Will of Robert Abernethy Sr

In the name of God, Amen, I, Robert Abernethy, Senr., of Tyron County, and Province of North Carolina, being weak in body yet of a sound mind and perfect understanding and memory thanks be to God and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and knowing it is appointed unto all men once to die and being desirous to settle things in order, do make and constitute and appoint this and no other to be my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first and principally I give my soul to God the giver thereof in hopes to receive the same again at the joyful resurrection at the last day with a full and free pardon of all my sins and transgressions through the death and merits of my blessed Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner and as to touching my worldly estate as the Lord in his mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning is that the same be employed and disposed of in a manner following and first that all my just debts and funeral expenses be first paid. Item. I leave, give and bequeath to my loving wife the labor of two Negroes during her life, to wit, Will and Sue, and after her death I give these Negroes with increase to my son Robert. I leave, give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Turner five shillings, likewise to my daughter Mary Smith five shillings. Item, I leave, give and bequeath to my son, John five shillings, likewise to my son, David five shillings. I give likewise to my daughter Elizabeth Williams five shillings. Item. I leave, give and bequeath to my wife aforesaid her choice of my beds and furniture, also the use of what part of my stock as will be sufficient for her well support. Item. I leave, give and bequeath to my son, Miles seven Negro slaves, to wit, Sue aforesaid after my wife's decrease, likewise Anthony, Jess, Jo, "Tom". Bet and Millie, together with all my other estate or personal with my outstanding debts. And lastly I do hereby appoint my son, Miles aforesaid sole executor to this my last will and testament revoking and disannulling all other will or wills by me made allowing this and no other to be my last.

In witness, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 31st day of January, 1772.

Robert Abernethy, Senr (mark)

Signed, sealed, published and declared in presence of us,
James Abernethy,
David Critz (Mark),
David Abernethy (Mark).

Probate 'July Term 1772'.