THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
June 4, 1824
State of N. Carolina Camden County, June 4th 1824 I JOSEPH MORIS doth this day make my Last Will and Testament, first of all I recomed my soul to God, who give it me and my body to the earth, from whence it came, and as touching such worldly good and as it hath pleased God to bless me with I give in the following manner, to wit.
I lend the use of all my land and plantation to gather with all my stock of horses, hogs, sheep and cattle, househould and kitchen furniture and one negro woman Giny and girl Gin’s Daughter unto DINAH SMITH for and during her natural life, but it is my will and desire that the negroes shall not be carried aught of the County of Camden, nor none of the other property lent her, but for her to sell sufficient for her support.
I give unto my Son JOSEPH MORIS after the death of MISS SMITH the land and plantation lent to DIANAH SMITH and also Giny and her Daughter togather with all the chattel property which may be left at her death unto him and his heirs forever, but it is my will and desire that my Executor hereafter be appointed to sell as much of my property as will be sufficient to pay all my just and lawful debts aught of such property as he may think best,
Lastly I nominate my friend CALEB PERKINS my whole and sole Executor to this my Last Will and Testament the day and date first above written.
JOSEPH MORIS seal
Signed, sealed and delivered
In the presence of
ELIJAH STAPLES
ABRAHAM DAVIS
His x mark
Camden County Court
February Term 1825
This was exhibited in open Court and proved as the Last Will and Testament of JOSEPH MORIS dec’d by the oath of ELIJAH STAPLES a subscribing witness thereto in due form of law and CALEB PERKINS the Executor therein named refusing to qualify, it is ordered to be recorded
Test.
(Note: no clerks name given.)
Will Book C
Page 45
Contributed and transcribed by Judy Merrell Brickhouse