James Orrey had four “natural children” when he died in Bedford County, Virginia, in the 1790s. The reference indicated that James and the mother of the children, Mary Parker, were not married at the time the children were born. These children would not automatically be James’ heirs during the period in question–unless he publicly acknowledged them. Fortunately, he did acknowledge his four children and provided for them specifically in his will.
The Legal Genealogist has more about natural children in this blog post.
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