Spotsylvania County, VA - Will Book E (partial) Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Estate: James Williams, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1782) IN THE NAME of God Amen, I James Williams of Spotsylvania County, being weak in body but of perfect sense & memory do make constitute and ordain this my Last Will & Testament in manner & form as follows. I give my son, Charles my plantation & promise and give unto my son Charles Williams one bed & bolster. I promise and give unto my wife Elizabeth Williams the remainder of any estate to live on during her life and then desend as follows: Item: At the death in any wise my Will is that my estate be equally divided among my children that is to say: James, Burnard, Charles, Alford, Samuel Williams and Martha Smith. I desire that my estate may not be appraised. Lastly, I constitute and appoint my wife & Charles Williams Executrix & Executor of this my Last Will & Testament ratifying that? and confirm this to be my Last Will & Testament in witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of June 1782. James Williams (seal) Signed James Hitez Math'd Leather mark her Ann X Young mark Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania Co, VA Reel 28 Note: Spelling is as appeared on original document. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original document. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net -------------------------------------- Will: James Mercer, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1791) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen I James Mercer of the town of Fredericksburg in the County of Spotsylvania being now in good health do make and publish this as my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Wills and Testaments heretofor made. Imprimis: I give and devise my whole estate both real and personal unto my worthy friend and relations Mr. Muscoi Garnett of Esex County & Mr. Benjamin Harrison of the City of Richmond. To them their heirs & assigns forever and also I appoint them sole Executors of this Will upon trust & upon the terms & conditions herein after mentioned hereby giving to my said Trustees & Executors full power and ample authority to use occupy & possoss my whole estate & the same to sell and convey as fully & amply as I myself can now do towards fulfilling my will and in case of death or incapacity of either of my said Trustees & Executors the survivor & the other who will undertake the operatorship I trust to have the same power and authority as if he had been solely named. The Trusts I hereby declare to be as follows: First, for the payment of my just debts & the maintenance & education of my four children & my niece Martha Mercer in manner as here after directed & secondly for the use of my said children & niece according to the devises of my Will by my just debts. I do not mean to revive state or publish demands according to the opinions in the law books and tho I caution my Executors against state demands yet they may if they please pay any debt of mine which they shall be well satisfied is just the act of limitation to the contrary notwithstanding and tho they may err in points of this sort yet their acts shall bind children absolutely without any after account therefor. As to the management or disposition of my estate I have that as also the maner of the maintenance & education of my children to the discretion of my Trustees & Executors Administrators only advise that my estate shall be kept together as it now is (except my lots & houses in this town & the lands not now worked which ought to be but sold if rendeion? un...s...) until my eldest son shall arrive at the age of twenty four for the purpose of paying my debts & maintaining & educating my children & maintaining neice respectively untill their respective legacies hereafter mentioned shall be actually paid them. As to my devises & legacies they are: First, to my daughter Mary Eleanor Dick Mercer I give her the sum of one thousand pounds to be paid her within three years after my death as also two young negros girls or female negroes of whatever age they may be a..... such as she may choose out of my whole estate the negros to be assigned her as soon as my death (may be after). I also give my said daughter Mercer fifty pounds a year for her maintenance untill she shall actually receive her legacy aforementioned and if either of her negroes so to be chosen shall die or by any means become of little value, I then direct another to be alloted to her at her choise at all times untill her marriage. To my daughter Lucinda Mercer I give the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid to her on the day after marriage. Also a female slave such as she shall chose to be delivered to her immediately after my death and in case of death or depreciation at any time before her marriage she is to chose another & as often as the same cause may arise, I also devise to my said daughter Lucinda one hundred guineas as a token of my full approbation of her annuel? management of my family and this last sum is to be paid to her at my death and untill my said daughter Lucinda Mercer shall marry I devise to her the sum of forty pounds a year for her maintenance. To my neice Martha Mercer I give the same as aforegiven to my daughter Lucinda except the one hundred guineas. To my son Charles Fenton Mercer I give and devise one moiety of any Bull run lands containing in the whole about three hundred acres. His moiety to be laid off by the lines between west of me by the out lines Cuesly's survey as far as I own, thence at the intersection of the original line of the greater tract which was taken up by my deceased father somewhere near Powells now Saves?mill thence up or near an hallow of a water courses leading up between the two plantations called Hendersons and Sambkins so as to devide the Chesnutt Ridge plantations with conveniency thence to go conveniently into the Hallow and water course next below the hill on which the Reciseers House now stands j'thence Grossing Baitens Branch up a hollow of the Bull run mountain untill it intersects the out line of the Greater tract (the lines) once called Youngs & with those lines to and with rvisto? lines first aforementioned these supositious lines are known to be Francis Peyton & my Trustees may lay them off by Col. Peytons advise and at their pleasure without regard to quantity. I also give to my son Charles Fenton one half of all stocks & plantation utensils on the Bull run lands is also one moiety of all the slaves I own of which shall remain at the Division thereof and after more heretofor given to my daughters and neice shall be taken out and the four young hereafter mentioned, that is to say, four mulatto chidren, to wit: Bella the daughter of Milly, Grandvill & Matilda the children of Hanah and (blank space) the daughter of Esther these four I give to my son Charles Fenton over and above the moiety before mentioned but it is my desire that he mancimit(manumit) the boy at twenty four years of age & the girls at the ages of twenty then cloath them & give the boy 10 shillings & the girls 5 shillings each to begin the world with. All the rest and residue of my estate of what nature or kind forever I give & devise to my eldest son John Fenton Mercer to him his heirs & assigns forever subject however to Trust reposed in my Trustees & Executors aforementioned for the payment of my debts & legacies & devises to my neice aforementioned in manner following the profits of my whole estate so long as my debts & legacies will admit my estate to be kept together, to be applyed to the common burthen of the debts, maintenance of my children & niece & their legacies untill my son John shall arrive at the age of twenty four or marry provided he does not marry under the age of twenty one years of age. But if my estate be so retained it is my will that the Bull run lands & my lands in Spotsylvania Court & that my lands in town be the last lands that be sold. And it is my desire that my lands on Sobetalico Creek, & on the Ohio near to and below the great Kenhawa as also my lands that I may be compelled to accept from Samuel Beale (a list of all which I shall annex to this paper) be sold before the Bull run or Spotsylvania lands. But if the Bull run lands Spotsylvania lands must contribute to the payment of my debts and legacies, it is my will that these devised to my son Charles Fenton shall contribute these to with then devised my son John Fenton ....alicably according to such estimate as my Trustees & Exeutors in their discretion shall adjudge the value but it is my intention that the legacies given to my two daughters & neice shall not contribute to payment of my debts. It is also my desire tht negroes Peter & his wife Judy & her children from Ralph inclusive & downwards be apart of the negros to be allotted to my son Charles Fenton that Paris be allotted to which of my sons he pleases or be hired to whom he pleases at eight pounds a year the not to be his own & if he serves either of my sons that son to allow him three pounds a year at his own disposal, and that Christmas be hired to whom he pleases at ten pounds a year the rest to be his own. I also devise to the said Muscoi with said Benjamin Harrison right and power that I have or can have to fulfill the wills of the late Alexander Dick & Charles Dick and also the Trusts released to me by the act of Assembly respecting my late brother George Mercer his estate. And I request that my said friends Mr. Garnett & Mr. Harrison will accept of a mourning ring each value five guineas & also of their choice out of my studds one each male or female at their pleasure and time that they be not required to find security on probate of this my Will. I also devise the guardianship of my daughter Mary to my good sister Mrs. Selden to whom I deliver a ring similar to those devised to my Executors and divese the guardianship of any two sons to the said Mr. Garnett & Mr. Harrison. And to prevent doubts declare that in all my devises to my children & neice I mean and estate in fee simple. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal to this page & also signed the two prior pages this twenty third of May one thousand seven hundred & ninety one. James Mercer I James Mercer do make and publish the following as codicil to the foregoing Will. I devise my gold repeating watch to my eldest son it being a family watch and as I desire the part of the Bullrun lands divised to my son Charles Fenton to be more than a moiety of that tract in value, it is my will that when a division of the negroes shall take place that of the residium my son John Fenton shall have three fifths and if the circumstances of my estate will admit of my debts & legacies being paid without sale of negroes or my Bullrun lands or Spotsylvania lands my lots & houses in Fredericksburg included that my daughter Mary Eleanor shall have the further sum of five hundred pounds to be chargable on my son John's estate that this sum as also the thousand pounds will be paid her on her marriage or arrival at age whichever shall first hapen. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 26th day of May 1791. James Mercer (seal) Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ----------------------------------------- Will: James Jones, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1776) In the name of God amen, I James Jones of the county of Spotsylvania being of sick and weak of body but perfect mind and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of all menkind do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner & form following, that is to say; First & principally I commend my soul to the almighty who give it me hoping for salvation through the meritts and myediation of my blessed redemeer Jesus Christ. And my body to the earth to be decently buryed at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named. And of what worldly estate it has pleased God to bless me with, I give devise and bequeath as followeth: IMPRIMIS: after eny just debts are paid. Item: I lend my son Nicholass Jones one negroe boy named Billey during his natural life and after the said Nicholas Jones decease, I give the said negro Billey to his son James Jones, his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my son Richard Jones four negros, viz: bald Jeffery, Old Juda, Bess & Easter. Also my riding mare to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my grandson Gabril Jones one cow of ____ ___________ Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Callings a negroe man named Tom. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Haydon a negroe woman named Lucy and all her children. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Davis a negroe woman called Nan Donst & her child named Larkin. Item: I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Elizabeth Hervey? twenty-five pounds to be paid out of my estate but in case the named Elizabeth dies before ________________ arrives the money I then give the said twenty-five pounds to my son James Jones'children. Item: It is my will & desire that my executor retain out of my estate twenty pounds, which money is to be laid out in satianting? of my son James Jones's children & the said Executors are to pay the Master as Masters the said twenty pounds. Item: It is my will & desire that after all my just debts are paid if there should be any of my estate left, then it is my desire that it should be equally divided amongst my children here named, viz: Nicholas Jones, Polley Smith, Ann Wagoner, Jean Callings, Mary Hadon, Elizabeth Davis and Isabell Head. Item: I do hereby appoint my son Richard Jones my whole & soul Executor of this my Last Will and Testament revoking all other wills by me made heretofore and declaring this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale this twenty-fifth day of February one thousand seven hundred & seventy six. Sealed, signed and delivered in the presents of: His James Jones (seal) Mark Jesse? Haydon Her Mary X Haydon Marks His Jarvis? X Haydon Mark Source: Library of Virginia Will Book E, 1772-1798 Spotsylvania Co, VA, Reel 28, pg 103 Note: Spelling is as appeared on original. Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------------- Will: William Penn, Spotsylvania Co, VA In the name of God amen, I William Penn of Spotsylvania County do make and ordain this as my Last Will and Testament in manner following: I give to my loving mother Mary Penn during her life my whole estate both real and personal and after her death I give my sister Melley Penn a negro girl, Cale and her increase to her and her heirs forever. I give to my sister Frances Carten, the rest and residue of my estate. I do hereby appoint my mother, mary Penn, Executor to this my Last Will and Testament March 18th 1781. William Penn (seal) Published and declared in the presence of: Teste Joseph Brock Harry? Brock Source: Library of Virginia, Will Book E, 1772-1798 Spotsylvania Co, VA Reel 28, page 428 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------------- Estate: Mary Penn, Thomas Penn, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1781) RE ESTATE OF WILLIAM PENN Know all men by these presents that we, Mary Penn and Thomas Penn are held and firmly bound unto William Smith, Edward Hampdon, Thomas Colien? & Thomas Towles, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County, now sitting, in the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds hereto the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices unto them _____________we bind oourselves and each of us and each of our heirs Executors & Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one and in the eighth? year of the ________________________ The consideration of this obligation is such that if the above bound Mary Penn, Executrix of the Last Will and Testament of William Penn deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and cridits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Mary Penn and her same be made into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for her and the same so made do exhibit in County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as she shall be therein be required by she said bound and the same goods chattels and credits and all other the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased which at any time shall come to the hands possession or therein? to age? of the said Mary Penn or into the hands and possession of any other person persons for her do will and truly administer according to same? and further do make a just and true account of her notings? and doings therein when thereto acquired by the said Court and also shall will and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said testament as far as the said goods chattels & credits will thereto estend? and the law shall charge then this obligation to be void and of non effect or else to remain in full force & virtue. his William X Penn (seal) mark Sealed and delivered ) in the presence of: ) Thomas Penn (seal) (there are no names here) In obedience of an order of the County Court of Spotsylvania to the attached? we the subscribers being first sworn have approved the estate of William Penn, deceased, viz: 1 chest £ 0:10:0 (balance forward) 67:19:0 1 saddle 1:10:0 1 bowl 0:01:0 1 negro wench named Cate 55:00:0 4 sheep 2:00:0 1 large looking glass 6:00:0 1 mare 18:00:0 1 bedstead 0:01:0 1 sorrel coalt 6:00:0 1 table 0:10:0 1 pay book 0:01:3 1 gun shot bag & horn 2:00:0 3 sto? bells 0:07:6 1 trunk 0:07:6 _________ 1 pewter? bucket & stock l:17:6 £ 84:08:9 bucket & shoe bucket ________ 67:19:1 Given under our hands this 29th day of December 1781. Nathan Hawkins William Pemberton John Milkam? Williams? Source: Library of Virginia Will Book E, 1772-1798 Spotsylvania Co, Reel 28, page 428 Note: Spelling is as appeared on the original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. Numbers may not add properly due to my inability to decipher some of the handwriting. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ---------------------------------------------------- Estate: Samuel Allen, et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1783) RE OBLIGATION BOND FOR ESTATE OF JOSEPH ALLEN KNOW ALL men by these presents that we named? Samuel Allen, David Thomson, Samuel Berry, Beverly Winslow and William Quarles are held firmly bound to Joseph Brock, Stan Page, Edward Heandon and William Smith, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania nots? sitting in the sum of one thousand pounds current money of Virginia, the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices and their successors. We bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators jointly and severally ....amly by these presents sealed with our seals this twentieth day of February one thousand and seven hundred eighty three and in the seventh year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Samuel Allen, David Thompson and Samuel Berry, Executors of the Last Will and Testament of Joseph Allen deceased do make or cause to be found? made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Samuel Allen, David Thompson & Samuel Berry be into the hands and possession of any person or persons for them and the same so made do exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as they shall be thereunto required by the said Court and the same goods chattels and credits and all other the goods chattells credits of the said deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Samuel Allen, David Thompson, S. Berry and into the hands possession of any other person or persons for them do well and truly administer according to law and further make a just and true account of all their actings and doings wherein when thereunto required by the said Court and also shall well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said testament as far as the said goods chattels and credits with thereunto Ex'saced and the law shall charge them this obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue. Samuel Allen (seal) David Thomson (seal) Samuel Berry (seal) Beverley Winslow (seal) William Quarles (seal) Sealed & delivered in the presence of: John Brock At a Court held for Spotsylvania Co. February 26th 1783 Samuel Allen, David Thomson, Samuel Berry, Beverley Winslow & William Quarles acknowledged this their bond in Open? Court which is received? to be recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia Will Book E, 1772-1798 Spotsylvania Co, VA, Reel 28, pages 514-515 Note: Spelling is as appeared on original. Paragraphing added by the transcriber for ease in reading. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ----------------------------------------------------- Will: Joseph Allen, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1782) In the name of God amen I Joseph Allen of the County of Spotsylvania being of sound memory and finding the uncertainty of life do make this my Last Will and Testament. First I commend my soul to almighty God trusting in him to sysaid? forgivings of all my sins my Jesus Christ our God glird? as for my worldly goods I am poss'd with I bestow as follows,viz: I give to my daughter Racheal my sorrell mare and the saddle she rides? and to Barbary my bay mare and the saddle she rides: and to my son Joseph a black coalt two years old branded thus Jossie? saddle and I give to my daughter Racheal and Barbary and son Joseph each of them one feather bed and furniture and each of them two ewes and all the wood cotton and fur?flax? for their support with all the cards and wheals and the land I now live on not to be sold untill Joseph comes to age any one Racheal Winifred & Barbary my daughters to live on it with him if they do not marry and after he comes of age he is to take choices of this land or that Cainsluck and the other to be sold and I give to my son Sammuel half the land at Cainsluck if he will go and live on it himself by the time Joseph comes to age and if not, Joseph to have it all and I leave my wearing apperrill to Sammuel and Joseph and leave the land I bought of John Gardon or to be sold and the money arising therefrom to be past to my negros and other estate and to be equally divided amongst my childrend: Sammuel, Anner, Rachell, Mary, Winifred, Susannah, Barbary, Joseph and if Joseph desires before he come of age his part to be devided as my estate and of any of my childrend shall decease before they are possesd of their (legacies) then their part to be divided among their children. I also give to my son Joseph one lethe? and cradle? Lastly, I do appoint my son Sammuel David Thompson and Samuel Berry my executors of this my Last Will and Testament. Sealed with my seal and dated the sexteenth day of September one thousand seven hundred and eighty two. Joseph Allen (seal) Witness: Sam Taley William Quarles George Winslow Source: Library of Virginia Will Book E, 1772-1798 Spotsylvania Co, VA Reel 28, page 516 Note: Spelling is as appeared on the original. Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net -------------------------------------------------------- Estate: Obligation Bond Samuel Allen, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1783) RE ORPHAN OF JOSEPH ALLEN KNOW all men by these presents that we Samuel Allen and Samuel Sale are held and firmly bound to Beverley Winslow, Joseph Brock, Edward Herndon and Thomas Colson, gentlemen Justices of the Court of Spotsylvania in now sitting in the sum of two hundred pounds of the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors. We bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs Executors and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this 10th day of July one thousand seven hundred and (word marked over) 83 and in the seventh year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Samuel Allen his Executors and Administrators above shall will and truly pay and deliver unto Joseph Allen orphan of Joseph Allen deceased all such estate or estates as now is or was hereafter shall appear to be due to the said orphan when and as soon as he shall attain to lawfull age as then thereto required by the Justices of the said County Court and also held harmless. The above Justices their and every of their heirs condition? said Administrators from all trouble and damages that shall may arise about the said estate then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force. Samuel Allen (seal) Sealed and delivered in presence of: Samuel Sale (seal) John Brock At a Court held for Spotsylvania County the 20th day of February 1783 Samuel Allen and Samuel Sale acknowledge this their bond in open court which is ordered to be recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Will Book E 1772-1798, Spotsylvania Co, VA, Reel 28, page 516 Note: Spelling is as appeared on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. This document follows another of my documents dated 1783. Paragraph two above indicates "83". Where "at a court held ....the 20th day of February 1783" appears, the date has been marked over and looks like 1470. The last digit "0" is clear indicating 1780 but I believe 1783 is correct based on the location of this document within the Will Book. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------ Estate: Obligation Bond John Pierce, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1784) OBLIGATION BOND JOHN PIERCE FOR IGNATIVIOS SIMONNS, DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we John Pierce and Edward Herndon gentleman are held and firmly bound to Beverley Winslow, Joseph Brock, William Smith and Robert Hart, gentlemen Justices of the Court of Spotsylvania by said sitting, in the sum of one thousand pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors we bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and in the eighth year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of the obligation is such that if the above bound John Pierce is ________ of the Last Will and Testament of Ignativios Simonns? deceased to make or cause to be made a true and peacful inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come into the hands possession or knowledge of the said John Pierce or into the hands and possession of any other person or person for him and the same is made the exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as he shall be thereunto required by the said bound and the same goods chattles and credits and all these the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said John Pierce or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer according to law and further to make a just and true account of the actings & doings therein when thereto required by the said bound and also shall well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testament as far as the said goods chattles and credits will thereto extend and the law shall charge the this obligation to be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force and virtue. Sealed and delivered ) John Pierce (seal) in the presence of: ) Edward Herndon (seal) At a court held for Spotsylvania County March the 2 1784 John Pierce & Edward Herndon, gentlemen acknowledge this their bond by the court is ordered to be recorded. Teste John Waller, Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania Co, VA, Reel 28, pages 574-576 Note: Spelling is as appeared in the original document. Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Third para., first line: the missing word looks like "center". Logically, it would be Executor Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Alexander Adkins, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1784) In the name of God amen, I, Alexander Adkins, of Spotsylvania County being very sick and weak in body though of perfect memory, thanks be to God for it do make & declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner & form following that is to say, viz: Item: I give to my daughter Bettey one feather bed and furniture to the & her heirs. I also give to my son Benjamen Adkins my young horse colt to him & his heirs. I also give to my son Goen Adkins my young roan mare to him & his heirs & if any of my estate is left after debts are paid to be equally divided among my surviving children at the direction of my Executors. Item: I give to my son Silence Adkins my bade? and place I now live on to him & his heirs. I do appoint my son Silence Adkins and my son Benjamin Adkins my Executors. Witness my hand this 12th day of May 1784. his Alexander X Adkins mark John Shelton Reubin Young her Ann X Young mark Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania Co, VA, Reel 28, Page 605 Note: Spelling is as appeared in original. Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Judith Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) RE CERTIFICATION OF CHILDREN OF JOHN & BETTY BENGER THIS is to certify to all whom it may concern that I, Judith Parish, of the county of Spotsylvania of state of Virginia now of the age of fifty eight years gave such, acted as nurse to the daughter of my sister Betty Benger (the wife of John Benger of the county aforesaid named Ann Brayne in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty one which said daughter Ann is since married to George French of the town of Fredericksburg, Doctor of Physic. I DO also certify that I gave such and acted as nurse to another daughter of my said sister Betty Benger of the name of Dorothea Brayne in the month of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty five and that the said daughter Dorothea was then six months old and is since married to William McWilliams of the town of Fredericksburg Esq'r I DO also hereby certify that I was present at the marriage of my sister Betty of the said John Benger in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred fifty nine who were joined together in holy matrimony agreeable to rites? and Ceremonies of the church of England by the Rev. James Jones, then Doctor of Dresdale Parish but now deceased. I DO also certify that I was present at the death of the aforesaid Betty Benger who departed this life in the fall time of the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one and do know with certainty that her husband John Benger had been then dead about five years and that there was no other children left by the said John & Betty Benger but the aforesaid two daughters Ann & Dorothea. In which whereof I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty five. Judith Parish Witness: John W. Willis Elizer Callender Robert B. Chew John Crafts Spotsylvania County, State of Virginia Judith Parish of the County of State aforesaid personally appeared before me, one of the magistrates of the County aforesaid this day and made oath on the Holy Evangelists that the foregoing certificate of the birth of the birth of Ann Benger, now Ann B. French, the birth of Dorothea Brayne Benger now Dorothea B. M. Williams, the marriage of their parents, John & Betty Benger and death of their mother, Betty Benger, signed with her hand this third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. George Stubblefield At a court held for Spotsylvania County February the 7th 1786 On the motion of William McWilliams, gentleman, this certificate and affidavit thereto annexed are ordered to be recorded. Teste John Waller, Cl Cur. This is to certify to all whom it may concern that I, Ann Parish of the County of Spotsylvania of state of Virginia now of the age of thirty six years was personally present at the birth of Dorothea Brayne Benger now Dorothea Brayne McWilliams on the first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty five and that she is the true and lawfull issue of John Benger & Betty Benger of the county and state aforesaid dec'd. And I do also certify that there was then living a daughter of said John & Betty Benger of the name of Ann Brayne and about the age of four years which said Ann Brayne is since married to George French of the town of Fredericksburg, Doctor of Physic. I do also hereby certify that I was present at the death of John Benger aforesaid who departed this life on the fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty six and that there was then no other children lawfully begotten left by the said John Benger & Betty Benger but the aforesaid two daughters Ann & Dorothea Brayne. I do also hereby certify that I was present at the death of the aforesaid Betty Benger who departed this life in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one & that she left no other children but the aforesaid Ann & Dorothea. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five. her Ann X Parish mark Witness: John W. Willis Eleazer Collander Robert B.Chew John Crafts Spotsylvania County, State of Virginia Sch? Sun Parish of the County and State aforesaid personally appeared before me one of the Magistrates of the county aforesaid this day and made oath on the Holy Evangelists that the foregoing certificate of the birth of Dorothea Brayne Benger, now Dorothea B. McWilliams the age of Ann Brayne Benger, now Ann B. French and death of their parents, John & Betty Benger. Signed with her hand is a just and true certificate of the motion therein mentioned given under my hand this third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty six. George Stubblefield Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 606-608 Note: Spelling is as appeared in the original.Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. In the para. before the first George Stubblefield signature, there is a repeat "of the birth of the birth of Ann Benger". That is the way it appeared. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 608-609 Estate: Silence Adkins, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1784) RE ESTATE OF ALEXANDER ADKINS, DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we Silence Adkins & Reubin Young are held firmly bound to William Smith, Edward Herndon, James Lewis & Robert Hart, gentlemen, justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County now setling in the sum of two hundred pounds. The payment whereof will & truly to be made to the said Justices & their successors, we bind ourselves & each of us our and each of our heirs Executors Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals this 3rd day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty four in the 9th year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Silence Adkins, son, Executor of the Last Will & Testament of Alexander Adkins on deed do make or cause to be made a true & perfect inventory of all singular the goods chattles & credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands, in possession or knowledge of the said. Also under Adkins on or into the hands possession of any other person is has same for him & the same so made do exhibit the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as he shall be thereunto required by the said court and the same goods chattles & credits and all other the goods chattles & credits of the said deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Silence Adkins on or into the hands possession or knowledge of any other person or persons for him do will & truly administer according to law & further do make a true & just account of all his actings & doings therein when thereto required by the said court and also shall well & truly pay and deliver all legacies containing and specified in the said testament as far as the said goods chattles and credits will thereunto extend.and the law shall charge, then the above obligation to be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force and virtue. Silence Adkins (seal) Reubin Young (seal) Sealed & delivered in the presence of: John Brock At a court held for Spotsylvania Court August 3rd 1784 Silence Adkins & Reubin Young acknowledged this the above which is ordered to be recorded. Teste Inventory of the Estate of Alexander Adkins deceased: To Roan mare £ 10.0.0 To Do young mare 10. To f horse coalt 5. To 4 cows and calves 14. To 1 bull £1.5.0 and heifer £2.h and 3-year old £3.....4.3 To 2 sheep & bell .15 To 8 hogs 3.14 To 1 feather bed & furniture 5. To do & furniture 3.10 To 1 pair of stillards 10s .10 To 1 gun & o/? .8 To 1 old chest .3 To 1 sire? old Do .4 To 2 pr of cards .2 To 7-1/2 pound wool & basket .8 To 1 frying pan 1.6 To 1 flat iron 1.6 To 1 stone jugs & 1 stone butter dish? 6.9 Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 608-609 Note: Spelling is as appeared in the original. Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. This document refers to the ninth year of the Commonwealth. The transcriber believes 1784 was in the eighth year of the Commonwealth, unless they were on a fiscal year system. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: John Lewis, Berkeley Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1784) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen I John Lewis of the Parish of Berkeley and county of Spotsylvania, gentleman, do make this my Last Will and Testament recommending my soul to God who gave it and my body to be decently buried. First: It is my will and desire that as much of my land shall be sold as is sufficient to pay my just debts and my Executors hereafter named are hereby empowered to sell the same and to and pass good and proper deed or deeds to the purchase or purchases for conveying the same in fee in file? and they are hereby further empowered to sell such part or parts thereof for that purpose as they shall judge most for the advantage of my estate. Secondly, I give to my beloved wife Elizabeth two slaves Tobert Will? and Violet with their future increase to her & her heirs forever together with all my household & kitchen furniture and one half of all my horses cattle sheep & hogs. Thirdly, I lend? to my beloved wife Elizabeth one half of my land that shall remain after my debts are paid and also the following slaves to wit: Tom, Nan, Charles, Easted, Suckey and Hannah for and during her natural life. Forthly, all the rest of my estate together with the remainder or reversion of the land and slaves unto my wife I give & bequeath equally to be divided among all my children that are now born or that hereafter may be born to them and their heirs forever but in case any of my children die before they marry or come of age, then it is my will and desire that is heir or their part so dying shall be equally divided among the survivors. Fifthly, I do hereby constitute and appoint Mr. August in Woodfolk of the county of Hanover guardian to my three children: Augustin Lewis, Ann Lewis and Betsy Lewis for and during their menority. Sixtly, I do hereby constitute Col. Joseph Brock, M. August in Woodsfolk and Maj. Thomas Towles Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this the seventh day of March Annoque Domini one thousand seven hundred & eighty four. John Lewis (seal) Signed, sealed publish and declared to be the Last Will & Testament of John Lewis. In presence of: T. Towle M. Chew je Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 610-611 Note: Spelling is as appeared in the original.Paragraphing was added by the transcriber for ease in reading. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate:Patsy White, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) RE ESTATE OF BASIL WHITE, DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we Patsey White and Daniel Barksdale are held firmly bound to Joseph Brock, Mr. Smith, Edward Herndon and James Lewis, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County, now sitting, in the sum of three thousand pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices and their successors. We bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs Executors, Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six in the tenth year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of this obligation is such that the above bound Patsey White, Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Basil White deceased do make or cause to be made a perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession knowledge of the said Patsey White or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for her and the same so made as exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania and at such time as she shall be thereunto required by the said court and the same goods chattles and credits and all other the goods chattles, credits of the said deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Patsey White or into the hands & possession of any other person or persons for her to well and truly administer according to law and further do make a just and true account of all his acting and doings therein when thereto required by the said court and also shall well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testament as far as the said goods chattles and credits will thereunto extend and the law shall charge then this obligation to be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force and virtue. Patsey White (seal) D. Barksdale (seal) Sealed & delivered in the presence of: Joseph Brock The Court held for Spotsylvania County September 7th 1786 The Bond was acknowledged by the said Patsey White and David Barksdale and ordered to be recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 716-717 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Basel White, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1785) IN the name of God amen, I Basel White of Spotsylvania County being very sick and weak but of sound memory blessed be God and knowing the uncertaine of human life do make constitute and appoint this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, viz: First after my just debts are paid, I give and bequeath to my loving wife Patsy White five negroes such as she shall choose during her natural life and widowhood. I also give my wife kitchen furniture and of any other my goods during her life & widowhood; also the one half of my land on the former? terms but in case my wife shall marry then it is my will that she have only one third part of my whole estate during her natural life and at the death of my said wife, I give my land to my son Daniel Basil White but as my wife is with child at this present if it should prove a boy, the land shall be equally divided between both the boys and all the residue of my estate at the death of my wife I give to be equally divided among all my children that shall be then living or their lawfull representatives and it is my desire that my estate shall be kept togetherin the hands of my wife till such time as any of my children shall come of age or marry's in which case my wife, with the other Executors shall give to? such child or children their proportion of the estate and I approve my wife Patsey White Executrix and my brother John White, my good friend Walter Chiles and Thomas Lipscomb Executors to this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set and affixed my seal this eights day of August 1785. Basel White (seal) Signed sealed and ack. as the Last Will and Testament of the subscriber. In presents of: Jos. Wittinglby Michael Blunt Alexander Johnston Caleb Coleman Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 715-716 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: William Pemberton, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1785) IN THE NAME of God amen, I William Pemberton of the county of Spotsylvania and Parish of St. George being sick but of perfect memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth, viz: Item: I lend (could be leave-looks like lend) to my beloved wife Elizabeth Pemberton the land and plantation wherein I now live containing three hundred and eighteen acres during her life & widowhood. I also lend to my said wife during her life or widowhood the following slaves, viz: James, Arak?, Agg and Amy? and also all my household and kitchen furniture and also all my stock of all kind except the legacies hereafter mentioned but it is my will anddesire that if my wife should marry that my land should be desend at my said wife marriage or in case she doesn't marry to my two sons Harry Pemberton and Larkin Pemberton one hundred fifty nine acres each my son Henry to have the uppor part soe as to include my dwelling house. I give to my son Harry Pemberton one negro boy named Tim also one feather bed and furniture and one horse saddle & bridle which he has already in possession. I give to my son Larkin Pemberton one negro boy named Ben and also one horse saddle and bridle which he has got also one feather bed and furniture. Item: I give to my daughter Nancy Coleman one negro girl named Hannah, one feather bed and furniture, all of which she has now in her possession. Item: I give to my daughter Elizabeth Pemberton one negro girl named Winney also my young gray horse also saddle and bridle, also one bed and furniture. Item: I give to my daughter Mary Pemberton one negro boy named Sam also my young bay horse also a saddle and bridle also a feather bed and furniture. Item: I give to my daughter Sarah Pemberton one negro girl named Philly also my young bay mare also a saddle bridle also one feather bed and furniture. Item: I give to my daughter Margaret Pemberton one negro girl named Sarah also one feather bed, furniture and that my Executor hereafter named pay my said daughter Margaret Pemberton the sixteen pounds at her coming of age or marrying in the room (it clearly says "room") of a horse bridle & saddle. And it is my will if either of the above named slaves given to my children should die before my said children should come of age or marry that then the said slaves should be made good out of the increase of those slaves lent my wife if any such, my will and desire is that my above named children shall have their several legacies given them as they come of age or marry. My will and desire is that should my wife mary that then all the estate lent her be equally divided among my said children or their proper representatives and if my said wife should not marry, it is my will and desire that the said estate be divided other wath? (otherwise?) in the same manner as if she should marry. It is my will and desire that if any should either of my said children die before they come of age or marry that their part of my estate be equally divided among my then living children. And lastly I appoint my wife Elizabeth Pemberton Executrix and my son Henry (looks like Henry here but like Harry previously) Pemberton and my son Larkin Pemberton Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereof set my hand and affixed my seal this 16th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred, eighty five. William Pemberton (seale) Sealed & acknowledged in the presents of us: Thomas Colson her Sarah X Perry mark James Hutcherson John True Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 744-745 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Henry Pemberton, et al, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) RE ESTATE OF WILLIAM PEMBERTON, DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we Henry Pemberton and James Purvis are held and firmly bound to Buserby? Winslow, William Smith, William Mills and James Lewis, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County, now sitting, in the sum of three thousand pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices and their successors. We bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs Executors & Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals this sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and in the tenth year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of this obligation is such that if the above bound Henry Pembertonm Executor of the Last Will and Testament of William Pemberton deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession of or knowledge of the said Henry Pemberton or into the hands and possession of any other person for him and the same so made do exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as he shall be thereunto required by the said Court and the same goods chattles & credits and all other the goods chattles & credits of the said deceased with at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Henry Pemberton or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him do will and truly administer according to law and further do make a just and true account of all his acting and doings therein when thereto required by the said Court and also shall will and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testament as far as the said goods chattles & credits will thereunto extend and the said shall charge then this obligation to be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force & virtue. Henry Pemberton (seal) Sealed & delivered James Purvis (seal) in the presence of: At a Court held for Spotsylvania County June 6th 1786 This bond was acknowledged by the said Henry Pemberton and James Purvis which is ordered to be recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 746 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: William Darnaby, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I William Darnaby of the Parish of St. George in the County of Spotsylvania being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory thanks be to almighty God for the same and knowing the certainty of death, but the uncertainty of the hour & time do therefore make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, viz't: I give to my dear and well beloved wife Mary Ann Darnaby during her natural life or widowhood, all my estate real and personal, at either of which period. I give to my son Reubin Darnaby my tract of land in Spotsylvania County except her dower in case she should marry and at her decease the whole of my said tract of land to go to my said son Reubin Darnaby. I give to my sons Edward Darnaby, William Plunkett Darnaby and Reubin Darnaby (at my wifes decease or marrage all my slaves stock of all kinds and household furniture to be equally divided among my said three sons Edward, William Plunkett, Reubin in case either of my said sons should die before they come of age or heirs of their body lawfully begotten them what was given the said dec'd to be equally divided among the survivors and in case all my three sons should die before they come of age or heirs of their body lawfully begotten the whole of my estate real and personal to go to my wife Mary Ann Darnaby to dispose of as she pleases. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17 day of January 1786. William Darnaby Witnessed by: James Owen George Allsop William Smith Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 757 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Wills: Anthony Arnold, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I Anthony Arnold of the County of Spotsylvania being weak of body but of sound memory blessed by God for the same do this day make and appoint this my Last Will and Testament in manner & form following, viz: I recommend my soul to the hands of God who gave it and my body to the dust in hopes of joyful resurrection through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord and as to what worldly goods wherewith God has pleased to endow me I dispose thereof in manner following. That is to say: I leave my loving wife Mary Arnold all my estate whether real or personal to be enjoyed by her during her natural life or widowhood and at her decease it is my will that my estate shall be equally divided among all my children and their heirs but in case my wife shall marry in that case she is to have no part in my estate, but in case my wife shall die before my youngest child attains the age of eighteen or is married, the estate shall be kept together and at the age aforesaid of my youngest child or at its marriage then shall be an equal division made among all my children or their heirs and in case any of my children shall die without an heir of their body begotten, then their part shall be equally divided among the survivors or their heirs. And I appoint my loving wife Mary and my brother William Arnold, George Shepherd, Executor & Executors to this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this seventh day of April 1782. Anthony Arnold (seal) Signed and sealed in presence of: Joseph Willoughby Mordicai Mashin Thomas Martin At a Court held for Spotsylvania County September 5th 1786 The Last Will and Testament of Anthony Arnold dec'd was proved by the oath of two of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 778 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 782 Bond: John Carter et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm RE APPOINTMENT OF TOBACCO INSPECTOR KNOW all men by these presents that we John Carter, Joseph Brock & Robert Smith are held and firmly bound to P. Henry, Esq. governor of this state for the time being and his successors in the sum of ten thousand pounds current money to the payment of which will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 5th day of September 1786. THE CONDITION of this obligation is such that whereas the above bound John Carter, is appointed assistant inspector of tobacco at Fredericksburg Warehouse in the County of Spotsylvania by comissioner from under the hand and seal of the Govnor of this state. Now if the said John Carter do and shall well and truly perform the duties of his said office according to the directions of an Act of Assembly for reducing the several acts of assembly for the inspection of tobacco into one act then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force. John Carter (seal) Joseph Brock (seal) Sealed and delivered in presence of: Robert Smith (seal) At a Court held for Spotsylvania Court September 5th 1786 John Carter, Joseph Brock, Robert Smith acknowledged this their bond which by the Court ordered recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 782 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Mary Penn, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1783) IN THE NAME of God amen I Mary Penn of the County of Spotsylvania and Parish of Saint George being in perfect health and of a sound memory do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner following: IMPRIMIS: It is my will and desire that after all my just debts and funeral expenses is paid that my daughter Mildred Penn have all and every kind of my estate whatsoever I may bye (be?) possessed off and and I do also appoint my daughter Mildred Penn my whole and sole executrix of this my Last Will and Testament revoaking all others will heretofore made by me. IN WITNESS hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenith day of July one thousand seven hundred and eighty three. her Mary X Penn (seal) mark Signed sealed in the presents of: Thomas Colson Henry Pemberton Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 795 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: John Jessee et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) RE BOND FOR WILL OF MARY PENN, DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we John Jessee, John Chew Jr are held and firmly bound to Joseph Brock, George Stubblefield, Nicholas Payne, William Stanard, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County, now sitting, in the sum of two hundred pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices and their successors, we bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs Executors and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this fifth day of December Anno.Dom. one thousand seven hundred and eighty six, viz: THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound John Jessee administrator with the Will annexed of all goods chattles and credits of Mary Penn deceased, do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of him the said John Jessee or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him and the same so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited in the Spotsylvania Court at such time as he shall be thereunto required by the said Court and all the rest and residue of the said goods chattles and credits which shall be found remaining upon the said administrators account the same being first examined and allowed by the Trustees of the said Court for the time being shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively as the said justices by their order or Judgment shall direct pursuant to the laws in that case made and proved and if it shall hereafter appear that any Last Will and Testament was made by the said deceased and the Executors or Executors therein name do exhibit the same in the said Court making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly if the said John Jessee being thereto required do render and deliver unto his letters of administration approtation? of such Testament being first had and made in the said Court, then this obligation to be void otherewise to remain in full force and virtue John Jessee (seale) J. Chew Jr (seale) Sealed & delivered in the presence of: At a Court held for Spotsylvania County December 8th 1786 Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 796-797 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 797 Bond: Nicholas Payne-Oliver Towles, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) RE APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR KNOW all men by these presents that we Nicholas Payne and Oliver Towles are held and firmly bound unto Edward Randolph Esq. Governor of this state and to his successors in the sum of five hundred pounds current money to the payment whereof well and truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed this 5th day of December 1786. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Nicholas Payne is appointed Governor of this County by Commission from under the hand of the Governor and seal of the Commonwealth bearing date the day of (one inch blank space here) 178 . Now if the said Nicholas Payne do and shall will and truly execute his said office according to law, then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force and virtue. Nicholas Payne (seal) Oliver Towles (seal) Sealed and delivered in presence of: At a Court held for Spotsylvania County December 5th 1786 Nicholas Payne & O. Towles acknowledged this their bond which is ordered to be recorded. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 797 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Note: It appears that this was somewhat of a form letter and the day and year were to be filled in at time of signing, and someone forgot to fill them in. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Thomas Rawlings, Berkeley Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) IN THE NAME of God amen I Thomas Rawlings of Berkeley Parish in the County of Spotsylvania being of sound mind & memory but considering the uncertainty of life doth hereby make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament and hereby revoking all others. Whereas by my Father's will I am intitled to a moiety of the land on which he lived after my Mother's death, the will and desire is that all my right & title to the same be delivered over & given to my brother Benjamin Rawlings his heirs and assigns forever and I do by these presents bequeath the same to him and his foresaid in as full and ample a manner as if the same was now in my immediate possession provided always that my said brother shall discharge all my lawfull debts in the first place. And whereas I am intitled to a one third part of sundry negroes, stocks furniture & by the same will after my mother's death, it is my will & desire that the same be given and delivered unto my brother Benjamin Rawlings to hold the same as his own proper right, as I do hereby give the same to him & his heirs or assigns in as full and ample a manner as if the same property was now in my actual possession provided that my said brother do give up and deliver over unto my sister Rebeccah Rawlings one good feather bed and furniture or the value thereof in specie?, & I do hereby appoint Lewis Holliday and Benjamin Rawlings Executors of this my Will. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 5th day of April 1786. Thomas Rawlings (seal) Signed sealed and delivered in our presence: Thomas Rawlings (seal) Z. Lewis Robert Hart Joseph Holliday Jr Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 861 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Note: Thomas Rawlings signature appeared twice as shown. Our current dictionary defines moiety as 1) a half; one of two equal parts; as a moiety of an estate of goods or of profits; 2) an indefinite share or part. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Thomas Rogers, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1786) IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN the thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty three, I Thomas Rogers of Culpepper County being very sick in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same and calling to mind the mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say: Principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to be buried in a Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the general resurrection to receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such unduly estate where with it pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give devise and dispose of the same in the manner and form following, that is to say: Item: I give to my eldest son Berges Rogers twenty shillings and desire that he may receive nothing more of my estate. Item: I lend to my well beloved wife all my personal estate during her natural life or widowhood for the use of raising and educating my children in the best manner that circumstances will afford but if my wife should die or marry before my children come of age, I desire that it may be equally divided between my children and each one receive three parts as they come of age or marry. Item: I do hereby appoint William Darnaba and Benjamin Plunket Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby utterly disallowing revoking and making void all and every other will and will heretofore by me made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above written. Signed sealed published & delivered by the said Thomas Rogers as his Last Will and Testament in presence of us: Thomas Rogers (seal) Amisteald White John Grace At a Court continued and held for Spotsylvania County August the 3rd 1786 The Last Will and Testament of Thomas Rogers being brought into Court for proof and the subscribing witness to the said Will being all dead and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the Testator acknowledged the said writing to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of Robert Frank & who being sworn and examined concerning the said Will, it is admitted to record. Teste Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 861 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Samuel Luck Sr, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1787) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen I Samuel Luck Senior of Spotsylvania County being of sound mid and memory do make and ordain this my Will and Testament in form following: IMPRIMIS: I recommend my spirit into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ & as to my body, I leave it to be entered in such Christian like manner as my Executors hereafter mentioned shall direct. Item: It is my will that all my just debts be paid & in order to make payment for the same I hereby empower my Executors to sell the tract of land I now live on which I purchased of Nicholas Payne, gentleman and sell other part of my estate as my Executors shall direct to pay all my just debts. Item: I lend unto my beloved wife Mary during her natural life my negro's Phibbis, Pompey, Jamey, Jenney, Dick, Gillilley. Also the one half of the residue of my estate not hereafter particularly mentioned & at her decease to be divided in manner hereafter directed. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Nathan Luck one negro man named Toney, one feather bed & all the stock I have heretofore lent him all which are in his possession to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Luck one negro boy named Cupid, one feather bed & what stock I have heretofore lent him all which are in his possession also my writing desk to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son George Luck one negro man named Jack, one feather bed & what stock I have lent him all which he has in possession to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Sea one negro woman named Easther & her increase also a feather bed & cow & calf, all in her possession to her & her heirs forever. Item: I lend unto my daughter Ann Wilson, one negro woman named Hanah during her natural life which said slave is now in her possession & at her decease I give and bequeath the said negro with all her increase to be equally devided among all my said daughters children to them & their heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Ann Wilson one feather bed, one large iron pott and one cow and calf, all which are in her possession to her and her heirs forever. Item: I lend unto my daughter Mary Sorrill one negro boy named Charles now in her possession during her natural life and at her decease I give and bequeath the said negro to be equally devided among all my said daughters children in case she has any but should she die without a child then my will is that the said negro should revert to my estate to be devided as hereafter directed. Item: I lend unto my daughter Sarah Morris during her natural life my negro boy named Andrew & at her decease I give and bequeath the said negro to be equally devided among all my said daughters children to them and their heirs forever. Item: I give unto my said daughter Sarah Morris the cover of a womans saddle, also the feather bed & stock which she has in possession to her & her heirs forever. Item: I give & bequeath unto my daughter Betsey Dillard one negro boy named Ned and one feather bed & the stock which I lent her all which she has in possession, also at my wife's death I give unto my said daughter my riding chair & harness to her & her heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son in law John Hill, one feather bed which he has in possession to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson Garland Hill one negro boy named York, one feather bed & furniture & two years schooling at the expence of my estate at the direction of my Executors to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give unto my grandson George Phillips Luck one steel plate cross cut saw to him & his heirs forever. Item: My will and desire is that all my estate not particularly herein mentioned should be devided among all my linviving children in the same manner as their parts before mentioned described, that is to say to those of my children that I lent their legacies during life & those to whom I gave forever should devide the residue in like man. (manner?) Lastly, I constitute and appoint my sons Nathan, Samuel, & George Luck Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 16th day of June 1787. Samuel Luck (seal) Interlined before signing the word linviving. Acknowledged in presence of: Thomas Manor John Waller Benjamin Waller William Rack Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 874-875 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. The reference to interlined after Luck's seal is part of the document and was not a comment by me, the transcriber. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Samuel Luck (Jr), et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA RE WILL OF SAMUEL LUCK, (SR), DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we Samuel Luck (Jr), John Woolfolk and Thomas Dillard are held & firmly bound to Joseph Brock, Edward Herndon, Thomas Colson, Nicholas Payne & James Lewis, gentlemen justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County now sitting, in the sum of two thousand pounds to the payment whereof will and truly to be made to the said justices and their successors, we bind ourselves and each of us, our & each of our heirs Executors and Administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals this second day of October in the year of our Lord 1787 & in the 12th year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Samuel Luck Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Luck, deceased do make or cause to be made a true & perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Samuel Luck or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him & the same so made do exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as he shall be thereunto required by the said Court and the same goods chattles & credits, and all other the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge, of the said Samuel Luck (Jr) or into the hands possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer according to law and further do make a just and true account of all his actings & doings therein, when thereto required by the said Court and also shall well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testaments as far as the said goods chattles & credits will thereunto extend & the law shall charge then this obligation be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force and virtue. Sealed & delivered Samuel Luck (seal) in the presence of: John Woolfolk (seal) Thomas Dillard (seal) An Inventory and Appraisment of the Estate of Samuel Luck, Gentleman, Deceased: To one negro woman named Phillis £ 5.00.0 To one negro man named Pompey 40.00.0 To one negro woman named Jenny and child Rachel 60.00.0 To one negro boy named Squire 10.00.0 To one negro man named Samey 60.00.0 To one negro boy named Dick 40.00.0 To one negro boy named York 35.00.0 To one negro boy named Andrew 30.00.0 To one negro girl named Milley 25.00.0 To one negro boy named Peter 20.00.0 To 14 hogs £5, To 1 yoke of corn? £10 15.00.0 To 4 cows, 2 earlings pabell? (not yearlings) 11.15.0 To 3 calves 1.00.0 To 1 bay mare £8; To 1 mare & colt £8, 1 sorrell calf £8 24.00.0 To 9 head of sheep & bell 4.10.0 To 1 riding carriage & harness 5.00.0 To 6 cyder casks 20s; To 1 pair cart wheels body & youk 70s 4.10.0 To 1 grind stone6s, a parcel of old iron 25s 1.06.6 To 5 axes, 2 adzes, 1 old saw, chain & other do iron 1.10.6 To 1 rat trap 7/6, To 1 pot dutch oven, 1 pot hooks 12/6 1.10.6 To 2 spinning wheels 12/ 4 casks 12/ 1.04.6 To 3 pots & 1 s? pot hook, 20/, 1 pr wedges 5/ 1.05.0 To 1 brass kettle 40s, To 1 loom 25s 3.05.0 To 2 tubs, pails, 1 frying pan @ 10s, To 4 bee hives 24s 1.14.0 To a quantity of fodder 8.00.0 To 1 steel plate X-cut saw 30s; To swaiming pan & lantern 8s 2.07.0 To 4 sides leather, old barrells & other old lumber 1.10.0 To 1 desk & 2 small trunks 24s, To 15 chairs 3s, 1 gun 36s 4.10.0 To 1 mans saddle & bridle 30s, 1 pair steelyards, Osword 20s 2.10.0 To 1 table & trunk 30s, To 1 chest & sundry slayys & harness 25s 2.15.0 To some casks baskets & other lumber 6.0 To 2 beds and 1 bed stead 10.00.0 To 2 pair cards 7s, To 4 pair hinges 8s, To 1 spice meter & other 1.01.6 To a parcel of books 12s, To sundry pewter medicines 2s 1.00.0 To 1 box iron & heaters, a mug bowl slate & other things 13.6 To 2 chests 15/, To 1 bed bedstead & furniture £5 5.15.6 To 2 rugs 50s, To 1 bed & furniture 60s 5.10.6 To 1 looking glass brush & 5s, To 4 sheets 30s 1.15.6 To 1 corker cupboard & a parcel of earthen ware 50s 2.10.6 To 1 pail stand & 6s, To 3 jugs bottle & 10s 2.16.6 To 1 table & trunk 15s, To 1 safe table @ 10s 1.05.6 To 1 wine wive peck and pan 7/6 1.07.6 To a parcel of pewter a bedles pot @ 10s, 1 pr fire tongs 2s .12.6 To 4 dishes and other pewter knives forks @ 30s 1.10.6 To 1 1 no many vace of asedele? 15s a piece of wool 8s 1.03.6 _________ £458.06.0 In obedience to an order of Spotsylvania County Court dated October the 2nd 1787, we the subscribers being first duly qualified have appraised all the estate of Samuel Luck, gentleman deceased as was shown to us by Samuel Luck, his Executor as above appears given under our hands this 13th day of October 1787. Thomas W. Tinas Waller Lewis Benjamin Waller Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 876-880 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Numbers may not add properly due to my inability to read some of the numbers. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Mary Buckner, Berkeley Parish,Spotsylvania Co, VA (1787) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen I Mary Buckner of the County of Spotsylvania and Parish of Berkeley being sick & weak but of sound memory do constitute and ordain this my Last Will & Testament revoking all other wills deeds of gift or other instruments of writing whatsoever heretofore made. FIRST: Whereas my first husband Thomas Buckner did by his Last Will and Testament bearing date the 2nd day of June 1755 devise unto me all his estate both real and personal after payment of his just and lawfull debts and at the same time left it at my discretion to devide the remainder equally among his younger children either in my lifetime or at my death in compliance with the will reposed. I make the following devision which I think is as nearly equal as in my power. I give to my son John and to his heirs forever the following slaves to wit: Baess, Lucy, Samson, Tue, Rose, Moll, Gilbert Clys, David & Grace. Secondly: I give unto my son Mordecai and to his heirs forever the following slaves, to witt: James, Grace, Clark, James, Grace, Cato & David. Thirdly: I give unto my son William and to his heirs forever the following slaves, to wit: Gloster, David, Rose, Sam, George & Sam. Fourthly: And whereas during the time of my intermarriage with Col. Samuel Buckner and at the same time holding the estate of my first husband Thomas Buckner, the estate of Samuel Buckner became indebted to the estate of Thomas Buckner to a considerable amount which monies by be the amount what it will, my will and desire is that it be equally devided between my sons John, Mordecai and William. Fifthly: Whereas by my second intermariage with Col. Samuel Buckner and after his decease I sold my interest in his estate for two hundred pounds my will and desire is that my grandson Baldwin M. Buckner, son of Mordecai Buckner shall have one hundred pounds or an equal moiety thereof I give to be equally devided between my sons John, Mordecai & William. Sixthly& Lastly: I constitute and appoint my sons John, Mordecai & William Executors of this my Last Will and Testament given under my hand & seal this 7th day of June 1787. The words (either in my lifetime or at my death) interlined before signing. Mary Buckner (seal) Signed sealed published declared to be the Last Will and Testament of Mary Buckner in the presence of us: Harry Stubblefield A. P. Lasker Judy Buckner Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 881 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Note: Under "Secondly" the names of James,& Grace were listed twice as shown. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Ann Cunningham, Spotsylvania Co, VA(1789) IN THE name of God amen I Ann Cunningham of the County of Spotsylvania being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows: First: It is my will and desire that my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid and satisfyed. Item: I give and bequeath to my children which I have named as follows (viz): Elizabeth, Ann, James, Henry, George, Nelly and William to be equally devided amongst them and to their heirs forever all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County Fayatte on the Kentucky River containing one thousand and ninety one acres by the patent bearing date the fourteenth day of August one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and signed by Patrick Henry, Esquire, governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth one bed and furniture and a small walnut table to her and her heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Nelly one bed and furniture and a small poplar table to her and her heirs forever. And Lastly: I appoint my brother Edward Elley, my friend James Lewis and my son James Cunningham Executors of this my Last Will and Testament. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23 day of April 1789. Ann Cunningham (seal) Witness: Shika Hall John Chew Jedoe? Haydon Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 944 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Note: Fayette Co, mentioned above, is in West Virginia. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 964 Wills: David Barksdale, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1789) IN THE NAME of God amen I David Barksdale of Spotsylvania County being very sick and weak but of sound memory and understanding, blessed be God for the same, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make constitute and appoint this my Last Will and Testament in maner and form following: Item: First place I commend my soul unto the hands of God who gave it and my body to the dust in hope of a joyfull resurection through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and as for what worldly goods It has pleased God to bless me, I bestow them in the manner following (viz): After all my just debts and my funeral expenses are paid which funeral expenses shall not exceed the sum of ten pounds which shall be paid to my daughter Polly White for my expenses of burial and ten pounds more to my said daughter White for the trouble whe has been at with me in my sickness and my horses maintenance. Item: I give to my son Joseph Barksdale all that tract of land in Kentucky that was located by Cap' Hays I first give to my grandson Daniel Basil White and Anthony Bartlet all my land in Kentucky that was located by James Howard to be equally devided between them. Item: I give to my daughter Sarah Bartlett during her life the following slaves (viz):Sam, Morcan, Jack, Gabriel, Dick and Jinny and their increase increase and all my said daughters reat? the said slaves and their increase shall be equally divided 'mong my said daughters children. Item: I give to my daughter Katy Gaines the sum of ten pounds and all the residue of my estate I die possessed of I give to be equally devided between my son Daniel, my son Joseph and my daughters Dolly White, and appoint Captain John White and Captain Frances Coleman and Mr Thomas despeornt? Executors to this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all forms Wills and acknowledging this alone as my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the 23rd day of April 1789. D. Barksdale (seal) Signed sealed and acknowledged in the Last Will and Testament in presents of us: Joseph Willingslly Mary White Richard Jaribonez Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 964 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Mary Hincher, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1789) IN THE NAME of God amen, First I will my soul to God and my body to be buried as my Executors shall think proper in a Christianlike manner, next I will that all my just and lawfull debts should be duly discharged by my Executors that shall be hereafter named. First Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandson Martin anntted? Taue? one mare opid? one cow and cow calf and wheel and cards and is to pay three pounds to my two sons. Second Item: I give and bequeath unto my son James Hincher one cow and bull calf. Third Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Hincher one bead (bed?) and two yearling, viz: a cow and stear and, this I give grant and bequeath as my Last Will and Testament making void all other Will or Wills heretofore made or testated unto which Will I appoint and constitute Robert True Executor to this my said Last Will and Testament. Signed in presents off: her Mary x Hincher (seal) Paul Aperson mark John Moore Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 970 Note: No date on document, however, the one immediately prior is dated April 1789. Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: John Partlow, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1789) IN THE NAME of God amen I John Partlow of the County of Spotsylvania being of perfect sence and memory do make and ordaine this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following to wit: IMPRIMIS: It is my will that my just debts be satisfied and paid. Item: I lend unto loving wife during her natural life all my estate except that I hereafter descibed? to my different children in these several causes. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Partlow and to his heirs forever two hundred and fifty acres of land lying and being in the County of Culpeper, one horse and saddle one and a gun the above articles he has now had in possession to the value of one hundred and a eighty pounds. Item: To my daughter Lucy Yates I have given one horse and bed and cattle and several other articles also a bond received by her husband the whole together amounting to the sum of fifty five pounds, the whole of which she has received. I likewise give to my said daughter seventy acres after my wifes death to the amount of thirty pounds, either in stock, household furniture or both. Item: To my daughter Dorothy Crawford I have given one mare one bed and cattle with several other articles to the amount of the sum total to thirty pounds. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Partlow and to his heirs forever all my land joyning Martin Davenport, Colonel Jonathan Clark and Mr. Thomas Waller estate that lies below the branch commonly called the Deviding Branch after my wife death also the sum of forty pounds. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Lewis Partlow and to his heirs forever all that part of my land whereon I now dwell that lies between the Rawling path that leads to the place whereon I now live and a run? that divides the part that I have above given to my son John thence down the path from an old quarter to an old may Chery tree from thence to black walnut tree near the corner of the pasture fence and from down the edge to the river. Item: I give unto my daughter Sarah Davenport one bed one bay mare one cow and after my wifes deceased I give the sum of fifteen pounds. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Elijah Partlow and to his heirs forever all that bit of my land not heretofore given to my sons John & Lewis and one bundad? as follows beginning at the start where my son Lewiss on the road to Divenports ford then running with the said path to an old quarter near where I live thence to an old may tree thence to a walnut tree and a strait cause to the river thence up the river to James Divenport line thence along his line to the said thence up the road to the beginning. Item: It is my will that my daughter Polly and Sarah shall receive each of them thirty pounds after my wifes death. Item: It is my will and desire tht after my wifes death and after my daughters shall receive the legacies above given then the ballance of my estate shall be equally divided between sons John, Lewis, Elijah and daughters Polly and Sarah. Item: I appoint and constitute my loving wife and my son Lewis Partlow and my friends Benjamin Wallis and Thomas Minor Executors of this my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 11th day of December 1789. John Partlow (seal) Signed sealed and delivered and acknowledged before us: Thomas Minor Martin Davenport Robert Hockacy Cass Waller Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 975-976 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for easein reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Elizabeth Carter, Berkley Parish, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1780) IN THE NAME of God amen I Elizabeth Carter of the Parish of Berkley in the County of Spotsylvania being very sick and weak in body but of perfect and sound mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all one to die do make and ordaine this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following: IMPRIMIS: I recommend my soul unto the hands of almighty God hoping? that thru the merits of my blessed redeemer Jesus Christ to attain eternal salvation and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned and what worldly goods it hath plesed God to bless me with since the death of my husband, I give and bequeath the following manner: Item: It is my desire that my negroe fellow Bob which fell to me by the death of my mother after my husband decease be sold to the highest bidder and the money arising from the sale thereof be equally divided amongst my children, viz: George, Ann, Molly, John, Henry, Elizabeth, Sally and Charles. And lastly, I do constitute and appoint my loving sons Henry and Charles Executors of this my Last Will and Testament revoking and disanulling all other wills here before by me made. IN WITNESS to hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of December 1780. Signed sealed published and her declared to be my Last Will and Testament. Elizabeth X Carter (seal) mark In presence of: James Apperson Henry Pendleton James Wilson Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1032-1033 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Charles Carter, et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1791)(partial) RE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH CARTER DECEASED KNOW all men by these presents that we Charles Carter, David Sullivan and John Pierce are held and firmly bound unto Edward Herndon, Thomas S....n (marked over), William Manard and Francis Thornton Junior, gentlemen Justices of the Court of Spotsylvania now sitting, in the sum of fifteen hundred pounds, the payment of which will and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors we bind ourselves our and each of our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 4th day of January 1791. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Charles Carter, Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Carter deceased do make and cause to be made.........(end of page) Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 1033 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Note: This portion of the document appeared at the end of Elizabeth Carter's will. It was continued on the next page which I did not copy. It (the portion of the obligation bond) is included here in the event it may give some small information to those researching the Carter name. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: James Haydon, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1788) IN THE NAME of God amen, I James Haydon of the County of Spotsylvania being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner following: Imprimis: I do hereby direct that my funeral expences and just debts be fully paid and satisfied and the letter to enable my Executors (hereafter named) to comply with the same. I do hereby impower them to sell the tract or parcel of land whereon I now live which is supposed to contain one hundred & thirty acres including about thirty acres, part of the tract of land which my father Thomas Haydon, deceased, purchased of William Fitzhugh Esquire adjoining the lands of Mr. Galloway, Jesse Haydon & James Marye, and if it should so happen that the land above mentioned should sell for more than is sufficient for the payments of my debts, it is my desire that the ballance of the money should be given to my son James Haydon, if then alive, or to his lawful representatives. Item: I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Mary Haydon during her natural life all that tract or parcel of land which I hold by lease of Alexander Spotswood Esquire in the County of Spotsylvania containing one hundred acres, also five negroes to wit: Peter, Jude, Phillis, Lucy, & Billy, also all my household & kitchen furniture, stocks of what ever kind soever except what I shall hereafter give to my children and name particularly and at the death of my wife Mary Haydon I give & bequeath to my son Abner Haydon the negro boy Billy to him & his heirs forever. It is also my desire that at her death and I do hereby direct and order that the slaves Peter, Jude, Phillis and Lucy & also the lease or lot of land within mentioned together with what stock and furniture is found remaining, shall be sold and the money arising from such sale to be equally divided amongst my children thus named, James Haydon, Jesse Haydon, Abner Haydon, Ann Hawkins and Patty Haydon to them & their heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my son James Haydon one negro man named Charles, one bed & furniture, one horse, two cows & calves and one gun to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give & bequeath to my son Jesse Haydon one negro boy named Dick, one horse, two cows and calves, one bed & furniture & one gun to him & his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my son Abner Haydon one bed & furniture, two cows and calves and one horse of about seven or eight pounds price to be purchased for him by my Executor to him & his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Hawkins one negro girl named Jude and her increase to her & her heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Patty Haydon one negro boy named Prince, one bed & furniture, two cows & calves and one horse to her and her heirs forever; the horse to be purchased by my Executors at about seven or eight pound price. And lastly, I do hereby approint my brother Jesse Haydon, my son James Haydon & my friend James Lewis Executors of this my Last Will & Testament in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fourteenth day of September 1788. mark James X Haydon (seal) Sealed & published in presence of: William X Burbridge Easter Ficklin Thomas Haydon Jesse Haydon Junior Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1093-1094 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: Ann Gatewood, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1791) IN THE NAME of God amen, I Ann Gatewood, the wife of Henry Gatewood, of Spotsylvania County by virtue of a certain contract entered into with the said Henry Gatewood before marriage, do make this my Last Will and Testament in the manner following, that is to say: I lend unto my beloved husband Henry Gatewood during his natural life all my estate of every kind whatsoever. Item: After the death of my said husband, I lend unto my brother James Cuttender Webb, & to his wife Elizabeth during their natural lives one negro woman named Easther and the youngest child of the said Easther, at the diversion, and after my said brother & wife deaths to be equally divided amongst his children except Benjamin. Item: I give unto my kinsman Benjamin Webb, son of James Webb, one negro boy named Minor to him and his heirs forever. Item: I give to my kinswoman Mildred Delany the sum of five pounds to her and her heirs forever. Item: I give to Ann the daughter of Richard Cr. Webb, Ann the daughter of John Cr.Webb, Frances the daughter of William Webb, Sarah Groome the daughter of William Groome, all my wearing apparrel to be equally divided between the above women. Item: All the rest of my estate if not herein mentioned together with my negroes viz: Lucy, Amey, Peter, Fanny, Cate, Betty, Suzy, & Gabriel and all the said Lucy and Easters future increase except the youngest of Easters children at the division, also my bead & saddle, two feather beds & furniture, three chests, pewter carthen ware, iron pots, oven, spinning wheel, loom & all my household furniture I desire be sold, also all sum of money due me be collected & the money arising by such sale or collection be divided into four equal parts; one fourth to my brother William Webb, a fourth to my brother Richard Webb and one fourth to Susannah Randolph, the fourth remaining to be equally divided between Ann and Benjamin the daughter and son of John Webb to them and their heirs forever. Respectively and lastly I do appoint my brother Richard Webb & Mr. Edward Herndon Senior Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other will or wills heretofore made by me. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of May 1791. Ann Gatewood (seal) Sealed & published in presence of: John Pierce James F. Pierce Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 1148 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Wills: William Robinson, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1792) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen I William Robinson of the County of Spotsylvania being of perfect mind and memory and calling to mind the shortness of this transitory life & that it is ordained for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in maner and form following. First and principally I recommend my soul to almighty God who gave it to me and my body to the earth to be decently buried in a christianlike manner and as to what worldly estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath as followeth: Item: I lend unto my beloved wife Agness Robinson four negroes, viz: old Harry, Kib, Roass and Agness during her natural life but my will and desire is that after her death that Kit and Agness, with her increase go to my duaghter Agness Robinson and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten. Item: I give unto my son Frances Robinson one negro named John to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Item: I give unto my son Samuel Robinson one negro commonly called and known by the name of Little Harry to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Item: I give unto my daughter Lucy Nelson one negro named Jean with her increase to her and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten, Item: I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Nelson one negro named Willy with her increase to her and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten. Item: I give unto my beloved wife Agness Robinson all the rest of my estate both real and personal during her natural life, after paying my just debts and further it is my will and desire that after her death it be equally divided amongst my children hereafter mentioned, viz: Benjamin, Frances, Samuel and Ageness Robinson or such of them as shall be then living, and further it is my will and desire that they have their parts as they marry or come of age and it is my desire that they all leave a proportionable part toward paying my debts. Item: It is my will and desire that if any of my said children should die without lawfull heirs or before they arrive to the age of twenty one, that their parts be equally divided among such of them as shall be then living. Item: I do hereby ordain and appoint Beverley Winslow and my son Benjamin Robinson hole and sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Wills by me heretofore made and do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this eighth day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety two. William Robinson (seal) Test Benjamin Stevens Uriah Proctor his Thomas X Adams mark Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1168-1169 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: John Howerton, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1791) IN THE NAME OF GOD, amen I John Howerton of the County of Spotsylvania being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory, thanks be to God for the same, and knowing the uncertainty of this earthly life do make and declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, viz: Revoking and making void all Will or Wills by me formerly made. First, I recommend my soul to almighty God in whom and by the merits of Jesus Christ I trust and believe to be saved and my body to be buried in such decent and christian like manner as my Executors hereafter named may think fit and as for my temperal estate and whatever else God hath been pleased to bestow upon me I give and bequeath as follows: Imprimis: I give and bequeath to my gran daughter Frances Car sixty acres of land be the same, more or less, beginning at a corner black oak in William Gaineses line on his spring branch thence down the said branch to the fork thence to Cager Coxes line thence along Coxes line to Lewises Pineres line thence along Pineres line to Jacob Wades line thence along Wadeses line to Graneces line thence along Graneces line to the beginning, likewise all my household stuff and also one cow and calf. his John X Howerton David Partlow mark Samuel Partlow Samuel Partlow Jr. April the 27th 1791 Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 1171 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: John Blaydes, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1793) CIN THE NAME OF GOD amen, I John Blaydes of the County of Spotsylvania being sick and weak of body but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following. My will and desire is that out of my estate all my just debts shall first be paid. Item 1st: I lend to my well beloved wife Clary Blaydes during her widowhood all my estate both real and personal (except the debts due me) for the pourpose of maintaining schooling and upbringing my children in case my said wife should again intermarry. I then lend her one fourth part of my said estate during her natural life, except as before excepted, which after her decease I leave to be equally devided amongst all of my children then surviving or their legal representatives to their heirs forever. Item 2nd: My will and desire is that in case my said wife should again intermarry that then the three fourths of my estate not lent her in that case should be equally divided amongst my chidren: Sally Wather, Stephen & Elizabeth Blaydes and their legal representatives and my will and desire is that if either of the aforenamed children die before they come of lawful age or marry, that their part or proportion of my said estate shall then be equally devided among the surviving ones & their heirs forever. Item 3rd: In case my said wife should not again marry, my will and desire is that after her decease all my estate real and personal be equally devided amongst all my said children or their legal representatives & their heirs forever. Item 4th: Whereas there is debts to a considerable amount due me which debts when called I leave to be put to interest by my Executors hereafter named and the interest arising therefrom, I leave to be applied to the support of my wife during her widowhood and schooling and upbringing my children, and at the death or inter- marriage of my said wife I then leave the principal to be equally devided amongst my said children, or their legal representatives & their heirs forever. Item 5th: I constitute and appoint my friends Philip B. Johnson and Spencer Coleman my Executors to this my Last Will and Testament. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto caused my hand and seal to be affixed this third day of March one thousand seven hundred and ninety three. John Blaydes (seal) Signed sealed & acknowledged in presence of: George Tyler William Gehee Jr J. T. Ceamants Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1281-1282 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. ontributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Will: William Bridges, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1792) IN THE NAME OF GOD amen, I William Bridges being sick & weak but of sound mind and knowing the uncertainty of this life do make my Last Will and Testament in the following manner: First, I recommend my soul to almighty God hoping for salvation through the merits of my blessed saviour & redeemer Jesus Christ, & as to what worldly estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath as follows: First, I lend to my beloved wife Amey during her natural life all my estate both real and personal, and in case it should be necessary for her support and maintenance she is hereby fully impowered to sell any part of the said estate & to convey the absolute title to the same to the purchaser or purchasers. Item: After the death of my said wife I give my grey horse to my son Thomas Bridges his heirs & assigns. Item: I give after the death of my wife my bay mare to my daughter Mary Bridges her heirs and assigns forever, but it is my desire that my daughter Ann should have the first colt the said mare brings. Item: After the death of said wife I give my daughters Mary & Ann each one feather bed and furniture. Item: After the death of my wife whatever part of my estate shall remain exclusive of particulars, I give to be equally devided among all my children then living or the issue of such that may be dead. Lastly, I appoint my sons Mathew & Thomas & my son-in-law William Vigor Executors of this my Last Will & Testament. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 8th day of November 1792. his Signed sealed & published William Wm Bridges (seal) in presents of us: mark Joseph Brock D. Simpsom Jean Simpson Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1332-1333 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Mathew Bridges, et al, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1794) RE ESTATE OF WILLIAM BRIDGES, DECEASED KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that we Mathew Bridges, William Vigor, Joseph Fox & Daniel Simpson are held and firmly bound to Edward Herndon, Robert Hart, Jonathan Clark, Thomas Minor and William Winslow, gentlemen Justices of the Court of Spotsylvania County now sitting, in the sum of five hundred pounds to the payment whereof, well and truly to be made to the said Justices & their successors, we bind ourselves and each of us our and each of our heirs Executors and Administrators, jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 4th day of February Anno. Dom. one thousand seven hundred and ninety four and in the 18th year of the Commonwealth. THE CONDITION of this obligation is such that if the above bound Mathew Bridges and William Vigor Executors of the Last Will & Testament of William Bridges deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Executors or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for them and the same so made do exhibit in the County Court of Spotsylvania at such time as they shall be thereunto required by the said Court and the same goods, chattles and credits and all other the goods chattles of the deceased which at any time after shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of the said Executors or into the hands possession of any other person or persons for them do well and truly administer according to law and further do make a just and true account of their actings and doings therein when thereto required by the said Court and also shall well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies contained and specified in the said Testament as far as the said goods chattles and credits will thereunto extend & the law shall charge then this obligation to be void and of none effect or else to remain in full force & virtue. Sealed & delivered Mathew Bridges (seal) in the presence of William Vigor (seal) Joseph Fox (seal) D. Simpson (seal) Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1345-1346 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Estate: Capt.John Brock, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1794) THE ESTATE OF CAPT. JOHN BROCK To balance when you died £ 46.19.4 To a coffin & sheet 2.04.1/2 To paid Mr. Edward Moor by sale of plicbe? in your life 40.00.0 To 3 gallons run and 2 bottles wine for your funeral 1.04.0 To 1 bushell salt 3/ paid the printer 5/ 1.08.0 To making 3 pair shoes finding thread & nails .05.6 To 3 qts rum for the sale .04.6 To said Mr. Edward Moor for int. 2.10.0 To Mr. Minor for fees 1.10.0 To cash paid Mr. Edward Moor 39.16.0 To officers fees 90 barrels tobacco .11.3 To ditto 40 .05.7 _________ £137.09.2-1/2 To balance due Joseph Brock 70.13.2-1/2 Cr Contra By sales of your estate 63.16.6 By cash of Mr. William Stauard 1.04.0 By cash of Richard Estes 1.10.0 By balance due Joseph Brock 70.13.2 _________ £ 137.13.2-1/2 Pursuant to the order annexed bearing date August 1793 we the subscribers have this day examined the account and vouchers of Col. Joseph Brock, Administrator of John Brock, deceased and find a balance due the said Joseph Brock amounting to seventy pounds thirteen shillings & 2-1/2 pence under our hands this 30 day of June 1794. James Lewis (seal) Edward Herndon (seal) Edward Herndon Jr (seal) John M. Herndon (seal) In presence of: Beverly Chew Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, pages 1389-1390 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Numbers may not add correctly due to my inability to decipher some of the writing. It is noticed that the heading refers to Capt. John Brock and just prior to signatures he is referred to as Col. Joseph Brock. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 1392 Court Records: Joseph Brock, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1794) RE APPOINTMENT & DUTIES OF SHERIFF KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that we Joseph Brock, Edward Herndon, Edward Herndon Jr and John M. Herndon are held & firmly bound unto Henry See, Esq. Governor or Chief Majistrate of this Commonwealth for the time being & his successors in the sum of three thousand dollars to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our & each of our heirs Executors & Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals & dated the 2nd day of September 1794. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such that wehreas the above bound Joseph Brock is constituted and appointed Sheriff of the County of Spotsylvania by Commission from the Governor under the seal of the Commonwealth dated the 10th day of July last past. If therefore the said Joseph Bock shall well and truly collect & receive all officers fees & dues put into hands to collect & duly account for any pay the same to the officers to whom such fees are due respectively at such times as are prescribed & semitted by law & shall well and truly execute and due return make of all process & precepts to him directed & pay & satisfy all sums of money & tobacco by him received by nature of any such process to the person or persons to whom the same are due his or their Executors Administrators or assigns & in all other things shall truly & faithfully execute & perform the said Office of Sheriff during the time of his continuance therein, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Joseph Brock (seal) Sealed and delivered Edward Herndon (seal) in presence of: Edward Herndon Jr (seal) John M. Herndon (seal) Bev Chew Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 1392 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net Page 1390-1391 Court Records: Joseph Brock, Spotsylvania Co, VA (1794) RE APPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH BROCK TO OFFICE OF SHERIFF KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that we Joseph Brock, Edward Herndon, Edward Herndon Jr & John M. Herndon are held and firmly bound unto Henry See Esq. Governor or Chief Majistrate of this Commonwealth for the time being and his successors in the sum of three thousand dollars to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our and each of us our & each of our heirs Executors & Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals & dated this 2nd day of September 1794. THIS CONDITION of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Joseph Brock is constituted and appointed Sheriff of the County of Spotsylvania by a Commission from the Governor under the seal of the Commonwealth dated the 10th day of July last past, if therefor said Joseph Brock shall well and truly collect all levies and account for and pay the same in such manner as is by law directed and also all fines, forfeitures & amercements? accruing or becoming due to the Commonwealth in the said County & shall duly or account for & pay the same to the Treasurer of this Commonwealth for the time being for the use of the Commonwealth in like manner as is or shall be directed in case of public taxes and shall in all other things truly & faithfully execute the said office of Sheriff during his continuance therein then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Joseph Brock (seal) Edward Herndon (seal) Edward Herndon Jr (seal) John M. Herndon (seal) Sealed and delivered in presence of: Bev Chew Source: Library of Virginia, Wills Book E, 1772-1798, Spotsylvania County, VA, Reel 28, page 1390-1391 Note: Spelling is as shown on original. Paragraphing added by transcriber for ease in reading. There are no paragraphs in the original. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Von Mings Stachon, vonstac@comcast.net