In the name of God amen: March the 14th, 1854. I Robert L. Pledger of the County of Tyrrel in the State of N.C. being very weak & sick but in perfict mind & memory, thanks be to God for the same and knowing it was once appointed for all men to die, do make & ordain this to be my last Will and Testament.-

First of all I give my soul to God, who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be burried in a Christian manner at the discretion of my executors; and calling to mind the worldly goods as where with it hath pleased god to bless me with in this life, do give and dispose of in the following manner, Viz-

Item I- I give my sister Ann McClees ten dollars-

2nd. I give my sister Elizabeth Melson ten dollars-

3rd. I give my brother William Melson ten dollars-

4th. I give my sister Mary C. Melson ten dollars-

5th. I give my mother Elizabeth Casgrove three hundred dollars, to be left in the hands of my brother Henry A. Pledger, to be used for her support as he may then her needs may be.

6th. It's my will and desire that after all of my debts are settled that all of the remainder of my estate, be equally divided between my wife Mahala E. Pledger and my brother Henry A. Pledger- I likewise constitute and appoint my friends John A. Pledger and W. J. Beasly, my whole & sole exrs. of this my last Will and Testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and date above written-

Attest:
Jno. Spruill
Joseph Morris

R. L. Pledger (Seal)