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Colony of North Carolina
Tyrell County
Dated 30 July 1755
In the name of God Amen. The thirteeth day of July one thousand seven hundred fifty five. I Epentus Griffin being very weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same and calling to mind the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say. First and principally I recommend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection to receive the same by the mighty power of God, and as touching such Wordly Estate wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with in this Life I give and dispose of in the manner and form following.
First - I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied.
Item - I give unto my Son Andrew Griffin five shilling Sterling to be levyd and paid out of my Estate I say unto my son Andrew Griffin.
Item - I give unto my Son Epentus Griffin five shilling Sterling to be levyd and paid out of my Estate I say unto my son Epentus Griffin.
Item - I give unto my Son Matthew Griffin five shilling Sterling to be levyd and paid out of my Estate I say unto my son Matthew Griffin.
Item - I give unto my Daughter Sarah Cockbern five shilling Sterling to be levyd and paid out of my Estate I say unto my daughter Sarah Cockbern.
Item - I give unto my Daughter Elisabeth Griffin one certain bed and furniture with two sheets one blanquet and one rugg, it beirng the bed that is called hers.
Item - I give unto my Daughter Elisabeth Griffin twelve head of grown cattle, at the day of her marriage or her departing home from her mother.
Item - I give unto my loving wife Ann Griffin during her Widowhood the use of the plantation with the land thereunto belonging whereon I now live, I say unto my loving wife Ann Griffin.
Item - I give unto my son John Griffin after his mothers decease or day of her marriage the plantation whereon I now live with all and every the lands and appentenances thereunto belonging, I say unto my Son John Griffin to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item - I lend unto my loving wife Ann Griffin during her widowhood all my other Estate of what kind so ever it be other(?) Negroes and whatever else I have not already disposd of I say unto my loving wife Ann Griffin during her widdowhood, and on the day of marriage what is then in her possession or to be found to be equally devided between her my said wife and my two children John Griffin and my daughter Ann Griffin.
I likewise nominate and appoint my son John Griffin with my loving wife Ann Griffin my sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament, Revoking and disannulling all other former Wills by me heretofore made Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and afixed(?) my seal the day and date first written
Epenetus Griffin
Signed sealed Published Pronounced
and declared by the said
Epenetus Griffin to be his
Last Will and Testament
in presence of us.
Nathaniel Cooper
Joseph Hilsonworrin
North Carolina
Tyrrel County
December Court 1756
Present his majestyes Justices
These may certifie that Natt. Cooper and Joseph Hilsonworrin subscribing Evedences to the within will came into open Court and made oath on the Holy Evangelist of allmighty God that they saw Epenetus Griffin sign, seal, publish, and pronounce the within writing to contain his last will and testament. Then appeared John Griffin and Ann Griffin Executors and Qualified themselves by taking the oath by the law proscribed ordred that William Speaight Esq. Secretary of the province have notice thereof That Letters Testamentory issue accordingly.
Test. Fr. Ward Clerk of Court
Epen. Griffin Will
Recorded in the Secyr
Office in Book N page 7.
Tyrrell County
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