WILL OF PETER HELPHENSTINE/HELVISTON
Will Book 4, pp.442-443
Dated March 24, 1776
Recorded May 4, 1779

In the name of God Amen.

I, Major Peter Helviston, of the town of Winchester in the County of Frederick and Colony of Virginia, being sound memory and judgement, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form as followeth. That is to say, I will and order that all the just debts be paid which may be due out of my estate at the time of my demise, or may be paid as soon as can be accomplished, and such part or parts of my estate as shall remain after the payment of the said debts I order may be divided as followeth.

First, I will the third part of my said estate to my Dear Wife Catherine Helviston, with all my Wearing Apparel, Ring and plate (?), and the other two thirds to be equally divided between my sons Philip Peter, William and Henry, and my daughters Catherine Rosanna Charlotta and Elizabeth. Share and share alike the fortunes to be paid to my sons at their respective ages of twenty one years, and to my daughters at their respective ages of eighteen or days of marriage, and I order and appoint Captain William Campbell, Edward McGuire and Henry Baker executors to this my last will and testament, and I further declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking and disallowing all former wills which I have made or may have made by my order. In witness whereupon I have hereto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six.

Signed, sealed and delivered: Peter Helviston
In the presence of us and in presence of each other:
Nicholas Mesner
Robert Russell
James Stewart
Christopher Hershell
Simon Hart

Notes:
1. At a court held for Frederick County on the twelfth day of May, 1779, this last will and testament of Peter Helviston deceased was proved by the oaths of Nicholas Mesner and Christopher Herchell, two of the witnesses, and was ordered to be recorded. The Executors therein named refused to take upon themselves the Burden of the Execution thereof which is ordered and certified and, on the motion of Catherine Helphenstine his widow and Philip Jacob Helphenstine, who made oath according to said certificate, it granted them with the said Will annexed for obtaining a probate in due form giving Security whereupon they, with Security, entered into and acknowledged said Conditions as the Law directs.
Signed: Jas Keith (Clerk?)