Last Will and Testament
James Hal Drewry (1839 - 1864)
Southampton County, Va.

In the name of God, Amen. I, James H. Drewry, of the County of Southampton, State of Virginia, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
Item I I give my tract of land to my brother, William H. Drewry, provided he will pay two thousand dollars as I will hereafter direct. I also give him one third part of the balance of my estate. Should my said brother die leaving no will disposing of this property I then direct it shall descend to his children or such of them as may arrive to the age of twenty one years or marry. If there should be none __ I then give the said property to my nieces and nephews, descendants of my sisters, Mary Jane Mallory and Martha F. Prince, or such of them as may live to such age or marry.
Item II I give one third part of my negroes and money to my three nieces, Pattie, Mollie and Anna Mallory, also one thousand dollars to be paid by my brother for the consideration of the land at such time as he is put in possession of the same provided my said nieces live to arrive to the age of twenty one years or marry. Should either die before such period then to the survivors and if all three should die before such period then the said property shall descend to my nieces and nephews descendants of my sister Martha F. Prince and my brother William H. Drewry or such of them as may arrive at the age of twenty one or marry ____ and furthermore I appoint my brother William H. Drewry guardian of this property for my said nieces and I desire that this property shall not be removed from this County.
Item III I give one third part of my negroes and money to my sister Martha F. Prince during her natural life also one thousand dollars for the same period the one thousand dollars to be paid by my brother for the consideration of the land when he is put in possession of the same. At my said sisters death the said property shall descend to her child or children or such of them as may arrive to the age of twenty one years or marry, and if none then the said property shall descend to my nephews and nieces descendants of my brother William H. Drewry and my sister Mary Jane Mallory or such of them as may live to the age of twenty one years or marry. I constitute and appoint my brother William H. Drewry my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament. I request of the court before which this will may be brought for probat not to require security from my brother, administrator of my estate. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 5th day of September 1861.

James H. Drewry