(This article was originally published July 25, 2018. It was most recently updated June 6, 2019.) It's now worth investigating the possibility that Harriet Morris is a daughter of Thomas Morris of Beaufort County and granddaughter of Elisha Morris. While Laban descendants undoubtedly share some kind of DNA with Harriet Morris descendants, I'm doubtful it's enough to suggest … [Read more...] about Is Harriet Morris a relative of Laban Morris?
Wills & Estate Records
Brick Walls: Jesse P. Vendrick, Sr.
My 5th great-grandfather, Jesse P. Vendrick, was probably born in Craven County circa 1760. The identities of his parents and the mother of his children are mysteries. Why? Because there were two Jesse Vendricks in this generation. I think. Thought? I don't know! And there are two, possibly three, more Jesse Vendricks in the next generation. So, what do I know? The … [Read more...] about Brick Walls: Jesse P. Vendrick, Sr.
The Brother-in-Law Conundrum
The word "brother-in-law" is becoming the bane of my research. In earlier times, the term "in-law" had a broader scope than is now the case. Pretty much anyone related to you by marriage was an in-law. Therefore, a brother-in-law could be one in the modern sense, a stepbrother, or even the brother of your brother's wife/sister's husband! Unfortunately for me, this word has … [Read more...] about The Brother-in-Law Conundrum
Joseph Gaskins and Mary Coleman?
I was reading through some court records yesterday, when I came across this entry dated 9 Dec 1799: Ordered that notice issue to Mary Gaskins to appear at the Next Term and show cause to why the nuncupative will of Joseph Gaskins decd. should not be Established. Who was Mary Gaskins? My 6th great-grandfather, Joseph Gaskins, married Zipporah Squires 21 Sep 1782. … [Read more...] about Joseph Gaskins and Mary Coleman?
Which Gatlin married Mary Johnson, sister of Richard, Elizabeth & Esther?
On 26 Apr 1796, Richard Johnson of Craven County, wrote his will (Will Book B, pg. 13), making bequests to, among others, his three sisters. The Will In the Name of God Amen I Richard Johnson of Craven County in the State of North Carolina, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind and disposing Memory, do Make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and … [Read more...] about Which Gatlin married Mary Johnson, sister of Richard, Elizabeth & Esther?
Will of Garrett Nelson (Beaufort County), 1856
The following is a transcription of the will of Garrett Nelson of Beaufort County, dated 15 May 1856. I don't descend from Garrett (that I know of), but I have seen far more children attributed to him on Ancestry, although I suspect some of that is in error. Garrett Nelson named the following children in his will: Garret Jr. Abner George Berry Alethea (m. John … [Read more...] about Will of Garrett Nelson (Beaufort County), 1856
Deed naming the children of James Lewis of Beaufort County, 1824
The following is a transcription of a deed conveying the land that was inherited by the children of James LEWIS to his widow, Nancy LEWIS. (Found in Beaufort County Deed Book 13, p. 303) The children are named as follows: Elisha LEWIS (married Alice BUCK; moved to Posey County, Indiana) Nathan LEWIS (married Sidney JONES; lived in Beaufort County) William LEWIS … [Read more...] about Deed naming the children of James Lewis of Beaufort County, 1824
Secretary of State Wills – Craven County (Quick index with direct links to NCDCR)
For your convenience, here's a quick index in both order by surname and regular order (for SEO) with links to all of the Secretary of State Wills for Craven County that have been published by North Carolina Digital Collections. PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a complete list of all Craven County Willls. There are plenty of other will collections for Craven County. These are the … [Read more...] about Secretary of State Wills – Craven County (Quick index with direct links to NCDCR)
Update on the William S. Morris family of New Bern
Nearly five years ago I published a post for a will I had stumbled upon for a William S. MORRIS of New Bern in which he declares his wishes that his "negro woman Patty" and her "mulatto" children be freed and well-maintained after his death. The will was dated 1831 and as far as I knew, that was the end of the story. At the time, I searched for further information but found … [Read more...] about Update on the William S. Morris family of New Bern
Did you know all of these new records were at FamilySearch? I’ve got all of the links right here!
FamilySearch has been steadily putting a ton of North Carolina records on their site that aren't yet easy to access through the normal browsing methods. (Another thanks to Becky for tipping me off about some of the great new things that have gone up over the last few months!) Anyhow, I decided to compile a list of direct links to all eastern North Carolina counties in their … [Read more...] about Did you know all of these new records were at FamilySearch? I’ve got all of the links right here!
The John Holmes – George Fisher Connection
Was John HOLMES of Beaufort County the son of George FISHER of Craven County? If not, what was their relationship? I'm not sure, but I'm collecting evidence and I welcome any ideas or suggestions you might have! John and Esther HOLMES are my fifth-great grandparents, and since I descend from them twice, I certainly am motivated to learn whatever I can about them. On the … [Read more...] about The John Holmes – George Fisher Connection
Will of John Wiggins of Craven County (1803)
I'm trying to figure out who's who for all of these Craven County Wiggins. I don't descend from them (that I know of), but I have them in many collateral lines. Specifically, I'd love to figure out how John, Edmund, George, and Samuel Wiggins fit together. (I know there were multiple generations of these.... I'm referring to men who would've been born in the first half of the … [Read more...] about Will of John Wiggins of Craven County (1803)
