Transcription of Will of David BRADFORD, Alamance County, NC,
Transcribed by Jack London, 14 Floret Ct., The Woodlands, TX 77382, 18 August 2004
from will copy provided by Faye ConyerMarch Term 1864, Recorded Will Book pg. 231.
I the name of God, Amen, I David Bradford of the County of Alamance County, State of N Carolina, being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First, I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth the whole of the tract of land upon which I now live containing 100 acres to have and to hold during her natural life, also I give to her the whole of my crop of corn, wheat, oats, hay, straw etc., whether gathered or growing, at the time of my death. Also I give to her the whole of my household and kitchen furniture, all my plantation tools and forming utensils, also my stock of horses, cows, hogs, sheep and all other species of property which I may own at the time of my death, to have and to hold during her natural life
Second, I will that after the death of my wife the tract of land named above together with all the property which she may have at the time of her death, shall be sold to the highest bidder at public sale and the proceeds shall be divided as I shall hereafter direct.
Third, I will that my Executor shall pay to my daughter Catherine YOUNGER after the death of my wife that of the proceeds of the above named sale the sum of eighty dollars.
Fourth, I will that my Executor shall pay to my daughter Celia CHRISTOPHER after the death of my wife out of the proceeds of the above named sale the sum of eighty dollars
Fifth, I will that my Executor shall pay to my Grandson William James BRADFORD when he shall become twenty one years of age out of the proceeds of said sale the sum of one hundred dollars.
Sixth, I will that my Executor shall pay to each of my Grand children Viz. William Henry BRADFORD, Ann BRADFORD, Mary BRADFORD, Julia McADAMS, LEVI McADAMS and Martha McADAMS the sum of fifty dollars when they shall become twenty one years of age out of the proceeds of the sale mentioned above.
Seventh, I will that my Executor shall pay my son in law William FAUCETT at the death of my wife out of the proceeds of the sale mentioned above the sum of five hundred dollars provided that he will live on my land and assist me during my life and the life of my wife to keep up the farm on which I now live, but if he should die before my wife or myself the my executor shall pay over the said amount to my daughter Mary FAUCETT Viz. Five hundred dollars
Eight, I will that my Executor shall sell enough of my property after my death to pay off all my honest debts. My Executor shall use his own judgement in selecting what would be the best to sell of my property towards paying off my debts.
Ninth, I will that if there be any money left of the proceeds of the sale after the death of my wife, then my Executor shall pay or divide it out equally amongst My daughters Viz. Celia CHRISTOPHER, Catherine YOUNGER and my son in law William FAUCETT and one share to be divided equally amongst my Grand children. Viz. William Henry BRADFORD, Ann BRADFORD & Mary BRADFORD and one share amongst my Grand children. Viz. Julia McADAMS, Levi McADAMS & Martha McADAMS and one share to be given to my Grandchild William James BRADFORD
Tenth, I appoint My friend Gabriel Lea Executor to this my last will and testament, and I David Bradford do publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of August AD 1856.
Witness
his
James W. Lee David x Bradford {Seal}
Levi H Walker markNorth Carolina Court of Pleas and
Alamance County Quarter Session
March Term 1864**Transcriber’s note: The text of the proof by J W Lea that follows the will is mostly illegible**
added Sept 7, 2004
