Enslaved of Joel Watkins, Slaveholder, Prince Edward and Amelia Counties, Virginia

Joel Watkins was born 1716 in Henrico, VA and died 27 Jan 1776 in Prince Edward County, VA.   He was the son of Thomas Edward "of Swift Creek" Watkins 1678-1760 and Elizabeth Pride 1686-1740. Joel married Rhoda Gresham 1752 in Amelia County, VA.

In 1751 he owned 730 acres in Amelia County on both sides of Appomattox River.  He was on the tythe lists for Amelia County in 1745, 1750, 1752. This area became Prince Edward County in 1753/1754.

Will of Joel Watkins - written and proved Jan 1776
The Southside Virginian Vol IV No 1 pg 32 - Prince Edward Will Bk 1754-1784 by J C Kolbe
... to wife Rhoda for her natural life, plantation where they live and slaves Bobb and Jane now in possession of Ann Dikins.
... also (to wife Rhoda) slaves Dick, Will, Oliver, Cate, Tom, Sam, Peter, Mille, all [?], Flurry, Nancy and Charles.
... to son Silas, lands he now resides on below Fish Pond Creek and on the N side of Appomattox River in Buckingham County it being part of the land I bought of Alexander Trent and slaves Will, Sue, Jine, Moss and Adam.
... to son Joel my land and plantation which I purchased of James Walker, other lands adjoining the said tract and my grist mill tract and entries in Buckingham County.
... to son Philip land in Prince Edward and Buckingham Counties it being part of tract purchased of Alexander G Trent on the S side of Fish Pond Creek and Appomattox River.
... to son Samuel lands where I live being 423 acres which is the land I lent my wife during her natural life lying in Prince Edward and Buckingham counties and 2 entries in Prince Edward.
... to daughter Elisabeth Walker slaves: Daniel, Easther, Bidd, Anthony, Peter.
Executors: sons Silas and Philip Watkins, wife Rhoda, David Walker.
Witnesses: David Walker, Obadiah Woodson, William Lee, David Tyn.