1775 - Goode to Tom & Sarah - Bedford Co, VA
Manumission Item Data Item Type Metadata
Date
07/24/1775
Manumitter
Manumitted
Number of Persons
2
Text of Freedom Document
I John Goode of Bedford County and Colony of Virginia being sound of memory do make this my last will and testament this 13th day of the 4th mo. 1775, in manner and form followeth. First, after my decease I desire my body to be decently buried and out of my estate and my just debts paid.
Secondly, I give my son Thomas Goode, his heirs and assigns one shilling sterling.
Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Fowler during her life the land she now lives on, lying on the lower side of the Creek called Rock Castle, the low grounds of said Creek excepted, after her decease the land to be equally divided between her two sons Samuel Martin Allen and James Martin Allen, then, their heirs, and assigns.
Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my son John Goode his heirs and assigns one shilling sterling.
Fifthly I lend unto my loving wife during her widowhood the remainder of my land on the plantation, also two negroes Tom & Sarah, and all my household goods, stock &c, then the lands and all the stock, household, &c I give all to be equally divided between my two daughters Sarah & Judith Goode to them, their heirs or assigns, also the two negroes Tom and Sarah and their increase until there should be some way provided for their freedom which is my will and desire.
Sixthly & lastly, I constitute and appoint my son John Goode, my daughters Sarah & Judith Goode as my Exors to this my last will and testament for the true intent and meaning of the same.
Signed, sealed and delivered in John Goode (seal)
Tthe presence of us John Lynch
Christ’r Johnson, William Johnson
At a court held for Bedford County July 24th 1775
This last will and testament of John Goode deceased was proved by the oaths of Christopher Johnson & William Johnson and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Sarah & Judith Goode, two of the executrixes therein named who made oath thereto, certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form, giving security, whereupon they together with Christopher Johnson and Joseph Anthony, their securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of one thousand pounds for the said Executrixes, due and faithful administration of the said decadent’s estate and performance of his will liberty being reserved the other Executor in the said will mentioned to join in the probate thereof when he shall think fit.
Teste, Ja’s Steptoe C.C.
Secondly, I give my son Thomas Goode, his heirs and assigns one shilling sterling.
Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Fowler during her life the land she now lives on, lying on the lower side of the Creek called Rock Castle, the low grounds of said Creek excepted, after her decease the land to be equally divided between her two sons Samuel Martin Allen and James Martin Allen, then, their heirs, and assigns.
Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my son John Goode his heirs and assigns one shilling sterling.
Fifthly I lend unto my loving wife during her widowhood the remainder of my land on the plantation, also two negroes Tom & Sarah, and all my household goods, stock &c, then the lands and all the stock, household, &c I give all to be equally divided between my two daughters Sarah & Judith Goode to them, their heirs or assigns, also the two negroes Tom and Sarah and their increase until there should be some way provided for their freedom which is my will and desire.
Sixthly & lastly, I constitute and appoint my son John Goode, my daughters Sarah & Judith Goode as my Exors to this my last will and testament for the true intent and meaning of the same.
Signed, sealed and delivered in John Goode (seal)
Tthe presence of us John Lynch
Christ’r Johnson, William Johnson
At a court held for Bedford County July 24th 1775
This last will and testament of John Goode deceased was proved by the oaths of Christopher Johnson & William Johnson and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Sarah & Judith Goode, two of the executrixes therein named who made oath thereto, certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form, giving security, whereupon they together with Christopher Johnson and Joseph Anthony, their securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of one thousand pounds for the said Executrixes, due and faithful administration of the said decadent’s estate and performance of his will liberty being reserved the other Executor in the said will mentioned to join in the probate thereof when he shall think fit.
Teste, Ja’s Steptoe C.C.
Record Location
WB 1:235
Document Type
LW&T
Notes
freedom to be given to Tom & Sarah should the laws change and allow. Further research needed to ascertain if Tom & Sarag were in fact freed after 1782
Files
Collection
Citation
“1775 - Goode to Tom & Sarah - Bedford Co, VA,” Manumission Project, accessed July 11, 2025, https://manumissionproject.omeka.net/items/show/2215.