Individual Details

James Hopkins MD

( - 1803)



Studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Had extensive education, wealth, and medical practice. His Will, recorded Amherst Co, 16 May 1803, provided for the gradual emancipation of his slaves and left his estate to his daughter and to his grandson, Dr. Arthur Pollard, requiring him to change his name to Hopkins which was done by the County Court of Amherst. He also mentioned his nephew James Hopkins, eldest son of brother Authur Hopkins, late of Pittsylvania.

Shot through the window while kneeling in the act of conducting family worship. Died within the hour. Lewis McWane whose shoes matched the footprints in the snow was hanged for the murder although he protested that it was done by James' son-in-law.

Events

MarriageAbt 1767Ann Sparks Martin
Death1803Nelson County, Virginia

Families

SpouseAnn Sparks Martin ( - )
ChildDaughter Hopkins ( - )
FatherDr. Arthur Hopkins ( - 1766)
MotherElizabeth Pettus ( - )
SiblingSamuel Hopkins MD (1725 - 1797)
SiblingJohn Hopkins (1726 - 1807)
SiblingCapt. Arthur Hopkins Jr. (1727 - 1776)
SiblingElizabeth Hopkins (1728 - )
SiblingAnne Hopkins ( - )
SiblingMary Hopkins (1735 - 1811)
SiblingLucy Hopkins ( - 1817)
SiblingWilliam Hopkins (1740 - 1820)
SiblingJane Hopkins ( - 1802)
SiblingFrances Hopkins ( - 1802)
SiblingAmelia Hopkins ( - )
SiblingIsabel Hopkins (1745 - 1803)

Endnotes

1. Walter Lee Hopkins, Hopkins of Virginia & Related Families. Email of this same information to THOMAS-L@rootsweb.com stated that the information on the Moon family was from the old Moon Bible in possession of Mrs. O. S. Rhode, Appomattox, VA (J. W. Fergusson & sons, Richmond VA c1931), "History of Dr. Arhur Hopkins....." Chapter 1.

2. Rev. Edgar Woods, History of Albemarle County Virginia; A description of the founding and events of this Virginia county including narratives on its residence families from 1727-1890 (The Michie Company, Printers, 1901), p.75-76, p.229-230.