Petersburg, VA Will Book 1: (Partial) File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Russell Lawrence - ruslaw@bellatlantic.net Will of Jack Jasper (Will Book 1, page 199, Petersburg,VA.) OCTOBER COURT 1793 September 5th 1793 In The Name of God Amen, I Jack Jasper of the Town of Petersburg being weak in body but of sound mind do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following viz; I Give and bequeath unto Mr.Pleasant Akin Ten Pounds, also the balance in the hands of Shanks ____? I Give and bequeath unto my Sister Betsy one Bed, six plates and two Dishes. I Give unto Betsy Morriss Five Pounds for her care of me while I was Sick. All the residue of my Estate to wit, one stud Horse in the possession of Mr.Jas.Crowder, one half the property of the said Crowder;Two Colts in the possession of Robert Akin, one Negro Boy in the possession of Rob't.Stanfield named Davy; Ten Pounds in the possession of Tho's.Akin, Four Pounds in the hands of Clem Trainan, Three Bonds in the hands of Robert Stanfield one of Twelve Pounds and two of Fourteen Pounds each; Corn in the hands of Robert Stanfield quantity unknown; This I desire may be sold and divided equally between my sisters & Brothers, after paying all just Debts;I Appoint Pleasant Akin Executor of this my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this fifth day of September One Thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Three.- Jack(hisxmark)Jasper (Seal) Signed, Sealed, & delivered Charles Corling in presence of us} Henry Morriss Jenny(x)Bell At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Monday the Seventh day of October 1793.- The last Will and Testament of Jack Jasper dec'd. was presented in Court by Pleasant Akin the Executor therein named, and was proved by the oaths of Henry Morriss and Charles Corling two of the witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. AND on the Motion of the said Executor, who made oath and together with Thomas Macklin his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of Three Hundred Pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Jacob Shuler (Will Book 1, page 200, Petersburg,VA.) I the Name of God Amen. I Jacob Shuler, Sadler & Harness maker of the town of Petersburg being in sound mind and disposing memory, doth make & ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following viz.- Imprimiss It is will & desire that my stock on hand should be sold at publick sale and the money arising therefrom together with what Debts I have due me after my just Debts are paid & my funeral Expenses shall go to my two loving sisters Elizabeth & Peggy Shuler to be equally divided between them & their heirs forever, but the Estate to be vested in the hands of my Father Jacob Shuler Sen'r. untill my said two sisters Elizabeth & Peggy Shuler shall arrive at the age of Twenty One or married which shall first happen.- Item. I give and bequeath unto my Father Jacob Shuler Sen'r. one silver watch to him & his Heirs forever.- Item. I give & bequeath unto my Brother George Shuler one silver watch to him and his Heirs forever.- Item. Also one flute to him & his Heirs forever.- Item. I give & bequeath unto my two Brothers George & Nicholas Shuler, all my wearing apparel to them & their heirs forever.- Item. It is my will & desire that my apprentice Boy Matthew Sturdivant shall serve his time mentioned in his Indentures, to Mr.John Crichton, shadler of Petersburg. Item. I lend all my tools to the said John Crichton during the apprenticeship of my said apprentice Matthew Sturdivant untill he shall be out of his apprenticeship, and the said Tools shall be given to him the said Matthew Sturdivant and his heirs forever. Lastly,I do constitute & appoint my two friends John Crichton & William Chapell whole & sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament utterly revoking and disanuling all other will or wills by me heretofore made.- Also all the residue of my Estate of whatever denomination so ever not herein mentioned I give unto my two sisters above mentioned to them & their heirs forever, as witness my hand & Seal this Eighteenth day of September 1793.- Jacob Shuler (Seal) Sign'd Seal'd & declar'd in pres. of} John Sturdivant Joel Sturdivant At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Monday the seventh day of October 1793.- The last Will and Testament of Jacob Shuler dec'd. was presented in Court by William Chapell one of the Executors therein named and was proved by the oaths of John Sturdivant and Joel Sturdivant witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. AND on the Motion of the said Executor who made oath and together with Joseph Weisiger his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of Two hundred & fifty pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted to him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.- liberty being reserved for the other Executor named in the said will to join in the probat, when he shall think fit.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Henry Linch (Will Book 1, page 202, Petersburg, VA.) January Court 1794. In the Name of God Amen. I Henry linch of the Town of Petersburg in the County of Dinwiddie Virginia being in perfect mind and memory tho weak in health do will & dispose of all my worldly Effects in manner & form following viz. I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Helenor Linch all my Estate both real and personal to her, her heirs and assigns for ever all my just debts first to be paid.- I also do appoint and ordain my said wife Helener Linch sole Executrix to this my last Will and Testament Disannulling all others heretofore made by me or in my name desiring my Estate may not be appraised and in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this Eighteenth day of February Anno Dom. one thousand and ninety two (sic). Henry Lich (sic) (seal). Signed Sealed & acknowledged this to be my last Will and Testament in presence of us} Parker Hare, Walter Ferguson, Elinor Young. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town, Monday the sixth day of January 1794. The last Will and Testament of Henry Linch dec'd. was presented in Court by Elioner Linch the Executrix therein named, and was proved by the oaths of Walter Ferguson and Elioner Young, two of the Witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.- AND on the Motion of the said Executrix,who made oath and together with Walter Ferguson her security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of five hundred pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.- Attest J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Robert Lloyd (Will Book 1, page 202, Petersburg, VA.) Town of Petersburg to wit. This day came before me Thomas Hood, Abraham Highstander & John Graves, who Severally made oath that about half past twelve o'clock last night, Robert Lloyd late of this Town, departed this life.- That about two hours before he died he, in their presence, declared it to be his last wish & desire that all his property, both real & personal which he should die possessed of, after the payment of his just debts, should go to and be vested in Mrs.Rebecca Yates, of this Town, and called upon the said Thomas Hood, Abraham Highstander, and John Graves, to witness what he then said.And further that the said Robert Lloyd, was perfectly in his senses at the time he made the said declaration. Given under my hand the 29th of November 1793. William Prentis. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Monday the 6th Day of January 1794.- The depositions of Thomas Hood, Abraham Highstander & John Graves purporting to be the noncupative will of Robert Lloyd dec'd. was presented in court and the said Thomas Hood, Abraham Highstander & John Graves appeared in court,and being Severally sworn & interrogated by the court again Severally deposed to the truth of the said depositions, which were Established by the court as the will of the said Robert Lloyd dec'd. & is ordered to be recorded.- AND on the Motion of Rebeckah Yates who made oath and together with Harvey Nolner her security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of one hundred pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted her for obtaining letters of administration of the said decedants Estate with his will aforesaid annexed in due form. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of John crumpler (Will Book 1, page 204, Petersburg, VA.) In the name of God Amen. I John Crumpler of Petersburg & County of Dinwiddie being in sound mind tho sick of Body- do make this my last Will and Testament revoking all others that heretofore I may have made. In the first place I desire that all my just Debts may be paid in order to do- which my will is- that if the money due me is not sufficient to pay what I may owe- I will that the House joining the lott of William Durell be rented out untill all just demands & Debts agt. me are fully satisfied.- Item. I bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Crumpler all the Residue of my Estate both real and personal- of what kind soever- particularly the House and Lott I now occupy to her and her Heirs forever- AND also, the House before mentioned, to be rented for the payment of my Debts, after the said Debts are justly satisfied, I give the said House to her and her Heirs forever.- Item. I give unto my said wife all the Property belonging to me in the County of Southhampton Christ Church Town Bruton Parish, both real and personal, and all property belonging to me in Dorchester England In confirmation whereof I have set my hand and affixed my Seal this Ninth day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety Two.- Jno. Crumpler (Seal) Signed Sealed & Delivered as the last Will & Testament of John Crumpler In the Presence of} W. Harrison, John Anderson, Robert Harrison. Codicil to Jno. Crumplers will to wit, He desires that his Funeral Charges & Doctors Bills be first satisfied by his Exors. He Constitutes & appoints his Beloved wife Mary Crumpler his whole,sole & only Ex'trx; of this his last Will and Testament in presence of.- John Crumpler (Seal). Jno. Baird Jr., William Stevenson, John Minetree. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Monday the 3rd Day of February 1794.- The last Will and Testament of John Crumpler dec'd was proved in open Court by the oaths of William Harrison and John Anderson two of the witnesses thereto; And the codicil indorsed on the said will was also proved by the oaths of William Stevenson & John Minetree two of the witnesses thereto, and are ordered to be recorded. AND on the Motion of Mary Crumpler the Executrix named in the said will who made oath and together with Seth Pettipool her security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Two hundred Pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Andrew Hamilton (Will Book 1, page 211, Petersburg, VA.) July 1794. In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost three persons and one God Amen.- Through the mercy of God I Andrew Hamilton being weak in Body but of sound and perfect mind and knowing the certainty of death, make, constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz.- My Soul I do freely resign into the hands of my creator.- In the name of the Father and of the Son & of the Holy Ghost three persons but one God, I Andrew Hamilton in hopes of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, I commit my Body to dust, and my Soul, my immortal part, I commend to the mercy of God who sent his only Son Jesus Christ to redeem it.- First I give unto my wife, Elizabeth, my Negro Man London, my Horses & Stock of Cattle for her own behoof- also the Bed & Bedstead in her chamber.- Secondly- I give unto my Daughter my Negro Woman Betty now living with her, Six Silver Tablespoons, Six Silver Teaspoons and one Punch Ladle marked DR.- Thirdly- I give unto my Grandson Andrew Hamilton McCloud my Lot & Houses where I now live, in that part of Petersburg called Blandford, marked in the plan of said Town 28 to him and his Heirs forever.- Fourthly- I give unto my Grand Daughter Sarah McCloud my Negro Woman Aggy purchased from Humphrey Richards to her & her Heirs forever.- Fifthly- I give unto my Grandson John McCloud my Lot in the New Town of Blandford Number ___ to him and his Heirs forever.- Sixthly- My Carriage I desire may be Sold with all the rest of my personal property exclusive of what is already mentioned & the money arising from the sale, after paying my just Debts, to be equally divided viz. One Third to my wife and the other two thirds to my Daughter & Grand Daughter.- Seventhly- My will farther is,that my wife shall occupy,if she chuses, but not to let to rent, the lot and Houses where I now live until my Grandson, to whom it is bequeathed, arrives to the age of Twenty One years unless she should marry, in that case, or in case of her death, it shall immediately devolve on him.- Lastly- I do nominate,constitute and appoint John Green & John McCloud Executors of this my last Will and Testament.- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this Eight day of March One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Four.- And'w. Hamilton (Seal). Signed, Sealed published and declared by the said Andrew Hamilton to be his Last Will and Testament before us.- Andrew Syme, Will. Sturdivant, Nath'l. Harris. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Monday the Seventh day of July 1794.- The last Will and Testament of Andrew Hamilton dec'd. was Presented in Court by John McCloud one of the Executors therein named, and was proved by the oaths of Andrew Syme,William Sturdivant and Nath'l Harris witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded.- AND on the Motion of the said Executor who made oath thereto, and together with Robert Armistead his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of Twelve Hundred Pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a Probat thereof in due form, liberty being reserved for the other Executor in the said will named to join in the Probat when he shall think fit.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Benjamin Hood (Will Book 1, page 215, Petersburg,VA.) September Court 1794. In the name of God Amen. I Benj'n. Hood of Petersburg do make & ordain this & none other to be my true last Will and Testament.- After the payment of all my just Debts and a true & faithful compliance of all my contracts, I do Give devise & Bequeath to my wife Judith Hood and to her Heirs forever all my Estate both real and personal of every sort and description whatever.- In witness whereof,after appointing my said wife & Asa Bishop my Exors. I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 6th Aug't.1794. Benjamin(x)Hood (Seal) Read to Benjamin Hood by Jno. Baird Jr. in presence of Giles Wells, Thankful Bishop & the said Hood did answer & say it was his wish & will when being asked.- Giles Wells, Thankful Bishop, Jno. Baird Jr. J.B. Jr. asked Mr.Hood if it was his wish to make a will he said yes- J.B. Jr. told Hood from what he had understood it was his wish & he meant to give his wife what he had- he said yes it was- B. told him he would write his will- Hood signified he wished it- B. did do it, as it is- read it to him, and asked him if it was his wish & will, he said it was,and accordingly the persons present did sign it- the 6th Aug't.1794. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town- Monday the first day of September 1794- The Last Will and Testament of Benjamin Hood dec'd. was presented in Court by Judith Hood one of the Exors. therein named and was proved by the oaths of Giles Wells thankful Bishop and John Baird Jr. witnesses thereto and is ordered to be Recorded. And on the Motion of the said Executrix, who made oath and together with Giles Wells her Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Three hundred pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a Probat thereof in due form, liberty being reserved for the other Exor. named in the said will to join in the Probat when he shall think fit.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of James Blakely (will Book 1, page 217, Petersburg,VA.) In the Name of God Amen. I James Blakely of Town of Petersburg being weak in Body but in perfect sense and memory, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life I do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament.- First of all I recommend my Soul to God who gave it, and my Body to be buried in a Christian like manner and for what worldly Estate it hath been pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath in manner & form following- I Give to my son William One Shilling, I Give to my son James One Shilling, I Give to my Daughter Anne Moody One Shilling, I give unto my beloved wife Anne during her natural life all my houses and one third of my Lott on which they stand, the following Household & Kitchen Furniture (to wit) the Bed & furniture on which I am now lying one large red chest; one red Table, her choice of two chairs, one close stool, one large Iron Pott, one Beer Cast, one Stone Jug, one tub, one small Pott, one Butter Pott, one meal & flour tub, one (trivest?), one shovel & Tongs, one Grid Iron, one small looking Glass, one ax, one Cradle, one Coffee Pott, one milk pan, one Tea Kettle, two Pewter Basons, one spinning wheel & one pair cards, I lend unto my beloved wife during her natural life, and at her decease I give the above nam'd Household & Kitchen furniture to my Daughter Elizabeth and in case the said Elizabeth should die before she come to lawful age or married when after the death of my said wife Anne to be equally divided between my two young sons John & Thomas, and in case either of them should die before they arrive to lawful age or married, the other to it fully- All the rest of my Estate I give to my two sons John & Thomas to be equally divided between them, and should either of my sons John or Thomas die before they arrive to lawful age or married then its my will & desire that the other surviving Brother of the two i.e. Thomas or John shall enjoy the part of my Estate intended for the deceased Brother at the death of my wife I give the Houses and the one third of my Lotts left to be equally divided among my two youngest sons John & Thomas and should either of them be dead, the surviving one to take possesion of the whole. I do appoint my son James & wife Anne Executors of this my last Will and Testament as witness my hand & Seal this Tenth of Febry. One Thousand Seven hundred and ninety four. James Blaikley (Seal) Sign'd Seal'd & delivered in presence of us, Hu Gordon, Will. Buchanan, Benjamin Cook. Codicil- I also bequeath unto my wife Anne my young Heifer my other Cow & Horse to be equally divided between my sons John & Thomas within mentioned. Hu Gordon, Will. Buchanan, Benjamin Cook. At a Hustings Court continued & held for the Town of Petersburg at the New Building intended for a Courthouse in the said Town Tuesday the Second day of September 1794- The last Will and Testament of James Blaikley dec'd. and the codicil thereunto annexed were proved in open Court by the oaths of William Buchanan and Benjamin Cook, two of the witnesses thereto & are ordered to be recorded- AND on the Motion of Anne Blaikley one of the Executors therein named who made oath thereto and together with Benjamin Cook her security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of one Hundred and fifty pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probat thereof in due form, liberty being reserved for the other Executor named in the said will to join in the probat when he shall think fit. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Ephraim May (Will Book 1, page 220, Petersburg,VA.) December Court 1794. In the Name of God the maker of us all Amen- I Ephraim May late of Boston & the County of Suffolk, but at present the Town of Petersburg in Virginia do hereby make establish and declare this Instrument of writing to be my only true last Will and Testament revoking and making null & void all other Testamentary writings by me heretofore made- Imprimis.- I wish that my Executors who I mention in the conclusive part of my will do pay all my just Debts, as soon as the circumstances of my Estate will admit them to do it.- Item.- I Give and bequeath to my Sister Mary Treat the sum of Two Hundred Dollars to be paid to her on her order by my Executors.- Item.- I Give,Bequeath and Devise to my Father Aaron May now of Boston and to his Heirs and assigns forever, all the rest residue & remainder of my Estate of every sort & description (except the Specifick Legacies herein otherwise Given) and do recommend to him to make such a distribution of the same amongst his children as to him may seem proper equitable & just. Item.- I do constitute nominate and appoint my Brother Thomas my Friends Hector McNeill, Ralph Pope & Nathaniel Eustis Exors. of this my said last Will and Testament, and in whose presence as well as the other witnesses hereto, have subscribed my hand and Seal this 14th day of October 1794. Ephraim May (Seal) Sealed Published & Acknowledged by the Testator in our presence- Jno. Baird Jr., Jos'h. T. Blanchard, John Jones. At a Hustings Court continued & Held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse in the said Town Tuesday the Second day of December 1794.- The last Will and Testament of Ephraim May dec'd. was proved by the oaths of Joseph T.Blanchard and John Jones two of the witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded- And the Executors named in the said Will refusing to take upon themselves the burthen of the Execution thereof, on the Motion of James Campbell who made oath and together with Abraham Evans and Robert Armistead his securitys entered into and acknowledged Bond in the penalty of Fifteen Hundred Pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining Letters of administration on the said Decedants Estate with his Will aforesaid annexed in due form.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Daniel Holt (Will Book 1, page 223, Petersburg,VA.) In the Name of God Amen I Daniel Holt at present time in an infirm State of health but perfectly in my senses, do make this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following to wit.- I give and bequeath to my Brothers Wm. & Henry the Mill usually called Jockeys Neck Mill with the Bakehouse belonging to the same and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, and including the Tract of land annexed to said mills to them and their Heirs forever; upon this condition that they prosecute my Right & Title to s'd. mills and the suit of the property abovementioned, to effect, as I conceive myself to be legally entitled to the same. But should they not prosecute as aforesaid, I bequeath it to my Bro. Sam'l. and my Two Sisters Polly & Jane & to their Heirs forever subject to the condition of prosecuting my Right to effect; and in case none of them should prosecute,as above, I bequeath said property to my Brother John E.Holt, & his Heirs for ever, subject to the before mentioned condition of prosecuting my right to effect. I Bequeath to my Brother Wm. and his heirs forever whatever may appear to be due from Mr.William Coleman on (afct.?) of transactions between him & myself, but particularly five puncheons of Antigua Rum my property & made use of by said Coleman, Twenty Seven Pounds Ten Shillings I think which I lent him to take up a Bond in the hands of Wm.Homsley & between fifteen & Twenty Pounds cash, which I also lent him at sundry times to purchase wheat; all of which, including the value of the Rum he was to have returned to me in wheat, whenever I should begin to manufacture flour, which he hath altogether faild to do. I likewise give & bequeath to my s'd. Brother Wm. whatever balance may appear to be due from s'd. Coleman In company (afct.?) that is to say between s'd. Coleman myself & my Brother William. And in case my Bro. Wm. does not settle the (afcts.?) before mentioned,both individal & company (afct.?) within a reasonable time and compel a discharge of said Balances,if any,I give them to whoever of my Brothers,and in case they do not to whoever of my two sisters Polly and Jane, will do it.- I also Give and bequeath unto my s'd. Brother Wm. all my proportion of Lands in Monongalia County, to him & his Heirs forever, together with the Rest & residue of my property, both real & personal to him my s'd. Brother Wm. and his Heirs forever.In witness of all which I have here- unto set my Hand and affixed my Seal to this will, revoking hereby all former wills by me made this Twenty Seventh day of December 179ty four. Dan. Holt (Seal). Signed, Sealed, & delivered in presence of} R.Davies, John R.Brewer, James Stafford. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the fifth day of January 1795. The last Will & Testament of Daniel Holt dec'd. was presented in court by John R.Davies & was proved by the oaths of the said John R.Davies and John R.Brewer two of the witnesses thereto and is ordered to be Recorded. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. William Holt Statement (Will Book 1, page 224, Petersburg, VA.) I do hereby by myself, my Heirs Executors & administrators, to pay to my two sisters Polly & Jane, Two Hundred Pounds each so soon as I can establish the right I hold jointly with my Brother Henry, under the will of my Brother Daniel lately deceased, to the mills usually called Jockeys Neck Mills, the Bake House, and the appurtenances annexed to the same; which Right I shall take the earliest oppertunity of prosecuting to effect.- Given under my Hand & Seal,this thirty 31st day of December 179ty four. Wm.Holt (LS) Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of} R.Davies, Peggy Davies. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the fifth Day of January 1795. A Certain Writing Signed & Sealed by William Holt was presented in court & proved by the oath of John R.Davies one of the witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Archibald Broadie (Will Book 1, Page 229, Petersburg, VA.) This is my last Will. I give to my mother Eve Cordray the folliwing Negroes for her life Cyrus, Frank, & James and one wench Effey.- I give to my Brother Daniel Broadie the two hundred & twenty pounds my Land Sold for and the following Negroes after the death of my mother, Cyrus & James to him and his ares forever,- I give to my Sister Polly Beverly the following Negroes after the death of my mother, Frank & wench Effey and likewise all the money that is over three hundred pounds that is coming to me from the con'n. of Broadie & Colquhonn to her, her life, after her death to her children.- I give to my half Brother Abraham Cordray the following Negro Boy Daniel, son to Effey & three hundred pounds that is to come out of the concern of Broadie & Colquhonn & it to be put out on intrest untill he comes of age or marries to him & his heirs forever.- I appoint the following persons my Executors my mother Eve Cordray & my Brother Daniel Broadie & Rob.Colquhonn. Witness my Hand this 17th day of Sep.1794. Arch Broadie. Teste. Wm. Mcgraw, Samuel Hunter. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town monday the 6th Day of April 1795- The last Will and Testament of Archibald Broadie dece'd. was presented in court by Daniel Broadie one of the Exors. therein named and proved by the oaths of William McGraw & Samuel Hunter witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. And on the Motion of the said Executor who made oath thereto and together with Walter Colquhonn his security entered into and Acknowledged their Bond, in the penalty of Fifteen Hundred Pounds as the law directs. Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form, Liberty being reserved for the other Executors named in the said will to join in the probat when they shall think fit. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of John McCloud (Will Book 1, page 231, Petersburg,VA.) In the name of God the Father, Son & Holy Ghost, Three persons & one God Amen. I John McCloud of the Town of Petersburg being weak in Body, but of sound & perfect mind thro' the mercies of God, and knowing the certainty of death, do make, constitute, and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.- Imprimis. My Soul my immortal part, I freely resign into the hands of God, my Creator, in hopes of the resurrection of eternal life, thro' the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. And my Body I Commit to the dust from whence it was taken to be buried in decent Christian like manner at the discretion of my Exors. hereinafter mentioned. Item. I give unto my wife Isabella,the use of my Lott and Houses where I now reside in that part of Petersburg called Blandford,distinguished in the plan of the said Town No.17 (number seventeen) situate between Alexander Taylor and Richard Gregory, for and during her natural life, or until my son John shall have attained the full age of Twenty One years, at either of which periods my will and desire is that my said Son John shall possess the House I now occupy as my dwelling, with sixty five feet front of the said lott from the line next Richard Gregory's and running towards the line joining Alexander Taylor's, to extend the full length of the lott to the back street, to him my said Son John, and his Heirs forever; And in case he should die before he shall arrive at the age aforesaid, then my will and desire is,that the said House and Land shall devolve to my daughter Sarah, when she arrives at the full age of Twenty One years or at the decease of her mother whichever shall first happen- and it is my further will and desire, that in case my said daughter,Sarah,should die without lawful issue of her own body, that then the said House and Land shall devolve to my Son Andrew Hamilton and his Heirs forever.- Item. I give unto my wife Isabella the use of the House I now occupy as a Shop joining on the line next to Alexander Taylor; and the land in front leaving the sixty five feet as already mentioned and to extend the whole length of said Lott to the back street for and during her natural life, and after her decease to devolve to my Daughter Sarah and her Heirs forever, but in case my daughter Sarah should die without an Heir of her own Body, then to devolve to my son John and his Heirs forever. Item. I give unto my said wife the use of a Negro Woman named Betty for and during her natural life,and at her decease,to the next Heir at Law. Item. I give unto my daughter Sarah one pair of Silver Sugar Tongs, Six Silver Tea Spoons and one Eight day Clock,to her and her Heirs forever. Item. I give unto my Son Andrew Hamilton one Silver Ladle marked DR, one pair of Silver Sugar Tongs marked DCE, Six Silver Tea Spoons, and Six Silver Table Spoons, also two large looking Glasses with Mahogony Frames, to him and his Heirs forever.- Item. I give unto my wife Isabella,my Stock of Cattle,Beds & Furniture belonging to my Dwelling House, and likewise my Kitchen Furniture, except what has been already mentioned.- Item. My will and desire is that all my Shop Tools Stock of Timber and materials for my business, with what furniture may be on hand in my shop,may be sold for the best price,and the money's arising therefrom, after my Funeral expences and just Debts are paid, shall remain at the disposal of my wife for the purpose of Educating our children in the fear of the Lord, which God grant. Item. I nominate and appoint William Gray and Ebenerer Stott Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all other and former wills.- In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal this fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Five. John McCloud (Seal) Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Robert Steel, Lancelet Stone, John Osborne. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town, Monday the first day of June 1795. The last Will and Testament of John McCloud dec'd. was presented in court by William Gray and Ebenerer Stott the Executors therein named, and proved by the oaths of Lancelet Stone and John Osborne two of the witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded.- And on the Motion of the said Executors, who made oath thereto, and together with John Osborne and John Caury their securitys entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Charles Galbraith (Will Book 1, Page 235, Petersburg,VA.) December Court 1795. I Charles Galbraith late of Manchester Chesterfield County State of Virginia being about to leave this country for Britain considering the dangers of the Sea & uncertainty of Human life do declare this to be my last Will and Testament; I leave my Brother Robert Galbraith of Petersburg my sole Heir Executor & administrator & upon the following conditions viz. That all my just & lawful Debts shall be paid out of my Estate & Forty Pounds Sterling to be paid by him to my Nephew Charles Key son of my sister Helen Galbraith & Robert Key of Wrights Park, County of Stirling in Scotland when he comes of age that is to say Twenty One years old- In case of his death before he arrives to the age of Twenty One I leave the said Sum of Forty Pounds Sterl. to my said sister Helen Galbraith at her sole disposal, provided my said nett Estate after all my Debts & funeral charges are paid provided my said Estate netts three Hundred Pounds Sterling.- It is likewise my will that my Brother Robert my Heir shall pay one moiety of the interest of my Neat Estate to my mother Anually while she lives; likewise in case of my Brother Robert's death before me which God forbid. I then leave my whole Estate to be divided between my Brother George Galbraith of Blackhouse Stirling Shire North Britain & my aforesaid sister Helen Galbraith that is to say; two thirds to my Brother George & the other third to my sister Helen with the same Burthen & Legacy that my Brother Robert was to have paid provided he had lived. Written with my own hand this 24th July at Petersburg One Thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety Five. Chas. Galbraith (Seal) Teste. W. McIndoe John Osborne At a Hustings Court Held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the Seventh day of December 1795.- The last Will and Testament of Charles Galbraith dec'd. was presented in court by Robert Galbraith the Executor therein named, and was proved by the oaths of Walter McIndoe and John Osborne witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded- And on the Motion of the said Executor who made oath and together with John Osborne his Security entered into & acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Two Thousand pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of John Jeffers (Will Book 1, Page 238, Petersburg,VA.) In the Name of God Amen I Jno.Jeffers being in perfect sound mind and memory Thank God for all his mercys do Bequeath all my real property and personal property to be equally divided between Edw'd.Jeffers & Mary Siddons. Edw'd.Jeffers from the Books of Jno. & Edw'd.Jeffers from the year 1793 is concerned equally in half of the proffits- & I do now apoint the said Edw'd.Jeffers & Mary Siddons my Sole Executors & administrators from me the said Jno.Jeffers- & I do further do desire that the Negro wench Hannah & her Child shall be free at the discression of my sister Mary Siddons & if she does not Liberate them in her life time at her death they are to be free Given under my Hand & Seal this 14th day of Nov'r.1795. Jno.Jeffers (Seal) Teste. John MacRae Jr. Duncan MacRae. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the fourth day of January 1796. The last Will and Testament of John Jeffers dec'd. was presented in Court by Edward Jeffers one of the Executors therein named and was proved by the oath of John MacRae Jr. one of the witnesses thereto and George Hay and James Byrne Jr. also severally deposed that they verily believe the said Will and the name thereto subscribed are all of the proper hand writing of the said John Jeffers dec'd. and thereupon the same is ordered to be recorded. And on the Motion of the said Exor. who made oath thereto and together with Joseph Harding and John McRae Jr. his securitys entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of fourteen thousand pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form, Liberty being reserved for the other Exor. named in s'd. will to join in the probat when she shall think fit. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Nicholas Potter Garrett (Will Book 1, page 239, Petersburg,VA.) In the Name of God Amen I Nicholas Potter Garrett of the Town of Petersburg and State of Virginia being weak and low of Body but of perfect mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament renouncing all other by me heretofore made.- First I Bequeath my Soul to God who gave it, and my Body to the dust from whence it was taken.- Secondly my will and desire is, that all my just debts be paid out of my Estate by Executors hereafter to be named.- Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Sarah Garrett, all my Estate of what nature or kind soever, both real and personal, to her own proper use and enjoyment during her natural life and after her death to be equally divided among my five children Viz: Mary Ann Potter Garrett, Sarah Gilbert Garrett, Simeon Potter Garrett, George North Garrett and Elizabeth Tucker Garrett, to them and their Heirs forever.- I do hereby appoint my Two Friends Anthony Peniston and Samuel Peniston my lawful Executors to transact all my business of what nature or kind soever.- Signed and acknowledged this Eighteenth day of December Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Five. N.Garrett (Seal) In presence of Geo.Pegram Jr., Thomas Stroud, Jo.Lennox. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said town monday the fourth day of January 1796. The last Will and Testament of Nicholas Potter Garrett dec'd. was presented in Court by Samuel Peniston one of the Executors Therein named, and was proved by the oaths of George Pegram Jr. and Thomas Stroud two of the witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Pleasant Grammer (will Book 1, page 242, Petersburg, VA.) I Pleasant Grammer of Petersburg do make this my last Will in manner & form as follows Viz: First, I desire my Mare may be sold for what she will fetch, also my watch, and the money arising therefrom, together with the money I have in the hands of John Grammer, may be equally divided between John Grammer & Thomas Withers after paying all my just Debts. I hereby Emancipate and Set free my Negro Woman Lucy and her increase forever also all her children which she has heretofore borne when they shall arrive to the age of 21 years viz: Moses, Surry, Suky, Phillis, & Tom and their increase forever, the said young Negroes to be brought up as I have pointed out in an Instrument of writing which may be found in a small red Box in my trunk, witnessed by Wm.Peck and William McClain dated some time ago. My Land I wish to be equally divided between my brothers & Sisters, my Gold Broach sleeve buttons, Silver Shoe Buckles & Knife I give unto my sister E.Cureton, together with a light coloured Casimer new coat, now in my trunk. All the rest of my Wearing Apparel with my Books I leave unto my Brother Nathan upon his paying 5 pounds towards the support of Sister Gary's children.- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 1st day of February 1796. Pleasant Grammer (Seal) Petersburg 10th August 1795. I Pleasant Grammer of the Town of Petersburg knowing the certainty of Death sooner or later, and being by my Fathers Will left heir to a Negro Woman named Lucy: and whereas since the said will,the said Negro woman Lucy has borne the following children viz: Moses. Surry, Suky, Phillis and Tom; seeing with what cruelty many Slaves are treated and not knowing into whose hands the above named Slaves may fall, have thought proper to Emancipate and set free the said Negro Woman Lucy and her children, provided she or either of them should survive me, my desire is that the said Negro woman Lucy may be free from the time of my death, and that the above named five children may be free when they arrive to the age of Twenty One years, tis also my desire that the three Boys be bound out to some good trade, and that the two Girls may live with some of my Brothers or Sisters until they arrive to the age specified above, provided any of them are willing to keep them if not with any person that my Brother John & Mr.Cureton shall judge proper to bring them up, tis also my intention and wish that if the said Negro woman Lucy should bear any more children than those specified in this piece of writing, that they should be treated in the same manner under the same restrictions above specified.- I hereby appoint Jas.Cureton and Jno.Grammer as trustees to see to the performance of the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 12th day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Five. Pleasant Grammer. In presence of William McClean, William Peck. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the 4th Day of April 1796.- The last Will and Testament of Pleasant Grammer dec'd. was presented in court by John Grammer, and there being no witnesses to the said will William McClean & William Peck being sworn severally deposed that they were well acquainted with the hand writing of the testator and verily believe that the said will and the name subscribed thereto are all of the proper hand writing of the said Pleasant Grammer dec'd. and a certain writing referred to by the said will being also proved in open Court by the oaths of the said William McClean & William Peck witnesses thereto, together with the said will are ordered to be recorded- And on the Motion of John Grammer who made oath thereto and together with David Dodson his Security entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of five hundred pounds as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining Letters of administration of the Estate of the said Pleasant Grammer dec'd. with the said will annexed, in due form.- Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of James A. Russell (Will Book 1, page 243, Petersburg,VA.) In the name of God Amen. I James A.Russell of the County of Chesterfield and Town of Petersburg being of Sound Sense and memory and now of age and in possession of my Lott in that part of the Town of Petersburg called Pocohantass do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament viz. having no property at present but my lot before mentioned, I do give and bequeath the same to my beloved Sister Elizabeth Gilliam Russell, now an apprentice to Wm.Steger in case of my death or never returning. In case the said Sister Elizabeth should die before she arrives to the age of Twenty One years or having no child lawfully begotten of her Body then and in that case I give and bequeath the same to Henry Morriss my late Guardian for services already render'd me to more than the value of five shillings which services I do now acknowledge- As witness my hand and Seal this fourth day of May 1793. James A. Russell (Seal) Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of} Moary Allen, Charles Corling, Charles(hisxmark)Wise, Henry Morriss. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the fourth day of April 1796.- The last Will and Testament of James A.Russell was proved in open Court by the oath of Charles Wise one of the witnesses thereto, and the same having been before proved by the oath of Charles Corling another witness thereto, is ordered to be recorded. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Thomas Parke (Will Book 1, Page 245, Petersburg,VA.) July Court 1796. In the Name of God Amen. I Thomas Parke of Petersburg and County of Dinwiddie do make this my last Will and Testament, revoking all others heretofore made.- I give unto my son William Parke at present of Halifax County Twenty Pounds to be paid by my Executor out of my Estate twelve months after my death.- I also give to my Daughter Ann Nicholas of Petersburg five pounds to be paid to her twenty five shillings every three months by my Executors yearly during her natural life.- I give unto my son John Parke of Petersburg all the rest and remainder of my Estate, both real & personal, of whatever kind I may die possessed of, to him and his Heirs forever, I likewise appoint him Executor of this my last Will and Testament.- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this ninth Day of Oct. in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety. Thos. Parke (Seal) Signed Sealed & delivered in the presence of- W. Harrison George Wilson- witness William Watkins. At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg, at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the fourth day of July 1796.- The last Will & Testament of Thomas Parke dec'd. was proved in open Court by the oath of William Harrison one of the Witnesses thereto and the same having been before proved by oath of George Wilson another witness thereto, is ordered to be recorded.- And on the Motion of John Parke the Executor therein named who made oath and together with William Harrison his security entered into & acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Two Hundred Pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof in due form. Attest. J.Grammer C.H.C. Will of Hugh Hunter (Will Book 1, page 249, Petersburg,VA.) October Hustings Court 1796. In the name of God Amen- I Hugh Hunter of Petersburg being of sound mind and judgement but knowing the uncertainty of life do now make this my last Will and Testament viz: I will & bequeath the following Legacies (all the just debts I owe being first paid) to my Brothers William and James Hunter I will and bequeath my one fourth part of Galanagh in Ireland, being my part of the Paternal Estate left me by my fathers will,If William dies without lawful issue the whole is to go and belong to James otherwise it is to be equal between them- I also bequeath to my Brother William One Hundred Pounds, and to my Brother James One Hundred Pounds- To each of my sisters to wit, Martha, Mary, Margaret, Jennet & Helan, I bequeath sixty pounds to each & every of them to go & belong to their or their childrens use only- All these Legacies to be paid in two years after my decease may happen- I bequeath to Mary Dodson by whom I have two children, One Hundred Pounds, twenty of said Hundred to be paid on my demise and the remaining Eighty to be paid in four annual payments with lawful Interest thereon, I also give her all the Household Furniture, Beds, Bedding, apparel etc.etc. which she the said Mary has now or may have, hereafter, in her possession, for her own use and benefit- I Bequeath to her Son James,the House and Lot now in the occupancy of his Mother Mary Dodson with all and every appurtenance belonging thereto, Reserving to his said Mother Mary the use and benefit of the said House & lot until he the said James arrive at the age of Twenty One years- Provided she his said Mother does not forfeit the use and benefit of the said House by behaving imprudently so as taking up with any other man or men and having unlawful & criminal connection with them, in that case my Exr. is to remove her out of said house, provided they have sufficient grounds for so doing, if she the said Mary Dodson marries a prudent discreet man she is intitled to the use of the so long as he her said husband behaves affectionately, and as is becoming a Husband to her for the time before mentioned, otherwise the House is to be rented out for the benefit of her son James, I also bequeath to the said James One Hundred Pounds to be put to interest untill he the said James becomes of age the Interest to go annually to help to pay the expence of his board & cloathing- I will and bequeath to the said Mary Dodson's little Daughter Mary Ann the red house on the Northwest corner of my Lot adjoining Will'm. Douglas' line with fifty feet front on the Street South, and from thence East parrallel with Douglas' line to Freelands line thence North fifty feet along said line to Douglas' line and thence along said line West to the begining with all and every appurtenace belonging thereto, I also bequeath to the said Mary Ann a Negro wench named Rose, and a wench Ester at this time living with her mother, and to stay with her said mother so long as it is prudent to let the children continue with their mother, the red house and Lot aforesaid to be rented and the money to go to the support of and benefit of the said Mary Ann, and when it is proper to take the said children James and Mary Ann from their mother to have them educated and brought up in a line of rectitude virtue & industry the slaves is to be hired out to pay for the maintainer etc. of Mary Ann with the Rent of the house as aforesaid while she is a minor- If either of those two children happen to die before they have any lawfully begotten issue in that case the whole of what belong'd to they one so dying is to go and belong to the survivor of those two children, James and Mary Ann, but if both those happen to dye without issue as aforesaid then in that case the whole of those two legacies is to revert back and belong to my Brother Samuel Hunter, he paying to the said Mother of James & Mary Ann, Ten Pounds annually during her lifetime, and she is to have the use of the House she occupys for her lifetime, in case of the death of her son James, provided she does not forfeit her claim to the same as it is before excepted- I bequeath to my Brother Samuel all the remaining part of my Lot opposite the methodist meeting House, with all the Houses, Gardens, and every appurtenance belonging thereto, those occupying Houses on any other part of my Lot has the right and benefit of taking and using water from the springs on this said part- All and every other species of my remaining property consisting of Bonds, Accounts, Slaves, Goods, etc.,etc., I give and bequeath to my said Brother Samuel, he paying the following Legacies out of the same, to wit, he the said Samuel to pay annually fifty five dollars to go towards the support of and clothing & schooling of the child James, untill he becomes of age, and he the said Samuel is to give Security for that purpose- I also leave to Mr. James Byrne Jr. in case he acts as an Executor to this my last Will and Testament Fifty Pounds exclusive of the legal dues & Commissions he may be entitled to. And lastly I nominate and appoint my Brother Samuel and my good Friends James Byrne Jr. and Isaac Davidson to be my Executors to this my last Will and Testament, so long as my good Friends my Exrs. think it proper to let James and Mary Ann live with their mother she is to receive the allowance for their maintenance clothing, schooling etc. etc., but when they my Exrs. think it prudent to remove them and put them under the care of a discreet person or persons, they are to do so, who will instruct them in the morals of virtue and industry so as they may be good and useful members of society- In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this fourth day of October 1794 four- Hu Hunter (Seal) Signed Published and declared in presence of us Thomas MacLin Samuel Cheesman John Lanier At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said Town Monday the third day of October 1796.- The last Will & Testament of Hugh Hunter dec'd. was presented in Court by James Byrne Jun'r. one of the Executors therein named, And Robert Moore Samuel Hinton and James Campbell being sworn, severally deposed, that they are well acquainted with the Testators hand writing, and verily believe that the said Will and the name thereto Subscribed, are all of the said Testators proper hand writing, whereupon the said will is ordered to be recorded.- Samuel Hunter one of the Executors named in the said will came into open court and released the right, and refused to take upon him the burthen of the execution thereof.- And on the Motion of the said James Byrne Jr. who made oath and together with Robert Moore his Security, entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of Ten Thousand Pounds, as the law directs, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat of the said Will in due form, Liberty being reserved for the other executor named in the said will to join in the probat when he shall think fit. 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