HENRY COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILL BOOK 1, ABSTRACTS; 1779-1799

P. 1 -  ZEBULON SHELTON, 

Inventory. Feb. 17, 1777; appraised by Josiah Smith, Joseph Sowal and Hugh Armstrong. 
Total value 75.12.6; Returned Feb. 17,1777.

P. 1-2 -  ISRAREAL TURNER, 

Will dated Feb. 18, 1777. To be buried at the discretion of the commanding officer at Ft.
P. Henry.; To my eldest brother that part of Negro Bob which is half the price of said 
Negro and all my clothing
with lays in possession of David Chadwell living in Pittsylvania County on Smith's River, 
and likewise all my
wages that is coming to me for my service in the Commonwealth of Virginia, also to brother 
John.
Israel Turner
My half-brother William Turner have 1 cow and calf of David Chaswell, valued at 45 s.
Wit. G. Hartford(?), John Redd.


P. 2-3 -  JAMES WILSON, SENR., 

of Henry County and Parish of Camden being sick and weak; dated April 1, 1777.
Unto my dear and loving wife Martha two horses, two cows and two heffers, and three sheep 
and one bed and
furniture
To wife one Negro woman Sarah and girl Sea and after her decease to fall to my son Thomas.
To wife during her widowhood Negro boy Addam and he to fall to my son Moses.
To wife Martha my plantation on which I now dwell and after he cedease to be sold for cash 
at public auction
and money divided between my two daughters Martha Baley and Ann Bosheir.
Wife Martha, executrix, and my two sons, Thomas Wilson and Moses Wilson, executors.
James (his mark) Wilson
Wit: Toliver Cox, Russell Cos, Joseph Goodwin.
July 21, 1777, exhibited by Martha Wilson and Thomas and Moses Wilson who gave bond with 
John Blagg and
Taliafero Cox, their securities.


P. 4 -  SILVANUS WEB,

Inventory. Appraised by Robert CHandler, Micajah Pool, Nathan Hall. Total value 45.17.0, 
includes debts owed
estate by Thomas Barksdale, Saml. Johnson and Jules Scruggs. James Rea, administrator. 
Returned July 21, 1777.


P. 5 -  JAMES WILSON,

Inventory, Aug. 1, 1777. Total valuation 247.10.0, includes three Negro slaves.

MISSING SOME **************************


To my son Daniel France the lower end of the said tract.
To my son Haman France one entry of land joining the land I give my son Peter France, 
also one Negro wench named
Milly.
To son John France one tract of landlying on Gray's Fork, Negro boy named Solomon.
To wife Mary France one Negro wench named Sylvia, one Negro wench Fanny during life and 
then to be equally
divided among all my children except my son Peter and daughter Elizabeth.
To my daughter Sarah France one Negro girl named Rose.
As to the rest of my estate I leave the division of it to my well beloved friends Haman 
Critz Jr., and Thomas Smith
who entered into bond with Archeleaus Hughes their security.


P. 9 -  ABNER HARBOUR,

Mildred More and Judith Riddle before me Edmund Lyne, JP, made oath that on or about 
May 2 last they heard
Abner Harbour, dec'd., in his last sickness before his departure, say that he desired 
that his estate should be
parted among his children as follows; his lands to be equally divided among his four 
sons David, Moses,
Elisha and Thomas Harbour, and his other estate equally divided among all his children. 
May 18, 1778.
May 18,1778, nuncupative will of Abner Harbour, dec'd, was returned by Joyce Harbour, 
widow. Administration
granted her with Phillip Anglin and John Witt, her securities.


P. 9-10 - NATHAN COCKRUM,

Inventory, appraised by Humphrey Scoggin, Thos. Edwards, Waters Dunn. July 17, 1778. 
No total valuation.
Returned July 20, 1778.


P. 10-11 - JOSEPH ROBERTS,

of Henry County. Will dated May 27, 1778. The track of land whereon I now live containing 
520 acres divided
between my three sons - John Roberts, Joseph Roberts and James Roberts equally, saving to 
my wife Elizabeth
Roberts peaceable possession during her life, and after her decease the part I intend for 
my youngest son James Roberts should include the plantation houses.
To my daughter Nancy Roberts, 150 (lbs) when she comes of age. The rest of my estate equally 
divided between
my wife and four children.
thomas Jones and James Spencer, executors.
Joseph (his mark) Roberts
Wit: Thomas Lowe, James (his mark) Roberts
Aug. 17,1778, Exhibited by Thos. Low and Jas. Spencer the executors who gave bond with 
Jas. East, Leonard 
Vandegriff and Achs. Hughes, their securities.


P. 11 - ABNER HARBOUR (inventory)

Aug. 15, 1778. Appraised by Geo. Rowland, Thomas Jamison, Benjamin (his mark) Moon. 

P. 12-13 - JNO. FRANCE (inventory)

June 22, 1778. Appraised by Haman Critz Senr., John Parr, Richd. Adams who took oath 
before Arch. Hughes. 
Included five Negro slaves. Returned Aug. 17, 1778


P. 13 -  ROBERT HILL, (inventory)

Appraised by William Cook, James Sandefer, Benjamin Griffith. Returned Sept. 22, 1778


P. 14-15 -  JOSEPH ROBERTS (inventory)

Sept. 12, 1778. Appraised by Archs. Hughes, Frederick Fulkerson, Geo. T(?) who were sworn
before Thos. Hamilton. Included one Negro slave. Returned Sept. 21, 1778.


P. 16 -  MOSES HARRISON (inventory)

Appraised by George Waller, John Briscoe, Elisha Walling. Includes two Negro slaves.
Returned March 25, 1779.


P. 17-18 -  MERRY WEBB, SENR.

of Pittsylvania County, Parish of Camden, being sick and weak. Will dated Feb. 6, 1774
To loving wife Elizabeth during life or widowhood three negroes Robin, peter and Jane,
all hourses, cattle and hogs. At death of wife, Negroes to be equally divided between
Merry Webb, John Webb, Mary Burns, Elizabeth Sams and Lucy Webb. If Elizabeth Sams dies
without issue, then to others.
Son Martin Webb, 1 sh. and no more.
Daughter Million Hall the tract of land she now lives on.
Daughter Lucy Webb, two Negro girls Sarah and Aggy. If Lucy dies without issue, to my sons
and daughters Merry Webb, John Webb, Mary Burns, Elizabeth Sams and Lucy Webb.
Son Merry Webb, one Negro boy Lewis
Son John Webb, one Negro boy Joe
Daughter Mary Burns, one negro boy Lewis
Daughter Elizabeth Sames, one Negro boy Ben
My lands should be sold together with my mill.
Daughter Lucy Webb, one feather bed
Wife Elizabeth Webb all estate not before disposed of and after her death, to my two sons
Merry and John and three daughters.
Wife Elizabeth executrix and sons Merry Webb and John Webb executors
Merry Webb
Wit: Will Tunstall, George Elliott, John (his mark) Ray.
Feb. 15, 1779, exhibited by Elizabeth Webb and Merry Webb who gave bond with Waters Dunn,
John Alexander and Phillip Ryan their securities.


P. 18-20  - JACOB LINDSAY (inventory)

Jan. 29, 1779. Appraised by Frederick Fulkerson, James Spencer, John Dillard. Includes
15 Negro slaves. Returned Feb. 15, 1779.


P. 21 -  SAML. JONES (inventory)

Sept. 13, 1777. Appraised by Esaias Harbour, Mattw. Small, Joel Harbour.
At sale of estate, purchasers included: Peter Hairstone, Esaias Harbour, John Jones,
George Jones, John Jones Senr., Henry Chiles, John Newman, James Denney.
Returned Feb. 15, 1779.


P. 22 -  NICHOLAS LANKFORD (inventory)

Appraised by John Camrin, Joseph (his mark) Camrin. Returned May 27, 1779.


P. 22-23 -  LILYAN HAMPTON,

Being very sick and weak; will dated April 14, 1779;
To son John Russel one sorrell mare
To his daughter Susannah Russel one haffer yearling
To my son Samuel Parker one cow and yerling
To my duaghter Lillayan Flewd one cow and all my clothes and side saddle
All my house furniture equally to son John Russel and Samuel Parker and Lillayan Flewd.
My cash accounts due me from David Right and William Bowman equally to son John Russel and
Samuel Parker.
Executors: Diverix Gilliam and Thomas Stockton
Lilleyan (her mark) Hamton
Wit: Deverix Gilliam, Elizabeth Hutcheson, Eda Gilliam
Dec. 27, 1779; Exh. by Deverix Gilliam who gave bond with James East his security.


P. 23-24 -  LEONARD TARRANT,

of Henry County, Parish of Camden. Will dated July 3, 1777
Unto my loving wife Mary Tarrant during her life or widowhood all my estate except a bay
horse colt which I give unto my son Larking Tarrant.
After death or marriage of wife equally to my sic children Larken Tarrant, Reuben Tarrant,
Carter Tarrant, Winifred Tarrant, Terry Tarrant and Rachel Tarrant. If either should die
before they come of age or marry, then to survivors.
Executors to purchase a young negro wench with money arising from the sale of my tobacco
now on hand and the Negro I lend to my wife Mary during her life or widowhood.
Mr. Leonard Tarrant Senr., Mr. Richd. Tankesley and my son Larkin, executors.
Leonard Tarrant
Wit: Will Tunstall, George Tankersley, Jemima (her mark) Miller.
May 27, 1779: Executors named refused to take the executorship. Administration with will
annexed granted to Mary Tarrant who gave bond with Richd. Tankersley, James Tarrant and
Larken Tarrant her securities.


P. 24-25 -  LEONARD TARRANT, JUNR. (inventory)

June 6, 1779. Appraised by John Blagge, Jno. Birch, Marvel Nash. No value given. Includes
two Negro slaves. Returned Aug. 27. 1779.


P. 26 -  JAMES COOK, (inventory)

April 10, 1779. Appraised by John Farguson Senr., Swinfield Hill, Thomas Hill, Edward Choats.
Total valuation includes five Negro slaves. Returned Aug. 26, 1779.


P. 27 -  WILLIAM DABNEY, (inventory)

June 2, 1779. Appraised by Peter Gilham, Thos. Heard, John Heard. No value given. Returned
Aug. 26, 1779.


P. 28-29 -  JOHN GOODE,

of Henry County, being sick and weak in body, dated May 16, 1779.
To Frances my well beloved wife all my estate lands and tenements, all my household goods
and moveables, during her widowhood, and if she marries to have a child's part. At her
decease or marriage, to my children William Goode, Sary Goode, Nancy Goode, Thomas Goode,
John Goode, Martha Goode, Jessee Goode.
Ex.: William Hunter and Thomas Cooper
Sig.: John Goode
Wit: William Heard, John Heard, William Estes. Dec. 26, 1779; Exhibited by Thos. Cooper and
Wm. Hunter who gave bond with wm. Estes and William Heard, their securities.


P. 29-30 -  JACOB GOLDEN,

of Henry County, being weak in body, dated Sept. 17, 1779.
My wife to be sole executor of what I have left during her life and widowhood, and I make
Thomas Stogdon and Richard Dickins my executors to see that nothing be wanted.
If she should marry, all my moveables to be equally divided, except horse and side-saddle, 
and one bed and furniture. As I believe my wife is with child, if it should be a son, my
land I desire to be equally divided between my son William Golden and the younger son who is
to have the lower part of my land; and if she should bring forth a daughter, my son William
is to have all the land and is to pay 10 (lb) to each of my daughters when they come of age.
Sig: Jacob Golden
Wit: Joseph Sowel, John Bender, Thomas (his mark) Jones.
Oct. 28, 1779, exhibited by Mary Golden, Thomas Stockson and Richd. Dicken, who gave bond
with Thomas Adams and James Shelton, their securities.


P. 30-31 -  THOMAS GIBSON,

of Henry County. Jan. 3, 1780.
To my loving wife Marey Gibson andmy daughter Cuzziah Gibson, my whole estate.
Exec: Zackeriah King, Joel Gibson and Lambert Dotson.
Thomas (his mark) Gibson
Wit: Charles (his mark) More, Joseph (his mark) Nicols, William (his mark) More.
March 23, 1780. Exhibited by Joel Gibson who gave bond with Lambert Dodson and Champain
Gibson as his securities.


P. 31-32  JACOB GOLDING, (inventory)

March 11, 1780. Appraised by John Cammeron, William Taylor, John Dillard. Returned March
23, 1780.


P. 32 -  SETH FLOOD, (inventory)

Appraised by James Dickinson, William Halbert, John Grison; returned May 25, 1780.


P. 33-34 -  JOSEPH CAMMERON, (inventory)

Appraised by William Taylor, John Marr, Josiah smith, all sworn before John Dillard July 
25, 1780; returned July 27, 1780


P. 34-35  -  THOMAS GIBSON, (inventory)

April 27, 1780; appraised by Phillip Anglin, Danl. Goldsby, Lambeth Dodson; returned
July 27, 1780.


P. 35-36 -  JAMES HICKS, (estate account)

To David Lanier; includes cash payments to Field & Call & Co., John Colley; purchases
made for Miles Hicks, Nancy Hicks; returned Sept. 28, 1780.


P. 36 -  JAMES HICKS,

Guardian account for his orphans; To Alexander Joyce, 1779; includes cash due John Colley;
payments for boarding Miles Hicks, Nancy Hicks, Elizabeth Hicks; payment for boarding four
children; returned Sept. 28, 1780.


P. 37-39 -  JOHN ROWLAND,

of Henry County. Dated July 5, 1780
To my brother Michael Rowland's eldest son William Rowland, one cow and calf
To Michael Rowland, brother of said William, 1 sh. and no more.
to my brother George Rowland, all my right to a tract I formerly obtained a deed of trust
from George Lamkin, lying on Marrowbone Creek.
To John Palfree, all my right to a survey whereon he now lives, together with my wearing
apparel.
My whole estate be dept together; creditors allowed three years or longer to bring in
their accounts.
To my wife Mary, out of the profits of my estate 200 (lb) annually, but should the currency
of the money rise in value then a proper deduction to be made.
To Obedience Ryan, wife to Philip Ryan, in consideration of my wife's standing to this
my last will, one Negro girl Phillis.
To Geo. Rowland Jr. and William Rowland, sons of Gilbert Rowland, each of them one-sixth
part of the net proceeds annualy after paying taxes, clothing the Negroes, corn, meat, stock
of all kinds, my just debts and the clothing and education of Garland Akin excepted.
To the two sons of Joshua Bowls, dec'd, 199 (lb) each for their education to be paid to
their mother Sarah Bowls or their trustees.
Legacies heretofore mentioned to be null and void except as to my said wife after Garland
Akin srrives to the age of 21. Then to Garland Akin one-half of real and personal estate.
The other moiety equally divided amongst the youngest sons of all my brothers and sisters.
If Garland Akin dies without lawful issue, his part equally to survivors ofmy said brothers'
and sisters' sons.
My executors to execute a deed to John Wells for a tract sold him on Leatherwood Creek,
280 acres, conveyed to me by a deed recorded in the General Court from Paul Carrington, Esq.
George Rowland, Junr. to be appointed to act as clerk for the estate if agreeable to my
executors.
To Mary Isham, wife of James Isham, two cows and calves.
My Negro man Will and his wife Betty be kept altogether distilling at the proper season
of the year, to wit from the first day of November to the last day of April.
Exec: William Tunstall, Haynes Morgan, Peter Saunders and Josiah Carter.
Patrick Henry, John Fountain, John Salmon to settle with my executors annually and to be
guardians of Garland Akin.
Sig: John Rowland
Wit: Baldwin Rowland, Henry Barsdill, John Salmon
Sept. 29, 1780, exhibited by William Tunstall and Peter Saunders who gave bond with John
Fountain and George Hairston, their securities.