In the Name of God Amen the 23th day of May 1698. I William STURDEY of Stafford County in Virginia being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God therefore calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men _____ to dye doe make and ordaine this my last will and testament that is to say Principally and ffirst of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the Earth to buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executrix nothing doubting but at the ___ all Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the might power of God.
I dispose of my estate in mannor following. ____ I give and bequeath to Margaret STURDEY my dearly beloved Wife and my son Robert STURDEY all my personal Estate to them and their heirs or executors for ever my said Wife making payment of all such debts out of my said estate as is any way and or owing by bill booke or other wise from me to the said persons. Executrix of this my last will and testament I do appoint to be my Loving wife Margaret STURDEY as Wittness my hand day and date above mentioned my hand and soul. Signed. Wil. STUD. Wit: Rott. [Robert] WEIGHTT [Wright], Margaret Wright, John JACKSON his mark. (London Public Record Office, The National Archives of the United Kingdom, PROB 11/546) [When the will was proved, Robert Sturdey is named as a minor.]