Charles Lee

Richard Lee died in 1664 and left two plantations to his wife, the plantation he lived at (Cobb's Hall), and the Mocke Nock plantation. He left large plantations to his three oldest sons too. To his youngest children he wrote:

I give and bequeath to the five younger children, viz.: William, Hancock, Betsey, Anne, and Charles, the plantation whereon John Baswell now lives and so all along including Bishop's Neck and to the utmost extent of my land towards Brewer's and also 4,000 acres upon Potomack, also the two plantations before bequeathed to my wife, after her death to be divided between them or their survivors...

Charles ended up inheriting the Cobb's Hall plantation. The branches of the Lee family are usually identified by these different properties named in Richard's will.

Charles married Elizabeth Medstand about 1676 and had four children. Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas Medstand, her mother may have been Elizabeth Lawson. Charles was a gentleman and a planter. He served in the Northumberland Militia and became a captain. He also served as a Justice in 1687 and 1699.

Charles wrote his will on July 13th, 1700. It was proven on December 17th, 1701. The original record book was destroyed by a fire at the clerk's office years later and in 1718 the will was again presented in Northumberland Court by a Richard Lee to be re-recorded. Charles is buried at the Cobb's Hall burying ground on the estate he lived at his whole life.

Northumberland county, Virginia, July Ye 13, 1700. I, Charles Lee, being in perfect health and strength of memory do make this my last will and testament. First, I give and bequeath my soul to my blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ, assuredly trusting, in and by His meritorious death and passion, to receive salvation, and my body to be disposed of as my loving wife shall . . . not doubting, but at last both body and sole will be renovated and glorified.

Next, I give to my son Thomas all my land on Rappahannock riverside, had by my wife, as also five hundred acres left me by WALTER JENKINS, to him and his heirs male. One featherbed, and further a child's part of my negroes, cattle and household stuff, and in case of his death without heirs, to be divided among my other children.

Next, I give and bequeath to my son Charles the six hundred acres whereon I now am, a featherbed and furniture, a child's part of my negroes and cattle with other household stuff, and in case of his death before age, to be equally divided among the other children.

Next, I give and bequeath to daughter Leeanna Lee, that two hundred acres of land had out of brother Hancock's tract, a child's part of my negroes, with cattle and other household stuff; the sheep of her mark, which is two crops, and a slit in one ear, and in case of her death before age, to be divided amongst my other children.

Next, I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth, a child's part of my negroes and cattle, with other household stuff. The half of my white servants, and in case of her death before age to be equally divided among my other children.

Lastly. I give and bequeath to my loving wife all my bedding not set down, and an equal part of my negroes and cattle, the half of my white hands, with a child's part of my other household stuff. My part of the mill, and all my sheep and hogs. Whom I make executrix of this, my last will and testament.

As witness my hand and seal the day and year above written.

CHARLES LEE