Will of James Hix, dated January 28, 1776, proved on May 23, 1776, Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
James Hix very sick and weak in body but of sound mind and perfect memory.
Just debts to be paid by selling stock as best determined by my executor and by the collection of a Bond on Thomas Claibourne of Brunswick County in the hands of Benjamin Hix and to collect, also three pounds eight shillings due from George Elliott of this county.
I lend unto my well beloved wife Frances Hix during here widowhood 4 working negros VIZ: Andrew, Hannah, Sarah and Peter, only that Peter be sold if required. Also to my wife possession of the lands and improvements where I now live during her widowhood, also my riding horse, 10 choice cows, 15 head of sheep, all of my working tools, all household furniture except 1 feather bed and furniture which I give to my wife and for her to dispose of as she thinks proper.
The land where I now live after the decease of my wife, I give to my son Miles Hicks (Hix) to be directed by the executor until he comes of age.
Son Miles when he comes of age shall pay to the child with which his mother Frances Hix is now pregnant, one hundred fifty pounds on the child coming of age, whether the child be a son or daughter. Should the child not live, the money to be divided amongst the other surviving children and their heirs: Nancy Hix, Elizabeth Hix, Franky Hix, Dolly Hix, the daughters of the said James Hix.
Also to my son Miles Hix, a negro boy Abraham. Should Miles not live to enjoy the estate, the same boy to be sold and the money divided among my living children and the residue of my negros to wit: Andrew, Charlotte, Tazzy, Ben, Amea - I will to the first of my daughters that comes of age and divide the last mentioned negros into equal lots and the eldest daughter to have the first choice.
After the decease of my wife Frances, all things lent to her to be sold and the funds equally divided among all of my children. Appoint my wife and my brother, Benjamin Hix of Brunswick County my executors. Signed by James Hix. Witnesses were John Salmon, Elisha Harbour, David Lanier, and Thomas Jamison.
Security for the executors are John Salmon, James Shelton, Jesse Chandler, and David Lanier.
Deeds & Will Book 5, pages 416-418, Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Abstract from ABSTRACTS OF PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA WILLS, 1767-1820, compiled by Lela C. Adams, page 11-12 (Southern Historical Press, Inc., 1986).