State of North Carolina
Tyrrell County
Book 4 Page 69
Dated 27 October 1858

In the name of God. Amen; October 27th 1858 I Thos Sawyer of the County of Tyrrell and State of North Carolina being in a feeble state of health but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God. And knowing that it is designed for all men once to die do make this my last will and testament.

First of all I give my sold to God who gave it and my body I consign to the earth to be intered in a Christian manner at the direction of my Executor. Now calling to mind my worldly goods that it has pleased God to bless me with I do despose of therein the following manner.

Item 1: After paying all of my Just debts. I give and bequeath to my friend John Spruills children (viz) Lois Spruill, William R Spruill, Caroline Spruill, Sarah F. Spruill, and Edward R Spruill all of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided between them all. I like wise appoint my friend John Spruill my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament, in witness whereof have I have hereunto set my and seal the day and date above written.

Thomas (his x Mark) Sawyer

Witness
John A Pledger
H A Pledger

The annexed paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Thomas Sawyer is exhibited in the Probate Court of Tyrrell County by John Spruill appointed therein as executor (Missing) with John A Pledger and H A Pledger as witnesses thereto, the said John A Pledger being duly Sworn deposes and says as follows that he Signed the said will at the request of and in the presence of Said Thomas Sawyer and that in his presence he saw the said Thomas Sawyer sign the same and declare it to be his last will and testament. And the said H. A. Pledger the subscribing witness who is dead his hand writing is duly proven by the oath and examination of the said John Spruill the executor herein named and the said John A. Pledger the other subscribing witness who being duly sworn says they were personally present and saw the said H A Pledger in the presence of the said Thomas Sawyer sign his name as subscribing witness thereto and in the presence of the said H A Pledger and the said John Spruill and John A. Pledger declare the same to be his last will and testament for the purpose therein express.

John A. Pledger
John Spruill

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 2d December 1881

T L Jones
Probate Judge

Return to Tyrrell County Probate Records

Updated August 3, 2001
Ellen Kroll