Written 2 October 1788 and Probated 23 March 1789
Orange County, Virginia
In the name of God amen. I Thomas Burrus of the County of Orange and Parish of St.Thomas being at the present time sound in mind and memory, I thank God for the same, do hereby certify this to be my last will and testament in Manner and form as follows,
First after I quit this mortal life I desire my body to be decently buried with every solemnity at the discretion of my executor and after paying my just debts what then remains my will and desire is they be disposed of in the following manner viz:
I lend to my beloved wife Frances Burrus my whole estate real and personal during her natural life or widowhood and after her death to be divided amongst my children hereafter named.
I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Burrus five hundred acres of Land at Kentucky (first choice) to him and his heirs, &c.
Also, I give and bequeath to my son William Tandy Burrus five hundred acres of Land at Kentucky (second choice) to him and his heirs &c and also one feather bed.
Also, I give and bequeath to my son Roger Burrus five hundred acres of Land at Kentucky (third choice) to him and his heirs &c and one feather bed and furniture.
Also, I give and bequeath to my grandson Thomas Burrus, son of Thomas Burrus one negro boy Absalom to him and his heirs &c.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Mourning Burrus one negro woman named Nan and all her increase; but if this said negro should die before my daughter shall be of age or marry, then there shall be another likely girl not under the age of ten years old to be replaced to her and her heirs &c and also one beast by the name of Jack and saddle and feather bed and furniture.
Also, I give and bequeath to my daughter Fanny Embry one negro girl named Sukey and all her increase to her and her heirs, it being part of the slaves I intend for her; also one feather bed and furniture; which said negro and bed is already delivered to her.
Also, I give and bequeath to my daugher Mildred Embry one negro boy named Ben to her and her heirs &c already delivered , also ten pounds cash already delivered.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Brockman one negro boy named Duke, also one feather bed and furniture, which said negro and bed is already delivered; also twenty pounds case, to be raised out of my estate, to her and her heirs &c.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Tribble one negro girl named Agness and all her increase to her and her heirs; also one feather bed and furniture; also twenty pounds cash; which portion above mentioned is already delivered.
I give to my granddaughter Frances Quisenberry, the daughter of Jane Quisenberry one negro girl named Violet to her and her heirs forever.
I give to my daughter Frances Tandy Bush, one negro girl named Alice and all her increase; also one feather bed and furniture to her and her heirs which is already delivered to her.
Also, I desire after my wife Frances Burrus' death or widowhood that the negro boy Gilbert, now in possession of my son Thomas Burrus may be returned to the balance of my estate and that there may be nine of the choice of my slaves then remaining to be equally divided between my three sons, Thomas Burrus, William Tandy Burrus and Roger Burrus to them and their heirs &c and if either of my sons should die under age or before they possess their part of my estate that their portion shall be equally divided among my sons then remaining.
I also desire that the balance of my land at Kentucky which is five hundred acres be equally divided among my five daughers, Fannie Embry, Mildred Embry, Sallie Tribble, Jane Quisenberry and Frances Tandy Bush to them and their heirs forever.
I give to my daughter Mounring Burrus the land whereon I now live at the death of my wife Frances Burrus to her and her heirs forever.
Also my will and desire after the death or widowhood of my wife Frances Burrus that the balance of my negroes then remaining with stock and household furniture of all kinds may be equally divided among my sons and daughters above named except one equal child's part of the last balance of negroes and household furniture and stock to be equally divided between my two grand-daughters and grandson, Elijah Perry, Dicy Perry and Mary Perry to them and their heris &c.
And I do hereby nominate an appoint my wife Frances Burrus Executrix and henry Tandy and Thomas Burrus, Executors of this my last will and testament. As Witness whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal this 2nd day of October 1788.
Thomas Burrus
Witnesses:
Caleb Lindsay
Thos Bell
James Daniel
Probated and admitted to record on Monday, March. The execuotrs named herein qualifying as such with Joseph Duncan and William Tandy Burrus as their securities.