1800 - Corbin to John - Middlesex Co, VA

1800 - Corbin to John - Middlesex Co, VA

01/27/1800

1

Having frequently considered the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life – I think it highly necessary that every man ought to be prepared for death. Therefore I make this will though small my property, to have some satisfaction during my present stay in this world. Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Juliet my house, known by the name of Glaes together with the furniture of all kinds in the house during her natural life, negroes of all kinds except my man John whom I wish to be free for his services whilst I alive. I also give unto my wife any four horses that she may choose and should [blank] I have a carriage that is also given her forever. Should what I have left her not be sufficient to support her, I must then beg that she may be furnished with £500 current money of Virginia.

Item I give unto my brother Richard Corbin of Laneville my plantations known by the name of
Hall & Gate Quarter, hoping that he will provide well for his son John, being a favorite of mine. I give and bequeath unto my brother Gowen L. Corbin of Kings Creek 15 negroes, young ones between the age of 8 and 11, and any two horses, the above four taken out as above mentioned.
I would if I had it really give my brother more, but as he has a valuable plantation, a good manager, and out of debt, I think it useless. I give and bequeath unto my sister Maria £300, unto my sister £200, and to my sister Matilda £150. I would give my sister Betty a great deal but as she is so well off, it would be taking from the needy. Therefore, she will receive 10 guineas to purchase her a mourning locket. My dear brother Richard will pay all those incumbrances as they are called, but I hope he will not find them so together with all my debts and thank God they are but few.

And then dear brother accept all my plantations together with the negroes thereunto belonging with my blacksmiths – the above mentioned negroes only excepted for wife and brother – should I have a son I must then leave everything to him of every denomination whatsoever, and should I have a daughter I must give her, or indeed request my brother R to pay her £3000 current money of Virginia when married or at the age of 20, allowing him 6 months to do so. My brother Richard will take my children if I have any and put them to some good school for indeed very far from home, should my wife marry, I beg that my children may be immediately removed from the house and great care taken of my plantations by my brother.

My servant John, I wish my brother to give 10 pounds, and my negro woman Jane and Felicia. I must now beg my brother Richard will pay great attention to what I have done as he is chiefly interested. My dear wife I hope is perfectly satisfied knowing how small her fortune was. Indeed I hope all my relations are perfectly satisfied, if they are not, it was not my fault as I have endeavored to do the best. I expect you all will certainly know my name and hand.
Gales February 2th 1799 John T. Corbin
I forgot to mention that when my wife dies, that plantation and negroes goes to my brother R. Corbin. My only reason for taking my children from my wife when she marries is that I know the father in laws are generally like the step mothers, and you know how they are.
John T. Corbin
Gales February 2th 1799

At a court held for Middlesex County at the courthouse in Urbanna on Monday the 27th day of January 1800. The last will and testament of John T. Corbin deceased was produced in court by Richard Corbin, and there being no witnesses to the said will, Charles Curtis and Thomas Fauntleroy were sworn, who severally deposed that they were well acquainted with the testators handwriting and verily believed that the said will, and the codicil thereto annexed, and the name thereto subscribed are all of the said testators proper handwriting. Whereupon the said will & codicil are ordered to be recorded, and there being no executors named in the said will, on the motion of Richard Corbin, who made oath thereto, and together with Gowin L. Corbin his security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of twenty thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the said decedents estate; with his will aforesaid annexed in due form.
Teste, O Cosby CMC
Truly recorded Test O Cosby CMC

WB 2:43

Last Will & Testament