The Last Will and Testament of James Welborn Shepherd of Ashe County, North Carolina.

I, J.W. Shepherd of Ashe Co., N.C. being of Sound mind and Delicate health and knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life do make this my Last Will and Testament.

I will my beloved daughter Sarah Jane the $673 she has already had from my estate and $200 yet to be paid.

I will my beloved son John C. Shepherd the $647.50 he has already had from my estate and $27.50 yet due him.

I will my beloved daughter Martha M. the $675 which she has already had from my estate.

I will my beloved son J.F. Sheppard the tract of land I once ran off to him and deeded containing about 65 acres off the upper end of my home land.

I will my beloved daughter Leona the $646.25 which she has already had from my estate and $28.75 yet due her.

I will Lula Sullen the girl we have raised known as Lula Sheppard one nice real young cow woth $20, also one bedstead and bed well furnished. I will Wiley Phillips known as Dick one calf that he claims also one horse saddle and bridle, provided that he stays on the place and conducts himself manly as before.

I also will my beloved wife Ellen $300 worth of property also a cow and yearling, the $300 of propherty and supplies instead of one year's allowance the same to be appraised by three neightbors who are disinterested. I also will my beloved wife Ellen the use of all the land where I now live except the land heretofore willed to J.F. Shepherd for her to have and hold at her own during her widowhood and at her death or remarriage I will that all my land be divided or sold as may be discussionary with my children. Except four square roads of land at W.E. Stump's line by an oak tree where I expect to be buried that I will to no one but retain same for my burial ground. I also will that my notes and accounts be deposited in the hands of my executor to be collected and paid over to my children after all just debts and burial expenses are fully satisfied. I further appoint John C. Shepherd as sole executor to this will. Signed and acknowledged by said testator in the presents of us who subscribed our names in the presents of said testator and each other this April 1, 1899.

J.W. Shepherd (Seal)

Witnesses: John J. Garvey, R.L. Weaver

Proved in the Superior Court of Ashe County, North Carolina May 1, 1899.