Batts in Elizabeth City Co., VA

Below are three Batts wills found in Elizabeth City Co., VA.I haven’t been able to trace any of the family out of the county, but have posted these records – and some other records when I have time – in the hope that they will help someone else.

Will of Thomas Batts, Sr. To son Henry Batts, a cow and calf to be in full of “my whole estate”; daughters Elizabeth Wade and Martha Wood, each a tumbler of 20 sh; son John Batts, one silver tumbler of 20 sh “in lew of his share of my estate”; son Thomas Batts to be Executor and to him the rest of the estate in what kind or nature soever. Witnesses: Charles Jenings [Charles Jennings], Elizabeth (x) Cole. Dated: October 2, 1717.Signed:Thomas Batts.Probated: January 22, 1718

Will of Henry Batts. To brother John Batts, one-half of lot in Hampton with the house thereon; brother Thomas Batts, the other half of the lot; brother John Batts, negros Peter, Jenny and Frank; brother Thomas Batts, negros Will, Judy and Tom; godson William Wood, negro girl Miriam with reversion to Thomas Batts; brother John Batts, items. Negro woman Jenny is now with child.If delivered safely and brother John shall think fit to keep the said child, he is to pay…silver money of Virginia to sister Elizabeth Wade and, if not, to deliver the child to sister Elizabeth as a bequest; brother Thomas, stock and plantation during the term of the lease; to “each of my sisters,” a ring of 15 shillings; all the rest of estate to brothers John and Thomas Batts and they to be Executors. Wit.: Charles Jenings [Charles Jennings], William Westwood, “Briget Oharren”. Dated: December 30, 1717. Signed: Henry “Batt”. Probated: May 21, 1718 by Jenings [Charles Jennings] and “Bridget Oharen”.

Will of Thomas Batts. To son John, plantation where I now live; negros Peter, Judy and Sarah; personalty. To son Thomas, half lot of land in Hampton Town; negros Tom and Will. To daughter Lydia Batts, negro Moll; cash. To son Thomas, balance of estate.Executors: friends William Westwood and Thomas Tabb.Signed:Thomas (x) Batts.Witnesses: John Webb, John Cook, Susannah (x) Webb. Dated: March 21, 1737/38. Probated: May 18, 1738.Appraisal of Thomas Batts estate by Thomas Baker, Thomas Smith and Ed Parish.