Sussex Co. Virginia, Last Will & Testament of Edward Harper
26 January 1765

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This file was contributed by:
Carolyn L. Harper Johnson
clhjohnson@aol.com
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EDWARD HARPER WILL
Sussex County, Virginia
Will Book B, Page 


In the name of God, Amen.  I, Edward Harper of the County of Sussex 
being sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory do make and 
ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, principally and 
first of all, I give and announce my Soul into the hands of Almighty 
God, and my body I recommend to the Earth, to be buried in a Christian 
form at the discretion of my executors, and as for such worldly goods 
as it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with in this life, after 
paying all my just debts, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the 
following manner and form.

First, I lend unto Ann my beloved wife my estate both real and 
personal, the whole thereof, the better to enable her to maintain and 
raise my children, provided there be sufficient care taken of the same, 
until my son, Wilkins Harper, arrives to the age of twenty years, and 
then it is my desire that there be an equal division made of the said 
estate, between my beloved wife and children, at the discretion of 
three persons whom they may chose.  But in case my executors find that 
there be not sufficient care taken of this my said estate, or the same 
be waisted before my said son, Wilkins comes to the above said age, 
then it is my desire that my said executors may make immediate 
complaint to the Court, and I also desire that the said Court may grant 
them an order to have the above said division whenever it is made 
appear that there be sufficient cause for such complaint.

Item.  I give and bequeath unto my son, Wilkins Harper (whenever the 
above said division is made) three hundred & twenty seven acres of land 
(in which his mother may hold her whole thirds of my said lands) the 
said land lying on both North and South side of Nappony Creek, to him 
and his heirs forever.

Item.  I give and bequeath unto William Harper, my younger son (at the 
above said division) one hundred and ninety acres of land lying on the 
east side Allen’s branch, to him and his heirs forever.

Proviso.  If in case both my sons should die without heir, then it is 
my will and pleasure that my beloved wife possess the whole of my 
estate, both real and personal, she and her heirs forever, excepting 
three negroes, viz, George, Cresey, and Ferrey, which I leave , in that 
case, to be equally divided among my three loving sisters.  And I do 
constitute & appoint my brother, William Harper, and my true and trusty 
friend, Thomas Rivers, executors of this my last will and testament.  
Also it is my desire that my estate be not appraised.  And I hereby do 
disannul all other wills bearing date before this.  In witness whereof 
I have here unto set my hand & seal this twenty sixth of January, 1765.
                                                                      
					 Edward Harper
Signed, sealed & acknowledge
in presence of
Tho. Uines, jun.
John Rivers
Thomas Hunt
Thomas Sanders