Will of John Caldwell

 

In the name of God I, John Caldwell of the County of Botetourt & State of Virginia being sound in mind and memory do make this my last will and Testament in manner following viz.

Item  I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Susannah my bald faced horse, Twelve head of cattle and one ____ and furniture complete and further more I give and bequeath to my said wife all the monies which may be coming to me from Pennsylvania all of which __ with __ the first bequest s, she is at liberty at her death to dispose of as she thinks proper.

Item I give and bequeath to my son William Caldwell and his heirs the sum of Six shillings

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Rosannah one dollar

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah one dollar.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane one dollar.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Archibald Caldwell one dollar

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy one dollar

Item I give and bequeath to my son John Caldwell one dollar

Item I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Caldwell one dollar

I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Susannah fifty dollars in cash and a horse that is now called King.  Three head of cattle and one bed and furniture complete to her and hers forever

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Caldwell the plantation whereon I now live containing two hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less to him and his forever.  Together with all my personal Estate of whatever kind or description after the payment of the bequests aforesaid.  Item It is my desire will and desire that my said son Robert Caldwell shall furnish his mother with all  _______ & proper _______  for her comfort and support during her natural life.  And Lastly I do hereby authorize and appoint my said son Robert Caldwell and my son William Caldwell Executors to this my last will and testament hereby  _______  and confirming this is my last will and revoking all others heretofore made.,

            In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed by seal this 12 day of April 1815

                                                                                    John Caldwell (seal)

Signed & sealed in presence of

And Hundler

Afie Handley

Joseph Giving

                                       At Botetourt April Court  1820

This instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and Testament of John Caldwell deceased was exhibited in court and proven by the oaths of Andrew Handler & Alexander Handley witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and all ________  of Robert Caldwell the Executors therein  _______ William Caldwell the other Executor in the will having refused to qualify as such.  Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form he having first made oath and with security  entered into and  action discharged. Bond _____ __ _____

 

                                                                        A copy

                                                                                    Teste Madison ________ DC

 

Botetourt County, Virginia

Will Book C

Page 254 & 255

 

Transcribed by Lynn Andrews