Simpson Family website – http://simpsonhistory.com/notes/scotsman.html
The Simpson Crest 
and the Simpson Tartan 
John Simpson was born Bef. 1645 in Scotland. He immigrated to the United States before 1666. He was also known as The Scotchman. He became a substantial landowne an dhad many business dealings with his grand son-in-law James Halley. He died 1720 in Aquia Creek, Stafford County, Virginia. He married Mary Unknown. She was born 1647 in Stafford County, Virginia and she died in 1696. Her last name may have been Thompson.
John Simpson and Mary were married Abt. 1679 in Stafford County, Virginia. They had 6 children:
John. He was born about 1680 in Stafford County, Virginia. He married Silent Bryant. They were married on 14 Aug 1740 in Overwarton Parish, Stafford County, Virginia. He died 1745.
Thomas. He was born Abt. 1683 in Stafford County, Virginia. He died Abt. 13 Oct 1734 in Prince William County, Virginia.
George. He was born 1684. He died 1720.
Anne. She was born 1689 in Stafford County, Virginia. She died 1769.
Richard. Richard was my seventh Great Grandfather. He was born on 28 Feb 1692. He married Sarah Unknown. They were married 1720 in Fairfax, Virginia. He died on 21 Dec 1762 in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Elizabeth. She was born on 27 Jul 1695 in Stafford County, Virginia. She died on 14 Mar 1698 in Stafford County, Virginia.
Ronda Fone has done wonderful research on the Simpson Family.
From the Simpson Family website – http://simpsonhistory.com/notes/scotsman.html
JOHN SIMPSON (SCOTSMAN). There are some genealogies that state our John Simpson was born before 1645 in Scotland and although probable, no proof has been found in the records to substantiate this. There is a deposition given by a John Simpson dated Feb. 8, 1687/8 that states his age as 40, but there is no proof that this was John Simpson, Scotsman. (Stafford County, Virginia Deed & Will Abstracts 1686-1689, by Ruth & Sam Sparacio (Staff. Co., VA Rec. Bk.-Deeds, Wills, Inventories, etc. from 8 Sept. 1686-7 Jan. 1689/90, Deed Bk. D-Part I, pp.79a-80).) There were several John Simpsons in early Stafford County but we can usually identify our John by the use of the terms “John Simpson, Scotsman” and/or “John Simpson of Aquia.” A deed in Stafford Co., VA dated April 11, 1705 shows his wife’s name as Mary when she relinquished her right of dower. (Deed and Will Abstracts of Stafford County, Virginia, 1699-1709, by Ruth & Sam Sparacio (Staff. Co., VA Rec. Bk. 1699-1709, pp. 266-267).)
I would suggest you visit this website for really good information about John Simpson. Rather than recreate what Rhonda has done, I’ll just add to it. Based on Rhonda’s research I am not certain all of these land transactions belong to my John Simpson of Aquia.
At this time Woodstock and Aquia were largely Catholic settlements.
Mr. John Simpson, 2100 acs. in the freshes & on N. side of Rappa. Riv., 6 June 1666, p. 510, (626). Bounding on land of Mr. Charles Grimes, running S.S.E. &c. Trans. of 42 pers: Wm. Watts, Jno. Dawling, Wm. Deane, Tho. Rogers, Jno. Saxby, Robt. SDtaple, George Fuller, Jno. Dent, Thomas Wells, Ralph Tedman, Samll. Raynolds, Wm. Wise, Edw. Godlar, Jno. Lambe, Joane Mead, Thomas Tolter, Jno. Well, Jos. Farrant, Tho. Twig, George Stead, Jno. Maning, Charles Bray, An Belthar, Jno. Traram (?), Wliz. Paine twice, Jno Harmon, Jno. Jones, Jno. James, Henry Woolock, Robert Broker, Margtt. Pollard, James Jnoson, 2 Negroes; Wm. Watts, Peter Bray, Susan Cant, Mary Adams, Peter Store, Wm. White, Tob. Short. Source Cavaliers and Pioneers. Patent Book #5
P. 19 – p. 98 Northumberland County Court 20th of July 1670. Rich: Nelmes agt. Phil: Peyton This was tryed by a Jury, vizt. …Jno: Simpson…. And P. 22 p. 100 Northumberland County Court 15th of September 1670 Whereas it appeares to this Cort by a Bill under ye hand of Sym: Richardson dated ye 30th of Aprill 1668, yt: ye sd. Sym: Richardson is indebted unto John Simpson ye summe of sixteene hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske, Judgmt. is granted ye sd. Simpson against ye sd. Richardson for ye sd. summe wth: costs. Whereas it appeares to this Cort: by a Bill under ye hand of Sym: Rchardson dated ye 2nd day of May 1668, yt: ye sd. Sym. Richardson stands indebted unto Mr. Cutbert Potter, ye Assignee of Jno: Simpson, ye summe of six hundred & fifty pounds of tobaccoe and caske, Judgmt. is granted ye sd. Potter against ye sd. Richardson for ye sd. summe wth: costs als exe., alwayes proveded yt: what ye sd. Richardson shall ye next Cort: make appeare payd of ye sd. Debt, unto ye sd. Simpson, shall bee deducted, any thinge in this Order to ye contrary nothwithstanding.
and p. 24 – p. 103 Die 11th. Whereas ye last Cort: Judgmt. was granted Mr. Cudbert Potter, ye Assignee of John Simpson, against Sym: Richardson for six hundred & fifty pounds of tobaccoe & caske wth: ye proviso yt: what ye sd. Richardson could make appeare satisfyed unto ye sd. Sympson of ye sd. Debt, should be deducted out of ye sd. Order; and whereas ye sd. Sym: RIchardsn did this Cort: make apeare yt: ye sd. Sympson had of him a Steere of ye valew of seaven hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske, It is ordered yt: ye former Order be reverst. & ye sd. Mr. Potter pay costs.
and P. 37 – p 117 – Northumberland County Coiurt 24th of February 1670/1671. Jno: Sympson agt. Sym: Richardson. Referred to ye next Cort: at ye motion of ye Defendt.
and P. 39 – P. 119 – Northumberland County Court 28th of March 1671. Wm: Barton confesseth Judgmt. for ye pr:sent paymt. of thirteene hundred twenty & five pounds of tobaccoe & caske unto John Sympson wth: costs. Jno: Sympson agt. Adam Yarratt. Referred to ye next Cort: at ye motion of ye Defendt.
and P. 41 – P. 122 Northumberland County Court 20th of May 1671. Adam Yarrat confesseth Judgmt. forye pr:sent payment of foure hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske wth: costs unto John Simpson.
and P. 46 – p. 127. Northumberland County Court 20th of September 1671. Whereas it appeares to this Cort: yt: Richard Rice stands indebted unto John Simpson ye summe of six hundred thirty & six pounds of tobacco & caske: Judgmt. is granted ye sd. Simpson agt. ye sd. Rice for ye sd. summe wth: costs.
and P. 50 – P. 132 Northumberland County Court 15th of November 1671. Robt: Hitchock confesseth Judgmt. for ye present paymt. of fore hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske unto John Simpson wth: costs.
and P. 80 – p. 171 Northumberland County Court 21st of February 1672/1673. Miles Goreham confesseth Judgmt. for ye present paymt. of fowre hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske unto Jno: Simpson wth: costs.
and P. 100 – P. 196 – Northumberland County Court 19th March 1673/74. Whereas it appeares to thisCort: yt: Jno: Sympson ye 15th of Nobembr: 1671 obteyned a Judgmt. agt. Robt: Hitchcock for fowre hundred pounds of tobaccoe & caske wth: costs: It is ordered yt: ye saide Order bee confirmed & yt: Joane Hitchock, ye Admrx. of ye sd. Hitchcock, forthwth: pay ye saide summe unto ye saide Sympson.
Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants 1694 – 1742. p. 21 – 2-296. John Simpson of Stafford Co. 100 A. in Stafford Co. at head of Hue’s Br. of Acaquan, adj. Thomas Gregg. 8 Nov. 1698
and p. 14 2-178 John Simpson 217 A. adj. Capt. George Brent, Guine’s corner, George Mason, up Meddower Run. 26 July 1695
and 2-179 John Simpson 200 A. adj. Lewis Griffin, Simpson’s own land, Major Haston, Battin’s line. 27 July 1695.
and 2-180: Lewis Griffie 205 A. adj. John Owen, Griffie’s other land, line between Griffie & Simpson, Battin’s line, Marfy Webb. 27 July 1695.
and P. 9 – 2 – 110 John Carr & John Simson of Stafford Co. 2 Nov. 1678 took up 627 A. in said Co. on Great Hunting Cr. Patent granted by Herbert Jefferys Ewq. who had no power so to do. New Grant to Simson. 28 Jan 1694/5. Fairfax County, Virginia A History By Nan Netherton et. all. John Carr and John Simpson owned 627 acres of land in G.H.C.B. Date 1694
Fairfax County Deed Book T., 1790-1792. p. 39 – pp 398-409. This Indenture Triparte made this twenty fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one Between Thos: West of County of Fairfax of the first part, William Payne, Surviving Executor of William Payne deceased, and George Minor of County aforesaid of second part and Josiah Watson of Town of Alexandria, County aforesaid of the third part. Whereas Herbert Jefferys, Esquire, Governor of Virginia, did by Patent bearing date the twentieth day of November 1778 grant unto John Carr and John Simpson their heirs a tract of land containing Six hundred and twenty seven acres lying upon North West side of Great Hunting Creek and bounded;…which Grant having been made by Herbert Jefferys after the North Neck of Virginia had been granted under the Great Seal of England to certain persons their heirs, commonly called Proprietors of the Northern Neck, no Estate cou’d be passed thereby to John Carr and John Simpson and Margaret Lady Culpeper and Thomas Lord Fairfax the then Proprietors of the Northern Neck taking the same into consideration did on the twenty eight day of January one thousand six hundred and ninety four, five make a new Grant of said tract of Land according to the location and metes and bounds expressed in the Patent foresaid unto John Simpson, one of the persons to whom the same was granteed by Herbert Jefferys as aforesaid and to his heirs; and John Simpson having surrendered the Patent granted by said Herbert Jefferys be cancelled; And whereas John Carr by his certain Deed Poll bearing date the seventh day of August 1681 before the grant thereof made by the Proprietors of the Northern Neck did bargain and sell one moiety of said tract of land unto Anthony Battalia, who conveyed the same by one other Deed Poll bearing date the twentieth day of March 1682 unto John Holmes, who obtained a confirmation of his title to the moiety of said tract of land by a Grant thereof made him by John Simpson by Deed Poll bearing date the thirteenth day of October 1697, and by his Last Will and Testament bearing date the twenty sixth day of May 1698, devised the same unto a certain Robert Hedges, who by Indentures of Lease and Release bearing dates the Twelfth and Thirteenth days of August 1729, bargained and sold the same unto George Mason the Elder, who dying intestate, the same descended unto his Son, George Mason, who by Indenture of Lease and Release bearing date the 20th and twentyfirst days of June 1753, bargained and sold the same unto Hugh West; And Whereas John Simpson by his certain Deed Poll bearing date the twentieth day of August 1698 did grant and convey unto John West his heirs the other moiiety of said tract of Land which did of right appertain and belong unto him who by his Last Willand Testament bearing date the Sixteenth day of November 1716, devise the same unto his Grandson, Hugh West….
Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants 1694 – 1742. 2-178 John Simpson 217 A. adj. Mr. Edward Saunders, land Mr. Robert Wright bought of Capt. George Mason, line of Balgraie. 26 July 1695.
and 2-179 John Simpson 200 A. adj. Lewis Griddin, Simpson’s own land, Major Haston, Battin’s line. 27 July 1695.
and 2-296 John Simpson of Stafford Co. 100 A. in Stafford Co. at head of Hue’s Br. of Acaquan, adj. Thomas Gregg. 8 Nov. 1698.
Fairfax County, Virginia A HIstory. p. 16 John Carr and John Simpson Great Hunting Creek B. 20 Nov. 1678, 627 acres. 27 July 1695. Other Format Available on microfilm. Northern Neck Grants, reels 288-311. Note Location: Stafford County. Description: 200 acres adjoining Lewis Griffin, Major Haston and Battin. Source: Northern Neck Grants No. 2, 1694-1700, p. 179-180 (Reel 288). Part of the index to recorded copies of land grants issued by the agents of the Fairfax Proprietary between 1690 and 1781 and by the Commonwealth between 1786 and 1874. Original and recorded surveys are also indexed when available. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
8 November 1698. Other Format Available on microfilm. Northern Neck Grants, reels 288-311. Note Location: Stafford County. Description: 100 acres beginning at the head of a branch of Occaquan, called and known by the name of Hues? Branch. Source: Northern Neck Grants No. 2, 1694-1700, p. 296-297 (Reel 288). Part of the index to recorded copies of land grants issued by the agents of the Fairfax Proprietary between 1690 and 1781 and by the Commonwealth between 1786 and 1874. Original and recorded surveys are also indexed when available. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
Deed & Will Abstracts of Stafford County, Virginia 1600 – 1709 p. 13-15 To all Christain People .. I John Mathews of Stafford County in Virginia .. now Know Ye for consideration of sum Three thousand pounds Tobo. in hand paid by John Simpson of Acquia in County aforesaid..have sold all that parcel of land situate in the freshes of Potomack in Stafford County at or near Little Hunting Creek containing 200 acres to be laid out of a Dividend of 2466 acres of land next and adjoining to 300 acres sold by me to James Mann where Edward Kennington now lives .. towards the land late of John Harper by him sold an dnow in tenuere and occurpatoin of Capt. Geo: Mason.. 11th May 1698. Presence Charles Ellis, John Brewton, Simon x Timison. /s/ John Matthews. At a Court held 8th June 1698 .. deed of sale acknowledged .. and was then recorded. Know all men .. that I John Simpson of county Stafford make over the above deed with all the land therein mentioned to George Mason Gent. of county Stafford for the consideration of Three thousand pounds Tobo. already reced for which consideration I do warrant said deed .. 17th day November 1699. Presence Thomas Awsley, Geo. Brent, Wm. Brooke. /s/ John Simpson. Deed acknowledged by John Simpson and his wife came in proper person into Court and acknowledged her right of dower to above deed of land 14th March 1699/1700 and then recorded.
and p. 124 The Inventory of John Sheets Estate returned per Jno. Simpson .. items listed and valued .. dated March 11th 1701/2. John Simpson.
and p. 142 March ye 20th. Then reced of Mary Whitson 4400 pounds of Tobo. it being upon account of the orphans of John Skeil .. John Simpson.
and pp. 266-267 To all Christian People .. Know ye that I John Simpson Senr. of county Stafford .. for sum 6000 pounds of good Tobo. by me in hand already reced of Peter Melbey of the county aforesaid .. have sold 217 acres of land beginning upon the Meadows at a marked corner tree of a tract of land which belonged to Cap. George Brent late of afsd county deced & entending thence along the said Brents line W=22 1/2 degrees S=138 poles to Givins corner tree thence along Givins line S=26 degree E=216 poles to George Masons corner tree thence N=60 degrees W=16 poles thence up the Meadows Run acording to the several courses & meanders thereof to the first beginning .. this 11th day April 1705. Presence Thos. Gregg, William Hughes his mark. /s/ John Simpson
At a Court held 11th April 1705 John Simpson came into Court & acknowledged this sale of land to Peter Melbey & Mary the wife of John Simpson in person relinquished her right of dower to the same & the deed was ordered to be recorded and was recorded. 5 November 1711. Other Format Available on microfilm. Northern Neck Grants, reels 288-311. Note Location: Stafford County.
Description: 250 acres on the head branches of Hooes Creek, adjoining John Simpson. Source: Northern Neck Grants No. 4, 1710-1712 , p. 55 (Reel 289).
Part of the index to recorded copies of land grants issued by the agents of the Fairfax Proprietary between 1690 and 1781 and by the Commonwealth between 1786 and 1874. Original and recorded surveys are also indexed when available. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
Ann Gist’s depositon was taken at the home of her SON, John Gist. The information in Tyler’s Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 60-61 mistakenly stated that John Gist was her husband. Deposition of Ann Gist, age about 80 years or thereabouts, taken 23 May 1769, Loudoun Co., Virginia: “She sayeth that John Simpson of Stafford County who died about twelve years ago was eldest son of John Simpson who was a Scotsman and Father to this deponent. That the next two eldest Brothers of John Simpson and Sons of John Simpson Scotsman died about 50 years ago (as well as she remembers) and that she understood that Henry Thompson by his last will and Testament bequeathed 300 acres of land on Powells Creek then in Stafford County to the three eldest sons of the said John Simpson Scotsman. That the Brothers and Joint Legatees with the first mentioned John Simpson died without claiming any part of the Bequest and that the surviving Brother John Simpson by Deed gave the said 300 acres to James Halley, the present Defendant.”
The other important deposition is that of Catherine (Jeffries) Halley. This deposition is important as it proves that Richard Simpson was a younger son of John Simpson (Scotsman), and that John Simpson, Jr. was married to Catherine (Jeffries) Halley’s mother–Silent (Bryant), the widow Jeffries. (Note: the information in Overwharton Parish Register that John, Jr. m. Silent Johnson is wrong. There are records to prove that her maiden name was Bryant and that she was widow of Thomas Jeffries when she married John Simpson, Jr.). From: Prince William County, Virginia Land Causes, 1789-1793, by Ruth & Sam Sparacio:
Land Records of Long Standing Fairfax County, Virginia (1742- 1770) P. 64 In the Name of God Amen. I John West of Stafford County sick and weak of body…313 acres of land lying on the North side of Great Hunting Creek being the land I bought of John Simson to him….
Prince William CountyLand Causes 1789 – 1793 p. 44 ….I was next directed by the Plt. to lay off the bvounds of a Patent dated 20th November 1678 granted to John Carr and John Simpson for 627 acres described in the Plot….on the banks of Great Hunting Creek….
and p. 47 I ws then desired by the Defendants to lay off the bounds of a Patent granted to John Matthews for 1567 acres bearing date the 2nd of July 1669…Great Hunting Creek..shewn by Robert Alexander and Thomas Allen but now by the said Allen and William Simpson where they say a Walnut tree formerly stood in a sunken place….
and p. 56 (nore: On page 126 is a sketchfor Two hundred and thireten acres of Land Surveyed for Capt. Simon Pearson of Stafford County. THe sketch shows a Road passing through one part of theland and the notation “Colo. Mason’s Land taken up by John Simpson”; followed by the following description:)
By virtue of a Warrant fromthe Proprietors Office dated February 3rd 1728/9, surveyed for Capt. Simon Pearson of Stafford County a certain parcel of Land situate in the said County of Stafford on the Timber Branch of Great Hunting Creek and joining to the Lands of Colo. Mason, the said land being bounded; Begining at A a white oak in the line of the land of Colo. Mason takenup by John Simpson runing….
June 25th 1729 and To all & c., Whereas & c. Now Know that I the said Herbert Feffries Espr. Governor & c. do give and grant unto John Carr & John Simpson Six hundred and twenty seven acres of land lying on the N.W. side of Great Hunting Creek….dated 20th November 1678. /s/ A copy Goodrich Lightfoot Clk. L. Off.
and p. 59 Margaret Lady Culpeper, Thomas Lord Dairfax &c., Whereas John Carr and John Simpson of Stafford County did on the Twentieth of November 1678 take up and Patent 627 acres of land in the said County on the N.W. side of Great Hunting Creek, now in regard to the said Patent was granted since our claim by Herbert Jeffreys Espuire who had no power so to do. And the said Simpson being desirous to establish his Right hath brought and dlivered up his said Patent to our Office and prays a new Grant: Know ye & c., To him the Said Simpson all that tract of land in Stafford and upon the N.W. side of Great Hunting Creek bounded as followeth Viz Beginning at a marked red Oak standing near a Beaver Dam and so runing down the Creek according to the several courses thereof 208 poles into the woods, N.W. 640 poles whence S. W. 180 poles whence S.E. 540 poles to the forementioned red Oak containing 627 acres Together with &c, &c, &c, &c, &c, &c, dated the 28th dayof January 1694/5. /s/ B. Martin, late Agent for the Proprietor