In the name of God amen! I John Minter of the County of Essex and State of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz: I lend to my beloved Wife Ann Minter during her life the whole of my estate both real and personal to be used and enjoyed by her agreeably to her discretion. After the death of my wife the whole of my estate both real and personal that may be left after the payment of my just debts I give and bequeath to James Durham junr. who now lives with me to him and his heirs forever. Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint the said James Durham junr. executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all wills heretofore made by me. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of April 1833. Signed John Minter. Witnesses: Richard Harper, Chaney his x mark Broach, William his x mark Brooks. On 20 April 1840, presented in court by James Durham and proved by Richard Harper, “and the proof of said Writing being contested by Richard Shearwood a great Nephew of the Testator, Jane Isabella Broach and Joanna Broach children of Frances Broach who was Frances Fletcher a Niece of the Testator by Chaney Broach their Guardian and next friend by consent of the parties, the proof of the said writing was continued till the next Court.” “At a Court of Quarterly session begun and held for Essex County at the Courthouse in Tappahannock on the 18th Day of May 1840. This Writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Minter decd. being again brough into Court and offered for proof by James Durham Jr. and the proof of said writing being contested by Richard Shearwood and others. On the motion of the said James Durham Jr. the proof of the said writing was continued till the next court; and on the further motion of the said Durham it was ordered that Chaney Broach be summoned to appear here on the first day of the next Court…” At court of 15 June 1840, “This Writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Minter decd being again brought into Court and offered for proof by James Durham Jr. was further proved by the oath of Chaney Broach another subscribing Witness to the same and was Ordered to be Recorded—” [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 488–489.]