James Meriwether
© The Meriwether Society, Inc.

James Meriwether was born in Hanover County, Virginia on 21 June 1729, seventh child of David Meriwether and Anne Holmes. His early life and educational experiences are not known, and by 1753 he has removed to Louisa County.

From Looking Back: “James held several positions in both colonial and Revolutionary era America. In November 1761, he was a Captain in the Louisa County militia. At this time he also acted as surveyor of the Doctor's Road in the same county. He served as a gentleman Justice in colonial Louisa, from 1763 to 8 July 1776, after which time he continued service as a Justice of the commonwealth for Louisa County until 1785. In 1785, he held the position of First Justice.”

During the post war era James became First Justice of Louisa County and also served as sheriff of the county, retiring in 1790.

James married twice, first to Judith Hardenia Burnley in 1753; they were the parents of three sons, David, James and William. After the death of Judith, he married Elizabeth Pollard, a ½ first cousin, in 1762 (as recorded in the Douglas Register); they were the parents of five children: Anne, Joseph, Thomas, John and Robert.

James died in Louisa County in Jun 1801, shortly after updating his Will. His burial location is not known.

Military Service, American Revolution
In November 1761 James was a Captain in the Louisa County militia.

From the book “Looking Back”:
“James Meriwether received a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the Louisa Militia on 1 November 1772. He rendered material aid to the cause of Independence, and was probably the Colonel Meriwether who served as Clerk of the Virginia Revolutionary Council. Records also indicate that James might have been at Valley Forge. Further, the Revolutionary pension applications for soldiers Benjamin Alsop and John “Alcey” Apperson show that both men served in a Virginia regiment commanded by Colonel James Meriwether and a Major Hardiman. This regiment was attached to General Lafayette’s army, which maneuvered from Spotsylvania to Raccoon Ford in Orange County, Virginia in 1781 and met up with General Anthony Wayne.”

It is believed he was with Lafayette at the siege and fall of York, Oct 1781.

Although he is an acknowledged DAR Patriot (A077634) the supporting service description only mentions that he was a Justice of the Peace in 1776.

Will of James Meriwether 143

James Meriwether left a Will dated 10 Oct 1800 with a Codicil added 4 Jun 1801 shortly before his death. The Will was proved in a Louisa County court on 13 Jul 1801.

Wife: Elizabeth
Sons: David, James, William, Thomas, John, Robert.
Daughter: Ann
Granddaughter: Salley (dau of Thomas)
Others:
Trustees: Launcelot Minor, Harwood Goodwin, David Bullock
Executors: James Winston, Captn John Poindexter
Witnesses: John Garth, Thomas Jackson, Major Ryan, Charles Minor, William Thomkins, Gerard Banks, Lancelot Minor

Not named:
Son: Joseph (died as child? Father. of Richard Dorsey Meriwether and died about 1799?)
Children of sons David, James and William
Granddaughter: Ann b. Jun 1800, dau of Robert.
All other grandchildren born after date will signed.

Patriot: JAMES MERIWETHER (A077634)

James Meriwether was one of four brothers in the Continental service. He rose to the rank of lieutenant and served throughout the war.

The DAR description of his service only mentions him serving as a Justice of the Peace in 1776. No mention of his military service:

MERIWETHER, JAMES

Ancestor #: A077634
Service:  VIRGINIA    Rank(s): CIVIL SERVICE
Birth:  6-1-1729    VIRGINIA
Death:  ANTE 7-13-1801     LOUISA CO VIRGINIA
Service Source:  HARRIS, A HISTORY OF LOUISA CO VA, P 21
Service Description:
1) JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, 7-8-1776


Patriot: JAMES MERIWETHER (A077634)

Joseph and William Meriwether signed a marriage bond for £50 on 6 September 1762 in Louisa County. The subsequent marriage was conducted on 10 September by Rev. William Douglass, as recorded in the Douglas Register: “Merriwether, James & Eliz: Pollard, in this Parish 1762 Sep: 10”.

• Elizabeth Pollard is the Half 1st Cousin of James Meriwether

Common Ancestor: George Hoomes (person: 83369)
• Grandfather of James Meriwether
• Grandfather of Elizabeth Pollard