She is mentioned in her father John May's will in Amelia County, Virginia.
Dorothy married Alexander Bruce abt 1740 and they had several children mentioned in the will of Alexander Bruce of 4 Feb 1796 in Nottoway County, Virginia.
*Children w. Dorothy May
Philadelphia Bruce (1741-1787) m. James Jennings
John Bruce (1742-1779) m. Elizabeth Clay
Ridley Ann Bruce (1746-1838) m. Hezekiah Ellington
Elizabeth May (1749-1819) m. Alexander Bruce
Dionetia Bruce (1755-1831) m. Joel Johns
Lemuel Bruce (1756-1805) m. Agness Bass
Alexander Bruce (1758-1795) m. Martha Johns
Armistead Bruce (1765-1839) m. Elizabeth Bass, Martha Hatcher
Prudence Bruce (1766-aft 1803) m. James Hudson
Children with Rachel Woodson
Rachel Bruce (1773-) married Levi Clay
Woodson Bruce (1779-1787)
Mary Bruce (1774-1859) m. John Queensberry or Queensbury
Children with Anne Pennick
Lucy Bruce (1785-1852)
James Bruce (1787-)
Jane "Jincey" Bruce (1790-
Revolutionary War. Reference: List of the Colonial Soldiers of Virginia B. page 24 Excerpt: Bruce, Alexander, Wash. Mss., 112, 96.
NOTTOWAY COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILLS, ALEXANDER BRUCE
Will of Alexander Bruce, Senr.
Nottoway Co., VA Deed Bk 1:200
Dated 7 Sep 1795; Proved 3 Dec 1795; Probate 4 Feb 1796
In the name of God-Amen, I, Alexander Bruce, Senr. Of Nottoway
County, being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this
my last will and testament viz
I lend unto my beloved wife Ann Bruce during her life one half the
land whereon I now live, including the houses, also the negroes as
follows: Jim, Doll and John, including the household and kitchen
furniture with five head of choice horses with all my cattle, sheep &
hogs except five head of cattle to my son Woodson Bruce & one
feather bead and furniture, one horse & two negroes, named Peter
and Isham, with the other half of my land, whereon I now live not
devised to my wife Ann to him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Alexr. Bruce the land whereon he now lives to
him and his heirs forever, the land divised to my beloved wife Ann
Bruce I give after her death to my son James Bruce to him and his
heirs forever with one negro named Jesse.
I give to my daughter Lucy Bruce one negro girle named Molly to
her and her heirs forever, my household and kitchen furniture with
my stock of all kind to be divided between my three youngest
children as my beloved wife may think proper as they become of
lawfull age or marry that is to say to Lucy, James and Janey Bruce
also the 3 negroes Jim, Doll & John to be divided between my three
youngest children before mentioned.
I give unto my son Lamma Bruce one negro boy named Charles to
him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Armsted Bruce one negro girle named Agga to
her and her heirs forever.
The residue of my negroes with every other property not yet devised
to be equally divided between my children as followes, Prudance
Hudson, Rachl Clay, Polley Cushenburg and Lamma Bruce, Alexr.
Bruce, Armsted Bruce, Woodson Bruce, James Bruce, Lucy Bruce
and Janey Bruce when my youngest daughter becomes of lawful age
or marryes to them and their heirs forever.
It is my will and desire that my stud horse be sold by my executors
to pay my just debts.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Ann Bruce,
executrix and my sons Alexander Bruce, Lamma Bruce, Armsted
Bruce with my friend Daniel Verser executors to this my last will
and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 7th day of September 1795.
Signed, sealed and published and declared to be my last will and
Testament in presents of
Daniel Verser
John MANN Junr.
John HALL
Alexander [his X mark] Bruce Senr. (Seal)
At a court held for Nottoway County at the Courthouse on
Thursday the 3rd of December 1795.
This last Will and Testament of Alexander Bruce, Senr. Deceased
was offered for proof by Alexander Bruce, Jr. an executor herein
named, and was proved by the oath of Daniel VERSER and John
MANN, Jr. witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded
Test:
Peter Randolph, C. N. C.
Truly recorded
Test:
Thomas Waring Todd D. C
Alexander Bruce married 3 times.
1. Dorothy May by whom he had several children.
2. His second wife is unknown.
3. Ann Penick in Prince Edward County 15 March 1785.
Alexander's will dated 7 Sept. 1795, proved 3 Dec. 1795, probated 6 Feb 1796).
On 4 August 1797 John Queensberry and Polly, his wife, and Levi Clay and Rachel, his wife, brought suit against the other heirs of the estate of Alexander Bruce. The defendants were the following: Joel Johns and Dionetia, his wife; James Hudson and Prudence, his wife; Ridley Ellington, the widow of Hezekiah Ellington; Alexander Bruce; Josiah Ellington and Elizabeth, his wife; Armistead Bruce; Lemuel Bruce; Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife, Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; and Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce, Lucy Bruce, James Bruce, and Jenny Bruce, infants of Alexander Bruce, deceased by their next friend and guardian.
21 January 1747. Deed Book 3, page 371.
Indenture made 21 January 1747, between Alexander Bruce Senr. of Raleigh
Parish, Amelia County, and John RANDLE of St. Andrew Parish, Brusnwick
county, £42, 420a, on South side Maherrin river, formerly granted to the
said Alexr. Bruce by Patent dated 28 September 1728. Signed Alexr. Bruce
(bhm). Wit: Josias RANDLE, Peter Ware, John McGuffee. Court February 4,
1747, Indenture and Memorandum proved by the oaths of Josias RANDLE, Peter
Ware and John McGuffee.
04 Aug 1797, a petition was filed in Nottoway Co. VA by various legatees seeking their share of the Woodson Bruce estate. Since Woodson was a minor and unmarried, the names mentioned may be siblings. Besides the siblings listed in the family tree, there were: Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife (could be Elizabeth, widow of John Bruce); Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; also Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce (children of Philadelphia Bruce Jennings and her brother John Bruce, both deceased).
WILL OF JOHN MAY
May, 1759, Inventory, 1767 - Amelia Co. VA
Amelia County, Will Book 2 x, Page 187
In the name of God, Amen. I John May of Amelia County being very infirm in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same but calling to mind the Mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all flesh to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching on my worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the Following manner and Forms
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John two Acres of land
lying in Dinwiddie County (more or less) On the Old Sappony Road it being part of that Tract of Land I Sold to Mr Robert Rudfin (?) Also every thing else he is now possessed of that was my own heretofore.
Item I leave to my Dearly beloved Wife Mary the use of my negro Tom during her
natural life and after her decease to be Possesd by Son James.
Item I give to my Daughter Martha Nance four Pounds also a bell Mettle Kettle.
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Ragsdale four pounds.
Item I give to my Daughter Dorthy Bruices Four pounds
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Robertson four pounds
The above four Legasies left my Daughters to be paid in good and Lawfull money of Virginia by my Executor hereafter mentioned to be levy'd out of my Personal Estate.
Item I Give to my well beloved Son James whom I likewise Constitute make and Ordain my Only and Sole Executer of this my last will and Testament all my land negroes & Estate both Real & Personal by him freely to be Possed & Injoy'd for ever AND I as hereby revoke Disanul all former wills Testaments Legasies and Executers Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of Maye One thousand Seven hundred and fifty nine.
Signed & Declaired by the said John May as his last will and Testament in the presence of the subscribers John I May
Saml Sherwin
Richard R Wilson
Gideon Winper
At a Court held for Amelia County this 28th day of May 1767 This Will was proved by the Oaths of Saml. Sherwin and Richard Wilson two of the Witnesses thereto Sworn to by the Executor therein named and Ordered to be Recorded And on the motion of the said Executor who entered into and acknowledged Bond with Security as the law Directs
Certificate was granted him for Obtaining a probate in Due form.
An Inventory of the Estate of John May, Decd.
Amelia County Will Book 2x, pages 210-211
To Wit:
Tom a Mulatto Slave, Copper Kettle, 3 Iron potts, 3 Flatt Ditto, 3 pott hooks &
pott Rack , 1 Old kettle, Curry knife and Steel, Rundlet, Spice Morter, 2 Tables 6 Old
Tubs, 2 Bread Trays, 5 Casks, Flax Wheel part of an Old Whip San & Tiller a garter
Loom Chests 2 Old Trucks and bottle Case a frying pan a pair of fire tongs a pair
Stillards a Spinning Wheel and Spindle a Buckett Sugar looking Glass and Candle Stick
a pair pincers a pair snippers a shoe Hammer a gun and Bayonett a Small Box 2 Beds
& Bed heads, Old Horse, a box Iron, Flax hatchel, 3 Rugs 2 Blankets a pair sheets,
pillow, chamber pott 2 Old Books & a pair of Do, Single pott hooks a Jointer, Crows
Howel (?) Taper bitt & stock a Cowel bitt 2 Bung Boarers and Coopers axx a handsaw
2 Augers Square and Compass a foot adds a Hammer 2 Chisels, Pewter dishes 6
plates 2 Basons 2 porringers 2 Earthen plates 3 butter Potts, Earthen Bowle & a pint
Mug & 21 head of Cattle
October 22 1767 James May
Dorothy married Alexander Bruce abt 1740 and they had several children mentioned in the will of Alexander Bruce of 4 Feb 1796 in Nottoway County, Virginia.
*Children w. Dorothy May
Philadelphia Bruce (1741-1787) m. James Jennings
John Bruce (1742-1779) m. Elizabeth Clay
Ridley Ann Bruce (1746-1838) m. Hezekiah Ellington
Elizabeth May (1749-1819) m. Alexander Bruce
Dionetia Bruce (1755-1831) m. Joel Johns
Lemuel Bruce (1756-1805) m. Agness Bass
Alexander Bruce (1758-1795) m. Martha Johns
Armistead Bruce (1765-1839) m. Elizabeth Bass, Martha Hatcher
Prudence Bruce (1766-aft 1803) m. James Hudson
Children with Rachel Woodson
Rachel Bruce (1773-) married Levi Clay
Woodson Bruce (1779-1787)
Mary Bruce (1774-1859) m. John Queensberry or Queensbury
Children with Anne Pennick
Lucy Bruce (1785-1852)
James Bruce (1787-)
Jane "Jincey" Bruce (1790-
Revolutionary War. Reference: List of the Colonial Soldiers of Virginia B. page 24 Excerpt: Bruce, Alexander, Wash. Mss., 112, 96.
NOTTOWAY COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILLS, ALEXANDER BRUCE
Will of Alexander Bruce, Senr.
Nottoway Co., VA Deed Bk 1:200
Dated 7 Sep 1795; Proved 3 Dec 1795; Probate 4 Feb 1796
In the name of God-Amen, I, Alexander Bruce, Senr. Of Nottoway
County, being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this
my last will and testament viz
I lend unto my beloved wife Ann Bruce during her life one half the
land whereon I now live, including the houses, also the negroes as
follows: Jim, Doll and John, including the household and kitchen
furniture with five head of choice horses with all my cattle, sheep &
hogs except five head of cattle to my son Woodson Bruce & one
feather bead and furniture, one horse & two negroes, named Peter
and Isham, with the other half of my land, whereon I now live not
devised to my wife Ann to him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Alexr. Bruce the land whereon he now lives to
him and his heirs forever, the land divised to my beloved wife Ann
Bruce I give after her death to my son James Bruce to him and his
heirs forever with one negro named Jesse.
I give to my daughter Lucy Bruce one negro girle named Molly to
her and her heirs forever, my household and kitchen furniture with
my stock of all kind to be divided between my three youngest
children as my beloved wife may think proper as they become of
lawfull age or marry that is to say to Lucy, James and Janey Bruce
also the 3 negroes Jim, Doll & John to be divided between my three
youngest children before mentioned.
I give unto my son Lamma Bruce one negro boy named Charles to
him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Armsted Bruce one negro girle named Agga to
her and her heirs forever.
The residue of my negroes with every other property not yet devised
to be equally divided between my children as followes, Prudance
Hudson, Rachl Clay, Polley Cushenburg and Lamma Bruce, Alexr.
Bruce, Armsted Bruce, Woodson Bruce, James Bruce, Lucy Bruce
and Janey Bruce when my youngest daughter becomes of lawful age
or marryes to them and their heirs forever.
It is my will and desire that my stud horse be sold by my executors
to pay my just debts.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Ann Bruce,
executrix and my sons Alexander Bruce, Lamma Bruce, Armsted
Bruce with my friend Daniel Verser executors to this my last will
and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 7th day of September 1795.
Signed, sealed and published and declared to be my last will and
Testament in presents of
Daniel Verser
John MANN Junr.
John HALL
Alexander [his X mark] Bruce Senr. (Seal)
At a court held for Nottoway County at the Courthouse on
Thursday the 3rd of December 1795.
This last Will and Testament of Alexander Bruce, Senr. Deceased
was offered for proof by Alexander Bruce, Jr. an executor herein
named, and was proved by the oath of Daniel VERSER and John
MANN, Jr. witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded
Test:
Peter Randolph, C. N. C.
Truly recorded
Test:
Thomas Waring Todd D. C
Alexander Bruce married 3 times.
1. Dorothy May by whom he had several children.
2. His second wife is unknown.
3. Ann Penick in Prince Edward County 15 March 1785.
Alexander's will dated 7 Sept. 1795, proved 3 Dec. 1795, probated 6 Feb 1796).
On 4 August 1797 John Queensberry and Polly, his wife, and Levi Clay and Rachel, his wife, brought suit against the other heirs of the estate of Alexander Bruce. The defendants were the following: Joel Johns and Dionetia, his wife; James Hudson and Prudence, his wife; Ridley Ellington, the widow of Hezekiah Ellington; Alexander Bruce; Josiah Ellington and Elizabeth, his wife; Armistead Bruce; Lemuel Bruce; Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife, Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; and Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce, Lucy Bruce, James Bruce, and Jenny Bruce, infants of Alexander Bruce, deceased by their next friend and guardian.
21 January 1747. Deed Book 3, page 371.
Indenture made 21 January 1747, between Alexander Bruce Senr. of Raleigh
Parish, Amelia County, and John RANDLE of St. Andrew Parish, Brusnwick
county, £42, 420a, on South side Maherrin river, formerly granted to the
said Alexr. Bruce by Patent dated 28 September 1728. Signed Alexr. Bruce
(bhm). Wit: Josias RANDLE, Peter Ware, John McGuffee. Court February 4,
1747, Indenture and Memorandum proved by the oaths of Josias RANDLE, Peter
Ware and John McGuffee.
04 Aug 1797, a petition was filed in Nottoway Co. VA by various legatees seeking their share of the Woodson Bruce estate. Since Woodson was a minor and unmarried, the names mentioned may be siblings. Besides the siblings listed in the family tree, there were: Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife (could be Elizabeth, widow of John Bruce); Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; also Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce (children of Philadelphia Bruce Jennings and her brother John Bruce, both deceased).
WILL OF JOHN MAY
May, 1759, Inventory, 1767 - Amelia Co. VA
Amelia County, Will Book 2 x, Page 187
In the name of God, Amen. I John May of Amelia County being very infirm in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same but calling to mind the Mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all flesh to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching on my worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the Following manner and Forms
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John two Acres of land
lying in Dinwiddie County (more or less) On the Old Sappony Road it being part of that Tract of Land I Sold to Mr Robert Rudfin (?) Also every thing else he is now possessed of that was my own heretofore.
Item I leave to my Dearly beloved Wife Mary the use of my negro Tom during her
natural life and after her decease to be Possesd by Son James.
Item I give to my Daughter Martha Nance four Pounds also a bell Mettle Kettle.
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Ragsdale four pounds.
Item I give to my Daughter Dorthy Bruices Four pounds
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Robertson four pounds
The above four Legasies left my Daughters to be paid in good and Lawfull money of Virginia by my Executor hereafter mentioned to be levy'd out of my Personal Estate.
Item I Give to my well beloved Son James whom I likewise Constitute make and Ordain my Only and Sole Executer of this my last will and Testament all my land negroes & Estate both Real & Personal by him freely to be Possed & Injoy'd for ever AND I as hereby revoke Disanul all former wills Testaments Legasies and Executers Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of Maye One thousand Seven hundred and fifty nine.
Signed & Declaired by the said John May as his last will and Testament in the presence of the subscribers John I May
Saml Sherwin
Richard R Wilson
Gideon Winper
At a Court held for Amelia County this 28th day of May 1767 This Will was proved by the Oaths of Saml. Sherwin and Richard Wilson two of the Witnesses thereto Sworn to by the Executor therein named and Ordered to be Recorded And on the motion of the said Executor who entered into and acknowledged Bond with Security as the law Directs
Certificate was granted him for Obtaining a probate in Due form.
An Inventory of the Estate of John May, Decd.
Amelia County Will Book 2x, pages 210-211
To Wit:
Tom a Mulatto Slave, Copper Kettle, 3 Iron potts, 3 Flatt Ditto, 3 pott hooks &
pott Rack , 1 Old kettle, Curry knife and Steel, Rundlet, Spice Morter, 2 Tables 6 Old
Tubs, 2 Bread Trays, 5 Casks, Flax Wheel part of an Old Whip San & Tiller a garter
Loom Chests 2 Old Trucks and bottle Case a frying pan a pair of fire tongs a pair
Stillards a Spinning Wheel and Spindle a Buckett Sugar looking Glass and Candle Stick
a pair pincers a pair snippers a shoe Hammer a gun and Bayonett a Small Box 2 Beds
& Bed heads, Old Horse, a box Iron, Flax hatchel, 3 Rugs 2 Blankets a pair sheets,
pillow, chamber pott 2 Old Books & a pair of Do, Single pott hooks a Jointer, Crows
Howel (?) Taper bitt & stock a Cowel bitt 2 Bung Boarers and Coopers axx a handsaw
2 Augers Square and Compass a foot adds a Hammer 2 Chisels, Pewter dishes 6
plates 2 Basons 2 porringers 2 Earthen plates 3 butter Potts, Earthen Bowle & a pint
Mug & 21 head of Cattle
October 22 1767 James May
She is mentioned in her father John May's will in Amelia County, Virginia.
Dorothy married Alexander Bruce abt 1740 and they had several children mentioned in the will of Alexander Bruce of 4 Feb 1796 in Nottoway County, Virginia.
*Children w. Dorothy May
Philadelphia Bruce (1741-1787) m. James Jennings
John Bruce (1742-1779) m. Elizabeth Clay
Ridley Ann Bruce (1746-1838) m. Hezekiah Ellington
Elizabeth May (1749-1819) m. Alexander Bruce
Dionetia Bruce (1755-1831) m. Joel Johns
Lemuel Bruce (1756-1805) m. Agness Bass
Alexander Bruce (1758-1795) m. Martha Johns
Armistead Bruce (1765-1839) m. Elizabeth Bass, Martha Hatcher
Prudence Bruce (1766-aft 1803) m. James Hudson
Children with Rachel Woodson
Rachel Bruce (1773-) married Levi Clay
Woodson Bruce (1779-1787)
Mary Bruce (1774-1859) m. John Queensberry or Queensbury
Children with Anne Pennick
Lucy Bruce (1785-1852)
James Bruce (1787-)
Jane "Jincey" Bruce (1790-
Revolutionary War. Reference: List of the Colonial Soldiers of Virginia B. page 24 Excerpt: Bruce, Alexander, Wash. Mss., 112, 96.
NOTTOWAY COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILLS, ALEXANDER BRUCE
Will of Alexander Bruce, Senr.
Nottoway Co., VA Deed Bk 1:200
Dated 7 Sep 1795; Proved 3 Dec 1795; Probate 4 Feb 1796
In the name of God-Amen, I, Alexander Bruce, Senr. Of Nottoway
County, being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this
my last will and testament viz
I lend unto my beloved wife Ann Bruce during her life one half the
land whereon I now live, including the houses, also the negroes as
follows: Jim, Doll and John, including the household and kitchen
furniture with five head of choice horses with all my cattle, sheep &
hogs except five head of cattle to my son Woodson Bruce & one
feather bead and furniture, one horse & two negroes, named Peter
and Isham, with the other half of my land, whereon I now live not
devised to my wife Ann to him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Alexr. Bruce the land whereon he now lives to
him and his heirs forever, the land divised to my beloved wife Ann
Bruce I give after her death to my son James Bruce to him and his
heirs forever with one negro named Jesse.
I give to my daughter Lucy Bruce one negro girle named Molly to
her and her heirs forever, my household and kitchen furniture with
my stock of all kind to be divided between my three youngest
children as my beloved wife may think proper as they become of
lawfull age or marry that is to say to Lucy, James and Janey Bruce
also the 3 negroes Jim, Doll & John to be divided between my three
youngest children before mentioned.
I give unto my son Lamma Bruce one negro boy named Charles to
him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Armsted Bruce one negro girle named Agga to
her and her heirs forever.
The residue of my negroes with every other property not yet devised
to be equally divided between my children as followes, Prudance
Hudson, Rachl Clay, Polley Cushenburg and Lamma Bruce, Alexr.
Bruce, Armsted Bruce, Woodson Bruce, James Bruce, Lucy Bruce
and Janey Bruce when my youngest daughter becomes of lawful age
or marryes to them and their heirs forever.
It is my will and desire that my stud horse be sold by my executors
to pay my just debts.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Ann Bruce,
executrix and my sons Alexander Bruce, Lamma Bruce, Armsted
Bruce with my friend Daniel Verser executors to this my last will
and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 7th day of September 1795.
Signed, sealed and published and declared to be my last will and
Testament in presents of
Daniel Verser
John MANN Junr.
John HALL
Alexander [his X mark] Bruce Senr. (Seal)
At a court held for Nottoway County at the Courthouse on
Thursday the 3rd of December 1795.
This last Will and Testament of Alexander Bruce, Senr. Deceased
was offered for proof by Alexander Bruce, Jr. an executor herein
named, and was proved by the oath of Daniel VERSER and John
MANN, Jr. witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded
Test:
Peter Randolph, C. N. C.
Truly recorded
Test:
Thomas Waring Todd D. C
Alexander Bruce married 3 times.
1. Dorothy May by whom he had several children.
2. His second wife is unknown.
3. Ann Penick in Prince Edward County 15 March 1785.
Alexander's will dated 7 Sept. 1795, proved 3 Dec. 1795, probated 6 Feb 1796).
On 4 August 1797 John Queensberry and Polly, his wife, and Levi Clay and Rachel, his wife, brought suit against the other heirs of the estate of Alexander Bruce. The defendants were the following: Joel Johns and Dionetia, his wife; James Hudson and Prudence, his wife; Ridley Ellington, the widow of Hezekiah Ellington; Alexander Bruce; Josiah Ellington and Elizabeth, his wife; Armistead Bruce; Lemuel Bruce; Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife, Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; and Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce, Lucy Bruce, James Bruce, and Jenny Bruce, infants of Alexander Bruce, deceased by their next friend and guardian.
21 January 1747. Deed Book 3, page 371.
Indenture made 21 January 1747, between Alexander Bruce Senr. of Raleigh
Parish, Amelia County, and John RANDLE of St. Andrew Parish, Brusnwick
county, £42, 420a, on South side Maherrin river, formerly granted to the
said Alexr. Bruce by Patent dated 28 September 1728. Signed Alexr. Bruce
(bhm). Wit: Josias RANDLE, Peter Ware, John McGuffee. Court February 4,
1747, Indenture and Memorandum proved by the oaths of Josias RANDLE, Peter
Ware and John McGuffee.
04 Aug 1797, a petition was filed in Nottoway Co. VA by various legatees seeking their share of the Woodson Bruce estate. Since Woodson was a minor and unmarried, the names mentioned may be siblings. Besides the siblings listed in the family tree, there were: Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife (could be Elizabeth, widow of John Bruce); Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; also Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce (children of Philadelphia Bruce Jennings and her brother John Bruce, both deceased).
WILL OF JOHN MAY
May, 1759, Inventory, 1767 - Amelia Co. VA
Amelia County, Will Book 2 x, Page 187
In the name of God, Amen. I John May of Amelia County being very infirm in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same but calling to mind the Mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all flesh to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching on my worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the Following manner and Forms
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John two Acres of land
lying in Dinwiddie County (more or less) On the Old Sappony Road it being part of that Tract of Land I Sold to Mr Robert Rudfin (?) Also every thing else he is now possessed of that was my own heretofore.
Item I leave to my Dearly beloved Wife Mary the use of my negro Tom during her
natural life and after her decease to be Possesd by Son James.
Item I give to my Daughter Martha Nance four Pounds also a bell Mettle Kettle.
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Ragsdale four pounds.
Item I give to my Daughter Dorthy Bruices Four pounds
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Robertson four pounds
The above four Legasies left my Daughters to be paid in good and Lawfull money of Virginia by my Executor hereafter mentioned to be levy'd out of my Personal Estate.
Item I Give to my well beloved Son James whom I likewise Constitute make and Ordain my Only and Sole Executer of this my last will and Testament all my land negroes & Estate both Real & Personal by him freely to be Possed & Injoy'd for ever AND I as hereby revoke Disanul all former wills Testaments Legasies and Executers Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of Maye One thousand Seven hundred and fifty nine.
Signed & Declaired by the said John May as his last will and Testament in the presence of the subscribers John I May
Saml Sherwin
Richard R Wilson
Gideon Winper
At a Court held for Amelia County this 28th day of May 1767 This Will was proved by the Oaths of Saml. Sherwin and Richard Wilson two of the Witnesses thereto Sworn to by the Executor therein named and Ordered to be Recorded And on the motion of the said Executor who entered into and acknowledged Bond with Security as the law Directs
Certificate was granted him for Obtaining a probate in Due form.
An Inventory of the Estate of John May, Decd.
Amelia County Will Book 2x, pages 210-211
To Wit:
Tom a Mulatto Slave, Copper Kettle, 3 Iron potts, 3 Flatt Ditto, 3 pott hooks &
pott Rack , 1 Old kettle, Curry knife and Steel, Rundlet, Spice Morter, 2 Tables 6 Old
Tubs, 2 Bread Trays, 5 Casks, Flax Wheel part of an Old Whip San & Tiller a garter
Loom Chests 2 Old Trucks and bottle Case a frying pan a pair of fire tongs a pair
Stillards a Spinning Wheel and Spindle a Buckett Sugar looking Glass and Candle Stick
a pair pincers a pair snippers a shoe Hammer a gun and Bayonett a Small Box 2 Beds
& Bed heads, Old Horse, a box Iron, Flax hatchel, 3 Rugs 2 Blankets a pair sheets,
pillow, chamber pott 2 Old Books & a pair of Do, Single pott hooks a Jointer, Crows
Howel (?) Taper bitt & stock a Cowel bitt 2 Bung Boarers and Coopers axx a handsaw
2 Augers Square and Compass a foot adds a Hammer 2 Chisels, Pewter dishes 6
plates 2 Basons 2 porringers 2 Earthen plates 3 butter Potts, Earthen Bowle & a pint
Mug & 21 head of Cattle
October 22 1767 James May
Dorothy married Alexander Bruce abt 1740 and they had several children mentioned in the will of Alexander Bruce of 4 Feb 1796 in Nottoway County, Virginia.
*Children w. Dorothy May
Philadelphia Bruce (1741-1787) m. James Jennings
John Bruce (1742-1779) m. Elizabeth Clay
Ridley Ann Bruce (1746-1838) m. Hezekiah Ellington
Elizabeth May (1749-1819) m. Alexander Bruce
Dionetia Bruce (1755-1831) m. Joel Johns
Lemuel Bruce (1756-1805) m. Agness Bass
Alexander Bruce (1758-1795) m. Martha Johns
Armistead Bruce (1765-1839) m. Elizabeth Bass, Martha Hatcher
Prudence Bruce (1766-aft 1803) m. James Hudson
Children with Rachel Woodson
Rachel Bruce (1773-) married Levi Clay
Woodson Bruce (1779-1787)
Mary Bruce (1774-1859) m. John Queensberry or Queensbury
Children with Anne Pennick
Lucy Bruce (1785-1852)
James Bruce (1787-)
Jane "Jincey" Bruce (1790-
Revolutionary War. Reference: List of the Colonial Soldiers of Virginia B. page 24 Excerpt: Bruce, Alexander, Wash. Mss., 112, 96.
NOTTOWAY COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILLS, ALEXANDER BRUCE
Will of Alexander Bruce, Senr.
Nottoway Co., VA Deed Bk 1:200
Dated 7 Sep 1795; Proved 3 Dec 1795; Probate 4 Feb 1796
In the name of God-Amen, I, Alexander Bruce, Senr. Of Nottoway
County, being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this
my last will and testament viz
I lend unto my beloved wife Ann Bruce during her life one half the
land whereon I now live, including the houses, also the negroes as
follows: Jim, Doll and John, including the household and kitchen
furniture with five head of choice horses with all my cattle, sheep &
hogs except five head of cattle to my son Woodson Bruce & one
feather bead and furniture, one horse & two negroes, named Peter
and Isham, with the other half of my land, whereon I now live not
devised to my wife Ann to him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Alexr. Bruce the land whereon he now lives to
him and his heirs forever, the land divised to my beloved wife Ann
Bruce I give after her death to my son James Bruce to him and his
heirs forever with one negro named Jesse.
I give to my daughter Lucy Bruce one negro girle named Molly to
her and her heirs forever, my household and kitchen furniture with
my stock of all kind to be divided between my three youngest
children as my beloved wife may think proper as they become of
lawfull age or marry that is to say to Lucy, James and Janey Bruce
also the 3 negroes Jim, Doll & John to be divided between my three
youngest children before mentioned.
I give unto my son Lamma Bruce one negro boy named Charles to
him and his heirs forever.
I give unto my son Armsted Bruce one negro girle named Agga to
her and her heirs forever.
The residue of my negroes with every other property not yet devised
to be equally divided between my children as followes, Prudance
Hudson, Rachl Clay, Polley Cushenburg and Lamma Bruce, Alexr.
Bruce, Armsted Bruce, Woodson Bruce, James Bruce, Lucy Bruce
and Janey Bruce when my youngest daughter becomes of lawful age
or marryes to them and their heirs forever.
It is my will and desire that my stud horse be sold by my executors
to pay my just debts.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my beloved wife Ann Bruce,
executrix and my sons Alexander Bruce, Lamma Bruce, Armsted
Bruce with my friend Daniel Verser executors to this my last will
and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
this 7th day of September 1795.
Signed, sealed and published and declared to be my last will and
Testament in presents of
Daniel Verser
John MANN Junr.
John HALL
Alexander [his X mark] Bruce Senr. (Seal)
At a court held for Nottoway County at the Courthouse on
Thursday the 3rd of December 1795.
This last Will and Testament of Alexander Bruce, Senr. Deceased
was offered for proof by Alexander Bruce, Jr. an executor herein
named, and was proved by the oath of Daniel VERSER and John
MANN, Jr. witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded
Test:
Peter Randolph, C. N. C.
Truly recorded
Test:
Thomas Waring Todd D. C
Alexander Bruce married 3 times.
1. Dorothy May by whom he had several children.
2. His second wife is unknown.
3. Ann Penick in Prince Edward County 15 March 1785.
Alexander's will dated 7 Sept. 1795, proved 3 Dec. 1795, probated 6 Feb 1796).
On 4 August 1797 John Queensberry and Polly, his wife, and Levi Clay and Rachel, his wife, brought suit against the other heirs of the estate of Alexander Bruce. The defendants were the following: Joel Johns and Dionetia, his wife; James Hudson and Prudence, his wife; Ridley Ellington, the widow of Hezekiah Ellington; Alexander Bruce; Josiah Ellington and Elizabeth, his wife; Armistead Bruce; Lemuel Bruce; Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife, Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; and Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce, Lucy Bruce, James Bruce, and Jenny Bruce, infants of Alexander Bruce, deceased by their next friend and guardian.
21 January 1747. Deed Book 3, page 371.
Indenture made 21 January 1747, between Alexander Bruce Senr. of Raleigh
Parish, Amelia County, and John RANDLE of St. Andrew Parish, Brusnwick
county, £42, 420a, on South side Maherrin river, formerly granted to the
said Alexr. Bruce by Patent dated 28 September 1728. Signed Alexr. Bruce
(bhm). Wit: Josias RANDLE, Peter Ware, John McGuffee. Court February 4,
1747, Indenture and Memorandum proved by the oaths of Josias RANDLE, Peter
Ware and John McGuffee.
04 Aug 1797, a petition was filed in Nottoway Co. VA by various legatees seeking their share of the Woodson Bruce estate. Since Woodson was a minor and unmarried, the names mentioned may be siblings. Besides the siblings listed in the family tree, there were: Sterling Fowlkes and Elizabeth, his wife (could be Elizabeth, widow of John Bruce); Daniel Crenshaw and Nancy, his wife; William Walker and Chloe, his wife; Charles Hardy and Dolley, his wife; also Nelson Jennings, Lemuel Jennings, Mary Jennings, William Jennings, James Jennings, Nelson Bruce, John Bruce (children of Philadelphia Bruce Jennings and her brother John Bruce, both deceased).
WILL OF JOHN MAY
May, 1759, Inventory, 1767 - Amelia Co. VA
Amelia County, Will Book 2 x, Page 187
In the name of God, Amen. I John May of Amelia County being very infirm in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same but calling to mind the Mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all flesh to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching on my worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the Following manner and Forms
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John two Acres of land
lying in Dinwiddie County (more or less) On the Old Sappony Road it being part of that Tract of Land I Sold to Mr Robert Rudfin (?) Also every thing else he is now possessed of that was my own heretofore.
Item I leave to my Dearly beloved Wife Mary the use of my negro Tom during her
natural life and after her decease to be Possesd by Son James.
Item I give to my Daughter Martha Nance four Pounds also a bell Mettle Kettle.
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Ragsdale four pounds.
Item I give to my Daughter Dorthy Bruices Four pounds
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Robertson four pounds
The above four Legasies left my Daughters to be paid in good and Lawfull money of Virginia by my Executor hereafter mentioned to be levy'd out of my Personal Estate.
Item I Give to my well beloved Son James whom I likewise Constitute make and Ordain my Only and Sole Executer of this my last will and Testament all my land negroes & Estate both Real & Personal by him freely to be Possed & Injoy'd for ever AND I as hereby revoke Disanul all former wills Testaments Legasies and Executers Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of Maye One thousand Seven hundred and fifty nine.
Signed & Declaired by the said John May as his last will and Testament in the presence of the subscribers John I May
Saml Sherwin
Richard R Wilson
Gideon Winper
At a Court held for Amelia County this 28th day of May 1767 This Will was proved by the Oaths of Saml. Sherwin and Richard Wilson two of the Witnesses thereto Sworn to by the Executor therein named and Ordered to be Recorded And on the motion of the said Executor who entered into and acknowledged Bond with Security as the law Directs
Certificate was granted him for Obtaining a probate in Due form.
An Inventory of the Estate of John May, Decd.
Amelia County Will Book 2x, pages 210-211
To Wit:
Tom a Mulatto Slave, Copper Kettle, 3 Iron potts, 3 Flatt Ditto, 3 pott hooks &
pott Rack , 1 Old kettle, Curry knife and Steel, Rundlet, Spice Morter, 2 Tables 6 Old
Tubs, 2 Bread Trays, 5 Casks, Flax Wheel part of an Old Whip San & Tiller a garter
Loom Chests 2 Old Trucks and bottle Case a frying pan a pair of fire tongs a pair
Stillards a Spinning Wheel and Spindle a Buckett Sugar looking Glass and Candle Stick
a pair pincers a pair snippers a shoe Hammer a gun and Bayonett a Small Box 2 Beds
& Bed heads, Old Horse, a box Iron, Flax hatchel, 3 Rugs 2 Blankets a pair sheets,
pillow, chamber pott 2 Old Books & a pair of Do, Single pott hooks a Jointer, Crows
Howel (?) Taper bitt & stock a Cowel bitt 2 Bung Boarers and Coopers axx a handsaw
2 Augers Square and Compass a foot adds a Hammer 2 Chisels, Pewter dishes 6
plates 2 Basons 2 porringers 2 Earthen plates 3 butter Potts, Earthen Bowle & a pint
Mug & 21 head of Cattle
October 22 1767 James May
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