William Fleming Will

William's will is dated May 3, 1784 and was probated in Kent County DE June 7, 1784.

"In the name of God, Amen. I, William Fleming of Kent County Delaware, being sick in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God, do, this third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following; First: I desire that my lawful debts shall be paid out of my personal estate. Next I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Ann Fleming the whole use, benefit and profits of all and singular my house, lands and improvements whereon I now dwell, that is the cleared part of the plantation, exclusive of a field which my son Boaz has now in his possession on the east sided of said plantation, together with as much woodland as may be necessary for the supporting fence and firewood for the hearths to her during her life: Also I give and bequeath unto my wife aforesaid, my two oldest negroes, namely Will and Dinner, to her heirs and assigns forever, save only that the child of the said negroe woman Dinner I give and bequeath unto my son Nathan Fleming to be delivered to him when one year and eleven months old. I also give and will to said son Nathan that tract of land whereon he now dwells, his heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to my son Boaz Fleming the one fourth part, or share of, my home plantation where I now dwell and the part thereof which he has built on and improved, and also a negro boy named Dick, about eight years old to him and his heirs forever. I give and bequeath to my son Beniah Fleming, a one fourth part of my home plantation, aforesaid, and on the side thereof nest to John Turners lands and also one negro boy named Horatio, to him and his heirs forever. I give and bequeath to my son Benoni one fourth part of my home plantation to be laid off on the south side thereof adjoining lands of Samuel Turner and also one negro boy named Jacob and one hose and saddle to the value of ten pounds specie, to him and his heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to my youngest son Thomas Fleming one fourth part of my home plantation to be laid off where convenient and not at any part already directed and also one negro boy named Bob. Also, one bed and furniture to the value of ten pounds, ten shillings, and also the sum of ten pounds lawful money for his schooling at the discretion of my wife. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary Fleming, wife of Matthew Fleming, on negro girl name Snith. I give and bequeath to my wife Ann Fleming one black mare name Flag and one side saddle. Also I give and bequeath all the remainder and reversions of all and singular of my estate of every nature whatever not herein before devised after my lawful debts are paid to be divided according to law, that is, my wife one third and each of my children an equal share of what remains. I appoint my sons Nathan and Boaz as executors of this my last will and testament and at this time revoke and disallow any will heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I William Fleming the testator have set my hand and affixed my seal to this my last will and testament contained on two sided of this sheet of paper.

William Fleming (seal)

Witnesses

Sarah Talbott

John Ralston