I James Bourdeaux of the county of New Hanover and state of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence do make & declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say First that my executor (herein after named) shall sell (if I should not sell it my self) my Canetuck Land with such other property as may be required for the payment of my just debts how ever and to whomsoever caring. I give and devise to my beloved wife Rebecah on hundred acres of land the track where on I now live including my house all out houses and other improvements to have an and to hold to her the said Rebecah for and during the term of her widowhood but if she marries again then it shall be divided between her and my seven youngest Children. I give and bequeath to my eldest Daughter Rebecah wife of Macon Buie the sum of five Dollars to be paid by my executor within two years after my youngest Child becomes twenty one years old. While it not be until June the 8th 1874 - which sum together with the advancements she had from me at the time of her marriage and sundry small advances since that time will make her a fair and equitable portion according to the value of my real and personal estate to be hers,and her disposal absolutely forever. I give and bequeath to my eldest son Arthur the sum of five dollars as his right and property forever to be paid by my executors in the same manner as the last bequest and is made under the same views in reference to the former advancements. I give a bequeath unto my daughter Tobitha wife of Nathan F. Bourdeaux the sum of five dollars as her right and property forever, to be paid by my executor in the manner as the last request, and is made under the same views in reference to the former advancements. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Eliza the wife of Samuel J. Herring the sum of five dollars, as her right and property forever, to be paid by my executors in the same manner as the last bequest, and is made under the same views in reference to the former advancements. I give and bequeath to my son James Palifax the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars as his right and property, provided he is living and come in the proper time. My Will and desire is that all the residue of my estate after taking out the divises and legacies above mentioned, shall remain in the possession of my wife and her youngest children until my youngest son arrives at the full age of twenty one years. Then My Will and desire is that it be equally divided to my said wife and seven youngest children now living, in equal proportion, share & share alike, to them, and each and every of them their executors, administrators and assigns absolutely forever. And lastly I do hereby constitute and apoint my truly friend - William S. Pridgen and my son Richard C. M. Bourdeaux my lawful executors to all intents and purpose to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof - hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I the said James Bourdeaux do hereunto let my hand and seal this Eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord AD 1859. James Bourdeaux (Seal) Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Bourdeaux to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence do subscribe our names as witnessing thereto (Signed) John W. Pridgen J J Pridgen New Hanover County, Will Book D, page 29