Samuel Cralle

Samuel joined Capt. Thomas Claughton's company of the Northumberland Militia just days after his 18th birthday. Samuel was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1781. The Northumberland County Militia began marching to Yorktown when Cornwallis moved into Virginia and arrived across the river in Gloucester three days before Cornwallis surrendered.

Samuel Cralle's name was listed as the head of household in 1782 in St. Stephens Parish, Northumberland County. The household members were counted as 4 white and 14 black. Samuel married Mary Jane Claughton, daughter of Pemberton Claughton and Beheathland Myers, on September 19th, 1786. They had at least three sons and two daughters. Samuel was listed as a Captain of the 37th Militia on August 13th, 1794. He was promoted to the rank of Major at some point.

In 1802 Samuel and Mary along with two of her sibling brought a chancery suit against her brother. The case was never absolved but stayed open on the county books until 1819 when it was dismissed. The 1810 census in Northumberland lists Samuel Cralle. Household members were; one male 10-15, two males 16-26, one male over 45, two females 10-15, one female over 45 and nine slaves. Samuel served as Sheriff of Northumberland in 1815. In 1820 he was named Overseer of the Poor, Coroner and School Commissioner.

The 1820 census lists Samuel Cralle as the head of a household. Family members listed were; one male under 10, one male 16-25, one male 26-44, one male over 45, one female 10-15, three females 16-25 and one female over 45. Slaves listed were; one male under 14, two males 26-44, four females under 14, two females 26-44 and one female over 45.

Samuel Cralle was listed on the 1830 census in Northumberland County. Household members listed were; one male 60-69, one female 15-19 and one female 20-29. Slaves listed were; two male 36-54, one female under 10, two females 10-23, two females 24-35, and one female over 55.

Samuel appears to had died intestate. An inventory of his estate was taken on November 23rd, 1833. Eighteen slaves were listed as his property, most by name. Also included were books on poor laws and family instruction, a large family Bible, a cart with wheels and a short gun. Samuel's livestock included two hogs, four sows, seven pigs, five shoats, 14 sheep, three pair of yoke oxen, four cows and one bull.

An auction of the estate was held on November 26th, 1833. Purchasers included his widow Mary, who purchased a brass skillet and two hogs as well as Hempsel Clarke, who purchased dishes, and Leroy O. Dameron, who purchased a coffee mill and pot as well as five sheep. Total sales amounted to $497.06, the slaves do not appear to have been sold. An accounting showing payment of the debts of the estate was returned to the clerk to be recorded on September 14th, 1835.