"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 lands into the hands of the Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of Executors, nothing debting. 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, Rachel Colvard, as follows, (Viz), My home plantation where I now live, containing 262 1/2 acres of land. Secondly and all the household furniture and plantation tools. Thirdly, four Negroes (viz) Limons, Jim, Lewis and Dalpha. Fouthly, 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 as she pleases among the children.
"I will and bequest unto my four oldest sons, that is Peyton Colvard, Neil Colvard, William Colvard and Jesse Colvard, one lot in the town of Jefferson in Ashe County, North Carolina, being the northwest corner 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, Betsy Colvard, Sibby Dichson, Rachel Colvard, Jennie and Anna Colvard, and also my son Montfort 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.