The Will of Samuel Gaulding of Campbell County, Virginia

Samuel Gaulding’s life follows the classic Tidewater‑to‑Piedmont migration corridor traveled by many New Kent families in the eighteenth century. The Gaulding brothers moved west in stages—New Kent → Goochland → Amelia → Prince Edward → Bedford → Campbell—a well‑documented route used by tobacco‑growing families seeking fresh land. Samuel appears in the records of each region at the correct historical moment, forming a continuous geographic footprint.

Bedford to Campbell County: Not a Move, but a Boundary Change

Samuel Gaulding did not relocate to Bedford County; Bedford formed around him.  When it was created in 1753, the county absorbed the upper Appomattox and Buffalo River region—the very area where the Gauldings were already living. Samuel’s presence there is supported by the Tithables and tax lists which place him in the same districts as his brothers.  Associated evidence is that neighbors, witnesses and road orders all match the Prince Edward migrant cluster.  Some of his children may have married into Quaker families, but it must be mentioned that just because a family unit is mentioned in the Encyclopedia of Quaker Genealogy does not mean the mentioned people were actually Quaker.  (6)

In 1782, Campbell County was carved out of Bedford. Samuel’s land fell inside the new county line, which explains why his will was probated in Campbell County on December 6, 1785, why his children appear in Campbell County marriage and land records and why his neighbors are the same families seen earlier in Bedford and Prince Edward County.  Again, this reflects jurisdictional change, not physical migration.

Final Residence and Will

Samuel’s 1785 Campbell County will anchors his final location and names his children.  Here is a transcription of the will.

The Will of Samuel Gaulding was filed in Campbell County, Virginia in 1785

The will of Samuel Gaulding (1)

Probate Date: 6 Oct 1785 Probate Place: Campbell, Virginia, USA Inferred Death Year: Abt 1785 Inferred Death Place: Virginia, USA Item Description: General Index to Will Books, 1782-1947; Will Books, Vol 1-2, 1782-1810 (3) Detail: Will Books, 1782-1870; General Index to Will Books, 1782-1947; Author: Virginia. County Court (Campbell County) (2)

In the name of God Amen the Thirteenth day of April One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty five I Samuel Gaulding being in a Poor state of health but of sound mind and in my perfect senses and knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life think well to make and constitute this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say. It is my Will and desire that first and foremost my Executors hereafter mention and pay all my just debts and my personal estate the most speedy and convenient manner they can. It is my Will and I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved daughters Kesiah Gaulden, Anne Gaulden, Lucy Gaulden and Patty Gaulden one cow and calf each one feather bed and furniture each to them and their heirs forever to be delivered up to them by my Executors on their marriage or arriving to Lawful ages. Item: I give and bequeath to my beloved son Archibald Gaulden five pounds at the death of my wife Elizabeth Gaulden. Item: I give and bequeath to my beloved son William Gaulden ten pounds to be paid him at the death of my said wife. Item: It is my desire that after my debts aforesaid are paid that all my Estate both real and personal be sent and remain in the possession of my said wife to her proper use and benefit during her natural life except the legacy of my daughters heretofore mentioned. It is also my Will and desire that at the death of said Wife all the residue of my Estate after the aforesaid Legacies are paid off be Equally divided among all my children then alive both real and personal by selling of the same and dividing the money arising from the said sales which I desire my Executors to do at their discretion in that manner that they shall think most advantageous. I do appoint constitute and ordain my loving wife Elizabeth Gaulding Executrix and my son William Gaulding and Robert Smith Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written. I do appoint my friend Daniel Marshall, John Black, Williston Talbot and Thomas Marshall Trustees or any three of them for this Purpose that is to say if my said wife shall conceive it to be for the interest of my children to make sale of the land whereon I now live she is hereby authorized so to do in case she shall have the concurrences of the said Trustees or any three of them notwithstanding anything that has been mentioned before in this my last Will and Testament and the Money or effects arising from the sale shall be applied as I have heretofore mentioned by an Equal distribution of the same among my children. It is further my Will and desire that should any controversy arise between my Legatees or Executors with respect to the Construction intent or meaning of this my Last Will that they same shall be referred to Robert Alexander, Richard Stith and Charles Moile Talbot or any two of them as their decision shall be binding on the parites and they opinion shall be my Last Will and Testament as witness any hand the day and year first above wirtten. In Presence of Charles Talbot, Edward Robertson, Richard Baughm.

Signed Samuel Gaulden (his mark)

Narrative Summary of the Will of Samuel Gaulding (1785)

In April 1785, while living in what had just become Campbell County, Virginia, Samuel Gaulding drafted his last will and testament. Though he described himself as “in a poor state of health,” he emphasized that his mind and senses were sound. The document provides a clear picture of his family structure, his property, and his intentions for the future care of his wife and children.

Samuel began by directing his executors to pay all outstanding debts from his personal estate. He then turned to his children, making specific provisions for each. His four unmarried daughters—Kesiah, Anne, Lucy, and Patty—were each to receive a cow and calf and a feather bed with its furnishings, to be delivered when they married or reached legal adulthood. These “setting‑up” gifts were typical for daughters in eighteenth‑century Virginia and ensured they could establish their own households.

His two sons received small cash legacies, payable only after the death of their mother. Archibald Gaulding was to receive five pounds, and William Gaulding was to receive ten pounds. William was also named as one of the executors, indicating Samuel’s trust in him and suggesting he was the eldest surviving son.

The heart of the will lies in Samuel’s provision for his wife, Elizabeth Gaulding. After debts and the daughters’ legacies were satisfied, Elizabeth was to receive full use of all remaining property—real and personal—for the duration of her life. This life estate included the home plantation. Only after her death were the remaining assets to be sold and the proceeds equally divided among all of Samuel’s children then living.  Samuel also anticipated the possibility that Elizabeth might need or wish to sell the family land during her lifetime. To protect the children’s interests, he appointed four trusted men—Daniel Marshall, John Black, Williston Talbot, and Thomas Marshall—as trustees. If Elizabeth believed selling the land was in the children’s best interest, she could do so only with the approval of any three of these trustees. The proceeds were still to be divided equally among the children.

To avoid future disputes, Samuel added an arbitration clause. If disagreements arose among the heirs or executors regarding the meaning of the will, the matter was to be decided by Robert Alexander, Richard Stith, or Charles Moile Talbot, with the decision of any two being final and binding.

The will was witnessed by Charles Talbot, Edward Robertson, and Richard Baughm, and Samuel signed by mark. It was later proved in Campbell County on 6 October 1785, confirming his death that year.

Taken together, the will shows Samuel as a man concerned with fairness, family stability, and the orderly transfer of his property. It also firmly anchors him in the Bedford–Campbell region at the end of his life and identifies the core members of his household—information that aligns with tax, land, and marriage records from the same period. (5)

People Named in the Will and Their Roles (2) 

1. Wife: Elizabeth Gaulding – She is Samuel’s wife (4) is the primary beneficiary and executrix of the estate.  She receives full use of all real and personal property during her lifetime (a life estate). She is authorized to sell the home plantation if she believes it benefits the children, but only with the approval of the trustees. She is appointed Executrix, meaning she is responsible for carrying out the will. Her central role confirms she was alive at Samuel’s death and remained head of household.

2. Daughters: Kesiah, Anne, Lucy, and Patty Gaulding - Each daughter receives one cow and calf and one feather bed and furniture.  These items are to be delivered when they marry or reach legal age.  These are typical “setting‑up” provisions for daughters in 18th‑century Virginia.

3. Sons: Archibald and William Gaulding

Archibald Gaulding – He receives £5, payable after the death of his mother.

William Gaulding - Receives £10, also payable after his mother’s death.  He is also appointed co‑executor, indicating he was trusted and likely the eldest surviving son.

These small cash legacies reflect that sons typically inherited land or received earlier advancements. 

Narrative Summary: The Men Named in Samuel Gaulding’s Will (1785)

Samuel Gaulding’s will names a small circle of neighbors, friends, and respected community leaders. Their presence provides a window into the social world of the Bedford–Campbell frontier and helps confirm Samuel’s placement within a well‑defined migration and associational cluster.

The Trustees (oversight of land sale) - These four men were appointed to approve any sale of Samuel’s home plantation during his widow Elizabeth’s lifetime. Trustees were typically chosen for integrity, stability, and proximity.

Daniel Marshall

Almost certainly a member of the well‑known Marshall family of Bedford/Campbell, connected to the South River and Goose Creek Quaker communities. The Marshalls appear frequently in road orders, land transactions, and as neighbors of the Gauldings.

John Black

A common name in Bedford/Campbell records, but the Blacks were a long‑established family in the region. Several served as jurors, road surveyors, and witnesses in the 1770s–1790s. His presence suggests close geographic proximity.

Williston Talbot

A member of the Talbot family, one of the most prominent in Campbell County. The Talbots appear repeatedly as landowners, militia officers, and court officials. Williston (sometimes spelled Williston/Williston) served as a witness and trustee in multiple local wills.

Thomas Marshall

Likely related to Daniel Marshall. The Marshalls were a large, interconnected clan, some Quaker, some Anglican, and deeply embedded in the Bedford–Campbell migration corridor. Their presence reinforces the Gauldings’ associational cluster.

The Arbitrators (to settle disputes) - These men were appointed to interpret the will if disagreements arose. This role was typically given to educated, respected, or legally experienced men.

Robert Alexander

The Alexanders were a major Bedford/Campbell family, often serving as justices, surveyors, and land commissioners. Robert appears in tax lists and court minutes in the 1770s–1780s.

Richard Stith

A member of the influential Stith family, which produced lawyers, clerks, and county officials. The Stiths were connected to the Randolphs and other Tidewater families and often acted as legal arbitrators.

Charles Moile Talbot

Another Talbot — likely a relative of Williston. The Talbots’ repeated appearance shows that Samuel trusted this family deeply. They were wealthy, literate, and active in county governance.

The Witnesses (present at signing) - Witnesses were usually neighbors or nearby landowners.

Edward Robertson

The Robertson/Robinson families were widespread in Bedford and Campbell. Edward appears in several land and court records in the 1780s.

Richard Baughm

Likely connected to the Baughm/Bohm/Boham families of the region. They appear in tithables and militia lists. His presence suggests he lived very near the Gauldings.

The presence of these men in Samuel’s life tell us that he was deeply embedded in a stable community network.  The Marshalls, Talbots, Alexanders, and Stiths were not casual acquaintances — they were pillars of the Bedford–Campbell frontier.  Every one of them appears in Bedford and Campbell County records in the 1770s–1780s. Their presence in the will is strong associational evidence that Samuel lived in the same community cluster.  Samuel Gaulding chose men of good standing who were literate, respected, long-term neighbors and experienced in land and legal matters.  This reinforces the impression that Samuel had a desire to protect his wife and children, therefore Samuel Gaulding’s 1785 will is not just a legal instrument — it is a window into his personality, priorities, and the world he lived in.

Works Cited

1. 1. Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900 . ancestry.com. [Online] General Index to Will Books, 1782-1947; Will Bo..., Campbell County. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/62347/images/007644402_00358?pId=1782534.

2. Campbell County (Va.). Will Book 1, 1782–1808. Will of Samuel Gaulding, dated 13 April 1785 and proved 6 October 1785. Library of Virginia microfilm. Digital images (restricted): FamilySearch. https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/332985. 

3. Campbell County (Va.). Probate Records, Will Book 1, 1782–1808. Library of Virginia microfilm reel. FamilySearch catalog entry. https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/332985. 

4. Jones, W. Macfarlane, ed. The Douglas Register. Richmond: J. W. Fergusson & Sons, 1928. Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/douglasregister00jone. 

5. Prince Edward, Bedford, and Campbell Counties (Va.). Marriage and Land Records. Various volumes. FamilySearch Catalog. https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog. 

6. Hinshaw, William Wade. Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy. Vol. 6, Virginia. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co. Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofam06hins.