Son of Ignatius Wills

Elizabeth's will was written 27 Aug. 1874 (Winston still alive at that time). Elizabeth's will probated 23 June 1890 in Bedford. The children may have waited until after Winston died to divide the property. The text of her will follows just below. In addition, when Winston's Father-In-Law (Robert Gibbs) prepared his will, he included his daughter, Elizabeth (Gibbs) Wills, and her children in it. A copy of the Robert Gibb's Will  follows Elizabeth Wills' Will.

I, Elizabeth Wills, wife of Winston Wills, of the County of Bedford, State of Virginia, being of sane mind and disposing memory, and , not knowing how long I may enjoy these inestimable blessings, and, furthermore, to avoid all c____ and disputations about the goods and chattels that a kind Providence has permitted me to accumulate, and ordain this my last will and testament in manner & form as follows this that is to say 1-First; I give and bequeath unto my beloved husband Winston Wills, during his natural life a support out of my estate, hereinafter described, due at his death, the following named property to my dearly beloved children in fee Simple; To my son Samuel Wills and daughter Lucy Cornelia Wills, I give and bequeath my present residence and forty acres of Land adjacent thereto; To my son William (commonly called Buck), the house and twenty acres of Land adjoining it now in the occupancy of Wm. Powell; and if my daughter, Julia Ann, the wife of the said Wm. Powell, should become a widow then, it is my will and desire that my son Wm. (commonly called Buck) shall provide a home in his house for her - My household and kitchen furniture, I give & bequeath unto my Sons Samuel & Wm.(commonly called Buck) and my daughter Lucy Cornelia.--The residue of my real estate I give and bequeath unto my Sons, Robert, Melton, Bennett & John Wills, to be equally divided among them; Share and Share alike,- lastly--I hereby constitute and appoint my beloved husband Winston Wills, my sole executor of this my last will and Testament; and desire that he may not be required to give Security for the faithful performance of the duties hereby imposed on him -In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand, and affixed my seal this twenty Seventh day of August AD. Eighteen hundred & Seventy four.

Elizabeth Wills

Signed, sealed and declared (Seal)

in presence of

Wm. T. Ladd

Mollie F. Wills

Henry O. Wills

 At Bedford County Court June 23rd 1890

This last will and testament of Elizabeth Wills deceased,bearing date on the twenty seventh day of August 1874. was produced in Court, and proved according to law by the oaths of Mollie F. Wills and Henry O. Wills two of the subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordained to be recorded as the true last will and testament of the said Elizabeth Wills deceased.

Teste,

RoS. Quarles, C.B.C.

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Robert GIBBS Will (not dated) - Text courtesy of June Marchman

In the name of God Amen. I Robert Gibbs of the County of Bedford & State of Virginia, being of sound mind, do make this my will and testament, hereby revoking all others by me.

1st It is my wish and desire that all my just debts be paid

2nd I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Wills my entire tract of Land lying on the Flat Top mountain containing 150 acres to be held by her for her use & support & subject in now way whatever to be sold or subjected under any circumstances to the payment of any debt or contract of her husband Winston Wills, as it my desire & wish for it to be secured to her for her benefit without power to sell or convey, and to be disposed of by her at her death as she may wish. Also I give to my aforesaid daughter Elizabeth Wills my two horses now on the plantation & used by Winston Wills, also all the household furniture not herein disposed of, to others, it is my wish for it to be distinctly understood that the property hereby conveyed to my daughter Elizabeth Wills held by her for her benefit, not intending to prejudice the interest of anyone, being satisfied myself after mature thought that it was right and proper for me to give it.

3rd I give to my Grand daughter Julia Ann Wills my feather Bed & furniture known as my & my wife’s bed.

4th I give to my Grand son Sam Wills my Shot gun.

I hereby appoint Reives S. Scruggs as my Executor to this my last will & the Court will not require security of him--In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name

Robert Gibbs (signature)

Witness

Henry Cooper

Mary F. Wills

Henry O. Wills

Examined