Gates Co., NC Wills
In the name of God Amen: I,Noah Harrell, of the County Gates and State of North Carolina, calling to mind the uncertainty of this life, and being of sound mind and memory blessed be God, do this twenty first day of July in the year of Our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fourty eight make and publish this my last Will and Testament in the following manner viz:-
1st: I give and bequeath to my son Saml. R. Harrell all of my lands lying on the South side of the road leading from Duke's Creek to the forks of the road, including the Harvey tract, the Rawls tract and that part of the old plantation which I have not sold. Also the following negroes, viz - Joe, Pompey, John, Servis, Treasey, Pender and her two children Stephen and Emma, Dinah and her two children Susan and Harriet, and woman Ginnah and their increase. Also I give to my son Saml. R. Harrell all of my Stock of Horses, Cattle, Mules and Hogs- Brandy Still and Cider apperatus, all of my farming utensils of every description, Household, Dairy and Kitchen furniture of every description, all of my Beds and bed clothing, my mattress, all of my trunks and chests, all of my Silver Spoons, Glass and earthen ware, all of my Books together with every other article, description, sorts or kind which belong on the plantation whereon I now live to him and his heirs forever.
2nd. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Mary S. Bond the tract of land which I bot. of Mills Roberts, known as the Sutton tract, Six Hundred Dollars in Bonds in addition to what I have already given her and the following negroes, viz: David, Tom, Louis, negro woman July and five children viz- Mourning, Mariah, Lucy, Andrew and Scilla with their increase. Also the Beds and that part of the House furniture previously given to her, to her and heirs forever. Furthermore I give to my daughter's three children which she had by Elbert H. Riddick viz: William Harvey, Wiles Goodman and David Elbert Twelve Hundred Dollars in Bonds each to share and share alike.
3rd. I give and bequeath to my son James N. Harrell my Costen tract of land, and the following negroes, viz: Mingo, Isaac, Wells, Nelson, and negro woman India and five children, viz: Anachy, Leah, Martha, Matilda and George and their increase. Also all of my stock of Horses, Mules, Cattle & Hogs, and all of the farming utensils, Household and Kitchen furniture on the plantation whereon he now lives, to him and his heirs forever.
4th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann C. Goodman the plantation that formerly belonged to Willis F. Riddick whereon she now lives, and the following negroes, viz: - Jerry, Willis, Kendan and Toney; woman Becase (?) and three children viz - Miles, Jane, and Patience - woman Saving and child, and Nancy, Amey and Penny, with their increase. Also Six Hundred Dollars in Bonds, two Beds and the House furniture which I have already given to her, to her and her heirs forever.
5th. I desire that after my legacies are paid, that the balance of my Bonds, if any, with what money may be found in the House be equally divided between my four children viz:- Sam., Mary, James and Ann
Caroline each to share and share a like.Lastly, I nominate and appoint my two sons Saml. R. Harrell & James N. Harrell, Executors to this my last Will and Testament. Witness my hand and seal the day and date above written.
Witness /s/ Noah Harrell (seal)
Soloman Roundtree
Henry SpeightNOTE: Noah Harrell was born on the Harrell farm. About the time of his marriage to Sarah Goodman he built his home on a portion of the original Harrell property. This house,"Spring Hill", which stood until the late 1960's or early 1970's was built about 1810 and was located approximately 5 miles from Sunbury, NC and 10 miles from Gatesville, NC and not only was the birthplace of his children and grandchildren but the birthplace of his great-grandchildren. Noah died on the family farm.
Samuel Riddick HARRELL (April
5, 1864 - 1865)
Source: Will Bk. 3; pgs. 314-317
Contributed by Bill Sinclair
In the name of God, Amen, I, Samuel R. Harrell of the County of Gates and State of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory do on this the 5th day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four make and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say,
First. I leave to my beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Harrell during her natural life the farm on which I reside including seventy five acres of land in front of my dwelling, on the north side of the road, adjoining the Costen farm, and all of the lands on the south side of said road (excepting the Eli World lands). Also eight thousand dollars in cash or bonds, and the following negroes, viz. Dinah, Tom, Annis, Peter, Watson, Gerry, Mealia and Treasy, with all of my household and kitchen furniture
except one feather bed and furniture of second choise.Item 2nd. I give to my bloved wife Mary Elizabeth Harrell two mules Stump and Figs, one bay horse, Albert, one yolk of oxen, three cows and calves, four yelling between the ages of one and four years old, four sows and pigs, eight ewes and lambs, one Buggy and harness, one ox and two horse-carts and as many farming interests as she may want for the use of the farm together with a corn shelter, a ? and as many bags and casks as she may want for the use of the Farm, with the cotten and wool on hand.
Item 3rd. I give to my daughter Sarah Augusta Morgan Three Thousand Dollars in cash or bonds to her and her heirs and assigns forever.Item 4th. I give to my son William Preston Harrell one half of the Costen farm including one half of the Eli World farm, and one bay Colt, Mack, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 5th. I give to my son Samuel Bascom Harrell the other half of the Costen and Eli World Farms and one Colt, Jubilee, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 6th. I give to my daughter Mary Catherine Four Thousand Dollars in cash or bonds and one feather bed and furniture of second choise, to her and her heirs forever.
Item 7th. I give to my son James Abner Harrell my David Benton farm and one colt, Munroe, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 8th. I give to my son Charles Noah Harrell my farm at the forks of the road to be managed by my executors hereafter appointed and when the condition of the Country will justify a prudent sale of the said farm - the same to be advertised in three or more public places in the County and sold by my executors to the highest bidder for the benifit of Charles Noah Harrell beforesaid in this clause to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 9th. I give to my son Edward Everett Harrell one half of the farm on which I now reside after the death of my wife, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 10th. I give to my son Claudius Willard Harrell the other half of the farm on which I now reside after the death of my wife to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 11th. I give to my son Emmett Eugene Harrell Four thousand dollars in cash or bonds, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item 12th. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Estelle Harrell Four thousand dollars or bonds, to her heirs and assigns forever.
Item 13th. Whereas it is expected that my wife will soon give birth to another heir I herein provide for the same and give to the said heir Four Thousand Dollars to it and its heirs and assigns forever.
Item 14th. It is my will and desire and I direct it so to be should any number of my negroes having escaped to the yankees ever be recovered together with the two boys Alfond and Gilbert now, in the Confederate lines, be equally divided between my heirs here after named in this item - also the negroes and other property loaned to my wife after the death be equally divided among the following heirs, viz. Sarah Augusta, William Preston, Samuel Bascom, Mary Catherine, James Abner, Charles Noah, Edward Everett, Claudius Willard, Emmett Eugene, Elizabeth Estelle and the unborn heir mentioned in the 13th clause to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Item 15th. It is my will and desire and I so direct it to be that the balance of my chattel estate not disposed of be sold privately if advantageous sales can be made by my executors and that they receive 5 per cent commissions on receipts and expenditures and by receipts and expenditures I mean amount of account of sales and interest that accures while in their possession.
Item 16th. It is my will and desire and I leave it so to be that the residue of my estate not disposed of herein be equally divided between the following heirs, Sarah Augusta, William Preston, Samuel Bascom, Mary Catherine, James Abner, Charles Noah, Edward Everett, Claudius Willard, Emmett Eugene, Elizabeth Estelle Harrell and also the said unborn heir to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Item 17th. I do hereby appoint and constitute Henry A. Morgan, William Preston and Samuel Bascom Harrell my lawful executors to all interests and purposes to execute this my last Will and Testatment according to the interest and meaning of the same in every part and clause thereof.
I the said Sam. R. Harrell do hereunto set my hand and Seal.
/s/ Saml. R. Harrell
Signed Sealed in the presence of
C. Jordan
John R. HillNOTE: Samuel Riddick Harrell's life was spent in agricultural pursuits in his native County where he had wide influence and was active in Religious affairs. Serving as steward, he was closely connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. His political party was Whig.
Catherine HILL (Dec. 15, 1891)
Contributed by Ron HillNorth Carolina, Gates County. I Catherine Hill of the aforesaid County and State being of sound mind but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence do make and declare this my last will and testament.
First My executor or administrator as will be chosed by my friends hereafter shall give my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my friends and relatives and pay all my funeral expenses together with all of my just debts out of the first moneys which may come into his hands belonging to my estate.
Second I give and devise to my beloved daughter Catherine Hill during her natural life and there to her heirs of her body if any, if not then to her nearest heirs, or any one she wishes, my farm that I now occupy, known as the old homestead containing by estimation about four hundred acres more or less with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging.
Third I give and devise to my beloved daughter Catherine Hill all of my personal property, consisting of stock of every description, riding vehicles, farming implements, household and kitchen furniture not disposed of in my husband's will.
Fourth It is my will and desire that Catherine Hill my daughter shall give my daughter Cornelia Wiggins a home during her single life.
Fifth It is my will and desire that in case my heirs should want some one to settle my estate that he should not be allowed more than 5 pr ct on what comes directly into his hands.
Sixth I have given to my daughter Sallie deceased, who has left two children Elton E. and Annie Catherine Cross their part of my estate during my natural life.
In witness whereof I the said Catherine Hill do hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of December 1891. Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Catherine Hill to be her last will and testament in the presence of us, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto John R. Hill, J.T. Etheridge.
/s/ Catherine (her X mark) Hill (seal)
Superior Court 22 November 1892: Exhibited by Jno R. Hill; proved by Jno R. Hill & J.T. Etheridge.
Guy HILL (Mar. 6, 1787 - Aug. Term 1787)
Contributed by Ron HillIn the name of God Aman know ye that I Guy Hill of the County of Geats and Province of North Carolinia being weake in body but of sound mind and memory thanks be given to God for the same & calling to mind the uncertain state of this mortal life & being desired of setting and disposing of this my temporal estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me in this life do make and ordain publish and declare this present writing to be my last will and testament which is in manner and form following. Imprimis my will is & I do hereby order and appoint that all my funirial charges & expenses together with my just debts be truly paid and satisfied by my executors heare after named and that sum be reducted out of my estate which I shall leave at time of my discease. Item I gave and bequeath unto my son John Hill all the lands that I hold I say to him and his hears and asingns for ever. Itim I gave and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Hill one feather bed and fineniture six puter plats six puter spunes & three puter dishes & two bason and one pine chist one large gilt trunk & also if my son John Hill shall die without hear all the land that I gave him shall return to my daughter Elizabeth Hill to her and her hears and asingns for ever. Item I gave and bequeath unto my well beloving wife Marey Hill my horse bridle & saddle one feather bed and fineniture one pine chist to her as long as she live and after her death all shall return to my son and daughter & all the rest or resdue of my estate be it of what nature or kind soever to be equeal devided between my dear wife Marey Hill & my dear children and all my esteate I have all redey give away I desired that my dear wife shall have the use and benefit as long as she shall live a wedow or til my son John arive to eage and if she shall marry then devision is to be made and also I do make nominate constitute and appoint my brother in law Richard Bond & Moses Hill my sole executors of this my last will and testament desiring them to see the same fully executed and performed in witness thereof I the said Guy Hill have here unto set my hand and fix my seal this sixth day of March 1787. Guy Hill (seal) signed sealed published & declared to be the last will & tistament of the tastator in the presents of our (?) Kadar Hill Henry Walton Micajah & his mark Lassitor State of North Carolina Gates County (??) August Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1787 the within will was executed into Court by Richard Bond one of the executors therein appointed and was proved by the oath of Kedar Hill one of the subscribing witnesses thereto. Then the said will was ordered to be recorded at the same time the said executor came into court and qualified himself for that office and prayed an order for letter testamentory thereon which was accordingly granted
Teste Law Baker Cegle (?)
Kinchen NORFLEET (Jan. 23, 1849 - Aug. Term 1849)
Source: Will Bk. 3; pgs. 120-121
Contributed by Bill SinclairIn the name of God Amen:
Know all men by these present that I , Kinchen Norfleet, of the County of Gates an State of North Carolina, being low in health yet possessing my right mind, do make this my last Will and Testament.
Item 1st. I give and bequeath to my three sons Marmaduke Norfleet, Seth R. Norfleet and James J. Norfleet to them and their heirs each of my creek mills, including all my land above So. Mill covered by the waters, one acre at each end of the damn, and fifty feet below running parallel with sd. damn to take possession the first day of January 1851 at which time the present sent by which it is encumbered expires.
Item 2nd. I will that all my land and chattel estate be sold, from the proceeds all my lawful debts be paid, the remainder with all my negroes to be equally divided between all my children, viz: John R. Norfleet, Nancy Jordan, Susan B. Walton, and James J. Norfleet and their heirs forever.
Item 3rd. I leave my sons Marmaduke Norfleet and Seth R. Norfleet my special executors. Given under my hand and seal, this 23rd day of January 1849.
/s/ Kinchen Norfleet (seal)
Signed, sealed & in the presents of
Allen Smith
James Rawls
Martha Elizabeth (Rawls) NORFLEET (June 26, 1885 - Oct. 6, 1885)
Source: Will Bk. 4; pgs. 230-232
Contributed by Bill SinclairI Martha E. Norfleet of the aforesaid County and State being of sound mind but considering the uncertainly of my earthly existence do make and declare this my last will and testament.
First- My Executor, herein after named shall give my body a decent burial and pay all funeral expenses, together with my debts out of the first moneys which may come into his hands belonging to my estate.
2nd I give and devise to my daughter Martha D. Norfleet my horse, buggy and harness 6 cain bottom chairs & bed and bed furniture that I may own at my death also 1 washstand. 3rd I give my nephew Wilbur R. Cross, Willie S. Cross and niece Alida M. Harrell fifty dollars each.
My will and desire is that the residue of my estate (if any) after taking out the devises and legacies above mentioned be paid to Martha D. Norfleet my daughter.
4th I hereby constitute and appoint my friend Geo. J Costen my lawful Executor to all intents and purposes to execute this my last Will and Testement, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and every part and clause thereof.
In witness whereof I the said Martha E. Norfleet do hereunto set my hand and seal, this the 26 day of June 1885.
/s/ M. E. Norfleet (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Martha E Norfleet to be her last Will and Testement in the presence of us, who at her request and in her presence do subscribe our names as witness thereto.
Witness
Geo. J Costen
Annie M CostenNOTE: Death: 01 Oct 1885 in Norfleet/Harrell Cemetery, Sunbury, Gates Co., North Carolina
James PORTER (Jan. 12, 1853 - Feb. Term 1853)
Source: Will Bk. 3; pg. 75
Contributed by Mary LooneyI, James Porter, of the county of Gates and state of North Carolina, being of sound mind but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare this my last will and testament as follows viz.
Item 1st. I give and bequeath to my wife (after all my just debts are paid) all my estate consisting of lands, stock of every kind, horse, hogs, cattle, and household and kitchen furniture, corn, fodder, peas and in fine all my property of every kind to be kept and owned by her for the support and maintenance of herself and my little children Jesse, John, Elizabeth, Mary, and Sarah and, at the death of my wife, all the property that may be on hand is to be equally divided between all my then living children.
And lastly, I do hereby appoint Henry A. Morgan my executor to all intents and purposes to sell off such property as may be best spared by my wife for the purpose of paying off my just debts provided my notes, bonds, and accounts do not settle off the same. In witness whereof, I, the said James Porter, do hereunto set my hand and seal the 12th of January 1853.Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of us as witnesses: John Porter (Jt), Miles Parker
February Court 1853, exhibited by Henry A. Morgan, executor; proved by John Porter