Mystery Monday~What is the Relationship Between Stephen Jackson & John Melton

This Land Deed references a unique or special bond (love and goodwill/ and affection) between two men, Stephen Jackson, and John Melton.

Know ye that the sd. Stephen Jackson of the County of Anson and State of No, Carolina Planter for and in consideration of the Love and goodwill/and affection which I bear towards John Melton

But what is the connection between these two men? They bought and sold land between themselves on several occasions. But, other than this close bond I can find no other connection between the two.

Stephen Jackson to John Melton
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS shall come I Stephen Jackson do send greetings.
Know ye that the sd. Stephen Jackson of the County of Anson and State of No, Carolina Planter for and in consideration of the Love and good will/and affection which I bear towards John Melton of the same County and State have given and granted and by these presents do freely give & grant unto the said John Melton his heirs Exers. Admrs. all and singular that tract or parcel of lend whereon I now live in the State and County aforesd. of which before the signing of these presents, I have put him the sd. John Melton in possession of TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all the sd. tract of land to him the sd. John Melton his heirs Exers. Admrs, from hence fourth as his the said John Melton his properton [proper use] during my natural life and at my decease to be given up to my son John Jackson. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 12 May 1816.
Signed Sealed & delivered                                 Stephen Jackson {Seal}
in the presence of
James X his mark Melton                         No. Carolina
Sarah X her mark Melton                          Anson County     July Term 1817.
Then the within Deed of Gift was acknowledged in open Court & ordered to be registered.
                                                                                     Tod Robinson, Clk.


If you have information related to these two men I would love to hear from you. The Stephen Jackson in this Deed is most likely Capt. Stephen Jackson (1750-1832).




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[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: "Q", page 215, Stephen Jackson to John Melton; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.