Will of Benjamin B Rowell
Brunswick County, North Carolina

In the name of God, Amen.
I, Benjamin B Rowell of the county of Brunswick North Carolina do make, order, and devise this as my last will and testament.
I give and bequeath to my wife such part of my household and kitchen furniture as may be thought necessary by my executors for the use of herself and children. Also the choice of three cows and calves, with one two year and items for a (?) and as much corn, potatoes, and pork as will be sufficient for one year provision for herself and children, the residue of my perishable property with the exception of such part as I have heretofore given away to be sold on the usual terms.
I give and bequeath to my children two little Negroes for their sole use and benefit, and not to be divided until the youngest becomes of age.
I desire that my four tracts of land of one hundred acres each on the east side of the long Bay shall be sold on a credit of twelve months with full power to my executors to make title, which title my children when they become of age shall confirm and in case of failure or refusal on their part to make a warranty title of said land then and in that case they are required to refund the purchase money.
It is my will that the plantation on which I now reside shall be sold if anything like a fair value can be got for it, leaving it discretional with my executors to fix its value together with the length of credit on which it shall be sold, the money arising from said sale shall be (?) out at interest for the benefit of my wife during her widowhood or life and the maintenance of my children. Should it not be sold then I leave it for my wife to reside on during her life or widowhood, after her death or marriage said place to go to my children.
It is my desire that the money arising from the sale of my perishable property with what other money that shall be coming from time to time to my estate shall go to the educating and maintenance of my children, seeing that my wife gets her due and just proportion and the residue of any shall be left after their maintenance together with my land shall go to my children and be equally divided between them as they become of age.
I appoint my brother Samuel Rowell and John G Hall executors of this my will and testament.
In witness of all which I hence subscribed my name and affixed my seal this the 20th day of July 1842.
BB Rowell

Published and decreed to be the last will and testament of Benjamin Rowell in our presence and in the presence of each other this 20th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two (1842).
Witness
James Hilburn

State of North Carolina
Brunswick County March Term 1843
The due execution of the last will and testament of Benjamin B Rowell was proved in open court by the oath of James Hilburn and ordered to be registered.
Nathl Potter, Clk

The will is recorded in Book B pages 41 & 42