I Mahala Powers of the county of Russell and state of Virginia, knowing the uncertainity of this mortal life and being of sound mind and disposing memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First, I desire that after my death I may be decently burried and all my legal and necessary expences Encluding all my just debts if any be paid by my executor herinafter named.
Second I give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Corra Lark, one hundred dollars to be paid to her by my executor.
Third I give and bequeath to my Daughter Lucinda Steele Five hundred dollars to be invested in the tract of land now owned by Doctor Jonah William's Wife - Inherited from her Father Thomas Gibson being on the south side of Moccasin ridge and the same to be the separate and sole estate of my Daughter Lucinda Steel and shoud my Daughter's Husband, John Steel, or my said Daughter Provide me a comfortable home and reasonable attention on said land such as getting me firewood, Milling, and all necessary care from my comfort during my lifetime, their the said tract of land to be the sole and separate estate of my aforesaid Daughter, Lucinda Steel.
Fourth and upon the faithful performance of the condition written in the third clause, I will and bequeath to my Daughter Lucinda Steel and her husband John Steel the entire amount of money remaining due me from the executor of R. D. Powers dec'd.
Fifth I further more bequeath to my daughter Lucinda Steel my cow, bed, bed stead, and all my bed clothing.
Lastly I do here constitute and appoint John Steel executor of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills made by me. In witness whereof I hereto set my hand and seal the 6th day of October 1888.
Mahala X Powers (Her mark)
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of
J. H. Candler,
B. F. Francisco
At a County Court began and held for the Russell County at the Court House thereof the 3rd day of February 1891, the Last Will and Testament of Mahala Powers dec'd was this day produced in court, and proven by the oath of J. H Candler one of the subscribing Witnesses there to who testifies that he witnessed the same at the request of said Mahala Powers deceased and in her presence and in the presence of B. F. Francisco the other subscribing witness there to and thereupon ordered to be recorded and thereupon John Steel the executor named in said will, this day appeared in Court and entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of ($1200.00) Twelve Hundred Dollars, together with J. H. Candler as his security thereto, conditioned according to law, and thereupon said Steel took the several oaths required by law a certificate is therefore granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the Estate of said Mahala Powers dec'd in due form.
A copy test:
T. F. Dickenson D.C.