EIGHTH GENERATION

180. Co. John BOLLING was born on 27 Jan 1676. He died on 20 Apr 1729 in ca Cobbs. "Col." Robert Bolling in Pocahontas as well as in Some Prom. VA Fam., L.P. du Bellet, v. IV, which devotes Chapter XII, pp. 301-315 and beyond, to GOLLING FAMILY, who relates a story of Col. Robert Bolling, in England, at a feast given him by a kins-woman, met a Yorkshire lady, who hearing him talk, exclaimed, 'Oh mine Got, you no hear dat man, an he talk English as well as me.' 'Aye, madam, and a good deal better, or I would not talk at all,' was the Colonel's quick and not over gallant rejoinder.
Of his son John, who is also called Col. John, "engagaed in commerce and soon became very wealthy".
"of 'Cobbs', Henrico Co. (Now Chesterfield). John Bolling, who from his rank in the Henrico militia was styled Major John Bolling, 'devoted himself.' says Bolling Memoirs, 'to commerce. He had a gay, lively, penetrating spirit. He lived at Cobbs, on Appomattox River, where he received all the profits of an immense trade with the Indians, and enjoyed at the same time all the pleasures of Society; for which never was there a person better formed.'
Besides his business as a merchant Major Bolling was an extensive planter, and also took an active part in public affairs. He was a justice of Henrico in 1699, and in 1707, when he is styled Captain. He appears to have lived in Charles City County in early life, as there is recorded in Henrico, a deed, dated Aug. 1697, from Bartholomew Flowler, gent., of James City Co., to John Bolling, gent., of Charles City Co., conveying 100 acres in Henrico called Varina. It is believed that John Bolling was already in possession of land here inherited from his ancestor John Rolfe.
Major John Bolling was a member of the House of Burgesses for Henrico County at the sessions of Oct. 1710, Nov. 1711, Jan 1712, Oct. 1712, Nov. 1713, Nov. 1714, Apr. 1718, and May 1726 (Col VA. Register).
'Cobbs' is on the left bank of the Apppomottox in the County of Chesterfield. It is on quite a high bluff just below a bend in the river. Several wooded islands in front, the hills of Price George across the river and the distant steeples of Petersborg show an extent of fiew which explains why John Bolling chose it as a place to build his home. The houe at 'Cobbs.' a large frame building was destroyed by fire five yearsago. A rather crude drawing of it has been preserved.
In the fields near the house site fragments of wine bottles lettered 'J. Bolling Cobbs', and 'T. Bolling Cobbs' have been ploughed up. All the old tombs have been destroyed.
The will of John Bolling was dated April 29, 1727, and proved in Henrico October 1729. He gives his wife Mary the platation called Cobbs (600 acres) which he lived on, for her life; also his household stuff, stock of horses, cattle, &c, &c. To 'Mr. John Fleming who lately married my daughter Mary,' 1207 acres over against Licking (Licking Hole Creek, now in Goochland), five negroes, and a sum of money. States that he promised a portion of lb.430 to his daughter Mary. To his daughter Elizabeth Bolling 1200 acres adjoining the land given to John Fleming, and lbs.200 in money. Gives land at Flat Creek, and certain slaves to be divided between his daughters Martha and Ann. To his grandson Richard Randolph lbs.100. All remainder of estate to his son John, Major John and Mary Bolling had issue. I. John, m. (1) Eliz. Lewis, m. (2) Aug. 1, 1728, Elizaberh Blair.: II. Jane, b 1703, d. 1766; m. Col Richard Randolph, of 'Curles', Henrico Co; III. Mar(y), b. 1711, d. Aug 10, 1744; m. m. Jan 20, 1747, Col John Fleming, of Goochland Co.; IV. Elizabeth, b. 1709, d.--; m. Dr William Gay, of Henrico and Chesterfield Counties; V. Martha, b. 1713, d. Oct. 23, 1749, m. in 1727 (-), Thomas Eldridge, of Henrico and Sussex counties.; VI. Ann, b--d. 1800, m. James Murray of 'Athol Braes' Amelia County. (to be continued)" (VA Hist. Mag. v. XXII, pp.105-106).
Pictures of the family are found in the above Vol. XXII. He was married to Mary KENNON in 1697.

181. Mary KENNON . dau of Richard Kennon, of "Conjurer's Neck," Henrico Co., now Chesterfield). Children were:

90 i. Major John BOLLING MHB.