William Brown Will

Robeson County

In the name of God, Amen.

I, William Brown, of the State of North Carolina and County of Robeson, being somewhat unwell, but of sound mind and memory, do, this the twelfth day of October the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-four, make and publish this, my last will and testament in the manner following:

First: I will that my lawful debts be paid.

Secondly: I will and bequeath to my beloved wife, Mary, and to my son, William, the plantation whereon I now live, including five hundred acres of land where my executors shall deem it necessary to give unto them together with household furniture, farming utensils, riding chairs, and still. I further will my Negroes, Sam and Simon, Sanky and Manuel, and my bay house, two fillies and old mare, with an equal part of my cattle, hogs and sheep, be theirs, during my beloved wife's life time or till she marries, then all are to be Williams.

I further give unto my beloved wife, a Negro woman named Charlotte, to be at her own disposal.

Thirdly, I give unto my daughter, Catherine, a Negro boy named ________, who is now in her possession, besides other things which she has had.

Fourthly, I give unto my daughter, Mary, a Negro boy name, Isam, besides other things, which she has had.

Fifthly, I give unto my daughter, Rebecca, a Negro boy named Charles, besides other things which she has had.

Sixthly, I give unto my daughter Lovedy, a Negro named Russell, besides what she has already had.

Seventhly, I give unto my two sons, Joseph and Duncan, thirteen hundred acres of land more or less, being all that I possess, except what I have given to my son, William, to be equally divided between Joseph and Duncan in whatever manner my executors may deem expedient for each, so that Duncan's part includes the plantation wherein he now lives, provided Joseph will settle himself on the land, if not, the whole is to be left to be Duncan's and William's.

I further give to my son, Joseph, my two Negro boys, Jubler and Caesar, cornet horn, rifle, gun and feather bed and furniture; also equal part of my stock of cattle, hogs and sheep. I further give to my son, Duncan, my two Negro boys named Jim and Dick, and musket gun, besides what he has already had.

Eighthly, I give unto my daughter, Jane, and to the heirs of her body, a Negro girl name, Press, with her tow youngest children, besides what she has already had.

Ninthly, I give unto my daughter, Susan, and to the heirs of her body, a Negro girl named, Lindy, besides what she already has had, and I further will that my books be divided as my executors deem it necessary.

Lastly, I do appoint my wife, Mary, Executrix and my sons, Joseph and Duncan, executors of this my last will and testament and I hereby instruct them with full discretionary power to set as they may think proper.

In testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal, the day and date above written.

William Brown, Seal

Signed and sealed in the presence of Daniel McNeill, Daniel McClosney, Neill McCraney.

A free will made by William Brown, recorded in Will Book A of Robeson County, Page 334, pursuant to order of Court, May Term, 1826.

James Stores D. C.

Given under my hand at Office March 12, 1853.

Seth Howell, Clerk

Original: Robeson County Clerk of Court, Lumberton, NC

Transcribed by Bradley M. Buie January 2000