The Last Will and Testament of Zachariah Melton of Nash County, North Carolina

In the name of God, Amen. I Zachariah Melton of Nash County in the State of North Carolina,

being sick and weak of body yet of sound and perfect understanding and memory do constitute this my last will and testament, and desire it may be received as such.

1 Item: I give and bequeth to my son John Melton part of the land and plantation whereon I now dwell, being the lower part all below a line lately made to divide the whole between him and my son Josiah Melton to be held by him and his heirs forever. I also give and bequeth to my son John Melton one cow to be held and enjoyed forever by him and his heirs.

2 Item: I give and bequeth to my son Josiah Melton all my land and plantation lying and being above the dividing line above mentioned, to be held by him and his heirs forever. I also give and bequeth to my son Josiah Melton one mare and one cow and calf to be held by him and his heirs forever.

3 Item: I give and bequeth to my daughter Elizabeth Selah, one cow to be held and enjoyed forever.

4 Item: I give and bequeth to my daughter Mary Melton one cow and one featherbed and furniture to be held and enjoyed by her and her heirs forever.

5 Item: I give and bequeth to my daughter Pharaby Tucker one cow to be held and enjoyed forever by her and her heirs.

6 Item: I give and bequeth to my daughter Priscilla Melton one cow and feather bed and furniture, after the decease of my wife, to be held and enjoyed by her and her heirs forever.

7 Item: I give and bequeth to my daughter Bathsheba Whitley one cow and one featherbed and furniture, after the decease of my wife, to be held and enjoyed by her and her heirs forever.

8 Item: To my loving wife Sarah Melton all the remainder of my estate during her life as a widow. After her decease, or at the end of her widowhood, to be equally divided between all my children namely: John Melton, Josiah Melton, Elizabeth Selah, Pharaby Tucker, Priscilla Melton, Mary Melton, and Bathsheba Whitley.

I do constitute and appoint Wilson Wick my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness hereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 23^rd day of October 1786.

Zachariah Melton

Sealed and declared in the presence of us:

William Mathews

Thomas Barrot