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 > > > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions > at > http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html