In the name of God, Amen Ralph Laverty of the County
of Augusta and Commonwealth of Virginia considering the uncertainty
of this Mortal Life and being of sound mind and memory at the present
thanks to almighty God for the same do make and publish this my Last
will and Testament in manner and form following (Imprimis) I will
and order all my just debts to be paid. Item I give and Bequeath to my
Beloved wife Jane one third of all my personal Estate one young Bay
horse and saddle a small star in hir forehead and a heifer
of three years old of a Spotted Cream Coulter and Two Sheep during her
widow hood but at her marriage or Death I will and order said
Goods and Chattles to be Given to the second oldest son of John Hamel-
ton of the County of Rockbridge and State aforesaid which is my Grand
Son of the name of Ralph now a bout six months old. I Likewise give
and Bequeath to my Daughter Rebecca Hamelton six sheep or the value
thereof the Remainder of my personal Estate I will and order to be
equally divided Betwixt my three daughters Agnes Haddin, Sarah
Clark (to said Sarah Clark one Large Bible Exclusive) and Martha
Meek. To my son William Laverty I Leave the sum of five shillings
Virginia Currency to be paid out of my wife Jean’s part, which said
several Legacies I will and order to be paid to the said Respective
Legatees within six months after my decease. I further give and
devise to my said daughter Rebecca Hamelton all my Real Es-
tate Consisting of a certain tract of land Consisting of a
bout three hundred acres situate on the Cowpasture River
at the mouth of Stuarts Creek Together with forty-five acres there
unto annexed by virtue of a pattent to hold to her the said Rebecca
Hamelton during her natural life and at her decease to [Revolve ?] to
her second Eldest son above mentioned of the name of Ralph Ham-
elton and his Heirs forever – and Lastly I appoint my son in
law the above mentioned John Hamelton and my Beloved wife
Jane the sole Executors of this my Last will and Testament Revoking
and Disannulling all former wills by me made in witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twentieth day of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety
the words (and Saddle) at the fifth line and the words (and Two Sheep)
at the sixth line was underlined before signed.
Signed Sealed Published and declared by his
the above named Ralph Laverty to be his Last will Ralph X Laverty {seal}
and Testament in presence of we who have hereunto mark
subscribed our names in presence of the Testator
William Connell
Henry Scott
Nathan Crawford
Robert Stuart
Bath County June Court 1792 this Last will and Testament
of Ralph Laverty Decd was proved by the witnesses thereto and
Ordered to be Recorded.
Teste Chas Cameron
Source: Bath County Will Book No. 1, 1791 – 1813:12, microfilm Reel 7, Library of Virginia, Richmond.