Luke Dameron

When Luke's father, William, died in 1785 he left to Luke in his will a farm that he had purchased in Westmoreland county and a slave named Watts.

Luke married Jemima Hudson on October 9th, 1794. She was the widow of Matthew Harrison and daughter of John Corbin Hudson and Jemima Self. They were married by H. Toler. Luke and Jemima had at least four daughters; Polly, Ann, Betsy and Hannah.

In November 1798 Luke purchased 60 acres of land from John Hall for 90 pounds current money of Virginia. The land was described as bordering a swamp commonly known as Wicomico swamp as well as lands of George Cox, Thomas Claughton and Sutton Hall. In April of the following year Luke and Jemimah sold 50 acres for 45 pounds to his brother George Dameron. The land was desribed as being purchased by Luke from his bother Roger and left to Roger in the will of their father, William Dameron. Luke signed this deed by writing his name out, Jemimah signed with a mark.

During the War of 1812 Luke served in 37th VA Militia. The county militia was poorly funded and usually over matched, but was often called out to attempt to repel coastal raids on the Northern Neck by British forces. Luke was captured on August 3rd, 1814 during a day when fighting that began at the Yecomico River resulted in British troops marching six miles inland to Village, burning homes along they way.

On August 8th, Gen. Hungerford of the militia sent a message to the British officer Rear Admiral George Cockburn and asked for the release of six prisoners taken during the action on August 3rd, including Luke. Hungerford noted that Luke was 53, and along with two others on the list, was over the military age prescribed by the law. He went further to say that all six men on the list were, "peaceably remaining at their own homes - from which they were forcibly taken, and the houses of several burnt." Cockburn replied, "I beg permission to judge for myself how far the people in question can be considered to have confirmed to the declarations and usages you have quoted." All six appear to have been released eventually. It is not known if Luke was participating in the fighting that day, or if he was at home as Hungerford claimed.

Luke was listed as the head of family in the 1810 and 1820 census records for Northumberland county. In 1810 household members were listed as; one male 10-15, one male over 45, three females under 10, one female 10-15, one females 16-25 and one female 26-44. In 1820 the family members were listed as; one male 10-15, one male over 45, two females 10-15, two females 16-25, one female over 45 and one male slave under 14.

Luke died without a will before September 13th, 1830. On that date court orders were recorded for an appraisal of his estate as well as a motion to divide his lands made by George Jackson and Polly his wife, Anne Dameron, Thomas Lewis and Betsy his wife, and Hannah Dameron - the heirs of the decedent. It appears that this motion was denied and his lands were sold by the county to pay the debts of his estate. The listing of the appraisal and sale of Luke's personal estate has not been found. At the February 1831 court Leroy Edwards and Presley Hudson were appointed to sell Luke's land. His estate was administered by the sheriff, Joseph Ball. In April of 1832 Commissioner Sydnor was ordered to take over the estate settlement from the sheriff. At the May 1833 court the sale of Luke's estate was recorded and Ball was paid $25.85 plus interest accrued since 1831 for administrating the estate.