Category: Will and Estate Records

MATTHEW JORDAN (1763 Will)

Will of 

MATTHEW JORDAN 

1763

North Carolina

Perquimans County

Be it known to all men by these presents that I Matthew Jordan of the county and province aforesaid being sick and weak in body but sound in mind and disposing memory thanks be to God and calling to mind its uncertainity of this life and knowing that is once appointed for all men to die and the time where is uncertain there I make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say — Principally and first I recommend my soul to the hand of God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried I give devise and dispose of my estate in the following manner and ??? after all my just debts be paid.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved brother Gabriel Newby my ??? which belonged to my father Matthew Jordan.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved sister Anne Jordan my Negro woman named Rose and my Negro girl named Sue after my mother’s death.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved mother Patience Newby ten pounds  ??.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved sister Mary Clay five shillings sterling.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved sister Elizabeth Newby twenty pounds ??.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved brothers Francis Newby, Gabriel Newby, Joseph Newby, & Benj Newby all my wearing apparel to be equally divided amongst them. Also it is my will and desire that my land and my Negro man named Peter and all my other estate to be sold for six months credit. Likewise I desire after my mother’s death that my Negro man named Sam be sold also and all the monies arising from the said estate to be divided as followests.

ITEM  I give and bequeath to my beloved sisters and brothers — namely Dorothy Skinner, Elizabeth Newby, Gabriel Newby, Benj Newby, Joseph Newby, and Josiah Newby all the money arising from the said estate which is to be sold and equally divided amongst them & is to be sold by my exors– I do nominate and appoint my loving mother Patience Newby, Anne Jordan and John Skinner to be my exex and exors of this my last will and testament and I do by these presents ??? revoke and disavow all and every other will by me before made and no other to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three.

Matthew Jordan   (seal)

Signed in the presence of us as

my last will and testament                       

Robt Jordan          John Hensley

Elizth Carver

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July Court 1763. This certifies that the foregoing will was proved in court by the affirmation of Robert Jordan and at the same time appeared Patience Newby, Ann Jordan and John Skinner and qualified as exex and exors according to law.

Test  Miles Harvey  C   Crt

December the 4th 1764  this was the said will recorded according to law.

Miles Harvey   C   Crt

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NOTES: Matthew was the son of Matthew Jordan and Patience  Jordan of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He died without issue. Patience Darden Jordan married 2. Joseph Newby of Perquimans County, North Carolina.

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JOHN SANDERS (1777 Will)

JOHN SANDERS

 will 25 September 1775; proved April Court 1777

Perquimans County, North Carolina 

In the name of God Amen, I John Sanders of Perquimans County in the Province of North Carolina (Joiner) calling to mind the uncertainty of Time here, am moved to commit to writing my Last Will and testament in manner and form following—

Item,  It is my will and desire that all my just debts be fully satisfyd and paid—

Item,  I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Sanders one Negro woman named Cate and her Increase, one Negro man named Tobey, Two feather beds and furniture, one walnut desk, six walnut chairs, one walnut table, one walnut bofet, my riding chair and harness, and my horse called Jockey, two cows and calves, one yoke of oxen, one cart and wheels, one ox yoke and staple, one bar plow, one weeding plow, one iron chain, one narrow ax, one weeding hoe, two sows and pigs–four ewes and lambs, eight spade sows & barrows, two iron pots and hooks, one pot tramel, three pewter dished, three basons, six plates, six ?? spoons, one loom and harness, six tea cups and saucers, one tea pot, one tea kettle, twelve Delf plates, one pair of iron dogs, one pair of fire tongs, one wollen wheel, one linnen wheel, two flat irons, and a sufficiency of provisions for her self and family untill the usual time of year for laying in yearly provisions–To her & her heirs forever—

Item,  I give and bequeath unto my Son John Sanders all my land and buildings that I am possessed of to him and his heirs of his body lawfully begot forever and for want of such heirs it is my will and desire that my said lands be sold at the discretion of my Executors and the money arising by such sale to be equally divided between such of my daughters and their legal representatives as shall be at that time living— I further give unto my Son John Sanders one Negro named Simon, one Negro boy named Ned, one walnut desk and one walnut bofet, two looking glasses to him and his heirs forever—

Item,  I give all the remaining part of my Estate to be equally divided between my five Daughters  — Mary, Miriam, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Pharaby Sanders to them and their heirs forever—

Lastly, I nominate constitute and appoint my Wife Elizabeth Sanders Executrix and my Brother Benjamin Sanders, and my friend Joshua Skinner and William White, Executors to this my Last Will, revoking all other wills heretofore by me made Ratifying this and no other to be my will In Testimone whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 25th day of September 1775.

John Sanders   seal

(signature)

Signed sealed & Declard by the said Jno. Sanders to be his will in prescence of

W. Skinner                                                                                                        

John ????                                                                                                                  

Josiah Murdaugh

The words of his Body lawfully begotten,  ___?____  before signed.

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Perquimans County    

April Court of Quarter Sessions of the Year 1777

This may certify that the foregoing will of John Sanders, Deac’d  was then and there Exibited into Court & proved by the Oath of William Skinner & at the same time Benjamin Sanders & William White two of the Exectrs  therein named appeared and was qualified agreeable to law.

Certifyd by W.Skinner, Clk

Recorded July 15th by ????

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GEORGE W. SIMPSON (1882 Will)

GEORGE W. SIMPSON

Will – 8 March 1879

Perquimans County, NC

Perquimans County, State of North Carolina March eighth eighteen hundred and seventy nine

This my last will and testament, that I George W. Simpson, do give and bequeath, my property after death, as follows.

First,   To Annie B. Stokely, and Maggie B. Simpson, my two oldest daughters , One tract of land on the East side of the road, adjoining the lands of Henry White deceased, to be equally divided between them, to have and to hold the above named tract of land. If either one of the said named Annie B. Stokely, or Maggie B. Simpson die, without a lawful heir of their body, then her part is to be equally divided between the children that are living, and if both die without a lawful heir of the body, then the said land to be equally divided between my children that may be living.

Second,   I give and bequeath after my death to my daughter Lizzie Nora Simpson one portion of the land on the west side of the road running through my farm, commencing at the line between Willis Whithead and myself and running a South course along the road to the second four feet ditch, thence along the said ditch to a line between Wm C. Simpson and myself, thence northerly course along the said line, to Willis Whitehead’s line, and along the line Easterly to the first station, to have and to hold, after the death of my Wife, or her Widowhood, the above named piece of land, and if the said Lizzie Nora Simpson die without a lawful heir of the body, the said land to be given to Jesse Franklin Simpson.

Thirdly,   I give and bequest to my Wife S. Elizabeth Simpson the remainder of my land including the buildings, to have and to hold after my death as long as she lives, or her widowhood, and after her death or widowhood to my Son Jesse Franklin Simpson, forever, and furthermore if my Wife S. Elizabeth Simpson, should marry after my death, she can remain here by giving my Son Jesse Franklin Simpson one third of the proceeds of the said land, furthermore it is my will and desire that my house shall be a home for any of my children if they have no home.

Fourthly   I give and bequeath after my death one third of my chattle property to my Wife.

Fifthly   the other two thirds of my chattle property to be equally divided between my children and the part of the chattle property for Jesse Franklin Simpson and Lizzie Nora Simpson to remain with my Wife for them, and to be given to them whenever she thinks proper.

Sixthly   It is my will and desire that after my death that any one, or all of my children can sell the above named lands when all of my children agree to do so.

I leave my Wife to settle my estate.
If my Wife should die, Provide J. Rufus Stokl(e)y settle the estate.

G. W. Simpson (signature)
Thomas W. White (signature)
C. A. Ownley (signature)

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Note: 
George W. Simpson’s will was probated 7 March 1882. It was shown that he had 300 acres of land worth about $5,000. Personal property such as stock, notes, household furniture, etc. was valued about $2,500. Parties entitled under said will to the property were S. E. Simpson, widow of the deceased, Maggie B. Simpson, full age, & Annie B. Stokely, Jesse B. Simpson and Lizzie Nora Simpson minors.

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ELIZA JORDAN (1864 Will)

Will of 

ELIZA JORDAN

 Recorded -Book F Page 522
Perquimans County, NC

I, Eliza Jordan, being advanced in years and infirm in body, but of a sound and disposing mind, do make this my last will & testamenton this the 29th day of September 1864 to wit-

Item 1st    I do give and bequeath my new bed stead & the bed & clothes belonging to it to my Grandson Matthew Thomas Wilson.

Item 2nd   I do give and bequeath my book case to my Grandson Joseph T. Wilson

Item 3rd   I do give and bequeath to my Grandson Jesse O. Wilson Seventy Dollars be kept at interest until he is of lawful age

Item 4th   I do give and bequeath to my Grandson Wm Augustus Wilson Seventy Dollars to be kept at interest until he is of lawful age

Item 5th   I do give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Mary Elizabeth Wilson Twenty- Five Dollars to be laid out in buying a ___?___ for her – I also give and bequeath a Twenty Dollar gold piece to her.

Item 6th   I do give and bequeath to my Grandson John Randolph Simpson Fifty Dollars to be kept at interest until he is of lawful age

Item 7th   I do give and bequeath to my Grandson Robert Augustus Simpson Seventy Dollars to be kept at interest until he is of lawful age

Item 8th   I do direct the residue of my estate to be sold and that my Daughter Susan Ann Wilson be paid out of the proceeds thereof, if sufficient, a reasonable compensation for the expense and trouble she may be at in waiting and attending upon me during my sickness and that the residue be equally divided between my four daughters viz Catharine Sanders – Ellen Woodward – Penelope Elizabeth Simpson & Susan Ann Wilson.

Item 9th   I do give and bequeath unto my Grandson Joseph T. Wilson my family Bible.

Item 10th I do constitute and appoint Dr Caleb Winslow to be my Executor to carry out the intent of the above will.

In witness whereof I have unto set my hand & affix my seal on the day above written.

Eliza Jordan (signature)
Seal

We the undersigned witnesses did see Eliza Jordan sign her name to this instrument and she did see us sign it as witnesses by her request, and in presence of each other.

John Elliott
Margaret A. Billups

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ABRAHAM SANDERS (1751 Will)

Will of

ABRAHAM SANDERS

1751

 I Abraham Sanders of the province of North Carolina and County of Perquimans being throug Mercy in Reasonable health  of body and in perfect Serene Mind and Memory but calling to Mind the uncertainty of this Life doe think proper to make this My Last Will and testament in manner and form–

Following first  my Will and Desire is that my Just Debts and funeral expences be discharged and paid

First  I give and bequieth unto my son John Sanders the plantation whereon Richard Waters now lives bounded by a branch Runing from the river into the woods and soe from the head of the said branch by a line of markt trees to the head line of my land I say I give him the sd. plantation to him and his heirs forever.

2dly  I give and be quieth unto my daughter Jude Bois a tract of Land Containing forty three acres Joyning on the land of Anne Williams and fifty Seven acres adjoining it out of the Tract of Land whereon I now live to her and her heirs forever.

3dly  I give and bequieth unto my son Benjamin Sanders the plantation whereon I now Live with all the remainder of my Land to him and his heirs forever.

4thly  My Will and Desire is that if Either My son John or my son Benjamin should depart this Life before they arrive to the age of twenty one years that then the other may have and Enjoy his part of the Land to his proper use and heirs forever.

5thly  I give and bequeith unto my son Abraham Sanders five shillings sterling to him and his heirs.

6thly  I give and bequeith unto my Daughter Elizabeth Sanders My Negro Man Named Sambo and one young Mare and one black walnut Chest and Case with fifteen bottles and one Linen Spinning wheal to her and her heirs forever.

I also give to my Daughter Elizabeth Sanders one black Walnut Oval table to her and her heirs.

7thly  I give all the remainder of my Estate to bee Equally Divided betwen My Loving Wife Jude Sanders and My three children John, Benjamin and Elizabeth Sanders to them and their heirs forever.

My Will and Desire is that my sd. wife Jude Sanders have the care of my son John Sanders and his part of my Personal estate untill he arives to the age of twenty years and then I apoint him to bee of age to Receive it and have the full use and benefit of the same.

My Will and Desire is thay My Daughter Elizabeth Sanders have the care of my son Benjamin Sanders and his part of my Personal estate untill he arives to the age of twenty years and then I apoint him to bee of age to receive it and have the full use and benefit of the same.

Also it is my will and Desire that My Daughter Elizth. Sanders have the Liberty to Live on that part of my Land which I gave to my son John Sanders if she should have ocation or Like soe to doe untill he arives to the age of twenty years.

Lastly I Constitute ordain and appoint   my Brother Richd Sanders and my friend Jo. White to bee my whole and sole Executors to see this my Last will and testament performed and Don and doe hereby revoke Disanul and make void all other wills by mee heretofore made and declare this to bee my Last Will & testament in witness wherof I hereunto sett my habd and seal this twenty sixth Day of Aprill 1750

Abraham  A  Sanders        his mark

Signed and sealed and  Delivd. in presents of           

John White affd                               

Elizabeth White               

John Murdaugh affd

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No Carolina            

October Court anno Dom 1751

Peqms County    

Present His Majestys Justices when was the within will proved in open court by the affirmations of John Murdaugh & John White in Due form of law and at the same time Richard Sanders and Joseph White Executors to the within will was duly qualified by taking the affirmations by law appointed to be taken by Executors Ordered that the Secretary or his Deputy of said province   have Notice that Letters Testamentary issue thereon as th law directs

Test. Edmd. Hatch Cler Cur

Source: North Carolina Wills, Vol. XXVII, page 48

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JOSIAH JORDAN (1789 Will)

 Will of 

JOSIAH JORDAN 

22nd day of the 3rd month 1789

Perquimans County, North Carolina

I Josiah Jordan of Perquimans County being weak of body, but sound of disposing mind & memory do make and ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament in the manner & form following.

First  it is my will & desire that all my just debts be first discharged by my Executor hereafter named.

Second,  I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Jordan, the Land Plantation whereon I now live during her natural life, & one third part of all my Personal Estate after my Debts & Legacies hereafter mentioned are paid, to her and her heirs forever–

Third,  I give and bequeath unto my three sons Thomas, Josiah, & Matthew Jordan the Land Plantation whereon I now live, the Land purchased of Thos Willson’s Exs. and all my Right and Interest in the Land & Plantation whereon my Mother now lives, in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, or all the cash that may fall to me in consequence of said land in Virginia, to be equally divided between them, when Matthew arrives at the age of Twenty One years, or at the death of there Mother, to them and there Heirs forever—

Fourth.  I give and bequeath unto my son Exum Jordan Two Hundred & Thirty Pounds Current Money but in case he should die under age, I give the said Two Hundred & Thirty Pounds to be equally divided between my three sons Thomas, Josiah, & Matthew Jordan to them & there Heirs forever

Fifth.  I give & bequeath unto my three daughters Sarah, Dorothy, & Mary Jordan, Fifty Pounds Current Money Each to them and there Heirs forever—

Sixth.  I give & bequeath the remainder of my Estate not heretofore given to be Equally divided between my four Daughters Miriam, Sarah, Dorothy & Mary to them & there Heirs forever—

Lastly.  I constitute & appoint Exum Newby & John Clary to be my Executors to this my Last Will & Testament.

In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this 22nd day of the 3rd Month 1789—

Josiah Jordan

Signed Sealed & Acknowledged }

In Presents of us                 

Joseph Scott

Susanna Clary

Jno. J. Jackson

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JOHN HOLLOWELL (1784 Will)

Will of

JOHN HOLLOWELL
26 July 1778

In the Name of God Amen I John Hollowell of the County of Perquimons and province of north Carolina am Sickley and weak of boddy butt of Sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almity God for the Same and Caling to mind the unseartanty of this transetory Life and the Sartanty of Death do Constitute and ordain this to be My last Will and testement in maner and form as folloeth.

And first~ I Give my Soul to God Who Gave it me and Boddy to the Earth to be Desantly Buried by Executors herafter names and what worly Estate it has been pleas God to Bless me with in this world I Give and Despose of itt in maner and form as folleth.

And first~ I Give unto my Son William Hollowell two Hundred pounds currant money of this province which he has already Received I Likwis Give to my Son William one feather bead and furniture and two stools and one oval table three head of Cattle fore Sheep one Long Gun and my Croscut Saw ane one hors Coult that he has had in his poseson and two puter Dishes and two puter Basons with all other things that he my said Son has in his posseson to him my Said Son and his heirs for Ever.

Secodly~ I Give my Son Henry Hollowell my plantation where on I Now Dwell and all my Land that I hould in this wourld to him my Said Son and his heirs for Ever only it is my will that my wife Should not be Desturbed in the plantation nor any part of the Land During hur natrel Life but if She should marrey then to have but one third part of my plantation I Likwise Give unto my Said Son Henry one feather Bead and furniture and my hand mill and my Small Gun and two puter dishes and two puter basons I Likwise Give unto my Said Son Henry three Head of Cattle Such as his brother has had and four Sheep and one pott and huke and my hansaw and all my Cuppers tools and one half Dozen spoons and one Skillet and one oval table I Likwise Give my Said Son Henry one Hors Coult Named Derrik and one Cheast Caled my Cheast and two sows and pigs to him my son and his heirs for Ever it is my will he have all that I have Given him at the age of twenty one years.

Thirdly~ I Give to my Dauter Elizabeth Perry one feather bead and furniture and two Cows and Calves with all other things that I have Given Hur that shee has had in posison with them to Her my Sd Dauter and hur Heirs for Ever and no more for She has had hur Shear.

Foerthly~ I Give to my Dauter Sarah Riddick one feather bead and furniture and two Cows and Calves with all other thing that I have Given Hur that shee has had in poseson with them to Hur my Sd Dauter and hur Heirs for Ever and it is my will that my Said Dauter have on Cow and Calf more because Thee has bad Luck with hur Cattle and that must be Hur Shear.

Fiftly~ I Give unto my Dauter Mary Riddick one feather bead and furniture and two Cows and Calves with all other things that She has had in poseson Given Her by me to Hur my Sd Dauter and hur Heirs for Ever and that is hur Shear.

Sixtly~ I Give unto my Dauter Christian White one feather bead and furniture and two Cows and Calves with all other things that Thee has in poseson Give hur by me to hur my Sd Dauter and hur Heirs for Ever.

Sevently~ I Give to my Dauter Ann Evins one feather bead and furniture and two Cows and Calves with all other things that Thee has had in poseson Given hur my Sd Dauter and hur Heirs for Ever and that is hur Shear all but as much money as will purches hur a sute of Clouse Equal with the Clouse that hur Sisters had befor.

Eightly~ I Give to my Loving wife Christian Hollowell one feather Bead and for it being the bead that She and I has on and my young mare Caled Lou my womans Saddle and bridel and one mans Saddle to hur my Loving wife and hur heirs for Ever.

I Likewise Give my Dauter Christian White my flocks Staple to hur my Said Dauter and her heirs for Ever.

Ninethly~ it is my will and desier that all my Just Debts and funeral Expences be paid and Discharged out of my Estate by my Executor and after all my Debts and Charges is sattesfied and paid then all the Rest of my Estate that is to be found that is not by me Given away I Lend to my loving wife during hur natural Life and after hur Death to be Equely Divided between my two sons William Hollowell and Henry Hollowell who I nominate and apoint to be my hole and Soul Executurs to See this my Last will and testament fulfiled and properly as witness my hand and Seal this 26 of July 1778 anno Domuni.

This will under Lined in one place be fore asigned:

John Hollowell.

Testies: John Twine, Caleb Winslow, Uriah Hudson.
(Proved January Court 1784, Book 3, p. 273).

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