The Will of John Morgan (Sr.)

In the name of God Amen. I John Morgan of the County of Nash and the State of North Carolina now being of perfect sense and memory do constitute and appoint this writing my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz:

Item: I lend unto my wife Rutha, all the land that I am possessed with during her life and also two negros, one a woman named Rachel and one man named Bunn. Also one feather bed and furniture. Also three head of horses and five cows and calves. After her decease, the land and negro man shall be the property of my daughter Nancy. Also my desire is that the negro woman before lent to my wife, at her decease shall be the property of my son James. The balance she is to dispose of in any way she may think proper.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son John Morgan the negro named Daniel, to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Morgan one negro named Clary, to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son James Morgan one negro named Ben, to him and his heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Sela, wife of Hutchens Ferrell one negro named Caroline, to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Ana, wife of Benet Smith one negro named Tim, to her and her heirs forever.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susana wife of Irvin Finch one negro named Peg. Also one good cow and calf, also one heifer one year old or the advance to her and her heirs forever.

But, still my desire is that this land and negros that I have before lent to my wife Rutha, that my son James and daughter Nancy do not interfere nor concern with during her natural life. I futher desire that after my death the balance of my property not included in this writing be sold and my lawful debts be paid, and the balance be equally divided amonst my four daughters and two sons.

I do constitute and appoint Irvin Finch and my son James Morgan executors to this my last will and testament.

Where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this fourth day of April, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Six.

( November Term 1837)