Will of William Riddel

The Riddles and Powells were wealthy and at one time were among the largest land owners in Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina.  They had many intermarriages, including William Powell Riddle to his first cousin Elizabeth Janet Powell.

Residences & events:

William's will, dated 12/22/1776 and proved 2/25/1777, said:

"To my son James Riddel one third part of 250 acres where I now live at my wife's decease.

To my son Lewis Riddel one third part of 250 acres of said tract at my wife's decease.

To my son William Riddel [this is William Powell Riddle] the other third part of my said land after my wife's decease, if he is living, otherwise his part to return to my other sons James and Lewis Riddle.

To my son James Riddel one Negro Sampson which he has now in possession not to be appraised in my estate with his paying 15 pounds to the estate at the first sale of the said estate.

To my son Lewis Riddel one Negro girl Callamy which he has now in possession, not to be appraised, with his paying 15 pounds at the time abovementioned.

To my daughter Joyce Powell one Negro boy Joshua with her paying 15 pounds to the estate, not to be appraised.

To my daughter Jannet Shepherd one Negro girl Fillis which she has in her possession, not to be appraised, with her paying 5 pounds.

To my daughter Winnyfrit Coursey one Negro wench Dafney which she must
pay 65 pounds to the estate.

To my daughter Saley Powell one Negro Wench Catherior which she has now in possession with her paying 65 pounds to the estate.

To my beloved wife Joyce Riddel three Negroes Peter, George and Dol during her natural life or widowhood.

To my granddaughter Joyce Riddel daughter of Saley Powell one Negro boy Ben at the age of eighteen years old or marriage and if he should died before, I give her 70 pounds to be raised out of my estate in lieu of the boy, also one feather bed and furniture worth 9 pounds and to live with her grandmother and at her decease under the care of Lewis Riddle while of age or marries.

All the rest of my estate to be sold to the highest bidder and the money equally divided betwixt my seven children Winnifret, Janet, Parker, Joyce, William, Saly, and Lewis Riddel.

My beloved wife Joyce Riddel and my son James Riddel and my son Lewis Riddle executors.

William Riddel

Witnesses were: James Beazley, Edm Shackleford, John Pemberton, Phillip Stallord.