Samuel Hairston Family, Enslavers, of Bedford County, Franklin County, Henry County Virginia including 1835 Estate Inventory of Enslaved

Samuel Hairston was born 25 Sep 1755 in Bedford Co VA and died before 5 Jan 1835 in Franklin Co VA.  He was the son of Robert "of Marrowbone" Hairston 1719/1724-1791 and Ruth Stovall 1730-1808.  He married Judith Sparrell Saunders who was born 25 Jan 1769 in Bedford County, VA and died 23 Nov 1809 in Franklin County, VA. 

Children of Samuel and Judith:

• Robert Hairston 1791-between 1851- 1859
• Mary Hairston 1793
• Ruth Hairston 1794-1832
  
• Peter Hairston 1799-1839  Married Ruth Stoval Hairston
• Ann Marshall Hairston 1802-1888
• Samuel Saunders Hairston 1804-1850
• Letitia Hairston 1808-1858
  

1820 Census  Franklin County VA
41 Slaves and 3 Free Colored Persons
Slaves: 
10 M 14-25,
8 M 26-44,
1 M 45+,
3 F under 14,
11 F 14-25,
6 F 26-44,
2 F 45+.
FCP:  3 M under 14
 

Will of Samuel Hairston - written 4 Nov 1834 and filed with the court 5 Jan 1835 - Franklin County, VA.  Franklin County Will Book 4 page 290

In the name of God Amen, I Samuel Hairston Sr., of the County of Franklin and State of Virginia now being on my bed of affliction, but of sound mind and disposing memory thank God for the same and wishing to dispose of ~ worldly Estate which it has pleased God to bless me with, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament.

Item 1st. My Will and desire is that all the perishable part of Estate shall be immediately sole at a reasonable credit and the money arising there from to pay all my just debts and should that be insufficient to pay all my just debts, then it shall beleft with my Executors hereafter to be named to sell such other portion of my Estate to pay the balance of my just debts that they may think most
advisable after all just debts and funeral expences is paid off I dispose of the balance of ~ Estate in the manner and from the following.

Item 2nd I give and bequeath unto the Lawful begoten heirs of my son Robert Hairston by his wife Elizabeth one certain tract or parcel of land contain ins three hundred and eighteen acres lying on the waters of Rnnnet Bay in said County to the same more or less, also one seventh part of my negroes to them and to their &c. But all the above named property to remain in the hands of my said son Robert Hairston to use for raising his family or to divide it amongst his children at any time he may think proper, or should he die then descresionary with him on his death bed, when the division shall take place, but neither hands nor negroes herein given to my son Roberts children to be in no way used for any debts my said son has contracted or may hereafter contract but sold for use of his children.

Item 3rd. I give unto my son Peter Hairston and my son-in-law Marshall Hairston all my lands lying on Nicholas Creek in said County to be Equally divided unto them and to their heirs forever.

Item 4th. I give unto my son Peter Hairston one seventh part of all my negroes to him and to his heirs forever.

Item 5. I give unto my son-in-law Marshall Hairston one seventh part of my negroes unto him the said Marshall Hairston and to his heirs forever.

Item the 6th. I give to my son Samuel Hairston one certain tract or parcel lying in the said County beginning at a red oak on my line and running in direction of my cross fence to Callaways line, thence with said Callaways line to my son Samuels divin line to the corner white oak thence on east to a gum, then with my line to the beginning. Also one other tract of land in Floid County on Pine Creek containing by survey two hundred and ninety eight acres, be the same more or less, also one seventh part of my negroes to him and his heirs forever, both land, and negros.

Item 7. I give unto my son-in-law Joab Early who married my daughter Ruth, two tracts of land in said County lying on waters of Nicholas Creek Known by the name of the bays land containing three hundred and forty five acres both tracts be the same more or less also one seventh part of my negros unto him and to his heirs forever.

Item 8th. I give unto my daughter Laticia Hairston all my tract of land wherein I now live not otherwise disposed, of also a set of tabler one bord twelve new chairs together with all the furniture in the roam. I also give her one seventh part of all my negros over and above them
named in my memorandum unto her and to her heirs forever.

Item 9. I give unto my grand son Samuel R. Callaway son of John Callaway who married my daughter Mary Hairston one tract of land lying on the mountain known by the name of the Aseur land containing one hundred and forty-eight acres be the same more or less also one fourteenth part of' my negros unto him and to his heirs forever.

Item 10. 1 also from the misconduct of Mary Callaway her harsh and ill treatment to me has caused me to cut her off' by giving her five shillings, who is the daughter of John and Mary Callaway and sister to the above S. H. Callaway. The other fourteenth part not bequeathed to be equally divided between all the legatees before named.

Item 11. I do hereby constitute and appoint my three sons, Robert Hairston, Peter Hairston, Samuel Hairston and my son-in-law Joab Early, Executors to this my will and testament, making void all other Wills heretofore by me written, I also further desire that my Executors shall not be called on to give security for their true performance, believing they will do Justice to all I request further that my executors layoff one acre of land and inclose for a burying ground for my family at the present grave yard that no one legatee shall lay claim to but for the use of all.

As witness whereof I have hereunto set my ,hand and affixed my seal this the seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Signed sealed and Saml Hairston (Seal) acknowledged in the presence of S. P. Rovall, James S. Whillington, Jess x Willikin, Richard U. Taliaferro.

A codicil to this my last Will and Testament, witnesseth that in case my son Robert should move from the Countery that the land given his children in the body of my will I hereby authorize my Executors to sell said land and lay out the proceeds thereof for the benefit of his children as expressed in its true meaning in the body of my will also any property real or personal not mentioned in the body of my Will shall be sold by my Executors and the proceeds there of be equally divided amongst the distributers named in my Will except two lots which I have in the town of Mount Pleasant in Franklin County, I give and bequeath them to my son Samuel Hairston and to his heirs forever, as witness my hand and seal this the 8th day of
November 1834, witness.
S. P. Hovall Samuel Hairston (Seal).
James S. Whittington
Richard M. Taliaferro
Amd. This is to certify that for a length of time back that I gave to my daughter Leatitia Hairston the following property, Chaney a negro woman Suck, Shoober. Tonnah, Daoey, Surey, Jack. Norrah. For ever a good horse bridle and saddle &c. 2 Feather beds and furniture and twelve head of good cattle over and above what is allowed her in my Will to take possession of at at my death.
Given under my hand this fourth day of November 1834.
Samuel Hairston Sen
Henry T. Callaway
John Cassell.
S. P. Stovall.
James S. Whittington.
Richard M. Taliaferro.
At a Court held for Franklin County at the Court house the 5th day of January 1835.
This last Will and Testament of Samuel Hairston Sr., deceased together with the codicil hereto annex was produced in Court and proved by the oath of Sander P. Stovall and Richard M. Taliaferro two of the Subscribing witness hereto and ordered to be recorded. And on motion of Samuel Hairston Jr., and Joab Early two of the Executors therein named who made oath and gave bond (the testator desiring that no security should be required) in the penalty of twenty thousand Dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form liberty being reserved to the other Executor in said Will named, to join in the probate when they think fit.
Teste. Caleb Tate C. F. C.

 

Estate Inventory and Appraisement was filed in Franklin County, VA on 7 Jan 1835 by appraisors Moses Green, Thomas Helms, and Richard M Taliaferro.  It included the following enslaved:

Slaves belonging to the Estate:
Daniel  550
Peter  550
Randal  500
Washinton  400
William  400
Harriet and child Marshall  400
Easter Daniels wife  300
Sule Easter  400
Vina and child Fanny  400
Eliza and child Innis  475
Mary  100
Jackson  150
Crockett or Crockell  100
Melio? 350
Rhoda  275
Charlotte  200
Abram  150
Jude  50
Malinda and child Amey  300
Matilda  300
Sind ?   300
Sean  150
Old Sampson  150
Jack Waterman ?  250
Pato   300


SAMUEL and JUDITH'S CHILDREN:

Robert Hairston b 20 Jan 1791 and d 1857 Franklin County, VA.  He married Elizabeth Hairston Woods 1793-1875. They lived at Hunters Hale 1833.

1820 Census Franklin County VA - Robert Hairston
19 Slaves:
1 M under 14,
5 M 14-25,
1 M 26-44,
2 M 45+,
1 F under 14,
5 F 15-25,
1 F 25-44,
3 F 45+

1830 Census  Franklin County VA - Robert Hairston
23 Slaves: 
2 M under 10,
6 M 10-23,
2 M 24-35,
5 F under 10,
5 F 10-23,
1 F 24-35,
2 F 36-54.

1840 Census Franklin County, VA - Robert Hairston
8 slaves: 
2 M 10-23,
4 F 10-23,
2 F 36-54

1850 Slave Schedule  Franklin County VA - Robert Hairston
35 Slaves:
M 59,
M 41,
M 55,
F 44,
F 40,
F 22 Mulatto,
F 3 Mulatto,
M 2 Mulatto,
F 22,
F 21,
F 15,
F 2,
M 19,
M (blank),
M 20,
M 10,
F 10,
F 24 Mulatto,
F 7,
M 6,
F 4,
F 1,
M 64,
F 56,
M 16,
F 45,
M 17 Mulatto,
F 24,
M 5 Mulatto,
M 3 Mulatto,
M 7,
M 20,
F 25,
F 4,
F 2.



William Hairston, MD  1819-1903 s/o Robert Hairston 1791-1857 and Elizabeth Hairston Woods 1793-1875. and grandson of Samuel Hairston.  William married Prudence Callaway

1860 Slave Schedule  South Western District Franklin County VA - William Hairston
1 Slave:  50 M B

Listed just before Ruth Hairston with 1 55 M B
Then Elizabeth Hairston with 2 55 F B
*Then Elizabeth Hairston with 16 Slaves: 29 F Mu, 27 M B, 26 F B, 25 F Mu, 24 F B, 13 F Mu, 11 M Mu, 4 F Mu, 2 M Mu, 11/12 M Mu, 4 F B, 2 F B, 11/12 M B, 11/12 M B, 4 M B, 11/12 M B

*presumed to be William's mother
** In 1860 William and his sisters living with their mother.


Samuel Hairston was born 1829 Franklin County VA and died 1895 Henry County VA. He was the son of Peter Hairston 1799-1839 and Ruth Stoval Hairston 1804-1838, and the grandson of Samuel Hairston 1755-1809 and Judith Sparrell Saunders 1769-1809.  This Samuel married Lucy M Estes who was born 1844 Pittsylvania Co VA and died 1872 in Henry Co VA.  Lucy was the daughter of Benjamin Harrison Estes 1788-1868 and Elizabeth Miller Dix 1808-1878.   [Note: read about Lucy Estes Hairston's grandfather Benjamin Estes.]

1840 Census  Henry Co VA - Samuel Hairston
12 Slaves: 
2 M under 10,
3 M 10-23,
3 M 24-35,
1 M 55-99,
1 F 10-23,
1 F 36-54,
1 F 55-99.

1860 Slave Schedule  Henry Co VA - Samuel Hairston
36 Slaves: 
65 F B,
44 M B,
41 M B,
37 F B,
32 F B,
32 F B,
30 M B,
28 F B,
26 F Mulatto,
24 F B,
18 F B,
18 F B,
16 F B,
12 F B,
12 M B,
12 M B,
10 F B,
9 F B,
8 F B,
8 F Mulatto,
8 F B,
6 M B,
6 M B,
5 F B,
3 F B,
3 F B,
2 F B,
2 F B,
2 F B,
1 F B,
1 F B,
1 F B,
4/12 F B,
8/12 F B.
Same Employer: 37 M B, 16 M B.

1870 Census Horse Pasture, Henry Co VA - Samuel Hairston
Also living with this family:  Amy Taylor, age 28 born VA, Black, House Servant.



NOTE:  Check back for updates on this family.

1782 Will of Samuel Hairston, Enslaver, Campbell County Virginia

Samuel Hairston was born before 1722 in Ireland or Scotland and died about April 1782 in Campbell County, Virginia.  He was the son of Peter Hairston "The Immigrant" (born about 1695) and Agnes.  No record of any marriage or children has been found.

Will of Samuel Hairston - written 9 Feb 1782, Campbell County, VA

In the name of God. Amen.  I Samuel Hairston Gent, of the County of Campbell, being of sound mind, Do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament, I lend to my well beloved Brother Andrew Hairston my whole Estate, real and Personal during his natural life and at his death I direct that my ?       House where I now live together with one Thousand and sixty acres of land appertaining thereto may be sold by my Executors hereafter mentioned [blurred] who is hereby Empowered to convey the same to the Purchaser or Purchasers in fee simple. And six Hundred pounds of the money arising from such sale to be equally divided between my brother Robert Hairston's three sons, viz: George, Peter and Samuel Hairston and the remainder of the money arising from such sale to be divided between my brother Andrew Hairston's three daughters, viz: Priscilla, Margaret and Susanna Hairston.

Item: after the death of my brother Andrew Hairston I give and bequeath to Samuel Philips, my negroe fellow named Jack to him his heirs and assign forever.

Item: my tract of land at Kentucky containing two thousand acres I give and bequeath as follows, viz: Two Hundred acres to Samuel Amos (Amyx], Two Hundred to his wife Eleanor Amos [Amyx] and the remainder fourteen Hundred acres to be divided among my said Brother Andrew Hairston's three daughters Priscilla, Margaret and Susanna.   I also give to the said Priscilla, Margaret and Susanna another tract of land at Kentucky containing three Hundred and eighteen acres to them their heirs and assign forever.    Item: I give and bequeath to my Brother Andrew Hairston's Daughter Priscilla my negroe boy Davie to her and her heirs and assign forever.

Item: after all my just debts and funeral charges are paid I leave all the rest of Personal Estate of every kind together with my Negroe Back to my said Brothers three daughters Priscilla, Margaret and Susanna Hairston to them and their heirs and assigns forever. The negroe Back to remain in the possession of their Mother during her natural life and it is to be understood that the Legacies bequeathed the said Priscilla, Margaret and Susanna shall be divided in such manner that allow Margaret and Susanna shall have each as much money or land more than Priscilla as will be equal in value to the Negroe Boy Davie.

Lastly I constitute and appoint my Trusty friend Robert Alexander Executor of this my last will and testament, Ratifying and confirming this and no other. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of February 1782.
    Samuel Hairston   
    Signed .sealed and acknowledged before us: John Wiley, Thomas Nunnally   
Codicil to the above Will:
    When the money due me from the Estate of Cury Smith and David Rick is recovered I direct my
    Executor to pay the same to Jenny Forbes wife of Alexander Forbes. Witness my hand, date as
   above.                                                                          
  Samuel Hairston
    Test:   John Wiley. Thomas Nunnally

Division of Slaves of Robert Easley Estate 1862 Halifax County Virginia

Robert Easley was born 23 Mar 1781 in Cumberland County, Virginia and died 10 Oct 1859 in Halifax County, Virginia.  He was the son of John Easley (born 1760 Henrico County VA) and Sarah Mann (born 1759 Amelia County, VA.)   

Robert married Nancy Stone who was born 1783 Pittsylvania County, VA and died 1853 at Brooklyn, Halifax County, VA. 

Robert Easley Estate  -  Division of Slaves  -  2 Oct 1862
Halifax County Virginia Will Book 2A page 138 

In obedience to an order of Court as directed we the assigned commissioners have proceeded to divide the negroes belonging to the estate of Robert Easey dec, into seven equal parts as nearly as it could be done and have assigned to the same seven of the legatee who are residents of this State and in compliance with the will of the deceased and also being assured by the Executor that he deliver there would be sufficient funds in the hands of the Executor to make another equal part, we have assigned the same to D Robert Easley to his representative. The negroes in the following manner to wit

• Lot no. 1 - Negro man Jacob valued at (to Daniel B. Easley) $ 1,000
• Lot No. 2 - Negro boy Charles William valued at (to Mrs Vaden) 950
• Lot No. 3 - Negro boy Tom $750 Adam $250, Dolly at half valuation $100.00 and assess the cost of keeping old woman Rachael of $100 making this lot worth $1000 which we assign to William Easley
• Lot No. 4 - Negro woman Fanny $750 Boy Rickman at this time valued at $500, $1150 assigned to the children of Sarah Barksdale
• Lot No. 5 - negro woman Mary Frances $750 girl Nancy $500 making $1250 which we assign to JohnS. Easley.
• Lot No. 6 - Negro woman Harriet & child Ada $500 another boy child Abram $347 and another child Fanny at $250 making $1197 which we assign to Col Beverly Barksdale.
• Lot No. 7 - Margaret & child Hannah at $750 & a girl Sally at $550 making $1300 which was assigned to James S. Easley.

We value the whole lot of negroes at $7847 making $1121 to each individual share - we make Lot No. 7 pay to Lot No. 1 $121 - we make lot No. 7 pay to lot No 3 $58. We make lot NO. 5 pay to lot No e $68. We make lot No 5 pay to lot No. 2 $66. We make lot No. 6 pay to lot No. 2 $76. We make lot No. 4 pay to lot No. 2 $29.

We assign to the heirs of Dr. Robert Easley our of the other _?__ in the hands of the Executor
the sum of $1121.
Respectfully submitted
D. Chalmers
Littleton Edwards
Phil Howerton

At a circuit court continued and held for the county of Halifax at the Court House thereby on
the 2nd day of October 1862.

1774 Estate Inventory of William Irby including his Enslaved and Purchasers in Halifax County Virginia

William Irby was born 1709 Henrico County, VA and died 1774 Halifax County, VA.  He was the son of Dr. Joshua Irby (1675-1746) and Elizabeth Jane Ludson d 1746.

William Irby  -  Inventory & Appraisement  -  3 March 1774
Will Book 1 1773-1783 Halifax County, Virginia   Page 23 #110

Among items listed: 
20 Slaves: man Dick, Ralph, Lewis, Peter, Pompey, Ned, James, Paul, Tom, Jack, Woman Martin, Cloe, Squash, Jenny, Frank & child, Jane, girl Beck, Peg, Sall. 

64 head neat cattle, household goods, 6 rush bottom chairs, 6 leather chairs, 1 case & a dozen bottles, 2 candlesticks & snuffers, 1 paper case, 1 looking glass & hat brush, plantation tools, 2 stone chamber pots, 7 beds & furniture, 1 black horse Britton, I white horse Buck, 1 grey hors Scott, 1 bad do. Evans, 1 grey Taff, 68 hd of hoggs,, 1 womans old saddle, 6 Latin books, 24 gall jugs full of Linseed oyl, 1 mans old saddle, 9 Delph bowls & 7 China ditto, 9 Queens China cups & saucers & tea pot, 11 flowered do. do. & 2 teapots, 11 greenstone plates, 2 candle moulds, 7 pr. Osnabrigs & 1 pr. cotton sheets.

Dated  3 March 1774
Total:  1045.5.5 sterling
Signed:  Wm. Thompson, Nathl. Cocke

Account of Sales
Will Book 1 1773-1783 Halifax County, Virginia  Page 23  #113

Names of purchasers:
Names of purchasers:  John Ashlock, Michael Brewis, William Boyd, Benja. Boxley, George Boyd, John Brewis, Wm. Boyd (son of Patrick), George Camp, Mayo Carrington, John Chandler, Thomas Carrington, William Chandler, Robert Durham, Ransome Durham, Fulker Fulkerson, Benja. Fambrow, James Hill, Benja. Hall, Simon Holt, Harrison Irby, John Irby, Susanna Irby, Lucy Irby, Moses Johnson, Jno. Boyd, Thomas Lovelace, James Martin, John Milner, John Milam, Thomas Pass, Richard Pass, Reuben Ragland, Jeremiah Stevens, John Orrell Tunstall, Thomas Tunstall, John Thomson, Nathaniel Terry, George Vaughan, William Wright, Adam Winders, William Terry, Robert Wooding, Anthony Irby, Charles Irby.

Executed Per Harrison Irby, Executor
Total:  476.12.7 1/2 sterling
 

1779 Will of George Boyd of Halifax County Virginia including Enslaved

George Boyd was born about 1739 Lunenburg County, VA and died 1779 Halifax County, VA.  He was the son of John Boyd and Margaret Lawson.  He married Wilmouth Irby (1732-1805) on 6 Jan 1769 in Halifax County, VA.

Will of George Boyd  -  29 May 1779
Will Book 1 1773-1783 Halifax County, Virginia  Page 85  #357

"...being of perfect mind and memory..."
To my eldest daughter Sarah Hopson one survey of land joining the Davenports & two negroes Patt & Moll with their future increase to her and to the heirs of her body lawfully begotton.  

To my son Walter Boyd all that part of the land I now live on lying above Poplar Creek the said creek to be the dividing line from Kent's line as it meanders to the mouth at the river.  Also the tract of land on the waters of Mirey Creek, Currans & others.  Also an acre of land on the s.s. of Dan River for a landing & room for a way into the great road part of the land I purchased of Wm. Stokes & three negroes vizt. Joe, Fann & Talf to him & to the heirs of his body lawfully begotton & so from heir to heir forever.  

To my son Joshua Boyd, 328 acres of the upper survey part of the Country line land that was deeded to my father laid off in a square as it was surveyed & two negroes, Ben & Nan to him & do.  

To my son Irby Boyd, 365 acres of land on the south side of Dan River part of the tract I purchased of Mr. William Stokes & my desire is 150 acres on the back part joining Hampton Wade estate dec'd and Thomas Colley and David Boyd may be sold & the money arising therefrom to purchase the 72 acres from William Lawson joining the s.s. of the said tract if the Executor. think it not too extravagant - & two negroes Paul & Bett to him & his heirs, etc. & do.  

I lend to my well beloved wife, Wilmuth Boyd for her use & for bringing up & educating my children the plantation whereon I now dwell with the mill & all the land below Popular Creek from Kent's line to the River, all improvements, my household & kitchen furniture all the stock except such as shall be hereafter excepted, also all the working tools & necessaries belonging to sd plantation, also the use & benefit of the following slaves vizt. Wollo, Jim, Jim, Ned, Dick, Rachel, Milley, Phebe, Jane & Venus for the purpose above mentioned during her natural life & at her death the before mentioned 10 negroes may be equally divided between my children lawfully begotton...etc.  

To my son George Boyd after death of my wife the aforesd tract of land whereon I dwell with the mill (same bounds) & two negroes little Rachel & Will to him, etc.  

To my son Edward Boyd all that tract of land lying in Mecklenburg County on Buffaloe Creek & two negroes Andy & Dilce to him, etc.  

To my son Harrison Boyd, 180 acres of land on the Country line Creek which was deeded to myself also a hundred acres of the old tract deeded to my father & my part of the Entry between Wm. Rice & myself & two negroes Sam & Joan to him, etc.  

To my daughter Tabitha Boyd two negroes Silva & Nim & One hundred & fifty pounds current money to her, etc.  

I further order that every child which settles upon their own land that has no improvements nor houses shall be assisted in building & be provided with such tools to make a crop the first year.

The 3 mares which I now have on the plantation where I now live as fast as they become fit shall be put to good horses & the colts to be raised for my children & delivered as my Executor shall see convenient.  

If son George die without issue after the death of my wife the land bequeathed to him shall descend to my son Walter.  In case any of my other children die without lawful issue their legacies should be equally divided among the survivors, etc.
 
I order that each of my children as soon as negroes bequeathed them becomes fit for labour that they shall be settled on their land & have two cows & calves & two sows & piggs given them out of stock lent my wife.  

If the Executor. think proper any of my sons may be bound to some trade as they think best.  Legacies to be managed by Executor. until legatee arrives to lawful age & then be delivered with the profits arising & not before.  Children to be well brought up & educated as the estate will admit.  Everything not mentioned in this will that can be spared after supporting the family, etc. to be sold & go toward paying debts.

Executors:  well beloved wife Wilmouth Boyd and my friends Micajah Watkins and Joseph Hopson.

Will dated 29 May 1779
Witnesses:  William Powell, Evan Ragland, Thos. Douglass, Andrew Boyd

1782  Tithables  Halifax County, VA
Wilmouth Irby listed at Head of Household with 6 whites and 30 slaves.

[Note: this George Boyd should not be confused with Col. George Boyd 1735-1803 who married Amy.]

The Enslaved of Slaveholder Charles Henry Gosney of Pittsylvania County Virginia

Charles Henry Gosney was born 1763 in Culpepper County, Virginia and died 19 July 1824 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.  He was the son of William Gosney (1741-1799) and Elizabeth Anne Hawkins (1750-abt 1799)  Charles Henry Gosney was known as Henry and married Anna Heynor / Hanor (abt 1765-1808) in 1784.

His Will - probated 1824 in Pittsylvania County, VA:

I Henry Gosney living in the county of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia....

• First, I give to my three daughters Polly, Sucky and Sally ... the tract of land whereon I now live... 128 acres
• I also give my negro man Major to my aforesaid three daughters
• I give my negro woman Aggy to my two daughters Polly and Sucky
• I give to my daughter Polly my negro girl Jinny
• I give to my daughter Sucky my negro girl Nilly
• I give to my daughter Polly my negro girl Emily and boy Abram
• I give to my son Henry my negroes Bob and Pichard
• I give to my son Lewis my negro boy John
• I give to my son Henry 100 acres of land including my sawmill and its apparatuses to be laid off in the following manner beginning at a pine on which Glenn land, other land of Flemming Mays deceased, corners in my line north of Stinking River thence to said River just above the sawmill and then to my South line...  [on condition Henry permits his brother William to use the mill for one half the year... and Henry permits William to cultivate as much of the said land as he can by his own labor...]
  
  

Children of Charles Henry Gosney:

Henry Gosney was born 1784 in Amherst County, VA and died 26 Sep 1862.  I could find no further record of him or any enslaved.

Gabriel S Gosney was born 1785 in Amherst County, VA and died after May 1868 in St Charles County, Missouri.  He married Winifred Burford.  On 23 Sep 1833 Gabriel Gosney and wife Winifred of St Charles County MO conveyed to William Burford their Power of Attorney to convey 125 acres where Mary Burford lived and died.  Recorded 11 April 1835 in Deed Book V. Thomas C Batte, Justice of the Peace and William Christy, Clerk for Missouri.

1840 Census  Cuivre, St Charles County, MO - Gabriel has NO slaves.

 
Mary S "Polly" Gosney was born 1787 and died 1860 in Pittsylvania County, VA.  She married Lemuel Stephen Shelton.

1820 Census  Pittsylvania County, VA  -  Lemuel Shelton
5 Slaves:
1 M 14-25 
3 F under 14  
1 F 26-44

1830 Census  Pittsylvania County, VA - Lemuel Shelton
11 Slaves:
2 M -10,
1 M 24-35,
1 M 55-99,
3 F under 10,
3 F 10-23,
1 F 36-54 

1840 Census   Regiment 107 Pittsylvania County, VA - Lemuel Shelton
12 Slaves:
2 M under10,
2 M 10-23, 
1 M 55-99,
3 F under 10,
1 F 10-23
2 F 24-35,
1 F 36-54.

Lewis W Gosney was born 1799 in Pittsylvania County, VA and died after 1880, probably in Pike County, Missouri. 
1850 Slave Schedule   North District Pittsylvania County, VA  - Lewis Gosney
3 Slaves: 
F 65 B  
M 31 B  
F 29 B   

1860 Slave Schedule  North District Pittsylvania County, VA  -  Lewis Gosney
4 Slaves:
F 75 B  
M 45 B or Mulatto  
F 39 B   
F 4 B or Mulatto

Sarah "Sally" Gosney was born about 1810 in Pittsylvania County, VA She died in Louisiana, Pike County, Missouri.  She married Chesley M Noell (1806-1858)

1830 Census  Pittsylvania County, VA  Chesley Noell
3 Slaves:  
1 M under 10  
1 M 36-54  
1 F under 10

1860 Slave Schedule   Louisiana, Pike County, MO  -  Sally Gosney Noell
5 Slaves and 1 Slave House: 
F 44 B,
F 32 B,
F 30 B,
M 5 B,
M 7/12 B 

William Gosney was born 1790 in Pittsylvania County and died 1862 in Amherst County, Virginia. He married Mary Roach 1829 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

Susan "Sucky" Gosney was born 1787 and died 1860 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

Jesse Mustain House: History of Ownership - the Enslaved and Slave Cemetery

Jesse Mustain House

I knew it as soon as we pulled in the drive and parked. Though we'd sworn to each other  " no more projects," this would be our new home in Virginia.  My husband Gary fell in love at first sight. As we wandered through the house it called to me, too. A couple of months later it was ours and we made the move from Missouri to Virginia.  

We would later discover that I am a 3rd cousin 6 times removed of the original owners, Thomas and Jesse Mustain, and that Gary was a 2nd cousin 5 times removed of a later owner, William Harvey, who lived in this house during the Civil War years.

Known as the Jesse Mustain House, it is a southside Virginia plantation manor home on land which was part of an original land grant from King George II. 

Some Mustain family researchers and local history buffs believe that this house was built by Jesse's father, Thomas Mustain.  In her book Tracks Along the Staunton, Diane Popek states:  "Around 1750 Thomas Mustain, on the original grant by King George II of England, built a rock-wall house, a landmark of Pittsylvania County."   We believe that this rock-wall house built in 1750 was the first floor of our home.  

John Kern, then Regional Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, agreed. 

He praised the flow of the original house as an example of authentic Colonial Virginia hospitality.  John was sure that the house originally faced south and the very old Colonial road running east to Hickey's Road and west to Gretna.  He provided essential information and advice as we began working to restore this gem of a house. 

Jesse's father, Thomas Mustain, went on to built a larger home (timber frame with an English basement that is on his original land grant and on what is now Telegraph Road) and his son, Jesse, added the other two floors in the 1770's when he came of age, married, and began his family.

The first floor of the colonial portion of this house was constructed circa 1750/1756 and is built of fieldstone, most of it probably gathered from nearby Stinking River.  These walls are 18" thick and are a double row of stone.  Remnants of the handhewn, pegged construction remain, including the original 1750 summer beam.  The second and third floors are timber frame, built circa 1770's.  The south two story wing was constructed circa 1900.

A few of the Colonial-era features include original hogshair and mud plaster in excellent condition, heart pine flooring, heart pine wainscot with center board a full 24", some original doors and hardware, 9 over 9 and 6 over 6 windows with original blown glass panes, 4 fireplaces, heart pine hand carved mantles, and third floor rooms have private staircases.  The original flooring in the rock wall portion of the house, as well, as outdoors on the south side, were huge slabs of field stone, probably carried in from the "meadows" area of Pittsylvania County. 

In what was the original primary social room (current second floor) is what remains of the original stairway down to the kitchen. The door is original to the house with a hand carved latch with drawstring, HL hinges and is complete with an old "cat hole."  Inside what is now a closet, in the very back, is a small secret compartment where valuables were hidden from the tax enumerators. 

Outdoors the property always bordered Stinking River and there's also a small creek. 

The pastor of the local church was a descendant of one of the owners and shared what he could remember, including the location of the stables and slave dwellings.  The oldest dependency probably dates to the early 1800's and is approximately 12' x 12'. It's believed it was a slave dwelling.

Oldest dependency - Jesse Mustain House

Thomas Mustain was listed among the local tithables of 1750.  At a Court held for Halifax County, May 1752, it was ordered that Thomas Mustain, Joseph Ironmonger, George Whiffon and Daniel Smith do appraise the estate of Isaac Cloud, deceased.  His land grant was signed by Royal Governor Dinwiddie and drawn up on the 29th day of November 1756.  This was an original crown Grant made by King George II in the thirtieth year of his reign for 400 acres for the tidy sum of forty shillings.   In 1767 Thomas appears on the list of tithables taken by John Donelson in Pittsylvania County's first tax list.  In 1769 the vestry of Camden Parish planned to build a church "near Thomas Mustain's."  

Thomas Mustain was born about 1725 in VA and died 1791 in Pittsylvania County, VA.  He married Mary Haley about 1748.  He and Mary had the following children:

• Ann / Anna Mustain 1740-1816 KY. Married #1 William Buckner #2 Jeremiah Buckner on 9 Sep 1782
  
• Jesse Mustain Sr - born about 1749 Pittsylvania County, VA and died 1794. Married 1. Jenny Morton/Goode 1756-1792. Married 2. Mary "Polly" Brewis/Bruce 1750-1795, d/o Robert Brewis/Bruce, on 11 June 1793 in Pittsylvania County, VA.
  
• Mildred "Milly" Mustain 1750-1838  Married Jesse Keesee
  
• Avery Solomon Mustain 1756-1833  Married Mary "Polly" Shelton 17 Mar 1780
  
• Winifred "Winney" Mustain 1757-1820  Married Zachariah Lewis
  
• Tabitha Mustain 1758-1820  Married James Bruce 13 Feb 1782
  
• Rebecca Mustain 1760 - 1790
  
• Molley Mustain 1765  Married John Paterson 30 June 1794
  
• Sally Mustain 1769   Married Price Skinner 30 June 1794
  
• Seludey Mustain 1772-1812  Married Claiborn Shelton 16 May 1785.
  
• Mary Ann Mustain 1774 Married Jeremiah Barker
  

Jesse Mustain had the following children:

• Thomas - born abt 1778; died 29 Oct 1814 Charles County, VA; married Martha Irby on November 19, 1801
  

• Priscilla - born January 6, 1778; died 24 Jun 1850 TN; married William Shelton in December 1798

• Jesse - born 6 Sep 1782; died 1 Mar 1869 McDonough County, IL; married Tabitha Hicks

• John - born 6 Sep 1782;  married Elizabeth Legrand Glenn on January 11, 1829;  died March 1, 1869 in Blandinsville, IL

• Susanna - born abt1785; died 1845 Boone County, MO; married Walker Goodwin

• James W - born abt1787; died 18 Jun 1850 Barren County, KY;  married Sarah Shelton

• Winifred - born abt 1789; died 1829; never married and served as Overseer of the Poor of Camden Parish

• Tabitha - born abt 1790; died abt 1850 Caldwell County, KY; married Meredith Jennings on Dec 14, 1807

In 1777, Thomas Mustain and both of his sons, Jesse and Avery Mustain, are listed as having taken the Oath of Allegiance while serving in Captain Crispin Shelton's Company in the defense of Virginia during the revolution. 

Pittsylvania Country courts records mention Jesse more than once.  On September 21, 1779 he was recorded as being severely in debt to the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In October of 1782 a case was dismissed in which he was accused of misconduct.

Prior to 1782 Jesse had already set up housekeeping with his (already large family) separate from his father.  Jesse is listed on the 1782 Heads of Households with 8 white souls.  His father, Thomas, is listed with 7 white souls.  The first census of the United States taken in 1785 lists Jesse Mustain with 9 white souls, 1 dwelling, and 3 other buildings.  Thomas is listed with 4 white souls, 1 dwelling, and 4 other buildings.  Jesse's younger brother, Avery, is listed with 4 white souls, no dwelling and no other buildings. Avery built his home in 1788 (date is on north cornice of house) on Whitethorn Creek.)

On November 6, 1791, Thomas Mustain, "being weak in body," wrote his will:

• To my beloved wife Mary Mustain, a sufficient maintenance suitable to her circumstance, as long as she remains a widow;
  * To my son Jesse, 200 acres to be taken off the upper end of the tract that I now live on: Beginning at the upper N corner and running down the N line  onto the S line, making his complement;
  The balance of the tract of land I live on to be sold to the highest bidder giving 18 months credit;
  * To daughters, Rebecca and Molly, twenty shillings each;
  * To daughters Mary Ann and Sally, ten pounds each;
  * To son Avery Mustain and daughters Anna Buckner, Milly Keesee, Tabetha Bruce, Winney Lewis, and Saludy Shelton one equal part of the money from the sale of the land;
  * To Thomas Mustain, son of Jesse Mustain and his wife Jenny, who has promised to live with me and my wife during our lives for which I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Mustain a tract of land on both sides of Mayes Creek, 170 acres, and 1/3 of my moveable property;
  * The balance of my moveable property to be divided among my last six named children.
  *I appoint son, Jesse Mustain, and Joel Shelton executors.

Signed by Thomas Mustain (with his X).  Witnessed by Frances Irby, Nathaniel Farris, and Griffith Dickinson.  Vincent Shelton and Charles Lewis, Jr. gave security for the executors.  This will was entered into court on November 21, 1791.

It was not long after this that Jesse died.  Family lore says he fell from his horse and broke his neck on the way home from a tavern.  On June 1, 1795, Polly Mustain, widow of Jesse, mortgaged her dower of 66 2/3 acres to Samuel and David Pannill for thirty pounds. On August 21, 1797, Jesse's son Thomas was made legal guardian to Jesse's minor children.
 

In 1797, the whole plantation, including Polly's dower, was sold to Benjamin Gosney and passed out of the Mustain family for the purchase price of 114 pounds and 11 shillings.

Benjamin Gosney was born 21 Feb 1766 in Culpeper County, VA and died 1840 in Pittsylvania County, VA.  He was the son of William Gosney 1755-1799 and Elizabeth Hawkins 1756-1799. Benjamin married Elizabeth Haden 1769-1831. 

Based on later years census data it is likely Benjamin Gosney also owned slaves on this property. 

1820 Census Pittsylvania County, VA - Benjamin Gosney
12 Slaves:
1 M under 14
3 M 14-25
1 M 26-44
1 M 45+
2 F under 14
2 F 24-35

1840 Census Pittsylvania County, VA - Benjamin Gosney
12 Slaves:
2 M under 10
2 M 10-23
4 M 24-35
1 F under 10
1 F 10-23
2 F 24-35

In 1817, Gosney sold the plantation to Richard Whitehead for $2,840.

When Whitehead bought roughly the other half of the Mustain tract in 1811, he had, in effect, the land to which Thomas Mustain was given patent by George II.  Around 1836, Richard Whitehead made structural changes to the house:  moving the south and north doors (front and back) on the 2nd floor, as well as adding a wall to make a center hallway corresponding to the new placement of doors.  Richard and his wife, Pency, were buried together near the house, but in 1934 they were removed to Chatham, VA. 

Richard Whitehead, the son of John Whitehead and Sarah Burcher, was born in 1 May 1773 in Amherst County, VA and died 4 December 1843 in Chatham, Pittsylvania County, VA.  He came to Pittsylvania County about 1817 from Amherst, VA.  Richard married Pency Camden, daughter of William Camden.  Their children:

• Melinda T Whitehead 1796-1865  Married William H Markham
  
• Nancy Camden Whitehead 1798-1901   Married William Tankersley
  
• Marbell C Whitehead 1800-1845  Married #1 Dolly C Stone #2 Judith Perkins
  
• Rhoda Ann Whitehead 1801-1883   Married Drury Scruggs
  
• James O Whitehead 1804-1850  Married Rhoda Murphey
  
• Richard Whitehead Jr 1807-1851  Married Elizabeth Brown
  
• Mary "Polly" Whitehead 1808-1888  Married Terry Glenn
  
• Lucy Whitehead 1810-1861 Married John Henry Whitehead
  
• Pency Whitehead 1811-1870  Married Jeffrey M Palmer
  
• Eliza Jane Whitehead 1813-1860  Married William A Tucker
  
• Andrew Jackson Whitehead 1815-1861  Married Drucilla H Wade
  

1810 Census Amherst County, VA
6 Slaves

1820 Census Pittsylvania County, VA
13 Slaves - 1 Blind:
6 M under 14
1 M 14-25
2 M 26-44
2 F 14-25
1 F 26-44
1 F 45+

1830 Census Pittsylvania County, VA
20 Slaves - 1 Blind:
7 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
1 M 36-54
4 F under 10
3 F 24-35
1 F 55-99

1840 Census Pittsylvania County, VA
22 Slaves - 1 Blind
5 M under 10
2 M 10-23
2 M 36-54
8 F under 10
1 F 10-23
2 F 24-35
1 F 36-54
1 F 55-99

1850 Slave Schedule Pittsylvania County VA - Richard Whitehead
9 Slaves (sex, age, birth year, race/color):
M  38  b1812  B
M  26  b1824  B
M  22  b1828  B
F   21  b1829  B
F   17  b1833  B
F   17  b1833  B
M    5  b1845  B
M    2  b1848  B
F     8  b1842  B

Andrew J Whitehead - continued to live here after his father Richard's death:
4 Slaves:
1 55  M  B
1 42  F   B
1 23  M  B
1 20  M  B

1860 Slave Schedule Pittsylvania County VA - Andrew J Whitehead
18 Slaves (sex, age, birth year):
F   45  b1815
M  25  b1835
F   24  b1836
M  24  b1836
M  23  b1837
F   20  b1840
F   18  b1842
M  17  b1843
F   16  b1844
F   13  b1847
M  12  b1848
M  12  b1848
F    9  b1851
F    6  b1854
M   6  b1854
M   3  b1857
M   3  b1857
M   0  b1860

Between 1860 and 1863 all of this property was sold to William Harvey who was born 13 Feb 1801 Campbell County, VA and died 9 Apr 1889. He married #1 Catherine B Johnson 1802-1844 on 6 Oct 1820 and #2 Nancy Sims b1801 after 1844 and #3 W Fostiman East .

1830 Census Campbell County, VA
19 Slaves:
2 M under 10
1 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
1 M 36-54
2 M 55-99
5 F under 10
4 F 10-23
1 f 24-35
2 F 35-54

1840 Census  Southern District Campbell County, VA
9 Slaves:
1 M under 10
2 M 10-23
2 M 24-35
1 F under 10
1 F 10-23
2 F 36-54

1860 Slave Schedule  Pittsylvania County Northern Dist -  William P Harvey  pg 45
17 Slaves (sex, age, birth year):
F   75  b1785
M  45  b1815
F   34  b1826
F   30  b1830
M  29  b1831
M  28  b1832
F   20  b1840
M  13  b1847
F   12  b1848
F     9  b1851
M    7  b1853
M    6  b1854
F     5  b1855
F     4  b1856
M    2  b1858
M   0  
M   0

Sometime after the Civil War and before 1876 the house sold to Allison Berger who was born  7 Nov 1847 at Toshes, Pitts Co VA. Allison married Susan Pullen born 1859 in Pullens, Pitts Co VA.  They had 9 children.  He was the son of George Tyree Berger who married Nilla Luck Dickerson abt 1845 near the Berger Store at Clifton.

1860 slave schedule N Dist Pitt Co VA - George T Berger
14 Enslaved People (sex, age):
M  55
M  35
M  35
F   23
F   22
F   21
M  11
F   10
F   8
M  7
M  3
M  3
M  1/12
M  21

 

Next this property then sold to J C Rowland about 1904.  John Carrington "Tack" Rowland was born 29 Jan 1887 at Chalk Level and died 1 April 1956, both in Gretna, Virginia.  He was the son of James Monroe Rowland 1858-1941 and Nora Jones 1858-1900.  He married Lottie Shelton 1892-1981.  

In the 1860 Slave Schedule James Rowland is listed with 10 slaves:
M 10 b1840
M 12 b1848
M   9 b1851
M   5 b1855
F  42 b1818
F  40 b1820
F  21 b1839
F  13 b1847
F    4 b1856
F    2 b1858

Tack and Lottie made some changes to the property. It was during their ownership that the two story wing was built on the south side of the house (formerly the front.)  He added the two story wing to the south. At some time they poured cement over the flagstone floor in the rock walled first story so that Lottie could have linoleum flooring.

Looking across Tucker Rd to the Slave Cemetery

Tack also plowed over the slave cemetery. 
One of his sons shared that information and showed us where the slave cemetery was located.  West of the house and (now) on the other side of Tucker Road.  Once a part of this property, it was cut off and sold long ago.  When we lived there that parcel of land was wooded and when we explored we never saw a trace of the cemetery. Based on the enslaved mentioned in census data, there are a number of souls buried there.

This property then sold to James Gibson, then to Donna Schoen Carter in 1989, then to Gary and me in 1997 and then in 2005 to the current owners.