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Last Will and Testament of Jonathan James (circa 1785-1843) of

Bedford County, Virginia, Dated August 28, 1843

 

Recorded in Bedford County, Virginia Will Book 11, Page 438.

 

Jonathan James (circa 1785-1843) was the son of Daniel James (circa 1750-1817) and Susanna Baelert (1745-1849) of Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In his last will and testament, Jonathan mention his wife Polly (nee “Bandy”) James and his children including Joel L. James (1811-1875), George Washington James (1812-1864), John James (1814-1863), Polly James, Susannah James, Patsy Jane James and Jonathan James.

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James, Jonathan Will.

 

I Jonathan James of the County of Bedford and State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound and good mind and memory, do hereby make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say - First I resign my soul to God who gave it, and my body to the tomb to be decently interred. Secondly - As to what little estate it has pleased God to bless me with it is my Will after the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses, that my beloved wife Polly James have and enjoy all the balance of my estate both real and personal for and during the term of her natural life for the purpose of raising and supporting her children and keeping them together, and after her demise I give the same to my children. (J.J.)

 

I will that my three daughters Polly James, Susannah James, and Patsy Jane James is to have a Briviear a bedstead a bed and bedding, and my son Jonathan James I expect to remain with his Mother until he is 21 years of age and after that is to have the privilege to cultivate and to have the same free of rent, a part of my plantation for the term of three years} Joel James, George W. James, John James, Jonathan James, Polly James, Susannah James and Patsy Jane James to be equally divided between them and enjoyed by them forever. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Polly James executrix to this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all other or former Wills or Testaments by me heretofore made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 28th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred forty three.

 

James Howard                                                Jonathan James X Seal

John Horn

Bazil Ridgmary

Jacob Kesaunt

 

At a Court held for Bedford County at the Courthouse the 27th day of November 1843. This last Will and Testament of Jonathan James Deceased was produced in Court proven by the oath of John Horn a subscribing witness thereto. And thereafter to wit at a Court held for said County the 26th day of February 1844. The same man further proven by the oath of James Howard and another subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Polly James the executrix in said Will named, who made oath and entered  into bond and security in the Penalty of $600. Conditioned according to law, certificate is granted her for obtaining a Probate on said Will in due form of law.

 

                                        Test Ral. Mitchell C.B.C.

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Updated: September 20, 2025