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WILL OF JOSEPH WARD
In the name of God Amen
I Joseph Ward of the County of Kanawha and Commonwealth of Virginia, being of sound mind and disposing …….. this my last will and testament … manner
First, I desire that so much of the perishables and personal part of my estate as maybe necessary, with the money I have on hand at the time of my death, may be applied to the payment and discharge of my just debts and def.. my funeral expenses and for that purpose that so much thereof be sold immediately after my decease. And it is my will and desire that no more of my said perishable and personal property to be sold than will be necessary and requisite for those purposes.
2nd, After payment of all my just debts an funeral expenses I give and bequeath to Judy and her children, Pau.., Levina, Leroy, Onena, and Eliza persons of colour former my Slaves who were emancipated to my Deed of manumifsion bearing date the sixth day of June in the year of Christ One Thousand Eight hundred and twenty two. All the remainder and residue of my perishable and personal property of what ever kind, not sold as before directed to be equally divided among them as near as may be share and share alike to have and hold to them as their absolute and exclusive property forever and severally to each of .. according to the decision that may be made thereof and in the division thereof should any difference or disputes arise among them which it is hoped may be avoided. It is my will and desire that my executors hereinafter named should settle adjudge and finally determine in an amicable way … such unfortunate dispute or difference.
3rd I give and devise to my Executors hereinafter named all my lands n … and real estate of every kind in Kanawha County and else where for the sole use, …, and benefit of the aforesaid Judy and her said .. children, Pau.. Levina, Leroy, Onena and Eliza heretofore emancipated and set free by me and if my wish and desire and I do direct that my said executors shall sell, dispose of and convey my said lands and tennents and real estate for the best price that can be had for the same, on such credit as my executors may deem best for the interest of those concerned, and shall vest the monies arising from such sale in other lands to be purchased by my said Executors in the State of Ohio which said lands shall be equally divided among the aforesaid Judy and her five children, Paulee, Levina Leroy, Onena, andn Eliza, Share and share alike to be held by them and their heirs forever.
4th Should the personal estate hereby directed to be sold for the payment of my debts and funeral charges be insufficient for the purpose, then in that event, I direct that my land shall be rented, until a sufficient sum together with the proceeds of my personal estate shall be raised for the discharge of my just debts and funeral expense until which time the sale of my land shall be postponed, but no longer - unless at the will and direction of my executors to sale should be longer postponed.
5th And lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend, James C. McFarland and Philip G. Todd both of the County of Kanawha aforesaid, Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other former wills, or testaments by me heretofore made.
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and seal this eight day of June in the year One thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
Joseph Ward
Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the before named Joseph Ward in presence of us Farwell Brown, Jn P Turner & John Poston
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Transcribed from Microfilm by Tammy and Steve Barber.
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