Will of David Wright
Source: Duplin Co Nc Will Book A, Pg 500-2
Written: March 13, 1827
Duplin County NC Wills, Will Book A, pg 500-2, 1827 (LDS 0018813)
In the name of God, Amen. I David Wright of the county of Duplin and State of
North Carolina being far advanced in age and in low state of bodily health but
of sound mind, disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same, and
calling to mind that it is appointed once for all men to die have thought it
best to dispose of my worldly estate among my heirs by making this my will and
revoking all other former wills by me made, do make this my last will and
testament in the manner and form following.
And first recommend my Soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust from
whence it came, to be decently entered at the discretion of my Executors
hereinafter named and secondly, that all my just debts shall be paid by my
said Executors and thirdly in order to enable my wife the better to raise my
small children and educate them without her being obliged to charge them board
and clothing and leave her without- my two old negros Venus & Mack as long as
she and the Executors think they will be of service to her, and then be at the
expense of the estate. I then loan to her during her natural life the lands I
now live on except the land I bought of Brother Thomas Wright and that until
my son David Wright becomes of lawful age on condition that she consents to
have it rented and in such manner that the Executors may think best. I also
lend her the following named negroes, viz: Bristor, Easter, Milly, Lewis and
Lench and Dicy which she has liberty to keep be him or them (or any part of
them). And also my household kitchen furniture all such as she can not or
will not do without so as to enable her to give a bed and furniture to each
child when they marry or become of lawful age. I give her to dispose of as
she pleases. My new gig horses and my old horse called Mary and her choice of
two of the mules. It is my will that a part of the crop stock and provisions
as will be sufficient for her and family to be left (unable ?) until a new
crop comes in.
Item 1st, I give to my son Thomas H. Wright the negro Moon, which he has
already received by dead of gift, also the furniture given by me to him, in
addition to this I give him my negro boy Jackson to him and his heirs forever.
Item 2nd, I give to my son John Wright the money he has already received, and
have in addition to this the negro he has already received. I also give him
at my death my negro boy Brittan and one hundred dollars for his attendance on
me while on my sick bed.
Item 3rd, I give to my daughter Mary C. Bush , wife of Lewis B. Bush, the
negroes Mom and furniture she has already received. To my grandson William
Burch (not written as Bush) her son, I give and bequeath my negro boy Nomid to
him and his heirs forever.
Item 4th, I give to my daughter Rebecca E. Hooks, wife of Thomas C. Hooks, the
negroes she has in possession by deed of gift and the furniture she has
received and seventy dollars to buy a house if she thinks proper to put it to
that use to her and her heirs forever.
Item 5th, I give to my daughter Patsey E. Wright my negro girls Jude, Hannah
and Dolly and one hundred dollars to buy her a house. Also one bed and stead
and furniture to her and her heirs forever.
Item 6th, I give to my son David Wright my land that I bought of my brother
Thos. Wright the contents of which may be optional by refining to the deed,
also my young black mare, also one bed and furniture and bedstead to him and
his heirs forever.
Item 7th, I give to my son Isaac Wright all the balance of my land at the
death of his mother, also one bedstead and furniture and one hundred dollars
to receive when he marries or becomes of lawful age to him and his heirs
forever.
Item 8th, I give to my two little daughters, Eliza Smith Wright and Kittie Ann
Wright the following negroes, viz: Kerry, Mary, Dusia, Tony, Mona, Gellis and
Evalene & Edward also one bedstead and furniture to each of them to them and
their heirs forever. Also my will and desire that if the Executors think the
balance will over pay my debts together with the judgement of mine against
John B. Wright taken in the Supreme Court of this County on so much as can be
collected in time, that they reserve from sale the following negroes: George,
Stephen, & Calvin. Which negroes in that case and not otherwise I give George
to my daughter Patsey E. Wright; Stephen to my son David Wright and balance
to my son Isaac Wright to them and their heirs forever.
At my death, as soon as is convenient, after the first Court, my
Executors may advertise for all at six months credit my negro woman Sally &
child. I desire and if found necessary the others when named together with
what part of the crop stock and proving household & kitchen furniture,
plantation tools & C, as may be thought advisable to all by the Executors and
my wife to pay my just debt. At the death of my wife all the property loaned
her that may be left on the plantation to be sold to the highest bidder and
equally divided among all my children that are then living and if any be dead
to his or her children as her or his or their portions would amount to had he
or she been living. If any of my children unmarried or married die without
lawfull issue then and in that case the daughters part to be divided among my
daughters and if male his share be equally divided among my sons. Lastly I
constitute and appoint, giving lawful authority to act as such my beloved and
trusty sons Thomas H. Wright and John Wright my lawful Executors. This I
ordain to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof this day set my
hand and affix my seal, March 13th 1827.
D. Wright (seal)
In presence of signed, sealed and delivered
Teste: William Hodges, Wilson Hodges
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