New Kent County, VA - Will of John C. Richardson, 1802 Submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Alecia Tipton ************************************************************************ 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 ************************************************************************ John Clarke Richardson received 500 acres from his father's estate in 1801. The note on the side of the tax records state that he got it from his father's estate. This 500 acres sets at the mouth of Ware Creek and the York River. When his grandfather or father acquired this land isn't know. (New Kent County records were burned twice.) Lucy Garland (a Richardson descendant) said the following: The old Richardson home on Ware Creek was called, "Shell Point". This land was later called "Shell Landing".. John C. Richardson passed this land on to his children and grandchildren. He was a planter and raised cattle and horses. The Will of John was found amongst the William Farthing papers held by the Martha Dandridge Women's Club. Farthing was a relation by marriage. He was married to a Susan who I believe was a daughter of Turner Richardson, brother of John Clarke Richardson. The following is a copy of the Will of John C. Richardson: In the name of God Amen. I John C. Richardson of the County of New Kent, and Parish of Blissland, being sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, do make constitute and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament as follows: First - I recommend my soul to mercy of Almighty God, who gave it being, hoping through mercy and love of my blessed Savior Jesus Christ, to receive free pardon and remission of all by sins. Item: It is my will and desire that the balance of my estate be kept together as it now stands. For the use and benefit of my beloved wife Susanna Richardson and the whole of my children, for her and their maintainence and for the schooling of my children, until such time some of my children arrive at lawful age or marry. Then it is my will and desire that my wife shall take the one third of my land during her natural life, and that such child should take an equal proportion of the two thirds that remains, with what children I then have living, and I give and bequeath the same to him or her and their heirs forever. The balance after such child's part is taken out to continue together as above directed and so on as my children as may at that time be living or their heirs. If any of them should leave issue, lawfully begotten of their body the one third part of my estate that has been lent to my beloved wife to be equally divided amongst them. Item: I mean to be understood that my land is to be equally divided between the whole of my children as well as the other property on my estate. Item: It is my will and desire that my friend John Mitchell should continue to live on my land, where he now lives on my land, where he now lives, as long as he thinks proper on paying six pounds per year, tending only the same land as he formerly has. Item: I lend to my friend Robert Taylor twenty acres of my land at the upper end thereof, adjoining Mr. Benjamin Moore during his natural life, where he now has a new house built. The same land to be free from the control of any person or persons whatever, and only for the use of him the said Taylor, so long as he lives. And lastly I appoint my loving brother Turner Richardson and my friend John Mitchell executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills heretofore by me made as witnessed my hand and seal this 10th day of May 1802. Signed John Richardson (Seal) Witnessed: William Richardson, William Parrish (Moore), Frances Apperson X Her mark, Harriet Tyree. At a Court Held for New Kent County the 9th day of September 1802, this last Will and Testament of John C. Richardson deceased was put into Court by Turner Richardson one of the executors therein named and sworn to by him and being proven by oaths of William Richardson and Frances Apperson, three of the witnessed: Thereto subscribed is ordered to be recorded and on the motion of said executors, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof, he having made oath and given bond with security, according to Law. A Copy Teste, W. B. Clayton Clerk of New Kent.