On 1 March 1664, John Kilman gave one cow calf unto James Boughan the son of James Boughan. Signed John his HH mark Kilman. Witnesses: Henry Crieighton, James his EF mark ffullerton. Recorded 5 July 1665. [(Old) Rappahannock County, Virginia, Wills & Deeds 1, pages 2–3.]

On 6 July 1671, Henry Crighton gave to “Jams Boughgnan Junior” one heifer with increase “now upon ye plantacon of James Boughgnan Senior”. Signed Henry Crighton. Witnesses: John Ham, John Exam. Recorded 12 July 1671. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 4, page 455.]

On 12 September 1671, James Boughan Junior purchased 150 acres of land from Thomas Batts, it being the 150 acres formerly granted to & deserted by James Boughan & then granted to Tho. Batts. Witnesses: Tumer [Turner?] [last name apparently illegible], John Owen. [(Old) Rappahannock County, Virginia, Deed Book 4, page 498.]

On 21 March 1677/8, James Boughan witnessed the will of James Fullerton of Piscatacon in the County of Rappahannock. Signed James Boughan. [(Old) Rappahannock County, Virginia, Will Book 2, pages 83–87.]

On 29 March 1678 James Boughan gave to his brothers John Boughan, Henry Boughan, and Alexander Boughan his whole right title and interest of a patent granted. He mentions his father, lately deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 6, page 41.]

On 1 June 1680 James Boughan witnessed a deed from Thomas Pellese of the County of Rappahannock to his son Thomas Pellese. Signed James Boughan. [(Old) Rappahannock County, Virginia, Deed Book 6, page 111.]

On 29 September 1680 James Boughan received 150 acres in Rappahannock County, “upon the maine Sw. of Piscatoway Cr; certaine branches dividing this & land of Thomas Harper & Robt. Clements”. “Granted to Thomas Batts; deserted; & now due by order, &c. at James Citty”. [Virginia Patent Book 7, page 61.]

He received some land that had been deserted by his father, and then he too deserted it. On 20 September 1683, Col. Richard Johnson was awarded 150 acres of land in Rappahannock (Essex) County, “on maine Sw. of Piscattaway Cr.” The record adds: “Granted to James Baugham, 27 Feb. 1665/6, deserted, & granted to Thomas Batts; assigned to James Baugham, Junr., who deserted; granted to sd. Johnson by order &c., 16 Apr. 1680.” [Virginia Patent Book 7, page 326.]

On 3 August 1687 James Boughan was a member of a South Side jury for Rappahannock County. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 41.]

On 8 October 1687 a lawsuit in which James Boughan was plaintiff against Jos: Boland [could be Beland—see next entry], defendant, was delayed until next court. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 50.]

On 8 October 1687 judgement was granted to James Boughan as assignee of William Morris for five hundred pounds of tobacco and cask by bill against Joseph Beland[?]. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 56.]

On 4 April 1688 a case between Edward Thomas as assigne of Jno. Blake against James Boughan was continued until the next court. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 79.]

On 4 April 1688 Ja: Boughan was a member of a jury. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 81.]

On 6 September 1688 a lawsuit brought by John Waters against James Boughan was dismissed in court. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 111.]

5 December 1688: “James Boughan Acknowledged himselfe indebted to the Worshipll. his Ma[jesties] Justices of Peace for this County in the sum of 5000lb of Tobb. & Casks To be Pd unto the sd Justices their heirs &c. in Case Richard[?] Wilton shall not prosicute his appeale made from an Order of this Court obteyned against him by John Waters.” [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 129.]

5 December 1688: “James Boughan & Don: Ma Carty appeared attorneys for Richd. Wilton”. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 129.]

6 December 1688: “Order is granted against the shiriff to James Boughan for the non appirance of John ffargison according to declaration—”. [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 129.]

6 December 1688: “Non suit is granted to James Boughan Exer. of Richd Riach[?] against John Clark : he not appiraring to prosicute To be Pd wth Cost of suit als Cal[?].” [Old Rappahannock County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 134.]

On 19 November 1690, “James Boughan making Informacon to this Court that Henry Pickett of this County within th: Space of Twleve months now lest past hath disposed of his his hous by was of R:tayl: Severall Quentities of Rum & Syder Contrary to th: 9th Act of Assembly held at James Citty th: 17th day of Septem: Ano Dom 1668 in that Case made & provided, Th: Court have therefor Ordered That th: High Shiriff or his Deputie do forthwith Summons th: sd Henry Pickett to appeare at the next Court had for this County to answer the sd Informacon”. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 2, page 264.]

On 19 November 1690, James Boughan also reported that Thomas Coggin had sold rum and cider at his house. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 2, pages 264–265.]

On 5 February 1690, James Boughan was sued in court by Anthony Smyth: “Antho Smyth brough his Action in this Court against James Boughan and declares that he was Possessed in his own Right on one man Servant Named Richd Holt wch Sd Servant on or about the 10th day of 8ber 1689 by the [illeg] & persuasion of the deft did absent himself & Runaway from the Plts service And was enterteyned by the Deft Severall Days & weekes, and that by Virtue of a Hue & Cry the sd Servant being Legally apprehended the sd Boughan Violently & by force & arms him the sd Richard Holt the Plts Servant did Rescue & take out of Custody of the Law, and sayed he would enterteyne the sd Servant untill the Plt could prove a better Right. The Deft. sayes the sd Richd Holt was no Servant to the Plt, wch being duly Proved by an [illeg] Indenture acknowledged before this Court, the whole Matter for Tryall was Refered to a Jury who being Impannelled & sworne by Name Jno Dangerfield ffran Browne Geo: Browne[?] Jno Meaders Wm Hamock[?] Tho: Green Peter Reyly[?] Jno Pettes Peter Evans Wm Price[?] Jno ffarguson & Jno Elliott who after Evidence heard brought in the following verdict We of the Jury find for the Plt five hundred Pounds of Tobb Wch Verdict the Court have Confirmed and Order that the sd James Boughan Pay unto the sd Antho Smyth five hundred Pounds of Tobb in Caske with all Cost of suit als Ex[?]. And that the sd Richd Holt forthwith Returne to the service of the sd Antho Smyth his master” [Old Rappahannock Deed Book 2, 19th century transcription, page 283 in original.]

On 5 November 1691 James Boughan and John ffargison were ordered to inventory and appraise the estate of Thomas Evans. [Old Rappahannock Deed Book 2, 19th century transcription, page 334 in original.]

On 5 May 1696, James Boughan complained to the court of Essex that Robert Sandfilld was indebted to him 500 pounds of sweet tobacco. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, page 87.]

On 4 August 1696, James Boughan was appointed attorney by Edward Hill Esq. of Charles Citty County. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, page 86.]

Court of 10 9ber 1696: “In the difference between James Boughan pt & Wm Leake Deft re items of personall estate of Robert Sandfield…” Ordered items to be appraised. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 87–88.]

On 16 October 1696, James Boughan witnessed a deed from Wm Freeman and Elizabeth his wife to Tho Evett. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 81–82.]

On 14 December 1696, James Boughan complained to the court of Essex that John Glover was indebted to him 200 pounds of tobacco. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 86–87.]

On 15 November 1697, James Boughan was named executor in the will of George Park(e). “I do constitute & nomenat my will beloved ffrind James Boughan Sole & holle exectore…” He also gave him his land and plantation. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 152–154.]

On 22 December 1697 James Boughan witnessed the will of John Mess. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 163–165.]

On 10 January 1697/98, James Boughan, Robert Coleman, and Richd Covington were bound 30,000 pounds tobacco for James Boughan’s execution of the last will and testament of George Parke. Signed James Boughan, Robt Coleman, Richd Covington. Witnesses: Tho Hucklescott, James Knox. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 9, pages 152–153.]

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 28 September 1698 in Jamestown.

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 27 April 1699, probably in Middle Plantation.

On 8 June 1699 James Boughan, gentleman, was appointed a justice of the peace by order of King William III. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 1.]

On 11 September 1699 James Boughan sold to Thomas Gregson a parcel of 30 acres that was willed to him by George Parke, who died sometime after 1689. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, pages 9–10.]

On 10 May 1700, James Boughan, John Battaile and Francis Gouldman were bound 10,000 pounds of tobacco for James Boughan’s appointment as sheriff of Essex County. Signed James Boughan, Jno Battaile, ffra: Gouldman. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 36.]

“The Deposicon [sic] of James Boughan Aged 45 yeares or thereabouts saith that about 13 or 14 yeares ago or thereabout one Richard Bond came out of Maryland & his wife and brought with them one little Girl as I doe believe might be about Eight or Nine yeare old and I did severall times heare the said Bond wife say that that Girl was her daughter that she had by a former husband & that her name was Eliz: Muffit & that the said Girl is now marryed to Henry Johnson in this County & fider [further] saith not.” Xber ye 9th day 1700, Ja: Boughan. “The Deposicon within written was sworne to by the within named James Boughan in Essex County Court the 11th day of Xber 1700 and is truely Recorded according to an Order of the said Court — Test Francis Meriwether Cl Cur” [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 63.]

James Boughan posted bond with Henry Smith and Henry Adcocke for Henry Smith’s administration of the estate of Mary Smith, late widow of Richard Carter. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 85.]

The will of John Webster, dated 8 September 1701, makes James Boughan senr. his executor. In the will, he gives unto Mary Boughan, wife of James Boughan, a gold ring of twenty shillings, but this Mary could be either Mary, wife of this James Boughan, or Mary Tyler, wife of this James’s nephew James Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, pages 123–124.]

On 10 October 1701, James Boughan of the County of Essex sold to Henry Boughan of Gloucester County. For £20 sterling, 100 acres, more or less, in Essex County. Signed James Boughan. Witnesses: William Young, John Waters, Edward Duoland. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 91.]

On 8 July 1702, James Boughan and Mary Boughan, with John Taylor, witnessed the will of William Johnson of Southfarnham Parish. The witnesses proved the will in court on 10 August 1702. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, page 117.]

On 11 March 1702/1703, James Boughan made a gift of land and property to his son James Boughan. James Boughan of the County of Essex for and in Consideration of the naturall Love and effection I have unto my Son James Boughan. All my Land and plantation which I now have and hold and on wch my sd son James Boughan now dwelleth scituate lying & being on ye maine Swamp of Pescataway Creeke & known by the name of Pescataway Pocoson. But I shall have occasion to use timber for my Mill adjacent to the sd Land & for the consideration of the above I grant & give unto my sd son James Boughan all ye Stock of Cattell hogs which I now have on & are accustomed to be there upon ye sd Land & Plantation & all their Increase & also two ffeather beds & their ffurniture Twelve Chairs Two Tables wth what polls[?] and pewter which are there upon the plantation And also two Negro slaves one man & one woman the man slave called by the Name Robin & ye Woman Jenny. Signed James Boughan. Witnesses: Salvator Muscoe, Robt Moseley. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 10, pages 136–137.]

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 19 March 1702/03 in Williamsburg.

On 10 December 1703, Mary Webster, James Boughan, Tho: Gregson and William Young were bound £150 sterling for Mary Webster’s and James Boughan’s having obtained probate of the last will and testament of John Webster. Signed Mary her W mark Webster, James Boughan, Tho Gregson, Will Young. Witnesses: ffrancis Meriwether, Richard Buckner. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, pages 136–137.]

On 10 February 1703, Arrabella Bird of the Parish of Sittenbourne in the County of Essex and Colony of Virginia, only Daughter and heir apparent of Henry White late of the same parish, planter, deceased, and neice and heir apparent of John White deceased who was the Eldest Son and heir apparent of Nicho White deceased, released to James Boughan of the parish of farnham and County and Colony aforesaid, plantr, land that had been leased to him the previous day. For £30 lawful money of England unto the said James Boughan, all that plantacon whereon John Griffin Shipwright lately dwelt & whereon the sd James Boughan now dweleth, by estimate 150 acres, on the west side of Piscataway Creek in the parish of ffarnham and County of Essex. Signed Arrabella her O mark Bird. Witnesses: Erasmus Allen, Will Young, Ja Alderson. Acknowledged and recorded 10 ffebruary 1703. Bond of £100 from Arrabella Bird to James Boughan of 10 February 1703, same witnesses. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, pages 164–171.]

On 10 March 1703/1704, an inventory and appraisal of John Webster was recorded, made by John Waters, Will. Journey, Henry his R mark Woodnot and Andrew his x mark Dudding. Presented by James Boughan and Mary her W mark Webster. Total valuation £69.10.00. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, pages 206–208.]

On 10 March 1703/1704, Eliza Bendry, James Boughan, and Edward Gouldman were bound £200 sterling for Eliza Bendry’s administration of the goods rights and credits of Thomas Bendry deceased. Signed Eliza her E mark Bendry, James Boughan, Edward Gouldman. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 11, pages 205–206.]

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 20 April 1704 in Williamsburg.

On 27 September 1704, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 9/1704.]

On 10 January 1704, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 7/1704.]

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 18 April 1705 in Williamsburg.

On 15 October 1705, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court in the case of John Games against John Taylor. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 10/1705.]

On 15 October 1705, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court in the case of William Johnson against John Taylor. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 10/1705.]

On 6 December 1705, Major James Boughan won judgement against Robert Thornton for 730 pounds of sweetscented tobacco and cask. [Richmond County, Virginia, Order Book 4, page 4.]

Agnes Andrews provides the following notes: 8-F-31 deed from Harper to James Boughan. 5 acres at head of Piscatonon [?] Creek part of a tract formerly granted by patent to Oliver Segar. December 1705. 8-F-33 2 acres from Burnette to Boughan, 1706. [These could also be his son James.]

Beverley Fleet, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume II, page 128:
“p. 210. Deed to Gift. 2 Apl 1706. James Boughan Sr. gives ‘unto James Boughan Junr and Elizabeth Fisher my Son and Daughter’ 1/3 of 2400 acres granted 26 Apl 1704 to sd Boughan, Richd Covington and Wm Williams. By a road measurement made by Capt Charles Smith si 2550 acres. The land abt 3 miles form the River on branches of Occupace Creek, etc. Signed James Boughan. Wit: John Gaimes, Mary x Wellch, Edw Farrington. Ack. and rec. 10 Apl 1706.”

On 10 April 1706, John Burnett son and heire of John Burnett deceased of the County of Essex, for 70 pounds of tobacco sold unto James Boughan of ye said County 2 acres more or less in Essex County by the said Boughan’s Mill-Damm. Signed JBurnett. Witnesses: James Boughan Junr, Benja ffisher, John Gatewood. Recorded 10 April 1706. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 12, pages 211–212.]

On 7 November 1706, a case brought by James Boughan of the County of Essex against William Norcut of Richmond County was dismissed, James Boughan not prosecuting. [Richmond County, Virginia, Order Book 4, page 212.]

He and his brother John apparently had some additional property that they deserted. Thomas Wood, John Wood, and Thomas Wood, Jr. were awarded 900 acres in Essex County of 20 April 1684. This was land adjacent “James Fullerton; Richard Gregory; the Horse path; Col. Goodrich & Mr. Henry Awbrey; & on land of Ball & Price. Granted James & John Boughan, 20 Apr. 1684, deserted & now granted by order, &c.” [Virginia Patent Book 7, page 279.]

On 24[?] February 1706/7, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court in the case of Francis Parker against Joseph Burgiss. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 2/1707.]

On 19 March 1706/7, James Boughan delivered a judgement in court in the case of Anthony Smith against Francis Moore. The original in his hand and with his signature is extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 2/1707.]

On 23 October 1707, James Boughan wrote and signed a court document that citied Nathaniel Fogg as being the father of a bastard child. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 10/1707.]

On 10 April 1708, Dorothy Henry, James Boughan and John Parker were bound £1000 sterling for Dorothy Henry’s administration of the Estate of Daniel Henry. Signed Dorothy her H mark Henry, James Boughan, John Parker. Witnesses: James Boughan Junr, Ja: Alderson. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 13, pages 98–99.]

On 9 August 1708, an indenture was executed by and between Coll Richard Covington of the County of Essex, Major James Boughan, Mr Edward Gouldman, Mr Benja ffisher, and Mr James Boughan the Younger, all of the same County. Joyntly & Severally Seized of a tract on the south side of the Rappahannock River and upon the branches of Occupacia Creek, to divide equally, Do declare equal division by consent. One part to Colo Richard Covington of 1064 acres; one part to Major James Boughan, Benja ffisher and James Boughan the Younger of 1180 acres; one part to Edward Gouldman of 1122 acres. From a patent dated 25 Aprill 1704 to the said Richard Covington, James Boughan and William Williams, the said William Williams his part being already sold to the said Edward Gouldman. Signed Richd Covington, James Boughan, Edw Gouldman, Benja ffisher, James Boughan Junr. Witnesses: Wm Tomlin, Willm Daingerfield, Henry his H mark Reeves. Acknowledged 10 August 1708 and ordered recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 13, pages 120–122.]

On 5 January 1708, James Boughan wrote a letter that is still extant. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 1695–1710.]

On 11 February 1709/10, a case was continued against James Boughan and Mary Webster: “At a Court continued & held for Essex County on ye Eleventh day of ffebry 1709/10 In the Suit in Chancery between William Smith Orphan by ffrancis Meriwether Gent. his Guardian plt and James Boughan & Mary Webster Defendts the Said plt in his Bill Setts forth that his ffather Anthony Smith dyed intestate possessed of a Considerable personell Estate consisting of… Administration of which Said Estate was grandted to Ann the widdow of the said Anthony who afterwards intermarried with John Webster late of this County, and the Said plt further sheweth that his said ffather left only four Children and one of them Agatha Smith by name afterwards in the lifetime of her Mother dyed intestate without husband of Child not having received her part of the Said Estate…” The bill goes on to say that John Webster died and appointed John Boughan and Mary Webster his executors and that they have taken part of the estate. [Virginia State Library, Research and Information Services Division, Essex County Court Records, County Court Papers 1683–1728, Folder 10/1707.]

James Boughan was a member of the House of Burgesses for Virginia, assembled 25 October 1710 in Williamsburg.

His will is dated 17 January 1711. A dispute arose several times over the validity and meaning of the will, including a 1754 lawsuit for recover of land. See Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 15, pages 127–129.

On 18 March 1711 a petition was brought to Essex County Court. “James Boughan presenting a petition for admini[hole]on of the Estate of his deced father James Boughan. James Boughan the youngest opposes the administration alledging that the deced left a will the sd petit[hole] theref[hole] next [hole] that the sd Boughan the youngest may produce his [hole]. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 4, page 427.]

On 11 July 1712, Robert Coleman deposed that he had made up a will for James Boughan: Robert Coleman of the Parish of South Farnham in the County of Essex Gent Aged about fifty Six years Deposeth and Saith that on the fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred & Eleven this Deponent was Sent for by Major James Boughan late Deced in his life time to Come to him the said Boughan & that this Deponent did then goe to him & being with him at his house the said Boughan did then desire this Deponent to make his the said Boughans Will. And that the said Boughan then told this Deponent he had a Will by him and that he the said Boughan would have that destroyed and would have another Will made which this Deponent then accordingly did for him the said Boughan The Contents of which said Will so then made by this Deponent for the said Boughan and by the said Boughans directions is as followeth and in the following words to the best of this Deponent Remembrance (the Preamble of the said will Excepted) that is to Say, First I give & bequeath unto my loving daughter Frances Stark the wife of John Stark and unto her heires for ever all that Tract or parcell of Land lying in King William County containing about five hundred acres Purchased by me of Henry Kirby & all the houses & appurtences [sic] thereunto belonging and my bay Mare.
Secondly I give unto my Grandson Thomas Stark the Colt that now belongs to my bay mare.
Thirdly I give unto my loving Daughter Elizabeth ffisher one Gold ring of Twenty Shillings.
Fourthly I give unto Susanna Jones one Cow and Calfe & one Gold ring of Twenty Shillings.
ffifthly I Give and bequeath unto my loveing Son John Boughan one Gold ring of Twenty Shillings price
Sixthly I lend unto my Brother Henry Boughan one Third part of my water mill dureing his naturall life & to receive one third part of the profitts thereof Provided he is at one third part of the charge of Repairing the Mill & keeps a good & Sufficient Miller there to do all such things as a Miller ought to doe and I give my Brother Henry all my wearing Cloaths.
Seventhly I give & bequeath unto my beloved Grandson James Boughan the Son of my Son James Boughan all my Land & Plantation whereon I now live together with my Water Mill And all that Tract of Land that I bought of ye Holts together with my old Plantations wth ye Ippurtences thereunto belonging I give & bequeath unto my sd loving Grandson and the issue of his Body lawfully begotten and for want of such Issue to my Grandson John Boughan the Son of my Son James Boughan & to the issue of his body lawfully begotten and for want of such issue to the heires of my loveing Brother Henry Boughan and their heires for ever and for want of further heires to the next heir in blood.
My Will & desire is that none of the before mentioned Lands nor Mill be Leased or let out by or to any person for above two years at one time.
All the rest of my Estate of what nature or quality Soever I Give unto my Loveing Son James Boughan & his heires for ever whome I do appoint my whole & Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seale this fourteenth day of January one Thousand Seven hundred & Eleven.
And this Deponent further Saith that after he had made the Will in manner & forme & to the effect aforesd the Said Major Boughan then took the will from this Deponent & Red it all over Nay he Red over every particular Bequest & as they were Sett down Paragraph by Paragraph & declared he approved thereof And that the Same was in every respect agreeing to his Will and then imediatly afterwards he the Said Major James Boughan did Signe Seale publish & declare the Said Will so made by this Deponent to be his last will & Testament in the presence of this Deponent one John Chamberlin Anne Atkins and the aforesaid Susanna Jones and that the Said Major James Boughan then did bid the said Chamberlin Atkins & this Deponent to take notice that he the said Major James Boughan was not mad nor drunk but was in his right Senses and this Deponent Saith that the said Majr James Boughan was then in his perfect Senses & memory to the best of this Deponents knowledge and that he the said Major Boughan did then desire this Deponent to burne his former will which he this Deponent then did and further that he this Deponent did Signe the said Will as a witnesse thereunto in the presence of the Said Boughan
Robt Coleman
At a Court held for Essex County the 11th day of July 1712.
Robert Coleman made oath to this his Deposition which by the order of August Court 1712 is Recorded as the Will of James Boughan Deced [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 14, pages 76–77.]

On 11 July 1712, John Chamberlain deposed that he had witnessed the will of James Boughan: John Chamberline of the Parish of South ffarnham in the County of Essex Planter aged about one & twenty years Deposeth and Saith that he was desired to goe to Major Boughans late of the Parish & County aforesd Deced in his lifetime And that Capt Robert Coleman did (on Wednesday ye fourteenth day of January one Thousand Seven hundred & Eleven as this Deponent believes) goe with this Deponnent to the Said Major Boughans and that the said Coleman was some considerable time in private wth the said Boughan and that afterwards that Same day this Deponant was Sent for by the Said Boughan to come into his Chamber and that the Said Coleman was then in the Chamber wth the Said Boughan & one Susanna Jones was also in the said Chamber then And that one Anne Atkins was sent for then to come into the said Chamber And that the said Boughan did then tell this Deponent he had made his Will and desired this Deponent to be a witnesse to it. And this Deponent Saith that he then did see the Said Major Boughan Signe & Seale a paper and publish & declare the Same to be his last will & Testament in this presence of this Deponent the said Coleman Anne Atkins and Susanna Jones And that the said Major James Boughan was then in his perfect Sense & memory to the best of this Deponents knowledge and that the said Major Boughan desired the Said Coleman to burn his the said Boughans former Will, & that it was then burnt and that this Deponent did Signe the Said Will Soe then made by the said Major Boughan together with the said Coleman and Anne Atkins as a Witnesse to the Same. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 14, page 77.]

On 19 August 1712, Ann Atkins deposed that she had witnessed the will of James Boughan: Anne Atkins a Servant woman that did belong to Major James Boughan late deced in his lifetime on the fourteenth day of January one Thousand Seven hundred & Eleven (as She believes) was Sent for into the said late Major Boughans Chamber and that Capt Coleman Mr Chamberline and Susanna Jones were in the Chamber and that She Saw in Said Major Boughan then Signe & Seale a Paper which She thought & believed to be the will of the Said Boughan And that the Said Boughan then was in his perfect Sence & memory to the best of this Deponents knowledge And that this Deponent did then together with the Said Coleman and Chamberline Signe the Said Paper as a witnesse to the Same in the presence of the Said Boughan, And three or four days afterwards being againe in her Said Masters Room She heard him Say had a Desire to have a new will made, and Said to that Effect, two or three times and Seemed Dissatisfied with the will he had before made[.] [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 14, page 78.]

An inventory and appraisal of the estate of James Boughan was made on 3 September 1712 by Wm Covington, Ja: Fullerton and Fran: Moore pursuant to an order of 19 August 1712. The inventory included a servant woman Ann Atkinson, several slaves, several feather beds a silver hilted sword, a silver headed cane, an officer’s leading staff, livestock and crops. Total valuation £226.2.9. Additional inventory was made by James Boughan, John Boughan and Benja ffisher, totaling 9251 pounds of tobacco. Presented on 8 January 1712/1713 by James Boughan, John Boughan and Benja ffisher and recorded. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 14, pages 93–95.]