WILL
of Spencer Ball
*Will date: January 1, 1831 ~ Probate date: June 4, 1832 in Prince
William County, Virginia.
In the name of God amen. I Spencer Ball of Prince William County and
State of Virginia being now in perfect mind and memory do make this my last
will and testament in the following manner and form revoking all other wills by
me heretobefore made.
1. I give to my son Francis Waring Ball, my boy Robert son of Aggy.
2. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Lucy Carter her choice of all my
women.
3. I give to my son Alfred Ball, my man Armstead.
4. I give to my daughter Louisa Ball my woman Suckey daughter of
Chloe, with her increase.
5. I give to my daughter Adeline Ball my woman Maria Sally's daughter
with her increase.
6. My daughter Frances Tasker Lewis having now in her possession a
mulattoe woman called Polly with her children (on loan) which woman and
children were sometime ago sold by the sheriff and conveyed to Mr. Carter who
purchased them for and on my account no conveyance having been heretofore made
of the said negros it is my request that Mr. Carter may convey his title to my
beloved wife to dispose of at her death as she shall see proper; but my request
is that my daughter Lewis shall still hold the negroes (on loan) until her
death.
Particular circumstances rendering it at present impracticable to make
such a distribution of our joint Estate as would be desirable and just
confiding entirely on the prudence of my beloved wife, to make a proper and
suitable distribution hereafter. I give and bequeath to her all the rest and
residue of my Estate of every kind whatever, and as I owe no debts, which may
not be immediately paid. I desire that no inventory or appraisements may be
made thereof and that she shall give no security as Executrix. I recommend to
my beloved wife to consult with her brother Mr. Geo. Carter whenever she may
want advice in conducting any of her affairs as I have no doubt that she will
at all times find him willing to give her such information and advise as will
be for her benefit - - lastly, I appoint my beloved wife whole and sole
executrix of this my last will and testament revoking all others by me
heretofore made. In witness whereof I hereto my hand and affix my seal this
eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty one.
Signed:
Spencer Ball [SEAL]
Acknowledged in the presence of:
John H. Cockrill
Joseph Suddoth
Edward L. Carter
At a Court of Quarterly sessions held for Prince William County the 4th
day of June 1832. This last will and testament of Spencer Ball decd. was proved
according to law by the oaths of Joseph Suddoth and Edward L. Carter witnesses
thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.
Teste
JNO. WILLIAMS C.P.T.
And at a court held for said county the 1st October 1832. On the motion
of Betty L. Ball the Executrix named in the last will and testament of Spencer
Ball deceased who made oath to the said will and entered into and acknowledged
a bond (without security according to the testators request it appearing to the
court that he has left sufficient property to pay his just debts) in the
penalty of $40,000 conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted her
for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.
Teste
JOHN WILLIAMS
