Testament
of
Isaac Martin
The fourth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine, Isaac Martin, of Halifax
County, being proper health and perfect mind and memory, do make and ordain this my Last
Will and Testament, that is to say:
First and principally, I recommend my soul to the care of God that gave it and at my decease my
body to the earth to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my executors hereafter
mentioned, and as touching my worldly estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I
give and dispose of in manner and form following, viz:
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to Jacob Martin, my oldest son, the land and plantation wherein
he now lives with an equal number of acres with the rest of my son’s hereafter mentioned of all
the land I hold at my decease to be equally divided according to good method among my seven
sons, to-wit: the said, Jacob Martin; James Martin; John Martin; Isaac Martin; William Martin;
Nathan Martin; Giles Martin.
To which Giles, I give my plantation where I now live with an equal number as aforesaid of acres
and to each of the rest their equal parts joining their new designs all which dividends of land as
I have mentioned, I give to my sons and to their heirs forever equally divided as above said.
I will also, if any of my son’s die leaving no lawful offspring, their parts of land may return to the
rest that survives to be equally divided which shall be to them and their heirs forever, my
negroes and movable estate I will may after my decease may be sold at public sale to the
highest bidder, the amount of which I will that after my lawful debts be paid what then remains
may be equally divided among my seven sons above mentioned and viz: daughters, namely,
Hannah, the wife of Benjamin Hubbard; Sarah Martin; Mary Martin; Rachel, the wife of John
Trible; Elizabeth, the wife of John Dyer; and Fillis Martin.
I will, if any of my sons or daughters die without issue, their parts may be equally divided
amongst the then living of my sons and daughters, except this I will that the money which
comes to my daughter Mary’s part may at her discretion fall to her daughter, Lucy Martin and to
her heirs forever, that is further to say if the said Mary should marry, I will if she has then
sufficiency to amount for the estate I so left her the same may be valued by the executors and if
retained by her husband, he shall give security for the payment of the same to the said Lucy at
the death of my daughter, Mary, the said Lucy’s mother, all which legacies here left I give and
bequeath to each as above mentioned and to their heirs forever.
Lastly, I make constitute and appoint James Martin, Isaac Martin and William Martin, my sons,
my only and sole executors of this my Last Will and Testament, ratifying and confirming this and
no other to be my Last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Isaac Martin
(by his mark)
Signed, sealed and acknowledged
In the presence of
Joseph Collins
Tabitha Collins
Judith Collins
At a Court held for Halifax County the 18th day of February 1774, this Will was presented in Court
by James Martin, one of the executors herein named, who made oath hereto (Isaac Martin and
William Martin the other executors refusing to take upon them the execution hereof) and the
same being proven by the oaths of two of the witnesses hereto, was ordered to be recorded,
and on the motion of the said James Martin and his giving security, certificate was granted him
for obtaining a probate hereof in due form, whereupon Jacob Martin, Isaac Martin, William
Martin, Giles Martin, John Trible, Nathan Martin and John Martin became his securities, and they
entered into and acknowledged their bond with condition according to law.
T. Carrington, Clerk
