State of North Carolina, Hertford County

Know all men by these presents that I, Etheldred Coleson of St. Johns Township in the County of Hertford and State of North Carolina, a farmer being in feeble health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.

And as to my worldly estate and all the property real, personal or mixed of which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease I divide, bequeath and dispose thereof in the manner following to list,

1st my will is that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be executed by hereafter names, be paid out of my estate as soon after as shall be by this same covenant.

Item, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Lavenia Coleson, all my estate both real and personal, during her widowhood.

I give devise and bequeath to my four daughters, Mary Jane Brown, Ann Eliza Chitty, Martha S. Britton, and Alice E. Coleson after the affixation of the widowhood of my beloved wife, Lavenia, all my real estate equally divided by the acres and to my daughter, Alice E. Coleson, is to have the plot of land including all the buildings, both dwelling house and out buildings.

I give and devise and bequeath to my daughter Alice E. Coleson one good feather bed and furniture and one cow and calf (or the worth of one).

I give devise and bequeath to my two grandsons James Coleson and John Coleson seventy-five dollars in money, good and lawful to be equally divided between them.

All the rest of my estate real personal or mixed of which I shall be entitled at my decease I give devise and bequeath to be equally divided between my five daughters Mary J. Brown, Ann E. Chitty, Barshaba M. Parker, Martha S. Britton and Alice E. Coleson.

And lastly I do nominate and appoint my two sons in law William Brown and Benjamin P. Parker to be the executors of this my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I the said Etheldred Coleson have to this my last will and testament subscribed my name and affixed my seal this fourteenth day of six month in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and eighty-one. In the presence of each other we have subscribed our names as witness thereto: E. T. Snipes, B. J. Parker.

(grandsons James & John Coleson are from son Richard J. Coleson who died of injuries suffered during the civil war)

Submitted by Angela Smith

Will of Abraham Colson

In the Name of God Amen, I Abraham Colson of Craven County in the Province of South Carolian being sick and weak, but of perfect sense and Memory thanks be to Almighty God do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, first and Principally, I recommend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God that gave it, trusting throught the merits of Christ to Receive full pardon for all my sins, and my Body to be buried Decently by the Discretion of my Exors hereafter named, and what Estate it has been pleased God to Bestow upon me after my Just Debts and Funeral Charges Paid, I give as followeth - ITEM. My will and desire is that my Executrix and Exors to sell all my Lands in Craven County and the money raised thereby to be apply'd to the payment of my Debts. Item. My Will and Desire is that after my Just Debts are paid, the Remainder of my Estate to be Equally divided between my Loving Wife and all my childern. And I do constitute and appoint my well Beloved wife Sarah Colson my Executrix and my well Beloved Friends Tobias and Thomas Ford my whole and sole Exors of this my last Will and Testament disannulling and making void all other wills by me heretofore made in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this tenth day of December one thousand seven hundred and fourty nine.

/s/Abraham Colson (L.S.)

Teste: John Crawford

Henry Bedingfeld

David Watkins

This will was proved by Virtue of a dedimus Directed to Jas. Gallaspie Esq. by the Oath of John Crawford and Heney Bedingfeld at the same qualified Sarah Colson & Tobias Ford. N. B. Thomas Ford Qualified on the 7th of Sept. 1750 before his Excellency.

(Recorded September 11th 1750 in Will Book 1747-52, p. 315)

Will of Etheldred Coleson State of North Carolina, Hertford County Know all men by these presents that I, Etheldred Coleson of St. Johns Township in the County of Hertford and State of North Carolina, a farmer being in feeble health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. And as to my worldly estate and all the property real, personal or mixed of which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease I divide , bequeath and dispose thereof in the manner following to list, 1st my will is that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be executed by hereafter names, be paid out of my estate as soon after as shall be by this same covenant. Item, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife, Lavenia Coleson, all my estate both real and personal, during her widowhood. I give devise and bequeath to my four daughters, Mary Jane Brown, Ann Eliza Chitty, Martha S Britton, and Alice E Coleson after the affixation of the widowhood of my beloved wife, Lavenia, all my real estate equally divided by the acres and to my daughter, Alice E Coleson, is to have the plot of land including all the buildings, both dwelling house and out buildings. I give and devise and bequeath to my daughter Alice E Coleson one good feather bed and furniture and one cow and calf (or the worth of one). I give devise and bequeath to my two grandsons James Coleson and John Coleson seventy-five dollars in money, good and lawful to be equally divided between them. All the rest of my estate real personal or mixed of which I shall be entitled at my decease I give devise and bequeath to be equally divided between my five daughters Mary J Brown, Ann E Chitty, Barshaba M Parker, Martha S Britton and Alice E Coleson. And lastly I do nominate and appoint my two sons in law William Brown and Benjamin P Parker to be the executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I the said Etheldred Coleson have to this my last will and testament subscribed my name and affixed my seal this fourteenth day of six month in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and eighty-one. In the presence of each other we have subscribed our names as witness thereto: E T Snipes, B J Parker (grandsons James & John Coleson are from son Richard J Coleson who died of injuries suffered during the civil war)

I Arva Colson of Lee County and State of Virginia do hereby make my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say.

1st. I desire that my mare and colt one yoke of oxen some young cattle and some young hogs and one mans saddle be immediately sold after my decease and out of the monies arising there from all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.

2ndly. I give to my wife Sary, all the household furniture and the benefit of the plantation four milch cows one Brown mare and colt all the sheep 3 sows and pigs and a sufficient number of Bee gums; to have so long as she remains a widow and should she marry then to have her thirds and my heirs to have the benefit of the remainder of my Estate to be equally divided among them. I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend William Thompson Executor of this my last will and testament in witness therof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 1st day of October 1842

Teste Arva X Colson
Silvestor Thompson
John Colson
Richard Crabtree

Will of Jacob COLSON
Wr 26 Oct 1807
Pr Jan 1818 (I have this written 1808 in other notes)
Will Book 2, page 27

Wife Mason
Son Kirby
Daughter Harriot
Son Thomas (not sure of this one)

Wife to educate children.

Brothers Thomas and Sanders, deceased

Folio 16, Wilkes Co, GA, Jacob COLSON (will)
All estate "rale" and personal to be divided between my son Abram and my dau. Nancy, lawful heirs by my beloved wives Sarah and Milby Colson, except $500.00 etc to Milby the day of her marriage, she to be provided for during widowhood. "Two children to be thoroughly educated in the English tongue." Trusty friends Geo. Tureman, Evan Ragland and John Coleman, Esqr., Excrs. Signed 5 Nov 1777.

Probated 5 Feb, 1778. John Cox, Gideon Davis, Wm. McKeen, Test.

Folio 80, Wilkes Co, GA, Agreeable to an act passed by the Legislature at Savannah, 1 Mar 1778, William Downs, Benj. Catchings and Absolom Bedell, Esqrs., Judges of Wilkes Co., met at the Court House 11 Mar 1780, to hear evidence as to the will of Jacob COLESON, dec'd. It appears to us that the widow of the dec'd, Milley Colson was in Augusta and was not notified. Barnard Heard swears she was not present and that he believed it was from a desire to keep Milly from her just rights. The Court rules that Milley shall have one-third of the estate, that the executors be served with such notice.

Wife: Elizabeth
Sons: Jeremiah, Isaac, John
Daus: Rachel Hill, Sarah Cox , Jane Carlan, Pricilla Newman

In the name of God Amen. I John Colson of the county of Gadsden and Territory of Florida being sick and weak in body but of sound mind, memory, & understanding, Considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being desirous of settling my wordly affairs and thereby the better prepared to leave this world when it shall please God to call me home- do therefore make & publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say. First and Principally I commit my Soul unto the hands of God and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the direction of my executors hereinafter named and after named and after my just debts and funeral charges are paid I give and Bequath (sp) as follows-

Item First- I give and devise unto my son John James Colson & his heirs lawfully begotten all that parcel or tract of land on which I at this time reside with all the improvements thereon containing about 640 acres to him, his heirs and assigns forever.

Item Second- I give and devise unto my daughters Sarah Ann Eliza & Maria Charity Stephens Colson two certain tracts or parcels of lands lying on So. Musquito Creek in the county of aforesaid containing about 160-00/100 acres also four certain tracts or parcels of land lyin (sp) on Flat Creek County aforesaid containing about 482-50/100 acres to be equally divided between them & their heirs and assigns forever.

Item Third- I give and bequeth unto my son John James Colson and my daughters Sarah Ann Eliza and Maria Charity Stephens Colson the following negro slaves Viz, Allen, Big Jacob, Levi, Sam, Little Jacob, Shade, Alexander, Joe, Big Henry, Little Henry, Jim, Frazer, Big Charlotte, Bridget, Marinda, Chloe, Rachael, Phillis, Little Charlotte, Kate, Harriet, Esther, Evelina, James, Martha, Eliza, Chancy, Milley, Nancy, Mary Ann Mathew, Enoch, Burket together with the increase of the said female slaves to them their heirs and assigns forever - to be equally divided between them the said John and my daughters aforesaid when my son John arrives of lawful age.

Item Fourth- I give and bequeth unto my son John James Colson and my daughters Sarah Ann Eliza & Maria Charity Stephens Colson all my stock of horses, cattle, hogs, &c to be equally divided between them and their heirs sd. stock to remain on the plantation until my son John arrives of lawful age.

Item Fifth- I give and bequeth unto my son John James Colson, Sarah A. Eliza Colson, Maria C. S. Colson & Emily E. W. Horn all my household and kitchen furniture to be equally divided between them and their heirs sd. furniture to be kept together until my son John arrives at lawful age after allowing E. E. W. Horn her proportional part.

Item Sixth- My will and desire that the negroes heretofore given to my son John and S. A. Eliza and M. C. S. Colson be kept together on the plantation heretofore devised to my son John J. Colson until my son John arrives to lawful age and that the proceeds thereof be equally divided between them the aforesaid son & daughters until the said John arrives to lawful age.

Item Sixth- my will and desire is that in the case of the death of my son John or either of my aformentioned that the property heretofore given or devised such to such deceased minor be equally divided between the remaining heirs allowing to Emily E. W. Horn her equal share of said real or personal estate.

Item Seventh- my will and desire that my executors have my children educated in a proper manner.

Item Eighth- I give and bequeth unto my son William Colson and Mary Fulcher ten dollars each to be paid to them by my executors hereinafter named.

Item Ninth- my will and desire is that negro women Judy Katy Abbey & Edward the three last named children of sd. Judy be sold for the purpose of paying certain demands against me as Guardian for Emily E. W. Horn in case the sd E. E. W. Horn or her Guardian will not receive them at fair valuation.

And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my friends John C. Love, William Forbes, and Daniel McLauchlin executors to my last Will and Testament until the said John James Colson S. A. E. Colson & M. C. S. Colson arrive of lawful age revoking and annuling all former wills by me heretofore made & confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament- in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 21st day of July 1832.

John Colson (seal)

Signed sealed and declared by John Colson as & for his last will and testament in the presence of us at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

Arch Smith
Daniel McLauchlin
John G. Gunn

Territory of Florida
Gadsden County Personally appeared before me this 30th day of July AD 1832. Archibald Smith Senr., Daniel McLauchlin & John G. Gunn subscribing witnesses to this will who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that they signed as subscribing witnesses.
Sworn to & subscribed before me

Joseph McBride, P.J.G.C.
Arch'd Smith Snr.
Daniel McLauchlin
John G. Gunn

The above named John C. Love an (sp) William Forbes personally appeared before me this 11th day of August 1832, and were duly qualified as executors to this will.

Joseph McBride, P.J.G.C.

Recorded this 11th day of August 1832.
1096
R. C. Lester Clk.
by J. R. Harris, D. C.

"IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN: This third day of May AD 1749, I, John Colson of Weymouth in the County of Suffolk and Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England Glazier, being of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God, therefore, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do ,make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, ---Principally, and first of all, I give and recommend my Soul unto the hands of God that gave it, and my body recommended to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executor nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me within this life. I give, demiss and dispose of the same in the following manner and form: IMPRIMIS: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife all my household movables to her own disposal. Item: I give my son Thomas Colson to pounds old tenor to be paid out of my estate. Item: I give my son Josiah Colson two hundred and fifty pounds old tenor out of my estate. Item: I give my son Ebenezer Colson two hundred pounds old tenor out of my estate. Item: I give my daughter Susanna Ager two pounds old tenor to be paid out of my estate which I think to be her sufficient part with what she hath already had. Item: I give my daughter Elizabeth Hovey two pounds old tenor out of my estate which I think her sufficient part of my estate with what she hath had. Item: To my daughter Sarah Colson one hundred and fifty pounds old tenor to be paid out of my estate. Item: I give to my grandson John Colson five pounds old tenor out of my estate at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give to my grandson Christopher Colson ten pounds old tenor out of my estate at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give my granddaughter Deborah Colson five pounds old tenor to be paid out of my estate at the age of eighteen years. _______ will is after that theabove mentioned legacies and bequests are taken out of my estate that my beloved wife shall have all improvements of all my estate real and personal during her natural life and after her decease, to be equally divided amongst or between my three sons, Thomas, Ebenezer and Josiah. And I do hereby constitute, make and ordain my beloved son, Ebenezer Colson to be my sole executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and disanull all and every other former legacies and bequests executed by me in any before named. Will and bequeathed ratifying and contirming and no other to my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day month and year above written."

Signed, John Colson

Wr 20 Sept 1789
Pr July 1791, Anson Co, NC Court at Wadesboro
Deed Book 2, page 23

He is weak.
Wife Margaret
Grandson John Colson HYDE
Granddaughter Mary COLSON, daughter of John COLSON,deceased
Granddaugher Jane HYDE
Son-in-law Stephen HYDE of Anson Co, NC
Friend Stephen PARKER, of SC

Will abstract of John COLLSON, Bertie Precinct, Wr: 3 May 1730, Pr: February Court, 1736

sons John, Thomas, Jacob, Sanders, and Joseph

(land on Rognes Swamp equally divided between them)
daus Mary and Martha
wife Susannah
Excs Susannah COLLSON, wife and John COLLSON, son

Thos BLOUNT and Thos. WHITMELL
Wts Agness LEAGETT, John LEAGETT, Charles HAVENTON

Clerk of Court John Wynns

14 April 1812.

I John Coulson of West Nottingham Hundred in Cecil County and State of Maryland being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of the continuation of this life do make this my last will in manner and form following: First, I order my just debts and funeral expenses to be forfeited and satisfied out of my Estate by my Executors hereafter named.

Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Rachel Coulson a full part of all my personal Estate after debts are paid during her natural life with the whole of the profits and incomes arising from this my Plantation I now live upon during her natural life or widowhood.

Item, I give and it is my will that the Plantation whereon my son Abner Coulson lives shall be sold in one year after my decease by my Executors. One half of the money arising from the sale thereof, I give unto my son Abner, hereby empowering my Executor to make a clear and indisputable title for the same, and as there are accounts standing betwixt me and my son Abner, which remain unsettled, it is my prospect and intention that if he quietly accepts the above legacy so bequeathed to him without insisting on, or claiming any further against my Estate, then it is my will that all my Book accounts against him shall not be claimed or insisted on,but that the said money or half value of said Plantation arising from the sale aforesaid shall be his share of my Estate and shall clear all accounts on both sides.

Item, I have given unto my son George Coulson on dollar hereby authorizing my Executors to make a deed of the lot of ground and yard whereupon he lives his only paying and fulfilling the conditions mentioned in the Articles of Agreement relative to the said premises.

Item, I give and devise unto my son Eli and to his heirs and assigns one hundred and twenty-five acres to be laid off the south end of this my Plantation by a line running east and west as also a piece of timber land adjoining the Meeting House lot to be laid off by a line beginning at the south east corner of the said lot and running southerly and parallel with the great road to the line of George's lot thence with his line to the said road. And if my son Eli should marry and incline to settle it is my desire that he may rent or crop the place rendering to his mother her equitable and just share therof during her life. And as to the remaining part of this my Plantation it is my will and I order the same to be sold by my Executors in one year after my wife's decease to the highest bidder and do authorize and empower them or the survivor of them to make and execute a Deed or Deeds for the same as good in Law to all intents and purposes as I myself could do, and the money arising from the sale thereof I order my Executors to divide into nine equal shares and to pay to my two sons Thomas and John Coulson each of them two of these shares and to my five daughters, Letitia, Margaret, Cassandra, Amelia and Levinia each of them one full equal ninth part of the said money.

Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Isaacher Coulson the sum of four hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America, the said Legacy to be paid in three equal annual payments. The first shall be paid in nine months after the sale of the tract of land Abner lives on the said sum of money to be in lieu of all demand and (illegible) all accounts between us.

Item, as to the remaining two-thirds part of my personal Estate it is my will and I order the same to be divided into five equal parts and that my daughter Letitia shall receive and be entitled to one and a fourth parts thereof and the other three and three fourths parts I order to be equally divided between Margaret, Cassandra, Amelia and Levinia. And my black girl Jane, I leave hereto to my beloved wife during her minority, if they live so long, but if my wife shall die before she is eighteen years old, then she shall be the property of my daughter Letitia.

Lastly, I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my two sons Isaacher Coulson and Eli Coulson Executors of this my last will hereby revoking all former written wills by me made; confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have set my hand and affix my seal hereunto this twenty second day of the ninth month in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Eight.

John Coulson

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said John Coulson to be his last will and testament in the presence of us
John Brown Thomas
Richard Lewis Worthington

Will of Joseph Coleson of the County of Brunswick, being very sick, dated 7 January, 1736/7.

Unto my loving son Daniel Coleson the lower half of my land lying and being in Edgecome presink of the south side of Roanoak at the nouth of Pork Creek, after my loving wife Mary Coleson's death or at her marrige. Also one Negro man Jeme when he comes of lawful age. Also my sorril horse the which he is to have when his Uncle William Coleson goes to South Carolina to go with him upon, onely Daniel Coleson must pay as much money to my executors for my other children as the horse and the Negro is praised to.

Unto my loving daufter Mary Coleson the upper half of my land aformentioned. Also one Negro woman named Sue only she must pay as much money to my executors, when she comes of age.

Unto my loving wife Mary Coleson and three children Abraham, Jacob and Winnie all the rest of my estate equally.

My loving wife Mary and John Bouger (?) executors.

Wit. James Barnes, John Dodd, Peter Sabatee, Daniel Jagger

7 April 1737. Presented in court by Mary Coleson and John Boucher, who openly renounced execution thereof, and Robert Munford is appointed administrator with the will annexed. Proved by James Barnes.

Joseph Coleson. Inventory. 12 August, 1737
Appraised pursuant to order of 4 August 1738 by Cornelius Cargill, John (J) Bonger, James Coleman. Total vvaluation L(sterling?)65.0.8 including two Negro women valued at L34.
Robert Mumford, administrator. Returned 1 June 1738 by Robert Munford.

Wr 8 March 1864
Presented for probate 19 August 1867
Recorded 4 October 1867
Tippah County, MS

Leaves to brother D. B. Colson, $5
To heirs of brother James Colson, $5
Rest to beloved wife Annah Colson - also the executrix
Wit: W. A. Davis, John Anderson, D. B. Colson

In the name of God Amen. I JOSEPH COLSON in the State of North Carolina & County of Anson being of sound Memory & mind Do make & ordain this my Last Will and Testament in Manner & form following that is To say first I will that all my debts & funeral charges be paid & discharged by my Executors herein After mentioned & as to my worldy Estate I give and Devise the same in Manner & form as followeth.

Item. I Lend unto my Loving Wife MARY COLSON During Her Life or the time she continues a widow the House & Plantation where I now live & the house furniture and stock of horses & cattil to raise the Children on also I lend her two negro women named FRANK & RACHEL.

Item. I give & bequeth unto my son JOSEPH COLSON one hundred & seventy & a half acres of Land on South East side of Brown Creek where he now lives also three negroes named PHIL & PHILLIS & ROSE & also four Cows & Calves & one Bed & furniture & Two mares & a two year old horse which he has now in his possession.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter SUSANNAH one negro woman named LUCE & feather bed & furniture thereunto Belonging & one Cow & Calf.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my son JOHN COLSON one fourth part of three Hundred & ten acres of Land being the Plantation whereon I now live the land is not to be Disposed of by my son JOHN untill my son THOMAS COLSON comes to the age of twenty one years also three negroes to my son JOHN named PRINCE & WILL & BOB one feather bed & furniture & one Mare.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my daughter MARY COLSON one negro woman named SAL & one bed & furniture thereunto belong.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter MARTHA one Mulatto Girl named MILLIE also one Feather bed & furniture thereunto belonging.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter CHARITY one negro girl named CURBRA also one bed & furniture.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter FREEBE one negro girl named HANNAH also one bed & furniture thereunto belonging.

Item. I Give unto my Daughter NILLE one negro girl named BETTIE also one feather bed & furniture.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my son SANDERS COLSON one fourth part of three hundred & ten acres of Land being a part of the Plantation whereon I now Live & his part thereof not to be Disposed of untill my son THOMAS arrives to the age of twenty one years also two negroes named SEPHRA & RACHEL a negro named RACHEL is one of two Lint to My Wife During her Life or her Widowhood which is then at her Death or marriage to be the Property of my son SANDERS also one feather bed & furniture.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my son JACOB COLSON one fourth part of three hundred & ten acres of Land being a part of the tract of Land whereon I live & his Part thereof not to be Dispose of until My son THOMAS arrives to the age of Twenty one years also two negros named CHARLES & CATE also one feather bed & furniture.

Item. I Give & bequeath unto my son THOMAS COLSON one fourth part of three hundred & ten acres being a part of the Tract of Land whereon I now Live also two negroes named GIP & DAVID also one Feather bed & furniture & as for the Rest & Residue of my Estate that is not mentioned herein at the Death of my Wife or the end of her widowhood to Equally Divided between my Children that is to say MARY & JOHN & MARTHA & CHARITY & FEREEBE & NILLIE & SANDERS & JACOB & THOMAS & should either of my Daughters be without lawfull Isue that & then their sigum to be Equally Divided amonst the survivers SUSANNAH Excepted & I do hereby appoint & ordain my beloved wife MARY COLSON Executrex & my son JOHN COLSON Executor to this my Last Will & Testament revoking all other Will or Wills hereunto made & in testamony hereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixid my seal this 8th day of July 1788.

his in presence of us.
JOSEPH (x) COLSON Seal

Wm THREADGILL, Jr mark
John RYLE
Wm HOWTILL Jr

11 Dec 1823
Cousin Jacob COLSON Cullun Pearce, William Edwards, and Thomas COLSON prove handwriting in January 1825.

In the name of God, Amen, I Mary LANIER in the State of North Carolina, Anson County, being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as following, that is to say,

First, I will that all my debts and furneral charges by paid and discharged by my Executor herein-after mentioned and as to my worldly estate I give and devise the same in manner and form as follows -

I give unto my daughter Mildred COLSON, two negroes named Bob and Salley -

I will that one negro Sindy be equally divided between my two grandchildren Kirby and Harriet COLSON.

I give one negro named Amy to divided between Harvey and Joseph THREADGILL. Calvin to have five pounds out of said Amy.

I give Jonas B. COLSON one negro boy Coleman to have and to hold.

I give unto the heirs of my daughter Betsy five pounds each and I also give unto my three granddaughters, that is to say Elmirah and Elizabeth and Charity one negro woman named Laney and her children Eveline and Sarey.

I also appoint my son-in-law Thomas COLSON my Executor to this my last Will and Testament revoking all other wills heretofore made. This I give under my hand and seal this October 2nd, 1821.

/s/ Mary (her mark) Lanier {seal}

Signed in the presence of

Harriet COLSON
Thomas THREADGILL

I also give one feather bed to my granddaughter Kirby B. COLSON.

Test. Harriet COLSON, Thomas THREADGILL

Son William COLSTON
Dau Sarah LUNDY
Exrs John Gray, Thomas Whittmeal
Wts John Legget, Thomas Kearny No probate

Will Book B, p. 195, Anson Co, NC
WR 19 Dec 1844
PR April 1845

Sons Jacob, Thomas, age 19, and John J, age 16 (James H. Robinson to be guardian to last two)
My eldest daughter, wife of James H. Robinson
Dau Charity Robinson, wife of Aurthur A. Robinson

EXS: John Tyson, Jr, Jacob COLSON

WT: John Tyson, Jr, Lemuel Tyson

I Sander Coalson of the County of Trigg and State of Kentucky do hereby make my last Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say: after my just debts and funneral (sic) expenses is paid. I will and give to my beloved wife Bashabay (Bathsheba) Coalson the tract of land, I now live on fifty acres and all my perishable property consisting of one horse one mare & colt six head hogs household and kitchen furniture and after her death: I will to my son Shedreck Coalson the above property as I have given my other children their portion of my Estate in advance as Witness my hand and Seal this 18th day of October 1849.

S/Sander (his X mark) Colson

Attest John Carr
C.B. Senseney
Commonwelth of Kentucky
Trigg County SCT

I, Albert S. Dabney Clerk of the County Court for the County Aforesaid do certify that the foregoing last will and testament of Sander Colson deceased was this day produced into Court and proven in open court according to law by Oaths of John Carr one of the subscribing witnesses thereto and the same was ordered to be recorded—Whereupon said last will and testament together with the foregoing certificate hath been duly admitted to record in my office – Given under my hand this 10th day of October 1853.

S/A.S. Dabney C.T.C.C.

This will is of record in WILL BOOK D, Page 356, Trigg County Clerk’s office, Cadiz, KY.

(Spelling is as found on the original to the best of my deciphering ability-MLC)(All parenthesis are mine -MLC)

Will of Thomas Colson sealed June 2, 1788 and proven Oct 6, 1789

Family History Library Microfilm # 0031349
Will Book Number 5 1783-1794 Frederick County, VA Pages 216-217

In the name of God Amen, I Thomas Colson of the County of Frederick in the Commonwealth of Virginia of sound mind and memory thanks be to God for it and calling to mind the mortallity of the body and knowing it is appointed for men to once die do make and ordain this my last will and testament. That is to say principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God that have it, and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it pleased God to bless me with in this life I dispose and bequeath the same in the following manner. I give and bequeath to Ann Colson my dearly beloved wife all and singular my estate real and personal general during during (twice in actual document) her natural life. I give to my granddaugter Isabella Sowers, daughter of George Hamton the trundell bed and furniture to her and her heirs forever. I give to my daughter Mary Hamton all of my chattles and stack (stock?- hard to read) and household goods to her and her heirs forever. And lastly I do constitute make and ordain my son Thomas Colson and Jacob Sowers executors of this my last will and testament and hereby utterly desallow, revoke, and disannul all and every other former testaments and wills before this time named will and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of June, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Eight. Signed, Sealed, Published, and Delivered by the said Thomas Colson this to be his last will and testament in the presence of us:

Geo. Noble
David Castleman (His D Mark)
Nehemiah Garison
Thomas Sheppard
Thomas Colstan (His X Mark)

At a court held for Frederick County the 6th day of October, 1789 the last will and testament of Thomas Colston DecD was proven by the oaths of Nehemiah Garrison and Thomas Shepherd, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Jacob Sowers an executor therin named who made oath according to said certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form giving security whereupon he with security entered into and acknowledged bond conditioned as the law directs by the court

Ja Keith c of c (Clerk of Court)

In the name of god amen I Thomas Colson of the County of Spotsylvania and parrish of St. George being of sound and perfect memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament which is written with my own hand.

Item. I desire that all my debts be first paid if any I should owe at my death and whatever worldly goods it hath pleased god to bestow on me I dispose of in manner following. In the first place I desire that the following debts be collected as soon as possable after my death, by my excutors hereafter named viz. Thomas R. ROOTES, the Rev. Mr. STEVENSON, Charles WARDEL, Robt PATTON, Oliver TOWLES, Jr., The estate of James SERRIS (?), James SERRIS(?) and Fountain MAURY, for Thos STRACHAN, the Rev. Mr. TOLAR, Man PAGE estates, The estate of James MARYE, George and Reuben TURNER, Nathall. GORDON, Wm. STANARD, Henry DRIARSON, Collin and James ROSS, Henry STUBBERFIELD estate, Wm. S. STONE, Jere RAMTINS, Senr., Hay BATTAILE, Richard MAURY, Joseph HERNDON, Senr., Welch and Patton. The estate of Colo. Wm. MCWILLIAMS, Anthoney and Wm. FRAZERS, James DUNCANSON estate garrenteed by Thos GOODMAN, John BROOKS, Thos MILLAR of Goochland County assigned to me by Oliver TOWLES Jun. The debt due me from Colo. Anthony THORNTON, John GAYLE, Joseph BULLOCK, George SHEPHERD, Mrs. GARNETT, and the Rev. Ab WALLEN, I give to John HERNDON amounting in the whole to something more than Three hundred pounds. I give five hundred pounds out of the debt due me from Thos R. ROOTES to the male charity school in the town of Fredricksburg to be put into the hand of the trustees of the said scool by my executors hereafter named to be held by them and their successors in all time forever hereafter and from time to time ____________ and secure the same that the _________ benefit thereof may be truly and advantageously be extended according to the object of my desire which is as followeth the Interest among therefore may be applied for the support and education of poor children residing as well in the country as in the town of Fredricksburg and _____________ of such children without regard to preferance or local partiality either in town or country as the trustees may deem proper objects on which learning shall be countenanced and deemed proper and useful in a Christian country.

Item. I give another five hundred pounds out of the said debt due me from the said Thos R. ROOTES to be paid into the hands of the Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal church in the town of Fredricksburg by my excutors to be held by the said trustees and their successors in all time forever hereafter and from time to time so substantiate(?) and secure the same as it may never be lost and that the Interest arising from the said five hundred be given toward the support of such officiating clergyman or minister of St. George parrish and town of Fredricksburg and during his continance in said parrish acting minister of the said parrish. I give my Ivory chest to Edward HERNDON son of Jos HERNDON.

Item. I give my clock to John STEWARD, the Inspector.

Item. I give to Thos Colson MASSEY the lot whereon Wm KEATON now lives to be bought of the said Keaton by my executors if I should not buy before my death. I also give unto the said MASSEY eighty five acres of land to be taken out of the land I bought of Henry DAINGERFIELD on the west side of the river Ny by running a straight line in the back part of the said land from Henry Duerson? line and mine to the road leading to Wm DAINGERFIELD mill lying all along the said KEATON lot. I also give the said Thomas MASSEY two _____ ______, my bay mair. One feather bead and furniture with 2 pair of sheets six chairs two tables on 3 feet the other 4 feet long and one pot and hooks six knives and forks 12 plates puter 2 dishes six head of sheep and 10 head of hogs these things is as much as I think he has a right to from me and it is all of my estate as I intend he shall have.

Item. I give all of the remainder part of the land I bought of Henry DAINGERFIELD on the west side of the river Ny also the 5 1/2 acres I bought of John STEWARD with all the appertances thereunto belonging the hole of which contain four hundred acres be the same more or less unto John HERNDON and his wife Judith HERNDON during their natural lives and at their land the said land to be sold and the money arising therefrom to be equally divided amongst all the said Judith HERNDON children and that the said John HERNDON shall not be at liberty to sell or dispose of the said land in no case whatsoever but it shall be a home for them during their lives.

Item. I give my large silver tank and all my silver buttons and rings to Burd WILLIS according to my promise.
Item. I give the debt due me from William and Thomas SPINDLE to be equally divided by Fanney and Polly STEWARD daughters of John STEWARD.
Item. I give six silver tablespoons and six teaspoons and par of silver tongs and one silver cup to Elizabeth MOORE.
Item. I give my silver water to Margrat HISKIL and all the rest of my plate to Elizabeth HASKILL.

Item. I give the debt due me from John STEWARD the Inspector unto his son John STEWARD provided he pays my executors the sum of twenty five pounds per year toward the maintenance of my old negroes during their lives viz. Jock and his wife Stephen and his wife Bob and his wife Jack and James and his wife but as some of those slaves but as some of those slaves is able to do some worke they wil _______ _______ __________ _________ but as the aforesaid sum of twenty five pounds perhaps may not be enuff? to maintain them I desire that the rents of Wm MCCLOUD, James PRITCHETT, and Rawlins PULLAM be added thereto and also the Interest of the debt due me from James LONG and should there be more than a sufarance for their maintenance I desire that the overplus if aney be given to Judith HERNDON for her own use and after the death of the aforesaid old negroes I desire that the several tracks of land be sold and the money due from James LONG be divided as I shall hereafter direct.

Item. I give my boy Jack that I had from Godlove HISKILL to his son Thomas HISKILL according to my promise.
Item. I give Godlove HISKILL all the debt he owes me provided he pay ________ PILES the sum of twenty five pounds yearly for the turn of seven years after my death.
Item. I give my negroe girl Nelley and her increase to Elizabeth HUSKILL.
Item. I give my negroe girl Luce to Elizabeth MASSEY.
Item. I give my negroe girl Judy to Caroline HUSKILL and her futer increase.
Item. I give my negroe girl Mary to Maria HUSKILL and her futer increase.
Item. I desire than my wench Rachal and her husband Tom be set free by my executors.
Item. I give the land that Ruben MITCHELL now lives on containing 331 acres to Thos STEWARD son of John STEWARD.
Item. I give the bead that I ly in beadstead curtains the best quilt I have one white counterpin a pr of blankets and 2 pair of sheets unto Judith HERNDON.
Item. I give a bead and furniture to Elizabeth MASSEY.
Item. I give my new desk to Judith HERNDON.
Item. I give my chest of drawers to Sarah HERNDON daughter of John HERNDON.
Item. I give my boy Edward to David? MASSEY.
Item. I give my boy John Gilpin to Charles HISKILL also my boy Carter to George HEISKILL.
Item. I give my girl Minney to the first child Elizabeth MORE may have of a daughter but if a son I give him my boy Valatain? in the girls room.
Item. I desire that my man Frederick by set free by my executors. I give to my friend Edward HERNDON two of my muls. I also give to Wm WALLER two muls. I also give the other one to Thos. MASSEY.
Item. I give my horse called Seba? and my _________ and harness to Judith HERNDON.

Item. I desire that all the rest of my stock of all kind also all my household furniture and all my kitchen furniture together with the land I now live on lying on both sides of the river Ny and containing nineteen hundred and five acres the land to sold all together ____ ____ at the discrision of my executors on two years credit the stock and furniture on one year credit but I desire that my executors make this reserve that my old negroes aforementioned be allowed to live in their present houses so long as they may live if they please and have truck paches? and should any of them live soe long soe as their houses is not fit for them to live in that case my executors to have liberty to take logs and slabs of the land to bild them new ones.

Item. It is my desire that all my slaves those before mentioned excepted, be sold either for ready money or on credit at the discretion of my executors and the money arising therefrom and the money arising from my land household and kitchen furniture and stock together with any money that may be owed me that I have not mentioned be divided in the manner following viz. One shair to Charles HAMPTON, one shair to the children of Mary BEARREY, one shair to the children of Margaret HEISKILL, one shair to the children of Joseph HAMPTON, one shair to the children of George HAMPTON, one shair to the children of Thos HAMPTON decest, one shair to the children of Ann PILES, one shair to the children of Judith HERNDON, one shair to the children of Sarah HOLLOWDAY, one shair to the children of Ebe SOWERS, one shair to be equally divided amongst the children of my decst neace HELMSARD? the children of my neace HAMMOND, one shair to the children of my neace POLLARD, one shair to the children of George BEALLAR, one shair to the children of Charles BEALLAR, one shair to the children of Joseph BEALLAR, one shair to the children of Fredrick BEALLAR, one shair to the children of Sarah DAVIS which she had by her first husband Thos MASSEY except her son Thomas Colson MASSEY whom I have already provided for and as so very troblesome to me to be making of will it is my desire that should I acquire any other property before my death that that with my stock in the bank may be equally divided amongst the above named legatees.

Item. I give to my friend Edward HERNDON the debt he owes me by bond as a full compensation for his executing this my will.
Item. I give unto Wm. WALLER the debt Wm SOWELL owes me as a full compensation for his executing this my will.
Item. It is my desire that my estate be not appraised only my executors return an Inventory of the Same to the Court.
Item. It is my desire that the Court do not require any security of my executors hereafter named for executing this my will. And lastly I do appoint my friends Edward HERNDON son of Joseph HERNDON and William WALLER executors to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto seat my hand and affict my seal this six day of December eighteen and four.

Thos Colson {seal}

signed sealed and acknowledged}
In the presents of _ }
The several words _________ was
done before signing.

A codicil to this my will. I desire that ten pounds be given to each of my sisters if alive to by morning(?) also ten pounds to Sarah Davis for the same purpose out of any money I may have in the house and as there is several debts due me not already mentioned I desire that they be applyed as above directed viz. James ANOCK?, Wm JONES, Walker _____ and several open acct. Given under my hand this 6th day of December 1804. Thos. Colson

A codicil made to this my last will and testament on the eighth day of May one thousand eight hundred and five.

Item. My will and desire is that my debtors shall have one year after my death before the several debts due to me shall be demanded unless my executors see cause to the contrary.

Item. I hereby revoke the gift to Thomas Colson MASSEY of the eighty five acres of land and in lieu thereof give _________ sixty acres part thereof also forty three acres part of HULETTS lease which together with KEATONS ____ will make about two hundred and three acres according to a survey made by John M. HERNDON. I also give to the said MASSEY a yoke of oxen and a new cart to be made complete.

Item. I give to my much esteemed friend Joseph HERNDON the debt which he owes me which I beg he will accept as a mark of my friendship for him.

Item. I give to my good friend the Rev. Mr. STEVENSON the balance of his bond due to me for a charriott amounting to about sixty pounds which I hope he will accept as a token of my regard for him.

Item. My will is that my executors convey to Henry DUERSON eleven and a half acres of land surveyed by John M. HERNDON and that the said DUERSON shall pay for it thirty four pounds ten shillings which is to be paid to John HERNDON in corn at the Fredbg. market price on or before the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and six.

Item. I give to John HERNDON two of my mules fifty barrels of corn out of my present crop also ten fat hogs which shall weigh fifteen hundren weight.

Item. My will and desire is that all the negroes which John HERNDON now has in his possession belonging to me shall at his and his wifes death be equally divided amongst his children and the legal representatives of such of them as may be dead and such of my negroes as he has sold. I hereby reliquish all claims to.

Item. It is my desire that my executors lay out one hundred or one hundred and fifty dollars as they may think fit for building a barn and stable upon the land given to John HERNDON and Judith his wife.

Item. I hereby revoke the gift to Edward HERNDON and William WALLER of two mules each.

Item. I give to Godlove HEISKILL the debt which he owes me and he is not to pay Ann PILES anything.

Item. I give to Ann PILES twenty five pounds a year for the space of seven years to be paid on the first day of November in every year out of any money belonging to my estate.

Item. I give to Edward HERNDON and William WALLER each one mule.

Item. It is possible that I have not provided a sufficient fund for the support of my old negroes. I therefore consign them over to the care of my executors who are hereby fully authorized to rent or buy land for them to live upon out of any money belonging to my estate and I trust they will take particular care of them.

Item. In dividing my estate the children of the several persons __________ named in my will to be entitled to distribution shall be understood to include all the children as well as those that may be increasing? at the time of my death as those that may be born after and should any of them be dead leaving _______ they shall take the part that would of fallen to their parent.

Item. Should any doubt arise respecting the construction of any clause in this or the former part of my will then and in that case my executors are hereby directed to take the opinion in writing of some attorney at _____ whose opinion shall be binding on all persons concerned and should any legatee refuse to stand to and abide by such opinion and shall presume to bring suit for the recovery of more than may be stated to be due to him by such opinion or if any of them shall sell or barter their claim upon my estate that such legatee or legatees bringing suit or selling or bartering shall forfeit all claim whatsoever to any part of my estate and my will is that their part shall go and be divided amongst the rest. And as there will be a great many legatees some of which will be unknown to my executors my will and desire is that before they demand their proportion of my estate that they shall produce to my executors (provided they require it) a certificate from the Court of the county wherein they were born or live that they are one of the children of some one of the persons amongst whose children distribution is to be made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first afore written.

Thos Colson {seal}

signed sealed and published}
In the presence of}
before signed}
Garrit MINOR, Jos HERNDON Jr.
Sta. CRUTCHFIELD, Dabney HERNDON

At a Court held for Spotsylvania County the second day of July 1805. The last will and testament of Thomas Colson decd. was produced in Court by Edward HERNDON & William WALLER the executors therein named and there being no witnesses to the same and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Will and first codicil thereto were wholly written by the testator and the second codicil thereto annexed being proved by the oaths of Joseph HERNDON Jr. and Stapleton CRUTCHFIELD two of the witnesses thereto the said will and codicils are admitted to record and on the motion of the said executors who made oath thereto and entered into bonds in the penalty of two hundred thousand dollars conditioned as the Court directed certificate so granted them for obtaining probate thereof in due form ________ Teste Robert S. Chew CSC. A copy teste R. S. Stevenson CC

Dated 09 Feb 1736

Brother Abraham - negroes Summerset & Chester
Brother Joseph - wench Kate, saddle, etc
Sister Sarah LUNDY - bed, etc.
John, the son of John COLESON - all my pewter in the possession of Thos. WITMELL

Exs: Thomas WHITTMEAL and Edward COLLINS
Wit: Edward COLLINS, James WARD and Thomas FALCONER

/s/ William (X) Colson

Will proven before W. Smith, CJ in Bertie County, NC

Adm: Allen P. COLSON
No widow

Ch and heirs:
Talleferro F. COLSON
Vines COLSON, minor
Elizabeth COLSON
Harriet COLSON, minor
John M. COLSON, minor
Allen P. COLSON

Will of william Colson, 21 Jan 1783, Montgomery Co NC, no probate date given; inventory taken 2 Apr 1784.

"Sick and weake of Body"
Wife: Jane
Dau. Jane Colson, to have her part at age 18 or marriage.
Son, John, to have his part at age 21 or marriage.

{William Colson married Jane Cooper 6 Jul 1773, Anson Co marriage bond.}

{Jane, the daughter was born ll Jul 1774 in Anson Co}

This is from Loose papers iin in the NC Secretary of State Office.

WILL OF WILLIAM COULSON, 18 Nov 1712, no probate date or county given.

Wife: Elizabeth all my estate
Ex: Capt David Henderson, John Boyd