NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. WILL BOOK 3 PAGE 291

17 October 1823 STEPHEN JOSEY Will.

In the name of God Amen. I, STEPHEN JOSEY being very sick, but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, in manner and form as followeth.

ITEM 1st. I lend unto my beloved Wife MARTHA JOSEY, One Third of my land including the dwelling house, during her natural life.

ITEM 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife, the following negroes, BEN, BECK, and VENUS, two beds and furniture, and her choice of one of horses, and my gigg, with my kitchen furniture, to her and her heirs forever.

ITEM 3rd. I give and bequeath unto my Son JAMES HENRY JOSEY, all my land, but if he should die before he arrives to lawful age, it is my will and desire, that my Wife MARTHA, shall have it during her natural life, and after her death, to JOHN JOSEY, my Nephew. Son of WILLIAM JOSEY, to him and his heirs forever. further I give and bequeath unto my Son JAMES HENRY JOSEY, all the balance of my Estate, after paying my just debts. It is my will and desire that my Gin, shall remain unsold for my Son JAMES. It is also my will and desire that my Wife and Family, have One years provisions out of my stock and crop. It is also my will and desire that the negro belonging to my Son JAMES HENRY JOSEY, be kept on the land belonging to him, to be managed by my executor, or his guardian, to till, clear, and cultivate. I do hereby appoint my Brother, WILLIAM JOSEY, and BRYAN RANDOLPH, my executors. This being my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, October the 17th 1823.

Signed in the presence of JOHN NELSON Jnr, JOSEPHUS HEWETT Jr.

STEPHEN JOSEY

Northampton County, December Court 1823. This Last Will and Testament of STEPHEN JOSEY dec'd; was exhibited in open Court and proved in due form by the oath of JOSEPHUS HEWETT Jnr; one of the subscribing witnesses thereto; The executors in said Will, named refused to qualify as such, and administration with the Will annexed was granted to MARTHA JOSEY, who entered into bond in the penalty of Two Thousand Dollars with BRYAN RANDOLPH.