Walter Kennedy Will, 1751
The following will was zeroxed about 25 years ago and has been in my files since then.I am not sure whether this was copied while visiting New Bern, North Carolina on a golfing weekend twenty five years ago.I did take time while there to visit the local library and court house, so it is possible the original book can be found there.I am sorry my genealogy skills were lacking, but I can vouch for authenticity of the will.
Page 190:Johnston County, North Carolina, March 25th, 1751--In the Name of God Amen. I Walter Kennedy of this county being in my senses and perfect and Sound Memory do make and Ordain this as my last Will and Testament in Manner and form followingImprimits. I leave and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah Kennedy the thirds of every Thing that I have moveable and immoveable.Item. I leave to my Son John Kennedy my dweling Plantation containing One Hundred Acres of Land my wife thirds Excepted. Item. I leave all the rest of my goods and Chattles to be Divided between my two Children to wit John Kennedy and Mary Kennedy. Item. Leave and Ordain my Wife Sarah to be the Executor of this my last Will and Testament and to be decently buried at her Direction. In Witness thereof I have sett my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above Written Syned in the presence of us under Written Testes John Kennedy Robert Fellow Walter Kennedy.
Johnston County June Court 1751 Present his Majesties Justices The last Will and Testament of Walter Kennedy of this county,Deceased was proved in Open Court by the Oath of John Kennedy a subscribing Evidence thereto who swore that he saw the Testator Sign Seal Publish pronounce and Declare the Same to Be his last Will and Testament and that he saw Robert Fellow Sign Concuring Evidence thereto and also that he Believes he was of Sound and Disposing wits proved Mind and Memory Sarah Kennedy Executor therein Named Appeared and was Qualified by Taking the Oath of Executor Ordered that Mr. Secretary have notice thereof that Setters Testamentary Issue Accordingly by Order. Lils grant issued 1st October 1751. James Oates D.C.C.