Submitted by James Paul
December 18, 1878
State of North Carolina
Washington County
I ASA SNELL, of the County of Washington and State of NorthCarolina being of sound mind and memory, but considering theuncertainty of any earthly existence do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say
FIRST – That my executor JOSEPHUS H. SNELL provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my relatives and friends and pay all funeral expences together with my just debts however and to whom soever owing out of the moneys that may come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate.
ITEM. I give and bequeth to my youngest son ELLIS W. SNELL all that tract of land on which I now live together with the Island tract and all my portion of the Leary tract adjoining the said Island tract to the Gaileiln bed, provided he takes care of me during my life time and if he does not stay and take care of me the forementioned lands shall be sold and equally divided among my Childrens.
ITEM. I give and bequeath the coming proceeds of the Skittlethrope tract adjoining WILLIAM PATRICK, to my Daughter JANE which has not yet been received or so much thereof as to make good the principle and interest of the money due her by H. F. PHELPS and wife. the residue of said proceeds to go if any to my Grand Son RICHARD PHELPS. All the said lands I give in fee simple if said lands shall not be paid for by BIRD L. PATRICK together with the interest and taxes from the first Pay of January 1873. then the said lands shall after due time and at the disposal of my administrator be sold to some one else and I hereby empower said administrator to make a title to said lands to whom sold when it is paid for. Said BIRD PATRICK is to pay $125.00, the first of January 1873. 1875 Rec. $50.00 1876 Rec. $20.00. 1878 Rec. $15.00. I give and bequeath said lands to my son E.W. SNELL in fee simple.
ITEM. In a Jougoing will I gave to my eldest son SILAS $10.00 which has been paid in full as his share in my estate.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Daughter JANE our Bed and Furniture got one cook stove and utensils after I am dead. $20.00 which has been paid heretofore.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son JOSEPHUS one hundred dollars which has been paid.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son A.W. SNELL one dollar in cash.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my son H.M. SNELL on cow and calf and one dollar cash both of which has been paid.
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my daughter MALISSA PHELPS twenty dollars in cash for burial expences which has been paid her.
ITEM. It is my desire that all my Posterity shall have privilege of burial ground in my grave-yard and if I shall have any money after paying my son E.W. SNELL twenty dollars for the burial of his person then said remainder shall be equally divided among my two Daughters.
ITEM. Considering all my children together and that with what they have had heretofore they will nearly be equal.
I now give and bequeath to my youngest son E.W. SNELL all my live stock of all kinds, all my tools of all kinds, all my household and kitchen furniture, one Still and all other utencils which have not heretofore been given off. And Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son JOSEPHUS H. SNELL my lawful executor, to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof hereby revoking all and declaring utterly void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made in witness whereof I ASA SNELL, do hereby set my hand and Seal this the 18thy day of Dec 1878.
Asa Snell SEAL
Signed, Sealed, published and delared by the said Asa Snell to be his last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence subscribe our names as witnesses thereto witnessed I with the word to my Daughter “Jane”, also the word “and utensils” before signing also the word “Set my hand” witnessed.
ELI SNELL
HENDERSON SNELL