March 20th, 1804
In The Name Of God Amen, I Thomas Rice of the county of Caswell and state of North Carolina being in a declining state of health but of perfect mind and memory do hereby make and publish this my last will and testament and hereby revoking all other wills by me heretofore published. In the first place I recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it to me and my body to be commited to the earth from whence it came to be buried in a decent christian burial such as my executors here after named may think most suitable. Secondly after paying my just debts I recommend the following distribution of the worldly estate which it hath pleased god to bestow on me, viz: Imprimis I give and bequeath to my son Elisha Rice the sum of five shillings.
Item, I give unto my son Joel Rice the sum of five shillings.
Item, my will and desire is that my slave Sarah be allowed the liberty of living with which ever of my children she may think proper to live with and not to be sold or divided as my estate hereinafter mentioned.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son William H. Rice one seventh part of my estate to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Windsor one seventh part of my estate to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Gwynn one seventh part of my estate to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Massey Nunn one seventh part of my estate to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucy Scoby one seventh part of my estate during her life and after her deceased to be equally divided between her seven children, share and share alike.
Item. I lend unto my daughter in law Sally Rice, widow of Nathan Rice dec'd one seventh part of my estate during her life and after decease to be equally divided between her living children share and sharealike.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Oldhams children one seventh part of my estate to be divided between them share and share alike to them and their heirs forever.
Lastly I do be these presents nominate, constitute and appoint my son William H. Rice, and John Windsor, Sen'r executors of this my last will and testament. In witness therof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 20th day of March, 1804.
Thomas Rice ( seal )
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us
James Williamson Jurat
G.W. Williamson
William Patton Jurat
Christopher Brooks Jurat The executors qualified.
State of North Carolina
Caswell County