Rockbridge County (Va.) Will of Hobson Johns, 1863

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:
Rockbridge County (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Rockbridge County (Va.) Will of Hobson Johns was probated on 1 June 1863. In his will, Johns leaves his property in Danville, Va., to his wife's niece Mary Louisa Yancy. To his niece Emma Clark Burroughs, Johns left his female slave Lydia on the condition that she pay Lydia six dollars at the commencement of every year as a reward for her attention to his wife during her last illness. To his nephew Hobson Clark, Johns left a tract of land located in Botetourt County and the following slaves: Daniel and his wife Lucy, Sam and his wife Parthenia, and Nelly. The balance of the estate was divided between Johns's nieces -- Nancy Haden, Mary B. Pannill, Martha Clark, and Susan Clark. Johns also left the provision that if any slaves need be sold that the slaves would have the right to select their new master.

Biographical / historical:

Rockbridge County was named for Natural Bridge, an exceptional rock formation located in the county. The county was formed from Augusta and Botetourt counties in 1778, and another part of Botetourt was added later.

Born in Virginia around 1802, Hobson Johns was a farmer in Rockbridge County, Va.

Acquisition information:
This item was returned to the library from the National Archives in November 1949 under the accession number 23476ak.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
3 p.