Will of Robert Jones of Washington County Virginia 1833

Source: Washington County, Virginia Will Books, 1777-1845, Vol. 4-6 1812-1834. FHL film #34357. Vol. 6, p. 347. Record transcribed by C. E. Edwards

I Robert Jones of Washington County and state of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in form following to wit:

First, I direct that all my just debts be paid. If my boy James continues to be a good servant, I direct that he be kept in the place but if he should turn out grievous I wish my Executor to have or sell him whichever he may deem of most advantage to my estate.

I direct that my servant girl Margaret be sold. The rest of my slaves I direct to be kept upon the place until my children come of age if they are good servants. If not, I direct that my Executor sell or have as may best suit the interests of my estate. I also direct that there be left for the use of my farm three horses and any two youngest colts and the rest of any horses are to be sold. I direct that there be kept for the use of the farm four oxen if necessary and as many milk cows as will be needed for the use of my family. I further direct that ll of my stock of hogs and sheep, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture to remain on the place for the use of my family. I also direct that if my Executor should think that it would be of advantage to my family to rent my machinery he is authorized to do so; but if my family and Executor should agree that it would be of most advantage for my family to work the machinery they are also authorized to do it.

I also direct that should my wife Catharine Jones marry that the business of my estate be closed at that time by my Executor so that my wife gets one third part of my estate during her natural life or whatever the law directs as dower. And the residue of my property to be equally divided amongst my children. I further direct that if my wife does not marry that my estate is to be used for the maintenance and education of my family in common until my youngest child becomes of age, and then it is to be equally divided amongst my children making a legal provision for my wife. If any Executor should be of opinion that the dower assigned by law to my wife when my youngest child comes of age not sufficient for her maintenance, he is authorized to add such from my estate until he thinks it sufficient for her comfortable support. I also direct that R. B. Edmondson be my Executor. In witness whereof I affix my hand and seal this 20th October 1833.

Signed Robert Jones

Attest: Samuel Dunn, David Jones, Benjamin Glenn

At a Court held for Washington County the 27th day of January 1834

The last will and testament of Robert Jones deceased was exhibited in court and proved by the oath of Benjamin Glenn one of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the matter of R. B. Edmondson the executor therein named who took the oath of an executor prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of Five Thousand dollars with Parker Smith and John Clark his securities conditioned as the law directs. A Certificate is therefore given him for the probate of the said will in due form. And at a court continued and held for said county the 28th day of January 1834 the will further proved in court by the oath of Samuel Dunn and David Jones witnesses thereto.

Clerk, Jacob Lynch