James Reeves,
Father of the other William Reeves


The will of James Reeves detailed below makes his wishes regarding the inheritance of his plantation explicit in that his son William, ultimate heir, does not inherit this land as long as his mother is living and not before. This provision of the will would require his widow, Milly, to be a party to any conveyance or sale of that property. The participation of Milly Reeves in the deed dated 22 Nov 1791 is obviously in compliance with James Reeves' will. William Reeves, his mother Milley Reeves and his wife Hannah all sign the deed (Hannah Reeves is relinguishing her dower rights).

Will of James Reeves
Will Book A, page 306
Guilford County, North Carolina

In the Name of God Amen I James Reeves of Guilford County in the State of North Carolina being weak in body but of sound memory and judgement thanks be to God calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and appoint this as my last Will and Testament (to wit)
Imprimis I recommend my soul to God who gave it hoping for a joyful Ressurection at the last day of my Body to the Earth to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors herein after named.
2nd I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Milissent Reeves my Plantation and land I now live on to be hers during her natural lifetime Also all my beds and Household furniture her sadle and bridle my sorrel Horse her Choice of a Cow and Calf out of my stock one Ram and a Yew one third of my stock of hogs and all my geese.
3rd I will and bequeath to my son Malachi Reeves one cow and calf
4th I will and bequeath to my son Jeremiah Reeves two yews and lambs
5th I will and bequeath to my son William Reeves the Plantation and Land I now live on to be his whole and sole property at the death of my beloved Wife Melissent and not before
6th I will and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Holmes two yews and lambs
7th I will and bequeath to my daughter Judith Moon one heifer
8th I will and bequeath to my Delilah Russel one heifer
9th I will bequeath to my daughter rhoda parker one lamb
10th I will and bequeath to my grandson James Reeves my Roan Horse sadle and bridle
Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved Wife Melissent Reeves to be my Executrix and my son William Reeves to be excutor of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all other Wills and Testaments heretofore made by me,

James (his ✓ mark) Reeves


Signed Sealed Published
& declared in the presence of
Jno Campbell
Michel Reeves
Jeremiah Reeves