submitted by Angela M. Ruley Halifax County, VA Will Book O, pp. 156-158. John Watkins’ Sr Will made 3 April 1763, proven 19 May 1763 (Transcription) In the Name of God Amen The Third day of April one thousand Seven hundred and Sixty two I John Watkins Senr of Halifax County being sick in Body but of good and Sound memory thanks be to Almighty God for it and calling make remembrance the uncertain Estate of this Transitory Life and that all Flesh must Yeild to death when it shall please God to Call do make Constitute Ordain and Declare this my last will and Testament revoking annulling by these presents all and every Testament and Testaments Will and Wills heretofore by me made and declared either by word or wrighting and this to be taken only for my last will and Testament and none other In manner and form following/ that is to say/ Item I lend to my well beloved wife Elizabeth Watkins all my Negroes for and during the space of three years and two of them that is to say Dick and Lucy during her natural life or widowhood also I give to my well beloved wife Elizabeth aforsaid all my moveable Estate during her Natural life. Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved son George Watkins at the Expiration of three years the following Negroes/ that is/ Dick, Cato, Will, Fan, Friday and Isham them and their Increase to him and his heirs forever I also give and bequeath to my said Son George Watkins aforesaid after the decease or marriage of my well beloved wife Elizabeth aforesaid my other two negroes /that is/ Lucy and Dick/ Son of the aforesaid Dick/ their their Increase to him and his Heirs forever Item my will and desire is that after the decease of my well beloved wife Elizabeth is that all the remainder of my Estate real an personal be Equally divided among my sons and Daughters/ that is/ John Watkins, Thomas Watkins, James Watkins, George Watkins, Mary Welch, Elizabeth Watkins, Sarah Dickie, and my son William Watkins, and my Daughter Franus Mackmahaney deceased parts to be Equally divided among their Heirs which Bequeath Estate to them and each of them their Heirs & c forever. Item I appoint my well beloved wife Elizabeth Watkins Executrix and my son Thomas Watkins and George Watkins Executors of this my Last Will and Testament in whom I have reposed my Trust and jope they will duly perform it. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and date above mentioned. Signed Sealed and declared in Presents of Micajah Watkins John Watkins (§ his mark) Elizabeth Watkins (O her mark) John Watkins Mary Mackmanhaney (O her mark) At a court held for Halifax County the 19th day of May 1763 The within last will and Testament of John Watkins deceased was Exhibited in Court by George Watkins one of the Executors herein appointed/ Thomas Watkins the other Executor refusing to take upon him the Execution herof/ and the same was proved by the oath of Micajah Watkins and John Watkins two of the subscribing witnesses and Ordered/ the said Witnesses herein Court voluntarily relinquishing all benefit advantage of any Legacy or Legacies given them by the said Will and the said George Watkins having first taken the Oath by law prescribed and with Benjamin Lankford and Thomas Spraggins his Securities entered into Bond as the Law directs and acknowledged the same Certificate was granted him for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form reserving liberty to Elizabeth Widow relict and Executrix in the said Will also appointed to joyn in the probate when she shall think fit. Truly recorded Test R Munford Test Robt [WC]unford Clk ******************************************* Halifax County, VA Will Book 6, pp. 111-112. William Watkins Will made 18 October 1798, proven 28 October 1799. (Transcription) In the name of God Amen. I William Watkins of Halifax County Virginia being sick and indisposed in body but of perfect mind and memory do make constatute and ordain this as my last will and testament in manner and form following (vis) my will and desire is that William Mc[Craus] and James Scott be paid ought of the Tobacco Elijah Hunt estte owes me should that not be sufiscent then the ballance that may remain to be had ought of the Judgment I obtained against William Band in the district of Petersburg in September 1798 my Will and desire further is that my only daughter Sally Watkins have it in her power to take choice of my Negroes and the Negroe she may chuse I give to her my said daughter and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten also choice of my feather beds and furniture also nine hundred acres of land in Gales County North Carolina adjoining Colo Joseph Reudick also all my stock of cattle at my brother James Watkins also my Kitty Fisher black mare but my fore mentioned daughter in that case is to give up the mair she now has in her possession also I lend my daughter Sally my other 3 beds except one while her brother is going to scool and then keep them while her brother John Watkins Cums of age of twenty year my will and desire further is that the ballance of my estate be kept together to rais and educate my two sons William and John Watkins they get there education my desire that my friend Hecto McNeal of petersburg bring them up to the Mercantal business and I request that my friend Clemant Tranum have charg of there Education and that he be hansombly rewarded for the same I farther direct that my Negroes all may be brought in from the state of Tenese at the expence of the estate; that the produce of the crops brought in also except one forth part and for Noel Watkins as he is his own man the Negro that my daughter Sally makes choice of may be delivered up as soon as it cums in for her hole sole yours and benifit the ballence of Negroes shall be kept together or hired ought as my Exors hereafter named shall see cause while my sons (vis) Noel, Mansfield, William and John Watkins my Will and desire is that my brother Thos. and Abner Watkins must prosecute the suite depending in chancery between John Thos William Abner Watkins Elisebith Branch, Edith Ligen, Sarah Damron, May Hudson plantif against James Watkins Exor of Micajah Watkins decesd who who was Exor of John Watkins decesd defendent further my Will is that if Sameul Estis gives up my bond me may take my dar devil colt and there is a bay mair in Cumbuland that will serve to bring the Negroes In And lastly I continually and ordain friends [Robert] Terry Esqr, and Clemant Tranum Exors to this my last will and Testement In Witness I disalow all former Wills Dead of Gift & c by me made void, in Testimony whereof thereunto set my hand this 18th day of October 1798. sealed published and Delivered by the Testation to be his last Will and Testemony in presence of William Watkins L. S. John Dickee Pattey Dickee William Dickee At a Court held for Halifax County the 28th of October 1799 The within written last will and Testament of William Watkins decd was exhibited in court and proved by the oaths of two of the subscribing witnesses thereto- and ordered to be recorded. and on the motion of Robert Terry one of the executors therein named who made oath according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining probate thereof in due form, he giving security whereupon the said Robert Terry with Thomas Watkins Gent his security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs liberty reserved to Clement Tranum the other executor to join in the execution thereof when he shall think fit. Teste John Wimbish C.H.C. Truly recorded Teste Berryman Green DC HC ********************************************* Halifax County, VA Will Book 1, p. 299. Micajah Watkins Will made 15 January 1780, proven 17 February 1780. (Transcription) In the Name of God I Micajah Watkins of Halifax County being in my perfect senies and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore by me made. first I give and bequeath unto my son Micajah Watkins my Tract of Land on Dan river (it being the Land and plantation whereon I now live) to him and his Heirs forever. Secondly I give and bequeath unto my son Frances Watkins the Tract of Land I bought of Mr. Daniel Hutchinson to him and his Heirs forever. Also I give and bequeath to my said son Frances as much Money as will buy him a prime Negroe (to be purchased for him by my Executors hereafter named) which said Negroe to be bought for my said son Frances is to make his Tract of Land before given him in some measure equavalent to the Tract devised to my son Micajah. Also it is my request and desire that all the rest of my Estate of what nature or quality whatever be equally devided among my said two sons Micajah and Frances, and that the Negroes and the personal Estate be kept together and be work’t on both Tracts of my Lands at the discrition of my Executors who I desire may have the managment of the same ‘till either of sd sons comes of age or Marrys. And its further my desire that my Executors shall and may from time to time as they shall see cause sell and dispose of my stocks of different kinds and dispose of the Money arising from such sales as they shall see best for the good of my children, who I desire may be put to School and have aliberal Education. I nominate and appoint my friends George Boyd, James Watkins, James Turner, and William Watkins my Executors. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of January in the year of our Lord 1780. Signed and sealed Micajah Watkins (seal) In the presence of Will P. Martin, James Smith John Boyd, Andrew Boyd At a Court held for Halifax County the 17th day of February 1780. This last Will and Testament of Micajah Watkins deceased was Exhibited in Court by George Boyd one of the Executors herein named, and the same was proved by the oaths of three of the subscribing witnesses hereto and the same was ordered to be recorded. And on the Motion of the said Executor who made Oath hereto according to Law, Certificate is granted him for obtaining probate hereof in due form he giving security whereupon the said George Boyd with James Coleman Gent his security entered into and acknowledged Bond for the same according to Law Teste Geo. Carrington CHC Exd Truly recorded Teste Geo Carrington CHC ********************************************************** Halifax County, VA Will Book 1, pp. 424-425. George Watkins Will made 14 April 1782, proven 21 November 1782. (Transcription) I George Watkins of Halifax County being very sick and Weak but of perfect sense and memory thanks be to God for it and calling to mind the uncertainty of life do make and publish this my last Will and Testament as follows. to Wit, I lend unto my loving wife Susanna Watkins the Land and plantation whereon I now live with four hundred & thirty three acres of the Land thereto belonging including the Dower Land I purchased of William Davis also Seven Negroes of her choice, also her choice of two horses and two fether Beds and furniture one third part of my Sheep, and choice of fifteen head of Cattle her choice of one half my stock of Hogs. one half of the produce of my Mill. and one half of my Household and kitchen furniture Except Beds during her natural life Item. I give and devise to my son Thomas Watkins, Two hundred & fifty acres of Land to be laid off at the lower end of the Tract I now live on to him his heirs and assigns forever. Item. I give and devise to my Daughter Rebecca Mannin the Land she now lives on to include Two hundred & fifty Acres at the lower end of my said Tract to her & her Heirs and assigns forever. Item. I give and devise to my Son John Watkins his Heirs and assigns forever my Mill. together with the Plantation and Land thereto belonging together with one half the profits of the Mill during the life of my sd wife after her decease the whole to revert to him. I also give & devise to my said son John after my wifes decease the land & Plantation lent to her to him his Heirs and Assigns forever. he paying to his Brother Thomas and his two Sisters Anne Roberts and Rebecca Mannin each the sum of Forty Pounds Current Money or the value thereof in any commodity they shall choose. Item I give and bequeath to my sd. Daughter Rebecca Mannin her choice of four of the Negroes given to her Mother by the said Mother’s Father to her and her Heirs forever, and all the rest and residue of my slaves and other Estate of every kind I desire may be laid off in Equal lotts and proportions amongst my said Children. Thomas Watkins. Anne Roberts. John Watkins. and Rebecca Mannin, but in case my said son Thomas and my Daughter Anna Roberts shud choose to retain the Negroes now in their possession and not to be lotted with the rest my desire is that they may account with the other children proportionally for their true Value which lotts and proportions I give and bequeath to each of my said children their Heirs & assigns forever, and as to the Slaves and personal Estate lent to my wife, I desire after her decease may be lotted and proportioned amongst my said children. respectively as before mentioned but in case my said son John shud die without Issue of his body lawfully begotten I desire that whatever I have given him may be Equally divided amognst his Surviving Brothers and Siters before mentioned or their legal representatives. Item I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Elizabeth Hoskins One hundred Pounds in Specie to be paid when she arrives to Lawful age or day of Marriage, to be raisd our of my Estate. Item. I have a Suit in Chancery now depending in the Court of this County against Almon Given and Thomas Lacy for Three hundred and sixty five Acres of Land which suit I desire may be revived by my Executors and carryd on at the expence of each and every of my sd children, and if recovered I give and devise the same to my said Daughter Anna Roberts her Heirs and Assigns forever, Item I desire that my Executors may rent out the Ferry and Fishery I rented on James River of Rubin Coutts to the best advantage, my Two Waggon & Teams I desire may be sold towards paying my Debts. and lastly I appoint my said wife Executrix Col. Robert Williams. Rubin Ragland. my son Thomas Watkins. John Watkins and my son in law Nathaniel Mannin Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking and disannulling all former Wills and Gifts heretofote made In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 14th day of April 1782. Signd Seald published and declard to be George Watkins (G his Mark) L.S. the last Will of the Testator in presence of Wm Wright, Ephraim Hill, Thos. Brown At a Court held for Halifax County the 21st day of November 1782 This last will and Testament of George Watkins deceased was Exhibited in Court by Robert Williams one of the Executors herein named and the same was proved by the Oaths of three of the Subscribing Witnesses hereto and ordered to be recorded. Thomas Watkins. Rubin Ragland. Susannah Watkins. & John Watkins four other of the Executors herein named came into Court & refuse to take on them the burthen of Execution herof. And on the motion of the sd Robert Williams who made Oath hereto according to Law Certificate is granted him for obtaining Probate hereof in duw form he giving security whereupon he together with Haynes Morgan and Benjamin Abbott his securities entered into & acknowledged Bond for the same according to Law. Teste Geo. Carrington CHC Exc Truly recorded Teste Geo. Carrington CHC *********************************************** Halifax County, VA Will Book 3, pp. 137-139. William Watkins Will made 13 September 1794, proven 27 October 1794. (Transcription) In the Name of God Amen I William Watkins of the County of Halifax being in a Low State of Health but of Sound Mind and Memorey Praise be God for his goodness and Loveing Kindness to me all my Life Long and for hsi Continied favours to the present Moments and knowing that it is appointed for all Men onceto Dey Do make Constitute and ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament Revoking all other Wills heretofore Made by me in Meaner and from following to Witt first of all I give my soul to god who gave it me and my Body to be Decently Buried and as touching such worldly Estate as hath pleased god to bless me with I give and bequeath in manner and form following to Witt/ first of all I Lend to my beloved wife Wineford Watkins all the uper End of the tract of Land Whereon I now lives both low ground and high Lands including the Dwelling house I now live in and to be Bounded on the lower End by a certain cross fence begining on the River & Containing above the [barnd] as the sd cross fence now Runs to my gate on the East side of my house and thence from the said house a Straight line to the back Line adjoining Jas. Coldman which said Land and Every part thereof I lend her my said wife/ Dureing Natural Life I also give to My beloved wife the following slaves to Witt [G]ong Tom Easter Ben & lucey to her and to her Heirs and Assigns for Ever I also give to my beloved Wife Wineford Choise of two worke horses and a Da[v] bay Colt two years old Last may also Choice of Eight head of Cattle and Choice of Eight head of Sheepe Choice of Eight head of hogs and one Sow with a black on her Rump with five pigs Together with all my house hold furniture Except as shall be hereafter taken out together with all the Working Tools together with one Third part of all my Crop now on hand both corn & other tobacco and every other thing whatsoever growing or made on my plantation the present year I also give to my beloved wife one ox Cart together with all the above (Land Exceptions) to her and her Heirs and Assigns for Ever. I give to my son Thomas Watkins all my hole tract of Land Whereon I now lives Including the Legasy above lent to my aforesaid wife when her Right shall be Ended Therein to be given to him my sd son and to his Heirs and assigns forever together with the following slaves to Witt Frank old Tom Jude betsey Peter Fancy Lickey Frevey With there fewter Increase to be Given to him and to his Heirs and Assigns forever together with one Black Walnut bedstead be[d] two White Cotton sheets one chected one one Virginia [ ] Bed quilt and also one bed which he now hath in possession with its furniture together with all my horses and Mares not before Given A Way with all my Stock of Cattle hogs sheeps and [stk] not before given away to be given to him and to his heirs and assigns and assigns forEver. I Lend to My Daughter Betsey Cuningham one Negro man Named [Isam] which she now hath in possession and also one Negro Girl named [ ]hel During her Life and after her Decese My Will and Desire is that the aforementioned Negroes and Increses should be Equally Divide among all her children Equally and to be given to them and to there Heirs and assigns forever. I Lend to my Daughter Maryan Peryman all that tract or parcel of Land I purchased of John Patt Lying on Winns Creek whereon she now Lives During her Life with one I Slave Named Gim which she now hath in possession also a Girl Named Jeny During her Life and after her Decd my will and Desire is that the aforsd. Land and Negroes with their Increse shoude be Equaly Divide amonghts all her children Equaly and to be given to them and their h[eirs] and Assigns forever. I Lend to my Daughter Lucy one Negro man Named Jacob which she now hath in possession also one Negroe Girl [Named Ag] Dureing her Life after her Decd my will an Desire is tht the aforementioned Negroes should be equally Divided between all her Children to be given to them and to there hairs and assigns forever I Lend to my Daughter Fanny Brown one Negroe boy Named Philip which she now hath in perssion alos one Negroe boy named Reubin During her Life after her Decd my will and Desire is that the afor mentioned Negroes should be Equally Divided between all her Children to be given to them and to their Heirs and assigns forever. I Lend to my Daughter Patsey Womack one Negroe Wench Nam Jude Which she now hath in possession also one Negroe girl Named Hannah During her Life after her Death my Will and Desire is the aforementioned Negroes should be Equally Divided Between all her Children to be given to them and to their Heris and Assigns and Assigns and Assigns for Ever. I Give to my Grand Daughter Elizabeth Meercy one Negroe Girl Named Celah to her and to her Heirs and Assigns Forever. I appoint Thomas Watkins Senr whole & Sole Executor In Testimony Whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed my seal thas thirteenth Day of September one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four Alexander Boyd William Tulleh William Watkins (L.S.) James Scott At a court held for Halifax County the 27th day of October 1794 The within written Last will andTestament of Wm. Watkins Decd was Exhibited in Court and Proved by 2 Witnesses & Ordered to be Recorded & on the motion of Thomas Watkins the Executor therein named who made Oath according to Law and together with Jas. Watkins and Mecajuh Watkins his Securities entered into and Acknowledged the Bonds in the penalty of 5000 Dol conditioned as the Law Directs certificate for obtaining probate thereon in Due form of Law is granted him. Test Geo. Carrington CHC Test Truly Recorded Teste W. 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