The Last Will and Testament of Caroline Cook

Caroline Cook, 2nd wife of Daniel Cook Jr., was born 15 April 1810 a daughter of the Reverend Malcolm McMillan and his wife Nancy [LNU]. Before marrying Daniel Cook on 19 September 1843 she was the Widow of the Reverend Murdock Murphy.

Daniel and Caroline had 5 children; three of them surviving to adulthood.  A son died as an infant and a daughter almost reached her 4th birthday.

Daniel Cook Jr. died on 16 January 1878. His widow, Caroline, lived another 18 years 5 months 3 days passing away on 19 June 1896. She wrote her Will on 16 December 1889.

WILL of Caroline Cook
I, Caroline Cook of the County of Wilcox, and State of Alabama, being of sound mind and memory and understanding, do make my last will and testament in manner and form following:
First, I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Caroline Cook all my household furniture, buggy and harness, and one Cow or Cow and Calf as she may wish, she selecting the same, and in addition to this I give to her one thousand Dollars, she to get the thousand Dollars before any of my other heirs get anything. Should my estate not be that amount I want my daughter Carrie to get it all say should it only be eight hundred dollars, I want my daughter Carrie to get the whole estate, Second – After my daughter Caroline Cook gets the thousand Dollars should my estate come to that amount, I give my Son Sam C. Cook  $25.00, Third, after the above amount, are taken out I give devise and bequeath the remainder of my estate to Frank Cook and Daniel Cook my sons and to Caroline Murphy my Grand Daughter to be divided among them share and share alike, and lastly, I nominate and appoint as Executor of this my last will and testament my son Daniel Cook. In Witness whereof I Caroline Cook, to this my last will and testament have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of December 1889.  
                                                                         Caroline X her mark Cooke

Signed, Sealed and declared by Caroline Cook as and for 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 hereunto as Witnesses thereof.
                                                                           E. Gailland, MD
                                                                           J. Paul Jones

State of Alabama}In Probate Court of Said County
Wilcox County} In the matter of the Probate of the last Will and testament of Mrs. Caroline Cook deceased before me James T. Beck Judge of the Said Court personally appeared in open Court Dr. J. Paul Jones who being by me first duly sworn and examined does deposed and say on oath that he is a subscribing witness to the instrument of writing now shown to him, and which purports to be the last will and testament of Mrs. Caroline Cook deceased late and <sic> inhabitant of this County. That said Mrs. Caroline Cook since deceased, signed and executed said instruments on the day the same bears date and declared the same to be her last Will and Testament, and that affiant E. Gailland the other subscribing witness thereto set their signatures thereto on the day the same bears date as subscribing witnesses to the same in the presence of said testatrix and at her request that said testatrix was of sound mind and disposing memory and in the opinion of deponent fully capable of making her will at the time the same was so made as aforesaid, affiant further sate that said testatrix was on the day of the said date of said will of the full age of twenty one years and upwards.
                                                                         J. Paul Jones
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of August 1896.
                                                                          James T. Beck
`                                                                                     Judge of Probate
Admitted to probate on 18th August 1896.
                                       James T.Beck
                                                 Judge&c


Daniel Cook, the husband of Caroline McMillan Cook, is my 1st Cousin 5 times removed.  







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[1] Caroline COOK (1889), WILLS & TESTAMENTS: Last Will and Testament; Will Book 6; pages 358-359; Wilcox County Probate, Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama.

It’s Family Time~The Daniel Cook Sellers Family

Daniel Cook Sellers was born about 1818 a son of Samuel Sellers and Alice Cook. Daniel was named after his grandfather Daniel Cook, Sr. His mother, Alice Cook Sellers, passed away on 7 February 1847. Then in August 1852, his Father, Samuel Sellers, passed away.  Daniel was not the first or second borne son but in August 1852 he was the oldest living son and the administration of his father's estate fell on his shoulder.  On 4 October 1852 he was made administrator of his Father’s estate

Page 90
The State of Alabama} Know all men by these presents that
Wilcox County} we Daniel C. Sellers are held and and <sic> firmly bound unto John G. Jackson, Judge of Probate Court of said county and succefsors in office in the Penal sum One hundred Thousand Dollars for the due and faithful payment of which same well and Truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs Executors and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents Sealed with our seals and dated this 4th day of October A. D. 1852.
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Daniel C. Sellers has been duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of Samuel Sellers late of Wilcox County, dec'd. 
     Now therefore should the said Daniel C. Sellers well and truly do and be for, all the duties which are or may be required of him by law as such Administrators then this obligation to be void else to be and remain in full force and effort.
                                                                  D. C. Sellers {seal}
                                                                  N. A. McMillen {seal}
                                                                  L. W. Bridges {seal}
                                                                  Jeremiah Fail {seal}
                                                                 Harriett Pritchett {sea;}
                                                                 Sarah Sellers {seal}

Alabama, Wills and Probate Records, 1753-1999 for Daniel C Sellers
Wilcox Will Records, Will Book 3, Jan. 1850 - Sept,. 1858; page 90, Image 586 of 781.

Daniel then served in the Civil War with the Alabama River Rangers -- Company "C", 3rd Alabama Calvary.

After the War, Daniel married Mrs. Eliza P. Hill on 11 November 1868. Their only child, Dannie, was born 15 October 1869. The following month, November 1869, Daniel Cook Sellers died of pneumonia according to the 1870 Mortality Census.

On 17 October 1874, Dannie Sellers, their only son passed away.

On 13 November 1876, Eliza P. Sellers passed away.

Daniel Cook Sellers is my 2nd Cousin 5 times removed.




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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, population schedule, Wilcox, Alabama, Page: 363A (stamped); Line 39, Dwelling 265, Family 265, Household of Samuel SELLARS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 June 2018); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 16.
2. Wilcox County, Alabama, Will Book 3: page 90 Administrative Bond Samuel Sellers Estate; Probate Office, Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, population schedule, Western Division, Wilcox, Alabama, Page: 1144 (Stamped); Line 38, Dwelling 241, Family 241, Household of Daniel C. SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 4 November 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_26.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 4 November 2018), entry for Daniel Cook Sellers, Capt; Alabama River Rangers -- Company "C", 3rd Alabama Calvary; Confederate.
5. Daniel COOK Jr. (1866), WILLS & TESTAMENTS: Last Will and Testament; Will Book 6; pages 102-107; Wilcox County Probate, Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama.
6. 1870 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, mortality  schedule, Camden, Wilcox , Alabama , USA, Page xx, Line 21, D. C. Sellers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 4 November 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm XX_003.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  4 November 2018); Memorial page for Daniel Cook Sellers; (1820–November 1869); Find a Grave memorial # 47835676, Citing Camden Cemetery; Wilcox County, Alabama, USA.
8. "Alabama Marriages, 1816-1942," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 4 November 2018), Marriage- Daniel C. Sellers & Mrs. Eliza P. Hill; Marriage Date: 11 Nov 1868.
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Mrs Eliza P Nettles Hill Sellers (27 May 182–13 November 1876), Memorial # 54426287.

Nuncupative Will of Mrs. Mary Rushing

Mary Rushing wife of Maj. James Paul Rushing died on 22 August 1837 shortly after executing her spoken Will. She is buried in the Old Belmont Cemetery, Sumter County, Alabama.

Nuncupative Will
Mrs. Mary Rushing}
Last Will ????}
Recorded 15^th Feby}
1838}
On 16 August 1837 Mrs. Mary Rushing being ill at my house & as she said could not live requested me if she should die at my house to hand over to her daughter Clary Jackson a certain Negro girl named Charity which was thus waiting on her which property she said she had intended for said daughter. -                                                                               -James Durden"

The State of Alabama} Febry 15^th 1838
Sumter County} James Durden this day came into Court and Swore to the within and that the said Mary Rushing was of Sound and disposing mind when she Spoke the same and the Jury having found the same a good and valid will. It is ordered by the Court that the same be probated & recorded. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Subscribe my name this day and date above.
                                                                                     Price Williams, Clk


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[1[ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C957-VSDX-4?cat=197236 >> Records Book 1, Page 74; Sumter County, Alabama

The Death of Elijah Jackson

Elijah Jackson was born between 1791 and 1800 in Anson County, NC, a son of Jesse Jackson and Delilah Meadows. He married Clarissa “Clary” Rushing about 1819. 

Sometime around 1835, the Jackson & Rushing families moved from Anson County to Sumter County, Alabama. This included Elijah’s parents Jesse and Delilah Meadows Jackson and Clarissa’s Mother, Mary Rushing, a widow, and some of her siblings.

Elijah and Clarissa raised a family of seven known children; although some on-line trees have eight children. These children were:
1. Rosanna Jackson, b. abt 1821
2. Frances B. Jackson, b. 1822; wife of Alexander Dallas (Estate Executor)
3. Mary Jane Jackson, b. abt 1827
4. John R. Jackson, b. abt 1830
5. Sarah C. Jackson, abt 1832
6. James M. Jackson, abt.1835
7. William E. Jackson, abt. 1839

As stated previously, some trees also include:
1. Lucinda Jackson, abt 1828

NOTE: Elijah Jackson’s probate file is extensive, but I have not found any mention of a Lucinda Jackson within the file. However, to be fair I must state that I could have missed the name. But, there is no reason for the name to be missed in this next document that lists the heirs-at-law.

This document lists the Widow and six of the seven children I have named above. Also, there is a Lucinda Jackson, age 22, listed in the 1850 household of Stephen Jackson, b. 1800 with wife Emily Wells. 

----------Your petitioner would further shew unto your honor that his intestate died leaving the following heirs to wit: Clarifsa Jackson, Widow of the deceased also Rosanna aged, nineteen year, Mary Jane aged thirteen years; John R. aged nine years; Sarah C. age seven years; James M. aged four years; and William E. aged ten months all minor heirs of said deceased and without guardians -----...
Document can be viewed here:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C958-TR2D?i=157&cat=782688

In late 1839 or early 1840, Elijah Jackson died leaving his wife Clarissa Rushing and 7 named children. An exact death date has not been found for Elijah but the time of his death has been narrowed a specific time period based on indirect evidence recorded in his probate file.

We know that Elijah was treated by a Doctor on the 29th and 30th of December 1839.

We also know that probate action was being executed on his estate by the 17^th January 1840.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C958-TPSQ?cat=782688

Transcription:

The State of Alabama}
Sumter County} I Clarissa Jackson Widow of Elijah Jackson deceased hereby relinquish my right of Administration upon said estates and desire that Letters may be Issued to my trusty friend Alexander Dallas January 17^th 1840.
                                                    Clarifsa Jackson
I also relinquish my right           Jefse Jackson
! also relinquish my right           James Jackson

The State of Alabama}
Sumter County} I John V. Meadow an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County certify that the above was Signed Sealed delivers before me this 17^th strikethrough day of January A.D. 1840. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this day and date above.
                                                            John P. Meadow, {J.P.}


Based on these two documents we know that Elijah Jackson died in Sumter County, AL between 30 Dec 1839 and 17 January 1840. No tombstone or grave marker has been found for Elijah Jackson.





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[1] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C958-TP4Y?i=5&cat=782688

Merry Christmas 2019

Merry Christmas

To my Readers, Subscribers,

Family and Friends. 

----------------------------------------
[1] Image courtesy of https://thanksgiving-images.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Merry-Christmas-2019-Pics.jpg

Last Will and Testament of Daniel Cook, Jr.

Daniel Cook, Jr. is my 1st Cousin 6 times removed. Daniel was borne 14 February 1795 in Anson County, NC or Chesterfield County, SC. He was the son of Daniel Cook, Sr. and his wife Ruth Moultrie. 

On 28 January 1818, Daniel Cook, Jr. married Martha Warren Norwood, daughter of John Norwood of Darlington County, South Carolina.

Daniel Jr, and Martha moved their family from Chesterfield County, SC to Wilcox County, Alabama about 1829. They had a large family of eleven known children; 5 borne in the Carolinas, one in Georgia and five in Alabama. 

Martha Warren Norwood Cook passed away on 17 June 1840. Daniel, Jr. married Caroline McMillan, widow of Rev. Murdock Murphy, on 19 September 1843  in Clarke County, Alabama.

Daniel Cook, Jr. wrote his Last Will and Testament on 10 Nov 1866. He passed away on 16 January 1878 in Wilcox County, Alabama.

Transcription:

Last Will and Testament of Daniel Cook, Jr. deceased
 
State of Alabama}
Wilcox County} I Daniel Cook of said County and State being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby make publish and declare the following to be my last will and testament, (hereby revoking and annulling allot her wills heretofore made by me) as follows to wit that is to say ---
1st I desire all my just debts to be paid as soon after my death as practicable.
2nd I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Caroline Cook, for and during her natural life the following described lands, to wit “the South East quarter of section Twenty, “the West half of the South  West Quarter” of Section twenty one; “the North half of Section twenty nine; the North West quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section Twenty nine; The North West quarter of the South West quarter of section twenty nine; the North West quarter of the South East quarter of Section Twenty eight; the West half of the North West quarter of Section twenty eight and the East half of the North east quarter of Section Thirty.  All in township Twelve in Range seven East lying in Wilcox County, Alabama and containing about Eight hundred Acres; after her death to be disposed of as herein after directed: ------
I also give and bequeath to my wife the following personal property to wit: Three head of horses or mules (to be selected by herself or some friend for her as she may direct). Three cows and calves all the hogs at the home place, twelve head of choice sheep, one yoke of Oxen, all carriages, Buggies, carts, wagons, farming utensils; and tools of every description belonging to the home place, all the corn, fodder, hay, potatoes, bacon, pork and everything in the provision line at my said home place, all the poultry on said home place and all the household and kitchen furniture I may have at the time of my death, the said household furniture to include piano and clocks. Also any other personal property belonging to my homestead. My object is that nothing shall be disturbed about my said homestead except so far as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this my will.
Should there not be sufficient amount of provisions on hand, at my said home place, at the time of my death (such as corn fodder bacon and potatoes)for the maintenance and support of my said wife, and my minor children for twelve months, then it is my will and desire, and I hereby direct that the deficit shall be made up from any of such like provisions I may have on hand elsewhere. To have and to hold said personal property in absolute right to her and to her heirs forever. The real Estate above given to be in lieu of her distributive share in my estate and to be hers absolutely as aforesaid ----
3rd I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha L. McCurdy, two cows and calves
4th I give and bequeath unto my son Frank Cook, the sorrel blaze faced mare, now in his possession.
5th I give and bequeath unto my son Daniel Cook, Jr. two cows and calves, and the dark roan colt known and called as his colt.
6th I give and bequeath unto my daughter Carrie Cook, two cows and calves, and a horse or mule, the said property to be selected by her, or some friend for her as she may direct, next after my wife’s share of said property has been selected, as herein before given to her.
7th It is my wish, and I hereby direct that all the balance of my property (not herein before disposed of) both real and personal, to be sold and the proceeds of said sale to be divided as follows to wit: (having made advancement to some of my children , and desiring to make them all as nearly equal in the distribution of my estate as possible I make the following distributions – not requiring any of my children to account for any advancements heretofore received by them from me). I will and desire that my son Daniel Cook, Jr. and my daughter Carrie Cook receive each the Sum of Twenty five hundred dollars” and that they shall each receive that amount before any other disposition is made of the proceeds of said sale or before any disposition is made of any other money or monies belonging to my estate (other than the payments of debts and the costs of administration) and should there not be a sufficient amount realized from said sale or from any other assets of or belonging to my estate, to paid said amounts, then I desire said amounts or the deficits, to be made up to them in the manner hereinafter directed in section 12 of this my will.
8th I desire my grandchild David S. Cook, the son of my deceased son Jesse J. Cook to receive the sum of Two hundred dollars.
9th I give to my son John N. Cook the sum of Twelve hundred dollars and direct that out of said sum of twelve hundred dollars my executor pay my granddaughter Caroline Adair, wife of William Adair and a daughter of said John N. Cook receive an amount in proportion to the number of children the said John N. Cook may have living at the time of my death, that is if he should have no child other than the said Caroline or one child besides the said Caroline living, said Caroline Adair to receive one half, if three, one third and so on. If no child of said John N. Cook be living at my death, said John N. Cook is to take the whole.
10th I desire my daughter Mary R. Blackman, my son Maston W. Cook, my son Samuel C. Cook my son Frank Cook and my daughter Martha L. McCurdy shall each receive the sum of Five hundred dollars.
11th After paying all the before mentioned legacies out of the monies arising from the the <sic>sale directed to be made, in the herein before 7th paragraph of this my will, and otherwise --- I devise the balance, if any to be equally divided among all my children, share and share alike, the child or children if any of my deceased children to receive the share the parent would have taken if living –except share that may be going to my son John N. Cook, shall be subjected to the same disposition, in regard to my granddaughter Caroline  Adair, as is herein before set forth in the 9th paragraph of this my will and the said Caroline’s share thereof be paid to her at the same time, said John N. Cook’s share is duly and payable. 
12th The lands, herein given to my wife as her dower interest, after her death, I desire to be sold, and the proceeds of said sale to be equally divided among all my children share and share alike, the child or children of any deceased child or children to receive the share the parent would have taken if living (the share of my son John N. Cook to be subjected to the same disposition in regard to my granddaughter as is herein before stated with regards to the share going to my son John N. Cook), provided; that if there should not be enough money belonging to my estate arising from the sale of the other properties herein before directed to be sold, or otherwise, to pay the legacies of twenty five hundred dollars each to my son Daniel Cook and my daughter Carrie Cook, as mentioned in the 7th paragraph of this my will, then in that event they are to receive a sufficient amount from the sale of said lower lands to make up the said amount of Twenty five hundred dollars each.
13th Should my estate prove to be insolvent and be so declared by any Court of Competent jurisdiction, then it is my Will and desire that my wife and minor children have and received that which they would have been entitled to under the law, if I had died intestate.
14th I hereby nominate constitute and appoint David C. Sellars, of Wilcox County, Ala. [the] Executor of this my last will and testament, hereby authorizing him to decide the same without being required to give any bond for its execution.
15th In all sales of property, herein directed to be sold, I hereby authorize and empower my said executor to sell the same, either at private or public sale and on such terms as he may direct and think best, and also authorize him to make and execute proper conveyances to any property herein directed to be sold. (In the description of the lands herein given to my wife in lieu of her dower interest there is a mistake to-wit: The North West quarter of the South East quarter of Section Twenty Eight” in Township Twelve of Range seven was inserted by mistake and is not intended to be any part of the lands given to my wife, as it does not belong to me.)
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal this the 10th day of November 1866.    
                                                                      Daniel Cook {L. S.}     
The foregoing instrument was executed in our presence by Daniel Cook and acknowledged by him to be his last will and testament, and the same was attested by us as witnefs, at the request of said Daniel Cook and in his presence and in the presence of each other, on the 10th day of November 1866.
                                                                            Zo. S. Cook
Filed January 22nd 1878
           W. Henderson
                    Judge of Probate
 
State of Alabama}
Wilcox County}  Probate Court of said County
           In the matter of the probate of the last will and testament of Daniel Cool deceased:
Before me W. Henderson Judge of the said Court personally appeared in open Court, Zo. S. Cook, who having been by me first duly sworn and examined did and does depose and say, on oath, that he is a subscribing witness to the instrument of writing, now shown to him and which purports to be the last will and testament of Daniel Cook, deceased, late an inhabitant of this County, that said Cook, since deceased signed and executed said instrument on the day the same bears date, and declared the same to be his last will and testament, and that affiant set his signature thereto, on the day the same bears date, (and declared the same to be his last will and testament, and that affiant, set his signature thereunto, on the day the same bears date) as a subscribing witness to the same, in the presence of said testator and in the presence of the other witness: That said testator was of sound mind and disposing memory; and in the opinion of the deponent fully capable of making his will, at the time the same was so made as aforesaid. Affiant further states that said testator was on the day of the said date of said will, of full age of twenty-one year and upwards.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Zo S. Cook
Subscribed and sworn to}
Before me this 21st day of}
March 1878}
                    W. Henderson
                              Judge of Probate





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[1] Daniel COOK Jr. (1866), WILLS & TESTAMENTS: Last Will and Testament; Will Book 6; pages 102-107; Wilcox County Probate, Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama. https://ancstry.me/2ZpURG1
                                      

Probate of The Elizabeth (Sellers) Fail Estate

Elizabeth Sellers, b. abt 1815 was the daughter of Samuel Sellers and Alice “Allie” Cook. Samuel and Allie moved with her family about 1829 and settled in Wilcox County, Alabama.

On 14 Jul 1841, Elizabeth Sellers and Jeremiah Fail were united in marriage. This was the second marriage for Jeremiah who had recently lost his first wife Mary Ann McNeill.

Jeremiah had a son, William George Fail, age 2 when he married Elizabeth Sellers. Together Elizabeth and Jeremiah had two additional daughters of which one, Harriett, died quite young.
William G. Fail was twice married. First, to Celestia Dortch (m. 1863) and then to her sister Mary Ella Dortch (m. 1866)

Jeremiah and Elizabeth, Margaret “Maggie” Fail, married a young attorney by the name of J. K. Reddish on 28 June 1866.

In 1870, Jeremiah and Elizabeth, aka Eliza were living with their daughter Margaret in Wilcox County.

Then sadly on 13 May 1871, Jeremiah Fail passed away. I wrote about the probate of his estate here:

https://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2016/09/treasure-chest-thursday-probate-of.html

His son, by the first wife, William George Fail was the Administrator of the estate.

Then approximately two weeks later Elizabeth “Eliza” Sellers Fail died unexpectedly.

In a document contained within the estate file of Jeremiah Fail we have the following comments. This document is transcribed in the above hyperlink to Jeremiah‘s estate post.

“That Mrs. Eliza Fail, the widow of said intestate, died in Wilcox County, Alabama about two weeks after the death of said Jeremiah Fail, and no one has as yet been appointed administrator of her Estate.”

Margaret “Maggie” Fail Reddish was the only surviving heir-at-law of the estate. Her Mother and Father had left her well off for the time period.  Jeremiah had extensive land holdings in the town of Georgiana, Butler County, Alabama.

Elizabeth Sellers Fail left her entire estate to her daughter Margaret “Maggie” Reddish.

The estate file is only available on-line at Ancestry. The hyperlink to the file is:
Eliza Fail = Images 633 to 659 – > https://ancstry.me/2k8FUrz
Jeremiah Fail = Images 661 to 725 – > https://ancstry.me/2k8FUrz

Elizabeth “Eliza” Sellers Fail is my 2nd Cousin 5 times removed.
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[1] https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?dbid=8799&h=4187538&indiv=try&o_vc=Record:OtherRecord&rhSource=7163

It’s Family Time~The Samuel Calvin Cook Family

Samuel Calvin Cook, born 6 Nov 1837 in Wilcox County was the son of Daniel Cook, Jr.  and Martha Warren Norwood.

Samuel received his education in private school in Wilcox County and entered Howard College in 1856. He received his bachelor of arts degree in 1859. Then he began his study of law which was interrupted by the Civil War.

On 11 Mar 1861, he married Mary Harrell Gullette in Mobile, Alabama. Mary Harrell Gullette, was the daughter of George Samuel and Elizabeth Cornell (McPherson) Gullette, of Rock West, Alabama. Her parents were early settlers of the State and very notable.

Samuel served throughout the war, survived and returned to Wilcox County taking up his study of law and becoming a prominent lawyer in the State.  

Samuel Calvin Cook and Mary Harrell Gullett had the following children:  

i. Daniel Gullett Cook was born on 24 Jul 1868 in Wilcox County, Alabama; died in 1944 at the age of 76.
ii. Jesse McPherson Cook was born on 29 Jul 1870 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
iii. Sallie Gullett Cook was born on 27 Mar 1872 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
iv. Georgia Frank Cook was born on 31 Mar 1874 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
v. Mary Norwood Cook was born on 26 Nov 1875 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
vi. Willie M. Cook was born on 11 Mar 1877 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
vii. Bessie Fee Cook was born on 25 Jun 1879 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
viii. Maggie Austill Cook was born in Dec 1880 in Wilcox County, Alabama; died on 25 Sep 1916 at the age of 35 in Baldwin County, Alabama.
ix. Samuel Calvin Cook Jr., born 27 Nov 1882, Wilcox County, Alabama; married Mabel Cooper, 7 May 1912, Elmore County, Alabama; died 26 Sep 1953, Wetumpka, Elmore, Alabama.
x. Jerry Gullett "Jesse" Cook was born on 11 Jul 1884 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
xi. Robert Eades Cook was born on 23 Feb 1887 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
xii. Ruth Cook was born on Apr 1887 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
xiii. Carrie C. Cook was born on Jan 1888 in Wilcox County, Alabama.
xiv. Joe Norwood Cook was born on 21 Jul 1892 in Wilcox County, Alabama.


Samuel Calvin Cook died 8 June 1904 at the age of 66. Mary Harrell Gullett Cook died 15 February 1925. Both are buried in the Cook Cemetery, Wilcox County, Alabama.

Samuel Calvin Cook is my 2nd Cousin 5 times removed.







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[1] Hon. Joel Campbell DuBose, Notable Men of Alabama:: Personal and Genealogical, Volume 2 (Atlanta, Georgia: Southern Historical Association, 1904), pages 405-407.
[2] 1880 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, population schedule, Canton, Wilcox, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) 196, Page: 475A(stamped); Line 34, Dwelling 114; Family 114, Household of Sam COOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 19 December 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm T9_0035.
[3] 1900 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, population schedule, Blacks Bluff, Wilcox, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) 0134, Page: 1/303(stamped); Line 67, Dwelling 317, Family 319, Household of Samuel C. COOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 19 December 2019); citing National Archives Microfilm T623.
[4] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 December 2019); Memorial page for Samuel Calvin Cook; (6 November 1837–8 June 1904); Find a Grave memorial # 97815864, Citing Cook Cemetery; Wilcox County, Alabama, USA.
[5] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 December 2019); Memorial page for Mary Harrel Gullett Cook; (31 Jul 1846-15 frb 1925); Find a Grave memorial # 97815911, Citing Cook Cemetery; Wilcox County, Alabama, USA.

The Second Marriage of Daniel Cook, Jr.

Daniel Cook, Jr. was born 14 February 1795 in Anson County, North Carolina. He was the son of Daniel Cook, Sr. and his wife Ruth Moultrie. he was the third oldest of eleven children.

Daniel’s first wife was Martha Warren Norwood, daughter of James Norwood of Darlington County., South Carolina. His son, Samuel Calvin Cook,  says in an affidavit that they were married in 1816.
Martha Warren Norwood Cook died  17 June 1840 in Wilcox County, Alabama.

On 19 September 1843, Daniel Cook, Jr. and Caroline McMillian, the widow of Rev. Murdock Murphy, were married in Clarke County, Alabama by Minister H. Creighton. 

To this union was borne five known children. Daniel Cook, Jr. died 16 January 1878. His 2nd wife, Caroline,  died 19 June 1896. Both are buried in the Cook Cemetery, Wilcox County, Alabama.

Daniel Cook, Jr. is my 1st Cousin 6 times removed.










_________________________________

[1] Clarke County, Alabama, marriage (19 September 1843), Daniel Cook Marriage to Caroline Murphy; Montgomery, Alabama, USA, State of Alabama Center for Health Statistics, Record Services Division.

Chesterfield County Genealogical Research Collections

Genealogical Research of  Chesterfield County, South Carolina families is very difficult with the loss of records during the Civil War.

In this post, I would like to mention several collections, repositories unique database that some of you may not be aware of.

First: The Family Search Chesterfield County, South Carolina Genealogy
Start your genealogical research journey here: A MUST READ
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Chesterfield_County,_South_Carolina_Genealogy

Second: The Marie Gulledge Wiggins Collection; FamilySearch.org
Marie was a very dear friend who entered my life in the early 1990’s. Marie at that time had spent years researching Chesterfield County families. She grew up there, lived there and knew the people. Much of her knowledge was first-hand accounts from the residents of the County.
An inventory of her collection can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/site/oddc101/home/marie-gulledge-wiggins-collection
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/646405?availability=Family%20History%20Library

Third: The Andrea Files, South Caroliniana Library
Leonard Andrea was a professional genealogist. His work consists of research on many noted SC families and related allied lines. 
An Index to his files/surnames can be found here:
https://www.andreafiles.com/files.php
You must visit the South Caroliniana Library to access this collection.

Fourth: The Leon Madison Rivers Collection, South Caroliniana Library
Leon Madison Rivers was very active in researching the Rivers and allied families of Chesterfield County in the early 1920’s.  About the same time that Minnie Sander Rivers published her small hand-written booklet about the Rivers family.
You must visit the South Caroliniana Library to access this collection.

Fifth: SC Archive and History Database
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/
Can be accessed on-line; some documents available on-line; others must be purchased; request can be made on-line or in-person by visiting the SC Archives.
Summary Guide to holdings here:
http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/guide/guide.htm#guide

Sixth: Genealogy Gophers – On-Line database of books
https://www.gengophers.com/#/
A database of approximately 80,000 genealogy books. Easily searched by surname, given name.

Seven: Chesterfield County Corner Inquest - On-Line Database

https://csidixie.org/numbers/counties/chesterfield-county-sc?order=field_cause_of_death_method&sort=asc&page=0%2C10

Amanuensis Monday~Deed of Gift, Mother to Son

Amanuensis Monday is a Web Blog theme started by blogger John Newmark. You can access his blog here.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

A full explanation of the Amanuensis Monday blog theme can be found here.

Today’s subject is a Deed of Gift between Mother and Son; Elizabeth Eddins to Richard John Thrashley Eddins ¹

Transcription: 

Elizabeth Eddins to Richard Eddins

The State of Alabama}
Pike County} This Indenture made this the thirty first day of March in the year of our Lord eight hundred and fifty Seven between Elizabeth Eddins of said county and State of the one part and Richard Eddins son of the Said Elizabeth Eddins of the same place of the other part Witnesseth that the said Elizabeth Eddins for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which she has and bears to her Son Richard Eddins the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have given granted and do by these presents give and grant unto the said Richard Eddins his heirs and assigns all that tract of Land situated lying and being in Pike County Alabama known and described as the South East quarter of South East quarter of Section No. Seven and the North East quarter of the North East Quarter of Section No. eighteen in Township Eight Range twenty one in the district of Lands subject to Sale at Sparta Alabama containing eighty one and 16/100 Acres to have and to hold the above described premises unto him the said Richard Eddins his heirs and afsigns together with all the rights members and appurtenances to the Said Land in any wise belonging to his own proper use benefit and behoof forever in fee simple and the said Elizabeth Eddins for herself her heirs executors and administrators the said given and granted premises unto the said Richard Eddins his heirs and afsigns will warrant and forever defend the right and title thereof against the claims of all persons whatsoever. In Testimony whereof the said Elizabeth Eddins hath hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year first above written.
Signed, Sealed and delivered}                                          Elizabeth Eddins {LS}
In the presents <sic> of}
Edney Tyson}
Jason Tyson}

The State of Alabama}
Pike County} I, Bird Fitzpatrick Judge of the County of Probate in and for State and county aforesaid hereby certify that Jason Tyson a subscribing witness to the foregoing conveyances known to me approved before me this day and being sworn [statement?] that Elizabeth Eddins the grantor in the conveyance voluntarily executed the same in his presents <sic> and in the presents <sic>of the subscribing witnesses on the day the same bears date that he attested the same in the presence of the grantor and of the other witness and that such other witness subscribed her name as a witness in his presence.
Given under my hand this the 7^th day of April A.D. 1857.
                                                                                        Bird Fitzpatrick
                                                                                             Judge of Probate
Received for Record April 7^th /57


Elizabeth Eddins is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt by Marriage to Richard Eddins. Richard John Thrashley Eddins is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed. 







_________________________
[1]Land Deed - Deed of Gift-Elizabeth Eddins to Richard Eddins; 7 April 1857; Deed Book #K; Page(s) 68 and 69; The Chancery Clerk's Office; Troy, Pike County, Alabama; 15 December 2019.

Its Family Time~The Williams Eddins Families

Williams Eddins was born about 1781 in Cheraw District, South Carolina, a son of William B. Eddins and his wife Nancy.

Finding information on him, his parents and siblings have been frustrating. The same goes for his children.

Williams Eddins was twice married. His first was Elizabeth Ingram and his second wife was Hannah Wilson. 

Many on line-trees have Williams first name as Williamson. I have not found any documents that spelled his name other than William or Williams and a created FindAGrave memorial has him listed as Williamson and dying in1865. Both are undocumented so be cautious with the acceptance of this data. It's unproven.

Williams had migrated from Chesterfield County SC to Pike County Mississippi by Mar 1837 where land record shows him acquiring 41.55 acres of land (Accession Number: AL0630__.494).

Marriage certificates have not been found for the marriage of either of the two women that Williams married. 

Based on known children, Williams married Elizabeth Ingram about 1804 in Chesterfield, South Carolina before migrating between 1825 and 1827. Their last born child, Mahala Elizabeth, was born 1827 in Pike County, Alabama before the death of her mother in 1828. Mahalla Elizabeth 5 siblings were born in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

After the death of Elizabeth in 1828, Williams married Hannah Wilson about 1828.  To this union were borne two additional children; one son and one daughter.

Williams Eddins and Elizabeth Ingram had the following children:
        i.    Catherine Eddins was born on 23 Aug 1805 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died in Butler Co., Ala 1862, married Rev. Noah Parker 1/12/1825 in Conecuh Co., Ala. and had 12 kids.
         ii.    Wilson W. Eddins, born abt 1810, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died abt 1836.
         iii.    William Robert Eddins, born 19 Feb 1817, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Louise Nunley; married Elizabeth Watson; died 4 Apr 1907, Nacogdoches County, Texas.
         iv.    Calvin T. Eddins, born Feb 1820, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Lucy Ruth Daily, 23 Dec 1846, Monroe, Alabama.
         v.    Matilda Eddins, born 10 Aug 1825, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Hardy Bryant Deese, 4 Jun 1845, Monroe Co., AL; died 11 May 1901, Many, Sabine, Louisiana.
         vi.    Mahala Elizabeth Eddins was born about 1827 in Pike County, Alabama.
Williams Eddins and Hannah Wilson were married in 1828. Hannah Wilson was born in 1800. Hannah was born in 1880 based on her age of 50, reported in the 1850 Census for Monroe County, Alabama.  She died before 1860 at the age of 60 Williams, her husband is a widow, living in the Searcey Household in Butler County, Alabama. 

Williams Eddins and Hannah Wilson had the following children:
          i.    Lycian Eddins was born about 1831. She died about 1840 at the age of 9.
         ii.    James Luther Eddins, born abt 1835, Pike County, Alabama, United States; married Ellen Soloman, 22 Oct 1855; died abt 1900, Mobile, Alabama, United States.

The Pike County land deed mentioned in the footnotes of this blog post was significant in identifying and naming the children of Williams Eddins.

Williams Eddins is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.








________________________
     1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  3 November 2018); Memorial page for Williamson Eddins; (1781–1865); Find a Grave memorial # 114811477, Citing Butler County, Alabama, USA; Eddins/Dees Family Cemetery.
     2. 1850 U. S. Census, Monroe County, Alabama, population schedule, Monroe County, Alabama, Page: 57A(stamped) Line 8, Dwelling 829, Family 829, Household of Wm EDDINS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 8 November 2018); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 11.
     3. 1860 U. S. Census,  Butler County, Alabama, population schedule, Precinct 3, Butler, Alabama, Page: 143(stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 1053, Family 1053, dins in the 3 and A. J. [SEARCY] CEAVEY Household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 8 November 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_3.
     4. Land Deed - Williams Eddins Deed to Children; 27 September 1832; Deed Book #DB 1; Page(s) pg 83-84; The Chancery Clerk's Office; Troy, Pike County, Alabama; 3 March 2019.
     5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Elizabeth Ingram Eddins (1790–1828), Memorial # 114811563.

Treasure Chest Thursday~Purchase of Estate Lands of Samuel W. Brock

In March 1866, a writ of Feri Facias was issued out of the Court of Common Pleas for the District of Chesterfield against Samuel W. and Eli W. Brock (Father-Son) directing the sale of 64 acres of land to recover a judgment of  Two hundred forty-four Dollars and seventy-five cents.

The 64 acres of land was purchased at Sheriff Sales by James P. Brock, the youngest son of Samuel W. Brock, for the sum of twenty-five dollars, he being at that price, the highest and last bidder for the same.

Deed Book 1, Page 171-172
Danl Douglass Shff to J. P. Brock Shffs Titles
State of South Carolina
To all whom these Presents may concern.
I, Danl Douglass Esquire sheriff of the District of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid send Greetings: Whereas by virtue of a writ of Feri Facias issued out of the Court of Common Pleas for the District of Chesterfield vested the fifth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six, and returnable according to law, to me directed and lodged in my office on the sixth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty six commanding me of the Goods, chattels, Houses, Lands and other Hereditaments and Real Estates of of <sic> Saml W + Eli Brock to levy the sum of Two hundred forty four Dollars and seventy five cents Debt, and Costs which Peter Barrentine by the judgement of the said Court at Chesterfield lately recovered against the said Saml W. + Eli Brock I have levied upon a certain tract of Land in the District of Chesterfield aforesaid herein after more particularly described, And whereas after due and legal notice, the said tract of land was on the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven being the first Monday in the said month between the hours of eleven in the forenoon, and three o’clock in the afternoon of that day at the Court House in Chesterfield openly publicly and fairly and according to the usage ands custom of vendues, by me sold for and towards satisfaction of the said Judgment and Execution unto James P. Brock for the sum of twenty five Dollars, he being at that price, the highest and last bidder for the same Now know ye, That I Danl Douglass Sheriff as aforesaid by virtue of the said Execution Levy and Sale and of the Statute in such case made and provided and for and in consideration of the said sum of Twenty five Dollars to me in hand paid or secured to be paid according to the terms of the said sale, have granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents, Do grant, bargain sell and convey unto the said James P. Brock, All that certain piece, parcel or tract of land situate lying and being in the District of Chesterfield aforesaid aforesaid <sic> on both side of Big Little Westfield Creek known as the Mill tract the same containing one hundred and forty six acres more or less, Beginning and running as follows, at the Rock + Red oak corner by the Mill road known as the Saml White corner and running with his line N. W. 15° 12 ch 50 links to a stake 3X0 thence with Saml White line S.W. 11° 18 ch 50 links to White’s 2^nd corner stake 3X0 thence N. W. 79° 17 ch 69 links to a stake 3Xn in Squire Brock line thence with his + G. W. Duvalls line N. E. 25 crossing Little Westfield Creek 52° ch to a small Maple at the edge of high Water mark of the mill pond thence with the high water mark up big Westfield Creek to a small sweet gum on the bank 3Xn thence S. E. with said water mark down to the end crossing the Mill dam and continuing to the first Brook in the flood gate race, thence S. E. 10° 7 chs 60 links to a small sweet gum 3X0 in the fork of two Races thence S. W. 13° 22 ch 50 links to the beginning Rock + Red Oak) Together with all and singular the members and appurtenances thereunto belonging and all Estate, title and interest which the said Saml W. + Eli Brock of right had in and to the same. To Have and To Hold the said Premises with the appurtenances unto the said James P. Brock.
In Witnefs whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, this the fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America, the
Signed, Sealed and Delivered}                                                   D. Douglass {Seal}
In Presence of}
M. J. Hough}
T. P. Craig

[Revenue Stamp affixed amounting to Fifty cents properly canceled.]

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
Personally appeared M. J. Hough who made oath that he was present and saw Danl Douglass Esq. sheriff of Chesterfield District sign, seal and as his act and Deed, deliver the within Instruments of Writing, and that Deponent with Thomas P. Craig attested the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me this} M. J. Hough
18^th day of May 1867}
H. Craig, Jr.}
Clk} Recorded 27 Nov 1867
Origl Dlv’d to J. P. Brock

Samuel W. Brock is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.

______________________

[1] Land Deed - Danl Douglass Shff to J. P. Brock Shffs Titles; 5 March 1866; Deed Book #1; Page(s) 171 - 172; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; 4 June 2019.

Wordless Wednesday~Biltmore - America's Largest Home

______________
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate

Who are the Parents of Charity, wife of Wiley Morris of Chesterfield County, SC?

Who are the Parents of Charity, wife of Wiley Morris of Chesterfield County, SC?
During my lifetime I had heard many times from my Mother that her Great Grandfather Hezekiah and his brother Alsey Brock married sisters by the name of Sarah and Lucy Morris. During my genealogical search from 1976 to present I have attempted many times to identify the parents of Sarah and Lucy Morris. It has been a difficult journey fraught with many rabbit trails and failures. As of today the parents of Sarah and Lucy Morris remains a mystery. The advent of on-line copying in lieu of actual research has added to the mystery.

Today on Ancestry there are 62 on-line trees stating that the wife of Wiley Morris is a lady named Charity Short, b. about 1806 and most say that her parents are Daniel Short, Jr. and Margaret Hinson.

There is no doubt that the wife of Wiley Morris was a young lady named Charity, b. abt 1806 and the South Carolina Death Certificates if her known children shows her maiden name to be SHORT.

1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M432_851; Image: 208; Film #0444814, Page 102A, Line 21, Dwelling #46, Family 46; Alsey BROCK, age 34, Farmer, born in SC; Lucy BROCK, wife, age 25, born in SC; C. A. BROCK, Son, age 12, born in SC; P. A. BROCK, Son, age 10, born in SC. Also in the household is Martha MORRIS, age 30, born in SC.

1860 CENSUS: Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M653_1217;  Image: 369; Family History Library Film: 805217. Page 183A, Line 25, Dwelling #1238, Family #1239; Lucy BROCK, age 37, Seamstress; Charles BROCK, age 24, Clerk; P. A. BROCK, age 21, Clerk.  Staying with Lucy is Martha MORRIS, age 45; Julia HOWELL, age 20.

Wiley and his wife had the following known children:
i. Martha "Patsey" Morris born on 8 Dec 1815, SC; died on 7 May 1880, SC.
1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M432_851; Image: 208; Film #0444814, Page 102A, Line 21, Dwelling #46, Family 46; Alsey BROCK, age 34, Farmer, born in SC; Lucy BROCK, wife, age 25, born in SC; C. A. BROCK, Son, age 12, born in SC; P. A. BROCK, Son, age 10, born in SC. Also in the household is Martha MORRIS, age 30, born in SC.

1860 CENSUS: Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M653_1217;  Image: 369; Family History Library Film: 805217. Page 183A, Line 25, Dwelling #1238, Family #1239; Lucy BROCK, age 37, Seamstress; Charles BROCK, age 24, Clerk; P. A. BROCK, age 21, Clerk.  Staying with Lucy is Martha MORRIS, age 45; Julia HOWELL, age 20.

ii. Lucy Morris, born 13 Jul 1822, SC; married Alsey Brock, abt 1835; died 4 Jan 1887, SC.(My Great Uncle)
1850-1860 (above), 1870 and 1880 Census

iii. Sarah "Sally" Morris, born 27 Jan 1829, SC; married Hezekiah Brock, abt 1849–1850, died 21 Oct 1902, SC.
I do not have a document saying that Sarah "Sallie' is a Morris other than family history that Alsey and Hezekiah married Sisters. 

iv. Elizabeth Morris, born abt 1833; married John William McDuffie; died unknown.
NO Info

v. Mary Frances Morris was born on 25 Jan 1835 in SC; died on 22 Feb 1916, SC.
SC Death certificate shows Father unknown; Mother Charity SHORT

vi. Ann Morris was born about 1837.
No Info

vii. William Morris was born about 1841.
No Info

viii. Joseph Morris, born 7 Aug 1842, NC; married Jane Burr, abt 1868; married Mary Elizabeth Burr, abt 1872; died 27 Aug 1919, NC..
SC Death Certificate Father Wiley Morris; Mother Charity Short
Parents say in 1850/1860 he was born in SC; he said in 1880/1900 he was born in NC. 

ix. James Morris, born 10 Jun 1853; married Susan Pressley; died 15 Nov 1918.
SC Death certificate had Father: Wiley Morris; Mother: Short

There is significant indirect evidence that Charity Morris surname was indeed SHORT.


The parents of CHARITY SHORT MORRIS are alleged to be Margaret Hinson and Daniel Short Jr.
Daniel Short, Sr left a Will but when Daniel Short, Jr. passed away in Moore County, North Carolina he died intestate.

However, his wife Margaret Hinson Short who passed away in 1872 did leave a Will
There is a Moore County, NC WILL for Margaret Short alleged wife of Daniel Short Jr. . The Will was probated in 1872 (Moore County WB  D-45)

It can be found here:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9GHG-97VM?i=51&wc=32GS-82Q%3A169763701%2C169888801&cc=1867501

THE WILL DOES NOT SHOW A DAUGHTER NAMED – CHARITY

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MARGARET SHORT


I, Margaret Short of the County of Moore and State North Carolina, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following to wit.
Item 1st; I desire my Executor herein after named to conduct my funeral according to the wishes and directions of my children and friends and to pay my funeral expenses and just debts due to any one from me out of my estate.
Item 2; I will devise & bequeath to my daughter Frances Vick wife of John Vick and at her death to the living of her body, to her and their sole and separate use and not to be subject to the duty control or control of her said husband John Vick a track of land in said County.; One hundred and sixty three acres more or less the tract of land on which said Vick and family now lives being the same allotted to said Vick & wife in the division of the real estate of the late Daniel Short since and now owned by me but the above devise of said tract of land to my daughter Francis and her living is made subject to the payment of her husband John Vick or by his living or someone for them of a debt of one hundred dollars with all interest due thereon which said Vick now owes to me and if said debt be not paid to me my Executor is directed to collect the same, and if it cannot be paid without a sale of said tract of land or a part thereof, hereby devised to my said daughter her living then I direct my Executor to sale so much of said land as maybe necessary for the payment of said debt and interest.
Item 3; the balance of my estate and property real and personal or mixed or whatever it may consist I give devise and bequeath to my children Sarah Short, Eliza Short, Ellen Short, Caroline Short and Saml P. Short and the heirs share and share alike.
Item 4th; I desire and hope all my other children will be satisfied with this my will as I think in view of all the circumstances, I have acted rightfully and I hereby appoint and constitute Pleasant Short & B. H. Short my Executors to execute this my will and testament and carry out its several provisions.
Signed sealed and declared in presence of Us this 12 Febry 1862.                                                                                                                                              Margaret (her mark) Short
A.H. McNeill
A.M. Branson
Whereas I Margaret Short have made my last will and testament bearing date 12th Febry 1862, I do by this my writing which I hereby declare to be a codicil to my said will to be taken and construed as a part of the same Item I will direct that the interest in Item 3rd to Saml P. Short as he is dead is to be equally divided between my four daughters, Sarah Fields, Eliza Short, Ellen Fields and Carolina Short Share and Share alike. And I hereby revoke the appointment of B.H. Short and Pleasant Short as my Executors and do hereby appoint A.H. McNeill, my Executor to execute this my last will and testament and carry out its several provisions.
Signed sealed published by the said Margaret Short}
To be her last will and testament}                           Margaret (her mark) Short
In presence of
J. H. Caddill
Angus Currie

I Margaret Short do hereby release John Vick from any and all claims which I have against him.; I did have a claim of one hundred dollars.; I have been satisfied of the same, and hereby release the same as aforesaid this 10th Febry 1870.                          Margaret (her mark) Short
Witness J. H. Caddill

North Carolina}
Moore County}
We the undersigned being heirs at law of Margaret Short having heard a paper writing read purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Margaret Short and the said paper writing appoints one A. H. McNeill Executor we hereby request the proper authority to allow the said McNeill to qualify without trouble to him
This 25th Nov. 1873
John Hancock
Brinkly Short
Benjamin H. Cole
Devotion Short
John Vick

State of North Carolina}
Moore County}
A paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Margaret Short deceased with the codicil to will is exhibited before me the undersigned Judge of Probate for said County by A. H. McNeill the Executor therein named and the due Execution thereof by the said Margaret Short by the oath and examination of the Subscribing witnefses to the said codicil who being duly sworn do dispose and say and each for himself deposeth and saith and saith <sic> that he is a Subscribing witnefs to the paper writing now Shown purporting to be the codicil to the last will & testament of Margaret Short that the Said Margaret Short in the presence of these deponents Subscribed her name at the end of Said paper writing which is now Shown as aforesaid, and bearing date of 12th day of February 1862. And the deponents further Saith that the said Margaret Short the testatrix aforesaid did at the time of Subscribing her name as aforesaid declare the Said paper writing So subscribed as and exhibited to be the Codicil to the last will and testament and these deponents did thereupon [sign] their name at the end of said Will as attesting witnefs thereto., and at the request and in the presence of her name to the Said the said testatrix and these deponents further saith that at the said time when the said testatrix subscribed her name to the said last will and testament as aforesaid and at the time of the deponent subscribing their names as attesting witness thereto as aforesaid the Said Margaret Short was of Sound mind and memory of full age to execute a will and was not under any restraint to the knowledge information or belied of these deponents and further these deponents Say not.
Severally Sworn & Subscribed }                 J. H. Caddill {Seal}
this 21th day of November 1873}              Angus Currie {Seal}
A. H. McMeil Judge of }
Probate}

North Carolina}
Moore County} In Superior Court
In chambers 29th Nov 1873 A. H. McNeil the Executor named in Will and Codicil of Mrs. Margaret Short being the Clerk of this Court and Ex Aficio Judge of Probate the proceedings has upon the relating to the probate of Said Will & Codicil and submitted to me for approval and are hereby approved and confirmed.
M. M. Frey Esgn one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County of Moore is authorized and directed to qualify the Said A. H. McNeil as Executor by administering to him the oath required by law, in the form of an affidavit Signed by McNeil and certified and filed by the Justice.
                                                        Ralph B. Benton
                                                       Judge 5^th District

Although Margaret Short made a comment in item #4 that she “hope all my other children will be satisfied with this my will as I think in view of all the circumstances;” she did not name these other children.

Personally, I do not believe that Daniel Short, Jr. and his wife Margaret Hinson are the parents of Charity [LNU] Morris.

An important clue to the parentage of Wiley and Charity is that all their children were born in South Carolina. The Daniel Short – Margaret Hinson family was a North Carolina family that lived in Anson and Moore Counties. There is no proof they ever lived in South Carolina.

If you have any information on this family I would like to hear from you.

You can write to me here or post your comments.

Indirect evidence points to Wiley and Charity as my 3rd great grandparents. I would like to prove or disprove this connection.