January 24, 1778
Updated November 25, 2022
In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Woodward of Bedford County, being weak in body, but of sound memory, blessed be God, I do this day the twenty forth of January in the year of our Lord God one Thousand Seven Hundred and seventy-eight make and publish this my last will and Testament in the form following:
First, I desire all my just Debts to be paid.
Then, I lend to my beloved Wife Elizabeth Woodward my whole Estate during her Widowhood, but if she marry she shall have one third part of my Estate which I left.
Then, I give and bequeath to my son Lance Woodward my whole Estate set aside my wife's thirds and at her Death her thirds to be Returned to my son Lance Woodward. My Estate containing one Negro boy Named Peter, goods and Chattles, But he shall pay my Daughter Urcilla Hall fifty pounds out of the said Estate.
Likewise, I give out of sd. Estate to my son Randolph Woodward one shilling sterling, also I give to my son Isaac Woodward one shilling sterling, also I give to my son John Woodward one shilling sterling, also I give to my son William Woodward one shilling sterling, also I give to my son Richard Woodward one shilling sterling, also I give to my Daughter Frances Taylor one shilling sterling, also I give to my son Warwick Woodward one shilling sterling.
and Make my well beloved Wife and my son Lance Woodward Sole Executors of this my Last will and testament.
Now I Recommend my soul to God and my Body to the Earth to Buried in a decent Manner as Witness my hand and seal
Sig: Richard [his X mark] Woodward
signed & sealed in Presents of us
Richard GILLIAM
Zacharias GILLIAM mark
Peter Forqueran
Leonard Hall
Proven April 24, 1786, by oath of Richard GILLIAM and Peter Forqueran.
Executors: Elizabeth Woodward and Lance Woodward.
Security: Richard GILLIAM.
Sources
- Bedford County, VA, Will Book 1, page 505