Robert Golding, Sr – Last Will – 1835 – Newberry District – South Carolina

Robert Golding, Sr., was the son of William Golding (1704-1782) and Elizabeth Foster (1704-1775).

Born 1740 in Essex, Virginia and died March 4, 1835 in Newberry, South Carolina. He was married to Sarah Estes (1740-1800).

It would appear that Robert Sr may have had a prolonged illness as his Will was written and witnessed almost five years before his death. It can also be that he chose to plan ahead and was of generally good health. His Will starts out different than many others in that he gives no indication of any infirmity or illness.

Within his Will, Robert gives his children a combination of slaves and land. It is of interest (to me at least) that just two of his slaves are valued ($850) higher than 170 acres of land ($816).

Robert names 7 children; his wife passed away in 1800.

• John Golding
• Reuben Golding
• Mary Golding, married to Paul Butler
  — Robert Sr may not have been fond of Butler as he expressly protects Mary’s control of her inheritance and forbids that Paul Butler can use Mary’s inheritance to pay any of his debts, present or future.
• Robert Golding Jr (deceased), children of
  — Robert Jr’s children, not named, are to receive his share.
• Elizabeth Golding
• Thomas Golding
• Elisha Golding

‘Beloved sons’ Elisha Golding and Thomas Golding are named executors.

Witnesses to the Will are John Reeder, Caleb Pitts and Moses Pitts.

Source: South Carolina Archives: 1829 – Robert Golding Sr., records Will but does not appear to pass away until 1835. Robert Golding of Newberry District, Will typescript (MSS Will: Esate Record Book L, page 352) (3 frames). SC Archives; see Series: S108093 Reel: 0019 Frame: 00561.