William Robertson, grandson of William Robertson, was the son of Christopher Robertson and Mourning Frances Towler Robertson. In November 1823, Mourning Robertson was appointed guardian of all her children except William, her eldest son. (Pittsylvania County, VA, Court Order Book 24, page 170) Anthony P. Lipford was appointed guardian for her eldest son William Robertson. Anthony was married to his great aunt Elizabeth Robertson. In February 1837 Mourning and her children, including William and wife "Patsy", sold 149 acres on Bannister River to Daniel Lipford. (Pittsylvania County, VA, Deed Book 40, page 23) On page 25 an affidavit by William's wife "Martha", declared that she willfully signed the deed. VA/NC Piedmont Genealogical Society publication Piedmont Lineages Volume XXI, No. 2, 2 May 1999 William Robertson was accused of murdering a Negro woman belonging to Mrs. Martha Griggs and rented out for a year to Mr. James Foulkes, Jun., for $25.00. The case went to court, and William was proved Innocent. He wrote in an article in the "Independent Statesman and Roanoke Commercial Gazette" on 23 July 1830, proving his innocence by quoting affidavits of Elizabeth Beavers, widow of the late Major William Beavers (a wealthy tavern owner), Jun. and Threat James that he was at the Beavers home the day and night of the murder. His grandfather William Robertson had written in his will "it is my ardent wish and desire that my Negroes be treated with utmost humanity", so it does not seem likely that the Robertsons were brought up to be cruel to their slaves.