1815 - Brown to slaves

1815 - Brown to slaves

01/02/1815

unknown

In the name of God Amen I Bernis Brown of the County of Albemarle & State of Virginia being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament. My will is that my body be decently buried at the discretion of my wife & after mentioned executors & I bequeath my soul to god that gave and that my just debts be paid, that my estate shall neither be appraised nor sold but be [illegible] in the case and disposed of my wife to manage & divide amongst my children in as equitable manner as she can & when she thinks proper my will and desire is that my Black people should be continued in the family and be kindly treated & should providence open a door for their Immansipation [sic] my desire is that they should be freed if they should think best. I do constitute my beloved wife Henrietta Brown my sole Executrix & that she shall not be bound to qualify or give security but shall stand in my place to act & do as though I had done it myself. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this twenty ninth day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fourteen.
Bernis Brown (seal)
Signed Sealed and delivered
In the presence of Brightberry Brown
FA Brown
CR Brown

At a Court held for Albemarle County the 2nd January 1815
This Instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Bernis Brown was produced into Court and proved by the oaths of Brightberry Brown, FA Brown, and CR Brown, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste,
John Nicholas, COC

Will Book 6:35

Last Will & Testament

Unclear if and how many individuals were freed through this will