Arthur Stephenson - Will 2 
An Email from Ed Barnes

Subject:

        Arthur's Will

   Date:

        Sat, 30 Dec 2000 11:06:03 EST

   From:

        RedRD@aol.com    (Jeannie Stinson)

     To:

        jenk@smartlink.net

Date:   6/20/2000 8:18:26 PM Central Daylight Time

From:   EdBarnes12

To:     RedRD    Jeannie

I have not heard from you lately and having spent some in the State Archives recently, I thought I would share with you a a copy of the Will of Arthur Stevenson, dated 17 January 1823 that I found.

I am convinced that your Benjamin Stephenson was the brother of Arthur Stephenson and the uncle of Abraham Stephenson, the father of Mary Jane Stephenson and who died about 1857, rather than his brother.

The Will is as follows: It was probated in the June Court of 1823 after a trial as to its authenticity.

Will: Northampton County:

Original in State Archives:

 In the name of God, Amen.  I, Arthur Stevenson of Northampton County and State of North Carolina being at this time of a disposing mind and memory thanks be to God for it therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is for all flesh to die- do make this my last Will and Testament in the following manner and form. 

 First I give the following negroes to Wit: Mike, Ephrim, Nancy, Rose, Dorcus, Tilda, Zelphia, Hasty, Cooper to my Children namely, Winborn, Jesse, Jinny, Abraham, Betsy, Rebecca Stevensons, to be equally divided amongst them and their heirs forever.  

Also all the whole of my land that I have in possession, I give to be equally divided between my three sons Winborne, Jesse, & Abraham Stevensons after my death to them and their heirs forever .     

I give to my daughter Polly Futrell all the property that I gave which she has in her possession.     

I give to my son David Stevenson all the property that I gave him which he has in his possession.                 

I give the balance of my property after paying all my just debts to be equally divided between my children namely Winborn, Jesse, Jinny, Betsy, Rebecca, Abraham, Littleberry, Tabitha, and Penelope Stevensons to them and their heirs forever.   

I also lend unto my beloved wife, Cherry Stevenson one third of my lands and one negro woman named Aggy and at her marriage or death the said negro woman Aggy  be divided amongst Jinny, Winborn, Jesse, Besty, Rebecca, and Abraham Stevensons to them and their heirs forever.  

I do make and ordain my Son David Stevenson and  John Stephenson Exec to this my last Will and Testament given under my hand and seal this 17th day of January 1823.

Signed Arthur Stevenson,

("Stevenson" seems to be the handwriting of the person writing the will and "Arthur' by a different person, possibly Arthur- Could this be a deathbed will?) Wit:   ( ?) Johnson, Nathan Britten 

Even though the spelling of Stephenson is different, the names of his children conform to Gilbert Stephenson's second chart and in part to his first chart.

I have misplaced your address.  If you would like a copy of the original will, send me your address.

Ed Barnes.