DAVID DAWSON'S WILL

In the name of God Amen! I, David Dawson, being in perfect health and a right mind, and calling to mind the mortality of man and that it is appointed once for all to die, I do make and constitute this my last will and testament: First I give my body to the earth from whence it came, and my soul to God that gave it; hoping to be reunited in the morning of the Resurrection with a glorious approbation.

And as to my worldly affairs: First, I desire all funeral charges shall be paid.  Secondly, all just debts
and demands, after which I desire the balance of my real and personal estate shall be disposed of as follows:  First I desire my wife, Elizabeth Dawson, shall have the profits of the one third part of the plantation I now live on, during her natural life, also the one third part of all the money and movable property that shall be found of mine after my decease.

Also, I do give and bequeath to my oldest son, Isaac Dawson, one hundred and sixty dollars ($160) which is, now in his hands, since the year one thousand seven hundred ninety eight.

Also, I do give and bequeath to my second son, Jacob Dawson, one hundred and sixty dollars ($160), one hundred of which he has now in his hands since the year of eighteen hundred and eleven.

Also, I do give and bequeath to my third son, Moses Dawson, one hundred sixty dollars ($160) which now remains in his possession since the year of one thousand eight hundred and ten.

Also, I do give and bequeath to my fourth son, Zedekiah Dawson, one hundred and six acres of land which is now in his possession, be the same more or less, to him and his heirs forever.

Also, I do give and bequeath to my fifth son Thomas Dawson one hundred and six acres and two-thirds now in his  possession, to him and his heirs forever.

Also, I give and bequeath to my sixth son, David Dawson, one hundred and sixty acres now in his possession  to him and his heirs forever.

I do also, give and bequeath to my seventh son, William Dawson, the plantation in my possession with such exceptions as shall be mentioned hereafter.  Said plantation adjoining the surveys of Barton O'Neal, Thomas Dawson, Zedekiah Dawson and Isaac Dawson, and the reserved section, the same containing one hundred and six acres and two-thirds, be the same more or less which the said William is to have peacable possession at the decease of my wife Elizabeth Dawson.

Also, I do desire that the two-thirds of all my money and personal property shall be equally divided among my seven daughters, namely: Rachel Wiggins, Polly Wiggins, Nancy Perkins, Ruth Davis, Matilda Reed, Lurenei Reed, and Milly Webster.

I also desire that my seven sons and seven daughters shall keep in peacable possession the farming utensils and household furniture which I have made them a present of exclusive of the before mentioned legacies.

I do make and constitute Ambrose Grafton and William Dawson the sole executors of this my last will and testament revoking all others. I declare this to be my last will and testimony, this the sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Signed in presence of: B. Williams and June Williams.  David (his mark) Dawson.  The two-thirds of my plantation I desire at my decease shall fall into the hands of my son William Dawson.  Signed in presence of: B. Williams and June Williams.  David (his mark) Dawson.