Last Will and Testament of John Booth, Sr.

St. Stephen’s Parish, Northumberland County, Virginia

26 December, 1798

Proved 9 December, 1799

Further Proved 13 January 1800

In the name of God amen. I John Booth of the parish of Saint Stephens in the county of Northumberland, being sick and weak of body but in perfect sense and memory thank almighty God for the same, do constitute this my last will and testament, revoking all other wills heretofore by me made and declare this to be my last will and testament.

First I recommend my soul to the almighty God and my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in such decent Christian-like manner as my executors hereafter named shall think proper. And as for my worldly estate, I give and dispose of as followeth to wit.

Item – I give and bequeath to my loving wife Winnifred Booth my whole estate real and personal during her natural life or widowhood, and at her death or marriage to be equally divided between my seven children that I had by my last wife, namely Rodham, Joseph, Thaddious, Frederick, Nancy, Anthony Sydnor and William Raughly Booth to them and their heirs forever.

Item – I give to my son James Booth ten shillings sterling and no more of my estate.

Item – I give to my son George Booth ten shillings sterling and no more of my estate.

Item – I give to my daughter Elizabeth Dale ten shillings sterling and no more of my estate.

Item – I give to my son John Booth ten shillings sterling and no more of my estate.

Lastly, I nominate my friend George Lamkin, Rodham Booth, and my wife my executors to this my last will and testament this 26th day December, 1798.

[signed] John [his mark] Booth Sr. [seal]

Signed, sealed and delivered

In presence of

[signed] George Lamkin

[signed] Thomas [his mark] Alexander

At a court of monthly session held for Northumberland County at the courthouse the 9th day of December, 1799. This last will and testament of John Booth, Sr. deceased was proved by the oath of Thomas Alexander and witnesses thereto and at a like court held for the said county at the courthouse aforesaid the 13 day of January, 1800 the said last will and testament was further proved by the oath of George Lamkin the other witness thereto and ordered to be recorded, he the said Lamkin having previously in open court refused to take upon himself the burden of the execution of the said will.

Whereupon the motion of Rodham Booth and Winnifred Booth the other executor and the executrix in the said will named who made oath thereto and together with James Booth, Richard Walker and William Way their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of twenty-five hundred dollars conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

ExaminedTeste

Catesby Jones, Clerk

Notes about document:

Transcribed as is with a few formatting changes to make it easier to read.

2005 John J. Jenkins