Edward Bolling's Will

Edward Bolling made his will on July 13, 1769. The will was the basis for a lawsuit between Edward's brothers, Archibald Bolling and Robert Bolling, in 1771.

Text of the Will

The text of Edward Bolling's will was included in Thomas Jefferson's notes on the case, in the section presenting his first argument for the defendant, Robert Bolling.

In the name of god amen. I Edward Bolling of the county of Chesterfield being in perfect health of body and mind, but knowing it appointed for all men born to die, am willing, and do dispose of my estate in the manner and form following; to wit: I give and bequeath to my brother Thomas Bolling and my brother John Bolling my plantation called and known by the name of Falling river, to be equally divided between them, the line to be run by my brother Thomas to have his choice, for them, the said John and Thomas their heirs, ex[ecuto]rs. adm[inistrato]rs, and assigns for ever.

I give and bequeath to my brother Robert Bolling my plantation called and known by the name of Buffalo lick on the North side of James's river for him and his heirs for ever, as also my negroes Will, Joe, Bristol, Ball, Sarah, and Cis, with the children belonging to Sarah and Cis, for the said Robert Bolling and his heirs for ever.

I give and bequeath to my brother Archibald Bolling my plantation called and known by the name of Old town, as also my warehouses at the place called Pocahuntas, and my lots at Bermuda hundred, for him and his heirs for ever. I give and bequeath to my sister Mary Bland my negro woman Jane and all her children, except Louisa, for her and her heirs for ever[.]

I give and bequeath to my sister Sarah Tazewell one hundred pounds for her and her heirs for ever.

I give and bequeath to my sister Anne Bolling my negro girl Louisa and her increase for her and her heirs for ever.

I give and bequeath to my friend Richard Kid[der] Meade my trusty servant Jack for him and his heirs for ever.

it is my will and desire that my Book be given up to my brother Robert and that he receive all the debts due to me, and pay all that I owe.

I give and bequeath to my cousin Bolling Eldridge my negro fellow Bob that is now at work with him for him and his heirs for ever.

the rest of my estate, negroes, houses, clothes and the other parts of my estate, not already given, I give and bequeath to my brother Archibald Bolling, for him and his heirs for ever[.]

this is my last will and testamenet wrote this thirteenth day of July in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine in my writing and as a proof whereof I have set my sig]nature] and affixed my seal. Edward Bolling. l.S. before these witnesses Archilaeus Mitchell. Hannah Mitchell.