Will of Haley Tatum

Rowan County, North Carolina    20 March 1819

In the name of God, Amen.  I, Haley Tatum, of the county of Rowan and state of North Carolina being now in my perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament.  First, I leave to my daughter, Milley Merrel, one negro girl named Liza and all her increase during her natural life and then to be equally divided between all the heirs of her body.  I also do leave her the tract of land that Moses Claybrook now lives upon during her natural life then to belong the the heirs of her body.  I also give her ten dollars forever and no more of my estate.  I, Haley Tatum, also give to my son, Hardy Tatum, all my possessions of land in Buncombe County and state of NC.  I also give him one of my best beds and furniture and as many of my clothes as he will wear and no more of my estate.  I also give to my niece Centy Buckner for her kindness to my family one of my next best beds and furniture and my commode and if she continues and takes care till my property is sold after my decrease for her wages to be doubled.  Also after my just debts is paid I give to my two sons viz, Haley and Samuel, all other of my lands, household goods, debts and moveable effects to wit the said Haley and Samuel to their use and benefit for their education and raising if one should decease before they come of age for the other to possess the whole.  I also acknowledge this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness thereof I set my hand and seal.