Will of Joseph Copeland

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN,

February 25, 1725/26, I, Joseph Copeland, of the Isle of Wight County, being indisposed in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament in writing as followeth, viz.

First, I recommend my soul to God that gave it me trusting by the merits of my Saviour's Christ to attain to the resurrection of life my body to be decently buried at the descretion of my Executrix hereafter named and for such estate as God hath entrusted me with, I give as followeth:

I give and bequeath unto my son, John Copeland, one negro boy named Robin, to him and his heirs forever and I likewise give him my pistols, holsters, and silver hilt sword, I give and bequeath unto my son, John three hogsheads of tobacco I have shipped on board Captain Murren for to purchase a still of forty five gallons and all necessaries belonging to a still and if the tobacco that doth not clear the still my will is that my son John shall pay the remainder out of his estate, my wife haveing half the use of the said still during her natural life.

I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Copeland one negro boy named Sam and one negro girl named Minnie, which two negroes I give to her and her heirs forever and also one gold ring the posie being "as God decreed so we agreed."

I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Copeland two negro girls named Jude and Lolo to him and his heirs forever and I give him my silverhead cane.

And my will is that the remainder of my crop and provision killed into my house estate I desire may be appraised and equally divided between my loving wife and children my just debts being in the first place paid and I do make and ordain my loving wife's executrix of this my last will and testament whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 28th day of February.

Joseph Copeland (seal)

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of
Richard Webb, Lupo Melchezidick (Mark) Dusag.

At a court held for the Isle of Wight county the 25th Day of July, 1726. The last will and testament of Joseph Copeland deceased was presented in Court by Mary Copeland Executrix Therein named who made oath hereto and being proved by the oath of Richard Webb and Lupo Melchezidick, two of the witnesses thereto, is admitted to record.

Testee: James Ingles.