Will of James Gray

Transcribed by Mary Westbrook-Drake

Will of James Gray, 1757

Names Included:

James Abbington, previous land owner
William Cray, proved
Elizabeth Gray, Daughter
James Gray Sr.
James Gray, Jr. Son
Hannah Gray, Wife
Margaret Jenkins, Witness
Mary Gray, Witness
Thomas Jenkins, Executor
-----Keen, Witness
Henry Rhodes, Executor
Solomon Rhodes, previous land owner
NEGROS
Caleb
Charles Margaret Woley
Nan
?uoah

In the Name of God amen the 21st Day of October 1757 I James Gray of Onslow County Provence of North Carolina Planter being very sick and weak in body but of Perfect Mind and memory thanks be give to God/and knowing that all must die does make and ordain this my last will and testament that is ...first of all I recommend my soul to God and my body to be desently buried at the direction of my Executors and as touching any worldly ....../ dispose of it in this manner and forme. Following imprimis I give and bequeath to my Dear Beloved wife Hannah Gray one Negro man Caleb .....and a servant woman called Marget Woley and one saddel mair to her and her heirs for ever. Item I give to my beloved daughter Elizabeth Gray one Negro girl called ?uoah one melatter boy called Charles and one feather bed and fur...... and one black mair that I lent to Mary Gray and now in her cair. Item I give to my beloved son James Gray my manner plantation as I bought of James Abbinton and likewise the plantation as I bought of Solomon Rhodes and one Negro girl call Nan and one Negro boy called Hobin and one black walnut desk to he and his heirs for ever. And all the remaindar part of my estate to be equally devided between my beloved wife before mentioned and my daughter Elizabeth and my son James Gray each of them to receive an equal part alike. Except any still I leave to be sold and all belonging to heirs.

And lastly I constitute make and ordance my loving wife Hannah Gray, Thomas Jenkins and Henry Rhodes executor and executors of this my last will and testament and doe hereby Dijan....? all former wills testaments legacys to notifing and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in writtingswhereof I have thereto sett my hand and seal the day ...years before written.

Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by me said James Gray on his last will and testament in presence if us

Mary Gray (her mark)
Marget Jenkins (her mark)
..... Keen (her mark)

James Gray (signature)

Proved at New River the first Tuesday in January, 1758
signed by William Cray



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