I think Webb's Justice of the Peace says boys are of age at 21 and girls at 
18. I don't have a copy of Webb handy but I believe I remember it correctly.
HBG
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Janet Hunter" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:11 AM
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] Question Regarding Age Requirement to be Sued 1766


>
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My ancestor, John Baugh Jr., was the son of a John Baugh Sr., who died 
> intestate in October 1761 in Chesterfield County, VA.  In 1766, his mother 
> brought a Chancery Court suit against him to receive her dower portion of 
> the slaves, and effect a division of slaves amongst all four children 
> (John, Crutcher, Mary and Martha, married to William Dance by then).
>
> In 1763, John Baugh Jr. chose a William Walthall to be his guardian, so he 
> was 14 at least at that time.   In the chancery court petition, there is a 
> statement that they are bringing the suit because John Baugh, Jr. is now 
> of age, or something to that effect.  They apparently tried to settle the 
> issue out of court but failed and the chancery court records have all 
> these little scratches of papers where they arrange and rearrange the 
> distribution of the slaves, with crossouts, etc., so there is an equitable 
> division.
>
> My question is:  Would John Baugh, Jr. have to be at 21 to be sued in 
> 1766, or could he have been 18.   My gut tells me 21, but I could be 
> wrong. Or was there an age requirement at all for this?   Related to this, 
> when he chose his guardian in 1763, would he have been between the ages of 
> 14 and 18, or 14 and 21.
>
> Any thoughts much appreciated.
>
> Best Regards, Janet (Baugh) Hunter
>
>
>
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