Will of John Morris Dated 10 April 1818
Amelia County, Virginia Will Book No. 9 Page 46
In the Name of God Amen. I John Morris of the County of Amelia being of sound disposing mind and memory do hereby constitute, make, and ordain this to be my last will and testament in form and manner following.
To wit, imprimis, I give to my beloved wife Mary Morris all the property real and personal which I may be entitled to from her father's estate. I also give her twenty barrels of corn, fifteen bushels of wheat, and six hundred pounds of pork to her and heirs forever. I also lend unto my wife during her life all the land including within the following boundaries (to wit), beginning at the road near Chappells branch thence down the road ..... [detailed directions not copied]. I also lend unto my wife the following property during her life. To wit, our negroe man named Ben, one negroe woman named Molly, one horse and gigg and harness and -- and one calf, four years. One sow with pigs, one walnut table, one -- chair, one set of knives and forks, all my silver spoons, one bed and furniture, 2 .... [lists coffeepots, etc.]. And at the death of my wife tis my will and desire that the before mentioned property real and personal shall be divided among my three daughters in the following manner.
To Jane C. Bott, I give my silver tea spoons and one equal third part of my whole estate...
To my daughter Elizabeth Morris I give my silver table spoons and bed and furniture and ... to make her equal with my other two daughters...
Tis my will and desire also that my daughter Elizabeth should live with my wife and that she shall be boarded gratis out my estate as long as she remains single no longer.
I lend unto my daughter Rhoda Farriss (during her life) the other third part of the property I have left unto my wife. Also the other third part of all my land.... and at the death of my said daughter I give the before mentioned property to her child or children if she should have any to them and her heirs forever. I give to my said daughter Rhoda at the death of my wife the silver --s. I have lend her to her and her heirs forever. I give and desire to my son John Morris all the lands which I own in the state of Ohio . Also one horse, saddle, and bridle, one gun, one silver watch, all which property he is now in possession of to him and his heirs forever.
In consideration of having made an advance of one hundred and seventy dollars to my said son I shall have the further sum of about four hundred and fifty dollars to pay for him to Peter Ri--. Tis my will and desire that my said son shall not receive or have any more of my estate whatever in justice to my other children.
My will and desire is and I do direct that all my just debts be paid and that all my stock of every description not herein before ---- my crop on hand, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture to be sold by my executrix herein after named to raise the money for my daughter Elizabeth Morris and for her board as long as she remains single, the balance of any to be divided as before directed.
Lastly I appoint my truly friends Isham Ball and Austin Seay executors to this my last will and testament (hereby revoking all former wills) In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of April 1818. John Morris. Witnessed by A. Seay, Wm. Booker, and Wm. Eggleston.
In Amelia County Court December 24th 1818. The last will and testament of John Morris deceased was exhibited
unto court and proven by the oaths of two of the witnesses hereto subscribed and was ordered to be recorded. Isham
Bell qualified as executor and gave bond with Austin Seay his security in the penalty of twelve thousand dollars
conditioned according to law probate is granted him on said estate in due form. Austin Seay also -- executor named
in said will refused to qualify as such.