“In the name of God Amen, I John Counts, Senior, of Russell County and
Commonwealth of Virginia being old and frail in body, but perfect in mind and
memory, blessed be God, but Calling to mind the Mortality of my body and
knowing it is appointed once for all men to die, I do make and Constitute this my
last Will and Testament in manner and form following.
And first I give my body to the Earth from whence it was taken desiring it
may be buried in a Christian manner without pomp &c., and my soul I give to God
who gave it hoping it may find peace in the Arms of his Mercy, and as touching
what worldly Goods and estate which I possess I give, devise and bequeath in
manner following to wit:
Eve Maticks my eldest daughter I give one Shilling
Mary Rarsnake I give one Shilling
John Counts Junior also I give one shilling,
Lissey Willard I give one shilling.
Item, I give to Harry Willard’s eldest son Martin Willard
Catherine my daughter one shilling
Christian my daughter one shilling,
my son Phillip one shilling.
Item, I give and bequeath to my son George with whom I live the plantation
on which I live with all appurtenances thereunto belonging out of which I am to be
maintained in a good common manner while I live with victuals and cloathing and
at my death everything possessed by me shall belong to George Counts and to his
heirs forever and I do hereby revoke and disannul all former wills by me made and
ratifying and confirming this to be my Last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my had and seal this third day of
April one thousand eight hundred and two.
Signed Sealed and delivered published and Declared to be my last will in
presence of these Witnesses.
his
John X Counts
mark
Teste
John Hargis
her
Lydia X Hargis
mark
Duritee Counts.”