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0518

A copy -
In the name of God, Amen: I, Jacob Ham of the County of Elizabeth City in the State of Virginia, do make this my last will and testament in manner following to wit:

I lend to my beloved wife for and during the time of her natural life, one third part of my land and negroes, and I give her in absolute property, one third of money, bonds, stock, furniture, and chattle estate (other than slaves) of which I may die possessed of or entitled to after my just debts are paid out of the same. All the rest and residue of my property, both real and personal estate. I give, devise and bequeath unto my son Jacob in absolute property, to him and his heirs forever, including the property loaned my wife, after her estate therein ceases. But in case my son Jacob shall die under the age of twenty one years, and leave no issue or child or children surviving, it is my will and desire, and I do so order devised, that in that event the property I have above given to my son Jacob, shall pass and descend to the children of my brother William Ham in absolute property, in as much as I consider that the child of my brother John Ham is already sufficiently provided for with this worlds good -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11 of September, eighteen hundred & fifty four.

John Ham (S)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the testator Jacob Ham as and for his last will and testament, in our presence, who in his presence and at his

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-05 13:48:10 Added NARA#, corrected missing caps