Wilkes Co., NC Will Book #5 Page 105

       Benjamin Parkes' Will

In the name of God Amen  I Benj Parkes being of
sound mind and memory do make this day and publish
my last will & Testament in manner following
      1st  I give my soul to the Lord & my body tobe
buried decently
      2nd I give & bequeath to my son James M Parkes a negro
girl named Matilda with all of her increase & all other property
he has received of me
      3rd  I give & bequeath to my son Wm Parkes one negro
Boy named Colton & all the property he has received of me
      4th  I give to my daughter Martha Martin her children
after her any land in Cherokee County NCarolina & all the property
she has received of me
      5th  I appoint my son J M Parkes executor
of this my last will & testament signed sealed & delivered
by the tetator on the 9th od December 1847 in the presents of us
who signed the same in his presents
  F B Parkes |
  L D Parkes | Jurat              Benj Parkes [seal]

N Carolina |  May Term 1854
W County   |      The execution of the
foregoing will was duly proven in open court
by F B Parkes & L D Parkes & ordered to be recorded
                         Test   W Mastin Clk