Alternate Birth Year: 1635

--------------------

First Bledsoe in America

George Bletsoe was transported by Col. Hugh Gwin from England to America in 1652, and Col. Gwin received a land grant for his colonization efforts as follows: "CoL. Hugh Gwin (Gwyn) 300 acs. upon W. side of a tract called Gwins Island, being the surplusage of sd. island, bounded SW. upon the Narrowes, W. opposite to mouth of Peanketank Riv., S. upon Deep Cr. which layeth toward S. side of sd. Island. 6 Dec.1652, p.120. Trans. of 6 pers: John Cookeley, Nathanl. Walters, Mary Joyce: Robert Wilson al. Wiffon (or Wisson), George Bletsoe, Benja. Sarrow, Peter Cade: Humph. Higgins, Susan Parker, Susan Hillary, one Negro woman. Note: Land due for the last five. Land patented for four of the five, one remains still due being the Last."

Bledsoe researchers for the past 50 years have accepted this person as the emigrant George Bledsoe who thereafter appears in Northumberland Co., VA.

"Will of George Bledsoe:

In the name of God, Amen, I George Bledsoe of the county of Northumberland: in the colony of Virginia, being sick and weak of body, but of sound and perfect memory, do make this my last will and testament, revoking and disannulling all former wills by me heretofore made.

Imprimis: I bequeath my sould to God, my Maker, hoping to be saved by the merits of the blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, and my body I commit to the earth there to be buried in decent and Christian manner as my executors hereafter named shall think meet and convenient, and my worldly estate I dispose of as followeth:

Item: I give to my loving wife Eliza. Bledsoe all that estate she finds upon the plantation she brought along with her, (Huh ?) and if she thinks it not convenient to leave the same estate and take her proportionable part with the rest of my children and likewise allow one cow and the negro Nan, and if it please God to call me home before the crop is disposed of that she shall have her share with my children of the aforesaid crop.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Bledsoe the proportionable part of my land lying and adjoining Mr. Thomas Damerone, Senr's land and my will is that my son George Bledsoe have liberty to work upon the said land withouth trouble or molestation of the said John, provided he take care to manage the same during his natural life, but not to make waste or havoc of the same nor rent, sell or embezzle it to any one.

Item: I give unto my son William Bledsoe the plantation I now live upon and his part of land, together with all houses, fences, orchards, etc. that are upon it.

Item: I give unto my son, Abraham Bledsoe, my proportional part of land lying and adjoining next to John Nickless and running along the ridge next to the school house and my will is that if any of the three sons: Abraham, William and John Bledsoe should die without issue lawfully begotten of their body, that then their said land or lands to fall to my son Thomas Bledsoe his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Bledsoe one feather bed and my will is that my three sons: Abraham, William and John be at equal charge to keep my son Thomas three years at school, and to hire upon the plantation along with William till he comes to the age of 2l years, and for the remainder of my personal estate my will and desire is that my good friends:

Mr. James Waddy, Mr. John Nickless and James Richardson, divide it proportionally to the best of their judgments and discretion amongst my children.

Item: My will and desire is that what hogs I die possessed with not be shared amongst my children, but be left for the use and benefit of those that live upon the plantation.

Lastly: I do hereby ordain and appoint my two sons: Abraham and William Bledsoe, sole executors of this my last will and testament. In witness

whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 23d day of January 1704/5

George Bledsoe his mark X

Signed, sealed and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us:

James Richardson: John Nickless; Tho. Dameron, Jr . Aug. 15, 1705.

This will was probated in Northumberland Court to be the last will and testament of George Bledsoe, deceased: by the oaths of John Nickless and Tho. Dameron, Jr., two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and same is recorded.

CC

http://books.google.com/books/about/The_English_Origins_of_George_Bledsoe_of.html?id=CsbhGwAACAAJ

Information about Barton Seagrave Northamptonshire.