These are arranged chronologically, by the date the will was written, rather than alphabetically. Please use your browser’s search function to find any particular surname. Also, see main “Wills” page for links to other sources.
Sanders Riley
January 20, 1853 Orange County, NC
In the name of God, Amen, I, Sanders Riley of the County of Orange and the State of North Carolina being afflicted in body but sound in memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following and first I bequeth my body to the earth from whence it was taken, 2nd I give my soul to the Lord who made me and 3rd to be buried in decent order according to the discretion of my wife and friend. And my first will is that all my just debts be paid out of my personal property and 2nd I give and bequeth to my beloved wife all my lands and tenements including the dwelling house and all necessary out houses household and kitchen furniture and after all funeral expenses is paid my will is that my beloved wife Martha Riley raise my children on the plantation and school them according to her discretion and as they come on my will is that she give each of them what she thinks she can spare without disfurnishing herself and the rest of her children. The balance to be hers during life and at her death to be equally divided amongst my living children, Vis, William Mary, John Lynch Norwood Martha and Porter and I also constitute and appoint my beloved wife Martha Riley my true and lawful executor to manage and settle all my business as though I were here presant to manage myself. In testamony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seale this twentieth day of January 1853
Sanders Riley (seale)
Test: C.C. Tinnin, Lytle McCadams
