WILL OF ROBERT READ - 1794

State of North Carolina

In the name of God Amen. I Robt Read of Carteret County and State aforesaid being in perfect health of sound mind and memory doth make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following.
First I recommend my Soul to God that created it and my body to be buried by my executors.
I give and bequeath unto my two sons George and William Read two hundred acres of land being on the north side of Newport River by the name of Great and Little Rams Horn to be divided as they can agree or one to take ------- that is to say my son George to possess Great Rams Horn & William Read Little Rams Horn so as they may have one hundred acres apiece or near it. To them and their heirs forever,
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Read one hundred and twelve acres of land; which my father bought of Joshua Nash to him and his heirs forever
I give and bequeath unto my son James Read one hundred acres of land on the head of Shepards Creek by the name of Reads Forest to him and his heirs forever.
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Read the plantation whereon I now live with all the lands adjoining therto, to him and his heirs forever also my home and .
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Frances Canaday one bed and furniture half a doz chairs one case of bottles one negroe woman named Bess that she hath all now in her possession also half a doz of silver tea spoons to her and her heirs forever which is in her possession.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Esther Simmons one feather bed & furniture and half doz chairs and the cattle she hath all now in her possession to her and her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Read one negro boy named Darby to her & her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Read one negro girl named Anna and the cattle that is in her mark to her and her heirs forever also one feather bed
Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Read one negro girl named Amy and the cattle in her mark and one feather bed to her and her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Read one negro boy named Darby to her and her heirs forever
Item I give and bequeath unto my grand daughters Sarah, Esther and Anna Russell one negro woman named Hanna and her increase from the date of these present to them and their heirs forever my will and desire is that the remainder of my estate not yet bequeathed after my just debts and funeral expences are paid to be equilly divid between my sons that is to say George, William, Samuel and James Read only reserving unto my son Robert Read one cow and calf. Tho calling to mind that five pounds are to be raised out of my estate which I desire my daughter Esther Simmons to have more then has been heretofore bequeathed unto her and my books and wearing clothes to be divided between my five sons.
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son George Read my sole executor to this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments by me formily made establishing this to be my last will and testament and I do hereby impower my executor to dispose and sell as much of my estate as will pay my just debts at private or publick sale. In witness whereof I have here unto wet my hand and weal this the 8th day of August 1793.

Rob Read
I Was going from home
No Witness by

May term 1794 when this will, by the request of George Read the Exec., was proven in open court by the oath of Wm Thomson Esq. Malachi Bell Esqr. & David Russell Esq. it being the best evidence that can be got, who declares this instrument written to be in the proper hand writing of Rob Read decd. at the same time George Read qualifies as executor Testamentary

Test. Benj. Fulford C.C.

Feby term 1794 when this will was being into court May term 1794 when this will by request of George Read the Exr. with in mention was proved in open court and allow to be the proper hand writing of Robert decd. by Wm. Thomson Malachi Bell & David Russell at the same time George Read qualified as executor to the within will as the law directs

Test. Benj. Fulford


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