Surname: SMITH Type of Record: Probate
Source: Amherst County, Virginia, Will Book 4, pages 220 & 221
WILL OF ABRAM SMITH
In the name of God amen, I being in a low state of health but being in perfect sence, calling to mind all men was to die. I think it is therefore necefsary to make a division between my children before I die. I give unto James Campbell the plantation whereon he lives, beginning at the upper line and running of a straight (line) within ten yards of my forge to the lower line. I also give unto my son Elias my old plantation, divided by a straight line upon the ridge between my place and my son John's old place. I also give unto my son John the plantation whereon he rise to live, running with both lines till he gets his full compliment, and the balance to be divided between James and Elias of the old survey. I also give unto my son Elias a certain tract of land lying on Piney River containing of one hundred and ninety six acres. I give unto James Campbell one tract on Ty River containing the same quantity of acres. I also leave the balance of my estate to be sold and then to be collected with my outstanding debts and equally divided between my three children. & my Malatto boy John Nathan was born in the year of seventeen hundred & ninety seven, he is to serve James Campbell till he is twenty-one years of age, and then go free. I declare this my last will & testament this seventeenth day of April one thousand eight hundred & six. As witnefs my hand & seal.
[Signed] Abram Smith { Seal }
Teste
[Signed] Johnson Phillips
[His Mark] Joel Ramsey
[ His Mark] James X Camden, Jr.
At a court held for Amherst County the 16th day of June 1806, this last will and testament of Abram Smith decd was proven by the oathes of Johnson Phillips a witnefs thereto and to be for further proof. And at a court held for the aforesaid county the fifteenth day of September in the year aforesaid. This will was further proven by the oaths of Joel Ramsey in witnefs thereto, and on the motion of John Smith (son of Abram) and James Campbell. Two letters of administration on the estate of the said Abram Smith decd with his will annexed is granted them, they having qualified according to law, and entered into Bond with Wm Duncan and George Campbell their securities in the penalty of two thousand dollars current money with the condition required by law. Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probat thereof in due form, and the said will is ordered to be recorded.
Teste
[Signed] W. L. Crawford C.A.C.