Elizabeth Stith’s Will

The last will and testament of Elizabeth Bray Allen Smith Stith, a wealthy woman who managed a large plantation house that became known as Bacon’s Castle, was proved in court on February 22, 1774. This image, in the handwriting of a court clerk, is from the wills and deeds record book of Surry County Court, 1652-1907. The preamble, shown in this image, reads: “In the Name of God Amen I Elizabeth Stith of Surry County Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to Grant me a long continuation in this my Pilgrimage and altho at this Time weak of Body Yet In perfect and Sound Mind and Memory do praise and Glorifie his Name forever; but being Mindfull of the Debt which all must pay, and None but God can tell how soon think fit to make and Ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.”