Valley of the Shadow
The Eve of War
Fall 1859–Spring 1861

Letters & Diaries

Augusta County Court Will Book #37 page 256
John Walker


I John Walker of the County of Augusta and State of Virginia do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills testaments & c.

1st I give and bequeath my twelve acres lot adjoining the town of Legion Texas to the Rev. Jno. Rogers & Doctor Reid of Gaudaloupe County Texas in trust for the use of the Presbyterian church in Legion.

2nd I give and bequeath to my three nephews James A. Craig Wm. B. Craig and Archibld[sic] Walker one hundred dollars each to be applied to there[sic] instruction in some good academy. It is further my will and desire that a thirty five dollar saddle be given as a prize to the one who shall excel in scholarship deportment. Said prize to be awarded by the trustees and teachers of their schools. It is however my wish that my nephew Wm B. Craig shall not be required to contest scholarship with the others if his shall interfere with his progress in his studies but in that event to be examined on deportment alone.

3rd It is my will and desire that the remainder of my property after the payment of all my just debts be devided[sic] equally between my my [sic] father my mother my brothers and sisters. I herby appoint my brother James a. Walker sole executor of this will.

Given under my hand this 19th day of march 1858

John Walker (signed) James Walker (signed) Samuel Whitmore (signed)