Franklin County Wills

Wills and Estates, Pt. 7

Will & Estate of ARCHIBALD DAVIS-1821
Franklin County, Wills & Inventories 1820-1823
Volume G, Page 59
 

In the name of God Amen, I ARCHIBALD DAVIS of the County of Franklin & State of North Carolina, being in a bad state of health but of sound & disposing mind & memory & calling to recollection the uncertainty of life & the certainty of death, do think proper to make and order this to be my last Will & Testament in manner & form following (to wit),
Item 1. I give, devise, & bequeath unto my son ARCHIBALD H. DAVIS all my lands & plantation situate on the Cypress Creek in the County of Franklin, containing Eleven Hundred & Fifty three acres more or less, als the following Negroes (to wit) OLD FRANK, OLD AGGY, LITTLE FRANK, GLEN, LITTLE AGGY, SANDERS, MINERVA, ANGELINA, JOSEPH, ALFRED, JOBE, & CAREY, together with all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs & sheep, &c plantation tools, house hold & kitchen furniture on said land & plantation to him, his heirs & assigns forever.
Item 2. I give, devise, & bequeath unto my son THOMAS DAVIS the land & plantation whereon I now live containing Eleven Hundred & forty acres more or less, also the WHEELAS tract of land adjoining the same containing two hundred & fifty acres more or less, also the HUNT tract of land adjoining the same containing two hundred & seventy acres, more or less, also fifty acres of land which I purchased of ELIJA WILLIAMS & my one half of the mill & mill seat on Red Bud owned in partnership by DAVID SILLS & myself, together with the following Negroes, to wit, AUSTIN, WINNEY, DAVID, SUSAN, LEAH, MATILDA, ROSE, LITTLE WINNY, ISAAC, SMITH ISAAC & LEWIS. Together with the stock of horses, cattle, hogs & sheep, plantation & farming tools on said land & plantation, to him, his heirs & assigns forever.
Item 3. I give, devise & bequeath unto my son JOHN CALVIN DAVIS, my land & plantation on Sandy Creek at Basses Bridge containing six hundred acres more or less, also my land on Tar River at Simms Bridge containing Three Hundred acres more or less, also my land on the on the Mark Branch & White Oak Swamp, containing Eight Hundred & forty acres, more or less, also my lands on Dun Branch, which I purchased of RICHARD HILL & my land adjoining the HILL land purchased of WYATT BASS. Also the following Negroes (to wit) JOHN, PAT, CESAR, KINCHEN, BETTY, ROBBIN, BACHUS, RUSSELL, EADY, DICK, LITTLE PAT, & CHARLY, together with all the stock of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, plantation & farming tools on my said plantation on Sandy Creek, at Basses Bridge, to him, his heirs & assigns forever.
Item 4. I give & bequeath to my daughter LUCY HENRY DAVIS the following Negroes (to wit) POL, KEZIAH, ABRAHAM, FILL, WASHINGTON, CHARLES, CARY, CLARY, PEGGY, MARIAH, & BECK, to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
It is my will and desire that the Negroes herein given to my son THOMAS & my daughter LUCY H., to be kept together on my mannors plantation, herein devised to my son THOMAS & that the profits arising therefrom be appropriated to the support & maintainance of the family untill my son THOMAS arrives at the age of twenty one years.
Item 5. I give & bequeath unto my daughter NANCY CRUDUP, Five Hundred dollars, in addition to all other advancements, by me heretofore given her, to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 6. I give & bequeath unto my Grand daughter BENJAMIN ANN BRICKELL two Negroes (to wit) MINGO & MARY, on her marrying or arriving to the age of Eighteen years old. But should she die, before she marries or arrieves to the age of Eighteen years old, I do hereby give to my daughter NANCY CRUDUP the said two Negroes, MINGO & MARY, to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 7. I give & bequeath unto my daughter ELIZABETH ALSTON one thousand dollars in addition to all other advancements by me heretofore made to her. It is further my will & desire that she continue to reside in my mantion house until my son THOMAS arrived to the age of twenty one years old.
Item 8. I give & bequeath unto my daughter HARTY WILLIAMS the following Negroes (to wit) MOSES, GEORGE, CHARLES, PATIENCE, GILFORD, VIRGIL, JAMES & MARIAH. Also Five Hundred dollars over & above, all other advancements by me heretofore made to her to her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 9. I give & bequeath unto my daughter MARTHA ALSTON the following Negroes (to wit) EDMUND, HULDA, PINK, RACHAEL, WILLIAM, SQUIRE, McKINLY, & WARREN. Also Seven Hundred & thirty dollars already advanced to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 10. I give & bequeath unto my daughter MARY WILLIAMS the following Negroes (to wit) JACOB, CHERRY, WILEY, RANY, MARINA, MOURNING, BILLEY, CHANEY, RUM and LITTLE JACOB to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 11. I give & bequeath unto my daughter TEMPERANCE THORN the following Negroes (to wit) OLD TOM, SUCKY, & her four youngest children, JOSEPH EPPS, SOLOMON, PITSEY, HARRIOT, JUNY, CHARLOT, RANEY, & SILAS, to her, her heirs & assigns forever.
Item 12. It is my will & desire that my house & kitchen furniture not herein given away be equally divided between my three youngest children, THOMAS, JOHN C. & LUCY H. DAVIS.
Lastly. It is my will & desire that after the moneyed legacies herein named & my just debts are paid that the whole residue of my Estate not herein specially given away together with my bonds, open accounts, &c be sold or divided as my Executors herein after named may think proper that proceeds arising therefrom divided amongst the whole of my children (to wit) NANCY, ELIZABETH, HARTY, ARCHIBALD, MARTHA, MARY, TEMPERANCE, THOMAS, JOHN C., LUCY H. DAVIS Share & share alike.
I do hereby nominate, constitute & appoint my son ARCHIBALD DAVIS my sons in law, JOSIAH CRUDUP, ROBERT WILLIAMS, & EDWARD ALSTON, Executors to this my last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 15th January 1821 & in the presence of
Witness
WM. WILLIAMS
NAT HUNT
WM GANT


ARCH DAVIS

 

Estate of Archibald Davis, 1821

An account of Sales of the residue of the estate of ARCHIBALD DAVIS, dec'd, not specially given away by Will Sold by ARCHIBALD H. DAVIS & EDWARD ALSTON, Exrs. at the home plantation on the 30 October 1821. On a credit of Twelve months.
[slaved named]
1 Girl named ANACA - To WILLIAM THRONE......$1
1 Boy named ALFRED - To ARCH'D DAVIS for THOMAS DAVIS- $1
1 Girl named MARY - To ARCH'D DAVIS for LUCY H. LEWIS -$1
1 Man named BUTE - To ELIZABETH ALSTON - $325.50
1 Man named JEFFERY - To EDWARD ALSTON - 535.00
1 Woman named NAN - To ARCHIBALD H. DAVIS - 225.00
1 Boy named TOM - To JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS - 525.00
1 Woman named FANNY - To ELIZABETH ALSTON - 401.00
1 Boy named GABRIEL - To EDWARD ALSTON - 346.00
1 Girl named TABITHA - To EDWARD ALSTON - 398.00
1 Boy named HENRY - To WILLIAM THORNE - 360.00
1 Boy named NELSON - To ARCH'D H. DAVIS - 150.00

March Court 1821
A. H. DAVIS Exrs
Sworn to in Open Court.
S. PATTERSON, CCt
 

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ARCHIBALD H. DAVIS Estate 1854
Franklin County, North Carolina
Inventory taken June 1855.
93 Slaves as Follows:

CLEM
ROBINSON
POMPEY
ALBERT
OSCAR
HENRY
GEORGE
DICK
JIM
JESSY

DINA
ANGIE
PATSEY
LUZANEY
AMY
CHARITY
LIZZEY
DREW
SANDY
HAVANNA
GILFORD
BOB
LORENZO
LEE
JIM
DANIEL
ABRAM
COLUMBUS
HENRY
FRED
AMANDA
SAM
HARRIET
HENRYETTA
EATON
PEGGY
ISAAC
ALFRED
SILVEY
MELVEY
DAVEY
TOM
OSSIAN
SOLOMON
NED
JOB
HASTY
HAGER
KITTEY
EADY
SIDNEY
RANSOM
DOLLY
FRIDAY
YORK
JUDE
JULIANN
WILLIAM
PLUMMER
SALLY
MARY
TEMPEY
CHERRY
DOLLY
ADIR
MARY
AILSEY
SUSAN
LUCY
MATILDA
FRANCES
JANE
PHIL
NANCY
FERIBE
ELIZA
MADISON
LOGAN
POLLY
MARGARET
COATNEY
TABBY
SILLER
CAROLINE
JENNY
CATHERINE
ZILPHA
LOUISA
COMFORT
GILLEY
 
RACHAEL
GUS
LONDON
 

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Names of the Slaves Belonging to the Estate of A. H. DAVIS:
 

1- ROBERSON
2- DICK
3- TOM
4- LORENZO
5- COLUMBUS
6- HENRY
7- ABRAM
8- JESSIE
9- JIM
10-POMPEY
11-OSCAR
12-GEORGE
13-OSHEON
14-GUILFORD

15-CAROLINE*
16-AMANDA*
17-SAMUEL*
18-HARRIET*

19-COATNEY*
20-MELVILLE*
21-LUCY*
22-PETER*

23-AMY*
24-PLUMMER*
25-WILLIAM*
26-SALLY ANN*
27-CLARA*
28-ALBERT*

29-SUSAN
30-DOLLY
31-HAGAR

32-KITTY*
33-LOGAN*
34-MARGARET*
35-POLLY*
36-JOB*
37-AUSTIN*

 

38-MARY*
39-PATSY*
40-ADELINE*

41-LOUSIANA*
42-DOLLY*
43-FRANCIS*
44-RAINY*
45-BENJAMIN*

46-DINAH*
47-FRIDAY*
48-YORK*
49-JIM*

50-ADA*
51-MISSOURI*

52-CHARITY*
53-JULY ANN*
54-PATSY*
55-ATSY*

56-LOUISA
57-ZILPHY
58-CHERRY
59-TABBY
60-SILVA
61-ALFRED
62-DENNIS
63-EATON
64-NED
65-ALBERT
66-LUCY

 

 

 

 

 

List Rendered by W. K. DAVIS

*Note: these were marked together and appear to have been Family groups*
   
State of North Carolina, Franklin County
Court of Equity
Fall Term 1861

THOMAS W. DAVIS vs N. B. MASSENBURG,
W.H.A. KEARNEY & OTHERS

In obedience to the "Decretal Order" in the above recited cause, we the Commissioners therein named after being sworn proceeded on the 27th day of December 1861 to divide the Slaves, Sixty Six in number, as mentioned in said order, belonging to the estate of the late A. H. DAVIS between THOMAS W. DAVIS and his four infant sisters viz, MARIA A., ELIZABETH H., LUCY M. & REBECCA B. DAVIS as follows.
After assessing the value of each Slave the aggregate value of the whole number being $37,265.00, from which sum we deducted (old) DOLLY, who is a charge on the estate to the amount of $120.00, which leaves the sum of $37,145.00 subject to division, one fifth part of which, or the sum of $7429.00 is due to each share. We placed them in lots as follows:

Lot No.1:

OSCAR
OSSIAN
YORK
ALBERT
CHERRY
AMEY & Child ALBERT
(little) DOLLY
CAROLINE
WILLIAM
SALLY ANN
HARRIET

880.00
950.00
750.00
600.00
900.00
730.00
830.00
590.00
415.00
330.00
400.00
 

Lot No. 2:

 

HENRY
TOM (BOZIAR)
EATON
POMPEY
MARY (JOB) & Child ADELINE
KITTY & Child AUSTIN
SILVIA
MELVINA
POLLY
JOB
LUCY JR.
CLARA JR.

930.00
860.00
700.00
480.00
1040.00
810.00
750.00
580.00
450.00
370.00
310.00
250.00
 

Lot No. 3:

 
LONROZO
COLUMBUS
ABRAM
SAM
COATNEY & Child PETER
LOUIZA
LOUIZANA & Child BENJAMIN
HAGAR
SUSAN
GUILFORD
RANEY
950.00
910.00
605.00
660.00
920.00
900.00
640.00
490.00
560.00
300.00
350.00

 

Lot No. 4:

 
GEORGE
JESS
LOGAN
ALFRED
PATSEY & Child ALSEY
MISSOURI
AMANDA
FRANCES
DINAH & Child JIM
DENNIS
ADA
JIM (KEARNEY)
OLD DOLLY
960.00
680.00
880.00
500.00
1060.00
775.00
690.00
600.00
590.00
350.00
330.00
320.00
120.00 (charge on the Estate)
 

Lot No. 5:

 
DICK
NED
ROBINSON
FRIDAY
CHARITY & Child JULIA ANN
ZILPHIA
LUCY
MARGARET
PLUMMER
TABBY
PATSEY
950.00
900.00
600.00
700.00
920.00
750.00
690.00
640.00
440.00
400.00
350.00
   
The Lot No.5 was drawn by THOMAS W. DAVIS to which the sum of eighty nine dollars is due in money to equalize the division, which makes this lot amount to the sum of seven thousand four hundred and twenty nine dollars which is an equal share.
After the drawing of the lots, it was made known to us by the Executor, who represents the undivided shares of the four girls, that the woman "LUCY" who was drawn in Lot No. 5, by THOMAS W. DAVIS, would be of "Material Service" to the girls, she being the washer, ironer & overlooker of their clothes, and the said THOMAS W. DAVIS being willing to exchange her for the boy "LOGAN" who was in Lot No. 4, we made the exchange and put the boy LOGAN in his lot instead of the woman "LUCY", which causes his lot to be overpaid the of of one hundred and one dollars which sum he is to pay into the hands of the Executor and as he is willing to pay the farther sum of Sixty dollars, over and above the value assessed by us on the boy "LOGAN" for the exchange, we cannot see how it can be otherwise viewed than advantageous to the four undivided shares and we respectfully recommend that it be confirmed by your Honourable Court. After putting the said THOMAS W. DAVIS in possession of the share drawn by him, we left the four undivided slaves in the hands of the Executor to be kept in "common" for the four girls namely MARIA A. ELIZABETH H, LUCY M., and REBECCA B. DAVIS.
Respectfully submitted to the Hon. Court of Equity, Fall Term 1862 under our hands & seals, December 27 1861.

WISTAN PERRY
J. E. LANKFORD
H. HARRIS
CYRUS HARRIS
W. D. WEBB

*******************
THOMAS W. DAVIS
Vs
N. B. MASSENBURG, W.H.A. KEARNEY & OTHERS
Commissioners Report
Division of Slaves
North Carolina, Franklin County

Registered in Book No. 32 & Page 576, June 11, 1863
H. THOMAS, P.R.
 
Account Records - Hiring of Slaves
N.B. MASSENBURG Executor of A.H. DAVIS
January 4, 1862

LORENZO - to WILLIS CROWDER - $89.00
ABRAM - to T. W. DAVIS - 80.00
YORK - to W. CROWDER - 63.00
SAM -to WM. UPCHURCH - 26.00
GEORGE - to A. E. UPCHURCH - 84.00
JESS - to A. McKNIGHT - 112.50
ALFRED - to J. J. DAVIS -15
TOM (BOZIER) - to D.E. LAWRENCE - 85.00
EATON - to A.W. PEARCE JR. - 28.00
HENRY & Wife KITTY & 3 Children: POLLY, JOB, AUSTIN}- to W.K. DAVIS - 75.00
COATNEY & 2 Children, LUCY JR. & PETER -to W.K. DAVIS to keep & Support - $30.00
PATSY & Child ALSEY - to A.C. UPCHURCH - 27.00
MISSOURI - to W.H. STALLINGS - 41.50
AMANDA - to J.W. EARL - 20.50
MARY (JOB) & Child ADELIA - to J.W. JACKSON -31.50
FRANCES - to J.W. EARL - 17.25
JIM (KEARNEY)& Wife DINAH & Child JIM - W.K. DAVIS - 60.00
AMEY & Children: WILLIAM, SALLY ANN, CLARA JR. & ALBERT;OLD DOLLY -to T.W. DAVIS to Keep & support - $90.00
LOUZANA & Children RANEY & BENJAMIN - T.W. DAVIS to keep & support -$10.00
ALBERT, carriage driver for the Girls
CHERRY (YELLOW) to J.B. MANN - 62.00
DOLLY (LITTLE) - to J.W. EARL - 35.00
CAROLINE (OSCAR's Wife) & Child HARRIET - W.K. DAVIS - 60.00

January 3, 1863
HAGAR - to T.W. DAVIS - $27.00
SUSAN - to W.K. DAVIS - 50.00
ADAH - to WM. RICH - 55.00

The following Slaves were chargeable to the Estate as follows, viz:
KITTY & Children, JOB & AUSTIN - W.K. DAVIS - $75.00
COATNEY & children, LUCY JR. & PETER- R.A. SPEED - 100.00
MARY (JOB)& child ADELIA - J.W. JACKSON - 49.00
JIM (KEARNEY) & Wife DINAH & Child JIM - W.K. DAVIS - 50.00
AMEY & Children, WILLIAM, SALLY ANN, CLARA JR., ALBERT JR.; & OLD DOLLY - T.W. DAVIS - 225.00
LOUZANEY & Children, RANEY & BENJAMIN - W.G. COLLINS - 54.00
DENNIS - R.A. SPEED - 16.00


-----------
Slaves to be divided:

COLUMBUS
POMPEY
OSCAR
LORENZO
ABRAM
YORK
SAM
GEORGE
JESS
ALFRED
TOM (BOZIAR)
EATON
HENRY
KITTIE (dead) & children:
JOB
AUSTIN
POLLEY
& another say Infant

MISSOURI
AMANDA
ALBERT
CHERRY
DOLLY & child- not named
CAROLINE
HARRIET
SILVIA
MELVIN
LOUIZA
HARGAR
SUSAN
ADA
DENNIS

COATNEY & Children:
LUCY JR.
PETER
HERBERT

PATSEY & Children:
ATSEY
JIM

MARY (JOB) & Children:
ADELINE
BETTIE

DINAH & Child:
JIM JR.

AMEY & Children:
WILLIAM
SALLY
CLARA
ALBERT JR.
DELIA

LOUZANA & Child:
BENJAMIN

RANEY

--------------------------------

See Will of Archibald H. Davis 1854

 

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Will of TAYLOR HEDGEPETH-1856
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1848-1859
Volume O, Page 328

 
In the name of God amen:
I TAYLOR HEDGPETH of the County of Franklin and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory, do this the twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, make publish and declare, this my last Will and Testament in manner & form following:
That is:
First. I will that my executors hereinafter named pay my just debts, funeral expenses and expenses of carrying the Will into effect, out of the money which may so remaining on hand at my death, and such other money as they may collect from debts or levies owing to me, if there should be sufficiency for that purpose, and if not, to sell such property, not especially devised or willed, as can be best spared or parted with, having the convenience of my wife in consideration, in order to pay the same.
Secondly. I give the use of or lend to my beloved wife, ELIZA HEDGPETH during her natural life the tract of land we now live on, and at the death of my said wife, I give and bequeath the said tract of land, which contains two hundred and sixty two and a half acres, more or less, to my four children JOHN, PAUL, MARY, and MARK to be equally divided amongst them, to them and their heirs forever.
Thirdly. I give the use of or lend to my said wife ELIZA all my property and estate (except the aforesaid land) until my youngest child or the youngest child that may be then living, arrives to the age of twenty one years, provided my said wife does not marry, before the said youngest living child becomes of lawful age. Should she marry before that time, at the time of her marriage, or as soon thereafter as may be, I will all my property except the said land and four Negroes hereafter specifically given to be sold at public sale on a credit of six months and the proceeds of such sale to be equall divided between my four children above named. But should my said wife remain single until my youngest child becomes of age, or should she marry, at the time of her said marriage, I give to my four children four Negroes as follows- that is - I give to my son JOHN HEDGPETH at the time of my youngest child becomes of age, or at the time of his mother marry Negro boy named JIM to him and his heirs forever. I give to my son PAUL HEDGPETH at the time my youngest child becomes of age, or at the time his mother may marry, Negro girl named AGNES and her increase from the time, to him and his heirs forever. I give to my daughter MARY HEDGPETH at the time my youngest child becomes of age or at the time her mother may marry Negro girl named HANNAH and her increase from this time to her and her heirs forever.
I give to my son MARK HEDGPETH at the time he becomes of lawful age, or at the time his mother may marry, Negro boy named SAM, to him and his heirs forever.
I will and desire should my said wife not marry but lives single untill she dies, that all my said property and effects of every description be equally divided between my four children at the time of the death of my said wfe, to which said four children, I then give the whole estate as aforesaid, but should my said wife marry, after my said youngest child becomes of age, then I wish all my property sold and divided amongst my children aforesaid, as soon as may be after her marriage (should she marry) my wish and desire in that should the Negroes above given to each or either of my four children die or become valueless before the time of said child becomes entitled to the profession thereof, I wish such child to be remunerated, that is to have the value thereof out of my said property, before it is divided between the said child and the other children, but I don't such remuneration made to a child loosing a Negro untill such time as my said wife may marry or die. And it may be well to mention that the property which I now have beside and inclusive of the land, the four Negroes specially willed and the debts due me consists of three Negroes, to wit, PEGGY, ABRAM & MARGARET, stock, furniture, crop and such other articles as are usualy owned by persons in my circumstances and I mostly mention this to show what was left besides the special legacies. And lastly, I nominate and appoint my neighbor and friend, CALVIN WILDER, and JAMES R. PERRY, executors to this my last Will and Testament. Witness my hand and seal this day and year above written; "the words" or within" interlined before signing.
Signed, Sealed and acknowledged to be the last Will and Testament of TAYLOR HEDGPETH, by him before us, and in our presence.
TAYLOR HEDGPETH


SAM'L T. WILDER
Y. PATTERSON


Inventory of the Estate of T. HEDGEPETH, dec'd.
Returned to March Court 1857.

The following is a just, true and perfect Inventory of all the real estate, goods & chattels belonging to the Estate of TAYLOR HEDGEPETH and which have come into the hands of CALVIN WILDER as his Executor or in the hands of any other person for him.
About Two hundred & Sixty six acres of land, lying in the County of Franklin adjoining the lands of DAN'L WESTER & others.
List includes Seven Slaves, as follows:
PEGGY
AGNES
JIM
HANNAH
SAM
ABRAM
MARGARET


Account given March 9th, 1857.
CALVIN WILDER executor of T. HEADGPETH dec'd

 

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Will of LETTICE INGRAM -1820
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1820-1823
Volume G, Page 58

 
In the name of God Amen, I LETTICE INGRAM of the county of Franklin & State of North Carolina, being in a low state of health, but of sound mind & memory do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament February the Eighteenth day, One thousand Eight Hundred & Twenty
Item. That is to say, It is my will & desire that HENRY H. INGRAM, my son should have and enjoy all my part of the land that fell to me by the death of my brother BENJ'A PERRY being one hundred & ninety four & a half acres be the same more or less, also it is my desire that he HENRY H. INGRAM should have all my right & interest in the dower of the widow of BENJ'A PERRY dec'd to him & his heirs forever; In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and date above written.

LETTICE INGRAM ("X" her mark)

Test
A. JONES
JAMES W. JOHN

 

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Dower of MARGARET F. JEFFREYS, widow of LEONIDAS A. JEFFREYS-1857
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1857-1860
Volume Q, Page 11

 
State of North Carolina
Franklin County
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
March Term 1857

To the worshipful the Justices of said Court
The Petition of MARGARET F. JEFFREYS widow of DR. LEONIDAS A. JEFFREYS showeth unto your worships that her said husband died intestate in Franklin County during the month of November 1856 leaving him surviving IMOGIN HUNTER JEFFREYS his only child and heir at law. Your petitioner further showeth unto your worships that her said husband at the time of his death was sised [sic] in fee simple of a house and lot in the Town of Franklinton and County aforesaid adjoining the Lot of ROBERT C. MAYNARD and fronting the Raleigh and Gaston Rail Road also of one third part of the storehouse and lot occupied by the firm of Thomas Jeffreys & Co. the said store house being in the Town of Franklinton and immediately on the said RailRoad. The quantity of land in each lot will appear by reference to Deeds your petitioner further showeth unto your worships that she desires to have her dower in the said lands allotted her and to that end she prays your worships to order a writ to be issued to the Sheriff commanding him to summon twelve freeholders unconnected with the parties and disinterested to view the aforesaid tracts of land and to allot and set apart to her one third part thereof for the term of her natural life and to report their proceedings in due form of law. May it please your worships to order a subpoena with a copy of this petition to issue to ALEXANDER McKNIGHT guardian ad litem for the said IMOGIN HUNTER JEFFREYS requiring him to appear at the next term of this Court and show cause if any he can why the prayer of your petitioner shall not be granted and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c
WILLIAM H. GREEN
atto for petitioner

 

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Will of OSBORN JEFFREYS-1793
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1785-1797
Volume A, Page 95

 
In the name of God amen, November the Thirtieth day One thousand seven hundred and ninety three, I OSBORN JEFFREYS of the County of Franklin in the State of North Carolina being in tolerable health and of disposing sense and memory thanks be to God, but calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it to me and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as toutching[sic]such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner all my just debts being first paid.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM JEFFREYS, OLD MINGO & OLD NAN, with all NAN's increase, children and grand children and all their increase, also DEMPS, OLD MOLL's son, now all in his possession but DEMPS, four tracts of land, joining on both sides of Little River part in Wake and part in Franklin County containing about Twenty four Hundred acres with all the other lands on both sides of Little below OSBORN JEFFREYS part on the said River. Also four hundred acres of land part of two tracts of fourteen hundred and forty acres in the whole lying on both sides of Crooked Creek in Franklin County to be laid off across the lower part of said tracts joining the lands of JOSEPH BRIDGES and JOHN GREEN, and also all my stocks of cattle, hogs, and horses, belonging to Little River Plantations now on said WILLIAM JEFFREYS possession to him his heirs and assigns forever freely by them to be enjoyed.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand son ROBERT JEFFREYS his heirs and assigns forever Thirteen hundred acres of land lying southerly of Neuse River on both sides of Mannings Creek in Wake County in two tracts adjoining each other free by him to be possessed and enjoyed at the age of Twenty one years old.
I give and bequeath to my son SIMON JEFFREYS his heirs and assigns for ever 45 Negroes to wit, WILL, BOB, TOBY, GIDEON, JERRY, ABSALOM, OLD ROSE's children, HANNAH and her son, JACK, PEGGY and her children ABRAM, JUDY, LEATHY, GEORGE, WINNEY and her children ISAAC, BEN, BOB, RONOKE, DINAH and her children ESSEX, BARBARY, SAVORY, RACHEL, BOB, JERMENY, CESAR, JUDY, ANDREW, JERUSHA and her children RODA, VENUS, CHANCY, CHARITY, DEMPS, DANIEL, OLD MOLL, OLD ROSE, NELL, BLACK DANIEL, JUDY hiss wife and her children KINCHEN, WILSON, TEMPY, they and all their increase, also OLD JACK and OLD JUDY. I also give an bequeath to my said son SIMON JEFFREYS all my lands on the north side of Ronoake [sic] River in Northampton County above the deep gut that empties into the said River nearly opposite to land the same place on the sd River (the lower part of my lands there afs'd and on the easterly side of the gut being herein after divised unto my son DAVID JEFFREYS the gut being the dividing line) containing in the whole about seventeen hundred acres be the same more or less and bounded by the patents thereof being four in number.
I also give to my son SIMON JEFFREYS his heirs and assigns forever my lot and houses thereon in the Town of Halifax also one hundred and fifty acres of land lying on both sides of Buffalow that I bought of the heirs of JOHN NELSON deceased whereon the grist mill is erected also, Four hundred acres of land lying on both sides of sd Buffalow that I bought of WILLIAM JEFFREYS whereon BENJAMIN MOSELEY lived also Three hundred and fifty acres of land lying on both sides of Buffalow that I bought of ROBERT MOSELEY, whereon the said SIMON JEFFREYS now dwells, also Seven hundred and odd acres of land lying on both sides of said Buffalow joining MAY, PERSONS, WHITES, YARBROUGHS, SELFS and MOODYS former line, all lying in Franklin County and all my stock of cattle hogs, sheep and horses kind on Ronoak and where he lives now in his possession to him, his heirs and assigns forever freely by them to be enjoyed.
Item. I give and bequeath to PEGGY JEFFREYS daughter of SIMON JEFFREYS, one Negro girl named GRACY, daughter of DICE deceased to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son OSBORN JEFFREYS his heirs and assigns forever the lower half part of my lands on both sides of Flat River and including the middle prong of said River in Person County containing in the whole Twelve hundred and fifty acres to be laid off right across my lands on both sides of the said River by a dividing line between him and his brother PAUL, also Fifteen hundred acres of land lying in Franklin County, including the Millstone tract and part of two tracts on Little River near the head thereof to be laid off on the upper part of sd tract to make up the said quantity of Fifteen hundred acres joining the said Millstone tract, to him his heirs and assigns forever with all their profits and improvements freely by them to be possessed and enjoyed. Also I lend to my son OSBORN JEFFREYS the use of Twenty seven Negroes, JACOB, ALCE and her children TEMPY, PENNY, CRAWFORD, DEMPSY, RUTHA, PURITY, LISHA, BECK and her children BURRELL, CLABORN, PATIENCE, PHENY, HENTON[?], JOCY, OLD ROSES children ENOCK, NANCE and her child ELEY, ARON, ADAM, EDIE, and her children CLARY, ABIGALE, sold to SIMON JEFFREYS, DORCHUS and her child, OLD BEN, and at the death of my said son OSBORN JEFFREYS, I give and bequeath Negroes which lent to him during his natural life together with their increase to be equally divided between his children that is to say such as are now in being, and which may hereafter be born and in being at his death to them their heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son DAVID JEFFREYS his male heirs and assigns forever, for want of such the male heirs of SIMON JEFFREYS to be divided amongst Six thousand one hundred and Sixty eight acres of land all joining each other in fifteen tracts or parcels lying and being in the County of Franklin on both sides of Cedar Creek, Davises Creek and Little Creek including the Manor Plantation and part of Rays Creek on the waters of said Creeks, also two hundred acres of land on the north side of Ronoak River in the County of Northampton and is the lower part of all my lands on the said River lying and is bounded on the said River and easterly side the deep great gut and back lnes of my said lands be the same more or less together with all their profits and improvements freely to be possessed and enjoyed. I also give and bequeath to my said son DAVID JEFFREYS fifty one Negroes, to wit, COLEY, SIMON, WYATT, ISAAC, with all his tools, ARTHUR, CHANEY and her children, JONATHAN, SINA, BETTY, RHODA, JACOB, CLONEY and her children HENRY, LITTLE COLEY, ANTHONY, NICHOL, NATHAN, PHERABY, YOUNG ROSE, and her children JERRY, PEGGY, ALLEN, SELAH, ALSTON, HORRIS, CREASY and her children CORNELA, MARY, VIRGIL, HESTER and her children HOLLAND, BECK, BRICKLE, NANCY, KIMBROUGH, DANIEL, HANNAH and her children DAVEY, WARREN, HUMPHRY, ASBERRY, JAMES, OLD DANIEL, and SARAH, ORRIN, GRIFFIN, OLLIF, JORDAN, SARGE, RUTH with all their increase and also all the stocks of cattle hogs and horses in possession all to him, his heirs and assigns forever by them freely to be possessed and enjoyed with the largest still and worm to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter, MARY HUNT her heirs and assigns forever Seven hundred acres of land lying and being in the County of Franklin to be laid off joining DAVID JEFFREYS head line on Davises Creek and part of his east and west line next to Cedar Creek including PATTERSON's clearing and on the easterly side Rays Creek and including the plantation whereon she now lives and up to my head line I do hereby give and bequeath unto NATHANIEL and WILLIAM HUNT sons of JOHN HUNT and MARY his wife, to them their heirs and assigns forever one Thousand and Forty acres of land on the upper part of Two tracts on both sides Crooked Creek in the said County joining the dividing line between WILLIAM JEFFREYS on the lower part of the aforesaid two tracts. I also give annd bequeath to my said daughter MARY HUNT twenty five Negroes, to wit, OLD SAM, EASTER and her children PATTEY, APPY, FERRY, CLOE, LIZE, SALLEY, VAUL[?], ANTHONY, BUNCH, NAN, and her children PHERABY, ALLEN, MOSES, HANNAH, SIMON LODAWAY, TINKER, TOM, LAVINA and her children STEPHEN, JORDAN, MASON, CHARITY, RACHEL with all their increase to her heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my son PAUL JEFFREYS his heirs and assigns forever the upper part and half of all my land on both sides of Flat River and Tapleys Creek in Person County above the dividing line between him and his brother OSBORN, containing about Twelve hundred and fifty acres in five tracts and parts thereof also one hundred and seventy three of land which I bought of JOHN ROBERSON south of Tarr River and wherever DAVID M??? formerly lived in Franklin County four lots in the Town of Lewisburg with all their improvements my land? still and worm, one good feather bed and furniture and Twenty eight Negroes, to wit, JETHRO, DUBLIN, BEN, son of ISAAC, and LITTLE SAM his son, also DINAH and her children JOE, LEWIS, SOLOMON, BEN, SALLEY, JENNEY, NED, JENNEY and her children PHERABY, CHANEY, CLOE, and ARCHER, OLLIF and her children CRAWFORD, NEEDOM and BURRELL and SAM, RATH[?], DINAH, ROSE and BOBB the children of ZILPH, JACK and AGGY with all their increase. I also give to my said son PAUL JEFFREYS all the stock of cattle hogs and horses all belonging to me on the Plantation whereon he now lives and other chattles and which at this time is in his possession with all my goods and chattles and improvements thereinto belonging to him, his heirs and assigns forever by them freely to be possessed and enjoyed.
Item. I lend the use of SALL the daughter of HESTER to my sister ELIZABETH POPE during her natural life and after her decease, I give and bequeath to my Nephew OSBORN POPE the said SALL and her increase to him, his heirs and assigns forever together with her increase freely by them to be possessed and enjoyed.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter MARY BASKERVILL, LISHE, OLD MOLL's, daughter and PIETY her daughter with all their increase to her her heirs and assigns forevever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson JOHN EATON his heirs and assigns forever a Negro boy named TOM BIRD and forty pounds Virginia currency.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter NANCY EATON her heirs and assigns forever forty pounds Virginia currency to raised out of my debts due.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter LEATHY EATON her heirs and assigns forever one Negro girl named SILVY the daughter of DICE dec'd and her increase.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter ELIZABETH EATON, her heirs and assigns forever one Negro girl named MARY, the daughter of OLD ROSE and her increase.
Item. I give and bequeath to my five sons WILLIAM JEFFREYS, SIMON JEFFREYS, OSBORN JEFFREYS, DAVID JEFFREYS and PAUL JEFFREYS ninety three acres of land on Queens Creek in Onslow County in common to them their heirs and assigns forever.
My wish is that all and singular the remainder of my personal and moveable Estate not herein before devised money, goods and chattles of what value or kind soever be divided into seven equal lott, one single lott opposite to Ferrels to be sold also, and I do give bequeath and dispose of the same in manner and form following, that is to say one seventh part or lott to the five children of ELIZABETH EATON deceased and that part or lott to be equally divided between the said five children one seventh or lott to my daughter, MARY HUNT and one seventh part to each of my sons WILLIAM, SIMON, OSBORN, DAVID and PAUL JEFFREYS to them their heirs and assigns forever.
My will and sincear desire is that as the most of the Negroes herein willed away are young that each and all of my said children and legatees do teach and carefully instruct them and their families in the Church catechism and to keep up a constant Christian discipline in their families and houses their reasonable and bounden duties.
And out of the trust and confidence I have of my sons SIMON JEFFREYS and PAUL JEFFREYS and my grandson JOHN EATON, I do appoint them Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do revoke and disallow of any former will or wills by me made and do own this to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal the day and year first above written. Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said OSBORN JEFFREYS as his last Will and Testament in the presence of----

The Twenty one words interlined before assigns ---

OSBORN JEFFREYS {Seal}

OSBORN POPE NICHOLSON
ANSON JEFFREYS
MARK WHITE
NICOLAS WHITE

Franklin County
This Will was returned and legally proved in Open Court by the oaths of OSBORN POPE NICHOLSON and NICOLAS WHITE two of the subscribing Witneses thereunt, on a motion ordered to be recorded.
G. HILL, CC

Test
Returned December Court 1793.
 

(Note: Some words in this will are in the folds at the edges of the pages, making them difficult to read)

 

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Will of CHLOE C. NEAL -1852
Franklin County Original Wills
Will Book N, Page 355

 
In the name of God: Amen. I CHLOE C. NEAL, being of sound mind and disposing memory do make this my last will and testament. In manner and form as follows
I give to my daughter ELIZABETH TEMPERANCE NEAL the following property namely two Negro girls, EASTER and SYNTHA, also my drawing room carpet and chairs & hearth rugs, my silver candlesticks, snuffers & tray, set of tea china, salt spoons, set of castors and my bureau.
It is my desire that my son LEONIDAS W. NEAL shall take my Negro man ABRAM at valuation. I do furthermore give to my sons LEONIDAS W. NEAL and JOHN NEAL my silver spoons, butter knives & my knives and falks [sic] to be divided equally.
It is my wish and desire that all of my bed cloths, table cloths and towels be equally divided with my three children, viz, LEONIDAS W, ELIZABETH T. & JOHN NEAL.
I give to my brother WILLIE PERRY the following property, three Negroes namely JIM (the carpenter) BOB and CALVIN, also my carriage horses.
The ballance of my Estate whether it be real or personal or mixed of whatever kind that I many be legall of or entitled to at the time of my death I wish to be equally divided between my three children aforenamed.
I do furthermore give my Executor ful power to dispose of any property that is necessary fo a division at private sale or publick sale as he may think proper. I do nominate and appoint ALGERNON J. PERRY my executor
CHLOE C. NEAL

Signed in the presence of
WM ARENDELL
RICH'D NOBLE

 

Estate of CHLOE C. NEAL

An accounting of Property reported by A. S. PERRY, June Court 1852:
In addition to the foregoing articles sold the following Slaves have come to the hands of the Executor and have been divided by petition, to wit:
SYM
BOB
GREEN
MINGA
LEWIS
ABRAM
MINOR
CALVIN
JOE
CRESEY
ELIZA
BEN
DUDLY
VIOLET
BETSEY
CYNTHIA
EASTER
JOB
SARAH
ARCH
CAROLINE, SYM's child

 

(This was Chloe Crudup Perry, daughter of Jeremiah Perry, d.1838 and Temperance Boddie, of Cascine Plantation)

 

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Will of WILLIAM PERREY -1861
Franklin County Original Wills
Will Book R, Page 16

 
In the name of God amen
I, WILLIAM PERREY, being of sound mind and disposing abbility do this the twenty sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine makes and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following,
First. I lend to my beloved wife POLLEY PERREY the tract of land whereon I now live during her natureal life containing one hundred acres and at her death I give the same land to my beloved daughter NANCY JONES PERREY forever.
Item. I lend to my said wife three head of horses and thirteen head of cattle, twenty head of hogs during her natureal life and at her death I give the same property to my said Daughter NANCY JONES PERREY forever. in testimoney I hereby acknowledge this my last will and testament in the preassants of us.

WILLIAM PERREY ("X" his mark)

EZRA GILL
ALEY GILL

Proved at March Court 1861

 

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Will of TEMPERANCE (BODDIE) PERRY- 1850
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1848-1853
Volume N, Page 301

 
I, TEMPERANCE PERRY, of the County of Franklin & State of North Carolina, doth this thirtieth day of December, One thousand Eight hundred & forty four, make & declare this my Last Will & Testament in the following manner; as my Estate is small, I shall give only to one of my children. I give & bequeath unto my son WILLIE PERRY the following Negroes (namely) HALL, MINOR, JACOB, HANDY, HAYWOOD, EDMUND, SYLVIA, CELIA, JUDE, BARBARA, HARVY, ELLICK, ISAAC & NANCY & all increase from this time, all my stocks of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, all my crops, of every description, my carriage & harness, all my carts & plantation tools of every sort & description the whole of my household & kitchen furniture, on moneys now on hand or may be due me at my death, be it distinctly understood that I give unto my son WILLIE PERRY the whole of my Estate consisting in what it may of each & every sorts & denominations whatever, that I may have any right title or claim to at the time of my death to him, his heirs or assigns forever & I hereby nominate & appoint my said son WILLIE PERRY Executor to this my Last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal dated as above.

TEMPERANCE PERRY

Witness
RICH'D WARD
A. S. PERRY
BRYANT YOUNG


Proven in June Court 1850
Attest
Y. PATTERSON, CCC

(widow of Col. Jeremiah Perry; Temperance was the daughter of Nathaniel Boddie & Chloe Crudup)

 

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Will of WILIE PERRY-1859
Franklin County Original Wills
Will Book Q, Page 562

 
In the name of God, Amen, I WILIE PERRY of the County of Franklin & State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner as follows, I lend to my mother SALLY PERRY and my sister SILVY PERRY jointly together during their lifetime and to the surviving one during their life, all my land consisting of ninety two acres lying in the county of Franklin and at the death of the last survivor, I will and bequeath the said land to be equally divided between my two nephews WILIE PERRY & JEPTHAH PERRY & their heirs forever and if said land is ever sold in the lifetime of HARROD WIGGINS, or any of his sons or any agent for them, are not to be allowed to bid for said land. I give to my sister SILVY PERRY and her heirs forever my bed and furniture together with all my household furniture. I also give to my sister SILVY PERRY and her heirs forever all my stock of cattle and hogs and one cart and stock of sheep and after my burying and funeral expenses, I give to my sister SILVY PERRY and her heirs all the money that I may have in hand together with all the debts that may be due me at my death. I will HENRY LAMB provided he will stay with my Mother & sister SILVY PERRY until he becomes twenty one years of age my shot gun and sister SILVY is to pay him thirty dollars if he does smart, when he becomes twenty one years old. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 14 of July AD 1858. I appoint my sister SILVY PERRY my sole Executrix to this my last will and testament.

WILIE PERRY ("X" his mark)

Signed and acknowledged by the said WILIE PERRY to be his last will and testament in the presents of us as witness to said will.

JOHN PERRY
JOSEPH J. FREEMAN

September Court 1859
 

 

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Will of LYDDY WILLIAMS -1820
Franklin County Wills & Inventories 1820-1823
Volume G, Page 58

 
In the name of God amen, I LYDDY WILLIAMS of Franklin County, North Carolina, being of sound and perfect mind and memory, for which I desire to addore & praise God, to this Twelveth day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & Twenty one, make & publish this my last Will & Testament in manner following that is to say.
Imprimis,  I give & bequeath twelve hundred dollars to be equally between all the children of my nephew JAMES JAMESON dec'd which money I wish to be raised out of a note I have Bass & Paisley of Raleigh with T. HENDERSON and BENJ'A KING securities.
I give & bequeath to my niece CYNTHIA PAISLEY Two hundred dollars, also one gig & harness & my gigg mare to her & her heirs forever.
Item.  I give & bequeath to my friend WILLIAM LANCASTER SENR. four Negroes, to wit, WILL & JINNY (his wife) SYLVIA & GEORGE (her son), also as much corn & meat as will support them for the ensuing year. I also give to my aforesaid friend, four cows & calves, one sow & pigs, and one horse named Dick to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to my niece JANE LANCASTER two Negroes that is to say JUDAH & ANDREW, also one feather bed & furniture to her & her heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to ANN MARIAH LANCASTER, daughter of WILLIAM LANCASTER JUNR. One Negro girl named HYNEY to her & her heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to JOSEPH J. LANCASTER son of JOHN J. LANCASTER one Negro boy named ARTHUR to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to ARCHIBALD D. LANCASTER, one Negro boy named HARRY. Also one feather bed & furniture, one cow & calf, & one ewe & lamb, to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to SAMULE H. LANCASTER three Negroes, viz, YORK, CHLOE, & GEORGE. Also one feather bed & furniture & six sitting chairs to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath to JOHN J. LANCASTER, one Negro man named BOB, also one note I have against him for Five Hundred dollars.
Item. I give & bequeath to WILLIAM R. D. LANCASTER, three hundred dollars as also the balance of money he owes me for rent of my land on Roanoke.
Item. I give & bequeath to my friend WILLIAM LANCASTER SENR. at my death the balance of money in his hands, if any, as adm'r of my late husband WILLIAM ANDREWS dec'd.
Lastly, I do hereby make and ordain my two friends WILLIAM LANCASTER & JOSHUA PERRY Executors of this my last Will & Testament.
In witness whereof I the said LYDDA WILLIAMS have to this my last Will & Testament set my hand & seal the day & year above written.

LYDDA WILLIAMS ("g" her mark)

N.B. the balance of my Estate be it what nature or kind soever, I wish to be sold & the purchase money divided equally among all the children of my friend WILLIAM LANCASTER SENR.
Signed sealed published & declared by the said LYDDA WILLIAMS the Testatrix as her last Will & Testament. in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing & sealing thereof.

R. WILLIAMS
JOHN FERRELL
WILLIAM STONE
 

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