Wills from another county and state were sometimes recorded in DeSoto County, giving information as to the origin of a family. Such is the case with the will of Josiah Blanchard, whose will was originally probated in Northampton County, North Carolina in 1824, but which was later recorded in DeSoto County, Mississippi in 1852. Following is a transcript of that will found in the Final Record, 1848 - 1852, Probate Court DeSoto County.

Will of Josiah Blanchard
of North Carolina.

In the name of God amen! I Josiah Blanchard of Northampton County and State of North Carolina being at this time very weak in body but of sound mind and memory thanks be to god for it, therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all flesh once to die, as for all the worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with I give in the following manner and form, viz: - I lend to my beloved wife Millicent Blanchard all my lands also my gray mare, also all my Cattle except one Cow and Calf also all my working tools her natural life except my whipsaw also I want all my hogs for the support of the family except five of the best, also I lend my four feather beds and furniture to my wife her natural life also I give all my crops of Corn Cotton and Potatoes for the families support. I give and bequeath all my land to my five sons, namely, Nathan Blanchard, Jonathan Blanchard, Jesse Blanchard, Josiah Blanchard and William Blanchard at my wife, Millicent Blanchard's decease to be equally divided.

Also, I lend all my negroes to my beloved wife Millicent Blanchard except Trease. I give unto my wife and her heirs forever and Jim I leave to be sold towards paying my debts also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Blanchard one negro Girl named Rhode at my wife decease, also, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth one negro boy named Hardy after my wife decease also, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Millicent Blanchard one negro boy named Jonas at my wife's decease. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Ann one negro boy named Mason at my wife's decease, also I give and bequeath unto my Son Nathanl Blanchard my bay Mare, one Cow and Calf, Also I give and bequeath unto my five sons before mentioned two Negro boys named Ben and Joshua to be equally divided at my wife decease. All the remainder of my property after taking enough to pay my Just debts I lend unto my wife her natural life and then all that I have but unto my beloved wife that is not yet given in my will and desire is that at her decease that it Should be equally divided between all my heirs namely Nathan Blanchard, Jonathan Blanchard, Jesse Blanchard, Josiah Blanchard, William Blanchard, Martha Blanchard, Elizabeth Blanchard, Millicent Blanchard and Mary Ann Blanchard - Also my will and desire is that if any of the boys Should die under age of twenty one without an heir that their part of the land Should go to the other boys I nominate and appoint my son Nathan Blanchard and my wife executor or Executrix my two Executors to this my last will and testament and in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of November 1823. Signed.

Signed Sealed & Acknowledged

in the presence of us

William Vann

his mark

Jordan X Lassiter       Josiah Blanchard

mark

his

Abegail X Lassiter

mark

Northampton County

SST March Court 1824

This last will and testament of Josiah Blanchard decd. was exhibited and proved in due form of law in open Court by the oaths of William Vann and Jordan Lassiter two of the subscribing witnesses thereto whereupon Nathan Blanchard the executor therein named was qualified as the Law directs - ordered to be certified and recorded.

Teste John W. Harrison, Cle.C.

State of North Carolina)

Northampton County )

I, John B. Odom, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County & State above mentioned do hereby certify that the foregoing transcript is a true copy of the last will and testament of Josiah Blanchard decd. together with the Certificate of Probate as appeared of Record in my office of Clerk aforesaid.

Given under my hand and seal of office at Jackson, this 5th day of June A.D. 1852, and in the 76th year of American Independence.

(Seal) John B. Odom Cle.C.

State of North Carolina

Northampton County

I, William Barrow, Chairman of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session for the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John B. Odom whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same and acting Clerk of our Said Court duly elected and Sworn that full faith & credit are due to his official acts as Such and that his certificate above is in due form of law.

Given under my hand at Jackson this 5th day of June A.D. 1852 in the 76th Year of American Independence.

William Barrow Chr.C.Ct.

The foregoing Will was filed for Record on the 19th July 1852 and was recorded on the 25th day of November A.D. 1852. George Foote, Clerk

By H. Labam, D.C.