Washington Co., Virginia Will Bk 15: 253
Will of Thomas McConnell
will and first codicil dated 24 August 1859; second codicil dated 5 Nov. 1861
recorded 25 Nov. 1861
Thomas McConnell of Washington Co., Virginia
1. just debts paid
2. to children John S. McConnell, Sally Melissa King, Rosanna Pemberton, Thomas McConnell, and Abram A. McConnell $10 each having given them their full share of my estate already. Also $10 to Robert Cowan who married my daughter Mary Jane
3. daughters Elizabeth C. King and Susan E. King and their heirs forever that part of my plantation on which I live lying N and E of a line drawn as follows: beginning at the SW post of the first large gate on the road NE of my house thence with the fence from said gate through the field to I.H. Lathim’s line, thence with Lathim’s line to A.A. McConnell’s corner, thence with A.A. McConnell’s line to his corner on John Minnick’s line with Minnick’s line to the road through the little knobs thence through the gap of the knobs such courses and distances as will leave a good road through said gap to the post at the beginning.
4. to wife Louisa the east end of my house during her natural life. Also the land included in the following boundary: beginning at my well and following the road and the lane towards I.H. Lathim’s so far as to include the first field west of the house, thence with the back fo___ of said field a straight line to George McDaniel’s line thence with McDaniel’s ___ [too dark to read] Minnick’s line and with Minnick’s line to a point south east of ___ [too dark to read]
thence a straight line to the beginning. At her death tract reverts to son Andrew McConnell. Wife to also have 1 brown horse (Dick), 1 cow, 6 hogs, 1 good bed, bedding and bedstead, 1 cooking stove and 1 half round table.
5. to son Andrew McConnell the west end of my house with all the residue of my land; also 1 bay mare (Mary Taylor), 1 young horse, 2 choice cows, 1 rifle, 1 large plough with gearing for 2 horses, 1 sideboard, 2 beds, bedding and bedstead and 1 new bureau.
6. all residue of my personal property to be sold by executor on 12 months credit; from proceeds $400 to my grandson William R. Cowan when he turns 21. Any other proceeds (also the $400 should William die) to be equally divided amongst all my children or their heirs (taking their parent’s share). In this bequest I wish my wife Louisa to receive a child’s share equal to other children.
Appoint son Abram A. McConnell executor, revoking all former wills.
24 Aug. 1859 Thomas McConnell
wit
Jonathan King
George McDaniel
Alfred McDaniel
Codicil
Direct executor to allow my wife Louisa to retain all property she brought to my house since her marriage with me. I do not consider it as a part of my estate and wish her to hold it as if the marriage had never taken place.
24 Aug. 1859 Thomas McConnell
wit.
J. King
George McDaniel
Alfred McDaniel
Codicil
I wish to include my youngest daughter Mary Louisa in the 3rd clause so that the lands described in said 3rd article be equally divided between my 3 daughters Elizabeth C. King, Susan E. King and Mary Louisa. However if Mary Louisa died or marries before she reaches 21 then land is to be divided as stated between daughters Elizabeth and Susan.
5 Nov. 1861 Thomas (his mark) McConnell
wit
James S. McConnell
A. C. Maxwell
Court held 25 Nov. 1861: the will and two codicils were produced in court. The will and the codicil dated 24 Aug. 1859 were proved on the oath of Alfred McDaniel; David O. King and John G. Kreger stated they were well acquainted with the handwriting of Jonathan King, another witness, who was deceased. The codicil dated 5 Nov. 1861 was proved by the oath of James S. McConnell and Alexander C. Maxwell. Will and codicils ordered recorded. Abram A. McConnell took oath of executor; bond of $2,000 with David O. King his security.