from Loudoun County Will Book B

pp. 12-14

In the name of God, Amen.  This 24th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-two, be it remembered that I, Ralph Martin, of the County of Loudoun and Colony of Virginia, being in a reasonable state of health and in perfect mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God, and calling to remembrance the uncertainty of this transitory life and that all flesh must yield to death when it shall please God to call, do make, constitute, ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament and Testaments in manner and form following.  First I give and commit my soul unto Almighty God, my Savior and Redeemer, in whom and by merits of Jesus Christ I trust to be saved, and my body buried in a place where it shall please my executors, hereafter named, to appoint and now for the settlement of my temporal estate and such goods, chattles and debts as it hath pleased God far above my deserts to bestow upon me I do order, give and dispose of the same in manner and form following.  That is to say, first, I will that all my lands, goods, chattles, with my whole estate be sold and my just debts contented and paid within a convenient time after my decease by my executor hereafter named.  Imprimis.  I give unto my dear and loving wife, Mary Martin, the remainder part of my estate during her life to subsist on and what is remaing of said estate at her decease I do will and order that it shall be equally divided amongst and between my seven children, to wit, William Martin, Joseph Martin, John Martin, Thomas Martin, Ann Homan, Sarah Castleberry and Mary Eaton.  Item.  I also nominate, constitute and appoint my well beloved friend, Israel Thompson, to be my whole and sole executor of this my last Will and Testament, and no other.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of March 1772.

                                                                              Ralph Martin

In the presence of us:  Joseph Richardson, Joseph Cogswell, Ephraim Hammon

At a Court held for Loudoun County the 22nd day of June 1772

This last Will and Testament of Ralph Martin, deceased, was proved by the oath of Joseph  Richardson, Joseph Cogswell and Ephraim Hammon, witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Israel Thompson, the executor therein named, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, he having affirmed to the same and given bond and security according to law.