Andrew Hairston

HAIRSTON.org ID#33, b. before 1716, d. before 6 June 1782
Father*Peter Hairston "The Immigrant" b. a 1695
Mother*Agnes (surname unknown)
Birth*Andrew Hairston was born before 1716 in Ireland or Scotland. The estimated birth date of 1716 is based on Andrew being at least 21 when he received the Blunston License in 1737. He also would have to be 21 or over in 1743 to appear in Goochland Court. 
He was the son of Peter Hairston "The Immigrant" and Agnes (surname unknown). 
America*Andrew arrive in the American Colonies with his family from Ireland about 1728. They first settled in Pennsylvania before moving to Virginia. 
County Name1728 - Lancaster County, Pennsylvania formed from Chester County. 
Pennsylvania*Andrew Hairston and his father Peter Hairston both recieved a "Blunston" license in 1737 for property in western Pennsylvania, but it is not known if they ever lived there. Samuel Blunston issued licenses for land West of the Susquehanna River starting 1734 for Thomas Penn. Samuel Blunston was the Deputy Surveyor and Justice of the Peace living in Lancaster. These licenses were for remote land were ownership was being disputed by Maryland, Pennsylvania, Germans, Scotch-Irish and the Indians.

Two Blunston Licenses were issued on June 6, 1737 to Peter and Andrew Hairstons. These licenses were issued for a total of 400 acres on the West side of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. This land is currently in Franklin County, PA and is about 3 miles southwest of Greencastle.

"June 6, 1737 Peter Hairstons 200 acres
On the South side of the South East Branch of the Conegochege."

"June 6, 1737 Andrew Hairstons 200 acres
On the South side of the North East Branch of the Conegochege in the fork."1 
Virginia*Sometime around 1739, Andrew and family moved from Pennsylvania along the Great Wagon Road thru Wood's Gap (now Jarmin Gap) into Goochland County, Virginia. 
Marriage*Andrew Hairston married Elizabeth (surname unknown) about 1742/43. In his will he states "... my loving wife Elizabeth..."
NOTE: I have not seen any original documents listing Elizabeth's maiden name. They were likely married in Goochland County, Virginia about 1743 as they are both listed in court records in 1744 (this is a guess).2 
Court RecordOn January 25, 1746 the Albemarle Court instructs Andrew Hairston to pay 5 percent interest on a debt from "1st day of November 1743". It appears that Andrew obtained the debt in November 1743, before Albemarle County was formed from Goochland County.3 
Court Record1744 Goochland, Virginia, - In 1744 Goochland County, Elizabeth Hearstones and Andrew Hearstones are listed in seperate tax entries, each for 357 pounds of tobacco.4

 
County Name1744 - Albemarle County from Goochland.5,6 
Court RecordGeorge Heard charged Andrew Hairston with trespass and demanded twenty-eight pounds and expenses. George Heard was a neighbor of Andrew. This case lasted from 23 May 1745 to 27 May 1746 in Albemarle County, Virginia. It appeard in court records 10 times. A John Heard and William Heard are listed as an adjacent land owners to Andrew Hairstone in a deed dated 29 April 1783 in Deed Book E, page 392. - On 23 May 1745, Albemarle Court Order Book 1744-1748, page 19. FamilySearch IGN: 007893705, images 20, 26, 48, 49, 56, 60, 64.7
Court RecordAndrew Reid made oath he attended court four days for Andrew Herston in suit of George Heard. Albemarle Court Order Book 1744-48, page 75.
Court RecordOn 28 March 1746, Andrew Herston was on a jury. - Albemarle Order Book 1744-1748, page 117. FSL #007893705, image 70. 
DeedOn 12 June 1746 - Wade to Herston: A Deed with Livery Susine and Receipt from John Wade to Andrew Herston was presented in court and acknowledged by the said Ward to the said Herston on whose motion it was ordered to be Recorded. Elizabeth wife of said John Wade was Privately Examined who relinquished her right of Dower. - Albemarle Order Book 1744-1748, page 121. FSL #007893705, image 72.8,9 
SurveyOn 2 March 1749, Andrew Reid and Alexander Reid had 200 acres surveyed that was adjoining Andrew Hairstone in Albemarle County. - FSL #8152047 image 515.10,11
SurveyOn 6 march 1749, James Heard had a survey for 128 acres adjoining Andrew Hairstone, in Albemarle County. - FSL #8152047 image 516.10,12
County Name1754 - Bedford County from Lunenburg County.5 
Court RecordOn 26 May 1755, in the Bedford County Court, "Andrew Hairstone, having obtained an attachment against the estate of Joseph Mutree (who is said to be run away or so absconds that the ordinary process of law cannot be served on him) and the said attachment being returned executed on a box, the said Joseph Murtree not appearing to replevy the attached effects, therefore it is considered by the court that the said Andrew Hairston recover against the said Jospeh Murtree, 11 barrels of corn and 4 pounds 6 shillings and his costs. And it is ordered that the Sheriff sell the attached effects and return an account thereof to the court". Bedford Order Book 1A, page 81.
Court RecordRobert Hairston; On 10 February 1756, Samuel Hairston, Robert Hairston and Andrew Hairston were witnesses to a deed between John Harvey and Peter Holland in Bedford. Robert and Samuel signed their names and Andrew made his mark. - Bedford County, Virginia Deed Book 1, Reel 1, Library of Virginia. FSL #8190021 image 52.13,14
Military In 1758 in Bedford, Virginia, Lt. Samuel Hairston, Ensign Robert Hairston, and Sergeant Andrew Hairston were in the Virginia Colonial Militia from Bedford County, Virginia. This was during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).15

 
Patent/Warrant Andrew Hairston receives a patent for 300 acres in Lunenburg County, on both sides of Welchmans Ordinary branch; adjacent Hall, Johnson, Walton, Ornsby, Watham & Jennings; 3 Mar 1760, for 1 pound 10 shillings. - Land Office Patents No. 33, 1756-1761 (v.1, 2, 3 & 4 p.1-1095), p. 668. FSL #8398222 image 171.16,17,18
DeedAndrew Hairston witnessed the deed of Robert Hairston on 26 July 1763 in Possum Creek, Bedford, Virginia; On 26 July 1763, Robert Hairston records a deed for 300 acres of land from Thomas Cooper on Possum Creek. This land is adjacent (Richard) Phillip's land. Witnesses are Samuel Hairston, Andrew Hairston and Elizabeth Hairston. - Bedford County Deed Book B-2, pages 397-399. FSL #007846222 image 339 or 342 & #008190021, image 208-209.19
DeedAndrew Hairston witnessed the deed of Robert Hairston on 26 July 1763 in Bedford, Virginia; On 26 July 1762, Samuel Harston, Andrew Harston, and Elizabeth Harston witness a deed from Thomas Cooper to Robert Hairston for the sale of two Negroes named Anthony and Suey. - Bedford County Deed Book B-2, page 462-463. FSL #7846222 image 373.19
Patent/Warrant Alexander Reid patented 200 acres in Amherst County on Hat Creek throughfare, adjacent to Andrew Reid and Andrew Hairstone, 10 Sep 1767.17 
NOTEJames Heard patents 128 acres in Amherst County on the branches of the Rockfish River, adjacent Andrew Hairstone and William Heard on 3 Aug 1771.17 
Will*Andrew Hairston signed his will on 8 August 1771 and mentions his wife Elizabeth, sons; Peter and Hugh, daughters; Teney, Kitteran, Elizabeth, Precila, Ellenar, Margaret and Susana. He appoints his brother Samuel as his executor. However, Andrew Hairston did not die until 1782 and his sons Peter and Hugh had already died.2 
SurveyAndrew Hairstone has 400 acres of land in Bedford County, surveyed on 13 January 1773, on the head branches of Dogwood branch; adjoining John Dale, Stith, Heath and Arnold. The grant is not granted to Andrew until 1 September 1780. This land was later sold in 1784 by his wife. - Bedford County surveyors records page 165. FSL #8141114 image 97.20,21,22
WarAmerican Revolutionary War - 1775 - 1783. 
SurveyAndrew Hairstone has a survey of 400 acres in Bedford County on both sides of Burnt Bridge Branch and on both sides of the main road to New London, adjacent Charles Caffrys. He obtained a grant for this land on 1 September 1780. - Bedford County Surveyors Records page 211. FSL #8141114 image 120.23,21,22
SurveyAndrew Hairston was an adjacent landowner of David FLEMING and John FORBES on 17 November 1777 in Bedford, Virginia; On November 17, 1777, a survey of 400 acres in Bedford County was performed for David Fleming and John Forbes. This land was adjacent Andrew Hairston's property. The survey was certified to John Forbes alone according to agreement. Bedford County Survey Book page 208. FSL 8151908-140.
Death Son*Hugh Hairston, the son of Andrew Hairston, died about 1778.24 
SurveyOn 8 February 1779, Andrew Hairston has 400 acres in Bedford County surveyed on the west branches of the South Fork of Falling River, crossing Broad Branch to pointers on the Brow of the Hill, near a path adjoining his own Line, and of Wathen. A grant was given on 1 September 1780. This property is located next to a survey that was done for Andrew's son Peter on the same day. - FSL #8141114 image 123 - Andrew Hairston is listed as an adjacent land owner on a survey for John Lane Jr. dated 8 Feb 1779 in Bedford County. FSL #8141114, image 120.25,26,21,27
Patent/Warrant John Forbes acquired 400 acres in Bedford County on 20 Oct 1779, adjacent to Andrew Hairston, Fleming, Parrow and Hauston.21 
Death SonPeter Hairston, the son of Andrew Hairston, died about 1780.28 
Grant On 1 September 1780, Andrew Hairstone is granted 400 acres on both sides of Burnt Bridge Branch and on both sides of the main road to New London for two pounds sterling. This land was previously surveyed 8 November 1777.23
Grant On 1 September 1780, Andrew Hairstone is granted 400 acres in Bedford County on west branches of the South Fork of Falling River for two pounds sterling. Land is adjacent his own line, Weathen and Arnold. This land was previously surveyed 8 November 1779. - Grant Book E, page 755.26,21
Grant On 1 September 1780, 400 acres of land is granted to Andrew Hairstone for 40 shillings The land was previously surveyed 13 January 1773 and is located on the head branches of Dogwood branch; adjoining John Dale, Stith, Heath and Arnold. This land was later sold in 1784 by his wife Elizabeth. - Virginia Patent Book D, page 63. FSL #8570229 image 84.20
County Name1782 - Campbell County from Bedford County.5 
WillHe was mentioned in the will of Samuel Hairston on 9 February 1782 in Campbell, Virginia.29
Death*Andrew Hairston died sometime before his will was probated before 6 June 1782 in Campbell, Virginia.2 
ProbateAndrew Hairston's will, dated 08 Aug 1771, was proved in Campbell County Court on 6 June 1782.2
Court RecordIn the 6 June 1782 Campbell County Court, "The Last Will and Testament of Andrew Hairston deceased was proved by the oaths of John Forbes and Charles Roark two of the witnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded , And on the motion of Elizabeth Hairston Widow and Relict of the Decedent who made oath thereto according to Law, certificate is granted her for obtaining Letters of Administration upon the said Decedents Estate with the will annexed Whereupon she together with Peter Hairston her security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Five Hundred pounds for the said Administratrix due and faithfull Administration of the said Decedents Estate and performance of his Will.
Ordered that John Clark, Stephen Goggin, John Bryan and Adam Clements or any three of them being first sworn before a Justice of the Peace of this County appraise in current Money the Slaves (if any) and personal Estate of the said Decedent and return an account thereof to the Court.
The Schedule to the last Will and Testament of Samuel Hairston Gent., Deceased was further proved by the Oath of James Davison one of the Witnesses." - Campbell County Order Book 1.30 
ProbateAn inventory of Andrew's estate was filed with the County Court, pages 23-24, on March 6, 1783. In this inventory is a listing for "1 Old Bible 7/6" seven shillings and 6 pence. Where is this Bible and what might have been written in it. There is also mentioned a small trunk, is this the trunk that was at Cooleemee?2 
Patent/Warrant On 29 Apr 1783, John Heard and wife Mary sell to Robert Baber 128 acres on the Rockfish River adjacent Andrew Hairstones, William Heard. Witnessed by Richard Litteral Sr., Richard Litteral Jr. - Amherst Deed Book E, page 392. FSL 7893711 image 492

On 17 July 1792, Robert Baber sells the same property to Dennel Witt. This deed mentions Andrew Harstones. - Amherst Deed Book G, page 160. FSL #7893712 image 94.
DeedAndrew's wife, Elizabeth Hairston, the administrator of his estate, along with the other heirs, sold 400 acres of land to James Shearer on 4 September 1783. The deed was signed by Elizabeth Hairston, Alexander Forbes and his wife Jenny, Matthew Amox and his wife Catherine, Samuel Amox his wife Elanor, Prissialla Hairston, Margaret Hairston and Susanna Hairston. All of the women signed with a mark, usually indicating they could not write. - Campbell County Deed Book 2, page 9-10. FSL #8141162 image 224.
DeedElizabeth Herston, relic and administratrix of Andrew Herston Dec'd, Alexander Forbes and wife Janet, Mathew Amox and wife Catherine, Samuel Amox and wife Elinor, Prisscillah Herston, Margret Herston and Susannah Herston sold to John Wily 400 acres in Campbell County on 10 October 1784. - Campbell County Deed Book 2, page 48-50. FSL #8141162 image 244.
DeedOn November 9, 1793, Alexander Forbes and his wife Jane (from Bedford Co.), Mathew Amack (Amyx) and his wife Catrine (from Botetourt Co.), and Samuel Amack (Amyx) and his wife Elenore (from Botetourt Co.), sell 400 acres that was originally granted to Andrew Hairston, to John Ratekin for 60 pounds. These 3 wives are the daughters of Andrew Hairston and their husbands are selling land they inherited from Andrew. Only Alexander Forbes signed his name, the rest signed with their mark, except Jane Amyx that did not sign or put her mark on the deed. - Campbell County Deed 3, page 422. FSL #8141162 image 710.31
ProbateOn February 11, 1794, David Moore and Prescilla, his wife, Margaret Hairston, and Susannah Hairston, all of Botetourt County, sold to Joseph Tweedy Jr. of Campbell County, for 110 pounds, one certain tract of land in Campbell County on Falling (River), Staunton River, and bounded by Hall, Johnson, Wilton, Ornsby, Watkins and Jenning's corner, Walton. The said 285 acres was ordered to be sold by the will of Andrew Hairston, father of the above named Precell, Margaret, and Susannah, who, in joint partnership, purchased the 285 acres (more of less). Signed - David Moore, Prescilla Moore, Margaret Hairston, Susannah Hairston. Wit - Robert Tweedy, Ambros Rosser, Robert Williamson. Recorded June 5, 1794. (NOTE: Catherine Amyx, the sister of Priscilla, Margaret and Susannah, is also living in Botetourt County, Virginia.) - Campbell County Deed Book 7, page 431. FSL #8141162 image 714.

Family

Elizabeth (surname unknown) b. a 1720, d. a 10 Oct 1784
Children
ChartsDescendant Chart
Descendant Chart Box

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S216] Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Bureau of Archives and History, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA.
  2. [S122] Will of Andrew Hairston dated 8 Aug 1777, was proved in Campbell County Will Book #1, page 4-6, 6 June 1782. Inventory & Apprasial recorded 6 Mar. 1783, Will Book 1, pages 23-24 (Reel 19), Library of Virginia.
  3. [S3439] Nance, Joanne Lovelace, Albemarle County, Virginia, Court Order Book, 1744/45-1748. Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Volume 27, February 1989, Number 1., Ancestry.com.
  4. [S3276] Goochland County Virginia Court Order Book 5, 1741-1744, p. 529-531. FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/…), IGN: 007898186, image 241/249.
  5. [S3417] Doran, Michael, Atlas of Virginia County Boundary Changes, 1634-1895, Iberian Publishing Co., Athens, GA1987., Personal Collection - printed book.
  6. [S146] Woods, Edgar. Albemarle County in Virginia: Giving Some Account of What It Was by Nature, of What It Was Made by Man, and of Some of the Men Who Made It. Charlottesville, Va.: Michie Co., printers, 1901.
  7. [S3682] Heard vs Herston - Albemarle County, Virginia, Court Order Book 1744-1748, pages 19, 30, 40, 58, 71, 76, 85, 91, 99, 107. FSL 7893705., Family Search Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  8. [S3369] Davis, Bailey Fulton, Abstract of Albemarle County, Virginia, Order Book, 1744-1748. Salt Lake City, Utah : Digitized by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 2009, Family Search Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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  10. [S3094] Grundset, Eric. Land Lying in the County of Albemarle: Albemarle County, Virginia Surveyor's Plat Books, Volumes 1, Part Land 2, and Volume 2, 1744-1853, (and 1892). Fairfax, Va: E.G. Grundset, 1998. Print., Library of Virginia.
  11. [S3658] Albemarle County, Virginia, Surveyor's Book Vol. 1, 1744-1750, p. 131. FamilySearch IGN: 008152047, image 515/526.
  12. [S3659] Albemarle County, Virginia, Surveyor's Book Vol. 1, 1744-1750, Page 132. FamilySearch IGN: 008152047, image 516/526.
  13. [S3090] Chilton, Ann. Bedford County, Va Deed Book A-1, 1754-1762. Signal Mountain, TN (P.O. Box 400, Signal Mountain 37377: Mountain Press, 1987. Print., Library of Virginia.
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  15. [S224] Crozier, William Armstrong, Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776. Baltimore: Southern Book Co., 1954. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b2809738, Hathi Trust Digital Library.
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  18. [S3287] Lunenburg County Virginia Patents 33, 1756-1761, (v.1, 2, 3 & 4 p.1-1095), p. 668, Reel 31-32, Library of Virginia.
  19. [S3092] Chilton, Ann. Bedford County, Virginia Deed Book B-2, 1761-1766. Signal Mountain, TN (P.O. Box 400, Signal Mountain 37377: Mountain Press, 1992. Print., Library of Virginia.
  20. [S3277] Bedford County Virginia Grants D 1780-1781, (v.1 & 2 p.1-930), p. 63-64, Reel 45, Library of Virginia.
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  23. [S3279] Bedford County Virginia Grants E 1775-1776, 1780-1781 (v.2 p.463-930), p. 774, Reel 46, Library of Virginia.
  24. [S3053] Probate Inventory of Hugh Hairston - Bedford County Will Book 1, page 325. Family History Library, Film #007645309, image 215., Family Search Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  25. [S81] Virginia Land Records, Volume VIII: 1779-1782 - Edited by Dennis Hudgins, Virginia Genealogical Society, Richmond VA, 2005.
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  27. [S3666] Bedford County, Virginia Surveyor Records v1 1754-1881, page 218. FSL #8141114, image 140., Family Search Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  28. [S3063] Will of Peter Hairston - 14 June 1779, Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 1, page 362. Family History Library, Film #007645309, image 234., Family Search Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  29. [S101] Will & Probate of Samuel Hairston - 1782, Campbell County Will Book #1, page 6, Library of Virginia.
  30. [S3869] Campbell, Virginia Order Book 1, 1782-1785, p. 59. FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/…), IGN: 008249512, 54/322.
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Last Edited21 May 2026