The following is transcribed from the will of James Leath Fortenberry. His only request is that Jacob free his slave, Jack, and his wife, Jenny, after the death of James Leath and his wife, Peggy. Jacob is held under a $1000 bond to carry this out. The bond is dated August 29th, 1825.
Know all Men by these presents that I Jacob Fortenbery of Lawrence County Arkansas Teritory am held and firmly bound to James, L, Fortenberry ____said Teritory and County, in the pennal sum of one thousand Dollars of good and lawfull Money of the United States, to be paid to the (said) James L Fortenberry or his Executors Administors, or assign to which payment, will and truly to be made, I Bond myself my heirs, Executors and Administrators firmly by these presents, sealed with my seal, Dated the 29th Day of August in the year of Our Lord, 1825.
The Condition of this Obligation is such that it is the last will and request of the above Named James L Fortenberry that his Negro Man Named Jack and his wife Jenny should have their freedom and be at liberty at the death of the (said) James L Fortenberry and his wife Peggy, The Obligation such that the above Bounded, Jacob Fortenberry, Doth attend to that Business and see that these above Named Negroes Doth get their freedom agreeable to law, and also to stand their Security as the Law Directs, and never keep them in Bondage any longer than the Decease of me and my Wife
the said Jacob Fortenberry complying with this my Request; Then this Obligation to be Void or otherwise to Remain in full Force and Virtue
Sealed, Signed, and Delivered in the presents of
Henry Wayland Jacob fortnbery? Seal
Samuel Crow
The cover of the will below identifies it as a conditional bond filed for record the 30th August 1837 J.S. Brown C.C. (County Clerk) by J.B. Hammond Dp (Deputy Clerk)
Jacob Fortenbery
To } Bond $1000
J L Fortenberry
fees
filing 06 1/4
recording 60 1/2
Certificate & seal 50
1.16 3/4
Probate
