In the name of God Amen; I John Minter of the County of Fauquier, Being at this time very weak of body but of a perfect mind and memory thanks to almighty God for the same. I first resign my body to the dust from whence I was taken and am in hopes to be decently buried by my executors, and then through the merits of my saviour Jesus Christ, I have also hopes of being unto his everlasting rest.
It is my Will and desire that what estate that God is pleased to belie me with shall be disposed with as follows;
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Minter, one third of my estate during her natural life and then to be divide between my children William, Elizabeth and Jacob Minter and their heirs forever. I do also give and bequeath to my son Anthony Minter my tract of land whereon I now live that was left to me by my father Joseph Minter and his heirs forever.
Item; I do also give and bequeath to my son Anthony my Still and Worm that appertains thereunto and its also my will and desire that my son Anthony shall have a good Country Education and when he shall arrive to age of maturity that he shall be bound out by my executors to a trade that they shall think that will then suite his genus, and that he shall be educated from the profits arising from my said Estate.
Item; I do also give and bequeath to my children William, Elizabeth and Jacob Minter the rest of my Estate to be equally divided to them and their heirs forever. It's my will and desire that my sons William and Jacob, when they come to age, that if my executors shall think proper, that then they shall be bound out to such trade that will best suit their genius's and that they shall be educated from the profits arising from my Estate. It's also my will and desire that my daughter Elizabeth shall be brought up by my sister Elizabeth Rogers and that she shall be maintained from my said Estate. I do Constitute Charles Chilton, Joseph Minter and George Rogers Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14 day of January 1778.
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Sealed and Delivered) |
His |
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in presence of) |
John (x) Minter |
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Mary Bailey |
mark |
George Rogers
William Tomlen
At a Court held for Fauquier County the 23rd. day of February 1778. This Will was proved by oaths of Mary Bailey and William Tomlin witness thereunto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Charles Chilton, Joseph Minter and George Rogers the Executors therein named who made oath and executed and acknowledged bound as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.