Benjamin, died 1770, Arlington, VA
I am not a member of this family, however, I did attend highschool in Montgomery County, Maryland with a boy who probably is.I own a book in which Benjamin is mentioned; "Arlington Heritage, Vignettes of a Virginia County" by Eleanor Lee Templeman, 1959.
Page 58 "Montpelier, the very early home of Benjamin sebastian.Its commanding view from the crest of the ridge (near 1230 South Arlington Ridge Road)...early records refer to as 'Hoe Hill.'"
"In 1733 (Gerard) Alexander leased what was probably this tract to Sebastian, who two years before had been his overseer and collector of rents.Sebastian Springs and the stream they form at the base of the hill have perpetuated his name."
"There is a legend that Sebastian and his father were Spanish pirates forced ashore in virginia, later making their way up the Potomac and becoming respectable citizens.However, the facts we know about them are more dignified, if less romantic; they come from the documentation of the Alexander lawsuits mentioned on page 50.Benjamin Sebastian was obviously a well-educated man, and the only witness styled'Gent', a title not given lightly in those days.In the testimony of 1768, he gave his age as sixty-two, and stated that he had lived in the neighborhood for thirty-eight years.It is clear that his opinion was highly respected.He had, at various times, served the Alexander family as an attorney."
"He died in 1770, leaving a life interest in a substantial estate to his 'beloved wife' Priscilla, making his two daughters, Elizabeth and Behethliam, his heirs.although in his will he styles himself 'Sr.' there is not mention of a son."
There is no other listing for this family in the index for this book.
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Re: Benjamin, died 1770, Arlington, VA
candy m jacobson 4/11/09