8th I give and bequeath unto CYNTHIA MC COMAS, one small yellow girl named Rhoda until 17th day of July 1851, at which time she is to be free requesting my Executors to furnish any sum necessary, not exceeding one hundred dollars to pay her transportation to some place where her and her increase can enjoy the privilege of freedom.
From the will of Charles Dingess.
14 June 1850. On the petition of RHODA a free woman of colour (by her attorney) who was liberated by the last will and testatment of CHARLES DINGESS deceased it is ordered that the Sheriff summon all the justices of this county to appear here on the first day of the September term to say whether she may remain in the Commonwealth or not. (Mercer Co VA Court Minute Book 2, page 412.)
At a monthly meeting of the Court for Mercer County held Thrusday Sep 12, 1850: Present James Henderson, Thos. G. Witten, Samuel Bailey, Jas. Stafford, Archd. Bailey, Elijah Peters, Robt. Lilly, Theodore Smith, Geo. W. Pearis, M. E. Kerr, R. B. McNutt, E. Vawter, R. Hall, S. Thompson and James Calfee Jr., Gent Justices - On the application of Rhoda a colored girl who was liberated by the last will and testament of CHARLES A. DINGESS, deceased, to remain in this Commonwealth and resides in this county leave is granted accordingly, she having shown that all the acting Justices of this county have been summoned to attent court on this day for the purpose of considering her application and a majority of them being present voted in favour thereof, the court being satisfied that notice of her application has
been posted at the court house door of this county for at least two months immediately preceding this day and the attorney for the Commonwealth representing the State as counsel in the case and the applicant having produced satisfactory proof of her being of good character, sober, peaceable, orderly, and industrious. (Mercer Co VA Court Minute Book 2, pages 428-430.)
Children of CHARLES (A.B10.) &
A.B1.C1. EVALINE WHITE, d/o ELIZABETH WHITE & (CHARLES DINGESS??)
A.B1.C2. ELIZA JANE FRENCH, d/o NAOMI FRENCH & (CHARLES DINGESS??)
A.B1.C3. RHODA, d/o ????? & (CHARLES DINGESS??)