[Will of Simon Murphy, 15 Jan 1754]
[provided by John H. Goebel, jgoebel@wwc.com]
(Taken from the Surry Co. Records.  Will and Deed Book 9, page 857) 

In the name of God amen this fifth day of July in the year of our Lord 
God one thousand seven hundred and fifty three.  I, Simon Murphy of 
Surry County, planter, being sick and weak of body, but of sound mind 
and memory, thanks being given to God, therefore calling unto mind the 
mortallity of body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, 
do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say principally
and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that 
gave it and as for my body, I commend it to the earth to be buried in a 
Christian like and decent manner at the descretion of my extors; nothing 
doubting but at the General Ressurrection I shall receive the same again by
the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate where it has 
pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in
the manner and form following:

Impromis: I leave the use of plantation I now dwell on to my wife Elizabeth 
Murphy with two negro men and all the remainder part of my estate during 
her widowhood.

Itim: I leave the use of the Plantation to my son Richard Murphy in Southampton 
County whereon he now dwells during his life, afterwards, I give and bequeath 
it to my grandson Simon Murphy to him and his heirs forever.  I likewise give 
one negro man called James to my son Richard Murphy to him and his heirs forever.

Itim: I leave the use of the plantation to my son Arthur Murphy where he now 
dwells in Surry County during his life afterwards I give and bequeath it to his 
son James to him and his heirs forever.

Itim: I give and bequeath to my son Simon Murphy the plantation where I now
live upon the Atsomosac swamp after my wifes widowhood to him and his heirs 
forever.  And  I likewise give and bequeath one negro man named Sam to him 
and his heirs forever.

Itim: I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine Murphy one feather bed 
and furniture and large pewter dishes.

Itim: I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucy Murphy one feather bed and 
furniture and two large dishes.

Itim: I give to by daughter Elizabeth Hines one Bell metal skillet.

Itim: I give to my daughter Mary Magarrity five shillings.

All my whole estate but what is before mentioned I give and bequeath to my 
sons and daughters hereafter mentioned:  Richard, Simon, Katy, and Lucy to 
be divided equally. And I constitute and appoint my loving wife Elizabeth 
Murphy and Simon Murphy executor and executrix of this last will and testament. 
 And I do disallow, revoke and disannul all and every former testaments, wills, 
legacies, and bequests and executors by me in any way before named willed and 
bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to by my last will and 
testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand Seal the day and 
year above written.  
/s/Simon Murphy
(L.S.)

Signed and sealed published pronounced and declared as his last Will and
 Testament in presence of us: 
Samuel Peete; 
Simon Murphy, 
Catherine (x her mark).

At a court held for Surry County the 15th day of Jan. 1754, the aforewritten 
Will and Testament of Simon Murphy deceased was presented in court by 
Elizabeth Murphy and Simon Murphy the extors; therein named and the same 
day was proved by the oaths of Samuel Peete and Catherine Murphy two of
the witnesses thereto and by the court ordered to be recorded and on the 
motion of the said extors certificate is granted to them for obtaining a probate 
thereof in due form.  

And the said Elizabeth Murphy a legatee therein named appeared (by the 
name of Elizabeth Edwards) and freely relinquished and released her right to 
all Legacy or Legacies given in the said
Will.
Teste:  A. Claiborne
A copy-Teste      V. E. Savedge-Deputy Clerk