James Holloway, Sr., of Cumberland and Mecklenburg Cos., VA

James Holloway Sr. (c. 1700–1778) was born in Essex County. He was married twice, having children with both wives. He moved from Spotsylvania County to Amelia County in 1741, moved to Goochland/Cumberland County in 1748, married his second wife after 14 Dec. 1750, moved to Lunenburg/Mecklenburg County in 1762, and died in Mecklenburg County before 11 May 1778.

Note that James was not named in the 1744 will of William Holloway of Spotsylvania County. He thus does not seem to have been William's son. Preliminary Y-DNA testing suggests that William Holloway of Spotsylvania County was not related to the Holloway family of Essex, Spotsylvania, Caroline and Cumberland counties, even though the families were neighbors in Spotsylvania County.

James Holloway Sr. made his will in Mecklenburg County on 5 Mar. 1778, and died before the will was probated on 11 May 1778. His will names his son Archer Holloway, his daughters Elizabeth Holloway and Ashby Durham, and his wife Juded/Judith. Executors named in the will were John Winkler, Archer Holloway, and Samuel Durham. Witnesses were Edy Hatchell, Catherine Winkler, and John Winkler (Mecklenburg County Will Book, 1765 – 1782: 262). James' will makes no mention of children with his first unknown wife, such as his apparent sons James Jr. or John, listed alongside James Sr. in the personal property tax lists of Amelia County in 1746.