Back in Surry County, Virginia, William Rose made his will. This is an abstract. The minor children (including our James) are not listed by name.

a.   To his son, John, all his lands lying on the south side of the small branch running through his plantation.

b.    To his son, Benjamin, all his land lying north of said small branch, after the death of his wife.

c.    To his wife, Elizabeth, during her natural life, possession of the lands bequeathed to Benjamin.

d.    To his son Samuel, five shillings; desires that he have no more. (Samuel had already been given the land inherited from William Jr.)

e.    To Susannah Harrison, the daughter of his wife, Elizabeth, all the furniture that came to him by his wife.

f.    The rest of his property to be sold, and the proceeds equally divided among all his children except Samuel, John and Benjamin.

g.    Appoints James Key and his son John as executors.