ELLEN CHESHIRE, SUSAN CHESHIRE USE PREMARRIAGE CONTRACT 1851
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA


This indenture made and entered into this 11th day of September 1851 between William A. Simons of the first part Ellen CHESHIRE of the second part and Susan CHESHIRE of the 3rd part. Whereas a marriage is intended shortly to be held and solemnized between the said William A. Simons and Susan CHESHIRE whereas the said Susan CHESHIRE is possessed of one under ____ of a tract of land containing about forty acres adjoining the land of George ____ and others also 2 cows and calves and one feather bedstead and for interest, 12 chairs, 1 folding leaf table, 2 tea kettle, 1 skillet, 1 oven, 1 doz plates, 1 oyster dish, ½ dozen tea cups, 7 saucers, ¼ dozen candles, 2 pitchers, 1 shovel, 1 set of low geas, one ax, 3 bowels, 2 glass dishes, 2 salt collers, 1 pepper cador, 1 water bucket, 1 washing tub, 1 silver watch, 1 shovel, 1 plow, 2 bead hoes, 2 hogs, 3 cooking grafes and some other property and it hath bargain between the said Wm A. Simons and the said Susan CHESHIRE that the property of which she is now possessed shall be subject to her control and that she shall enjoy and control the same and the property there of in the same manage as if she was single and unmarried of with standing her coverture and that the same shall not be liable for the debts contracted or engagements of the said William A. Simons. Now then this indenture witnesseth that and for and in consideration of the premises and also of the further sum of one dollar in hand paid by Ellen CHESHIRE to the said Susan CHESHIRE at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is here by acknowledged she the said Susan CHESHIRE hath bargained sold and conveyed by these presents doth bargain sell and convey to the said Ellen CHESHIRE all the aforesaid property and all other property of which she is now possessed or may have after become possessed whether real personal or mixed. To have and to hold the said property to her the said Ellen CHESHIRE upon trust of the following intents and purposes to wit. That the said Ellen CHESHIRE shall hold the said property in trust for the said Susan CHESHIRE until the solomization of said intended marriage and then that the said Ellen CHESHIRE shall permit the said Susan CHESHIRE to take receive and enjoy the said property and the _____ there in the same manner as she were single and unmarried and in the event of the said Susan CHESHIRE outliving the said William A. Simons then this trust is to cease and determine and the property is to remain with the said Susan CHESHIRE as it was before the said marriage. But if the said Susan CHESHIRE should die before the said William A. Simons then the said property should pass to her issue or such part thereof as may in use or policy of and in the event of her leaving no issue then to such person or persons as she shall designate by her last will and testament. In testimony whereof the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
SUSAN CHESHIRE
WILLIAM A. SIMONS

In the clerks office of PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY court September 11, 1851. The marriage contract from CHESHIRE to CHESHIRE was acknowledged by Susan CHESHIRE and William A. Simons and admitted to record.
Teste J. Williams Clerk
SOURCE: Land Deeds Book 21, Pages 365-366, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va.