Joshua Mayes was born 14 May 1765 in Prince George County, Virginia and died 29 July 1808 in Greensville, Virginia. He is the son of Joseph Mayes, born 1740 Prince George County, Virgina; died 1822 Dinwiddie County, Virginia and his wife Rebecca Gardner, born 1746 Wise County, Virginia, died 1842 Lawrence County, Alabama. Joshua Mayes married Hannah Hill Dupree who was born in 1770.
The will of Joshua Mayes is found in Greensville County, VA Will Bk 2 Page 94 and is dated 17 May 1808.
In the Name of God Amen, I Joshua Mayes of Greensville County and State of Virginia knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die and being in perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament.
ITEM I lend to my loving wife Hannah Mayes one third part of my lands during her natural life likewise five negroes to wit Sally and her Child, Harry, Buck, and Ephraim, also four head of horses to wit the Roebuck mare, grey mare, and Sorrel Filly and one horse colt by the name of Ball, five cows and calves, one yoke of Steers and Steer Cart and also six head of choice Sheep, four sows and pigs, three feather beds and furniture and as much of the household and kitchen furniture and Plantation utensils as she shall think necessary for the use of the Plantation and likewise one riding chair and harness, and at her death to be equal divided among my children the above property it is my Will and desire and its proceeds to be for the use of my Wife and the raising and educating of my children.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my Son Joel Mayes one negro girl named Isbel, as soon as he arrives to the age of twenty-one years and likewise one Sorrell Colt Saddle and Bridles to be at his immediate disposal.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Peter Mayes one negro man named Ben as soon as he arrives to the age of twenty-one years also one grey filley Saddle and Bridle to be at his immediate disposal.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Warren Mayes one negro woman named Winny as soon as she arrives at the lawful age or married.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Lewis Mayes one negro girl named Phebe.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Michael Warren Mayes one negro girl named Milly.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Joshua Pritchard Mayes one negro girl named Mary.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebekah Hill one negro girl named Sucky.
Item I give and bequeath to my son Drury Mayes one negro boy name Peter.
and it is my Will and desire that should any of the negroes die that is given to any of the children before they have an heir or arrive to the age of twenty-one years, then it is my will and desire that the same shall be made good out of my Estate. And should the children die without heir or under the age of twenty-one years, then it is my will and desire that the said child's portion be equally divided among the living children, estate not herein mentioned be exposed to public sale and the money arising from the same to be equally divided among all my children after paying all of my just debts.
Lastly I appoint my loving wife Hannah Mayes and John Prichard Executors of this my last Will and Testament. I also appoint my wife Hannah Mayes guardian for all my children.
Signed Sealed and Acknowledged in the the presence of us this 17th day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred: Jones S Bottom, George Pollard, William Lipsey.
Probate: September 1808 Greensville County Court
