Oxford, N. C, March 19, 1879. 
 
 Dear Sir: The late Rev. Lewis K Willie, by his last will aud 
 testament, gives one half of his estate <4 to be applied to the benefit 
 of the widows and orphans of the deceased Ministers of the North 
 Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. " 
 
 The safety of the Executor requires that the will shall have a 
 judicial construction, and in order that proper parties may be made 
 to the proceeding, I wish to obtain the names of all the widows and 
 orphans within your charge or knowledge, who answered the above 
 description on the 14th day of June, 1878. 
 
 Will you be kind enough to make out a list for me, giving 
 
 1. iName of deceased minister. 
 
 2. When he died. 
 
 3. Name of his widow. 
 
 4. Names of his children 
 
 5. Date of birth of each child. 
 
 6. Which of them have married and to whom and when. 
 
 7. Name of guardian of children, if any. 
 
 8. Name of any widow or child who has died since 14th June,1878. 
 
 9. Name of administrator or executor of any such deceased 
 
 widow or child. 
 
 10. Postoffice address of widow or older childrej, , guardian or 
 
 adminini8trator, including name of county of residence. 
 By giving this matter your prompt attention, you will confer a 
 favor upon the widow and orphan, and will very much oblige, 
 Yours very respectfully. 
 
 JOHN W. HAYS, Ex'r of 
 
 L. K. WILLIE, Deceased. 
 
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