Nathaniel Howcott died at some stage between 13 May 1820, when he signed his will, and June 1820, when the will was proved.
Text
In
the Name of God Amen. I Nathaniel Howcutt of the State of North Carolina and
County of Chowan, being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be God for
the same, although in a low state of health, do this 13th day of May
in the year of our Lord 1820 make and publish this my last Will and Testament,
revoking all others in manner following, that is to say,
First
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Howcutt Three Negroes, namely
Mourning Murier & Freedom to her to give after her death to my Children as
she pleases; also I lend the use of the Manor Plantation whereon I now dwell to
my beloved wife Sarah Howcott during her life, likewise my Brandy Still during
her life. I likewise give to my wife Sarah Howcutt Four Beds and Furnitures,
also three Cows and Calves, also six Yews and Lambs, also Four Sows and Pigs,
also my Walnut Beaufet and Crockery thereto belonging, also one Yoke of Oxen and
Cart, all my Knives and Forks, one pair of the best Table Linnings that I have,
also as much of my Kitchen Furniture as she shall think she may stand in need
of, also as many of my Farming Utensils as she thinks she needs, also Twelve
Windsor Chairs, also Two Dining Tables, also one Bay Mare and Top Gig and
Harness, to her and her heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Elizabeth Hoskins Four Negroes,
namely, Suckey, Sam, Phillis and Hannah; likewise Two Hundred Dollars, to be
paid out of my perishable Estate, to her and her heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved son James Howcutt Four Negroes, namely, Lewis,
John, Alfred and Harriotte; likewise Two Hundred Dollars, to be paid out of my
perishable Estate, to him and his heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Sarah Howcutt Four Negroes, namely,
Gilly, Huldy, Dave ad Ellick, to her and her heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved son Frederick Howcutt a certain piece or
parcel of Land adjoining the Lands I now live on beginning at a Holly in Major
Wright’s Corn Field, from there running to the Green Hall Road, then along the
Green Hall Road until it comes to foot of my Lane, then up said Lane till it
comes to my large Gate from thence down the Mill Road to the Old Mill, and then
as the line go round to first Station; also Two Negroes, namely Ben and
Donaldson, to him and his heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mary Howcutt Four Negroes, namely,
old Daniel, Esther, Joe and Penney, to her and her heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my two Sons Nathaniel Howcutt and John Howcutt Six
Negroes, to be divided equally between then when they shall arrive to lawful
age, namely, Wallace, young Daniel, Toney, Hardy, Fan & Charlotte to them
and their heirs forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my beloved son Charles Howcutt, after the death of his
mother, my Manor Plantation whereon I now live, together with all the Land I
have remaining after land I give to my son Frederick Howcutt, likewise Two
Negroes, namely Jack and Dorson to him and his heirs forever.
Item.
I give to my wife Sarah Howcutt the Half Acre of Land adjoining the Land of
Thomas Jones lying on the side of the Machicomic Creek where I fish during her
life, and after her death to my Children then living.
Item.
I give to my son Charles Howcutt my Brandy Still after the death of his mother,
to him & his heirs forever.
It
is my Will that my Executor cause sale to be made of Four Negroes, namely,
Brutus, Peter, old Hannah and Pleasant, together with all other of my Perishable
Estate that I have not given away, and after my just Debts is paid the Money
arising therefrom and after the Two Hundred Dollars cash that I have given to my
Daughter Elizabeth Hoskins and my son James Howcutt to be equally divided should
they be any remaining between my eight children, namely, Elizabeth Hoskins,
James, Sarah, Frederick, Mary, Nathaniel, John and Charles Howcutt, and I hereby
make and ordain my son in law Lemuel Hoskins and my son James Howcutt Executors
to this my last will and Testament. In witness whereof I the said Nathaniel
Howcutt have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal the day and
year above written.
Nathaniel
Howcott (seal)
Signed,
Sealed published and declared by the said Nathaniel Howcutt the Testator as his
last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who were present at the time of
signing and sealing thereof Wm. Thompson, W Jones.
The
foregoing Will was exhibited in open Court, proved by the oaths of William
Thompson and William Jones, subscribing witnesses to the same, and ordered to be
recorded. June Term 1820.
Test.
Henry Wills, Clerk.
Transcribed by
Francis
Howcutt from office copy of the original.