O

Will of Elizabeth O'Kelly
pg. 249,250 (445) of Vol. B, (1818-1833)
Wills of Chatham Co., NC
Microfilm # C.002.8001, NC State Archives

In the Name of God Amen
I Elizabeth O'Kelly of chatham county and state of North Carolina,
Being in soundness of mind do constitute this my last will and
Testament cordially and solemly, according to the true and honest
intention of these premises.

First as to my body and soul God being the former of my body and the
father of my spirit I surrender them at him will my body to the earth
from whence it came and my soul to God who gave it in full assurance of
a resurrection and a comfortable hope of acceptance. As to my my
temporal property, it is my will to dispose of as follows to wit,

Item, I give to Dinah Pilgrim two hundred dollars as (I?) rather leave
it in the hands of my Executor to put it out on Intrust for her to live
on as, he sees she stands in need of. Also, I lend her a pare of cards
and wheal one big trot pail and pigins and tubs flat irons coffee mill
a half dozen little plaits (plates) two dishes a case of knives and
forks two basens and net trunks sugar bon? (bowl?) and coffee pot,
during her natural life and at her death, if any be left it is to come
back after paying those for the trouble they will be at for keeping her
and be divided as I shall now name.

Item, I give to my son John O'Kelly one dollar and what he has already
received to him and his heirs forever.

Item, I give and bequeath to Josiah Atkins one dollar and what he has
already received to him and his heirs forever after my just dets are
paid it is my will and desire that ll my property moneys in hand notes
and a accounts be divided equally between Mary E. O'Kelly, John
McCauley, Franklin O'Kelly, Leslie O'Kelly heirs one share, Lucinda
Anderson William J. O'Kelly, James T. Barbee Thomas J. Fowler Vilina B.
O'Kelly Mary T. Bilbo and Molsey Massey, If a free woman has a wright
to do what she pleases with her own. I constitute this my last will
and Testament Moreover I appoint Franklin O'Kelly Executor to this my
last will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
affirmed my seal this September the 4th, 1832

Alfred Moring
Henry Moring
Elizabeth O'Kelly (X her mark)
 

The foregoing last will and Testament of Elizabeth O'Kelly decd, was
duly proven in open court at May Term 1833 by the Oath of Alfred Moring
a subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be recorded whereupon
Franklin O'Kelly the Executor therein named appeared in open Court and
was duly qualified.
================================================================

Will of James O'Kelly; pg. 125 (384), of Vol. B, (1818-1833)
Chatham Co., NC Wills
Microfilm # C.022.8001, NC State Archives
 

In the name of God Amen, I James O'Kelly of Chatham, State of North
Carolina being in soundness of mind, do constitute this my last will
and testament cordially and solemly according? to the true and honest
intentions of these premises.

First as to my and body and soul God being the former of my body and
the father of my spirit I surrender them at his call. My body to the
earth from whence it came and soul to God who give it in full assurance
of a resurection and comfortable hope of acceptance. As to my temporal
property it is my will to dispose of it as follows -

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son John O'Kelly five dollars and
what he has already received to him and hi heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto the Heirs of my son William O'Kelly,
deceased ten dollars and what they have already received to them and
their heirs forever.

Item, I give and bequeath unto my dere and loving wife Elizabeth
O'Kelly after my last debts are paid every cents worth of property of
every kind horses Hoggs Cattle Sheep household and kitchen furniture
plantation utensils Monies Bonds note of hand to the Cash --- ? of
property at her own disposal forever If a free man hath a right to doe
what he will with his Own. I constitute this my last will and
testament.

Moreover I appoint John Moring Sr. Executor to this my last will and
testament in witness whereof I have set my hand and assigned my seal
this twenty sixth day of April, 1826

Jas. O'Kelly
Test.
John Moring Jr.
Willis Moring             Proved November Session 1826
=====================================================================

William O'Kelly, on pg. 34,35 (339)
Vol. B (1818-1834) Wills and Estates of Chatham Co., NC
Microfilm # C.022.8001, NC State Archives
 

In the name of God Amen, I William O'Kelly of the County of Chatham and
State of North carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory
(blessed be God) do make and publish this as my last will and Testament
in manner and form as following (to wit),

Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Nancy McAuley Negroes Ron/Ren
and her child together with all and every description of property which
has heretofore been given in her possession.

Item. I hereby confirm the gift to my son Franklin of the land which he
lives and all other property which I have heretofore given and
delivered him.

Item. I hereby confirm the gift to my son Leslie O'Kelly of the land
whereon he lives and all other property which I have heretofore given
and delivered him.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Polly L. Bilbo, a negro girl
named Katy together with all and every description of property which
has heretofore been given in her possession.

Item, I give and bequeath to my four Daughters Lucinda O'Kelly, Jinsy
O'Kelly, Amelia D. O'Kelly and Velina/Velma? B. O'Kelly, the sum
of two hundred Dollars and to be paid them by my Executors (hereafter
named) when they shall marry and it is my further wish in the bequest
that if is the opinion of my executors upon consultation with my wife
that a larger sum can be spared them enough should be paid each to buy
a negro girl each.

Item, I lend to my beloved wife Mary E. O'Kelly, all the land and
plantation whereon I now live during her natural life with the
exception that my son William Jefferson O'Kelly, shall have the
privilege of working the same either with his Mother or to himself as
they may agree. I also lend her the following Negroes to wit. Randal,
Amy, Nelson & Brass with the privilege of selling Randal if she may
think proper and appropriating the proceeds thereof to the benefit of
my four single Daughters or the survivors of them- four head of horses,
all my other stock of all kinds, crop working tools waggon etc. all the
household and kitchen furniture ( after giving each unmarried child one
good Bed and furniture) during her natural life and after the death of
my wife it is my wish that the whole of my property except what is
herein specially bequeathed should be equally divided between my five
unmarried children to wit, Lucinda, William J., Jinsy D, Amelia D. and
Velma/Velina? B. O'Kelly or the survivors of them. I also give my wife
the dividends and surpluses arriving from my Bank Stock except as
hereafter mentioned during her life.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son William Jefferson O'Kelly, after
the death of my wife all my lands and heretofore given and ????

Item, I give to my father and Mother or the survivor of them the
Dividends and surplus's arriving from my Bank Shares during their or
either of their lives. I hereby nominate and appoint John McAuly, James
Bilbo, Franklin O'Kelly, and Leslie O'Kelly Executors fo this my last
will and Testament whereunto I have set my hand and seal this 14th Day
of December A.D. 1820

Signed and Published
in presence of us
Zach. Harman
John Moring, Sr.                Wm. O'Kelly
===================================================================

Will of Stephen Ozbern/Osbourn, dated 24 Feb. 1795, proved Aug. 1798
Chatham Co., NC Record of Estates, Vol. 2, pg. 132
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001 - 1782-1799

In the Name of God, Amen, February the 24th, 1795. I Stephen Ozbern
being sick & weak in body but of perfect sences mind & memory thanks be
given to god therefore Calling to mind the mortality of my body &
Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make & ordain
this my Last Will & Testament which is to say I principally & first of
all I give and recommend my soul unto the hands of almighty that Gave it
and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be burried in a Decent and
Christian Burial at the discretion of my exec'r Heretofore named & as
touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleas'd God to bless me with in
this life I give Demise & Dispose of the same in the following manner &
form
first of all I give to my wife Mary Ozbourn all my stock of Horses Hogs
& Cattle & household furniture & working tools during her Life or
widowhood & all my land & the rest of my Estate to be Equally Divided
Between my five children, Aron Ozbourn, John Ozburn, Christerpher &
Rebecca Ozburn & the other on nam'd (un-named?) [EDITOR'S NOTE - This
may be a formality that was used to take care of any unborn child, if
the wife was pregnant at the time of his death. At one time a will was
void if there was a posthumous child, not provided for in the will. Or
it may be an infant, not yet named. Sometimes, they didn't name a child
for a year or more]
Last of all I do hereby Revoke Disanul make void all other Legacies
bequest & made by me heretofore

Rattifying & confirming this alone to be my Last Will & Testament unto
which I appoint my wife Mary Ozburn & Steward Hamilton my Executors.
In witness whereof I have hearunto set my hand & fix't my seal this day
& date above written
                                Sign'd Stephen Ozbourn {Seal}
Littleton Daniel (X)
Burrell Williams
                        Duly proved at August Term 1798 by the Oath
                        of Littleten Daniel, a subscribing Witness thereto
Exec'tr qualify'd
========================================================================

David Parham Will - dated Jan 12, 1792
Chatham Co., NC Record of Estates (1782-1799) Vol. 1, pg. 43 (a,b)
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of God amen I being Sick and not in perfect halth knowing
it was apointed for all men to dy I recommend my soul to God and my
body to the Clay to be buried in a desent maner _ inprimis? - I lend to
my mother all that I have so long as she liveth and then I give to my
sister Nancy. I do ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament
Sind seald and delivered in the presents of us January 12, 1792
Joseph Hinton
William Avent Singed David (his X mark) Parham
A Copy Test John Ramsey C.C.
============================================================================

Contributor's Note:  The spelling, capitalization and punctuation are
unchanged from the original document.  My editorial comments are found
in  [   ].

Robert Paylet Will - Chatham Co., Wills, Vol. 1, pg. 18, 18a, 19.
NC State Archives Film # C.022. 5001

In the name of God Amen  Decembrth 16 day 1783
I Robert Paylet being verry Sick in Boody bot of perfect mind and memry
thank God for it coillon [calling] to mind the mortilidy of my boody and
koing it is apointed for all men to Deay. I recoumend my sole unto the
hands of god that give it and my boodey to be bered in a Christen leck
manner  at the discreson of my Excators and touching soch worrely afers
as it heath pleased God to bless me with I give and dispose of in the
foling [following] maner Visert [Viz]  I give to my well beloved wife
Carlin all my worley goods lands and tenemerless [tenements ?] doring
her life or widdohood fraly [freely] to be ingeoyed  [enjoyed] and my
loving Children to heave a equall part or ase they marrey or come of
eage to heave ther part equaly Divided amounst the Hoall    James Paylet
William Paylet John Paylet Robert Paylet Benjamin Paylet and Elisabeth
Paylet and I leave Richard Dreack [Drake] my trusty frand holey and
soley my Exceter of this last Will and I devise all and every other
former Will or Teastmet but this to be my last Will Sined Sealled and
Dealivred in the preassents of us the subscribers and Witness my hand
and seall the day and year written.
James Sellars
Joseph Griffin
David (his  X  mark)  Bartrom
                               Signed Robert ( his l l mark)  {Seal}

    Proved Feby Sessions 1784 by the oath of Jame Sellars, Esq.
            A Copy Test  John Ramsey C.C.
======================================================================

Richard Pearce Will - dated March 27, 1799 - probate - no date
Chatham Co. Record of Wills, Vol. A (1798-1819) pg. 144
N.C. State Archives film # C.022.80001

March 27th, 1799
In the name of God, Amen. I Richard Pearce of the State of North
Carolina and County of Chatham, being sick in Body but of good and sound
memory thanks be to the Almighty God and calling to remembrance the
uncertain state of transitory life and that all flesh must fall? to
death when it shall please, for he calls, Do make constitute and ordain
and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form
following. Revoking and annulling by these presents all and every
testament and Testaments Will and Wills heretofore by me made and
declared by word or writing word this is to be taken for my last Will
and Testament and none other and first being penitent and loving from
the bottom of my heart for my sins first most humbly desire forgiving,
for the same.
I give and commit my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried in
such a place which it shall please my Executors and now for the
settling, temporal Estate-
Item. I give and bequeath unto my loving wife, Marthey Pearce, all my
whole and sole Estate to her and her heirs forever, to have and hold the
same in virtue for whereof I have hereto set my hand and the day and
first above written. Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us.
                        Richard (his mark) Pearce  {Seal}
Test.
John Sawyer
Anney (her mark) Ray
===========================================================

Hugh Peoples Will, dated 24 April, 1799, proved Nov., 1799
Chatham Co., N.C., Record of Wills, Vol. A (1799-1819) pg. 148-B
N.C. State Archives film # C.022.80001

In the name of God, Amen. I Hugh Peoples of the County of Chatham and
State of North Carolina, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life
and being of sound and perfect mind and memory do make and publish this
my last Will and Testament in manner and form following VIZ_
1st - I give and bequeath to my son Jehu Peoples the tract of land on
which he now lives, lying on the north side of Rockey River containing
two Hundred and Eighty acres to hold to him and his heirs forever.
I also give to my son Jehu, the negro boy named George and likewise the
first living child my negro wench Pay my have whether boy or girl and
also one bay mare & one feather bed and furniture to hold to him and his
heirs forever.
Next - I give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigal Peoples that parcel
of land lying from the large running Branch near my Dwelling house & to
Edwards line, the Branch being the line on one side to her and her heirs
forever. I also give and bequeath to my daughter Abigal the two
following negroes, Jenny & Willis, likewise oe young sorrel horse and
one bed and furniture all which to hold to her and her heirs forever.
Next - I give and bequeath to my daughter Ruthy Peoples all that tract
or parcel of land lying North of the aforementioned Branch which is to
be the dividing line between her and her sister Abigail. to her and her
heirs forever, Likewise I give an bequeath to my daughter Ruthy the
following Negroes Viz: a boy named Atha? and a girl named Lucy and
likewise, one sorrel horse and one Bed and furniture all which to hold
to her and her heirs forever.

I next give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Rosser five pounds to be
paid in currency I likewise give and bequeath five pounds to my son in
lawe Joseph Rosser?. I likewise give and bequeath five pounds to my son
in law Thomas Green? all which sums to be paid to the respective
legatees within twelve months after my decease.
I next will that my negro boy Ben, be sold at the death of my daughter
Ann Rosser and equally divided between her surviving children.
I also will and desire that the said boy Ben be disposed of at auction
by my Executors for the sole use and benefit of my daughter Ann Rosser
'til her death.  I also will that the second living child my wench Pat
may have be sold and divided amongst the surviving children of my
daughter Ann Rosser.

I next give and bequeath to my Grandson Jehu Peoples Green, one negro
boy named Willy to go into his possession when he may have arrived at
twenty one years old, the said negro boy Willy be hired or put to a
trade at sixteen years old, for the use and benefit of said Jehu Peoples
Green, said negro to hold to him and his heirs provided he lives to be
twenty one years old; but if he should die before the period. I will the
said boy to my son Jehu and daughter Abigail Peoples, to them and their
heirs forever.
i also will and bequeath to my grandson Jehu Peoples Green one sorrel
colt, to be sold at three years old and the paid out at interest by his
Uncle Jehu Peoples till he comes of age.

I also give and bequeath to my wife Abigail my negro woman Pat to her,
her life, and at her death to my daughter Ruthey & her heirs forever. I
also give and bequeath to my wife Abigail Peoples one gray mare & one
bed and furniture to her and her heirs forever.

I lastly will that the other house hold articles and farming tools and
stock of all kind and money be divided between my wife Abigail and my
daughters Abagail and Ruthey and my son Jehu Peoples. And I will that
the negroes Will be not taken away 'till the present crop be finished
which must be equally divided between my wife and my daughters Abagail
and Ruthey. I here in--- appoint James A. Bowles? and my son Jehu
Peoples, Exc'r of this my last will and Testament.
Hereby revoking all other wills by me made. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th April Anno Domini, 1799.
                Hugh Peoples  {Seal}
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the above named Hugh Peoples to
be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Test.
James Bowles (x)
Miles Scarborough
                Proved November 1799 by James Bowles
                        Examn'd (Jur)
=========================================================================

Henry Pickard Will, dated July 16, 1790, no probate date
Chatham Co., Record of Estates Vol. 1, pp. 38, 38(b)
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of god amen I Henry Pickard of Chatham County and State of
North Carolina being very sick and weak of body but of sound and
perfect mind and memory blessed be god, do make and ordain this my last
will and Testament in manner and form following. My will is that all my
just debts be firs paid _ Imprimis
Item I give to my son Robert Clark and Mary Clark his wife to them and
there heirs forever all the lands together with the plantations whereon
William Pickard now lives that is not allready Deaded away by me in
Consideration of his paying ten pounds apeace to each of my son John
Pickarts three sons, Micager Pickert, Robert Pickert and John Pickert,
Each Child to reseave his ten pounds Lawfull money of the State when he
arrives to Lawfull age my Will is that all my personal Estate after my
Just debts are paid be appraisd by Vachel Clark and Thomas Braxton and
to be left in the possession of my beloved wife Elizabeth Pickart
during her life or widowhood and then to be Eaqually divided amongst my
son William Pickart, Henry Pickart, and Thomas Pickert, and my
daughters Christian Watly?, Elizabeth Lacey, Sarah Baldwin, and Mary
Clark, each Child is to receive their eaqual shear at the death
of my beloved wife Elizabeth Pickert or then End of her widowhood And
Lastly I constitute and appoint my trusty friends Peter Quakinbush and
William Pickert Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby
revoking all other wills and Testaments by me before made, In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of July 1790
Signed sealed and published
and declared to be my last Will
in presents of us....
W. Douglass
Vachell Clark
Olive (her X mark) Clark
Signed Henry Pickerd {Seal}
A Copy Test John Ramsey, C.C.
=======================================================================

Will of Simon Poe - 1793 - Chatham Co., NC Wills
Vol. 1, pg. 47, 47a - NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of God Amen I Simon Poe of Chatham County and State of North
Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be God do
this ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and ninety three make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner following that is to say ___ first I give and
bequeath so my well beloved wife Rhoda Poe one negroe girle named Weney
one feather bed and furnature one bay mare seven years old one cow and
calf one sow and pigs one dish and three plates patter [platter?] three
kives [knives] and three forks Ten barrels of Corn to be paid this first
day of next Descember together with one hundred acars of Land on pigs
branch whereon the said Rhoda Poe formerly lived during her widowhood
All the rest of my Estate to be equally divided between these my
Children; Sary Harndon; Mary Barry, Jane Massey, & one Childs, part to
be divided between Mary George and Lucy Straughn daughters of Lucy
Straughn Deceast [deceased] & Stephen Poe sone of Simon Poe one other
Childs part; also William Poe the son of Stephan Poe one other Childs
part; My son William Poe and my son James Poe and Daughter Frances
Thomson having had ther part of my Estate allready, and I hereby make
and ordain my worthy friends Richard Straugn Robert Thomson and James
Masey Executors of this my last will and Testament
In witness whereof I the sade Simon Poe have to this my last Will and
Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Witness present:
Elijah Foushe}
B. Manly      }                Simon   (his  Z mark ) Poe  {Seal}

            A copy    Test     John Ramsey  C.C.
=======================================================================

Stephen Poe Will - 15 January 1823
Chatham Co. Wills
Vol. B. pg. 365 (86,87)
NC State Archives film # C022.80001

In the name of God Amen I Stephen Poe of the County of Chatham and
State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory
blessed by God do this fifteenth day January one thousand eight hundred
and twenty three make and publish this My last will and testament in
Manner following that is to say first My will is that all My just
debts be paid I lend unto My beloved wife Fanny Poe all the land and
plantation during her life time I give and bequeath unto My wife the
following property
Viz. one feather bed and furniture one cow and calf one sow and pigs
all the corn and bacon one fine chest two pots One Dutch Oven one
spining wheel & My earthen ware and puter (pewter) All my sittin chairs
Item I give Unto My son Hasten Poe five shillings.
I give Unto my daughter Polly Goings five shillings I give Unto my
daughter Elizabeth Hatley five shillings I give Unto My daughter Sarah
Smith five shillings I give Unto My daughter Ann Kirksy five shillings
I give Unto My daughter Happy Poe One feather bed and furniture One
weavers loom I give and bequeath Unto My daughter Susean (or Lufear ?)
one feather bed and furniture One black walnut chest I give and
bequeath Unto My son Stephen Poe one bay horse one heifer one sow and
pig I give and bequeath Unto my son William Poe One gray horse one bed
and furniture one cow and yearling One sow and pigs My will is that
after the death of My wife that My land be equally divided between my
three youngest sons Namely Reuben, Stephen and William Poe My will
further is that after the death of My wife all the perishable property
that I have left her be sold and equally divided between Happy Poe
Stephen Poe (marked through) Luffier (this is the same name as above
that I cannot make out) Poe, Reuben Poe, Stephen Poe, & William. My
will further is that My debts be collected and all the ballance of My
estate that is ot will away be sold and all My just debts be paid and
the ballance after paying my debts be equally divided between my wife
Fanny My son Reuben My daughter Happy My daughter Luffhen
(Suffhen/Susshen) My son Stephen and My son William. I hereby make and
ordain My son Reuben for executor of this My last will and Testament In
witness whereof the said Stephen Poe have to this My last will and
testament set my Hand and seal this day and year above written signed
sealed and published and delivered by the said Stephen Poe the testator
as his last will and testament in the presents of Us who were present
at the time signing and sealing thereof.
Thos Farror
J. Burnett
A. E. Forshee Stephen "G" (his mark) Poe
Proved Novem. Sessions 1824
==================================================================

Chatham Co., Record of Wills, Vol. A, pg. 187 (50)
N.C. State Archives film # C.022.80001

In the Name of God, Amen.
That I John Pyle of the State of North Carolina, Chatham County, Cain
Creek Settlement, Being weak in body but of perfect health & memory
calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will & Testament
that is to say Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my
soul Into the hand of Almighty God that gave it & my Body I recommend to
the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the discretion of
my Executors; nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall
receive the same by the mighty power of God & touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give
devise and dispose of the same in the following manner & form to wit.
All my just debts & funeral charges to be paid by my Executors hereafter
named that small piece of land whereon my buildings & meadow are what I
purchased from Valentine Hollingsworth I leave to be sold after my
decease with all my other immovable properties & all the moneys either
by Bond, Note or Book debt & the money arising from the above mentioned
sale to be equally divided between my son & my daughter.
First I give and bequeath to my sons Parlientor, Daniel/Samuel/??? John
Nicholas Wm & Jeheu Pyle each double that of a daughters. I have named
Sarah Lindley Edith Steel Ann Steel & Susanah Justice.
If it should be that if any one of my sons or daughters above named
should be deceased before the sealing and signing of this my last will 7
testament my will is that their part shall equally be divided between
his or her children & I do hereby disannual & make void all other wills
bequeathments, legacies heretofore made by me & doth acknowledge this to
be my last will and testament & I do constitute James Newlin & Thomas
Lindley to be my whole & sole Executors of this my last will and
testament in witness whereunto I have set my hand & seal this thirteenth
day of June In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety
nine.
                        John Pyle {Seal}
Signed Sealed Pronounced & declared
by the sd. John Pyle in his last
Will & testament in the presence
of us who in his presence and in the
 presence of Each other have
here unto subscribed our names
John Newlin
Jacob Newlin
========================================================================

Q

Peter Quakenbush Sr. Will, dated July 24, 1793, no probate date
Chatham Co., NC Record of Estates, Vol. 1, pp. 47(b), 48, 48(b)
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of God Amen, I Peter Quakenbush Senior, of Chatham County
North Carolina being Sick and Weak in body but of perfect mind and
memory, thanks be give unto god Calling unto mind the mortality of my
body and knowing that it is apointed for all men once to die do make
and ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say principally
and first, I desire my body be deacently buried at the discretion of
my Executors and as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it has
pleased God to favour me with in this life I give demise and dispose of
the same in the following manner and form
first I give and bequeath to my son John Quakenbush that part of my
Land whear he lives to begin at the corner of his house runing south
with my line as far as Strait with the South fence of that field
ajoining the Road thence with a line to run Strait as the fence on the
South side of the above said field to the branch thence to run up said
branch on the West side to the fence that comes to said branch Just
above the brick kiln thence crose said branch runing nearly North East
to a conditional Corner made Between Thomas Steel and himself thence
East to a Corner thence North to the Corner of my Land thence West with
said line to the first mentioned Corner and likewise another peeas of
land begining at Isaac Lee's North East Corner runing nearly East by
North to the road near a Smawl post Oak stum between the fence and road
thence South to William Lees Corner at a pond and Still South to a
Corner thence West to Issac Lees Corner thence North with Lees line to
the first Station likewise at my wearing apaarel__
Secondly the remaining part of my Land I give to my son Peter
Quakenbush excepting my half of the meadow with the new ground where my
Corn is with liberty of part of the house and Shop likewise part of the
Orchard which i reserve for the term of three years as a place of home
and some to subsist on for as many of my Daughters as remains single
after my decease also I give to my daughter Sarah Holaday the sum of
Twenty five pounds Curent money of this State and two hundred and
seventy Eight pounds of Iron that I let Henry Holady have __
also I give to my Daughter Ann Elizabeth Quakenbush the sum of twenty
pounds Curent money as above __ Also I my Will is that all my moveable
property be sold and after paying the above mentioned sums the
remaining part to be equally divided between Ann Elizabeth Quakenbush
Rhoda Quakenbush and Reache(l)?  Quakenbush also I apoint and ordain
John & Peter Quakenbush the sole Executors of this my last Will and
Testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoak and disannul all and
every other former Testaments Wills Legacies Executors by me in anywise
before named Willed and bequeathed ratifeing and Confirming this and no
other to be my Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have
hearunto set my hand and seal this Twenty forth day of July in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Three

Signed sealed published and declared to be Peter Quakenbush last Will
and Testament in the presents of us
Samuel Holady Signed Peter Quakenbush {Seal}
A Copy Test John Ramsey C. C.
===================================================================

R

William Ragland Will, dated March 26, 1788, no probate date
Chatham Co., Record of Estates, Vol. 1, pp. 35(b), 36
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the Name of god amen I William Ragland of Chatham County and State
of North Carolina being in Health of Body perfect of mind do make and
Constitute this my Last Will and Testament.
I lend to my Wife Sarah Ragland during her life for her use and benefit
the Tract of Land and plantation I now live on supposed to Contain
three Hundred and eighty six acres with all the Horses Cattle except
these I shall hereafter Will to others, Hoggs sheep working Tools and
household furniture with the Negroes Pompy, Bridgett, Nedd, Frank,
Abram, and Betty_
I give to my daughter Ann Griffis Negroe Philis with her past as well
as future Increase and girl Dilsey with Increase to her and her Heirs
forever___
I give to my daughter Celia Kennon a negroe girl Delilah with a Bed
furniture to her and her Heirs forever. I give to my son John Ragland
the Negroes Harry and Sall to him his Heirs forever I give to my
sonThomas Ragland the negroes Gim/Gill? and Crecey with her past as
well as future Increase to him and his Heirs forever I give to my son
William Ragland the negroes Bena and Tabb with her Increase and my Buck
Horn Tract of Land whereon he now lives together with thirty aces of
Land off the new servey adjoining the upper side of the Barn field to
him and his heirs forever. I give to my son Frederick Ragland the
Negroes Jamm and Jenny and her Increase a young Black Mair a Bedd and
furniture two cows and Calves to him and his Heirs forever.
I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Ragland the Negroes Rose with her past
as well as future Increase and Philis with her Increase the Bandy Colt
Bedd and furniture Two Cows and Calves one Chest for her and her Heirs
forever___
I give to my son Robert Ragland the Negroes Dick and Jacob but if Jacob
is redeamed I desire that fifty pounds to be lett out on Interest till
my son Robert comes of age to him and his Heirs forever
I give to my Daughter Mary Ragland the Negroes Pete Talton and Morgan
to her and her Heirs forever I Will that the remaining part of my Land
at my wifes death to be equally divided between my sons Frederick and
Robert but if either should die before he comes of ae or have Lawful
Heirs then the other shall Heir his Land I Will at my wifes death that
the remaining part of my Stock Household furniture and plantation Tools
be equally divided between my son Robert and Daughter Mary I give after
my wifes death to my daughter Elizabeth, Dinah and to my daughter Mary,
Pompy and Bridgett I leave after my wife's death the remaining part of
my Negroes to be equally divided amongst my Children or the Child or
Children of any of my deceased Children or Child as it may Happen to be
Divided by three Freeholders I Will that if either of my Children
should die before Lawful age or without Lawful Heir that then his or
her Estate shall be equally divided by three Freeholders amongst my
surviving Children r a Child or Children of any of my deceased Children
I give to my Daughter Sarah Minter the Negroes Lucey with her past as
well as her future Increase and Cherry with her Increase to her and her
heirs forever
I will that after my Debts is paid the remaining debts dues and Cash on
hand I leave to my Wife I appoint Richtmon? and Thomas Ragland
Executors to this my last Will and Testament In Witness wherof I have
hereunto sett my hand and affixed my seal March 26th, 1788
Test
Wm. Milbank
John Avent
Robert Molley
Ann (her X mark) Molley
Signed William Ragland {Seal}
A Copy Test John Ramsey C. C.
======================================================================

Chatham Co. N.C. Record of Wills, Vol. A, pg. 186(48)
N.C. State Archives film # C.022.80001 (1798-1819)

John Ratcliff Will dated 22 Feb., 1796

In the Name of God Amen. I John Ratcliff Senr.
of the County Chatham and State of North Carolina being in perfect
health of body and of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God
calling unto mind the mortality of the body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will
and testament and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has
pleased
God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form.
Item. I lend to my dearly beloved wife Ann Ratcliff one room of the
House wherein I now live all my stock of every kind Household furnature
and plantation tools during her natural life except she remarries then
only one third part thereof and the remaining two thirds at her marriage
to be equally divided between my children Sarah Ratcliff, Elizabeth
Smith, Ann Ratcliff, Edom Ratcliff, Amous Ratcliff and Abner Ratcliff
and
at her death the other third in the same manner except such as I may
hereafter dispose of otherwise to them & their Heirs forever.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Ratcliff one cow and calf
to her and her heirs forever .
Item. I give and bequeath to my son Abner Ratcliff all the Land and
plantation whereon I now live with all the appurtenances thereunto
belonging except the room lent to my wife which at her death is to be
his also. my still with all the appurtenances thereto belonging to him
his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath to my grandsons Job Ratcliff, Samuel Ratcliff,
Elias Ratcliff, Thomas Ratcliff and John Ratcliff (sons of Thomas
Ratcliff, deceased) a certain quantity of land supposed to be about
Eighty five acres agreeable to conditional lines with myself my sons
John & Thomas Ratcliff to be divided among my said grandson agreeable to
their fathers will to them and their Heirs and assigns forever.
And I do hereby constitute make and ordain Abner Ratcliff the sole
Executor of this my last will and testament. And I do hereby utterly
disallow revoke and disannul all and every to her former testaments will
legacies bequests Executors by me in any wise before named willed and
bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last
will and testament. In witness thereof? I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this 20th February, 1796
                                John Ratcliff {Seal}
Signed Sealed Published
pronounced and delivered
by the sd John Ratcliff as his last
Will and Testament

Thos. Ragland
Mary Ragland
====================================================================

Thomas Ratcliff Will, May 19, 1787, no probate date
Chatham Co., NC Record of Estates, Vol. 1, pg. 29(b), 30
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of God amen I Thomas Ratcliff of Chatham County in the
State of North Carolina being weak in Body but of perfect mind and
memory thanks be given unto God; Calling unto mind the mortality of my
Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make
and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say, principaly
and first of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God that give it
and my Body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian
burial, at the discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the
resurrection I shall receive a body agreable to the Will and pleasure
of God. And as touching such worldly estate where with it has pleased
God to bless me in the life I give divise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and forme
first I give to and bequeath to Hannah my well beloved wife the third
of all my Household goods and moveable Estate as her own property
forever which I desire should be praised and not sold and the use of
the other two third with the plantation and Land during the time of her
widdowhood as the Childring group to be of age to receive it shall be
paid to them, but in case of her second marriage or any other means
they should be abused or delt hard with or come to suffener if they or
any of them be unruly or stuborn and not willing to be ruled and
governed by their Mother, such a one of them shall be put under the
care of my Brother Edom Ratcliff (whom I likewise Constitute, make and
ordain the sole Executer of this my last Will and Testament, to be
tutored and ruled by him or in Case of his death they shall be left to
Amos Ratcliff or Abner Ratcliff to be raised up by them under their or
either of their governing and ruling, Also I give and bequeath to my
well beloved Childering two thirds of my Household good and moveable
Estate, Eaqually to be divided amongst them and to be delivered to them
when they come of age to receive it likewise all my Lands messuage and
tenaments which shall be ordered an mannaged in manner and form
following that is to say that at the day my wifes marrying of a second
Husband the Land shall be let out to Rent until my youngest child comes
to be of the age of twenty one years of age the Land shall be valued by
two or more men such as they Shall of themselves Chose and after it is
so valued they shall have the Liberty of buying of the said Land of
each other and the Buyer shall have the said with paying to each of the
rest of his Brethering their Eaqual propotion of Money agreable to the
praising therof they give and of the reasonable time to pay the said
money in, and then all and Singular, My Land messuages and tenements
that by him truly be possesed and enjoyed, And I do hereby utterly
disalow revoak and disannul all and every other former testaments,
Wills, Legacies, bequeath, and Executors, by me in a wise before named,
Willed and bequeathed; ratifying and confirming this and no other to be
my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day
of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Eighty
Seven__
Signed sealed published pronounced and declaired by the said Thomas
Ratcliff as his last Will and testament in the presence of us who in
his presence, and in the presence of each other have hearunto
subscribed our names
John Ratcliff
Amos Racliff
Signed
Thomas Ratcliff {Seal}
A Copy Test John Ramsey, C. C.
=========================================================================

William Ray Will - dated 13 Oct. 1791, no probate date
Chatham Co., NC Record of Estates (1782-1799) Vol. 1, pg. 41(b),42
NC State Archives film # C.022.50001

In the name of God Amen, I William Ray of the county Chatham and State
of North Carolina being sick in body but, of perfect mind and sound
memory but calling to mind that it is appointed by the almighty Creator
for all mortal amen once to die therefore am willing that what it hath
pleased God to bestowe on me as to temporal goods I give in the
following manner and my soul I recomend into my Saviours hands who
redeemed it by his precious blood and as to my body I recommend to the
ground to be buried at the discretion of my Executer hereafter named
nothing doubting but hat I shall receive the same by the almighty power
of God at the general resurection - I promise I lend to my beloved wife
Patty Ray, my negroe boy Riat? during her widowhood and after her death
or marage to be Equally divided amongst her Children as also one third
of my land I now live on during her natarel life_ Item I give to my son
John Ray the residue of my land I now live on together with the whole
after the death of wife as also on Colt
Item- I give and bequeath to my two grandsons Henry and Jacob Ray each
one Colt a piece my will and desire is that all working tools be fore
the use of the plantation and after the death of my wife the household
furniture and stock to be equally divided amongst my children that now
lives with me and Lastly I do nominate and appoint my beloved wife
Patty Ray and my James Langston (does not say what relationship James
is) to be Executor to this my last will hereby disanuling and revoking
all other and every former will by me made heretofore and do hereby
constitute and ordain this to be my last Will and no other this 13th
day of October 1791
Signed Sealed Published
Pronounced and declared by William Ray who in his presence & presence
of Each other have set our hand
James Langston
Lewis Brantley Signed William (his X mark) Ray
A Copy Test John Ramsey C.C.
=======================================================================

Will of William Rhodes, dated May 10, 1794, proved August Session 1794
Chatham Co., NC. Record of Estates, Vol. 2, pg. 18b, 19
 

In the name of God amen I William Rhodes of the County of Chatham and
State of North carolina being very sick and weak in Body but of perfect
mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling unto mind the
mortallity of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once
to die do make and ordain this my last Will and testament that is to
say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the
hand of almighty God that gave it and my body recommend to the Earth to
be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors
Nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the
same again by the almighty power of God and as touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give
Demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form
first I give and bequeath to Susannah my Dearly beloved Wife the third
part of all my living of all kinds also I give to my well beloved
Daughter Lucy Willis Cane one Bed and furniture which she hath got also
I give to my Well beloved son William Willis Rhodes one horse Colt two
years old a Dune Colour also I give to my well beloved Daughter Hannah
Willis Rodes one feather bed and firniture also William Willis & Hannah
Willis Rodes I likewise constitute make and ordain the sole Executors
of this my last Will and testament also all the remaining part of all
my living I give to the rest or remaining part of my Children to be
Equally divided freely to be possessed and enjoyed and I do hereby
utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former
Testaments Wills Legacies bequests and Executors by me in any wise
before named Willed an bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no
other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth Day of May n the year of our
Lord one thousand Seven hundred and ninety four
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said William Rhodes
as his last Will and Testament i the presents of
us who in his presents and in the presence of
Each other have hereto subscribed our names

Signed William Rodes {Seal}

Eleazar Andrus
Lewis Ashman
Robert (his "X" mark)White
A Copy Test John Ramsey C.C.
August Sessions 1794 proved in open Court by the Oaths of Lewis Ashman
& Robert White
====================================================================

Settlement of Estate of Rebecca Richmon - 9 Jan 1800
Chatham Co. Wills - C.022.80001, Vol. A

Know all men by these presents that we Gideon Kirksey legatee of Rebeccah Richman, alias Kirksey. - Edward, John, Sarah, and Isaac Kirksey heirs of Isaac Kirksey (dec) and wife Mary, and John Griffin, Poel? or Pou Brasyeal and his wife Rebeccah, Michael Blocker and his wife Rosey, Kanon Breasyeal and Heakey his wife, heirs of William Griffin and his wife Sarah (dec) do nominate and appointed our trusty friend Christopher Kirksey our lawful attorney to act for us in every respect in an about sewing (sueing?) for collecting and receiving every of our parts or claims that we have against the Estate of said Rebeccah Richman alias Kirksey (dec) and or as fully impower the said Christopher Kirksey to act for us in every respect in and about collecting and receiving every part and parcel of said estate that is belonging to either of us as full and ample a manner,  as if we our selves were present. In witness whereof we have hereunto, set our hands and affixed our seals this 9th day of Jany Anno Domini 1800 and in the 24th year of our Independance .
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of:
William Kirksey
Drewery Hearn
Benjamin Clement
                                                    (Heirs)
                                                                    Gideon Kirksey
                                                                    Edw'd Kirksey
                                                                    John Kirksey
                                                                    Sarah Kirksey
                                                                    John Griffin
                                                                    Pou Breazel
                                                                    Michael Blocker
                                                                    Isaac Kirksey
                                                                    Kennon Brazeal
Proven by July Term 1800 by Wm.Kirksey - Exam'd J. R. (John Ramsey, CC?)
From this I would surmise that, Rebecca Richmon, had been married to Isaac Kirksey, before her marriage to Richman, and had Gideon, Edward, John, Sarah, Isaac (Jr., and Christopher.
Isaac(Jr.) had wife Mary.
The Brazeal, Blocker and Griffin names can be either children by another marriage and/or grandchildren.
========================================================================================
 
Will of Julius Riddle  - No Date
Chatham Co., N.C. Record of Wills, Vol. A, pg. 185
N.C. State Archives film # C.022.80001 (1798-1819)

North Carolina Chatham County
Be it know that this be my last Will and testament of my property and
possessions. That after my debts are paid I will the balance of my
property to my wife Tabbitha Riddle during her life to do with as she
pleases.
                Julius (his X Mark) Riddle  {Seal}
Test
James Riddle (Jurat)
Wm Riddle               Executors
                        Tabbitha Riddle
                        William Riddle
==========================================================================

Will of Josiah Rogers - 5 May, 1812,  proved Aug. Sessions, 1813, Vol. A,  pg. 263

"In the name of God amen, I Josiah Rogers of the county of Chatham and state of North Carolina, calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die and being old and infirm in Body but in my perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for his blessings, do make, ordain constitute and appoint this my Last Will and Testament:

Principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul unto the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent form at the discretion of my executors and as touching such worldly good and estate wherein with it has pleased God to bless me with in thislife, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, to wit:

I give my son, Henry Rogers, a small parcel of land lying on the south side of Dry Creek bounded on the west and north by his own line and on the east and south by Benjamin Harris.

I leave my daughter, Polly Perry, a negro known but by the name fo Jane to her and her heirs forever.

I leave to my beloved wife Frances by name my land whereon I now live together with all my plantation tools of every kind, my horses, cattle, hogs and sheep and all my negros, household and kitchen furniture of every description during her mortal life and at her death to be divided after the following manner, to wit:

I leave my son James my land whereon I now live together with a small tract of parcel of land lying on both sides of Dry Creek bounded on the north by Joseph J. Alston's line formerly Henry Coots and Benjamin Harris on the south side and the balance of my property to be equally divided among my children.

I leave my son James Rogers my whole and soul executor to this my Last Will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the fifth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Signed, sealed published and declared by Josiah Rogers as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of:
Harry Pace
Lucy Pace
                                                Josiah Rogers {Seal}

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

John Rowe Will dated 9 Sept., 1799, proved Feb., 1800
Chatham Co., N.C. Record of Wills, Vol. A (1798-1819) Pg. 160B, 161
N.C. State Archives film # c.022.80001

in the name of God, Amen, I John Rowe of the County of Chatham and State
of North Carolina being sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory,
blessed be to God and calling to mind the great mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die. I make this my
last Will and Testament in manner & form following.
1st-  I bequeath my soul to almighty God who gave it me, and my body to
be buried in a Christian manner at the discretion of my Executors, in
hopes of a glorious resurrection at the last day and as touching such
worldly goods as hath pleased God to bless me with, I dispose in manner
following.
Imprimis -
I lend unto my beloved wife Mary Rowe the land & plantation whereon we
now live, one Cow and Calf, her choice of my stock & all my household
and kitchen furniture during her natural life and then the whole, to be
sold and equally divided between all my heirs.
2nd - I give unto my Grand daughter, Mary Rowe one Cow known by the name
of White Face & twenty pounds Case to be paid out of the sale of y
estate to her and her heirs forever. Then the remaining part of my
Estate to be sold after paying all my Just Debts, the residue to be
equally divided between all my heirs.
And, I do nominate and appoint my wife Mary Rowe & Solomon Rowe, my
Executrix and Executor this my last Will and Testament, making all other
Wills by me made void and declaring this to be my last will and
testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
9th Sept'r, in the year of our lord, 1799.
                        John (his mark) Rowe  {Seal}
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
Jas. Gaines
John Fike (Jurat)
                Proved at February 1800
                By the oath of John Fike a subscribing witness thereto.
                                J.R.