USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Virginia Crilley (crilley@eramp.net) June 7, 1997. William Ruffin is the son of William and Faith Gray Ruffin. We estimate that he was born about 1706. His wife was Sarah (maiden name unknown) and probably predeceased her husband. This document was proven in the Bertie County, November Court, 1781. Bertie County Will Book C pg 28 Will of WILLIAM RUFFIN Bertie County, North Carolina March 1, 1779 Know all men that I, William Ruffin of Northampton County , in the province of North Carolina being in health and of sound mind & memory do constitute and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (Viz) Item I give, device and bequeath unto my won, William Ruffin, my land and plantation I purchased of Thomas Miers with all the lands thereunto belonging all my stock of horses, cattle, hoggs and sheep all my household goods and kitchen furniture the bed & furniture where on I lie only excepted also a Negro woman named Moll and her three children now in his possession together with all my gold and silver money I have in hand or in possession to him, his heirs and assignees forever. Item The Bed and furniture as excepted in the gift unto my said son, William, as above, I give and bequeath to my son Richard Ruffin. Item I direct that my Executors hereafter named do make sale at their discretion of all the remaining part of my Negroes and the money arising therefrom together with what paper currency I have in possession are to be divided as followeth (Viz) one fourth part of said sum or dividend I lend unto my daughter FAITH PENDER during her natural life and her decease I give and bequeath the said one fourth part unto my said daughter's children to be equally divided amongst them and the remaining part thereof I give and bequeath unto my other three children namely, RICHARD RUFFIN, PURITY DELOACH, and WILLIAM RUFFIN to be equally divided amongst them but in case my said son, Richard Ruffin should dye without issue then there be an equal distribution of that part intended for him as above betweens my daughter, PURITY DeLOACH, my son, WILLIAM RUFFIN, and the children of my daughter, FAITH PENDER. Lastly I constitute and appoint my son, WILLIAM RUFFIN and my friend, JOHN LAURENCE, my whole and sole executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking and making null and void all former wills and Testaments by me before made and this only to be my last will & Testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and fixed my seal this first day of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, signed sealed and published by the to be his last will & Testament in presence of Willis JOSEY, Moses Horne, Thomas Horne BERTIE County, November Term of 1781 The last will & Testament of William Ruffin deceased was proved in open court in due form of law by the oath of Willis Josey, and Thomas Horne, two of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded. Stevens Gray, Clerk Virginia Crilley 4500 Kenny Lane Waco TX 76710 (254)772-5390