Misspellings and Improper Capitalization's as written in the original Hand Written Document. Transcribed from the original hand written document by Brian Kelly Madaris 1996.
In the name of God Amen. I Massey C. Medearis, of the County of Guilford and State of North Carolina being infirm in Body but of Sound Mind and memory, and Conscious that I must Shortly part off this my Earthly Tabernacle, do herento proper to make this my last Will And Testament in manner following, to wit.
First, Hand unto my beloved Wife Celia Medearis all my tract of land in the County of Guilford, with the appurtenances thereto, be longing during the Natural life as Widowhood. But in case she should marry, I then give the Said Tract of land together with all the appurtenances hereto belonging to my Son John Wesley Medearis, to him and his heirs for ever -
Secondly I give and bequeath unto wife Celia Medearis, Whatever houshold and Kitchen furniture together with whatever Stocks of any discrestion or other perishable property, She may think proper to make choice of during her Natural life to be at her disposal as she shall think proper, and at her death may desire that it shall be divided in such sort between my two Children Namely Delany Jones & John W. Medearis as that my Said Daughter Delany or her heirs Shall be intelled to the Value of Twenty Dollars above the one half to make up for a Set of Blacksmiths Tools which I have given to my Said Son John W. Medearis, to them & heirs for ever
Thirdly - I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Delany Jones, my tract of land in Stokes County Containing Eighty four Acres and three quarters, to her and her heirs for ever.
Fourth - I give and bequeath unto my Son John W. Medearis my tract of land in Guilford County Containing One hundred & Fifty Nine Acres (159) at his mothers death or marriage, also my Blacksmiths Tools Complete. One Waggon - and all my right to a Still and the furniture - also one house clock, to him & heirs for ever.
Fifthly - My desire and will is that if there should be any property as left to my said wife that she should not wish to keep, or should wish to have sold. That she may dispose thereof as she may judge most suitable to her own mind, for the benefits of her my said wife or her heirs - I lastly desire and leave my solemn charge that those whom I have in possession of my Earthly Goods may keep and remain in harmony and peace and not fall out by the way. And To my I appoint my son Jonn W. Medearis Executor of this my last will & testament, renouncing & revoking all and every will heretofore by me made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this Sixteenth day of July 1828.
Signed Sealed & Acknowledged in the presence of us
Massey C. Medearis (hand drawin Seal authenticating the signature)
Robert Dwiggens
Jonn M. Dwiggins, Lieut,
State of North Carolina, Gulford County, May Tenth 1843
The Executor of the foregoing Last Will and Testament of
Massey C. Medearis - was