Richard BIRD

                   Historical information included in notes.



In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Bird, of the State of Alabama, and county of Cahawba, being weak of body, but of sound, disposing mind and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, have thought therefore to constitute and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, to wit: 1st of all, I recommend my soul to God who gave it to me, and my body to the Earth to be buried I a Christian-like manner at the discretionof my executors, hereafter named.Imprimis....I devise, give and bequeath unto my beloved son, Richard Bird, the following property after my decease: 1 Negro man, Peter, Celey, Elbert, Sam, Staffor, Jordan, Keziah, Polly, Dawson, and George, which Negro above stated and their increase, together with the property hereafter named; also1 wagon and gear, 2 horses, together with all my plantation tools and implements, for him, the said Richard to enjoy, him and his heirs forever.Item...I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Elizabeth Hicks after my decease, the Negroes and their increase, hereafter named, to wit: Jerry, Esther, Lucy, Jeremiah, Eliza, and Wiley for her to enjoy, her and her heirs forever.Item...I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved grandson, Peter Bird, after my decease, the following Negroes and their increase, hereafter named, to wit: Delse and Jesse, for him to enjoy, him and his heirs forever.Item...I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved grandson, William Phillips, after my decease, the following Negroes and their increase, hereafter named to wit: Jim, Little, Jerry, Solomon, and Viney for him to enjoy, him and his heirs forever.Item....I give, devise and bequeath unto by beloved wife, Charity Bird, at my decease, all the money that I now have in my possession, and what is due me by note and accounts; also 1 wagon and gear, 5 head of horses, together with all my stock of cattle, and all household and kitchen furniture, also the whole crop made on the plantation whereon I now live, for her to enjoy.Item....I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Nancy Brewer, after my decease $5 for her to enjoy, and her heirs forever.Item...I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Sarah Wahtley, $5 for her to enjoy after my decease, her and her heirs forever.Item...I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Jane Hicks, after my decease, $5; also 1 Negro girl named Lyd, which Negro, afore named to be in her, the said Jane Hicks possession, during her, the said Jane's natural live, and at her decease, the said Negro to return to her son, William Phillips for him to enjoy the said Negro and her increase as his property forever.And I do hereby constitute and ordain my trusted son, Richard Bird and John Hicks, my lawful executors to this my last will and testament, and I do hereby utterly revoke all and every other will, or instrument of writing by me made respecting the premises within named, and do hereby certify and confirm this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 16th day of August 1819.Richard BirdAttest:William McCullersTheophilius GoodwinYoung GoodwinProbated November 1819