ORANGE COUNTY, NC - WILLS - William Asten (Astin, Aston), 16 Nov 1766 ==================================================================== 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: Martha Thayer MARTTHAYER@aol.com ==================================================================== Transcribed by Martha Thayer Orange Co, NC 1755-1795 Vol. A p.52-53 (52) In the name of God amen. I William Astin of Orange County & Province of North Carolina; being weak of Body but in sound memory thanks be God, Do this day of November 16th in the year of our Lord 1766, Make & Publish this my last will & Testament in manner following that is to say. First, I recommend my body. to the Earth. to be buried manner & my Soul, to God who gave it. I likewise do allow all my Just & Lawful Debts to be paid first & I give & Bequeath to my best beloved wife, Mary Asten, all my Lands Good & Chattles to hold during her natural life She making no waste no Distribution, thereupon & after her decease, I give & Devise into my Grandson William Asten Downey all my Land I now live on, and as for the Other track on the South side of the River and my Still I give to my grandson Thomas Starkely McLeroy... Also I give unto my Grandson William Asten Downey my Young Gray Horse. Also I devise unto my grandson William McBryd (McBryde) five Shillings part & also to my son in law Peter Downey five Shillings part & also to my son in Law Archibald Mcleroy five Shillings part & also so far what money is now in the house, I give & Bequeath to my best beloved wife for keep for her own use. Also I devised to my grandson William McBride and book titled the Errors of Rome and my Good Case for the rest of my books I allow they be Divided between my two son in laws Peter Downey & Archibald McLeroy at the Direction of my wife at her devise & also so far the rest of the movable estate I allow my wife at my demise, to Dispose off at the advise of my Executors & I make & Ordain my Wife & Arhcibald McLeroy & George Finley sole Executors of this my last will & Testament in trust for the intents & purposes an -- This my Will contained to take over & see the same performed according to my true intent & meaning. In Witness Whereof I the said William Asten have to this my Last Will and Testament, have set my hand & Seal the Day & Year -- (53) above written. s/ William Aften *backward f (Asten) (Seal) Wit: David Fultress Andrew Park Henry Cowden At an Inform Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions -- Begin Continued & held for the County of Orange at Court House in Hillsborough on the Second Tuesday in February in the Year of Our Lord 1767. Present his Majestic Justices, the Execution of the aforesaid Will was duly proved by Oaths of Andrew Park & Henry Cowden & ordered to be Recorded...... Test Frances Nash CC