Reuben, Mary, Sarah, Richard and John. But if any of my
children should die, then it is my will and desire that their part
should be divided among my children that shall then survive.
Item. I give my beloved wife Mary Tankersley one-third of
all my negroes and personal estate.
Item. It is my will that after the decease of my wife, that the
said negroes be equally (divided) among my children that
shall be living.
Item. I give my chaise and horses to my wife.
Item. It is my will and desire that after my estate is
appraised that it may not be sold but be equally divided among
my children, by my executors.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint William Fox, Reuben Tankersley,
George Tankersley and my beloved wife, Mary Tankersley,
executors and executrix of this my last will and testament,
revoking all other wills by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
seal, this first day of July, one thousand seven hundred
and fifty-eight.
George Tankersley (seal)
Signed, sealed and published in the presence of: Robert Johnson
(his mark), Lewis Jones (his mark)
At a court held for King George County the 7th day
of September, 1758.
The within will and testament of George Tankersley, deceased,
was presented into court by Mary Tankersley, executrix, and
William Fox, one of the executors therein named, who made oath
thereto according to law and the same was proved by the
oaths of the witnesses thereto subscribed and ordered to be
recorded and is hereby recorded. Test., Rob. Armistead, Clerk
Will of George Tankersley. I George Tankersley of Parish of
Hanover and County of King George give and devise all my
Estate to be equally divided amongst my Children, vizt. Dorcas,
Reuben, George, Mary, Sarah, Richard and John; to my
beloved Wife, Mary Tankersley, one third part of all my Negroes
and personal Estate, after the decease of my Wife the Negroes
to be equally divided amongst my children, after my Estate
is appraised that it may not be sold but be equally divided among
my Children. I appoint William Fox, Reuben Tankersley,
George Tankersley and my beloved Wife, Mary Tankersley,
Executors and Executrix. this 1st day of July 1758. In the
presence of Robert Johnston, Lewis Jones signed George
Tankersley. At a Court held for King George County 7th September
1758 Will presented into Court and ordered to be recorded.
(Will Book A, p93)(Will Abstracts of King George Co, VA 1752-1780,
edited and published by Ruth & Sam Sparaio, the Antient Press, @1986)
WILL OF MARY TANKERSLEY
I, Mary Tankersley, of the Parish of Hanover in the County of
King George, widow, being sick and weak, but of senses and
memory as usual, do make this my last will and testament in
manner following:
I commend my soul to God, the Father of Mercies, through Jesus
Christ my Savior and Judge. I give to my son Reuben one
shilling sterling and no more. I give to my son George a negro
wench called Venus. I give to my son John a negro boy called
Ben, and a negro girl named Lucy, also a new feather bed made
up last fall with bolster, pillows, sheets, blankets and quilt
suitable, also half a dozen flag bottom chairs.
I give to my daughter Dorcas a negro wench called Rachel.
I give to my grand-daughter Sarah, the child of my daughter Dorcas,
a negro girl named Clarey. I give to my daughter Sarah McWilliams,
the use of a negro girl named Venus, till my grand-daughter,
Mary McWilliams is of age or marries.
I give the property of the said slave Venus to my grand-daughter,
Mary McWilliams and she is to take possession at either
of the periods aforesaid.
I give to my grand-daughter Jane Murdock a negro boy named Bob.
My intention is that all the above bequests, except that to
Sarah McWilliams, be forever. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto put my hand and seal, the first of May, 1773.
Item. I appoint my sons George and John executors of this my
will.
Mary Tankersley (her mark)
Signed, sealed, published, and declared in the presence of:
Alexander Rose, Charles Burton.
WILL OF GEORGE TANKERSLEY
I, George Tankersley, of the county of Caroline, being of sound
mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament.
Item. I give unto my son, Reuben Tankersley, all my estate, both
real and personal, and bind him to pay the following legacies,
to wit: To Reuben B Rose, who married my daughter Nancy two
thousand dollars. One thousand dollars to be paid at
expiration of one year from the date of my death, and one
thousand at the expiration of two years. And to my daughter,
Dolly Tankersley, a legacy of the same amount, and to be
discharged by the like payments. And I do further will that
my son Reuben give to my daughter
Dolly a negro boy named Jefferson. It is my will
and desire that my son Reuben raise, take care of and well
educate my grandson, Benjamin Franklin Tankersley. And that when
he arrives at the age of twenty-one years that my said son
Reuben pay unto him one thousand dollars, provided that my said
grandson Benjamin Franklin Tankersley so soon as he is twenty-one
years old confirms the title of parcel or tract of land laterly
sold to a certain George Robinson, of this county and
which land was formerly the property of my son, Nathaniel
Tankersley, who was the father of my said grandson Benjamin
Franklin Tankersley, which said land is about to be conveyed to
the said George Robinson by my said son Reuben and
contains about 128 acres. And I do appoint my son Reuben
Tankersley executor to this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this sixth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and
fourteen.
George Tankersley (seal)
John Halloway, Robert G Halloway, John Holloway, Jr.
ANDREW E. ESTES
Equality, Miller County, Missouri
In the name of God - Amen. I, Andrew Estes formerly of Miller County, Missouri and now of Crawford County, Arkansas do this 4th day of December eighten hundred and fifty-two (1852) make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following.
That is to say-
I give and bequesth unto my wife Polly Estes my farm situated on the Osage River in the counties of Miller and Camden in the State of Missouri with the lands, tenements, hired tenements and opportences thereto belonging and the rents issuing and profits thereof for and during her lifetime and from and after the decease of my said wife, I give and bequeath the said farm lands and tenements, hired tenements and opportences thereto belonging unto my son, Hickman Estes, and my son-in-law Zealy M. Winn, and my daughter Susan Estes, wife of Andrew Estes, my daughter Nancy Estes, wife of Elisha Spence and my daughter Fatima Estes, called Fatimy, wife of James M. Houston and to their heirs and assigns forever as tenants in common.
I also bequesth unto my wife, Polly on third proceeds of the hire of all my slaves except Milly and Malissa, Who I desire and ordain shall be free at my death which said negroes given to my said wife as aforsaid.
I hereby disclose as intended to be and so given to her in full satisfaction and recompense of and for her dower and things which she may or can desire or demand out of my estate.
Also I will and ordain that my negro woman, Milly and her daughter, Malissa, shall be free from and after my decease and I do hereby emancipate and set free the said Milly and Malissa. Also I give and bequesth unto my grandchildren, Townsend Johnson, Amanda Johnson, John Johnson and Polly Ann Johnson the sum of one dollar each.
Also I give and bequesth unto my daughter, Polly, wife of Townsend Estes, the sum of two hundred dollars. Also I will and ordain that aall my goods and chantels, except my slaves, whereof I may die possessed of shall be sold and that the proceeds thereof together with the money remaining on hand or that may be due and having come shall be applied to the payment of my burial expenses and all just debts and of the residue - if any - these be equally divided between my son, Hickman and my son-in-law Zeally Winn and my daughter, Nancy, wife of Elsha Spence, my daughter Susan, wife of Andrew Estes and my daughter, Fatima, wife of James M. Houston.
Also , I will and ordain that in case the prceeds of the sale of my goods and chantels and the money on hand at my death together with what may be due and coming to me be insufficient to pay my burial expenses and all my just depts that then and in that event, I will and ordain that all my slaves be hired out, excepting Milly and Malissa. Be hired until the profits of the hire will have produced the sum required for that purpose.
I also will and ordain and bequeath all my negro slaves except the said Milly and Malissa unto my son, Hickman Estes and my son-in-law, Zealy Winn and my daughter Susan, wife of Andrew Estes, Nancy Estes, wife of Elisha Spence and Fatima Estess, wife of James M. Houston and to them and their heirs and assigns as tenants in common.
Also, I will and bequesth unto my son-in-law, Zealy M. Winn the sum of two hundred dollars and justly declare my reason for making this bequest that I have already given to my other children and sons-in-law the like sum of two hundred dollars.
Alo I will and ordain that in case my saind sife survives me that all of my said slaves except Milly and Malissa be kept hired out and one third of the proceeds of their hire be paid annually to my said wife in satisfation of the legacy given to her in the second clause of this my said will and the residue thereof be equally divided between the said, Hickman Estes and Zealy Winn, Susan, wife of Andrew Estes and Nancy, wife of Elisha Spence and Fattima, wife of James M. Houston.
Provided herein that in case said son-in-laaw and daughter in this clause named can purchasee my said wife's right to the one thid of such hire that then in that case it shall not be required of my executor to hire out said slaves unless it may become necessary to give means to pay my debts and the other subscribing witness to said will even all those present at the execution thereof by other said Andrew Estes who being of sound mind and memory that said will was first read to said testator in our presence when the affiant, William Walker, at the request of said testator, subscribed the other testators names at the end of said will and the said testators then and in our presence and in the presence of Daniel Ringo, the other subscribing witness thereto made his mark between his Christian and surnaame and at the same time declared to us and in our presence that said will is subscribed to his last will and testament and that we and the said said Ringo then subscribed our names at the end of said will and witness thereto at the request of said testator sworn to and subscribed before me at my office this nineth day of March 1854.
Probate made April 7 1859
Final witnesses William Walker and Jesse Turner
Daniel Ringo was not present at probate
Executors: Zely M. Wynn of Crawford Co
Date Written: 4 Dec 1852
Witnessed: Daniel Ringo, Jesse Turner and W. Walker. Codicil witnessed by G. Scott, Charles G. Scott and William Walker. Securities: Nathaniel Couch and Jonathan M. Houston. Recorded Miller Co
Date Proved: 9 March 1859 (recorded in Miller County 24 Sep 1869)
Last Will and Testament of Andrew Estes
In the name of God = Amen
I Andrew Estes of Morgan County Missouri
being of sound mind and disposing memory
being aware of the uncertainty of life, and devise
to make a suitable disposition of my Property and
effects do make Publish and declose the following
to be my last will and testament
1st I disire that sufficient of my Personal A
-ssets may be sold on such terms as my ececuter
shall think best and the proceeds thereof applied
to the payment of my just debts, The residue if
any of my Personal Property, I give and bequeth
to my beloved wife Susannah Estes, to be hold
and enjoy by her during her natural or wid
owhood, nevertheless, She shall have full power
to dispose of the same as any Part thereof wherever
she shall deem it necessary for the welfare of her
-self and family, and at her death in marriage
whatever of my Personal Property as the proceeds
thereof then summing, undisposed of I desire
to be divided amoung equally distributed amoung
my children, except that in the event she survives
may have a Portion thereof equal to that of each
of my children hereinafter mentions
2nd I give and devise unto my beloved wife
Susannah Estes, all my real Estate whereof
I may die Siezed and Possessed, to have hold
use and enjoy during her natural life or wid
-owhood, nevertheless, She shall have full Power
and authority to sell and convey the Sum if she so
disires to sign over these therefrom and settle elsewhere
at her death or marriage, I desire that she sell
lands in the proceeds thereof be divided equal
amoung my following named children or their
se cess unto, to wit: John K. Estes, William __
Estes, Synthia June Estes, Sarah Estes, Sami_
Melvina Estes, James T Estes, Thomas H Estes,
Mary Estes, Susannah Estes, Constantine Estes, Co_
=on_a A Estes, Ellen T Estes.
Last: I do nominate and appoint William Sims, to be
the esecutor of this my last will
and testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand this 3rd day of October A D 1863
Andrew Estes
We certify that we have subscribed our names hereto
subscribing witnesses of the last will and testament of
Andrew Estes in the presence and at the request of
said testator and thet the sad testator _____
____ in our presence and published and di_
the sum to be his last will and testament
Thomas V. Greer
E J Thurman
State of Missouri }
County of Morgan}
Be it remembered that on the
undersigned judge of the Probate Court of Morgan
County Missouri Thomas V Greer and E J Thurman
the subscribing witnesses to the ___ ____
testament of Andrew Estes Diecd, and being by _
first duly sworn __ and say that the _
the testator subscribed the same in this presence __
=ny and signing his name thento and publish
same as his last will, that he the said testator _
at the same time of publicating the same of sound mind
and over the age of twenty one years and the
said ___ attested the said will as _
thereto, by my subscribing their names on the pr_
of the testator Thomas V Greer
E J Thurman
In witness whereof I A Masters judge of
Probate Court of the County aforesaid have here
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court at the office this 7 day
{LS} of November 1863
A Masters Judge of
Probate Court of Morgan County
State of Missouri }
County of Pettis } This affiant? W. H. Finely
on his oath says that John Estes
late of Pettis County Mo. died instate as it is said
adn to the best of his Knowledge & belief leaving
the following his heirs and only heirs to wit:
his wife Elizabeth Estes & Mary V Hornsly of
Kansas Ly?: Elizabeth W. Estes of Pettis Co Mo Wm
Henry Estes of Pettis Co Mo & that he will make a
perfect inventory of & faithfully enumerater all the es-
tate of the deceased's account for & pay all _ that
shall come to his attention? or knowledge
W. H. Finley
Sworn to & suscribed before me this 5th April 1838
_________ Clerk
In the name of God Amen,
I John Estes of the County of Morgan and
State of Missouri being at this time weak in
body but of sound mind and memory do make
and ordain this my last will and Testament
in manner and form towit: __
I command my soul to almighty God
who gave it and my body to the grave to be
entered at the disersion of my wife Susanna
Estes As to my wordly estate wherewith
it has pleased God to __ me with I
give and bequeath in manner and forms
follows, I first will and bequeath
to my dearly beloved wife Susanna Estes
the land I now live on the horses and
house hold furniture of every description and
farming utensils Gears? Mares Horses. Cows
Calves, Hears, Sheep, Hogs and every article
Iposses for her whole use to dispose of at
her discretion for the maintanance of her
self and children. my dearly beloved
wife Susanna Estes to pay all my just
debts that I owe and at her decease to
divide what of the estate that may remain
amoung her children. In witness hereof
I do hereby sign my hand and Seal this
6th of January 1835 his
witness present { John ' Estes
John Gist mark
Archibald Wood
State of Missouri }
Morgan County } Sct
Be it remembered that at
a Court_____ for Morgan Count at the
Court House in Versailles on Monday the
third day of May in the year of our Lord
Eighteen Hundred and Forty one the within
instrument of writting as and for the last
Will and Testament of John Estes deceased
was produced in court and duly proven by the
oaths of John Gist and Archibald
subscribing witnesses thereto as the law directs orders
to be Recorded as such
In the Testamony wherof and
because the __ is ___ Recorded
{S S} in my said office I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal
of said Court at Office in Versailles
on the 10th day of May 1841
Tho G Davis Clerk
Morgan County Court
Last Will and Testament of John K. Estes Deceased
W. R. Estes Executor
I John K. Estes of Morgan County, Missouri being of sound
and disposing mind and memory, do make this my last
will and testament. I give divise and bequeath my estate and
property real and personal as follows; that is to say; I
direct that my just debts be paid with all convient speed and
of that purpose, should it be neccessary, I hereby provide
that my executor hereinafter named shall have power to sell
either real or personal property. It is my will that my
beloved wife Mary A. Estes ahould she survive me, shall have
and recieve ? good support and maintenace from the rents and
profit of all my property both real and personal during her
natural life and if the rents and profits of said property
shall not be adequate for the comforttable maintenance of my
beloved wife, it is my will and my executor is hereby
authorized, to sell either real or personal property for such
support and maintenance. It is my will that at the death of
my beloved wife that my property both real and personal shall
be divided as herein states between my children whose names
are as follows; W. R. Estes, Syntha Estes, Mary E. Smith,
Dosa Nevis and Martha F. Blanks. It is my will that my son
W. R. Estes after all debts are paid, shall have all of my personal
property with the exception of household and kitchen
furniture. Said furniture to be divided qually share and
share between the rest of my children.
It is my will that my real estate shall be divided as follows;
My daughter Syntha J. Estes to have all that part or parcel
of land in the N. E. part ............................
To my daughter Mary E. Smith of that part or parcel of land in
the N. W.1/4..................................
To my daughter Dosa Nevis. All of that part or parcel of land
in the W. 1/2 S. E. 1/4.........................
To my daughter Martha F. Blanks All of the following described
land........................
I hereby give and bequeath, and by my this will intend to
and do dispose of all the real and personal property of
whatever kind and description of which I may die siezed. I
constitute and appoint W. R. Estes, my son,
the executor of this will and it is my will that he should
not be required to give bond.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this
12th day of November 1898
John K. Estes {Seal}
Then and there signed, sealed and published by John K. Estes
the testator as a nd for his last will , in the presence of
each other, have hereto set our names as witnesses
Jas E. Morris
W. J. Schaper
NOTES:
Proof of Will made February 28 1902
Certificate of Probate issued February 28 1902
Descriptions of land (no names of places) are in the Will but for
time purposes I have left them out. Anyone requiring all of
the directions on the land may e-mail me and I will get them
to you.
Misc Documentation from the Morgan County Court House
In the matter of the Estate of } Final Settlement for C. T. Estes } Balance due Estate $184.3? Now comes John K. Estes of said min? and presents his Final receipt s? entered of record and Guardian discharged.
January Term 1875 Tuesday Jan 5th In the Matter of the Estate of } Settlement fixed Ella T. Estes Minor } Balance due $111.12 Now comes John K. Estes Guardian of said minor and presents his settlement. also Final ? satisfaction acknowledged and Guardian discharged
There was a book and on the spine it said Cival War and nothing else. This is what I found in there. Page 27 53 James D. Ray Referred to Board for further evidence chanrged disloyal - sustained by Board of Review Page 59 Thomas K. Estes Charges being in the Rebel Service Charges Sustained Page 3 6 James K. Estes Rejected for having over in Rebel Service sustained by Board of Review
JOSEPH MASSIE - WILL
Probated May 26 1761
In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Massie, Meherrin Parrish
and County of Brunswick being weak of body but of a sound
prospects and disposing mind and memory. Thanks be to
God for the same and calling to mind of the mortality of my body
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do
make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in
manner and form following, hereby revoking all the wills and
testaments by me heretofor made.
First I commend my body and soul into the hands of God who gave
it and for my body I commend to the earth in a Christian
manner by estatees hereafter named in so wishing the dispositions
of all such improved estate as it hath pleased Almighty
God to bestow upon me. I give, devise, disposed of as followith:
Item I give and bequeath unto my son John half the land
between my path abounding by the said path to the end of his
land then along Pages parts to the Middle Creek and all in that
bounded called the neck between the two Creeks, his heirs and assignees forever.
Item I also give and bequeath unto my son John as before
mentioned, one negro man named Jack to him, his heirs and
assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Avent one
negro boy, Ned to her and her heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Amy Avent
Seventy shillings to her and her heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rebecca Wise
to her heirs and assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Agnes Richardson
Thirty shillings to her and her heirs and assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Wise Ten
shillings to her and her heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Massie Five
shillings to him and his heirs and assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my son William Massie two
hundred and eighty acres of land where on he now lives
and a negro boy named Phinas also a negro girl named Doll
and the hogs being raised, the plantation and after my death
my saddle horse and harnessing all this I will give to him and
his heirs and assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Massie one
half of my land not before mentioned, where on I now live the
upper half to my son James to divide as think fit. Also a bed
and furniture, chamber pot and half a dozen ____ plates and my
bay stallion and his saddle and bridle and new housing
that is called his and my mill and dish and basin and
a negro boy named George and a negro girl named Phillis and all
this to him, his heirs and assignees forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my son James Massie the
plantation where on I now live with five hundred acres of land
being in the five the lower part of a thousand
acres in the above half I have given to my son Thomas Massie for to
divide as they think proper and bed and furniture and iron pot
and half a dozen plates, dishes and basin and a negro man
named Bob, and a negro woman named Hannah all to him his
heirs and assignees forever. Also my will is that my two
eldest sons William and Thomas should buy a horse off the
ground given and a saddle of thirty shillings price for my
son James Massie, they having horses et al none to be bought
out of my total estate.
Item I give and bequeath to my grandaughter Charotte
Massie one negro by named Sam to be her and her heirs forever.
Item I do hereby nominate and appoint my beloved wife
and her heir, my sons William and Thomas Massie my whole and
sole executor of this my last will and testament, likewise my
will and desire is that my estate may not be appraised nor
finally given for the probate of this will in witness thereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Nineteeth day of
August One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Signed
Sealed and Delivered
Joseph Massie Seal
In Presence of
John Houseman
James Clark
Beatrice Houseman
Let a court held for Brunswick County the 28th day
of May 1761 This will was presented into Court by Elizabeth
Massie William Massie and Thomas Massie. The executors therein
named who made oath thereto according to the Law and
the same was proved by oath of John Houseman and Beatrice
Houseman two of the witnesses thereto and caused to be
recorded and on the time of the said executors certificate
is granted them for obtaining a probate bond
Testee
John Robinson
Clerk of County
Deciphered 7-22- 1991
By Herman L. Mingee
Edited by James B. Massey 6 December 1992
