Individual Details

The Morehead Family of North Carolina & Virginia; Gov. John Motley Morehead 1796-1866; privately published 1921. Digitized; Archive.org.
According to family tradition, Joseph was Welsh.
18 Feb 1737, Joseph Motley of Gloucester Co bought 400 acres in Amelia Co on Flat Creek.
14 Mar 1744, he was a resident of Raleigh Parish, Amelia Co when he bought another 300 acres. His wife Elizabeth said to be a daughter of Abraham Forrest, also of Gloucester & Amelia Counties.
28 Nov 1751. Joseph Motley purchased another 400 acres of Flat Creek and 366 acres in "the fort of Nottaway". [I need to check this - it could be a reissue of the earlier patents.]

4 Jun 1760. Joseph gave the 300 acres purchased in 1744 to Joseph Motley Jr. of Amelia Co "for great good will".

Will of Joseph Motley is recorded in Amelia Co Will Book 2, p.233. Dated 2 Nov 1763; probate 28 Aug 1777 during the Revolution. Names sons Abraham and Joseph. Daughters Judith Paine - wife of Thomas Paine, Ann Hundley, Else Vaughn - wife of Robert Vaughn, Mary Dupey - wife of Bartholemew Dupey, Joice Motley, Martha Motley [Joyce & Martha are unmarried] and son Joel to receive 600 acres, 400 where Joseph now lives and the other 200 adjoining. [Joel was underage] Wife Elizabeth was to have the land, mill and negroes during her natural life.
Apparently grandchildren were also mentioned: Grandsons, Joseph - son of Abraham and David - son of Joseph. Granddaughters, children of Abraham, names not given. [said to be Else, Judith & Mary].

Birth	1697	Gloucester County, Virginia
Marriage	Abt 1716	Gloucester County, Virginia - Elizabeth Forrest
Death	27 Aug 1777	Amelia County, Virginia

Spouse	Elizabeth Forrest ( - )
Child	Joseph Motley (1720 - 1806)