Will of Mary Holmes (Craven County) – 1824 and Apprentice Bond for Richard Holmes

Below is a transcription of the last will and testament of Mary HOLMES of Craven County.

Although I descend from the HOLMES family of Beaufort County, I had not seen this before. I suspect there is some connection between Mary and my ancestor, John HOLMES, as there are many occasions where John is conducting business with folks over in the same community where it appears Mary HOLMES lived.

I have found that her son, Richard HOLMES, was bound as a cooper’s apprentice to my 4th-great-grandfather James Spear(s) in 1814. He is listed as nine years old at that time. I’m presently researching the other child she names, Elisy, as well as the three other legatees, Civil HOLMES, James HOLMES, and Nancy TAYLOR. I’m unsure if they were her children. They may have been Mary’s siblings or some other relation.

She request Elisha GRIFFIN act on behalf of her children, Richard and Elisy. He is also a testator along with Amon JOYNER.

North carlina Craven County In the year of our Lord amen this December ^th11 1823
as I am in a lo state of helth and in my proper sences and now as this is my last will and testament as for my little property I take the liberty to give to them I see proper to sivil HOMES one woolin wheel to James HOMES two Dollars and to Nancy TAYLER two Dollars and one Chest to Elisy HOMES and to Richard HOMES one little Box and then after paying all my just dets the Ballance to be sold and Equel devided between Richard and Elisy and it is my request for Elisha Griffin to act for them

her
Mary —< Homes {Seal}
mark

test Elisha GRIFFIN
Amon JOYNER ?

Here is the apprentice bond for her son Richard HOLMES to be bound to James Spears.