In the name of God amen I William Taylor of the County of Essex being very sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do think proper to make this my last will and testament in manner and form following Vizt.
First it is my desire that all my just debts and funeral expences be paid
Second, I lend to my beloved wife Ann Taylor all the balance of my estate both real and personal of every description whatever during her widowhood without being responsible to any person whatever for any loss of property and in case she should marry or at her death my will and desire is that all my estate that she may die possessed of should be sold and the monies arising from the sales thereof to be divided amongst my children as followeth to wit, to my son Major Taylor the sum of one shilling & six pence, to William Taylor the sum of one shilling and six pence, to James Taylor the sum of one shilling and six pence, to Leroy Taylor the sum of one shilling and six pence, to Ludy [or Lucy?] Taylor the sum of one shilling and six pence, to John Taylor the sum of one shilling and six pence, to my daughter Lucy Taylor the sum of five pounds, to my son Reuben Taylor the sum of five founds, and to Polly Taylor the sum of five pounds and all the balance that may remain not before disposed of my will is that it should be equally divided amongst my five children following to wit Henry, Richard, Lucy, Reuben and Polly Taylor — I give unto my son Thomas Taylor one shilling and six pence, Lastly I nominate and appoint my friend John Trible my whole and sole executor to this my last will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 28th day of October 1810 —
William his X mark Taylor
Witnesses: Thomas Mann, Ludy Trible, George Trible
On 17 June 1811 proved by the oaths of Thomas Mann and Ludy Trible and ordered recorded.
[Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 17, pages 295–296.]