Will of Giles Bowers, Sr.

His will was written in 1796 and probated in Franklin County, NC in 1800. It is in Will Book A, page 148.

I've typed it as it was written. I must tell you that the copy I received from the North Carolina State Archives was extremely hard to read. I've ordered close to 30 wills from them, and this was the worst. The writing came out white against a dark background. I couldn't find anyone in this town that could reverse it to black on white, so I did the best I could. The words that are underlined are words I'm not sure about. The blanks are words I couldn't make out at all. Does anyone have a clearer copy?

The Last Will & Testament of Giles Bowers, Sr.

In the name of God Amen: I Giles Bowers "Sr" of Franklin county, & State of North Carolina being of sound & perfect mind and memory do this seventh day of Sept. in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred & ninety six make & publish this my last will and testament in the manner following;

Item First that all my just debts should be paid by my Exec. hereafter mentioned.

Item I give and bequeath unto my Son James Bowers his heirs and assigns forever the main plantation and all the Lands I hold thereunto by Patent and Deed. Four hundred and forty two Acres of Land, also my negroe man called Coffee to be freely enjoyed by my Son James Bowers, also the stock of hogs and cattle in the said plantation and the Mill _________.

Item My desire is that Franky Mc______ , Betsy Pope, Polly Goodloe, my daughters shall all heir equal in my three negroes, to witt, Ned, Bob, and Sally Also I give my daughter Franky Mc_____ one horse or mare of ten pounds Virginia currency worth, also to my daughter Polly Goodloe one horse or mare of ten pounds Virginia currency, to them and their heirs or assigns to be freely enjoyed.

Item I give to my daughter Polly Goodloe one bed furniture; and all my household furniture and devices to my Son James Bowers his heirs & assigns to be freely enjoyed.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Beal five shillings ______ to her heirs & assigns.

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Jesse Bowers five shillings ____ to his heirs & assigns.

Item I give and bequesth to my Son William Bowers five shillings _____ to his heirs & assigns.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Patsy Strothers five shillings ____ to her heirs & assigns

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Bowers five shillings _______ to his heirs & assigns

Item I give and bequeath to my Son Philemon Bowers five shillings to his heirs & assigns

Out of the faith and trust of my beloved Sons, William Bowers & James Bowers, I do hereby appoint them my Sole Executors to this my last will & Testament revoking all other wills in witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & Seal this 7 day of Sept. 1796.

His                    
Giles X Bowers Seal
Mark                  

Franklin County, March Session 1800

I certify that the foregoing will was proved in Open Court by the oaths of ______ ______, two subscribing witnesses.