Bertie COUNTY NC Bios Averitt Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by "Pete Austin" http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm0 Here is my file on the first five generation of the AVERITT Family from near Hotel/Woodville Bertie County NC. Henry Averitt 1st 7th GGF, b. 1685, Isle of Wight Co VA. Wife unknown.. Henry died c1716, Amelia Co Va. I. Henry Averitt, Sr.*6th GGF, b. 1715, Amelia Co Va. He married Unknown*(Wife:Henry Averitt sr #223), b. c1730 ?. Henry died aft 3 Jul 1772, Bertie Co NC. Henry Averitt Sr #225 and wife #226 are my (#1) 5th Great Grand Parents. My double cousin Jessie Bazemore Parker gave the first information about Henry Averitt Sr. to me. As a retired teacher, she traveled with her husband Superior Court Judge Joseph Parker and researched our family history at the local courthouse while Joe was holding Superior Court in that area. Jessie was my double cousin and my fifth grade teacher at Roxobel-Kelford. We were related through the Moore Rawls and the Thomas Bazemore families. Mary Jessie Bazemore Parker passed away in Texas after she moved there to live her only child and daughter Mary Margaret Parker Wynne Carpers. Henry Averitt Sr. had a Will that was dated 3 July 1772, probated Sept Court 1772 and recorded in Book A page 166 Bertie Co NC. " The following information on the Will of Henry Sr and Henry Jr were sent to me by Virginia Crilley from data in a book compiled by a family friend David Bryant Gammon whose grandparents were neighbors of my Lyon Ancestors in Edgecombe Co NC on Fishing Creek. “Being affected with bodily pain..." Grandson Jesse Averitt (son of my son Henry Averitt)... my dwelling plantation [land over 100 acres called a plantation], also Negro Tom. Granddaughter Elizabeth Averitt (daughter of my son, Henry Averitt) Negro Solomon. Son Charles Averitt - lot of land in Windsor at or near the landing, also Negroes Wallis, an, Frank and Dic. Grandson, James Abington (son of my daughter Sary Abington) - Negroes Peter and Exston. Grandson, Hardyman Abington - lot of land in Windsor and Negro Sharper. daughters, Mary Bryan - land in Johnston County near the river, also Negroes Hannah, Bess and Peter. To my seven grandchildren, Mary Abington, Martha Abington, Elizabeth Abington, William Abington, Thomas Abington, Henry Abington, and Littleberry Abington (sons and daughter of my daughter Sary Abington) Negro Kate and 10 pounds to be divided between them as they marry or come of age. To my son, Charles Averitt, daughter Mary Bryan, the children of my daughter Sary Abington, and the children of my son Henry Averitt - my stock of cattle at Pamplico, cattle at Cohary and remaining estate. Ex: Son Charles, Nora Hinton Wit: William House, Henry Averitt.” Below is a copy of the WILL OF HENRY AVERET WRITTEN JULY 3,1772 BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA In the name of god amen I Henry Averet of the County of Bertie and in the province of North Carolina being and aflicted with bodely pains but of perfect sane sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my Last will and Testament in manner and forme following (Imprimis) I give and Bequeathe unto my grandson Jesse Averet son of my son Henry Averet his heirs and assigns forever my dwelling Plantation and Land adjoin there to Item I give and Bequeathe unto my said grandson Jesse Averet his Heirs and assigns forever one Negro boy Tom Item I give and Bequeathe unto my granddaughter Elizabeth Averet Daughter of my son Henry Averet her Heirs and assigns forever one Negro Boy Solomon Item I give and Bequeathe to my son Charles Averet his Heirs and assigns forever one Lot of Land lying in Windsor at or near the Landing Item I give and Bequeathe unto my said son Charles Averet his Heirs and assigns forever the following Negroes Willis Nan Frank Dick and their future increase Item I give and Bequeathe unto my grandson James Abington son of my daughter Sary Abington his Heirs and assigns forever the following Negroes Peter and Lestor Item I give and Bequeathe unto my grandson Hardyman Abington his Heirs and assigns forever one lot of Land lying in Windsor Item I give and Bequeathe unto my aforesaid grandson Hardyman Abington his Heirs and assigns forever one Negro Boy Harper Item I give and Bequeathe unto my Daughter Mary Bryan her Heirs and assigns forever one parcel or Lot of Land lying in Johnston County Near Neuse River (*Neuse River*) Item I give and Bequeathe unto my said Daughter Mary Bryan her Heirs and assigns forever the following Negroes Hannah Beulah Peter and their future increase Item I give and Bequeathe unto my seven grandchildren sons and daughters of my daughter Sary Abington named as follows Mary Abington Martha Abington Elizabeth Abington William Abington Thomas Abington Henry Abington Littlebury Abington theirs or same of as shall survive to the age of twenty one years or marry their heirs and assigns forever one Negro woman (Hattie ?) and Ten Pounds current money of Virginia to be Raised and Levied out of my Estate and to be Equally Divided Between them shair and shair alike Item I give and Bequeathe unto my son Charles Averet and my Daughter Mary Bryan and unto my Daughter Sary Abington children and unto my son Henry Averet children theirs and to all their Heirs and assigns forever the following articles - one Mill (worm and cap?) One Stock of Cattle at Pamlico one Stock of Cattle at (Catharey ?) and Remainder of my Estate that shall be Remaining after Legacies and all my Just debts Paid of to be Equally Divided Between them in the following manner - My said son Charles Averet to have one fourth part of the said Mill Stock of Cattle and remainder of the estate and my said Daughter Mary Bryan to have one fourth part of the above mentioned articles and my Daughter Sary Abington children to have one fourth part amongst them all and to be Equally Divided amongst them shair and shair alike and my son Henry Averet children to have one fourth part amongst them all and to be Equally Divided amongst them all shair and shair alike Lastly I nominate constitute and apoint my son Charles Averet and Noah Hinton Executors to this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revoking and disannulling all others heretofore by me made. Made in witness hereof I have here unto Set my Hand and Seal this 3 day of July 1772 Signed Sealed Published his Pronounced and Delivered Henry X Averet By the said Henry Averet mark To be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers William House Elisabeth House Executor ? Henry Avret =================================================== ======================= =================================================== ======================= Below is information on the various Averitt, etc as found in court records in both Virginia and NC that was sent to me by Cathy Farris. (HENRY AVERET/AVERA/AVERITT born 1715 in Amelia County, Virginia and died in September 1772. He was the son of HENRY AVERITT, born 1685 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia and died about 1716 in Amelia County, Virginia.) (HENRY AVERET/AVERA born about 1720 (Virginia) and married MARY (last name unknown). He was the son of JOHN AVERET/AVERA and JANE (last name unknown).) (HENRY AVERET/AVERA born about 1737 or 1755 in Johnston County, NC and was the son of THOMAS AVERA/AVERY AVERET SR. and JUDITH (?BETTIS?).) =================================================== ======================= =================================================== ======================= CHILDREN OF HENRY AVERET/AVERA,SR. HENRY AVERET/AVERA JR. was married in 1764 in Bertie County, North Carolina to MARTHA HINTON, the daughter of JOHN HINTON and GRIZELLE KIMBROUGH. She was born December 9,1743 in St. Margaret's Parish, Wake County, North Carolina and died before 1784. CHILDREN OF HENRY AVERET JR. AND MARTHA HINTON 1. JESSE AVERET born about 1769 in Bertie County. 2. ELIZABETH AVERET born about 1771 in Bertie County. =================================================== ========================== CHARLES AVERET/AVERA born about 1741 (Virginia?) and died about 1778. He married ANN HOUSE, born about 1743 (Virginia?), the daughter of GEORGE HOUSE, SR. On February 5,1779 CHARLES' estate was ordered to be divided by John Hinton and William Bryan. CHILDREN OF CHARLES AVERET AND ANN HOUSE 1. HENRY AVERET born about 1760 (Virginia?) and was married first in Johnston County, NC on October 7,1777 to ELIZABETH ABBINGTON and second in Bertie County, NC on May 9,1792 to SARAH MONTGOMERY. 2. SIMON AVERET 3. THOMAS AVERET born about 1762 and married MARY? 4. JOHN AVERET 5. WILLIAM AVERET 6. JAMES AVERET =================================================== ========================== MARY AVERET/AVERA probably married to WILLIAM BRYAN. =================================================== ========================== SARAH AVERET/AVERA was married about 1756 in Bertie County to JAMES ABINGTON, born about 1735 in Bertie County. SARAH died before her father's will was written in July 1772. In the 1760's JAMES ABINGTON was the pastor of the Sandy Run Baptist Church in Bertie County, North Carolina. CHILDREN OF JAMES ABINGTON AND SARAH AVERET 1. ELIZABETH ABINGTON born about 1757 in Bertie County, NC. 2. WILLIAM ABINGTON born about 1759 in Bertie County, NC. (*A William F. Abington married Fanny Shelton in Henry County VA on May 9,1818*) 3. THOMAS ABINGTON born about 1761 in Bertie County, NC. 4. HENRY ABINGTON born about 1763 in Bertie County, NC. 5. LITTLEBURY ABINGTON born about 1765 in Bertie County, NC. He was married first in Bertie County on May 4,1790 to SARAH MOORE. He was married secondly in Bertie County on April 3, 1829 to ROSA WILLIAMSON. 6. HARDIMAN ABINGTON born about 1767 in Bertie County, NC. (*A Hardaman Abington married February 5,1830 in Edgecombe County NC to Elizabeth Biggs*) 7. MARY ABINGTON born about 1769 in Bertie County, NC. (*A Mary Abington was married May 27,1824 in Henry County VA to Waddy Thompson*) 8. JAMES AVERITT ABINGTON born about 1771 in Bertie County, NC. 9. MARTHA ABINGTON born before 1772 in Bertie County, NC. . Unknown*(Wife: Henry: No information available on the wife of Henry Averitt Sr. Children of Henry Averitt Sr: A. Charles Averitt, b. c1741. He married Ann House, b. c1743, Va, (daughter of George House Sr and Unknown wife George House Sr #20083). Charles died c1778. Named in father's will dated 3 July 1772. Received a lot of land at or near the landing, Also Negroes Wallis, Nan, Frank and Dic. Ann: On Feb 5 1779 Charles' estate was ordered divided by John Hilton and William Bryan 1. Henry Averitt IV, b. c1760. He married Elizabeth Abington, 10-07-1777, in Johnston Co NC. 2. Simon Averitt. 3. Thomas Averitt, b. c1762. He married Mary wife Thomas Averitt #20089. a. John Averritt, b. c1769, Bertie Co NC. 4. John Averitt. 5. William Averitt. 6. James Averitt. B. Henry Averitt, Jr 5th GGF.*, b. c1755. He married Martha "Millia" Hinton, 1764, in Bertie Co NC, b. 12-09-1743, St Margaret's Parrish, Wake Co NC, (daughter of John Hinton and Grizelle Kimbrough) d. bef 1784. Henry died bef 28 Oct 1771, Bertie Co/ prob. Woodville NC Area. Henry Averitt Jr & wife Millia were my ("Pete"Austin #1) 4th Gr Grandparents. The will of Henry Averitt is recorded in Book K page 144 and written Oct 28, 1771. No probate date. "Being sick and weak..." Wife Millia Averitt-Negro Clowe and horse, Son Jesse Averitt-horse, son Jesse Averitt-horse. All Negroes to be divided between my children; Jesse Averitt, Julia Averitt, Martha Averitt and Betty Averitt, to be divided when my son Jesse is nineteen years of age. Daughters Julia and Martha - one messuage [ land with a house ] track of land to be divided ...known as Calloped Hill. Daughter Betty Averitt - 45 pounds to come from the 90 pounds my father said to give me for Dick (probable a slave). My stock and cattle to be divided between my wife and four children. Ex: Brother Charles Averitt, Thomas Pugh. Wit: Thomas Pugh, Elizabeth (X) Harrell, Henry Averitt [father]. Henry Jr died the year before his father because he named his father in his will plus he witnessed the will of his son dated 1771. . Stating that his father was buying Dick from him for 90 pounds. with half of that, 45 pounds, was to go to his daughter Betty Averitt. Records back then, indicated that good slaves sometimes sold for as much as the value of one hundred acres of land.] Henry Averitt Graveyard is said to be near the Alfred Spivey Home place. The Colonel reported to have moved to Fla after selling his place to Joseph James Pugh. Martha: No information available on Millia the wife of Henry Averitt Jr. She was identified by the records found by Jesse Bazemore Parker that were sent to me c1969. She is also named by her husband Henry Jr Will as his wife Millia. 1. Col. Jesse Averitt, b. c1769, Bertie Co NC. He married Unknown (Wife: Jesse Averritt #17029). Col. died Fla. His father Henry Averitt stated in his will dated Oct 28, 1771 that the division of his property was to take place when his son Jesse reached nineteen years of age. However, old enough to own a horse which his father willed him. His grandfather Henry Averitt Sr left him his plantation dwelling plus Negro Tom in his will of 1772. In the manuscript by Dr.Charles Smallwood he wrote about Col.Jesse Averitt, his wife and six children of which only four issues have been identified at this time. Living with them was a Miss Spain (?). Information found in the diary of Dr Charles Smallwood whose family was from Bertie Co and the Woodville Area recalls the story of Col. Jesse Averitt that lived there and sold out to Joseph James Pugh and moved to FLA. Joseph was the brother of Frances Helen Slade Pugh that married Col. Stephen Andrews Norfleet and lived at his plantation named Kelford. Col Norfleet after his house burned in Kelford moved to his father's plantation at Woodbourne in Roxobel NC. 2. Col Averitt according to Dr Smallwood had six children: Mary Eliza Averitt that married Jacob Parker and later died in Murfreeboro. She was buried in the Averitt Graveyard near Woodville, which was located near the Alfred Spivey Home place. daughter Lousia was married? Henry married a lady in Pittsburg VA and is said to have died there, plus there was also an unknown son plus another child not named. The dates of Co. Jesse Averitt correspond to that of my 4th grandmother Martha Averitt who was born in Woodville area around 1780. Martha's father was Henry Averitt Jr. She is named in his will dated 28 Oct 1771 names wife Millia, son Jesse and daughters Julia, Martha and Betty Averitt. Colonel served in the War of 1812 and was living in Woodville area around the time that my 4th grandmother Martha was living there. The Col. also named a son Henry Averitt which also were the name of his father and grandfather that left him (Jesse) his dwelling Plantation, also Negro Tom. There is very little doubt that Jesse and Martha were siblings along with sisters Julia and Betty. Information sent to me by Virginia Crilley () from a book written by W.H. (William Henry?) Rhodes called "Claxton’s Book" which gave a chapter regarding the Woodville area entitled "The Deserted School House". It is a story about a visit Mr. Rhodes made to the old school and recalls a boyhood story of "playing war Games" that involved Billy Goats that were used as Military Mounts. Here is a description of muster Day in Woodville. "Colonel Averitt, is reported to have been a brave soldier in the War Of 1812 who retired from the army at the termination of the hostilities, and settle on a farm adjoining the village of Woodville. He was a rather queer old gentleman, had a high Roman nose, and, on muster days, was the General Admiration of all Bertie County. He at that time officiated as Colonel Commandant of the County Militia. On that day he was dressed in full uniform, with a tall, white feather waving most belligerently from his three-cornered hat. He wore a sash and sword and always reviewed the troops on horseback. One day, after a statutory review of the Militia in the county, a proposition was started to form a volunteer company of mounted hussars. A nucleus was soon obtained and in less than a week a sufficient number of young boys had enrolled them and had authorize the Colonel to order a review drill. It happened on a Saturday, the place selected was an old field near the local schoolhouse, and I need not add that the entire battalion of "Boys" were out in full force plus spectators to view the warlike exercise. How they got through with the parade, I have forgotten, but I remember that he mania (desire) for soldering, from that day forward, took possession of the school". Mr Rhodes continued with his lively description, and you guessed it “the Billy Goat they were determine to capture belonged to Col Averitt". During the review the Billy made his escape into the adjoining school classroom and put up quite a battle before being captured. "The hero of the adventure turns out to be the "Drummer Boy" after the other assigned Boy Officers had been felled by Mr. Billy Goat during the pursuit. However the poor “Billy Goat” was finally captured by the "Drummer Boy". But the boys paid a price as "The Schools Head Master Rev. Mr. Craig avenged the destruction of school property by wearing out a branch of chinquapin across the back of each of the involved boys. No doubt, immediately afterwards, they disbanded the whole army". a. Mary Eliza Averitt. b. Sally Ann Averitt. She married Jacob Parker. Sally died c1857, Murfreeboro, NC, buried: Averitt Family Cemetery, Woodville. Buried in old Averitt family cemetery that was near the place Alfred Spivey lived sometimes around 1890. c. Lousia Averitt. Louisa married? d. Henry Averitt III, d. bef 1899. Married a lady from Petersburg VA. e. Boy (5th Child: Jesse Averitt II #17029). Named as one of the sons of Jesse Averitt in Dr Charles Smallwood's recollection of Woodville NC. f. Child (#6 child: Jesse Averitt II #17029). N.A.I.A. [no additional information available]. 2. Julia Averitt. 3. Martha Averitt* 4th Great Grandmother, b. c1775? Bertie Co. NC. She married John Young* 4th grandfather, b. c1775, (son of Mr Young* 5th GGF and Unknown*(X Wife: Wm Young #1584)) d. c1836, Bertie Co. NC will Bk. G, P.263-1836. Martha died c1845, Bertie Co NC. Martha Averitt Young, widow of John Young#218. Her Will probated in Bertie in 1845, Bk. G, P.438 and names Grandsons: William Peele, Jarrod Peele, Andrew Peele, James Peele, Cullen Shoulars, and grand daus: Jane Biggs formerly Jane Cotten, Martha Moore formerly Martha Peele, Amelia Peele, Mary Elizabeth Bond. Named dau Sarah Peele (wife of William Peele) and Elizabeth Shoulars (wife of George J Shoulars). Note: Martha's heirs received land, slaves, Walnut & mahogany furniture. John: Will 1836-Bk G.Pg 236. Gave several slaves & land to each child. Lived near Woodville, N.C. His family closely connected to Moore, House, Smith and Averitt families. Martha Averitt Young's will probate Bertie Co. 1845. Bk.G.p439. In John's will he names wife Martha, daus. Lavenia Young Cotton (wife of Jesse Cotten), Sarah Young Peele (wife of William Peele), Willie Young Bond (wife Bayliss H Bond), Cecila Young Harston (wife of Mr Harston) a. Lavenia Young. She married Jesse Cotton. b. Willy (Willie) Young. She married Bayliss H Bond. Willy (Willie) was my ("Pete"Austin #1) Great Great Great Aunt. c. Celia Young. She married Mr. Horston. d. Elizabeth Young, b. c1802, Bertie Co NC. She married George Shoulars Sr, b. c1795, Northampton Co NC. Listed in 1850 census at 48 years of age. Worth $750. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Young and Martha Averitt who were my 4th Great Grandparents. She would be my (Pete Austin) g.g.g. Aunt. George: There was a Cullen Shoulars who served in the war of 1812 from Bertie Co. Relation to George is not known at this time. George Sr had a son named Cullen Capart Shoulars that was killed by a falling tree. This Cullen was born in 1829 making it impossible to have served in War of 1812. The Cullen Shoulars that served in that war probably was the brother of George Shoulars Sr. e. Sarah Young* g.g.g.grandmother, b. 1792, NC. She married William H Peele 3rd GGF, c1810, b. c1780, Rhodes Place Crossroad, Bertie Co.NC, (son of Josiah Peelle Sr* 4th g.grandfather and Milley Higgs*) d. 11-1829, Now Snakebite Township Bertie Co. NC. Sarah died aft 1850 census. Sarah Young #16442 was the daughter of John Young #217 and wife Martha Averitt (Young) #218. Sarah was named in her mother's will probated in Bertie. In the 1850 census she is listed at age 58. Living in household #958 with four of her children: Drew Peel age 28, M Farmer born in NC, James W, Peele age 26 M Farmer, NC, Amilia G. age 24 F, NC, Celia E. age 21 F, NC. William: My first history on my Peele and Austin family came from Jesse Bazemore Parker, my (Pete Austin #1) 2nd cousin-once removed. Her husband Joseph Wiley Parker was a Superior Court Judge. She was my 5th grade teacher at Roxobel-Kelford School in 1937. William Peele was my g.g.g.grandfather. William married 1st Lucy Rhodes and had two daughters. The Rhodes Place Crossroad probably named for Lucy's parents. This is the area where William and other Peele's were born & buried. My g.g.g. Grandmother Sarah "Sally" Rhodes #643 on my mother's side is also believed to have been in this area of Bertie Co. and maybe was a relative to this same family. She married Thomas / Robert Cherry #642 from Bertie who was reported by Edna Cook in her book as a son of Solomon Cherry #801 who wrote his will in 1774 and died in Bertie 1777. Solomon Cherry owned land on Cashie Swamp. The Cashie River starts at the Albemarle Sound and continues westward and passes next to Windsor, NC where it then becomes Cashie Swamp. This same waterway continues westward and now becomes Cashie Swamp. As it travels approximately 15 miles it continues close to the Rhodes Place Crossroad Community. The Cashie swamp then continues west until it splits into two branches with the north branch being called Wahtom Swamp and it continues pass Harrell's Siding and ends near Teaster Shack community. The other branch of Cashie Swamp runs near the old town limits of Kelford. A small bridge crosses the road that is about a quarter-mile from the Frederick Arthur and Irene Cobb Ruffin’s home and just passes the Black Baptist Church on the right side. This branch of the Cashie then passes under the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad trestle behind the Brown property and splits again with the left branch passing under the Seaboard Airline Railroad Trestle. This was one of our favorites swimming holes. It continued southward and now is called Brown's Branch where it crosses the state highway #308 between Kelford and the Roxobel-Kelford High School. It was here that the WPA (we joked and called call them "We Poke Along") constructed a new bridge in the 1930’s for the school children to walk over the now smaller stream. Before this bridge was constructed we walked in the state gravel road back and forth to school. It was on this very new bridge that my brother James Louis Austin, P.T."Pete" Roane, George T.B. Johnson (now Doctor) and Roland "Tid" Knox played out the storybook event of "Billy Goat Gruff" that they had read that very day in their school's classroom. P.T was selected to be the "Troll" and was instructed to challenge "Billy Goat Gruff" when they approached the bridge. This part of "Daddy Goat Gruff" was played by James Louise and the" Mother Goat" played by George and the "Kid Goat "by Tid. On that day there had been a deep freeze during the night and a thin layer of ice had formed over the water that cold December day. When the Troll came up from under the bridge to challenge the goats...much to P.T's surprise they all charged him at once and knocked him flat on his back and he went sailing off the bridge and fell flat on his back into the icy water. Luckily for P. T. he was not seriously hurt but there he was with all of his clothing all soaking wet. There could be a danger of him getting pneumonia, so each of the guilty goats had to share with P. T. a piece of their clothing to help keep him warm as he stood there shivering on this very cold day in January. The Roxobel-Kelford School was positioned about half way between Kelford and Roxobel with the towns being about one mile apart each way. Browns Branch was located about a third of the way from the school towards Kelford. Mr Perry Roane (Kelford Postmaster) the father of "P.T." thought it was very funny event but his mother Vivian Tyler was really up-set as she realized that he could have gotten frost bit or could even catch his death or a bad cold, etc. Another branch of the Cashie Swamp (given on an old map as Wattom Swamp) passed a mile north of Kelford, near Harrell's Siding and ends near the Tester Shack area. The Peele family name was recorded in court records and spelled Peal, Peellee, Peelle Peele and Peel. I have made a note each time when the name was changed and stated that it was different from that of their parent's name. Judge Joseph Wiley Parker was the son of George T Parker and Cora Harrell Parker. They lived about 600 feet to rear from my parent's home. We lived on what is now Norfleet Ave and they lived behind us on East Church Street. Their home was across a small field (owned by my cousin Joseph Carton Cherry Sr #1807. The property was at that time cultivated by Mr Bob Shoulars the step-grandfather of my sister-in-law Hazel Roane Bland #140). From the records of Joseph's wife Jesse Bazemore Parker she stated that her husband Judge Joseph descended from Emily or Milly Matthews who married Charles Russell Jr. Emily/Milly was the aunt of Martha Jane Matthews who was my g.g.g.grandmother that married Uriah Austin. The Peele, Matthews, Young, Rhodes, Rawls and Austin families all lived at one tine near Rhodes Place Crossroad Community that is approximately three miles from Lewiston, Aulander and Kelford. In William Peele's (my g.g.g.grandfather) Will was recorded in Bertie Co NC Nov.1829 and dated Oct.28 1829 is given as follows: In the name of God, Amen: I William Peele, being of sound and disposing mind but weak in boddy, do make and publish this my last will and test. First, I give to my loving wife Sally (Young) Peele the following articles. (Viz) one horse, her choice of, three cows and calves, ten ewes and lambs, three sows and pigs, her choice in cows, sows and ewes. Fifty barrels of corn, two beds & furniture, one loom, one chest, one table, one wool wheel, one lining wheel, three cedar barrels, my kitchen furniture, one yoak of oxen & cart, ten blade stacks of fodder and as much meat as will be sufficient to serve she and her family for one year. I do also lind her one-half of the land and plantation whereon I now live and three Negro slaves, namely Richard, Charlotte and Willis, during her natural life, and at her death to be equally divided between all my children. I give also one sidesaddle and bridle to my loving wife SALLY PEELE. Secondly, I give to my son JARROR PEELE, one mule named Jack, and bridle and saddle. Thirdly, I give to my son WILLIAM PEELE one horse, bridle and saddle. Fourthly, I wish all the rest of my property, not disposed of after paying my debts to remain in the hands of my Executors until my son Jarrod arrives at the age of twenty one years, and then to be equally between all my children, and their heirs forever. And lastly, I nominate and appoint my friend Humphrey H Hardy and Jesse Averitt, (my g.g.g.uncle) my Executors to this Last Will and Testament, revoking all others heretofore made & published this to be my only will and testament given under my hand and seal this 28th day of October AD 1829. "X" William Peele. Baliss H Bond Witnessed: ( Baliss married his wife's sister) Assigned and published in the presence of Josiah Wilson (Above will typed from file in NC State Archives) Note: In William's will he names sons JARROD # 105, (my g.g.g.grandfather) WILLIAM #14033, and his spouse (wife Sarah) Sally (Young) Peele #100 (his second wife). William wrote his will Oct 28,1829 and recorded it Nov 1829 and his son Jarrod was not of legal age at the time when he wrote this will. In data from Horace Peele he names two additional daughters: Nancy Caroline Peele (# 16439) b.c1808 and Marina E Peele (# 16440) b.c1812 that married (Mr) Casper. No other information available? Additional information came from Wayne Modlin listed a son named Andrew Peele #103 that married 1st, Rowena Baker (no know issue), 2nd Louisa Pritchard #534 and had a son Drew (Andrew Jr) Peele # 15434 that married Mary Morris #15430. The children were Oakley #15136, William also called "Willie" # 102, Allie #15438 and Cohen Bailey Peele #15440. Information obtained from William's will was that he gave salves, personal items and one-half lifetime rights in house that he now lived in, land and plantation [plantation was house and land with over 100 acres] to his wife. He gave personal items to his two-named son's Jarrod and William (no other data except he died c Aug 1859). He stated in this will that the remaining estate was to be divided between all my children and their heirs forever after all his debts were paid. He did not name any children except Jarrod and William probably because all of the other children were under age at the time of his death. In Deed Book MM pg 376-377, Feb 28,1862 Sarah Peele and William H Peele they name Amelia Burden and Jaddock Burden. This is the first time I have seen the middle initial given as "H" for William Peele. 4. Betty Averitt. 5. Elizabeth Averitt, b. c1771, Bertie Co NC. Named in grandfather's will as daughter of his son Henry Averitt and gave her a Negro called Solomon. C. Mary Averitt. She married William Bryan. Named in father's will BK A pg 166, 3 July 1772. Mary received land in Johnston Co. near the river, also Negroes Hannah, Bess and Peter. She was called by her married name Mary Bryan in this docket noting she was married before July 03,1772. No additional data known. D. Sary Averitt. She married James Abington, b. c1771, Bertie Co NC. Sary was named in her father's will that was dated 3 July 1772. The question is...how, when and from whom did Michael and Olive obtain the land mentioned in the deed below. Michael's father William BRYAN(T) died in 1744 Bertie. His widow Catherine BRYAN said she had no record of this will. Attempts to locate this land record or other no document have never been found. Thanks to Cathy Farris for the information she has so graciously shared on the Bryan and Ellis families. In 1757 Michael BRYAN and wife Olive sold land to Aaron ELLIS, this information found in Deed H-408 Bertie Co NC in BRYANT et uxor to ELLISS 1757. The original handwritten document has the name Brown handwritten in the left side column. To all People to whom these presents shall come, Greeting to know ye that I Mical BRYANT and Olive his wife of Bertie County within his Magesty's Province of North Carolina sells to Aaron ELLIS. Aaron ELIS his heirs and assigns forever and messuage or tract of land Scituate lying in Bertie County of No Carolina containing 100 acres of land joining to Robert HODGES patent line and SW to a corner forked Spanish Oak then east to Little Roquist. 26th day of April 1757, Mical (Michael) BRYAN seal Olliff (Olive) BRYAN. Signed sealed and delivered in the Presence of James ABINGTON (husband of Sary Averitt daughter of Henry Averitt), Elias F. HODGES. Proved by James ABINGTON (Elias HODGE is a possible relative to Olive)...well so could James ABINGTON. Aaron ELLIS later married Michael's mother Catherine BRYAN ELLIS. She left a will in 1779. 1. Mary Abington, b. c1769, Bertie Co NC. 2. Martha Abington, b. 1772, Bertie Co NC. 3. Elizabeth Abington, b. c1757, Bertie Co NC. 4. William Abington, b. c1759, Bertie Co NC. 5. Thomas Abington, b. c1761, Bertie Co NC. 6. Henry Abington, b. c1763, Bertie Co NC. 7. Littleberry Abington, b. c1765, Bertie Co NC. He married (1) Sarah Moore, 05-04-1790. He married (2) Rosa Williamston, 04-03-1929. 8. Hardyman Abington, b. c1767, Bertie Co NC. Received lot of land in Windsor and Negro Sharper as recorded in his grandfather's Will that can be found in BK A pg 166, dated 3 July 1772 in Bertie Co NC. 9. James Abington, b. c1771, Bertie Co NC. Received Negroes Peter (must have owned two slaves by name of Peter because his mother also got a Negro called Peter) and Exston. Data found in Henry Averitt’s' will BK A Pg 166, July 1772.