Will of Henry Reeves

Essex County, Virginia
Will Book 4, Pages 342-344
28 Apr 1728

Will of Henry Reeves of Southfarnham Parish in the County of Essex in Virginia, planter, being sick of body, dated 28 April 1728.

Unto my beloved wife Sarah Reeves 200 acres whereon I now live dureing her naturall life and after her decease to my son Henry Reeves.

My wife Sarah Reeves four Negroes, Will, Jenny, Ceasor and Philly dureing her natural life and after her decease equally between my children John, Samuel, Thomas, George, Patience, Elizabeth and Ann. In case either of my children should dye without heir then divided amongst the surviving children above named.

Unto my son Henry Reeves all the remaining part of the tract I now live on. For want of heirs to the next male heir at law, never to go out of the name Reeves. Also three Negroes Kerto, Doll and London, with cattle, horses, hoggs, household stuff and other necessaryes heretofore given him.

To my son Joseph Reeves the land and plantation he now lives on being 200 acres I bought of Richard Taylor, with what money I lent him and cattle, horses, hoggs and household stuff heretofore given him.

To my son John Reeves the plantation and land he now lives on, on the west side of the main road that goes by the church in the parish of Southfarnham being part of the land I bought of Edmon Taylor. In case he should dye without issue it should go to my son Samuel Reeves.

To my son Samuel Reeves the remaining part of the land I bought of Edmon Taylor lyeing on the east side of the main road that goes by the church in the parish of Southfarnham and where he now lives. In case he should die without issue it should go to my son John Reeves.

To my son Thomas Reeves 200 acres I bought of Augustine Smith lyeing at the falls of Rappahannock River. In case he should dye without issue it should go to my son George.

To my son George Reeves 100 acres I bought of Peter Byrom and joyning the land I gave my son Thomas Reeves. Likewise the land I bought of Edwin Thacker in Southfarnham Parish. In case he should die without issue, it should go to my son Thomas Reeves.

Unto my daughter Patience two Negroes Frank and Tulip.

Unto my daughter Elizabeth Reeves two Negroes Rose and Jugg.

Unto my daughter Ann Reeves two Negroes July and Violet.

If either of my daughters should dye without issue the Negroes shall goe to the surviveing heirs.

Unto my daughters Elizabeth and Ann Reeves £5 each currency. Elizabeth and Ann Reeves do live with my wife till they are marryed.

Unto my son George Reeves £20 sterling.

The remainder of my personall estate be equally devided in three parts (except my Negroes that are not yet given away) and my beloved wife Sarah Reeves to have one part and the other two parts with the Negroes to be equally divided between my seven youngest children John, Samuel, Thomas, George, Patience, Elizabeth and Ann.

What money I lent my son in law Richard Gatewood be brought into the appraisment which I think is £14.

Each child to take his or her part as soon as conveniently can be don.

My beloved wife Sarah Reeves and my son Henry Reeves and my son Joseph Reeves executors.

Henry (H) Reeves

Wit: Pittman Scandrett
Martha (M) Merritt
Alexander Parker

17 March 1729 (1730) - Presented by Sarah Reeves and Henry Reeves, executors. Proved by Pittman Scandrett who also declared he saw Martha Merrit and Alexander Parker witness the same.