James Kerley Will (Proved Sept. 15, 1854) (Reel 105, Book 7, pages 194-195)
I, James Kerley, do make and publish this as my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any other time made.
First, I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any moneys that I may die possessed of as soon as may come into the hands of my executor.
Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Alice Kearly all the property every description that I may die possessed of during her natural life.
Thirdly, after the death of my wife as above named I desire that my property be equally divided between all of my children; (both real and personal) to wit, I give and bequeath to my son William Kearly on ninth part of my entire estate.
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Rowland one ninth part of all of my estate. I also give to my daughter Mary Rowland one negro girl Samantha which she has in her possession to hold during her life, and at her death to become the property of the legal heirs of her body.
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Kearly one ninth part of my entire estate. I also give to her the said Lydia Kearly during her life one negro, Cinda, and at her death to the legal heirs of her body, which negro she has in her possession.
I also give and bequeath to my son James F. Kearly one ninth part of my entire estate. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Shaw one ninth part of my entire estate. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Nancy Snyder one ninth part of my entire estate.
I also give and bequeath to my son John B. Kearly one ninth part of my entire estate.
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Martha W. Day one ninth part of my entire estate.
I also give and bequeath to my son Daniel W. Kearly one ninth part of my entire estate.
It is my wish and desire that my daughter Lydia Kearly shall have the free and entire use of the house she is now occupying as long as my wife Alice shall live also to have the privilege of cultivating the amount of twelve acres of land upon the farm during the life of my above named wife.
Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my son William Kearly my executor to this last will and testament. In witness whereof I do set my hand and seal, this first day of May1854.
Signed, sealed and published in our presence and we have hereto signed our names in the presence of the Testator this first day ...... 1854 Test
Dixon Ferguson
Test.
J.M.H. Boynes?
Jams Kearly (seal)