Franklin County Court Records

Extract of Minutes, 1791-1800
Contributed by: Mark Murphy

[Extract of Franklin Co. Court Minutes, years 1791-1800]
[Film/Rolls 744/C.039.30001-7 NC State Archives]
[transcribed by Mark A. Murphy, 4 Jun 2001]

261[?]
Minutes of September Court 1791

William Thomas Whetston Andrews, James Barrow, Garratt Goodloe, Nathl. Jarratt
MoSes Upchurch, Joshua Perry, Daniel Harris, William Solomon & John Myrick
-----
Ordered that Harry Dunston & Richard Dunston be bound unto James Murfree till
they arrive respectively to Lawfull age and that they be learn'd to Read and write &
the Planters BusineSs
-----
On the Pitition of John Fullar[?] Esqr. for leave to build a water GriSs Mill a CroSs
Cedar Creek opposite the Plantation of Arthur Fullar[?] Ordered that the sd. Pitition
be laid over till next court & that a supd. ISsue to sd. Fullar a new Case[?] if any be
hath why such order should not be Granted,
-----
A Deed from William Liles to Jackson Liles was prov'd by the oath of Robert Goodloe
and on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Richard and Amos Ransom to James[?] Gringols[?] was prov'd by the
oath of Jenny[?] Hill Esqr. & on M.O.R.
[end of page]

263[?]
Minutes of September Court 1791

[most is unreadable- mentions deed from Kimball? to Charles Wyne?;
estate of Thos Kiley? or Riley?]
[deed from William ??] to Richard Webb was prov'd by the oath of John Will[?]
& on M.O.R.
-----
Ordered that John Webb Esqr. have leave to [keep?] a Tavern & [?] House in
[Jackson?] [??] who entered into Bond in the sum of Fifty Pounds with [Gillian Giles?]
Esqr his security.
-----
Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 oClock Wednesday morning Court met
according to adjournment, Present, J[?] Devany Seth Mabry and Durham Hall Esqrs.
-----
A Deed from John Martin to Stephen Pearce was prov'd by the oath of JeSse Weathers[?]
and on M.O.R.
-----
Ordered tha the hands working under
[end of page]

264[?]
Minutes of September Court 1791

Thomas Harwell William Lulow[?] and Benjamin Wright work under James Murfree to
repair the Causeway a CroSs Cedar Creek and that they Liorally[?] warn their hands
Respectively to Attend.
-----
Thomas Sherrod, Sheriff Return'd an acct. ISsue[?] of the Estate of David Stokes Decd.
amounting to Sixteen Pounds one Shilling. Order'd that he be allow'd 27./26. commission.
-----
On Motion ordered that a Recordare[?] friend[?] Sequetur[?] iSsue to Durham Hall Esqr
Commanding him to Bring up the proceedings upon sd. judgmt attained by Charles Cole
& Benjamin Hills Esrs[?]
-----
A Warrant of Escape obtain'd by Roger Jones Esqr. on James Sherd/[?] against Harrison
Macon before Seth Mabry Esqr. was presented to this Court & on M.O.R.
-----
Burwell Bell adkd. a Deed to Kinchen[?] Seths[?] & on M.O.R.
-----
Ordered that Caude[?] Medlin and Alford Medlin be bound to John Pippin until they
arrive to Lawful age & that they be learn'd to Read and Write & the Planters BusineSs
[end of page]

276.
Minutes of December Court 1791

A Deed from Lamuel High to Robert High was provd by the Oath of James Henry & or M.O.R.
-----
Then Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 OClock. Thursday Morning Court met according
to adjournment Present Jenkins Devaney, Gord'n Hill & William Lancaster Esqrs.
-----
Ordered that Solomon Dawseys Taxable Property be aded to the List Consisting of 200 Acres
Land & 1 Poll
-----
Ordered that Jacob Mitchell Ester[?] Mitchell & Lewis Mitchell Children of Cuziah Mitchell be
Bound unto William Green untill they arrive respectively to Lawfull age & that they be learn'd
the Planters BusineSs
-----
Ordered that William Jones Drury Jones & Benjamin Jones Childrenof Susannah Jones be bound
unto William Trulove & that they be learn'd to read and write & the Coopers trade
-----
Ordered that Littleberry Hunt be Bound unto Britain Harris untill he arrive to Lawfull age and
that he be learnd to read & write & the planters BusineSs
-----
Sheriff Return'd an acct of sale of the Estate of William Tant decd. amtg. to L8"19' & or M.O.R.
-----
Ordered that he be Allow'd 27pl. CommiSns on sd. sale.
-----
Ordered the following persons be appointed Jurors to the next Court (to wit) Harbert Hight,
Jos.Seawell
[end of page]

277
Minutes of December Court 1791

Westwood A. Jones. Chils. Hawkins, John Thomas Thomas K. Wynne, Benjamin Ingraham
Benj. Perry, William Thomas, James Murfree, Sols[?] Harris, Thes. BaSs, Josiah Eley, John
Parker,Council Jones, Drury Alford, William Wren[?], Etheldred Taylor, JeSse Weathers,
Thomas Arendell, Jacob Hartsfield, Jeri. Perry (Co Creek) Simon Williams Giles Criver, Benjamin
Upchurch, Rubin Ransome James Perry, Ephraim Conyers, Charles Yarbro.- Stephen Loyd and
Thomas Loyd.
-----
Ordered that Green Hill Clerk be afforded Twenty pounds for his Extra Services the year 1791.
& that the Collector pay the Same & be allow'd
-----
Ordered that the County tax for the year 1791 be 216 on cash[?] Poll & Ten pence per[?] Hundred
acres Land.
-----
Ordered that Betsey Medlin Child of Mary Medlin be Bound unto Shaw Driver untill she arrive
to Eighteen years of Age & that she be learn'd to read & the busineSs of Housewifery.
-----
Ordered that Green Hill Clk be allow'd Five pounds for his services in Arranging the List of
Taxables for the year 1791. & that the collector pay the same & be allowed on his settlement.
----
Ordered that Jonathan Stone Const. be allow'd Twenty four shillings for three days attendanc
as Const. of Grand Jury & that the Collector pay the same & be allowed.
[end of page]

279
Minutes of December Court 1791

Ordered that admn. be granted to John Strother on the Estate of William Strother decd.
who entered into Bond in the Sum of One Hundred pounds with William Sanders & James
Murfree hsi Securities.
-----
Court Adjournd till tomorrow morning 10 OClock Saturday Morning Court met According to
adjournment. Present, Jenkins Devany Simon Jeffreys & William Green Esqrs.
-----
On Affidavit of John Mabry Ordered that a Writ of Recordari & Superseedus iSsue to the
Sheriff Franklin County for Notify George TaSsie Durham Hall & Thompson Curry to Stay
all proceedings below in tile[?] Justice Lee rendered this depoment thereon.
-----
Ordered that the Sheriff Summon Twelve good and Lawfull men unconnected to either parties
to say of to Athelston Andrew & Mary his wife her Right of Dower in a island[?] tract of
Land on red bud Creek Belonging to the Estate of William Hill Decd. & that they make
return to next Court
----
Ordered that Wilfon[WilSon?] Denson be appointed collector in Capt. Kah...[?] & Capt.
Jones Districts for the year 1791 in the room of Thos. Lanier who enterd into Bond the
sum of Five Hundred pounds with Hardy Hunt & Garret Goodloe his sety-
[end of page]

389
Minutes of March Court 1794

A Deed Benjamin Westray to Phillip Boon was provd Oath of Nicholas Murfree & on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed MoSes Stallions to Elias Bowden was provd Oath of Wright Stallions & on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed Phillip Pearee to James Pearee was provd by Oath of Thomas Ray & on M.O.R.
-----
The last Will and Testament of John Kinchen decd. was exhibited & Richard Benncham[?],
Joseph Taylor Esqr. & Jordan Thomas made Oath in Court that they Verily believe that
the Whole of the sd. Will as well as the sd. Deceasd & it appearing to the Court by
the oath of the sd. Richard Benncham & Jordan Thomas that the said Will was found
among the Valuable papers of the Deceas'd. On motion the same is admitted to probate
and Ordered to be Recorded.
-----
Ordered that James Strother be exempt from Serving on the Jury this Court, he having
shewn reasons to the Court
The last Will and Testament of John Ransom was provd by oath of Seth Mabry & Elijah
Ball two of the subscribing WitneSses thereto & on M.O.R.
-----
William Mewshaw acknowledg'd a Deed to Wm. Jackson and on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed Solomon Harris to Eley Elie was provd by Oath of Laurence Eley & on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed John Holmes to Samuel Hunt was provd by Oath of Blanton Cook & on M.O.R.
-----
A Division of the Personal Estate of James Belas[?] was returned & on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed Rubin May to Simon Jeffreys was provd by Oath of Michael Dent & on M.O.R.
-----
John Norwood acknowledg'd a Deed to James Brown & on M.O.R.
[end of page]

Minutes of December Court 1794
No. 33 Peter Arrington adm of Thomas Armstrong decd.
vs. Roger Jones adm. of Robert Hight decd.
Jury Charged, To Wit, Major Richards, Jonathon Stone, Green Hill, Bartholomew
Fullar, John Myrick, Josiah Eley, James Collins, John Watkins[?], Ephraim Conyers,
William Jones, Abram Andrews & John Pippin who find a Virdict for platf for L[pounds]
22'5"10 with Interest from the first day of August 1783- & Cost.
-----
Orderd that Rebecca Murfree be appointed administratrix of the Estate of James Murfree
decd. who entered into Bond in the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds with Henry
Hill Lewis Moore & William Webb her securitees
-----
Ordered that Rebecca Murfree admx. of the Estate of James Murfree decd. sell the perishable
part of sd. Estate and make return to next Court.
-----
A Deed from Jonas CroSslin to Kinchen Alford was provd by the Oath of Drewry Alford & on M.O.R.
-----
Order'd that the taxable property of Keziah Bird for the year 1794 Consisting of 500 Acres
Land & 2 Blk poll- be aded to the List
-----
No. 7 Thomas Mitchell vs. The Excrs of Henry Taylor decd.}
Case, Jury Charged (to Wit) Jos. Smith, Gilliam Watkins, Edwd Cooley, William Thomas,
Robert Adams, William Jackson, William May, John Perry, John Denson, RoSs Conyers,
Wright Stallions, & Wm. Hobbs who find a Virdict for the pltf for L 21'17"0 & cost-
Motion in arrest of judgement Reasons filed
-----
Order'd that Green Reives[?] an orphan be bound unto Benjamin Robinson according to Law,
Untill he arrives to the Age of Twenty one years-
[end of page]

Minutes of December Court 1794
John E. Denson & others vs. Henry Hill Excr of John Denson[?] decd. } by Consent
of partus the suit is reinstated & set for Lyal[?] at next Court.
-----
Adjrd[?] Court at one[?] till tomorrow Morning 10 OClock
Thursday Morning Court met according to adjournment. Present Durham Hill Thos Brickell
& Archbl [Davis?] esquires
-----
On Motion of William Andrews Orderd that he have leave to keep a toll bridge acroSs
Tar River in this county. Who enterd into Bond in the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds with
Henry Hill & William Lancaster Esquires his security.
-----
Ordered that William Jones be allowed and be in hereby authorized to Collect his
Rearages of the Taxes for the year 1790 in Capt. Jones new Eleys District
-----
Benjamin Moland an Orphan boy who was like[?] to appear at this Term to show Cause
why he shoud not be bound to John Atkins- Appeared and shew'd for cause that he by
said John has been illy Treated and Abuse on, Whereupon the Court do adjudge that the
Said Benjamin Shall not be again Bound unto the Said John.--
-----
A Paper purporting to be the last Will and Testament of David Jeffreys decd. was
exhibited an provd by the Oath of Aboslum[sic] Rush Starling Cooper, Elizabeth May
& Sarah May the subscribing witnesses thereto and also by the deposition of Sarah
Jeffreys, Wife of Simon Jeffreys and on M.O.R.
-----
Order'd that Parker Murfree who is the Reputed Father of an illigitimate child begotten
on the Body of Mildred Odom pay to the sd. Mildred five pounds p[per] anum for seven
years commencing the first day of May 1794 and at the same time enterd
[end of page]

Minutes of December Court 1794
enterd into Bond for the indemnity of the County in the Sums of one Hundred Pounds
with Titus Edwards his security.
-----
Orderd that Miles Carey Lemuel Carey Minor orphans be bound unto John Mills according to law.
-----
Orderd that Benjamin Moland Minor orphan be bound unto Elisha Lanksford[?] according to law
-----
John Hunt esqr came into Court and Qualified executor to the last Will and Testament of
David Jeffreys decd. according to Law
-----
A Bill of Sale from Dorithy Warburton[?] to Doblin Seahand Farmer[?] was provd by the Oath
of John Geddy & on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Alse Green to John Seawell was provd by the oath of Henry Hunt and on M.O.R.
-----
John Perry sen. acknowledged a Deed to John Perry Jun. and on M.O.R.
-----
State vs. Elisha Stallions} Present Jury Chargd. To Wit, Major Richards, Jonathon Stone,
Edward Cosley, Joseph Smith, Gilliam Watkins, Ephraim Conyers, John House, James Tuman,
James Drake, Nat. Perry, William Pau & Benjamin Morgan- who find the Defd. not guilty.
-----
Order'd that JeSse Newby be appointed overseer of the Road in the Room of Nathl. Perry &
that he keep the same in repair with the usual hands
-----
Then Court adjourned till tomorrow morning 10 OClock
Friday Morning Court met according to adjournment Present Seth Mabry, Archibald Davis &
Hardy Hunt esquires.
-----
Order'd that James Bowers[?] be allowd thirty two shillings for four days attendance
as Const. in the Grand Jury third Term.
-----
Orderd that Daniel Jones Joseph Seawell, Isaac House be appointed CommiSsioners to Value
& Allott to Thompson Glenn his part of the Estate of James Green agreeable to the Tenor[?]
of a Deed of Gift left by said James to his Children
[end of page]

Minutes of June Court 1797
Orderd that Johah Morgan be appointed overseer of the Road in the room of James Hornsbey,
and that he keep the same in repair with the usual hands-
-----
A Deed from JeSse Bird to Joshua Jones was provd by the Oath of Jacob Jones and on M.O.R.
-----
Court adjourned till tomorrow 10 OClock- Thursday morning Court met according to adjournment
Present, John Hunt Francis Taylor & James Harvey Esqrs
-----
Orderd that Reddick Stallions the ward of Jarrett Goodloe be bound to John Goodloe untill he
arrive at Lawfull age-
-----
John Norwood acknowledged a Deed of Gift to Thomas Norwood and on M.O.R.
-----
A Division of the personal Estate of Bennett Hill decd., wherein the proportionate share
of his son Wm. Bennett Hill is alloted and laid off- as also the divisiond allotment of
his proportionate share of the Lands of said decendent was exhibited & on M.O.R.-
-----
No. 42 Goodn. Alford vs. Warren Alford Guardn. of Lark[?] Alford} Debt &c The Court on
hearing the Bill & ansered decree that the Defendant pay unto the pltff the Sum of
L 113.9.18 & cost
-----
No. 78 John Hall vs. John Perrys Jaor[?]} Pettn &c The Court on hearing
[end of page]

Minutes of September Court 1797
-----
On the Petition of Hannah Jones widow and relict of Jos. Jones decd. Orderd that the
Sheriff Summona a Lawful Jury unconnected to the parties either by affinity or
consequence to lay off to the said Hannah her dower in the lands of her Said Decd.
Husband Joseph and that they report to next Court-
-----
On Motion of John Foster Adm. of Jos. Jones decd. and Guardian to Amos and Gutridge Jones
orphans of sd. decendent Also on motion of Rush Bledsoe Guardian of Temperance & Rebeckah
Jones orphans of the decedent aforesaid likewise on motion of John Ingram who intermarried
with Lucy Jones daughter of said decendent It is orderd that John Thomas John Norwood,
Robert Hill, Jordan Hill and Nicolas Murphey be appointed commisoners to be attended with
the County Surveyor if NeceSsry to Divide & apportion the real Estate of said Joseph Jones
amongst the Heirs at Law and also to make Division of the personal Estate amongst the
Children of this decendent also and that they in each case make report to next Court.-
-----
No. 2 Churchwill Anderson vs. Thomas Brickell} Case- Jury chagd. F. Duval[or Duriel]
Abraham Perry, James Colins, Edmund House, Cyrus Harris, Jno Stone, Josiah Bridges,
John Ingram, John Carson, John Terry, Lewis Webb, John Pippin and Gidion Meacon- who
find the Defdt. did aSsume and that is
[end of page]

Minutes of September Court 1797
-----
No. 23 Thomas Mitchell vs. Robert Bell} Case Jury chargd to wit Wright Stallions,
JeSse Webb, Thomas Cheves, Thomas Haswell, William Cook, JeSse Gordan, Charles Wynne,
Jere Perry, Micajah Davis, Abram McLemore, James Terrell, James Strother, who find the
Defendant did aSsume and aSseSs the pltff damages to L 31.14.3 and Cost appeal prayd per
Defendants Attorney.
-----
A Deed from MoSes Park to Seth Mabry was provd by the oath of John Stone and on M.O.R.
-----
Orderd that Drewry Gilliam Marcus Gilliam William Leonard Parker Murphey Arthur Murphy
John Leonard, Richard Hill, Richard Hill (great[?]) William White Josiah Thomas, James
Collins, Henry Collins, Shea. BaSs, Charles Gant, Josiah White[?], Francis Wills, John
Robbins, Lewis Webb, Benjamin Conner[?] Warren BaSs James Vinson David Vinson, James
Collins, Senr. and Stephen Gupton be appointeda Jury to Think[?] and Lay off if they think
neceSsary a Road from the County line near Great Shocco Creek to Nash County line near
Portis's and report to next Court.
[end of page]

Minutes of March Court 1800
Jeremiah Perry Samuel Jones Phimus Sherris[?] commissioners appointed to set apart the
undivided perishable part of the Estate of David Jeffreys Decd. no specially will'd
made their Report in Open Court & on M.O.R.

A Petition from John Pinion[?] Jr Rebecca his wife praying that her Dower in the Lands
of her former Husband James Murfree died seized & PoSseSs'd of may be allotted to her
agreeable to Law & that Guardians be appointed for the Children of the said Rebecca by
Her first Husband & Whereupon it is ordered that the prayer of the petitioner be
granted & that the Sheriff summon a Lawfull Jury for that purpose & make Report to
next court- it is further condidered by the Court that John T. Foster be appointed
Guardian (to the children of Said James Murfree the former husband of the said Rebecca)
as far as their Interest is consurn'd in said petition, who undertakes his the same

A Deed of Gift from Richard Swanson & Charles Gant to Patsey Pearey was provd'd by the
Oath of Richard Hill in open Court & on M.O.R.

A delinquishment from Joseph Nash[?] to John Williams was proved in Open Court by the
Oath of John Brason[?] & M.O.R.

State vs Abram Moses} Jury charg'd viz. Charles Wynn, Benjamin Morgan, Moses Upchurch,
Benjn. Perry, Benjn. Upchurch, Chris Foster, John Watkins, Moses Winston, Rich. Hill,
Stephen Pearon[?], Thos. Hill, & Lewis Dabb[?], who find [??]
[end of page]

Minutes of December Court 1800
---------
A Deed from Marcus Gilliam to Frederick Lenord was acknowledged in open Court & M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Cornelius Taylor to John Hubbard was acknowledged in open Court. & M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Henry Hunt to Benjamin Hunt was acknowledged in open Court. & M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Parker Murfree to William Collins was acknowledged in open Court & M.O.R.
-----
Roger Jones came into open Court & Qualified as an Executor to the last Will & Testament
of Moses Parks Decd.
-----
An account of sales of the Estate of John Ferrill Decd. was returnd in open Court & M.O.R.
-----
Ordered that John Chevers list of Taxable property be added to the list of Taxables for
the year 1800 consisting of 899 acres Land & Three Black polez- Entered on Thomas
Laniers List.
-----
Lucrecy Cook widow of Charles Cook came into open Court & relinquished her right of
administration upon her Decd Husbands Estate to her son Nathan Cook to whom
administration was granted accordingly who entered into Bond with Green Williamson
& John Dixon in the sum of Two Thousand pounds as his securities.
-----
A Deed from Theoph. BaSs to Cullin Jones was proved in open Court by the Oath of Cyrus
HarriSs. & M.O.R.
-----
Ordered that Daniel Jones Esqr. Green Williamson, Joh CaSson, & Isaac Houze be appointed
CommiSsioners to
[end of page]

5.
Minutes of December Court 1800
Orderd that the administration of Elizabeth Blanchard sell so much of the perrishable
part of the said Decd.s Estate as will be sufficient to discharge the Debts of said Decd.
-----
A Bill of sale from William Hobbs to Willie Alford was proved by the oath of John Pippin
& on M.O.R.
-----
State vs. JeSse Nealy[?] & Joel Parrish} Recog L20 to appear at next Court to give
Evidence on behalf the State vs. an overseer of the Route J.C.
-----
A Deed from Isaac Costent[?] to Parker Murfrey was provd by the oath of Elisha Collins
& on M.O.R.
-----
A Deed from Turner Bobbitt to John Bowers was proved by the oath of Joseph Gill & on M.O.R.
-----
The the Court adjourned until tomorrow 9 OClock.
-----
Thursday, Court met according to adjournment; present, William Lancaster, Samuel Jones, &
Jeremiah Perry Esqrs.
-----
A Report of the commiSsioners or dividing the Lands of the heirs of William Hill Decd.
was returned in open court & on M.O.R.
[end of page]

8.
Minutes of December Court 1800
Isaac Alford, Enos Perry, William Ferrell, Wright Taylor, Henry Poarch, & Robert Melton.
-----
William Bridges renewed his Bond as a Constable for one year.
-----
Ordered the following persons be appointed Jurors for March Court next viz.}
Timothy [Triars?], Jeremiah Perry (Ridge), Nathan McMullins, William Ransom, Jno. Perry
(Shickel), Joel Terrell, William Fawn, John Hayes, Richard Jones, Jno. Carson, Allow Jones,
Jno. Peace, Jubil Upchurch, Benja. Upchurch, Young Goodwin, Jacob BaSs, Benja. Perry, Benja.
Bell, Benja. Tharp, Turner Bobbitt, Jno. Bobbitt, Moses Winston, Jno. House, Jno. Nicholson,
Benja. Morgan, Jno. Perry (Speckle), Absolum Rush, James Baker, James Murphrey, Cyrus HarriSs,
James Bird, Michael Ely, William Andrews Senr. John Mitchel, William Mitchel, Benjamin
Mayfield, George Tunstall, Henry Arrington,
[end of page]

Minutes of December Court 1800
-----
William Bowden, Charles Coppage, James Brown. Then the Court adjourned till Court in
Course. Thos. Sherrod J. Perry J. Devaney} Esqrs.
-----
Minutes of March Court 1801.
-----
At a Court of Pleas & Quater[sic] SeSsions opened and held for the County of Franklin at the
Courthouse inm Louisburg ont he second Monday in March (it being the 9th day) 1801.
Present, Wm. Lancaster, Samuel Jones, & John Foster Esquires.
-----
The Grand inquest for the Body of the County were impanneled & sworn as follows viz,
Benjamin Mongo[?] foreman, John CaSson, Jeremiah Perry (Ridge), James Baker, Benja. Perry,
Allen Jones, Young Goodwin, Benja. P. Tharp, Joseph Smith, Cyrus HarriSs, Jno. Perry (thicket),
William Andrews, Michael Ely, John Perry (speckle), Nathan McMullins
[end of record, end of excerpt]