In the Name of God Amen I Edward Tatum of Brunswick County being very sick and weak but of sound and perfect memory and mind do make this my last will and Testament as Followeth Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my son Jesse Tatum all the land I hold on the north side of the branch that runs into the Reedy Creek between the plantation I now live on and Parhams Mill being for the quantity of two hundred and fifteen acres more or less to him his heirs and assigns for ever I give and bequeath unto my son Jesse the gray horse named Spark one young mare one cow and heifer one bed and furniture and two sows and piggs one iron pot and his wairing cloaths ITEM I give and bequeath unto my son Edward the plantation I now live on and two hundred acres of land more or less and bounded beginning at the branch between the plantation and Parhams Mill running up the branch to Cracks line and from thence long Cracks line to the corner red oak from thence along the head of a little slash that runs into the Cabin branch down the slash to his line at Cracks Mill path and from his line to the creek and up the creek to the mouth of the branch to the beginning to him his heirs and assigns forever and one iron pot ITEM I give and bequeath to my son John Tatum all the rest of my land and one copper kettle ITEM I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha one bed and furniture after the decease of her mother ITEM I give and bequeath unto my daughter Frances one chest of drawers after the decease of her mother ITEM I lend to my beloved wife Martha Tatum all the rest of my Estate after my debts is paid during her widowhood and afterwards to be divided among my four youngest children whom I likewise constitute make and ordain my wife Martha Tatum executor and my son Jesse Tatum executor to my Last Will and Testament. Witnessed by Robert Hicks, Cheney Tatum, and Edward Tatum.
At a court held for Brunswick County April 5th, 1744. This Last Will and Testament of Edward Tatum dec'd was presented in Court by Martha Tatum and Jesse Tatum the excors therein named who made oath thereto according to Law and the same being proved by the oaths of Robert Hicks and Cheney Tatum the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded on the motion of the said excors certification is granted them for obtaining a probat in due form.
Will Book 2, pages 79-80, Brunswick County, Virginia
Contributed on Feb 14, 1997 by Ronnie Tatum