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A transcription of the
Will of Edward Burgess, of Pittsylvania Co., Virginia
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(original
spelling preserved)
Deed and Will Book 11, Pages 383-384.
Written January 23, 1799
Proven January 1814
In the name of GOD, Amen, I Edward Burgess of the County
of Pittsylvania being weak of body but of disposing mind, a sound memory (for
which I thank God) and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being
desiereous to dispose of all such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
help me with I give and bequeath the same in manner following that is to say
first I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Burgess Five Shillings. Item
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Clark, Sarah Burgess, Mordica Burgess,
Jane Prewett, James Burgess, John Burgess and Milly Wilson severally and respectively
five Shillings each to them and their heirs and assigns forever havin previously
to this time given them as they left me what I could spare from my Estate.
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Virlinna Burgess one Feather bed
and Furniture and one cow and calf and one third of the kitchen and household
furniture to her and her heirs and assigns forever. Item I give and bequeath
to my beloved wife, Margaret Burgess the whole of the residue of my Estate
during her natural life and after her Decease the remainder of both rea and
personal I give to my son William Burgess to him and his heirs and assigns
forever Comprehending the Land on which my son Benjamin lives. Item I give
and bequeath my Loom Gear, Cords, Wheels to my Daughter Virlinna after the
Death of my wife Margaret to her and her heirs and assigns dorever and lastly
do Constiture and appoint my beloved wife Margaret Burgess and William Burgess
my Executor and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking
all former wills by me made or cause to be made but do declare this to be
published and carried into effect by my Executor and Executrix or either of
them after my decease. In Testimony wereof I have hereuntoset my hand and
affix my Seal this 23rd day of January 1799.
His mark
Edward B. Burgess
Attest Haliott Townes, George Spratten, Josshett Prewitt,
Matthew Fitzgerald, William Snody.
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At a court held for Pittsylvania County the 17th day of January 1814 this
Last Will and Testament of Edward Burgess was presented in court and proved
by the oaths of two of the witnesses hereto subscribed and ordered to be recorded.
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Thomas Burgess was appointed guardian of Edward Burgess shortly after the
death of Charles Burgess who died May 20, 1735 in Orange Co., VA, Edward being
the child of Charles Burgess.
Documentation:
Edward Burgess was bound to Thomas Burgess who was instructed to "learn
said Edward to read, write and the trade of carpenter". June 1736 the
court determined that Edward Burgess. orphan. should be bound out to Thomas
Burgess and the court appointed appraiser to appraise the estate of Charles
Burgess. deceased May 20, 1735.
Source: The First Settlers of Orange Co.,
VA.
There is no irrefutable proof that the Edward named in the apprenticeship
above is the father of William Burgess however the name patterns, time, etc.
indicate that he is the same person. The, Thomas mentioned, may have been
a brother of Charles Burgess.
Source: Notes of Susan Mortensen,
P.O. Box 45184; Boise, ID 83711
Source:
The collection of John Barnes; 12207 Beaver Creek Dr.; Richmond, VA 23233.