Peter Rogers was born about 1696 in Dunkirk, King Queen, Virginia. He married Elizabeth, who’s maiden name is supposedly
Rogers as well. According to multiple sources, Peter and Elizabeth were cousins. On 9 Jul 1724, a land patent consisting of
400 acres was issued to Peter. It was on the north side of the Middle River in St. John’s Parish in King Queen County.
He died about 1785 in Halifax County, Virginia.
Last Will and Testament
In the name of God, Amen: I Peter Rogers of Antrim Parish in County of Halifax, being in a low state of health but in perfect
sense and memory do make, constitute and ordain this my Last will and testament in the manner and from following, that is
to say: ITEM: I give and bequeath unto my son, Armistead Rogers, my grist mill on Coleman Creek together with one hundred
acres of land whereons the mill stands, provided that he shall let his mother Elizabeth Rogers have half the profits of the
said mill during her widowhood. I also give my said son one sorrel mare, a man's saddle, a rifle gun and my sword to him and
his heirs forever. My wish and desire is that the two hundred and sixty acres of land which I purchased of John Nasleson should
be sold towards for paying my debts. Mr will and desire is that all the rest of my land not before named should be equally
divided as soon as they can agree amongst all my sons, when the youngest comes of age, other wise my wife with the consent
of my Executors may sell the whole of it if they think proper.
ITEM: I devise to my living wife, Elizabeth Rogers all my
movable estate during her natural life of widowhood which shall first happen, all my slaves and movable estate of every kind
except the specified articles above mentioned, also the se of my plantation on Coleman Creek. At the expiration of her natural
life or widowhood, I devise that all the Negroes and personal estate that my then remain shall be equally divided amongst
my children that shall then be living. And I will and devise that my said wife do have my children educated in the best manner
that the circumstances of my estate will admit of without inconvenience. I also devise that Alexander Haylson shall have six
months of schooling at the expense of my estate.
In case my son Armistead Rogers should die without a lawful begotten heir
of his body, I devise the estate give him to be sold to the highest bidder after the marriage or decease of my wife and the
money accruing by such sale to be equally divided amongst my children that shall then be living.
And lastly, I do appoint
my wife, Elizabeth Rogers together with Nicholas Hobson, James Coleman, Archibald Murphy to be Executors of this my last will
and testament, revoking and disannulling all and every will and testament by me hereto fore made. In witness whereof I, said
Peter Rogers, have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 22nd day of January 1785.
Signed, Sealed, published
in presence of Peter Rogers (seal)
John McMichael, Mary McMichael, David L. McMichael