Thomas Best seeks a partition of the slaves that once belonged to his late brother, John Best. The petitioner notes that Henry Best directed in his will, dated 1773, that his wife, Sarah Best, have use of the slaves during "her natural life, and after her death, the said five negroes ... and their increase to be equally divided between my Two sons John Best & William Best." Thomas reports that Sarah died "Some time in the year 1788" and "John Best also departed this life Intestate and without Issue in consequence whereof your Orator as Eldest Brother of the said John is legally Intitled to his part of the aforesd. negroes & their Increase." He asks the court to appoint commissioners for the purpose of dividing the slave property between him and William Best, a minor.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
