BLADEN COUNTY, NC - WILLS - William J. Cowan, 14 Apr 1855 ==================================================================== 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: Rebecca McNeal RMcneal337@aol.com ==================================================================== In The Name of God "Amen" I William J. Cowan formerly a resident of Bladen County, North Carolina but at theis time of Washington City, district of columbia do make public and declare this as my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit. I give devise and bequeath to my step-son and friend James W. Lesesne after the payment of any just debets and funeral expenses, all my property both real and personal of which I may be due siezed or possessed or to which I may be in any way entitled to him his heirs executors and assignes forever. And by these bequeats do herby constitute and appoint the above named James W. Lesesne executor of this my last will and testament, In witness there of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the fouteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty five. 1855. Signed sealed and published and Wm J. Cowen (seal) declared by the testtor as his last will and testament and witnesed by us in his presence and in the presence of each other the day and year above mentioned. Durrum Lewis Elijah Knox North Carolina Bladen Co. Court of pleas and quarters session February Term 1864 A paper writing proporting to be the last will and testament or William J. Cowen deceased is eshibited in open court for probate by Durram Lewis one of the subscribing witnesses hereto and the dece'd execution thereof by the said William J. Cowen is proved by the oath and examination of Durram Lewis one of the subscribing wittnesses therof. It is therefor considered by the ocurt that the said paper writing and every part to be considered to be last will. Newpaper Wilmington N. Carolina Dec. 16, 1863 Cowan died in Washington City, died on 23 of November 1863, Gen. W. J. Cowan a native of Bladen Co.