Background
Sarah Howcott died at Edenton on 23 August 1827 in the 53rd year of her age (information from a newspaper account included in “Abstract of Vital Records from Raleigh NC newspapers 1820-1829”, compiled by Lois Smithers Neal). Sarah was the widow of Nathaniel Howcott (died 1820).
Text
State of North Carolina, Chowan County
In the name of God, amen.
I Sarah Howcott, of the County and State aforesaid, of sound &
disposing mind and memory well knowing that in a few days or Months, I shall
cese to be numbered amongst the living; do make this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following: -
First I desire that all my just [sic] shall be punctually
paid by my Executor hereafter to be made.
Item, I give and bequeath to my two sons Nathaniel Howcott
& John Howcott four Negroes viz Negroe woman Pleasant, Girl Maria, Boys
Freeman and Donalson to be equally divided as soon as Nathaniel Howcott arrives
to the age of Twenty One years.
Item, I give to my son Charles Howcott, one Negroe Woman
named Mourning and at my decease, I give, and bequeath all the residue of my
Estate to my three said sons Nathl. Howcott, John Howcott & Charles Howcott,
to be equally divided to them their Heirs and assigns for ever.
Item. I give to my son Nathaniel Howcott one Gun, and I
hereby nominate and appoint James Hoskins my Executor of this my last Will and
Testament, ratifying and confirming this to be my last Will and utterly revoking
all others.
In testimony whereof I do hereby set my hand and seal this
15th day of March 1823.
Sarah Howcott
Signed, Sealed and acknowledged by the Testator in the
presence of Benjamin Wynn, Jurat [i.e. sworn], James Hoskins Junr.
The foregoing Will was exhibited in Open Court at December
Term 1828 proved by Oath of Benjamin Wynn one of the subscribing Witnesses
thereto, and Ordered to be Recorded, Test. Edmd. Hoskins Clerk.
Transcribed by
Francis Howcutt from an office copy