1806 - Dempsey Braswell to Thomas Beckwith

This Indenture Made this 12th Day of May in year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and six Between Dempsy Braswell of the State of North Carolina and county of Nash of the one part and Thomas Beckwith of the County and State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said Depsey Braswell for and in consideration of the sum of Four Hundred And Twenty seven Silver Dollars to him in hand paid by the said Thomas Beckwith hath given granted bargained sold and confirmed unto the said Thomas Beckwith his Heirs & assigns for Ever a certain tract or Parcel of Land Situate lying And being in the county aforesaid on the south side of Little pig Basket Creek and Bounded as followeth. Begining at a Popular In the Mirery Branch runing north 83 East 94 pole to a Popular In the Popular branch thence north 71 ---30 pole To a Maple in Bunns line thence his line north 13/4 West 122 poles To his Corner pine thence course continued 20 - pols to a post Oak In Amos Beckwiths line then along his line So. 85 west 129 - po To the long branch up said to a line of Marked trees and along said line to Thomas Beckwiths line & along sd line to the Begining containing one Hundred and Sixty one Acres More or Less to have and to hold the aforesaid tract and Parcel of Land With all & singular the right priviledges and profits to the said Land belongoing or in anywise appertaining him the said Thomas Beckwith to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Thomas Beckwith his heirs and Assigns for Ever with the Reversions And remainders of the aforesaid Granted and Bargained premises To him the said Thomas Beckwith his heirs and assigns for Ever and I Dempsy Braswell doth by these presents covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Beckwith for me my heirs Exrs and Adr to warant and Defend the title of the aforesaid bargained Premises Against the Claim of any other Person or Persons unto him the aforesaid Thomas Beckwith his heirs & assigns for Ever In Witness whereof I have here unto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above Written}
Dempsey Braswell {Seal}
In Presence of} August Session 1806 the above Deed
Sion Beckwith} was in Open court Duly provd by the
L F. Ellen P R -} Oath of Sion Beckwith and Ordered
} to be Registered and is by Wm Halle


(Nash Co., NC DB 8 Pg 134)


NOTE: This Dempsey is the son of William Braswell III and his wife Martha.

1815 - Dempsey Braswell to David Ricks

This Indenture made this 16th day of September in the in the (sic) year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and fifteen Between Dempsey Braswell of the County of Nash and State of North Carolina of the one part and David Ricks of the county and state aforesaid of the other Part Witnesseth that I the said Dempsey Braswell for and in Consideration of the Sum of eight Hundred and Sixty Dollars to me in hand paid by the said David Ricks the Receipt hereof is hereby acknowledged and my self there with fully Satisfide Contente and paid have Bargained & Sold unto the said David Ricks a Certain Parcel of Land lying and being in the County aforesaid on the Waters of Pigbasket Creek bounded by the following Peoples land Viz, Lod-ick F Ellen, John Barretts Decd Said Ellen again Jacob Vick, the orphans of William Bunn decd Thomas Beckwith William Walker Jacob Braswell Senr the Lands of David Evans decd & the Lands of William Arrington Decd Containing Eight Hundred acres be the same more or less it being all my lands except a small Piece between Philander Tisdales Amos Beckwiths George Edwards & others To have and to hold the said Land & every Part and Parcel thereof unto the said David Ricks his heirs and assigns forever from the Lawful Claim or Claims of any Person or Persons whatever for which I Bind my self my heirs Exrs -- In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and Date above Written
In Presence of}  Dempsy Braswell {Seal}
John Ricks} Nash County} November - 1816 (?)
John his X mark Lindsey} The foregoing Deed was duly Proven
in open Court By the Oath of John Ricks
and on Motion ordered to be Registered
attest Wm Hall CC
And is Registered in obedience to the above order
attest L.F. Ellen P.R.

(Nash co., NC DB 7 Pg 387)

NOTE: I think this Dempsey is the son of William Braswell III and his wife Martha.

1853 - Molly Braswell to George Ricks

This Indenture made this Eleventh day of January in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty three between Molly Braswell formerly Molly Vick of the County of Nash and state of North Carolina of the first part and George Ricks of the county and state aforesaid of the second part. Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and ninety six Dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged has given granted bargained sold and conveyed and does hereby give grant bargain sell and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of Land lying in the county of Nash state of North Carolina lying on the waters of Poplar Branch bounded as follows - (viz) Beginning at a stake formerlly (?) a white Oak said Braswells and Francis Walkers corner in Henry Hedgepeths line thence N 2E163 poles to a pine in said line thence along said line to and along Dempsey Braswells line North 1/2 East 162 poles to a post Oak said Braswells corner in D. Braswells line thence along said line to and along Francis Hedgepeths South 88 East 124 pole to a post Oak said Braswells & Henry Hedgepeths corner in Francis Hedgepeths line thence along said Henry Hedgepeths line south 1 1/2 West 162 1/2 pole to a pine Hedgepeths corner in Braswells line thence along said Hedgepeths line south 88 East 98 1/2 pole to a post Oak and Red Oak Braswells corner in Hedgepeths line thence along a new marked line south 2 West 44 poles to a sweet gum in Poplar Branch thence South 115 poles to a stake Braswells corner in Worrell P. Walkers line thence along said line to and along Francis Walkers line West 216 pole to the beginning containing three hundred forty and one fourth Acres be the same more or less to have and to hold the same with the appurtenances thereunto belonging to George Ricks the said Party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever - And the said party of the first part for the Consideration aforesaid does hereby covenant and agree to warrant and defend the premises aforesaid to the party of the second part his executing administrators and assigns against the claims and entry of all persons Whatsoever and he does further covenant that the said Molly Braswell formally Molly Vick is siezed of the premises in fee simple and has power to make and convey such an Estate by this Indenture and has done the same by these presents - In witness whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set her hand and seal on the day and year above written
Signed sealed and delivered  Molly her X mark Braswell {Seal}
in presence of
Jesse Beal

State of No Carolina} Court of Pleas & quarter
Nash county} sessions Feby Term 1853
The execution of the foregoing Deed of sale is duly proven in Open Court by the Oath of Jesse Beal the subscribing witness thereto & is Ordered to be Registered -  attest G. W. Ward CCC
And is Registered Will. G. Freeman P.R.

(Nash co., NC DB 20 Pg 285-286)

NOTE: Nash Co., NC Deed Book 19 Page 73 proves that Molly Vick did not marry Dempsey Braswell.

1855 - Mary Braswell's Will

State of North Carolina Nash County. In the name of God Amen. I Mary Braswell of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and disposing memory and considering the uncertainty of this my earthly existeance do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit Item 1st, My will and desire is at my death all of my just debts be paid. Item 2. I give to my nephew William Braswell one bed and furniture, 1 beureau, I also give to Nicholas Braswell one bed furniture and one chest, I also give to Sally Ann Braswell one bed furniture and chest. Item 3 Lastly I give and bequeath to my said two nephews Nicholas and William Braswell and niece Sally Ann Braswell children of Jesse Braswell Sr the residue of my property of every discription both real and personal to be divided equally share and share alike with this request that they jointly furnish or cause to be furnished to my niece Eliza Braswell good and comfortable clothing during her life in the event that either of my nephews or niece should die without issue then this property to go to the survivors then or their lawful representatives. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of March A.D. 1855. 
signed sealed and acknowledged in the presents of 
G.W. Wright}  Mary her X mark Braswell {Seal}
Willie Bunting}
T.B. Bunting}
State of North Carolina, Nash County.


I Mary Braswell of the county and State aforesaid being of sound mind but feeble in health do hereby add this codicil to be part of the within will made by me the 7th day of March 1855 as at that time there had not been a division of the negroes as to enable me to dispose of them by name as I now desire and wish I give and bequeath to William Braswell negro girl Clary I give and Bequeath to Nicholas Braswell Boy Peter I give and bequeath to Salley Ann Walker woman Abby and her child Amy to them and their heirs for ever as stated in the within will in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 3 day of May 1856 eighteen hundred and fifty six. 
in the presence of}  Mary her X mark Braswell {Seal}
T.W. Wright}
T.B. Bunting}


The within paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Mary Braswell and codicil attached thereto are offered for probate the former on the testimony of Thomas W Wright, Willie Bunting and T. B. Bunting and the latter on the testimony of the said Thomas W. Wright, and T B. Bunting and are duly proven and admitted to probate and are ordered to be recorded. And there being no executor named in said will and codicil Administrator with the will and codicil annexed is commited to Worrell P Walker who enters into bond of six thousand dollars with Thomas W. Wright and L.N.B. Battle sureties.
and is recorded, Attest W.T. Arrington C.C.C.
Attest W.T. Arrington, C.C.C.


(Nash Co., NC Probate Records 1735-1970 Wills 1776-1872 Vol. 01 Pg 551)  

NOTE: Mary is the daughter of Cooper Williams.

1789 - Joshua Pierce's Will

In The Name of God, Amen, The 6th day of May 1789 I, Joshua Pierce of the County of Nash and State of North Carolina being sick and weak in Body of a perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God for his mercy and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye. Do make and ordain this my last will and testament as follows, principally and first of all I recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and as to my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a christian like and decent manner and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with I give, devise and dispose of the same in manner and form following. Item: I give and bequeath to Celia Braswell one cow and calf. Item: I give to Dinah Braswell one cow and calf. Item: I give to Peggy Buntin one cow and calf, also one feather bed and furniture, also one chest. Item: I give to my well beloved son Joshua Pierce one feather bed and furniture also one chest. Item: I lend the use of all the rest and remainder of my estate together with my land and all my household stuff, and moveables also my horses hogs and cattle to my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Pierce during her natural life or widowhood. Item: I give to Jeremiah Buntin two cows and calves after the death of my wife. Item: After the death of my wife I give to my son Joshua Pierce all my land, cattle, horses and hogs and all my household stuff and moveables that I Lend tyhe use of to my dearly beloved wife during her natural life. Item: That I appoint and ordain William Buntin to be my hole and sole executor to this my last will, testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanull all and every other former testaments wills and legacies before this time named, 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, the day and year above written. 
Signed, sealed and delivered,   Joshua his X mark Pierce {Seal}
Thos Carter
Thomas Deans
John his X mark Sellers


Nash county  August court 1789
The within will was in open court duly proven by the oath of Thomas carter a subscribing witness thereto and on motion ordered to be recorded.  Attest. Wm Hall, C.C.
and is registered in obedience to the above order.  Attest: Wm Hall, C.C.


(Nash Co., NC DB ? Pg 53-54)


NOTE: Jacob Braswell Sr's daughter, Cloah, married a John Sellers.

* Jesse Braswell, Nash Co., NC 1859

In the name of God Amen. I Jesse Braswell of the County of Nash and State of North Carolina, being of sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be God do this the 14 day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred fifty nine, make and publish this my last will and testament in the manner as follows, that is to say: First: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell after all my just debts are paid all of my estate including money, bonds, lands, and property of every discription during her natural life, to be kept together as heretofore as near possible. 2nd. After my wifes Mary Ann Braswell's death it is my will that out of the estate one hundred and eighty dollars be paid to my grandson William Braswell he being a son of my son Nicholas Braswell. 3rd. I also will that one hundred and eighty dollars be paid out of the said estate to my granddaughter Mary Ann Braswelldaughter of my son Nicholas Braswell nevertheless provided that my grandson William Braswelland my granddaughter Mary Ann Braswell make and convey to my estate the right title and interest they have in six acres of land that belongs to their fathers estate, the said six acres a part of the tract of land whereon I now live, now in the event that this interest is not conveyed to my estate it is then my will that they my grandson William and granddaughter Mary Ann Braswell shall have no part of my estate. 4th. I also will and bequeath to my granddaughter Addie Braswell a daughter of my sonJohn Braswell at the death of my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell one hundred dollars provided the said Addie Braswell be then living.  5th. After which it is my will that the balance of my estate be equally divided between my sons Edward, Madison, and Jefferson and My two daughters Lucy andLouisiana Braswell, reserving - four hundred dollars for the support of my daughter Eliza Braswellwhich sum is to be placed in the hands of my son William for the above purpose and at her death if any part of the above sum of four hundred dollars shall be unapplied that the remaining shall be equally divided between my five youngest children to wit Edward, Madison, Jefferson, Lucy and Louisiana N B. Now in the first ---- I gave to my beloved wife Mary Ann Braswell all of my estate during her natural life be it understood it is upon the condition that she never marries, but in the event that she marries again it is my will that she draws a childs part and the balance of my estate be then equally divided between my five youngest children to wit Lucy, Edward, Louisiana Jefferson andMadison now now in this ---- of this my last will and testament. I make and ordain my beloved wifeMary Ann Braswell executrix to the same. In witness whereof I the said Jesse Braswell have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

signed, sealed published and declared Jesse his X mark Braswell  (Seal)

by the said Jesse Braswell the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us who were presence at the time of signing and sealing thereof the above instrument. test. A Wester, Thomas Davis, Benja L Arrington.

State of North Carolina. court of pleas and quarter session

Nash County   Feby term 1865

A paper writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Jesse Braswell is offered for probation on the testimony of B.L Arrington one of the subscribing witnesses thereto who duly proves the same and also A Wester and Thomas Davis the other subscribing witnesses that he saw them subscribe their names in the presence of the testator to the said will as witnesses.  It is ordered by the court that the said will be admitted to probate as the last will and testament of the said Jesse Braswell and is ordered to be recorded whereupon Mary Ann Braswell the executrix named comes into court and duly qualifies as such. Attest B.H.Sorsby C.C.C. and is recorded in obedience thereto Attest B.H. Sorsby, C.C.C. 

April 14, 1859 - February Court 1865

(Nash Co., NC WB I 1878-1868 Pg. 592)


Updated from abstract to full will on May 23, 2012