In the name of God Amen. I Thomas GRAY, of Churches Island, Currituck County, and State of North Carolina, U.S.A. being of sound and perfect memory, (blessed be God) do this twenty first day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight Hundred and twenty five, make and publish this my Last Will and Testament, in manner following that is to say,

Firstly. I lend to my beloved Wife Nancy GRAY my whole estate, personal and real, during her widowhood.

Secondly. I give and bequeath to my beloved Son John W. GRAY the southern part of my plantation on which I now reside, commencing at my southern boundary, and thence running northwardly to a line, described as follows, viz It commencing at the shore bank at a post, thence running westwardly to a marked pine at the road, thence, in a direct line to Cuwenjock Bay forever.  Also, I give and bequeath to my Son John W. GRAY, one buffet, one bureau, and two feather beds and furniture to him and his heirs forever.

Thirdly. I leave the rest and residue of my Churches Island plantation to be divided into three equal parts, as follows I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter, Polly BALL the first share to commence my northern boundary. I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Betsey GRAY, the second share, to commence at the southern boundary of the first share. I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Nancy GRAY the third share to commence at the southern extremity of the second share and to terminate at John NORTHERN boundary to them and their heirs forever.

Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my two beloved Daughters Betsey and Nancy GRAY, the rest and residue of my household and kitchen furniture, after the termination of my Wifes widowhood to be equally divided between them.

Fifthly. I leave one thousand dollars to be equally divided between my two beloved Grandchildren Lovey and Thomas Gray BALLENTINE, if they are living at the termination of my Wifes widowhood, or if but one living at that time, I give and bequeath the same to the survivor, but if both should die before the termination of my Wifes widowhood, I give and bequeath the aforesaid one thousand dollars to my four children Polly, Betsey, Nancy and John forever.

Sixthly. I give and bequeath all the rest of my property personal and real estate (at the termination of the widowhood of my Wife Nancy GRAY) to be equally divided among my four children viz Polly BALL, Betsey, Nancy and John W. GRAY and the lawful heirs of their bodies forever. And I hereby make and ordain my worthy friend Enoch BALL Esqr. Of the County and State aforesaid executor of this my Last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I the said Thomas GRAY have to this my Last Will and Testament, set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
    /s/ Thomas GRAY   seal

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the sd. Thomas GRAY the testator as his Last Will And Testament in the presence of us who were Present at the time of signing and sealing Thereof

Witness
    N.M. BURR          seal
    C. TAYLOR          seal
    William FOSTER  seal

The Last Will and Testament of Thomas GRAY was proved at Feby Court 1826 by the oath of C. TAYLOR subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. When the executor therein named came into open court and qualified in form of law and ordered that letters testamentary issue.
    James G. HALL DCLK for S HALL CLK

Recorded and examined March 21^st. 1826
    James G. HALL DCLK

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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