The following is the last will and testament of Edward Nelson of Swift Creek, Craven County, dated June 3, 1837, probated November term 1839.
In the name of God Amen I Edward Nelson Sen of the county of Craven and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and perfect memory blesed be God Do this third day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven Do make and publish this my last will and testament in the following manner
First I will that all my just Debts be paid
Secondly I give and bequeath to my son Charles P. Nelson one half of my land lying on Palmeto and fork? Swamp which I have not heretofore deeded off
I also give and bequeath to my son Charles P. Nelson a certain peace of Land which he gave me a deed for in April one thousand Eight hundred and thirty one.
I also give and bequeath to my son Charles P. Nelson two Negroes namely Stephen and Lizzy and their increase
I also give and bequeath to my son Charles P. Nelson one bed and furniture
I also give and bequeath to my son Charles P. Nelson five hundred Dollars in money
Thirdly I give and bequeath to my son Edward Nelson Junr. one half of my land lying on palmeto and fork swamp which I have not heretofore deeded off.
I also give and bequeath to my son Edward Nelson Junr. all my land in the Ready (Reedy) pecoson and all my land between the Ready and main pecoson and ajoining the Land that my son Edward Nelson Junr. now lives on which I have heretofore deeded to him with the exception of my life estate on said Land and at my Death the lands which I have heretofore deeded to my son Edward Nelson Junr. is to Continue to be his without exception.
I also give to my son Edward Nelson Junr. three Negroes namely Miles, James and Bet?
I also give my son Edward Nelson Junr one other Negro boy named Bannon by his paying one thir of the valuation of said boy to my son Charles P. Nelson also.
I give to my son Edward Nelson Junr all the Bees that is at the plantation where he now lives
I also give my son Edward Nelson Junr one mahogany Dinner table one clock one looking glass one musket and one croscut saw and I also give my son Edward Nelson Junr one Dozen silver Spoons
I give my son Edward my stock mark also I give and bequeath to my son Edward Nelson Junr four Hundred Dollars in money
Fourthly I have heretofore give to my daughter Jennet two hundred Dollars in money which is all that I intend to my daughter Jennet
Fifthly I give and bequeath to my friend Abner Hartley and my son Edward Nelson Junr as trustees to my daughter Jennet two Negroes namely Jack and Arlet? which negroes the above mentioned trustees is to keep emploid for the use and benefit of my Daughter Jennet in whatever way the trustees may think best and at the Death of my daughter Jennet the above mentioned Negroes that I given in to the hands of the said trustees is to be equally divided among all my daughter Jennets Children
I also give and bequeath to the beforementioned trustees one third part of the valuation of negro boy Bannon which said boy I give to my son Edward Nelson Junior by his paying one third of the valuation of said boy to my son Charles P. Nelson and one third of the valuation to the above mentioned trustees for the use of my Daughter Jennet
Also I give to the said trustees four hundred Dollars in money ats? twenty three Dollars in money in place of one Dozen silver Spoons all of the money and property which I have given in to the nads of my friend Abner Hartley and my son Edward Nelson junior as trustees to my daughter Jennet is to be used by the said trustees in what ever way they may think best for the use and benefit of my daughter Jennet and at her Death if their is any money of property remaining in the hands of the said trustees which by this will she would be entitled it shall be equally divided amongst all her children.
Sixthly I give and bequeath to my grand son Augustus Washington Nelson my Smawl? shot gun
Seventhly my will is that all my property that is not mentioned in this my last will is to be sold and the money arising theirfrom is to be equally divided among all my grandchildren for the use of their education and do hereby ordain my worthy friend Abner Hartley and my son Edward Nelson Junior executors to this my last will and testament in witness whreof I the said Edward Nelson Senior hve to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year above writen
Signed sealed published and Delared by the said Edward Nelson senr the testator as his last will and testament in the presents of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing things?
Witness
Henry Smaw
Garret Nelson
Edward Nelson {{ Seal }}
[signature is weakly scribbled]
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[Written later]
Edwd Nelson [illegible]
Craven County Court
November Term A.D. 1839
The foregoing last will of Edward Nelson was proved in open Court, and in due form of law by the oath of Garret Nelson one of the Subscribing Witnesses thereto. Edward Nelson qualified as Executor. Ordered that said will be Registered and the letters testamentory [illegible]
Attest. J.G. Stanly
Clerk
(Will appears to have been written by Henry Smaw)
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