Sept. 24, 1798

 Lawrenceville, Virginia
Will Book 6, Page 180

In the name of God, Amen !
I, Thomas Preston, of Brunswick County being in good health and of sound mind and memory, thanks be to my blessed God for the same, but calling to mind that it is appointed of God for man once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. And first of all I give my soul to God that gave it to me, hoping for the resurrection to eternal life and my body to the dust from whence it came to be buried in such manner as my Executors hereafter mentioned shall think fit, and as for my worldly estate that God has been pleased to bestow on me, I give and bequeath as in manner and for me following:

Item. My desire is that my just debts be first paid.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Preston my money scales to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Anna Dunkin five shillings to her and hers forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Bettey five shillings to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Preston fifty acres of land lying on the north side of the Rode to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary Preston all the rest of my Estate both land and personal that I have not mentioned during her life and after her death I give it equally to be divided between my son Joshua Preston and my son James Preston and daughter Mary Preston to them and their heirs forever and lastly I do appoint my son Joshua Preston and my son James Preston, Executors to this my last Will and Testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven--this revoking all other wills.

                                                                                Thomas X Preston (Seal)
                                                                                        his mark

Brunswick
Him and his heirs forever of Thomas Preston legassary.
Assigned, signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us:
                                                                  Charles Collier
                                                                  Charles Collier, J.
                                                                  Theo Harrison

Brunswick Count Court September 24, 1798
This last will and testament of Thomas Preston deceased was proved by the oaths of Charles Collier, Sr. and Theophilus Harrison witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of James Preston one of the Executors therein named, he having made oath thereto according to law and together with Charles Collier, Jr. and Myhill Collier his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of three thousand dollars with condition as the law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form liberty being reserved the other Executors to join in the probate when he thinks fit.

                                                                                                Teste
                                                                                                Herbert Hill CBC
                                                                                                W. E. Elmore, Clerk

This will supplied by David Corley