Athens Weekly Review

March 25, 1925
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"

Got an old record we can use????

e-mail or Holli Kees

Old Newspapers of Henderson County

Back To Henderson County TXGenWeb

This site is owned and maintained by & Holli Kees.  Content of this site has been gathered from many sources and transcribed records. Therefore, errors may occur. When in doubt as to the accuracy of data contained herein, go to the actual records yourself.  If you find any inaccurate data, please let us know.  The information contained in this website is for your personal use only.  All pages, compilations, transcriptions and abstracts are protected by copyright law and may not be published in whole or in part without written consent of the author, contributor and/or webmaster.

� Copyright 2001 - Present