In the name of God Amen I John Clift of the county of Russell and State of Virginia farmer being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and testament (Viz) principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul unto the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general resurection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life after my funeral expences and just debts are paid I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form
First I give and bequeath to my well bloved daughter Nancy deceased or heirs the sum of one dollar lawful money of Virginia
Also I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughter Elizabeth the sum of one dollar lawful money of Virginia
Also I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Nancy all the rest of my estate lands, houses household furniture farming tools, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and ___ during her widowhood but if the said Nancy should marry or at her decease then the said estate to be divided with Rolly Clift Polly Clift, and Judith Clift by them freely to be possessed and enjoyed.- And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments, wills legacies bequest and Executors by me in any ways before named willed and bequeathed ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven.
Signed sealed, published pronounced and declared by the said John Clift as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto ascribed our names I also appoint Nancy my beloved wife William Wright and William Gilmore my Executors
John Clift (Seal)
William Virmillion
his
George X Fuller
mark
John King
Virginia
At a court held for Russell County the 7th day of December 1813
This instrument of writing was exhibited in court as and for the last Will and testament of John Clift deceased and proved by the oaths of William Virmillion and George Fuller two of the witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded. And on motion of Nancy Clift & William Wright two of the executors therein named who made oath thereto, and together with George Kindrick their security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five hundred dollars conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted them for obtaining probat of the said Will in due form - Liberty being reserved to the other Executor named in the said Will to join in the probat when he shall think fit.
Teste
James P. Carrell D.C.