The Skaggs-Files

B: Abt. 1688

Cumberland County Virginia Will Book 1, Page 447

In the name of God amen, I William Bassam of the County of Cumberland being sick and weak in body though of perfect health and memory, thanks to the Almighty God for it. Inprimis I will and bequeath body to the ground from whence it came, and my soul to God who gave it, trusting in the merits and Mediation of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that at the great day of judgement I shall have a joyful resurrection with the just. I lend to my loving Wife, Sarah, all my estate both real and personal during life. I give to my son William Bassam two hundred and fifty acres of land of the same tract whereon I now live.
I give to my son Jeremiah Bassam one hundred and fifty acress out of the aforesaid tract. I give to my daughter Sarah fifty acres out of the aforesaid tract.
It is my will that after the decease of my wife my whole estate be divided equally among my children for their lives and then to be divided equally among my grandchildren after their decease.
I constitute and appoint my sons William and Jeremiah with my wife my executors.
his
William M B Bassam L.S.
Mark

At a court held for Cumberland County the 23rd day of May 1768. This last will and testament of William Basham decd. was proved by Simon Chaffin and Thomas Huckbey two of the witnesses thereto and by the court ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Sarah Basham executrix William Basham and Jeremiah Basham executors therein named who made oath according to law certificate is granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon they together with William Angela, William Allen, and John Cardwell their securities entered into bond according to law.