William Headley

William wrote his will on September 5th, 1811. He left the use of his estate to his wife Jane during her natural life or widowhood with the estate to be divided after her death or marriage. Their son Randall received the plantation he was already living on which William had purchased from Randall Clarke. Son William received land that formerly belonged to John Douglas. Son George received William's dwelling plantation that he indicated was purchased from William Self the son of William Self. Son Samuel received land purchased from William Rice and one slave. Daughter Margaret received first choice of feather bed and furniture, daughter Frances received second choice. William divided slaves among the remaining children and asked that the remainder of the estate be equally divided among all of his children. Wife Jane and son Randall served as his executors. Samuel Cralle was one of the witnesses to his signature on the will. William's will was probated on April 12th, 1813.

A contemporary photograph claims to show a rough headstone for William Headley at the Headley burying ground on the county line between Richmond and Northumberland. The inscription visible in the picture appears to show "WM" on the top line, then "B - 1774" on the following line, the third line is mostly obscured but "18" is visible. The 1774 birth makes more sense for William's son, William. This cemetery is on route 617 between Village and Hyacinth and is possibly the same as the spot purchased by William in 1782. Headley ancestors visiting the site in 1996 reported it overgrown with only one stone and two cement corner stones engraved with the letter "H".

William Headley is an ancestor of Mark Dameron through his daughter Frances and an ancestor of Maida George through his daughter Margaret.