This section will focus primarily on William’s life at court. Sounds a tad fancy perhaps, an English drama replete with backstabbing, conniving courtiers and other dastardly environs. Alas, we speak here of the still fledgling court system of Virginia. Most posts here are specific that way when not otherwise overlapped with ledger entries. Yes, William apparently did dress up in breeches and buckles. And I dare say I venture into Wm Byrd’s world by accident hoping he was an artiste’ … But court was a serious, sober affair. Usually held on Fridays, and Saturdays when the docket was full, it brought the community together on fairly equal footing. And it was here, in King George County, Virginia where William Longmire met with and performed various court related work for the families of three of our nation’s first presidents. Cut. Go to editing …

Included here will be notes or vignettes of the many people William knew and encountered during their days at court, so to speak. William variously acted as scribe or notary and entered into record, and/or witnessed, many very interesting court documents, including the will and estate inventory of Augustine Washington – father of our nations’ first President. He executed many various documents for the maternal and paternal sides of President Monroe’s family. In his various travels he undoubtedly crossed paths with, and the property of, Francis Conway – President James Madison’s grandfather. William’s life was a veritable crossroads of history.