William Millam Bond to William Bumpass, Bedford County, 11 August 1762

Digital Image of BEDFORD COUNTY LOOSE PAPERS, Judgments 1762


At the Library of Virginia Records Center I found the original files for a 1762 court case between William Bumpass and William Millam in which Bumpass sues William Milam for a debt of £ 19, 4 Shillings and 6 Pence. William Bumpass had a general store selling farming tools, clothing and shoes, bushels of corn and even pints of rum. The bond executed by William Millam to Bumpass for this amount bears Millam's signature - not his mark - and was witnessed by Ann Russhers with her mark. The Bond reads in part:

"Know all men by these presents that I, William Milam, am held and firmly Bound to William Bumpass in the.....sum of Nineteen Pounds, four Shillings and Six pence Currant money of Virginia and for which payment well and Truly to be made to the said William Bumpass, his heirs, Executors, administrators or assignees -- Binde myself, my Heirs, Executors & Administrators firmly by these presents. Sealed with my Seal and Dated this Eleventh Day of August 1762."

"The condition of the above Obligation is Such That if the above Bound in William Milam.....shall pay or Cause to be paid unto the above said William Bumpass.....the full and Just sum of Nine Pounds Thirteen Shillings on Demand Then this Obligation can be void. Else to Remain in full force and Virtue."

It was typical of colonial times that if a person failed to pay a sum of Nine Pounds Thirteen Shillings on demand then the penalty amount doubled to the sum of Nineteen Pounds, four Shillings and Six pence. Usurious of course. And Bumpass was the only store.


Photo of Wm Millam's Bond to Wm Bumpass

 


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