REVEREND AARON BLEDSOE, son of Capt. William Bledsoe and his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Mumford Stevens, was born about 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Va. and died in 1809 in Greene County, Ga. his will being dated August 31, 1808, probated September 4, 1809 (Greensboro, Ga. Will Book E, p. 76).
Aaron was named as a son in his father's will and received a feather bed and furniture and a one-seventh share in the estate after the death of his mother, and his children also received four negro slaves. About 1758 Aaron Bledsoe married Mary Brockman daughter of John Brockman and Mary Collins (Brockman's Scrapbook).
************************************************
Aaron appears in Orange County Virginia records when he received from his father a deed of 450 acres of land for "natural love and fatherly affection".
(Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 12, p. 129)
********************************
Aaron held a commission of Lieutenant of company under Capt. Benjamin Pendleton in the Spotsylvania County Militia on 21 July 1755. He was promoted to Captain on 29 April 1756. (Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776, Spotsylvania County Order Book 1755-1765)
************************
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to William Cave of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 310)
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to George Wharton of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 314)
********************
Many Baptist preachers, Samuel Harris, John Waller, Elijah Craig, and others, were imprisoned or harmed bodily by the officials of Virginia , where the state church was Episcopal. Baptists in Virginia refused to accept licenses to preach from the Episcopal government. Patrick Henry rode 60 miles to defend Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe, who were imprisoned for preaching without a license.
In 1770 three pastors (Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe) were arrested in Fredricksburg, Virginia, where they were holding a meeting. The royal prosecutor then arraigned the preachers with all gravity, "For preaching the Gospel of the Son of God in the colony of Virginia." As he was reading the charges, Patrick Henry, representing them, jumped to his feet and giving a speech.
**
Craig and Bledsoe were condemned, but given a chance at freedom if they promise to quit preaching. The pastors rejected the offer, and were marched off under guard to the jail. As they went through the streets of the town, the pastors sang "Broad is the road that leads to death."
Aaron and E. Craig organized the North Pamunkey Baptist Church, in Orange County, in 1774, and Aaron was the first pastor of the church (History of Orange County, Virginia).
Aaron was prominent in church affairs until 1806, when he was: "accused of fraudulent dealings, which he denied, though too plainly proven. The church excluded him although there was a large majority in his favor, who thought him innocent."
Deeply chagrined and heartbroken over what he probably saw as the betrayal of his flock, he moved out of the state. In the three years following his loss, the membership of the church fell from 350 members to 180.
(History of the Rise and Progress of Baptists in Virginia; Published 1894; by Rev. Robert Baylor Semple; and Short Sketch of History of North Pamunkey Church, by F. C. Riley).
***************
Aaron prospered through land grants in Kentucky, however, he never lived in Kentucky or even traveled there. Aaron also held land grants in Orange County, Virginia.
Aaron and his family reached Georgia by 1808 and owned at plantation in Greene County. His final will disposes of his estate by giving the plantation to his "beloved wife Mary Bledsoe during her natural life". She was also given seven slaves, horses, furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, corn, fodder, pork and so forth, to last her one year. His mountain lands in Virginia were divided among several of his sons, including James.
15 June 1809: Deed. Aaron deeded a slave to his son-in-law, John Sams of Oglethorpe Co., GA. Deed Wit: William Wells and Joseph Sams. Deed Rec. 11 Sept 1809 (after Aaron's death).
**************************
Aaron and Mary had a large family of twelve children;
Mildred "Milly" married Thomas Williamson died bef 1808 no heirs
Elizabeth "Betsy" married Lewis Brockman 1779 & died before 1808. Her husband is listed in Aaron's will.
James married Elizabeth
William married Sarah Morton 1784
Mary married John Sam 1785
Moses died after 1808 Georgia
Nancy married James Brockman 1790
Elijah married Frances Champion 1796
John married Polly Dear 1797
Joseph married Jane Williamson 1796
Aaron Jr married Elizabeth Stocks 1808
Peggy married Robert Wright 1808
***************************
WILL OF REV. AARON BLEDSOE
(From Greensboro, Ga. Will Book K, 1806-1816, p. 76)
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN:
I, Aaron Bledsoe, of the County of Green, being sick of body but of sound and disposing memory, and being desirous to dispose of such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with, doth make this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following:
ITEM: Land, My beloved wife, Mary Bledsoe, during her natural life, the plantation on which I now live, also seven negroes to wit: Frank, Winslow, Cato, and Jimmy, and three negro children, their names as follows: Willy, Lane, and Jude, the said girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and Peggy whenever my wife Mary Bledsoe thinks proper, to them and their heirs; three work horses and my riding horse, three beds and furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture and corn, fodder, pork, and so forth, to last for one year.
ITEM: It is my will and desire that my executors procure a sufficiency of my estate to pay all lawful claims and debts whatsoever, and that they also sell my Mountain Lands in Virginia lying in Orange County, and it be divided as follows: Into eight parts and my daughter Nancy Brockman to have two parts of the same for a negro fellow which my , son Joseph Bledsoe parted from, it being lent to him which belonged to her and her heirs, which she takes as the full amount against my estate forever.
ITEM: I give to my daughter Nancy Brockman, one negro woman by name of Jin and her child Oliver and two parts of my land in Virginia to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give my son, William Bledsoe, one-eighth part of my land in Virginia to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Lewis Brockman, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son James Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son John Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Moses Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Robert Wright, and my daughter Peggy, two negro girls named Silvy and Jude, one bed and furniture to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son, Aaron Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, John Sams, and his wife Mary, ten shillings to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Elijah, ten shillings, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I desire that my executors procure out of my estate a sufficiency to pay my grandson Walker Brockman, one horse, saddle and bridle to the amount of $85, one bed and furniture.
The property which I lend to my wife Mary Bledsoe, after her death to be divided into three equal parts, the land and girl Jude excepted, the land to be divided equally between two sons Moses and Aaron, to them and their heirs, the girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and my daughter Peggy, to them and their heirs forever.
Also, the balance of the property to be equally divided between Moses, Aaron and Nancy which I leave my wife Mary. The Executors to be paid for all nesessary trouble out of my Mountain Lands, likewise my son Moses Bledsoe to be maintained out of the same profits which shall arise from my wife Mary Bledsoe's part during her natural life. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law Lewis Brockman and my two sons James and Moses Bledsoe executors to my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made, recommending my body to the grave in a decent manner and my soul the disposer of future events.
As witness my hand and seal this thirty-first day of August eighteen hundred and eight.
(Signed) AARON BLEDSOE (Seal)
Witnessed: Thomas Danull, William Danull, Thomas Greer
Green Court of Ordinary, September Term 1809. The foregoing Last Will and Testament of Aaron Bledsoe, dec'd and duly proved in Open Court by the oaths of Thomas Danull, William Danull, and Thomas Greer, who after being duly sworn, saith that they saw him sign the same for the purpose of exscripted and ordered to be recorded. Sworn to in Open Court this 4th Sept. 1809.
A. Carleton, Sr.
for T. Carleton, Co. R.
*************
Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742-1992
Name Aaron Bledsoe
Probate Place Greene, Georgia, USA
Inferred Death Place Georgia, USA
Item Description Wills, Vol A-G, 1786-1877
Aaron was named as a son in his father's will and received a feather bed and furniture and a one-seventh share in the estate after the death of his mother, and his children also received four negro slaves. About 1758 Aaron Bledsoe married Mary Brockman daughter of John Brockman and Mary Collins (Brockman's Scrapbook).
************************************************
Aaron appears in Orange County Virginia records when he received from his father a deed of 450 acres of land for "natural love and fatherly affection".
(Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 12, p. 129)
********************************
Aaron held a commission of Lieutenant of company under Capt. Benjamin Pendleton in the Spotsylvania County Militia on 21 July 1755. He was promoted to Captain on 29 April 1756. (Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776, Spotsylvania County Order Book 1755-1765)
************************
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to William Cave of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 310)
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to George Wharton of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 314)
********************
Many Baptist preachers, Samuel Harris, John Waller, Elijah Craig, and others, were imprisoned or harmed bodily by the officials of Virginia , where the state church was Episcopal. Baptists in Virginia refused to accept licenses to preach from the Episcopal government. Patrick Henry rode 60 miles to defend Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe, who were imprisoned for preaching without a license.
In 1770 three pastors (Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe) were arrested in Fredricksburg, Virginia, where they were holding a meeting. The royal prosecutor then arraigned the preachers with all gravity, "For preaching the Gospel of the Son of God in the colony of Virginia." As he was reading the charges, Patrick Henry, representing them, jumped to his feet and giving a speech.
**
Craig and Bledsoe were condemned, but given a chance at freedom if they promise to quit preaching. The pastors rejected the offer, and were marched off under guard to the jail. As they went through the streets of the town, the pastors sang "Broad is the road that leads to death."
Aaron and E. Craig organized the North Pamunkey Baptist Church, in Orange County, in 1774, and Aaron was the first pastor of the church (History of Orange County, Virginia).
Aaron was prominent in church affairs until 1806, when he was: "accused of fraudulent dealings, which he denied, though too plainly proven. The church excluded him although there was a large majority in his favor, who thought him innocent."
Deeply chagrined and heartbroken over what he probably saw as the betrayal of his flock, he moved out of the state. In the three years following his loss, the membership of the church fell from 350 members to 180.
(History of the Rise and Progress of Baptists in Virginia; Published 1894; by Rev. Robert Baylor Semple; and Short Sketch of History of North Pamunkey Church, by F. C. Riley).
***************
Aaron prospered through land grants in Kentucky, however, he never lived in Kentucky or even traveled there. Aaron also held land grants in Orange County, Virginia.
Aaron and his family reached Georgia by 1808 and owned at plantation in Greene County. His final will disposes of his estate by giving the plantation to his "beloved wife Mary Bledsoe during her natural life". She was also given seven slaves, horses, furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, corn, fodder, pork and so forth, to last her one year. His mountain lands in Virginia were divided among several of his sons, including James.
15 June 1809: Deed. Aaron deeded a slave to his son-in-law, John Sams of Oglethorpe Co., GA. Deed Wit: William Wells and Joseph Sams. Deed Rec. 11 Sept 1809 (after Aaron's death).
**************************
Aaron and Mary had a large family of twelve children;
Mildred "Milly" married Thomas Williamson died bef 1808 no heirs
Elizabeth "Betsy" married Lewis Brockman 1779 & died before 1808. Her husband is listed in Aaron's will.
James married Elizabeth
William married Sarah Morton 1784
Mary married John Sam 1785
Moses died after 1808 Georgia
Nancy married James Brockman 1790
Elijah married Frances Champion 1796
John married Polly Dear 1797
Joseph married Jane Williamson 1796
Aaron Jr married Elizabeth Stocks 1808
Peggy married Robert Wright 1808
***************************
WILL OF REV. AARON BLEDSOE
(From Greensboro, Ga. Will Book K, 1806-1816, p. 76)
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN:
I, Aaron Bledsoe, of the County of Green, being sick of body but of sound and disposing memory, and being desirous to dispose of such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with, doth make this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following:
ITEM: Land, My beloved wife, Mary Bledsoe, during her natural life, the plantation on which I now live, also seven negroes to wit: Frank, Winslow, Cato, and Jimmy, and three negro children, their names as follows: Willy, Lane, and Jude, the said girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and Peggy whenever my wife Mary Bledsoe thinks proper, to them and their heirs; three work horses and my riding horse, three beds and furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture and corn, fodder, pork, and so forth, to last for one year.
ITEM: It is my will and desire that my executors procure a sufficiency of my estate to pay all lawful claims and debts whatsoever, and that they also sell my Mountain Lands in Virginia lying in Orange County, and it be divided as follows: Into eight parts and my daughter Nancy Brockman to have two parts of the same for a negro fellow which my , son Joseph Bledsoe parted from, it being lent to him which belonged to her and her heirs, which she takes as the full amount against my estate forever.
ITEM: I give to my daughter Nancy Brockman, one negro woman by name of Jin and her child Oliver and two parts of my land in Virginia to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give my son, William Bledsoe, one-eighth part of my land in Virginia to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Lewis Brockman, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son James Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son John Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Moses Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Robert Wright, and my daughter Peggy, two negro girls named Silvy and Jude, one bed and furniture to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son, Aaron Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, John Sams, and his wife Mary, ten shillings to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Elijah, ten shillings, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I desire that my executors procure out of my estate a sufficiency to pay my grandson Walker Brockman, one horse, saddle and bridle to the amount of $85, one bed and furniture.
The property which I lend to my wife Mary Bledsoe, after her death to be divided into three equal parts, the land and girl Jude excepted, the land to be divided equally between two sons Moses and Aaron, to them and their heirs, the girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and my daughter Peggy, to them and their heirs forever.
Also, the balance of the property to be equally divided between Moses, Aaron and Nancy which I leave my wife Mary. The Executors to be paid for all nesessary trouble out of my Mountain Lands, likewise my son Moses Bledsoe to be maintained out of the same profits which shall arise from my wife Mary Bledsoe's part during her natural life. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law Lewis Brockman and my two sons James and Moses Bledsoe executors to my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made, recommending my body to the grave in a decent manner and my soul the disposer of future events.
As witness my hand and seal this thirty-first day of August eighteen hundred and eight.
(Signed) AARON BLEDSOE (Seal)
Witnessed: Thomas Danull, William Danull, Thomas Greer
Green Court of Ordinary, September Term 1809. The foregoing Last Will and Testament of Aaron Bledsoe, dec'd and duly proved in Open Court by the oaths of Thomas Danull, William Danull, and Thomas Greer, who after being duly sworn, saith that they saw him sign the same for the purpose of exscripted and ordered to be recorded. Sworn to in Open Court this 4th Sept. 1809.
A. Carleton, Sr.
for T. Carleton, Co. R.
*************
Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742-1992
Name Aaron Bledsoe
Probate Place Greene, Georgia, USA
Inferred Death Place Georgia, USA
Item Description Wills, Vol A-G, 1786-1877
REVEREND AARON BLEDSOE, son of Capt. William Bledsoe and his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Mumford Stevens, was born about 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Va. and died in 1809 in Greene County, Ga. his will being dated August 31, 1808, probated September 4, 1809 (Greensboro, Ga. Will Book E, p. 76).
Aaron was named as a son in his father's will and received a feather bed and furniture and a one-seventh share in the estate after the death of his mother, and his children also received four negro slaves. About 1758 Aaron Bledsoe married Mary Brockman daughter of John Brockman and Mary Collins (Brockman's Scrapbook).
************************************************
Aaron appears in Orange County Virginia records when he received from his father a deed of 450 acres of land for "natural love and fatherly affection".
(Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 12, p. 129)
********************************
Aaron held a commission of Lieutenant of company under Capt. Benjamin Pendleton in the Spotsylvania County Militia on 21 July 1755. He was promoted to Captain on 29 April 1756. (Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776, Spotsylvania County Order Book 1755-1765)
************************
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to William Cave of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 310)
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to George Wharton of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 314)
********************
Many Baptist preachers, Samuel Harris, John Waller, Elijah Craig, and others, were imprisoned or harmed bodily by the officials of Virginia , where the state church was Episcopal. Baptists in Virginia refused to accept licenses to preach from the Episcopal government. Patrick Henry rode 60 miles to defend Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe, who were imprisoned for preaching without a license.
In 1770 three pastors (Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe) were arrested in Fredricksburg, Virginia, where they were holding a meeting. The royal prosecutor then arraigned the preachers with all gravity, "For preaching the Gospel of the Son of God in the colony of Virginia." As he was reading the charges, Patrick Henry, representing them, jumped to his feet and giving a speech.
**
Craig and Bledsoe were condemned, but given a chance at freedom if they promise to quit preaching. The pastors rejected the offer, and were marched off under guard to the jail. As they went through the streets of the town, the pastors sang "Broad is the road that leads to death."
Aaron and E. Craig organized the North Pamunkey Baptist Church, in Orange County, in 1774, and Aaron was the first pastor of the church (History of Orange County, Virginia).
Aaron was prominent in church affairs until 1806, when he was: "accused of fraudulent dealings, which he denied, though too plainly proven. The church excluded him although there was a large majority in his favor, who thought him innocent."
Deeply chagrined and heartbroken over what he probably saw as the betrayal of his flock, he moved out of the state. In the three years following his loss, the membership of the church fell from 350 members to 180.
(History of the Rise and Progress of Baptists in Virginia; Published 1894; by Rev. Robert Baylor Semple; and Short Sketch of History of North Pamunkey Church, by F. C. Riley).
***************
Aaron prospered through land grants in Kentucky, however, he never lived in Kentucky or even traveled there. Aaron also held land grants in Orange County, Virginia.
Aaron and his family reached Georgia by 1808 and owned at plantation in Greene County. His final will disposes of his estate by giving the plantation to his "beloved wife Mary Bledsoe during her natural life". She was also given seven slaves, horses, furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, corn, fodder, pork and so forth, to last her one year. His mountain lands in Virginia were divided among several of his sons, including James.
15 June 1809: Deed. Aaron deeded a slave to his son-in-law, John Sams of Oglethorpe Co., GA. Deed Wit: William Wells and Joseph Sams. Deed Rec. 11 Sept 1809 (after Aaron's death).
**************************
Aaron and Mary had a large family of twelve children;
Mildred "Milly" married Thomas Williamson died bef 1808 no heirs
Elizabeth "Betsy" married Lewis Brockman 1779 & died before 1808. Her husband is listed in Aaron's will.
James married Elizabeth
William married Sarah Morton 1784
Mary married John Sam 1785
Moses died after 1808 Georgia
Nancy married James Brockman 1790
Elijah married Frances Champion 1796
John married Polly Dear 1797
Joseph married Jane Williamson 1796
Aaron Jr married Elizabeth Stocks 1808
Peggy married Robert Wright 1808
***************************
WILL OF REV. AARON BLEDSOE
(From Greensboro, Ga. Will Book K, 1806-1816, p. 76)
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN:
I, Aaron Bledsoe, of the County of Green, being sick of body but of sound and disposing memory, and being desirous to dispose of such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with, doth make this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following:
ITEM: Land, My beloved wife, Mary Bledsoe, during her natural life, the plantation on which I now live, also seven negroes to wit: Frank, Winslow, Cato, and Jimmy, and three negro children, their names as follows: Willy, Lane, and Jude, the said girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and Peggy whenever my wife Mary Bledsoe thinks proper, to them and their heirs; three work horses and my riding horse, three beds and furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture and corn, fodder, pork, and so forth, to last for one year.
ITEM: It is my will and desire that my executors procure a sufficiency of my estate to pay all lawful claims and debts whatsoever, and that they also sell my Mountain Lands in Virginia lying in Orange County, and it be divided as follows: Into eight parts and my daughter Nancy Brockman to have two parts of the same for a negro fellow which my , son Joseph Bledsoe parted from, it being lent to him which belonged to her and her heirs, which she takes as the full amount against my estate forever.
ITEM: I give to my daughter Nancy Brockman, one negro woman by name of Jin and her child Oliver and two parts of my land in Virginia to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give my son, William Bledsoe, one-eighth part of my land in Virginia to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Lewis Brockman, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son James Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son John Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Moses Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Robert Wright, and my daughter Peggy, two negro girls named Silvy and Jude, one bed and furniture to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son, Aaron Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, John Sams, and his wife Mary, ten shillings to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Elijah, ten shillings, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I desire that my executors procure out of my estate a sufficiency to pay my grandson Walker Brockman, one horse, saddle and bridle to the amount of $85, one bed and furniture.
The property which I lend to my wife Mary Bledsoe, after her death to be divided into three equal parts, the land and girl Jude excepted, the land to be divided equally between two sons Moses and Aaron, to them and their heirs, the girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and my daughter Peggy, to them and their heirs forever.
Also, the balance of the property to be equally divided between Moses, Aaron and Nancy which I leave my wife Mary. The Executors to be paid for all nesessary trouble out of my Mountain Lands, likewise my son Moses Bledsoe to be maintained out of the same profits which shall arise from my wife Mary Bledsoe's part during her natural life. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law Lewis Brockman and my two sons James and Moses Bledsoe executors to my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made, recommending my body to the grave in a decent manner and my soul the disposer of future events.
As witness my hand and seal this thirty-first day of August eighteen hundred and eight.
(Signed) AARON BLEDSOE (Seal)
Witnessed: Thomas Danull, William Danull, Thomas Greer
Green Court of Ordinary, September Term 1809. The foregoing Last Will and Testament of Aaron Bledsoe, dec'd and duly proved in Open Court by the oaths of Thomas Danull, William Danull, and Thomas Greer, who after being duly sworn, saith that they saw him sign the same for the purpose of exscripted and ordered to be recorded. Sworn to in Open Court this 4th Sept. 1809.
A. Carleton, Sr.
for T. Carleton, Co. R.
*************
Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742-1992
Name Aaron Bledsoe
Probate Place Greene, Georgia, USA
Inferred Death Place Georgia, USA
Item Description Wills, Vol A-G, 1786-1877
Aaron was named as a son in his father's will and received a feather bed and furniture and a one-seventh share in the estate after the death of his mother, and his children also received four negro slaves. About 1758 Aaron Bledsoe married Mary Brockman daughter of John Brockman and Mary Collins (Brockman's Scrapbook).
************************************************
Aaron appears in Orange County Virginia records when he received from his father a deed of 450 acres of land for "natural love and fatherly affection".
(Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 12, p. 129)
********************************
Aaron held a commission of Lieutenant of company under Capt. Benjamin Pendleton in the Spotsylvania County Militia on 21 July 1755. He was promoted to Captain on 29 April 1756. (Virginia Colonial Militia, 1651-1776, Spotsylvania County Order Book 1755-1765)
************************
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to William Cave of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 310)
30 January 1771: Aaron Bledsoe and Mary his wife of Culpeper Co. sells land to George Wharton of Orange Co. (Orange County, Virginia Deed Book 15, p. 314)
********************
Many Baptist preachers, Samuel Harris, John Waller, Elijah Craig, and others, were imprisoned or harmed bodily by the officials of Virginia , where the state church was Episcopal. Baptists in Virginia refused to accept licenses to preach from the Episcopal government. Patrick Henry rode 60 miles to defend Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe, who were imprisoned for preaching without a license.
In 1770 three pastors (Lewis and Joseph Craig and Aaron Bledsoe) were arrested in Fredricksburg, Virginia, where they were holding a meeting. The royal prosecutor then arraigned the preachers with all gravity, "For preaching the Gospel of the Son of God in the colony of Virginia." As he was reading the charges, Patrick Henry, representing them, jumped to his feet and giving a speech.
**
Craig and Bledsoe were condemned, but given a chance at freedom if they promise to quit preaching. The pastors rejected the offer, and were marched off under guard to the jail. As they went through the streets of the town, the pastors sang "Broad is the road that leads to death."
Aaron and E. Craig organized the North Pamunkey Baptist Church, in Orange County, in 1774, and Aaron was the first pastor of the church (History of Orange County, Virginia).
Aaron was prominent in church affairs until 1806, when he was: "accused of fraudulent dealings, which he denied, though too plainly proven. The church excluded him although there was a large majority in his favor, who thought him innocent."
Deeply chagrined and heartbroken over what he probably saw as the betrayal of his flock, he moved out of the state. In the three years following his loss, the membership of the church fell from 350 members to 180.
(History of the Rise and Progress of Baptists in Virginia; Published 1894; by Rev. Robert Baylor Semple; and Short Sketch of History of North Pamunkey Church, by F. C. Riley).
***************
Aaron prospered through land grants in Kentucky, however, he never lived in Kentucky or even traveled there. Aaron also held land grants in Orange County, Virginia.
Aaron and his family reached Georgia by 1808 and owned at plantation in Greene County. His final will disposes of his estate by giving the plantation to his "beloved wife Mary Bledsoe during her natural life". She was also given seven slaves, horses, furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, corn, fodder, pork and so forth, to last her one year. His mountain lands in Virginia were divided among several of his sons, including James.
15 June 1809: Deed. Aaron deeded a slave to his son-in-law, John Sams of Oglethorpe Co., GA. Deed Wit: William Wells and Joseph Sams. Deed Rec. 11 Sept 1809 (after Aaron's death).
**************************
Aaron and Mary had a large family of twelve children;
Mildred "Milly" married Thomas Williamson died bef 1808 no heirs
Elizabeth "Betsy" married Lewis Brockman 1779 & died before 1808. Her husband is listed in Aaron's will.
James married Elizabeth
William married Sarah Morton 1784
Mary married John Sam 1785
Moses died after 1808 Georgia
Nancy married James Brockman 1790
Elijah married Frances Champion 1796
John married Polly Dear 1797
Joseph married Jane Williamson 1796
Aaron Jr married Elizabeth Stocks 1808
Peggy married Robert Wright 1808
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WILL OF REV. AARON BLEDSOE
(From Greensboro, Ga. Will Book K, 1806-1816, p. 76)
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN:
I, Aaron Bledsoe, of the County of Green, being sick of body but of sound and disposing memory, and being desirous to dispose of such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with, doth make this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following:
ITEM: Land, My beloved wife, Mary Bledsoe, during her natural life, the plantation on which I now live, also seven negroes to wit: Frank, Winslow, Cato, and Jimmy, and three negro children, their names as follows: Willy, Lane, and Jude, the said girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and Peggy whenever my wife Mary Bledsoe thinks proper, to them and their heirs; three work horses and my riding horse, three beds and furniture, and the stock of hogs, cows, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture and corn, fodder, pork, and so forth, to last for one year.
ITEM: It is my will and desire that my executors procure a sufficiency of my estate to pay all lawful claims and debts whatsoever, and that they also sell my Mountain Lands in Virginia lying in Orange County, and it be divided as follows: Into eight parts and my daughter Nancy Brockman to have two parts of the same for a negro fellow which my , son Joseph Bledsoe parted from, it being lent to him which belonged to her and her heirs, which she takes as the full amount against my estate forever.
ITEM: I give to my daughter Nancy Brockman, one negro woman by name of Jin and her child Oliver and two parts of my land in Virginia to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give my son, William Bledsoe, one-eighth part of my land in Virginia to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Lewis Brockman, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son James Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son John Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Moses Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, Robert Wright, and my daughter Peggy, two negro girls named Silvy and Jude, one bed and furniture to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give unto my son, Aaron Bledsoe, one-eighth part of the said lands, one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son-in-law, John Sams, and his wife Mary, ten shillings to them and their heirs forever.
ITEM: I give to my son, Elijah, ten shillings, to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I desire that my executors procure out of my estate a sufficiency to pay my grandson Walker Brockman, one horse, saddle and bridle to the amount of $85, one bed and furniture.
The property which I lend to my wife Mary Bledsoe, after her death to be divided into three equal parts, the land and girl Jude excepted, the land to be divided equally between two sons Moses and Aaron, to them and their heirs, the girl Jude to go to my son-in-law Robert Wright and my daughter Peggy, to them and their heirs forever.
Also, the balance of the property to be equally divided between Moses, Aaron and Nancy which I leave my wife Mary. The Executors to be paid for all nesessary trouble out of my Mountain Lands, likewise my son Moses Bledsoe to be maintained out of the same profits which shall arise from my wife Mary Bledsoe's part during her natural life. I do hereby nominate and appoint my son-in-law Lewis Brockman and my two sons James and Moses Bledsoe executors to my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made, recommending my body to the grave in a decent manner and my soul the disposer of future events.
As witness my hand and seal this thirty-first day of August eighteen hundred and eight.
(Signed) AARON BLEDSOE (Seal)
Witnessed: Thomas Danull, William Danull, Thomas Greer
Green Court of Ordinary, September Term 1809. The foregoing Last Will and Testament of Aaron Bledsoe, dec'd and duly proved in Open Court by the oaths of Thomas Danull, William Danull, and Thomas Greer, who after being duly sworn, saith that they saw him sign the same for the purpose of exscripted and ordered to be recorded. Sworn to in Open Court this 4th Sept. 1809.
A. Carleton, Sr.
for T. Carleton, Co. R.
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Georgia, Wills and Probate Records, 1742-1992
Name Aaron Bledsoe
Probate Place Greene, Georgia, USA
Inferred Death Place Georgia, USA
Item Description Wills, Vol A-G, 1786-1877
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