I mentioned Dearest Dennis’ will back in 2013 (see post) when I first saw it transcribed in a Chancery Court file: John Pryor vs. the estate of Dearest Dennis.
The following transcription is from another Chancery case: Elizabeth Pineham vs. Executor of Dearest Dennis. I thought was worthwhile transcribing again because it looks like the will in the Pryor file was transcribed incorrectly in about 1792. Why? Because the first seen transcript names two daughters of Dearest Dennis as Mary. This second transcript states her daughters were Mary Pryor, Elizabeth Pineham and Sarah Royall.
A Bill of complaint exhibited in the Worshipfull Court of Amelia County by John Timberlake and Richard Pryor executors of John Pryor deceased against Richd Dennis Excr. of Dearest Dennis Decd.
Humbly complaining shewith unto your worships your Orators Excrs of John Pryor decd that some time in a bout the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and __
A certain Dearest Dennis departed this life after having first published her last will and testament in wriing being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding in manner and form following to wit In the name of God amen, I Dearest Dennis of Raliegh Parish in the County of Amelia by the mercy of god in a sound and disposing mind, make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner. I give and bequeath unto my son John Dennis twenty pounds to him and his heirs forever.
I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Pryor twenty pounds to her and her heirs forever
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Parham twenty pounds to her and her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Royall twenty pounds to her and heirs forever.
I give devise and bequeath to all the remaining part or parts of my Estate of every kind whatsoever to my son Richard Dennis to him and his heirs forever and I nominate constitute and appoint him the said Richard Dennis Executor of my last will and Testament while I sign seal publish and deliver the 21st day of April 1780.
Dearest Dennis {seal}
In Presence of
Richard Dennis Junr
James Parham
William Clarke
Which said last will and testament has been admitted to record in this worshipful court and attest copy of which is hereunto —–? which your orator refers and prays may be taken as a part of this his bill of complaint) by a clause of which said will it appears that a legacy of twenty pounds was devised to Mary Pryor the wife of your Orators testator and your orators have made frequent and friendly…
From the Library of Virginia: https://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=007-1788-006.