Edith Cobbs

Biography

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Marot-2

Edith Cobbs' husband paid her a rare tribute in his last will and testament in 1757. In the 18th century, a woman rarely owned property and even more rarely had any right to convey it. As a widow, she had only a dower right - a life estate - in a portion of her late husband's lands and income. Yet Samuel Cobbs left both his land and personal property to his wife Edith, in trust. He provided guidelines and certain restrictions, but depended her to fulfill all of his obligations and wishes. In closing, he stated:

As I have now almost finished my will by which I have given a very extensive power to my wife, the inducement thereto and in gratitude to her I now mention. She has been my wife near forty years during which time hath always been kind loving and obedient to me without affectation -- my children are hers I commit them to her As my circumstances are now I could not provide for both and I do think it my duty to provide for a wife now in the decline of life who so well deserves it from me.

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Will

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Cobbs-234

• Last Will and Testament (Amelia County, Virginia – Will Book I, p. 200) (Transcription)
• Edith Cobbs, relict of Samuel Cobbs, Gentleman. Legatees:
• Son John Catlin Cobbs “500 acres, part of tract where I live “ (described in the Will of his father, aforesaid).... “also to said son John Catlin Cobbs all my lotts of land and houses in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in town of Pocahontas, Warwick, and the Hundred.”
• Son Samuel Cobbs “land where I live” (excepting the part given my son John Catlin Cobbs)... “also to said son Samuel Cobbs all my lots and houses in City of Williamsburg, Virginia.”
• “The rest of my land devised to me by my late husband to be sold for payment of my late husband’s debts and my own.”
• “... rest of my estate to be divided equally between my two sons Samuel and John Catlin Cobbs, and my two daughters Theodosia and Judith, but no division of estate be made until son Samuel shall come of age, and all on the plantation where live continue to be kept for use and benefit of my children.”
• Granddaughter Kitty Booker “the Negro girl given me by her father, Edward Booker, Gentleman.”
• “... wearing cloaths and rings not to be appraised.”
• Mentioned, Rachel Booker, daughter of Edmund Booker Jr.
• Witnesses: James Henderson, T. Griffin Peachy.
• Executors: son Samuel Cobbs, sons-in-law Edward Booker, Edmund Booker, and George Booker.
• Will Dated: 09 March 1758
• Will proved: 27 August 1761.
• Codicil to Last Will and Testament dated 05 August 1761
• To daughter Theodosia Cobbs 400 acres in Prince Edward County, Virginia, part of tract of 1100 acres.
• Revoke part of Will appointing Executors and make Theodosia and son Samuel Executors.
• Witnesses: T.G. Peachy, Edward Booker, Samuel Bentley.
• Inventory & Appraisal of Estate Amelia County, Will Book I, p. 203.
• Appraisers William Hamline, William Maynard, William May. Examined and approved by Alexander Erskine.

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https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/KHG3-5WV