Simon Beckham was in Essex County, VA and early as 1703 in which year he is s hown at the estate sale of Robert Halsey who had died that year. He is shown also as being indebted to the estate for 700 lbs of tobacco. At this time T obacco was the main medium of exchange. (Taken from Beckham Family of Americ a, by James Ervin Heidlebaugh, 3rd edition, 1997) 1716: At the September Court of 1716 the will of Simon Beckham is presented for Probate. There is n o date or recording date on the will. We can assume Simon died sometime betw een the June and September Courts, as the record is clear that Simon is dead at this time. The will reads: "...I Give and bequeath unto my Loving wife L idia Beckham all my Estate wholey and Soleley for her use and the bringing up of my children he not desiring the other should have and part haveing their part already...." Witness: James f Foster, Elizsabeth f Foster, Xpher x Man . 18 Sep 1716: Bond. L40. Sterling Ledia Beckham as Exectrix of Estate of Simon Beckham, dec'd. Signed Ledia x Beckham, William Winston, John Bates. Witness: Ralph Gough. Recorded 18 Sep 1716.254