John Echols (born 1736)

John Echols
	...
Born	...
Died	...
Parents	Richard Echols and Catherine (Evans) Echols
Spouse	Lucy Annah (Moore) Echols
Children	Samuel Moore Echols, ...

Virginia to Alabama

Most sources suggest (or implicitly require) this John Echols (husband of Lucy Echols and father of Prudence Echols) to have traveled from his birth region of Halifax County, Virginia to Madison (or Morgan) County, Alabama. Despite the lack of an original source explicitly stating this move, I believe it is well-substantiated.

Consider this table where we compare John Echols of Virginia with John Echols of Alabama (per alleged will).

John Echols of Virginia	John Echols of Alabama
Named John Echols Has a daughter named "Prudence" who married "Christopher Irvin" (FS) Has a daughter named "Temperance" who married "John Rodgers" (FS) There is a "Sam M. Echols" born in Virginia per Alabama census records	Named John Echols Will mentions a "Prudence Irvin" Will mentions a "Temperance Rodgers" Will mentions a "Samuel Moore Echols"

Summary

This may be the John Echols mentioned in Probate Records, Morgan County.

Mentioned (along with wife, Lucy, and daughter, Prudence) as witnesses to a land sale (Deed Book, Halifax County#A27, March Court 1778).

Also a witness (along with wife, Lucy) for Deed Book, Halifax County#363, January Court 1778
Also mentioned in Deed Book, Halifax County#Book 9, page 378 (refers to land given to John Echols from father, Richard Echols, who received the land via patent!)
Unsourced data about Echols in Halifax during the time period: rootsweb

This may also be the John Echols (and related family) involved in some Chancery Records:

https://old.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/full_case_detail.asp?CFN=083-1795-007#img
https://old.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/full_case_detail.asp?CFN=083-1804-031#img (there appears to be an Echols moving to Georgia which could explain the movement seen in the alleged will)

Personal Property Tax Records

These record for a "John Echols" are of 1782-1786, 1789, and 1797; however, it is believed that the John Echols of interest moved to Alabama prior to this and had a son there in 1781. It is possible that this is a new John Echols that is appearing in Personal Property Tax Records.

Alleged will

The following is purported to be will of John Echols; however, I can not find a primary source for this claim. The other documents relating to this John Echols are located in Virginia (whereas this one mentions Alabama). They both have a daughter of the name "Prudence". In addition, the "Samuel M. Echols" of the alleged Alabama will would match the expected line.

In the name of God Amen. The fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, I John Echols, M.T. and Madison County being week in body but sound in memory do make this my last Will and Testament at the same time revoking all former wills by me made declaring this to be my last will and testament.
First: I give to my son Samuel M Echols, five hundred dollars in money, one horse called Pompy, one iron pot, and one feather bed all of which he hath received.
I lend to my son John Echols two Negroes Pompy a Negro man and Silva a Negro girl during his natural life and if he should die without an heir lawfully begotten of his body, I will the said Negroes to be sold and one third of the money arising from the sail I will to my son John Echols widow and if my son John Echols should have an heir lawfully begotten heirs, but if my son John should die and have no heirs of his body then I will the two Negroes aforesaid to the lawful begotten heirs of Samuel M. Echols.
I lend to my daughter during her natural life five Negroes (viz) Hearuner a Negro woman, James a lad, Jonathan a boy, Silva a girl, and Sarah a girl these five Negroes with all their increase I will to the lawful begotten heirs of Lydia Standifer to be equally deviled among them at her death. I give to my daughter Lydia also two iron pots, one dutch oven, one iron tea cittle and copper spice mortor, all she hath received.
I give to my daughter Patsy Ellis one Negro girl Doll which she hath received.
I give to my son James Echols one Negro boy by the name of Glasgow and two feather beds all he hath received.
I lend to my daughter Temperence Rogers during her natural life one Negro girl named Lucy and at her death I will said Negro girl with all of her increase to my granddaughter Caty Rogers, I give to my daughter Temperence Rogers one fether bed and furniture and one cow and calf all she hath received.
I give to my daughter Prudence Irvin two cows which she hath received, and also the whole residue of my estate not mentioned in my will at the same time I appoint my son John Echols and my friend James Irvin joint Executors of this my last will and Testament to which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixteen
John Echols ( Seal )
In presents of John I. Owen
Daniel Yong
David L. Owen, State of Alabama, County Court of Madison County this 13th day of February 1826, The last will and testament of John Echols, deceased, was this day produced in open court… and ordered to be recorded, etc.
Recorded Madison County Alabama . Office of the probate Judge, recorded in Book 3 page 355
Transcribed By Bob & Linda Ellis Duluth Ga.