Transcribed by Dr Jerome Smith of Hallsboro, NC; September, 1997.
Columbus County Court House Records, Whiteville, NC.
Book 1, page 99.

In the name of God. Amen! I Arthur Ward of the County of Columbus and State of North Carolina being of a sound and disposing mind, and memory do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to day:

In the first place I give, will and bequeath and devise unto my beloved wife Mary all my household and kitchen furniture, one horse bridle and Saddle, one cow and calf, Two Bee gums with bees in them, two Sheep, twelve head of hogs, all the crop and provisions of every kind on hand at my death and one hundred acres of land including the dwelling house, out houses and improvements where I live to have and to hold to the sole use and benefit of my said wife Mary and to her heirs and assigns forever - Also I give will and bequeath to here my said wife all the gold, silver, bank bills and
moneys of every kind that I may leave on hand at my death.

And in the second place I give, will, bequeath and devise all the rest and residue of my estate both seal and personal to be equally divided to and among my children and grand children whose parents: may be dead provided the grand children will only take such a share or shares as their parents or parents would be entitled to if living and provided further that in the division of my property those of them who have received anything form me in my life time shall account for the same or have no share in the division

Lastly I nominate and appoint John A. Maultsby the Executor of this my last will and testament with full power and authority to execute the same according to law and I do hereby revoke and declare null and void all the wills and codicils by me at any time heretofore made. In witness whereof I do herewith set my hand and seal this the 18th day of February A.D. 1865.

Arthur (X his mark) Ward (seal)

Signed sealed and published in the presence of these witnesses by Arthur Ward as his last Will and Testament and subscribed by us in his presence and at his request.

Simeon Simmons
Bethel Long

State of North Carolina SS In The Superior Court
Columbus County A paper writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Arthur Ward deceased is exhibited for probate in open Court by John A. Maultsby the Executor therein named and the due execution thereof by the said Arthur Ward is proved by the oath and examination of Simeon Simmons and Bethel Long the subscribing witnesses thereto. It is therefore considered by the Court that the said paper writing and every part thereof is the last Will and Testament of the said Arthur Ward and the same is ordered to be recorded and filed. And thereupon the said John A. Maultsby Executor as aforesaid duly qualifies as such by taking the oath requested by law.

D.P. High (c.c.c.)