Matthew Jackson 1755-1795

10. Matthew Jackson’s Will

In the name of God Amen. I Matthew Jackson of the County of Prince Edward being perfect in mind and memory thanks be to god for the same, but calling to mind that mortality of the body—and that is ordained for all men to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz. — after my just debts are paid I give to my beloved Eight Children Josiah, Nancy, Patsey, Jane, William Peneck, Nathaniel, Judith Pate and Thomas

the whole of my slaves to be equally divided amongst them and their heirs forever, at the expiration of two years or sooner if consented to by the whole of the legatees or their guardians also the whole of my Stock of all kinds and house hold and kitchen furniture shall be equally divided between my eight above mentioned children except my lands and furniture which I give to my beloved children, Nancy, Jane, William Penick, Nathaniel, Judith Pate and Thomas to be equally divided amongst them.

Item: my Will is that the whole of my lands by Executors at the expiration of two years after my decease or sooner if consented to by the whole of the Legatees or Guardians, the whole of my Lands to be sold with annual payments from the day of sale,

Item: I give to my Daughter Judith Pate one Womans Saddle and Bridle Value Three pounds ten Shillings and a Womans Cloak Value forty Shillings.

Item: my Will is that my Executor shall give my Son Thomas three years Skooling to be paid out of my Estate, and then to be put to such Trade as my Executor shall think best.

Item: My Will is that my son Josiah pay to my Estate Fifty seven Pounds for property & cash Received of me viz. To Cash Forty Pounds, one horse twelve Pounds three head of cattle four Pounds three sheep one Pound and a parcel of hoggs one Pound.

Item: My Will is that my daughter Patsey Jackson pay to my Estate Ten Pounds for five head of cattle six Pounds three head of sheep one Pound four shillings one Sealskin Trunk one Pound six Shillings and a passel of hoggs one pound ten Shillings,

Item: My will is that my son William Penick pay to my Estate Ten Pounds for one horse received of me,

Item: my Will is that my son Nathaniel Jackson pay to my Estate Ten Pounds for a horse received of me,

Item: It is my will if my Executor shall think proper to let a negro go to one of my children before the division to this place they shall have power so to do. The said negro to be returned at the division. My will is that my Estate shall be divided by my Executors Captain John Pensall,

and JesseWatson in such manner as they shall think reasonable and just, and shall any dispute arise between the Legatees respecting any clause or clauses of this my last Will and Testament, such dispute to be determined by my said Executors John Pensall and Jesse Watson and their determination shall be final. I nominate and appoint my son Josiah Jackson, Captain Pensall and Jesse Watson Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and disannulling all previous Wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the twenty ninth day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five.

Signed sealed acknowledged and published As his last Will and Testament in presence of Humphrey Nelson
Josiah Watson

Thomas —

11. – a Court held for Prince Edward County September 21st 1795
This last will and testament of Matthew Jackson deceased, was presented in Court and proved by the Oaths of Humphrey Nelson and Josiah Watson. Witnessed thereto or decree that the same be recorded on the motion of Josiah Jackson one of the executors therein name who with Josiah Watson and John Booker his securities entered into and acknowledged their hand in the penalty of two thousand pounds and the said Executor took the oath required by law: certificate for leniency approved thereof in due form is granted him, and leave for the other executors therein named to take execution at another day.

—- T. Watkins, Clerk