Be it remembered that I Larkin Shepherd of the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of sound mind and perfect memory and considering the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and ordain this my last will and testament in the following manner, to wit: In the first place I commend my soul to god who gave it and my body to be deceatly buried at my decease at the discreation of my wife & friends the expenses whereof and all my just debts to be discharged as soon as may be convenient. Secondly and as to what little earthly goods it has pleased God to bless me with, I leave them wholy in the possession of my beloved wife with the following Exceptions. Whereas I have already given to my oldest Son John F. Shepherd ninety Dollars and to Lucinda I have given Seventy Dollars and Rebecca I have given Eighty four Dollars and to James W. Shepherd I have given Seventy five Dollars and it is my will that the rest of my children shall receive as they arrive at the age of Twenty one years at least Seventy Dollars in a horse beast or other stock and household furniture, which may be most convenient for my wife to spare & to suit their necessity to be valued to them at Cash price and it is my will that my wife aforesaid if she lives and remains my widow and manages herself children and estate prudently that she shall have full and free possession of all the rest of my estate for the purpose of raising my children in a decent manner until the month of March in the year of our Lord 1860 at which time it is my will that all the clear estate except the provisions of all they may have on hand for that present year be sold and my wifes lifetime Estate be reserved in all the land and improvements above. The following line commencing at the River near the Crofs fence that runs through the bottom and running with said Crofs fence so as to include the Crofs fence and barn. The line running round the barn at a Rods distance thereon with said fence as it now stands across the big branch to a pair drawbarn, Then North till coming against the straight part of the Crofs fence Then running a straight course with to the back line which I want her to enjoy the full benefits her lifetime - and it is my will that all the afore estate is sold at a credit of Twelve Months and bond and sufficient Security ______ for the procurement of the same and equally divided between my wife and all the children named as follows, John, Lucinda, Rebecca, Wellborn, Franklin, Sarah, Jordan, Benjamin, Abraham, Martha & Mary that...

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