This will, of William Ellzey, was very interesting to me since it mentioned two of my 5th great-grandfather’s – William Moran and Jonathan Edwards.  They married sisters – Rebecca and Sarah Barber.  There is also mention of the Broad Run Tract.  John Linton, my 7th great-grandfather, and grandfather of Captain John Linton, also owned a tract on Broad Run.

Loudoun County, Virginia, Wills 1795-1797

p. 184

I William Ellzey of Loudoun County, Attorney at Law, do make this my Last Will and Testament.

I give to Matthew Harrison and Catherine, his wife, all the remainder of Cocke’s tract of land conveyed to me that I have not otherwise disposed of to hold the same in fee simple.

I give to Albert Russell and Ann, his wife, all the land rented to William Moran and all the land rented to James Beaty in fee simple.

I give to my son, William, the lands known by the description of Mrs. Crum Lott and lower end of the Beaver Dam Tract and thirty acre tract I bought of Piles in fee simple, and my Negro man, Daniel.

I give to my daughters, Lucy, Margaret and Sarah, all the lands rented to Jonathan Edwards, all the lands rented to Samuel Adams, all the lands rented to Charles Gill, all the lands rented to Michael Houser and all the lands rented to Henwood in fee simple to be equally divided between them.

I give to my son, Lewis, all the lands rented to Hickman, with my Broad Run Quarter, and all the lands contained in the Broad Run Tract below Henwood’s bounds in fee simple.

All my stock and furniture, tools and utensils of husbandry and my books to my beloved wife during her life and in her discretion to be disposed of among my children either in her life time or at her death, my debts to be paid out of this part of my estate.  In like manner I give her all my slaves to be disposed of in her life time or at her death among my children as she shall think proper.  I likewise give to my said wife, my dwelling plantation and all the residue of the lands not herein before disposed of during her natural life and after her decease to be equally divided between my two eldest daughters and their heirs forever.

I appoint my beloved wife executrix and my son, William, executor of this my Last Will and Testament.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of July 1795.

                                                                   William Ellzey

At a Court held for Loudoun County, April the 12th 1796.

This Last Will and Testament of William Ellzey, deceased, was produced in Court by William Ellzey, one of the executors therein named.  And there being no witnesses to the said will, and the Court being well acquainted with the testator’s handwriting and verily believing that the said will and the name thereto subscribed are all of the said testators proper handwriting; whereupon the said will is ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said executor, who made oath thereto and with Matthew Harrison, Jr., and Albert Russell, his securities, entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of five thousand pounds conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form; liberty being reserved the executrix in the said will named to join in the probate when she shall think fit.

                            Teste Charles Binns, Clerk