In the Name of God Amen I James Hicks Senr. of Brunswick County being in perfect health sense and memory praise be Almighty God for it, and calling to mind that it is appointed of God for man once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament: And first of all I give my soul to God that gave it me hoping for the Resurrection to Eternal Life: and my body to the dust from whence it came to be buried in such decent manner as my Extors hereafter named shall think fit: And as for my worldly Estate that God of his infinite Mercy has bestowed on me I give and bequeath as in manner following, Viz. Item My will and desire is that my beloved wife Judith Hicks may have the use of my houses and plantation whereon I now live and all the land on the North Side of the Creek also the use of four negroes namely Cyrus, Isbel, Daniel and Tab Also two mairs namely sorrel and Dill six head of cattle two Sows and pigs six Ewes two Beds and Furniture one Cubbard and her equal part of all the other Household Furniture of every sort, kitchen utensils and all, to her during her widow or life but in case of her Death or marriage then to be equally divided among my children then living to them and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Hicks one hundred acres of land joining the land whereon he now lives to him and his heirs forever. Item I give unto my son John Hicks one negro fellow named Dick one negro wench named Sari to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Isaac Hicks one hundred and twenty pounds instead of a negro fellow named Dick also eight hundred and sixty acres of land more or less lying in Mecklenburg County on Smiths Creek to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son George Hicks one half of my Little Creek land to be divided across the land from east to west during his life and after his death to return to my son Vines Hicks and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Salley Hardaway thirty pounds Current money to her and her heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son James Hicks the plantation whereon he now lives and all my land from Petersons line to the south side of the creek to a branch below my bridge that is over the sd. creek thence up thesd. branch as it meanders to the fork thence west to my upper line. Also all my land below the Road that crosses Jenito Creek and Colliers bridge from Petersons line north as the Road goes to the fork thence along the right hand fork to the old road thence down the old road to my lower line, Also three negroes namely Will now in his possession; likewise Ned and Arthur. Also everything I have given to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Vines Hicks the plantation whereon I now live and all the land belonging to the said tract that has not already been mentioned. Also half my little Creek land Also three negroes namely Nero, Aaron, Sampson. Also three cows and calves and two young steers and two Sows and piggies two Ewes and lambs and also one large iron pot and all in his possession that I have given him heretofore to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Vines Hicks four negroes and their increase, Joe, Frank, Jerry, Amey, one bed and furniture, one sorrel mair two cows and calves also five pounds Currant money to her and her heirs forever. Item My will and desire is that all my mountain land lying in Henry County may be sold by my Extrs hereafter mentioned in order to pay all my just and lawful debts and all the rest of my whole estate be it of what kind or property soever that has not been mentioned in this will to be sold and the money then left over paying my Debts to be equally divided amongst all my children then living to them and their heirs forever, and lastly I appoint my three sons, namely Charles, John and Isaac Extrs of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine. Signed by James Hicks and witnessed by Myhill Collier, Zachr. Floyd, and Chisten Curtis.
Brunswick County Court December 23, 1793 this last Will and Testament of James Hicks Senr. decd. was proved according to law by oaths of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of Charles and John Hicks two of the exors therein named who made oath thereto and together with Vines Hicks, Robert Watson, and Robert Hardaway their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of four thousand pounds with condition as the law directs Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form liberty being reserved for the other executor to join in the said probate when he thinks proper.
Will Book 5, page 518, Brunswick County, Virginia