Will of Ann Bass Blackledge, widow of Richard Blackledge

November 1805 - Proved September 1807

I, Ann Blackledge, of Craven County, Widow, being very aged and infirm but .., do hereby make this my last Will and Testament on the ____ Day of November 1805.

I leave my plantation on Brices Creek in Craven County which I purchased of Joseph Leech, of Spyers Singleton, and 250 acres of land of Stephen Dunn, and a lot, front and wharf of Richard Caswell, lot #10 in New Bern and seven negroes and their increase for Spyers Singleton's children, by my daughter Elizabeth deceased.

To my son Benjamin, my negro Kain, my woman Milly, two beds and their furniture.

To my son, William Blackledge my negro boy Abram to be educated as a cooper and then given to my grand daughter Ann B. Hatch, or my grandson Richard B. Hatch.

To my grand daughter Ann Jones, sixty pounds of current money.

My son William Blackledge to educate my boy Titus and then give him to my grandson William Blackledge, son of my son Thomas.

The residue of my estate to be divided equally among my children with living children, and their children; except Ann Hawks, Thomas S. Singleton; William Blackledge, son of my son Thomas; Ann B. Hatch, Richard B. Hatch, Ann Jones; Richard B. Blackledge and Thomas W. Blackledge and Benjamin Blackledge, sons of my son William Blackledge.

To my grand daughter Fanny Hatch, half of my wearing apparel, half a dozen soup and half a dozen of flat china plates and four china dishes, the other half of my wearing apparel to Mary S. Blackledge, my grand daughter.

The residue of my estate to my son William Blackledge. Executors my son in law Spyers Singleton, grandson Richard Singleton and son William Blackledge.

(Signed) Ann Blackledge (her mark)

Witnesses: William Tignor, James G. Tignor

WProbated September Term, Craven County Court 1807