Will Book No. 3 1786-1800 (Reel-18)

P. 498-500 Will probated 18 June 1798

WILL OF JOSEPH MAYS

In the name of God, Amen. I Joseph Mays Senr. of Amherst County and the state of Virginia being of sound Mind and Memory although weak of body and knowing the uncertainty of life make this my last Will and Testament; revoking all my former wills hereto-fore made, recommending my Soul to Almighty God the father of Spirits, and my body to be buried according to the Rites of the Church, in hopes of a blessed resurection through the merits of Jesus Christ. My desire is that all my just debts be paid and whatever remains of such worldly Substance as God hath pleased to endow me with to be disposed of after my decease in manner and form -following.

Item I give and bequeath to my son John Mays a negro girl named Winney to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son James Mays a negro girl named Moll to him and his heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Mays the wife of James Walters a feather Bed and Furniture to her and her heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my sons Joseph Mays and Elijah Mays a Tract of Land Containing three hundred and seventh acres more or less being in the County of Amherst and lying on the waters of Juniper Creek to them and their heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Jemima Hollingsworth a negro girl named patt to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Jesse Mays the tract of land whereon he now lives containing one hundred and fifty acres -- (more or less) to him and his heirs forever, also a negro girl named Luck to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Charles Mays a negro Girl named Dinah, also a Tract of Land containing two hundred and fifty acres lying on the waters of Tye River to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Elijah Mays his equal part of the Land above mentioned lying on Juniper Creek, also a Negro Girl named Cate to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Robert Mays, three negroes (to wit) Fann Milly and Nick a Feather Bed and furniture a horse called Whistler also two hundred and fifty acres of Land adjoining Charles Mays Tract.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Moses Mays five negroes (to wit) Ben Charlotte Fill(? Can't read this name) Charles and Nan, a feather Bed and furniture to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son Lewis four negroes Nell Jim Young Lucy and Will a Feather Bed and furniture also a horse called Lorrel and a saddler and bridle to him and his heirs forever.

I also give and bequeath to my Son Robert Mays besides what I have bequeath to him as above a Negro named Stephen to him and his heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Mays during her widowhood or natural life all my Land whereon I now live containing three hundred and eighty five acres with all its appurtenances also the whole Stock of Cattle Hogs and etc. together with every other moveable not heretofore mentioned and three negroes (to wit) Zack Dafney and old Lucy. I further desire that after my wifes decease my Land with all its appurtenances Mill and etc and the whole Stock of Cattle Hogs and Etc may be possessed by my two sons Moses and Lewis as joint heirs of Land and Etc. to them and their heirs forever. I also desire that after my wife's decease the negros bequeathed to her should be sold and equally divided among my Sons Joseph Elijah Jesse and Charles but it is to be observed that old Lucy is to be disposed of as my Wife shall think proper. I also desire that if Daphney should have any issue after the date of this my Will and Testament that issue should be valued after my Wifes decease and equally among sons Joseph, Jesse, Charles and Elijah. I desire that any just debts be paid by my sons Moses, Robert and Lewis each contributing an equal part. Note that for brevity sake I have hereto ommitted making mention of the Children or issue the negroes (I can't read this word. It begins with an m could be mothers) may now have or may have hereafter be it therefor known that my desire is that the persons to whom they are bequeathed as above should have the issue deriving from the negroes bequeathing to them as above And I do hereby constitute and appoint my good (the following two words are added above the line)and trusty friends: James Edmonds John Dillard and Charles Watts to execute this my last Will and Testament given under my hand and Seal this seventh day of January one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.