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Archiver > RHEA > 2001-05 > 0990211334


From: "Patricia Hall" <>
Subject: [RHEA] Last Part- William Rhea
Date: Fri, 18 May 2001 13:42:14 -0500


William Rhea Sr. wrote his will on January 3, 1801,[60]and died April
25,1802.[67]In the original will, the last name of his sons was spelled
"Reach," but he signed the document, "Rhea." He divided his estate among his
wife and children, but only gave one dollar to John and to the two sons of
Archibald. This inequity was mentioned by John in his lawsuit against the
other heirs.[62]Elizabeth wrote her will on November 20, 1804, and died
three days later.[67] She was less discriminating, dividing her effects more
or less equally, even down to her books.Her religious inclination prompted
her to bequeath a Bible and "Watses Hyms" to grandchildren and
great-grandchildren named Elizabeth or Betsy, and to her son, William, and
grandsons named William. She gave a book of sermons by (George) Whitefield
to Robert, son of William. She remembered her "Negro man, Thomas" with eight
dollars, a rifle, and saddle, also eight dollars to her "negro woman
Daughfeney."
A Presbyterian minister, Philip Vicers Fithian, while passing through the
area, recorded in his journal a visit to the farm and home of William and
Elizabeth "Reah" on the day after Christmas, 1775.[189] "I rode over the
River, on my way to the Cow-Pasture after dinner, Mr.. Guy along - A
Clergyman never rides here without a Shadow - He must have an Elder along.
Mr.. Hunter when he went up the Pasture last week was attended by elder John
Guy - Mr.. Graham was attended by Mr.. Elder Reah - and I am escorted from
the Calf-Pasture by Mr. James Guy where I lodge he is a noncommissioned
Elder, & sees me safe to the Panther-Gap to another, deputed Church Officer,
who is to go with me quite into the Cow-Pasture to my Lodging with an
orderly Officer on Duty. - Turesday at Mr. Reahs I passed pleasantly in
rural Enjoyment. He owns a very large Farm, it lies by itself three Miles
distant from any Neighbour; his Range for Stock is extensive & rich - His
Stock is large and valuable; Hay in great Quantites. Many Cattle -Many
Horses young and old-several fine English Fillies -Mr.. Reah is a stiff
Quo-He[190] his Wife is a chatty plain good-humored Body - We supped &
breakfasted on buttered Paste, of wheat Meal. Tuesday Evening December 26th
conducted by Mr. Reah I rode over to the Cow-Pasture at Mr. Settlenton's, a
rich agreeable intelligent Farmer; fed our Horses; chatted Politicks a while
with himself & Wife - And rode two Miles further to Col: Dickenson's an able
long experienced Soldier in the Indian Service."
In addition to his own research, the author is indebted to numerous persons
for the content of this article. Special consideration goes to Mrs..
Constance (Connie) Metheny of Millboro, Va.
A copy of references and notes used in this article is on file at the Bath
County Historical Society.
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