James Alderson Will

James Alderson

Will - June 2, 1782

In the name of God, amen. I, James Alderson, of the Parish of North Farnham and County of Richmond, calling to mind the certainty of my death, and uncertainty of the time thereof, do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament for the disposal of all the estate both real and personal, whereof, if it please God, of his infinite goodness to give me, and I am anywise seized or possessed and have a right to prepare of in a manner or form following (that is to say):

First, I give my son James Alderson the plantation with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, whereunto I now live, likewise that tract or parc el of land which I purchased from Mr. Stokely Fowles, called Reades, to him and the heir of his body lawfully begotten forever. Also I give my said son, James, one Negro boy named George to him and his heirs forever.

Again, I give and devise to my three children (viz.) John Alderson, Ann Alderson, and Elizabeth Alderson, all that tract or parcel of land which I purchased of Mr. Hudson Muse and by him purchased of Mr. William Griffin and his brothers, and known to be mentioned by the said Griffin to be all the unleased lands which they sold of their brother, Thomas B. Griffin, in the Parish of North Farnham and County of Richmond to be divided between my son, John, to have all that part on the forest side of the swamp, the other part on the north side of the swamp to be equally divided between my two daughters, Ann and Elizabeth, to them and the heirs of their bodies, respectively forever, subjecting the said tract to the maintenance of the Church land I purchased of Mr. Hudson Muse in rail timber and firewood. Also, I give my son, John, one Negro boy named Joe to him and his heirs or his body forever and I give also to my said daughter, Ann, one Negro girl named Judith and her increase forever. I bequeath to my daughter, Elizabeth, above mentioned, one Negro girl named Betty and her increase forever.

Again I give and bequeath to my son, William Alderson, that tract of land at Farnham Church which I bought of Mr. Hudson Muse to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body forever. Again, I give my said son, William, one Negro boy named Isaac to him and his heirs forever.

Again, I give and devise to my son, Jeremiah Alderson that tract or parcel of Griffins land which I purchased of Mr. Hudson Muse and at present known by George Barneses lease, the said Barnses representative having a temporary interest therein to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten forever. Also I give my son, Jeremiah, one Negro girl named Sarah to him and his heirs forever.

Again, I give and bequeath to my daughter, Jane Northen, my plantation in the Parish of Lunenberg during her natural life and after her decease to my grandson, James Northen to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body forever. Also, I give unto my said daughter, Jane, one Negro girl named Winney and her increase forever.

Again, I give and devise to my daughter, Sarah Ann Stone, one hundred and forty pounds specie in lieu of land and also I give my daughter, Sarah Ann, one Negro girl named Lydia and her increase forever. The above hundred and forty pounds which I give to my daughter Stone is to be raised out of my whole estate.

Again I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Ann Walher Alderson, fifty pounds specie, to be raised from my estate and to be kept in the hands of my Executors until the said child shall arrive to the age of eighteen years, then to be paid to her, and if she dies before she comes to that age, to be divided among my other children.

Again, I lend my whole estate, both real and personal, unto my beloved wife, Sarah Ann Alderson, during her natural life or widowhood, and at the time of her decease or marriage, my will and desire is that all my estate not herein before divided or bequeathed, real or personal, may be equally divided among my said eight children (viz.) James, John, Ann, Elizabeth, William, Jeremiah, Jane, and Sarah Ann.

Again, it is my desire that my daughter, Elizabeth, and her estate be left in the care of my son, James Alderson, and my daughter, Sarah Ann Stone, with my particular request that they be carefull of her during her nonage and incapacity.

Again, I do appoint and ordain my beloved wife, Sarah Ann Alderson, my friends Thomas Yerby, James Alderson and Peter Northen, my Executrix and Executors to this my Last Will and Testament, requesting them to see the same performed agreeable to my intention and lastly, I do hereby revoke all former wills and testaments.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2nd day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.