I James
Bourdeaux of the county of New Hanover and state of North Carolina
being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my
earthly existence do make & declare this my last will and testament
in manner and form following that is to say
First that my executor (herein after named) shall sell (if I should not
sell it my self) my Canetuck Land with such other property as may be
required for the payment of my just debts how ever and to whomsoever
caring.
I give and devise to my beloved wife Rebecah on hundred acres of land
the track where on I now live including my house all out houses and
other improvements to have an and to hold to her the said Rebecah for
and during the term of her widowhood but if she marries again then it
shall be divided between her and my seven youngest Children.
I give and bequeath to my eldest Daughter Rebecah wife of Macon Buie
the sum of five Dollars to be paid by my executor within two years
after my youngest Child becomes twenty one years old. While it not be
until June the 8th 1874 - which sum together with the advancements she
had from me at the time of her marriage and sundry small advances since
that time will make her a fair and equitable portion according to the
value of my real and personal estate to be hers,and her disposal
absolutely forever.
I give and bequeath to my eldest son Arthur the sum of five dollars as
his right and property forever to be paid by my executors in the same
manner as the last bequest and is made under the same views in
reference to the former advancements.
I give a bequeath unto my daughter Tobitha wife of Nathan F. Bourdeaux
the sum of five dollars as her right and property forever, to be paid
by my executor in the manner as the last request, and is made under the
same views in reference to the former advancements.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Eliza the wife of Samuel J.
Herring the sum of five dollars, as her right and property forever, to
be paid by my executors in the same manner as the last bequest, and is
made under the same views in reference to the former advancements.
I give and bequeath to my son James Palifax the sum of two hundred and
fifty dollars as his right and property, provided he is living and come
in the proper time.
My Will and desire is that all the residue of my estate after taking
out the divises and legacies above mentioned, shall remain in the
possession of my wife and her youngest children until my youngest son
arrives at the full age of twenty one years. Then My Will and desire is
that it be equally divided to my said wife and seven youngest children
now living, in equal proportion, share & share alike, to them, and
each and every of them their executors, administrators and assigns
absolutely forever.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and apoint my truly friend - William
S. Pridgen and my son Richard C. M. Bourdeaux my lawful executors to
all intents and purpose to execute this my last will and testament
according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and
clause thereof - hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other
wills and testaments by me heretofore made.
In witness whereof I the said James Bourdeaux do hereunto let my hand
and seal this Eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord AD
1859.
James Bourdeaux (Seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Bourdeaux to be
his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request
and in his presence do subscribe our names as witnessing thereto
(Signed) John W. Pridgen
J J Pridgen
New Hanover County, Will Book D, page 29
