Will of Thomas Winchester





I, Thomas Winchester of the County of Union and State of N. Carolina being of sound mind and

memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence do make and publish this my last

will and 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 and friends and pay all funeral expenses toether with my just debts

howsoeer and to whom ______ owing out of the money that may first come into his hands or a part

or parcel of my estate.



I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth all the lands together with the improvements

thereon where in I now reside lying So West of ? This Creek between my son G A WINCHESTER and

myself, also a negro boy ? J____ and his wife _____ and youngest child also one two horse wagon

and two horse beast her choice.  Two cows and calves her choice.  Two young beef cattle, Six

head Sheep, one Saw & pigs her choice also such farming tools as she may need to _____ the farm.

Also one years (one years) praovisions for herself and family, also one Hundred Dollars in money

to be left in the hands of GEO WINCHESTER put to interest by him to be used for her benefit as

she needs it.  Also such articles of household and kitchen furniture as she may need.  Also the

Cotton Gin, Thrasher and ?Fan and running Gear all the above property I give and devise to my

beloved wife Elizbeth during her natural life or widowhood and at her death or marriage to be

divided together with the increase or improvements theron between my children or their heirs.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my said beloved wife two beds and ?furniture, one wheel and ?___

one large chest one Saddle and Bridle one cooking pot one wash tube one set Knives and Forks

one set plates  ____ ____  _______ articles are to be hers ____ at her disposal.



ITEM  I give and bequeath to my great grand daughter SUSAN McNEELEY one Bed and furniture, one

Cow and Calf.



ITEM  I give and devise to my son THOMAS D WINCHESTER a certain tract of land known as the

? Beck all land adjoining the lands of Michael POLK, Samuel RINER and others said land to be

valued by ___ disinterested persons and my son THOMAS D to receive it and account for it to my

estate for its valuation,  or if he objects to take it at the valuation put by them it shall be

sold by my executors and the proceeds equally divided among my children or their heirs.

ITEM  I agaive and bequeath to my son GEO A WINCHESTER the tract of land lying North of him

known as the ? RAPE tract to be valued & disposed of as the Item above tract also the remaining

part of the tract I now live on not disposed of to my wife Elizabeth to be valued and disposed

of as above divided also the land  divised to my wife Elizabeth at her death.  I give and

bequeath to my son GEO A WINCHESTER to be valued and disposed of as above ______.

ITEM  I will and devise that all the negroes belonging to my estate except those already

disposed of be equally divided among my children or their heirs WILLIAM WINCHESTER,

MARY WINCHESTER, THOMAS D WINCHESTER,& GEO A WINCHESTER

ITEM  I will and devise that all the residue of my estate after taking out the divisi___ and

legacies above mentioned shall be sold & equally divided among my children or their heirs.

And lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my children WILLIAM WINCHESTER, MARY WINCHESTER,

THOMAS D WINCHESTER AND GEO A WINCHESTER my lawful executors and executors?  to all intents and

purposes ___ ___ this my last willand testament according ot the true intent and meaning of the

 same ____ ____ part ____ _____ thereof.



In Testimony whereof I the said THOMAS WINCHESTER do hereunto set my hand and Seal This 26th day

of September 1853.



Signed sealed published and declared by the said THOMAS WINCHESTER to be his last will and

testament in presents of us R G HOWIE; ? R WINCHESTER



Signed THOS WINCHESTER (Seal)



State of North Carolina Union Co:  ________ ______  _______  July ?Seven A D 1864. ____ the

 _____ _____ papers of writing was admitted to probate in due form of law as the last will and

testament of Thos WINCHESTER dec’d.