John Davis

Narrative:

     John Davis was born about 1754 in Augusta Co., Virginia.¹
     He married Jane Clendenin, daughter of Archibald Clendenin Jr. and Ann [surname unknown], in 1774, probably in Botetourt Co., Virginia.^2,3,4
     On 22 Feb 1782 John was granted a patent for 363 ac. in the Big Levels in Greenbrier Co., Virginia, The parcel adjoined the land of John Rogers, Henry Hunter, Alexander Welch, Charles Arbuckle, Henry Hendricks and John Lewis.⁸

A Very Directive Will --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     John left a will dated 17 Mar 1800 stating he was of Greenbrier Co., Virginia, in which he said he was afflicted with a dangerous malady. He left his "wife Jean" (Jane Clendenin) 150 ac. including his dwelling and improvements for her life, half of which would go to "daughter Polly" (Mary) when she became of age or married, and the balance when her mother died. His wife was to receive the household furnishing, horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs. She was to have the use of slaves Sam and Milly during her lifetime, and Henry only until she remarried, after which Henry and Milly to go to Polly. Daughters Sally, Jean, and Rebecka were to receive any issue born to Milly while his wife lived.
     He gave to "daughter Sally" (Sarah) 100 ac. of land, his share of the land he and Alexander Welch had purchased from Charles Arbuckle. He gave "daughter Betsy" (Elizabeth) 200 ac. of land, his share of the 400-acre patent granted to John Rodgers in the area known as "the Meadows." She was also to receive slave Alce, except that Rebecka would have the choice of any issue born to Alce. He left to "daughter Jean" and to "daughter Rebecka" (Jane and Rebeccah) each half of the tract where he lived after the 150 ac. was given to his wife. To "daughter Nancy" he left a tract known as the Mill place and the right to continue living on the property given to Rebeccah rent-free for eight years. Slaves James, Saul, and Rodger were to be employed on his plantation for the benefit of his wife and unmarried children until the youngest daughter became of age, then they were to be sold. From the proceeds 150£ was to go to Betsy and the balance divided between daughters Sally, Jeaney, Rebecka & Polly. His still and still vessels were to be sold and the proceeds used to support his wife and children.
     He charged his wife to "watch over the tender years of my dear children to warn them of the vices and dangers of the world, and carefully to instruct them in the Paths of Virtue and Rectitude which finally lead to enjoyments that will end no more." His wife and Wm Rennick, John Stuart, and Joseph Maze were named executors.⁹
     John died in 1800 in Greenbrier Co., Virginia.^5,6,7
     His will was proved at the Apr 1800 term of the Greenbrier Co. court.¹⁰