Martha was mentioned in the 22 April 1833 will of her husband, Archibald Ritchie, proved on 17 March 1834. “2ndly I lend to my beloved wife Martha H Ritchie (during her widowhood) all my lands which I purchased (and yet retain) of John H Upshaw, of Winter Bray and Hunley Moody of Sally Moody and Arthur Upshaw — my slaves following to wit; Cook Mary and her son John Daniel and his son John, Davy, young Charles, Coleman, Rose and her children Patrick and Juliet and her future increase and old Frank, together with my Carriage and horses all my household and kitchen furniture of every description; all my stocks of horses sheep hogs and Cattle of every description, in fact embracing every thing on the plantation as it now stands — but should my aforesaid beloved wife Martha H — so far forget that respect which is due to her own age and my memory and the interest of our children as to marry again, then and in that event it is my Will and desire that my Executors hereinafter named immediately dispossess her of all the lands, slaves, household and kitchen furniture, plantation tools and utensils, stocks of all kinds and description carriage and horses and every thing embraced on the plantation as it now stands as enumerated and loaned to her during her widowhood by the first part of this clause of this Will”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 245–246.]