John? Higginbotham (1695 - ca 1741)
&
Frances? Riley (ca 1697 - ca 1751)
(There is much speculation as to the names of the original settlers in Amherst County, Virginia. Some researchers believe the name John is legitimate while others have a compelling argument that the name may have been Joseph. No documents have been discovered bearing the name of John or Frances for that matter. There is evidence of a "Widow" Higginbotham. As long as there is not sufficient evidence either way I'll stick with John....for now. Here is some data about John? & Frances? that has been well researched and/or speculated.)
Immigrants from Ireland or England to Barbados to Virginia about 1738.
One of possibly 4 brothers to settle in Virginia, along with Moses, Aaron, James, and a sister Anne.
In the Land Register at Richmond, VA are recorded patents to Higginbotham's for about 20,000 acres of land in Albemarle and Amherst Counties between the years 1749 and 1800.
John? contracted for 2 tracts of land. 1000 acres & 1430 acres.
This land was conveyed to eldest son Moses on 4/23-24/1745, and was partitioned in 1751 to Moses' brothers & sisters.
Deeds recorded in Albemarle Co., VA.
Land is in Amherst Co., formed from Albemarle Co. in 1761.
Land located near Amherst Courthouse on Rutledge Creek, a tributary of Buffalo River.
Tradition says that John? came to Virginia in the winter and died in the spring, having taken cold prospecting
government lands.
John? & Frances? may be buried in an old abandoned cemetery located on that part which was allotted to John Jr. by Moses in 1751.
In this cemetery is a lone monument erected to the memory of Thomas Higginbotham
Born: 6/10/1769. Died: 2/4/1835. Thomas was unmarried
and was the eldest son of John Jr. and Rachel Banks and the grandson of John? Sr. and Frances? Riley.
There are numerous other graves in this cemetery marked with flint rock headstones.
The old abandoned residence of John Jr. stood ~600 feet east of this cemetery.