26

text top right [Dec. 27, 1814]

In the Name of God Amen.
I Amos Johnston of the County of Edgecombe and State of
North Carolina being in a reasonable State of health but sound in
body and cauling to mind the mortality of the body and knowing it
is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last
Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say.
Inprimis 1st. I lend to my beloved wife Catharine Johnston the land
and plantation where on I now live bounded by a written instrumet
which I have given her for that purpose for and during her natural
life time I also lend [crossed out] my said wife two negro men and two negro
women her choice of all my negros I may die possessed of (and not
other ways disposed of) also my negro boy Cambridge and my negro
garl Mourning for and during my said wifes life time. I also lend
my said wife as much of my household and kitchen furniture and plan-
tation utensils as shall be sufficient for her keeping house in a
comfortable and decent manner and carrying on the farm to the best
advantage. I also lend to my said wife three choice work horse
creaturs and one yoke of oxen out of my stock for and during her said
lifetime and it is my will and desire that after the death of my said
wife all the property above lent to her may be equally divided in
the following manner (viz) three fourths of the said property to be
equally divided between my three daughters Esther Wilkins, Mary
Battle and Nancy Evans them or their lawful representatives and the
other one fourth part to go to the lawfull heirs of my said wife or
whoever she may chose to devise or give it to (except the land and
mill which will be hereafter provided for.)
Amos Johnston
Item 2. I give to my beloved wife Catharine Johnston one bed and
bed stead curtains and furnitures compleat belonging to the said bed
and which is commonly called hers also my set of chaney ware six
silver table spoons and six silver tea spoons. I also give to my said
wife my large sorrel mare commonly cauled the chane mare and the
riding chair cauled hers and the choice of all my harness