Vestry Books

Transcribed by William Lindsay Hopkins

(Abstracts from Photocopies in the Virginia State Library)

Parish Vestries usually met twice a year to conduct the business of the Church. If a Vestry seat was vacant, a new Vestryman was selected at these meetings. Two Vestrymen were designated as Church Wardens each year.

Every four years all of the land in the Parish was "Processioned", a method whereby the land was walked off, confirming boundaries or establishing lines between land owners unless there was a lack of agreement between two owners. "Procession Reports" always included the names of the men of the Parish who conducted the procession and the names of the landowners. This was an important and serious business undertaking of the community.

The business of the Vestry also included the selection of a minister, the authorization of purchases for the church, purchases and payment for the Glebe were noted, the poor of the community were taken into consideration and might be given financial aid, and monies might be provided for orphans and widows. The names of Vestrymen present at meetings were recorded.

Each meeting begins with a recording of members who were present, for brevity I have noted only Crumpler names and have not included all of the meeting’s business. The page number is the number in the book by Mr. Hopkins where the entry is printed.

(Background notes by Joan Uhlar)

Of interest……………………

? 1722, William Crumpler is listed as present at meeting of the Newport Vestry.

Pg. 69 of book

Apr. 1724 William Crumpler is listed as present at meeting of Newport Vestry. Many parcels of land were processioned, among them: Land between William Crumpler and Robert Merser was processioned, also land between William Crumpler and Barnaby Guiny. Land between William Crumpler and Edward Stephenson was not processioned.

Pg. 70

Land between William Crumpler and Philip Rayford was processioned. Land between William Crumpler and Edward Stephenson was processioned, also land between William Crumpler and Thomas Reanes

Pg. 73

July 7, 1726 William Crumpler is noted as present at meeting.

Pg. 75

Apr. 4, 1727 William Crumpler is listed as present at meeting….." Church Wardens to wait on the Governor and Company when they arrive in the Colony to beg their assistance for the Supply of a minister for his parish. Mr. Barlow to preach as often as he is desired and tobacco to be levied"…..

Pg. 76

June 2, 1728 Capt. William Crumpler present at meeting……

Pg. 77

Nov. 4, 1728 Capt. William Crumpler present at meeting…..

Various monies paid for services such as: to Mr. Kinchin for "nails for Chappel", Francis Williamson for "sweeping Chappel", Abraham Stephenson for " getting blocks for Chappel". Also noted: Mr. Kinchin, "the present Sheriff, to give his Bond"……..

Pg. 77

Oct. 15, 1731 Capt. William Crumpler, present at meeting.

Pg. 83

Oct. 16, 1732 Capt. William Crumpler, present at meeting…..Business included an order that a "Barn to be built on the Glebe 24ft. by 16 ft. and a Smoak House, 18 ft. square".