Warren County Wills

(All Transcribed by Deloris Williams)

Will of LUCY ANN (EVANS) REID- 1893
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 51, Page 430

In the name of God, Amen, I LUCY ANN REID, being bad in health, but of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament. I do give and bequeath to my husband THOS. REID one house and lot in the town of Warrenton, containing one acre, and adjoining the Foundry lot, and lying on the South side of the road leading to the Foundry, to do as he pleases with.

My son WILLIAM NICHOLAS VANNIGHT, being a disobedient son, I leave him nothing whatsoever.
Made and signed this the 31st day of January 1893.
Signed LUCY A. REID ("X" her mark)

Witness
ROBERT FLETCHER
GEORGE W. HARPER
R. H. HARPER


(Lucy Ann Evans, b. abt 1827, was the daughter of Joseph Evans & Susan Thomas, free people of color from Mecklinburg Co.,VA, who had married on Dec. 5, 1822 in Warren Co. Lucy had one son, William, born in 1848 [he was listed as "William Evans" age 11,in the 1860 census with his mother] and she later married on April 7, 1878, to Thomas Reed, son of James Reed & Breny Green of Warren Co.)

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Will of ELIZA HARRIS -1892
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 51, Page 339-340

North Carolina
Warren County
I ELIZA HARRIS, of the aforesaid County and State being of sound mind but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament as follows:
First- My executor, hereinafter named shall give my body a decent burial and pay all funeral expenses together with all of my just debts out of the first moneys which may come into his hands belonging to my estate.
Second- I wish my executor to sell all my personal property and the proceeds to be applied to my debts.
Third- For his kind attention to me and my late husband I give to GUILFORD ALSTON (10) ten acres of land on the west side of my plantation, the lines to be run so as to include the place and improvements on which RALEIGH CAUDLE, now lives and after his death I give the same to his daughter ELIZA and her heirs forever.
Fourth- I give to POLLIE RIGGAN youngest daughter of SARAH RIGGAN four acres of land to be allotted to her on the North end of the land given to GUILFORD ALSTON to her and to heirs forever;
Fifth- I give to WILLIAM R. ALSTON, twenty five acres land on the Northern portion of my plantation the lines to be run so as to include the place and improvements on which he now lives to him and his heirs forever. I wish it distinctly understood that this land is not be be subject to any debt that he may now owe or may hereafter owe.
Sixth- I give to my esteemed friend JOHN W. RIGGAN, the residue of my real estate for the term of ten years from the date of my death and at the expiration of that time I give the same to BENNIE HARDY, son of JOE R. HARDY, to him and his heirs forever should BENNIE die during his minority then and in that case I give the same to his brother TOMMIE;
Seventh- I hereby constitute and appoint JOHN W. RIGGAN my lawful executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament according to law and the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof hereby revoking all others;
In witness whereof I the said ELIZA HARRIS, do hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of January 1892.
Signed sealed and published in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence do subscribe our names as witness thereto
ELIZA HARRIS ("X" her mark)

J. D. RIGGAN
FLORENCE W. JOHNSTON


North Carolina
Warren County

In the Superior Court
Before
WILLIAM A. WHITE, Clk Superior Court
The foregoing paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of ELIZA HARRIS deceased, is exhibited before me JOHN W. RIGGAN, the executor therein named and the due execution thereof by the said ELIZA HARRIS is proved by the oath and examination of J. D. RIGGAN and FLORENCE W. JOHNSTON, the subscribing witness thereto who being duly sworn says that they are subscribing witness to the paper writing shown theim purporting to be the last will and testament of ELIZA HARRIS, that the said ELIZA HARRIS in their presne subscribed her name at the end of said paper weriting shown as aforesaid and which bears date of the 18th day of January 1892. And further that the said ELIZA HARRIS the testatrix aforesaid did at the time of subscribing her name as aforesaid declare the said paper writing so subscribed by her and exhibited, to be her last will and testament and that they did thereupon subscribe their name at the end of said will as attesting witnesses thereto and at the request and in the presence of the said testatrix subscribed, and they further say that at the said time when the said testatrix subscribed her name to the said last will as aforesaid and at the time of their subscribing their names as attesting witnesses thereto as aforesaid the said ELIZA HARRIS was of sound mind and memory, of full age to execute a will, and was not under any restraint to their knowledge, information or belief. It is therefore considered and adjudged that the said paper writing is the last will and testament of the said ELIZA HARRIS an dhte same is ordered to be recorded and filed. JOHN W. RIGGAN, the executor named in said will qualified as such by taking the oath required by law.
This 29th day of January 1892.
WILLIAM A. WHITE, Clerk Supr. Court

North Carolina
Warren County

In the Superior Court
Before WILLIAM A. WHITE, C.S.C.
In the matter of the will of MRS. ELIZA HARRIS

JOHN W. RIGGAN, being duly sworn doth say That ELIZA HARRIS, late of said County, is dead having first made and published her last Will and Testament. And that he is the executor named therein. Further, that the property of the said ELIZA HARRIS consisting of a tract of land in Judkins Township said County and personal property is worth about $950.00 so far as can be ascertained at the date of application, and that GUILFORD ALSTON, POLLIE RIGGAN, WM. R. ALSTON, BENNIE HARDY, TOMMIE HARDY, & Myself are the parties entitled under said will to the said property.
JOHN W. RIGGAN

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 29th day of January 1892.

(This was Eliza Verser, daughter of John & Agnes Verser; she was married to Joseph John Harris on March 26, 1852)
 

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Will of JOHN HAWKINS- 1803
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 12, Page 106-109

In the Name of God amen I JOHN HAWKINS being of perfect mind and memory do this seventeenth day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and three do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner & form following, to wit;
Item- I give and bequeath to my daughter FANNY GREEN the property I have heretofore given her also the sum of five shillings.
Item- I give & bequeath unto my son PHILEMON HAWKINS the property I have heretofore given him also the sum of five shillings.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my daughter ANN H. F. MARSHALL the property I have heretofore given her also one Negro girl named BETTY, daughter of BETTY.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN HAWKINS all the property I have heretofore given him also one Negro fellow named SAMSON.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my daughter P. M. COTTON the property I have heretofore given her also the sum of five shillings.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my grandson GIDEON MACON GREEN the sum of five shillings.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my daughter DELLY MARTIN GREEN all the property I have heretofore given her also the following three Negroes to wit, SUCKEY her child BETTY and AMEY daughter of MOLLY.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my son JOSEPH HAWKINS the property I have heretofore given him, also the tract of land adjoining himself ATKIN McLEMORE and others and one Negro boy named CADWALEDAR son of BETTY.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my wife SALLY HAWKINS two hundred acres of land to be taken of this tract I now live on adjoining GIDEON H. MACON , THOMAS E. SUMNER and ATKIN McLEMORE four hundred dollars to be build her a house the following Negroes, to wit, EPHRAIM, EATON, BETTY which I bought of HENRY MACON and her two children HIXEY & HARRY the carriage and two horses called ????, two good beds and furniture two pair of bed curtains, a chest of draws one dozen setting chairs, a large walnut table one small do the glass which I bought oat my Father's sale the chains which my brother BENJAMIN HAWKINS bought for me, six cows and calfs, four sows and pigs and a yoke of steers. I also lend unto my wife SALLY HAWKINS my blacksmith JACOB and Negro girl named PATTY LANE during her life, after her death I give JACOB unto my son M. THOMAS HAWKINS and PATTY LANE to my son JOHN H. HAWKINS.
Item- I give and bequeath unto my two sons JOHN H. HAWKINS and MICAJAH THOMAS HAWKINS the tract of land whereon I now live which which I wish to be equally divided between them and all my just debts are paid I give and bequeath the balance of my real and personal Estate to my two sons JOHN H. HAWKINS and MICAJAH THOMAS HAWKINS except two thousand acres of land which I give unto my grand daughter SALLY GREEN lying in Cumberland County, part of the tract of land which I bought of JAMES ATKINS to this my last will & testament in manner and appoint my three sons JOSEPH HAWKINS, JOHN H. HAWKINS and MICAJAH THOMAS HAWKINS Executors in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this day this day and date first above mention,

JOHN HAWKINS

In presence of
ELIZABETH JONES
WILLIS SLEDGE


Warren County August Court 1803
This last will and Testament of JOHN HAWKINS dec'd was presented in Court and proved by the oath of ELIJAH JONES and WILLIS SLEDGE and ordered to be recorded whereupon JOSEPH HAWKINS one of the Executors named in said will qualified accordingly.

Test
MDUKE JOHNSON, CC
 

JOHN HAWKINS, Division of Slaves

North Carolina, Warren County.
We the Subscribed having been duly appointed by the Court of the County aforesaid to divide the Negroes of JOHN HAWKINS Dec'd agreeable to the Will of said Deceased Between his two sons JOHN H. HAWKINS & MICAJAH T. HAWKINS, have in obedience of same named the following division Viz't;
JOHN H. HAWKINS the following Negroes, GEORGE, DOLL, JOHN, NELSON, SARAH, BENNETT, PETER, TOM, NEWBERN, TOM, BETTY, MOSES, GEORGE SEN'R & FORTUNE & MICAJAH T. HAWKINS the following Negroes MINGO, PHILLIS, GABRIEL, CHARLES, KATE, DICK, FANNY, CAROLINE, WILL, EMANUEL, MONDAY & HITTNAN, and the said JOHN H. HAWKINS pray unto the said MICAJAH T. HAWKINS the sum of fifteen pounds Sixteen shillings & eight pence it being the difference adjudged in the Value of said Negroes given under our hands and seals this 30th Dec'r 1805.
G. W. MACON
B. WARD [?]
HUGH JOHNSTON
SEY. RANSOM


Warren County February Court 1806
This Division of the Negroes of JOHN HAWKINS Dec'd was returned and on motion ordered to be recorded.
Test
MDUKE JOHNSON CC
 

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NATHANIEL MACON Estate - 1837
Warren County, North Carolina

An Inventory of the Estate of NATHANIEL MACON dec'd returned by his Executor W. N. EDWARDS to November Sessions 1837

List of Slaves - Eighty in number

Also born since death of Testator:
Tony
Martha
Henry

Also:
Jenny & Child- in possession of Drury S. Marrow
Harriet- in possession of Col. Jos. Maclin & Wife
Susanna- in possession of Henry L. Martin
Matilda- in possession of Nath'l M. Martin
Rachel- in possession of Wm. K. Martin
Lucinda- in possession of William Eaton Jr.

The foregoing Inventory was returned upon oath in Open Court by Weldon N. Edwards, Extr. & on motion is ordered to be Recorded.
Test
Edw'd W. Best, Clk

Recorded in Book 36 Page 222
November Court 1837

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Will of THOMAS L. MILLER -1806
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 13, Pages 272-274

In the name of God Amen I THOMAS L. MILLER of Warren County and State of N. Carolina being weak of body by of Perfect Sound disposing mind and memory thanks to God for the same, do this 19th Day of April in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six make and ordain this to be and contain my last Will and Testament (to wit)
I the first Place recommend my Soul unto the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to be buried in Christian like & decent manner at the descretion of my Executors heirs after to be named and as to what worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose of in the following manner (to wit)
Item I give & bequeath unto ROBERT FLEMING all my land which I now own; and also the property which I have in the Store now occupied by FLEMMING and my self to him & his heirs for ever.
Item I give & bequeath unto my Brother JOHN L. MILLER three Negroes (to wit)
POMPY, CHAINY & CLARASY & their future increase to him & his heirs forever.
Item I will that my Servant woman by the name of SARAH shall have her liberty & to enjoy the same as all them servants do when Emancipated.
Item I give unto ROBERT R. HARVELL my watch which I now own to him & his heirs forever.
Item I give & bequeath unto JOHN NOSWORTHY my horse call & known by the name of Pony, to him & his heirs forever.
Item I give unto THOMAS REYNOLDS twenty Dollars, for to pay him for making my coffin, proved he does make the same.
Item It is my desire that if I should die that my Executors carry or have me carried & buried near where my father was buried & I further desire that the Place shall be railed in and painted as the old railing is rotten down.
Item I will that all my just debts and burial expenses be paid by my Executors herein after to be named; out of my property or the money arrising by the sale of such as my Executors may deem necessary to be sold for defraying such expenses as they have to pay and if any remains It is my desire that it be distributed by them as they think proper. I do hereby constitute ana appoint my friends ROBERT FLEMING, ROBERT R. HARVELL and JOHN NOSWORTHY my Executors to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made either written or spoken In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day above written.
Signed Sealed Published & declared by he said THOMAS MILLER in the presence of us to be his last will & Testament.

THOS. L. MILLER

JO. TERRELL JNR. Jurat
JOHN NOSWORTHY Jurat


Warren County May Court 1806
This last will and Testament of THOS. L. MILLER dec'd was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of JOEL TERRELL JUN'R and JOHN NORSWORTHY and on motion was ordered to be recorded whereupon letters Testamentory was granted to ROBERT FLEMING and ROBERT R. HARVELL who qualified as Executors to the said will.
Test
M. DUKE JOHNSON Clk

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Warren County Deed
Will Book 33, Page 450
JAMES SOMERVILL to THOMAS B. SOMERVILL, aka JAMES GLOSTER BREHON

State of North Carolina
Warren County, May 28th 1832

Be it remembered that my son THOMAS B. SOMERVILL has this day voluntarily & by an Act of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of the County aforesaid taken on himself the name of JAMES GLOSTER BREHON & that I have in consequence thereof & also for natural love & affection given granted & delivered to him his Heirs & assignees forever all the land owned by the late DR. JAMES G. BREHON in Orange County, North Carolina, & all the Negroes, stock & other, property thereon, he paying the Overseer. Also one Negro boy named WILLIAM son of HARRIOT in this County, he is to consider this as a full advance on my part of property except what I may divise to him by Will & also a full share of DR. BREHON's Estate under his Will, and he hereby relinquishes to the representatives of DR. THOMAS B. GLOSTER all claim upon the lot in Warrenton on which DR. GLOSTER died, whereon CASWELL DRAKE now lives. In witness of which grant & acceptance we have hereunto set our hands & seals this 28th day of May 1832.

JAMES SOMERVILL
JAMES G. BREHON

Witness
R. DAVISON

In addition to the property given by me above to my said son I also give and grant to him all such parts of the said DR. JAMES G. BREHONs late Library as he may at any time choose to select.

JAMES SOMERVILL

Warren County, May Sess. 1832
The execution of this deed by JAMES SOMERVILL & JAMES G. BREHON was proved by the Oath of RICH'D DAVISON a Subscribing witness thereto and motion is ordered to be recorded.
C. DRAKE CMCC

(Note: This was actually a deed to follow-up the bequests made in the  Will of James G. Brehon,1819)

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Will and Estate of SIMON WILLIAMS- 1831
Warren County, Will Book 33, Pages 209-210
Acct. of Hiring of the Slaves belonging to the Estate of SIMON WILLIAMS dec'd, on Bonds payable 25th Dec'r 1831 by the Admr.

Slave Names

By Whom Hired

Amount

Warren County, Will Book 33, Page 213
SIMON W. GREEN & Others
vs
ANTHONY SALE & ELIZABETH PAIN

Caveat to the Will of SIMON WILLIAMS (1831)

It appearing to the Court, that the order of Publication for non-Residence, made at the last Court has been fully made and complied with. It is considered by the Court that the non-residence in question have received notice of the pending of the issue in this case which is Devizat Vel nol, and that the parties have leave to proceed, whereupon it is ordered that a jury of goo and lawful men be empannelled and sworn to inquire &c. Whereupon the following Jurors, to wit, SETH PERKINSON, WILLIAM SMITH, FRANCS M. TUCKER, JAMES CARROL, RANSOM AYCOCK, JAMES TURNER, JOHN VANDYKE, WILLIAM W. RIGGAN, JONES MABRY, WILLIAM F. LAMPKIN, DANIEL SHEARIN and THOMAS BELL were sworn & empannelled to try the issue, who find that the testator divised in the following words, to wit, "In the name of God Amen I SIMON WILLIAMS of County of Warren and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and disposing memory do constitute and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament and hereby revoke all other Will heretofore made by me in manner & form that is to say,
Item. I give my Nephew SIMON W. GREEN my negroes DAVY, HENRY, THENY, FRANK, RHODA, VIOLET, POLLY, HESTER & JOHN. HARRY, SAM, NEAL & RUBEN, SOOK, MENERVY, GILBERT and HORRACE, SAM BAPTICE, RITTER, LEWIS and ELIZA & POMPY and also the Land whereon I now live and my HARGROVE Tract all containing seven hundred and eighty seven and one half acre, also all my household and kitchen furniture also my waggons and one ox cart, my stock of horses & cattle hogs & sheep that belong to the plantation whereon I now live one acre of land I except to be laid off round my Father & Mother's graves & others to him and his heirs forever. Item. I give my Nephew THOMAS C. WILLIAMS my Negro woman MYRANDA & her three children LIZZA & JANE & MILLER and their future increase to him and his heirs forever & one yoke of oxen and cart & my Vantromp mare.
Item. I give my nephew SHERWOOD GREEN my Negro man SOLOMON & BOB to him and his heirs forever.

Warren County, February Session 1831.
The foregoing instrument of writing being established by a Jury sworn & impannelled for that purpose, as the last will & testament of SIMON WILLIAMS and it was therefore, on motion, Ordered to be recorded.
Test
C. DRAKE, CWCC

Estate of SIMON WILLIAMS, Deceased 1831
Warren County Will Book 33, Pages 447-449
Division of Slaves, March 1832
 

In obedience to an Order from the Worshipfull Court for the County of Warren, to us directed, we the undersigned commissioners have appraised and allotted to the Heirs at law of SIMON WILLIAMS dec'd the Negroes belonging to said dec'd agreeable to their respective rights in the following manner, to wit,
Lot. No. 1 to CHARLEEN ALLEN, for the heirs of CATHARINE DODSON, dec'd:

Lot No. 2 to THOMAS C. WILLIAMS Admr. of ALANSON WILLIAMS dec'd:

Lot No. 3 to SHERWOOD GREEN Attorney for DIDAMY GREEN:

Lot No. 4 to ANTHONY SALE Attorney for the heirs of WM. WILLIAMS dec'd:

JOHN valued to.........................$300
CEALY ditto to........................... 300
TINCY ditto to............................ 200
LUCY ditto to................................25
[sub-total]................................... 825
and pay lot No. 2 ............................2.46
[total]........................................ $822.54

The above Statements is a just and correct division between the Heirs of SIMON WILLIAMS dec'd agreeable to the order and partition amount hereunto.
Given under our hands & seals the 5th day of March 1832.
BURL. PITCHFORD
JNO. P. ANDREWS
STEPHEN TURNER
JOS. SIMS

Names and ages of the Negroes with their Valuations.

Warren County
May Session 1832
The commissioners appointed to divide the Negroes between the Heirs and next of Kin of SIMON WILLIAMS dec'd made the foregoing report, and motion the same is ordered to be recorded.

Test.
C. DRAKE, CWCC

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Will of THOMAS J. WILLIAMS-1831
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 33, Page 214

I THOMAS J. WILLIAMS of Warren County, and State of North Carolina do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following-
Item 1st. I give unto my Father WILLIAMS [sic] my saddle and my silver watch
Item 2nd. I give and bequeath unto my brothers ALEXANDER & WILLIAM WILLIAMS my Negro woman RHODA and her youngest child and future increase to them and their heirs forever.
Item 3rd. I give and bequeath unto my niece MARTHA B. WILLIAMS daughter of Bro. JNO. WILLIAMS my Negro girl DILCIA and future increase. Requesting my Father to keep sd. Negro girl until sd. MARTHA B. WILLIAMS arives to the age of 18 years, but should she die before that period of time, I will the said Negro girl & future increase to Brother JNO. B. WILLIAMS' other daughter to her and her heirs forever.
Item. It is my Will and desire that my Negro boy WILLIAM & my horse, stock of every kind, crop of every kind, Household & kitchen furniture and all other property not already disposed of in this Will shall be sold and the proceeds arising from said Sale to be equally divided amongst FRANCIS WILLIAMS, ZACHARIAH WILLIAMS, Sister POLLY MABRY and Sister MARTHA COCKS together with my money and all debts due me after paying all my debts, to them and their heirs forever.
Item. I give my best coat & Panterloons to my Brother FRANCIS WILLIAMS. I constitute and appoint my Brother FRANCIS WILLIAMS executor to this Will. Witness my hand and seal this 25th November 1830.
THOMAS J. WILLIAMS

Signed & sealed in presence of us
HENRY WOODWORTH
SIMON GREEN

Warren County, February Sessions 1831.
This paper writing, purporting to be the last Will & Testament of THOMAS J. WILLIAMS was offered in open court for probate and the execution thereof being duly proved by the Oaths of SIMON GREEN & HENRY WOODWORTH subscribing witneses thereto & the same is ordered to be recorded whereupon, FRANCIS WILLIAMS, the executor therein named, came into court, & qualified in due form of Law.

Test
C. DRAKE CWCC
 

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Will of WILLIAM WILLIAMS - 1832
Warren County, North Carolina
Will Book 33, Page 443-445

In the Name of God Amen I WILLIAM WILLIAMS of the County of Warren and State of North Carolina do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following- First, it is my wish and desire that my Plantations should all be kept up the present year and worked as though I were living.
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my son SAMUEL A. WILLIAMS, my Plantations Union Hill, and the place whereon my Father lived and died, provided he will relinquish his claim to the lands I devised a life estate in from his Mother, and suffer it to be sold as I shall hereafter direct, and also pay a debt due by me to RICHARD JONES of Halifax County and State of North Carolina; I also give to my son SAMUEL the following Negroes that is to say, HOUSE, CHARLES, DAVY, BURT and his wife, BRISTER and his wife, and old Uncle SAM, and request him to have houses built for them, and settle them in an old field called the Quarter near the Meeting house Spring, furnish them with stock of all kinds and provisions necessary to support them for one year, and if at any time they should be unable to support themselves it is my wish that my son SAMUEL who I feel confident will cheerfully comply with my request should see that they are humanely treated and well provided for. I also give to my son SAMUEL as much of my stock and provisions of all kinds, and plantation utensils, as my Executors hereafter named may think necessary to support the Negroes.
I shall give him a subsequent clause of this my Will and work them on the Plantations I have given him to the best advantages for one year.
Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife DELIA WILLIAMS my carriage and horses and my chamber furniture.
Fourthly. It is my wish and desire that the plantation whereon I live, together with my Gunter Creek Plantation, and Crane place, also two Negroes BOOKER and SAM HILL the blacksmith, together with all of my crops of cotton, corn fodder, wheat and oats, stock of every description, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture, that I have not given away in a previous clause of my will, also my Roanoke stock, should be sold at such time and on such credit as my Executors hereafter to be named shall deem most condusive to the interest of my Estate and the money arising from the Sales thereof to be applied to the payment of my debts, leaving out the debt before decided to be paid by my son SAMUEL, and if there should be more than enough to effect that object it is my wish that the surplus be equally divided between my beloved wife DELIA WILLIAMS, the child I have reason to believe she is pregnant with, my daughter MELISSA and daughter ELEANOR.
Fifthly. It is my wish and desire that all of my Negroes not before disposed of should be equally divided between my beloved wife DELIA, and the child I am induced to believe she is pregnant with, my son SAMUEL, my daughter MELISSA and my daughter ELEANOR, but in the division it is my wish that my wife DELIA should have SALLY a house servant, and ELIJAH and his wife CYNTHIA and her two children at a fair valuation. It is also my wish that my son SAMUEL should in like manner have YELLOW NANCY and her family who live at Union Hill, also HARRY and his wife LILLY & his family and boy ROBERTSON at a fair valuation in their division. It is further my wish that my daughter MELISSA should have Negro girl MARINA at a fair valuation in this division. And I do hereby empower my Executors to value the above named Negroes in said division.
Sixthly. It is my wish and desire that if either of my children should die before they become of age or marry that the property given to the one dying should be equally divided between the surviving children.
Seventhly. I give to my Nephew JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS his sister BETSEY's portrait which was presented to me by her.
Lastly: I nominate, constitute and appoint my Nephew JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS and ALFRED ALSTON Executors to this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two. I further more appoint my friend ALFRED ALSTON, and JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS Guardians to my daughter MELISSA, with a request that she may live with my wife as long as it may be mutually agreeable . I furthermore appoint my wife DELIA and MRS. SALLY BLUNT Guardians to my daughter ELEANOR and also to the child with which my wife is pregnant in the event of its being a daughter, but in case its being a son I appoint my friend ALFRED ALSTON and JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS its guardian and do request that they shall act as agents for my wife and MRS. BLUNT in their Guardianship. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
WILL WILLIAMS

Witness:
STEP. DAVIS
THOS. W. HARRISS

The word "also my Roanoke Stock" on second page line 14 interlined before signed.
Also the name of JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS interlined twice on last page, and the word they by acknowledgement in our presence.

Signed and Witnessed by
STEP. DAVIS
THOS. W. HARRISS


Warren County, May Sessions 1832
The last Will and Testament of WILL. WILLIAMS, Genl. dec'd was exhibited in open court for probate and the execution thereof proved by the Oaths of STEPHEN DAVIS and THOS. W. HARRISS the subscribing witnesses thereto; where upon ALFRED ALSTON & JOSEPH JNO. WILLIAMS the Executors therein named qualified in due form of Law, and on Motion the same is ordered to be recorded.
C. DRAKE, CWCC

A complete listing of the Distribution of Slaves of General William Williams: Montmorenci Plantation

(General William Williams, b. 1771,nicknamed "Pretty Billy" was the son of Joseph John Williams & Elizabeth Alston; he was married about May 10, 1826, to his 4th wife, Delia Haywood of Wake Co.,NC; the unborn child mentioned in the will was named Joseph John Williams, b. 1832. Following is the Estate record of his daughter, Eleanor, who died as a young woman in Raleigh and which dealt with the division of the Slaves from her father's Estate).
 

Estate of ELEANOR WILLIAMS-1844
Warren County, North Carolina

State of North Carolina
Warren County
Know all men by these presents, that we, S.A. WILLIAMS M. T. HAWKINS & SAM'L T. ALSTON are held and firmly bound unto the State of North Carolina, in sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, Current Money, to be paid to the said State; To the which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated the 27 day of Augt A.D. 1844.
The condition of the above Obligation is such, that if the above bounden SAM'L A. WILLIAMS, Administrator of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of ELEANOUR WILLIAMS deceased, do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, knowledge or possession of the said SAM'L A. WILLIAMS or into the hands or possession of any person or persons for him; and the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited to the Court of the County aforesaid within ninety days from the date of these presents- and the same goods, chattels and credits, and all other goods, chattels and credits of the deceased, at the time of his death, which at any time hereafter shall come into the hands or possession of the said SAM'L A. WILLIAMS or into the hands or possession of any person or persons for his use, do well and truly administer according to Law; and further do make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of his said administration within two years after the date of these presents; and all the real and residue of the said goods, chattels and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said administrators account, the same being first examined and allowed for the Court of the said County, shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively to which the same shall be due, pursuant to the true intent and meaning of the act in that case made and provided, and if it shall appear that any Will or Testament was made by the deceased, and the Executor or Executors therein named, do exhibit the same into Court, making request to have the same allowed and approved of accordingly, if the said SAM'L A. WILLIAMS above bounden, being thereunto required, do render the said letters of Administration, approbation of such Testament being firs had and made in the said Court- then this Obligation to be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.

S.A. WILLIAMS (seal)
M.T. HAWKINS (seal)
SAM'L T. ALSTON (seal)

Signed and Sealed in the presence of
M. J. MONTGOMERY

Warren County, Aug't Ct. 1844
This Bond was executed on as per Court & ordered to be recorded.
Test - M. J. MONTGOMERY Clk

North Carolina
Warren County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
For Sep. 1844

To the Worshipful the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Warren aforesaid. The petition of SAMUEL A. WILLIAMS, JOHN LONG & his wife MELISSA, former MELISSA WILLIAMS, and of JOSEPH J. WILLIAMS an infant under the age of twenty one years, by ALFRED ALSTON her guardian, respectfully sheweth to your Worships that they are tenants in common of sundry shares amounting to fifty or thereabouts, which said slaves formerly belonged to ELEANOR WILLIAMS deceased, a sister of your petitioners SAMUEL, JOSEPH, and MELISSA, and which said slaves, upon the death of the said ELEANOR, and under the provisions of the Will of GENERAL WILLIAM WILLIAMS, late of said County, and the father of your petitioners and the said ELEANOR became the property of your petitioners, the said SAMUEL, JOSEPH and MELISSA in equal shares.
Your petitioners further show that they are desirous of holding the said Slaves in severalty and no longer as tenants in common, they therefore pary your Worships to appoint three commissioners to divide the said Slaves into three parts, and to allot and to set apart to each of your Petitioners, to wit, the said SAMUEL, JOSEPH and the said JOHN LONG, in right of his said wife, MELISSA, one share thereof. And is in duty bound thy will every pray &c

ED. HALL atto.

=================================================================================
Petition for the Division of Slaves
Filed Nov. Term 1844

Com'rs
GEN. M. T. HAWKINS
WM. C. WILLIAMS
FRANCIS A. THORNTON
PETER R. DAVIS
ALEX A. AUSTIN
THOMAS E. GREEN
or any three of them

=========================

State of North Carolina
Warren County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
Nov. Term 1844

Ordered that GEN'L M. T. HAWKINS, WM. C. WILLIAMS, FRA'S A. THORNTON, PETER R. DAVIS, ALEX'R A. AUSTIN & THOMAS E. GREEN or any three of them be appointed commissioners to divide the negroes mentioned in a petition filed at the present time of sd County by SAM'L A. WILLIAMS & others En parte & returnable to Feb'y Court 1845.

A copy Test M.J. MONTGOMERY
Clerk of Court

To the Worshipful, the County Court of Warren
In pursuance of an order from your worships, to as directed, the undersigned, Commissioners, on the 30th day of Dec'r 1844, in the town of Warrenton, proceeded to divide the Negroes of the late ELEANOR WILLIAMS, among those entitled to them according to the Will of her father, the late GEN'L WM. W. WILLIAMS of this County; and have allotted them as follows, to wit,

To SAM'L A. WILLIAMS, Lot No. 2 consisting of the following Slaves, viz:

To MELISSA, Wife of JOS. JNO. LONG, Lot No. 3, consisting of the following Slaves:

LETTIE

All of which is respectfully submitted
PETER R. DAVIS
A. A. AUSTIN
W. C. WILLIAMS
THOS. E. GREEN
F. A. THORNTON

Warren County, Feb. Co. 1845
This report was confirmed by the Court & ordered to be recorded.
Test M. J. MONTGOMERY, Clk

Warren County Nov'r Court 1846
The within Acct current was returned upon oath in Open Court by SAM'L A. WILLIAMS adm'r &c and the report of Com'r being confirmed by the Court the same was ordered to be recorded.
Test
JNO. WHITE, Clk


A/C Current
SAM'L A. WILLIAMS adm'r
of ELEANOR WILLIAMS dec'd

Recorded page 249 & 50

In Acct with SAMUEL A. WILLIAMS Admr.
Oct. 31, 1844
By this sum received of ALFRED ALSTON former Guardian of ELEANOR WILLIAMS dec'd in bonds the interest being included to the 1st of Jany 1845
[as info, the abstracted total for this section of the account which covered January 1845 - August 1845, with interest through Nov. 25, 1846, was for the Account total of $12,791.58]

Note: Eleanor Williams, daughter of General William Williams, died in Raleigh, NC on March 31, 1844, as reported in the Raleigh Register on April 2, 1844

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