Will of William Brightman
Lancaster County, Virginia
Will Book 8, p. 121
26 May 1703
In the name of God Amen, the 26th of May 1703, I William Brightman of Lancastr: County being sick of body but of good and p:fect memory, God be praised, do make and ordaine this my last Will and Testamt. in manner and forme following (that is to say). first I commend my Soul into the hands of God my maker hoeping a'suredly through the only merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour to be made partaker of Life ever lasting and I commend my body to the Earth whereof it was made to be decently buried by my Executrs: hereafter named, And as touching that worldly goods wch: it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with, I gave and bequeath as Viz.
Item. First, I will that all my just debts be paid:
Item. I give and beqeuath unto my God Daughter, Elizabeth Reeves, the Daughter of John Reeves, all and every the remainder of my Estate be it in what nature or quallity soever or wheresoever to be hand or found exceptin wht I hereafter bequeath in this my Last Will;
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Godson, William Reeves, Son of John Reeves, one cow and breeding sow to be appointed by my sd God Daughter, Elizabeth Reeves;
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Godson, John Reeves, Son of John Reeves, one cow and breding sow to be appointed in like maner as to my Godson William Reeves;
Item. I have and bequeath unto John Reeves Senr., my white riding Horse called Button;
Item. I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Reeves, the Wife of John Reeves, one cow called Cherry;
Item. I give unto my two Godsons, Wm. and John Reeves, each of them a sadle;
Item. I constitute and make my very good Friend, John Reeves Senr., whole and sole Executr: of this my last Will and Testamt., revokeing all other Wills gifts and bequeaths whatsoever by me had or made declaring this to be my only last Will: In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixt my seal the day and yar above.
Signed sealed and delivered
in presence of William Brightman
William Fox
John Bradley