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The Bridget Costelloe Family
-The Treatment of Servants and Slaves in Colonial Virginia, a thesis by Betty Wade Wyatt Coyle in 1974. View here.
*It doesn't appear that she was ever married. Perhaps she left Ireland as a widow? There is zero mention of any husband in Virginia records, nor is she ever mentioned as a widow in Virginia records. Bridget's son, William, was likely an illegitimate child. He was mentioned as an orphan on 20 Mar 1754, when Bridget didn't pass away until about Feb 1769.
Bridget Castello/Castillo/Castilloe
Castillow/Castolow/Costelloe
b. bef. 1720
d. bef. 20 Feb 1769, Fairfax Co, VA
Known Children:
William Castello/Castillo/Castolow
b. abt 1737-1740, Fairfax Co, VA
d. aft. 1769-1770
Known Associates-Connections:
Bromley Thomas (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Carlyle & Dalton (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Connell James (1754; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1769; Fairfax Co, VA)Cullen John (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Digges Charles (1769; Prince George's Co, MD)
Doones John (1755; Fairfax Co, VA)
Fitzhugh Henry (Col.) (1755; Fairfax Co, VA)
Fitzmorris James (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Flax Francis & Eleanor (1758; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1760; Fairfax Co, VA)Forragher Thomas (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Forragher Patrick (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Gretter Michael (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Huffey John (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Johnson George (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Kenny John (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Key Mrs. (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Lewis Thomas (1745; Fairfax Co, VA)
Lyons Timothy (1761; Fairfax Co, VA)
McCloud James (1757; Fairfax Co, VA)
McGlinn Catherine (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
McHugh Neil (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
McKness George (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Osborn Richard (Major) (1748; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1750; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1751; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1767; Fairfax Co, VA)Peters Mrs. (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Pierce Isabella (1745; Fairfax Co, VA)
Piper Harry (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Ramsey Mrs. (1766; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1769; Fairfax Co, VA)Ramsay William (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1770; Fairfax Co, VA)Sharcot James (1736; County Sligo, Ireland)
Smith Elinor (1762; Fairfax Co, VA)
Strickland James (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Summors John (1763; Fairfax Co, VA)
Triplett William (1766; Fairfax Co, VA)
(1769; Fairfax Co, VA)Wade Zephaniah & Priscilla (1763; Fairfax Co, VA)
Washington George (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Young David (1769; Fairfax Co, VA)
Known Localities:
Fairfax County, Virginia (1745-1769)
Prince George's County, Maryland (1769)
Chronological Timeline:
The Lent Court Session [February] of 1736 for County Sligo, Ireland has a court record which may relate to Bridget Costelloe:
"Lent Assizes 1736, 56 pounds presented and paid to James Sodon, Esq; for transporting John Cullen, James Sharcot, John Kenny, John Huffey, Neil McHugh, James Fitzmorris, Thomas Forragher, Patrick Forragher, Bridget Costelloe and Catherine McGlinn.
NOTE: To be tried in an adult court (Assizes), a person generally had to be at least 14 to 16 years old. While younger children were occasionally transported, they were usually handled by "binding out" locally unless they were part of a family group (which Bridget does not appear to be here).
SOURCE: Journal of the House of Commons of the Kingdom of Ireland, vol. 7, page 612
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=iau.31858045346800&seq=542
SOURCE: Emigrants from Ireland to America, 1735-1743: A Transcription of the Report of the Irish House of Commons into Enforced Emigration to America, by Frances McDonell; published in 1992 by Genealogical Publishing Co., of Baltimore, MD.
On 16 Apr 1745 within the Virginia Gazette, published by William Parks in Williamsburg, Virginia, appeared an article mentioning Bridget "Castillo:"
"RAN away from the Subscriber, living in Fairfax County, on the 30th Day of March last, an English, Convict Servant Woman, named Isabella Pierce; of a middle Stature, thin Visage, limps with her right Leg, which, if examin'd, will appear to be a large Scar on each Side of the Anele of her said Leg: Her Apparel, when she went away, was a small Plat Hat, a blue Jacket, a stript Swan-skin ditto, a Manx-cloth Petticoat, a Pair of white Pladd Stockings, and a Pair of County-made Shoes, (she is suppos'd to have chang'd her Apparel, and to have stole the Indenture of Bridget Castillo, and to pass by it in her Name.) She has stole from the Subscriber two Gold Rings, a Silver Stock-buckle, and about Six Pounds Cash.
Whoever will apprehend the said Isabella Pierce, and convey her, the Goods, Papers, and Money found about her, home to my House, if in Maryland or Virginia Government, shall have Five Pounds Virginia Currency, if in Pennsylvania or Carolina Government, the Sum of Six Pounds like Currency, paid by me, living on the Mouth of Deeg Cree, on Potomack, in the County abovesaid. Thomas Lewis."
The same article was also published on 5 Jul 1745 within the Maryland Gazette, published by Jonas Green in Annapolis, Maryland.
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHJ-T7QP-T9VZ-M
SOURCE: https://archive.org/details/mg07051745/page/n3/mode/2up?q=bridget
On 1 Oct 1748 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Major Richard Osborn wrote his last will and testament; he bequeathed the following:
"that my estate be in the hands of my beloved wife Penelope Osborn real and personal for & during her natural life - according to a deed of trust to John Minor Gent. to that purpose and if there is any estate more than settled in that deed that my executors sell it towards discharging my debts immediately."
"unto my niece Elizabeth Osborn daughter of my brother Robert Osborn decd. 100 pounds sterling money to be paid her by my executors in 12 months after the decease of my loving wife Penelope Osborn, provided the said Elizabeth be 18 years of age or married, but if she be not 18 years of age or married at the expiration of 12 months after my wifes decease then that my executors pay the said Elizabeth the money aforesaid when she arrives at the age of 18 or is married as aforesaid."
"100 pounds sterling money to be equally divided between the sons and daughteres of John King and his wife Mary my sister on my desire is that the said John King and Mary his wife may have the use of the said money during each of their lives and after their decease to be equally divided between their children as aforesaid."
"to William Spencer 50 pounds current money to be paid to him in 10 years at the rate of 5 pounds a year by my executors to be laid out for him in cloaths in the best manner but that the said William Spencer have not the use or disposal of any of the said money otherweise then for cloaths as aforesaid."
"to Baxter Davy's one cow and calf, one horse, a flock bed and covering, one sow and pigs, an iron pot, a frying pan, a pail, piggin, a pewter dish, six plates, a basen and six spoons."
"unto William Castillo son of Bridget Castillo 20 pounds current money to bind him to a trade and give him one years schooling and that he may have 10 pounds current money when free to buy him tools."
"1200 pounds of tobacco to the widow of John Washington decd. which I find to have been an error in settling accounts with the administrator of the said John Washington and if the said widow or sons of John Washington refuse to accept the same then I give it to the poor of the parish."
"20 pounds current money to the vestry of Truro parish to buy ornaments for the new church such as pulpit cloth & cushion."
"Mr. Anthony Russell my troopers pistols, saddle & furniture"
"after the death of my wife Penelope my executors sell my whole estate real and personal to the highest bidder (to pay my debts and legacies) except half an acre of land where my brother Robert lies interr'd which I would have excepted for a family burial place about which I desire my executors may cause a brick wall to be built 4 feet and half high 1 foot thick and 20 feet square with a monument of marble to the memory of our family which I desire my friend the Revd. Mr. Green to do and direct the proper inscription."
"whatever estate shall be more than will pay my debts and legacies & herein mentioned I leave to build the wall and monument & after paying other necessary disbursments"
"10 pounds sterling to buy 10 Quarto bibles for my God children"
"unto my friend Charles Green Clk? 10 pounds current money to buy something for a memorial of me"
"nominate constitute and appoint my trusty and beloved friends the Revd. Doctr. Cha. Green and Mr. John King my whole and sole executors"
The witnesses to the will were Cha. Green Exr., Jno. Andrews, Elias C. Gist and Baxter Daggs. The will was proven in court on 27 Mar 1750 by John King, Revd. Charles Green and the Revd. John Andrews.
A sale of the estate of Major Osborne, dated 23-25 Apr 1750 in Fairfax County, Virginia, shows Bridget Castillo purchased 6 shillings worth of "sundrys."
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia will book A, page 329
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-QJBC
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-QJF5
On 2 Apr 1751 in Fairfax County, Virginia, probate records show Briget Castillow, item #45, was owed 950 pounds of tobacco from the estate of Maj. Richard Osborn deceased. The end of the inventory shows "by error in Bridget Castillow" 10 pounds of tobacco.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia will book A, page 476-477
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-QJ64
On 20 Mar 1754 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the court ordered the churchwarden of Truro Parish to bind William Castello an orphan to James Connell, to learn the trade of a joiner and to read & write.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia order book 1754-1756, page 62
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-B91V-K
On 21 Aug 1755 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Bridget Castello sued John Doones for trespassing, assault and battery. The suit was dismissed and the defendant was ordered the pay costs.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia order book 1754-1756, page 392
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-B9Y5-L
On 15 Dec 1755 in Fairfax County, Virginia, "Bridget Castello made oath that she took up a negro woman named Lett belonging to the estate of Col. Henry Fitzhugh decd. & that she hath received no satisfaction ordered to be certified."
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia order book 1754-1756, page 436
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4V-B9BC-7
On 16 Nov 1757 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the court ordered that William Castolow be bound as an apprentice to James McCloud.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 174
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WRD-5
On 20 Dec 1758 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Bridget Castello sued both Francis Flax and his wife Elinor for trespassing, assault and battery. They were represented in court by their attornies Hugh West and George Johnston, respectively, and a continuance was granted.
On 23 Feb 1760 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the court recorded that "in the action brought by Bridget Eaton [Castello?] against Francis Flax the def[endan]t pleads not guilty which the pl[aintif]f joins and the trial is referred till the next court."
They met again in court on 19 Jun 1760 in Fairfax County, Virginia. The defendants pleaded not guilty and the trials for both cases were referred to the next court.
The two cases were finally decided upon by a jury on 17 Sep 1760 in Fairfax County, Virginia. The jury found that both Francis Flax and his wife Eleanor were guilty of making an assault on her [Bridget], beating and wounding her, with "evil intreat in manner and form." They were each fined 50 shillings and ordered to be taken into custody. On the same day, Bridget Castello was ordered to pay Jane Butler 125 pounds of tobacco for providing evidence and five days of attendance in court. Francis Flax was also ordered to pay Margaret Egg 25 pounds of tobacco for her one day of attendance in court.
NOTE: Francis Flax's wife was listed as both Eleanor and Elinor.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 321
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WRG-6
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 452
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1W5Y-N
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 488
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1W55-K
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 516-517
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1W55-G
Neither Bridget, nor her son William, appear in the 1761 rent roll for Fairfax County, Virginia. An interpretive historical map for Fairfax County was created for 1760; a good majority of known associates for Bridget Castello are located in or directly West of Alexandria, Virginia.
NOTE: This likely means they weren't leasing or renting land for farming or residence.
SOURCE: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=cca6b4a3ef644dbfa89e16b6feb515fe
SOURCE: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/49017/images/FLHG_AbstWilInvFairfaxCntyVA-0047?usePUB=true&_phsrc=KIp1433&pId=5081
On 19 Sep 1761 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Bridget Castello complained to the court that "she is afraid that Timothy Lyons will do her some bodily hurt ordered that he give security himself in 40 pounds and two securities in 20 pounds each for his keeping the peace."
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 655
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1W56-4
On 19 May 1762 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Bridget Castello complained to the court that Elinor Smith of Truro Parish had a "base born [illegitimate] child within six months."
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 711
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WT9-J
On 18 Mar 1763 in in Fairfax County, Virginia, Zephaniah Wade and his wife Priscilla sued Bridgett Castello, on the charge of trespassing. Bridgett Castello pleaded not guilty and the plaintiffs were granted a continuance to obtain evidence.
They met again on 20 May 1763 in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the case was continued to the next court.
They met the last time on 22 Jul 1763 in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the charge of trespassing against Bridgett Castello was dismissed and the plaintiffs were ordered to pay all costs.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia minute book 1756-1763, page 843, 871 & 905
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WRT-S
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WRN-C
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-1WR6-K
A deposition taken on 25 Jul 1763 in Fairfax County, Virginia, of John Summors aged 70 years old, mentions "also the place where a Bridget Castelloe lately did live."
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia land records of land standing 1742-1770, page 317
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSK4-D99Q-Z
In 1767 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the estate of Richard Osborn deceased "To paid William Ellzey fee ads Bridget Castilloe" 1 pound and 10 shillings.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia will book C, page 35
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-QVNV
On 20 Feb 1769 in Fairfax County, Virginia, William Ramsay and Harry Piper paid bond of 100 pounds for the letters of administration for the estate of Bridgett Castello deceased. William Ramsay was ordered to create an inventory of the estate, with James Connell, Thomas Bromley, Michael Gretter and David Young as the appraisers.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia bond book 1752-1782, page 96
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TC-H9BN-Q
An inventory was created on 21 Feb 1769 and returned to the court on 16 Mar 1769 in Fairfax County, Virginia; witnessed by William Ramsay, Thomas Brownly, James Connell and Michael Gretter:
Item: Value (£.S.P):
1 table 4 shillings
1 beadstead & cord 6 shillings
1 flock bed feather 1.10.0
bolster & pillow 1 pr
blankets 1 old rug3 paits 3/2 Baskets 1/ 4 shillings
10 Earthen plates 1 shilling 8 pence
3 wine glasses 1 glass tumbler 1 shilling
2 glass decanters 6 shillings 6 pence
1 parcel crockery 1 shilling 8 pence
3 Earthen Dishes 2 shillings
1 Iron Mortar & pestle 2 shillings
2 Candlesticks & Tinware 1 shilling 8 pence
1 Old Box Iron & heaters 3 shillings
24 1/2 [sp?] Pewter @ 18 1.16.5 1/2
3 12/16 ditto @ 9 2 shillings 9 3/4 pence
2 pewter Porringers 9 pence
1 Chest & a small table 4 shillings
1 wooden Tray & 2 chairs 1 shilling 3 pence
1 Copper Tea Kettle 8 shillings
2 Iron potts & 1 pott hook 12 shillings
1 Dutch oven 2 shillings
1 Frying pan 1 shilling 6 pence
1 Iron Griddle 1 shilling 6 pence
2 Candle Moulds 1 shilling
8 Knives & 10 Forks 1 shilling
2 pr snuffers 4 pence
10 pewter Spoons 1 shilling 3 pence
1 Herring Barrell 1 shilling 6 pence
1 small wash Bason
1 Bakers Dagger 2 pence
1 old hoe & 1 pr stilliards without a p[sp?] 3 pence
1 feather bed bolster pillow 1 pr 8.0.0
blankets & 1 sheet, washing tub2 Iron potts 5 shillings 6 pence
1 Washing Tub 1 shilling 6 pence
£15.8.4 1/2
Another inventory of accounts was created on 21 Feb 1769 and returned to the court a year later, on 21 Feb 1770 in Fairfax County, Virginia:
Accounts: Value (£.S.P):
by Wm. Triplett 28 Feb 1766 2.8.8 3/4
ditto 1 Mar 1767 to one years house rent 5.0.0
23 Feb [no year given] to 102£ pork 1.0.4 1/2
1 Mar 1768 to years rent 5.0.0
ditto 1 Mar 1769 to 1 years rent 5.0.0
1 coffin 12 shillings 6 pence
diging a grave and other expences 8 shillings 9 pence
expences at the appraisement 2 shillings 6 pence
clerks fees.. 150£ Tob[acc]o @ 2d. 1 shilling 5 pence
to my trouble 1.10.10 1/4
1 Jun 1766 by Mrs. Ramsay 1.0.0
1 b[ushe]ll corn 10 shillings
2 July ditto [1 bushell corn] 10 shillings
December Jas. Strickland 10 shillings
George McKness 10 shillings
11 Feb 1767 Cash 2.0.0
Attending Peters Wife 10 shillings
Mrs. Ramsay 1.10.0
Geo. Johnson 2.10.0
your son 1.0.0
Mrs. Key 12 shillings
the amount and sale of goods 20.7.0
£32.8.8 3/4
NOTE: Bridget's son William, simply mentioned as "your son," is clearly still alive. The future president George Washington was a member of the court in Fairfax County, Virginia on 20 Feb 1769.
SOURCE: Fairfax County, Virginia will book C, page 75
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-QVNW
On 21 Feb 1769 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the court ordered the petition for Messr. Carlyle & Dalton plaintiffs against Bridgett Castello defendant be abated by the defendant's death.
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-531H
An inventory dated 19 Jul 1769 in Prince George's County, Maryland contains a "list of debts due the estate of Chas. Digges." A Briget Castillo appears owing 4 pounds 2 shillings 6 pence.
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GT18-F1Y
SOURCE: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-998B-BQQG
William does not appear in the 1774 rent roll for Fairfax County, Virginia.
SOURCE: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/49017/images/FLHG_AbstWilInvFairfaxCntyVA-0048?usePUB=true&_phsrc=KIp1433&pId=5082
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