I have done extensive research on the Gwaltney families of Surry & Isle of Wight counties in Virginia, and find no record of a Willis Gwaltney in Isle of Wight at that time, although a couple of his sons moved there as adults. A Willis Gwaltney died in Surry county before 3/27/1820, when administration on his estate was granted to Josiah Holleman, with Ludwell Gwaltney & Benjamin C. Bell his securities for $1,500. He appears in the Surry co. personal property tax lists from 1797 to 1819 (1797-1803 in the household of his father, William Gwaltney d. 1811, after that on his own). His widow, Elizabeth (Edwards) appears on the tax lists from 1820 to 1823. Willis did not leave a will, but I have a copy of an account current of his estate which was filed 11/26/1822. I have identified only 5 children of his: William R., Thomas, Willis, Elizabeth & Benjamin H. Gwaltney. Josiah Holleman, administrator of Willis' estate, was appointed guardian to the 3 youngest children: Willis, Elizabeth & Benjamin, on 2/28/1825. Guardian accts. appear to exist for them in the Surry Guardian Book for 1821-31, which I do not have.
If you would like a copy of the estate account, please contact me at:
agwalt@earthlink.net.
Sincerely,
Anne Gwaltney