, with a gate to the back yard and also a gate to the little yard in front of the law office."
Mrs. Victoria Lee in reminiscing about the appearance of Williamsburg in 1861 writes
The newly restored Nightengale House was the Old Peachy House. The house before its restoration, except for the added east wing, looked very much as it did when I first came to Williamsburg. The Peachy family owned and lived in this house.

[Lightfoot Residence (Nightengale House) Block 11 - Colonial Lots #13 and 14
H. D. Farish
1942
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1242

http://research.history.org/DigitalLibrary/RRDisplay.cfm?FileName=RR1242.htm

see also
http://research.history.org/DigitalLibrary/RRDisplay.cfm?FileName=RR1573.htm]

• Occupation: Clerk of York County, 1707-1733, York County, VA. see also
http://www.newrivernotes.com/va/vareg1.htm
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/surry/wills/allen30.txt

• Residence: Tedington Plantation: Charles City County, VA. on the James River

aka Tettington Plantation

Lightfoot family of Sandy Point, Teddington, on the James River, halfway between Richmond and Norfolk.

Teddington, Charles City Co. See also Tombstones and Memorials: Teddington Cemetery
http://www.vahistorical.org/research/photo_localities_sz.htm

possibly
Teddington Ln
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

• Legal, 1730, James City County, VA. 8 March 1730 - At a court held for James City County in Virginia. Philip Lightfoot one of the executors of Francis Lightfoot dec'd produced 2 accounts against John Gibson & John Smith of North Carolina & Richard Grinsell [who was storekeeper & bookkeeper to sd francis] testified that they were true accounts; that there were accounts against Miles Jackson, Edward Young, Philip Jackson, Francis Young & Gideon Gibson. Signed by R. Hickman, Cl Cur

[http://www.geocities.com/ourmelungeons/gibsontl.html]

• Legal: indenture, 1739, York County, VA. This Indenture made the third day of December in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred thirty & Nine Between Ishmael MOODY of York Town and County of the one part and Philip LIGHTFOOT of York & County Esq.r of the other part ~ Witnesseth That the said Ishmael MOODY for & in Consideration of the Sum of one hundred twenty Seven pounds thirteen Shillings & five pence Curr.t mony of Virg.a to him in hand paid by the said Philip LIGHTFOOT at & before the Sealing & delivery of these presents [superscript "251"] the Receipt whereof he the said Ishmael MOODY doth hereby acknowledge Hath bargain'd & Sold and by these presents doth bargain & Sell unto the said Philip LIGHTFOOT his heirs & Assigns all these seven Negros Slaves now in the Possession

[http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/york/deeds/moody1.txt]

• Will, 1747, York County, VA. Will of Philip Lightfoot of the town of York, York Co., Va.
Wills and Inventories Book 20, pg 103-106 1745-1759 (microfilm reel 10)
31 Jul 1747 \endash probated 20 Jun 1748.

I, Phillip Lightfoot of the town of York, Esq.

To my beloved wife: my dwelling house & two lots thereunto adjoining,
purchased of Richard Cary, John Buckner & Harriett Rayford & the lots
whereon my stable stands in the town of York, service of my house
slaves, coachman of her own selection, as well as all my slaves at Kings
Creek for life, all the plate she shall choose, household and kitchen
furniture belonging to the new house, my coach and 6 horses, the horses
to be kept up out of my estate, my four wheeled and two wheeled chairs,
use of all the livestock at the plantation at Kings Creek & any other
provisions from the plantations hereinafter given to my sons as she may
require. 400 pounds sterling outright and 400 pounds to be paid
annually during her life & the first payment within one month of my
death. All the bottled liquors ad two pipes of wine in the cellars with
the town house & two cows and two horses for common uses. I appoint
Thomas Lee and William Nelson, esq. in special trust to see this part of
my will be clearly performed.

To my son William Lightfoot & his heirs male \endash all my land and
tenements, lying in the counties of Charles City and Surry, except the
land called Troopers, purchased of William Gray in Surry, and that land
in fee simple, together with 60 slaves including the number of those at
his plantation at the time of my death, their number to be in proportion
to my sons John and Armistead. In default of this then I devise the
said lands to my son John Lightfoot and the heirs male of his body and
in default thereof to my son Armistead Lightfoot. In case either of my
said sons shall have a Daughter or Daughters then the next in
----------- shall pay for a provision for her or them.

I also devise unto my son William Lightfoot and his heirs forever, the
Lot and Appurtances whereon he now dwells in York Town and those two
adjoining four lotts (except the stable and lotts for his mother during
her life) bought of G__ Reade, the storehouse, house and Lott bought of
Joseph Mountfort, warehouses on the bank, together with the mill and
Land. Also all the money & household goods now in his possession & all
the livestock not otherwise disposed of in Charles City and Surry
Counties & 1/3 of my plate at his mother's decease. I also give him 200
pounds to repair the Sandy Point House.

To my son John Lightfoot and the heirs of his body all the lands
purchased of Col. Nathaniel Harrison and Robert Mountfort in the County
of Brunswick together with 60 slaves including those he shall be
possessed with at my death. Mulatto Harry to be given to him at his
mothers decease. Also to my son John all my lots and houses in the City
of Williamsburg and the Lots at Blanford in Prince George. I also give
him 2000 pounds sterling, one third part of my plate after his mother's
decease, the furniture in the house at Williamsburg, sheep from Sandy
Point, horses & cattle at Kings Creek after his mothers decease as will
make the Brunswick stock number 100 & in case my son John dies without
issue then I give the Brunswick land & slaves to my son Armistead & if
he should die without issue to my son William Lightfoot and his heirs.

To my son Armistead Lightfoot & his heirs, my dwelling house in York and
Appurtenances after his mothers decease and all other lots and houses
in the said town not already disposed of and all my land in Goochland &
60 slaves, those held by his mother to be part of his 60. If Armistead
should die without issue to my son William Lightfoot and his heirs.

Also to my son Armistead my land in New Kent and Hanover counties
purchased of Mathew Anderson. My son Armistead to have 2,000 pounds
sterling & after the death of his mother, the remaining 1/3 part of my
plate, all the furniture and Kitchen ---, livestock at Kings Creek and
Goochland, except the cattle to his brother John.

To my grandson Francis Lightfoot, Negroes Lucy and Jacob children of
Sarah and the sum of 300 pounds to be delivered to him at the age of 21,
if he dies before the age of 21, the sum to go back to the bulk of my
estate.

In case the heirs of William Clayborn dec'd neglect to redeem the land,
slaves and livestock mortgaged to me for 3,500 pounds, I give the same
to my son William Lightfoot & he to pay his brothers John and Armistead
their proportion in cash.

To the parish of York-Hampton the sum of 50 pounds for the purchase of a
handsome Flaggon and Chalice with my arms engraved thereon for the use
of the York Church. The sum of 40 pounds in goods to be in the hands of
William Nelson, esq. and my son William Lightfoot for the poor of
York-Hampton Parish.

I give to Elizabeth Burwell, the daughter of N. Bacon Burwell, dec'd 300
pounds to be paid her when she shall arrive of the age of 21 or marry
with the approbation of her grandmother Lightfoot, but if she dies
before she becomes entitled then the legacy shall be void.

I give to the college of William and Mary, 500 pounds for a foundation
for poor scholars forever to be taught … Minister of the Church of
England or other public employment as shall be most suitable to their
capacity, which sum I desire my executors to pay the President and
Masters of the college within 12 months after my decease. My son
William Lightfoot to have the nomination and preference of the first six
scholars.

I give and bequeath unto the widow of my son Phillip Lightfoot, 1,000
pounds current money, to be paid her (if not before) soon after my death
in full of any dower she might expect from the lands ____ my said son.
I give to Mrs. Susanna Lightfoot all the sums of money _____ benefit for
her son Francis Lightfoot.

I give to Mary Phillips as much money as will make ___ debt ___ one
hundred pounds current.

Each of my executors to have a mourning ring.

All remaining estate, slaves, debts due, personal estate whatsoever I
give to my three sons William, John & Armistead Lightfoot to be equally
divided. In case my son Armistead shall die in his minority then his
share be equally divided between his two brothers. His share to be laid
out by my executors on good securities for his benefit until he attains
the age of 21 and that he be educated in the best manner and the
expenses to be born from the profits of his estate. He is to continue
under the care of Mr. Edward Athews, merchant but in case he should be
removed by death that he be put under the care of Mr. John Habury
merchant. My desire that my friends Thomas Lee and William Nelson, esq.
will accept of and become his guardians to this purpose.

I do constitute and appoint Thomas Lee, William Nelson, esq., Anthony
Walke and William Lightfoot to be executors, revoking all other wills by
me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 31 day of
July 1747.

Phi'p Lightfoot (seal)

Signed sealed, published in presence of
Edmund Tabb
John Aneson
Richard Copley.

At a court held for York County on the 20th of June 1748. This will was
presented by William Lightfoot one of the executors and was proved by
the oaths of Edmund Tabb and John Aneson, witnesses thereunto & ordered
to be recorded and on the motion of the said William Lightfoot who made
oath according to law, a certificate was granted him for obtaining
probate in due form by giving security with Wm. Nelson, esq. and John
Lightfoot, his securities.

• Cemetery: Sandy Point Cemetery, 1748, Sandy Point, Charles City County, VA. [Arms.(2)] This Tomb is Sacred to the Memory of the Houourable Philip Lightfoot Esquire. In various Employments of Public Trust An Example of Loyalty to his King, of Affection to his Country In the several Regards of Private Life A Pattern Worthy of Imitation An Equanimity with few are (cap)able of Conducted him with success Through the [less] elevated Scenes of Life And continued to be the Ornament Of the most Exalted. Not arrogant with Prosperity He graced a superiour Fortune
Acquired by his own Industry, and honesty. Not imperious with advancement He rose to almost the highest honours of his Country His Rank & Fortune made him more Extensively * * He was descended from an Ancient Family in England Which came over to Virginia in a Genteel and Honble Character On the 30th Day of May, 1748, in the 59th Year of his [Age] His Spirit returned to God who gave it And his Body reposes Here In sure and certain Hopes of a joyfull resurrection

(2) The arms are Lightfoot, and the crest the same as above, save that the ears of the animal are pressed forward, and that the tongue protrudes further.



[http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/middlesex/vitals/marriages/marr0000.txt]

• Note: Folktale. Sparks Fly High: The Legend of Dancing Point by Mary Quattlebaum

Colonial American Folktale
for ages 5 to 10

The Story

In this lively re-telling of a colonial American folktale, Colonel Lightfoot enters a dance contest with the devil for a bit of Virginia land along the James River. Only when the colonel recognizes his own bragging words in the devil's boasts is he able to outsmart his fancy-stepping opponent. Dramatic acrylic-and-pastel illustrations by Leonid Gore. Book set close to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

[http://www.maryquattlebaum.com/HTML/SparksFlyHighinfo.htm]


Philip married Mary ARMISTEAD, daughter of William ARMISTEAD and Ann LEE, in 1720 in VA. (Mary ARMISTEAD was born in 1697 in Northumberland County, VA and died on 29 Jun 1775 in York County, VA.)



Disclaimer: This family tree is a work in progress. Unless a source is specified, the information has not been verified.

Table of Contents | Surnames | Name List

This Web Site was Created 19 May 2016 with Legacy 6.0 from Millennia