Thomas Tredway of Baltimore Co., Maryland     Treadway Wills

Richard Booker Will
23 Feb 1818
Will Book 6, pgs. 53-55
Donated by Katie Park

Cumberland Co., Virginia

     In the name of God amen, I Richard Booker of Cumberland County being of sound mind and memory do by this my last Will and Testament the following disposition of my estate:

I devise and bequeath unto my loving wife for and during her natural life my land on which I now live, all the slaves – thereon except as herein after excepted or such apart of the slaves as she may choose, all the stock, plantation tools, household and kitchen furniture.

I have already provided for my son Peter R. Booker therefore make no disposition in his favour.

In addition to what I have already given my son in law Moses Tredway I bequeath to him old Betty in full right to be taken away at anytime. And to my grand daughter Mary Miles Tredway Betty’s daughter Lilly and her increase.

In addition to what I have already given my son Meritt H. Booker I devise and bequeath to him the following slaves, Old Mima, Cate, Jourdan, Clarey and her increase.

I have given to my son German Booker, Ben and Morris and after the death of my beloved wife I devise to my son German the land on which I live to have to hold the said land forever.

I give and bequeath to my son Rich L. Booker all the property which is conveyed to him by deed recorded in the County Court of Henrico.

I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet Booker John and a girl Betsy Hunter, also my son Richard L. Booker bond in my favour due the first day of January 1819 for Five Thousand Dollars.

I also give and bequeath to my daughter Grace; Peter and Maria and my son Richard L. Booker bond in my favour due the first day of January 1820 for Five Thousand Dollars, each of the above sums of $5,000.00 being about one third the estimate my son Albert’s estate which I have conveyed to my son Richard by deed.

I give to my grand son William M. Tredway two shares stock in the Appromatton Company. After the death of my beloved wife it is my will and desire that all the property which I have of every kind subject to the payment of my debts be disposed of and divided equally between my son German and my daughters Harriet and Grace. Reserving to German the privilege of taking his one third of the negroes away before my death if he think proper that are not therewise appropriated.

If my daughters Harriet and Grace or either of them should marry under the age of Twenty one years, without the consent or against the wish of my son Merrit it is my will and desire and I hereby bequeath that the property bequeathed to such of my daughters so marring to be vested, in my said son Merritt, to be by him held as Trustee for the sole and separate use of maintenance and support of such of my daughters so marring, for and during the life of said daughter or daughters so marrying remainder to the child or children of each daughter or daughters.

I should appoint my son Merrit. Executor to my will, but I decline appointing any executor to break the chain of Executorship which would devolve on any and I should appoint.

I will and bequeath that the debts due me shall be collected and applied to the payment of such debts as I owe, and any balance that may remain, I devise to my son German and to my daughters Harriet and Grace.

It is my will and desire that my slave Frank may choose his own master when he thinks fit. I wish to be understood that all cases in which I have bequeathed slaves that it is my intention to pass all future increase of the females to those to whom the females are bequeathed.

Witness my hand and seal this day of 23rd of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 18.

Richard Booker {Seal}

Witness:

Thomas Ballow
Amos Oakley
Nath’l Fugua

Cumberland July Court 1818.

This last will and Testament of Richard Booker deceased was exhibited in Court and proved by Nathaniel Figua and Amos Oakley two witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded, and on motion of Merrit Booker who made oath according to law the administration of the estate of Richard Booker deceased is granted him with the will —- who gave bond and security according to law.