Transcribed from the Original
Located in the State Archives, Raleigh, NC
By Ben Askew,Jr


In the name of God Amen.  I Joseph Forehand of the County of Posquotank, being very sick at present but of sound __________ mind & memory and calling to mind the mortality of the body and that it is appointed for all men to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner & form following to wit first of all I recommit my soul to God who gave it and  __________ such worldly goods as has pleased God to bless me with I dispose of in the following manner.
Item – I give & bequeath to my beloved daughter Nancy Forehand $400 that is now owing to me for the sale of my lands, the said $400 to be laid out in lands by my Executrix and Executor hereafter mentioned as soon as convenient and the land when so purchased the deed of conveyance to be taken in the name of my said daughter Nancy to her and her heirs forever---
Item- It is my will & desire that my beloved wife Keziah Forehand shall have the use of the above mentioned land, when purchased during her widowhood
Item – I give & bequeath to my daughter Nancy one desk two featherbeds & furniture to her & her heirs forever.
Item – It is my future will and desire that as much of my property be sold as will pay my just debts and the residue or remainder be divided between my wife Keziah forehand & daughter Nancy.
Two thirds thereof to my wife Keziah and the one third to my daughter Nancy to them & their heirs forever
Lastly – I nominate and appoint my beloved wife Keziah Forehand Executrix and my father Lemuel Forehand Executor of this my last will & testament with full power and authority to lay out in lands at their descretion the $400 given to my daughter Nancy - & when so purchased the deed of conveyance to be taken in my said daughter Nancy’s name- revoking all other wills by me heretofore made and ratifying this & only this to be my last will & testament – In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of Nov 1807.
In Presence
Fred Sawyer                                                      sign Joseph Forehand  (seal)
Lemuel Jordan