Edgecombe County, NC – Miscellaneous Wills, S-W ************************************************ 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 Stephens, Shadrack will, 4 Feb 1790, proved Feb Ct. 1790. In the name of God Amen..... 4 Feb 1790, I Shadrack Stephens of Edgecombe Co. being weak of body but of sound & perfect mind & memory....to my loving wife, Lucy Stephens my two year old roahn filly, her choice of my stock of cattle, three cows & calves, three young cattle, all my stock of sheep and (geese), all my stock of hogs; also lend to my said wife all my household & kitchen furniture together will all my plantation utensils & tools of every kind during her widowhood, also the use of all my land & plantation, whereon I now live during her widowhood & her thirds after her marriage during her natural life; remainder part of my estate excepting my land to be sold at the discretion of my executors and 15 pounds of money arising therefrom I give unto my wife and after my debts & legacies are paid the remainder to of money to be equally divided among my children; George, Tabitha, Betsey & James Stephens; to my two sons, George & James Stephens, all my land lent to my wife after her marriage or death to be divided equally between them by value; I nominate and appoint my friends Joshua Killebrew, Jesse Deloach & my wife, Lucy Stephens as executors of my will, signed Shadrack Stephens (X), wit. (S) Ruffin, Stephenson Pond, Wm. Deloach. Proved Feb Ct. 1790. Edgecombe Co. Wills, Shadrack Stephens, 1790, NCA file CR.037.801.28. Spicer, William will date 6 June 181820, date proved Nov. CT. 1822, “In the name of God” - - “being sick weak and low in body”; beloved wife Nancy one feather bed, two bed sheats, one (county home) spun blanket, one small ( ) bead stead and ( ), one side board, one sow and pigs, 300 weight of ( ) pork, three barrels of good ( ) corn and al the cotton that is now growing, one small iron pot and ( ), one small dish, two pewter plates, one cow and calf, one (saddle); Item- daughter (Hannah Baley) two feather beds and furniture which she already has; daughter Salley Pitman two feather beds and furniture which she already has; to the lawful heirs of my son James Spicer, deceased, 20 shillings current money to be equally divided between them; daughter Mary Jones one feather bed, one bed ( ) & one bead sheat; daughter Margaret Jones one feather bed, ( ), one bed sheat; son William Spicer 50 dollars in money; son Moses Spicer one gray ( ), one gray mare and colt, one ash bannister bed stead, one (poplar) bed stead and (boards), all my coopers tools and farming tools and all my hogs after reserving 300 weight for my wife as before mentioned, one green bed rug; all the residue of my estate to be sold and money used to pay my debts and legacies, and any money remaining to my son, Moses; executor son Moses Spicer, signed William Spicer (X), wit. Orren D. Cohoon, Etheldred Cohoon (X). Abstracted 19 June 2001, LDS film # 1571219. Staton, Ezekial will, will date 25 Feb 1815, proved Nov Ct. 1815, Book E, page 113; wife, Mary Staton, life or widowhood, plantation where I now live, formerly belonging to Benjamin Pippen, half the house of said plantation, the partition in the hall room to be the dividing line, she to have the small rooms she generally stays in both upstairs and below, also 3 negroes, one horse, riding chair, harness, 3 cows and calves, 3 ewes and lambs, furniture, 3 green and 3 yellow Windsor chairs, 6 rush bottom chairs, large iron pot, frying pan, 6 pewter plates, 1 pewter dish, pewter spoons, 2 pewter basins, case of knives and forks, 2 plow hoes, 2 weeding hoes, 1 disc, all her choice, chest, 1 black walnut table, black walnut desk, small Beaufat, all earthenware, corn and bacon, sufficient quantity to support self and family; gr. Chil: Polly and John Howell, chil of Gracie Howell, my dau, negro woman Esther and her chil. When Gr. Son arrives at 21, negro man Davey to be sold and money divided; son, William Staton, 545 acres I purchased of James Ives, $100 in part to pay for a negro girl, I am to pay $125 further for said negro girl and two negroes; son, James, 2 negroes and increase, inlaid black walnut desk, plainest black walnut table, etc; dau. Nancy Whitley, 5 negroes and their increase, negro man, Willis, 2 negro boys Bob and Frank; dau. Annis Long, negro woman, Nan, 4 negroes and their increase; dau. Sabry Hopkins, 5 negroes and their increase; dau. Bytha Jones, 6 negroes and their increase; son, Redding, Staton, 3 plantations purchased of Isaac Hill, James Staton and John Barfield, 5 negores and their increase, horse Seagull and mare purchased from John Smith, etc; son, Rickey, lands, plantation, old place where I formerly lived the Carraway place and the new purchased place, near Jesse Hawkin’s place, head of Branch running into Poplar Branch, 8 negroes and increase, horse, Bull, mare, briddle, saddle, etc; exr. Edward Power, Noah Leggett. No witness mentioned. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe County, 1733-1856, Williams and Griffin. Taylor, Arthur, will date 9 Aug. 1765, date recorded Oct. Ct. 1765. Edge. Co., St. Mary’s Parish, ITEM - daughter. Martha Dew- Negro boy, Sam. ITEM - son Benjamin - the labor of my Negro wench Bett during is lifetime ant then to his son Benjamin (H). ITEM - son James- one rifle and 1 (?) kettle. ITEM Grandson John Taylor- tract of land on the south side of Tar River in Edge. County on Green’s Path purchased of Christopher (Clinch), containing 160 acres. ITEM - grandson Samuel Taylor - Negro boy Bob. ITEM - son Wilson tract of land on the south side of Tar River beginning at the mouth of Wolftrap Branch then running through John’s Meadow then to where Bailey’s Path crosses said branch then across the road to the back line then up for complement, containing 400 acres, one Negro man named (Tom) and four cows and calfs and two three year old heifers. ITEM - son (Drury or Douery) plantation where I now live containing 80 acres and one other tract adjoining said tract containing 370 acres below the mouth of Wolftrap Branch on the south side of Tar River joining his brother Wilson and one Negro boy, Joseph, likewise four cows and calfs, one feather bed and furniture, which I desire may not be sold but kept for the boy to lay on while he is small and I desire that (?) Pope may have the care of said child (?) son Wilson be of age (?). ITEM - daughter Prissilla, one bed and furniture, one Negro girl named (Nanna). ITEM - daughter Ann - one Negro boy named Frank. ITEM - son (Kill or Kitt) - tract of land on the south side of Tar River also known as the Batts Plantation (Long Branch also mentioned) also Negro wench Jeney, 12 cows and calfs, if he dies without heir, sons Wilson and (Drury) may have land. Item - daughter Sally- Negro girl Rachel, feather bed and furniture that I commonly lay on. Item - daughter Moll - Negro girl Lucy. Item - son John - Negro wench Cloe and one cow and calf and one yearling, it being the cattle he bought from (Tudero). Item - Jacob Strickland may have the care of my two children Kitt and Sally and their estates . Item - remainder of estate sold and divided equally among my children. Executors dearly beloved sons Benjamin and John Taylor. Signed Arthur Taylor. Wit. (Edward) Moore, Lazarus Pope, Gale E. Bryant. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb A, page 163. Taylor, B.H., will date 13 March 1925, date recorded 7 Sept. 1925, Having disposed of all my lands to my children as equitably as I could - - other property to be divided among my said children Ruben I. Taylor, Sallie L. Bunting, Maggie L. Wilson, and Walter W. Taylor, however if two notes ($1002.99 and $1200.00) to me by the late John R. Bunting (deceased husband of said Sallie L. Bunting) are not paid, they will be deducted from the share of Sallie L. Bunting. Executor son in law Dr. R.J. Nelson, sons Walter W. Taylor and Ruben I. Taylor. Signed B.H. Taylor, wit. Jno. Forbes, W.O. Howard. Abstracted from original in State Archives. Taylor, Burket, will date 16 July 1862, date recorded Nov. Ct. 1864,... In the name of God, Amen - Item - wife Martha Taylor, for her lifetime, entire estate then to my children, Henry Taylor, Maradella Taylor and Charles Taylor, to be divided equally among them, wife to choose administrator. Signed Burket Taylor, wit. C.W. Bowner, W.W. Parker. abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb G, page 248. CTC. Taylor, Mrs. Callie E., will date 7 Oct 1933, date recorded 30 Oct. 1933 or 37, All my property to my son Charlie Scott Taylor, signed Mrs. Callie E. Taylor (sign. Was scrawled and hard to read) wit. E.M. Turner, Robert H. Ricks. Abstracted from original in State Archives. CTC. Taylor, Bettie, will date 14 Aug. 1937, date recorded 11 May 1939, Burial in St. John’s Church Cemetery near Red Oak if possible, not to exceed $500, 2/3 of my property to brother Ransom Thomas, 1/3 of my property to national Bank and Trust in Rocky Mount to pay my niece Annie Lee Ferrell (daughter of my sister Tempie Ricks) $30 as soon as possible ant then $30 per quarter for 15 years and then she receives balance of trust and to her children at her death. Signed Bettie Lee Taylor, wit. Rochelle S. Farmer, W.S. Wilkinson. Abstracted from original in State Archives also recorded in Wb N, page 27. Taylor, CORNELIA, will date of will 18 August 1924, date recorded 31 Mar. 1925, Left all estate including 37 acres in Township 14 of Edgecombe County, left to her by her father, Nathaniel Gay, to her husband, L.C. Taylor. Land was recorded in Will Book H, page 297 of Edgecombe County. Taylor, Dawson, will date 18 Feb. 1875, date recorded 1877, Lend beloved wife, Gillian during her lifetime, 140 acres of land beginning at a cross fence then up the road from my dwelling 26 3/5 poles running north from that point 25 west to Sarah Howard’s line and from there same point on the road along said cross fence supposed to be south 25 east to Thomas Mayo’s line then with his line eastwardly to a red oak a corner in lot # 3 then north 52 1/4 west 24 poles to a black gum a corner a water and post oak chopped pointing a corner between lot #2 and # 3 then along the division line of lot # 2 and lot # 1 to Sarah Howard’s line then with her line westwardly to the point where the line from the beginning intersects; also all household furniture. Item - daughter Luvinia Augusta, tract of land in home tract beginning at a red oak in John Mayo’s line, a division line between lots #3 and lot #1 then running north 52 1/4 west 24 poles to a black gum a corner water and post oak chopped pointing then north 70 west 54 poles to a small post oak then north 38 west 5 3/5 poles to a post oak at the head of a ditch draining a branch that crosses the road below my dwelling then down said ditch north 36 west 43 1/5 poles to the road that leads past my house then north 15 east along said ditch 6 4/5 poles to the bend then north 18 west 7 1/5 poles to another bend then north 54 ½ west 10 poles to a small wild cherry bush at the mouth of a ditch that empties in her ditch then north 21 west to the widow Sarah Howard’s line then to my line around its various courses being southwardly and south eastward to the beginning, containing 184 4/5 acres. Item - Sarah A. Overton, lot #2 beginning at a long leaf pine at my and Calvin Taylor’s corner containing 170 3/4 acres. Item daughter Mary E. Whitehurst 153 acres in Reedy Branch near Jesse Crisp’s . Item son John D. Taylor portion of Purvis tract on Conetoe Swamp, containing 266 1/4 acres. Item son Thomas B. Taylor portion of Purvis tract . Item daughter Nancy Ann Virginia item - daughter, Ginnett L. Whitehurst, executor sons Thomas B. Taylor and John D. Taylor. Signed Dawson Taylor, wit. James B. Staton, W.B. Harper. Letters Testamentary dated 5 Feb. 1877 lists heirs: John B. Overton, Sally Ann Overton, Marshall D. Whitehurst and wife Mary E. Whitehurst, Winfield Whitehurst and wife Jennette L Whitehurst, Nancy Ann Taylor, Luvina Augusta Taylor, John D. Taylor, Thomas B. Taylor. Recorded 5 Aug. 1877. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb G, page 524. CTC. Taylor, Irvin, will date 4 Dec. 1855, date recorded Nov. Ct. 1857, In the name of God, Amen - - beloved wife, Nancy Taylor for her her life, on the south side of the road all lands except the old place plantation, two Negroes Gie and Mary, Item - Calvin W. Taylor all land on the south side of road at his mother’s death. Also $250. Item - Burton H. Taylor - all land on west side of road and 4300. Item (Maviny) Taylor - Negro girl and $300. Item all other property both real and personal as follows: one share to daughter (Maviny) Taylor, one share to son (?) W. Taylor, one share to son Jesse S. Taylor, one share to son McG. Taylor, one share to son Burton H. Taylor, one share to son Calvin W. Taylor, signed Irvin Taylor, wit. Thomas Grimes, Jesse B. (?). abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb G, page 152. CTC. Taylor, James, will date 10 Aug. 1782, date recorded May Ct. 1783, In the name of God, Amen, I James Taylor of Edgecombe County, NC, planter- - - son, Samuel all my land and Plantation whereon I now live, except what is hereafter reserved, grandson James, son of John Taylor (dec’d) all that part of land lying over Deep Branch (as was before excepted and reserved), beginning at the mouth of said branch and running along said branch up to the back line, then along said line east to a poplar a corner tree of the old patent standing in a branch on the south side of Autrey’s Creek then along a line south and including all the land contained in my old deed lying on the south side said creek and east side said branch, grandson, Hodge Taylor, son of James Taylor 5 shillings, daughter Susanna Allen, 5 shillings, daughter Elizabeth Jordan 5 shillings, Samuel Taylor- executor, signed James Taylor, wit. Elijah Stokes (X), Ann Cartwright, Peter Cartwright. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb B, page 114. Copy on file. CTC. Taylor, John, 28 March 1796, recorded May Ct. 1796, Nash Co. Will file, NC State Archives CR.069. , "being sick and weak of body yet of sound sence and memory thanks be to God for the same"--- item- loving son Dempsey Taylor- the tract of land whereon he now lives, one negro garl named Chery, the stock of all kinds that he has of mine in his possession at this time, one roan horse that he had in his possession when he left me, bridle, saddle; item loving son William Taylor- the tract of land whereon he now lives, one negro wench named Sall and the stock of all kinds that he has of mine in his possession at this time, three head of ewes to be taken from the manner plantation, and one sorrel horse that he had in his possession when he left me; item- loving son John Taylor- part of the land that I purchased of Robert Vick beginning on the Bogg Branch at the first crook of said branch that makes the mouth of said branch from there a straight course to the upper corner of the new ground fence and so continuing along the said fence to the other corner and from that to the swamp still on or near a straight course as before mentioned all the said land that I hold on each side of the swamp above said line containing part of two tracts one negro garl named Jenna and the stock of cattle hoggs and sheep that he has in his care on the said land and one cow and calf to be taken from the manner plantation, one white horse called Brandy, one bridle and saddle, that he now has in his possession; item- I lend unto my beloved wife Ruth Taylor during her natural life one negro man named Daniel and one negro garl named Rachel, two head of horses six cows and calves and six head of young cattle agreeable to her own choice out of my stock and two feather beds and furniture and forty head of hoggs, ten head of sheep; further more my desire is that my loving wife Ruth may have the whole and total care of my children herein mentioned and their legacies to have them until they come of age to receive their legacies them selves. This part of my estate left here to my loving wife shall return to my son Wiley as is herein after mentioned, excepting one bed and furniture and one saddle which I give to her without exception. After the death of my loving wife, the negro Daniel may return to my children and be equally divided among them male and female, also my kitchen furniture not mentioned before or after. Item- I give my loving daughter Delilah Taylor one negro boy named Isaac, one feather bed and furniture, three cows and calves, one hunting saddle; item- I give and bequeath to my loving daughter Elizabeth Taylor one negro garl named Lucy, one feather bed and furniture, three cows and calves, ten dollars to buy her saddle; item- I give and bequeath to my loving daughter Judah Taylor one negro boy named Tom, one feather bed and furniture, three cows and calves, and ten dollars to buy a saddle; item- I give and bequeath to my beloved son Wiley Taylor the land and plantation and grist mill whereon I now live containing 279 acres, also one other peace of land on the north side of Tosneot Swamp taken of from the land that I purchased of Robert Vick below the line mentioned in John's part, also 200 acres of land on the south side of a swamp joining Strickland Stalonses and the land where I now live, one negro garl named Rachel, one mare called his con, one feather bed and furniture, six cows and calves, and forty head of hoggs as before mentioned lent to my wife and after her death if anymore to return to him the said Wiley Taylor. Lastly, I nominate and appoint my loving sons Dempsey Taylor, William Taylor, John Taylor and all my estate both perishable and real I leave to the three sons mentioned as executors to dispose of either at public auction or private sale if any remains to be equally divided among my loving wife and all my children before mentioned, this 28 day of Sept. 1794, signed John Taylor (mark), wit. Wilson Taylor, Jacob Wheller, Richard Dean. May Ct. 1796. Taylor, John, will date, 21 Mar. 1823, date recorded Aug. Ct. 1825, Dearly beloved wife Elon Taylor for her life or widowhood- a part of my land and plantation where I now live, house, beginning in a branch at a corner in Best’s line running down the branch to Crisp’s line then along Crisp’s line to Clomen’s line then along Clomon’s line until opposite of the Dam Branch then up the various course of said branch to Robert Best, then along Robert Best line to the beginning. Item - son Marcum Taylor. Item son Fredrick Taylor $5. Item daughter Elon Bennett - $5. Item daughter Sinderilla Taylor ($5). Item granddaughter Matilda Whitfield. Item - Land to be divided among Elon Bennett, Sinderilla Taylor and Matilda Whitfield at wife’s death or marriage. Exe. Marcum Taylor and John Mooring, Jr. Signed John Taylor, wit. William Best, John Best. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb F, page 40. CTC. TAYLOR, Lucrecy, will date 11 Aug. 1869, ??, 1- beloved daughter, Bashaba B. Taylor, a single woman, 2- beloved daughter, Mara (Liza), wife of Berry Freeman, 3- John N. Taylor, my son, 4- the children of Burket Taylor, dec’d, namely (Charles?), Mary Della and Henry Burket (not sure if this is three, four or five children. List of heirs, Basheba, Mary E. Freeman, Elza Taylor, Patrick C. Taylor, (?A) Taylor, Cromwell Taylor, (R)H Taylor, Mary (????) LETTERS TESTAMENTARY list children Bashaba Taylor, Mary E. Freeman, Elza Taylor, Patrick C. Taylor, Jn. N. Taylor, Crummel Taylor, R.H. Taylor, Mary D., Charley and Henry B. Taylor. NOTE APPEARS TO STATE THAT ALL ARE RESIDING IN EDGE. EXCEPT ELZA AND CRUMWELL. Estate valued at $350. Edgecombe County Wills CR.037.801.29, NC State Archives. Taylor, Martha, will date, 27 Feb. 1828, date recorded May Ct. 1828. Item - dear sister, Louvinah Taylor. Executor George W. Purvis, William (Wk) Philpott. Signed Martha Taylor (X), wit. Charlotty Purvis, Rederick Purvis. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb F, page 85. CTC. Taylor, Mary E., will date 21 Aug. 1843, date recorded Nov. Ct. 1843, In the name of God, Amen – Niece Mariam Susan Battle 1/3 estate. Item - Nephew James L. Battle, 1/3 estate. Item nephew Jethro D. Battle 1/3 estate. No executor named. Signed Mary E. Taylor (mark), wit. James J. Philips, Charles Harrison. James L. Battle approved as administrator under $10,000 bond, James L. Battle and (Joseph) Battle suritors. Abstracted from original in State Archives, also recorded in Wb F, page 294. CTC. TAYLOR, NUTON, will date 24 July 1847, date recorded May Ct 1848, Wife LUCRECIA TAYLOR- lend all my land where I now live, horse, etc. for her lifetime or widowhood, then to be divided between my seven youngest children BURKET TAYLOR, JOHN N. TAYLOR, CRUMEL TAYLOR, BERSHEBA B. TAYLOR, REDMAN H. TAYLOR, MARY L. TAYLOR, and BETHELDA J. TAYLOR. To my three oldest children- the plantation formerly belonging to ELZA TAYLOR, SR., and divided as follows: to my son ELZA D. TAYLOR-100 acres for which he has a deed, to (E)PATRICK C. TAYLOR- land called the ABRAHAM TAYLOR Tract containing 200 acres, and to my daughter MARTHA TAYLOR- the house and 100 acres at the place formerly belonging to Elza Taylor, Sr. If any children die without heirs, their part to be divided among surviving children. Ex. friend THEOPHILUS THOMAS, son ELZA TAYLOR, Wit AARON THOMAS, DANIEL R. TAYLOR. Abstracted from original in State Arhcives, also in will book F, page 398. Taylor, Reubin, will date 6 Dec. 1821, date recorded Nov. Court, 1822, In the name of God, Amen, 1- lend to my loving wife, Winiford Taylor, during her natural life, all my lands that I am now in possession of in Nash County, also five negros to wit, Bob, Pat, Dred, Jim, Lucy, also 5 feather beds, and furniture, loom, desk cubboard, tables all household and kitchen furniture, one wriding chair and harness, ½ my stock of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep one barrel of brandy, work steers cart & wheels, the brand still, and all my hogsheads and barrels, 40 barrels of corn and one years supply of fodder, wheat, pork or bacon lard, and $250; to my son William, at my wife’s death, one part of the above loaned tract beginning at my upper corner at mouth of Downings Branch then down Beach Run Swamp to a cross fence then near a south course that crosses fence to the muddy prong then down the muddy prong to the main Beach Run Swamp then down the farious courses of sd. Swamp to my lower line corner joining John F. Bellamy, all the land to the south of the above specified line to my son William; to my son Allen Taylor at my wife’s death the other part of the above loaned land lying to the north of the specified line, with all appurtenances, to my son Reubin Taylor, Jr. my tract of land in Edgecombe County which he is now in possession of known by the David Taylor tract, all the residue of my property to be divided equally between my nine children, to wit, Penelope Pope, Dempsey Taylor, Elizabeth Whitehead, Kinchen Taylor, Polly House, Reubin Taylor, Jr., Jesse Taylor (for his children), William Taylor and Allen Taylor, executors, my sons Dempsey Taylor and William Taylor, wit. Jacob Ing, LittleBerry Pope, proved in open court for Nov. 1822, by Jacob Ing and Little Berry Pope. Edgecombe County Wills, CR.037.801.29, NC State Archives. Taylor, Robert, Edgecombe Co. Will file, Secretary of State will file, NC State Archives, will date not given, proved Nov. Ct. 1758, executors loving wife Ann and my son Will Taylor; “being sick and weak tho in perfect mind and memory”; well beloved son Robert Taylor one shilling sterling; beloved son Edward Taylor one shilling sterling; all my lands be equally divided among the rest of my sons, viz. Joseph, William, Henry, Richard, Thomas, Billington, Nimrod and Hudson after the decease of my now wife or during her widowhood; personal estate to my loving wife to bring up my children and then to be divided among all my children, viz. Joseph, William, Henry Richard Thomas Billington Nimrod Hudson Judith & Rachel; well beloved daughter Ann Huse one shilling sterling; wit. Wm. Hudson, Sen., James Vaulz, Jun, Wm. Hudson, Jun.,signed Robert Taylor (mark is R, slanted abt. 45 deg. to right). Taylor, Stephen, will date, 20 Mar 1848, date recorded May Ct. 1848, Item - beloved wife Nancy Taylor - lend Negroes (David, Jack, Ester and her two youngest children, Dempsey and Calvin) during her life and then to be sold and money divided amongst: Sarah (Tise), Elizabeth Sharpe, Nancy Viveret, Milbry Wiggins, Patsy Viveret, Egbert Taylor, Willie Gray Taylor. Also lend to wife, one bay horse, two cows and calves, two sows and pigs, one years provisions for self and family and all my household and kitchen furniture, also all my lands on the south side of Town Creek at wife’s death to be sold and money to go to : $300 to John Sharpe’s children, Gray, David and Margaret Sharpe and the balance to be divided among my seven children named above. Item- son Egbert Taylor- one sorrel horse that is in his possession at present. Item- son Willie Gray Taylor- one feather bed and furniture and $30 in money in the room of a horse. Item beloved son Jesse Taylor $200 cash and all the balance of my property both real and personal sold and after Jesse gets his $200, balance of money to be divided among my seven children named above. Executor sons in law Washington (Tice), James Wiggins. Signed Stephen Taylor (+), Wit. John G. Williams, William W. Batts. Abstracted from original in archives, also recorded in Wb F, page 391.CTC. Taylor, Thomas, will date 27 Feb. 1773, date recorded Apr. Ct. 1774, In the Name of God amen... I Thomas Taylor of Edgecombe County being very sick and weak but of perfect mind and sound memory thanks be to God...Item - to my son William Taylor 150 acres of land on Town Creek beginning at a red oak on said creek then by a line of marked trees to the back line of William (Hines) land to a pine a corner tree then along a line of marked trees to Johnston’s Mill Creek then down the mill creek to a pine a corner tree then along a line of marked trees to Town Creek and so up the creek to the first station; beginning. Item to my loving wife Elizabeth Taylor during her life or widowhood - all the rest of my estate and after her death to be equally divided between my six children, Cassandray Taylor, An, Mary, Perygin, Elizabeth, and John. Executor wife Elizabeth and my brother John. Wit. Demsey Skinner, (Marcum) Belsher, Lazarus Drake. Abstracted from original in archives, also recorded in Wb A, page 222. CTC. Taylor, Teagle, will date 1 Mar 1823, date recorded Nov. Ct. 1825, In the name of God Amen I Teagle Taylor of the County of Edgecombe and State of North Carolina being of perfect mind and memery do this day make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following to Will - - - First I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rebecca Taylor one feather bed and furniture to her her heirs and ???? forever - - - Secondly - My Will and desire that all the residue of my Estate after the death of myself and my wife Celia shall be equally divided among all my children that shall be then living at that time - - - Thirdly - I do hereby nominate appoint and ordain my son Stephen Taylor whole and sole Executor to this my Last Will and Testement hereby revolking and disannulling all other Wills and Testements by me at anytime here before made declaring this and no other to be my Last Will and Testement in witness where of this said testator held her unto set his hand and said 1st day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and twenty three - - - Signed sealed and delivered, Teagle Taylor (signed) Seal, wit. E. Bullock, Benjamin Landcaster + Mark, Britain Williford. Edge. Co. Will Book F, Page 64, ABSTRACTED BY CHARLOTTE T. AINSWORTH. Taylor, William, will date, 10 Dec. 1783, date recorded Aug. Ct. 1786, In the name of God, Amen - - -ITEM - loving wife, Mary- one feather bed and furniture of her choice, also lend her during her widowhood the use of my plantation and land on the south side of Beach Run and one Negro woman named Kate and my bay riding mare and also all my household furniture and all my stock of cattle, hogs and sheep. ITEM - daughter Mary Thorn - my plantation and land lying on the north side of Beach Run whereon she now lives. ITEM - daughter Rachel Whitley - two hundred acres of land lying in a tract of land on Brown’s Branch, the deed of grant dated the 10th day of Aug. 1762 and bounded as follows; beginning at a white oak in the north line of the said deed then along a line of marked trees cross the said (track) to a pine in the south line lf said deed then along the said line west to the corner, then north along the line of said deed to the corner then east to the beginning, also my loom and all the (harnesses) which belong to it. ITEM - son David Taylor, after my wife’s death or marriage, my plantation whereon I now live and all my land on the south side of Beach Run, not before in this will given. ITEM - three daughters Susana, Mary and Rachel, after my wife’s death or marriage all my household furniture, to be equally divided among them. ITEM - my eight children, Josiah, Reubin, William, Mills, David, Susanna, Mary, & Rachel all my estate not already given away and also all that part which I have lent to my wife after her death or marriage. Executor- son Reuben Taylor and Jacob Battle, signed William Taylor (X), wit. Elisha Battle, Jethro Battle, Demsey Battle. ( NOTE: Jethro & Demsey have an X after name, but it is not stated that this is their mark). Abstracted from original in archives, also recorded in Wb C, page 33. Copy on file. CTC. Taylor, William, will date 19 Apr. 1831, date recorded Feb Ct. 1833, In the name of God, Amen – wife (unnamed) 1/3 my personal estate, brother Allen 2/3 my personal estate, wife all my lands during her natural life, after her death to my brother Allen. Executor James J. Phillips, James L. Battle, Sign. Wm. Taylor, wit. Bennett Harper, Joseph J. (Spellings) Abstracted from original in archives, also recorded in Wb F, page 142, CTC. Taylor, William J., will date 18 May. 1830, date recorded 5 Mar 1881, Item - executor to dispose of my interest in land known as the “creek tract” containing 74 acres, ½ belonging to my brother, Bennett S. Taylor - money to my wife Fanny Taylor for her life or widowhood and then to my children. Executor John L. Wiggins, wit. Wm. A. Pridgen, James M. Gardner. Letters Testamentary lists heirs: Fannie Taylor, widow, Annie Taylor, Wm. J. Taylor, John E. Taylor, Sallie Taylor, Burrell Taylor, Fannie M. Taylor, Lucy Taylor, Della C. Taylor. Estate was valued at $700. Abstracted from original in archives, also recorded in Wb G, page 590, CTC. Waller, James, will, NC State Archives, Edgecombe Co. Wills, CR.037.801.31. Recorded in book B, page 375. In the name of God, Amen, I James Waller of the County of Edgecombe and State of North Carolina, being in a poor state of health but of sound mind and memory...... Item- to my Loving wife, Rebecca Waller during her life the house I now live in and 150 acres of land adjoining and all the appurtenances belonging, also a negro man Caleb during the above mentioned term, also $100 to be paid by my executor as soon as they can conveniently; one bay mare, two cows & calves, two sows & pigs, one feather bed and bedding, the beaufet and as much of the household furniture as will be sufficient for her use and she is to be supplied with as much provisions as is necessary for the ensuing year; Item- to my grandson, Uriah Shirley and his heirs forever, 50 acres of land adjoining the land already bequeathed to my wife and at her death, I give the said 150 acres to him and his heirs, also I give my grandson, Uriah my young mare, bridle and saddle, one feather bed and bedding and one sow and pigs, two cows, two yearlings and a heifer; should the said Uriah die before reaching the age of 21 then the above mentioned legacy to be equally divided among my surviving grandchildren; Item- to my daughter, Jenny Morgan and her children, for their support, 20 pounds a year in such manner as will best answer the purpose of this legacy by my executor during the term of five years; Item- to my daughter, Nancy Howell five pounds a year during her (life); Item- to my daughter, Mary Taylor & her children, a negro wench named Peg and her issue during her life and then to be equally divided among her children; Item- to my grandson, John Shirley, twenty shillings in full of his share of my estate; Item- my executors are to sell remainder of my land which is not given away and the money arising to be put to interest also, that my desire is my negroes, Cube, Mingo and Windsor be hired out for 20 years and the money arising from the above purposes to be equally divided between my grandchildren, excepting John Shirley and his heirs, it is also my desire that my executors hire out my negro wench, Rachel during the life of my daughter, Jenny Morgan & pay to her the hire of said wench and at her death, said wench & her increase, if any, to be sold and equally divided among her children, further it is my desire if it should appear to me executors to be an advantage to sell the above named negroes, Cube, Mingo & Windsor, they are to do so and divide the money as above directed; all my other property not mentioned to be sold and the money to be equally divided amongst as above directed; Item- my executors are to take the 20 pounds a year given to Jenny Morgan and her children out of their share of the estate, so as it shall not come out of the whole; Item- my son, Sterling Waller, James Southerland and Thomas D. Guion to be executors, allowing them the discretionary power to (relieve) or give to my grandchildren any such sums of money as will to them appear just & right, signed James Waller (X), wit. Thos. Guion, Josiah Pender, only Sterling Waller qualified as executor. Ward, Charlotte will, NC State Archives, Edgecombe Co. Wills, CR.037.801.31. Recorded book G, page 111. In the name of God, Amen, I Charlotte Ward of Edgecombe County North Carolina being of sound mind..... acknowledging no other of a previous date..... Item- I lend to my nephew Etheldred Philips of Florida during his life all my lands, negros and every other species of property and at his decease to his children; Item- I require of the said Etheldred Philips in consideration of the above loans to him and gifts to his children the following: 1- that he will continue to farm and keep the lands and negros together; 2- that he will pay to Joseph J.E. Porter a legacy of $500; 3- that he shall pay all my just debts; 4- that he shall have the graveyard where my late husband, John Ward and my son, Joseph was buried and where I wish to be buried well enclosed and a tomb stone placed to each grave or a suitable monument for the whole; If nephew does not choose to accept terms, property to be sold and will carried out. Item- I appoint my nephew, Etheldred Philips and my friend and relative, (Bob F. Moore) executors; signed Charlotte Ward, wit. James J. Philips, W.F. Lewis. Codicil- I give to the (daughters) of Etheldred Gray, dec'd, Martha N. Howell, Mary Gray, Wm. F. Gray, Virginia Gray, Helen B. Gray, and in case the negroes increase in number the child of Caroline Gray, viz Caroline Gray (Bonner) shall come in and share equally with the others the following negroes: Nicy and her daughter, Eliza and the children of said Eliza to wit, Sampson, Sam and Sela and their increase, signed Apr. 30 1855, Charlotte Ward, wit. James J. Philips, John G. Lewis. White, George will, 1782, date of will 27 Nov 1777, date proved Feb Ct. 1782; In the name of God I George White being in perfect good health at present... to my son, George a tract of land that I took up joining Jacob Robbins and one feather bed; to my daughter, Nanny one feather bed, to my wife, during her widowhood, the plantation I now live on and after her marriage or decease to my son, William; to my son William the plantation of land I bought of my son, Jacob; to my son, Benjamin the lower part of my land that I ran off by a new line; to my two youngest sons one horse, to my daughter, Mary, one feather bed and one pot; to my wife, the remainder part of my estate during her widowhood or lifetime and after her death or marriage, it may be divided equally among all my children; appoint my son, Jacob as executor, signed George White, wit. John Williams, Aron Proctor (X), Ralph Dickens (X). Before signed, viz. To my son George White my little bason molds, spoon molds and big ladle; to my son, Wm. my big bason molds; to my son Benjamin, my plate mold and small ladle. Proved by oath of John Williams. NC State Archives Edgecombe Co. Will file Cr.037.801.32. Whitehead, Augustine will, Jan. (6) 1846, proved Feb. Ct. 1846, To my beloved wife, Mary Whitehead during her widowhood or natural life provided she never leaves the premises to live elsewhere the following property: the tract of land where I now live with all improvements, my farming utensils and plantation tools, all my stock of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry crops and provisions on hand, at the time of my death, all household and kitchen furniture with the exception hereafter named, also Negroes Sarah, Buck, Henry, Dorcas, Jack and Doll provided she continues to reside on the premises and keeps up plantation and supports all the Negroes in my possession; having full faith in my son, Henry Whitehead and grandson James W. Lancaster, I give to said Henry Whitehead and James W. Lancaster for the benefit of my daughter, Prudence, wife of Jesse Lancaster not withstanding his coverture, the tract of land where she and said Jesse now live containing 313 acres and after her death the land shall be divided among my four grandsons Willie Lancaster, Dossey Lancaster, David Lancaster and Robert Lancaster; also to said Henry Whitehead and James W. Lancaster for the use of my daughter, Prudence Negroes (Nice) and her increase, Blount, and after the death or remarriage of my wife, Mary Whitehead, the Negroes Buck, Dorcas and her increase and after the death of my daughter, Prudence, the said Negroes to be divided equally among her then living children with the exception of James Lancaster whom I have provided for and neither the land or Negroes named will be subject to the control of used to pay debts of her husband, Jesse Lancaster, also to said Prudence, all the household and kitchen furniture on the premises where she now lives; to my son Henry Whitehead 50 acres of land to be laid out west of the house where he now lives and south of the branch nearest his house and also all my land on the east side of a line due south from the end of the lane leading by his house to my old place then to be continued to the Mill Branch to William Mercer’s line, to him and the heirs of his body and if he dies without such heirs, this property to go to my grandson, James W. Lancaster, also to my son, Henry Whitehead the following Negroes: Ben, Ephraim and after the death of remarriage of my wife, Mary Whitehead, Henry but if he dies without heirs, the Negroes to go to my grandson, James W. Whitehead; to my grandson, James W. Lancaster, in addition to the land he may receive if my son, Henry dies without heirs, the tract of land whereon he now lives after the death of my wife, Mary Whitehead and all my land not heretofore given, also Negroes Tom and George and upon the death or remarriage of my wife, Negroes Jack and Bill and one feather bed, known in the family as his bed; all the personal property not already given to be sold at the death of my wife and proceeds divided between my son, Henry and grandson, James W. Lancaster; whereas I have already given to my son, Robert Whitehead all that he is to have from my estate, he is to have nothing from my estate, neither real or personal; executors son Henry Whitehead and grandson, James W. Lancaster, signed Augustine Whitehead, wit. James B. Thomas, Jacob Proctor, William Proctor. Found to be the will of Augustine Whitehead by a jury of James Little, William Taylor, David (Hamell), Joseph ( ), (L )(Walker), John Felton, John Daws, Joshua B. Lawrence, David P. Shallington, Wright Wiggins, Cofield King, William H. Hines. Abstracted and copied from original, NC State Archives CR.037.801.32, CTC. Wilkinson, Benjamin, Edgecombe Co., date of will (4) Feb 1837, date proved Feb. Ct. 1837, “being of sound mind & disposing memory but labouring under severe affliction” ... after paying my just debts it is my desire that the balance of my estate stay in the possession of my beloved wife, Obedience Wilkinson during her lifetime or widowhood or until or until my youngest child arrives at twelve years old for the support and education of my said children; if my wife desires to move to the south, it is my wish that she should do so, carrying with her all my personal estate not otherwise disposed of; after the arrival of the period above named it is my desire that a division shall take place amongst them all (my children) and my wife according to law; my executor (Jesse C. Knight) shall prosecute the suits now pending in the county of Edgecombe as he thinks necessary, signed B. Wilkinson, wit. Bennett Bradley, (J.M.)Garrett. Copied and abstracted from original, NC. State Archives, 1-27-01, CTC. WILKINSON, James will, Mar. 25, 1855, May Ct. 1855, Bk G., page 107, wife & extx. Julia, $2000; William Esler, $1000 to be held in trust for Laura Esler; dau. Mary, $50; son Washington $2000 when he arrives at 21 years; all remainder to Julia and her heirs. Buried Blandwood Cemetery, Petersburg, VA. Wit. George Howard, L.D. Pender. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856. Wilkinson, Joshua, will; date of will 29 Oct. 1817, date proved Aug. Ct. 1818, “being of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God”... son John Wilkinson one negro man named Carey and one negro child, the first live born which my negro woman Rachel shall have after the sealing of this instrument and my part of the water grist, saw and boelling mill across Town Creek together with all the property I have heretofore delivered to him; to my daughter Sarah Morris, one negro woman named Sal and one negro girl named Milley together with all the property I have heretofore given her; to my daughter Mary Dun one negro girl named Mint and one negro girl named Matilda together with all the property I have heretofore given her; my daughter Edith Knight one negro girl named Tempy and one negro girl named Betts together with all the property I have heretofore given her; my son Charles Wilkinson the land whereon he now lives being the land I bought of John Bonner on the south side of Kokey Swamp (Cokey), one negro boy named Isaac and one negro boy named Adam together with all the property I have heretofore given him; to my son Benjamin Wilkinson the land and plantation I bought of Guarralelus I. Killebrew on the north side of Kokey Swamp (Cokey) adjoining the land I gave my son Charles Wilkinson, one negro boy named Jerrey and one negro boy named Jack, one horse bridle and saddle, now called his by the name of Jock, one bed bedstead and furniture, one cow and calf or yearling, one yoke of oxen and my still; to my son, Joshua Wilkinson the land and plantation I bought of Walker Knight except the highland lying on the south side of the Cypress Pocoson and dam branch down to Ballihack Swamp also the land and plantation I bought of Jesse C. Knight also 93 acres of land I bought of Jesse C. Knight decd, and two acres of land I bought of Micajah Mayo on the east side of Ballihack Swamp, one negro man named Luke and one negro boy named Fred, one mare colt, bridle and saddle now called his, one bed bedstead one cow and calf or yearling; to my son Silas Wilkinson the land and plantation whereon I now live with all the rest of my lands and plantations not otherwise disposed of, one negro boy named Tom and one negro boy named Harrey, one bed, bedstead and furniture, one cow and calf, and $75 in money; to my grandson, Joel Whitfield, $250 in money; to my grandson Benjamin Whitfield $250; to my granddaughter Albenath Whitfield, one negro girl named Dianner; I lend to my well beloved wife, Mildred Wilkinson during her natural life or widowhood a certain neck of land lying on the east side of a certain branch adjoining the lands of Robert Cherry, William Worsley and my executor to build a frame house, twelve feet by sixteen feet with a brick chimney to be built on said land at the expense of my estate, also lend to my wife during her life or widowhood, one negro man named Hercules, one negro woman named Rachel, a mare by the name of Parrott, my riding chair and harness, the bed and bedstead and furniture I now sleep on, one cow and calf, her choice of two sows and pigs, one beehive (other personal items including 12 gallons of brandy “each year if the orchard makes it”, it is my further desire that my wife, Mildred shall have the small room of the house I now live in together with ground sufficient for garden and cotton patch until the above hose is built and also the use of a field known as the Newground Field for the term of three years after my death and provisions for her and Negroes for one year; the rest of estate to be sold and proceeds divided among all my heirs, executors John Williams, Benjamin Whitfield, Charles Wilkinson, signed Joshua Wilkinson, wit. Frederick Mayo, William Worsley. Abstracted and copied from original in NC State Archives, 1-27-01, CTC. WILKINSON, Milly will, June 28, 1840, Nov. Ct. 1845, Bk F, page 325, Gr. dau. Sary Ann Worsley, all my three Negroes and increase, residue of my estate of every kind including monies due me. Exe. and friends: Jesse C. Knight, John Garrett. Wit. Benj. F. Knight, Joseph J. Garrett. Exrs. renounced executorship. Eliza Taylor appointed; bonded $400 with Newton Taylor and Isaac Robbins for securities. CLYDE’S NOTE: THIS WAS PROBABLY ELZA TAYLOR, NOT ELIZA. Abstracts of Wills, Edgecombe Co., NC, 1733-1856. Williams, Bersada will, Edge. Co. Bk G, page 582. In the name of God Amen I Bersada Williams of the County of Edgecombe and state of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory and understanding do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. I give devise bequeath unto my daughter (Finnetta) Williams one hundred dollars and two hundred pounds of good meat & two barrels corn and the chois hog in my stock and at her deth all of the above that she has not used are to return back unto my family. To my daughter Owny Long I give one large (pate) & 3 George (?) Long I give one (grind) stone. 4 I give Crissy (either E or &) Lee one feather bed & furniture and one table. 5 I give Mary E. Robbins one walnutt table. 6 I give to my granddaughter Malinda W. Fryman) one chest and bead clothing the rest and residue of my estate I leave to be sold at my deth and to be divided equally among all my legal heirs and farther I do appoint Nephew John N. Taylor my lawful exec. To my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said Bersada Williams have hereunto set my hand this 4 February 1870. Signed Bersada Williams (X), wit. John E. Calhon, S.L. Spicer. APPLICATION FOR LETTERS TESTIMENTARY by John N. Taylor shows Bersada Williams estate consisting of personal estate only valued at about $400 and heirs are Finneta Williams, Oney Long, George D. Long, Crissy Lee, Mary E. Robbins, Malinda D. Freeman, heirs of her son, (P.J) Williams, heirs of Mike Williams, her son & D.R. Williams. EXECUTORS OATH. John N. Taylor signed 5 Nov. 1880. PROBATE OF WILL. Will proven and John N. Taylor qualified as executor on March 5, 1880, signed W.A. Duggan, Probate Judge. Edgecombe County will file CR.037.801.33, NC State Archives. WILLIAMS, DREWRY will 1831, will date 29 Nov 1830, proved May ct. 1831; In the name of GOD, Amen, I Drewry Williams...to my son, William Williams, one negro girl by the name of Vilet; to my Josiah Williams one negro boy named Jack; to my granddaughter Sally Curl one negro girl named Jinny; to my granddaughter Polly Curl one negro girl named Betty also feather bed and furniture; to my grandson David Williams one negro girl named Rose, one negro boy named Amos and one negro man named George, also the land whereon I now live together with my still and all my cider casks; I lend to my wife, Elizabeth Williams three negroes, to wit Pink, Nan and Peter during her life and after her death to be divided between my sons, William, Josiah and David (John) lend to her George during her natural life and after her death to my son, David as before named also two horses, (four) cows and calves, three sows and pigs, ten shoats, two feather beds and furniture; the rest of my estate to be sold on a credit of six months and out of the money arising from the sale all my just debts to be paid and the remainder to be divided equally between William, Josiah, David; I appoint my son David Williams and my friend, Egbert Williams executors of my will, signed Drewry Williams (X), wit. John Mercer, David Cherry. Abstracted 2-17-04, EDGECOMBE WB F/125, Archives file CR.037.801.33, CTC. Williams, Pilgrim will, 1 Apr 1764, proved Jul Ct 1764; In the name of God, Amen, I Pilgrim Williams of Edgecombe Co... being sick and weak of body but of sound mind and memory...to my loving son Roland (Boland?) Williams 100 acres of land lying on the north side of Toisnot Swamp, it being the land I purchased of Margaret Taylor, also one Negro boy named Norfolk and 12 head of cattle, one gray horse, saddle and braddle, one bed and furniture, one iron pott and two pounds, 13 shillings and 4 pence; to my loving son, Jonas Williams the land and plantation whereon I now live but he is not to be possessed of it until the death or marriage of his mother, also one black horse, bridle and saddle and bed and furniture and my wearing clothes; to my loving son Jack Williams (possibly Joel) one Negro woman named Moll, one bed and furniture; to my loving son Billay Williams one young Negro named (Chippolone), one bed and furniture; to my son (Drury or Dorsey) Williams ( ) silver; to my loving wife, Sarah Williams, one bed and furniture, one gray mare, five cows and calfs, (other personal items illegible); the remainder of my estate to be divided equally among my children hereafter named; Jonas, Joell, Billey, Nathan, (Drewry), Ann and Mourning Williams; my loving brother, (Samuel) Williams and my loving son, Rowland Williams executors, signed Pilgrim Williams (P), wit ( ), ( ). NOTE: Copy faint, blurred and hard to read. Abstracted 5-9-04, WB A, page 140, C.037.80001, CTC. Williams, John will, 14 Mar 1792, Aug Ct 1793; In the name of God, I John Williams being in perfect health and mind blessed be God for the same...recommend my soul to Almighty God...Item to my son Benjamin Williams all the land that lies in the fork of the branches where he now lives, also one horse colt known by the name of Dereck; item to my dafter Mary the now wife of Robert Lancaster, one horse known by the name of Brandy and also “all the that they may have of mine” in their possession; item son Jesse Williamses two dafters Milbre and Nancy I give the plantation whereon my said son Jesse formerly lived divided by the Schoolhouse Branch and it is my desire that Milbre may have the plantation and lower half of the land and Nancy the upper end from the Schoolhouse Branch and if either shall die without issue that the other may have the whole of the land and if both dies without issue that it may fall to my estate and be sold and proceeds divided among all my children; item son John Williams one tract of land containing 194 acres joining himself and (Hard Todd); dafter Lucy the now wife of John Bell one negro woman named Cloe and her increase if any; to my son Drewry Williams I give the plantation whereon I now live together with all the land I own on the north side of Town Creek only reserving to my loving wife Mourning during her lifetime in it and liberty of the plantation and all the land on below the road; dafter Betsey one negro named Joe and one tract of land containing 178 acres I purchased of Shadreck Proctor also two cows and calves and one feather bed and furniture; wife Mourning five cows and calves, two two year old stears, ten two year old hogs, ten year old hogs and three sows and pigs, one horse called Buck and one mare called Pideon, two negro women, (Dol and Mad), two feather beds and furniture, two dishes, four basons, six plates, one case knives and forks, one chest, to iron pots and one iron kettle, one cart and wheels and one grubbing hoe, a weeding hoe, two plant hoes, one wooling one lining wheel and all my stock of sheep that is at home and six chears, remainder of estate to be sold and divided among all my children, my son John Williams and my wife, Mourning to be my executors, signed (no signature and no witnesses), Jno. Williams qualified. Poorly written and hard to read. Abstracted 2-17-04, NCA file CR.037.801.33. Williams, Sallie will 1894, Date of will 26 July 1890, date proved 19 Mar. 1894, sister Francis Winniford Braswell, all my property, real, personal or mixed, exe. Dr. W.P. Mercer, signed ??, wit. W.P. Mercer, Jesse Proctor. Letters Testamentary 19 Mar. 1894, Executor's Oath 19 March 1894. Edge. Co. Wills, CR.037.801.33, NC State Archives, Abstracted 2-10-01. Williams, Thomas will, 1827, date of will 26 June 1825, date proved Nov. Ct. 1827; I Thomas Williams of the county of Edgecombe and state of North Carolina being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory... I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sally Williams a sufficient support for her and her family for one year also one work creature of the horse kind, two cows and calves, two sows and pigs, four ewes, two feather beds and furniture and all the residue of my household and kitchen furniture not herein given away during her natural lifetime or widowhood, also one negro man by name of Jacob during her lifetime or widowhood and my negro woman Denah to continue with my wife Sally to work for her as she has ever done but under the command of my son John Williams, also one third part of my lands together with my dwelling house and the houses thereunto belonging, during her natural lifetime or widowhood, and my son John to tend to my wife’s business as long as they agree to do so; son John Williams all my lands of every description except the third already lent to my wife and after her death, the whole of my lands, also three Negroes, Bob, Abram and Fanny, two work horses; my son Thomas Williams one negro boy name of Tony, if he ever comes after him but if he never comes after him, to my son John; to my daughter Charity Proctor one feather bed and furniture; all my cider casks to stay on my farm plantation for my wife Sally or my son John Williams; residue of my estate to be sold to pay my debts and remainder divided among all my children; all working tools to remain on my plantation; exe. son John Williams and friend David Williams, signed Thomas Williams (X), wit. E. Bullock, Zadoc Braswell, proved by Edwin Bullock and Zadoc Braswell, David Williams qualified as executor. NC State Archives Edge. Co. Wills, CR.037.801.25. Williams, Winnifred, will, date of will 6 Mar. 1848, date recorded Feb. Ct. 1849, grandson John (R) Williams, negro boy, named Warren, one gray horse, other personal items and all land and improvements which I die seized and possessed of, lying on the west side of the big ditch, along the (corn) branch; granddaughter Pharaba Williams, daughter of Sarah Williams, $75; daughter Polly Dunn, wife of Larry Dunn, one Negro boy named Nelson; to my friend Wm. H. Hines, as the trustee, one negro woman named Mary, in trust for my daughter Martha Williams, wife of Henry Williams, free from the control of her present husband or any future husband and after her death to be divided among her children; grandsons Thomas B. Pitt and Jesse C.K. Williams, the balance of my lands not otherwise disposed of; clothing to be divided among my daughters Martha Williams, and Polly Dunn and granddaughters Pharaba, daughter of Sarah Williams and the daughters of Willie Williams, dec’d; exe. Robert B. Braswell, wit. L.S. Cobb, Thomas (Curl). Edgecombe Co. will file, NC State Archives, CR.037.801.33. Williford, Meedy, will, 23 Aug 1846, proved Nov. Ct. 1846, Nash County, NC; In the name of God... I Meedy Williford of Nash County... being of sound mind and memory.... ITEM- to my beloved wife, Penelope, 200 acres of land to be set out by metes and bounds in the west end of the tract whereon I now live, so as to include my dwelling house, all out houses and improvements except a small lot west of the dwelling house on the west side of the big path as follows, beginning at a small oak a corner on the west side of the said path then north along said path strait to the county road then up said road to Dunn’s line then along said Dunn’s line to the beginning, during her natural life or widowhood, in lieu of her dower and thirds, also to my wife, Penelope, a negro man named Jacob, one good horse, two cows and calves, two sows & pigs, twelve head of good hogs, six head of sheep one feather bed & furniture, one desk, one buffet and a sufficiency of farming tools, 1400 pounds of pork, a live or its equivalent in bacon & lard, 30 barrels of corn, two stacks of fodder, 12 bushels of wheat, 25 pounds of sugar, 10 gallons of molasses, four ( pounds) of coffee, 50 pounds of picked cotton, and my family buggy & harness, also lend to her negro woman, Jinny until my youngest child shall arrive at the age of 21, also two feather beds & furniture until my two sons Elijah S. and Dr. S.Tompson shall become of lawful age, also to my wife $50 in cash to be paid when my estate is settled; ITEM- to my daughter, Elizabeth Williford, one negro named Lucy, upon her paying to my executor $50; ITEM- to my daughter, Dilla Williford, one negro girl, Jane & $125; ITEM- to John Proctor, one negro woman, Harritt upon his payment to my executor $25; ITEM- to my daughter, Matilda Williford one negro woman, Patrence & child; ITEM- to Samuel Moore one negro girl, Caroline and $125; ITEM- to Orren P. Daniel one negro girl, Mourning and $125; ITEM- to three sons, Granberry V., Elijah S. and Dr. S. Tompson, all the balance of the tract of land where I now live, to be equally divided between them, agreeable to valuation, my son, Granberry to have the lot that was excepted in my wife’s dower, on the west side of the big path; ITEM- to my four youngest children, Elijah S., S. Tompson, Dilly & Meedy B., each $200 to be expended for their education and other things which their guardian may see they mostly need; ITEM- to my son, Granberry, $100 to be expended as above by his guardian also all the claims in my possession that are payable to my deceased daughter, Martha Williford and one feather bed & furniture (other personal property); executor son, Blake Williford and my friend William N. Hines, signed M. Williford, wit. (S.?) Williford, William Dortch (could not read middle initial), copy made and certified on 27 June 1849, apparently to be recorded in Edgecombe Co. Meedy Williford will, Edgecombe Co. will file, CR.037.801.33, NC State Archives. Worsley, Reddin will & estate file... Being of sound mind and memory do make this my last will in manner and form as follows. 1- I give and bequeath to my sister, Mary E. Worsley two hundred dollars. 2- I give and bequeath to my sister Eathaline Worsley Worsley two hundred dollars. 3- I give and bequeath to my (neace Lasos) Mc. D. Proctor two hundred dollars. 4- I leave the rest and residue of my estate as a standing amount to Martha A. Pope the anual interest to her use yearly and principle as a standing amount. I request S.L. Spicer or Henry G. Worsley to carry out the above will; this 1st day of September 1884. Signed Redding Worsley, wit. M.W. Proctor, W.E. Bradley. Will proved by the oath of S.L. Spicer who stated that he knew Reddin Worsley very well and lived within a quarter mile of him. Redding had come to his (Spicer’s) house and ask him to write out his will, which he did. Redding was in bad health and almost blind. Sometimes he was so nervous and tremblous that he could not write. Spicer had known Redding all of his life and knew he was of good mind and memory when he wrote the will. Affidavit signed 8 Feb 1888, signed S.L. Spicer, wit. B.J. Keech, CFC. Application for Letters of Administration were filled out by Carter Pope on 23 Jan 1888, stating that he was the proper person to administer the estate. Worsley had an estate valued at about $850 and Martha A. Pope was his only surviving child and she had renounced her right of administration in favor of Carter Pope. Signed Carter Pope. NOTE: File did not state if Carter Pope was appointed as administrator or if the will was proved and one of the executors named was qualified. NCA, Edgecombe Co. Wills file CR.037.??.