Francis Smith - Last Will and Testament, part 1

Reading wills

Legal language today is sometimes hard for the layman to follow.  Reading wills from the 1700's is hard for a modern day person to follow.  Oh my goodness, the details they wove into their stories!  Over the next few days I will share excerpts from the will of Francis Smith (senior), who was our 5th great grandfather.  

FRANCIS SMITH LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Virginia Wills and Probate:  The Will Book, Volume II (1757-1762)

In the name of God, Amen.

I Francis Smith of the County of Essex of Parish of South Farnham [Virginia], being in perfect sense and memory, do make known, constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament, in manner following.

I desire my body be buried in a decent way, at the discretion of my Executors, herein after named, trusting to the merits of my blessed Saviour for the salvation of my soul.

Lend to my loving Wife Ann Smith the use of half of all my Lands, at the Lower Church in South Farnham Parish, to be laid off for her on the North side the main road running thro’ the said Land, and the following Slaves (to wit): Sambo, Harry, Will, Dorus, Lance, Judy, Will the Son of Judy, Phebee, Rose, Sarah Daughter of Rose, and Chloe Daughter of Old Phebee.I also give to my said Wife, the use of my riding chair and Horses, also my young horse called Buck, and my Sorrel Mare, thirty head of cattle, my Cart and four Oxen now in use on the Plantation, twenty head of Sheep, all my flock of Hoggs on the said Plantations at the Church, my Looking Glass in the Chamber over the Hall, a Dressing Glass which stands in the Lower Chamber, two of my best Beds and Furniture, two Black Walnut Tables, one dozen Chairs now standing in the Hall, all my Plates and China, half the Kitchen Furniture, and my Black Walnut Desk, also my share and part of the reversion of the Estate now held by Mrs. Adams in New Kent County, in lieu of her Dower in the Estate of her late Husband Mr. Ebenezar Adams late of the said county deed for and during her natural Life in full Satisfaction and Compensation of her Right of Dower in my Lands, Slaves, and Personal Estate, and after her Decease, I give and devise the Slaves abovementioned, and their future Increase, Horse, etc., to be equally divided among my three children Francis, William , and Ann, and their heirs for Ever.

(To be continued)