The Last Will and
Testament of
John Aaron Stokesbury
Written : 10 October 1858
Probate : May Term 1862
[p. 127]
I John A. Stokesbury of the County of Hyde and State of N. C. do
make and Ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament hereby Revoking all
others heretofore made --- I Commend my Soul to God and my Body to be decently
Buried in the Grave yard where my wife may think proper and her children
--- As to my worldly Estate I Dispose thereof in the following manner,
viz -------
1st I desire all my Just Debts to be paid And for that Purpose I Authorize
my Executor herein after named to Sell any part of my personal or Real
Estate -------
2nd I lend unto my Beloved wife Nelly Stokesbury During her Life all of
my property of every Kind personal and Real Estate that I own after my
Debts is paid And the Lagacys given paid to the following children ---
Tilman F. Stokesbury and Riley B. Stokesbury And my Daughter Sally Berry
-----
3rd I Give unto my two Sons Riley B. Stokesbury And Tilman F. Stokesbury
one young Horse. Each of them is to have the two young Horses that I give
them in their possession as their own Horses -----
4th I give unto My daughter Sally Berry One Hundred Dollars to be paid
her out (of) my Estate by my Executor to all (___?___) for her ---------
5th My Wish and desire is after the Debts of mine is paid And the two horses
given up to our two Sons and the Legacy paid my Daughter Sally Berry that
my wife Nelly Stokesbury shall have as a loan During her life all of my
property for her support that is not willed. Then I will and bequest and
give all the property Lent unto my wife after her Death to be Equally Divided
between the three children and mine I had by her Tilman F., Riley B. Stokesbury
and Mary E. Harris -----
6th I nominate and appoint my son Tilman F. Stokesbury my Executor to my
Last Will and Testament And Should he fail to act. I appoint his brother
Riley B. Stokesbury to act in his place as my Lawful Executor as Witness
my hand Seal this 10th of October 1858 -------- The word her added on end
of 27th line before signed.
J. A. Stokesbury {Seal}
Signed and Delivered as his last will and testament by }
John A. Stokesbury in our presence and we at his request }
And in presence have here unto Subscribed as }
[p. 128]
Witnesses this 10th Day of }
October 1858 - - - - - - - - }
Nathan. B. Topping }
Daniel J. Topping }
Witnesses
Hyde County
May Term 1862.
Then was this paper writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament
of John A. Stokesbury exhibited for probate in Open Court and the due execution
thereof by the said John A. Stokesbury is proved by the oath and examination
of Nathan B. Topping one of the subscribing witnesses thereto. It is therefore
considered by the court that the said paper Writing and every part thereof
is the Last Will and Testament of the said John A. Stokesbury. And the
same is ordered to be recorded and filed. And thereafter therein named
duly qualified as such by taking the oath required by law.one of the Executors.
Test: W. W, Spencer, Clerk
Source: Hyde Co., NC Will Book 9, pp. 127-128.
Copyright 2002