AAFA Wills
WILL OF BRITTAIN WASHINGTON ALFORD, SR.

Georgia,

Pike County

In the name of God Amen, I Brittain Alford said of the county and state aforesaid being of sound mind and disposing memory do hereby constitute ordain and appoint this to be my last will and testament.

Item 1st -- It is my will and desire that my body be burried (sic) in a decent and christian like manner and suitable to my circumstances.

Item 2nd -- I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Barshebee (Bathshebe) Alford for and during the time of her natural life or widowhood all the land attached to the premises that I at present occupy together with any of their negro slaves and their increase that I may disposed of that in the said Barshebee may choose. Also any part of all the farming utinsils, (sic) stock of all kinds including horses, oxen, and household and kitchen furniture and provisions. Also my road wagon and harness, barouche and harness and of cash.

Item 3rd -- It is my will and desire that at the death or intermarriage of my wife Barshebee all of the above property given and bequeathed to her as aforesaid be taken by my executor whoever I may hereafter appoint and divided among all my heirs according to this my last will and testament.

Item 4th -- I give and bequeath to my children, Isham, Spire, Betsey Ann, Winney, Decey (Dicey), Jefferson, Jimmerson, and Nancy and Brittain an equal portion of the residue of all property that I may die seized and possessed of.

Item 5th -- I will that the distribution shares of each of my daughters, Betsey Ann, Winney, Decey, and Nancy shall belong to them and their heirs of their bodies and not subject to the debts of their present or any future husbands.

Item 6th -- It is my will and desire that my executor cause to be divided by their disinterests present the residue of my negro slaves after my wife Barshebee shall have made her choice as aforesaid the persons appraised by my executor for that purpose shall value and lot off said slaves into parcels as equal as possible to be drawn for by all my children the said lots to be made equal by those drawing lots of greater value paying to those who draw lots of less value.

Item 7th -- It is my will and desire that my executors make an equal distribution of all ready money, notes and accounts that I may desire (die ?) possessed of among all my children.

Item 8th -- I hereby constitute ordain and appoint my sons Isham Alford and Jefferson Alford my executors to execute this my last will and testament.

Witness my hand and seal this sixth day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.

Brittain X Alford

(His mark)

Signed in presence of George ______ ?

Isaac ______ ?

A. J. McAfee

The will was probated 5 March 1849.

Will Book C, pages 36-37. Pike County, Georgia