Will of William Clark, 1857, Chambers Co. AL

Submitted by Don L. Clark <donlc_99@yahoo.com> 

     
                         Will of William Clark: 1857
                                      
     Note: WILLIAM CLARK was born in Halifax County, NC, August 21,
     1782, and died in Chambers County, AL, February 13, 1859.
     
     The State of Alabama
     Chambers County
     
     In the name of God Amen. I WILLIAM CLARK of the County and State
     aforesaid being of sound mind and memeory considering the
     uncertainty of this frail body and transitory life, do therefore
     make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and
     Testament. That is to say first after all my lawful debts are paid
     and discharged the remainder of my Estate be equally divided among
     my children: JOHN R. CLARK, WILLIAM THOMAS CLARK, ADELINE CLARK
     HIGGINS, HARRIETTE CLARK MCINTOSH, MARY A. CLARK MAGBEE, JAMES E.
     CLARK, ELIZABETH G. CLARK PARKER, JUDITH CLARK BOWLING, MARTHA
     CLARK JORDAN and CHARLOTTE CLARK HENRY. In the following manner To
     Wit.
     
     Item 1. That my two eldest sons JOHN R. CLARK and WILLIAM T. CLARK
     whom I appoint my lawful Executors. In reasonable time after my
     decease, appoint either three or five free holders to lot off all
     my negroes, with the exception of old DAVE and CASSEY, unto ten
     equal shares as nearly as possible with an Eye Single to the
     comfort of the negroes so far as not to separate the mother and
     their youngest children and that each of my children have one share
     and all that the shares like of being equal in valuation, be made
     so in money arising from the sale of my other property.
     
     Item 2. That the negroes and money allotted and given my to my
     Daughters, I give and devise the same to them their sole and
     separate use during their lives free from the Debts, Contracts and
     Controle of their husband, and at their death to their children.
     
     Item 3. That all my stock of all description, household and kitchen
     furniture and all other things of value be advertised, put up and
     sold to the highest bidder on a credit of twelve months.
     
     Item 4. That all my land improved and unimproved be sold to my
     Executors at private Sale if they can by that means obtain a fair
     price and credit of one, two and three years, but in case of
     failure to sell privately, they advertise and exchange to sale to
     the highest bidder on a credit of the same time.
     
     Item 5. It is my will that my old negro man DAVE stay with some one
     of my children and that my Executors retain money on their hands
     sufficient to support him during his life and that CASSEY be
     supported in the same way provided she become helpless and cannot
     maintain herself.
     
     In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th
     day of November in the year of our Lord 1857.
     
     WILLIAM CLARK
     
     In presence of
     
     THOMAS B. ROYSTON
     JOHN W. MAGBEE

====================================================================
     USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
         free information on the Internet, data may be used by
         non-commercial entities, as long as this message
         remains on all copied material. These electronic
         pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
         or for presentation by other persons or organizations.

         Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
         for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
         written consent of the file contributor.

         The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives
         to store the file permanently for free access.

         This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb
         Archives by:  Don L. Clark <donlc_99@yahoo.com> 
====================================================================