In the name of God Amen. I William Ramsey of the County of Russell and State of Virginia, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament. That is to say. First after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, the residue of my estate real & personal I give and bequeath and dispose of as follows to wit: To my Beloved wife all my estate both real and personal during the term of her natural life, and after her death, to be divided equally among my heirs. Likewise I make, constitute and appoint Charles C.J. Dickenson to be executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this the twenty fourth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy six.
William Ramsey (Seal)
The above written instrument was subscribed by the said William Ramsey in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last will and testament and we at the testators request, and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereto and written opposite our name respective place of residence.
C.C.J. Dickenson Bickleys Mill VA
William B. Self x his mark Bickleys Mill VA
At a court began and held for Russell County at the Courthouse thereof on Tuesday the 18th day of April 1876. The last will and testament of William Ramsey was this day produced in Court and proven by the oath of C.C.J. Dickenson one of the subscribing witnesses thereto is continued until the third day of this term.
Teste: V.B. Gilmer D.C.
At a Court continued and held for Russell County at the Courthouse thereof on Thursday the 20th day of April 1876. The last will and testament of William Ramsey was this day again produced in court and the proof thereof completed by the oath of William Self another subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded and thereupon C.C.J. Dickenson the Executor therein named appeared in court and refused to qualify, and on the motion of Joel Ramsey who took oath of an administrator prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged a bond in the sum of $400.00 together with H.G. Kiser, his security thereto conditioned according to law. A certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration with the annexed on the estate of William Ramsey in due form.
Teste: V.B. Gilmer D.C.