1797 - Portlock to Dillia, et al - Sussex Co, VA
Manumission Item Data Item Type Metadata
Date
12/07/1797
Manumitter
Manumitted
Number of Persons
4
Text of Freedom Document
In the name of God Amen. I Charles Portlock of the County of Sussex being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows to wit:
Item It is my will and desire that my four slaves to wit, Dillia, London, Dennis & Sam shall have their full and perfect freedom, and that the said Sam shall be supported out of my estate.
Item I give and bequeath to Martha Newsom who is living at Lewis Thorpes my riding chair and my bay horse to her and her heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my friend Lewis Thorpe senior the residue of my estate both real and personal of what nature or kind soever or wheresoever found to him and his heirs forever.
Also it is my will and desire that there shall be no appraisement of my estate and I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend Lewis Thorpe senior my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this first day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.
Signed, sealed and delivered Charles Portlock (seal)
in the presence of
Richard Stewart Jun
Nath’l Wythe
John Stewart
At a court held for Sussex County the 7th day of December 1797. The last will and testament of Charles Portlock deceased was exhibited into court by Lewis Thorpe Sen the executor therein named the same was proved by the oaths of Richard Stewart Jr and John Stewart two witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. On motion of said executor who made oath and gave bond and security agreeably to law certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.
Teste, C Bailey Clk
Item It is my will and desire that my four slaves to wit, Dillia, London, Dennis & Sam shall have their full and perfect freedom, and that the said Sam shall be supported out of my estate.
Item I give and bequeath to Martha Newsom who is living at Lewis Thorpes my riding chair and my bay horse to her and her heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my friend Lewis Thorpe senior the residue of my estate both real and personal of what nature or kind soever or wheresoever found to him and his heirs forever.
Also it is my will and desire that there shall be no appraisement of my estate and I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend Lewis Thorpe senior my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this first day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.
Signed, sealed and delivered Charles Portlock (seal)
in the presence of
Richard Stewart Jun
Nath’l Wythe
John Stewart
At a court held for Sussex County the 7th day of December 1797. The last will and testament of Charles Portlock deceased was exhibited into court by Lewis Thorpe Sen the executor therein named the same was proved by the oaths of Richard Stewart Jr and John Stewart two witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. On motion of said executor who made oath and gave bond and security agreeably to law certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.
Teste, C Bailey Clk
Record Location
WB F:78
Document Type
Last Will & Testament
Files
Collection
Citation
“1797 - Portlock to Dillia, et al - Sussex Co, VA,” Manumission Project, accessed March 7, 2026, https://manumissionproject.omeka.net/items/show/2346.