HALIFAX COUNTY, VA - WILLS - A History Of Halifax County Chapter X Wills - Names "A" - "G" 1924 ----¤¤¤---- Book Title: A History Of Halifax County (Virginia) By Wirt Johnson Carrington CHAPTER X Wills. ABBOT, 1771, May 20, Benj. Abbot, of Halifax, sells to William Clark, of Charlotte, 200 acres in Halifax. Witnesses: P. Carrington, Isaac Read, Haynes Morgan, R. Williams. ANDERSON. 1839, May 27—Will of Andrew Anderson. Sons: Andrew, Pauldin, Isaac. "To my beloved wife (does not give her name), Daughters: Elizabeth, Melissa Jane Anderson, "My daughter Parthenia Tune," "My daughter Eliza Chaney." Son, Andrew, executor. 1841, Dec. 20—Will of Orpha Anderson, "On the 20 day of Dec., 1841, in the presence of Edward P. Williams, Thomas A. Powell and Watson T. Powell, Orpha A. Anderson, of Halifax county, Virginia, made the following will: "I give to my brother, John K. Anderson, two hundred dollars, the balance to be divided among my brother-in-law's children (William Powell), and William W. Powell to act as their agent." Witnesses: Edward P. Williams, Thomas A. Powell and Watson T. Powell. "At a court held for Halifax county, January 24,1842, the within writing, purporting to be the nuncupative will of Orpha A. Anderson, deceased, was exhibited in court by William A. Powell for probate, and thereupon ordered that Anna Denton, formerly Anna Anderson and Mary Anderson, be summoned to appear here on the fourth Monday in March next to contest the same, if they please, and it appearing to the court that the said Anna Denton and Mary Anderson are not inhabitants of the Commonwealth, it was ordered that a copy of this order be inserted in the Danville Reporter for four weeks successively. Later sworn to by Watson T. Powell and Thomas A. Powell and recorded." ARMSTRONG. Will of John Armstrong, May 20, 1779. "Sister, Jane Burton (whose first husband was Stephen Norton) ; my mother, Jane Armstrong; my nephew, John Norton. "I give and bequeath unto my late wife's youngest son, David Boyd, &c. "John Armstrong." Executors: Joseph Penir, Charles Burton, David Boyd. Securities: Isaac Cole, George Boyd, Jr., Richard Gwinn, Wright Bond, John Irvine and James Le Grand. ATKINS. 1796, December 29—Joseph Atkins sells to Charles Irby 154 acres in Halifax. Sarah, his wife, releases her dower before James Tait, William Allen and Thomas Cook, Gents., justices of the peace. ASHBY. 1764, April 6—Will of Joseph Ashby. Wife Rachel, after her death, gives his whole estate to grandson, Joseph Ashby, and "it is my desire that he be learned to read, write and cypher. I appoint my good friend, Thomas Tunstall, my executor." Witnesses: John Orill Tunstall, Epaphroditus White, Robert Farguson. 1779—Will of Joseph Ashby. Wife Rachel, grandson, his whole estate after the death of his wife, who holds lifetime interest in the plantation and home, &c. BAKER. 1815, May 28—Will of Leonard Baker, Sr. "To my daughter, Elizabeth (Betsy) Baker; daughters, Sarah Roberts (wife of Peter Roberts), Annie Baker, Mararet D. Baker; sons, Elijah James Baker, Bartholomew, David C., Leonard Baker, Jr., 'my fourth and youngest son/ my lands to be equally divided between my children by my last wife. "Leonard Baker, Sr." Administrators: Elijah Baker, Paul Street. Witnesses: Benj, Rogers, Robert J. Terry, Nathaniel Terry. BARKSDALE. 1789, July 21—Will of Nathaniel Barksdale, Sr. "My wife Mourning" to whom he left four negroes, &e. "To my son, William, five "negroes; to son, Peter, four negroes (three now in his possession); to son, Nathaniel, two negroes (now in his possession); to son, Elisha, land and negroes; to daughter, Fanny, a negro and fifty pounds; to daughter, Betty, a negro and fifty pounds; to daughter, Sally, a negro and fifty pounds; to Sukey, my youngest daughter, two negroes and fifty pounds; to my son Peter's oldest son, Nathaniel, one negro." Will probated November 23, 1793. The name "Mourning" has called forth much comment from various genealogists, and is supposed to have been given as the result of sorrow or calamity, but having seen it recorded in so many families in Virginia, and running through so many generations in families, besides having found it a family name in England and in Henrico county, Virginia, we are forced to conclude that it is in most cases a family name. Robert Adams, of Goochland county, Va., who made his will in 1738, proven June 17, 1740, names his wife "Mourning," and the will of John Johnston, recorded in Amelia county March 23, 1772, makes his grandson, "Mourning" Johnston, one of his legatees. Halifax county records a "Mourning" Watkins (the posthumous daughter of Micajah Watkins, Jr.), and there was a "Grief" and "Mourning" Randolph, sorrowful twins, for some descendants to wonder the why and wherefore of such woeful appellations to be borne through a lifetime. May 5, 1823—Will of Peter Barksdale. "Wife, Nancy; son, Nathaniel; son, Armestead; my daughter, Susannah Sydnor; daughter, Polly W. Logan; daughter, Frances (deceased), wife of William M. Williams; my son, Elisha Barksdale; my daughter, Elizabeth Baker; my son, William Peter Barksdale. One-eighth part to each child. (Signed) "Peter Barksdale." Witnesses: Anthony Sydnor, William Logan, David Logan. BALLOW. Will book 8, page 95, June 26,1809. Inventory of the estate of Thomas Ballow* (Ballou), Gent., farm, household furniture and farm utensils and twelve negroes. Appraisers: Robert Chappell, Beverly Borum, John Wood. Book 29, page 125, will of Charles A. Ballow (son of Thomas): "I, Charles A. Ballow (Ballou), of the county of Halifax, State of Virginia, do make and publish this my last will and testament. "First—I desire all of my just debts to be paid. "Second—I give to my wife, Rebecca A. Ballow, all my household and kitchen furniture, I give to her two horses or mules as she may select, a wagon, two sets of plough geers, one-half of my plantation tools, one-half of my stock of cattle, one-half of my stock of hogs, and all of my flock of sheep, and one ox cart. This I give to her to dispose of as she may think proper, I also give to her to be held in dower during her natural life all of my lands lying south of the road immediately in front of my dwelling house and west of the road running from Union Church to Medley's Mill, on to the creek on Headspeth's line and down to the upper end of the land given to her by her father, lying on the creek and Medley's Mill pond, which line includes my dwelling and other houses. At her decease this land is to be divided between all of my children. "In testimony whereof I hereby set my hand and seal this 30th day of June, 1865. "Charles A. Ballow." Witnesses: R. A. Tucker, George C. Carrington. "I appoint William H. Morton, Jr. (my son-in-law), of Clarksville, Virginia, executor to my last will and testament." Codicil No. 1: "The negroes which I have given to my children heretofore shall not be counted in any future division of my property, as the fortune of war has taken them from their possession and set them at liberty. "This codicil signed by me this third day of July, 1865. "Charles A. Ballow." Mrs. Charles A. Ballow's securities, Charles A. Ballow, Jr., J. T. Ballow and James Medley, gave bond for $8,000. Teste: James D, Clay, C. 1803, January 22—Commissioners appointed by a decree of the court of Halifax county: Thomas Ballow, William Hudson, William Wormack. 1807—Thomas Ballow buys from William East and his wife, Polly East, land on Miry creek. 1808—The Commonwealth of Virginia to Thomas Ballow, Daniel Parker and James Chalmers, Gents., justices of the county of Halifax, greeting, &c. *August Court, 1746. William Cabell and Thomas Ballow, Gentlemen, produced their commission and took their oaths as Coronors of Albemarle county. First court of Albemarle comity met 1744; Thomas Ballow one of the justices. BEAN. In 1753 William Bean was appointed with others to lay off a road "from William Bean's to the Court House." That seems to have been the last service William Bean performed for Halifax county, for we next find him in 1768-69 pushing on with the tide of emigration that settled on Boone's Creek in East Tennessee, where his wife was captured by the Indians, but subsequently released through the interposition of Nancy Ward, the beloved woman of the Indian tribe and the friend of the white man* His son, Russell Bean, was the first white child born in Tennessee. *Summer*s History of Southwest Virginia. BENNETT. Will of Robert Bennett, Will Book 1, October 5, 1781. "I leave to my beloved wife, Anne Bennett, all and every part of my whole estate during her widowhood, if that continues her life. At the expiration of widowhood all estate to be divided between my children, to-wit: John, Stephen, Mary, Nancy Bennett. My wife being now with child, that child to share equal with the other children in my estate. "Executors and executrix: Thomas Dobson, Moses Hendrick, *my wife, Anne Bennett.' (Signed) Robert (X) Bennett." Witnesses: James Hendricks, Joshua Irby, John Irby. Book 14, page 579, will of Richard E. Bennett, February 9, 1827: "I, Richard E. Bennett, county of Halifax, &c. All of my debts to be paid which can speedily be done by collecting debts due me, and a crop of tobacco now on hand. My mercantile business to be continued in the names of my executors for the benefit of my estate, and that my son, John Bennett, shall continue in the business to assist in the management thereof until he arrives to the age of 21 years, immediately after which an inventory of the stock of goods on hand shall be taken, and he, my son, John, to come in as a partner, if he thinks proper to do so, &c., until my youngest son, William Waller Bennett, arrives to lawful age. I desire the same privileges given by executors to my sons, Richard E. Bennett and Theoderick A. Bennett, each as they arrive at age. I wish all my sons,* Richard, Theoderick and William, with all my children to live with their mother, and in common upon my estate, so far as their support and education is concerned, until they marry or arrive to lawful age. I wish Mary W. Bennett to be educated as well as her sisters have been, and Richard E. Bennett, after he has been one or two years more at school, to live with his mother and manage the affairs of the plantation, for which she may allow him a reasonable compensation. "I wish my son, Theoderick, to study law and my son, William Waller Bennett, to study physics, and have my books or such of them as treat on law or physics equally divided between them. "I give to my daughter, Eliza Ann Bennett, one negro woman, &c., to be delivered to her when she marries or becomes of lawful age. "To my daughter, Ann E. Bennett, same as above. "To my daughter, Mary W, Bennett, same as above. "To my seven children, John, Theoderick, Richard, William, Elizabeth, Ann, Mary. "Executrix, my wife, Ann; executors, my son, John Bennett, and my friend, Samuel Williams. (Signed) "Richard E. Bennett," Securities: Elisha Botts, Phil. Howerton, James Howerton, Jonathan McCarys, Edward Carrington, Alex. Irvine. 1801—Walter Bennett appointed sheriff of the county with all the august pretensions the occasion demanded, with the following witnesses, "firmly bound to James Monroe, Esq., Governor or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of Virginia": Walter Bennett, William Yancy, Jr., A. C. Atkinson, William Terry, John Hewell, William Mc-Craw, Jr., Thomas Ballow, Richard E. Bennett, Nathaniel Terry, Mat. Sima, Robert Easley, Joseph Lankford, Layton Yancy, Joseph Ligon. Witness: John Barksdale, BLACKWELL. Thomas Blackwell came to Halifax county in 1780. The Blackwells emigrated from England and were prominent in Northumberland county as early as 1680. Many of them were soldiers in the Revolution, the Civil War and the War of 1812. BOOKER. 1775, January 24: Edward Booker's proportion of the continued balance 41—4-7 1/2 Richard Merot Booker, for the proportion of Elizabeth Mary Anne Booker and Rebecca Booker 82—9—2 Benjamin Lankford,* for his wife's proportion 41—4—7 1781, April 25—Will of Parham Booker. Sons, Richard and James; daughter, Susannah. Beloved wife, Frances, executrix, and James McCraw, Sr., executor. Recorded September 21, 1786. Securities: William Oliver, Gilbert Hunt, Jacob Kilby. 1767, September 10—"I, Edward Booker, of the county of Halifax, make this my last will and testament in manner following: "I leave and bequeath to my wife, Henerica Booker, one negro fellow named 'Joe' during her life, and likewise an equal part of my estate after the legacies are paid," "Daughters, Eliza and Rebecca; son (name not mentioned), land and negroes. "My brother, John Booker." "My wife, executrix." Colonels Thomas Tabb (of Amelia county), Joshua Morris and James Bates, executors. Witnesses: Richard Booker, Parham Booker and James Murdock. Robert Munford, Clerk. He is called Edward Booker, Gent. Thomas Tabb could not act as administrator, Paul Carrington and Peter Johnston, Gents., took oath and served as his securities. *Benjamin Lankford married Henerica Booker, widow of Edward. 1772-73-74, Book I, page 38: Richard Edward Booker, orphan son of Edward Booker, deceased— To expenses to and from Amelia. To Mr. Wythe, on Richard Booker's will, on the division of negroes. To Colonel Bland, June 13, 1772, to paying clerk of Amelia, copy of Richard Booker's will. To sundries from John Smith. Sworn to by Thomas Yuille and recorded. 1772, March—Account current of John Esdale, administrator of the estate of Edward Booker, deceased. 1775—Due Mrs. Henerica Booker for sundries sold at the sale and omitted to be charged in above statements, 16-7-6. (Signed) Walter Coles and John Smith. Geo. Carrington, Clerk. 1772-73-74—Rebecca Booker, orphan of Edward Booker, in account with Richard Booker. Elizabeth Mary Anne Booker, orphan of Edward Booker, deceased, in account with Richard Booker, Richard Edward Booker's estate listed, negroes, &c., delivered by Thomas Yuille, August 19, 1773. Account returned and sworn to by Thomas Yuille. Paul Carrington, Clerk. 1771, September— To balance due the estate of Edward Booker. To store in Charlotte county, 15—10. November 18, 1774— To cash paid Mr. Wythe for advice respecting Mr. Booker's will. January 23, 1775— To Colonel Paul Carrington, Clerk. To Henerica Booker, hogshead of tobacco. BORUM. In 1763, July 19—William Borum and his wife, Frances, appears on the records, sells land to William Shackleford, and in 1771 sells land to Roger Atkinson (of Dinwiddie county). 1775—William Borum buys land, or establishes his right to it, through William Byrd, and his attorney, Robert Munford. For 16 shillings he bought the land from Robert Wade, and Wade died without signing or making the title legal, for one thousand and forty acres in Halifax county, with all the rights and titles. The witnesses were, viz,: Thomas Twitty, Reuben Morgan, John McKie, Christopher Watson, Henry Clift and John Whit. In 1779, William Borroum and Fanny, his wife, of Halifax county, sell to Willia Collier, of Halifax, and George Isbel, of Caroline county. 1810, August 27—Judith Borum, of Highland county, Ohio, sells land in Halifax county, on Pole Cat creek, to John Hughes. Witnesses: Beverly Hughes, Obed Hendricks and Thomas Burgess (Quakers). 1794 (Halifax Court records)—"John Borum manumitted his slaves." 1814, November 3—Obed Hendricks, administrator for John Borum, deceased, and attorney in fact for Sarah Borum. 1813, June-Indenture between Obed A. Borum for himself and attorney in fact for his sister, Catherine B. Borum, of the county of Highland, Ohio, sells their land on Pole Cat creek. 1781, November 26—Will of Charles Bostick. Wife, Betty; sons, William, John, Moses and Absolom; daughters, Ann, Elizabeth and Mary, Witnesses: Thomas Yuille, Roger Scott, John Scott, John (X) Adams and Archie (X) Robinson. 1789, July 7—Will of Nathaniel Bowman. "After all debts and expenses are paid and funeral charges aforesaid, my estate is to be the property of my brother, John Bowman, his heirs and assignees forever. The land to which I am entitled to as major in the New Jersey line in Continental service, also the whole sum of moneys due me in the hands of John Turner, Jr., merchant at New York, and also in the hands of Isreal Heddon, merchant at Newark, in the State of New Jersey, with the interest thereon due, all of which I give to him and his heirs. I order that my executors hereafter named do out of my estate purchase a suit of general mourning for Mr. John Hicks and his lady and son, which I give to each of them. Lastly, I appoint my friend, John Hicks, and my brother, John Borum, executors of this my last will and testament." Witnesses: Nathaniel Mannin, H. Goare. "Scottsburg, Va., November, 1856." "Dear Mac: "I don't think I shall live long, therefore when I go I want you to go to the court house and get the court to appoint you as administrator of my effects until Robert H. Boxley comes in from Texas; should he or you sell the land reserve the graveyard. "You will find all my papers and bonds in my trunk, which you will take possession of and try and collect as many of them as you can, and you will for your trouble please take a per cent out for your service. "I have written this to you because I consider you a friend of mine and will do everything that is right and just, I hope, Mack, that you will attend to this business until Robert H. Boxley comes from Texas. Please give him my watch and shirt buttons. I have no other instructions to give. "Respectfully, "Jas. H. Boxley." "November 22, 1856—My health has not improved since I have been here; I continue to grow weaker and feebler. Today is Wednesday, I am going to be tapped again tomorrow. How it will terminate God only knows. I want to be buried at home by the side of mother (Mrs. Hughes knows the place)." 1809, January 4th—Will of Benjamin Boxley, Sr.: "I, Benjamin Boxley, Halifax county, Virginia, planter. "My son, Joseph Spiller Boxley, son Harrison Boxley, land which he sold to William Faulkner. "My son, George Boxley, my son, Benjamin Boxley, Jr., the land I purchased of James Palmer (the tract whereon I now live. Blue Wing Creek), on Boyd Pinson's line; my daughter, Mary Wade, land on Willis' Creek; daughters, Wilmoth Boxley and Lucy Boxley. "I lend to my beloved wife, Tabitha Boxley, &c. "Benjamin Boxley." Executors: Joseph Spiller Boxley and George Boxley. Witnesses: Jacob Faulkner, Joseph Griffin, Thomas McCarler, John (X) Goode, Elizabeth (X) Goode, Martha (X) Willis. Will of John Boyd, "planter of Lunenburg county," July 2, 1748: "I, John Boyd, of the county* of Lunenburg, planter. To Margaret, my dearly beloved wife, &c., until my son, John, comes of age, other sons, George, William and James, give to John, my son, plantation I now live on. "All that is left I desire that it may be equally distributed among my children, and that James Boyd be one executor, my wife the next, and Francis Lawson the third, and Thomas Douglass the fourth. (Signed) "John Boyd." Wife, Margaret, executrix; son, James, executor. Witnesses: David Graham, Patrick Boyd, John Humphrey, Lawrence Winfoil. Recorded at a court held for Halifax county, May 19, 1757. The last will and testament of John Boyd, deceased, was exhibited in court by Margaret Boyd, widow, relict and executrix of said testator, and the same was proved by Lawrence Winfield, one of the witnesses thereto, with William and John Lawson as securities of witnesses. 1762, January 26—Nuncupative will of George Boyd. Wife, Ann; sons, Richard and Henry, not yet of age. 1803, January 9—Will of George Boyd, Sr.; wife, Amey; daughter, Mary Wade, wife of ________. 1769, March 16—Will of David Brandon. Wife, Rebecca; sons, William and Thomas; daughters, Elizabeth, Margaret, Mary and Agnes, children all under age and to be educated. Only and sole executors: John Lawson and William Edwards. Witnesses: William Brandon, Frances B. (X) Brandon and John Brandon. George Carrington, clerk. November 15, 1799—Will of Charles Bruce. "Item first: All of my debts to be paid. "Item second: I give to Elizabeth Williams, of Orange county, Va., all the title and interest I have to the estate of negroes held in reversion by stepmother, Mrs. Frances Bruce, of Orange county. "Item third: Balance of my estate, consisting of lands, negroes, horses, cattle, goods, wares and merchandise debts, and every other thing in possession or to which I am entitled, I give and bequeath to my brother, James Bruce, "Lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint the said James Bruce my executor to my last will and testament, who is authorized to take into possession all my estate to him willed without the usual formality required by law of giving security or taking inventory. "Charles Bruce." Witnesses: John R. Hall, Beverly Sydnor, John Light, Thomas Donohoe. 1823, July 19—James Bruce appointed sheriff of the county. "Know all men by these presents that we, James Bruce, John H. Wimbish, Samuel Williams, Elisha Barks-dale, Paul Street, Armistead Barksdale, William Thackston, Elijah Baker, Richard Daniel, John S. Vaughan, Thomas Spraggins, William Sydnor, Elijah Vasser and Richard E. Bennett, of the county of Halifax, and firmly bound, &c., to His Excellency, James Pleasants, Jr., Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth," &c. CARTER. Will of John Carter, Halifax county, Virginia, Book I, page 370, June 18, 1781: "I, John Carter, of Halifax county, Virginia, &c. My beloved wife, Mary Carter; my daughters, Ann Waddill, Elizabeth Carter, Mary Carter, Sally Carter; my three oldest sons, Richard, Theoderick and Robert Carter. Item: "To my son, James Carter, the land whereon I now live." Son, Francis Carter. Wife, Mary, executrix; Mr. William Boyd and my brothers, Richard and Theo. Carter, my executors. (Signed) "John Carter." Teste: Benjamin Hobson, David Bates, Charles Carter, Noel Waddill, Theo. Carter. June 18, 1781. CARRINGTON. 1823, September 20—This indenture between George Carrington, of Halifax county, of the one part, and James Bruce, sheriff of said county, of the other. Witnesseth: That whereas the said George Carrington hath been imprisoned at the suit of William Bailey & Company and hath taken the oath of an insolvent debtor and hath subscribed and delivered in schedule his whole estate, from which schedule it appears that the said George Carrington is possessed of one-ninth part of an undivided interest on six tracts of land whereof Sarah Carrington, deceased, died possessed. One tract of 1,350 acres, one 750 aces, lying in Halifax county, three tracts lying in the State of Kentucky, one thousand acres each, and one other lying in the State of Kentucky of 150 acres also. Two lots lying in the town of Milton, N. C., an undivided interest in the purchase of lands made by Joseph W. Scott in the county of Northampton, N. C., and an undivided interest in the purchase of lots made by Joseph W. Scott in the town of Plymouth, N. C., and one debt due from William McGehee, now in suit in the County Court of Halifax for $1,100. Witnesses: John Carrington, Newman Haynes, Peter Franklin, Joseph Boxley, Jr., M. Hall and John E. Irvine. Creditors: William Bailey & Co., John H. Wimbish, Samuel Stevens, Christopher Robertson and George K. Cabell. 1807, June 1—Will of George Carrington; wife, Sarah (Tucker). "Having the most unbounded confidence in the justice and maternal affection in my dear wife, Sarah Carrington, towards ail of my children and hers, and having in a long course of conjugal felicity with her ever experienced the most affectionate regard and attention to myself in which has been manifested the highest possible fidelity and honorable attachment, I feel no hesitation, but most cheerfully and with pleasure confide to her control and disposal so far as in her power the future welfare of our said dear children. "I give to my dear wife my whole estate, real and personal, of whatever kind or quality and wheresoever found, either within or without the Commonwealth and to her and her heirs, &c., forever. "Executrix, my wife, Sarah Carrmgton. "Executors, my dear friends, Isaac H. Coles and James Bruce. "Geo. Carrington." Witnesses: James Bruce, Berryman Green, Isaac H. Coles. All debts to be paid of every and any kind. CLARK. A Copy of the Will of John Clark, Made From Will Book No. 14, Page No. 258. I, John Clark, of Halifax county, do make this my last will and testament in manner following: I have given to my deceased daughter Maria ten negroes and five thousand dollars in money. I have also given to my deceased daughter Elizabeth ten negroes and six thousand dollars in money. I have also given to my daughter Mary ten negroes and six thousand dollars in money, and I now give her my interest in the following negroes belonging to the firm of William Bailey & Co, and now in the possession of her husband, to-wit: Judy, Granville and Peter, and the lot at Halifax Courthouse on which the storehouse now in the occupancy of the firm of Wm. Bailey & Co. stands and I give to my daughter Martha fifteen negroes and six thousand dollars in money and she may take my Mount Laurel tract of land at valuation, not to exceed two thousand dollars in part of her pecuniary legacy if she shall elect so to take it and I give to my daughter Ann, fifteen negroes and six thousand dollars in money and she may take my long branch plantation at valuation which is not to exceed three thousand dollars in part of her pecuniary legacy if she shall elect so to take it. And I give to my daughter Phebe Howson exclusive of what I have already given to her and her deceased husband my mill plantation, the mill to be completed as now contemplated out of my estate by my executor and all the stock of every description and plantation tools attached to and belonging to that plantation, and the following twelve negroes, to-wit: Dick, Rachel, Colen, Harriet Phebe, Reah and her three children, Henry, the miller, Johnson and Ethelbert, and I also give her the land which I purchased of Rowlett and adjoining the aforesaid mill tract, and I give to my son, William, my Banister plantation, together with the stock of every description and the plantation tools and other conveniences attached to and belonging and upon the said plantation. I also give him all the negroes on the said plantation, except Dick Coats and his family. I also give him two other negroes, to-wit, Delphy and a boy named Washington. It is my will that my said son shall take possession of the plantation and other property above bequeathed and devised to him immediately after my death and take the crop made the year in which I may die to his own use. And I give to my son, John Thomas, my Staunton River plantation, which includes the mansion seat and all the land attached thereto, supposed to contain about twenty-two hundred acres, subject, however, to the provision hereinafter made in relation thereto in favor of my beloved wife and my daughter, Martha and Ann, and my son, Charles, I also give him fifteen negroes, and at the death of my beloved wife all my household and kitchen furniture. And I give to my son, Charles, one hundred shares of bank stock, forty of which are now standing in my name on the books of the Bank of Virginia and the other sixty are at present loaned to the firm of William Bailey & Co. It is my will that my exector do forthwith have the said stock transferred in due form to my said son and that they annually receive the dividends and some time invest the same in bank stock of a productive character until my son comes of age, so that he may then receive the said stock with all the accruing dividends thereon. But it is my will and I do hereby authorize my executors if they shall think that the interest of my said son will be advanced thereby to lay out the whole of the said stock or any part thereof and the dividends thereon in the purchase of a tract of land for my said son. I also give him fifteen negroes and I give to my beloved wife, so long as she remains unmarried, my Staunton River plantation, all the stock of every description and the plantation tools and conveniences upon and belonging to the said plantation, my carriage and all my household and kitchen furniture, and all my negroes not otherwise disposed of. If my said wife shall remain unmarried I give at her death the negroes, stock, carriage and plantation tools to all my children and grandchildren, that is to say, one-ninth part to each of my children, one-ninth part to the children of my deceased daughter, Maria, and one-ninth part to Ann G., the daughter of my deceased daughter, Elizabeth, if the said Ann G. shall live to attain the age of twenty-one or marry. In case my said wife shall marry again, I give to her from the time of her marriage during her life, instead of the property above given to her, one-half of the negroes above bequeathed to her, one-third of the stock and one-third of the household and kitchen furniture and the carriage and that part of the Staunton river plantation purchased of William Thewatt and the lower land which I purchased of the children of Mathew Sims upon the death of Mrs. Sims upon the marriage of my said wife should she marry, the two-thirds of the household and kitchen furniture are to go immediately to my son, John Thomas, and the half of the negroes and stock are to go immediately to my children and grandchildren to be divided among them in the manner above mentioned. It is my will that my said wife shall take possession of the plantation and other property above given to her as aforesaid immediately after my death and take the crops made thereon the year in which I may die to her own use. In case my son, John Thomas, shall die before he arrives to the age of twenty-one years, it is my will that the land bequeathed to him shall go to my son, Charles, and in that event the bank stock hereinbefore given to Charles with the dividends which shall have accrued thereon shall be divided among my children and grandchildren, that is to say, one-eighth to each of my children and one-eighth to the children of my deceased daughter, Maria, and one-eighth to Ann G., the daughter of my deceased daughter, Elizabeth, if she shall live to attain the age of twenty-one years or marry. It is my will that the negroes bequeathed in this will not particularly named shall be divided off in families as convenient and as much to the satisfaction of all concerned as possible as my executors may think, proper regard being had to the wishes of my wife and the children and the interest of my estate. It is my will that my son, Charles, shall be educated in such manner as my executors may direct, money enough for this purpose, I hope, may be raised from the profits of his negroes and from what his mother can spare from the profits of the property bequeathed to her, but in case this should not be the case, I direct that the deficiency shall be made up out of any fund belonging to my estate in the hands of my executors so that he may be clothed, educated and supported without breaking in upon the bank stock bequeathed to him or the dividends thereof. It is also my will that my daughters, Martha and Ann, shall have the privilege of living in my dwelling house with my wife or my son, John, so long as they remain unmarried, and my son, Charles, until he shall attain the age of twenty-one years. My three houses and lots at Halifax Court House, two of which are now occupied by Dr. T. H. Averett and Henry Call and the third lately occupied by John S. Lewellyn I give to my son, William, and my daughters, Martha and Ann, to be equally divided among them. It is my will that William Bailey shall have my interest in the mill on Terrible Creek belonging to the firm of William Bailey & Co., and if he chooses so to do, upon his paying to my executors the costs of the original purchase and all subsequent expenditures. I have sold my interest in the Mount Laurel store to John Coleman upon a credit until 1842, the interest in the meantime to be paid annually. It is my wish that my executors shall lay out from time to time the interest thus to be received and such part of the principal as the said John Coleman may pay before the same shall become payable in productive bank stock to go on accumulating until the debt shall become payable and then I give the principal of the debt and the interest which may have accrued thereon to my children, Phebe H., Martha, Ann, William, John and Charles, to be equally divided among them, and if either of my said children shall die before the said money shall become payable not leaving children or other decedents, in that case I give the part above bequeathed to the child or children so dying to their survivors of the said Phebe H., Martha Ann, William, John and Charles. It is my desire that my court house co-partnership shall be adjusted as soon as possible and that my executors (the pecuniary legacies bequeathed in this will being first paid and the bank stock properly transferred) may lend to William Bailey any sum which he may want to carry on his mercantile business not exceeding ten thousand dollars, taking bonds and the security for payment thereof with interest when my son, John Thomas, shall attain the age of twenty-one years. And I authorize my executors to receive at equitable prices any property belonging to the court house concerning part payment of the debt due to me from it. It is my desire that the pecuniary legacies bequeathed in this my will if not immediately paid to the legatees or their guardians shall by my executors be put out to interest to persons of undoubted credit and taking also good security and to remove all doubt, I hereby declare that none of the bequests in this will in favor of my granddaughter, Ann G. Coleman, daughter of my deceased daughter, Elizabeth, are to be considered vested legacies, but that the same are by me intended to be contingent so that she shall receive no benefit from any bequest to her in case she shall die before she shall attain the age of twenty-one years or marry. It is my will that the crop made upon mill tract of land in the year in which I may die shall go to my daughter, Phebe H., for her own use. After the payment of the pecuniary legacies and after the bank stock shall have been properly transferred for the benefit of my son, Charles, I give the whole of my estate not herein particularly disposed of, including debt money funds and every other kind of property belonging to me, to be divided among my children and grandchildren in the following manner, that is to say, one-ninth to each of my children, one-ninth to be divided among the children of my deceased daughter, Maria, and one-ninth to my granddaughter, Ann G. Coleman, if she shall live to attain the age of twenty-one years or marry. It is my desire that my executors shall lend at interest to John Coleman, the father of my granddaughter, Ann G., such sum as my granddaughter may be entitled to under this will in case she shall live to attain the age of twenty-one years or marry the said John Coleman, giving bond and security to pay the same when my, said granddaughter shall attain the age of twenty-one years or marry or at her death in case she shall die before she shall attain that age and before she shall marry. And I do appoint my brother, Howson Clark, and my son, William Clark, executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of March in the year 1827. John Clark. Signed and published and declared by the said John Clark as his will and testament in presence of us, the words "dividends" on the second page, the words "and all my negroes not hereinafter disposed of" on the third page, .and the words "wife" and "have" and "Henry" on the title page and the words "the" and "the part" on the fifth page being first interlined. Henry W. Tucker, James H. Hudson, his Wm. X Driscoll, mark Wm. Leigh. At a court held for Halifax county the 29th day of May, 1827, the within written last will and testament of John Clark, deceased, was exhibited in court and proved by the oaths of two of the witnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded; whereupon on motion of Howson Clark and William H. Clark, the executors therein named, who made oath thereto according to law, and with John Sims, John Coleman, William Bailey, William Leigh and Samuel Williams, their securities entered into and acknowledged bond in the penalty of five hundred thousand dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form. Teste: Samuel Williams, C. H. C. 1824, May 24—Inventory of the estate of Dr. Robert Clark (deceased, March 21, 1820). The names of Nancy Clark and Thomas Clark are mentioned in the account of sales, also the name of Henry B. Johnson; a long list of household furniture, farm products, horses, cattle, &c. CHILES. Will of Paul Chiles, September 2, 1761: "To my son Henry, negroes and land on Bottom Town creek in Halifax county. "To my son, Paul Chiles, negroes and land in Bedford county and in Halifax county. "To my son, Rowland Chiles (not yet baptized), land I now live on, and after my wife's decease, also 110 acres at mouth of Bottom Town creek, also 70 acres on Sycamore creek in Halifax county, and negroes. "To my daughter, Elizabeth Chiles, 728 acres on both sides of Smith's river in Halifax county, also negroes. "To my daughter, Frances Chiles, 200 acres on Mayo's river and 400 acres joining the same not yet cleared, out of the office in Halifax county; also 130 acres on the other fork of the Mayo and 400 acres joining it not yet cleared; one of the offices to be cleared with my estate; also negroes. "All personal estate sold at public sale, giving six months credit. "All debts paid from it, and all back lands not mentioned in the will to be sold and equally divided among the children. "To my loving wife, Anne, 60 pounds to be at her disposal. "Anne Chiles, my wife, executrix; John Chiles and Captain John Ward, executors. "Paul (his—X—mark) Chiles." Witnesses: William Cadwell, R. Kobinson Hunt and William W, Glass. CLEMENT. 1761, April 9—Indenture between Stephen Clement, of Bedford county, and John Alston, of same county, for sale of land. Witnesses: Francis Pollard, Goram Brown, Adam Clement. Deed, June 23, 1760—Adam Clement buys of John Jones, 20 acres of land in Halifax county. Witnesses: Benj. Clement, Jr., Benj. Clement, Sr., Thomas Strother, Annie Flanagan and John Clement. Robert Munford, clerk. COATS. 1754, November 13—Nuncupitive will of Judith Coats, deceased. In the words and figures following: November 13, 1754—Memorandum of the will was proved by oath of James Irwin, Gent., and David Lawson, and ordered to be recorded. On the petition of Judith Sherman certificate is granted her for obtaining letters of administrator of all, and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the said Judith Coats, which were of the said Judith's at the time of her death, with the said will annexed, she having first taken the oath of administrator by law prescribed and with the said James Irwin and David Lawson, securities. COBBS. 1811, November 3—Will of Samuel Cobbs: "To the wife of James Dabbs; sisters, Susannah Dabbs, Polly Lipscomb (wife of Richard Lipscomb); to my two sisters, Judah Cobbs and Catherine Dabbs (wife of John Dabbs). "Samuel Cobbs." Executors: William Brittain and John Dabbs. Witnesses: Benj. Morton, Mat Davenport. James McAllister, Samuel Merry. COCKE. 1784—Nov. 5, Nathaniel Cocke, sells to William Thompson, land in Halifax. Whereas; Richard Cocke of the county of Surry (deceased) father of Nathaniel and John Cocke, leaves them land in Halifax county, and whereas because of the great difficulty and inconvenience attending the remote situation of aforesaid land from the Executors, two of them could not come, &c. Signed and sealed in the presence of William Thompson, John Coleman, Howard Cain, John Bruce and William Terry. Recorded 1784. John Cocke of the county of Sussex, wife Lucy. Nathaniel Cocke, of Halifax county, wife Rebekah. Nathaniel Cocke, of Halifax county, being about to remove therefrom, have fully empowered my friend, and kinsman, William Thompson & William Terry, to act as my Attorneys in disposing of my lands, tenements, negroes or property of every and all kinds, &c. Witnesses; William Thompson, Sr., J. Williams, John Coleman, & Jos. Terry. April 12, 1784. 1814, Oct. 24—Will of Herbert C. Cocke. Wife, Sally; two children, legatees (names not given). Executors: "My brother John R. Cocke, and William Bailey, I give my gun as a memento to my brother, John R. Cocke." Witnesses: William T. Scott, Benj. E. Terry, Leonard E. Baker and John R. Cocke. 1800—John R. Cocke's Account Cur, with William Thompson, who was his guardian, mentions H. C. Cocke & J. R. Cocke. COLLINS. 1764—This Indenture, Feb. 17th, 1764, fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George III, King of Great Britain, etc., between James Collins of Halifax County of the part and John Hurt of the same County of the other part. Land lying on both sides of Buffalo Creek. COLES. 1810, April 8—Will of Isaac H. Coles. "It is right that all has to dispose of their property by Will, life is uncertain, God gave us existance and the time of its discontinuance is at His will, which is hidden from human eyes or knowledge; I therefore give to my three nieces, Nancy Carrington, Lightfoot Carrington, and Mildred Bruce, to my nephew James Bruce, my cousin Isaac Coles, Jr. &c. "I give my Dan River estate to my nephew Edward Carrington, with all the negroes that are working on the land, and stock of every kind on the plantation. "I give my nephew Walter Carrington, the Buck Skin Tract, with all negroes, horses and stock on the plantation. "I give my nephew William, the home tract with all the negroes, stock on the plantation. "I give my "Cub Creek" Tract to my nephew Paul Carrington all my land in Charlotte, negroes, stock, and bonds. "I wish my estate kept together until all special legacies are paid, and then divided. "I will mention so far from feeling small for every neice and nephew, children of my Bruce, as expressed by the same, all proportion given of my estate, my sentiments are the reverse, but my friend Bruce, whom I am sincerely attached to must know his wealth is sufficient for their happiness, and friendship to all my relations is the best will of "I. H. Coles." 1814, Feb. 8—Administrator appointed by court, Isaac Coles, Jr. Securities: Paul Carrington, Henry E. Coleman, Howson Clark, Edward C. Carrington. Bond in penalty for four hundred thousand dollars. 1814—Memorandum from Act of sales of Isaac H. Coles estate. All the personal estate of Isaac H. Coles has been disposed of agreeable to a "Decree" of the High Court of Chancery for the Lynchburg District. Edward Carrington, 69 negroes valued at 6224 pounds, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, wagon horses, household and kitchen furniture, books, blacksmith's tools, carpenter and plantation tools, provisions, carriages &c., (valued at 1912 pounds) attached to the Dan River plantation. To Edward Carrington, guardian of William A. Carrington, 49 negroes, (valued at 3673 pounds) horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, wagon horses, household furniture, blackmith and carpenter's plantation tools, provisions carriage gears, &c., (valued at 576 pounds and 20 shillings) attached to the "Mildendo" plantation. "To Walter C. Carrington 30, negroes, (valued at, 2275 pounds) horses, mules, cattle, sheep, hogs, (valued at 248 pounds and 14 shillings), corn, oats, &c., (valued at 148 pounds) attached to the Buck Skin plantation. Walter C. Carrington, guardian of Paul T. Carrington, negroes, stock &c., attached to Cub Creek plantation. To Dr. Charles D. Fontaine, sales valued at 108 pounds taken from Dan River, and Evilina, valued at 96 pounds, from "Mildendo." Detained heavy and specific legacy value 160 pounds, taken from Dan River. Hannah valued at 90 pounds, Peggy 90 pounds, (devised to my wife,) taken from Mildendo. "To Mrs. Mildred Carrington, all the Bonds, each amounting to 508 pounds—1-8. "To Dr. Charles D. Fontaine, in right of his wife." Dec 1820—Estate of Isaac Coles, Jr. In Account with Edward C. Carrington. Doctor Tuck—Medical account. Benjamine Anderton—crier at the sale. Mrs. Powell—services as mid-wife. Robert Chappell—Blacksmith account. Henry Elliott—services as overseer, for 1820. Dr. Senn—Medical account, Adam Toot—Tannery account. Cash to messenger to Mr. Ravenscroft, (twice), to Mecklenburg to preach the funeral. Mrs. Fontaine—for money paid by her. To shoes for the children, Bruce & Williams—for bedticking for the children in Charlotte. Mrs. Mildred H. Carrington,—for money paid by her. Ferriage of articles to Charlotte. William Hughes—for shoemaking for the negroes. Walter Coles—for two bushels of clover seed, bought in Lynchburg. Mrs. Anne Fontaine—for expenses of children. To the 6th Instalment of 6 shares of Roanoke Stock. COLEMAN. 1837, March 23—Will of Henry E. Coleman. "To my daughter Jane Coleman, 20 slaves, Mahogany beds, wardrobe tables and furniture. "To my son Charles B. Coleman, my parlour furniture, my dining room furniture including the new sideboard and china press, beds &c. "My silver plate including tea pot, sugar dish, cream pot shall be taken at valuation by one of my five sons. "To my daughters Margaret M. Logan, (wife of Richard Clark), Sarah E. Chalmers, (wife of David Chalmers, Esq,) and Jane C. Coleman." "To William Baskerville, Henry E. C. Baskerville, Mary A. E. Baskerville and Charles Baskerville, (children of my daughter Elizabeth A. Baskerville, deceased). "My sons, John Coleman, Thos. G. Coleman, Henry E. Coleman, Ethelbert A. Coleman & Charles B. Coleman. Extras: Sons John & Thomas Coleman, Henry E. Coleman. Gold watch to his grandson Henry E. Logan. 1800—Henry E. Coleman guardian of M. M. Watkins orphan to Micajah Watkins deceased of county of Halifax Commonwealth of Virginia of one part and Chas. Irby, of the other part. He rents to Chas. Irby the plantation of M. M. Watkins on the mouth of Birches Creek on Dan River, bounded by the lands of Charles Meriweather and Jas. Chalmers. Witnesses: Jas. Chalmers, Nathan Hensley, Tarlton Moore. Henry E. Coleman, Chas. Irby. COX. 1820, February 25—Will of Elisha Cox, Sr. Wife, Elizabeth; daughters, Sally, Patsy, Judith and Peggy; sons, Elisha, Francis and William. "I hereby nominate and appoint my friend, Robert Hurt, sole executor of this my last will and testament." Witnesses: Elisha Barksdale and James H. Yeates. Elisha Cox. CRADDOCK. 1865, June 16—Will of Charles J. Craddock. Wife, Fannie Y. Craddock, executrix, upon whom he lays no restraint as to marrying again, "having the fullest confidence in the purity of her character and soundness of her judgment." Brother, John Graddock, and brother-in-law, William L. Owen, to advise and assist his wife; sons, John and Thomas Craddock; two daughters (names not given). John W. Craddock and Charles B. Easley, securities. Charles J. Craddock. December 9, 1819—Will of Granville Craddock. "This is the last will and testament of Granville Craddock, of the county of Halifax, &c. "I give and bequeath to my wife, Elizabeth Craddock, the whole of my household furniture and my carriage and horses, and no other part of my estate, either real or personal. I make no further provisions for my said wife in consequence of the belief that she will be amply provided for out of the estate left by her deceased father. "I give to William Towns Craddock and Thomas Averett all my medical books, surgical instruments, medicine on hand and shop furniture, to be equally divided between them. "I give to my son, Charles James Fox Craddock, all my books not included in the bequest to William T. Craddock and Thomas Averett, and my watch, my watch chain and seal I give to my son, Charles James Fox Craddock. "I give to my daughter, Sarah Cornelia Craddock, all the rest and residue of my estate, both real and personal, to be equally divided between them, share and share alike to them and their heirs forever, "I do give the custody, tuition and guardianship of my said son, Charles James Fox Craddock, to William Leigh, of the said county, during his minority. In the event by refusal, death or removal the said William Leigh could not accept the guardianship of said son, it was to be transferred to Thomas T. Bouldin, and in case of his failure to accept, then to Samuel Williams. "I give the custody of my daughter, Sarah C. Craddock, to my wife, Elizabeth Craddock; but if my said wife should marry, then the custody of my daughter should cease and be given to Mrs. Nancy Wimbish. And it is my earnest wish and desire that should the guardian appointed for any reason fail and it be necessary that guardians should be appointed, it is my most earnest wish and request that no stepfather under any circumstances shall be appointed their guardian. "I wish my children to have as good education as their respective estates will afford. "Granville Craddock." Executors: Samuel Williams, William Leigh, John H. Wimbish. Witnesses: Michael Roberts, Joseph Boxley. CREWS. 1820, March 21—Will of Ephriam Crews, Wife, Rachel; sons, Ephriam, Joseph McHaney and Matthew; daughters, Patsy Richardson. Sally Tucker, Rebecca Lax and Rachel Moorefield. Witness: Robert Hurt. Ephriam Crews. 1819, May 9—Will of Richard Crews. Wife, Susannah; sons, Andrew, Thomas, Josiah, William, Gideon, Edward John, and the heirs of my son James; daughter, Martha Hailey. Witnesses: Mel Spragins, Henry Cardwell, Benj. Hankla, Catharine (X) Cardwell. DeJARNETTE. 1784, March 18—Will of Elias DeJarnette. "My well beloved wife, Frances DeJarnette; daughters, Frances, Hannah, Sarah and Nancy DeJarnette; mother, Elizabeth DeJarnette, and sister, Annaker DeJarnette; my son, Reubin." Thomas DeJarnette, of Halifax, and James Hines, of Charlotte, executors. Witnesses: Nathaniel, John and Ursley Hall. Will of Rebecca DeJarnette: "I give and bequeath to my cousin, Elias Palmer, for trouble and expense he has hitherto been at in maintaining me, and for the purpose of paying all my just and lawful debts and expenses the following slaves, &c. To cousin, Jeffry Palmer, a negro girl, &c. "Ann R. (her—X—mark) DeJarnette." 1831, May 3—Will of Daniel DeJarnette. "I, Daniel DeJarnette, county of Halifax, State of Virginia, &c., do place in the hands of Richard Thornton as agent for my wife, Nancy DeJarnette, land and a good many slaves, some slaves to be hired to William Collins for mining purposes, together with the fishery. To my nephew, Daniel DeJarnette (son of George DeJarnette), slaves, &c, I also loan my wife during her widowhood one cery desk, one walnut burow, one bookcase, one bottle case, one chest of drawers, one large 'still,' and at her death I give them to the above Daniel DeJarnette. To James Pitts' wife (formerly Rebecca DeJarnette), $200.00. The residue of my estate to be sold, and from the proceeds thereof I give to Anney Sims (formerly Anney Betterton), $100.00, and the balance I want equally divided between my brother, James DeJarnette, and my sister, Susan Ranson, and my nephews, James, Thomas and Daniel DeJarnette, and sons of George DeJarnette." William Collins, executor. DENTON. 1831, October 19—Indenture between Benjamin Den-ton and Ann Denton (formerly Peggy Ann Anderson) and William W. Powell and Thomas A. Powell. They sell to the Powells 89 acres on the west prong of Pole Cat creek, it being the lot of land assigned to the said Denton and wife by commissioners appointed by decree of court of Halifax county to divide the land belonging to the estate of the late Richard D. Anderson. We see no more of Benjamin Denton and his wife, Peggy Ann, until by accident we stumble over their graves in Botetourt county. Died perhaps on their way to Kentucky, where so many Halifax people went. This is what was found by a student at Hollins College, a friend who knew our penchant for history from old burying grounds. The stones were so time-worn as to be almost illegible: "Benjamin Denton, born 9th day of April _________ Peggy Anderson, born 18th day of Jan. _________ Were united in marriage July 24, 1793. One child, John A, Denton, born Augt. 6, 1794. "Once loved, once valued, now availeth me not, Though my relations have not me forgot. Sleeping in dust I still must here remain, Till the Archangel calls his numerous train." Milestones along the road to the wilderness, we find them through the Southwest and on to Kentucky. EASLEY. 1786, January 12—Will of Daniel Easley. Wife, Elizabeth; son, Daniel, Jr.; son, Isaac; daughters, Ann Easley, Mary Ann Parker, Phoebe Adams; grandson, Robert Easley, son of John Easley; granddaughter, Elizabeth Easley, daughter of John Easley. Executors: Isaac Easley, Daniel Easley, Jr., Daniel Parker and Hawkins Landrum. Witnesses: Charles Old, Robert Chappell, Daniel Easley, Samuel Landrum. In 1812, October 26—Administrator with will annexed granted to Thomas Easley. 1810, September 22—Will of Isaac Easley. Wife, Judith; sons, Isaac, John, "tract of land on Dan river, where Samuel Easley now lives"; to my son, William Easley, land I bought from Tom Easley, north side of the road leading from Meadesville to Halifax C. H.; daughter, Polly; wife, Judith, to support the young children, Nancy, Judith, Martha, Daniel, Phoebe and Betsy until they are able to support themselves. Executors: Isaac Easley, John Easley, William Leigh. 1783—From the estate of John Easley, deceased, Martin Palmer bought for 15 pounds and 5 shillings, fatted hogs, one gun, one bead and furniture. To John Edmunds, one box, a Holy Bible, for one pound and twelve shillings and six pence. To John Hurt Hendrick, one pair of leather breeches, for two pounds and fifteen shillings. EDMUNDSON. February 3, 1819—Will of Samuel Edmundson. Wife, Caroline; sons, Samuel and Richard, "all lands in the counties of Halifax and Mecklenburg counties"; daughters, Margaret and Susannah, Lucinda, Nancy Ham-ner, Rachel Phillips, Patsy Anderson and Polly White. Two faithful old servants to the care of son, Richard, neither to be hired out or sold. Executors: Sons, William, Banister, Samuel and Richard Edmundson, ESTES. 1779—Will of William Estes. Wife, Mary; brother, John; sons, Patrick and Ezekiel; daughters, Leana, Levina, Sala and Drusilla. Witnesses: James Hardwick, Elizabeth Harris, Wife, executrix. Micajah and Moses Estes, securities. 1764—John Ezell and Hannah, his wife, of Lunenburg county, sell to Anthony Irby, of Brunswick county, 600 acres in Halifax county on Difficult creek. FARMER. March 12, 1782—The first we find of the name of Farmer is an inventory of the estate of Frederick Farmer, deceased, March 12, 1782. The county has many worthy families by the name of Farmer living in it now, most of them members of the old "Pleasant Grove Church," where for generations they have worshipped, and there in the old churchyard have laid their dead to rest. They have always been well-to-do land and slave owners, and some of them have grown rich by economy and persistence. Book 15, page 482, December 16, 1825—Will of David Farmer. "My wife, Jane Farmer; son, Obediah; grandson, Henry Farmer; granddaughter, Polly Farmer. Balance of my estate divided between Hannah East, Ruth Farmer and my granddaughter, Polly Ragland. Executor, my son, Obediah Farmer. "David Farmer." Witnesses: Archer Farmer, Jeremiah Farmer. Recorded August 24, 1831. 1856, March 24—Will of Archer Farmer. Wife, Nancy; son, Joseph E. Farmer; grandson, John Harrison Farmer, "when he arrives at the age of 21." Confirmed what he had already given (which was very liberal) to Lucy A. Farmer, William W. Farmer, Elizabeth Russell, Harriett C. Chappell, Archer Farmer, James R. Farmer. Remainder of property to be equally divided among the last named six children. "My will and desire is that my old negro man Gilbert and his wife Nancy shall have the privilege of choosing their master or mistress from among my children, said master or mistress to pay their appraised value. I appoint my son, William W. Farmer, or Archer H. Farmer, my executor and request that the court will not require security. "Archer Farmer." Witnesses: D. Chalmers, John Hughes, William Holt. (Archer H. Farmer gave bond for $60,000 without security.) FONTAINE. 1780—Moses Fontaine, of Halifax county, sells to Edward Palmer, of Mecklenburg county, a parcel of land on Hyco river. (Signed) Moses Fontaine. 1817, December 27—Will of Dr. Charles D. Fontaine; wife, Anne. Leaves his whole estate to his wife in fee simple. "No inventory shall be taken after my death, nor my negroes, stock and household furniture divided to the great discomfiture of my widow. "It is my will that my dear Nancy remain in possession of every kind of interest or property just as if I were living. "I will nothing to any person on earth, but justly to my wife in part for the reason above and because I do not know whether anything can be spared of my fortune without great inconvenience to my wife. I therefore merely suggest as a wish that she would inquire from time to time into the situation as respects the money matters of my dear and revered old mother and my other near and dear relatives in Henry county. "These and all other things I leave to the distribution of my dear wife, in whom I have the utmost confidence. "C. D. Fontaine." Will was exhibited in court, whereupon J. H. Wimbish and Berryman Green appeared in court and swore to the handwriting of C. D. Fontaine, decedent. Will was ordered to be recorded, January 26,1818, but the will was again exhibited, on motion of William A. Carrington, who made oath, according to law (and for reasons appearing to the court), certificate is granted him for obtaining letter of administration with the will aforesaid affixed. His securities: Isaac Coles and John and Henry Carrington. Bond in penalty of fifty thousand dollars. GHOLSTON. March 13, 1779—Will of Anthony Gholston. Wife, Mary; sons, John, Joseph and Dabney; daughters, Eunecy, Sucky, Sarah Powell, Ann Flemin, Mary Jones, Betty Jones. "Anthony Gholston." Wife Mary, John and Joseph Gholston, executors. Witnesses: Edward Garlington, Richard (his—X— mark) Hatter, Susannah (her—X—mark) Hatter. 1787—William Goode sells to Edward Palmer, of Halifax county, 200 acres lying along Blue Wing creek, by Joseph Fontaine's line, and leading along the line of Edward Palmer. (Signed) William Goode. 1800—Nathan Glenn and Elizabeth, his wife; John Hilliard and Pheby, his wife; Jeffery Palmer and Susannah, his wife; Elias Palmer and Hannah, his wife; Elisha Palmer and Anen, his wife; John Nichols and Mary, his wife; Nathan Glenn as guardian and agent of and for the orphans of Francis Irby, deceased, as legatees of John Le Grand, deceased, unto William Keene & Co., of Halifax, for a certain tract or parcel of land in Halifax county, lying on the branches of Difficult creek (it being the tract which includes the mantion house wherein John Le Grand, deceased, lived in), for 84 pounds paid in hand, &c. Witnesses: John T. Palmer, Peter Palmer, Benj. Traynham, Thomas Palmer. Jonathan as to Nathan Glenn, in all cases Elizabeth Glenn and Pheby Hilliard. 1758—Thomas Green and Peter Irby took by order of worshipful court the just and full sum of 16 pounds of good and lawful money of Virginia for building a good and well fixed bridge, at least ten feet broad, and in good repair for the term of seven years. Signed, sealed and released in the presence of Robert Wooding and Abraham Maury. To build and maintain for seven years. 1758, March Court—Ordered that Thomas Green build a bridge over Difficult creek at a place called Madins Ford. ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com ___________________________________________________________________