USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Virginia Crilley (crilley@eramp.net) August 28, 1997. MARTIN COUNTY, NC WILL STARKEY S. W. RUFFIN Feb 8, 1817 Probated March Term 1817 Martin County, NC Will Book 2 p 42 State of North Carolina, Martin County In the name of God, Amen. I Starkey S? W. Ruffin being of perfect mind and memory thanks to the Almighty God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following in the first place, I recommend my Soul into the hands of God my creator, hoping & believing that through the merit of Jesus Christ my Savior it will be made partaken of life everlasting and my body to the Earth whereof it is made. 2nd I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elisabeth R. Ruffin all the Negro slaves which belonged to her before we were married and then of their increase likewise I give and bequeath to my said wife all my household and kitchen furniture. I lend unto my wife all my other negroes during her widowhood at the Expiration of that time, I give & bequeath the said negroes to my Brothers Thomas Ruffin, Henry Ruffin and James Ruffin and my sister Sarah King as the above negroes will have to be sold to make in equal division it is my will and desire that they shall choose their own masters or mistresses to buy them. This to be left to my Executors, I want as much of perishable property to be sold as will satisfy all the just demands against me. I hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Ruffin and William W?ward Executors to this my last will & Testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th day February 1817. Starkey Ruffin x seal Signed & delivered in the presence of Francis Ward Abigil (his mark) Hyman W.W. Williams March County March Term 1817 This Instromy of writing was proved to be the last will and Testament of Starkey S? W. Ruffin in open court by the oath of William W. Williams one of the subscribing witnesses & ordered recorded. H.B. Hunter, clk