Henry Halley Will, Bedford Co., VA
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carmenhalley@juno.com

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Bedford County,Virginia,Will Book 2(1788-1803),pages 265-267


              The Will of Henry Halley

     In the name of God, Amen. I,Henry Halley of the County of
Bedford(Virginia)being in a low state of health at present, having 
no assurance of life, whereas the Lord has blessed me with some 
property being desirous after my decease to leave it to my wife 
and children and in order to prevent disputes after my decease I 
do make this Last Will and Testament as follows.
     In the first place I recommend my soul unto God who gave it 
to me, also my body to be buried in a decent manner. My will and 
desire is that all my just and lawful debts be paid. I lend to my 
beloved wife all my real and personal estate induring her natural 
life. I leave after the death of my wife I do give to my son 
Timothy the land I now live upon, it being the track of land I 
purchased of Micajah Clark containing 131 acres more or less.
     But whereas my son Joiles(Giles) has purchased part and payed 
for beginning at the camp line running a straight down in the 
bottom thence along the bottom to Harvies chopt line supposing 50 
acres more or less which leaves 81 acres more or less valued at 35 
pounds. My son Timothy is to pay to my son Gussa half the value of 
the land which is seventeen pounds ten shillings. At the 
expiration of two years after or division I give to their heirs 
forever. Item, I do give after the death of my wife to my daughter 
Jenne the bed and furniture I now lye on to her other heirs 
forever. Item, I give to my daughter Betsy after the death of my 
wife the bed abd furniture that stay up stairs to her other heirs 
forever.
     Item, I give to my daughter Judah after the death of my wife 
the bed and furniture that stands down stairs to her other heirs 
forever also. I leave it in the power of my wife to give the beds 
to my daughters whenever she sees cause.
     Item, I give to my grand daughter Easter after the death of 
my wife one cow. My will and desire is after the death of my wife 
that all the rest of my estate shall be set up at Publick Sale to 
the highest bidder and the money arising from the sale to be 
divided amongst my eleven children John, Jiles, Henry, Bailey, 
Samuel, Charles, Gussa, Timothy, Jinne, Betsy, Juday Halley.
      In order that there shall be no misunderstanding in this my 
last will and testament suppose that there shall not be effects to 
make the rest of my children legacy equal to my two sons Gussa and 
Timothy, they are not to pay up to the rest, but supposing there 
should be more than the land is valued to they are to have their 
part.The girls beds is to be reconned(reckoned)in the estate. In 
case my wife should die before another crop is made I give the 
crops now on the place to my son Timothy, Jenne, Betsy, and Juday 
Halley not to be accountable with the rest.
     I appoint my sons John and Jiles my executors to this my last 
will and testament whereof I have hereunto set my hand and 

Witness: George Rucker, Julius Hatcher               X
         Charles Harris, Charles Gwatkin      Henry Halley's mark 
     

(Later entry in the courthouse logbook)
     In a Court held for Bedford County the 24th day of February 
1799(correction to 1800 is written in the margin)
     This Last Will and Testament of Henry Halley deceased was 
proved by the oath of George Rucker, Charles Gwatkin witnesses 
whose names are thereto subscribed is ordered to be recorded.
               
          Teste
               J A Steptoe CBC(Clerk of Bedford Court?)