Last Will and Testament of Jones Fuller, May 1, 1815

March 6 1815

Recorded Book D
Fol. 137

Link to original

In the name of God Amen. I Jones Fuller of Franklin 
County being of sound and perfect Mind and Memry Blessed be God 
do this first day of May in the Year of our Lord 1812
Do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner
and form as follows that is to say

First I give my Right of all the property as I have give a bond to bestow
at my Decease that I had by my last wife these are her sones in law. 
That is to say Israel Bailey, John Upchurch and Lo Jackson, and
I will Name them if I can. If I forgit aney the Bond will call for them.
And I Desier they shall have them. First I give these three her sons
in law all my Right of the Land as her former husband left to her
his wife. I allso give to these sons in law of my wifes as was her Desier
to give her part to them in sted of herself, also 3 beds, 8 sheats on 3
coverlids, 1 bedstid, 3 dishes & basons on six plates, 1 Duch Oven,
1 Chist,1 cotton wheal,1 pare of Cards, 1 pare of tongs, 1 shovel, 1 old
ho, 2 old axes and 1 Meal Bag and if I have forgot anything I wont
my Executors to make it up to them. 1 womans saddle and bridle
also I give to my wife the horse I had with her and the Negro man
Jacob as long as she lives and as for my Children I have given to
them as much as I have for them at present. I give to Isham
Fullers chilldren two hundred dollars to be Equilly Divided be-
tween them if they are contented without seeking for any more but
if not satisfide to have not at all. I give and bequeath to my Daughter
Sealy Fullers Children two hundred dollars to be Equilly Divided
between them all but her son Jones and her son Henry them I give the
Land to that Arthur Fuller now lives on to be Divided between them.

Item.
I give to my son Archy Fuller my Negro boy called Sam.

Item.
I give to my son Bartholomew Fuller 1 Negro named Ben, then
is my son Henry Jones and Sarah L. Scott I have given two Negroes a
peace before; and Zilley Miller 2 Negroes before. I give to my son 
Demcy Fuller 1 Negro woman by the name of Tamer. I give to my
Daughter Milley Yarbrough 1 Negro girl called Jany. I give to 
my Daughter Mary Jordan the Child my Negro woman called Ab 
is now big with if the child lives; and I lend to Mary Jurdan
the Negro girl called Linder while Fanny marries or comes of age.

Item.
I give to my Daughter Olliv Bailey my young filley called the 
Rock Filley and one hundred Dollars to said Olliv Bailey.

Note A Bene
I give unto these three sons in law of my wife's eighty three 
pounds and four shillings as the Bond calls for as I sold my wife's property
for she would have it returned to them in stid of herself.
I give to my Daughter Fanny Fuller 1 Negro girl named Linder,
the same girl I lent to Mary Jordan while Fanny come of age or
married. I also give to my Daughter Fanny 1 Negro boy called Sandy and
I give her 1 bed and furniture, 1 womans saddle and bridle and 1 cow
and calf, 1 sow and pigs, 1 pot, 1 dish, six spoons, six plates, and
1 case of knives and forks and enough to buy her 1 good sute of clothes.

Item.
I give to my son Worrin [Warren] Fuller 1 Negro boy called Jacob and girl called Pat and 1 horse I had of my son Ephraim and my brand colt, 
1 saddle and bridle, 1 cow and calf, 2 sows and pigs, my small shot
shot gun and my musket. I also give this land and plantation whereon I live to my son Worrin Fuller after taking off what I want for Ephraim
and for Jordan only Fanny Fuller is to have a house and home
as long as she lives single or comes of age and I give my Desk
to my son Worrin and the other Desk to Fanny as was her mammys.
And to Worrin I give him money enough to buy him a good sute of clothes.

Item.
I give to my son Johnnathan Fuller forty acres of land lying in
the fork of the creek above Daniel Fullers and [a]joins George
Williams and I give to said Johnathan 1 Negro woman called Grace.
The land I give to my son Ephraim begins on Little River below his
house runs up the river to my spring branch then up the branch
to the Cole Branch to Jeffries line then Down
that line strait to the first station. The land I give to my
son Jordan Fuller is all the track [tract] I had of ten peaces [pieces] and
where he the said Jordan now lives down the river to the first 
branch above my upper field on the river strait on north course
from the river to Michal Dent's line. I Desier that Solomon, Stephen,
Dave and Middleton, Luce and Ab and Beck and Ann continue on the plantation under the command of my son Worrin Fuller and for the supoart of said Worrin and Fanny Fuller to be seen by my Executors 
to be an overseer over these Negroes untill Worrin and Fanny
marries or comes of age then I give Midleton to my son Alsay Fuller
and I give Stephen to my son Ephraim Fuller and I give Dave to
my son Jordan Fuller and after these last children comes of 
age I wont all the property I have to be lots and Equilly Divided
that is all I own at my decease all that Worrin can gain from my 
Diseas untill he comes of age is to be Divided between he and Fanny
only I wont Olliv Bailey to have one side saddle and bridle, 2 youes [ewes]
and lambs and Worrin 2 youes and lambs and Fanny 2 youes and lambs
and Johnathan 2 youes and lambs. I also give to Demcy Fuller 
fifty dollars at my decease or before if it can be made. 
I allso leave Luce and Able Luce to Worrin Fuller and Abb
to Fanny Fuller as there own Right. I allso give my black
mares filley to my daughter Fanny as her own Right and
all the geese I have at my decease to be Equally Divided be-
tween my son Worrin Fuller and and my daughter Fanny Fuller.
I allso give 1 large pott and 1 Duch Oven to Worrin and 1 large
pott and 1 Duch Oven to my daughter Fanny Fuller.
After my son Worrin and Daughter Fanny comes of age I
give my Negro girl called Easter to my Daughter Polly Jordan
and at the same time I give to my daughter Olliv Bailey my
Negro woman called Ann. All my stock of horses cattle 
sheep and hoggs Remaining over and above after my just debts
paid and Lands if any to be sold and Equilly Divided amongst all
my living children and as I have tried to Devide all between
my children and wife I now make or claim these worthy friends 
and sons of mine Bartholomew Fuller Ephraim Fuller and Worrin
Fuller Executors of this my Last Will and Testament where
in I set my hand and seal the day and year first above 
written. Signed sealed published and Declared by the said Jones
Fuller the testator to be his Last Will and Testament in the
presents of us who were present at the time of signing and
sealing there of.

Test Jones Fuller (seal)
Wiley Clifton jurat
Wiley C. Mitchell jurat
Earnest J. Brodie

Additional Comments:
Transcribed from original on file in NC State Archives
Call No. C.R.039.801.3
[words in brackets are the transcriber's]
An effort was made to keep punctuation and spelling 
(particularly as to the spelling of names) as in 
the original except where there are lists, in which case
commas have been inserted for ease of understanding.
The original document comprises four pages. 

Will of John Dent, 1812

Will of John Dent

NC Archives, Franklin County Wills. Box C.R. 039.801.2; Folder John Dent 1812

In the name of God Amen, I John Dent of Franklin County & State of North Carolina, being of sound mind & memory, & calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for men to die – do make & ordain this my last will & testament, viz:

First, I give my soul to God & my body to the grave to be burryed in a Christian manner; at the direction of my executors. And touching such worldly estate as I am blest with possession, right or title of; I dispose of as following:

Item, I give & bequeath to my beloved wife, Sarah Dent, the plantation whereon I now live, during her life, to possess in peace & quietness (and after her decease the whole tract of land containing, three hundred acres, more or less, as it is by grant bounded to me, I give to my two sons, John Dent and James Hutcherson Dent divided by a line running South from a post oak and red oak; to a white oak on the Spring Branch, viz John Dent’s Junior’s Spring Branch, thence East across the said branch to a hickory eleven poles; thence South to a post oak, on the dividing line between myself and Josiah Morgan. The west side of the line by the old plot and grant, I give to my son John Dent and his heirs forever. And the East side as it stands bounded by the aforesaid plot & grant I give to my son James Hutcherson Dent and his heirs forever.

Item, I give & bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Liles, wife of Stephen, Anna Pearce, wife of Jeffrey, Mary Dent, Ruth Hornsby, wife of Isaac, & Obediance Dent. After my said daughter, Mary Dent, taking her choice of bed, bedsted & completate furniture, the residue of my personal estate, consisting of different description of stork & household furniture, I mean that my daughter Mary Dent to share equal with my other daughters, exclusive of the bed, bedstead furniture above bequeathed. And I appoint my said wife Sarah, Executrix & my son James H. Dent Executor to this my last will & testament. In testimony I put my hand and seal this the 30^th day of Jany. Anno Domini 1812.

John Dent Sr. (Seal)

Signed in presence of:

James Z.? Hill

Thomas Young

Berry Crocker

Pearce Family of Franklin County, NC

Martha Hawkins Pearce
1872 - 1953

 According to family lore and scanty documentation, the Pearce family migrated into Franklin County sometime prior to 1780 via Northhampton County, NC, Isle of Wight, Virginia, and Bristol, England. Although the family and descendants spent many years in Franklin County (about 1780 – about 1840), family members after 1840 migrated back and forth among Franklin, Wake, and Granville Counties. This was likely due to the shifting county lines and that the family lived very near the “3 corners” where the three counties share a common boundary line.

Jeffrey Pearce was born about 1780 in Franklin Co., NC, and died after 1860 in Franklin Co., NC. He married his first wife, Anna Dent, 13 Sep 1808 in Franklin County, NC. Anna, born about 1790, was the daughter of John Dent and Sarah Hutchinson. Upon Anna’s death, he married Adaline Falkner 23 Dec 1840 in Franklin Co., NC. Jeffrey and Anna raised a large and prosperous family in Franklin County. Their 11 children included John, Martha (Patsy) Kearney, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Enoch, Henry, James Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Willis, and Samuel.

Jeffrey’s marriage to Anna is mentioned in her mother’s will. Probated in Franklin County on 16 December 1824, Sarah Dent leaves all of her property – including cattle, hogs, household, and kitchen furniture - to “Jeffrey Pearce and his wife Anne for the purpose of maintaining my daughter Mary and after the death of Mary my will is that the above property shall go to above said Jeffrey and his wife Anna and their Heirs”.

Jeffrey’s will dated 27 January 1838 recorded in Franklin County is very generous to his family and clearly delineates his place in society as a plantation owner. He leaves all his real and personal property to his “beloved wife” Annie Pearce to support herself and their daughter Elizabeth. On the death of her mother, Elizabeth will inherit all his land and plantation. He leaves money as well to Elizabeth, Enoch, James, and Mary. He asks that his slaves be divided among Elizabeth, Enoch, James, Willis, and Joseph. Children Patsy, Mary Ann, William, Henry, and Benjamin each inherit a sum equivalent to the slaves’ cash value. He names Henry, Enoch and James as executors. On 13 November 1859, Jeffrey signs a codicil leaving 1/8 of his estate to his daughter Patsy and her children, presumably because she was widowed.

According to the Extracts of Franklin Co., NC Court Minutes, 1838-1839, Jeffrey served on a jury in an apparent criminal trial of Thomas E. Yarborough et al, who was charged with Affray (modern day assault). The jury found the defendants not guilty and ordered that the prosecutor in the case pay all costs.

The family appears on the 1840 and 1860 US Federal Census in Franklin, NC. The 1860 Slave Schedule shows five slaves as belonging to the family ranging in age 9 to 53.

John Pearce, son of Jeffrey Pearce and Anna Dent, was born 1812 in Franklinton, Franklin County, NC, and died 08 Mar 1882 in Wake County, NC. He married Martha Williams 19 Jul 1831 in Franklin County, she was born 1810 in Wake County, NC, and died 1858. John and Martha appear on the 1850 and 1860 federal census in New Light District of Wake County, NC, which is just across the Franklin County line. He is listed as a farmer and carpenter. Their children, all born in Wake County, include James, Marcellus, John, Angeline, George, Sarah, and Vandelia. Son Marcellus served in the Civil War with Co I, 1st NC State Troops, was taken prisoner at Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864 and was released from the infamous Elmira Prison a year later.

George Wesley Pearce, son of John Pearce and Martha Williams, was born Jan 1843 in Wake County, NC, and died 1916 in Wake County, NC. He married Elizabeth Caroline Perry 14 Feb 1866 in Wake County, NC, daughter of William Perry and Delia Harrison. She was born 27 Mar 1831 in Wake County, NC, and died 16 Aug 1903 in Wake County, NC. George served in the Civil War with Co. D, 23rd Reg. NC Troops. George and Elizabeth had 6 children: Martha Hawkins, Dillithea, John, George, Annie, and Joseph.

Martha Hawkins Pearce, daughter of George Wesley Pearce and Elizabeth Caroline Perry, was born Sep 1870 in Wake County, NC. She married Allan H. Ray 03 Dec 1885 in Wake County, NC. Their children included Elizabeth, Loretta, Mary, and James.

Elizabeth Ray, daughter of Martha Hawkins Pearce and Allan Ray, was born 24 Dec 1886 in Wake County, NC. She married Eugene Narron Allen 02 Jul 1904 in Wake County, NC. Eugene (Bud) served in World War I. Elizabeth (Sissy) and Eugene had seven children: Vada Atlas, Mamie, Lois, Henrietta, Lucie, John, and Eugene. Sissy died in childbirth with Eugene on 18 Apr 1928 in Wake County.

Ethel Davis Allen and
Vada Atlas Allen

Vada Atlas Allen, son of Elizabeth Ray and Eugene Allen, was born 27 Jun 1905 in Wake Co., NC, and died 21 Oct 1964 in Raleigh, NC. He married Ethel Davis 14 Oct 1926 in New Light Township, Wake County, NC, daughter of Sidney Davis and Cordelia Davis. She was born 27 Dec 1906 in Granville Co, NC, and died 30 Jun 1965 in Raleigh, NC. At various points in their life together, they lived in Granville, Franklin and Wake Counties. Their oldest daughter, Ann Gladys, was born in Franklin County. Additionally, they had two other daughters, Elizabeth (Lib) Grace and Mary Joyce.

Ann Gladys Allen, daughter of Vada Atlas Allen and Ethel Davis, was born 01 Jul 1929 in Franklin County, NC, and died 13 Apr 1997 in Wake County, NC. She married Carl Donald Stancil, son of Jesse Stancil and Lou Ada Johnson, 03 May 1952 in North Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC. He was born 29 Jun 1930 in Wake Co., NC, and died 02 Feb 1997 in Wake Co., NC. 

Sources: Census Records, Court Records, Wills, Clerk of Courts,

Marriage Records, Military Records, NC Archives Records,

Family Information. 

This article was originally composed by Carla Stancil for inclusion in the Franklin County Heritage Book.

Will of Ralph Matthews, 1687

Nuncupative (oral) Will of RALPH MATTHEWS

Isle of Wight County, Virginia Will and Deed Book 2, p. 269. 
Registered August 13, 1687.

An account of what RALPH MATTHEWS gave his three children before his departure to each: one bed and bedstead, to each six pewter dishes, to each one [an] Iron pot, to each one [a] frying pan, to each one a dozen of spoons, to each two por-ringers?, to one a skinner, to the next a flesh fork, and the other a ladle, and that had the lade to give her one salt tiller to equalize the skinner and flesh fork, and this he did desire. Should be at his wife's disposing till they come of age to ____ it themselves, furthermore he did desire that Col. Smith or his sonne Arthur Smith to take some care that this which he gave his children may not be imbezled and for the children be defrauded of it, and furthermore that his wife should have the remainder herself paying his debts out of it. This RALPH MATTHEWS desired as we have set our hands and hereunto to take notice of as to be his Will. Col Smith being present at that time, it being some two days before his death. Attested by Boaz Gwin, Robert Brock. Proved in open court held for the Isle of Wight County, August ye 13th 1687 by the oaths of Boaz Gwin and Robert Brock.

Test. John Pitt Ct. Clerk 
Isle of Wight County, Virginia Administrations and Probates, p. 61. 
[Abstract]

RALPH MATTHEWS by will appointed his relict, ALICE MATTHEWS, Executrix, August 13, 1687. Registered October 21, 1687

Source:  "Nimrod and Amanda Johnson Stephenson of Pleasant Grove Township, Johnston County, North Carolina:  Their Ancestors and Descendants". 1991 by James Mark Valsame, Raleigh, NC.

Will of Ezekiel Fuller - 1722

Ezekiel Fuller's will ---1722

In the name of God Amen I Ezekiel Fuller of the Isle of Wight county being of perfect Mind & Memory Thanks be to almighty God make this my Last will and Testament in a Manner and for me following Imprimts I Submit my Soul to god. 

Hoping Through the merrits of my blessed saviour To have pardon of all my Sinns. 

Item I Give to my Loving wife the use of all my Estate what so ever Dureing her widowhood or Naturall Life and the day of Marriage or Death my will is that this is 

Item I Give and Bequeath to my son Ezekiell and Sollomon all my Land to be Equaly Divided Betweene Them and their Heirs forever 

Item I give to my son Ezekiell all my Carpenters Tools. 

Item I Give the remainder of my Estate to my wife marriage or Death 

to my Loving Children 

To my daughter Ann my Son Ezekiell my Daughter Mary my Sons Sollomon, Benjamin, John, Joseph, Arthur, & Timothy to be equally divided Betweene them. 

Item I give to my son Henry Twenty Five Shillings to be paid by executrix. 

Item I give to my Daughter Martha Whitley and my Daughter Honor Allen a half a Pence and I do make my Loving Wife Deborah my Whole and Sole executrix of this my Last will and Testament in Witness my hand and seale this 19 day of November 1722.

His Marke
Ezekiel (EF) Fuller

Signed Sealed and Delivered to be the Last Will and Testament
in the presence of.
Arthur Smith
Matthew Lowry his W ( ) W Ward
marke

2nd Court held for Isle of Wight County, The 24 June 1723

The Last will & Testament of Ezekiell Fuller presented unto Court by the Executrix who made oath_______and being proved in Court by the oathes of Matthew Lowry & Wm. Ward Wittnesses is admitted to record
____Lightfoot___ ___

Recorded in Deeds and Wills of Isle of Wight Co, Va. Great Book Vol 2 part 2 1715-1726 page 133

Note: Will has no reference to children Benjamin or Ann. Additionally, the family group sheet submitted to the LDS Ancestral Files only lists nine children: Henry, Ezekial, Martha, Honour, Mary, John, Joseph, Arthur, and Timothy; leaving out Benjamin, Ann and Solomon (Solomon is in the Will however).

Will of Hugh Matthews, 1747

Will of HUGH MATTHEWS

Southampton County, Virginia Will Book 1, pp. 55-57
Devised November 7, 1747, Registered September 12, 1751

In the Name of God Amen, I HUGH MATTHEWS of the County of Southampton in Nottoway parish do make this writing my last will and testament in form and manner as followeth. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson JONAS MATTHEWS son of JOHN MATTHEWS deceased 200 acres of land lying on the East side of Angelica Swamp being part of a tract of land formerly taken up by Captain William West and now possessed by Edward Drew I say I give the said tract of land to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson RALPH MATTHEWS son of RALPH MATTHEWS a certain tract or parcel of Land lying on the East side of Angelica Swamp a survey lately made by Major James Baker the Contents not known at present I say I give the said land to him and his heirs. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my Grandson SOLOMON STEPHENSON a certain tract or parcel of land lying on James Branch bounded by Edward Drew's line and my own line the contents unknown at present I give the said Land to him and his heirs. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my two sons EDWARD MATTHEWS and WILLIAM MATTHEWS a new survey of Land lately made by me lying on James Branch and bounded by the Indians line and the branch commonly called the Indian Branch I say I give the said land to my said sons to be equally divided between them according to quantity and quality to them and their Heirs.

Item. I give and bequeath to my loving wife ANN MATTHEWS the plantation I now live on during her widowhood and afterwards I bequeath the same to my son JOSEPH MATTHEWS likewise my desire that my son JOSEPH MATTHEWS my build him a house that which he hath on part of the said Land and my desire that he may live where he is on that part of the land that was laid off to him and on the manor plantation without any molestation the time of her widowhood, I say I give the said plantation to him and his son JACOB MATTHEWS and their heirs. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my son JOSEPH MATTHEWS my still and all conveniences thereunto belonging likewise I bequeath the third part of the liquor, both Cider and Brandy, made on the Plantation to my wife ANN MATTHEWS during her widowhood and my Will and Desire is that my three sons EDWARD and WILLIAM may have the liberty of stilling the Cider in the said Still as long as she lasts on free cost. 

Item. I bequeath to my loving wife ANN MATTHEWS my Negro fellow called Jack during her widowhood and after to have his freedom and my desire is that my wife ANN MATTHEWS may not take any body to Crop? it with her except her own son. 

Item. My will and desire is that all my Household stuff and goods of all kinds may be equally divided between my loving wife ANN MATTHEWS and my three sons EDWARD, WILLIAM, and JOSEPH except my wife ANN MATTHEWS should have a mind to leave the plantation then my will and desire is that she may have two cows and calves or year olds and my black riding horse, saddle and bridle, or otherwise if she continues after her Decd. to be equally divided among them likewise my desire is that my wife ANN MATTHEWS may have one feather bed and furniture. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter SARAH MAC KENNY one shilling and my fine duffell coat. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter MARTHA NEWSOM one shilling.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son BENJAMIN MATTHEWS one shilling.

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter HESTER JOHNSON one shilling.

Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson AARON MATTHEWS one bed and furniture, one beaver hat, broad cloth coat, and one two year heiffer. 

Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter PATIENCE JOHNSON one shilling. Item. My will and desire is that if the stock of cattle increased on the plantation and either of my sons stands in need of cattle either of them may have a cow and calf to give them milk. 

Item. My desire is that my loving wife ANN MATTHEWS and my son JOSEPH MATTHEWS may be executors of this my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seals the 7th day of November 1747. 

Wit. Dan. Sebree, 
Thomas Pursell, 
HUGH (HM) MATTHEWS 
George (+) Stephens

Will of James Hutchison, 1795

My 7th great maternal grandfather, James Hutchison, wrote his will in Orange County, NC and dated it February 1796. He died less than a year later, noting in his will that he was "in a low state of health".





In the name of God amen, I James Hutchison of Orange County and State of North Carolina being in a low state of health but of perfect mind and memory and knowing it is appointed by God for all men once to die, do make ordain and constitute this my last will and testament.

First I give and bequeath my love to almighty God in hopes to receive the same at the general resurrection and my body to be buried in a Christian-like manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named. And as for such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath the followeth (to wit)

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Margreat one mare known by the name of Tory, one cow and calf, my best feather bed and furniture, iron ? and my house, shelf and all my pewter  one pot and pot hooks and my walnut chest.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Samuel ten pounds currency

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Margreat Thelly ten pounds currency.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane Lineh ten pounds currency.

Item I give and bequeath to my sons James and Ross the plantation I now live on to be divided in an equal manner according to quantity and quality and all and every part of my estate after paying the above legacyes and all my just debts and my funeral expenses and be it further known that my will is that my wife Margreat and her property is to be supported the term of her life out of the profits arising from my plantation and is not to be molested in possession of the house I now live in during the term of her life and I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Margreat and my beloved son James to be my whole Executors to this my last will and testament in witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 2 day of September 1795.

James Hutchison

Signed sealed as my last will and testament in presence of 
Wm Mebane, John McCory Jurat, Judah Griffith
Recorded February 1796

Will of Joseph Matthews, January 1791

Will of Joseph Matthews

Jan. 1791

NC State Archives

Cumberland County, N Carolina

  

In the name of God, amen I Joseph Matthews of Cumberland County and state of North Carolina being very sick but of sound mind and good memory and knowing it is appointed for all men to die I do make and ordain this as my last will and testament revoking all other wills heretofore by me maid.

Item my will and desire is for all my just debts and funeral expenses be first paid and discharged.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Jacob Matthews five shillings to him and his hers for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Martha Smith five shillings to her and to herrs for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Matthews five shillings to him and to his herrs for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Hester Johnson five shillings to her and to herrs for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Hardy Matthews the whole of my carpenter tools and likewise the brandy that he is owing of me to pay my just debts out of  and what remains to be for his own use to him and to his hirss for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath unto Daughter Pleasant Thomas five shillings to her and to her hers for Ever.

Item I give and bequeath unto Matthew Jinks one filley and to his and to his hers for Ever.

Carried over

Item I give and bequeath to my Dear and well beloved wife Ann Matthews one bed and furniture thirteen head of hogs, six head of cattle, five head of sheep, one chest, and churn, one saddle and bridle, and one pr. of sheep shears, one hundred and fifty acres of land lying and being in the county of Cumberland and adjoining Solomon Parke's line and Simon Johnston and the line formerly called Hart's line, all the aforesaid articl above mentioned

I give unto my wife during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or marriage, then to be equally divided between her four sons, Joseph Jinks, Matthew Jinks, Burrell Jinks, and John Jinks to them and to their heirs forever.

Solomon Parck (+) Joseph (HM) Matthews

Henry Knight (seal)

Francis (+) Dorton

Joseph Matthews' Will

January 1791

Last Will and Testament of Ary Parrish Johnson

Last Will and Testament of Ary Johnson

I, Ary Johnson of Johnston County North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory, but uncertain of my earthly existence, do make this my Last Will and Testament in the following manner and form:

Item 1st.
I will and bequeath to each of my children, to wit:  Susannah ???, Walter Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Martitia Jones, Edwin Johnson, Richard Johnson, D. C. Johnson, James Johnson, Sallie Wallace, one dollar each as heirs ?? of my property. 

Item 2nd.
I will and bequeath to my beloved son Nazareth Johnson, all the property that I may own at my death except that mentioned in Item 1st of this my Last Will and Testament which I desire to he his during his natural life.

Item 3rd
It is my desire that my son, D. C. Johnson act as Executor to this my last Will and Testament and see that the same is carried out according to law and in the event the said D. C. Johnson shall die or otherwise fail to act, it is my desire that some available person shall be chosen by my children to act as Executor to this my Last Will and Testament and see that the same is duly carried out according to law.

Item 4th
If my son Nazareth Johnson shall die without any living issue, it is my desire that the portion of property herein bequeathed to him shall be equally divided among my children mentioned in Item 1st of this my Last Will and Testament after having dedicated fifty dollars from his share of my daughter Sallie Wallace, which she has already received from me.  This 27th day of January 1891.

Ary Johnson (mark)

Witness:
J.A. Jones
A.L. Coats

***********************************************************

Order for Probate issued in Johnston County, North Carolina by D.C. Johnson on July 4, 1896.  Certificate of Probate and Executors Oath issued on the same day.

Application for Letters Testamentary issued on July 4, 1896. Lists property worth about $500.00:
- 50 acres of land in Pleasants Grove Township
- 2 beds
- 5 steads
- furniture and other household kitchen furniture
- hogs and farm implements

These parties are entitled to said property:
- Susanna Coats
- Nazareth Johnson
- Walter Johnson
- Margaret Johnson
- Richard Johnson
- D.C. Johnson
- James Johnson
- Sallie Wallace
- all of full age and residents of Johnston County, North Carolina and the children of Martitia Jones (dec'd), Edwin Johnson Dec'd, Nella Jones, Sam Jones, Jimmie Jones of full age. Bettie Jones, Eddy Jones, Cassie Johns, Josephus Jones, minors. Jimmy Johnson of age, Ruffin Johnson, Edwin Johnson, Louisa Johnson minors. No guardian for any after ?? and all residents of Johnston County. 

Signed by D.C. Johnson



Johnston County Will Abstracts
Ary Johnson, January 27, 1891, Probated July 4, 1896
Children:  Susanna C. Coats, Walter Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Martitia Jones, Edwin Johnson, Richard Johnson, D.C.  Johnson, James Johnson, Sallie Wallace - $1.00 each as their portion. Son Nazarath Johnson - all of the property I may own at my death. If son Nazarath Johnson should die without heirs, that portion of property to be equally divided among my children. $50.00 to come from share of Daughter Sallie Wallace, she has already received. 
Executor: D.C. Johnson, son
WitnessesL  J.A. T. Coats, A.L. Coats
Ary (x) Johnson

Will of Issac Johnson, ~1770-1822

Last Will and Testament

In the name of God, Amen. I Isaac Johnson of the County of Johnston and State of North Carolina, being of sound mind and memory do hereby make, publish, and declare this instrument of writing to be my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say, first I give and devise to my son Stephen, all the land which I own on the north side of the north prong of the Beaver Dam branch, including the house and plantation whereon I now live to him and his heirs forever, reserving to my wife the use of the same during her natural life.

2d. All the rest of my land I give and devise to my son Frederick to him and his heirs forever. 

3d. I give and bequeath to my son Stephen, one sorrel filly, one feather bed and furniture, 1 shot gun, and one half of my plantation tools.

I give and bequeath to my said son Frederick one mare and colt, one feather bed and furniture, one half of my plantation tools, and all the hogs that are commonly called his.

I give and bequeath to my daughter Bethany on feather bed and furniture, one cow and two yearlings, one loom and gear, half a dozen pewter plates, half a dozen pewter basons, one iron pot, and one spider and bed and one clothes chest.  All the balance of my household and kitchen furniture, I give to my wife.

The residue of my property, I wish to be sold by my Executor hereinafter to be named, and the money arising therefrom, after paying all my just debts to be equally divided between my three daughters Sally, Betsy, and Bethany.

I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Barny Johnson Executor to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of December, 1822.

Isaac Johnson (seal)

Signed, sealed, and acknowledged in the presence of E. Smith and W. Senton

State of North Carolina, November term 1823, Johnston County
Herein as the executor of this will duly proven in open court by the oaths of Edwin Smith and W. Senton and as directed to be recorded.

R.M. Saunders, Clerk

Recorded in the clerks office of said County in Book No. 11 page 58.  R. M. Saunders, Clerk.

Will of Bethany Johnson Johnson, ~1770-1824

Will Abstracts of Johnston County, 1746 - 1825. Vol. 1:

Thenny Johnson - died May 1, 1824. Probate Court May 1824. 

Son John:  1 skillet
Son Jacob: 1 bed cover
Son Frederick - 1 bed, 1 dutch oven
Daughter Thanny - remaining clothing
Son Stephenson - remaining property - pay just debts
Son Barney - 1 wheel
Daughter Sarah - 1 clock, clothing
Daughter Elizabeth: Household items
Exec: Stephenson Johnson
Witness:  Barnaby Jonson, David Parish

(My 4th great grandmother)

Will of Jacob FLOWERS, 1776 - 1856

The Will of Jacob FLOWERS

My 5th great grandfather, Jacob FLOWERS Sr., left a will rich in family information. It contains the names of children, their spouses, and grandchildren. It shows Jacob to be a man of means who cared a great deal about his family. He must have been ill when he wrote the will as it was proven in court barely a year after it was written.

Will of Jacob FLOWERS, Sr.: [punctuation inserted for clarity] 

I, Jacob FLOWERS of the County of Johnston and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:

First - That my executor herein after named shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my relatives and friends and pay all funeral expenses together with my just debts, howsoever and to whomsoever owing out of the monies that may come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Pherebee three beds & furniture, all the household and kitchen furniture not otherwise disposed of in my will, fourteen shoats, two sows and pigs, seven head of cattle if said hogs and cattle be in my posession (sic) at the time of my death all the domestic fowls and poultry, one bay mare, one pair of cart wheels, all my crop of my description and all the provisions on hand at the time of my death, and my working tools except enough of this item to pay all expenses named or herein after named in my will.

Item - I give and bequeath to my oldest daughter Mary, wife of Reddick HARPER, one dollar to be paid by my executor within two years from the time of my death out of my belongings to my estate.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Winny, wife of John HARPER, one dollar to be paid out by my executor as the above bequesth. (sic throughout)

Item - I give to my granddaughter Sally, wife of William ROBERTS, one dollar to be paid by my executor as in the former bequesths.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Sally, wife of Laban GRIFFIS (sic) one dollar to be paid by my executor as in the former bequesth.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Pherebee, wife of Elijah GODWIN, one dollar to be paid by my executors as in the former bequesth.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth, wife of Stephen GODWIN, one dollar to be paid by my executor as in former bequesths.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Emily, wife of Matthew DODD, one dollar to be paid by my executor as in former bequesth.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet, wife of Wesley (sic) GODWIN, one dollar to be paid by my executors as in former bequesths.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Tempy, wife of John FLOWERS, one dollar to be paid by my executors as in former bequesths.

Item - I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha, wife of Robert MASSINGILL, one dollar to be paid by my executors as in former bequesth.

Item - I give and bequeath to my son Jacob one dollar to be paid by my executors as in former bequesth.

And I lastly do hereby constitute and appoint my friend Robert MASSINGILL as my lawful executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof hereby revoking & declaring utterly void all the other wills and testaments by me heretofore made. 

In witness whereof I the said Jacob FLOWERS Sr. do hereunto set my hand and seal the 28th day of July A.D. 1853. 

Signed, sealed, published and declared by Jacob FLOWERS Sr., to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence to subscribe our names thereto.

Jacob FLOWERS (seal)

Witnesses:
S. B. LASSITER
Jesse BARBER

Proven at August Term 1854.

Introducing Ms. Avasilla Fluellen, 1776 - 1835

I just love that name...Avasilla FLUELLEN. Pretty cool that she's my 4th great grandmother. And double God bless her...she had a whopping 14 children (though some of these may have been her husband's children from his first marriage)! She was quite a woman. And her husband, Justice PARRISH, musta been quite a guy!

I don't have very much information on Granny Ava yet, except her marriage bond (May 30, 1797) to the prolific Justice, who had a total of 3 wives and 16 children. Good thing he owned a lot of land in Johnston County, NC. According to his will abstract, he provided very nicely for Ava leaving her 380 acres of land and his plantation, although he owned a total of 1200 acres acquired via land grants and purchases. This land is in the Coats and McGee's Crossroads area that sits near the line of Johnston and Harnett County, very near where I now live.

She was born in 1776 in Johnston County, making her a good bit younger than Justice, born in 1745 in Goochland County, Virginia. There was over 30 years difference in their ages.

Avasilla passed in 1835 living another 27 years after Justice passed away.  She was only 32 when she became a widow, so it's possible she remarried. 

Their daughter Parazadia (another great name!) is my 3rd great grandmother. 

Will of Jonathan F. Davis, Jan. 27, 1896, Granville County, NC

State of North Carolina
Granville County

I, Jon. F. DAVIS of the County and State aforesaid, bring of feeble health but of sound mind and memory, do make and declare this my last will and testament I the manner and form following.

First, that my executor hereafter named shall provide for my body a decent burial and pay all of my just debts howsoever and to whomever owing out of the first money that shall come into his hands.

I give my beloved wife Cornelia DAVIS all of my real and personal property and ? of what nature or kind and wheresoever the same shall be at the time of my death living her natural life or widowhood. After her death or marriage it is my will that the aforesaid property be divided between my seven children as follows.

I give and devise to my daughter Genetta WILSON Ninety Dollars less than a full share. 

I give and devise to my daughter Augusta HASWELL Fifty Five Dollars less than a full share.

I give and devise to my daughter Aramenta PLEASANTS Fifty Dollars less than a full share. 

Owing to advances made to the three above named with the above deductions. It is my will that the aforesaid property be equally divided between my seven children: Genetta WILSON, Augusta HASWELL, Aramenta PLEASANTS, Cordelia DAVIS, Seraftner INSCORE, Larrance DAVIS, Cora DAVIS. 

And lastly, I do hereby appoint my friend J.L. DAVIS my lawful Executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent of the same. I hereby revoke and declare utterly invalid all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made.

In witness whereof the said Jonathan F. DAVIS do hereunto set my hand and seal this 27th day of January, 1896.

Jonathan F. DAVIS (seal)

Signed, sealed, and delivered by the said Jonathan F. DAVIS to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence do declare our names as witnesses thereto. 

John L. JOYNER
P.R. ALLEN

****
Handwritten note

J. D. Davis Executor of Johnathan F. DAVIS Dec'd.
Inventory
1 track of land and home track - 146 acres
1 track of land Good Hope track 50 acres
1 track of land Bragg track 56 acres
1 mule, 1 cow, 9 hogs
1 wagon, 3 plows, 2 ho?, 2 wheat cradles
2 feather beds, 1 desk, 1 workstand, 1 clock, 6 chairs
1 folding table, 1 cook stove, 2 tables, small lot of table ware,
1 old buggy

J. D. DAVIS, Executor
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Sept. 18, 1900. J. G. ?? (CREECH?), C.S.C

Will of Matthew Moore, Cumberland County, NC, 1824

This will can be found online here and was originally submitted by Betty Moore. 

Will dated:  October 1824
Will probated: September 1825

From Cumberland County, North Carolina, Will Book B, p. 138 (in NC State Archives in Raleigh, NC). 

"In the name of God, Amen. I, Matthew Moore, on being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, or you may say this consideration of the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, vis: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Prudence Moore, the plantation and house that I formerly occupied, with all the household furniture, stock, hogs, sheep and cattle. When at her decease, what remains over and above shall be equally divided among her children. I do hereby appoint Prudence sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills made by me. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of October in the year of our Lord, 1824. 

Matthew Moore (mark) (Seal) James Hodges John Moore"

Will was probated September 1825. Will Book B, p 138 - 139, North Carolina Archives. Wife Prudence received the house and plantation. Note:  Heirs (her children) were not named. Executrix was Prudence Moore, witnesses James Hodges and John Moore. There was a paper in the box at the archives dated 15 Feb 1838 and two copies of a petition filed in the courts by Neall Shaw et al vs. Daniel B. Cameron et al, one to be delivered to Malcom Buie and wife Annabella of the county. Not sure if this is related to the probate.

Send in the Marines...

Carl Donald Stancil sitting on the
front porch of the family home
 in Raleigh, NC. 1952

Carl Donald STANCIL devoted his life to three things:  God, Country, Family. He loved us in that order. 

In his devotion to his country, Daddy served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years. He enlisted June 30, 1947, just one day after his 17th birthday. He retired from the Marines 20 years later on May 29, 1967.

In his 20 years, daddy served all over the world including Guam, Cuba, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, Lebanon, and Vietnam.   

On April 25, 1951, he was seriously wounded in Korea at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. He took a piece of shrapnel to his head leaving a scar which ran from his eye brow to his ear. He participated in campaigns in Wonson, Hungnam, and Choisin. He told us stories of the bitter cold and the hellish heat of Korea. 

When asked about the necessary killing of other men in war, his
response was “It was kill or be killed. If I didn’t kill them, I’d never see my family again and I wasn’t about to let anyone stand in the way of that.” Such was his devotion to his family.  

Some of Daddy’s favorite sayings included “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”, “Send in the Marines”, and “Tell that to the Marines”.  He also used to say “nobody ever drowned in sweat” and “Marines go where others fear to tread”.  His favorite saying when watching the evening news was “The Marines invade and then go home. The Army has to do the occupying."

To the very end, Daddy maintained a “high and tight” haircut and “spit-shined” his shoes. When I went away to college, instead of living in a dorm and eating in a cafeteria, he thought I lived in a “barracks” and ate in the “mess hall”. Truly, once a Marine, always a Marine.  

After retiring from the Marines, Daddy continued to serve his country for another 20 years as a civil servant. He was willing to give his life for freedom and democracy. He proved his loyalty to his country every single day he served  – whether he was proudly wearing the uniform of the USMC or serving via civil service.  

For a man born in the depths of the depression to a poor working class family, Daddy distinguished himself in many ways having little to do with money or social prestige. He served his country proudly and fiercely for over 40 years. His belief in God was firm and unwavering. Mama used to say that every time the doors opened to First Christian Church in Jacksonville, NC, Daddy would be there. His love of family is clearly evidenced not only by the letters he wrote to his beloved mother, wife, brothers and sister, but by the legacy of love and pride he left behind.

The story goes…that Daddy so wanted to be a Marine that he fibbed about his age and joined the Marine Corps in 1946 at age 16. The Corps discovered his “secret” while still in boot camp and not so politely invited him to return to civilian life. On June 30, 1947, just one day after turning the (then) legal age of 17, he was able to enlist in the Marine Corps with his parent’s permission.

The story also goes…that Daddy was very touched by the many Korean war orphans he encountered during the war. He returned from the war and convinced Mama to adopt two Korean boys. At the time, they were stationed in Hawaii, not yet a state. The adoption was nearly complete and Daddy was prepared to travel to Seoul to pick up the boys when suddenly the adoption plans were halted. Mama had discovered that she was pregnant with me, and at that time adoption rules prevented expectant parents from adopting. Were it not for poor timing, I could have had two brothers! 

In Macedonia where Paul preached.
Daddy is the Marine to the right.