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The Will of William Colvard
Dated: October 17, 1824
Probated: November Court, 1824

William was the great, great grandfather of
Ethel Isabelle Walker, wife of Grover Cleveland Shepherd.

In the name of God Amen. I, William Colvard of the county of Wilkes and State of North Carolina: Being weak in body but perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all-- I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of the Almighty God that give it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of Executors, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the powers of Almighty God and as touching such worldly Estate Wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life with-- I demise and dispose of in the same, in the following manner and form--

First, I leave and bequest to my dear beloved wife Rachael Colvard as follows (Viz) my home plantation where I now live, containing 282 1/2 acres of land. Secondly and all the household furniture and plantation tools. Thirdly four Negroes (viz) Limons, Jim, Lewis and Dalpah. Fourthly use of the grice mill as long as she lives and Fifthly the Still that I now own, together with Koons Plantation all of the aforesaid property to be disposed of as she pleases among the Children.

I will and bequest unto my four oldest sons that is Payton Colvard, Neil Colvard, William Colvard and Jesse Colvard, one lot in the town of Jefferson in Ashe County, North Carolina, being the northwest corer lot. Which I give to them and rated to them at one thousand dollars. Also the saw mill on Reddies River and mill place.

I will and bequest to my son Wade Colvard the Tyree Old Field Plantation, also one horse and saddle.

I want my aforesaid son William to have one hundred dollars more than any of the rest of the children.

I will and bequest to my daughters--Betsey Colvard, Sibby Dickson, Rachael Colvard, Jennie and Anna Colvard, and also my son Monfort Colvard all to have as much or an equal part with the oldest sons the balance if any to be equally divided among the children. I desire my two sons Neal Colvard and William Colvard to be my executors. Given under my hand and seal this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord 1824.

Wm. Colvard

Witnesses:

James Fletcher
John Dancy
George Taylor


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