Bedford County Will Book 1, pages 127-128, Jonas Lawson’s Will, dated 5 April 1770: –
In the Name of God, Amen, I Jonas Lawson of Bedford Country and Russell Parish being indisposing in body but in perfect mind and memory so make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally, first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it not doubting but at the general revelation I shall receive the same again by the mighty powers of God as for my being I recommend it to the earth to be buried in a decent like and Christian burial at the declaration of my Executors and as touching at my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and depose of the same in the following manner, viz., one Negro man named Jack and Negro woman named Phillis which wench, I allow to be sold to any one for the support of the family and eighteen head of cattle, one mare, one horse, three beds and furniture and the household furniture which I give and bequeath to my well beloved relatives or grandchildren viz., David, William, John and James Lawson sons of David Lawson after my decease and this ordain my last will and testament revolting all other wills or testaments by me made. In witness whereof I do hereto by set my hand and seal this fifth day of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy.
Jonas – his X mark – Lawson L.S.
In presence of us – John McCord, Thomas Rodgers and Charles Cobbs
David Lason and William Lason Executors
At a Court held for Bedford County September 24th, 1771. The within last will and testament of Jonas Lawson deceased, was exhibited in Court and proved by the oaths of two of the witnesses there to subscribed and ordered to be recorded.
Teste Ben Howard CBC
