Will of Thomas Preston Dated: 29 July 1797

Will Book 2, Page
219. 

In the name of Amen, I Thomas Preston being in perfect health thanks be
to god for it, do make this my last will and testament as followeth to
wit, I give leave and bequeth unto my eldest son Stephen one hundred and
fifty acres of land joining Wm Triggs line with all the improvements and
one negro boy call'd Jack, I give and bequeath my son Joel 454 acres of
land on Stanton River that he now lives on, also on negro boy call'd,
Ben, also I give my daughter Susanna instead of land, one negro women
call'd Clo, and one negro call'd Ceasor.  Also I give leave and bequeath
unto my son Thomas a tract of land between Tandam Branch and Baccon
Branch joining Henry Strattons line and so down the Tandam Branch to the
Cattail Branch, also one negro boy call'd Tony, also I give unto my son
John a tract of land lying between the Cattail Branch and John Pollards
line and one negro girl call'd Rhody, and the remaining part of land
where I now live unto my dear and loving wife during her widowhood and
no longer, also negro, Pheabe, Lid, and James, together will all horses,
cattle, sheep, hogs, and household furniture during her widowhood and no
longer.  I did give my son John ten pounds in cash instead of stock at
his marriage and if my son Thomas of Isaac dies without lawfull heirs,
or either of them (dies), those part of the land and negros to be
equally divided between my then living children  My will and desire is
that at the day of marriage of either of my young sons Thomas or Isaac
or all of them should have as much stock and household furniture paid
them before any division made as those already married, also my will and
desire is that my youngest son Isaac after my wife decease should have
and possess the plantation where I now live with all the land between
the Rich Hill Branch and Baccon Branch also one negro girl, Mary , my
desire is that the negeo woman Phebe should be free after my wifes
decease, and lastly I do appoint Stephen and Isaac my Exec. and my wife
Mary Exectrix of this my last will and testament which I charge them to
do the best they can that all may have thier equal part of my personal
estate after my just debts is paid.   As witness my hand this 29th day
of July 1797.  Signed: Thos Preston    Witnesses: John Phelps, Charles
Toney, and Randolph Phelps.

Attached to the will:
At a court held for Bedford County 26th day of February, 1798
     This last will and testament of Thos Preston deceased was proven by
the oath of John Phelps-Charles Toney and Randolph Phelps, witnessess
whose names are thereunto subscribed and ordered to be recorded, And on
the motion of Stephen Preston and Mary Preston one of the Exors and Exec
therein named who made oath thereto certificate is granted them for
obtaining probate thoerof___ form on giving _____ whereupon they
together with John Phelps their security entered into ____ their bond in
the ___ of one thousand pounds conditioned for Thos P. exors and Exx___
for the full adminstration of the deceaseds estate and performance of
this will, Liberty bring the other exor to join in the probate ____ 
wherein he shall think fit.  Teste: J. Steptoe, C.C.

Submitted by Frances Kaye Grimes <fgrimes@memphisonline.com>


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