Will of Esther McKnight

In the name of God Amen:

I Esther McKnight being at this time in feeble health but of sound mind and disposing memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, to wit, In the first place I direct that all such of my lawful debts as are not herein after provided for, be paid as soon as practicable.

Item. I Give devise and bequeath unto my son William H and my daughter Sarah Ellen my plantation and Lands belonging thereto (with the exception of two Hundred acres herein after to be bequeathed) to be equally divided between them share and share alike to them and their heirs forever, Together with the Plantation Tools, and agrecultural implements appertaining to the same, also all my portion of Household & kitchen furniture, I also ordain and direct and it is my Will and desire that the amount of money which I am now due my son William H and my daughter Sarah Ellen be paid to them in property at its true and real valuation or in money at their option.

Item I Give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Ellen my carriage & two Bay Horses, used by me as carriage Horses.

Item, I Give devise and~ bequeath unto my son James H McKnight Two hundred acres of Land, to be laid off on the North side of my Lands and adjoining Lands belonging to my son James, Six acres around my summer seat excepted‑‑

Item I Give devise and bequeath my personal property consisting of negroes, Cattle, Hogs & sheep to my children, Alexander C. John D. Jas. H. Emma L. Harriett, William H. & Sarah Ellen to them & their heirs to be divided in the following manner, that is to say, in such manner, so that my son William H. & daughter Sarah Ellen shall receive less of my negro property, the sums of five hundred Dollars cash in consideration of the Lands given them & such other manner so that my son William H. shall take Sellah & her child at such valuation as may be put upon them by disinterested persons, but in case William H should die leaving no children or child then my daughter Harriett to take Sellah & her child on the same terms, & in case my daughter Sarah Ellen should die leaving no child or children then my daughter Emma to take Ann and her child on the same terms

Item It is my Will, that my sons John D. and William H. and my daughters Emma and Sarah and Mrs Jane J. N Gibson shall continue to live together in the same way & on the same terms that they now do.

Item I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my sons Alexander C. McKnight, John D McKnight James H. McKnight & William H McKnight Executors to this my last will & Testament.

Signed, sealed, published and declared by me as my last Will & Testament this twenty seventh day of October A D 1847 in the Presence of

Moses M Benbow Esther McKnight (SEAL)

I H Dingle Senr

Jane J N. Gibson

Recorded in Will Book D-2, Pge 286

Recorded 14th Day of Nov 1848

W. Lewis Ordy

Bundle 130, Pkge 19 Copied from Will Book original will lost