CHATHAM COUNTY, NC - WILLS - Benjamin W. Thomas, 19 Nov 1856
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I, Benjamin W. Thomas, of the County of Chatham & State of North
Carolina being of sound mind & memory but considering the uncertainty of
my earthly existence do make and declare this my last will & testament
in manner and form following that is to say.  First that my executor
hereinafter named shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to
the wishes of my relations & friends and pay all funeral expenses
together with my just debts howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the
moneys that may first come into his hands as a part or parcel of my
estate.  Item 1st I give & devise to my beloved wife Isabella Cathareine
all of my stock and property of every description consisting of horses,
hogs, and cows together with all of my farming tools, also all of my
household and kitchen furniture also all interest in all notes and
accounts due me also my tract of land on which I now live containing one
hundred & eighty acres more or less to have hold & use to her own
benefit during her widowhood or single life, but if she marries there
the property shall be equally divided between her and my three children
(living) John Lewis, William Alfred, and Benjamin Franklin.  Lastly I do
nominate & appoint my trusty brother James Thomas my lawful executor to
all interests and purchases to execute this my last will & testament
according to the true interest and meaning of the same and every part &
clause there of hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other
wills & testaments by me heetofore made.  In testimony whereof I the
said Benjamin W. Thomas do herewith set my hand & seal this 19th day of
November, 1856.

                                                        B. W. Thomas,
Sen  (Seal)
Signed, sealed & declared
in the presence of
B. W. Thomas, Jun.
E. R. Partridge

            Feb.1857
The execution of the foregoing last will & testament of B. W. Thomas,
Sen was duly proved in open court by the oath of B. W. Thomas, Jun. a
subscribing witness thereto & ordered to be recorded whereupon James
Thomas the executor therein named appeared in open court and was duly
qualified as such.
                                    Test W. P. Taylor C.C.C.