Charles Cosby, ths son of David Cosby and Mary Johnson, was born 21 October 1754. He married Mary Minter, the daughter of Anthony Minter.He died in Powhatan County and left the following will:
"In the name of God, amen, I, Charles Cosby of the county of Powhatan, being at this time in my right mind & perfect memory do make this my last will and testament utterly revoking all former wills made and ordained by me. In the first place, I recommend my body to the earth from whence it caws, to be interred in Christian like decent manner at the discretion of my executor here-in-after mentioned: and my spirit unto almighty God, who gave it hoping through the mercy of his son, Jesus Christ, to be happy in the enjoyment of him forever and after my just debts and funeral charges are paid, I dispose of my estate in the following manner, viz: Imprimis it is my will and desire that the twenty five acres of land whereon I now live for which I have a deed from Anthony Mlnter during his natural life, which is recorded in the county court of Powhatan should be rented out annually by my executors herein named to the best advantage during the life of the said Anthony Minter and the money arising therefrom be applied by my said executors to the support and education of my five youngest children, named as follows, to wit, Richard, Archibald, Abner, James and Patsey.
Then I give and bequeath to my daughter, Nancy Kinter, the sum of ten dollars current money to be raised from my estate to her and her heirs forever. Item, I give to my son, Josiah Cosby, the sum of ten dollars current money to be raised from my estate and paid to him by my executors when he arrives to twenty one years of age, to him and his heirs forever. Item, I bequeath to my daughter, Elizabeth Cosby, a new feather bed, bedstead and furniture, also a side saddle which is now in the house and fifteen geese to her and her heirs forever. Item, It is my will that my slaves named David, Lewis, Lavy, and Helly should be hired out annually by my executors at their discretion until the youngest of my children, which may then be living, shall attain the age of sixteen years. The money that will arise from the hires of the said slaves shall be equally distributed among my seven following named children: Wm Henry, Polly, Richard, Archibald, Abner, James and Patsey for the purpose of their support and education. Item, I now give to my son Charles the sum of twenty dollars to be raised from my estate to him and his heirs forever. Item, I give and bequeath to my son Overton the sum of twenty dollars current money when he arrives to eighteen years of age to him and his heirs forever. Item, My will is that at my decease that my stock of every kind,
household and kitchen furniture, plantation, shop tools, etc. should be sold by my executors to the best advantage and the money arising from the sale thereof be applied to the payment of my debts and whatever balance may then remain be applied to the educating and subsistance of my said seven children, namely, Wm. Henry, Polly, Richard, Archibald,
Abner, James, and Patsey in an equal distribution. Item, It is my will, .... that when my youngest child may then be living shall arrive to sixteen years of age, my slaves, namely, Davis, Lewis & Hetty shall be sold by my executors to the best advantage and the money arising from the same be equally divided among my ten children (following named) viz : Elizabeth, Charles, Overton, Wm. Henry, Polly, Richard, Archibald, Abner, James and Patsey, to them and their heirs forever. And lastly, I do nominate and appoint my worthy friends, Frederick Woodson, Samuel Woodson, and my brother James Cosby, and my son, Charles J. Cosby, to execute and fullfill this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this third day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and two. Signed sealed and acknowledged Charles X Cosby in the presence of Wm. Clark, Jesse Butler, Peter Pollock
At a court held for Powhatan County the 19th day of January, 1803, this last will and testament of Charles Cosby, deceased, was presented in open court and proved by the oath of William Clarke, Jesse Butler, and Peter Pollock, subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded