Athens Weekly Review  Athens, TX
March 25, 1925

Description: Will of Sam Houston Is Brought To Light On Texas Independence Day
                     Sam Houston at one time owned property in Henderson county.

Date: March 25 1925

Newspaper published in:

Source: Trinity Valley Community College Library

Athens Weekly Review
 
Will of Sam Houston Is Brought To Light On Texas Independence Day
Sam Houston at one time owned property in Henderson county. The veteran statesman and warrior owned 2391 acres on the Geo. T. Walters survey which he valued at only $1.00 per acre and 320 acres on the John H. Eaton survey valued at $2.00.
This will disposing of this property was filed at Huntsville on December 2, 1863 and later filed for record in this county. It was dug up recently in tracing the abstract on this property for leasing purposes. The Review is indebted to I. P. LaRue for a copy of the will. It will be read with especial interest today (Texas Independence Day.) 

"In the name of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I Sam Houston of the county of Walker and State of Texas, being aware of the uncertainty of Life and Certainty of Death, do ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament. "First. I will that all my just debts be paid out of my personal affects, as I think them sufficient, without disposing of any of the family servants.

"Second. I bequeath by entire remaining estate to my beloved wife Margaret, and our children, and I desire that they may remain with her, so long as she may remain in widowhood; I desire that my daughters, should be subject to her control so long as their minority last.

"Third. My will is that my sons should receive solid and useful education, and that no portion of their time may be devoted to the study of abstract sciences. I greatly desire that they may possess a thorough knowledge of the English language, with a good knowledge of the Latin language. I also instruct that they be instructed in the knowledge of the Holy scriptures; and next to these that they be rendered thorough in a knowledge of Geography and History. I wish my sons early taught
an utter contempt for novels and light reading. In all that pertains to my sons I wish particular regard paid to their morals as well as character and morals of those with whom they may be associated or instructed.

"Fourth. I leave to my wife as Executrix and tot the following gentlemen my executors, to Thomas Gibbs, Thomas Carothers, J. Carroll Smith and Anthony M. Branch, my much beloved friends, in whom I place my entire confidence, to make such disposition of my person and real estate as
may seem to them best for the necessities and interests and welfare of my family.

"Fifth. To my dearly beloved wife, Margaret, I confide the rearing, education and moral training of our sons and daughters.

"Sixth. To my eldest son, Sam Houston, Jr., I bequeath my sword worn in the battle of San Jacinto, never to be drawn only in defense of the Constitution, the laws and liberties of his country. It any attempt should ever be made to assail one of these, I wish it to be used in its vindication.
"Seventh. It is my will that my Library should be left at the disposition of my dear wife.

"Eighth. To my dearly beloved wife, I bequeath my watch and all my jewelry, subject to her disposition.

"Ninth. I hereby appoint my dearly beloved wife, Margaret, Testamentory guardian of my children their persons and estates during minority."But should a wise Providence, through its inscrutable decrees see fit to deprive our offsprings of both parents and make them orphans indeed, it
is hereby delegated to my executors who are hereby confirmed. J. Carroll Smith, Thomas Carothers, Thomas Gibbs and Anthony M. Branch to make such disposition in regard to their walfare, as they may think best calculated to carry out the designs as expressed in this my last will and Testament.

"Tenth. And I direct and enjoin my Executrix and Executors, that after the Probate and registry of this my last will, and return of an inventory of my estate, the county, or other court of probate, have no further control over my Executors, or Testamentory Guardian, or of my Estate.
"Done at Huntsville, the second day of April 1863 "Sam Houston"