Will of Joshua Mayes
17 May 1808 Greensville County, VA
Will Book 2 pg.94
In the Name of God Amen, I Joshua Mayes of
Greensville County and State of Virginia knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die and being in perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this to
be my last Will and Testament.
ITEM. I lend to my loving wife Hannah Mayes
one third part of my lands during her natural life likewise five negroes to wit
Sally and her Child, Harry, Buck, and Ephraim, also four head of horses to wit
the Roebuck mare, grey mare, and Sorrel filley and one horse colt by the name
of Ball, five cows and calves, one yoke of Steers and Steer Cart and, also six
head choice Sheep, four sows and pigs, three feather beds and furniture and as
much of the household and kitchin furniture and Plantation utensils as she
shall think necessary for the use of the Plantation and likewise one riding
chair and harness, and at her death to be equal divided among my children, the
above property it is my Will and desire and its proceeds to be for the use of
my Wife and the raising and educating of my children.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my Son Joel Mayes
one negro girl named Isbel, as soon as he arrives to the age of twenty-one
years and likewise one Sorrell Colt Saddle and Bridles to be at his immediate
disposal.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my son Peter Mayes one
negro man named Ben as soon as he arrives to the age of twenty one years also
one grey filley Saddle and Bridle to be at his immediate disposal.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth
Warren Mayes one negro woman named Winny as soon as she arrives at the lawful
age or marries.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my son Lewis Mayes one
negro girl named Phebe.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my son Michael Warren
Mayes, one negro girl named Mlily
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my son Joshua Pritchard
Mayes one negro girl named Mary
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebekah
Hill Mayes one negro girl named Sucky.
ITEM, I give and bequeath to my son Drury
Mayes one negro boy named Peter and it is my Will and desire that should any of
the negroes die that is given to any of the children before they have an heir
or arrive to the age of Twenty one years, then it is my will and desire that
the same shall be made good out of my Estate. And should the children die
without heir or under the age of twenty one years, then it is my will and
desire that the said childs portion be equally divided among the living
children, and it is my will and desire that my lands be equally divided among
my male children, and it is my Will and desire that the balance of my estate
not herein mentioned be exposed to public sale and the money arising from the
same to be equally divided among all my Children after paying all my just
debts. Lastly I appoint my loving Wife Hannah Mayes and John Prichard Executors
of this my Last Will and Testament, I also appoint my wife Hannah Mayes
guardian for all my children. Signed Seal'd and Acknowledged In presence of us
this 17th day of May One Thousand eight hundred. Jones S Bottom X (his mark),
George x (his mark) Pollard, William Lifsey Joshua X (his mark)Mayes (seal)
Greensville County Court September 1808. This will was proved according to Law
by the oath of Jones L. Bottom, and George Pollard Witnesses thereto &
ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the Executrix and Executor therein
named who made Oath thereto according to law and together with William Dennison
and Henry Dupree their Securities entered into and acknowledged their Bond in
the Penalty of fifteen thousand dollars conditioned as the Law directs
Certificate was granted them for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form Teste
E. Mason C G C.