Josiah Bell
June 15, 1815; May Term 1816
Currituck Co. Will Book 3, p. 83

In the name of God. Amen. I Josiah BELL of the County of Currituck in the State of North Carolina, being sick in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, blessed be God, do this fifteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, make, publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament, in manner following.

   Viz. Item. I lend the use of my negro girl Vice to my beloved Wife Rebecca BELL, during her life, and at her death, I give and bequeath said negro girl Vice and her increase to my Son William BRIGHT my Son in law and Robert BELL & Thomas BELL, Benjamin BELL, my own sons, to be equally divided between them four, to them and their heirs forever.

   Item. I give and bequeath all my land to be equally divided between my Sons and Daughters hereafter named Viz. Betsey BELL, Grandy BELL, Polly BELL, John BELL, Sally BELL, Robert BELL, Thomas BELL and Benjamin BELL, to them and their heirs forever.

   Item. I lend the use of all my perishable property to my beloved Wife Rebecca BELL, during her widowhood, or life, and at her death or intermarriage, I then give and bequeath all my perishable property to my children hereafter named, to be equally divided between them Viz. Betsey BELL, Grandy BELL, Polly BELL, John BELL, Sally BELL, Robert BELL, Thomas BELL, Benjamin BELL, and my Son in law William BRIGHT, to them and their heirs forever.

   I nominate and appoint my friend M. SIMMONS my executor to this my Last Will and Testament, and all its my wish that said M. SIMMONS should stand as guardian to all my orphans.
        (signed)   Josiah BELL   seal

Signed, sealed, published and acknowledged in presence of us, the day and date first above written.
M. SIMMONS Jurat
Hillar FENTRESS
Chlee JARVIS    Her x mark

Recorded and examined the (blank) day of (blank)