The will of John Bates 1598-1666
York County, Virginia
Will Book 3, p. 165
In the name of God Amen
I John Bates of the County of York in Middletown parish being very sick and weake yet in perfect memorie do here make my last will and testament.
FIRST I comitt my soul to my Creator and Redeemer, Next my body to the earth to be buried in Xtian burial at ye disposing of my wife and for my other worldly estate as followeth.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my eldest daughter Anne Bellbee one pide cowe called primrose to be delivered after my decease.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my sonne George Bates one cowe called Souarkin to be delivered him after my decease.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my daughter Alse Deane one two year old Heifer called Marigold to be delivered her after my decease.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto John Bates my youngest sonne one cowe called cole and one two year old heifer called Stone and one cowe calfe to be delivered him after my decease, and likewise one featherbed, bowlster and likewise I give all my land which I now hold by patent unto my said sonne John Bates, likewise I give unto my sonne John Bates one younge sowe with pigge to be delivered after my decease.
ITEM I give and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Bates all my other estate moveable not moveable and likewise my will is that my wife shall enjoy my land during her life. Furthermore I make my wife Elizabeth Bates my whole sole Executrix of what estate I have not bequeathed to my children, and I doe appoint my oldest sonne George Bates my overseer of this my last will and Testament to see it performed, as witness my hand this 21st of September 1666
The mark of John (X) Bates
Teste
George Bates, his mark
Robert Cobbs
Furthermore I the sd. John Bates do bequeath to my wife Elizabeth three barrells and halfe of corne to be at her disposing. I doe give and bequeath to my sonne George Bates my best hatt and Cloth Coat and breeches. I doe give and bequeath to my sonne John Bates one hogshead of tobacco and one young horse, my sonne in respect to pay all my debts in ye Generall.
The mark of John (X) Bates
Teste
William Winston
George Bates
William Deane
The will and Codicill annext proved in Court on January 24th 1667 by William Winston, George Bates and William Deane and Recorded.
L.J. Badkerville Clk. Cur.