The Willis Family in Caswell County, North Carolina

The Willis family came to Caswell County in the Mid-1700s from Goochland County Virginia. The patriarch of the Caswell County Willis family  was Henry Willis Sr. and his wife Mary Watkins a descendant of the Farrar family of Colonial Virginia and England. Mary Watkins was a daughter of Joseph Watkins and Mary Farrar. The following is some interesting information on the Farrar Family.

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From The Farrars, by William B. and Ethel Farrar,

In 1618 Nicholas Ferrar sent out his son, William, to Virginia, on the Neptune.

An old account relates that Lord Delaware, who had been prevented by continued illness from returning to Virginia, made preparations to go as soon as possible. In April 1618, having "builded a faire ship, the Neptune, for that purpose, he sailed in it with a hundred and sixty emigrants, men and women. He also chartered, to follow him, the Treasurer, in which the then Governor, as Capt. Argall, had many interesting adventures. Contrary winds blew the Neptune about mercilessly and in addition to seasickness its passengers were afflicted with dysentery. During the long, dreadful voyage Lord Delaware and thirty of his emigrants died, and most of the survivors arrived at Jamestown ill."

In those days the first son inherited the title and the estate. Few people took notice of younger sons, especially when the elder ones showed such promise. It was the custom for younger sons to be well educated, given their inheritance, then put on their own, free to adventure and seek their fortunes. It is pleasant to note that so many well-known and distinguished families back in England saw their younger sons win their spurs in the Colonies, to add new luster to the family renown. Of such a group who made their home in Virginia and became at once leaders, politically and socially, was "WILLIAM FARRAR, styled Gentleman."

The following passage is from Behold Virginia by George F. Wilson, 1951.

Altogether the Indians in the Massacre of 1622 slaughtered 347 men, women, and children, including six members of the Royal Council. Capt. Samuel Jordan fortified Beggar's Bush, known later as Jordan's Jorney, and he lived there "despight the enemy." Jordan died a year later, and there was a rush for the hand of his beautiful young wife, led by the Revered Greville Pooley. Jordan had been in his grave only a day when Pooley sent Captain Isaac Madison to plead his suit. Cecily replied that she would as soon take Pooley as any other but, as she was pregnant, she would not engage herself, she said, "until she was delivered."

But the amorous Reverend could not wait, and came a few days later with Madison, telling her "he should contract himself to her," and spake these words, "I, Greville Pooley, take thee, Sysley, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold till death do us part and hereto I plight thee my troth." Then, holding her by the hand, he spake these words, "I, Sysley, take thee, Greville, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold till death do us part."

Cecily said nothing, but they drank to each other and kissed. Then, evincing some delicacy about her condition and the situation she found herself in, she asked that it might not be revealed that she did so soon bestow her love after her husband's death.

Pooley promised, but was soon boasting of his conquest, very foolishly, for "Sysley" now engaged herself to William Farrar, one of the Deputy Treasurer's younger brothers, and member of the Council.

Enraged, Pooley brought suit for breach of promise. The case was too much for the authorities at Jamestown, who referred it to London.

The jilted Pooley soon found solace in a bride, it appears, but met a tragic death in 1629, when Indians attacked his house, and slew him, his wife and all his family.

The following passage is from Tidewater Virginia by Paul Wilstach, 1929.

Going up the James River you pass Harrison's Landing, Berkeley, the Forest - - - The next projection of land round which the river bends is Jordan's Point, where once lived the too fascinating widow, Cecily Jordan, whose history recalls another instance of the striking difficulty James River men had in holding their sweethearts to their promises. This headstrong lady provided the unique instance of a woman being sued by a man for breach of promise. When her husband died he left her so comfortably provided with worldly goods that hereby, in addition to her other charms, she became quite irresistible to Captain William Farrar, kinsman to the Deputy Treasurer of the colony, and also the Reverend Greville Pooley, minister of the Parish; and apparently they were quite irresistible to her, for she engaged herself to both! The parson sued.

Though he lost his case and had to sign a formal release to the Widow Cecily binding himself in the sum of 500 pounds never to have any claim, right or title to her, the Governor and Council of the Colony were so stirred by the extraordinary incident that they issued a solemn proclamation against a woman engaging herself to more than one man at a time. And there is not in Virginia any known record that his edict has ever been revoked.

The following passage is from The Farrars, by William B. and Ethel Farrar.

The career of the fascinating Cecily as a heart breaker caused the General Assembly to pass a law for the protection of Virginia bachelors, and gave her a place in history.

When the Parson sued, June 14, 1623, Captain William Farrar, trained for the law in England and how the attorney who administered her husband's estate, successfully defended Mrs. Jordan in what was the first breach of promise suit in America, winning not only the suit but his client in matrimony.

The Governor and Council could not bring themselves to decide the question and continued it until November 27, then referred the case to the Council for Virginia in London, "desiring the resolution of the civil lawyers thereon and a speedy return thereof." But they declined to make a decision and returned it, saying they "knew not how to decide so nice a difference."

After the Reverend Pooley signed the release, Cecily "contracted herself before the Governor and Council to Captain William Farrar."

From Carter's Life of Nicholas Ferrar (Jr.), 1892:

Nicholas Ferrar, the elder, was a fair type of the great merchants of London, well-born, loyal (he "was written Esquire by Queen Elizabeth" in return for liberal assistance), hot-tempered, generous hearted, a man of wide sympathies, gathering many of the notable men of the day round the hospitable table of his fine house in the city; a zealous churchman, repairing and seating at his own expense his parish church of St. Sythes, and providing a morning preacher for the same. Mr. Ferrar's portrait, by Janssen, is to be seen at Cambridge in the Master's Lodge at Magdalen College, a fine open face with uprightness and honesty in every line. His wife, Mary Woodenoth, of the ancient family of Woodenoths of Shavington, was a remarkable woman, gifted with the same power of impressing her personality on those round her which was one of the marked characteristics of her son, Nicholas. Her portrait hangs beside her husband's. The firm, delicate lines of finely cut features, the exquisitely fair complexion, the noble and serious countenance suit well with the description which is given of her in the memoir of her son.

The following is information on Henry Willis?s wife Mary Watkins immigrant Watkins ancestors.

NOTES from Henry Watkins of Henrico County, by Jane Allen, 1985:

That Henry Watkins was the son of Henry, b. 1585 in Wales, remains to be proved. However, in 1634/35 there was a deed in which John Cawsey of Charles City County conveyed to Walter Aston acreage in Charles City near Shirly Hundred "bordering south upon a Creeke called Henry Watkins, his Creeke." A Henry Watkins, therefore, lived not more than a few miles from the home in 1679 of Henry, b: 1637/8.

This early presence in Virginia of Henry I is further supported by "The Complete Book of Emigrants 1607-1660" by Peter Wilson Coldham. On page 46, the text indicated that on 28 February 1624, a Henry Watkins signed a report from the Governor and Council of Virginia at James City to the king rebutting the accusations against the plantations made by Captain Nathaniel Butler, Six thousand, not ten thousand, persons have been transported to Virginia who, for the most part, were wasted by the cruelty of Sir Thomas Smyth's government.

Henry Watkins of Henrico Co., Va, presumably the immigrant ancestor was b. in 1638. He was a Quaker and member of the Society of Friends, a fact that caused him at times to clash with the ruling authorities in Virginia. Henry Watkins was a small but hard-working farmer. In 1660 the Virginia Assembly had passed a strict law against Quakers. They were described as "...an unreasonable and turbulent sort of people, who daily gather together unlawful assemblies of people, teaching lies, miracles, false visions, prophecies, and doctrines tending to disturb the peace, disorganize Society and destroy all laws, and government, and religion."

In the list of heads of families in Henrico County, 1679, he is listed as head of family with three tithables and shown as living in the vicinity of Turkey Island. In 1679 he received a patent for 170 acres of land on the north side of James River in Henrico County, adjoining land of John Lewis, Mr. Cocke, and Mr. Beauchamp, and touching the 'three runs' of Turkey Island Creek (patent book 7, p. 17).

In June, 1684, the Courts of Henrico refused his petition for a remission of fines imposed upon him "he not appearing himself to supplicate this Court but (as ye Court Conceives) continuing still in his Quakerism."

In July 1690 he purchased of Lyonel Morris 360 acres of land in Varina parish, Henrico County, on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, and in October of the same year he patented 60 acres of land "adjoining his own land and touching a run on Turkey Island Creek."

He was the father of at least seven children and in 1692 deeded his land in Henrico to his five sons. To William, Joseph, and Edward he deeded each 120 acres of land on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, to Henry the "track of land on which his father then lived", acreage not given, and to Thomas 200 acres on the 'three runs'.

In 1699 he subscribed 500 pounds of tobacco towards building the Friends meetinghouse at Curls. In 1703 he paid 50 pounds of tobacco towards finishing the building.

1704 Quit Rents of Virginia list Henry Sr. with 100 acres in Henrico County.

In "Beginnings of the Families of Henrico", William Clayton Torrence writes "One of the most interesting families in Virginia from the point of view of economic, social, and political development is the distinguished family of which Henry Watkins is the immigrant ancestor."

The following information concerns my Willis ancestors in America and the speculation about the parents of Henry Willis Sr.?s parents were and the time frame when he possibly removed to Caswell County as he sold his property in Virginia in 1762.

The following submitted by GaryH117@aol.com

In the mid 1720s, William and Robert Willis appear in Goochland Co., VA in the Tuckahoe Creek area. This county was formed in 1727 from Henrico where they had previously resided. Brothers?, Father/Son? Lack of necessary records make it difficult to sort the out the family. It does appear they had connections with other families who had lived or were living in King William, New Kent and Hanover Counties, VA. In that area, Francis appears by 1681 and later an Edward. By 1705 are found William and Stephen and eventually Robert. But the riddle of their genealogy has not been resolved. Some seem to have been artisans engaged in carpentry, shoemaking, coopering and the like. Our progenitor, Henry Willis, first appears in Goochland County records in 1748. How long he had been a resident or if he had been born there is unknown. Whether he had just moved there or had just become a tithable is uncertain. If the latter was the case, he would have been born 1731/32. Not much is known of William except that he was a resident in 1731 and 1740 and had a son, William, Jr. One of them was an overseer on the plantation of William Mayo. More is known of Robert, (son of Robert(?)), who married Mary Price and later Agnes, whose surname is unknown. He died about 1749. His children were: Robert Willis married Hellender Nailine; Zene Willis married A. Hix; Anne Price Willis; Betty Willis married Henry Hicks(?); William Willis; Price Willlis; Williamson Willis. There may have been others. He was a carpenter. David Willis appears in Goochland records in 1743; he died ca 1749. He had sons Edward and William and possibly a daughter, Jemima who married John Woodall. He worked as a shoemaker. He is believed to have been a kinsman of Edward (ca 1660-1735) of Hanover County. Other Willises appear briefly in the records before moving on to other parts. They were Richard, Thomas, Edward, Major. So the ancestry of Henry Willis is questionable. Was it William? Was it Robert? David does not seem likely. In 1762, when Henry sold his land on Tuckahoe Creek, Edward Willis (probably son of David) witnessed. When he arrived in Orange Co., NC, some children of Robert, residere there but they didn't stay long, moving on to SC and GA.

Last Will of Henry Willis Jr.

Caswell County, North Carolina

Deed Book Page 405 1821

In the name of God Amen, I Henry Willis of the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of Sound mind do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following (Viz)

First it is my wish that my debts should be paid out of the money I have on hand. The rest of the money on hand I wish to be laid out in purchasing Two horses for the use of the plantation.

I wish my daughters Betsy Smith, Polly Heritage and Joice Chandler to have Two hundred & fifty dollars in cash within twelve months after my decease.

I wish the plantation on which I live to be kept up by my Two Sons Henry Willis Jr. and Anderson Willis, Who are to have charge of my Negroes, horses and stock during my Wife?s lifetime or Widowhood for her Support and children now living with her, after her death or marriage I wish an equal division to take place of my property between all my Children. That portion of my estate which I I give to my daughter Polly Heritage I wish to be placed in the hands of Mr. Francis Smith or some careful person for the benefit of her and her children.

My small tract of Land over the Creek I wish to be Sold and such other property as my Executors shall think best to enable them to make out my Daughter?s legacy above mentioned.

I appoint my Sons Nicholas Willis, Henry Willis and Anderson Willis my Executors to this my Last Will. Witness Whereof I do Set my hand and Seal this 31st October 1820.


His
Henry x Willis
Mark

Witnesses

Jno. L . Graves
William Russell (Jurat)
Ro. P. Buchanan (Jurat)

State of North Carolina

Caswell County January Court 1821

The Execution of the foregoing Will of Henry Willis deceased was duly proven I Open Court by the Oaths of William Russell and Robert P. Buchanan Two of the Subscribing Witnesses thereto and on motion ordered to be recorded. At the Same time Nicholas Willis, Henry Willis Jr. and Anderson Willis the Executors therein mentioned, Came into Court and duly qualified to Execute the Same and letters Testamentory issued according by.

Test.

Alex Murphey Cl.

Transcribed By: Latham Mark Phelps -- 2004

The following is some information on the family of Mary Polly Haddock?s family (wife) of Henry Willis Jr. Andrew Haddock Sr. came to Caswell from Pitt County, N.C. This information was found on The Haddock Family website.

Haddock Family

1 John Haddock, Sr. b: Abt. 1721 in Saint Mary's County, Maryland d: May 18, 1809 in Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina Burial: Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina [no stone] +Liscomb Taylor b: 1721 in Norfolk Co., VA m: Abt. 1741 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bet. May - December 1802 in Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina Burial: Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina [no stone]

Children of John Haddock Sr. and Liscomb Taylor:

2 Andrew Haddock, Sr. b: 1742 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Elizabeth Hicks b: 1747 in Goochland Co., Virginia m: Abt. 1761 in North Carolina d: May 05, 1808 in Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 John Haddock, Jr. b: 1744 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: 1822 in Jones County, Georgia +Rhoda Taylor b: 1741 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: May 04, 1766 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bet. 1811 - 1820 in Jones County, Georgia.

2 William Haddock b: Bet. 1745 - 1746 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: September 11, 1821 in Pitt Co., North Carolina [Will Date] +Martha Jane Taylor aka: Patsy b: Abt. 1754 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1774 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Abt. 1824 in Pitt Co., North Carolina

2 Zachariah Haddock b: 1751 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bef. 1827 in Kings Ferry, Nassau Co., Florida +Amey Hardee b: Abt. 1756 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1776 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1801 in Kings Ferry, Nassau Co., Florida

2 Admiral Haddock b: 1753 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Colleton County, South Carolina +Sarah b: Abt. 1760 in North Carolina m: 1773 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Colleton County, South Carolina

2 Charles Haddock, Sr. b: 1755 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: September 12, 1820 in Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia [Will Date] Burial: Old Cemetery, Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia +Anna Walraven b: Abt. 1761 m: Abt. 1781 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: in Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia Burial: Old Cemetery, Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia

2 Richard W. Haddock aka: Hadock b: 1757 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Pitt Co., North Carolina +Nancy b: Abt. 1757 m: Abt. 1777 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1824 in Pitt Co., North Carolina

2 Peter Haddock b: 1764 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: September 04, 1820 in Jefferson County, Mississippi + b: Abt. 1764 m: Abt. 1784 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1820

2 Liscomb Haddock b: Abt. 1767 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: December 26, 1845 in Wayne Co., GA +Archibald Campbell b: 1765 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1785 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: 1830 in Wayne Co., GA Go to South
Carolina

Liscomb (Taylor) Haddock's parents were Liscomb (Jones) and William Taylor, Sr. and they lived in the Piney Woods of Pitt Co., NC. Her brother was William Taylor Jr. and he was married to Diana Deale. Their daughter married Liscomb (Taylor) and John Haddock's son. [first cousins married - Rhoda Taylor and John Haddock, Jr.]

Liscomb Taylor Haddock's, father's, obituary is most interesting, so it has been included here as part of the Haddock family research project. It reads: William Taylor, Sr., dies in 1794 in Pitt County at the Age of 114: Lately, in the Piney Woods of Pitt County, where he had resided for 40 years past with his youngest son, who is in the 63rd year of his age, Mr. William Taylor, aged 114 years. He was born either in Virginia or this state - enjoyed for many years past a perfect state of health, and on the morning of his death had set off to walk two miles to get a pair of shoes, but was seized with a fit shortly after he left home which carried him off." [Ref: Reprinted in The Connector, Newsletter of the Tar River Connections Genealogical Society, Vol. 2, No. 4 (Fall Issue of 1998), p. 18: "Halifax, dated Nov. 3, 1794].

Given below is one of the earliest deeds for John Haddock- taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003, by Donna Haddock Cooper.

In 1757, a deed was located in North Carolina in Beaufort Co., NC, and, in abstract, it reads:

Know Ye that I John Wain of Craven County for the contraction of eight pounds to me in hand paid before the delivery of these sworn by John Hadock, [sic] the rest. I hereby acknowledge have and do by these presents freely and absolutely bargain Sell convey and confirm unto the said Hadock [sic] his heirs and assigns a parcel of land containing one hundred acres, being part of 300 acres as by patent dated July 10th, 1752 beginning at Edens branch and with the branch to the back line and with the back line to Galling branch and down the branch to Swift Creek and with the creek to the beginning. To have and hold the said land and all woods waters timber trees and all other the appurtenance thereto belonging to I John Wain for myself my heirs Exors and admis. as covenant to agree to and with the said John Hadock his heirs and assigns viz... That is that be lawful for the said John Hadock [sic] his heirs and assigns at all times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premises free and clear of all times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premises free and clear of all encumbrances lastly. I the said John Wain and my heirs at all times hereafter at the cost of the said John Hadock [sic] his heirs assigns shall do and execute other conveyances unto the said John Hadock his heirs and assigns as by his or kin council in the law Shall be reasonably required. With my hand and Seal this day in the year 1757.

John Wain [mark] Sealed and delivered in presence of George Sugg, John Price [mark] Beaufort County, December Court 1757. Present his Majestic Justices, This certifies that the within and was exhibited into Court and proved by the Oat of John Price one of the Subscribing Witnesses, ordered to be registered. Test: Walley Chancey C. Ct. [Ref: Judy Haddock Swan, Microfilm] [Ref: Beaufort Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 351]

Descendants of Andrew Haddock, Sr.

b: 1742 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Elizabeth Hicks b: 1747 in Goochland Co., Virginia m: Abt. 1761 in North Carolina d: May 05, 1808 in Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 David Haddock b: 1762 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Bef. 1850 in Tennessee +Sally Roberts b: Abt. 1785 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: May 13, 1802 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1860 in Carroll County, Tennessee

2 Mary Haddock aka: Polly b: 1763 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: October 09, 1847 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Henry Willis, Jr. aka: Rev. b: 1762 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: May 21, 1783 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: November 01, 1820 in Caswell Co., North Carolina [Will Date]

2 James Haddock, Sr. b: Bet. 1764 - 1765 in North Carolina d: Aft. 1810 in Union District, South Carolina +Elizabeth Lyles aka: Betsy b: Abt. 1765 in Maryland m: Abt. 1785 d: in Union District, South Carolina [Go to TN]

2 Nancy Haddock b: 1766 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: 1854 in Knox Co., Tennessee Burial: New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Knox Co., TN +Luke Stansbury, Sr. b: March 06, 1758 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland m: February 01, 1791 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: October 13, 1848 in Knox Co., Tennessee Burial: New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Kimberlin Heights, Knox Co., TN

2 Andrew Haddock, Jr. b: Abt. 1770 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee +Peggy Green b: Abt. 1786 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: June 21, 1806 in Caswell Co., NC *2nd Wife of Andrew Haddock, Jr.:
+Sarah J. b: Abt. 1778 in North Carolina m: Bef. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee d: Aft. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee

2 Richard Haddock b: 1771 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: April 19, 1818 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Providence Wright b: Abt. 1776 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: July 29, 1796 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Abt. 1832 in
Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 Elizabeth Haddock b: 1787 in Caswell County, North Carolina

Taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: In abstract, in 1771, Andrew Haddock's deed was listed in Tryon Co., NC. That area was later a part of Caswell County, but for a while may have been a part of Lincoln Co., NC. [Ref: Land patent 1771: pages 552 - 553]: Andrew Haddock of Tryon County, to Michael Keller of same county. Property was paid for with 20 pounds of proclamation money ... land on north side of fork Catawba, adjacent Ramsour's property, 150 acres granted to said Haddock on 4th May 1769 ... German signature [seal] Witness: John Dickson, James Dickson, Rec. Jan Term 1772. The Ramsour family was later listed as being in Lincoln County, NC, and lived near what is known today as King's Mountain. They likely never moved - the county lines changed.

Taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: Andrew Haddock was the heir of his wife's father, Henry Hicks and from his service obtained 640 acres. Henry served 84 months and listed A. Haddock as heir to his land. [Ref: Pierce's Register, Volume X, page 254 - No.: 1072]. [Ref: Pierce's Register, Volume X, page 255 - No.: 1075]. To whom granted and rank: Andrew Haddock, Sergeant, 1,000, acres for service in months of 84 months, signed: Cole Self. [Land Warrants] Henry Hicks, North Carolina, a private, whose land was on 28th of May of 1784, deeded was 640 acres to Andrew Haddock. [Ref: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants]

The following Land Deed was Granted to Andrew Haddock (father of Mary Polly Haddock) for his service in the Revolutionary War. He assigned this Grant to Thomas Brooks as Veterans were allowed to do. The Grant was in the County of Davidson, North Carolina which included all land from the eastern border of Davidson County to the West including the future State of Tenneesee.

State of North Carolina To Andrew Haddock 1786

Caswell County, N.C. Deed Book F--Page 250

State of North Carolina No. 94

To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting,

Know ye that Pursuant to an Act of our General Assembly, Entitled an Act for Relief of the Officers and Soldiers in the Continental Line, and for other purposes. And in consideration of the signial bravery and perfevering zeal of Andrew Haddock, Seargent in the said Line, we have given granted and by these presents do give grant unto Thomas Brooks, Assignee of said Andrew Haddock, a trct of land containg four hundred and twenty-nine acres, Lying and being in our County of Davidson. Joining Nathaniel Dickerson on the south side of Cumberland River.

Beginning on two Beeches on the river bank seventy PChains above the first Inland before Red River turning East twelve chains to a Stake, then South eight chains to a Stake, the West forty-three chains to said Nathaniel Dickerson's corner and with said Dickerson's line, in all eighty-four chains to a Sycamore on the river bank at Dickerson's corner thence up the Meanders of the River to the Beginning.

As by the Platt hereunto annexed doth appear together with all Woods, Waters, Mines, Minerals and Heriditaments & Appurtenances, to the said Land belonging or appertaining, to hold and belong to the said Thomas Brooks his Admin. Heirs and Assigns forever.

Yielding and Paying to us such sum of money yearly or otherwise as our General Assembly from time to time may direct. Provided always that the said Thomas Brooks shall cause this Grant to be Enrolled in our Secretary's Office, and Registered in the Register's Office of our County of Davidson, within the time Limited by the Law. Otherwise thesame shall be Void and of none Effect.

In Testimony whereof we have these our Letters to be made Patent and our Great Seal to be hereunto affixed. Witness Richard Caswell Esq. our Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief at Kinston, the fourteenth day of March in the tenth year of our Independence and in the year of our Lord 1786.

R. C. Caswell

By His Excely. Com.

J. C. Glasgow --Secretary

TRANSCRIBED BY: Latham Mark Phelps 2005

The following is an abstract of Mary Polly Haddock Willis' Last Will, wife of Henry Willis Jr.(son of Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins) , her parents were Andrew Haddock and Elizabeth Hicks. Andrew Haddock was an early settler in Caswell County from Pitt County, N.C.

Mary Polly Haddock Willis Caswell Co., NC Record Book 1, p65 9 Feb 1822 recorded April Court 1822

Articles of Agreement Mary Willis, widow of Henry Willis, deceased William, Nicholas, Benjamin, Henry and Anderson Willis, Francis Smith, Wilkens Chandler, William Herritage and wife, Polly. Mary Willis conveys to other legatees also to Kezziah Willis and Nancy Willis all her interest and right to estate of Henry Willis except 1/3 part where she resides. Divsion of estate to be by Barzilla Graves, Azariah Graves, and William Graves. As legatee of Henry Willis, Jonathan Smith agrees to above covenant.

The Wilkins Chandler, above, is married to Joicy Willis.

My Line of Descent from Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins is as follows:

Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins - 7th Great-Grandparents
Henry Willis Jr. and Mary Polly Haddock - 6th Great-Grandparents
Benjamin Willis and Susannah Chandler - 5th Great-Grandparents
Benjamin A. Willis and Lucinda Campbell - 4th Great-Grandparents
Elizabeth (Betty) Willis and Lillington L. Blackwell - 3rd Great-Grandparents
Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell and James Monroe Morton - Great-Grandparents
Hattie Belle Morton and William Perry Lunsford Grandparents
Reba Jean Lunsford and Wilford Latham Phelps Parents
Latham Mark Phelps - Myself

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