1786 - Gray to Davey - Bedford Co, VA

1786 - Gray to Davey - Bedford Co, VA

03/28/1786

1

In the name of God Amen. I John Gray of the County of Bedford in the State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound memory, thanks be to god, do make this my last will & testament. After any debts are paid, I lend to my beloved wife my negro girl Fanny, my negro boy George, my negro boy Benn and my negro girl Diner during her life.
Item I give to my wife her choice of beds and the woman saddle.
Item I give to my four youngest children (viz) Mary Gray, Rhoda Gray, John Putnam Gray, and Burkett Gray ten pounds a piece. My will is that my negro man Davey have his freedom given him at Christmas one thousand seven hundred & ninety five, and ‘til that time I desire his labor may be applied in the following manner (viz) my son Putnam Gray to have half his labor ‘til the Christmas ninety to maintain him, the other half and his whole labor to be applied to the raising my son Burkett Gray ‘til the time of his freedom one thousand seven hundred and ninety five.
Item My will is that all the rest of my negroes be equally divided amongst my nine children (viz) William James, Thomas Obed, Alexander, Mary, Rhoda, John Putnam & Burkett, but if either of my children die without issue his or their parts be divided amongst the survivors.
Item the negroes lent to my wife and their increase after her death be divided amongst my nine children as the above negroes not named are directed to be divided.
Item the crop of tobacco no w growing I desire may be divided in five parts and my son Thomas & Alexander have each a part. All the remainder of my estate be equally divided amongst my wife and children. I appoint my son William Gray my whole Executor of this my last will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 3 day July one thousand seven hundred eighty & five.
Signed, sealed & published in the presence of us:
Corn. Noell John Gray (seal)
Sally Noell

At a court held for Bedford County the 28th day of March 1786. This last will & testament of John Gray deceased was proved by the oaths of Cornelius Noell & Salley Noell witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded. And at a court held for said county the 23rd day of October 1786, on the motion of William Gray the Executor therein named who made oath according to law, certificate is granted for obtaining a probate thereof in due form on giving security. Whereupon the said William Gray together with Cornelius Noell & Charles Gwalkin his securities entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of three thousand pounds for the due & faithful administration of the said decedents estate and performance of his will.
Teste, Ja. Steptoe CBC

WB 1:504

LW&T