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Courthouse Records

R900

Will of Joseph Wood [R002], 5/25/1814. The will is recorded in Botetourt County WBC-44. To the right is an original copy of the will, apparently in Joseph’s hand, found by [S083] in the County Courthouse.

R901

Inventory of the personal estate of Joseph Wood [R002], 5/27/1816, Botetourt County WBC-69. In lists like this, “do” means “ditto.”

A list of the personal property & slaves of
Joseph Wood Deceased appraised-----
$ Cts
1 Brown Horse 70
1 Sorrel Do 40
1 Sorrel Colte 30
9 Head Cattle 81
9- 2 & 3 year old Steers & Heffers 58
9 Yearlins and Calves 22 50
1 Black Bull 12
10 old Sheep & 3 lames 13
15 molding & grooving planes 7 50
3 smoothing Do & Jonter 2 75
8 Chizels 1 25
1 Hand Saw 2 tenant and 1 compass 4 --
1 frow 1 pr compasses 1 file & | 1 50
1 ????? ???? |
1 foot ads 1 --
1 Square & Gouges & Sundry old Irons 1 --
1 Pair Stelyards 4 50
1 Cow and Steer 18 --
25 Head Hoggs first choice 50
25 Ditto next choice 40
25 Ditto Shotes & piggs 25
483 --
1 Waggon & Gears (?) 40 --
1 Wind Mill 18
2 Barshears plows & Hangin 5
3 Shovle Ditto 3 75
1 Iron tooth Harrow 5
1 pair Strechers & Chain 1 25
amount taken forward 556 --
Amounts brought forward $556
6 p??? Hoes 2 --
1 Grubing Hoe & 1 Sprouting Do 1 --
1 Dunge fork -- ??
1 Cutting Box & Sundrie old Iron 2 --
2 Gross wedges 1 drawing knife 1 auger 2 --
1 Cross Cut Saw and 1 spade 1 --
6 Axes 6 --
3 Scythes & Hangings 1 --
5 Sickels 1 25
1 Mans Saddle & Head Stall of Bridle 8 --
3 Bee gums 5 --
4-3/4 tuns Hemp - at 110$ 482 50
1/2 Bushel Hemp Seed 1 66
1 Negro man named Joe 500 --
1 Negro by named abriham 500 --
1 Negro girl named Suky 140 --
1 Negro Boy named Randolph 250 --
1 Negro Boy named Burrell 200 --
1 Negro Boy named George 200 --
1 Ditto girl named Rachel 100 --
1 Ditto girl named Patsy 80 --
1 Ditto girl Violet 80 --
1 Ditto woman named Sarrah 450 --
1 Ditto girl named fanny 420 --
1 Ditto girl Haily 300 --
1 Ditto woman named eady 420 --
1 Ditto man Daniel 100 --
1 Shot gunn 8 --
1 Ditto 5 --
3 Beds & furniture 90 --
1 table 8 --
1 Ditto 3 --
1 Woodin Clock 20 --
1 Cubbard & furniture 35 --
1 Small Book Case 3 4981
Amount Brought forward 4981 91
5 volumes domestic Encyclopedia 2 --
2 volumes theological Diconary 4 --
1 Virginia Justice 4 --
1 vol Taplins Farrier 1 50
1 Royal Gauger 2 --
1 arithmetick 1 --
3 Vol Youngs Night Thoughts 1 25
1 Vol Weather Spoons 1 50
1 Buckans Medicine 2 50
1 Smollets History of England 1 --
1 Vol Harveys Meditations 1 --
1 Vol Enfields Elocution -- 75
1 Esay on astronomy -- 75
1 Morses abridged Geography 1 --
1 Simpsons Plea for Religion 1 --
1 Large Bible & sundry old Books 3 --
1 pair Brass Candle Sticks 2 --
2 Hachets 5 --
1 pair Scales of Wat 2 --
1 pair Smoothing Iron 1 50
1 pair tongs & 1 pair fire dogs 3 50
8 Chairs 2 50
1 pair fire dogs & 1 Chest 5 --
1 Large Kittle 4 --
1 Small Ditto 1 --
4 Duch ovins 4 50
1 Large Pot 1 50
2 Large Spinning Wheels 3 --
1 Loome & warping bars gears 10 --
A quantity of Ry groing on the ground
Supposed to be 20 acres @$3.50 cents 70 --
A quantity of Wheat supposed to be 20 acres
at $3.15 70 --
$5205,66
We the Subscribers Being first L??? have appraised the estate of Joseph Wood Deceased as above stated Agreeable to an Order to us directed this 27th day of May 1816.
Jno Jordan
John Pitzer
George Shirkey

We the Subscribers have this 19th November 1816 further viewed and appraised the crop made on the said Deceasants Estate the Summer (?) past as follows to wit
740 Bushels Corn
made by Joseph Wood at 66 cents $488 40
12 ct Hemp by ditto @ $4 48
990 Bushels Corn By James Wood 653 40
2 Ct Hemp by Ditto $4 8 --
2 Small Stacks Hay by Do 12 --
146 Bo Cor? By James M Wood 96 36
$1306 22

R902

Inventory and sale of the personal property of Edward Wood [R003] in Randolph County, 2/9/49.
Bath County WB5-282.

In obedience to an order from the County Court of Bath to us directed, for the purpose of Appraising all the personal property of Edward Wood dec. of Bath Cty in the County of Randolph in Compliance thereto we have assembled for that purpose on this the 9th day of February 1849
=====================================
1 Yoke of Oxen |1 Bell .37-1/2
appraised at $50.00 |
1 Light Wagon Do 50.00 |1 Sledgehammer 2.00
1 Cow 16.00 |1 Old saw .50
1 Calf 5.00 |Irons and utensils of
4 Large Kettles 24.00 |an old saw mill 25.00
3 Kettle Bales 1.50 | $174.37-1/2

We the undersigned on the day above written after being duly sworn according to law appraise the above property
Given under our hands and Seals this 9th day of February 1849
William Mace (Seal)
Teste John _ Mace (Seal)
Harmon Snyder J.P. Len (?) Jinks (Seal)
for the said County of Randolph
Bath County Court January Term 1849
On motion of John W. Moore adm. of Edward Wood Dec., Len (?) Jinks, Harmon Snider, William Mace and John W. Moore, any three of whom may act, having first been duly sworn for that purpose be appointed commissioners to appraise all the personal Estate of said Edward Wood dec. in the County of Randolph and return their appraisement under their hands to this Court
A Copy
Teste
S. A. Porter clk

Bath County Court March Term 1849
This inventory and appraisement of personal estate of Edward Wood dec. from the County of Randolph and presented in court & ordered to be recorded
Teste
S. A. Porter clk

Randolph County. --- Sale Bill of the property of Edward Wood dec. of Bath Cty. sold on the 9th day of Feb 1849 in said cty--
Item named Purchasers Names Price $ cts
=====================================
1 Yoke of Oxen Len (?) Jinks 53.50
1 Light Waggon Samuel P. Wilson (?) 54.50
1 Cow Harmon Snydor 16.50
1 Calf John W. Moore 6.50
1 Large Kettle Samuel G. Matthews 8.00
1 Large Do H. (?) B. Wood 7.87-1/2
1 Large Do Samuel Lemon 7.50
1 Large of the same ---H. (?) B. Wood 7.00
1 Pair of Kettle bales
or hooks H. (?) B. Wood .50
1 Pair of the same H. (?) B. Wood .50
1 Pair Do Samuel G. Matthews .70
1 Sledge Hammer John T. Wilson 1.60
1 Old Saw Alexander - G---- .33
1 Bell Joseph Moore .42
Irons and Utensils
of old saw mill John W. Moore 50.00
215.42-1/2

The above Sale is a true Copy. Given under my hand
Teste
Harmon Snyder Clerk of Sale
John W. Moore Adm of
Edward Wood Dec.
Bath County Court March Term 1849
This Sale Bill of the --- Estate of Edward Wood dec. from the County of Randolph was presented in Court and ordered to be recorded
Teste
S. A. Porter Clk

R903

Inventory and sale of the personal estate of Edward Wood [R003] in Bath County, 1/18/49. Bath County WB5-299.

In obedience ============== One Wooden " Doz Winsor Chairs 8 split bottom Chairs " Beauro " Do " Walnut Table ” Trunk ” three Bed steads & ” Trunnel furniture Lot Books Lot Do Old Bible Lot old Books New set Bibles One little Wheel ” Old Wheel ” Do ” Do ” Big Wheel ” Do ” Reel ” Chest Wheat Seive Meal Seive Chair Posts Loom & sla-- | & axeltrees Rifle gun Two Flax hackles (?) Steel yards One half Bushel -Cutting Box 19 Hogs Sow & pigs | Cart Tongue | or 12 years old Wheat per Bu. ” Boar White sow Lot of Chains Horse Cart Wind Mill ” Flax break ” Corn per Bu- ” Brown Horse ” Brown Mare ” Bay Horse ” Pale (?) Red Cow ” Do white back ” Black Cow ” Brindle Cut horns ” Black with the Bell ” Red & speckled A Copy
Teste
Charles Sitlington J.C.
We the John P. Porter
Adam Surber
Thomas Sitlington
Bath On Motion A Copy
Teste
S. A. Porter clk
The within A. Sitlington J.P. to an order from the County Clerk of Bath to us directed for the purpose of appraising the personal property of Edward Wood decd in compliance thereto we have assembled for that purpose on this the 18th of January 1849
=======================
Clock. $10.00          |One Washing tub .10
12.00           | " steel trap 2.50
2.00              | " Cupboard furniture 6.50
5.00                                 | " Flat Iron .25
8.00                                       | “ Brass Kettle 1.50
2.50                       | " the furniture of the | kitchen 9.85
.50 | “ Pot Hook 1.00
45.00 | “ Wa-- --? .75
Bed & | “ Kitchen Table .25
7.50 |
2.00 | “ Plane Table 1.00
2.50 | “ Pork 1900 lbs 65.00
1.00 | “ Beef 500 lbs 20.00
1.50 | Beef Hide 3.75
8.00 | Cabinet makers Tools 1.00
3.50 | “ three iron wedges 1.20
.75 | “ Footadz Auger & Saw 2.75
.50 | “ Smoothing Plane .50
1.00 | “ Drawing Knife .50
1.00 | “ Three ploughs 1.70
1.00 | “ 4 Axes 2.00
1.00 | “ Lot of Forks 1.25
.50 | “ 3 Hoes .75
.50 | “ One Auger .25
.25 | “ Harrow 3.00
2.00 | “ Waggon 15.00
5.00 | “ lot of irons
1.00
5.00 | “ stretchers 1.25
2.75 | “ Lock Chain 2.00
2.50 | “ 2 Gambling (?) hoes 2.00
.40 | “ Set Harness 3.00
.50 | Two year olds 10.00
28.50 | Grindstone 1.00
5.00 | “ Negro woman &
two Children 500.00
1.50 | “ Mary a girl 10
350.00
.62-1/2 | “ Lydia 300.00
1.62-1/2 | “ Clarah 250.00
4.00 | “ Allen 550.00
1.25 | “ Kyle 500.00
10.00 | “ Jno 450.00
5.00 | “ 44 Geese 10.00
.75 | “ Two stacks of hay 18.00
.40 | Five sheep 5.00
45.00 | “ One year old Colt 20.00
50.00 | “ Grey Do 25.00
65.00 | “ 6 Calves a year old 30.00
8.00 | “ Stack Hay 12.00
8.00 | “ One Do 7.00
10.00 | “ One Do 8.00
10.00 |
15.00 |
13.00 |
undersigned have this day appraised the personal Estate of Edward Wood decd after being duly sworn in accordance with the law Given under our hands this 19th day of January One Thousand eight hundred and forty nine--
County Court January Term 1849
of John W. Moore Adm of Edward Wood deed. Adam Surber, Thomas Sitlington John P. Porter and Andrew Sitlington any three of whom may act having first been duly sworn for that purpose be appointed Commissioners to appraise the personal Estate of the said Edward Wood decd and return their appraisment under their hands to this court
named Adam Surber, John P. Porter and Thomas Sitlington appeared before me and were sworn according to Law this 18th Jany 1849

Bath County Court August Term 1849
This sale Bill of the personal Estate of Edward Wood decd was returned to Court and ordered to be recorded
Teste
S. A. Porter clk

R904

Sale of Edward Wood’s [R003] Bath County property by his heirs to Francis Marion Wood [R004], 5/20/54. Bath County DB11-384.

THIS INDENTURE made and entered into this 20th day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty four, between Augustus Wood, John W. Moore and Mary his wife, Joseph Moore and Amanda his wife, Henson Douglas and Martha A. his wife, Samuel Lemon and Elizabeth J. his wife, Powhattan A. Tolly and Sarah A. his wife, John T. Wilson and Harriet his wife, and John C. Wood and Elizabeth C. his wife of Randolph County and State of Virginia, and Joseph T. Wood and Lucy his wife and John J. Peirce (?) and America his wife of Powhatan County and State of Virginia and John M. Armintrout and Elvira E. his wife of Bath County and State aforesaid all of the first part // and Francis M. Wood of the County of Bath and the state aforesaid of the second part, Witnesseth that whereas the late Edward Wood dec. of Bath County Virginia being possessed of several tracts of land in the Counties of Bath and Randolph in the state of Virginia, did in his life time determine to divide all his said lands between his several children and in pursuance of such determination alloted to his son Augustus Wood a tract of land in Randolph County and State of Virginia, on the head waters of the valley River, being the same land upon which the said Augustus Wood now resides. To his sons Joseph T. Wood and John C. Wood, and to his daughters Mary the wife of John W. Moore, Amanda the wife of Joseph Moore, Martha Ann the wife of Henson Douglas, Elizabeth J. the wife of Samuel Lemon, Sarah A. the wife of Powhattan A. Tolley, Elvira E. the wife of John M. Armintrout, Harriet S. the wife of John T. Wilson and America who was then a minor a feme sole but is now the wife of John J. Pierce each a tract of land in the said County of Randolph on the waters of the valley River, and in the same neighborhood of that allotted to the said Augustus Wood, and to his sons Francis M. Wood, and James Wood now dec. his home stead place in the County of Bath consisting of five tracts of land, and whereas the said Edward Wood in his life time made deeds to Augustus Wood, John W. Moore and wife, Joseph Moore and wife, Samuel Lemon and wife, and John T. Wilson and wife for the tracts of land so allotted to them respectively, but failed to make deeds to his other children for the tracts of land so allotted to them, And whereas it has been agreed by and between the parties of the first part and second parts, with the view of carrying into effect the wishes and intentions of the said Edward Wood to interchange deeds with one another in such a manner as to give deeds unto all of the children of the said Edward Wood for the lands so allotted as aforesaid, upon conditions that the parties of the second part shall maintain and support Sarah Wood the widow and relict of the said Edward Wood during her natural life, and also upon condition that the said parties of the second part shall maintain and support the said America Wood (who was then a minor and feme sole) so long as she shall remain unmarried, all of which was faithfully complied with.

Now therefore this Indenture Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the premises, and of the further consideration of the sum of One Dollar to them in hand, paid by the said parties of the second part, at and before the sealing and Delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted bargained and sold and by these presents, do Grant Bargain and sell unto the parties of the second part, all their rights Title and interest as children and heirs at Law of the said Edward Wood dec. of and into the said five tracts of land so allotted to the parties of the second part, as aforesaid lying and being in the County of Bath on the Cowpasture River and being the same upon which the said Edward Wood resided in his life time bounded as followeth, to wit: Beginning at a White Oak Stump standing near the Wagon Road corner to the land of Nancy (?) Griffith then S 68 E 94 poles along the general direction of the Division fence separating the land of Nancy (?) Griffith and Edward Wood dec. to an old Cicamore, thence leaving said line N 60 E 24 poles across the present channel of the river, to the middle of the old channel. Thence N.W. up along the old channel of the river 112 poles to 8 Water (?) Birches on the bank of the old river opposite the mouth of a ditch, thence S 53 W 40 poles along the middle of the old river to the edge of the present river, thence N 31 W 98 poles along the bank of the river to a stake at the mouth of a lane on the said bank, thence N 46 E 102 poles up the middle of the lane and the wagon road to the line of Tilson (?) Douglas in the middle of said road thence N 65 W 24 poles with said Douglas’s line to a white oak, thence N 5 W 14 poles to a white oak a division corner on said Douglas’s line, thence S 56 W along the divisional line it being the same called in the old deed, the conditional line across the river, up the hill, to three white oaks 147 poles, thence S 20 E 62 poles to a pine a corner to the old survey, and a corner of the 166 Acre tract, thence S 64 E 60 poles by the corner of Nancy Griffith to a stake in the field where the black oak corner once stood, thence S 3-1/2 E 60 poles to the beginning, containing by estimation one hundred and twenty five acres,--be it the same more or less.--Also one other tract- Patented to James Meagre (?) Beginning at two white oaks and white pine on the point of a ridge, near the river, and a branch thence N 34 E 70 poles crossing a branch to two white oaks on flat ground, thence N 86 E 40 poles to a white oak, white pine and locust, thence N 16 E 30 poles to a white oak and chestnut oak on a hill thence N 57 W 170 poles to a stake on a division line between said Francis Wood and John M. Armintrout, thence S 60 W along said division line to a pine on the branch, on the 300 pole line of this survey, thence S 10 E 250 poles to a pine corner to the Moony Field survey of 25 acres, thence with the line of the same N 7 E 132 poles to two white oaks on a ridge by a pasture (?), thence S 26 E 40 poles with a line of the same to two white oaks and white pine to the beginning- containing one hundred and twelve acres be the same or less.--Also one other tract- Beginning at a chestnut oak and white oak corner to William Douglas dec., thence N 24 W 74 poles to a white oak and two pines, thence N 45 W 20 poles to three pines N 20 E 68 poles to two white oaks on the bank of the River corner to the old survey, thence N 45 W 50 poles to a white oak and maple on the bank of the River. Thence leaving the Patent line and running the division line between Francis Wood and John M. Armintrout, thence S 80 W 15 poles to a dead white oak near a spring, thence S 30 poles up a steep hill over a hollow to three red (?) oaks and a chestnut oak in said Hollow, thence S 20 E 72 poles down the middle of the same to three white oaks in the forks of the branch and hollow, thence S 52 W 72 poles up a branch and over a low hill with a wagon road to two white oaks in a low flat- near a branch, thence N 58 W 40 poles up a hollow to a white oak in the same, thence N 85 W 104 poles to the intersection of the 300 pole line, thence S 88 E 260 poles to the Beginning Containing by estimation seventy six acres-- be it the same more or less.-- Also one other tract patented to Edward Wood dec. patent bearing date on the 1st day of May One thousand eight-hundred and eighteen Containing ninety acres, be the same more or less, Also one other tract- Containing an undivided (?) Interest of three hundred and thirty acres out of a tract of 660 acres Patented to James Wood dec. and Francis M. Wood assignees of Edward Wood dec., said Patent bearing date on the 30th day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight-hundred and forty eight-, the Five several Tracts Containing in all Six (?) hundred and fifty two acres.-- be the same more or less.--

To have and to hold all the land hereby conveyed with the appurtenances unto the party of the second part- his heirs and assignees forever, to the only proper (?) and beho__ of the said party of the second part- his heirs and assignees forever, and the said parties of the first part for themselves their heirs etc. do hereby covenant to and with the said party of the second part- his heirs and assignees forever to Warrant and defend (?) the Lands hereby conveyed, unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assignees forever, against all persons claiming by through or under them and no further, In Testimony whereof the parties of the first part- have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year herein before written
Augustus Wood (Seal) John W. Moore (Seal)
Mary V. Wood (Seal) Mary Moore (Seal)
Joseph Moore (Seal) John T. Wilson (Seal)
Amanda Moore (Seal) Harriet S. Wilson (Seal)
Henson Douglas (Seal) John C. Wood (Seal)
Martha A. Douglas (Seal) Clarissa E. Wood (Seal) Samuel Lemon (Seal) John M. Armintrout (Seal)
Elizabeth J. Lemon (Seal) Elvira E. Armintrout (Seal) P. A. Tolly (Seal) Joseph T. Wood (Seal)
Sarah A. Tolly (Seal) Lucy J. Wood (Seal)
John J. Pierce (Seal)
America Pierce (Seal)
Randolph County, to Wit:
I Harmon Snyder a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do certify that Augustus Wood, John W. Moore, Joseph Moore, Henson Douglas, Samuel Lemon, Powhattan A. Tolly, John T. Wilson, and John C. Wood, whose names are signed to the writing herein bearing date on the 20th day of May 1854 has acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid-- Given unto my hand this 20th day of May 1854--
Harmon Snyder J. P. (Seal)

Virginia: Randolph County, to Wit:
We Harmon Snyder and John A. Hutton Justices of the Peace for the County of Randolph in the State of Virginia do Certify that Mary V. Wood the wife of Augustus Wood, Mary Moore the wife of John W. Moore, Amanda Moore the wife of Joseph Moore, Martha A. Douglas the wife of Henson Douglas, Elizabeth J. Lemon the wife of Samuel Lemon, Sarah A. Tolly the wife of Powhattan Tolly, Harriet S. Wilson the wife of John T. Wilson, and Elizabeth C. Wood the wife of John C. Wood whose names are signed to the writing herein bearing date on the 20th day of May 1854 personally appeared before us in the County aforesaid and being examined by us privily and apart from their husbands and having the writing aforesaid fully explained to them, they the said Mary V. Wood, Mary Moore, Amanda Moore, Martha A. Douglas, Elizabeth J. Lemon, Sarah A. Tolly, Harriet S. Wilson, and Elizabeth C. Wood acknowledged the said writing to be their act, and declared that they had willingly executed the same, and does not wish to retract it-- Given under our hand this 20th day of May 1854--
Harmon Snyder J. P. (Seal)
John A. Hutton J. P. (Seal)
State of Virginia; Bath County, to Wit:
I Thomas Sitlington a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia, do certify that John M. Armintrout whose name is signed to the writing above bearing date on the 20th day of May 1854 have acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid.-- Given under my hand this 26th day of May 1854
Thomas Sitlington J. P.

State of Virginia: Bath County, to Wit:
We Thomas Sitlington and George W. McDonald Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do Certify that Elvira E. Armintrout the wife of John M. Armintrout whose name is signed to the writing above bearing date on the 20th day of May 1854 personally appeared before... (this was the last page photocopied)

R905

Inventory of the personal estate of Francis Marion Wood [R004], 10/24/65. Bath County WB6-426

An Inventory of the Personal Estate of Francis M Wood deceased, made by me as Administrator thereof, on the 24th day of October One thousand eight hundred and sixty five, with a column on the right hand for the appraisers to annex the value of the several items, to wit: ===================================
1 Bureau 20.00 |1 Pair Saddle Pockets 2.50
1 Brass Clock 5.00 |1 Tanned Sheep Skin “ 50
1 Small Table & Cover1.25 |8 Old Chairs 1.50
1 Bed & furniture 25.00 |1 Pair Spring balances “ 50
1 Do Do 25.00 |1 Cooking Stove 5.00
1 Double Barrel Shot Gun 10.00 |2 Large Stone Crocks 1.00
1 Set Books & Slate 2.50 |1 Churn & Buckett 2.00
1 Large Jug 1$- |1 Large Oven & Sad
1 Bed 25.00 26.00 | Iron &c 2.00
1 Small Bed 7$- | $192.75
1 Mans Saddle 15$ 22.00 |1/2 Bushel Measure
1 Bridle & filling 2$- | &Noggin 1.25
1 Bureau $10.00 12.00 |1 Lantern “ 50
1 Old trunk 50c- |
1 Corn Sheller 2.50 3.00 |1 Razor & Strop 1.50
1 Falling Leaf Table 1.00 |2 Axes 1.00
1 China Press |
& Contents 20.00 |1 Iron Kettle 2.50
1 Large Wheel & Reel 5.00 |1 Old Spring Wagen 15.00 1 Grind Stone & Axle 4.00 |1 One horse Spredder “ 75
1 Bed Stead 5.00 |5 head Sheep
| @4/6 per head 3.75
1 Pair Large Steel Yards 5.00 |3 Calves @3.331/3 10.00 1 Sausage Cutter |3 head yearling
& hatchet 2.50 | Cattle @8$ 24.00
1 old two horse |1- 2 year old Steer
Wagen 50.00 | @15$ 15.00
1 Wheat Fan 25.00 |1 Red Spotted Cow 20.00
| $485.00
3 old Hay forks 1.00 |1 Red Cow 25.00
1/4 of old Threshing |1 White
Machine 5.00 | Rowan Cow 23.00
1 old Cultivator 1$- |1 Spotted Cow
2 Log Chains 5.00 6.00 | & Bell 24.00
1 Shovel Plow & |1 Spotted Roan
Double tree 1.00 | Cow 20.00
1 Cutting Box (?) 2.50 |1 Brown Roan Cow 30.00
1 Set old Harness 15.00 |1 Roan Mare 150.00
1 Grain Scoup |
& 2 Corn Hoes 2.00 |1 Small Bay Mare 125.00
2 Mattocks 2$- |
1 Set old Irons &c250 4.50 |1 Bull 780 lbs 50.00
1 Set old Carpenters Tools 2.50 |1 Set And Irons @9/ 1.50
3 old Grain Cradles & |Deducted for the $933.50
Scythes 5.00 |widow her third of
5 Tons Hay |the personal Estate
@10$ per Ton 50.00 | 311.16
1 Harrow & | $622.34
Double Trees 6.00 |Given under my hand the 1 Two Horse Plow 5.00 |day & year above written.
A G Cleek Sheriff-
of Bath County and as such Admr. of
Francis M. Wood Dec.

Bath County, To Wit:
We the subscribed in pursuance of an order of the County Court of Bath having been sworn before a Justice of the Peace for that purpose truly and Justly to the best of our Judgment, viewed and appraised all the personal Estate of the said Francis M Wood produced (?) to us by the said A G Cleek Sheriff of Bath County & as such Administrator of Francis M Wood dec., and comprised (?) in the said Inventory, and we have annexed the prices to the several items thereof in the column for that purpose. Given under our hands this 24th day of October, one Thousand eight hundred and sixty five Thomas Sitlington |
John P Porter | Appraisers
Adam Surber |

Bath County Court, October Term 1866
This Inventory and appraisement Bill of the personal Estate of Francis M Wood dec. was returned to Court and ordered to be recorded.
Teste,
C R McDannald clkR906

R906

“Betsy Bell Hill,” by D. Kemper Wood [R550] [S074] It is worth noting that there is also a “Betsy Bell Hill” near Staunton Va.

“Among the Alleghany Mountains of Virginia, there is a wooded elevation which tradition has named Betsy Bell Hill. The name is wrapped in deep mystery, and of it little is known, except what has been handed down by word of mouth from the early settlers. That a lovely, vivacious maiden, whose name was Betsy Bell, once resided in these parts seems well established. The story relates the tale of an ugly feud, a thrilling romance and a heart-breaking tragedy. What part each played in the final ending nobody knows.

“Betsy Bell Hill, twenty miles north of Clifton Forge, is located on the Cowpasture River, at a point known as Wallawhatoola - (Indian for cowpasture). Formerly, a dirt road crossed the hill, winding up the south side like the letter S, and sloped sharply down the north side. Today a modern highway cuts straight through it. On the south side of the hill, near the old dirt road there is a stone pillar marking the spot where once stood a crude, log Presbyterian Church building. Here the early settlers worshipped. Male members of the congregation always carried a loaded mountain rifle when attending church. The bible was chained to the pulpit and near it stood a rifle for emergency use by the minister. Many Indians from the Ohio Valley and eastern Virginia sought shelter in the Alleghanies. For possession of these fertile river valleys and bountiful hunting grounds, they fought each other, ambushed and massacred the whites. Because of the treacherous redskins, the settlers sought mutual protection in religion, community settlements and in the use of firearms.

“John and Elizabeth Bell were proud of their eldest daughter, Betsy. The Bell family were members of the Community Church. Many times Betsy had remarked that when she married the wedding would be in the little log church. In all activities of the village and community as a whole, this charming young woman was a favorite. Tall, athletic, with long raven-black hair, dark, sparkling eyes, striking personality and full of life, she attracted immediate attention everywhere. A lover of horses, she kept her own white horse plump, slick and well-groomed. Betsy Bell, always riding astride, was criticized by the elderly women, admired by the men and boys and envied by the girls. Galloping over the hills, through the woods and across the fields, her dark hair streaming in the wind, she presented a picture of youthful vigor and charm. Warned of Indian treachery, she boasted that her horse could outrun the swiftest redskin.

“The Bell family resided in a simple log house located on a tract of land at the edge of the village. Adjoining it was the property of the Porters. Because of an argument over the location of a fence line, Simon Porter and John Bell became bitter enemies. Unable to agree, neither would assist the other in building the fence. Consequently, Simon built a fence three feet back on his own land, and John Bell did the same on his side. As time passed, a dense hedge of brush, briars and matted vines grew up between the two fences, forming an ugly blockade. For a long time this monument of spite and hatred continued to be a subject of gossip and ridicule. But as strange as it may appear, the hostility of these men seemed only to bind the other members of the two families in ties of closer friendship.

“Naturally, the spite fence was a source of embarrassment. Since childhood, Oliver, the eldest son of the Porters, and Betsy Bell had been warm friends. To them, the enmity of their fathers was something to be endured, for nothing could change it. Sandy-haired, sharp of eyes, toughened by hard work and tanned by the sun, Oliver was a typical youth of those far-away pioneer days. He too, loved to ride. Frequently, after the day’s work was done, the two would meet at the foot of the hill, Betsy on her prancing white horse and Oliver on his black charger, and ride in the late evening’s glow. Their friendship grew rapidly into a romance which led straight toward marriage. When their engagement was announced, the fathers of both were furious, while everybody else rejoiced. But these spiteful men could do nothing about it, since the ties of love cannot be severed by all the hatred and feuds of the world. The young couple, assisted by friends, arranged for their wedding in the little log church. The appointed time was for ten o’clock on a November day. The church had been appropriately decorated with evergreens, pine, spruce, cedar and a sprig of mistletoe over the door. A protective guard of honor had been appointed and invitations to friends delivered.

“Their last ride together before their marriage was planned for the evening prior to the wedding day. They met at their accustomed place just as the last rays of the setting sun tinted the clouds with a crimson hue. Galloping up the hill they waved and shouted gleefully to some friends standing in the church door. As they rounded the curve, Betsy Bell was on the inside and a shade in the lead, her long black hair rippling in the wind as they passed from sight.

“The next morning the minister, invited guests and guard of honor assembled in the little church, but the bride and groom did not appear. The one whispered word on every lip was-- “Indians”. There was no other explanation. An atmosphere of horror and depressing gloom settled over the saddened group. In every village home the sense of sorrow was profound. But in the homes of the stricken families there was a deep sorrow, and a grief that could not be assuaged.

“In days gone by, many weird and ghostly tales have been told by superstitious neighbors who happened to cross that hill in the dark hours of the night. Some claim they were passed by a white horse bearing a female rider in deep and mournful thought. Others say they had seen a white charger racing up the hill at terrific speed, and on the horse’s back, a woman with long black hair streaming on the breezes of the night. However true these tales may be, posterity will persist in the name Betsy Bell Hill."

R907

“A Nightmare,” by D. Kemper Wood [R550] [S074]. The best part of this piece is its description of a classic Virginia country meal.

“Nature has in store many delightful surprises for those who go out into the open country. Unexpected bursts of beauty meet the eyes - a sunrise or a sunset, the moon popping up from behind the mountain, or a sudden formation of a rainbow after a shower of rain.

“Several years ago my son Charles, a boy of fourteen years of age, and I enjoyed a day on the river fishing. We had been invited to spend the following night at a farmhouse. The stretch of water covered by us zigzagged between two mountains for a distance of four miles. The last long lap of this section of the river ran from west to east directly toward a high part of the mountain. The reflection in the water gave the appearance of another mountain upsidedown. Our admiration of this startling picture was interrupted by the rumbling of thunder which indicated that a storm was approaching. The wind began to blow until our small boat tossed on the water like an eggshell. The storm came on us quickly, and for a few moments the rain fell in torrents. Soaking wet, we were chilled through and through. The fury of the storm soon abated and after the last peals of thunder had subsided, rays of the sun shot through the clouds at our backs. Directly in front of us a magnificent rainbow formed over against the mountain. Its variegated colors were in sharp contrast with the green and black of the forests. The upper arc of the bow looped above the mountain with the passing clouds as background while the two ends plunged down to the lowest foothills blending their colors with the foliage of the trees. Probably the most striking feature of the bow was how the arc over the mountain reflected its beauty on the river below. Its colors danced and played on the clear, rippling water like millions of sparkling jewels. During these moments of magnificent grandeur we forgot about being wet, cold and chilly. Wet clothes were quickly dried by the hot sun, and we reached our destination in good spirits.

“It was supper time when we arrived at the farmhouse. Whiffs of fried ham and the aroma of hot coffee whetted our appetites to keen edges. The string of fish was put on ice to be cooked for breakfast. Given hot water, we washed the fishy slime and odor from our hands, and changed to other clothes. The hospitality of those country folk, in looking after our comfort, was superb.

“Invited to the dining room, we sat down to a feast. Never before nor since have I seen so much tasty food on one family table. After grace was said, our host and hostess insisted that we eat heartily of everything. For meat, there was country-cured fried ham and fried chicken floating in its own brown gravy. On the table were mashed potatoes, snap beans, butter beans, squash, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, spiced peaches, spiced cherries and sour pickles. There were peach, damson, pear and quince preserves and honey, hot biscuits and cream. There were other items of food which I cannot recall. Old fashioned country people feel offended if visitors do not eat at least some of all food on the table. The food was good and we were hungry; perhaps we ate too much.

“Supper over, we went into the living room and sat conversing with the head of the house. After food had been put away and dishes washed, the women joined us. Chatting awhile, time for bed arrived. The old proverb ‘early to bed, early to rise’, applied to this family. We were shown the guest chamber, where specially invited guests slept. This room was on the ground-floor, in an ell adjoining the main house. The bed consisted of a feather tick on top of a straw mattress supported on wooden slats. On the walls were portraits of some ancient ancestors. The night being warm we left the door open. The moon had risen above the mountain and its beam of light crept into the room and drove out the darkness.
“Charles soon fell asleep, but I tossed and rolled on the feathers. Too much ham and chicken were not conducive to quick slumber. I got out of bed, walked to the door and stood in the moonlight. The night was gorgeous. Shadows from the trees fell across the yard like night-dragons. Honeybees in several hives near the fence were droning like some far-off waterfall. A fox was barking on the mountainside, making a harsh, rasping noise, and just below, an owl was hooting. Other weird sounds broke the stillness of the night. Returning to bed, I once more tried to sleep, but with little success. Grandfather frowned at me from his picture frame. I was weary, restless and ill. Occasionally I would fall into a doze, but quickly awakened again.

“As the night wore on it occurred to me that a walk in the moonlight might be helpful. I put on my clothes and shoes and started walking across the field. Presently, I found myself in a thick clump of trees. The moonlight filtered down through the leaves and branches causing flickering shadows to appear about me. Peering ahead, I saw some dark form approaching me. Or was it just a shadow appearing to move? I stopped and tried to make out what it was. I tried to walk again but could not. I tried to call for help but could not. As the thing came nearer it rose, stood on its hind feet and stretched out great shaggy arms. When it began to growl I realized that it was a ferocious black bear. As it came closer to me I trembled like a leaf. I could neither run, nor call for help. I was helpless as a cow on ice, and could do nothing to save myself. The bear’s black head was waving backward and forward, its teeth were shining in the moonlight, and those awful arms were reaching for me with a vengeance. The terrible thought of being torn to pieces by such a beast filled me with frenzied horror. I could think and feel, but I could not yell. Desperately I tried to kick at the creature, but effort was useless. The bear made a lunge, threw its terrible paws around my body and sank its claws into my ribs. An overwhelming sense of pain enabled me to yell with all my lung power. The sound must have raised the roof. It certainly aroused Charles from his slumber, for his fingers were in my ribs and he shouted ‘Dad, what in the world is the matter with you?’ ‘It was an awful nightmare,’ I said. I cannot express the sense of relief that came over me. I had been rescued from imminent death. It was fortunate that we slept in a separate part of the house, or the whole family would have thought murder was being committed.

“The next morning we sensed the odor of frying fish, but I was not very hungry.”

[From Charles Wood’s age, this happened in the summer of 1925. Four miles down the river from Nimrod Hall would put you at the James O. Wood [R451] farm, or the Jasper Crizer farm (the “Crizer Place”).]

R909

Nimrod history before the Woods owned it.

(2011) A letter from Hylton (Motley) Coover of New Market Va. to Elsie Tyree [R561] in Richmond, postmarked 1982. Hylton was a granddaughter of Andrew Sitlington Porter and a childhood friend of Elsie’s in Bath County. Elsie passed the letter on to her daughter, Emma Hicklin.

“Elsie—This will be short I think I can answer one of your questions. My grandpa Porter had an uncle, Col. Billy Sitlington (1). He owned and lived at Wallowhatoola for years and was a great hunter, as was most of those people who had blacks to till their acres (This is the story) Somewhere hunting, Uncle Billie S. met Dr. Henry Smith and invited him to come to Bath. Dr. Smith came, with a party, one member was my grandmother Lucie Edwin Ruckey, from Amerst Co. (this is the country the party came from). On this visit, my grandmother met handsome Andrew S. Porter, with his pretty red hair. In time they were married and settled at Nimrod, he had purchase a portion of this farm from his father, John Porter, at one time John Porter’s holdings were 3,500 acres, extending toward Clifton. The main portion of Nimrod became for sale and Uncle Billy prevailed upon Dr Smith to purchase it. His wife Susan Rucky was a cousin of grandmas (2)—thus the deep friendship.

“I don‘t know from whom the Smiths got Nimrod. The Porter relatives lived there for some years. Dr Smith practiced medicine until his death, And perhaps he worked with his wife Susan, when she started having summer guests. No doubt the love for hunting and fishing was the motive. I think Nimrod has an interesting history. John Porter was born and reared at the Porter place over the mountain. A record book at the Warm Springs Court House might contain this information. Andrew Porter promised to get it for me but he never did. I think I could write to the present Clerk for help, there is always a way. Only I put off too.

“John Porter gave land for Horeb Church and a school that was nearby. He lost Nimrod on a defaulted note, of a prominent gentleman of Staunton. He died in the home of grandpa P, who had to bury him.

“The Nimrod property, that we all love and know well, had a number of owners, before your father purchased it at a sale. I think Ted Watson had a part in the Smith defeat. His ideas were too lofty I never knew how he got up there. Mother knew him, as she was growing up. She was a pretty girl and the Watsons made a great deal over her. I never knew Dr. Smith, I did know his first wife Cousin Annie Bird Smith. I never heard how they got together. No doubt he left the area after the family moved from Nimrod, or there was a death.

“Don't you recall that Ted Watson, with a most charming wife from Lynchburg, returned to Nimrod for a stay? You all were there at the time. And we all were amazed at this union. He was an attractive Englishman and a smooth talker.

“Wade through this jumble the best you can When I talk, or start to write of that muchly beloved area, I know not when to stop. And together you and I would never, never stop. This I firmly believe.

"Let me know if you want to hear more. And I'll do my best. There is no one left interested in those days of long ago. No doubt few care. Lucie Lawson, of Clifton Forge, is quite interested. She and Aunt Ruth had saved many clippings. I would like to talk to her. Now a break HMC...”

1. William A. Sitlington [see Figure R512].
2. Lucie Rucker.

Jim Mann [S094] identified the author of this letter for me.

R910

Letter from Sarah Eleanor Wood [R255], begun 9/__/1861, to her sister Demarius A. Reynolds [see R265], probably in Amherst County VA. Held by [S083].

“My dear Mais,

“I have received your last letter & glad to hear you are all well. Tho I cant write such good news from home, William has returned from his trip but is now in his bed very sick with Typhoid fever. Mr Wood was up to see him this morning, he seemed a little better tho out of his head all night. Jennie nurses very well & she is his chief nurse. Corbin got home last Monday sick tho not confined to his bed yet. Ansalum Haden has been sick with Typhoid fever & mumps for some time 3 doctors waiting on him but this evening he is dying. Mary has been sent for since dinner to see him die. Davis has been sent for to day to see Jimmie Circle who is very sick. Adam Shurman [?] has also returned home from the Army sick, took cold with the measels & his recovery is doubtful. Samuel Wood went out to Lewisburg to see if he could get his team. He got 2 of his horses but could get no more. Mr Wood cant get neither Waggon nor horses, & leaves us without horses to either wride or work, & dont know where to get any. Mr Carper got back two of his horses. & what makes the matter worse they wont put a wright value on the teams they keep, they valued our team at three hundred & forty dollars Waggon & all, & some that were more valuable they valued less, they are hard cases. Cousin Joe Moore & his wife took supper with me yesterday eve they told me how the Souldiers & waggoners treated the people in their neighborhood, ransack their houses take all the yarn, wool carpets, kill their stock & destroy every thing, burn & pull down the fences etc. Cousin Joe is entirely driven out from home & dont know when he can get back, have taken a great many things from them. Davis has gone to the Depot to day to see if he can get any thing for his Team. I expect he will bring news of another fight if the Cars are not two late coming in. Pa sent for Jimmie this evening to go to the York’s for him on business, The old Man does all he can, he stayes with the hands presing [?] Tobacco but he looks broken down when he comes in the house, he needs some spirits to stimulate him but cant get any about here. I send him some whenever I can get it, if you have any opportunity of sending him some spirits do try and do it. Bettie went up to see Will & Corbin This morning when she comes I will hear how they are. Bettie & Nettie have just come, they say William is a little better, tho out of his head all the time, he thinks he is at Larel [?] Mountain yet, he told Bettie to set on the bed by him, he asked her if his toung was not very dry, she said yes, he said he was going to Boil it to [night? right?] like the Devil, he talks all sort of foolishness night and day.

“Dear Maiz I commenced this letter several days ago, but the river was so high it could not be crossed. Last Friday evening we had the most awful storm that the oldest men about here ever saw, I was afraid it would blow our house down, it blew off the top of that long barn old Brian built down to the logs tore it all to pieces, at Pa’s it blew up every persimmon tree & locust tree by the roots. Mr Wood had gone to the Depot it rained so that he could not get back, the first day & the next day it rained all day again so that he did not leave the depot till 6 oclock, by that time the river was in the road by the Forge so that he could scarcely pass, & trees had fallen through the Barrens that it was almost impassable, he did not know of the storm till he butted up against a large tree fallen across the road. L[-??-] so dark he had to get off his horse and feel for the road. I became so uneasy during the storm that I sent Jim to look for him Davis & the high water and trees fallen with the darkness put a stop to his journey, & he came back with the news that he could not find him, all that kept me up was a faith in that God who can calm the storm and raging of the Sea.

“Poor Ansalem Haden is burried today, at his Pa’s, with all the Honours of War men were sent for at the Depot, Corbin was not able to go, he is quite unwell but not confined entirely to his bed, he looks very badly & sais he has been getting weaker every day William is very low, he is a little better today, he is not out of his head quite as much as he was a few days ago. Have to sit up all night with him. I went to see him yesterday he dont talk very much, looks very vacant out of his eyes Poor Will you never saw him in such a fit [?] on yesterday we thought his case very doubtful, but I hope he will mend now, as his tounge [?] is improving Jimmie Circle has sent for Mr Wood today to talk with him on the Subject of Religion he has been getting worse since I commenced this letter and now he is not expected to live. Nearly every man that went out to Gauly River with their waggons are sick. I went up to see Corbin yesterday with Mr Wood the children all go to see him, he sais he is very lonesome, Mary will return after her brother is burried she wanted to go home yesterday but could not cross the river. George has just steped in, and sais Aunt Mary is going on home. Ansalum was Mrs Hadens favourit

“The high water done us damage as well as the wind. The River run over the whole Iland & our corn was all under water but I hope we will save enough to bread us tho a great deal will be lost. Poags Mill is entirely gone Williams mill not injured that I know of. I have never seen such distressing times in my life. The war going on, high water storms, and fear of loosing my brothers, is bad but still I feel that I ought not to complain, Gods will is all right, and things can yet be worse. Pa & Mother keep up pretty well Jennie complains a good deal, she sits up with William every night & waits on him through the day. I expect she will take a spell herself, after the excitement is over. Miss Mary is still alive. Aunt Sallie is in bed sick she had had a dreadful cold Mother looks well, but Pa seems to be troubled & fatigued but [quieter??] than you would expect. The [s]carlet Fever is at Major Paxtons & Mr Rocks, but they are all getting well Mr Rocks I havent heard from the Majors lately
“Dr Malkut [?] goes to see William every day, a horse will be sent to the River for him at 8[?] oclock this evening, as the River cant be forded. I have not told you any thing about my health, which I am glad to tell you is better than it has been for several years. I am very nervous cant bear nois at all. The children anoy me dreadfully, & I scold at them till I am ashamed of it I can eat any thing and a big b[??] two dont suffer with neurlgy but very little. I can expose myself double to what I did before I went to the healing springs. That water is my cure all, I shall always have faith in the Healing springs.

“Oct 4th Poor Jimmie Circle died last night and will be buried tomorrow at the Locust Bottom grave yard. The family are greatly distressed, his wife waited on him with untireing Affection. I heard that Jimmie died happy, clapping his hands. O I scarcely ever felt so awful as I did this morning when I heard of the poor fellers death his parents were so devoted to him, would not let him go to War for fear he would get killed, but he got his sickness when he went to Gauly with his Waggon. & O Mais we have come near looseing our dear Brother Will, but I am glad to tell you he is on the mend now and we hope with propper attention, and the kindness of our maker he will recover. Corbin has been able to wride down to see William once this week tho he lookes worse than you ever saw him. The two Brothers cried when they met Bettie has gone up to Pa’s this Evening she is devoted to her Uncle Will he fondles on her so much when he is well. Write, Ever yours Ellen

“If William gets worse I will write immediately, dont be uneasy Lelia is the fattest little thing you ever saw & groes so fast. I wish you could see her”

R911

WOOD’S GENERAL STORE, a poem written by Carl B. Haddix 3/1983 in affectionate memory of the store and post office run by Gwendolyn and Archie Wood in Mingo W.Va. [S030, S031]

Let’s go back on a shopping trip through Wood’s General Store
To look at things that might be found among the merchandise galore.
Along one side you could find the dry goods and the notions
While over in another place there were linaments and lotions.
The candy case was always full of sweets for any tooth
And down the aisle a little way was the U.S. Postal Booth.
If it was groceries you needed, they always could be bought
Along with fresh ground coffee and an ironstone coffee pot.
For the folks who used tobacco there always was enough
Of Prince Albert, Brown Mule, or Mail Pouch, and Copenhagen Snuff.
There were cigarettes and fancy pipes, and combs and brushes too.
There were fancy soaps, and some lye-filled that would wash your clothes clean through.

There were double boilers, washing tubs, and galvanized ten-quart
pails,
Hammers and saws and other tools, and kegs of shiny nails.
There were post hole diggers, logging chains, cant hooks, and big
coal scoops,
Coal oil lanterns, axel grease, and heaters for chicken coops.
High on the wall were wooden pegs where horse collars always hung,
Along with bridle bits and big cow bells, just awaitin’ to be rung.
There were ladies fancy dresses, flowery hats and nice silk hose,
Lacy little handkerchiefs and unmentionable underclothes.
Bib overalls and shirts for men, wide ties hung on a rack,
And long johns buttoned in the front, and a flap open in the back.
There were several pocket watches and clocks both large and small,
With bell alarms that rang so loud you’d think ‘twas Gabriel’s call.

There were Barlowe knives and razor blades, pitch forks, axes, and harness rings,
Red bandanas, big straw hats, and a lot of other things.
How they had room for all that stuff is more than I can tell,
But for sure they had sheep dip - you knew that by the smell!
The old pop cooler, always full, was not far from the door.
For winter days, the Burnside stove gave out heat for Wood’s Store.

Out front stood the gasoline pump with its fancy class on top,
And lines to mark the gallons so you’d know just when to stop.
Corn cob stoppers and gallon jugs were always part of the scene,
At Wood’s Store they filled ‘em up with good old kerosene.
The atmosphere was always nice and friends would often gather
To pass along the latest news, and talk about the weather.

In the State of West Virginia at a place they call Mingo,
You’ll find the store is boarded up, there’s no merchandise to show.
The building still is standing there in quiet reverie,
And the only way for shopping is in fondest memory.
It would be fun to take that trip, just to step inside the door,
And capture some of yesterday, there in Wood’s General Store.

R912

Will and appraisement of the estate of Polly Crawford [R519] (WB5-366). The appraisement is dated 12/18
/1850.

In the name of God, Amen, I - Polly Crawford, of the County of Bath, and State of Virginia, being weak in body but of sound mind, and disposing memory, for which I thank God, and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life, and being desirous of disposing of such worldly estate, as it has pleased God to bless me with, and to dispose of the same in the following manner. And first, I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first moneys that shall come into the hands of my executor, hereafter mentioned. Secondly, I give and bequeath to my brother, Andrew Crawford, my slave Charlott and her children - the names of the children are as follows: Byrd, John, Harry and James. Thirdly, I bequeath to my niece, Mary Ann Burger, my slave Mary and her son Charles. I give and bequeath to my niece Mary Jane Cleek $100.00, also one walnut bureau. I give and bequeath to the two daughters of my niece, Christina Mathaney, named Mary Caroline and Sarah Elizabeth Matilda, the sum of $25.00 each. I give and bequeath to my neice Elizabeth Crawford who now resides in the State of Indianna, and who married a certain Mr. Poage whose christian name I know not, the sum of $50.00. I give and bequeath to my niece Rebecca, the daughter of my brother, William Crawford, deceased, who resides in Indianna, the sum of $50.00. I give and bequeath to my sister, Betsy Cleek, the sum of $30.00. I give and bequeath to my sister Patsy Burger, $30.00. I give and bequeath to my friend Nancy Burger, $30.00, as compensation for her kind attention to me in my sickness. I give and bequeath to my neice, Mary Jane Cleek, one plain walnut bedstead, one bed and furniture. I also give and bequeath to my sister, Betsy Cleek, one acorn bedstead, bed and furniture which was devised to me by my brother Andrew Crawford. I give and bequeath to my brother, Samuel Crawford, two bedsteads (one acorn, one cherry) together with their beds and furniture. I give and bequeath to my sister Patsy Burger, my sorrel mare. I give my brother, Andrew, my bureau, also my book case and all my books. I also give to him my dun horse and my bay horse. I give and bequeath to my brother, Andrew, all my cattle and sheep. I will and bequeath to my nephew, Samuel C. Burger, my dun colt. And other property or money that I may have at my decease and not otherwise disposed of in this, my last will and testament, I give and bequeath to my brother, Andrew.
I do hereby nominate and appoint my brother, Andrew Crawford, executor of my Last Will and Testament.
(signed)

Polly Crawford.

APPRAISEMENT OF THE PERSONAL ESTATE OF POLLY CRAWFORD, deceased.

“We the undersigned, having been appointed by the County Court of Bath at the November term, 1850, to praise the personal estate of one Polly Crawford, deceased, have performed that duty and the annexed inventory is the result of our appraisement. Given under my hand this 18th day of December, 1850”

1 negro woman named Charlott and her son James $500.00
1 negro boy named Byrd 5.00
1 negro boy named John 300.00
1 negro boy named Harry 200.00
1 negro woman named Mary and her son Charles 600.00
1 walnut bureau 7.00
1 walnut bedstead and furniture 15.00
1 acorn “ “ “ 17.00
2 bedsteads and furniture, (one acorn, one cherry) 40.00
1 sorrel mare 30.00
1 dun horse 65.00
1 dark bay horse 40.00
7 cows 70.00
8 young cattle 64.00
1 calf 2.40
27 sheep 33.75
1 book case and books 20.00
1 loom and gearing 2.00
1 dun colt 22.00
1 side saddle and bridle 2.50
3 small wheels 2.25
1 big wheel .75
1 bedstead 1.00
1 bed and bedclothes $5.00
lot table cloths 3.50
table cloths and towels 5.00
china 3.00
1 large bowl and teaspoons 5.00
1 falling leaf table and sundry articles 4.50
1 skillet and waful iron 1.00

R913

Conveyance of a tract of Randolph County land by the heirs of Edward Wood to his daughter Sarah and her husband Powhattan A. Tolley [R356] (DB18-95). [S129] helped decipher.

This Indenture made and entered into this 19th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine between Joseph T. Wood of the County of Powhattan and State of Virginia John M. Armentrout and Elvira E his wife and John C. Wood of the County of Bath and State aforesaid, Augustus Wood John Q. Wilson and Harriet his wife Samuel Lemmon and Elizabeth J. his wife Henson Douglas and Martha Ann, his wife John W. Moore and Mary his wife and Joseph Moore and Amanda his wife of the County of Randolph and State aforesaid of the first part and Powhattan A. Tolley and Sarah A. his wife of the County of Randolph and State aforesaid of the second part Witnesseth that whereas Edward Wood Decd late of the County of Bath and State of Virginia, in his life time being seized and possessed of several tracts of land situate in the said Counties of Bath and Randolph expressed and manifested a wish and determination to divide and partition his said land between his several children and accordingly in pursuance of said determination Allotted and assigned to his sons Joseph T Wood John C Wood and Augustus Wood and to his daughters Harriet S. the wife of John Q. Wilson Elizabeth J. the wife of Samuel Lemon Sarah A. the wife of Powhattan Tolley Martha Ann the wife of Henson Douglas, Mary the wife of John W. Moore Amanda the wife of Joseph Moore Elvira E. the wife of John M. Armentrout and America each a tract of land lying in the County of Randolph aforesaid and to his sons Francis M. Wood and James Wood now deceased has alloted his homestead place consisting of two tracts lying and being in the County of Bath aforesaid and Whereas the said Edward Wood in his life time made and executed deeds to Augustus Wood John Q. Wilson & Wife Samuel Lemon & Wife John W. Moore & wife and Joseph Moore and Wife for the lands so allotted to them as aforesaid but neglected to execute deeds to the residue of his children for the lands so allotted and assigned to them and whereas it is the wish and desire of the aforesaid Children and heirs of the said Edward Wood decd to carry out the designs of their said Father in relation to said partitions and allottments so far as possible by executing interchanging deeds with each other in such manner as to give to each of the said children a deed for the lands so allotted and assigned to them respectively whom the said Edward Wood decd had in his life time neglected to make deeds. As aforesaid now therefore this Indenture Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the premises and for the further consideration of the sum of one dollar lawful money to the said parties of the first in hand paid by the said party of the second part at and before the ensealing and delivery of this presents the receipt Whereof is hereby acknowledged they, the said parties of the first part have [...] bargained and sell unto the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the said County of Randolph on the Waters of the Valley River Known as the [...] being the same land so alloted by the said Edward Wood as aforesaid to the said Powhattan A. Tolley and Sarah his wife and Bounded as follows to Wit,

Beginning at a Lynn corner to Wm & Alexander C Logan standing on the West side of the Valley River above a cleft of rocks on the west line of the Wedge Lot (No 3) thence with said line S 20 W 278 poles to a small Chestnut on the brow of the river hill oposite or near the mouth of the big run above the laurel Thicket thence S 47 E to a small birch on the east side of the river south east side of said big run thence running up with the meanders of the said big run to a stake on the East line of said wedge lot then with said line (N 3 E) to said Logans Corner on the said last[?] line then with their lines to the beginning To have and to hold the land hereby conveyed with its appurtenances unto the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns forever to and for the only [...] and behoof of them the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns forever and the said parties of the first part their heirs and assigns do hereby covenant to and with the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns forever The said tract of land hereby conveyed unto the said party of the second part with its appurtenances shall and will by these presents forever warrant and defend against all persons claiming by through or under them and no further In testimony whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals this day and year first herein before written

Joseph T. Wood (Seal)
John M. Armentrout (Seal)
Elvira E. Armentrout (Seal)
Augustus Wood (Seal)
Mary V. Wood (Seal)
John W. Moore (Seal)
Mary Moore (Seal)
Joseph Moore (Seal)
Amanda Moore (Seal)
Henson Douglass (Seal)
Martha Ann Douglass (Seal)
Samuel Lemon (Seal)
Elizabeth J. Lemon (Seal)
John Q. Wilson (Seal)
Harriet S. Wilson (Seal)
John C. Wood (Seal)

R914

Will of Elizabeth Wood (see [R002]), recorded in Botetourt County, November Court 1837. The will book entry is not know; [S083] found an original copy of the will at the County Courthouse.

In the name of god aman I Elizabeth Wood of the County of Botetourt and State of Virginia being weak in Boddy but of sound mind and disposing memory calling to mind the uncertainty of life and being desirious to dispose of all my Estate that god has thought proper to bless me with I give the same in form and maner following that is to say— firs afer all my just debts and funeral Expences is paid I do will and bequeath the following named property to [? saley?] Brother Thos. Wood his Hairs or assines that is my man Peter woman Saraha & Vilet and also a boy Jerry With there future increase by Thos. paying the sum of four Hundred Doller the price let on Vilet to have and to hoald the same for Ever

Second I do also will and bequeath to my Brother Edward wood James Wood Joseph Wood & Martha Moor also the lawful Hairs and representatives of Carlos Wood Decd the following property to wit Man Ruben & four Hundred Doller (which is the price of Vilet in the hand of Thos. Wood) to be Equally divided into five shares between them that is the Hairs of Carlos Wood receiving of fifth part to have and to hoald the same for ever

also to my Sister Martha Moor one new Side Saddle to have and to hoald the same

Thurd I do will and bequeath to my Sister Mary Stull one Negro Boy George to her Hairs or assines to have and to hoald the same for ever

fourth I do also will and bequeath to my Sister Sally Rowland hur Hairs or assines a Negro Girle Sharlet with all her future increase to have and to hoald the same for ever

And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my Brother Thos. Wood Executor of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills and testaments be me heretofore maid In witness whare of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seale this 30th day of Aprile 1836

                                    hur
                       Elizabeth X Wood (Seal)
                                    mark
Signed sealed published and declared by Elizabeth
Wood as and for her last will and Testement in the presence
and hearing of us who at hur request and in hur presence have
subscribed the same as witnesses
Madison Gilmore
Wm P Walkup
Wm C Allen

Codicil to the above will this 29th Day of Dec.1836
I do will further that my fether Bead and one Suit of Bead Clothing to my sister Martha Moor to have and to hoald the same and do further will that all my Waring appirel Bead Clothing not above named & Trunks to be equally devided between my Three sisters that is Sally Rowland Mary Stull & Ann Wood to have and to hoald the same for
done in the presence of us

                                                        hur
              Madison Gilmore Elizabeth X Wood (Seal)
              William Allen                    mark

Codicil to the within will Whereas Clames has been presented against me my Joseph Wood for the Boarding and Supporting of Seven of my negroes for the terme of Ten years Comancing in the year One Thousand Eighteen and Siventeen and ending in 1827 which has Terminated in my having to pay him Jos. Wood Two Hundred and Twenty two Doller for sd. Servises Consequencely I Elizabeth Wood do this day revoke that part of my will contained in the Second Clause of sd. Will that is giving and bequeathing the one fifth part of my man Ruben and the one fifth part of Four Hundred Doller as named in the Second Claus of sd. will to Joseph Wood and do will and bequeath the sd. fifth part of my man Ruben and the fifth part of the named Four Hundred Dollers to my Brother Thos. Wood to have and his haires to have and to hld for ive - in Consequence of Thos Wood having made advancementes towards the payment of the abov named Two Hundred and Twenty Dollar to Joseph Wood

Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of December 1836
Signed Sealed and acknowledg                hur
in the presence of us [??]    Kyle Elizabeth X Wood (Seal)
Madison Gilmore & Wm. Davis              mark
Madison Gilmore
James Kyle
William T.[?] Davis
Wm P Walkup

R915

Will of Ann Wood (see [R002]), recorded in Botetourt County, November Court 1847. The will book entry is not know; [S083] found an original copy of the will at the County Courthouse.

In the name of god Aman I Ann Wood of the County of Botetourt and state of Virginia calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirious to dispose of all such worldly Estate as it has pleased god to bless me with I bequeath the same in maner following that is to say after all my just debtes is paid and funeral Expenses— I will and bequeath to my Brother Thos Wood the following slaves that is Man Billy and woman Patsy with her children Georg “Rober” Henry & Wiat— I do further will to Sally Woods the wife of Thos Wood a girle Margerat— I do further will to my [Neare?] brother Francis Wood a Girle Susan the abov slaves is given with all there future Increase
I do give will and bequeath to my Brother Edward the following slaves towit Rachel Ben and Jhon with all the Increas of Rachel from the time that he Edward Wood got posesion of sd. slave and the future increse of all the above slaves so convayed I do further Will to Edward wood the benefit of a note of $75 that he the sd. Edward hoalds of mine on Joseph Wood by him the sd. Edward Wood paying the following Legecies, towit— To be paid to the Lawful Hairs of Carles wood Discest the sum of Two Hundrid Doller which sum I will and bequeath to them to be Equally devided between them— I do further require of Edward Wood to pay to me during my lifetime for my support a portion of the Interest or Hires arising from sd. slaves to be paid yearly he the sd. Edward wood having had the slaves in his possesion for [tow year part??]
I do will and bequeath to my Brother Joseph Wood the following slaves towit Ede Thom Pitter[?] & Brow[?] with all the In crese of sd. slaves from the time that he came into possesion of them and forever after by his paying the following sums towit To pay to Sally Rowlan the sum of two hundred Dollers Which sum of Two Hundred Doller I do will and bequeath to hur and to pay to Jas Wood the sum of Two Hundred Doller which sum of Two Hundred Dollers I do will and bequeath to him the sd. James Wood And if Joseph Wood fales to pay sd. Legessyes the above property with there increse is bound for sd. Legeseyes the sd. Joseph Wood having executed his written obligation for sd. slaves at the time he recd them some years past which obligation is to be given up to him as soon as the Legeseyes above named (that he is bound for) is paid
I do further will a negro man Washington to my two sisters Polly Stull and sister Martha Moor to be equily devided between them by Compermise as they may think proper— and all other undevised property I do will to Sally wood the wife of Thos Wood
And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my Brother Thos Wood and Edward Wood Executors of this My last Will and Testement hereby revoking all others Wills and testement by me heretofore made
In witness whareof hav I hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 27th day of May 1843

                                                                 hur
Signed Sealed puplishid and              Ann X Wood (Seal)
declared by Ann Wood as and                mark
for hur last will and testement in the
presence and hearing of us who at her
request and in hur presence have
subscribed the same as witness this 27th
day of May 1843
Madison Gilmore
John Shirky