Last Will and Testament
James David Humphrey Drewry (1836 - 1873)
Southampton County, Va.

I, Jas. D.H. Drewry of the County of Southampton and State of Virginia do make and constitute this my last will and testament as follows.
Item 1st I loan to my wife, Martha J. Drewry, during her life that portion of my land lying West and South of the public road and North of a straight line running from Mr. J.H. Johnson's (farm) to the swamps. It is plainly seen that his tract of land contains my dwelling and all the houses and land adjacent to the dwelling. I also give her during her life all of my household and kitchen furniture also two mules or horses and provisions for one year also four head of cattle. I give her the privilege to get fire wood on any part of my plantation and also building timber for the purpose of keeping the farm in good repairs or for building additional improvements. I also give her the privilege of getting rail timber any where on the plantation.
Item 2nd I desire the remainder of my land to be rented out for the material benefit of my children to share alike.
Item 3rd I give to my son James E. Drewry when he arrives at twenty one years of age that portion of my land lying East and South of the public road adjoining the lands of W.R. Worrell and J.H. Johnson including the cotton gin house.
Item 4th I give to my next oldest son William F. Drewry one half of my land lying South of the land loaned to my wife when he arrives at twenty one years of age. I also give him four hundred dollars to be raised out of my estate I also give him my watch.
Item 5th I give to my son Thomas J. Drewry when he arrives at twenty one years of age the other half of the tract of land lying South of the tract loaned to my wife. I also give him five hundred dollars to be raised out of my estate.
Item 6th I give to my son Paul W. Drewry at the death of my wife, all the land which I have loaned to her, provided he is twenty one years old at her death, but if he is not twenty one years old at her death then I wish the land to be rented out for the benefit of all my children, at twenty one years of age he shall take possession of it.
Item 7th If any of my children should die before arriving at twenty one years of age I desire his portion shall be equally divided among the survivors. I do not desire any of my land to be sold under any circumstances.
Item 8th I hereby appoint my father James Drewry sole executor of this my last will and testament. And ask that the court will not require of him any security for the settlement of my estate. Signed and sealed with my own hand this 26th day of March 1873.

James D. H. Drewry