Will of Henry Shackelford
WILL OF HENRY SHACKELFORD
I, Henry Shackelford, of Henry County, being weak in body, but well and sound
and of perfect memory, thanks to Almighty God; calling to remembrance the
frailty and uncertainty of human life, have made this my last Will and Testament
in manner following:
I give and commit my soul unto the hands of my merciful Creator, hoping for
redemption of my sins through the merits of my blessed Redeemer -- Jesus Christ.
My body I leave to be buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter named.
Imprimis: After my just debts are honestly paid I lend to my dear and loving
wife - Mary Shackelford, during her life or widowhood, all my land and
plantation I now live on, with all my household and kitchen furniture, with all
my stock of horses, cattle, and hogs, with three negroes, namely -- Rose, James,
and Sal, that I am now possessed with.
Imprimis: I give unto Susannah Jacobs, ten pounds cash, one cow and calf; and it
is my will that she should have the first colt my mare has. To her and her heirs
forever.
Imprimis: I leave to my son Henry's children, one hundred pounds cash, and after
my wife's decease, they are to have the balance of their part in money when my
land is sold; to them and their heirs forever. I leave to my son -- Henry
Shackelford, five shillings sterling. But in case my son Henry Shackleford,
wantes the children's money, or any part thereof, it is my desire that he may
give security to get the money forthcoming to his children:
I leave my wife's part to be equally divided amongst my four sons and my son
Samuel's children -- namely John Shackelford, James Shackelford, William
Shackelford and Daniel Shackelford; to them and their heirs forever. What other
estate I am possessed of and not yet willed away, I leave to be equally divided
amongst my four sons, namely - John, William, James, and Daniel; and my son
Samuel's children, after deducting twenty pounds cash for my son John; also
fifteen pounds for my son Samuel's children, except they should bring suit for a
lend of forty pounds I gave to my son Samuel; but in case they should bring suit
against that lend of forty pounds --------- to be void and come out of their
part to pay cost and interest of said lend.
The negroes my son Samuel's children is to have, I leave to be hired out at a
private sale by my executors, the hire of said negroes to go to the children
yearly while the youngest comes of age; to them and their heirs forever. It is
also my desire that the negroes may be lotted out as equally as possible; also
my desire is, that Jack and Charlotte may not be parted, and the women to keep
their little children. Also my son Daniel's negroes, if they are used ill, it is
my desire that my executors my take the negroes and hire them out at a private
sale, and the hire to go to my son Daniel. Also my desire is that Rose, James,
and Sal, after my wife's decease, should be appraised and the money equally
divided amongst all my surviving children, except my son Henry Shackelford.
Lastly: I nominate and appoint my son John Shackleford, executor to this my last
Will and Testament; and as trustee to see this Will executed.
Hereby revoking and disannuling all former wills by me made, and declaring this
to be my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Thirty First day of
October, one thousand eight hundred and five (Oct. 31, 1805).
Signed -- Henry X (his mark) Shackelford.
Signed, sealed and published before us:
Samuel Marshall, William Martin, and Francis Cox.
Recorded in Will Book 2, pages 151/52, in Henry County, Virginia. Probated
January 27, 1806.