I, Catharine WARD of the county of Wake and state of North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and disclose this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, first that my Executors hereinafter named, shall provide for my body a decent burial, suitable to the wishes of my relations and friends, and pay all funeral expenses, together with my just debts, howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of any money that may first come into his hands as a part of my estate.

Item 1st, I give and devise to my son George WARD, one negro man known and called by the name of Macklin, and all the money which I may have on hand at the time of my death, to him and his heirs forever. 

 Item 2nd, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, Caz and Elizabeth, to be equally divided between them, one feather bed and furniture, to them and their heirs forever.  

Item 3rd, I give and bequeath to George WARD's three oldest daughters, one feather bed and furniture, to be equally divided between them and their heirs forever. 

 Item 4th,  I give and bequeath to my grandson John W. FERRELL, one blaze faced sorrel colt, to him and his heirs forever.  Item 5th, My will is that at my death that my negro girl Martha, together with all her increase, the other property which I may leave at my death, not otherwise disposed of shall be sold to the highest bidder and the money arising from such sale to be equally divided between John Edward (Wiley) WARD, Gene WARD, Jefferson LINN and Thomas FERRELL, and I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved son George WARD, my lawful Executor, to all interest and purposes, to execute this my last will and testament, according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every clause thereof, hereby revoking and declaring entirely void, all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made.  In witness whereof, I the said Catharine WARD, do hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of August 1843.
Test:
M.A. TATE
Jesse PENNEY
James (X) MANGRUM
                                                   Caty WARD
Test July the 12th 1851
P.W. WHITE
R.E. JETER

Recorded this 29th day of April 1860.

Note: a John W. WARD witnessed wills as late as 1879 in Weakley Co

Transcribed by pj Thompson