Philip Ballard is rumored to have been born in Essex County, Virginia, within the parish of St. Anne. The precise location of his birth remains uncertain at present. The association with Essex County could be attributed to individuals who identify his parents as William Ballard and Philadelphia Lee of Essex County in St. Anne’s parish. Regrettably, the true identities of Philip’s parents are unknown, and to the best of my knowledge, no documented evidence or conclusive proof exists illuminating their identity.

According to various family trees, the possible candidates for his father include Bland, Thomas, John, William, and Richard Ballard. Amongst these, Thomas holds a higher level of prominence in the Ballard family lineage due to his social standing and celebrity status within the colonial Williamsburg, Virginia community. It is worth noting that some individuals may unknowingly attribute one of these individuals as his parent, while others may do so out of a desire to establish their ancestry to Great Britain and Europe.

In the Margaret Ballard book¹, she states that son William came to America in the mid 18th century and speculated it was from Lanark, Scotland. This has since been found incorrect. Since the discovery of Philip being William’s father and having supposedly been born in Essex Co., Virginia, this of course could not be the case. Unfortunately for us her book is being taken as gospel and many have perpetuated this story as true.

He married Ann Nancy Johnson.¹

Their children were:

William, Ann, Thomas, Elijah, Johnson, Susanna, Moreman, Larkin, Philip, Milly, Ankey, Curtis, Delphia.

Current Known History:

On 4 May 1746 he witnessed a deed from George Musick Sr. & Ann, his wife to Robert Beadles in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. {Deed books, (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), 1722-1910, 1962; general indexes, 1722-1970, Vol. C-D, pg. 333-335, database with images, FamilySearch}.

On June 3, 1746 he witnessed a Deed of Gift for 50 acres from George Musick Sr. and Ann, his wife, of St. George’s Parish, Spotsylvania Co., William Sandidge and Ann, his wife, of same Parish and county, to William Trustee of same Parish and county. {Deed books, (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), 1722-1910, 1962; general indexes, 1722-1970, Vol. C-D, pg. 331-333, database with images, FamilySearch}.

On 30 October 1747, He purchased 352 acres “Lying and being on the Devils Ditch” for £13 from Edmund Waller and his wife Mary. {Deed books, (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), 1722-1910, 1962; general indexes, 1722-1970, Vol. C-D, pg. 339-340, database with images, FamilySearch}.

On 28 November 1747, “Viewers” were sent to the property that Philip had purchased in October to inspect a mill being built. There was a question as to whether or not this construction would cause damage to anyone’s surrounding property. The inspection was done by Hon. Brock Bowker, Owen Thomas and Dudley Gatowood. They determined that no harm was being done and Philip could complete the building of the Mill. {Spotsylvania Court Order and minute books, 1724-1871, Order book 1738-1754, image 270, pg. 468, FamilySearch, not indexed}

On 6 June 1753, the Spotsylvania Court ordered that William Waller pay Philip Ballard 950 pounds of tobacco due to the county in order to build a bridge crossing the East North East Creek, now known as Knight’s Creek. Philip himself was not ordered to build the bridge but through an agreement with John Minor and John Waller Jr., they purchased property of Philip. A road and bridge was to be built to provide better access going to and coming from a new church being built in St. George’s Parish, originally called the “East North East chapel” and later referred to as the “Pamunkey chapel”. At a later date, in 1757, Larkin Chew, William Carr, Beverly Winslow and Robert Goodloe were ordered to hire workman to build the bridge.

“Ordered that William Waller pay unto Philip Ballard nine hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco, out of the tobacco due to this County, in his hands/if so much he hath for building a Bridge over East North East, according to an Agreement made with him by John Minor and John Waller Jun^r. Gent, the s^d tobacco is now to be p^d/”

{Spotsylvania County Court Order Book,1738-1754, pg. 302, database with images, FamilySearch, image 468 of 593.}

On 8 September 1755, Philip is identified in the {St. George’s Parish Vestry Book, 1726 – 1817, St. George’s Parish (Spotsylvania County, Virginia : Episcopal), Family Search, image 19} :

In Obedience to and order of Vestry S^t. George Parish Baring date the 8^th day of Sep^r. 1755 Was the Subscribers proceed to procession the Several Lines as followeth Viz^t. The one Between James Jones and Foy: The Line Between James Jones and William Garrett; The Line Between James Jones and James Davis; The Line Between James Jones and Thomas Allen; The Line Between Thomas Allen and Chilion White; The Line Between James Jones and Chilion White: The Line Between Francis Wisdom and Joseph Brock; The Line Between Francis Wisdom and Joseph Brock; The Line Between Francis Wisdom and Col. Richard Corbin; The Line Between Fran^s. Wisdom and James Ware. Present James Jones & Philip Ballard The Line Between Philip Ballard and Joseph Brock; The Line Between Philip Ballard and John Waggoner. Present Anthony Street The Line Between Anthony Street and Col. Richard Corben; The line Between Anthony Street and John Honerton; The Line Between Anthony Street and Thomas Gohagon Given under our hands Octob^r. 1755- [signed] Joseph Allen, Edward Coleman

Originally the parish vestry dealt with land processioning, care of the poor, apprenticeships and guardianships of orphans, levying of taxes, and other civil matters. Once every four years the County Courts ordered the Vestries of Established Churches to divide the parishes into precincts, and the freeholders of adjoining lands were to examine and renew the boundary marks. Around 1785 the counties set up civil agencies to take over many of these functions. The above Vestry Order shows us that Philip’s land was bordered by Joseph Brock and John Waggoner.

On 5 April, 1756, Philip Ballard of Orange Co. & Ann, his wife, sold to John Penn of Spotsylvania Co. for £10, 200 acres in Spotsylvania Co., Witnessed by Peter Gatewood, Alexr. Spence Head, John Tureman. Later sold by Penn on 10 February 1767, recorded 2 March 1767, and described as, “joining lands of Holloday bought of John Sartin, & the lands of Wm. Mays, & the patent granted Edmund Waller.” {Deed books, (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), 1722-1910, 1962; general indexes, Deed Book E, pg. 708,database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, not indexed}.

On 5 November 1756, In the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made naming Spotswood [John Spotswood Jr.?] vs. 24 individuals, Philip Ballard among them. The entry states “- Philip Ballard Spl. Impl.” (Special Imparlance*). {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 58, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

On 27 June, 1757, an entry was made in the Orange County Court Order book, Edmund Taylor against Philip Ballard;

Edmund Taylor Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Case
Philip Ballard Def^t.
This day came the Pl^t. by his Attorney and the Def^t. being returned arested and that he had made his escape he was solemnly Called but came not Therefore on the Motion of the Pl^t. it is Ordered that unless he appears here at the Next Court & Answer the Pl^t. Action Judgement shall then be entered for the Pl^t. against him the said Def^t. for the Debt in the Deceleration mentioned and Cost

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 6, 1754 – 1763, pg. 340, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 23 June 1758, the Taylor against Ballard case was resolved, Philip had to pay £5, 4 shilling, 3 pence;

Edmund Taylor Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Case
Philip Ballard Def^t.
This day came the Pl^t. by his attorney and there upon came also a jury towit Joseph Davis, Joseph Smith, Thomas Mountague, Stephen JK. Smith, John Connen Daniel Singleton, Devenport Hennaday, Jeremiah Gregory, Thomas Walker to enquire of Damages in this Cause upon their Oaths do Assay that the Pl^t. hath sustained Damages by Occasion of the Def^t. breach of promise in the Declaration specified to five pounds four shillings & three pence Cur^t. money. besides his Cash Therefore it is Considered that the Pl^t. recover ag^t. the said Def^t. his aforesaid in form aforesaid assess’d and his Cash by him in this behalf expended & the said Def^t. in mercy

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 6, 1754 – 1763, pg. 407, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 2 March 1758, Philip Ballard and his wife Ann sold an additional 434 acres in Spotsylvania Co. to John Hubbard of Culpeper Co., Virginia, for £43, witnessed by Ann Head, Peggy Bruce, Robert Sharman, Joseph Hawkins, Robert Beagles, Dilly Beagles, and Thos. Wiatt. {Spotsylvania Co. Va. Deed Book E, pg. 520-522, Family Search, not indexed}.

On 5 April, 1760, Philip and wife Ann sold another 100 acres in Spotsylvania to William May for £9, 7 shillings. The witnesses were John Penn, Alexr. Spence Head and Peter Gatewood. {Spotsylvania Co. Va. Deed Book E, pg. 664-665, Family Search, not indexed}.

5 May 1760, in the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made, “Indt Rec’d from Philip Ballard to W^m. Mays was proved by the Oath of Alexr. Spence Head one of the Wit^s. Jge Bod^d to be Cert^d“. {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 158, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

4 August 1760, in the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made, ” An Indt. for Land from Philip Ballard gr. to W^m. Mays was further proved by the Oath of Peter Gatewood a Wit^s. J ord^d to be Cert^d“. {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 169, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

On 30 September 1760, in the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made, “An Indt. for land with cert. ge from Philip Ballard ge to Jn^o. Penn was proved by the Oathes of Peter Gatewood Alexr Spince Head and Jn^o. Tureman J ord^d to be rec^d“. {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 175, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

On 1 December 1760, In the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made naming Spotswood vs. 24 individuals, Philip Ballard among them. The annotation for all individuals was “Gave No Ruling J Jaynd.” {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 183, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

On 6 April 1761, In the Spotsylvania Court Order and Minute book a entry was made naming Spotswood vs. 24 individuals, Philip Ballard among them. “Spotswood – Philip Ballard a Jury by name Moses Bledsoe Je. rcv^d. a Verd for PV for £20 Verd. rcv^d ge Ex. fil^d.” {Spotsylvania County Court Order and Minute Books,1724-1871, pg. 199, database with images, FamilySearch, Virginia, County Court (Spotsylvania County)}.

On 22 July, 1762, an entry in the Orange Co., Court Order book stated;

William Walker Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Debt
Philip Ballard Def^t.
The Def^t. not being arrested the same Ord^r. as above ag^t. Taylor
(James Taylor was indebted to Walker as well, both Philip and James ordered to be at the next court).

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 6, 1754 – 1763, pg. 650, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 21 August, 1762, in the Orange County Court Order Book;

William Walker Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Debt
Philip Ballard Def^t.
The Def^t. not appearing Ordered on the Motion of the Pl^t. ordered by his ATT^o. that an Attachment issue ag^t. the Def^t. Estate for thirteen pounds cur^t. money and Costs returnable to Next Court

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 6, 1754 – 1763, pg. 668, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 24 September, 1762, The Orange County Court ordered, because Philip didn’t appear before the Court and pay his debt owed, that the Sheriff seize property (a Pewter Basin) and sell it for the amount owed to Walker;

William Walker Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Debt
Philip Ballard Def^t.
This day came the Pl^t. by the Attorney & the Sheriff having returned that he had Attached one Pewter Bassen of the Estate of the s^d. Def^t. and the Def^t. failing to appear to replace the same it is considered by the Court that the Pl^t. recover ag^t. the said Def^t. thirteen pounds fifteen shillings & 7 pence half penny Current Money the Debt in the Declaration mentioned this cost by him about his Suit in the behalf expended & these Def^t in mercy. But this Judgment except as to the cost is to be discharged by the paym^t. of Six pounds Seventeen Shillings & nine pence 3/4 with interest thereon at the Rate of five per cent per Annum to be Computed for the 30th day of July 1761 to the time of payment. And it is Ordered tha the Sheriff sell the goods Attached according to Law & pay the Money Arrising therefrom to the Pl^t. in part of this Jud^t. & that he make of his proceed thereupon to the Court

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 6, 1754 – 1763, pg. 668, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 22 Sept, 1764, in Orange County Court, Philip owed another debt of £13 to James Jameson;

James Jameson assignee of David Vawter Pl^t.
ag^t. } In Debt
Philip Ballard … Def^t.
This day came the Pl^t. by his attorney William Vawter comes in to court and undertakes for the Def^t. that in case he is cast in this suit he shall pay the consideration of the court or render his Body in Execution in Discharge thereof or that he the s^d. William will do it for him & the Def^t. confesseth the Pl^t. action therefore it is considered that the Pl^t. recover ag^t. the s^d. Def^t. thirteen pounds current money the Debt in the Decleration mentioned & his cost by him about his suit in this Behalf Expended & the s^d. Def^t. in mercy
But this Jud. except as to the cost is to be Discharged by the paym^t. of £6..10..0 with interest Thereon at 5¢ per annum from this first day of June 1764 Till paid & the Pl^t. agrees to stay Earn until Christmass

{Orange County Court Order Book, v. 7, 1763 – 1777, pg. 204, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

On 23 July, 1767, Philip, along with others, work on the road.

Ordered that the following Persons work on the Road Where May Burton is Overseer of Viz. Martin Johnson, George Anderson, John Wisdom, David Vawter Jeremiah White Philip Ballard James Wayte, Samuel Harper, Robert Beadles, James Chapman, & Joseph Chapman Johnson Eastin, William Gulley, and all the Male Labouring Tiths. Beloning to the above Mentioned.

{Orange County Road Orders 1750-1800, 23 July 1767, Page 447 (O.C.M.B. 1, Page 141)}.

On 31 October, 1778, Philip purchased 195 acres from Elizabeth and Francis Kirtley, executor of Capt Francis Kirtley deceased of Augusta County for £100. {Orange County Deeds Vol. 17 1778-1786 Marriage records 1751-1777 Birth records 1751-1778 Deeds Vol. 18 1781-1787, pg. 160-162, Family Search, not indexed}.

On 28 January, 1779, Orange County Court proved a deed from Francis Kirtley to Philip Ballard. “A Deed from Francis Kirtley to Philip Ballard was proved by the Oath of Thomas Barbour one of the witnesses Hereto be Certified”. {Orange County Court Minute Book, v. 2, 1774-1797, pg. 98, Family Search, not indexed}.

On 22 April, 1779, Orange County Court proved a deed from Francis Kirtley to Philip Ballard. “A Deed from Francis Kirtley to Philip Ballard was proved by the Oath of W^m. Bell and Jose White the other Witnesses thereto of Order to be Recorded. Present William Bell and Tho^s. Bell Gent.” {Orange County Court Minute Book, v. 2, 1774-1797, pg. 105, Family Search, not indexed}.

1782, Philip with son’s Philip Jr., Elijah and William is on “The Number of People in Orange Count by Thomas Barbour Gent. Oct. 1782. {List of inhabitants (Virginia), author: Hardin, David S., 1782 – 1785, Family Search, not indexed.}

1782, Orange County Tax List. Taken by Thomas Barbour. Philip listed. Free males – 1, Slaves – 2, Horses – 2, Neat Cattle – 7*. {Personal property tax lists, 1782-1850, Virginia. Commissioner of the Revenue (Orange County), Personal property tax lists 1782-1800, Image 29, Family Search, not indexed.} 

1784, Orange County Tax List. Taken by William Bell. Philip and Johnson listed together. Free males -1, Slaves – 1, Horses – 2, Neat Cattle – 5, Tithables – 4. {Personal property tax lists, 1782-1850, Virginia. Commissioner of the Revenue (Orange County), Personal property tax lists 1782-1800, Image 61, Family Search, not indexed.} 

1785 Orange County Tax List. Taken by William Bell. Philip listed, Free Male- 1, Slaves – 2, Horses – 4, Neat Cattle – 4, Tithables – 4. {Personal property tax lists, 1782-1850, Virginia. Commissioner of the Revenue (Orange County), Personal property tax lists 1782-1800, Image 82, Family Search, not indexed.} 

1785, Philip with son’s Moreman and Philip Jr. is on “A List of White people and buildings. Taken by William Bell Gent Orange County 1785”. Philip had, No. White people – 5, Dwelling house – 1 and Outhouses -1. {List of inhabitants (Virginia), 1782 – 1785, author: Hardin, David S., Family Search, not indexed.}

On 18 April, 1785, Philip excused from paying taxes on Negro named Major. Philip’s slaves show up on the 1782 Orange County Tax List as having 2 slaves and are named Major and Dinah. “Philip Ballard Excused from paying Taxes for Negro Major”. {Orange County Court minute book, v. 2, 1774 -1797, pg. 315, database with images, Family Search, not indexed.}

1786, Orange County Tax List. Taken by William Bell. Philip and Johnson listed together. White Tithes above 21 – 1, Black Tithes – 1, Tithes for County & Parish Levy – 4, Horses – 2, Cattle – 2. {Personal property tax lists, 1782-1850, Virginia. Commissioner of the Revenue (Orange County), Personal property tax lists 1782-1800, Image 113, Family Search, not indexed.} 

On 17 April, 1787 he and his wife Ann (written Nancy) sold 100 acres in Orange Co., Virginia to son William for £50. This included all buildings on the property. It states “Together with houses outhouses eddifices garden buildings orchards fences.” {Orange County, General index to deeds, 1734-1892; deeds, 1734-1865; court records, 1734-1760; marriage and birth records, 1751-1778, Deeds Vols. 19-20 1786-1795, pg. 125-127, Family Search, not indexed}.

23 April, 1787, Orange County Tax List. Taken by William Bell. Philip and Johnson listed together. White Tithes above 16 & under 21 – 1, Blacks above 16 – 1, Tithes for County & Parish Levy – 4, Horses – 3, Cattle – 4. {Personal property tax lists, 1782-1850, Virginia. Commissioner of the Revenue (Orange County), Personal property tax lists 1782-1800, Image 135, Family Search, not indexed.} 

1787 is the last time that Philip Sr.’s household is accounted for on the Orange Co., Virginia, tax list’s. Philip and Ann did not move from the property sold to son William. The 1787 Orange Co., tax list for William shows him the only white male taxable, that changes in 1788, showing 2 white males taxable.

On August 10, 1789, signed permission for daughter in the marriage register of Jesse Watson and Milly Ballard. Because Milly married at a late age she is considered a Spinster. {Virginia, Orange County Marriage Records, 1757-1938, database with images, FamilySearch}.

END NOTES:

1. William Ballard; a genealogical record of his decendents in Monroe County. by Margaret Byrnside Ballard, pub. 1957

* Imparlance – 1. an extension of time granted to one party in a lawsuit to plead or to settle the dispute amicably. 2. a request for, or the permission granting, such a continuance.

*Neat Cattle – Cattle is domesticated bovine animals (cows, bulls, steers etc.), whereas neat is a bull or cow.