1st. My will and desire is that after my decease that my body be committed to the earth from which it was taken, in decent Christian burial and that all my just debts be paid by my Executor hereinafter named.

Item) I give and bequeath to my youngest son Elijah Ford all my estate, both real and personal that I may die seized of possessed of (the said Elijah out of the same to furnish my wife and his mother, Elizabeth Ford, an ample and decent maintenance during her natural life), to him and his heirs forever.

Item) I give and bequeth to the heirs of Zachariah P. Ford, one dollar to them and their heirs forever.

Item) I give to four sons (to wit) George Ford, Marshall Ford, Milton Ford, and Bourne G. Ford, each of them one dollar to them and their heirs forever.

Item) I give to my daughter Kiziah Logan one dollar to her and her heirs forever, and I do by these presents nominate and appoint my beloved wife Elizabeth Ford and my son Elijah Ford Executors of this my last Will and Testament, revoking all former Wills and Testaments made by me or subscribed to.

In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this 19th day of May, A.D. eighteen hundred and forty-nine.

Reuben Ford

Signed, sealed and acknowledged to be the last will and testament of Reuben Ford, deceased, in presence of Thomas P. Pleasants and William (his X mark) Walden.

Note by James Ray Ford (1833-1917), grandson of Reuben:

Reuben was born Sept 7, 1786 and since he seems to have been "ailing" must have died about 1849.

[in fact, Reuben does appear on the 1850 Mortality Schedule, having died in May of consumption at age 62. vjd]