Figure of the Week

Benjamin Tolson (1763-1838) was the son of George Tolson (1726-1785) of Stafford County, Virginia.  In 1817 Benjamin purchased Bellfair Mills on Chappawamsic Run and operated this large commercial flour mill until his death.  Little is known of his personal life, but he amassed a considerable fortune and owned land on Chappawamsic and Beaverdam Runs.  Benjamin Tolson served throughout the War of 1812 as a major in the 45th Regiment of Virginia Militia.  He was a magistrate in Stafford from at least 1807 to 1835.