Edgecombe County, NC – Miscellaneous Wills, C-G ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Tommy Colbert clycolbert@aol.com Carter, Kindred, will date 14 May, 1777, October Court, 1777, also Nov. Ct., 1810, also Feb. Ct., 1819, Edgecombe County, NC, will abstracts: Wife: Mary, 6 negroes, plantation where I live, all land, stock, household furniture and remainder of my estate, except otherwise devised, reversion to my grandson, Moses Carter Knight. dau: Priscilla Knight, 4 negroes; dau: Charity Knight, 5 negroes, likewise negroes now in her possession during life of herself and husband Moses Knight. dau: WINNEFORD TAYLOR, 4 negroes; dau: Penelope Whitaker, 4 negroes. Exec.: James Knight, Carey Whitaker. Wit: Exum Lewis, Coulam Winstead, Peter Tatum. CLARK, ARABELLA will, date 16 Apr 1859, probate date May Ct 1860; I, Arabella E. Clark, Edgecombe Co...being of sound mind and memory, do make and declare...to my son, Henry T. Clark, my Negro man, Lewis; to my daughter, Maria T. Weddell, my Negro woman Huldah and her increase and also my best bed and pillows; to my daughter, Laura P. Clark, my Negro woman Patience and her increase; to my daughter, Mary S. Thomas, my Negro woman, Clarisa and her increase; to my granddaughter, Arabella C. Cotton, my Negro woman, Jane and her increase; to my granddaughter, Arabella T. Thomas, my Negro boy, Theodore; to my grandson, George G. Thomas, his choice of the children of my Negro woman, Huldah; to my granddaughter, Laura P. Clark, the next choice of the children of my Negro woman, Huldah, it being my desire that the other child of Huldah should go with its mother to my daughter, Maria T. Weddell; to my other grandchildren, not herein named, I give $100; to Margaret E. Toole, I give the sum of $100, one bed, bedstead, bolster and two pillows; to Edward B. Engelhard, my first great grandchild, I give the sum of $100; to my niece, Arabella C. Parker, I give my “castors;” to my daughter in law, Mary W. Clark, I give all my table and tea spoons; to each of my grown servants, I give $5; all the rest of my estate shall be equally divided between my four children; whereas some of my grandchildren and great grandchild and Margaret E. Toole are minors, I direct that their legacies to their guardians; my Negro man Sam, Ned and John sold “in the family” and the money used to pay legacies and any remaining money to be equally divided between my four children; son Henry T. Clark to be executor; signed A.E. Clark, wit (Jos Blount Cheshirel), James W. Ross. Abstracted 8-28-04, NCA file CR.037.801.7, CTC. Clark, George, of Bertie Precinct, date of will 25 Feb 1723/4, date proved July 31, 1724, being “sick and weak in body”, item 1- to Thomas Taylor, son of Jonathan Taylor, one pistol, item 2- John ( ) (illegible), item 3- everloving wife Elizabeth Clark- all my weiring apparrel and lodging, bible, 10 pounds NC money, mare called Betty, item 4- my trusty and well beloved friend, Jonathan Taylor- all my land lying in Bertie Precinct, item 5- authorize my executor to acknowledge a tract of land to John Leggett lying on (Roquist) Creek and a tract of 150 acres of land to John (Stouon), executor Jonathan Taylor, signed George Clark (no mark, scribble and illegible), wit. David Smith (mark), Patrick Smith (X), Bertie Co. NC State Archives wills file SS/AR. CLARK, HENRY TOOLE will 1874, no date, entered for probate 23 Apr 1784; In the name of God, Amen, I, Henry T. Clark make this my last will...to my beloved wife, Mary, I give all my household and kitchen furniture absolutely and my mules; to my son, Haywood my plantation known as Shiloh during his life and then to his children, he paying off the incumbrances; my library to be equally divided among my children; to my son, Irwin my gold watch and portrait; balance of my estate to be divided among (all scratched out) my (daughters & then children scratched out) daughters; son Haywood to be executor of my will, signed Henry T. Clark (mark), wit Jas. Blount Cheshire, Jr, Jno. L. Bridgers, Jr. Codicil: to my son, Irwin, my land known as the Waller Tract, signed Henry T. Clark (X), wit Jos Blount, Jr, Jno. L. Bridgers, Jr. At probate hearing, it was noted that will was not dated and that Henry Irwin Clark who was named as executor was under age and therefore disqualified as executor, also noted that deceased had been incapacitate due to illness and signed with mark. Joseph B. Cheshire, Jr and John L. Bridgers were sworn and state that they saw Henry T. Clark sign said will on 14 Apr 1874. APPLICATION FOR PROBATE by Henry I. Clark stating that the designated executor, Haywood Clark is only 19 years of age and thus disqualified as executor. Applicant states that estate is valued at about $20,000, that heirs are Mary M. Clark, widow of deceased and children, Laura (L) Bridgers, Haywood Clark, Maria T. Clark, Arabella T. Clark and the applicant, signed H. Irwin Clark, 23 Apr 1874. NCA file Cr.037.801.7, abstracted 8-28-04, CTC. Clark, Henry will, 1785. Will date Oct. 15, 1784, date recorded Feb Ct. 1785.In the Name of God, Amen, I Henry Clark of Edgecombe County; Item 1- I lend to my wife, Frances Clark my plantation where I now live with all my stock, all my household goods and furniture during her natural lifetime; Item 2- I give to my son (Charls) Clark five shillings sterling; Item 3- I give to my son Henry Clark five shillings sterling; Item 4- I give to my son Richard Clark five shillings sterling; Item 5- I give to my daughter Grace Scarborough five shillings sterling; Item 6- I give to my daughter Frances Proctor five shillings sterling; Item 7- I give to my daughter Delila ( ) five shillings sterling; Item 8- I give to my son Nathan Clark the plantation where I now live with all my land after my wife’s decease; Item 9- I give to my son Nathan and Sealey Clark after all my debts are paid, all th rest of my estate real and personal to be equally divided between them; I appoint my friends William (Bloo??) And John Stringer, signed Henry Clark (X), wit. John Wooten, Henry Clark, John Stringer, proved by oath of Henry Clark. Abstracted from copy of original, NCA file CR.037.801.7, 1-18-03, CTC. Clark, Henry will, In the name of the Lord, Amen, the fifteenth day of August 1787 I Henry Clark of Edgecombe County.... being weake in body but of perfect sound mind and memory... In premis I give unto my wife Penny Clark my mare which goes by the name Dimant... I lend unto my wife Penny Clark my land until my sons come of age...It is my will that my son Henry Clark shall have the land where I live on now and that my son Richard Clark should have the other piece called the Swimming hole neck... I give my little gun to my son Richard Clark... I give my gun called the long gun to my son Henry Clark...I give to my daughter Clary Clark and Franky Clark a feather bead and furniture apeace to them ...It is my will and desried that after my mare called pigin she and her increase should be equally divided among all my children when they come of lawful age... It is my will that my horse ( ) should be sold and the money be equally divided among my children when they come of lawful age... It is my will that my son Richard Clark should have all my tools...I lend to my wife Penny Clark all my estate which I hant mentioned now in my will during her lifetime or widowhood... I appoint my brother Richard Clark and John Savage to be my executors of this my last will and testament, signed Henry Clark (X), wit. Samuel Narsworthy, Richard Clark. Proved Nov. Ct. 1888. Will of Henry Clark, 15 Aug 1787, proved Nov Ct. 1788, NC State Archives file CR.037.801.7. Clark, James W, will, 1844, date of will 1 Nov 1843, date proved Feb Ct. 1844. I James W. Clark of Tarboro... I give to my beloved wife, Arabelle E. Clark my dwelling house and adjoining lots in Tarboro for her lifetime and then to Henry T. Clark, also to my wife, in fee simple all my household and kitchen furniture and appurtances of my lot, my carriage and horses, wagon and gear, two cows and calves, and twelve months provisions, also the following negroes, Sam, Lewis, Patience, Jane and Clarissa; to my son, Henry T. Clark I give my books, and papers, my guns, rifle and walking sticks, my father’s watch and my own; to my daughter, Maria T. Clark, I give negroes Bolivar and Rebecca and her increase; to my daughter Mary S. Clark I give negroes Washington and Sarah and her increase; to my daughter Laura P. Cotton of Florida, and to my son, Henry T. Clark, I give negroes I have heretofore advanced to them; all the remainder of my negroes in North Carolina, and Alabama, together with the balance of my real and personal property not heretofore named, I desire to be equally divided between Arabella E. Clark, Henry T. Clark, Maria T. Clark, Laura P. Cotton and Mary S. Clark, with the understanding that the negroes given to each of them will be valued and the valued be taken by them as a part of their distributive share; son Henry T. Clark is impowered to sell store in Tarboro and my tract of land in Dyer County, Tennessee when it is in the best interest to do so; Henry T. Clark has authority to sell land in Weakly County, Tennessee to Alfred Gardner by a contract entered with said Gardner; my body to be interred in the Episcopal Church burial ground in Tarboro; son, Henry T. Clark to be executor, signed J.W. Clark, wit. Th. Parker, Ben. M. Jackson, Jos. Blount Cheshire. Abstracted from copy of original, NCA file CR.037.801.7, 1-18-03, CTC. Clark, Mary W. will, 1896; will date 19 Jun 1891, probate date 14 Sep 1896; I, Mary W. Clark of Edgecombe Co...to my children, Laura P. Bridgers, Haywood Clark, Henry Irvin Clark, Maria T. Bourne and Arabella T. Smith, all my person property except the money due me as I have expressed to my children, 1/5 part of my money to Haywood Clark, 1/5 part to my son, Irvin Clark, the remaining part to John L. Bridgers in trust, 1/3 to each of my daughters, Laura P, Maria T and Arabella T; John L. Bridgers to be executor, signed Mary W. Clark, not wit; proved by oath of Joseph Blount Cheshire, S.S. Nash & Henry Clark Bridgers who are acquainted with her writing. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY states valued of estate at $4300 and names heirs; Laura P. Bridgers, Haywood Clark, Henry I. Clark, Maria F. Bourne and Arabella T. Smith and John S. Bridgers, trustee. NCA file CR.037.508.7, abstracted 8-28- 04, CTC. CLARK, SINDIE will; Edgecombe County state of North Carolina July 30 1883. I Sindie Clark doo give and bequeth to Mary Frances Wells the folowing propity to wit ten acres of land of the house tract where I now live and my chest to her her lifetime after her deth to her airs. Aney vick to have the remaning ten acres of land adjoining the land where i now live on and my sewing machine to her her life time after her deth to her airs. My Bead to Maggey Wells and Fannie Vick. Matress to Boby Wells. signed Sindia Clark (X), witness D.T. Britt, W.H. Tabton. ATTACHED NOTE IN FILE: North Carolina Edgecombe Co. In the Superior Court; A paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Sinda Clark is exhibited for probate in open court by (Theo) Wells who found said paper writing among the effects and valuable papers of the deceased; and it is thereupon proved by oath and examination of J.D. Brown, that D.T. Britt one of the subscribing witnesses thereto is dead and it is also proved by the oath and examination of H.T. Tolston that W.H. Tolston the other subscribing witness thereto is also dead. And it is further proved by the oath and examination of the said J.D. Brown that he is well acquainted with the hand writing of the said D.T. Britt, having often seen (here) unto and that the name of the said D.T. Britt subscribed as a witness to the said will, is in the handwriting of the said D.T. Britt. And it is also proved by the oath and examination of the said H.T. Tolston that he is well acquainted with the hand writing of the said W.H. Tolston having often seen him write and that the name of the said W.H. Tolston subscribed as a witness to the said will, is in the handwriting of the said W.H. Tolston. It is hereby considered by the court that the said paper writing and every part thereof is the last will and testament of the said Sinda Clark and the same is ordered to be recorded and files. J.D. Brown, H.T. Tolston. Sworn to and subscribed before me Mch. 19, 1904. Ed. Pennington, CSC. NCA file CR.037.801.25, CTC. Clarke, W.H. will date 5 Sep 1917, probate date 1 Oct 1917; I W.H. Clarke of Edgecombe Co being of sound mind and memory ...to my mother, (India Clarke) my house and lot in Pinetops on the south side of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lot on the west side of Third Street for her use during her lifetime and at her death to my brother in law, W.J. Clarke; all the remainder of my estate to my mother during her life and then to my brother in law, W.J. Clarke; appoint my brother in law, W.J. Clarke executor, signed W.H. Clark, wit J.R. Walston, W.P. Mercer. Abstracted 8-28-04, NCA file CR.037.801.7, CTC. Clarke, W.J. will, 1941, will date 16 Jul 1943, probate date 21 Jun 1943; I, W.J. Clarke, Edge. Co being of sound mind and disposing memory but realizing the uncertainty of my earthly existence... my executor shall pay all my just debts out of first moneys which may come into her hands; I give to my beloved wife, Della W. Clarke all that tract or lots of land on Fourth St in Pinetops, #10 TWP, being lots # I & J in square #49 according to the plot of said town being the land conveyed to me by the Macclesfield Company in 2 separate deeds, one Feb 12, 1919 and one 14 Feb 1919, in book 208, pages 374 and 375 respectfully, also that tract or lot on Fourth St in Pinetops, #10 TWP being lots # E & F in square #62, being the land sold to me by the Macclesfield Company recorded 16 May 1921 and recorded in Bk 230, page 394, also all of my 1/4 interest in the Farmers Mill Company of Pinetops consisting of both real and personal property; I give to my said wife all my personal property of every nature and description; I appoint my said wife, Della W. Clarke, my executor, signed W.J. Clarke, wit W.M. Webb, S.L. Parker. Abstracted 8-28-04, NCA file CR.037.801.7, CTC. Clark, William S. will not dated, probate date 23 Jun 1923; I, William S. Clark, Edge. Co declare this to be my last will and testament... I direct my executor to pay my just debts and funeral costs from the first moneys that come into their hands; to my beloved wife, Lossie G. Clark, all of my household and kitchen furniture contained in my residence and home in Tarboro; to my beloved wife, whatever interest I may own in the Negro tenement houses in the Dancy or Panola Field in or near Tarboro; to my sons, S.N. Clark and D.R. Clark and my daughter, Nan G. Clark and the survivor of them all the real estate owned by me individually but none of that in which I own an interest as a member of the firm of W.S. Clark & Sons, also all shares of the capital stock in incorporated companies owned by me at the time of my death, in trust to collect the rents from the said real estate and dividends and income from said shares of stock to disburse and pay as follows: first, pay all taxes and insurance on said property, all assessments and street paving due on home property, and all repairs thereto, second, pay to my sister in law, Nannie Grist, the sum of $40 per month during her life, third, the balance of said rents, dividends and income to be paid to my wife, Lossie G. Clark for her natural life, and in the event said rents, dividends and income are not sufficient to pay my said wife as much as $3600 each year, executors are to borrow enough money to pay her that amount; after the death of my wife, all the above property to be divided equally among my children, share and share alike, except such amount will be held out to pay my sister in law, Nannie Grist, during her natural life, $40 per month; to my daughter, Rena H. Clark, I give the sum of $3000; to my beloved daughter, Rena H. Clark, $3000; to my beloved wife, Lossie G. Clark and my beloved daughters, Nan G. Clark, Sue C. Bellamy, Isabelle C. James and Placide C. Taylor, the sum of $2000; I do not include my sons in this because I consider their separate estates of greater value than that of my daughters and feel that their interest in the firm of W.S. Clark and sons have been of pecuniary vale to them; to my grandsons, William Clark Bellamy and William Clark James, each the sum of $250 in addition to what I may have given them during my life; to my grand-nieces, Matilda Hart and Nannie Hart, children of my nephew, Almon Hart, each the sum of $500; all gifts given to my children prior to this date shall be considered as a gift and not an advancement; all the rest of my property I give to my children, William G. Clark, S.N. Clark, D.R. Clarn, Nan G. Clark, Sue C. Bellamy, Rena H. Clark, Isabelle C. James and Placide C. Taylor, share and share alike, but subject to the provisions hereafter mentioned in will (NOTE: this refers to how business of W.S. Clark & Sons shall be operated or disposed of), signed W.S. Clark, wit. C.A. Johnson, Almon Hart. Will was not dated, but witnesses state that will was signed on 29 May 1923. Abstracted 8-28-04, NCA file CR.037.801.7, CTC. Coffield, Speir, will date Jan 1772, probate date May Ct 1772; In the name of God Amen... being sick of body but of sound mind and memory... soul to Almighty God who gave it... item- lend to my loving wife during her life Tom, Elen, Little Tom, Nell & Cado, also Hannah if she thinks proper to keep her, otherwise my loving wife may sell her; item- it is my desire that all the rest of my Negroes may continue with my loving wife until my children come of age or marry provided my wife gives them a good education and good maintenance; item- to my daughter Priscilla West Coffield, Cado, Rose and Chainey; item- to my son (XXXXX) David Coffield Simon & Lyda; item- to my daughter Elizabeth Ann Coffield (Sumner), Littica and Isaac; item- my son David Coffield shall have the first child that my Negro Nell shall have that lives to be twelve months; item - my loving wife to have all the rest of my estate during her widowhood and after her decease all the personal estate to be equally divided between my three children Priscilla West David & Elizth Ann; item- loving wife (and Apner) Haynes to be executors of my will, signed Speir Coffield, wit Thomas Hyatt (T), Priscilla Duck, John Speir. Abstracted 7-11-04, NCA film C.037.80001, CTC. Coffield, West, will date 13 Sep 1781, probate date Aug Ct 1781; IN the name of God, Amen, I West Coffield of the County of Edgecombe being sick of body but of sound mind and memory...Item- just debts to be paid; item- son David Coffield one still and a parcel of sever casks and barrels, one mare, two filleys, bridle and saddle, five sows, five cattle, one (hat), two stears, one gold ring, one pair of silver shoe buckels, one grind stone wheat, one bed and furniture, chest, pair knee ( ); item- daughter Pricilla West West one Negro woman Silvey, Negro boy, Jesse, one (bufett), one walnut table, bridle, saddle, one chest, one trunk; item- daughter Elizabeth Coffield two Negro boys, Callis and Demcey, one bead and furniture, one chest, one table, one desk, a horse or mare if any one at my (deceas), one bridle and saddle; item- daughters Priscilla West West and Elizabeth Coffield my Negro woman Tilla to be equally divided to them; item- the rest of my estate to be divided between my two daughters; item son in law Israel West to be executor, signed West Coffield, wit Lucy Haynes, Priscilla West West, Apner Haynes. Abstracted 7-11-04, NCA film C.037.80001, CTC. Cromwell, Alexander, Edgecombe Co., date of will 19 Aug. 1788, date recorded ?, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory- to my two sons Alexander Cromwell and Thomas Cromwell all my joyners and carpenters tools to be equally divided between them and they to have no more of my estate; daughter Comfort Laurance- feather bed and furniture and no more of my estate; granddaughter Sarah Laurance- 30 pounds money at her day of marriage and no more of my estate; granddaughter Mary (Laurance) 30 pounds money at her day of marriage and she to have no more of my estate; daughter Mary Hodges- five shillings and she to have no more of my estate; daughter Sarah Ballard- five shillings money and she to have no more of my estate; son Roling Cromwell- five shillings and he to have no more of my estate; daughter Providence (Maylow)- five shillings money and she to have no more of my estate; daughter Venetia Boothe- one feather bed and furniture; grandson Vinson Smith- one feather bed and furniture and my dwelling plantation where I now live when he comes of age of 21, son in law Robt. Boothe and his wife Venetia to have the use of my house, cattle, hogs, sheep for use of family and then to Vinson Smith when he comes to age of 21; Vinson Smit- my negro man (Fills); executor- son in law Robt. Boothe and Venetia his wife, signed Alexander Cromwell,, wit. John Hines, James Boothe, Fanny Bonner. NC State Archives file C.037.801.8. CTC, 2-11-00. Cromwell, Thomas, Edgecombe Co., date of will 12 Sept. 1795, date recorded ?, very sick and weak- - wife Selah- lend land I bought of Jonathan Thigpen until son Elisha comes of age and then to him, also he to have negro Perry; wife Selah lend land I bought of John Thigpen until son Oliver comes of age and then to him, also he to have negro boy Randal; daughter Parthency- negro girl, Fan, bed, etc. when she comes of age; daughter Rebekah Cromwell- negro girl Juda, bed, etc.; daughter Tabitha Cromwell- negro girl Jane, bed, etc.; wife Selah lend plantation where I now live and negro fellow Sam, (Still), girl Siliry for her life or widowhood to raise my small children and then to my son Charles Cromwell; the rest of my property lent to wife until son Charles comes of age and then to be divided among three youngest children Charles, Rebekah and Tabitha; exe. wife Selah, sons Elisha and Charles; signed Thomas Cromwell, wit. Samuel Wren, Thomas Newsom; codicil- 2 Oct. 1795- to Vincent Smith one horse and saddle, wit. Obed. Cherry, (Ned Keil (X)). Abstracted from original, NC State Archives, Will file. 2-11-00. Curl, Sarah, will date 1 Jan 1820, date proved (1820), In the name of God, I Sarah Curl of the county of Edgecombe .... being weake of body... to my daughters Seleter Curl and Patsy Curl all my corn, cotton and brandy and two ewes and lambs, two cows and calves, one sorrel mare, called the Turner mare and all the money that Samson Newsom is indebted to me to be equally divided between them both and to their heirs forever; to my son, Redmun Curl and daughter Caty Williams and daughter Charity Williford and my daughter Seleter Curl and my daughter Patsy Curl all the rest of my property to be equally divided among them, I appoint my friend, Eaton Gay executor of this will, signed Sarah Curl (X), wit. Kinchen Gay (X), Dempsey Jinkens (X). Abstracted 9-23-01 from copy of original from NC State Archives, CR.037.801.8. Curl, Sarah will date 1 Apr. 1858, date proved Nov Ct. 1865, In the name of God Amen, I Sarah Curl of the county of Edgecombe Co...... being weak of boddy but in possession of my right mind.... to my fore children Elizabeth Curle, Nancy Curle, Martha H. Curle and Morning Curle all my lands, goods and chattels and household furniture, plantation utensils, and stocks; I give to John W. Ricks fore dollars, William B. Ricks fore dollars, Temperance Jackson (hires) fore dollars, John Proctor to be my executor, signed Sarah Curle (X), wit. A. Dautridge, R.W. Long. Proved by the oath of A. Dortridge and the handwriting of R.W. Long is proved by R.A. Moore, who is acquainted with his writing. Abstracted 9-23-01 from copy of original from NC State Archives, CR.037.801.8. Curl, Thomas will date 18 Feb 1848, date proved Aug. Ct. (1854), I Thomas Curl of the County of Edgecombe... being of sound mind and memory... I give to my beloved sisters Elizabeth & Nancy Curl, Martha (H) and Mourning Curl all the money notes and accounts that I possess at the time of my death; all the rest of my estate to be divided among my four sisters except my mare Diamond I loan to my mother during her lifetime and then to be sold and equally divided among my sisters, signed Thomas Curl, no witnesses. Proved by Benjamin Braswell, Jesse Price, & Burrel W. Barnes who made oath that they knew the signature of said Thomas Curl. Administration was granted to John Proctor after Elizabeth, Nancy, Martha and Mourning Curl renounced right of administration. Abstracted 9-23-01 from copy of original from NC State Archives, CR.037.801.8. Curl, Willis, will date 25 July 1810, date proved Feb Ct. 1811, In the name of God, I Willis Curl of Edgecombe Co., being in a low state of health but of perfect mind and memory... I lend to my wife, Sarah Curl during her widowhood the lands and plantation whereon I now live containing 300 acres and two negroes, Lige and Sal during her widowhood, also one sorrel mare and colt, six head of cattle of her choice, 20 head of hogs of her choice, six head of sheep of her choice, one feather bed and furniture of her choice, one half of my plantation tools, also cart and wheels and plow frames; to my son, Redmin Curl, the land and plantation that I bought of Fulgum Wester containing 325 acres to him and his heirs forever, also one feather bed and furniture; to my daughter Caty Curl one feather bed and furniture; to my daughter Charity Curl one feather bed; to my daughter Seleter Curl one feather bed, to my daughter Patsey Curl one feather bed; after the death or remarriage of my wife, Sarah Curl, my four daughters Caty Curl, Charity Curl, Seleter Curl and Patsey Curl have the land and plantation that is lent to my wife, to them and their heirs forever; all my estate not before mentioned to be equally divided among my five children, Redmun Curl, Caty, Charity, Seleter and Patsey Curl; I nominate my friend Willie Bunn executor of my estate; signed Willis Curl, wit. Redmun Bunn, Sally Curl, Nancy (Fort). Abstracted 9-23-01 from copy of original from NC State Archives, CR.037.801.8. Dancy, William, will date Mar 1805, date recorded Nov Ct. 1807, Edge. Co. BK D, Page 299, Son- EDWIN, 7 Negroes; son WILLIAM- 5 Negroes, also lands on ?? Creek including the Ship Place, Peris Place containing 844 A, all stock in his possession. Son FRANCIS- 697 A land on Tyan Coky Swamp, also lands on Town Creek leased of MRS. MILLY BLOODWORTH with appurtenances thereupon; also 8 negroes, desk, walnut table, beufatt, horse, filly, colt, mare, 20 prime cattle, and 13 sheep. Gr. Dau: NANCY JACKSON, dau of J.J. JACKSON and MARY ANN JACKSON; GR. Dau MARY HORN , dau of WILLIAM HORN and ELIZABETH, his wife; 3 negroes; Gr so: WHITMELL HORN, son of WILLIAM HORN and ELIZABETH, his wife; 3 negroes. Gr Chil (chil. of JOHN DANCY): WILLIAM DANCY, AGNES DANCY, JOSEPH JOHN DANCY. EXR. FRANCIS DANCY, WIT: DEMPSEY JENKINS, JOS(EPH) PITT, LAMON RUFFIN. Deloach, Mary will, 4 Jan 1773, date recorded Apr Ct 1774; In the name of God Amen, I mary Deloach of Edgecombe County... being weak in body but of perfect sound mind & memory...Imprimis I give to my son William Deloach the sum of five shillings Virginia money; Item I give to my daughter (Averrilla) Ruffin, wife of Richd Ruffin the sum of five shillings Virginia money; Item I give I give to my son Jesse Deloach all that part of my estate I assigned him of in my lifetime and also the sum of five shillings Virginia money; Item I give to my son Samuel Deloach all that part of my estate I assigned him of in my lifetime and also one cow and calf and lambs; Item I give to my daughter Selah Barns all that part of my estate I assigned her of in my lifetime and also the sum of five shillings Virginia money; Item I give to my son John Deloach 320 acres of land, it being part of a larger tract I purchased of Solomon Boykins and also my great desk and square walnut table and painted chist and largest linin wheel and gray mare and colt & black horse and dearick and 20 pounds of feathers & 30 head of geese; Item I give to my daughter Milley Bloodworth all that part of my estate that I possessed her of in my lifetime and also my wareing close and side saddle; Item I give to my son Solomon Deloach two beds and furniture and five head of cattle and (five) breading sows and one linen wheel, one black mare( ) and a young house colt cold sharpen and five pounds proclamation money; Item I give to my grandson William Braswell five shilling Virginia money; Item After debts and funeral expenses are paid remainder of estate to be divided equally between two of my sons, to wit, John Deloach and Solomon Deloach and it is my will and desire that William Bloodworth and Elijah (Horne) divide said estate between John and Solomon; Item I appoint two of my sons, Samuel and John executors of my estate, signed Mary Deloach, wit. John Faulk, Hanah Faulk (X), Sarah Faulk (X). Edge. Co. Will Book A, page 205, NCA film C.037.80001, 6-27-03, CTC. Deloach, Samuel will, 31 Jan 1764, proved Apr Ct 1764; In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Deloach of Edgecombe Co. being weak in body but of sound and perfect memory... recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body to the grave to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner; Imprimis... to my beloved wife Mary Deloach the land that my father in law Francis Boykin left me in Northampton County to her and her heirs forever; my young black mair and side saddle, the use of the land and plantation whereon I now live and my still and all my Negroes for the raising and maintaining and schooling of my children during her life or widowhood and then to be divided by my executor as according as my will directs. I further lend to my wife, Mary Deloach after my debts and funeral expenses are paid all my household goods and chattels and all my tenements until my children come of age and then divided as my will directs: to my son, William Deloach all the part of my estate I (possessed) him of in my life time and ten shillings cash; to my daughter, (Auerilla) Ruffin, all that part of my estate I ( ) her in my lifetime and ten shillings cash; to my daughter (Molley) Braswell all that part of my estate I ( ) her during my lifetime and ten shillings cash; to my son Jesse Deloach that tract of land that I ( ) joining of (Moses Hains) land and my bay horse called Spark and five head of cattle and five breading ( ) and one feather bed and furniture which I gave to my son when he comes of age; to my son, Jesse Deloach after my wife’s decease or widowhood, my Negro fellow Ephriam; to my son, Samuel Deloach the land and plantation that I purchased of John Stinson, my (Bay) mair and five head of cattle and five breading (sows) and one feather bed and furniture which I gave to me son when he comes of age, also my Negro fellow Toney after my wife’s decease or widowhood; to my (daughter) Selah Deloach five head of cattle one feather bed and furniture which I gave to my darter when she comes of age; to my son John Deloach the land and plantation that I purchased of John Stringer, my mair cald (Jli) and five head of cattle and one feather bed and furniture and five breading sows which I gave to my son when he comes of age, also my Negro fellow Dick after my wife’s decease or widowhood; to my darter Milly Deloach five head of cattle and one feather bed and furniture which I gave to my darter when she comes of age; to my son Solomon Deloach after my wife’s decease or widowhood the land and plantation where I now live together with my still and Negro girl Luce; I leave my Negro wenches Fan and (Pat) and their increase after my wife’s decease or widowhood to be equally divided between my for darters Averilla Ruffin, Molly Braswell and Selah Deloach and Millie Deloach; my wife to give and dispose of the remainder of my estate after my debts and funeral expenses to my children as she sees fit; wife Mary Deloach and sons, William Deloach, Jesse Deloach and Samuel Deloach to be executors, signed Samuel Deloach, wit. John Gosney, Thos. Bryant, John Faulk. Abstracted NCA film C.037.80001, Edge. Co. Will vol A, page 134, CTC, 6-17-03. Dew, Mary will, dated 17 Jan 1801 May Ct. 1801: Grandchildren John, Nancy and Thomas Barnes - ten shillings each, for they have already received a proportionable share of the grandfather’s estate. My five children John, Arthur and William Dew, Elizabeth Farmer and Martha Simms (all of age) - to divide my estate. EX. friends John Dew and Jacob Horn Wit: Jesse Farmer, Enos Farmer, Zilpah (x) Farmer. Edgecombe County Will Abstracts 1793-1823 By David Gammon. DEW, Milicent will; Apr. 24, 1786, May Ct. 1786, Dau. Martha DeWall (Duvall), estate which fell to me from my father, Abraham Dew, dec’d of Nash Co. Also cow and calf and remaining wearing apparel; bro. William Dew, 1 striped cotton gound; Salley Rogers 3 white caps, 2 pr. wooling stockings, 1 pr. cotton stockings. Exr. & Gdn for dau Martha DeWall, Thomas Vivrette. Wit. Jesse Pitman, Peter VanLandenham. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856. DEW, William will; Sept. 8, 1802, Marked- “not to be recorded yet”- 1802, wife Fanny, lend tract lying on Town Creek and called Pitman Place also tract lying in fork of Town Creek adjoining William Dixan and Joseph Winstead. 5 slaves, mare, horse, 2 cows and calves, 2 sows and pigs, hogs, ½ household furniture for her lifetime, then to be divided between my two daughters. Dau. Tempy; mill and plant’n I live on at mother’s death and 5 slaves; dau. Jacky, tract called “dark Pocosin” consisting of 640 acres by deed from Bennett Barrow and four slaves. Bro. Sanulet (Samulet) Vivrett, blue suit. Bro. James Vivrett, all other wearing close; bro. Micajah Vivrett, note against him of about $30. No witnesses. Exr. John Robbins, Jacob Horn, Jesse Farmer. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856. FAIRLESS, Julia will date 24 Sept 1873, date recorded May Ct. 1878, Nash Co., 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my sister Elizabeth JACKSON is to have her lifetime right in my land. 3rd. I give to nease Francis Hails one feather bed & to heirs forever. 4th I give the rest of intire property to my nefue Joseph A. Jackson viz. my cattle, hogs, household & kitchen furniture, lands & C. & to his heirs forever. 5th If there should be any money left at my death I give unto Joseph Jackson. 6th clause of my will (NOTE: NOTHING HERE). 7TH I do hereby nominate constitute & appoint my friend Joseph A. JACKSON executor to this my last will & testament given under my hand and seal this the 24th day of September 1873. Wit. Amos W. JACKSON, John GAY. Signed Julia Farless (her mark). NC State Archives, Nash Co. Will file, CR.069.801.4. PROBATE of Will of Julia Farless, proved by Amos W. Jackson and John Gay, Nash Co. Court, May 15, 1878. NC State Archives, Estate files, Nash Co. Julia Farless file, C.069.508.?? Farmer, Benjamin, Edgecombe County, NC, will date 16th March 1825, date recorded February Court 1827; In the name of God amen I Benjamin Farmer, being in perfect mind and memory, and knowing that all men is ordained to die, make and constitute this my last will and testament___After paying debts – I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Farmer during her life or widdowhood the following, Zed and Baltimore, Jude, Rhode & Patience, (5 negroes) House hold and kitchen furnature, and farming utentials sufficient to carry on a farm; negro Boy Aaron; Two Hundred and twenty five acres Land which includes the Deloach Tract, also all on the north side of the Tarborough road which belonged to the Newbern Tract, - 2 Horses, 4 cows & calves, 4 sows & pigs, 4 Ewes, - I give and bequeath unto my Beloved son William Farmer all the Land I own on the north side of Harmony Swamp that joins, with exception of his mothers life IE (?) as above stated (I mean for my wife to hold the part above mentioned her life or widdow hood then to him the said William) – I give and bequeath unto my son Braswell Farmer Two Hundred and fourteen acres of Land more or less lying & being in the County & state aforesaid & on the north side of Toisnot Swamp and adjoining the Land of Moses Farmer and Arthur D. Farmer, it being part of a tract of land drawn by me and my wife Elizabeth, by death of William Dew—I give and bequeath unto Sally Hollowell daughter of Benjamin Farmer forty shillings – I give and bequeath unto the Heirs of John Barnes (Toit) Thomas, Betsey, Sally, Beedy, Dempsey, & Nancy Twenty four Dollars to be equally divided amongst them. – It is my will and desire that the Balance of my negroes be equally divided amongst the following Heirs Absolom, Dew, Braswell, Beedy, Nancy, Jacob, Elizabeth, Arthur D. Farmer & William D. Farmer --, also at the death of my wife Elizabeth, it is my will and desire , that the negroes afore given to her and their increase if any be equally divided between the afore mentioned Heirs (Toit) Absolom Farmer, Dew Farmer, Braswell Farmer, Beedy White, Nancy Dew, Jacob Farmer, Elizabeth Aimason, Arthur D. Farmer & William D. Farmer – My will and desire is that the Land and all other property not given by me in this my last will and Testament be sold by my Executor and after paying all my just debts as afore stated to be equally and imparsially divided between the afore named Heirs (Toit) Absolom Farmer, Dew Farmer, Braswell Farmer, Beedy White, Nancy Dew, Jacob Farmer, Elizabeth Aimason, Arthur D. Farmer & William D. Farmer – This 16th March 1825. I nominate and appoint my affectionate son William D. Farmer Executor to my last will and Testament. Signed sealed and Acknowledged in presents Isaac F. Wood (X) (porved), Benjamin Farmer (seal)(signed) Hansel D. Griffith (mark). (From: ferrell@couriernet.infi.net (Hunter). Flowers, Edward will, 19 Jun 1775, proved May Ct 1778; In the name of God, Amen, I Edward Flowers of Edgecombe County, St. Marys Parish being in perfect sense & sound memory, thanks be to God... to my son, Henry ten shillings proc money; daughter, (Nancy or Mary Tisdale) my walnut chest that I bought of Robert Sheffield, beloved son John Flowers all the remainder of my estate real and personal, appoint sons Henry and John Flowers executorers, signed Edwd. Flowers (C mark), wit Dun Lamon, Arch Lamon, Charles Williams. Abstracted NCA film CR.037.801.12, 1-2-05, CTC. Flowers, Jacob will, 14 July 1766, proved Oct Ct 1766 ,WB A, page 161. In the name of God Amen I Jacob Flowers of the Parish of St. Marys and County of Edgecombe being sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory blessed by to God... imprimis I give to my son Jacob Flowers three negroes named Young Mingo, Young Sarah and her child, Mingo, to him and his heirs forever and for want of an heir, to the next of kin, also, four other Negroes named Dick, Ned, Sollomon & Nell, also one still and worm, also all my stock of all kinds, except that given in this will; to my loving daughter, Elizabeth Calhoon, three Negroes named Joan, Pat & Mille to her and her heirs lawfully begotten of her body and for want of such an heir, the next of kin, also four cows and calves, three of them being now in her possession, also one bed and furniture, it being it being that she has in her possession; to my loving daughter Prissilla Calhoon, three Negroes named Pat, Sam & Sukey, to her and her heirs lawfully begotten of her body and for want of such an heir, to the next of kin, also one cow and calf; to my loving wife, Mary, during her life, the use of my Negroes names as follows, Old Mingo, Lucy, Will & Cela, also the old roan hors, Chunky ( ) and small gray mare, I give and bequeath to her eleven (cows) and calfs, lend to her the plantation that I now live on during her lifetime; to my grandson, Hardy Flowers the one half of that tract of land that lies on the north side of Tar River and on Polecat Branch and the great branch that lies on the upper side of the main road that leads to Lamon’s Ferry, also one Negro girl named Cale, four cows and calfs, four sows and pigs and one bed and furniture and one young horse to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his body and for want of same, to my son, Jacob; executors my son, Jacob Flowers and my son in law, John Calhoon; signed Jacob Flowers (mark), wit. Edwd Moore, Samuel Williams, John (Farmer or Tanner). Will is hard to read. Abstracted from NCA film C.037.80001, 6-17-03, CTC. Flowry, Lazarus will, 1799, no date, proved May Ct 1799; In the name of God, Amen, I Lazarus Flowry of the County of Edgecombe.. Being sick and weak in body but of a sound mind and memory...To my loving wife, Wincey Flowry one mare known by the piggeon and two cows and two sows & piggy and one (Lining) wheel & one wooling wheel; to my son Jesse Flowry all my right of land in the state of Cumberland; to my son William Flowry 100 acres of land lying on the Cabbing Branch adjoining Benjamin Thornall; to my loving wife Winney Flowry all the rest of my estate both real and personal during her natural life or widowhood or until the youngest comes of age of 21 years and then the hole of my estate that I have lent to my wife to be divided among my seven children except the land and that to be divided among my five youngest, Richard Flowry, Ephraim Flowry, Benjamin Flowry, Mary Flowry, Enoch Flowry and appoint as executors my trust friends William Ellis, Jacob Powell, John Williford, Daniel Powell (scratched out), James Barnes, signed Lazarus Flory (X), wit John Williams, Thomas Williford (proved). Abstracted 1-3-05, NCA film CR.801.12, CTC. Freeman, Arthur will, 1857, In the name of God Amen, I Arthur Freeman being of sound mind & good memory, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence...I first provide for myself a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my family; I wish my executor to sell all my lands on the south side of the road leading from Rocky Mount directly to Tarboro as also all the land lying west of a straight line from Armstrong’s or Mrs. Gray’s corner, commonly called the Hines’ Corner, to a corner white oak William J. Battle’s corner for the purpose of paying my debts; In addition I wish him for the same purpose to sell my Negro boys, George & Henry and if after making the sale, already allowed to the amount derived thereby should not be sufficient to liquidate my debts, I wish him then to sell the girl, Mary; The balance of my estate both real and personal of every name & character I leave to my wife as follows: I desire my six youngest children now living to be educated as well as my three oldest, which these oldest are named Willie, James and Frances, my wife is to use the balance above spoken of for the education of these six youngest children and the support of herself and she may dispose of any property to meet such necessity; at her death I desire the remainder should be divided amount the six youngest children above spoken of; if the six children mentioned are educated before the death of my wife, then I desire that Willie, Frances and James should divide with the rest equally; I estimate that the three oldest children have cost me $500 each to educate and I wish to make my other children equal with them; I hereby appoint my worthy friend, R.S. Petway, Esq as my executor, signed Arthur Freeman, March 2, 1857; NOTE: also dated March 22, 1857, wit C.C. Bonner, W.B. Ricks. Entered for probate May Ct 1857 Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.12, also entered into Book G, page 144, CTC. Freeman, Eliza will, 1858, In the name of God Amen.. I give all my property and estate real person and mixed unto my beloved daughter, Mary E. Freeman for her natural life and after her death to the children and grandchildren of said Mary E. Freeman; if the said Mary E. Freeman shall die leaving no issue surviving, then I give all the said property to my brothers and sisters, equally divided among them, namely, Calvin Jones, McGuilbrey Jones, Evilina Mayo, Guilford Jones and Louisa Staton, my dear brother, McGilbrey Jones to be executor of my will, signed Eliza Freeman (X), wit Thos. C. Hyman, Erastus Cherry. Will not date, entered for probate Aug Ct 1858 and recorded in Bk G, page 163. NCA file CR.037.801.12, CTC, 4-28-04. Gay, Dempsey, will date 30 Mar 1840, recorded May Ct. 1840, Dau. Nancy Ellis, son Levin Gay, Henry Gay, Dempsey Gay, Isom Gay, (Pevvey) William Gay, tract of land with provision that Polly Edwards live there, will was contested. Martha Ann Millicent Edwards, daughter of Polly Edwards. (NOTE: Administrators, Executors and Guardians of Edgecombe County indicate–2 Jan 1878- Admr of Levin Gay dec’d to B.F. Eagles. Estate valued at $30. Heirs: Martha Hearn; the heirs of Jonas Edwards. William Hearn and W.S. Crisp sureties. Next entry: 5 Feb. 1889, Admr of Levin Gay (who died Testate) to W.H. Johnston. John Norfleet the executor has died. Estate valued at $125. Heirs: Martha J. Bain, Mary Ann Edwards, Sally Lucinda Gay, and Reddin Richard John Hill Gay (not sure if this is 1,2,3 or 4 people). R.H. Austin & Benja. Norfleet sureties. Gay, Henry, will date 24 Feb 1788, date recorded Aug. Ct. 1792; In the name of God Amen I Henry Gay of the county of Edgecombe...being in good health and of a sound and perfect memory... I give unto Stephen Barnes my land and plantation whereon I now live and one new feather bed, four cows and calves and all my working tools of every kind and half a dozen chears and one chist and one mair...I give to Patty Barnes one feather bed and two cows and calves, one chist; I give to my beloved wife all the remainder of my estate to make use of at her disposal; I give to William Gay (Seeny) sun of John Gay five shillings sterling; I appoint James Barnes, Jethro Barnes and Stephen Barnes executors, signed Henry Gay (mark), wit. Absalom Barnes, Aziel Barnes, Nathan Barnes. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, Henry, will date 11 Jan 1867, date recorded 26 July 1871; Being in sound mind...my wife Delpha Gay shall have all of my estate after her death I want all my estate equally divided between the names heirs (JE or IE) Charlotte Gay, John Gay, William Gay, Dempsey Gay; to my daughter in law Sallyan Gay $5, signed Henry Gay (H), wit. Wm. W. Edwards, (Hickman) Ellis. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, John, will date 21 March 1761, date recorded Dec. Ct. 1761; In the name of God Amen... I John Gay of Edgecombe Co. and parish of St. Mary’s in the province of North Carolina being sick and weak of body but of sound sense and perfect memory... I give to my loving son William Gay all the land and plantation whereon I now live, one still and worm, one new chest and money (Seabs), one (Brass Cock), one large stone jugg, six bottles; to my loving son John Gay one pari of hand mill stones, one whip saw, one pair of iron wedges and one ( ); to my loving daughter, Mary Gay one likely cow and calf; to my loving wife, Martha Gay one feather bbed and furniture, one iron pot; the remainder part of my estate, to be divided between my wife and children not before mentioned; my son William Gay to be my executor, signed John Gay (Mark), wit. ( ) Moore, Jonathan Coleman, Michael (Horne). Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, John, will date “24th of ye third month” 1759, date recorded June Ct. 1761, In the name of God Amen I John Gay of Edgecombe Co.... being in good health in body and in perfect sound science and memory... to my beloved wife Sary Gay the use of all my estate her lifetime and after her decease I give to my (eldest sisters) son, Thomas Pitman all my hole estate to him and his heirs forever, signed John Gay (X), wit. Moses Pitman, Joseph Pitman. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, John, will date 15 Aug. 1883, date recorded 19 June 1922 in Nash Co., certified copy recorded in Edgecombe Co.... I John Gay of Nash Co... being of sound and disposing mind and memory... I give to my wife, Amanda Gay, to my sister Martha Gay and to my niece Mattha Ann Gay during their natural lives all my landed estate lying in the counties of Nash and Edgecombe Co. to have in equal interest and if any one of them dies the land is to be held in common benefit for the other two and in the event of the death of my sister Martha Ann and my niece Mattha Ann, before mentioned, it is my desire that my land shall be to my wife and my heirs at the death of my wife my sister Martha and my niece Mattha Ann; I give my household and kitchen furniture to my wife; I wish all my other personal property to be sold and after all my just debts are paid I give all the money I may have at the time of my death and the money from the sale of my personal property to my wife; I appoint my friend Thomas M. Arrington as my executor,(typed) John Gay, wit. A.G. Deans, B.F. Proctor. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, Kinchen, will date 8 May 1859, date recorded Oct 18, 1870; In the name of God Amen I Kinchin Gay of Edgecombe Co...being infirm in body but in perfect health...I give Mary Carline Williams 100 acres of land where I now live also one feather bed, first choice and furniture belonging to it and one chest; I give to Kinchen Abner Gay 500 acres of land where I now live; I give to Betsey (Henderson) $10 in money; I give (Feby) William Gay one feather bed; I give all the rest of my estate after the above is given to William T. Gay and appoint him executor of my estate; the land is to be divided (north) and south and the house tract to belong to the said Mary Carline Williams; signed Kinchen Gay (A as middle initial or mark), wit. Nathaniel Gay, Whitmel Williams. Entered for probate on Oct 18, 1870 and Wm. T. Gay appointed executor. Application for Letters Testamentary by Wm. T. Gay states that Kinchen Gay’s estate is valued at about $500 and Phebe W. (Gay written in but scratched out and name written in that may be Long), Betsey Henderson and “himself” are of full age & residing in this county, dated 18 Oct. 1870. Pheby, Betsey and Wm. T. Gay were only heirs mentioned in Letters Testamentary. Will appears to have been written so that land was given to Kinchen Abner Gay and Mary Carline Gay on 8 May 1859. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, Levin, will date 20 Jan, 1874, date recorded 3 Mar 1888, In the name of God Amen... I levin Gay of Edgecombe Co....to my daughters, Martha (Hearn) and Mary Ann Edwards, five dollars each; the balance of my estate after debts are paid to my wife Jenetty Gay during her life and at her death I give to my two children (Sally) Lucinda Gay and Reddin Richard John Hill Gay (one man??), executor my friend, John Norfleet, signed Levin Gay (X), wit. Josh (Killebrew), William T. (Dunsford). Application for Letters Testamentary by John Norfleet state estate is valued at about $124 and heirs are the children of Martha (Hearn or Kearn), Sally Luvinah Gay and Reddin Richard John Hill Gay (apparently one man), dated 27 Feb 1888. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR .037.801.13. Gay, Lydia, will date 11 July 1861, date recorded Nov. Ct. 1865, of Edgecombe Co., give to my two sons, John Gay and David Gay all my cattle including my work (steers), my brandy still, cider press and cider (cask), one (slave) and one work mule, one wheat fan and all the farming utensils of every kinds in my possession, all the hogs on hand at the time of my death; to my son, John Gay my clock, to my six daughters, Martha, (Mary, possibly Nancy), Roena, Evelina, Lina and Betty all my household and kitchen furniture of every kind including cooking ware to be equally divided among them; to my son John Gay, one bed, bedstead and furniture; I have a quanity of feathers on hand which I give to Amanda Gay, but if feathers are made into a bed before my death, the bed to be given to said Amanda; if there is any money left after my just debts are paid, I give said money to twelve of my children, namely, Simon, Martha, Mary, Roena, Alfred, Evelina, William, Lina, John, Burwell, Betty & David to be equally divided among them; all the residue of my property to be divided among the twelve children named above; signed Lydia Gay (mark), wit. Jesse H. Powell, John H. Thomas. Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gay, Nathaniel, will date 12 Mar. 1891, “Letters Testamentary” date 26 Sept. 1894, I, Nathaniel Gay of the county of Edgecombe and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainity of my everlasting existence do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first I give Fenner McCollins Gay, my sun, the house and land where he now lives. I desire my land to be divided as follows that is I want the dividing line to run as follows. I want you to start in the rode whear the ditch runs across the road out of my field in James Gay’s or Prices field thence eastward along side ditch to the woods on the east side of the field thence a southward course along the out side of the fence to the south side of the field thence a direct east coast to Charles Harpers line. I give the sade F.M.C. Gay all the land I own on the north and east side of the line. I (?) mentioned to haave and to exspose of at his own will al so I give to sade F.M.C. Gay my intier stock of tools anll my farming tools and Buggy one mule. I give the sade F.M.C. Gay all these tools buggy mule an doxon previded he will pay all my just debts and bearing exspences and if he will not pay my debts let all these things be sold and pay my debts and I give the sade F.M.C. Gay my silver watch . Secon I give my daughter Corneler Frances Gay the house and all the buildings and land where she now lives. I give the sade C.G. Gay all the land that I own on the south and west side of the sade line. I (?) mentioned to have and to exspose of at her own will. I all so give sade C.F. Gay one bed and stid the other three beds and stids is her own raising and does belonng to the sade C.F. Gay. I all so give her all the yusing things that belongs in the kitchen. I all so give the sade C.F. Gay my desk. I give her my clock. I give her all my hogs all the chickens all the corn all the meaat and lard that I havve on hand at my deth. I give the sade C.F. Gay all the things that is in the house. I give her my testament bible hym book note book and the bible looking glass all the rest of my books I give to the sade (?). I want nothing sol I give C.G. Gay to pay enny of my debts. F.M.C. Gay my will is for the sade F.M.C. Gay to settle all my bisness and dwo it with daut enny cammishians this is my will and I do desire from all my heart for it to be carryed out rite and just. I do hear by declearing utterly void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made in witness her of I the sade Nathaniel Gay do hereunto set my hand and seal this the 12 day of March A.D. 1891 I Nathaniel Gay do hear acknowledge hear befour these witnesses that this is my true and just will I do hearunto set my hand and seal. Nathaniel Gay, witness B.(F) Lancaster of Edgecombe county, (WT) Adams of Edgecombe county. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY names Fenner Gay executor and Fenner M.C. Gay and Cornelia F. Gay as heirs of all property under the will. Abstracted from NC State Archives, Edge. Co. 7-23-99. Gay, William, will date 6 May 1782, date recorded not stated, 1782 on folder; In the name of God Amen...Being in perfect health and of sound memory... (God mentioned several times) to my true and well beloved wife Ann Gay all my estate of land and living of every kind both read and personal; said wife to be my executor, signed William Gay (W), wit. John Williams, Joseph Farmer, Benjamin Williams (B). Abstracted from copy of original, NC Archives CR.037.801.13. Gray, Benjamin will, 31 Oct 1817, recorded Nov Ct 1817; In the name of God, Amen, I Benjamin Gray being in a low state of health but sound in mind and memory.. Item, I lend to my wife, Polly Gray one third of the lands I possess so as to include the buildings, during her natural life, I also give my wife all the property of whatsoever kind that she possessed at our marriage, to her and her heirs forever; Item, I give to my son, Peter Gray $100 dollars; Item, I give to my daughter, Elizabeth Gray one feather bed and furniture; Item, I give to my daughter, Goditha Gray one feather bed and furniture, one walnut desk and one cow and calf; Item, I give to my daughter Rebeckah Peal one cow and calf; Item, I give to my granddaughter Polly Gray one feather bed and furniture; Item, I give to my granddaughter Charlotte Peal $10; I give to my granddaughter Peggy Peal $10; Item, I give to my daughter Elizabeth Gray in addition to the gift above one large trunk and one cow and calf; I appoint my friend Redmun Curl my sole executor to my will, signed Benjamin Gray, wit Joshua Taylor, William Taylor (X), Willie Bunn. Proved by Joshua Taylor and Willie Bunn and Redmun Curl who was appointed executor by will refused to qualified and widow relinquished her right to Willie Bunn, who was appointed administrator, with Jesse (Anderson and Meedy Williford suritors. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-27-04, CTC. Gray, Charles will, 1811; I Charles Gray of Edge. Co do make this my last will and testament...Item, my executor to sell all my lands in the State of Georgia which I purchased of Jacob Battle, which sale they are empowered to make at their own discretion and the money arising form sale to be applied to pay my debts and the rest, if any, I give to my wife, Nancy Gray and my two sons, Etheldred Gray and William Henry Gray, to be equally divided between them; Item to my wife, Nancy, during her natural life and no longer, my two negroes men slaves, to wit, Jem and Solomon, also to my wife and her heirs forever, my best horse and riding chair including harness and all my stock of cattleand hogs, together with one half of my crops of all kinds now growing, my chest of drawers and one half of the balance of my household & kitchen furniture; to my son, Etheldred Gray, my Negro man, Abram and after the death of my wife, my Negro man Jem, Item, to my son William Henry Gray, my Negro man Stephen and after the death of my wife, my Negro man Solomon; Item, all the remainder of my estate to my two sons, Etheldred Gray & Wm. Henry Gray to be sold and the proceeds to be used for the education of my children to be divided equally between them, at the time my son, Etheldred Gray shall arrive at the age of 21 years, Item, I appoint my loving wife executrix and my friends, James W. Clark and Sherwood Haywood executors of my will; provided that either of my above mentioned sons shall died before he arrives at age 21, my surviving son shall inherit all his share of my estate; signed Chs. Gray, 18 June 1811, wit Elisha Battle, Sr, Jacob Battle, exe. Qualified, entered for probate at Aug Ct 1811, proved by Elisha Battle, Sr and Jacob Battle, recorded Bk E, page 21. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-29-04, CTC. Gray, Etheldred will, 1790; In the name of God, Amen, I Etheldred Gray of Edge. Co eing in perfect health and sound memory.... Item I give to my son William Robert Gray my plantation and land thereunto belonging containing 714 acres lying on the south side of Tar River it being the land whereon my said son now lives and also I give to my said son all my tract of land called Narsworthy’s containing 583 acres, also the following Negroes to wit, Old Tom, Old Sue, Jacob, Stephen, Jacob, Tom, Tony, Lewis, Roger, Sue, Mima and Daniel and their increase; Item I give to my son, Charles Gray my plantation and land thereunto belonging where I now live in the whole tract, with the tract called the Walnut Creek Tract included, to 875 acres, also my plantation on the north side of Tar River containing 400 acres, also my plantation and land containing 200 acres on the side of Tar River, it being the land I purchased of Newit Pitman, also the following negroes, to wit, Jack, Jamey, Lot, Greg, Sam, Isaac, Pompey, Jonas, Old Agg, Kate and Nanny and their future increase; Item I give to my daughter, Elizabeth Gray the money which shall arise from the sale of my tract of land lying in Pitt Co containing 250 acres, which land I empower my executor to sale for the best price, also one good feather bed and funiture, and the following Negro slaves, to wit, Ales, Dick, Sarah, Little Agg, Daphne and Rachel and their future increase, also 200 pound current money of Virginia; I give to my two sons, William Robert Gray and Charles Gray all the rest and remainder of my estate, I appoint my two sons, William Robert Gray and Charles Gray as executors, signed Etheldred Gray, 15 July 1788, wit Micajah Hall, Wm. (Emson), Demspey Vann, entered for probate Feb Ct 1790 & proved by Wm. Emson and executors qualified, recorded Bk #3, page 124. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-29-04, CTC. Gray, James will, 1797; In the name of God Amen, I James Gray of Edgecombe County in the State of North Carolina came empty handed into this world empty handed I quit it, I brought nothing into this world & it is certain I can carry nothing out of it...I give and bequeath to nephews James Gray of the county of Southampton in Virginia my Negro slaves (Sabra) & Harry; I give and bequeath to my kinsman Charles Gray of the County of Edgecombe my Negro salves Abraham & Solomon & all the rest of my estate of what nature or kind; I appoint my kinsman Lamon Ruffin executor of my estate; 4 May 1797, signed James Gray, wit wit John G. Davidson, William Davidson. Entered for probate Aug Ct 1797. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-29-04, CTC. Gray, John will, 1777; In the name of God Amen, (16) June 1776, I John Gray being in perfect health & memory but calling to mind that it is appointed once for all men to die.... I recommend my soul into the hands of Almight God who gave it & my body to be buried in a decent Christian burial...it is my desire that my estate should be equally divided between my brothers Joseph Gray and James Gray, I appoint the said Joseph Gray and James Gray as executors to my estate, signed Jno. Gray, wit Jethro Pitman, Benjamin Bunn. Entered for probate at Apr Ct 1777 and one of the executors named in will qualified. NOTE: NAME OF EXECUTOR WHO QUALIFIED WAS NOT GIVEN. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-29-04, CTC. Gray, Etheldred will, 1846; In the name of God, Amen, I Etheldred Gray of the County of Edgecombe & State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory do make publish & Declare this my last will and testament as follows= Item- if needed to pay debts, slaves Anashy, Louis & Sabra shall be sold for that purpose, if not sufficient, other may be sold as my wife prefers; Item- the balance of my estate should be managed by my executor by hiring out my Negroes and renting the land and the pounds or profits shall be applied first to the support & Education of my children till the youngest, Virginia Gray or Helen B. Gray shall attain the age of 16; after they reach the age of 16, all proceeds shall go to all my children (Martha Ann Gray, Mary E. Gray, William Francis Gray, Caroline Gray, Virginia Gray and Helen B. Gray) in equal shares; Item- So long as my wife and children or any of them remain single and unmarried and live together, I desire they should have the services of slaves Lucy, (Clansg) & Debbie without paying any heirs for them; Item- as long as my wife remains single and allow my single daughters to live with her rent free she shall have use of my house at Rocky Mount free from any charge for rent; Item- I appoint William Norfleet executor of my will. Signatures of witnesses not well written but appear to M. Weston and D. Ferguson. Etheldred’s signature is illegible. Signed 5 March 1846. Probated May Ct 1846 and William Norfleet qualified as executor. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-28-04, CTC. Gray, Martha D will 1865; In the name of God , Amen, I Martha D. Gray being of sound mind & memory do make & declare this my last will & testament as follows: Item- I give and devise to my daughters Mary & (Fannie) the Thomas tract of land which I purchased from Wm. S. Battle and in the event of the death or marriage of either of them the other is to have the whole tract; Item I devise the tract of land in Nash Co purchased by me of Dr (N.H) Murphey to be sold for the payment of my debts & expenses of settling my estate, the balance if any after payment & expenses to be divided between my children, & Caroline G. Bonner; Item I give & bequeath to my granddaughter Caroline Bonner two beds, one mattress, two bed steads & the usual furniture for two beds; Item I give & bequeath to my daughters Martha Gray & (Fannie) my carriage & harness & three choice mules; Item I give & bequeath to my daughter, Hellen Chapman & Virginia Woodard each a bed, bedstead & usual bed furniture in addition to those given them & now in their possession; Item In case of the death or marriage of Martha, Mary or (Fannie) or any two of them, the survivor or survivors or one or two not married shall have the carriage & three mules mentioned in item 4; Item all the balance of my household & kitchen furniture I give to Martha, Mary & (Fannie) and if one or more marries or dies, all to belong to the others or other; Item I give to Martha, Mary & (Fannie) two cows &calves & two sows & pigs to go in case of death or marriage as in item 6; Item I give all the crops growing or matured, corn & all other provisions on hand to my daughters Martha, Mary & (Fannie) & all the fat hogs or those intended to be fattened the following fall or winter after my death & in case of death or marriage as in item 6; In case that the land devised to be sold for payment of debts & expenses & the personal estate disposed of should not be sufficient for that purpose the tract of land devised to Martha & (Fannie) in item 1 shall be sold for the payment of a note payable to Dr J.J. Philips, gdn. For Jennie Howell to which Mary & (Fannie) & J.L. Lyon are surities; Item I appoint John Norfleet executor; 13 June 1865, Martha D. Gray, wit. C.C. Bonner, W.T. Dortch. Stamped and marked “Martha D. Gray Will of 13 June 1865. 1868. Very faint writing appears to note bond of $5000. NCA file CR.037.801.13, abstracted 6-29-04, CTC. Gray, Robert will, Will Book B, page 64, 18 Feb 1781, recorded Aug Ct 1871; In the name of God Amen I Robert Gray of the County of Edgecombe in the state of North Carolina being of perfect sence and sound memory do make this my last will and testament in manner following, viz Item I give and bequeath to my son Etheldred Gray, alias Nicholson, and to his heirs forever my plantation tract and parcel of land by me purchased of William (Lassater) lying on the north side of Tar River in the County of Edgecombe. I also give and bequeath to my son Etheldred, alias Nicholson, and his heirs forever two other tracts of land which my son, Simon gave me by his last will and testament, one lying in the County of Edgecombe and the other lying in the County of Pitt, I also further give and bequeath to my said son Etheldred Gray, alias Nicholson and to his heirs forever my Negro slaves, to wit, Jack, Jacob, Tom, Peter, Daniel, Alexander, Stephen, (Grey), (Sue), (Janey), Agnes, Cater, Mima, (Salah), Rachel, Nancy, and Lewis; I likewise further give and bequeath to my said son, Etheldred Gray, alias Nicholson all the stock of cattle, hogs, sheep and all the stock of every kind and plantation utensils and tools of all sorts belonging to or was on the plantation whereon my son Simon Gray dec’d. Item I give and bequeath to my loving wife, Mary Gray and to her heirs forever my Negro girl named Isbel and also my silver watch my silver shoe knee & (band) buckels. I also lend my wife during her natural life the labor of my Negro slaves Pompy, Aaron, Sam, David, Nat and Amy. Item The Negro slaves whose labor I have lent to my wife during her natural life after her death I give and bequeath in the following manner, viz I give and bequeath to my son Etheldred Gray, alias Nicholson my Negro slaves David, to him and his heirs forever; I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah Haywood my Negro slaves Pompy, Nat and Amy to her and her heirs forever; I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jefferys my Negro slaves Aaron and Sam to her and her heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah Haywood and to her heirs forever my Negro slaves David, ( ), Moses, ( ), Marget, Winney, Abel, Jesse, ( ), Jack, Little Janey and Judith and all her increase. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jefferys and to her heirs forever my Negro slaves (Daniel), Jeffery, (Amos), ( ), ( ), ( ), Roger, Lydia, Isaac, Ben, Little Jeffery, and Moll. Item I give and bequeath to my grandson, Etheldred Gray and his heirs forever all my lands and plantations lying in Virginia on the north side of Blackwater Swamp in the County of Surry. I give and bequeath all the ( ) and remainder of my estate which I have not already given away ( ) it consist of what nature or kind soever to be equally divided between my loving wife Mary Gray, my son, Etheldred Gray, alias Nicholson, my two daughters, Hannah Haywood and Mary Jefferys, I say to give the same to them and their heirs forever. Item I do hereby ordain constitute and appoint my son Etheldred Gray and my son in law William Jefferys sole executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this eighteenth day of February one thousand and seven hundred and eighty one, signed sealed & pronounced to be the last will of the said Robert Gray, in the presence of Aquilla Cohoon, John Sikes, Joel Briggs (signature) Robert Gray. Edgecombe County August Court 1781. The within will was produced in open court and proved by the oaths of Aquilla Cohoon and ( ) Briggs. The Executors were at the same time qualified which was ordered to be recorded. Test Edward Hall. NCA film C.037.80001, abstracted 6-9-04, CTC. Griffin, Benjamin will, Apr.11, 1808, May Ct. 1808, wife Purrity- ½ tract land adjoining Zakariah Griffin and Francis Dancy, including houses, one cow and yearling, one cow and calf, her choice, one sow, eight pigs, one chest, one table, her choice; brothers- Zakariah Griffin, John Griffin, Lewis Griffin, these three to have residue of land whereon I line, also tract purchased of Fredrick Philips equally divided among them; nephews- John, Richard and William Pond, sons of Stephen Pond and Mourning Pond- $200 divided equally among them; residue sold & divided between wife and three brothers; exr. bro. Zakariah Griffin, William Balfour; wit. Lamon Ruffin, Michael Williams. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856, Williams & Griffin. Griffin, Henry, Sr will, Feb 27, 1819, Aug. Ct. 1819, Bk E, page 220, wife & extx. Elizabeth, lend all lands during her life or widowhood, reversion to children; daughter Elizabeth, one chest; son Willis, one horse, 12 months schooling, exr. son Ichty Griffin, Braswell, wit. Edwin Bullock, Daniel Land. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856, Williams & Griffin.James. Griffin, John will, 23 March 1761, proved Sept. Ct. 1761, "In the name of God"... I, John Griffin, Edge. Co. "being sick and weake in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God"... "give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it" ... "decent Christian burial" ... to my son, Lewis Griffin my plantation whereon I now live with 250 acres of land, but in case he should died without lawful heirs of his body, I give the lands equally among my seven children as follows, to wit Hardy Griffin, Joseph Griffin, Demsey Griffin, Mildred Griffin, Ann Griffin, Mary Griffin, and Delilah Griffin, to be equally divided between them; I also give to my son Lewis Griffin one new feather bed and furniture belonging to it and five cows and calves and one horse of the value of five pounds; I give to my son John Griffin five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my son Joseph Griffin three (possibly five)cows and calves and one bed and furniture; I give to my son Hardy Griffin three cows and calves; I give to my son Demcey Griffin one bed and furniture and one hours of six pounds value and five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia money; I give to my daughter Melender Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency to be raised and levied out of my estate; I give to my daughter Ann Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my daughter Mary Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my daughter Deliliah Griffin five cows and calves and ten pounds Virginia currency; the rest of my estate I give equally to my eight children as follows (to wit) Hardy Griffin, Joseph Griffin, Demcey Griffin, Lewis Griffin, Melender Griffin, Anne Griffin, Mary Griffin, Delilah Griffin; executor my friend Thomas (Mann), Mathew Drake and my son Hardy Griffin, signed John Griffin (J), wit. William Drake, (Jun.), Jonas Williams, (Jun.), John Williams (Jun). Abstracted NCA film C.037.80001, Edge. Co. Will vol A, page 134, CTC, 6-17-03. Griffin, John will; 23 March 1761, proved Sept. Ct. 1761, "In the name of God"... I, John Griffin, Edge. Co. "being sick and weake in body but of perfect mind and memory"... "give and recommend my soul into the hands of God" ... "decent Christian burial" ... to my son, Lewis Griffin my plantation whereon I now live with 250 acres of land and I also give him 100 acres of land adjoining with a plantation thereon but in case he should died without lawful heirs of his body, I give the lands equally among my seven children as follows, to wit Hardy Griffin, Joseph Griffin, Demsey Griffin, Milender Griffin, Ann Griffin, Mary Griffin, and Delilah Griffin, to be equally divided between them; I also give to my son Lewis Griffin one new feather bed and furniture belonging to it and five cows and calves and one horse of the value of five pounds; I give to my son John Griffin five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my son Joseph Griffin three cows and calves and one bed and furniture; I give to my son Hardy Griffin three cows and calves; I give to my son Demcey Griffin one bed and furniture and one hours of six pounds value and five cows and calves; I give to my daughter Milender Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency to be raised and levied out of my estate; I give to my daughter Ann Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my daughter Mary Griffin five cows and calves and five pounds Virginia currency; I give to my daughter Deliliah Griffin five cows and calves and ten pounds Virginia currency; the rest of my estate I give equally to my eight children as follows (to wit) Hardy Griffin, Joseph Griffin, Demcey Griffin, Lewis Griffin, Milender Griffin, Anne Griffin, Mary Griffin, Delilah Griffin; executor my friend Thomas (Mann), Mathew Drake and my son Hardy Griffin, signed John Griffin (J), wit. William Drake, (Jun.), Jonas Williams, (Jun.), John Williams (Jun). Griffis, John will, Oct 21, 1796, Nov. Ct. 1799, dau. Sarah Bloodworth, wife of Thomas Bloodworth, one bed and furniture, etc. in her possession; sons John, Dempsey; Francis; one cow and calk in his possession, Fredrick horse, etc. in his possession; dau. Polly Mace, one parcel of feathers, one nice Redpainted chest, etc. in her possession; son and exe. William, three horses, 6 cattle, two pine chests, all residue of my estate; wit. Lamon Ruffin, John Sasnett. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856, Williams & Griffin. Griffin, William will, Edgecombe Co., date of will 12 March 1813, date proved May Ct. 1813, In the name of God, Amen... “ I give my loving wife” (unnamed) all things on my plantation stock, household & kitchen furniture during her life, except the mare bridle and saddle, one bed and furniture which my wife (Oney) Griffin may dispose of as she chooses after her death property left to be divided between my loving sons Zahariah Griffin, John Griffin, Lewis Griffin, and Sealah Long and Ann Eliza Hardy, Mike Williams & Joseph Williams my (my scratched out), Alsa (possibly also) John Peal my children and grandchildren. It is “my wish that my son, John Griffin shall not be interrupted by any person except his mother and to go and and to manage the farm and land as he may think proper”; executors Zahareah Griffin and John Griffin; signed William Griffin (X), wit. Marmaduke Bell, William Walker (X). Proved by Marmaduke Bell, John Griffin qualified as executor at May Ct. 1813. Recorded in Bk E, page 57. Will of William Griffin, NC State Archives film CR.037.801.13. CTC 1-8-05, CTC. Griffin, Zachariah will Apr. 26, 1837, no probate date, wife & extx. Margaret, lend tract whereon I now on lines of John Anderson, now Lot Stallings line on east side of Grassy Branch, one negro, pot and books, Dutch oven, pr. flat irons, griddle, skillet, mare, side saddle, bridle, china press and contents, riding chair and harness, stone jar, 4 good sitting chairs, trunk, chest, table, sow and 14 pigs, shoats, cow and calf or yearling, loom and gear, 6 geese, pork, corn, wheat, 20 lbs sugar, 10 lbs coffee, 3 bu. salt, 5 gal. molasses; dau. Maria Ruffin, wife of John Ruffin, land whereon they live; Martha Hawkins, wife of Fredrick Hawkins, land whereon they live; the two tracts being lands bought of David Barnes and James Griffin; residue to be divided between dau. Elizabeth Spicer, heirs of James Griffin, heirs of Oney Hill, Rebecca Moore, Winifred Sawyer, Mariah Ruffin, Martha Hawkins, exr. Jesse C. Knight, wit. William Hinton, David Matthews. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856, Williams & Griffin.