Bedford County Courthouse
Will Book 20, pp375-376
Will of Thomas Bowyer
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas B. Bowyer of Bedford County, Virginia, being of sound mind and disposing memory do hereby make my last Will and Testament:
First, after my death I desire my executor to pay all my just debts. Second, so long as my beloved wife Elizabeth A Boyer remains unmarried after my death, I give and bequeath to her the property upon which we now live including all the stock that may be on the place at my death, all to be managed and controlled for her use and benefit so long as she remains my widow and no longer.
Third, In the event of my wife's marrying again after my death I desire that my executor shall then sell all my property of whatever kind it may be upon the best terms and then divide the proceeds of the sale equally amongst my children then living, or the children of such as may then be dead, the portion going to my daughter Lucinda V. Stanley, wife of James Stanley to be held by my exeutor for the benefit of my said daughter and her children then living.
Fourth, In addition to the share of equality that my son James W. Bowyer is to have of my estate I direct that my executor shall pay him out of my estate five hundred dollars.
Fifth, I hereby appoint Samuel P. Helms(Nelms?) my executor. In testimony whereof I heretofore sign my name and affix my seal this 5th day of April 1862.
Thomas B. Boyer
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in our presence who being together attest this at the request of the testator in the presence of each other,
S.P. Nelms
J. A. Aunspaugh
Jos. Aunspaugh