Amanuensis Monday - 1812 Will of William Cook

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

William Cook, of Surry County, North Carolina, was the brother of Thomas Cook, my 4th great-grandfather. I thought it interesting that William felt that it would be best if his executors rented out his property and the profits therefrom given to his widow; I have not previously seen that provision made in a will.

 “In the name of God Amen. I William Cook, of the County of Surry, and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do this seventeenth day of February, in the year of our Lord 1812, make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following, Viz.

First of all, I recommend my soul to God who gave it, and my body to its native dust, to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner, at the discretion of my Executors; and as to my worldly goods that it hath been pleased God to bless me with, my will and desire is that they be disposed with as follows,

Item I give unto my beloved wife Elizabeth Cook my molatto boy Lewis to be her own property forever. I also lend to her my said wife my negro woman Milley together with the whole of my moveable or perishable property of every discription (negro Bob excepted) also the profits of my land and plantation, dwelling house, out houses, and so forth, where I now live during her natural life or widowhood; and in order that the same may be managed to the best advantage I direct that my Executors rent out continuealy my said land and plantation and return to my said wife the profits of such rent during the above said term. Also I desire that if is should appear to my Executors to be necessary that they should sell such part of my stock and working tools as they may think usless to my said wife and the product of such sale to be equally divided among my children.

After the death or widowhood of my wife Elizabeth Cook, I give and bequest the aforesaid negro woman Milley to my daughter Mary Holeman and my land and plantation where I now live containing three hundred and twenty acres I give unto my sons Wiles [Miles?] and John Cook to be equally divided between them.

Item. I give unto my daughter Lucy Holeman my negro man Bob. I also direct that my two Lotts in the Town of Huntsville be sold and the product of such sale to be equally divided among my children as above saidtioned

I also do nominate and appoint my said wife Elizabeth Cook Executrix and my son John Cook and Thomas Wright Executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and disannul all others wills by me made and do acknowledge this only to be my last will and testament.

In testimony whereof I the said William Cook hath set my hand and seal the day and date above written in presents of

Test     Henry Hampton                                  William Cook {seal}

            John Angel

State of North Caroline Surry County May Session AD 1812.

John Angel (one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of William Cook) made oath that he saw the said Cook sign publish and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that he was of sound and disposing mind and memory and at the same time he saw Henry Hampton sign the same as a witness thereto which was ordered to be recorded; done accordingly

                                                                        by Jo Williams CC”

[Source: North Carolina, Surry County, Wills, 1792-1827, William Cook, Vol. 03, pg. 100, image 126; digital images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 24 Jan 2013).]

© 2013 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - A Second Deed from Richard Cook to Thomas Cook

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.


Last week I published the first of two deeds from Richard Cook to his father Thomas Cook (one of my maternal 4th great-grandfathers). This second deed for 40 acres, also on Brushey Mountain in North Carolina and the land on which Richard was living, was dated 31 March 1818, just two days after the first deed. This deed also was not recorded until 15 July 1819, after Thomas Cook's death.

“Richard Cook to Tho^s Cook Deed 40 Acres land

This Indenture made the thirty first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen between Richard Cook of the county of Wilkes and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Cook of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that for an in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid by the said Thomas Cook the receipt whereof is hereby fully acknowledged that the said Richard Cook hath given, granted, bargained, sold and by these presents do give, grant, and sell unto the said Thomas Cook his heirs or assigns to a certain tract or parcel of land containing forty acres be the same more or less it being part of the land whereon the said Richard Cook now lives. Beginning on a White oak, thence nearly West to my North line it being a conditional line made between Richard Cook and Thomas Cook Including all the lands North of said line concluding forty Acres be the same more or less with the appurtenances and all rights titles and priviledges and improvements the same anny ways belonging to him the said Ritchard Cook his heirs or assigns forever and the said Cook himself his heirs do hereby coventent [covenant] and agree to and with the said Thomas Cook that said Cook his heirs or assigns shall and may forever hereafter peaceably and quietly injoy oqupy [occupy] and precess [possess] the aforesaid grant and land without Molistation and the said Ritchard Cook himself his heirs Executors, Administrators or assigns do by these presents warrant and forever defend the right and title of the aforesaid granted lands and primises to him the said Thomas Cook his heirs and assigns forever against the right title or claim or Intrest of anny person or persons whatsoever, In witness whereof I Ritchard Cook hath hereunto set my hand and fixt my seal the day and date first above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered  }

I[n] prsents of                        }                                              Richard Cook {seal}

James Clanton

Enos Anderson

W. W. Martin

                        (wrote on the back.)

North Carolina            }

Wilkes County            }          May Term 1819

The within Deed was duly proven in open court by the oath Williams W. Martin in order to be Registered.

                                                                        Test R. Martin, Clk.

Registered       }

15^th July 1819  }”

[Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Deeds, 1768-1964, 24: 432, indenture, Richard Cook to Thomas Cook, dated 31 March 1818, recorded 15 July 1819; FHL microfilm 392,960.]

© 2013 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1818 Deed - Richard Cook to Thomas Cook

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.


Because I am working with my newfound cousin Connie on our Cook ancestors, I am trying to transcribe all the documents I have scanned relative to this family. Today I am publishing the image and transcription of the first of two deeds from Richard Cook to his father Thomas Cook (one of my maternal 4th great-grandfathers). This deed for 100 acres on Brushey Mountain in Wilkes County, North Carolina, was executed on 29 March 1818, but not recorded until 15 July 1819, after Thomas Cook's death.

“Richard Cook to Thomas Cook Deed 80 Acres land

This Indenture made the twent[y]ninth of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Between Ritchard Cook of the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Cook of the County and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to me in hand paid by the said said Thomas Cook the same where is fully acknowledged that the said Richard Cook hatch given Grnated Bargained sold and by these presents do give Grant and Sull unto the said Thomas Cook his heirs or assigns to a certain tract or parcel of land Containing Eighty acres on the Brushey Mountain Beginning at a red Oak in Thomas Cooks line West sixty poles to a Chesnut in Martains line thence North with said line thirty poles to the corner then West sixty poles to a White Oake North eighty two poles to a red oak East twenty five Poles to a read Oak in Gilreaths line South six poles to the former East one hundred and seven poles to a Chesnut Oak thence South to the Beginning with the appertances and all Rights titles Privilleges and Improvments the same in anney ways Belong to him the said Richard Cook his heirs or assigns forever and the said Cook himself his heirs do hereby covnant and agree to and with the said Thomas Cook that said Cook his heirs or assigns shall and may forever hear after peaceably and Quietly Injoy Oquipy [occupy] and pocess [possess] the aforesaid Grant and Land without Molestation and the said Richard Cook himself his huars [heirs] Executors administrators or assigns do by these presents warrant and forever defend the Right and titel of the aforesaid Granted land and primses [premises] to him the said Thomas Cook his heirs nad assigens, forever against the Right title or clame or Intrust [interest] of any person or persons whatsoever in witness whereof I Richard Cook hath hearunto set my  hand and fixt my seal the day and year first above Ritten.

Signed Sealed and Delivered }

In presents of                          }                                              Richard Cook {seal}

James Kanton [Clanton]

Enox [Enos] Anderson

W. W. Martin

(wrote on the back)

North Coralina            }          May Term 1819

Wilkes County            }          The within deed was duly proven in open Court by the oath of William W. Martin in order to be Registered.

                                                                                                Test. R. Martin, Clk.

Registered 15^th July 1819 }”

[Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Deeds, 1768-1964, 24: 429, indenture, Richard Cook to Thomas Cook, dated 29 March 1818, 15 July 1819; FHL microfilm 392,960.]


© 2013 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - Indenture - Joshua Davis to Thomas Cook 1812

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This week’s transcription is another deed to which my maternal 4^th great-grandfather Thomas Cook was a party. This purchase of 68 acres on Brushy Mountain, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, took place about seven  years before Thomas’s death in 1819. Notice that the document mentions the "Iredell line." Thomas Cook's property straddled the boundary between Iredell and Wilkes counties. In fact, when the boundary changed in 1815, his land was mentioned in the legislation making the change; you can read about the boundary changes here.

“Joshua Davis to Thomas Cook

This Indenture made this twenty second day of September, In the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & twelve between Joshua Davis of the County of Wilkes & State of North Carolina of the one part & Thos Cook of the County & State aford of the other part. Witnesseth that for & in Consideration of the sum of Eighty Dollars to me in hand paid by the s^d. Thomas Cook the same whereof is fully acknowledged, that the s^d. Joshua Davis hath given granted Bargained Sold & by these presents do give grant & sell unto the s^d. Thos Cook his heirs or assigns to a certain tract or parcel of Land Containing Sixty Eight acres the same more or less lying in the County of Wilkes on the brushy Mountain, It being part of a Tract of Eighty acres conveyed by James Fletcher sen^r. to Elijah Vickas & from Elilijah [sic] Vickas to Joshua Davis, Includnig the plantation whereon the s^d. Davis now lives, Beginning at a red oak in the Iredell line, Then north one hundred ps [poles?] to a chestnut. Then West one hundred & Sixty Eight po. to a red oak, Then South one hundred po to the Iredell line, Then East with s^d. line to the beginning and Divides by a conveyance of twelve acres conveyed by Elijah Vickas to Jeremiah Gilreath with the appurtenances and all rights titles & privileges & Improvements to the said [?] belonging to him that Joshua Davis his heirs or assigns, forever and the s^d. Joshua Davis himself his heirs do hereby covenant & agree to & with the s^d Joshua D Thos Cook that s^d Cook his heirs or assigns shall & may forever here after peacibly & Quietly Enjoy occupy & possess the afores^d Grant & [?] without molestation & the s^d Joshua Davis himself his heirs Executors, administr or assigns do by these presents warrant & forever Defend the rights & title of the afores^d Granted Land & premises to him the s^d Tho^s. Cook his heirs or assigns forever against the claim or right or title or Interest of any persons or whatsoever In Witness whereof I Joshua Davis hath hereunto set my hand & fixt my seal the day & date above written.

                                                                                     his

                                                                        Joshua X Davis {seal}

                                                                                    mark

Signed Sealed & Delivered In presence of

Jeremiah Gilreath     )

Richard Cook            )                       Wrote on the Back

            North Carolina          )

            Wilks County             )           Novber Term. AD 1812

                                               

The within Deed was duly proven in open Court by the oath of Richard Cook in order to be Registered.

                                                                        Test. R Martin Clk.”

Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Deeds, 1768-1964, G: 437, indenture, Joshua Davis to 

Thomas Cook, dated 22 Sep 1812, recorded Nov Term 1812; FHL microfilm 20,135.

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1797 Indenture - Thomas Cook to John Marlow

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This week I have transcribed a 1797 deed in which Thomas Cook, my maternal 4^th great-grandfather, sold 50 acres of land in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to John Marlow, whom I believe was one of his sons-in-law. As you can see in the image below, this document contained numerous ink smears and bleed-through of writing on the back of the original, making it especially difficult to read.

“This Indenture made this first Day of February One thousand seven hundred and Ninety seven Between Thomas Cook of the County of Wilkes & state of North Carolina of the one part and John Marlow of the County and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that for & in Consideration of the sum of Nine pounds to him in hand paid by the said John Marlow the Receipt whereof he the said Thomas Cook doth hereby Acknowledge & himself therewith fully Satisfied & paid hath Given Granted Bargained & Sold and by these [--?--] Presents do Give Grant Bargain & Sell unto John Marlow his heirs and Assiggns a Certain tract or parcel of land Containing fifty Acres more or Less lying & being in the County aforesaid on the Brushy Mountain [--?--] & sold by the shiriff to Tho^s Cook beginning at a Chesnut standing [unreadable] a [unreadable] of Rocks in the Iredale line running to Northwest by [--?--] to Tho^s Cooks Spring Branch then Down the branch to the Creek[?] then running so as to include the above Mentioned fifty Acres with the improvement Together and Every Right Title Proveledge the the said Thomas Cook [ink smear] [hi]mself his heirs Executors & Administrators well [ink smear] Warrant & forever Defend the aforesaid [unreadable, ink smear] all [ap]purtenances thereunto Belonging to him to [ink smear] Marlow his heirs & Assigns free & Clear from all incumbr[ance] [ink smear] whatsoever in Witness whereof he the said Thomas Cook hath Hereunto set his hand and seal

Signed sealed & Delivered                            Thomas Cook {seal}

in presence of

James Fletcher Jurat

Hiram [unreadable]              (made [ink smear]  Back as follows)

North Carolina          }

Wilkes County           }           January Term 1797

The within Deed was Duly proven in open Court by the Oath of James Fletcher Esqu^r and ordered to be Registered

                                                            Test W^m. B Lenoir C,,C”

Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Deeds, 1768-1964, D: 105,

 Indenture, Thomas Cook to John Marlow, 1 Feb 1797; FHL microfilm 20,133.

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Friend of Friends Friday - Will of Richard Cook - 1800

This week I have continued to transcribe probate records of the Cook family of Iredell County, North Carolina. This week I am posting the will of Richard Cook, written in 1800.

In the Name of God Amen.
I Richard Cook of the County of Iredill
and State of North Carolina mindful of that
mortality common to all men and being of
sound mind and memory do on this the
fifth day of April in the year eighteen hundred
make, ordain and publish this my last will
and Testament in manner and Form following
In the first place, To my beloved wife Lucey
I give for her use during her natural life
or widowhood the sole use and benefit of my
plantation on Rockey Creek on which I now
live, and all my Negroes, Mill, Farming utensils
waggon Orchards &c, and to my said wife I
give and bequeath absolutely and to be at her
disposal at her death the Negroes following
Delilah and her children Nancy & Mary
Sal and her children Tab, Hannah, little Jack
Ned, Wyat, Violet and the children they or any
of them may hereafter have.
My Stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, & Hogs I allow
to the use of my said wife Lucey so far as she
may choose to keep on the plantation giving
to her and my other Executors the power to sell
or dispose of any animal she may not choose
to keep and the money arising therefrom to be
reserved til the death of my wife and then
by her divided as hereafter directed.
My money, debts and every thing of the kind
I allow to be kept by my Executors untill
the death of my wife then to be by her disposed
of as hereafter directed.
The Increase of my stock after my death and
whatever may be the profits of my wifes Industry
with my hands on my plantation after my
Decease, I allow to her absolutely and entirely.
My household of Kitchen Furniture of every kind
and discription I give to my said wife for her
sole use and disposal.
At the death or marriage of my said wife I
allow my plantation on which I now live
of six hundred and forty Acres, with the Tract
adjoining I purchased of William Hughes
to Richard Jones Cook the son of my nephew
John Cook and I do hereby give and bequeath
the said Tracts of Land on Rockey Creek being
all the Land I own to the said Richard Jones
Cook, to him his Heirs or Assigns forever, at the
death of my said Wife.
My money before mentioned with the following
Negroes, Dick, Jack, Bob, Primor[?] Simon and
Ben, not willed absolutely to my wife, I allow
to be disposed by my wife Lucey among our relations
of both sides as she may judge proper and
right, by will or otherwise, hereby declaring
firm and effectual all such disposals of my
said wife Lucey.
My Sister Lucy Clanton now living on the
small Tract I purchased of William Hughes
I allow the privilege of living on the said Tract
and cultivating the same during her life if
she chooses to continue there.
Farther, I do hereby constitute and appoint my
beloved wife Lucy Cook, my brother Thomas
Cook my Nephew John Cook and Richard
King Executors of this my will, hereby revoking
all former wills and declaring this to be my
last will & Testament.
Signed, sealed, published and declared this day
and date first above written
                                        his name
                            Richard RC Cook   {seal}
                                or mark by himself
In presence of
Ja^s. King
Howell Barker Jurat
Elihu King

[Source: Iredell County, North Carolina, Will Book 1, page 89, will 59, Margaret Cooke 1800, FHL microfilm 1571950, Original wills Beaver, Moses - Kilpatrick, Andrew; Family History Library, Salt Lake City.]

© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Friend of Friends Friday - Will of Margaret Cooke 1802

Last week I posted the transcription and images of the 1791 will of Thomas Cooke of Iredell County, North Carolina. This week I am posting the transcription and images of the will of his wife, Margaret, written in 1802.

In the Name of God Amen I Margret Cooke
of Iredell County State of North Carolina_ being
of sound and perfect mind and Memory (Blessed be God
for all his mercies both special and common).
Do this 6th day of October in the Year of our Lord 1802
make and publish this my last Will and Testament
in the manerer following 1st I commit my soul
to God who made and I trust who has redeemed the
same, and then I will that my Body be interred
in a decent and becoming manner at the discretion
of the persons appointed to execute this my last Will
and Testament and I also declare that it is my
will that all my Just and lawful debts be honor-
ably and honestly discharged out of my Estate
And as for the remaining part of that property
wherewith God in his providence has endowed me
I dispose of in the following manner, and do by
this my last will order it to be so disposed of_
I bequeath unto my Daughter Jean McConnel my
Nigroe Woman Cate_
2d and to my Daughter Elizabeth Nelson one [?]
3rd and to my Daughter Mary Huey my Bed and side saddle
and my wearing Cloathes to be equally divided between
these my three Daughters_ _ _
And with respect to the residue of my property it is my
will that an equal division of the same be made among
my children, Hugh McKnight, James Cooke, Alexander
Cooke, Thomas Cooke, Joseph Cooke, John McConnel_
Henry Huey, Joshua Nelson, each to have an equal dividend
of the same _ _ _
And I hereby make and ordain my worthy friends
Hugh McKnight ^Senr  and Henry Huey Executors of this my
last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I the
said Margaret Cooke ^Senr  have to this my last will and Testa-
ment set my hand and seal the day and year above-
mentioned _ _ _       Margaret ^her  Cooke
                                           ^mark

Test.

Wm. McKnight [?]
James McKnight

[Source: Iredell County, North Carolina, Will Book 1, page 86, will 56, Margaret Cooke 1802, FHL microfilm 1571950, Original wills Beaver, Moses - Kilpatrick, Andrew; Family History Library, Salt Lake City.]


© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Friend of Friends Friday - Will of Thomas Cook 1791

This week I have transcribed the 1791 will of Thomas Cook of Iredell County, North Carolina. I believe this is the father of the Thomas Cook whose will was presented in an earlier post found here.

In the name of God Amen.

                        Novr the 9th 1791
I. Thomas Cook in the County of Ardill and State of North Carol-
ina, yeo man, being wake in Body, but of perfect mind & memory, tha-
nks be to God for it, caling to mind, the mortality of my body, that
it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and order this
my last will and testament that is to say, principly, and first of
all, I give and recommend, my soul into the hands of God that give it
and for my Body I recommend to the Earth, to be buired in a Christian
like menor, at the Discretion of my Ex^rs.  nothing doubting, but at the
general reserection I shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of God, _ _ _ _ _ And as touching such worldly State
as it hath pleased God to bliss me with in this Life, I Give, Devise, and
Dispose of in the following mennor and form.
Imprimise._ It is my will, and I do order it, that all my Just debts and fun
eral charges be payed, and sattesfied.
Itim. I do Leave and bequeath to my oldest son James Cook five Shillings
and to my four Daughters viz Margrit McNight, Jean M^cConnel,
Mary Huey, and Elisabeth Neelson, each of them five shillings
it is my will and I do order it, that my son Alex^r. Cook have my crosscute
saw. It is my will and I ^do order it, that my son William Cook, keep and hold
the Negor Boy that he have received from me, called Peet, and all other
things he has received from me beside. I do further order that my said son
William Cook, have a fifth part of the household furneture, or the value
thereof, [several words crossed out], and also the fifth part of the hog's and sheep
and Likewise two cows and calves.
It is my will and I order it that my son Thomas Cook get ten pounds or
the value thereof.
Itim. It is my will and I do order it, that my well beloved wife, Margrit Cook,
get a negor wench called Keat, and a negor boy called Bob. and the half
of all moveables, exclusive of what is left to my son William thereof,
and also to have the fifth part of what grain is raised on the plantation
and her choice or [?] of any rooms in the house for her use during
her Life, or widowhood, and to be at her desposal at her Death.
itim. It is my will and I order it, that my youngest son Joseph Cook, do have
and Enjoy the plantation I now Live upon, and to have a Negor man
called Jack, and another Negor Boy called Ceasor, and the other half of
the remaining movables, and household furneture.
And I do nominate constitute and appoint my two sons viz William
and Joseph Cook, sole Ex^rs of this my Last will and testament, in
witness heare of I have set my hand and seal the Day and year above
written, signed sealed published and Decleared by the said
Thomas Cook as his Last Will and Testment, in the presence
of us. the Subscribers.
                                                Tho^s. Cooke (seal)
 
Thos. Bocitey Jurat
Alexander Hughes
Wm. Terrence Jur.

Source: Iredell County, North Carolina, Wills, 1, 85, Thomas Cook, 1791,

FHL microfilm 1571950, Original wills Beaver, Moses - Kilpatrick, Andrew;

Family History Library, Salt Lake City.

© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Friend of Friends Friday - Charlotte Cook, Widow of Thomas Cook - 1825

I have previously posted images and transcriptions of Thomas Cook's 1819 will, the inventory of his estate, and an accounting presented to the court in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Several Negros were identified by name in those documents. In this post, I am presenting the image and transcription of the deed documenting the sale of several Negros and other property by Thomas Cook's widow, Charlotte (Anderson) Cook, to Robert Martin.

Charlotte Cook To Robert Martin Deed Etc[?]

State of North Carolina }

Wilkes County_           }

In consideration of the
two hundred and two Dollars
in hand paid by Robert Martin, (the receipt whereof
hereby acknowledged) I do by these presents Grant,
sell, and convey unto the said Robert Martin, all
right, Title and Interest in and to the following
to wit: Negroes, Charles, Hulda, Kisiah, Bry [unreadable]
lis and Richmond, one Sorrel Horse, one bay Mare, [unreadable]
feather Beds, Bedsteads and their furniture, three [unreadable]
Calves all the houshold and Kitchen furniture, Hogs, [unreadable]
tion and farming, and the lands and Plantation Tho
mas Cook died Possessed of, To have and to hold said
Lands and other property above Mentioned to him,
said Robert Martin his heirs Executors, Administr[unreadable]
and assigns during the term they were devised
by my late husband Thomas Cook's Will. Witness
hand & seal this 31^st. day of May 1825

Witness                                                  her

            Ja^s. Hayes                     Charlotte X Cook
                                                             mark
            Eli. Tilley Ju^t.

(Wrote on the back)

North Carolina }          August Term 18[unreadable]
Wilkes County  }

The within Deed [unreadable]

duly proven in open Court by the
oath of Eli Tilley Recorded and
[?} to be registered.
                        Test
                           R. Martin

Registered 4^th[?] August 1825

[Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Deeds, L: 140, Charlotte Cook to Robert Martin, August 1825; Family History Library microfilm 20136.]

© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - Accounting of the Estate of Thomas Cook 1820

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.



My two previous posts regarding the estate of Thomas Cook include his will and the inventory. Today I am posting an image and transcript of the accounting of the property sold, or available to be sold, to cover debts which was presented to the court in the May term 1820.

[Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Wills, 3: 223, Thomas Cook, deceased; FHL microfilm 393,950.]

© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Cook 1819

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

Last week I posted the will of Thomas Cook, one of my maternal 4th great-grandfathers. This week I have transcribed the inventory of his estate which was presented to the court in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in the May Term 1819 by his executors R. Martin and Randolph Mabery. Here are my thoughts regarding the contents of his estate, followed by an image of the document and the transcription.

Thomas Cook was a landowner. He owned horses, cattle, and other farm animals, farming implements and tools. It appears that he, or others in the household, engaged in brewing and weaving. He was a slaveowner as were others of his time and place. He was literate: he owned seven books and a family Bible. At first I thought he was musically-inclined as a tin trumpet is listed on the inventory; however, I have learned it's more likely the tin trumpet was a hearing aid!

There were a number of items listed in the inventory with which I was not familiar. In addition to the term "tin trumpet" noted above, here are some (but not all) of the other terms I had to look up:

• Hogshead (a cask or barrel holding 60 to 140 gallons of liquid)
• Piggin (a wooden pail with a handle formed by continuing one of the staves above the rim)
• Spider (an iron frying pan with legs to hold it above the coals in the fire)
• Steelyards (a portable scale) 

[These definitions are from A to ZAX: A Comprehensive Dictionary for Genealogists & Historians by Baebara Jean Evans.]

The executors of the estate noted at the bottom of the inventory that the property listed was for the use of Thomas Cook's widow and family to live on.

[Transcript]

An Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Cook Deceased.   

Four Hundred and forty acres of Land._One Negroe Woman Named
Virgin about 60 years old._One Negroe Man Named Benjamin
about 30 Years old to be sold._One Negroe Man Named Charles a
bout 30 years old._One Negroe Woman Named Hulda about 22
years old._One Negroe Girl Child Named Kiziah about one year old._
Three Head of Horse creatures._One Year old colt._Four cows._Three
yearlings._Two Young Calves._Twenty one Grown Hogs._Twenty
three small Hogs._Ten Sheep._Six lambs._Four Beds & furniture
with their Bedsteads & Chords._One Table._One Chest._One Small
Trunk._Seven Chairs._One Cupboard and some crockery ware._Three
pewter Dishes._Eight pewter plates._One small Bason._A part of a
case of Knives and folks._Sex metal Spoons._One Mans Saddle.
One old Womans Saddle._One Bridle._One smoothe Gun, Shot bag
and Horn._Two cotten Wheels._One linen Wheel._One Reel._Four
glass Bottles._One tin Trumpet._One pair of candle moulds._One
small looking glass._One Iron shovel._One pot brammil._One flat Iron
One family Bible._Seven Books._Two water pails._Two piggins._
Three tin pans._Three pots._Two Ovens._One Spider._One Skillet._
Four pair pot Hooks._Two plows._Two pair of Chain braces._Two
collars and Haims._Four Hoes._One Mattock._One sproutting Hoe
Three Axes._One cross cut saw._One Hand saw._One Iron Wedge._
One frow._Two Augurs._Two small cags._Fourteen Hogsheads._
Three Geese._One Loom and geers._One cutting Knife and Box._
One Coopers Adze._One Hammer._One pair of Steelyards.
N.B. the above property is for the use of the decd. Wi-
dow and family to live on.

                                                                     R. Martin                 )
                                                                     Randolph Mabery   ) Exrs.
North Carolina)
Wilkes County) May Term 1819.

The above Inventory was
Return’d on oath by the Executors.

                                         Test
                                         R. Martin. Clk.

 
[Source: Wilkes, North Carolina, Wills, 3: 199, Thomas Cook, deceased; FHL microfilm 393,950, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.]

© 2011 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - Will of Thomas Cook 1819

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This week I am presenting the 1819 will of Thomas Cook of Wilkes County, North Carolina, one of my maternal 4^th great-grandfathers. Thomas identified 17 children by name in his will! Only the five youngest children, those of his second (perhaps third) wife Charlotte, were to benefit from his estate; he said the others had already received their shares. It is probably the longest will I have encountered in my research to date.

 Will of Thomas Cook

 

May Term       )           In the Name of God Amen._I Thomas Cook of

1819           )           the County of Wilkes in the State of North Carolina.

being old and afflicted in body, but being of sound and dispo-

sing mind and Memory, do here think proper to make my last

Will and Testament in manner and form following.. In the

first place I Recommend my Soul to God who gave to be disposed

of at his pleasure, and my Body after Death to be Buried in the

[?] form of entering the Remains of Deceased :Persons in this

Country._ First I give and Bequeath unto Joshua Martin Cook

whom I claim and consider to be my own Son begotten upon the

Body of Charloote Cook whom I consider to be my Wife. and with

whom I have lived as such for a Number of Years; the said Char-
loote Cook have been Married or commonly Reputed to have
bedn Married to one George Anderson previous to my Intermar-
riage with the said Charloote. (to wit.) One Negroe Man Named
Charles, & one Negroe girl Child named Kisiah._Secondly
I give and bequeath unto Calvin Jones Cook whom I claim
and consider to be my own Son begotten upon the Body of Char-
loote Cook whom I consider to be my Wife and with whom I
have lived as such for a Number of Years, the said Charloote hav-
ing been Maried or commonly Reputed to have been Married to
One George Anderson, previous to my Intermarriage with the
said Charloote, (to wit.) one Negroe Woman named Virgin &
one Negro Woman Named Hulda._Thirdly it is my Will
and desire that all my Lands that I now own in Wilkes Coun
-ty & ceded to my and to which I have title in fee or otherwise
Being about four Hundred and foorty acres; shall be equally div
ed between my two Sons Joshua Martin Cook and Calvin Jon [unreadable]
Cook Heretofore named as above, when the Youngest of my sa [unreadable]
Sons shall arrive at the full age of twenty one Years, which sai [unreadable]
Division shall be made by my Executors herein after Named [unreadable]
which said Division it is my Will shall be so made that the
Lands shall be Equal or as nearly equal in value as it  is po[unreadable]
ble to be made: It is my Will that Charloote Cook whom I clai[unreadable]
to be my Wife heretofore Married to George Anderson, shall ha[unreadable]
hold said Negroes and hold, occupy and enjoy my said Lands bef[unreadable]
mentioned and Described during the Minority of my said Sons Jos[unreadable]
-a Martin Cook and Calvin Jones Cook; and should my Wife Ch[unreadable]
loote Cook die before my said Sons Joshua Martin Cook & Calvi[unreadable]
Jones Cook arrive at the age of twenty one Years, then the sai[unreadable]
Lands before described to be Rented by my Executors for the ben[unreadable]
-fit of my said Sons, and should either of my said Sons Joshua
Martin Cook or Calvin Jones Cook decease before they arrive [unreadable]
the age of twenty one years; it is my Will that the Survivin[unreadable]
Brother have all the said Lands mentioned heretofore in this Will
Fourthly, I give and Bequeath unto Charloote Cook, Sin[unreadable]
Cook and Henna Ritte Cook whom I claim and consider to b[unreadable]
my own Daughters begotten upon the Body of Charloote Coo[unreadable]
whom I claim and consider to be my wife and with whom I ha[unreadable]
lived as such for a Number of Years. the said Charloote havin[unreadable]
been Married or commonly Refuted to have been Married to on[unreadable]
George Anderson previous to my Intermarriage with th[unreadable]
said Charloote. (to wit.) One feather Bed and furniture each; it
is my Will that my three Daughters above named, Charloote
Cook, Sina Cook and Henna Ritte Cook each of them Receive
their Bed and furniture when the said Daughters above menti[unreadable]
oned arrive at the full age of eighteen Years.
Fifthly, It is my Will and desire that my said Wife Charloote
Cook before mentioned have all my Houshold and Kitchen fur
niture to hold and enjoy said furniture during the Minority of
my said Daughters and Sons before Mentioned and it is my Wi[unreadable]
and desire that when my Youngest Son Calvin Jones Cook
arrives at the age of twenty one Years that all of the above
mentioned Household and Kitchen furniture be equally divided
amongst Charloote Cook. Sina Cook. Henna Ritte Cook. Joshua
Martin Cook and Calvin Jones Cook; it is my Will and desire
that Charloote Cook whom I claim to be my Wife heretofore
Married to George Anderson shall have hold and enjoy all
my Stock consisting of Horses cattle, Hogs and Sheep and
also to have all my Plantation Utensils and tools and it is
my Will and desire that she the said Charloote Cook before
named keep in possession all the above Mentioned living Stock
and Plantation Utensils to have, hold and enjoy and to make
use of, for her the said Charlootes Support and for the support
and Schooling or Educating of my three Daughters and two
sons Namely Charloote Cook. Sina Cook. Henna Ritte Cook
Joshua Martin Cook and Calvin Jones Cook. . and when my
youngest Son Calvin Jones Cook arrives at the full age of
twenty one Yeras that all my living Stock be equally divi-
ded between my three Daughters and two Sons. (to wit.) Char-
loote Cook. Sina Cook. Henna Ritte Cook. Joshua Martin
Cook and Calvin Jones Cook._it is my Will and desire
that my Negroe Man Names Benjamin be sold and the Mo-
ney be Equally divided amongst my said three Daughters and
two Sons above Names as they the said Daughters and said Sons
arrive to the age of twenty one years. my wish is that the
Money that Negro Man Benjamin sells for be disposed of as
follows. (to wit.) when Charloote Cook arrives at the age of twenty
one Years to have her equal part of said Money and when Sina
Cook arrives at the age of twenty one Years to have her Equal part
of said Money. when Henna Ritte Cook arrives at the age
of twenty one Years to have an equal part of said Money. when
Joshua Martin Cook arrives at the age of twenty one years to
have an equal part of said money and when Calvin Jones Cook
arrives at the age of twenty one Years to have an equal part of
said Money: it is my Will and desire that all my Just Debts
be paid, and all the moneys that are owing to me to be collected and
to be disposed of as my Executors hereafter named thinks proper.
Sixthly, it is my Will and desire that all my Elder Children have
no part of my Estate Mentioned in this my last Will and Testame[unreadable]
the Elder Children alluded to, I now proceed to mention their nam[unreadable]
to wit., Elizabeth Jolley. Mary Marlow John Cook. Henry Cook. An[unreadable]
Martin. Martha Ellis. Lucey Milsaps. Thomas Cook. William
Cook. Allen Cook. Richard Coook and Amelia Burton._Be it Re_
membered that I have heretofore given unto two twelve Elder
Children last Mentioned what I conceive to be a Just and ful[unreadable]
Portion of my Estate._it is my Will and desire that if my Wife
Charloote Cook should Marry before my said Sons Joshua Mar[unreadable]
Cook and Calvin Jones Cook arrive at the age of twenty one yea[unreadable]
that the said Charloote is not to hold or have any part of my Esta[unreadable]
mentioned in this my last Will and Testament._And I do hereby
Authorise, Constitute and Appoint Randolph Mabery and Rober[unreadable]
Martin my Sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
and that I do hereby Revoke, Disannull and make Void all forms
Wills and Bequeaths whether Written or Nuncupative in the mo[unreadable]
positive and absolute Terms. and do declare and publish this an[unreadable]
this only to be my last Will and Testament by me made here
on Earth. In Testimoney whereof I have hereunto set my hand
Affixed my Seal the twenty fifth day of March.A.D.1819.
Sign’d, Sealed in                                                                  his
the presents of                                                        Thomas X Cook (seal)
W.W. Martin                                                                         mark
         his                      )
Hicks X Combs           )           North Carolina)
         mark                   )           Wilkes County.)         May Term 1819.
James Marlow.           )           The Execution the foregoing Will
                                                     was duly proven in open court by the oath
                                                     of William W. Martin, Hicks, Combs and
                                                     James Marlow, and Randolph Mabery
                                                     Robert Martin were duly qualified as Ex
                                                     ecutors to said Will.
                                                        Test
                                                               R. Martin. Clk.

[Source: Wilkes County, North Carolina, Wills, 3: 195, Thomas Cook; FHL microfilm 393,950.]

© 2011 Denise Spurlock