1796 - Curtis to Betsey Northington - Brunswick Co, VA

1796 - Curtis to Betsey Northington - Brunswick Co, VA

09/26/1796

1

In the name of God amen. I Chisleu Curtis of Brunswick County being in good health and of secured and perfect sense and memory praise be to almighty God for it, and calling to mind that it is appointed of God for man once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament. And first of all I give my soul to God who gave it me hoping for the resurrection to eternal life and my body to the dust from whence it came and as to my worldly estate that God of his mercy and goodness has bestowed on me. I give and bequeath as in manner and form following viz. my just debts well and truly paid. Item I lend unto my well beloved wife Kezia Curtis one negro wench named Sukey and all her future increase also one negro man named York, one negro boy named Major, one negro boy named Fed, one negro boy named Billy, one negro boy named Lud, these six negroes to remain to my wife during her natural life, and at her death they and the increase if any to be equally divided between my two brothers and sister namely Churchwell Curtis, Claiborne Curtis, and Lucy Malone. Item I give and devise unto my wife all my whole stock of horses, cattle, sheep and hoggs, and all the rest of my whole estate only one mulatto girl that goes by the name of Betsey Northington which girl I desire to be free at the marriage or death of my wife Kezia Curtis. And lastly I do appoint George Hicks Executor and Kezia Curtis Executrix of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty & seventh day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety four. Acknowledged in presents of us.
Robert Lanier Chisleu Curtis (seal)
Elizabeth Lanier
Nancy Studivant

Brunswick County Court September 26th 1796
This last will and testament of Chisleu Curtis dec’d was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Kezia Curtis the Executrix named she having made oath thereto according to law and together with Rober Lanier and Thomas Washington her securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of two thousand pounds with condition as the law directs certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, liberty being reserved the other Executor to join in the said probate when he thinks fit.
Teste, CB Jones CBC

WB 6:56

Last Will & Testament