The Last will and Testament of John BELL deceased was exhibited in open court at November Term 1848 and the execution of the same proved by the oaths of Davis B. MORSE and George PERKINS the subscribing evedences thereto in due form ordered recorded.

   In the name of God Amen.  I John BELL planter of the County of Currituck and State of North Carolina, being weak in body but of a sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for it, do make this instrument of writing to be my last will and Testament in manner and form and following that is to say:

   Item 1 after paying all my just debts I give and bequeath unto my Mother Winford TATEM all my lands that is to say the lands I bought of John FROST and wife and also the lands I bought of Susan ROLIN and the lands I bought of William BELL the plantation that Jeremiah PERKINS formerly owned and also the one half of the plantation where my father formally lived and also the other half of the plantation that I heired of my father John BELL deceased to her forever.

   Item 2 I give and bequeath unto my Mother Winford TATEM all my negroes that is to say woman Riney, girl Jane, boy Joe, girl Judah, boy Edmund and girl Ruth to her forever.

   Item 3 I give and bequeath unto my Mother Winford TATEM all my chattle property with in doors and without that is to say my household and kitchen furniture farming utensials cattle, horses hogs corn fodder sheep and every other article of property that I am seized and possessed of.

   Item 4 I give and bequeath unto my Mother Winford TATEM all my money notes that I have on hand at my death.

   I nominate constitute and appoint my Mother Winford TATEM executrix to this my last will and Testament.  I do make this instrument of writing to be my last will and Testament and avoiding all other instruments of writing but do make this instrument to be my last will and Testament and sealed and published this 12 day of December 1844.

    /s/ John H. BELL seal

Signed sealed and declared in the presence of us
    Davis B. MORSE jurat
    George PERKINS jurat

Recorded and examined the 8 day of Decr. 1848
    B. T. SIMMONS, CCC

This will was contributed by Judy Merrell Brickhouse.  No part of this document may be used for any commercial purposes. However, please feel free to copy any of this material for your own personal use and family research. If you find anything in these records that pertains to your families, it is strongly suggested that you look at the original record on your own to check for errors or possibly other additional and helpful information. Thank you!

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