1815 WILL OF WILLIAM FLETCHER (Madison County, Alabama, Deed Book A & B, Page 240)

In the name of God Amen, I, William Fletcher of Madison County, Mississippi Territory being very weak and sick at present time of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same calling to mind the mortality of the body and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament my soul I recommend to almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be decently buried and my Earthly Goods which which (repeated) it has pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and bequeath in manner and form following, to-wit: First, after all my just debts are paid.

Item. I give to my dearly beloved wife Rebeccah Fletcher all my Estate both Real and personal to be freely enjoyed and posessed by her during her natural lifetime.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son James one young boy mare and at the death of my wife all the lands that I possess with the incumbrance of James May having the privilege of cultivating a certain part of the aforesaid Land which he has in possession with the privilege of clearing as much as is necessary during his pleasure.

Item. I will and bequeath unto my son Lemuel after the death of my wife one Negro girl Cynthia.

Item. I will & Bequeath unto my son Lorenza after the death of my wife one Negro girl named Keziah also twenty five dollars.

Item. I will and bequeath the balance of my property at the death of my wife if any remains to be equally divided between my sons, George, Lemuel, James and Lorenza. I consider that I have already given my sons, John, Joseph & William and also my son in laws James May, Josiah Wheat and Edward Goly (Gorley) their full portions long since.

I also nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Rebeccah Fletcher my Executrix. & Executors to this my Last Will and Testament as witnesses my hand and seal this 28th day of October one thousand Eight hundred and fifteen.

William Fletcher (Seal)
Attest: Nathl Power
John Tate
John Condron
David H. Edmonson

NB - After a few moments reflection I have thought proper to curtail the portion given to George, Lemuel, James and Lorenza so much as will add to the portion of John, Joseph and William my sons all sons in law James May, Josiah Wheat & Edward Gorley the sum of three dollars each over and above what they have already received.

William Fletcher (Seal)

Proven in open Court by the oaths of Nathaniel Power and David H. Edmonson two of the Subscribing witnesses to the same this 20th Nov. 1815. W. H. Winston, R.O.C.

I do certify that the above Will is Recorded this 4th January 1816. W. H. Winston, R.O.C. 1