Caswell Co., North Carolina Wills

Last Will & Testament of James Bird (c.1720-1805)
Contributed by Lovena Ferry Garrison

Orange County, NC
Will Book D
Page 155
Written 24 October 1793
Proved August Court 1805

In the Name of God Amen I, James Bird of the County of Orange & State of North Carolina, being in perfect health and of sound mind and memory thanks be to God for his kind providential care over me, - and after recommending my soul to his divine protection, do this twenty fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three, Make publish and declare this my last will and Testament in the manner and form following made by me --

1# Item. I give and bequeath to my youngest son Thomas Bird all my land I now possess after my decease - -

I further give and bequeath, that is to say, all and every of the residue of my estate, to wit Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, all kind of Stocks, Household furniture, bedding, and plantation utensils to be Equally divided amongst the whole of my Children, Saying Richard, Empson, Thomas, Sarah, Mary, Susanah, and Cathrine. Each to share and share alike in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and date first above _____, appointing my two sons Richard and Empson Bird to see this my last will executed.

Signed and acknowledged in the presence of Alexander Mebane, Jas. Mebane, Jr.

Jurat

James Bird [Seal]

_______________

The will mentioned no wife. James Bird (c.1720-1805) married Mary Ashford ( born c.1726, but apparently died before the will was written 4 October 1793). The Alexander Mebane who witnessed the will was Alexander Mebane, Jr. He was married to the niece of James Bird, Mary (Molly) Armstrong. Molly Armstrong's mother was Mary (Molly) Bird, sister of James Bird. James and Molly Bird married their spouses in Old Swedes Church in New Castle County, Delaware.