The Will of
Ann N. Rodes
September 1876
Nelson County, Virginia
Will Book N, p.241
In the name of God Amen. I Ann N. Rodes of the County of Nelson State of Virginia being of sound mind and memory but in a feeble state of health and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life do make and ordain this my last will and testament viz; I commit my soul to Almighty God who gave it, and my body to be burried in the earth, and as my worldly possessions with which it has pleased him to bless me. I do will and bequeath in the following manner. 1st I give and bequeath to my nephew Edwin Goodwin a certain tract or parcel of land known as the Hannon tract and also another small tract adjoining and attached to the same purchased of Nelson C. Smith, both of which parcels of land were willed to me by my husband, C.P. Rodes. 2Nd, I give to my nephew Wm H. Goodwin Jr a certain tract or parcel of land purchased of Dr. Wm L Williams and known as the mill tract. 3Rd, I give to my nephew John W. Goodwin (son of my brother Jas. D Goodwin) the sum of one thousand dollars (1000). 4th I give to Chas. P Rodes son of Mrs. Mary Rodes the sum of five hundred Dollars (500). 5th I give to the Trustees of Rodes Church the sum of five hundred dollars to be held by them as a fund to keep said Church buildings in repair (500). 6th I give to my nephew Nelson H Goodwin the sum of two hundred Dollars (200). 7th I give to Mrs Sarah Hughes, Mrs. Mary Johns, and Miss Jinnie Rodes each the sum of one hundred Dollars (100).
The residue of my Estate embracing all of my household furniture, farming utensils, stock of all kinds on the farms, all moneys debts and dues to be disposed of as hereinafter directed. Viz; after paying all of the legatees above described together with all necessary contingencies, I wish to have a Marble head and foot stone placed at my grave and a permanent brick or stone wall built around the graves of myself and husband. The remaining funds (if any) to be divided between my three Nieces viz; Mrs. Mary A Pettit, Mrs. Pattie P. Gates and Miss Indianna B. Goodwin. And lastly I appoint my brother Wm H Goodwin my Executor and respectfully ask the Court not to hold him to security.
Signed and sealed this 10th day of September 1876
Ann N. Rodes (seal)
Witness
Wm H Goodwin x
John Fox
Jno. W. Dickinson
Sarah E. Foster
At a County Court begun and held for Nelson County at the Courthouse thereof on Monday the 27th day of November 1882
The last will and testament of Ann N. Rodes late of this County was presented to the Court and fully proven by the oath of Wm H Goodwin one of the subscribing witnesses hereto, and was therefore ordered to be recorded as the true last will and testament of the said Ann N. Rodes dec'd. And on the motion of Wm H Goodwin the only Executor named in the said will, who made oath as the law directs and entered into a bond in the penalty of $6000. Conditioned according to law but without security, the will directing that none should be required of him, and which said bond being acknowledged by the obligor therein is ordered to be recorded. Certificate is granted the said Wm. H. Goodwin for obtaining probate of said will in due form (Ordered that John J. L. Stevens, James Hubang (?), Dr. C.K. Anderson and F.L. Whitehead Jr be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of said Estate.
Teste: Wm. Hill, Clk