Abernathy Document
Robert Abernathy
31 Jan 1772, Tyron Co. (now Lincoln Co.), NC
(Raleigh Loose Papers, CR060.801.1, Robert Abernathy)
In the name of God, Amen.
I, Robert Abernathy, Sr. of Tyron County and Province of North Carolina, being weak in body, and yet of sound
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 matter and form following; that it is say first and principally
I give my soul to God, the giver thereof, in hopes of receiving 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 which 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 the following manner, and first of ally my just debts and funeral expenses be 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 and 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.
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
decease, likewise Anthony, Jess, Joe, "Tom", Bet and Millie together with all my other estate, real and 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 (R his mark) Abernathy, Sr.
Signed, sealed, published and declared in the presence of us
James (his mark) Abernathy
David (his mark) Critus?
David (his mark) Abernathy
Probate July Term 1772.
Transcribed by Elizabeth Ferguson