I, Anthony M. Ferguson of Russell County and state of Virginia, being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in the following to wit:
First, My will and choice is that all my just debts, funeral expenses be first paid out of personal estate.
Second, I give and bequeath to my daughter Jennett M. Ferguson five hundred acres of land to be laid off on the West siede of my farm and to include what is known as the Perry place and the division line between my said daughter Jennett M. Ferguson and the land ... given my son Anthony M. Ferguson's shall come due North and South.
Third. I give and bequeath to my son Anthony M. Ferguson all the residue of my land in Russell County subject to the provisions herein after made for my wife Catherine J. Ferguson. I also give my son Anthony M. Ferguson my machinery at the machine shop and all my hardware. I also give him my teams consisting of four mules and one horse and my wagon and jenny. I also give him all the timber which I purchased of Thos. P. Gilmer except ten trees which I give to my son W. M. Ferguson.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son, W. M. Ferguson, which I reserved in a conveyance heretofore made to him.
Sixth. What evre sum Wesley Carpenter may owe me at my death I give and bequeath to my two sons, Henry B. Ferguson and W. M. Ferguson.
Seventh. I give and bequeath my bull to my whole family.
Eighth. I give to my wife Catherine J. Ferguson the house in which we now live and one hundred fifty acres around and adjoining the same to use and control while she may live. I give and bequeath to my said wife Catherine J. Ferguson all the rest and residue of my personal property not herein before disposed of in her own right to dispose of as she may see fit, including household and kitchen furniture, corn and wheat and...and all livestock, and all notes and bonds and other residues of debt and my blacksmith shop and tools.
Ninth. My will and desire is that my son W. M. Ferguson have the use of my sawmill and machinery to prpare lumber to build him a dwelling and outbuilding and a cow house free of charge.
Tenth. Having heretofore made ample provisions for my other children, I give them nothing by this will.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my son John T. Ferguson excutor of this my last will and testament. In tetimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 6th day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Eight.
Anthony M. Ferguson (Seal)
Attest:
V. B. Gilmer
T. J. Gilmer
At a County Court continued and held for Russell County at the Court House thereof on Monday the 12th of November 1888 the last will and testament of A. M. Ferguson decd, was this day produced in Court and proven by the oath of V. B. Gilmer one of the subscribing witnesses thereto was thereupon ordered to be recorded.
Teste
T. Dickenson D.C.
(NOTE: The fifth bequest is missing from the copy of the will on file at the courthouse.)