Thanks Enid,
So it was mercury not lead that was the problem.  
A William Johnson, a son of David Johnson, in Goochland was quite unstable.  
He married Sarah Toler in 1798, but repeatedly mortgaged his land and died 
some time between 1812 and 1822 leaving no estate. Sarah Toler Johnson 
was able to survive and raise the children through the assistance of her father 
George Toler.
I would not state that it is a proven fact that being a hatter caused this.  
Lots of brandy might do the same thing!  It is still interesting to try to extract 
some meaning or at least hints from court records.  
LVA Chancery records provided me with a wealth of information about William 
and Sarah!  Bless the LVA for making those records available!
Bonnie

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