William Faver Gatewood was mentioned in the 1765 will of his father Isaac Gatewood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 12, pages 225–226.]

On 22 July 1793, William F Gatewood made a deposition concerning the Bray family. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 10, item 10-A-16.]

William was mentioned in the 27 June 1798 will of his mother, Mary Gatewood, proved 21 January 1799. “…my will and desire is that all the rest of my estate shall be sold and equally divided amongst my Children to wit Andrew, Gatewood, Augustin, Richard, William, Sarah, Tabatha, Mary and Jane…” [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, page 436.]

Agreeable to an order of Essex Court dated the 21st day of January 1799 we the undersigned having met at the late dwelling House of Mary Gatewood decd. & proceeded to divide the negroes of Isaac Gatewood Decd. according to the last will and testament of the said decedent agreeable to the within statement given under our hands the 26th day of January 1799
Equal lots to Andrew Gatewood, Thomas Dunn, Augusten Gatewood, William Gatewood, John Kay, Richard Gatewood, Benj: Fisher, Charles Hutchason.
W Latane
James Upshaw jr.
Reuben Garnett
Sthreshly Rennolds
Returned on 18 February 1799 and ordered recorded.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, pages 439–440.]

On 20 January 1800, Thomas Dunn was granted administration of the estate of Henry Dunn, junior, deceased, son of Nathaniel Dunn. Thomas Dunn and William F. Gatewood acknowledge their bond in the penalty of $1,000. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, page 511.]

On 20 January 1800, Thomas Dunn was granted administration of the estate of Nathaniel Dunn, deceased. Thomas Dunn and William F. Gatewood acknowledge their bond in the penalty of $5,000. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 15, page 512.]

The will of William F Gatewood of Essex County was written 9 June 1809. Son John H Gatewood, brother Richard, daughter Polly, daughter Nancy, wife, sons Philip and Leneus. Signed Wm F Gatwd [sic]. Witnesses: John Jones, Thomas Clarkson, Henry Lathron, John Jones [sic]. Proved 18 September 1809. Bond follows, wife Sally nominal executrix. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, pages 135–137.]

On 12 January 1810, an appraisal of the estate of Wm F Gatewood was made by Tho: Hill, Tk: Noel, Robert Hill, and Philip Pitts, and returned to court and ordered recorded on 19 February 1810. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, pages 149–150.]

A bill of complaint states that William F. Gatewood left a daughter Polly who married John Clarkson, son Philip P., son Leneus C., grandson Thomas. He also had a son John H. who died. He left a widow Sally. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 25, item 25-I-18.]