Updated November 25, 2022
Background
Samuel Yates GILLIAM, the son of John William GILLIAM and Mary Elizabeth Coleman Goodwyn was named after his grandfather, Samuel GILLIAM, who married Susanna P. Bolling. Samuel was the second son born to John and Mary Elizabeth of this name. The first Samuel born in July 1846, died in October 1847 and was buried in the GILLIAM Family Cemetery, north of Danieltown. The second Samuel was born 18 Jan 1849. On 12 April 1898 at Trinity in Chesterfield County, VA, Samuel married Martha Page Cox, the daughter of James Piper Cox and Emma D., his wife.
Overview
Samuel's will mentions future offspring. Samuel and Martha, had a son, Joseph Peterson Goodwyn GILLIAM born about 1905. After Samuel's death, Martha marries Harry G. Wheeler. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, and Joseph appear in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 Federal Census. Per Samuel's Will, son Joseph, inherits Burnt Quarter.
Indicates that I have on file a copy of the original document.4 July 1902
In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Y. GILLIAM, of Burnt Quarter, Dinwiddie County, Virginia being of sound mind and body, and knowing the uncertainty of life do make this my last will and testament as follows:
After the payment of my just debts, I give bequeath and devise unto my dear precious wife Martha Cox GILLIAM all of my lands and personal estate of many kind and whatsoever found to have and hold during her life.
Should there to born to me a child before or after my death then at my wife’s death, I give my property both real and personal to my child and request my wife to educate and give it such support during its minority as the estate in her judgment will permit of
Should I leave a child I appoint my wife Martha Cox GILLIAM guardian during its minority as at the time of my death should it be under the age of twenty one years, and I desire that no security shall be required of her as such guardian.
I give my wife full power and authority to pledge, mortgage, sell and dispose of all or any part of my lands and personal estate at any time she may need _________________ to do so and all deeds rights and titles and executings she may make shall be good and valid.
Should no child be born to me before or after my death then I leave all of my lands and personal estate of any kind that I am in possess of at my death to my to my dear precious wife Martha Cox GILLIAM to have and hold in fee simple and to dispose of at or before her death as she may chose and deem _____.
Having implicit confidence in her ability, good sense and judgment and discretion, I appoint my wife Martha Cox GILLIAM Executrix and my brother Dr. J. P. GILLIAM executor of this my last will and testament and desire that no security shall be required of her of him as such.
I desire that no appraisement be made of my personal estate.
I hereby revoke all previous will and codicils hereto rendered by me.
Witness my hand this fourth day of July in the year of our Lord 1902
Sig: S. Y. GILLIAM
Virginia: In the Clerk’s office of Dinwiddie County Court May 30th 1908
A paper ______ bearing date on the 4th day of July 1902 purporting to be the true last will and testament of Samuel Y. GILLIAM deceased was this day produced before me in my office aforesaid and offered for proof and ______ being no subscribing witnesses_______ Wm. B. McIlwaine, A. M. Orgain, Jr. and Bena J. Martin, were sworn and testified that they were will acquainted with the hand writing of the testator and ____ly believe that the said will and the signature _______ to have been wholly written by the testator’s hand _______________ the said will is admitted to probate as and for___________ true last will and testament of the said Samuel Y. GILLIAM, deceased, and on motion of Martha Cox GILLIAM, Executrix and J. P. GILLIAM, the executor named in the said will who made oath thereto as the law directs, and entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifty five thousand dollars, conditioned as the law directs without security, tho will requesting that now be required and now being required of _____ certificate is granted the said Martha Cox GILLIAM and J. P. GILLIAM for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.
Teste A M. Orgain, Clerk
A copy
A M. Orgain, Jr. , D. C.
Sources
Lunenburg County, VA, Will Book___. page 479.