Deed Book No. 1, page 414, of Clerk’s Office of Halifax county. Virginia
In
the name of God, Amen. I, Charles Witt of the county of Halifax, being.
indisposed in body but of perfect mind and memory praise be God for the same, do
make, constitute and ordain this and none other to be my last will and testament
in manner and form following:
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Sarah Kerbv, one shilling sterling to her
and her heirs.
Item,
I give and bequeath i~ o my daughter, Lavinia Sullins, one shilling sterling to
her and her heirs.
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Mary Jonaken, one shilling sterling to her
and her heirs.
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my son, Elijah Witt, one shilling sterling to him and
his heirs.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my daughter, Charity Witt, after the death or marriage of
my said wife, one cow or two pounds current money to her and her heirs and
assigns forever.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my daughter. Nelly Witt, after the death or marriage of
my said wife, one cow or two pounds current money to her and her heirs forever.
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Lyddie Witt, after the death or marriage
of my said wife, one cow or two pounds current money to her and her heirs
forever.
Item.
I give and I bequeath unto my daughter, Rhoda Witt, after the death or marriage
of my said wife, one cow or two pounds current money to her an~1 her heirs
forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter. Susannah Witt, after the death or marriage
of my said wife, one cow or two pounds current money her and her heirs forever.
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my son. Caleb Witt, one horse or mare to the value of
five pounds, also fifteen pounds current money, which said beast and money he
shall have when he becomes of age, to be given to him and his heirs forever.
Item,
I lend unto my we1l beloved wife, Lavinia Witt, during her natural life or
widowhood the land and plantation whereon I now dwell, with all my 4ock of every
kind, also all my household furniture of every kind whatsoever.
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph Witt, after the death or marriage of m
said wife, the above said land and plantation, with all my stock of every kind,
and also all the household furniture, provided he, my son .Joseph, pays off the
legacies before bequeathed, which said land, etc., to be given unto my said son
and his male heirs lawfully begotten of his body forever.
Item,
Provided my son , Joseph, should die without a male heir lawfully begotten then
my desire is that my son, Caleb, shall enjoy the said land and plantation above
said forever.
Item,
My will and desire is that my said son, Joseph Witt, shall be obliged to take
care of his Mother during her life or widowhood, also all the small children, to
keep them together with her until they come of age or able to
do for themselves.
Item,
I order that my executors hereafter named shall sell all the land I hold on the
south side of the Main Road between that and Dan River, and the money be applied
towards paying my son, Caleb’s legacy off, and, lastly I appoint, constitute
and ordain my wife, Lavinia Witt, executrix, and my son, Joseph, executor of
this my last will and testament, hoping they will see the same duly performed
and confirming this and no other to be my only last will and testament. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 30th day of
January, 1771.
(Signed)
CHARLES WITT. L. S.
Signed,
sealed, published and delivered in the presence of James LeGrande, Micajah
Watkins, Robert Bakestrow, Probated the 21st of June, 1781. Further proved and
ordered to be recorded the 15th of August, 1782.