Will of Esther Mays-Botetourt Co.,
VA- WB 1, pgs. 89-90
In the name of God Amen, I Esther Mays
of the County of Botetourt and State of Virginia being weak in body, but of
sound mind and disposing memory, do make this my solemn last Will and Testament,
in manner and form following to wit~
1st- I give to my son Thomas R. Mays the sum of One hundred Dollars
2nd -I give to my daughter Patsy R. McClure the sum of Fifty Dollars &
also to her Daughter, Estilline the sum of Fifty Dollars.
3 rd- I give to my Daughter Susannah McClure & her children the sum of One
Hundred Dollars
4th-I give to my Daughter Harriet A. Peery & her children the sum of One
hundred and fifty Dollars & also to her son William M. Peery the sum of
Fifty Dollars.
5- I give to my Daughter, Maria R. Hogshead the sum of One hundred Dollars.
6th- I give to my daughter Frances J. Mays, one servant girl Virginia and also
the sum of Five hundred Dollars.
7th- I give to my daughter Polly R. Mays the sum of Two hundred dollars.
8 It is my will and desire that all the residue of my property both real
and personal , all my money on hand or due, my servant, Matilda and all the
property of every kind of which I may die possessed shall be equally divided
between my son John Mays & my Daughters Florence R. Mays, and Frances J.
Mays.
9th- Lastly I appoint my son John Mays to be the Executor of this my last Will
and Testament and it is my will and desire that he shall have the space of
two years after my decease to pay the above Legacies.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this
3rd day of January One thousand eight hundred and fifty(1850)
Esther Mays, her mark, (seal)
Signed sealed, published & declared by Esther Mays as and for her last will
and testament in the presence and hearing of us, who at her request & in her
presence have subscribed our names as witnesses. John H. Bell James Mays
Jr. Allen Biggs.
At Botetourt December Court, 1853
This instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of
Esther Mays dec'd was this day exhibited in said Court and proved by the Oaths
of John H. Bell James Mays Jr and Allen Biggs subscribing witnesses thereto and
ordered to be recorded and on motion of John Mays the Executor therein named who
having first made oath and with security approved by the Court entered into and
acknowledged bond in the penalty of $6000 conditioned according to Laws
,certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat thereof, in due form.
A Copy
Teste
F. Woltz Clk