Will of Benjamin Ward, Ashe Co, NC

Here is the will I mentioned from my family. I do know that Selah Ward moved with her son Nicodemous Ward to Meigs County, TN after Benjamin's Death later in 1820. I don't know whether any of the folks below went with them.
	I am currently attempting to find other will and property records from this family and will pass on anything useful. I was also wondering once I get my own website up and running whether I may link to yours?
	If anyone has any questions about this family, my email address at home is dososos@uswest.net
All the best with your project!  Linnea
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Benjamin Ward's will can be found in Ashe County, NC Will Book A, p.20.

   In the name of God, Amen, I Benjamin Ward, of the County of Ashe and State of North Carolina, being infirm in body, but at the same time in my senses and of sound mind and memory, blessed be God, I do hereby ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit:
... I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Selah Ward, sixty-nine dollars of my money and all my standing and gathered bread grain unto her own purpose and behoove forever.
... Then I give unto my said wife, Selah, all my negroes during her natural lifetime and also all my household furniture and clothing and bedding and every other article and implement of husbandry and farming, after which then it is my desire that all my negroes above mentioned, named Jack, Esquire, Esther, Emilia, and Nancy, go to and I do hereby give and bequeath unto my son, Nicodemus Ward and his heirs, all and singular, the aforesaid negroes, provided that the said Nicodemus Ward shall pay to my son, Kelly Ward and Daniel Ward, and my two daughters Selah Ward and Elizabeth Webb, four hundred dollars each; furthermore, it is my desire and I do hereby give and bequeath unto my said wife Selah all my livestock, horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, and poultry of every description and also my still, with all my distilling utensils belonging thereto, with all my books and other moveable and personal property of every description whatever during her lifetime, after which it is my desire that all go to my son Nicodemus provided he pay the aforesaid sixteen hundred dollars.
... Lastly, I appoint my worthy son, Benjamin Ward, and Bedent Baird, Esq., the executors of this, my last will and testament.
... In witness whereof, I, Benjamin Ward, the testator, have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of April 1820 A.D.

         his
Benjamin (X) Ward
.........mark

Signed, sealed, published and acclaimed in the presence of:

Bedent Baird
Cutliff Harmon (his mark)
John Holsclaw
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State of North Carolina
Ashe County
August Term, 1820

The within will was duly proven in open court by the oath of Bedent Baird and John Holsclaw and ordered to be registered.

Thomas Calloway, C.C.C.

Contributrd by: lkista@unm.edu
dososos@uswest.net  "Linnea"