Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-02-01
CITY AND DISTRICT
THOMAS JEFFERsON's WILL.
An 1ntercSfing Old Document on File al
the Distrtct BuiIdiux.

Among the old records stored away In the vault
at the District building Is a copy OF the viii OF
Thomas Jefferson. fled In the archives or the Dis
trict years ago, 50 long ago that one connected
with the District government to-day knows the
purpose for which 10 was placed on record there.
This old document is dated March ID, 1895 IL be-
Quest1s TO his grandson, Francis Eppes lands at
Poplar FOreS, and subjects all his o. her property
first 10 the payment OF tue debts OF the deceased
In Consideration Of the insolyent state OF the
affairs OF his sOn-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph
he leaves the residue Of his property In trust for
his daughter, Martha Randolph, to become hers alb
sOlutely at the death Of Thomas Mann RAN
dolph This course, the Will explains, Is taken to
secure the property against the claims OF Mr..
Randolpbs creditors A codicil attached on the
following day recommended 20 his daughter Mar
tina Randolph, the maintenance and care OF his
well beloved sister Annie scott Marks, gave TO his
friend Jas. Madison. OF Montpelier, his gold
mounted walking stick OF animal horn, "as
token OF the CORDIAL and efectionate friendship
which for nearly now an half century has united
us In the same principles and pursuits OF what we
have deemed for the greatest good OF our country"
lie gave TO the University of Virginia such books
IN his library as the university had not already
copies OF. and the remainder 10 his two grand
sons-i1-law, Nicholas Il. TriSt and Jos. Coolidge.
To has grandson, Thoa Jefferson Randolph, he
gave his silver watch In preference TO his good
bis nterary-papers He provided also for the pur-
chase OF a gold watch for each OF his grandsons.
tine Will o my SooS sec
and the sum OF $500 10 buy necessaries TO CON-
mence bis trade OF painter and glazier. or TO use
otherwise as he plea5eS. I also give to my good
servants, John Hennings and Joe Fesset their
freedom at the emo Of one year after my death;
AID 70 each Of them respectively all the tools Of
their respective shops or callings, and II Is my
viii that comfortable log house be built for each
Of the three servants so emancipated on some part
of my Ian Is. convenient TO them with respect to
the resid nee Of their wives and to ChariOtJes-
Vile and the university, where they Will be mostly
employed, and reasonably convenient also to the
interests OF the proprietor OF the lands
OF which houses I give the use OF one
with 4 curtilage OF an acre to each during
his life personal occupation thereof give also
TO John Helnings the services or his two appren-
tees Madison and Eston Hennings, until their re-
spective ages OF twenty-one years at which period
respectively / give them their freedom And
humbly and earnestly request OF the legislature OF
Virginia q confirmation or the bequest OF freedom
70 these two servants, with permission to remain
IN this state where their families and connections
are additional instance OF the favor of which
have received so many other manifestations In
the course OF my life, and for which now give
them ny last solemn and dutiful thanks"
The Will bears certificate, showing that Au-
gust Z, 1Ss6. IL was proved In the Court OF Abe
marie County, Va, and ordered to be recorded.