Note: Will of John Thomas Buford, 1774 - Bedford Co. VA [Will Book 1, p 213 Bedford Co VA.
This is the will of John Thomas Buford, an officer in the Colonial Army who was killed in the Indian War at Point Pleasant soon after this will was drawn up.
In the name of god Amen I Thomas Buford of the parrish of Russell in the county of Bedford being in health and of a perfect memory Do make this my Last will and testament in maner following that is to say first and perticulerly I commend my soul to god who have it and my body to the grave to be desently buried at the discresion of my Executors hereafter named Item I lend to my well beloved wife ANN Buford a third part of all my Estate together with the plantation wharon I now Live during life. I also leave my Land on Bever dam joyning David Halladays together with my three young horses to be sold and my Debts colected to pay my worley Debts and all the rest of my Estate both real and personal to be equely devided together with my wifs thirds after her deceas to between my three children John, William, and Nancy provided my wife be not now with child but if she should have a live child within nine months of this date it is to have an equel part with the rest of my children--and if any of my children should die before they come of age not having an heir of their body their part of my Estate to fall equelly to the surviveing children and I doapoint my wife my hole and sole Executor of this my last will and testament all former wills whatsoever given under my hand this 20 day of August 1774. Signed in presents of us Thomas Buford John Eckhols Samuel Baker his Augusten x Hackworth mark
At a Court held for Bedford County November 28, 1774 This last will and Testament of Thomas Buford ........proved by the Oaths of Samuel Baker and Augustine Hackwith and the Solemn Afirmation of John Eckols being one of the people called Quakers and Ordered to be Recorded. And on the Motion of James Buford (Ann Buford the Executrix in the Said Will Mentioned having first Relinquished her Right of Administration to the aid James) who maid Oath thereto probate is Granted him in due form giving Security. Whereupon he together with Robert Corvan, William Calloway Junr, & John Eckols his Securities Entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of One Thousand five hundred pounds for the Said Executors due and faithfull administration of the Said Decedents Estate and performance of his Will