I, Sterling Crowder of the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia, being of sound and disposing mind, do make this my last will and Testament, revoking all others hither to made by me, As soon after mydecease as my Executor, herein after to be named, shall deem advisable, I wish all my perishable property to be sold at public auction, the proceeds of net sale to be applied to the payment of my past debts. The balance of my estate I wish to be kept together for the maintenance and education of my children, till my youngest child attains the age of twenty-one years, at which time, I desire that my estate both real and personal should be divided equally- My wife taking her thirds during life, or a childs part in fee simple. I wish my Executor to furnish my boys, as they arrive at the age of twenty-one years, with a good horse, saddle, and bridle. Also to pay my daughters when they marry, the sum of fifty dollars.
It is my wish that my sons and daughters, when they reach the age of twenty one years or marry, shall make to Baxter Lambert a relinquishment of their right to the land (107 acres) which I sold him and which belonged to my first wife. Should either of my sons or daughters refuse to make this relinquishment, then I revoke the specific bequest to him or her that refused-
I would prefer that my Executor should employ one of my sons, either Julius or Wiley, to manage my plantation affairs.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint John S. Harris Executor to this my last will and Testament. Witness my hand and seal this the 27th April 1848.
Sterling Crowder (Seal)
Witness
James E. Crichton
William Nash
Wyatt Adams
John Stanley
Edmund B. Webb
Brunswick County Court November term 1848
This last will and testament of Sterling Crowder was proved by the Oaths of James E. Crichton and John Stanley witnesses therto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of John S. Harris the executor therein named who made oath thereto according to Law, and together with R.H.H. Wallton and Thomas I. Hicks his securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $15000. Conditioned as the Law directs, certificate is granted him, for obtaining a probate--of said will in due form.
Ex'd. E.R.Turnbull, Clk.
Will Book 15, page 201, Brunswick County, Virginia
Contributed on February 24, 1997 by S. Lepow