In the name of God amen, I Ruel Lewis of the County of Brunswick and State of Virginia being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit. First I lend to my daughters Louisa and Jane Lewis the whole of the tract of land and appurtenances during their natural lives or celibacy and at the death of one of my daughters, all the land loaned, shall go to the other during her natural life or celibacy and at the death of both of them, my land must be equally divided between my two sons Fredk. W. and John Lewis to them and their heirs forever. Second, I lend to my daughters all the stock of all kinds, crops of all kinds on hand to be kept for their use, and used for the benefit of them upon the land during their lives or celibacy, and at the death of both of them or marriage, my will is that all the stock, crops of all kinds shall be given to my son John and his heirs forever. Third, As I have before given to my daughter Catherine Sadler and Nancy Abernathy each a bed and furniture, a cow, also to my son Fredk. & John each a bed. I give to my daughters Louisa and Jane Lewis each a bed and kitchen furniture to them and their heirs forever. Fourth, I hereby appoint my sons Fredk. and John Lewis my executors giving security to the Court.
Ruel (his mark) Lewis
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
Richard W. Feild
Robert Scoggin
Geo. C. Evans
Manson Scoggin
Inventory and appraisment of the Estate of Ruel Lewis dec'd taken the 11th day of November 1854.
Will Book 16, page 223, Brunswick County, Virginia