Barbara was mentioned in the 12 August 1832 will of her husband, Kemp Gatewood, proved 19 September 1836. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 66.]

On 19 September 1836, Barbara Gatewood, Jones C Clopton, Richard J Muse, Edwd M Ware, Wm L Gatewood, George Wright and Oscar M Crutchfield were bound in the penalty of $38,000 for Barbara Gatewood’s adminsitration with the will annexed of the estate Kemp Gatewood, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 67.]

On 21 November 1836, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Kemp Gatewood was submitted by Barbara Gatewood, administratrix with the will annexed. Includes Negroes Milly (about 70 years old, no value), Isaac (60), Maurice (50), Dick (50), Winnie (54), Nelly (45), Sally (48), George (Sally’s Child) (11), Burrett[?] (36), Lunnen{?} (36), Hithan[?] (36), Pollidare (32), Spottswood (25), Sanson (23), Jefferson (15), Link Barrett (13), Lucy (32), Polly (13), Fleming (9), Phillis (8), Lewis (5) [the three or perhaps four previous listed as Lucy’s children], Richard (6), Kingston (5), Fanny (10), Rachel (25), and Infant James Henry (apparently son of Rachel) (1 month) [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 94–95.]

The estate of Kemp Gatewood in account with Barbara Gatewood, administratrix with the will annexed, from 1836 to 1838 was ordered recorded 21 January 1839. Includes receipts from William L. Gatewood, O. M. Crutchfield (in right of his wife), Miss Sarah Ann Gatewood (in one place changed to Muscoe Garnett), and Miss Mary Elizabeth Gatewood, acknowledging distributions from the estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 346–350.]