PRESENTED IN HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA COURT

NOVEMBER OF 1777

I John Bates, of the County of Halifax, and Parish of Antrim, being weak of body but of sound memory, knowing that is appointed for all men once to die have thought proper to make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say Vixt.

I desire my wife Chloe Bates may have peaceable possession of the land whereon I now live, about sixty six acres. Also thirty foare acres of the Mill Tract, in the whole one hundred acres, as long as the said Chloe Bates shall live, after which my desire is that it shall belong to my son David Bates. My desire further is that John Moore shall peaceably enjoy one hundred and sixteen acres of land being the sourplus of the land bought of said Moore called the Mill Tract, after whose death it shall belong to Armistead Moore.

As to my personal Estate my desire is that it be equally divided after the death of my wife, among my children, namely David, Elizabeth, John, James, Fleming, Matthew and Susannah.

I do constitute this my last will and testament appointing my wife Chloe Bates Executrix and my son David Bates Executor to which I set my hand and affixed my seall.

Before

Fleming Bates, Jr

George Ridley

Elisabeth Wall

NB I desire that the land on Bradley's Creek be sold and the money arising thereby be devised between my children before mentioned in my will above written equally.

At a court held in Halifax County the 20th day of November 1777 this last will and testament of John Bates deceased was exhibited in court by Chloe Bates widow and relict of said John the Executrix herein named and there was proved by the oaths of two of the subscribing witnesses hereto, and ordered to be recorded.