Will of Nancy Preas - 1844
Written: 29 August 1844 Presented: 23 December 1844
In the name of God, Amen, I, Nancy Preas of the County of Bedford and State of Virginia being sick in body but of
sound mind and disposing memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous of disposing of all such
worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me with to make and ordain this my last will & testement revoking all other wills
and testaments heretofore made by me.
1st. After my decease I will and desire that all my just debts and funeral expences be paid by my executor out of my estate.
2nd. After my decease I will and bequeath to my nephew, Thomas Preas, with whom I now live (on condition that he pay over
the sum of fifty dollars as I shall herein after direct my tract of land containing 45 acres and adjoining the lands of Margaret
Preas, Fielding Jeter, Joseph Preas, and others being the same tract of land I drew in the division of my fathers estate.
3rd. After my decease it is my will and desire that my nephew, Thomas Preas, with whom I now live, have one of my beds
with its usual furniture.
4th. After my decease it is my will and desire that my two Sisters, Sally and Amy Preas, have my other bed and furniture with all
of my weaving apparel, also all of my cooking vessels.
5th. After my decease it is my will and desire that the fifty dollars that is to be paid over by my nephew, Thomas Preas, be equally
divided between my two brothers, Thomas Preas, Joseph Preas, and my sister, Polly Brown.
6th. After my decease it is my will and desire that my sister, Polly Browns female children have my riding saddle as a family saddle.
7th. After my decease it is my will and desire that all of my property not heretofore in this my last will and testement disposed of after
my just debts and funeral expenses are paid, be equally divided among my several nieces herein after named (rliz?), Roda
Blankenship, Harriet Basshram, Elizabeth Fouts, Permelia Brown, Sally Brown, Nancy Brown, Wilmouth Brown,
Elizabeth A. Preas, Scila Preas, Polly Fuqua, Nancy Preas, Amy Preas, Rutha Sense, and Patsy Pendleton.
Lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint my nephew, Thomas Preas, with whom I now live, executor of this my last will and testement.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed my seal this 29th day of August 1844.
Nancy “X” Preas
(seal)
(Her mark)
Signed. Sealed. Published & declared by Nancy Preas as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who, at her
request and in her presence, signed our names as witnesses.
Henry P. Williamson
Buford W. Sinclair
At a Court held for Bedford County the 23rd day of December 1844. this last will and testement of Nancy Preas Deceased
was produced in Court proven by the oath of Henry P. Williamson and Buford W. Sinclair subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered
to be recorded and on the motion of Thomas Preas Jr. who made oath and together with Thomas Preas Sr. his security, entered
into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of twelve hundred dollars, conditioned according to law, certificate is granted him for
obtaining a probate? on said will in due form.
Teste Ro O. Mitchell C.B.C