Dated 22 Sep 1796, Presented 1 Dec 1796
Updated November 24, 2022
In the name of God amen. I Elizabeth GILLIAM of Sussex County and State of Virginia tho' weak in body, yet of a sound and disposing mind and memory. I thank God, do make and ordain the following my last will and testament, viz.
My will and desire is that my negro boy Jeremiah aged about nineteen be bound to a blacksmith's trade for four years, and that my negro girl Patty aged about eighteen be in the service and under the care of David Barrow for five years each from the date hereof at the expiration of which term. I do from an inward conviction of the Inequity of hereditary slavery hereby manumit and free them according to the law of this state in that case made and provided.
2nd: My third part that I hold and claim in a negro man Jack I give and bequeath to my Sister Lucy GILLIAM.
3rd: My two mares I leave to be sold and the money arising therefrom I give and bequeath to my Sister Sarah Barrow.
4th My will and desire is that all the residue of my estate of what kind or quality soever be sold and after paying my just debts and funeral expenses the money arising therefrom one half I five and bequeath to my Sister Sarah Barrow, and the other half I give and bequeath with the interest arising thereon to be equally divided between the above mentioned negroes Jeremiah and Patty to be by them possessed at the end of their years of service.
Lastly: I constitute make and ordain David Barrow my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby disannulling every other writing of this kind heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal this 22nd of Sept 1796.
Signed Sealed Published
Sig: Elizabeth (her X mark) GILLIAM (Seal)
and declared in the presence of
Anselm GILLIAM
Edna (her X mark) GILLIAM
At a Court for Sussex County the 1st day of December 1796
The last Will and Testament of Elizabeth GILLIAM deceased was presented into Court by David Barrow the executor therein named the same was proved by the oath of Edna GILLIAM one of the Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on motion of the said executor who made oath and gave bond according to law. Certificate is granted him for obtaining Probate thereof in due form.
[Jeremiah Gilliam who was manumitted by Elizabeth’s Will is later found in the census records of Sussex and Prince George Counties, VA. In 1818 Jeremiah is involved in several land deals in Sussex with the Magees. In 1820 he sells ten acres to Henry M. Magee, the son of Cary Magee.]
Sources
- Sussex County Wills, Will Book F, Pages 1-2.