Sylvester Proffit b: Abt. 1698 in Perth, Scotland d: April 10, 1767 ST. James Northam Parish in Goochland County, Virginia

Sylvester Proffitt joined the army of James III in his abortive invasion of England in 1715. He was a soldier under General Thomas Forester in the battle of Preston, Lancashire England on 9 November 1715. He and 638 other soldiers were captured on 14 November 1715 by the English army. In the spring and summer of 1716, these prisoners were transported to the American Colonies. Sylvester was transported on the ship "Elizabeth and Ann" which sailed from Liverpool, England on 29 June 1716 bound for Jamaica and Virginia with 128 prisoners on board. He arrived in Virginia on 12 October 1716. There is debate on whether or not he was indentured.

Sylvester settled in Goochland County (formerly St. James Parish) and purchased the south branch of Lickinghole Creek. On 19 March 1738, Sylvester sold 15 acres of land (part of a 300-acre tract) to Mary Bashett and her son, John Tuggle for 11 pounds lawful money of Virginia. Then on 19 March 1743, he bought Mesuage Plantation (100 acres) from Martain (sic) Duncan for 10 pounds.

Sylvester also worked for other people. In 1744, he was paid 150 pounds of tobacco by Charles Toney for six days work, 400 lbs of tobacco by Michael Holland in March 1746 for 15 days work and then in August 1761, he received 225 lbs of tobacco from James Gresham for 9 days work. On 7 April 1763, he sold Joseph Gresham of Albemarle County 100 acres of land for 20 pounds.

Sylvester's will (was) dated April 21, 1767 and probated October 21, 1767. He was married to Alice Pleasants about 1725 in Virginia.

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Information researched by Mr. Jay S. Webb