Samuel B . Strickland I, Samuel B. Strickland, of the county of Johnston, and state of North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare 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, together with my just debts, howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the moneys that may first come into his hands as a part and parcel of my estate. Item 1 st : I give and devise to son JOSIAH STRICKLAND, all the land that I may be in possession of at my death, to have and to hold to him and his heirs in fee simple, forever; Item 2 nd : My will and desire is that all the residue of my estate (if any) after taking out the devise and legacy above mentioned, shall be sold and the debts owing to me collected, and if there should be any surplus over and above the payment of debts, and expenses, that such surplus shall be equally divided and paid over to my four daughters to wit: POLLY OLIVER, ELIZABETH STRICKLAND, ZILPHA PHILLIPS, AND EDITH MASSEY, in equal proportions, share and share alike to them and each and every of them, their executors, administrators and assigns, absolutely forever; And lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty son JOSIAH STRICKLAND, my lawful executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and every part and clause thereof, hereby revoking and declaring uttlery void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made. In witness whereof, I, the said SAMUEL STRICKLAND, do hereunto set my hand and seal, this 11 th day of August, A.D. 1853. SAM. B. STRICKLAND SEAL Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said SAMUEL STRICKLAND, to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who, at his request and in his presence, do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto: acknowledged in presence of us: J.M. Whittey J.H. Barnes State of North Carolina ) Court of Pleas and _________ ( Session August Term 1853 Johnston County ) The foregoing last will and testament of SAMUEL STRICKLAND, deceased, was exhibited in open court by JOSIAH STRICKLAND, the executor therein named and the and proposed for probate and the executor thereof proven by the oath of J.M. Whitley and Jacob H. Barnes, the subscribing witnesses thereto. It is therefore considered by the court that the said papers _____ and ordering paid thereof is the last will and testament of the said SAMUEL B. STRICKLAND and the same is ordered to be recorded and filed. And thereupon the said JOSIAH STRICKLAND executor as aforesaid duly qualifies as such by taking the oath required by law. (Clerk's signature illegible) |