Scarlett Hancock, 1710-1740, was the eldest child of John Hancock, 1685-1741, and Catherine Smith. In addition to Scarlett the couple also had the following three children – George Hancock, 1726-1805; Susanna Hancock, 1729-1775; and Lettice Hancock, who I believe died young. Scarlett Hancock is my 6th great-uncle. Sister Susanna married Moses Linton and were the parents of my 5th great-grandfather Captain John Hancock Linton. Scarlett Hancock’s wife was Anne Brett, daughter of Richard Brett who is mentioned in the will.

Moses Linton, was named an executor of Scarlett Hancock’s will, but ‘refused the burden thereof.’ However he did serve as guardian of George Hancock when John Hancock died shortly after son Scarlett.

Will of Scarlett Hancock

Prince William County Virginia Will Book C, Pages 272-273

In the name of God, amen.  I, Scarlett Hancock of Prince William County, being sick and weak but of sound and perfect memory do by these presents make, appoint and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.

I give and bequeath to my loving wife, Anne Hancock, the plantation

where we formerly lived, commonly called or known by the name of the Old Field, with the land adjoining thereto, together with four Negroes, viz., Cloe, Boss, Kate and Bristol and a third part of my stock and household goods, during her natural life and after her decease the land to descend to my son John and his heirs, the Negroes to be equally divided between my son and daughter, John and Anne Hancock and their heirs.

Item.  I give and bequeath to my loving daughter Anne Hancock the plantation in the forks of the creek where William Davis now lives, with all the land belonging thereto to her and her heirs forever. 

Item.  I give and bequeath to my said daughter Anne Hancock four Negroes, viz., Titus, Sharper, Sarah and Giles, and a third part of all my stock and household goods.

Item.  I leave and bequeath to my loving son John Hancock the plantation whereon I now live, in the north on Marumsco Creek and all the land thereto belonging as also four hundred acres of land left by Richard Brett (as will appear by the said Brett’s will) to hm and his heirs forever.

Item.  I leave and bequeath to my said son, John Hancock, four Negroes, viz., Noro, Galba, Poll and Jacob and a third part of all my stock and household goods.

It is my will and desire that Negro Dick be sold for the most that can be got for him.

Lastly, I ordain and appoint my loving wife, Anne Hancock, John Gregg, Marmaduke Lawson and Moses Linton, Executors of this my last Will and Testament.

Scarlett Hancock

Signed, sealed, published and declared to be my last Will and Testament in Presence of – John Gregg, Ambrose Hewlett, Simon Gosling, Mary Watson

At a Court held for prince William County, Virginia March 23, 1740

This will was presented in Court by Anne Hancock, John Gregg and Marmaduke Lawson, three of the Executors therein named (Moses Linton, the other Executor refusing the burden thereof) who made oath thereto and the same being proved by the oaths of Ambrose Hewlett, Simon Gosling and Mary Watson, three of the witnesses was admitted to record.  And the motion of the said Executors and their performing what is usual in such cases, certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Inventory of Scarlett Hancock

Prince William County Will Book C, Pages 325-327

Scarlett Hancock’s inventory starts with the usual livestock and farming utensils, as well as beds, sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.

Then we see listed silver stocking buckles, linen, cotton, trunks, tables, chairs, razors and strap, scales and irons. Tablecloths and napkins, a pair of pistols and holsters, knives, carpenter and cooper’s tools and an amount of pewter. Paper, a parcel of books, lumber. Then his enslaved people – a man Bristol, man Titus, man Sharper, woman Chloe, woman Kate, girl Sarah, girl Poll, and four boys Galba, Jacob and two unnamed in the inventory who would be Noro and Giles.

A Negro woman named Boss is at the end of the inventory. The total valuation of his property was slightly over 351 pounds. In today’s money that would equal approximately $84,000. This amount does not include land owned by Scarlett Hancock at his death. Appraisers were Valentine Peyton, William Godfrey and W. Champony and dated August 25, 1741.