WILL OF THOMAS PRITCHARD

State of North Carolina
Pasquotank County

In the name of God amen. I Thomas Pritchard of the County afore said being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory blessed by God do this seventeenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and four make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner following, that is to say

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Limuel Pritchard one half of the lands that I bought of Jesse Jackson and Tamer Saxton to and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Arthur Pritchard the other half of the lands that I bought of Jesse Jackson and Tamer Saxton to be equally divided between Limuel and Arthur Pritchard to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Isaac Pritchard one half of the land and plantation whereon I now live that half this is next to Malachi Pritchards land so as to take in my dwelling house to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Pritchard the remaining part of my lands that I have not given away before to him and his heirs forever

Item I have the use of all that part of my plantation from Malachi Pritchards line to the mill swamp where on my building is on binding on a ditch that is back o f my orchard between that and the ridge to my loving wife Lydda Pritchard during her widowhood or live like wise one feather bed and furniture one juniper table one cedar chest, one young mare named pleasher, one cow her own choice, one xxx (wand?) lamb one sow six shotes ten barrels of Indian corn one plough and harness one loom one ax one iron p? one iron tea kettle three flag bottomed churns one linen wheel one woolen wheel one pewter dish one pewter basin three pewter plates six earthen plates one washing tub one pail one bread tray one xxx (hachel?) during her widow hood or life and after her death among my five daughters, (vez or voz?) Dorcas Smithson, Elizabeth Cartwright, Mary Pritchard, Dolley Pritchard and Susannah Pritchard to them and their heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Pritchard my handgun.

Item I give and bequeath to my Samuel Pritchard six silver dollars to him and his heirs forever.

Lastly I leave all the remaining part of my estate that I have not given away before in legacies before to after paying my just debts, to be equally divided between my five daughters, (vez?) Dorcas Smithson, Elizabeth Cartwright, Mary Pritchard, Dolley Pritchard and Susannah Pritchard.

Item my will and desire is that if either of my sons Limuel or Arthur Pritchard should die without heir that the survivor should have all the lands that is willed them both.

Item my will and desire is that if either of my sons Thomas or Isaac Pritchard should die without heir that the survivor should have all the land that is willed to them both and I hereby make and ordain my son Samuel Pritchard and Hezekiah Cartwright Executors of this my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have unto set my hand and seal the date first above written.

Published and pronounced to be his last will and testament.

Thomas Pritchard (seal)
+ mark

In presents of
David Pritchard
Enoch Casse
Tamer Sexton (+ mark)

State of North Carolina
Pasquotank County
September Term 1804

The last will and testament of Thomas Pritchard deceased was expedited in open court by Samuel Pritchard and Hezekiah Cartwright the executors therein named and proved in open court by oath of David Pritchard one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, the said executors qualified agreeable to have ordered that the will be recorded and letter testamentary agree.
Teste
Will: T. Muse

Recorded in Book M, folio 97 and 98
September Term 1804

I have marked xxx or (?) where I am not sure of what was written in the will. If you have any comments, I would love to hear them.

Transcribed by H. and D. Carmine.