Will of James Dickson

Submitted by Elizabeth Dickson Golbach

  James Dickson (son of John Dickson) was born 9 May 1750 in Kennansville, Duplin, NC and died there 10 May 1812. He first married Dorothy Pearsall, daughter of Edward Pearsall on 5 May 1774. Dorothy was born 12 July 1755 in New Hanover County and died 10 January 1794. James Dickson married second to Susannah Powell Carr, widow of James Carr on 14 February 1797. She was the daughter of Osborne Powell and Anne Sprigg of Craven County. Susannah was born 5 July 1769 and died 23 July 1852.

The Will of James Dickson

Dated 04 May 1812; Proved during July Term 1812

Will Book 3 - Duplin County, North Carolina - Pages 118-120

Transcribed by Claire F. Sullivan

 In the name of God Amen. I James Dickson of the State of North Carolina and County of Duplin being of sound mind and memory do make this my Last will and testament in manner as following.

 First I give and bequeath to my wife Susannah the five following Negroes, named as follows, Rose, Frennetta, Dorothy, Molly and Fortain to her and her heirs forever

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 Next I give and bequeath to my seven youngest children named as follows: Mary, Dorothy, Ann, Jane, James, Sidney [Sidney is incorrect. According to Susan Dickson’ Will and the James Dickson, Jr., Family Bible Record, the child between James and Joseph is Linda], Joseph and Robert ten Negroes named as follows Lam [or Sam], Nancy, Hugh, Simson, Cato, Sarah, Gram, Rias, Sauders and Pharo to be Equally divided amongst my children above named at the time they arrive at the age of twenty one years or should any of them marry sooner they are to remove their part at the time of marriage.

 Next my will and desire is that my six oldest children named as follows Ellinor, Margaret, William, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Ann, keep parts and retain the property which I have given them, both in land, and Negroes, and the said property which is already given them is to be considered their full portion as part of my Estate Exempting my Daughter Margaret.

 I hereby authorize my Executor hereafter named to sell as much of my property of that kind that can be best spared as will make the sum of two Hundred Dollars and pay it to my said Daughter Margaret which sum I give her to make up her ?? in other property to be paid her as soon as convenient.

 My will and desire is also that my Executor sell all my land, which I hold in the State of Tennessee, as soon as convenient in such manner as he may think proper and the money, arising from such sale to be put into the Common stock or applied to such use for the benefit of the Estate as he may think most advisable.

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  My Will is also that my Executor sell as much of my movable property at six months credit as will pay all my just debts to be of such as he may think most suitable.

 I hereby authorize my Executor from time to time to raise such sums of money out of my estate in such manner as he may think proper as will be necessary for the Schooling & rearing my younger children, and likewise to make payment to Thomas Johnston of South Carolina the sum of forty four Dollars which is due him, and after my younger children is raised the remaining part of my property such as household furniture plantation tools and Stock of all kinds to be equally divided between my wife and my younger children as named above.

 Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint my son-in-law John Maxwell Executor to this my last will and testament hereby disalowing all other or former wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal the 4th of May 1812.

Signed Sealed and acknowledged to be the last will and testament of James Dickson before us, Edwd Pearsall, Andrew Tholly, John Claus.

James Dickson

(Seal)

North Carolina

Duplin County

July Term 1812

 This will was Exhibited into Court by John Maxwell and by the Oath of Edward Pearsall and Andrew Tholly made oath to the hand writing and signature of John Claus ? , the subscribing witnesses to the said Will which proof the Court admitted to be sufficient. At the same time Susana Dickson the widow of the aforesaid James came into Court dissented to her Husband’s will as for as Regards her part. And at the same time John Maxwell the Executor named in the will came before the Court and qualified as such. Ordered that letters issue accordingly.

Test Wm Dickson C.C

 James Dickson Will as found in DESCENDANTS of SIMON DICKSON compiled by Claire Jean Potter Ferguson Sullivan, Ph.D.

 The exact Will of James Dickson is found in the James Dickson Folder, N.S.D.A.R. Library, Washington D.C.