JOHN SCARFE'S (SCALFS) WILL OF 1751

     In the name of God amen the 19 day of February in the year of our Lord 1751. I John Scarfe of Pasquotank County, North Carolina Planter being very sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God. Therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that is appointed unto men once to die, l do make and ordain this, my last will and testament. That is to say, principaly and first of all I recomend my soul into the bands of God that gave it and my body recomend to be buried in a decent and Christian manner. At distant time of my executors, nothing troubling but at the general resurection, I shall receive the same again by the Allmighty power of God and as nothing such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to help me in this life.
     I give and devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form in promise I give and bequeath to Mary Scarfe my dearly beloved wife my plantation whereon to live and all the moveables during her natural life not to be molested on any act. I give to my son, James Scarfe, fifty acres of land whereon he now lives. I give to my son, John Scarfe, my manor plantation whereon I now live after my wife's decease. I give to my son, Edward, forty acres of land whereon he now lives. I give to my two sons, Jonathan Scarfe and Israel Scarfe, all my goods and chatels belonging to my estate after my wife's death. I give to my daughter, Ann Richardson one yew and lamb. I give to my grandchild, James Scarfe, son of John Scarfe, a young heifer. I give to my daughter, Mary Jones, one chest and looking glass, the same being in her possession. I give to my son, Jonathan, Scarfe, one horse, bridle and saddle for taking care of his mother during her life and after to be his properly forever.
     In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal always. Signed, Sealed, published pronounced and declaimed by said John Scarfe as his last will and testament in the presence of his subscribers

Be it known by all men by these presents that whereas John Scarfe of North Carolina in the County of Pasquotank. Planter have made and declared my last will and testament in writing, bearing date the fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty one. I the said John Scarfe by this present codicils do ratify and confirm my said last will and testament, and do give and bequeath unto my grandson, John Scarfe, James son one yew and one lamb to be paid unto him by the said Mary Scarfe, my wife and James Scarfe my son whom I ordain and make my executors likewise I give to my grandchild, William Scarfe, Edward Scarfe's son, one yew and one lamb to be paid after my death.
     And that my will and true meaning is that this codicils or schedule be, and be assigned to part and parcel of my last will and testament, and that all things herein mentioned and contained be faithfully and truely performed and as fully and amploy in every respect as if the same were so declared and set down in my said last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the year and day above said.
     North Carolina George the Second by the grace of God king of Great Brittain. Pasquotank County. To the sheriff of Pasquotank County, greetings. We recommend you to summon James Scarfe of the County aforesaid, Executor of the estate of John Scarfe of the said county deceased. Personally to appear before our Justices at our next court to be held at the courthouse in Broomfield on the second Tuesday in April next-then and there to render to the said court a just and true account of his executorship. And that proper persons may be appointed to inspect the said accounts. Herein fail not under the penalty. Incumbent witness Thomas Taylor Clerk of our said court at Broomfields the 15 day of January A.D. 1752.

                                                                                            Thos. Taylor

A true inventory of the estate of John Scarfe (deceased)