Dated 23 Sep 1776, Presented 20 Mar 1777
Updated November 24, 2022
In the name of God, I John GILLIAM of the County of Sussex being of perfect mind and memory and calling to mind and duly considering the uncertainty of human life do make this my last Will and Testament, first and principally I commit my soul into the hands of my Blessed maker, trusting his mercies and in the merits of my dear Redeemer for the remission of all my sins, my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors herein after mentioned and as to my temporal estate I bequeath and dispose of it in the manner following:
Imprimis: I give and bequeath unto my loving brother William GILLIAM and to his heirs and assigns my land and plantation whereon I now live in Sussex County which was provided to me by my father, on condition that he pay unto my loving brother Hinchea GILLIAM the sum of fifty pounds current money.
Also I give and bequeath unto my loving brother Hinchea GILLIAM all my wearing apparel and my sword.
Also it is my will and desire that all my slaves stocks of all kinds and all other personal estate be equally divided between my two loving brothers Hinchea and William by three gentlemen to be appointed by the court of Sussex County and such division to be valid and binding on the parties.
And Lastly: I hereby appoint my loving friends Howell Chappell and John GILLIAM my whole and sole Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making null and void all former wills and bequests by me heretofore made and allowing satisfying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal at Portsmouth this 23rd day of September 1776.
Sig: John GILLIAM
Signed Sealed and Published
in Presence of
John Berryman, Nathaniel Mason,
Drury Partin, David Mason
At a court held for Sussex County this 20th day of March 1777
The last will and testament of John GILLIAM, Esq., an officer in the Continental Army, deceased was presented into court by Howell Chappell one of the executors therein named who made oath thereto as the law directs and the same was proved by the oaths of Drury Partin and David Mason witnesses thereto and by the court ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said executor certification is granted him for a probate thereof in due form.
Teste, Will Claiborne
Accounting of Estate of John GILLIAM
Dated July, 1779.
Sussex County, VA, Book C, Page 332,
Exec: Howell Chappell
Money was set aside for orphans William and Hinchey GILLIAM
Sources
- Sussex Will Book C, Page 332-