Will of Hannah Bell - 1768 - Sussex Co.VA

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Contributed by Russell L. Lawrence ruslaw@bellatlantic.net
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Will of Hannah Bell - 1768
(Will Book B, page 153, Sussex Co.VA.)

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN, I Hannah Bell of Sussex County being sick &
weak but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to almighty God. I do
make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form 
following (that is to say) first and chiefly I give my soul into the
hands of Almighty God that hath made it and my body I commend to the
Earth to be buried in a Christian burial nothing doubting but to 
receive the same again by the almighty power of God, as touching 
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I bestow in
manner and form following.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son, Benjamin Bell on proviso he comes
himself in person to receive him my Negro Man called Boron to him and
his heirs but in case that he the said Benjamin should die or not come
himself in person to receive him as aforesaid then my will is that the
property of the said Slave be vested & remain in my son James Bell &
his heirs forever.
ITEM. I give and bequeath unto my son James Bell my Negro Man called
Sam also my Negro Girl named Amy to him his heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Hannah Thompson six pounds 
that her Husband William Thompson owed me also five shillings sterling
to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Anderson my Negro Woman
named Patt to her and her heir and assigns forever.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Lewis Barham five shillings
sterling.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Silvanus Bell five shillings
sterling.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Zadock Bell five shillings
sterling.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Phebe Bell five 
shillings sterling.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my two Daughters Hanna and Mary all my
wearing cloaths to be equally divided between them.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Adams the Daughter of David 
Adams one bed and furniture to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM. My will is such that all the rest of my Estate both real and
personal be equally divided between my two sons and Daughter, namely,
Benjamin, James, and Mary Anderson, proviso that my said son Benjamin
should come himself in person to receive his part of the same; but in
case my said son Benjamin should die or not come himself in person to
receive the same, then it is my desire that the property of his part
be vested & remain in my son James Bell and his heirs forever.
LASTLY. My will is that my son James Bell shall be executor of this my
last Will and Testament rattafying and confirming this and no other to
to be my last Will and testament as Witness my hand & seal this twenty
fifth day of January One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty five.

Hannah(herXmark)Bell (Seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered
in presence of}
Charles Wood
Daniel Eppes
Tabbitha(herXmark)Wiggins
Agnes(herXmark)Manry


At a Court held for Sussex County the 17th day of March 1768.
The last will and testament of Hannah Bell deced. was presented into
Court by James Bell the Executor therein named who made oath thereto as
the law directs and the same was proved by the oaths of Daniel Eppes 
and Tabitha Wiggins two of the witnesses thereto and by the Court
ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said Executor 
certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste A. Claiborne CSC

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