The 1678 Will of Col. Jordan

Col. Jordan (a distant relative of President George Washington) executed his will on May 28, 1678.  Later that year, he died and his will was probated in November 1678.  Here are some of the interesting provisions of his will which may provide the basis for some good classroom discussion on the validity of will restrictions and requests.

[A sermon is to be preached every October 15th at his home] it being the day that my daughter Fortune Hunt died, and that all the neighborhood have notice of it, that they may come; leaving it to the discretion of my executor what entertainment he will give, and some time when that day shall fall upon Sunday, I desire that the Holy Communion shall be given. * * *

And whosoever in time to come shall enjoy my land in this County, though it be a thousand generations hence, shall perform this sermon and prayer.

Washingtons of Surry County, 7 Tyler’s Quart. Mag. 45, 48 (1925).