Halifax County, VA - Will: Moses Hendrick, 1794 Submitted by: Carolyn Gray Hoffman ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ I recently received a photocopy of a typed copy of a will that was published, according to the typed copy, in The News-Herald, Hillsboro, Ohio, on April 13, 1899. The Beloved Wife Ruth is Ruth Echols (maiden name). Besides Moses's children, there is mention, by name, of his slaves. -------------- From The News-Herald, Hillsboro, Ohio, April 13, 1899: INTERESTING OLD DOCUMENT A Copy of the Will of Moses Hendrick, Made in the Year 1794. The following old will now in the possession of Delilah Milner, of Fairfield township, who is a great granddaughter of the testator, will be of interest to many citizens of Highland county as well as other descendants scattered over the United States from the old shores of Virginia to the borders of the Pacific. In Hillsboro his family is represented by Miss Lizzie Kirby and Mrs. Dr. Smith. THE WILL In the Name of God Amen, the twenty-sixth of September in the year of Our Lord Christ one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-four, I Moses Hendrick of Halifax county, being low in health yet of a sound and disposing memory do make and appoint this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows: First it is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid and satisfied. Next, it is my will and desire that my Beloved Wife Ruth do enjoy and possess the land and plantation whereon I now live during her widowhood or life, and at her death this said land shall be equally divided amongst my three sons hereinafter named, viz: Amos, Obed and Jeremiah and their heirs forever. Next I lend to my Beloved Wife Ruth all my Goods and Chattels and the Remainder of my whole estate during her natural life, and at her decease it is my will and desire that she shall dispose thereof as she shall think good amongst my children hereinafter named, viz: Mary, Joseph, Amos, Anne, Cloe, Sarah, Judith, Obed, Betsy, Jeremiah and Ruth. Next it is my will and desire that my Beloved Wife Ruth do dispose of my land at Cumberland to any of my above named children as she sees cause. Next my will and desire is that my negroes, viz: Hager, Sirus, Moses, Esther, Isaac, Alsi, Obrien, Sarah, Edith, Tabitha, Melinda and John to be left in the care of my Beloved Wife Ruth to do by them as she may see cause. But at her decease immediately to be set free. Next I do constitute and appoint my Beloved Wife Ruth and my son Obed sole Executrix and Executor of this my last will and Testament, utterly revoking and disanulling all and every will and wills heretofore made by me and acknowledging and appointing this to be my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand fixed by seal this day and year above mentioned. Signed, Sealed & Delivered in presence of MOSES HENDRICK (Seal). THOS. TERRY, ROBERT CHAPPELL, JAMES OLD. At a Court held for Halifax county, Va., the 22 of February, 1796, this will was recorded. The widow Ruth Hendrick giving bond for $10,000 and her securities being Robert Chappell, Richard Kelly & Reubin Ragland.