I John Parks, Sr., of State of North Carolina, County of Wilkes being in perfect sences and memory calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing it is appointed for all men to die I make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following I leave my soul to almity god that give it to me hoping through the merits of my blessed saviour to inherit eternal life and my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter mentioned and to all my worldly goods. It hath pleased god to bless me with bequeath in manner and form following.

Item: my will and desire is that all my just debts be paid fully and satisfied.

Item: my will and desire is that my son John Parks be paid eight pounds Virginia money out of my estate for one hogshead of tobacco I borrowed of him.

Item: I give unto my daughter Sary Sailes five shilling sterling for her full part of my estate.

Item: I give unto my sone Samuel Parks the land and plantation where I now live also my wagin for his full part of my estate to be delivered to him by my executor's before the day of sale of my estate.

Item: my will and disire is that my sone Samuel Parks should have the care and management of my daughter Milly Parks and here part of my estate.

Item: my will and desire is that my negros be sold at the highest bidder amonst my children as it's my desire that they be kept among my children.

Item: my will and desire is that all the rest of my estate be sold at Publick sail after my death and all the money arising from my hole estate be equally divided among the rest of my children and constitute and appoint my son Benjamin Parks, William Carrel and Samual Parks executors of this my last will and testament revolking and disannulling all other wills by me heretofore made allowing this to be my last will and testament.

Witnesses: on 7 February 1787 - William Carrell, George Parks, Benjamin Thurston

My will and desire is that some of my estate should be sold to pay my debts before the division of my estate.

North Carolina Archives has file of original will, cross reference to page 357 Will Book 1, Wilkes County, North Carolina