NOTE: Spellings have not been changed

In the name of God Amen, I James Watt of Northampton County in Virginia Surgeon being very sick and weak in body but of good and perfect memory praised be the Almighty but knowing the uncertainty of this life in this world and that we are all born to die for it better setting of those worldly goods God hath blessed me herewith I make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (vizt)

Imprimus - I bequeath my soul to God who gave it and my body to return to the earth from whence it came to be buried in such decent Christian way of burial as my exec'rx here after named shall think fit hopeing and being well assured that through the merits and passion of my Saviour Christ Jesus I shall arise again at the last day and receive that glory promised to his elect to whom be praised for evermore Amen.

Item - I give and bequeath to the child that my wife goeth with at this time one Negro man named, Michael if it please God the said child live to the age of sixteen years to enjoy him but if my wife shall think fit to sell the said Negro before that time then she to pay the said child the value thereof that he is sold for.

Item - I do give and bequeath to my dear tender and loving wife Mrs. Sarah Watt all my whole estate both real and personal that I am now possessed withall or that is belonging to me by any ways or means whatsoever my will further is that my said wife aforesaid shall be my lawfull and true executrix to order and do everything at her own will and pleasure and as she shall think fit and convenient.

Item - My will and request is that my loving brothers Capt. John Custis and Mr. Adam Michael would be assisstants to my said wife in the time of her widowhood to the utmost of their powers and I do hereby freely give them my said brothers all such debts as is justly due to me from them as by my book will more appear which is the prayers of a dying man that they will so far assist her as lyes in them.

Lastly - I do revoke and made void all former wills and testaments by me made and this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed seal this fourteenth day of August anno one thousand six hundred eighty and five.

Note - that the child in this said will mentioned it is my desire if it be a girl to be set at age at sixteen years and if it be a boy to be at age at eighteen years note this before the signing hereof.

Per me James Watt

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of;

Ralph Arundell

Nathaniel Capell

The 28th day of May anno 1686, Then the within and foregoing will of Mr. James Watt deceased was proved in open court by the corporal oaths of Ralph Arundell and Nathaniel Capell and allowed of and ordered to be recorded.

Teste - Daniel Neech Clk. Cur.

Recorded - Daniel Neech Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton

Source:

Walczyk Frank V.  Northampton County Order Book & Wills 1686 - 1689, Vol 11. Coram NY: Peter's Row; p 14.