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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