Frances Ann Matthews was named executrix of the 26 February 1826 will of her husband, John R. Matthews, proved 15 May 1826. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 397–399.]

On 19 June 1826, Frances Ann Matthews was bound in the penalty of $18,000 for her executrixship of the estate of John R. Matthews, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 400.]

On 21 January 1828, Frances A. Matthews and John S. Temple were bound in the penalty of $20,000 for Frances A. Matthew’s administration of the estate of Philip Temple, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, page 218.]

On 29 January 1828, a division of the slaves of the estate of Philip Temple, deceased, were made to the sole distributees, Mrs. Frances A. Matthews and John S. Temple. Slave names were Newton, John Blue, John Red, Milly a girl, Polly, Dennis a boy, Letty and child John, Billy Newton, Billy Kelrick[?], Charles, Betsy and child Henry, Fanny, Lucy, and George. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, page 223.]

The estate of Philip Temple, deceased, in account with Frances A Matthews, administratrix, from 1828 to 1829 was ordered recorded on 20 July 1829. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 2–5.]

The estate of John R. Matthews in account with Frances A. Matthews, executrix, from 1828 to 1835 was ordered recorded 21 September 1835. On 1 September 1830, mentions “From this date (when Mrs. Matthews intermarried with James H Temple) the balance of the hires of the negroes will be for the benefit of the children of John R Matthews”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 394–406.]