Will of Richard Herring

I, Richard Herring of the County of Sampson, being of sound mind and memory, (blessed by God) do this third day of March in the year of our lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two make and publish this last will and testament in the manner and form as follows:

It is my will in the first place that all my just debts be paid and satisfied.

Then I leave to my beloved wife Sarah, during her natural life the plantation whereon I now live with the improvements thereunto belonging, also the household furniture (except such things I shall bequeath in the following legacies.) Also five negroes, to-wit: Ben, Sal, Peter, Comfort, and Old Sam. Also all my stock of horses that remain at y decease (except it should be judged by her and other legatees that any part to be sold and the moneys arising from such sale be equally divided between my chlidren, to-wit: Enoch, Gabriel, John, Stephen, Mary and Ann, or the property equally divided without sale). Also all my stock of cattle, hogs and sheep (except as before excepted) and at her decease all of the personal estate Ileave for her use to be equally divided between my six children above mentioned.

Also I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Enoch his heirs and assigns, three negroes namely, Caeser, Little Ben and Lennon.

Also I give and bequeath to my well beloved son Gabriel his heirs and assigns, three negroes namely, Primas, Doll and Matt.

Also I give and bequeath to my beloved son John, his heirs and assigns, one-half of a survey of land containing two hundred acres lying between Buck Marsh and the road, also three negroes, namely Marsh, Bill and Pat.

Also I give and bequeath to my beloved son Stephen his heirs and assigns, the remaining half of the two hundred acre survey together with the remaining part of the three hundred acre survey between John's and Gabriel's line. Also five cows or the value in cotton and at the decease of my well beloved wife the plantation whereon I now reside with the appurtainances belonging.

Also I give and bequeath unto him and his heirs three negroes, namely Isaac, Young Sam and Alock.

Also I give to my beloved daughter Mary her heirs and assigns three negroes Jinny and her son Tony, and Charles and I also give her my young mare.

Also I give and bequeth to my well beloved daughter Ann her heirs and assigns three negroes, namely Jacob, Rachel and Rose and five cows and one hundred silver dollars to be paid out of the profits arising from my mills by my executors. And I hereby make and ordain my well beloved wife Sarah, Executrix, and my well beloved son Enoch Executor of this my will and testament. In witness whereof, I the said Richard Herring to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year before written.

Richard Herring

Witnesses: John Treadwll, Arthur Rollins (or Robbins), John Treadwell, Jr.