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State of North Carolina
Tyrrell County
Book 1, page 155
Dated 15 November 1786
In the name of God amen: I James Best being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die I recollect and call into mind to make and ordain this my last will and testament to dispose of my estate that it hath pleased God to bless me with. First of all I recommend my soul unto God that gave it and for my body to the earth to be buried in a Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors.
Item - I give and bequeath unto my dearly and well beloved wife Elizabeth Best one hundred and fifteen acres of juniper swamp lying on Goose Creek also I give and bequeath unto my son Michael Best one cow and calf and also one sow. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Best one half gallon pewter bason. Also I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph Best one cow also I give and bequeath my hunting gun. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Best one three quart pewter bason. Also I lend and bequeath unto my dearly and well beloved wife Elizabeth Best the use of all the rest of my household goods an chattels during her life time or widowhood and if she marry then a third during her life.
Furthermore I do appoint constitute and ordain my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Best and John Bray my whole and sole Executors to this my last will and testament and I do revoke and disannul all other will or wills ratifying and confirming this to be my last will and testament.
Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us -
November 15th day year one thousand seven hundred eighty six
James Best (Seal)
Speir Holland
Susanna Hassell
Tyrrell County April Term 1787
Personally appeared Susannah Hassell and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of almighty God that she saw and heard James Best above named sign, seal, publish, pronounce, & declare the above instrument of writing to be his last will and testament and at that time he was of sound mind & memory, and at the same time she saw Spier Holland a subscribing witness sign his name thereto and further saith not.
Test Mackey Clk
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