Samuel Eskridge

Samuel married Mary, widow of John Lewis, who may have been the son of John Lewis and Mary Garner. Her maiden name could possibly have been Dawson. Samuel and Mary had three sons and two daughters.

In January of 1771 Samuel Eskrigde and Anthony Routt signed a deed for 250 pounds to settle the estate of William Townsend with his widow and children.

In February of 1771 Samuel wrote his will. He left 500 acres to his son George that had been purchased from Sarah Haynie, William Lewis, John Lewis and Elias Edmonds. Son Samuel received 254 acres in Lancaster County on the Corotoman River. To son Thomas, Samuel left his current home and mill property containing 150 acres and also " the land I am at law for with St. Stephens Parish, which is next to the other if recovered." To his wife Samuel left "use of my whole estate during her widowhood provide she makes no waste, and brings up my children...in a christian like manner, and pays all my debts, and to let my children have their estate when they come of age or marrys." To William Fallen and his wife Sarah he left five shillings. He also left five shillings to Winston Garlin and his wife, but does not write her name - this was probably another daughter. Samuel's will was proven on May 13th, 1771 and an inventory of his estate was ordered.

In June of 1771 Samuel's estate inventory was returned to the court, eight slaves were named at the top of his list of property. Samuel's livestock included two horses, two pairs of draft steers and 16 cows, pigs and sheep were also counted. Other items included a still, two wine glasses, a Bailey's Dictionary, two bags of feathers, an old gun and one case of knives and forks.

In October of 1771 Samuel's widow Mary made a deed of gift for land to their son George Eskridge.