Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 14: 125
Will of Samuel Preston
Dated 2 Feb. 1847, recorded 23 Feb. 1857
Abstracted by D. Powell, June 2008 from FHL mf#34360
Samuel Preston of the County of Washington, state of Virginia
1. In regards to children of my first marriage: Jane Irby, Thomas M. Preston and Nancy Preston (now dead) who intermarried with Samuel A. Preston and died leaving children. I have already given them each a Negro slave and other property, being all that I intend to give them – taking into account the difficulties of housing and educating my young family.
2. Beloved wife Rebecca: plantation on which I now live including place where Robert[s?] now lives; at her death to my 3 children: Ann, William and Elizabeth (if one dies to be divided among survivors)
3. Also to Rebecca during her life all the slaves: Rose, Madison, Andy, J__stan Ben and Eliza, Nancy and young Rose and likewise all my stock, furniture and farming tools; at her death the slaves and personal property to my 3 children Ann, William and Elizabeth.
4. Should either of my 2 daughters or my son marry during my wife’s lifetime she may give them at her discretion a portion of the property to be accounted at the final settlement. Rebecca to have control and management of the plantation during her lifetime.
5. No appraisement or sale of property to be done except to pay any debts
Son Thomas Preston appt executor; no security to be required
2 Feb. 1847 Samuel Preston
Wit:
Robert F. Preston
Wm C. Roberts
John Preston
23 Feb. 1857; will presented at court by John and Robert Preston and ordered recorded. Thomas M. Preston took oath of executor with bond of $20,000