Last Will and Testament - Joseph Small

In the name of God A men, I, Joseph Small of Chowan County in the province of North Carolina being indisposed of body but of a potent mind and memory. I does make and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following.
Imprimus it is my will and mind that my just debts and funeral expenses be discharged by my executrix and executer here after named.

Items; I give and bequeath to my son Josiah Small a Negro slave named Dick and twelve head of black cattle.

Items; I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Rachel Bunch, the daughter of Charities Bunch deceased, any lo land that is on rockerhock on Chowan River and all of land to it belonging continuing one hundred acres moor left to her and her heirs lowfully begot of their body and in failure thereof to my son Benjamin Small to him and his heirs for ever.

Items; I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Ann Small the use and occupation of my dwelling plantation and all my land on the east side of Cowhall Swamp and one hundred acres of late patent land lying on ye east side of Cowhall Swamp asfore laid during her natural life and after her decease to my son Josiah Small like wife I give to my said wife the use and occupation of two negro slaves called Charles and Will during her widowhood and after marriage to return to my estate and divided amongst my loving children wit: Jonathan Small, Benjaman Small, Jospeh Small, Mary Small, Sarah Small, and further more I leave my wife be asfore said during her natural life riding horse bridle and saddle and one bed and furniture.

Items; I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan the remaining part of my land on the north side of Cowhall to him and said Jonathan and his heirs and in failure there of to my son Joseph Small.

Item; I give and bequeath unto my daughters Patience Jorden and Ann Jorden a negro slave each called Violet and Phillis already in their possession to them and their heirs lowfully begot of their body and failure there of to return to my estate and divided amongst my wife and five small children which I does name purtrelemy Jonathan Small, Benjaman Small, Jospeh Small, Mary Small, and Sarah Small.

Item; I give and bequeath to my four sons in law James Jorden, Jacob Jorden, Samuel Woodard, Shadrach Bunch one shilling sterlan of Great Britain.

Item; I give and bequeath and singular the remaining part of whole estate to be equally divided amongst my wife Ann Small and five small children which I doe hear name Jonathan Small, Benjamin Small, Joseph Small, Mary Small, Sarah Small.

And lastly I ordain constitute and appoint my loving wife Ann Small my executrix together with her son Josiah Small to be my Executor to see this my last will and testament purified and performed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
Disannulling and revoking all former will or wills by me. Made in witness whereof I have here unto left my hand and fixed my seal this 13 day of February - 1754.

Signed and sealed in the presents of us:

Charles Roberts Jr.
John Lewis
John Lewis Jr.

                                                                                                                                                                His

                                                                                                                                              Jospeh         X        Small

                                                                                                                                                                Mark

Ann Small & Josiah Small

Probate 1755