Will of
WILLIAM E. WRIGHT
1797
In the name of God amen. I William Wright of the county of Pasquotank and state of North Carolina being of sound mind and perfect memory bless God do this 23rd day of May in the year of our Lord 1797 make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form as followith that is to say.
First: I give to well beloved wife Lydia Wright one negro man named Davis, one negro woman named Cherry, one negro boy George, one negro girl named Anney, one negro boy named Charles, one mare and colt called fanny, one fether bed and furniture, one set chainey, one half of all the negroes that is to fall to me at the death of my sister Esther Vaughan, six falg bottom chairs, two cases of knives and forks and silver tea spoons, all the pottery in my yard, one iron pot the best I have, one skillet, one creaper, one cow and calf her choice of my stock, one sow and six shoats, one blue chest, one seal skin trunk to her and her heirs forever. I also leave to her the said Lydia Wright the use of my land and plantation that I bought of John Browning during her natural life and after her death to go to my son James Wright and his heirs forever and if he the said James Wright should die under the age of twenty years my will and desire is that my said wife Lydia Wright should have one half of the said land and my nephew George Callis the other half they and their heirs forever. I also give to sd wife all the porke corn and bacon I have now by me.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son James Wright all the remainder of my estate whatsoever both indoors and outdoors after my just debts are paid to him and his heirs forever.
I also nominate and appoint my trusty friend John Lane my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament in witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and date above written in the presents of us.
William E. Wright (seal)
Jehu Cartwright
John Smithson jun. Jurat
Pasquotank county June term 1797
Presents the worshipful justices
These may certify that the last will and testament of William E. Wright dec’d was exhibited in open court by John Lane the sole executor therein named and proved by the oath of John Smithson one of the subscribing evidences thereto and at the same time the said executor appeared and was qualifyed by taking the oath by law presented. Ordered that the will be recorded and letters testamentory aforesaid.
test, Enoch Relfe CC
Contributed by Harry Schoettle