Virginia Memory, Library of Virginia
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THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY

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April 21, 1814

Charles City County (Virginia) Circuit Court, Deed and Will Book, 1808—1824, Local Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Charles City County (Virginia) Circuit Court, Deed and Will Book, 1808—1824, Local Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Charles City County (Virginia) Circuit Court, Deed and Will Book, 1808—1824, Local Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Charles City County (Virginia) Circuit Court, Deed and Will Book, 1808—1824, Local Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia

Mary Willing Byrd's Will Was Proved in Court

Mary Willing Byrd (1740–1814) became a wealthy widow during the Revolutionary War after the death of her husband in early 1777. The second wife and executrix of William Byrd (1728–1777), she inherited his debts and a life interest in most of his property. Through astute business deals and by maintaining neutrality while the armies literally moved through her home, she protected the Westover estate and property for their children and grandchildren. Mary Byrd's will enumerated many specific bequests of furniture and household goods.