Sam Houston died July 25, 1863; here is his will:
“In the name of God, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, I, Sam Houston, of the County of Walker and State of Texas, being fully aware of the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of death, do ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament.
“First: I will that all my just debts be paid out of my personal effects, as I think them sufficient without disposing of any of the family servants.
“Second: I bequeath my entire remaining estate to my beloved wife, Margaret and our children, and I desire that they may remain with her so long as she may remain in widowhood, and should she at any time marry, I desire that my daughters should be subject to her control, so long as their minority lasts.
“Third: My will is that my sons should receive solid and useful education, and that no portion of their time may be devoted to the study of abstract science. I greatly desire that they may possess a thorough knowledge of the English language, with a good knowledge of the Latin language. I also request that they be instructed in the knowledge of the Holy Scripture, and next to these that they may be rendered thorough in a knowledge of Geography & History. I wish my sons early taught an utter contempt for novels & light reading. In all that pertains to my sons I wish particular regard paid to their morals as well as to the character and morals of those with whom they may be associated or instructed.
“Fourth: I leave to my wife, as Executrix, and to the following gentlemen as my Executors, Thomas Gibbs, Thomas Carothers, J. Carroll Smith, and Anthony M. Branch, my much beloved friends in whom I place my entire confidence, to make such disposition of my personal and real estate as may seem to them best for the necessities and interests and welfare of my family.
“Fifth: To my dearly beloved wife, Margaret, I confide the rearing, education and moral training of our sons and daughters.
“Sixth: To my eldest son, Sam Houston, Jr., I bequeath my sword, worn in the battle of San Jacinto, never to be drawn only in defense of the constitution, the laws and liberties of his country. If any attempt should ever be made to assail one of these, I wish it to be used in its vindication.
“Seventh: It is my will that my library should be left at the disposition of my dear wife.
“Eighth: To my dearly beloved wife I bequeath my watch, and all my jewelry, subject to her disposition.