Will of Michael Bailey - 1798 - Sussex Co.VA

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Will of Michael Bailey - 1798
(Will Book F, page 121, Sussex Co.VA.)

I, Michael Bailey of Sussex County do make this my last Will and
Testament as followeth,
I give to my Son Robert such balance as shall be due from him to me and
to M. Bailey & Co. at the time of my death.
I give to my Son James Cryer the land and plantation whereon I live 
with this exception that my fishing places shall be rented out for the
benefit of my Daughters as long as any of them shall remain single. I
also give my said Son James C. the following negroes Tom that I bought
of B. Loftin and his wife, Judah and child Franky and their increase
from this day to him and his heirs forever also two beds and furniture
four cows and calves ten sheep three sows and pigs one dozen best
walnut chairs my new desk and book case.
I give unto my Daughter Ann my negro woman Patt and her child Charlotte
with their increase from this day also two beds and furniture to her &
her heirs forever.
I give unto my Daughter Polly my negro woman Celia & her child Hannah
with their increase from this day also two beds and furniture to her
and heirs for ever.
I give unto my Daughter Elizabeth my negroes Tom (I purchased of 
Whitehead) my boy Billey to her and her heirs forever also two good 
beds and furniture.
I give my water grist mill and its appurtenances to my son James C.
Bailey and his heirs forever.
And whereas I have let my son James have one thousand pounds to put in
trade with the firm of Michael W. Bancock and Company of Petersburg
upon the following terms that he is not to pay any interest for the
money during the term of the partnership in consideration of his not
paying interest I am to have one half of the profits or gain that he
shall draw out of or from that partnership aforesaid, the principal
aforesaid is to be paid me or into my estate.
It is my will and desire that the remainder of my estate including the
above said one thousand pounds shall be equally divided between my four
following children James C., Ann, Polly & Elizabeth or their legal
representatives and having in my possession two negro men Charles &
Isham it is my will and desire that Charles shall enjoy his freedom and
that he have ten pounds cash given him p year as long as he is keep in
bondage by me that is from the date of this will till it takes effect
and gives him his freedom it is my will that Isham shall be obliged to
keep the mill and do Coopers work as long as my son James keeps the 
mill in his possession and repair but shall pay him ten dollars a year
for ten years for his services and then shall maintain him if unable to
labour or my son may emancipate him after my death if he thinks proper.
And having in my possession several negroes that I have heretofore 
emancipated in their non age it is my will and desire that they remain
and work on the plantation for the joint benefit of my last mentioned
four children untill they shall respectively arive of age.
It is my will and desire that my share of the profits arising from the
trade of M.W. Hancock & Co. as aforesaid which is one half of what may
be gained by my Son James in that concern may be equally divided
between my three Daughters and my Grandson Micajah (Son of Robert).
Lastly I appoint my son James C. Bailey & my friend Benjamin Wyche 
Exors.of this my last Will. Witness my hand this tenth day of May 1798.

Michl. Bailey


At a Court held for Sussex County the 4th day of October 1798.
A writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Michael 
Bailey deceased was exhibited into Court by Benjamin Wyche and James
C. Bailey the executors therein named there not being any subscribing
witnesses to the said writing but the Court being satisfied that the
whole of said will was written by the testator John Chappell Jr. &
Benja. W. Johnston being sworn deposed that they believe the whole of
said writing was written by said testator the Court do therefore admit
the same to record as the last will & testament of said Michl. Bailey
decd. on motion of said executors who made oath and gave bond and
security conditioned as the law directs Certificate is granted them for
obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste J.C. Bailey CSC

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