(Virginia)
Robert Looney (spelled "Luna") received a grant from the Crown -- George II -- for 294 acres (dated 13 July 1742) on the south bank of the Cohongoronto (Upper Potomac) River near Samuel Owens plantation, to hold as of the King's Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, in free and common socage, not in capite or by Knight's services, by paying for over 50 acres of land fee rent of on shilling yearly, and by cultivating and improving three and part of every 50 acres of the tract within three years. This property was probably not far from Hagerstown, Maryland, where one of the Looney children (Michael - EGL) once attended school. Robert Looney received 1540 pounds of tobacco for 11 old wolves' heads at Orange County Court, 26 October 1738. Robert Looney was sued by John Harrison in 1740 concerning 1 long gun. Judgement was obtained by default in 1741 for 40 shillings and 133 lbs. of tobacco (costs) but in 1742, Robert Luney was not found on the sheriff's bailiwick. The home place had been sold to Jeremiah Jacks before the suit. On 22 march 1739, the Orange County Court ordered the recording of the deed from Robert Luna to Jeremiah Jacks, but it seems not to have been done. A second deed was made, perhaps 4 November 1755, by James Jacks acting for Robert Looney of Augusta County. David Looney, et al, being witnesses to the power of attorney which was dated 13 June 1766, or possibly merely recording in Frederick County on that date. The Looney family probably moved south through the valley about 1739 - 1740. Robert Looney obtained a grant of 250 acres on Lunie's Mill Creek, (30 July 1742) also on James River, and 400 acres on the same creek, 30 July 1742. This land is not far from Natural Bridge in what had become August County in 1738; but not organized as such until 1745, and in 1770 became part of Botetourt County. Consequently, since Augusta County was not organized, the suits in Orange County continued. Adam Payne sued Robert Luney for trespass in 1742, but after several continuances, it was dismissed in 1743, James Patton being surety for Luney. The case was tried by jury, 4 August 1744, and verdict found against Luney for 18 pounds, 1 shilling, 6 pence, with 1 penny damage, and so recorded 3 October 1745. From the Augusta County Court Records, we learn much about Robert Looney, Elizabeth and their children. In 1743, he received some cash from Daniel Monahan's estate. (Question:� Could Daniel Monahan have been Elizabeth Looney's brother? - EWS) A court order of 9 December 1745 appointed Robert Looney as an appraiser. On 20 August 1747, his wife was excused from attendance at court, being aged and infirm, and a commission was appointed to take her testimony. In 1750, Robert and Jno. Smith were sureties for Elizabeth Barber, administratrix of George Barber. On 11 October 1759, Robert Looney made agreement with his sons, Peter Looney and David Looney, by terms of which much of his land and other property were given to these sons who were to build a house for their parents and care for them in their old age. In 1762, Robert is mentioned as exempt from county levy. There seems to have been some delay or dispute over the 1759 agreement because on 13 November 1762, Robert Looney and Elizabeth Looney deeded to John Boyer 250 acres, the land that was patented in 1742 on July 30. This seems to have included not only the land given to sons Peter (Sr. at this time) and David, but was also land previously given to Absalom and Daniel. Consequently, certain suits are brought by the heirs of Damiel and Peter against Robert Looney and John Bowyer. Robert was active at least as late as 1764 when he pleaded in answer to such suits that he was intoxicated when the agreement was signed. On 20 November 1764, he deeded 160 acres of land at Sinking Springs to Joseph Looney. On 24 May 1765, it was decreed that John Bowyer should reconvey to each of the interested parties their lands. The agreement of 1759 was recorded in the same month. John Bowyer deeded the lands to David Looney, to Peter, Jr., and to Margaret Looney, daughter of Daniel. In May 1768, there is recorded an account or record of settlement between Robert Looney and Irwin Patterson's estate. From this, it seems that Elizabeth Looney bought one looking glass and sundry goods on 10 May 1745/6; also ferriage at 20 shillings per annum for 10 years, was due from Patterson's estate to Looney. Robert Looney's will is dated 14 September 1769, names his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Joseph Looney, as Executors; leaves to grandson, John Luney one shilling sterling, and all remaining, after charges and debts, to wife for her life and, afterwards, to son Joseph, "The rest of my children having already got all that I allow them of my estate." His mark was an "R" imposed on an "L" and the witnesses were John Smith, James Crow, Thomas Crow, Elinor Crow and John Burton. The Will was proved by Joseph Looney, executor, on 13 November 1770. Entries at the October Term of Court in 1770 indicates that Robert and Elizabeth Looney were living then; consequently, his death occurred in October or November 1770. Joseph Looney's sureties were Abraham McClelland and John Looney.
| ||||||||||||||||||