Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, (1840-1845) p. 30, 41, 48, 55, 59, 111, 137, 224, 291- 292, 312, 325-329, 340-345, 356-365, 378, 406. ************************************************************************** USGENWEB 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 records for this work have been submitted by Angela M. Ruley, reddog@rockbridge.net, Natural Bridge, VA, unless otherwise indicated. [©1997 All rights reserved.] ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 30. William McMath's Will (abstract) Indebted to Robert White of Lexington for $30.00. Having been thrown on the hospitality of my brother in law, James S. Mackey in a state of total blindness and much weakness, believe that a sum of $150.00 would be but an ordinary compensataion for his trouble and expense incurred on my account. I will that certain negro property now in possession of my wife Sally McMath to wit, Paulina a negro woman and her offspring; and Sam a negro boy in the possession of Thomas Wallace of Bath County, who intermarried with my daughter Agnes and also other negro property whih was rendered up by McKee and Braton to Thomas and John Scott after a legal controversy, the 1/3 of which belonged to me or my family, shall be subjected to the discharge of said claims. I therefore give and bequeath to James S> Mackey and Nancy his wife, the sum of $150.00 as aforesaid and allow that sum to be raised out of the said negro property. Hugh W. Mackey, executor William McMath (x his mark) Made 16 May 1840 Witnesses: J. G. Sheltman Saml. R. Moore Proven 5 April 1841 ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 41. Inventory of Elizabeth Close. Inventory, mentions Elizabeth Close's house on Main Street in Lexington. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 48 Alexander Nelson's Will Daughter Sarah $100.00 in cash in addition to what she already received. Daughter Nancy $300.00 in cash Daughter Mary $200.00 including whatever amount may be now in her hands of her brother Alexander Nelson deceased. Son William $500.00 as soon as age 21; John Nelson and Samuel Nelson to have oversight of William during his apprenticeship. Sons John and Samuel all Landed estate (they to be exors). Signed Alexander Nelson. Teste: A. Patterson, Wm. M. Gold. Proven 5 Jul 1841. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 55. Will of Jane Surface [Submitted by: Louise Perkins perkins@digital.net] WILL OF JANE SURFACE In the name of God, Amen. I Jane Surface of the county of Rockbridge and State of Virginia, calling to mind the uncertainty of life but at present being perfectly sound in mind I do will and dispose of my worldly property in the following manner. In the first place I will and bequeath that all my real and personal estate be appraised and be disposed of by my Execator in the following manner. In the second place I will and bequeath that my Executor sell as much of my real and personal estate as he may think proper to pay my just debts and funeral expenses. In the third place, I will and bequeath to my friend, Mary Green, wife of Thomas Green who are now living with me fifteen acres of land of the corner joining the land of David Beard and Surfaces plantation. In the fourth place I will and bequeath to my friend David Potter who formerly lived on this my plantation who is now living on the plantation of Mr. Samuel Wilson of Rockbridge county Va two hundred dollars worth of my land to be laid of where my Execator thinks proper. In the fifth place to my friend Mary Oliver an infant girl whome I have raised from an infant I will and bequeath all my remaining land and personal property of whatever kind or discription my meaning is to said Mary Oliver and her heirs forever lastly I hereby appoint John McFaillon? Execator to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills made by me and do hereby fully empower my said Execator to make conveyances and titles to all real estate herein devested to be sold hoping that he will faithfully fulfil this my last will and testament In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of September in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and forty one. Signed: Jane Surface (her mark) Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of William I. Armstrong David Strain David J. Beard At Rockbridge County Court October 4, 1841 ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 59. Inventory of Peggy Mackey deceased. 14 September 1841. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 111 Settlement of Elizabeth Close's estate. $1,052.039 paid to Margaret Ruley to the time of her death 8 Feb 1846. Distributive Shares John B. Ruley $276.00 Elizabeth Borden $276.00 Andrew Hart & wife $276.00 Jacob T. Ruley's children : John F. Ruley $55.20 William W. Ruley $55.20 Burtney W. Ruley $55.20 B.P. Wallace & wife $55.20 J.S. Winans & wife $55.20 ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 37. (Transcription) A. T. Sloan Gdn. to } Indenture Wait F. Rice This Indenture made this third day of November in the year 1841, between Alexander T. Sloan guardian of Benjamin Dawson, a minor, and orphan of Nelson Dawson, dec'd of the one part, and Wait F. Rice of the other part, all of Rockbridge County, Virginia. Witnesseth, That the said Alex. T. Sloan hath this day bound as an apprentice his ward, the sd. Benjamin Dawson, to him the said Wait F. Rice to serve him for the period of three years and six months from the date of this indenture, the sd. Benjamin being sixteen years of age on the 10th day of August last. And the said Wait F. Rice on his part covenants and binds himself to furnish the sd. Benjamin during the period of his apprenticeship with sufficient and comfortable diet and clothing and all other things necessary to the comfort and health of an indented apprentice. And to instruct and teach him the whole art and mystery of the tailoring trade. The sd. Rice further binds himself to give to the said Benjamin during the period of his apprenticeship five months English schooling under the tuition of some approved teacher, and at the expiration of his time to give him in addition to his common clothing one full new suit of handsome clothes of the value of forty dollars. In testimony whereof the parties to these presents have set their hands & seals the day and year aforesaid. Alex. T. Sloan Wait F. Rice ************************************************************************** SAMUEL VESS, 1855 Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 224. Inventory of Estate of Samuel Vess, dec'd. (Transcription) August 12th 1842 1 sorl mare 45.00 1 do 6.00 1 black horse 50.00 1 do 8.00 1 sorl horse 35.00 1 do 10.00 1 sorl filly 20.00 1 do 8.00 a flacked bull 6.00 1 dining table 2.00 1 muly do 4.50 1 do 1.50 1 black steer 8.00 1 cubboard & cubboard ware 6.00 1 white face cow & calf 11.00 2 windsor chairs 1.00 1 red bell cow 10.00 3 split chairs .75 1 muly cow 10.00 1 oven & bail .50 1 black cow 9.00 2 smoothing irons .75 1 heifer cow 3.00 1 shovel & tongs .50 1 blue sow & five pigs 2.00 1 oven & lid & bail 1.25 1 blue sow 2.00 1 skillet & lid .25 7 shoats 6.00 1 meal sieve .50 1 black barrow 1.50 1 bucket & pail .50 5 small shoats 2.50 1 basket .25 2 hoes & mattock 1.50 2 axes .50 1 iron wedge froe & shovel 1.00 1 grind stone .25 1 crosscut saw 1.50 3 hoes .75 1 lot of gears 1.50 1 shovel plow & spreader .75 1 wagon saddle 1.50 1 large bible 3.00 2 forks & 1 sythe 1.00 1 note on John Morris due Sept. 1 loom 3.00 the 1st 1831 of Six dollars6.00 1 drawen knife & pincers .37 1/2 the amount of above inventory $462.75 1 waggon 15.00 Signed John M. Goodbar 1 pot .25 John Tribbett 1 windmill 12.00 Wm. Armantrout 1 lock chain & 2 breast chains .37 1/2 17 sheep 17.00 1 old wind mill 5.00 1 mould board & shear 1.00 250 bus. of oats 18 cts pr. bus. 45.00 1 saddle & saddle bags 9.00 1 pair of steelyards .50 1 spinning wheel 3.00 1 do 1.50 1 table stand .75 1 clock 8.00 1 looking glass .75 1 crack reel .75 1 bureau 5.00 1 side saddle 12.00 1 do 1.50 1 chest 2.00 1 bedsted & bedding/ feathers 10.00 1 do 4.00 Signed John M. Goodbar John Tribbett Wm. Armantrout At Rockbridge County Court, September 5th 1842. This inventory and appraisement of the estate of Samuel Vess decd. being returned is ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 291-292. Inventory of Jacob T. Ruley's estate (deceased). 16 Jan 1843. 1 cupboard and dishes $10.00 1 lot bed clothes $6.00 1 Dining table $4.00 1 Candlestand .50¢ 1 Desk $3, 1 Bureau & bookcase $5.00 1 lot books $2.00 1 case of drawers $2.00 2 Bedsteads $1.50 18 day clock $15.00 1 box shoemaker's tools .50¢ 2 tables (kitchen) $1.00 1 wool 3 wheel $1.50 6 windsor chairs $3.00 1 reel- 1 loom & tacking 3 of $5.50 1 arm chair & 2 split Bchairs .75¢ 1 set broken fire irons 1 gase .50¢ 1 do do windsor .75¢ 1 pr saddle bags .50¢ 1 looking Glass .50¢ 1 cockle sive .75¢ 1 Bureau & trunk $7.00 1 frame table .25¢ 1 Bed & bedding & bedstead $6.00 1 1/2 Bus Meas. 2 smooth cross .75¢ 1 do do $12.00 1 Tea Kettle (25) Set of pots $5.25 1 do do $10.00 1 Lantern .25¢ 1 do do $7.00 3 buckets $1.00 Running gears wagon $15.00 2 coffee pots .37 1/2¢ 2 asces (37 1/2) cutting box (25) .62 1/2¢ 1 large mash kettle .75¢ 1 lot forks .37 1/2¢ 1 Brass kettle $7.00 woodwork w/ body & planks & 2 lockchains $5.00 1 lot old irons & chains $1.00 1 windmill $2.00 1 spade .37 1/2¢ 1 wagon saddle $2.50 1 mowing sythe .75¢ 2 pr hind wagon gear $5.00 1 grindstone .25¢ 2 pr for wagon gear $1.50 1 x saw & whipsaw $1.25 4 old collars & bridles $2.50 1 fork, shovel, feed trough dron .50¢ 1 lot sheaf oats $4.50 2 iron wedges .37¢ 1 lot hay & fodder $2.50 1 pr hooks & grid iron .37¢ 1 Sorrel horse $13.00 1 lot old barrels 0 1 blind horse $5.00 3 augers .37¢ 1 grey mare $10.00 1 adze & 2 asces $1.00 125 bushels corn $35.00 1 Fork foot adze 2 Dr knives $1.50 1 Black cow $5.00 1 lot cabinet tools $15.00 1 Red cow $7.00 1 Bench screw, 1 saddle $2.50 1 white black brindle cow $6.00 1 lot bags $3.00 1 do do do cow $5.00 61 lbs Iron $1.83 1 white heifer $5.00 1 pr Steelyards .37 1/2¢ 1 Bull $3.00 3 pot racks, shovel & linge $2.50 2 calves $2.50 1 McCormick $1.50 1 dark spotted shoat .62 1/2¢ 2 old do .75¢ 1 lot hogs (sows & pigs) $18.00 1 one McCormick $1.00 1 old sythe & cradle (50) 1 shotgun $4.50 2 shovel ploughs .25¢ 1 fifth chain $1.00 2 log chains $2.00 1 lot spreaders $1.00 1 old harrow $1.75 Small lot rye in barl, 6 sheep $3.50 1 lot hay in house $1.00 45 bushels light wheat in Halls Mill $16.87 No bonds or notes, and no accounts considered of any value 16 Jan 1843/ [Sale of estate on pp. 293-296, brought $289.12 1/2 cents.] ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 312. William McLaughlin's Will [Will transcription by Donald C. McGlothlen TFHN38A@prodigy.com] I William McLaughlin being frail in body but of sound and disposing mind do make this my last will and testament. I will to my great granddaughter Elizabeth Jane Oiler my bid bedding and bedstead and likewise my cow \{?\} now in possession of her father Alex Oiler (_) I will to my Great Granddaughter Martha Virginia Oiler the sum of Forty Dollars now in the hands of Nathan Moore being my same annual pension due the 4th day of March last which Moore drew under my power of attorney. I also bequeath to Sd. Alex Oiler \{___looks like 3rd___\} the whole pension fund which I inherited by the death of my son Hiram McLaughlin and which was due Sd. Hiram for services during the last war with Great Britain as well as (_____ ____\} I may be \{___ ___\} by the death of Sd. Hiram McLaughlin.\par 4th I also bequeath to my Great Granddaughter Martha Virginia Oiler one cow and cupboard two tables eight chairs one looking glass one small bed one trunk one \{BED?\} ofurniture (sic) Saddle and Bridle and three hogs one set \{Queensware?\} one gray horse. I appoint William B. Black the Executor of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal the tenth day of \{Jan'y?\}, in the year of our Lord 1842. Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of S.G. Hatcher James Matohet HIS Benjamin Matohet William X McLaughlin MARK At Rockbridge County Court, February 6, 1843 The last will and testament of William McLaughlin deceased, was produced in court proved by the oath of Benjamin Matohet subscribing witness, and continued for further proof. And at said County Court, June 5, 1843: The last will and testament of William McLaughlin deceased, was further proved by the oath of James Matohet as subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, pp. 325-328 (Abstract) Inventory and Sale of the Personal Estate of Andrew Alexander Inventory recorded 26 September 1842 by Samuel Gold, Schuyler Bradley, John P. Mackey. Estate consisted of books, bookcases, clocks, tables, windsor chairs, and other general furniture, as well as a husk bed, ad other beds. Horses, cows, hogs, and farming equipment. Blacksmith tools, planks, 6 slaves. Notes on Lawrence Green, crop of corn. Deed of Trust executed to George A. Baxter on a negro woman, Milly. 28 Sept 1842- Certified as a correct list of property. Some changes noted on the note to Lawrence Green, the DOT of slave Milly, and a Sheriff's Bond. Signed: Wm. McClung, Admr. of A. Alexander dec'd. 20 June 1843- Since the appraisement, Milly has been sold under Mr. Dold's trust and brought about $210.00, 20 June 1843. Signed Wm. McClung Admr. of A. Alexander dec'd. Milly actually brought $192.00, this was noted. Also, a negro man Charles belonging to the estate has been relinquished as a charge to the estate, he being entirely blind, the appraisers did not enter this name. Wm. McClung, Admr. Rockbridge Court September 4th 1843 Inventory and appraisement of the personal property of Andrew Alexander dec'd ordered to be recorded. SALE BILL: Purchasers Include: Arch. F. Alexander, Isabella Alexander, Elisabeth Alexander, Amanda Alexander, Henry Talliaferrou, Patrick H. Garland, Wm. Paxton, Col., Jno. W. Fuller, Allen Metcalf, Mark Donald, Patrick H. Garland, Mark Donald, Peachy H. Sheltman, Charles Campbell, B. F. Avery, and Jno. P. Mackey. ***Most of the household property and kitchen furniture was purchased by Isabella Alexander. Isabella also purchased livestock, and a slave woman. Amanda and Elizabeth Alexander bought beds and looking glasses, dressing tables, etc. Amanda bought a horse. Elizabeth bought a slave child, as did Amanda. Arch. F. Alexander purchased books, bridles, and some household belongings. Arch F. Alexander also purchased livestock and the corn. 27 Sep 1842- Certified as correct bill of sale made by J. Fuller. Signed J. W. McClung, Admr. of A. Alexander dec'd. 4 Sept 1843, account of sales of the personal estate of Andrew Alexander dec'd ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, pp. 328-329 (Abstract) Inventory and Sale of the Personal Estate of Miss Elizabeth Alexander dec'd. 26 July 1843 Includes Slave girl aged 6 or 7 years, bed and furniture, looking glass, cow and calf, table and wash bowl. Certified as a correct list. 27 July 1843 Signed: J. W. McClung, admr of Elizabeth Alexander Certified 27 July 1843. Signed: John P. Mackey, John Cummins, Samuel Cumins. Inventory and Appraisal returned and ordered to be recorded 4 Sep 1843. SALE BILL Purchasers: J. A. Kinnear, S. Cummins, H. Mackey. 27 July 1843, Certified as correct Bill of Sale. Signed J. W. McClung, Admr of Elizabeth Alexander 4 Sep 1843- Returned and ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 340. Thomas Cunningham's Will, 22 April 1844 Wife Mary, personal and real estate be kept together during her natural life. At her death to be divided wqually among my 5 sons, William, Thomas, James, George, and Jacob Cunningham. Daughter Betsy Morris, 1 cow, other 3 daughters, Sally, Nancy and Polly Cunningham and my brother's daughter Susanah Cunningham all their beds and bedding and one spinning wheel each. Son Wm. Cunningham and Henry Hayslett executors. Witnesses: John D. Brown Sampson F. Moore James A. Moore Proven 4 December 1845 ************************************************************************** 26 Jul 1843- Rockbridge Will Book 9, p. 341-343 Inventory of William Tolley, deceased. Appraised value was $993.36 1/4. ************************************************************************** 26 Jul 1843- Rockbridge Will Book 9, p. 343-345 Sale of William Tolley, deceased. Sale total was $1,144.52 1/2. William Tolley deceased- Sale Bill Sale of the personal property of William Tolley deceased, made by James G. Hamilton admr. on the 27th Jul 1843, on a credit of nine months. William Clark 1 white face brindle cow $4.25 William James 1 white and red cow $7.55 William H. Letcher 1 brindle steer $8.00 Campbell W. Armstrong 1 small brindle steer $5.70 William H. Letcher 1 Brown Heifer $5.30 William H. Letcher 1 Black Steer $3.50 William H. Letcher 1 Spotted Steer $3.35 William H. Letcher 1 Spotted Calf $2.35 William Dixon 1 Mule $15.25 William Tolley, Jr. 1 Mule $20.00 William Tolley, Jr. 1 Dun Horse (Stud) $40.50 Thomas G. Ayres 1 Gray Horse $35.25 William Clark 1 Gray Horse $3.50 William Clark 1 Bald Horse $5.00 John Wilson 1 Sorrel Mare (Nick's) $8.75 William Dixon 10 Sheep $3.05 Robert Montgomery 1 Wind Mill $3.50 William Reed 1 Table (.37 1/2) .37 Doct. Wilkison 1 X Cut Saw $3.00 Jacob Nicely 1 Wind Mill $5.00 Mat. S. Kahle 1 Cutting Box .95 Mat. S. Kahle 1 1/2 Bus. Measure .04 James Wilson 1 Set Hind Gears $2.25 James Wilson 1 Set Gears $3.00 M. Fulwider Some old Gears .60 Matt S. Kahle 1 pr. Old Geers & chanes .25 Matt. S. Kahle 1 old 4 wheel wagon $4.25 Matt S. Kahle 1 old 4 wheel wagon $3.10 Mrs. Tolley 1 old 4 wheel wagon $3.80 John W. Fuller 1 old 4 wheel wagon $3.80 Mrs. Tolley 1 shovel plough .50 Mrs. Tolley 1 McC. plough .25 Jacob Nicely 1 Lot chanes $2.15 Doct. Wilkison 1 Old Wagon Body $2.15 William Tolley, Jr. 1 Old Wagon Body $2.00 Doct. Wilkison 1 Lot Cast Iron plates $1.50 William Tolley, Jr. 1 Single Tree .30 James Johnston 1 Stove $2.50 John W. Fuller 1 Stove $1.55 John W. Fuller 1 Lot Scantling $1.50 Mat. S. Kahle 1 Lot 1/2 in. indf. Plank $2.60 Mat. S. Kahle 1 Lot 4/4 pop. wind shaken $1.40 William C. Lewis 1 Lot Lathing Indf. $3.50 William Clark 7 Sheep & 1 Lamb $2.40 James Black 1 Axe (.12 1/2) .12 M. Seahorn 1 Pump Auger $2.60 Jacob Ford 1 Vice $2.75 C.W. Armstrong 1 Anvil $5.25 C.W. Armstrong 1 Set Blacksmith tools, not complete $4.60 Robert Montgomery 1 Gig & harness $10.35 Mrs. Tolley 6 Sheep $2.06 David Clark 1 Sow & 7 pigs ($1.12 1/2) $1.12 James F. Harper 1 Old Still Cap & Worm $6.10 Philip Hull 1 Lot old Irons .15 A. Gilmore 2 Mattocks & 2 hoes .20 A. Tribbet 1 Oven .16 David Clark 1 Large Kettle & Bale $1.00 Hugh W. Mackey 1 Grind Stone $3.00 George Ayres 1 Brass Clock $13.25 Mrs. Tolley 1 Mantle Clock ($4.72 1/2) $4.72 Mrs. Tolley 1 Red Cow $5.00 Mrs. Tolley 1 Bureau $3.00 Mrs. Tolley 1 Corner Cupboard & furniture $2.25 Andrew Tolley 1 Crank Shell .45 Thomas Scott 1 Rifle Gun $4.60 A. Gilmore 1 Copy Revised Code, old .47 James Monroe 4 old chares .39 William Alphin 1 Desk $2.65 Hugh T. Siders 1 Table .13 Saml. Nick 2 Augers .21 Doct. Wilkison 1 Hand Saw (.87 1/2) .87 William Tolley 1 Foot Adz .31 Thomas Scott 1 hand Axe (.06 1/4) .06 James Monroe 1 Bed, Bedsted, & furniture $6.87 ($6.87 1/2) Mrs. Tolley 1 Bed, Bedsted, & furniture $2.00 Mrs. Tolley 1 Trundle Bed Sted .25 Mrs. Tolley 1 Loom & fixtures .50 Mrs. Jno. Ford 1 Big Wheel (.37 1/2) .37 William Tolley, Jr. 1 X Cut Saw .25 Henry Hayslett 1 Scythe .10 Mrs. Tolley 1 Oven & Lid (.12 1/2) .12 John W. Fuller 1 Bag .29 John W. Fuller 1 Leather Trunk .76 John Moore 4 Bags .43 Mrs. Tolley 1 Cupboard & Table .01 Alex. Tolley 40 Shocks Wheat $8.60 Alex. Tolley 41 Shocks Rye $5.74 William Tolley 1 Saddle $1.80 William Alphin 1 Cradle & Scythe .13 William Tolley 1 hobble (not appraised) .12 (.12 1/2) Jacob Nicely 2 Augers (.06 1/2) .06 William Dixon 1 Old Saddle .51 S.G. Fenton (31 Jul 1843) 50 dz. Oats $6.25 John S. Leech (1 Aug 1843) 1 negro man "Alexr." $503.00 John A. Cumings (A Aug 1843) 1 negro woman "Sophy" $193.00 Property Sold that was not appraised: 31 Jul 1843 1 Old Gig James Withrow $9.65 51 Locust Poles S. McD. Reid $4.33 ($4.33 1/2) 4 Old Carriage wheels A.T. Sloan $4.50 1 Old Cupboard William Alphin $5.00 80 doz. Oats Isaac Clark c gd. $10.00 16 doz. Oats at Nick's S.G. Fenton .50 8 Aug 1843 1 Sorrel Colt(6 mo) A.T. Barclay $10.50 9 Hogs (injured by dogs) Mrs. S. Tolley$10.00 4 or 5 Shoats (injured by dogs) Saml. Elliott $2.50 1 Lot hay injured H.T. Siders $5.00 4 Sep 1843 50 Locust Posts Diego Evans $4.50 50 Locust Posts Doct. Paine $3.50 54 Locust Posts Jacob Fuller $3.37 ($3.37 1/2) 50 Locust Posts M. White $3.00 14 Oct 1843 50 Bus. Corn Isaac Clark $9.25 50 Bus. Corn Mrs. Sarah Tolley $9.25 50 Bus. Corn Wm. Alphin $11.75 50 Bus. Corn Wm. Alphin $12.12 ($12.12 1/2) 1 old Pocketbook W. Denton .25 ========== Total Amount of Sale $1,155.52 1/2 At Rockbridge County Court December 4th 1843. This account of Sales of the estate of William Tolley, deceased being returned is ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, pp. 356-357 (Abstract) Will of Andrew Alexander of Lexington "I Andrew Alexander (of Rockbridge near Lexington) being in feeble health do make this my will." 1st- Executors to pay all debts. 2nd- Exors to dispose of estate as will be most advantageous for the heirs. 3rd- Executors to have discretion over "my son Aylett's" share to vest it in lands, negroes, or put to interest in government stocks, to yield the best income which is intended for a decent support of him. If that income is insufficient, the principle shall make up his support. 4th- Estate to be divided among all my children or their heirs. Those who have received something accounting for what they have received (not counting the expense of their education). 5th- Executors to have discretion of "my son Archibald's share." If there is a probability of his misusing it, or using it to improper objects, they are to secure it on the same manner as Aylett's share. He is to receive the income annually as it accrues, if there is a good reason to believe he will use it prudently (executors are to be the judges) they may give a part, and if they are satisfied the whole if they think it will be well managed. 6th- Any two of the executors are authorized to make titles in fee simple for any land "I have sold, or for any lands where I am bound to make titles, or any tow of them may make titles for lands they sell themselves, but in important sales, I would prefer all the three should be consulted." In case of the death of one or more of executors, survivors shall have all the powers the three had. 7th- "I hereby appoint my son William D. Alexander of Georgia, my son in law Francis T. Anderson of Fincastle and my son in law Samuel McD. Moore of Lexington, executors of this my Will." "If my slaves shall comply with the conditions of a paper in my large green pocket book which I offered them on the first of January eighteen hundred and thirty five, they shall go free at the times mentioned in sd. paper." 10 November 1843, Signed: Andw Alexander (seal) Teste: Archd Graham, Wm. H. Letcher, John W. Paine, Wm. C. Lewis. Rockbridge Court- 5 March 1844 Last will and testament of Andrew Alexander deceased was produced in court, proved by the oaths of Archibald Graham, William H. Letcher, and William C. Lewis. On the motion of Samuel McD. Moore, one of the executors, who made oath with Samuel M. Dold, John Alexander, Hugh Barclay, and John A. Cummings his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond of thirty thousand dollars. County Court- 6 June 1844 Last Will and Testament of Andrew Alexander dec'd admitted to record. Probate granted to Samuel McD. Moore. On motion of William D. Alexander and Francis T. Anderson, the other executors, and together with John S. Wilson, William W. Boyd, John Alexander and James D. Davidson, their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in penalty of thirty thousand dollars. Certificate granted to obtain probate. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, pp. 356-363 (Abstract) Inventory and Appraisement of the Personal Estate of Andrew Alexander dec'd 26 March 1844. 25 slaves, 8 horses, including a stud horse; 41 cattle, including a bull; 61 sheep, 30 hogs and 50 pigs; various wagons and carts, wagon wheels, and farming implements. Mention of a Blacksmith shop and tools [many plantations had their own blacksmith shop] Household furniture, including beds, etc. Surveyors compass, chain and plotting instruments & c. Tables, chairs, silver, china, carpets are among the items listed. Also maps, encyclopedias and many other books, including a History of Mexico and a History of Virginia. 5 March 1844, certified by Wm. S. Eskridge, James Compton, and Jno. Jordan. NB Armstead, Jacob and Mary Jane [slaves] who is an Idiot are a charge. Fifty dollars a year would be a reasonable price per year for their support. 28 March 1844. Singed Wm. S. Eskridge, James Compton, Jno. Jordan Rockbridge Court April 1, 1844 Inventory and appraisement returned and ordered to be recorded. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, pp. 364-365 (Abstract) Will of Robert Alexander "I Robert Alexander of the county of Rockbridge, being inform of body but of full presence of mind, do make, this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments heretofore made by me." 1st- all perishable property of every description "to be sold on as reasonable creidt (with the exception of two mich first choice and as much of the household, cupboard and kitchen furniture as my wife may need and select for her use) and the proceeds of the same to be applyed to the payment of the debt from me to James G. Hamilton." 2nd- "I wish my wife and children to remain in possession of the house and to have as much of the land as she may need for a garden pasture & c and the balance of land to be rented out yearly, and the proceeds after deducting what may be necessary for the maintainance of my wife and children to be applyed to the payment of my just debts after which I wish to devolve to my wife and children agreeable to the statutes of Virginia, and I hereby authorise, constitute and appoint my wife Jennetta Alexander and her brothr Robert Scott of Augusta County executors of this my last will an testament." "Witness my hand and seale fifteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. Robert Alexander (seal) Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of Saml. F. Chandler Saml. Johnston At Rockbridge County Court, April 1st 1844 Producedi n court and proved by the oaths of Samuel F. Chandler and Samuel Johnston the subscribing witnesses. Ordered to be recorded. On the motion of Jennetta Alexander the executrix and together with Samuel Johnston, John T. L. Preston and Samuel F. Chandler her securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifteen hundred dollars. Certificate granted her to obtain probate. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 378. Appraisal of Susan Agnor, dec'd 28 March 1844. ************************************************************************** Rockbridge County, VA Will Book 9, p. 406. Charles Armentrout's Will (Abstract) To son John Armentrout, plantation which I purchased from John Hostetter, adkoining his own land and land of Wm. Wilson and others. Also my interest in the Lexington and Covington turnpike road. To son Jacob Armentrout, the plantation on which I now live all except a small piece of land to be taken off the north edge of plantation and attached to the plantation on which Jacob Nicely now lives. To son Jacob, the mtn. entry adjoining this place. Son Jacob Armintrout to pau daughter Polly Girkle $500.00. To daughter Peggy Scott, plantation on which she and her hsuband John Scott now live, adjoining lands of James Gold, Phillip Hull and others. To daughter Betsey Nicely, the plantation on which she and her husband now live, known as the Moody plantation and also a piece of land to be taken off the plantation willed to Jacob Armintrout, beginning at a sugar tree on line of Wm. Armintrout on North side of a branch, then S 46, W 23 poles to a chestnut oak and pointers on the ridge; S 79, W 18 poles to the white oak on top of ridge; N 47, W 95 poles to a black oak and dogwood corner to the five spring place; N 15, E 4 poles to 2 small black oaks in the hollow; thence up the hollow until it intersects line of Moody tract. Daughter betsey Nicely to pay daughter Peggy Scott $100.00. To daughter Sally Reynolds, plantation on which she and her husband now live on headwaters of Kerrs Creek known by the name of the Taylor plantation. Daughter Sally to pay daughter Peggy Scott, $100.00. Wife Betsy Armentrout, all personal estate, stone house in which we now live and her maintainence from the plantation. After her decease whatever property that remains to be sold and divided among children. Made 11 March 1843, proven 3 March 1845. ************************************************************************** ************************************************************************** The records for this work have been submitted by Angela M. Ruley, Rt. #1, Box 311, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, (reddog@rockbridge.net) unless otherwise indicated. [© All rights reserved.] ************************************************************************** **************************************************************************