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.

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.

Enslaved of the Benjamin Estes Family of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Mississippi

Benjamin Estes Sr was born about 1748 in Spotsylvania County VA and died 22 Jul 1816 in Bedford County VA.  He was the son of Abraham Estes 1697-1759 and Elizabeth Jeeter d 1775.  Benjamin married Cecelia Rebecca "Selah" Thorp 1750-1816. Their Children: Triplet, Nancy (Mrs Fears), Elizabeth (md Hughes), Lucy (md Morton), Joel, Benjamin, Thomas, William, Elisha, Edmund, Thorpe, Selah (md Cowherd), Martha (md Nance), Sarah (md Noel) and John who died young.

1810 Census Bedford Co VA
11 Slaves

Children of Benjamin Estes and Cecelia Thorpe - known enslavers:

Benjamin Estes II was born 1788 in Bedford Co VA and died 1868 in Cascade, Pittsylvania Co VA  [s/o Benjamin Estes 1748-1816 and Cecelia Rebecca "Selah" Thorpe 1750-1816]  Benjamin married 1. Peggy Neal.   2. Elizabeth "Eliza" Miller Dix who was born in 1808. She was the daughter of Thomas Dix and Lucy Miller of Henry Co VA.  [Eliza's sister Martha md Mr Winston grandson of Patrick Henry; sister Nancy md Dr Houston, cousin of Gov Sam Houston of TX]   Their children: Joseph, Thomas, Edward, Elisha (never md), Benjamin, James Dabney, Lucy, and Emma.

1820Census Pittsylvania Co VA
9 Slaves
5 M under 14
1 M 26-44
1 F under 14
1 F 14-25
1 F 26-44

1830 Census Pittsylvania Co VA
22 Slaves:
3 M under 10
4 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
2 M 36-54
7 F under 10
2 F 10-23
1 F 24-35
1 F 36-54
1 F 55-99

1840 Census Pittsylvania Co VA
23 Slaves:
2 M under 10
3 M 10-23
3 M 24-35
3 M 36-54
1 M 55-99
3 F under 10
5 F 10-23
1 F 24-35
1 F 36-54
1 F 55-99



Joel Estes was born 22 Jan 1780 in Bedford Co VA and died 16 Jun 1851 in Haywood Co TN.  [s/o Benjamin Estes 1748-1816 and Cecelia Rebecca "Selah" Thorp 1750-1816] Joel married 1. Sarah "Sally" Langhorne Bates 1781-1825.  2. Mary Lee Wilson 1798-1871

1810 Census Bedford Co VA
15 Slaves

1830 Census Haywood TN
33 Slaves:
1 M under 10
5 M 10-23
6 M 24-35
4 M 36-54
1 M 55-99
5 F under 10
3 F 10-23
4 F 24-35
3 F 36-54
1 F 55-99



Triplett Thorp Estes was born1773 or 1778 in Bedford Co VA and died 8 Dec 1857 Henderson NC. He is buried in Hargrove Family Cemetery at Townsville, Vance Co NC. Triplett married 1. Martha Sally Lucas  2. Hannah Lee Basye  3. Elizabeth Betsy Gibson.

1810 Census  Charlottesville, Albemarle VA
20 Slaves

1820 Census Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Co VA
5 Slaves:
1 M 14-25
1 M 26-44
1 M 45+
1 F under 14
1 F 14-25
PLUS  1 Free Colored Persons:
1 F under 14
1 F 14-25

1830 Census Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, VA
3 Slaves:
1 M 24-35
1 F under 10
1 F 10-23

1840 Census  Petersburg Center Ward, Dinwiddie County, VA
3 Slaves:
1 M 36-54
1 F 10-23
1 F 36-54

1850 Slave Schedule  Raglands, Granville, NC
27 Slaves:
80 M B
80 F B
75 F B
73 F B
60 F B
60 F B
62 F Mu
36 F Mu
10 M Mu
8 M Mu
6M Mu
3 M Mu
32 F Mu
9 F Mu
6 F Mu
6 F Mu
4 F Mu
2 F Mu
7 F B
3 F B
1 M B
33 F B
4 F B
16 F B
12 F Mu
10 F Mu
28 M B

 

William Thorpe Estes, MD, was born 9 Apr 1792 in Bedford County, Virginia and died 29 Apr 1871 Enterprise, Clarke County, MS. [s/o of  Benjamin Estes 1748-1816 and Selah Thorpe 1750-1806.]  William married Susan Hulet Shelton who was born 9 Jun 1804 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia and died 6 Feb 1884 in Brandon, Rankin County, MS.  She is the daughter of Thomas Shelton Jr 1763-1857 and Sarah Barksdale 1762-1809.

1850 Slave Schedule Simpson County, MS
9 Slaves:
65 F Mu
25 F B
22 M B
21 F B
12 F Mu
10 M Mu
5 M Mu
3 M Mu
2 M Mu

1860 Slave Schedule Beat 3, Simpson Co MS
10 Slaves - 2 Slave Houses:
30 F B
16 M B
14 M Mu
14 M Mu
9 F Mu
6 F Mu
3 F Mu
20 F B
18 F B
4 M B

 

Edward Estes was born about 1797 in Bedford County, VA and died 29 Apr 1871 in Campbell County, VA. [s/o Benjamin Estes and Cecelia Thorpe.]  Edward married Catherine Hawkins.

1830 Census Bedford Co VA
5 Slaves:
1 M under 10
1 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
1 F 10-23
1 F 36-54

1840 Census  Northern Dist, Bedford Co VA
8 Slaves:
1 M under 10
2 M 10-23
3 F 10-23
1 F 36-54
1 F 55-99

1850 Slave Schedule  Northern Dist, Bedford Co VA
6 Slaves:
70 F B
50 M B
28 F B
7 M B
4 F B
1 7/12 B

Note:  The other Estes family of Henry Co: Jesse Estes md Betsy Napier. Md 2 Mariah d/o John Fortune of Montgomery Co VA. CH: George W, Girard, Francis, and William Alexander. William Alexander Estes b1834. Sheriff of Stokes Co NC

The Enslaved of Isaac Coles of Pittsylvania County Virginia - Estate Inventory 1813 and 1814

Isaac Coles was born 25 Feb 1747 in Richmond, Henrico County, VA.  He died 3 June 1813 in Pittsylvania County, VA. He's buried in the Coles Family Cemetery on Chalk Level Road at Java, VA. (On the 5,000 acres of land he purchased in 1785.)

Isaac was the son of Major John Coles who was born 1706 in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland and died in 1747 in Hanover County, VA and his wife Mary Ann Winston who was born about 1706 in Hanover County, VA and died 1758.

John Coles' will, written in 1747, gave all his enslaved to his son Walter (brother of Isaac) and names them:  Primus, Jun, Billy, Doll, Lucy, Jenny, Jemmy, Cate, Abram, Tamar, Will, London, Dublin, Nan, and Moll.

Isaac Coles married 1. Elizabeth Lightfoot and 2. Catherine Thompson. 

Elizabeth Lightfoot was born 1 Apr 1771 and died 27 July 1781. She was the daughter of William Lightfoot and Mildred Howell.  Isaac and Elizabeth's children:

• John Coles b 30 Oct 1772  d 17 May 1796
• Isaac Coles, Jr  b 16 Dec 1777  d 28 Sep 1820 - built Springwood near Houston VA
  
• Lightfoot Coles b 12 June 1780  d 4 Dec 1781

Catherine Thompson was born 16 Apr 1768 and died 18 July 1848. She was the daughter of James Thompson (born in Ireland; living New York City) and Catherine Walton.  She married Isaac on 2 Jan 1790.  Their children:

• Walter Coles b 8 Dec 1790  d 9 Nov 1857 at Coles Hill
• Catherine Coles b 24 Oct 1792  d 25 Feb 1794
• Catherine Thompson Coles b 10 Feb 1795  d 1 July 1850
• James Thompson Coles  b 9 Jan 1797  d 28 May 1838
• John Coles  b 26 Apr 1799  d 28 Aug 1847
• Robert Thompson Coles  b 15 Mar 1801  d 2 Jan 1850 - see below
  
• Jacob Thompson Coles  b 1 Aug 1803  d 18 Aug 1807
• Mary Coles  b 18 Oct 1805  d 5 Sep 1835
• Jacob Thompson Coles  b 23 Jan 1808  d 23 Nov 1884

Isaac Coles was a member of Congress from 1789 to 1797. When the question of slavery came before Congress, Coles voted to abolish the practice of slavery.

His will - Written 8 Apr 1810:
"It is right that all has to dispose of their property by Will, life is uncertain, God gave us existence and the time of its discontinuance is at His will, which is hidden from human eyes or knowledge; I therefore give to my three nieces, Nancy Carrington, Lightfoot Carrington, and Mildred Bruce, to my nephew James Bruce, my cousin Isaac Coles, Jr. &c.
"I give my Dan River estate to my nephew Edward Carrington, with all the negroes that are working on the land, and stock of every kind on the plantation.
"I give my nephew Walter Carrington, the Buck Skin Tract, with all negroes, horses and stock on the plantation.
"I give my nephew William, the home tract with all the negroes, stock on the plantation.
"I give my "Cub Creek" Tract to my nephew Paul Carrington all my land in Charlotte, negroes, stock, and bonds.
"I wish my estate kept together until all special legacies are paid, and then divided.
"I will mention so far from feeling small for every niece and nephew, children of my Bruce, as expressed by the same, all proportion given of my estate, my sentiments are the reverse, but my friend Bruce, whom I am sincerely attached to must know his wealth is sufficient for their happiness, and friendship to all my relations is the best will of
"I. H. Coles"

Inventory of the Estate - 6 Aug 1813 - Enslaved named:
Mary 70
Dicy 32
Patty 40
Flora 20
Lucky/Sucky 22
Caroline 13
Helen 11
Louisa 33
Billy 44
Nicholas 35
Abram 29
Pete 23
Ben 19
Lack/Luck 16
Becky 9
Lavisy 7
Patsy 4
Nicholas 7
Robert 6
Tucker 1
Clemontine 3
William not 1 year
Nancy 3
David? 35
Phil 26
Lewis 22
Tom 13
Sally 30
Elick 14
Moses 13
Pallidan 11
Billy 8
Lucretia 6
Lazorius 4
Permelia 1
Momia? 26
Nancy 23
Carter 11
Hampton 10
Evelind 7
Willy 5
Randolph 9
Lucinda 6
Coleman 4
Susanah 2
Sally 3 months
Clarissa 1
Isaac not 1 year
Sam 40
Henry 22
Scotts 15
Polley 30
Joseph 11
Lewis 9
Dicy 4
Cophuses 15
Maddison 3
Arana? not 1
Manville 40
Manueal 19
Poplar 30
Ann? 22
Courtney 8
Jefferson 6
Biddy 4
Nimo? 11
Dianna 3
Martha 1
Nanny 37
Washington not 1
Edmund 40
Isaac 20
Ira 27
Jackaon16
Catharine 20
Christina 12
Syrus 2
Rachel 1
Katy 19
Margary 10
Patsey 9
Suzina/ Luzina 7
Susan 3
Celia not 1 year
Ned 60
Molly 50
Isbell 40
Jacob 24
Netty 11
Mary 17
Jinny Lee not 1 year
Betty 70
Frances 37

Note: the document available to me (see below) lists only 93 enslaved, however the actual sale of the estate numbers total 150.

Sale of the Estate - 1814

8 Feb 1814 Administrator of Isaac Coles' will appointed by the court, Isaac Coles, Jr.  Securities: Paul Carrington, Henry E Coleman, Howson Clark, Edward C Carrington.  Bond was set in penalty for $400,000.  [NOTE:  $400,000 would be over $9 million in 2022]

 1814 Memorandum from Act of Sales of Isaac H Coles estate:

To Edward Carrington, 69 negroes valued at 6224 pounds, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, wagon horses, household and kitchen furniture, books, blacksmith's tools, carpenter and plantation tools, provisions, carriages &c., (valued at 1912 pounds) attached to the Dan River plantation.

To Edward Carrington, guardian of William A. Carrington, 49 negroes, (valued at 3673 pounds) horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, wagon horses, household furniture, blackmith and carpenter's plantation tools, provisions carriage gears, &c., (valued at 576 pounds and 20 shillings) attached to the "Mildendo" plantation.

To Walter C. Carrington 30, negroes, (valued at, 2275 pounds) horses, mules, cattle, sheep, hogs, (valued at 248 pounds and 14 shillings), corn, oats, &c., (valued at 148 pounds) attached to the Buck Skin plantation.

Walter C. Carrington, guardian of Paul T. Carrington, negroes, stock &c., attached to Cub Creek plantation.

To Dr. Charles D. Fontaine, sales valued at 108 pounds taken from Dan River, and Evilina, valued at 96 pounds, from "Mildendo." Detained heavy and specific legacy value 160 pounds, taken from Dan River. Hannah valued at 90 pounds, Peggy 90 pounds, (devised to my wife,) taken from Mildendo.
"To Mrs. Mildred Carrington, all the Bonds, each amounting to 508 pounds - 1-8.
"To Dr. Charles D. Fontaine, in right of his wife."

Inventory of the Home Tract - Mildendo - was taken 9 March 1814

Inventory lists 52 slaves including Jack, a carpenter; Cane, a wagoner, and Daniel a blacksmith.

December 1820  Estate of Isaac Coles Account - List of payees:

• Doctor Tuck - medical account
• Benjamine Anderton - crier at the sale
• Mrs.Powell - services as midwife
• Robert Chappell - blacksmith account
• Henry Elliot - services as overseer (for 1820)
• Dr Senn - medical account
• Adam Toot - tannery account
• Cash to messenger to Mr Ravenscroft (twice) to Mecklenburg to preach the funeral.
• Mrs Fontaine - for money paid by her for shoes for the children
• Bruce and Williams - for bed ticking for the children in Charlotte
• Mrs Mildred H Carrington - for money paid by her.
• Ferriage of articles to Charlotte
• William Hughes - for shoemaking for the negroes
• Walter Coles - for two bushels of clover seed bought in Lynchburg
• Mrs Anne Fontaine - for expenses of children
• To the 6th Installment of 6 shares of Roanoke Stock.

 

Robert Thompson Coles, son of Isaac, married Elizabeth Fearn Paton (1810-1896.)

1830 Census  Pittsylvania County, VA  -  Robert T Coles
32 Slaves: 6 M under 10, 7 M 10-23, 1 M 24-35, 2 M 36-54, 2 M 55-99, 5 F under 10, 5 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 1 F 36-54, 1 F 44-99

1840 Census Regiment 107  Pittsylvania County, VA - Robert T Coles
46 Slaves:  8 M under 10, 9 M 10-23, 3 M 24-35, 5 M 36-54, 9 F under 10, 8 F 10-23, 2 F 24-35, 2 F 36-54

Enslaved of Townsend Family, Slaveholders, Campbell and Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Richard Stone Townsend was born in 1762 in Lunenburg County, VA and died in 1840 in Virginia. He was the son of Richard Townsend (1736-1821) and his wife, Susannah Stone (1750-1812), the daughter of Richard Stone (1727-1797) and Mary Yancy (1725-1806.) 

He married Francis "Fanny" Jordan on 4 Dec 1783 and they had 6 children. Some were enslavers.

 

Wilcher Jordan Levenworth Townsend was born in Virginia in 1790 and died after 8 May 1845 at Leatherwood, Henry County, VA. He married Eliza Jane Faris (Farris) 4 Jan 1836 in Pittsylvania County, VA.

1820 Census - Lynchburg, Campbell, VA - Wilcher Jordan Townsend
3 Free Colored Persons:
    2 M under 14
    1 M 26-44
12 slaves:
    6 M under 14
    2 M 14-25
    2 M 45+
    2 F under 14

 

Mariah Townsend was born about 1814 in Virginia and died in 1870 in Chatham, Pittsylvania County, VA.  She married William "James" Irby (1796-1874) on 4 March 1847. He is the son of William Irby (d1823) and Anne Farmer (d May 1851.)

1820 Census - Pittsylvania County, VA - James Irby
8 slaves:
2 M under 14
3 M 14-25
1 F under 14
1 F 14-25
1 F 26-44

1830 Census Pittsylvania County, VA
No slaves listed

1840 Census - 107 Regt Pittsylvania County, VA -  James Irby
2 slaves:  2 F 10-23

1860 Slave Schedule North Dist Pittsylvania County, VA page 465

[*have not yet found a copy of the actual page, only this reference]

*See separate post for Clement Townsend, brother of  Wilcher and Mariah.

Enslaved of Benjamin F W Townsend, Slaveowner, Pittsylvania County VA and Greenville County, SC

Benjamin Franklin Watson Townsend was born 30 Aug 1759 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia and died 1825 in Greenville County, South Carolina. He was the son of Thomas T Townsend, Sr (1732-1796) and Anaphilda "Ana" Watson (1730-1818) whose land in Pittsylvania County lay on Cherrystone Creek.

Benjamin married Martha "Patsy" Spraggins who was born 1752 in Pittsville, Pittsylvania County, VA and died 1840 in Greenville, SC. She was the daughter of William Spraggins (1699-1755) and Martha Abney (1705-1759)  

In researching this family I found many marriages between Townsend, Abney, Spraggins and Hill families in several generation in Virginia and South Carolina.

1790 Census - Laurens, SC Benjamin Townsend
1 slave:
 

1800 Census - Greenville, SC Benjamin Townsend
5 slaves:

1820 Census  Greenville SC
14 slaves:
4 M under 14
1 M 26-44
1 M 45+
2 F under 14
3 F 14-25
3 F 26-44

1830 Census widow Martha Townsend - Greenville SC
8 slaves
1 M 10-23
2 M 24-35
3 F under 10
1 F 10-23
1 F 24-35
 

Benjamin F W Townsend's will - Greenville, SC  Index and Will bk Vol1-2, Books A-C, 1787-1853.  SC Will Transcripts 1782-1868, WPA SC

Inferred death year 1724
Will date 20 Aug 1824; same probate date

... Greenville District, SC...

1st all debts paid

2nd ... to wife Patsey Townsend, during her natural life, the land and plantation whereon I now live situated in Greenville Dist, SC on the Golden Grove Creek. Also 5 negroes, all my stock of every kind, and  utensils.  

Further order... if my son Benjamin should marry a wife, during the life of my wife Patsey... and should choose to settle on a part of the above land...  and at her death the above described land to be and belong to my said son Benjamin at $650....being the value which I have fixed upon it as also the following property at its estimated value. viz: 1 bed and furniture at $25, 2 cows and calves at $20, one horse and blacksmiths tools at $80 and in addition thereto my farming tools, and at my death, 1 negro girl named Charlotte at $250 and a tract of land situated on Horse Creek known by the name of Webbs place in Greenville Dist SC. Also one mare estimated at $100, 1 bed and furniture at $25, to land on the E side of the Golden Grove Creek at $400, 2 mules at $150, $32 in wagon irons, 2 cows and calves at $20, 1 negro woman and child at $834. 

To my son Thomas: 1 horse $70, land lying on the Reedy Fork Creek, Greenville Dis $450, 1 bed and furniture $25, 1 cow and calf $10. 

To son Nathaniel:  1 horse $90, 1 bed and furniture $25, 2 cows and calves $20, 4 negroes $1,075. ... 

To son Sanders - 1 horse $80, 1 negro boy $500, 1 bed and furniture $25.

To my daughter Tabitha: 2 negro girls $500, 1 mare and colt $80, 1 bed and furniture $25

To my daughter Elisabeth: 2 negroes $917, 1 horse $80, 1 bed and furniture $25, 1 cow and calf $10.

To my daughter Nancy: 2 negroes $860, 1 horse $90, 1 bed and furniture $20, 1 cow and calf $10.

To my son Light:  1 negro boy $500, 1 horse $90, 1 bed and furniture $25 and $100 cash

To my daughter Frances:  3 negroes $731, 1 mare $100, bed and furn $25, 2 cows and calves $20.

To daughter Martha Anne:  3 negroes $740, mare $100, bed and furn $25, 2 c and c $20

... at the decease of my wife Patsey, I order that the property which may be in her possession at that time, and which has not been otherwise disposed of or bequeathed to my children in this instrument, to be equally divided among them, so that each shall have an equal portion to the list in which each stands charged by me. Except my sons John and Nathaniel who have each received as great proportion of my estate as it is my pleasure they shall do.
...
 Executors and trustees:  wife Patsey, sons Thomas and Benjamin.
Witnesses: Adam Jones, James Cramer, George Hiatt.
Probated 9 Nov 1825 by S Goodlett O.G.D.
Recorded in Will Book B page 83. File #479

 

Some of Benjamin and Martha's children were also enslavers.

Sanders/Saunders Townsend was born 3 Sep 1787 in Pittsylvania County, VA and died 28 Dec 1876 in Cooper County, MO.  He married Susannah "Suky" Nowlin on 6 July 1814 in Logan County, KY. 

1830 Census  Cooper Co, MO
15 slaves
3 M under 10
4 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
3 F under 10
3 F 10-23
1 F 24-35

1840 Census Lamine, Cooper, MO
28 slaves
5 M under 10
4 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
3 M 36-54
8 F under 10
3 F 10-23
4 F 24-35

1850 Slave Schedule, Dist 23, Cooper Co MO
35 slaves:
49 M B
36 F B
21 M B
20 M B
15 F B
8 M B
4 M B
1 F B
40 M M
24 F M
8 M M
5 M M
3 F M
6/12 M M
40 M B
11 F B
8 M B
5 M B
30 M B
23 F B
6 F B
4 M B
2/12 M B
30 M B
32 F B
12 M B
6 M B
4 M B
31 M B
28 F B
6 F B
6/12 M B
40 M B
38 F B
16 F B

Missouri Wills and Probate Records 1766-1988
Sanders A W Townsend pg 431 Will Book B.2. 27 Aug 1878

Thomas Townsend was the eldest son of Benjamin and Martha. He was born 1782 in Pittsylvania County, VA and died June 1847 in Cass County GA.  Thomas married 1.Martha Mary Dobbins 2.Eleanor Thomas

1830 Census Greenville SC - Thomas Townsend
2 slaves

Nathaniel Cornelius Townsend was born 2 February 1784 and died April 1863 in Albemarle County VA.  He married Sarah Austin Jopling/Jossling. They lived in Nelson and Albemarle Co, VA

1850 Census Nelson County, VA
0 slaves

1840 Census Nelson County, VA
0 slaves

1860 Slave Schedule Nelson Co, VA
No image available, so ? 

 

John J Townsend was born1790 in Greenville, SC and died 28 Nov 1857 in Greenville, SC.  He married Elizabeth Bolling in 1816.

1810 Census Greenville, SC - John J Townsend
0 slaves

1820 Census Pendleton Dist, SC
0 slaves

1830 Census Greenville, SC
0 slaves

1840 Census Greenville SC
3 slaves
1 M under 10
1 F 10-23
1 F 36-54
 

Light Townsend was born 1 May1795 in Greenville, SC and died 1871 in Logan County, KY.  He married his cousin Nancy J Townsend 18 April 1819 in Logan County, KY. She was the daughter of Light Townsend Sr (1769-1846 and a son of Thomas T Townsend and Anaphilda Watson) and Mary Arnold (1774-1835)

1820 Census Russellville, Logan, KY
4 slaves
1 M 14-25
2 F 14-25
1 F 26-44

1830 Census Russellville, Logan Co, KY
5 slaves:
1 M under 10
1 F under 10
3 F 10-23

1840 Census Logan County, KY
28 slaves:

6 M under 10
7 M 10-23
5 M 24-35
1 M 55-99
10 F under 10
2 F 10-23
3 F 24-35
3 F 36-54
1 F 55-99
 

Benjamin F Townsend was born 29 October 1799 and died 14 April 1870 in Greenville County, SC.  He married Mary Waddell in 1828.

1840 Census Greenville, SC
4 slaves:
1 F under 10
3 F 10-23
 

Martha Ann Townsend was born 1807 in Greenville, SC and died 1884 in Hopewell, Anderson County, SC.  She married Charles G Irby 1789-1883 [of Halifax County, VA Irby's] in 1827.

1830 Census Laurens, SC - Charles G Irby
8 slaves:
2 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 36-54
2 F 10-23 

1840 Census Anderson SC - Charles G Irby
12 slaves:
2 M under 10
5 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
2 F 10-23
2 F 24-35

 

Tabitha Townsend was born 12 May 1789 and died 1868 in Saluda County, SC.  She married Zachariah Abney (1782-1838) on 17 September 1809 in Edgefield District, SC. Zachariah was the son of Samuel Abney and Martha Harriet Hamilton.

1810 Census Edgefield, SC - Zachariah Abney
3 slaves

1820 Census Edgefield, SC
10 slaves:
2 M under 14
1 M 14-25
1 M 26-44
1 M 45+
2 F under 14
1 F 14=25
2 F 26-44
 

1840 Census Edgefield SC - Tabitha Abney, widow
14 slaves:
6 M under 10
1 M 10-23
1 M 36-54
1 M 55-99
2 F under 10
2 F 24-35
1 F 36-54
 

Tabitha Townsend Abney widow of Zachariah
1850 Slave Schedule, The District, Edgefield, SC 4 Dec 1850
22 slaves
1  57 M B
1  57 M B
1  45 F B
1 35 F B
1 35 F B
1 16 F B
1 21 M B
1 20 M B
1 20 M B
1 14 M B
1 13 M B
1 12 M M
1 12 M B
1 10 F B
1 9 M B
1 7 F B
1 7 M B
1 5 M B
1 4 M B
1 1 M B
1 4 M B
1 1 F B

NEXT ON LIST: MARTHA ABNEY
1 12 M B
1 8 M B
1 3 M B

NEXT ON LIST: WILSON ABNEY
1 45 M B
1 18 M B
1 22 F B
1  26 F B
1 3 F B
1 6/12 F B
 3/12 F B

1860 Slave Schedule - Saluda Regiment, Edgefield, SC  - Tabitha Abney 11 Aug 1860
31 slaves
1 74 F B
 1 45 F B
1 41 F B
1 40 M M
1 28 M M
1 25 M B
1 25 M B
1 22 M B
1 21 M B
1 20 M B
1 22 F B
1 22 F M
1 19 F B
1 17 M B
1 17 F B
1 16 F B
1 14 M B
1 13 M B
1 12 M B
1 10 M B
1 10 M B
1 12 F B
1 6 M M
1 5 F M
1 4 M B
1 7 F M
1 3 F M
1 2 M B
1 2 F M
1 8/12 M M
1 10 M B

Zachariah Abney *died with no Will 26 Feb 1838
Edgefield SC Probate Records 1827-1839 

Inventory:
Negro man Peter $300
Negro man George $450
Negro man Phil $850
Mulatto boy Henry $850
Negro boy Washington $825
Negro boy Richmond $675
Negro boy Frank $650
Negro boy Tom $450
Negro boy Simon $300
Negro boy Bluford $325
Negro boy Charles $300
Negro woman Fanny $300
Negro Woman Gracy $400
Negro woman  Chils (?) and 2 children $700
Negro woman Cynthia and 3 children $1100
Negro girl Mary Ann $675
Negro woman Ally and child $800
Negro girl Caroline $500
Negro girl Louisa $325
Negro girl Margaret $325
Mulatto girl Mary $350

Appraisers: Beu(/) Perry, Aza. Abney, Richard Coleman, James Maynard

Sale Bill due 25 Dec 1838 - At the sale of her husband's estate, widow Tabitha Townsend Abney bought 16 of their slaves: 

Negro man Henry $1018
Negro boy Frank $705

Negro girl Mary $376
Negro woman Gracey $526
Negro boy Simon $301
Negro man Peter $449
Negro man George $522
Negro woman Fanny $440
Negro boy Tom P  $510
Negro woman Ally and 2 children $1652
Negro boy Bluford $351
Negro Cynthia and 3 children $1300

Z S Brooks bought:
Negro woman Chep(?) and 2 children $1000

Ina Chapman bought:
Negro man Phil $1215 

Lausp(/) Coppock bought:
Negro girl Caroline $700

Berryman Corley bought:
Negro boy Richard $701
Negro girl Louisa $501
Negro girl Margaret $530

Daniel Maugrew bought:
Negro girl Mary $810

John Mulgrew bought:
Negro boy Washington $851

Thomas Pope, Administrator
 

Enslaved of Thomas Dillard, Slaveholder, Pittsylvania County Virginia

Thomas Dillard died 4 May 1774 in Pittsylvania County, VA.  In his will he named his son, Thom Dillard as Executor.

To son James Dillard - a number of negroes [no names given in abstract]and a tract of land lying on Straightstone Creek.

To son Thomas Dillard - negroes Will, Sarah and her children, Robbon, Ben, Nan and Judy and her child Sarah, likewise the plantation whereon he now lives.

Source: Pittsylvania County Virginia Will Book 5, pg 409

Enslaved of James Hix, Slaveholder, Pittsylvania County Virginia

James Hix of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Parish of Camden, died 28 January 1776. 

In his will he named his wife, Frances, and brother Benjamin Hix of Brunswick county as Executors.

To wife Frances Hix - 4 negroes and land.

Source: Abstracts of Pittsylvania County VA Will Records; Pittsylvania County Will Bk 5.

Enslaved of Samuel Davis, Slaveholder, of Pittsylvania County Virginia

Samuel Davis died 29 Nov 1772 in Pittsylvania County, VA.

He named his wife, Sarah, and son, John, executors.

He left his estate to his wife, Sarah, and his children: Elizabeth Kearby, John David, Wilmoth Davis and Susannah Davis.

"If my negro woman Ellis shall be a longer liver than I and my wife, my desire if for her to have a maintenance out of my estate"

Pittsylvania County Virginia Will Book 5, pg 404

Enslaved of Benjamin Terry, Slaveholder, Pittsylvania County, VA

Benjamin Terry of Camden Parish Pittsylvania County died 28 Dec 1760. 

Executors: his wife Elizabeth Irby Terry and son Nathaniel.

To son Nathaniel Terry - survey of land on Sandy Creek and 2 negroes

To son Benjamin land I now live on and 2 negroes

To son Peter land on Mine Branch and  2 negroes

To son Joseph Terry - 2 negroes

To son Robert - survey of land and 2 negroes

To daughter Keziah Murphy - 2 negroes

To daughter Livinia King and her daughter Grace Terry - 2 negroes

To daughter Sarah Terry - 2 negroes

To daughter Eizazabeth Buckingham - 2 negroes

To daughter Mary Terry - 2 negroes. 

The rest of estate to be sold and divided equally between his children.  

Source: Pittsylvania County, VA Will Bk 5, page 378