Original Will is housed at the NC State Archives Copied from the New Hanover County Courthouse, Clerk of Courts Office Deed Book C, page 384 Will of Benjamin ROCHELL Recorded in Book C, page 384 by order of Court at Sept. Term 1845 Teste: L.H. MARSTELLER, Clk. In the Name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin ROCHELL of the State of North Carolina and county of New Hanover being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this 12TH day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight and seventeen, 1817 make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say, First-I give and bequeath to my dear wife Susannah ROCHELL all my personal and real property in the State and County aforesaid. Secondly,It is my wish that all my debts be paid, and after which, all such property as may be left for her to have and to hold during life, and after my debts are paid should there remain any of any personal property it is my wish as above mentioned for my to hold during her life; furthermore it is my desire and wish that, at her death all such landed property as may be then left to be equally divided among my dear children And I hereby make and ordain my worthy friend Jacob JAMES executor of this my last will and testament. In Witness, whereof, I the said Benjamin ROCHELL have to this my last will and testament, set my hand and Seal, the day and year above written. Signed: Benjamin ROCHELL (Seal) Signed, sealed, published and declared, L H MARSTELLEY Mag. By the said Benjamin ROCHELL the testator, As his last will and testament, In the presence of us, who were present At the time of signing and sealing thereof Test: Samuel JAMES, Bryant WOOTTEN Stephen S? WOOD New Hanover County County Court March Term 1826 The within last Will and Testament of Benj'n. ROCHELL exhibited to court and proved by the Oaths of Sam'l JAMES, Bryant WOOTEN, and Stephen S? WOOD Sub. Witnesses and ordered to be filed. Witness: Thomas F. DAVIS, Clk. (If someone can explain why this will and the will of John ROTCHEL, dated 1784 were both recorded at the Sept. Term 1845 - please contact me at SloMas7@aol.com)