1827 transcript of the 1640 John Punch court record

• What it is: The only surviving transcription of the court document that enslaved John Punch for life
• Why it’s important: The original document was lost/destroyed in April 1865 when Richmond, Virginia, was evacuated. Fortunately in 1827, a transcription was made of the enslavement record – this is the only surviving transcription of the original document.
• Source: Virginia Historical Society Library, Richmond, Virginia, Mss5:9 R5613:1, Robinson, Conway, 1805-1884. Notes and excerpts from the records of Colonial Virginia, 1624-1689, including transcripts from the records of the General Court, and various county will and deed books. Gift of Mrs. Conway Robinson, Washington, D.C., ca. 1888.

1662 Land Grant for John Bunch I

• What it is: March 1662/3 John Bunch I was granted 450 acres of land in New Kent County, Virginia.
• Why it’s important: To act as a legal adult (at least 21 years) in 1662/3, John Bunch I had to be born before 1641/2 -- making him the right age to be the father of John Bunch II (who was born before 1655-60).
• Source: “Virginia Land Office Patents and Grants/Northern Neck Grantsand Surveys,” Library of Virginia, online image, http://image.lva.virginia.gov/LONN/LO-1/005/005_0169.tif, accessed 28 May 2012

1662 Land Grant for John Bunch I ...cont. (page 2 of 2)

1704 Quit Rent for John Bunch II

• What it is: This 1704 land record for John Bunch II suggests that his son John Bunch III was not yet a legal adult.
• Why it’s important: If John Bunch III were at least 21 in 1704, the document likely would have called John II “Sr.” (to differentiate between the two men). We know from this and other evidence that John III married in 1705 – suggesting he was born circa 1680-85 and that his father, John Bunch II, was born circa 1655-60.
• Source: “Copy of the Rent-rolls of all the lands held of H. M. in the several Counties of Virginia. 1704. 62 large pp. double Columns,” The National Archives (Kew, England), CO (Colonial Office) 5/1314, no. 63 viii.