Will: Gerard Weston

Nuncupative Will of Gerard Weston
PWCo Will Book M, pg. 438

I do hereby certify that I was called on by Gerard Weston of the County of Prince William, & State of Virginia, in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan & County & State aforesaid on the 24th February 1826. To bear evidence after his death that all his personal property & all his effects of every discription & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Weston as his lasts will and testament. Given under my hand this 8th March 1826.

Philip Deakins

I do hereby certify that I was called on by Gerard Weston of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan and County & State aforesaid on the 4th March 1826. To bear evidence after his death that all his personal property and all effects of every discription & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Wiston as his last will & testament and the said Gerard Wiston died on the 5th March 1826. Given under my hand this 8th March 1826.

Joseph Anderson

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County this 7th day of August 1826. It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Elijah Wood & Sally Wood next of kin of Gerard Weston deceased has been duly summoned to appear here on the 1st day of this Court, persuant to an order of the last June term of this Court to Contest the nuncupative Will of the said Gerard Weston deceased and the said Will being proved by the oaths of Philip Deakins and Joseph Anderson witnesses thereto, according to law and the effect following that is to say that they were called on by the said Weston in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan & County & State aforesaid on the 4th March 1826, to bear evidence after his death that all his personal property & all effects of every discription, & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Weston as his last will & testament and the said Gerard Weston died on the 5th March 1826. The same is admitted to record.

Teste,   P. D. Dawe   Ct clr

Will: Moore Hooff (1825)

Will of Moore Hooff
PWCo Will Book M, pg. 506

In the Name God Amen I Moore Hooff of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being old but of sound mind and memory Bless God for the same calling to mind the Mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all Men once to die do Constitute and ordain this my last will and testament, that is first and principally of all I recommend my Soul into the Hands of Almity God and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, not doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of God. And as touching my Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this Life, I give and bequeath in the following Manner.

Viz: Two Feather Beds and Bedsteads, two sheets to each Bed, one cotton counterpane to each Bed, two blankets to each bed, also two yarn bed covers to each bed, likewise, two pillars and one Boulster to each Bed, also one Table and four chairs one pot and one oven six plates and a dish and half dozen knives and forks and also one cow which was my loving wife's Property before our marriage contract.

Second I give also to my loving Wife Nancy Hoff two choice horses and one side saddle three choice cows and also half my stock of sheep and hogs, half of my household and kitchen furniture except two beds and furniture and also the half of my crop that is made growing, and to have full and peaceable possession of my house kitchen and garden and a reasonable supply of firewood until she can get her full part of the Property I have given her.

Thirdly I give to my daughter Pamelia three Negroes namely Eliza, Lucy-Anne, and Harrison, one choice bed and bedstead two sheets and two blankets one cotton counterpane one quiilt and two yarn bedcovers two pillars and one boulster one tea kettle one table one cupboard one bureau and twenty five dollars in cash as soon as it can be raised out of the sale of my Property.

And fourthly, all my lands and the balance of my property that I have not will'd to be sold and equally divided after my just debts are paid with this exception I give my daughter Frances Cornwell one hundred dollars more than her equal part of the sale of my Property, and my son Cornelius Hoff fifty dollars more than the equal part of the sale of said property and my desire is that my old Woman Winney should be given this indulgence by my Executors to let her live with any part of my family she choses or chose a master.  Lastly I do hereby constitute and ordain my son Thomas Hoff and M. James Fewell Executors of this my last will and Testament.   In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 24th of May 1825.

Moore Hoff's {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of
George Bradfield
Orpha [X her mark] Bradfield

At a Court held for Prince William County December 3rd 1827.

This last will and testament of Moore Hooff deceased was returned to the Court and being proved by the oaths of the Witnesses thereto the same is ordered to be recorded.

Teste,
Philip D. Dawe  Ct Cur.

Will: John Pilcher (1826)

JOHN PILCHER Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 351

26 Feb 1825; proved 02 Jan 1826

In the name of God Amen be it remembered that I JOHN PILCHER of the County of Prince William & Commonwealth of Virginia being weak of body but sound mind and memory do publish this writing as my last will and testament, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give, devise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, after my just debts and funeral expenses are paid, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife MARY PILCHER all my estate of every kind and sort with which I may be possessed at my decease consisting of one mare and colt, one cow and yearling and one steer and nine head of hogs, and also all my household and kitchen furniture and all my plantation utensils of every kind and sort, to be possessed and enjoyed by my wife MARY PILCHER for and during her natural life, and at her death, I give and bequeath to my nephew JESSE PATTERSON JUNR. all the above mentioned property as so much thereof as may be remaining at my sd. Wife MARY PILCHER’s decease after her funeral expenses are paid to him the sd. JESSE PATTERSON JUNR. and his heirs forever.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 26^th day of February in the year of our lord 1825.

JOHN PILCHER

Signed sealed and published by the sd. JOHN PILCHER as his last will and testament in presence of teste,

WANTSFORD EVANS, CARLES SHAW, JAMES D. BAUGHANSON

At a Court held for Prince William County Jany 2d 1826, this last will and testament of JOHN PILCHER decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of WANTSFORD EVANS & C. L. SHAW is admitted to record.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Will: Thomas Mahony (1823)

THOMAS MAHONY Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 106

26 Oct 1822; proved 01 Dec 1823

In the name of God Amen I THOMAS MAHONY being of sound and disposing mind to make this my last will and testament.  I desire at my death that I may be decently intered and that the expences arising shall be paid by W. R. CHAPMAN in whose hands my pension money is kept.  I also desire that the said Chapman shall after my death pay unto my son JACK a SLAVEin the possession of Mrs. SARAH WEEDON all monies that may be at that time in his hands arising from my pension or in any other way.  I also desire that my said son JACK shall have all my wearing apparrel & such other goods and chattels that I may be in possession of at that time given under my hand and seal this 26^th day of October 1822.

THOS. MAHONY

Teste,

W. R. CHAPMAN, W. HARRISON

At a Court held for Prince William County December 1^st 1823.  This last will and testament of THOS. MAHONY decd. was presented to the court and being proved by the oath of Wm. R. Chapman one of the witnesses thereto ordered to be recorded.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Will: Susannah Fowles (1824)

SUSANNAH FOWLES Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 211

26 Mar 1821; proved 02 Nov 1824

In the name of God Amen Be it known unto all it may concern that I SUSANNAH FOWLS of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia feeling infirm in bodie and knowing that god has appointed a time for all human flesh to depart this life and feeling and knowing that I am at this time in my proper mind and perfect sences I make this my last will and testament.  Be it known for the natural good I bair for JOSEPH BOBO and for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by the said BOBO the receipt hereof is hereby acknowledged together with many years services.  For which I give and bequeath unto the said JOSEPH BOBO of the County of first above written one full half of all my personal property to the proper use & behoof of said BOBO and to his heirs and assigns forever.  Also I give grant and bequeath unto my daughter MARY CONNER one full half of all my personal property of every discription to have and to hold unto the said MARY CONNER her heirs and assigns forever.  And I the said SUSANNAH FOWLES do hereby agree and oblige myself to disannul all wills that have ever bin made by me before this date and considering them voide and of none effect.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands & seal this twenty sixth day of March in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

SUSANNAY FOWLES

Signed sealed in the presence of us

THOS. B. ANNISS

JAMES ADAMS

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions and held for the County of Prince William November the 2^nd 1824.  This last will and testament of SUSANNAH FOWLES decd. was presented to the court and the same being proved by the oaths of the Witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Will: Jane Keough (1823)

JANE KEOUGH Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 107

13 Jan 1821; proved 01 Dec 1823

In the name of God Amen I JANE KEOUGH of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in maner and form as follows.  First, I give and bequeath unto my son MATHEW KEOUGH and to his heirs forever the land I now live on which said land I purchased from Baylis Renoe for one hundred and forty acres be the same more or less and the further sum of four hundred dollars which said legacy is on account of money he has furnished me.  Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my seven children namely MATHEW KEOUGH, PATRICK KEOUGH, JOHN KEOUGH, WILLIAM KEOUGH, CHARLES KEOUGH, HARRIET KEOUGH and MARGARET KEOUGH all the residue of my property to be equally divided between them with this proviso that my son WILLIAM KEOUGH shall not dispose of any part of his property without the consent of my Executor & Executrix.  Thirdly, in case my son MATHEW KEOUGH should depart this life before myself the property I have bequeathed him I bequeath unto my two daughters HARRIET KEOUGH and MARGARET KEOUGH to them and their heirs forever.  Fourthly and lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son MATHEW KEOUGH and daughter HARRIET KEOUGH Executor and Executrix of this my last will and testament revoking all others heretofore by me made in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this 13^th day of January eighteen hundred and twenty one.

JANE KEOUGH

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of

SIMON LUTTRELL, THOMAS COCKE

At a Court held for Prince William County December 1^st 1823.  This last will and testament of JANE KEOUGH decd. was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Will: George Williams (1827)

GEORGE WILLIAMS Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 494

04 Oct 1825; proved 07 May 1827

In the name of God Amen I GEORGE WILLIAMS of the Town of Dumfries County of Prince William & State of Virginia knowing it is appointed for all men to die I do ordain this my last will and testament.  My desire is that my Executor hereafter mentioned do sell any part of my Estate that he may think most advantageous to the estate to pay all my just debts which I hop will be found few in number. 2^nd. That he pays out of my estate forty eight dollars annually to my sister JANE during her life.  3^rd I give to my wife CATHARINE all the balances of my estate real & personal during her life and after her death for my lands to be divided in the following manner to my son JOHN three hundred and fifty acres adjoining the land of Maj. Luke Cannon.  4^th Balances which I suppose to be one hundred & fifty acres I give to my grand son JESSE WILLIAMS, his father WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS to have the use of the same during his life but not to be allowed to commit, waste & timber to the injury of my grandson while under age.  5th I give to my two daughters FLORES & LOUISA my house & lott in the town of Dumfries as I suppose it sufficiently large for both jointly or divided into two aportionentz.  6^th I give to my grand son JAMES A. M. MUSCHETT one negro boy named Philip and to my grandson JESSE WILLIAMS one negro boy named Nat & one negro girl named Delia. 7^th I give to my JOHN one negro man named John a carpenter by trade.  8th The balance of my slaves to be equally divided between my four children my son WILLIAM only to have the use of the one fourth part that may fall to his lott during his life afterwards to be divided between his children.  9^th and lastly appoint my son John W. Williams my Executor no inventory or appraisement of my estate to be taken nor any security to be required of him as my Executor as witness my hand this fourth day of October 1825.

GEO. WILLIAMS

At a Court held for Prince William County the 7^th day of May 1827.  This last will and testament of George Williams deceased was presented to the Court and it appearing to the Court from their inspection and evidence of their witnesses that the same will is in the hand writing of the said George Williams said will is admitted to record.  And at a Court of Quarterly Sessions, continued and held for Prince William County Jun 6^th 1827. John W. Williams the Executor named in the last will and testament of Geo. Williams decd. came into Court and made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and entered into bond Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form the Court dispensing with security according to the desire of the Testator it appearing that he had more visible property than would discharge his debts.

Teste, Philip D. Dawe

Will: William J. Newman (1824)

WILLIAM J. NEWMAN Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 190

18 Jul 1824; proved 06 Sep 1824

In the name of God Amen I WILLIAM J. NEWMAN being diseased of body but of sound mind do make this my last will and testament in manner following to wit. First I resign my soul to the almighty giver of it.  Secondly It is my desire after all my just debts are paid, that whatever property may be left, shall be kept together for the mutual support of my wife and son, which I bequeath to them in equal proportions but to remain in the possession of my wife MARY NEWMAN until her marriage or the arrival of my son to the age of twenty-one at either of which periods I desire it may be equally divided, Thirdly I bequeath to my wife & son all my land in Prince William County to be equally divided, whenever they may think proper not to remain together or upon her second marriage, but upon the death of either of them before marriage, it is my desire that the other should have the whole of the lands as will also the personal property being interested in a tract of land in the western County in equal proportion with my brothers and sisters, I bequeath my said proportion to my son.  Lastly I leave my wife MARY NEWMAN whole & sole executrix of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 18^th day of June 1824.

WILLIAM J. NEWMAN

Witness

CHRISTOPHER C. CUSHING, THOMAS I. NEWMAN, THOMAS E. NEWMAN, MORTIMER J. NEWMAN

At a Court held for Prince William County September 6, 1824.  This last will and testament of WILLIAM J. NEWMAN decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of CHRISTOPHER C. CUSHING and THOMAS J. NEWMAN, is admitted to record and MARY NEWMAN the Executrix therein named came into court and made oath to the same according to law, and having taken the oath of an Executrix and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHILIP D. DAWE

Will: James Tant (1824)

JAMES TANT Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 116

28 Sep 1823; 05 Jan 1824

In the name of God Amen I JAMES TANT of the Village of Occoquan County of Prince William & State of Virginia, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  That is to say, First, it is my will and desire as soon after my death as practicable that all my property be sold to the highest bidder on a credit of six months.  Secondly that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.  Thirdly that the following distribution be made of the residue of my estate.  First, to my brother JOHN TANT I give and bequeath one full half of all my estate independently of my wearing apparel which I wish to be given to him entire.  Secondly, out of the other half, I wish Mrs. PORTERS CLARY to have the sum of ten dollars, and Mr. ENOCH WARD to have the sum of five dollars, and THOMAS L. SELECMAN to have the sum of five dollars (to be paid to his father for his use).  Thirdly, I will and desire that the residue shall be equally divided between my son JOHN TANT belonging to Mr. DENNIS JOHNSTON and my daughter LUCY TANT, belonging to Mr. PHILIP PRITCHARD.  Fourthly, I desire that Mr. MICHAEL CLEARY, Mr. JAMES RUSSELL and ADDISON H. CLARKE, act jointly as my executors to carry this my last will and testament into effect hereby revoking all former wills by me made.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28^th day of September in the year of our lord eighteen hundred and twenty three.

JAMES TANT

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named James Tant to be his last will and testament in the presence of

PHILIP DEAKINS, ZEBULON KANKEY, JOSEPH ANDERSON

At a Court held for Prince William County January 5^th 1824.  This last will and testament of JAMES TANT decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of ZEBULON KANKEY and JOSEPH ANDERSON is admitted to record and at a court held for Prince William County February 2d 1824. ADDISON H. CLARKE one of the Executors named in the last will and testament of JAMES TANT decd. came into court and made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Will: Nancy Johnson (1823)

NANCY JOHNSON Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 105

08 Oct 1823; proved 03 Nov 1823

In the name of God Amen I NANCY JOHNSON of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia, being sick & weak of body but of sound mind and memory thanks be unto God & calling to mind that it is appointed for all mankind once to die do make & ordain this as my last will & testament.  I.E.  I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it hoping at the last general resurrection to receive the same again.  My body I give unto the dust to be buried in decent christian burial at the kind disposal of my friends.  The little goods which it has pleased providence in his mercies to bless my honest endeavors with I bequeath to my grand daughter JANE WEBSTER, daughter of JNO. WEBSTER & CHLOE my daughter his wife vi z one feather bed & bedding belonging thereto stead & three head of cattle & then increase four head of hogs & then increase with the remains of my household & kitchen furniture, farming utensils loom & gears & with all and singular my goods & chattles which I now or may in any wise belong to me at my decease the necessary burial & expenses excepted & I do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament revoking all others given under my hand & seal this eight day of October eighteen hundred and twenty three.

NANCY JOHNSON

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of

WM. P. DUNNINGTON, MOLLY JOHNSON

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County November 3d 1823.

This last will and testament of NANCY JOHNSON decd. was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

Teste,  P. D. DAWE

Will: Rebecca Bell (1823)

REBECCA BELL Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 2

10 Aug 1822; proved 03 Mar 1823

In the name of God Amen I REBECCA BELL of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say I commit my soul to Almighty God trusting that through the redeeming grace of the Savior he will forgive my sins, I request that my body should be decently interred for defraying the expenses of which I wish two bull yearlings to be sold.  The balance of my property I give and bequeath in the following manner, Viz; to my grandson THOMAS GUY, his heirs or assigns one large brindle cow, one hog and one ewe.  To my granddaughter NANCY one bed and furniture one cow of a brindle & white color and one ewe, to my granddaughter ELIZABETH one bed and furniture and one heifer it is further my wish that if either of my grand daughters should die without issue what property I have left her shall belong to the other, it is further my wish that the following articles shall be sold, one iron pot and stew pan one tea kettle eight spoons, one washing tub and bread tray and the proceeds equally divided between the three children above named and as it was my wish that the sheep should be equally divided among the three I wish my Executor to value the two sheep and the one third of the value to be paid by THOMAS and NANCY to ELIZABETH for carrying the above will into execution.  I hereby constitute Majr. JOSEPH R. GILBERT my Executor as witness my hand and seal this tenth day of August 1822.

REBECCA BELL

Signed and sealed in the presence of

JAMES THOMPSON, WILLIAIM GRIFFID, PERRY GRIFFID

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County  Marcy 3^rd 1823 this last will and testament of REBECCA BELL decd was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of JAMES THOMPSON and PERCY GRIFFID is admitted to record.

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions continued & held for Prince William County March 4^th 1823.  JOSEPH R. GILBERT the Executor named in the last will and testament of REBECCA BELL decd came into court and made oat to the same and took the oath of an Exor. according to law and having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining probate thereof in due form.

Teste,  P. D. DAWE

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: Thomas Green (1825)

THOMAS GREEN Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 229

08 Nov 1824; proved 03 Jan 1825

In the name of God Amen I THOMAS GREEN being sick of body but of perfect mind and memory and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make ordain constitute & appoint this my last will and testament and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God & my body to the earth to be buried in decent burial & as touching my earthly goods, I dispose of in the following manner.  In the first place I give and bequeath to my beloved son THOMPSON GREEN negroes DICK, NAT & SANDY.  In the second place my will & desire is that Mr. NATHAN HAISLIP whom I appoint as my Executor shall retain in his hands of my estate so much as shall be a sufficient support for my daughter BETSY GREEN during her life and then to return to my son & daughter THOMPSON & POLLY GREEN and lastly I give and bequeath to my son THOMPSON GREEN & my daughter POLLY GREEN the whole of the residue of property of every discription both real & personal to be equally divided between them.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 8^th November 1824.

THOS. GREEN

Attest,

WILLIAM THORNBERRY, WILLIAM P. DUNNINGTON, PHILIP WARDER

At a Court held for Prince William County January 3d 1825.

This last will and testament of THOMAS GREEN decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oath of WILLIAM P. DUNNINGTON is ordered to be certified and at a court held for said County February the 7^th 1825.  This last will and testament of THOMAS GREEN decd. was fully proved by the oath of WILLIAM THORNBERRY & admitted to record.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: George Huber (1826)

GEORGE HUBER Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 392

21 Mar 1826; proved 01 May 1826

I GEORGE F. HUBER of the Town of Dumfries County of Prince William and State of Virginia do make and constitute this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made previous to this date.  Item, 1^st it is my will that all debts by me owing should be first paid.  Item 2^nd I will and bequeath to my wife VERLINDA HUBER all the real or landed property with its appurtenances (with the exceptions hereinafter mentioned) to which I have a title or interest during her natural life.  Item the third I give and bequeath to my nephew JOHN STANGLE and his heirs forever the house and lott in which he now lives known by the name of the Bake house lott.  Item 4^th the land which I have by Item the second disposed of to my wife during her life it is my will that after her death it shall belong every part and parcel thereof to my nephew JOHN STANGLE and his heirs forever.  Item fifth I bequeath my gold watch to my wife VERLINDA during her life and after her death to ANN ELIZA STANGLE forever.  Item sixth I will and bequeath to my wife VERLINDA HUBER all my slaves during her life, and after her death I will to ANN ELIZA STANGLE negro girl Eliza and her increase, if any forever.  Item 7^th after the death of my wife I will the slaves and their increase heretofore bequeathed to my wife to JOHN STANGLE forever.  Item the 8^th I will that all the rest of my personal property not herein before specifically bequeathed be sold and the proceeds thereof applied to the payment of my debts.  And if there should be a balance remaining after my debts are paid I bequeath it to my wife.  Item the ninth I leave my tanyard and everything belonging thereto to my Executors hereinafter named to be by them or such of them as may qualify sold and the proceeds of the sale to be applied to the payment of my debts.  It is my will that the proceeds of the sale of my tan yard be first applied to the payment of my debts, and that the proceeds of the sale of my perishable property bequeathed to be sold be not applied in that way unless the money arising from the sale of the tanyard should be inadequate to the discharge of my debts.  Lastly I constitute and appoint Barnaby Cannon and James B. E. Thornton executors to this my last will and testament.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the twenty first day of March one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.  I also appoint Wm. R. Chapman one of my executors.

GEORGE F. HUBER

Signed sealed and acknowledged in the presence of

JOHN MERCHANT, WM. E. WILLIAMS, ROBERT ALEXANDER, DAVIS DUTY

At a Court held for Prince William County the 1^st day of May 1826.  This last will and testament of George F. Huber decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of John Merchant, Wm. E. Williams, & Davis Duty, witnesses thereto, is ordered to be recorded.

Will: Benjamin Dawson (1827)

BENJAMIN DAWSON Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 479

01 Dec 1825; proved 05 Feb 1827

I BENJAMIN DAWSON of Prince William County and State of Virginia being of sound mind do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others heretofore made.  Item 1^st It is my will and desire that the debts due from me to George Chapman, Thomas Foster & Henry M. Lewis they being the principal debts shall first be paid and all other just debts.  Item 2^nd. I give and bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN DAWSON in trust for the use and benefit of my daughter NANCY DAWSON a negro girl named Mary during her life and at her death I give Mary and her increase to my son BENJAMIN DAWSON and his heirs upon condition that he takes care of his sister Nancy.  In no event is Mary to be taken from my daughter Nancy.  She is not to be estimated in the widows dower nor subject to my debts unless my other property should prove insufficient.  Item 3 It is my will and desire that after all my just debts are paid that my wife LINDSAY DAWSON shall have on third of my property during her life and at her death it is to descend to my two children by her namely GEORGE CHAPMAN DAWSON and SUSANNA FOSTER DAWSON.  Item 4. In consideration of the services rendered me by my son Benjamin Dawson, I give and bequeath unto him and his heirs a negro boy named Daniel.  Item 5^th It is my will and desire that the remaining part of my property after allotting the above legacies shall be sol and the proceeds arising therefrom be appropriated to the payment of my debts and if found insufficient then the residue to come out of my son Benjamin’s legacy.  Should the property thus allotted for my debts produce more than a sufficiency I desire that the surplus may be equally divided between my son BRADFORD DAWSON, FANNY BOOTMAN, BETSEY SHIRMAN, and HETTY MOORE and be considered their proportion of my estate.  Item 6^th It is my will and desire that my Executors hereafter named shall pay out of my estate to my daughter ELIZA CROUCH ten dollars as her proportion of my estate.  I hereby constitute and appoint my friends George Chapman and Thomas Foster my Executors to carry my will in effect.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1^st day of Dec. 1825.

BENJAMIN DAWSON

In the presence of

SAMUEL ROBINSON, ELIZABETH  HALL, G. CHAPMAN, THOMAS FOSTER

At a Court held for Prince William County this 5^th day of February 1827.  This last will and testament of Benjamin Dawson deceased was presented to the Court by Thomas Foster one of the Executors therein named and being proved by the oaths of Samuel Robinson and Thomas Foster is admitted to record, and the said Thomas Foster having made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Will: Presley Davis (1823)

PRESLEY DAVIS Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 10

26 Feb 1823; proved 08 Apr 1823

In the name of God Amen I PRESLEY DAVIS of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia do make & ordain this my last will and testament in maner and form following: to wit First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife SALLY the use of all my property during her widowhood and in case she should marry after my death I give unto her all the property I got by the death of her father together with all that may be coming from his estate and one horse the balance of the property which I give my wife during her widowhood if she should marry I give to my children to be divided in the manner hereafter mentioned.  Secondly, all the property which I willed to my wife during her widowhood, if she should marry again, I give to be equally divided among my four sons at the time of marriage and if she should not mary again to be divided at her death.  Thirdly and lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint Richard Davis Junr. and Simon Luttrell Executors of this my last will and testament revoking all others heretofore made by me.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of February eighteen hundred and twenty three.

The words at the time of marriage interlined before signing.

PRESLEY DAVIS

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us the subscribers

WM. P. DUNNINGTON, WM. C. DAVIS, FRANCIS JACKSON

At a Court held for Prince William County April 8^th 1823.  This last will and testament of PRESLEY DAVIS decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of WM. C. DAVIS & FRANCIS JACKSON is admitted to record and on the motion of RICHD DAVIS JR. the Exor named in the said will who made oath thereto according to law and executed and acknowledged a bond with security conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: Maria Brassfield (1825)

MARIA BRASSFIELD Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 364

20 Oct 1825; proved 07 Nov 1825

In the name of God Amen I MARIA BRASSFIELD of Prince William County in Virginia being at this time very sick but of sound and disposing mind and memory and wishing to dispose of the worldly goods with which it has pleased God to bless me do make constitute and appoint this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following.  To Wit.  First I give and bequeath to my beloved sister ELIZABETH BRASSFIELD my negro girl FANNY, my bed, bedstead and bed clothes my hymn book prayer book Christian pattern Westleys sermons life of Fletcher and Dictionary one dining table half a dozen chairs writing desk and a chest to her and her heirs forever.  Secondly I give and bequeath to my beloved sister LUCINDA BRASSFIELD my saddle and bridle my unfinished quilt white cotton counterpane the Saints Everlasting, a walnut table and chest.  Thirdly I give and bequeath to my beloved sister JULIA FORTUNE a yarn counterpane a quilt and pieces to make another and a walnut table.  Fourthly I give and bequeath to my brother GEORGE BRASSFIELD a yarn counterpane two volumes of the History of the Bible the Bible and Westley’s notes.  Fifthly I give and bequeath to my brother LEONARD BRASSFIELD a yarn counterpane two volumes of the History of the Bible and Mrs. Thayres letters.  Sixthly I give and bequeath to my friend Mrs. MARY SPINDLE my sunflower yarn counterpane as a mark of my esteem for her.  Seventhly my will and desire is that my land be sold and out of the money arising from said sale that al my just debt and funeral expenses be paid and the balance if any to be equally divided between all my brothers and sisters.  All the rest and residue of my property of what kind soever I give to my two sisters LUCINDA and ELIZABETH and lastly I appoint my brother GEORGE BRASSFIELD Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills by me heretofore made and acknowledging this as my last.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20^th day of October 1825.

MARIA BRASSFIELD

Signed & sealed in the precense of

ROBT HAMILTON, WILLIAM H. DOGAN, JOHN D. DOGAN

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County  November the 7^th 1825.

This last will and testament of MARIA BRASSFIELD decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oath of WILLIAM H. DOGAN is ordered to be recorded.  And at a Court of Quarterly sessions contd. And held for said County Nov. 8^th, 18235.  This said last will and testament of MARIA BRASSFIELD decd. was fully proved by the oath of JOHN D. DOGAN and admitted to record.  And GEORGE BRASSFIELD the Exor. therein named came into court and made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Will: John Brewer (1824)

JOHN BREWER Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 140

27 Jan 1805; proved 01 Mar 1824

In the name of God Amen I JOHN V. BREWER of the County of Prince William being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory for which I thank God and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous to dispose of such worldly estate as it hath pleased god to bless me with I give and bequeath the same in manner following Viz.  First I resign my soul to Almighty God who gave it me hoping that through the merits of Christ my blessed Redeemer to attain to everlasting joy and felicity and my body to the earth to be buried by my Executors hereafter mentioned in a decent manner.  Secondly I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be first paid and then it is my will and desire and I give the whole of the residue of my estate of all kind whatsoever and all monies that may be due me to my loving wife NANCY BREWER during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or intermarriage to be equally divided between my son HAMPTON BREWER and a child unborn and I give the whole of the abovementioned estate to them and their heirs lawfully begotten forever; but in case that either my sons HAMPTON BREWER or the abovementioned child that is not yet born shall die without such an heir then and in that case it is my will and desire that the survivor of them shall inherit the whole of my estate and I give the same to him or her and him or her heirs lawfully begotten of them forever.  Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving wife NANCY BREWER my Exox. and THOMAS BREWER Executor to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments by me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 27^th of January 1805.

JOHN V. BREWER

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named John V. Brewer in presence of us,

WM. CUNDIFF, THOS. BLACKWIL, THOMAS BREWER JUN.

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County March the 1^st 1824.

This last will and testament of JOHN V. BREWER decd. was presented to the Court and proved by the oath of Thomas B. Sinclair and the hand writings of William Cundiff and Thomas Brewer Sr. was proved by the oaths of Wm. P. Cundiff and Thomas Brewer and the said will was thereupon admitted to record and Nancy Brewer the Executrix therein named came into court and made oath to the said will recording to law and she having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Friend of Friends Friday: Will of Jane Alexander

JANE ALEXANDER Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 444

24 Nov 1825; proved 02 Oct 1826

I JANE ALEXANDER of Prince William County do make and appoint this my last will.  I give to my daughter SIDNEY ALEXANDER all my slaves viz. Aron, Cloe, Sandy, Elec, Eliza, Vina, & Caroline, and their increase to her & her heirs for ever, also all my stock of cattle, horses, sheep & hogs, my beds, household & kitchen furniture & all other property of which I may die possessed or may hereafter be entitled to to her & her heirs forever in witness whereof I hereunto affix my hand & seal this twenty fourth day of November 1825.

JANE ALEXANDER

Signed sealed & published in the presence of

RICHARD SHEA, CHARLES E. DADE

At a Court held for Prince William County this 2^nd day of October 1826.  This last will and testament of JANE ALEXANDER deceased was presented to the Court and the handwriting of Richard Shea a subscribing witness to the same who is without the Commonwealth being proved by the oath of William A. G. Dade the same is admitted to record and administration with the will annexed of said JANE ALEXANDER deceased is granted to SIDNEY ALEXANDER who came into Court and qualified according to law.

Teste, PHILIP D. DAWE

Will: John Mills (1826)

JOHN MILLS Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 443

19 Jul 1826; proved 02 Oct 1826

In the name of God Amen I J. JOHN MILLS of the County and State of Virginia calling to mind the mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all men to die and after that the judgment (and being weak in body but in perfect mind and memory) do hereby make my last will and testament in manner & form following that is to say, 1^st I desire that all my debts and also all those that have been credited by my son PEYTON MILLS for the benefit of the family, that is the several store accounts, doctors bills & which stand charged in his name and all other debts whether in notes or accounts, should be paid as speedily as possible out of the moneys due me, and should there not be enough collected for that purpose, he the sd. Peyton Mills will immediately make sale of some of my property to satisfy the same.  Secondly, after the payment of my debts & funeral expenses I give to my beloved wife MARGARET MILLS one third pat of my estate both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life, and after her decease, I give the same to my children hereinafter mentioned, equally to be divided among them, and to be enjoyed by them forever.  Thirdly I give to my wife, son and two daughters who now live with me all the provision now in my possession for their sustenance and also all the present crop growing upon my lands.  Viz. wheat, corn, oats, fruit and also they will make use of any part or parcel of my stock for the support of the family until the property can be sold & divided as I hereafter mention.  Fourthly I give to my daughters MARY MILLS & ANN MILLS (for their services rendered me) three hundred dollars each as an extra legacy and then the residue of my property, both real & personal, of what nature or kind not herein before particularly disposed of I desire may be sold at public auction for cash and the money to be equally divided amongst all my children, namely JANE SIMPSON, LYDIA SIMPSON, MARY MILLS, PEYTON MILLS, RUTH WOOD & ANN MILLS, to them and their heirs and lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Peyton Mils & my friend John S. Fairfax Executors of this my last will & testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments by me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this nineteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred & twenty six.

JNO. MILLS

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named John Mills in presence of us,

WILLIAM PEARSON, WILLIAM B. DAVID, JOSEPH KING

At a Court held for Prince William County this 2^nd day of October 1826.  This last will and testament of John Mills deceased was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of William Pearson, William B. Davis & Joseph King is ordered to be recorded and Peyton Mills & John S. Fairfax the Executors therein named came into Court and made oath to the same according to law, and having taken the oath of Executors and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHILIP D. DAWE

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: Hector Alexander (1823)

HECTOR ALEXANDER Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 25

01 Jan 1823; proved 02 Jun 1823

In the name of God Amen I HECTOR ALEXANDER residing in the town of Dumfries County of Prince William, State of Virginia a native of Scotland and formerly a resident of Greenock do make ordain and appoint this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others by me heretofore made. Imprimis. I do give and bequeath all my lands tenements houses and lotts with the appurtenances and all my real estate of whatsoever kind lying being and situate in Great Britain unto my brother JOHN ALEXANDER and his heirs in trust nevertheless and upon express condition and confidence that he shall so soon after my death as he conveniently can make sale and convey in fee simple for the best price he can all my real estate land tenents and houses and lotts with the appurtenances devised by me as aforesaid and the money arising from the sale thereof together with the accruing profits of the same until the time of the sale pay over and distribute in equal parts and portions unto my three sons viz. ROBERT ALEXANDER one part thereof and to my son WILLIAM ALEXANDER one other part thereof and to my son JOHN ALEXANDER one other part thereof to whom I give and devise the same.  At same time I give and bequeath to my three sons viz. ROBERT ALEXANDER, WILLIAM ALEXANDER and JOHN ALEXANDER eighty shares of united States Bank stock to be equally divided amongst them.  I likewise give and bequeath to my son ROBERT ALEXANDER my negro lad RICHARD.  I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM ALEXANDER my negro woman JINNY with her son JAMES.  I give and bequeath to my son JOHN ALEXANDER my negro boy WILLIAM.  Whatever debts that may be owing to me at my death I give and bequeath to my three above mentioned viz. ROBERT ALEXANDER, WILLIAM ALEXANDER and JOHN ALEXANDER after paying all my just debts and such legacys as here below mentioned.  I give and bequeath to CONSTANTIN WHITFELL two hundred dollars per year to be paid to her half yearly and my house and lot in the old fields bounded by Levy and Jesse Scott.  I likewise give to her my negro woman with her youngest child and her daughter MARY.  I give the above to her during her respective life time then to return to my three above mentioned sons viz. ROBERT ALEXANDER, WILLIAM ALEXANDER and JOHN ALEXANDER.  I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM my silver watch.  I hereby appoint ROBERT ALEXANDER and WILLIAM ALEXANDER my Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.  I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1^st day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty-three.  No security to be required.

HECTOR ALEXANDER

Witness

HENRY FAIRFAX, RICHARD P. SCOTT

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County  June 2d 1823.  This last will and testament of HECTOR ALEXANDER decd. was presented to the court and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court by the oaths of Henry Fairfax and Charles T. Chapman that the said will is all in the hand writing of the said testator the said will is admitted to record and Robert Alexander and William Alexander the Executors therein named came into court and took the oath of Exors. And entered into bond according to law the court dispensing with security agreeably to the will of the testator it appearing to the court that he has left visible property sufficient to pay all his debts.

Teste, P. D. DAWE