The will of Frances Croxton was dated 1 September 1849: Weak. Plantation called Union on which E. M. Sandy resides to form one portion, and the farm called Cherry row and that called Woodsville (adjoining Cherry row) to form two other portions. Each part is to be charged enough to create a fourth part of equal value in money for my fourth daughter. The choice of lot is to be determined by fair allotment. The whole estate is to be kept together for five years or until the marriage of one of my unmarried daughters. The Plantation called Union, Negro woman Louisa, boy John and Man George to John W Faulconer of King and Queen and Thomas Croxton of Essex, hereby appointed trustees to be held for my daughter Mary Ann Sandy not subject to the debts of her husband E. M. Sandy, and he shall not be permitted to move out of the County or beyond the control of the trustees. To daughter Fanny Ellen, negro girl Catharine and man Billy. To daughter Louisa Carter, negro girl Mira, boy Carter, woman Betty and man Charles. To daughter Cornelia Burt, negro girl Eliza Ann, boy Edward, woman Patty, girl Margaret and man Iversson, chamber bedstead, bed and furniture. To my four daughters, four cherry bedsteads, beds and furniture to be settled by seniority as to choice. During the time my estate is kept together, my two sawyers are to be hired out as usual, with the proceeds divided between my son John W Faulconer and my four daughters. After five years, the value of the negroes is to be reappraised and made equal. The rest of my personal estate is to be divided equally among my four daughters. Negro woman Martha is to have the privilege of choosing a mistress out of my said daughters. My son John W Faulconer and friend Thomas Croxton are to be Executors. Dated 1 September 1849. Signed Frances Croxton. Witnesses: Thomas N Clarke, George W Phillips. Proved 17 December 1849 by Thomas N Clarke and George W Phillips. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 27, pages 488–490.]