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CHATHAM COUNTY COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSION
1774-1779

Extracted and Submitted -
© 2003 - Sue Ashby

Note: Most of these paragraphs being with the phrase "Order'd that" but in the interest of brevity (and quite a bit of saving of my fingers and wrists)  I have left that phrase out. Especially if I see that it does not make a bit of difference in the statement of facts and names.
I have left it in a few  times, at the beginning, so, you can see what I mean,

Pg. 1 - North Carolina

At an inferior Court of the Pleas & Quarter Sessions begun and held for the County of Chatham at the Courthouse in Chatham on the second Tuesday in May to wit the 10th day of the same month in the fourteenth year of his Majisty's Reign, and in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven- hundred and Seventy four  -- . --
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A commission of the Peace for the county of Chatham being porduced and openly read, - Richard Parker, Robert Rutherford and James Sellers, therein nominated were qualified in due form of Law.
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Mr. William Alston came into court and produced a Commission from Samuel Strudwick Esq'r. appointing him Clerk of the Pleas for the county of Chatham bearing date the 4th day of Decem'r 1773. Whereupon the said Willaim Alston was admitted & took the several oaths by Law directed &tc. and took possession of the records of the said County & entered into Bond with Richard Kennon & Mial Scurlock agreeable to the Act of Assembly in the Case mad & provided.
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James Williams Esq'r Came into court & produced a Commission from his Excellency the Governor impowering him to practice as an attorney, whereupon the said James Williams was admitted by this Court as a practition in the same

Pg. 2.
Ordinary Lycence granted to James McCarroll he having give Bond with John Montgomery according to Law.
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Order'd that Jesse Mann be appointed overseer of the road in the room of William Gamblin -
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Order'd that Elisha Cain be appointed overseer of the road in the room of John Pitts. -
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Order'd thatHenry Cook records his mark a Slitt and under nick in the right ear & Slitt and under bitt in the left. -
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Ordere'd thatGray Barbee be appointed overseer of the road from Wake County Line to Orange county line & that the ofloowing hands work on the same Viz, Samuel Parks, Mary Barbee, Presley George, Hanry Beazley & the hands lving at Christopher Barber's place. -
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Order'd that Matthew Davis be appointed overseer of the road in the room of William Copland Sen'r.
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Order'd that John Poe be appointed overseer of the road in the room of George Henry. -
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And additional Inventory of the Estate of William Thompson dec'd return'd on Oath by the administrators and order'd to be recorded. -
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Order'd that John Wilkins be appointed overseer of the road in the room of William Daniel

Pg. 3.
Order'd that the following hands work on the road whereof William Petty Jun'r is overseer from the Courthouse upwards Viz. John Stewart, Robert Mash, James Massey, James Petty, Robert Cullile, James Banks, Thomas Malone, John Still, & Mich'l Beaver
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Order'd that the following hands work on the road that leads from the Court house to the Seven Islands under John Gunter Sen'r Overseer Viz. Mial Scurlock, Agnis Harrington, Drewry Harrington, James Stewart Sen'r, Mary Petty, John Petty, Richard Gunter, John Gunter, Joshua Gunter, Benjamin Bishop, Robert Rutherford & Benj'a Bullington. -
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The Last Will and Testament of James Parham deceas'd proved by Abner Hill & order'd to be recorded thereupont James & John Parham the Exor's were duly qualified. -
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An account of Sales of the Estate of William Thompson dec'd return'd and order'd to be recorded.
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The Last Will and Testament of William Williams dec'd proved by the oath of Thomas Harwell and order'd to be recorded, Whereupon the Executors in the same mentioned were duly qualified. -
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Jedethan Harper, Francis Drake & Abner Hill esq'rs mentioned in the Commission of the peace came into court & were duly qualified.

Pg. 4.
An inventory of the Esate of Simon Poe Junr. deceased returned on oath by Sophia Poe and ordered to be recorded.
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The perishable Estate of Simon Poe Jun'r dec'd be sold by the Sheriff according to Law.
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Ordinary Lycence granted to John Nall he having given Bond with John Montgomery and Balaam Thompson according to Law.
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John Hatley be appointed overseer of the road in the room of Edward Edwards.
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Administration on the Estate of Richard Holden Dec'd granted to Mary Holden she having given Bond with Jesse Mann & Richard Holden Jun'r in  £ 100. Whereupon the adm'r was duly Qualified
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 John Sellers Sen'r be appointed Constable the ensuing year, he having given Edward Edwards and James Bullards Securitys, &tc.
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Jesse Mann be appointed Constable in the room of John Avent, he having given Matthew Drake Security -
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John Thompson records his mark a Swallow fork and under Keel in the right and Swallow fork in the left Ears. -
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Thomas Wood orphan of Brackett Wood be bound to William Dillard, 'till Lawfull age being now fourteen years old to learn the trade of a Carpenter.

Pg. 5
Mary Drake an orphan be bound to Richard Clark untill lawfull age being now fourteen years old to learn the business of housewifery. -
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Evan Thomas a poor aged and inform man be recommended to the Genl. Assembly as a person propert to be except from the payment of any Tax or Levy for the future. -
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Henry Giffard Esq'r having produced in open Court a Commission from the Excellency the Governor impowering him to practise as an attoryney in the Severall Courts in this province together with a Certificate thereon of his qualification at Wilmington Sup'r Court, was admitted as a practitioner in this Court. -
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Roger Griffeth be appointed Constable for the Courthouse District, he having given Rich'd Kennon Esq'r Sec'y. -
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James Poe be appointed Constable he having given Benjamin Watts Sec'y.
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John Naul have leave to turn the road at his own Mill, & that he have the same open'd & claird (cleared) before the old road be stoped up.
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that William Ditto be appointed overseer of the road called Harman's road from Loves Creek to Guilford County Line. -

Pg.  6
George Hendric be appointed Constable the ensuing year he having given John Thompson and John Poe Security. -
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Henry Bagley have leave to Build a water grist Mill across Rockey River on his own land.
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Henry Bray be appointed Constable the ensuing year, he having given Joab Brooks Sec'y.
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The Last Will and Testament of John Morton dec'd, proved by the Oath of Pritteman Berry, thereupon John Gunter Sen'r and Richard Gunter the Exo'rs were duly qualified in due form of Law.
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William Hatley be appointed Constable in the room of Stephen Parker, he having given James Bullard Security.
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A Deed from Jesse George and wife to Richard Drake, acknowledged and feme relinquished before Robert Rutherford Esq'r and order'd to be registered.
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William Piersey to John Nall a Deed Acknowledged
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A Deed from George Hendric and wife to John Nall acknowledged and order'd to be registerd.
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A Deed from Samuel Temples to Henry Cook proved by John Cook, Jun'r.
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A Deed from Charles Medearis & wife to Alburt Sears proved by Charles Abercromby.
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A Deed from John Morton Jun'r and wife to John Morton Sen'r proved by Richard Gunter.

Pg. 7

A Deed from James Rigsby to John Morgan, proved by Enoch Lewis.
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A Deed from John Pilkinton Sen't to Cummings Warwick & Co. Proved by Patrick Ronaldson.
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John Bohannon Sen'r & John Bohannon Jun'r to Thomas Tucker, a Bill of Sale Acknowledged.
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A Deed from Benjamin Clemments to James Bell, proved by James Sellers. -
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A Deed from Richard Jones and wife to Thomas Lindley Jun'r porved by the affirm'a of Aaron Jones
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A Deed from Philip Syler & wife to Adam Moser, proved by Joab Brooks
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A Deed from Richard Jones & wife to Daniel Smith, proved by the affirm'a. of Aaron Jones.
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A Deed from Zachariah Martin and wife to James McCarroll, proved by Joab Brooks.
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James Brucker (Bricker?) to John Hatley Jones a Deed proved by Drury Jones. -
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A Deed from Josiah Coplan & wife to Thom's Tucker, proved by John Bohannon
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A Deed from Samuel Landrom to Joseph John Alston, proved by Jesse George. -
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A Deed from John Landrom to Jos. John Alston, proved by william Alston

Pg. 8

A Deed from William George and wife to John Cotton, Acknowledged and fem relinq'd before Robert Rutherford Esq'r.
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A Deed from Michale Weesner and wife to Thomas Lindley Jun'r proved by the afirm'a of Aaron Jones.
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A Deed of Trust from William Ashford to Richard Kennon & Co. proved by John Auld.
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A Deed of Trust from Zach'a Martin freeborn to Richard Kennon & Co. proved by John Auld.
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A Deed from Joseph Copland and wife to William Clark, Acknowledged and feme relinq'd before James Sellers Esq'r.
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A Deed of Trust from David Griffin to Rich'd Kennon & Co. proved by Elisha Cain.
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Then the Court adjourn'd 'till tomorrow 10 o'clock

Wednesday morning court met according to adjournement
                                    Present:
The Worshipfull -      Richard Parker
                                    Robert Rutherford
                                    James Sellers            }
                                    Francis Drake            }    Esq'rs  Justices
                                    Abner Hill   &
                                    Jeduthan Harper

Pg. 9.

Deed from John Landrum to John Copland proved by Joseph Dark.
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The Court proceeded to the election of Sheriffs and voted as follows, Viz:
(Candidates were: Robt. Rutherford, Rich'd Parker, Elisha Cain, Matt'w Jones, James Sellers & Isaiah Hogan)
The above Justices voted:
Abner Hill    for    Rob. Rutherford, Rich'd Parker & Elisha Cain
Francis Drake  for  Rob. Rutherford, Rich'd Parker & Elisha Cain
Jedethan Harper  for Elisha Cain, Matt'w Jones & Rich'd Kennon
Robert Rutherford for Rich'd Parker, James Sellers & Isaiah Hogan
James Sellers  for Rob. Rutherford, Rich'd Parker & Isaiah Hogan
Richard Parker   for Rob. Rutherford, James Sellers & Isaiah Hogan

The total: Rob. Rutherford = 4; Rich'd Parker = 4; Elisha Cain = 3; Matt'w Jones = 1; Rich'd Kennon =1; James Sellars = 2; Isiah Hogan = 3
Ordered by the Court that a copy of the above poll be transmitted to his Excellency ot Governor for his approbation and appointment of anyone of the above candidates to be commissioned as Sheriff for the County of Chatham the ensuing year. -
Signed  #                James Sellars, Francis Drake, Abnar Hill, Jed'n Harper, Rich'd Parker.
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Josiah Rogers be appointed Constable the ensuing year he having given Jedethan harper Security &tc.
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Matthew Drake to Richard Drake a Deed acknowledged & ordered to be registered.

Pg. 10

The Last Will and Testament of Stephen Poe dec'd proved by the oath of James Poe, Whereupon Hanna Poe, Wm. Howard and Robert Rutherford the Executors were qualified in due form of Law.
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An Inventory of the Estate of William Braxton Dec'd returned on oath by Thomas Braxton, Exor'.
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Richard Straughan appointed Overseer of the road in the room of William Sanders from the Redfield ford to Roberson's Creek.
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Administration in the Estate of Thomas Watts dec'd granted to Benjamin Watts he having given bond with Zach'a Harman & James Poe in £ 500
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Valentine Braswell appointed overseer of the road in the room of Richard Clark, from the Island ford to Haw River to Deep River
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Rhomas Roberson Sen'r appointed Overseer of the raod from the Courthouse to Ann coplands and that the hand contiguous thereto work on the same.
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Doct'r  James McCarroll appointed Overseer of the road from Ann Coplands to his Store, and that the hands contiguous thereto work on the same. -

 Pg. 11.

Deed of Trust from Henry Brewer to William Johnston, proved by Vachael Clark.
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Deed from John Bird and wife to John Minteor, proved by Thomas Brantley.
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Deed from William Hill to Frederick Cobb, proved by John Burt Sen'r.
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Mary Copland be bound to William Petty Sen'r 'till she arrives to the age of 18 years being now 12 years old.
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Daniel Triplett be bound to Patrick moore 'till he arrives to the age of 21 years being now 17 years and nine months old.
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Joshua Hadley to Patrick Moore, a Bill of Sale proved by Solomon Terrell.
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Alexander Clark appointed Overseer of the road from the Courthouse to the great Branch of Dry Creek  in the room of James George & that the hands contiguous thereto and that formerly worked thereon, work ont he same under the said Alex'r Clark, Overseer.
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Samuel Stewart appointed Overseer of the road from the Great Branch of Dry Creek to Orange County line and that the

Pg.  12.
hand contiguous thereto & that formerly worked thereon work on the same.
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A Deed of Gift from William Glascock to John Milton Glascock proved by Geo. Glascock Jun'r.
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John & Joseph McPherson be allowed the sum of thirty pounds procl'd money for services done to the Court house & prison and that the same be apid by the Sheriff out of the publick money in his hand &tc.
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Herculis Henderson be appointed overseer of the road from haw River to the Creek near Ambrose Edwards and that the hands that formerly worked thereon, work under him.
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A Deed from James Brantley to Valentine Braswell, acknowledged and order'd to be registered.
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Then the court adjourne'd 'till tomorrow 2 o'clock in the afternoon

Then mett again-
Present
Jedithan Harper   }  Esquires
Francis Drake
Richard Parker
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Order'd that the following persons be appointed to serve as Jurors at the Court of Oyer & Terminer to be held for the District of Hillsborough on the 10th day of June next. Viz, Matthew Jones, John Thomposn, Joab Brooks, John Montgomery,

Pg. 13

Joseph Brantley, Charles Matthews, Samuel Parks, and Joshua Rosser.

Mess'rs Richard Kennon, Jedethan Harper, Matthew Jones, and John Birdsong be appointed Commissioners to Let the Buildig of a goal for this county according to the Directions of the Court,  filed.
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Mary Triplett be bound to John cook, Jr. untill lawfull age being now five years old.
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Ordere'd that the Severall Majistrates in this county, advertise and take the Lists of Taxables in their respective districts and make return therof to the next court.
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William Dillard be allowed his amount against this County for services done to the goal amounting to two pounds twelve shillings proc. and that the Sheriff pay the same. &tc.
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George Henry be summoned by the Sheriff to the next Court in the suit William Piersey against James Hues to shew cause why he has not disposed of the goods had in his hands as garnishee and rendered the ballance persuant to the order of Court.
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Ordinary Lycence granted to Mial Scurlock he having given Bond with Matt'w Jones & Richard Kennon according to Law.

Pg. 14
Elisha Cain Esq'r came into Court and resigned the office of coronor of and for this County.
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Elisha Cain Esq'r came into Court and porduced a Commission from His Excellency the Governor appointing him Sheriff of the County of Chatham, Wherupon the said Elisha Cain enter'd into Bond with Jedethan harper Mial Scurlock, Richard Kennon, Wm. Lasiter, Zach'a Harmon, Wm. clark and Matthew Jones & was Qualified in due form of Law.
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Then the Court adjourned 'till the Court in Course.
                    James Sellers
                    Fra' Drake
                    Jed'n Harper

Pg. 15.

    CHATHAM COUNTY
At an inferior Court of pleas and quarter Sessions, held for the County aforesaid at the Court house therein on the Second Tuesday in August to wit, the 9th day of the same month in the fourteenth year of his Majisty's Reign and in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy four.
Present
    Jeduthan Harper
    James Sellers
    Francis Drake  }  Esquires Justices
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An invetory of the Estate of Thomas Watts dec'd returned on oath by Benj'a Watts.
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Daniel Murphrey allow'd for five Wof Scalpts.
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William Murphrey allowed for one wild Catt Scalp.
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The Grand Jury, to wit charles Mathews, forem'n, Francis Sypart, Gray Barbee, Gidion Goodwin, Mathew Drake, Bailam Thompson, John Nall, Richard Drake, Samuel Stewart, Wm. Lester, Robert Mash, John Stewart, John Parham,

Pg. 16

 Josiah Lyon, Herculis Henderson and William Bynum, who being qualified returned &tc.
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An inventory of the Estate of Stephen Poe deceased returned on oath and ordered to be recorded.
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Mr. Maththew Jones came into court and produced a commisiion from his Excellency Josiah Marth Esq'r dated 24th July 1774 appointing him Coronor of the County of Chatham, thereupon he was qualified in due form of Law.
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Jacob Wimberly, a poor aged and inform man be recommended to the next General Assembly as a person proper to be exempt from payment of Taxes for the future.
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Richard Cates appointed overseer of the raod in the room of James Powell.
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William Lasiter be appointed overseer of the road in the room of Volentine Braswell.
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Alexander Clark appointed overseer of the raod from the fork opposit to William Pettys to the Horse Pen Lick Spring and that the following hands work on the same Viz.. James George, James Prince, William George, John Page, William Roland, Deberry Chapman, Thomas Watts, James Stewart, John Mullis, William Stewart, Charles Steart and Joseph Hackney.

Pg. 17

Peter Sinclar appointed overseer of the road from the Horsepen Lickspring to Blossingham Branch and the following hands Viz Nimrod Burk, Thomas Stone, Thomas Copland, Thomas Riddle, Jeduthan harper, Joseph Rossen, Edward Douglas, Hugh Daniel, James Harper, Henry Cook, Thomas Cook and Ephraim Cook, be subject to work on the same.
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An inventory of the Estate of Richard Holding, dec'd returned.
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The nuncupative Will of Joseph Barbee, dec'd proved by the Oath of Henry Beazley and Mary Beazley. Gray Barbee and Mary Barbee the Executor. & Executrix. therein appointed were qualified in due form of Law.
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Administration on the Estate of Lamberth  Hamock, deceased granted to James Bullard, he having given Bond with William Griffen & John Booker in £100..
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The following hands Viz. Mial Scurlock, Ambrose Edwards & James Stewart Jun'r be added to and work on the road whereof William Petty jun'r is overseer.
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A Deed from John Thompson, Balam Thompson and Olive Thompson to John Montgomery, acknowledged and feme relinq'd before Jeduthan Harper Esq'r.

Pg. 18.

A Deed from Elnathan David to Daniel Brewer Acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from Gidion Kirksey and wife to John Hatley acknowledged in open Court.
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Christopher Kirksey and wife to Isaac Kirksey a deed acknowledged in open Court.
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A deed from John Ellitt & wife to Isaac Kirksey acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from Robert Patterson & wife to Robert Stedder proved by the Oath of Christo'r Kirksey
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A Deed from Gidion Gilbert & wife to Joseph Gilbert proved by George Hendry.
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A Deed from Isaac Kirksey and wife to Christopher Kirksey, acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from Elisha Cain, Sheriff, to Ralph McNair acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from Gideon Gilbert to John Wilkins proved by the affirmation of Joseph Gilbert.
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A Deed from George Harland to Matthew Jones proved by James Wilkerson.
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A Deed from Thomas Ward to Samuel Ward proved by William Blyth.
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A Deed from Malachi Fike to Michael Looper acknowledged in open Court.

Pg. 19.

A Deed from Ralphn McNair to William Johnston proved by John McClellan.
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A Deed from James Crow to William Johnston proved by John Crow.
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A Deed from Henry Eustace McCullock to John Davis proved by John Marshill.
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A Deed from George Hobston to Isaac Carter, proved by the affirm'a of Edward Bray.
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A Deed from William Henderson and wife to Isaac Carter, proved by the affirmation of Edward Bray.
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A Deed from Moses Embree to William Lindley proved by the affirm'a of William Marshill.
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A Deed from John Davis and wife to John Marshill acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from Thomas Brooks to James Mauldin proved by Christopher Smith.
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A Bill of Sale from Joseph Finney to Samuel Dark, Acknowledged in open Court.
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A Deed from John Rennalls to William Tailor proved by Christo'r Smith.
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A Deed from Samuel Thompson to Joshua Rosser acknowledged in open Court.
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A Bill of Sale from Robert Duncan to Isham Gunter, proved by William Johnston.

Pg. 20.

A Bill of Sale from John Mosley to John Hatley proved by William hatley.
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Then the court adjourn'd 'till tomorrow morning 10 o'clock.

Wednesday morning court met according to adjournment.
Present,
Jeduthan Harper
Francis Drake
James Sellers  }  Exquires
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A Deed from John Pilkinton Sen'r to Ralph McNair acknowledged in open Court and feme relinquished before Jeduthan Harper Esq'r.
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A Deed of Trust from John Still to Richard Kennon proved by John Auld.
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A Bill of Sale from James Rigsby to Cumming Warrick & co.proved by Patrick Ronaldson.
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A Deed from James Rigsby and wife to Cumming Warwick & Co. acknowledged and feme relinqu8shed before Francis Drake Esq.r.
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A Bill of Sale from George Mullis to Cumming Warrick & Co. proved by Patrick Ronaldson.
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A Deed from Thomas West and wife to Charles Stewart acknowledged and feme relinq'd before Jeduthan Harper Esq'r.

Pg. 21

A Deed of Trust from John Pilkinton Sen'r to Ralph Mcnair, acknowledged in open Court.
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A Lease from Ralph McNair to John Pilkinton Sen'r acknowledged in open Court.
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A Bill of Sale from Lewis Griffen to Cumming Warwick & Co. proved by Patrick Ronaldson.