1822 - Johnson to slaves - Campbell Co, VA

1822 - Johnson to slaves - Campbell Co, VA

07/08/1822

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Wills Book 4, Pg 405
I Thomas Johnson of Bedford County to make and publish this my last will and testament the
manner following to wit
I give every thing I possess after my just debts are paid to my wife except my slaves It is my
wish that should take her choice one of them Annually to wait upon her during her life or
widowhood. The balance of my slaves I wish my executors to hire out to humane people and for
my wife to receive the hire annually until it shall exceed the sum of Fifty dollars then for the
balance to remain in the hands of my Executors during my wife’s life or widowhood, after which
time it is my will and desire that my slaves shall be free and it is my will and desire that my
Executor should use every legal exertion for the emancipation of my slaves aforesaid and it is
further my will that the money arising from the hire of the negroes should any be divided among
my negroes and above the fifty dollars given to my wife if then when they are free as my
Executors may think best if there should not be money enough as to pay the expenses of freeing
of them than they must be hired out until a sufficient sum is of cause to pay all expenses. I
appoint William Davis Jr. Enoch Roberts ___ of Campbell County John H Moon of Bedford
Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills or testaments by me
heretofore made as witness my hand and seal this 21st day of January in the year of our lord one
thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
Thos. Johnson seal
In the presence of Beverly Wade,
C Pierce, Samuel A Davis, Francis Dammerson
At a court held for Campbell County July 8th 1822 The within last will and Testament of Thomas
Johnson deceased was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of Beverly Wade and
Cornelius Pierce two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste John Alexander Clk

WB 4:405

LW&T