William moved to Amelia County, Virginia, about 1737. He patented land on the head waters of Beaver Pond Branch and Buckskin Branch of Flatt Creek and lived there the rest of his life. He died testate in 1767 and his will names eight children: Thomas, Mary, William, Elizabeth, James, John, Booker and Richard. His daughter Joanna is identified from chancery records.
William's age can only be roughly estimated. His first known child, Thomas, was born about 1735 when William was probably over 21 so William was born before 1714.[1]
William probably married Ann (—?—) before his move to Amelia County as their first child was born before the move. Ann died testate in Amelia County; her will was dated 11 June 1780 but proved many years later on 26 Dec 1793. She bequeathed her wearing clothes to her daughter Johanna Powell and the rest of her personal property to her daughter Elizabeth. Her son William was named executor. [2]
William brought two wards with him when he moved to Amelia County, Thomas and James Foster, orphans of Robert Foster. Thomas came of age in 1748 and acknowledged receipt of his inheritance from William in the county court. [3] In 1749 James chose Thomas as his guardian. [4] Thomas and James left Amelia County around 1750 and settled in Rowan County, North Carolina. The relationship of William to his wards is not stated. William's son Thomas was born about 1734. Thomas son of Robert was born about 1727 and his brother James about 1733. Because the children's ages are close, William probably was their uncle.
William died testate in Amelia County, Virginia. His will was dated 8 Nov 1763 and proved 27 Aug 1767. His widow, Ann, refused her legacy and Thomas Tabb was appointed administrator.[5] Several chancery causes were filed to settle the estate.[6]
Two men named William Foster lived in Amelia County from 1741 until 1767. Both men lived in Raleigh Parish and were about the same age. One died testate in 1767 and the other left the county in 1772.Tax records distinguish the two men by the waterways they lived on, Stocks Creek and Buckskin Branch. Land records show that William on Stocks Creek was married to Sebrina. The will of William on Buckskin Branch names his wife, Ann.
Thomas Foster was born around 1734. He married Prudence (—?—), probably in Amelia County, Virginia, sometime before 1762. Thomas died testate in Charlotte County, Virginia, around 1799. His will names sons Claiborne, William, Jesse and Ludson and his daughter, Kiziah.
Mary Foster was named in her father's will dated 8 Nov 1763 and the will states that she had no heirs at that time. She is probably the Mary Foster who married John Mitchell; the marriage bond is dated 26 Jan 1764.[7]
Elizabeth Foster was named in her mother's will dated 11 Jun 1780.[8] In 1782 she signed a marriage contract with Benjamin Hubbard in Amelia County. She died testate about 1783 in Amelia County. Her will names her son Asitis [Akillis or Achilles] Foster and her sister Joannah Powell, wife of Thomas Powell.[9]
William Foster was born about 1738. He is probably the William Foster who married Elizabeth Hastings in 1779. He died intestate in Charlotte County, Virginia, in 1810 with eight children: William, Sarah, Ann, Polly, Betsy, Nancy, Booker and John.
James Foster was born around 1746. He married Edith Baldwin, daughter of John Baldwin. James died between 1783 and 1788. Two probable children have been identified, Nancy and Robert.
Joanna Foster was not named in her father's will. William rewrote his will to exclude her after she married Thomas Powell against his wishes.[10] Thomas Powell died testate in Halifax County, Virginia; the will was dated 2 Jun 1813 and recorded 28 Feb 1814. Besides his wife, Joanna, the will names children William Powell, Thomas Powell, Patsy Dillard, Polly Hunt, Rhoda Chambers, Nemey Powell, Fanny Adams, Sally Standfield and granddaughter Nemey Collins, daughter of Elizabeth who married George Collins. [11]
John Foster was born about 1747. He married Frances Worsham. He died testate in Amelia County, Virginia; the will was dated 31 Mar 1820 and proved 26 July 1821. The will names daughter Polly Dabbs, daughter Jane Rison, son Worsham Foster, son John W. Foster, son Marston Foster and three youngest daughters Frances, Elizabeth and Sophia.
Booker Foster was born around 1752. He married at least twice, to Tabitha (—? —) and Susannah (—? —). Booker died testate about 1827. His will names his widow, Susannah, and daughter Elizabeth W. Webster, son William B. Foster, daughter Polly C. Bevil, daughter Matilda Adams, son John S. Foster, daughter Mariah Foster widow of son Booker Foster, son Josiah Foster, son Joshua Foster, daughter Ann Foster, daughter Mariah Foster and daughter Christiana Williamson.
Richard Foster was born around 1754. He married Wilmoth Worsham, daughter of William Worsham. Richard died testate in Amelia County, Virginia, about 1827. His will names his daughters Phoebe Demovil, Parky Smithy and Paretha Foster and son Abel Foster. His daughter Fanny is identified from a deed.