James Browning
Will Book 8 Page 91 Russell Co. Courthouse, Lebanon Va.
In the name of God amen I James Browning of the County of Russell in the State of Virginia, being very feeble in body but of sound mind and deposing memory.
First, I give my soul into the hand of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth from whence it came, to be buried in a decent Christian like manner.
Second, it is my wish that my executor pay all my honest just debts and funeral expenses.
Third, I give my wife Jane Browning all my moneys and all my property that I have not disposed of by this Will. Such as my house, household and kitchen furniture, which she may dispose of during her life in any way she may think property except my Iron tooth Harrow a hill side Plow and a pair of Stretchers, and a piece of Long Chain which I have given to James Long, and my Clock I have given to my Daughter Mary Long and I have given to Cyntha Jane Long her Grand Mothers side saddle and a beaurow and I have to my Grandson Harry Long son of James Long my saddle.
Fourth, it is my wish that my property shall not be sold by my executor but shall be equally divided immediately after the death of my wife by the persons herein named to wit: Abel Alderson, William Sample, Abram Nordike and if either of the above named persons can not be got to serve it is my wish that Thomas D. P. Dickenson be called on to serve and the three men above named shall forthwith meet and value all the property which may be left at the death of my wife and the property so valued shall be equally divided between my son Jessee Browning and my Daughter Mary Long and the eight hundred dollars which will become me due at our deaths which is the last payment on the Land sales and I wish the said Eight hundred dollars to be received by the three men above chosen in such money as will count dollar for dollar when the land was sold and the said three men shall divide the Eight hundred dollars between my son Jessee Browning and my Daughter Mary Jane Long giving two hundred dollars the most of the said eight hundred dollars to Mary Jane Long and that Jessee Browning and Mary Jane Long pay all the expenses of having this will recorded and the expenses of dividing said property. And I hereby disinherit all my other heirs in consequence of the laws as they now are. And lastly I constitute and appoint Abel Alderson my Executor of this my last will and testament. Hereby revoking all former wills as Witness my hands and Seals this 6th day of June 1863
(Signed) James Browning
in the presence of us Abram Nordike, R F Owens James McClur
At the court held for Russell County at the Court House on the 3rd day of October 1865 The last Will and Testament of James Browning was this day produced in Court and proved by the Oaths of Abram Nordike and R. F. Owens two of the Subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.