Isle of Wight County (Va.) Wills, 1783-1945

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Isle of Wight County (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Isle of Wight County (Va.) Wills, 1783-1945, record the deceased's plan for how his or her estate was to be divided among his or her heirs following his or her death. Information commonly recorded in wills include the name of the deceased, also referred as the testator; names of heirs; a listing of real and personal property (including slaves) and how it was to be divided among the heirs; names of individuals who were to be the will's executors; the date will was written; and the date will was recorded at the court house. Additional record types may be found in this collection such as fiduciary records (inventories and accounts.)

Biographical / historical:

Isle of Wight County probably was named for the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. It was first know as Warrosquyoake and was one of the eight shires established in 1634. The present name was given in 1637. Part of Nansemond County was added in 1769.

Individuals dying with a written will died testate. After the death of the individual, his or her will was brought into court, where two of the subscribing witnesses swore that the document was genuine. After the will was proven, the executor was bonded to carry out his or her duties to settle the estate. The court then ordered the will to be recorded.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Isle of Wight County. Portions of the collection were transferred under the following accession numbers: 38003 and 40035.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia. Some records in this collection may be located at the State Record Center. Contact Archives Research Services for access information, directions and hours.
Physical description:
4 boxes