Will of Samuel Winstead
In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Winstead of Person County, North Carolina, being very low of and weak in body but in perfect mind as usual and calling to mind the certainty of death and uncertainty of life-make this my last Will and Testament (to wit) after all my just debts are paid. It is my will and desire that my wife, Elizabeth Winstead, have during her natural life the use of the land and plantation whereon I now live, also the following Negroes-Jo, Oliver, Hat, Solomon, Isbal, Glascon and Davenport. Also my stock and of all kinds together with all my household and kitchen furniture and plantation tools with all the crops made on my plantation in the year One thousand Eight Hundred and Five - my will is that my Negro, Bet, be sold and the money arising from such sale be paid to my wife, Elizabeth Winstead, for her own proper use.
I give to my son, Custance [sic] Winstead, a bond now in my possession against Benjamin Vestal, also the land and plantation I now live on and one cubbard. At the death of his mother, Elizabeth Winstead, to him and his heirs forever.
I give to my grandson, Barnet Winstead, son of Charles Winstead, one bed and furniture at his grandmother's death.
Now it is my will that at the death of my wife, Elizabeth Winstead -- all the property I have lent her and not otherwise given away be equally divided between Custance Winstead, Manly Winstead, Susannah Self, Elizabeth Davey, Ailcy Yancey, John Winstead, and Charles Winstead, and if either of them die before their mother, such part as would have fell to them of my Estate -- my will is shall go to the Heirs of any of my children that may die before my wife, Elizabeth Winstead.
I do hereby constitute and appoint Elizabeth Winstead and Custance Winstead Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 17th day of October 1805.
[signed] Samuel Winstead
Wife, Elizabeth, inventoried his estate.