Isearch-cgi 1.20.06 (File: pr0001.txt)
DUPLIN CO, NC
I Robert G. Pridgeon of the county of Duplin and the state of North Carolina being of Sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, I do make and declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First-That my Executor (hereafter named) shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my relations and friends and pay all funeral expenses together with my past debts howsoever and to whomsoever being out of the monies that may first come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate
Item. I give and devise to my beloved wife all my real estate and all my personal perishable propert of every description and kind to have and to hold to her the said Eleanor Pridgen for and during the time of her natural life.
Item. My Will and desire is that all my real estate after the death of my beloved wife the said Eleanor Pridgeon shall be sold by my Executor (hereinafter named) out the proceeds arising from said sales, divided in equal proportions between my children share and share alike to them and each and every one of them . Their executors, administrators and assigns absolutely forever.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend AG Moseley my lawful executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my Last Will and Testament according to the intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other will and testaments by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof I the said Robert G. Pridgen do hereunto set my hand and seal this the 22nd day of February AD 1868
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Robert G. Pridgeon to be his last will and testament in the presence of us when at his request and in his presence do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto.
G. Pridgen
AG Mosely
George Pridgen and Adolphus G. Moseley later appeared befor the Probate Court in Duplin County and swore that the Will was indeed that of Robert G. Pridgen
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Robert Pridgen was the son of Jesse Pridgen and Sarah (Sally Williams). Jesse was the son of Thomas Pridgen and Martha Ruffin. Thomas Pridgen was the son of William Pridgen (d. 1762).
Robert was married to Eleanor Bruton. She was (in the obituary) a Bible scholar.
Robert and Eleanor were parents of Simon Lafayette Pridgen and Leonidas Harper Pridgen.
Notice: Pridgen is spelled two different ways in this legal document. However, Robert G. Pridgen signed his name without the o.