Whence I Came

The many intricacies of Lieutenant Elisha White's life did not end with his being arrested , removed from company command, and serving as a Continental Army Recruiting Officer in Virginia . To add to the many mysteries surrounding Elisha's life, h e left a most unusual will dated January 4, 1781 in Henrico County, Virginia comprised of only two sentences: Henrico County, VA Will Book 1 page 10 In the name of God amen. January 4th 1781 I, Elisha White of Henrico County being in perfect sences do make this my last will and testament. Itum  to my wife Theodotia White I do give and bequeath all my estate real and and personly after my debts being out the same. Test                                                                                 ...

A few years back, I came across the below 1778 Virginia Gazette advertisement while researching my Thurman family.  This Revolutionary War era ad created more questions for me than answers.  I couldn't help but wonder why "Mr. John Thurman", a young man originally from rural Hanover County, was acting on behalf of Dr. William Pasteur , the eminent 18th century Williamsburg surgeon and apothecary.  Pasteur's Beaverdam Creek plantation, mentioned in the ad, was comprised of 700 acres on the north side of the James River.  Today, there is a historic home known as Mount Bernard which proudly stands on a small portion of the original plantation which maintains sweeping views of the James River valley.  According to a historic survey of the property prepared by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources , it is believed that Mount Bernard was built upon an 18th century foundation - the time frame of the below subject ad.    1778 Virginia Gazette...