The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-08-30
George Wushington's WIN.

with a history extending back nearly
TWO hundred years, It is not SURPRISING
that the records of Fairfax county, Va,
are interesting. The greatest treasure
which the courthouse contains, how
over, is tho original will of GEORGE
Washington. When Washington re-
tired from the office of President he
went to Mount Vernon, his country
seat, where, on tho 14th day of Decem-
Der, 1893, he died. Mount Vernon is
III Fairfax country, and the will was
therefore brought before the county
court for probate. The record of it is
as follows:
At Court held for the County of
Fairfax, the Goth january, 1900. This
Last Will and Testament of George
washington, deceased, late President
or the United States Of America, was
presented i'll Court by George Stoptoe
washington, Samuel Washington and
LaWrence Lewis, three Of the Executors
therein named, who made oath thereto
of Charles Little, Chas. Simms and
Ludwell Lee, to be in tho true hand
writing of the said Testator, as also the
Scedule thereto annexed, and the said
VIII, being scaled and signed by him, I
is on Motion Ordered to be Recorded.
And the said Executors having security
and performed what the Laws require
Certificate is granted them for obtain
ing probate thereof in due form.
IcStc: l.. DEN EALE.
U TO year or two ago tho will was
Kept ON I'll with other papers, notwith-
standing the distinction which its his
tOrlcal value attached to it. FREQUENT
handling, however, threatened it's de-
scruction and the walnut case, which 1t
at present occupies, was made to pro-
tect it. The will is plainly visible
through the glass top. 1t is ragged
and torn, and slightly discolored by
age. 1lalf of the first page, which
commences "In tho name of the Lord,
Amen" seems to be missing, and tho
other pages arc kept in place by two
straps, The ink IS well preserved, be-
ing as back and distinct, apparently, az
when first written. The will is written
on letter paper, nnruled, in plain,
round hand, easily lcgiblc. 1t is quite
lengthy, occupying twenty-five pages
OF the large record book into which it
| has been copied. 1t goes into specifics
deyises and is dated at Mount Vernon,
July 8, 1899. The case containing the
original is kept in tiro-proof safe.
The schedule which forms IL part of
| the will contains list of the property
| owned by Washington. An interesting
| extract from this part Of the ducumen mt
is as follows:
The two lots near the Capitol, in
square G34, cost me 1903 only but in
| this pric0 l was fay0ured, on condition
| that should build two Brick houses,
thcce storey high each. Without this
reduction the selling price of those lots
would have cost me about 81 $50.
These lots, with the buildings thereon,
when completed, will stand mo in $l5,-
| 600 at least.
Lots No, 5, 12, 13 and ID on the
Eastern branch are advantagcously sit
uatcd on the water, and although many
lots, much less convenient, have sold Il
great deal higher. l will rate these at
twelve cents the square foot only.
Square GA is bounded on the south
by Is street, on the west by New jersey
avenue, on the north by G street, and
on the east by North Capitol street.
The two lots which Washington refer
red to were lot 1G, fronting tifty-four
feet on North Capitol street, and part
of lots and Z, having about the same
frontage on New Jersey avenue. The
first lot was purchased by Washington
from Daniel Carroll, but there is no
deed of the sale on record. In the Of
flee Of the District commissioners, how
ever, there is proof Of the purchase.
Washington's heirs sold it to David
English and w. S. Nichols, and in
course OF time it was purchased by
Admiral Wilkes. 1t is now owned by
the National Savings bank. 1t is the
site of the Iillman house, a building
originally built by Washington and oc-
cupied by him as a residence. 1t isnow
assessed at $4,000. The property on
New Jersey avenue has been subdivid-
cd again and again, until its history IS
difficult to trace. AS near as can be
ascertained, however, it is now owned
by Albert G. Hall George Jeunoman
and M. Kammerer, trustees Of T.. III.
Leutner, having total assessed value
Of $4,000. The lot on the Eastern
branch cannot be located.