This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Sheila_Schmutz Surnames: Oliver, Hatchett, Howson, Craddock Classification: will Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.oliver/4790/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Although there are postings for parts of this will on various websites, I thought the complete will might help someone. Will of James Oliver, died 1787 in Amelia Co VA transcribed in full by Sheila Schmutz on April 10, 2009 from FHL microfilm 30451(Will books, v. 4-5 1786-1799), found in Will Bk 4 p 43 pt3. In the name of God Amen, I James Oliver of Amelia County, being very infirm of body but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me with in this life I give Devise and dispose of the same in the following viz, Imprimis I will that all my just debts be paid. Item I give and bequeath unto my Grand Daughter Frances Bottom a Negro girl named Bett and her increase, also a Horse saddle and bridle, all which I give to her and her heirs, but provided that my ___ Grand Daughter Frances should die without a lawful heir, that the same be returneth to my Estate to be equally divided among all my children, their heirs, viz Item I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Patty Forrist one Negro Girl named Sidda and her increase and to her and her heirs forever. Item I will and desire that my slave known by the name of Julias shall be emancipated and that my executors hereafter named shall take the proper steps to obtain the liberation and mancipation of the said slave Julias. Item I give and bequeath to my son James Oliver his heirs and assigns forever a tract of land lying in the county of Halifax containing two hundred acres be it more or less..I do lend my son James a Negro man slave named Bob, during his natural life, and after his death I give the said slave to Benjamin Oliver the son of the aforesaid James Oliver to him and his heirs forever. Item I will and desire that whatsoever estate I have heretofore given & is now in the possession of my sons and Daughters, to wit, John Oliver, Asa Oliver, Isac Oliver, James Oliver, William Oliver, Elizabeth Forrist and Sarah Bottom shall remain to them and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my son Richard Oliver his heirs and assigns forever eight slaves (to wit) Old Cate, black Dick, Brafford, Peter, Murrier and Dosha, one horse called the Grey Coalt, my cart and four oxen, two cows and calves, two sows and pigs and also all my land and plantation lying on the north side of Deep Creek, one feather bed and furniture which he has now in possession and also what household and kitchen furniture and utensils of mine that he has now in possession and also my plantation utensils. Item I will that all the remaining part of my estate consisting of all my land (which lies on the south side of Deep Creek) slaves, stocks of all kinds, and every other part and parcel of my estate be divided into seven equal parts to be effected either by selling the land slaves or by selling off at the discretion of my executors and the one seventh part of the same I desire may be kept in the hands of my Executors as Trustees and that they deal out the same to my daughter Sarah Bottom and the heirs of her body at their discretion provided that if anything of the aforesaid one seventh part should remain in the hands of the aforesaid executors as trustees after my daughter Sarah Bottom's death, that the same be equally divided among all the children born of her body their heirs and the remaining six parts I will to be equally divided among my children named John, Asa, Isaac, Elizabeth, James and William their heirs. Item I will that nothing here in contained be misconstrued for want of term or form in law------I do hereby constitute and appoint one of my two friends Simeon Walton and Abraham Hatchett and my son Isaac Oliver executors of this my last will and testament for witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-eigth day of February 1787. James Oliver seal Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of Test John Howson David Craddock John Howson Jr At a court held for Amelia County the 27th day of April 1787 this will was exhibited into court and proved by the oaths of John Howson, David Craddock and John Howson Jr the witnesses thereto sworn by Isaac Oliver and Abraham Hatchett two of the executors therein named and was ordered to be recorded and upon the motion of the said executors who entered into and acknowledged bond with security and the law directs certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate in due form of the said estate and at another court held for the said 23rd day of August following sworn to by Semion Walton one other executor thereto who having entered interest unto and acknowledged bond with security as the law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining as probate thereof in due form. Test G Hohm M DC Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. 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