The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Interlined before signing.
Signed sealed published & declared by }
the above named The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament.
Benjamin Bowman [seal]
In witness whereof
Benjamin Bowman to be
his last will and Testament
in presence of us
John Rama, John Stover, Samuel R Bader _____________________________________
* This chancery case filed Jan. 1831, and this will was attached as an exhibit.
Widow and Children
Indents and punctuation added.
Transcriber: John Stoutimore, Fort Worth
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Interlined before signing.
Signed sealed published & declared by }
the above named The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament.
Benjamin Bowman [seal]
In witness whereof
Benjamin Bowman to be
his last will and Testament
in presence of us
John Rama, John Stover, Samuel R Bader _____________________________________
* This chancery case filed Jan. 1831, and this will was attached as an exhibit.
Widow and Children
Indents and punctuation added.
Transcriber: John Stoutimore, Fort Worth
The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Interlined before signing.
Signed sealed published & declared by }
the above named The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament.
Benjamin Bowman [seal]
In witness whereof
Benjamin Bowman to be
his last will and Testament
in presence of us
John Rama, John Stover, Samuel R Bader _____________________________________
* This chancery case filed Jan. 1831, and this will was attached as an exhibit.
Widow and Children
Indents and punctuation added.
Transcriber: John Stoutimore, Fort Worth
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. Interlined before signing.
Signed sealed published & declared by }
the above named The Will of Benjamin Bowman (1754-1820)
LVA Chancery Cases Index
Shenandoah Co. Index. No. 1832-008
George Cooper & Wife vs. Admr. of Benjamin Bowman etc.*
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin Bowman (Son of Christian Bowman Dec'd) of the county of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, Calling to mind the certainty of Death, and the uncertainty where it may happen, and being of sound mind and memory, do think proper to make this my last will and Testament, which I do in the following manner.
Firstly. I direct that all my just debts and funeral Expenses be paid out of my personal Estate.
Secondly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalene Bowman absolutely for herself and her heirs forever, her bed, bedstead, and all the furniture that does belong to the same, and all her wearing apparel of every kind, her saddle and bridle, one Table which ever she chuses, one wool and one flax wheels, the choice of one horse beast and one cow, all of which said Articles are to be delivered to her by my executor herein after named, without being appraised, she passing her receipt for the same.
Thirdly. I will and direct that my said wife Magdalene Bowman shall have the full and entire Possession and whole income of my Land and Plantation I now live on, and of all the land I own in the aforesaid county of Shenandoah until my youngest child comes to be of Lawful age, if she remains my widow until that time; but if she remarries before my youngest child arrives to be of age, she shall not hold the whole possession thereof longer than she remains my widow, and for the same term and in the same manner I will and direct that she shall keep my female negro slave named Easter, my waggon, one horse beast, three cows, sheep as many as she deems necessary, gears for two horses, all of her own choice, also and in like manner, my clock and case, my desk, my tin-plate stove with pipe, three beds, six chairs, my Kitchen and corner Cupboards, and all my Kitchen furniture including Dishes, Plates, spoons, Knifes & forks &c. Also as much meat either laid up or out of my life Stock as may be necessary for her use and the use of her family, for one year, and as much grain, Feed, and Fodder as may be necessary for her Family use, and her cattle until the crops next following my Decease are gathered that have been put out, planted, and seeded by her after my decease. The above provisions for my widow are made in consideration that she shall, and may be enabled to raise and educate my children in a decent manner, and have them schooled and taught in a proper manner suitable to their circumstances, and that she shall keep my said plantation, and the buildings thereon, in good repair and commit no waste nor do any damage whilst in her Possession.
Fourthly. I direct that my said negro slave shall in no wise be sold before my youngest child comes to be of lawful age, but in case my widow should again mary before that time, my executor may hire out the said slave until that time and then sell her, all for the benefit of my heirs.
Fifthly. I will and direct that my wearing apparel and books shall not be appraised nor sold, but left to the disposal of my widow for the Benefit of my children.
Sixthly. I will and direct that all my personal Estate not herein absolute bequeathed shall be sold at public Sale at such times as may conform with the intent of this my last will and Testament.
Seventhly. It is my will and I do hereby direct that my said wife, Magdalene Bowman, shall have the one third part of the amount of the sale of my personal Property, and my said slave, after all my Just debts & lawful expences are paid out of the same, and that she shall have the one third part of my lands and plantation for her natural life, always having regard to the foregoing part of this my last will and Testament.
Eighthly. I give and Bequeath and devise unto my children all my estates, both real and personal, not herein otherwise disposed of, to be equally divided among them. Share and Share alike at such times as this my will will with property will allow. That is to say, one share thereof to my son Isaac Bowman, one share thereof to my son Abraham Bowman, one share thereof to my son Joseph Bowman, one share thereof to my son Samuel Bowman, one share thereof to my Daughter Sophia Bowman, and one share thereof to my daughter Susannah Bowman, to each of them their share for themselves and their heirs forever. Lastly, I do hereby constitute my friend Joseph Stover (son of John Stover living at the Narrow Passage Creek) Executor of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking and disannulling all and every other will and wills by me made, Declaring this and this only to be my Last and Testament.
Benjamin Bowman [seal]
In witness whereof
Benjamin Bowman to be
his last will and Testament
in presence of us
John Rama, John Stover, Samuel R Bader _____________________________________
* This chancery case filed Jan. 1831, and this will was attached as an exhibit.
Widow and Children
Indents and punctuation added.
Transcriber: John Stoutimore, Fort Worth
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