Bedford County, Virginia, Will Book 2, page143-144


In the Name of God Amen I Maryan Franklin do make &
ordain this my Last Will [and] Testament. my will and desire is that my
estatate[sic] be equally divided as soon as convenient betwixt my four children,
(Viz.) Nancy Archer & Elizabeth & Robert that is to say that the hole of ite
except my wearing apperale which I give to be equally divided betwixt my two
Daughters Nancy & Elizabeth the apperal to be praised and equally divided 
betwixt the two Daughters the four Children to have equal parts except
the Colt is a present to Archer the other son James Brient to be cut of
with a shilling I do constitute & appoint John Wit my executor to this
my Last Will Joseph Thurman to live on the place three years as a 
tent[sic] & to keep the two Children Elizabeth & Robert if he does a good part
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page 144

by them Archer to be put to a good trade & Robert to be put to a trade & good
Learning given him.  Witness my hand & seal this 29th day of
September 1794.

                                             hir
Signed & sealed in the presence of   Maryann  / Franklin
Elijah Weaks                                mark 
Unus Witte

At a Court held for Bedford County the 27th day of October 1794
     This Last Will & Testament of Maryann Franklin Deceased was
proved by oath of Elijah Weeks & Unus Witte witnesses whose names are
thereunto subscribed & ordered to be recorded.  and on the motion of John Witte
the Executor therein named who made oath thereto Certificate is granted him
for obtaining probate thereof in due form on giving security whereupon he together
with Elijah Weeks his security entered into & acknowledged their bond in the penalty
of two hundred pounds conditioned for the said Executors due & faithful 
Administration of said Decedents Estate & performance of her Will ---

Exd                                             Teste
                                                      Ja: Steptoe Clk C