Query: Does anyone have definite family information (parents and siblings) for Mary Catherine Wilcox, wife of Capt. Abraham Bledsoe the Long Hunter? I am trying to connect her with her family, but have no proof of lineage. Various accounts give her dates as b.1741-m.1787-d.1842 (all in Virginia). Related to this query are some notes I made on Abram's will, division of land, and a subsequent court case which mentions the Bittles and Eakins, the children of Abram and Mary Catherine. Yesterday I reread part of the History of Washington County, and Abraham Bledsoe's will (dated 4/06/1801- presented in court August 18 and September 15, 1801, recorded in Book 2, pp. 299-300 of Washington County, Virginia)and later court papers (1814-1815)that were filed as part of closing his estate. There are Willcoxes mentioned - George Willcox, (deceased), his heirs, George, John and Mary, and Peyton Willcox, who filed a petition. I'm assuming that these Willcoxes may be related to Abraham's wife, Mary Catherine Willcox Bledsoe. Could anyone provide proof? >From Probate Records of Washington County, Virginia, Will Book #2, Pages 299, 300: In the name of God Amen, I Abram Bledsoe of the County of Washington and Commonwealth of Virginia, being in a sick and low condition, but thank God sound in mind and memory do by these presence make and allow this to be my last will and testament. As for what worldly property I die possessed of I leave and bequeath in the manner following: The track of land I now live upon supposed to contain fifty acres more or less, likewise my two negroes viz Sall and Milly I leave to my wife Catherine during her life or widowhood. I also will and desire that my executors hereafter named having paid all my just debts and complied with my legal contracts the balance of my property to be at their discretion, I having full confidence in them that they will do justice and right. I desire that the tract of land above mentioned with the two negroes may be equally divided after my wife's death, a sgariage assigned my children or their heirs. And I do by these presence constitute and appoint my beloved wife Catherine and my son Abram Bledsoe executors of this my last will with the assistance of Edmond David. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of April 1801. A. Bledsoe (Seal) Signed Sealed and Pronounced In Presence of Jno Anderson, Elizabeth Parker,and Elizabeth Lloyd. Note: This will was proven in Court 18 August and 15 September 1801. It was recorded in Book 2, pp. 299-3000 Washington County, Virginia. In March of 1806, Washington County, Virginia Deeds, Abraham Bledsoe, exe. of Abraham Bledsoe, deceased, sold 100 acres of land to George Bittle of Washington County, Virginia, being part of 400 acres granted to Abraham Bledsoe (deceased) on 13 April 1798. Wit: Thomas Bledsoe, Jacob Sevier, John Anderson. 30 April 1798, Abraham received patent on 400 acres on the North Fork of Holston, Washington County, Virginia. (notes from Sharlene Bledsoe Herndon) Frm 1814/15, Scott County, Virginia Record Book #2, page 30: The document is not dated, but since Abraham Bledsoe, Jr. died 1814/15, and Scott County was formed 1814 from Lee, Washington and Russell, it must be from 1814/15. Census records which relate to the document below: 1810: Lee County and Russell County records lost. Washington County: James Eakins, Jacob Seever 1820: Scott County: p200 Peyton Wilcox, George Wilcox; p184, George Bittle, p198A Jacob Seaver, p187A Coleman Davidson. Document quoted: On motion for the attorney for the Commonwealth. Ordered that process issue on all the presentments of the grand jury made at this term according to law. Presenteth Jacob Seaver, Gentleman, Payton Wilcox, Compltff, vs George, John and Mary, heirs of George Wilcox, Dec'd. Abraham Bledsoe, Thomas Bledsoe, James Eakin and Theley his wife, George Bittle and Hetty his wife & Polly Bledsoe heirs and representatives of Abraham Bledsoe Dec'd, John Jacob and Daniel Wills, Goldman Davidson and Betsey his wife, Thomas Taylor and Nancy his wife, William Crew and Sally his wife heirs and representatives of Jacob Wills Dec'd Defts in Chancery. This day this cause comes on to be heard. On the bill answer of the defts. George Willcox, Goldman Davison, James Eakin, Thomas Bledsoe and George Bittle and other exhibits in the cause and Assignment in Counsel the : Equity of the Pltffs bill being Confessed by the answers filed in this cause and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that publication has been duly made according to the order of this Court against the absent defts and they not having files their answers according to the rule of this Court, the Court doth take the pltff. bill for confessed and doth adjudge order and decree the land mentioned in the plntffs. bill to the said complainant and the Court further being satisfied that the fee simple title of the said heirs &... [Note (from Banks McLaurin, Volume 3 of The Bledsoe Family in America, 1993) This document establishes the wife of Abraham Bledsoe as being a Willcox and also establishes the names of some of the children. Cynthia Bledsoe-Daley cbdaley@mgfairfax.rr.com 3101 Buccaneer Court #2 Fairfax, Virginia 22031-5001 (703) 385-7467 Fax (703) 385-9147 Cell (703) 969-1218