Will of John Melton, 1794 - Fluvanna Co. VA
In the name of God Amen. I John MELTON of Fluvanna County being in perfect health and
memory thanks be given to Almighty God for the same and calling to mind the mortality of my
body that it is appointed for all men to die do make and order this my last Will and Testament in
manner and form following revoking that all other wills heretofore made And first I recommend
my Soul to God who gave it. Secondly my will and desire is that my Just debts and funeral
charges be paid. Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Pearce Wade MELTON, the plantation
whereon he now lives with all the land that I possess on the south side of the road leading from
the Fork Armory to Bryants Ford I give the Same to him and his heirs forever on this proviso,
that he my said Son Pearce Wade pays my Son John MELTON Fifteen pounds Currency. Item I
give and bequeath unto my Son William MELTON the land and Plantation whereon I now live
being all the land that I possess on the North Side of the Road leading from the Fork Armory to
Bryants Ford after his mothers death or widowhood I give it to him and his heirs forever on this
proviso that he my s. Son pays my daughter Elizabeth MELTON Fifteen pounds Currency. Item
I given and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth MELTON one Cow and Calf I give them to her
and her heirs forever. Item I give unto my loving wife Elizabeth MELTON all the rent and
residence (revenue??) of my estate during her natural life or widowhood and after her decease
[sic] I give the same to be equally divided among all my daughters then living I give it to them
and their heirs forever. Item I do hereby ratify and confirm this to be my last Will and Testament
to which I do appoint my Son Pearce W. MELTON and my son William MELTON whole and
sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore made. In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Twenty nineth day of April one
thousand seven hunderd and ninety four.
Signed Sealed and acknowledged
John MELTON seal
In presence of
John MOORE
Hezekiah STONE
Elizabeth MELTON x her mark
Source: Fluvanna Co. Will Book #1, page 128.