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The William Ruffin family and the Samuel DeLoach family were neighbors and friends in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, during the mid-1700's. There were several marriages between the children of these families. Richard Ruffin, born in about 1742, married Averilla DeLoach in about 1764. Richard's will, written on 23 September 1782, provides a good example of how close these families were.
The Will of Richard Ruffin
In the name of God Amen this twenty third day of Sept. in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and eighty two, I Richard Ruffin of Wayne County in the State of North Carolina being weak of body but sound and disposeing mind and Memory and calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of theis temporal State and knowing that all Flesh must yield unto death when it pleaseth God to come and for the settling my temporal Estate which it hath pleased God to Bestow me. I ??and or give and dispose of the same in manner and form following"
Imprimis. I give unto my loving wife Avey Ruffin all that part of my estate which I have before given her by a Deed of Gift bearing date the fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine which article the Deed of Gift will fully make appear to her and her heirs forever.
Item..I give unto Betsey Bloodworth daughter of William and Melah? his wife one feather bed and furniture one mare foal named pleasure to her and her heirs forever. All the remainder? and ??of my estate ??of what??or nature ??and after my Debts and legacies are paid I lend??unto my loving wife Avey Ruffin during her life and after her decease to be Equally divided amongst my sister Purity Deloach's children.
I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my loving wife Avey Ruffin and William Deloach Executo?? and Executor of this My Last Will and Testament.Revoking disannulling? and making void all other former wills and gift by me made Except a Gift of Deed dated the day and year above written and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand ?? my seal the day and year ??above written.
Signed Sealed Published and declare
to be his last will and TestamentRichard Ruffin In Presents of
??Pearce?
??Deloach
John ?Cussens?
