Margaret Newton, (widow) being sick and weak of body but of sound mind and memory, and knowing that it is the irrevokeable decree of the Allmighty that all must die; do think it expedient to dispose of my worldly property with which it has pleased God to bless me in the manner and form following Viz,

First, I bequeath my body to be decently intered in a Christian like manner, and my soul to Allmighty God who gave it.

Secondly, After my just debts are paid out of the proceeds of my personal property I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Miriam Ward all my negroes as follows: Old Cesar, Martin, Lewis, Cesar, Handy, Harry, Cornelius and John, Edey, and her increase if any, Hepsey and her children, Chaney and her children—except Dilcey, whom I shall otherwise dispose of.—Pleasant and her children, Lilly and all her increase she may hereafter have, Judey, and every other kind or species of property which I now possess or may hereafter possess (namely) Horses, Cattle, hogs, corn—or crop on the ground if any; Sheep, poultry, Household and Kitchen furniture, farming and plantation tools, cart, riding chair, and all the produce of every kind now in my possession or may be at my decease and every thing else I now or may hereafter possess/except such as I shall otherwise dispose of to her and her heirs forever—

Thirdly: I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Beneter French negro girl Alice to her and her heirs for ever.—

Fourthly: I give and bequeath to my granddaughter Margaret Hatsell a negro girl named Dilcey, to her and her heirs for ever.—

Fifthly, I give and bequeath to all my other grandchildren the children of my sons Richard and Elisha Roberts, and my daughters Beneter Williams and Margaret Foy, one dollar each to be paid out of the proceeds of my personal estate.—

Lastly, I do hereby declare and acknowledge this to be my last will and testament utterly revoking all other by me made: and do nominate and appoint my trusty friends Benjamin Ward and Joseph M. French my executors to this my last will and testament.— In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 5^th day of January Anno Dominy one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.

Signed & Sealed in presence of

Robt Montfort mark

Onslow County } November Term 1836

Benjamin Ward one of the above

named Executor qualified in duo form

of law [signed]

Jasper Etheridge, CLK

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[the front simply reads:]