Will of William Claud, 21 August 1825, Southampton County Will Book 10:166

In the name of God Amen I William Claud of the County of Southampton and state of Virginia do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form as followeth. Item Ist I lend to my wife Mary J. Claud all my lands during her natural life or widowhood and at the death of my wife my will and desire is that all my lands be sold and the money arising therefrom be Equally divided between all my living children. Item 2nd After the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses I leave to my wife Mary J. Claud the following Slaves Toust, Dinah , Fanny, Isham, Mary, Betty during her natural life or widowhood . Also the balance of my slaves. I leave to my said wife Mary J. Claud until either of my daughter Marry or arrive at the age of twenty one years my wish and desire is that when either of my daughters get married or arrive at the age of twenty one years that she shall have an equal share or proportion of all my slaves which I have not loaned to my wife Mary J. Claud during life or widowhood. Also my will and desire is that should there be any increase from Either of those Negro women which I have loaned to my wife during life after my death that they should be considered as a loan to my wife but come in the division between my daughters when they Marry or arrive at the age of twenty one years. Item I loan to my wife Mary J. Claud the use of all my household and kitchen furniture and stock of all kinds plantation utensils during her natural life or widowhood . Except when Either or my daughters should get married or arrive at the age of twenty one years my will and desire that then shou the said daughter or daughters should have one feather Bed and furniture one horse of the value of seventy five dollars two cows of calves two sows & pigs . Each of Equal value . Item in case my wife Mary J. Claud should die before my daughter Nancy P. arrives at the age of twenty one years or marry my will and desire that the plantation be kept up together with all the appurtenances thereto annexeduntil my daughter Nancy P. Claud arrives at the age of twenty one years or marries them my further wish and desire is that all my household and kitchen furniture stock of all kinds plantation utensils that I have not given in she afie legacis to be sold and the money arising therefrom to be equally divided between all my living children. And Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Mary J. Claud my whole and sole executioner to this my last will and Testament . Given under my hand and seal this 2nd day of August one thousand Eight Hundred and twenty five

Signed Sealed in presence of

Jos T. ClaudWm Claud(seal)

John Claud

William Claud Jr.( his mark)

Ata court held for the county of Southampton the 16 March 1829 this last will and Testament of William Claud was proved by the oath of Joseph T. Claud and John Claud two of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.