Kate’s notes: Even small notices from old newspapers can provide valuable nuggets of genealogical information, such as placing a person at a specific place at a particular point in time. Such is the case here for Nathan Gilliland of Augusta County, Virginia. Even though the advertisement was rather difficult to decipher as indicated by my brackets, it was a nice find.

The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
11 May, 1769
Page 3

Taken up, in Augusta, a black mare, about 5 or 6 years old, paces and trots, has a small [star], and branded on the near shoulder [1C]; [posted], and appraised to 5 l.
                                                                                                            NATHAN GILLILAND

-transcription by Kate Maynard, 2013